Expecting nothing yet he was still quite far from reality. How could he even imagine ? Years could do so much, especially in youth and still Yasuo took time to realize that man was actually his highschool friend. Thoughts gone, same for his voice. Merely staring back from his low level on the floor, wide gaze.

Yi.

Standing right there, head slightly tilted to a side in a sort of curiosity. Difficult but he could see through him the younger teenager met before. Yet so much had changed with these years.

First of many thoughts, piercings. Just that, and already Yasuo got stuck on it. Adorning the latter's ears, several rings and rather discreet metal. Wow.

Maybe staying right there like a found kid wasn't the best idea. Yasuo remembered he was called and returned to better thoughts, despite the start of fluster. Why do I react like this ? Ridiculous, really yet he couldn't helpt that.

Then he noticed the hand held out for him to stand, gingerly complying as his thoughts turned into a mess. So long, sadness, now it was just increasing confusion and rush of whatever that emotion was. What's happening ?

Far more strenght than he expected to pull him up, it left him even more surprised by the second.

Now he truly faced Yi, gaze never leaving the latter. Looking for his words, unsure about what to say that would betray his immediate thoughts.

« Yi ? »

So stupid, fucking damnit. Of course it was Yi, why ask ? His brain went too slow to register and racing at the same time, many thoughts for what he noticed.

First – after the piercings – it was the latter's height. Strange, in his memories he remembered Yi to be slightly shorter than him. Then he also remembered the type of shoes he wore right now and it explained a lot. Why cling to such details ? No idea but Yasuo was a bit drowning in these new informations. It never stopped, taking everything to engrave in his memory.

Dark clothing, mostly black and a few metal chains hanging. Long coat too, concealing well. Sure that was a change from what he knew Yi to wear back in highschool, as if before he tried to blend in. Now it took a whole new direction and if Yasuo was honest with himself, it was nice. Really really nice. It shouldn't be allowed. Part of him still suspected that he was biaised from the start.

But what really struck him was how Yi himself had changed. Small beard, trimmed neatly. And now the latter had his hair way longer than before, let down freely under shoulder level. Really, it was like anything he remembered from his friend became even better after these blessed years. Good surprise.

Caught staring again, he averted his gaze shortly before looking back when Yi spoke.

« Hello Yasuo. At first I wasn't sure I'd find you without a text but it seems I have some luck today. »

Yes, same voice. Although he didn't hear him that much back in their days, he could remember it.

Then a smile. A goddamn smile. By the second it became clear Yasuo had a serious problem. For being so not impressed but rather touched like this. Because yes, if these years after highschool thought him something, it was that he was really gay. And if life wasn't so well done, it just brought him to a very fine friend. He would laugh if he could, if there wasn't more urgent like fucking answering Yi for once and stop that staring. Fuck fuck fuck…

« Errrrrrrrrrr… » Well this would be difficult indeed, if he wasn't able to talk. Please stop. « Yeah, hi. Sorry for all this, I…. this is a long day. » That sigh wasn't planned but indeed he needed that.

At least Yi didn't seem to notice his fluster or anything of the sort, quietly going on. Maybe he ignored it on purpose, not to embarass Yasuo further or just because he stayed oblivious.

« Well, I could understand that from your messages. Was your travel alright ? » Gentle, soothing. That calming aura that never missed once he got knew him better.

Truly a good thing to be friend with Yi.

« Huh ? It was fine. It could have gone worse I suppose. »

Not the most relaxing time or place to have a conversation. Yasuo could just feel it go awkward, no matter what he did.

« Maybe we should move somewhere else, to talk. You must be exhausted too. There is a café nearby, let's go there. » Pointing faintly a direction as he looked at Yasuo.

Obviously Yi was done too with this day, not so exhausted but he would rather sit for a time.

« Erm I don't have much money. Dunno if it's a good idea, since iI have no idea where to go after. »

« Oh, don't worry. I still owe you one or two coffees so this is the perfect occasion to pay it back. »

Kind laugh, not really loud so just him would hear. Right on Yi seemed to be dedicated for this round, stepping away with a small gesture for him to follow.

Really, Yasuo had no memories about who owed the other, it was such a long time ago and anyway he didn't care. Unless he was the one having to pay back the coffee. But since Yi decided so, he could just go with him, lingering feeling for the temporary peace.

Strange, to find back a friend yet as quick it felt like these years apart were gone. Like nothing happened. It was nice. Still someone who cared about him. Flash of sadness, that he smothered fast, before it could hurt. Important not to break now, despite the rush of joy for being around Yi.

They went outside, both of them carrying their bags. Yi had one too, no idea what he carried in it but it took some space.

Shortly they indeed arrived at a café. Coming in, Yasuo guided inside before the latter. After ordering quickly, coffee and tea, silence settled again.

What to say, after so many years ? Yasuo could barely take his gaze away from the latter. Never done discovering a few more details. After such observation, he could state that indeed Yi was handsome and also he got it really bad to have found him right now. How nice from his luck, to balance his shitty days by giving a good eyeful of a gorgeous man. Karma wasn't fair but some comfort was appreciated.

Could notice an equal stare from Yi, in the curious yet thoughtful kind. Probably about to ask. And indeed it arrived, quiet question.

« Tell me, what happened ? And what could I do to help you ? »