They were close, given that they've known each other for nine years, but Goro and Futoshi didn't have much similarities they could share. For Goro, others claim he was the sought out type of man, with his good looks, dependable personality and mature aura; meanwhile Futoshi was considered cute, with plump appearance and naturally sweet charms, however, the differences that really sets the two boys apart was their approach with love.

Goro, even if most of the girls in school were all trying to gain his attention, he remains ever so loyal to his only love; his best friend, Ichigo. How long has it been since he started pining for her affections? For her to look at him the way he does to her and for her to feel the way he feels whenever she laughs, smiles or cries? Still, even if it has already been years, even if the bluenette has never showed an ounce of romantic feelings, he waits patiently and silently, because for him, he wouldn't mind waiting for a lifetime to pass until Ichigo was ready to love him the way he wants.

Even if it hurts, he believes Ichigo would be worth the wait.

However, things were a little different for Futoshi. Almost everyone knew how the boy was deeply infatuated with the ashen blonde girl, with the face and personality of an angel. It was no secret to everyone how Futoshi loved Kokoro, the tragic part though, was that, it was only Kokoro who seems to have no idea when it comes to her classmate and childhood friend's feelings.

It was tragic indeed.

Still, this never stopped Futoshi from showing her how special she was compared to the other girls. She was special not just because of her looks, but because of how kind and gentle she was whenever she was around anyone, and Futoshi loves her for that. 'She just seems so perfect!' He would shower her with the most genuine of compliments, he'd offer her his protection and he would be willing to give her anything that'll make her happy, even if he'd get hurt in the end.

All that was important to him was her smile.

Yes, these two weren't exactly similar when it comes to dealing with their most special persons, but it won't be too long before they realize they weren't actually that different than everybody thinks they are.

Preparations immediately began when Ichigo had laid out her idea of having a concert for the school's festival, to which everybody unanimously agreed to. The whole class got divided into different committees, while the performers, specifically Ichigo, Miku, Kokoro, Ikuno and, surprisingly, Zero Two, had to give their hundred percent focus in practicing for the event (Something Zero Two is sullen about since she couldn't spend time with her darling as much as she wants). Since the two were the most dependable when it came to following orders , Goro and Futoshi were assigned to the logistics team.

That's why, in the first day of their preparations for the exciting event, Ichigo asks them if they could buy a HUGE number of glow sticks in an array of colors, and of course, since she was the president AND committee head, the two boys willingly obliged.

"So, what did Ichigo tell us to by again?" Futoshi asks while taking a bite of the bread they just bought at some bakery. He and Goro were looking for a party supplies store. "She told us to by five sets of different color glow sticks." the blonde answers while checking on his phone for any party store nearby, "And how many per set?"

"A hundred." came his fast reply.

"W-what?! Isn't that too much?" Futoshi starts counting with his fingers in sheer panic over how much five hundred glow sticks would cost. "Do we even have the cash to buy so many?" with a smug glint in his eyes, Goro suddenly whips out a small rectangular car, and waves it nonchalantly. "Aside from the council's funds from last year, I told Ichigo I'll be shouldering half of what's to spend…" he explains, not bothering to hide the mirth in his voice. "And besides, we're just gonna buy the disposable ones, so more or less, a bundle of a hundred sticks would probably cost ten bucks or less.."

"Wow! You're as cool as ever, Goro!" Futoshi praises him before giving him a sheepish smile, "Although, it's quite embarrassing I couldn't shoulder at least part of your burden…"

"Nah, it's fine" the taller boy brushes off, "It's the least I could do as vice president.." they both grin at each other and continue finding any nearby party supplies store.

"Oh look! I found one!" Futoshi points out across the street.

Entering the store, Goro and Futoshi are instantly welcomed by the store owner, who was a short, old man who was wearing a pierrot's hat. He had a goofy smile on his wrinkly face. "Watcha kids lookin' for, eh?" the old man asks with a funny accent the two boys couldn't quite describe. "Um, we were looking for glow sticks?" Futoshi says, his eyes roaming around to see the store was decorated with colorful streamers, balloons and some paper crafts. "It's for our school's event." Goro adds.

"Glow schticks? Well yer' found the right place, sonnies!" the man grins and suddenly prances around the room, making the two boys sweat over the man's flowing eccentricity. The shop owner disappears for a short moment before bringing them a lot of boxes with a lot of different colored glow sticks to choose from.

"Take yer' pick boys! Lots of colors to choose from me glow schticks!" crouching, the two boys give a nod to each other before thanking the old shop owner.

"So what colors are we gonna get? There's orange, yellow...ooh! Even a rainbow glow stick!" Futoshi beams while holding the said glow stick and waving it happily in the air. "So what now, Goro?"

Thinking to himself for a moment, Goro comes up with an idea, "Why don't we pick the colors based on the girl's personalities? At least that would kinda aid in distinguishing each of them in the group." with what he suggests, Futoshi grins while giving him a thumbs up, "Good thinking there Goro! Now, the only question now is what color fits each of them?"

"Shall we start with Zero Two?" the two boys pause for a bit, taking in deep consideration what could possibly match with the girl's strong and intimidating aura, until Futoshi comes up with an idea.

"Hey, don't you think red suits her?" he picks up a red glow stick and examines it carefully, "I mean, first of all, her horns are red, but personality wise, I think Zero Two is fiery with her rebellious personality, and sometimes, she comes off as strong and wild because of that." he pauses for a moment, taking in all the intimate moments he saw the pinkette share with Hiro. "..but then again, she's also very passionate, especially when it comes to Hiro." Futoshi trails off, secretly wishing he could experience what the two love birds have, with Kokoro.

"Hmm..then red it is." Goro says while putting aside the red colored glow sticks. "How about Ikuno? I mean, you must know more about her since she always hangs out with Ichigo, right?" Futoshi asks, holding out three colors of orange, yellow, and purple. "Well, Ikuno does hang around with Ichigo, but we I don't really know much about her."

'She's kinda closed off like her cousin, although in a milder fashion…' Goro thinks about the bespectacled girl who always seems to keep to herself with a book in her hand. The only times he has ever seen her smile and act so care free is whenever she spends time with Ichigo. 'Come to think about it…' he's eyes scan the sticks Futoshi was holding out and lands on the color purple. Instinctively, he reaches out for it.

"Y'know, Ikuno does seem quite mysterious, so I think this color suits her best.." Goro explains, to which, Futoshi agrees almost instantly. "Yeah, you're right, she always seems to be holding back, but I don't know why…"

"Anyways, it's Miku's turn…" without a second thought, they both turn to the other and say instantaneously, an unanimous agreement between the both of them.

"Pink."

"She IS a girly girl after all." Goro says, looking back at the numerous videos the redhead has posted about makeup and fashion. "Also, we can't deny the fact Miku IS kinda cute." Futoshi adds, a bit flustered over his comment on his friend.

"Well then, that leaves us with Kokoro and Ichigo…." the two remain quiet for a while, an unexplainable amount of adoration filling their chests over the sound of their respected beloved's name.

Futoshi was the first to speak up, a reddish tint staining his plump cheeks. He had a goofy, yet fond smile etched on his lips.

"I've always found green to be Kokoro chan's color. It's just, whenever she's near, she just gives off this kind of calm and peaceful feeling that makes everyone grow attracted to her, in fact, Kokoro chan's a very amazing woman!" Futoshi gushes, "She's just so kind and compassionate towards everyone, and never has she shown an ounce of anger or annoyance even if she's tired with council work...she's just so gentle and loving and, have you seen her eyes?" he swoons, imagining the said girl looking up at him with much fondness in her eyes, something he'd wish to see someday. "It's like a sea that just sucks you in, until you find yourself floating gently on it's calm waters…"

"Gee, dude, never thought you had it that bad" The taller guy snickers while patting Futoshi playfully at the back. Jokingly, he teases back "Please, you've been pining for Ichigo for a LONG, long time! It's a miracle you haven't made a move yet!"

Frozen, Goro could feel his face slowly warming up. To avoid his own embarrassment, he turns away from the other boy and scratches his cheek, "H-how did you know about it?"

Futoshi smiles understandingly, "It's been obvious for years, dude. Kinda painful to watch, honestly."

Heaving out a sigh, the blonde man lets his glasses fall slightly to his nose, having no choice but to tell Futoshi his own feelings, since he told him his regarding Kokoro. "It's complicated, you know. All my life, we've been best friends, partners even, but not once has she shown at least the slightest indication that she sees me as a man." he says, "I've always loved her. I love her for her courage and I love the fact that she always seems to know what to do or what to say. She has her flaws, yes; she's impulsive and stubborn at fault, never thinking for herself, but that makes me love her even more and want to protect her at all costs…"

Slightly, his heart clenches over the next things he was about to say. Frowning, he murmurs for only Futoshi to hear.

"Still...I could only be beside her as her best friend. Nothing more, nothing less…." his fingers find its way towards the blue colored glow sticks, twirling it around as if he was playing with Ichigo's deep blue locks.

"Goro…." was all Futoshi could utter, feeling a deep sense of sympathy over his friend's true feelings.

Just then, the old shop owner suddenly puts a hand on each of the boy's shoulders. Grinning, he tells them, "Ahhh young love! I remember me time, when I met me wife, I felt so jittery and warm all day long just thinking 'bout her!" he cackles. "Y'know what? Since ye youngsters made me remember sumthin' good, you can have those for just 20 bucks!"

astonished over the man's kind offer, the two both express their gratefulness by leaving a five dollar tip inside the shop's jar.

"Hey, Goro…"

"Hm?" said boy turns to face Futoshi, who had his eyes gazing at the sky that was painted with fiery hues of red, orange and yellow, which signifies the day was coming to an end.

"Why don't you just confess to Ichigo? I mean, it wouldn't kill you, you know…" Futoshi's words sends Goro looking down to his feet, "Like I've told you, it's complicated...I'm her best friend and that's fine with me."

"But you love her, right?"

He couldn't do anything but nod. 'So much.' he thinks to himself, a flash of the bluenette's smile entering his thoughts, making him slightly stain his cheeks with a pinkish blush

"Then stop wasting time, if it were me, I would've confessed to her a long time ago!" he exclaims, to which the taller boy raises a brow in question over the chubbier boy's words. "Really? Then, how about you with Kokoro?"

It was Futoshi's turn to redden, "I do have plans to confess..I'll just have to do it when the timing's right."

"Oh, and when will that be?" Goro questions. "Soon." was his only reply, earning him a hum of approval from the man beside him. "Well, if that's the case, then good luck!"

"Thanks, man." Futoshi says under his breath.

"No problem," Goro gives him a small smile,

"Thanks too, for encouraging me. It means a lot."

Finally, as they wave to each other goodbye and head off towards their own paths, they soon realize, that despite having a ton of differences when it came to their personalities and way of living, they were actually a whole lot similar when it came to love; they were just a bunch of lovesick teenagers who loved with all their beings, and wishes to be loved the same, as well.

And although the path of loving has been nothing, but a long and winding experience full of doubts, insecurities, and fear, for everyone, including them,

Hopefully, one day, when the time is right, their wishes would be answered with all the love they deserve.