Disclaimer: The only thing I own is the story idea and only some of the witty remarks. I own so little; so please don't steal.

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every goodbye makes the next hello closer

They don't really leave too much equipment in the clubroom, since track does not require much equipment in the first place, but Miyasaka insists on tagging along to help Kazemaru clean out his stuff for his temporary leave from the track team. Kazemaru says this too, just as he wraps his hand around the silver doorknob to the clubroom, he turns and says, "You don't have to, really, Miyasaka."

"I want to!" Miyasaka insists, wondering how much someone can show his investment in someone and whether or not it's clear how much he is in Kazemaru. For sure his eyes are sparkling and he's buzzing with potential energy, but Kazemaru just smiles crookedly and holds the door open for him.

It had really been a surprise when Kazemaru, who had been one of the pivotal runners on the team, announced a day ago he would be switching from circling a track to circling a soccer field but he had shrugged and said it was a favor so no one was scared. The captain had not asked questions, so Miyasaka had been alone to badger Kazemaru and feel a little excited hanging off his teammate's arm like he belonged there. (Miyasaka really wants to belong there, he thinks it'd be really good if he could be by Kazemaru's side all the time.)

Miyasaka sits across from the lockers and watches as Kazemaru rummages through the mostly empty locker, his hands making the sides of the metal echo. As Kazemaru pulls out some old socks, he bites his lips and kicks his legs back and forth despite himself. "You're not going to be gone long, are you?" he asks, although it is probably the thirtieth time he's asked.

"It's just one game," Kazemaru laughs, shooting him a sideways glance. The socks fall into the bag at his feet. "Isn't it good, though? With me gone, everyone else can get a chance to get looked at."

Miyasaka bites his lip a little harder and wonders how he can say that he doesn't want to look at anyone else, and it's only right for everyone to be watching Kazemaru, it's how it's worked for all these seasons already and he doesn't want it to change. "It's only one game," he says, in a clearer, unwavering voice than he'd thought he'd manage. He is too old, after all, to be selfish and keep his favorite things to himself. He can share too.

"Yeah," Kazemaru agrees, cheerfully, shutting his locker with finality. "You can hold down the team while I'm gone, can't you?"

"Yes!" And Miyasaka positively glows as Kazemaru looks at him. He'll run his best in the next meet and make sure everyone else does the same, to keep the good record when Kazemaru comes back in a few weeks. His senior lays a hand on his shoulder, and the spot prickles. Miyasaka's smile wavers.

It's not really goodbye, it isn't. They attend the same school and sometimes he sees Kazemaru-sempai in the hallways. But club gives them the same purpose and the team works for a common goal. Sure Miyasaka can see him in school, but it's not the same as track, they're not as close. Now Kazemaru is leaving track (temporarily), they'll be even farther apart. And perhaps, in the terrible scenario, the soccer team draws him too close and Miyasaka can't reach him?

Just because he can't be selfish doesn't mean he doesn't want to.

Something in Kazemaru's eyes flickers, and for a moment he wonders if his senior can read this thoughts and already know what he thinks, but it can't be – Kazemaru is amazing but even he doesn't have that sort of power. The hand on his shoulder squeezes for a second and is gone. "We should get back. Your practice is starting."

Miyasaka jumps up, and maybe he latches onto Kazemaru for a moment but the boy doesn't shake him off, but it doesn't matter, it's only one game.

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Note: TEH HEH GIRLFRAN SHIP.