Author's Note: This is a really long conversation, huh!
Miharu looked down at the full tub. After turning off the facet he could see his reflection in the water. His eyes were a little red. He knew exactly how to answer Yoite's question, it didn't even faze him in the slightest. But he couldn't say aloud what he wanted to say. Because it wasn't what Yoite wanted to hear.
Did you know that when we're born a red string is tied to our pinkies by the god of love? She does this so that we always can find our destined love. And once you find your one just for you, you'll know because of that string tying you together for eternity. And even when you're apart, you're still tied together. If I erase Yoite, there won't be anyone on the other end of my string. But I'll do it anyways because I love him.
"I've never hated you. At first, I just went along with what you wanted because I had to. But you're the only person I care about. And I can't tell you why because I don't understand it."
Miharu looked back towards Yoite, nervous again but also still deeply sad. There was no way he could open his heart to Yoite again. This was the limit of how close they could be.
Yoite just nodded slightly, as if that had answered all his questions. Although, he could see that Yoite was still distant, unsure. That's how he would always be, Miharu decided.
"Well! That aside, the bath is ready to go! Will you wash my back if I wash yours, Yoite?" He stood up, brushing off the heavy feelings. There was no need for them, he knew the limit now and he wouldn't push it again. He turned his back on Yoite and stuck a foot in the bath. The sensation of his skin in the scalding water felt oddly nice. Needles pressed into the tips of his skin, racing through his leg, warning him it was too hot. But he just continued in anyways, somehow aching to the small punishment.
Yoite followed after him, seemingly untouched by the heat of the water. He was sitting down, knees to chest well before Miharu could coax his bum to the water.