Realization

Takashi sighed, gazing out the window as the teacher droned on. His thoughts kept straying to Kenji, who was studiously taking notes a few seats away. Arata caught his eye, raising an eyebrow. Takashi shrugged helplessly. They had been over this many times. When would they find courage to confess how they felt?

The lunch bell rang. Takashi climbed the stairs to the rooftop where Arata waited, brow furrowed in thought.

"Any progress?" Arata asked.

Takashi shook his head. "You?"

"None." Arata groaned in frustration. "At this rate we'll be pining in secret forever."

"I know." Takashi leaned against the railing with a sigh. "But the thought of changing things between us terrifies me. What if a confession only ruined our friendship?"

"Or made it even better," Arata said gently. "That's the risk, isn't it?" He bumped Takashi's shoulder. "You and Kenji already act like an old couple. I doubt anything could ruin what you have."

Takashi laughed, nudging him back. "Look who's talking. You and Daiki are just as bad!" His expression turned serious. "Do you really think Daiki could feel the same?"

Arata shrugged. "I wish I knew. Sometimes it seems there's something more between us, but then he'll flirt with some girl and I'm no longer sure." He groaned, dropping his head in hands. "This shouldn't be so complicated!"

"Love rarely is," Takashi said with a wry smile. He gazed at the scenery pensively. "What do you think we should do?"

Arata was silent for a long moment. "I think...we should stop waiting around hoping for the perfect moment and take a risk." He met Takashi's eyes. "Or we might miss our chance altogether."

Takashi's pulse raced at the thought. "You mean...confess how we feel?"

Arata nodded, determined. "It's the only way we'll know for sure if we might have a chance at something more. And if not..." He sighed. "At least we won't always wonder what if."

Takashi took a deep breath, steeling himself. "You're right. It's time." His heart swelled with equal parts anticipation and fear. "Though part of me wishes we didn't have to do this at all."

Arata gave his hand a comforting squeeze. "Whatever happens, we'll face the outcome together, yeah?"

Takashi managed a smile. "Together."

That afternoon, Takashi and Kenji studied in the library. Takashi stared at the same page for ages, unable to focus. Should he confess his feelings now? His heart raced at the thought.

Kenji frowned. "Takashi, did I do something to upset you?"

"What?" Takashi blinked. "No, of course not. Why do you ask?"

"You just seem...different lately." Kenji sighed. "Distant. Like you want to say something but won't." He held Takashi's gaze intently. "Talk to me. Please."

Takashi's mouth went dry. This was the opening he had wanted - but now it was here, could he take it? "I..."

Kenji leaned in closer, eyes searching. "Whatever it is, you know you can tell me anything, right?"

Takashi swallowed hard. This was the opening he had wanted - but now it was here, could he take it? "I..." His nerve failed him. "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

Kenji frowned, unsatisfied. "Are you sure? You know you can tell me anything." He studied Takashi intently, as if trying to read his mind.

Takashi gave a weak laugh, avoiding his gaze. "Really, it's nothing important."

Kenji leaned back, eyes still searching Takashi's face. "If you say so," he said, doubtful. An awkward silence fell between them.

Takashi inwardly cursed himself. He had missed another opportunity, and now things felt strained. Why couldn't he just speak his heart?

Kenji walked home in a distracted haze. Something was up with Takashi. His odd behavior, the long awkward silences, the sense that he was keeping something back...it was strange. A stray thought crossed his mind - could Takashi have feelings for him as more than a friend?

Kenji's heart skipped strangely at the idea. It seemed ridiculous, yet would explain Takashi's actions. But Takashi wasn't...like that. Or was he? Kenji groaned in confusion. They had been friends for years. How could he not know?

Unless...Takashi had kept it hidden, afraid to change what they had.

Kenji shook his head, trying to banish the confusing thoughts. But now the seed of possibility had been planted. He realized with surprise that the idea of Takashi liking him that way didn't make him uncomfortable. Rather, it elicited a flutter of anticipation in his chest. What did that mean?

Kenji sighed, more conflicted than ever. His feelings for Takashi had always been simple before now. When had everything become so complicated?