The Best Laid Plans

Yumi frowned as Takashi explained the situation. "You have to fight for him! Now, we need a plan."

Takashi raised an eyebrow warily. "What did you have in mind?"

"We'll invite ourselves along on their date! Flirt with Kenji and make Keiko jealous. She'll be frustrated in no time!"

"Isn't that underhanded? And if Kenji found out..."

Yumi grasped his shoulders, shaking him. "He won't find out! Takashi, you have to take risks!"

Takashi smiled reluctantly. Her optimism was infectious. "Alright, deal. But if it goes wrong we call it off."

Yumi grinned. "Deal! Operation sabotage begins now. Let's go get your man!"

They invited themselves to the aquarium where Keiko and Kenji were meeting, feigning delight at the "chance" encounter. While wandering around with the lovebirds, Takashi brushed hands with Kenji and complimented him. Keiko glared when Kenji wasn't looking.

But Kenji just looked uncomfortable. Takashi's confidence wavered. Was this only awkward for Kenji?

Yumi whispered, "Keep going!" But Takashi's heart wasn't in it. By the time they left, he felt hopeless.

"I can't keep interfering," he told Yumi. "It's not working. Kenji's slipping away...I have to let him go."

Yumi's face fell. "Don't give up!" But she knew determination only went so far. The rest was up to Kenji - and his heart.

All Takashi could do was wish for Kenji's happiness, and hope to find his own - lonely as it may be. The battle was lost, but love always came down to surrender.

A few days later, Takashi was walking home dejectedly when loud voices caught his attention. He turned the corner to find Kenji and Keiko arguing heatedly.

"You never listen to what I want!" Keiko stamped her foot. "It's always what you and Takashi had planned before I came along!"

Kenji threw his hands up in exasperation. "Takashi has been my friend for years! I'm not going to drop everything for you."

"Well maybe you should choose, because I'm sick of competing with him for your attention!" Keiko stormed off in a huff.

Takashi rubbed his neck awkwardly as Kenji turned to find him standing there. "Hey. I didn't mean to eavesdrop, I just..."

Kenji sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No, I'm glad you heard. Keiko has been driving me crazy. We had another fight about...well, you." He gave a rueful half-smile.

Takashi's heart skipped a beat. "Me?" He laughed shakily. "I've just been trying to avoid causing any more trouble between you two."

"You're not the trouble." Kenji stepped closer, hesitating. "I should have made more time for us. I'm sorry, Takashi."

Takashi smiled, shaking his head. "It's alright. I'm just glad we can hang out again!" His pulse raced as Kenji gazed at him, but he didn't dare assume it meant anything more.

Kenji cleared his throat, looking away quickly. "So, want to come over? We have a lot to catch up on."

"Sure!" Takashi grinned, falling into step with Kenji. Being together without reservation or guilt felt almost surreal. He stole a glance at Kenji's profile, allowing a flicker of hope to reignite in his chest.

His friend was back by his side where he belonged. And for now, that would be enough - to pick up where they had left off, no questions asked or feelings confessed, and see where this newfound solitude together might lead.