Four out of Six

~Chapter 6~

"I'm going to die soon."

Daichi looked up from his reading at Suga's sudden words.

"What?"

"I said I'm going to die soon," he repeated calmly.

The setter, who was lying on his back on the bed, rolled over onto his side and looked down at where Daichi was sitting on the floor. He set down his book beside him. Suga gave him a small smile. Daichi frowned.

"Don't say that."

"Why not? Because it's true?" When Daichi didn't reply, Suga reached out and tousled his hair. "I'm sorry. I know it's hard for you to hear me say things like that. But it helps me come to terms with it. Do you understand?"

Daichi closed his eyes and sighed. "I do." But that doesn't mean I've come to terms with it yet.

Suga was, oddly enough, smiling.

"You know what's funny about being so close to death?" he asked suddenly.

Daichi was still frowning. "Absolutely nothing."

Suga ignored him, sitting up a bit. "It's that I've been a lot less scared to try new things. Because there's not much for me to lose. So I'm going to do something absolutely terrifying. Something I wouldn't dare do unless I had nothing left to lose."

Daichi turned towards him. "What do you mea--mmph?!"

Suga grabbed Daichi by the front of the shirt and pulled him up for a kiss. Daichi was too shocked to move. He sat, frozen in shock, as Suga's lips mashed against his. It took him a few seconds to pull away.

"I think I like you, Daichi."

"You think?" Daichi asked, slightly breathless.

The two stared at each other.

"Suga. I don't think I like boys like that."

"Oh. I see." Suga grinned sheepishly and looked him in the eye. "Was I a bad kisser?"

Daichi wasn't really what compelled him to reply by taking Suga's hand in both of his hands and kissing him again, but he didn't exactly regret the action. And judging by the smile on Suga's lips as they kissed, he didn't either.