Side notes from the other side

Paint it Red -Platonic relationships

Akio and Shin (if they were not best friends, I'd seriously ship them) :

The two of them met in elementary school. 

Shin was the quiet and anxious kid, pale skin and big curious grey eyes. Never one to socialise much and preferred to remain at a distance, observing his classmates and occasionally inventing stories for them. Always caught with a book in hand, head stuck in the clouds during lessons, dreaming of escape and romance. 

While Akio was the hyperactive child, loud and talkative, bright and warm as the sun. The kind of boy Shin watched from afar and wrote stories about. Putting a smile on people's faces everywhere he went. Other students loved him, a good sense of humour with a boyish grin and a well constructed brain. 

He was the one to approach Shin first, after catching him staring from afar. Dimmed it as an opportunity to make a new friend !

It took time for the young writer to open up, anxious and scared of the new attention turned his way. Never used to people paying him much mind. But resisting Akio was hard. Not melting under the warmth of his smile, near impossible.

And eventually the two of them grew inseparable. Both greatly supportive and considerate of one another, genuinely caring and attentive. Always a kind word to say, hugs and compliments a huge part of their dynamic (even though Shin wasn't really that much into physical affection at first).

The black haired boy often cooks for Akio and takes care of him during his depressive episodes, putting sticky notes on his desk and any place he sees fitting to remind his best friend that he's not alone. On the other hand, Akio never misses a chance to reassure his friend when Shin's insecurities come out of the dark and crawl in his chest. 

They have no problem being vulnerable in front of one another, tears not a taboo between them. In fact they even had a crying sleepover at some point where they just watched sappy movies (selected by Akio) and shed tears over caramel popcorn. But these never last very long, breaking over in laughter at one of the blonde's jokes. 

Uma and Chuichi :

They met in elementary school too. 

Elementary school was not a great time for Chuichi. He had just lost his mother and hated everyone, scowling at his classmates whenever they'd try to approach him. Reluctant to let anyone in let alone trust someone other than himself. Other children had learnt not to get too close, wary of the venom coating his tongue. 

And Uma was the outgoing and popular child, the golden boy who got along with everyone. Loved by teachers and classmates alike. Good grades, fluffy pink hair and cute dimples, he smelt of sunlight and sea salt. Someone Chuichi tried to avoid at all cost, too merry and polished. 

Unfortunately for the grumpy boy, Uma wanted nothing more than to strip Chuichi of the loneliness he wore like a cloak, flick on the light in his blue eyes and melt his cold exterior. 

At first Chuichi acted as he usually does, despicably. But Uma stuck to his side and the white haired boy eventually warmed up to his presence. They became best friends in spite of their differences.

Loyalty is the mot d'ordre between these two. Endlessly understanding of one another and always having each other's back. Chuichi definitely lets his protective side come out of the box when it comes to his best friend too. 

No communication nor words needed, they understand each other with a glance. Knowing the slightest if change in one another's attitude and demeanour, two open books. 

When Chuichi reverts to his sarcastic and aggressive self in difficult times, Uma is always there to listen and to help. Conscious of his friend's bad attitude, he's learnt to read between the lines and see the hurt in his best friend's eyes. He knows that when Chuichi says "You're less disgusting than the rest" he actually means "I love you".

The two tease each other relentlessly, Uma's favourite pastime. His friends pout just never get old. Whether it's teasing him about his height or the frown that constantly creases his brows, Uma knows how to get Chuichi going.