One More Time (Rin Matsuoka x Reader)

One More Time

In the past, I fell in love with a friend. His name is Rin Matsuoka. 

"Rin, are you...really going to chase your dad's dream?" The younger version of me asked the younger Rin. It was after that tournament in Elementary school. The day before Rin left for Australia. 

"I dunno." Rin replied as he looked up at the school's cherry blossom tree with a smile eventhough it's bare. "Not yet, at least."

His smile was so brilliant...as if he was staring off into some far-away distance I couldn't possibly reach. I honestly felt...that I wanted his dream to come true, but...when I thought about the distance between us that would grow when he left the next day...all I could do...was stare at the ground, my chest tight with pain.

"(Y/n)."

I turned to Rin. He suddenly looked nervous.

"What's wrong? Do you need help packing?"

"No, it's...just..." He looked down at the ground. There was a light blush on his face. "There's something...I wanted to tell you. Before I leave."

Rin clenched his fists, and raised his head to look me straight in the eyes.

"Um...(Y/n), I...I like you!"

The wind blew as I stood there speechless with my eyes widened. Rin continued. 

"And I-I don't mean as a friend, you see... well, of course, you're important to me as that too...and you're someone I respect. But...that's not all. There's more to it...there's more to my feelings for you. I've...fallen in love with you."

When I still didn't respond, he gave me a nervous smile.

"Um...sorry. It's not like I want us to start dating or anything. I just...felt like I really wanted you to know my feelings. Or else, I might regret it later."

"Why..."

"Huh?"

"Why? Why would you tell me that NOW? You're so selfish!"

I was filled with so many emotions. I was happy that the boy I had a crush on felt the same way I do, but I was also sad and angry that he waited this long to tell me his feelings. 

"You're leaving tomorrow...you're...you're abandoning us, so why...why now, of all times, would you..."

I just couldn't...keep my emotions from exploding. I held back the tears that threaten to fall.

"Don't get me involved in you trying to understand your feelings! Try thinking about how I feel! If you just disappear after telling me that...I'll..."

...be stuck, trapped by you. You'll keep swimming further and further away from me...and meanwhile, I'll be...I won't be able to make a move...

I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt Rin press his lips against mine. I was caught off guard by the bold action, but it made my heart skip a beat. After Rin pulled away, he had a red hue across his face and he had a penitent expression. 

"I'm--I'm sorry. I thought...that was the right thing to do... Was I wrong?"

I just called him an idiot and hugged him. He wasn't wrong. I'm glad that he told me his feelings. It's just...he'll be gone soon and I don't know when I'll see him again. 

"Hey, I'm gonna work my butt off and come back here stronger than ever. So strong no one will be able to beat me...not even Haru. And then...I'll tell you I love you again...so let me hear your answer then, okay?"