[WRITTEN]Aftermath- Suegiku

Seven- Valentine's Day- Alone.

[ 8 Months Since Jōno's Death— Valentine's Day ]

What used to be one of Tetchō's favorite holidays isn't anymore.

That one day in the cold winters of February—
Watching dawn and dusk with your loved one, or just a friend you're close with. Laughing with them, gifting each other— whether "real chocolate" or not. Sitting together on the beach, exchanging gifts after preparing ages or having just bought something..

He misses doing that with Jōno.

Jōno would give him something he handcrafted— Tetchō would buy him something typical, whether chocolates, Jōno's favorite smelling flowers..
He'd always take Jōno out somewhere.

He would also buy Jōno small trinkets or accessories(that weren't too heavy so it wouldn't overwhelm Jōno with the weight.)

Tetchō knew how much Jōno liked flowers—
He always complained about how bad his sweat smells after he finished muscle training— wishing it were floral scented.

He misses those stupid scolds and reprimands from Jōno he always found endearing.

But he doesn't have that anymore, does he?

Nobody to hold his hand at night.
Nobody to wake up next to.
Nobody to kiss.
Nobody to listen to rant.
Nobody to tell him to stop doing eccentric things.
Nobody to tell him to brush his damn hair.
Nobody to sit on his back while he trained.
Nobody to train with.
Nobody to go on missions with.
Nobody to hold close to him—

Nobody

Nobody's heartbeat he could listen to— or let listen to his.

Tetchō hates being alone like this.

It's 11 AM.
He's sitting at the café he worked as a side job for Jōno's ring outside at a patio table— the same green scarf Jōno knit for him wrapped snug around his neck. Of course, Tetchō has Jōno's ring on his finger as always.
If people are smart enough, they won't flirt with him and see the ring.

It's busy today. There's a sickening amount of pink, red and white in every shop he enters— the café is decorated too. Inside, there's displays of hearts and specials everywhere. There's couples inside, sharing drinks and holding hands around him.

God.
He feels happy for them—
But also nauseous.

He misses Jōno badly.

Tetchō takes a sip of his latte— the warmth of it spreading to his scratched up hands through his gloves.

It's windy today, but there's a good amount of sun peeking through the grey clouds. The air is crisp, and cool. Just how Tetchō likes it. It's not too cold— but the air is nice to breathe in.

..
He remembers how cold Jōno's hands would be on his, making him jump once he touched him.

It was funny. Jōno would get a kick out of it and Tetchō would just stare at him.

He chuckles, enjoying his latte, setting it down.

Tetchō knows Gin and Tachihara and probably on a date. Obviously.

He lets out a sigh, a puff of air escaping his mouth, dissolving into the winter air.

There's a large chatter around him— couples chatting and passing by, clearly going wherever they needed to go.

8 months.
8 months without his lover.

And also 8 months without seeing his face.

It's killing him.
Despite getting help— despite getting help from his friends, maybe soon therapy—
He's going insane.