Lazy Lad || Murasakibara Atsushi [Rewritten]

05. Worst Night Ever

You were roaming around, weaving through groups of students, your eyes scanning the crowd in search of one very tall, very lazy, very missing boy—Murasakibara. You didn't like wandering alone, especially not at an event like this. But you also didn't want to interrupt Nezuko and Himuro's sweet little world. You even checked the food counter—twice—but still, no sign of him. You tried calling. He didn't pick up.

"[Your name]-san! Why are you sitting here alone?" a classmate asked, noticing the worried look on your face as you sat down on a bench. "Actually... did you happen to see Murasakibara anywhere?" You asked. "Oh yeah, I think I saw him go into the washroom a while ago." He replied. "Really? Do you know when he left?" You asked. "I didn't notice. I left before he did." He replied with an apologetic look. "Oh, alright. Thanks." You said with a smile, feeling your heart drop.

He walked off, and you were still sitting there. The longer you waited, the heavier your chest felt. Eventually, you stood up and made your way to the bar. "Can I get a glass of cola, please?" you asked the bartender, doing your best to sound casual. While he prepared your drink, your gaze drifted across the room. Couples and friends were laughing, talking, dancing. The air was filled with music, chatter, joy. And there you were—alone.

"I should've been prepared for this," you muttered under your breath. Your heart ached. But still, you held yourself together, refusing to let the tears win. Not yet. "Here you go," the bartender said, placing your drink on the counter. "Thanks," you replied with a small smile, sipping the cola slowly.

You looked around again—and your eyes fell on Nezuko. She and Himuro were sitting close, whispering, laughing, hands brushing. She was glowing. And even Himuro's usual cool composure looked a little flustered around her.

"At least my best friend's happy," you whispered to yourself, trying to smile as you finished your drink. One cola turned into two. Then three. Then five. They weren't alcoholic, but your emotions were intoxicating enough. The sadness, the disappointment, the helplessness—they were swirling inside you like a storm you couldn't quiet.

You'd waited two hours. Two whole hours. And still, Murasakibara hadn't shown up.

-

"Ladies and gentlemen, get ready to step onto the dance floor with your partners!" the announcer's voice boomed through the hall. Your heart sank. This was the moment you'd looked forward to since prom was announced. The soft music, the romantic lights, the dream of slow dancing with Murasakibara... all of it was slipping away right in front of you.

You glanced at Nezuko. She was already being led onto the floor by Himuro, smiling, laughing, living her moment. And suddenly, a new feeling began to creep in. Resentment. You hated yourself for feeling it, but it was there. The thought that she had completely forgotten you tonight. Left you behind in her perfect little bubble with Himuro. You shook your head.

No. It wasn't her fault. It wasn't anyone's fault. Just... yours, for hoping.

-

You were the only one still at the bar. Everyone else was dancing. The tears finally pricked at your eyes—unwelcome but unstoppable. You stood up and walked quickly toward the washroom. As soon as you shut the door behind you, the tears came freely. Your vision blurred. Your breath hitched. You leaned against the wall, wiping at your eyes, but more tears came just as fast.

You took a shaky breath and pulled out your phone. One last time. One last chance. You dialed his number with trembling fingers. It rang once. Twice. Three times. Four. On the fifth ring—he picked up.

"Atsu-kun..." Your voice was broken, a fragile whisper barely getting through the pain. "Ah... you? I'm sleeping. Bye." Click. No explanation. No apology. No warmth. Nothing. Just the dial tone—and your heart, broken clean in two.