Drag Love | Sakuatsu

Chapter 36: It's Complicated

"Mom..."

When Hana looks up from her crocheting she doesn't expect to see her usually happy son with a very sad face on. Nor does she expect to see him with tears streaming down his eyes as he look as if he had just been heartbroken.

"Oh, Atsumu... Come here," Hana gently says.

Atsumu shuts the door behind him as he walked over to his mother and sat down by her legs as he rests his head on her lap.

"What happened, dear?" Hana says softly, her hands stroking slowly and gently on Atsumu's head.

Atsumu stared at the distance, his mind replaying the confession Sakusa said.

The look he gave him and their kiss. God, their kiss that Atsumu couldn't quiet understand because he's never felt this way before.

"I cheated," Atsumu finally responded, his eyes closed.

That was unexpected but not surprising.

Hana eyes widened just a bit before going back to normal as she continue combing her fingers through her son's head.

"Sakusa confessed to me and he kissed me and..." Atsumu holds back a sob, "and I kissed him back. How can I cheat on Sachiro, mama? Why did I do that?" Atsumu's voice held vulnerability as he tried to keep himself together.

Hana pitied her son as she tried to calm him down by massaging his scalp, a realization that usually puts Atsumu to sleep.

"There there, honey."

"I don't want things to change..." Atsumu mumbles, "I really like having Sakusa around. And I never felt this feeling before like whenever he's around it's like I want to always stay by his side, like how he takes care of Maru, or how he genuinely smiles whenever he sees a dog reel pop up on his screen it's so cute. I wanna be there for him, mom. Sakusa means so much to me and it's only been half the school year since I met him. I never met someone that can have this impact on me so quickly." small tears dropped from his eyes as he tried to understand this feeling he felt towards Sakusa.

It couldn't be more than just friends... Because he was happily engaged to Sachiro or else he wouldn't be wearing his ring. He loves Sachiro but for some reason his heart can't fathom watching Sakusa leave him. It's as if a part of him was being torn and brought back with Sakusa as he left him and Atsumu couldn't understand why.

"Mama, I'm so confused," Atsumu whispers, his voice trembling.

Hana continues to comfort him, her touch a reassuring presence.

"Love is a complex thing, my dear. Sometimes, our hearts lead us down unexpected paths," Hana murmurs, choosing her words carefully.

Atsumu sighs, conflicted emotions playing on his face. "But I don't want to hurt Sachiro. I love him, too."

Hana pauses, then speaks gently, "Life is full of challenges, and love is not always simple. It's okay to feel torn, but you must face the truth and make choices that bring genuine happiness."

As Atsumu contemplates his feelings, Hana consoles him, "Listen to your heart, Atsumu. It may guide you to the answers you seek, even if the path is difficult."

Atsumu nods, absorbing his mother's words, grateful for her understanding in this moment of his swirling emotions.

Taking a deep breath, Atsumu looks up at his mother, his eyes reflecting the internal struggle. "I never imagined it would be so complicated, mama. I thought I had everything figured out."

Hana continues to stroke his hair, her expression one of maternal concern. "Life has a way of surprising us, dear. It's alright not to have all the answers now. What matters is how you navigate your story."