Arukōru (Alcohol) Bar (BL)

Rikiya (part 3/7)

"Yes. I've long given up on you though. As Atsutane told you, I felt bi-curious back then. I know I lean towards women now. It's still interesting to think about what it would be like to go out with you."

What was with his nonchalant smile?! I was freaking out at this new information! The words he's been saying to me sounded too foreign. I couldn't believe he actually liked me in the past?!

"Well... Um... I'm sorry..." Was all I could say.

Shukishi laughed. "What are you apologizing for? It's in the past. I'm happy enough being your friend."

"Still... I had no idea... I was even rude to you back then..."

"It's alright, really. I don't blame you. Perhaps we weren't meant to be either, but I'm sure one day we'll both find someone we truly love."

"Yeah... I'm sure we'll both find someone one day."

"I know you guys can do it!" Atsutane exclaimed.

Later, Anzai and I took a taxi home. He seemed to be quieter than usual. Then he eventually spoke.

"How do you feel about Shukishi?"

"Huh?"

"He revealed something quite interesting. I didn't know if you felt weird or different with him now."

I hesitated, thinking about it. "It is a bit weird... And I almost feel bad like I've been leading him on... But he already figured himself out, right? We'll always just be friends, like he said we are."

He was quiet after receiving my answer. I gazed out the window, thinking back on my high school days to see if I remembered Shukishi acting differently with me. He liked to say sweet things and flirt with everyone... I never thought he actually meant it when he said it to me.

Our usual peaceful days continued since I got some more information on Rikiya. I couldn't help watching him sometimes, still hoping he'd open up to me. I knew that would never happen though. He made that quite clear.

On a day off, I had an appointment at my hair salon to trim my split ends and buy more products to keep my silver hair smooth and shiny. I also enjoyed just chatting with my hairstylist, she was always a fun person. I found her years ago when I was looking around for where to live and open my bar. We clicked immediately and I knew she would treat me and my hair the best. So even though her salon was far away from where I lived currently, I still made the trip through the subway to give her my business.

I had just finished my appointment with her when I made my way to the subway to go home. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw someone sitting against the wall and I figured it was someone homeless or begging for money. Whenever I saw people like that, I felt so bad for them that I wanted to try to lend a hand. I turned to look at them and that's when I froze.

The person who sat there with a ukulele in their lap and a sign next to them asking for money or anything someone could offer, was someone with bright orange hair and a small figure despite being older than he appeared. It was Rikiya Kanagaki, the one that had been on my mind lately.

He was playing a beautiful tune that sounded familiar but I couldn't quite put my finger on. Someone passed by and offered some cash. He thanked them and that's when our eyes finally met. Panic crossed his face and he immediately stood up. He made a break for it with his sign and belongings, trying to get away from me. I ran after him and managed to grab his arm before he disappeared out of the subway. The train arrived then, causing a ruckus as it hit its brakes to open its doors for passengers.

"Let go of me!" Rikiya yelled among it, trying to pull out of my grip.

"Wait! Please talk to me!"

"I have nothing to say to you!"