The Hard love

Chapter 20: Shadows of Betrayal

The tranquility that Suguri and Mitsugi had started to rebuild was shattered one late afternoon when Mitsugi received a message on his phone. His face turned ashen as he read it, and Suguri noticed the change immediately.

"Mitsugi, what's wrong?" Suguri asked, his voice filled with concern.

Mitsugi hesitated, but the weight of the secret was too heavy to bear alone. "It's Leviathan. He wants to meet me. He said it's urgent."

Suguri's brow furrowed. Leviathan Armelonia was a name that evoked a mix of admiration and wariness. A towering figure both literally and figuratively, Leviathan was the P.I.O. of the student council, a volleyball champion, a star athlete, and an academic prodigy. His cold, stern demeanor and introverted nature made him a formidable presence.

"Leviathan? What could he want?" Suguri asked, trying to mask his unease.

Mitsugi swallowed hard. "I... I need to tell you something. Leviathan and I... we've been seeing each other."

The words hung in the air like a death knell. Suguri's face went pale, and for a moment, he couldn't find his voice. "You're dating him?"

Mitsugi nodded, unable to meet Suguri's gaze. "I didn't know how to tell you. It just happened. I was drawn to him. He's... different."

Suguri felt a wave of emotions crash over him-betrayal, hurt, confusion. "Why didn't you tell me before? Why keep it a secret?"

"I didn't want to hurt you," Mitsugi said, his voice trembling. "But now I see that keeping it from you was even worse."

Suguri turned away, struggling to process the revelation. "Go meet him. Find out what he wants."

Mitsugi's heart ached at the pain in Suguri's voice, but he knew he had to face Leviathan. He left the apartment, his mind in turmoil.

***

Leviathan stood by the entrance of the sports complex, his tall frame imposing as ever. His black mask and the way his hair covered his left eye added to his mysterious aura. When Mitsugi approached, Leviathan's stern expression softened slightly.

"Mitsugi," he said, his voice deep and commanding. "I needed to see you."

Mitsugi nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and anticipation. "What's going on, Leviathan?"

Leviathan looked away, as if searching for the right words. "I've been offered a position overseas. A chance to further my career and education. But it means leaving immediately."

Mitsugi's heart sank. "Leaving? For how long?"

"Indefinitely," Leviathan replied. "I wanted to tell you in person. I didn't want you to find out any other way."

Mitsugi felt tears welling up. "Leviathan, I... I don't know what to say."

Leviathan reached out and took Mitsugi's hand, his touch surprisingly gentle. "I've enjoyed our time together, but you need to decide what's best for you. Whether that's staying here or coming with me."

Mitsugi's mind raced. The thought of leaving everything behind, especially Suguri, seemed impossible. Yet, the pull of his feelings for Leviathan was strong.

"I need time to think," Mitsugi said finally.

Leviathan nodded, releasing Mitsugi's hand. "Take all the time you need. But don't forget what we shared."

***

When Mitsugi returned home, he found Suguri waiting anxiously. The tension was palpable.

"What did he say?" Suguri asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Mitsugi took a deep breath. "He's leaving. He wants me to go with him."

Suguri's eyes widened. "And what do you want, Mitsugi?"

Mitsugi looked at Suguri, his heart torn in two. "I don't know. I care about you both. But I can't ignore my feelings for him."

Suguri's face softened, and he took Mitsugi's hand, his voice trembling with raw emotion. "I've loved you through everything, Mitsugi. But if he's what you need, I won't stand in your way. Just... don't forget what we had."

Mitsugi's tears spilled over as he clutched Suguri's hand. "I'm so sorry, Suguri. I never meant for this to happen."

Suguri pulled Mitsugi into a tight embrace, their tears mingling as they held on to each other for what felt like the last time. "Just promise me you'll be happy," Suguri whispered, his voice breaking. "Even if it's without me."

As they stood there, entwined in each other's arms, they both knew that whatever decision Mitsugi made, their lives would be forever changed. The love they shared had been real and profound, but the shadows of betrayal now cast a long and uncertain path ahead.