The Second Button tradition has been around since the '60s. It's a popular Japanese tradition that involves the man giving his second button to the woman he adores. A similar tradition has been around in the lives of Wolf Winchester, Chris Lancaster...
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WOLF WINCHESTER
"Because I love you. I will always love you, princess."
I shouldn't be eavesdropping, but I couldn't help myself. Neither could Chris. We watched from one of the corners, hoping to go unnoticed. I have never seen him shed tears in the past fourteen years. He had always been the older brother figure in our gang, always looking out for us, caring for us, and filling our emotional cup with love and adoration. Even on days when he'd be down, he would ensure Chris and I were okay.
"He's brave," Chris whispered beside me as he wiped his tears.
I shook my head, feeling the lump in my throat forming. My eyes prickled with tears, threatening to roll down any minute.
"He's the bravest."
Chris sniffed as he and I watched the interaction in secrecy. Hearing Aurora's loud sobs was making my heart wrench in agony. It was the first time I watched her sob from afar, and there was nothing I wanted more than to wrap my arms around her and take away all her pain. After my family, watching her in tears was the next worst thing on my list.
But I knew Ace was there. I trusted Ace. Chris and I watched him comfort her despite weeping silently. I had known Ace for so long that I could practically feel his heart brutally being taken out of his system.
I couldn't help but agree with him. Ace didn't deserve to get his heart broken like this. But didn't we always know the possibility that any two of us would get our hearts broken in this contest? Regardless of that, we fought. We had rules placed--one of which was to keep everything as it was. Despite everything that happened in the past few months, nothing should change the bond we've formed.
As much as I would hate to admit it, I've grown fond of my five friends. I always loved Chris and Ace to death. These two were like brothers to me. They were there for me in my highs and lows. However, the A-Rankers and Aurora had grown on me over the months. I don't think I can imagine spending my life without any of their presence anymore.
I'm well aware Ace had to leave for Sweden, and we wouldn't hang out regularly like always, but we'd still be best pals. Some days, he could pay us a surprise visit, and sometimes we would.
"My heart breaks for him, even though we knew this was inevitable."
Chris nodded. "That leaves the two of us. One of us will get our hearts broken very soon."
No words left my mouth, but my heart whispered a silent wish.
Don't let her break my heart today.
~
Moments later, we were at the airport, bidding Ace farewell.
"It's not a goodbye," Ace smiled. I could still see the dried tear trails on his cheeks, and my heart broke at the sight. I didn't let anyone see how his expressions or the fact that he was leaving was affecting me. My face kept a neutral expression throughout the exchange. Sometimes, I'd throw an occasional eye roll here and there to keep things light-hearted.
