chasing the Cat (M X M)

Chapter 11: A Celebration and Its Shadows

The day of the 50th anniversary of Sakura Elementary was supposed to be a joyful occasion, but for Akira Tanaka, it felt like a bittersweet masquerade. The school was alive with vibrant banners, cheerful music, and excited children darting between parents. Yet, as the world around him celebrated, Akira stood at the edges of the crowd, feeling like an imposter—caught between happiness and a gnawing sadness.

The branding he and Hiroshi had worked on was everywhere—on posters, pamphlets, and decorations—but seeing their efforts come to life only deepened the ache in his chest. The project was done, and with it, the excuse to spend time with Hiroshi was slipping away. This was the end. No more meetings, no more playful banter. Just... nothing. Akira's heart clenched at the thought.

Hiroshi would move on. Why wouldn't he? Akira could already see it—Hiroshi's warm smile gracing someone else's day. Someone easy to talk to. Someone less complicated. The idea twisted inside Akira like a knife.

The applause around them swelled as Principal Watanabe addressed the crowd, thanking everyone involved in making the anniversary a success.

"And let's give a special thanks to Akira Tanaka for his brilliant design work!"

The crowd erupted in cheers, and Akira gave a brief, awkward wave, forcing a tight smile that didn't reach his eyes. He hated this moment. It felt like both a recognition and a farewell, as if the applause marked not only the end of the project but the end of something precious.

He felt Hiroshi step closer, the familiar warmth of his presence settling beside him.

"You did great today," Hiroshi said quietly, his voice soft in a way that made Akira's heart twist.

Akira shrugged, eyes fixed on the horizon. "Yeah, well... I guess you're happy it's over, huh?" His voice was flat, but the sharp edge of insecurity hid beneath the words.

Hiroshi blinked, surprised. "What? Why would you think that?"

Akira gave him a sideways glance, trying to keep his expression neutral. "I mean, you'll have more time now. No more meetings with me dragging things out." He shoved his hands into his pockets, feeling the urge to flee the conversation.

Hiroshi tilted his head, studying Akira with that irritatingly perceptive look of his—the one that saw too much. "You think I'm relieved to stop seeing you?"

Akira huffed, feigning annoyance. "I don't care. It's not like you need me around anymore."

For a moment, Hiroshi said nothing, and Akira's heart thudded painfully in the silence. The weight of unspoken feelings pressed between them, heavy and suffocating. He wanted to say more—I don't want this to end. Don't leave me behind—but the words tangled in his throat, held hostage by fear.

Hiroshi let out a small, exasperated laugh, stepping closer until their shoulders almost brushed. "You really don't get it, do you?"

Akira glanced at him, trying to keep his face impassive. "Get what?"

"You think I only spent time with you because of this project?" Hiroshi shook his head, an affectionate smile playing at the corner of his lips. "You're ridiculous, Akira."

Akira flushed, annoyed at the warmth creeping into his chest. "Whatever," he muttered, looking away, but the corners of his mouth twitched as if fighting off a reluctant smile.

Hiroshi chuckled softly. "I'm not going anywhere, Akira."

The words hung in the air between them, gentle yet certain. And for the first time that day, something inside Akira loosened—just a little.

But true to form, he scoffed, crossing his arms. "You say that now. We'll see how long you last."

Hiroshi laughed, a sound so warm it sent shivers down Akira's spine. "Challenge accepted."

And as the celebration continued around them, Akira stood there, feeling the tiniest flicker of hope stir in his chest. He wouldn't say it aloud—not yet—but maybe, just maybe, he wasn't as alone as he thought.