BL ONESHOTS NO.5

²⁰¹⁰San x Ray

Ray took a deep breath as he stepped off the crowded subway, the stale air of the underground giving way to the crisp autumn evening. The sidewalks of the city were already saturated with a blend of aromas: the sweet scent of roasting chestnuts from the street vendor, the faint whiff of rain-soaked leaves from the nearby park, and the ever-present hint of exhaust from the relentless flow of traffic. He tugged at the collar of his worn leather jacket, feeling the weight of the day's events settle into his bones like a heavy blanket.

"You okay?" a concerned voice asked.

Ray turned to see San, his best friend since childhood, walking alongside him with a gentle smile. San's eyes searched his, looking for a clue as to what might be bothering him. "Yeah, just tired," Ray replied with a shrug, his voice a bit more forced than he'd intended.

They strolled down the sidewalk, their footsteps echoing off the tall, looming buildings. The neon lights of the city reflected in the puddles from the recent rain, casting a vibrant glow that danced around their shoes. The hum of conversation and laughter filled the air as people hurried to their various destinations.

San nudged him with his elbow. "You know you can talk to me, right?"

Ray looked at his friend, the question hanging in the air like mist before a storm. He felt a knot in his stomach tighten. He hadn't told anyone about his feelings for San, not even San himself. It was a secret he'd harbored for years, a secret that had grown into a silent third presence in their friendship. But now, as they approached the bustling corner where they'd go their separate ways, he realized the moment of truth was upon him.

"San," he began, his voice quivering slightly, "there's something I need to tell you."

San stopped, his eyes widening in surprise. The noise of the city seemed to fade into the background as the two of them stood there, a silent island in a sea of life. "What is it?" he asked, his tone a mix of curiosity and concern.

Ray's heart hammered in his chest. He felt like he was about to jump off a cliff into the unknown. But he knew he had to be honest, had to finally lay bare the emotions that had been consuming him. "I-I love you," he blurted out, the words tumbling from his mouth like a confession he hadn't meant to make.

San's smile froze, his eyes searched Ray's face, looking for some sign that this was a joke or a misunderstanding. But when he saw the sincerity in his friend's eyes, the color drained from his cheeks. "Ray," he said softly, "are you sure about this?"

Ray nodded, his throat tight. "Yeah," he croaked, "I've been sure for a long time."

The air grew heavy between them, charged with a tension that was palpable. The neon lights flickered, casting shadows on their faces, as if the city itself was holding its breath, waiting for San's response. The moment stretched out, feeling like an eternity. San's gaze never left Ray's, his expression a tumult of confusion, fear, and something else-something Ray couldn't quite place.

Finally, San spoke. "I-I don't know what to say," he said, his voice shaking. "I mean, you're my best friend. I've never seen you like... like that."

Ray's heart sank, but he knew this was a chance he had to take. "I know it's a lot to take in," he said, trying to keep the desperation from his tone, "but I couldn't keep it in anymore."

San took a step back, his eyes never leaving Ray's. "Look, I need some time to think," he said, his voice low. "This isn't something I can just... deal with on the street."

Ray nodded, feeling the coldness of the night air seep into his bones. "Okay," he said, his voice small. "Take all the time you need."

With that, San turned and walked away, leaving Ray standing alone in the neon glow, his heart feeling as if it had been shattered into a million pieces. He watched his friend disappear into the crowded street, the weight of his confession heavy on his shoulders.