From A-Z, and Everything in Between

I'll Tell You When You're Older

  It was a beautiful wedding. People gathered together, congratulating the newlywed couple on their marriage. Festivities were held in a pavilion decorated with bundles of beautiful flowers, and the lights that were strung up around the place glittered brilliantly once the sun went down. Everyone was enjoying themselves. Everyone was bubbly and happy, filling the pavilion with excited chatter. There was only one person who couldn't say they were having a good time.

MafuMafu leaned against the railing outside the pavilion, a half empty glass of wine in his hand. He didn't like drinking, alcohol tasted too bitter no matter what it was, but he was allowing himself to give it a shot tonight. As much as he would've liked to just get drunk to the point of forgetting today ever happened, he knew he wouldn't. MafuMafu was sure he'd do something stupid if he drank that much. Plus, this was a special night for his friend. He didn't want to ruin it.

"I thought I'd find you out here."

MafuMafu jumped slightly at the sudden sound, and he turned his head towards the owner of the voice. Walking towards him was a familiar dark-haired male. It was someone he had known closely for years. Someone he thought he'd always know better than anyone else.

"Soraru-san..." MafuMafu started softly.

He knew it was wrong for staring, but Soraru looked so nice tonight. He was dressed up in an expensive looking suit, and his hair was actually brushed back for once instead of sitting on his head like a giant mop of curls. Either way, though, MafuMafu thought Soraru always looked nice.

"So, what have you been up to all night? I haven't seen you since after the ceremony," Soraru questioned, moving to stand next to his friend.

"Just trying to get in on the festivities," MafuMafu half smiled as he gestured with the glass of wine. "It's not really working."

Soraru let out a low chuckle at this. "You never do drink much, do you?"

"No, I don't. I guess I just don't like alcohol," MafuMafu replied. He paused for a moment, a thoughtful expression forming on his face. "Actually, you've seen me get drunk before. Like, really drunk. I think I just curled up into a ball underneath your table and had an existential crisis."

"That's right! I ended up having to call Amatsuki-kun and Urata-kun at three in the morning because I needed help getting you to calm down," Soraru laughed and shook his head fondly at the memory.

MafuMafu chuckled as well. It was the first time he had done so all night. A brief period of silence fell over them as their laughter died down, as if neither of them really knew what to say. For some reason, the atmosphere felt so awkward. MafuMafu thought he might suffocate if he didn't say something soon.

"I didn't get the chance to say this earlier, but congrats on the marriage. Lon-san is a very nice person, I'm sure you'll be really happy together," MafuMafu said as he forced a smile onto his face.

Soraru merely looked at him for a moment with an unreadable expression. It felt like he was looking through MafuMafu, through the smile he had put up for Soraru's sake. I can't let him know about these selfish feelings of mine, MafuMafu thought with a hint of panic. If he finds out, he'll hate me for sure. Eventually, Soraru sighed and looked away.

"Yeah, I'm sure we will too," Soraru responded, still averting his gaze.

With that, he turned and walked back towards the entrance to the pavilion. MafuMafu watched him go until Soraru's back had disappeared behind the door. It felt as if the moment the door closed an invisible yet indestructible wall had formed between them. And, for the first time in his life, MafuMafu finished an entire glass of wine.