Chasing the right one

2022

                 ( 4 years later )

( September )
4 years have passed by and I am now in my 4th/ final year of college. Life is going great for me in America and I made lots of new friends.
For the 4 years, once I started college, a whole bunch boys who were also openly gay asked me out but I kindly rejected them because their was a special someone that has my heart. And that person was Akihiko. I had never forgotten Akihiko after leaving japan.

September 5th
Today is the first day of college and I saw lots of new freshmen students. While I was waiting in line for coffee. A tall guy was in front of me. The tall guy looked very familiar. So I tapped on his back to see if I knew him. Once I got his attention, he slowly turned back and I couldn't believe my eyes. IT WAS AKIHIKO. Akihiko had the same surprised reaction seeing me after he turned.

Hitoshi : akihiko ?
Akihiko : Hitoshi ?
Hitoshi : wahhh. how long has it been?
Akihiko : 4 years, how have you been ?
Hitoshi : I've been good, thanks for asking ! I've missed you a lot akihi...

Then a girl starts coming and comes besides akihiko. I asked who the girl beside was and he told me that she is his girlfriend. Her name is Mina. When I heard the she was his girlfriend, I felt weak but it didn't show in reality. I quickly responded saying it was nice to meet her and that she is pretty.
After I left them, I went straight to the bathroom and I started crying my whole heart out. Akihiko came into the bathroom and then he found me since my crying is loud.

Akihiko : Hitoshi, please come out.

I came out of the bathroom and hugged him tight that I didn't want to let him go.

Hitoshi : so, how long have you guys been dating?
Akihiko : for about 2 months
Hitoshi : ah I see.
Akihiko : Hitoshi, I'm sorry...
Hitoshi : no akihiko don't be, I am happy for you. But let me ask you something
Akihiko : what is it ?
Hitoshi : do you love her dearly ?
Akihiko : yes, I do
Hitoshi : Then stay with her and be by her side. We are be good friends right?
Akihiko : yes of course and yes sir! Well I better get going. I'm really happy to see you again Hitoshi! See you around!

I could tell Akihiko was sincerely sorry in his eyes. I sensed that we still have special feelings for each other. I also didn't want him to walk out of his current lover for me. I also knew he was about to bring up the past when we had our "first consensual love" for the first time and that he still didn't choose me as his lover since being his first.

             ~* 1 month later *~

( October )
It is now the 2nd month of college. Akihiko and I remained close again and hung out often, and with Mina. I got along with Mina really well. Mina also found out that I was gay which made her curious if me and Akihiko used to date in the past. But Mina was joking around and didn't believe it.
During this time in October, I've been feeling really sad these days. The reason why was because of Akihiko.
I had to admit and come to point that that I am still in love with Akihiko and that I should've kept close and keep in contact for the past 3 years. But then again I didn't have a phone when I got to the states. But now since Akihiko has a lover, I had no chance to get to him.
Ive been eating less, not coming to class often, getting less sleep, and loosing communication with friends and especially Akihiko.
Akihiko and Mina were very worried about me. So the two of them came by to my apartment to check on me. When Akihiko and mina came, they both found me unconscious. Akihiko carried me to the hospital.
Once we all arrived at the hospital, the doctor I had been visiting for check ups informed akihiko and Mina what has been going on with me.
A few hours later, I woke up and I see Akihiko holding my hand and sleeping. I gently patted Akihiko's head and he woke up.

Akihiko : Hitoshi, your awake.
Hitoshi : why are you here Akihiko? How did I get here?
Akihiko : I carried you to the hospital.
Hitoshi : oh really ? I'm sorry for my troubles
Akihiko : Hitoshi, why didn't you tell me you were going through things ?
Hitoshi : "sigh"
Akihiko : you could've told me you know. I'm your best friend
Hitoshi : I'm sorry Akihiko, I didn't want to say this but I will tell you now. I love you. I wanted to tell you that while we were talking when we finally reunited. But I couldn't.
Akihiko : I already know. I found out from your doctor. He told us everything what was going on with you.
Hitoshi : "sigh" is Mina here too?
Akihiko : she was but then she had to go. And we broke up
Hitoshi : break up???
Akihiko : yes, we broke up and let me tell you what happen while you were unconscious.
After talking to your doctor, me and Mina sat in the waiting room hoping that you will wake up. And then Mina wanted to talk with me. We talked and she told me that we should break up. I asked her why and she told me that I should be with the person who cares about me a lot. And that person is you Hitoshi. She was not sad at all and she knew what was right. She also sensed  that you must've have loved me dearly.

I was about to cry knowing that I really wanted to be with Akihiko. So I finally breakdown into Akihiko's arm.

Hitoshi : Akihiko, I love you. Always know that.
Akihiko : i know. I love you too, Hitoshi.