Chapter 1: Breaking Point
Takano opened his eyes to see Onodera heading towards his bedroom door. As he sat up he remembered what had happened the night before. He'd lost his cool and forced Onodera down. Again. Onodera tried to avoid him enough as it was, he was only making things worse. But he could never seem to control himself when it came to Onodera. He silently cursed himself for being such an idiot, trying to think of a way to improve the situation.
“Onodera” He called out to him. Really Takano, that's the best you can think of? Baka.
The other man froze on the spot. He'd been about to open the door to leave when he heard Takano's voice. “Ah, sorry, I'll be leaving first.” He muttered without looking around. He couldn't look at Takano. Not after last night. As Onodera placed his hand on the handle for the door Takano jumped up and grabbed his arm. He was shirtless but still wore his pants.
“Please don't go” Takano whispered into Onodera's ear. He really didn't want him to just leave like this. But he had left like this before, so what was the problem now?
“Ta-Takano..” Onodera knew he should leave. He didn't want to find out what would happen if he stayed now. “Please let-” Onodera's words were halted when Takano pulled on his arms, turning his so they were facing each other. “Taka- mh!” he was cut off yet again but this time it was because Takano had forced their lips together. Onodera was shocked for a second but soon squeezed his eyes shut and used all the strength he could muster to push Takano away. “Stop it!” Onodera yelled, his head filled with confusion.
“Onodera-” Takano tried. Why couldn't he make Onodera understand?
“Why do you always do that?!” Onodera was about ready to go off on one. He was looking away from Takano, his eyes still firmly shut but his eyes flew open when Takano slammed his fist into the door, right next to Onodera's head.
“Why are you so stubborn?!” Takano retaliated. He was getting frustrated.
“You're the stubborn one here!” Onodera shot back.
“Can't you just see that I love you?!” His voice became quieter as he said that and his hand slid back to his side. Onodera's words broke him little by little. And he had reached breaking point.
“Wh-What..?” Onodera stuttered. He didn't understand why Takano's voice went from angry to timid so suddenly.
“I loved you Onodera! And you left without a word!” Takano's voice was breaking all over the place. He was completely over-reacting, he knew that, but he couldn't help it anymore. He needed to shut up. Why couldn't he shut up?
“Ta-Takano wh-” Onodera didn't understand what was going on, he'd never seen Takano like this.
“I've loved you for over ten years...!” Takano choked on his own words. He'd gone over the edge and there was no going back. Onodera couldn't say a word. “It hurts so much..” he took a little step back from Onodera, “The rejection hurts...” he whispered. Onodera was frozen, he had absolutely not idea why Takano was being like this. Takano didn't either.
“Why me...?” Onodera hung his head slightly. His chest felt tight. He didn't know what to do.
“You taught me what love truly is.... You're the only person I've ever loved..” A single tear rolled onto Takano's cheek. It'd been a long time since he last cried but he couldn't help it. He'd been in love with Onodera and he'd just left him. And then when he thought he could finally get him back, all he got was rejection. It hurt more than words could explain. He loved him more than anything but Onodera kept shutting him out. All because of a stupid misunderstanding ten years ago.
“Wh-Wh” Onodera was standing there in shock. He couldn't believe Takano was saying this. Takano was very aware of what he'd done all of a sudden. He palmed the tear away from his cheek, turning his back to Onodera quickly.
“If you wanna go, just go” He muttered, heading back over to his bed. He fell back into bed with his back facing Onodera. He didn't know what'd come over him, he couldn't stop it. He'd just given such a teary confession for no particular reason and was beyond embarrassed. He'd really done it now.
Onodera just watched Takano collapse on the bed, unable to move a muscle. He couldn't wrap his head around what had just happened. Takano really loved him? Back then.. and now? Part of him was saying to leave but he couldn't do it. A few moments past like that, neither uttering a word.
Takano was aware Onodera hadn't left. He was waiting for the sound of his door opening and footsteps but it never came. “Why are you just standing there?” he asked coldly. Takano didn't know what he wanted. On one hand he wanted to be alone after what just happened but he wanted to hold Onodera at the same time.
“Ah-! I-I-I-” Onodera couldn't form words. His head was a mess. Takano hazard a glance at Onodera, he looked conflicted. What was he doing?
Takano was about to tell him to leave when Onodera spoke again.
