Who do you like? [Makoto x Hajime x Shuichi]

Chapter 9

Shuichi's POV:

What? What did he mean? Makoto and I looked at each other before looking at Hajime who had a terrified expression on his face.
"...fuck," was all he said as Izuru served us some food.
"You didn't think this through, did you?" Asked the older boy as Hajime shook his head.
"What... are you going on about?" I asked, rather confused.
"Our mom is homophobic, but if she finds out I'm dating two guys, she will beat me," explained the tall boy. He put his hand over his mouth and his expression made it seem as if he was reliving past trauma.
"In other words, our mom is a bitch," said Izuru as he sat down at the table.

If Hajime's mom found out about us... I couldn't live with myself knowing that I could caused one of the people that I love to get hurt. It stuck in my mind as we ate. I blocked out what the others were saying, I was only focused on one thing; the thought of Hajime or Makoto getting injured or verbally abused, because of me. Just thinking about it made my stomach sink. I didn't eat anymore. I clasped my hands together, as if to pray. My head hung low as my mind raced. I could only hear the scenario playing in my head. Thats when I thought about my time in middle school. The bullying, the suffering, the pain. My eyes widen as I covered my mouth with my hand, reliving the trauma I went through.

"What the fuck is wrong with you?"

"Why do act like that?"

"We don't want to hang out with you anymore."

"You're so creepy!"

It replayed in my head like a broken record, repeating over and over again. I wanted to cry. I began trembling, my hands shaking uncontrollably. Thats when I finally heard their voices calling out to me.
"Saihara?! Saihara, are you okay?!"
"Saihara-Kun, what's wrong?!"
I looked up and saw everyone staring at me, their expressions a mix of worry, regret, and concern. Slowly, I pressed my fingers to my face and realised I was crying.
"I-I'm s-s-sorry..." I said as I wiped away my tears with my sleeve. Makoto kissed my cheek and cupped it gently.
"What's wrong?" He asked in a loving tone.
"It's n-nothing... I-I was j-just being s-s-stupid," I replied, more tears swelling up in my eyes. Izuru then tapped the table, getting my attention.
"Saihara, nothing anyone says is stupid, unless its really dumb and can be answered within seconds," he explained, "but you're not stupid, so don't say that you are."
"I-I-I'm s-sorry..." I said as I tried to calm myself down, but failing to do so. Hajime rested his arm around my shoulders, held my hand with his free arm and kissed it.
"Izuru's right. If you don't want to say right now, you don't have to," he said as he kissed my forehead. I freed myself from my boyfriends' grasps and stood up.
"I-I'll try calm d-down in the b-b-bathroom," I said as I left the room.

When I got there, I locked the door and sat in the bath with my knees against my chest. I began sobbing. My mind wouldn't let me erase my thoughts or memories. I struggled to silence my cries so the three downstairs wouldn't hear. My throat became sore and my head throbbed in pain. I should probably go back downstairs. Those three will worry even more. I grabbed some tissues to clean my face and wipe away my tears. I took deep breaths and I calmed down. I unlocked the bathroom and walked back downstairs.

"Are you okay now Saihara-Kun?" Asked Naegi as I walked back into the kitchen. I gave a simple nod before sitting back down in my chair.
"You sure?" Asked Hajime as I nodded again and smiled. The boys seemed convinced by acting and continued talking. I joined in a few times, but didn't speak that much. My mind still brung up those memories, but I did my best to ignore them so no one would worry.

Soon the conversation drifted to Izuru.
"Any luck finding a boyfriend?" Asked Hajime curiously. The older boy's face turned red, but his emotionless expression didn't change.
"I have, but I haven't found anyone," he replied. That gave me an idea.
"What about Komaeda?" I asked which made Izuru turn his head in confusion.
"That's actually a pretty good idea! You remember Komaeda, right Izuru?" Said Hajime.
"Komaeda... he's the cute white haired boy in your class, correct?" He asked. Makoto became giddy and began jumping up and down.
"Awww, you think he's cute! You two would be great together!" Said the short boy happily, causing Izuru to blush.
"I remember him... he was very kind to me during my time in school," he said with a small smile.
"Holy shit, you smiled! I can't believe the thought of Komaeda made you of all people smile!" Said Hajime teasingly. The tall boy then snatched the older boy's phone that was sitting on the table.
"I'm giving you his number," he said as he typed. I giggled quietly as I watched Hajime and Izuru fight over the phone. Its nice watching them get along so well.

Unfortunately, not all happy things stay the way they are.