sharp. : a coinpin fic

Prologue

*a/n: this short fic is tied into the same setting and human au of alight, my fireafy fic. (possible mature chapters) due to some explicit scenes, this story is rated as Mature, just like alight. Please read with caution.

How long does it take for a person to stop trying?

How many years of loneliness does it take for a person to finally lose hope?

How many late night calls?

How does one have the courage to look into her face after she's denied him, rejected him, forced him to bury the feelings so deep within that he can no longer see them.

Bright, butterfly love was replaced with dull, aching love. The kind of love that hurts when thought about too much.

Coiny spends most of his time alone at the university planetarium he works at now, glumly staring at the digital models of the planets in the theater.

Holding in his feelings. Waiting for them to either pass or be returned.

His phone rang, and the customized ringtone he had for Pin echoed against the walls of the theater.

Coiny blinked, debating whether or not to answer it.

Just one more time.

One more try.

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take, right?

He picked up the phone.

"Hey Coiny! Just got off my shift at the shoe store! We miss you working here buddy!" Pin's voice was full of fun and enthusiasm.

Her cheerful voice made him hate himself. No wonder she doesn't want him, he's fucking depressing to be around.

One more attempt. Then, he will stop trying. Then, he will stop pursuing. He'll leave her alone, for he knows he'll no longer be able to be her friend once he inevitably gets rejected once more.

"Pin, I'm in love with you. I know you hate hearing it, but I am. I can't hold it in anymore. It hurts," Coiny said for what felt like the hundredth time.

The other end was silent.

Coiny waited for the rejection. Just one more. He silently begged her to hurt him again.

"I already told you Coiny, we can't be together." Pin's voice was shaky.

"Why not?" Coiny closed his eyes in an attempt to stop the tears from spilling.

"I don't love you back," Pin replied, firmly this time. Then, her voice softened. "Not anymore. Too late, Coiny. You loved me back after I had already moved on from your rejection. Let's just stay friends, okay?"

Coiny hung up.