Chapter Text
“Kyoudai, let’s break up.”
Mondo almost spat out the soda in his mouth. He swallowed hard, coughing a little, before whipping his head toward Kiyotaka, the ever-dutiful discipline committee from Hope’s Peak, and also his current lover.
“The hell, who taught ya to joke like that, Kyoudai-“
“Owada, I am serious, I want to break up with you. Right now.”
The empty can crumpled slightly under his grip. This time, Mondo really looked at him, anxiously asked.
“Hey Kyoudai…Did I do somethin’ to piss you off lately?”
He saw the other shaking his head, veering his eyes away.
“No…you didn’t do anything wrong…It’s just, both of us are already graduated, so…I don’t think we can further our relationship anymore.”
“What the hell are you talkin’ about-!”
Mondo reached out for him, but only for Kiyotaka to slap his hand away. Under the empty schoolyard stood the two figures, one desperately trying to hold on. Mondo’s lavender eyes clung to that striking ruby-red, burning bright under the fading sun. Kiyotaka’s brows furrowed, his fists clenched tight.
“Mondo…”
“Kiyotaka… Just answer me straight, damn it.”
His voice cracked, feeling both frustrated and helpless. But all he got in return was Kiyotaka’s smile, a warm, gentle smile that was his and his alone.
“Don’t be sad, Mondo. Honestly, I don’t want this either. But… our relationship, as much as I treasure it, just can’t go on.”
Kiyotaka drew in a long breath before bowing deeply, his back bending at a perfect 90 degrees.
“Thank you for everything. And for our break-up today… I hope you’ll understand.”
Mondo stood frozen, failing to hide the astonishment on his face.
So that’s it… He’s tired of me, tired enough to throw me away…
His jaw tightened, eyes trembling with pain, anger, confusion.
And perhaps, something that tasted like bitter defeat.
“I get it, Kyoudai.” Slinging his bag over one shoulder, he turned his back on him. “If that’s what you want… then fine.”
Kiyotaka lifted his head, smiling faintly, grateful for Mondo’s understanding, and perhaps a little mournful for what they’d lost. It didn’t suit him at all. The silence was broken only by the sharp clicks of his shoes against the pavement. Before leaving, he gave one last wave.
“Kyoudai, I hope you find someone better than me someday.”
By the time Mondo turned back, he was gone. Someone better? What a fucking joke . He didn’t move. Suddenly, the warm tones of the sunset, the sight of the school he once knew, all of it seemed drained of color. None of this felt real, none of this felt like what he had witnessed, what he had experienced.
Your heartbeat is increasing.
Dropping to one knee, he clutched his chest through the fabric, gasping for air as the world blurred around him.
“Kiyotaka… I…”
Even now, I still miss you, still love you…