They stalked through a small patch of trees, Nishinoya pulling Yachi by the arm, until they reached their destination.

"Look, Yachi-chan."

"What is it?"

"Me and Asahi made a fort together one time. I want you to have it."

"Are you sure?"

"Positive."

"Thank you."

"No, thank you."

"Why?"

"You've made me realize something really important."

"And what is that?"

"I'm not alone."

Yachi laid in her bed. She couldn't sleep. Not after what Nishinoya had told her. What did it mean? Obviously, he was talking about their similar situations, with their soulmates, but the words seemed to have more...depth to them than just that. Maybe he did just miss Asahi as much as she missed Kiyoko, but she didn't think it was just that. It couldn't be just that, because Nishinoya was stronger than that.

At least, that's what she'd seen of him.

Nishinoya was strolling through a park with Azumane by his side. He grabbed his soulmate's hand, fully aware that people were staring, and choosing not to care. The tall brunette seemed to be doing the same. For once in his life, Yuu noticed Asahi not caring about what anyone thought. It was beautiful. He noticed tears leaking out of his eyes, but didn't wipe them. They weren't tears of sorrow. They were tears of joy, of happiness, and of love.

The pillowcase was soaked with his tears by the time Nishinoya had woken up. He felt the ghost of his lover's embrace, and the thought just made him feel emptier inside. There was a hole that had been stabbed into his heart, and the gaping hollow seemed to grow bigger every day that Asahi was gone.

Jesus Christ Yuu, you're acting like he's dead or something.

No, his soulmate was alive, by some miracle. But still, he missed the other more than ever. Noya decided to head down to his kitchen to get a cup of water, more to give his body a reason to move instead of laying in his bed, crying pitifully, and wallowing in his pain. He grabbed his phone from where it was plugged in, charging, and saw a singular message from Asahi, sent thirty-two minutes ago. That wasn't a good sign.

I know it's late right now, but when you see this, can you call me? It's really important.

Nishinoya felt a knot form in the pit of his stomach. He immediately brought his phone up and speed-dialed his boyfriend. It took no more than two and a half rings for him to hear a click on the other end, signaling that Azumane had picked up. A small sniff on the other end told Yuu that he was crying.

"Baby, what's wrong?"

"It's- my grandmother-"

"Is she okay?"

"No, no she's not, she's not ali-"

"I'll be there as soon as I can."

And he hung up. Texting Tanaka to ask for any homework he missed, he threw a jacket, three sets of spare clothes, and his wallet into a bag along with his phone and a charger, then slipped on his shoes and left, leaving no wake in the still and silent night.