TW: slight angst (i think?), lowkey shu x valt

tried first person for the first time haha !

don't like, don't read (except if ur curious lmaoo)

inspired by a very very creative story in my mother language

⌒⌒♡! ˚ˑؘ

        "So...you became the WBBA commissioner, huh?

        "Yeah, and you're still coaching that Lane kid?"

        "Yep. Although, Lane can be a bit stubborn." I raised a skeptical eyebrow towards him. "A bit?"

        "Fine...I meant a lot." Shu smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. I could only chuckle at his response. "But, I can handle him, as I am the Shu Kurenai." Shu continued, giving a half-shrug and a prideful grin with his chin up high.

        "Well, that's good," I covered my mouth to prevent myself from snickering again. "Oh, I gotta go, see ya."

        "Wakiya, wait!" Shu blocked my hand with his hand as I found myself not turning to look at him.

        "Why do I feel like—like you're ignoring me?" The white-haired guy continued. I smiled dryly. "I am ignoring you, Shu."

        "Why? Am I doing something wrong? Why are you ignoring me?" Ugh, I knew for a fact that Shu wasn't that oblivious. He was a Beyblade prodigy, a genius. He should've realized everything from the beginning.

        "Because I like you," I responded bluntly after hesitating. Without even glancing at the other, I knew Shu was shocked as there was an immense silence before I resumed. "I like you when I know very well that your heart only belongs to Valt. I still like you when you clearly show that you don't even care about my existence." I paused for a while. "I feel plain stupid, hoping you'll look at me when Valt is there. I feel like an idiot because I'm Wakiya Murasaki, a no one and will never be..."

        I was shocked when Shu pulled me to his embrace and buried his face to the crook of my neck. For a while, I could only freeze as he hugged me tightly. The scent of vanilla mixed with strawberries calmed my nerves. I wished I could be with him like that forever.

        "Sorry, sorry...I—I didn't know all this time you...you, I'm sorry. I'm such an idiot..."

        Without realizing it, the corners of my lips tugged upwards as I smiled. There was a foreign yet indescribable feeling in my chest. Was that the feeling of being cherished? The feeling of being loved?

        No, Shu loved Valt. He was just manipulating my feelings, making me think that he was genuine about his feelings even though he wasn't. I was an idiot with this kind of thing. I admitted it. But going back to him wasn't even a choice anymore.

        I shoved him gently, freeing myself from his pale hands.

        "W-Wakiya..."

        "Don't worry. I'm not mad at you at all."

        "But," His tone laced with worry, "we're still friends...right?"

        "Yeah."

        "Like before?"

        I chose my words carefully. "It's better no."

        "Why?" Shu inquired. His voice seemed to convey his panic towards my words—but maybe it was just my expectation. "For your information, I disinclined! I don't want to lose you, Wakiya..."

        "Shu," I replied as softly as I could. "I was never yours. How can you lose me?"

        Shu looked shocked hearing my words. I felt guilty and blameworthy for saying those words without caring, but everything had to end. I still had many relevant responsibilities in my life, and I couldn't let my personal problems occupy my mind any further.

        "Wakiya, please...this is not fair. Don't be like that to me, Wakiya. Please, for me—you..."

        For my own sanity, I decided to avert my attention from him. So, I stepped out, out from the life of the guy who once was very important to me.