Page 2

Somewhere along the way, they stopped being a constant part of his life and became memories. Calling them friends felt confusing. Now, he wasn’t even sure he could say that about Alex—the only one who stuck around.

Guilt struck him, along with the gnawing panic.

“I’m sure Ayase would be too.”

Grief and longing mixed, making Jun lightheaded. But curiosity about Alex’s mention tugged at him. “How do you know?” he asked. His lips quivered, nervous about Alex’s answer.

Alex checked his phone again. “I’m just assuming.” Jun’s shoulders relaxed. That meant Alex hadn’t heard from him either. “Trust me, if he was still around, he’d be constantly on my ass for letting you become an Asian emo Jabba the Hutt.”

Jun scrunched his nose, the image of the fat, ugly alien flashing across his brain. Laughing, Alex strolled ahead, and Jun quickly looked down at his plushy anime sweater again. He hated to admit it. He had gained a bit of weight since he became a recluse. Taking care of his appearance had been the last thing on Jun’s mind. He knew he should have put more effort into his health, but when dark thoughts clouded his mind every second, he distracted himself with flashy, loud video games.

At least his thick sweater hid his plump body for now.

Alex motioned for Jun to come over. “At least this is a start! After this, maybe we can get you to start hiking like the transplant you are.”

Jun grimaced, appalled Alex still thought of him as a foreigner despite living in America for most of his life.

“Oh!” Alex exclaimed, snapping his fingers. “I also know a guy that owns a gym! I can probably get you in for free. He’s kinda whack though, but if it’s from me—” Alex halted in his tracks, causing Jun to catch himself from crashing into him.

Confused by the sudden stop, Jun looked around. Before he could ask why Alex stopped to stare at a rest area, he said the last thing Jun expected: “Ayase?”

Jun jerked his head so fast, it hurt his neck. Amongst the several people in the resting area was a tall, familiar figure. Phone against his ear, he froze the moment he noticed them. The person he thought he would never see again. Yet he was right there. In front of him.

Even in a crowd, Ruki Ayase stood out with his tall stature and model-like handsome face. Even in the simple dark jacket and jeans, he made everything he wore look fashionable.

Ruki’s lips trembled, eyes wide with surprise. He quickly shoved the phone back into his jeans’ pocket. Taking a few steps, he held up his hand in a meek gesture. “Hey guys, what’s up?”

This had to be a dream, or a nightmare. The person Jun desired to see and hide from stood before him. He had done everything he could to forget why he had shut himself from the world in the first place. But Ruki was here, right now, in the flesh.

Alex interrupted Jun’s state of panic, his voice sharp. “Dude, what the fuck happened to you?” He crossed his arms into the sleeves of his puffy sweater.

Ruki smoothed his wavy black hair. It was slightly longer and thicker than it had been the last time Jun saw him. “What do you mean?” A nervous laugh huffed past his lips. “I’m just busy, man.”

Alex scoffed. “So busy you can’t keep us in the loop?”

Ruki blinked slowly. When he exhaled, he said, “Yeah. Sorry.” He scratched the back of his head, ruffling his hair. “I meant to reach out. It’s just… things got really out of hand.”

A suave smile stretched his lips. “But it’s all good now! How are you guys doing? What are you up to?”

Alex leaned back, eyebrows raised in disbelief. “Just taking a walk,” Alex responded incredulously.

“At a mall?” asked Ruki, arching an eyebrow.

Alex motioned his head at Jun. “’Cause this one here hasn’t left his room since your retirement announcement to the world. When fucking Paragon got shut down from that shitstorm.”

Jun’s mouth went dry, and he clenched his fists, pulling himself back from smacking Alex to shut up.

Ruki’s candid, beaming expression turned cold and emotionless. His dark eyes stared intensely at Jun. “Are you serious?” he asked in a low tone.

Jun only responded with a slight nod. For all the years he had known Ruki, he was never this timid with him. He wouldn’t hesitate to tell him anything. Now, he was horrified to even move an inch.

“Wait, hold up,” Alex interjected, holding a finger up. He held his phone to his ear.

Jun’s brow furrowed. He didn’t hear his usual annoying ringtone.

Alex nodded and grunted into the phone. He glanced at Ruki, then Jun. “Sorry guys, I gotta take this real quick. I’ll catch up with y’all later.”

This was not happening. Jun didn’t know if he wanted to pull Alex back or smack him.