Yuri, Haru, and the group all return back to school the next day, their minds still filled with happy memories of their time ont he camping trip. Yuri and Haru seem extra-close, like all their tension has melted away. It all feels like a fairytale until a little spark from reality gets sent their way. That same, crisp, red envelope with the anonymous note inside it. Of course. How could Yuri forget.
That note was the cause of everything that had happened. It was the cause of the feeling of true happiness that Yuri felt, the kind of feeling that didn't exist before.
He wanted to thank it, but he couldn't help but wonder. Who the heck is sending these notes? He never suspected it would be someone he's close to. Or is it? Either way Yuri had no time. He had to head to his first class of the day. Mathematics.
It feels like years passed when Yuri walks out of his math class. A DIY hell, made from algebra, X, and a solid dose of equations with more letters in it than numbers. Despite his melting brain, he lights up when he spots Haru walking by. They both smile and hug each other.
"I missed you." Yuri says softly. He feels like he's drifting off into the sky on a cloud. He couldn't feel more protective of this little gem.
"Me too!" Responds Haru brightly.
Yuri is about to smile, and pull out endless reasons why he loves him, but something else catches his eye.
"Hey..what is that?"
He gestures to the large group of students whispering and squealing over a piece of paper on the wall. He walks over, taking Haru's hand instinctively.
And there, on the wall, is a beautiful looking flyer. It shines in the spotlight of hundreds of excited children, bathing in the attention like a grain of sand enjoying sunlight. It advertises one thing, and one thing only. Prom.
Yuri gasps and smiles, but he won't say anything yet. He's not going to just ask Haru to the dance, he's going to make it special. Long-lasting, in a way. He needs it to be perfect. for now, he just clears his throat and sighs. pushing down the excitement in his chest.
"That looks...fun.." Yuri says. His voice sounds like the definition of 'meh..'
Haru nods. "Yeah. It'll be nice. I'll wear a suit.
Later, during lunch, the bustling cafeteria seems to be louder than usual. The excited giggles, the small glances from girls at potential prom-dates, and the small squeals of pure happiness when something they've been waiting for all year is finally happening.
But it all starts to slowly die down...Haru is confused. He instinctively goes silent with the others. Assuming something has happened. Maybe a rejection? Broken hopes and dreams? A couple breaking up?
But no, none of those have happened around him. He looks around, confused. Mika, Yuna, and Sowoon seem to have disappeared too. He looks all around behind him. (How strange..) He thinks, but just shrugs quietly and turns back around. To his surprise, he turns around to see Yuri kneeling there, with a beautiful white rose, Sowoon, Mika, and Yuna holding up a poster behind him that reads: "Will you be my date to this year's prom?"
Haru feels his eyes water. Even though he knew it was coming, he still felt emotional.
"Yuri...."
He mutters. His voice barely above a soft whisper, cracking with emotion. He can't bring himself to say anything, but its okay. It's almost like hot tears, and a small nod of his head was all the words that were needed. Silent words that spoke louder than anything. Yuri sighs in relief and hugs him tight.
The entire room erupts in applause as they do so. For a boring little school, it's just so romantic. The only person there who doesn't look like they're crying, and overjoyed is Riku. Watching the two with a sad look in his empty eyes.
He once had the same feeling a few months ago. That smile used to be for him, even though it never was. He feels the soft aura of warmth coming from the moment, and for the first time since arriving at this school, he turns away from Yuri, walking down the hall with soft clicks. Leaving behind the laughter and cheers in his presence.
Days later, the night of the school dance arrives. The entire school is unable to focus during classes. Always whispering and talking about cute dresses, or how to impress their dates. Riku just ignores all of this in a silent sadness. The kind that nobody even bothered to acknowledge.
During lunch, the group is in squeals. Mika and Yuna are giggling and waving to their dates, while the boys just...watch. Sowoon whispers to Haru and Yuri, his head barley even moving.
"All girls really ARE like this.." He whispers.
"Yeah...weird.."
Sowoon's head snaps back quickly
"Well you can't say much, Yuri! You've been so obsessed with your little boyfriend here. I feel like there's cheese in my brain already."
Yuri chuckles softly, pulling Haru into a hug.
"Haru is all I need. Why bother asking somebody else?"
Haru nods and sinks into Yuri's embrace.
"Exactly..."
Sowoon gasps and looks away. He fades into a moment of fake sadness..
"Oh..how I feel so lonely...these lovebirds don't even care about me anymore!"
Sowoon fake cries, and goes to hug his imaginary date.
"You get me, right?"
He inquires, asking...nothing?
Suddenly, he stops this fake act.
"But seriously. You two have got to stop. Save it for the night, okay?"
He asks with a hint of desperation in his voice.
"I have..nobody!!"
Sowoon runs away fake crying, leaving them all behind in the dust. Haru laughs and looks up at Yuri
"Save it for the night then." He says softly
"okay..I'll save it for the night then."