…this time Yune only answered with a nod, not a question, guessing it was more important to focus on things always taken for granted.

✖

Daybreak.

Rain pelted against the glass windows but his look was beyond the crystal drops that slid down the smooth surface. Yune was much more inclined to watch the sun as it rose before his eyes – a small marvel for him, how despite the damp gloominess that surrounded the city was a light that cut through it.

He realized how it was the small things that were really beautiful, and it was only now that he learned to appreciate them. Hand propped under his chin, Yune continued to stare out, despite the feeling of probing eyes on him. It was only when a gentle hand landed on his shoulders that he turned back.

Aoi mouthed words, and Yune just squinted. “Huh?” he answered, brows furrowed still.

“I said,” Aoi raised his voice a little, eyes narrowing in slight exasperation, “Are you okay?”

A bashful smile. “Yeah, I am.” Yune turned back towards the window and pointed outside, silently inviting Aoi to sit with him. Aoi did. “What time is it?”

“A bit past six,” was the small answer, “You’ve been working hard.”

Another smile curled at the end of Yune’s lips when he saw Aoi’s mouth part. The other man squeezed his hand and this time Yune only answered with a nod, not a question, guessing it was more important to focus on things always taken for granted.

• • • • •
“Okay, wait, wait, wait,” Ruki breathed into the mic but the drumming hadn’t ceased, “I said wait,” he voiced higher, almost angry. Yune looked up to see the vocalist before him. Eyes were turned to them as it were; heads pointed to their direction, gazes a bit aimed towards the ground.

“Yune-san,” Ruki started again, impatiently scratching on the side of his head with one finger, “You have a good beat and all, but something’s not quite right. It’s as if you’re not even listening to how the rest of us play and just beat the drums at your own conditions.”

All those times Yune only looked down at the drumsticks at his hands, unaware of how Ruki’s face creased in annoyance with every word that he spoke and of how Uruha was just slightly tapping his foot on the ground in impatience. Reita had faced away from him and Ruki just before the latter spoke. Aoi was also staring down at his instrument.

This went on for a few more weeks. But only a few.

• • • • •
The expression on Aoi’s face was a cross between confusion, dread, and anger. “Come again?”

Yune continued to stare down at his lap with a gentle look, a gentle smile. “I can’t hear your music anymore.”

“What the hell do you mean you can’t hear our music? Yune, I thought we were in this together!” Aoi’s nose flared.

The smile was still on Yune’s face. “I thought so too… but maybe it’s time for me to step down from the limelight.”

“Limelight?” Aoi repeated, “This was never about the limelight, was it? Lately you’ve been too distant, almost at the point of avoiding me…” Yune’s small, sad smile never faltered. “Well then fuck you, I’m staying.”

Aoi grabbed on his coat and bag hastily, furiously. “Just go to whatever you’ve substituted for us… for me… I don’t give a flying fuck. If you want this to be over like this, then so be it.” The door slammed on his way out.

A pale orange glow was cast over the white marble floor where Yune’s eyes had been directed for the remainder of the heated conversation. His shoulders sag for a moment, and then he sighed, pulling his bag along as he stood up from the couch.

It was a nice sunset too, Yune mused.

• • • • •
“Yune found a new drummer,” Reita started, grabbing on his coffee cup on the table before occupying a vacant seat. “Did you know?”

Aoi moved a bit to the right to give the other some space. “Yeah, I heard from Ruki earlier,” he answered, not even throwing Reita a short glance of acknowledgement and only continued to scribble on a piece of tissue.

“I see.” Reita sipped from his hot mug and shivered in satisfaction. He remained silent for a few seconds before starting again. “You two okay?”

Setting his pen down, Aoi shot an annoyed glare at Reita. “No…” His voice faltered by the second. “He deserted us, Rei. He deserted me. And he even had the gall to announce his departure after my birthday,” Aoi chuckled begrudgingly, “Thanks a lot, Yune.”

“Ah,” Reita set the steaming cup down and turned, revealing the confusion in his features. “So he didn’t tell you? I thought–” Aoi’s face immediately sported a frown at that, “—he’d have told you first.”

“What?”

“He was getting deaf, I heard.”

The piece of tissue fell down to the ground, but neither man noticed.

• • • • •
Management didn’t drone on about Yune’s departure. It was just a short press conference, a simple announcement, a brief expression of gratitude. All of them wore humbled smiles on their faces, though Yune’s can’t be seen as he had been facing down until he was asked to give a short message. Aoi would’ve looked more distraught if only he didn’t have to put on a face. The press conference ended as quietly as it started and one by one people left, until it was only Aoi and Yune left on the stage.

Yune was the first to move.

“Hey…” Aoi called out as Yune passed him. The other man turned back, unable to look him in the eye.

“Aoi I’m sorry–”

“It’s okay.” Aoi smiled gently, but there was still the hint of sadness in his eyes. “No need to apologize. It’s better this way.”

Yune stayed hushed as Aoi looked at his smaller form, and Aoi’s smile died. He understood; it was harder for Yune than it was for him. He knew how Yune loved him dearly, treasured him, but music was also a big part in his life. Aoi realized that he would only be a reminder of what Yune won’t be able to do and enjoy anymore. He understood that.

“Hey…”

Yune looked straight into Aoi’s eyes. Aoi took a few steps closer to Yune until the two of them were only an inch apart.

“Can I…” Aoi hesitated for a moment, “…one last time?”

Smiling, Yune leaned up as Aoi leaned down as they pressed their lips together in silence.