How Could You? (Souyo)

Catch Me If You Can

Yu's POV:

"...I should get back in time for afternoon classes." Kanji stands up with a sigh. "You coming?"

I frown. "You don't have to go, you know."

"I can't let my mom down, dude," he shrugs. "I can't be another thing she has to worry about."

"But-"

"If you don't wanna come, that's fine. I'll just tell them you're ill."

"...I don't want to be alone," I whisper.

"...Senpai," he sighs.

I bury my face into my knees. "It's fine. Honest."

"Don't make me feel all guilty..." He grumbles, sitting back beside me on the riverbank.

"I'm sorry," I sigh. "I don't mean to."

"Come back with me, won't you?"

"...What will Yosuke say if he sees us together?" I mutter. "He'll just think that-"

"It doesn't matter what he thinks."

I shake my head. "Just go, Kanji."

"You can't avoid him forever."

"I just... need time."

"Just... Just talk to him," he pleads. "Just tell him that... well, that this is who you are."

"...I can't."

"Why not?" He frowns.

"Y-you know what his reaction was towards you..."

"You're different," he shrugs. "You're his best friend. His partner, Yu."

"And he still looked disgusted by me."

"The last thing you can do is pretend to be someone else for his sake," he mutters. "Your Shadow could be the next we face."

"That's ridiculous," I murmur.

"If he cuts ties with you, that's on him, okay?"

"Kanji-"

"You could have such a better life without him, you know."

"He is my entire reason for all of this," I say. "I... I can't do this without him."

"...Who knows," he sighs. "Maybe... Maybe he'll come to his senses. But, if he doesn't... Don't change for him."

I bite my bottom lip. "Mhm."

"I know you're nervous to come out and say it, but... I'll be right there for you."

I nod. "Thanks, Kanji."

"And, uh... What was the deal before?"

"Hm?" I ask.

"W-with Naoto... You were bein' all... friendly and stuff with him."

"Don't start," I grumble.

"But... Why'd you tell him to come hang with us?"

"Isn't it obvious? So you can spend time with him."

"B-but..."

"Why make us both miserable, huh?" I shrug.

"Th-thanks..."

"...Just don't mess it up with him, got it?"

"Got it, Senpai."

~~~

"You gonna finish that?"

"Hanamura-san..." I splutter, looking up. "What... what are you doing here?"