NOTE: Themes of possibly unstable mental health.

It’s been years since Makoto and Haru have been going out. They got together back in their last year of high school. Cliché as it sounds, Makoto was the one to declare his feelings for Haru during graduation day under the sakura blossom trees. Makoto remembers Haru’s response quite perfectly. Haru only spoke a sentence in reply, “Took you long enough” and shared their first kiss together, which Haru was the one that went for it. All Makoto responded with was an “EHHHHHHHH!?” Makoto was genuinely surprised, but extremely happy that Haru felt exactly the same. Shortly after graduating, they both moved in together in a relatively medium-sized apartment.

Well, that was in the recent past. Haru is now in his 3rd year of university, focusing on his swimming. And Makoto decided not to attend university. He went straight to helping out Coach and teaching younglings learn to swim. They both support each other financially, Makoto working at the swimming academy and Haru being endorsed and supported by his popularity and swimming abilities.

Even though, Haru isn’t the most socialable person, he meets so many people at University. And being quite popular for his swimming, everyone on campus knows his name. However, on the flip side, Makoto doesn’t get involved with too many new people, as he mainly focuses on work and home chores.

From these two and a half years of being together in a relationship…they both knew things have changed…especially in their relationship. There was a strain that started right after their first year together and eventually it kept getting stronger…for the worse… or better.

---

The sunlight shore through the open windows so bright on this fine afternoon day. The professor spoke his closing statement to end today’s class session. Then loud noises of students packing and talking roared throughout the large lecture hall. Haru always chose the seat nearest to the back window because it’s the seat that suggested less interaction with other students being furthest from the door. However, it never helped, knowing his high reputation. He was always swarmed with fans and admirers after his classes. He didn’t exactly hate whenever this happened, but it always posed as a bit troublesome… for him and… for Makoto.

Haru would usually talk with them for a few minutes and then excuse himself. His admirers would always try to encourage Haru to go hang out with them, even if it’s not for a long time. Haru rarely accepted any of their requests and would leave them behind as he left the lecture hall.

When he didn’t have any swimming related activities after classes, he would usually go straight home…to where Makoto always waited. And today was going to be one of those days, is what Haru thought.

Haru exited the building, prepared to walk home when someone loudly called out to him. Haru turned to face the direction of the voice. It was one of his senpais.

His senpai waved him over.

Hey Haru! I hope you recognize me, but I’m an assistance helper for one of your professors, as well as a sports article writer. And I was wondering if we could go somewhere and talk about you and your swimming career. It’d be really good for you with more media coverage on yourself! So, what do you say? Even though, I don’t think I’ll be taking no for an answer!

Haru was going to flat out deny the offer, but he suddenly remembered the words from his advising manager.Always accept any form of recognition to boost your stardom, kid! Haru knew that if he denied this offer, his manager would find out somehow and give him an earful, which he never enjoyed.

So, Haru just sighed and said Sure, I guess, as long as it’s quick.

~

The senpai picked the place. It was a cute, homey café just a few minutes of walking distance from the university. They sat down, had some coffee and treats, and chatted. As the senpai promised, the chat didn’t take too long, it lasted for about 30 minutes. Before the senpai left, he picked up Haru’s phone that sat on the table and added his own contact information.

I added my contact information in case I have any more questions to ask. And if you want to help yourself help me, we could both head up in both our careers! Thanks a bunch and see ya around! Oh, and don’t worry about the bill, it’s my treat!

And with that, he made his way to the cash register, waved at Haru one more time and left.

Sighing out of relief that that was finally over, Haru decided that he should probably head home to his waiting Makoto. But before he left the café, he looked into the display case of cake slices. He decided to purchase one to take home with him.

~

Rustling out his keys, Haru stuck the key in and opened the front door to his apartment.

I’m home.

And there he was. Makoto waited right in front of the doorway, sitting down, looking up at Haru with a cheery smile.

Welcome home.

Haru patted Makoto on the head and made his way into the apartment, closing the door right behind him. Haru went straight to the living room and put down his stuff on the floor and the table.

What took you so long?

Haru turned himself to face his boyfriend. Makoto no longer held that cheery smile across his face. His face was stern, frozen, and expressionless with blank, empty eyes.

It usually only takes you 20 minutes to walk home from your university, but it’s been exactly 1 hour. What were you doing without telling me, Haru?

Makoto’s eyes and face expression began to look a bit dangerous now, but it quickly snapped back to a normal, gentle expression when Haru held up a little triangular box.

I got you a slice of your favorite cake.

Now with a happy expression, Makoto grabbed two forks from the kitchen and came back so they could both enjoy it together. They sat down at the table in the living room and began to make small indents in the slice of cake.

Let me see your phone, Haru.

Knowing that request was coming, Haru already had his phone out on the table and slid it across towards Makoto. He picked it up and began to go through his phone. Seconds passed when Makoto cleared the silence to ask.

Who’s this senpai? Looks like it’s new contact information that I haven’t seen before. Is that what you did today? Hang out with this new friend that I don’t know about?

That dangerous expression once again washed over his face.

It’s not that important. He just wanted to ask me a few questions for one of the newer sport magazines. We only chatted for a bit and that’s all.

Makoto clicked delete.

Well, you don’t need anyone new in your life. You should let your advising manager handle all of that stuff. It’s not important for you to do that. You already know so many people and so many people know you! You’re getting popular more and more each day… everyone admires you…You’ll leave me one day. You keep growing, while I’m staying in one place. You’ll abandon me someday… maybe tomorrow, maybe next week… EverYone loVEs yOu buT I LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYONE CAN EVER!!!

Hysteria and deranged behavior POUR over from Makoto, seeming to bleed out in a death-bearing aura around his body.

HEY! STOP THAT!

Haru’s expression was firm and serious when he spoke.

Do you think that little of me? Do you think I’m so weak that I’ll be taken away? Do you think I don’t love you with all my heart?

Makoto, seeing and hearing the strong and unwavering tone of his boyfriend stopped his growing delusions.

No no! I’m so sorry! Of course I don’t think that little of you…NEVER! I trust you so much. Please, I’m sorry, I can’t help myself.

Haru quickly replies with I don’t fully forgive you, but you could make it up to me.

Haru grabs Makoto’s hand and pulls him up to his feet, leading them straight for the bedroom. Walking through the doorway they pass into the bedroom. Haru, still holding Makoto’s hand, turns around to look at his face. Makoto’s eyes are not fixated on him. They are fixated on the closet door to the left.

That closet. The things inside that closet. They make Makoto feel secure and safe. Those things in there are things to restrain Haru. Ropes…cuffs…gags… and other things that would make sure to keep Haru right where he wanted him. His focus was disappearing… probably even forgetting that Haru was right there in front of him.

Haru leans up towards Makoto’s face and gives him a short peck on the cheek, which makes him snap out of this delusion and turn to Haru. Haru then gave Makoto another kiss, this time a firm, passionate one on the lips.

Are you forgetting that I’m right here. In your arms and no one else’s. I’m real and so are you. This is us and will forever be. Don’t you ever forget that or I’ll get mad.

A gentle, concerned look appeared in Makoto’s eyes. I’m sorry. Makoto kisses Haru back on his soft, tender lips. His body slowly pushing Haru back until he falls with his back onto the bed. Makoto, taking off his shirt then climbs on top of Haru. But before he lowers himself down to kiss Haru more, he takes one more glance at the closet.