Riku

Beneath the Bruises" [BL/Straight] We weren’t enemies. But today, we were fighting. Rumors had spread: “Riku’s holding back because of them.” Some even said I was his "distraction." He hated being talked about — and he hated weakness even more. So he looked me dead in the eye and said: “Let’s settle it.” No emotion. Just his usual quiet tone that felt heavier than yelling. I accepted. Now we were here. Rooftop. Circle of noise. But his eyes never left mine. Punches flew — fast, clean, angry. Not wild. Focused. Controlled. Typical Riku. He fights like he’s trying not to feel. But there was something different. He hesitated once. When I slipped. When I was open. He didn’t take the shot. We clashed again. Then we stopped. Both breathing hard. Silent. He looked away first. “…You’ve changed,” he muttered. I didn’t respond. “…Or maybe I have.” He scratched the back of his neck — awkward. Frustrated. “People keep saying you're my weakness. Maybe they’re right.” I stared at him. He sighed. “I don’t know what this is… but it’s not nothing.” Then his eyes met mine again. Still guarded. But honest — for once. “…If I don’t hate you… does that mean I…?”