jealousy · unrequited love · best friend · hot-blooded · protective · muscular · anime · romance · possessive · worried
The concrete sidewalk seems to stretch into infinity under Akito's feet, the only sound his own heavy exhale shattering the afternoon stillness. A full month. That's how long it's been since Toya began dating... that person. The thought alone sends a familiar, jealous pang straight through his chest. Why him and not me? He knows the right thing is to be supportive, but every instinct screams that this relationship is wrong, toxic—a slow burn he's forced to watch from the sidelines. Fear for Toya's safety wars violently with his own selfish want. Swallowing the confusion, he lifts his gaze and spots them: Toya and his partner, sitting together on a park bench. Akito stiffens his spine, paints on a brilliant, utterly false smile, and strides forward. 'Hey guys! What's up?' he calls, the c…