Mitsui was laying down on the grass, sucking on the weed he just pulled out of the ground. At that moment, his mind is filled with thoughts about Kogure. Actually, Kogure fills his mind most of the time nowadays and he wonders why. Lying down there he began to ponder, remembering the times he and Kogure had fun together with or without the team. Of course some of them are not fond memories at all, he reluctantly reminded himself of the first time he went to the gym as a gangster to bully Miyagi and Hanamichi.

~flashback~

Mitsui back-handed Kogure, sending the boy's glasses hitting the floor.
"Kogure!" the shocked juniors cried out, afraid of their gentle sempai's well-being. Mitsui expects to see fright or anger in the boy's eyes but when Kogure looked at him, the brown eyes were filled with sadness and determination.

~end flashback~

Mitsui: You are the bearer of unconditional things. You held your breath and the door for me.
Thanks for your patience.

Mitsui sighed, and lifted his arms to look at the hands that has hurt Kogure not once but four times.

~flashback~

Kogure picked himself up after that hard shove Mitsui has given him just a few moments ago. The long-haired boy was just getting his breath back after shouting out how stupid basketball and the team were and how foolish Kogure was when suddenly the spectacled boy grabbed Mitsui at the collar, stunning the MVP.

"So what you said about making Shohoku into one of the strongest team in Japan is just a lie?! Let me tell you what I think, Mitsui. You are a coward! A little problem comes along and you just run away!" cried Kogure.

~end flashback~

Mitsui: Your love is thick and it swallowed me whole. You're so much braver than I gave you credit for. I am aware now.

Mitsui was surprised that he didn't see sooner how Kogure have become an important part in his life. Everytime he has a problem Kogure would seem to know, without Mitsui himself realising that the problem is there in the first place. Any gentle touch or a simple smile from Kogure is all Mitsui needs to go on.

Mitsui: You treat me like I'm a princess. I'm not used to liking that. You asked how my day was.

It was during the game with Shoyo that Mitsui realises how dependant he has become on Kogure. He was leaning heavily against Kogure's frame as the boy helped him towards the area where the team sits, his head was filled with worries. He was tired, so tired.
What will coach Anzai say? I've failed him. Again.

Then he felt Kogure hold him tighter and he unconciously leaned more heavily onto Kogure as if all that he wants to do is hide in his friend's comforting embrace.
But, no, I'm not a coward, Kogure.

Mitsui: You're the best listener that I've ever met. You're my best friend - best friend with benefits.
What took me so long?

"Mitsui!"

Mitsui looked up to see his friend walk up to him with a cheerful smile on his face. Mitsui sat up and waited for his friend to reach him, enjoying watching the lithe form of his friend as he walked. Kogure sat on the grass beside him and touched Mitsui on the arm, sending small flutters of pleasure in Mitsui's body.

Kogure spoke, "So what do you want to see me about? Hey, wait a minute... have you eaten? You always forget to eat when we're near to a game coz you always get so nervous. Let's go somewhere and eat first. Nutrition is important for energy, Mitsui... "

Suddenly Mitsui pulled his friend down again before the boy could fully stand up, "Kogure, wait."

Puzzled Kogure sat back down and waited for Mitsui to speak.

Mitsui:I've never felt this healthy before. I've never wanted something rational. I am aware now.

Making up his mind, Mitsui leaned forward and held Kogure still by the neck with one hand, giving the surprised boy a kiss. When he released Kogure, the spectacled boy was shocked, looking at Mitsui with wide eyes.

"M-Mitsui..." Kogure said finally.
"What.. what does this mean?" he asked touching his fingers to his lips.

Mitsui: You've already won me over in spite of me. Don't be alarmed if I fall head over feet. Don't be surprised if I love you for all that you are. I couldn't help it, it's all your fault.

Mitsui took a deep breath and said slowly, "Kogure... I ... suki da."

"But why?" asked Kogure letting his hand fall down.

"Because you've always been there for me. Even when I have..." Mitsui felt his breath get stuck before he forced himself to continue, "hurt you. I need you. To be with me."

Kogure gave a soft smile, "I will always be with you as a friend, Mitsui. Don't you know that?"

"But I want you to be more than that!" protested Mitsui, "I... I want us to be more than friends."

Kogure asked quietly, "Are you... Are you sure?"

"Aa. I'm sure."

Kogure looked at him for a few seconds that Mitsui thought felt like hours. The scarred-face boy waited for the words that he knows will break his heart even if he was hoping for a miracle inside.

To his surprise, Kogure smiled again and Mitsui thought that it was the most beautiful smile he has ever seen on his friend. Then the no. 5 player leaned forward and embraced his friend.

"If you're sure then I'm way past sure. I love you, Mitsui Hisashi," whispered Kogure into Mitsui's ears. Mitsui felt his heart stop for a moment before it started beating again and it soared high when those words registered in his brain. Slowly he melted in Kogure's arms, holding the boy close as if he was the most precious treasure in the world. And he is.

Mitsui: I am aware now.

~The End~

The lyrics used in this fic is taken from Alanis Morissette's Head Over Feet from her album Jagged Little Pill.