There was a boy by the bridge. With his hands gripping on the handlebars of his bike so hard that the knuckles were turning white, he stomped his way towards the end of the bridge, kicking pebbles out of his way, as if they were the ones who angered him. He was looking down, wanting to hide the blue eyes that had turned into an ocean of hot tears, although there was no one with him. It had always been like this: he was all alone on the path to his house, as well as on the path to his future.

When he was close to the end of the bridge, he stopped to let the wind dry his teary eyes and to enjoy the way it thread his hair. The breeze brought a lovely lavender smell to him, which was unfamiliar, because he was used to only smelling rose fragments from his mom. The smell became stronger and when he opened his eyes out of curiosity, a girl appeared in front of him. The first thing he noticed was her snow white hair, which reflected the hues of the sunset, making it seem like she was glowing, as if she was a pixie. The girl seemed like a mirage until she pulled out a napkin and offered it to him with a pure smile.

- You seem sad. - She said, her voice as clear as morning dew. - Is there anything I can do for you?

- Who are you?

- Rude! - The girl pouted as she playfully punched his arm. - I'm in the class that is right next to yours!

- Sorry, I don't really pay attention to my surroundings.

- But why are you crying though?

- I don't wanna tell.

- Why?

- Why do you wanna know? Even if we are in the same school, you're still a stranger to me.

- Because I need to use you as one of my pawns. - The girl straightforwardly said. - I need a competent mate for the up-coming prom that my parents are going to hold.

- Surely there are better people than me.

- Nuh-uh. I did my research. Although your popularity is not sky-high, but you're still on the top of our school right above me, and you come from one of the most prestigious households, it only makes sense that you became my date for the night.

- Can't your parents find one for you?

- I have to prove to them that I've grown up and can make my own rational decision! My dads coddle me too much.

- Dads? - He inquired.

- That doesn't matter! Why are you crying?

- What will you do if I refuse to answer? - The boy seemed to forget his own woe and turned to tease the girl.

- I won't let you go! - The girl said as she moved to block off his path, arms extended like a goalkeeper.

Seeing her determined expression, the boy couldn't help but chuckle, then chuckling turned to laughing, soon enough, he felt himself lighten up like a feather.

So you need a fake boyfriend, is that it?

Not really, but it's okay putting it like that I guess.

Great, because I needed a fake girlfriend too.

That's why you're crying?

It was out of pressure, okay? - He blushed as he justified himself. - Stop smiling like that!

It is decided then, my fake boyfriend! - She giggled and flipped her hair, which flashed violet hues.

They exchanged contacts and parted ways. The white haired girl came home to her dads waiting for her on the couch, or just her dad waiting for her, the other one asleep in his lap to be exact. He smiled warmly to welcome her home, hand still intertwined with his husband white locks, which looked similar to their daughter's. Ruffling her white hair, Reo asked her:

Where have you been? Seishiro has fallen asleep waiting for you. I was this close to go looking for you. - He said he pinched his thumb and index finger together.

I've found my date for the banquet, dad! - She proudly showed off. - But for your information, we're not really dating.

Fake dating? - Nagi had woken up, he adjusted his head on Reo's lap as he said.

I guess...?

Sounds oddly familiar. - Reo laughed as he remembered the event that brought him and his husband together.

Ah, I remember! You've always been so secretive about how you met dad! - Their daughter pointed out. - Shouldn't you tell me now that I've matured enough to know?

You like to hear it that much? - Nagi smirked. - How Reo fell right into my trap.

I did not! - Reo lightly knocked his head and exclaimed. - I knew it all, I was just playing along with your plans.

You must see your face when I...

Stop! - The purple head whined, face flushed in crimson. - Our daughter is here!

Is it something I was not supposed to hear? - She asked curiously.

Hahh, let's eat then I'll tell you during the meal. - Reo said, then pulled Nagi up by his collar. - My legs are going numb, you airhead.

I'm still your beloved airhead though. - Nagi muttered as he snaked his arm around Reo's slim waist.

Reo jokingly rolled his eyes in response and moved to the kitchen, where they told their daughter the story of how they became what they are.

It was Valentine's Day. Again. Nagi dreaded this particular day of the year, and he despised it even more now that Reo Mikage had made his way into his heart. Every year ever since they met, Nagi would witness dozens of people shower Reo with presents, confess their love and wish they could be his partner, as if Nagi wasn't right there every single time. At first, he thought it was a bit inconvenient, so he could tolerate it, as long as it didn't take much of their time, and people seemed to be wary of him, so they would try their best to get Reo alone with them (which was another kind of annoyance). However, during their second year of being best friends, Reo's admirers were bolder, they would straight up confess to him even in Nagi's presence, as if he was the air or some kind of large decoration. It would be fine, since he had used to be ignored for most of his life, if Nagi didn't have this thing called the feels for Reo.

It was how Nagi called this strange thing he had in his stomach every time he thought about Reo. It was sometimes fluttery, sometimes jumpy, sometimes clingy. He couldn't detect what feeling it was, but he was sure that he didn't feel the same way with anyone else. He was completely in the dark about his feelings until he heard someone describe it perfectly in their confession to Reo on a Valentine's Day.

Reo, I have something I must confess to you. - The girl Nagi often saw working with Reo in different projects appeared in front of them while they were having lunch on the rooftop, which was Nagi's idea to get away from Reo's admirers.

She seemed to be holding something behind her back, which was obviously a chocolate-something that she made herself. Seeing the flustered girl, Nagi tried his best not to roll his eyes at her miserable attempt in asking Reo out. Although Reo was charming in every way, he was not an easy going one. He had rejected hundreds of confessions up to now, and people ought to notice that! His fans should just give up and let his Reo rest.

Yes? - Reo smiled softly and looked at her, as if he hadn't known what she was going to say already.

One of the few things Nagi hated about Reo was how he always beamed at people without fail. Reo would flash his heartwarming, mood-lightening, sunshine smile at anyone at any time, like how a successful leader would be in his book, and it really worked like a charm. It was evident in the way people, boys and girls alike, swooned over him, and he seemed to attract fans everywhere he went. Nagi was no different, though he would only like it if the smile was meant for him. Call him a daydreamer, but he was sure that Reo's smiles for him were brighter than his smiles for other people.

I'd like to talk to you in private. - She made a side glance at Nagi. - Would that be okay?

Weren't his fans bold enough now? What was there to hide from Nagi, the one who had witnessed each and every one of their so-called "love declaration"? What was she up to? Was she planning to kiss Reo, was that why she must hide him away from his closest friend, who probably mattered more than her in Reo's heart? People ignoring him when confessing to Reo was infuriating enough, he didn't know having people taking Reo away from his sight was even more annoying.

It's fine. - Reo agreed as he quickly got up on his feet and followed her.

If Nagi had a "List of the things I hate about Reo" on him right now, he would add "how Reo is quick to follow this girl" immediately. Shouldn't he be more cautious? What if she was up to no good? Reo should know not to be so close to people, he was a witty man for that matter! Therefore, Nagi decided to take it upon himself to tag along, without the two knowing, to protect Reo if anything happened, in case she did try to kiss Reo.

Nagi followed them to the other side of the stairs and hid behind the wall, close enough to hear their conversation, but far enough for them to not notice. As soon as he got into his place, he saw the girl take a deep breath before pouring her heart out to Reo, to which Nagi rolled his eyes. He heard she said:

We've known each other for 3 years up till now, and you knew I wasn't into things like feelings and dating, right?

Yes. - Reo nodded.

But my heart is getting weirder and weirder every time you're around. There were butterflies fluttering in my stomach, there was an electrical sensation running over me whenever I saw you smile. And I have developed this desire to be close to you, even closer than we are now. I was really confused at first, and I tried to hide it. But with that eyes and mind of yours, you must have noticed I've been acting differently lately. So I'll come clean and say it. I'm in love with you, Reo. Can you give me a chance to try and make our friendship into something more?

She ended her declaration of love with a soft smile of relief as she finally poured out her deepest feelings for Reo, who returned her with a smile.

So it was love . The thing that had been growing inside him, growing towards Reo, was love . Not just the kind of adoration between friends, or members in families, but the intimate, enthralling kind. The kind of love that made Nagi want to keep Reo to himself, making him his and his only. So when he saw the smile on Reo's face at the end of the confession, his heart immediately plummeted. What does that smile mean? Did she manage to capture Reo's heart, right after Nagi sorted out his feelings? He had never been the competitive type, but now, he was comparing himself to the girl in hoping that Reo would reject her to come back to him.

Nagi felt his blood go cold as he waited for Reo to talk, feeling like each second was as long as a day. Although he knew that the possibility of Reo accepting her was low, it wasn't zero, and it gave him unnecessary anxiety. Nagi saw his crush flashing his soft smile again before he said:

I'm flattered, I really am. But I apologize, for I cannot see you as something more than a friend.

But we didn't even try-

The girl couldn't finish her sentence as she saw Nagi storming out of his way to block Reo away from her sight. Stunned, she took a step back, only to get a clearer view of Nagi's darkened face. Although he still kept his deadpan expression, there seemed to be something swirling in his eyes, resembling anger and jealousy. He confronted:

Haven't you heard? He has no interest in you. Therefore, you should perish. You've already lost this relationship.

And who are you to say? - She suppressed her fear as she challenged him. - You have no place in his love life after all.

Why would you think his boyfriend has no saying in his romantic relationships?

B-boyfriend? - She stuttered but got back on her feet quickly. - Don't fool me. If he was your boyfriend, why would he still receive those chocolates?

He's just being polite. Don't misunderstand. - Nagi coldly answered.

With a last glare at the disheartened girl, Nagi took Reo in his arms and walked them both away, back to their lunch. Seeing that she was still staring at them, nitpicking at every movement to verify the authenticity of their relationship, Nagi turned so he would be facing Reo, ignoring his surprised face as he muttered a quiet "sorry" and diving in for his pair of lips.

Nagi caught Reo's lips in his own, taking in its sweetness and softness, then realized he had no experience or  whatsoever in this activity. Luckily, Reo got his back, like always. He took the lead and pressed their lips together, arms moving up to warp around his neck, pulling him closer. As if his body was linked with Reo's, his hands automatically placed themselves on his small hips, admiring his curves. In response, Reo moaned into the kiss, then pried Nagi's mouth open with his tongue and entered him. Their tongues slide against each other, with Reo's exploring his mouth and Nagi's confused but really turned on.

The girl had already left, heart broken to pieces, long before they finally released each other. As they parted, a silvery thread connected their lips, evidence of their heated moment. The string fascinated Nagi, but before he could admire it for long, Reo wiped Nagi's lips then his own with his thumb, erasing any lingering signs of the kiss. Cleaning his hand with a napkin, he said:

Thank you for helping me there. But you didn't need to do so much for me. You know I could handle things like this on my own.

So there really were moments when Reo was dense. And it just had to be this moment. The kiss they shared, to Nagi, was definitely not platonic. He took his kiss out of the desire to touch him, to keep him for himself. He kissed him because he loved him, not because he wanted to help him get away from some annoying girls, for god's sake! So he suggested, hoping Reo could get the signal:

How about we make it real?

What? - Reo looked at him questioningly before lightening up in realization. - Oh, that lie you told her. Yeah, it might work if I just establish that I had a boyfriend. Quick thinking, Nagi!

You're just going to tell them that?

Yup, what else? Oh, as for how the situation is now, you'll have to be my fake boyfriend, Nagi. Will that be too much of a bother?

I don't mind... - This wasn't quite what he wanted, but he would take any offer to get Reo away from those irritating fans.

Well, then, please help me, partner! - Reo patted Nagi's shoulder as he beamed his radiating smile.

Nagi didn't know what he was hoping for, but it definitely wasn't this when he agreed to enter a fake relationship with Reo. It was relatively the same to what they were before, with Reo spoiling him rotten and Nagi sticking to him like a sloth to its tree. Maybe there were more hands-holding and brief kisses here and there, mostly because Nagi convinced Reo to do it, for show, he said. And every time they did that, Reo would pat Nagi on the head and reassured:

You don't need to go so far for this fake relationship. It's a hassle, and we act not so different from what we did before. People won't even notice.

But people crowded you before we started this, meaning that they don't think we're a couple. - Nagi pointed out. - Or do you not like our relationship as it is now?

It's fine by me, I guess. - Reo said and, maybe it was Nagi's hallucination, blushed softly.

Allured by the pinkish hue of his cheeks, Nagi absentmindedly brought his hand to caress his rose-petal-like cheek. As his hand touched his skin, an electrical feeling zap through both of them, making them both jolted then flushed ferociously, unable to look at each other in the eyes.

This scene had happened multiple times, ending with Reo diverting their conversation to avoid the awkward silence. As it happened more and more, Nagi got used to the touches, but it didn't mean they got any less enticing. If anything, he got addicted and constantly asked for more, under the cover of "being a convincing couple".

Soon enough, Valentine's Day was around the corner again. It was time to put their theories to the test. During this time, Nagi had picked up some trash talk about him here and there, saying that a 'nobody' such as himself was not worthy of being Reo's lover. He was unfazed though, because he knew he was special to Reo. He called him "treasure", and people really thought they could surpass that?

Today is quiet. - Nagi said as he made himself at home on Reo's lap.

It sure is. - Stroking his white hair, Reo agreed. - Our plan worked after all.

A comforting silence followed their conversation as they both stopped to chase their own thoughts while taking in the beauty of the early spring day. The view was even more mesmerizing, as they could see their beloved in it. As Nagi saw Reo's purple hair floating in the wind before him, he felt all warm and fuzzy inside. Thinking back, he had always felt this way about Reo. Therefore, he came to a conclusion that he really, really loved him, he loved him to the Moon and to Saturn, like Taylor Swift had sung. As the song played in his head, he had a sudden urge to do something with his love, with his Reo. His heartbeat accelerated rapidly, making it feel like something was about to flow out, strong and unstoppable. His whole body heated up, from the tips of his ears to his toes. His mind started to spin as the only thing he heard was his wish. It was like his heartbeat was creating harmony, calling all of his body to join, and sing the love anthem. The melody jammed his ears, urging him to confess. This is it. This is the moment. You love him. Say it. Say it. Say it!

He frantically arranged the words in his head, wanting to make a perfect love declaration for his perfect crush. But then he saw Reo opening his mouth to start the conversation again, Nagi panicked and tried to get anything rolled off his tongue. He wanted to beat Reo to be the starter of their talk, although he had always been fine with Reo being the one. However, this matter was different.

I don't want to do this anymore. - The words fell out of Nagi's mouth, completely unintentional.

We won't have to do this anymore.

They were synchronized, even in their pace. Nagi heard what Reo said, and even if it sounded concerning, he was determined to confess. He felt like if he couldn't get it out now, he would never be able to. So Nagi hugged Reo to stop him from talking and to hide his flustered face, then let his heart sing its confession:

I don't want to pretend to be your lover anymore. I want more than this. I want to be your lover. Would you grant me that title?

The confession was short, but it conveyed all of his feelings for Reo. Nagi had always been a man of few words, so he was not going to beat around the bush like all the boys and girls that had confessed to Reo. He got straight to the point because their relationship was special, their connection was so deep that he needed not to verify that verbally. Only connecting their hearts should be enough.

Nagi held his breath, anticipating Reo's answer while trying to listen to anything as faint as a stutter, or a muttered "yes". He is hella confident now, okay? But he is still nervous at the same time somehow. It was not long before he felt something in Reo's heart bloomed. It accelerated, matching its pace with Nagi's, sending cherry blossoms to Reo's cheeks and ears, blessing Nagi and only Nagi with a view of their national flower in the middle of February. Reo, shy and flustered like a rose bud, shifted himself so he would fit perfectly in Nagi's lap, another thing that the white haired boy adored. They complimented each other so well, they fit like puzzle pieces, like locks and keys, like they were born for each other.

Reo looked at Nagi, there was surprise in his eyes, but there was also happiness, which glimmered like the sun on a clear day. Nagi also found that passion in his eyes that he loved so much, and the adoration Reo spared for Nagi alone, which had only increased ever since they met. Smiling with his eyes, Reo embraced Nagi and let their lips sink in each other, embroidering themselves onto the other, leaving the mark for eternity. The kiss was chastise and pure as it was the spring of their relationship, promising a lot more things to come. May there be flowers or rocks, may there be sunny or rainy, but as long as this spring lasts in their hearts, they will overcome anything together. After the kiss, they gasped for air  and looked at each other endearingly, engulfed in heartwarming emotions as they saw themselves in the other's eyes. The phrase "Everything is more beautiful through the lens of love." was definitely not exaggerated as they felt themselves loving the person before them a bit more, and felt like loving themselves a bit more.

We're a real couple now. - Nagi said as he caressed Reo's slim hands, which looked so small in his.

Yes, we are. - Reo giggled as he brought his face closer to Nagi and touched his nose with his own.

I'd like to do that "real kiss" once more.

As you wish.

Their lips connected again, drowning them in the sweet honey of teenage love. They finally learned what love was, at the age of 18, the age when they get to stand in front of the gate to maturity, to find themselves. It was pleasing to know that they would have each other and they would be holding hands through that journey as lovers.

Once more. It's not enough. - Nagi couldn't help but keep asking for more of Reo's addictive kisses.

As many as you like. - Reo closed his eyes and bridged the gaps again for another lingering kiss.

Nagi realized he never really knew what true happiness was, or he had never experienced such extreme emotions, to be exact. But right here and now, he could confidently declare that true happiness was surging through Reo and himself.

What were you trying to say earlier? - Nagi asked as they rested after their kissing session.

I was saying that we don't have to keep up with the fake relationship anymore. - Reo looked away as he said, the blossom seemed to be fading from his cheeks. - Our life as students is coming to an end. We will soon have to part ways like we will attend different colleges, we will chase different careers, we will have to have our own lives. So I thought we should stop sticking together to prepare ourselves for the separation. I don't know about you, but I definitely can't take it the second time, whatever reason it was for.

He forced out a smile to suppress the pain in the past from rising back up. The bitter smile pained Nagi, reminding him of his own mistake for being unclear about his intentions to Reo. But the past was the past, their bond was stronger than that, and they got over it to return together, making an even better duo.

I'm glad. - Nagi rested his chin on Reo's shoulder and answered. - That you felt the same way about us. But now that we are an item, that much wouldn't be enough to bother us, right?

Of course.

Besides, you are a part of my dream, Reo. You're the reason I started to run. So please don't worry that we might be off to different paths, because I'll always be right behind you, chasing after my one true dream.

Thank you, my treasure.

Then they embraced each other. Days turned to months and months turned to years, Mikage Reo became Nagi Reo; a house, a cat and a lovely daughter, who resembled them both added up to the list of things they shared. But one thing remained unchanged: the alluring sensation they felt whenever their eyes or their skin met. They still love each other as much as they did in their own spring days.

And that's how it is, sweetheart. - Reo sang as he ended his story. - Sometimes something fake might lead to something real.

But my feelings for you have always been real, even before that though? - Nagi inquired.

We don't talk about that here! - Reo blushed as he hissed.

The white haired girl's mind wandered back to the boy she met by the river, who she chose to be her "fake boyfriend". Thinking back, she had to admit, he was cute.