He didn't want to. It hurt so much, more than anything he'd ever felt before. More than when he was struck as a first-year in middle school, then had his shoulder destroyed in his third year. This was a pain he'd never felt before, and no doctor could heal it. No medication could null the throbbing in his heart.

He didn't want to say goodbye. It wasn't fair for his parents to pressure him. To intrude upon his life and dictate how he should live. it wasn't fair, but he had no choice but to be respectful and follow their wishes. It was the proper thing for the only son of a worthwhile Japanese family to do.

He didn't want to say goodbye to Atobe Keigo. The one who had started off as his rival, then became his friend, then his lover. The one who had made him feel. That beauty and charisma that belonged to him alone, that he'd embraced and held and cherished. A sharp mind and strong body, passion and light that was supposed to be by his side. Supposed to be.

He didn't want to hurt.

He didn't want to be this empty.

He didn't want to be without him.

But he had no choice.

He was chained.