Celebrating platonic attraction since 2025

November 28, 2025

Dear Rebecca,

It's been a long time since I last wrote you a letter. Maybe it's the transmission my father and I received back in 2013, but my family was intrigued. It turns out, I had already been suffering in my mind, and my mother was already trying to help me out.

My long-lost siblings and I reunited at our local coffee shop a few days ago, and one of them actually didn't know about it. An unexpected family emergency happened earlier that day and I was devastated. My brother was sick that day, and Jella didn't think about it until we went to the hospital. None of us thought it would ever happen.

But back to the Message. Comet Christensen has already passed Earth's atmosphere tonight, and I have seen it all with my own eyes as the gate opened, for as the great entrepreneur Eldon Mosk once said while building his starships and setting the course for Mars, "A frequency's perception depends on its intentions."

By now, you might have been aware of the phenomenon known as Kessler Syndrome, but if you aren't, it's basically the accumulation of space junk in the atmosphere which can make leaving this world behind dangerous for those in the starships. As for my religious research, I had already found several sources indicating my doubts. I told Dustin that if there really is a supreme, heavenly being up there watching us from above the stratosphere, he would have been able to manifest his powers and eliminate the breach between us and the stars in the universe, but he and Aston doubted it would happen.

But what if everything that was stated in the Christian Bible really happened?

That's the question I asked myself that minute.

Until next time.

Hey, Dustin!

Yeah?

What's this box doing here? It has no name on it.

I don't know. Maybe one of our fans sent it to us?

I think so.

Can we open it now?

Sure. Just take care of it, okay?

What do you think is inside, Ron?

Maybe a piece of art?

That could be a good guess.

Alright man. Let's open it and find out.

It's a drawing!

How nice.

I know, right? How nice of them!

There's a letter at the back. Let's read it.

Dear Dustin, Ron, and the rest of STARSET,

You have saved my life more than you could have ever known.

Maybe I'm being a little too cheesy here, but I mean it when I say it. Your music has connected with people like me in ways you never would've thought of.

I'll keep this short as I have to go.

Takeru effortless avoided his teammates.

When on the court, he moved like he was walking on air. Gliding across the ground, weaving around his teammates like they weren't even there. Light as air as he danced around all the bodies and hands trying to steal the ball from him.

Takeru never thought he would be this good at basketball, but he was.

He enjoyed it as well, it was why he played it when he bored before getting offered to join the high schools team. Now he was one of the best players the teams ever seen and the captain.

Takeru jumped up, dunking the ball within seconds of their little game starting.

Takeru dribbled the ball back to him, turning around to face his team with a smirk on his face. They were all panting, some of them impressed that Takeru managed to avoid them all again, and others annoyed he kept doing it.

"How are you so good, Takaishi!" One of them yelled.

Takeru shrugged, he didn't know why he was so good at basketball but he was. He didn’t even really play it when he was younger, only when he started middle school and now he's been in high school for a few years.

"That's the fifth time you've managed to score with all of us trying to stop you", another said. "And I was even going easy on you", Takeru teased.

That got him some groans and slaps on the shoulder, but he just laughed. He was feeling pretty tired, but he was going easy on his teammates.

They were good at basketball, but none of them were as good as Takeru. That's why he was captain of the team, and even popular for his ability to play the game and not just at Odaiba High.

"You're making us look bad", someone said. "At least the girls seem to like you, right, Takaishi?"

Takeru was tapped on the shoulder and a finger was pointed in front of his vision. Takeru followed the finger, seeing his teammate pointing at a group of girls by the bleachers.

They normally had practice outside, expect when it was cold or raining since they wouldn't be able to use the court wet. However, since today was a nice spring day, they had practice outside.

Which meant it was easy for people to gather and watch them even after school hours. They were watching them all practice, and Takeru couldn't deny the fact he felt their eyes on him the most.

Said group of girls seemed to notice that Takeru was looking at them, and they started yelling. "Takaishi!" "You did so good!" "You're the best player ever!" "So handsome!" =

Takeru gave them all a smile he hoped fooled them, waving at them before turning back to his team. "Takaishi, the lady's man~", one of his teammates said. Takeru rolled his eyes, pushing his teammate away as they devolved into conversation.

Their couch wasn't here anyway, leaving for a moment to grab something. That was why they all challenged Takeru, their couch would never allow them to do something like that.

Especially just to impress the ladies.

Takeru didn't really care about impressing them, however.

Takeru knew he was popular. His older brother was popular with his band before Takeru got to high school, so that helped him. Takeru was also good at basketball, the captain and MVP so that made him well known by most of the students at the school.

Takeru knew he looked good as well.

His golden blonde hair was unique and always got questions, but combined with his baby blue eyes he knew he was very pretty and handsome. All of these things got Takeru a lot of attention from students.

Takeru couldn't exactly deny the fact he liked the attention he got from being popular, but he wasn't trying to impress these ladies.

Takeru looked back at the bleachers, focusing on the corner where a boy with brown hair was.

Iori was just reading his book, not even really paying attention to the practice.

Takeru knew he was reading over some textbook, studying for an upcoming exam he had as a lower classman. Iori always came to read something during Takeru's practices, and Takeru always loved having Iori watch him. It may not seem like it, but Iori was paying attention.

Having Iori here always made Takeru practice better, and Iori's compliments were the best.

Takeru glanced back at the girls, who were still fawning over him. Takeru didn't care what they thought about him. Takeru might like the attention, but they were strangers. Iori was Takeru's best friend, and he wanted to impress him.

"Hey Iori!"

Everyone looked over at Takeru, including Iori who looked up from his book.

"Watch this!" Takeru yelled.

Takeru turned back to the hoop, dribbling the ball a little before shooting. It was a perfect basket, the ball not even hitting the net as it fell in. Takeru smiled, turning back to look at Iori to see if he saw.

Iori smiled a little, nodding before going back to reading.

Takeru felt pride build in his chest, not even looking at the group of girls.

- - -🏀-📖- - -

Practice ended soon after, and after grabbing his things Takeru immediately ran over to Iori.

"Did you see how many baskets I made?" Takeru asked Iori. Iori put his book back in his bag, "yes, I did". Iori put his bag on his back, standing up and off the bleachers.

"Though, I am not surprised by it", Iori said. Takeru laughed, some people might not see that as a compliment, but Takeru loved it.

"Hey, Takaishi!" Takeru turned to see the group of girls running over to him, their faces a light shade of pink as they stopped in front of him.

"That was some great playing", one of them said. "You're so much better than the other members", another said. Takeru tried to smile, "all of them are great", he said.

One of the girls waved Takeru off, "yeah, but it's clear why you're the best and the captain". She took a step closer to Takeru, "not only are you good at playing, but you are so handsome too". All of the girls seemed to agree with her, and Takeru just had to stand there as they continued talking.

He liked the compliments, but he wanted to walk home with Iori.

"How would you like to walk home with us?" The girls asked. Takeru shook his head, "I'm leaving with Iori". Takeru gestured to Iori, who had just been standing next to him watching the conversation.

Takeru could tell Iori was a bit nervous, so he wanted to end the conversation. While Takeru didn't know these girls, they seemed nice, but Takeru wanted to be with Iori.

Iori also seemed a little sad, so Takeru wanted to find what that was about.

"Come on, Iori", Takeru said. Iori nodded, following Takeru as they walked past the girls. "See you all later!" Takeru yelled back to them, and Iori also wished them a goodbye before they walked off. Takeru was talking about a next game, but Iori was just chiding Takeru for not taking more time to study.

The girls watched as Takeru walked away with Iori, starting to talk amongst themselves.

"Why does he always spend so much time with that lower classman?" "He doesn't even play sports, he seems kinda like a nerd".

"How Takeru could be friends with someone like him is beyond me".

- - -🏀-📖- - -

The next school day, Takeru found Iori at his locker.

"Iori!" He yelled, leaning against the locker next to Iori's. Iori shut his locker, looking up at Takeru. "Hello, Takeru", he greeted.

Takeru smiled, fixing his backpack that was hanging off one of his shoulders. "Are you going to come to my game today?" Takeru asked.

Today was the final game of the season, so the entire school was buzzing about it. Takeru was even wearing his basketball uniform instead of normal school uniform like the rest of the basketball team.

Iori was just wearing the normal school uniform like he always did, tie perfectly done and vest entirely buttoned compared to Takeru who never buttoned his shirt and rarely wore his tie.

Iori always chided Takeru for that, but he never broke school rules so Takeru never saw a problem with it. Takeru knew Iori would probably do the same once they got to class, lecture him about proper clothing, and Takeru wasn't entirely dreading it.

"Of course, Takeru", Iori said.

Iori turned to face Takeru, and Takeru leaned off the wall of lockers. Takeru smiled at Iori, happy that Iori was coming to cheer him on. Iori's eyes flicked down to Takeru's smile for a second, before looking him in the eyes again.

"Though, I do have an exam today so I might not be there early like I normally am". Takeru waved Iori off, "as long as your there, I'm happy". Iori smiled, looking at the wall to read one of the clocks on the all of the school.

"We should get going, class is going to start soon", Iori said. Takeru saluted Iori, moving to follow him down the hall when he felt someone put their arm around his shoulder.

"Takaishi! There you are!"

Takeru was forced to stop walking, Iori pausing a few steps in front of him to look back.

"Come on, all of us are going to hang out before the game!" His teammate yelled. It was the last class of the day before the game, but Takeru wasn't exactly looking to skip it.

It was a class he shared with Iori.

Since it wasn't a required class and any grade level could take it, hence why it was the one class Takeru had with Iori and not one of their other friends.

Takeru was looking forward to hanging out with Iori, and Takeru could tell Iori was looking forward to it as well.

"Ah, I would love to, but I have to get to class", Takeru said. He tried to get out of the grasp of his teammate, but another one appeared out of nowhere behind him.

"Come on Takaishi, leave this weird nerd behind and have fun for once!" They said.

Takeru's eyes went wide as he snapped his head over to his teammate, anger bubbling inside of him. He opened his mouth to say something, but Iori spoke before he could.

"You can go, Takeru, I will get the work for you", Iori said. Takeru looked back at Iori, frowning as Iori turned around. "See you later, Takeru", Iori said before walking away.

Takeru wanted to go after Iori, but he was held back by his teammates as they lead him somewhere else.

They were chatting about what they were doing, but Takeru wasn't really invested as all he could think about was Iori.

At least he was coming to the game, Takeru would see him than.

- - -🏀-📖- - -

During the entire game, Takeru kept his eyes on Iori.

His other friends where there as well, but he had seen them earlier in the day in their shared classes and at the before game party.

Hikari and Daisuke shared most of their classes with Takeru, and of course Miyako was going to be at the party. Hikari and Daisuke didn't go, so Takeru hasn't seen them in a few hours and he doesn't see Ken often because he goes to a different school but he couldn't find it in himself to care.

It wasn't like Takeru didn't love them, they were his friends after all.. They were one of the things Takeru loved more than anything, but Iori was the thing he loved more than anything.

Iori was there with them all, but he mostly read a book for the game.

Iori normally did that, but Takeru found Iori wouldn't even look up when a basket was made or cheer when Takeru got a basket.

Takeru didn't get many baskets, without Iori cheering him on he never played as good as he could.

Everyone seemed to notice it, but Takeru just brushed them off. He didn't care if his teammates were yelling at him or if the audience kept whispering. The girls weren't gushing over him and the guys weren't cheering for him, but Takeru couldn't care about them.

Takeru only cared about the opinions of the people he cared about. He cared about Iori, and he could tell Iori felt bad.

Takeru wanted to apologize to Iori for what happened early. He also wanted to murder his teammate for saying that in front of Iori, but he would just destroy them during the next practice as revenge.

Takeru just had to focus on the game, than he could go see Iori like he wanted too.

- - -🏀-📖- - -

After the game was over, Takeru couldn't find Iori.

He was surrounded by teammates as they won the game, which wasn't really a shock to anyone.

Takeru was named MVP again, even with Iori clouding him mind during the game. Takeru celebrated with his friends, ignoring anyone else that came up to him.

It was times like this where Takeru disliked how popular he was.

Even if he always flirted with people or seemed okay with it, sometimes Takeru did hate it.

He knew that these people were just in love with the version of Takeru that he showed them. The version that was a good student, captain of the basketball team, and good looking.

Even if all of those things were true, they were just the surface when it came to Takeru.

Maybe he could do a better job at not hiding behind a mask so much, but it was just habit after doing it for so long. Even if Takeru didn't hide himself, he doubted these people would actually be able to see that he was more than the fantasy they made up of him in his head.

Iori was never like that.

Iori saw parts of Takeru he hide from everyone else.

Just when Takeru thought he had perfected his mask, Iori came along and ripped it off him. He saw through Takeru's performance in a way that no one else, not even his other friends or family, could.

That's why Takeru was best friends with Iori.

It was why he loved Iori more than anyone he knew.

Even if people thought him, the captain of the basketball team and a handsome boy, shouldn't be hanging out with a lower classman who was odd and kinda nerdy.

Because Iori actually cared to learn more about who Takeru was inside, not the version he displayed to everyone else.

Takeru needed to find Iori, to apologize to him.

Takeru asked the others where Iori went, and they said he left as soon as the game was over. Takeru told them to head home without him, and he'd find Iori and bring up over so they could all celebrate together.

Takeru also managed to avoid getting dragged to an after party with all of his teammates and other classmates. He wasn't going to get pulled away from Iori by them again.

Takeru ran back into the school, the doors unlocked because of the game. Takeru already had an idea where Iori was, he knew where Iori went when he was upset.

Just like how Iori could tell when Takeru was hiding something, Takeru could do the same with Iori.

People might say his blank face and monotone voice made it hard to read him, but if you paid attention you could see Iori tended to wear his emotions on his face. That's how Takeru was able to tell Iori was disappointed when he left with his teammate and that he was sad.

That's why Takeru had to find Iori.

Takeru pushed the door to the library open. There was no one in here, not even a staff member, but Takeru knew Iori was in here. He always came here when he wanted to be alone.

Takeru laughed to himself, guess Iori was a bit of a nerd.

Nose always in a book, some of the best grades in the school, always studying for something and pushing Takeru to do the same. Takeru never minded, he found it kinda adorable.

Iori was also great at kendo, which took focus and dedication. The same focus and dedication Iori put towards school work that kinda made him a nerd.

Takeru walked further into the library, not even needing to think about wear he was going as he knew the exact spot Iori would be. They always went there together to study or just hang out, and Takeru always loved it.

Takeru found Iori pretty quickly, just sitting in the back of the library reading some book.

Iori didn't acknowledge Takeru as he pulled a chair out and sat down, but Takeru knew that Iori knew he was there. Takeru was unsure what to say, he could tell that Iori was upset but he wasn't entirely sure how to bring it up.

"You did good during the game, Takeru".

Takeru hummed, turning to look at Iori but he just flipped the page in his book. "Of course, you were there cheering me on", Takeru said.

Iori paused.

Takeru decided to continue to speaking, "I'm sorry about what my teammate said, he was out of line".

Takeru's fist clenched in his lap, already getting mad about it again even just thinking about what he said. Iori still didn't say anything, closing his book silently.

"What he said wasn't true, and I should have gone to class with you", Takeru apologized. Takeru would see if he could get his teammate to apologize as well, if not, he would just bench him the next game.

Iori closed his hands, placing his book down on the table in front of them.

"Why are you friends with me?"

Takeru blinked, he was a little caught off by that question.

Why would Iori ask that?

It was clear to Takeru why they were such good friends, but, Takeru couldn't deny he's felt his fair share of doubts when it came to their friendship.

They were so different, even to their friends that knew more about them than random classmates.

Takeru was a calm and cool-headed person, popular and good at basketball as well as a little flirty. Iori was more serious and stern, not nearly as popular as Takeru but smart if not also blunt. They were a year apart in grade level, but they also lived in the same apartment building.

They were like opposites, but, maybe that was why they were friends.

Even if Takeru was captain of the basketball team and Iori was a random nerd, they were best friends.

"Because you're my friend".

Iori looked over at Takeru, and Takeru made sure to look into Iori's emerald eyes. Takeru shifted in his seat, "you see me in a way others can't, or just don't try too".

Takeru looked away from Iori, staring the books that lined the sleeves. He was never good at admitting his feelings, not after hiding them for so long. Yet, Iori always managed to push Takeru.

Push him to heal and to be true to himself, something his teammates never did.

"Others might not see it, but you're special to me, you're my best friend", Takeru said. Takeru looked back at Iori, showing him a signature smile, "I love being your friend, Iori".

Iori's eyes went wide, and he looked back down at his book. Takeru wasn't sure this was over just yet, but he could tell Iori at least felt a little better so he was happy with that.

"Hmm, you are not wrong, I did notice you were off earlier today", Iori said. Takeru's eyes went wide, and he looked away from Iori. "And by your reaction, I am correct that something happened".

Takeru groaned, leaning back in his chair. "Why do you always do this?" Takeru asked, turning his head to look at Iori.

Iori pulled his book off the table, turning to smile at Takeru.

"Because I am your best friend", he said.

Takeru rolled his eyes, Iori could be plenty snarky if you actually paid attention to him. "I am guessing something with your family", Iori said as he stood up. Takeru sighed, "yeah", he saw no point in trying to lie to Iori.

"You need to talk to them, tell them how you feel", Iori said. Takeru followed Iori as he started to walk out of library. Takeru groaned, but he knew Iori was right.

It didn't mean that Takeru was going to listen to Iori, at least not right now when the burn was still fresh, but maybe he would. He knew Iori would continue to push him anyway, even as Takeru tried to hide it he would always see it.

"Don't you have some exam you should study for?" Takeru asked.

It seemed Takeru's plan to change the subject worked, as Iori's eyes went wide for a split second. "There is an exam coming up, but it is for the whole school, so you need to start studying as well", Iori said.

Takeru groaned again, plan failed.

"That was the last game, so there are only a few more practices so there will be plenty of time for you to study", Iori continued. Takeru sighed as he followed Iori, "do i have too?"

Iori turned back to look at Takeru, "yes, being smart is as important as sports".

Takeru blinked at Iori, before laughing. Iori raised his eye brows, turning to face Takeru as he laughed in the middle of the bookshelves. "Why are you laughing?" Iori asked. Takeru slowed his laughing to a giggle, walking closer to Iori.

"You know, he wasn't wrong when he called you a nerd".

Takeru valued Iori's friendship more than anything, and he loved the younger boy, but he was a bit of a nerd. Iori's eyes went wide again, but he shook his head as he turned around.

"I may be a nerd, but I think that makes you a jock".

Takeru's eyes went wide this time, blinking a bit. Takeru wanted to deny it, but he kinda was. Well, Takeru wouldn't say he was nearly as daft or foolish as your typically jock, but he was popular, good at sports, and good looking.

Maybe it wasn't the perfect description of Takeru, and nerd didn't entirely fit who Iori was either, but they were close enough.

Plus, they did have the same odd friendship that a jock and a nerd would have, at least to people on the outside. They might be a jock and a nerd, but that's why they were the best of friend. Takeru laughed again as he walked to stand next to Iori, putting his arm around the other boys shoulders.

Takeru smiled, "well, I guess that makes you the nerd to my jock. The classic opposites attract, but need each other to live. Like yin and yang".

Thomas!!! Where on earth are you?!

Oh, I'm so sorry, ma'am! I didn't see you there–

Hey. I need you to come with me.

For what?

I need your help with something important. For that, I'm gonna have to mod your BMI.

Wait, you're gonna do what to my BMI?!

I'm just going to put something in there.

Promise this won't hurt?

I promise, you won't feel a thing.

——— Mod Successfully Installed ———

Well, that was quick. And it didn't even hurt.

Told you it's quick and painless.

So, what do you even need me for? And what exactly are you trying to do?

You see that big building over there? That's where the New East holds their quarterly demonstrations. You need to get in there and wait until the demonstration is over. Only problem is that they're scanning everyone on the way in. Luckily, I hid it very well, so you should be safe.

But what if they supplicate me in there?!

Calm down. I got this.

Are you crazy?! We don't know if it'll work or not!

Whoa there. I know what I'm doing.

Okay, okay. Are you sure about that?

Of course I am.

Thank you!

Jacob Adolfus was running late to the orientation at his new school.

He got up from his bed, checked the time, and got dressed as fast as he can.

He looked for his keys and grabbed them before heading to his car and driving to Monarch University.

As soon as he entered the building, he couldn't remember where the orientation was being held, so he asked a few students for directions.

As he was trying to remember the way, he accidentally bumps into Tyler Stroud, and he happily accepts his help.