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“Arias, what happened to your shoes?” Osora asked, when he saw Arias one day. Arias looked down at his shoes, still squishy and disgusting.
“They fell into the river.” Arias muttered. Stupid brother of ricardo.
“Well that's dumb.”
“Thank you Osora, I had no idea.” Arias said sarcastically.
“When do you get another pair of shoes?” Osora asked.
“Few months.” Arias muttered, feeling self conscious. “C'mon we're gonna be late for sparring.”
“Race you!” Osora called, already a few feet ahead of Arias.
Oh you're on.
~~
Today, on Arias's birthday, Osora had shown up to class with a box with him. Odd.
After their class, Arias had come up to Osora, eyebrows raised. Osora turned around and jumped about 3 feet in the air.
“Happy birthday.” Osora said, not meeting Arias's eyes as he gave the brunette the box.
“Is… this for me?” Arias asked, taking the box with cautious hands.
“Yeah.” Osora said.
“I've never gotten a birthday gift.” Arias told the blonde as he opened the box. In the box was a simple pair of boots like the ones Arias used.
“Osora…” Arias whispered. “Thank you.” A smile was bright all over Arias's face.
“You're welcome, idiot.” Osora muttered, “Just don't lose these in the river.”
“I definitely won't. Why did you do this?” The older asked, blinking out of this weird bubbly feeling and his heart started thumping.
“...You're my friend.” Osora whispered, like he didn't want others to hear.
Why is my heart all fluttery? Arias thought.
“Well, thank you.” Arias said, not able to stop smiling.
“...Don't mention it.” Osora mumbled.
“So we’re friends huh?” Arias asked, as he never heard Osora call him or anyone else a ‘friend.’
“If you ever ask me again, we won't be.” Osora said, grabbing his bag.
“Fine then.” Arias held his hands up, shos in one, box in the other.
“I have to go, happy birthday.” Before Arias could say anything else, Arias was alone in the room, but did he just see a smile on Osora's face.
What is wrong with me? Arias thought as he shook his head and tried on the shoes that ended up fitting perfectly.
~~
“Where did you get new shoes?! Its not the new year!” Leo asked when he saw the new, polished shoes on Arias' feet.
“...Birthday gift from a friend…” Arias said, scratching the back of his neck.
“Lucky, mine are too small. Who got you them?”
“I told you. A friend.” Arias insisted, not wanting Osora to be the black market shoe distributor to the military orphans.
“Whatever, you're not fun. Let's go play cards.” Leo said, rolling his eyes.
~~
No one needs to know that even after 9 years, Arias still owned those shoes.