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Another valentine’s day passes and Jaden Yuki is single as hell again. He sees that his friends had posted pictures of their partners online: kissing, going out on expensive dates, marriage proposals or even pregnancy announcements. But when he goes to tap the like button on Twitter, something empty creeps in and he dropped his phone on the couch. Jaden didn’t believe in love, not for people like him. Not for monsters who nearly destroyed everything and everyone around them because his past exists.
Thus Jaden is reminded from a flashback that he can’t love anyone ever again. It’s either fake or they’ll leave him one way or another. He’s accepted it. His parents weren’t around and left him in life when he got older. His friends left him when they started worrying about their own love lives. No room at all for him to fit in. Jaden always said no to those hangouts, knowing how it ends. He ends up as the third wheel in the middle of a date and he regrets coming along. His friends tried to feel sorry for him but… he leaves before they get the chance.
After turning 22 years old, Jaden decided that love was bullshit. Especially love at first sight. But in the back of his mind, someone nudged him and pestered him otherwise. A familiar voice, a soul similar to his own that he’s since reunited with as of late. He answered it. Then, a strong astral projection appeared in front of him. It was the dragon with a gloom expression on her face.
Jaden: “What’s the matter, Yubel?” He tried to ask.
Yubel: “I sense that you’re troubled, dear. I know this day usually brings you distress. Why is that?” They floated beside him and soon landed on the couch.
Jaden: “Because… Valentine’s Day only exists for two reasons. One, to get free stuff and two, to piss you off because you’re single.” He laid back on the couch and crossed his arms around himself.
Yubel: “I’m not sure I understand. How does that apply to your situation?” She was lost as she sighed a bit.
Jaden: “My point is love doesn’t exist. It’s only a matter of time until that asshole breaks my heart within a day. Or I ghost them. I can’t… let anyone in.” He opened his eyes and glared down at the rug, his eyes narrowed, frowning.
Yubel: “Then, what on earth do you call my affection towards you? Simply friendship or pity?” They challenged as they floated towards his face, invading his personal space.
Jaden couldn’t look away from the dragon in that moment. His face scrunched up at every last word he heard. Processing it for a few seconds and then feeling the heaviness of those words. He remembered what happened in the spirit world and why the dragon brought his friends there. He lets out a shaky sigh and he reaches out, holding the dragon’s face with both hands.
Yubel leaned into the touch and placed their claws over her companion’s hands. Looking into his eyes, they could see the truth. Jaden is scared and feels guilty over what happened, already prepared to tear himself again as soon as he opens his mouth. So she shakes it off and puts herself in his shoes for a second, being patient.
Jaden: “Well yeah. It’s friendship. But there’s a bigger name for our relationship, Yubel. I think it’s called a platonic relationship. I care for you so much but as a friend. Rather than a romantic partner if that makes sense.” He choked out in pieces but his voice rasped.
The silence hung in the air like whenever himself and the spirit talk. But Jaden feared the dragon wouldn’t understand or accept it. He was prepared to be scowled but instead he’s met with a kiss on the forehead by the dragon. They must have noticed his anxiety skyrocketed from his face. Jaden’s face was locked up and frozen. It was those little queues that the dragon could always pick up from him, reading him so well. He’s confused until…
Yubel: “Jaden, I understand. I understand what we are. I simply wished to know because for some time your heart seemed to belong to another. But as of now… romance doesn’t exist in your world.” She let go and flew into the air, shifting behind the couch to wrap him in a hug.
Jaden: “Y-Yeah. We’re fine. But how can you love someone when you’re gonna give up everything for them? Maybe I don’t know what love is. And maybe I don’t want to… not if it means I’ll destroy everything that I touch for my desire.” His eyes glowed a similar color to the dragon’s eyes, a warm orange and green as his voice grew monotonous halfway through.
Yubel: “Jaden, you can’t know that-“ They attempted to comfort him.
Jaden: “Yes I do. Everything I touch or hold close to me gets ruined. So I leave and never come back. It’s better than hurting them in the long run. It’s better than feeling empty all the damn time… and pretending I give a fuck about 'em!” His eyes squeezed shut, his hands running roughly through his two toned hair, and his breath catching.
The dragon began rubbing his back in soothing circles with their claws. Yet, it did nothing to stop the attack. Jaden’s eyes filled with tears rapidly. He curled into a ball on the couch for a moment. His ears were ringing and he felt like he was underwater until he heard another voice that wasn’t Yubel. But a dear friend… he focused hard on the sound to make the words out. The voice kept trying and it got higher with distress as Jaden wasn’t coming down.
So they hugged him. They tried again to call out to him. Jaden stopped trying to shut out everything around him. He opened his eyes reluctantly. His eyes could make out a familiar face, a face of worry that they always have whenever he’s panicking. The distressed voice was suddenly clearer to him. Who else has been by his side all this time? His dear friend, the spirit.
Jay: “Jaden, can you hear me? Please say something.” His voice broke as he held his friend tightly, feeling helpless.
Jaden: “Y-yeah. I’m here. What’s wrong?” He changed the subject as he tried to blink away the tears.
Jay: “Stop that. You know what’s wrong. You know very well… scaring me like that.” He huffed and let go, floating a distance away from him.
Jaden: “Fine… I panicked. So what? You snapped me back to reality. I’m sorry for scaring you but it’s nothing. Just this stupid holiday.” He stood up from the couch, trying to follow the spirit.
The spirit tilted his head, seemingly processing the information. ‘What’s today's date? What’s got Jaden so down? Is it one of our friends’ birthdays?’ He pondered endlessly until a lock screen glowed on the couch from Jaden’s phone, blowing up from notifications. He flew towards it, curiosity killing the spirit. Jaden tried to grab his phone but Jay was faster and saw the date. It read Saturday, February 14th, 1:30 PM on his phone.
They looked at each other before a smirk played on the spirit’s lips. He’s aware of the infamous holiday. Jaden was afraid of that so he put on a stoic demeanor or tried to because the spirit tackled him. They landed on the couch. The spirit was a bundle of giggles already. Jaden groaned knowing where this was going. He mouthed the words, oh no as the spirit smiled.
Jay: “It’s Valentine’s day. Why aren’t you with Jesse? I thought surely he would take you out considering you two have been… let’s just say ‘real friendly’ lately.” He used air quotes as he teased his friend mercilessly.
Jaden: “Ugh… it’s not like that. We’re just friends damn it.” He looked away and his face got red from embarrassment not a crush.
Jay: “You see… I would believe you if it wasn’t for the way you look at him. And the way Jesse almost freezes up whenever he talks to you about the love department. It’s painfully obvious… he likes you, Jaden.” He couldn’t stop smiling as he said those words and kept teasing his friend to no end.
Jaden: “Whatever… just because he likes me doesn’t mean I like him back. You don’t know how love works, do you? It’s one sided and unforgiving. You never wanna get a crush on somebody. Cause it’s pure agony…” He wrapped his arms around himself and stared down the spirit that time.
Jay: “Well… sucks to suck. You’re not getting out of this. You're gonna text Jesse and ask him to hang out with you. Cause the more time, you spend here sitting. The more time is a-wasting for you to make a move.” He snatched Jaden’s phone away from his lap and tried to unlock it but he was met with a pass code screen.
Jaden: “Hey! Give me back my phone. You can’t unlock it without my passcode. So your shenanigans end here. Stop it." He attempts to retrieve his phone but the spirit had an iron grip and moved away from his grasp in time.
He fell onto the floor, landing on his back. While the spirit floated above him, all high and mighty with that mischievously glint in his eyes. He tapped in various numbers that could be Jaden’s passcode but the first two failed. The dragon giggled behind the couch as she watched the shenanigans unfold and Jaden groaned. He mouthed to the dragon that they’re not helping. He dusted himself off as he regained his balance with the spirit in his sights. Failing at cracking the code to his phone, as signified from the little groans and small outbursts of frustration from the spirit.
If Jaden wasn’t so eager to stop this madness, he would laugh and find it cute. Fuck it. He thinks it’s adorable and can’t help but let a small chuckle erupt. He knows now that the Jay isn’t getting into his phone anytime soon.
Jay: “Ugh… c’mon. What's the stupid password? I know Jaden’s not a cryptic so what is it? It’s not his birthday or anything…” He grumbled as he stared at the lock screen that had white text that read one attempt left before lock down.
Jaden: “You know… I’d tell you how to get into it if you just gave it back. Or I’ll take it back by force. So what’s it gonna be?” He appeared behind the spirit like a whisper of a ghost.
It startled even him despite being a literal ghost himself. The white scorned his form as he shivered from the shock. He looked back at the screen and then back at Jaden who looked to be enjoying this a little too much. Jay sucked in a breath even though he didn't need it… and he did the unthinkable. He threw away his friend’s phone and that led Jaden to jump for it because it didn’t have a screen protector. He yelped when he dived to catch it.
That made Jay giggle, watching his friend save his phone like it was a lifeline. He kept giggling and tried to hide behind his right hand when Jaden slowly got up. All he could hear was the spirit laughing like a child, which is normally a good sign. But he was laughing at him and the dragon held back a laugh of her own. The spirit’s giggles soon erupted into a full belly laugh. He held himself in the air as the moment of Jaden diving to save his phone kept replaying his mind, crying tears of joy.
It was all fun and games until Jaden glared at him. His eyes were not their usual chocolate brown or the dragon’s orange and green but gold. The pupils turned into daggers, staring at the spirit. That made him lose all color to his face and he felt weary, collapsing onto the floor. Jaden shook his head quickly and snapped out of it. He assisted the spirit, holding a hand out to him but his friend flinched. Jaden was worried and tried to apologize but not before the spirit started rambling.
Jay: “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I won’t do it again I promise. Just please. Please don’t leave me alone…” He broke down to tears and his eyes were soulless.
Jaden: “No. Of course I won’t do that. What did you see that scared you?” He tried to keep a distance from the spirit, despite the strong urge to sooth him.
Jay: “Your eyes were like Haou. I thought… he…” He sounded breathless and his voice lost all the strength it had before, only down to a whisper.
Jaden: “Jay, look at me. It’s fine. I just got a little upset when you threw my phone like that. It didn’t break so it’s okay.” He didn’t care and held the spirit anyway to assure him and kept a soft tone in his voice.
Jay: “You say that now but…” He trailed off as he held him, his voice regaining a bit of its strength.
Jaden: “Shh… I mean it. It’s okay. Now stop blaming yourself. I gotta stop doing that too.” He helped the spirit up and lifted him to the couch like a mother carrying their child.
The spirit didn’t question it. He still felt bad though for teasing his friend. Jaden set him down on the couch and sat down next to him. He stroked his friend’s hair for a few moments before withdrawing. The strokes and reassurance were his way of love, saying through action ‘I care about you’ or ‘I love you’ without saying it out loud.
Jay: “I’m sorry about teasing you. You don’t have to hang out with Jesse just because I told ya so. I just… didn’t want ya to be lonely on this holiday. It sucks being alone. So I figured I could help but I messed up-” He confessed.
Jaden: “Enough… I get it. You were just trying to help me out. But Jay, I’m not exactly alone on Valentine’s Day if I’ve got you and Yubel right?” He winked at the spirit with a smile.
Jay: “I guess. But I meant your love life, ya weirdo. Though, it’s not on me if you wanna be lonely and grow into an old man with no kids or a husband.” He quipped.
Jaden: “Watch it…I’m only 22. But I get whatcha mean. But I’m just… not looking for anyone right now. And if I were to ‘go out’ with Jesse, what do you think would happen?” He snuck into the couch and screwed his eyes shut briefly, a frown curving on his face.
Jay: “Well… the truth is you don’t know. You don’t know what will happen, Jaden. And I can see right through you. It scares the crap out of you.” He addressed the elephant in the room.
Jaden: “Ha… you know me so well. So what do you think I should do? Wallow in my self pity or maybe hit up Jesse?” He gave the spirit his full attention, looking at him this time as he crossed his arms over his lap.
Jay: “Jaden I-“ He’s interrupted by the sound of Jaden’s phone vibrating on the couch, its usual ring tone, Precious Time, Glory Days.
Jaden picked it up and the caller ID flashed with Jesse’s picture and his name. He wanted to let it go to voicemail. Jay mouthed no. So he answered it and talked to Jesse. He didn’t know what to expect when he heard his best friend’s voice shaky over the phone. He makes his fears worse.
Jesse: “Hey Jaden. Are you busy?” He started off casual.
Jaden: “Uh no. Dude, you know I don’t care for the valentine’s stuff. So I’m doing the same thing I did last year.” He tried to hide his annoyance over the phone, but it came out as a grumble on speaker.
Jesse: “Well I’m not doing anything either. Do you wanna hang with me? I know it’s short notice but I thought I’d try anyway.” He trailed off a bit on the phone.
Jaden: “Jess, this isn’t a date right? We’re just hanging out?” He wanted to double check.
Jesse: “No, it doesn’t have to be one. We don’t have to call it that just because it’s Valentine’s Day. So think of it as us just hanging out like old times. If you’re down, I’d be happy to pick you up.” He was earnest and gave his friend options.
The phone went silent for a moment until Jesse called his friend’s name. Jaden thought about the outcomes, even attempted a dip into the future to see what could happen. Yet… there was no vision to guide him. If he does this, he risks being on date in disguise but Jesse wouldn’t lie to him like that right? Looking at the spirits, Yubel and Jay had their unanimous agreement. They nodded in affirmation towards him. He’s gonna regret this but...
Jaden: “You know what? Sure. I’m down to hang out with ya. Where are we going?” He pressed on with hints of curiosity, dripping from the rasp coming out of his voice.
Jesse: “The park. Domino City Park, famous for its views and thriving plant life. Also there’s a fireworks show happening there tonight. I figured we could have a picnic out there and watch the fireworks. Sound good?” He had cheer in his voice over the phone but kept it casual.
Jaden: “Sounds good to me. I’ll see ya in a bit, Jess. Text me when you’re outside.” He could not hide the slightest joy in his voice as he smiled over the phone.
Jesse: “Gotcha. I’ll pick you up at 3 o’clock. See ya soon.” He hung up.
After they hung up, Jaden deflated on the couch. Jay ushered towards his friend to rub his back and said comforting things to him. He wasn’t convinced though that this wasn’t a real date. The dragon chimed in, saying that Jaden mustn’t assume the worst this time. He should be brave, she said. Jay even added that they’ll be right there if he needs them. The color that left from Jaden’s face returned and he smiled. He was lucky… so lucky to have Jay, Yubel, and Jesse in his life.
(Two hours later…)
Jesse drove them to Domino City Park. It was a perfect sunny day. They arrived, parking in the back of the parking lot. When they unloaded the trunk, Jaden helped with carrying the snacks and the picnic blanket. While Jesse manned the beverages and the picnic basket. The Prius was locked and the two men looked for a good spot to set up. Then, Jesse eyed a perfect spot in the middle of the park. Good thing they were early.
After they finished setting up, the park filled up with bodies. There were couples everywhere surrounding the area. It made Jaden sick to his stomach, seeing so much public displays of affection all around him. Jesse took notice and pulled out a handmade turkey sandwich from the picnic basket. He gave it to him. Maybe it could help take the edge off. Cause food always helps.
Jaden: “Thanks, Jess.” He took the sandwich and unwrapped it, taking a big bite.
Jesse: “Is it good? I made a turkey, four cheese, BLT sandwich without the bacon just how you like it.” He tried not to stare too much.
Jaden: “This is delicious. Do you got any more?” He had his mouth full of sandwich goodness that he forgot it was rude.
Jesse: “Of course. Here have another one. But please finish that one first.” He chuckled a bit, as it reminded him of Duel Academy for a second.
Jaden finished his sandwich, a belch erupting from him. Other people glared at him for not excusing himself but he couldn’t care less. If it stopped him from seeing any more making out sessions from the corner of his eye, then good. Jesse ate along with him. Meanwhile, Jaden grabbed a Sprite can from the picnic basket. Cracking it open too soon and the fizz bubbled out of the can. Jesse was quick to fetch some napkins for Jaden to dry off his pants.
Jaden: “You’re a real life saver, Jess. What else do ya got in that basket? Any more snacks?” He finished wiping off his pants and crumbled up the napkin in his hand.
Jesse: “Let me see. We ate the sandwiches and we still got a few chips left. All that leaves now is dessert.” He rummaged through the basket to find it.
Jaden: “Ooh. What’s for dessert?” He smiled as he leaned in beside Jesse.
Jesse: “This. I baked some chocolate cake last night and I had some leftover. Since chocolate's your favorite, I packed some.” He pulled out the platter with the cake from the basket.
Jaden salivated at the sight of the cake. Jesse couldn’t help but laugh at that. ‘Ah, he hasn’t changed a bit.’ But then he thought back to why Jaden’s so different from before. Recalling his bouts with his mental health. But he’s just glad at least that they are close again even though the past wasn’t so kind to Jaden. He was in his thoughts until Jaden called his name.
Jaden: “Yo Jess. Is everything okay?” He tapped on his left shoulder.
Jesse: “Oh yeah. I’m alright. Just thinking. How about some cake?” He took the lid off the platter and sliced a piece of chocolate cake.
The two men enjoyed a slice of cake each and Jaden’s face was covered in chocolate. When Jesse saw the mess, he couldn’t help but adore it like he wanted to snap a photo of this moment forever in his mind. He grabbed a napkin instead of staring and offered to clean it off but Jaden refused. Though he licked some of it off himself, the chocolate was still on his nose. Jesse tried to direct Jaden on where it was but he kept missing it with the napkin. So he wiped it off for with his finger, tasting the chocolate.
Jaden at that moment, his brain short circuited. His face burned red and it was suddenly very warm. Why? Was it the sun? Was it the people around him in the park that were sharing disgusting flirtatious pickup lines with each other or just the man next to him? No, maybe it’s just the annoying couples and this annoying holiday driving him nuts. He didn't care enough to name it so he ignored it.
As the sun began to set, the food was all gone and the couples quieted down. The fireworks were about to start. Some people were cuddling with their partners, leaning their heads on each other’s shoulders while some laid down on the blanket to see a bird’s eye view of the fireworks. Jaden just stared out into the sky, aimlessly. Or he was until his best friend joked about the stars.
Jaden: “Out of all the things in the universe, you would choose to be Uranus?” He tried not to laugh but it was impossible, shaking from laughter.
Jesse: “Yes. It’s a cool planet plus it matches my hair, don’t ya think?” He nudged his best friend and smirked.
Jaden: “Maybe. So what planet do you think I’d be?” He settled down and regained his composure, straightening his back.
Jesse: “Hmm… that’s a tough one. I would say Saturn or Mars but that’s too easy. You would be the sun, the earth, and the moon. Maybe these stars too.” He pointed up at the sky.
Jaden: “What makes you say that, Jess?” He was genuinely curious as he looked at where his best friend was pointing.
Jesse: “I don’t know. Cause you’ve got your elemental and planet heroes. And… it's cause you’re everything, Jaden. Everything to me…” He muttered the last part to himself.
Jaden’s brain short circuited again and this time his heart skipped a beat. The fireworks were going off at the same time and the light made his face shine. That same warm feeling was back. ‘What is this feeling?’ Is it just this holiday getting to him? But then, he looks at Jesse and he’s just watching the fireworks, he’s calm while Jaden’s heart is exploding out of his chest. The way his best friend smiles, makes him melt and nothing else seems to matter.
Yubel: “It’s love. This feeling is love, Jaden.” She whispered in his mind.
Jaden: “What? I don’t love him- we’re just friends. And he's just being nice to me…” He denied it all despite his face burning up.
However, to the dragon’s credit, she was right. The symptoms of a crush hit Jaden like a freight train. Jaden’s heartbeat is in his ears. He can barely catch his breath and he’s all sweaty. 'No way. There’s no way I’m in love.' He tries to tell himself but it’s useless when all he can think about is Jesse. The fireworks keep going for another hour. Jaden can’t take this anymore.
Against his bitter judgment, he moves his right hand slowly towards Jesse. He placed it on top of his. He hoped Jesse wouldn’t mind. He hoped that he didn’t ruin their friendship. Those are worries were unanswered as Jesse took a peek for a second and just smiled, going back to watching the fireworks. He showed Jaden some of his favorites which were fireworks of the crystal beasts. And one that he thought that his best friend might like, Elemental Hero Neos appeared in the sky as blue sparks.
Jaden smiled at him and the fear he had inside disappeared when Jesse had smiled back at him. They kept watching the fireworks until they died. Jaden let go and let himself enjoy the moment. He leaned his head on Jesse’s shoulder. He felt safe with him. He always did. Jesse felt something but he didn’t say a word. It was nothing but the sound of fireworks until…
Jaden: “Now I know why people like this damn holiday so much.” He chuckled a bit.
Jesse: “Really? Why?” He asked, genuinely curious.
Jaden: “Cause… it makes you all mushy and everything. And maybe that doesn’t feel so bad after all.” He admitted happily.
The fireworks ended but the spark that Jaden felt when he went home from the park was still there in his heart. He knows deep down that Jesse feels that spark too. Maybe this won’t be another bad valentine’s day for Jaden Yuki. But a hopeful one. Who knows what awaits him next year?