In the Given manga, Ritsuka has not been shown to cry except in the Pokemon movie omake.  In the mix arc, Ritsuka felt inferior and insecure as he selflessly completed the demo started by Yuki, and he carried that emotional burden hidden deep inside of him.  With the one year timeskip at the end of the manga, we never got to formally see Mafuyu and Ritsuka communicate, as they likely did, after the syh debut.

In *10th mix*, Ritsuka has been physically and mentally overworked playing music and touring with 2 bands, writing new music for his bands and his commissioned work.  In the final chapter of *10th mix*, Ritsuka finally admits to Mafuyu that he can see everyone moving ahead and changing, especially Mafuyu, while he sees himself as remaining stagnant barely treading water.  Ritsuka truly feels that Mafuyu is such a superstar as a singer/performer that he will leave him behind for music.  

What Mafuyu tells Ritsuka in the final chapter are the words that I think Ritsuka has needed to hear for a long time.  Mafuyu admits to Ritsuka that he has found enough meaning in his life. He doesn’t need anymore.  He confesses to Ritsuka that he wants to stay by his side until they grow old and grey, making music with him forever.

Ritsuka thinks back to his memories over the past 10 years beginning with the day he first took Mafuyu to the studio to meet Akihiko and Haruki and to hear them play music.  After fondly thinking back over their years together, it is the first time we hear Ritsuka openly confess his love and commitment to Mafuyu.  Ritsuka says to Mafuyu “then let’s make music together until we have nothing left to give.  For as long as we can.  Forever.”

I cannot think of a more perfect ending to the most beautiful love story.

Translation: @marutsukete on X

Ritsuka finally cries