wip

[Robert Ashter]

Amaya

Yoshihiro made sure he wouldn't give this to Amaya on the White Day. He wouldn't stop hearing from the guys, especially Hiroki. He did that enough when he accidentally ate Amaya's chocolate cake for Valentine's Day. But the boys must be busy with their own dates. Maybe then he should have taken this opportunity. No. They would have heard somehow. And he didn't want any of the guys to point out on what day he chose to give something to Amaya. That had nothing to do with it. Absolutely nothing. He just happened to find it now, so naturally, he would give it now. It was just a coincidence. Nothing but a coincidence.

It was getting late. Hiroki had already gone to bed, so that he wouldn't look too tired the next morning for his classes. There was some light underneath Osamu's bedroom door, suggesting he was still up. As for Hideo, Yoshihiro had no idea where he was, except that he was not home, and that was a good thing. Satoru was asleep for a while already and he had no idea for Yukiko. He completely forgot about her, to be honest, more concerned over the boys, since he expected comments from them rather than Amaya's cousin.

It was dark by Amaya’s door, but it really was not surprising at all. Besides, he could see a tiny ray of light piercing through the bottom of it. She must be watching her horror movies again. He thought it even more as he knocked and she said nothing. He entered despite the lack of answer and found her there, on the floor, eyes glued to a television screen. He watched the scene before his eyes rather than the one playing on the screen."Shouldn't you make ready for bed?" he asked her, causing Amaya to jump. She clearly did not hear him but now that she did, she was glaring at him. At least it was what he believed she was doing, as she pulled her blanket over her head and he could barely see anything at all of her other than a lump on the floor. The lack of light didn't help either and just made the whole scene creepier. Yoshihiro hesitated for a moment, certain she was killing him in her head right now, in about half a dozen different ways. He was wrong. It was more like a dozen times, the movie having offered her plenty of options.

“I, hum...” No, that didn't work. He couldn’t say a thing, words getting caught up in his throat. She was far too creepy right now. And she was even staring at him, at least he figured her eyes were staring at him, and that stare made him want to back out and leave her room. He even made a step back but stopped. He went this far, he couldn’t just run away now. Instead of leaving the room, he walked in, in direction of her mannequins. They always seemed creepy to him, especially as decoration in a bedroom, but it was still less scary than Amaya.

“What they said at school... you shouldn’t be worried about this.” With the White Day, many people talked about which girl would get chocolate and from who, or who wanted to give some to who and other discussions just as interesting and life-changing. And, of course, Amaya’s name had been eventually brought up. Everyone had the same opinion however: no one was crazy enough to want to give her anything, she was too much of a freak for anyone to want to confess to her.

Amaya frowned as he brought this up. She did her best to act as though it did not affect her, but, in reality, it did. While she didn’t really expect to get anything from anyone tomorrow, hearing it  so, and in such a blunt way, hurt her. She knew she was a scary girl, and that people preferred to avoid her, but she didn’t deserve to be told that. Although, being pitied by Yoshihiro was even worse. That guy could offer chocolate to about just any girl at school and they would swoon over. What did he know about how she felt? How dare he say she shouldn’t be worried, or even assumed she was worried to begin with?

Yoshihiro remained silent after that. He was embarrassed. He wanted to go away. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he found what he came here for. Fiddling with it for a time, he finally pulled out the bracelet. “Here,” he said as he handed it to her. Amaya refused to watch it at first but when she caught sight of the skulls, she couldn’t take her eyes off of it. Her hand reached out and slowly, very slowly, she picked it up from his hand. She brought it closer to her face. Yoshihiro didn't get how she could see anything in the dark but she was undeniably studying the bracelet. “That will look so perfect!” she exclaimed. And, just like that, she jumped on her feet and ran to her mannequin to put it on its wrist. She even seemed happy of the result. “Idiot, it’s for you!” Yoshihiro cried out. Amaya froze at his words. “... For me?” she said after a time. She looked down at the bracelet. And just for the White Day... “I found it, thought you’d like it,” he mumbled. No way. No. Freaking. Way. That was not possible. Not Yoshihiro. Right?

“Argh, do whatever you want with it,” he groaned before walking towards the door. As he held it, he stopped. Biting his lips, he hesitated. He wanted to toss a few snarky remarks at her but he swallowed them back in. Still, he turned around to say to her, “Maybe it wouldn’t be a bad thing to be less of a freak, but I’d say it’s dumb to change who you are just to please people.” Amaya did not make a move, he couldn’t even be certain she heard him. Since she chose to remain silent, he sighed. This had been such a waste of time and he made a complete fool of himself. He left her room and slammed her door shut.

Amaya could barely see anything, the light from the corridor no longer passing through the open doorway. Her hand reached to the mannequin, went down the arm to the wrist, felt the bracelet on her fingertips. She kept her hand there for a moment then, slowly, took it off the anatomy model. It took even more time before she put it around her wrist. For her... She didn’t get it. But they were skulls. She sort of liked it. When she realised she was smiling at the bracelet and its possible significance, she shook herself and pulled the bracelet out. She tossed it in a corner of her room and returned to her movie. This was much too weird, surreal even. It couldn’t be true. She preferred to forget about it.

---

Sakura

Sakura couldn’t help but keep frowning as she looked at her friend. Matsumi had it rough. She already noticed how the girl kept growing more nervous and down as the week passed and the White Day grew near. It had to be expected. Last month, she might have been overly excited at the thought of giving Osamu his favorite chocolate for Valentine’s Day but, in between, she told the young man she was giving up on him. So many things happened in such a short time. Sakura was the best placed to know how those sudden changes felt. In only a few days, she saw her sister run away from home and Ichiro confess to her. Even now, she could barely believe it all. She understood how Matsumi must feel. At the same time, she understood why Osamu’s father was against their relation, just like she got why Osamu dared not oppose his father as he spoke rather harshly of the girl. But she was also Matsumi’s friend and her pain broke her heart. In an ideal world, the two of them could be together and Sakura so wished this ideal world existed. Matsumi did her best to be strong, but only catching eye with Osamu hurt her right now. And now...

Matsumi knew it was Osamu who gave her that little box. She didn't need him to have written his name on a small tag attached to it, she knew. How he managed to place it in her compartment without her noticing it, she had no idea, but she found it when she came to take her things this morning. It affected her, far more than she wanted to admit. And left her both happy, confused and in pain. What was she to do now?

The box was sitting on the table between Matsumi and Sakura. It was a small box, wrapped in a white ribbon and inside there were four truffles with white chocolate coating. He certainly followed the tradition. But didn’t she say she was giving up? How cruel was it to now give her something like that, when she spent months hoping for one kind gesture of his part? Truth be told, he gave her a few, but he always backed down when came the time to declare his emotions clearly. And letting his father make a mockery of her because she was not ‘good enough’ for the family had just been the last straw. She knew why he did that, she didn’t need Sakura to try and explain what those ‘old money’ families could be liked. Still, without saying he loved her he could at least have defended her, state that she was not here only for the money and that she was a good person. But no. And now, he offered her chocolate. Was it his way of apologizing? Or was it to finally confess to her? She wished to say it was too little, too late, but a part of her wanted to believe so much that he did that for more than just apologizing.

The two girls were silently looking at the box. They already said all there was to say, went through every interrogation Matsumi had about it and offered dozens of answers to them without ever reaching a satisfactory conclusion. The truth was they couldn’t be entirely certain it was one thing or another. The best they could come out with was that Matsumi had to confront Osamu. She knew she had to. The problem was that she didn’t know what to say. Should she return his chocolate, should she demand a clear answer on his part? And even if he answered her, what should her reaction be then? This all left her in an even worse state than she had been during the week.

It was that moment Ichiro took to join the girls. He seemed a bit nervous as he placed the box in front of Sakura. “This is for you,” he said, his voice so low it was almost a whisper. The white box was wrapped with a red ribbon. “I hope you’ll like it,” he added as he took a seat next to her. It was Jiro who forced him to go and buy something. Ichiro was too nervous, even if he understood he should get something to Sakura, especially after she got him chocolate. If Jiro could help him get something, he couldn't be there to push his older brother to go and talk to Sakura. He braced himself to go and talk to her. After all, there were plenty of boys doing the same, it would not attract anyone's attention. He'd rather be alone with Sakura but he was too afraid to miss the opportunity otherwise, so he took the risk and joined her, despite Matsumi being around.

Matsumi had straightened herself and when she caught Sakura’s gaze, she understood that her friend wondered whether it was a good thing to open it in front of her or not. To appease her worry, she smiled at her. “How lucky you are, what is it?” Understanding she had her friend’s approval, Sakura delicately opened the box to reveal a small cake, in white, with a red pattern on it, most likely made with strawberry jelly, with the words ‘white day’ written on it. She turned her gaze towards Ichiro and smiled brightly at him. “Thank you,” she said. “I believe it’s your favourite cake,” he mentioned. While he was pretty sure he knew which one was her favourite, or at least one she liked a lot, he was too nervous right now to be as certain as he’d normally be. No, even in normal situations, he wouldn’t be sure if asked. He’d be too worried to get it wrong. “Thank you,” she repeated. She was eager to taste it, even more since it was Ichiro who bought it specifically for her.

“You didn’t use a white ribbon?” Matsumi asked. Ichiro moved to look at her, his expression showing some light confusion. He noticed there was a box in front of her. So she had a White Day present as well. “Isn’t it the custom? White ribbons,” she asked again. Ichiro’s eyes showed his surprised for a moment, and he seemed to be looking for his words, but he eventually spoke. “When I bought it, they asked if it was a gift to return my affection to a lady, or to confess. Apparently, the white ribbon is given when you want to declare your feelings. If the girl shares them, she’ll wear it somewhere on her. At least, that’s what I was told...” By Jiro. He looked at the two of them, a question mark printed on his facial traits, wondering if he made a mistake over one little ribbon. Sakura, however, was not looking at him but at Matsumi. She had been lost in her thoughts ever since he was done speaking. “Maybe I should leave you,” Ichiro suggested, already getting up. But Matsumi shook her head. She grabbed her box and quickly got up. "No, no. I'm the one who should leave you two alone. We'll talk again later," she said to Sakura. She tried to smile to her friend, so she would not worry before leaving her alone with Ichiro. She knew it was not all easy between them either and didn't want to ruin the moment for them.

The two looked awkwardly at each other at first. Sakura finally smiled softly at him and thanked him again for the cake. "I really do like that one," she added. Ichiro had a smile of relief at that. He was content just being with her but she offered to share the cake with him. For a moment, they looked like any other couple from the school. It felt good.

---

Matsumi

The least Osamu could say was that he was nervous. He had tried to see Matsumi, to know what she thought of his gift, but, as she had done so in the past few weeks, she did her best to avoid him. It pained him greatly, not to have her around. Worse, to have her run away from him. He thought this gift was as good a way to show what he really felt. But he couldn’t get her to know what she thought of it. The whole day went on like this. He thought he could get her during lunchtime, but she made sure to get Sakura with her and apologize on behalf of something the student council had to do. He was not sure if this was true. In fact, he was certain it wasn’t, but he did not stop her. He knew his friend Ichiro gave his gift to Sakura at some point during a break and that Matsumi was still with Sakura. He also apparently saw the box, so she, at least, did not toss it away in the nearest trash can. This had to be a good thing. Still, if he could just see her...

It was why he was waiting by the entrance now. He had not seen her walk out but he knew he wouldn’t miss her. That was the point. Maybe it felt like a trap or something, but he had no idea how else he could get to talk to her. He knew he had been wrong. He should have told his father not to talk of her like that. But he never could talk back to his father, so he simply bowed the head and waited for it to be over. He didn’t expect her to take it so close to heart. He had already realised he had feelings for her but hearing her say it was over only made him more certain of one thing: he didn’t want it to end. On the contrary, he wanted to be with her. He had no idea how that could be possible, he thought it might be best after all that she left, yet, at the same time, he found himself seeking her presence even more. At the very least, he wanted to properly apologize. She was free not to want him anymore, but he thought she deserved as much.

He tensed as he saw her walking out of the academy. She was not all that easy to spot, being so small, but he knew her figure well enough to recognize her in the crowd. He waited to see where she was going to make sure she would run into him. When she lifted her gaze and saw him, she stopped. Osamu also paused. He didn't make a move, didn’t say a thing, simply looked at her. Did she like his chocolate, did she accept them? There was no way to tell. At least she was not holding the box, so he could be reassured she did not mean to return it to him, right?

Slowly, she walked in his direction. They were facing each other but none of them dared to say anything. People passed by, ignoring the two of them. Matsumi was playing with the strap of her bag, avoiding his gaze. Osamu wished he could do the same, but looking down meant looking at her and he dared not lift his gaze above her head. Finally, he heard her take a deep breath and raise her head. It forced him to straighten up. “Thank you for the chocolate,” she said. He waited. But that was it. She added nothing else. “Matsumi...” he began to say but she shook her head and extend her hand. He looked at said hand. That had to be a rejection. No girl accepting a boy’s confession would act like that. Especially not Matsumi, who had been longing for it. He hesitated but doing nothing was even more awkward than dealing with the fact she was turning him down so he took her hand. As they shook hands, Matsumi pulled her arm just enough for her sleeve to move and reveal her wrist and the white ribbon she had attached on it. Osamu noticed this and startled. He looked at her. She had a timid smile. Maybe she was not ready to jump head first like she used to but he could swear there was a promise attached to this smile. She let go and brought her arm to her side. It took a moment before she whispered a goodbye and started to walk away.

Se walked passed him when he realised he couldn’t have her leave like that. “Matsumi-san!” he exclaimed, turning so he could look at her. She stopped and turned as well. He realised he didn’t think of what he wanted to say after that. But, suddenly, the inspiration came, and it was without any hesitation that he said, “Satoru has a baseball game next weekend. Would you like to come with me to cheer on him?” He knew it was a lame excuse to see her and an even lamest choice of date, but Matsumi smiled and her smile was bright. As bright as those she used to give him in the past. That alone made it worth asking her out. “Sure. We need to show him proper support,” she answered. Osamu was certain he was smiling too after she said that. They stayed like that for a moment, then Matsumi waved her hand and Osamu found himself waving back. Maybe it was not the dream date she always wished for. But it was a start. And Osamu had her talking to him again. They could both leave content of their day.

---

Akihiko

Akihiko entered the apartment. It still felt a bit weird, but mostly nice, to see he could just use a key and be inside without calling first. It seemed so trivial a matter, but this was Souma-kun’s apartment and having a key sort of meant having a key to Souma-kun’s heart itself. Not that he would tell the man that. He’d likely take the key back and kick Aki out until he finally grew up or something. He couldn’t help the feeling of exaltation he had every time he turned the knob though. He felt like shouting that he was home, but he doubted Souma would like that either.

It was with no shouted welcome then that he entered, but he still had his smile on. Any day he could be with Souma was a nice one to him. But there was more to it. It was White Day. While he didn’t expect Souma to remember it, or care for it, he secretly wished there’d be some chocolate or cookies for him. Wouldn’t that be nice, eating some of Souma’s homemade cookies? Aki had offered chocolate all day. Not the kind that meant something romantic. He kept note of those who offered him Valentine’s gifts. While he had refused the clearly romantic ones, he accepted some others and returned the attention. There really was nothing to it. It was why he had no intention of telling Souma. He wouldn’t be able to be jealous anyway. Still, if he was hoping, it was because he offered Souma chocolate for Valentine’s Day. As he walked through the hallway to the apartment, he couldn’t help but daydream about Souma waiting for him with something. The dream was short lived.

He found Souma in the kitchen part of the apartment. He was sitting at the table, his laptop in front of him, a cup close enough for him to grab it without looking and... an opened box of chocolates. With a few of them already eaten! “How come you have chocolate? I thought the boys were giving it today,” he said as welcome before sitting in front of Souma at the table. Souma showed no sign that he had noticed or even heard Akihiko. He had, but he purposefully waited before answering. “And they were given by a boy. I bought them. It’s a gift from me to me,” he retorted with his expressionless tone of voice, his gaze locked on the screen of his computer. Aki could not see what caught his attention so much but could easily figure it was either for his studies or one of his books. He was never on it otherwise. But, for once, he was not curious as to what he was working on. Something far more important occupied his mind. “Eh!? That’s not how it works!” Aki objected. “You’re supposed to offer the person you love chocolate.” “And why can’t I love myself?” Souma replied. Akihiko knew he was messing up with him, but he couldn’t help falling for it yet again. “No, it’s for the girls!” “Then how come you’re eyeing it in hope I bought one for you also. Or did you grow boobs since last time I saw you naked?” Akihiko frowned. That guy really had a way of killing the mood. He was still appalled how such a foul mouth could write such delicate words.

He didn’t like how Souma was mocking him. He knew it was his way, but it still made him pout. In retaliation, he stole one of his chocolate from the box. “I offered you a Valentine’s gift, you’re supposed to give me something in return on White Day,” he mumbled. Why couldn’t he have a romantic boyfriend instead of that cold bastard? But Souma only needed to call him that he’d return straight into his arms like a good little doggy. He hated the analogy, but Souma already used it once and it stayed in his mind. It made him play with the chocolate in his hand, squishing it between his fingers and peeling the coating off it. “Something white for the White Day,” he added on the same tone, in what was barely a whisper.

Souma sighed at this. “Well, he began, closing his laptop. “If you want something white, I’ve got something for you to choke on.” Akihiko heard the chair move on the floor as Souma stood up but he paid little attention as he flinched at his words. “You’re so vulgar!” Akihiko could take his teasing. He could even take being mocked or pushed away. But the way he could speak like that of these things... Suddenly, a pile of paper dropped in front of him. He blinked a few times, in silence. “Who’s the vulgar one?” Souma said. Ah, this white stuff. Akihiko felt stupid now. He lifted his gaze to meet with Souma and ate the chocolate he tortured so he wouldn’t talk. It might be best not to after all, he embarrassed himself enough as it was.

“That’s your new story? How come there’s no title?” he asked, seeing as how the first page only had Souma’s pen name. “I always let the editors pick a name, it’s too bothersome,” he answered, his tone indicating how little he cared about it. He sat back on his seat and pulled the box to him so he could take a chocolate. As for Aki, he had already turned the page and read the few lines on the other one. To Aki-kun, who asked for this story. It is for you. Akihiko raised his head and faced Souma. The man ignored him though and kept eating the chocolate as though he was alone in the room. To him? A story, just for him? Akihiko was so awed by this that he had to use all restraint within himself not to let it out in a sigh. “Souma-kun...” he whispered. Souma still ignored him though. Unable to accept that, not after such a gift, Akihiko stood from his seat and nearly ran towards Souma to sit on his lap and hug him. Souma let him do that. At most was he a bit surprised by the gesture. The fact he did not hug back meant nothing to Aki, he knew it was not like him at all. “That’s the most perfect White Day gift possible,” he told him before kissing his boyfriend. Again, Souma opposed no resistance. After a moment, he even kissed back.

---

Maemi

Maemi was making her way through the crowd. There were always a lot of activity at school but it was even more so the case right now. White Day offered an excuse for every girl to wait near their crush, pretending not to care when they were hoping for a gift and for every boy to chase girls around to give them gifts. And then flirt and make plans for a date. Maemi had nothing against that. It was a good thing if it was what they wanted to do. They needed to confess when they liked each other. She had a thought for her cousin Matsumi, hoping she would have the same chance. As for her, she was not expecting anything. She did give some gifts for Valentine's Day, but to friends, not as a way of confessing her feelings. She was focusing on her studies, she was not trying to get any romance. Seeing them all right now, she wondered if maybe she should. Who knows, maybe one of her friends she gave chocolate cookie to would suggest something.

"Maemi!" Maybe not that one though. She still stopped, but she knew that voice and soon, Ryohei walked from behind to face her. It was time she started being careful what she wished for. She never intended to give him a cookie, he took it himself as she handed some. She shoved the thought away. He could have called on her for an entirely different reason. "Are we on first name basis now? And no honorifics?"

Ryohei sighed heavily. "Fine. Maemi-san. Here." He pulled from his pocket a cookie wrapped up in paper. There seemed to be white chocolate in it, and maybe macadamia nuts? She looked at him and frowned. Why was he giving her that. He shrugged, like it was nothing. "I took your Valentine's chocolate, I have to return the favour. At least it's not threefold." He had a point. A lot of boys would offer something two to three times the worth of the chocolate they received. He basically just gave her a cookie for a cookie. "You cooked that?" she said with disbelief after not seeing any sign of a store on the paper. "Certainly not, I don't cook sweets. I just wrapped it." Oh, so it was why she couldn't see a store name on it.

She smiled at him. She might as well accept it. He didn't mean anything by it, he couldn't be. "Thanks. How many did you buy?" she asked, unable to stop herself from asking. She knew he was popular. She bet he got a lot of chocolates. He even said so to her when he took one of her cookies. He shrugged as an answer. "A few. I do have to repay those I accepted." She rolled her eyes. She didn't know if he was flexing or being nice. "They will get ideas," she warned him. "That's their problem," he answered. He really didn't seem bothered by it. "You thought about it when you gave your friend cookies, that one might get ideas?" he pointed out. She startled. They had to know better, right? It wasn't like she confessed at the same time. He seemed to understand she was not expecting a date out of this. He shrugged again. "Well, maybe you'll have a nice surprise. Bye for now," he said as he walked away. "Wait, what do you mean?" she asked him. Did he knew something she didn't? But he just raised his hand to say goodbye to her, not even turning around. She sighed. She needed to stop listening to him.

---

Ryoko

"You didn't do so bad." Coming from Ryoko, it might as well be a compliment. Hideo was annoyed at how she kept telling him he had to learn how to bake the cakes, or at least decorate them. According to her, it woud help him understand the ingredients should a customer ask about them and generally know their products better and have more respect for them and the work put into making them. It annoyed him though. It was not his job. He was here to manage the shop and for now sell their products until they make enoguh money to hire more people to do that. He didn't need that extra work. She was in charge of the kitchen.

The 'not bad' was the white chocolate coating he managed to make for this cake. They had a massive list of small cakes to make, as tomorrow was White Day and they got a lot pre-orders. It was something she kept telling him to do tonight. Whip cream, coating, placing sugar flowers, fruits and whatnot. He felt like he had done tons and yet the number he had to do still didn't seem to drop. "Aren't you making too many?" he complained. She had just finished preparing a last batch of the cakes, these meants to have an almond flavour. "There are many types you need to make, and we got many orders. Plus a lot will buy at the last minute," she pointed out. As he told her when they opened the bakery together, she was in charge of the sweets they would sell. Besides, unlike him, she worked in one before. She knew what to expect.

"And how many are you going to take for yourself," she added under her breath. Hideo heard her though. "I don't offer anything for White Day, ever. I always repay them for the Valentine's chocolate when I take it." Ryoko turned her head away to hide how much she was rolling her eyes. She didn't want to hear this and was rather digusted at the image it gave her.

The orders were done. They were doing the finishing touches to the rest of the sweets for the day. "Damn!" Ryoko raised her head to look at Hideo after his outburst. He sighed out of annoyance. He brought the small cake he was decorating and made it slide towards her. He messed it up. They were getting too tired and he made a mistake. She told him that she didn't want to remove all coating to fix it, as it could be apparent and give a bad reputation to their bakery. Some could be fixed, but not here. "You might as well leave with it," he said. Ryoko frowned at his suggestion. "I don't need a White Day cake from you, you take it." Hideo shook his head. "If I give it, they will have this image of our bakery. We can't allow that." He had a point. Hideo could still give it to the girl at the house he lived in, telling her the truth. She might get it, as it wouldn't have any romantic implication. But he gave it to her and she didn't like that. "And why not get a White Day cake? It's not like you would get anything," he pointed out. It annoyed her. He might be right, then again she thought Kyousuke might give her something, out of friendship. She didn't want to admit that to him. "Fine, but only because it would be a waste," she answered frustrated as she pulled the cake towards her. It was not a White Day present though. Especially not from him. She refused the very notion of it.

---

Hiroki

Hiroki was at the park with Eiji. Because the weather was good, he thought they could be outside. Both shared stories of what they witnessed today. It was pretty hectic, everyone was planning dates and whatnot. Hiroki said how Osamu planned to offer something to Matsumi. He hoped it would work. And Yoshihiro better do something for Amaya. Eiji said he didn't see anything, but he was also not looking for this in particular. He was not close enough of them to justify watching them or asking about their plans for the day. He had something planned for himself though.

"I got you this-" Both said it at the same time as they pulled something out of their pocket. They froze. It was rather humourous. "Eh? But you gave me something for Valentine's Day'" Hiroki argued once he got over the surprise and was able to talk again. "So did you," Eiji pointed out. It was true. Neither of them knew which one they were supposed to celebrate. In the end, they brought some chocolate for Valentine's Day, and now had something for White Day. Hiroki smiled, finding it funny. They were surprised last month and thought that should be it and yet they both got something today too.

"It's a melonpan," Hiroki said as he gave his to Eiji. Eiji placed one hand on the bag to grab it while handing over his gift. "It's marshmallow cookies," Eiji explained. Hiroki was still smiling as they exchanged their gifts. He was not even thinking about doing it in private. He didn't see a problem. And no one was looking at them. Hiroki looked at Eiji, waiting to see if he would like it. Eiji opened the bag and took a bite. He nodded as he was munching on it and it was enough for Hiroki, who chose to open his bag as well instead of waiting for Eiji to say it was good. He stopped though as he was about to pick one. "You don't mind I gave one to Akemi too right?" He looked concerned again. Eiji looked at him with a blank stare. He could see him swallow the bread in his mouth before answering. "I already told you I was fine at Valentine's Day, no?" Hiroki nodded. He had accepted the chocolate cookie Akemi made for him but told Eiji to make sure he wouldn't be jealous and assure that he told her it was only as a friend. Eiji told him he even knew she made one for him, since she helped him get something too. "I just wanted to return the favour." Hiroki still felt the need to justify himself. "I know," Eiji assured. He was not jealous. At least he didn't look like it. Hiroki still stared at him. He resumed eating the bread. Eventually, Hiroki calmed down. He really wasn't jealous. Smiling again, he picked a cookie. "Thank you," he told him as he tried one. As he tasted the cookie, he leaned closer to Eiji so that their shoulders were touching. That was a really nice day.

---

Aya

Aya didn't want to meet with anyone. Since she was in an all-girl school, she thought she wouldn't have to deal with White Day. She was wrong. Enough of them were talking of their boyfriends and the gifts they got, were promised or wished to get from them. Some girls probably also gave each other one, she didn't know and didn't care.

She didn't want to go home after school. She still recalled how her mother kept asking if she had any chocolate she wanted to give to a boy. More like pushed her to give some to at least one. Aya refused. She was ready to give it all to her brother if forced to. And now, with White Day, she didn't want to hear what the woman might have to say. Her father wouldn't help either. He'd say it was a normal thing for teenagers to do and that she was one. Maybe, but she felt there was so much more than a teenager's activity when her mother involved herself.

She wondered where she could go to avoid home. Lost in her thoughts, it explained how she did not hear Daigo coming over. "I figured you'd be here." She startled and stared at him in surprise. When did he arrive? Had he not talked, she wouldn't have known he was even there. "What are you doing here?" she asked, wanting him to leave already. And why did he say he knew she'd be there? He smiled at her and it annoyed her. For a moment, she suspected her mother sent him here. "With you, it's either music or your noodle shop, right? Are you hungy? My treat." Why was he always like that? She didn't need it right now. "I don't need to have you around," she answered, dismissing him in that way. She intended to walk away and find a place where she could be alone. But Daigo stood in front of her, forcing her to stop as well. She sighed heavily, rolling her eyes and looking for a way out as he raised a finger to ask her to wait. He dug through his bag. Before she could leave, he pulled a box. "Ta-dah. For you." She stared at him, then at the box. Was he an idiot? Did he just give her... "I didn't even give you chocolate," she pointed out. She wanted him to feel embarrassed and take it back without her touching it. But it was Daigo she had in front of her. "Yes I know. And that was mean, when I turned down anyone else." She looked away. It was not her problem, he was the idiot one for doing that. She even pointed out he should have accepted them, just to eat chocolate.

He was still standing in front of her with his box. It bothered her. "Then why giving me something?" "Just open it," he retorted, pushing the box towards her. She didn't want it. perhaps he understood because he opened it for her. It was a necklace, a skull with tiny crystals on it wearing a top hat. "Figured it was more your style." It kind of was. But it was a gift from him. She had already accepted his drum kit. Her mother really loved the idea the two could be dating. She didn't want that. She couldn't have the woman be this happy about her relationships, it would be like seeing someone because she wanted her to.

Daigo could still feel her hesitation. he put the box in her hand. "If you like it, you take it. You shouldn't care if your mother might like it too." She startled. She didn't like hearing that. She wasn't able to tell if she was doing it because she wanted to or because she resigned herself to follow her commands. "Would she like a skull? Or that you go to a small noodle shop?" She looked at the necklace. It certainly wasn't the kind of stuff she would approve of. And he knew why she liked that place. "So how about that meal now?" Her eyes went from the skull to the boy's face. A cocky smile appeared on her face. She pocketed the necklace. "If I like, I can take you say. That means if I don't, I don't have to. So I'm keeping that necklace but I've no intention on going on a date with you." With that, she moved passed him.

She thought she was sending him off. But it apparently amused him. He turned to face her. "You still owe me a song too." She turned as well so they could look at each other. "Maybe, but not today." She stuck her tongue at him before waving briefly to say goodbye and leave. She felt a tad better. The necklace was nice. And maybe she could do whatever she wanted, using him. He seemed fine with that. With him, it sort of satisfied her mother while she got what she wanted and not what the woman wished for. Maybe she should do that more often.

---

Izumi

Kyousuke figured buying a cake to someone who made cakes for a living would be inappropriate, so he always bought chocolates from a high-end chocolate shop for Ryoko. She always gave him a small chocolate cake for Valentine's Day. Not as a sign of love, but of friendship. Sometimes, he was also a tester for a new recipe she tried. He didn't need to repay her but he always did, usually with luxury items she was not as likely to get otherwise.

He never accepted chocolate for Valentine's Day. Not since his first year at Ouran and a girl gave him one. He later came to her and suggested they went on a date only to find out she did this only because she lost a bet and had to give her chocolate to him. Ever since that time, he rejected any girl who wanted to offer him chocolate and so never gave anything for White Day.

This time, he bought for Izumi too. He hesitated a lot to do that. Technically, he didn't eat her Valentine's cookies on that holiday. She cooked some to send her family and asked the two of them to taste them. They were not perfect, but it was not the first food from her he tried and he could tell she got a bit better. At least she did not mistake salt for sugar.

If he didn't think anything to buy something for Ryoko, he was more nervous about getting something for Izumi. She was pretty cute. More his type than his friend was. But he still felt that she was intimidated by him, or at the very least confused. And he was not sure what he thought of this.

He found the two ladies at Ryoko's place, with Taiki. "I've got something for you two" he said on a chirpy tone as he pulled the two boxes of white chocolates he had for them. "For me too?" Izumi asked. She must have known this was White Day and didn't get why he was giving her anything. Ryoko assured her they were really good chocolate from a popular chocolate shop. "Eh? Shouldn't you give these to a girl who gave you chocolates then?" "Kyousuke never accept chocolates," Ryoko added. There was something in her tone that sounded like she was teasing him. At least it was how he felt it. "If you don't give chocolate I don't see why I should accept any," he retorted. Kyousuke chose to shrug it off. He hesitated a lot but when he finally chose a box for her also, he came up with an excuse for it. "You had us taste your Valentine's cookies, I thought I should repay it." Izumi was happy about it. She thanked him as she opened the box to see the selection inside. She didn't seem to be thinking anything of it. Kyousuke then caught Ryoko's gaze. She was thinking something of it, clearly. His first instinct was to avert her gaze but that would confirm things for her so he stared back at her, daring her to say anything. She chose not to. Instead, she invited them all to dinner and the two of them were glad to agree and help.

---

Yui

Daisuke had picked his gift with care. The others might have no one they really wanted to give a White Day gift to, but he was serious about it. Oh, he knew that Yui did not give him chocolate for Valentine's Day as a symbol of her love. Not the same kind of love he wanted to convey through his gift at least. He was aware she gave some to the others also. He said nothing as they accepted it, because she gave it as a gesture of friendship, and they took it for the same reason. He couldn't bring himself to object or show it bothered him. It wasn't so much that she gave some to them, he was fine with it, it was that she gave one to him on the same level as the others. Maybe the others were right, maybe he should make his feelings clear to her. A part of him felt like shouting out what he felt for her, say he wanted her to give him chocolate out of love, not friendship. In the end, he said nothing.

The White Day was a moment to fix that. He made sure to pick something he was certain she would love. He could have gone for fancier things, for far more expensive, but he knew it was not something she cared for. He was certain his gift would be more to her taste.

He arrived at school, excited but nervous. He didn't manage to see her before they would have to go to class, but he convinced himself that it would be alright. When he finally got the chance to speak with her, he found her at a table in the dining area. He came to her, box in hand, the nerves hitting ever more as he arrived, only to freeze next to her. At the table, in front of her, he could see other White Day gifts. Ryohei's, Mikako's and Kento's, no doubt. But it was enough to have him hesitate. He didn't want his gift to be just another White Day gift. He wanted it to be special. The others noticed him though and soon so did Yui. She smiled and invited him to join them. Daisuke pushed down all that he felt to put a smile on his face and join his friends.

They noticed the box he had in hand. "Who's that for?" Yui asked. The other two guys shared a glance. They knew. And they felt like, maybe, they should find a way to leave them alone. But Daisuke already placed it in front of Yui, next to the other gifts she received from them, as though it was nothing more than that. She smiled, thanked him. She opened the box. "Thank you, I love that!" she exclaimed as she saw what was inside. Again, the boys shared a glance. They knew that too. But Daisuke was already playing it safe. "Really? I'm glad I guessed right." It seemed that his feelings were not to be conveyed today either.

[Robert Ashter]

"Can I take your-"

Hanami stopped mid-sentence. On the other side of the counter, the customer was none other than Ichiro. She gulped as the two stared at each other. None dared talk for a moment. All she thought about was that he found her and if he did, who else?

"Hello, Hanami-san," he said softly. She straightened up. She was not as strong as people believed her to be and seeing Ichiro here had her confidence crack and crumble on the ground. She didn't want to show it though, so she did her best to cover it and give him a hard look. "You found me." "It was not that hard," he admitted. It had not indeed. Hanami did not exactly tried to hide, she merely ran away and joined her friend Minato to live a life that might not be as privileged as he old one but had the advantage of being hers and hers only. She knew she didn't really tried hard to cover her tracks. Still, hearing this said like that did not please him too much. Once again, she forced herself to straighten up. "If you're here to bring me back home, I'm telling you-""That's not why I'm here." The two stopped talking after that and once again looked at each other. She was not sure about it but, at the same time, she never considered Ichiro to be a liar. She new he was a honest person. "Then why?" she asked. She was certain he was happy to have a chance at her sister again, why would he bother finding her. Especially him. She never thought he cared enough for her. She really hoped it was not because of their engagement and to honour it. It was something he could do.

"I promised your sister I'd find you." Hanami startled. It was not like she forgot about Sakura but, at the same time, she sort of did. She tried so hard to find her bearings, get a job and whatnot. Besides, she wanted nothing to do with the people she used to know. But she loved Sakura and she just realised how she abandoned her. She never meant to do that, she just wanted to get away from their parents and their dream. Guilt overtook her. "How is she?" she asked. Her voice too softened and was barely above a whisper. But Ichiro heard her. "She's worried about you." Hanami nearly cried at this. She had to fight really hard with herself to prevent that from happening. Biting her lips, she took a few deep breaths. She lost her, she was certain of it. She lost her the moment she ran out of the house. "Perhaps we could talk?" he asked her. She was brought back to reality. She nodded, sniffing. "Give me a minute? I'll get us drinks."

Ichiro nodded and looked for a table. He sat down and waited patiently. He was in no hurry and could look at the small coffee shop Hanami was now working at. It was quaint. The kind of place you'd expect her to order but certianly not work at. But she was not the Hanami of the influent Koizumi family anymore.

"How did you find me?" Hanami asked him as she reached him, placign a cup of latte in front of him, another with cocoa for herself. She made sure she could take a quick break but she knew she would have to make it short. "I hired a private. It didn't take him long." She nodded as she blew on her cup. She should have expected as much. At the same time, it hurt her to think that he found her but not her parents. He just said it was easy, so it meant they were not interested in finding her. Once again, she felt like she meant nothing to them. It hurt her deeper than she expected.

Ichiro also took a sip of his drink, as though it could give him some courage. She had no idea but it did take him a bit of time to dare come see her. But he had to. He promised Sakura. He was about to talk but Hanami beat him to it. "How are they dealing with all this? I bet our engagement is off now." Ichiro had a sad smile. "I'm engaged to Sakura again now." Another nod. It was to be expected. They did't want to ruin their relationship, this alliance was too precious. She bet they even made sure it would remain before everything else. That too hurt her and it showed on her features. "How Sakura takes it?" She knew her sister was more compliant. She didn't mean to land the responsibilities on her all over again. She didn,t deserve this. At the same time, it fitted her so much more. "She is fine with this. But she's worried about you," he repeated. "I am too," hanami admitted, looking down.

Ichiro put down his cup. Now as the time. "She wants to see you," he told her. Hanami looked up. She wanted it too, more than anything. She looked hopefully but quickly frowned. "They'll never let her," she pointed out. She must have been erased from the family by now and that meant she wouldn't even have the right to remind them they had another daughter. But Ichiro didn't let that stop them. He saw the hope in Hanami's eyes, the same he saw in Sakura after he promised he'd find her sister for her. "Let me worry about it. Just tell me where you two could meet and I'll have it arranged."

Could it be possible? Could he really make it happen? She was certain their parents would find out and prevent it but Ichiro told her he would make it happen. She wanted to believe it. She took a deep breath, a smile showing on her face. Once again, she was about to cry, but of joy this time. She wanted to see Sakura so much. She nodded. "Yes," she said, her voice breaking.

[Robert Ashter]

Amaya

Yoshihiro stormed into the house. He was hoping to head straight to the kitchen to pick something to eat and run to his room but, as he expected, the others were there, waiting for him. Just by looking at his face, they had the confirmation that something happened. They even asked him. "Nothing," he argued. But i wouldn't work. Because Amaya did the same a couple of hours prior. She walked in, seemingly perturbed by something, but not saying a word. It was always dangerous to step into the ktichen while she prepared a meal, she didn't want any interference of any kind, but it was worse that evening. She also did not join them after she placed the plates on the table. She might not have in the past but they managed to have her sit with them since. All of them worried over what happened and assumed Yoshihiro was involved. She did just come back from the market where he worked and most of her reactions were the result of something that happened with him. None of them dared ask her so in the end, they pushed her brother Satoru into the lion's den to find out. He was the only one who may come out unscathe. Coming back he did, but with very little information. She refused to explain what happened and the others could only assume, until Yoshihiro returned that is.

Now, they wanted answers and Yoshihiro may be a tough nut to crack too, but they weren't as scared to push him until he talked to them. "Why do you guys always assume it's my fault!" he let out, tired of getting around their arguments as he tried to make a getaway. "Because who else can put her in that state?" Hideo replied. Yoshihiro turned to face him. It annoyed him to have them claim there was or could be something between them. It was the most ridiculous thing he ever heard! "She's more than able to do that on her own," he argued but the more level-headed Osamu was already shaking his head at this. "Besides, you wouldn't be in that state if something did not happen." Yoshihiro had nothing to say to that. He realised he backed himself in a corner and that the others wouldn't stop until they got an answer. He was just glad Matsumi was not there as well, because she would be the most upset among them. "It was nothing," he objected once again, but with far less strength this time. The others understood they were getting to him, that he'd talk. "She was arguing over the vegetables she wanted me to bag for her." He began the story and the others made sure to encourage him to continue, to remind him he had no other choice. Yoshihiro sighed heavily. "Because of that, we were in the way and someone bumped into us so we hit each other and that's it." Yoshihiro was already trying to run away after letting that out as quickly as he could but Hideo was faster and held onto him. "Now wait a minute. She didn't look injured so what happened when you hit each other?" Yoshihiro pulled his arm off the other guy's grip. "It's not like I punched her. I just fell towards her, real close to her face..."

That was enough for them to guess. "Oh no, they kissed!" Hiroki exclaimed, almost horrified by the thought. Osamu was also surprised by the outcome and thinking about how he should bring it up to Matsumi. He was however, thinking a bit like Yoshihiro and wondering if it was that big of a deal if it was an accident. Then again, if she liked him... "And it must have been her first kiss too," Hideo added. Hiroki nodded at that, thinking the same. "What a sad way of having a first kiss." It bothered Yoshihiro. They made it sound like he did something bad when he never had the intention to do anything to begin with. And they made it sound like it was only bad for her. "It's not like I ever kissed someone either. And it wasn't a kiss!" he argued quickly. This time, he managed to walk away from them with a plate of food and run to his room. They were too busy feeling sorry for Amaya for the very unromantic way she had to share her first kiss.

Amaya heard a commotion downstairs. She went to her room as soon as finished preparing the meal because she didn't want to talk to anyone. She was still shocked by what happened. She didn't want to believe they kissed but even so, Yoshihiro stood there, millimeters away from her face. She could feel his breath against her lips, smell him even. She remembered his gaze when he realised how close they were, the surprise in them, and the embarrassment as he oved away as quickly as he could before handing her the bag of groceries she got from the store. She barely recall coming back home. She was aware that she did, but she her mind was far, far away. The noise downstairs led her to assume Yoshihiro was back. Eventually, she heard a door closing loudly. Without thinking, she brought her finger to her lips. They barely touched, kind of how Yoshihiro's lips were. No, they did touch more than that, she was sure, but they also seemed to have stood there like this for an eternity. It was bad. This was like a scene from those awful love stories. Matsumi could have them, she was the perfect person to fit in one of those, but she wanted none of these.

She stood from her bed where she had been sitting and walked towards the anatomy models she had. One had lips too. She placed her fingers on them, brushed over to feel. She raised on her toes to teach them and gently place her own lips against them. It wasn't warm, or soft. It was cold and hard. Nothing like what happened earlier. She pulled back and shook her head. She needed to cleanse that image off her mind before it drove her crazy. Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing. Who would want to do that, for real? She'd much rather have the cold lips of her model then to touch the lips of another human being. Especially that damned shining one Yoshihiro!

---

While she was still affected by their kiss and that she knew Ichiro promised he would prove he truly cared for her, Sakura felt rather apprehensive about this date. Despite all of this, she couldn't get over what he did. She talked of it with Hanami. It was difficult, but the two sisters managed to get in touch. She told Hanami that she was now the one engaged to Ichiro. She said it made sense, that they were a far better match than she was with him. That may be so, but Sakura hated how it happened. After the news of Hanami running away, he didn't come to see her to know how she felt. He didn't promise to be there for her or ask what she wanted him to do. Well, he sort of did, but only after going to her father and promise that he would uphold the alliance between their families if he so wished. Ichiro had always been trapped by them just as much as she was, yet when he had a chance out, he put the shackles back on himself, and chained her as well.

In truth, she liked him. At least, she thought so. He certainly was dear to her. And that kiss... But he gave her a glimpse of what her life would be: just the very same it was now. Before, she would have bowed her head and taken it. But going to school broaden her horizon, made her see another style of life. She met so many people with different lives as hers and opinions about it. She wanted more of that and she started questioning whether Ichiro was maybe not just a way back to what she used to be before all of that.

She still wanted to give him a chance though. She couldn't bring herself to reject him. She didn't really want to do that. She was just unsure if she wanted him. She was shocked to hear that botheir siblings worked in tandem to get them together. They did more to get them together than the two of them.

They were supposed to go out today. Well, supposed being the word. Earlier in the day, Sakura felt lightheaded and her mother wanted to cancel the date altogether, ultimately agreeing for him to come home, and only because Sakura felt better as the day went on. She heard him arrive. Right on time, as expected of him. She made her way to greet him, but Ichiro was intercepted by her mother first. She heard them exchange pleasantries before her mother explained how she feared Sakura was ill earlier and it was why, if it were her, she would have cancelled this. "But I am fine now mother," Sakura argued. "You should not take dizziness light-heartedly," she retorted. Sakura felt the desire to point out that, if it was something to take so seriously, then why was it that she didn't call a doctor, but she kept her mouth shut. Her mother had grown far more protective since Hanami ran away, as if afraid of losing her other daughter. Or perhaps to deal with Sakura's father, who had been pretty hard on this, claiming that Hanami never would have done that had she been his real daughter. Another thing they both had to lower their head to and keep quiet.

The two women seemed unsure what to say next after this. For once, it was Ichiro who broke the silence, probably because he didn't know nor realise the tension between them. "I would never do anything that could endanger Sakura-san's health. But I am glad to spend time with her and talk for as long as she wishes us to." Sakura looked up at it. He could be very eloquent. She never thought about it before. He knew how to talk to people like her parents. It calmed her mother somehow, who invited him to be with them for dinner, despite saying she wanted him to leave only a moment ago. Sakura thanked her mother in a whisper before suggesting they moved to the parlor.

It was a rather simple room, decorated in a traditional style. Tomoyo was already there, preparing tea for the two of them. They had other staff but she was the only one tending to Sakura. Sakura wondered if she would stick around, as a chaperon. But she bowed at them and left the room. "How are you doing, are you well?" Ichiro asked. Sakura looked up at him and gave him a sheepish smile. "My mother exaggerated. It was nothing, I could easily have gone to our date." Her gaze got lost in a distance beyond the walls of the room. Ichiro did not interrupt her thoughts, letting her come back to him. "What did you have in mind for us?" Maybe she should have specified for the date, but it was how it came out. He seemed to understand. "I just thought about walking around the town, mostly a park. Maybe the aquarium. Just being out of the home, together." It made Sakura smile. It sounded so simple, but that was what she truly wanted, to be outside of home and the atmosphere in here. "And a restaurant reservation of course." "Of course," she whispered. It made sense but wasn't as important in her eyes.

An awkward silence came between them. Sakura never thought about what she should say to Ichiro in the past. Then again, she never questioned their relationship either. So many things had changed. She looked at him when she heard him clear his throat. He didn't seem as comfortable as he was a few moments ago, while talking to her mother. "Jiro told me I needed to say truly how I felt about you." She stared at him for a moment. "I told you the same," she said softly. She didn't try to judge him here. She wanted to hear after all. She was even hoping she could encourage him somehow. Because Ichiro was looking down at his hands, hands that were tugging at his pants. "When I'm with you, I feel calm. I know it doesn't look like this right now, but it's the situation. When I'm with you, I feel like I don't need anything else."

Sakura had no idea what to say to that. It was endearing, truly, but she also didn't quite know what to make of this. She stood up, feeling the need to walk, as though it could help her set her thoughts in place. "You know, I talked of this with..." She hesitatedé he would know she meant Hanami, but she was afraid someone may listen to them, someone who shouldn't. "...With my friend. I do feel something like that too. But everything feels sometimes so... complicated." Ichiro looked down again at her words. She didn't mean to make it sound like it wasn't enough. As she said, it was complicated. She wanted to feel a little more than being calm. "I don't like this situation. I would want none of it." It was the truth. She might not have turned down Ichiro, had he not settle the engagement with her father first. She wanted to hold onto him, since he was one of the very few people who knew everything about her life and what happened. "I think it's your kiss that made me hesitate. A first kiss has some weird power.""It wasn't our first kiss."

Sakura was puzzled. Ichiro was looking back at her again now that they were talking of this. "We kissed before. When we were kids and were first engaged." She had to think back at it for her to realise what he was talking about. Back then, they were introduced to each other by their parents and told they were engaged. They left them together to know each other better, get a little more used to one another and this fact. They were so young, had no idea what this engagement thing all meant. They understood marriage but didn't know what it meant for them. She said that meant they would be together. That they would hold hands. And they held hands, to try. And she said kissed. And they did. "It wasn't really a kiss though," she argued. "Our lips touched." True, their lips touched. But that was all they did. It would be like touching each other's finger right now. But they were kids. For kids, it must have been a kiss.

It made her smile, almost laugh even. "I guess they did." She had forgotten about this moment. Funny how all they thought they would be doing was holding hands and touching lips.

"Kiss me." This came out of nowhere. She didn't know why she said that. Maybe because the kiss was all that got her wondering about them so far. Or because the story of this first, innocent kiss they had made her want to reenact it. It was amusing. And, if they were to get married, wouldn't they be kissing? She wanted to be kissing her husband as often as possible.

Ichiro stood up and joined her. Her breath caught up in her chest as she waited. He slowly leaned forward. Once she could feel his breath on her lips, her eyes closed, just naturally. This time, it was a little more than just their lips touching. Her mouth opened, she moved closer to him. She had no idea how long they stayed like this. This kiss was long done but they kept their lips so close to each other. As Tomoyo been there for a moment and talked to break their embrace before someone else noticed, or did she just assumed she should be loud when entering in case they were saying something intimate they didn't want anyone to hear? Either way, they pulled apart, both blushing and feeling uncomfortable. They moved back to their seat. Tomoyo brought some sweets, apologizing for them not being there since the beginning, but they were making them. Sakura thanked her. Tomoyo stayed a little, staring at her pupil, waiting for a sign if she needed anything. Ichiro averted his gaze, as though afraid of seeing judgement in hers. She left them again. They moved to trying the pastries to chase away the awkwardness that returned again, albeit for an entire different reason. "I'll make sure we can have this walk next time," he promised. "That would be great," she said. Slowly, Ichiro reached out for her hand with his. He said nothing else, he just went and held her hand. She had a shy smile as she held it back.

---

Hiroki was glad that Eiji was done with his experiment but that only left him questioning. Eiji said he now knew the answer he was looking for, but he never mentione which one it was. Even as Hiroki asked him, he said nothing. And when he asked his friend what he would do now, Eiji explained that he never intended to do anything about it, he just wanted to understand. Did that mean he truly had a crush on him? There were times when Eiji acted as a boyfriend more than a friend, justifying it by saying he needed to know if that felt weird or not to be certain. He didn't know if it felt weird for Eiji, but it did for him. It was a bit awkward to have Eiji giving him gifts or holding his hand, but only because he wondered what he was making out of it. What's worse, Eiji admitted that he argued with his sister over this. Hiroki knew Akemi had a crush on him, or had to at some point. Having never been interested, he politely made it clear they could only be friends. He knew how close the twins were though, and felt horrible about it. That didn't help knowing exactly what Eiji's conclusion was though. Was Akemi angry because they loved the same boy and were suddenly rival or just because Eiji was experimenting on the guy she crushed? This also id not answer the question Hiroki kept asking himself since: What did he felt for Eiji?

He barely spent time with Eiji since. Akemi claimed he was very busy right now with studies and his robots and gundams. It was plausible, but it hurt Hiroki too. This left him ample time to think, though he always ended up in the same situation every time he did: he had no idea. He had no problem with same-sex relationships but never thought it would affect him. Just like Eiji before him, he was wondering what his feelings really meant. Was it because he just missed his friend? Did he like spening time with him because of his attitude or was there more? He never bothered to ask himself any of those questions while Eiji searched for an answer for himself.

He got a chance to see Eiji thanks to Matsumi. He could not remember which one brought up the idea of everyone going to an onsen but he knew she begged Amaya to say yes, as there would be no way her parents would allow her to go if she were the only girl in the group. Amaya agreed but Hiroki jumped on the idea to suggest bringing Akemi et her brother, making it three girls, so no doubt safer in her parents' eyes. Sure, he didn't know if the twins could afford it, but neither could Yoshihiro, yet the others pitched in to help make it happen. They eventually did the same for the Iwase siblings.

It was only once in the bus on the way to the mountains that Hiroki realized how they might not have been the best addition to their group. Akemi and Matsumi could talk a bit but they had little in common and even less with Amaya. Eiji was talking with her right now, trying to explain how he wanted to build a bird model that could move around as closely to an actual bird and they were discussing bone and muscles structures. Yoshihiro, at first, looked at them with narrowed eyes but he quickly ignored them. Amaya might be interested talking bones and all, but she clearly didn't view Eiji himself as someone interesting. Hiroki kept watching everyone, occasionally jumping in the conversation Matsumi et Akemi were having. But he couldn't help eyeing towards Eiji every now and then. They were close but Hiroki was still unable to tell exactly how he felt for him.

When came the time to go to the baths, the awkwardness became even more apparent. The boys had so little in common, all of them. Their only connection was that Hiroki knew them all. Eiji and Yoshihiro went to the same school but gravitated in very different circles. Eiji and Osamu had a bit in common with their personality, being both very studious, but their areas of interest couldn't be further apart. And it was best not to mention Hideo.

Normally, Hiroki would enjoy the onsen but he was lost in his thoughts. The boys were rather awkward. He wondered if the girls felt the same. After the bath, they were supposed to reunite for a meal. They needed to change in their yukata first. Hiroki didn't realise he was the last one in their changing room. He was wondering how he felt seeing Eiji. He couldn't say he had been that flustered to be this close to him in the bath. A little, but that might have just been the awkwardness due to his current train of thoughts. Wasn't it? It wasn't like he tried to avoid looking at Eiji but he also didn't feel the urge to stare at him at all time. Did that help point to a conclusion? Not really, he had to admit.

"Hiroki-kun?" He startled as he heard a voice calling him. It was Eiji. He had returned, probably to fetch him. He looked good in this simple, striped yukata. But he heart was not skipping at the mere sight of him. He was happy to see him though. "Is something wrong?" Eiji asked. Hiroki realised he had not talked ever since Eiji came in. He barely talke today, in fact. And, suddenly, he also came to another realisation: he knew what he had to do.

"Eiji-kun, you know how you needed to do an experiment before?" Eiji nodded but said nothing. Clearly, he was not into sharing what conclusion he came to. It was fine, it was not why Hiroki asked. "I need to experiment something too, and I was hoping if you could help me." "Of course. What is it?" Eiji didn't seem to get what he was getting at. Hiroki walked towards his friend. He was nervous, but this was it, the ultimate test. There would be no questioning after that for sure. Without explaining any further, Hiroki stretched his neck stopped only once his lips touched Eiji's. He pressed them softly, Eiji's upper lip captured between his. Eiji did not move at all, he let it happen. Hiroki closed his eyes as soon as he felt the lips against his and kept them close for the duration of the kiss. How long was it? He didn't know. But he knew his heart did skip a beat. What's more, Eiji might not have tried to kiss him back but he could feel his body moving closer and a hand timidly trying to hold his arm. So the conclusion was that Eiji liked him. It had to. It was one thing to not move out of courtesy for Hiroki's 'experiment', it was another to hold onto him.

Their lips parted. Hiroki slowly opened his eyes. Eiji was staring back at him. He took a moment to try and read into them. He couldn't. "Was I wrong?" he finally asked him. Was his voice really this soft? He could swear he talked on a regular tone yet it sounded like a whisper. "No," Eiji answered. That too had a result of making Hiroki's heart beat faster for a second. He smiled. He still didn't know what would happen next or how they should act about this but he knew one thing: he might very well be crushing on his friend. No, he knew two things; Eiji liked him back. "Come on, let's join the others," he said, grabbing Eiji's hand as he left to go and eat. He suddenly had an appetite.

---

Maemi did not come here for Ryohei. In fact, she'd rather not see him. She doubted her wih would come true. This was his father's exhibit after all. The man invited her personally, she could not refuse. She considered going on another day. She wouldn't see Ryohei then for sure, he needed to work and could not spend all day here in case she chose to show up. But she'd also miss his father, and the whole point of coming was to show her respect for the man.

Then again, she also wanted to see Ryohei. She just feared it at the same time. In a way, she would have found it so much easier had he moved on, or chose to hate her. She broke up with him, refused to see him or give him a reason for it, and just ran away. He was entitled to hate her. Yet, as she returne home, he was there, ready to do everything to get her back. She could not explain back then why she broke up and felt she could even less now. He could say he didn't care all he wanted, she did. She felt like she could never be with him again, or anyone else for that matter. This was why, whenever they were near and she felt the sparks again, it was both pleasant and painful. It was why she wanted to avoid him while wanting to be near him at the same time. But being separated was better.

She was a bit nervous at first. She had no idea if she would know anyone other than Ryohei's family. She didn't exactly have a lot of contacts in the world of art. It wasn't too stuffy though and she was able to walk around the exhibit in peace. She took the time to admire every painting. He was talented. He mostly enjoyed painting people it seemed, or maybe it was the theme of this particular exhibit. They looked so alive. She briefly saw the man but he was talking and she only nodded in return to focus on his art.

She stopped at one. It was an old portrait of Ryohei, back when he wouldn't have been more than ten, she guessed. She could see why his sister called him Bug back then. Shiori sai it was because of his big eyes and strong facial traits that gave him a bug-like appearance. It was not as repulsing as it sounded though. He looked kind of cute. She remembered when they met. She would not admit it back then, but he was cute. Not sexy, though. Puberty did that. His features still remained strong but they got better defined, and he got rid of his goofy smile. He also learned to flirt with his eyes.

She was lost in her thoughts, comparing the Ryohei she knew to this younger version. She did not realise that the boy in question was now standing next to her. She startled when she finally sensed the presence by her side. She could feel herself blushing a bit. It was embarrassing that he would catch her staring at him like this. "I'm happy you managed to come," he told her. She averted her gaze. "I told your father that I would." She didn't want to look like she wanted to talk to him. But he found her and he was not leaving her that easily. He moved along with her. At times, their hands would touch. Just the fingers but she wanted to hold his hand. She imagined him grabbing her hand and pulling her along to some quieter spot to hug her. To kiss her, even. But whenever her mind would wander there, she'd flinch and avoid Ryohei. She couldn't do that anymore. She knew what it was like to kiss him, how good it felt. But she also knew what would happen next. The memories would flood back. She'll be reminded that such tender gestures could be done without your consent, could be deprived of its tenderness. She had tried in the past, to move from those memories and live a normal life. But it always crept back in her mind and she could no longer stand being close to the other person. She couldn't do that with Ryohei. He was the one who showed her it could be good, before someone showed her it could also be violent. She didn't want to taint those memories. And she didn't want him to know that about her and have it change something. It did for her, so it would for him for sure.

Ryohei did not take her to a 'for staff only' area to kiss her. He even left her side at one point to join others. She was able to breathe better then and focus once again on the painting. She decided she would leave though. It was enough for her. Besides, she mustn't be the one his father wished to see the most here. She did more than her part by showing up. They were selling a book with the various paintings. She bought it. It was when the man joined her and asked if she liked the exhibit. She talked with him, expressed her respect and admiration for his talent. "You are leaving?" Maemi nodded. "I'm sorry that I can't stay any longer." He waved off her concern. "Do you need someone to call a ride for you?" he asked her. "I will call a taxi myself, it's alright," she assured. She barely had the time to say it that Ryohei itnerjected. "You should not have to bother. I'll drive you home." She startled at this. "There's no need. Plus, it's your father's exhibit," she objected. She didn't want to think about spending the ride alone with him. What if he finally demanded answers on why she left? But that was not enough to stop Ryohei. "I'm sure you have no need of me." For a moment, Maemi was tempted to say that indeed, she had no need of him, but she knew he was talking to his father, who agreed to let him go early, telling him to drive safely. "I'm always careful," he replied before telling him goodbye. Maemi saw no point in arguing. It was not worth a fight, really.

At first, Ryohei was quiet. He opened the door for her, got to the driver's seat, and asked her for the address to set it in the GPS. "How did you find it? The exhibit?" he asked after a moment. "You seemed to like one painting in particular," he added with a teasing smirk. She looked back at him. That, she could do. "I just remembered how your sister said you were a bug and could finally see for myself." "There's nothing bug-like about me!" The two laughed. There was a time they would be fighting over something like this. Since, it turned more into banter. "Does your father only paint portraits?" she asked. "No, but it was his inspiration for this exhibit. Mind you, my portrait's an old one. Not all of those there are recent." She could believe it. There were quite a few.

The ride felt like the longest one for Maemi, yet she thought it ended too soon. Ryohei stopped the engine in front of her family's home. She perceived that he too was unbuckling his safety belt but realised it only after she was done with her. Ryohei called out her name and when she looked up at him, she noticed how close he was. His hand was resting on the back of her seat. He leaned forward. She should have turned her head but she did not, and their lips touched. She kept her eyes wide open. His lips had captured hers, it was almost as though he was sucking on them. Slowly, she closed her eyes. As he pushed her lip to open her mouth, she let her tongue meet with his lips. Ryohei pulled back though. Did she do something wrong? She kissed him back, he should be trying to kiss her even more, no? But he pulled back. "Good night," he whispered. Maemi wanted to kiss him again. She wanted to hold onto him. She wanted him to remind her it could feel good. But he decided it was enough for one evening, and maybe he was right. Still, right now, she desperately wanted to tell him everything.

She did not though. "Good night," she whispered back. As she grabbed her bag, she felt his hand. It had moved from the seat to touch her. It lingered on her neck and went down her arm. As she looked at him, she felt as though he did all of this to see if she'd let him. He said he wanted her back. She proved she did too. Maemi hoped she was not imagining all of this. She smiled to him and left the car. He did not leave until she was inside the home. She even turned at the door to wave him goodbye. She wondered, was it really possible for her to get back to normal? Tonight, she got a hint that it might not be impossible.

---

It was movie night in the house. At least, it was what Aki had decided, as he wanted to spend some time cuddled against Souma in a situation that did not involve the removing of clothes. Souma had let him pick a movie. Their taste were very different, meaning he was suffering every now and then over what he had to watch. Aya didn't care, she was on her phone. As for the one who forced everyone into this, well he was asleep, and for a while. Souma could tell from the weight on his shoulder. Aki had placed his head there at the beginning of the viewing but various look at the man during the course of the film proved him that Aki was asleep. That, and the fact that his shoulder was starting to sleep too. The weight was getting too much on it. He let Aki do it at first, not really caring about it, but it got uncomfortable over time.

He was staring at Aki, debating if it was worth making a quick move with his shoulder to get him to sit properly. Did Aki sense he was being watched, even in his sleep? Whatever power he had seemed to possess, it made him open his eyes and catch with Souma's gaze. Both were silent, just staring at each other. "If you want me to move, you'll have to kiss me," Aki let out, with the smuggiest tone he had ever used. It annoyed Souma, who was not used to that kind of attitude from him. He shoved him away from his shoulder.

Aki had a silent laugh at it. He was not ready to give in so easily though. He jumped on Souma, dropping him on the couch and trying to get his kiss, whatever the cost. Aya stopped caring about her phone to stare at the two idiots. Souma was avoiding Aki as much as he could while being squeezed under him, with Aki aiming for his mouth and kissing any other part of his face he might get in the process.

Souma finally gave in and turned to allow Aki to get his mouth at last. He wanted it to be a mere peck but Aki pushed for more and so the kiss lasted for much, much longer than what he had meant it to. Still, at this point, it was better to let him have his kiss as he wanted, if only to get him off of him. "You are idiots." Both Souma and Aki turned their heads to stare at Aya who spoke. Souma was willing to agree, which bothered him, but Aki didn't care at all. He was grinning. "Maybe, but I got my kiss." "And you're heavy," Souma added, pushing him out of the way so he could sit. Aki was not affected. For a second, he considered going back against Souma, but he seemed to remember the stiff shoulder was the reason behind all of this and only sat closer for now. "Yeah, two idiots," Aya repeated under her breath.

---

Aya was rather upset, if only not to say furious. It started when she returned to Japan after a holiday in Amaerica. First, her mother sounded way too happy for her taste, but she took it on the account that she stayed with Daigo and his family. Then she heard about her agency wanting to speak with her. The manager was there, along with the other girls from the band. And then she understood. While gone, there had been an article in a tabloid abot her, pointing out that she not only had a rich boyfriend but that they were considering marriage already. It was so silly. She did not even finish high school! It was more than this silly assumption though, what really upset her was them asking how true it all was. it was as if she had to justify herself to them. She argued that there was no dating ban on her contract, therefore she was free to see whoever she wanted. Yet, they were talking almost as though she was threatening to destroy the band just as they were getting big. They were not little idols, she was free. She ultimately said that she never intended to marry him but she grew more and more defensive as she felt she had to explain herself. If only they knew. Daigo would say they were dating but she was still embarrassed about it and hated when he was so open, like he had been sometimes in New York. They did kiss though, so maybe they were dating. But Aya refused to admit that. Whenever they were about to get close, she remembered how he was everything her mother would wan, no force her, to have and she couldn't. They didn't spend one night together, she shared a room with his sister, and if they went out on a date, it was innocent.

In a way, when she received his text asking if everything was alright, it felt worse. He apparently heard about it too and also told his parents that he never proposed to her or anything of the like. They were too young for that! It was exactly her point also. Daigo didn't come back with her, he was meant to arrive a few days later. At first, she wanted to put as much distance beteen them, but the attitude she got from the manager and the lack of support she felt from the other girls made her contrarian side flare up. So she told him to call her as soon as he'd be back and have the time. He did and she demanded they went out. He first suggested a small place he knew she liked she but said she wanted to go somewhere fancy.

They arrived separately and were offered their own room for more privacy. Daigo didn't seem comfortable though. A part of Aya wondered why, when he always seemed fine no matter the situation but she was also too upset to really care. If she did, she might have realised she was the cause. "Don't you usually hate places like this?" he asked. It was a fine restaurant, and the food was delicious, but it was true that it usually was the kind of places she was forced to go when meeting with bachelors her mother thrusted her way or now for business meetings. She was not into flashy things. But she wanted to be seen, so that people can see she didn't care what they were saying about her.

They ate in relative silence, which was odd, especially from Daigo. But whenever he tried to talk, especially when talking of the article, she cut him down. When they were done, she asked if he could take her home. It was odd, but Daigo agreed. He stiffened however when, as they left the restaurant, she held onto his arm. It was definitely not something she would normally do. She'd be more the kind to take her hand away if he reached for it. For a moment, he said nothing, not even as they reached his car and they left. "You care to explain? That's not you at all." She sighed. He was right, and, to be honest, it didn't amuse her nearly as much as she thought it would. it would only backfire, right? She didn't want to answer him, as the truth annoyed her. She should ahve reacted better, but it was how she acted when confronted. "I just hate how everyone is meddling in my life. They didn't just ask if I was engaged, they acted like I was at fault for dating someone. I didn't expect much from my mother but the others..." Aya had been living with another girl from the band and after this, their relationship was a bit tense. She held a grudge against her, which she knew may be childish, but she couldn't help. All this because she might have a boyfriend. Daigo had stopped the car. They had arrived before Aya even realised it. Before she exited though, Daigo leaned forward and kissed her lips. She startled, too stunned to stop him or react at all. "What was that?" she inquired. Daigo was smiling again, a first for this evening. "It's the first time you admit that we are dating," he answered. Did she? She was certain that she did not. They were not dating. He was nice, he helped her get her troubles off her mind. But they were not dating. "You're an idiot, I did not," she argued, walking out the car. Daigo didn't object. She could hear him laugh a bit before lowering the window to call her out. "Next time, I'll take you to that yakisoba place you like instead." She didn't turn back. She said they were dating. And they kissed. Worse, she actually looked forward to going to that restaurant with him next time. What was she thinking!?

---

Twenty was an important age. That meant one became an adult. And there was a tradition amongst those newly-turned adults with older friends to drink for the first time together. Izumi was not quite sure about that though. She made some friends over time, both at school and work. She also heard them laugh about the last lucky one to turn twenty - she clearly could not have joined the party - and how they played silly games and she ended the night throwing up in the bathroom before falling asleep on the living room's floor. She didn't want to experience any of that.

Kyousuke however said she should try, if not in that way. He assured they could prevent her from doing any embarrassing game, although he couldn't promise there would be no vomitting at some point. Ryoko wasn't as into alcohol but she was willing to host that little coming-of-age celebration. She would also watch over her.

Kyousuke brought the alcohol. Some beer but also stronger stuff. Izumi couldn't say she enjoyed it. It was burning her throat. Kyousuke laughed while Ryoko smiled. "Do you have juice?" Kyousuke asked his friend, who nodded. He went to the fridge and poured some to mix in her drink. It was a huge improvement. When she started to drink it though, the two of them told her to be careful, it was still a lot of alcohol. The beer wasn't too bad but she didn't think it was all that great. Definitely not how those people in commercials made it appear to be.

They didn't do things too embarrassing. They had her try and give her opinion. They shared theirs and some stories. Ryoko was stiff and Izumi started to wodner if alcohol had not anything to do with how Taiki came to be. But she wouldn't ask her. It was inapproriate. Alcohol started to weigh heavy on her, despite the food they also shared. She felt tired, too tired to do anything. The two let her sleep for a moment as they talked but as it came time for Kyousuke to leave them, that meant Izumi had to do the same. He propped her on his back to get her to her apartment. It wasn't all that easy. She was not holding onto him as she would if she had been more awake. he didn't want to drop her. Ryoko was following, figuring that nothing bad would happen to Taiki, who was fast asleep in his bed, in the minute it would take to see them up the stairs. Kyousuke wished her good night while he worked on getting Izumi in her apartment. It was just a relief that she was so small, or else it would have beena lot more bothersome.

Izumi groaned as she got off his back. He held onto her. "Word of advice, drink a lot of water tomorrow, you'll need it." She looked up at him. He had brougt her to her bed, the only place one could sit in her small apartment. Without thinking, she moved towards him and kissed him. She wasn't able to tell why she did that, and Kyousuke was too stunned to move away at first. But he gently held her back. "Sorry," she said. She might be too drunk to get why she did this, but she was not drunk enough to not feel embarrassed afterwards. Kyousuke brushed the hair off her face tucked the strands behind her ears. "When I'll kiss you, you'll be sober and won't regret it," he whispered. She blinked, not quite sure she followed what he said. He stood up straight, letting go of her. He wished her good night, reiterated the advice about water. Before leaving, he told her that he would leave her key at Ryoko's place so he could lock her door.

After he left, for a moment, Izumi stood still. She thought she should take a shower, but she was too tired. Tomorrow morning then. She didn't even want to get up and brush her teeth, despite thinking that she should really do that. As she dropped her head against her pillow, the thought came to her mind that he said 'when' he would kiss her and not 'if'.

---

matsumi/osamu

---

ryoko/hideo

[Robert Ashter]

Kyousuke didn't get why this kindergarten named its classes after bugs. All he knew was that he was now a grasshopper. The creature looked cute on the design on the door and now on his clothes but he was a real one before. It was not that cute, at all. Not like the ladybug or the butterfly.

The kids were separated for the classes where they did all sorts of activities, but they would all be together for meals and when they would play outside. When the school was ove, the ones who stayed while waiting for them parents to arrive were also all placed together. For now, everyone was outside.

Kyousuke was in his corner. He was sitting there, back against the school's wall, his gaze into the distance. He knew other kids were coming his way but he ignored them, thinking they would simply walk passed him. But the two girls stopped near him, forcing him to turn his head to look at them. They were not in the grasshopper class. He couldn't see it attached to their clothes. "Is it true that you can see fairies?" Kyousuke looked away from them and back into the distance. So it was why they were here. "Not fairies, just one," he answered. The girls looked around for that fairy, couldn't see it. "You can see it here" one asked. Before Kyousuke could even answer, the other added "Why can't we then?" Kyousuke had nothing to say about it. At his age, he had no idea what he could say that could be satisfactory to these girls. One was so certain that he was lying anyway that she was already calling the woman in charge of her group to call out on him, saying he was lying about fairies. Kyousuke sighed, turning his head away from the girls. His trick worked before, why not now.

"Leave him alone! You're just angry because you can't see them!" Kyousuke looked around and saw a third girl who showed up, standing her ground as she faced the other two girls. She too was nto from his class. He could see a ladybug on her clothes. "I want to see the fairy! If he can see it, he shows it," she said. So she was proving that third girl right. There was a stubborness in her traits as she stodd there. The teacher called came in to separate everyone, saying they should be doing the activities they had prepared for everyone. That included Kyousuke though, who had moved to this corner to avoid it. He was tempted not to move or to walk away, see what the teacher would do. But that third girl, she grabbed his wrist and dragged him with her away from the others towards the other kids so they could play with them. Kyousuke did not resist her. He wondered who she was. He did not bother to ask for her name, let alone give his.

Later that day, when a lot of the kids left, Kyousuke was still here. Those whose mothers could pick them up right after class left. Kyousuke didn't have such luck. His mother was working hard for the two of them. It was okay though. He was not alone, there were other kids like that, kids whose parents couldn't pick up because of work and would arrive later on. Like the other days before, he walked to the main hall, where the kids ate their meals all together sometimes, and where they would stay while waiting for their parents to arrive. They could work on whatever they learned today, or play with toys, or draw. Kyousuke had yet decided what he would do today when he saw her. The girl from earlier this morning. Not the confrontary one, the one who defended him and grabbed his hand. She was sitting at a table, drawing something in a book. He sat next to her. There was plenty of space around, he didn't need to pick a spot near her, but he did.She barely reacted, Kyousuke could even wonder if she noticed notice, if she was maybe not too taken by her drawing. He peaked at it. It looked like a fairy. Inspired by the conversation earlier in the day? Kysouke, somehow, felt bad about it. "You don't really one, right?" He startled and looked at her. She was not paying attention to him still, she focused on her drawing. He looked down at the table. "I just didn't want to play," he answered. It was how it all started. Kyousuke hated being alone but he was not always good at going towards people or participating in an activity when he wasn't into it. He sat next to other kids so he wouldn't be alone but he was not interested in their game. He didn't want to talk either. He looked in the distance, just enjoying the company. When they asked him what he was looking at, it came out before he even thought of it. He was seeing a fairy and it was why he was not talking or playing with them. He didn't expect it to go this far. He didn't want to admit it though. He would no longer be allowed to just sit near others without playing or talking, like he wanted.

He turned his head to look at the girl. He did not realise she stopped drawing to stare at him. "I won't tell anyone," she assured. "Really?" She nodded. He had a little, reassured smile. "But you should give it a shape. Like this?" she said, pointing at her drawing. Kyousuke looked at it, then at her crayons. He picked a purple one then pointed at the wings to color them like that. They spent their time, Kyousuke picking colors and the girl drawing. "What are you drawing?" one of the woman in charge of the kindergarten asked them. "Fairy friends," the girl chirped. The woman smiled and left them be, unaware that they were now looking at each other and laughing. There was a knowing smile between each other. "I'm Kyousuke." "Ryoko."

---

Everyone was inside today. It was raining, so no playing outside. It was a shame, really, not only because there were a lot of games they could play outside but also, and mostly, because it allowed everyone to see when a parent arrived to pick up their child. Now they had to sit quietly in the room together and wait for an adult to come and call the child whose parent arrived. Not as fun. Then again, one kid was not playing or studying, but watching through a window, telling everyone when someone arrived so that the kids could come over and have a look. The rain made it hard to recognize the adults they knew, along with the hats and umbrellas they were carrying to protect themselves from it, so it created an extra game of figuring out who it was.

Kyousuke always got up to have a look. "Why do you get up? I said it was a Papa," the kid argued. "Yes, you have no Papa," another said. Kyousuke walked back to his seat. Ryoko was sitting next to him. She barely ever got up unless he said there was something interesting to look at. She didn't care about this game. She noticed however that her friend looked sad. "Do you really not have a Papa?" she asked him. If that were true, it would be sad. She had both, but it was true it was always her mother that came to pick her up. Her father was coming when both parents were invited to activities though. She never saw Kyousuke's. "I have a Papa, he just doesn't live with Mama and I," he explained. He sounded on the defensive. Probably all those talkes about Mamas and Papas annoyed him. Ryoko didn't get what he meant by that, not living with them. Well, she get it meant he was not living with them, as in not in the same house, but she didn't understand why so. "Like Yuuto?" Yuuto's parents were divorced. Sometimes, his father picked him up and sometimes it was his mother. Kyousuke shook his head though. "You live with him sometimes?" she asked again, trying to understand. Another shake of the head. If he didn't go see his Papa, then why did he think he would come see him? She thought of the fairy. "Do you see him?" Maybe Kyousuke thought of the fairy too because he looked at her, a little irritated by what she implied. "Of course I see him! He comes to see us sometimes. He also said he would be there for our show." Each class had a little talent show, song and dance and play. Ryoko wondered if his father would really come but her friend seemed so happy at the thought of it that she chose to believe it too.

They had ignored some announcement from the kid at the window as they talked, but Kyousuke hopped off his chair after he said another man approached. Why he thought his father would pick him, Ryoko had no idea. She may be young but she already felt like he would never. "Ryoko-chan, your Mama is here," one educator said. She packed her thing. Kyousuke was still at the window but he had turned his head to look at her. They waved at each other before she would put on her shoes and leave the room. She knew his mother would be the one coming over to take him home, but she wished him to see his dad instead as she left.

---

"Can you see him?"

Kyousuke shook his head. So many kids were trying to peek through and see the parents. They all wanted to spot where their family were sitting. Kyousuke could see his mother. But his father was nowhere to be seen. He backed up, his place quickly taken by another kid who wanted to look at the crowd. He said he would come. He was not there.

Ryoko could see that it affected Kyousuke. All year long, he had to convince people that he had a dad. He said he would be there for their end-of-year show. Every kindergarten kids would perform various acts, and Kyousuke told them all that his father said he would be tere. She felt sorry for him. "There is still time," she said in hope to cheer him up. He nodded, but he didn't seem to believe it. He tugged at his costume. His mother helped making many of them, including this one. Kyousuke was not part of the play, that was Ryoko's class. He was doing a dancing act. But they would all sing a song at the end. Kyousuke didn't look into it now though. Yet, Ryoko knew how hard he practiced, since they did that a lot at the park together.

She also took a peek. Her parents were next to his mother, since they knew each other. There was no empty seat next to them for his father though. A teacher came to round everyone up into their respective groups. Ryoko threw one last look at her friend and waved at him, to give him some courage. He returned the gesture.

When it was his turn to perform, Ryoko made sure to find a spot to look at it from the side. She was not paying attention to the others, just her friend. Something shifted in his attitude at one point. He looked a lot happier. She knew immediately. His father was there and he noticed him. She smiled, happy for him.

Her parents recorded the whole thing and were talking to Kyousuke's mother about making a copy for her. Kyousuke came along with her to see them but after a quick compliment from his mother, he ran towards the back of the room. "Papa!" he exclaimed as he hugged a man. Ryoko tried to follow him but it was a bit hectic. Kids were joining their families, talking to them to moving towards the exit together. She stopped when she saw Kyousuke coming back, dragging a man behind him. "That's my Papa," he said to Ryoko as an introduction. He turned towards the man. "That's my friend Ryoko-chan." Their parents joined them. Kyousuke's mother was smiling but the boy couldn't see that she was a bit uncomfortable about it. It was a weird situation to hve the man here, but to Kyousuke, he had both his parents present and he could not fully grasp what his 'family' status was. "I came as soon as work allowed me," the man explained. Kyousuke didn't care anymore that he was late. He came, it was all that mattered. And some other kids could see them, so they now knew he had a father. "How about we go and celebrate?" he added. Kyousuke jumped out of joy. It took some time to make him understand that it would be just the three of them and not with his friend. Ryoko didn't mind. It would have been fun, but he was with his dad, and she heard him enough liking the man yet missing him. They waved at each other once again, this time to say good bye. They were also leaving behind their kindergarten year but it was alright. They would see again in primary school.

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