Kazuo Nakajima's Story

A brand new day has just begun and Kazuo is in fact looking forward for today. Because he doesn't have any lecture to attend in the morning, he can take his time to go and see around Tokyo. He might just as well tag Takumi along and probably ask Hikari if the guy was interested, but only if he doesn't have any class to attend this morning too. He figures that Takumi will probably drag Miki to come with them, though it might be a little awkward for both him and Hikari if they were going to hang out with them. He just hope that things will get better between them.

Kazuo had already gotten up quite early to do his morning exercise. Usually he would have asked Takumi to come along, but knowing how much his best friend likes to sleep in, he thinks it would be for the best not interrupting their peaceful slumber. He didn't want to disturb Miki either. So it's him all alone again. Well, not entirely. When he stopped by the park, he saw that his new club president, Tsubasa, was also working out. They talked and chatted while helping with each other exercises. It seemed that he also lives around these areas and his parents work in a hospital, while his sister opens a coffee shop.

When Kazuo returned, Hikari had already gotten up too and was seemingly preparing breakfast. "Ohayo, Hikari-san. Wait for me a few moment, I'll get changing first then I'll join you." As he changed into a more suitable attire, he thought of how sensible Hikari seemed to be. It has been lucky for him to be able to live under the same roof with such a good roommate. At least now I've also known that it wouldn't be that awkward if he ever accidentally come across with my materials... He shook the thought off his mind.

After both of them have finished dining, Kazuo offered to wash the dishes. As he was doing his job, Hikari suddenly stated that he doesn't have any lecture to attend today, and so he was planning to head to Akihabara to get some typewriter ink and some newly published novels, and asked him if he had any class today too. "Oh, I was intending to ask you the same thing too. I'd glad to go with you to Akihabara. I don't have to go to school in the morning and I think neither are Taku and Miki-san too. I'll call them to ask if they wanted to come." Kazuo replied with a smile, before both of them headed into their room to prepare.

It seemed that Takumi and Miki are also eager to come along with them, as they didn't have anything better to do in the morning either, rather than sitting and play video games. Kazuo knew that both of them got along well though, perhaps a little too well for someones who had just got to know each other. But it was no surprise taking into account of how sociable both of them are. Figure that Miki-san probably will need someone to distract him from all the thoughts about Hikari-san too. Kazuo sheepishly thought.

When everyone is ready, they all head to the train station. Chiyoda ward is pretty far from Bunkyo ward, so the best way to get there is by train. When Hikari and Miki met, they exchanged a few words with each other. Though they still remained distant, it didn't seem to be as bad as yesterday, which was something Kazuo and Takumi secretly felt relieved at. When the train arrived, the four board it as it headed to Akihabara.

---

Well, I could only imagine how it would be like xD

While the four of them were still sitting together on the train, they talked together about all sorts of stuff. Well, the ones who were doing most of the talking were Takumi and Miki, despite the awkward atmosphere that is still in the air. Kazuo also joined in for a couple of times but he didn't say much, since Takumi had already spoke what he wanted to say already. Most of them are about their hometowns. Kazuo hadn't been to Kyoto before, though he can imagined how they would be through the title "land of thousand shrines."

When the train stopped at the station in Akihabara, they all made their ways to the antique shop first, for Hikari to get some of the stuffs he needed. Following the topic of their hometowns, Takumi continued to tell them about Sapporo, and proudly stated that both him and Kazuo knew how to drink since they were only 12 and that they can drink anyone under table, though Kazuo didn't find that something to take pride of. And also the fact that they have to wear three layers of clothes or else they would freeze whenever winter come.

Stopping in front of the antique shop, Hikari went inside and told the three of them to wait, or they can come in though there probably aren't anything that they would find interesting. In the end, they decided to wait while the three taller guys waited for him.

"Had he always been into antiquity and old stuffs like that?" Takumi asked as he and Miki sat down at the bench next to the shop while Kazuo bought some drinks from the vending machine nearby.

"Yeah, even most of the stuffs in his room are things dated back to the ancient time." He chuckled and replied before turning his face away, muttering to himself, "I guess he hasn't changed at all..."

"Hmm? What are you two talking about?" Kazuo asked as he threw Takumi and Miki their coffee cans. Miki just shook his head said that it was nothing.

After Hikari had finished shopping, Kazuo gave him a can of juice before making their way to an arcade nearby. Well, this type of place is exactly where Takumi is supposed to be, since he was confident that no one can beat him when it comes to game. However, both Kazuo and him were surprised by seeing how good Hikari was at shooting and dancing, as they gave him a rather exaggerated applause. Miki, however, just quietly observed Hikari.

They then stopping by some food stalls on the street, taking pictures with some anime mascots, buying some mangas and books in a bookstore. There were really all sorts of people here though and it isn't really surprising if half of the people there were otakus. When it was lunch time, they stopped by a McDonald's shop and had some hamburgers. Kazuo and Miki, however, excused themselves since they had lectures in the afternoon.

As the two of them board the train that took them back to Bunkyo ward, they conversed about many other stuffs, though it was rather surprising that the topic of how Miki felt after hanging out with Hikari was never brought up, since Kazuo understands that it was rather touchy, though Miki seemed somewhat relieved. They parted way when they made it back to the complex building to grab their schoolbag.

The afternoon lessons went on peacefully. It seemed that Kazuo didn't gain as much attention as yesterday because he wasn't going with Hikari. He doesn't know how to feel about that though. There's nothing particular that happened, except for when he was handing the attendance paper for Okamoto-sensei, as the lecturer said to him something about "looking after his back." He felt rather confused, but decided not too concern himself over it too much.

It was 5:30PM when he finishes, and only half an hour later until he and Takumi started their first day working part-time at Albrecht Coffee Shop - where they were accepted to work. Making his way back to the apartment, Kazuo greeted, "I'm home." Approaching Hikari, he continued where he left, "I have to work part-time with Taku at a Coffee Shop today. I won't be back until 9:00PM so you don't have to wait for me, okay? You don't have to make dinner for me either, I can stop by the convenience store to buy something."

Kazuo listened to Hikari's statement that he shouldn't eat processed food and that someone as handsome as him should eat healthy cooked food, because Hikari is the only one at home so he'll cook for him. Kazuo giggled while scratching the back of his head at the remark that he was 'handsome', "Thanks for the compliment, I don't usually get it much. I used to eat packed bento from convenience stores all the time back in Sapporo when I didn't have time to cook. But since you've insisted, I supposed it couldn't be helped."

He then put his shoes on, "I'll see you later then." Kazuo said with a grin as he made his way out of the apartment, with Takumi already stood waiting for him. "Well just look at that, you two seemed to get along just fine as well, huh?" The blonde snickered to his best friend, only to be punched lightly on his arm. "Whatever. Let's go then. It's not good being late on the first day at work, hmm?"

With that said, the two of them headed off the building and made their way towards Albrecht Coffee Shop. It's already evening so the streets are bustled with people. Sometimes it just feels like the city itself never seems to rest. Not that it made much of a different in Sapporo though. Kazuo was hoping that his first day working in Tokyo would be just as smooth as when they are at school.

When they've made it to the coffee shop, they entered through the back entrance as instructed the day they sent in their applications. The shop's owner - Kyoka, was there to personally greeted them. "That's good, you two are not into tardiness. Let's go, I'll introduce you to everyone." She then led the way as they followed her to the staff's room. There were about 10 other people there, both males and females, and they stopped whatever they are doing when they saw their boss walked in, with two new guys.

Kyoka then proceeded to tell that they are the newcomers and hope that they will work well from now on. Both of them introduced themselves before bowing respectfully to their new colleagues. And everyone gave an applause as a welcome. Kyoka then gave two of them their uniforms and told them to hurry as the shop will open in the next 10 minutes.

It seemed that the Coffee Shop was really popular, though most of the customers were students and some office workers. Since this is not the first time both of them have to work part-time, it's not that difficult for them to handle. Takumi managed to impress his fellow baristas behind the counter with his skills at making different types of coffee and beverages, while Kazuo's gentlemanliness found its' place to shine. Half of the female customers were, unsurprisingly, got their attention drawn by the "two new handsome guys."

They worked restlessly with Takumi making drinks while Kazuo sending them out, while keeping eyes on anyone suspicious. It have been quite an energetic three hours for them. When their shift is over, Kyoka complimented them for their good performance on the first day and reminded them of their next working shift. After changing back to their former attires, they bid goodbye to her and their colleagues before leaving.

The city is still lively as ever. As they made their way back to the building, they stopped by a convenience store. Mostly for Takumi to buy his dinner since Miki probably would be too busy to cook. They parted way when they reached the floor where they live. "I'm home." Kazuo said as he entered the apartment and locked the door. He didn't receive any reply though so Hikari probably have settled for the night.

And as Hikari had promised earlier, there were some foods waiting for Kazuo on the table. He really is a thoughtful person. Kazuo thought to himself. He heated the food and enjoyed his dinner. He secretly wondered how it would feel knowing that someone is always there, waiting for him to return, under the roof of the place he could call home. He couldn't really consider himself a romantic person because he had never fallen in love before. But he did inherit some of his father's traits, after all. But at least for now, he's feeling contented enough.

Another long day had ended, just peacefully like that.

When Miki, Takumi and Kazuo met up and intending to make their ways to the cafeteria when the bell rang, signaling the lunch break, they were talking of how their lectures had been. That is, until a crowd of sorts is gathering and blocked the way. Trying to make their way to the front to see whatever was happening, they were surprised to see that Hikari was being taunted by some guy taller than him. "That was Sunohara, one of the guy who used to bully Osawa-san back in our high school days. For someone with horrible scores like him, how could he even make it here anyway?" Miki said while looked at the other guy with disdain.

Right away, Sunohara seemed to realize that Miki was also there and threw him a few insults as well. Kazuo tried his best to remain calm, though it was mostly due to Takumi holding his arm from behind, while constantly reminded him not to do anything rash. Before Miki could say anything else, however, Hikari spoke up against Sunohara and tried to walk away. But of course, the guy probably wouldn't want to let him off so easy like that.

The moment Kazuo saw that Hikari was pulled back violently, his fists had already clenched as he ground his teeth. He was stepping up to the scene the moment he saw that Sunohara was about to throw a punch at Hikari.

However...

"Yare, yare. I've always admired the surplus of energy of youth that you students often display. But don't you think that fighting at the middle of school like this is suitable, hmm? Is this what you were taught back in your high school?" Someone spoke up from behind as Sunohara's arm was held back and bended from behind with such force that a crack voice could be heard. Winched in pain, he turned back, only to be visibly horrified at the sight of that person.

"Okamoto-sensei...?" Kazuo was surprised for the second time the moment he saw his social study lecturer. Upon seeing the sight of him, the crowd quickly dispersed, until there were only them left.

Kuzuki just stood with his other hand calmly put in his pocket, while gripping Sunohara's arm tightly. He then proceeded to smile brightly, "From what I know, you seemed to have the record of bullying back then, right? Well, I'm very sorry to inform you that you're no longer in your old school, nor your Kyoto region. Where you are standing right now is Tokyo University, so you have to follow our rules. Are you clear, Sunohara-san?" He then gazed at the young man with a calm, yet also menacing, look, "I will let it pass for now, but don't expect the same if I saw this happen again, okay?"

With an annoyed 'tch', the guy quickly moved his arm away, apparently in pain due to the sheer force that Kuzuki held him earlier. He walked pass them and threw Hikari a glare. "Are you okay, Osawa-san?" Kuzuki held out his arm and helped Hikari to stand up, "Those scratches looked nasty though. I suppose you three are his friends, right?" He said to Kazuo, Takumi and Miki, "Please accompany Osawa-san to the infirmary. But do make haste, since the afternoon lectures will begin soon. If that guy still causing you troubles from now on, let me know."

Then, the lecturer bowed respectfully before leaving. The three quickly walked up to Hikari, "Hikari-san, I hear something cracking earlier, did that bastard break your bones or anything?" Kazuo asked worriedly. It's normal of him to be like this whenever he saw his friends in trouble, "But let's get to the infirmary first, shall we?"

And then, the four of them went to the infirmary. There, Kazuo personally put bandage Hikari's wounds. Takumi had also stopped by his locket to grab one of his spare pants that he, strangely, stored for Hikari to wear because of the hole on his pants. "Well, it was lucky that there was nothing too serious. But I suppose there's nothing we could do about your broken camera though. I'll come along with you to buy a new one when we're free, okay?"

Noticing that Hikari was troubled, he just smiled assuredly, "Please don't worry about anything, Hikari-san. We're not the type to abandon our friends just because everyone doesn't share our opinions. Me and Taku will ensure that nothing bad will happen to you." He said with a grin, while Takumi nodded furiously from behind. Miki, however, just stood quietly with a blank gaze, as if he's feeling guilty.

As the bell rang, Kazuo startled as he realized that the lecture has begun. "Do you think you can still walk? I can take you to your lecture hall if you need."

When Hikari just nodded to his offer without saying anything, Kazuo can clearly notice that something is definitely bothering his roommate. He quietly let out a sigh. For someone who would spend his life looking after the welfare of others like him, of course it would be quiet bothering for him too. Well, there hasn't been a whole lot of people whom he can truly look after for. Takumi, his dad, his late mom and Akira, his little brother, are really the only ones who are close to him. When it comes to Hikari though, even if they aren't that close yet, he knows that he had already added another person to that list. I definitely will.

He took some clothes from his own room and decided to take a shower first. It has been a rather long and eventful morning and it is natural for everyone to feel tired. Even though Miki probably would have already had Takumi to take care of, Kazuo hoped that things would be okay for him too. He doesn't understand much about things that people who are ex-lovers would usually do when they accidentally met again. Apparently it wouldn't be neither overly dramatic nor romantic like in those novels and manga he once read. But for now, it's best not to concern over it too much.

As he stepped out from the bathroom, he saw that Hikari was peaking in at the same time. "Hey, Hikari-san. Is there anything you need?" He asked. And Hikari then proceeded to ask if he could come together with him to a new planetarium that had just been opened the other day, in which Kazuo nodded in agreement. "Of course, I'd love to. Let's talk about it while we're having dinner, okay?" He smiled.

Then, Kazuo went into the kitchen and began to took out the ingredients from the cupboards and refrigerator to make dinner. He decided to make some burgers and Caesar salad for tonight. Sometimes he really did feel like a househusband though. Because he had always been taught to do the chores around house and cook foods for himself ever since his mom is still alive. He was grateful to her because of that. To say that their family is a family of cooks wouldn't be too much of an exaggeration.

When he's finished, they dined together and discussed about their trip to the planetarium, and concluded that they should go together when both of them are free. "I don't have any lecture of Thursday either, but I have an assignment with a group of my fellow classmates because sensei had just given us a project to do. Shall we make it weekend? We can also go shop for things that we're needing too if you like."

---

That sounds like fun indeed xD
Over here, people are just Euro everywhere, I didn't care much because I'm not a soccer fan LOL

Dinner passed by quietly as the discussion over their 'date' to the planetarium which Hikari had recommended. Well, since Miki and Takumi probably would want to be tagged along, it could be hardly called a 'date', after all. But at least, being able to hang out together somewhere after dreading lectures at university would be awesome. Though it's still days away before they actually be going, Kazuo is feeling excited already. The conversations shifted from the date into something else, which mostly around school stuffs and how they have been doing with their subjects.

When they've finished dining, they washed the dishes together, though Kazuo had insisted that Hikari doesn't have to, it seemed he couldn't really convince his roommate. Hikari said that he was intended to go to Akihabara to get some lens for his camera, and that Kazuo might tag along if he wanted to, though it may be a rather boring trip, but he shook his head, "Nah, it's fine. I'll go with you to Akihabara then. I'm sure there's gonna be more thing for me to do with the other two while you get whatever you needed." He said with a smile. When the dishes are washed, Hikari excused himself to go and take a bath. Kazuo also made his way back to his room. There, he turned on his laptop and decided to have a live chat with his dad, to see how things have been back home.

When Daisuke's face appeared on the screen, Kazuo was greeted by his usual bored expression. Well, for some reasons people at the host bar loves it to death. Apparently nothing much had happened in Sapporo, it has been snowing and he had been spending more time at home to look after Akira. Moments later, his younger brother poked it and said that he missed his onii-chan a lot, and they high-fived through the screen. Looks like everything was well at home.

"Well, be sure to be good at the kindergarten and listen to tou-chan, Aki-chan." Kazuo said while smiling brightly.

Akira nodded repeated, "I will, I will. Please come back and see me soon, onii-chan. I love you."

"If you don't have anything else to say then I'm off." Daisuke said in a bored manner.

"Geez, even when I'm this far away, couldn't you show just a little bit of love like your harem?" Kazuo teased.

"Don't be gettin' full of yourself. Just remember to bring my son-in-law to see me next time you came back." His father said before they bid goodbye and turned off the call. He proceeded to finish a couple of homework before settled for the night.

The following day passed by in the same manner as everyday, though it seems that the awkwardness between Hikari and Miki have lifted. And they got Takumi to thank for that, since they've been spending the whole night last night confiding with each other. Though whatever they've been talking with each other remained unknown as Takumi stated that 'it's secrets between them.' Not that Kazuo would care too much about it.

When they've finished, the four of them made their way to the school entrance, where a young woman is seemingly waiting for them. Miki grinned and said, "That's Akari-san, Hika's sister." Miki grinned and introduced as he waved to her. "Long time no see, nee-san." He said to her. Kazuo and Takumi also went on and introduced themselves afterward.

The three of them walked up and approached Akari when she was talking with Hikari. Apparently she doesn't seem to stress over formality much, despite Kazuo and Takumi have barely met her just moments ago. When Akari ruffled his hair and said that he had gotten taller, and whispering her thank to his ear, he just smiled and replied, "It's not me who you needed to thank, nee-san. But, it's something I just gotta do." He nodded to her when she signaled to keep it a secret, under both Kazuo and Takumi's curious eyes.

The two then stepped up and introduced themselves, and Kazuo couldn't help laughing it off when Akari said that Hikari had said a lot about him to her, "Well, I don't think that it's really that much. We've only been living together not very long. Probably not even a month yet." He said while scratching the back of his head. From behind, Miki could notice that Hikari was hiding his face away while blushing a little, and he smiled lightly at the sight. At least for now, there wouldn't be too much for him to worry about anymore, whenever he faces with Hikari from now on.

After all the greetings had been done, they all helped Hikari to get her luggage up to Hikari's room. Kazuo was a bit taken about by the amount she brought along with her, as if she was intended to stay over for very long. It took a lot of struggle for them but they've managed to get them all in just one go. When they've reached their floor and helped Akari to put the stuff inside, Miki and Takumi went back to their room. "I think it's been a long way for you. What do you want for dinner, Akari-san?" Kazuo was asking, but immediately noticed the weird atmosphere between the two siblings.

"Erm, is something wrong?" Kazuo asked nicely, as usual, and Hikari told him that he and his sister got something to speak in private, while flashing a rather unconvincing smile. He decided not to dwell into their business anymore and instead walked his way to the blonde boys' room, which was only a few blocks away. When he stepped inside, the first thing that greeted him was a huge mess, which probably hasn't been cleaned up since last night.

Sighing, Kazuo could almost convinced that they're probably meant to be the moment they met. Both of them are usually enthusiastic when it comes to cleaning, but unfortunately, it didn't last long. He could figure out that much after the frequent times he and Hikari stopped by in the past month. Then suddenly, there was laughter coming from the bedroom they share together, and something like "don't do that, stop" and "don't be shy, we've been roomies for a month." Sighing again, Kazuo made his way to their room, and facepalmed himself at the sight.

It would be quite a scene that people would misunderstood if they saw. Both of them were lying on their futons, while Takumi was caressing Miki's abs from behind, with the latter's shirt rolled up to his chest. "I can't believe you two. It wasn't even a month yet and I think you've done more than what a couple would usually do in a year." Kazuo said to them. Both of them sat up as Takumi sneered back, "Is that jealousy I hear, Kazu-chan? I haven't been worshiping your ripped body for a while and you've already missed me. Come then, I'll make it up for you ~"

Kazuo coldly pushed Takumi away when he was jumping for him. The three of them then went on to chat about the Osawa siblings, where Miki finally confessed how things had really been before with both him and Hikari. Well, he had already stayed up all night the day before to confide with Takumi, too. It turned out that it was never his intention to move from Kyoto in the first place. He had tried to hide the bruises and wounds he got from fights against those who bully Hikari, but his parents still found out. They flipped out on Hikari's parents and decided to move to Nagoya in the end, despite his protests. He doesn't even got a chance to explain and say a proper goodbye with his ex.

"People always do crazy things when they're head over heels for each other, y'know. And no matter how much I was beaten up, if I can protect him even for just a little bit, then I don't mind." Miki said with a light smile, "I too had hoped that our reunion would be different, but when I see him, I just... don't know what to do or say anymore. There isn't a single day that I didn't miss him. But when I finally see him again, my courage just disappeared."

The three of them went silent for a couple of moments, before Kazuo asked, "Do you still love him?"

"Of course I do. It's never changed in the past years. And I had wanted us to return to how we were, but I supposed... we are just not meant for each other. It's better for things to stay the way they are right now. I just need to look after him again, but this time, as friends. But, I believe Hikari had already found someone whose shoulders he can lean on already." Miki turned to him and smiled rather ambiguously. Kazuo doesn't understand what he meant by that, but decided not to let it concern him for now.

The five of them then shared dinner together. It was quite fun, as Akari really knows how to stir things up. Kazuo, however, once again noticing Hikari's distress. But decided not to ask as it would spoil the atmosphere. When they've finished dining, Miki and Takumi went back to their apartment, Akari had also retreated to Hikari's room, which left Hikari and Kazuo taking care of the washing up.

They stayed mostly silent, until Kazuo decided to speak up, "I'm sorry if I'm a bit curious... is everything fine with you and Akari-san?"

---

I think we could make a spin-off where Takumi and Miki are the main couple LOL
And that's almost correct xD

Kazuo listened attentively to every word that Hikari got to said about the what had happened between him and his sister, Akari. And it could only get more and more surprising by the minute. Apparently Akari is pregnant now and the father of the baby inside her had abandoned her, as if he doesn't wanted to take responsibility for what he did. That's also the reason why she had returned to Japan. But it seems things will become a lot more complicated from now on in the Osawa family, with a high chance that Akari might be have her inheritance of the family annulled.

"I-I see..." Kazuo said, trying to to smile in assurance, "You two must have had it tough. But I'm pretty sure everything will turn out okay. I mean, your grandparents may be harsh and stuff but they couldn't possibly just turn their back on their grandchildren like that, right? You don't have to think too negatively about it, nothing bad will come in your way-"

Though before Kazuo could finish his sentence, Hikari looked up to him with a sad smile, while brushing some of his bangs off. He then proceeded to apologize for pouring his troubles onto him, and loathed himself for being a burden all the time. "Hikari-san, that's not-" He spoke up, only to be interrupted again by Hikari bidding goodnight to him, and retreated to his room. He stood quietly and gazed at the closed door for a few moments, before sighing. It has always been in his nature to take care and look after others unconditionally, no matter how things may be daunting for them. So even if he's being pushed away, he's not going to give up.

As usual when morning came, Kazuo had already gotten up and did his jogging and exercises. On his way, he saw a familiar face, who turned out to be Tsubasa. "Hey, Tsubasa-san." Kazuo called over to his club president as he catch up with him. "Ohayo, Nakajima-kun. Working out today too?" Both of them chatted as they jogged together to the park where Kazuo usually exercising every morning.

At the park, they did their usual exercises together and Tsubasa gives Kazuo a few useful tips on how to improve his hand movements, as well as maintaining his speed more stably when swimming. Of course, he might have made it to the nationals, but there's a lot he can learn from the other members of the club. They sat at a bench and drank their own bottles of water to rehydrate themselves, while chatting on.

"I must say, Nakajima-kun, you really are a nice guy." Tsubasa said with a smile, "You certainly had been a great help since the past month. Most of the guys like you right away, which was not something usual for a freshman."

"Thanks for the compliment, everyone had helped me a lot too." Kazuo grinned while scratching the back of his head.

"I'm pretty sure that if anyone having a bad day, they would certainly cheer up a bit whenever you're around. It's something that I'm really envious of you, y'know? Always remain a good guy like that and girls will fall for you like autumn leaves." Tsubasa said with another grin.

Kazuo pondered for a few moment at the statement, "You really think that?" He asked, and his senpai nodded. Both of them then parted way as they still got morning lessons to attend. When he returned to the apartment, he saw Hikari walking quietly, "Hikari-san? Have you been accompanying Akari-san to the station?" He asked, then noticing the look in his eyes that hadn't changed since last night, and smiled, "I just wanted you to know that you're not a burden to anyone. I might not be able to help you with your family affairs. But I'm your friend, and there's nothing wrong in relying on your friends whenever you have trouble. So please cheer up, okay? I'm sure both Taku and Miki-san will say the same. You don't want to be over pessimistic just before our trip to Akihabara, right?"

When Hikari thanks Kazuo, he just nodded with another smile, "It's natural. We're friends after all, right? And I'll never turn back on my friends no matter what happened. I'm pretty sure Akari-san wouldn't want you to keep all the burdens for yourself, too. So just rely on me, okay?" Hikari then suggested that they should be going between nine and noon, as there will be a lot of crowds on the street, "Yeah, I agree with that too. But I'm fine with anything, really. As long as you got what you need."

Hikari then proceeded to make breakfast for both of them, which was a Western-style one served with pancakes and maple syrup. Kazuo once had pancakes before, but he had never tasted maple syrup and would use honey instead anytime he makes pancake. It really brought out a total new flavor. Of course, Hikari's foods are always tasty, so there's no comment over it. While they ate away their breakfast, Hikari remained quiet still, though thankfully, not as heavily as yesterday. When he commented that Kazuo should travel with him to Kyoto, probably on New Year or something, he smiled, "That sounds nice. I've always wanted to see how it is in Kyoto in New Year or something. You should come to Sapporo too. Usually there's a lot of snow at the beginning of the year too and I'd love to teach you how to ski, if you want."

The group of them headed for university as usual. Since Kazuo only had morning lectures today, he was quite relieved that he got to spend the whole afternoon off. The lectures passed by in a flash and Kazuo gathered his stuff in order to catch up with Hikari at lunch break when as he could settle for the day and go back to his apartment. He still got a shift at Albrecht later that evening, but he doesn't mind it much.

Kuzuki was strolling at the school's entrance after a lecture of his, when he saw Hikari standing in front of the gate. The lecturer approached him, "Hey there, Osawa-san. I don't remember that you have any lecture to attend today, what business you have?" He asked with a smile, before shooting Hikari an alarming look, "Be careful." He merely said before walked away before he could ask anything else.

Moments later, Kazuo caught up with Hikari, "Oi, Hikari-san. Shall we go home?"