—Hana, what a nice surprise! Kazuya's mother exclaimed as she opened the door.

—Hello, greeted the young woman politely.

—Come in, invited the adult as she stepped out of the doorway. I'd hate to see you get sick.

The brunette was quick to comply. Outside, it was indeed very cold, especially since night had fallen.

—Would you like to stay for dinner? Asked the matriarch with a broad smile as Hana removed the countless layers of clothing covering her. I made enough curry for a whole regiment.

—That's very kind of you, but I'm already booked for tonight, declined the brunette, returning her smile.

This wasn't entirely true, since she'd been avoiding her grandmother since their argument, but the young woman didn't want to impose her presence on the Shirai. Not to mention the fact that if her conversation with her childhood friend went badly, Hana didn't dare imagine the atmosphere it would create during the meal.

—Don't worry, I understand, retorted the lady, not in the least offended. Besides, I bet you can't eat just anything these days. I ran into your grandmother a few weeks ago, and she told me that you'll soon be competing again. Congratulations!

—Thank you, the ice skater forced herself to say sincerely.

—Kazuya's in his room, informed the adult as they left the vestibule. I'll let you go alone. I've got to get back to the stove to avoid a catastrophe.

—it's fine, I know the way, joked Hana as they headed down the corridor to the bedrooms.

—I have to warn you, Kazuya was injured in training today, so he's not very communicative.

The young woman pretended to be surprised to hide her slight discomfort. Fortunately, the matriarch didn't seem to know the difference, and Hana was able to leave without further ado. Unlike her home, the Shirai's was the perfect archetype of the traditional Japanese house. There were no floors, but to compensate, an infinite number of corridors stretched out on all sides, almost giving the impression of being in a labyrinth. Luckily for her, the brunette knew her way around like the back of her hand. She found herself - too quickly for her liking - at the door separating her from her childhood best friend.

Hana drew in a deep breath and knocked before the urge to run away took hold of her. A "yes? " resonated from the other side, and the young woman slowly slid the door open.

—Hey, she breathed, closing the door behind her.

-Ah, it's you.

Sitting at his desk with his reading glasses on, the young man was immersed in his homework. A large bandage covered the top of his left eyebrow, and a hematoma stained the side of his jaw. The punches hadn't missed him, either. Hana had to force herself not to stare at his wounds with too much insistence.

—I wanted to talk to you, the young woman announced softly as she shyly moved to sit on his sofa.

Kazuya didn't reply. Hana drew a long breath before continuing in one breath.

—The other day, when I came to your house without explanation, it was partly because my grandmother had discovered the same thing as you. Actually, to be exact, she also found out that I'd skipped a few classes, but what pissed her off the most was definitely him and I. Without trying to find out more, she started insulting him.

Even if she hadn't told him earlier, the young man already suspected that the reason Hana slept at his home, a few nights ago, had something to do with a dispute within the Hoshino family. He didn't know the nature of their conflict, however, and polite as he was, Kazuya hadn't looked into it.

—I stood up for him, said the young woman in a tone that showed she still couldn't believe it. I couldn't help it. I couldn't stand her talking so badly about him, after all he'd done for me, and I threw it all back in her face. I know you don't like him either, and no matter what I say, I can't change your mind. But I swear...

The furtive smile that appeared on his friend's lips did not escape Kazuya. It was so rare to see her smile that such a detail was far from insignificant.

—I swear, he's different with me. He really is.

The skater had lowered her eyes to her hands, unable to meet her childhood friend's gaze. Since earlier, her fingers had been nervously twirling the silver ring on her thumb. When she realized this, her gesture froze.

—I wanted to apologize for lying to you. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to worry you, and now I realize that was stupid of me. In no way did I want to hurt you or betray your trust. Please, she murmured in a small voice. Please forgive me.

Hana swallowed hard and redirected her eyes to Kazuya, awaiting his verdict. Her heart was beating a thousand times an hour. And after what seemed an eternity, the young man finally showed a reaction. He sighed, then rubbed the back of his neck, before finally answering her.

—You've got nothing to apologize for, since I'm not angry with you, Kazuya replied in a gentle voice.

Perplexed, the student took a few seconds to understand his friend's words. But when they made sense, relief relaxed every part of her body and Hana was able to breathe freely again. She stood up to hug Kazuya. He returned her embrace without the slightest hesitation.

—I just wish you'd told me instead of hearing it from him, he added, wincing at the tingling of her eyebrow.

—I should have done it, confirmed Hana, stepping back to observe the damage to his face. We could have saved you from...that.

—Mmh not sure, Kazuya confessed in a tone that betrayed his shame. I think we'd still have fought each other at some point.

—I really never thought I'd hear you say that, admitted the young woman without hiding her surprise. It's a shame you both got off on the wrong foot.

Kazuya grimaced, unconvinced by her words.

—If you ask me, personally, I think it's a shame you're wasting your time with a guy like him. But if you think he's worth it...I trust your judgment. You're old enough to make your own choices.

Even if Kazuya disapproved of Akaashi's behavior, he had neither the right nor the desire to interfere in his friend's love life. As long as she didn't seem unhappy, that was all that mattered to him. He didn't really care who she dated.

—Thank you, Kazuya.

The young man responded to the slight smile she offered, also relieved that they'd put things right. From now on, they could both start afresh, far from secrets.

—Well, I better go now, announced Hana. I'd hate to have that old granny come down on me again, she grumbled cynically.

Kazuya chuckled, but refrained from commenting.

—Shall I walk you home? He suggested, rising from his chair.

—Don't bother, the young woman retorted softly. Shall we eat together tomorrow?

The boy nodded in agreement. As usual, he tenderly kissed his friend's cheek before she disappeared from his field of vision.