Hidden Affection

'Secret' UrSk Sub Story

It kinda turned more into Urata-centered ww

This will have spoilers to the story/book 'Secret' so read at your own decision

Warning:
Mentions/description of character deaths
Depiction of drowning/slight gore
Slight angst

————————

Urata just rested his elbows on the raven-haired's head, much to the other male's annoyance, and lazily looked around the room, deciding that he would be better off teasing and playing pranks on the other classmates than listening to something that wouldn't benefit him at all. And he would if he could, but the raven-haired would just scold him about it, given the other numerous times Urata had caused trouble for others. But then again, when did Urata ever listen to Soraru's scolding? If he had to be stuck as a ghost he might as well have fun with it.

"Well while you're stuck here I'm going on a journey~"

"If you cause trouble I swear—"

"Yeah, yeah, I know," Urata mockingly said, "you'll get mad then scold me so I don't do it again but then I'll still end up doing so and we continue this cycle of pointless bickering," he stuck his tongue out, "but too bad, I'm bored."

Soraru just sighed as he rested his head on his palm, why do I even bother? Urata took that annoyed expression as an okay and went off on his own, leaving the other alone and already sighing at the trouble that is about to arise.

The short brunette aimlessly floated around the school, doing harmless pranks to get a reaction from students and teachers, enjoying himself as he saw their terrified expression when a pencil is suddenly thrown into the wall or the chairs start to move on their own. Finding it hilarious when he hears some start to think that the school's haunted or something. They aren't exactly wrong about that. He chuckled to himself as he looked for some new victims, though after doing this for a few years he was beginning to find it repetitive. But what else can I do? Really only this...

Still, the short ghost kept searching for something entertaining until he came across the back of the school. He sighed in boredom once noticing there was nothing else to do and decided to head back until he saw two people out of the corner of his eyes. Deciding he might as well eavesdrop to please his boredom, he put his attention towards the students.

One seemed to look shy and stuttering as they spoke to the other, soon happy expressions grew on both their faces and they two students hugged. Urata realized that it was a confession and just stared at the new happy couple before looking at his own hands, the transparency of them being clear to him, causing him to slightly sigh. How great for them...

He would be lying if he said he didn't miss the feeling of interacting with others and living his life normally. Sometimes he'd end up thinking it would've been easier to have remained dead, so he wouldn't feel bitter about the negatives of his situation.

Though it's fun, I kinda miss being in a psychical body, at least I got to talk to more people other than Soraru.

But despite his own feelings, the short brunette would never say that out loud, or to the raven-haired in fact, because he knew it would just cause issues and bring sadness. He's getting better, I don't want him to go back to before. Back to the old him that just blamed himself and constantly felt guilty whenever he looked at me...

"Oh well, I'm stuck like this so I should just forget about ever going back. It wasn't possible before and it won't be possible ever." Urata said to himself to get rid of any unnecessary feelings.

Thinking about the what ifs would just darken his mood so he pushed those thoughts away. He glanced at the couple, seeing their hand intertwined, before leaving to find the raven-haired. As long as Soraru's by my side to keep me company then I don't need anyone else.

☆ ☆ ☆

To say Urata was surprised was an understatement, he was just dumbfounded at the news. Don't know whether this is good luck or not.

The two had moved to a new home due to the raven-haired's parents getting worried for their son. And if by some luck they were reunited with one of their old childhood friend. Though Urata wasn't sure whether to be happy or not at the little reunion. On one hand he was upset that Luz would never be able to see him, but on the other he was thankful that the male still thought of him. Plus he could see Soraru warming up to the others, though by a small fraction, but it was better than before where most avoided him because of rumors and talks about him being the gloomy kid that thinks he can talk to ghosts.

Luz is still the same as before. Urata couldn't help but smile whenever the light haired male was happily talking to the raven-haired. He'd make himself stand in between them to feel like he was included as well, though the occasional worried glanced from the raven-haired let Urata know that he was concerned for him. The short brunette just reassured him that he was fine, that he was just happy to see that the light haired male was okay.

"Well now you're part of our group Soraru."

His eyes then shifted to another male in the group of new acquaintances, a redhead with eyes that shines brightly as a pure smile rested on his face. He seems cheerful. The short brunette found it amusing how the male seemed to look like he wore his heart on his sleeves based on the way he interacted and talked. Urata brought his attention away from the male and decided to play around with the guys, laughing at their reactions whenever he'd poke them or create confusion.

Even if he couldn't be included as he would want, doing these sorts of things made him feel like he was also apart of the group. Soraru seems to be having fun, so I don't mind.

☆ ☆ ☆

The sight of a blushing raven-haired was enough to make Urata laugh. I never thought I'd see him like that. Oh I'm definitely going to use this as fuel to tease him. Thank you Mafu~

The short brunette was grinning, loving how he had noticed how the raven-haired and albino were acting towards each other. It seems obvious that Mafu is melting Soraru's heart, based on how Soraru seems to stare at him in admiration. Whenever he saw the chance, Urata would tease the male about it, occasionally taking his phone to message the albino, just to see the raven-haired's irritated face.

Despite how much he teased him, Urata was just glad to see Soraru get close to the others. Even though he won't admit it, I can tell that Soraru has some interest in Mafu. Thinking about it, they kinda don't seem bad for each other. He smiled to himself as he thought about his friend finally learning to feel things instead of being emotionless. Let's hope he can be happy instead of having the past haunt him.

Urata felt like the only thing he can really do in his state is watch over the raven-haired and wish for his happiness. And the albino seemed to be the one that'll help him make sure that was the case.

Though whenever he thought about those two his mind would then occasionally shift towards the redhead. Urata didn't understand why but he felt calm whenever he looked at the male's puppy-like expressions and behavior. He probably just has that type of atmosphere around him.

At one point when he was going around the school to scare people he stopped by Mafu's class to see the albino with Luz and Sakata. His eyes would land on the redhead, trying to understand why, but he'd then end up blaming it on the male's hair color. Though he'd wonder what it was that seemed to pull him towards Sakata, was it his cute smile, or the way he laughed so sweetly—

I'm going crazy. Urata shook his head to get rid of the thoughts, not wanting his mind to even cross that line because he wasn't sure if he'd know what to do when it did. Whatever it is I'll just make sure it never gets that far.

☆ ☆ ☆

"Why don't you go to Sakata's class and let me sleep."

Huh? Urata blushed after hearing those words come out of the raven-haired's mouth. H-Hey! I'm the one suppose to be teasing him, not him teasing me! Urata began to get defensive and retort.

"W-Why would I go to that idiot's class?"

"I don't know. You're the one that keeps staring at him. Did you fall in love with him?" Soraru teased the brunette, who glared at him, not amused at the statement.

"No I don't! There's no reason for me to love that idiot!"

"So you get to tease me but I can't tease you?"

"I can because it's true and you admitted that you like Mafu! But I. Don't. Like. That. Idiot."

Urata just continued to glare at the raven-haired male, who looked at him doubtfully. The shorter male was sure that his face was red just like Saka—
WHY AM I THINKING ABOUT HIM?!?

"I-I'm leaving now! Goodbye!" Urata confidently, or as confident as he could make his voice sound like, shouted as he left the classroom, his face flushed and slightly warm.

He went around the school to clear his mind from hearing the raven-haired's teasing remarks. There's no way I would love that idiot. I don't even talk to him! How can I love him when he doesn't even know I exist! Not paying attention to where he was going, he ended up unconsciously heading right towards Mafu's classroom, where the redhead that clouded his mind was, making the short brunette groan out loud in exasperation. At least Soraru doesn't know I'm here, he'd tease me again if he knew. He sulked as he glanced at the three guys talking happily with each other.

Sakata had his head rested in his arm, seeming to have dozed off during the conversation with the other two. Urata, seeming to immediately forget his earlier frustration, tilted his head to get a better look at the male's sleeping face. He fell asleep pretty fast. He found himself noticing little things, like how the redhead's back was slowly rising and falling as he slept, how his cheeks seemed soft enough to touch, how he seemed kinda vulnerable in the state he was. A strand of the redhead's hair had fallen out of place and Urata unconsciously reached out to move the piece of hair. His hand brushed against the redhead's face, making him stir a bit as Urata retracted his arm quickly.

Eh?! Why did I do that? Urata blushed at his actions, he was lost in staring at the adorable sleeping redhead that he hadn't noticed his hand moving on its own. But even so, he couldn't help but stare at the sleeping redhead. He really is cute. Urata was bored at the moment so he decided he might as well kill some time by playing with the redhead's hair. Even though he couldn't really feel textures and such, he could imagine how fluffy and soft it must feel. Poking Sakata's cheeks caused him to stir again, making Urata want to do it a few more times just to see the reaction.

Eventually Sakata woke up, the short brunette was mesmerized by the male's eyes, making his face and features shine bright in its pureness, kinda reminding him of rubies shining in the dark. Urata realized what he was thinking and shook his head. Alright that's enough spending time here. I'm definitely going to go crazy if I stay here any longer. Urata ignored the small fire burning in his heart as he tried to push away the image of the redhead from his mind, deciding to go back to the raven-haired to stop whatever he's doing.

☆ ☆ ☆

This is annoying.

Urata was frustrated on why he kept thinking about Sakata. What's so special about that idiot? His mind began to go off after that question. Well, he's cute when he's pouting, his idiotic smile makes me happy. I just..... The brunette shook his head to stop the thought from continuing, sighing as he tried to understand what he was feeling.

Well it wasn't like he couldn't understand, it was at the tip of his tongue, he just didn't want to understand it because he knows it would end up just hurting him.

"It doesn't matter, maybe this'll go away after a few days." Urata said in an attempt to reassure himself that it wasn't what he was thinking of.

"I'm fated to this ghost body forever so I shouldn't be thinking about it."

Fate..... The word made him remember about the book that Akimasa had given them. Thinking about how the book kinda represented him and Soraru, since the books mention couples unable to be with each other, just like them. Both having feelings for someone that they can't be with, their love seeming to be impossible to say.

Urata stopped floating as he processed his own thoughts. Eh? Feelings for someone we can't be with?  Who? He really wished he hadn't repeated the thought because a certain person came into his mind.

"Grrr, why did it have to be that idiot?!?"

Urata ruffled his hair in frustration as he shouted at no one in particular. He kept denying and denying the truth that he knew but never wanted to say it. He was doing a good job at hiding it from even himself, but once that thought occurred his facade started to slowly break as the realization finally reached him.

The brunette dropped his arms to his side as he bitterly laughed to himself. Guess I can't really erase the truth no matter how hard I try.... Urata sighed, he had hoped that what he was feeling wasn't true but fate likes to play with him. His voices was barely above a whisper as the words were carried away with the small summer breeze.

"I like Sakata......" he bitterly frowned as the next words left his mouth, "but I can't do anything about it...."

This is fucking stupid...my feelings won't be able to reach that idiot. I'll just be stuck watching him from afar...

☆ ☆ ☆

Urata just froze when he saw the pool of blood underneath the pink haired male's head.

Stop...just stop!

The short brunette looked away, the sight making his mind drift to the image of a younger brunette's body on a bloody road, he closed his eyes as if attempting to shut the memory away. Don't!

He could barely comprehend the situation, unable to move even as a commotion began to surround them.

"T-This shouldn't be happening."

This shouldn't be happening to us again! Urata couldn't even look at the raven-haired and redhead, who were at Nqrse's side, afraid that the scene would just remind him of that certain memory that still haunted him. He tried to shut out the voices around him, doing his best to block out everything, but then his eyes briefly shifted to the distressed redhead. The sight of someone who looked so cheerful a few seconds ago now suddenly being close to tears forced him to glance away. He couldn't stand to see that type of expression on the male. He— the others...they SHOULDN'T have to witness this.

"I-I can fix this."

Urata snapped his head to look at the raven-haired confused. H-Huh? What does he— the realization then hit him.

"Y-Your reset ability."

"Soraru?"

Urata could only just watch as the tattoo on the raven-haired turned white and he fell to the ground. Ignoring the redhead's desperate mumbles of confusion and worry, he saw a familiar scene from years ago flash in his mind before everything went black.

☆ ☆ ☆

Urata didn't know how to feel.

On one hand this is disturbing, but on the other it's kinda intriguing.

The fact that Nqrse can now see him and has some special ability like Soraru seems to cover up whatever they had just witnessed before.

He was grateful to know that the pink haired male was now okay, even if he had no recollection of what he had gone through previously, and that he now had someone else to interact with besides the raven-haired.

It was like a small breath of fresh air to him, though he still felt uneasy at how the situation happened.

The book doesn't make anything better...

The idea of the others possibly being victims to death didn't make him feel great. It's almost like it'd be our fault when they end up meeting their end. He didn't like it, but it seemed like they wouldn't be able to do anything.

But at least they can come back when Soraru resets, so maybe it's not that bad...

Urata didn't know what to feel, just like the raven-haired, so he tried to brush away the negatives of the situation and focus on the raven-haired and the others by spending time with them.

We'll worry about it when it gets there, for now we can just have fun with the others.

He did his best to ignore the small nagging in his head telling him that he'd possibly have to end up seeing the redhead dead. No, they're fine at the moment, no need to worry about the future.

Urata just continued to spend his time teasing and joking around, letting those kinds of thoughts stay buried in his mind until the time comes.

☆ ☆ ☆

He still finds it a bit difficult to get used to this.

He knew that there had to be a reason as to why everything seemed calm.

"Soraru?"

Urata had been unable to move until he heard the two males try to get the raven-haired to respond, turning to look at Soraru he saw the completely terrified look in his eyes.

Maybe it was because he was already dead and knew that the guys would be okay and wouldn't remember once Soraru reset, so it was easier for Urata to snap out of his shocked state and try to lessen the damage of the event to the others. But the same couldn't be said for the raven-haired.

"Soraru! Oi! Snap out of it!"

He got in front of the male and shook him but Soraru just remained in his frozen state, as if he had become lifeless, which made the short brunette even more worried and concerned.

"W-What's wrong with Soraru?" Amatsuki asked, "h-he's just shaking..."

Urata widened his eyes at the realization. L-Luz tried to save him and Mafu, j-just like me...so...

"The memories from that day! Because of this, he's reminded of that day. H-He's completely frozen! The incidents probably playing in his mind again!"

Nqrse and Amatsuki widened their eyes as they stared at the raven-haired. Soraru could barely hear them, all he could do was stare at the now impaled Luz.

"SORARU! SNAP OUT OF IT!"

The raven-haired had finally snapped out of his frozen state and just stared at the brunette with teary eyes. Urata saw the pain flash in the raven-haired's eyes, he could tell that Soraru was becoming hysteric and frantic.

After calming him down, the short brunette just waited for the reset, his eyes shifting to look at the others who were still distressed at the incident.

Urata didn't like this, didn't like the lingering feeling that one of his friends would just suddenly drop dead any moment. He didn't like how that book would hint at the next victim and that all they can do is just anticipate who it is and when, not even have the chance to save them beforehand.

But another thing scared him, as one by one the others were becoming victims, he could feel himself dreading to see the redhead's fate.

I don't want...at least be merciful...

☆ ☆ ☆

Why?

Urata just glared at the raven-haired, who ignored the burning eyes on him, he didn't like the feeling of being left out. He's definitely hiding something from me but won't tell me. Why? Does he not trust me anymore?

The short brunette had noticed how much the raven-haired and redhead were sticking around each other. It was hard to see the redhead alone without Soraru being around, which just confused the short brunette a bit.

Does Soraru....no. He has feelings for Mafu, no way he'd just suddenly like the idiot. Especially since he knows I like him.

But Urata still couldn't shake off the jealousy that would rise whenever he saw the two together.

I'd never be able to see that smile be directed at me...

He just crossed his arms, a bitter expression on his face as he followed the raven-haired, the redhead talking to the male eagerly. He knows he shouldn't be getting mad at the raven-haired, but the what ifs in his mind were making him start to distrust and feel distant from the male.

So when he eventually found out the truth behind the redhead and raven-haired's closeness he felt guilty for acting slightly harsh to the male.

He was just trying to protect him. Urata looked down as he sighed, once again reminded about how his condition makes it hard for him to do things.

I can just stay by his side and try my best to cheer him up my own way.

And that's what he did, whenever he saw the redhead looked distressed or uneasy he would pat and soothe his head to calm him down. Amatsuki and Luz would occasionally tease him whenever they would witness it. And even though the short brunette would retort and deny it, he felt a bit better when the redhead relaxed, even if Sakata didn't know the exact reason why.

Urata sometimes had to stop himself from kissing the male's forehead, slightly irritated at how his feelings continued to grow despite being reminded that once again the redhead doesn't know about him. So he just resorts to playing with Sakata's hair, smiling to himself when he sees the smile appear on the male's face.

This is all I can do.

☆ ☆ ☆

Urata had parted ways with Soraru as he searched the school, but no matter where he looked he couldn't find the male. I just saw him, how'd he slip away from my sight?

The feeling of unease just kept rising more as he constantly went back and forth around the building. Please be here. Please be here. Please be here—

He heard laughter in the distance, followed up with the sound of something hitting a locker. He debated on whether to try to find Soraru to bring him there, but his mind just went blank when he heard a small voice plead and headed to where the voices were.

Urata's mood darkened when he saw the redhead cowering in the corner, the third years towering over him.

Wait, shit. I can't do anything.

The short brunette realized that his ghost body makes it difficult to help in this scenario.

Still, the terrified look on Sakata's face, along with the slight marks on his body, brought the urge to want them dead.

If he can't fight them back then I will.

Urata made himself posses the redhead's body and punched one of the third years that was coming closer, grinning in satisfaction at their pained expression, before trying to run out of the room. But they quickly caught his arm and pulled him back, hitting the lockers. These fuckers...

He glared at the guys, though because he had taken control of the redhead's body the glare might've not been as intimidating as his usual one. Once again as they approached the redhead, Urata would punch and try to make a run for it, but they alway seemed to managed to grab a hold of him before he got far. Eventually one kept their hands on the redhead's arm, making Urata try to struggle to escape their grip. Get your fucking, disgusting hands off of him.

"Oh? Suddenly not scared of fighting back?"
"Did he grow a spine or something?"
"Please, as if he can do anything in this petite body of his."
"Let's wipe that cheerful smile off your face so you can learn your place."

Urata continued to struggle to fight back, punching and kicking the third years when he could but they kept restraining him. Plus the bruises on the redhead's body made it was hard to do fight without it stinging or wincing in pain.

"This is for acting cocky."

Before he knew it his head was submerged in water, the surprise and shock forced him to leave the redhead's body. Wait—!

Urata stood frozen as he saw Sakata struggle to free his arms to pull himself out. S-Stop! He tried to pry their hands off the male, but it was proven to be useless.

Every time he'd touch the redhead it felt like he was back in his body for a second before being kicked out, and each time it happened he felt like he was drowning as well.

Urata continued to desperately save the male. Please! Just stop! You bastards had your fun already!

He froze once he saw that the male had stopped struggling, his eyes widened as the realization slowly came up. N-no, no, no, no!

"Did he finally stop bitching and fighting?"

Urata just remained in his spot, not even once the sounds of Soraru, Nqrse, and Luz arriving and shouting could make him move his eyes away from the still redhead.

I-I couldn't....I didn't....n-no! T-This isn't real! I—

"Urata?"

He finally snapped his head to look at the guys, realizing that the third years had run away, he didn't care that they could see him shaking in fear or the slight tears in his eyes, he just wanted to see the redhead's smiling face again. I'll kill them if I see them again.

He tried to tell them his efforts to save the redhead but kept stumbling his words and finding it hard to finish his sentence. They were able to understand a bit before the short brunette tried to rush them to go back already, but they were telling him to wait since there's the chance that they'll just end up in circles and witnessing the redhead's death again if they couldn't find him.

Y-you guys want me to wait?! He was getting defensive and irrational, his words coming out harsh as he protested while they tried to calm him down, even going as far as taking control of the raven-haired's body to force him to reset.

I just....need to see him. Urata ignored the slight guilt as he saw the raven-haired fall to the ground.

☆ ☆ ☆

The next time Urata saw the redhead, he had to resist the urge to pull him into a hug, and watched him interact with the raven-haired before suddenly speaking up to join the conversation and startle the male. He inwardly laughed at the redhead's reaction to the sight of him, finding his confusion adorable and fun to tease, seeing the redhead's clear skin and bubbly personality made him calm down from the past reset.

He's okay now. He's alive.

He can see me...

He knows about me...

He knows I exists.

Urata made a small promise to himself now that the redhead can interact with him, that he'll do his best to stay by his side and keep that pure smile on his face.

Though it wasn't like he had a choice anyways, since they later found out that not only did Sakata gain an ability but so did he. And his new ability made him have to rely on the redhead's presence.

Though despite Urata being slightly annoyed and irritated at the fact that he couldn't use his power without the redhead, or how he acted indifferent and slightly mean to the male, he was genuinely happy with the outcome.

I can be alive again.

I'm no longer stuck as a ghost forever.

Maybe I can finally focus on my happiness...

☆ ☆ ☆

The small moments with the redhead were both annoying and endearing to say the least.

Mostly annoying in the sense that now the others would tease him about it. Or the fact that the redhead sometimes managed to push his buttons with some comments, mostly those regarding his height, but he didn't really care as he could just return to taunts.

He'd always enjoy making small comments that would cause the redhead to pout, making Urata want to pinch his cheeks. They're soft to touch. Sometimes Sakata would blush at the teases or remarks, which made Urata continue to make more.

Yet, Urata hated how infatuated he was to the male, it wasn't like he could just suddenly confess to the male and expect him to return the feelings immediately. After all, the redhead had only just recently learned of his existence, it would just make things awkward between the two if Urata spilled his feelings.

And as if I'd confess though, not with my situation.

Even though he could be his human self again, the idea that he would still stay as a ghost in the distant future makes him hold back on acting out on his feelings for the male. In Soraru's words, he's acting like a tsundere, but Urata likes to think that he's just being his usual self.

Plus he barely knows me, and I doubt he'd like me based on how I act around him. Always whining about me being sadistic or something.

So he decided to bury the emotions stirring in him whenever he was with Sakata and keep them locked away.

But he seemed to find it harder to stop the jealousy from coming out of him.

Sorato isn't anything special.

Urata wanted to mentally punch himself for getting jealous over something so simple. So what is Sakata occasionally stares at him? That doesn't mean anything. He tried to calm himself down, lately he's noticed that his thoughts seemed to be a bit possessive towards the redhead.

It's not like we're anything so I can't prevent him from liking someone else. Although he disliked the idea of Sakata having a crush on someone else, he couldn't really do anything to stop it. Plus I'm the one that's deciding to not say anything about my feelings so I can't really complain.

Urata could only just frown to himself whenever he saw the other male talk with the redhead. Occasionally he'd pinch the male's cheek to divert his attention away from the short raven-haired to him, adoring the cute confusion on his face.

This is me being selfish, but that might be enough to at least be a bit happy.

☆ ☆ ☆

Sakata just watched as the short brunette dragged him away from the raven-haired and albino. Are we really going to the library? The redhead couldn't help but whine a bit if that was the case, not wanting to actually do any school work. Though since he wanted Soraru and Mafu to be alone, maybe we'll just go our separate ways.

"So where do you want to go?"

"Eh?" The redhead gave the short brunette a confused look, "I figured that once we were far away from those two that we'd just go back home."

"Well yeah but I'm still getting used to walking around freely. I'm just a bit self conscious of the idea that someone will recognize me," Urata said as he dragged the redhead into an alleyway, "so ghost time it is."

Urata went back to his usual ghost self, the redhead tilted his head in curiosity.

"What's it like being a ghost?"

"It sucks, kinda."

"Really?" Sakata was surprised at the response, "I would've thought that you'd enjoy it as you don't have to worry about certain things."

"Well, it was fun in the beginning," Urata glanced at the redhead before looking away, "but then I began to miss being alive. Though I've never told Soraru because he'd just feel bad and I don't want him to be upset."

"Is that why you seem persistent on having him around Mafu," Sakata began to whine as the short brunette pulled his cheeks.

"Guess you're not that much of an idiot."

"S-Swop!"

Urata just chuckled as he let go of the soft cheek, the redhead slightly pouted as he rubbed the spot. Sakata then smiled at the male, the sight warmed the short brunette's heart.

"Well, at least now you have me and the others to talk to. And you can be your human self again."

Urata had to look away from the redhead's bright face or else he'd end up blushing. How can he be that cute? He sighed as he cupped the male's face, the action confusing the male.

"E-Eh?"

Sakata stared at the male, the short brunette's action made his mind wander to something that caused him to blush. He closed his eyes, anticipating something, but after few seconds have passed he slowly opened one eye as he wondered what the male was doing before he felt his cheeks sting as they were being pulled.

"How can you be so cheerful, it's annoying."

"Ow~ I said swop."

Urata laughed as he let go of the redhead's cheek. They're just soft, I can't help but play with them. He then noticed the blush on the redhead's face and teasingly smirked.

"What? Did you think I was going to kiss you or something?"

Sakata's cheeks became warmer as he shook his head.

"N-No!"

"Then why'd you close your eyes~"

"N-No reason!" The redhead turned around to pout, "y-you're just seeing things!"

The short brunette just chuckled as he continued to spend his time teasing the male. He's just so cute with how he acts, getting embarrassed at some of the things I do or say. His small moments of innocence are adorable to witness. Urata didn't care if his feelings were growing for the redhead. He just wanted to admire having someone like him by his side.

He'll be my happiness, even if I won't be his.

☆ ☆ ☆

This trip might not be so bad, maybe.

Urata was floating around as he admired the scenery. It still looks the same as before. They had come on a school trip to their hometown, of course because of his death Urata had to follow the guys around as a ghost.

As they hung out at one of the parks the guys stopped close to a small lake, while the others enjoyed the breeze he ran his hands through the water for fun. He could hear Sakata giggling at his actions, watching him make small splashes and ripples in the water, making Urata continue to do so just to hear the sweet giggles from the male. He could let himself get lost in listening to the male's voice.

After a few hours they began to head back to the hotel they were staying at, most of the guys were chatting with one another while Sakata just looked around. So this is where Urata, Soraru, and Luz grew up in. The redhead felt sad for a split second once he remembered that this calming place was where the short brunette met his demise. He glanced at the ghost next to him that was having fun teasing Amatsuki. But he looks happier now.

"Eh? What are you doing idiot?"

Urata pinched the redhead's cheek once he noticed his staring, chuckling at how the redhead protested by letting out a small whine. How cute~

Sakata felt his cheeks heat up as he heard the green eyed brunette's thought. I've heard other people call me that so why does hearing Urata say it make me feel shy? He tried to calm down his beating heart, ignoring the little fire in it. Once the short brunette let go of his cheek Sakata touched the area, feeling the warmth of it, before smiling to himself as small butterflies filled his stomach. This might not be so bad, maybe because it's Urata... Unaware of his own feelings beginning to bloom, Sakata glanced at the ghost again and smiled brighter.

On the second day of the trip they had decided to walk along a trail path, finding it better to be away from other classmates and enjoy the view of the forest and calm breeze. Sakata was looking up at the clear blue sky, sunlight shining through the trees and leaves, as he watched small animals like birds or squirrels pass by. He was lost in looking at the scenery that he almost bumped into one of the guys had someone not grabbed his arm.

"Oi. Idiot, pay attention before you bump into someone again."

"Eh?" Sakata let out a quiet, confused noise before realizing that it was Urata that spoke to him.

"Hey! I'm not an idiot!" Sakata responded once the male's words processed in his mind, crossing his arms as he pouted.

"It's the truth just accept it."

"If that's the truth then accept that you're shorter than me!"

"Oi!"

Urata pulled the redhead's cheek in irritation, he found himself doing that more often to the redhead whenever he got irritated or embarrassed. Sakata stopped walking as he whined at the action, though the short brunette wasn't giving up.

"I'm sowwy. Pwease swop~"

After a few more seconds Urata let go as he smirked at the redhead. Sakata rubbed his cheeks, they're going to be really bruised if he keeps pinching and pulling them. Sakata gave the green eyed brunette a semi-glare, though it wasn't effective since Urata just stifled his laugh.

"You look like a pouting puppy rather than threatening."

"I'm not a puppy!"

"And I'm Soraru."

The redhead just stuck his tongue out at the sarcastic response and turned his head away. Urata just smiled in affection at the male's action. He's like an adorable puppy that I want to hold onto forever and never have him leave me.

The short brunette enjoyed these little moments with the redhead, always admiring his behavior.

☆ ☆ ☆

Urata didn't like seeing the short raven-haired act friendly and close to the redhead. Oh who cares if I'm jealous, I should be the one to tease him. The short brunette just sulked as he watched the redhead get embarrassed at the comments made by the guys.

"So you do like someone~"

Urata frowned even more after that. Can they just stop talking about it....it's annoying. But to cover up his displeasure from the others he teased the redhead about his supposed crush, yet Urata couldn't stop himself from feeling slightly conflicted. If Sakata does like someone else, then what do I do? Should I just confess or leave it? He could now understand what the raven-haired felt when Mafu liked Luz. Well, I won't know until something happens.

And maybe he was grateful when that something did happen.

That night when Urata woke up, he decided to check on the others as he couldn't go back to sleep. However, he noticed that the redhead was missing. Where'd that idiot go? He looked around the camp site but didn't find any sight of the male. His mind began to think of possible scenarios, making him slightly anxious about the male's wellbeing. Maybe he got lost—

The sound of the redhead's voice could then be heard nearby, along with another voice belonging to the person he disliked. Of course Sorato would be with him. He rolled his eyes before heading to where he heard their voices and found the two standing in a meadow not too far. He noticed Sakata glaring at the short raven-haired, who was laughing and smiling innocently. Just as he was about to call out to the redhead, the other male spoke up, making Urata stop to hear what he was going to say.

"But I wasn't joking before."

"Huh?" Urata stared at them, confused at what the two males were talking about. Maybe it's nothing, I'll just ask him tomorrow—

"I like you Sakata."

"E-Eh?"

Urata never felt as pissed off before as he does now. He glared at the short raven-haired with complete malice as he watched the scene from afar. Sorato was staring at the redhead while Sakata tried to comprehend the situation.

"Y-You're serious?"

Sorato just stared at the redhead, not responding to his question, which made Sakata turn his attention to focusing on the stars.

"I-I'm f-flattered but I—"

"Sakata."

Urata frowned even more as he saw the short raven-haired grab the redhead's arm. The sight of the gap between the two shortening was enough to snap something in the short brunette, and next thing he knew he pulled Sorato away and punched him, not even realizing that he had turned into his human self to make the impact stronger. He stood in between the two, giving the short raven-haired the coldest glare he could

"U-Urata!?" Sakata exclaimed as he stared at the short brunette, shocked at his sudden appearance. Since when did he get here? Wait, did he hear us?

Sorato was confused at seeing the green eyed brunette, seeing as the male hadn't gone on the trip, before glaring at him as he rubbed the cheek that was punched. Urata happily returned the gesture before grabbing Sakata's hand and dragging him away from the meadow. Sorato was about to protest before sighing, deciding to head back, still confused about what happened.

Sakata just stared at the green eyed brunette. He doesn't look happy at all...I'm starting to get worried. He then noticed that the two arrived at a different clear area, one they had seen as they explore the forest. Flowers were scattered all over as their petals swayed in the small spring breeze, the moonlight filling the sky. Sakata noticed that the short brunette just standing still, feeling the male's grip still on his arm.

"Urata, what—"

"Why didn't you try to push him away!"

Urata turned to pinch the redhead's cheeks as he glared at him. He knew that he might be exaggerating and overreacting, but jealousy got the best of him. He just stood there! The redhead whined and pleaded as the green eyed brunette continued to pull his cheeks.

"S-Swop~ Leave my cheeks awone!"

Urata didn't bother listening to the redhead, still clearly pissed at the incident, letting all his jealousy and irritation finally escape. This idiot is naive! Did he not realize he was going to be kissed? The redhead just found it surprising to see the male react like this over the event.

"Oi! Were you going to let him kiss you?!"

"N-No...!"

"Then why didn't you push him away?!"

"I-I was going t-to but I-I couldn't weally move somehow."

Urata was showing no mercy or hint that he was going to stop. Sakata could only try to free himself from the green eyed brunette to get him to stop.

"W-Why does that b-bother you so much to abuse my cheeks?!"

Urata didn't answer the question and just continued pulling the male's cheek. Sakata finally managed to pry his hands off, rubbing his cheeks as he was now free from the other male's wrath.

"W-Why is my face getting injured over something like this?!"

"Because you didn't try to move away from him! Unless you actually like Sorato. Did you want him to kiss you?!"

"I-I said I wanted to push him away but somehow was frozen and couldn't!"

"Eh?! You expect me to believe that?!"

"I-It's the truth! And why are you so angry about—"

Urata couldn't hold back his emotions anymore, letting them take control over him.

Sakata felt himself get pulled by his short collar, his words stopping as the male's lips were on his. He blushed, his knees starting to get wobbly as the short brunette continued to kiss him. Once Urata part their lips, his face slightly flushed at his own actions, he finally let his feelings slip out, no longer caring about hiding them.

"Because I like you idiot!"

E-EH? Sakata's face became bright red as the words entered his brain. U-Urata likes me... He just stared at the male, his brain barely processing what the male was saying. Urata likes me.... Not listening to what else the short brunette was saying he tackled the male once he noticed he began to walk away.

"Oi—"

"I-I like Urata too!"

Sakata felt happy now that he figured out what he felt towards the male. I like Urata. I love Urata. The redhead buried his face in the male's chest. Urata was sure that the redhead could hear his beating heart but the thought of the redhead returning his feelings overshadowed any embarrassment at the moment.

The short brunette just muttered an 'idiot' before tilting the male's head to look at him and closing the distance between them. Sakata melted into the kiss, his heart fluttering as he wrapped his arm around the short brunette.

After spending a few minutes alone together Urata went back to the raven-haired to fix his mistake of having Sorato see him. Although he didn't like the idea of resetting time to before the incident as the redhead would forget the confession, he found it comforting to know that the male loves him.

I'll do things calmly now. And I'll make sure to tell Sakata immediately after. If Urata had to confess to the redhead over and over, he wouldn't mind it at all.

I have my sunshine. Urata inwardly smiled as he realized that he was still able to receive an amazing gift despite everything that had happened in the past.

I'm not alone now.

I finally got the happiness that I longed for.

☆ ☆ ☆

"Are you sure you want to walk around with me?" Sakata asked the short brunette, there weren't any students around so he didn't mind speaking to the male, "wouldn't it be a good idea for you to be with Soraru and Shima?"

"They're fine now," Urata replied, crossing his arms as he muttered to himself, "plus Sorato is there and being in the same room with him makes me irritated."

"That's your jealousy talking..." Sakata muttered quietly, though the male heard him and just pinched his cheek, "ow~"

"Shut up."

The redhead slightly pouted, about to say something before the short brunette pulled him into a short kiss, making the male forget what he was going to say and blush.

Urata chuckled at the expression, I can stare at it forever.

"Eh? What's wrong? Cat got your tongue?"

"More like a tanuki."

"Oi."

Sakata giggled, stopping in his tracks as he looked at the short brunette with a curious look on his face as a question popped in his mind, "have you ever liked anyone before?"

Urata rose his eyebrow at the sudden question, looking at the male in amusement he chuckled. What an adorable curious look.

"Why are you asking~" he teasingly said as the redhead timidly looked away with a sheepish smile.

"I was just wondering if maybe you had feelings for someone back then, like an old crush or something, since you're a ghost and all."

"You're pretty much the only one."

"E-Eh?" Sakata blushed as the short brunette gave him a warm smile. "I-I'm being serious, I'm sure there have been some people you admired or such."

"And so was my response," Urata cupped the male's face and gave him a peck on the lips, "this idiot is the only one I've ever loved."

The redhead just covered his cheeks, "i-is that so..."

"Well, think about it. I died, can't really fall in love with someone if they never interacted with me or don't know I exist. Plus there was the thought of knowing that I can't be with them." Urata stated as the redhead tilted his head.

"But I never interacted with you before and you still fell for me."

"Originally I was just curious about you as you and the others started to hang around with Soraru, then once you guys started to see me I felt like maybe I can experience some things like that. And your cute, puppy self just happened to win my heart."

Hearing the short brunette speak like that made Sakata cover his face. He can be blunt and sweet when he wants to.

"What about the puppy?"

The redhead gave the smirking ghost an annoyed look due to the nickname. I take back my words.

"People have had crushes on me," Sakata sheepishly laughed, "though I only know cause the others would point it out."

"Of course, you're a naive, dense idiot."

"Hey! Don't make fun of your boyfriend!"

"I can if it means I get to see his cute pout."

Sakata looked away as his cheeks flushed, meanie. Urata just snickered as he wrapped his arms around the male, despite the ghost's body being cold Sakata could still feel the warmth of the hug. The short brunette gave him a quick peck on the cheek.

"My adorable puppy-like idiot~"

"And I have a tsundere ghost tanuki."

"Oi."

The two just smiled and laughed at each other, loving the moments between them.

☆ ☆ ☆

"What if we split up for a bit?" Shima suggested as him and the others were spending their day at the mall.

"I swear, we always do this whenever we hang out." Soraru stated as the purple-haired laughed.

"True, but it's easier for all of us to explore and see things we want to see."

"Okay, the usual pairs then." Amatsuki announced as he grabbed Kashitsuki's hand, "bye guys! We'll meet up in a few hours."

The other went off in their respective pairs, well Urata made sure that the albino and raven-haired went together. After being the only two left, he grabbed the redhead's hand, which slightly surprised Sakata, making him blush at the sudden action.

"Any specific stores you want to go to?" The short brunette asked the redhead, who shrugged and smiled at him.

"I'm fine with anything as long as I'm with you."

"You're lucky the others left, otherwise I would've probably punched you." Urata muttered, the redhead could see that his cheeks were slightly red.

"What a great way to treat your puppy," Sakata sarcastically said, which made Urata grin.

"So you admit you're a puppy~"

"Wait—!"

"I didn't know you liked being called a puppy~"

"Urata—!"

"I'm curious about what other things you're into—"

"Cut it out!"

Sakata's face was burning bright red that the short brunette could imagine putting his hands next to it and feeling the warmth. He gets so embarrassed~ Urata just chuckled as the redhead stomped a bit ahead, annoyed at the teasings.

"Hey puppy, don't leave without your owner~"

"Shut up!"

"Aw~ he can bark as well."

"Urata!"

The short brunette just laughed as he caught up with the male, knowing that in a few seconds the redhead would stop pouting, he just grabbed his hand and intertwined their fingers. Sakata was still pouting but he felt warmth through the gesture and smiled to himself as he sent a few hours alone with the short brunette.

☆ ☆ ☆

If I find out whoever did this then I'm going to—

Urata cut off his own thoughts, knowing it'd head to violent territory if he continued and tried to calm himself down. He looked at the picture again, restraining himself from ripping it into million of pieces. The only reason I haven't is cause the guys have to know about it. He had noticed that the redhead hadn't heard or said anything yet, which was kinda confusing considering how the short brunette could hear the whispers. The redhead didn't seem to pay much attention to him, making Urata slightly worried that the male was avoiding him.

After Sorato sent the redhead away they met with the others during lunch and showed the picture of the short brunette supposedly kissing a girl. Urata's mind just kept wandering towards the redhead, getting nervous of the possibility of the redhead finding out and not knowing the truth.

He didn't like how his brain was slowly drifting to the negative outcomes of the situation. He found it hard to focus in class, being worried about the possibility of the redhead getting hurt, that it frustrated him even more. I just have to explain it when he asks. Of course he'd believe me, right?

Sakata found the whole school day confusing. Why's everyone looking at me with pity? And I can't read anyone's mind... He wanted to ask the short brunette if he knew anything but whenever he tried to something would shift his attention away from the male. He was heading towards the school gates when something made him stop in his place.

"Are you saying our kiss was a lie?!?"

What..... Sakata didn't pay attention to what the others were saying, their words sounding like white noise, as he stared at the nervous short brunette. When the girl pulled the male into a kiss, he couldn't stand it. I-I need to be alone... Ignoring the tears threatening to fall, Sakata turned around, he felt Senra grab his arm but he shook it off as he ran back into the school.

He looked around before deciding to head towards the roof, even though he knew the others would find him he just needed to be somewhere alone to calm himself. Sakata crouched down once he was away from everyone, his mind bouncing around as his thoughts became jumbled. U-Urata still cares about me, she was the one to force the kiss, b-but what if he got tired of me....b-but this is Urata, the g-ghost who stayed at my side before, he still loves me...B-But maybe he got bored, but h-he—

The redhead suddenly zoned out, his mind blank as he just stared at the sky, feeling empty and motionless.

"Sakata? Are you okay—"

The redhead snapped out of his dazed state, eyes widening as he saw Kashitaro in front of him, but the shocked expression on the male confused him. W-Wait! Kashi! He noticed his arm was extended out and tried to grab the male's arm to pull him back.

"Saka— Kashi!"

Mafu ran to his side in an attempt to save the male but was too late. Both of them stared at the edge of the roof in shock, stiffing upon hearing the impact, soon silence enveloped the two. The albino glanced at the redhead, slightly backing away from him with a terrified look in his eyes. Sakata felt himself fall to his knees as the strength left his body, he couldn't comprehend what had just happened. One minute he was upset at the kiss, the next he witnessed Kashitaro falling to his death. What happened as I blanked out...F-First, the thing with Urata and now K-Kashi...

He could hear the others arrive, Mafu had already left his side to be next to the raven-haired, as he just stared at his shaking hands. He could feel eyes staring at him but he was afraid of who they belonged to so he refused to turn around to look at the others. Again the commotion behind him sounded distant as he continued to try to understand and recover his memories of the past few minutes. What happened...

"Amatsuki, calm down."

The short brunette's voiced finally made Sakata turn his head to look at them, eyes falling onto the male before he quickly looked away in shame. What do I do...

"You two were here when it happened." Sorato said to the redhead and albino, that made Sakata even more nervous as everyone was now looking at him.

"I-I..." He couldn't find his voice at all, desperately wanting to get rid of the image of seeing Kashitaro fall. "I-I...."

I-I don't know what happened....How do I respond....I—

The redhead flinched when someone wrapped their arms around him, the familiar scent made him stop shaking as he let himself get enveloped in the warm hug. Urata still cares about me...he loves me....of course he does, why did I get afraid and doubt him....

"I just arrived at the roof when I saw Kashi fall and...it looked like Sakata.......tried to grab his arm to save him." Mafu explained, though his tone was hesitant as if he was trying to cover up something.

It's my fault...I-I'm to blame...The thought of him being the reason Kashitaro died made the redhead start to tear up again.

"I-If I hadn't r-ran away t-then K-Kashi wouldn't have come up here and he wouldn't have...h-he wouldn't have..." Sakata stuttered as he began to feel guilty about his outburst.

"Oi, don't blame yourself. You didn't know this would happen." Urata said in an attempt to comfort the shaking redhead.

"B-But—"

"Oi. Idiot, just trust me, it's not your fault."

Urata winced at his words, how irionic after what happened with the picture and not telling him from the start. Hiding it as a secret was his attempt to make sure the redhead wouldn't get hurt, but turned out to do the opposite.

"I-I trust you...." Sakata then muttered to himself but the short brunette was still able to hear it, "I-I'm sorry for doubting you..."

"Eh? Seriously? Even though I could be lying to you?" Urata couldn't believe the redhead, "I should be the one to apologize for not telling you about the whole situation..."

"You wouldn't do anything to hurt me." Sakata said as he smiled at the short brunette, "y-you had your reasons to protect me."

Urata just tightened the hug, not wanting to let go of the male. You really are too kind and naive, it hurts. I'll make sure I never hurt you again.

☆ ☆ ☆

I hate this. I fucking hate this.

The short brunette just laid on the bed, courtesy of the albino who offered him a guest room seeing as he didn't have anywhere to stay now.

Why?

He just turned to his side facing the wall, his eyes heavy, but despite feeling tired he couldn't bring himself to sleep.

There's no warmth.

He should've known, it would be hard to obtain happiness with the twisted fate they were stuck in. His brain would replay the last moment he saw the redhead before closing his eyes to shut it off, not wanting to remember the coldness of the body of the male.

Shut up.

He wished his thoughts would just come to a halt and leave him alone. But it was hard to ignore it when he couldn't even turn into a ghost due to the missing piece. No matter how many times he tried to erase the memory, he'd always be reminded of the truth.

That Sakata and Soraru were gone and he couldn't see them again.

It had been a few days since the whole encounter and incident, the guys had been shaken a bit about the ordeal and have been trying to act like before, despite noticing the obvious missing pieces. The short brunette was a bit grateful for the albino to offer his place for him to stay as he couldn't stay in Soraru's house due to what happened.

Although the guys didn't want to go back to school, they couldn't really mention their reason for not going due to their circumstances. Akimasa had been struggling on how to explain Sakata and Soraru's disappearance to the school and their parents.

Can't really just say they're dead and expect them to understand. Wonder how that's going. Urata clicked in tongue in annoyance when a soft knock was heard, he slightly turned his head at the door before going back to staring at the wall.

"Leave."

"Aren't you going to come?" The albino's question made the short male groan.

"Just go without me."

"This is like the third week that you haven't gone back, people are starting to say things and we're kinda getting concerned."

"Don't care. Have fun."

"But—"

"Bye."

"...."

Urata heard no response so he continued to sulk as the albino's footsteps grew faint. They're so noisy that it's annoying. Going there is just going to make it more noticeable and painful.

His mind then wandered back to the same thoughts he had at the start of all of this.

Maybe I should've just stayed dead, then none of this would happen.

No wish. No ghost me. No meeting the other guys and seeing them die. No Sorato and those two would've been alive.

But Urata knew that not matter what he thought, fate was going to be against them at some point.

I just wish that a reset would happen one last time...

☆ ☆ ☆

First of, Urata couldn't believe that not only was his own death believed to never have happened anymore, but that the pure, bright redhead was now hugging and smiling at him again. His happiness was back in his arms.

The short brunette felt like he couldn't let go of the male whenever he had the chance to hug him, afraid that he'd disappear again, so he'd just tighten his hold even if the redhead reassured him that he was back now.

But another thing also came along with that surprise.

The raven-haired was back, but he didn't remember any of them.

No memories of them dying, their powers, or the resets.

So Urata didn't know how to feel at the new situation, but he was glad that his friend and boyfriend were alive again. So he decided to cling to his happiness and wave away any negativity.

At least we can probably start anew with him. Plus, he'd no longer be hurt over everything so maybe this might be better.

Granted he does hate the fact that the raven-haired doesn't remember him or Luz, and was annoyed to find out that this only happened because the raven-haired gave up his ability, thus the memories connected to them. He's just as reckless as me, but we can just befriend him again and make new memories without the pain and suffering.

So during the first couple of days of this new life it was hard to talk to the raven-haired, as he didn't seem interested much in them. Urata could tell that the male's attitude was similar to before he met the guys, maybe even similar to his attitude from when he recently had died, but he also knew that the albino wasn't going to give up on trying to talk to him.

Eventually the short brunette noticed that the male would hold his head or wince whenever he was around them, which concerned him.

One day when a few of them went to visit the raven-haired, they were surprised when the male mentioned the book and their tattoos. After deciding to explain, the raven-haired surprised them again when he said that he wanted to remember them, as he had realized that they were somewhat connected to him. Urata hid the happiness that was growing in him after hearing those words. I guess he was right about how he wouldn't abandon me.

Just like how I got my happiness back, I can get my childhood friend back and we'll finally have peace.

☆ ☆ ☆

"So what are we doing today?" Sakata asked as he followed the short brunette around the town.

"Well Soraru's off with Mafu—"

"Cause you practically forced him."

"The fishcake wants to hang out with his boyfriend but is too much of a tsundere to say it so I helped him." Urata stated as the redhead sighed.

"Just like how him being with Mafu is an excuse for you to be with me."

"Oi." Urata stopped as he pinched the redhead's cheeks, "it wasn't an excuse, I just didn't want to spend the day alone."

"Shima said that he asked you if you wanted to hang out but you declined so that's why he went to Senra," Sakata teasingly said, giggling at the short brunette's flushed cheeks.

"I'm going to kill him later."

The redhead just continued to laugh before his eyes landed on someone in the distance, making him tense and slightly hide behind the male. Urata noticed the male's discomfort and turned around to see Sorato walking with other people.

"Oh."

"It feels weird seeing him," Sakata said as he watched the male walk further away, "even though I know he isn't exactly the old him, it just reminds me of what happened."

"Well, I for one know that the moment he tries something I'm going to punch him." Urata bluntly said as the redhead nervously smiled.

"Maybe let's not try to kill him when he remembers nothing about us." Sakata glanced back at where the male was before continuing to walk with the short brunette. At least now he's his own person.

The sight of the male soured the short brunette's mood a bit so the redhead had to comfort his sulking boyfriend.

"I kinda find it funny seeing you sulk," Sakata teased a bit, "you usually don't let your pride fall and show me how jealous you are~"

"Oi," Urata glared at the male, "you're lucky I'm too annoyed to do anything."

Sakata grinned as he linked his arm around the short brunette's, "don't worry, this puppy-like boyfriend will cheer up his sulking, tsundere tanuki."

"And I'm going to punch you if you say one more thing."

The two just continued their banter as they spent the day hanging out alone with each other. No longer having to worry about things that can ruin their happiness as well as the happiness of their friends.

—————————————
A/n

I missed this story, I didn't do much justice for ghost Urata pinning so here you are

Rereading the story made me realize that UrSk never really catch a break in my stories www

Hope y'all enjoyed it~

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