Ever since that day, when Kuro and Fubuki becomes an official friend. And not a one-sided, they talks a lot more with each other.

Fubuki would also comes to Kuro's classroom.

Truth to be told, Kuro is having fun since he have a friend. A true friend that he is capable to talk with, laugh with, play with.

But still, Kuro still have to handle with the bullies though. But as always, he is able to escape from them.

And it too, somehow felt fun for Kuro and Fubuki.

But, a fun time will eventually ends soon.

" Kuro Rokaku please come to the principal room. "

Kuro heard from the announcement, as he is talking with Fubuki.

" Oh? "

" Eh? Did you do something Kuro-kun? "

" Hm..? I don't... well, whatever it is, I'm going. "

Kuro said as he stood up and high fives with Fubuki.

Then, he walks to the principal room, as he plays with a rubber.

After a few seconds of walking, he reaches the Principal Room. As he knocks on the door.

" Come in! "

The Principal's voice rang out, as Kuro opened the door.

There, he saw the Principal...

With...

His mother.

*Sigh*

" Kuro Rokaku here Mr. Principal. "

Kuro said.

" You may seat down. "

The principal said as Kuro nodded and sat down.

" Now, do you know why I called you here? "

" ... *Sigh* Seeing why my mom is here... "

Kuro closed his eyes as he looked back to the principal.

" Is it about that letter?.. About her being fired? "

...

" So you know..? "

" *Sigh* Yes, I once read it when I opened the mailbox to our house. "

...

" I-I'm sorry son... "

Kuro's mother said as Kuro sighed and rubs his temple.

" Later mom... "

Kuro said with different emotions lingering inside the tone.

In his tone, he felt, disappointment, sadness, and he felt another burden will fall on him.

Kuro, sighed thinking about how will he pay for the rent on his house? How will he pay for his school? How will he pay for foods and medicine for his father? How will his payment from the cafe he work on suffice? How? How? How? How? How? How? How?

All those thoughts lingers around Kuro, as he sighed again.

" So you know... why I called you here and why your mom is here too..? "

" Yes. "

" ... Kuro-kun, I'm sorry but your mom... will be fired from teaching here. "

And there it is.

The principal drops the bomb.

Kuro's hair falls down, as his mother shed a tear.

A shadow covered Kuro's eyes as he sighed.

( I know the day will come, but fuck... didn't expect that time flew so fast... )

Kuro said in mind as he rubs his temple once more and stood up.

" Well, that's all right? Then we will be heading out. "

Kuro said as he took his mom, but.

" Wait. "

...

" What? "

Kuro asked, as he turns back.

" I heard you are the back bone of your family. You've been working on Cafe Starbucks, and you used to work on delivery. "

...

" So? "

" Since you're always on the first on ranking. It is to be expected for you to gain scholarship. And also, if you want to, I know someone to work for to gain some money. "

Kuro raised his eyebrows as he narrowed his eyes at the principal.

" How much. "

" *Chuckle* You're still a teen and yet here you are, already knowing about work life. "

The principal said as Kuro clicked his tongue.

" It's not what I asked. "

" Hey, manners kid. I could retract this offer you know? "

" Mr. Kira... could I take the job? "

Kuro's mother suddenly said as Kuro interjected her.

" No. "

Kuro said bluntly, as his mother looked at him, confused.

" *Sigh* Look, I'm sorry mom, but if you take that job. You will eventually be late to work and lost the job! "

Kuro said in a matter of fact tone.

" But I can change! I can make our lives easier too! "

His mother replied desperately.

" That's what you said EVERYTIME, EVERY DARN TIME you were late! And yet here WE ARE! AND EVERYTIME YOU TEACH, YOU COULD EVEN SLEEP WHEN YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE TEACHING THE CLASS! So could you just STOP it STOP IT! And let me do the job and HELP OUR FAMILY TO LIVE! "

Kuro desperately and angrily said as a small tear ran down from his eye. The principal raised his eyebrows but stay silent, and Kuro's mother shed a tear once more.

Kuro calms down as he clenches his fist. Then, he unclenched his fist and wiped his tear.

He sighed, as he looked at the principal.

" Mr. Kira... how much is the payment for the job? "

" 9.500¥ "

Hearing that, Kuro and his mother widened their eyes.

Kuro smash his left palm to the table as he grabbed the Principal's collar.

" I WILL accept that job! "

Kuro said with a hint of desperation in his voice.

" ... You're not thinking rationally Kuro-kun, you don't even ask what the job is. "

The principal replied, as Kuro released the grip and his eye shrinks a bit.

Bags under his eyes began to swell up, as he sighed and rubbed his temple.

" *Sigh* What is... the job? "

—————

Kuro and his mother walks outside the gate, as Kuro ordered an online taxi.

Soon, the taxi arrived, as Kuro opened the door to the taxi.

" Mom... "

Kuro suddenly talks as his mother looked back at him.

" Yes..? "

" ... We're going to talk later on... about this matter. "

Kuro said as his mother nodded slowly, and gets inside the taxi.

The taxi, drove away, leaving Kuro alone on the gate. As the school building's shadow overcomes Kuro's shadow.

He looked down to the ground, and his hair falls down. Covering his eyes.

He clenches his fist once more...

" ... Why... damnit... "

Kuro mutters silently as he buries the emotion he's currently having.

" Focus Kuro. "

Kuro said as he slapped himself, he straightened his head and turns back. As he walks back inside the school.

—————

The study went on like normal, as Kuro listened and memorized everything he considered important.

He rubs his temple, thinking about the job he's offered with.

( *Sigh* It does have a good payment... )

Kuro thought in his mind.

( But though, studying a rich guy's son huh..? )

" -ku -kaku! -Rokaku-san! "

A voice snapped Kuro out of his trance, as he straightened his head.

And saw the math teacher calling him.

" Mind telling us the answer? "

The teacher asked, as Kuro looked at the question and scanned it. As he then scanned his memory.

" ... Yes. "

Kuro said as he stood up and walks to the board. As he wrote the answer.

B = 4 x b = 4b
S = -2 ( 35 - b ) = -70 + 2b
T = -1 x 5 = -5

Score Total = B + S + T
117 = 4b - 70 + 2b - 5
117 = 6b - 75
192 = 6b
b = 32

Kuro, put down the chalk and head back to his seat.

" ... Correct. "

The teacher said as he looks at Kuro.

" And Rokaku-san, even if you're smart and already know the answer. Don't sleep or think of anything else, try to pay attention to the lesson atleast. "

The teacher said as Kuro nodded.

*RIIIIIIIIIIIINGGGG*

" Alright, that's all for today's lesson, you may go home now. "

The teacher said, as Kuro took his books and put the books inside his backpack.

( *Sigh* Time to head to work. )

Kuro thought in his mind, as he took his phone and plug in the earphones as he plays a song.

He walks out of the classroom, as he saw Fubuki waiting for him.

She then waves at him and smiles, as Kuro smiles back. Then, Fubuki walks up to him.

" Hey, what did you were called for? "

" Ah... nothing, just something about... "

...

" You know..? The bullies? "

Kuro lies as he breathe.

" Oh... "

Fubuki ' o ' ed, but she knows he is lying. Because no way the school even cares about bullies. They would just probably shrugged it off.

And Kuro and Fubuki hadn't even fight back, so he probably lied about it.

Is what she thought.

Deciding not to press on, Fubuki tries to change the subject.

" So... wanna head back? "

" I still have some part-time job to do. "

Kuro said as Fubuki nodded.

" By the way, can I come to your job's cafe again? "

Fubuki asked and Kuro nodded.

" Sure, it's not like you need permission to go to the cafe. "

Kuro said as he walks outside of the school, followed with Fubuki.

As they reached the cafe.

" Anyway, this is where we part ways, you go to the entrance. I'll be changing clothes and preparing for other things. "

Kuro said as Fubuki nodded, as Kuro walks away, Fubuki waved goodbye at Kuro.

Kuro, walks inside the cafe from the backdoor. As he walks inside the locker room and is met with Yori.

" Kon'nichiwa, Yori-senpai. "

Kuro said, as Yori turns back and smiles.

" Kon'nichiwa, Kuro-kun. "

Kuro, walks to his locker, as he opened it and took his white shirt. As he undressed his shirt and took his white shirt.

Kuro, took his apron and wears it, as he took a boots and wear it.

Kuro, got out and head to the counter, as he saw Fubuki.

" Irasshai. "

Kuro said as Fubuki giggles a bit, as Kuro chuckles.

" So, what are your orders ma'am? "

" Hm... I would like to order a cheeseburger and a french fries with a lemon tea! "

" Kashikomarimashita, what's your name ma'am? "

Kuro asked with a small smile, as Fubuki, giggles.

" Shirakami Fubuki. "

Fubuki said as Kuro nodded, Fubuki pays for the foods and drinks. As Kuro checked it and nodded.

Soon, a hand taps on Kuro's shoulder as he looks back.

He raised his eyebrows.

" What's wrong? Yori-senpai? "

" Take a rest today, the manager is making an exception for now. "

Yori said as he takes a glance to the manager who gave Kuro a thumbs up.

Kuro, sighed and nodded, as he changed place with Yori.

Kuro, walks out of the counter and search for Fubuki. As he founds her sitting on a sofa.

Kuro, walks up to her, as Fubuki noticed.

" Eh? What are you doing here? "

Fubuki asked, confused, as Kuro sat next to her.

" The manager give me a free time for today. "

Kuro said, as Fubuki ' o ' ed.

" The manager is kind huh? "

Fubuki asked as Kuro nodded with a soft smile.

Kuro, laid back as he closed his eyes.

" Anyway, how's school today for you? Heard you were experimenting about some lizard's tail getting cut off and it grows. "

Kuro asked as Fubuki's face lighten up.

" Oh yeah! It was fun! Although I do felt bad for the lizard... "

Fubuki said as Kuro nodded.

" Anyways, how fun was it? "

" Oh right! I remembered that on another group. Their lizard escapes and got inside one of their shirt. They were screaming like a girl! Even though they're a boy though. "

Fubuki said as Kuro chuckles.

" Sucks to be him. "

Kuro said as Fubuki giggles, and Kuro to sigh and open his eyes.

" Shirakami Fubuki-san! "

Yori's voice rang out throughout the cafe, as Fubuki stood up and went to take it. Leaving Kuro alone.

Kuro, sighed and think about his offered job.

( Home teacher... ka? )

Kuro thought as he sighed again.

Soon, he heard footsteps, and he looked to his right and saw a person.

( That man..? )

The man, sat down next to Kuro, but the next table. Not Fubuki's.

" Rokaku Kuro, domō. "

The man said.

" Domō... Motoaki Tanigo-san. "

" Oh? So you still remember me? "

" Yes. "

" Is that so... "

" ... "

" I've heard that you're recently on a pinch. "

Tanigo said as Kuro widened his eyes, as he looked at Tanigo.

" ... How do you know..? "

" I got my own ways Rokaku. "

Tanigo said as Kuro narrowed his eyes at him.

" ... I will not question that... "

Kuro said as Tanigo nodded.

" Much appreciated... "

Tanigo said as he stood up.

" If you want a job, and money to help covering your dad's health. Contact me. "

Tanigo said as Kuro widened his eyes, and looked at him. Tanigo, slides a number card to Kuro.

" ... How do you know? "

Kuro asked as he looked at Tanigo.

" Like I said before... I got my own ways. "

Tanigo said as Kuro looked at the number card and he saw Tanigo's name.

But there's another name too.

" Yagoo..? "

Kuro asked out loud, as Tanigo nodded.

" Well, that is my nickname, Yagoo. "

Yagoo said, as Kuro nodded.

" Well, I'm off for now, I got to go. "

Yagoo said, as he left, leaving Kuro alone. Soon, Fubuki came back.

" Hey Kuro-kun, you don't want to order something to? "

She said as she walks up to Kuro, but then see Kuro holding a card.

" Oh? What is that? "

Fubuki asked as Kuro slipped the card to his pants's pocket.

" Just a number card. "

Kuro said as Fubuki ' o ' ed and sat next to Kuro.

—————

" His magic is still not awakened yet... But it is to be expected... and the Kami no Danpen is still there... His magic will probably be awakened in a few more days. "

Yagoo's voice rang out as he held his phone next to his right ear.

" Well... let's just hope it won't be too late. We still don't know about him. "

A voice replies back through the phone, as Yagoo hummed in bitterness.

He then cut the line, as he turn off his phone.

As he looked back to the cafe.

" Coffee boy... "

*Chuckle*

—————

Kuro walks home from the cafe with Fubuki, as he is given a free day off from work.

He truly need a rest.

The bags on his eyes is getting more heavier. He only wants to fall to the bed and drift off to sleep currently.

As they walks silently through the afternoon road.

Fubuki decide to break the ice.

" Kuro-kun... what truly were you talking with the principal about? "

Fubuki asked, wanting to know what exactly is happening.

She had been worried, her friend seems to be more sad and tired.

She wanted to help out, that's what friends does.

" ... *Sigh* Like I said before... it's about the bullies. "

Kuro said, lying through his every word.

" As far as I remember, school doesn't give that much attention to bullies. They'd just shrug it off. "

Fubuki replies, as Kuro sighed once more, and rubs his temple.

( *Sigh* No lies escaped through this girl huh..? Wonder how girls could see through lies. )

Kuro asked in his mind, as he then replies.

" I will tell you once I'm ready to tell you. "

Kuro said with a smirk, as he remembers about Fubuki being shy. And when he asked about it, he still remembers that line.

" I-I will tell you once I'm ready to tell you... "

Kuro, chuckles in his memory, as Fubuki pouted. Realising that Kuro replies back with the same answer she gave him.

Kuro, looked at Fubuki and gained a small smile.

" What? Sad that I gave you the same response you gave me from before? "

Kuro said while his smile grew more, as Fubuki's pout grew more.

She ' hmph ' and looked away, as Kuro chuckles.

They continues on chattering as they walked through the setting sun.

They laugh as they chattered with each other.

Time flies by, as they reached to the front of their house.

" Well, goodbye Fubuki. "

" Goodbye Kuro-kun! "

Fubuki said with a smile, as Kuro smiles back. As he went inside his house.

He took a key and opened the door, as he walks inside.

The smell of alcohol hits his nose, as soon, noise of a TV Program could be heard.

" ... Tadaima. "

Kuro said.

As no reply was heard, and Kuro sighed.

Kuro, walks to his room, as he closed it and drops his backpack. As he walks to the shower.

After he finished taking a bath, he head down to cook some food.

But soon, he was surprised to see his mother...

She slept on the dinner table, as she laid her head to the table. A tear ran down her eyes, but it appears to be dry.

On the dinner table, a cooking is ready to be served.

Kuro, looked at her mom, then at the cooking, as he sighed.

" ... I guess I've been hard on her... "

Kuro mumbles to himself, as he thought about shouting to his mother. Saying something bad about her in front of someone.

Once he finally calmed down, is the moment he realized his mistake.

" I'm sorry... Kuro... "

His mother said unconsciously with a tear, once more running down her eye.

In her eyes, she had been a burden in front of her own son.

True her body is weak, and she is easy to fell asleep.

But she thinks that even though her body is weak. There is no way, NO WAY, she would let her own son carries her family.

What kind of mother she is if she let her own son carries her family.

A teen carrying a whole family by himself? Where is the parents? Why did the teen must carry his whole family?

She don't want to be a burden.

All she ever wanted ever since Kuro is born...

Is just for him to be happy, and being able to live normally. Without having to think about work life.

True in the end Kuro will need to learn about society.

But he is still only a teenager for now!

It's a good thing he is still able to keep up with classes. What if he can't?

She doesn't want her own son to be a failure like her.

But in the end, even she herself has become a burden...

Kuro, sighed with a tear running down his face. As he wiped it and walks up to his mother.

As he tapped on his mother's shoulder to wake her up.

Slowly, and softly...

" Mother..? Mother... I'm home. "

Kuro said as soon, his mother's eye twitch, as she slowly opened it.

She looked around and rubs her eyes, as she noticed Kuro.

She shed a tear once more, as she touched his cheek.

" Kuro... I'm... I'm sorry... "

His mother said weakly, as she wrapped her arms around him tightly suddenly. As Kuro shed a small tear too.

" I'm sorry... for being a burden to you..! *Sniff* I'm sorry that I... *Sniff* can't be a good wife..! For my husband..! I'm sorry! "

She said weakly, as she cries, tears flows from her eyes. As she hugs Kuro.

She screams while crying, she screams, and screams.

And repeatedly said sorry.

*Tik* *Tik*

Kuro, hugs his mother tightly too, as he puts his chin to his mother's shoulder.

As a tear ran down his eyes.

He finally decided to let out all of his bottled up emotions.

" I'm sorry too! I-I've been hard on you mother..! I've been pushing you around! *Sniff* Saying it was for our lives! But I..! *Sniff* I just can't!.. "

His mother buried her face to Kuro's shoulder...

" I wish for our happiness mom..! I-I'm sorry! Thinking it was.. *sniff* for my family to be happy! *Sniff* But all I did..! Was apparently making you sadder! *Sniff* "

He said as he cries out.

Ahh...

He truly has grown up...

He truly had...

She hadn't even realized it...

She still thinks that her own son is still a kid...

All she ever wanted...

Even if they're poor...

All she ever wanted...

Was just a happy family...

Wherever they are...

Just a happy family...

That's all that matters...

—————

*Sniff* *Sniff*

A tear ran down...

From Kuro's father's eyes as he curled himself.

" I'm sorry... I'm sorry... "

He said as he bit his lips... with more tear running down his face...

To be continued

{ Sometimes, what you think you're doing is for making someone happy. Could be the opposite. }