"I'm so, so, so, so, so sorry!" Aoi had apologized for the nth time. "I said it's okay." I walked out of my room to get a snack from the kitchen. "Even still, I feel awful. But I was surprised to see that guy from months ago approach us asking about you." I looked at Aoi curiously. Takeru had come out of the bathroom then as well. "Right, Takeru?"

"His name is Ryoken. And I guess you two are pretty close, huh?" I didn't like the tone Takeru used. "We're just good friends. Don't sound so suspicious Takeru." He didn't seem convinced, but he didn't say anything else. "Well, we're just glad to have you back. I promise, no more shady places. I'm treating you to dinner tonight." "Actually, I can't..." They looked at me, waiting for an answer. "Ryoken is coming over...to cook..." Aoi squealed while Takeru rolled his eyes. "Then I'll treat you to lunch tomorrow." I nodded then looked over at Takeru. "Ryoken's not going to replace you, Takeru. Don't look so sour."

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I quietly worked on my game as they decided to stay for a free meal. I mentioned to Ryoken that he might want to bring more of what he was already bringing, if he was bringing anything. He didn't respond, but it said he had read the message. My door opened and Takeru had slipped inside. "Hey, what's up?" "What's Ryoken to you?"

I turned to face him. "We're just friends." "Give me a reason to believe you." I internally sighed before giving him an answer. "Because we're best friends and you know me. I'm not really one to lie." I sat back and waited for him to speak. It was weird seeing him all panic-y over a new friend. Was he really that worried of being replaced?

"It's just, you don't usually make an effort to befriend people nor do people really talk to you. I feel he has ulterior motives." I gave him an awkward smile as that was the case months ago. Now things were different. Now we just wanted...to be friends. "He doesn't. I was shocked too, hearing he just wanted to build a friendship with me." I went back to typing on the computer.

"Then promise me something." I hummed in response. "When we graduate, you'll wait for me in the music room." I stopped what I was doing to look at him. His face was serious. "Well, graduation is still a few months away. Two to be exact." I counted off the months on my hand just to be sure.

"I'll remind you weekly then. It's really important that I tell you then." I couldn't help but wonder what it was he wanted to say. Were we not going to the same college? Was he going abroad instead? "Could I get a hint as to what you want to discuss?" "You." He then left the room without another word. What about me did he want to talk about?

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I heard the buzzer then Aoi shout she was going to answer it. I left my seat and poked my head out of the room. "Is Yusaku here?" "Yeah. He's been holed up in his room the entire day." Ryoken's eyes locked with mine and I quickly closed the door. I didn't like the way I was feeling. I hoped it wasn't the case. I was startled out of my thoughts by a knock on the door. I weakly spat out a "come in".

"Hey." I froze at the sound of the voice. "Ryoken...hey..." He sat on my bed while I took up residence in my chair. "Your friend said you've been in here all day." My stomach growled as I thought of the food Ryoken was going to make. I hid my face out of embarrassment. "That hungry huh?" "If you know, why don't you get started..." I turned my attention back to my computer screen.

"Alright. You're the boss." I quietly sighed then felt my head being tipped back. Ryoken's eyes bore into my own, causing me to look away. It was stirring up feelings inside of me that I wasn't familiar with. "Yu, look at me." "No." "Yu..." I made eye contact with him again and hoped the swelling in my heart would cease. "Have I ever told you that you have nice eyes?" I stared at him with a blank expression. What was that about? He did all of that just to say I had nice eyes?

"Thank y-" I was soon cut off by Ryoken gently kissing my forehead. "I'll go get started. Try to control your hunger." He left the room just like that. I touched my forehead then felt my body temperature rise. It made me start to wonder what Ryoken thought of me. I placed my other hand over my heart then smiled a bit. Whatever I was feeling, I didn't mind it if it only appeared around Ryoken. He wasn't a perceptive one anyway.