Yuujin stood up slowly, and Kaito followed him, keeping a hand on his shoulder the whole time.
"I can't just leave you like this. You need something to lift your spirits," Kaito said, stepping closer and holding Yuujin's face with both hands.
"Lift my spirits? I don't think that's a good idea… I think I just need to be alone," Yuujin said, gripping Kaito's arms and trying to push them away—but Kaito held firm.
"Dude… trust me. I'm not trying to make you 'get over it' right away—because that's impossible. I just want to help you feel good enough to handle it. Remember? You've always trusted me," Kaito said softly, letting go of Yuujin's face and holding out his hand.
Yuujin hesitated, then, after a brief pause, took Kaito's hand. Together, they went for a walk around Osaka, passing through the places they used to play as kids.
Meanwhile, Misaki sat quietly on a bench when Emi took a seat beside her.
"I know it's hard… but you guys can't stay this upset forever. Look… I'm trying to move forward," Emi said gently. Misaki looked at her with a clearly displeased expression. "Sorry, sweetie, I get that it's harder for you two, but try to think of me too. After all… my brother was part of it too, right? Sorry if I made things heavy." Emi stood up, giving Misaki some space. Misaki clenched her clothes tightly in frustration, stood abruptly, and spotted Yuujin walking off with Kaito. Deciding not to stay behind, she followed them through the city.
"Remember this field? Remember how many times we got hurt here?" Kaito smiled faintly, glancing at Yuujin, who stayed silent, just watching the field. Then Kaito walked over to a rose bush nearby, picked a rose, and returned to him.
"A… rose?" Yuujin looked at Kaito's hand, then at his face.
"Your mom liked roses, didn't she? Take this—as something from me. And because… I care about you, man," Kaito said, holding out his fist for a bump.
Yuujin hesitated again but lifted his arm and bumped his fist against Kaito's. A small smile curved on his lips—barely there—as he accepted the rose.
"Will we still be best friends? Will you remember the rest of the group?" Kaito asked, his gaze drifting toward the scenery.
"Of course… I wouldn't end this for anything," Yuujin said, looking out as well—just as a familiar voice called to him.
"Yuujin," Misaki said, walking toward them. "Can we go now… please…" Her tone was softer than he was used to hearing.
"Don't you want to stay a little longer?" Kaito asked, tilting his head toward her.
"We can come another day. Just, please… let's go," she insisted again, this time holding his arm. Yuujin stepped back from Kaito.
"I'll come back to visit, okay?" Yuujin said, and Kaito nodded, watching the siblings walk away.
Yuujin clenched his fists, his teeth grinding. Whenever he opened his hands, his fingers twitched in odd, tense motions, and he'd quickly close them again. He walked on, heading toward Emi, who was waiting for them.
The train ride home was filled with memories. Yuujin kept staring at Osaka—every detail. The fields, the shopping centers, the movement of the people… This time, Misaki fell asleep beside him. He looked at her for a few seconds, then turned his eyes back to the window.
"What is this feeling? It's… strange," Yuujin thought to himself, pressing his chest lightly and resting his head against the train window.
Time passed—the ride, the hours at home, the moments before sleep—and the next morning came like lightning.
Yuujin was tying his shoes, ready for school, while Misaki knocked impatiently on his door.
"Come on, Yuujin! The faster we go, the faster we can come back!" Misaki shouted.
"That doesn't even make sense! School doesn't end faster just because we go early!" Yuujin yelled back from the other side, while Emi rested a hand on Misaki's shoulder.
"Don't start, you two. It's too early for this, and you both know what you went through yesterday," Emi said calmly. Misaki sighed and backed away, letting Yuujin take his time. After a while, he came out, fully dressed, and they all headed out together.
The morning seemed normal—until Yuujin suddenly felt someone grab him by the neck.
"Ah! Oh… Taylor?" Yuujin turned, startled.
"Mind if we talk, Mr. Iceberg?" Taylor said, pulling him aside, away from Misaki, Emi, and Yuri, who were walking behind them.
"I guess so… why wouldn't I?" Yuujin muttered.
"So, you're in Tokyo because you lost your parents?" Taylor asked bluntly. Yuujin froze, completely shocked.
"How do you know that?!" Yuujin demanded, quickly picking up his pace and yanking Taylor by the wrist.
"I was in Osaka with my mom yesterday. I saw you crying next to some guy I've never seen before," Taylor said casually, shrugging and keeping up.
Yuujin blushed slightly at the thought of Taylor having seen that, then kept walking fast.
"You don't need to worry about that. It's… personal," Yuujin replied, lowering his voice and letting go of Taylor's wrist.
"Is it? Then why did you let that guy know? Why not me? Don't you consider me a friend?" Taylor pressed, matching Yuujin's pace.
"Why so many questions?" Yuujin snapped, sweat forming near his temple as his fists tightened.
He nearly bumped into a lamppost, but Taylor quickly pulled him back.
"Because I'm basically the band's informant. I need to know if everyone's okay—mentally," Taylor said, rolling his eyes.
"I already told you, there's nothing to worry about!" Yuujin protested, trying to walk away, but Taylor could see him trembling. Yuujin clutched his chest, feeling his heart racing, and muttered under his breath.
"You're part of the band. I need to know if you're okay—and you don't look fine at all. Are you sure you don't need our help?" Taylor asked, resting a hand on Yuujin's shoulder.
Yuujin stayed silent for a moment, staring at the ground, repeating Taylor's words in his mind.
"No… I don't need it. Please don't tell the others," Yuujin finally said, small drops of sweat falling from his hand and marking the pavement below.
Taylor now held a secret Yuujin would do anything to hide—because if the others found out, they'd flood him with questions, pity, and doubt.
And all Yuujin wanted… was to make peace with his own feelings.