August 21

Kouya sat by the riverside, listening to the gentle sound of the running water and the chirping of the nighttime insects. He frowned as he stared at the moonlight's reflection.

A beam of light flashed over him from behind. He bolted upright, scanning behind him to find the source. "Who's there?" called out Kouya as the light refocused on him. He shielded his eyes from the brightness as he tried to make out the shape of the owner.

The light disappeared. "It's Kuroi," responded a quiet voice. Kouya blinked several times, letting his eyes readjust to the darkness. The slim cat stood in front of him. Shin's left hand gripped his right elbow as he stared at the ground in front of him, avoiding the husky's gaze.

"Oh…" said Kouya as his shoulders relaxed. "What are you doing out here so late?"

"I could ask you the same thing," said Shin as he raised his head. "I'm out for a midnight stroll, though."

"I see. I'm just out here to do some thinking." Kouya turned back towards the river. "I always come here to think."

The grass rustled behind him as the cat stepped forward. "What are you thinking about?" asked Shin as he sat down next to the husky.

Kouya stared down at his lap. "My parents, mostly…" he answered. "Have I told you about them before?"

"I don't think so." Shin set his flashlight aside and tilted his head towards the husky. "You told us you were living alone, though. What happened?"

"Well…" Kouya ran a hand through his hair. "Do you mind if I vent a little bit?"

"Hmph." Shin closed his eyes. "Go ahead."

"Alright." The husky laid back into the grass, folding his arms behind his head. "It started a little over a year ago, right when I got out of junior high. I had a huge fight with my dad about my future." He sighed. "You know how I like to play the guitar?"

"Of course. You play it well, too," said Shin as he rotated himself to face Kouya.

"Heh. Thanks," said Kouya with a small laugh, causing Shin to blush. "Anyway, I started having this dream of wanting to be a musician. I met a street musician in Kazenari, and he inspired me to go after that dream." He frowned up at the stars. "My dad rejected that idea. One stupid fight led to another and… I ran away. Ever since then, I've been supporting myself."

"Hm. Living by yourself and taking care of your own needs, huh?" Shin closed his eyes, resting a hand on his chin.

"Yep. It's hard work, but… It feels good to stand on my own feet, you know?"

Shin gave a faint smile. "I understand."

"I thought you might." Kouya grinned up at the cat, who looked back at him with widened eyes. "I've seen you at the market a few times, alone. I thought Amaki-san would be the one out buying things, but you always had your hands full."

"Hmhm, it seems you've caught me red handed." Shin's eyes closed as he shrugged. "I enjoy doing things on my own. But… I think we're getting off topic."

"Oh, right." Kouya's smile faded. "…I got a letter from my mother, earlier today. She… she wants to talk to me, face to face. Tomorrow, without my father knowing."

"Hmm. I see…" Shin's hand moved to his chin again. "So, what will you do?"

Kouya sighed. "I don't know… That's why I'm out here, so I can think about it. I don't know if I can face her…" The husky propped himself up with his elbows. "Shin, what do you think I should do?"

Shin stared at Kouya in surprise. "You're asking me?"

Kouya frowned at the cat's reaction. "Of course. You've listened to me so far. Now I want your opinion."

For a while, Shin didn't respond. He gazed thoughtfully at the husky before giving his answer. "…I think you should go see her." He gripped his elbow through his shirt. "…It's clear she cares about you. It would be wrong to ignore her."

"…You're right." Kouya sat up, surprising Shin with his sudden movement. "I'll take your advice and go see her, then. Thanks, Shin." He grinned at the cat.

Shin blushed, averting his gaze from the husky's. "I haven't done anything special. I did what any friend would do…"

Kouya stood up. "Well, I'm glad you were the friend to do it."

Shin's blush deepened. "I-I just don't want you to have any regrets about not going to talk with her. My own parents…"

The husky raised an eyebrow. "What about your parents?"

Shin sighed, resting his fingertips on his forehead. "…Forget I said that."

Kouya ran a hand through his grey hair. "I think I understand. If you decide you want to talk to someone… I'll listen, alright?" He stretched out his hand towards Shin, and the cat stared at it. "Come on, it's getting late. Let me take you home."

"…Fine," said Shin as he grabbed the husky's hand and pulled himself up. "Amaki will worry less if he sees I have an escort."

The two made their way to Shin's house in silence, with only the sound of their footsteps and the insects of the night between them. Soon, the large western house came into view.

"I've always liked your house. It's so… different, from everything else," said Kouya as his eyes scanned the building.

"…I hate it. It's too big."

Kouya's face fell. "Oh…"

The front door was illuminated, and a swarm of insects gathered around the source of the light. Shin swatted at a few of them as he stepped up to the intercom and pressed the button.

"Who is it?" sounded a voice from the speaker. "Young master, is that you?"

"You know I don't like it when you call me that, Amaki."

"Oh good, it is you." Several locks clicked from the other side of the door before it opened, revealing the white cat in his usual butler outfit. "You're late. I was getting worried-" Amaki paused when he discovered that Shin was not alone. "Aotsuki-kun?"

"That's me," grinned Kouya with a small wave. "Long time no see, Amaki-san."

Amaki sent Shin a questioning look. "…I met him while I was out on my walk, and he decided to escort me home," explained Shin.

"Ahh." Amaki nodded in approval, and then bowed at Kouya. "Well, thank you for looking after Shin." The white cat moved out of the doorway, motioning them inside. "Please, come in, you two."

Amaki closed the door as they stepped in. "By the way, Shin-kun," he said as he started towards the kitchen. "The cookies you started making are done. You were gone so long that I took them out myself."

Shin sat down on one of the chairs in his living room. "Good, thank you. Would you bring us some? With tea."

"Certainly," said Amaki as he bowed out of the room. Kouya took a seat beside Shin, and after a few minutes the white cat returned with a tray. Amaki laid out three teacups and a plate stacked with beige cookies before taking a seat of his own across from Kouya.

Kouya watched the steam rise from the teacup in front of him. The two cats didn't hesitate to start drinking. "Um, is it okay to drink tea and eat sweets this late?" asked the husky.

"Hm? Oh, it's fine," answered Amaki with a wave. "It's herbal, so there's no caffeine."

"…And sugar doesn't keep you up either, if you were wondering. Trust me," added Shin as he grabbed a cookie.

Kouya gave the tea one last glance. "Alright, I will," he said as he grabbed a cookie himself and bit into it.

"How are they?" asked Shin.

"Great, as I expected." The husky grinned as he swallowed. "It's been a while since I've had your sweets, but they're just as good as I remembered."

"Hmhm." Shin smiled with a barely noticeable blush. "Flattery will get you nowhere."

"Hey, I mean it," said Kouya before he took a sip of tea. "Anyways, I think I should be leaving here soon…" He looked around the room until he spotted the clock, which read that it was almost one in the morning. "Ah, jeez. It's so late already." The husky ran a hand through his hair.

Amaki set his empty teacup down. "What's the hurry?"

"I've got… something important that I need to do tomorrow." Kouya stole a glance at Shin, and their eyes met briefly before the black cat turned away.

"Hmm." Amaki stood up, collecting everyone's dishes back onto the tray. "Well, you've come this far. Why don't you just sleep here tonight?"

"Eh?" sounded Kouya.

"It's the same walk whether it's night or day. You might as well wait until morning." Amaki picked up the tray and walked past Kouya. "I'd rest easier knowing you're not wandering around in the dark."

Shin rolled his eyes. "Kouya's old enough to take care of himself, Amaki. He can leave if he wants to."

Amaki set the tray down in the kitchen before returning to the conversation. "I suppose that's true." The white cat turned towards Kouya. "I won't keep you here, Aotsuki-kun, but you're more than welcome to stay."

Kouya's eyes bounced between Shin and Amaki, and after a few moments he gave in. "I guess I can't refuse your offer. I'll stay."

"Excellent!" said Amaki as he clapped his hands together once. "I'll set up a futon in the young master's room for you."

"Alright. Thank you." Kouya stood and gave a quick bow. "Uh, would it be alright if I used your washroom?"

"Oh of course. Right this way." Amaki led Kouya deeper into the house, leaving Shin alone for a few minutes.

When the white cat returned, Shin stopped him. "Amaki."

"Yes, Shin-kun?"

"…Why didn't you offer Kouya the guest room?"

Amaki smiled. "I thought it would be more fun this way. It'll be like a sleepover."

Shin facepalmed as he suppressed a sigh. "What are you, a child?"

Amaki's smile grew as he started to leave the room again. "Oh, before I forget. Shin-kun?" He called out to the black cat, who tilted his head in response. "What did you do with that flashlight I lent you?"

Shin's eyes widened, and he stared down at his empty right hand before facepalming. "…Ugh. I must've dropped it at the river."

"That's unlike you." A sly smile settled on Amaki's face. "I didn't realize Aotsuki-kun was that distracting."

"…Amaki," warned Shin as he glared at the white cat, and Amaki chuckled as he left the room.