"Shuu-jii-kuun." Akira drawled out, slinging his arm around my neck and resting his chin on my shoulder. A year ago, I would have pushed him away but now, I'm pretty much used to it.

I ignored him but I could feel his 'look-at-Akira' gaze on my face. I gave up. "What? I'm trying to finish our project."

He piped up, "Mamechichi! Let's go for a mamechichi break!"

I felt like punching him. Here I was, trying to complete the stupid project we were supposed to do together and that bird brain who had not done a single thing is pestering me to drink soymilk with him!

"Um, Shuujikun, you're giving off steam..."

I took several deep breaths to calm myself down. It was useless to get agitated over that guy.

"We have to hand this in tomorrow so will you please let me finish our project?"

I could see him pouting from the corner of my eye and he huffed audibly, his breath tickling my neck.

"Stop that."

"Stop what?"

"Breathing. It tickles."

He paused. Then he blew at my neck deliberately.

"Like this?"

"I told you to stop that."

"But if I don't breathe, I'll die." He whined matter of factly. Another one of his special skills. I don't want to know how he does that.

"Then go away."

He was silent. Then I could feel a gust of air tracing the shell of my ear.

Ignore him Shuuji, ignore him, I thought to myself as I batted him away. He moved away but continued his relentless attack on my neck.

Then I snapped.

"Bad Akira!"

There was a whole minute of shocked silence. I think Akira forgot to breathe. Frankly, I don't even know where that came from. Was he hurt by my words?

"Sorry..."

All my anger evaporated at that small whispered apology and the truly remorseful look he gave me. I sighed, "Maybe we should go for a break after all. I shouldn't have snapped at you." I gave him a small smile.

"Yay! Mamechichi!" he jumped up and made for the kitchen. I put down my pen and rolled my shoulders. One can never stay mad at Kusano Akira. Because Akira is Akira and that makes him special. Even though he does test my patience...

"Don't finish everything!"


By the time I got to the kitchen, Akira was settled down in one of the chairs, happily drinking his soymilk.

"There wasn't much left so I finished it. Sorry."

"Bad Akira." I patted his head and took down another bottle of soy milk. "I'd bet you didn't know about my secret stash of mamechichi."

His eyes lit up, "Shuu-jii is mean. How could you keep a secret from me?"

"You'd probably have finished all the mamechichi by yourself."

"But it was only this time!"

"Liar, this is at least the fifth time already!"


When I woke up the next morning, breakfast was prepared already, with a glass of soy milk beside my plate and a note.

"See, I left some for you. P.S. Don't be late!"

And on my study table, was our completed project.