"Hey Hakuryuu, Alibaba, wanna go get a drink tonight?" Kougyoku caught up to them as they exited the building.

"Sure—" Alibaba started, glancing back at her with a smile on his face.

"No. I'm tired, I'm going back to the dorm." Hakuryuu announced.

"—Actually, nevermind. I just remembered I have—er, I have an essay to write. I'll catch ya later?" Alibaba added apologetically. Hakuryuu was already walking away, and he rushed to his side.

The dark haired boy didn't say a word as his friend fell in step beside him, his eyes rested solely in front of him. Alibaba studied him as they walked, contented with the silence. He was contented with anything Hakuryuu did, to be honest.

Hakuryuu's hair was swept back in a messy ponytail, loose black strands falling out around his face—which only made him look cuter, Alibaba thought. His shoulders were stiff with pent up tension however, and his skin was pale. There were heavy bags under his eyes, Alibaba noted with worry. The extra courses were taking their toll on Hakuryuu, and Alibaba couldn't do anything to help.

"Ryuu, can I hold your hand?" Alibaba asked suddenly. He really just wanted to comfort Hakuryuu in some way, little actions or affection. But seeing as they have completely different schedules, he didn't get the chance often.

"No" Hakuryuu replied bluntly.

"But—"

"No." Now Hakuryuu sounded annoyed.

"Ryuu—" Alibaba whined.

"No, Alibaba. We're surrounded by people. Now stop asking." Hakuryuu barked sharply, announcing the end of their conversation.

Alibaba looked like a kicked puppy, but he listened. He didn't speak any more, and they reverted back to their silence. It wasn't Hakuryuu's fault he was angry, it was the stress weighting on his shoulders that made him so much more easily agitated. Guilt flooded Alibaba at the thought; he shouldn't have asked that. He knew how serious Hakuryuu usually was, and now he had only made him feel worse instead of better.

Hakuryuu, however, noticed the change in Alibaba, and his anger faded to be replaced by regret as well. It wasn't Alibaba's fault, they were dating, after all, it was only natural to want to hold hands in public. Perhaps, he was a bit too stern on the older boy.

They turned a corner on to an isolated street, and Alibaba jumped in surprise. A soft hand slid into his, but he didn't hesitate before gripping on to it firmly. Alibaba glanced at Hakuryuu, but the dark haired boy kept looking ahead wordlessly. A grin spread across his lips, and he looked ahead as well. The hand holding his as tightly as he held it sent warmth spreading through him.