Keicho was pronounced dead later that afternoon, after the fire department took his charred corpse down from the power lines and the medic team had taken over. Okuyasu left with the ambulance, while Josuke and Koichi stayed behind to give their statements to the police. They put up a pretty good alibi, saying that on their way home from school they saw the body of Keicho Nijimura suspended from the wires. Eventually, they were let go, and the sun had already begun to set.
"Hey, Koichi, do you want me to walk you home?" Josuke offered.
The walk to Koichi's house was quiet, seeing as both of them had seen a teenager near their age die from being shocked with thousands of volts of electricity and sucked into an electrical outlet; after the events from the afternoon, conversation felt inappropriate. Eventually, they reached Koichi's house, the sky bathing the neighborhood in a peaceful orange.
"Thank you for walking me home, Josuke." Koichi gave a small smile. Josuke attempted to smile, but even Koichi could tell that he still wasn't feeling any more pleasant. As Koichi turned around and started to walk up the paved path to his door, he was stopped by Josuke's voice.
"Wait, Koichi." Josuke called.
Koichi turned around and walked back to Josuke.
"Yes?"
Josuke crouched down so he was on Koichi's level, and wrapped his arms around the smaller boy's frame. Koichi took a second to realize that Josuke's shoulders were starting to shake. He placed his school bag on the ground and brought his own arms up to hug Josuke back.
"Josuke," Koichi began to start.
"Can you...can you promise to not scare me like that again?" Josuke interrupted. His voice sounded sad, the way it wavered was a indicator he was trying not to cry. Koichi's heart thumped as he held Josuke tighter. Josuke had seen his grandfather die, and after losing a relative so dear to him, he was more determined to protect those around him.
"I have to admit, I was really scared when you were dragged into the house. I mean, I healed you later but I really thought you were going to die."
Koichi didn't say anything, he started to slowly pet Josuke's back as a way to calm him down.
"I really, really don't want to lose you. Will you promise me that? You won't scare me again and nearly die?" Josuke sniffed.
"Of course I will, Josuke." Koichi said quietly. "I'll stick around."
Josuke's hold on Koichi grew tighter, they stayed like that in what felt like forever. Eventually, Koichi fake coughed to let Josuke let him go. Josuke released him, smiling with watery eyes.
"Sorry man," Josuke wiped his eyes on his sleeve. "Sorry about that."
"No, it's okay." Koichi piped. "I'll see you at school tomorrow." He added.
Josuke's smile got bigger.
"Yeah! You too." He stood up, back arched to still be close to Koichi. He placed a hand on Koichi's shoulder for support as he stood up, Koichi shifting his footing as not to fall.
"Well, see you later man." Josuke bade.
"You too." Koichi replied.
Josuke smiled, leaning closer to press a small kiss to the corner of Koichi's little mouth. It was as quick as it came, and Josuke turned around and began taking the long strides to walk away.
"Later, Koichi!" Josuke called. Koichi stood in front of his house, watching Josuke go and being dumbfounded at what just happened. His eyes were wide as he brought two of his fingers to place over the spot where Josuke kissed him. Heart beating faster and face growing hotter, Koichi ran inside. He'd have to talk to Josuke later the next morning.