Chapter 1

Okairi!

With the special operations defunct, Hiromu-tachi had to decide their paths to take. Ryuji took over the place of Jin while Hiromu and Youko continued in their studies. Hiromu went overseas as an exchange student in research development for two years. His buddyroid, Nick, was still an exceptional support system. At the expiration of his study abroad, Hiromu decided to go back to Tokyo immediately. Ryuji and Youko planned for a welcome party with few guests.

Meanwhile, Ryuji was ever persistent about Youko's cram school. The latter protested a day off since Hiromu would be coming home to their base. To Ryuji's amazement, Youko was aging gracefully. Mostly she'd let her hair down instead of a high ponytail. Her movements showed refinement. Her clothing were no longer mismatched or over-layered. Ryuji had a theory that years without Hiromu's teasing made her more matured.

"Just what you were thinking Ryu-san?" Youko asked, interrupting Ryuji's thoughts.

Before Ryuji could utter a word, the door at the command center opened with Nick rushing inside. Youko tried to hide her anticipation but her eyes were openly round as Hiromu followed at once. Hiromu had always been kakkoi(cool) without being pretentious. He looked exactly the same two years before he left the base. It was as if life overseas suited him perfectly.

Ryuji tried to greet with a hug but Hiromu said firmly but politely, "No touch, Ryu-san". Hiromu was still the same old, allergic to any physical human contact.

"Loosen up, Hiromu!" Ryuji replied with a heavy pat at his back. Hiromu's coolness vaporized for seconds. The command center roared with laughter.

Hiromu looked wistful while his eyes gazed around the base. But his own moment vanished when he caught Youko eyeing him blankly. He then remembered the confrontation that happened between them several months ago. He suddenly felt uneasy. He never understood women, not even his sister. Youko's smile busted his calculations. She was communicating to him that everything was alright. Ryuji was correct to say that the two years without him paid off.

They had champagne to start off. The buddyroids had enetron for themselves. The enetron had a blissful effect while the champagne made Youko a little tipsy. Ryuji caught up by asking how Hiromu had been doing in his studies. Nick said, "The best as always". Hiromu's sister objected about how Hiromu had never talked to any women except for his professors. Nick agreed with a sympathetic nod, "He even dismissed phantom thief-chan. He'd only talk to Youko-chan, until recently—" Hiromu nudged his buddyroid to shut up. To his relief, Youko didn't seem to hear about it. She was busy discussing with Nakamura-san about the trending bunny café at a district near them.

Hours flew by and the party ended with everyone going back to their rooms except for Hiromu. He strolled to those familiar corridors were he'd spent reflecting and planning for the days ahead. He noticed that the door of Youko's room was left ajar. During the party he rarely talked with her because of Ryuji's persistence about his future plans. There was a light coming out from her room and he thought he'd peek and say hello. He stopped immediately when he heard her laugh. She was talking over her mobile with a voice he hadn't heard before. He tried to listen more until no sound can be heard. Tracing some steps back, a hand reached his wrist. Youko puffed out her crimson cheeks, "listened enough?"

"Gomen, I thought I would say hello until I heard that you busy with someone."

"But you were listening."

Hiromu crossed his arms,"You were talking to a classmate in cram school, a male perhaps?"

"And so? You're not Ryu-san, Hiromu."

Hiromu paused for a while without letting his cool off. "Boys your age do not always have the right intentions. And it's past midnight," He said.

"I can think for myself, thank you." Youko replied, aiming for the edge of the door to close it. Hiromu used his hand as a stopper. For few seconds they were staring at each other awkwardly until he broke it by saying, "I'll see him first before I give my approval."

"naniyo?(what?)"

"Do you know why teenagers take Physical education classes? It is to channel their extra urges. You are never sure with boys who act nice around girls."

"And what about you? Acting so cool to get their attention—"

"—And you like it, don't you?" Hiromu interrupted, as if completing her thoughts.

Youko puffed out again her cheeks. She took the throw pillow from her right and aimed at his face. Hiromu ducked to the left with his usual superhuman speed and chuckled at the girl whose maturity seemed to disintegrate with his presence. He was correct to think that only he could make her lose her cool…

…After all, he rejected her love confession several months ago.