He was acting weird. At first, it didn't seem as anything more than initial shock (or so said Ayukawa-sensei) but now it was really starting to bug him. It's true a lot of things happened to Duel Academia this year but, ever since he transfered he always seemed friendly, never refusing to help to anyone and always smiling. But the Johan now... was different. It wasn't like he was rude, it wasn't like he wasn't kind, but something has changed in him. His aura felt different. Judai thought that he probably was the only one who noticed. Maybe, he was the only one around here who knew the true Johan. Or maybe he was the one being weird. It's not like he hadn't gone through some serious trouble his brain had not quite managed to assimilate yet. But he was able to overcome it, and it was thanks to the support of his friends, and Johan too. Johan was... no, is his friend. Although somehow in Judai's mind he always stood apart from the others. For Judai, Johan was the first person who understood him completely without the need to know anything about him. He didn't ask Judai anything personal and yet he always seemed to know exactly what was on the mind of the Osiris Red student. But this Johan now, he was really acting like someone else! He still smiled, he still helped anyone in trouble, he attended classes (as far as Judai had noticed, since he didn't attend classes all that much), he ate together with everyone, but there was something missing. Judai noticed the other boy acted that way when he was around him. What worried him is that maybe Johan lost a part of himself when he stayed behind in the Different World. That world was Yuber's fault but, Yuber was Judai's. Johan knew about that so maybe he actually hated him now...
That kind of thoughts swirled around in the Osiris Red student's mind, Judai Yuki - a 17 years old boy with a seemingly neverending stamina and passion for duels. He had spent a good few weeks on pondering over the question 'Does he hate me or does he not?' and while one would think said question could be solved with just asking, Judai Yuki had not considered that. The reason of that being - he never really considered anything for a long time. It was his nature to rush into whatever problem was in his way and hope Lady Luck was on his side. But those were usually problems regarding school or duels. And his problem right now was not an object but a person. A very precious friend who had always been able to read Judai like an open book. Judai was afraid that his fears might be confirmed if he asked Johan – the other boy might really hate him. So if he asked, he could get hurt. But if he didn't, he'd just keep hanging in-between...
'Man, this is really starting to annoy me!', he stood up from the cliff he had been sitting on for the last two hours, his usual passionate self returning. 'I really really really don't care about this anymore! I just have to know if he still considers me a friend or not, and I'm not gonna sit around for any longer than that!' And with that said (shouted actually) he stomped off to Johan's room. It was in the Blue dorm so he scared quite a few people with his seriousness (one of which Asuka, who was passed by in the middle of her greeting).
When he was finally there and after a few knocks on his door, which were responded with nothing but silence, his mood became even worse. Apparently Johan was not in his room. And just when Judai finally mustered up the courage to ask him! Lady Luck had definitely given up on him. It would be best if he gave up too, for today at least, he thought. Tomorrow, he might try again. Yes, he surely will... tomorrow.
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When I turned around, I always knew that your smile would be there
But before I knew it, that reality has become a gentle memory
When I close my eyes, your smiling face is still there
Always, you gave me more strength than anyone else
BLACK STONE
All of a sudden, we would do something wild and stupid
It was casual and impulsive
It's become an irreplaceable treasure
The reality of those days
When I close my eyes, your smiling face is still there
Always, you heal me when I am hurt
I smile even when I'm lonely
Because by my side, you're...
You're there
I could never hate you for just being lonely...
When I close my eyes, your smiling face is still there
Because I believe that some day we'll meet again
Because we promised