A/N: Hi! I'm pretty sure for the two people that still care. This fic was originally called, "The Midnight channel is back." But due to some rather constructive criticisms and not liking how I originally structured the story I decided to reboot it if you will. So, most of the original things that existed in the older version don't exist. With that being said, any old or new folk reading this I hope you enjoy the first chapter and I hope to have another chappie up and running soon :) Also, Persona 4 is own by Atlus and Sega, I think? Any OC's are owned by me.

Chapter 1: More than friends?

Teddie's P.O.V.

The loud blaring of the alarm clock shocked my senses to life. "Gah!" I soon felt my once warm body collide with the hard and cold wood floor. "O-ow!" I said rubbing the back of my now sore head. I slowly sighed before standing up, giving a hard glare at my alarm clock for intruding on my peaceful dreams.

'Well seeing as I'm up now. I might as well start getting ready for work.'

For a moment or two. I stood in a comfortable silence as I could now hear the semi-hard pitter-patter of rain hitting the window pane. It sent a sense of nostalgia down my spine. "I wonder what Sensei and the others have been up to?" I couldn't help but wonder.

Last, I heard from everyone Yu-sensei was doing well for himself back in Tokyo. And Yosuke and the others were working on their careers and such. Leaving me to properly hold down the fort here in Inaba. Not that I minded. Then again, I may be being a bit overdramatic as Kanji-kun and Naoto-chan were also still in Inaba, but I see them so infrequently, with Kanji dealing with his mother's textile shop and Naoto-chan dealing with police cases that it sometimes does feel as if I'm the only one of the investigation team that still resides in this small backwater town.

'I never thought I'd miss it this much. But it's not like I can turn back time or anything.'

After my little small reflection. I knew no matter how much I wanted to ignore it, work was still a thing and I should I probably get going. I shuffled toward my closet pulling out my Junes outfit that thankfully had been upgraded from mascot to just a normal employee outfit. Now don't get me wrong I still did the mascot gig, but I now also did the normal day to day tasks, too. Stock, customer help, etc.

A change of pace, I honestly found I enjoyed and appreciated. Being the mascot for Junes was fun don't get me wrong, but I would be lying if I said it didn't sadden me due to all the memories of the group attached to the suit that doubled as my body.

"Even so…"

No.

I couldn't think like this. It wasn't good for me. They had lives to live. Being selfish in hoping that another case like the Midnight Channel would come about just to bring us together again. 'God, I'm a dick aren't I.' I headed into the bathroom, once washed and dressed, in hopes of keeping my thoughts positive, I decided to derail myself and grab what I needed to head off to work. I grabbed my satchel that was lying on the back of my door handle. I took it off and placed it on my shoulder. I then grabbed some of my belongings and placing them in my bag.

My wallet, keys, cellphone, and mp3 player. I then gave a quick once over all my belongings before deciding I was good and heading downstairs.

"Mr. Hanamura?" I called. But I was only greeted with silence that honestly didn't surprise me as I figured he'd already headed off to work. The growling of my stomach quickly stopped me in my tracks as I decided to just grab something light, which in the end was just a piece of buttered toast. I then headed to the front of the house about to put on my shoes, which I once again heard the hard sound of rain hitting the house reminding me of the eventual rain I'd have the pleasure of walking into and that I forgot my jacket. I made a quick run back upstairs, before coming back down this time my jacket and hood protecting me to its fullest.

I then took out my mp3 placing my earbuds in my ears and pressing 'play' the soft melody of one of my favorite songs 'heartbeat, heartbreak' began to hum in my ears. I gave a soft smile as I placed the rest of my half-eaten toast in my mouth and with nothing left to lose I made my way to Junes locking the door with swift 'click' behind me.

Nanako's P.O.V.

I watched with a somewhat amused smiled as droplets danced gracefully down the window. Before meeting their end and cascading off the edge of the building to the bottom pavement below. On remiss class days like this, my gaze would often find its way to the outside. And my now drooping eyelids further proved this. I was trying my best to keep them open, but the sound of the soothing rain seemed to make it harder. Just as my world was about to become shrouded in darkness… "Ma… Dojima-san! Dojima-san, are you listening?" The loud questioning voice of the teacher quickly brought me back to reality. "H-huh?" I stammered jumping to attention immediately, earning giggles from some of the students in class as well as a small sigh from the teacher. "Yes, Sensei?" I questioned trying to play off my small blunder.

"Can you answer this math question?"

I nodded. Adjusting my reading glasses that lay firmly on my face.

"T-the answer is, um… 2/3's."

"Good," the teacher turned back to the board writing down my answer before quickly turning back to me. "Dojima-san, I know today a rather slow and the rain isn't helping. But please do try and focus. There is a test coming up in a month." My teacher gave me a small smile in understanding.

"Yes, Sensei," I replied as I sat back down in my seat, this time alternating between the window and the teacher's lecture. Eventually, class came to an end. I gave a hardy yawn as I started to put my books in my messenger bag.

"H-hey, Dojima-chan!" Hearing my name being called, I turned to see a boy with black semi-spiky hair, dark brown irises, and light freckles. "Hi, Tomo-kun," I replied giving a small wave.

"Hey… Dojima-chan…" I couldn't help but notice how his voice trailed off slightly as if he were afraid to ask something important. "What's wrong? I don't bite ya know." I gave a small giggle. "Besides, I've told you before, call me Nanako-chan," I gave a warm smile.

"Sorry… S-so, N-Nanako-chan, would you, uh…um…"

"Oh, no! Is it that late?" I questioned alarmed. Looking at the clock that resided on the back of the wall, it read 3:20, as much as I felt bad about cutting Atsushi off, I really needed to get home.

"Tomo-kun, I'm sorry, but I really need to go. I need to get home and cook dinner before my dad gets off from work." I placed my messenger bag on my shoulder and grabbed my umbrella resting on the side of my desk.

"O-oh, well that's alright. I've gotta go too. Would you like to walk home with me?"

A small smile graced his lips. I shook my head, "Sorry, I need to head to Junes to get some groceries, I don't want to bother you with something like that." Atsushi shook his head. "No, I don't mind, I'd be happy to help! I-if that's ok with you that is?"

"S-sure, I don't mind, if that's alright with you."

"Okay then." Atsushi gave a warm smile. I couldn't help but notice the cute smile that decorated his face. I felt my cheeks heat up somewhat. With that Atsushi and I left school and headed to Junes.

Teddie's P.O.V.

I sighed as I placed the last of the cans of soup on the shelves. I grabbed the now empty box that the cans of soup once resided in and began to carry it to the back of the store to the storage room. As I was making my way to the back, I couldn't help but notice my friend Axel hanging over by the Electronic section looking a bit puzzled as well as annoyed. "Hey Axel, what's wrong?" I questioned as I made my way over to him "Oh, hey Ted," he said greeting me with a small wave as he noticed me. "What's with the box? He asked. "Just finished stockin', I stated. "Oh, cool, cool."

"You?" I questioned giving a smirk. "Argh! Why did I get sent to the electronics department?" Axel replied, running a hand through his stark brown hair clearly frustrated. "Ted, do you know anything about TV's?" He asked. I looked at the dark TV. "Well, I wouldn't consider myself an expert, but… I guess I'll give it a shot."

I placed down the empty can box and clasp my hands together in earnest. "Okay what've we got here?" I asked. Axel sighed, "Well, I've been trying to set up the TV in demo mode. I was never really good with em' but I couldn't exactly say no."

"Oh, is that all?" I questioned.

"Yep."

I could help but chuckle. "Why did they send you to the electronics department?"

"Oh, shut up!" he gave me a soft punch in the arm. I then began to fiddle with the TV settings and such before ultimately solving Axel's problem with ease.

"Easy as pie!" I teased.

"Well, excuse me. Next time I get to stock cans and you can bathe in the glory that is the electronics section."

"Nah, I think I'll pass."

"Oh c'mon, really?" Axel trying his damnedest to try and persuade me. "Hey Axel, having Ted help you again?" Both hearing a familiar voice turned to see our friend and co-worker Tsubaki. She had short brunette locks and bold silver irises protected by black frame glasses.

"No," he replied defensively, "I just needed a little help is all."

Tsubaki could only smirk and roll her eyes. "Whatever, you say," she responded clearly not convinced. "He's not wrong," I replied. "He just needed a bit of help." I stuck my tongue out at him slightly, earning a half-ass glare back.

"Anyway, what have you been up to Tsubaki?"

"Nothin' much just dealing with some demanding customers. Nothing I can't handle, really."

"When's your break?" Axel asked. I couldn't but give smirk as I noticed the small blush that decorated his cheeks. 'Is he actually going to ask her?"

"In about 30 minutes or so, why?"

"Nothin' just double checkin'," Axel said, trying to play off his obvious attempt at trying to ask her out. "Oh… okay, then." Tsubaki replied. "What about you Ted?" I heard her ask. I could see through the corner of my cerulean irises the look of desperation and hopeful understanding Axel's amber eyes were conveying to me.

"I've got something to do around the store, but you guys can go on ahead, I'll hold down the fort," I joked giving a fake salute. "Geez, Ted. All you seem to do is work. Don't you have a life outside of Junes?" Tsubaki chuckled slightly.

"Yeah…" I then looked around the store jokingly began eyeing some of the customers as I leaned closer toward Tsubaki and Axel before whispering, "You guys don't know it, but I'm a… secret agent." This earned an eye roll from both. "Whatever you say, Mr. Secret agent," Axel replied.

"Anyway, I guess I'll see you in a bit Axe. I should probably head back upstairs." Tsubaki gave a hardy stretch. "Yeah, see ya," Axel remarked. Axel and I both gave short waves as we watched Tsubaki make her way back to her part of the store.

Once she was gone Axel let out a heavy sigh.

"Smooth," I replied giving a small chuckle.

"Ya think. Look, Ted, I know I'm askin' a lot of you, but—" I put up my hand to stop him. "I got ya covered, bud. I'll cover for you until you come back."

"Thanks, I really owe you."

"Just don't blow this, got it?" I smiled.

"Same goes to you."

Me?! Pffft, I could do this job in my sleep! Besides, I have something you don't..." I smirked. "Oh, really? And what is that?" He questioned his eyebrow raised in intrigue in what I had to say.

"It simple really, cuteness and undeniable charm!" I stated smugly as I gave Axel a suave pose with a wink for extra measure. "Whatever Ted," he replied rolling his eyes and playfully punching me in the arm. "Hey, it's true. Why do you think I've been store's mascot for so long!" I replied rather proudly. "Because you're the only one crazy enough to do it," Axel replied a bit under his breath in hopes I hadn't heard it, a smirk playing on his lips somewhat.

"Hey! Next time you need help don't expect help from the Great Teddie." I said giving a small pout, my back now facing away from him. "Oh, c'mon Ted don't be like that. I was only jokin'," Axel tried to explain his best get back in my good graces. In truth, I was joking too, but I don't think it was about as obvious to Axel as it was to me.

"Let me borrow your video games for a month."

"What?"

"I said, let me borrow your video games for a month," I stated more clearly this time.

"Oh, you've gotta be—I walked right into that didn't I," he said wanting to facepalm right then and there. "Yep," I said popping the 'p' as I turned around sticking my tongue out at him playfully.

"Alright, fine. You win."

I smiled holding out a hand which Axel begrudgingly shook a small scowl plastered firmly on his face. "Pleasure doing business with you!"

"Yeah, yeah…" Axel replied not amused.

"Don't worry you'll thank me later."

With that, I handed Axel back the remote before picking up the empty box and heading to the back of the store to drop off the box.

Nanako's P.O.V.

It was silent as Atsushi and I made our way to Junes. The somewhat strong cold winds from the passing rain being the only source of any entertainment as the winds flooded through long brown locks and tickle my skin. Even so, while the solace was rather nice, my eyes were seemingly transfixed on Atsushi. Atsushi Tomo; he's a nice guy don't me wrong. But I was honestly quite aware of the fact that he had a crush on me. And, while I was flattered that someone as nice and sweet as him could find me, someone who found themselves rather vanilla and average in comparison to the other girls in class attractive. I didn't really feel the same.

"It's rather chilly out here, isn't it?" I heard Atsushi comment.

"Hm."

Thankfully, I could see Junes coming up in the distance. We instantly made a b-line for the automatic doors, I immediately let out a comforting sigh as I could feel the warm heat that encapsulated Junes. "Ah, much better!"

"Yeah…"

The all too familiar tune of the Junes jingle filled our ears. "So what are we hear for Nanako-chan?" Atsushi questioned. "Oh, well…." I stopped for a second sliding my bag somewhat off my shoulder and zipped it open before rummaging through it until I pulled out a folded piece of paper.

"Ah, here we are… my list…" I opened it up. "So, first we need…" I ran my eyes across the list "Meat."

"Alright," I watched as Atsushi grabbed a basket and we made our way to the meats. As we were making our way there, we had to cut through the electronic section. As we did so, without warning a sudden ringing evaded my ears. And it only seemed to be increasing as I felt my body crumble under the deafening sound.

"G-gah!"

My hands quickly found their way to my ears in hopes that would be enough to block out the incessant noise. "N-Nanako-chan, are you ok, w-what's wrong?" I could barely make out Atsushi's worried voice. I wanted nothing but for the ringing to end.

Thou art I, I art thou….

The words pierced through my mind like a knife, the ringing that once plagued me non-existent. My labored breathing was the first to pierce my ears before everything else seemed to follow, starting with Atsushi's worried tone of voice causing me to shakily look up at him.

"I-I'm fine Atsushi, j-just a mild headache. N-no worries." I tried to reassure. I could see just slightly the hesitancy in his eyes at wanting to believe my claim, but in the end, decided to put whatever negative thought he might have had and pushed it into the back of his mind.

"A-alright, Nanako-chan if you say so… but just in case you should probably pick up some medicine," he stated.

"Yeah, you're probably right."

As I slowly began to stand up, my legs gave out slightly as I felt hands quickly grab me. "Thanks," I replied, my motor skills slowly but surely kicking in. I eventually stood firmly on my two feet, only to come face to face with an ocean of blue.

"Uh… are you sure you're alright?" a voice that clearly wasn't Atsushi's asked. I moved back a bit able to get a better overall look at them. They had beautiful blond locks swept to the side, their deep oceanic blue staring at me worriedly. They were wearing the standard orange Junes apron, their name tag visible for all customers to see.

"T-Teddie, what're you d-doing here?" I found myself stuttering out. I could feel the heat in my cheeks began to rise. 'Of all the times.'

"Well, I happen to think that I work here. But I guess the name tags just for show, huh?" he joked, a smiling sending the in inner workings of my heart into a frenzy. "Hey… Nana-chan, you sure you're alright?" I heard Teddie question. The heat in my face only increasing as I felt him place a soft hand on my forehead. 'W-why, why did he have to have this effect on me? It was so much easier when I was younger!'

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine Teddie. Promise," I said reassuringly. Slowly but surely backing away from his touch. As I did so, I thought I'd seen a flash of hurt make its way across Teddie's face. But before I even had the chance to second guess myself, it was already replaced with his signature smile.

"U-uh, Nanako-chan?" Atsushi's voice instantly alerting me to his presence that I'd accidentally neglected. "O-oh, Sorry, Tomo-kun," I said apologetically. I couldn't help but notice that Atsushi seemed rather rigid and apprehensive of Teddie's presence.

"Ted, this is Atsushi Tomo. He's a classmate from school. And Atsushi, this is Teddie Hanamura, pretty much my best friend," I said happily introducing the two. "Hi," Teddie greeted, clearly more open when it came to meeting new people.

"H-hello," Atsushi replied somewhat hesitantly.

"So… what brings you Junes, Nana-chan? Did you really want to see little ol' me that much?" Teddie teased. "Nana-chan you should know you don't need an excuse to visit me. I'll always have time for you." I could feel my cheeks heating up once more as well as my heartbeat quickening. I knew Teddie was the typical joker that he was, and yet…

"T-Teddie, cut it out," I chastised, giving Teddie a soft glare. Teddie only smirked, "Anything for you, Nana-chan. Seriously though, not that I wouldn't take a visit from you any day of the week, 'cause' I would. I'm still working right now, so… do you need my help?" he asked, almost eagerly.

"N-no. I-I should—we should be fine," I smiled, "I only need to grab some food for dinner tonight. No need to go out of your way for me."

The look of disappointment was visible this time on Teddie's face. A pang of guilt ricocheted through my heart, if only for a moment. It was then, that an idea seemed to 'pop,' into my head.

"H-hey Teddie, when do you… uh, get off of work?"

"O-oh, uh… 'bout 5. sometimes 5:30, it depends. I'm usually tasked with locking up, but I'll see what I can do."

"I'll take over for you Teddie," A voice commented. I looked over to see a rather tall guy, emerald green irises practically smiling. "Hey, Nanako-chan," He greeted. I, on the other hand, didn't know who he was. "U-Um…" the confusion on my face must have relayed this. "O-oh, where are my manners. My name is Axel Tachibana. Teddie and I are friends and work partners."

"Oh, alright. But—"

Axel beat me to the punch.

"How do I know about you?"

I nodded. "Well…" I watched as Axel animatedly attached an arm around Teddie's shoulder. "Ax, what are you going on—"

"Well… Teddie here never stops talkin' 'bout ya!"

I watched as Teddie's face turned what felt like 12 stages of scarlet. "W-w-w-w-w…." Teddie's lips were on autopilot. "See… he's speechless," Axel teased. At some point, Teddie seemed to have found his voice. "I-I do not talk about Nana-chan all the time." he tried his best to clarify but was instantly shut down by Axel.

"Don't be shy, dude. You're always goin' on about how you haven't seen her in so long. How she's your best friend. And how for a long time, you've been wanting to—" before Axel thought he'd have the last word, Teddie's hand clamped over his mouth without remorse. "Ignore him, Nana-chan. Sometimes he can be a little nosy for his own good." Teddie gave a half-baked laugh. Clearly hoping to ease the awkward tension that he'd managed to create.

"I-It's alright," I said giving a small smile in return. "So…" I began softly. "Yeah…" Teddie continued. "I'll, uh… see you later." By heartfelt as if you'd just leap out of my chest at any moment. "O-Ok."

"Ew!" Teddie let out a sound of disgust. As he instantly pulled his hand away from Axel's mouth. His palm now covered in saliva. I was so absorbed in my conversation with Teddie, that I honestly forgot that Axel and by extension Atsushi. Who had taken the liberty to silently excuse himself from the conversation.

I giggled as I watched Teddie dragged Axel away and they both got back to work. I made my way over to Atsushi who was currently occupying his time browsing a random bin that had held cheap old and semi-recent movies.

"Sorry about that…I didn't expect things to go on so long."

"H-huh?" Atsushi turned to me, a smile gracing his freckled face. "Oh, it's alright. Teddie…seems nice," he replied almost hesitantly. "Yeah, he is…" I found myself smiling rather fondly as I reminisced about my younger years. "He's my best friend…"

"Yeah…I can tell…" At Atsushi's words, I could feel my cheeks heating up. "So…" I started giving a small cough to help elevate the embarrassment I felt. "Should we finish this shopping list?" Atsushi nodded. I smiled in return. Atsushi and I continued gathering the items I needed on the list until we found ourselves at the register. "Thank you! Come again," the cashier said. Bags now ultimately hung from both my arms.

"Are you sure?" Atsushi questioned.

"Uh, huh." I nodded reassuringly. "I'll be fine. Besides…" I pulled out my phone to check the time. It was about 4:30. "I'm gonna wait here for a bit," I informed him. I felt a pang of guilt began poking at me as I could see sadness forming on his face, even though he was clearly trying his best to show me otherwise. "O-oh, alright. I…guess I'll see you Monday."

"Yeah. Thanks for your help Atsushi." Even though, I knew I'd never be able to return his feelings. I definitely considered him a friend. "Have a safe trip home," I called as I watched him slowly but surely get lost in the growing afternoon crowd. Eventually, I was left sitting at one of the outdoor tables, waiting for the clock to tick down. Thankful that the rain had stopped hours earlier.

"Nana-chan?" I heard Teddie's smooth voice say my name. I looked over to see him smiling warmly at me, I felt my heart flutter. "H-Hi."

"You didn't have to wait for me, ya know."

"Well, I wanted to. Is that a problem," I said invading his personal space somewhat as I stared into his deep oceanic blue eyes. "N-No, but…" he mumbled. A blush spreading across his cheeks. I giggled, he seriously didn't realize how cute he looked. "Let's go. I've gotta get dinner started before my dad gets back from work."

"Alrighty, let's go then." I stood from the table about to grab both packages, when Teddie reached over and took one in his hand. "Ted, you don't—" I started, but he cut me off.

"Well, I wanted to. Is that a problem?" he replied smirking now stepping into my personal space. My cheeks heating up.

Teddie's P.O.V.

Yep, she looked cute beyond belief. I grabbed one of the packages while she grabbed other, and then in a move, I hope didn't backfire. I intertwined our fingers together. My heart beating a mile a minute for a multitude of reasons. Thankfully, I was the guiding her along, so she didn't get to see how red and hot my face probably looked and felt at that moment.

"Hey, Ted?" Her voice soft.

"Hm…"

"Y-Your birthday's coming up soon, isn't it?"

"Yeah, Why?"

"W-well, what were you gonna do?"

It was a simple question.

"Nothing in particular. Work all day, I guess. Eat, sleep."

"What!?" Nana-chan exclaimed. "Gah!" I yelped as I almost felt backward due to her sudden stop. "W-what's wrong?" I asked confused. I didn't show it, but I felt somewhat sad, as I felt Nana-chan unlace her hand with mine. I didn't wallow in sadness long, I was not faced pouting Nanako, arms crossed firmly as her bright brown orbs looked displeased.

"No," She said her voice firm.

"No?"

"No, I'm not going to let you spend your birthday like that."

"Seriously, Nana-chan you don't have to—"

"But I want to," She said her voice sincere. I chuckled mentally, we were saying that a lot today. "You're my best friend Teddie. With Big Bro and the others out living their own lives. B-Being here in Inaba, it's been kinda lonely…" her voice soft, eyes downcast. I found myself placing a hand on her head as a form of comfort. I could relate all too well to the loneliness.

"Alright, sure, let's do it!" I announced happily, giving the largest smile, I could muster. I felt my heart once more skip a beat as I was now faced with the most beautiful smile I'd even had the pleasure of seeing. I'd mentally christened it my smile. A smile meant only for me to see; A smile I found myself wanting to protect above all else.

"Yay!" She cheered.

"But it doesn't need to be anything big," I clarified. "Why don't we—" I was cut off as she placed a warm dainty finger on my lips. "Don't worry, I'll make it a party you won't forget, okay?" I nodded in response. I watched as almost instantly, Nanako's face went scarlet as she realized where she had her finger. "I-I'm—" she mumbled in embarrassment.

I smirked. Without a word, I grabbed her soft, warm hand and we casually made our way to the Dojima residence.

~Persona~

"Is this the right size?" I questioned.

"Hm…Oh, yep! Perfect Ted," she smiled. Nanako had tasked me with cutting up the potatoes to a certain size with the ingredients Nana-chan picked up. "I finished cutting the potatoes," I announced. "Great, toss them into the pot," she said, her attention focused on cutting up carrots.

"What are you cooking anyway, Nana-chan?" I asked.

"Oh, curry! It's my Dad's favorite. Listen, I know you offered to help cook and I'm glad. But you can stay for dinner, too. I'm sure my dad wouldn't mind."

"I-I'm serious Nana-chan, I'm fine. Besides, I don't think your dad likes me very much with Yu-sensei and the others gone. I feel like usually when I'm around, he's always staring daggers at me," I said letting out a nervous chuckle.

"He doesn't stare daggers at you, Ted, y-you're just imaging."

"I'm not! I mean I can't blame him, someone as sweet and beautiful as—" I instantly stopped myself. Not that I didn't wholeheartedly mean it, but I hadn't meant to say that part out loud. "I-I mean—" I stuttered out. I could without a doubt feel the heat rising in my cheeks.

"Ted, y-you think I-I'm—" she started to say but found she couldn't finish due to clear embarrassment. Her cheeks now just as red mine probably were.

"Nana-chan… there's something I…" In this moment, it felt like it was only the two of us nothing could break it if I wanted I could finally tell her how I felt with no interruptions. Yet, the words refused to fall from my lips, why? What was I so afraid of?

As if to berate me for even thinking that a relationship between Nanako and I could even work, the inner workings of my brain sought to prove to me otherwise. 'You know while she may have been a kid and accepted it easily, she's older now, you're a bear. No matter how human you look.'

As much as I wanted to deny the inner workings of my head. A part of me knew what my brain was saying was true. Nana-chan was just a kid back then, she'd probably thought I was just a guy in a bear costume that just happened to work at Junes. When that couldn't have been further from the truth.

Could Nanako really, truly, accept me for who I really was? And… if she's couldn't, would everything I built with Nanako-chan just crumble around me? Could I bear that burden?

"Ted?" Nanako's soft touch on my shoulder pulling me back to reality.

"You had something you wanted to say?" she said, warm brown eyes riddled with worry.

I sighed, swallowing hard in the process. "N-No. No, I was just thinking of something dumb," I said immediately laughing off while wanting crawl in a hole and die.