⌜ • °• °• ° • °• °• °• °• ° • ° + ° • ° •° •° •° • ° • ° • ⌝

Catch a falling star,

and put it under my arms.

To protect them, please,

teach me to hear mermaids sing

to keep off envy's stinging.

Little star, don't cry.

Your shine dyes my world yellow,

happiness and love.

-Hikage Tadashi

⌞° •° •° •° •° •° • ° • + • ° • °• °• °• ° •° • °• °• °⌟

⋆*・゚:⋆*・゚ *⋆.*:・゚ .: ⋆*・゚: .⋆

Yesterday, I saw a star between the flashing lights. A little star that shone brighter than anyone else.

I also saw an ugly star. So ugly I wished it died. But this isn't important.

I approached the little star, albeit a little reluctant, but there was no way Tadashi would have shown it in front of the audience, and I asked them out. It was after that ugly star interrupted us they approached me and said yes.

The name of that little star was Kisaki Sora. Mahogany hair weaved in a crown braid, petite, genderless features; yet, so adorable, shy, and sharp.

A boy.

A date is an outing where the other party is the center of attention. Getting to know them, pleasing them, and making them happy. Not long after lunch, I realized this date was like any another.

I had come up with a plan in that restless night, and even though some things hadn't gone accordingly, the checklist was complete: getting to first-name basis and hold hands.

We were approaching a clothing store where we could find clothes he might like. His outfit had a militaristic, type of serious-slash-intimidating look. The camo pants and black Dr. Martens said he wanted to be taken seriously despite his stature, and the black sweater and bandana exuded a dangerous aura. Perhaps his narrow ashen eyes sharpened that look he wanted.

I was focused on eventually reaching our destination while we chose different stores to look at on the way. My eyes momentarily caught a pair of dual rings with yellow and green stones, and Sora-kun made an unharmful comment. My silence slipped a hint of repulse at the idea of owning them, and when I tried dismissing the topic with a bright smile, he noticed my facade.

". . . It's not in my place when I know nothing, but you don't have to feel the need to fake a smile with me, Tadashi-kun," he said with a stoic expression. "I'm not trying to pressure you, but know that it's okay when you are with me."

I took a moment alone to breathe and think, leaving his side and squirring into the closest store.

"He saw through me," I declared shakily, leaning over the closest wall. "That. . . no one has ever-!"

'My acting was better than this!' I screamed inside my head.

Tightening my arms around my torso, I pushed my brain to think faster. 'What should I do now? And how should I face him?'

In the end, even if he chose to know me as 'Tadashi' despite confessing it wasn't my given name, the guilt of lying prickled the back of my mind. Keeping up an uncovered lie beat its purpose.

We entered a fragrance shop, half the size of the previous one, with the silvery sound of the bell.

"Is this one better?" I asked with well-rehearsed worry.

Sora-kun smiled warmly as if nothing had happened. "Much."

I walked to a nearby shelf, his gloved fingers around mine, an applied one of the labeled bottles on my wrist and presented it to him.

He nodded, lifting his chin to stare into my eyes. "It's nice. What type of scents do you like, Tadashi-kun?"

I thought for a moment, the labels of the perfumes I owned coming to mind. "Some wood, spice, and nutty scents, I would say. I like it when they are more complex and blended, like this one. What types do you like, Sora-kun?" I threw the question back.

He ran his fingers over a few bottles on the shelf while humming as if looking for a reference. "Fruity or floral, but nothing tangy or powdery."

I smiled to myself, getting the reference I was looking for.

A few minutes later, I found a scent Sora-kun might like. Glancing at him, I hesitantly sprayed around his scarf and chuckled. Revenge for the teasing from a moment ago.

"It has a faint smell of red roses and apples. What do you think?" I asked.

Calmly returning the bottle in his other hand to the shelf, he took in the smell, pocketing his free hand back to his sweater. "I like it."

"Not overpowering, right?" I asked to make sure, burying the failure of my payback attempt on a bag and chocking it close. That was the reason we left the previous shop as soon as we stepped in after all.

Sora-kun breathed out contentedly, his long eyelashes flapping like wings. "Nope."

I leaned slightly towards him and inhaled the scent, gazing at the mysterious red color of his lashes. He could pass as a woman. No doubt.

"It reminds of a wedding party or a reunion," I said in a soft voice. The image of expensive suits and dresses, delicate dishes and meticulous arrangements formed in my mind. My family attended enough of these events, but Sora-kun's family situation wasn't as. . . fortunate.

"Is that a good thing or bad thing?" he asked with strange caution.

I smiled peacefully, locking eyes once again. "A good thing."

Sora-kun gently took the bottle from my hand and examined it. "How much is it? Do you want to buy it?"

"Do you want it?" I shot back. It was for him after all.

He hesitated, blinking once. "If you don't."

I nodded and walked to the cashier. I shot the girl at the cashier a bright smile, Sora-kun right behind me. We seemed to look no different from a regular guy-girl couple as she faked her own smile, probably burning with jealousy on the inside.

As we left the shop, I glanced at the coral red bag and smiled. Sora-kun had a lot of pride. He had insisted on paying his own meal and puffed his pale cheeks when I teased him. It was refreshing. If he knew this was for him, he would put up a fight.

He had suggested we go to the planetarium, a place that wasn't on my plan and I would never take someone on our first date. It was a special place, full of one of the few things I love. Stars. I was indebted to him. Girls usually expect dates to be all about themselves and don't think about other's happiness.

It was truly the best date I ever had.

As we entered the final shop, Sora-kun's eyes light up like the remains of a small fire, ashes scattered all around.

I decided to ignore the weird look the male shopkeeper gave us after greeting. After an up-and-down look, it seemed he deemed Sora-kun harmless because of the matching standards with this particular shop.

I pulled a big smile, pointing a finger towards the battlefield of jeans and camo clothing. "Lead the way, Sora-kun!"

Unpredictably, he clapped and turned to me, smiling dearly. "Can you pick something out for me?"

I immediately threw out my expectations and disappointment and pretended to brood. "Okay. Where do we start?"

"Mn. . ." He looked around. "What about the tops?"

We made our way to the long rows with squished tops. I spent a few minutes examining a few options, pulling out a mental outline of a basic outfit and switching between different hues, tones, and tints. I was having trouble where to start for the exact pieces of clothing, but from his current outfit, dark tones would be best. It was a big task, but Tadashi would never refuse a request. As absurd as it could be. He couldn't disappoint.

"Do you like print shirts, or do you like sweaters best?" I asked as I kept looking.

Sora-kun took a moment to reply. "Sweaters, but print shirts are okay too."

I nodded, obviously taking his first choice as his favorite. I took a plain black jacket from the rack and observed it, glancing at his sweater before putting it back.

Minutes passed as I kept looking around, silence setting for too long.

I chuckled, hoping the bitterness was light enough. "It's funny so many clothes have the same color of my hair." Although I couldn't blame it. Green was a must for Sora-kun's style.

Sora-kun stopped in his tracks, replying in a tone I couldn't describe, something between suspicion and fear perhaps. "You mean green?"

Noticing his discomfort, I pulled out a black bomber jacket. "How about this one?"

Sora-kun's words shook like a rustle of leaves as if he noticed my intentions. "Sorry, I just don't really like green." Quickly adding, albeit a little fearfully, "No offense!"

I waved my hand, flashing a reassuring smile. "It's okay, Sora-kun. I noticed. I'm glad I didn't give you a green one instead because it's a prominent color for the style you like."

His petite body relaxed, and he smiled back. "Olive green is okay. I do like the bomber jacket."

"Should we choose a few before going to the fitting rooms so you try them out?"

"Sure. Do you want to try a couple too?"

I smiled politely. "I'm fine. I want to help you find something you like."

Sora-kun smiled back. "Thanks."

I was still at awe at how people are quick to imitate a person's mood. As long as I smiled and acted a calmly and graciously, the other person would be at ease. If there was one thing I was thankful to have learned during Theather class was molding my personality and mannerisms to an image of choice.

Flinging the jacket over my shoulder, I asked. "What colors do you like, Sora-kun?"

"Mn. . . I like camo and. . . purple for royalty!"

I nodded at his cute reply, focusing on finding pieces with those colors.

I continued to flick around the tops, lost in a colorful word in search of visual harmony that it took a while to realize he had been calling me.

I turned my head to him, realizing I was slipping away from my priorities.

"What colors do you like?" he rephrased his question.

"Yellow," I replied immediately before turning back to the racks, my lips tightening. "What about a black top, camo jacket, and brown pants?"

Sora-kun agreed with a grin. "It looks good in my head."

I came back to him with the three items: a plain black top, a camo jacket and a pair of light brown pants.

"Have you found something?" I asked.

Holding up a black T-shirt with a screen printed gilded golden crown, he asked unsurely. "What do you think?"

I simply nodded and took it. "Let's see how it looks with the overall outfit." I looked around as I whispered to myself, then stared back at him. "What do think of a purple scarf? I think a darker shade might go well."

"Definitely!" he cheered.

We reached the accessory section near the window. "Tadashi-kun, why are you interested in clothing?" Sora-kun asked.

"I enjoy seeing the different color schemes I can make up in my head," I replied after a pause.

Sora-kun hummed. "Fashion is like an art, isn't it? Except your canvas is the model."

"Yes!" I yelled, my cheerful tone breaking the next moment as the meaning of his words fell. "Ah, sorry, I don't mean to use you as a model! I-I mean use!"

He waved his small hands in front of his chest. "No, don't worry, I know you didn't mean it like that. I should have phrased it differently."

"Fashion is an art actually," I explained after relaxing, "from the designer's drafts, the manufacturing process, to the presentation."

"Do you like being the artist more, or the canvas?" he asked.

"I like both," I replied with sincerity; my cheeks warm.

It was different. Sora-kun asked deep questions. About things I liked. It was as if we were on the same stage.

He pointed at a jewel-toned purple scarf. "Something darker than this?"

I looked away slightly. "I feel bad that I would be choosing for you. It's your favorite color so choose what you like."

"You're the expert here~" he teased, a playful grin spreading on his face.

A quiet laugh escaped my lips. "The model will have the say then. I had in mind a wine scarf or maybe eggplant."

"No, no, you pick." he insisted, placing the scarf back. "It'll look better with those colors than this shade of purple."

There was no way I would push my ideas to him, so I tried finding a way around it. "Do you like tight scarfs? Those thin cloths that look like collars?"

Sora-kun hummed. "Sure, why not?"

I pointed at a cotton eggplant scarf on his side. "Can you pass me that one? Another accessory you want to try?"

He looked around the shop, then shook his head. "I think I'm good. Are you sure you don't want to try something on?"

"I'm sure. Let's go to the fitting rooms."

Sora-kun entered the fitting room, and I found a seat nearby. Laying my head on the wall, I let out a deep exhale.

"I'm exhausted. . . " I complained. Taking out my wallet, I checked the remaining balance. I groaned at the lone bill I had left. Dates were so expensive, I swear.

Yesterday was a restless night. My sister's long bushy hair swayed as she paced around my room, shooting the best doubtful advice a college student with zero dating history could between each loud hum. Most of them seemed to be out of teenage dating magazines, so I ignored them. That dimwit.

As I began to slip into hysteria as I ran my mouth with exaggerated hand gestures, she pushed my shoulders down to sit on the clothes sprawled all over the room in an earlier attempt to put together a decent outfit.

"What if he doesn't have fun?" I dug my nails on my pants. "What if I mess up?"

She kneeled and wrapped her arms around me. "You'll do great, Tada-kun."

Part of me still wanted to push her away and throw the facts in her face, but the worries weighed in my thoughts and body I couldn't move.

"You have gone out with plenty of girls, right? It's the same," she continued in a softer tone.

"Are you crazy?!" I shrieked. "Guys and girls are completely different. Let me go, idiot."

"No," she sang. "You are trembling."

I tried looking away, leaning my forehead over her shoulder. ". . . I'm surprised you didn't say anything about Kisaki being a boy. Mother and Father would have gone crazy."

"I don't mind at all," she reassured with the warm tone I grew up with as I became bitter. Her kindness fueled my jealousy. It was a reminder I can never be a good as her. I had to create a character to muster fake kindness. That was how far I had to go.

I lifted my head when I saw a camo sleeve coming from the side. "What do you think?" Sora-kun asked with apparent excitement.

The camo jacket stood out the most, and the eggplant scarf against his pale white skin blended well with his mahogany hair. While there were a few chances quickly I noticed, I heard a small gasp from my lips.

"Amazing, Sora-kun! It fits you so well!"

He wrapped his arms around himself. "I love it too."

"Was there a mirror in the room?" I asked if Sora had seen himself. "There's one there." I pointed beside the furthest dressing room.

Sora-kun admired himself in the mirror for a few minutes. Leaning over at the side, I congratulated myself on the inside. I had control once again.

"Your coordinating is awesome, Tadashi-kun," he praised.

I closed my eyes slowly. "I'm happy you like it, Sora-kun. Very," I replied with another practiced line.

After changing back, Sora-kun seemed to hesitate to head towards the counter when he saw the prize of the jacket.

An idea struck. Despite being risky, I hesitated slightly, "Sora-kun, are you tight on money this month?"

He looked down and murmured. "Don't worry about me."

I lifted a hand in defense and put up a gentle tone. "Would you like me to look for it in an online store? It's usually cheaper."

He seemed to up brighten up. I noted the details of the jacket and took a picture.

I pulled Sora-kun's hand as we left the store, the shopkeeper's gaze fixed on us as if he had arrived at the conclusion Sora-kun was indeed a boy.

"Where do you want to go next, Tadashi-kun?" Sora-kun asked.

I checked the time on my phone. "It's four pm. When is your curfew?"

He waved his hand. "I can stay out as late as I want today. When do you need to get home?"

I stared down and pensively kicked a rock in the path. Stretching an already long date would be awkward, so I set up a safe time. "What about until six or seven?"

Sora-kun agreed.

I pondered for a moment about our next destination. My feet were starting to ache, but it seemed Sora-kun was fine. "Do you want to rest for a while? We can go to the park or a library?" I tentatively proposed. So lame to want to rest when the other party was fine.

"I'm not tired, but I don't mind either of those destinations."

"It's your turn to choose the place." I tried playing off my doubts with a teasing tone.

Sora-kun puffed his cheeks. "But I dragged you to the leather shop, and the last shop was for me too."

"I was the one who offered, though. So you don't have to feel responsible," I countered.

". . . Let's go to the park then."

It was a small park without any special qualities: a pair of swings, a bench, a sandbox, and a playground. A loner's favorite place.

Sora-kun smiled gently, yet his eyes still held a lack of warmth, despite their friendliness. As if he was suffering. "Do you want to sit down somewhere or stroll around?" he asked.

I smiled back. "Do you mind if we sit down for a while?" I wanted to rest in the swings and listen to the faint sound of the chains squeaking against each other. It was risky, but Sora-kun had proven to be patient.

"Of course not," he replied before walking to a shady bench, my smile faltering ever so slightly.

Tentatively sitting beside him, I gazed at the swings longingly. If Sora-kun didn't want to, I shouldn't tell him. This was fine.

"Do you want to go sit over there instead?" His question pulled me away from my thoughts, my head snapping to him.

"If you don't mind," I said in a small voice before waving a hand. "I know it's childish."

Sora-kun said he didn't mind, something I couldn't believe completely. Not this early. It's minor things like these that show who I really am, and anyone who wanted to gauge their potential partner would take note.

I took the green swing beside him and pushed the ground gently, relaxing at the sound I haven't heard of in years. The sound of solitude.

"Did you play in parks often as a kid?" he asked in a tone I hadn't heard until now. Gentle and warm.

I nodded. "Yes, it was really fun." I pointed at the sandbox. "I liked playing there the most and the swings."

I used to play alone while waiting for my sister to pick me up after school. I wasn't interested in playing with the other kids. They were too cheerful and loud, miles from my reserved self.

That distance hasn't decreased the slightest.

Silence eventually settled. I closed my eyes, relaxing at the squeaking sound of the swings.

Sora-kun caressed my hand, my skin sending a wave of electricity along my arm. I felt my cheeks reddened as I turned to him apologetically.

"Does silence makes you feel awkward, Sora-kun?" He seemed to be extroverted, so it made sense he appreciated other things. Like noise. And people.

"Mn, maybe a little, but it's not uncomfortable," he replied.

I closed my eyes again, internally breaking a sigh of relief. "This may be the first time I share silence with someone. I find it comfortable and calming."

After a quiet mn and silence, I shifted the hold of our hands, intertwining our fingers together. There wasn't any audible reaction, making me more comfortable and confident by taking the risk. The plan was over, and I was moving spontaneously.

"Tadashi-kun, is it hard to find silence in the city?" Sora-kun asked.

I nodded. "Very. School is noisy. My house is noisy too."

His reply didn't reach me as my consciousness began fading in the warm comfort. My eyes opened after I vaguely felt my body tumble, bumping into what I recognized as Sora-kun's shoulder. I heard him giggle as I straightened myself.

I smiled lazily, eyes half open. "Sorry, Sora-kun. I didn't sleep much yesterday."

"Mn, don't worry about it," he reassured.

"Really?" I asked, vaguely aware falling asleep on a date was an insult.

Sora-kun replied positively and I thanked him.

I blinked a few times, the words that were about to leave my tongue alarmed my drowsy brain.

Just like 'Sora' can be read as 'empty', 'Tada' can also mean 'alone'. But 'Sora' can also be read as 'sky' like the vastness of his ambition. But my real name didn't have any romantic alternatives: 'Only Envy'; 'Tadatsugu.'

I smiled in an effort to hide the loathing. "Horrible, right?"

"Why did they name you that?" he asked with a hint of sorrow. A non-judgmental answer. Yet, I was ever so slightly relieved. This date could have been over if he cared I had lied since we introduced ourselves, or by the fact that he was beside a person who was ruled by envy.

I stared at the pebbles at my feet, as worthless as Ryuugamine and Tadatsugu were. ". . . I don't know."

I felt Sora-kun grab my hand silently and was glad I took the risk.

I twirled my braid around my finger, spitting words to fill the silence. "My sister has a lighter shade of green. She looks like a fairy. . . . And I'm stuck with this color that lives up to my name."

Sora-kun didn't reply, and I decided that was enough. Exhaling slowly, I lifted my head. "I didn't mean to ruin the mood. At least I wanted you to know my real name before the day was over."

". . . I'm stuck with that color too."

I stared at him in confusion.

Sora-kun inhaled, then shook his head and smiled apologetically. "Sorry, nevermind."

I squeezed his hand in a gesture of reassurance and smiled gently. "It's okay, Sora-kun. Everyone has secrets. I respect that."

I never expected a secret in exchange.

"Thank you," he said weakly. ". . . Perhaps someday."

I nodded. "Someday. When we trust each other more."

". . . Why me?" Sora-kun hesitated before asking.

"Why you. . . what?" I mimicked.

"Why did you ask me out?"

I felt my cheeks redden and rocked with more strength. Before I noticed, the answer had already left. My first impression, thought of him: "Because you shone brighter than anyone."

We blushed deeper, and I smiled at the moving ground. I confessed I didn't want to hurt him. Not someone who had been kinder in the span of a few hours than people I have known for years.

We stayed there for a while until I found a good moment to get moving, pondering what to do next. Of course, my eyes naturally fell on the playground. "We can play. . . Ah-forget that! I must still be sleepy!"

Sora-kun stood up with a giggle, tugging my dress shirt with excitement. Let's play!"

I stumbled lightly after him in awe at his acceptance of childishness.

Sora-kun smiled brightly as he began climbing onto the structures and flashed that smile at me who was observing from the ground. He sparkled at such an ordinary thing. He was different from everyone else. And most importantly, he didn't need anyone to shine.

I lowered my eyes to the obstacle in front, a foot instinctively moving back. I had always been too scared to climb this, whether it was at a public park or at school. But I couldn't let this fear overpower me. Not when Sora-kun was waiting, not when someone like Ryuugamine could do it with ease.

I placed a trembling foot on one bar and pulled myself forward as I grabbed onto another.

I heard Sora-kun stop. "Are you afraid of heights?"

I quickly shook my head and kept focused on my next movement. "I'll be there in a moment."

After a few successive clanks, Sora-kun was beside me. "Don't push yourself. I'm sorry for only minding myself."

I placed more intent in my dismissal, "Don't mind me, Sora-kun. If you want to climb, I'll follow you." It was a good chance to overcome this fear. If I were here alone I would have never thought of trying.

He took another step down, expression with worry. "I don't want to hurt you either! Don't ever let me be selfish!"

I nodded quickly, slightly embarrassed at the sudden reciprocity. "Then. . . can you help me climb this? I don't like leaving things unfinished."

Sora-kun's face flooded with surprise before a smile ebbed. Holding my hand, he supported me until we reached the top despite clinging tighter onto him with growing panic and fear. Showing vulnerability that early was a rarity, but it was because it was safe I decided to take the risk.

Maybe this relationship could reach somewhere, I naively wanted to believe. But even when playing by fear, I held my heart at a distance from Sora-kun. I could make him believe I was emotionally invested in our relationship, but I have done this so many times that even if it's the brightest star, he will need to pass the same trials before I can feel something genuine.

Taking a shaky step to the safe ground, I quickly let go of Sora-kun in embarrassment and spoke between quivering, uneven breaths, expecting him to laugh and make a joke about my cowardice. "How can. . . they do that. . . ?"

Instead, Sora-kun gave a string of apologies with intense anxiety as if he was the one who climbed down mount Fuji unwillingly.

"It's okay, Sora-kun!" I tried reassuring him. "It was me that wanted to climb it." I let out a stifled laugh. "It was scary, but I'm glad I finally did it."

He lowered his eyes, his voice uneven. "I mean it, don't ever let me be selfish."

I shook my head and spoke softer. "You have nothing to apologize for." I took his hand. "You helped me do something I never dared to and were with me the whole time. Thank you."

Finally, Sora-kun gave me the smallest of smiles.

Sensing the air between us breathe, I joked, "I usually conquer one fear a day so give me a moment to get a hold of myself."

"Ah- of course!"

I laughed. "It was fun."

His smile relaxed, looking more natural.

I let my amiable demeanor fall, staring at Sora with the ambitious eyes I kept deep inside. "Um, Sora-kun, usually when I want to do something I do it because I want to overcome myself, never because others push me. I just want you to know that."

His eyes relaxed completely and he nodded. "I understand."

Nevertheless, conquering a fear a day was exhausting. An idea popped into my mind, and I chuckled in a teasing manner, beckoning Sora-kun to come closer.

I pecked Sora-kun's forehead, fast enough to take him by surprise but slow enough to savor the moment. Lowering my voice and chin to his ear, I said, "Hard work has to be rewarded."

Sora was frozen. A funny, surprised expression adorned with a deep blush over his pale skin.

I smiled without reservation. Everything that tied me down let go for a moment, and I could finally relax.

Our eyes met, and Sora-kun hid his face behind his gloved hands.

It was an adorable sight. I had to cover my mouth with the back of my hand, so Sora-kun wouldn't think I was making fun of him, but also because my cheeks were hot.

"Ta- ta. . . ugh." Sora-kun let out a stream of incoherent sounds.

I uncovered my mouth, trembling lips tightly pressed as I stifled a laugh. "Yes~?"

As I thought, Sora-kun puffed his cheeks when our eyes met again.

My face fell. "Um, I shouldn't have done that, should I?"

He averted eyes, cheeks still puffed as his blush deepened, replying in a faint voice. "No, it's fine." His voice quieted further. ". . . I liked it."

My cheeks warmed further at the unexpected reply and nodded bashfully. "I'll keep it in mind."

I wanted to slap myself for that answer.

"Mn. . .Tadashi-kun?" he asked.

I nodded at him.

I saw him fiddle with his fingers inside his pocket. ". . . Can I kiss you back?"

The lowering blush skyrocketed and I looked away. With my heart beating fast, I nodded in approval.

I squeezed my eyes shut when I felt Sora-kun's hand on my shoulder, followed by a chaste peek with wet lips on my cheek.

I opened my eyes slowly, glancing at Sora-kun. "We are on par now," I said to fill in the silence.

Sora-kun absentmindedly nodded, touching his lips gently with a faint blush.

That's erotic, I thought, quickly looking away as my face flushed again.

"Wh-what should we do now?" he asked after a few seconds of awkward silence.

I perked up and looked around.

"By the way," he hesitated. "Is it Tadashi-kun or Tadatsugu-kun?" he asked slightly embarrassed.

I froze.

Sora-kun shrank his body. ". . . Which one do you want me to call you by?"

I looked away from Sora-kun as my face filled with spite. "Please don't call me by that name."

"I'm sorry!" he said timidly.

I shook my head and gave him a faint smile. "It's a reasonable question."

Ignoring his insecure eyes, I said as I detached from the railing, "Where should we go? To be honest, I'm out of ideas."

Sora-kun took out his phone. "Tadashi-kun, did you want to have dinner before we part?"

I checked my wallet, cursing internally after seeing that twenty thousand yen bill. This wasn't going to be enough for both.

But I had a plan. Like always.

"Ah-this is yours, Sora-kun." Smoothly lifting the rosy bag with the perfume bottle, I started the plan.

"Ah- I can't take that!" he replied flustered.

"I thought you wanted it," I innocently replied. The thought that Sora-kun was able to see through my act seeped in.

"Didn't you want it?" he asked in confusion.

I pretended to ponder. "Not in particular."

Sora-kun furrowed his brows lightly. "I would have bought it if you didn't want it, but I thought you bought it because you did want it?"

"It seems there was a misunderstanding. Anyway, you should have this," I said casually, flicking my wrist so the bag rustled.

He placed his hand over the one I was holding the bag with. "Wait, I can't take that! You've already paid for more times than enough for me today. If you don't want it, at least let me reimburse you for it."

"Then. . . is dinner on you?" I offered before quickly adding, "I won't ask much, I promise."

Sora-kun smiled and accepted the bag. "Order whatever you want."

Allowing each a space to choose a preference and slip in our own we decided to eat European vegan food.

In a fluid, already familiar movement, Sora-kun slipped his hand into mine as he joined my side.

We returned to the city, walking to Teikoku as the sun dimmed and our shadows stretched. There was something melancholic and mysterious about sunset. Looking back, I wondered if the fact that it shared the color of my eyes was the irony Sora-kun was referring to: Irony is to wisdom as ignorance is to knowledge. The irony was that light and darkness existed inside me, 'Tadashi' and 'Tadastsugu'. Two parts that can't exist without the other, yet, there is a balance.

Our conversation reached the topic of wisdom and knowledge. How knowledge has made us complacent by promoting ignorance and wisdom is a threat to our egos.

'Tadashi' can appear to be wise, offering sound advice to so many people, but 'Tadatsugu' was raised with a considerable amount of knowledge. Their parents were in pursuit of it, but they made sure to drill in his head that he cannot be complacent. Nee-san was not different. She was on a prestigious university through all the awards she had earned through hard work. However this philosophy has made us overcome ourselves, we cannot be satisfied. In this pursuit, happiness is nowhere to be found.

Sora-kun replied to my mention of Socrates, a man who was fervently against writing and therefore the knowledge stored now in books, "Knowledge changes over time, but wisdom evolves. What can only be read between the lines can only change if the lines can change. I think he doesn't want our pursuit of wisdom to be limited by our knowledge."

Later, I commented, "it is said the wise ones are the ones left to witness human ineptitude in its full splendor, so it's a double-edged sword." That's why 'Tadatsugu' hates humanity. Believing he is wise, he looks down on those who haven't reached his level.

When I asked Sora-kun which he preferred, ignorance or wisdom, he said neither and asked for my answer. I decided to reply honestly.

"I think it's easier to live acting like an ignorant yet believing to be wise. I don't consider myself wise, but the knowledge I have gathered can't be for nothing." I smiled, more relaxed and honest. "Thanks for keeping up with this conversation, Sora-kun," I said to close the topic.

His features neutral, he turned to me with slightly raised eyebrows. "I have a question for you then, Tadashi-kun. Which one is ignorant, wisdom or knowledge?"

I found the sudden question strange-as if I was being tested.

"If true wisdom comes from the pursuit of knowledge, aren't those who are satisfied with the former the ignorant ones? Like knowing where your food comes from but preferring to not know the process it went through for it to be in your plate."

Sora-kun seemed to ponder over my answer before nodding. "If that's how you see it."

"Well, I understand there are things people intentionally want to remain ignorant of. And maybe it's a good choice," I said with a gentle smile.

Sora-kun smiled, his eyes looking far away. His voice became wistful. "Ignorance is a good choice only when one knows what lies on both sides."

I squeezed his hand, trying to reassure him. "There is no right or wrong, better or worse between wisdom and ignorance, and sometimes the stakes are too high that it isn't worth the risk. Especially if it is something dear."

He merely nodded.

Instantly, I paused and faced him. "Are you okay, Sora-kun?"

"Of course!" he said with wide eyes.

"Okay," I replied. "Teikoku is over there." I pointed at our right.

He touched his face unsurely. "Do I not look fine?"

I quickly held up a hand, dismissive words on the tip of my tongue. But I lowered it. "You seem unhappy to me." My head shook. "It's probably the sunset; the shadows tend to play tricks on my eyes."

Sora-kun shook his head as if trying to shake off my words. "I'm not, really!" he said as if trying to convince me.

My shoulders tensed, regret starting to pile up. "Yes, sorry for the misunderstanding. Is there a specific place you want to meet next time?" I tried my best to change the topic for our sakes, and it seemed Sora-kun caught on it.

We finished making arrangements for our next meeting. He looked up at me with a small smile. The tense atmosphere dispelled, the result of the choice from both parties. "So. . . I guess this is goodbye."

I relaxed. "It is. I had fun."

"Me too." He smiled the same way other girls who enjoyed our dates did. Our next meeting wasn't set up as a date, and I definitely didn't consider Sora-kun as my boyfriend. It sounded strange.

I had to make this goodbye memorable. The first of many if things went according to the plan.

I pecked him on the forehead. "See you soon, Sora-kun," I whispered. Slowly untangling our fingers to witness his puffed cheeks and blushed face, I walked away without turning back.

'Always leave them wanting for more.'