Though Kio wouldn't let himself be caught dead openly following gradeschoolers around as Soubi does, he isn't paranoid to be seen with them. When he opens the door and finds Yuiko on Soubi's entrance mat, head in hands and knees knocking together, he doesn't glance around nervously before helping her up and leading her inside.
He says nothing when she forgets to take off her boots. Kids get caught up in their emotions, and he remembers being like that. Soubi will forgive them a couple of mud streaks on the floor.
Soubi isn't home, he tells her in the kindest voice he can muster, have a cup of tea. It'll make you feel better. He winks at her and gives her his best cheer-up smile, Brand Kio, like nobody else can give, and hopes it's the right thing because both Soubi and Ritsuka will be out until at least ten and it's only seven now.
So, what's the matter? You wanna talk about it?
No, she says, and his intuition interprets that as Aoyagi. Ritsuka is very different from Seimei, and for that sole reason Kio won't allow himself to hate the name on principle, but unconsciously he has the same effect. Whomever he chooses to love, or not to love, broken hearts litter the street behind him, and Kio is sick of having to start all over, pick up the pieces. He should be used to it by now. Yuiko should have known from the beginning. Soubi should be here and know what to say because Kio can't make her stop crying when he sort of wants to, himself.
He gives it another shot, putting his arm around her shaking shoulders. Wide, like a boy's. Ritsuka doesn't like boys. Ritsuka likes Soubi. I know how you feel, ya know.
You do?
Yup. But I can tell you, even though you won't forget how you feel right now, love doesn't just happen once. Everybody gets a second chance. Don't be stupid like me. When those other boys come along, take another shot at it. I bet yours is right there and you don't even know it!
Is Yukio in love, Kio-san? I don't know what to call it. Yuiko hurts, but love is happy, right?
Love is tough luck on the rocks. How comforting would the truth be? It's a lot more than that. You have to love somebody an awful lot to hurt like this over them, don't you think?
Yeah. She's sitting still now, hands moulded around her mug of tea, and Kio gives her a gentle squeeze with the arm around her. He smiles again, just for good measure, and she returns it. The smile looks a little like she's just learning how, but that's okay. He had to learn again, too, after that name came crashing in. Yes, you're right, Kio-san. Yuiko loves him a lot. I mean, I love him a lot.
You can keep loving him. It won't always hurt like this. But love shouldn't feel like a cage.
I know that. The smile is much better this time, even though her face is still wet and streaked. But loving him makes me feel free.
Good. Maybe 'Aoyagi' can finally do somebody some good without hurting them too much. Prove me right, Yuiko. I'd like to see that. That's how love should feel.
Thank you, Kio-san. Um, do you know when Ritsuka-kun and Soubi-san will be back?
Not until late. Sorry.
Is it okay if I stay here? I don't mind the wait.
Sure. I'll make some more tea.
If Yuiko is as strong as she seems, she'll get by until her next chance. Kio hopes her wait is shorter than his.