It was warm today. Signs of summer were beginning to show through the old chipped paint of spring. Suna had removed his hoodie and slung it over his shoulder. Takeo still wore his blazer. He dabbed his forehead gingerly with a handkerchief. Patterns of leafy shadows scattered the sunlight over their heads and heat could be seen rising off the cracked sidewalk. The streets were teeming with cars.

"Say," Suna began "did you remember to study for our test today?" He brushed his bangs out of his face with a flick of his head. "Please don't tell me you forgot."

Takeo beamed and issued an enthusiastic thumbs up. "I got in a solid two hours." He felt around in his pocket and pulled out some papers which he handed to Suna. "Your note cards were a huge help."

Just like Suna. He was an outstanding student. And he's always looking out for me, thought Takeo. His eyebrows knitted together and his smile dropped. I only hope I am able to return the favor, if and when, he ever needs me.

"-it's gonna stick like that."

"Huh?"

"I said, 'if you wear such a sour face, it's gonna stick like that."

"Oh! Yes, of course, you're right."

They were situated under the shade of a flight of stairs when Suna looked at his watch.

"You know we're making good time. We actually have a moment to step into that convenience store and buy a drink if you like." He swiped his face with a wrist. "I don't know how someone of your size survives. I'm dying."

Takeo pondered his pocketed wallet.

"We could do that. I have a little extra cash at the moment."

The bell tinkled lightly as the door swung open and the two young men entered.

"Good afternoon!" cried out an elementary aged girl at the register. "How can I help you today, Mr. Detective?"

Takeo bellowed with laughter.

"I thank you for the promotion, Chiyo-chan, but" he put a finger over his lips and leaned in close to the counter. "One shouldn't announce the presence of CCG operatives so loudly. You can never be too careful."

"Oooooh!" Her eyes widened between her two pigtails "I'm sorry."

"Where's your mother?" Suna asked as he opened a large drink cooler and allowed the cool air to blow over his face.

"She's in the back taking inventory." Chiyo smiled "but I'd be more than happy to help you."

Takeo crossed his arms proudly. "You are quite the professional. Your skills have only improved since the last time I came by to speak to your parents."

"Thank you Mr.- I mean thank you, sir. My mother says one day this store will be mine!"

Suna set two cool drinks, one in a squarish bottle and the other in a can, on the counter. One was a green tea with honey dew and the other was a cold coffee beverage. Chiyo rang them up. She was clearly standing on a small foot stool and only had to strain a little to reach.

"That'll be ¥700."

"I got it." Suna remarked as he reached in his wallet and pulled out the money.

"Thank you, Suna. In exchange allow me to treat you to a bowl of ramen on my next night off."

Suna giggled as he accepted his change. "Dude! A bowl of ramen for a coffee is hardly a fair trade. I'm not looking to make a profit off of you. Get me a drink tomorrow and I'll say we're square." He turned to address Chiyo "Have a nice day."

"You do the same."

Suna chugged his drink as they made their way to the station.

"So, you think you're going to confess to Suzuki?"

Takeo twisted the top off his bottle.

"Yes. I've been sitting next to her in lectures for a reasonable amount of time and we always make pleasant conversation before and after class. I intend to invite her out on a date."

Suna was quiet. He really hoped it didn't turn out the same way Takeru's other confessions had. He was a really great guy. He just wasn't what most girls would consider...how to put this...cool.

"Let me know how it goes."

"Yes, I- oof. I am so sorry are you o..."

Takeo was frozen with his mouth agape. A girl a little younger than them, stood stock still. Her hair was long and fair. Her eyes shined a bright and vivacious amber. Her lips were small and pouted. Her cheeks were flushed from a combination of overheating, alarm, and embarrassment. She tugged at the hem of her school uniform self consciously.

"Please forgive me!" She cried out immediately. "I was in a hurry and I wasn't watching where I was going. I didn't mean to run into you from behind. I hope no harm was done."

It took Takeo a beat to reorient himself to reply. "No harm at all. As you can see I am quite a large man and it would take more than that to injure me. However I am not saying that to brag, I mean, I simply want to put your mind at ease."

"I see." She put a hand to her chest. "I am so glad."

Takeo was about to say something when he noticed her eyes flickering over his shoulder to Suna, the way she seemed to be growing more and more flustered in his presence, and the fact that Suna's eyes which were normally so disengaged were locked right on her.

I see. Takeo thought solemnly. Suna certainly has good taste in women. This is the first girl I've seen him interested in. And she can't go wrong with a man like him. I'll make a smooth transition in the conversation for you both.

"My apologies. Have you two met?"

The girl flinched ever so slightly and Suna inhaled sharply through his nose. After a pregnant pause he spoke having dropped all semblance of tension.

"No. We haven't had the pleasure. I am Sunakawa Makoto."

"I'm Yamato Rinko. It's a pleasure to meet you...and what's your name?"

She's expressing an interest in all present conversationalists despite her obvious preference of Suna. She is truly a classy woman.

"I am Gouda Takeo, at your service."

"Unfortunately we're going to have be going." Suna gave Takeo a light tug on his elbow.

"Oh my gosh! I have to run too!" Yamato bowed to the pair once more. "Thank you again for your kindness and understanding." She immediately took off at a slow jog.

Takeo fumbled over his words for a moment. "You too! Have a lovely day, Yamato."

She didn't stop but she glanced over her shoulder once more as she disappeared.

Takeo watched Suna for the whole remainder of their commute. He was sure, if he had asked, that he could have gotten her email address. She seemed like a kind girl. He could tell from her eyes that she had an earnest soul and was probably hard working. He wondered why his friend hadn't taken the opportunity presented to him. He was very popular and well liked despite his withdrawn nature. He had always been secretive as long as they'd known each other. When his father died Takeo had hardly known anything at all about the man or what he did. Suna, I don't understand you.

Takeo tightened his grip around the safety handle of the train as he was rocked rhythmically back and forth. His thoughts could not help but drift to that girl, to Yamato. He kind of wondered what she was up to right now.