Tokugawa University was notorious for holding an extravagant summer festival. Chizuru had been excited, especially her twin brother Kaoru. Kazama tagged along. Although he hated festivals, he was happy to show his two companions his new school.

"I'm telling you, Tokuguwa University has the best business program," Kaoru boasted, inhaling takoyaki. Chizuru rolled her eyes at her brother. She was never interested in business, but she had no choice. Their Uncle Kodo insisted it. He constantly reminded the twins how important they were for the Yukimura company and they were the future.

"I can't believe you're attending this fall," Chizuru said softly, pouting her lips dramatically.

Kazama squeezed her hand tighter, their fingers intertwined like vines twisting around each other. "Are you afraid I'll find some hot college chick and leave you in the dust?"

Chizuru whimpered, pouting more dramatically her cheeks wrinkled on the sides. "That's not funny, Chikage Kazama."

Kazama lifted an eyebrow, his eyes playful and borderline teasing. "Using my full name, eh? My, my. Jealousy is a terrible trait."

Chizuru huffed, her face pinched with rosy cheeks. "Still not funny."

Kazama chuckled and tapped his girlfriend on the nose. "It's funny because it will never happen."

Chizuru buried her face against his arm, hiding the blush that grew instantly from his touch.

Kaoru was paces ahead of them, gasping at each food stand he saw. "Hurry up, guys, there's a mochi stand over there!" Kaoru turned to face the lagging couple and scoffed at them. "You know what? I'm leaving you guys. You lovey-dovey couple are grossing me out. Call me when you're ready to leave."

Kazama nodded, smirking at his friend. Kaoru winked back, a sign he trusted his friend with his sister.

"You know, he just likes you for your money," Chizuru teased, her arms wrapped around Kazama's waist. He was so tall and she liked being encompassed entirely by his warmth.

Kazama wrapped his arms around her shoulders, pressing her closer to him. "Oh, yeah? Well, I only like him for his sister."

They walked around the campus, blending into crowds, desperately trying to find a quiet spot.
They veered away from the lights, heading toward the center of the campus.

"I don't think we're allowed to go inside the campus, Kazama," Chizuru warned, clutching his arm a bit tighter. The area was dark, with one dimmed lamp post across the square, and they were alone.

"Relax," Kazama assured her. He was leading her to a bench, tugging her gently as she followed behind him. They sat down, side-by-side, and Chizuru scooted a few inches away to give him more leg room. Kazama chuckled and wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer.

"Are you worried I might do something to you?" he whispered in her ear.

Chizuru sighed, her breaths came out raspy and a hint of a moan escaped her lips. She turned to face him, their faces so close she could feel the heat of his skin radiate against hers. Their knees grazed each other, leaving no space between them.

Chizuru let out another sigh, and Kazama captured her chin with two fingers. "Say what's on your mind, Chizuru."

He was very receptive, almost like he could read her mind. It was her favorite trait about him, why she felt so easy to be around him. "It won't be the same, you know," she said softly. "You'll want things I can't give you right now."

Kazama brushed his thumb over her lips. He licked his bottom lips, catching it between his teeth nervously. "Sometimes you say the dumbest things," he said, cupping the sides of her cheeks. "Have I ever made you feel like I needed more?"

Chizuru closed her eyes and leaned into one of his hands.

"I'd wait two lifetimes if you wanted me to."

Chizuru giggled. "Please don't." She wrapped her arms around his neck, fingers trembling against his warm skin. Her eyes were still closed and she tilted her head. They were so close.

"Come here," she whispered, pulling him in. God, they were so close.

"What are you two doing here?" A deep voice interrupted them. Chizuru blinked several times, lifting an arm to block the bright light shining on her face. "This area is closed."

Kazama grunted, his hands in front of him as well. "Can you please fucking point your flashlight away?"

The flashlight clicked off and Chizuru continued to blink, adjusting her eyes from light to dark. She caught a glimpse of blue and white. A sweater? A jacket? She couldn't make out the face.

"Leave," the deep voice warned again.

"Yeah, yeah," Kazama replied, getting off the bench. He grabbed Chizuru by her wrist and pulled her up to stand. "Fucking cockblocker."

Kazama's pace quickened and he was more dragging than pulling her as they walked back to the festival. Chizuru turned back to look at the man, but he was gone.

"Who was that?" she asked.

"Just some dumb security guard."