Chapter 4

*Thud*

"Agh!" A choked sound from Uru came from the back room of Bonheur. Shindou looked startled, while Kashiwa looked nothing in perticular. Without a word Shindou took a pastry from the display case and went to the back room. Kashiwa, conspiciously stayed behind.

He thinks, 'Phew. Luck does seem to be on my side for this plan...'

Uru comes rushing from the back room. With her school bag and uniform on. "Abekawa Kashiwa-san, Ichirou-kun fell asleep so-"

"Uru-chan? I heard you have apartment troubles? You should stay at the Abekawa house. It'll make Sakura really happy! She hasn't seen you in awhile, yes? You'll come see her won't you?"
said Kashiwa in his most warmly sincere voice.

"A-Are you sure? It won't be troublesome to the Abekawa family?" Uru asks, taken aback.

Again remembering her situation. she thinks, ' I do need a place to stay tonight. Hmm, well I'll get to see Sakura-chan!'

"Of course not! Come on now." Kashiwa hears noise from the back room.

So he casually slings his right arm around Uru's shoulders before she can react and leads her out of Bonheur just as Shindou and Ichirou appear.

"..."

"Shindou, Uru left with Kashiwa-san."

"Mn."

There was silence between them for a moment.

Shindou seems to wake up with a start, when he notices their odd silence. He turns his head toward Ichirou.

"What?" Asks Shindou.

"No. You tell me what." Ichirou replies.

Shindou's face practically has a question mark next to it, not knowing what Ichirou means.

+oOo+

The sun has set by now, and the street lights are on, leaving pools of dull white light every few feet. It's surprisingly cold even for fall.

Uru's wearing Kashiwa's jacket because of the cold and his insisting, since she only has her school uniform and bag. Up till now Kashiwa has been tactfully asking Uru random questions.

"So, Uru-chan, do you like all of your classes?" Kashiwa asks.

"Hmm, I don't like Japanese very much. I almost failed one time!" Uru bashfully explains.

Kashiwa gives Uru one of his smiles.

"We're almost there. Do you like sweets? Is that why you started working at Bonheur?"

"Ah! Well yes, but I just saw how happy all the people who went to Bonheur were and I wanted to help that happieness! I-If that makes sense, I guess?" Uru relates.

Her cheeks are a deep shade of pink from the cold, and she has a smile on her face that makes whoever's around feel lightheaded.

Kashiwa looks at Uru as he walks. 'Ahhh, Sou, I see why you like her,' He thinks.

"Well! Here we are!" Kashiwa anounces.

+oOo+

"Brother Sou? What are you doing?" Sakura asks.

"Ah, Bro told me I was needed back here, but...Sakura do you know?" Says Sou

"Know what?" Sakura asks, "Where were you and Brother Kashiwa?" Sakura changes the subject suspiciously and looks away.

Sou frowns. "Sakura..." He says in a warning voice.

Sakura flushes and runs away.

"Hey! Come back!"

The door to the Abekawa house opens.

"Bro what have ya been telling Sakura?" Sou asks, "Where's your coat?"

"Mn? Well that's because Uru-chan here needed it more than me," Kashiwa answers, ignoring the first question.

Sou stiffens and his eyes widen, seeing Uru stand in the doorway with Kashiwa's coat almost reaching her knees.

"Ah, um, Yoroshiku!*" Uru bows.

" Yay! Uru-nee!" Sakura yells and comes out of hiding.

I'll try to update soon, but I have CBA's on the constitution soon, (Blegh). Next chapter will definately be better...

Note: Yoroshiku="Please take care of me" and/or "Nice to meet you."