When Kousei kisses me, it feels like he wants to hold on to the moment. And I do, too. I want to stay in his arms, but I can't. My parents are probably worried sick… I did text mom earlier to let her know that I was alright, so I'm sure they're at ease. When we let go, I take his hand in mine, meeting his gaze.
"I need to go home," I blurt. Kousei doesn't miss a beat. He nods, leading me away.

It doesn't take us long to get to the bakery where I live with my parents.
"End of the line, mister," I joke, wrapping my arms around Kousei, hugging him tightly. When I let go, he brings my face up to his and kisses my cheek.
"See you," He whispers, dropping his hands, and leaving me stunned for a second. Geez, Kousei. Way to make me even more attracted to you. I wave as he begins walk off, and, receiving one in return, open the thankfully unlocked door to the shop.
"There's our girl! How've you been, Kaori?" My dad beams. I set down my things by the door and take a seat in the chair nearest to me. I return his grin.
"I'm great, Dad. Really great." I say. My mom turns and sets a plate of food in front of me.
"We're glad, dear." She says, smiling.
"Thanks." I say, eyeing up the steaming dish and reaching for the utensils in her hand. She releases her grip as mine tightens.
"You're welcome Kaori. Eat up, you must be starving." I do, gladly. My parents made sweets and all kinds of foods when I was growing up, but it wasn't until a few months ago that I convinced them to set up a business for profit from it.

When I finish eating, my mother quickly notices and sets a glass in front of me. I could have gotten it and the food myself. However, my parents were ones to dote on me, despite the fact that I could take care of myself. I smile and take a sip, immediately recognizing the drink as cherry Coke. It's unhealthy, but, after realizing that I wasn't living as freely as I should, I've been taking less precautions on food. I'm not overweight, and if my metabolism decides to quit on me, I won't have very much trouble losing any weight either. Shaking my head to get rid of these thoughts, I turn my gaze to my mother.
"How would guys feel if I had a boyfriend?" I ask shyly. I didn't tell them right away, mostly because I can be such a scaredy cat sometimes, but better sooner rather than later. I was still a bit scared, but it didn't seem that bad anymore.
"We'd be happy for you. That boy from earlier?" My mom asks. I nod, feeling embarrassed and blushing.
"As long as he treats you well," My dad chimes in.
"He does. He's amazing, and the reason I started playing violin!" Both my parents look at me and smile at my outburst.
"What's his name?" My dad asks.
"Kousei Arima," I reply. "He plays piano as my accompanist." At this, my mom looks a bit surprised.
"You managed to grab a hold of that Arima boy you used to gush over?" She asks, taking a seat next to me on one of the adjoining stools. I nod, my face growing warmer. I must look like a tomato by now.
"Yup. Our friend Tsubaki introduced us. It was my idea, but she went through with it." I reply, remembering the day with fondness. When Kousei looked at me that day, I knew that we'd change each other's lives, whether we realized it or not. My parents smile at my words, sharing a glance. I notice, but pay it no mind.
"Tsubaki." My mother begins thoughtfully, like she's trying to remember where she's heard the name before.
"You're close with her, right?" I nod.
"All of us are close. There's four of us, and we're really tight-knit." I reply, flashing a small smile.
"Good. We're happy you're fitting in, dear. Go ahead and jump in the shower, Kao." My dad says. I nod and run up the stairs, leaving the dinner table behind. I quickly grab a towel and pajamas from my room and go to that bathroom. I'm not in long; just to wash my hair and body. When I get out, I dry off and dress quickly, heading straight to my room. I wrap my hair in a towel and lay down. I don't mean to, but I fall asleep quickly.

The next morning is just like the others, with one exception. I wake up, eat, get ready, and walk to school. However, instead of going alone, Kousei tags along. When I leave, he's standing outside, waiting for me.
"Why are you here? I'm not complaining, but why?" I ask. I'm so confused. I can walk to school myself, thank you very much.
"I want to walk with you." Kousei replies, as if his intentions were obvious, and they were, glaringly.
"Well duh, but why today? It's the end of the year." My eyes meet his, holding his steady gaze. He takes my hand, linking our fingers, and begins leading me away.
"I love you." Kousei mutters, quietly. I almost didn't pick it up, but our closeness made it easier. Lately, he'd been holding me to him by my waist, like he was now, more and more. I didn't mind. It was nice, the way he held onto me so tightly, as if I'd disappear the second he let go.
"I love you, too, goofball, but now isn't exactly the best time to say something like that. It should be romantic." I reply, my eyes scanning his face. For a second, while he processed what I said. His expression seemed like one of anxiety, like he was scared, and I didn't blame him. Who wouldn't be scared? Saying he loved me first… My eyes met his, and all I read on his face was pure happiness, as cheesy as it sounds. I pressed my lips to his and smiled.

Neither him nor I said anything for the remaining duration of our walk. It actually felt very nice to walk, hand in hand, to school with someone, and my boyfriend no less. We parted when we reached the hallway our respective classes. We weren't late; it looked like we were early. I gave Kousei's hand a quick squeeze, then we split up to go to our separate classrooms.

When lunch rolls around, Tsubaki and Watari join Kousei and I on the roof. We sit in a circle, or a poor imitation of one, which was closer to what it actually looked like. While we ate, I thought about how lucky we all were to have such amazing friends. We each brought our personalities to the table and it worked, despite our different interests and hobbies. It worked, though, and ours was a tight-knit group. I finished eating first and turned around, not fully, stretching out my legs.
"Do you guys want to catch a movie with me Friday night?" I ask. Tsubaki and Watari shake their heads.
"I've got practice and Watari has family coming over. Sorry, Kaori. Maybe Kousei can go with you." She says, smiling.
"I can speak for myself, thank you!" Watari exclaims, sticking his tongue out at Tsubaki. I laugh and shake my head. I hear Kousei laugh beside me, and soon, we're all laughing. I feel lightweight in that moment, as if all my cares had been washed away, replaced with a feathery happiness. It's nice; very nice, actually.