During the week they grew closer and closer.

When Haruka woke up Tuesday morning, it seemed as if the world was a little brighter. Only now he noticed how many colours there actually were. When he was taking his morning soak, it was as if the water felt even better against his pale skin. When he was eating his mackerel for breakfast, the otherwise tasty fish was even more delicious than usual. When he was getting ready for school, he was feeling less reluctance than he normally would.

He knew something was changing, and even though he usually disliked changes, he felt as if this was a change for the better.

Haruka arrived at the stone steps that seperated their homes and he noticed that Makoto was already there, waiting for him. All of a sudden he felt the unfamiliar yet familiar warmth again. Makoto's droopy eyes always made him look a bit sleepy, but Haruka saw that he was actually still tired right now. He yawned and rubbed at his eyes, trying to rub the sleep away, when he noticed his companion had arrived. Despite his sleepiness, he smiled at Haruka.

''Good morning, Haru.''

''Morning.''

''Did you sleep well last night?'' Makoto asked, sounding genuinely interested.

''Hmm.'' Now that he mentioned it, Haruka realised that he was more rested than he had felt after the previous nights.

They started walking to school, Makoto was telling Haruka how his siblings had woken him up that morning. He was talking a little less enthusiastic than yesterday, but Haruka figured that it was because it was still early and Makoto didn't seem like a morning person. But Haruka still listened to the beautiful voice coated with sleep and he smiled a little as he looked up to the other's face. The upcoming sun made it look like he was glowing and as if he had a halo. Maybe he was actually an angel. Haruka tried to shake away the stupid thoughts that crossed his mind, and luckily the other didn't notice something was off.


Class was still passing by horribly slow, yet it seemed a little more bearable. Though he had developed the tendency to sneak a glance to his right every once in a while. When he did he saw Makoto actively taking notes. Haruka wasn't really surprised to see that he's the ''good student'' type.

Haruka started sketching a little in the corner of his notebook, trying to distract himself. He wasn't really aware of what he was doing, but when he began to make out fluffy hair, eyes that were a little droopy and a dazzling smile, he quickly flipped to the next page, embarrassment filling his senses. What the hell was he even doing?

Deciding that drawing wasn't really the best thing he could be doing right now, he looked at the front of the classroom, trying to pay attention for once. He actually succeeded in paying attention for a full four minutes before his mind started drifting off again. Must be a new record.

When it was lunchtime, Haruka and Makoto looked at each other in an unspoken agreement and went to the roof together. They sat down against the wall, just like they had yesterday. Makoto took out his lunchbox as Haruka realised he didn't make lunch this morning. It was as if Makoto was reading his mind.

''You don't have lunch, Haru?'' He said, concern lacing his voice.

''Forgot to make it this morning.''

''Oh, but Haru, you have to eat something!'' Makoto scolded.

''It's fine.''

''No, it's not fine! We can share my lunch.'' Haruka wanted to decline, but the look in Makoto's eyes told him that there was no room for an arguement.

''But you'll still be hungry if we share..'' Haruka said in a small voice.

''It's fine! Here.'' Makoto held his chopsticks in front of Haruka's mouth. He closed his lips around the other's chopsticks, allowing Makoto to feed him and he slowly chewed the food, turning his head away to hide the blush that crawled up from his cheeks to the tips of his ears.


Wednesday was an abnormally hot day for the beginning May and on the way home Makoto and Haruka decided to stop by the convenience store for ice cream. They decided on a double soda-flavoured popsicle. Makoto paid and they walked out of the store.

''I'll pay you back.''

''It's okay, you don't have to.'' Makoto smiled down at him as he tore open the wrapper.

''Then it's on me next time.'' Haruka's heart leapt at the thought that there would be a next time.

''Sure.'' Makoto responded as he split the popsicle in half and offered one of the parts to Haruka. Their fingers brushed as Haruka accepted his half and a tingling feeling that started at his fingertips spread through his whole body.

Makoto tilted his head (Haruka had noticed that this was a habit of his tall friend) as he began sucking on his half of their ice cream. Haruka glanced up at him, his gaze fell on the other's lips. His cheeks grew hot in a matter of seconds (they did that very often lately, he wondered why) and he turned his head away, in an attempt to keep himself from staring at the other's mouth wrapped around the light blue treat.

He felt that his own half had started dripping by now and he quickly licked the drops away, trying to stop his hand from getting sticky. He put the popsicle-half in his mouth and sucked on it lightly. It tasted better than any popsicle he had ever had. He really liked the flavour soda and perhaps the fact that he was sharing with Makoto added to the flavour as well.


As they were saying their goodbyes on Thursday afternoon, Haruka made the decision to pop the question he had wanted to ask all week.

''Do you want to come over tomorrow? To, you know, do homework together..'' He trailed off while looking at the floor between them.

''I'd love to!'' Makoto beamed at him.

Relief washed over him as Haruka allowed himself to smile a little.

As Makoto and Haruka grew closer, the uncomfortable feeling inside of Haruka had grown smaller.