Everything that happened two days seemed just like a dream. I don't particularly understand why I start thinking like that, but some part of me started to think that everything that happened yesterday was just too good to be true. The fact that I asked Ruri to go out with me and the fact that she actually agreed, I just can't help but being embarrassed every time I think about it.

The relationship between Rin and Kirino seemed to got better too, considering what happened yesterday and what happened this morning. It seemed that they got into terms, but I'm not that surprised, given the fact that when I have my private time to talk with Ruri, I suppose Rin got his private time to talk with Kirino as well. I'm not complaining or anything, just plainly happy for the fact that everything started to become peaceful once again around me.

Today, everything went peacefully. I made my way to school with Rin, while Kirino left earlier just like days before. On my way, Rin told me that he's interested in Kirino, as in romantically, and asked me if I'm okay with it. I would be lying if I say that I'm not surprised to hear that from Rin, but right now, I'm going out with Ruri. I know that I promised to always help Kirino along the way, but with things the way they are right now, I need to focus more on myself and Ruri too. I'm not trying to avoid the responsibility I have for Kirino because I know I already promised to help her, but if Rin's serious about what he just told me, I know he'd try to get closer and closer to Kirino. And eventually, he would be able to provide an even better help to Kirino compared to me.

Those two, Rin and Kirino, seemed to be in good terms too right now, so I wouldn't say that I'm not happy about what I just heard. In the very end, I wished Rin for the best of luck with Kirino. Even though he seemed to be in a good terms with Kirino right now, I don't really know how Kirino would react if Rin actually asked her to go out with him. That's why I wish for the best of luck with Kirino to him.

Later that day, somehow Rin ended up in the Game Research Club along with the President, much to my surprise. I was about to ask why Rin's here, but before I could ask, the President already explained that Rin's quite good when it come to gaming design and stuff, so he asked Rin to help with our new game project and Rin agreed. I gazed at Ruri for a moment and I could notice her gazing back at me. She took a moment to actually blush and gaze away, resulting to me to do the same way. Even though it's been two days after the time where I asked her to go out with me, sometimes we still find it too embarrassing to talk to each other.

Moving on, I thought that Rin was just bluffing about being good when it comes to gaming design and stuff, but if the President said it himself, he must have quite some confidence in Rin, the same way like when he recruited Ruri before. I don't really have any doubt at Rin, knowing that he's the kind of person who'd be able to do anything once he put his mind into it.

We worked on the game project just like the plan that President has told us earlier the week before. Rin helped the President with the gaming design while I helped the Vice-President working on the game layout. Sena was given the task to work on the encoding while Ruri worked on the script, just like what President commanded to us. I actually found myself quite impressed with Rin. I never expect him to be quite good when it comes to designing, so it's quite a surprise to me to find him being able to help the President without even being awkward.

Once the time for the club's done, we found both the gaming design and layout has been nearly complete, and much to my surprise, the President offered us to stay in his place to finish both the design and the layout for the game project. Naturally, I have no qualms since I'm a part of the Game Research Club. The President then asked Rin if he's interested to come along, he'd give him a special permission even though he's not a part of the Game Research Club.

I gazed at Rin, waiting for his reaction; and once again, that childish and carefree smile of his appeared on his lips. I know almost instantly the moment I see that smile that Rin's agreeing to come along to the President's house to finish the game project. Later that day, we found ourselves in the President's place, working along to finish the design and the layout for the game project.

"I'm back~" I said as I opened the door of the house, entering it and then closing the door behind me; only to hear Mother's voice saying "Welcome back~" in return. Today everything went as good as usual. Nothing weird happened and I don't really understand why, but I'm feeling somewhat happy because of what happened yesterday. I know that yesterday Rin confessed to me, telling me that he loves me and I, much to my own surprise, kissed him when he started to misunderstand the reaction I've been giving to him.

I have no intention to make him think like that, really. But it's just... it's just too embarrassing to say it directly to him. I have no choice but gathering up my might and putting it into action just to make him understand. That stupid perverted Rin... j-just how dumb he could be, I wonder.

I shook that thought off of my head as I made my way upstairs. I don't really know how Rin would react, honestly, I really don't want to know. But after knowing that he actually misunderstood every single thing that I've said and done to him, I know that I should at least ask him to go out with him somewhere... maybe asking him along to Akihabara. I don't really know if he's into anime and manga stuff, but given the fact that he went out there with me yesterday, I guess he has interest in anime, manga, and gaming stuff, even if it's just a little.

I made sure to change my clothes first and look as proper as possible. Even though Rin's room is right in front of mine, I have the slightest weird feeling that I can't just appear in front of him like I usually would. And that feeling started to appear inside of my mind after the two of us went to Akihabara yesterday. I don't really understand why, because just thinking and remembering about what happened yesterday, I guess it's more than enough to make me blush like mad.

I shook that thought off of my mind once again as I got out of my room and right now standing in front of Rin's room. I gave one last check to my own appearance, feeling a little worried, before finally gathering all my might and placed a hand to the door knob, "Rin.. I'm coming in, alright...?"

Much to my surprise, the room's empty. I actually expected that Rin would be there, either laying on the bed or maybe studying, but no, that room's empty. I blinked once and an unexplained feeling went through my mind. I made my out of Rin's room before heading downstairs, telling myself that I need to find Mother and ask her if she knows about Rin's whereabouts.

I found Mother inside of the dining room, preparing some foods for dinner. I was about to instantly ask her about Rin's whereabouts, but I hold myself. It would be weird if I suddenly ask her about Rin, so I made sure to have her notice me first before I could ask her about it. I walked through the dining room shortly, pretending to take a glass of orange juice from the refrigerator before finally having Mother noticing me.

"Ara, Kirino, is there something you're looking for?"

I almost choked, but I hold myself. Mother... she's still sharp about something like that. She's always like that ever since I was little and until now, that doesn't even change. I took a moment to clear my throat before finally asking, "Mom... do you know where Ri- I mean, where Aniki and Rin are right now?"

"Oh, they didn't tell you? They'd be staying in a friend's house because they need to work on a club project."

"Club project?"

"Yes, both Kyosuke and Rin-kun are helping the Game Research Club with their game project. Even though the Game Research Club already got their team to work on the game project, the President said that it would be a great help if both Kyosuke and Rin-kun could help them, so I said that as long as they're not bothering him, I wouldn't mind if they stay over in his place."

An uneasy feeling went through my mind, "The-their Game Research Club... how many people are there?"

"Hmm, if I'm not mistaken, they mentioned six boys if you count both Kyosuke and Rin-kun, along with two girls."

Two girls...? "W-When they would be back, Mother? Did they tell you? I, I mean, did Aniki or Rin told you about when they would be back?"

"Kyosuke mentioned that they should be back here by tomorrow morning."

"T-Tomorrow morning?" I repeated hesitantly. Just when I gathered all my might to ask Rin to go out with me to Akihabara tomorrow... he's not here. Even after I went through everything to get rid of my embarrassment to ask him something so embarrassing... he's not here. Rin.. you're really... really... you're really stupid!

"What's wrong, Kirino?"

"N-Nothing, thanks for telling me about it, Mom! F-For the time being, I'll be heading back to my room, I need to work on the paper given by the teacher today!"

Without waiting for Mother's answer, I made my way out of the dining room and then heading upstairs, straight into my room. Once inside, I threw myself into the bed and hugged the Meruru dakimakura that I bought the other day. I stuffed my face into it, feeling uneasiness went through my mind. I gave a sigh.

"Rin... you stupid."

The work for the design and the layout for the game went faster than we expected. Perhaps it's because we put all of our might into this, and we managed to finish it faster than we expected. It's only one hour away from midnight and we're currently relaxing in the living room of President's house. Her mother was kind enough to allow us to have dinner there, so I don't think both myself and Rin should worry about dinner right now.

"Do you think those two will be alright?"

"You mean Ruri and Sena?" I replied to President's rhetorical question, "Even though they went home faster than all of us, I don't think we should worry about them. We know that we could rely on Sena when it comes to encoding and we could rely on Ruri when it comes to the scenario and the script. I don't see any reason to worry about them."

"Spoken like a true gentlemen, Kyo~"

"Shut up, Rin."

And we ended up laughing at that. Rin always know how to melt the situation, making it even more relaxed than usual, and actually I'm quite grateful for him doing that. After working all day like today, it'd be good for us to relax. And Rin just helped us doing that by saying that stuff from earlier, even though deep inside, I actually feel quite embarrassed. But at least I'm quite happy because I know that now Ruri would rely on me more.

"Well, it'd be better for us to get some sleep right now." I could hear the President's words, "Even though the night is still young, it would be good if we rest early too. We still have school tomorrow and after school we would combine the design, layout, encoding, and the script together. It would be good if we're fresh while working on it tomorrow."

I remained silent and smiled at those words, actually agreeing to that too. Even though we've done quite a good job today, we still need to finish it tomorrow, so it would be the best thing if we're fresh while working on it tomorrow. I then switched my gaze towards Rin and found his expression's quite different than usual. It's not that usual carefree and childish expression of his. Rather, it's the expression that's definitely telling me that he's thinking about something.

"Rin...?"

"Sorry, I guess I'll skip for it tonight. I forgot that I still have something to do at home, so I guess I'll just head back."

"Rin-kun," I know that right now the President's looking at Rin with a questioning look, obviously curious of why he said that all of the sudden, "Can't it wait until tomorrow? You worked quite a lot today and it would be best if you have some rest first before working on something else."

I narrowed my sight a bit. Much to my surprise, Rin chuckled.

"Sorry, President. It's something urgent, I don't think I could wait until tomorrow. If I wait until tomorrow, I don't think it'll work out. I appreciate your attention, really. But I do hope that you could understand."

I switched my gaze to the President. His expression's telling me that he's really considering about what Rin just told him. In the end, I noticed his sigh.

"Very well, Rin-kun. Should I call a taxi to take you home?"

"I don't think that's necessary, President. I'll be accompanying Rin along. He's staying in my house, after all. So it would be my responsibility to help him along when he got something to do."

I noticed Rin's surprised look, but I just smiled. In the very end, we used the train to go back home, before getting down in the station that's the nearest to the house. As we walked back home, I can't help but becoming curious and ended up asking Rin, "What is it that you forgot, Rin? It's unlike you to forget something."

Rin turned his head towards me and chuckled, "You really wanna know, Kyo?"

I chuckled back, "Tell me, does it have anything to do with Kirino?"

"You read through me, Kyo. When did you become sharper?" Rin just laughed, "Fine, I'll tell you about it. I'm planning to ask Kirino to go out with me at the end of this week. There'll be a comiket event in Akihabara and I think she'd be happy if I take her there."

I chuckled in return, "You know quite a lot about Kirino, aren't you?"

"I could say the same to you when it comes to Ruri, Kyo. You're going out with her, aren't you?"

"W-W-What?" I can't help but actually surprised at what Rin just said. I didn't expect that Rin would be able about it. I even made a promise with Ruri that we wouldn't tell anyone about our relationship, "H-How did you know about it, Rin?"

"Come on, Kyo~ We've been friends for quite some time. Do you think I wouldn't notice that the two of you are acting weird when you're near each other? Maybe the other people wouldn't notice, but I'd always tell you to never underestimate me."

I playfully bopped the back of his head after hearing that, while at the same time, finding it hard not to laugh. I would always know if there's something odd about Rin, but I never really thought that he'd feel the same about me. We've been friends for so long, that it would be natural if we could tell about something like that too easily. Then again, Rin's always quite sharper than me, he'd always notice things first, while I became aware of it after he told me. That's how we are ever since we're little.

"Well, it's neat when you found yourself going out with the person you like, isn't it?" I could hear Rin's comment, and it actually resulted to me chuckling after hearing that, "Honestly, I get the impression that she only talk to the other people when it's necessary. But if it's you, Kyo, I bet you can handle her just alright~"

"Stop saying that, it's embarrassing," I poked his back playfully, actually scratching my cheek with a finger and noticing myself actually blushing the slightest bit, "It's only been two days ever since we started going out, and we still don't know about what we should talk about when we're together."

"You really don't get it, don't you? Don't you remember the time when I suggested you to watch Maschera?"

"That time... wait, Rin... don't tell me..."

"Of course. That time around I already realized that Ruri's quite fond of you and I can pretty much tell that she's into gothic teen complex stuff like Maschera. Why else would I suggest you to watch something like that?"

I can't help but widening my eyes in surprise after hearing Rin's answer, honestly not expecting him to be able to tell that much. If that's really the case, then could it be the reason why Ruri ended up talking to me when we're in Akihabara was because...

I shook that thought off of my head. Maybe I was wrong to think badly of Rin. Ever since we're little, he'd always do stuff his own way, even if it means keeping secret from those who are close to him. But I know that he'd always wish the best for his friends. That's how Rin is.

"I know," Rin spoke suddenly, "Why don't you come with me and Kirino to the comiket by the end of this week? Double date always sound interesting and I'm quite eager to try it."

"D-D-Double date? D-Do you mean, you and Kirino with me and Ru-"

"Kyo~ Of course. Come on, who else would you ask to go on a date? You're going out with Ruri, aren't you? Don't you think it would be natural to ask her out every now and then?"

I can't help but blushing the slightest bit upon hearing that from Rin. What he just said makes sense, really. I know that I'm going out with Ruri. And I know that it would be natural to ask her to go out with me every now and then because of the fact that I'm going out with her. But up until now, I haven't put much thought into that thing because I'm still feeling quite embarrassed when I'm around her.

"A-Ahh... I think I like that idea." I replied hesitantly to Rin, finding myself gazing away to hide the blush that was caused by the thought of going out together with Ruri.

"It's settled then, by the end of this week, we'll be having a double date at Akihabara."

Even though Rin's chuckling at the idea, I simply smiled. For a moment, the thought of going on a date with Ruri overwhelmed me. But then I came back to my sense when I noticed that we're already entering the more familiar neighborhood and quite near to home. It's only a few meters away and we could see it. Our home.

"Finally..." I gave a sigh as I stopped my pace, "We're home."

"Home sweet home~"

"You're just temporarily staying here, you know."

"That doesn't change the fact that I'm staying here at the moment. That means I could call it my home. Temporarily, right?"

"Fine, fine." I can't help but chuckled after hearing Rin's answer, before finding myself yawning as we unlocked the door and entered the house, "It's almost midnight. I think it would be the best if I go straight to sleep. Regarding Kirino, I think it would be best to tell her tomorrow, but-"

"Kyo.. if you're an animal, what do you think you would be?"

"H-Huh? Animal..?" I can't help but arching an eyebrow at his sudden question, taking a moment to scratch my cheek with a finger, "I don't know. I never really think about something like that. Why is it?"

"If I'm an animal, I think I would be a fox. I love pranks and taking things on my own pace after all. If you're an animal, Kyo, I think you would be a horse." Rin answered on our way upstairs, coming to a stop in front of my room for a few seconds on our way, "You usually take things on your own pace too, but once you put your mind into something, you'd do anything to do it and to finish it to get a good result."

"A horse, huh...?" I replied with a rather sheepish smile.

Rin just chuckled and slowly made his way towards his own room that's place right in front of Kirino's, "And if Kirino is an animal... what do you think she would be? I think... I honestly think that she would be a bunny."

All of the sudden, I understand what's the meaning of Rin's sudden questioning, and I can't help but smiling to myself. Rin... always saying complicated things like that. I shook that thought off of my head as I opened the door of my room and stepped inside, "Good night... and good luck to you, Rin."

"Thanks a lot. And g'night to you too, Kyo."

That night, I found myself unable to sleep. I want to deny the fact that I'm worried about Rin. The thought of him with two other girls, even though he's just working to help the Game Research Club, made me uneasy. I rolled back and forth upon my bed, still hugging the Meruru dakimakura that I bought the other day as I tried to shake that thought off of my head. In the very end, I still find myself unable to shake that thought off of my mind. I stuffed my face into the dakimakura and gave a sigh, "Rin... you idiot."

The knock upon the door of my room that night perked my attention up. It's almost midnight, who could it be? Aniki and Rin are staying in their friend's house, right? Could it be that I caused quite a noise that Mother and Father downstairs could hear it? If it's really Mother and Father, I'll just apologize to them and go straight to sleep.

I made my way towards the door, placing my hand upon the door knob and swinging it open. I took a moment to gaze at the figure standing in front of me before finally widening my eyes. Rin was there. Rin was there, standing right in front of me, in the middle of the night. I recognized the color of his pale hair standing in contrast with the darkness of the night. The childish twinkle upon his eyes and the carefree smile of his attached to his lips.

Shimomura Rin. He's standing right in front of me right now. And before I could properly react, I blushed and instantly gazed away, "W-W-What do you want?"

"Sorry to disturb you in the middle of the night. But telling you in a late time like this would be better than telling you tomorrow, I think."

He wants to tell me something? That's why he came back home in the middle of the night like this and now standing in front of me? I found my blush just got even worse, "Y-You want to tell me something?"

"Because it's late and everyone needs to sleep, I'll just get straight to the point. I want you to go on a date with me by the end of this week, to the comiket event in the Akihabara."

That very moment, in an instant, I feel like a boiled crab.

"Of course it won't be just us. Kyo and Ruri would be coming along too. It would be a double date."

"Aniki and... you mean, Aniki's going out with Kuroneko?"

"Oh, it's just like what I expected. You know about her too."

"When did they-"

"By the time when we're in the karaoke building in Akihabara. I can pretty much tell that Kyo confessed to her and just judging from how they interract in school, I can pretty much tell that they're going out."

"But Aniki... he's... I..."

"Listen Kirino," I can't help but widening my eyes when I felt Rin's hand upon my cheek but somehow I have no strength to shove him away or pull myself back. I ended up staring at him at him with my reddened expression, "I know that you've been relying on Kyo for quite some time right now. I know that very well. But right now, I want you to think of me too. I can't tell what you think of me, really. Even though you kissed me back, I feel like you still prefer to rely on Kyo more rather than relying on me."

I widened my eyes in surprise and embarrassment. What he said to me it's right in a sense, but...

"I know that I can't say we're going out, even though we already experienced a lot of things together. I want us to go out. I want us to date properly, just like the other couple. That's why I want you to only think of me as your guy. As your boyfriend. I won't be mad if you tell me you can't do that, I'm not some kind of person who enjoy pushing others. And I-"

"I understand, Rin." I replied without even thinking, slowly gazing down to hide my embarrassment, "I know that. I know what you're trying to say. I know it very well. But I-"

Before I manage to finish my words, I could feel Rin's hand upon my chin; lifting my face up. And before I could react, I could feel his lips against mine. Once again. Tender and soft, but filled the feeling of loneliness. When he pulled back, I can't help but gazing into his expression. That childish twinkle upon his eyes are replaced by something else. That carefree smile of his has been placed with a sheepish one. I don't really know what to say when I looked into that expression.

"Kousaka Kirino, I love you." His words almost caused me to jump back in surprise, "Will you go out with me?"

My mind is spinning. I don't really know how and what to reply to those words of his. If anything, he looked like a lonely fox cub by now, I found it hard to just ignore him and tell him that I'd give what he just said to me some thought. In the very end, I found myself smiling as my mind made the decision before finally shaking the embarrassing thought off of my head. I gripped the collar of his school uniform and pulled him down before gently pressing my lips against him for a few seconds before pulling back.

"I'm fine with going out with you, Shimomura Rin." I stated, knowing perfectly that I must be blushing like mad right now; but nonetheless, I continue it, "It's just... I'm still new to this kind of thing.. so please be kind to me... alright?"