With some efforts we managed to calm Kuma down. I doubt for a very long time, but at least…

"We're sorry Uchi. Please forgive us!"

Finally Uchi was able to get the whole 3D out of his house.

"We didn't mean it!"

"Of course, you didn't mean to invade my house and scare my mother to death."
"Please, forgive us! We are really sorry!" nagged Noda and the whole 3D supported him.

"By the way, began Kuma in a tone, way calmer when with the one he arrived to Uchi's place, how did you know that we had gathered at your house?"

"Shin told me." confessed Uchi after a pause.

"Ahh, so you don't answer to our calls, but you answer to the ones from Shin"

"No, it is because Shin was with me. Shin and Kurosaki too."

"What? So all this time they knew where are you and didn't tell us?" asked Minami.

"Yes."

"And yesterday, and the day before, when they were leaving earlier, it means that they were with you?" I asked.

"Hmmm, yes."

"Bastards!" shouted Kuma.

"No, I asked them not to tell anyone anything, because I needed to sort all the things out on my own."

"Traitors! You don't trust us?"

"It's not it, it's just… Yankumi explain them? Yankumi? Yankumi?"

Yankumi disappeared as she went down in drain.

"The hell, we're being in the most important phase, when we must work very intensive and you're trying to understand yourself? Why now?" Kuma was still not letting it go easy.

" You know what? Bagger off! Don't butt in my business."

Everybody went home. The situation was clear. The situation happening is called prolonged incertitude, and it all depends on Uchi, how quickly he is going to come out of this state. However his state has it's effect on us too. If we don't present this stupid ill-fated performance, Kuma is going to bury us alive. In this condition he is "non compos" and nobody is able to stop him. This evening I talked to Monica. She complaint that since all this situation with this Uchi happened, Noda has totally forget about her and that she is going to dump him, if it continues. What can I say? Nothing is making me happy these days. But sincere to be, I care about Monica and Noda's relations in the last place.

Next day I went to school as usually. In the light of the latest events, I have totally forgotten about my original and biggest secret. Honest to be, I was waiting with a sinking heart, that I am going to be exposed soon. And I waited and waited. But the moment never came. Seems like, even if there where suspicion in the beginning, everybody has totally forget about it. I have got used to my new role. But on the other hand, a part of me would want someone to find out my secret. It would substantially lighten my burden. However the last sprouts of hope that this is going to happen was dispelled today.

I was passing by the empty classes, when suddenly I heard someone calling me from a room.

"Hey, Kuroda, need to talk to you."

It was Uchi I recognized his voice. I slowly turned my head and walked toward him, and asked matter-of-factly.

"Yeah, what is it?"

"I…" he hesitated, and it was obvious that the words he is going to tell next are not ease for him. "I wanted to thank you, Kuroda, for the support you provided." he said it in one breath. " Kurosaki and Shin told me what you've done for me. I was wrong about you. You're great dude!"

Yes and what have I done for you? That was, what I wanted to ask him, but I restrained myself. A cool nod in agreement and a laconic "Don't mention it!" would sound better. I turned my toward the door and was about to walk from the class, as I believed the discussion is over and under such circumstances I should act cool and carry myself with dignity. However, one thing I could not avoid to ask.

"Uchi, why did you decide to come?" Should I mention that I regretted it as soon as I opened my mouth.

"Ahh, this… he chuckled. "Well I felt sorry for you dudes. I know what pain in the ass can Kuma be."

I laughed back and walked out of the class. Incredible, Uchi is not behaving hostile toward me, more than this; he is trying to be friendly. He mentioned the word "dude" twice. Not like it is something unusual, but for me it sounded especially accentuated.

It seems, this morning Uchi wasn't the only one, who wanted to talk to me. Noda stopped me in the middle of the hall. It was still early morning. They started to come to school so early. I am very curious about the reason.

"Yuki, Yuki… I need to talk to you?"

"I've already understand it. What about?" I asked.

"Have you talked with Monica?"

"Yes, and I can see she is really angry."

"I know, I know. Actually I wanted to ask a piece of advice. To have a conversation as between guys, you know, right?"

I nodded, but frankly I didn't understand anything.

"I wanted to take our relations with Monica to a newer, higher step…" he began.

I was looking at him, telling to continue.

"Well, how should I put it,hmmm, have you done it?"

"What?" I asked out of surprise.

"I mean, sorry, of course you've done it. I didn't mean to underestimate you. You came from America, there people are more open about it…"

"What are you talking about, I don't get it." (Lie, I understood what he is pointing at)

"Ehhh, I…you want me to say it loud. I thought we're having here a conversation as between dudes, and you'll understand me right away. But I think I was quite rude. You're a gentleman after all. I am sorry!"

"No, no… I decided not to lose my face in front of Noda and put on the mask of a knowledgeable young man. Actually, it doesn't matter where you are living, I mean of course society influence, but it only determine whatever you're more conservative or liberal in this question. In the end it depends only on you whatever you do something or not."

Noda was staring at me with the expression of the global perplexity.

"So, yes this is how your should think from now on!" I decided that it's time for me to recede.

"Wait, wait, wait… I didn't understand anything. So what should I do? Share with your experience."

All right, Noda, you want it? Than take it!

"Noda, I looked seriously in his eyes? Are you sure you 're ready for this?"

"What?"

"Don't look at me like this. It's not only the girls who have to be prepared. For us, guys it is also an important matter."

"Yeah, of course, you're right…but…she's prepared…and I…"Noda said, more for himself.

Ah, so this is. Monica! I should have guessed it from the beginning. I wanted to call Monica as soon as I found out what the matter here, but decided to wait till evening. Why the hell is she forcing the pure and innocent guy to such relations? She is too dangerous.