Antiphonal

Antiphonal, adj: A style of composition in which two sections of singers or instrumentalists exchange sections or music one after the other; typically the performers are on different sides of a hall or venue.

Jyou lay on his back in bed, staring at the ceiling. He had just returned Eimi's call and learned that she and Koushiro were dating. He was happy for them, grateful that they had found happiness in each other. And after seeing them interact during his last visit to Eimi's home, he had accepted that he was unlikely to date Eimi again.

But somehow, it still hurt.

Groaning, Jyou slid a hand over his aching chest. Weeks of mentally and emotionally preparing himself couldn't overcome the pain of losing all hope with Eimi. Even the knowledge that his chances had slipped away before she met Koushiro barely helped. Eimi, he knew, loved with every fiber of her body, every millimeter of her heart. And for Koushiro to welcome emotional intimacy… Well, the man had to have it bad for Eimi to even entertain the suggestion.

In short, while couples formed and separated all the time, this one seemed likely to stick, at least for a while. And he honestly hoped it would, for their sakes.

Jyou slipped his glasses off and rubbed his face. The last thing he wanted to do was talk to Koushiro right now, but Eimi had begged him to call soon and clear the air. Putting it off would only increase his anxiety, so Jyou dialed Koushiro and smushed the phone to his cheek.

He wasn't surprised when Koushiro picked up right away. "Hey, Koushiro," Jyou sighed.

"Moshi moshi." An awkward pause followed, and Jyou dug his fingertips into his forehead.

Seeing no other option, he opted for the direct approach. "Eimi just told me that you're together. Congratulations."

"Thank you." The tension in Koushiro's voice clashed with the infusion of pleasure. Jyou caught himself rubbing his chest again. His eyes pinched shut, but that only blocked out his bedroom. Sadly, predictably, it did nothing for his internal state.

"Sorry to dump this on you, but I know the situation from Eimi. I'll… get right into it. The reason she's upset about me knowing that you're dating is..."

His teeth grit together and ground. God damn it, Jyou! This isn't the time for cliff hangers! But knowing that this was the worst possible moment to freeze only paralyzed him more.

"Jyou?" Koushiro's voice was tight, high, and Jyou slapped his forehead.

"I love her," he admitted, with a sickening rush of vertigo. "Or, at least… I'm stuck on her."

The pause that followed screamed in Jyou's ears like emergency sirens, like medical equipment calling him to desperate action. He sat straight up, but there was no hospital room to run into, no patient to save. There was nothing to do but wait for Koushiro's reaction so far away.

A strained voice slid through the receiver. For a wild moment, Jyou thought that Koushiro had handed the phone off to a stranger. "I figured that was the case. I didn't want to, but... Nothing else made sense."

Shit, shit, shit. Blinding pain burst through Jyou's eyes, but never resolved into tears. He rubbed his closed lids and swallowed a groan.

"Don't worry," he said at last. "Eimi loves you. She turned me down before she met you, anyway."

"I don't understand." Usually, when Koushiro said those words, interest and excitement danced in his tone, along with an almost dazzling focus. Today, all Jyou heard was suffering.

"Shit," he breathed, then winced when he realized that this one was out loud. "God- Koushiro. It's my fault, not hers. Please, just- you're safe with Eimi."

"I've known Eimi-san for more than two years," Koushiro said, ignoring his input. "She must have turned you down over two years ago, then."

Jyou's hand twisted, covering his face, creating a sticky, wet, clammy hell. "Yes," he croaked. "We, um... Well, I asked her out, and she said no. I dove into my residency and just... Ignored my feelings. I told myself I was getting over it, getting over her, but... In reality, part of me hoped that we'd date after I... After I became a doctor, and had more time for... a partner." For Eimi, he finished privately, sick with guilt.

Koushiro drew a sharp breath. "About now, then."

Jyou collapsed onto the bed again, needing the support. "She turned me down," he repeated. "I shouldn't have hoped that she'd date me after that. I just... I couldn't..."

The silence pressed down on him, like a crushing weight distributed over his body, squeezing the breath from his lungs. "I won't interfere," Jyou managed. "I couldn't get in the way if I tried, even if I wanted to."

"Do you want to?" Jyou blinked, startled by the sound of Koushiro's voice. He didn't have a word for a such a potent combination of fear and hurt, wrapped in a thin, masking layer of anger that was already sloughing away.

"No," Jyou said gently. "And not just because it would be pointless. It's because I love you both, and I want you to be happy. I still want to be like family to you. And... To be honest... I need to work on myself before I try to date."

This time, when Koushiro spoke, he sounded a little more like himself. With honest curiosity, he asked, "What do you mean?"

A miserable laugh bubbled free. "My head's been underwater for years. I devoted everything to becoming a doctor, all of my time, all of my energy, all of my money... I didn't save any of it for my interests or my development. At this point, I'm more Kido-sensei than Kido Jyou. No one wants to date that... And I owe it to myself to figure out who the hell Kido Jyou is these days."

"I see…" Koushiro exhaled slowly. "If it's any help… Kido Jyou is still my friend, regardless. And I'm wondering… Is this going to change things between us?"

"I truly hope not. I'm planning to support you two as much as I can. And, frankly... Losing my two best friends would hurt much more than knowing I'll never date Eimi again." Jyou clenched his hands tight and tried to still the shaking of his body. "Koushiro, please... Don't be threatened by this. Don't blame Eimi. And, if you can... Forgive me."

"I admit that I'm shaken, but... I don't see what there is to forgive. Thank you for explaining."

Finally, the pressure in his eyes crystallized into tears. Jyou wiped them away and tried to stifle the sound of his sniffling. "T-thanks. That's... really kind."

Any remnants of ice in Koushiro's voice melted to sheepishness. "Not particularly. After all, Eimi-san struggled with feelings for me for a long time, and I struggled with feelings for her... It grows more apparent to me by the day that emotions are complicated, and sometimes difficult to control."

Jyou paused, unsure of what he could safely say. "I don't know what she's told you," he began carefully, "but Eimi... She's really... She loves you."

"I'm aware." This time, Jyou recognized the stiffness in Koushiro's tone as embarrassment. With a wry grin, Jyou decided to back off.

"Um... Actually, while we're clearing the air, there's... something else I want to apologize for."

"Jyou," Koushiro breathed, sounding dazed.

"It's not like that!" Jyou cried, aware of how little information those words contained. "I want to apologize for not being helpful to you when... Well, when you needed it."

"What do you mean?"

Jyou cushioned his head against a pillow, exhausted beyond belief. "After you broke up with Tachikawa-kun... When I heard about it through Eimi, I... God. I didn't help. I didn't even contact you."

"That's hardly your fault," Koushiro said kindly. "I didn't tell you, and you're a resident."

"But I knew!" Jyou cried. "I knew you were hurting, and I knew Eimi loved you, and I knew she was taking care of you when she needed help, herself, and..."

He broke off, trying and failing to collect himself. Jyou drew his knees to his chest and wrapped an arm around them, folding and cinching himself shut. "I failed her. I failed you. All because I was too busy. All because I loved Eimi, and I knew she loved you, and I resented you both for it."

A molten tear dripped down his face, and Jyou knew he was being too damned honest. He could never seem to help it; the truth always slipped out of him, often at the worst moment.

"You knew?"

This time, Jyou didn't bother trying to hide his groan. "Yes. She begged me not to tell you. I begged her to tell you. She was afraid." He rubbed a wet, stinging eye. "So was I."

"I see," Koushiro muttered. "That's why... All of those hints you dropped..."

"I couldn't be specific," Jyou sighed. "I promised her I wouldn't tell you. She... had to tell you in her own time, I guess."

There was another silence, but his one felt different. Less heavy, more thoughtful. "You okay?" Jyou asked.

"Hmm..." Jyou pictured Koushiro stroking his chin in thought and managed a tiny smile. "I'm... not sure. I do think... Frankly, all of us need to prioritize each other more, except for Eimi-san. She needs to learn to reach out instead of trying to carry everyone."

"Yeah. That's why... Well, I hope you both will still come to check my test results with me. And I hope you don't mind if I keep looking into private practices in your area."

"Jyou? Is this... Is all of this awkward? I admit that I need time to process it, but... Will this... change things?"

"It... has the potential to. But... I'll do everything I can to fight that. If you would, too... I'd be grateful."

"What does Eimi-san think?"

Jyou exhaled in a frustrated raspberry. "When I mentioned a potential problem between us over this, she said she'd step back from both of us to spare our relationship. As if that would help anyone..."

"Foolish," Koushiro sighed. "But predictable. I suppose we'll have to work things out, for her sake."

For a moment, Jyou was insulted on Eimi's behalf. Thankfully, long experience with Koushiro translated the actual meaning of his words, and he grinned. "No choice, then."

"None," Koushiro agreed. "Therefore, Eimi-san and I will see you soon, as planned. But if you don't mind, for now... I'd like to, um..."

"Not have this conversation anymore," Jyou supplied, with total sympathy. "Same. Listen- I appreciate you being so understanding about this. I really do wish you and Eimi all the best."

"Thank you. Good evening."

Taking the hint, Jyou said goodbye and hit the disconnect icon. For a long while, he lay motionless in bed, struggling to process everything.

Half an hour passed, and that stuffy, overwhelmed sensation still filled his head. Sighing, Jyou sat up and started to change into pajamas. He could barely recall what was said, but he knew that everything was in the open now... And it seemed like his relationships with Eimi and Koushiro were still intact.

And that was more than enough.

XXX

Koushiro sat on the sofa in Eimi's library, programming on his laptop. There were likely more reasonable ways to decompress after his phone call with Jyou, but working, focusing on something he could change and solve, was his method of choice.

Time passed until his mobile rang, and he dropped it when he clapped eyes on Mimi's contact picture. He fumbled to catch it and nearly dumped his computer on the floor.

When the device was safely recovered, Koushiro frowned at the screen, fighting his rising panic. While he wanted to maintain a friendship with Mimi, things were still a little... Strange.

But ignoring her wouldn't solve that, so Koushiro tapped the green accept icon and said, "Moshi moshi. Izumi speaking."

"Hey, Koushiro-kun! It's Mimi. How are you?"

Koushiro grinned despite himself. This was only their second time speaking since the breakup, but Mimi's voice was so familiar, so comforting. Some of his tension eased, and he leaned back into the leather sofa.

"I'm doing well, thank you. Yourself?"

"Ah! Everything's been so busy lately, I love it!" Mimi launched into a narrative about fashion shoots and shows, and Koushiro half-listened, inserting small sounds of acknowledgment into her breathing pauses. His brain returned to his program without guilt. Long experience would alert him when Mimi was ready to shift from monologue to conversation.

At last, his senses nudged him, announcing that this pause was longer than the rest. "I'm truly glad your career is doing well."

"Thanks," Mimi said warmly. "But I should probably get to the point. I called because Sora-chan mentioned that your group is getting together in Odaiba when I'll be in Tokyo for a show. I was hoping to go, but... Well, I wanted to check in with you first."

Koushiro stared through the arch that separated the library from the foyer, not comprehending any of the feedback from his eyes. Talking to Mimi, while pleasant, was already a bit of a stretch. Was he ready to see her in person?

"Um," he stuttered. "Are you fine with seeing me there?"

"That's what I'm asking you," Mimi sighed. "You met Yagami-kun in high school, right? I met Sora-chan and the others in college. I'm not trying to kick you out. You have seniority, I guess."

Koushiro pressed a palm to his forehead. Truthfully, untangling his feelings about seeing Mimi in person would take far more time than the duration of a phone call. But an upbringing centered on politeness demanded a certain amount of decorum.

"It's not my place to forbid you, seniority or no. Please, if you'd like to attend knowing that I'll be there, then do."

A repetitive clicking suggested that Mimi was drumming manicured nails against her phone. "I'm not asking for an answer from an etiquette book. I'm asking what you want."

Koushiro took a long, deep breath. He was intimately and exasperatingly familiar with Mimi's penchant for doing what she wanted, almost always without considering anyone else. They had sometimes argued over that, since Koushiro was often steamrolled.

But then... Wasn't Mimi doing her best to work with him right now?

"I can't say that I feel totally comfortable with the thought of seeing you in person," Koushiro admitted. "But... I also know that I want this awkwardness to pass. A face-to-face meeting does seem like a way to expedite that process."

"I want it to stop feeling weird, too." A rare earnestness colored her voice, causing an ache Koushiro didn't understand. In some ways, she seemed so different than the woman he knew before. But he sensed that what had really changed was the way she related to him. He wondered if it was possible for them to get along better than before now that the pressure to synchronize disparate personalities and lifestyles was gone.

"Um," he muttered. "Will Desmond-san be there?"

"No. He made plans to meet up with friends, and probably have boxing matches with them."

Koushiro cringed. Desmond was a giant compared to the average Japanese man. "Um..."

Despite everything, Mimi's tinkling laugh made him smile. "Don't worry, it's all friendly. I'd kill him if he hurt himself or his friends."

A snort escaped Koushiro's control. Mimi might have been half Desmond's weight or less, but she could take him- and most men- down without lifting a finger. "No doubt."

Suddenly, Koushiro's amusement morphed into awkward dread. He had no way of knowing if Desmond was staying away for Koushiro's benefit, but he did know that Eimi planned to announce that they were dating while everyone was together. Although Mimi would probably take the news fairly well, no one deserved to have that publicly dumped on them.

He hesitated, panicking. What if telling Mimi was rude? What if she told Sora, denying Eimi the chance to tell their friends?"

"Koushiro-kun? What's up?"

"H-huh?" Koushiro stuttered. Mimi clicked her tongue.

"You were going, 'uhhhhh.' You okay?"

Somehow, Koushiro sucked down the groan sliding up his throat. "P-pardon me. I just... Please, Mimi-san. My intention isn't to be rude, and it certainly isn't to hurt you. It's just... My girlfriend will be at the dinner, and I realized that I had ought to warn you."

"Girlfriend?" Mimi echoed. It was hard for Koushiro to be sure without seeing her face, but Mimi sounded surprised. "Wow. That's- congrats, Koushiro-kun."

"Thank you." Even to his own ears, Koushiro sounded robotic. "Um- And- Well, I can't ask her not to attend. When it comes to seniority, she outranks all of us, save for Taichi-san, perhaps."

There was a pause, followed by a shaky breathing sound. "You mean Eimi-chan."

Koushiro swallowed hard. How was he supposed to proceed? While Eimi and Mimi weren't especially close, they seemed to think well of one another. He should have seen this coming and asked Eimi how to tell Mimi about them. All he could do now was state facts and sweat over them.

"Yes. We, um, just started dating." He waited for her to speak, and found himself babbling into the void. "Er- I, um, I'm sorry. I just... thought it would be better to tell you now."

In a soft, subdued voice that hardly sounded like hers, Mimi said, "It is. And I'm happy for both of you. She's doing better, then?"

"Much better, thankfully. She's finally well enough to travel to Odaiba and see her friends and family. At the risk of being rude... I won't ask her to give up this dinner."

A soft chuckle cracked through the receiver. "Good. You shouldn't. If you don't mind, though, I'd still like to come."

"Oh, uh." For some reason, Koushiro had assumed that Mimi would no longer want to attend. That was foolish; he knew better than anyone that Mimi rarely felt awkward. "Do you mind if I talk to Eimi-san about it? I have no reason to believe that she'll say no, but..."

Koushiro grimaced as a pause lagged on. "I… guess that's fair."

"Um, okay. I, um, I'll text you with her answer?" His voice was higher than usual, and a touch squeaky. He cleared his throat and desperately tried to remember how he normally sounded.

"Sure. And, Koushiro-kun?"

"Y-yes?"

"I really am happy for you. Take care."

Koushiro sputtered a farewell, then lowered his mobile, staring at Mimi's contact image. Slowly, his jittery heart rate slowed to normal. Sighing, he placed his phone on a side table and oozed into the sofa with all the structural integrity of jello.

He wasn't sure how he felt about seeing Mimi again. He couldn't possibly guess how Eimi would react.

XXX

Eimi looked up from her book when Koushiro entered the living room from the office. He smiled when their eyes met, but his exhaustion was obvious from a distance.

Perhaps she should have waited for Koushiro to open the conversation, but panic quickened her heartbeat and forced the words out. "Oh, Koushiro-kun. Are you okay? How are things with Jyou?"

Koushiro remained silent as he approached. He sat beside her on the sofa, and Eimi placed her book on the coffee table. When she leaned closer to him, he wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"We'll be fine, I think. Frankly, even if we hadn't been friends for so long, we would have reached a truce for your sake."

"A truce?" Eimi gripped Koushiro's knee for support. "I, I don't want you to just... politely dance around each other-"

Koushiro sighed and patted her shoulder. "We won't. We're still planning to meet up for Jyou's results. I don't think it will take long to recover from this."

Eimi struggled for magic words that would fix everything. Sadly, the best she could do was, "I know it's... messy. But I promise you, there's nothing to worry about."

"Eimi-san."

The seriousness of his tone arrested her attention. Eimi turned to Koushiro automatically and felt a trill of attraction at the earnestness and focus in his eyes.

"I don't want to be needy," he said. "And I don't mean to imply distrust towards you. But- forgive me- I, I have to ask, just one more time... Are you... Are you interested in Jyou? Is, is there any lingering..."

He trailed off, and uncertainty weakened that serious expression. Eimi cupped his face with both of her hands and leaned in, needing to convey a connection as much as she could.

"When Jyou last asked me to date him a few years ago... I tried. We tested it out a few times, but... I couldn't. The person he needs... It's not me. I do love him. He's my family. But the person I need..." Inexplicably, heat rushed to Eimi's face. She had thought that her confession was a hurdle, and after clearing it, telling Koushiro how she felt would be easy. How quickly she learned that there was no such thing as an ending point with dreams and love.

Despite her best effort, her gaze fell from Koushiro's eyes. "I need you," she whispered. "I want you. I love you- and no one else will do."

His hands curled around hers, gently lowering them from his face. Then, his lips were on hers, and Eimi melted into him. When they parted, she leaned forward, desperate for more.

In a thick, rough voice, he said, "Thank you. I won't ask again. There's no need."

"I'll tell you any time."

Koushiro cleared his throat, and Eimi wondered if he felt as overwhelmed as she did. She wasn't sure what Koushiro was ready to do, physically. But right now, she knew exactly what she wanted.

Koushiro ran a hand through his hair and looked away from her. "Ah- While we're on the subject- Well, I suppose I'm returning to it? Um."

Eimi swallowed a sigh, knowing that Koushiro was stepping back from the lightening storm of desire that had formed and dispersed so quickly. "Ah, about that dinner in Odaiba that Taichi-san mentioned..."

Eimi brightened, soothed by the pleasant topic. "I'm really looking forward to it! I wonder how much Hikari is showing now?"

"Ah..." Koushiro's tense body language caused a responding spike in anxiety.

"Koushiro-kun?"

"Pardon me. It's just... Mimi-san asked me if I would be comfortable with her attending the dinner. I told her that I don't have the right to bar her, but then... Well. I know that you want to tell our friends that we're dating there. I hope you don't mind, but... I told Mimi-san that we're together, and that I wanted to ask you if you were comfortable with her attending."

Eimi stared at Koushiro, stunned. He winced and took hold of her hand. "Forgive me. Perhaps I should have asked you before telling her?"

"N-no." Eimi closed her eyes and scraped for focus, but her brain was numb with shock and discomfort. "Um- Okay. Uh. In that case, we should tell our friends beforehand. We can't announce it in front of your ex like that."

"I'm sorry. I truly didn't intend to spoil your plans."

Eimi waved a hand. "No, it's not- not your fault. I didn't expect... Tachikawa-san."

"I can ask her not to attend," Koushiro said quickly. "I already warned her that we might."

Eimi paused, struggling to work through her thoughts. "No," she said at last. "I don't want to start our relationship by turning people away. If you're comfortable with it, then Tachikawa-san should come."

Koushiro threaded his fingers through hers. "I'm... not sure how I feel about it. I don't want to lose Mimi-san as a friend, but... I admit that I'm not sure if I'm ready to see her in person."

Without realizing it, Eimi gripped his hand hard. "Um... Is that because... Something is still... there?"

"No." Koushiro smiled, but his face seemed stiff. "Forgive me. I'm afraid I lack your eloquence, but... You have nothing to fear. My affection is yours, and Mimi-san is dating her photographer. But seeing her again... Our breakup was mostly amicable, but… We hurt one another."

He broke off and closed his eyes, and Eimi almost wondered if he would drop into sleep. He seemed weary in a way that had little to do with his body. She moved closer, offering her shoulder to support him. "I didn't intend to, but I... Well, you've likely seen the fashion show recording."

"No." Koushiro wasn't looking, so Eimi allowed herself a deep wince. It had never occurred to her to view a painful moment in Koushiro and Mimi's lives. "But... you told me what happened."

"I hurt her," Koushiro whispered. "Deeply. It set back her career, although thankfully, she's too talented for any damage to be permanent. I'm afraid that, when I see her, I'll fixate on the wrong I've done her, and I won't be able to interact normally. Worse yet..."

Eimi snuggled in, not knowing how else to support him. His head rested against hers. "You also have a public career," he murmured. "I'm afraid of damaging yours somehow."

"Don't worry. I'm on hiatus right now, regardless. And Kaede-san and I have carefully cultivated a certain image for me."

Apparently, this intrigued Koushiro enough for him to shift for a view of her face. "Oh?"

Eimi grinned. "Yep. Private is the magic word. It's understood and accepted that I might hide at my own party, or even bail on it. And if I do..." She waved a hand airily. "Oh, you know those creative types. They're eccentric."

Koushiro's weak laugh lightened her heart. "Is that so? Image was paramount for Mimi-san."

"Yes," Eimi said, trying to emphasize the point. "I'm not selling my image; I'm selling my music. If anyone messes up my career, it will be me, thank you very much."

"I see... So, shall I tell Mimi-san that you don't mind her attending?"

"Sure," Eimi replied. "We'll tell our friends over the phone. I probably would have let something slip before then, anyway."

"If you're sure." Eimi nodded, and Koushiro slouched into her, finally leaning on her. "So, is that everything? I had no idea there was so much unspoken..."

"I sure hope it is," Eimi sighed. "I'm exhausted. But... I'm also glad it's all out there."

Koushiro dropped his cheek on her head and sighed. A long, silent interval passed, and Eimi shut her eyes and listened to their breathing. She was beginning to doze when Koushiro murmured, "Eimi-san? Do you think… Do you think we did the right thing?"

Eimi jerked, and Koushiro swayed with her. He lifted his head in time to blink down at her, eyes widening at her expression. "Ah- forgive me- I didn't mean to offend-"

Eimi bit her lip, holding back frightened, hurt words. Sensing her distress, Aegis rose from a dog bed near the sofa and sat by her. She turned her focus to him, clawing for calm while she pet him. "Being with you isn't a mistake," she said through gritted teeth.

"I'm sorry," Koushiro sighed. He slid into her and grasped her shoulder, but Eimi remained angled towards Aegis. "I should have taken more care with my phrasing. What I meant was… There's so much… Pain. Things are awkward between Mimi-san and me, and now between Jyou and me, as well… How could something so precious hurt other people I care for?"

Eimi hesitated. Her heart palpitated at the word precious, but stung at the rest. She smooched Aegis' nose, needing the comfort. "Our being together isn't hurting anyone. What's actually hurting people is… The struggle to accept what is, and what isn't."

Koushiro leaned forward, joining her in petting Aegis. "I… almost understand?"

Sighing, Eimi dropped her head on his shoulder. "You and Tachikawa-san… Well, you had good times, right? Knowing those are gone is painful. For a while, there will probably be… Tension? Sadness? While you come to terms with the fact that what could have been is… dead, functionally."

"You're suggesting that what I'm feeling is a type of mourning?"

"Sort of. Jyou and Tachikawa-san, too." Eimi scratched behind Aegis' ear and managed a faint smile as his back leg beat the floor. "Is it weird that I kind of feel like the bad guy? I'm the one who got what I wanted, even though it's painful for Jyou."

Eimi twitched when a hand slid against her cheek. Gently, Koushiro tipped her head away from Aegis and towards him. The concern in his eyes caused an ache deep in her chest. "Jyou wouldn't want that. If you require proof, then call him and ask. And if what you want is me… Then there's no guilt in accepting what I'm giving freely."

Eimi pretended not to feel the heat spreading across her skin. "T-thank you. What I mean is… We're not hurting each other. We all just… have to come to terms with what is. And sometimes, that's… really hard."

Koushiro nodded, released her, and leaned back. Seconds ticked by, but the heavy atmosphere failed to disperse. Eimi was struggling not to sigh when Aegis whined. Blinking, she turned to the dog and tipped her head. Koushiro chuckled when Aegis copied her.

"Oh!" Eimi smacked her forehead. "It's time for his walk!"

Aegis barked at the word 'walk,' and Eimi stood. "Sorry, boy. We got too wrapped up in our drama, huh?"

She took a few steps towards the door, but paused when she heard movement behind her. Koushiro offered a small smile. "Would you mind if I joined you? I'd benefit from some fresh air."

Eimi hesitated, overwhelmed by a clamor of emotions. These domestic moments with Koushiro left her giddy, unable to think like a reasonable adult. Meanwhile, the slurry of guilt and worry still hung over her like a misty rain. Beneath all of that, knowledge learned long ago whispered, trying to catch her attention. Eimi willed herself to focus, to listen, and slowly, things fell into place.

"This is good. Getting out, changing the scenery, light exercise… This is what I'm supposed to do when I'm stuck in a bad place, emotionally." And if you're with me, so much the better.

Koushiro cleared his throat. "So I've heard. I've only had the one session so far, but my therapist recommended it." With a rueful smile, he added, "Apparently, my penchant for shutting myself up in a room to work is concerning."

Eimi froze in the middle of putting on her sneakers. "You had your first session already?"

"Yes, over webcam."

She tried and failed to stuff her foot into a shoe. "That's so great! Did you like your therapist? How did it go?"

Koushiro knelt beside her and reached for his shoes, gently batting Aegis' head away. "I'm… not sure. I admit that I didn't enjoy the feeling that he was… analyzing me." His voice dropped, and Eimi looked up in time to see him grimace. "Trying to discern what's wrong with me."

"Koushiro-kun!" His head snapped up in response to the urgency in her voice. "There is nothing wrong with you. Don't say that, please. You're amazing!"

His eyes widened, and, for a second, Eimi could have sworn that they were watering. He cleared his throat, but when he spoke, his voice still sounded rough. "T-thank you…"

Sensing his hesitance, Eimi hastened to expand before he could express more negativity towards himself. Her primary goal was to support him, but she also couldn't bear to hear him tear himself down. "You're not in therapy because something's wrong. You're in therapy because… There's no such thing as a life without pain. No one can navigate this world without taking damage and learning bad habits from all of the other people hurting around them. Therapy gives you the tools to flourish, despite all of that."

She watched a lump slide down his throat. After a long pause, he croaked, "Eimi-san?"

"Y-yes?" Eimi couldn't explain why, but something about the pleading, vulnerable look in his eyes left her jittery. That sensation leaped in intensity when he grabbed her hand and squeezed.

"At the risk of being needy… Could you please continue to tell me these things when you feel I need to hear them?"

Jitters morphed to wooziness. Eimi couldn't help recalling the frustration and pain of knocking on doors that Koushiro kept shut tight. Finding them open wide for her now was incredible, but also a bit disorienting. "S-sure, but… Why do you ask?"

He finished putting on his shoes, rose, and stepped towards the front door, where Aegis' leash hung from a hook. Just when Eimi had given up on receiving an answer, he murmured, "Because when it comes from you… I find myself believing."

Eimi felt her jaw drop, but was too stunned to do anything about it. She focused on her shoes, not knowing what else to do. She heard the clicking of Koushiro latching the leash to Aegis' collar as if from far away.

Soon, his hand slipped into her sight, and she slid hers into his. He helped her rise, and they stepped into the warm summer evening.

Author's Notes: About 6 to 9 updates remain. Next up it Tutti, Pt 1, which features Jyou finding out if he became a doctor and the group dinner in Odaiba. Please look forward to it!

PS: After the final chapter, Resonance, there miiiiight be an Encore epilogue chapter for you… But just like in a live concert, there will only be an encore if the audience requests it. So if you want to hear an encore, speak up now!