The lunch bell rang after assembly. I politely excused myself from my friends, went to grab the scarf, and as discreetly as possible, followed Usui through the hallway. I was surprised when he opened the door leading up to the rooftop. Still determined to thank him and return his scarf, I trailed behind, letting the door shut behind me.

I waited for a second before revealing myself to him up there; we were the only ones around. I stepped out and his turned to gaze at me. His face wore an expression of surprise for some reason. His lips parted a sliver as I hesitantly approached him, mindful not to get too close. Neither of us said anything for a moment, instead awkwardly looking at each other; at least it was awkward for me. Eventually I held the scarf out towards him.

"I-I wanted to thank you… for yesterday," my voice shyly whispered. "How are you doing?" "Better. Nothing's happened between now and then, so…." "Good," he looked forward as the cool wind swept through our hair. "Here, I brought your scarf," I wasn't sure what to do or say next. This was first time we'd actually talked to each other like this. "Keep it," he didn't hesitate to reply. I blinked puzzled. "But….. it's yours. I was planning on giving it back to you." Usui waited to speak for a minute, keeping his eyes locked on this sky out in front of him.

"I wasn't lying, you know; when I said you're strong. I think you're the strongest person I've met here on campus." "W-what makes you say that?" My hand rose to my beating chest. Usui didn't answer right away. Instead, he stood up and looked at me. He was staring straight at me just now…. My cheeks couldn't help but blush ever so slightly. Our eyes locked with his lowering onto me. "Nothing is so strong as your gentleness, especially when you have several reasons not to be gentle."