Sitting on a bench

Side by side

Under the orange sky

Faint rays of sunlight

The trees swayed

The grass rustled

And the cold wind

Bearable

With someone

To keep you company.

"So. How did the date with Hayama go?"

"He called it off."

"Strange. I was thinking you were all stressed up because something between you two went-"

"Quiet you. Don't assume."

He chuckled to her snappy remark.

"Then tell me. What are you really so pissed about?"

"Oh, I don't know. Maybe it's because my best friend. Is messing around. with a snake of a woman. While I sit here watching. Helplessly!"

"Sarcasm, right there."

"I hate that bitch."

"Of course you do."

"Seriously."

She inched closer to him

Glaring at his face

A trace of red

On her cheeks.

"If your friend was out with another guy, how would you feel?"

"I guess I should celebrate her entry into womanhood?"

"Idiot!"

She pulled his collar closer.

"You are supposed to be all like, angry and jealous!"

"When did that become law?"

"It's an unspoken rule."

"Never heard of it. Why does this sound familiar?"

Friendzone?

"Ack-ouch!"

"That's not it!"

"Mind reader. You tell me."

"Say. Your friend comes home. She smells like that son of a bitch. And you can see hickeys on her neck."

"I-I wouldn't pay that close attention to her."

Her face turned crimson

Green eyes furious.

"P-please don't kill me."

"Next time you come home like that, mark my words. I. Will. Kill you."

"You are crazy!"

"So are you! Coming home in the middle of the night! I was waiting for you!"

"Why-"

"And then, all I can smell is that woman's scent! She even has her lipstick on your shirt!"

By god. Of course.

Memories of last time

The cunning temptress

One way or another

Was not going to let him off

Without a mark.

"O-okay detective. What's your point?"

"I hate her."

"You said that already."

"It's not fair."

"What's not fair? I thought you loved Haya-"

"Don't push it."

Her voice became cold

Menacing

The sharp end

Of the fire queen.

"Calm down..."

"Calm my ass. What was that kiss all about?"

"How do you know?"

"What do you mean, how do I know? You kissed me on the cheek!"

"Oh, that. Sorry."

"See, this is the kind of crap I'm talking about. Hachio, you don't just do that to any girl!"

"Noted. Do not kiss any girl."

She rubbed her temples

In frustration.

"Did you do that to her too?"

"I am not going to lie. Yes."

Her face paled

It was an unexpected answer

One she did not want to hear.

"Hachiman."

"Y-yes?"

"You are so dead."

She leapt forward

Her body crashed against his

With one more move

Before her lips touched his.

"Oi. T-this is becoming repetitive."

"Oh yes. I'll repeatedly hit you if you say such lies again."

"Fine, fine."

"It's not true. Is it?"

The truth

Is the wrong answer.

"No. I was just exaggerating."

"Whatever."

"Are we good?"

"No."

"Huh?"

"Not yet. Give me time, will you?"

"Sure. Take all the time you need."

"Hachi. Don't let the devil tempt you."

"Amen to that. By the way, I may have seen your grandmother at the meeting."

"And?"

"And what?"

"Don't be daft. Did she say anything about me? Or dad?"

"Well, she does love you. I think."

"You think?"

"Miyako-sama and your father seemed a bit cross with each other."

"True. I miss her."

"I feel you. She doesn't visit that often, does she?"

"No, not anymore."

Privacy and space

One of the highest forms of respect

Thus

Do not push on further.

In silence

Once again

Subtle understanding

Where words fail to conclude

Actions illustrate.

"This is the last week before the holiday break. Video games at my place?"

"Say no more. Let's go to places."

"Alright. As far as my energy will take me."

"That'll only get you up to the next street. Let's fly to Furano or something."

"Furano? The hell are we going to do there?"

"You'll see. We have a country house over there."

Scratching his chin

In contemplation

It would be a nice holiday

But he felt like staying in

For the winter.

As if she knew what he was thinking

It was decided.

"You are coming with me."

"But-"

"No buts. Next week?"

"Ah, damn it. Alright."