In front of the Baji family grave stood a young female figure in dark clothes, her head covered by a black scarf. The two were slightly taken aback, looking at each other in confusion. The girl noticed them and turned around. It was exactly the one Kazutora feared it might be.

- Auntie! - the girl exclaimed with excitement. - It's been ages! How are you doing? - she run up to Baji's mom, hugging her.

- Fuyuko...? Is that you? My god, have you grown up! What a beauty! It's so good to see you, dear! But when did you come back? Where's your father?

- It's great to see you too, auntie! I missed you! Father and Mother stayed in the US, because of the business, but I came back just the other day. And I'm not going anywhere anymore! I'll open a company branch here in Tokyo, so I can stay with you! I'm so sorry I haven't come sooner...

- Don't apologize, darling, I know how it is. I'm just so glad to see you. I'm sure Keisuke is, too.

- Yeah... I haven't been here since Kei-nii passed away. I wish we had more time to make memories as children, but...

- I know... But there's no going back now. We have to learn to move on, dear.

Meanwhile, Kazutora just stood back, petrified.

- Oh, by the way, this is Kazutora-kun, Keisuke's friend. He's been kindly taking care of me lately, and I see him as a son. - she pointed to Kazutora.

The cutting feeling in his stomach just went over 9000. He was almost about to pass out.

- Hanemiya Kazutora, miss! Pleased to make your acquaintance! - he exclaimed awkwardly, his nervousness evident in his bow.

She chuckled lightly, and extended her right hand to him for a handshake. - Tsukishiro Fuyuko. Nice to officially meet you, Hanemiya-san. - She gave Kazutora another one of those smiles that set his mind and body ablaze each time. He hesitantly accepted the handshake, his cheeks instantly turning tomato red upon touching her hand.

- Officially? Have you two met before? - Baji's mom was curious.

- Oh, yeah, I visited the shop where he works the other day!

- Really? How interesting! - Mrs. Baji was amused with the coincidence. - Did you get a pet?

- I actually got one for you, auntie! But it was supposed to be a birthday surprise! Oh well, since I'm busted... can I come over on Saturday?

"Saturday... she invited Chifuyu and me over on Saturday... Right! It must be her birthday on Saturday! Shit..."

- Oh, absolutely, dear! Why even ask! Besides, I'd love to have all of my unofficial children with me that day... I'm sure it would make Keisuke happy as well.

- So, more people are coming? - Fuyuko was curious.

- Yeah, I invited Kazutora-kun and Chifuyu-kun over as well. Do you remember Chifuyu-kun?

- Oh, of course, I do! How is he doing nowadays?

- He's... he's my boss, actually. I work in his shop. - Kazutora said shyly.

- No way! Oh my... that's amazing! I'd really love to see him too, and catch up!

In order to catch a break from the awkward social situation, Kazutora excused himself for a while, to go visit Shin'ichiro's grave in hopes of regaining his composure. He left Baji's mom and cousin to talk in peace.

"Good lord...! Unless I die of shame and guilt from my deeds, that smile of hers is gonna be the death of me for sure! Is she trying to kill me, or something?!" His heart was racing so fast, as if it wanted to jump out of his chest.

"A girl, huh..." He wasn't quite that oblivious as if not to know what's going on with him. He started liking her. For the first time in his life, he developed a crush on a girl. For the first time in his life, he had a chance to be involved with the opposite sex, since he spent 12 years of his youth in prison. As much as he was rehabilitated in general social terms, enough to function normally in everyday life, his experience with girls was still nonexistent. Indeed, back in his school days, girls did find him attractive, but he was preoccupied with his delinquent life. So, it's not that he wasn't interested in girls, he just never had a real chance. And even after getting out of jail, that he technically could find a girlfriend, he never considered himself worthy of love. "Who could ever even look my way? I'm a murderer. No one would be interested in a murderer. No one deserves a lowlife like me..." But now, to make matters the worst possible, the fate brought him none other than Baji's cousin for him to fall for. He was frustrated at the fact, but also amused by the sheer irony of it, and considered it a part of his punishment, that he'd end up liking the one girl he'd, logically speaking, have the least possible chance with. "She'll hate my guts when she finds out who I really am... And rightfully so. I don't have a right to try to hide it from her." He had no choice but to accept his fate yet again.

The following day he told Chifuyu everything that happened, and he agreed to go visit Baji's mom for her birthday. The said Saturday evening came, and Chifuyu drove up to Kazutora's apartment to pick him up. Seeing him dressed up a bit from his usual clothes, Chifuyu couldn't help but tease the shit out of him.

- Ooohh! - he shouted mockingly, whistling at him.

- Give me a break, Chifuyu, please... - Kazutora wasn't amused.

- Well, well, well... look. at. you. Mr. Handsome! You hoping to get lucky with Fuyuko, huh? - He teasingly elbowed the annoyed Kazutora, who could only sigh at his boss' antics.

- It's not like that... besides, you yourself are all fancied up, why making fun of me alone?

- Because you're always either wearing the shop apron, or some rags. At least I'm always dressed smart. - Chifuyu was ruthlessly honest.

- Hn... Let's go already! - Kazutora slammed the car door shut.

- Heeeyy! Don't go breaking my car...!

- Sorry.

- You don't mean it.

- Well, of course I don't. Your car's just fine, and I ended up apologizing to you, even though you weren't fair to me... - he got agitated.

- Hey man, chill down, I'm kidding, alright?! I saw you developing love at first sight the other day, your dumb face was as obvious as it could get! And I don't blame you... She sure grew up to be an eye candy...

- Oi, Chifuyu! The language...!

- Hahaa... who's getting jealous and protective all of sudden~? - Chifuyu had the time of his life while teasing Kazutora.

- You jerk... - Kazutora said under his breath.

- What was that?! Calling your boss a jerk?! You're getting your salary cut in half, gentleman!

- You're fucking with me right now, aren't you...? - Kazutora was losing his patience.

- Yup! I'm enjoying this a bit too much, sorry... - Chifuyu laughed.

Kazutora rolled his eyes and groaned. Chifuyu chuckled.

- Seriously though, Tora... You think you stand a chance?

Kazutora took a deep sigh. - No idea.

- Want me to be your wingman? - he winked at him.

- Mind your own business! - Kazutora sulked.

- Aight~! - Chifuyu started humming some random tune. - But if you ever need some advice on girls, your boss is always there for you! - he patted Kazutora on the shoulder, his voice overflowing with friendly mockery.

- I wonder how the hell Baji dealt with you on a daily basis...

Chifuyu instantly got all serious at the mention of Baji. - Baji-san was something else in every aspect.

- I guess you're right...

The mood suddenly got a lot heavier.

- I know you were his underling, and you're my boss, that changes things a lot, I get it.

- I hated you, Tora. For a looong, long time. But if Baji-san died in order to protect your ass, then who am I to hate you? ...And besides, for these past two years you've been working for me, I kinda started liking you. You're not a bad guy deep down. Animals love you, just as they loved Baji-san. If that's not a proof enough, I don't know what is.

- Chifuyu... - Kazutora was deeply moved by his boss's words. "You're not a bad guy deep down." Nobody ever told him that before. - Thank you, man!

- We're here! Chifuyu stopped the car in front of the Baji house. - You brought the presents with you?

- They're right here! - Kazutora pointed to a bag of wine and chocolates.

- Alright then, let's go!

- And what about the flowers? Weren't YOU supposed to bring some?

- And who says I didn't? - Chifuyu opened the car luggage, taking out a beautifully arranged bouquet. - See? I forget nothing! - he smirked, making Kazutora roll his eyes in annoyance.

- Show off...