You thought this chapter was over? Nah fam, I got lost Fte's to show.

FYI an omake is a short 4-panel strip in manga and it's used as a bonus. I felt like it would only be right to give my two poor vict- I mean characters a proper farewell by showing their Fte's. So, please enjoy Ainosuke's Fte's.

Free Time Events Unlocked!

It's a beautiful day. The sun is shining, everyone is walking around and…and…and…and…and...and…

No one is dead yet.

Hm? What…what was I doing?

…

Doesn't matter. I should probably socialize with people while they're still alive.

Despite my doubts and the for some reason growing confusion in my chest, my legs direct me to the Kumachrome shop. He doesn't even look up from his book as I walk past him, straight for the vending machine. I put in a coin and turn the knob.

A tube of eyeliner falls out.

Well, there are some girls who look like they might appreciate eyeliner. Although, I guess Ainosuke uses make-up too. Maybe I should see if he likes it.

I find him cross legged on the grass, enjoying the sun. A gust of wind blows the hair from his eyes. He turns his head towards me when he hears me approach.

"My, good morning Yurika. Wish to join me?"

I only nod and sit down next to him. The sun is strangely pleasant, washing away doubts and nightmares and…

Other things.

I lean back and let the warmth comfort me. It's like a warm blanket, telling me it's alright. I almost drift to sleep when the eyeliner in my pocket rolls out.

Oh yeah, I guess I should give it to him.

He looks puzzled when I lazily hand the eyeliner to him. "Oh? A gift? Why thank you, I'm sure I can use this."

Score!

We continue to relax in the sun. Out of nowhere, a curious question appears in my head, one that should have had an answer, but didn't. "Why did you decide to match make people?"

He remains silent. I can only guess it's a touchy subject.

"Alright, wrong question. When and why did you decide to start a blog?"

The silence continues. Just as I'm about to give up and try to change the subject…

"Because I didn't want people to become trapped in an unhappy marriage."

I look to the side. His hair is in the way, but the tone in his voice is sad. "My parents…weren't happy with each other. I guess they had me to patch up the relationship, but it only made it worse. Ever since I was little, I remember them fighting about the smallest things. Because of that, I didn't like going home. So, I tried to come and play at the other kids' homes. From there, I picked up quickly that my home wasn't the normal standard. Parents were supposed to love each other, not hate them."

Feeling uncomfortable and bad for making him talk about it, I speak up. "I'm sorry…"

To my surprise, he chuckles. "No, don't worry. It's not the end of the world or anything. Besides, my parents split up a few years ago. Guess they couldn't handle me on top of their relationship. If there was one thing they agreed on, it was my 'horrible' life choices."

He plays with his hair, running his finger over the pink dyed streak. "My blog, my work, my fashion choices…they hated it from the start. Asked me where they had gone wrong. I didn't have the heart to tell them it was their hate for each other that fueled me into making sure no kid would have to deal with what happened to me."

"You should have told them." I quietly say to him. "Otherwise they won't learn what they did wrong. And may end up doing the same thing again, should they want to remarry."

Again, Ainosuke chuckles. "I doubt so. These two were the first real clients I ever had…not that any of them know what I did to make sure my parents found people they were happy with."

I can't hold back a grin. "Does that mean you have four parents now? Must be fun in the 'my father can beat up your father' game."

The laugh he gives is heartily and sweet. "Haha, yeah. They marked the beginning of my job. Before, I had set up a blog, mainly to talk about ships and give relationship advice, but I found I liked it better when I actually got to see the person first hand. You notice a lot more about people that way. For example…"

He turns to look at me, a glint in his eyes. "Your stance is slouched, and you yawn pretty often, so much I don't think you even notice. When you sit down, you let your weight fall onto the chair. All of this suggest you have trouble sleeping and often make all-nighters."

I'm stunned silent from his analysis. "Wow, you're good. It's…creepy, almost."

He immediately flinches. "Oops, did I creep you out? I tend to do that, especially when I'm rambling about the beauty of true love and—"

"I get it, don't worry, at least you're aware of it."

"Thanks."

I can't help but chuckle. "So, you set up a blog about ships? Shipping got you your talent?"

He gives me a little mock-bow. "Even more so, shipping is my talent. I had already given lots of relationship advice from when I was little, but, when you're young, you don't understand every part of a relationship. And indeed, my blog did start out to talk about and criticize romantic relationships in all works of fiction. In the beginning, my arguments were weak, but I learnt from other blogs and professional books about love and relations. Before I knew it, my blog blew up. I went from shipping fictional characters to answering questions from askers which anime character would suit them best to serious relationship advice. And, like I told you, I found I preferred real life contact. From there, it's all history."

The wind picks up again, blowing his hair away. "I'm happy with what I've achieved. I get to make people happy, my parents are civil with each other and I feel like I make a difference in the world. I just wish my family would be more agreeable with my choices in life, but…it doesn't matter to me anymore who approves of my life or not. I'm already making my own path and all they can do is either accept it or move on."

With a swing of his legs, he gets up and looks at me. "I am willing to change, but not what I stand for."

But I can't find it in myself to disagree. "Honestly, I think this style suits you. Don't change that."

For some reason, he blushes a little and I can't help but think it's adorable.

I think I learnt a little more about Ainosuke today.

We split up not long after, waving each other goodbyes. Rolling my stiff shoulders, I unlock the door and walk—

The sky is a bright blue and the sun is warm. With a stir, I wake up my sleep. Hm? How long have I…when did I…whatever…

I stand up, pat the grass off me and head for the Kumachrome shop. The shop is empty, not even Kumachrome sitting at the counter. A sign is hanging in his place, saying: "Out to lunch. Don't steal my shit."

Do robotic bears even eat?

With another coin, I roll another present from the vending machine. This time, a skull ring falls out. Ah, that's easy. I know just the person who might like this…

I spot Ainosuke in the cafeteria, enjoying a cup of tea. I get a glass of orange juice and then sit down next to him. He raises an eyebrow, but then smiles at me. We continue to drink in silence.

Hm, I should give this to him.

He is pleasantly amused and surprised by the skull ring. "A gift for me? Ah, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

He likes it!

I start playing with my glass a little until a question pops up. "Hey, Aino? So, you have been match making so many people, but have you ever fallen for someone yourself?"

Waiting for his answer, I run my hand through my hair. However, the answer never comes. He just remains silent, staring off into the distance.

"Ainosuke?"

"Hm, oh, sorry, what were you saying?"

I frown. "I was asking if you ever gotten a crush on someone. You meet so many people, was there never someone who tickled your fancy?"

My way of phrasing causes him to burst out in giggles. "I like that phrase. I should write that down sometimes."

This is starting to get annoying.

"You're avoiding the question. Again."

But to my chagrin, he turns his head away to look outside. "Hey, looks like Noriko finally got Kikoi to talk to her. I'm relieved, the poor girl is so shy, she can hardly talk to anyone but Masato. Makes me wonder if there is something more to it."

"Dude, what's up with you? You keep avoiding my questions. First of all: rude, second of all: that's not like you."

I expect him to avoid me again. But then he suddenly stands up, knocking away the chair in the progress. His glare is genuinely terrifying.

"Why are you so interested in my love life?"

Oh no, he didn't.

I knock away the chair as well. "Because you are always interested in the love life of others. Hell, your talent is the entire point of that! Is it that difficult to have the tables turned or something?"

"I only actively pry in the lives of others when they ask me to, or haven't you noticed I haven't asked a single thing about you or your life the entire time we've spend together?"

Low blow dude, low blow.

"Well, you could have communicated that! How am I supposed to know that you were waiting for me to talk about my life?"

He rolls his eyes. "Really, you're that oblivious? Guess I should indeed start making things clearer then. I. Don't. Talk. About. My. Love life."

"Why?" I sarcastically ask him. "Is it because you don't have one?"

To my surprise however, he just looks away. Something clicks in my head. "Wait, I was right? You've met so many people in your life and yet you haven't found a single person for yourself?"

Ainosuke looks at me, sighs deeply and nods. "It's not that easy. When I pair someone up, I always look for other people, never myself. I couldn't do that to them. Besides, I…have never met someone who I saw as more than a friend."

"No one?" I genuinely ask. "Not even a celebrity crush?"

He solemnly shakes his head. "I always thought people getting thirsty over characters or actors was a sort of joke I wasn't cued into."

"Oof, that's rough." I can't help but comment. "But, you love seeing, you know, love between other people. How does that work?"

He shifts somewhat uncomfortably. "When I saw what love wasn't was, it became easier to see what love actually is. When I learnt what type of people don't go together, I started recognizing which types do match. And when I learnt what weren't signs of love, I found which signs were. It's a bit like a puzzle. A human one involving emotions. Which is why I can't figure out why I just can't muster up any romantic love for someone. I looked at all genders, tried dating a few times, but there just wasn't a click. I've never met someone who I'd want to spend the rest of my love with, or just have a one-night stand. It…confuses me…"

I keep listening, but with every words, a gear turns in my head. When his speech is finished, there is a click. On sheer impulse, I grab his wrist, almost hurting myself on his spiked wristbands and make him turn his attention to me.

"Ainosuke. Is it possible you're aro-ace?"

"…What?"

His confused expression doesn't change. I sigh.

"Is it possible you're aromantic and asexual?"

He just blinks owlishly at me. Oh wow. A matchmaker who doesn't know about aro-ace people. What has the world come to?

I prepare what I want to say in my head and start explaining. "There are people in the world who don't experience sexual attraction. That's asexual. They can't either dislike sex, or just don't care about it at all and prefer something else. Other people can't feel romantic attraction. They can't fall in love with people, but still form close relationships with them. Those are aromantic. From what you've told me, you seem to be both."

Minutes go by as he slowly takes in everything I've said. Bit by bit, realization dawns on him. "There are words for it." He finally whispers.

I can't help it. I have to smile. "Now you get it!"

He still seems a bit out of it though, as if he isn't really with me anymore. Impatiently, I snap my fingers in front of him. After the third time, he finally seems to snap (heh) out of it.

"Ah, uh, sorry. This is…I guess…this is a lot to take in. Eh, do you mind if we continue this talk another time? I need to think about this…"

I nod, and he walks away as he mutters to himself. Hm. Okay then. That…was strange. I guess it must be hard suddenly learning that there is a word for your problems. But…I guess…we both learnt a bit about him today.

After he leaves the cafeteria, I don't see more reason to stay much longer. I head out, the setting sun washing over me as I head for the dormitory. As I step inside I suddenly feel like—

I decide I shouldn't spend all day inside. The morning sun greets me as I walk outside. I feel like just lying on the grass and doing nothing all day, when I suddenly see Ainosuke trudging back inside. I can't help but frown.

Hm? What is he up. Oh right, maybe he is still thinking about what I said last night. Maybe I should stop and see how he is doing.

After a quick run to the Kumachrome shop and a novel in my hands, I walk up to Ainosuke's dorm room. I take a deep breath and knock.

No one's coming.

I knock again.

Maybe he isn't in his room after all.

Just as I want to turn around and leave, the door opens. Ainosuke looks at me and then smiles. "Ah, Yurika. Did you come here for a visit?"

I awkwardly rub my arm. "I wanted to see how you were doing. You know, after our last conversation…"

His face settles into a frown as he watches me getting more and more awkward by the minute. Then, He steps aside.

"Please, do come in."

It takes me a moment to register what he just said, but then I nod and step inside.

The inside of his room is just like how I imagined it would be. The red and pink hearts clash with the dark curtains and cushions on his chair. There are multiple scent candles in the rooms, giving off a slightly sweet smell. It's very atmospheric, although my body gets confused on whether I should be feeling relaxed or uncomfortable. But at this point, I've already seen that Ainosuke really is very sweet beneath his creepy demure and expressive fashion style.

I sit down on one of the chairs, reveling in the softness of the cushions. "Remind me to get a few of those." I joke.

"You don't have cushions in your room?" His tone sounds amused.

"Nah, it's pretty basic. I have a few pillows, but they're on my bed. The only chair in my room is a bureau chair. You know, one of those spinny ones."

He chuckles, but as his laughter fades away, the awkward tension between us rises. I have enough of it and cough in my hand.

"So, eh, are you okay? Bet it must have opened your eyes."

His eyes look away, but he nods. "Yeah. It was. I spend a lot of time thinking about it. It's just…it's crazy to think that after many years of feeling broken, turns out I'm not that weird after all."

I chuckle. "You might wanna rethink that statement."

The smile he gives me is half-hearted and it soon turns back into a frown. "Damn though. This complicates things."

Huh? "How so?"

When he doesn't immediately respond, I fear another argument is coming up. But then…

"Because the crime I committed truly was for nothing, and my goal of becoming a better person has become unsure."

What? His…crime? "What…what was your crime?"

He finally sits down across from me, a sad look on his face. "Truth to be told…I was apprehensive about spending time with you. Because I felt I didn't deserve it after the atrocity I have committed. Honestly, for the things I did, I should have spent time in a real jail. But my lawyer kept going on and on about it and how I shouldn't be given up on life."

He looks up. "Then, while in custody, she came to see me. She said she heard about the sentence and I told her I didn't deserve it. But she refused to let me drown in my little sob-story. I messed up, and if I really was a good person deep inside, I should take action and strife to show what I've learnt. That's what pushed me to agree with my sentence. I told her she was right and that I would use my time to shoulder the consequences of my actions and become someone she would feel comfortable hanging around again."

He takes another deep breath. "I hoped that when I got out, I could find someone to be in love with, so I can truly show how much I've changed. But if I'm both aromantic and asexual…well…what am I going to do afterwards?"

I don't immediately know the right words, but when I do, they're from the bottom of my heart. "You don't need to fall in love to be a good person. Honestly, just continue doing what you were doing before, but now as a better person. Lecture people on the errors of your ways, so they don't make the same mistake as yours."

He is silent for a moment. But then, a smile breaks through. "Thank you Yurika. You're right, it doesn't matter if I find someone in the future or not. What matters is how I treat them and the people around them."

I nod. "You're welcome."

He offers me a hand and I take it without hesitation. His grip is firm yet gentle. I may still have a lot of questions, but maybe some questions should go by unanswered. And as I look up at him, I no longer see a creepy matchmaker or an interesting person to talk to. I just see Ainosuke.

I feel our bound has deepened.

After spending a bit more time talking about the future, we part ways. I go straight to my room and open my E-Book.

"Ainosuke's parents hated each other, which is why Ainosuke wants to matchmake the right people, so they don't get stuck in an unhappy marriage. He set up a blog about shipping and gradually started to help people with advice about love. He is happy with his life, though he would for his parents to accept his life choices."

"Despite being a matchmaker, Ainosuke never had a crush on other people and gets very defensive about it. He understands why and how people are in love, but never experienced himself, what confuses him. When I told him that he may be aro-ace, it was like a door opened for him. Now I hope he is okay…"

"Now that he knows that he isn't broken, Ainosuke seems relieved. He told me he didn't originally want to talk to me, because he felt he didn't deserve it, just like the sentence for his crime. But a girl apparently convinced him to go through with it, so he can change, and he agreed, saying he will become a better person. And I believe in him."

I shut off the E-Book and smile. I made a bound with someone today. I hope it stays strong for a long time.

Alright, so next chapter is Kikoi's Fte's, so that chapter will be longer. I'm going on break soon too so it may take longer for that chapter to come out. Enjoy your summer!