A few days will mark the 5th anniversary of this story. It has been a long journey on a short road. This chapter was written a few years ago. I'm not satisfied with the length, but there is no benefit in it collecting dust in my drive. I hope it can provide even just a bit of enjoyment for you all.

Misaki warily opened the door. She called out his name but was met with no answer. Peeking her head through the door, Misaki was surprised to see the empty washroom. The water was left running and steam clouded her vision.

She cautiously took a few steps forward, stopping after she felt something under her feet. She reached for the item and studied the material with her fingertips.

Thoughts stirred past her mind. Was this some sort of joke? Where was Takumi?

She unconsciously brought the shirt up to her nose. She sighed in contentment, then quickly released the shirt before she could regret her actions. She made her way to the shower to turn off the water. While reaching for the nozzle, her peripheral vision spotted a flash of blond.

Her body froze and her heart pounded in her ears. Keeping her eyes trained on the nozzle, Misaki turned the water off, then quickly scrambled away.

Her breathing sped up as she assessed the situation. This could all be another one of his perverted antics, but he was too quiet for her taste. She made her way back to the shower curtain and moved it enough for her to see his face. He was asleep.

Swallowing her embarrassment, she hurriedly called out his name.

He momentarily scrunched his face before his eyes popped open. A few seconds passed while he took in his surroundings. He looked at her in panic, then quickly tore the curtain out of her hands to shield himself.

"What are you doing, Misaki?" He spoke fast.

"What do you mean "what am I doing"? I should be asking y–"

"Just, please!"

Misaki had never heard Takumi sound so desperate. She left the bathroom without another word, confused and embarrassed over what had just transpired.

She didn't have to wait long before she heard the knob turn. Takumi stared at her wide-eyed and Misaki mirrored his look.

He cleared his throat before he started speaking. "Hi."

Misaki forgot her own awkwardness upon noticing his own. She gingerly placed the back of her hand to his forehead.

"As I thought, you're burning up."

For the next few minutes, Takumi wordlessly listened to Misaki's concerns and reprimands. Once she was done, she waited for his response. He failed to even meet her eyes.

Takumi was a puzzle, but she had an inkling as to what was going through his head. "I didn't see… anything," she said slowly.

That caught his attention. A dusting of pink spread across his cheeks as he replied. "I'm sorry, I… I shouldn't have reacted so rashly. You know, perverted aliens get embarrassed sometimes as well."

Misaki suddenly understood why her boyfriend would always go through great lengths to rattle her. Embarrassed Takumi was an endearing sight. It was a nice change to not be the only one who was flustered. Takumi wasn't just an alien; there was some human in him as well.

I don't know if I will be continuing this story. I definitely miss all the friends I've made and the stories I've read in this fandom. I'm getting all sappy but a big part of me doesn't want to let it go D':

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