A quiet yawn escaped Makoto's mouth; his hand kept his head held up, keeping him awake through whatever remained of the lecture. It wasn't that he disliked coming to class, but something or rather someone was missing from class; someone who would usually keep him awake; someone he liked getting to see every day, even if they lived in the same dorm - that someone was Yukari.

She was here earlier, I wonder where she's at… he thought to himself, setting his sights on the school clock.

It wasn't like her to cut class, much less if she was already in school. He remembered seeing her earlier during lunch, but she had been distant then. She didn't even notice him calling out to her as she walked across the courtyard. Something was going on with her again, thought what that was remained a mystery for the teen.

Then a slight jolt from his phone vibrated throughout his pocket, snapping him out of his thoughts as he reached for the small device. The small rectangular display lit up with a "1 new message" prompt filling the screen's space. He flipped the small device open and noticed that the message was from Yukari.

Yukari: Let's meet on the rooftop after school. There's something I want to talk about.

Makoto: Talk about? Is everything okay? I tried talking to you earlier, but you seemed down.

Yukari: Yeah... it's minor don't worry about it.

He wanted to ask for clarification, but he knew Yukari better by now. Any further probing on his part would just cause her to clam up and cancel the meet-up altogether.

Makoto: Okay if you say so. I'll be there soon.

Yukari: Thanks.

Makoto closed his phone and turned his attention once again to the clock. The time on it read 3:55 pm.

"Five minutes to go." he sighed before refocusing on whatever remained of the class lecture.

The bell soon rang after, sending a swarm of students out of the classroom and into the hall as they hung out and discussed after school plans. Meanwhile, Makoto gathered his things and exited his class at a brisk pace, dodging all the students as he proceeded up the floors of building. It wasn't long before he was face to face with metal doors that led to the rooftop. He took hold of the door handle, twisting it open and revealing the afternoon sky carrying a gentle breeze of summer air.

A familiar brunette sat on one of the stone benches in the area, looking upwards as if she was lost in a daydream. Makoto approached her with a gentle stride; walking up behind her quietly.

"Hey," He started.

"Oh hey, sorry I didn't notice when you got here," Yukari replied.

"Don't apologize, I was purposefully trying to be quiet," Makoto wasn't one to joke so casually, but being down or distant wasn't Yukari's usual self either. "Anyway, what did you want to talk about?"

"About that… oh nevermind." she hesitated.

"What is it? I'll listen," he said in a calm voice waiting for her to continue.

"Well, maybe you forgot about it by now, but at Yakushima I said some stupid things," she cast her eyes down in shame as the bitter memory threatened to haunt her mind again. She tried so hard to convince herself that she had done nothing wrong, and it was everyone else's fault. Although, as the days passed, she realized that she too could have handled things better, at least the point where wouldn't so guilt ridden. "I wanted to apologize for that."

"Apologize? You didn't do anything to me."

"I did though. I selfishly ignored the fact that you lost your parents, and acted like you couldn't relate to me, it all makes me feel so horrible…"

"Yukari…"

"Don't say it," she interrupted him. "You've been looking after me for a while now anyway, so the least I could do is apologize right?"

Makoto nodded with a gentle smile. The pair looked up towards the sky in a comfortable silence; letting the light breeze run through each other's hair. It was strange, but Makoto felt like he was somehow closer to Yukari now, even if they were just friends; simply seeing her be relieved was enough for the blue-haired teen. He hadn't noticed when his attention had been drawn to her instead of the sky, but something about her just made him feel alive again. Yukari noticed he had been staring, causing her to blush.

"W-what is it?" she asked.

"Nothing, I-I just got lost for a second."

Another silence settled in between the teens, although more awkward than comfortable. All of this was indeed strange for the both them. They were just "friends" and yet they had already shared so many things about themselves and had much in common. Not necessarily the best things, but nonetheless relating to one another wasn't so hard.

Though they didn't much time to dwell on as the sudden breeze had picked up slightly, sending a much colder wind through the air.

"It's getting cold, we should head home." Yukari moved towards the exit, signaling Makoto to follow behind her. However, she came to an abrupt stop, turning around with a look of curiosity and shyness to ask something. "Actually there's this place I want to go to before going back, wanna come?"

"Yeah."

The pair left the roof, walking close to one another.

Flowers were filed neatly along a row of stands. Each type of flower was organized in such a way that even the casual buyer wouldn't mistake one for the other. Makoto had been standing a few feet away from Yukari who had been examining each flower, carefully picking each one making sure they were still in good condition.

She was very knowledgeable about what she preferred stating how overpowering lilies were, while also disliking roses. She went on and on about which one would be best, to which Makoto only listened, even if he himself didn't take much interest in the subject. It wasn't until she stopped suddenly and turned to him; he wondered what she was trying to do, only to see her talk again; this time in a much quieter voice.

"You know back in the day, my house used to be filled with flowers. All kinds of flowers actually, even to make you think my house was an in-door garden," a sad smile formed around her lips as memories of her childhood replayed themselves in her head. "It's funny my mom used to buy so many, but after Dad died, she stopped and soon they withered away. It felt like she had given up on honoring him, so I grew to dislike flowers for a short time."

"I see… though why now?" he asked.

"After that thing with us in Yakushima, I started thinking that if I set up flowers like mom used to, I would make dad happy somehow, wherever he may be." she let out a small chuckle thinking of the man she admired so much. It wasn't like Yukari to be so sentimental in front of people, yet whenever she was with Makoto she felt comfortable; comfortable that no matter what she told him, she could always trust him to understand. "Anyway, I'm getting off-topic, come on! I want to go buy lots of flowers right now!"

Yukari made her way to the clerk of the shop with Makoto following closely behind. He listened intently to his friend as she began asking for big bouquets.

"Excuse me, how much for a large bouquet of 2000 yen?"

"About twelve flowers, honey." The older woman responded.

"Oh, only that many?" she sighed in disappointment. "Is there a chance you could add just a few more?"

The clerk shook her head, making it clear that if she wanted more flowers she would have to buy more. Normally, Yukari would have tried to argue more, but the initial disappointment left not caring enough to bother anymore. She left the store defeated and just wanted to head home now. However, Makoto didn't follow her and instead turned back towards the clerk.

"How much for 4000 yen?" he asked hoping to get a better result.

"About 24 flowers this time. Are you planning on getting them for that girl? If so how considerate of you sweet boy." the clerk said with a smile.

"Yeah, something like that," he chuckled. "Can you make it all pink? I feel like that's what she'd like."

"Of course." she smiled again at the young teen. "Apologies for my earlier behavior though, this store has been in a rather tight spot as of late."

"I understand," he said though he did find it to be a bit ridiculous. If the clerk had originally said that to Yukari, she would have understood better. Regardless, he had the flowers now and all he needed to do was give them to her.

Moments later the clerk handed Makoto the large bouquet decorated with bright pink gerberas. He walked out of the store and found Yukari sitting on a nearby bench with her head hung low. He approached her while hiding the bouquet behind his back.

"You okay?"

"Do I look okay? That lady was asking too much for the flowers. I mean I do have the money, but it's back at the dorm." she said.

"I don't think you need to worry about those."

Yukari looked up with an annoyed and confused face. However, her face quickly transformed into one of complete surprise as Makoto held the neatly decorated bouquet in front of her.

"W-when d-did you get these?!"

"When you left I stayed behind for a bit and bought them," he answered honestly.

"But they cost so much! I can't accept them!"

"Don't worry about it, you were so excited to get them, and it just didn't feel right to see you leave empty-handed. Plus it would make you dad happy right?"

"Makoto…" Never in a million years had she ever expected a guy to go this far for her. Especially from a guy she had been so rude to, granted there was instances when he deserved it back then, but right now wasn't those times. Not after their talk on the school roof, otherwise her apology meant nothing and she didn't want that.

"I-I just don't know what to say... thank you though. I'll make sure to take care of them when we get back."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'll live for a long time with you caring for them." he beamed a smile. He looked towards the afternoon sun and noticed that sunset was mere minutes away before the night settled in. He extended his hand out offering her to get up and walk back to the dorm.

"Come on, the other's will get worried if we stay out longer."

"Yeah, you're right." Yukari nodded.

Makoto still couldn't get over how wide Yukari's smile was. Though if he was honest, he didn't want to be over it. These past few days were rough for her, so much so that he had begun to forget what her smile looked like. So this change of pace in her mood was refreshing to see.

He didn't know it himself just yet, but he could feel his heart thump away nervously each moment he continued to spend with her. The feeling was indeed foreign to him, much like it was on the beach, but it was warm. At least that's the best way he could describe it to himself.

He wondered if she felt the same way in some regard. Though knowing her, just having someone to talk to and be comfortable around was enough for now.

And somehow he knew that she would agree with that.