It sounded sad, at first. And knowing how himself tried to convey the joy of having company too, Yasuo guessed the latter had some rough times too. That he never heard of, obviously. Solitude wasn't nice.

Awkward as he grew since he just found Yi, he searched for another topic. If he was to go on this one, no doubt he would dig too deep and get sad too. Better not. Still, there was this gentle warmth to be accepted and know his presence brought the same comfort.

Short glance to Yi, before he fell again and stared like a teen. He looked calm, more than quiet after that last statement. Maybe sudden memories.

What to ask ? There was still plenty of things to catch up on. Life, studies, anything. The cat. Oh wait he's working now.

« Hey, you said you work now ? What are you doing ? »

Touch of curiosity, since he knew Yi left specifically to study. Something that obviously wasn't possible in their home town.

In any case, it shook him out of this pause, new interest awaken. Almost cute, to see him look up as if caught zoning out. Don't think like that.

« Oh well, yes, I'm working now. Sorry, forgot about all this. I'm teaching kendo. » Tone going to soft joy, like someone asked about their hobbies and passions.

So indeed Yasuo was fucked, to observe tiny details and find even that worth attention. Then his brain worked and he registered the answer. Wait, really ?

« You're teaching ? Holy shit ! » Even better to hear, since they both trained at the same place back in the days. It sounded so cool, to know Yi managed to teach this, shared passion.

« Yes, but not for long. I still had to finish my studies, so I'm quite new to it. » All in innocence, modesty. Small grin.

Sunshine. Old nickname but now Yasuo refused to use it. The sense was the name but it became too heavy of meaning, now that he started to even consider men. Yet he saw this years ago, rare smiles that left him blinded innerly. Blessed be the one to see Yi smile, for it happened only in the right situation. Before it was a sort of joke between friends and it turned into something else.

SHUT UP. STOP. Thoughts getting too loud, too oriented for his taste. He shouldn't think of him like this. It would be stupid to catch feelings like this. How quick, he barely found Yi less than a hour ago.

So he suffered in silence, sort of holding himself back. It was so nice to hear Yi so excited about his new work, to be able to practice kendo everyday. And Yasuo stayed there, hoping everything sacred that he didn't seem awkward or obvious. That Yi wouldn't notice the fluster.

More time went, as the conversation. Though his participation stayed more quiet now, Yasuo still tried to seem normal. Easier to pay attention to anything Yi had to say, telling what he did since their latest interactions.

As he presented it, it wasn't that extraordinary. He arrived in town, young student it a new city and anxious about how it would go from there. Understandable. His studies went well, made a few friends so he wasn't really alone there. Anyway, his parents sometimes paid a visit for a few days, checking on their son.

And he got all the qualifications to teach to students. Not a real surprise, for Yasuo. He was talented.

Life. Happy success in what he started. For now it was going well and Yi sounded glad for the past years. Touching moment when he talked about his cat. Lily. Adopted at a shelter. They helped each other in fighting solitude, as he joked. Yasuo smiled at this but there was the unsaid. Lonely.

Then Yi stopped himself after he realized it would be better to leave now, getting late. Also because they were almost kicked out of the café for its closing time. So they went on their way, small talk resuming while he followed the latter.

Truly, Yasuo had no idea where to go so he stayed by his side, curious to anything they came by. It wasn't so late but he could tell night was coming.

Not just a walk. They had to take the bus and for some time. Yasuo didn't really care, even though the latter apologized for the long trip. He didn't live downtown but not so far from where he teached. So this explained the time to come.

This memory too would stay burned in his mind, the sort of routine in public transports in all quietness except right now he had company. Sitting in front of him, Yi was silent though he smiled when they got to eye contact. Which made Yasuo avert – not so fast – and look by the window, familiar feeling of being dragged there and there by life. Leaning to the window till it was too unpractical, paying attention to the lights of the city outside. Life. Still going on despite everything. His sure was a wreck right now but it could go a little further, thanks to Yi.

At some point he stood, gesturing him to follow. The walk wasn't so long till the place Yi lived. Another hit, to register that not only he had a roof for the night but several after. Also that he would see Yi's place. Strange information but thrilling nonetheless.

There, the two of them carrying their bags to the building, and its too small elevator. Still managed to get everything in. Second floor. Lost like a kid at the mall, Yasuo looked around and stayed behind, see where they were going.

Just the most usual place, like any corridor. Once they reached the doorstep, Yi looked for his keys and gave a last warning.

« Alright. Usually, Lily will try to rush so be careful. She's not allowed to get out of the flat. » Though he chuckled, surely him too was glad to be home and find his cat.

« Oh, okay. » So Yasuo would be ready. A cat ! Anticipation at the idea of seeing one.

Door opened, both went quickly inside so they could lock it fast. And indeed, here she came. Loud meow the second they stepped in.

Yasuo barely had the time to see the cat before she ran away, like death was chasing her.

« Wait… »

« Haha, I told you she didn't like strangers. For her, at least. But don't worry, she will come around at some point. »