Many things that day could compete with the flash of pain he felt when Yone called him. It happened not so long after he sent a few messages, fumbling to explain his situation without giving too much. Maybe ten minutes later, something like that. And it hurt a lot.

Vibrating for a time that felt like an eternity, his phone was impossible to ignore. In reach on the small table nearby yet so far. No. It had to be Yone, no one else would try, except their mother. In any case this was beyond his strenghts of the day, heart not fully healed yet. So Yasuo let it ring.

At the second attempt, he pulled the scarf from where it was left on the couch's backrest and burried his face in it to muffle a not so silent cry. The pillow was too far, the scarf was closer. With slight hope he wouldn't hear his phone anymore. Dumb indeed, he could very well mute it again. Why did he have to put sound on by reflex ? Questions without answer.

No.

Sadly, this wasn't enough to muffle the sound. In a last resort before another breaking, he took his phone and muted it for good. What a stab to see indeed it was Yone calling him. Yasuo stood and put his phone far, out of reach then returned on the couch. Smothering his pain and anger into the scarf.

It took some time to relax at last, feel the seizing grasp around his heart let go little by little. Able to breathe again. Difficult to forget but he could hope.

What really distracted his mind was to register this latest move. Half hidden in the scarf, soft to the touch. His attention went to its smell, just like the whole place but concentrated. Home, for someone.

Yi.

Of course, this was his scarf, kindly given to him because it was still cold outside. Yasuo had literally no use for it except seeking some peace of mind after that difficult moment.

Oh shit. Realization hit without mercy. Not smart or correct to do, far from it. Yasuo took it off as quick, soft blush. Why did I do that ?

At first it was merely a need to vent but this held too much meaning once he remembered who's scarf it was. Don't even think about it.

Everything reminded him of Yi and it burned his cheeks before he knew it. In a small attempt at being reasonable, he put it back on the backrest and looked for the pillow instead, that wouldn't be such a matter.

Good distraction, so to say. Not over what he did, Yasuo lied on the couch, gaze stuck on the wall without focus and hands holding the pillow. Yes, lack of contact started to be felt. No… I don't need that. This wasn't his fault, he liked contact and people. After some time without real hug or anything of the sort, it grew heavy on him.

What could he do then ? The solution would be to go out and seek some fun, company but was he really in the right moment to do so ? Had he just found a temporary roof that he thought about nightly fun. Really disrespectful.

Deep sigh in that otherwise dead silent living room. At least he wasn't thinking anymore about his family problems. Well, he had more than these. Like finding a real place to stay, without bothering Yi.

And again, thoughts fell on his friend, after a happy loop. Another sigh came out but for different reasons. It would be better not to bother him at home for too long so he had to look seriously for availables places.

Determined, Yasuo stood and took his laptop in his bag, ready to work on this as much as he could. But already he feared it wasn't going to be easy, far from that. Everyone knew finding a flat or just a small room was difficult in a big city and it would be even worse for someone without a stable job or a lot of money. Perfect plan, to run away from home. So brilliant. Each time he wanted to slap himself for this idea but he had no choice.

So started his researchs, in a not so joyfull mood. Instead he focused on the useful part of such task.

The afternoon went so slowly, it was almost painful. Without Yi around, the place felt even more dead.

Still, Lily gave him the honor of a few visits, fluffy happiness in the room. These were the occasion for Yasuo to take a break, gently going after the cat to see if she would let him pet her. She did but not for very long. This was fine, he was glad to be accepted little by little.

About his research, he found nothing. All seemed doomed. There weren't a lot of places to rent, especially for someone so poor at the moment. Once he almost choke when there was a seemingly cheap offer but in fact the rent showed was per week and not month. Bastards.

So to say, he spent a lot of time sighing and grumbling against capitalism and gentrification.

Lily revealed herself to be a great distraction too. Sometimes she would play alone with the few toys on the floor then she would rush to the door when there was a noise from outside the flat. This caught Yasuo's attention, probably she thought it was Yi coming back home. Sadly, each time it was way too early.

Until the afternoon finished and the right hour arrived. After he found himself procrastinating Yasuo registered the time. The good news of the day, he did what he could but he had no luck concerning his search for a place. Struck by despair, he ended up in a ridiculous position on the couch, half sprawled.

This was how Yi found him at his return. Which was very noticed by Lily, welcoming him quite noisily.

« Hello, hello ! How was your day ? »

If he hadn't been paying attention, Yasuo would have answered. In fact, Yi was softly talking to the cat, giving small affection for this merry time.

Himself watched from his spot on the couch, or what he could. Equal joy to see his friend come back, even if it wasn't so friendly friendly the way he was glad.

It was nice to see Yi like this, petting Lily barely after closing the door. No time yet to take off his coat, anything. Yasuo lingered on this sight despite himself.

To be caught soon enough, if it was really a reason to feel like intruding. The latter looked back at him and that kind expression remained. Even a smile offered. Shhhh don't think about that. He kicked that feeling before it could get too strong and obvious.

« And you ? Everything is fine ? She didn't bother you too much ? »

Same tone, Yasuo felt blessed. On reflex he sat up properly, to have some composure and not show too much.

« It was great ! Don't worry, she's too cute to cause troubles. »

« I think you'll learn the truth soon enough, don't be fooled. » More of a playful smile now. Yi went on his routine, coat and shoes off. Of course Lily wasn't far, still meowing for attention.

Then the evening could truly start.