16.
Being given the address didn't change that Ken really didn't want to be here. Now that he could see the building, he wanted to be here even less. After all, this was where he'd been kidnapped for knowing too much or even starting to know too much. Even though Arata was different now (supposedly), that didn't make this a wee bit frightening.
Well, his best friend didn't have the Digimental of Courage for nothing. Ken hurried inside, lunch in hand.
Needless to say, he had likely surprised Arata, who was dragging out trash bags that smelled terrible. "What the heck are you doing out here?"
"Trying to talk to you, Mister Friendly," Ken replied, smiling a little. "I was going to let you know when I was coming back."
Arata looked at him, face flushed, eyes narrowing. "Oh. Uh. Sorry. I was cleaning. Folks coming over and all."
Ken didn't even have to think. "Can I help?"
After a few minutes, Arata agreed.
And thus the conversation was delayed for another day. And another, and another.
Ken had to admit though, it was worth it to see Arata's face when he popped back in on summer break.