With classes finally being done, me and Satoshi split from the pact as we were having a personal race to who could reach the drink machine first. The machine being at the first floor.

Winner gets a drink and of course, loser pays for it.

(Yoshiki): "*Pant* You're gonna LOSE *Pant* Slow-toshi!"

(Satoshi): "*Pant* No fair! You...! *Pant* Got a headstart!"

We avoided the traffic, and eventually while seemingly, we became the first students visible at the West-Wing. Before any of us could exit the building, the big machine revealed half-way of the hall, exposed with that refreshing yet cold mist, along with the machine's lights that glowed in the patterns of basic red, blue, green and white colors.

(Satoshi): "...!"

And that was the moment I kicked Satoshi's ass!

(Yoshiki): "FIRST!"

(Satoshi): "Hahah, you deserve it man! Damn, so quick!"

(Yoshiki): "Leave the ass kissing, offer thee!"

So next I waited for my prize.

(Satoshi): "Here you go Kishinuma, your favorite!"

(Yoshiki): "FEELS GOOD!"

Passed the victory fluid, that was when I've noticed something was off...

(Yoshiki): "Satoshi."

Then there he was seen trying to hold his laughter. While I tilted the pink can in the air, as the "bubblegum" cover was being shown.

(Yoshiki): "Good one."

(Satoshi): "Hey, it's a drink!"

A sissy drink.

(Satoshi): "You earned it!"

(Yoshiki): "Hahaha, screw off!"

Once we both exchanged our own laughs, he then purchased his usual two drinks. One for him and one for his "so-called" generous sister. Not taking anything seriously until I heard what I heard.

(Satoshi): "Now Yuka won't be giving me a hard time."

That was when I had to tell him.

(Yoshiki): "Dude, stop treating her like a princess then."

(Satoshi): "Uhhhh... what?"

(Yoshiki): "Every time when you bring her up you talk as if she's your only obligation. And that if you tried refusing, then you get pressured and guilted into doing whatever she wants. You use no backbone."

(Satoshi): "Th-That's not true!"

Then one moment he turned away, seemingly taking in my words.

(Satoshi): "...Is it?"

(Yoshiki): "I know what I'm telling you. I have a sister too. I know what it's like to be a brother. And clearly, you're letting her run you in circles."

Awkwardly Satoshi placed his cans into his bag.

(Satoshi): "*Sigh* I guess you're not wrong man. She has been more needy than usual."

(Yoshiki): "See?"

(Satoshi): "But I'm her older brother and-"

(Yoshiki): "And what? That doesn't mean you have to follow her every, single demand! That's not how family works! She's your YOUNGER sister. And you are her OLDER brother! You are...a MAN! Are your parents even aware of the crap she's doing?"

Gradually we were walking our way out, but seeing Satoshi, I knew I had to be a bit easier.

(Yoshiki): "Look, Satoshi. I'm only telling you how it is. You're a good guy and you can easily be taken advantage of without knowing it. And lately I've seen it."

(Satoshi): "No need for an explanation. I get it. You're just looking after me."

We turned to one another and gave a brotherly fist bump.

(Yoshiki): "Hell yeah, always gonna be straight with you."

(Satoshi): "Oh I know you will! And um, by any chance Kishiuma, are you free sometime?"

(Yoshiki): "I hope so man. So far, it seems like I don't have to work tod-"

*Ring*

Well shit!

Then the call happened. Changing the entire narration of my Friday night.

(Yoshiki): "Give me a moment."

(Satoshi): "It's fine!"

So, I answered. Behind the line was the boss.

(Yoshiki): "Yes. Uh-huh. Yes. I'll be in. Okay. Bye."

By the short conversation, what I got out of it, it seemed one of our other employees had caught a cold. Meaning I had to cover his shift... AGAIN.

(Yoshiki): "Well man, today isn't the day. But let's hang later?"

(Satoshi): "For sure! And um, Kishinuma?"

(Yoshiki): "Yeah?"

(Satoshi): "Thanks for the talk..."

(Yoshiki): "Yeah dude, take care of yourself."

Suddenly the sun was above us, radiating it's burns as we both said our final goodbyes, then we headed to our own directions. Me of course, I walked to my job.

Soon enough my workplace was around the corner. But before going in I stood by the platforms nearby the train station, finishing my drink and taking a glance around. Nothing in-particular could be said. All what were witnessed were people walking. Some on the other hand were smoking cigars and others were in a large pack, moving into the fresh trains.

(Yoshiki): "*Sigh*"

Got exams next week and I need to study. Or I'll break my promise with her.

Finishing up I then continued to the local convenience store, hence the workplace.

Inside I was greeted with the same old air, the kind you would whiff from a doctor's office.

Kinda strange that it did but it never stopped the customers from coming in.

Then it didn't take long before the fleshy tsunami arrives.

(Manager Zuko): "Kishinuma! You're LATE!"

(Yoshiki): "Late? This is the same time I come here?"

(Manager Zuko): "Well you're covering Kizami's ass!"

Why the hell does he do this every time?

Thankfully he wasn't there for too long, next leaving me to work behind the counter with the traditional apron and that big, dumb button slapped onto my chest.

God the thing is so dumb. It even hurts my damn nipple every time I put it on.

But money is money. And last place where I wanna be is begging my folks to come back home.

Hell, I'd prefer dying in the streets if it came down to it.

(Yoshiki): "Thanks for coming. Yup."

"SIR! This is not what I paid for!"

(Yoshiki): "Okay. Just return it."

"God you're so rude!"

(Yoshiki): "Old lady, jus-"

"OLD LADY?!"

Oh shit...!

Just like that I was greeted not only hanging meat but the sudden whacks by her rock-solid purse. Bumped against my arms and head.

The one on the head had to be the worst unfortunately.

Shit this day isn't getting any better!

"WELL?"

So immediately I settled the dispute and gave the correct item.

Or so I thought.

"YOU ARE A LOUSY CASHIER! How is this place still running?!"

(Yoshiki): "Okay lady, you just assaulted me, and now... you're still unsatisfied?"

"You gave the wrong THING DINGUS!"

(Yoshiki): "Alright then jus-"

"You know what! I'm taking THESE!"

(Yoshiki): "What? H-Hey! Hey! Give that back!"

So that was what happened. The old, flabby lady stole a pair of sunglasses and a bottle of sunscreen. I tried jumping over the counter but somehow... the lady already left the store before I got a chance to do anything.

(Yoshiki): "..."

Great, she scared the customers out... and we just got robbed, and I got my ass beat, by a grandma...

That was only the start. The next hour a bunch of snotty children came in and ran by the counter, running left and right, chanting "PENIS! PENIS!" over and over.

Am I being set up or something...?!

(Yoshiki): "Okay! Okay! I get it! Leave you damn kids!"

Moving from the counter, I brought the broom into action and began slapping at areas where they've walked over, getting them out of the damn store.

(Yoshiki): "What is going on here..."

Right as I moved a step back that's when I...

(Yoshiki): "WH-WHOA!"

*Thunk*

(Yoshiki): "Goddammit!"

Fell on my ass.

All because of the snot those kids left.

Gross as shit!

(Yoshiki): "*Sigh* What part of my life did I screw up to deserve this...?*

It was becoming ridiculous. But of course, I couldn't stop there. I had to keep working a couple more hours.

Back at the counter I managed all the money, made sure the items were still lined up on the surface and then, checked over the isle with the appliances.

Transactions were then done with a few customers.

(Yoshiki): "Thank you. Come again."

An hour after the sales, everything became quieter and blank. Like if people stopped coming. So, with nobody being seen that's when I grabbed myself the spiral and looked over some review material for the exams. Skimming at everything and trying to absorb all that useless info.

USELESS. Stuff that I coulda made more use in starting fires.

(Yoshiki): "Check. Hmm. Check."

The atmosphere was definitely dull as hell. Sorta calming though when the outside was already set at night, while the light inside and outdoors were shining and underlining that comforting scene I needed.

As if I could finally relax and just do my own thing without work. Relax with no care. But a minute too soon, those doors opened, accompanied by a brass jingle. One view at that direction I noticed there was a girl by herself, walking in kinda sexy. Had this crimson looking sweater on and a skirt.

(Yoshiki): "...?"

On a closer look that's when it hit me.

Oh. It's that girl.

What could she want?

I didn't know her name exactly, even when Satoshi brings her up now and then, but I knew she was close with that Nakashima chick.

(Seiko): "...!"

Halfway into the store the girl paused, and by judging her face it seemed she was familiar with who I was. And possibly she remembered our first interaction.

I personally did. What she pulled on her girlfriend or whatever, was something too nuts to forget.

(Yoshiki): "Hey."

(Seiko): "Heheh... Hi!"

(Yoshiki): "Looking to buy something or...?"

(Seiko): "Oh yeah! Totally! Um... I'm looking to buy uhhh."

At mid-sentence she froze, then immediately grabbed for her wrist.

(Seiko): "You know what! Nevermind! Forget I came here!"

(Yoshiki): "What? You got a problem with me? Is it because last time?"

(Seiko): "Oh, no! None at all! It's just... heheh."

I hate the bull shit.

(Yoshiki): "Alright. So why come all the way for nothing then? Is it because you're looking to buy something sketchy?"

(Seiko): "Heheh... you caught me!"

(Yoshiki): "Well I don't care, okay? Just buy what you need and move on with your night."

(Seiko): "Okay then!"

So that's what she did. She moved herself on over to the cold isle, stayed there for probably a minute or two grabbing whatever. Eventually she came out and picked up a few other items.

Nothing sketchy so far.

(Seiko): "Yup! This is the load!"

(Yoshiki): "A load of crap?"

C'mon man!

(Yoshiki): "Excuse me I meant, that's a lot of stuff you got there."

(Seiko): "No, no! You're right. It is kinda crappy. I did grab too many unhealthy treats!"

(Yoshiki): "Right."

One-by-one, the items were being scanned.

(Seiko): "I've never seen you here before! Do you always work here um, Kishinuma?"

Oh, she remembers my name.

(Yoshiki): "Nah. Not often. I work Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. But today I'm taking care of someone's shift."

(Seiko): "Hmm, that's uh, interesting! So, do you like... manage everything? I don't see anybody else working here!"

(Yoshiki): "For tonight, I am working alone. After the recent months our manager decided to shorten the number of staff. I was one of the unlucky few who got spared so. Here I am, constantly getting swamped in this job."

(Seiko): "Still! That's impressive to hold a whole store alone! It must be crazy to deal with all the ghosts! Is that why it's so cold in here?"

Ghosts? Cold?

Oh.

(Yoshiki): "No idea why it's so dead right now but it does get extremely packed sometimes. Earlier it was a different store until this hour. Believe it or not."

If only she knew the struggles.

(Seiko): "I'll take your word on it!"

Normally I wouldn't butt into people's businesses. However, when I saw the bottle, I had to ask.

(Yoshiki): "You got a big bottle there."

(Seiko): "Yup! Sure do!"

(Yoshiki): "Sharing it with anyone?"

(Seiko): "Nope!"

Then that thought of her friend came into mind, so I pushed into that.

(Yoshiki): "Really? I'd assume you'd share it with your girlfriend?"

Wrong word...

Then like that the chick got red real quick.

That alone supported my original impression between those two.

(Yoshiki): "My bad, I meant friend."

(Seiko): "Heheh! Well, um! I would share it with her but... err."

Couple items remaining I then paused the scan as I noticed the chick got quiet and looked kinda slumped, with her eyes peered at the counter and hands locked into one.

That was when my gut told me that something was up.

I dunno. It was something.

(Yoshiki): "Everything alright?"

(Seiko): "Huh? Oh sorry! I remembered something important!"

(Yoshiki): "Gotcha'."

When the bottle came next on the scanner, the recognition finally kicked in and that's where I had to stop the process.

(Yoshiki): "Hey, this stuff is really strong!"

(Seiko): "Huh? What is?"

What I did next was grabbed for the top of the cold, dark-brown bottle, raised it into the air and tilt it a few times.

(Yoshiki): "This brand. My uncle and I share this on rare occasions. Let me emphasize this. It's really STRONG. This shouldn't be on your list..."

(Seiko): "Really? Is it that intense?"

What.

Is this her first-time shopping for this kind of stuff?

(Seiko): "You've caught me again... ha! I'm not experienced with picking a drink!"

(Yoshiki): "I can tell. At home you're going to spit this out and regret buying it. If you don't want that, I can help you choose one that might suit you. No promises it'll be worth but-"

(Seiko): "Go on right ahead, Kishinuma!"

Slowly I reached around, grabbed that same alcohol bottle off the counter and guided the chick to the beverage isle. Found the spot she took the product from and returned it. Then I skimmed at the wall of opportunities, until I found one that would go well with that colorful personality.

(Yoshiki): "Let me also guess. This happens to be your first-time trying alcohol?"

(Seiko): "Heheh...!"

Wow.

On pause I looked at her and saw she was hiding her face, only to pretend she didn't hear a thing.

(Yoshiki): "Wait a minute, it's literally your FIRST time."

(Seiko): "Guilty as charged!"

I shouldn't get too involved in her business.

I'm sure she knows better.

(Yoshiki): "You need to start with something light then."

(Seiko): "Fine by me!"

Anyway, I decided to ask another important piece of information. Something me, and even Satoshi, should've known already.

(Yoshiki): "I never got your name. Do you go by something in-particular?"

(Seiko): "Names Seiko, Seiko Shinohara!"

Silence for a moment, the twin-curls from her head bounced right as she shifted her shoulders, placing me into a weird, hypnotized state. Only for a second until she spoke again in her soft voice.

(Seiko): "And what about yourself? Is Kishinuma fine?"

(Yoshiki): "Uh yeah."

What's going on...?

Am I actually... oh no.

I sure was. It was the moment I began finding Shinohara more attractive.

Maybe it's because I paid more attention to her sleek curls, or perhaps it was the eyes? Or maybe it was just witnessing a little more of her? Initially I had an entirely different tone after the fiasco she started with Nakashima, and all the tomfoolery between the days at Kisaragi.

But this was happening, and this was kinda bad. I couldn't afford being interested with two separate girls.

Especially if double rejection was down the line. And one of them for all I know could be not into guys considering.

(Yoshiki): "Do you mind having a pack or you are just looking for one, big serving?"

(Seiko): "Now that you mention it, pack!"

A simple reach in and I grabbed for the cold and sweet ones. Ideally this brand would fit for any girl's tastebuds.

(Yoshiki): "Any preference? Cherry? Grape? Orange...?"

(Seiko): "Ah, the options! Maybe go for... the WHITE stuff?"

That sounds hella pervy...

(Yoshiki): "Gotcha', Horoyoi White Sour?"

(Seiko): "I'll try it!"

Once we sorted that out, we then brought ourselves back to the front, and knowing the other guy who takes the night shift, Kizami's stepbrother Kiriya?

Yeah, that little-hooded asshole, he was coming sometime and that meant freedom.

(Yoshiki): "Finished. Here are your goods, Shinohara."

(Seiko): "Thank you again!"

(Yoshiki): "See you another time."

(Seiko): "Likewise!"

A few steps ahead she stopped and seem to forget something.

(Seiko): "Hey Kishinuma! I wanna... thank you properly."

Huh...

(Yoshiki): "Thank me?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! Are you able to come out and uh, help me with this?"

Shinohara raised the box of drinks, and undeniably, a man himself couldn't turn down the offer. Horoyoi was popular and the flavor we picked out was known to be one-of-a-kind.

(Yoshiki): "Who can pass up that opportunity?"

So, we walked out of the store, sat ourselves at a table nearby the entranceway, opened and popped those cold ones.

Already the flavor of sweet yet sour milk was sent up the nostrils.

Few swigs in, already the long day felt earned by this light, frosty drink.

Better than that gay shit Satoshi gave me.

(Seiko): "Gosh, this does help a lot...! No wonder why everyone resorts to these."

Help?

Hmm.

(Yoshiki): "It does settle the nerves. Be careful on how many you take though. I'd say one is enough."

(Seiko): "No worries! Last thing I need is to go overboard. And coming home drunk to my family would be one terrible way to end the night!"

Shinohara giggled lightly to herself, still taking short gulps while I chugged mine straight down. Almost finished.

(Seiko): "Damn! You've finished already?!"

(Yoshiki): "Hah, about to be done."

(Seiko): "Didn't know this was a race!"

Shinohara then tried to gulp hers quickly as possible, but the result became HILARIOUS. A normal reaction you would get from a first timer.

(Seiko): "Ack! *Cough* *Cough* D-Derrrgh!"

(Yoshiki): "Ahahaha! Slow down there!"

(Seiko): "Baaaad idea of the night!"

We laughed it off, then finished our drinks.

Even when we did, we still remained outside, looking at the sky and talking to each other.

One thought, however, came into mind and I had to say it.

(Yoshiki): "Now I can see why people like you."

In one turn she raised eyebrows, as if she misheard what I said.

(Seiko): "Aw! Well...! I can say the same!"

That doesn't sound convincing...

(Seiko): "I mean, you always seemed like a guy who would be real and about fun stuff! And it turns out you really are!"

(Yoshiki): "I uh, appreciate that?"

Another moment Shinohara was seen looking at her side, tracing shapes with her index on the edge of the table, seemingly contemplating whatever.

(Seiko): "And since you're very straightforward and... you seem trustful, I wanna ask you something really important!"

Huh...

I kept a straight stare at her.

(Seiko): "This won't be easy for me to say but... I'll do my best here!"

(Yoshiki): "Lay it on me."

What seemed to take an eternity, but in reality, took a couple minutes, finally she said what she wanted to say.

(Seiko): "Back in there when you um, mispoke."

(Yoshiki): "Mispoke?"

(Seiko): "You don't remember? You know! The um, girlfriend comment...?"

(Yoshiki): "Oh."

Even being mostly covered by the dark, the hint of red still could be shown from Shinohara's face. Again, indicating that there was more to what wasn't being expressed vocally.

Like if that wasn't a sign of something romantic, then I learned nothing from all the hustle with Shinozaki's dedication towards Satoshi.

And that guy can be BLIND about those sorts of ongoings. It's so painful to watch.

Anyway, Shinohara lifted her shoulders again, and soon followed with some gentle bounces by her curls.

Making it hella harder to not get into her...

(Yoshiki): "So what about it?"

(Seiko): "..."

And she got stiff quiet.

(Yoshiki): "Well?"

(Seiko): "What made you say that?"

Ah.

(Yoshiki): "You want my real input?"

(Seiko): "Yeah! I wanna hear it! Be brutally honest!"

Then I knew I had to try and cut the one-sided feelings and focus on an actual response.

Which wasn't the hardest task to do. But maybe the problem I had was that I can reveal too much that I'm not supposed to share, and that's a habit that led me through many hot waters.

Either way, Shinohara was giving me the "okay". And in the time, I was taking to form an answer, she began giving me puzzled looks. Looks where her mouth opened, and eyes were getting bigger.

(Yoshiki): "I don't see you guys being just as friends."

(Seiko): "Go on..."

(Yoshiki): "Okay."

So, I took one deep breath before I resumed the politics.

(Yoshiki): "To me I think you both let on something, something more than what typical friends would have."

(Seiko): "...How so?"

(Yoshiki): "For starters. during the mornings we, me and Satoshi, notice you both walk together to school. And every time we do we see things that would be explicitly "romantic", to one's mind."

(Seiko): "But like what Kishinuma?"

(Yoshiki): "Let's see..."

Shinohara then crossed her arms with her head tilted to the side. With the red still showing.

(Seiko): "You take awfully long with your responses. Seems like you're making stuff up!"

For whatever reason that struck one of my nerves, even if she was only teasing. Bringing me to speak up.

(Yoshiki): "Okay. You guys hug A LOT. There are times you are seen with hands all over Nakashima. Then there's the name-calling, the praising, the teasing... you guys do to each other."

(Seiko): "Heheh... all true!"

(Yoshiki): "Even Satoshi himself gets a bit worried by the sight of you two together. It's funny because... he goes and shouts at me with, "Am I the only one seeing this!?", and then I have to reassure him to not sweat on it. More than once!"

(Seiko): "Mochida...?"

(Yoshiki): "He's the only reason why I'm aware of those things. The guy is worried you'll like... take her away from him or something."

(Seiko): "...!"

Oh shit, did I say too much?

(Seiko): "Someone's got attachment issues. Hehe! But uh... I don't think he has to worry too much."

Huh...

Silence between us came again, but ahead a train stopped at its location, and knowingly that meant potential customers were coming on their way.

(Yoshiki): "Anymore questions? I have to go back inside soon."

(Seiko): "Actually! I do have one in mind!"

(Yoshiki): "Alright, out with it."

So, I waited.

And waited.

And waited...

Waited.

...

(Yoshiki): "Hello?"

(Seiko): "Ehhh, you know what! Never mind!"

Again?

Like what could be more embarrassing than what she asked earlier?

It's clear as day these two girls have something going on.

Curiosity gotten worse.

Even so it seemed I had to go back inside already.

Customers started showing from the far distance.

(Seiko): "Maybe another time I'll ask you Kishinuma! But for now, we should exchange numbers!"

(Yoshiki): "Sure, we can do that."

So that's what we did.

Now we were in each other's contacts.

(Yoshiki): "Have a safe one Shinohara."

(Seiko): "Night-Night, Kishinuma!"

Shinohara gradually grabbed all her groceries, along with the case of drinks and then walked off into the direction that led to the train station. Seemingly.

So that was that.

I guess I made a new pal. Ironically?

But once I stepped back into the workplace that's when I almost crapped my pants...

(Manager Zuko): "AH-HA! SKIPPING WORK HUH?"

What. The. Fuck.

Impeccable luck.

(Yoshiki): "B-Boss?! How in the world did you-"

(Manager Zuko): "Backdoor!"

(Yoshiki): "But I thought-"

(Manager Zuko): "BOY! You can't think when you got company!"

There goes my income...

(Manager Zuko): "I can't believe that one of my workingmen..."

(Yoshiki): "..."

(Manager Zuko): "...HAS A LOVER!"

What.

My boss then went up to my side and wrapped his arm around me. While I was still unsure how to react or what to say, given that the entire moment just happened out of the blue.

Especially with the false narrative he was spewing.

But hey, if it's not gonna get me in trouble, may as well go along with it, right?

(Manager Zuko): "Youngin'. Spend your time with her! Tomorrow, you don't need to show up! Even if you don't come, you're still getting paid!"

(Yoshiki): "Um, thanks boss!"

(Manager Zuko): "Your shift is over! You can leave now!"

Without needing to explain anything, just like that I was off the hook, while getting a free day to myself. AND money.

How unreal though!

Soon enough the moment died down when the front doors opened, and someone very familiar walked through. Looking more bored, scummy and careless than usual.

(Manager Zuko): "Well look at THAT! The kid has finally returned!"

(Misuto): "..."

(Manager Zuko): "Last time you forgot to LOCK the place son! Don't let that happen again!"

(Misuto): "..."

How is he still getting away with this...?

No surprise what came next.

(Manager Zuko): "Did you hear a thing I said?"

Kiriya went to the cold isle, seemingly to pick up another bottle. Which he did.

But instead of doing what he did last time, which was throwing the bottle against the counter and leaving, this time he just left with it. Like nothing.

(Manager Zuko): "HAHAHAHAHAHA! AHAHA! HA! God! He never fails to crack me up!"

(Yoshiki): "..."

That old lady was right... how is this place still running?

(Yoshiki): "So boss, do you need me to stay or...?"

(Manager Zuko): "It's okay Kishinuma! I have a special interest in mind!"

First guy who came inside, immediately the boss pulled my button off and walked towards the stranger.

*Rip*

Ouch!

(Yoshiki): "...!"

(Manager Zuko): "Hey there! Lookin' to work?"

(Masato): "Uhhh... not really."

(Manager Zuko): "Good enough for me! You're HIRED!"

What the actual hell...

Realizing how insane the management was, I placed the apron down at the counter, grabbed my belongings and left the store without saying goodbye. And that was almost it. All I needed to do was get back to my apartment and that would be the end of my night. So, walking through the familiar streets, nothing could be said different about it. Until I found myself yet another familiar face. Or should I say, a recent, familiar face?

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara...?"

Those curls, that height, that sweater, wasn't something I could miss. But the poor girl was seen to be drinking what looks to be one of the cans from her pack. Not to mention there was a few more of them littered on the surrounding ground. Which was something I really, really couldn't understand why it was happening. The scene was depressing and hard to watch. But I had to do something right away.

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara! Hey!"

I got close to her and tried stopping what she was doing. Thankfully there wasn't a lot of resisting.

(Seiko): "S-Staaawwwp misterrrrrr...!"

Oh no...

(Yoshiki): "Shinohara...!"

(Seiko): "*Hiccup* I-I wasssssn't finnnnnished...! He-He-He!"

Ugh... I shoulda figured something was wrong!

Eventually the can was dropped and the rest of the pack, including herself.

(Seiko): "...!"

(Yoshiki): "Hey, come up! C'mon."

So, I crouched and tried getting her up by the sides. But what happened next was probably one of the worst things anyone could face.

(Seiko): "N-Naomi...?"

(Yoshiki): "No Shinohara, I'm right here. It's me, Kishinuma."

(Seiko): "N... N... Naomi...!"

Upon the close-up, that was when the dribbles were seen spread across on her cold cheeks. All while the will and weight from her body descended, and the only thing done were sobs that resonated a hopeless tone, like if she was lost in some kind of dream and was never going to wake up from it. Unaware of everything. Unaware with real-life. In overall, devoid of purpose to continue anywhere else.

(Seiko): "N-Naaaooomi..!*

And there the tears began rolling in large volumes as her voice only remained broken yet low.

(Seiko): "I-I'm s-so sorrrry...!"

(Yoshiki): "Shhhhhh, it's okay. It's okay..."

(Seiko): "I-I... I..."

I rubbed her back softly and it seemed to calm her down.

Next thing I did was use my shirt to clear up the snot and the tears on her face.

(Yoshiki): "I dunno where you live but I'll take you to my apartment, okay?"

(Seiko): "..."

Expecting some kind of response, she fell silent completely, leaving me to be more concerned.

It took a few seconds to realize she fell asleep.

(Yoshiki): "*Sigh**

What happened between those two?

From then on, Shinohara was carried on my back, along with her purse dangling by my side. Eventually we passed through the spacious roads and what seemed to be countless complexes, and finally nearby my apartment building.

It was pretty tricky since I was feeling worn out... and that she was still on my back... Probably took me a couple minutes to get up the stairs.

(Yoshiki): "Thank god!"

The door was now unlocked, I walked in, placed Shinohara down at the couch, and then shut and locked the entrance.

A quick stretch and then I decided to carry her again but this time placing her on my bed. Comfortably tucking her under my covers and writing a little note in case if she woke up and freaked out.

Which the note said:

"U were extremely drunk.

Dont freek out, okai?

by ur provider kishinuma"

Crappy but it was clear enough.

Before anything else I did check to see if her phone was on and perhaps, I don't know, called her family or answered calls or something. Because earlier she did mention something about returning to a family.

But the phone was dead, so that was a problem.

Before calling it quits, I did scavenge around for a charger that might've worked for her phone model. Yet after the little search, nothing was viable.

I couldn't really do anything else besides waking her up.

But I didn't feel okay with that, so I preferred leaving her to rest.

For the night I did try sleeping on the couch, and before I did fall asleep, I stared at the ceiling, relieved she was safe but also confused on the outcome. On why she did what she did.

From the relationship between Nakashima, what caused Shinohara to behave like tonight?

Is Nakashima, okay?

And then there, a part of me wanted to blame myself. Blame myself for giving her the alcohol, or that I didn't catch the problem before it escalated the way it did.

Shinohara could've gotten hurt, or worse, if I didn't show up there at the right time...

*Sigh*

Thankfully I did...

With the soft, fluffy cushion, and with the pillow-like couch arm, gradually sent me away to sleep. Into a blank dream. Which are dreams that I might've had but won't remember the context when I wake up.

(Yoshiki): "..."

Morning came, and there, the entire apartment greeted me with everyday light, peeking through portions from the covered windows. Once I had the energy I immediately got up and went to go see if Shinohara was still in bed or wherever. The door was open and viewing inside, she was actually found awake. However not doing anything. Besides staring into the ceiling, body spread out by lying on her own back.

(Yoshiki): "Morning uh... Shinohara."

(Seiko): "..."

Never been in this situation before.

What am I supposed to do now?

Then there I went to the bed and well, sat myself down on one of the sides. Leg up and arm over, with head tilted lightly to her so I could have a small glimpse. No doubt Shinohara looked and felt like absolute shit. She seemed almost lifeless...

(Yoshiki): "So uh, you wanna... talk about last night?"

(Seiko): "..."

Okay.

(Yoshiki): "Do you... wanna be taken home? I can walk you there if you need company?"

(Seiko): "..."

Figures...

(Yoshiki): "Alright let's try this... are you hungry?"

(Seiko): "...Y-Yeah."

Hah, there ya go...!

(Yoshiki): "Do you also need one of these?"

There I completely faced at her; arms opened.

Once she saw that she gradually came up and actually, hugged me lightly, but then tightly once I wrapped my arms around her.

(Seiko): "Th-Thank you... Kishinuma."

(Yoshiki): "It's alright. I got you covered. Let's go eat."

Let's hope everything goes well...