(A/N: I hope you enjoyed chapter 1! There is a lot of in-game dialogue in this chapter, so in a way it wrote itself. The hardest thing by far has been keeping naming conventions consistent and accurate. I have tried to strike the balance between my linguistic and cultural experience of how Japanese people refer to each other, the honorifics used in game, and readability. Anyway, that's enough rambling- onwards!)

Chapter 2

16th May 2011

It was probably late enough for him to go home. School would have ended by now, had he gone in the first place, and he would be expected back at the shop. He needed to get into Ma's good books. The bastards had aired that stupid TV special about bikers and shit, and they had used him as an example, outright stating he was a biker, that he had attacked the TV crew. Sure, they blurred out his eyes and didn't state his name because they had to, but anyone with half a freakin' brain could see that it was him.

Ma had gone to the police station to apologise for him. She had also been round all the neighbours to apologise to them too. It was bullshit. She shouldn't have had to do that. He didn't do anything wrong, damn it! He was trying to stop those punks from driving in here, making noise late at night.

He sighed. Ma could probably use some help with the storeroom; we are due a delivery soon. When we do I… maybe I could start a new project? It's been awhile since I made something. I could make something cute for Ma.

Kanji headed up towards his shop from the south; the streets were still slightly wet from the rain of the past few days, but the afternoon was sunny and warm. A few shop owners were outside, sweeping away any remaining puddles of water, making it evaporate quicker in the mid-afternoon sun. Ma had probably done the same already. It promised to be a hot summer. He was gonna have to start wearing cooler clothes.

The shopping district had a few people around; teenage girls buying candy from the Shiroku store, little kids looking through the window of the bookshop, a couple of older people doing some shopping. But, it was much quieter than it had been last year, before they built that Junes store. He got a few looks as he walked past people, a few of them cold, a few of them fearful. Junes...Kanji didn't see what the appeal was; everything they sold was mass produced and just so... bland. Admittedly, he had only been to Junes once, largely because management had given him hassle for just looking and he had lost his temper and sworn that he didn't need their piece of shit store. It was so god damn annoying.

A boy was waiting outside the shop, a slender young man, around his age. Not that that was too weird or anything; this was the shopping district and high schoolers did hang around here sometimes after getting some beef croquettes from Souzai Daigaku, but there just was very little reason for him to be right outside his Ma's shop. Tatsumi Textiles didn't cater to teenagers.

Kanji tried to ignore him as he approached the shop but something about the young man drew his eye. The way he was dressed? The style and cut of his jacket was hardly modern, and didn't look like anything Junes sold. Bespoke, maybe? The young man turned his head towards Kanji as he approached, and seemed to smile at the sight of him.

Did he just… what the…?

"Kanji Tatsumi?" He's talkin' to me?

"Uh… yeah?" The boy approached, stopping a few feet away. He was short as well as slender, barely coming up to Kanji's chin, wearing an old-style cap over his dark hair. He smiled slightly, and held out his hand.

"Good afternoon. My name is Naoto Shirogane. Do you mind if I speak with you?" He sounded younger than he looked, despite the articulated way he spoke. It was as though his voice hadn't broken yet and he was trying to lower it regardless. Kanji took his hand and shook it quickly, his hands are so soft trying to hide how suddenly, inexplicably, nervous he felt.

"Uh… sure. Um… what about?" If this is about those biker gangs…

The boy smiled again, tilting his head down before looking up at Kanji from under his cap.

"There have been a few instances occurring in Inaba recently that I am currently investigating. I am particularly interested in you, Kanji-san."

W..what? Interested?

"I would like to speak somewhere a little more private but I do not have time to spare at the present moment. Would you be able to meet with me tomorrow?" Meet with him… like… a date? No, that's freakin' stupid.

"T-Tomorrow's fine with me…" He couldn't stop staring at him; the young man, Naoto, didn't seem to notice or if he did he tactfully ignored it. I'd better not be blushing.

"You attend Yasogami High School, correct? Am I also correct in the assumption that you will be going tomorrow?"

"Huh? S-School? 'Course I'm going to school…" He was stuttering like an idiot. What the hell was wrong with him. Get it together Kanji!

"Then I'll meet you at the gates after school tomorrow." Naoto gave a small nod in parting before turning and walking away, moving with speed and purpose. Kanji could help but stare after him. He let out the breath he didn't realise he was holding. He waited until he was out of earshot before speaking to himself under his breath.

"D-Did he say he was... he was interested…? He's a guy… and I'm a guy… But… he's interested in me…?" There was a sudden noise behind him, which was quickly shushed. He turned to face the source; a few teenagers were watching him. There were trying to look nonchalant. They were failing miserably. Kanji vaguely recognised most of them; they were from his new school, technically his senpai if he ever bothered going. Yukiko he remembered from when he was younger, and her friend Satonaka, and... the manager of Junes' son, Hanamura?... and some other boy he didn't know.

Oh shit, what had they seen? What had they heard...? It was their expressions that did it, a mix of curiosity and amusement. He hated being look at like that, like he was some sort of freak. "Huh? What the hell are you pricks looking at!?" The looked panicked. All four of them, Yukiko included, fled up the street with cries of "nothing" and "we didn't see anything!"

Satisfied they were gone Kanji headed into the shop.

"Oh Kanji-kun!" His Ma greeted him, a worried look on her face. Odd, she don't usually look that worried unless I'm at the station. "There was a boy in here looking for you! I told him that i hadn't seen you all day, but that you may be back soon."

"Naoto."

"Is that his name? Is he a friend of yours? I have never seen him before. I don't think I know his mother."

"No.. uh… not a friend. I have never seen him before either. He jus' said his name was Naoto."

"He was asking all sorts of questions."

"W...What sort of questions?"

"He wanted to know what you were like, and he thinks… he asked if you were in trouble. Are you in trouble Kanji-kun?" Asking what I'm like… like as a person? What did that mean? What had the old bat told him? Wait, trouble? He shook his head.

"No! No, I'm not-"

"Because if you are, you must tell me-"

"I'm not in any trouble, dammit. Look you old cow, it's fine. I'm fine." The most trouble he was in was if those bikers came back for another beating, and some how he doubted it. His Ma didn't look satisfied, but didn't push it. He never would say it but he was thankful for her; she was probably the only person in all of Inaba who wasn't afraid of him and his outbursts. Right now she just looked concerned. He sighed.

"I'm going to my room. Gonna get an early night." He slipped his shoes off and headed towards his bedroom, closing the door behind him.

That was weird. Who was that boy, and what sort of trouble could he have been talking about…?


17th May 2011

School sucked. Kanji was bored out of his freakin' mind. He couldn't keep his eyes off the clock.

His Ma, previous conversation forgotten if not forgiven, had looked particularly thrilled when he came down in his school uniform that morning, the old bag fussing and wanting to make him breakfast before he set off. He had brushed her off, snapping at her that he wasn't hungry. He was glad to be out of the house to get away from her.

When he had approached the school most students had the common sense to keep out of his damn way, but when he put his shoes in the locker he noticed some pricks looking over at him, likely second and third years. Gotta be tough. Gotta show 'em who's boss. He could take 'em if they gave him any trouble.

Class wasn't much better. The teachers were either trying to tactfully ignore his presence or make a big deal that he had turned up for the… second time... this year. He couldn't ignore the whispers he heard from the other students in class and in the hallways, people talkin' shit about him, saying he was a biker, a delinquent, a thug. He briefly glimpsed Yukiko on the first floor corridor at lunch time, and was reminded of yesterday afternoon with Hanamura and Satonaka. Those shitheads had better not say anything about him meeting Naoto. Some people were just askin' to be beat up.

He was distracting himself by watching the clock, wanting and dreading 4pm to chime so that he could meet with the mysterious young man. He had knots in his stomach.

Naoto… Naoto said that he was interested in him. Actually said that he found Kanji interesting. Kanji had never heard that before, from anyone. How could anyone find him interesting? Was that… a confession…? No, that would be stupid. He was getting this all wrong, he knew it. He'd been over this- Naoto is a guy… and he's a guy…

Why the hell am I feelin' like this? I mean, it is just meetin' up after school. Loadsa people meet after school. He just wants to ask me something. Ma said he thought I was in trouble.

What the hell does he want to ask me?

This was stupid. He shouldn't have agreed to meet with him. Whatever trouble he was apparently in he could damn well deal with it himself.

4pm took ages to arrive and when it did it was too soon. Kanji rushed the the lockers as soon as the bell rang, slipping his shoes on without undoing them first, before heading to the front gates. He was striding quickly, not wanting to give himself the opportunity to back out, and feeling as though he would if he slowed down.

There were a lot of students milling around, small groups of people clustered together waiting for their friends, laughter and conversation making the air buzz with activity. He looked around, making sure no one was watching him. He did not want anyone at school getting the wrong idea. They already thought he was a thug; it would be a million times worse if they thought him to be a total pansy. He saw Hanamura, Satonaka and their friend huddled together, looking suspicious, but he pushed them out of his mind. They hadn't said anything to him at school; they weren't important right now.

Kanji couldn't see Naoto by the gates and his heart sank; he couldn't quite quell the feeling of both relief and disappointment. Had he changed his mind? No, there is is- Naoto walked briskly towards him, dressed once again in his fitted jacket and cap. He looked smart.

"I didn't keep you waiting, I hope?"

"No, I-I just got here too…" his voice was threatening to break. Get it together Kanji!

"Shall we then?" Naoto gestured and led the way; Kanji hurried to follow at his side. He resisted the urge to look back at school to make sure no one was watching, or worse, sniggering. This ain't what it looks like…

They walked in silence initially, Kanji having no idea how to break the ice and start a conversation, and Naoto didn't seem particularly inclined to do so. It was awkward, sure, but at least it gave Kanji the chance to calm down a bit and properly look at the mysterious young man.

Walking next to him it was really drilled home just how short Naoto was. Like, the dude was tiny, but that didn't make him any less… intimidating. Kanji always thought you had to be big to be scary; Naoto was managing it effortlessly by being cool and mysterious. Kanji felt tense. He couldn't relax - just being in this boy's presence made him feel like he was walking on eggshells, that he had to be perfect. Be cool, yeah? Yeah. Just, act natural.

It wasn't until they had reached the road by the Samegawa riverbed that Naoto spoke.

"Kanji-san, pardon my direct questioning, but have you noticed anything suspicious lately?" That… wasn't the line of interrogation he was expecting. He blinked, unsure as to how to answer.

"Uh… like the bikers? Because I showed them. They won't be comin' round here no more."

"No. You and your mother run and live above the textile shop in town; has anyone suspicious come to the shop recently?" The kid knew a lot. Who was he…? Had he been watching them? Kanji thought back over the past week, his brow furrowed.

"Uh… no. I don't think so. Just the usual orders."

"Hm, I see." Naoto bit his lip in thought. Oh hell that's… hot. He looks so... the FUCK is wrong with me… stop thinking like that…

"... should there be? What's that gotta do with me?"

"I am merely investigating a theory. But I must ask you, that if you do notice anyone suspicious that you inform the police immediately." Kanji snorted. Like they could help. Naoto stopped; a second later Kanji did too, turning to face him. Naoto looked up at Kanji questioningly, an eyebrow raised, inspecting his face.

"I mean… yeah. Sure." he was staring so intently Kanji felt as though Naoto could read his mind. He felt a familiar blush rise on his cheeks. He looked away. His eyes are so… cute. I could stare into them for hours…

"You are quite an odd person, Kanji Tatsumi. But thank you." Odd… oh hell, what did he mean by that? He wasn't odd, he just… Kanji recoiled as if he had been slapped. He straightened his back, stood tall, letting his features settle into a familiar scowl. Naoto looked puzzled at the sudden shift in atmosphere, but didn't comment. There was an awkward silence. Oh shit, no, I messed up. Why did he have to say … Oh shit, he is looking at me weird. What do I do what do I say what-

"Hey Naoto… I… I wanna… can we meet up again?" He was speaking before he even thought about it, filling the gap, and instantly wished that he hadn't said anything. Naoto seemed to think on it for a moment, before nodding, a small smile returning.

"Yes, I think that would be prudent."

"Ah… good. Uh..." He wanted to say something more, but he lost his nerve. Something was bothering him. They were being watched. Kanji heard something on the edge of his hearing, sounding suspiciously like someone whispering. Looking for the source of the noise Kanji was surprised to see it was that prick Hanamura, Satonaka with him. They looked guilty as fuck. He strode over to them, scowling, anger and embarrassment flaring in his chest. He had had it with these two.

"… the hell are you two doing?"

"Oh, well, you see... We're... We're just two crazy lovebirds!" Lying piece of shit. Satonaka didn't look like she agreed, and lost her guilty look. She instead looked annoyed.

"Whaddya mean "bird"!?"

"Play along, birdbrain!"

This didn't make sense; this was the third time he had seen these guys recently, and every time they looked suspicious and guilty. Something was seriously up. He was not taking any of their shit.

"Didn't I see you guys yesterday...?" They looked at each other for answers, Hanamura laughed nervously, stuttering and obviously trying to think of an excuse as to why that would be.

"C-C'mon, it just so happened that we were walking behind you guys. Pure coincidence! Hey! Our houses are just over that way, so we'll be going now…" Satonaka was nodding quickly in agreement.

"Um, look, we weren't planning on getting in you guys' way, and there's nothing strange about it, either…" What the hell did she just say?

"S-Strange...!?" Oh shit. Did they think...? No. No way. Hanamura was popular, right? He was going to spread it around school that… spread around what he thought he saw. And Satonaka was friends with Yukiko and freakin' everyone liked her. Satonaka was still talking, shouting at Hanamura. He couldn't hear what she was saying, but it caused the two of them to take off down the riverbed. He gave chase, shouting after them.

"W-Wait, dammit! This ain't what you think! Y-you got it all wrong! Hey! Are you listening, dammit!? It seriously ain't like that!" Fuck fuck FUCK!

He should have been able to catch them. He had a longer stride, but Satonaka was athletic, fast enough to outrun and outmaneuver him as she darted away down little side streets through the suburban part of town. Hanamura seemed propelled by pure panic as if he genuinely feared for his life. Kanji slowed his run as they disappeared from sight. He growled and hit the nearest accessible thing; a notice board, a mix of despair and panic bubbling in his chest.

He couldn't think. He needed to go home.

He walked down the river bed, heading towards the shopping district, but keeping an eye out for anyone else watching him, any whispers or suspicious giggles. How many people did they have following him? He didn't think it was just the two of them - fuck, how many people would he have to threaten to keep this quiet? What did Naoto think? Think...of him… now that he had met him? He... hoped he liked him. That is freakin' stupid. What the hell? Stupid fucking Hanamura and Satonaka; they could fucking ruin everything. They had no idea what was going on. If I never see them again it would be too soon.

He turned the corner and headed up the main street in the shopping district- sonnova bitch. They were all in front of his Ma's shop. Again. Yukiko, Hanamura, Satonaka and that other guy.

Hanamura was doubled over, panting hard. Kanji heard Yukiko respond to whatever it was he said; he was still too far away to hear properly.

"Well... let's wait here a little longer. Maybe Kanji-kun will come home." They were following him!? He knew it! He stormed over.

"What're you guys doing here? Why are you assholes followin' me around!? Dammit, what the hell's going on!?" The four of them looked terrified, but it was the startled look in Yukiko's eyes which made him reconsider flying off the handle at them and hitting Hanamura like he wanted to. Yukiko looked about to cry. No, calm down Kanji. Let's see if they talk some sense.

He sighed heavily, calming himself down. "I ain't sayin' this is you guys' fault... but... dammit...!" Too many strange things had happened recently. He couldn't get Naoto off of his mind; these guys were watching this entire trainwreck play out and there was nothing he could do to convince them that it wasn't what it looked like because hell he wasn't sure if that was true.

Hanamura was first to speak.

"Hey, uh... mind if we ask something? Has anything strange happened to you lately?" Kanji looked over to him, eyes hard. The little prick. This entire fucking situation was strange. How dare he make assumptions…!

"Huh? Strange…? What's this "strange" stuff, huh!? Are you saying that I'm strange!?" He was not going to take this shit coming from jumped up little upstart city kid like Hanamura.

"Huh? N-No, I didn't mean-!"

"You shitheads better get the hell out of my face, or I'm taking you down!"

"Wha-!? Wait, why!?"

"I look like I'm joking!?" A moments pause and all four of them turned and fled, scattering in different directions in their haste to get away from him. He was ready to hit someone and he didn't care who.

He stormed into the shop, slamming the door behind him. The shop was closed for the day; the lights were off, and his Ma was nowhere to be seen. He locked the door. He didn't bother with the light; there was enough to see as he slipped his shoes off and stepped up onto the tatami mats of the textile shop.

He was going to have a shower. And then go to bed. He had too much shit to think about.