Gakupo's POV

Kaito sat on the couch gazing in front of him with that pained look of his.

"I'm sorry." I said. Kaito didn't react. He looked uneasy.

I took the last sip from my glass while keeping my eyes glued on Kaito's profile. After finishing the coke, I held the empty glass against my cheek. It was nice and cool. I saw Kaito's eyes turning to me and closed my eyes.

"Oh crap!" Kaito yelled all of a sudden.

When I opened my eyes I saw him staring at his wristwatch.

"I missed the last bus!"

I couldn't help but giggle.

Kaito threw an angry look at me. "That's not funny, I have to walk home now!"

I smiled and shook my head. "No problem, I'll give you a ride."

I took my car keys from my pocket and raised them in front of Kaito's face. He followed the glittering metal with his eyes.

"Thanks." He mumbled.

"Anytime." I said cheerfully. "So, want to stay for another while, since I'm giving you a ride anyway..."

Kaito seemed to think about this suggestion for a few seconds. He looked straight into my eyes with a thoughtful expression. His serious face surprised me a bit.

"Better not." He finally said. "Just take me home. I'm exhausted." He closed his eyes for a second or two.

"Alright, let's go then." I said. I hoped he didn't notice the disappointment in my voice. He followed me as I left the apartment and locked the door. Silently, we waited for the elevator.

Kaito seemed to avoid my eyes and just kept looking straight to the floor. I wondered what happened to the cheerful mood. As we entered the elevator the silence became unbearable, so I decided to end it.

"Kaito?" I realised I had to say something now, but I didn't know what to say.

I just called your name to break the silence. would sound a little weird, now wouldn't it?

Kaito looked up to me with questioning eyes.

"What?" he asked.

I took a deep breath and desperately thought of something to say. "How have you been doing?" was the result of my creative thinking. I felt like slapping my own face.

Kaito frowned while looking confused. "What?"

I averted my eyes. "Well you know. Like, how are you really. Are you okay?"

Kaito gave me a flustered look. "Sure... Why wouldn't I be?"

I felt my face glowing. Why did I ask such a ridiculous question?

"Do I look that troubled?" That serious face again. In fact he díd look troubled. Did this mean I actually hit the bull's eye with my stupid question?

"Uhm... I-I don't know..." I stuttered "Maybe... A little."

Kaito remained silent. The elevator stopped and opened its doors. We left the building and walked to the parking lot. After watching me unlock the doors, Kaito got into the eggplant-coloured car.

Why was he like this today? He used to be cheerful. I kinda liked his cheerfulness. He would smile all the time. If only he would smile right now. I was sure that'd make it less awkward.

I sighed as I started the car. The engine began roaring, but as I wanted to switch, the roaring ceased.

"That's odd." I murmured as I tried again.

"What's wrong?" Kaito asked. He sounded a little panicky.

I shook my head. "It won't start..." I said.

Kaito's eyes widened. "You're kidding."

I closed my eyes. "I'm not. I'm sorry."

"SHIT." Kaito yelled. He sounded scared rather than angry. "I have to get home!"

He got out of the car and began to walk. What the... I got out as well and followed him.

"Where are you going?"

"Home." Kaito simply said.

"Walking?" I asked surprised. Kaito nodded.

"Are you nuts? It's already getting dark! And it's way too far, you'll walk for hours."

"I don't care." Kaito said bluntly.

"But I do." I ran in on him and stood before him so he was forced to stop walking.

"Listen." I said calmly. "It's madness walking home this late. It's too far. And you're already feeling unwell."

"I'm not!" Kaito raised his voice.

"Yes you do!" I fired back. "You've got a temperature."

Deep down, I felt I just wanted him to stay, for no particular reason.

"You can crash at my place you know. It's not that big a deal."

Kaito heavily shook his head. "No can do. Let me through." He gave me a push and tried to continue walking.

"What is with you?" I started yelling. "I'm not gonna let you through. You're sick. You've looked gloomy all evening, you've got a temperature, your face is red, and you're trembling. If you walk home in this condition, you'll kill yourself, man. I don't want to be responsible for that! Just stay over. It's no problem, you can sleep on the couch. And I won't rape you in your sleep or anything." I made the last thing sound like a joke.

"I know that!" Kaito yelled. "That's not the point!"

"Then what is the point!" my voice echoed through the humid evening air.

"Okay fine!" He shouted. "Whatever. I'll stay."

I breathed a sigh of relief and forced myself to smile. "There. Good boy."