Chapter 5

Small note: I reread the first few chapters and I realize it might be confusing because Makoto wants a night out in the city and you don't want it, but then you want a night out and Makoto doesn't want it. I'll clear things up a bit: Makoto means a night out with bodyguards; you want a night out without the bodyguards. Makoto's plan is simpler but with less privacy… Sorry for any confusion (I was pretty confused myself and completely flipped out.)

You had to admit, the theme park was really something. You hadn't been there before, and quite a while back you had mentioned something about going on a trip there to Makoto.

Of course, the whole experience would've been even better without the black shadows trailing you guys. But overall, it really was fine. The best thing was when Makoto would tell you about his childhood and all the silly things his friends did.

"You should really go visit them," you told Makoto when the day was over, and you were walking back to the hotel. You thought of it as walking anyway - it was more like escorting, with the bodyguards fully enclosing you both from all sides. "It's been awhile, hasn't it? Sometimes things like me can wait."

Makoto just smiled. "They're busy with their own things too. I know Haru's going to be expanding his restaurant business into what he hopes would be international, so he won't have much spare time. Rei's too far away for me to reach, honestly, and… Last I heard I think Nagisa got a job as a counselor."

That was only three names. You knew Makoto had to have more friends than that. "What about… what's his name? The one with the creepy-scary teeth? Aren't you friends?"

Makoto was silent. You decided not to press it so you just enjoyed the rest of the walk. Did you hit a sore spot? This was strange. Usually Makoto wouldn't just shut up right away. You glanced suspiciously at the bodyguards who were beginning to disperse, now that you both were "safe" in the hotel. Maybe he wanted to say something they weren't allowed to hear.

When you took a peek at Makoto's face, you became slightly worried. Makoto seemed to be upset about something. You latched onto his arm to show you were there for support and he acknowledged you with a soft mumble.

Maybe he's tired. You rushed towards your room door after the elevator doors opened and quickly unlocked it, shoving Makoto inside and slamming the door shut. Your methods of "care" might not seem to be soft and gentle, but it's the thought that counts, right?

Turning on the lights you gently pushed Makoto onto the bed and flopped down beside him. "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Makoto frowned more. "It's just… Now that I really think of it, I can't remember what Rin is doing. He said he was working on some kind of project, and a while back he said he would be traveling… but it's all extremely vague."

You tried not to heave a sigh of relief. "I think there's no reason to worry. Maybe Rin's a stripper and doesn't want anyone else to know." It was your lame attempt at cheering Makoto up, but sometimes lame attempts work great.

You could tell it didn't work this time because the smile Makoto had was forced and you knew it wasn't genuine. "Maybe. I just have a bad feeling about it…"

"Here's some advice for you," you glanced over at Makoto so you were staring right at him. "Take a nice, long, hot shower. Think about it all you want. Think about it in the shower. When you're finished showering, it should also mean you've finished thinking about the matter. You can think about it again in the next shower. But relax anytime you're not in the shower, okay? It's gonna be bad for you if you stress yourself too much."

Makoto stared at you blankly for a second before bursting out laughing. You raised an eyebrow. "What's so funny?" you demanded. "I was trying to give genuine advice there!" This wasn't even an attempt at cheering him up. Note to self: advice works just as well.

"Nevermind," Makoto got up, still chuckling to himself before disappearing into the shower. Maybe he was going to take your advice after all.

While he was in the shower, you set out to ensure that your plans for tomorrow wouldn't go up in smoke… And by that you mean no one tried to assassinate or make a move on your man. In your eyes, his safety was the most important. Sure, you could let the bodyguards back in on the plan, but just one night… Makoto knew some self-defense, surely, though you couldn't do much yourself if it came to something more than a three-on-one, which was more than possible. Besides, he had wanted a night out in the city as well, right? … Probably in a more protected environment, though. Well, risks were what made life fun!

Choosing the safest route with the most witnesses and looking up all the security cameras in the region - if Makoto knew what you were doing maybe he'd think you were working against the government.

Of course, you had your sources. Also, pulling in favors from your friends didn't hurt.

Gathering more and more information, your confidence gradually climbed higher and higher. No harm would come to you two tomorrow, and by the time you were finished with your preparations you were almost 90% sure.

You didn't notice that the moon was already halfway to its highest peak. Quickly shutting down your laptop, you look up to find that Makoto still hasn't come out of the shower, though the water had already stopped running.

Had something happened? Maybe he slipped and hit his head, but wouldn't that have made a rather loud noise? You rushed to the door and knocked. "Makoto? Are you alright?"

There wasn't an answer, so you tried to slide the door open. Thankfully it wasn't locked, and you stepped in. You were blind because of the water vapor for a few moments, but as soon as it cleared you found Makoto on the floor. Fully clothed, thank God, because if he wasn't then it'd just be another complication.

He was leaning against the tub, and you could see he had something in his hand. He also seemed to be deep in thought. So deep, in fact, that he hadn't even turned his head at your sudden entrance.

Meditating, perhaps? You thought to yourself. Makoto seemed awake, so you leaned down and waved a hand in front of his eyes. After a few more unsuccessful attempts, you managed to get him to blink.

"Ah, sorry," he apologized and got up. "I must've dozed off or something." He checked the thing clenched in his fists - a cellphone.

"What're you doing?" you asked, curious. If Makoto couldn't tell you, then fine. You'd steal his phone.

Turns out he could tell you, though. "Nothing much, just trying to reach Rin." He laughed and led you out of the bathroom. "He won't pick up, though."

"Maybe he's out of the country and it's nighttime, wherever he is," you mused. "Anyway, I've got tomorrow all planned out. I'll take a shower now, don't think too much or your brain will explode."

Makoto smiled and shooed you off to do your own things. Before you stepped into the bathroom, you threw one last glance at his direction. He seemed to be absorbed in his thoughts. His brain is totally going to explode.