It was during those days after the first reports of the 'missing children' and before those nightmares started.

It was during those few days when we were really playing around.

It was that one day, though, that really made me feel-what was it?-happy.

"Ken, stop doing this to yourself."

Chikusa glared sternly, yet calmly, at his friend.

"What're you talking about, Kakipi? You're nuts," Ken spat, looking away; but when his friend's grip tightened around his wrist, he quickly glanced at him.

That day, we went into that new arcade area.

It was bustling once we were inside. The arcade machines-there were so many-ringing and playing their theme songs, the children and teens dashing around here and there, trying out every game. It was so noisy.

I was slightly uncomfortable.

"Hey, that hurts, Kakipi."

He only stared him down, his grip tightening.

"Kakipi?"

"Kakipi?"

"Hn?" It really took a lot for me to remain calm. I don't know how I do it, but I've always managed to remain neutral.

"Let's try out that one!" your shouting was acceptable for once.

You led us towards a somewhat empty arcade game.

It was one of those joint stick games.

You were really good at it.

He shook his head slightly. "You think I don't notice?"

"Notice wh-"

"Those cuts on your hands, those bruises; your hurting yourself." He didn't realize his voice was rising.

Soon, you were beating every level with ease, and your points were really high.

There was a small crowd around you as you continued beating the game.

I was part of that crowd, though I was also the only one not shouting.

Before realizing it, you had beaten the game.

Blinking rapidly and looking away, the blond only muttered, "It's nothing."

One of the staff members-or was it the owner?-awarded you with any prize to call your own from the prize area for free.

"Nothing?"

I had stepped outside as you chose your prizes to get some air.

"Nothing."

"Hey yo, Kakipi! Look what I got, pyon!" you shouted-what a surprise-at me.

I looked to see what you got, and boy was I surprised. "Ken…wh-"

"This one's for you!" you tossed one of the objects at me.

I caught it and realized it was a simple, plain red, yo-yo.

"…"

"…"

I assumed you took my silence as something else.

"Aw c'mon, Kakipi! It's not that bad!"

I shook my head. For some reason, I hurt a little. Somewhere near my chest. But I managed to reply. A good, simple reply. "Nah, it's good."

Your grin seemed permanent from that day on.

To think I still remember that plain day…

Without releasing his grip, Chikusa raised his free hand, balled it, and struck Ken's nose.

The blond flinched away, holding his bleeding nose with his free hand. "What the he-!"

"What's going on?" Chikusa shouted, bringing up Ken's wrist that he still held. "Why the hell have you been drifting out on me? And what's up with you bleeding everything out? Why keep quiet when I'm here? Why, Ken? Why?"

A spark went off in Ken. He shook free his captured wrist and shouted back, "Why should I tell you? Your equally at fault here, you know? You've been drifting off on me too, Kakipi! You've been keeping quiet, too! Not only that, but why didn't you tell me about those thugs attacking you again? Don't act like you don't know! That bastard Hibari made them squeal big time; so I know they came back to get you! What the hell's up with that?"

Chikusa narrowed his eyes, ready to snap back but…What am I doing? He stepped back. "…"

Ken wasn't stupid to realize what had just happened. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. "What are we doing?"

Chikusa shook his head. "Blowing steam?" He grimaced as he glanced back at Ken, who was still bleeding.

"Don't worry about it. It's fine," Ken assured, wiping the blood off with a napkin he had. "Oh gross." The napkin wasn't enough, and his nose was still trickling with blood. "Ahh, what do I do?"

Huffing a-was it really?-laugh, Chikusa stepped forward, offering his help. He told his blond friend to pinch his nose and tilt backward. The whole procedure came down smoothly; soon, the pair found themselves on the swings, letting the silence engulf them.

"Kakipi."

"Hn?"

"Let's meet up tomorrow by the library."

"Alright."

...

Who would've thought that day would bring so much trouble?

...

...

I noticed that my 'style' has been changing every so often...eegh. I should stick to just one, no? I know this is throwing you off, but believe me, it'll aaallll make sense soon. With all the rushing, think of this as the first climax of the story, or where the problem really sets in, yeah? =]