It only took another day for Kiyoshi and Kyuzo to become the best of friends. But then it only took one day to separate them like a petal from a flower.
It was five years later. Kiyoshi and Kyuzo were about fourteen years old; still the enthusiastic children they were when they were nine. But both being adolescents, it was only natural for them to become slightly attracted to one another. The idea always somehow popped into Kyuzo's brain and it annoyed him to bits, despite the fact that he actually did like Kiyoshi.
It was another usual day. Kyuzo and Kiyoshi were walking home as always, but the blonde male noticed something that seemed off about his female companion. She was quieter than usual and was staring at the ground. Even her pace was slower. This ticked Kyuzo off a bit. He really wanted to know why Kyoshi was acting so strangely.
When the two stopped in front of Kyoshi's home, she finally spoke up. "Kyuzo, I… I'm sorry for telling you so late, but I'm moving tomorrow morning once the sun rises. I didn't get a chance to tell you because my parents told me last night… and I didn't want to ruin your day by telling you earlier."
"What do you mean you're leaving? Where are you going?"
"My father needed us to move. I can't tell you why. We're moving to a nearby village somewhere down on the land."
Kyuzo remained silent as he gazed at Kiyoshi, an unreadable expression on his face. She turned away and Kyuzo could hear her start to softly weep. Kyuzo had never seen Kyoshi cry; she'd always been tough and strong. Seeing his dearest friend like this hurt him, and the least he could do was attempt to comfort her.
He walked in front of Kiyoshi before gently hugging her. She froze for a moment but nevertheless hugged back. Tightly. "You don't have to be sorry, Kiyoshi. Don't do that to yourself. Just… wherever you go, don't forget me. I won't forget you."
"I promise… thanks, Kyuzo…."
Kiyoshi slowly pulled away and wiped her tears. She softly sniffed before handing Kyuzo the old samurai book. The one that bonded them together years ago. "Here… keep this."
"But-"
"You need it more than I do, Kyuzo. Keep it. For me."
Kiyoshi looked to her house and said, "Goodbye." But before she left, she gave Kyuzo a small peck on his cheek and ran inside. He stood there shocked for a moment. But he left with the samurai book gripped tightly in his arms.