It's been a while. Sorry for the long wait. I have no excuses – just my laziness. So here we go with the next chapter. My big thanks to the following by the way: KHR lover, x-MinRi-x, Cristinne, Rieyama Yuuko, puripuri, Aldrich-ruki..

Disclaimer: KHR is not mine.

Lambo was busy reading his books when he heard something. At first, he thought it was simply his imagination. How could there be music in this freaking big house? Yes. Gokudera's house is huge and he almost got lost during his first time exploring the place. He thought Gokudera was just joking about owning a house here. After all, what's the point in owning a house when you even seldom come home? Right? He set his book down and followed the direction of the sound. And he realized he was going to the unexplored part of the house. According to Yamamoto, that part is forbidden for anyone since it's Gokudera's sanctuary.

The door was slightly opened so he decided to take a peek and there he saw Gokudera sitting with his back so straight as he played the…grand piano. He blinked. Am I just imagining this? There's nothing in Gokudera that screams love for music. He continued listening and decided that the song is quite familiar. He just did not know where he heard it before.

"Stop peeking and just come on in," his gruff tone interrupted his thoughts and Lambo almost jumped in surprise. Gokudera did not even glance.

The teen gave a sheepish smile and entered the grand hall. Ah. Just how freaking grand is this place? "Sorry, I was busy reading when I heard this. I did not know you play the piano, Gokudera."

He stopped playing and turned to him. He was smirking. "There are many things you don't know about me yet, cow. So, how's it going with your studies?" he asked.

Lambo scratched his head. "Going well."

The older man's eyes sharpened at the nonchalant tone. The teen raised his hands in defense. "It is really going well for the past week. I promise. I even aced one of the quizzes which my teacher found shocking, mind you, so she suspected I might have cheated or something like that."

Gokudera studied the teen. After telling Lambo to pack his things, he made it a point to visit the Bovino family and inform them his intention of taking the teen into his custody. He was expecting some resistance so he was rather surprised when they simply handed him over. After demanding some payments though. He almost slapped the check into their faces because he was so disgusted. And he was glad that Lambo was taken out from that kind of household. He also made it a point to talk with Lambo's psychiatrist and she told him that one of the factors affecting Lambo's delinquent behavior was his poor environment. He suspected she knew about his so-called family problem. So she told him he found ways to release his anger which he does not have the freedom to do when with the Bovino family. He shook his head.

"Keep that up," he only said and stood up lazily.

Lambo looked at him. "I did not hear you arrive."

"Maybe because you don't pay much attention," he retorted and headed towards the door. "It's weekend. Change into some decent clothes. Let's go hang-out."

"Really?" he almost squealed like a girl.

Gokudera gave him a slanted look. "Only if you behave yourself," he said. Immediately, the boy ran out and Gokudera smirked. He gave one last look at the piano that elegantly stood in the middle of the wide room before he closed the door.

Haru stretched her hands as she took a rest. "I'm really tired," she exclaimed. To her surprise, she followed Gokudera's suggestion and applied at the sushi restaurant much to Yamamoto's glee since he needs a hand especially with his upcoming games. Speaking of Gokudera, she wondered why she never saw a glance of his shadow the past week. Though of course she heard some rumors that he's dating Shitt P. What kind of name is that?

Yamamoto took a seat across her and offered a drink. "Sorry if you had to take-over for a while, Haru," he apologized with his ever gentle smile. Once, she asked herself why she did not fall for him instead during their high school years. Why did she have to fall for Gokudera? And when she dumped him, she dated his rival.

"It's alright. Besides, I don't have the right to complain. You're the boss," she said in a cheerful voice.

"You don't have to put it that way, Haru. We're friends. Besides, Gokudera actually asked me to hire you if you don't come at me first," he supplied much to Haru's surprise.

"He did?"

Yamamoto nodded and stretched. Good thing they are at the second floor of the restaurant and overlooking the street. A gentle look crossed his face as he saw Gokudera and Lambo simply walking together. His friend has his odd way of showing he cares. And it's obvious Lambo is really happy for having to spend some time with his idol.

"Yamamoto?" Haru asked when he did not speak. She glanced at the direction he was looking at and saw whom he was looking at. Wait, how did Lambo and Gokudera know each other? She did not get the chance to ask him that during their last meeting because she suddenly fled away right after Shitt P. came. Why did she run anyway? She acted like she was jealous.

Her companion turned to her. "Sorry. I just happen to catch sight of them. I did not know Gokudera planned to hang-out with the boy."

"How did the two meet?" she asked with curiosity.

Yamamoto leaned on his chair. "Well, Lambo was five years old when Gokudera found him."

"Found him?"

"Yes. It was as though he was purposely left there. To think he was just five. We were still teens then. Did you know he always monitored Lambo's well-being?" he asked the woman who shook her head.

"I didn't even know they knew each other until last week," she replied. Despite his delinquent attitude before, Haru fell for Gokudera because she saw a side of him which others failed to see. That gentle side which was hidden behind his rough exterior.

Yamamoto studied the woman who was pondering something. "Did you ever regret dumping him for Zakuro?" he pronounced the name with so much distaste. He never did like Gokudera's rival. He was always so full of himself. Not that Gokudera is any better. It's just that his arrogance can get in anyone's nerves.

The question made Haru's eyes widened in surprise. "W-Why are you suddenly asking me that?" she stuttered.

Yamamoto shrugged. "Maybe because you were the only girl he came to care about. Trust me, I know what I am telling because he's my best friend. And well, you never knew any of these because he hid his feelings well."

Haru smiled bitterly. "He dated Shitt P. immediately after I dumped him," she pointed out.

"Because he cannot let anyone else know that he was affected with what you did," Yamamoto smiled. "For the past years, Gokudera did so many things that most are ever aware of. Like what he did for Lambo. Secretly, he always asked about you too. In a subtle way of course to avoid getting teased by me."

Haru bowed her head. "I don't know why you are telling me this…"

"Because I want him to be happy. He's been living a bitter life you know. That's why he wanted to get away from this place," he patted her hand gently and stood up. "Get to know him once more, Haru. Know his pains. His dreams. You're the only female who could do that."

And he left. Haru thought about his words while wondering how much details she missed. Yes. Why did he want to leave this town so much anyway? She never got to ask that herself. Maybe Yamamoto was right. But what is in store for her if she allowed herself to get closer to the guy once more? Will she get hurt?

She sighed and held her head in frustration. Really, why is she suddenly thinking about that guy? Did she get confused because of Yamamoto's words?

She wasn't aware she stood up and run. This is now or never. You don't have to end up as a couple. You can become his friends if nothing more, she told herself that.

Lambo and Gokudera were having a snack in a pizza house. "Why did you not drop by Yamamoto's place first?" he asked with curiosity before he took a bite of his pizza.

Gokudera only shrugged. He does not need to tell the teen that he's avoiding seeing someone there. His friend told him that Haru applied there as he suggested. It's difficult seeing her and knowing he can never have her because she does not want him. And because he could not offer what she wants. A stable home.

"Lambo-kun? It's Lambo-kun!" he frowned at the squeals behind him and he glared at the boy who was now sagging on his seat as if to hide his appearance. He tried to look around for a way to escape but he was surrounded in a split second and Gokudera could not help but reflect his older days. Him and the rest of his friends were always popular during high school and girls flocked around them.

He simply watched as the girls tried to chat with the boy who was still busy chewing on his food. Heh, Lambo has his own charm too huh?

"By the way, Lambo-kun, who is he?" they pointed at Gokudera's direction.

The older man decided that it's time to shoo them away. After all, he does not need clingy girls with them at the moment. "I'm his older brother, ladies, and much as I like seeing his discomfort with females in my presence, I like to tell you that you're disturbing us."

They stared at him and squealed after a beat. They turned to Lambo. "Why did you not say you have a brother? And he's handsome!"

Gokudera's brow twitched. He already forgot that he was used to this kind of girls when he was younger.

"Ah, he does not like noisy people so you better leave him alone, I suggest," came a voice from behind him again. Gokudera lazily looked up after hearing the familiar voice and saw the guy who was giving a bemused smile before he simply waved his hand. "See you around, Gokudera, I still have some things to buy for Chrome's birthday."

"Is she your woman, Mukuro?" he asked, ignoring the girls. Thankfully, Lambo took Gokudera's distraction as a chance to shoo the girls away.

Mukuro only gave his ever mysterious smile. "Drop by our house next weekend. I couldn't find you for the past week so you're the only one left uninvited. I'll introduce her properly."

The silver-haired nodded and Mukuro already left with his three companions nearby. He then returned his attention to Lambo who was looking at the retreating forms of Mukuro and his friends. "You know Rokudo Mukuro?" he asked in awe.

"Yes. Why?"

Lambo shook his head. "Uh, how come you know most of the big shots here?" he asked with suspicion.

Gokudera raised his left brow. "Just study your school's yearbooks and you'll find that me and him, and even your principal, including the turf-head, the baseball freak and Tsuna are friends."

The teen whistled. Then he blinked. And his eyes widened. "W-W-W-What? So you mean y-y-you – "

"Will you get a grip of yourself?" he stated gruffly at the flustered teen. "And yes, I know what you're going to ask me so I will answer it. I know Hibari Kyoya. How do you think I found all about your performance in school?"

Lambo's shoulder slumped. So if Gokudera leaves, he really can't do anything stupid anymore since the one keeping a close eye on him is the principal. "I just thought it was Yamamoto or Ryohei."

"Like they have the time checking up on you," he scoffed. "Are there any more stuffs that you need? You only have to tell me because I'll be leaving tonight for some important appointment."

"Y-You're leaving?" the teen asked in surprise.

"Yes but only for two days. It's an appointment I cannot cancel," he answered nonchalantly and looked ahead of Lambo to see a woman looking sideways. His green eyes softened. "Haru." The name mentioned made Lambo turn around.

"Haru!" he shouted and followed with a wave of his hand. Gokudera slapped his forehead. Said woman approached them.

"Glad I found you," she said as she tried to catch her breath. Gokudera pulled one chair for her and he did it without being aware of it.

"Have a seat first," he offered.

She smiled. "Thanks."

He called for one of the pizza crews and ordered a drink for her. When finally sure she looks okay, he spoke. "Why are you looking for us?"

The question made Haru blink. He could clearly read confusion written all over her face before it was replaced with something else. "I saw you from the sushi bar. Since it's my free time, I thought I'd talk to you. Thank you."

"For what?"

"Yamamoto told me you recommended me there so…"

"Pft. That idiot," he scoffed.

Haru unconsciously reached for Gokudera's drink and drank from there. For a moment, he was reminded of the past again. She used to do that, taking his drink. From the sidelines, Lambo watched with some amusement. Besides, it's rare to see Gokudera this way.

"You needed a job so I only thought of helping," he continued. She always brings out that side of him without being conscious about it. That side which cares for her.

She smiled at him with a gentle look on his eyes. "I have been nothing but rude to you so I…"

"You've already said your thanks," he cut her off.

"But I haven't said what I came here to say," she stated in that defiant tone which he always loves about her. He simply stared at her and both forgot about Lambo. "I may not be able to give more but I can be friends with you. That is if you're willing to take the offer."

He leaned on his chair as he watched how color is creeping to her face and yet she's trying her best not to blush. Haru continued. "It may not look like how it was during high school but I am willing to be your friend, really."

He wanted to cackle at the pain in his chest. How many times had he said those lines to women he dated from different places? That he could only offer friendship and nothing more? His right hand hung on his side and he clenched his right fist. If only he can tell her how much he truly missed her. But if he did, she'll probably withdraw once more.

"G-Gokudera?" she stuttered when he did not speak and only stared at her.

"Sure."

Lambo rolled his eyes. He can't wait to interrogate Haru about their past. Gokudera is right about one thing. There are still things he doesn't know about him.

Haru cheerfully clapped her hands. Gokudera only shook her head. She was this lively before. He wondered what changed about her these past few years. He opened his mouth to say something when his mobile rang and he gruffly reached for it.

"Yes?"

He listened as he watched Haru and Lambo who were staring at him. He nodded his head as he looked away from them and stared at his fingers. "Yes. I haven't forgotten. I'll be there." The call ended and he turned to the two. "Change of plans, Lambo. I'll be leaving now."

"But you said – "

"They moved the schedule and I have no say in the matter," he stood up and did not miss the disappointed look from Haru's eyes as she stared at him. For some reason, he understood how it would affect her if she did not dump him before and it was him who left instead. "Sorry."

She forced a smile. "No, it's alright."

"I'll make it up to both of you when I return," he said and left a few bills at the table. He turned to Lambo whose head was bowed down. "If there's something you need, you can tell Yamamoto about it and I'll reimburse it when I return." He sighed when the teen did not answer. He then turned to Haru once more. "Got to go."

She only waved her right hand as she watched him run. It's not like she understood why he left so suddenly but something in his eyes – there's something in his eyes that tells her he needed to go. She bowed her head.

It has been three days since he left and Haru suddenly found herself in front of the big house. She did not have time to ask where Lambo got her number. He called her a while ago and he sounded sick. Worried for the teen, she decided to pay him a visit. She has two hours to spare before her work starts.

"Is this really his house?" she asked. She saw no one walking around the big house. "Lambo owns this?" she asked herself again and pressed the doorbell near the gate. It did not take long before it was opened on its own so she could only guess it was remote controlled.

She admired the surrounding. Different flowers were planted near the pathway. She took in her surrounding before she walked towards the door. She did not knock since it opened on its own and revealed Lambo who was wrapped with the blanket and he was shivering.

"Oh my god, why did you get up from bed?" she chided and stepped inside.

He smiled sheepishly. "The door is locked so I have to open it for you. There's no one around," he explained.

Haru nodded. "Go back in bed. I'll cook something for you before I go to work. Really, Lambo, if you get sick, you should not move from the bed. Are you having a fever?" she asked and held the teen's forehead. "You are."

"I'll be fine. Can I ask a favor?" he said and sat down.

"Go to bed first," she waved him off as she moved around the kitchen. "How can you own this house? It's so big."

"I don't own this. It's Gokudera's," he corrected and sneezed.

She spun around. "Gokudera owns this house?" she asked and looked around. Everything screams of elegance and wealth.

He nodded and tightened the blanket around him. "Yes. He asked me to live here instead," he explained. "Anyway, can you go to school and explain it to the principal why I was absent? They will not believe me."

She frowned while she continued working for the soup. "Why will they not believe you?"

And he had the galls to smile at her. "I'm quite the troublesome guy," he admitted. "The principal will mark me down again and report it to Gokudera."

"Why would he report it to Gokudera?" she glanced at him. Then she remembered Yamamoto's words. So the silver-haired had taken it upon himself to watch over the boy. What a nice guy. "I think I know. He looks over you."

He only nodded and sneezed once more. "Go to bed before you could infect me," she chided. "And I'll take care of everything."

And because she promised, she was late to work for about thirty minutes. She did not know that dealing with Hibari Kyouya could be troublesome. He's so aloof and gruff and it reminded her so of Gokudera. She wasn't surprise already to find out why the principal fed Gokudera information about Lambo's performance in school. The two were friends way back.

"Haru, do you think Yamamoto has a girlfriend?" her co-worker asked dreamily.

"Why are you asking me?" she asked, her shoulders shook in mirth.

"Because I am in love with him," she admitted. Haru only smiled at her.

"I don't know."

Her companion turned to her. "I thought you're friends."

"Yes but I don't think it is my business to delve into his personal life. Besides, I'm not really that close to him," she admitted with a wan smile. "I became friends with him when I became…" she trailed off. What's with taking a trip down memory lane? "I'm friends with his best friend," she corrected immediately when she saw her looking at her, waiting for an answer.

"Oh. Is he also good-looking? Because I think Yamamoto is one of the most good-looking guys around town."

"Well…" how can she put it? Hayato is really handsome. She wouldn't deny that. She stared at her companion who was not looking at her now but behind her. With her jaw slackening.

"Haru."

She blinked at the familiar tone and spun immediately. How is he suddenly standing there? Didn't he go away? She thought he'd be back probably after a few years. He had a shawl wrapped around his neck, mittens over his hands and a thick jacket.

"Gokudera!" she exclaimed, forgetting about her companion. "W-What are you doing here? I thought you had…" she trailed off when he placed something on the table. "What's that?"

"Don't ask," he said gruffly and it was like in the past once more where he treated her that way though not negatively. "It took me a lot of time to find those. Is Yamamoto around?"

She shook her head. "He got called for a meeting with his manager."

"Ah." He smiled. "I'll fetch you later then."

And he walked away. "Wait! What do you mean fetch me later?" she asked before he could step out.

"Not unless you have someone to carry those for you," he pointed at the things which were carefully wrapped. Just what are those anyway?

"But…"

He waved the back of his hand. "It's just for today so take advantage of my kindness," he stated. "I have to go see Hibari since he called earlier."

"Oh yes! Lambo is sick so I went to explain it to him," she called as he stepped out. He glanced at her and she wasn't sure if she imagined the gentle look.

"Thanks."

When he was out of sight, she turned at the things he left for her. Carry for her? She can carry these for herself. That Gokudera is acting strange. She did not want to interpret his actions so she only shrugged. She was surprised when her companion squealed.

"He's so handsome! Who is he? Is he your boyfriend?" she asked simultaneously and Haru could not help but giggle. She opened the package and her heart swelled. All things needed by a fashion designer. She wondered why he bought these for her when she could not even apply for a job using her skills.

"He's Yamamoto's best friend. And he's my friend," she said and saw the dreamy look again. "You look stupid with that look."

"I don't care. You're lucky you know two handsome men," she said.

It's a hassle knowing two handsome men, she thought. Especially when they happened to be so popular. She decided to keep the things Gokudera bought and continued working until he came as he promised. She took off her apron and turned to her companion. "I'll be going ahead."

Her co-worker smiled brightly and waved her hands. "Sure!" to Haru's surprise, Gokudera placed a hat on top of her head and fixed a shawl around her neck. She only stared at him in surprise. What's with this guy?

"It's cold out there. You needed it," he simply answered the unspoken question before he took her things. "Let's go."

They walked in silence until Haru broke it off. "I thought it will take years before you could come back," she admitted.

He gave her a sideway glance. "I have some reasons why I have to stay here for a while. I only left three days ago due to something important."

"Care if I ask?"

He was silent for a moment and Haru wondered if he'd care to share some information. After all, she's curious to know what he's been up to. She wondered how he was able to afford that huge house.

"I went to collect things that belonged to my mother," were his words and it was spoken resolutely. Even when they dated during high school, he never talked about his mother. It's only now that he mentioned something about him. "I'll tell you about it some other time."

To think he's willing to share her that means something to Haru. As they walked in silence, she could not help but reflect on Yamamoto's question three days ago. Did she ever regret dumping him? She had an answer to that.

Yes. Because he's the only one she truly loves. Until now. There, she was able to admit that to herself now. And because she still loves him, she knew why she fled from the scene when Shitt P. arrived. Because she was jealous.

Too bad that even though she still loves him, she still cannot give him what he wants from her much as he could not give what she wants from him.

"I miss these small things I do for you," he broke the silence once more. "Like walking with you even in silence."

She smiled faintly. "Me too. I'm glad we're friends again Gokudera."

He stopped for a moment then stared at her. "Yeah. Me too."