"My name is Kazemaru Ichirouta… It's nice to see you again, Gouenji"


"The feeling is mutual… It's been nine years, Ich- Kazemaru…" Gouenji said with a smile.

"Yeah… Nine years… It's funny how you still looked the same after so long. What's your secret?"

"Nothing…"

"I see…"

Silence… the two teens sat quietly once more. But Gouenji wasn't feeling the least bit of 'okay' with what is happening. He's still feeling thirsty and there's still dryness in his throat. And there's something in his mind… 'Does Ichirouta still remember what happened that time?' But could he even ask that? No…

"Gouenji, do you play any sort of sport? Volleyball? Basketball? Tennis? Baseball?" Kazemaru asked.

"Nope. I don't like the sun…"

"It's so ironic hearing that from someone who is walking under extreme daylight. Not to mention you wearing a jacket like you're not even bothered by the heat"

"If you only knew…"

"What's with the jacket anyway? You do realize you've been waking under a 41 degree heat, right?"

"I am aware… It's amazing how you're not being bothered by the heat…"

"Heh… I've heard that line several times before… Yes, the heat has no effect on me. In fact, I enjoy being under it… But what I enjoy most is the wind…" as by saying those words, a strong gust of wind blew by. "The wind that cools down every person in a hot day like this… The wind that touches your skin and relaxes your body…"

Gouenji chuckled, 'You're definitely like your father, you know that?'

"Wow, did you just laugh?" hearing this, Gouenji turned red. Kazemaru find this blushing a little cute "It suits you… why don't you try smiling more often?"

"But there's nothing to smile about…"

"Well now there is… Feel the wind, it'll make you smile. And when you feel it, you might even think of me" a smile appeared on Kazemaru's face as he said those words. Gouenji saw passion in the other teen's eyes.

A gust of wind blew again. Gouenji glanced at the other and what he saw really made him smile. The sight of Kazemaru really made him smile. 'Ichirouta, I'm so glad you haven't changed even a bit… the wind is still your friend…'

"OII!" a voice called. The two turned their heads to the owner and saw Endou waving his arms to call their attention. "Let's play!"

"Come on, Kazemaru~"

"Let's play soccer! We still have to beat Endou!"

Kazemaru chuckled before answering, "I'm coming!" then he stood up "Hey Gouenji, you don't like the sun, right?" he asked.

"Yeah,"

"For sure Endou already invited you to play soccer with us but then, you would rather stay here…"

"And your point is…?"

"Soccer-freak there would really want to play with you…" Kazemaru said, pertaining to Endou "Sunset… the sun isn't that hot anymore and the wind is cooler during the sunset… You have to join us, okay?"

"But-"

"Come on, promise me Gouenji… Just think that this is the way we are going to celebrate our reunion after nine years…"

Gouenji stared at Kazemaru's visible eye. And with a sigh he answered, "Fine… But only when the sun isn't that visible, okay?"

"Okay, thanks Gouenji~" with that, Kazemaru left.


As Kazemaru got back with Endou and the other kids, they immediately asked what happened.

"It turns out I know this Gouenji Shuuya. We've met nine years ago when I was still younger…" Kazemaru said.

"Aaaaand?"

"He'll play with us later…"

"ALRIGHT!" Endou shouted with glee as he threw his fist into the air. "I knew you could do it, Kaze~~ Thanks a lot!"

"No prob, Endou… Now let's continue our game. Don't forget that we're still gonna beat you"

Endou gave a sly grin "Heh, you don't really think I would lose, right?"

"Oh I do…"

"It's on. Let's go!"


Gouenji still sat under the shade; he took a deep breath and stretched his arms as he lied down. He shut his eyes and relaxed as the cold wind blew… He gripped the bottle Kazemaru gave him as a smile appeared on his face.

'Ichirouta… I am so glad to see you happy…'


End of Chapter 2