A month later, they're still together, Itsuki following Hoshitani to school and back as a nightingale. Hoshitani appreciates it but… it can get a little annoying with Itsuki's teasing.
Then, another nightingale shows up on his window sill, only in white. Perplexed by the sight, Hoshitani opens the window, letting the white nightingale in.
The white nightingale turns into a human form, dark blue hair, purple eyes, glasses, wearing a white kimono with a blue bird and black lily design, and white wings. Pushing up his glasses, he looks at Hoshitani, who's nervous. "Um… can I help you?"
"I'm Tsubasa. I heard that my brother Itsuki was staying here," Tsubasa says. Hoshitani nods, "Ah. He's in the bath right now. It'll be a while since he likes the hot water." Tsubasa sighs, "I understand. I'll wait here then," he sits down on a cushion. "Ah. Would you like some tea?" Hoshitani asks. Tsubasa shakes his head, "No, thank you." Hoshitani nods, then sits down in front of him.
"I'm Hoshitani Yuta," Hoshitani introduces himself, and Tsubasa nods. "Um… is Itsuki in trouble?" Tsubasa sighs, "Yes. Why is he staying here?" Hoshitani answers, "He said he's my bodyguard, but… it's more like he's freeloading."
Tsubasa shakes his head, "Has he been a good bodyguard then?" Hoshitani smiles, "Yeah!" Tsubasa smiles, then look around the room. He sees a cushion on top of a long wooden pole. Hoshitani looks in that direction, "Ah. That… I set that up for him. He likes to sleep up there sometimes." Tsubasa nods, then turns into his nightingale form, flying up to check it out. He plops down, getting comfortable. Hoshitani smiles, "Glad you like."
It was then that Itsuki came out of the bathroom with only a towel on, his hair down. Hoshitani blushes and looks away, "I-Itsuki, put some clothes on!" Itsuki smiles, and with a gust of wind, is dressed in his usual. Hoshitani looks and sighs at him. They both hear a chirp, Tsubasa transforming back on the floor.
Itsuki's surprised, "Tsu-Tsubasa… why are you here?" Tsubasa pushes up his glasses, flashing, "You need to come home. Grandfather has summoned us." At the mere mention of this, Itsuki flinches, "Can't you go by yourself?" "No. He specifically asked us both to come," Tsubasa responds immediately. Itsuki sweat-drops, "I'm not getting out of this, am I?" Tsubasa shakes his head, "You're better off going then being forced to go." Sighing, Itsuki sits down, "Fine. Just give me an hour, OK?" Tsubasa nods, sitting down as well.
Hoshitani, at this awkward situation, decides to step out, and go downstairs. Hearing the door close, Tsubasa asks, "That boy… what do you think of him?" Itsuki smiles, "He's unlike anyone I've ever met, but reminds me of myself at the same time. I want to protect him." Tsubasa's taken aback at this as Itsuki would only say such things if he really meant it. "He does give great hospitality… but, if your enemies find out…" Itsuki frowns, "I know, but I'm determined to protect him. Besides, I think I'm-"
The door opens, Hoshitani popping his head in, "Um… would you two like some sunflower seeds for the road?" The two youkai blink, then smile, "Sure." Smiling back, Hoshitani goes to get two bags of sunflower seeds, then heads back into the room.
"Here," Hoshitani gives each of them a bag, then asks, "When are you coming back?" Itsuki smiles mournfully, "Three days, at least. You going to be alright without me?" Hoshitani pouts, "I can handle myself just fine. This is important, right? Just go." Itsuki blinks at that, not knowing what to say to that while Tsubasa chuckles.
Hoshitani, slightly blushing, "Come back safe, Itsuki. Otherwise, I wouldn't know what to do with all these sunflower seeds." Itsuki smiles, then pets Hoshitani's head, "I'll see you later." Hoshitani pouts, then tries to swipe at Itsuki, who only laughs as he dodges it.
Tsubasa and Itsuki both fly out the window, producing a breeze, and then they're gone, Hoshitani closing his eyes at the wind in his face. Opening them, he closes the window, and lays down on his head. 'He'll be alright. We both will. It's only three days. What's the worst that can happen?'