A/N: I'm back from the hole that I dig myself into. With my whole one chapter a month, I feel like I'm really making strides on this story. But, I do start nursing school in January. So, I'm a little worried where that leaves me. Maybe shorter chapters, more frequent updates? Im going to have to figure this out. Anyway, new chapter is up! I hope you all enjoy!

Chapter 23: Memory Lane

October went by with a blink of an eye as the middle of November began to creep in. The autumn skies turned cold as an eerie grey took precedent over the city. The orange fire leaves fell one by one, leaving trees bare. Snow fell periodically in the last few weeks. The soft, white snow that settled over the cities now turned to dark grey slush. The cold air was frigid, even with proper attire.

Akimoto Hiro walked with his hands in the pockets of his coat, utilizing the hand warmers his mother provided him with. He was running late to school, using the morning for his university prep class. While his mother wasn't wanting him to miss class, Hiro assured her that everything was alright.

Things had been difficult at home lately.

With their father out of the picture, his mother had been doing everything by herself. Work was taking a toll on her, working long and late hours into the night to help him pay for university and take care of his sick grandmother. She was working herself to death. And he wanted to help. But she refused to let him. She wanted him to focus on school and getting into the university.

Since his grandmother had fallen in, she had been putting in more hours. He hardly saw her these days. Because he was the man of the house so to speak, he took initiative to clean and cook and help around the house when his mother wasn't home. He made sure to help care for his grandmother so his mom didn't have to worry.

It was ironic really.

She left his father because he was drowning in his work.

Difference was that his mother still tried to be his mother. Despite working so long, she was still adamant about family breakfast and dinners. They still had family outings, though they were becoming less recurrent these days due to the decline in his grandmother's health.

He clenched his fist tightly, thinking about the situation at home.

If only his father had stuck around than maybe they wouldn't be stuck in this damn situation.

Hiro hadn't spoken to his father in years. He resented the man, resented him for leaving his family behind. The brown-haired boy believed that this was why him and Ayame got along so well. He was able to empathize with her and her feeling of loneliness and abandonment.

The prince of Jinbou High School, just like everyone else, did his best to hide his emotions. He liked to think he was better than most. He could read people so easily. From his best friends to his surrogate little sister, Akimoto Hiro liked to think he knew them very well.

The only two people he couldn't crack were Hayama Akito and Kurata Sana.

His frustration with Hayama Akito came with his treatment towards his sister. The brown-haired teen would watch as he so stoically would dismiss his sister. They never really spoke and never spent any time with one another. He didn't get that kid's demeanor and his personality. It was like talking to a damn wall with him; not that they ever really spoke.

But, according to Ayame, they had a sort of reconciliation.

"Wait, what?" Hiro was in the middle of taking a bite of his sandwich when Ayame broke the news to him.

She nodded. "Yeah, my reaction too. But, I could hear the sincerity in his voice."

"He actually apologized?"

She smiled. "It's been kind of awkward at home, but things don't feel so tense. I think there is still a lot to say still, but I'm relieved that things have moved forward."

Her smile... it was so... genuine.

Hiro couldn't remember the last time Ayame smiled like that.

"I realized that I was being unfair. I blamed him for everything when it was my fault too."

He was going to contradict her statement, tell her that she was wrong.

But, she didn't even give him a chance too.

"It's something I've never told you because I've always felt too guilty." She smiled sadly, and crossed her fingers. "But, the reason my brother pushed me away was because I did it to him first. I blamed him for killing mom, even though I knew it wasn't his fault."

Hiro's eyes went wide at her confession.

"While I know we aren't anywhere close to being where we used to be, at least I know that we can fix our relationship."

Seeing her small, determined smile and hearing the happiness in her voice brought a smile to his face.

For the first time in a long time, Ayame was genuinely happy.

If what Ayame told him the other day was true, then Hiro could only hope that things turned for the best. It made him feel guilty, thinking of all his misplaced anger towards Hayama Akito. He never wished ill for him, but he would be lying if he said he didn't want to punch him in the face every now and then.

But, Hiro never really stopped to think about how everything had affected him.

One would think because of the stoic countenance, he didn't feel anything. But, if Ayame was feeling what she did, she wondered what he was hiding.

He pursed his lips, scratching the back of his neck.

It would be awkward to try and talk to this guy now, he thought to himself. Hayama had to know that he wasn't his biggest fan. The brown-haired teen was guilty of throwing a few glares here and there.

Shaking his head, trying to rid his guilt, he thought of Kurata Sana.

A charming smile settled on his lips as he thought about the crazy, wild, energetic third year that threw his and everyone's life for a loop. She came in like a hurricane, causing a complete shake up of their lives. She blew everyone away with her charisma and her eccentric personality.

Kurata Sana drove him crazy in the best ways.

He was absolutely smitten by her. She was so genuine with her actions and cared immensely for the people around her. She was humorous and kind and energetic and ecstatic about all the little things around her. Sana was fun and made him feel whole whenever they hung around together.

He really liked her.

Hiro could never control the rapid beating of his heart when she was around him.

Never in his life had he felt this strongly about a girl.

He's had small crushes on girls during his time of adolescent, but nothing substantial. He would get over it within a few weeks.

But since he has met Kurata Sana, his feelings for her continued to grow with every moment they spent with one another.

Hiro has never suffered with confidence. Despite his humility, he had quite the ego at times. The brown-haired teen knew he was attractive. He was also intellectual and had quite the athletic capability.

He could get whatever girl he wanted.

But around Sana, he was rendered useless. She made him turn to a blundering fool despite how suave he can be with her.

The green-eyed teen had pondered on the idea to ask her out on a date for some time now, but the timing just seemed off. She has been busy with saving the world that he has hardly had time to even say hi to her.

Nothing fazed her, nothing.

She was like wonder woman with her ability to conquer all that came her way. To him, she was invincible.

He wished he could stop being a coward and just ask her. Based on her inability to see his advances towards her, she was new at this whole relationship and dating thing. He needed to take it slow.

But, her saving the world meant no extra time for her to lounge around.

Ever since she got here, she has helped Ayame pull through rough times. His surrogate little sister was happier than he has seen her in years. She was smiling more, laughing more, getting more involved with everyone. Sana affected her in the best way. The auburn-haired teen breathed life into Ayame. And he couldn't be more grateful to her.

But it wasn't just Ayame.

He has seen it with Fuka, Tsuyoshi, and even Hayama Akito.

Lately, those two had been spending extra time together, he noticed.

He knew they were doing a project together, so naturally that meant spending abnormal amount of time together. But, she was laughing and smiling when she was with him. She was grabbing him by the arm and pushing him around. While he looked completely annoyed, he didn't push her away.

His lips pursed into a frown.

Did Sana like him?

Last time he asked her that, she scoffed and laughed in his face, vehemently denying his accusation. He didn't think she liked Hayama, just because her attitude with him was what he had seen with everyone else. But, as a guy who held affection for her, his jealousy was creeping.

He shook his head, ridding himself of these dark thoughts. Sana was her own person and was free to be friends with whoever she wanted. She was free to do what she wanted with her friendships. The fact that she was able to get Hayama to even interact with her was a feat in itself. He applauded her for being able to break through his ice wall.

Because he didn't think anyone could.

His eyes went wide eyed as Hayama Akito came into view.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Those infamous headphones he always worse were hanging from his ears. He was hiding his face into his scarf and was hiding his hands in the winter jacket of his school uniform. Hiro stilled as the blonde continued walking ahead of him.

Even if he had seen him, Hiro doubted that Hayama Akito would say something to him.

He didn't know what it was, but Hiro started jogging towards the blond 3rd year. Hiro couldn't make sense of why he ran towards him, but he did. He stopped right behind him and his hand was already reaching out to his shoulder.

Hiro stopped, his eyes going wide.

What the hell was he doing anyway?

It was like Hayama knew Hiro was behind him as the blond turned his head and Hiro pulled his hand back. Golden brown clashed with green as they stared at one another for a moment. His breathing stilled and he felt his body chill at the iciness in the oldest Hayama's eyes.

He didn't see anything but a wall. He couldn't read him, couldn't tell what he was thinking.

Hiro swallowed the frog in his throat and forced a small smile.

Hayama's eyes narrowed slightly. He could see the suspicion in his eyes. His shoulder moved away, almost like he was moving away from him. Eyes fiercely guarded as he stilled completely.

"Yo. How's it going?"

If Ayame was going to make strides to better her relationship with her brother, then Hiro felt like he had an obligation to somewhat do the same.

"... You're not one to talk to me."

He sweat dropped as Hayama was blunt as usual with his words. Hiro chuckled nervously.

"Uh, yeah. I know." The air was tense around them and Hayama still stared at him with those blank eyes of his.

Hayama raised an eyebrow.

"Your sister is really important to me." Hayama continued to stare at him as he spoke. "And she seems a lot happier these days. And that's because of you, right?"

The blonde continued to stare, his facial expression remaining stoic and apathetic. Hiro swallowed the frog in his throat. To rid of the tension and awkwardness, Hiro coughed and rubbed the back of his head nervously.

"Anyway, I'm glad she's doing better these days. I hope you are too." He didn't mean it as a jab, but Hiro realized that it could have been taken that way. He did leave it at that though as he nodded and walked ahead of the younger blond, who was still staring at him.

Hiro found himself catching his breath a lot easier once he stepped away from Hayama Akito.

Why did he do that, anyway? There was no need to even conversate with him. Even the blond seemed surprised with his actions Their conversation was short anyway. Was it to make a point? Hiro rolled his eyes. What an idiot.

"She is lucky to have you."

The brown-haired senior stopped in his steps as the oldest Hayama brushed right past him. Earphones were back in as his hands were stuffed in his pockets again.

The green-eyed boy eyes went wide.

Was that… gratefulness he heard in Hayama's voice?

The blonde didn't give him a chance to react, but Hiro was definitely stumped. He would have thought that maybe there would be hostility between him and the oldest sibling. But, that was crude thinking on Hiro's part. Because for as long as they have known one another, Hiro knew nothing about Hayama Akito.

What he did know was due to Ayame. While she shared some stories here and there, she didn't really speak of him. He assumed it was because it would upset her.

He didn't really have a place to judge his character or reaction. Hiro thought Hayama didn't care. But, it seemed like he did. Even if he didn't show it directly.

Huh, what a weird kid.

Breaking out of his thoughts, Hiro ran the rest of the way to school, knowing he was already late enough. He put Hayama Akito, Kurata Sana, and everything else in between on the back burner, focusing his attention on school. That was more important right now anyway.

-O-

Why was school such a drag? That was something Sana was constantly asking herself.

Final exams were approaching fast and that meant time to buckle down for their finals. To be honest, Sana was nowhere near done with her essay on Hayama Akito. While there have been some great breakthroughs, and she meant great breakthroughs, there was still so much more to him then what anyone has seen so far.

When Sana gave him the Burutcha, there was a small part of her that was sure he would scoff and throw it back in her face. But when he carefully took the gift in his hands with questionable eyes, Sana was absolutely elated. She was sure her smile split her face in half.

He didn't fight it. He didn't throw her gift away, or at least not in front of her. Her eyes traveled to her book bag, where her own Burutcha was sitting. Should she press her button? Check if he kept it and was just sparing her feelings when he accepted it?

Sana shook her head.

No, she would let it happen when it did.

It's worked so far, hasn't it?

The auburn-haired teen sighed as she glared at her books. Her study materials have been opened for a few hours and she was getting nowhere with her studying. Sana decided to take initiative and use her own time to hit the books.

Yet, there was nothing to show for.

There was no practice today, thank goodness. She forgot how much of a slave driver Fuka was. Even though the girl was injured, she still barked at the entire team like she was on the mat herself. While she was catching up and getting back into the groove of gymnastics, Fuka took it upon herself to lead the team.

Needless to say, her body was tired.

"All those books open and nothing to show for it."

Sana glared as her head snapped, ready to curse out the person interrupting her sulking time. Her eyes went wide as Hayama Akito stood in front of her. He was looking down at her with his stoic and apathetic golden-brown eyes. She frowned, not appreciating his tone with her.

"Oh, shut it, you."

She didn't have the energy to fight him today. She was exhausted, both mentally and physically.

He rose a brow at her response.

"How much have you actually gotten done?" Hayama continued staring over her and she blushed with embarrassment at how unproductive she actually was today. Crossing her arms, she looked away from him.

He scoffed at her reaction, causing Sana to look back at him and stick her tongue out.

"How are you going to become a fourth year and graduate if you can't even pass your test?"

Sana's glare deepened as she stood up straight in her chair. Oh, so he decided to be vocal today, huh? Of all days, why did he have to pick today?

"Well excuse me that we can't all be as smart as you."

He rolled his eyes. "You must be off if your replies are that lame."

She narrowed her eyes even more as she stood up and slammed her hands on her desks. "It's not like you to be so vocal, Hayama. I think I prefer you silent."

His eyes went sharp. "Fine."

And that's all he said before he walked away. She slapped the middle of her forehead as he trotted away.

"Stupid, stupid." She murmured to herself. Great, what did she go and get herself into? After all the work she had put in to getting him to actually talk to her. Now, she went and ruined it. She fell into her chair and dropped her forehead to the corner of the table.

The auburn-haired teen hadn't meant to take her anger out on him. She was just tired. Between her social life, school, and gymnastics, she hadn't gotten a break. Sana forgot what it was like to juggle extra curriculars and school.

Sana closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

The auburn-haired teen could fall asleep right now.

And she probably would have until she heard the chair next to her screech. Opening her eyes and looking up, her eyes went wide as Hayama Akito was standing next to her, grabbing the textbooks sprayed out in front of her. She lifted her head slowly off the table, looking at him in confusion.

"I thought you left?" He didn't reply as he stacked all her books and dropped his book bag on the table.

"I don't want to hear you crying about failing your classes. It'll be annoying. Besides, that look on your face really bothers me. So, cut it out."

Sana didn't know whether she should be offended or appreciative. She was sure he had already left. If this was the other way around, Sana wouldn't have left and forced a conversation with him. Obviously, that wasn't the case.

So, seeing him take a seat next to her made her kind of happy.

She smiled. "Thank you."

He stilled staring at her. His jaw went hard, and he took his eyes off of her, opening his own notebook.

"Don't think I'm doing this for free. You owe me sushi for this."

Sana scoffed, but laughed at his demands. It made her think of that sushi date they had only a few months ago.

Only a few months, huh?

It felt like forever ago. The animosity and hostility between one another felt like it never happened sometimes. With how much better they were getting along, and the tension turned friendship, it was har to believe they actually hated one another at some point. Though, Sana never hated Hayama. She just had a deep dislike for him.

But now, things were much better between them.

"You really like sushi, don't you?" He pointed at her notebook and she opened her page to the math topics she was currently struggling with.

"I don't hate it."

Sana gazed at him for a moment as she recalled him saying that to her when she gifted him the Burutcha.

"Only if I get an A though."

He scoffed, loudly.

"Your expectations are too high. Let's try for a B... minus."

When she tried to fight him on his comment, he simply scolded her and told her to pay attention to her studies. They dove straight in to the topics she was having most trouble with and started long hours of studying that left Sana feeling much better about herself.

Sana was feeling confident as she was working straight through the math problems, Hayama silent as he watched over her shoulder. When she would get stuck or have trouble figuring out how to work out the problem, he would intervene.

Surprisingly, Hayama was a decent teacher.

He was patient and even though he spoke with an apathetic voice, it was calming. There was no patronizing tone that made her feel inferior or like an idiot; which is ironic considering who he was.

After an hour, Hayama decided to let them take a break as he stood up and stretched.

It was then Sana noticed a tiny... rabbit? Or was it a bat? On his belt.

Her eyes went wide when she realized it was the rabbit looking bat on the Burutcha.

Sana was suddenly horrified, thinking that he broke something that meant so much to her.

It took a lot of strength for Sana to go dig into that closet with all those ridiculous items her mama would order through the magazines. She knew the Burutcha was in there. It had to be. There was nowhere else to put it.

Rei had given it to her as a personal attachment, as a hotline for whenever she needed him.

Giving it to Hayama meant giving away a piece of Rei.

So, if the blond went and broke it, she was going to be furious.

"You broke the Burutcha?!" She pointed her finger at the small rabbit/bat looking figure on his belt and Hayama shifted his gaze down towards his belt.

Taking a minute to respond, Sana found herself waiting impatiently for his answer. She was glaring at him with her hands crossed out in front of her.

He shook his head as he sat down and unclipped the rabbit/bat shaped device from his belt. "No, you idiot."

Turning the device, the oldest Hayama sibling showed her the clip resting on the back.

"This animal looking thing comes off that thing you gave me." Her eyes went wide, not knowing that even though she used the Burutcha for years. "I didn't want to carry that thing around because it was so bulky. So, pulled it off."

Sana bit down on her lip and stared at him with hesitancy. The auburn-haired girl really did try her best to hide her feelings, but it was so hard when it concerned Rei. Though, if Hayama did notice something, he didn't make it obvious.

"It's fine. This thing still works. There's a small button under the clip." Hayama reached over and pointed at the small button under the clip. Sana narrowed her eyes as she looked closer.

Her lips formed into a small "o" and when she turned to him, they were mere inches from one another. Sana blushed immediately at how close they were. She could feel his light breathing on her as her cheeks warmed.

But she just couldn't rip herself away from his eyes.

When she first met him, he was cold and callous, and didn't care about anyone or anything. He kept himself away from everyone, and was adamant on hating the world, on dying. All she saw was an icy void in those golden-brown eyes of his that spoke so little.

Today, she could see a dull light; a very small fire that flickered with the wind.

His eyes didn't feel so guarded, so sharp.

She could see his eyes grow slightly as they locked eyes with one another as well. His lips pressed into a firm line though his facial expression wasn't negative.

For the first time since she met him, Hayama looked... carefree.

"Are we... interrupting something?"

Both teens ripped their gazes from one another and looked up to see Tsuyoshi, Aya, and Fuka staring at them with wide eyes and raised eye brows. Though, Fuka didn't look so much surprised as she did annoyed. Akito saw the annoyance cross her face for a moment before she hid it behind a blank stare. Her jaw was hard and lips tightly shut.

Tsuyoshi on the other hand was smirking slightly, chuckling under his breath while Aya tried her best to hide her small giggle.

"What? No! Absolutely not!" Kurata replied loudly as she scratched the back of her head. Switching his gaze from their friends back to her, he could see the change in her demeanor, like a light switch.

"Hayama was helping me study for my math final, right Lone Wolf?"

The blond narrowed his eyes slightly and scoffed. He didn't reply immediately and could feel all eyes on him. All the staring made him uncomfortable and he crossed his arms in front of him.

"The idiot wouldn't shut up about failing in English. I'm trying to spare my ears."

That was when both Tsuyoshi and Aya started to laugh loudly and Kurata grew red from embarrassment.

"That was so unnecessarily rude! How inconsiderate of you to take my weakness and just rub it all in my face!" She was standing now, accusingly pointing at him. "That's so mean!"

While she may have seemed upset, there was a slightly playfulness to her voice and the corners of her lips were tugging upwards. She was fighting it so hard.

"Do you mind if we join you? We could use some studying ourselves." Tsuyoshi asked and Kurata's attitude switched instantly as a grin spread across her face and she nodded.

"Yeah! Take a seat!" She cleared her stuff from the table and urged everyone to sit. When Fuka came into view, Kurata stood and grabbed the chair for her.

When she reached for her backpack, Fuka almost slapped her hand away.

The entire table went quiet.

"I can do that much myself." Her voice was quiet but strained. Kurata eyed her carefully before she took her seat back next to Hayama.

Tsuyoshi cleared his throat. "Anyway, you guys were working on math?"

Once again, Kurata's attitude shifted and she made a begrudging face as she pouted and nodded. "Yes! Surprisingly here, Hayama is actually a pretty decent teacher."

Aya giggled slightly. Akito rose a brow at her reaction.

"That doesn't surprise me." All eyes were on her as she spoke. A small blush colored her face once she realized everyone was staring at her. "I mean, when we were kids, don't you remember how all our classmates used to ask you for help, Hayama-san?"

He remained quiet for a moment, recalling their childhood.

"Oh yeah! Gomi and all those boys used to crowd around us for help with our final exams!" Tsuyoshi's face went bright and he smiled over at the blond. It was the first time in a long time that the brunet had given him a bright smile like that.

"You charged all the boys their spare change so you could go to the arcade and play video games after school." Both Tsuyoshi and Aya laughed at the memory and Akito almost smirked.

Oh yeah, he definitely kicked major ass at the arcades.

Kurata gasped and hit him in the shoulder. He immediately glared at her. "You scoundrel! I guess you have always been about the freebies!"

"We used to spend hours at the arcade with all the coins Akito pawned off our classmates." The blond turned his glare towards Tsuyoshi now. Before, he thinks Tsuyoshi would have flinched away, shut his mouth and stop talking.

But in this atmosphere with Kurata Sana at the center, Akito sees how different he is.

While they continued to discuss his con act as a kid, the blond's eyes travelled back to Kurata Sana. Her smile was annoyingly bright. And while her deposition was obnoxiously positive, she brought back a liveliness in his group of friends.

She seemed indestructible.

Seemed.

In this entire conversation, Hayama did notice that Fuka has not said a word. Her eyes were locked directly on Kurata. The hardness in her jaw and the blank stare in her eyes gave him all indications that Fuka was not happy.

Akito watched her as she would change her glances between Sana, her notebooks, and then to him. When they briefly locked eyes with one another, Fuka's cheeks turned red for a moment. She broke away from him and looked back down at her notes.

"Fuka, you've hardly said anything. Are you okay?" Aya asked and the brunette looked back up. Her eyes travelled from Kurata, to Akito, and then back to the couple.

"I'm fine. Just tired. Crutching around all day isn't exactly very easy." Her voice was low and she tried to smile, but Hayama could see right through her.

She wasn't happy.

"At least you'll build those shoulder muscle nice and strong for when your back in gymnastics!" Kurata ttried breaking the tension with her positivity and Fuka smiled. But it was strained and Fuka wasn't exactly in the mood for Kurata's attempts at cheering her up.

"Yeah, something like that."

The table went silent as Tsuyoshi encouraged they get to work. Hayama noticed Kurata went unusually quiet and started scribbling away at the study handout she was so confidently working on earlier.

He looked over at Fuka, who was also scribbling away at her homework. He could see the frown embedded in her eyes as she worked diligently with her studies. Tsuyoshi and Aya were concentrated on their study guides, a small smile on Tsuyoshi's face.

And finally, his eyes landed on Kurata Sana.

Her brows were scrunched together as she stuck the tip of her tongue out, concentrating on the notes they both put together. She was concentrating hard, making sure she understood the concepts.

Hayama looked back down at his own notebooks, not too worried about any of his classes. He knew he would be fine. He always was.

-O-

After slaving away for almost two hours, Kurata jumped with restlessness, refusing to work and study any longer. She urged everyone to get hot chocolate on the way home. Hayama refused, refuting he spent enough time with her. Of course the girl reddened and attempted to fight him, but it ended with him strolling away from the group.

Akito thought he was alone till Tsuyoshi ran up next to him, school bag in hand and all. The blond rose a brow, surprised at his sudden inclusion.

There was a significant distance between both boys. Ever since the juvenile hall incident, things had changed drastically in their friendship. Akito knew Tsuyoshi was doing what he thought was right. And in reality, it was. It wasn't his fault that the police wanted to interview him. He called because he was frightened for his friend's safety.

But it put Akito through hell.

The entire process ended with him spending a week in juvenile hall.

Akito likes to believe that he doesn't blame Tsuyoshi. That he didn't push him away because he essentially put him in juvie. But, at the end of the day, that's what happened.

And the blond hadn't been able to forgive him for it.

"So, you were tutoring Sana-chan?"

He rolled his eyes. Ever the gossiper Tsuyoshi was. He needed to know everything that concerned him.

"Hearing her complain about failing her finals is not something I want to hear." He replied, eyes fixed on the road in front of him. He was surprised that the brunet didn't walk home with his girlfriend.

"You've been spending a lot of time with her, lately,"

He rolled his eyes.

"It's kind of funny considering you hated her when she first got here."

Akito side eyed Tsuyoshi, who was wearing that ridiculous grin. The blond shifted in place uncomfortably thinking about just a few short months ago.

Just a few months ago, huh?

Thinking back to how he treated her, Hayama felt slight remorse. He was ridiculously mean to her, without proper reason other her obnoxious attitude.

At least, that's what he told himself.

In reality, she reminded him much of his mom.

Her carefree spirit and attitude, and her need to always chastise him. His mother constantly smiled, despite the bad in their life. She had her moments where her attitude would take ocver. But, overall, his mother and Sana shared very similar traits that made him hesitate.

Now that he's gotten to know her better, he realizes they are also very different.

And that has made being around her much easier.

"I don't hate her."

Tsuyoshi's eyes went wide and his mouth opened slightly, like he was shocked by his comment.

Akito realized his mistake quickly. He mentally slapped himself as a smile graced Tsuyoshi's face.

He narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Don't get the wrong idea." He made a point with his voice changing to a stern tone. "She's still annoying and overtly involved."

That didn't help as he snickered away. Akito swallowed the frog in his throat and scoffed.

"But you don't hate her?"

Now the blond threw him a glare, done with Tsuyoshi's persistence.

"No, I don't. Now, shove that smile away." He hurried in his step as the idea of romance and feelings left a bitter taste in his mouth.

He knew that look in his eyes. Akito has known Tsuyoshi almost his entire life. He knew what the boy was thinking before he even thought it.

"I didn't even say anything!" He argued, catching up to him.

"You didn't have too."

Tsuyoshi snorted in defeat. "I'm just saying, Akito. This is the first time you've gone out of your way to actively hang out with a girl that wasn't encouraging you to cause trouble."

That was a jab and he knew it. His jaw hardened. Tsuyoshi always protested against his rebellious childhood. He tried to pull Akito away from that lifestyle many times before the blond decided to walk away.

"I didn't let her encouragement persuade me in any way." He fired back, not liking the idea that Tsuyoshi assumed he was a follower; especially when he wasn't. All the boys were always following him.

"But you also didn't fight against it." Again with the counter. Damn that Tsuyoshi.

He stopped walking, Tsuyoshi confused suddenly by his actions.

"There's nothing going on between Kurata and I. Not now, not ever. Hell will freeze over before there's any romantic interest there."

His voice was stern and his eyes hard. He didn't want anyone getting the wrong idea. Yes, he and Kurata were friends. But that was it. And he needed to make that clear to everyone around them.

Tsuyoshi seemed to flinch at his harrowing glare. He smiled nervously for a moment and nodded.

"Well, you're making friends so that's better than being off alone."

The blond sighed. Tsuyoshi always worried too much about the smallest things. But, with his upbringing, Akito could not fault him for his concern over every little thing in his life.

Not many knew it, but Tsuyoshi lived in a very difficult and hostile environment for the first 12 years of his life. His father was violent, and Tsuyoshi and his family often lived in fear. They tip toed around their father and always assured to not anger him because of his violent outbursts.

Unfortunately, that violent nature was something passed down to Tsuyoshi. He wasn't violent towards other people, but he acted out of rage more often than not when he was a kid. It was always Akito who would put him back in place whether it involved a karate chop to the head or a swift kick to the knee, it was the only way to calm Tsuyoshi down.

The first time Tsuyoshi showed up to school with marks on his neck, he noticed immediately. Akito thought it was weird to see bruises on him considering he wasn't one to fight. The blond didn't say anything at first. But, Akito began to notice his change in attitude and the fear in his eyes for any little thing.

It wasn't until Tsuyoshi showed up with a black eye that Akito decided to say something.

"Who did that to you?" He asked, and Tsuyoshi stiffened.

He began to laugh nervously and the blond knew something was wrong.

"Oh, you know. I just got a couple of the guys mad and they punched me."

He narrowed his eyes at him, not believing him for one minute.

"Which guys?" Because of his rebellious reign, Akito knew that no one would dare to touch Tsuyoshi. Anyone who touched the brunet was a dead man. Because he was his best friend, the boys around him knew it would start a war.

So, this wasn't just "some of the guys."

"Don't worry about it. Everything is fine, okay? I just said something stupid."

Wrong. Tsuyoshi was an idiot sometimes, but he was smart. Despite his constant pestering to get him out of his lifestyle, Tsuyoshi knew how to act around the boy gangs.

"You're lying to me."

He flinched then his shoulders froze.

Bingo.

"I can't have you start a war now, especially at school. That's just silly."

And that was all he said before he made some stupid excuse about promising his sister to take her out to ice cream after school. He ran off, leaving Akito more puzzled than before.

At that point, Akito decided to take initiative to figure out what was going on with his best friend. To rule out his theory about Tsuyoshi lying to him, he did do some searching to see if anyone had heard of a fight between Tsuyoshi and some of his rivals.

But the notion was laughed at by his underlings.

No one would mess with Sasaki Tsuyoshi unless they wanted to deal with a dangerous Hayama Akito.

So, whatever was going on with the brunet, it was something else entirely.

When Akito found out that Tsuyoshi's dad was hitting him, he almost killed the man. He knew that Tsuyoshi had issues with his own father as well, probably why they were able to get along so well. But at least his shit father never hit him.

Tsuyoshi was taking the brute of the violence in order to protect his mother and sister. He was always so worried because he worried for his family's safety. It was an agonizing secret for Tsuyoshi to keep. It made Hayama feel like a fool. He loathed his father for his absence and caused strife in his family while Tsuyoshi was dealing with life and death matters.

It was when Tsuyoshi showed up knocking on his door in the middle of the night with his mother and sister in tow, eyes wild with fear and shaking in the winter night that Akito realized how serious the matter was.

Tsuyoshi's mother had some bruising along the side of her face while Tsuyoshi himself suffered multiple cuts and bruises. His sister was untouched.

Hayama felt nothing but fury when he saw the marks on Tsuyoshi's face. He could remember the want to murder the brown-haired boy's father right then and there. Looking back, it probably wasn't the best that 12-year-old him had such feeling of murder.

His mother welcomed their family in immediately. Akito and Tsuyoshi hardly spoke to one another the entire night, but the blond made sure that Tsuyoshi knew he was there.

Unsurprisingly, his mother decided to not press charges but filed for divorce. His mother was timid and very caring. She put up with their father's bullshit for years. She stayed with him out of fear and false idea of marriage. While he as pissed, Tsuyoshi understood his mother's sentiment. Tsuyoshi and his family removed themselves from their home and moved into an apartment complex on the other side of town.

Since then, Tsuyoshi hasn't had a violent outburst. He refused to let his temper fly like his father did.

Akito looked around Tsuyoshi's new apartment, boxes scattered across the place. His mom was helping Tsuyoshi's mother with the kitchen boxes while the boys did the heavy liting. Ayame and Anko, Tsuyoshi's little sister, were playing a board game with refreshments in their hands.

Tsuyoshi was in high spirits, it seemed like. He was smiling and laughing, telling jokes to their families. The blond had been watching him closely, known that all this has to have a toll on someone. He played along with Tsuyoshi's act and did what he was told. With his mother barking orders at him, it was hard for him to laze around and do nothing.

"Thank you so much for all your help, Koharu-san."

"Oh it's nothing, ya know! That lazy son of mine does nothing but sit in his room anyway. It's about time that he get up and do something." Akito could hear his mother bad mouth him from the living room and had half a mind to call her out. The little sisters laughed and he glared at them. They shut their mouths quickly. Tsuyoshi offered a half smile and shoulder shrug.

When it was lunch time, Anko decided she had a few choice words for Akito, who was stealing the lunch both his mother and Tsuyoshi's mother made.

"You big oof! Give me back my fruit!" Anko pouted as she crossed her arms and Hayama stared at her with a stoic countenance.

"I'm already eating it. Too bad."

And Hayama ate the fruit without any remorse and Anko stared at him in horror. Ayame sighed in disappointment.

"That was mean, oni-chan."

Anko started to cry. "Aki-nee-chan is so mean! Why is my big brother friends with you!"

He rolled his eyes and got up from the floor. Speaking of her big brother... The blond looked around only to find Tsuyoshi disappeared. He patted the youngest Sasaki on the head and gave her the remaining fruit in the bowl.

She smiled and tok the bowl from his hands with much excitement. Ignoring the stare from his sister and the chattering of their mom's in the kitchen, Hayama went off to find the missing son of the now Sasaki family; no longer Oki.

He was outside, sitting on the front steps of their new apartment. The brunet was fiddling with a stick, drawing circles in the dirt. All day, Tsuyoshi was putting on a brave face. But the blond knew better. Akito took a seat right next to him, sighing.

"You missed lunch."

"I'm not very hungry." He replied, well more like muffled into his forearm. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see the sadness that hung heavily on his face and the sullen look in his eyes.

"Here. You have to eat something." Tsuyoshi turned his head and Akito was holding an apple he stole from the glass eyed boy's counter.

He muttered a quiet thanks.

They sat in silence for a bit, the blond laying against the stairs in an uncomfortable position. He stared at the sky, watching as the clouds moved across the sea of blue above them. He thought about his karate lessons and principal Nara Nara's latest lecture about influences.

Lately, he had been resenting his role of boss leader. Since he started karate, he has been pulling away from that life; something that Hitorashi Ayumi has been resenting. They had been at odds lately, and it's because of his lack of dedication to their gang.

Bah, he hated having to think about all this stuff.

"Hey Akito."

He wiped his conscious clear the moment Tsuyoshi cleared. Whatever he was worrying about before didn't matter. He sat up from the steps.

"Thank you."

The blond didn't reply and nodded his head.

"You know, I came out here to clear my head. I was putting up a front for so long that I forget what it was like to actually feel." The blond looked back up at the sky. He knew that feeling all too well.

Difference between him and Tsuyoshi?

Tsuyoshi knew how to overcome his pain. He moved forward with a positive attitude. Hayama elected to drown in his own misery.

"But I keep thinking... what if I become my dad?" This time, Tsuyoshi finally looked at him with strain in his voice and tears in his eyes. "I have the same temper as him. What if I hurt the people I love too?"

Akito stared at him and took a deep breath. He leaned back forward and angled his hand in front of Tsuyoshi.

He flicked his forehead.

"Ouch!" Tsuyoshi rubbed at the mark in the middle of his forehead.

"You idiot. You're nothing like your father." He started, shaking his head. "You care too much. Your dad didn't give a damn. There's too much good in you to become like him."

And that was the truth. Tsuyoshi was a good-hearted person. He cared too much about the people around him. He helped people whenever he had the opportunity. Yes, his temper was overbearing sometimes, but he had a better grasp of control after every episode.

"You think so?" He as sniffing now, wiping his nose as his eyes were red and puffy.

"Have I ever lied to you?"

His best friend turned away from, removing his glasses, and furiously rubbing at his eyes.

"I can't cry anymore. I'm not allowed to cry anymore." He said through his sobs. "I'm the man of the house now. It's my job to make sure my mom and sister are okay."

Akito didn't reply and let Tsuyoshi cry. He put his hand on his head and looked away as he laid his chin on the palm of his other hand.

Both boys sat outside the steps of Tsuyoshi's new apartment, not saying a word to one another. Akito let the glass eyed boy cry, and unload the grief in his heart. It was a moment that he would never forget, but also a moment that they never spoke of again.

"What are you thinking about?" Tsuyoshi broke him out of memory lane and he looked at him with that same apathetic demeanor he has always worn.

A smirk threatened to spread on his lips. But that would be unbecoming of him. So, he settled for a stoic stare.

"How you used to call Miss Mitsuya mommy when we were in grade school."

Tsuyoshi stilled immediately. His face was already slightly pink from the cold air. But after each passing second, his cheeks grew brighter and brighter. He put his hands up in defense and started stuttering like a fool.

"It wasn't- I mean, I didn't- I didn't mean it like that! I was a kid! And stupid! And oh man! This is so embarrassing! I can't believe you remember something like that!"

Tsuyoshi had his head in his hands as he shook his head, embarrassed by the past. Hayama found it hilarious at first, he would admit. But, after he learned more about Tsuyoshi's past, he understood.

He remembered an incident in which he called Miss Mitsuya mommy and all the kids were laughing at him. Tsuyoshi grew heavily embarrassed and had his outburst. Akito karate chopped him over the head and asked the entire class one question.

"And what the hell is wrong with loving your mom, huh?"

The class went silent after Akito's comment and that's when he took Tsuyoshi to the nurse's office.

Tsuyoshi loved his mother. There was nothing wrong with that.

"Oh God. Please don't tell anyone about that! Especially Aya!" He pleaded in the scratchy voice of his that he never really grew out of.

"Aya was in our class, idiot."

Tsuyoshi froze, shaking his head. "Do you think she remembers? Akito! What if she remembers?! What if she leaves me because I called Miss Mitsuya that!?" He began to shake the blond, worry evident on his face.

He grabbed his hand, and rolled his eyes. "She's not going to leave you. Even if she does remember, I don't think she would care. That girl has stuck by you since middle school. You're fine." And he removed Tsuyoshi's hand from his shoulder.

"Akito?" He looked at him with confusion, knowing that this was the most he had said to him in a few years.

"I gotta go. See ya."

And he walked off, leaving Tsuyoshi in a stump.

It felt like old times, the conversation they just shared. Hayama felt a nostalgia of their early childhood days and the beginning of their friendship. He was confused by Tsuyoshi's persistence to follow him home today. But it wasn't the worst thing that could have happened.

Hayama allowed himself a very slight twitch of the lips before he pondered off on his own thoughts.

A/N: So uh yeah, lots going on at this point. The story continues and side characters are getting their lime light aside from he main characters. Not going to lie, I have a majority of the story already planned out, but from this part of the story until the start of the spring semester, I have no idea what to write. These past 2-3 chapters were written with somewhat of an idea, but no direction. But, I think they worked out pretty okay. Once the holidays are over in this story, I have things moving pretty fast. So I hope you all are ready to buckle up. (corny I know).

Anyway, flashback central here. Did I mention this story is going to have lots and lots of flashbacks? no? Uh... surprise? Yeah, as the story progresses, so does the flashbacks. I think I have one or two flashback chapters planned. Definitely one. That's a crazy one. Moving on, I hope you guys have enjoyed this chapter. I enjoyed writing it for the most part. Some tough scenes to decide to do next. We touched on Tsuyoshi and Hiro this time around... it was about time. All these storylines connect with one another. So, be prepared!

You know the drill. Reviews, comments, criticism, and all that jazz are always welcomed.

Till next time!

- Dark Waffle