A/N: Hello, hello. Sorry it's been a while. Nursing school has really been kicking my butt. But, I have been trying to write when I can. I have a little more free time right now versus the beginning of my program. Anyway, enjoy!

Chapter 26: Christmas Extravaganza Part 1

"GOOD MORNING EVERYONE!"

All eyes and ears were on the suddenly bellowing, auburn haired girl who stood in front of their homeroom class. She was grinning, her eyes bright and full of excitement. Her hair was a disheveled mess, obvious that the girl was running late to school. Especially since her announcement was coming only minutes before homeroom started.

Hayama Akito rolled his eyes.

What an idiot.

"I have an announcement to make!" She grabbed her book bag from around her shoulder and dug through the mess she had in there, no doubt. She pulled out a large stack of papers, walked around their sensei's desk, and began handing a flyer out to everyone.

"I'm throwing a Christmas/Birthday party on Christmas Eve and I hope you all can come!"

When a paper was passed to Akito, he looked at the flyer, noticing all the decorative elements that screamed Kurata.

"Middle birthday?" He could hear Hisae and Mami ask simultaneously. Sana nodded as she packed up her bag again and was heading towards her desk.

"Yes!" She explained, giving thumbs up to the girls.

"You and..." Hisea's voice trailed off and her eyes travelled to Akito. He felt the eyes of his classmate's trail towards him, eyes wide open and jaws hanging in absolute shock. The blond glared at every single lingering eye that made his way.

"Yeah! And Fuka! Well, her birthday is on Christmas Eve, BUT it's going to be an overall celebration of friends, and the holidays, and just life overall!" Kurata continued her persistent word vomit and the eyes that were on him have retracted and turned to her.

"Sounds like a good time!" Gomi said as he turned to his friends and they all nodded in sync. Akito snorted, remembering when all those boys used to follow him around like lost puppies.

Everyone else in their class chimed in, excitedly chattering about the Christmas party coming up. All eyes left him, leaving him in relief. Too many times has he had judgmental eyes looking over him. He was tired of people looking at him like that.

"You excited!?" Kurata Sana jumped in her assigned seat, which happened to be in front of his, and she was grinning at him, like usual. The jubilant girl pulled out her notebook and stuffed away those ridiculous invitations.

"I'm jumping with joy." He replied. Akito watched as her brows knitted together at his sarcasm.

But then she shook her head, and snorted slightly, her given smile settling right back on her face.

"It'll be the best fun you've ever had, I promise."

Akito snorted again, rolling his eyes. "Don't you know to never make promises you can't keep?"

"Who say's I don't intend to keep it?"

And her statement was followed by a smirk and wink. She turned forward, the back of her head now in his view.

Akito almost smirked, wanting to chuckle at the insane amount of confidence and pure faith she had in herself, in him. It was almost idiotic how much she has come to trust him in situations like these. Because, he could just disappoint her, and not show up. He could stop being friends with her, interacting with her, entertaining her.

He could stop all of that if he wanted too.

But he choose not to.

And he couldn't explain to himself why.

Class went by fast, and Akito was packing up his school bag when Kurata turned around and slammed her hands on his desk.

He looked up at her with glare.

"Don't forget my Christmas gift!" His eyes widened, mouth falling open slightly in confusion. The auburn-haired girl was grinning, nodding her head.

"Your… Christmas gift?"

The grin split her face in half again and her eyes were shining so incredibly bright it almost blinded him. Her cheeks were pink, and she was literally bouncing in her seat. It made him uncomfortable but also made his stomach turn to knots at the same time.

"Duh. Haven't you ever gotten a Christmas present before?"

Now she was mocking him.

Erasing the confusion on his face, he chose to narrow his eyes instead, trying not to play to her game, whatever it was.

And yes, he has gotten Christmas presents before.

"You didn't mention anything about gifts when we last talked about this stupid party."

It was honestly frightening how quickly this girl changed her moods. One minute, she was over the top, annoyingly happy. Then, her mood soured, and she was a force to be reckoned with. There was really no in between with her.

She shrugged, throwing her school bag across her shoulder. There was that stupid smirk of hers, taunting him. "Some adjustments were made."

"Adjustments?"

Kurata reached over and padded down on his shoulder. "Nothing to worry your pretty, blond head about! Just let me do all the work!"

Before Akito could even touch on the "pretty" comment, Kurata was already half way out the door, yelling to all who could hear about her stupid party. She was jumping in her step, her smile illuminating the entire room. Everyone around him was jubilant, cheerfully talking about this extravaganza she was putting together.

He sighed roughly, looking down at the stupid invitation on the table. He ran his hand through his hair, scratching at the back of his head.

A Christmas present? Seriously?

What exactly did he get himself into?

-O-

Christmas was only a few days away and Sana couldn't be more excited. She was dancing in her step, her smile encompassing the lower half of her face. The auburn-haired teen was prepared and ready to proceed with the Christmas/middle birthday party for Fuka, herself, and Hayama. All the invitations were out and it was all anyone in third year was talking about.

Honestly, she was really proud of herself.

Not only did she get Fuka to come, but she convinced the notorious and infamous Lone Wolf to attend.

And he was one of the guests of honor!

While she knew Fuka would be reluctant, with the right incentives, she could get her longtime friend to come.

Hayama on the other hand…

Sana really did leave that to fate.

She had enough faith in herself and the relationship they established to be confident he would say yes. The auburn-haired teen knew that if she pushed enough, she could convince him to come. And she had succeeded. It put Sana in a great mood for the rest of the week and not even her math homework over their short break could ruin her mood.

Speaking of Hayama though, Sana was walking up the steps to the front door of the Hayama household. Though, she wasn't here for the eldest of the blond-haired siblings. She and Ayame had a shopping date to get too!

She knocked on the door, remembering what Sana stumbled into the last time she decided to barge into their home. Though, despite the intrusion into a very private family moment, she was sort of happy she was able to edge Hayama to try to make amends with his younger sister.

Baby steps, they both called it. Ayame didn't want to push Hayama and vice versa. While they were both still walking eggshells around one another, he wasn't so distant or cold to her anymore. And this was just based off of what she observed at school.

Even though Ayame gave her some insight on the relationship at home, she wasn't sure how far things had progressed.

The door clicked open and there was Ayame, hair wet and in a t-shirt one size too big for her and sweats that swam past her feet. Sana raised a brow, then whistled.

"Hi, Sana-chan. Sorry, I'm afraid I'm no quite ready yet."

And that's when both girls burst into a fit of giggles. Sana reached forward and ruffled the wet mop of hair on the younger girl's head. "Thank God because I was not going to take you out like that!"

She shook her head vigorously. "God's no. I would never step out of my house like this. I'm not vain in the slightest, but even I know this isn't acceptable."

Both girls laughed and shared a smile, Sana stepping inside and away from the frigid, winter air. She welcomed the warmness of their home and removed her winter jacket, hanging it on the coat hanger in the corner.

"I won't take long to get ready, I promise!" Ayame had yelled from the other side of the wall. Sana could hear her feet pattering on the floor. Her steps softened as she reached the stairs. Sana walked into the kitchen and saw Ayame already up the stairs.

"Ni-chan is home, if you want to say hi. His room is the furthest one down on the left. Also, please make yourself at home!"

Sana smiled at the youngest Hayama sibling. "Thanks, Ayame-chan!"

And she disappeared.

While Ayame was finishing up, Sana decided to take a look around the house. She realized she never got a proper tour of the Hayama household. The walls were covered with paintings of the sorts, and some abstract concepts. Knowing the family history, it didn't surprise Sana the walls were bear with family photos.

As she walked up the stairs and towards the second floor of the house, Sana noticed the darkness of the hall. The auburn-haired girl crept down the hall, seeing the different doors that led to different rooms. She was tempted to explore and learn everything she could about her favorite siblings.

Instead, she stopped her morbid curiosity and settled for a small table in between two doors. There was a lamp and some flowers. It was hidden so well that Sana almost missed it, but the gleam of the glass caught her eye.

That's when she pulled out a photo frame tucked away behind the flowers.

The frame was broken, obviously holding together with some sort of super glue. The glass was broken, shattered. In the frame, Sana found a family photo.

It was Ayame that she saw first, her hands wrapped around a woman Sana didn't recognize. Their mom, obviously. The young girl didn't look any older than 8, maybe 9 in this photo. She was smiling so brightly with a look of content on her face. Next was Hayama Akito, and he was holding onto a trophy. He was dressed in a karate uniform, a blue belt in his hand. There was the fairest hint of a smile on his face; it resembled a smirk more than anything. Sana had to squint her eyes to make it out to be a smile.

And in the back of the two was a woman with blood orange hair and a striking smile that matched Ayame's. Sana was slightly confused as both the Hayama siblings were blonde. Genetics… crazy how it worked.

The woman had one hand around Ayame and the other hand resting on Hayama's shoulder. Clearly, Hayama had just won a karate tournament or match of a kind. Or else he wouldn't have been holding the trophy.

Sana felt sullen, knowing that Hayama no longer was doing karate.

She felt like she was seeing a different person from the boy she got to know in this photo. He was standing tall and proud of his winnings. Even Ayame looked so different. This was the brightest she had ever seen the young girl smile. She seemed so carefree.

Placing the photo frame back where she found it, Sana felt her heart ache. The change in their personalities and demeanor was obviously a result from the death of their mother. It was a tragic event that changed their entire lives.

But Sana was determined.

Determined to help Ayame find her bright smile again and bring Hayama some closure to his hidden pain.

She continued her journey down the hall, her eyes taking everything in. It was when she passed Hayama Akito's room that she stopped in her step. His door was partially opened, and she could see him laying down on his bed, manga in his hand, earphones in. She giggled, shaking her head. Despite Hayama being a regular teenage boy, it was strange to see him doing simple things like reading manga.

She often forgot they were still just kids.

She poked her head in and knocked. Hearing her, she watched as Hayama's eyes left his manga and shifted towards her. He sighed, putting his manga down and removing an ear bud from his ear.

"Howdy! How's it going?" Sana asked, stepping into his room with his silent permission.

"What are you doing here?" Completely ignoring her question.

Sana pouted, crossing her arms in front of her. "I came to pick up Ayame-chan, but I figured I would say hi."

He nodded slightly and sat up from his bed. Technically, Hayama didn't say she couldn't come in, so Sana took a few steps into his room, eyes quickly taking in his very plain room. His room was painted a dark grey with while curtains and dark desks. He had a laundry basket half full of dirty clothes she presumed. Her eyes widened at the collection of manga in the bookshelf off at the corner. She almost whistled as she looked up and down the rows that were filled to the brim.

She ripped her eyes away and proceeded to the rest of the room, where she found his computer desk and a box full of what looked like trophies. Next to the box, there was a dinosaur statue that really took her aback.

"Are you done being curious?"

Sana jumped as Hayama threw his feet over the edge of his bed, placing his manga back on the night stand next to his bed.

Scratching the back of her head, Sana chuckled with slight embarrassment. "Sorry. I just realized I've never seen your room before." Breaking away from his gaze, she went back to wondering around the room. "You know, people's rooms are full of character. And they speak a lot about a person."

"I have a feeling you are about to tell me what mine says." He muttered.

"There's not a lot to tell." She muttered, her hand resting on the rolling chair next to his desk. "It feels very empty, save for your impressive collection of manga."

He snorted.

"There's nothing in here that describes you, though. But, knowing you a little more, I would say that you want no attachment to anything."

His breathing stilled, and she didn't hear him move anymore.

"It almost feels lonely."

She turned back to look at him, and his eyes were unreadable. His lack of expression and perfected stoic face told her everything she needed to know. His jaw was locked in place, and Sana felt like she was stuck in this trance with him. Hazel clashed with golden brown as she was almost mesmerized by the depths of his eyes.

Looking at him now, his eyes didn't seem so cold.

"Hey! Sorry! You ready!?" Ayame's voice rang out through the room and both Sana and Hayama broke away from their connection. Sana turned to the young girl and smiled.

Ayame's eyes went back and forth between her and her older brother, obviously confused by what just occurred. Though, Sana wasn't even sure what just did either.

"Yeah! Let's get going! We have a full day ahead of us!" She fist pumped into the air, and grinned. She was making her way out of the room, following Ayame out the door. But Sana stopped at the doorway, looking back at Hayama.

"Don't' forget my Christmas present, alright?"

Hayama looked up at her slowly and rolled his eyes. She smirked and waved good-bye to him. She left the door open as she trailed downstairs.

Sana caught up to Ayame at the front of the door and threw her winter coat back on.

"What was that all about?" The blonde asked and Sana shook her head.

"The usual. I say something annoying and your brother wants to wring my neck." But Sana didn't believe that. Because she feels like what just transpired was more than their usual quarrels.

Ayame seemed to buy it though as she also smiled timidly, followed by a small giggle. "Honestly. The two of you are hopeless."

Sana shrugged her shoulders and stretched her arms over her head. "I can be. I think there is still some left for Hayama."

Ayame's smile was filled sincerity as she clutched her hands around herself. The blonde didn't reply. Sana didn't think she needed to either. It was a topic that could be discussed at a later time. Now, it was time to release their stress from their finals.

And that's exactly what the girls did.

Sana took her all over downtown, to some of the best spots she knew in town. And by the looks on Ayame's face, she could tell the girl was enjoying herself. If she squinted enough, she could see the same carefree girl that she saw in the photo.

"So, basically my mom just kind of went against my dad and took my brother and up to Hokkaido for the weekend. He was furious, but my mom didn't care." Ayame was giggling as she was sharing some of her favorite memories with Sana from her past. Sana giggled along with her. "My mom was always like that. She was so unbothered by everything and extremely easy going."

"She seems like it." Sana replied as they walked down the sidewalk in the downtown district.

"You know, you actually share a lot of similar traits as my mom, now that I think about it, Sana-chan!" Sana laughed and rubbed the back of her head.

"So, I've been told." Ayame gave her a look of confusion.

"Tsuyoshi made a comment not that long ago." She nodded, obviously agreeing with her older brothers' longtime friend.

"Well, if anyone outside of ni-chan or myself knew my mom, it's definitely Tsuyoshi-kun. My mom loved him. She said he was a good influence for big brother."

Sana couldn't help but laugh as Ayame sheepishly spoke about her brother and Tsuyoshi. "Big brother didn't have the best people around him at times. You've heard about his notorious past, I'm assuming?"

The auburn-haired girl nodded. "I heard he was quite the trouble maker. Like a boss monkey!" And Sana broke out into a monkey pose. Ayame laughed, nodding her head in agreement.

"That's definitely one way of putting it. Anyway, because Tsuyoshi was always a goody two shoes, he was trying to keep Akito away from trouble. So, mom was always super appreciative of that. When oni-chan decided to step away from his rebellious streak, my mom thanked Tsuyoshi over and over."

"He's a better friend than most deserve." Sana replied as she thought about what that looked like. Looking at the two these days, one could hardly tell they were even friends. Sana tried to imagine what their friendship looked like before the fallout and his mother passed away.

"I hope they find a way to repair their friendship. Ni-chan needs someone to rely on." Ayame spoke, her eyes seeming so far and voice growing somber like. Sana nudged her, grinning at the girl.

"Don't worry about the stinkin' big brother of yours! He will be just fine!"

Ayame again didn't reply, but she didn't need to. As dense as she was, she was preceptive to other people's emotions; well, kind of. When she was a kid, she was denser than a rock. Sana couldn't tell red from pink or blue from purple. Apparently, she had broken a few hearts in middle and elementary school because she thought all boys were just being her friend.

With the trials she's had to overcome, Sana has learned to be less dense and more observant. But occasionally, she will slip through the cracks here and there.

Sana knew Ayame was grateful. The girl only said it a hundred times a day, constantly thanking her for being her pillar of support. In the short duration of time they had been friends, the auburn-haired teen had learned so much about Ayame. While soft spoken at their initial meeting, she was learning that Ayame wasn't so timid once you broke through her barrier. She was actually quite quirky, and talkative, and very curious about life. Behind the sad, brown eyes was a bright and intelligent girl filled with wonder and jubilance.

They were walking along the sidewalk and that's when Sana noticed the advertisement ad for the museum in town. They were promoting their dinosaur exhibit and Sana was brought back to the dinosaur that was resting at the top shelf in Hayama's room.

"Hey Ayame-chan."

"What's up, Sana-chan?"

"Does your brother like dinosaurs?"

Ayame stopped walking, her eyes going wide with Sana's question.

"Dinosaurs…?"

Sana nodded. "When I was talking to him earlier, I saw the figurine at the top of his shelf. It kind of threw me off, considering your brother doesn't have much interest in anything really besides manga."

Ayame was quiet for a moment and Sana wasn't sure if she brought up unwanted memories based on her reaction.

"When we were kids, he loved going to the dinosaur exhibit at the museum. So, you aren't too far off." A strained smile and Sana realized she may have tipped the full glass of water over just a bit. "When big brother was around years old, papa got him a dinosaur figurine. He's kept it since."

Sana smiled. "What a weird guy. He likes the strangest of combinations."

That made Ayame laugh.

"I guess you could say that."

The girls left the conversation at that and continued on with their day, enjoying their time together, shopping for a new winter wardrobe.

-O-

Sana took a deep breath as she stood at the front door to her English classroom. Their huge classroom project that paired her and Hayama together was due today. In some ways, she was entirely thankful for fate bringing them together.

When they first met, they couldn't stand being near one another. They quarreled and bicker and created quite the hostile environment.

But they were paired as partners and Hayama agreed to go through with the project, albeit only half way.

Despite getting only half way, Sana felt like she learned so much about the blond haired, lone wolf. Yet, she felt like she barely scratched the surface. There were still so many things she wanted to learn about him, things she wanted to write about him. Every day she was learning something new about him. Some new quirk or habit.

If she turned her project in now, it would feel incomplete.

So here she was, requesting to continue her project and turn it in at the end of her second term.

It wasn't like Sana didn't finish her project. Because, she did.

She just wasn't satisfied with her completed work.

Sana walked into her now empty classroom since the dismissal bell already excused the school for the day. Her sensei was sitting at her desk, shuffling through their final papers; in which, Sana's was missing. Technically, she had hers in her book bag. And would turn it in if her professor wouldn't accept her request.

"Sensei?"

The woman jumped in her seat, obviously startled by her sudden entrance. But she regained composure and smiled at the auburn haired girl.

"Ah, Kurata-san. You frightened me there for a moment."

"Er, sorry. I should have knocked." Her sensei shook her head and smiled.

"No worries. How can I help you?"

Sana took a deep breath and stood tall, gulping loudly. She could see the eyebrow rise on her sensei's face. "I have a request to make."

More curious than shocked, her sensei urged forward, seeming interested in whatever Sana may say. "Oh?"

"I know that our projects were due today since end of term is already next week, but I was wondering if I could turn mine in a little later?"

Now both eyes brows were up and scrunched together, a look of confusion crossing her sensei's face rather than annoyance or irritation. "If I remember correctly, Kurata-san, I did say that this project was nearly most of your grade in this class."

Sana nodded in understanding. "Yes, but there is a reason to my requested extension. And no, it's not because I just haven't wanted to do the project or anything like that."

Her teacher didn't reply. Instead, she sat back against her chair and looked at Sana curiously. She crossed her arms and tiled her head to the right, her full focus on her.

"When you first paired up Hayama and I, I thought that it was the end for me. This probably is more than you need to know, but for Hayama and I, we kind of hated one another when we first met. And at the time, it was really hard for him to even sit down and talk with me."

Her teacher remained still in her seat, urging her to continue.

"But since then, we've come so far in our friendship! And I don't know how long you've known Hayama if you even knew him at all, but there's so much that I've learned about him, his family, his past." Sana pulled her book bag over and reached for her non-satisfactory paper that she had pulled last together. Her sensei arched a brow again at the project in her hand.

"I still feel like there is so much more I can learn about Hayama Akito. I feel like I've barely scratched the surface with him. If I turn this into you now, it would be incomplete. And personally, it would leave a sour taste in my mouth turning in something that could still be added too."

Her sensei was staring at her with perplexed eyes, opening and closing her mouth as her gaze shifted between her and stapled papers in her hands. She uncrossed her arms and leaned forward at the desk.

"I did know Hayama-san prior to this class. He was in my homeroom his first year at Jinbou High." Her teacher smiled, continuing. "I'm assuming you learned about the car accident?"

Sana nodded, confusion filling her. How did their teacher know something so personal?

"Hayama had been in my class for all but two weeks before the accident. His father had called the school and informed us of the terrible tragedy. His father had requested we prepare work for him so he wouldn't fall behind on his studies." Sana almost face palmed herself. Of course, the teachers would know. They would be concerned if their students just up and disappeared one day.

"On the day of his return, there was a noticeable difference in his demeanor and his character. The boy that was in my class the first two weeks was not the same boy who returned."

Sana could hear the sadness in her voice and saw how her eyes fell with melancholy. "It is our jobs as your teachers to ensure student success, Kurata-san. It may not seem like it, but we do care about our students. And whether or not they succeed not just in the classroom, but in life."

Sana smiled, grateful to have a sensei who genuinely cared for her students.

"I have watched him for the last three years and in that time, you are the only person I have seen genuinely reach out to him."

The auburn-haired teens eyes went wide.

While Sana knew that Hayama wasn't particularly welcomed nor favored by people at school, she would have thought that Tsuyoshi or Fuka would have reach out to him. In all her interactions and conversations with the two, it seemed like they always wanted to help Hayama.

But then she recalls Tsuyoshi's story about their fall out and crumbling friendship. And then she remembers Hayama telling her how he constantly pushed Fuka away and how Fuka wanted nothing to do with him at first. And then she remembers how Hisae and Mami told her to not worry about him on her first day. And how even sweet Ayame was too frightened to try and talk to her brother.

The young Kurata feels her heart sink to her stomach.

Hayama has really had… no one.

Her sensei smiled as she came around the desk and grabbed at Sana's paper. "For the sake of turning in a paper for credit, I will take this." Sana frowned for a moment. "But, this will not be your final project. You are right, Kurata-san. You have barely broken the surface."

Sana felt herself grin, her chest bubbling with excitement.

"I will grant you your request with the condition that your grade will remain undeclared until you turn your final paper at the end of term 2. That should give you a decent amount of time to turn in a project you are satisfactory with." She smiled once more, and Sana could almost hug her! The grin grew even bigger and she jumped in excitement.

"Thank you so much, sensei!" She bowed deeply, showing her gratitude. "I promise this will be the best work you've gotten yet!"

"I leave you to it, then."

She was beaming when she walked out of the classroom, happy that she was able to extend her project longer. While she was technically giving herself more work, it wasn't something that bothered her. This was something that she wanted to do.

She did wonder though… what exactly did Hayama write about her?

Of course, he probably turned his in, right? She was thinking about to class earlier and thought she saw him put his paper in the pile. He had to leave pretty quickly after class, so she didn't get a chance to ask him how the final product came out.

But, she hoped that whatever he wrote captured the essence of their newfound friendship in a positive light rather than the animosity that first brewed between the two.

Instead of thinking about what things Hayama may have wrote about her, she raced downstairs to finally leave school.

Only to bump straight into a hard body that threw her to the ground. Her book bag fell the floor and her papers went flying everywhere, herself landing on the cold, hard school flor with a hard thump.

"Oh, crap! I'm so sorry! I didn't see you ther- Sana!?" A voice she instantly recognized, and Sana looked up to see Akimoto Hiro leaning down to her level immediately, concern washing over his face. His charming green eyes were filled with worry as he looked her over.

"Are you okay? Do you need help? Can you stand?" Hiro put his hand on her shoulder gently and continued to pester her with questions. And she thought she asked one too many questions. Sana put her finger to his lips and gave him a hard look.

"Hiro, I'm fine." He sighed in relief and it was then Sana noticed something off about her new friend.

"Honestly, you are such a worry wart. It was an accident, duh you silly duck!" A slight smile barely hugged at the corners of his lips as he helped her gather her scattered papers.

The auburn-haired girl continued to watch as he silently stood up, still offering her a hand because he was ever the gentleman. But, the wittiness in his personality and the charming smile that constantly graced his lips was gone.

Instead, he seemed…tired.

"You sure you're okay?" Sana nodded, grinning and giving him a thumbs up.

"If anything, I should be asking you that." He stilled immediately, his smile dropping from his face. "You haven't seemed yourself lately."

He smiled nervously and scratched the back of his head and chuckled strangely. "Nothing's wrong. I'm just a little rundown from studying for the Uni exam, that's all."

Sana knew he was lying. The look in his eye and sound of his voice wasn't just him being rundown.

"You know you don't have to pretend with me, right?"

He took a deep breathe, and turned away from her, hiding the emotions that she knew he was trying so diligently to keep from her. Sana reached for him, putting a hand to his cheek and pulling him back to her. His eyes were glazed over with a wet sheath as they went wide with her touch.

"Talk to me."

Hiro's façade dropped and he crushed Sana to himself, grasping onto her shoulders so tightly, Sana though that her shoulders would lose circulation. She could feel the droplets of tears hit her exposed skin and the gasping from his mouth.

"I-I ca-can-can't." He struggled to say, burying himself into her. Sana embraced him, holding him close to try to ease his emotional pain. Sana looked around, trying to save him some dignity, grabbed him by his arms.

"Follow me." And she pulled him into an empty classroom. He was leaning against the door and holding onto his head.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to suddenly hug you like that." The green-eyed boy looked at her with a sad smile that didn't reach and sullen, red eyes.

"You want tell me what's going on?" He sighed deeply and rubbed his eyes, hitting his head back against the door.

"My grandma is dying. My mom won't accept it, but she is. And in order to keep my grandma comfortable, my mom is working herself raged and she won't let me help because she wants me to go to Uni. But I don't care about Uni right now when all this shit is going on."

Sana didn't have the words for comfort. But she knew what it felt to see someone die, to feel the pain of losing someone close to you. So, she said nothing. Instead, she reached for him and pulled him into an embrace. She could feel Hiro circle his arms around her again, digging his face into her neck.

"I'm sorry, Hiro."

And that's all she said as he continued to hug her and cry into her shoulder.

-O-

He had been avoiding her.

He actually had been avoiding her for a few days now.

Ayame had tried several times to just stop him for a minute, but he always escaped her.

Ever since that day at her house, Kyo had become adamant about not being anywhere near her. She would catch him for a few seconds before he shrugged her off with excuses. And each time, he could never look her in the eye.

It was really starting to piss her off.

So today, Ayame decided to not let this behavior continue and corner him until they talked this out.

The blonde watched as he exited the boy's locker room, laughing with one of their classmates. They said their goodbye's and walked opposite ends. She narrowed her eyes, waiting for him to come closer. When he was within distance, Ayame took her chance.

"Kyo-kun."

The silver-haired boy stopped, and she saw his shoulders rise at the recognition of his voice. He slowly turned around to find her staring right at him.

"Oh, hey."

"Ky-"

"Look, I actually have someth-"

"Something to go do? Or homework to catch up on? Or a teacher to go talk to? Or run to the store for your mom?" Guilt plain as day all over his face as she continued to feed him his excuses for the last few weeks.

"We need to talk about this." She almost demanded as he stared down at her with his bright, green eyes. "Unless something else is too important for our friendship."

She could see the cringe in his eyes as she made that comment. Immediate regret overshadowed the anxiety from before. He sighed deeply and nodded.

"You're right. I've been avoiding you." Ayame scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Since that day, you have refused to even look me in the eyes. Why? Because I'm repairing a relationship that has broken for so long?" Kyo looked at her unexpectedly; almost like he was shocked by this newfound confidence in her voice.

Well, not too newfound. Just hidden away.

"No, it's not that." He defended himself, struggling to find the words.

"Then what is it?" He rubbed at his eyes and took another deep sigh as she continued to pester him.

"I was mad as hell, okay?" But that wasn't a surprise to the blonde. She had known her best friend long enough to detect his feelings. Him rushing out of the house and ignoring her texts was the first indicator.

"I was mad that you were so easy to forgive him and then I felt bad." He paused for a moment. "I felt bad that I couldn't be as forgiving as you. And that would make you hate me."

Ayame wanted to slap this stupid boy in front of her. Didn't he know her by now? Didn't he understand that she couldn't hate him, even if she tried too? The young Hayama started to laugh. She knew that Kyo was probably giving her a puzzled look, one that showed confusion.

But it was all Ayame could do to keep herself from physically hurting him.

"Uh, why are you laughing?"

"Because you, Kotetsu Kyo, are the world's biggest idiot." Hurt obviously flashed in his eyes, but before he could respond, Ayame continued. "I know that you don't like my brother. And while yes, I have asked before to give him a break, the feelings you have are your own."

"I don't blame you for having a hard time forgiving him. Sometimes I wish I could not forgive him a little longer." His eyes went wide at her comment. "But, I can't. Because he is my brother. And I love him despite how he has treated me."

"And I have caused him pain as much as he has caused me. But he's all I have left. And I need this to work because I don't know what I'm going to do if it doesn't."

The silver haired teen was quiet for a moment. The air felt heavy, almost suffocating her. Having these conversations were mentally straining for her. But she was learning to take everything in strides and be more positive about her life. And it started with fixing the issues between her and her best friend.

A small, sorry smile crossed his lips as he rubbed his hands together; a nervous habit of his since he was a kid. "I'm sorry, Ayame. I didn't mean for things to escalate like this."

She released a long sigh, hand over her heart. But that didn't stop the hint of her smile.

"I have enough broodiness in my life, you know? I don't need you adding to it, ya jerk." She gave him a playful punch to the shoulder and he playfully cringed.

"You hurt me, Hayama." He grabbed at his heart and fell backwards, imitating as if he just got shot.

"You deserve it." A sly smile and she grabbed his wrist. "Now come on. Let's go get some hot chocolate at Mimi's."

A/N: I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! A little bit of everything going on here. Some Akito and Sana, some Sana and Ayame, Sana and Hiro, and Ayame and Kyo. Next chapter is going to be fun. I think you guys will find out very nostalgic. Can't wait to get it out to y'all!

As always, reviews, comments, etc. are always appreciated!

Until next time!

Dark Waffle