Kazuo walked down the road towards the apartment the day after. His steps felt light and school was a breeze compared to how it usually felt. He opened the gate to the plot of land where the little apartment building was situated. Kazuo had managed to get on pretty good terms with the landlord and figured he should tell him about the new resident. The landlord, Watanuki Kensho is a man in his sixties who lives in the apartment under Kazuos, the whole apartment building basically only consists of these two apartments. Kazuo would greet him whenever he had the chance and they would usually talk for a bit.

*- Hopefully he’s home… * Kazuo knocked on the landlord's door.

“- Hoooy, Kensho, it’s me. “ The door opened and the short old man came out with a smile.

“- Haha, Kazuo! How nice of you to visit! “ Kensho did that old man chuckle.

“- We’re neighbours you know… “ Kazuo didn’t really bother to put up some overly polite facade when talking to Kensho.

“- Ah, always sharp on the tongue, you! “ Kensho chuckled again.

“- Why don’t you come in? I’ll pour you a drink. “

“- Thanks. “ Kazuo stepped into the hallway. He took of his shoes and headed into the living room, the two apartments had the same layout after all.

“- Well then Kazuo… “ Kensho sat down opposite Kazuo and gave him a glass of juice.

“- I’ve been meaning to ask you something… “ The old man took a sip from his cup.

“- Is that so? “ Kazuo figured he wasn’t in a hurry.

“- I might just be getting old but every morning it sounds like there is two people leaving your apartment… I’ve also been hearing voices, figured that’d be your friends… “ Kensho seemed to have had the subject in his thoughts often.

“- Oh, so you’ve noticed… I actually came here to talk to you about it today. “ Kazuo was a bit surprised Kensho hadn’t figured out everything as he thought the voices wouldn’t reach down.

“- What is going on then? Do you have someone staying over? You know I’m fine with that as long as it doesn’t bring any trouble. “ Kensho seemed almost curious.

“- Ah, yes, her name is Hayami Haruka. She’s here because of family related issues. “ Kazuo finished his glass of juice.

*- Wait, I just said it was a girl, didn’t I… * Kazuo twitched.

“- Hehe, a girl, eh? You have to treat her well Kazuo, hahaha. “

“- Yeah yeah, sure... whatever… “ Kazuo felt bothered.

“- Ah, well then Kazuo, I won’t hold you any longer. “ Kensho rose.

“- No, I came here by my own will, thanks for the drink. “ Kazuo walked out to the hallway and put on his shoes. Kensho was seeing him out and opened the door. As Kazuo stepped out he saw Haruka by the gate looking at him.

“- Heey, Kazu! “ Haruka ran over.

“- Oh, welcome… “ Kazuo glanced over behind him and saw Kensho smiling.

“- Ah, this must be miss Hayami! We were just talking about you, I hope you find it pleasant around here. “ Kensho appeared to not be annoying about the “being with a girl” ordeal which made Kazuo feel at ease.

“- Oh? Nice to meet you, I’m Hayami Haruka, thanks for letting me be here. “ Haruka bowed politely.

“- Haha, how polite! You know, this grumpy kid here never bowed to me once! “ Kensho laughed.

“- Wow… Really, Kazu~? You should respect the elder~ Hehe... “ Haruka looked at Kazuo, she still seemed cheerful.

“- Stop ganging up on me and introduce yourself already, Kensho. “ Despite looking grumpy, Kazuo was actually quite chuffed.

“- Oh right, I’m Watanuki Kensho, since Kazuo already calls me Kensho you should as well. “

“- Alright, will do! I’m sorry thought, but I have to go already... Need to head for work soon so have a nice day uncle Kensho. “ Haruka winked and sprinted up the stairs.

“- Ah, I should head up as well, see ya. “ Kazuo took his leave and walked up the stairs as Kensho stayed by his door and smirked a little. Once inside he heard Haruka in the bathroom and decided to head for his room just in case. Kazuo sat down by his desk and took a couple of breaths and tried to clear his mind a little.

*- Haruka seems happy… Guess I’ll try to show it more as well… * Kazuo leaned down and got some books out of his bag and put them on the desk.

*- Hmm, some more juice wouldn’t be bad… * Kazuo went for the door and stepped out into the living room whilst still hearing the shower running. He opened the fridge and grabbed the orange juice, put it on the counter and closed the fridge before pulling out a glass from the shelf. The juice was pulp free which was one of Harukas preferences. Kazuo poured his glass and drank half of it before refilling it again and put the juice back into the fridge. The shower turned off as Kazuo walked past the living room and he stopped for a reason a little unknown to him.

*- How will she act? * Kazuo was stood with his glass of juice in hand and looked at the door as the handle twisted. Haruka stepped out in a towel whilst trying to dry of her hair with another one.

“- Oh? what’re you lookin’ at. “ Haruka looked at the lost in thought Kazuo.

“- Oh, sorry. “ Kazuo snapped back.

“- Hmph, anyways, you know what I’m buying with the first pay check? A damn hair dryer! You short haired people sure have it easy… “ Haruka started walking from where she stood and Kazuo was a bit confused to where she was going.

“- Where are you going? “ Kazuo was still standing still.

“- Get some clothes on maybe? “ Haruka looked at him a bit bewildered.

“- Oh, that’s right… Umm, I’ll give you some time then. “ Kazuo went to sit down at the table.

“- I’ll be quick, you’re studying, right? “ Haruka talked from inside the room.

“- Yeah, I’m doing makeup tests next week. “ Kazuo could hear drawers open and close.

“- Makeup tests… We haven’t had any tests yet though. “ Haruka buttoned her blouse and covered her chest.

“- Yeah, they’re from last term… “ Kazuo seemed only a little bothered.

“- What! I didn’t think you were that stupid! “ Haruka almost laughed.

“- Hey! I’m not stupid, I just didn’t bother to study so I messed up the stuff that I’m bad at. “ The door handle twisted. Haruka came out in her makeshift work uniform using parts of her school uniform. She had tied up her hair as neatly as she could, which wasn’t very neatly. Kazuo gave her doubting look.

“- What… stop looking at me and get to studying, no responsibility- kun. “ Haruka seemed to be aware that she hadn’t managed to manage her hair very well.

“- Hey… You want me to fix that for you? Come sit here. “ Kazuo tried to sound friendly to avoid her wrath.

“- Hmph, fine- “ Haruka abandoned her pride sat down in front of Kazuo and let the hair she had attempted to tie up lose.

“- You know, you should try to look your best when going to work for the first time~ “ Kazuo smirked a little as he grabbed as much of Harukas hair as possible.

“- Well, I tried! “ Haruka postured and moved her head.

“- Whoa, sit still, will you? “ Kazuo had almost got a hold of all the wild strings of hair.

“- Aight… “ Haruka pouted faintly but Kazuo could tell by her voice.

“- It’s still a bit wet also, will that be a problem? “ Kazuo got into the final stages.

“- Nah, knowing my hair it still won't be dry when I come back. “ Haruka fiddled with her skirt. The rubber band Kazuo used to tie up the hair looked like it was going to burst but he deemed it to be good enough.

“- Alright, It should be good now… “ Haruka stood up and walked over to their only mirror in the bathroom. She observed and felt her hair for a moment as she seemed to forget that she was supposed to be pouting. Kazuo walked in behind her and looked at Harukas face through the mirror.

“- Pretty neat, huh? “ Kazuo felt he had managed to show a bit more of his happiness as he told himself before.

“- Oh, uh, yes, thank you… “ Harukas heart started to race a little which made her completely forget she was supposed to pout and she smiled instead. It was silent for a moment before Kazuo pulled up his phone had showed Haruka the clock.

“- You're supposed to be there soon, right? “

“- Oh, yes… “ Haruka stepped out of the bathroom and Kazuo followed to get his glass of juice to the kitchen for a refill. Haruka pulled her coat of the hook and put it on leaving it open as the weather was rather mild. Kazuo stood in the kitchen pouring up juice again when he noticed Haruka looking at him in his peripheral vision. Kazuo turned his head towards her and noticed she had a determined look on her face.

“- Um, what is it? You should go… “ Kazuo didn’t know why she looked so determined.

“- I want a goodbye hug! “ Haruka stared intensely.

“- A goodbye hug? Are you a kid or something? “ Kazuo who wasn’t against it decided to play it safe anyways.

“- Yes! Remember what I said earlier? “ Haruka wasn’t wavering.

“- Oh, right, I remember, I guess we should do it then… “ Kazuo felt a bit reluctant but then he noticed that the aura of weirdness seemed to have sustained another crack. Haruka smiled and joyfully walked up to Kazuo and leaned in for a hug. Their height difference was quite severe so Kazuo had to be careful not to mess up Harukas hair as she decisively went in for the hug. The hug lasted for a moment before Haruka pushed herself out and looked up at Kazuo with a smile.

“- There there, clingy- chan~ “ Kazuo jokingly patted her head whilst giggling.

“- It’s for greater good, I tell you! Don’t mess with my hair! “ Haruka stormed of to the door and turned for a last pouty look before she left. Kazuo stood looking at the door for a moment after it had shut.

“- Whoa, she’s so ridiculously cute… “ Kazuo was left with warmth in his chest and a subtle smile, things had certainly changed.