“- Hmm, it’s Friday tomorrow, huh? “ Kazuo and Haruka sat by the table on the front lawn of their apartment building eating snacks in the nice spring weather.

“- Yeah, I have work in the evening but I’ll be home before eight since I’m underage. “ The western style table and chairs were old but it was at least better than sitting on the grass.

“- Ah, yes… “ Kazuo fiddled with the idea of doing something together but felt uncertain despite Harukas recent closeness and friendliness.

*- I dunno what’s with her hugs or what not but wouldn’t it be trouble if we were to close… Maybe I’m naive... * Kazuo thought as he reached for the snacks.

“- Umm, Kazu… Eight isn’t so late, maybe we could do something instead of loitering around in this small apartment? “ Haruka seemed a little fidgety.

*- Whoa… Let’s go safe, as usual… “ Kazuo thought he should be at least a little careful for the secrets sake even if Haruka made the moves.

“- Ah, that’d be nice but isn’t it risky? Surely there will be people from school out on a Friday night as well… “ Kazuo wouldn’t really know but thought that’d be the case.

“- You’re right… But It’ll be fine if we avoid the hotspots like the mall. “ Haruka obviously felt positive about this.

*- Screw it, it’ll probably be fine. * Kazuo figured Haruka wouldn't do anything that’d make Kayano aware.

“- Hmm, alright then, I’ll meet you after work. “ Haruka seemed happy as she heard the words.

“- Yes! It’s gonna be fun I think! “ Haruka leaned in for a snack and smiled.

*- Ohoho, It’s almost like a date~~ * Haruka giggled for herself standing by the counter cutting up vegetables.

*- Maybe I’m getting ahead of myself though… I want to keep our relation like this… * Haruka stopped cutting as she wondered.

*- If we were to have an actual romantic relationship it would be hard to keep that both serious and secret as well as keeping the actual secret a secret… * The knife and vegetables doubled up as Harukas eyes lost focus.

*- Hmm, it’s starting to sound far fetched, don’t it…? I’m sure Kayano and family won't go easy on poor ma and pa though… * Haruka started to feel heavy.

*- Yeah… I can’t risk it… * The cutting board started to be dotted with tears.

“~ Ugh, damnit… “ Haruka gripped her fist.

*- Ahh, I want to be close to Kazu though… Is there a way around? Maybe I can find an excuse to be with Kazu this much? No, Kayano would find out eventually anyways… * Haruka leaned against the counter and rubbed her eyes dry.

*- Maybe this is okey though… Yes, I’ll keep it like this… Just clingy friends who happen to be of different genders. * The heavy feeling started to disperse and Haruka looked up again.

*- tomorrow's gonna be fun though~ * Haruka managed to smile for herself again as she heard the door to Kazuos room open.

“- Uwa, I've finished studying… Is dinner ready soon? “ Kazuo walked into the kitchen and started to bring out plates and cutlery.

“- Oh? Yeah, I just need to cut these veggies… “ Harukas voice sounded a bit shaky.

“- Huh? You good? “ Kazuo looked at Harukas face but she had covered it with her hair.

“- Yeah, I'm all good! “ Haruka cleared herself up and put aside her hair to look at Kazuo with a smile as she hoped that her eyes weren't red.

“- Haruka, your eyes are red… What happened? “ The smile wasn't enough to fool Kazuo.

*- Ah, damnit, should I tell him? * Haruka looked down as her smile faded.

“- Ehehehe, it’s nothing major… Really… “ The heavy thoughts wanted to come back so Haruka had to resist.

“- You sound bothered… You know, you can talk to me, I'm not the best listener though, ehehe… “ Kazuo smiled as if he tried to lighten the mood.

*- Ahaha, so tactless… * Haruka looked away and smiled for herself as she realized that he had actually succeeded.

“- Hey? What is it? Are you giggling? Did I say something? “ Kazuo looked confused.

“- …Ahhaha… Oh, you're funny kazu~ “ Haruka shone up and managed to give Kazuo a genuine expression.

“- Eh? How come?? “ Kazuo still hadn't caught up.

“- Oh shut up dummy, let's eat~ “ Haruka took the food of the stove and brought it over to the table.

“- Heey- “ Kazuo stood in the kitchen still with the cutlery in hand as he watched Haruka sit down by the table.

“- Ne, Kazu, you wanna sit next to me? “ Haruka just smiled.

“- Eh?! “

“- What? We can both have the spot facing the TV and it’ll be cosy, it’s a win win! “ Haruka patted the spot next to her like Kazuo was a dog.

“- Umm, ok then… “ Kazuo acted a bit doubtful still.

*- She must know what she’s doing, right? I wonder how long we can keep this secret afloat altogether… * Kazuo walks over and sits down right beside Haruka and put the plates on the table. As he makes himself comfortable he realizes that he’s practically sitting shoulder to shoulder and thigh to thigh with Haruka due to the small nature of the table. Kazuos heart starts to up its tempo as he feels Harukas warmth right next to him.

“- It’s a bit warm, maybe… “ Kazuo looks at Haruka thinking she is completely calm not knowing she’s actually just powering through her embarrassment.

“- It’s you who’s so warm Kazu. “ Haruka takes a bite of some bread and looks ahead at the TV.

“- Eh? Umm, well, y-you’re warm as well… “ Kazuos heart made a loop as his mind did a flat spin.

*- I hope she can’t feel my heartbeat… * Kazuo thinks for himself as he realizes he is supposed to eat as well.

“- Ne, Kazu…- Don’t you think this TV is a bit old. “ Kazuo thought Haruka was going to say something else before the pause but it seems she changed her mind.

“- Well, I thought you’d know by now that there is no way in hell I’ll be able to afford a new one… “ Kazuo was a little bewildered by what she said.

“- Oh, that’s right, never mind… “ Haruka seemed to want to break contact. Kazuo decided not to test her and thought he should keep to himself as well.

*- I wonder if it’s because she’s aware… Maybe she’s being careful… * The dinner continued with the two of them so close but oddly enough it had started to feel a bit less awkward even though both of them were dead quiet. Kazuo felt rather relaxed and the two of them ended up staying up watching TV, right beside each other until Haruka fell asleep with her face on the table. Kazuo being a bit shaky after having been able to look at Harukas cute sleeping face freely for several minutes dragged Haruka over to her futon and tucked her down. He thought about how he didn’t manage to wake her as he, himself went to bed with his heart still beating at a high rate. It took the best part of two hours for Kazuo to suppress the image of Haruka in his head enough for his drowsiness to win and send him to sleep.