"I think Heiwajima-kun and Mari-chan would make a good couple!"

"Yeah they had quite good teamwork in the match yesterday!"

"She's one of the few girls who can really play basketball, and Heiwajima isn't too bad either."

"But outside basketball, Mari-chan is quite shy! She and Heiwajima-kun is a bit…"

"No, that's what's attractive! Heiwajima-kun is also a really quiet guy when he's not violent, and Mari-chan is serious about basketball even though she's quiet usually. They're both quiet people but can turn passionate – wouldn't they make such a great pair?"

"Well I suppose so, but actually I prefer him with Haurmi-chan! She's the energetic type, she'll balance out Heiwajima's quiet nature quite well!"

"Hm, I think I like him with Kazue-chan though. She's the graceful type, so it's not like her to play basketball. It's quite contradictory, like Heiwajima-kun and his quiet nature and violence, so I think they'll be a better couple. Harumi-chan would probably exhaust Heiwajima-kun! Kazue-chan is a bit like Orihara-kun actually, they're both elegant so she might be the best match for Heiwajima-kun."

"Oh yeah, Orihara-kun! Ahhh Heiwajima-kun is with Orihara-kun, isn't he? Except for that time, we don't really see them display their relationship so I almost forgot!"

"Well, they are both guys. Maybe Orihara-kun is shy. They probably go to the rooftop during lunchbreak I think? Since it's Heiwajima-kun's turf. I've seen that glasses guy who talks to him go there too."

"You sure they really are together though? I know Orihara-kun made that announcement to the whole school but if you think about it, why would he do that? It's as if he wants to let girls know he's not available. I heard some guys were after him too, that's probably why he picked Heiwajima-kun as his 'boyfriend', since only the really stupid guys dare to fight him."

"Hmmm…that could be possible. But recently Yuma-kun said the guys asked Heiwajima-kun about his relationship with Orihara-kun, and he said it's not fake."

"Then it's probably real? Since Heiwajima-kun doesn't seem the type to lie."

"Well, I still have doubts though, I mean they're not a very romantic couple at all! They even seem like just best friends sometimes. I'm thinking they probably met and became best friends, and Orihara-kun asked Heiwajima-kun to be his fake boyfriend."

"But Heiwajima-kun really isn't the type to lie…"

"Yeah he's pretty honest."

"You don't support them together, Emi-chan?"

"It's not that I don't support them together! I like Orihara-kun, so I will support him if his choice really is Heiwajima-kun. I just think Orihara-kun, well, deserves someone better. Heiwajima-kun is a good guy, but he's just so different from Orihara-kun…"

"But you liked Kazue-chan with Heiwajima-kun, and she's so different from him too! Is it because Orihara-kun is a guy?"

"W-Well it does make me uncomfortable that they're both guys – but anyway! I will support Orihara-kun still, I'm just concerned if he actually is, you know, happy! Like, I saw him looking a bit down the other day."

"…It's not as if he's in an abusive relationship right? Unless he's a very good actor, I don't think Heiwajima-kun is that sort of guy."

"Probably. But still! I don't think Orihara-kun and Heiwajima-kun are a good match. I'll never say this to Orihara-kun because I don't want to trouble him but…that's my opinion."

"I guess you never know, you could be right. When I think about it, Orihara-kun looked a little lost recently. One time I had to call him three times before he noticed me… when usually he's pretty alert to his surroundings."

"That's right! I'm concerned about Orihara-kun's welfare! Is Heiwajima-kun really treating him well? I won't be convinced, until Heiwajima-kun actually does something for Orihara-kun."

"Haha what do you want him to do? Make an announcement to the school like Orihara-kun did?"

"Hey don't mouth off like that, speak of the devil and he will come!"

"Eh, is that even the right saying to use here?!"

…

…

Two weeks ago

…

"I'm going to join the basketball club."

Izaya froze as Shizuo continued stroking his hair.

"Akihiro invited me. I've thought about it, and it isn't a bad idea. Haha maybe if I learn how to play basketball I'll have a better aim and won't accidentally hit anyone with public property in my violence."

"…."

"And, I think it'll be good if I – socialize a bit, I guess. That way, if I'm busy with basketball, you won't be obliged to skip your clubs' activities to spend time with me."

"I…" Izaya finally spoke once he had gotten over his shock, "Don't feel obliged…to spend time with Shizu-chan."

I want to spend time with you.

It's not an obligation.

It's a desire

…My selfish desire.

"Hm? Well yeah I know that," Shizuo said with a smile as he stroked Izaya's hair fondly with his hand.

"Still, I gotta be worthy to be your boyfriend right? Orihara Izaya, Honor Student of Raijin High, idol of this school. I gotta do something to be closer to your level, even if it's just a bit."

My level?

What are you talking about?

You're the one who's on a way higher level than me.

My level is mostly only attained by humans' reactions to this particular human they see

It's merely a social construct

Not like you, your strength is independent of the reactions of the humans around you

It's comparable to you standing on the sky deck of Sunshine 60 because you climbed up there and me standing there because I took the lift

"…I see. Shizu-chan is tall, and as long as he doesn't accidentally crush the basketball in his hand or slam it down too hard into the hoop, I think it's a good opportunity for him to get control over his strength."

"Yeah I was thinking that too…heh you know me so well flea."

"Just, don't forget about me, alright?"

Shizuo laughed and ruffled Izaya's hair in response, a smile on his handsome features.

"Haha, how could I ever forget about my flea?"

…

…

Shizu-chan you liar.

"Splendid as always, Orihara-kun. However, your form seemed a little off. Is there something wrong?"

"It's nothing." Izaya lied as he slipped off the mattress, making his way to the resting area.

He caught from the corner of his eye a tall blond boy dodging his pursuers swiftly and springing off the ground with the superhuman strength in his feet, causing people's mouths to drop open.

He slammed the basketball down into the hoop, causing the stand to rattle as he landed on the ground.

"You'll catch a fly in there." Izaya said dryly to the boy beside him who was gaping after witnessing the spectacle.

He took a sip of water as the guy ranted, "T-That was amazing! Did you see that, Orihara?! He jumped so high –"

"Actually, he can jump higher; he could even reach the ceiling."

" –It was higher than your high jump just now- wait. Ceiling?!"

"Yeah," Izaya gestured vaguely. "Shizu-chan doesn't even need surfaces to spring off in parkour, he just jumps and reaches."

Yeah

With that strength of his, and his height –

Basketball is the perfect sport for Shizu-chan

Besides parkour that is

"Parkour…it wasn't a rumor then –"

"Minami-kun, it's your turn!"

"Alright!"

The boy left and Izaya turned to look at Shizuo, who was surrounded by his teammates as he looked abashed, but with a smile on his face.

Shizu-chan is probably thinking he used too much strength

Well, if he upset the stand it's not as if he can't put it back

I wonder if they're going to use him for competitions?

…Then he'll have to attend more practice sessions

"So, parkour? You and Heiwajima?"

"Yeah."

"That's awesome! So do you like really run up buildings walls and jump across buildings? Aren't you afraid of falling? It isn't like gymnastics where there's a mattress to land on – you'd fall on the hard ground!"

"In summary, yes. If you're afraid of falling, you can't land. Parkour is as much mental as physical. So I don't feel fear, in fact it's freedom."

"Heh, perfect for you huh Orihara? You have the brains and athletic ability. Man, I'm so envious. How are you so perfect?!"

The boy laughed and reached out towards Izaya's shoulder before withdrawing as he said, "Ah wait your boyfriend's over there, isn't he? I better not touch you unnecessarily." He chuckled as if at a personal joke.

"Hell, I'm not even this cautious with girls!"

Izaya frowned, unable to determine whether it was a good thing the boy had not initiated personal contact.

"Well yes, I know I'm off limits but you don't have to be so cautious. I'm not a girl – or his girlfriend."

"Haha. But Heiwajima is protective over you like you're his girlfriend! I heard he beat up some guys for disturbing your sleep or something – or is that another rumor?"

"….It's true."

"See! Scary. What if he says something like 'You bastard, how dare you put your arm around Izaya's shoulder when I'm right here!' I don't want to die, you know."

"Sure your family name isn't Kishitani?"

"Eh?"

"Nothing. You reminded me of someone – but don't worry. You're definitely less annoying than him."

The boy titled his head, then shrugged it off with a smile, "It's kinda strange," he chuckled as he leaned back against the wall.

"Never thought I'd be talking to you like this. You were always the perfect model student – perfect in everything - but so hard to approach. But you've changed, you seem more natural now, somehow. Is it because of Heiwajima? He's changed too, he actually smiles now! The girls talk about him all the time."

"Ah, but of course he's yours!" The boy said sheepishly. "I'm sure they know that."

"Anyway despite rumors and such, you two are good for each other. You change each other for the better – and Raijin High too. The school's kind of changed since you announced your relationship. Honestly I was a bit uncomfortable at first but you guys are the talk of the school. Like, school's actually become interesting now. Orihara Izaya the model student and Heiwajima Shizuo the infamous delinquent in a romantic relationship? Who would have ever thought?"

"There's new things happening everyday. Did you know you guys even encouraged people to confess? To being gay, to their secret crush, to do things they normally wouldn't do. The super shy couple in my class, Ryoko-chan and Shu-kun even began holding hands in public! Everyone was surprised."

"Interesting." Izaya said and meant it. He was smiling for the first time since the other boy had started the impromptu conversation.

"I'm grateful to the generous acceptance the school has shown to my and Shizuo's romantic relationship."

"More like you expected it right," the boy joked. "You're Orihara Izaya after all."

Izaya's smile widened as the other boy held out a hand. "Sorry, I didn't even introduce myself did I? I'm Minami Kyoushiro."

"Orihara Izaya. Pleasure to make your acquaintance."

The two boys shook hands as the one with brown hair grinned. "It's definitely nice to finally meet you."

"What next, me talking to Heiwajima?" They separated their hands and he said, "He's coming over here."

"Hey."

Shizuo smiled confidently at Izaya as he dribbled the basketball casually.

"…Hey."

"You came to watch me play?"

The blond that seemed even taller from Izaya's position on the floor asked. Izaya stood up as he spoke.

"I just happened to be engaging in gymnastics in the same place. This is the indoor sports hall, after all."

Shizuo only laughed, "Ah well," he caught the basketball in his hand. "It's great to see you all the same, 'zaya."

At this moment Minami made his departure discreetly but with a sly grin, which Shizuo seemed to notice.

"Who's that?"

"A new acquaintance." Izaya replied. "Quite an interesting one."

"I see."

"Why?" Izaya smiled. "Jealous?"

"Not really." Shizuo said unexpectedly and Izaya blinked. "I mean, the guy you're dating is me right? Why should I be jealous?"

"After all," Shizuo winked. "I'm the one who's your boyfriend."

"Unpredictable as always, aren't you?" Izaya murmured, but let Shizuo kiss his cheek.

"And as affectionate as usual, I see."

"Only to my flea." Shizuo smiled charmingly and Izaya was sure it was done intentionally.

"Bursting with confidence now, aren't you?"

Before Shizuo could reply, a male voice sounded. "Hey, Shizuo!"

"What is it, Akihiro?"

Akihiro grinned. "Sorry for disturbing your lovey-dovey time with Mr Perfect," he said jokingly. "But the guys and I are heading out for dinner. Wanna join us?"

Shizuo blinked, then looked conflicted. "I –"

"Ah were you going on a date? Eh it's fine then, if you already have company like him."

"My services are needed elsewhere, so you can go for dinner with your friends, Shizu-chan."

"Eh?" Akihiro and Shizuo voiced at the same time.

"We weren't going on a date," Izaya smiled.

He turned, waving a hand as he walked away. "I happen to have other obligations at the moment…so see you Shizu-chan."

Akihiro whistled, then said, "You sure about that, Orihara? The girls are coming along too, you know."

Izaya paused, but then said, "Well, since Shizuo hasn't had female company for a long time it would do him some good, wouldn't it? So I have no objections."

"Wow," Akihiro whistled again when Izaya was gone. "It's been a long time since I heard Orihara speak like that."

"Huh?"

"Polite speech." Akihiro grinned. "Your boyfriend's pretty elusive isn't he? I didn't even get to say 'nice to meet you'!"

"How do you two even…? Like, Orihara doesn't seem like a romantic or touchy-feely kind of guy. So, do you lead…?"

"…I don't know. But Izaya led our relationship for quite some time."

"What?! So you're the girl?! Man, I always thought it would be Orihara, with his height and pretty looks! Ugh, I can't imagine you as the girl…"

"What?" Shizuo frowned. "The hell are you saying? I'm not a girl, and neither is Izaya." He shrugged.

"Anyway I'm trying to take charge now since he's been doing all the work. So for the 'touching', I'm the one who's been doing it. I like to hold him and stuff."

"And he lets you?"

"As long as it's not in public. Izaya likes to lean against my shoulder, and I like to take hold of his hand…" Shizuo smiled fondly as he reminisced.

"He's cute when he blushes, he's not scared of me and isn't afraid of touching me or letting me touch him, he hugs me and stays there…"

Shizuo chuckled, then gave a grin.

"Yeah, our relationship is pretty great. My relationship. Heh, never thought I'd get to say that…"

"…So Orihara is the girl after all?" Akihiro said dumbly.

"Idiot, neither of us is a girl." Shizuo said and swatted Akihiro lightly as he walked past.

"Owwww! Shizuo buddy, you trying to kill me?! I thought we were friends, man!"

Akihiro said after hopping comically on one leg and trying and failing to regain his balance from the force of Shizuo's swat which seemed more like the impact of a punch.

"What are you talking about, it was just a swat. Want me to give you a flick instead?"

"Uh no." Akihiro paled as Shizuo flicked his finger. "Definitely not. I think I'd die."

Shizuo blinked and flicked his own forehead, which made a dull thudding sound. He tilted his head.

"Nah, it doesn't hurt."

"That's 'cause it's you." Akihiro sighed. He got up from the ground as male voices sounded.

"Oi, you guys!"

"Is Shizuo coming with us or not, Aki?!"

"Yeah, the girls want to know!"

"Yeah yeah he's coming with us. Oi, if you wanna shorten my name, call me Hiro!"

"Nah Aki is easier to say."

"And cuter."

"Aki-chan."

"No homo!"

"No offence, Shizuo."

Shizuo just looked puzzled as Akihiro groaned. "Argh. Shizuo, how do you deal with it?!"

"Huh?"

"C-Cutesy nicknames. Like that," Akihiro gestured awkwardly. "'Shizu-chan'"

"I don't deal with it, I endure it for Izaya's sake," Shizuo said. "And once I endure it, it isn't so bad. I still don't know how the hell that girly nickname came about, but Izaya likes it. And if he likes it, he can call me that since he's my lover."

He paused, then continued. "He's the only one though. If anyone else calls me that I'll beat them up…unless it's a girl. But even then, she can't call me 'Shizu-chan', even if she thinks it's cute. That right belongs to Izaya, and Izaya alone."

Shizuo concluded, and the boy with spiky black hair grinned mischievously.

"Shizu-cha –"

Akihiro let out an 'eep' sound as Shizuo turned a death glare on him. "Okay. Okay, sorry! I was just joking! I WAS JUST JOKING, I SWEAR!"

Shizuo growled, then turned away. He inhaled.

"Oi Akihiro. I ain't so kind to not beat you up just 'cause you're a guy I know, so don't ever do that again."

Shizuo muttered as he walked away. "It's because it's Izaya who calls me that, that I don't mind it. But if it's anyone else…"

"…Bad memory?" Akihiro guessed timidly.

Shizuo didn't respond, but his eyes darkened, and the other boy chose not to pry.

…

…I suppose this isn't a good time to tell him that Orihara was jealous

…I think. He switched to polite speech like he was trying to distance himself.

Not sure what he's jealous about though, it's not like Shizuo's going to hit on the girls.

He only has eyes for Orihara.

…

…

"Sorry, but I have a competition today. It's important."

…

"I promised to stay back and supervise the gymnastics club, so maybe some other time."

…

"I need to help some students with their studies, they're in dire need of my assistance."

…

"I can't walk home with you today, I have a meeting with the chess club."

"I'll wait for you."

"That isn't a good idea. Our meeting will end late, around night time."

"All the more reason for me to wait for you. I can't let you go home alone in the dark."

"It's not like I'm a girl, so you don't have to walk me home."

"The streets are still dangerous at night."

"Suit yourself. But I'll be parkouring, I won't be walking on the streets."

"Then I'll parkour with you."

"The point is, I won't be on the streets, so no bad guys can get me. So you don't have to worry or walk me home."

"…Izaya."

"What is it, Shizuo?"

"Why are you avoiding me?"

"What are you talking about? I'm not –"

"I asked a member of the chess club. The competition was just over so there's been no meetings recently."

"…Have social connections now, don't you?"

"Why are you lying to me…?"

Shizuo reached for Izaya's hand, but Izaya brought it away.

"…!"

There was silence. Shizuo looked downcast as he said, "You don't even call me by that nickname anymore."

"I thought you didn't like it."

"…I don't mind if it's you. Because you told me you call me that because you're my lover. …We're lovers, right Izaya?"

"That's a hard question." Izaya said. "After all, we haven't been doing any lovey-dovey things since we're both busy with our own activities and social circles, so we can hardly be considered lovers anymore."

"…What are you trying to say?"

"Nothing." Izaya lied smoothly with his model student smile on his face. "Nothing at all, Shizuo."

"Now if you would excuse me, I have a life to get back to. So I'll see you some other time."

"Izaya –"

Shizuo reached for Izaya's shoulder, but the smaller boy slipped away out of his reach.

…

…

…

The catharsis for Shizuo's emotions over the incident a few days ago was released one peaceful afternoon in the classroom –

"ARGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"

- In class, accompanied by an almost broken table as the blond stood, panting with wild eyes and his fists clenched angrily.

"I-Is something wrong, Heiwajima-kun?"

The teacher stated the obvious, but it was because he had nothing else to say.

"Yeah…YEAH…THERE'S DEFINITELY SOMETHING WRONG….."

A dark atmosphere descended upon Shizuo for the first time in a long while, causing wary glances and the automatic reaction of backing away from the former blond delinquent.

Had it been in the past, they would have been frightened. But the blond had made an attempt to be social and many of them had spoken to him, and they couldn't bring themselves to fear him anymore.

The table was still standing after all.

"Would...you like to be excused to solve the problem?"

"…."

Shizuo inhaled deeply to get his anger under control once he realized the wary expressions of the people around him.

"Yeah." He said tersely. "I mean – yes. Yes, sensei. I would like to be excused from class…if that's possible."

"I see. You're excused, Heiwajima-kun. Come back when you're feeling better."

Shizuo nodded and walked calmly out of the classroom.

Seconds later after the door closed behind him, a loud yell reverberated throughout the corridor –

"I CAN'T EVEN HOLD HIS HAND ANYMOREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!"

– Accompanied by sounds of destruction and shattering of glass.

Is there a problem with his relationship with Orihara?

That was the thought in everyone's heads which no one dared to voice –

Everyone, including the students in other classrooms –

Like the classroom of a certain boy who was keeping his hand away from his lover –

And whom at the moment had chosen to keep his hand out of sight, as his face warmed.

There was silence save for a few growls. Then the door to Shizuo's classroom opened, revealing the carnage of broken windows and scattered plaster from the destroyed walls outside.

The cause of destruction closed the door quietly and walked serenely to his seat.

"Excuse me. I'm feeling better."

"…That's a good thing to hear, Heiwajima-kun."

…

"Hey, Shizuo!"

"What was up with that, man?"

"The whole first year heard it! And I think it even reached the second years too!"

"And I'm sure the third years know through gossip."

"Yo it's fine, you can tell us."

"Hell, even the teachers have been talking about it!"

"You guys have nothing better to do don't you." Shizuo deadpanned.

"Aw, come on," Akihiro grinned as he slung an arm around Shizuo's shoulder. "When the former blond delinquent Heiwajima Shizuo who's now a calm guy with good grades and a rising star of the basketball club suddenly gets violent again, of course it's going to be the talk of the school! Considering what he yelled out."

Shizuo wondered if he should feel embarrassed, for he only felt annoyance.

"You guys already know, so you're just seeking for confirmation aren't you."

Shizuo mumbled, but decided to tell them anyway. It would be good to let out his feelings seeing as keeping them locked in had caused the current situation.

"Izaya doesn't let me hold his hand anymore."

They grinned as if they had been expecting it, and Shizuo ignored it.

"But it's not just that. He's been distant. And it feels like he's been avoiding me. …No he's definitely avoiding me, with what he said…"

"What did he say?"

"He doesn't even call me that name he uses as my lover anymore, and he said that since we haven't been doing any lovey-dovey things we can hardly be considered lovers anymore."

Shizuo said, feeling depressed as he thought about it. Akihiro blinked and suggested, "Well, just do more lovey-dovey things then?"

"How can I do that when he won't even let me hold his hand?"

Shizuo growled softly. "I've been trying to bridge the gap between us, but he always denies there's nothing wrong. What the fuck?! There's obviously something wrong, DAMN IT! That bastard's been lying to me. The chess club hasn't had any meetings recently! And he hasn't been to the ROOFTOP FOR AGES!"

He inhaled. "…Excuse me. I have to punch something."

The wall of the indoor sports hall crumbled down a moment later before Shizuo returned and spoke calmly.

"Anyway that's what's been happening. And it feels like Izaya and I aren't in a relationship anymore."

"Why won't he tell me what's wrong?! I'm not a fucking mind reader like him!"

"Man, Shizuo! I feel you, bro!" Yuma sighed as he patted Shizuo's shoulder. "Ayumi-chan's the same!"

"Really?"

"Yeah man, my girlfriend's like that too. Well – she does still let me hold her hand, but she seems like she's not paying attention to me. And when I ask, she says it's nothing!"

"Wow," Takeo his best friend said dryly with a smirk. "I didn't know you had girlfriend problems."

Yuma looked uncharacteristically embarrassed, before he shrugged. "Every guy has girlfriend problems."

"Except Shizuo." Ryo said. "He has boyfriend problems."

"But it sounds like girlfriend problems." Akihiro added.

"When a girl says 'It's nothing'," Norio nodded sagely, "She means the opposite. It's definitely something."

"And when your girlfriend says she's fine," Yuma declared, "She means she's fine – you know, just fine. Just fine with her boyfriend, and not happy with him. And that's the signal you need to get off your ass and do something to make her happy."

"Girls love to play opposites, and always keep you guessing."

"But Izaya's not a girl." Akihiro echoed Shizuo.

"Woah, in tune with each other already? No wonder Orihara's jealous, Aki-chan!"

"Ugh. Seriously, stop that…"

"Well, Shizuo is the masculine one. And he's tall. And he's the one who's trying to approach the problem while Izaya is the one avoiding it."

"That makes Orihara the girl by default!"

"It's always like that in relationships. When there's a conflict, the guy is always the one being straightforward, and the girl the one distant. Never the other way around."

"And Orihara is quite an elusive guy."

Shizuo tilted his head as if trying to comprehend the supposed mechanics of romantic relationships after years of social isolation and ostracisation.

"…Huh? I don't really get it, but if you say so. More importantly, what can I do?"

He asked, thinking that they knew better and had more experience with relationships than him.

The basketball boys exchanged looks, before looking to Shizuo with similar grins.

"Well, there is one thing you can do…"

They made a show of whispering to the blond, who blinked twice after and said, "Alright."

"Woah, seriously?"

"We were just joking."

"No we weren't – well, I was half-joking. But it's a good idea, considering how their relationship started in the first place."

"Yeah it would kind of balance things out I think."

"Yeah it is a good idea."

"And Shizuo definitely has the balls for that."

"He was a delinquent after all."

"What do I say though?" Shizuo interrupted. "I don't even know what the hell is the problem."

"That, you'll have to figure out for yourself." Yuma said. "Or it wouldn't be sincere."

Shizuo 'tsked', but seemed to understand. He sighed, but managed a tired smile.

"I guess. Well anyway, I feel better now that I've told someone about it. Thanks."

"I think I'll skip today's practice though, I may not be able to control myself and I might break the hoop or something. And I think I need to think stuff over for a while."

The guys looked at each other, before saying, "Don't be like that, Shizuo!"

"Yeah don't be such a loner."

"Why don't we hang out?"

"It's always good to have some company."

"Doesn't have to be basketball," Akihiro smiled. "We can go out, explore the city and stuff."

"Maybe visit Sunshine 60."

"And you can show us your parkour skills!"

"Huh? But isn't there practice today?"

"Well coach isn't here today," Yuma said, "It's just a self-practice session like the last time, so we're free to do whatever we want."

"A break once in a while is good." Takeo agreed.

"So what do you say man? I'm craving for some good food."

"No girls this time, promise! Not even if I see my girlfriend!"

"We can even go to the Milky Way Café if you want. You like sweet things, right?"

"Though it'd be kind of embarrassing for a bunch of guys to be there without girls."

"Yeah it'll be just us guys. That's fine right? Orihara wouldn't be jealous."

"…Is that really alright?" Shizuo said hesitantly. "Ditching practice because of me."

His friends laughed at him, but it was not unkind.

"Of course!"

"No need to be shy."

"Though it is kind of cute."

"Careful, don't let Orihara hear that."

"Hey," Akihiro laughed. "C'mon, isn't that what friends are for? We're your friends right, Shizuo?'

"You are?"

"…I'm hurt!" The spiky haired boy made a show of putting his hand to his heart, but he was grinning.

"What are you talking about? Of course we are!"

Shizuo looked puzzled. "But we didn't agree to be friends or anything."

"Man, that's cute. Haha, that kind of thing is left unsaid. We're here to listen to you and your problems, so we're obviously your friends."

"The girls consider you their friend too."

"Since they can't consider you their boyfriend."

"You already have a 'girlfriend' after all."

"Whom they were previously crazy about."

"So what do you say? Feeling up to a tour around Ikebukuro? Or do you have a date with Mr Perfect?"

"I wish." Shizuo said, but he was smiling again. He shrugged. "Well, if you insist…"

He pushed his hair back and exhaled, then turned a grateful smile towards his new friends.

"…Thanks guys."