If I could only close my eyes and ignore everything I would. But turning my back on you is like denying myself to breathe.

Keigo cannot help but feel saddened by the events that unfold in front of him. He watched silently at the small opening of the door, not intending to eavesdrop. He felt Ryou's succumb to his fate and Choutarou's fruitless support. How can they ease the pain when one has already given up and the other is in denial of things getting worse? He just left the door as it is so as not to disturb the people inside. He silently walked away, stuffed his hands in his pockets. He wondered whether tomorrow will be a better day, but there is no denying that he is hoping it will be.

Ryou decided that he will stay in his home, take a break from everything considering that he had two outbreaks within 24 hours, which is not and will never be a good sign. He was accompanied to his home and the servants of the house came to his aid upon his return. Keigo did promise that he will drop by later that day because he has to attend to his responsibilities and pending business matters. What bothers him right now is how he will avoid Choutarou especially now he knows. He has no way out now, and just face the consequences of his actions yesterday. Just yesterday, he developed a fear, a fear that he faithfully fought and challenged before. He feared sleep because he is not assured whether he will wake up or not. He never felt this before, just…yesterday. His resolve easily crumbled down as he saw Choutarou's tears trickled down his cheek. He never thought that Choutarou will be this affected once he knew and considering he is the last one to know.

Physically, mentally and emotionally tired, he tried to give his eyes a well-deserve rest. Adjusting his self to slumber, there was a faint knock on the door. The maid entered the room. She was timid and she was twisting her apron- he does not know whether it is out of shyness or just plain nervousness.

"Sir, Ohtori-san is here and so is Wakahisa-san."

He frowned at the maid, he clearly told Choutarou to keep this a secret he does not need outsiders to know that he is sick and dying, for Pete's sake. He was agitated- an unreasonable feeling at this moment. Choutarou entered the room with his hand behind his head, an indication that he is deeply sorry. He was followed by Aiko who first peeked at the door before fully inviting herself inside the room. She noticed that from the timid entrance of Choutarou, he quickly moved to Ryou's side forgetting that he was accompanied by his fiancé. She fully understands that and she should empathize considering that Ryou is sick. She walked slowly towards Ryou as if she is trying not to disturb anyone. She is afraid that she will break something that is so rare. She cannot lay a finger on it but at this moment, she feels that she is designated in a place that she does not belong to. She stood beside Choutarou.

"How are you Ryou-san?"

Ryou looked at her and smiled, "I'm fine. Thank you Aiko-san." "I hope you are feeling better." "Yes, I am. You don't have to worry about it Aiko-san"

After the exchange of pleasantries, Aiko went around the room and decided to settle at the small study table just beside the terrace and a bookshelf with considerable collection of books and periodicals. She signaled Ryou whether she can browse through the books and Ryou just gave her a nod signifying to go on. She settled at the chair facing them and busied herself reading a random book.

Ryou gave Choutarou a look that sent all his questions to him. Choutarou knowing that Ryou is disturbed because he tagged Aiko along, just rubbed the back of his head.

In a soft whisper, "I'm sorry Ryou. Aiko kept on asking how you were. And I just cannot leave her alone today, so I decided to bring her along. I'm very sorry."

Ryou understanding the circumstances just nodded his head. He looked at Aiko for the mean time and saw her entranced with a book. He noticed that it was a book that he too enjoyed.

"Aiko-san, why don't you come here and sit with us?" Ryou called out. Choutarou smiled to further encourage the invitation.

Aiko stood up and walked slowly towards the bed. She does not know whether where to sit. She is an outsider. Sensing her hesitance, Ryou patted the bed to show her that she can sit beside him. She took the invitation gratefully and went directly beside Ryou.

"Are you enjoying the book?" Ryou asked Aiko.

"Yes, Ryou-san, a wondrous book about the adventures of a young boy. How I wish I could lead the same life- free and happy."

"I see, we have a liberated lady here." Ryou smiled. He has to give Aiko some credit for her courage to say what's in her mind.

"Not really liberated Ryou-san but more of aware. I'm just tired of following, fulfilling their dreams and wishes and not mine."

Choutarou looked at her. She seemed distressed as he is but she chose to remain silent about it. IT is one her remarkable traits- knowing the right time and place to speak her mind. She is truly insightful and reflective. In fact, she is a well-sought woman in high society but instead of delving into the attention she chose to remain at the sidelines, unnoticed.

"I am just tired, I don't know when will I retract from all of this. I am just dutifully following orders. It's the least that I can do despite all the sacrifices my parents made. I am just thankful that they chose Choutarou instead of any other man. I am just truly thankful."

Ryou looked at her fondly "Well, I can assure you that your parents are not mistaken. It is just that he is quite surprised of his engagement that he flew right out of the house."

Aiko covered her mouth because he cannot help but laugh at that.

"Ryou! That is truly embarrassing, you don't have to say that again…" Choutarou said his cheeks are red due to embarrassment. This made Aiko and Ryou laugh more.

"And don't forget how panicked you look when the news was told…" Another voice entered. All three looked around and saw Keigo entering the room. Keigo just smirked at them and comfortably went to their side and joined the on-going conversation. They spent the afternoon laughing and enjoying each others company, trying to make most out of the time. Barriers were and masks fell and time forgotten. Everything went out smoothly and great for all of them.

"My, my, time flew fast. Please accept my invitation and stay for dinner. I'll advise the servants to prepare the meal." Ryou said.

"How can we say no to an invitation that is never meant to be turned down?" Keigo retorted.

"If I know, you did enjoy the afternoon and have no plans on leaving the house right away." Ryou answered back. Aiko and Choutarou just smiled to the bickering individuals in front of them.

Keigo headed to the door first and Aiko followed. Midway to the door, Aiko looked back and saw Choutarou assisting Ryou out of the bed. She saw how careful Choutarou was as if Ryou will break once mishandled. Once Ryou was at his feet, Choutarou protectively placed his arm on Ryou's waist and offered his hand for Ryou to hold onto. Ryou automatically accepted the help and both of them walked in synch. Choutarou's steps are much smaller to avoid bumping into Ryou's wobbly legs. A strand of hair fell into Ryou's face and Choutarou reached for it and gently tucked it in Ryou's ears. Ryou just smirked while Choutarou smiled. Noticing that someone was watching them both looked up and saw Aiko looking at them innocently. She just smiled and continued to walk normally. Keigo was waiting for them outside the room and accompanied Aiko in going down to the dining hall.

Once assured that they are at a safe distance, Aiko looked at Keigo. Noticing that Aiko is staring at him, he looked back. He smirked again and raised a delicate brow.

"Atobe-san, they are really good friends, aren't they?"

Keigo nodded his head and said "Yes they are. They have been through thick and thin supporting each other till the end. You can rarely find a really good friend like those two."

"I see. They are truly lucky to have one another and they are lucky to have you too."

Keigo just smiled at that. "You are a perceptive person, Aiko-san. I will not be surprised if you are able to read more than the book provides."

They just continued to walk towards the hallway while the other two are following them in a much slower pace. As they reached the dining hall, Choutarou helped Ryou at the end of the dining table while he settled himself at his right. Keigo took the chair at Ryou's left while Aiko settled beside Choutarou. They ate their dinner while they continued the merry chatter. Everything was pleasant and well.

Ryou hated peas while Choutarou hated carrots. And unfortunately for the two, there was a side dish served with peas and carrots. Ryou started selecting the peas while Choutarou set aside the carrots. Once done both scooped a generous helping of the hated vegetables and dumped them to each other's plate. Keigo cannot help but sigh in frustration.

"You both are acting like kids."

"At least we are looking for ways for us not to waste our food, not like you" Ryou retorted back.

"I eat vegetables perfectly fine." Keigo defended.

Aiko couldn't help but laugh heartily because of their childish antics. The three of them looked at her and joined in the laughter. It was truly a pleasant sight. But time does not allow these instances to last forever.

As they are at the receiving area waiting for their carriages, they are preparing themselves for their flight. Keigo excused himself for the moment and went outside to attend to the contents of his carriage first. As the carriage where Choutarou and Aiko came, they bid their farewell. Choutarou not leaving Ryou's side just yet, listened to what Aiko has to say.

"Ryou-san, is it alright for you to go out already?"

"Why is that?"

"We are holding a small tea party in the afternoon, all of my friends and Choutarou's friends are invited. I was hoping you can come." Aiko offered a shy smile.

"I will be most honored. Expect me tomorrow, Aiko-san. Thank you for your generous invitation"

"That is nothing Ryou-san. And thank you for an enjoyable day. I hope this will be also the setting tomorrow. Have a good night."

"Same to you Aiko-san, same to you"

Aiko went out. And Choutarou looked at Ryou. He does not want to say goodbye but he has to. Someone is waiting for him outside while the other is urging him to go. As Choutarou was ready to go he turned back and hugged Ryou gently. Ryou was slightly taken aback and restrained himself not to hug back. Instead he reached for Choutarou's head and messed his hair. This made them both laugh and smile.

"You have to go, Aiko-san is waiting for you."

"I will see you tomorrow, then."

"I don't know whether I can come."

"Then, I'll just come here."

"You don't have too. You should be at the gathering."

"You know I'll follow you everywhere."

Ryou smiled at that, "Not really everywhere."

Choutarou looked down and smiled sadly, "Why do you have to go somewhere, where I cannot follow?"

Ryou didn't answer at that. He just stood there unmoving.

They are in their own little world again- where nothing matters, just the two of them. Both didn't notice, two pairs of eyes saw this little exchange of endearment. Keigo just shook his head and reminded himself to warn Ryou of his actions. Aiko on the other hand, first time saw this kind of set of actions. She should be scandalized or disgusted but she something more than the physical contact of two boys hugging. She saw true love and understanding between the two, she saw how synch their actions are—and that was one of the most beautiful things she saw.

She cannot understand herself; she does not know why she is in pain. Maybe, she is jealous. But that is not really an option at the moment. She does not have anything special towards Choutarou. Infatuation? Maybe. But nothing greater than that. Maybe she is in pain because she can see how much love there is and they cannot do anything to nurture it to something more. Constrained by expectations, restrained by social norms and hindered by obligations. She cannot help but feel sorry…sorry for what? For herself? Or for them? No matter, the circumstances they are in right now, is to painful to watch and debilitating to all of them. She left the two and gave them the privacy that they much deserve. If she has to call off the wedding, to save everyone from this anguish, then so be it.