And Once Again, Spring Has Ended

I'm Still Keeping My Hope

Since he saw Seijuurou's warm and gentle expression, Shuuzou always tried to invite Seijuurou for lunch or dinner. Seijuurou had no reason to refuse, except for the weekend. Shuuzou was hoping to see Seijuurou's warm and gentle smile again. And this time, he thought he would be the one Seijuurou made those expression for.

It was in the cafeteria after lectures had ended. Seijuurou sat on one of the empty table with his simple lunch set. Shuuzou approached him.

"Hey!"

"Oh, hallo, Nijimura-san."

"You just ate lunch?"

"Yes. The lecture was extended since the exam is drawing near."

"Ah, right." Shuuzou sat across Seijuurou and took a sip at Seijuurou's drink.

"Gaaah! Is this...?"

Seijuurou looked at Shuuzou and chuckled. "Green tea without sugar."

"It's so bitter!"

Seijuurou smiled. "I like it that way."

Shuuzou sighed and looked at Seijuurou.

"Say, Akashi, it will be exam week soon. Wanna have a study session? I can tell you what subject will be out for each exam and which material you should study."

"Sure. That will help me. When should we do that?" Seijuurou stole a glance at Shuuzou before he continued his lunch.

"How about on the weekend? Saturday and Sunday?"

Seijuurou stopped eating and put down his spoon, then he looked at Shuuzou.

"I don't mind having study session if it's on weekdays, I can make some times after lectures. But as for weekend, I deeply apologize. I can't take the offer for I already have plans for Saturday and Sunday." Seijuurou bowed his head to Shuuzou. Shuuzou scratched the back of his head.

"Is that so? Well, the weekdays will make do I guess."

Seijuurou looked back at Shuuzou and made an apologetic smile.

"I'm really sorry, Nijimura-san."

Shuuzou ruffled Seijuurou's hair and made a big grin on his face. "It's okay, really."

It's been almost a year and Seijuurou never, not even once, accepted Shuuzou's offer to spend the weekend together. Seijuurou always said he already had plans for his weekend. But Shuuzou didn't give up. Even though he thought he would be a nuisance, he still asked for Seijuurou's time on weekend.

After the exams were over, Shuuzou invited himself to Seijuurou's apartment. Shuuzou called Seijuurou on his phone to tell him. Seijuurou picked up at the first ring.

"Hey, Akashi. It's me, Nijimura."

"Yes, Nijimura-san. What's the matter?"

"Remember the book you are looking for? The English version of Soji Shimada's book?"

"Yeah, what about it?"

"I have it with me. I'll bring it to you, can I?"

"Ugh, I'm sorry, today is-"

"I'm already in front of your door to be honest."

"What? Wait a minute."

Seijuurou rushed to the door and opened it. Shuuzou was there with the bog grin of his and he showed the book to Seijuurou.

"Yo!"

"Uh, hello, Nijimura-san."

"You busy?"

"No, but-"

"Good. Pardon the intrusion."

Seijuurou haven't finished his words when Shuuzou barged in to his apartement. Seijuurou sighed and closed the door. It locked automatically.

"Your room looks so simple."

Shuuzou sat on the sofa in the middle of the room. Seijuurou's novel and phone were on the table. Shuuzou put his book beside Seijuurou's novel.

"Nijimura-san, I'm sorry, but I don't think this is a good idea."

"You don't look busy though?"

"It's not that. I already have plans for today."

"What? Reading novel? I can accompany you."

"It's not that. Please..." Seijuurou's phone was on and he immediately looked at it, but then he disappointed. He sighed. He took his phone and went to messages apps. Shuuzou stared at him. The next thing he did was pulling Seijuurou's hand which made Seijuurou dropped his phone.

Now Seijuurou was under Shuuzou with both hands pushed against the sofa.