Keep on living dear

Chapter 6

His most precious possession. It can't be replaced; a treasure held between the cold, thin fingers of the apparition. He smiled at the piece of paper that displayed the two figures frozen in time.

But the sound of familiar footsteps signalled him to tuck the piece of paper away quickly. It was Kou.
Kou:"Ya Hanako."
Hanako:"Shounen."
Kou:"So today we're meant to camp out at school isn't it? Is there anything specifically that we're doing or-?"

Hanako smiles.
"Nope."
Kou:"Is this maybe...to cheer up senpai?"
Hanako:"You could put it like that."
Kou felt a deep sense of melancholy when Hanako answered in such a way. Why? Why couldn't he just be straightforward with him instead of being so vague? But he had to disregard it otherwise, he'd be going against his promise to himself.
Hanako:"Shounen?"
Kou:"Ah...sorry, I was lost in thought."
He laughs bunglingly while wiping his head roughly.
Hanako:"Don't worry about it."
Kou:"So when senpai gets here she'll be a little late because-"
Hanako:"I have important things I need to do so keep her entertained will ya? Until I get back." He yawns before walking towards the door.
Kou:"Again?" He murmurs.
Hanako:"Pardon?"
Kou:"Nothing, I'll keep her entertained."
Hanako:"Thanks kid." He pulls his hat down, covering his golden eyes, prior to leaving in a hurry.

Kou huffs and lets his back slide against the plastered walls.
Ignore Hanako.
Senpai will be here late so what should I do for now?

The sun penetrates through the stained windows, illuminating in the dark bathroom; it was almost beautiful. As expected, it's a warm, lovely day.
Enjoy the weather.
He remembered Yashiro saying: which made him smile.
Kou:"Enjoy the weather huh?" He leans towards the window.
The school garden seems to be thriving because of the heat too.
Shall I get a closer look?

The blonde-haired boy accepts the suggestion and makes his way there; outside into the blistering heat. Shading his emerald eyes from the sun, he takes a deep breath in attempt to relax himself.

"Hey lame, traffic safety earring."
A voice calls. A voice he knows very well.

Long bangs, large clothes and a girly appearance; it's Mitsuba-Mitsuba Sousuke.

Kou:"M-Mitsuba?"
He blinks thrice.

Mitsuba:"What? You've forgotten who I am already?"

Kou:"What are you doing here? I thought that-"

Mitsuba:"If you're going to ask, I want to cut ties with that kid."

Cut ties?

Kou gasps.
"But you can't, can you? And you remember who I am?" He points to his chest with his thumb, pounding it again and again.

Mitsuba:"Well... I can't but, I'm pretending to go along with what he says until I find a way out." He mumbles. "And I want to be friends with you."

Kou:"Mitsuba."
Kou's eyes glisten.

Mitsuba:"Eh? Ah, are you going to cry?"
He says smugly.

Kou:"I'm not."
He grabs the frail boy by his shoulders, causing him to jump slightly.

Mitsuba:"What is it!?"

Kou sniffles.
"I swear, I'll get you out of this mess okay?"

Mitsuba:"I-is that so?"
He whispers looking down.
"Why do you care about someone like me?"

Kou lets go
"Huh?"

Mitsuba:"N-nothing."
He shakes his head.

Kou:"I still have so many questions but just know that I'll get you out of this okay?"
He says again, assiduously.