The Cure for Immaturity

3. Sleep Deprived

"The more I look into it, the surer I become that it's Kageyama's doing. " Kidou stated pensively as they sat around the table at Gouenji's house, both of them having tea while Endou was given a bottle of milk.

Gouenji didn't respond and quietly listened as he didn't have anything to say other than the fact that he still didn't believe anything Kidou was saying. Kidou rambled on,

"Now if we could just locate him and find out what kind of invention he has that can have such an effect on a person we can also look for a way to find the medicine for reversal."

Gouenji calmly took a sip of his tea and then finally spoke up, "You're going to have to do that alone 'cuz as you see, my hands are full. "

"Can't you find some time?" Kidou asked.

"And leave him where?" Gouenji pointed at Endou with agitation, " It's already hard-work taking care of him which, thanks to you, is all on me. "

"Fine, fine, I'll do it myself. " Kidou said reluctantly.

"We should hurry though because I can't tell how long I can keep this from Natsumi. " Gouenji added, "I bought us some time by telling her Endou and I are at a training camp. "

"Hmm....maybe if I just..." With that Kidou got up and walked out abruptly. Gouenji quietly watched him go but didn't try to stop him. At this point, he was used to his antics.

"So, it's just us now. " Gouenji sighed as he looked at Endou as he took the empty bottle from him. As soon as Endou's hands were free he began playing with the keychain again.

"You really love this, huh?" Gouenji said as he was reminded of Kira once again.

"She really likes you. I wonder what would she think if I told her the truth. " Gouenji spoke in amusement, "Should I tell her?" He smirked.

Endou protested by crying loudly and flailing his arms.

"Don't tell me you're actually beginning to enjoy being a baby!" Gouenji exclaimed. He then pondered over it, "I guess it's been a long time since you had a stress-free life and now you're getting just that. " He then rolled his eyes, "You and Kidou both seem to be having a great time, at my expense. " He sighed.

Endou shrugged and giggled.

...

Later that evening, they were at the park again. Endou was moving his big eyes around with curiosity.

"Are you looking for Kira?" Gouenji said but before Endou could convey his answer they spotted Kira coming towards them.

"I was hoping you would be here. Hi Endou!" She enthusiastically waved at him. Endou waved his small hand in response.

"Are you enjoying the keychain? Do you like soccer?" Kira asked him.

Endou responded by hitting the tiny ball. Kira laughed as she continued watching him do that for a few moments.

Gouenji remained silent throughout their exchange feeling out of place. When Kira was done she finally looked up at him.

"Hi to you too. Now stop pouting. " She said.

"Wha-I wasn't. " Gouenji tried to protest.

"No need for excuses. I know you were feeling left out. " She chuckled.

"No, I don't care. Why would I care?" Gouenji looked away.

"Okay then. " Kira abruptly answered and directed her attention at Endou again.

But after a while, Gouenji began feeling bored. He tried to discreetly glance in their direction again to see what was going on. He was immediately caught by Kira who was staring in his direction waiting for him to do just that.