Kazuo pushed open the door leading into the small restaurant and immediately noticed how many people had the same idea as him and Haruka as a waitress welcomed them.

“- Whoa, since when did this place get so popular…? “ Kazuo made his way over to the counter with Haruka tagging behind.

“- We can get a takeaway I think, if you ask. “ They reached the counter and took a look at the menu.

“- Oh, I’ll be having this! “ Haruka lit up pointing at the menu.

“- What? Want me to order? “ Kazuo felt a bit bad trampling on Harukas cute enthusiasm for food.

“- Yeah, you do it! “ Haruka, consciously or not won decisively over Kazuo with her enthusiasm… Or cuteness.

“- Alright, fine, I’ll have the same then… “ Kazuo waved at a female staff member who quickly came over.

“- Can we get two of these for take away? “ There wasn’t anything different with how Kazuo acted but the staff member looked at him funny.

“- Of course! May I ask you to wait for just a moment and your food will be ready! You can pay in the meantime! “ The staff person seemed very cheerful and smiled a lot for some reason but Kazuo brushed it off as good customer service, Haruka begged to differ thought. “~ Hey, Kazu, why was that person at the counter smiling so much at me, it felt weird… “ Haruka nudged up against Kazuo so that her whispering could be heard without realizing how it looked like from a different perspective.

“~ Hmm, I don’t know, I thought it was weird as well, maybe just good customer service? “ Kazuo also leaned towards Haruka for the same reasons and with the same lack of self consciousness.

“~ Oh, here she comes… “ The two of them stayed close together as more people were standing at the counter.

“- Oh my! You two sure are close! How wonderful! Anyway, the cost is nine hundred and thirty-three Yen~ Thanks for your patronage! “ The staff person was almost ecstatic while Kazuo and Haruka hesitated with their reaction.

“- Eh? What do you mean? -Here is the money… “ Kazuo knitted his brow in confusion as he put the money on the counter.

“- Oh? What I mean? You’re such a cute couple of course! “ The woman staff member talked with a typical “mom” tone and she was obviously enjoying the act of witnessing youth.

“- Wha-? No no no, it’s not like that… “ Kazuo tried to calmly explain but the woman seemed to disregard it instantly as she continued blabbering on about not feeling shame and the whole usual routine.

*- Wait… I can’t explain in the first place, can I? * Kazuo realized for himself.

“~ Kaaazu… What’s wrong with her?! “ Haruka pulled on Kazuo’s arm with a weirded-out face.

“~ Let’s just go along with it for now, we can’t really explain anyways… “ Kazuo whispered to Haruka as he glanced at the staff woman. Suddenly they heard a loud voice coming from the kitchen behind the counter.

“- SAITO-SAN! Stop bothering the damn customers! “ A large, older man emerged from the kitchen doors. His arms were hairy and muscular, his shoulders were wide and his face was mainly shaped with straight lines. All in all, a very manly old man.

“- Ah! Chief! I’ll be on my way! “ The bothersome lady left as quickly as she came over.

“- Oh? Sorry about that, young folk… Can I do something to make it up to you? “ The giant suddenly turned more gentle.

“- Ahaha, no, it’s fine, really. “ Kazuo was a bit shell-shocked but held up, Haruka however was still holding onto his sleeve but now for other, more survival oriented reasons.

“- Hmm, have I seen you before, young man? “ The giant man scratched his chin and leaned in for a closer look.

“- I- I don’t know sir, my name is Nagahama Kazuo. I can't recall ever seeing you however. “

*- I think I would’ve remembered that… * Kazuo started to feel a little uncomfortable

“- Oh? Is that so…? Strange, I could have sworn that I have seen your face… Nice to meet you though, Nagahama-san! “ The big man seemed to search the very back of his mind.

“- Ah! Now I remember, you’re on this picture! “ A phone, seemingly a miniature when compared to the man's hand was pulled out of a pocket.

“- Look! Here! “ The huge man pointed on the display where Kazuo saw himself in a picture, the school catalogue picture in fact.

*- What the hell is going on…? Why does this absolutely massive old man have a picture of me on his phone? * Kazuo was bewildered and he felt Haruka grasping the sleeve on his shirt harder and harder.

“- Umm… May I ask sir? Why do you have that picture? “ Kazuo felt like taking the leap of faith somehow.

“- Oh! That does seem a bit weird, doesn't it? Let me explain, you see, I have a granddaughter who recently told me about a boy she had an interest in, so I demanded a picture to get an early opinion. “ The old man smiled as Kazuo froze when the thought of the possibility that Kayano might be related to the old man.

*- Wait… We can’t be this unlucky, right? It’s not Kayano, right? * Kazuo got a little worried and glanced at Haruka with a concerned face signalling a strategy meeting.

“~ Hey, it’s not Kayano, right? You should know who her grandpa is, right? “ Kazuo assumed that Haruka knew about Kayano and how she felt.

“~ N-no, I never met her grandpa… Her dad is a really large person as well thought… “ Haruka seemed very worried herself, obviously more than Kazuo as she had a lot more on the line, presumably.

“~ What!? You don’t know? “ Kazuo found himself much more riled up than he had expected.

“~ No, cus… Never mind I’ll just ask! “ Haruka turned away leaving Kazuo wondering how it all was going to end.

“- Um, sir, can I ask what your granddaughter’s name is? She might be in out class. “ Haruka stepped forwards and exercised her politeness, a rare sight actually.

“- Oh? Well then, her first name is Kayano… “ The old man’s voice was a little docile.

*- Wha! So it is Kayano! * Kazuo stayed back letting Haruka talk for now.

“- A-ah, really?! My name is Hayami Haruka… I’m Kayano’s very good friend! “ A smile spread across Harukas face.

“- Oh! You’re Hayami-san?! Ah, yes, now I see! Brown hair, blue eyes and a little short! “ Grandpa laughed.

“- Haha! yes! It’s me! I would have liked to meet you sooner, grandpa! “ Haruka looked very happy suddenly even though being called short hit her.

“- Oh yes, it is a shame! “ Kazuo watched on silently.

*- Hmm, I guess Haruka sees Kayanos people as family too… *

“- It’s quite a troublesome situation we’ve found ourselves in thought… I might have to agree with my troublesome employee about you two… “ Haruka and Kazuo looked like they both got hit by love arrows as they looked at each other and blushed.

*- Oh god… Is Haruka gonna throw a tsundere fit? * Kazuo glanced away with his heart still beating hard.

“- Um, no it’s no- “ Haruka was the first to say something but was interrupted by grandpa.

“- No no, you don’t have to explain anything! I can inform Kayano about this if you want… “ The mood felt a little gloomy but Kazuo was relieved, it seemed like they were going to get away, however with some unfavourable assumptions.

“- Yes please, one favour though… Can you do it without mentioning my name? “ Haruka gave the finishing touches to the surprise operation.

“- Oh? Are you two keeping things secret? That’s rough… “

“- O-oh… Yeah, a little but it's necessary… Please, just don’t mention any of this. “ Harukas voice weakened and she looked back at Kazuo with some form of guilt.

“- Hmm, alright, it might be for the best now that I think about it. “ Grandpa-san stretched his back.

“- Anyways! Your food should be ready! Let me go get it for you. “ Kazuo and Haruka nodded as the they watched the large figure push open the kitchen doors.

After they received their order and gave their thanks and goodbyes, Haruka and Kazuo decided to go sit by the river as the sun was still barely hanging on above the horizon. Haruka carried the bag with their food in her right hand, the same hand which she used to receive it from her grandpa at the counter. She looked up and saw the orange light streaking every surface facing the horizon creating a beautiful and peaceful atmosphere, especially as there was still sakura petals blowing around in the light breeze. They walked on and eventually sat down by some trees close to the riverbank, Haruka felt the grass against her legs, the soothing smell of fresh greenery and the calming sound of water gently streaming and suddenly she felt a mysterious peace within her.

*- Ahh, it’s the magic of spring~ * Haruka smiled for herself and took a deep breath.

“- Wow, you sure look relaxed… “ Kazuo sat down beside her, obviously not quite feeling the same magic.

“- Yes, isn’t it nice here? “ Haruka wanted to at least enjoy herself before she had to talk about the “troublesome” stuff to give Kazuo some morale back.

“- Sure is. “ Kazuo unpacked the take-away box and got his food whilst looking moderately tiered.

“- Well then… Shall I begin? “ Haruka took a deep breath.

“- Go ahead. “ Kazuo ripped the one- time- use- chopsticks apart. Haruka took one last deep breath.

“- Okey, so in essence… I don’t want my parents to get the bad end which Kayanos family will surely give them at every chance. “

“- So, the Akesaka family really hates your parents? Can’t you do anything about that? “ Kazuo seemed eager to know all of a sudden.

“- Yeah, I wish I could stand up to them but as it is, I’ve ended up leaving my parents… They’re a bit special… “ Haruka mellowed out.

“- Special? “

“- Um, yeeaaah… They’re actually severe sex addicts… “ It was quiet for a few seconds before Kazuo spit out his drink in a comical fashion.

“- EHHHH!? They’re fucking sex addicts?! “ Kazuo had turned towards Haruka and looked at her with an, as you would expect, very surprised look. Haruka immediately overflowed with embarrassment as Kazuo kept looking at her whilst grasping for words.

“- They are very nice people thought! They just… went a bit too far for me to handle… “ Haruka expected to get embarrassed but not as bad as this and felt like crawling into a hole.

“- Wha-? Sorry… I don’t know what to say… Or, um, did the Akesaka’s know about this? “ The sheer shock factor had started to devolve into just unfathomable- ness.

“- Mhm, they are a quite traditional family and it doesn't help they caught wind about it in the worst possible way… “ Haruka continued with her cheeks rose-red and a noticeable waver in her voice.

“- I-I guess my parents aren’t the best parent material and it must be said that I haven’t had the best environment to grow up in and I understand how Kayanos family view this… “ Kazuo only nodded as Haruka went on.

“- They aren’t bad people thought… I did have to make my own food, do my own laundry, shop and take care for myself at an early age and I didn’t particularly like the fact that it didn’t feel like I had any real parents but, dammit, they’re my parents anyways… “ Haruka realized her feelings were starting to overflow and she got a bit teary. Kazuo noticed and thought he should say something.

“- Um, I might not have the same feeling as you but now I at least understand why you do what you do which I feel kinda grateful for… Still, um, one thing… Why can you be so liberal with your hugs but I can’t even call you cute? “ It seemed like it was almost this that had bothered Kazuo the most.

“- Wha…! Uhh, w-we can’t seem to close… “ Harukas cheeks brewed up even more as she sluggishly scrambled.

“- Should you really hug me like that then? Isn’t it only fair if I get to be a bit close as well? “ Kazuo was serious, but Haruka didn’t notice any gloom about him anymore.

“- Ugh, f-fine, it’s you who’ll get the blame if we get found out though! “ Haruka crossed her arms acting rough, like she usually does but now with a feeling of certain happiness.

“- Ahaha, okay, sure sure, have it your way. “ Kazuo smiled.

“- A-anyways, is it not nice out here? “ Haruka tried to calm down and change the subject.

“- Ah, you said that earlier, but it sure is nice, you’re right. “ Kazuo kept smiling as he finished his meal.

“- Wha? I did? Um, then, do you wanna walk along the river until we meet the ocean? “ The waver in Harukas voice faded and she sounded more collected.

“- Hmm? Sure, let’s go… One last thing thought, what was it your parents did that took it too far? They didn’t do anything to you… right? “ Kazuo cautiously tread forwards with the question.

“- Wha?! No no no! Nothing like that! They would never! As I said… They’re nice people… “ Harukas reaction confirmed her feelings were true to what she said.

“- Oh, I’m sorry… I didn’t mean to insult your parents. “ Kazuo felt like he didn’t tread carefully enough.

“- No, don’t feel sorry, anyone would react that way… The thing they actually did was letting their “activities” completely take over their lives… I feel like it’s not them anymore… They always acted normal around me even thought they would soon leave me alone again to indulge in their “stuff” ... I’ve started to suspect they’re using drugs as well and I just couldn't stay in that house witnessing them fade away… “ The waver in Harukas voice was starting to be noticeable again as she stood there in front of Kazuo looking towards the ground. The mood had swayed back again but there was something else Kazuo felt, it was like he couldn’t just stand idle, he felt like he had to act. Haruka, with a troubled gaze, stood quiet grasping for some sort of calm within herself. Kazuo stepped forwards right up to her and gently put down his hands on Harukas small shoulders before he reached down for a hug. Haruka remained frozen for a moment, something was different from the other hugs.

*- Kazuo hugged me? * Haruka hesitantly moved up her arms and gripped the back of Kazuos jacket as she felt her tears bursting.

“- Don’t worry… I know how you feel, just let it out. “ Kazuo moved his right hand up and held the back of Harukas head against his chest as she let her tears flow.

“- As you know… I too had my family dissolve right in front of me, I can… Relate. “ Kazuo let go of Haruka after her tears had started to dry up and she wasn’t gripping his jacket anymore. Haruka took a step back as she wiped her tears and swept her hair away from her face.

“- Does it feel better? “

“- Yeah… Thank you… “ Harukas voice was cracked and she sniffled her nose.

“- Don’t worry about me anymore, I’ll let you stay as long as possible… It’s fun to be with you and it makes me happy to have you close by… “ Kazuo feared he might say too much so he held back.

“- T-thank you… Kazu… I like to be with you as well, so let’s have fun from now on… “ Haruka, still with sniffles and watery eyes, looked up at Kazuo and smiled.

“- Yes, I’d like that. “ Kazuo smiled back at Haruka as their surroundings by the riverside faded into darkness.

“- How does it sound to skip the ocean and go home and watch the late night shows on TV? “ Kazuo started to walk towards the road next to the riverside and Haruka tagged along beside him.

“- Yeah! Sounds cosy! We should get snacks on the way as well! “ The last rays of light left the sky as new hope was born.