It was then that I began to think that maybe I was born for a reason. I wasn’t a complete failure if someone wanted me, is what I thought. I hadn’t ever even dared to dream of such a thing like that. It was just too unheard of to me. Ever since I was told because of my eyes I was destined to live a sad and lonely life, I had given up on all aspects of life. People thought I was stuck up, but really I thought I was so far down that I shouldn’t bother with anything. The way they all looked at me that day with those sad faces…. It really made me want to make them smile again.

Aki was helping Hito unpack his bags quietly. Hito had dozed off onto his bed a bit ago and was just waking up. Aki nodded to him, handing him a slice of buttered bread.

“Hungry?”

Hito nodded, taking the slice and began to eat it.

“Why does Pheonix call you Yorisou?”

“…Hitoritabi means “to walk alone”… and Yorisou means “to walk together”..” Hito shrugged, “He thinks my name’s too depressing.”

Aki finished with the unpacking and then stuffed the bag into the closet. “Hito… About that surgery your dad was asking you to get.”

“I won’t get it no matter what.” Hito interrupted, angered quickly.

Aki turned to face him, a blank look on his face. “That’s not what I mean. I’m not telling you to get it… I’m just asking why would he think changing your eye color would change who you are?” Hito’s look softened, beginning to think himself. “I mean… it’s like having brown eyes would suddenly make you accepted.” He shrugged, crossing his arms. “In all honesty, Hito. I didn’t even notice you had different eyes until you had pointed it out.”

Hito dropped the slice of bread he was so shocked.

Aki chuckled, walking over to the slice and picked it up. He turned it over as he spoke. “But maybe… That’s a good thing?” He smiled, standing up. “Because… I really like your eyes.”

Hito blushed, looking away. “Are you trying to flirt with me?”

“Slightly.” Aki laughed with a shrug. “But it’s more of plain honesty.” He paused and snickered, “And I like to see you blushing.”

“G-get out!!!” Hito shouted with a red face. He hurried up and shoved Aki out of the room, slamming the door shut.

Aki leaned against the door and called to the blond, “You do know, Hito~ That this kind of behavior makes me like it all the more!”

“Don’t make me come out there!!” Hito shouted back.

Aki chuckled a bit, walking down the hall. He stopped seeing Asuka come up the stairs.

“How is he?” Asuka asked after a moment.

Aki shrugged a bit, shifting his weight. “A little tired.”

“Who was that red-head?” Asuka asked after a moment.

“A friend of his I guess.”

“He followed him here.”

“Oh yeah?” Aki asked not really interested.

“…Yeah.” Asuka nodded. “He’s downstairs talking to Mastuki.”

Aki looked to him, “Bout what?”

“The money and junk… And about Roen.”

“Roen?”

“He’s supposed to be coming back in a few days.” Asuka said with a shrug, walking to his room. He went in and closed the door.

Aki looked down. He had totally forgotten about Roen wanting to come back. He ran downstairs, tossing the bread into the trash on the way and stopped in the kitchen.

“Oh hey Aki.” Noah waved. “We were just talking about what to do with Hito if Roen’s coming back.”

“I thought we already agreed that he wouldn’t.” Aki said, walking into the room annoyed.

“We did…” Mastuki nodded. “But seeing as Mr. Ritabi wants Hito back why not just give him to him? But Pheonix is offering to take Hito.”

“To where?” Aki looked to the red head leaning against the wall.