For all the fear Ren had felt when Yuki'd invited him to his house, everything had gone beyond well. At least from Ren's perspective. He couldn't keep the smile off his face while recent memories of the lovely time he'd just had floated through his mind.

“It’s funny that your brother wants you to date Kai,” Ren teased as they walked towards the sidewalk of the apartment complex. “I don't think you two would work together. You'd kill each other in half a day. It would be such a tragic romance.”

Yuki chuckled. His eyes fixated on Jones, who joyfully walked in front of them. “That's the fun thing about younger siblings. They let their imagination runs wild sometimes.”

Ren joined him in laughter. “They're very entertaining. I like how much they make you fluster,” he teased, glancing at Yuki with amusement.

Now that they were outside again, a thought he’d had earlier crossed Ren’s mind one more time. He shot Yuki a nervous glance, trying to find the words to what he wanted to say.

“What?” Yuki asked, as though sensing Ren's hesitation. His thick eyebrows were curved up above the round bottomless eyes.

“I know you're worried I'll get hurt trying to help you,” Ren started, halting his step. Yuki's shoulders tensed, but he stopped in front of Ren. “I understand that, because I'm also worried you'll get hurt again.” He took a deep, shuddering breath. “But you need help, Yuki. And not only can I help, I want to. Whether it's to be by your side if they ever show up again, or even just listen to you vent. Don't question why I care,” Ren said quickly, remembering the many times Yuki had asked him that. “I just do.” 

Yuki looked away briefly, his eyes turning serious. His lip pursed, his eyes fluttered shut. “I’m not trying to push you away or anything. I just...” Sighing, he lifted his eyes to Ren’s. “I’ve taken care of myself for so long. Made sure I wasn’t a burden to my family. I wouldn’t dream of asking a friend to take on bullies for me. Even if they offered.”

Ren sighed and nodded. “I already told you I… am not the best at being a friend.” He paused, swallowing the lump that had formed in his throat. “So feel free to tell me whenever I'm stepping over a line. But do know I'm hoping you can see me as someone to rely on.” An honest smile formed on the corner of his lips as he said the next words, “It's not a burden for me. It's what I wish for.”

“Is that so?” Yuki grinned, averting his gaze as the rosy tint on his cheeks darkened. “I guess if it's what you wish for…” He took a deep breath as though he was accepting the inevitable, and looked back at Ren. “Thank you for recognising what has me worried. I don't want you pretending you're invincible. It won't make me feel any better. I'll just be more stressed. And the last thing I need is a reason to hide this stuff from you.” Yuki's cheeks tinged pink. He was really adorable. “You know, since you're so determined to be involved anyway.” 

Kneeling down, Yuki busied himself with rubbing Jones’s face. He stayed like that for longer than one would expect. It was almost as if he wanted to delay their goodbye. The dog whined softly, leaning into Yuki's touch. Ren bit his lower lip, a deep affection taking over him at the lovely scene.

“Looks like he doesn’t want to leave you.” Ren chuckled, his smile growing wider. “You really did enchant him. So have your family. There's definitely something very special about the Nakamuras.”

Yuki smiled. “I guess so. After all, I am the only one who can see through your stupidly calm demeanor. You're just as bad as me when it comes to hiding what you really feel.”

Ren rolled his eyes. “I have no idea what you're talking about.”

Yuki snorted, but changed the subject. “Well, if Jones is enchanted, you'll just have to bring him back. I know Daiki is gonna be bugging me to see him again. Probably as soon as I get inside.” He sighed. 

Ren could see Yuki biting the inside of his cheek. The deep brown eyes that merged perfectly with the endless black pupils looked strained. 

“Alright!” Yuki suddenly jumped up, startling both Ren and Jones. “You two need to go or you’ll never leave.”

“Like you don't want us to stay,” Ren stated without thinking, an unconscious smirk drawing on his lips. When Yuki blushed in response, Ren was so overjoyed, he felt his neck heat as well. 

“Nope, I'm not taking any more bait!” Yuki said, gently guiding Jones to Ren's side. Then the small chubby hands were pressed firmly on Ren's back. “Time to go. I'll see you tomorrow, alright?”

“Tomorrow?” Ren couldn't help the rush of excitement that filled him. His heart  flipped. “You're planning on coming to Seirei after school's over?”

Yuki's forehead was now on Ren's back as well. He was no longer pushing. Ren figured Yuki was stunned by his own words. “I-I wasn't… I mean… I hadn’t planned to. But I can if…” he trailed off.

“You should,” Ren stated, trying not to show the immense enthusiasm the possibility of seeing Yuki again soon rose in him.

Yuki peered over Ren’s shoulder, their eyes barely meeting. “You don't have piano lessons?” Yuki sounded hopeful. 

“Ah, no. I do,” Ren groaned.

Yuki pulled back, disappearing behind Ren’s back again. “I see.”

The practice sessions with Omagari-sensei were becoming more and more frequent now that the recital was so close. He still wasn't sure if he should tell Yuki about it or not. Rationally, he knew Yuki would jump at the opportunity to see him perform, considering how insistent he'd been ever since he found out Ren played. But there was just… something holding him back.

“Guess we'll just see each other briefly if you do go,” Ren concluded. Ren knew it was selfish to wish Yuki went out of his way so they could talk for about ten minutes. But he couldn't help it. “Though I don't want you risking your safety. And you should know Kai is very worried about you.” He hesitated for a beat when Yuki didn’t respond. “Did Niko tell you they had a fight? I was nearly murdered today, too. Niko was very harsh. It must be adding up even more to Kai's stress.” Ren sighed. “Make sure you call him back, okay?”

“You guys are all the same, wanting fricken updates.” Yuki huffed. “At least Niko doesn't nag me! That's why I told him more when we talked yesterday.” 

Ren couldn't hold back his scowl. He was still upset that Yuki had only talked to Niko, even if he knew he had no right to be. 

“You know their fight isn't only about my situation, right?” Yuki grumbled as he backed away. “Niko’s not an idiot. It’s obvious Kai is avoiding talking about college with him. They are both just anxious.” 

“I know. I've been trying to tell Kai that,” Ren complied. “But you talking to him will ease at least some of his concerns.” He threw Yuki a meaningful look. “And you can’t blame people for caring about you. I'm sure you'd be worried too if something had happened to Kai.”

Yuki’s face turned dejected. He seemed to be taking Ren's words seriously. With a shaky breath, he showed his signature smile. “I'll call him right after you leave. Okay?”

Ren squinted, eyes fixing on the lips tugged up in that forced way. “I'll only go if you show me your true smile.”

“What?” Yuki said, overly dramatic. “Are you saying this one isn't good enough?”

Ren's only response was to glare at him with a raised eyebrow.

Yuki stared at him for a few seconds before he broke out laughing. “You can't just ask me to smile, idiot!” He snickered for a beat, then grew quiet again. A low sigh left Yuki's chest. “But when you look at me like that,” he continued in almost a whisper, a natural grin crossing his face, “I just can't help it.”

It was inevitable for Ren to smile back. His heart fluttered at those words. “There you are.” He bent down until their eyes were level and licked his lips. “Gorgeous.”

Wide eyes and red cheeks painted Yuki's face as his smile melted into utter shock. 

“Anyway,” he suddenly yelled, looking anywhere but Ren. “You need to go now. Go!” He gave Ren's back one final push and turned to walk away. “I'm going inside.” 

Ren led his fingers to Yuki's wrist to stop him. It was such a light touch, Yuki could have easily pulled back. But he didn't.

“Thank you for having me over today.” Ren's eyes glided over every detail of the handsome freckled face. The skin reflected the moonlight, making everything around them sparkle. “I really loved meeting your family. They're amazing.”

Not that I expected anything less. The people who raised Yuki and who were raised by him couldn't be any other way. 

A fond smile graced Yuki's flushed face. “Of course they are. And thank you for coming by today. I really needed the company.” Yuki looked up, his eyes half-lidded, teeth indenting the inside of his right cheek. "I’m glad we got to spend the day together. No one else would have been better.”

Ren's heart tried with all its will to rip out of his chest. The words left him breathless. Giddy, even. It had been a long time since he'd last been acknowledged with that level of importance to someone. Silence fell between them as their eyes remained locked. 

“Okay, enough!” Yuki said once more, slowly pulling himself out of Ren's grasp. “Get Jones home, will you? I'm sure he's exhausted from all the excitement today.” 

Yuki turned around and slowly walked towards his apartment building. Ren remained on the same spot, watching him go. He smiled softly, an immense fondness washing over him. 

“Oh, Ren?” Yuki spun on his heels halfway to his apartment. “Text me when you get home.”

Ren's smile widened as his insides went into a fuzz. He nodded in agreement.

“I'll be expecting your full reports tomorrow, Chibi. Don't forget about it.” Ren made a very serious face, though a teasing smile tried to break across his lips.

Yuki waved his hand widely and turned around again. In less than a minute, he was entering his apartment. Only then did Ren allow himself to move. Before he could take the first step, though, his phone pinged. He looked and felt so very pleased when he saw Yuki's name on the notification.

Chibi: First report: I am safely in my house. 

Ren chuckled. “Silly.”

Jones barked, as though concurring with him.