Oh no. Not again.

The mall.

Don't get me wrong I love the place it's just.... Bath and body works.

The place every man fears to go.

But... If it's for Noriko, I'd stay there all day.

"Hey! Kouta! Come back to earth! "

I look at her.

"Kouta, do you think that this would be a good Christmas present for Ryu?"

Ryu. Her boyfriend. Her abuser. Her love. Her excuse.

"Hello? Kouta? I swear you're on a totally different planet today. "

"Sorry, Nori. I think It's an awesome present for Ryu."

She smiles. I love her smile.

As long as she's smiling, I could hear her talk about Ryu all day.

"Then I'll get it. "

I watch as she go's to the register.

Noriko.

I love your smile.

Please don't let him take it away.