A week had passed. The weather was rather gloomy outside, the occasional drop of rain hitting a large window. Sitting in his desk, Shuichi waited patiently for the weekly seminar to start. This was the one class he had with Kaede and Kokichi, and he looked forward to it every time it rolled around. He sat for a while longer, occasionally focusing in and out on other students' conversations. Kaede and Kokichi walked through the door. A hole formed in his chest at the sight of his competitor walking alongside his crush. His calm, collective mood crumbled into a disastrous mess of emotions.

"Good morning, Shuichi," Kaede announced cheerfully, all the while sitting down and setting her laptop (which was covered in countless stickers that had referenced many classical musicians) onto her desk.

The blonde had her hair tied into a ponytail, a pink scrunchy holding it in place (very) tightly. Her bangs hung low in her face. She donned a pink and white stripped shirt that had a big, black star in the very center—it looked as if it hadn't been ironed, and because of that, it was on the wrinkly side. The shirt was tucked into high waisted denim jeans. Slipped onto her feet were baby pink converse shoes.

Kokichi had skipped to his seat (which was between Shuichi and Kaede's) and plopped himself down, but not before flicking the navy-haired boy's hat up, ruffling his hair thereafter. "Morning, Shumai! You should take the hat off, it hides your pretty eyes," he teased. He wore a white T-shirt with blue bubbly writing printed across it; it read 'free condoms'. For such a lighthearted font, it said such an inappropriate thing. He also donned a baggy, unzipped checkered jacket. He also wore a black pleated skirt and thigh highs (which Shuichi thought was adorable, he loved to see his crush crossdress). Baby blue converses were slipped onto his feet.

Kaede nearly grumbled at the affection the short boy was giving the other. Though instead, she puffed a cheek out, eyebrows furrowing. She logged onto her laptop and attempted to block out the two boys next to her.

"Kokichi, are you even allowed to wear that shirt?" Shuichi asked as he furrowed his brows.

"Pfft, so what? I can always block the 'm' with a sticky note if I get caught~," the shorter snickered, index finger pulling the collar of his shirt.

The navy-haired boy chuckled, "Free condos?"

"You catch on quick!!"

"Haha, yeah. . ."

Their conversation was cut short by their professor's loud voice. Her ginger ponytail swung behind her, and she plopped her black leather briefcase next to a podium that remained on the right side of the stage.

Professor Yukizome grinned in excitement, "Good afternoon, class! Today I have a big announcement!"

I wonder what it'll be, Shuichi thought to himself.

"This is one of my favorite times of the year, and I think you all will love it just as much," she exclaimed. On the big projector screen, a power point presentation flicked on, "the yearly festival!"

Many students cheered, and meanwhile, like the anti social person he is, Shuichi let out an almost inaudible groan. He wasn't too big of a fan of festivals or big events.

Yukizome kept her welcoming grin, "I believe the festival is even more fun because you get to pick a theme (if that is the way you say it). . ." She trailed off and chuckled rather nervously at her way of wording.

"Saihara-Chan," the boy with orchid hair whispered, "what theme do you have in mind?"

"Uh. . .I'm not sure. . ." Shuichi replied.

They left it at that. Though, Ouma did seem to have something in mind. . . Shuichi wondered what it was, exactly. He was somewhat terrified. Ouma could do anything, as he was unpredictable.

"So," Chisa began, "before I pass out slips, are there any questions?"

A student raised his hand, "yes, how long do we have to prepare for the festival?"

"Around a month!"

The students nodded, jotting down notes about the event as Chisa answered a few more questions. Soon enough, slips of paper were passed out, and all Shuichi could do was stare down at his slip. What to put down? He wasn't a fun person, he was someone who preferred peace and quiet, places with few people around him. On the other hand, many of the students scribbled onto the paper with fiery ambition and eagerness. He sighed and wrote down 'library session', whatever the hell that meant. Shuichi glanced at Kokichi and Kaede. The two were quietly conversing, whispering with the occasional giggle. For some reason it bothered him. The two seemed to actually agree on an idea together, or at least that's how it looked to be.

The slips were soon picked up, and the professor poured them into a glass jar, jumbling them up for about five seconds.

"Class Rep, may you do the honors?" Chisa requested.

A girl with short black hair and round glasses stood from her seat. She had a cold expression as her raven bomber jacket swayed. Her high heel boots clicked on the steps that reside between the rows of seats. She walked to the front of the room, retrieving the glass jar from Chisa.

Her voice was sharp and cold (and she honestly sounded a tad bit bored) as she read aloud the words scribbled on the slip of paper she had taken from the jar. "And our theme is," she slightly cringed, then sighed, "a maid and butler café."

Many people within the room mumbled either in dissatisfaction or excitement; Kokichi and Kaede were two of the few who were happy about the result. Shuichi was still grateful that he wouldn't have to wear a maid uniform. . .that would be the end of him.

Shuichi glowered at the two, "did you submit the maid-butler cafe slip?"

Ouma snickered at the expression the taller boy held, "Neeheehee, maybe~! Or that might be a lie!"

Kaede cut in, "yes, we both submitted it. . . It's a cute idea!"

The navy-haired male sighed and gave in to the idea, "Fine, whatever makes you two happy. . ." Whatever makes Kokichi happy.

"Yay! Shumai didn't disown me!"

"K-Kokichi, I wouldn't disown yo—"

"Jeez, I was playing with you, Shu-Chan."

"Ah, sorry!"

-

Kaede pranced around campus with a small cardboard box. One week ago, she had ordered a small journal, mainly to write her thoughts and experiences within. It was something personal for her. It was for her and herself only.

She had decided to stash it deep into her underwear drawer (she hadn't known anyone who would go through it, so she decided there would be the best).

It wouldn't be found, and no one would read it.

She arrived to her living quarters. The pianist sauntered into her homey living room, plopping into the couch and setting the package atop her lap, not before retrieving a box cutter. Cutting the tape and opening the cardboard folds, she peered into the box.

There sat the medium sized journal. It was a rich salmon pink; in the center was a black treble clef. She thought it suited herself.

As Kaede set the book back into the box and gently closed the flaps, she heard a loud knock at her door. The heather-eyed girl set the box onto the coffee table and strode to the door. Her hand gripped the doorknob and slowly turned it, opening the door to reveal Ouma. He stood atop her pink floral welcome mat, wearing his outfit from before, as well as a purple backpack. He held a bright red umbrella above his head, it seemed to glow from how saturated it was.

The short boy smiled wildly, jumping onto the girl, hugging her tightly, "Hey, Kayayday~! Wanna help me plan for the festival? Shu-Chan couldn't help because he's sooo mean!"

"Of course! Wanna come in?" She asked polity, though taken aback by the other's actions.

Kokichi pulled away, pushing his way into the house and dropping the umbrella by the front door, flopping onto the couch with a giggle, throwing his backpack onto the carpeted floor. Kaede grinned as she walked into the living room; seeing Ouma so hyper was so adorable.

The blonde girl threw herself onto the couch beside the other, picking the backpack up, setting it beside the cardboard box.

"Kaede-Chan, what's that box for?" Kokichi asked, hands creeping to the cardboard flaps.

The heather-eyed girl snatched the box away and placed it beside her foot to where Ouma couldn't reach it. "It's nothing, just a gift from a friend," she lied.

The short boy grinned, "Y'know Kayayday, a liar knows their kind!"

"It's Kaede! And I know, just— it's a secret! It's personal!"

Kokichi shrugged, "whatever you say. Anyways! The class got different things to work on, and we were assigned with deciding on a location," he averred, voice converting into the polar opposite of his usual tone. He sounded quite serious, an admirable trait. At least Kaede thought so.

"Ah, I see. . ." Kaede trailed off, "Do you have any ideas?"

"Nope! That's why I need your help!"

The blonde giggled, "you sound like Dora the explorer," she said.

"Shut up," Ouma mumbled, cheeks growing hot with pink.

As the two began to muster up ideas, jotting down notes within a small notebook, Kaede's hand began to slowly inch towards Kokichi's. She eventually placed her hand atop his, closing her eyes, heartbeat pumping profusely. She began hoping he wouldn't mind the contact, and, to her surprise, he laced his fingers with hers, not exchanging a word with her about the handholding after that.

Meanwhile, Kokichi had a great battle (or war, per say) jumbled in his head. He couldn't think straight. Kaede's hand was so warm; he couldn't help but flush from the contact.

Thoughts swam around in his head, poking at his brain; thoughts such as why is she holding my hand and does she like me? I don't understand what this means.

He decided not to think on it too much, they had to continue working on the festival, that is.

"Hey, let's save this for another time," Kokichi said as he let go of the girl's hand, softness bathing in his tone. It was rather gentle, "Shuichi was supposed to work with us, so. . . I think we should let him look over this stuff next time." The rain had also stopped, so he had decided to get going.

"Aw, are you leaving?" Kaede pouted.

Kokichi glanced down towards her hands, "pfft, yeah! This place is boring!!"

"Is that a lie?"

"Hmmmm, I dunno~" The short boy let go of the girl's hand, picked up his backpack and began prancing towards the door with a smug grin. He turned, blew a fake kiss and waved as if he were the queen of a faraway kingdom, "bye bye, Kayayday! Try not to think of me too much, 'kay? Tootles!!"

He picked up his red umbrella and ran out of the house, leaving the door wide open as he skidded down the small, damp lawn, venturing back to his dorm. There were two reasons he left; reason one was that he really did want Shuichi to work with them—Ouma hadn't wished for the other boy to get away with no work or feel excluded—he wouldn't admit that to the navy-haired male, though.

Reason two was the fact that he felt really awkward around Kaede. Once she held his hand, the short male felt as if he couldn't function properly. His face became hot, drenched in red as if he had just eaten a ghost pepper. He decided enough was enough—he had to get his mind off it. Though, what swept across his mind thereafter was Shuichi. He too has been consuming his mind lately, though not as much as Kaede. He wasn't in love, though, they were just thoughts. They were his friends.

And that was true.

Kokichi slung his backpack into the wall once he stepped into his dorm. Sitting on his bed, Kokichi began to feel his eyes grow heavy. It was growing near the afternoon, and he simply hadn't gotten a good enough sleep the previous night. That being said, he decided to go to bed a bit early.

Around 8:45 p.m., Kokichi slipped into a plain white T-shirt and baggy pajama pants. He took his allergy medicine and soon crawled beneath the cold, clean sheets, allowing his head to fall atop his soft, fluffy pillow, eyes slowly shutting.

That is until he was interrupted by knocking at his door. He groaned in annoyance, stepped into a pair of white slippers, and traveled to the door as if he were a slug sliding its way across a leaf. With an exasperated look wrinkling his features, Kokichi opened the door.

He let out a cough, not bothering to cover his lips with his elbow. With a groggy voice and raspy tone, he spoke, "What do you want?"

Shuichi swallowed, "Ah, sorry to wake you, Kokichi, I was just wondering if you wanted to finish up the night working on our part?" He paused, "You know, for the festival," he finished quietly.

At 8:47 at night? The shorter sniffed, sighing, "now? It's like. . .three in the morning," Kokichi exaggerated with a faint smirk.

The taller smiled, "but it's only eight," he waited around for Ouma's response, though he received no such thing other than a faintly audible 'you mean 8:40 something', "well. . .i'll leave you be. . . Goodnight, Kokichi—"

"Wait," Kokichi called as he reached out, grabbing Shuichi's wrist before he could turn away. He would never admit it out loud, but he felt bad turning his best friend away.

Said boy turned back to face his crush, "y-yeah? Are you okay?"

"Mhm~"

"Are you s—"

"Can we head to the music room? I can't sleep now thanks to you!"

"S-Sorry," Shuichi mumbled. He felt as if something had been wrong with Ouma, though he couldn't depict what, exactly.

Ouma didn't respond as he walked out of his dorm, close to bumping into Shuichi on his way out (as he was a bit sleepy).

The two walked in silence whilst venturing through the campus. The lanterns the art club had made were gone, replaced with aesthetically pleasing fairy lights that changed to a different color each hour (created by the robotics club, Shuichi presumed). The moon was a sharp crescent, the immense rock smiling down at them quite mischievously. The trees stood tall, cobblestone, leaves and pebbles crunching beneath their feet, crickets chirping about.

As they left the center of campus, the lights changed from a malicious purple to a soft, innocent blue.

The building that contained the music room came into view, and, after trotting up the steps, Shuichi entered with Kokichi, sauntering down the halls. Once entering the music room, Kokichi skipped to the center of it, walking up the spiraling steps that lead to the grand piano. He sat himself atop the dark leather seat and stared down at the black and white keys that seemed to glisten brighter than a diamond ring, even if it was dark. Shuichi attempted to flick the lights on, but the short boy insisted that he keep them off. He wanted it to seem. . . dramatic.

"You know how to play piano, too?" Shuichi questioned in awe. He hadn't expected Kokichi to know so much related to music. He had only known about his passion and will to create a band, but not enough to play more than one instrument(that being his electric guitar).

"Nah, I only know one song," the other explained with a soft, sleepy tone, "Sweden, I think it was. . ."

"Oh? That's a nice song. . ."

"It's from Minecraft, Shu; remember we would play it together," Kokichi chuckled, smiling as he recalled the past memories.

"Yeah, I remember. . ." Shuichi replied as he pulled a chair over from the other side of the room. The boy cringed as the legs of the chair screeched against the flooring, though he managed. He sat, crossing his legs and occasionally fiddling with his slender fingers.

Silence hung in the air. The only sounds audible were the occasional shift, slow breathing, and the crickets that chimes throughout the night. Ouma was probably attempting to remember the notes.

He flinched as the silence dispersed and Kokichi pressed his fingers against the keys, holding out the notes for a few seconds.

The boy with orchid hair began to play the only song he knew; one that he and Shuichi cherished due to nostalgia, childhood memories together. That warm feeling pried at his heart, and he couldn't quite decipher what it was. Was it nostalgia? Probably.

When the two boys had been in their years of middle school, Shuichi and Ouma would spend the afternoons playing hours upon hours of video games. Saihara remembered Ouma having a shelf or two full of visual novels and the occasional Resident Evil game. Minecraft has been on his shelf, and, as they played the game, the two would find themselves entranced by the music and graphics. Ouma had told Shuichi he wanted to play one of the songs on the piano, that one being Sweden. It was also their favorite of the track.

Kokichi sighed and refocused, playing the keys ever so gently in the dark room, Shuichi watching the other elegantly play as the moonlight gleamed on the boy with orchid hair. The way the steps curled around the stage set up an all the more magical scenery, something Kokichi may or may not have noticed. Hell, maybe even Kaede hadn't payed any attention to how beautiful and pleasing the setup was. He felt as if a spotlight would flick on at any moment, to cause the scene to look even more enchanted.

As the song began to fade out, Shuichi felt himself grow somewhat sleepy. Though, he and Ouma just gotten there; it wouldn't hurt to spend at least another fifteen to twenty minutes with him—but to be honest, he wanted to spend the rest of his life with him.

The song soon faded out, and Kokichi stood from the seat, making his way down the spiraling steps, walking to Shuichi, who was in awe after listening to the beautiful skills this boy had.

"That was very impressive, Kokichi," Shuichi gasped.

"Thanks, or am I just lying? Maybe I'm an ungrateful bitch, who knows?"

The navy-haired male rolled his eyes, with a smile, that is.

Kokichi softened his gaze, "Hey, Saihara-Chan."

"Mm?"

"Thanks."

"Thanks for what? Are you okay?? You sound so serious. . ."

"Nope! I'm just fine! Just, thank you for listening~," he reassured.

"You sound tired," Shuichi said, pointing out the eye bags the orchid-haired male donned.

"Yeah, it's your fault for waking me up!"

"Sorry," the navy-haired male mumbled.

"It's whatever," Kokichi said, "anyways, let's gooo, I just wanted to play a song."

"You sure?"

"Yup!" Kokichi looked down, "Kaede and I talked a bit about the festival today," he said.

"Is. . .that so?"

"Oh, Shuichi~! You sound jealous! Are you upset that I was with her, alone?" Kokichi crept closer to the other, his grin widening as the seconds chased by, "are you wondering what we did? Are you thinking about how I pulled her shirt up and—"

"Kokichi, stop!! I'm not jealous!" Shuichi felt his heart tear to shreds. What was once a happy, calm feeling descended into one of pain and jealousy. But, to keep his feelings in, he began to play along, "b-besides, even if you did that. . . Isn't it. . .personal?"

Kokichi seemed to observe the other a bit more. He thought Shuichi was hiding something, it was obvious. Kaede was definitely hiding something, too. He'd have to investigate over the days, or however long it takes.

He wasn't too great with emotions. He had never experienced the emotions of falling in love or deciphering it. He could pick out lies, but not other's feelings, even his own. No one had shown him what love was, exactly.

Growing up, his parents were there for him, home and healthy. They were strict against alcohol, and were good parents. Though, when Ouma's brother was born, everything changed as his parents attention shifted to the newborn baby. Ouma hated that baby. He wanted to throw that child out, to poof it out of existence. He hated his brother because he took his parents away.

After years of being neglected, Kokichi seemed to forget what affection was. He forgot about what love meant, he just felt. . . disconnected. He wanted to prove himself to his parents, even to the world. He lied about his emotions, wanting to come off as charming and compelling. He fibbed about his grades, as he normally had gotten low scores; he wanted to seem smarter than he was. He lied about his choices and preferences, wanting to seem even more appealing. He molded himself into the embodiment of a lie.

Lying became an addiction. Lying became fun.

Both males stood in silence for a while. It was so incredibly silent that Shuichi had thought time had stopped, or that he or Kokichi had stopped breathing.

"Goodnight, Kokichi, I had a good time. Sleep well, okay?" Shuichi said, and walked out of the music room.

Kokichi only nodded.

He felt guilty. But why?

-

Kaede finished up her instant ramen, gulping down the hot and steamy noodles. She threw the plastic cup away, putting the chopsticks in the sink (which was already filled to the brim with dirty dishes). The blonde travelled up the stairs, in the mood for a hot bath.

She grabbed a white towel, setting it on her small sink. The girl tied her hair up into a high ponytail, so the water wouldn't wet her hair. Once the tub had been filled, Kaede stripped down and carefully sat in the tub, basking in the relaxing, heavenly heat. She let out a loud sigh as she loosened her muscles.

Kaede had a lot to think about that afternoon and evening; she and Kokichi held hands. Now, to an outsider, that may not be extraordinary, but to Kaede, it was an accomplishment. Though, what had her mind blur and fuzz up was the fact that the boy had returned the gesture. Ever since then, her mind swelled with thoughts and emotions, and this perfect boy couldn't leave her mind. But could she leave his mind? Was he thinking about her at this very moment?

After her bath, Kaede threw on her pajamas—a pink nightgown she had gotten from some girly store—and laid down in her bed, crawling beneath the sheets. She clicked her lamp on, the glow illuminating the room with a dim aroma. Atop her nightstand was a small book, one of her favorites. It had been an informational book, diving into the history of many classical musicians; Kokichi had gotten her the book last Christmas, and she has re-read it more times than she could count.

She smiled, skimming the texture of the pages with her fingertips, and began to sleepily read.

-

As Shuichi laid in bed, he stared up at the blank ceiling, the fan spinning around and around, as if it were attempting to hypnotize the boy beneath. The moments he shared with Kokichi earlier had been amazing; even if they hadn't shared much contact, even if they didn't kiss, confess their love, Shuichi still had a great time, even if it lasted for a short while. But, his mind shifted back to the ending of their night together; what if he and Kaede did do that? What if they started going out? But once Shuichi thought more on it, he began to think Ouma was, indeed, lying. He sighed in relief, and wandered back to the good thoughts, the good and great memories.

Just watching this cute boy play the piano, electric guitar, live his everyday life mesmerized Shuichi—Kokichi Ouma was a special person, a perfect person.

And unfortunately, Kaede shared that same thought.

The same exact thought.