a small push on his shoulder caused him

to break off from his thoughts.

"akira! how's it been?" he smirked, akira

widened his eyes and a bright smile in his face.

"hajime!" he almost yelled, "it's been so long,

maybe this is why different classrooms are

a hassle..." he adds with a disappointed tone.

the hallway wasn't crowded as usual, who knew

finding an old friend was this touching and warm?

hajime scratches his head sheepishly, "well, yeah.

yuuka and i have been hanging out more often—how

about you and ai?"

"ah, things are fine. i'll need to pick her up earlier again."

hajime's silly grin soon faded, his face

then turns into a serious one and he speaks in

a sad voice:

"also...i'm sorry for your loss..about her."

akira tilted his head, "is it atsu-"

"shhh. no one's allowed to hear that name." hajime warns

his friend, "she's a disappointment to this place, and the people

who work here..." he continues, akira glances at him in question.

"how is she a disappointment?"

hajime hesitated for a moment, before giving in—he

says in a low voice ;

"akira, i heard that atsumi committed suicide."