There’s No Such Thing as a Break

"What exactly are you planning these "conditions" to be?" I asked as I regained my composure.

"I'd rather not say beforehand." Tatsuya succinctly stated. I narrowed my eyes at him.

"Fine." I returned to looking out the window.

The rest of the ride was silent.

When we arrived at the train station, we said our goodbyes, and I headed down to the train. I had to wait because the train for my destination wasn't there at the moment, but the wait's like five minutes because Japan's hecking efficient.

As I sat down on a bench to wait, I turned on my phone. Last night when I had to call my grandma, I ignored every notification I had and turned it back off, so I decided to look at them now.

Just some emails and app notifications. Oh, and we can't forget the 50+ messages from Akira.

Hold on. Ryuu sent me a message?

Dragon: Hey.

Dragon: I want to repay you for the other day, so tell me when your free to drop by cafe.

I blinked before rereading the message.

Ah, but I want to spend the last few days of Golden Week in solitude! That's what I wanted in the first place before Tatsuya came in!

I quickly typed a reply as I saw the train pull in.

You: Does it have to be during Golden Week?

As I waited for a reply in my seat on the train, I reluctantly opened the chat with Akira.

A lot of the messages were just repeating annoyances like "hey," "oi," "haruuuu," "T-T," and so on. A few were asking where I was or why I'm ignoring him.

Just as I got to the bottom of the spam, a new text message popped up.

Idiot: Haruuuuuu! Answer me or I'll dieeeee x~x

I rolled my eyes before finally sending something.

You: Then die.

Idiot: OMG, you're alive!

Idiot: Wait, why's that the first thing you say after ignoring me for a whole day! T^T

You: What do you want?

Idiot: Is it so wrong of your best friend to worry about u? :(

You: e_o

Idiot: okokokok, I was just sad u turned down my invite.

Idiot: Oh, and curious about what plans you had. <<

You: Is it so wrong to want to spend my vacation relaxing alone?

You: Also, my plans from yesterday had nothing to do with you. So I don't need to tell you anything.

You: And before you pull out the bff card again, there's limits to that.

My phone pinged me to let me know Ryuu replied.

You: I need to talk to someone else

You: later

I left the chat before he could respond and reopened the one with Ryuu.

Dragon: Nah. I said whenever you're free, right? I know you're tired, so take your time.

I wanted to cry right then and there.

This, folks, this is why he's my favorite!

You: Thanks. I'll let you know when I'll come by! ^^

Dragon: (^-^)b

I nearly squealed "uwu" and embarrassed myself in the quiet train.

I didn't think Ryuu was the type to use emojis! That's so adorable! That's some gap moe right there!

And soon enough, I arrived at my stop and headed home feeling a little better.

I can finally chill! No capture targets. No binders. No caution. Just relaxation.

Not.

Why did I ever think I would get a chance to relax?

"Haru! Welcome back!"

Whatever semblance of a smile I had on my face disappeared without a trace.

"Yuu-kun?" I asked, barely managing to contain my anger behind a smile. "What are you doing here? Wait, how are you here? I never told you where I lived."

"Eh? I missed you, so I came to visit! I was sad when I heard you weren't home, but you're here now!" Yuu smoothly glossed over my second question. "Your grandma's really nice. She gave me some snacks while we waited for you."

He hung out with my grandma?

"Welcome back, Haru. How was your trip?" My grandma sat beside Yuu on the couch in the living room, mellow as always.

"Oh, it was fine. I'm sorry for staying over all of a sudden." I sincerely apologized. Granny just dismissed me with the wave of her hand.

"No need to apologize, boy. Youth is the time for unplanned activities." She fondly smiled at me. I returned the expression. "Now, go play with Yuu-kun. He's been waiting for awhile, you know?" My face stiffened.

"Okay." I slowly turned to Yuu. "How about we go walk around the neighborhood?"

There's no way in hell I'm letting this dude in my room.

"Ehhhh, but I wanted to see your room." Yuu whined as walked towards me.

No. Not happening. Nope.

"My room's a mess right now. I couldn't possibly let a guest see it." I rejected him.

"But I'm your friend! It's fine!" Yuu persisted as he wrapped an arm around mine.

"No, I really can't. Besides, you missed me, right? Does it matter where we are?" I tried a different tactic. "Plus, it's a nice day out. We could head to the convenience store and get something to eat."

"Mmm." Yuu seemed hesitant.

"My treat?" I tried my last trick.

"Okay." Yuu agreed. I almost sighed out loud in relief. "Let's go!" Yuu tugged me to the front door.

"Have a fun time, kids." Granny said as we left the living room.

"Later, Grandma!" I yelled out to her as we pulled on our shoes.

"So, where were you?" Yuu asked casually as I locked the door behind us.

"I was just visiting someone." I vaguely answered. "How's your break been? I thought you were the type to take a trip somewhere."

"My parents are taking a trip, but I didn't go. I thought they should to go alone together, so I don't get in their way." Yuu told me as he slid his arm around mine again. "This is their 20th year together, after all."

"Oh, wow. Good for them." I commented as I tried wiggling my arm out, but his grip was was not to be shaken off. "So, you've been alone at home?"

"Yep! If only my dog didn't die recently, I wouldn't be so lonely." Yuu's expression soured, but I didn't believe he felt that sad.

I also believed it was a planned murder.

"...Oh, I'm sorry." Not knowing what else to say, I just said that. Yuu smiled.

"It's okay! I have you now! Hehe." Yuu cheerily said as he squeezed my arm. I only smiled in return, trying my best to ignore the fear creeping up from that statement. "Hey, you're wearing the bracelet, right?"

Before I could answer, someone new entered the chat.

"Haru! Hey!" I swerved my head to face the newcomer.

"Akira-kun?" I said as he walked up to us with a wide grin.

"Hey! Oh, Yuu-kun, I see you're here, too." I could see the static between them.

"Akira-kun, what're you doing here?" I asked with skepticism.

There's totally no way this is a coincidence.

Akira feigned a hurt expression.

"What? After I was so worried about you, you told me to die and ignored me again! You're so mean!" Akira complained as he wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I felt Yuu's arm tighten.

Ah, ah. Why are you both here? I don't remember any events happening during Golden Week in the game!

"I know it's still cold outside, but it's uncomfortable being squeezed by two people." I stated as I tugged at my arm and shrugged my shoulders.

That was a mistake.

"Yeah, Aki-kun! Let go of Haru! He only needs me to keep warm." Yuu proceeded to snuggle up against my arm.

"Give it up, Yuu-kun. Haru only needs me." Akira smirked as he shifted closer to the point his armpit was on my shoulder.

Agh.

You guys realize I'm a guy right now, right!?

"I don't need either of you." I growled as I twisted my way out of their hands. "Akira-kun, if you have no business with me, leave." I deadpanned.

"W-W-What? What about Yuu-kun!?" Akira frowned as he pointed at Yuu.

"I promised to treat him to something at the convenience store." I replied exhaustedly. Akira's frown deepened.

"Is that so." Akira blandly said.

"Mhm! That's right!" Yuu proudly beamed from next to me. "Now, shoo!"

"Alright, alright. I'll go." Akira raised his hands in defeat. "I know when I'm not wanted."

I blinked.

He's actually gonna leave just like that?

"Don't worry, Haru. I won't bother you anymore during break either." Akira said as he slowly backed away. "Have fun." He smiled, but it made me feel bad.

"Yeah, see you." I muttered as he turned around and walked away. I stared at his back until Yuu tugged my sleeve.

"Haru! Let's go!" Yuu puffed out his cheeks, obviously not liking my attention on Akira. I forced a smile.

"Yeah, lets go."