New friend

The moment he thought of this, Asakura's mind was suddenly jolted awake and he could finally think clearly again. He took in a sharp breath, berating himself for being so stupid.

Wasn't he still in love with Keita? After all, even though he was refused, it's not like his feelings could just disappear over night like this, right?

So, what was he doing right now, thinking about kissing other men like this? And the person in question was even a complete stranger who looked at least ten years younger than him.

He had really fallen low, if he was beginning to imagine laying his hands on this innocent looking young man. All he could hope for now was that nothing showed on his face.

Asakura cleared his throat, reverting to a calm and confident demeanor.

"Are you going back to your room? Should I help you?"

"No. Thank you, but I'm alright."

Just as the young man said this, sounds of hurried footsteps came from behind, startling both of them.

Asakura hastily moved away, allowing the newcomer to get closer to the young man.

"Sato! Are you alright?" the man cried out worriedly.

"Yes, I'm fine. Just a little dizzy."

"Want me to get you something?"

"No. I'll be alright after I rest for a bit."

"Then let me take you back to the room."

"No, I'll go by myself. Thank you, Kyosuke."

"But..."

"Kyosuke, please let me be alone for a while." Sato gave his friend a feeble smile.

The two exchanged looks for a short moment, until Kyosuke finally relented.

"Alright. Call me if you need anything." He said, letting out a drown-out sigh.

"Mh, I'll do that."

While watching his receding form, Asakura couldn't help but marvel.

This person, who seemed so frail and delicate, could also have such an adamant side to him? It sure made for an interesting contrast, one that compelled anyone who witnessed it to feel impressed.

Before he knew what was happening, Asakura found himself staring fixedly at that small back, his eyes never straying away until Sato eventually disappeared around the corner.

After a few moments of standing in complete silence, Asakura finally turned towards Kyosuke. He was surprised to find the young man staring at him, his gaze somewhat scrutinizing.

When he saw Asakura returning his stare, Kyosuke snapped out of his daze and showed a polite smile.

"Uhm, I'm sorry for earlier. I hope Sato didn't inconvenience you too much."

"No, not at all. I'm actually worried about him. Will Sato-san be alright by himself?"

"Ah, yes. Usually when he gets like that there is nothing we can do about it except for waiting."

"Waiting?" Asakura asked in confusion.

"En." Kyosuke's smile widened, a mischievous glint flashing in his eyes. "You see, when he has something on his mind he tends to hide himself. Just like a cat who's feeling unwell, he will find a dark corner and stay there until he's all better. After a while, he will get out on his own and be his usual self."

"I see."

Asakura nodded his head slowly, silently wondering if this person was sane or not. Even so, he still tried to reason with him.

"But is it safe to leave your friend alone like that? What if he needs help?"

"Whenever he really needs help he'll ask for it. He isn't stupid, you know." Kyosuke retorted, looking at Asakura as if he was an idiot.

"What will happen if you insist and break into his hiding place?" Asakura continued to prob.

Not even he understood why exactly he was pursuing this odd conversation with a practical stranger. Nevertheless, he decided to follow his instincts on this.

"If you do that, you'll end up scratched and bitten until not even your own family will recognize you." Kyosuke said, repressing a shiver as if he was reminded of something awful.

"You talk as if you'd experienced it yourself."

Asakura threw those words at him jokingly but, to his surprise, Kyosuke nodded quickly.

"En. I've once made that mistake and it resulted in carnage. Ever since then, I've learned my lesson. When he's angry or upset, it's best to leave him alone for a while. Luckily for me, the times when Sato is actually angry are rarer than high-tier equipment drop rates."

Asakura remained quiet for a moment.

Ignoring the peculiar comparison Kyosuke had just made, he was trying to imagine that delicate looking Sato blowing his top at someone. The image was so funny that, before he could stop himself, a series of chuckles escaped through his lips, making his entire body shake slightly.

"What are you laughing at?" Kyosuke asked in a rather displeased tone, thinking the man was making fun of him.

"No, nothing. I apologize if I was rude." Asakura hurried to say, retaining an amused expression.

His eyes were slightly narrowed and his lips were curved upward in a smile. It was the kind of look that usually charmed everyone, be it man or woman.

As expected, Kyosuke stared in a daze at this handsome man. His eyes roamed around the man's face and body as if he was appreciating a work of art.

A second later, he heard Asakura speak again, while stretching a hand towards him.

"My name is Asakura Ryuu. I don't have any business cards on me at the moment, so I'm hoping a handshake would suffice for now."

"Ah! Yes, yes of course. I mean, thank you. My name is Amano Kyosuke." Kyosuke replied loudly.

While holding Asakura's hand, his face showed traces of embarrassment. For some reason, Asakura took an immediate liking to this young man.

"Nice to meet you, Amano-kun."

"K-k-kun?!" Kyosuke cried out in a stutter.

"Yes. I hope you don't mind me calling you that. I am, after all, older than you. Or would you perhaps prefer I call you 'chan'?" Asakura teased.

"No, no! Kun is good enough for me. I appreciate it, Asakura-san." Kyosuke replied hastily, waving his hands in refusal.

"Now that we're friends, how about you join me for a drink?"