twenty one days after

Takumi dragged Austin out of her room, dragging her along to Dr. Hyde's classroom.

Takumi wrote a note to Pudge. Austin didn't listen to a word, no longer giving a fiddle fuck about passing.

Takumi picked through his fries at McInedible, eating only the crunchiest as he handed the soggiest to Austin.

"How have you been?" Miles asked.

"Uh, nah good. You?"

"Not good." He replied. Austin just shook her head.

"I miss her." Takumi said, pushing the rest of the soggy fries to Austin.

"Yeah, I do, too. I'm sorry, Takumi. Austin." Pudge said.

"Us too." Takumi replied. "You're not dating Lara anymore, are you?"

"I don't think so."

"Okay. She was kind of wondering."

"I just can't- I don't know, man. That's pretty complicated." He said.

"Sure. She'll understand. Sure. All good." Takumi replied.

"You two are still okay?" Pudge asked.

"Yeah." Austin answered. "We're still dating."

"How?" Miles asked.

"I need him more now than ever and I'm lucky enough that he's staying." Austin answered.

"I need her just as much." Takumi said.

"Okay."

"Listen, Pudge. I- ah, I don't know. It sucks, huh?" He asked.

"Yeah." Pudge answered.