Chapter 16

Nick and Akito share a bed, with Nick on the bottom bunk and Akito on the top.

In the middle of the night, Nick climbs up, causing the iron bed to creak.

Matt's snoring suddenly stops.

Akito tries to push him down, but Nick manages to squeeze up.

Akito pulls him under the blanket, muffling his voice: "Are you crazy? What if they wake up!"

Nick, under the blanket, gives Akito a kiss: "If they wake up, so be it."

Akito, frustrated, rolls his eyes. Unable to make too much noise, he half-heartedly convinces Nick to go down. It's almost dawn when he finally falls asleep.

In the morning, Matt and Kai watch as Akito comes down from the top bunk, followed by Nick.

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Akito looks even thinner and paler.

Nick embraces him in bed, unable to hide his concern.

He says, "Akito, we've graduated. We can go wherever you want for a vacation. If you don't want to head south, we can go to Kamakura..."

Akito says, "Kamakura has the sea, right?"

Nick nods with a smile, "Yes, it does."