I’ve been well, how are you my lovely Tho?
Chika Washuu is an early riser. But today he’s been awake since 3 am, watching Marude sleep beside him.
Maru snores as loud as his motorcycle motor. Chika chuckles to himself.
His best friend doesn’t hate him. He accepts him, after years of a lie.
Warmth spilled over in Chika’s heart, and he snuggles closer to Maru, wrapping him in his arms. That loneliness he always felt – it’s gone now.
Marude rolls over. “Aw shit, it’s dawn.”
Maru’s first words would include an expletive. Chika laughs.
Marude kisses him gently. “Are you okay?”
Chika nods.
“Time to meet Hide, then, and plan to get your son more involved.” Marude rises.
When they enter the coffeeshop, Marude points toward a mask-wearing kid. “Nagachika.”
Hide waves. He then sees Chika’s blush, and his hand entwined with Maru’s, and has to wink.
“Can you not, kid?” snaps Marude.
Hide scribbles on a paper. Can, but won’t?
Marude pouts.
You’re acting very much not like a Washuu, Chika. I like it.
Though his mouth is covered, Chika can tell the kid is smiling.