hope in his eyes, Maruki waited impatiently for it to load.
“Hurry up!” he stressfully threw his cell against the wall where his bed sat. the small device came to a soft landing after the violent impact with the wall. “No, no, no.” after regretting having used violence on his only hope, the boy dove after the device that now dimly lit the wall with its small LCD Screen. He cradled the phone in his palms, searching through it’s memory, or lack of memory for Aiya’s home phone number.


A small quivering lip was pulled between his teeth to prevent himself from crying. The contact list was still empty and the photos of him and Aiya were still missing.
“I just want to know that you are all right.” The young boy whispered to himself, which was forced over a hard lump in his throat.


There was a small thud on the thin carpet under Maruki’s feet. Bouncing away then coming to a complete stop on the soft mat, the phone took its spot to rest for the night on the floor. The dim light slowly died down to a black screen. Small moist palms slapped against the boys head, cradling it as his closed eyes clenched tighter. Small crystal drops descended to the floor, glistening in the light of the night.


As well as being exhausted, the young boy was not stressed. This being his second time breaking down since he left Tokyo, he was able to control himself more. He threw himself back, returning to the warm womb of his bed.
“Aiya…” the boy buried his in a bundle of down feather, silently sobbing to himself. Though most would never see it, Maruki was very emotional.


A loud beep rose Maruki from his slumber. Having cried himself back to sleep, he found himself in the middle of his bed, cocooned in the deep down feather. The boy sprawled and stretched, slapping the snooze button on his alarm. He groaned quietly and crawled out of bed.


Though it didn't seem it, Maruki took an almost half hour long shower, leaving him only minutes to catch the bus for school. Scrambling throughout the house, gathering his supplies and books, the sloppily dressed boy darted out of the house and down the street to the public transit stop.


There were the regular commuters standing outside the bus shelter. The older gentleman and his wife, a senior high school student with long black hair and thick make up, a business woman in an uptight business suit, and someone he has never seen before. Although still in thought about the person he has never seen before, Maruki was relieved that he had not missed the bus. Coming closer to the small crowd, the mysterious person turned and looked up at Maruki. Slowing his job, Maruki’s wide eyes narrowed at the person, trying to register in his half asleep brain if that's whom he thought it was.
“Jikan?” A small yet bright smile answered his question. “What are you doing here> Don't you live that way?” A small slender finger rose and pointed off to the right.


Jikan nodded happily, hopping to Maruki, taking his school bag with both hands, holding it innocently in front of him. “Yes but I thought if we went to school together, that it would be nicer.” Jikan seemed to have a personality change over night, or this is just a side of Jikan that Maruki had never paid any attention to. “Do you mind Kaore kun?” Jikan held both school bags in his hands, keeping them safe.


Maruki held a grim look on his face, wondering about Jikan.
“How do you know where I live?” Not recalling ever telling him his address, or even his home phone number for that matter. Pushing that thought away with a shake of his head, Maruki reached out and took his bag back roughly. “No, no its fine. Just this once though, okei?” It was still only a tradition to walk to school with Aiya.


Jikan hopped to Maruki’s side, standing abnormally close to him. Though they have been friends for a few months now, it would take Maruki much longer then that to warm up to Jikan to allow him into his personal space like that. Although happy and cheerful to be around Maruki, Jikan returned to his quiet self, making this wait awkward. Maruki stared off into space across the street, when a tug was felt on his sleeve, he looked over at Jikan silently. The tugging continued, like a child wanting candy. Maruki stared blankly at Jikan who was hysterically pointing down the road at the bus that down the small hill to where they all stood. A small sarcastic smile grew on Maruki’s lips to humor Jikan. The bus was a little more crowded than usual. Instead of his usual seat across from the back door, Maruki had to stand in the middle. Uncomfortably, Jikan stood behind Maruki, hands on the bars around him. It was as if he was protecting him, not from danger, but from others touching him.


Stepping more into his invisible box, huddling away so Jikan wouldn't touch him, Maruki ducked his head down, almost sadly. Because of this, the commute seemed longer today, once it ended, Maruki pushed Jikan away, rushing off the bus. Jikan showed hurt on his face as he followed Maruki, but put on a smile instead.
“Are you excited for Physical Education first thing Kaore kun?” Wanting to make conversation with Maruki, only to hear him talk, Jikan persisted down the street like a puppy, following Maruki.


Coming up to the pedestrian crossing bridge they walked under everyday, the shorter boy made a small noise in sarcastic agreement just to keep the Puppy-boy happy. After having his dream again the night before, Maruki was not in a good mood. Dragging himself down the street with concrete shoes, Maruki tried his best to ignore Jikan for the time being.


Down the street, from the direction of their school, came running a cute Pomeranian puppy, its leash trailing behind him, bouncing every which way. The puppy’s cute fur bounced in healthy shiny bundles as it ran through the crowds. Catching Maruki’s attention, Maruki decided to catch it, hoping its owner would return soon. With precise timing, Maruki stomped his foot down on the soft leash, stopping the puppy in its tracks. Those sweet coffee eyes lit up once again. He bent down once he had a good grasp on its restraints and pet gently behind its ear.
“You are a naughty one aren’t you?” The puppy had Maruki’s feelings cheered instantly, it showed greatly in his bright glassed eyes.


In a split second, Maruki was pulled roughly to his feet, the leash snatched from his hand roughly, causing friction burn to his sensitive flesh. In a wince of pain, Maruki’s lips parted with a little quiver.
“What are you doing? That thing could be dangerous.” Jikan barged in, right into Maruki’s happy moment. With the leash in one hand, and Maruki’s small forearm in the other, he was determined to keep Maruki out of possible danger.


His hand still stinging, being cradled difficultly in his other palm, Maruki burst out angrily. Ripping his arm from Jikan's, Maruki stepped away from him.
“What the hell are you doing? I was only petting it!” Maruki paused, straightening his blazer. “Besides, since when is my business your problem?” There was obvious anger in his voice. to him, if it didn't involve someone, they should never butt into a situation. He gave Jikan an annoyed, disapproving look before walking away angrily.


Jikan stood staring at Maruki as he walked away, all he was doing was trying to protect him from possible injury. Brushing that aside, he jumped happily, and grinned cutely.
“Maa chan! Come on! Don't be angry.”


Still holding his hand, that was now red from pain, Maruki walked swiftly, trying to ignore his friend. His new friend made the mistake of calling after him again with the nickname again.
“Look Jikan! I like you! But never call me that again!” this time anger showed on his cute face as he spun on his toes to shout at Jikan. Still away from Aiya, even if it had been a half a year, he was still the only one allowed to give him nicknames.


Not saying another word in order to not upset Maruki further, the taller boy joined his side and walked in silence. They got to the school grounds with seconds to spare. The bell rang and the two darted off to the gymnasium after slipping on their indoor shoes.


The gym’s change room was full, but to Maruki it was no inconvenience for he always changed in the bathroom stalls of the change room. It was a subconscious, self-consciousness he had about his appearance. Not ever being the popular kid, he was always tight knit about himself. Hugging his gym bag close to chest, he darted into the stall, closing it quickly. The same white t-shirt and mid-thigh length blue shorts on top of a pair of white sneakers were neatly folded in the small black, stringed bag.


Maruki never liked gym, even if his marks were perfect, his self-consciousness made him dislike it. After all his classmates left to gather in the field, he exited the stall, knees tight, shoulders narrowed, overall he looked nervous. Avoiding Jikan as long as he could, Maruki jogged out to the field to join the teacher’s huddle circle. Jikan was on the other side of the circle, waving at him, trying to catch his attention. Ignoring as best he could, Maruki’s attention remained on the teacher. Despite his attempts of ignoring him, they were futile. Jikan darted around the outside of the circle to Maruki’s side.


“Now everyone. Today is a teamwork assignment. Our sport for today is football.” Being senior Junior High School students, all have heard of the American sport, but never played it. Having watched it on TV, they as a whole were excited to play. “We will be split into four equal groups, two will be each on Team A and Team B. we will be switching to the next group as soon as one group makes a goal.” The teacher further explained the rules of this foreign game to the entire class of 32 students.


After being