“…thank you.”

Kanae covered his face, feeling like he was going to cry.

I don’t want to cry, but…

I like Yuichi too much. Even something this simple makes me so happy.

He was afraid that Yuichi would leave him if he knew.

Because of that, he was determined not to cry.

He opened the fridge and poured himself a glass of barley tea. He drank it down in one gulp.

“I really am a lightweight.”

Yuichi could drink so much without getting tipsy. It would put him in a good mood, and there were no hangovers the next day. On the other hand, Kanae couldn’t help but throw up after a can or two.

“Come to think of it, I have a horrible feeling that I said something wrong…” He didn’t really have many memories of the end of the night. All he remembered was the warmth of Yuichi’s hands.

Looking at the clock, it was three in the morning. Kanae drank another glass of barley tea and then yawned. “I should sleep a little more.”

The alcohol hadn’t totally left his system yet. If he got some more sleep, he would feel a little better.

When he got into bed, Yuichi rolled over in his sleep with a groan. Kanae planted a little kiss on his lips.

“Thank you. I love you,” Kanae whispered and then snuggled up against Yuichi.

As expected he fell asleep straight away. Feeling the warmth of Yuichi’s body against his, Kanae closed his eyes.

“I’m late!”

He totally forgot to set his alarm clock. When he got up and looked at the time, he almost didn’t believe his own eyes.

7:30?! He had to be out of the house in thirty minutes if he was to make it in time for nine o’clock. First period was required and there weren’t many people who could cover for him, so he had to go.

He was wide-awake and in a state of panic. Kanae leapt out of bed. He brushed his teeth, washed his face and quickly got ready. He always took an hour to prepare in the mornings, so if he skipped breakfast, he could probably make it.

Kanae was making quite a bit of noise, so eventually Yuichi began to stir and open his eyes angrily.

“What are you doing? So early in the morning.”

“Late! I’m late! Yuichi, you sleep. Oh, unless you’re going to school today?”

“Yeah?”

“Okay, well I’ll leave you the key then. You can return it to me later.”

Kanae finished dressing and then started gathering his textbooks.

“Oh, Yuichi, thanks for yesterday. Clearing up and everything.”

“No problem. Someone got drunk and fell asleep.”

Kanae apologized.

“I’ll do it next time. Oh no, ten minutes!”

“Wait a moment.” Yuichi wrapped his arm around Kanae and pulled Kanae towards him. Kanae looked at Yuichi.

“What? What’s the matter?”

“You're going to go to school?”

“Of course! First period is required.”

“You're going to leave me here all by myself?”