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It’s a cold January afternoon and they’re walking home together, as they have been since their first year, but something was off. Aran’s noticed that something’s been off this whole week, but it was only Wednesday so maybe he was imagining it. Maybe Kita’s pace wasn’t a step quicker and Aran was just walking slower today. Maybe Kita’s tie, that’s usually perfectly ironed, didn’t have that wrinkle on Monday and Aran merely saw what wasn’t there. Maybe Kita hadn’t come to practice 2 minutes later than his usual time and Aran’s watch just needed to be adjusted.
It’s probably nothing, Aran thinks. But halfway to where they part ways, Kita does something that Aran can’t think of an excuse for. Kita starts picking at his skin. Aran moves faster than he can think and grabs hold of his captain’s hand.
“I know you’re worried about something.” Aran says, holding eye contact with Kita, “You don’t have to tell me what it is but I know you and you have nothing to worry about”
Kita’s face warms up under his scarf. They walk the rest of the way in silence at their normal pace. It takes Aran a few minutes to realize that Kita doesn’t let go of his hand.