Chapter Text
It was a hot summer day in late June. The sun was merciless with its heat and made the weather sweltering hot. Today was nothing special; there was another no name gang disturbing the peace in town, and TDD took care of it without breaking a sweat, as usual. When the conflict was resolved and the city returned to its normal atmosphere, Ramuda and Jakurai went their separate ways - Ramuda claiming he has a new design he wanted to try out on Jakurai, to Jakurai's dismay as he sighed. After they left, that left Ichiro and Samatoki behind . The two leaned onto a wall, hiding under the shade of a canopy. In the silence, Samatoki managed to mumble something to Ichiro.
"What're you gonna eat for dinner?"
...huh?
Ichiro stood there, locking eyes with Samatoki's. He wasn't expecting a question like that out of the blue. It was simple, but for some reason he was having a hard time answering it. Samatoki was in front of him, eyebrows raised as he was waiting for a response. Ichiro replied.
"Well...I'm just gonna have pizza..."
"Pizza?"
Samatoki cocked his head. He looked skeptical of that answer. Ichiro noticed and looked away, not wanting to be caught in his gaze.
"That's not something you should be having regularly."
Samatoki spoke up, huffing.
"You need to be eating healthier meals that can provide you with the proper nutrition you need. You're still a kid who needs his nutrition."
"..."
Ichiro had to hold back clicking his tongue. Samatoki was right, he should be eating healthier, but...he didn't like it when people called a kid. It made him feel like he was being talked down, like he was being underestimated, like he couldn't do anything to anyone. He was strong - he knew that. He's one of the rappers of TDD, after all. But the feeling that word brought to him...
...it just, ached at him.
He hated that feeling, so, so much.
Samatoki noticed how silent Ichiro was and plopped a hand on his shoulder. Ichiro slightly jumped as he was brought back to reality and he turned to Samatoki. Samatoki sighed and furrowed his brows. That wasn't a good sign...
"You know, every time I hear about your plans for dinner, it's always eating junk food like pizza. Pizza and shit like that isn't gonna cut it. Your diet is awful."
Ichiro tensed at that last part. Since when did he need to concern himself with what he ate? Ichiro grumbled.
"'Awful'...?"
Samatoki paused. He retracted his hand from Ichiro and shoved it in a pocket. He pulled out a cigarette and inhaled the smoke. That confused Ichiro. Is he not going to say anything else...? They stayed like that for a moment, Samatoki continued smoking and Ichiro just, stood there. His eyes were glued to the pavement.
When Samatoki finished the cig, he crushed it onto the ground. He then turned to Ichiro, who also turned to Samatoki. Samatoki took in a deep breath before starting to speak.
"I've decided,"
He paused before continuing again.
"You're coming to my house for dinner tonight."
...huh?!
Ichiro's jaw dropped. Since when did he decide that he would be coming over?! Ichiro raised his hands, shaking them.
"There's no need for that! I can eat at home. I don't want to burden you, and my bro-"
Samatoki stepped towards Ichiro. That made him shut up mid sentence. Samatoki sighed, and his eyes softened as he gazed at Ichiro. He had an expression that was unusual for him of all people to make.
One of...concern.
"...Ichiro, I'm worried."
Ichiro froze at that statement. Worried? About what? There was nothing to worry about, or at least nothing that Samatoki should be concerned about.
"Samatoki...what is there to worry about? I'm fine..."
Samatoki shut his mouth. He couldn't stop thinking about the teens' diet. It concerned Samatoki that he wasn't eating the best. He spoke again.
"You deserve a proper meal. You shouldn't have to constantly eat junk food every day. It's not good for your health."
Ichiro's eyes widen at that statement. He's never been told anything like that before...his eyes relaxed and looked at the ground. Samatoki grasped Ichiro's hand in his.
"Listen, how about you come eat with me and Nemu for tonight? I'll even ask her to make extra batches for Jiro and Saburo to eat."
Ichiro's breath shuddered as he heard the mention of his brothers. His mind traced back to them. He thought about how they'd feel having a proper home cooked meal compared to takeout for once - wouldn't they like that more...?
Ichiro looked up to Samatoki. He tightly gripped onto Samatoki's hand.
"Is it okay for me to come...really?"
His voice was unusually quiet, almost inaudible. Samatoki smiled and patted his back.
"Of course you can."
Samatoki let go of Ichiro. Ichiro sheepishly held onto his arm.
"Thank you..."
Samatoki only softly grinned at Ichiro. He let Ichiro hang on his arm. Samatoki felt like he was talking to Nemu with Ichiro like this. As he saw the boy clinging to him, looking relaxed, Samatoki couldn't help but crack a smile. He hid it, of course,
Samatoki fished into his pockets again. But he wasn't looking for a cig this time.
"Gimme a second. Gotta notify Nemu."
Ichiro nodded, a soft flush of red appearing on his cheeks at the mention of her name...strange. Samatoki just brushed it off. He turned around and pulled out his phone. Ichiro let go, giving Samatoki space. Samatoki dialed the houses' phone number and waited. In a minute, the line connected.
"Hello? This is the Aohitsugi residence."
Nemu's voice rang through the phone. Samatoki smiled as he thought of her reaction to the upcoming news.
"It's me, Nemu. I called to ask if you could make extra for dinner tonight. Ichiro's coming over."
He couldn't see her at the moment, but Samatoki could picture his sister squealing as she jumped up and down. Lately, he noticed that she would get all excited when Ichiro was around or mentioned...really suspicious, but he'll put that aside for now.
"He-he's coming over? Really?!"
Nemu couldn't conceal her excitement, even if she tried. Samatoki chuckled.
"Yeah. He's coming over. He also wants to bring some home to his brothers, so make lots tonight."
"Okay! I will!"
Nemu hung back. Samatoki put his phone back in his pocket and turned around to Ichiro. Ichiro was still standing there. Samatoki smirked as he walked up to Ichiro and pulled his wrist. Ichiro's eyes widened at the sudden tug.
"Hey-!"
"We're going to my house. Nemu's really excited to see you coming."
Ichiro's eyes soften at the mention of Nemu being so excited. Now that he really thinks about it, Ichiro is starting to act weird around Nemu, just like she gets weird around him. He starts getting so soft and awkward with her. What the hell was going on with those two?
Samatoki shook his head, trying to push that thought to the back of his mind. Gently, he dragged Ichiro on the way to his house. The kid was getting fed a proper meal today, no matter what.
-
When the two arrived at Samatoki's house, the sun had softened on its rays. It wasn't so blaring hot anymore. Samatoki pulled out his keys and unlocked the front door. Ichiro went in first, taking off his shoes at the front entrance. Samatoki entered after him and had already disappeared to his room. It had only been his second time inside Samatoki's house, and despite how big it is and how only two people lived in it, it felt so...warm. Spotted behind the island kitchen counter, Nemu was busy. When she turned around and saw Ichiro, she practically jumped from her spot and ran up to him.
"Ichiro, hi! I'm so glad you came today!"
Nemu's smile beamed so bright. Ichiro's cheeks flushed red seeing it. He smiled at her.
Yeah, thanks for inviting me today. I hope it wasn't too short of a notice..."
"Don't worry about that, silly. You're always welcome in our home."
Ichiro's eyes shone from hearing that. Knowing he was welcome to such a warm home...he couldn't help but feel so happy. His voice came out in a slight stutter.
"Th...thank you..."
The two walked over to the kitchen. Various ingredients were laid on the table. Ichiro could make some of them out, like mackerel and a ton of condiments. There was also a bowl of rice on the counter. He was shocked when he connected the dots.
"Don't tell me...you're making..."
Nemu nodded and softly smiled at Ichiro.
"Yeah, it's your favourite; miso stewed mackerel. When I heard you were coming over, I remembered a conversation we had a while back and you mentioned that dish. When I checked the fridge today, coincidentally, all the ingredients we needed were there!"
Ichiro was overjoyed. Nemu had remembered all that...? He let out a small gasp and suddenly hugged Nemu tightly.
"Thank you...this is so thoughtful..."
Unbeknownst to Ichiro and Nemu, Samatoki had changed clothes and had returned. When he saw Ichiro hugging Nemu, he shot a deadly glare at him. Ichiro was oblivious to that and continued tightly gripping onto Nemu. Nemu, although a bit shocked, hugged him back too. Her cheeks were slightly red.
After a minute, the two let go of each other. That's when they turned around and found Samatoki watching them, clearly holding back from saying something. Ichiro immediately backed off from Nemu, not wanting to be at the mercy of her scary older big brother while Nemu raised her hands in defense.
"Calm down, Onii-chan! It was just a hug of gratitude..."
Samatoki clicked his tongue and just walked to the kitchen. His eyes gazed over the ingredients.
"Saba Miso, huh? Keeping it simple today?"
He turned to the two. Ichiro nervously looked back and let out a small laugh. Nemu nodded.
"Mhm. I want to teach Ichiro how to cook this."
Ichiro turned to Nemu surprised. He cocked his head.
"You want to teach me...?"
Nemu laughed and patted his back.
"Yeah! So you and your brothers can enjoy this next time too!"
This girl was so generous. Ichiro couldn't help but feel so thankful. Nemu turned to Samatoki.
"And you, onii-chan, are helping too! Guide Ichiro on what to do when he's lost."
Nemu gave Samatoki a stern glare. Samatoki chuckled and waved his hand.
"Okay, okay, I got it. You can quit the glare now."
Nemu smiled as she started gathering aprons for everyone. Ichiro took off his gakuran jacket and hung it on the nearby hanger. Nemu pulled out her apron and tossed Samatoki his own. Nemu was searching for another apron that Ichiro could wear before pulling out...a rather embarrassing one. It was baby pink, with a huge sewn on heart in the chest area. She sighed as she handed it to Ichiro; it was the only other one they had. When Ichiro looked at the apron, he couldn't help but burn bright red at the thought of wearing it. Samatoki burst out into laughter, barely able to contain himself while gripping onto the kitchen counter.
"Sorry, Ichiro. This is the only spare apron we have...it was a pretty embarrassing gift from my friends..."
Nemu's smile faltered. Ichiro noticed and quickly put on the apron.
"Don't be sad! It's okay...d-don't feel so guilty over it...!"
Ichiro's failed attempt of reassuring Nemu only had Samatoki cackling even more. When he calmed down, he put on his own apron He patted the both of their heads.
"Alright, calm down you two. It's time we start cooking."
The both of them turned to Samatoki, before nodding excitedly. They both exclaimed.
"Yeah!"
-
The three went to work. Samatoki was focusing on the fishes, while Nemu and Ichiro were focused on the miso sauce; Nemu insisted on making it homemade. She carefully measured the ingredients and placed them around one big bowl.
"Here, I measured the ingredients. Well, except for the ginger, we have to cut that. Just dump everything into the bowl."
Ichiro turned to Nemu.
"Why not cut the ginger first and then dump everything into the bowl all together?"
Nemu's face slightly flushed in embarrassment as she held back face palming her forhead. She looked to the side.
"God, sorry! I don't know why I didn't think that..."
Ichiro chuckled. He grabbed the cutting board and placed the ginger on it. Taking the knife, he started cutting the ginger into thin slices.
Halfway through the ginger, Ichiro had accidentally cut himself on the finger. He winced and dropped the knife on the cutting board, the blood dripping from his hands. Nemu noticed and her eyes widened.
"Ichiro?!"
She exclaimed, hurrying to his side. Samatoki heard the commotion and turned around.
"What's wrong?"
He saw the cut, and he calmed down.
"Nemu, stay here. Ichiro, come to the bathroom with me."
Ichiro only nodded and followed Samatoki. When the bathroom door closed, Samatoki fished through the cabinets and pulled out the first aid kit. He took out the disinfectant and a swab. Ichiro braced for what was going to happen.
"I have to disinfect this. It might sting a bit."
Samatoki started disinfecting. It took all of Ichiro's will not to pull back. No matter how many times he had to go through it - like with Jakurai when he had to treat Ichiro's wounds after he got beat up badly, he hated the stinging sensation that it came with. Samatoki was done shortly afterwards, and he bandaged the cut. The bandage was pink and had a cute mascot in the middle, it'd fit Nemu. Ichiro slightly smiled at the thought.
"Okay, disinfecting's done. Time to head back into the kitchen."
As Samatoki headed out of the bathroom, Ichiro stayed behind for a moment. His thoughts brought him back to when he saw Nemu so worried. It made him feel guilty, making her fear like that. Samatoki turned around when he didn't see Ichiro coming out with him.
"Ichiro?"
That seemed to break Ichiro out of his train of thought. He hurriedly rushed to Samatoki when Samatoki put up a hand to signal Ichiro to stop. Ichiro stood still, confused.
"Samatoki?"
"Ichiro, is there something on your mind?"
His tone was surprisingly gentle, Ichiro didn't expect it. He felt a bit nervous, still not used to seeing this version of Samatoki. He looked down on his feet.
"...no. It's nothing."
Samatoki patted his head.
"You can tell me, I won't judge."
Ichiro looked up to Samatoki before sighing.
"I didn't mean to make Nemu worried. I was reckless for cutting myself. I don't want to see that look on her face again."
Samatoki stood there, slightly surprised. On one hand, he sympathized with Ichiro. He doesn't like to see Nemu worried either. On the other hand, though...
"That's all?"
Ichiro's eyes widen.
"Huh?"
Samatoki chuckled. He rubbed his finger against Ichiro's bandaged finger.
"It's okay, it was just a cut. I'm sure she's calmed down by now."
Samatoki took Ichiro's hand and prepared to walk out of the bathroom.
"Come, let's head back."
"Okay."
Ichiro let himself be lead out by Samatoki, again. They saw Nemu, who had cut up the ginger and now was simmering the sauce. Her eyes softened as she saw Ichiro.
"Are you okay now?"
Ichiro nodded, he gave her a reassuring smile.
"Yeah."
He peeped over Nemu's shoulder, curious about what she was doing.
"What are we doing now?"
Nemu, glad that the gloom had set aside, turned to Ichiro with a smile. She noticed the cute bandage on his finger and giggled.
"I was simmering the sauce. Now, we have to add the fish. Onii-chan!"
Samatoki plopped by, handing her the clean fish.
"As expected! You cleaned the fish so well!"
"Yeah, yeah..."
Samatoki sheepishly looked to the side. Ichiro cracked a smile at Samatoki looking so shy. Nemu moved aside so Ichiro could be beside her. She added the fish into the pan with the sauce on top and covered it with a lid.
"Now we have to wait! It takes twelve minutes to cook it thoroughly, we flip it halfway."
"O-okay..."
Ichiro nodded. He didn't want to worry Nemu again. Flipping fish was simple, so he should be able to do it without any difficulty. He turned to Nemu, and Nemu turned to him. Samatoki decided to leave the two of them and went out for a smoke outside the house. He closed the door, and the two stood there in silence.
"..."
They didn't say a word to each other for a minute, before Ichiro spoke up.
"Nemu?"
"Yes?"
Ichiro held his arm. He looked down at the floor. He didn't know what to say after that, after calling out her name. To be honest, he liked just calling it out. It felt...nice. Jumbling his thoughts together, he looked at her again and spilt out his words.
"Thank you, really...for...for taking the time out to teach me this. Even though I barely learnt anything..."
Nemu's eyes widened. She was taken aback by the sudden gratitude. But that surprise turned into a soft smile.
"It's no problem! I like doing these kinds of things for you anyways."
Now it was Ichiro's turn to be surprised.
"Really...? You-you do...?"
"Yes, I do!"
Nemu gently clasped her hands with Ichiro's. Ichiro swore he could melt right then and there.
"You know, I really admire you. You're the same age as me, but you're out there, working to the bone every day to support yourself and your brothers. I can feel the love you have for your family."
Ichiro stood there, astonished. He couldn't believe what she'd just said.
'I feel like when I look at you...I get a glimpse of what my brother does to keep me safe. Meanwhile, all I do is study and take care of the house..."
Nemu looked down. Ichiro quickly shook his head.
"That's wrong! You're wrong! You're already doing so much for your brother...and me too."
Ichiro was barely audible at the last part, but Nemu could hear him perfectly. She was stunned, the friend she admired so much admired her too.
"You...inspire me to become a better older brother to Jiro and Saburo. You're so kind and generous to everyone around you. Samatoki is blessed to have a sister like you."
The two gazed into each others' eyes, seemingly lost in the moment. They both admired each other for their strengths, ones they wished they had. That peace was shortly interrupted when Nemu glanced at the clock and shrieked. Ichiro turned towards the clock and gasped. It's been nine minutes out of their twelve, and they forgot to flip the fish!
"Ichiro! Flip it! Hurry!"
Nemu exclaimed. Ichiro hastily took off the lid, the steam hitting his face. He winced as he frantically flipped each fish. He accidentally touched the hot pan with the side of his hand and it burned. Ichiro groaned as he put the lid back on and rubbed his hand. Nemu looked over his hand, worried again.
"Are you okay, Ichiro?"
Ichiro saw it again; Nemu's worried face. He did it again. The guilt ate his brain up, stuffing it with horrible thoughts. He couldn't bare to look at her face, and his eyes opted for the floor again.
Now, Nemu was even more worried. She took Ichiro's hand into hers and went towards the sink.
"Come on, let's soothe the burn, shall we?"
Nemu looked at Ichiro with soft, gentle eyes. Ichiro only nodded. It was by then when Samatoki came back from his smoking break. He saw the scene and raised his eyebrows. His eyes mainly gazed at the burn on Ichiro's hand.
"What happened this time?"
Nemu ran Ichiro's hands under the cold water. She turned to Samatoki.
"Um...so we may have overcooked one side of the fish..."
Samatoki sighed and ran his fingers through his hair.
"I'll deal with the fishes. You guys handle the burn."
Samatoki went to the stove. Ichiro and Nemu just focused on the burn. It started to soothe slightly. Nemu brought out the antibiotic and took Ichiro's hand. She turned off the water and put the ointment on. Ichiro looked away.
"..."
He felt terrible for worrying Nemu again. He couldn't even flip a fish while she was around. Hell, he couldn't focus on anything when she was around. His heart would warm just at the sight of her, his stomach would feel fluttery. Nemu spoke up, breaking the silence.
"Does the burn still hurt?"
Ichiro turned to her and shook his head.
"No...I'm sorry."
Nemu was surprised. Her eyebrows furrowed at the sudden apology.
"What are you apologizing for?"
She was a bit concerned now. Why did Ichiro feel the need to apologize?
"It's just..."
He stammered with his words.
"...I constantly make you worry for me. And I don't like that!"
Ichiro raised his voice. Samatoki eyed them but went back to cooking.
Nemu was shocked. She didn't expect him to say that.
"Wh...what?"
"I don't like seeing you worried about me! Over my stupid mistakes! And you're too nice about them! How can you still be patient with me after all that?!"
Nemu was...stunned. Seeing Ichiro pour out his feelings like that, it was a lot. She put a hand on his shoulder. Nemu took some time choosing her words before speaking.
"Ichiro...I do that because I care about you. You are my friend, a really precious one. It's okay if you make mistakes, I'll be here to help you back up. So please...don't feel guilty."
Ichiro's eyes were glossy. Nemu could tell he wasn't used to having someone care for him. Having to be the adult in the family after his deadbeat dad abandoned his children, Kuko suddenly leaving him one day, his boss could care less about his well being. Nemu rubbed the spot on his shoulder with her hand. She mustered the most reassuring smile she could give to Ichiro.
"Nemu..."
Suddenly, Samatoki popped in between them. He'd turn off the stove, fishes still in the pan.
"Fishes are done cooking. Set up the table."
The other two looked at him, before nodding and grabbing utensils. Ichiro grabbed rice, while Nemu grabbed leftover spinach salad. Together. they set up the table fairly quickly. Samatoki placed on each bowl one fish. The three sat together, gave their thanks and started eating.
Ichiro's eyes shone at the first bite. This fish...tasted really familiar. He felt like his mind was tracing back to when he was little. Really little. Before Dad dropped him off at the orphanage and never looked back.
He remembers his mother, on the stove cooking this exact dish. Little Ichiro was beside her, on a stool watching what she was doing. He remembered her offering him a small bite. It tasted so warm and comforting. Soon, a tear came down from his eye. Then two. Then his vision was clouded with them. Ichiro put down his bowl to wipe away the tears before Samatoki and Nemu could see. Un(fortunately) for him, they did notice.
Nemu put her bowl down too and went up to him, concerned. She looked at him.
"What's wrong, Ichiro? Did it taste horrible?"
Ichiro spoke up without looking at her.
"I'm sorry...this....this tastes so...so..."
Ichiro couldn't get his words out. Nemu hugged him, but Ichiro didn't hug her back in return. His hands were still covering his face. Samatoki was about to say his usual line of how men shouldn't cry unless their family died, but his brain stopped him from saying that. Something told him this wasn't the time to say such things. He put a hand on Ichiro's back and rubbed circles.
"You good?"
Ichiro let out a shaky breath and replied.
"It's so...warm. I haven't had food like this in a while...it reminded me of my mom...I'm sorry..."
Samatoki and Nemu's eyes softened. They knew his family was a touchy subject. Samatoki got up.
"I'll get tissues..."
Nemu nodded, still hugging Ichiro as Samatoki left momentarily. She ran her fingers through his hair. Ichiro found the touch comforting and leaned into the touch.
Samatoki shortly came back with tissues and gently pried Ichiro's hand from his face. Ichiro didn't resist. Samatoki dabbed away at Ichiro's tear stained face and his eyes. Soon, they weren't so watery anymore. Ichiro was reduced to just a couple of sniffles and shaky breaths. Nemu spoke up.
"Feeling better?"
Ichiro nodded.
"Yeah...thanks."
Ichiro gave both of them a smile. These two have been so kind with him. With Nemu, he felt like he could be a kid again. And with Samatoki, he felt like he had someone to rely on. He didn't have to grow up to meet tiring demands, he didn't have to do work that no child should do, he could just...live as himself.
Live...
Ichiro hugged both of them. The two jolted in surprise, but quickly returned the hug. The embrace was so warm, and comforting. Ichiro hadn't been this cared for in a while. Without thinking, he blurted out.
"You guys don't know how much your care really helps me...thank you."
Nemu and Samatoki looked at each other. Then to Ichiro again. They just tightened the hug.
When they let go, Nemu and Samatoki went back to their seats. All of them nodded to each other before starting to eat again.
-
Ichiro didn't mean to spend that long at their house...it all started when Ichiro wanted to make the recipe from scratch again, a better version so his brothers could enjoy it. After a quick grocery run, the three got to work again. It tasted even better than the last one. Ichiro's face beamed with happiness. Nemu packaged it so he could take it home later. After that, Samatoki had to leave for an errand with work. As he closed the door, Nemu and Ichiro realized that they had the whole house to themselves. Nemu had a console game she'd wanted to try for a while, but it was co-op. Ichiro agreed. They gamed for the rest of the time, eating snacks and watching whatever shitty drama there was on the TV. Soon, it was evening, and Ichiro had to return to his brothers.
As he walked towards the door, Nemu handed him the packaged Saba Miso. It was in a bag, Ichiro took the bag in his hands. Once he was outside, he could hear a voice from the house.
"Ichiro, wait!"
Ichiro paused. He turned around and saw Nemu outside, running to right by his side. Ichiro was confused about what she was doing. Before he had time to process what was happening, Nemu stood up on her toes and kissed his cheek.
Ichiro blushed bright red, his hand rubbing over the cheek she kissed. Nemu giggled and smiled at him.
"I've been wanting to do that for a while now."
"You-you have?"
"Yeah."
Ichiro was feeling warm in his heart again. The simple action was driving him mad.
"Bye."
Ichiro waved goodbye. But as soon as she turned and walked away, Ichiro put a hand on her shoulder.
"Wait..."
Nemu turned around. Ichiro did something he'd never thought he would do. He kissed her on her cheek. Nemu was flushing now.
As Ichiro pulled back, he realized what he'd just did and turned away from Nemu, embarrassed. Nemu only froze before laughing. She wasn't mad? He turned around and saw her face, cheeks bright red with the brightest smile ever. Ichiro couldn't help but smile so brightly too.
"I...I've been wanting to do that for a while too..."
Nemu smirked.
"Really now?"
"Yeah."
They stood there, looking at each other. Nemu looked at her watch and jolted.
"I didn't mean to keep you here longer than I already did! I'll go back now!"
Ichiro chuckled at how jumpy she was. Nemu was so cute. His voice became sheepish and soft.
"Can I...can I come back to your home another time? Learn another recipe?"
Nemu beamed with happiness. Her smile widened.
"Of course you can! I'll be looking forward to your next visit!"
Ichiro's smile widened too. He was also looking forward to the next time he'd visit. Ichiro couldn't wait to see her again.
"See you soon?"
Nemu nodded.
"See you soon!"
As Nemu returned to her house, she waved Ichiro goodbye. Ichiro waved back, walking towards the direction of his house. When her house was out of sight, his mind went back to Nemu. Her smile, her kindness, everything about her...he cherishes it. She made him feel something he'd never felt before with anyone else, but he didn't hate it. More like...it made him happy, warm...loved. He felt loved with her. Ichiro couldn't help but love her back...
...wait. Is this a crush? He stopped in his tracks and froze. He remembered hearing the word tossed around with his classmates at school. They constantly blurted it out, saying it meant the person you loved with your whole heart. Ichiro loved Nemu with his whole heart. His cheeks flushed red. He didn't know how to feel about having a "crush". Secretly, though...he wished that Nemu would have a crush on him too. Love him with her whole heart like he does. It would make him feel over the moon if she did...
...Ichiro thought about the kiss on his cheek. His hand rubbed at the spot again. When Nemu kissed him, it felt soft and warm. He liked it. He hoped that she would do it again, that it wasn't a one time thing. Maybe, she would. Maybe the next time they meet, she will.
Ichiro couldn't help but feel giddy the rest of the way home.
As he reached his house, his hand grazed on the door knob. His grip on the bag handle tightened. Ichiro thought over what had happened today. Samatoki and Nemu...they make him feel so safe and comfortable. He opened the door with a big smile that he hadn't adorned on his face in a while.