17 FIRST STEP

"I see..." said Hiro. And Fushimi was secretly pounding loudly because there was a deep disappointment in the man's voice. "So I'm the only one who remembers, huh."

"Ahah… S-Maybe so," said Fushimi. "Sorry, but apart from the accident that time, did I do anything else wrong?"

"...error?"

"S-Like unknowingly carrying your stuff or something?" said Fushimi. "Honestly I was also very drunk at that time. So who knows if I take—"

"—Fuu-san, this may sound crazy but do you want to make love to me again?"

DEG

Prang...

This time it was a broken glass.

Aaarrggh! Why did Fushimi nudge that glass too?

"W-What?"

But apparently the man in front of him was able to say it more clearly without hesitation.

"Make love with me again," said Hiro. "Can?"

In that instant, Fushimi's heart seemed to jump from its place.

***

This is crazy. This is crazy.

Of course Fushimi said no. Because for him that night was a mistake. Unaware. Out of plan. And not his will. So, even if it wasn't natural, Fushimi could still forgive himself. However, if he was asked to repeat, he was afraid the contents of his brain would disappear.

Why?

Why did Hiro suddenly ask for such a crazy thing?

Fushimi apologized politely, saying they were still friends. Tried to accept whatever Hiro said, but also said he would forget it as if he had never heard of it.

Hiro also said it was okay. (Although when he said it, Fushimi honestly couldn't forget the expression on his face at that time). Oh, my God... What kind of memory had he forgotten? And what kind of memory invaded Hiro's memory? Fushimi was really curious, but he firmly didn't want to try it like playing with fire.

After all, he is not young anymore. Hey, look in the mirror, Fushimi! You're a 41 year old man. Why start things like that, huh? Especially if the one who invites you to play is a man your age.

This is clearly not true.

So, after dinner, Fushimi said goodbye. Before parting he thanked and apologized once again, then completely forgot about everything. But, so crazy. A month since the incident, Hiro actually appeared again in front of him.

The man was not on purpose. Because his job is an architect. So, when the company where Fushimi was running the prospect of constructing several important buildings, Hiro was also presented as a famous professor in his field.

And very well, Hiro was introduced by Director Hajime to Fushimi as a teammate who would be together on the project for the next 6 months.

Die!

Fushimi couldn't run away from the situation anymore. He even tends to avoid Hiro when it's not on work, turning down invitations to leave a team to celebrate a successful tender or something else, but one day.... Running away from reality is certainly not a reliable solution forever.