Chapter 3: The House

The sun has already set and the sky has turned dark. Even the stars have emerged and blinked graciously. Ryohei was not realizing it entirely since he was so engrossed in accompanying Yuki to cope himself with the new white cane. Surprisingly, the weight was different and it sounded thicker as it hit the pavement. Yuki could not really hear the effect well - it was his only reliable sense he had.

"Are you okay?"

It was obvious from the tone that Ryohei was worried of the blind. Ryohei might feel restless from the moment he left Yuki alone, hence he accompanied the latter until night. He practically sent Yuki home, and he declined Yuki's offer to just walk by himself. To him, it was one of his responsibility to take care of Yuki, ensuring his safety since he was the one who enabled to see.

Furthermore, despite the hindrance and lagged pace, Ryohei felt at ease through that day. Even though his morning did not begin quite well as usual, the flow went on really smoothly. Due to the incident, he met Yuki. He spent time with Yuki, and even watched him progressing while coping with the new cane.

Eventually, Ryohei remembered something. It might probably help Yuki to be more alerted.

"What do you mean?"

As Ryohei suggested Yuki to accept his gift, Yuki frowned in confusion. He did not really understand what Ryohei tried to tell him with a pair of bells. They were about the same size as a coin, but they rang loud enough to be heard by Yuki.

"Where do you get these?" Yuki was utterly astonished. He never thought of attaching bells on his cane.

Whenever he banged the cane against any surface, the bells would ring along. Since the size was small, the ringing would not bother other people. Yuki's wet eyes were noticeable, but Ryohei did not witness it flowing down the cheeks. Yuki quickly wiped it away.

"It's just a small gift," Ryohei looked away, avoiding anyone to see his flushed face. "I think it suits you better. Even people could be alerted of your presence."

"I am... speechless. Thank you very much, Ryohei."

Ryohei grabbed Yuki's shivering hands and held on them for quite some times. His own hands were warm, and he felt he needed to lend some strength to the fragile Yuki. The night was getting darker, and Ryohei did not feel of leaving. However, it would be too much if he asked Yuki to stay longer outside.

"Uhm, so do you mind to show me where your house is?"

Yuki's wide grin faded almost instantly. But then he covered his unexpected expression with another sincere smile. "I live far from here. Do you know the old apartment on Sakura Street? I live there."

Ryohei pouted. "Yes, it's quite far. But it's still reachable." Again, Ryohei grabbed Yuki's one hand and put it on his shoulder. "Just tell me the direction, and I will bring you there in no time."

The hesitation on Yuki's countenance made Ryohei to grunt and immediately dragged the blind forward. Unless they moved from the spot, they would not go anywhere by embedding themselves there. Detecting by Ryohei's rapid action, Yuki pursed his lips and lowered his head.

"So tell me where your house is," Ryohei repeated.

Yuki, still ducking his head, turned to other direction opposite to where Ryohei was. Ryohei blinked at Yuki's puzzling behaviour. He was surely cheerful around minutes ago, yet he became gloomy out of nowhere.

'Or have I spoken excessively again?'

"Let me piggy ride you then," Ryohei knelt on the pavement in front of Yuki.

The strange atmosphere was getting thinner, luckily. Yuki ruffled Ryohei's hair and drew himself closer to the latter. Ryohei did not just joke around when he said he was going to send Yuki home. Yuki still remained silent, but he did not reject the idea.

After ensuring the position was right and comfortable, Ryohei got up. It was basically his first time being carried by someone else, hence he felt a little scared when he realized the height differentiated. He tightened his grip on Ryohei's shirt, causing Ryohei's faster heart throbbing.

'Stay cool, Ryohei.'

"If you want to stop by somewhere, just tell me, all right?" Ryohei kicked off their journey with Yuki on his back.

Yuki chuckled, "Why is it like that? You are the one in need of plentiful rest."

Ryohei giggled in response to Yuki's truthfulness, "Just in case. I don't want you to feel awkward."

"Well, you do make me feel awkward. You're quite forceful as a guy," Yuki definitely knew how to be honest, "Your girlfriend will leave you if you keep on forcing her in your way."

An eyebrow raised. Ryohei never guessed Yuki would voice his heart out. He brushed it off by laughing. "I don't intend to get a girlfriend for the time being. Before possessing one, I need to self control first."

"You even planned on that? How weird," Yuki chuckled at Ryohei. "It's up to you. I don't mind much, but if you disliked it, you could just drop me somewhere and I could walk from that point-"

"Uh-huh. That's not going to happen," Ryohei hissed in displease, "I will walk you home."

"I don't think that's the suitable term."

Ryohei rolled his eyes. This Yuki was getting annoying as time went by. Nevertheless, the pace was progressing. Ryohei followed Yuki's navigation until they finally entered the compound of mentioned old apartment. Judging from the appearance, it did seem old but it looked clean. It must be a reserved building.

"Since you've tired yourself because of me, why don't you drop by? I will make you drink."

The invitation was rare. Ryohei gazed at Yuki to figure whether Yuki was just joking or serious about it. Yuki was so eager and expecting Ryohei to give him positive answer. From the glittering eyes, Ryohei did not have the heart to reject.

"All right, I will drop by."