Saihara x Kaede

25

*is experiencing a violent time of writers block*

This part is so late, I'm sorry. I finished it like a week ago but I wanted to start 26 before I published this one.

Shuichi's POV

"Umm, I'm just going to Kaito for a little while, Kaede." I said whilst slipping on my shoes and jacket.

"Oh, okay! See you later, then!" She stood up and kissed me on the cheek. I smiled shyly and walked out into the corridor.

As I walked, I lost myself in my thoughts. I needed to confide in Kaito about something. Yes, I could've gone to Kaede, but she would most likely have just denied it and said I was fine how I was. But I knew that I wasn't.

I needed to do this.

And I needed Kaito's help, seeing as he's one of my best friends.

__________________

I knocked on the door tentatively and stood back for him to open it.
"Oh, Shuichi!" He said cheerfully, "What's up?"

"U-Um, c-can I come in?" I stuttered nervously. A concerned expression flashed across his face, but then he grinned and stepped back to let me in.

I looked around and blinked from the sudden darkness. The lights were off and the room was lit only by the, surprisingly good quality, glow-in-the-dark stars on the ceiling. I stared at them for a moment before sitting down on a couch, moving the galaxy patterned blanket.

"So, what's wrong? You look nervous." He got straight to the point. I gulped slightly and absentmindedly put my hand on my throat where the rope mark was.

"I... want you to help me get stronger."

"Eh?! What do you mean?" He exclaimed loudly, causing a bang on the wall next door from Harukawa to shut up.

"W-What I just said... Help me train to get stronger."

"I get what you mean, but why?" He asked, "I'll gladly help you, but why?"

I sighed sadly and bowed my head. Although I was aware that he wouldn't have a clue why, I was frustrated that I would have to say it myself.

"Well, you know what happened before, yeah?" He nodded, "It's just... I-I can't help but feel like I should've been able to fight back..."

"Shuichi, don't be stupid! She ambushed you in your own home!"

"Will you be quiet in there?"

Kaito shouted an apology before encouraging me to continue.

"That's... why I want to get stronger."

He sighed and scratched the back of his head.

"Maaan, when will you learn to be confident?" He complained before grinning, "But yeah, I'll help out!"

Suddenly Harukawa burst through the door.
"I thought I made it clear for you to shut up." She said dangerously quiet.

Kaito ran up to her and hugged her, her face flushing with embarrassment as he shouted her nickname.