"Of course you talked to Akira."

"...I'm sorry."

"...for talking to Akira?"

"No, for, for... you know. Not being there, leaving you guys in the lurch."

"Well it's not your fault your dad's a piece of shit."

Yutaka coughs and looks away. "Well, that's. Direct."

"Am I wrong?"

"No, you're not. It's just surprising to hear someone else say it. Especially someone else from, you know."

"The little elite circle of jerks and ass-kissing scumbags we grew up in?"

"...Aoyama. I was going to say 'Aoyama'."

"Same difference."

"Not wrong, I guess."

"So, what's up with you? How much chaos have you caused at your new school? It's already been over a week."

"—what, are you saying you haven't heard the rumours?"

"That you got a boyfriend? Sure I heard 'em. I'm just not stupid enough to believe 'em. Iwasaki Yutaka, getting a boyfriend. Give me a break." His fingers are trembling a little bit as he lifts his drink to his lips.

Ohhhhhhh he's in denial.

"Well, I did. Get a boyfriend, that is."

"Pull the other one."

"I'm serious."

"You? Of all people? You want me to believe you got a boyfriend at your new school after being there for a grand total of three days? Please. What's your game?"

"My game is that I met a boy that I like and for some reason he also fancies me and now we're going out. Exclusively."

"You're not joking? You're serious?"

"I'm serious."

"...why?"

"Toshiki, I..."

"No, hold on, why? This doesn't make sense. Make it make sense, Yutaka."