"You are making me anxious," Kaoru said sharply, the tension a line of tingling, painful prickles down his spine as he turned to his best friend, "Kojiro what is it?"

"Oh! I never. . ." Kojiro looked downcast, and Kaoru's stomach knotted; it wasn't easing his uncertainty any, and it was only worse because it was Kojiro, who was always steady and reassuring. "I only- I wanted. . ." He drew a deep breath, meeting Kaoru's gaze. "May I kiss you?" he asked, his voice cracking, and Kaoru froze, breath catching; he could feel the tips of his ears growing hot as he clutched his pencil and notebook to himself thoughtlessly.