A flock of ravens soared across the skies looking to perch somewhere. They unanimously decided on the roof of the high school. It was the last day of school so everyone was basically in a carefree mood. Teachers lounged around behind their desks while their students chattered amongst themselves. Some teachers engaged in conversation while the occasional quiet, socially distant students would listen to music or just read. Spirits were high all around even coming off of the tumultuous aftermath of the 'Nakamura Murders' that have now been coined by residents.

To celebrate the last day, the lunch being served was a gourmet buffet provided by local chefs collaborating with the school cooks. Daiki licked his lips as he returned to the table with a tray full of various meat dishes. Aoi and Kanako indulged in a healthy mix of veggies and meat. Senji had sushi and ramen. Kaito soon sat down, being joined by Emiko right beside him. Kaito had a variety of foods while Emiko kept it simple with soup and salad. The six all bowed their heads before digging in.

"This has been like, the wildest fuckin' year ever. And now you're going to leave all of us next year! Unbelievable. I-I mean- I'm totally stoked for you handsome!" Emiko spoke ecstatically.

Kaito sighed after taking a few bites of pork loin.

"Another year of headaches then I'm finally free of you." He replied snarkily.

"Aw then I'll have to just stick around you 'till then!"

Chuckles erupted around the table. Emiko nudged against Kaito's shoulder almost prompting him to snap on her. But he wouldn't let himself erupt especially not now.

"Well it's about to be summer vacation so maybe we all should... Go do something?" Daiki suggested.

"As a matter of fact there are approximately seven different establishments of entertainment that are less then a day's travel from Nakamura. Depends on what we'd consider fun though." Aoi stated.

"Um are any of those museums or temples, dear?" Kanako asked.

"Two. One museum and one grand temple."

"Ooooh you have my attention now."

Daiki slammed his fist down on the table in a fit of rage;

"That's so fucking lame you two! What about amusement parks? Or arcades? Or a water park? Ya' know, actual 'fun' places?! Jeez!" He groaned.

"I-I'm fine with either a temple or an arcade honestly. Why limit ourselves to just one place?" Senji added.

"I agree!" Kanako blurted. "With proper arrangements, we could at least travel to two or even three of these various places within the allotted time we have before summer vacation ends!"

Kaito loudly slurped up a large helping of noodles, smacking his lips and setting his chopsticks down aggressively.

"Yes yes we have plenty of time to arrange whatever the hell we want, okay? After the hell we've all been through... A fucking vacation sounds peachy." He spoke in a bitter tone. "I personally do not care where we go either. One place where we can go crazy can be balanced out by someplace more calming and peaceful. Best of both worlds. We... Can make it happen."

Everyone simultaneously nodded in agreement. With that in mind, after school was out then a summer plan could be conducted.

With some time to kill before the final period, Kaito wandered off to a tiny secluded area tucked away in-between two club rooms. Leaning against the wall was Yunaka. She yanked Kaito by the collar of his shirt and pulled him in for a deep kiss before pushing him back. He leaned against the opposite wall to face her. The expression on her face showed an ounce of pain and worry. Her arms were crossed, tucked under her chest.

"Alright go ahead and say it. You're upset at me. When I dropped the news that I'd be moving away after we graduate next year... You slapped me and stormed off. So..." Kaito trailed off.

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Yunaka sighed, shaking her head.

"I know. I-I'm sorry. Processing that at the time was tough for me to swallow. I've sat thinking on it since then. I had no right to get upset at you. If anything... I'm glad you've got a gig settled. Betcha' can't wait either." She explained, giving him a little smirk.

"It's true. I really, really can't wait to leave that damn house for good."

"Did you ever tell your father?"

"You know... I did. And you know what he said? That I would be making a mistake. A mistake! Can you fucking believe that??"

Kaito stepped off the wall. He began to pace with clenched fists.

"I show an interest in a career path like detective work and he says it's a mistake. Said... Said that it could be too dangerous and that every detective ends up a lonely, miserable alcoholic. Like he has room to fucking talk!"

"Kaito I-"

"-I was hoping for once in my life, that my own father would be proud of me for something. Only mother ever praised me... But of course she hasn't been around for a while. Yet as I got older and kept my grades decent enough to pass all my classes, even excelling in a few areas, he would still never go further then a dry response like 'good job' or 'keep it up.' And he wonders why I never give a shit about anything he says or does. Because he never seems to give a shit about me. Come graduation next year I'll pack my shit up, see him off and leave this damn town and... And that means leaving all of my friends..."

Kaito ceased his pacing. He looked to Yunaka, hand covering her mouth with a few tears streaking down her cheeks. He approached her and wrapped his arms around her for a hug. He brought a hand up to gently caress her hair. She clasped onto him.

"It's okay. Calm down Kaito. Your friends are happy for you. I'm happy for you. I-I just can't... Bear the thought of you leaving. My friends aside, you're the only other person I give a damn about here. The only guy I've ever met who didn't just use me for sex. How the fuck is anyone going to compete with you for me? I-"

"Yunaka... Why not just leave with me?"

Her eyes widened. The two split apart from the hug, with Kaito taking her hands in his. Their eyes met once more.

"Leave... With... You... Kaito you're not, actually serious right? Right...?"

"And what if I am? Katashi offered me to stay with him and... Well he lives in Sendai. I did some research of the place. I remember you telling me you wanted to go to college for life and culture design... And there's a university there that offers that. Miyagi Gakuin. You could attend there while I'm under my apprenticeship. Think about it..."

"Shut it for a moment! I-I'm thinking here..." Yunaka closed her eyes. She became lost in thought, searching deep into her scattered mind for a response. Then something clicked. "... My parents could get me into any school I want. And Miyagi has shown up before last time I browsed schools. Okay Kaito... Okay fine. But I'm not letting you bunk with an old man. We're getting a place of our own got it? Wouldn't exactly be thrilled to have to drag your ass from your mentors place just to sleep with you."

The two of them began to snicker and got closer.

"Fair enough. It's settled then."

Kaito and Yunaka shared another deep kiss until the bell rang. They split off to head to their last classes of the year.

Celebration and fanfare roared as the students burst through the front doors on their way out to enjoy summer vacation. Senji and the others grouped together to collectively head over to Daiki's house. Minutes turned to hours that passed during the long-winded discussion the friends had just figuring out where to go for their summer vacation. Three destinations were decided on; A grand temple, a water park and an arcade entertainment center. The responsibility for driving ultimately fell onto Kanako as she not only had a driver's license but also her own car; This came as a surprise to everyone else as she never told anyone and always ended up taking the bus to school since she was refrained from driving until summer if her grades were excellent. Kanako already knew she aced all of her classes and was confident that her father would hand her the keys right away.

The rancorous socializing dwindled down as it grew late. After dinner and a movie to pass the time, everyone would depart Daiki's residence for the night. Senji was the last one to leave alongside Kaito. The two exchanged words until splitting off. Senji stood at the front of the walkway to his house. He took a deep breath. Happiness... To have plans with all of his friends. But also sadness... That Ayame would not be there to enjoy any of it.

The dawn arrived on a brisk Tuesday evening. The entirety of the previous day was spent blowing coins at the large arcade entertainment center. It was already a month into summer but only one of the three planned vacation destinations was crossed off the list. Senji was on his way home from a lone walk around town. He was ready to unwind. To kick back and relax for some time before the water park trip. There was a black sedan parked just outside his house. Senji was immediately suspicious as he did not recognize the car. His pace grew swifter, turning to head into the house when he suddenly froze in place. His eyes opened up wider then they've ever been. Mouth agape and heartbeat intensifying. A familiar feminine figure stood near the front door, lifting her head up to meet his eyes. Senji was at a complete loss of words. Time suddenly came to a standstill. The figure just smiled at him. Hair flowing in the gentle winds. Fading sunlight beaming off her eyes. The silence in the air would break as she opened her mouth to speak;

"Hello, Senji..."