From the start (sequel to Tears Don't Fall)

"Hi Kumi." I hear Daichi say. I turn around to see him riding his bike towards me. I smile and wave at him. He stops next to me and gets off his bike. "Where you off too?" He asked, as we start to walk.

"Home. I need to change, I have work. I wasn't supposed to go today, but Issei says it's really busy. But I don't know. I feel like he's lying. He lies a lot." I said.

"Need a ride? It'll be a lot quicker." He said.

"I'm good just walking. I'll be fine." I said.

"I'm not taking no as an answer. So hop on." He said, getting on his bike. I walk behind him and hop on the back of his bike. "Then why bother asking?" I asked.

"To see what you'd say." He said.

We begin my ride home. I get dressed quickly, then run downstairs to see him again. "I thought you were going to leave." I said, putting my hair up in a ponytail. "I'm not going to leave. I told you, this will be a lot quicker." He smiles at me. I roll my eyes and hop in the back again.

•

It actually was a bit busy today. And it was hotter in the restaurant. It's not usually this hot. I was sweating and starting to get a headache. "Kumi, take a break for now. Drink some water. You look like you're going to faint." Issei said.

"But it's super busy. I just want to get this over with. It'll be a lot quicker." I said, moving around all over the place. It's so packed in here.

"Kumi. Take a break. I'm not asking this time. I'm telling you. This isn't healthy. Trust me, it's not healthy for me either. But you look really tired." He said, sitting be down and handing me a glass of water.

"Thanks Issei." I said.

"Anything for you. I'll give you ten minutes. Then you can start working. There are pills in my bag if you need them." He said. I nod my head in reply. The door opens, entering Itsuki and Riku. As happy as I am to see them, this is just going to be more tiring. "Where have you two been all day?" I asked as the both sat down at a table.

"Shopping and eating." Riku said.

"Library. I have a project due next week. I needed to get started on it." Itsuki said. I nod my head and take a sip of my water.

"Kumi, are you alright? You look like you're going to faint." Riku asked, walk-in over to me and feeling my forehead. "Oh my god, you're burning!"

"I'm alright. Just tired. If only Nao sill worked here." I said, leaning my head against the wall. I'm so tired. Another person comes through the door. Oh god. I look over to see Daichi. I would smile or wave at him. But I don't have the energy. "Kumi, are you alright? You look sick." He said.

"I'm alright." I said.

"I'm not letting you walking home today. I'll call you a taxi after work." Issei said.

"No. All taxis will probably be closed by then. Plus, I'll be alright. No need to worry about me." I said.

"I'll take her home." Itsuki and Daichi said at the same time. I didn't think much of it though. My head was hurting way to much. But it did get a bit to silent.

"I could care less about who takes her home. As long as she's not alone. I don't want her to faint in the middle of walking home." Issei said.

"I hate that you worry about my so much." I said.

"Not sorry about that. Just looking out for you." He said. I get up from my seat, stumbling a bit. Issei grabs my waist, preventing me from falling. "Thanks." I said.