I am glaring at Shimizu like a hunter staring at his prey—all the sweet moments ruined in a few seconds.
"You're telling me you forgot."
"You bastard."
In front of me, Shimizu looked pitiful, with dull eyes—feeling guilty. I became more puzzled as time passed in silence. He told me that he forgot. How was that even possible? It doesn't make any sense at all.
I hold his chin, pulling up his face—looking into his eyes.
"How can you forget that kind of achievement in your life? Do you think I'm some fool?"
I glared at him, waiting for an answer. He didn't stop trembling at all, his eyes becoming teary as he looked at me—as if I would forgive him that easily. Impossible.
My patience wore thin. I grabbed his shoulder slowly. My face turned a deeper shade of red with anger—and even redder because he wasn't answering a simple question.
Finally, after 10 minutes of waiting, Shimizu nodded on his own and pushed my hand off his shoulder.
"First, let's go inside. Then we can continue talking about that matter. I don't want to see you with a fever the next morning."
Shimizu grabbed my wrist—dragging me toward the main door. My protest didn't stop.
"Tell me, then I'll go inside. Otherwise, no!" I shouted in rage, while being dragged anyway.
Shimizu easily overcame my resistance and simply opened the door—walking in.
I looked at the interior. It was more shocking than anything.
Firstly, outside the house, it gives a creepy vibe—shaded with dark and white colors, with a single tree in the garden.
Secondly, inside… It's entirely blue. How can someone decorate everything in blue and still make it fit a dark theme?
When I fully entered, I looked around.
"It's too big."
I glanced at Shimizu. Without saying anything, he smiled and began to walk around.
The walls were painted navy dark blue. A massive black carpet covered the rest of the hall. A big chandelier hung in the center, directly above a white spot. Its shape resembled a butterfly, wings wide open—beautifully designed. Shiny sky blue and black filled it, with diamonds placed in between, making the interior even more flashy.
In each corner, the stairs formed artistic designs, decorated with flowers and candles.
In the middle, a large sofa was placed between two medium-sized sofas, with a glass table between them.
I looked left and right, walking forward. When I looked up, I found myself staring at the butterfly chandelier from below. It felt majestic.
On the left, there was a kitchen, separated by a pillar. I walked toward it, placing my hand on the pillar and sliding it across. It was smooth.
My face stayed amused by the design. How could someone like my friend choose something that matched my taste so closely?
I looked behind me. Shimizu was already sitting on the sofa—staring at me with strange eyes.
I took a few steps toward him, leaned on the sofa, and sat on the edge.
"Hm… it's impressive."
"Yeah, I knew you were going to like it. I wanted to show you on your birthday, but… who cares."
Shimizu muttered, lifting his chest proudly.
"You know, I took so many suggestions online—and even from professionals—to match your taste."
"My taste?"
I was shocked. Why was he bringing up my taste? Why did he design his house based on it?
That's why it felt so familiar.
"Why is it connected to my birthday?"
I glared at him—he was trying to change the subject.
Shimizu didn't even blink.
"I wanted to tell you on your birthday. This is my dream house—the one I told you about in childhood. Yeah, I couldn't do it back then… I was just a kid. But now, I'm an adult."
He crossed his arms, one eye fixed on Minato's face.
"You always think of me as a kid. That's why I want to prove that I'm an adult. I'm not that crybaby from before."
His voice dropped, a hint of anger in every word.
"Are you trying to act like an adult in front of me? Woah."
I moved closer—until I was just inches away from him. Leaning in, trapping him between my arms.
Shimizu leaned back as Minato did. His cheeks and ears turned red like a rose. His eyes filled with emotion as he closed them.
But…
I touched the tip of his nose.
"Huh… you're not going to change, my baby."
I taunted and stepped back.
Shimizu's face fell into complete despair. He looked down, tears falling again.
I couldn't take it anymore.
"If your tears touch the ground, I'm leaving."
Shimizu shook his head in denial and wiped them quickly.
"I'm not crying…"
A clear lie.
He forced a sour smile.
"If I am crying… you're the one who made me."
He shouted, pointing at me.
"Anyway, why did you plant a tree outside where there's no need?"
Shimizu smiled, winking.
"Just wait and see."
He raised his hand, pointing ahead with determination.
His smile widened. His mouth kept opening and closing, making me more curious.
I grabbed his shoulder, shaking him lightly.
"Tell me."
My voice softened, eyes glowing.
"…"
Say something.
My mind filled with random thoughts. Why is he taking so long?
"Hm… I thought it would look good, so I planted it and…"
And what?
I wanted to hit my head on the pillar. My stomach was aching again—worse than usual.
I silently sat on the sofa, crossing my legs, hoping it would ease the pain.
My face grew paler, but my smile didn't fade.
Then he finally said—
"That's it. I just wanted to place a tree."
He proudly announced, leaning back into the sofa.
I felt betrayed.
I stared at him with wide eyes, forgetting the pain. I rushed toward him, grabbed his neck—and squeezed.
"YOU…! I'm going to kill you!"
I shouted, my eyes turning red.
Shimizu's pride shattered instantly. He coughed, panicking.
"What do I… do now? Cough…"
While strangling him, I smiled like a kid.
Shimizu pushed my hand away, grabbing his neck—where his previous wound reopened, blood soaking his collar.
He looked confused.
That's when he remembered—why Minato insisted on bringing him home. Because of his wound. How did he forget that?
He blamed himself.
I froze.
I looked at my trembling hands. Blood stains were clearly visible.
What did I just do…?
I took a few steps back, my legs shaking.
Shimizu looked at me—then smiled again, as if nothing happened.
"It's okay."
He rubbed his neck.
He avoided eye contact, nervous because I wasn't saying anything—just staring at the ground.
"Ah… sorry. I am…"
I muttered, panting loudly. The sound echoed in the room.
I grabbed my stomach again—tighter this time.
Why is the pain worse now?
Shimizu panicked, wrapping his arms around me.
"Hey… are you listening?"
He shook me violently.
I was already on his knees. My stomach twisted in unbearable pain—like a million needles piercing inside.
It felt like it was going to burst.
I closed my eyes.
And fell—
Unconscious.
TO BE CONTINUED.