#crows zero 2007

The rhythmic sound of the train tracks is almost expected, the same noise I'd heard for as long as I can remember. It rocks and squeaks slightly with age, the district not having enough funds to get a newer model. No one really take this train anymore, it's off the main routes and most don't put in the effort to take a scenic ride on the outskirts of the city. But that's what I like, no one's ever there to bother me. Well that was until six months ago.

He'd shown up on a hot summer afternoon, looking confused at the empty train. It'd only been two stops since mine, having just finished school for the day. His gaze was calculated, looking down towards where I sat, then back the other way. I'd looked away when his gaze brushed over me, my mind suddenly finding the window interesting. A seat by the lengthy windows, far from where I'd sat, was where he chose to sit. The entire ride until my stop, he barely made a noise and had his eyes glued to the scenery that passed by, he was like a statue. After that ride, I didn't see him for a few days and I almost forgot about him completely. Until he showed up again. This time when he stepped into the again empty car, he spoke.

"Is this a ghost train or something?" He had asked, a short chuckle leaving his mouth.

"Or something" I responded with a small smile. He'd returned it before taking the same seat he did last time.

It went on like that for months, small conversation that lead into him moving to closer seats. Then it was full conversations and sitting in the same booth as me. Now it's like routine for him to take this train, talk for the thirty minute ride until I get off and repeat the same process the next day. There was no denying he was strategic and nice and... attractive. We'd gotten close over the months and I had to admit, it was pleasant having someone to talk to.

Today wasn't much different from any other and as I sat down on that worn seat I'd sat in for years, I felt myself relax a bit. It was normal for me to feel at ease on this always vacant train, but as of late, as we approach his stop, I grow nervous. Do I look good today? Is my hair a mess? What if my clothes are dirty and I just can't tell?

A flurry of shallow doubt comes on, even when I'm sure he wouldn't notice even if I was in absolute disarray. Would he even care? Does he care? A heat rises to my cheeks at the thought of my unsure feelings being somewhat reciprocated.

The trains breaks screech, signaling the stop is here already. Suddenly I find myself fixing my hair quickly, restraining myself from fiddling any more than I already am. The slight hiss of the door opening and the sound of heavy sneakers is the only sound that draws my attention to the entrance. And there he is, taking calm strides towards where I'm sat, his usual small smile plastered on his lips.

"Hey, Train Guy, what sensational stories do you have for me today?" My tone is beyond sarcastic, a smile making its way onto my face. He'd told me about many instances that have happened at Suzuran, bloody fights, the hierarchy, his goals. They were all very entertaining.

"I told you already, my name is Izaki. And not much, Genji's doing my head in" His answer is delivered casually as he slips into the seat in front of me, the train beginning to move.

"So the usual then?" I respond with a smirk. His only reaction is a short nod and an equally as wide smirk that mirrors mine. A short silence stretches on between us before he decids to speak.

"How's school?" His question is short, but genuine and he clears his throat afterwards, like it was hard for him to say. I narrow my eyes slightly at him, trying to read him. He'd never really had trouble saying what he wanted.

"It's good, exams are over finally so I'm basically free for the rest of the term" I answer with a tone of relief, enjoying the thought of no more stressful papers to complete.

He again nods shortly, looking out the window at the passing environment, while I watch his side profile. God, he's so handsome. I wonder what he might be thinking right now, where his mind has escaped to. The gentle sway of the train's movement is calming and I try not to stare too much.

"Still no boyfriend?" He asks suddenly, his voice inquisitive. It catches me so off guard I almost choke on my own spit.

"Uh- No, definitely not" My voice shakes slightly with nervousness, who the hell asks that out of the blue?

"Good" The one word answer pushes me further into shock, I keep my eyes on him as he turns his head to face me again. And he looks pleased, an expression I don't see him wear often. "Because I want you to be mine"

It's blunt and leaves my mouth agape, my mind struggles to process his words without malfunctioning. I close my mouth finally, looking down at my lap with heated cheeks.

"You shouldn't joke about that" I say softly, deflecting his obvious confession. I can feel his eyes on me and I keep my gaze away.

"I'm not joking, but I will understand if I'm not who you want" His voice is lowered, like he's trying to calm me.

"I do want you- you just can't be so blunt all the time" I respond, finally looking up at him. There's a wide smile that sits on his face, like this is the happiest moment of his life. I can't help but mirror his expression.

"Being blunt is easier than beating around the bush" He says conclusively, this time keeping his eyes on me and I can't seem to break away from his gaze either.

Working at a bookstore always had its interesting experiences, especially when I'm usually the only person on shift everyday. Despite still being in high school, I was always rostered on, I guess being in senior year was bound to have it's downsides. The boss was always so picky about who worked here, not that it really mattered as long as you were competent. But over the two years I'd been employed here, I seem to be the only one who stuck. Not that my boss was ever mean or harsh, just didn't accept lazy or disrespectful staff. That's how I always ended up on the same schedule every week. Not that I minded, consistency was oddly relaxing, not having to worry about what to do next, always knowing.

The shop is small, yet packed with book shelves and a single table seating area right at the front of the main floor, across from the counter. I'd always loved the vintage and cozy vibe this building had, tucked away on a back street, like a little treasure that you'd only be able to find if you looked hard enough or stumbled across by accident.

One thing that kept me around this job for so long, was the people. With every face that stepped through that entrance came a new story, a new corner of the world I'd never learned about, a new adventure. The odd sense of home I got from the regulars who frequented for the newest reads or even the classics, always put a smile on my face. Though there was someone who stopped by often, despite never buying anything.

Tamao Serizawa had slipped into my life fairly nonchalantly, so much so that I don't entirely remember ever meeting him in the first place. Though I do recall the first time I'd seen him, walking past the open doors of the bookstore about a year and a half ago. He'd been surrounded by his group of friends, laughing along with them. He hadn't noticed me back then, but that changed a few months later.

I had easily forgotten about seeing him, I saw almost a hundred faces a day, even if it was just from people watching when the store was dead. It was a Monday afternoon when he'd entered the shop with his usual gang, I'd been adding pricing labels to newly arrived books from behind the counter near the door. They all wore classic school boy uniforms, yet they all seemed to be tweaked differently, defining them to being individual. They'd piled in near the entrance and brushed off my offer for assistance, though a pair of eyes seemed to linger on me. Even after they had looked around and left without purchasing anything, I couldn't shake the feeling of having someone watching me. Though I tried to brush it off as nonchalantly as I could.

That was until they began to come in more frequently, sometimes it was the whole group and other times it was only two or three of them but Tamao was always amongst them. Soon, they'd started spending most afternoons in the small seating area near the front of the store, never reading but always talking, plotting things I'd only eavesdropped on when I got bored. It became apparent to me pretty quickly that they were a part of one of the neighboring gang schools, though I didn't judge, there was no point, not when I didn't know them. After their first few rendezvous, they began including me in conversations, some were incredibly trivial, the kind of chats you'd have with friends. And others were serious, asking for advice and even if I didn't know how to answer, I tried my best.

On most weekends, Serizawa came in alone. Browsing the visual novel section, making small talk and asking for recommendations. He was always more engaged and at ease when he was alone, like he had more time to think without someone talking in his ear all the time. It's something I found comfort in, getting to see two separate sides to the same person. I wonder if he was like this with his friends, if he was actually always this calm and I just overlooked it when he was surrounded by others. But I definitely grew attracted to this side of him and eventually began to watch him more often, even if it was brief glances in his direction.

Today was no different than any other, heading straight to work after my final class of the day, changing out of my uniform in the stores bathroom and relieving my co-worker from their shift. I head out to the main floor and take a seat on the wooden stool behind the counter. My eyes scan the open notebook that sits next to the cash register, going over the list of responsibilities I have to complete before closing the store for the night.

Then the entrance bell rings and I don't even need to look up to know who it is, I'd heard them before they even made it to the door. The familiar sound of chatter and heavy shoes against the hardwood floors makes me smile. I raise my head to see exactly the people I'd expected.

"Hey guys, finally decide to indulge yourselves in literature?" I joke, knowing the answer is a resounding no. I take in all of their appearances, looking how they always do, save for a few extra bruises. My eyes linger on Serizawa for a split second, his gaze already fixed on me by the time I look towards him.

"Not today, but maybe one of these days" Tokio speaks up first, over the chorus of greetings I received.

"I could use a good book" Tokaji mumbles, already heading over to the seating area with Tsutsumoto.

"Serizawa's definitely trying to indulge in something else" The Mikami brothers whisper to each other, snickering at their own teasing words. They earn a slap on the back of the head by the man himself, the same hand retracting to run through his short hair.

"Don't mind them, monkeys haven't had their banana today" Serizawa's voice is thick as he lunges towards the brothers who scurry away to join everyone else at the table. He turns back to me, giving a small smile. "Yellow suits you" He adds softly, referring to the crew neck sweater I wore, before turning to join the others.

I smile at his words, feeling my heart leap in my chest. My eyes follow him to where he sits, it's kind of odd seeing him so outwardly different when he is around his friends, knowing there's a whole other side to him. I need to stop staring before any of them notice, even worse if it's Tamao himself. I busy myself with the duties of the checklist that's been taunting me since I sat down, but don't miss the feeling of someone watching me.

I hadn't even noticed how late it had gotten until I come out from the back room and it's getting dark outside. Tamao and his gang had left not too long ago, having said their goodbyes before disappearing down the street, while I continued to pack up for the night.

I let out a sigh of relief, happy to be finally heading home. I double check that I've locked the doors properly before turning to start my walk home, maybe I'll catch a taxi instead, I'm tired tonight. But as I turn to my left, there he is. Tamao Serizawa, standing under a yellowed street lamp with a half finished cigarette hanging from his lips, which he exhales the smoke through his nose. He's facing me, watching me like he usually does. Except this isn't usual, he's never here when I close the store, not that I've noticed at least. But overall, he seems to have been waiting for me. He flicks the cigarette to the pavement and puts it out with his foot, clearing his throat as he takes a few slow steps towards me.

"Serizawa? Is everything okay?" I ask, a slight concern filling my voice. Blame it on the overthinking, but I jump to the conclusion he might need support, whether it be emotionally or physically. Though as he lets out a calm chuckle, I think he might want something else.

"I hope so" He responds shortly, a smirk ghosting his lips as he stops when he's close enough to talk more gently. "Sorry to make you worry, I just thought I could walk you home." He clears his throat, "It can get... lonely"

I sort of blink at him as I purse my lips, trying to hold back a smile at his reasoning. It was clearly an excuse but I let it slide, barely. I notice the way the corner of his lips quirk up and his eyes squint, obviously being aware of how blatant his defense is. Now we're both standing here, staring at each other in the dim light of the side walk, clearly trying not to laugh. He tries to break his expression but ends up falling into a deeper grin.

"Yep" I squeak out, closing my eyes as my voice cracks with a rising laugh. "It can, how thoughtful of y... you" My slight pause comes from the lurch of my body as I try my hardest not to laugh at the expression he's making, he looks like he's trying to hold in a sneeze and I probably don't look much different.

We both let out a small snicker at each other, which devolves into a chuckle and a laugh. It feels like I'm melting into this moment and the implications of why he'd want to walk me home has my heart racing. We try to compose ourselves, a small giggle here and there. He looks down at his shoes before back up, seemingly regained his previous demeanor, despite the curl of a smile on his lips.

"Let's go, it's late as is" He tries to be serious and I let him, let him be who he wants to be. I nod in agreement with him and as I begin to walk, he follows.

It's not long before we're in my neighborhood, I'd always lived close to where I worked, not wanting to have to take the packed trains everyday. We'd walked in near silence the whole way here. It didn't bother me though, if anything it was sort of endearing, not feeling like I have to talk all the time. Serizawa is the first to break the silence as we near my house.

"I don't want to mess this up" His voice is vulnerable, it almost shocks me into freezing but I match his slowing steps and look towards him. I open my mouth to speak, ask if somethings going on but he cuts me off before I can.

"You mean a lot to me, more than I thought you would. You were always beautiful to me and I couldn't stop myself from coming back to you, even when I wasn't sure. But now I am sure, I know how I feel and I don't want you to slip away without ever telling you." His voice is the calm, soft tone it always was when we were alone together and my heart leaps to my throat at the realization of what he's trying to say.

"Serizawa, are y-"

"I like you a lot and if you are willing, I'd love to take you out" He speaks again before I can finish my sentence. He seems so assured in what he's saying. A smile is now growing on my lips as I go to respond, to tell him I'd love to.

"Tama-" And once again, before I can say any more he interrupts, this time sounding slightly more nervous and he holds an unreadable expression. He brings his hand up to run his fingers through his hair.

"I understand if you don't feel the same way but I needed to at least tell you, I wouldn't be able to let you go if I didn't say anything" He concludes sincerely and this time he finally looks towards me. I can't help but grin and the heat that's rushes to my cheeks tells me I'm blushing. He looks unsure, like he thinks I might just start laughing at him.

"You know what I love about you?" I start, a small laugh escaping my lips. "How you let me finish my sentences" It's like a weight has been lifted off his shoulders as he mirrors my smile, giving a small chuckle. It's my turn to cut him off as he opens his mouth to say something.

"And, I love when you come around and the way you run your hand through your hair when you're nervous" My grin widens as he looks away slightly, seemingly surprised I'd noticed his anxious habit. I place my hand on his arm softly, "And I'd love to go out with you"

His smile widens and his expression is something I've never seen him have before, it's a mixture of relief and adoration. The way his eyes are trained on mine in the soft glow of the street lamps, it has my heart pounding. I let myself relax, relieved that my feelings weren't one sided.

"Then it's settled, let's date?" He asks, sounding like he's double checking that's what I really meant.

I can't help but grin wider, shaking my head softly in disbelief. Pushing the gate to my house and holding it open with my body, I face out into the street to look at him, I nod reassuring.

"Yeah, let's date, unless you've already changed your mind" I tease him softly and I watch as he rolls his eyes sarcastically. It feels odd how easily we seems to fit in with each other, feeling closer and more confident.

"I could kiss you right now" He says those words like it's the most natural thing to say in this moment and maybe it is, but I still feel my face burn in a deeper blush. He lets out a chuckle and stuffs his hands in his pockets, preparing to leave. But I don't want him to go, not yet at least.

"Then do it" I take a step closer to him, hearing the gate squeak softly as it moves with me.

He looks up towards me now that I'm standing on the small step that leads to the gate, his eyes shine with something I can't quite recognize. He takes a step forwards as well and I lean down slightly so I can reach his face. One of his hands withdraws from his pocket, raising to rest on the curve of my waist and my hand moves to cradle his jaw. Our lips connect in a soft but quick kiss, one that leaves me wanting more. His lips are cold but inviting and I don't want this to end. As I pull back gently, I feel his hand leave my side and mine retracts back to tuck under the warmth of my crew neck.

"Goodnight, Tamao" I whisper, leaning in to press a chaste kiss to his cheek.

I enter the front area of my house and begin to close the gate as he steps out of view behind the solid fence of my property, not before hearing a small 'night' come from him. As I approach my front door, the hum of a tv playing fills my ears. Though as I step up on the front step that leads to the threshold of the building, I turn back to look over the top of the fence, watching the back of Tamao's body get further and further away.

"You're crazy, the matcha one is the worst flavour!" My tone holds an incredulousness, as I eye the bottle of Ramune soft drink in Tokio's grasp. "We did not go out of our way just for you to buy the worst flavour imaginable"

I scrunch my nose in faux disgust and he rolls his eyes at my dramatics, being far too used to my personality by now. I reach into the small drinks fridge myself and pull out a bottle with a watermelon label, smiling in satisfaction that they have my favourite flavour. The glass is refreshingly cold in contrast to the warmth of the afternoon.

"Well, kiss goodbye getting that thing open then because I'm not helping you" Tokio's voice comes out in it's usual rasp, plucking the drink from my hands and heading to the counter to pay for both of our drinks. I gape at his response, putting my hand over my chest in feigned offence.

"Screw you, what kind of boyfriend are you?" I tsk softly, offering a small smile to the cashier as I follow him out of the convenience store and onto the empty seaside path. The small chime of the doorway sings and the heat of the afternoon hits me once we exit the small building.

"The kind that just paid for your drink" He slows his steps so we are in sync, his hand fiddling with the plastic around the rim of the bottles.

"Okay, Mr. Bare minimum" My voice is sarcastic and a giggle escapes my lips at the chuckle that leaves him. His eyes wander over the railing and towards the sunset, I follow his gaze and breathe a sigh of content at the gorgeous sight.

The sky is painted in golden yellows and rich oranges, there's something so captivating about it. But as our stroll slows, my eyes flicker to his face. The way his features are bathed in this godly light, his dark hair sitting against his forehead and how he looks so serene in this moment. It's like a reminder of how in love I am with him. I look away softly as his head begins to turn to look at me, breathing in the smell of sea salt that's carried in on a gentle breeze. Though I can't see his face, I can tell he's having the same moment that I just did and the thought makes my heart race in my chest.

"Here" Tokio's voice is gentle and quiet. My gaze returns to him as a distinct 'POP' comes from his hands, He extends the now open drink towards me with his usual soft grin.

"Aw, I knew you loved me" I respond with a giggle, taking the cold drink from his hands and taking a small sip. I smile softly in joy at the taste, glancing over at Tokio as he does the same with his own beverage. I also catch the way he playfully rolls his eyes once again, it makes me giggle against the rim of the bottle.

"I feel like I've made that pretty obvious" His words hold the familiar weight of truth, even when his tone is teasing. I look towards him with slightly pursed lips.

"Hm, have you?" My gaze returns forwards and my finger taps my chin in pretend thought. In my peripheral, I watch as Tokio whips his head in my direction, his expression full of disbelief.

Before I can react properly, I feel his lips press against my cheek in a firm, yet natural, kiss. I turn to face him as he pulls back with a smirk, my hand raising to touch the spot on my cheek.

"Wow, not even a proper kiss" I whine softly, giving him a doe eyed look. He simply looks out towards the sunset again.

"Not with that attitude" He steps grow faster and I jog lightly to catch up. Giggling as I try to reach him, he simply dodges my hand reaching towards his back and suddenly he's running and I'm sprinting after him.