He couldnât remember the last time he had been to the beach. Judging by the fact that the silhouette of his father was clear in his memory of it, though, he was sure it had been at least twenty years prior, before or just right after Jean Otus became the center of his life.
    It took him completely by surprise when Jean asked him to meet with him there, but even when he didnât have the slightest idea of what the blond manâs reasons could be (he did consider the possibility that a reason wasnât really necessary and it would make perfect sense if the other just wanted to have quality time with his best friend in a relaxing environment), he made sure to be there early.
   Sitting in the sand right at the edge of the water, bare feet buried where the sea would caress them with every rise up, his eyes fixed in a spot far beyond the line where the water and the sky collided, heart content with the view, the feeling of the moment and the company of the one whose mere existence gave meaning to his lonely life.
  âIâd say I only came because you asked, but we both know thatâs not exactly true.â The tease was evident in his tune as he spoke, also accentuated by the slight grin present in his lips. âWhy did you want me to be here?â
  The question doesnât exactly bother him, but he has to wonder if there had
   to be a reason. Niino often was with him anyway, he had been for year
   after year whether Jean had been aware of it or not, but...like heâd thought
   before, there was something special about directly asking.
  Digging his toes in the sand, uniform sleeves and pant legs rolled up, jacket
   discarded somewhere nearby, Jean had let himself relax completely. It was
   obvious that, with Niino and Lotta (who had insisted she should come since
   he was inviting Niino) he wasnât so tight and unwilling to break. It was good
   to see Jean like this.
  âDoes there have to be a reason?â he questions while resting his chin on
   top of his knees, eyes glancing out at the open sea. It was so vast and
   Jean loved it. It wouldâve been nice if they had such a thing in BÄdon. âI
   always want you around me. Besides Lotta, youâre the closest person to