Botan's words rang through my mind as I hung onto them during my class. The teacher was barely audible above the questions that tugged at my heart. If he still loved me...why did he leave me? If he needed me, why hasn't he come to see me? I'm in the same place...the same apartment that he helped me move into. The same place I got to wake up to him day in and day out....

My breathing became shallow and my heart began to ache. Maybe Botan just said those words to keep my hopes up. Maybe he just tried to give me the same sliver of hope that I've held onto for so long...but no matter how hard I wanted him back...

"Well, today's the day you've all be waiting for, group projects!" The teacher, Professor Kazaki, of Intermediate Painting shouted.

The drones of the class reverberated through my body. I sighed heavily, not super stoked for it either. I thought I was a decent painter....evn though painting wasn't ever my thing. It was moreso a hobby. Heck, this was supposed to just be an elective but regardless what I painted, this teacher seemed like he was out to persecute me for ever wrong stroke.

"Psh, group painting project...sounds like a joy!" Kado, my best friend and bandmate, grumbled.

"Ha...I know right. But hey, what do you say about—"

"The theme will be 'Wandering Thoughts', so be creative with this! Use your imagination, don't just stick to one medium! The project is due in three weeks and drum roll...I'll be picking the groups for you all!"

"What?!" I almost shouted, suddenly sinking into despair from the teachers glance.

"Fuck." I whispered as Kado laughed, putting a calming hand on my shoulder.

"Don't worry, you'll be fine."

"Well, why don't we start off with you, Yuuto-san. How about—"

Sure...I thought, as long as I don't get partnered with...

"Niko."

I felt my heart drop in the pit of my stomach. 

"Nope, you're totally fucked!" Kado cackled.

"OMFG! No! Save me!" I plead, grasping onto Kado's jacket.

"Oh no, I'm not gunna hold your hand this time."

"But..." I squealed.

"Come on, you're our front man, Yuuto. You've been before worse. It'll be fine, and if he does anything stupid, I'll be right there to save you. Ok?"

"Ok." I gathered, watching our class mosy over to their partners.

I gathered my stuff and walked to the back of the class. I saw Niko, his head down...almost like he was lost in thought. Yet, after I ran into him yesterday, my anxiety heightened. He's probably going to force me to do the project for him...or worse! 

I gulped. No...he's just a guy...with a tattoo...yea...a guy with a tattoo. 

"Um," my voice shook as I hovered near him, "hi...I'm...Yuuto."

I snapped out of my trance, looking up to that kid who I bumped into yesterday. He shakingly held out his hand, and I just stared at it, confused. What was he doing here? And why did he look like I was going to...nvm. 

"What do you want?"

When I saw him quiver, taking his hand back, I realized that I was probably too harsh with my words.

"Uh...we're partners...the group project?"

"What group project?" I wondered.

"Ha," he smiled nervously, "the teacher just paired us up for an assignment that's due in three weeks. Our prompt is wandering thoughts."

Well...that prompt will be easy.

"Oh," was all I had to say at the moment. My mind wasn't on school, "you can sit down if you'd like."

"Uh...yea, thanks!" He chirped, taking up a seat beside me.

I wasn't good at small talk, but I also wanted to right a wrong. So, I dug in my jacket pocked with an envelope full of the cash he threw at me and placed it on the table infront of him.

"Here."

He looked at the envelope, staring at the N&R engraved on the front. Ever since I had made a name for myself and my artwork, I felt like having something more professional would make me more credible: even if that credibility was thanks to the mob.

"What's this?"

"The money you chucked at me yesterday."

"Please...please take the money. I can't give up my guitar...that's all I have to my name."

"I don't want your money and I don't want your guitar. I'm not," I sighed heavily.

"I just want to graduate and get out of here. I'm not looking for any trouble."

Yuuto looked at me then, his eyes changing from fear to sympathy. The more I looked at him, the more I wanted to look away. My heart panged from the thought of someone feeling sorry for me. It wasn't what I wanted.

"Oh...yea...I'm sorry...I...just everyone...." He started.

"I know."

"But...um...N&R...wait..."

"N&R...that's the artist who drew the slogan for Zetai!"

Zetai was an up and coming local rock band. Since I mainly work though an online website now a days, they ordered a drawing for their bands logo. I agreed and thought that my style suited the vibe they were going for...so at the end of the day it worked out.

"Yea."

"WAIT, YOU'RE N&R?!" Yuuto shouted, destoying my hearing and also quieting the class.

"Yea."

"Holy shit!! I've seen your artwork around!! You're...like famous!!"

I disagreed. My soul felt like a starving artist.

"We're totally getting an A on this!"

I saw his eyes sparkle, but that only made my temple pang. I didn't have the energy to keep up with him.

"So, when do you want to start gathering ideas or what not?"

He looked more like a puppy than a person. Once second he was afraid of me and the next, he was scooting uncomfortably close. 

I needed some air.

"Tomorrow."

I just threw something out after I heard the bell ring, grabbing my things to get away. Yet...Yuuto quickly got up and started following me. Yet, all I did was tune him out.