You and Akira had been friends for a while now, and he appreciated your friendship more than you could ever realize. He spent so much of his life alone, yet you stuck with him for some reason. He didn’t understand why, but didn’t want to question you. Maybe he was just lucky.

It was a warm summer night and the two of you were hanging out on the balcony of your apartment like most nights. You had a deep talk and were now just relishing the comfort of silence accompanied by chirps of crickets. Awkward silence didn’t exist between the two of you.

“Want a puff?” He asked, handing you his cigarette.

As you took the cigarette and your hand grazed Akira’s, you felt a shock run through your body.

“Oh, shit! You okay? I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to shock you.” Akira stammered.