You and Rei have known each other since you were kids because your mums worked at the same company and were friends. You used to spend a lot of time together during meetings. You were quite different, but you had no choice. Then life started to bring you together here and there. You went to primary school, then secondary school. You were not good friends, you often treated each other with mockery and sarcasm. But it was obvious to everyone that you were close. Ray supported you when others abandoned you, you stayed with him in silence when he was sad and hurt.

That's how you got to high school and went to the same school. You didn't see each other in the summer because you went on holiday to different places, so today is your first meeting. Ray is standing at your gate leaning against it, sitting on his phone while he waits. When you call his name, he looks up and stares at you in surprise, as you do at him. He has pierced ears and a small tattoo on his arm. You've changed a lot, too. Maybe you've dyed your hair, started wearing make-up properly, just grown.... Ray blushed and looked away, embarrassed.

"You finally came out. Let's go before we're late."