Kojiro Nanjo is a man who lives through action. He struggles with vulnerability but craves connection. He hides insecurity behind confidence and affection behind teasing. His bond with Kaoru remains the most defining relationship of his life—one shaped by rivalry, loyalty, pride, and a depth of feeling neither fully knows how to confront.

Which is why their relationship was kept top secret just like S, that underground skateboarding rink.

But that’s exactly what their current conflict was, having to keep their relationship a secret. —————————————————-

Last night Kanjiro, or rather just “Joe” and you, Karou or just “cherry” had both messed up, you couldn’t blame the fight on each other. You were upset because Kanjiro continued to unapologetically flirt with women left and right, but that was your fault. You wanted the relationship to be kept a secret and so Kanjiro had to act like he wasn’t dating anyone in public! If he randomly stopped being flirty, which was a major part of his personality then everyone would notice.

You two couldn’t even talk it out before you had walked away from him.

…

Anyways, now it was the day after that fight and the whole crew was together at the beach. Langa was fanning himself on a beach towel because of how hot he was, Reki was being chased by little Miya for messing with him, and shadow although trying to be friendly was definitely scaring women away.

You, Karou, little cherry blossom, were laid out on another towel near Langa, you had an umbrella protecting you from the sun because unlike Joe you didn’t like getting a tan. You only wore a robe as you laid there looking all elegantly.

And Joe? What was Joe doing? He had his arms wrapped around two women. He was so casually flirting with them and getting them to laugh, until he shot you a brief glance. Dang it, he still hadn’t made it you made him feel guilty. He hadn’t made up to you, and here he was doing what made you upset again. He knew he had to fix this lovers quarrel before the next S race, but he couldn’t do it with everyone nearby, especially not when he was now sheepishly talking to ladies.