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Since the test of courage would be done at night, I took my time and walked around town for a bit. Though I worried about leaving Tatsu-nii alone with Torahiko given what could happen with alcohol in the scene, Tora had the rope and other forms of restraint ready just in case. So, I was strolling around town and the streets had people roaming about, human and beastman alike. Given that it was a Sunday, what should I have expected? Looking back to when I went shopping with Kyouji-san, it became obvious that there would be less people since it was a weekday, some probably in Kazenari for work.

The shopping arcade was even busier. People were in the stalls with some looking around and others carrying brown bags of the wares they bought. Some food carts were already out at this time, the stall owners shouting out to attract customers. What caught my eye though is this little cart that sold freshly-made ice cream. I didn't recall anyone selling ice cream in carts when I stayed here so maybe it was new. I went to the cart, manned by a middle-aged bull, and asked for the flavors they had.

"Well, there's chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla," he said. "And matcha and azuki for the older folks. I shuffle the flavors every day, you know?"

"Oh? That should keep the kids coming," I smiled.

The bull crossed his arms. "Sure did! Everyday's a surprise. You never know what you're gonna get. So, what'll it be?"

"Hmm..." I looked at the signage. "150 yen for a scoop. 50 yen for a cone, 60 for a cup. Maybe-"

Before I could say my order, someone from my far left shouted for me. "Hiro-chan...!"

I turned. "Ah, Kenji! Good afternoon! Er, where's Juuichi-san?"

The bear frowned and placed a hand to his chest. "Ouch! You break my heart, Hiro-chan. Second time I've seen you and you ask for Bro. How cruel!"

"Oh come on! You know I missed you too. Want some ice cream?"

Kenji turned to the owner. "Got anything with honey today, ossan?"

The bull snorted. "Perfect timing, Kenji-kun! Vanilla's made with honey today." It was surprising that the owner knew Kenji, but given how long I was out of the village, I thought it to be natural.

"Then vanilla please! Three scoops on cone!" Kenji said, taking a 1000-yen bill out of his pocket. "What'll you have, Hiro-chan? It's my treat."

"Eh? But that's-"

"Come on. Take your pick." The bear winked.

Turning to the owner, I made my order. "Then, chocolate and matcha please. On cone."

Humming and smiling, the bull grabbed his scooper and two waffle cones, scooping ice cream into them: three vanillas for Kenji, and a chocolate and matcha for mine. It was a strange combination, I would admit. Even the owner found it funny as I was one of the few younger people who ordered the flavors meant for the older ones. If he found me ordering matcha strange, he should wait until he put out the rum raisin! With enough money and if he would allow, I would take a bucket of the stuff!

Anyway, the owner gave us our orders and Kenji handed over the money, getting his change shortly after. We left the cart and Kenji joined me for my short aimless stroll around town. The heat wasn't too bad since it was three in the afternoon, but we still had to eat the ice cream quickly as we walked or risk getting our hands sticky. That said the ice cream was delicious, better than the ones sold in the city. It was so soft and creamy, I only had to use my lips to take a bite off of it. And the matcha-flavored one was just right, not too bitter and not too sweet.

When we reached the park we took shade in one of the gazebos at the far end, fanning ourselves to cool down and dry our sweaty selves. Kenji needed little effort seeing as all he wore on top was an open-button hawaiian shirt. Seeing his not-too-rounded belly though along with his bulging chest and large arms was a treat to my eyes, but it was neither the time nor place to perv out on people, much more to a friend. Kenji turned to me and, judging by the grin on his face, caught on to what was running in my head. Compared to Juuichi-san, Kenji always had a keen sense of intuition on people's thoughts, so much that it bordered on mind reading. It had its uses, like telling whether or not Kounosuke was lying on something. But for the most part he just used it to mess the living hell out of us.

"Well, it sure is hot out today," Kenji said, taking off his shirt. "Much better. Don't want to get my shirt all sweaty."

I stammered. "T-The hell?! K-Kenji, please! Not in public!"

Kenji flexed his arms and winked at me "Ohoho! So you want it private then?"

I was at a loss for words.

"Relax, Hiro-chan!" he said, setting his shirt on the table. "People rarely come to this spot so we have this whole thing to ourselves."

"But still... Wait, what are you implying?"

He opened up his arms. "Wanna snuggle? It's a limited time offer only for t-o-d-a-y."

It was way too good to be true. The whole thing played out like a scene from a visual novel or something. Either the heat got to both of our heads, or Kenji was planning something. Then again, a chance like this could only come once in a lifetime. But what if it was all some elaborate prank of his? Ah, but the heat was too unbearable for me to think straight. I took my chance and sat closer to his side, my arms on my sides and him putting his arm on my shoulder.

"Still a bit shy, huh? Take your time," he said with a smile.

I rest my head on the side of his chest. "So, does this mean you're-"

"Yep, homo." He smiled and ruffled my hair. "And you pretty much gave yourself away when you were eyeing me."

I frowned. "Oh? Let's test how accurate your 'gaydar' is. Guess Kounosuke."

"Curious, but really close to gay. Who else?"

"Tatsu-nii."

"Bi, and could be seen from outer space. I should know. We screwed around one time he and I got piss drunk."

So, Kenji and Tatsu-nii were no longer virgins. I didn't know whether to be curious about it or feel jealous at that fact. Then again, Tatsu-nii was already an adult by standards so it wasn't much of a big deal. And Kenji looked like the guy who wouldn't mind having a little "fun" here and there. That aside there was someone else in my mind that I wanted to ask, but I decided to hold back. "I... I'm done."

"Great. Now how about giving big old Kenji a cuddle?"

Even though he and Juuichi-san had almost the same heavy build, Kenji's softer appearance made him more of the type for a good cuddling. And so, feeling a little more comfortable, I held him close like a giant teddy bear - not too far from the truth if I must say. Unlike the heat of the sun, the heat Kenji had was more of the warming, comforting type. It seemed a bit weird since we were out in public yes, but I thought there was nothing wrong with two friends showing a little skinship to each other. Well I mean, me and Tora already had a moment like that yesterday.

"Hey, Hiro-chan," Kenji said, petting my back. "If you got things to ask about stuff like this, don't hesitate to ask okay?"

I chuckled. "Trying to be the 'gay big bro' huh? I always thought Juuichi-san was better suited for roles like that."

"True. But I know more about these things. And Bro doesn't swing that way. Or does he? Not telling!" The bear stuck out his tongue at me.

"Fine then! I'd rather hear it from him."

Kenji's expression changed. "I doubt he'll tell you anything. Not after..."

"After what?"

"Oh, nothing," he said, letting me go and putting his shirt back on. "Well, the sun's setting now. We should go."

Then I recalled about the test of courage we were supposed to do this evening. We got up and left the gazebo, me feeling like I was floating above the clouds after my moment with Kenji. As we approached the park's exit, he thanked me for the time and had me give Tora a greeting. Before we parted though, he gave me a quick smooch on the forehead which caught me off-guard and had me frozen in place.

"For luck," Kenji said. "Enjoy the rest of Summer alright? See you!"

Even when he already left, I still stood in place, hand on my forehead. In that moment, I received my first forehead kiss from a guy. Not as good as a kiss on the lips, but hey a kiss is a kiss