**Chapter 1: Summer's Bittersweet Solace**

The sun beat down on the quiet neighborhood streets, radiating off the pavement like a relentless drumbeat. Summer had officially begun, and with it, the languid days that seemed to stretch on forever. For Mitsuba Sousuke, it was a bittersweet time. On one hand, he loved the freedom that came with the school break. On the other, he felt a pang of loneliness every time he thought about his dad, who had passed away a few years ago. Mitsuba adjusted his tiny ponytail, a habitual gesture that had become as natural as breathing. His pink hair, a trait that had made him the target of bullying in the past, now stood as a testament to his resilience. He had learned to style it in a way that made him appear more masculine, a deliberate attempt to counter the feminine features that seemed to cling to him like a shadow. His pink eyes sparkled with a mischievous glint as he made his way to Kou Minamoto's house. As he walked, the scent of fresh-cut grass and the distant hum of lawnmowers filled the air, transporting him to a place of comfort. Kou's house was a sanctuary of sorts, a place where Mitsuba could be himself without fear of judgment. His family had grown accustomed to his frequent visits, and they always kept the door unlocked for him. Mitsuba's sharp features twisted into a smirk as he pushed open the door and called out, "Kou! I'm here!" The interior of the house was cool and quiet, a welcome respite from the summer heat. He dropped his backpack on the floor and made his way to the kitchen, where Kou was likely to be. Sure enough, Kou was hunched over the stove, a chef's hat perched on his head as he expertly flipped a pancake. The aroma of freshly cooked batter and syrup wafted through the air, making Mitsuba's stomach growl with anticipation. Kou's blonde hair was tied back in a messy knot, and his blue eyes sparkled with warmth as he caught Mitsuba's gaze. "Hey, Sousuke! Just in time for breakfast," Kou said, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. Mitsuba slid onto a stool at the counter, his eyes drifting to the traffic earring on Kou's ear. "Ugh, that thing is so ugly. Why do you still wear it?" he teased, earning a chuckle from Kou. The earring, red with white text, had become a familiar sight to Mitsuba, and he couldn't help but poke fun at it every chance he got. Kou's tan skin and dusting of freckles across his cheeks only added to his rugged charm, a stark contrast to Mitsuba's own delicate features. As they ate, Mitsuba regaled Kou with stories of his Roblox adventures, his pink eyes sparkling with excitement. Kou listened attentively, a warm smile on his face, his eyes crinkling at the corners. The comfort and familiarity of the moment washed over Mitsuba, and he felt a pang of affection for Kou. It was a feeling he'd grown accustomed to, but one that still made him squirm with unease. He wasn't sure how to process these emotions, or how to reconcile them with the expectations he'd placed on himself. As they finished breakfast, Kou's phone buzzed on the counter. He glanced at the screen and frowned. "Teru's trying to cook lunch again. I should probably go help him." Mitsuba raised an eyebrow. "You know better than to let him cook. That guy can't even boil water without setting it on fire." Kou chuckled. "I know, I know. But he's trying, and Tiara's getting restless. I'll go see what I can do." As Kou headed out of the kitchen, Mitsuba watched him go, a mixture of emotions swirling in his chest. He knew he needed to leave, to get back to his own life, but the thought of being anywhere else but here, with Kou, felt suffocating. What happens next?