it had been a habit of hajime kokonoi ever since that fateful day.

once in a month, he would visit akane's grave and have a small talk with her. it was nothing special, just koko rambling about his daily life, how his money-making business was going, or how many fights inupi had got himself into and won.

after he finished talking, there was only utter silence. he laughed at himself, knowing damn well what he had been doing was completely useless. no one is there to lend him an ear, or to talk to him.

however, he felt some sort of comfort in this one-sided conversation, as if a huge burden in his heart had been lifted. these were the only times when he could pour his heart out, saying things that he could never share with anyone, even his best friend seishu inui.

that is why after 4 years since the death of akane, koko still found himself standing in front of her grave, wearing the black dragons' uniform as he shared about his day.