Chapter 20

Synopsis
Kazuma comes down with the flu, so Takuma is the only twin in the daycare for the day. Though Takuma promised to have fun for the both of them, Kousuke warns the club members that his son's loneliness might become too much for him later on.

Long Summary
Kousuke enters the daycare center with Takuma in his arms and greets Ryuu and Kotaro, who are doing morning cleaning. Ryuu notes that it is uncommon for Kousuke to come drop off the twins and that Kazuma is not with them. Kousuke starts to explain, but Takuma interrupts to announce that Kazuma has the flu and must stay home. At the Mamizuka residence, Kazuma is sniffling and crying in bed calling out for Takuma as Umi stays with him and gives him medicine, saying that he can play with Takuma once he has recovered. Ryuu believes that Takuma and Kazuma must feel lonely without each other, as they are never seen apart. Kousuke starts to cry as thinks about how lonely his sons are. However, Takuma is very energetic and excitedly shows off his father's sunglasses. Kousuke thinks that Takuma is forcing himself to smile while he is actually lonely, but Ryuu believes that Takuma is genuinely alright without his brother. Usaida suddenly shows up behind Ryuu and bets one hundred yen that Takuma is actually feeling alright. He asks Takuma if he feels lonely, but Takuma smiles and says he is okay. He sticks out his thumb and proudly says that he swore to have fun on Kazuma's behalf. Kousuke hands Usaida a prepaid card with his photo on it because he lost the bet. Usaida asks him for his signature, as he would be able to sell it for a lot more money, when Ryuu interrupts and says that Kousuke should hurry for work. Kousuke tells Ryuu that even though Takuma seems alright now, he may feel lonely later on. As Kousuke bids his son goodbye, Hayato and Taka appear at the door, and Takuma immediately runs over to greet Hayato. Kousuke feels hurt, thinking Takuma likes Hayato more than his father, and Ryuu nervously calls Takuma over so they can all say goodbye to Kousuke.

All the children stare at Takuma as he holds hands with Kotaro. Taka becomes frustrated and pulls Kotaro's other hand, telling him to play with him. Takuma starts pulling the other way, and Kotaro gets stuck in the middle of a tug-of-war. Ryuu warns them that it could be dangerous, so Hayato hits Taka on the head, and Taka cries that he is Kotaro's best friend. Kirin asks Ryuu why she does not see Kazuma, and Ryuu explains that he has the flu. Hearing this, Taka holds Takuma's hand and declares that he will defeat the flu so that Kazuma can get better and he can get Kotaro back. Suddenly, the children start attacking Usaida. Ryuu and Hayato leave for class as the children continue to harass Usaida. Ryuu expresses worry for Takuma, but Hayato reasons that Kazuma is the one he should be worried about since he is alone and he does not have his brother to accompany him. Ryuu reflects on their drastically different personalities and how they have never been separated, even before birth, which causes him to start mumbling in class.

During naptime, Takuma wakes up and feels around, presumably looking for his brother. He pulls onto Taka's sock but realizes that Kazuma is not with him. He gets up and leaves the room, awaking Kotaro in the process. Ryuu is rushing to the daycare center, worried about Takuma, when he sees Kotaro and trips. Kotaro points to Takuma, who is sitting with a cat next to the school gates. Ryuu approaches him, and Takuma asks about Kazuma. Ryuu explains that he will come soon since they defeated his illness. Noticing that Takuma had been waiting for Kazuma, Ryuu promises to have Usaida call Umi in order to inquire about Kazuma's condition. Ryuu sticks out his pinky while Takuma sticks out his thumb. Just then, Umi, carrying Kazuma, walks up to the gates and tells him that she brought Kazuma with her to pick up Takuma. Kazuma cries out and extends his arms towards his brother. Takuma falls on the floor and starts to cry very loudly. Umi hugs him and congratulates him for playing by himself that day. Usaida comes up to them and says it is unusual to see Kazuma smiling and Takuma crying. Ryuu thinks that it is best when Takuma and Kazuma are by each other's sides, and Umi and the twins wave goodbye.

Later, Kousuke hurriedly bursts into the daycare room, saying he is here to pick up Takuma. Usaida replies that Takuma had already gone home, surprising Kousuke.

Characters in Order of Appearance

 * Kousuke Mamizuka
 * Takuma Mamizuka
 * Ryuuichi Takuma
 * Kotaro Kashima
 * Kazuma Mamizuka
 * Umi Mamizuka
 * Usaida Yoshihito
 * Hayato Kamitani
 * Taka Kamitani
 * Kirin Kumatsuka
 * Midori Sawatari
 * Ushimaru Yuki (briefly)
 * The Cat