Chapter 2

~Their Hearts' Depths~

Fuji's POV

It was a miracle how I got to stand beside Tezuka for the whole three hours of practice without passing out due to the constant tremors in my chest. I thought my heart would explode. I considered avoiding him but if I really did that, he and the others would probably get suspicious and I hate answering embarrassing questions.

I was already walking through the school gates when I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I turned around and there he was, the man of my dreams, trying to catch up to me.

"Tezuka."

Since he's taller than I am, he needed to look down in order to look at me in the eye. "Going straight home?"

I nodded. Kaidoh's gone home with Inui as well as Taka-san, and Ooishi has been invited by Momo and Eiji to burger. It has been a while since Tezuka and I have been left alone. How many times have Tezuka and I walked home alone together? So many that I already lost count.

We stopped as we finally reached my house.

Meow~

Tezuka and I looked at the Himalayan Spotted cat waiting for me as I opened the gates. I reached for it and brought it close to my chest.

"Karupin." I smiled.

"What's Echizen's cat doing in your house, Fuji?"

Is it just my imagination or do I really hear a hint of jealousy in Buchou's voice?

Still, I decided to reply as normal as possible. "He asked me to take care of Karupin when he's gone and I said I wouldn't mind."

Before Tezuka could talk any further, Oneechan appeared from the front door.

"So, this is where Karupin went to." She smiled. "Syusuke, okairi. And good afternoon to you, Tezuka-kun."

"Good afternoon to you, too, Yumiko-san." Tezuka politely bowed.

"Would you like a cup of tea before you go, Tezuka-kun?" Oneechan offered.

Tezuka answered with a mere smile. "I would love to Yumiko-san but I'm afraid I have to decline for now. Okaasan is expecting me to be home before the sun sets."

"Well, some other time then."

Tezuka turned to me. "I'd better be going, Fuji."

"Okay," I replied. "Take care."

I watched him disappear around the corner and when I turned to the house, I saw Oneechan giggling like there's no tomorrow.

I know why, of course.

I ignored her and entered the house. I could feel the blood pool on my cheeks.

"You two really suit each other," Oneechan teased, settling Karupin on the sofa. "You look like a really young couple back there."

"You're talking nonsense again, Oneechan." I defended. "There's no way that would ever happen."

"Who says so? He's a guy and you're a g– "

"Obaachan says so."

That made her stop. The next five minutes was filled with silence as Oneechan stared sadly at me and I continued to stare at Karupin licking his paw, my usual smile no longer on my face.

"Syusuke…"

"It's my fault." I tried to smile. "You and Yuuta have been really kind enough to accept me even though I'm just –"

"Syusuke," Oneechan interrupted. "It's not your fault. It's nobody's fault. I don't even blame Otousan or Éclair-san. We are happy to be with you. Okaasan too. You don't have to think about Obaachan, she's a damn old witch."

I laughed a little at my sister's remark. She never failed to show how much she hate our grandmother.

Suddenly, she wrapped her arms around me and held me close.

"It's okay, Syusuke. I know you've been suffering for a long time now, but, everything will be okay. I promise. Otousan will find a way. We will find a way."

I felt my lips turn into a smile. Everything will be fine. I hope.

Tezuka's POV

Every time I see Fuji's family, whether it may be his sister or his brother, I can't help but wonder if he's adopted. Even the late Ms. Fuji doesn't look like him. Though Fuji's and his siblings' hair colors are the same, the facial features and eyes are all different. In any way you look at him, Fuji really looks like a girl with his soft and clear skin, angelic face, sharp and thin nose, long lashes, and the piercingly, beautiful cerulean blue eyes. I almost want to believe that Fuji's really half-French – 'cause that's the most popular rumor in Seigaku since middle school. But, from what I know of his family history, they're pure Japanese.

It has always been a mystery to me as to why I feel so attached to Fuji. I tried to avoid him once when we're in middle school but, by the end of the day, I found myself standing beside him again while watching a tennis match. I wouldn't consider him my best friend though – I don't really have one – but someone I can completely trust. Besides, he's the only person who can see clearly through my reserved façade.

If only Fuji is a girl…

Wait! What am I thinking? I'm so stupid to think that way towards my friend.

"Kunimitsu?" Okaasan peeked from their bedroom. "What are you doing? You've been standing in front of your room for quite awhile but your lips are moving and your face looks panic-stricken."

"Oh, sorry." I apologized, mentally whacking my head for being caught off-guard again. "I've been thinking about school stuff a lot lately."

"Ah. I see. Don't push yourself too hard, okay?" Then she closed the door with a smile.

I entered my room and opened the lights. I settled on my bed and realized one thing. The large frame nailed a few feet above the headboard of my bed is a picture of me and Fuji.