A/N Reviews, feedback, anything at all will be absolutely fabulous. Speaking about fabulous, a shout out to fantasies4eva for the brilliant challenge and the editing. :3
Chapter 3: The Plan
"The problem with girls," Hyuuga mused as he twiddled with one of his many necklaces, while he reclined lazily on the sofa, "Is that they don't ever give us a freaking chance."
Hayato nodded emphatically in agreement and shot an encouraging smile at Tsuchiya who sat in the corner, staring at his empty glass morosely.
It was nearly a week after the sweltering classroom incident and Hayato hadn't had time to rethink much of what happened. After all, it was silly to think he was the only one suffering some sort of love sickness.
Tsuchiya had just been turned down by a girl. And in all honestly, Hayato did feel really bad for him but it wasn't like he hadn't expected it. Tsuchiya and the girl barely knew anything about each other; their first meeting had lasted a mere five seconds over a cash register at a retail store she worked in.
And yet, over the span of those five measly seconds, Tsuchiya was convinced that he had fallen hard for her. Really hard.
So, after a lovely week of unhealthily obsessing over her, (splattering on and on about her perfect complexion, her shiny hair and her cute personality) and with his wonderful friends encouraging him to confess (threatening to beat the crap out of him if he didn't), Tsuchiya finally mustered all his courage, bit the bullet and wrote a few draft confessions. That day, all five of them had left school early, found the retail store where the girl worked and after a mini nervous breakdown that ended with a good solid punch in the gut from Hayato, Tsuchiya finallyasked her out. But he was rewarded with a shocked face, an awkward attempt of a smile, a profusely large apology with lots of cringing and bowing and an 'I already have someone I like'.
The whole experience had crushed Tsuchiya. 'Terrified' didn't even begin to cover the girl's reaction. It was like she was facing a gigantic spaghetti monster butchering a bunch of cute puppies into mince meat sauce. And slurping it all up with waving noodle fingers.
And so, now, the five of them went back to their usual haunt, to sip cool drinks and try to cheer up the crestfallen boy. The café was small and quaint, conveniently situated right in the centre of the all places they regularly visited; the arcade, the park and Kurogin high school.
"I mean, what does it take?" Tsuchiya said sadly, shuffling his fan in the air. "How am I supposed to show that I just want date her you know? I mean, she was freaking scared of me. Of me!"
Seriously, Hayato thought as he rolled his eyes and tried his best not to lose his temper. And people thought Tsuchiya was the second smartest one out of all of them.
"Tsuchiya, it's not like she knew you for a long time or anything. She freaked out a bit, that's all. Give her some time."
"But that's exactly what I mean!" Hyuuga exploded, just as Tsuchiya was about to answer. Take, who was sitting right beside him, jumped at the sudden outburst and shot a dirty look at Hyuuga, who ignored him and continued with his rant. "Girls don't give us a chance. One look and they suddenly know everything about us, don't they? Shoved in a box of evil delinquents that want to take advantage of everyone! It's so STUPID!"
Everyone stared at Hyuuga incredulously. Even some of the other occupants in the café had quietened down to see what the commotion was all about.
Hyuuga bit his lip and sheepishly lowered his head with a wince. "I have a crush on a co-worker," he admitted. "But I'm too afraid to ask her out. I just- I hate being so unsure of myself."
Eager to take the mickey out of him, Take snorted and punched Hyuuga's shoulder lightly with an exaggerated pout. "You scared me with your rant! But it it's about a girl," Take waggled his eyebrows suggestively, "I think I'll allow your fears."
Hyuuga flushed and indignantly poked Take in retaliation with an embarrassed grin. "Shut up you midget! It's not like that! I'll have you know that she's absolutely amazing and cute and," Hyuuga shot a smug look in Tsuchiya's direction who returned it with a glare. "I've known her for three entire weeks!"
"If you do confess, gifts tend to help don't they?"
Everyone turned to Ryu who was reclining on a sofa aligned near the wall, looking thoughtfully at the ceiling. With a shrug, he reached for his glass on the table and took a measured sip and said, "Maybe if you gave her a nice gift when you ask her for a date, she'll realise you're okay."
Hayato twitched at the suggestion and thought deeply. Gifts. I need to remember that.
After all, maybe his own meagre chances would improve if he managed to get Ryu a really cool gift. One that showed how much Ryu meant to him and how important Ryu was to him!
With excitement, his eyes involuntarily rose–
To see Ryu now staring right back at him.
Hayato looked down immediately. What was he thinking? Ryu was straight, dammit! End of story. No romantic gifts. Nothing.
He took a deep breath and allowed himself a moment to steel his resolve before he returned his gaze to Ryu. Ryu was worriedly frowning at him and angled his head at the door. Hayato smiled at the gesture, knowing Ryu was subtly asking whether he was okay and wanted to go home and shook his head with a shrug, I'm okay. Ryu's frown melted into a heart-attack inducing crooked smile and he nodded, before shifting his attention back to Hyuuga.
While a heated discussion erupted on what were the best sorts of presents to give to girls, Hayato tried to control his racing heart.
Stupid hormones. Stupid freaking hormones.
"Argh, let's forget about girls for now!" Tsuchiya said suddenly with a small grin. "Speaking of all these presents is making think of someone's birthday coming up!"
"Oh yeah!" Hyuuga added excitedly and looked at Ryu who had frozen midway while taking another sip from his drink. Hyuuga chuckled with glee and said, "Your birthday is this Friday isn't it? What the hell do you want for a gift?"
Hayato's eyes widened and he grimaced. Of course it was! Man, forget infatuations, he had almost forgotten his best friend's birthday!
"Oi, stop getting so excited." Ryu said and sighed despairingly when that didn't quell the raising enthusiasm. He shook his head and added, "Also, I don't want anything, so don't mob me with presents this year."
"Bull bull bullshiiiiiitttt!" Take sang with a big grin and looked at the Hayato for encouragement, who laughed at Ryu's blushing face. Ryu scowled at him for the lack of support and then rounded to Take.
"I really don't want anything!"
"Well, we're still going to get you something anyway," said Tsuchiya while Hyuuga nodded wisely on the side, both struggling not to laugh. They had never seen Ryu look so embarrassed.
After Tsuchiya coughed suspiciously, Hyuuga took over the assault. "You might as well tell us what we should get you. Anything you need?"
Ryu sighed and rolled his eyes and shifted his legs awkwardly. "I don't want anything," he finally replied. "So, don't waste your money. Idiots."
"Seriously though," Hayato said. "Whatcha want for your birthday?"
Ryu and Hayato were walking to their respective homes after leaving Take, Tsuchiya and Hyuuga behind as they wanted to play longer in the arcade. The night air was cool and soothing after the hot afternoon. The street lights illuminated the pathway with faint patches of white and the noise of the rumbling traffic from the main roads retreated behind them as they continued onward down the street.
After a hesitant pause, Ryu flicked a quick glance to Hayato and asked, "Honestly?"
"Yeah," Hayato said slowly looking at Ryu's impassive face. "Really. What do you want? I won't tell anyone if you don't want me to."
Ryu suddenly grinned and prodded Hayato in the ribs and whispered dramatically, "Nothing."
Hayato stomped his foot in exasperation as Ryu chuckled beside him. God, this was so freaking annoying!
"C'mon Ryu, don't be like that. Just tell me what you want already!"
Ryu paused and faced Hayato. "What's the big deal," he asked gently with a slight tilt of his head as though he was trying to figure something out. "I really don't want anything. You've never been this persistent before, Hayato."
Hayato gulped and ruffled his hair distractedly, trying to calm himself down before Ryu got too suspicious. "No nothing, it's cool," Hayato finally replied with a shrug. "Just was curious, you know? You never ask for anything."
Ryu kept staring at him quizzically but shrugged and continued walking, with his bag slung casually over a shoulder.
Hayato sighed with relief and suddenly grinned at the stars above. Okay, fine. This was war. It didn't matter if he had Ryu's help or not. He was going to get the best freaking present he could find for Ryu, just to rub it in that he could.
Just gotta do some window shopping, Hayato thought excitedly as he jogged to catch up to Ryu. Lots of shopping. At lots and lots of different stores.
Easy. How hard can it be?
A/N So, how hard can it be? Review with any suggestions :D
