Chapter 4: Beaten
Akira was humming while he was preparing the food for his companions who about to come in any minute. It had been sometime he had never felt this excited. Surely it was because he knew his Kaichou would be visiting him and Takamura senpai soon.
Speaking about Takamura senpai. Where was he?
He supposed to be here, Class 3-Z had been dismissed from quite sometime now.
//Perhaps he is on his way here.//
Akira seemed not too bothered with his senior's lateness. Knowing his senior had been a very busy person..
He glanced at the clock.. In ten minutes time they would arrive here. A big smile was carved in his naïve face..
He was happy..
***
Suoh dragged his feet forcefully to the Junior High Council boardroom. He knew he didn't want to be there, but he had to. He had plenty of reasons to cancel the meeting, but he had one reason he could not refuse to attend it.
He couldn't sleep all night..
He couldn't stop thinking about 'them'..
Every time he thought about it, he could feel his heart hurting..
He supposed to know Nokoru didn't love him.
And that day explained a lot.
No wonder after all these times he always refused him..
How could he be so stupid?
Now he had to meet him. and Idomu..
How could he stay the same after he knew everything?
He couldn't.. he just couldn't..
***
'Takamura senpai!' Akira welcomed him cheerfully. The black-hared boy ran towards him, as if he had never met him before. 'I though you're going to be late.'
He forced his smile. 'We wouldn't want it to be happened, right?'
Suoh entered the boardroom and threw himself to the couch. He was tired. Lack of sleep, and the fact he couldn't rest his mind from not thinking about 'him' or 'them' exactly, had made him exhausted.
'Kaichou has come yet?'
'No. Not yet. But I guess he'll be here soon.'
Suoh nodded his head. There was no other way he could get away from this.
In a sudden, a knocking at the door distracted the two boys.
'It must be Kaichou.' Akira answered gleefully. 'I'll get it! Yes!' He hurried to the door and opened it, and his guess was right! As the door was opened, he sighted the familiar figure standing before him.
'KAICHOU!!!' He shouted excitedly. Without any notice, he jumped out and hugged the blonde boy in happiness. 'I miss you a lot!!'
Nokoru felt his body shaking, and thanked God he was quite strong to support his dear friend's weight. 'I miss you too..'
He could see Akira's blurry eyes streaming with enthusiasms. Within that second, he felt he were warmly welcomed after all. Akira was so excited that he nearly forgot of the companion came along beside Nokoru.
Idomu was standing behind them both, observing the two voiceless. He too was happy to see them.
When the black-hared boy had already settled down, all of a sudden he noticed the presence of someone else behind his Kaichou. And it was nobody else but.. Idomu!!
'ARRGH!!!' He screamed surprisingly, letting go his embrace from his Kaichou. 'So it's YOU!!!' Pointing at Idomu.
Idomu was smiling to see Akira's respond. He knew the boy would be startled to see him back. 'Yes.. It's me. Do you still remember me?'
'You are.. Yudaiji Idomu, aren't you?' But why you're here? We thought you've gone to Europe.. When did you come back?'
Nokoru coughed. The black-hared boy faintly stopped his question, and looked at him in astonishment. 'Idomu has just come back from Europe. He'll attend the High School in Clamp School. And he'll assist me in the council.'
Idomu smiled in occurrence to Nokoru's explanation about him.
'So.. It's that so.' Paused. 'Then we are happy to welcome you back to our school. aren't we, Takamura-senpai?'
Automatically, the three's sight destined to the blue-hared boy who was sitting since then observing them voicelessly.
Nokoru gasped when he saw Suoh was looking at him. Faintly he looked away to avoid Suoh's sharp gaze. 'Let's start the meeting then..' He smiled. Without wasting anymore time, the three boys joined Suoh sitting on the couch to start the meeting.
But then.. What happened afterwards, everybody could tell.
The meeting was running very slowly, and it seemed like it wouldn't go anywhere.
Suoh always gave his cold answer at any opinion that Nokoru or Idomu suggested. Many times Nokoru observed that Idomu was trying his best not to let his emotion exploded. Idomu tried his best to be patient.
But the only one who had no clue about what going on between them was only Akira. He thought everything went normal as usual. He knew Takamura- senpai always put a great concern on Kaichou's safety. That was why he could accept Suoh's behavior always objecting to Kaichou's ideas.
'What did you say?' Suoh seemed to disbelieve his ears.
'Well.. I think it's a good idea to have Nokoru sing a song in the Christmas celebration. I believe he can do it.' Idomu explained his idea (again). How many times had he repeated his idea anyway?
'No.. It's not that he could do it or not. But aren't you concern about his safety? Being in the middle of the stage, without any protection? Anything could happen by that time.' Suoh began to lose his control. He was raising his voice.
'Yes. I understand what you mean. But the event is going to be held in the campus. so I believe the security will be guaranteed!'
'Where will the performance be?'
'In the Gamera building.'
'Gamera?!' Now Suoh was really frustrated. 'Last time, there was someone who put a gas bomb in the building without being noticed, and it caused the whole building had to be scanned. You see, the building is lack of security system, if something happened, and the authority cannot get there on time..'
'GOD DAMMIT!! What's your problem exactly?!!' Idomu couldn't stand it much longer. He exploded. He slammed the papers to the table, and rose from his seat.
Suoh seemed didn't want to lose the fight after all. He stood on his feet as well to be equal with the other boy. 'It's not my PROBLEM!!! It's YOURS!!! Stupid!!'
'WHAT DID YOU CALL ME??!!' Shouting.
'I said: Y.O.U. A.R.E. S.T.U.P.I.D!!! Are you deaf or something?' Shouting back.
Both Nokoru and Akira were very shocked to see their friends arguing, and that they started to curse at each other. Before they could get any worse, Nokoru stood up right away too and tried to separate them. He was afraid they got into a big fight physically.
'LISTEN!! STOP IT!!! Both of you, please..' He gestured signing them to stop their behavior. 'This is supposed to be a peaceful meeting.. We supposed to share our ideas, and cooperate each other, instead of fighting. What happened to you both?'
'Well, obviously, your dear friend started first!' Suoh looked away from him.
'So I'm the one to be blamed, huh?!' It was clear Idomu was very angry.
'Obviously, I said. It was you right who suggested that CRAZY idea?! Look at this boy!!' Nokoru was damn startled when Suoh's finger was pointing at him. 'He's like a golden duck; any hunter would desperately want him and shoot him down, no matter what it costs. Sending him to the middle of the stage would benefit him nothing, except inviting danger around!'
//Duck?!//
Idomu was about to state more argument if he did not see Nokoru glared at him and stopped him from whatever he wanted to say.
'I said ENOUGH!!!' If truth to be told, Nokoru was about to let his anger out as well, but he understood he had to remain clam at this moment, other wise the situation could be worse than ever.
He knew Idomu; he was an emotional person. But Suoh? Being together with him all these years he had never seen him losing control on his emotion like now. What had happened anyway?
Akira was thinking the same thought as Nokoru was. Takamura-senpai used to be a calm person, and no matter how much he was angry to a person, he wouldn't show it frankly. At least not to the person he was angry to.
'I guess it's time for us to take a break. I'll go get you some milk tea and cakes.' Akira stood up, and got ready to get the food from the kitchen.
'Thank you, Akira.' Nokoru replied.
The black-hared boy nodded, and went out the room leaving the three of them.
There was a great silence as the boy had left the room. No one among them had the courage enough to start a conversation. Finally, it was Suoh who spoke up breaking the silence between them.
'So.. How's Europe?' He asked Idomu in a cold tune.
'Just fine.' Getting back to his seat, beside Nokoru's.
'How's your piano lesson?' Continued asking. Suoh had got back to his seat as well.
'Fine.' Shortly and it was clear that he felt irritated with the questions.
'So.. Why did you return to Japan?' There was a suspicious tune in that question.
So this was where the question was heading. Idomu grinned evilly.
'I have my own reasons.' And that was all he wanted to answer.
Again silence crept among them.
Nokoru felt uncomfortable being in this situation. He had no choice except to remain silent. He was afraid he might put up the flame between them.
'Any particular reason you don't want to tell us?' Suoh didn't give up. 'Or are you keeping a secret from us?'
Idomu got really irritated this time. He glared to the golden eyes before him. 'Why don't you mind your own business?'
'My business? Oh. You see. my business is to find out what you intend to do here and now..'
More silence.
'Listen.. I have an idea..' Nokoru interrupted trying to put off the flame between the two boys. He just didn't want the two of them started to fight again.
'Why?' Idomu ignored Nokoru's interruption. 'Does it have something to do with you?'
'....'
'Idomu, I think..' Nokoru tried to interfere.
'Well, you know what? I think you're jealous, aren't you?' Idomu was still ignoring Nokoru's words. He grinned wider - evil grin.
Suoh stunned. But he remained silent.
'Why don't you say anything? So it's true, isn't it?' He felt he was almost winning.
'Idomu, please..' Nokoru tried to stop whatever he was going to say.
'You are jealous because I can be beside Nokoru all the time, while you have to stay here, away from him for at least. one year more?' His grin grew even wider.
And that was it. Suoh couldn't stand it anymore. He refused to swallow Idomu's words just like that. Without any warning, he stood up on his feet in a sudden, and grabbed Idomu's collar forcing him to stand on his feet.
Idomu was shocked. He didn't prepare any of this. He was pulled over and he couldn't fight back.
Suoh knew this was his chance - before Idomu got his balance or realized what would happen to him in the next minute - it was a good opportunity to punch him right on his face like he always wanted to.
And he did it! He punched the boy's face until his body was thrown backward onto the floor. And before Idomu could get back on his feet, Suoh didn't waste any time. He rushed out to him to give the boy another hit in any body part he could beat by that time.
Nokoru was panic. He tried to stop Suoh from beating Idomu more, but he was just not strong enough to do that. Suoh seemed to be blinded by his anger. He pushed him aside not letting the blonde interfered in his actions.
'NO!!! STOP IT!!!' Nokoru screamed, but it was useless.
Idomu didn't want to be beaten just like a defenseless prey. He wanted to fight back - he had to. Using all the strength he got, he pushed the blue- hared boy away from him, got back onto his feet, and attacked the ninja.
Anyone could tell it was an unfair fight. Suoh was the most excellent bodyguard - perhaps the best on the world. He was well trained with defense skills, and the boy knew very well how to use it. On the contrary, Idomu was only a young master from the Yudaiji family. Even though he was better shaped compared with Nokoru, but it didn't mean he was better than the Takamura.
He had to do something. He had to stop them. Here and now. No matter what it would take. They had to stop. Nokoru forced himself to be between the fighting boys, though he could feel pain all over his body being pushed away by Suoh before. But his action was useless. Instead of stopping the two boys, he only made things get worse then ever.
Suoh was out of control. His temper was beyond his control anymore. He was blinded by his own rage. He couldn't stop his fist towards Idomu's face, even though from the corner of his amber eyes, he sighted his Nokoru was coming towards them.
And then..
It was happening..
He did it.
Nobody knew exactly how. Or in fact, what had happened. All they knew was the fact that Nokoru's body was heavily slammed onto the floor. Instead of hitting Idomu's face, Suoh fled his fist to Nokoru's face. Right on his One's cheek. It was like a thunderclap in the middle of the day, it awakened the boys. Both Suoh and Idomu stopped their fight.
***
//What have I done?//
He was shocked. Never in his dreams he knew he might hit his One. Right on his beautiful face!
//What have I done?//
***
//He did it! I can't believe he really did it!!//
Idomu was shocked. He hated the ninja, but still he couldn't believe what Takamura had done to his Nokoru.. Considering the relationship they had all these times.
***
By that time, Nokoru couldn't use his mind clearly. The pain he felt on his face, the pain he felt all over his body, and moreover. the pain he felt inside his heart are. unbearable.
He was HURT!
Hurt to find his friends were fighting each other. Hurt to know all of that was because of him..
How he hated it.. How he hated himself.
He couldn't understand why Suoh did it.. Why he had to fight Idomu..
What he had done wrong to him that made him acted like this?
But he didn't know. He didn't know what Suoh knew.
***
Unable to speak more words, Nokoru tried to get up onto his feet from the cold floor by himself. Realizing what he was trying to do, Suoh merely came by and tried to help him. But the blonde neglected his assistance. Faintly he threw away his arms to dismiss him away. Nokoru didn't want to be touched by the blue-hared boy, even though it was hard for him to stand on his feet on his own.
Idomu came by and helped him to stand. On the contrary, Nokoru didn't refuse his help at all. He received Idomu's grasp and got back onto his feet stroking his pain cheek.
Every one could tell how hurt Suoh's feeling by that moment to see the scene lay before him. Why Nokoru preferred Idomu than him? But it was no time to think of the answer. For he knew the reason anyway.. Nokoru was angry to him..
For all the things he most afraid of. was the anger of Nokoru to him..
He had to say sorry to him.
Had to..
No matter what. he had to get the apology from him.. he had to make him forgive him.
He didn't want to lose him no matter what.
'Kaichou.. Are you alright?' Trying to grab his arm.
But then, Nokoru twisted him away. 'NO!'
Suoh was startled. Never before in his life Nokoru would refuse him, and now he didn't know what to do.
'No.' The blonde boy shook his head. 'I don't want..' Nokoru swallowed his words. If truth to be told, he would like to cry by that time, but of course, it was a foolish thing to do.
'Are you alright, Nokoru?' This time, Idome questioned him. He himself was in a great pain all over his body after having a big fight with the ninja, but he understood very well that Nokoru must had felt more painful condition than his. For he knew Nokoru didn't only feel the pain on his face, but also in his heart.
The blonde gave him a weak smile, and shook his head.
'Kaichou, listen. I. I. I am very sorry about it.. I know it was my fault..'
Nokoru glanced away from him. He refused to have an eye contact with Suoh. Instead, he looked at Idomu signing him to leave soon. 'Idomu-san, can we leave now?'
Idomu was stunned at Nokoru's request, but he had no objection than to agree on Nokoru's decision. He just nodded, and returned to their meeting table to collect the papers as soon as possible getting ready to leave the meeting, even without any result.
'Kaichou.. Please, I beg you.. I- I'm really sorry..' Suoh was terrified. He tried to grab the blonde's body to stop him moving away from him.
'Suoh.. Please don't touch me..' He whispered. He glared to the other boy.
Suoh had never seen the glare in his eyes before. Though he actually refused to let go his hand, but the blue eyes' glares commanded him to do so. Slowly he lowered his hand.
'I'm ready.' Idomu finished packing. 'Let's go.'
For he knew there was nothing he could do, Suoh was terribly distressed. 'Damn!' He turned away few steps from both of them. 'Isn't there any way to make you forgive me?'
Nokoru frowned. But he gave no answer for that question.
'We have to go now..'
But the blue-hared boy didn't want to give up so easily. He turned again, and moved towards them, and then pulled the blonde's arm roughly. Nokoru could feel the pain being stroke by him.
'What are you doing?! Let him go!!' Idomu felt his emotion flaming once more.
'SHUT UP!!' Suoh glared to him.
'What did you say?!' Idomu was about to step close to him, and pulled his collar starting another phase of fighting; if Nokoru didn't rise his hand signing him stop whatever he had in mind.
Nokoru shook his head firmly to Idomu, and turned his face to Suoh. 'Is there anything you want me to hear?'
'LISTEN!!! I said I'm sorry, OK?! I'm sorry.. I'm really sorry!!!'
He didn't answer anything.. He looked down as if there was something under their feet. Suoh felt Nokoru was turning deaf for there was no reaction from him.
'I. I don't know what to say.' He slowly whispered.
Suoh was frustrated. 'Can. or can't you forgive me?' He began to raise his voice.
Nokoru shook his head. 'I don't know..'
Suoh was about to scream at him, when in a sudden, Akira entered the boardroom as usual with his cheerful face and a tray full of attempting food.
'Sorry, I'm late.. There was a call from Utako-chan I have to answer.' Gleefully he explained his belated. But then, Akira was damn surprised when he saw the situation before him.
He saw his Kaichou was tightly grabbed by the blue-hared boy frowned, and he could feel the tense surround them.
'Kaichou? Takamura-senpai? What happened?'
But Suoh ignored him. Nothing in his surround mattered to him anymore, except the figure before him. The figure in his grasp at the moment.
'Kaichou.. Tell me then.. What should I do to make you forgive me?'
//Forgive him? What happened here anyway?//
Akira was puzzled listening to his seniors.
Beyond of Suoh's expectation or anybody else's, Nokoru tilted his head and gave him a charming smile. 'Suoh.. I guess our discussion is over now. May we leave? I don't want to take more of your precious time.. I understand you have lots of paper works to be done as the new Kaichou..'
He was stunned. He didn't expect he would say that.
//What?! Why the hell he concerned about paper works now?!//
'What do you mean?'
But Nokoru remained silent.
'Do you mean I consider paper works are more important than us? Than our relationship?'
But Suoh regretted his question. For somehow he knew the answer..
'Isn't it the fact?' The blonde grinned. He repeated his words. 'It is the fact, isn't it?' But his grin didn't last long. His mask was melting. He couldn't bear it anymore. His heart was hurting more and more. He could sense his tears began streaming down from the corner of his eyes, but there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He hated the fact he was crying in front of his friends. But he didn't know how to stop.
'Is that what you think of me? That I only need you for the paper works?'
Nokoru nodded. 'That's obvious, right? After all of these times.. You've never..' Paused. He looked away and wiped his tears. Slowly he loosened Suoh's tight grasp on his arms. 'I have to go now.. I'm sorry to cause so much trouble..'
He bowed to him as if they were strangers, and started to go out from the boardroom's door.
'Kaichou.. But wait!' Still in his puzzle, Akira called him. Though he didn't know what happened, but it was obvious there was something wrong going between them.
Nokoru stopped his steps, and looked at him. 'Akira, I'm sorry I can't stay longer. Though I missed your cakes very much, but I have to go now..'
Akira couldn't say anything then. But he had to say something, at least that what he felt. 'But will you be back?'
He just smiled. And turned away, continuing his footstep out from the boardroom followed by Idomu.
'KAICHOU!!!!'
Suoh's scream stopped them in a sudden. But Nokoru didn't turn his back.
'Kaichou.. Please.. I just don't want to lose you..'
Nokoru felt his body trembling listening to those words.. But he had to. He had made his choice. He pretended he didn't hear those words, and started to walk away again.
'Kaichou!' He called again. He would call him again and again until he answered him.
For a second time, Nokoru stopped. He couldn't get away from him, could he? If an answer he demanded for, then he would get his answer here and now.
'Suoh.. Don't you understand? I'm not your Kaichou anymore..'
And that was it. Without waiting for Suoh's further respond, he left the boardroom escorted by Idomu.
Leaving both of them stunned..
Suoh was motionless. Suddenly he felt he was losing the ground and everything around him was spinning faster and faster. He felt an odd feeling inside him.
Never in his life he was.. beaten!
Beaten in love..
And he had never been so..
HURT!
To be continued -
Akira was humming while he was preparing the food for his companions who about to come in any minute. It had been sometime he had never felt this excited. Surely it was because he knew his Kaichou would be visiting him and Takamura senpai soon.
Speaking about Takamura senpai. Where was he?
He supposed to be here, Class 3-Z had been dismissed from quite sometime now.
//Perhaps he is on his way here.//
Akira seemed not too bothered with his senior's lateness. Knowing his senior had been a very busy person..
He glanced at the clock.. In ten minutes time they would arrive here. A big smile was carved in his naïve face..
He was happy..
***
Suoh dragged his feet forcefully to the Junior High Council boardroom. He knew he didn't want to be there, but he had to. He had plenty of reasons to cancel the meeting, but he had one reason he could not refuse to attend it.
He couldn't sleep all night..
He couldn't stop thinking about 'them'..
Every time he thought about it, he could feel his heart hurting..
He supposed to know Nokoru didn't love him.
And that day explained a lot.
No wonder after all these times he always refused him..
How could he be so stupid?
Now he had to meet him. and Idomu..
How could he stay the same after he knew everything?
He couldn't.. he just couldn't..
***
'Takamura senpai!' Akira welcomed him cheerfully. The black-hared boy ran towards him, as if he had never met him before. 'I though you're going to be late.'
He forced his smile. 'We wouldn't want it to be happened, right?'
Suoh entered the boardroom and threw himself to the couch. He was tired. Lack of sleep, and the fact he couldn't rest his mind from not thinking about 'him' or 'them' exactly, had made him exhausted.
'Kaichou has come yet?'
'No. Not yet. But I guess he'll be here soon.'
Suoh nodded his head. There was no other way he could get away from this.
In a sudden, a knocking at the door distracted the two boys.
'It must be Kaichou.' Akira answered gleefully. 'I'll get it! Yes!' He hurried to the door and opened it, and his guess was right! As the door was opened, he sighted the familiar figure standing before him.
'KAICHOU!!!' He shouted excitedly. Without any notice, he jumped out and hugged the blonde boy in happiness. 'I miss you a lot!!'
Nokoru felt his body shaking, and thanked God he was quite strong to support his dear friend's weight. 'I miss you too..'
He could see Akira's blurry eyes streaming with enthusiasms. Within that second, he felt he were warmly welcomed after all. Akira was so excited that he nearly forgot of the companion came along beside Nokoru.
Idomu was standing behind them both, observing the two voiceless. He too was happy to see them.
When the black-hared boy had already settled down, all of a sudden he noticed the presence of someone else behind his Kaichou. And it was nobody else but.. Idomu!!
'ARRGH!!!' He screamed surprisingly, letting go his embrace from his Kaichou. 'So it's YOU!!!' Pointing at Idomu.
Idomu was smiling to see Akira's respond. He knew the boy would be startled to see him back. 'Yes.. It's me. Do you still remember me?'
'You are.. Yudaiji Idomu, aren't you?' But why you're here? We thought you've gone to Europe.. When did you come back?'
Nokoru coughed. The black-hared boy faintly stopped his question, and looked at him in astonishment. 'Idomu has just come back from Europe. He'll attend the High School in Clamp School. And he'll assist me in the council.'
Idomu smiled in occurrence to Nokoru's explanation about him.
'So.. It's that so.' Paused. 'Then we are happy to welcome you back to our school. aren't we, Takamura-senpai?'
Automatically, the three's sight destined to the blue-hared boy who was sitting since then observing them voicelessly.
Nokoru gasped when he saw Suoh was looking at him. Faintly he looked away to avoid Suoh's sharp gaze. 'Let's start the meeting then..' He smiled. Without wasting anymore time, the three boys joined Suoh sitting on the couch to start the meeting.
But then.. What happened afterwards, everybody could tell.
The meeting was running very slowly, and it seemed like it wouldn't go anywhere.
Suoh always gave his cold answer at any opinion that Nokoru or Idomu suggested. Many times Nokoru observed that Idomu was trying his best not to let his emotion exploded. Idomu tried his best to be patient.
But the only one who had no clue about what going on between them was only Akira. He thought everything went normal as usual. He knew Takamura- senpai always put a great concern on Kaichou's safety. That was why he could accept Suoh's behavior always objecting to Kaichou's ideas.
'What did you say?' Suoh seemed to disbelieve his ears.
'Well.. I think it's a good idea to have Nokoru sing a song in the Christmas celebration. I believe he can do it.' Idomu explained his idea (again). How many times had he repeated his idea anyway?
'No.. It's not that he could do it or not. But aren't you concern about his safety? Being in the middle of the stage, without any protection? Anything could happen by that time.' Suoh began to lose his control. He was raising his voice.
'Yes. I understand what you mean. But the event is going to be held in the campus. so I believe the security will be guaranteed!'
'Where will the performance be?'
'In the Gamera building.'
'Gamera?!' Now Suoh was really frustrated. 'Last time, there was someone who put a gas bomb in the building without being noticed, and it caused the whole building had to be scanned. You see, the building is lack of security system, if something happened, and the authority cannot get there on time..'
'GOD DAMMIT!! What's your problem exactly?!!' Idomu couldn't stand it much longer. He exploded. He slammed the papers to the table, and rose from his seat.
Suoh seemed didn't want to lose the fight after all. He stood on his feet as well to be equal with the other boy. 'It's not my PROBLEM!!! It's YOURS!!! Stupid!!'
'WHAT DID YOU CALL ME??!!' Shouting.
'I said: Y.O.U. A.R.E. S.T.U.P.I.D!!! Are you deaf or something?' Shouting back.
Both Nokoru and Akira were very shocked to see their friends arguing, and that they started to curse at each other. Before they could get any worse, Nokoru stood up right away too and tried to separate them. He was afraid they got into a big fight physically.
'LISTEN!! STOP IT!!! Both of you, please..' He gestured signing them to stop their behavior. 'This is supposed to be a peaceful meeting.. We supposed to share our ideas, and cooperate each other, instead of fighting. What happened to you both?'
'Well, obviously, your dear friend started first!' Suoh looked away from him.
'So I'm the one to be blamed, huh?!' It was clear Idomu was very angry.
'Obviously, I said. It was you right who suggested that CRAZY idea?! Look at this boy!!' Nokoru was damn startled when Suoh's finger was pointing at him. 'He's like a golden duck; any hunter would desperately want him and shoot him down, no matter what it costs. Sending him to the middle of the stage would benefit him nothing, except inviting danger around!'
//Duck?!//
Idomu was about to state more argument if he did not see Nokoru glared at him and stopped him from whatever he wanted to say.
'I said ENOUGH!!!' If truth to be told, Nokoru was about to let his anger out as well, but he understood he had to remain clam at this moment, other wise the situation could be worse than ever.
He knew Idomu; he was an emotional person. But Suoh? Being together with him all these years he had never seen him losing control on his emotion like now. What had happened anyway?
Akira was thinking the same thought as Nokoru was. Takamura-senpai used to be a calm person, and no matter how much he was angry to a person, he wouldn't show it frankly. At least not to the person he was angry to.
'I guess it's time for us to take a break. I'll go get you some milk tea and cakes.' Akira stood up, and got ready to get the food from the kitchen.
'Thank you, Akira.' Nokoru replied.
The black-hared boy nodded, and went out the room leaving the three of them.
There was a great silence as the boy had left the room. No one among them had the courage enough to start a conversation. Finally, it was Suoh who spoke up breaking the silence between them.
'So.. How's Europe?' He asked Idomu in a cold tune.
'Just fine.' Getting back to his seat, beside Nokoru's.
'How's your piano lesson?' Continued asking. Suoh had got back to his seat as well.
'Fine.' Shortly and it was clear that he felt irritated with the questions.
'So.. Why did you return to Japan?' There was a suspicious tune in that question.
So this was where the question was heading. Idomu grinned evilly.
'I have my own reasons.' And that was all he wanted to answer.
Again silence crept among them.
Nokoru felt uncomfortable being in this situation. He had no choice except to remain silent. He was afraid he might put up the flame between them.
'Any particular reason you don't want to tell us?' Suoh didn't give up. 'Or are you keeping a secret from us?'
Idomu got really irritated this time. He glared to the golden eyes before him. 'Why don't you mind your own business?'
'My business? Oh. You see. my business is to find out what you intend to do here and now..'
More silence.
'Listen.. I have an idea..' Nokoru interrupted trying to put off the flame between the two boys. He just didn't want the two of them started to fight again.
'Why?' Idomu ignored Nokoru's interruption. 'Does it have something to do with you?'
'....'
'Idomu, I think..' Nokoru tried to interfere.
'Well, you know what? I think you're jealous, aren't you?' Idomu was still ignoring Nokoru's words. He grinned wider - evil grin.
Suoh stunned. But he remained silent.
'Why don't you say anything? So it's true, isn't it?' He felt he was almost winning.
'Idomu, please..' Nokoru tried to stop whatever he was going to say.
'You are jealous because I can be beside Nokoru all the time, while you have to stay here, away from him for at least. one year more?' His grin grew even wider.
And that was it. Suoh couldn't stand it anymore. He refused to swallow Idomu's words just like that. Without any warning, he stood up on his feet in a sudden, and grabbed Idomu's collar forcing him to stand on his feet.
Idomu was shocked. He didn't prepare any of this. He was pulled over and he couldn't fight back.
Suoh knew this was his chance - before Idomu got his balance or realized what would happen to him in the next minute - it was a good opportunity to punch him right on his face like he always wanted to.
And he did it! He punched the boy's face until his body was thrown backward onto the floor. And before Idomu could get back on his feet, Suoh didn't waste any time. He rushed out to him to give the boy another hit in any body part he could beat by that time.
Nokoru was panic. He tried to stop Suoh from beating Idomu more, but he was just not strong enough to do that. Suoh seemed to be blinded by his anger. He pushed him aside not letting the blonde interfered in his actions.
'NO!!! STOP IT!!!' Nokoru screamed, but it was useless.
Idomu didn't want to be beaten just like a defenseless prey. He wanted to fight back - he had to. Using all the strength he got, he pushed the blue- hared boy away from him, got back onto his feet, and attacked the ninja.
Anyone could tell it was an unfair fight. Suoh was the most excellent bodyguard - perhaps the best on the world. He was well trained with defense skills, and the boy knew very well how to use it. On the contrary, Idomu was only a young master from the Yudaiji family. Even though he was better shaped compared with Nokoru, but it didn't mean he was better than the Takamura.
He had to do something. He had to stop them. Here and now. No matter what it would take. They had to stop. Nokoru forced himself to be between the fighting boys, though he could feel pain all over his body being pushed away by Suoh before. But his action was useless. Instead of stopping the two boys, he only made things get worse then ever.
Suoh was out of control. His temper was beyond his control anymore. He was blinded by his own rage. He couldn't stop his fist towards Idomu's face, even though from the corner of his amber eyes, he sighted his Nokoru was coming towards them.
And then..
It was happening..
He did it.
Nobody knew exactly how. Or in fact, what had happened. All they knew was the fact that Nokoru's body was heavily slammed onto the floor. Instead of hitting Idomu's face, Suoh fled his fist to Nokoru's face. Right on his One's cheek. It was like a thunderclap in the middle of the day, it awakened the boys. Both Suoh and Idomu stopped their fight.
***
//What have I done?//
He was shocked. Never in his dreams he knew he might hit his One. Right on his beautiful face!
//What have I done?//
***
//He did it! I can't believe he really did it!!//
Idomu was shocked. He hated the ninja, but still he couldn't believe what Takamura had done to his Nokoru.. Considering the relationship they had all these times.
***
By that time, Nokoru couldn't use his mind clearly. The pain he felt on his face, the pain he felt all over his body, and moreover. the pain he felt inside his heart are. unbearable.
He was HURT!
Hurt to find his friends were fighting each other. Hurt to know all of that was because of him..
How he hated it.. How he hated himself.
He couldn't understand why Suoh did it.. Why he had to fight Idomu..
What he had done wrong to him that made him acted like this?
But he didn't know. He didn't know what Suoh knew.
***
Unable to speak more words, Nokoru tried to get up onto his feet from the cold floor by himself. Realizing what he was trying to do, Suoh merely came by and tried to help him. But the blonde neglected his assistance. Faintly he threw away his arms to dismiss him away. Nokoru didn't want to be touched by the blue-hared boy, even though it was hard for him to stand on his feet on his own.
Idomu came by and helped him to stand. On the contrary, Nokoru didn't refuse his help at all. He received Idomu's grasp and got back onto his feet stroking his pain cheek.
Every one could tell how hurt Suoh's feeling by that moment to see the scene lay before him. Why Nokoru preferred Idomu than him? But it was no time to think of the answer. For he knew the reason anyway.. Nokoru was angry to him..
For all the things he most afraid of. was the anger of Nokoru to him..
He had to say sorry to him.
Had to..
No matter what. he had to get the apology from him.. he had to make him forgive him.
He didn't want to lose him no matter what.
'Kaichou.. Are you alright?' Trying to grab his arm.
But then, Nokoru twisted him away. 'NO!'
Suoh was startled. Never before in his life Nokoru would refuse him, and now he didn't know what to do.
'No.' The blonde boy shook his head. 'I don't want..' Nokoru swallowed his words. If truth to be told, he would like to cry by that time, but of course, it was a foolish thing to do.
'Are you alright, Nokoru?' This time, Idome questioned him. He himself was in a great pain all over his body after having a big fight with the ninja, but he understood very well that Nokoru must had felt more painful condition than his. For he knew Nokoru didn't only feel the pain on his face, but also in his heart.
The blonde gave him a weak smile, and shook his head.
'Kaichou, listen. I. I. I am very sorry about it.. I know it was my fault..'
Nokoru glanced away from him. He refused to have an eye contact with Suoh. Instead, he looked at Idomu signing him to leave soon. 'Idomu-san, can we leave now?'
Idomu was stunned at Nokoru's request, but he had no objection than to agree on Nokoru's decision. He just nodded, and returned to their meeting table to collect the papers as soon as possible getting ready to leave the meeting, even without any result.
'Kaichou.. Please, I beg you.. I- I'm really sorry..' Suoh was terrified. He tried to grab the blonde's body to stop him moving away from him.
'Suoh.. Please don't touch me..' He whispered. He glared to the other boy.
Suoh had never seen the glare in his eyes before. Though he actually refused to let go his hand, but the blue eyes' glares commanded him to do so. Slowly he lowered his hand.
'I'm ready.' Idomu finished packing. 'Let's go.'
For he knew there was nothing he could do, Suoh was terribly distressed. 'Damn!' He turned away few steps from both of them. 'Isn't there any way to make you forgive me?'
Nokoru frowned. But he gave no answer for that question.
'We have to go now..'
But the blue-hared boy didn't want to give up so easily. He turned again, and moved towards them, and then pulled the blonde's arm roughly. Nokoru could feel the pain being stroke by him.
'What are you doing?! Let him go!!' Idomu felt his emotion flaming once more.
'SHUT UP!!' Suoh glared to him.
'What did you say?!' Idomu was about to step close to him, and pulled his collar starting another phase of fighting; if Nokoru didn't rise his hand signing him stop whatever he had in mind.
Nokoru shook his head firmly to Idomu, and turned his face to Suoh. 'Is there anything you want me to hear?'
'LISTEN!!! I said I'm sorry, OK?! I'm sorry.. I'm really sorry!!!'
He didn't answer anything.. He looked down as if there was something under their feet. Suoh felt Nokoru was turning deaf for there was no reaction from him.
'I. I don't know what to say.' He slowly whispered.
Suoh was frustrated. 'Can. or can't you forgive me?' He began to raise his voice.
Nokoru shook his head. 'I don't know..'
Suoh was about to scream at him, when in a sudden, Akira entered the boardroom as usual with his cheerful face and a tray full of attempting food.
'Sorry, I'm late.. There was a call from Utako-chan I have to answer.' Gleefully he explained his belated. But then, Akira was damn surprised when he saw the situation before him.
He saw his Kaichou was tightly grabbed by the blue-hared boy frowned, and he could feel the tense surround them.
'Kaichou? Takamura-senpai? What happened?'
But Suoh ignored him. Nothing in his surround mattered to him anymore, except the figure before him. The figure in his grasp at the moment.
'Kaichou.. Tell me then.. What should I do to make you forgive me?'
//Forgive him? What happened here anyway?//
Akira was puzzled listening to his seniors.
Beyond of Suoh's expectation or anybody else's, Nokoru tilted his head and gave him a charming smile. 'Suoh.. I guess our discussion is over now. May we leave? I don't want to take more of your precious time.. I understand you have lots of paper works to be done as the new Kaichou..'
He was stunned. He didn't expect he would say that.
//What?! Why the hell he concerned about paper works now?!//
'What do you mean?'
But Nokoru remained silent.
'Do you mean I consider paper works are more important than us? Than our relationship?'
But Suoh regretted his question. For somehow he knew the answer..
'Isn't it the fact?' The blonde grinned. He repeated his words. 'It is the fact, isn't it?' But his grin didn't last long. His mask was melting. He couldn't bear it anymore. His heart was hurting more and more. He could sense his tears began streaming down from the corner of his eyes, but there was nothing he could do to stop it.
He hated the fact he was crying in front of his friends. But he didn't know how to stop.
'Is that what you think of me? That I only need you for the paper works?'
Nokoru nodded. 'That's obvious, right? After all of these times.. You've never..' Paused. He looked away and wiped his tears. Slowly he loosened Suoh's tight grasp on his arms. 'I have to go now.. I'm sorry to cause so much trouble..'
He bowed to him as if they were strangers, and started to go out from the boardroom's door.
'Kaichou.. But wait!' Still in his puzzle, Akira called him. Though he didn't know what happened, but it was obvious there was something wrong going between them.
Nokoru stopped his steps, and looked at him. 'Akira, I'm sorry I can't stay longer. Though I missed your cakes very much, but I have to go now..'
Akira couldn't say anything then. But he had to say something, at least that what he felt. 'But will you be back?'
He just smiled. And turned away, continuing his footstep out from the boardroom followed by Idomu.
'KAICHOU!!!!'
Suoh's scream stopped them in a sudden. But Nokoru didn't turn his back.
'Kaichou.. Please.. I just don't want to lose you..'
Nokoru felt his body trembling listening to those words.. But he had to. He had made his choice. He pretended he didn't hear those words, and started to walk away again.
'Kaichou!' He called again. He would call him again and again until he answered him.
For a second time, Nokoru stopped. He couldn't get away from him, could he? If an answer he demanded for, then he would get his answer here and now.
'Suoh.. Don't you understand? I'm not your Kaichou anymore..'
And that was it. Without waiting for Suoh's further respond, he left the boardroom escorted by Idomu.
Leaving both of them stunned..
Suoh was motionless. Suddenly he felt he was losing the ground and everything around him was spinning faster and faster. He felt an odd feeling inside him.
Never in his life he was.. beaten!
Beaten in love..
And he had never been so..
HURT!
To be continued -