Chapter 9: The light at the end of the tunnel.
Holding the phone still in my hands, they began to shake uncontrollably, like when I suddenly woke up after having a nightmare, especially with Asakura. Anyway, the situation that I was living now wasn't very different.
I decided to make one last attempt to return to the real world and regain my life, that in which Haruhi is a kind of goddess who controls the world as she pleases; Nagato is a emotionless alien seemingly, but much more human than when I met her; Asahina-san is a sweet and loving girl too perfect for any boy, and Koizumi is… He's a stupid esper with perfect smile to whom I would like to beat for everything that he makes me go through.
In desperation, I thought quickly what I could do as last attempt to return. If it didn't work, I assumed that Nagato would come to get me. She had to do it sooner or later; I spent nearly a month locked up here!
It was getting late and people were starting to arrive at the festival; the enclosure was gradually filled and I was getting increasingly nervous. In the place where I was, half hidden, it occurred to me to do something I've never done before in these two years; send a message to Koizumi.
Without taking off of my phone yet, I searched the name of Koizumi in the contact list and pressed 'write new message'. I didn't know why I was gonna write what I was about to write, but when I wanted to realize I already had written with trembling hands: "Don't go, please". Since when I say please to someone? I took a last look with shame and pressed the send button, closing my eyes.
When I opened them again, I remained in the same place. As I thought, it hadn't worked. Suddenly, I could feel like a drop falling on the screen of my phone; I thought it was starting to rain, but I realized it was a tear. I was so tired of everything that was going on that I hadn't noticed I had begun to cry.
While the tears ran down my cheeks and my sight became increasingly blurred, I heard a voice calling me in the distance. I thought I was delirious, as usual, but suddenly someone grabbed me by the arm, and turned me abruptly to face it.
—Kyon! What the hell are you doing standing here? Come running to the hospital; something amazing happened!
It was Haruhi, it was her. With her white quilted coat, her angry expression, her yellow ties in the hair and… Wait, she has short hair again? She was breathing heavily and had flushed face; surely she has been running all the way, this girl never gets tired.
—Why are you crying? Well, that doesn't matter now, come with me running! —The girl insisted, grabbing his arm and pulling him.
As sensitive as always, there's no doubt that's her.
—Haruhi —He said in a serious tone, wiping away his tears—. Are you real or am I dreaming? —He asked, pulling the girl's cheeks comically.
—What are you doing, you idiot? Have you started to drink sake or what? —She protested, sharply pushing his hands away from her face—. Let's go to the hospital now!
—And what happened now? Am I in a world where people have mutated and are becoming aliens or something? —Kyon asked without enthusiasm and even some listless as he was dragged by the energetic girl.
—But what are you saying? Stop saying stupid things. We took all afternoon looking for you and calling you by phone and you didn't show up anywhere. Your sister just woke up from the coma!
—…What? —Kyon went blank.
—For that very reason, your sister has opened her eyes! Isn't that good news? Damn brat, she had all of us so worried all this time! She still owes me a round of that game of zombies we left unfinished! —Haruhi exclaimed greatly elated by the recovery of Kyon's sister.
The boy looked at her completely stunned and beside himself as she crawled him across the street to the hospital. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.
Haruhi must be kidding, right? No, I really don't want her to be kidding; I don't want this to be a joke. Even if this is another one of those alternative worlds, I would stay to live here only to see my sister as lively as before.
We arrived at the hospital about fifteen minutes later; I arrived completely exhausted and laboured because Haruhi dragged me practically running down the street, even though I told her several times to go slower. Although the road to my sister's room was relatively short from the hospital entrance, it became endless. I had my arm half asleep because of Haruhi's pulls, surely then I have to go so that the nurse put it back because it'll be disengaged. Nurses and doctors were heard speaking, even I think that Haruhi was saying something, but I only heard noise, something like when my ears are blocked underwater.
After the endless tour of the hall, I found myself in the front door of room 002, where my sister was. The strong heartbeat prevented me breathing normally, and a drop of sweat fell down my forehead. I grabbed the doorknob, but I was afraid to open, so I went blank for a few seconds. What if everything was a lie? Am I in another alternative world again? I took a month waiting for my sister to awake, but…
—What are you waiting for? Open the hell up!
Haruhi's impatience drove me out from my thoughts. I guess if I stay stand I can't know what awaits me on the other side of the door, whether good or bad. With the fear still in the body, I decided to open; I couldn't stay standing there, and it isn't that Haruhi was gonna leave me for a long time. I turned the doorknob slowly; my hands were sweating and shaking.
I couldn't see well inside the room because it was dimly lit. I could see in the semi-darkness a small figure sitting on a chair. Its hair was long and its chest quite prominent. Asahina-san, it's you?
I heard Haruhi huffing behind me in the hallway and then pulling me away abruptly and enter into the room with some haste. Although I couldn't see her too well, she went to the window, as she raised up the blind a little and I finally could see something better.
With more light, my heart skipped a beat when I saw the sweet smile that Asahina-san was giving me. It had been weeks since I saw her and I missed her.
—Good evening, Kyon-kun —She greeted warmly, still with a smile.
—A-Asahina-san… —He managed to stammer—. So… Do you two know me? Do the two of you know each other in this world? Tell me yes, please…
—Hey, Kyon, you really haven't drunk? Since I've found you, you do nothing but talking nonsense. Of course, the older you boys are, the dumber you become —Haruhi replied sarcastically.
He frowned, but preferred not to say anything. He didn't want to argue with her again, and at that precise moment.
—Of course we know you, Kyon-kun, we have been very concerned about you and your sister all this time —Mikuru said softly—. Why do not you go to check on your little sister? Surely she thanks you.
With the shock of the moment, I hadn't realized that I hadn't even entered the room; I was still in the doorway, standing like a fool.
From my position, I could see my sister lying in bed, but she still had her eyes closed. I didn't even know if this was still the real world.
—Do you want to enter the hell up or I have to drag you into where your sister is? —The leader asked aggressively, making Kyon react.
Knowing that if I stayed there, Haruhi's solution would be worse, I entered the room slowly, still with some fear. Haruhi was now standing beside Asahina-san, and looked at me with a frown and crossed arms.
I looked at Asahina-san with concern, but she calmed me down a bit with her sweet smile. I continued slowly towards my sister's bed, and a few seconds later, I was in front of her. Apparently, she didn't seem to be awakened; she was still asleep as the first day. I approached my hand to her face and brushed the hair that bothered her; she seemed somewhat dishevelled without her pigtail of everyday.
Suddenly, without warning, I saw how she wrinkled her forehead heavily and began to open her eyes slowly. I went completely blank at the scene. She was looking, still with narrowed eyes, at me, her older brother. I was the first person she saw after waking. Now I understand how Koizumi felt two years ago…
—…Kyon-kun, little brother… It's you? —She managed to say still half asleep.
Did she just call me little brother? She hadn't done it for many years… I felt filled with happiness for the first time in a long time. While I still looked at her dumbfounded, I noticed something warm sliding down my cheeks and losing in my chin.
—Little brother… Why are you crying?
Damn, she was alive, my sister was alive again.
—I-It's nothing… I've got something in the eye, d-damn it… —Kyon tried to say wiping his tears with the highest integrity possible.
—Mom and dad… Where are they?
—Both are fine. Soon you will go to see them, you will see —Mikuru replied with a sweet smile, seeing that Kyon could hardly speak—. You must sleep some more, you are still a little tired, right?
—Yeah… You're right… Mikuru-cha… —The little girl was unable to finish the sentence, and she fell asleep immediately.
As the sister fell asleep, the red-haired girl stood up from her seat and approached to Kyon, without him noticing it.
—Kyon-kun —She said softly, putting a hand on his shoulder—, you'd better leave off for resting. Do not cry anymore, please, your sister has finally awakened —She smiled, making Kyon to give her back a slightly tired smile.
The truth is that Asahina-san was right, as I left to the hallway for a moment, I took a deep breath and wiped my tears; I found myself much better after that. I sat on a bench in the hallway near the room, and stopped a few seconds to take in what was happening now. What I've been wanting more all this time has happened finally; my sister just woke up, and she's in perfect condition. But… I still don't know if I'm in an alternative world. Maybe the happiness of seeing my sister conscious will vanish when Nagato comes to get me to return back to the real world. That's when I'll smack into reality and realize that my sister is still in a coma, and Koizumi has gone forever…
Drowned in my thoughts and with my head down between my hands, I realized I had a pair of shoes in front of me when I raised my head a little. I looked up slowly; a small figure stood motionless in front of me. It was Nagato. When I saw her, my soul split in two; I knew it was time to return to reality, and it hurt me to think so.
—N-Nagato…
—Objective completed at ninety percent. My given task is already complete.
I looked at Nagato totally baffled, as I always do when I don't understand her technical terms. Although most people wouldn't have noticed this fact, she wrinkled her nose and forehead slightly, almost imperceptibly, as if it were a bother or huge effort to her to explain it more humanly. It amused me in some way, and I laughed to myself.
—I have just destroyed the parallel tunnel that led to the alternative worlds. The process is almost completed. The last task is up to you.
—I still don't understand what you mean, Nagato.
—The notes that I left on the tree, read them —The alien said directly.
Shit, the notes. How could I have forgotten? I have over thirty of them still in my pockets. I took one of them nervously and began to read it carefully; I no longer remember what they said after all that had happened. "If these notes are found near the tunnel exit, you will not have been able to escape yet. You can alternate the world pressing any key". "Finding K.I. in the train station, everything will be finished. You can only guide through that person. Good luck."
—Wait… Wait a minute. This last time, when Haruhi brought me to the hospital, I haven't found any note near the tunnel. Does that mean I'm in the real world?
—You will not know, until you fulfil your last mission —Yuki responded with mystery.
I fixed my eyes again on the paper. "Finding K.I. in the train station, everything will be finished. You can only guide through that person. Good luck."
I looked up and looked at Nagato still somewhat puzzled. She nodded decisively and looked at me seriously, while the room door opened again.
—Ah, Yuki-chan, you've returned? You are strangely fast —Haruhi commented in amazement.
—Return from where? —Kyon asked surprised.
—From my apartment. I wanted a book to read —Yuki said monotonously.
Now I realized that Nagato had a book in her hand. I didn't even know if she was carrying it when she appeared in front of me a few minutes ago.
Without warning and without a word, the alien girl walked slowly toward the room, closing the door behind her and leaving Haruhi and Kyon alone in the hallway. The leader looked at the boy with arms folded and frowning, noticeably upset.
—What are you still doing here? —She asked angrily.
He looked at her puzzled.
—My sister just woke up from the coma. I don't know, call me weird, but I'd rather stay here —Kyon replied sarcastically.
—I don't mean that, idiot. Why the hell don't you go find Koizumi before he leaves?
I was totally stunned. Does everybody know each other in this world? And even Nagato and Haruhi agreed on what I go to find Koizumi. I don't understand anything right now.
—C'mon, Kyon, I know perfectly how you feel about him. Even Mikuru-chan and Yuki-chan have realized and try to help you. So stop being so tsundere and go to the station to look for him before he leaves. Damn fool, you have him so worried…
You're not the right person to complain that someone is tsundere…
—What? Koizumi is at the station? —Kyon asked in disbelief.
—Well, at least that's what he told me a few hours ago when he was still here. He said he was leaving to the station, and that he would definitely go if you didn't appear there at eleven at night.
What the hell…? I took with some despair the phone of my pocket and checked the hour. It was quarter to eleven. Great, if a miracle doesn't occur I'll not be on time.
I got stuck, not knowing what to do or how to react. Haruhi looked at me desperately, as if she were wishing I went to seek him at once. She snorted and started to speak aggressively.
—Look, I'm going into the room to see how your sister continues. If I go out in five minutes and you're still here with a stupid face, I'll kick your damn ass until you go to get the hell out Koizumi —She told him in a threatening tone and unusually sharp even for her.
Okay, Haruhi, I think that with what you just said you definitely have become part of the yakuza. I think even the Mafia would have fear of you.
After that ominous threat, she gave me a look with which I feared for my life, but the contrary to what I thought, she turned around and entered again into the room. Okay, I think it's time to run before Haruhi 'kick my ass' if she sees me here. Did she mean it? The truth is that I didn't want to check it, so when she walked into the room and after a few seconds absorbing what was happening, I ran down the hospital hallway, heading for the train station. Some nurses stared at me with angry face as I raced down the hall, but I didn't care, I just wanted to be on time and meet Koizumi.
On the street I bumped into several people and they almost run over me a few times, all because of the damn bastard of Koizumi. He'd better be at the station when I arrive, if not, the one who I'll kick will be him.
I arrived at the station completely exhausted and breathless. I'm in pretty bad shape despite the effort I make every day to get to class… I guess that eating whatever I feel like and being most of the day lying on the couch on holiday doesn't equilibrate well the balance.
When I recovered the breath a little, I looked around the station; I walked up and down, looking in every nook and looking for the esper with the stupid smile, but nothing. I only saw people passing by; today there were less than normal. Everything was normal until I noticed a detail; there was a teddy bear in one of the benches of the station. I approached it carefully and I sat next to with some fear. It was light brown with a red bow tied at the neck. Then I noticed another detail; the teddy bear was wearing a little note attached to the bow. I approached it to my face to read it carefully. "I do not either want you to leave my side". I was petrified. Doesn't it seem a response to the message I sent him a while ago in the alternative world? No, that's impossible, it can't have reached him. Then, I nervously looked scared at the clock hanging on the wall of the station; half past eleven. What!? It can't be so late! How did I take so long to arrive? It can't be, Koizumi, damn it, don't go!
I got up abruptly from the bench to look for him, but suddenly I noticed that my legs were weak and I felt dizzy, so I had to sit again, next to the teddy bear. It can't be. He can't have gone just like that.
I dug my elbows on my legs and covered my face with my hands. Somebody get me out of here now.
It was during a moment, when I took off my hands of my face for a few seconds to clear my head and looked down, when I saw before me a pair of shoes. Shoes, dark brown, neat and perfectly polished, typical of… Wait a moment…
—You told me not to go, and if it is you, I cannot resist.
Wait, that voice… I looked up slowly, trembling. Perfectly pressed pants, light brown coat, white scarf tied ahead perfectly… Until I finally looked him in the face; his stupid smile was there, as always. Stupid but perfect at once. Everything about him was always perfect.
—And if you ask it to me with a please, I have no other choice but to accept.
In saying that, he smiled stupidly again. I hate you. I hate you for making me suffer like this.
—K-Koizumi… Damn idiot esper! Is it that you always have to heed everything they say to you? Don't you have willpower? You're just a damn fool who behaves like a perfect robot! You… You… —Kyon finished the sentence breathing hard.
The esper smiled, looking at him tenderly.
—Wait a minute… Did you read that message?
—That in which you asked me please to do not go away? I think so.
—B-but it can't be, I sent it to you being in an alternative world… —He paused, looking squinting at Koizumi—. Ah, I see. You've planned all this with Nagato and Haruhi, right? Now that Haruhi is obsessed with that yaoi thing, she made you to do all this theatre, and Nagato has helped you on the other side with her alien powers.
Koizumi laughed, at seeing the other's noticeable discomfort.
—I do not know what you mean, really. Suzumiya-san had nothing to do with it, and I myself knew nothing about Nagato-san's plans. When I got out of that tunnel of lights three days ago, after you disappeared, Nagato-san told me that you had entered in a loop of parallel universes, and that you could not leave until three days later, upon concluding a series of tasks that she had described to you.
—Well, instead of three days, it's been a month. I think that Nagato has miscalculated for the first time in her life.
—This time you are the wrong one —Koizumi smiled—. Suzumiya-san is planning many things for Christmas Day, which is literally within thirty minutes.
Kyon looked at him without understanding anything, and pulled his phone out from his pocket. When he looked at the screen to see what day it was, he opened his eyes wide in astonishment.
—What? Are we on December 24th? But in the last alternative world it was January 8th, it even said so on my phone… What kind of trick has Nagato done? —He asked, fingering the buttons of the device and looking at it carefully from all angles.
—I think you will not get rid of the reindeer role again in the function that Suzumiya-san has prepared to us.
—One year more? She could change a bit the repertoire, it doesn't surprise me that she gets bored.
—You're right… Although it is a pity that is a function for young audiences and Suzumiya-san has not given it an erotic connotation putting you naked or something —Koizumi admitted thoughtfully, his hand on his chin.
The other boy gave him a dirty look, mixed with an expression that clearly asked: "Is this guy serious?".
—Just kidding, just kidding —The esper concluded as usual, with his typical smile.
Koizumi expected a push or a bad word from Kyon, as he always did when he bothered with his jokes, but when he looked at the boy, he found him quite collapsed, with glassy eyes, making an effort not to cry.
Kyon looked somewhat comical at the same time, due to the gestures he made trying to keep his angry expression of always, without being able to do it entirely.
—Damn idiot… I missed your stupid unfunny jokes —He confessed to the esper, keeping the little that remained of his composure.
On hearing Kyon's heartfelt words, Koizumi approached a hand to his face, stroking his cheek tenderly; it remained warm despite the cold it was.
He saw a little tear falling until touching his hand and getting lost. He couldn't help feeling guilty; perhaps he had gone too far with this, and he needed Kyon to know it.
—Maybe… I have been a little unfair and selfish with you —He confessed with a sad smile, making Kyon look at him confused.
—What do you mean?
Suddenly, the esper's smile vanished, leading into a serious expression.
—Everything I told you about that Suzumiya-san told me that she did not care that I leave, that the brigade would dissolve when we started university… The truth is that I lied; I never said anything to Suzumiya-san.
—…What? —Kyon looked at him with utter disbelief.
—And regarding the fact that I was taken away… It was not entirely true. I only intended to spend Christmas holidays with my parents, nothing more. Then I would return back to Nishinomiya —He paused, somewhat dejected—. I have been a damn selfish esper. I'm so sorry.
Did he just say "damn"? I've never heard him say bad words. Damn, now that doesn't matter!
—Wait… Wait a minute. Do you mean that you lied to me for your own benefit? That you had fun lying to me? —Kyon's tone was rather high, which worried the esper.
—How could I have fun with something like that? I only did it because I care about you, because I know I'm not the only one who feels something and I wanted you to notice your feelings too.
Kyon's face turned crimson red as he looked at the other gaped and noticeably upset.
—Wh…? Have you taken advantage of that I was confused to lie to me? But you'll be…!
But I didn't finish the sentence, because I did something I hadn't expected ever do. I had so much pent-up rage, that I didn't even thought my actions, and when I wanted to realize, I had my knuckles in Koizumi's face. I withdrew them with fear and anger at the same time; I had them somewhat red and they hurt. I think I had never punched someone. Why he had to be the first? I looked at Koizumi with fear; he covered his mouth with his hand, but he didn't seem to wince, he just had a serious expression, and I feared the worst.
My anger and fear turned into concern; I had never done something so extreme because of my impulses, and I regretted it soon after.
—K-Koizumi… I'm sorry, are you okay…? —I managed to stammer.
But he didn't answer me; he remained serious, his hand still covering his mouth. Great, I screwed up. I don't know what the hell he's gonna do now, but if he's gonna kill me, make it quick and painless.
Suddenly, his gaze pierced me, and it scared me. His hazel eyes seemed filled with rage. He also withdrew his hand from his mouth, and I could see what I had done to him; he had the area of the corner of the lips fully red, and a small trickle of blood coming from his lips. I felt really guilty about that.
He stepped toward me and I stepped back, trembling. What will he do now? With a quick movement and before I could react to run, he grabbed me by the shoulders. I looked into his eyes with panic, but after that, he approached me to him and pressed me against his chest, surrounding me with his arms and giving me a hug I didn't expect at all.
—Forgive me. I should not put you through all of that —The esper replied into Kyon's ear, with serious and regretful voice.
Kyon shuddered. He had always been rather reluctant as regards the fact that getting close to his ears; but lately, Koizumi's whispers were quite nice, and didn't bother him at all.
They remained embraced for a long time; Koizumi clutched him tightly between his arms, and Kyon remained with his head on the other's chest. Both breathed the aroma of the other in silence; the esper with his nose buried in his hair. He had always liked how he smelled; the smell of Kyon's shampoo had always intoxicated him. He had always wanted to caress and touch his hair, but he had never been able to do it, until now. Kyon, meanwhile, remained with his eyes closed and his nose buried in the other's coat, trying to capture that moment.
I missed Koizumi's smell. That damned nice perfume that he always gives off, damn, how I missed it.
They lost track of time, until a good while after Koizumi separated Kyon gently from his torso, and remained looking into his eyes. Kyon couldn't hold his intense gaze much longer, and looked again the blow and wound near his mouth that he had caused him minutes before. For the colour that the blow had, he could tell that it would become into a bruise soon.
—I'm sorry I did that, really… I've never hit anyone so strong, but this time, I dunno what happened to me…
—It does not matter —Koizumi interrupted before the other ended—. At the end of the day, I deserved it —The esper replied with a genuine smile on his face.
Kyon looked down at the ground, greatly embarrassed.
—If you feel so guilty, is not it better to do a favour to the person who you have caused the damage? —He smiled.
—Huh? What do you mean?
—Remember. A week ago I recognize that I got excited so much giving you your first kiss, that in a fit of lust I bit your lip and I caused you a wound, is not it?
—Erm… Yeah, it's true… —Upon remembering the torrid scene, Kyon blushed.
—And did not I give you a remedy for that wound? —The esper's smile was radiant this time.
—A remedy…? —Kyon frowned, trying to remember, and when he did, the red of his face became more intense—. Wait a minute, wouldn't you want that now I give you a…
—It is what I want most right now —Koizumi interrupted, in a so serious and sincere way that made him shudder.
Kyon looked at him stunned, not knowing what to do. The esper's glance radiated a mixture of despair and desire, and fixed him like a thousand pins.
I couldn't bear Koizumi's glance much more; his eyes seemed to radiate lust, and that gave me some fear, so I focused again in the blow of the corner of his lips. It was still quite red, and seemed a little swollen. He also still had some blood on his lower lip. I'd never noticed Koizumi's lips carefully, but now I saw them, even with a blow as they had, they remained attractive.
I'd never thought about him or any part of his body in that way; the only thought of it made me quite embarrassed, but lately I increasingly do it more often, and that's when I realized that I also feel something for him.
Unable to hold his gaze, I did something I hadn't been doing for two years ago when I had to take the initiative to kiss Haruhi because I had no choice. I grabbed Koizumi's face with both hands, and without thinking I pressed my mouth against his. I found it strange stand on tiptoe to kiss someone. Koizumi wasn't much taller than me, but I felt small next to him.
I kept a few seconds with my lips against his, without reacting. I still didn't have practice, and besides, Koizumi's lips tasted too well, as always. Suddenly, I felt his warm hands on my face pulling me away gently. I opened my eyes slowly and saw Koizumi looking at me with a smile.
—I think you still need to practice, do not you think? —He laughed.
Kyon's face turned completely red.
—You idiot. On top of that I was taking care of not hurting you on the wound…
—You are very considerate, but you will understand that I do not care about that right now —He smiled—. I do not care about the pain at all now.
And having said that, still clutching his face with his hands, he slowly approached his to Kyon, who looked at him stunned, and placed his lips on his. He couldn't take much more the tickling that Koizumi's tongue was making him sliding down his lips and half-opened them to let him pass.
Their tongues met again, like last time, intermingling and devouring each other increasingly passionately. They spent a while kissing ravenously, until they couldn't hold their breath more, and Koizumi decided to withdraw to Kyon's neck and kiss the mole that was on it. He carefully pulled the scarf away, which hindered at that moment, but couldn't enjoy it for too long, since Kyon pulled him away a few seconds after.
—K-Koizumi… —He said, resting his hands on the esper's chest and giving him a slight push to apart him—. Don't do that, dammit, it gives me the chills.
—And… Are you sure they are only chills? —Koizumi asked with a slightly wicked smile—. Have not you felt something more "waking up", like last time?
Kyon became completely red, as if all the blood in his body had met in his face. He only could snort and look at the floor totally embarrassed.
On seeing him, the esper couldn't help laughing.
—So… I will reserve those things for more intimate occasions, is not it? —He said, approaching his face and speaking him softly, even though they were completely alone in the train station.
Kyon looked up and glared at him totally stunned.
—Damn fucking pervert! —He shouted, hitting him on the head.
The esper laughed again, rubbing the spot where he had been hit.
—Well, I did not remember your tsundere personality. I will have to be careful from now on.
—Yeah, you'd better be careful —The other boy muttered to himself, although Koizumi could hear him and smiled tenderly.
He remained for a few seconds staring at him soberly, and then grabbed his chin gently, making him look at him.
—…I love you, Kyon —He confessed again, looking into his eyes—. I love you like I have never loved anyone.
He couldn't put up his gaze and bowed his head in shame. His heart was pounding and his body trembled.
—…Me too… —He said in an almost imperceptible tone of voice.
—You too…? —Koizumi asked, urging him to continue and say those two words that he had always wanted to hear from him.
—I… —The other boy hesitated for a moment, but he decided to confess with all the shame of the world. At the end of the day it was what he felt, although he didn't want to admit it—. …I love you too, dammit!
The esper opened his eyes wide open, notably surprised. The truth is that he wasn't expecting such a sudden confession.
—Y-you heard me? …I love you too! Don't go and reproach me then, damn stupid esper. If you don't listen well is your prob…
But Kyon didn't finish the sentence, since Koizumi grabbed his face again and seized his lips with violence. When they separated after a while, both breathed hard and looked into each other eyes, as if there were nothing else.
—Do you see how it was not so hard to tell me? —The esper said shortly afterwards, breaking the silence—. I did not know it was so hard for tsunderes to express your feelings.
Kyon looked at him annoyed, but he said nothing. He hated being described with that adjective.
Why everyone calls me tsundere now? So is Haruhi, dammit, and nobody tells her it.
—By the way… Merry Christmas —Koizumi suddenly added.
—What? —The other boy was still too dumbfounded to think clearly, and the esper laughed on seeing him so distracted.
—Well, it is already one minute past twelve, so it's officially Christmas.
Kyon looked at the clock hanging on the wall of the station, and found it was true. He hadn't even realized what time it was.
—Hm, merry Christmas, too —He said sheepishly.
—Do not you think it is time to return to the hospital and congratulate Christmas to your family and the girls of the brigade too? —The esper said, approaching toward the bench where the teddy bear still was and taking it—. Do you think it is a good gift for your sister? —He asked then with a smile, showing the bear in front of him. It was somewhat big, and it only could be seen half of Koizumi's face behind it—. I know it is of considerable size, but I figured she would be excited with it when awakened.
Kyon looked somewhat confused.
—But I am afraid this is not for her —He newly affirmed, taking the note attached with the Teddy's tie—. This is for her brother. He added, handing the note to Kyon for him to accept.
The other boy hesitated for a few seconds before picking it, although then snatched it from Koizumi with some abruptness.
—You can keep it as a memento, or throw it if you no longer want it —The esper laughed, while Kyon read the note again with shame.
He gave him a frown and quickly saved it in his coat pocket, along with the more than thirty notes of Yuki that he still had, and which later he would get rid with the help of the alien girl before Haruhi could notice it.
—I'll already know what to do with it.
—It seems right to me —The esper replied with a smile.
—Hey, Koizumi…
—Yes?
—That teddy bear… Wasn't for me? I mean, it isn't that I want it or anything of the kind, but, as the note was with it, I thought the teddy bear was also for... —Upon seeing that Koizumi looked at him surprised, Kyon finished the sentence—. Forgive it…
—The truth is that when I saw it I thought of you, but then I thought that you already are somewhat old to receive stuffed animals, apart that you are a male, so I decided to buy it for your sister. You are not upset, right? —Koizumi smiled—. If I would have known that you wanted me so badly to give you a stuffed animal, I would have done it without hesitation.
Kyon looked at him annoyed.
—You think I like stuffed animals? I'm an adult, and besides, I'm a guy.
—Now that I think about it… —Koizumi went on, ignoring Kyon and rubbing his chin—. Maybe I should give you one. You should look lovely sleeping with a teddy bear…
—I don't sleep with stuffed animals, damn depraved, I'm seventeen! —He was about to give Koizumi a bump on the head, but the other could dodge him in time.
—Do not you seem enough the punch you gave me just now? I thought you had more appreciation for me —The esper laughed as if it were nothing.
Kyon couldn't help but looking again at the blow he had caused.
—Do not worry, it barely hurts me. I think you should have quite strength to really hurt me. I'm used to fighting against shinjins, so a small punch is nothing. Besides… The kiss from before has healed me quite enough. Did I not say it was a good remedy? —He laughed, patting Kyon's cheek, and then giving him a little kiss on the lips—. Shall we go now?
Kyon shyly nodded his head, and the two boys headed toward the hospital.
—Now that your sister has awakened from the coma, you and your family will do something special for Christmas and New Year, is not it? —The esper asked while they headed for the hospital.
—Hm? —Kyon looked at him, a little distracted—. I guess so. We had planned to go on a family trip for several days, although surely we have to go back sooner, when Haruhi can think of something to do on vacation —He concluded, annoyed.
—Yes, you are right —The esper laughed—. Suzumiya-san never rests when it comes to keeping the brigade busy.
—And... Why did you ask? Aren't you going to celebrate these days with your family?
—Ah, yes. It is special for me because I will be able to celebrate these days with them after so many years —Koizumi replied wistfully.
—I see… Since when you don't celebrate something with your family?
—Well, I figure since I was twelve, when I had to part with them.
—So you're looking forward to it, I guess.
—Of course. —The esper smiled—. …Although I'm also looking forward to something else.
—Hm? What?
—Well… I was wondering if, besides celebrating those days with our families and with the girls of the brigade, you would like to celebrate it the two of us, together.
Upon listening to him, Kyon blushed strongly.
—Y-you mean the two of us together… And alone? —He asked sheepishly.
—Exactly. When I say together, I mean the two of us alone, of course —Koizumi laughed—. What do you think?
Kyon hesitated before answering. He was still somewhat embarrassed by the question.
—…Okay… No problem. At the end of the day that's what couples do, I guess…
—Did you just say couples?
The reddish tone on Kyon's face became much more noticeable when he realized what he had said almost without thinking.
—I didn't mean it with that intention; I said it without thinking, dammit.
The esper laughed, looking at him tenderly.
They stayed a few seconds in silence after that.
—So... You are okay with that we meet one of these days? —Koizumi asked breaking the silence.
—Yeah, of course. No problem... —Kyon replied unable to get rid of his shame.
—Perfect. Then I will call you before we meet.
—All right…
Koizumi looked at him with a smile. He found Kyon funny in such situations, and he couldn't help but laughing.
Soon after, between the crowd of people who were at the street, Koizumi grabbed Kyon's hand surreptitiously. There were so many people that it was impossible that someone would realize that little detail. The other boy was startled due to feeling the esper's warm hand, but he said nothing. He covered his face with the scarf and looked down, slightly embarrassed.
—The first time we go out together will also be a special day, do not you think? If you want I can buy you a teddy bear to celebrate…
—No need, you idiot —Kyon interrupted, unable to look at his face.
Koizumi smiled at him, and then turned his gaze to the neon lights and the bustling atmosphere of the city. He knew that from now on he wouldn't feel alone anymore, and he couldn't help smiling by that fact.
They arrived at the hospital after half past twelve. They had been entertained along the way talking about their things, and it made them a little late. They hadn't even noticed that they were still holding hands.
Next chapter: Epilogue and end of the fanfic. Thank you so much for the support!
N/A: Please, if you read the chapter, don't forget to leave a comment or constructive criticism. This encourages a lot to continue to writers, especially beginners like me. It will not cost anything, and the author (me), would really appreciate it. It isn't motivating to make a fanfic with dedication and effort and that nobody bothers to comment or give their point of view. Thank you!