*** Chapter 10: Restricted ***
The night is chilly, yet Gintoki refuses to warm himself. Still in his tee and shorts, he sits on the window rail of his bedroom, with his legs hanging outside. He is entranced by the whiteness of the full moon clinging on the midnight sky. Its glow is reflected perfectly on his silver permed hair. Right outside the mansion is pitch black, not that it matters to Gintoki because when it is in the morning, all he sees is the deep forest.
Gintoki cannot deny how restricted his life is. He cannot leave the mansion on his own. Even in the mansion itself, everywhere he goes has an eye planted on every corner of the walls. The three guards who are hired to protect him also stay in the same mansion. People often thinks his life as the prince is privelleged and free. Unfortunately, it is nothing close to that.
It is suffocating. The shackles on him are surreal that he wishes he can just take his life away.
When Gintoki was allowed to attend school, he did not let such an opportunity go. In matter of fact, those three are hired for this very purpose since they are as old as Gintoki. He was expecting some fun in school when he first entered Sheyfields but to his dismay, the place was no different to that mansion.
He is still alone. By himself. Everytime.
On one fateful Monday however, his table was kicked and he could have sworn his heart jumped out of his chest. Gintoki peeked under his silver hair and found two indigo eyes staring deep into his body.
Who is this guy? How dare he kicked my table. But wait, why is he looking at me? Is he really looking at me? It can't be. This must be a dream. Maybe I should react. Then he will look away. Will he look away?
Don't look away.
A musical seqeunce of knocks disrupts Gintoki's thoughts as he grumbles miserably. "What?"
"It's me, Hasegawa," the smartly dressed man in his butler uniform and sunglasses pokes his head between the door and wall. "May I come in, Gintoki-sama?"
"Yeah, yeah," Gintoki huffs, digging his nose.
Hasegawa enters and places a silver tray on the study table. "I brought you a cup of warm strawberry milk and biscuits. Please enjoy your supper."
"Ah."
The lack of response disturbs the butler as he turns to find the installed arcade game at the corner of the room is left unattended.
"Gintoki-sama," Hasegawa lets a cheeky smile creeping over his face. "I just got my pay for this month. Do you like to play naked poker game with me?"
The silverhead finally looks over his shoulder and his dead red eyes give a boring stare. Hasegawa pulls out the box of cards, shaking it with a goofy smile.
Gintoki grins. "Fine! Let's play one game!"
The silverhead boy jumps off the window rail and sits opposite of Hasegawa. They play for a good one hour that feels longer than expected. It is not one game but more than that actually, until what left is Gintoki without his shirt and Hasegawa with only his boxers.
Chains of evil laughter vibrate against the walls. "Baka old man, your luck sucks like hell. And you dare to challenge me. Are you stupid? You are really stupid, old man!"
"Surely worse than I imagined," Hasegawa giggles as he rubs the back of his head. "At least you have a better luck than me, Gintoki-sama. That itself makes me feel happy."
Gintoki instantly cringes and realises what he is trying to say. His lips return to a frown which pricks Hasegawa in pain. The butler does not intend to offend him as if he knows that he might. The boy stands up and tosses back Hasegawa's brown envelope with the pay in it.
Hasegawa also stands up, still holding the cards in his hands. "Is something the matter, Gintoki-sama?"
"Urusai nah," Gintoki faces his back at him. "Take your clothes and your pay. I'm done playing so get out already."
Hasegawa tries to laugh it off. "Come on! I still have my boxers on and I'm willing to let it go if I lose."
"No way in hell that I want to see your balls, asshole! Now leave!" Gintoki yells, showing how serious he is.
Reluctantly, Hasegawa puts on his clothes with a dejected look. It seems his attempt to cheer the prince has failed him. Nonetheless, he cannot leave with the boy fuming in anger.
"Gintoki-sama," Hasegawa says as he ties his bow. "You left the pinball game on. Let's play one game together."
Gintoki clicks his tongue. "I forgot to switch it off. Switch it off for me then and get out."
"Did you quarrel with the lads again?"
Hasegawa pretty much has no other choice left but to be direct. The silverhead is surprised at the question but it is not enough to make him face the butler.
"None of your business, Madao!" Gintoki hisses. "Why the hell are you still here? Get out!"
Being persistent, Hasegawa pushes his sunglasses up the bridge of his nose. "I will only leave after you finish your supper. The drink is getting cold too, Gintoki-sama."
"Okay, okay!"
It is the last straw. Gintoki storms to the table. He tosses the biscuits into his mouth and chugs the whole cup. With his mouth full, he hurls the empty cup and tray at Hasegawa who struggles to catch them before they fall and break.
"Yabai! That's dangerous, Gintoki-sama!"
The butler carefully arranges the items properly on the tray and looks at Gintoki who is chewing with puffed cheeks. It never fails to amaze the man how innocent looking Gintoki can be, even though his character is no less than a demon. In all honesty, Hasegawa cannot find anything to hate about his master. Rumours about the spoiled prince are so heated and frightening that butlers keep on changing after a week.
Surprisingly, Hasegawa is still here for a year. Maybe because he is in need for a job or maybe, just maybe he has grown a liking to his demonic master.
"Gintoki-sama."
"Hmmm," Gintoki replies while chewing.
"I'm sure whatever they do, they are thoughtful of you. They may disagree in certain things but it is the best for your safety. So please understand," Hasegawa shares his thoughts.
Gintoki makes a quick swallow and a wide lick around his mouth. "Whatever. Now I finished it. So what are you waiting for? Get out before I really kick you out myself."
The butler makes a bow. "Apologies, Gintoki-sama."
"You..." Gintoki knits his brows, confused.
"I"ll take my leave, Gintoki-sama."
The butler leaves with a soft shut of the door. With both hands carrying the tray, Hasegawa strolls down the corridor. Just when he passes by another door, he heard it creak open and he stops in his stride.
"Did he finish it?" a question is asked before a puff of smoke blows.
With his head hung even lower, Hasegawa grips the tray painfully. "This is not right."
"That's not the answer I am looking for."
The door creaks even wider and that is enough to strike Hasegawa in a frozen state. "Yes. Yes, he did finish it, Takasugi-sama."
"Good," the one eyed purple haired lad smirks, his white smile emitting light on its own. "You may go."
While in Gintoki's room, the arcade game is still switched on. Gintoki huffs angrily thinking that Hasegawa did switch it off. Grumbling, Gintoki marchs to the machine.
"Baka old man, is he paying attention? I told him to switch-"
A pang of pain hits him in the head and his knees grow weak that he falls on the ground, feeling his body slowly turn numb.
"Shit," Gintoki cusses, finding the sensation all too familiar. "That drink. Shit."
The supper Hasegawa provided earlier is drugged.
Whoever did it does not want him to go to school tomorrow. That someone intends to make him sleep until next afternoon. Guessing is futile because the leader of the guards is laughing loudly in his head.
"Kuso!" Gintoki yells in one breath.
Although the silverhead is lying on his stomach, he perseveres to move. He wishes he can scream his way through the agony of reaching the emergency button under the table. The energy in his muscles is draining and his eyes are squinting to close.
"Zura," Gintoki mutters helplessly. "Come. Antidote. Faster."
Sweat forms beads on his forehead, while his hand stretches for the button. The temptation to let go and faint is strong but he forces his eyes open. At the last push, his finger touches the button but it is all too late.
The poor prince cannot muster anymore energy to push the button.
"Shit, shit, shit," he mumbles.
Within seconds, his world becomes as black as the forest at night, lightless and unsound. His stretching hand drops to the ground, an evidence of his failed attempt for rescue.
Alone and unheard, the silverhead lies on the furnished floor.
Only the full moon bear witness his struggle.
Yawning is dangerously addicting. Perhaps more addicting than cigarettes. Hijikata cannot stop himself from yawning.
"Toshi," Kondo chuckles as they both walk to school. "What time did you sleep last night?"
Hijikata extinguishes his cigarette and he rubs his eyes. "I don't know, Kondo-san. When I wanted to sleep, the sunlight brightened my room. I thought the lights were broken. Ma, I say I didn't get to sleep at all."
Kondo has his breath hitched. "That's dangerous, Toshi. If you didn't get enough rest before the test, you might lose focus and answer carelessly."
"It can't be helped," Hijikata yawns again and puts his hand under his blazer for another cigarette.
"Hijikata-kun!"
Distracted by the call of his name, he looks at his front and gapes to find his classmate running to him.
"Yo, Yamazaki," Hijikata greets him as soon as he reaches.
"Good morning, Hijikata-kun! Ah, you must be Kondo-san!" Yamazaki acknowledges the lad next to Hijikata.
Kondo smiles brightly, delighted to be recognised. "Yes! You're Yamazaki, right? So nice to meet ya. You've been a great help to Toshi!"
"Toshi?" Yamazaki wonders.
Hijikata coughs, fighting away the embarrassment. "Shut up. Only he can call me that."
"Of course, of course," Yamazaki chuckles. "Kondo-san, Hijikata-kun always talks about you."
"Really? You don't have to, Toshi!" Kondo slaps Toshi at the back only to realise Hijikata is not fully healed yet. "Ah Toshi, I'm sorry!"
"Forget it," Hijikata sighs and turns to Yamazaki who decidedly walks with them. "What do you want?"
"Is it okay if I join you guys to school?" Yamazaki pleads while hugging his bag.
"Sure you can!" Kondo says and nudges Hijikata by the side. "Be nice, Toshi."
"Annoying," Hijikata clicks his tongue and sighs. "Have you eaten breakfast, Yamazaki? Is it anpan again?"
Yamazaki frowns. "Can you stop asking me about anpans, Hijikata-kun? Ask me something else. Ah do you want to know my favourite colour?"
"Teme," Hijikata shoots Yamazaki a glare only he can see but not Kondo. "Get lost or I'll kill you."
The classmate becomes tight-lipped as chiils run down his spine. Before he makes a run, Kondo leans forward while clinging an arm over Hijikata's neck.
"Ne, Yamazaki," Kondo smiles, oblivious as always. "Do you think Hijikata can pass this test? It's been tough on him since this is only his fourth day. Having a Calculus test is like taking an exam on alien language, right, Toshi?"
Hijikata furrows his brows. "What are you talking about? Calculus is easy. It's only a different side of Maths. Just watch me, Kondo-san. I'll definitely ace it."
"Yeah, you should not worry, Kondo-san," Yamazaki adds, "Surprisingly Hijikata-kun is a fast learner. He grasps the concepts in less than an hour. If he started school earlier, I think he could be in an elite class like you, Kondo-san."
Kondo laughs whole-heartedly. "Now I feel bad. If only we met earlier!"
"Wait a second," Hijikata says urgently. "Yamazaki, do you mean I can have a chance to be in the same class with Kondo-san?"
Yamazaki slowly shakes his head, anticipating Hijikata's disappointment. "I'm afraid not. We are left with four months till graduation. I don't think the school will allow such a thing. But hey, at least we are at the top of the standard classes. We are the closest to being an elite."
"That's definitely because of Kondo-san's family put me there. I doubt they know how capable I am. I mean, who would have thought a gangster like me will be able to do Calculus?" Hijikata sasses.
Kondo pats on his shoulder. "Ma, ma. It's not all a loss, Toshi! For this four months, let's enjoy while we can, right, Yamazaki-kun?"
Yamazaki smiles. "Yes, Kondo-san!"
When they reach their lockers, they grab their stuff and proceed to climb the stairs. They start talking about food all of the sudden and Hijikata is reminscing the anpan with mayo topping that Kondo served him that day. They have a good laugh but not Hijikata. The closer he gets to the classroom, the more nervous he becomes. He comes to realise the thrill of taking a test after a long break of two years is getting to him. His mind begins to contemplate if taking the test is a good idea after all.
Not that the test will gain him anything. Hijikata only takes it seriously because he wants to impress Kondo. Also he wants to shut that annoying brownhead who keeps calling him useless everytime they see each other.
"My classroom is upstairs," Kondo starts to wave a goodbye. "Good luck for your tests, Toshi, Zaki! See ya at lunch!"
As soon as the lad disappears, Yamazaki drops his shoulders. "Zaki? Did he just give me a nickname?"
Hijikata looks at him from the corner of his eyes. "You got a problem ah?"
"No, no, not at all," Yamazaki nervously grins. "I'm happy someone calling me with a nice nickname."
"Stop that. You start to disgust me," Hijikata scoffs and begins to walk away.
Yamazaki follows by his side. "What's the matter, Hijikata-kun? You suddenly look uncomfortable."
Hijikata stiffens. "What do you mean uncomfortable? Are you trying to pick a fight?!"
"No!" Yamzaki shakes his head. "I just thought if there is anything I can help-"
"Say, Yamazaki, aren't elite classes for the elites?" Hijikata changes the topic instantly. "Explain why that silver prick is not in them but in our class instead. I bet you know it."
Yamazaki prims his lips and grips his notes, starting to be the one looking more uncomfortable among the two. "There is only three elite classes and I heard each elite class has each of the Terror Trio. Rumours had it that the Silver Prince refused to be in the same class as them."
Hijikata drawls. "That doesn't make sense. Aren't they supposed to protect him?"
"I have no idea why, Hijikata-kun," Yamazaki scratches his head. "Sounds confidential to me."
"Then, which one of the trio is in Kondo's class?" Hijikata persists to ask.
Yamazaki looks up, recalling. "I think it is Sakamoto. Among the three, I can say he is the least violent. I suppose Kondo can survive because he seldom bullies anyone by himself."
"What's the name of the leader again? I can't remember. Just how big is he anyway? Oi, Yamazaki. Are you listening?"
Hijikata looks at the tightly lipped boy. The shorter lad has his eyes fixed on their classroom just three steps away from where they break their stride. The two lads face the sight of the other classmates gathering outside the room, none of them giving a look inside.
"What the hell is going on?" Hijikata blurts as his feet start to march forward.
Yamazaki stops him by a grip on his shoulder. "Wait. I think something happened in there."
"I can tell what shit happened!" Hijikata gets frustrated, shoving away Yamazaki's grip. "That asshole probably dropped a huge fart bomb after finishing that box of lolipop! That selfish bastard just stink up the whole room and make everyone stand outside. Let me give him a piece of my mind!"
"Wait!" Yamazaki tries to stop him but to no avail as Hijikata is way ahead of Yamazaki.
Funny how Hijikata totally forgets all the nervousness for the test when he remembers about the hopeless prince. He is aware he should be keeping his promise not to talk to Gin but he cannot tolerate the prince's selfishness to drive everyone out.
Hijikata reaches the door and opens it with one quick pull. He take a step inside regardless of the increasing commotion outside, probably his classmates giving disapproving chants over his actions. Curses and swears are loaded in Hijikata's mouth until he glances at the corner of the room where the Silver Prince is sitting.
Shockingly to Hijikata, it is not the Prince. A smaller frame boy is smoking a thin pipe, sitting on Gintoki's table while gazing outside. He is also not alone. A boy with sunglasses and permed brown hair sits on Hijikata's table, resting his feet on it while reading an erotic magazine.
Hijikata is fully stunned at the sight of the two as they carry an intense aura, similar to the boy in yukata he met at the canteen days ago. Hijikata cannot even bring himself to speak a word because at the back of his mind, he certainly knows who they are.
When the lad with the pipe turns, he reveals his left eye patch. Say no more, they are the other two of the Terror Trio.
"Hijikata Toushiro," the lad on Gintoki's table speaks, fixing his green eye on Hijikata. "It must be you."
His partner bursts into laughter, looking above his glasses. "Really? You are fit, dude. Nice to meet ya."
Seeing Hijikata stand in silence, Sakamoto pushes back his sunglasses and smirks. "Dude, let's have a chat, shall we?"
Sakamoto wants to continue talking until he sees Hijikata shaking his shoulders. "Hey, hey. Don't be scared."
"Don't fuck with me," Hijikata lifts up his head with an elongated wolf grin. "Who'd be scared of you?"
Takasugi appears unwavered by the malicious smirk Hijikata is showing whereas Sakamoto tries to chuckle away the tension, knowing Hijikata is not the kind who will be scared of them.
"Teme," Hijikata starts with a curse, his indigo eyes narrowed on the purple haired one. "The ones I was told to avoid just keep showing up when I least expected. You guys must be enjoying stallking rats like me. What about taking this to the rooftop? I don't want you to burn this classroom down."
A hard cough hits Sakamoto as he puts away the magazine and smirks. "So you already learned that story. Ne, it sounds like you're stalking us."
"Oi," Takasugi interrupts his partner and blows a smoke. "Didn't you hear his loud mouth? We're here to talk."
Hijikata clicks his tongue and turns away to leave. "Don't waste my time. No way I'm doing this shit."
"What did Gin and you talk about?"
The question posed by Takasugi stops Hijikata. The lad continues to remain calm. "Is this some kind of joke? What makes you think we talked?!
"There is no one else here who would dare talking to him. If it is you, it is believable. When you barge into this classroom, you're actually expecting him, right?"
Hijikata grits his teeth hard, easily being played by the one eyed boy. Deny as he might, Takasugi is smart to notice such things. Hijikata cannot fall for anymore traps. If Kondo sees or heard about this happening, he will disappoint Kondo again. He has to end this quickly.
Hijikata turns alittle, enough to look at the two notorious lads. "We have a Calculus test later. I came in so I could take a nap before the test. That's all."
"We heard you, ya know," Takasugi raises a brow. "About someone dropping a fart bomb."
"That!" Hijikata fully faces them. "Is referring to Yamazaki. He farts anpans."
"What!" gasps Yamazaki softly as he is watching Hijikata from the outside.
Takasugi remains unconvinced. "Why don't you just tell us the truth?"
"Why won't you guys leave?" Hijikata is running out of patience. "Don't you have a History essay to hand in, Sakamoto-kun?"
"Shibata!" Sakamoto stands up, rolling his magazine in both hands. "I just remembered Hanako is writing for me! Ah, sorry, Taka! Gotta leave!"
Sakamoto stumbles his way to exit the classroom, while Hijikata stares blankly. He is shocked that such excuse works on him. Sakamoto looks clumsy and weird to Hijikata that he doubts him being part of Terror Trio. With him leaving, that means this conversation is done. All thanks to his memory when he remembers about the assignment Kondo brags about during breakfast.
Amidst his thoughts, he hardly realises Takasugi move from his position. When he looks at Takasugi, he is right in front of him. Hijikata has his breath caught in the throat. Hijikata is expecting the worst, a punch, a kick or a strangle on his neck.
Like a breeze, Takasugi gently walks past him.
"Hijikata-kun, do you smoke too?"
Hijikata gulps before answering. "So what if I do?"
"Don't get yourself burned."
Hijikata is confused with his statement. When he turns around, he becomes more confused. The one eyed guard disappears, even without the sound of the door open or close. Hijikata can hear his heart race madly behind his chest and the hair on his arms makes a standing ovation.
"Hijikata-kun!" Yamazaki enters the classroom as soon as the room is cleae and he gives Hijikata a once over. "Are you alright? Did they do anything to you? Hijikata-kun, answer me."
"Urusai," Hijikata cusses and pulls out his cigarette to bite it. When he lights the lighter, his hand shakes. The metal hammer nearly scalds his thumb. Irked he throws away the lighter.
Yamazaki is stunned to see Hijikata shivering. "Hijikata-kun."
"I need a new lighter."
The taller boy speaks with his head hung low. He drags his feet to his seat. Yamazaki wants to comfort him, or at least make him talk it out but then he remembers Hijikata is not someone who can talk such things easily. As much as Yamazaki is willing to listen, he holds back and watches the lad with heavy shoulders reach his own table.
Yamazaki proceeds to take his own seat when he notices something peculiar. When Hijikata is seated, he leans forward, eventually taking a similar position as the Silver Prince.
Arms around his head, Hijikata rests on his table, giving in to a deep slumber.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Heyya! Another chapter update! It's getting alot of suspense lately! I know the story is pretty slow but I dont know, I'm just trying to be real in the story. Like Gintoki is for some reason forbidden to mingle with other students so it takes time for Ginhiji moments. Please stay with me until the end hehehe.
And yes I know many are expecting the other Yorozuya members but because the setting is made when Gin and Hijikata are high schoolers, Kagura and Shinpachi are much younger so I have planned for them to come abit later. So no worries. I have many characters mentioned already and so Im doing my best to give each their spotlight and more depth in their roles in the story.
Once again, thank you a gazillion much for everyone reading , favouriting and following! Leave me a review! Critics welcome!
With love, Iaty XD