Yaoi Betrothal
Chapter 12
Isumi's Breakdown and Preparations
"Hikaru, what's wrong?" Akira asked as the two sat on the edge of a hill overlooking a large local lake, Hikaru's black and blonde head resting in the lap of his green-haired fiancé. "You've been really depressed the past few days, and I'm beginning to worry it's going to affect your games. You almost lost twice this week; to Isumi and that other Insei… Fuku, I think? What's been going on?"
Hikaru sighed, stretching his hand over his head and inspecting the tiny veins in his hand. "Isumi removed his hand from a stone and then moved it in our match, and he looked really upset, and I was going to tell him not to worry about it, but he forfeited before I could, and he's lost every game since. I don't know what to do to help him! He's going to loose his chances in the pro exam if he keeps this loosing streak of his up!"
"I now it's hard, Hikaru, but you have to let Isumi solve this on his own. If you try and interfere, it may help temporarily, but he won't truly get over it, and he his game will weaken again."
"But… what if Isumi doesn't solve it on his own? Do I just let one mistake ruin his entire future in Go?" Hikaru asked incredulously, jerking up out of Akira's lap. The green haired boy sighed, gazing at Hikaru with solemn eyes.
"If he can't solve this on his own, he won't make it as a professional go player, Akira. It's a brand new world once you pass the exam, and if Isumi-san can't solve this, then he won't make it in such a cutthroat society. I'm sorry, Hikaru, but that's the only answer I can give you, even if it's not the one you want to hear."
Hikaru lay back down in Akira's lap, one hand reaching up to grab Akira's. "It's ok," he relented, "I know you mean well, and I trust your judgment. You're probably right, I've just got to wait and hope Isumi pulls out of this flunk of his soon."
A few days later, Hikaru watched Ochi resign, and smiled as the boy walked towards the door where he stood.
"Ochi, I'll be playing you in the last round. I'll be much stronger than I am now." He walked out of the door, smirking inwardly at Ochi's wide eyes. As soon as he was out of the Go Institute, he picked up his cell phone to call Akira.
"Hey, Akira? I think Ochi will be calling you, I think I scared him."
Akira sighed. "Hikaru! Oh well. Are you free tonight? Oto-san and Oka-san were wanting to know if you could come over for dinner; they're complaining that it's been far too long since you joined us for anything other than Go."
"Sure, I'll be right over. I'll call my parents on the way."
Half an hour later, Hikaru opened the front door to the Touya's home. Akira sat on the bench in the entryway, and stood up immediately when his fiancé walked through the door. Hikaru walked over, and Akira pulled him into his arms.
"It's been way too long since I saw you in person," Hikaru muttered, laying his head down on Akira's shoulder.
Akira smiled, kissing the blonde-banged boy's forehead. "I know, Hikaru, I know," he smiled.
"Boys! Break it up! There's plenty of time for that once you're married, silly," Mrs. Touya teased, appearing in the entry way from the living room beyond.
"Hai, Okaa-san," the two chorused, Hikaru quickly exchanging his outdoor shoes into his slippers he kept in his own personal cubby and following the other two into the house. In the living room, Touya-Meijin sat formally at a traditional Japanese table that made up the focus point of the comfortable room.
"Ah, Hikaru, it's been awhile. Come sit down."
"Hai, Oto-san. It's great to see you again," Hikaru smiled as he sat down across from the Go legend. Akira sat down next to him, with his mother sitting across from him and next to Touya-Meijin. "So, why'd you want me to come today? I doubt it was just because it's been a few weeks since I've been able to make it over here to see you."
Touya-Meijin smiled. "No, however nice it is to see you, there is some business we need to take care of. You two are fourteen; you're getting married in less than a year. We need to begin the preparations. Where were you two wanting to have the ceremony? We have to have it at a temple, as that's the only place you are legally allowed to wed until you're eighteen, but which one?"
Akira and Hikaru glanced at each other and smiled. "We were thinking of the Kiyomizudera temple in Kyoto," Akira answered, still gazing at Hikaru.
"Oh, that would be perfect!" Mrs. Touya smiled. "Are you wanting it on the terrace or at the shrine?"
This time it was Hikaru that responded. "The shrine, we think. It would mean we could have a smaller wedding without having a ton of extra space."
"Perfect. That particular shrine is dedicated to the God of Love; just perfect for a wedding. Now, what kind of flowers do you want?" When she was answered with blank gazes, Mrs. Touya laughed lightly. "Haven't decided yet? Well, what about sakura blossoms and white roses? They're beautiful, and white isn't a 'girly' color like red or pink," she suggested kindly.
The two teenaged boys, continued to gaze at each other for several seconds before turning back to Akira's parents.
"Yes, that will be perfect. Arigatou, Oka-san," the young Go professional and prodigy smiled at his mother.
The middle-aged woman beamed in pride. "It's no problem, boys, I'm a mother; it's my job to know what you'd like, especially when it concerns something as big as a wedding. Now, you two need to begin planning on your own how you're going to announce your engagement to the public, as well as a guest list. When do you want the wedding?"
"We haven't decided yet," Hikaru answered immediately. "We're still debating on that."
"That's quite alright, just let me know when you've decided so I can call the temple and reserve the temple as well as the shrine for the wedding. And remember, this cannot be a last minute decision or we won't be able to get the space."
"Hai," the two responded in unison, smiling at the kind woman who had always been there to help them through they're problems.
"Oh, a wedding! I'm so excited!" Sai screamed in excitement, dancing around the living room as Hikaru tried not to smile at his crazy ghost friend.
