FYI—the rating is now T because… of future chapters. At least one of my readers knows what I'm talking about… *wink* NO SPOILING ANYTHING!

Anyways… I totally forgot that at this point in the story, Tezuka is supposed to be in Germany (pretty much). Oh well… I need him in the story, so he's staying.

I've always dreamed about having a story with 50+ comments… and you guys can help me get there. :) Please?

The translation for the chapter title is roughly "Sorry for Everything."

Chapter 14

Subete no Gomenasai

The air smelled like rain, which wasn't surprising since it had been pouring the night before. I was running outside the dorm building to clear my head and have some alone time. If anyone asked why I was doing so, I could give the excuse that I was training for tennis.

Drenched with sweat and panting, I walked up to the door to 218 and prepared to unlock it before I noticed something. A white rose with a note attached to it was lying at my feet. I picked it up, reading the message.

Rikio,

Please come to my room as soon as possible. I really need to talk to you.

-Eiji

I looked next door, hesitant to follow the paper's orders. But since ignoring it would prolong the weird atmosphere between Eiji and me, I decided to give in. I quickly showered, changed, and headed over to 219 with a towel on my shoulders.

I only needed to knock once before the room's owner yanked open the door and stared at me with happy eyes. Eiji stepped aside to let me in, and I entered, taking a seat on the bottom bunk. I scooted myself against the wall.

Seating himself on his desk chair, the redhead spoke first.

"I'm really sorry for everything that's happened. It's-"

"It's not all your fault, Eiji, believe me. I'm as much to blame as you are," I admitted with a half laugh.

"But the kisses-"

"We both slipped, Eiji."

Eiji was silent for a moment or two.

"…so that means it's not mutual…"

My head cocked to the side slightly. "What do you mean?"

He looked like he had tears in his eyes; he was really getting worked up.

"Don't you get it, Rikio? I love you!"

I heaved a sigh, looking down.

"I-I'm sorry, Eiji. Really. But… but I hope we can still stay friends."

Eiji stared out his window, looking miserable.

"Eiji?" I murmured to get his attention. He looked over reluctantly. I had my arms out, offering to comfort him. We stood, and I gave Eiji a much needed hug.

When he got the nerve to speak again after we both sat in our spots, Eiji's voice was slightly strangled.

"Who do you like, Rikio?"

I was taken aback, laughing nervously to hide my shock.

"W-what do you mean, Eiji?"

"If you won't go out with me, there must be someone else."

"…N-no, there's no-"

"Rikio," Eiji almost whispered. His voice was threatening to be angry.

I blushed, relenting.

"It's Syuusuke," I mumbled loud enough so he could hear, staring at the sheets on the bed.

"What? Fuji?"

I looked up. Eiji was aghast at my answer.

"But… but you don't have to worry," I added quickly with another nervous laugh. "I know it's not returned."

The redhead still stared.

"You won't tell anyone, will you?" I pleaded. "Especially him?"

"Sure, if it means I still have a chance," Eiji replied with a smirk, and I couldn't help but grin back.

I stood, and took a few steps toward the door. The acrobat looked at me questioningly.

"Eiji, I have to go," I explained. It was time for a false excuse. "I have a project in …um… Japanese History that I haven't finished yet."

"Oh, I'm really good at that class! It's my favorite! I can help-"

"No, no, it's fine. I can do it myself."

And with that, I rushed out of the room and into 218, where Fuji was watering a cactus on the windowsill with a paper cup. He didn't look up.

"Syuusuke…" I murmured, surprised to see him.

Fuji stood, turning to face me. His hand that held the cup was shaking.

"I'm sorry," the tensai said simply. "For everything."

I smiled and gave my roommate a hug, a gesture that seemed to be working today. At first Fuji tensed, but he soon returned the embrace.

Breaking away, I stepped back.

"Just do me one favor: apologize to Eiji."

The brunette blinked a few times, but nodded and headed out of the room.

-FUJI POV-

Closing the door to my dorm, I hesitated.

As much as Eiji was one of my closest friends, he was really getting on my nerves, which didn't happen a lot. After kissing the girl I loved twice, dancing with her, and being her go-to guy for practically everything, I felt like I wanted to do more than just threaten him. Something along the lines of a light murder came to mind.

And then there was Riko. If she hated kissing Eiji that much from the dance, I didn't understand why she had been on top of him on my bed. Also, my keeping the fact that she was a girl a secret seemed like nothing to her. Somehow, though, it was really hard to be mad at her. I just wished she liked me, not my acrobatic friend.

I knocked on Eiji's door three times. He opened it quickly.

"Rikio?" he asked before looking to see who I was. "Oh, it's you, Fujiko."

I could almost hear one of my veins popping from my anger. Nevertheless, I didn't let it show on my face. I smiled, despite the fact that the redhead wasn't happy to see me.

"Eiji," I spoke calmly, coming up with a semi-fake excuse on the spot. "About a few days ago… I acted impulsively upon my nerves at the time. I… I am protective of my space as you might understand, having been the only one in my dorm room up until this year. Please forgive me."

A foolish grin grew on the acrobat's face. He tackle-hugged me as he usually did, and since I was used to it I was able to keep my footing.

"I forgive you, Fujiko-chan!" Eiji cried loudly. "But since you were bad, you get to help me with math! Come on!"

The redhead proceeded to tug me by the wrist into his room, rambling loudly the entire way.

-RIKO POV-

I laughed as I heard Eiji's loud shouts, feeling better now that everything was pretty much back to normal. My day would only get better, though, as I heard a knock on the door. Standing, I wondered who it could be as Eiji and Fuji were both preoccupied at the moment.

Opening the door, a smiling, shy Taka greeted me.

"O-ohayo gozaimasu, Rikio-kun," he said, slightly uncomfortably.

"Ohayo, Taka. What's up?"

"I… I was wondering if you wanted to go with me to my dad's restaurant tomorrow. I could teach you how to make sushi, even though I'm a beginner myself."

"I'd love to! Thanks!" I exclaimed, excited at having something to look forward to.

"O-okay. We can walk over after lunch."

"Mm… no, how about before? I might want to eat my ultimate failures at making food."

Taka laughed. "That works for me. I'll go call my dad. See you!"

I waved as my blushing friend walked away, then trotted back into my room and shut the door. Overjoyed yelling from the other side of the wall told me Eiji and Fuji were still busy.

I sat down at the desk and folded my arms on it, collapsing my head on top. I suddenly felt tired, even though I had barely done anything that day. Maybe patching up several relationships was exhausting. Whatever reason it might've been didn't matter; I was gradually succumbing to sleep. The last thing I remembered hearing was the opening click of my dorm room door as Fuji entered the room.

If this looks like a filler chapter, it kind of is. I'm tying up (most of) the loose ends before more things are introduced.

Comment! I love you all! :D

Subject for comments: If Riko and Fuji didn't get together, who else would you want her to end up with?