This is the final chapter of the Untouched Ring. I thank all my readers who have expressed their love and patience for this story. I'm also glad for the positive reviews I got last chapter. To be honest, I also liked the rewrite more. Thanks also to those who encouraged me in regards to my job. It sucks to be terminated and just 10 minutes away from Christmas. So now, I begin my search for plan B.
The surprise I was talking about in the previous chapter will be revealed later on. And do please read the Author's Notes at the end. It is important that you do so.
Disclaimer: ONLY THE RING FINGER KNOWS does not belong to me. All elements below belong to Kannagi Satoru and its proper copyrights. The only things I do own are my original characters.
Note: These are not, I repeat, these are NOT the actual events of the fourth novel. This is what I guess you could call an alternate storyline. Please do not rely on this fic for information about the fourth novel or on any of the books, although I will be borrowing some scenes and events that took place there.
THE UNTOUCHED RING
Chapter Twenty-Five: The Ring Finger Once Again
Asaka had been sitting on that very chair for probably hours. He had already called Sayuri's parents so why weren't they here yet? Surely they would prioritize their own daughter's safety no matter what happened. Looking blankly at the young girl's sleeping face, he saw the helplessness and the vulnerability she really had. He wasn't blind. He had always seen the emptiness that she had felt. But he didn't want to mislead her in anything so he kept his distance. It turned out it had the opposite effect.
"Sayuri," he murmured. "You're a lot stronger than you imagine. You just have to believe it."
He reached out to gently hold the young girl's hand, caressing it with his fingers. She was truly a petite figure. Her arms were very thin; her wrist alone fit perfectly in his hand. He continued to study her features, how her black hair sprayed across the white pillow; like the waves of a river. The strong smell of disinfectant lingered in the air. He frowned and wrinkled his nose. The last time he had been to a hospital was when he learned of Yuina's accident. He had hurriedly come only to find her bedridden and with all sorts of tubes and devices plugged into her. It was such a heart-wrenching sight. Ever since then, he had hated hospitals.
"Mmm," Sayuri stirred awake, cracking one eye open. "Masanobu-sama…?"
"I'm here," he answered softly, leaning closer so as not to strain her. "It's okay. I'm right here."
"Where…?"
"The hospital. Remember? We brought you in this morning."
"Hospital…" the words waited to be processed in her mind. "W..Wataru-kun!" She jolted upward from her bed. "How is he? He's not hurt too badly, is he?"
Asaka tried to calm her down and settled her back on the sheets. "It's okay," he answered. "I haven't gone to see him yet, but I heard he's doing just fine."
"……"
"I called your parents as well," he continued. "They'll be here any minute."
"They won't come," she said blankly.
"Sayuri…"
"I'm just 'good business' to them."
"That's not true." He pulled the blanket over her to tuck her back in. "Your parents love you. I'm sure of it." He stroke her hair away from her face as she watched him through half-lidded eyes. Sleep was threatening to take over her again. But she didn't mind. It felt peaceful this way.
Asaka continued to watch over her a bit longer before the girl's parents finally arrived. When they appeared, they were still wearing their coats but they were visibly sweating and out of breath like they had run a marathon. "Sorry to trouble you, Masanobu," Mr. Hongo said. "Our car broke down and just you know it, not a cab in sight." "We had to run here," his wife added and hurried over to their daughter's side. "Oh my baby. Thank goodness she's all right." Tears sparkled in the older woman's eyes as she sank back in relief. Asaka took this as an opportunity to excuse himself and left the room.
He hurried down the hallway and searched for Wataru's room number. But the moment he got there, he stopped short of turning the knob open. He could hear voices coming from inside. No doubt Kazuki was in there, along with Wataru's parents. They were discussing something. He pressed his ear to the door to listen. It wasn't like him to eavesdrop, but his curiosity got the best of him.
"All this time, the both of you were…"
"I apologize for the trouble I've caused…"
"Do you love my son?"
"More than you know."
The voices were hushed and Asaka could barely hear them. He only caught a few words and pieces of the conversation, but he heard the last two phrases loud and clear. After that, there was silence. It wasn't an unnerving silence, but a silence that felt that no more could be added to it. Because of this, Asaka felt a knot form in his stomach. Had he lost something even before he could obtain it?
Or perhaps it was never his to be obtained.
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Asaka stood outside the school gates tinkering with his phone. He leaned against his silver station wagon, apparently waiting for something. He kept checking his watch every now and then, musing that it'll soon be time. As if on cue, the school bell began to chime signaling the end of another day of education. A few minutes later, students began to flood out the building.
He didn't pay any attention to the students who had stopped or turned their heads to look at him. Some of the girls blushed to their ears and giggled, while the boys looked longingly at his car. There was also a group who eyed him funny then turned to whisper to one another. Nevertheless, he remained rooted to the spot, searching the crowd for the familiar dark-eyed boy.
"Ah, Asaka-san!" a voice squeaked. It only took Asaka a second to recognize the voice.
"Wataru-kun," he greeted as he waved his hand at him. "How goes your exams?"
"Oh…" the younger boy drawled. "It's fine. Although I'm a bit behind from everyone else, I think I'll pass. I hear the teachers gave me some consideration because I was at the hospital for some time. I also worked hard on studying. Other than that, I'm perfectly okay. What about you? What brings you here?"
"I was wondering if you could go on a date with me today."
"Eh?"
"Please come with me, Wataru. It won't take long, and I promise I won't take up too much of your time."
Wataru turned a bit red from the offer and from the snickers and giggles he heard from the background. He hadn't forgotten how he was practically mobbed the day he returned to school. Rumors spread like wildfire in Ryokuyo, and most of the time, the versions vary. What started as a simple declaration of love turned into an illicit affair filled with over-dramatized scenarios. Apparently, the current "story" going around is that he and Asaka are planning to elope to the Himalayas to have the splendid holidays there, afterwards migrate to the Netherlands where they could get legally married. He sighed and didn't know what to comment about people's over-active imaginations.
"Well? Wataru-kun?" Asaka asked again.
Wataru opened his mouth to answer, but a couple more giggles in the background caught his attention. He ended up saying "Yes" instead. Too late to take the word back, he soon found himself seated on the passenger seat of Asaka's brilliantly silver station wagon, and they were soon zooming off to a place he didn't know where.
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Wataru had expected to be brought to all sorts of places. A restaurant or café, a bookstore, even a hotel! But he never imagined that he would be brought to a cemetery. He turned to look at Asaka with a confused expression on his face. The older man just smiled and ushered him further amid the grave markers.
They soon came to a white, marble grave marker with angels carved on to it. It didn't take Wataru long to guess whose name was written there: Yuina.
"Asaka-san," he muttered. "Should I be…"
"It's fine," he interrupted. "I want you to be here. I can only do this with you here." He came closer until he was directly staring at the name. A smile was still plastered on Asaka's face that held no sadness whatsoever. He reached into his coat pocket and pulled something shiny out. Wataru knew what it was. It was a gold ring—pair to the other one that Asaka had originally intended to be his and Yuina's. But it was later used by Wataru in order to keep up the farce that he and Asaka were lovers. Eventually, its partner would be dropped and buried in the sands of the beach, where it was forgotten and never retrieved.
Wataru watched as Asaka gently placed the ring on top of Yuina's carved name. "This was meant to be ours," he heard the man speak. "A symbol of our eternal love. But now I realize that if I continue to hold on to the past, nothing will happen. I am here; I am still alive. That means there is still hope. You don't have to worry about me anymore. I'm doing just fine. The truth is, I've found someone I love very much."
Wataru flinched.
"I love that person with every fiber I have in my body. And even though I am not that person's special someone, I haven't given up hope that someday, I might just be. Because I want him more than anything else in this world. Let this be my final farewell, Yuina. For one last time, let me tell you I love you. And this is the end. Goodbye."
He bent down and gently kissed her name. Wataru watched silently, thinking that it was a beautiful sight to behold. He closed his eyes and took deep breath, raised his face to the skies and felt the cold wind blow against his skin. At least there is a proper closure here, he thought. All that's left now was with him and Kazuki. But… If he were to properly close it, wouldn't that mean that it's the end? He didn't want that. A strong part of him didn't want it to end. Even if so many angels were to cry, even if the world condemns him for it, he didn't want it to end.
"Wataru?"
"Asaka-san…" he spoke so solemnly. "Even if that love hurts so much that it becomes unbearable, it hurts a thousand times more if you aren't with the person you love most. Would it be considered as an act of courage to let go or an act of cowardice? I don't know anymore."
Asaka's eyes glittered with raw emotion as he understood what the young boy was talking about. He approached Wataru and silently took him in his arms. He held him tightly, pressing him against his chest. "I'm sorry," he whispered. "I can't answer that, else I might say something extremely selfish—something that would surely benefit me instead."
Perhaps what he had intended to say was "choose me instead," but the words never left his lips. Likewise, Wataru didn't say anything. He let himself be held in those arms. One of them was trembling. He couldn't tell if it was him or if it was Asaka.
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On the eve of Christams, Wataru placed the final ornament on their Christmas tree. Because of all the excitement that had happened, they hadn't the time to get the tree out earlier. But his mother insisted that they get into the mood of Christmas nonetheless. No harm in having a tree, she said. There were lots of things to be grateful for. As she went back to the kitchen to check on her roast, Mr. Fujii took out his pipe from inside the drawer. "Otousan!" Karin scolded. "You said you were going to quit!" "Oh, come on," the elder man scoffed. "Just one puff. Your mother won't even know." Karin crossed her arms and frowned. Eventually, her father caved under her gaze and settled the pipe back into the drawer. "You're becoming more and more like your mother each day," he muttered.
Wataru chuckled silently and went over to set the table. It was a miracle he was able to get done with exams just in time for the winter break, let alone finish his Christmas shopping. He honestly didn't think he'd be able to spend Christmas again with his family. For that, he was thankful.
He turned his gaze to the window and found that it was snowing again. It looked exactly the same as that time he was at the cave with Sayuri. Those brilliantly white lights illuminating the darkness like floating lamps. They were beautiful. He continued to stare at them, recalling the events that had happened the past few weeks; from the time Asaka had proposed this ridiculous charade of lovers to the moment he was in a dark cave with Sayuri, shivering in the cold. He couldn't believe that everything still happened within the year. It felt like it was so long ago—that it was nothing but a distant memory.
Somewhere along his flow of thoughts, Kazuki entered his mind. He had been together with him for a year, and they still have yet to spend Christmas together. Naturally, they wouldn't. Their relationship was a secret until then. So they had to spend the holidays with their families. But nevertheless, Wataru had wondered what would it be like to be with Kazuki for the entire holidays, just the two of them locked away in the older boy's apartment?
Wataru blushed at the idea. He shook away all those thoughts, mentally scolding himself for thinking such things. In the background, he heard their phone ring but he didn't pay any attention to it. He resumed placing down the forks and knives and fine China plates, which his mother had allowed them to use just this once.
"Hello? Mmm. I see…" he heard Karin speak.
She probably answered the phone since the ringing stopped as well. It wasn't really his concern who the person on the other line is so he decided to return to his room and wait there for dinner to be prepared. He flopped back down on the bed and stared at the ceiling. He stretched out his left hand and observed it. He had gotten so used to wearing a ring there that now it looked bare and naked. He turned to the side and caught sight of the silver locket gleaming there in the darkness. He felt his heart clench in pain again, as if telling him that he did something wrong.
"That's just stupid," he mumbled to himself. "Kazuki and I… are really worlds apart…. But even so…" He added the last part like an after-thought. He closed his eyes and brought his left hand to his lips, kissing his ring finger as he did so. There wasn't any taste of metal there, which he had missed for some reason. "I still…" he whispered. "I still… want to become part of your world…"
Was that even possible?
"I wanted to… swear as well…" he murmured recalling Kazuki's words back in the hospital. He said he would be waiting forever. Wataru as well wanted to make a promise that he too would wait—wait for the sign that would tell him it's okay.
"Wataru-chan?" Karin knocked on his door. "Phone call. It's for you."
"Huh?" he groggily got up from his bed, as Karin opened the door and entered. "Wataru-chan, don't you ever clean this place?"
"Well, sorry," he sulked. "It's not like I'm a clean-freak like you." He snatched the cordless phone from her hands and shooed her away. Karin stuck out her tongue and scampered out of the room. They were like little kids playing around. As soon as he was left alone, he put his ear to the receiver and answered, "Hello?"
"Ah, the young dark-eyed boy!"
Wataru stared blankly. It couldn't be… It just couldn't be… For what reason could Kazuki Shohei have to call him?
"Hello? Are you there?"
"Ah, yes! I-I'm here, Shohei-san. Anything I can do for you?"
"Well," he stated a-matter-of-factly. "I was hoping you could go over to Yuichi's apartment and drag him out of that cave. He's kept himself cooped up in there for the past couple of days."
"Kazuki has…?"
"Yes. He's moved from locking himself up in his room at home to locking himself up at his apartment. Imagine that. We've tried to get him out, but he refuses to do so. I even wonder if he's still alive in there."
"Why…" Wataru licked his lips, and felt his throat parch. "Why are you telling me this…?"
"Perhaps you would have a better chance of luring him out. It's Christmas. I wouldn't want him to spend it alone."
"But why…"
"Plus, Kirie has also been hounding me for this. I must say, you have managed to get both my wife's and daughter's graces."
"Sh-Shohei-san…"
"Just go there and talk to him. Make sure he hasn't killed himself yet."
With that, Wataru heard something click and a busy dial tone greeted his ears. He stood silently in the middle of his room before he came to the decision of what to do. When he emerged in the living room all dressed up and ready to go outside, his family didn't look at all surprised to see him like that. His mother even handed him a paper bag filled with food, which she had prepared as part of their Christmas dinner. The gleam in her eyes and the all-knowing smile radiating from his father told him that it wasn't just Karin to whom Shohei had spoken to. "Give Kazuki-kun a wonderful Christmas, okay?" the older woman told him. He nodded obediently and took the bag in his hands.
As he walked outside, admiring the falling snow, he couldn't help notice the heaviness of the bag. It seemed like there was enough food in there for two people. He didn't bother to ponder on it, unfortunately and proceeded to head over to Kazuki's apartment.
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He had knocked and rang the bell a couple of times before he got an answer. A heavy click of the lock signaled it being open. Before long, he was once again staring in front of Kazuki's tired and haggard face. He looked like he hadn't slept properly in days, and he was looking visibly thinner. Had he not eaten as well?
"Wataru," the older boy croaked. Even his voice sounded different.
"Shohei-san called me," he replied. "He told me to try and get you out of this cave."
"Oh, I see…"
"Can I come in? My mom made dinner." He held up the bag into view. Kazuki blinked and then stepped aside to let him pass.
When he entered, he discarded his coat, scarf and boots, and looked around the room. Cave seemed like the best description. The lights were turned off and the curtains were closed. There was a bit of a mess in the living room, and there were beer cans scattered all across the floor. Wataru knew that even Kazuki drank, but he didn't expect this much.
"I'll just unpack this stuff, okay?" he said, and went over to the kitchen counter to unload his haul.
As he did so, it didn't escape his notice the way Kazuki had looked at him so longingly. He could practically feel the older boy's eyes boring holes at the back of his head. His hands trembled, nearly dropping the container for the sauce. Stop, he mentally pleaded. Stop looking at me like that. He continued to ignore that heavy gaze, trying his best to get his task done. He soon heard Kazuki let out a heavy sigh. "Why'd you come here?" the man asked.
"Eh?"
"I'm asking you why did you come here?" he repeated the question, turning his face away and crossing his arms as he did so.
"I…" Wataru felt slightly depressed and somewhat upset that his presence seemed like a nuisance. "Like I said, Shohei-san called me…"
"Precisely," Kazuki interrupted him and proceeded to take heavy footsteps towards him. "Aniki called you. You came because aniki told you so." He stopped right in front of the younger boy and stared down at him. "You didn't come here because you wanted to. So you should leave."
"Wha…?" Wataru felt anger rising inside him. "Hey, it's Christmas Eve! What's with such hostile attitude?"
"I said I'd wait for you. But not for you to come because someone else told you to. I don't need such pity."
"Well… excuse me!" Now he was definitely mad. "If you don't want me around then I'll just leave! The least you could do is eat my mother's cooking, which I'm sure she put a lot of love and effort in it!"
As he turned to storm out of the complex, he felt Kazuki's hand suddenly grab his arm, spinning him around so that they were locking gazes again. "Don't you get it?" the man asked him with a strained and agonized voice. "I want you to come to me out of your own free will. I don't want you to think that this is some sort of duty. I want you to do so because it's what you want!"
"……"
"Gods, Wataru! Do you even know how much I want you right now? How much longer do you think before I lose it?"
"Kazuki…"
"Wataru…"
He was taken in another hot embrace, feeling the young man's arms wrap tightly around him. How he missed being in those arms. For a moment, he thought the world had gone silent because the only thing he could hear was their pounding hearts.
"Kazuki…" he murmured. He put his hands in between their chests so as to separate them. "You know… when I got rid of my ring… I had made a bet…"
"A bet?" the older boy asked, looking so confused.
"Yes, a bet with myself…" he continued, averting his eyes. "It was because of that ring that we were able to meet. It was because of that ring that everything changed for me. So just one more time… I thought I'd entrust my fate to it."
"……"
"I had lost the ring once and then it magically came back to me. I know you were the one who put it on my desk, but the fact that it was you and not someone else is magic itself. So I was hoping another magic would happen."
"Another magic? What do you mean?"
"If that ring came back to me…" Wataru's voice trembled. "If by some miracle, that ring managed to return to me like it did last time, then I'll cast everything away. I'll be with you no matter what. But if it doesn't come back, then I'll take it as a sign that it's really not meant to be."
"……"
"Kazuki…?"
"You would leave something like this to chance?"
"Kazuki…"
"Whether it was a ring or something else, I would still fall in love with you."
Wataru's eyes widened with surprise, not at the words spoken but at the conviction that was present there. "What? But that's impossible."
"It's not impossible," the older boy persisted. "We could meet in a different way. And if we did, I'd still fall in love with you."
"You… You don't know that for sure…"
"Yes, I do know it," he spoke again with such seriousness. He raised his hands and cupped Wataru's face in them, keeping their gazes fixated on each other. "I would fall in love with you a million times over. Whether it's now, in the past or in the future, I'd fall in love with you all over again. Even now as I hold you like this, as you stand before me, I am falling in love with you again."
Wataru stared back into Kazuki clear blue eyes and saw nothing but his own reflection. Was it okay? Was it really okay to fall in love with such an angel? Perhaps it was something forbidden, but he couldn't resist it. He raised his hands placed them over Kazuki's, feeling the warmth of their hands overlap. There was no feeling of cool metal or the light sound of a cling as they interlaced their fingers. But the emotion they had was still there and none could take it away from them.
Wataru closed his eyes and leaned forward so that when he spoke, Kazuki could feel his warm breath on the tip of his nose. "Can I really love you? Is it okay to love you and for me to want you to love me?" he asked in a very low whisper. Kazuki slowly closed the distance between them, allowing their foreheads to touch. "Mmm," he nodded. "I wouldn't want it any other way." And without further protests, he kissed the young boy's lips; tender at first but then exploding in great array of passion.
Wataru was reminded of their kiss in the hospital—a kiss so hot and so intoxicating—he felt like drowning in it. No, not just drown in it but be consumed by it. That was it. The last of his resolve washed away. There was no way he could escape from it, even if he did, he wouldn't get far, and eventually return.
"Kazuki… I love you…"
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Wataru felt Kazuki's tongue probe his lips open to which he obliged, parting them and allowing the older boy access. They explored each other's mouths to the fullest, lingering in their tastes and delights. Kazuki wrapped his arms around the young boy's waist, pulling him closer and tighter towards him. He didn't want to let go anymore, otherwise he'd just lose him again.
"Kazuki…" Wataru only had but a moment to breathe as his mouth was occupied again by those luscious lips. He turned his head to the side, following the older boy's movements. He clutched on to Kazuki's arms but then moved to cling on to his neck for better support. He felt that his knees would give way and that the only thing keeping him up is the man himself.
Perhaps Kazuki was also becoming numb because he felt him stagger around and maneuver through the room without ever breaking the kiss. They landed on the bed with a heavy flop and their bodies sunk deep into the mattress. The kiss was released again and they both looked into each other's eyes, searching for any signs of hesitation or regret, but found none. Kazuki descended upon him again, latching on to his neck while his hands roamed every area of his body that he could think of.
Wataru clung on to Kazuki, his fingers digging deeply into the man's back. One of them groaned, but they couldn't tell who it was. Kazuki's kisses left a trail of glowing red marks throughout Wataru's body. He arched his body upwards as he felt himself reach a new type of elevation. All the while, Kazuki never stopped with his ministrations, carefully plucking the buttons of the young boy's shirt. Wataru groaned, and this time he was sure it was him. Kazuki couldn't resist and began to grind their hips together eliciting a response from both of their bodies.
Wataru gasped as his hands roamed about the sheets, searching for something to grab on to. Kazuki placed his own hands on Wataru's waist and continued to grind both of their growing arousals together. Sweat was beginning to form on their brow as their breaths were layered with gasps. The snap of a button was heard along with the sound of the zipper running down. Next thing Wataru knew, his skin was exposed to the cold air. He groaned at the maddening sensation, but let out an even louder moan when he felt Kazuki's rub against his.
"K-Kazuki…" he wheezed. He opened his eyes, which he did not remember closing, to see Kazuki's intense gaze on him. There was desire written all over the older boy's heated gaze. The more Wataru looked at it, the more he melted. When exactly they came to be naked, Wataru couldn't remember, but he could remember the feel of their skin against one another.
It was hot, and their bodies grew moist with sweat. But this did not stop Kazuki from holding him the way he wanted to hold him. Kissing nearly every part that he could find, Kazuki greedily claimed all of it, leaving not a single area unmarked. Wataru moaned loudly as he felt Kazuki's hands on him, fondling him, spreading him open. It was a feeling that he had missed and so badly desired to feel once again. He unconsciously spread his legs open, surprising the older boy a bit.
"Wataru…" Kazuki murmured; lust was evident in his voice. He placed the young boy's knees above his shoulders and slowly entered him. Wataru's face contorted with pain, but Kazuki settled down a bit, allowing him to adjust to the intrusion.
As soon as Wataru seemed relaxed, Kazuki began to move. His hips pushing forwards and pulling backwards and then forward again. It was a rhythmic pattern; the sound echoing throughout the room was that of flesh slapping on flesh. Coupled with that were Kazuki's grunts and Wataru's loud moans of pleasure.
Kazuki increased his pace to a new extent, sweat trickling down his face, neck and arms. Wataru breathed heavily and clung on tightly to Kazuki. His fingernails left red trails on the man's back. Surely, he bled from it, but neither could stop. Their moans became louder as their bodies glistened with sweat, outlined by dark shadows.
"Ka…zuki…" the name was continuously moaned and called out like it was the only assurance that he definitely existed. Kazuki smiled at the sound of his name coming from those lips. He kissed the young boy again and whispered his name as well. "Wataru…" Over and over again, the exchange of names continued.
It was painful, but at the same time pleasurable. No, rather, the feeling of pleasure out-weighed the feeling of pain. It didn't matter if they were loud or if someone heard them. This was their moment. And for that time, it truly felt as if the world had stopped and they were the only two people in motion. The sheets rumpled and stuck to their sweat-covered bodies. Even has the headboard rammed mercilessly against the wall, they didn't stop. No… no one could stop them. Not even their own bodies permitted them to stop.
Knots formed in their stomach and incredible heat built up inside, straining to be released. "Ha…" they grunted in unison as they explored a new kind of high. Further… deeper… almost… Just let them be together no matter what. They clasped hands; their fingers intertwining. They missed the feeling of cool metal against their flaming bodies, and they most definitely missed the sound of metal clanging against one another like the sound a small bell makes. But they still had each other, and that's all that really mattered.
They clutched each other much tighter than before, took in a big deep of breath and strained their bodies to the limit. Wataru arched his body upward, meeting Kazuki as he pressed downward, and in the next moment, something exploded inside them that filled to the brim and overflowed. Kazuki's heavy weight landed on Wataru, tired and exhausted.
Outside, the snow continued to fall.
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Kazuki and Wataru lay side by side, staring into each other's eyes. Their breaths were still heavy, their chests heaving, and their bodies were completely drenched in sweat. The smell of sex lingered in the air, and the windows were covered with thick layers of fog.
"You… okay…?" Kazuki panted, brushing away strands of Wataru's soaked bangs that had stuck to the young boy's face.
"Mmm," he replied, breathing just as heavily. "And you…?"
"Just fine," Kazuki smiled, and leaned forward to give him a light kiss on the forehead. "Merry Christmas, Wataru."
"…I didn't get you a present," Wataru hummed as he lay his head on the older boy's chest.
Kazuki wrapped one arm around him, intertwining their bodies underneath the blankets. "A present…" he mused. "You've already given me the best present."
"Don't misunderstand. I did come here of my own free will. When Shohei-san called me, even though he told me to come here, I made up my own mind to do so. I'm here because I want to be."
"……"
"Kazuki… I, too… couldn't help falling in love with you."
"I know…" he whispered gently. "Now sleep."
"My mom made some good food, you know. You should try it."
"Mmm. Later, when I get the appetite. Right now, I'm a bit full." There was playful amusement in his voice, one that Wataru did not need to guess the meaning behind those words.
"…Also, they're not opposed. They're surprisingly supportive."
"……"
"Kazuki…?"
"Well, that's one down."
Wataru was about to say one more thing, but he was silenced. The hands wrapped around him gave him the feeling of safety and security. He kissed Kazuki one more time before finally settling down and entering a world of sleep.
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Kazuki stirred in bed, groaning a bit as the ticking of the clock reached his ears. His body felt heavy and groggy. He didn't feel like getting up yet. He spread his arms on the mattress, feeling it contact with rumpled sheets. It took a moment for him to realize that the space beside him was empty. He opened his eyes wide and bolted upward. He looked around and, true enough, he was alone in bed.
Panic instantly came across his mind. Where did Wataru go? Did he leave again? He staggered out of bed and reached for his pants. In the middle of putting them on, the scent of brewing coffee and warm toast filled his nostrils. He also felt a cold breeze blowing in from the terrace. He zipped himself up and strode over to the terrace, leaning against the sliding door and smiling at the scene. A sense of calm and relief flowed within him.
"If you stay out here dressed like that, you might catch a cold," he mused, studying Wataru's figure clad in boxers and a loose, button-opened shirt. He was leaning against the railing with a cup of coffee in hand.
"Kazuki, you're awake," the boy replied, slightly startled.
Kazuki approached him and cornered him against the railing. "Good morning," he leaned down to plant a small kiss on the boy's cheek. "Look at that, everything's covered in white." They looked at the snow-caped buildings and the streets that glittered with ice.
"It's beautiful," Wataru commented. "That's why I'm out here looking at it. Snow doesn't last much long in Tokyo. It might be gone by tomorrow."
"Yeah, well you're much more beautiful than that," the older boy replied. He pulled Wataru into an embrace, providing his small body with a source of heat. "This is why I don't like it whenever you wake before I do."
"…?"
"When I wake up and see you lying next to me, it reassures me that it isn't a dream. You're really right beside me."
"Kazuki…"
"I thought you left me again…"
"W-What makes you think that?"
"…Last time you slept over, you left without a word. And the next day, you broke up with me. Remember?"
"……"
"You… seemed as if you were thinking of someone else…"
"Me?" Wataru sputtered. "I thought you were thinking of someone else."
"Eh…" Kazuki stared blankly. "Me?"
"You mentioned Mizuho-san's name."
"That…" Kazuki tried hard to remember. Did he really say her name? He thought about it for a while before responding. "Oh, you mean that? That was nothing! I wasn't fantasizing about her."
"…Well, I thought you did…"
"You were the one acting strange as well," he placed his chin on the young boy's shoulder. "You even held back your voice. You acted like you didn't want it."
"Th-That's because…!" Wataru blushed a dark shade of red. "You did something weird… You never did it before so I was a bit startled…"
"Hm?"
Wataru's flushed face amused Kazuki a bit as he realized what the younger boy was talking about. He held him tighter and left soft kisses upon his neck, feeling a sense of pride at the glorious red marks he left the previous night.
"All right," the older boy mused. "Next time I think of giving you a blowjob, I'll be sure to give you a warning."
"Kazuki!"
His protests were drowned by their lips locking together again in a searing and passionate kiss.
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It was close to New Year, barely a few minutes away. Kawamura raised his glass to make another toast with Mitsuki giggling by his side. The other members of the Renovation club crowded around them, taking their own glasses and raising it high into the air. Karin chatted with the old couple by the counter, and helped them lay the food out.
"This is annoying," Kazuki muttered. "Why am I here again?"
"It's New Year's Eve," Wataru mumbled back to him. "The Christmas Party that the club had planned had to be cancelled due to commitment with families, but this New Year is definitely the time to get together. The old couple even agreed to let us use their café for this. Besides, you're also officially a member of Asaka-san's circle. You should be asking why Kawamura, Karin and myself are here."
"Uh-huh."
Wataru frowned at his boyfriend's nonchalant attitude. From the corner of his eye, he saw Asaka looking at him with a small smile on his face. Wataru meekly smiled and waved his hand to him. A dark aura once again emanated from Kazuki. Wataru dropped his hand nervously, regretting his actions since the older man slowly made his way across the room to share a table with them.
"Hello there, Wataru," he greeted cheerfully. "I hear you had quite a wonderful Christmas. I hope you have a wonderful New Year as well."
"Er… Thanks, Asaka-san," he lowered his head in embarrassment, still not accustomed to being addressed by Asaka without a '–kun' at the end of his name. Likewise, Kazuki's eyes turned dark and he began to glare at the older man. Asaka remained unfazed by the attention and continued to smile out of sheer playfulness. Wataru hung his head and wanted more than anything to leave. Why did he always have to be caught in the middle of these two overpowering men?
"Kohai-chan!" Kana pounced on him from behind. "Care to help a damsel in distress?"
"Uh, Kana-san! Of course!" Wataru exclaimed and jumped out of his seat—anything to get away from that awkward atmosphere.
"All right, come with me then," the older girl huffed and took him by the hand, leading him outside.
Kazuki and Asaka followed them with their eyes. When they were away from view, they both let out a heavy sigh. "Honestly," Asaka started. "For how long will we bicker like this?" Kazuki raised his brows in amusement. "Bicker?" he echoed, crossing his arms. "What's there to bicker about?" Asaka frowned at the sarcasm his kohai presented. "You know what I mean, Kazuki-kun."
"About Wataru… I think I've made it quite clear that you have no chance with him."
"You never know."
"Are you trying to pick a fight with me?"
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"……"
"Although… I must admit… it did feel good to swing one on you."
"Well, it also felt good hitting you, senpai. We should do it more often."
They both laughed dryly. Asaka took a sip from his glass before opening a new topic. "I hear there's still trouble brewing in the house. Your parents strongly oppose?"
"Yeah…" Kazuki gulped down his drink. "I'm not surprised though."
"And Mizuho-san?"
"I'm not too sure about it. I think she's torn between being happy for me and being opposed. Well, it's a good thing that she's with her family for the holidays now. Dealing with my family alone is already tiresome."
"…It would help if you had Shohei-san's blessing."
"I don't expect him to give it anytime soon."
"Well… it's a whole new year waiting to happen. Let's see where it goes."
"Asaka…?"
"Just for now, I'll step aside. But better watch your back again in the future, Kazuki-kun."
"I never let my guard down around you, Asaka-senpai."
They raised their glasses and did their own toast.
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The usually quiet night was now filled with lots of chatter and celebration. That's how it is during New Year's. The idea is to make lots of noise. As Wataru stood outside, he felt a small breeze blowing against him. It was strangely refreshing. I should thank Kana-san, he thought to himself. As it turns out, the girl didn't need his help after all. She had only called him out because she noticed how uncomfortable he was being in the middle of an awkward tension between Kazuki and Asaka. He would steal a glance every now and then, seeing if the mood had lifted up a bit. He sure hated to return to their table and still be caught up in a strange confrontation.
He heard the sound of an engine approaching. He turned and saw a black car pull up in front of the building. He watched with curiosity and amazement as the door was opened to reveal Sayuri on the passenger seat. "Ah, Wataru-kun!" she chirped, hopping outside and hurrying over to him. "Happy holidays!"
Wataru scratched the back of his head. "Um… Happy holidays to you, too, Sayuri."
"I heard from Masanobu-sama that you would be here. I'm really sorry that I didn't visit you while you were at the hospital."
"Oh, no that's fine!" he stammered. "It's all right. I'm just glad to know you're okay. How are you and your family doing?"
"Oh, we just came back from Hokkaido," she said nonchalantly. "That's where we had Christmas. But for the New Year, we intend to have it at home. We haven't exactly gone back to the way things were, but we're taking it one little step at a time."
"Oh…" he flashed a smile. "Did you get my present, by the way? I had asked Asaka-san to deliver it for me."
"Hm? You mean the CD from Kotane Kinya? Yeah, I got it. Sousuke made sure I got it. He's the old guy who keeps the house maintained while we're away. Thank you for the present. I really like it."
"Right," he wasn't sure if he met Sousuke, but the way Sayuri's eyes lit up at the mention of his name, he must be a very good person. He was also glad to know that she loved the present. It was the same CD that she had listened to when they went to the record store. The instant she had listened to it, Wataru knew that she had liked it, and so thought that it would make a good present for her.
"Anyway!" she perked and pulled out a small velvet box from her pocket. "You gave me a present, now it's my turn." She held out the box to him, and he looked at it curiously. "You know," she continued. "Us in that cave is an experience I will never forget. And when I was climbing up that cliff, I saw something on the side of the road. It was really shiny, and for some reason, I wanted to pick it up. When I did, I heard a car coming so I stayed there hoping that person will help me. As luck would have it, it was Masanobu-sama and Kazuki-san."
So that's what happened, Wataru thought, but he still didn't understand the significance of the velvet box.
"Here," she handed it to him. "It's lucky. It's the thing that saved us, don't you agree?"
Wataru was now indeed curious. He opened the box and widened his eyes with surprise. There, nestled in between the soft cushion, was his own silver ring still adorned with that single gold band and scratches it had acquired from being worn all the time. There were also new scratches to add to the old ones. But nevertheless, it shone and glittered proudly.
"Sayuri…?"
He looked at her with stunned amazement, but she just smiled in return. "I thought you might want it," she muttered. "But it's a shame though… I really don't mind having you as a boyfriend." He didn't hear the last line. When he asked her to repeat, she just shook her head and bid her goodbye. She hopped back into the car, waved to him one final time, and drove off, disappearing down the street.
Wataru turned his attention to the ring, still amazed that it had somehow found its way back to him again. "Well, what do you know?" he mused. "It's magic."
"It is, isn't it?" Kazuki asked, startling the young boy.
"Kazuki! How long have you been there?"
"Long enough to understand what just happened." He approached Wataru with a smile plastered on his face. "Who's not special? You keep attracting all sorts of beautiful people. You're a natural at this."
"Kazuki…"
The older boy took his hand and lightly kissed it. "It returned to you," Kazuki murmured. "Your ring found its way back to you."
"Yeah… although it got really scratched up."
"I don't mind," Kazuki shrugged. "This ring is just like you. It's tough yet fragile. It's beautiful yet filled with scars. It may be trivial to others, but to me, it is the most important thing in the whole world."
Wataru blushed again as he closed his eyes, feeling them moist with tears. "Oi," he heard the older boy call. "Don't cry." Wataru rubbed his eyes and scoffed, "Who's crying? There's just something in my eye." Kazuki lifted his face so that they were staring into each other's eyes. Wordlessly, Kazuki took the silver ring from Wataru's hand and placed it on his left ring finger. "A perfect fit," he mused.
"Kazuki!"
He was effectively silenced by another kiss. Their hands linked together and, along with it, the familiar feeling of metal. "You are…" Kazuki whispered, releasing the kiss for a brief moment. "You are the only one who can bring me happiness." He joined their lips once again and allowed their arms to overlap one another. If someone came out or walked by, the first thing they'd see was the sight of two schoolboys locked in a passionate kiss. But they didn't care.
The rings that were deprived of any kind of warmth had finally returned, and it would remain there forever, clasped in their hands—untouched by anything else other than each other.
The End
Happy New Year to everyone!
To all those who are curious, Kotane Kinya is the vocals for Gravitation's songs. He did the songs of Bad Luck, including the ending theme Glaring Dream. If you're wondering the connection, Kotane Kinya was first mentioned in chapter 13, and around that time, I had been continuously listening to Gravitation songs. My favorite was Glaring Dream, from which I had received inspiration to write this fanfic.
I once again would like to thank fouloldron, takara94, ladyronin4hire, Pombella4, amy_levi, recipe for insanity, fire draygon, irmina, en_igma, pikeebo, CreotiaFlayier, and to all my readers and reviewers for sparing their time and giving this fanfic a chance. I also would like to thank rustycolonel, moon_bunny735 and loveless3173 from LJ, and to hollymyew for her amazing fanart.
I really had two surprises for everyone. One was the long-overdue lemon between our most favorite couple. Yay! They're back together!
The other surprise is future stories for (again) Only the Ring Finger Knows. I really enjoyed writing about Kazuki and Wataru, and have now begun planning new stories. Aside from my one-shot collection (Rings of Promise), which I will be updating soon, I intend to write another story. For those viewing my LJ, it was mentioned in one post that a sequel for the Untouched Ring is planned, which is why the ending doesn't seem like a complete ending. There are still unresolved matters. But a new idea has entered my mind and I really want to push through with it. Since you are my most valued readers, I will let you decide. I have opened up a poll in my profile, so you decide which story I will first pursue.
First story is the sequel for the Untouched Ring. I haven't fully decided on the title yet, but here's the plot: It's summer again. Wataru is now a freshman at M University. Though he is back together with Kazuki, he has yet to move in with him as they had originally planned to do so. Of course, Kazuki is a bit upset at this, but not as upset as he is at Asaka and Shohei's continuous attempts to disrupt their lives. Add to that the fact that Mizuho and Kazuki's parents are strongly opposed to their relationship, not to mention Wataru's ex-girlfriend has also entered the fray. When summer vacation arrives, the entire gang is whisked away to Karuizawa for a grand event. But what happens there is a summer that both Kazuki and Wataru will never forget.
Of course, I won't give out the entire plot, but that's what basically happens. Now for the second story: Empty White Canvas. It's AU, and it doesn't follow the novels at all, but I will still make use of the characters and some elements present there. You could say it's a re-telling of the OTRFK series. Here's what happens:
Wataru loves to draw and hopes to take up Art in college. Since he doesn't come from a wealthy family, he doesn't socialize with the higher guys or the "populars". Kazuki is practically the most famous guy in and out the school. Wataru never dreamed he'd clash worlds with Kazuki, until his father came home one day with a proposal. Wataru's dad works at the company Kazuki's family runs. And apparently, Kazuki's parents want their son to go out more. So they set him up on a blind date with one of their employees' daughter. Fortunately or unfortunately, Mr. Fujii is that one employee. He volunteers Karin to go on a blind date with Kazuki. But on the day of the date itself, Karin gets sick and is unable to go. To save face, Wataru's parents force him to take her place.
A little make-up here and some added extra's there, no one could tell the difference (since Wataru and Karin look alike, I've made them twins here rather than one year apart). What starts out to be just one harmless date turns into something more as feelings that shouldn't be there begin to develop Add to that mix is Kazuki's social circle who are quite curious to know of this mysterious girl that has evidently captured Kazuki Yuichi's heart. Will true love unfold for our two protagonists or will someone come and take it away? The story will be told from first person (Wataru) point of view.
The rings will still be there, of course. Can't have an OTRFK fanfic without them. The rings will be a key factor in the main story.
So what do you think? I really want to do Empty White Canvas, but I also want to start on the Untouched Ring sequel. I'm really undecided so help me with your votes. Remember, I can only do one story at a time. So while you guys decide on your choice, I'll go and try to breathe life back into my SasuNaru stories, which have been on hiatus for too long. I'm not sure if the polls can be accessed by non-members of FF. So if you're a non-user, you can just leave your vote in the review.
Thanks for your time again, and I wish you all a happy New Year! =D