Chapter 36 : Epilogue part 1

"Shino, are you ready?" asked Rio, knocking at Shino's bedroom door lightly. "Kaname is already downstairs with Hamaji."

"Coming!" replied Shino and swung the door open. The boy grinned at his elder brother with Murasame perched on his head. Rio only nodded then they went downstairs to living room where Kaname was reading Akimitsu's golf magazine while Hamaji was discussing about fashion with Himeko. "Hi, Hamaji!" greeted Shino. He walked passed Kaname to sit next to Hamaji while Murasame flew to perch on coffee table.

Kaname mocked a pout. "No greeting for me?"

Shino rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever... Hamaji, I heard that you took Shinobu for tour around your campus."

"Oh, Shinobu-kun told you? Yes, he visited me in campus a week ago." Hamaji smiled widely. She had been introduced to Shinobu when the blond boy had happened to meet Shino at hospital during Ao's stay there. The two quickly had become friends since they shared deep fascination on medical field. Shinobu even considered to enter the same medical school with Hamaji. The girl had been more than happy to offer Shinobu a campus tour. "I think I have successfully convinced him to study in my medical school," Hamaji continued and winked her eye.

"Great!" Shino beamed. "Nii-san, can we go now?"

"We were waiting for you, actually," laughed Kaname. He took out his car key from jeans pocket. "Bye, Auntie. I'll see you later."

"Have fun at the exhibition. Shino, could you tell Sousuke-kun I'm sorry I can't go there. Next time invite him and Ao-kun for dinner, okay?" Himeko spun around and kissed Shino's forehead, earning a slight scowl from her youngest son. The lady really loved to tease both sons by showing too much affection in front of other people.

"Sure," Shino said, "I'll tell him."

She watched the four climbed into the car and drove away. Himeko leaned again the door frame, glancing at now-empty house next door. She remembered the day when Sousuke and Ao had come to their house and said that they had decided to move out for security reason. Akimitsu had not been really happy to have the two young men at their house but Himeko quickly gave him a soft warning. Ao had apologized for all inconvenience they had caused. Himeko, of course, had no trouble to accept the apology. The boys had been so genuine that it moved Himeko's motherly heart, especially when he had learned that the twins' mother had passed away.

"Invite them for dinner?" Akimitsu's voice came from her behind. Himeko looked over her shoulder and found her husband was standing at the entrance with folded hands. He looked quite displeased.

Himeko giggled. "Aw, Honey...don't be like that. It's only a dinner, not some kind of meeting to sign contract with yakuza family. Well, we technically have invisible contract with them since the twins swore to keep our sons away from any danger."

Akimitsu narrowed his eyes and muttered, "You got the point though." He had to admit that his wife plan on making an 'ally' with the Inukawa had been a right move. After all, it was not the first time for Satomi family and Inuzuka family to be involved with yakuza. You could not separate political and business world with yakuza connection in Japan. Akimitsu sighed, he could only hope his sons would not ended up being yakuza members.

Watching her husband retreated to living room, Himeko absentmindedly combed her blond hair and thought what would happen once Akimitsu knew that both of their sons were dating the Inukawa twins. She realized the relationship when she had seen Rio staying by Ao's comatose body all the time and how Sousuke had hugged Shino affectionately. When people said you could not fool mother's intuition, it was true. Himeko straightened her back then turned around. Perhaps she should consult this matter with her sister. For now, she would keep her mouth shut for the sake of her sons' happiness.

"But really...my sons have such a high standard on lover. Must be coming from Inuzuka traits," Himeko hummed and closed the front door.

Meanwhile, much to Rio's annoyance, Kaname and Hamaji was singing inside the car. The sound system was in the full blast and Rio wondered if police would stop their car for aiding more noise pollution in this already noisy world. Really, having Kaname and Hamaji sitting in the same car should be banned forever. Shino, even though he was irritated by Kaname's mocked high pitch, was enjoying the disastrous karaoke session. Finally, Kaname pulled his car on the parking area then Rio took no time to get himself out of the car. Hamaji giggled and shook her head, throwing mischievous grin at Kaname.

"Let's go," Kaname said, dragging Shino along with him, "Sousuke and Ao must be waiting for us."

Hamaji and Rio followed from behind. When they were about to enter station area, Hamaji asked the blonde in whisper, "Is it okay for Ao to be here? I mean, who knows those people who used to be Seiran's underlings target him again?"

Rio did not answer immediately. They walked closer to the station and saw people swarming around Hachiko statue. Rio had no difficulty to find Ao and Sousuke among the crowds. Shino apparently saw them first and waved his hands.

"Sou, Ao!" The boy called, beaming.

Looking at his little brother, Rio said to Hamaji, "I believe Ao and Sousuke know what they are doing."

Hamaji let out a small smile before joing Shino and Kaname.

"What were you whispering about?" Ao asked when Rio was already standing beside him, "Sharing secret with your sister in law?" He smirked and adjusted his sunglasses. "I hope it was not about our sex li—ooow, Rio!"

The blonde had his right foot on the top of Ao's left one.

"Why did you shriek, Ao?" asked Shino, noticing where Rio's foot was. "Did you annoy my brother again? Be careful, don't end up sleeping on sofa for months."

At that, Kaname laughed loudly, Hamaji giggled almost uncontrollably, and Sousuke covered his own face with one palm. Ao grinned madly at the youngest person between them. Rio was the only one who put a poker face but he made a mental note to have little talk with Shino later. He absolutely should have not let Shino spend too much time around Kaname. After a while and one stop at coffee shop, they resumed their walk to a building at Shibuya's most famous shopping street area.

The building looked ordinary from the outside with glassed double door as entrance. No big sign or anything, just a stand chalkboard framed in dark wood. Sousuke pushed the door and led the group to an exhibition area where many paintings and sculpture were arranged neatly. Hamaji and Shino looked at the space in awe. Many of the art pieces were too abstract to describe yet those were really beautiful. Even people like Shino who did not really understand about art were awestruck. to think that all those beautiful, breathtaking art pieces were created by university students...

"So, where is your painting, Sou?" asked Ao with meaningful smile. It instantly gained the attention of every person on the group.

Shino flushed and groaned. He really wanted to dig into a floor and hide under it.

"Yeeees, the first prize painting!" Hamaji encircled her arm's around Shino's. "That is the reason we are here."

Shino muttered incoherently.

"It's on the main exhibition room," said Sousuke, "but I think the place is still packed by people."

"And why are you here, Sousuke?" Kaname threw his hands into the air. "I bet people want to see and talk to you about the painting."

Sousuke smiled. "I am really glad that they love my painting but I think I'll let them enjoy it without knowing the artist. I want people to see my painting as a pure art, not an art created by a man named Inukawa Sousuke."

Ao snorted at that. "Trying to be modest, aren't you?"

"I'm still a student, not a professional artist, mind you." Sousuke replied swiftly.

"At least someone isn't showing off his talent." The group had their attention to a tall brown haired man who had just entered the building. Kobungo's voice was so loud and Hamaji though people from next room probably heard him too. Kobungo grinned at the older twin. "Congratulation for the first prize!" He said and gave Sousuke a bear hug.

"Thank you…and I see you are bringing someone."Sousuke's eyes trailed at another brown haired man who was standing not far from Kobungo. Instantly all eyes were looking at the long haired person. Kobungo widened his grin then scratched his head awkwardly. Sousuke continued, "Perhaps you can introduce us to your…"

"Lover, of course." Ao cut off, jabbing Kobungo's ribs, "Dude, I didn't know you can be so shy. Come on, it's only your boyfriend."

Kobungo flushed.

Shino stared at the beauty in front of him. He looked like those models for high fashion brands, and could be easily mistaken as a woman because he had such smooth skin and elegant body line. "Hi," Shino said, tugging his brother's shirt, "I'm Satomi Shino and this is my brother, Rio."

"Hello, Shino-kun, Rio-san. My name is Inusaka Keno," replied the long haired man, "Kobungo mentioned your name a lot."

The boy raised an eyebrow. "Oh, really? What did Kobungo say about me?"

Kobungo groaned and Keno smirked playfully. Kaname and Hamaji were eager to listen more of the conversation. "Well, he told me so many things about you, including how he was surprised to find out that you're dating his best friend. He thought Sousuke would not take any interest on junior high student."

"I am high school student!" Shino corrected, glaring at Kobungo who soon tried to defend himself because he was accused of giving false information to Keno.

Hamaji giggled, "Aaaaw, Shino. You are cute enough to be mistaken as junior high student."

Shino pouted in return. He grabbed Sousuke's hand and dragged him to the next room, leaving the rest of the group suppressed their laugh. After a brief self-introduction to Keno, Kaname and Hamaji excused themselves and went to explore the gallery on second floor. Ao and Kobungo seemed to be caught on conversation about the latest Michelin-starred restaurant in Shinjuku area. Apparently, Kobungo's Felicità was compared with one of Michelin-starred ones on the latest copy of famous culinary magazine.

Rio glanced at Keno—somehow he had seen the man before. Inusaka Keno was not an unfamiliar name, especially with the family name. The slender brown haired man was elegant and well-mannered; his body language stated clearly that Keno was no ordinary person. Well, someone who could capture the heart of Inuta's heir had to be an extraordinary person. "Satomi Rio…as in the first son of Satomi Akimitsu?" asked Keno.

Rio nodded. "Did Kobungo tell you that?"

"No. Let's say my occupation sometimes requires me to learn about business and political world. I just happened to cross one article about Satomi Family."

"Your occupation." Rio noted.

Keno smiled. "Please don't mind it too much. My occupation is very boring." He laughed slightly then took a look at his surroundings before landing his eyes again on Rio's. "Actually, I did not really want to be here since I don't understand art that much. Visual art, I mean."

"So, I guess you have more understanding on another form of art?" asked Rio again. He began to like this man. Despite of his well-manner, the brown haired man was surprisingly blunt.

"Traditional dance and music, including some traditional instruments."

"Interesting."

Keno nodded before asking, "Would you like to join me for coffee? I think our boyfriends there are too busy to notice our presence." He pointed at the two childhood friends who were discussing financial investment for Kobungo's next restaurant. "Gosh," Keno groaned, "I really need coffee—real coffee."

"I know a good coffee shop around here," said Rio, "They have great medium roast coffee."

"After you." Keno smiled as he motioned Rio to the entrance door. They wasted no time to leave the two grown up men behind.

When Ao and Kobungo did not notice that their boyfriends had exited the building, Sousuke and Shino had just finished their tour at the gallery on first floor. They had stopped at every exhibition room except the one that had Sousuke's painting on it. The room was still full of people due to all of prized art pieces were placed there. Sousuke himself had no intention to register his painting for art competition but apparently his classmates deliberately put Sousuke's work on the list. And…voila! He got the first prize and positive reviews from some well-known art curators.

When they were about to get upstairs, Shino's smart phone beeped. He received a text message from Shinobu who was already waiting for them at the entrance. Yesterday, Shino had also asked Shinobu to meet them at the exhibition. His friend had been very ecstatic to see Sousuke's painting since he knew the model was Shino himself.

"There you are, Shino," greeted Shinobu as he saw the purplish haired boy, "Hello, Sousuke-san. Shino told me you got first prize. Congratulation."

"Thank you, Shinobu-kun," Sousuke replied politely.

"Shino, have you seen the painting yet?" asked Shinobu.

"Of course I have seen it several times," said Shino.

Shinobu laughed. "I mean…have you seen the painting which is currently hung on the wall of exhibition room? I think it will give you different kind of feeling."

Shino scowled. The image of people staring at his face on the painting was weird enough. Well, actually he just needed to admit that he was quite embarrassed. People inside that room would probably recognize him as the model of Sousuke's painting immediately.

"Come on, Shino, let's go now! Who cares people is going to recognize you as Sousuke's model." Shinobu grinned and Shino threw him a weak glare. It was as if Shinobu could read Shino's mind. No wonder, they were friends for years now.

Shino glanced at Sousuke who was smiling in amusement. The boy sighed and let Shinobu led him to the main exhibition room. They soon were squished by crowds. Shinobu quickly walked to where Sousuke's painting was. Shino and Sousuke followed him behind. The smallest boy grunted every time he almost crashed into someone and Sousuke ended up encircling his arm on Shino's waist to prevent his younger lover from falling down.

Shinobu halted on his step, tilting his head and smiled fondly at the panting in front of him. He glanced over his shoulder to find Shino's crimson cheeks and Sousuke's sheepish smile. "Now I understand," Shinobu said, "why your painting won the first prize, Sousuke-san."

The painting was simply beautiful. No, 'beautiful' was not even the right word to describe that piece of art. In the painting, Shino wore a simple yet elegant yukata while holding up his hair in a loose bun. Yep, Shino's hair was longer, almost touching his mid back. The angle was taken from Shino's back so his gender was quite concealed. His face was not fully exposed but from the view of it people could tell that the person in the painting was so serene, content, and loved.

Shino scowled, "I look like a girl there. Look at the long hair! My hair was not that silky!"

His blond friend gave him a look.

"But you do have silky hair." Surprisingly the words came from Sousuke. Those words were full of affection and Shino could not help but feel like hugging his boyfriend now. Too bad there were too many people here. "Anyway," Sousuke continued, noticing some people began staring at their direction, "Why don't we move from here?"

Shinobu and Shino nodded in affirmative.

Too bad, when they were about to exit the room, Sousuke's professor suddenly showed up and dragged the young man to meet an art curator who had an interest with Sousuke's painting technique. Sousuke could not say no since it was rude so he told Shino to wait for him at the lobby. Shino only shrugged.

"I think Sousuke-san will be a great artist in the future," Shinobu commented as the two boys reached the lobby area.

"Sou does love painting," said the younger boy, "Lately he also explores other painting techniques. You should drop by at our place sometimes, you're gonna surprised on how many paintings Sousuke has created."

Shinobu placed his index finger on chin, tapping it lightly. "Our…place?" asked the blonde with glinted eyes. He smirked as Shino's sudden embarrassed expression. "Oh, oh, don't be so shy, Shino." Shinobu continued then squeezed Shino's shoulder gently. "You spend a lot of time at Sousuke-san's place. Of course it'll be natural if you saw his home as your home too. You guys practically almost live together. I wouldn't be surprised if you suddenly told me you've moved in with him."

Shino frowned.

"Wait…don't tell me you guys…" Shinobu stepped back a little and looked at his friend from head to toe.

"We haven't had sex…" Shino's voice trailed off. "…yet."

Shinobu did not say any word.

"Gods, Shinobu! I don't know what Sou's thinking! He…he…I don't know!" Shino let an exasperated sigh. "It's so frustrating. I keep waiting for him to make a move but Sousuke will not go anywhere. He doesn't even let me use my mou—hmmph!" He was cut off by Shinobu's palm covering his mouth.

"Okay, Shino, that's…uhm, too much information." Shinobu was glad no one was around or they probably would have been seen as two perverted boys. He removed his hand from Shino's mouth and led him to sit down on sofa at the corner of lobby. "You see," Shinobu continued as he took a sit next to his best friend, "Have you thought to make the first move?"

Shino was dumbfounded. "M-me?"

"Yes."

"Uhm…no?" Shino cocked his head cutely

Shinobu almost cooed at him. It was not Shino's fault to look this delicate but…well, Shinobu somehow could figure it out why Sousuke had decided to postpone the whole sex things. "I have an idea," the blonde said, motioned Shino to come closer, "First of all, you have to…"

Thirty minutes later, Shinobu found himself snickering in front of gallery building. He often thought Shino was not as innocent as people had imagined. Well, after all, Shino was a curious teenager—correction, a curious hormonal teenager. Really, things were going to get more interesting after this.

"Something good happened?" A man's voice came from Shinobu's left side.

The boy instantly turned his head and chuckled. "It did. No fieldwork for today?" He changed the topic.

"Just a bunch of paperwork," Inukai Genpachi sighed, "You know how I don't like paperwork..."

"I know." Shinobu replied, "Are you sure you won't come in to meet my friends?"

Genpachi shook his head. "It's okay, maybe next time. So...lunch?"

"Lunch, it is." Shinobu smiled. The two crossed the road and joined crowd of people walking toward train station.

.

.

tbc

*yes, our dear readers, we decided not to end this story...yet (snickers)