A/N: Update.
AyenGaze: TY for reading. Nice to meet you.
Angel: TY TY. It feels satisfying knowing someone is intrigued on this. Thanks so much. I feel sad Nana is gone too. T-T She's precious to me. And it's okay to have long review. You can write a chapter, I wouldn't mind. Hihi. TY. Chu.
akiraismylover: Sometimes trolling Akira is my joy. LOL. I know he's your lover so please don't hate me HAHA. And please don't hate Akira in this story, u know what I mean. NYAHAHA. I hope you'll enjoy this chapter. Chu.
Ghorl: Nako gurl. Okay lang. Basahin mo lang kung ano ang preferred mo. Salamat sa honest at sa malumanay na feedback. Iba ka talaga. Nagmature na ata ako. Ready na ako sa mga bashers Haha. TY for reading.
Caro: TY so much for standing by. T_T I do hope you'll love this chapter.
Star7: Thanks for dropping by T_T Yeah. But loving the person who hurt you and then losing them anyway is a double agony Aargh! So true! I'm crying now. Poor Sendoh.
Happy reading...
Darkened pillow of clouds gathered, hiding the gleams of the afternoon sun; Weeping grey sky; Splatters growing thicker by seconds; Copious and relentless fall down to the surface of Kanagawa. An almost wall of rain overwhelms the entire district. The heavy downpour, brisk and continual, yet nothing compare to this empty space between the once-known inseparable beings. "I believe we don't have any business today, Sendoh." Rukawa uttered first, without moving his stares upfront.
"It's Saturday." Sendoh casually implied.
A calmed but relevant pause. "It's not your responsibility anymore." he added.
Thicker brows flinched, disregarding the monotonous tone, he shoved a hand inside his coat's pocket and pulled out a set of keys gathered in round metallic string, building clunky sounds above the pelting noise of the rain. "I promised a woman dear to me." he muttered, taking unsettled steps until he reached the gate, passing onto Rukawa who retained his place but sensing the movements happening in front of him. Sendoh locked the umbrella handle between his jaw and shoulder to free his hand in order to remove the chain of the gate. Rasping metal sounded when the quaint steel bars were pushed further. Sendoh steps inside and stood beside the opened gate, an implication anyone would knew in a snap.
Neither moved. Allowing the rain to cope up with the repeating silence. "It's raining..." Sendoh breaks it, tilting his head a little to his right. "You might need to shelter yourself." But Rukawa refrained. "This house is still under your name. You may enter as you wish." He removed his hand on the cold steel bar. "I won't take long. I'll head out once I'm done." Without waiting for Rukawa to step in, he left, leaving the gate open and went inside the old house thru the main door.
It took some time for Rukawa to decide and enter his own premise. The usual lonesome vibe welcomed him. The same dreadful state of the house after his Nana's death. He took steps further and made his way to the living room, standing by its open doorway. Furniture kept still in the exact same place since he left. Nothing has changed but the white cloths covering each piece of chattels. It must've turned out like this during his absence. He sauntered, walking further inside. Sweeping all the pieces reminding him of those good and bad childhood memories. Everything stayed after Nana's. All stood by... but not him.
One certain vintage item, still covered, caught his unremitted attention. He melted at the sight of it. He slides down the fabric to reveal itself - a wooden vinyl record player, one of Nana's prized possession. A piece of her memory he took to his second home, reminding him of a significant moment still stuck in his memory...
A chiming sounded through the flat. "I'll get it." Rukawa blurted aloud, making careful steps to avoid bumping onto the several boxes scattered around their neither small nor great but enough space unit. Boxes containing his and Sendoh's belonging for today marks the start of their relocation.
Sendoh stepped out of the bathroom, finding Rukawa holding a rectangular parcel in both hands. "Who was it?"
"Delivery." his immediate answer. Sendoh approached and examined the box with him. He took out the piece of card inside a small white envelope taped atop the parcel and reads it. "Congratulations on your new home. Love - M.A."
"Aaw. Ayako-chan is really thoughtful, isnt' she?" Sendoh expressed. Rukawa returned the card back to the envelope to completely unwrap the parcel. "Aye. Best girl."
Sendoh scoffed at his remarks. "Sometimes I wonder, if you haven't fallen deeply, thoroughly and so much in love with me..." Rukawa rolled his eyes with the overly-worded statement but allowed Sendoh to continue "... you could've chosen Ayako-chan as your partner, wouldn't you?"
His brows furrowed, halting the unboxing. "What makes you say that?"
He shrugged. "Well, for starters, she's very nice to you and most importantly, she's the only woman who can overpower your stubbornness." he taunted with a flick on the pale forehead. Rukawa squinted but contracted his shoulders. "Probably, but she's not silly. So no."
Sendoh leaned with a wide grin across his face. "Eeeh... Is that a confession?"
"No." he blankly denied. "I simply don't want to be outsmarted by my partner." he joked. Sendoh backed away with a displeased twitch on his lips. Rukawa scoffed aloud when he felt his reaction and continued unwrapping the parcel, finally revealing the gift from the balls of the Miyagi family. Sendoh took the honor to pull out the two mugs in red and royal blue color with fancy prints of their high school jersey number. "Nice!" Sendoh exulted. "Our first mugs for our first home. Send her a thank-you message okay?"
Rukawa nodded in response.
"Excellent." he rejoiced while examining the mugs. "This calls for a celebration..." he said following by coercing the porcelains towards the younger one, taking him by surprise. "Care to impress your handsome boyfriend with your homemade rich, steaming, perfect and graded A coffee?"
Hearing the prolonged compelling words over his self-made coffee make him narrowed his eyes. "Lazy dog." he murmured an insult, but still grabbed the two mugs from the other's grips.
"Three sugars, honey." Sendoh taunted, watching his lover heading towards their tiny kitchen. "Two only..." Rukawa rebutted. "... and a pinch of salt."
"HA!" The older uttered a laugh from the joke.
His oceanic gaze then roamed around the enough-space unit he recently bought to emit the life of living together with his long time lover. An investment he couldn't imagine he will fulfill in his late-twenties. Though this is not what he have in mind to be honest. Far from what he promised to Rukawa in the earlier days of their relationship. Old but not that shabby. Needs more repaints which can be considered as one of their bonding moments. Rukawa is keen to take charge on the paintings after all. A few overhaul and repairs and everything will be good as new. That's how he convinced himself before buying an old aged unit. Actually, owning a space is not the first on his list he targets to accomplish before he reached his thirties. But that's what plans are made of, right? Made to be ruined if being precise. Well, it's a matter of prioritization anyway. Which ever is needed first, especially if it would benefit his loved ones, particularly Rukawa, he wont' hesitate to revamp his plans. Rukawa's happiness is everything to him.
An enticing aroma of his favorite coffee massages his nose. Rukawa towered beside him with steaming mugs in either of his hands. "You're dazing, I was about to hit you." he threatened, still loathing when Sendoh is in a sudden daze for no apparent reason. The older one chuckled and took the royal blue mug from the other's grip. He sipped and gave the young one a light bent of his lips. "Kaede... we'll be alright here, won't we?"
The icy orbs roamed themselves around. "Aye. It's... a good home." he said in a heartfelt appreciation.
"Good." he muttered, giving themselves an ample time to savor the new home they will share for the years to come.
After Sendoh finishes his cup, he placed it down on top of the kitchen counter. "Okay. Let's get back to work and clear these boxes away." he exclaimed in full energy, finding a clear spot to sat on to free the items from their temporary storage. He started unpacking. Rukawa did the same on the other side.
"Wow!" Rukawa turned when he heard Sendoh's loud amusement. "A vintage record player? Is this still working?" he exclaimed, turning the vinyl record player to scan it thoroughly. Rukawa crawled to his side. "Aye. That's Nana's." he said and took it from Sendoh's hold.
"Nana's? Are you sure you want to have it here?" he said, worried it will trigger Rukawa's longing for his Nana's warmth again.
His gaze melted on the object. "Yeah. I just want a piece of her in here... I hope you don't mind." he mumbled.
Sendoh smiled away. "You know the answer to that."
Rukawa smiled back then returned his focus on the record player, running his fingers on its wooden case. "She plays her music with this everyday while on her afternoon nap. Sometimes doing her crochet by the window." His mind flashes an image of her, resting in front of the window, watching the afternoon orange sky while humming on her favorite songs.
Sendoh softens at the sight. His love for his Nana is too deep, that her passing causes a great pain to his soul. But seeing how Rukawa cope up with this depressing memory, that, somehow plucked a thorn inside his heart. There's still a hint of sadness, but not that too depressing anymore. He is healing and Sendoh will do everything he can to help him overcome this pain. "How does it work? I haven't tried this before." Sendoh innocently asked, purposely changing the atmosphere to an even lighter one.
Rukawa grabbed a certain box and opened it using a cutter. His fingers searched for a specific disc and pulled it out. "This is Nana's favorite." he said, showing Sendoh a large black ang gray colored carton. He pulled the record player closer to him and lifted the dust cover. "Plug it." he commanded which the other complied immediately. He pulled out the disc carefully and transferred it at the center of the platter. The cue lever was lifted and placed its needle against the vinyl. He switched the device on and the records started spinning, playing an Audrey Hepburn version of the song "Moon River".
Moon river, wider than a mile
I'm crossing you in style some day
"Oh I know this." Sendoh says. "I heard it before. It sounds soothing and romantic..."
"But it's not meant to be romantic..." Rukawa explained. "That's what Nana said..."
Hearing the next line, Sendoh found himself convinced.
Oh dream maker, you heart breaker
Wherever you're goin', I'm goin' your way
The two grown-up men settled themselves in silence, listening and feeling the calming melody flowing through their soul.
Two drifters, off to see the world
There's such a lot of world to see
Indulging on the deeper meaning the music foretells.
We're after the same rainbow's end
Waitin' 'round the bend
A song whose rhythm is romantically echoing around the room... but piercing thorns to each ones heart.
My huckleberry friend
Moon river and me
"Akira..." Rukawa called the moment the song ended and mumbled serious words coming from the bottom of his heart, "Never be... my moon river."
Fear was strongly felt from Rukawa's tone, gaping him. Frightened to feel the pain of losing someone once again. How could he not? His sister flew to America after the death of his Nana, derided by a broken heart from her last relationship in Japan. His father resents him even more after he came out and confessed his relationship with Akira. His mother half-heartedly accepted his preference, but chose to live and stand on his father's side. He was all alone after Nana. Rukawa may be one of the strongest person he has ever known, but anyone who felt the extreme pain of losing a treasure, will live in the world with fear of being left alone.
His warm palm reaches for the pale hand and entwined their fingers together, stealing Rukawa's gaze from the turntable. His lips curled softly. "Leaving you, will be the last thing I will do Kaede." he uttered sincerely. "Not in this lifetime. Not until we reach forever... I promise you that."
A mesmerizing moment, leaving him in awe. Drowning him with sincere words out of his gentle heart. This man has never failed to let him feel of how to be loved by someone unconditionally. He placed a hand on top of Sendoh's, entwining his. "Tell me..." He mumbled. "How did Google help you come up what that shitty promise?" he teased, hiding his fluttering self by mocking the older one.
Sendoh returned a laugh. "What are you saying? That came from my poetic persona. Quote and quote by Sendoh Akira, the future poet." he bowed his head.
He snorted. "The thing you get from watching your ugly romcoms." he taunted, but in a bliss inside. For he knew that when Sendoh makes a promise, it's carved on a stone at the same time. And that made him feel secured somehow. Believing that he will never... and will never be alone anymore.
"But it did fluctuate your heart, didn't it?" Sendoh teased back, giving the other a bump on his side.
"Yuck!"
Sendoh giddied by rubbing his left upper arm on Rukawa's right one. "Aa. Does your love for me increases?"
"Knock it off!" he growled, pushing the other by his elbow but with a tint of blush marking his cheeks.
Sendoh chuckled but silenced himself to devour this simple but heartfelt moment to watch and scan his lover, then softly whispered out of the blue, "I love you."
Earning a hard cold stern from the other, "The heck? Whatever." he said with a wave of a hand, discarding the three words he uttered.
He laughed.
"Akira, remember our promise to Nana?" he asked, shifting the mood in an instant. A promise made to a dying precious woman who requested to keep the fragrance of her treasured plants and flowers inside her home. "Can you come with me every Saturday to do her will?"
Without any hesitation, Sendoh pulled Rukawa's head and planted a kiss on his temple. "No need to ask."
A sound of clanking tiny metals were dropped at the center table. "I'm returning the keys to you now." he heard the other guy says from behind, in a reasonable distance. "You have forgotten to bring it with you."
Rukawa kept his head upfront, eyes settled at the translucent window suffering from the cold and thick droplets of the gloomy weather. Maintaining his words inside his mouth, refusing to glance back.
"I watered the indoor plants." Sendoh spoke again. "Just... just in case you are about to-"
"Thanks. You can leave then." Despite the intending cold treatment, he never hear fading steps heading the main door, but instead... "What happened to you?" A question uttered in a depressing whisper. "Where have you been?" Sendoh added. "Where did you go?"
But Rukawa refused to participate in bringing up the past.
"Kaede... Talk to me."
When a step was felt from behind, Rukawa immediately voiced out to prevent it. "That shouldn't concern you anymore."
"Shouldn't concern me?!" The whispers raised into a resentful tone, after hearing Rukawa's inconsiderate words. "You left me with a lie, Kaede!"
Rukawa can feel the daggers piercing through his back.
"You told me your father offered you sponsorship to live in America, but that was all made up. He didn't even contact you before that!" His fist formed, clenching his jaw. "Why? Are you that eager to leave me? That deceiving me is your best plan?"
Still, Rukawa refuses to answer questions from the past.
"Answer me Kaede!" Sendoh growled.
"I came back to Japan to work. That's my only purpose. I don't need to explain anything to anyone."
"Including me?! Don't you think I deserve an explanation?"
An insipid sigh. "It's been six years Sendoh... You're bringing up the past that shouldn't matter anymore."
He narrowed, in disbelief of everything he is hearing. "You sound as if our years together is a waste of your time." His voice loses its life. "We had everything. We were so perfect-"
"Perfect? Tch. Don't make me laugh." he said, followed by a mocking scoff.
The sharp looks returned burning his back. "What do you mean?" Fist kept digging its nails deeper into his palms.
Rukawa removed his hands resting on the turntable and shoved them inside his trench coat's side pockets. "Us... is suffocating... demanding... tiring..."
"The hell are you saying?" he cuts in between.
"You deserve a reason remember? Then I'll give you more." he asserted. "We are far to be called perfect. It's too controlling. Manipulating. We're in an immovable world where I felt so... stuck." Word by word lashing through the bleakness. "There was no reason to move on. Everything about us... I've fallen out of it. It suddenly hit me one day... I'm not into it anymore." he divulge firmly. "So if closure is what you needed, then repeat this in your silly head... We're through. You and I are long over."
The harsh and striking words were strengthen by a long dreadful silence, encircling the home that nourished a once unbroken relationship.
A chuckle was heard from behind. "Long over? Ha. Of course it is. You left it to be over, remember?" he sarcastically says. "For thirteen years, we grew together. Walk together. Run side by side. I've known you from top to bottom. From the little details to your special ones, it's carved on my memory. What makes you mad. What makes you smile. What makes you laugh. And all the things that can make you sad. From bits to pieces, I know every single detail about you." he conveyed firmly. "Do you think I would believe all your claims when the moment you step into this house you haven't looked me straight into my eyes, even a single glance. And let's not talk about that clenching hands you kept hiding inside your pockets which you and I know... only indicates one thing..." Fading steps discerned followed by the shutting of the main door.
The moment Rukawa felt alone, his stance loses its strength. His whole form jaded. He loosened his clenched fists and held onto the either side of the record player's table upfront to support himself. Panting for air, relieving himself by shutting his eyes firmly.
The car door slammed closed. He removed his drenched coat and threw it at the back seat. His fingers and palms run over his hair to wipe off the droplets cascaded from the rain. He's pissed. Too pissed to even remember the umbrella he placed behind the main door. Hands seized the steering wheel, throwing all his emotions unto his grips.
It's unfair.
Everything Rukawa said, despite fully convinced those were all scripted, are all unfair. None of it makes sense. None of it fits the relationship he treasured for thirteen years.
He was in love. Too in love to even define it as perfect. Harmonious, strong, unbreakable together. He almost lost his mind, gathering all the possibilities on why Rukawa left him without a word. He cherished this love with all his heart. Pushing his limits to keep the foundation uphold. No reason. He can't find any for Rukawa to fall out of love as he claims to be. They were full of love to believe it wasn't. Or was it just his perspective?
He ignites his four-wheel seven-seater ride by a push of a button.
Controlling? Manipulating? How come? When all his efforts, sacrifices are all for Rukawa's sake.
His jaw clenched and finally stepped on the pedal to leave the place, bravely confronting the challenging weather caused by the stagnant heavy rainfall drenching all parts of Kanagawa. But before he could left the block, the red light across flashes. He quickly hit the brakes before a violation occur. Luckily, no officer around due to the heavy rain.
Droplets gone thicker as he waits. He switched on his wiper to its maximum speed to give himself a better view of the road. No other vehicles around but him. Not even a single soul dared to face the harmful droplets. He turned on his beam lights as the road is starting to hit zero-visibility. He leaned closer to his windshield and observed the weeping sky, witnessing flashes of little lightnings. He turned to the digital clock on his dashboard, it's almost five in the afternoon and the weather speeds up the rise of the evening.
And because of this worrisome and dangerous weather, a certain person's sake crosses his mind.
He shook the thought out of him. Everything is accessible nowadays, 'He'll be fine.' he said to himself. Anyone knows how to book an Uber, right?
But the sudden crashing sound of thunder, accompanied by a flash of lightning, crushes his thoughts. His mind started imagining terrible and horrifying incidents.
No.
The house is strongly-built. 'He'll be fine.' he reiterated. But the mind recalled a necessity of every home which the old house doesn't have anymore - the electricity was cut off years ago! Meaning, no heater, no lights. Terrible scenes clouded his head yet again.
'Dammit!'
Still, he stood his ground, refused to succumb. A man can survive without an electricity for a day! Especially a strong man! "He'll be fine. He'll be fine!" he sang like a melody.
His mind is now settled, waiting for the green light to turn so he could leave the place. They are long over right? There's no reason for him to turn around the block, fetch him and give him a ride home. They are strangers now anyway. The only connection left is simply business.
He is answered however, by the sudden increase of rattling drops over his roof, instantly dispersing all his excuses. "Aaargh! Dammit!" he growled, succumbing to his caring self. He drifted his wheel to the right and accelerates without waiting for the green signal to come. He hastily drove around the block and back to the street where the old house is located. And there he is. The stranger. Towering outside the gate under the shade of his umbrella, tapping on his mobile screen who seems to be booking a ride. 'Fuck this Sawakita. He can't even share one of his luxurious cars! Cheap jerk!'
He dashed and hit the brakes, parking in front of the stranger as he lowered the passenger window. He horned twice when Rukawa didn't look up. "Rukawa." he called, earning the other's attention. "Hop in. I'll take you to your place."
But Rukawa lowered his head back to the phone. "No need. I can manage."
He tapped the center of his wheel to sound his car again, earning Rukawa's gaze back. "No one will pick you up in this heavy rain. Some areas are flooded. Get in the car." he commanded. Still, Rukawa ignored his deed and returned on the screen. "I'll take you to your place. You'll die waiting here." he added.
Finally, the young man shoved his phone to his pocket but kept the stubbornness. "I'll just stay here-"
"There's no electricity. It was cut four years ago." he explained.
"Just leave..." Rukawa stood his ground. "I'll be al--" But a sudden dash of wind gushes, making his grip loses his umbrella's handle, putting an end on their tug-o-war.
"Get in!" Sendoh repeated. "You have no choice."
But Rukawa stayed even when the rain is starting to soak the insides of him.
Losing his cool, Sendoh uttered a childish threat. "Hop in or I'll bridal carry you inside Rukawa." Same type of his usual threats back in the days to overpower the egoistic one, making Rukawa widened in disbelief. But somehow it made him grasped the door handle and compelled himself inside. Finally succumbing. Thus, Sendoh won the war. "Tch. Stubborn." he murmured. Rukawa heard, but ignored it.
He then felt Sendoh extends his lengthy arm to the back seat, brought out a towelette and handed to him. "I'm fine." he said, refusing to take the deed.
"It's clean." he insisted, forcing the towel further. Rukawa jaded and snatched the cloth from Sendoh's grip. "Remove your coat, you'll get sick." Sendoh added. Regardless, Rukawa did it before asked. His inner clothes is starting to feel clammier anyway.
"Seatbelt." Sendoh commenced when Rukawa is settled. He clawed the gear stick and pushed it to Drive, then sped up his vehicle. "Where are you staying?" his first question as he maneuvered. "Just drop me at any station." Rukawa's immediate response. But he ignored the insisting stubbornness. "Where?" he repeated.
A sigh was heard and finally complied, "Ascott."
Uncertain but the name of the said service apartment, however, struck an ego inside. For the tower is known as one of the prestigious service apartments in the city. He coughed. "I'll... I'll take you there." he said, discarding the hint of insecurity over someone he can't admit the name to himself. Nonetheless, his focus must remain on the road.
Thirty minutes have gone and not a single word was spoken. Long, grimed and awkward silence was all there is inside the vehicle. No one dares to initiate a chat. The only sound flowing through are the frustrated horns coming from each cars around them, obviously frustrated from the jam packed road. In all honesty, this hushed road trip pierces his eardrum more than the other noises outside. It felt suffocating.
Instead of tolerating this eerie silence, why not turn the radio on? Seriously, why he didn't thought of that in the beginning? Without giving second thoughts, he pressed a button on his steering wheel and the radio automatically lightens. Of what he thought is a great idea, the song however made Sendoh regretted his solution to suppress this awkward silence. It made the atmosphere ever more unbearable than what it was minutes ago. For the song banging his stereo are none other than Bruno Mars' When I Was Your Man.
'Damn it!' he swore inside. But why let it affect him? It's just a song, right? It's not like the radio is playing at him. Or fate trolling him. Besides, he is completely okay now. All healed, entirely mended.
Now my baby's dancing
But she's dancing with another man
'Geez! What an awful song!' his thoughts quickly changed. 'Fuck you Bruno Mars. I'm never a fan... No that's not true. I follow you on Spotify.' Still, the song needs to be replaced so he pressed a button to change the station. Hopefully, the passenger won't notice his odd action. He glanced at the corner, and the stone remained a stone.
Back to the radio, to think switching channel was a better idea, the next song playing, however, is The Script's The Man Who Can't Be Moved.
'Ugh! Seriously?' he mused.
Naaaah.
This is just purely a coincidence. He bobbed his head in agreement. It's not like it was played to remind him of his past two-year drunken and chain-smoker self, who almost live in a murky bar back then. He has moved on. He's not the man this Danny O'Donoghue's referring to. The man who can't be moved? Pfffft! As what the stone says, they are long over...
I know it makes no sense but what else can I do?
How can I move on when I'm still in love with you?
'No, I'm not! The fuck?!' he shouted deep inside. But he too was taken aback by himself. What the fuck is wrong with him? Sheesh! This song however represents all the people who kept worrying about him even when he reiterated he has completely forgotten the longest relationship he ever had...
So I'm not moving, I'm not moving
'Screw you. Light is green now.' he thought when the Go signal flashes above, marking their turn to cross the other side. He happily sped up. 'Shut up Danny. And to the people who won't stop worrying about my mended soul.' Yet he pressed the same button. Unfortunately, the singer is the same as the first. Bruno Mars is back with his song troubling his mind yet again...
I'ma leave the door open...
'Nope. Door is closed. Locked and sealed.' he answered in his thoughts, hands gripping more on the steering wheel.
I'ma leave the door open...
'Definitely close! No turning back so for the second time, shut up Bruno!' He stamped his thumb on the same button and was forwarded to a station playing timeless and classic songs. And damn! Fate can't shut up eh? Playing Rock Star's Parting Time out of all the old songs in the world?
I wish someday you'll be back home...
Cause I really miss you darling,
Please come home...
That's it! Screw the FM station! He'll just switch to news instead. A different button was then pressed and finally! fate shut himself up and gave him something more relevant for once. A weather report! He increases the volume to hear it clearly. It was a necessity at this hour of the night.
'Due to the successive heavy rainfall, some areas of Tokyo are declared not passable...' The reporter continued enumerating all the areas blocked by severe flooding. And if his navigation intel is correct, all the streets that lead to Ascott Towers were included. He tapped on the navigation panel of his car and studied the streets surrounding the said building. This time, he is absolutely correct! Heading to Rukawa's place would be impossible. Hard to admit, hard to accept, but it felt as if there's this tiny bit of his heart which seems to be jumping in joy...? Did fate favors him just now?
Wait.
What a ridiculous thought! Who favors who? And what exactly is the favor?
He waved a hand in front of him to clear his delusional mind and cleared his throat. "Uhmm Rukawa, Ascott is surrounded, I don't think we can-"
"Just drop me here. I can find a way." Rukawa quickly said. He must have realized the sudden dilemma.
"It's not safe to even try. You know how flood works in Japan. It's dangerous."
Rukawa mummed, seems to be thinking on his second plan. "I'll find a place to stay."
"How? You can't get pass this storm."
"I can manage."
He sighed out, about to propose an absurd idea. "I got an extra room. You can stay on my flat tonight."
"No, just drop me here."
"Geez Rukawa, we're not total strangers." he rebutted and switched on the right signal. "Don't worry, you can stay there until the storm passes and leave anytime you want. Door is automatically lock. Consider it as your temporary shelter for the night." he pursued. Good thing, he heard no other form of protest from the stubborn one, Sendoh turned the wheel to the right and sped up.
A mid-rise building, sumptuous looking and modernized is where Sendoh took him as they drove down the basement parking. Wheels turning from left to right until they reached a certain area which seems to be his own parking space. The car was parked and the ignition was turned off. Both unfastened their seatbelts in silence, and hopped out of the car. Rukawa was then welcomed by a familiar red-black colored motorcycle that made his face straightened, boring his gaze as if reminiscing.
"Hey." Sendoh called, interrupting him, standing by the ends of his SUV. "Let's go." he heard. He nodded and followed behind.
The three-level parking elevator ride, short but happens to be Sendoh's longest ride to reach the ground level. He stood in front of the buttons while Rukawa stayed behind. No matter! Once they reach his unit, they'll go separate ways or specifically, separate rooms.
Once they hopped out to the lobby, Sendoh immediately offered, "Let's grab takeaway dinner first..."
"I'm not hun-" But the audible growling of his stomach contradicts his intended excuse. He blushes out of embarrassment.
Sendoh's lips curled themselves. "Riiiiight... I can totally see that." he taunted, shaking his head in amusement as he leads the way out of the building first. Rukawa slammed a palm on his forehead. 'Darn it.'
Sendoh took him to the nearest Chinese fast food restaurant just below the building. The chime beyond the door sounded as he entered. "Aaa. Sendoh the CEO." The man greeted who might be a familiar one by the way he addresses Sendoh. "What a pleasant surprise seeing you on a Saturday evening. Stuck in traffic, I guess?"
"Chen. Good evening." he greeted back with his friendly vibe, approaching the counter as he speaks. "And yes, the heavy rain got me."
"Surprise. Surprise. You rarely visit me on Saturdays. Thought you like cooking on weekends?"
"Aa. Exception for tonight..."
"You got a guest? A lady?" he teased. "No wonder. You look different today."
His brows met, baffled by Chen's claims. "How different are we talking about?"
His fingers gestured Sendoh's whole face. "You looked like... you're in a good mood."
He gave it a scoff. "I'm always in a good mood, Chen. What are you saying?"
"I don't know." The guy shrugged. "It just felt like... you are loosened up today."
"Oh please. Just take my order will ya?" he barked playfully. Chen chortled. "Alright. Alright. The usual?" he asked. Sendoh nodded in response, adding some of his friendly smile. "Double it for me."
A finger pointed at him, with a taunting grin across the owner's face. "So thereis a guest?"
Surrendering, he pointed his thumb at the back, directly at the man with the almost same height as him, standing outside the tiny-spaced restaurant. "See for yourself."
The owner looked past his shoulder. "Oh. A new face?"
"Yeah." he confirmed then fished out his wallet from his back pocket. "He's an old... friend."
"I see." Chen moved himself off the counter, ending the chitchat. "Anyway. Not my business so I'll just make your dinner."
"Ah Chen?" he called and pointed a finger on a specific item on the menu. "Can you add this to my usual?"
Chen walked back to the counter and followed where he is pointing at, arching an eyebrow at the unusual choice. "Berry pudding? That's not a usual."
The curve on his lips is the only response he gave.
The owner smiled back. "Will do."
Fate favored his elevator ride to his unit this time, for passengers piled up starting from the ground. He breathe-in air of relief as soon as they got out from the elevator.
The villa of the mid-rise condominiums got three towers as how Rukawa can recall. And this building where he is standing right now, seems to be the most prestigious one out of the three, for there are only two doors he passed by until Sendoh halted at the farthest end of the floor. A typical design for luxurious units.
And to give respect on the owner's privacy, he looked away when Sendoh started tapping number combinations. A sound of a click and the unit's main door widely opens. Sendoh lightly shifted his head to his back, saying "Get in.", before moving all the way inside. He picked up a new set of paper-wrapped home slippers, new and unworn, and handed it to Rukawa. "Feel free to roam. I'll quickly change." he stated and disappeared out of the genkan.
His head looked down at the slippers Sendoh gave him. A troubling feeling that made him grasped and crumpled the dust cover of the home slippers.
After switching to home slippers, Rukawa entered the premise further. And as he wanders, Rukawa can't help but felt awe on the elegant interior of the pad. More spacious than the place he left six years ago. Furniture are limited to black, gray and white with some tint of wooden hues. Typical for a bachelor's pad. Still it's hard to believe this is Sendoh's unit, knowing the guy is disorganized back when they are living together.
The first to greet you is the dark carpeted living room. An L-shaped couch and a modernized double panel upfront with an enormous flat screen television mounted at the center. Its either side has shelves, designed with well-organized books, translucent plaques, car figurines and some frames he didn't bother to look upon. Just behind the living room is the dining set of six wooden chairs and tables. Extending your sight further will lead you to the vast kitchen with a granite island at the center. Turning to the left is a small squared carved of the wall with two doors facing each other. One must be Sendoh's room and the other is the extra one he is referring to. Bathroom door must be the middle one.
Simple yet expensive-looking. Those are the words to well define Sendoh's space. Far from their so-called home back in the days. Well-off that's what he can tell. And having a closer look on what Sendoh had become, made his lips formed a proud smile.
One of the bedroom door opens with Sendoh stepping outside, wearing a white home shirt and a black knee-length shorts. His lips straightened back. Sendoh handed him a dark combination of home clothes. "I don't want to sound rude but I cannot let you sleep inside without changing to clean clothes, Rukawa." he rubbed his nape, feeling uneasy. "I'm sorry but it's... for an important reason."
"I can sleep on the couch."
He angled a quick smile, and simply shook his head, declining Rukawa's idea. Having no other option, Rukawa just took the pair of clothes. Sendoh pointed his thumb behind. "Bathroom." he said and left to the kitchen. Rukawa gave himself a moment before taking himself to where Sendoh pointed at.
He went out after switching to clean clothes, holding all his damped ones on his arm. He then found Sendoh settled at the living room, switching channels. In front of him are two boxes of the takeaways, chopsticks on top. Sendoh turned to him. "Take a seat. Let's have dinner."
"Can I eat inside?" an indirect refusal.
Sendoh gave him a glance and smiled away. "Of course." He picked up one box, placing the extra berry pudding on top of it and stood to hand it politely to his guest. "Here's yours."
Rukawa took notice of the extra cup on top. "I don't... eat that anymore."
He paused, letting Rukawa's words sync-in. "Oh. Sorry. It's actually mine. I just thought you might want it." A lame excuse to ease the awkwardness. He grabbed the dessert using his unoccupied hand and moved the box further to the guest. Rukawa held the box to its bottom and turned to his left.
"Again, door is automatically close if you wanted to leave." he reminded. Rukawa nodded and turned the knob of his temporary room.
"Have a good-" But the door has shut closed. "-night." In spite of the discerned cold treatment, Sendoh couldn't stop his feet from moving towards the other room. His arm lifted itself and slid its palm against the wooden door. His head bents itself and rested his forehead on it, allowing himself to feel the warmth of the person on the other side...
Wait.
What the heck? He abruptly pulled himself back, surprised by his own senseless action. 'What the hell are you thinking Akira?' he scolded himself then walked back to his previous place, slamming his back on the soft cushion of his couch. The wasted cup of dessert was rammed onto the dark table as he grabbed his meal to start indulging on it. The chopsticks were plunged, mixing its flavors thoroughly over and over until he realized... he didn't feel like eating anymore.
He slammed the box back to the table and ran a palm on his forehead. "What the hell are you doing Sendoh Akira?" he asked himself, gathering all the mistakes he made that night out of impulse.
First, the attempt to visit Nana's house with a hope of Rukawa's presence to be there. His heart jumped after seeing the figure he wishes to see that day.
Second, confronting his past lover about his sudden disappearance, asking for his well-deserved reason. Why does he need one? When they are totally done.
Third and the worst of all - inviting an ex to your unit, alone, together in one roof.
This time, his hands joined together to cupped and ran his face. This isn't right. This is absolutely a mistake. He opened his eyes and bored at the white ceiling. He's with another man now and he must respect that. And what would Sawakita says if he found out his lover slept under the same roof with his past, even in different rooms. That would be outrageous if he's on his shoes. Rukawa could get in trouble as well.
Argh. He should have thought about that in the beginning. Perhaps, he could help Rukawa explain if Sawakita came into picture. It was simply a deed and nothing more than that.
He heaved and sighed out. This isn't what Koshino, advised him yesterday. 'Go and see him Akira. You need closure even if you claim you're over him.'
"Dammit." he murmured.
He did gave him the closure he needed just this morning. Reasons on what lead Rukawa to leave him... but up to this point, none of them makes any sense. He wants more. More explanation...
Or perhaps...
Just maybe...
A part of his heart...
Can't seem to accept a reason...
To let go...
On the other side of the door, Rukawa froze the moment he shut the door from the inside.
This isn't right. Everything about today should have never happen. This day was never part of his plan. All blame to this senseless frailty crawling its way to him whenever he's around with the man. A weak side of him that was buried years ago.
He jaded, rubbing his fingers at the narrowest part of his nose. Tomorrow, he has to start anew. Everything should be executed according to plan. And this time, it should be done right!
He lifted his head and roamed his eyes around the dark and small room. A room stranger to his eyes. Nothing fancy around but only several drawers and shelves. He placed the unwanted meal to a near shelf and hanged each of his soak clothes behind the door. He then marches to the only bed in the room whose size is enough for two regular person or one giant man like him. The bed wriggles its softness as he sat on it. He ran a palm on the tidied comforter. Gazes melted on top of it. Feeling a touch of this once familiar scent and warmth he used to drown himself back then.
He laid on his side and curled his form. Grasping a sheet of the comfort and pulled it to his chest, carefully closing his eyes. Letting this warmth flow through him once again, whispering "Akira..."
A heavy weighted object is felt above his chest. Like something choking him while he's on slumber. 'Nightmare? Or is Sendoh killing him now?' his unconscious mind thought. 'Does he resent him that much to kill him in his sleep? he added, struggling... until his conscious mind realizes one important thing
'Wait... Sendoh?'
His eyes abruptly opens, meeting the undyed ceiling of the unfamiliar room.
That's right!
He is still on Sendoh's unit!
He was supposed to leave before the sun rises but he slept too deep. The longest sleep he never had for a very long time. He slapped a palm on his forehead. How many mistakes is he going to make until his plan proceeds?
And this object is still here despite being fully awake.
Wait... so it isn't a dream? The heavy undefined object is real!
So he lifted his head from the pillow and looked down to his chest. He gasped at the sight.
Two droopy and puffy bluish orbs meet his own, staring deeply as they blinked. Pinkish swollen and rounded chubby cheeks. Dark straight hair above the shoulder, with a ribbon tied on the left side of the head. A resembling feature he used to refer to as silly back then... but in a body of the same height as his arm. To put into simple words... the heavy object straddling on top of his chest... is a young girl.
"Who are you?" she asked as she scanned him. "Why are you in my room?"
'Room?' He is baffled.
The puffy eyes blinked and blinked, examining, studying him. He couldn't move. Speechless at the unexpected appearance of a cute creature.
"I know you!!!" Her face brightens, almost jumping in glee on top of his chest. She abruptly leaned closer and sandwiched his face by her two delicate hands. "Picture... Big mansion!" she exulted. If Rukawa is not mistaken, the girl is referring to Nana's house where frames of his image are everywhere.
The girl smiled her eyes. "Waifu-san!!! You are Waifu-san!"
His lips parted. In deep shock and can only utter "Eh?"
TBC