Fraudulences Of Words
An Executive Committee Fanfiction By enervate
A/n: Chapter re-edited on 4th of October, 2003, on grammar and organization of paragraphs.
Thanks to : Madiha, Autumn, Eli Tan, Liena, Sei Morikawa, Gokugurl, Maxwell, lituska_silvermoon, Genkisaru, labyrnth, dientore
Part Three : Communication
Tokitoh stared at the road before him. It was blanketed with a thick layer of snow, all white and pure. Painfully he took a glance back. There, the apartment where he resides together with Kubota seems a shade darker, or was it his imagination alone? The building seems more gloomy, losing its fresh white appeal. Contrasting to the newly-fallen snow, the apartment is indeed gray,...
Gritting his teeth in determination, Tokitoh took a few bold steps into the snow-laden path. The chilling wind bit into his bones, sending shivers down his spine. He pulled his jacket closer to him, and slowly made his way to the busy streets of Yokohama. Nothing greeted him much for the exception of the young buds of those cherry blossom trees, decked with icicles of crystal upon the brown braches of the tree. Tokitoh took a shortcut through a park, trying to get to the nearest chikatetsu [subterranean train/underground train/subway] station.
As he passed through the park, he could see kids spending some time off there. Merry laughter filled the spacious air as the atmosphere there was jovial. Snowballs of various size whizzed from one corner of the park to another, with kids dressed in thick sweaters and overcoats running by, smiling and laughing. Tokitoh stood there, watching the kids enjoy themselves. Suddenly a snowball flew by, almost knocking Tokitoh. He dodged, and the snowball landed squarely on a young boy's face. The kid doubled over, fell down on his knees, and cried.
Tokitoh was about to assist the young one when suddenly another boy, a presumably older one, rushed by.
"Daijobu ka [Are you all right], Souchiro?" The older one asked calmly, but nonetheless, concerned. The crying boy, Souchiro, looked up, and nodded. "Ee [Yes], Seki." Seki, the older one, pulled Souchiro up and helped him on his feet. Suddenly he noticed Souchiro's knees were bleeding profusely. Seki frowned. "Come, we'll better get back and I'll help you to put some medicine." "Never mind, I'm fine." Souchiro said, gritting his teeth.
"Come on, Souchiro..." Seki persuaded softly. With a sad smile he said, "I shouldn't have thrown that snowball so hard..." Souchiro looked up immediately, and exclaimed "Seki-chan! You know it is not your fault! I am the one who is careless... I did not pay attention when you threw it. Furthermore, I know you will never hurt me."
"... I'm sorry, Souchiro." Seki said softly. Souchiro's eyes brimmed with tears. "No, Seki, you are not wrong,... you are my friend! You are my friend forever, right?" "Yes. Your friend, always." Seki answered, smiling. He pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to Souchiro. "Don't cry."
"Friends forever." said Souchiro, smiling happily. "Friends, forever." echoed Seki. He took Souchiro by the hand, and pointed to a vacant spot in that park. "Come on, why not both of us build a snowman? Then both of us won't get hurt."
"Agreed!" Happily the two children ran to the place aforementioned, and started piling up snow. Soon, many kids joined them, and with laughter everyone contributed to building the snowman.
Tokitoh, who stood there watching the whole scene, bit his lips.
"Friends forever." "Friends, forever."
Once upon a time, Kubota and I said that before,... but how long did we last? Even small kids understand the simplicity of a friendship, and yet us adults take that for granted. Give a young child a friend, and they will treasure it nicely like a new toy.
... but will they throw that 'toy' away when the joy is gone, and the tears came pouring in? Will friends be forgotten on what you call ignorance and intolerance?
Tokitoh, with one last lingering gaze at the group of kids now happily involved in their snowman-making session, walked on, his heart heavier than lead.
* * *
The chikatetsu [subway train] station was jam-packed, as Tokitoh predicted it would be. It was holiday time, and school's off. Which give Tokitoh more reason not to worry about his getaway from Kubota. Then he didn't have to play truant or fake illness to cover up for his disappearance. They have about ten days more worth of school holidays.
Tokitoh opened his wallet, glad to find that it was full to the brim, and he will not have to worry about surviving for the first few days. If he managed to settle down in somewhere, maybe he could find a job or two...
... Suddenly, his idea of running away seemed a little tad too,... meaningless.
There are so much factor to consider, to look at. How is he supposed to support himself when the money runs out? Okay, he could have just go to the nearest bank and withdraw out some from his account, but what if those too, ran out? He will have to work. Okay, if he works, then how about school? Attend school and get a part-time job? Oh no,... no no no, Tokitoh, you will have to face Kubota in school! Okay, so he will have to change school.... but that is no worry.... he have about a week more to get back to school... so no problem,...
.... wait wait wait...
The main idea now is to get a place to live in. Tokitoh reasoned as he got himself a place in the packed train. It was peak hour, so the 'human-traffic' was more than bearable. Tokitoh was stuffed into the train as he, along with hundreds, if not thousands, of others, made their way to their own destination.
In the train, packed as sardines in a can, Tokitoh checked his wallet. Sufficient enough to stay in a hotel, at least for a night or two. Even if he ran low on cash, he could just easily withdraw some from his back account. Figuratively he could survive the silent and cold December winter by himself.
Tokitoh surveyed the scene. Everyone in the train was happily chattering away, or silently standing [or sitting], hands upon briefcases and cellular phones, some hands tightly clutching another, mothers holding their children close while talking to other housewives,... the train was buzzing in happy vibes. Tokitoh smiled as he watched a naughty little boy pulled off a little girl's Christmas hat.
"It is Christmas soon,..." Tokitoh mused, still watching the little boy's antics. Every Christmas, he spent his time at home, watching the snow fall down by the window, his afternoons with friends,...
I guess this year will be a little different, ne?
The little boy continued to pester the young girl. Defiantly the young girl gave him a whack on the head, causing him to cry immediately. Tokitoh stifled a laugh. Somehow watching those innocent angels playing before him seems heartening. Suddenly the train came to a halt, signifying the end of his journey. Tokitoh got up, and walked out to a somehow fresh environment. He felt better.
"Tokyo Station." The signboard read as Tokitoh looked up. Beneath those words beeped a digital clock with numbers. "6.50pm"
"K'so..." Tokitoh cursed as he hurried along. Stepping into the bustling streets of Tokyo Metropolis, he wandered about. Everywhere he saw was of neon signs glaring brightly at him. People rushed by, all after work, as businessmen in smart suits ascended and descended the stairs to the subway stations. Shops were still occupied by consumers of many kind, mostly doing their shopping for the festive seasons. Most shops have that Christmas insignia of red and green ornaments, fake snow or a Christmas tree. Tokitoh bit his lips. "First things first." He reminded himself as he decided to look out for a hotel.
He came upon a hotel, something not too posh, just your average hotel. Slowly, he entered through the sliding doors towards the receptionist.
"May I help you, sir?" The pretty receptionist greeted him cheerfully as he approached the counter. "Single room, please."
"I'm sorry, sir. All of our rooms are unavailable. Would you like to take a suite instead?"
"No, thanks. It is all right." Tokitoh thanked her as he left. Tsk,... I guess I have to find another, eh?
After the next few tries in several hotels came in no avail, Tokitoh almost gave up. He turned into another corner, and came upon the footsteps of another hotel.
"Good evening, sir. May I help you?" A middle-aged man greeted him politely at the reception counter.
"Single room, please."
"I'm sorry, we are out of those, sir. Would you care to take one of our suites instead?" The man offered. Tokitoh silently groaned in his heart. Nonetheless he agreed. He didn't want to walk his way back to the first hotel then. Either way, the rates would be almost the same, right?
"All right, sir. Here is your key to Suite number 87, the 5th floor of the hotel. Do you want me to show you the way?"
"No thanks." Tokitoh took his keys and walked out of the hotel. He want to take this opportunity to explore Tokyo thoroughly, to breathe in that enthralling nightlife that was primarily Tokyo.
Slowly he walked, sightseeing as he passed by those stalls. He kind of enjoyed his solitude, his own wandering here, alone and not bothered by anyone. It felt oddly nice... like some kind of newly attained freedom that I could not describe,... some new sensation within myself. I guess maybe, maybe I should learn to live on my own, and enjoy life by myself. I should not depend on anyone anymore.
I should not depend on Kubo-chan.
That very thought stung him hard. Tokitoh bit his quivering lips.
Admittedly, albeit all this newfound freedom that I am currently enjoying, that sense of longing still tugged gently at the back of my heart.
I wish I never had to fight with Kubo-chan. I wish he could just understand his significance in my life. I wish he knew...
... he knew, didn't he? Or did he ignore it? Or something else...
Tokitoh felt disappointed. Losing his own intentions to continue his exploring, he grudgingly trudged back to the hotel. He felt hungry anyway, so why not return to the hotel for some dinner?
The sliding doors greeted him prominently as he stepped inside. The lobby was filled with people. Tokitoh made his way to the restaurant located at the same level. It was a small, cozy dining place which served Japanese cuisine. Each tables were placed in a cubicle-like design, and the dimly-lit surroundings gave a romantic and soft ambience. Not many people were there. Mostly were couples, sitting together [facing each other or side-by-side] enjoying dinner.
The waiter took Tokitoh's order shortly, and left to attend to his orders. Tokitoh took several glances around. Since his table was located quite at the back, he had a strategic view of what's going on in the place. Nothing caught his attention much, but when he turned back and saw who were the ones at the table at the far-end corner, he almost jumped.
Matsumoto and Tachibana.
"K'so... what are they doing here..." muttered Tokitoh as he continued staring at them. Apparently Matsumoto and Tachibana did not notice the presence of Tokitoh in the same place as they were.
Tokitoh silently watched them. Tachibana was leaning over to Matsumoto, and spoke something inaudibly. Slowly, he pressed his forehead against Matsumoto's, and gently lowered down his face.
Tokitoh need no explanation of what is coming next. He closed his eyes [or rather, his whole face] with his hands, and kept on muttering "I did not see anything. I did not see anything." like a Gregorian chant.
"Ahem, sir, your food is served."
Tokitoh jumped up and stared at the waiter in astonishment. Realizing how stupid he looked, he nodded and murmured his thanks. Slowly he consumed his dinner, swearing that he will not turn around to take another peek at the twosome.
... because, seeing them together reminded him of his own dilemma.
Suddenly a strange thought burned within the columns of his mind.
I wish I could have Kubo-chan beside me now. He will like this kind of place, this kind of restaurant with dim lights and sophistication,...
Tsk. Bad liar, Tokitoh. You wish he was here because you think he will like such a place? Liar. Tokitoh, you are a bad liar.
You wished for Kubota to be here because the awful truth is that you miss him a lot. Isn't it so?
Shut up!
Tokitoh gritted his teeth. He folded his arms, and leaned upon the table and closed his eyes.
I don't know....
Don't lie, Tokitoh. You want him. You miss him. You wish that he is here now, isn't it?
I don't know!
Tokitoh, admit it.
I don't know, damn it! I said I don't know!
Why not return to him now? Go back home.
... no. No matter what, I'm not getting back. I don't want to lose again in this game of Love.
So determined, eh?
... yes.
"Oh, Tokitoh?"
Tokitoh looked up, and found himself staring into the eyes of Tachibana as that beautiful assistant of President Matsumoto gave him an enigmatic smile. Dressed up in a simple dark blue long-sleeved shirt and black patent leather pants, both Tachibana and Matsumoto looked definitely like a couple. "Why are you here alone, Tokitoh?" Tachibana asked politely. Matsumoto did not say anything, but placed one arm possessively around Tachibana's waist.
"... urm,..." Tokitoh hesitated.
"Where is Makoto?" Matsumoto asked, raising one eyebrow. It was obvious that something must have happened between Kubota and Tokitoh, for it is a rare sight to see them apart.
"Kubo-chan,... urm,.. he..." Tokitoh bit his lips. He did not want to say that both of them got into a fight. "He's not here tonight." Tokitoh finished it.
"Oh,... well, we got to go now. Take care, Tokitoh." Tachibana and Matsumoto waved goodbye to him. Tokitoh nodded. Somehow he felt a little downhearted.
"... he is not here tonight... not here with me." Tokitoh murmured as he bit his lips, his eyes slowly watching the figures of those two disappear behind the doors of the restaurant.
* * *
"So they fought?" Tachibana commented as Matsumoto slammed the telephone. They were in their room, spending some quality time in privacy. Matsumoto nodded. He sighed. "I was told by Makoto that he said something that pissed Tokitoh off."
"Oh? So is Kubota regretting it?" Tachibana questioned as he ran his hand on Matsumoto's bare chest. Matsumoto shook his head, smiling. His hand caught Tachibana's, and slowly pulled the other guy upon his body. Tachibana relented, and slowly he ran his lips over Matsumoto's neck, sending delicate shivers down his spine. And as he reached the collarbone, he plunged his teeth into Matsumoto's skin, causing the latter to gasp.
"You don't have to be that devilish, koi,... I've just finished dinner." Matsumoto retorted when he finally found the breath to speak again. Tachibana smiled deviously, and surveyed his own work. A nice mark was present, with a faint ring of blood. Matsumoto bit his lips. "That was painful,..."
Tachibana kissed the mark gently. "Feeling better?" "Very funny." Matsumoto replied sarcastically.
Slowly Tachibana laid his head down onto Matsumoto's chest, listening to the heartbeat of his own lover. Matsumoto embraced Tachibana tenderly, and ran his fingers though the latter's silky hair. Slowly he inhaled. Tachibana always smelt so exotic, something alluring and seductive, both on his skin and his hair. And that makes him so enticing. Matsumoto concluded his own delusions as he nibbled gently on Tachibana's ear, enjoying the ethereal sensation that enveloped the whole room.
"Matsumoto..." Tachibana called softly. "Mmm?"
"I'm worried about Tokitoh."
"Hmm,... what is it then?" Matsumoto asked gently.
"I don't really like how Kubota treated him this way... poor Tokitoh,... didn't you notice that look in his eyes?" Tachibana said softly. Matsumoto sighed as he hugged his lover closer to him.
"I understand,... I don't approve what Makoto did either."
They lay there in silence. After a pregnant moment of pause, Tachibana got up. "We've got to do something."
"But isn't this totally out of our business?" Matsumoto commented as he hunt for his discarded clothing. Tachibana tossed him his own clothes, and put on his. Matsumoto leaned closer, his fingers slowly buttoning Tachibana's shirt for him. Tachibana snaked his hands through Matsumoto's and buttoned the other's shirt. When they completed their task, their hands were tangled between each other's.
Tachibana gave Matsumoto a tender kiss on his lips. "I understand the meaning of loneliness, koi. I don't want to see someone feeling hurt. After all, I'm only giving advices and nothing else to him, ne?"
* * *
For three hours non-stop, Tokitoh sat there, not moving, upon that couch located in one secluded corner of the hotel, watching feet shuffled before him, in and out. Suddenly he felt arms sliding around his shoulders, and the familiar notion of a face pressed to his neck. Immediately he spun around. "Kubo-chan?"
Tachibana looked up at him, smiling.
Tokitoh threw Tachibana's arms away from him, jumped up from the couch and glared at the slender guy. "What the hell do you think you're doing???"
"Me?" Tachibana pointed to himself. "Just here to give you a pointer, Tokitoh." He positioned himself upon the couch, looking like Ganymede in a feast.
"I don't need your pointers, Tachibana." Tokitoh spat out, enraged.
"Look, Tokitoh, this advice might sound useless, but I'm just offering you a piece of my mind." Tachibana ran his fingers through his hair slowly. "Kubota might have been over in this case, yes, even Matsumoto and I thinks that he is over the board. But, Tokitoh, to run away is a little absurd. How long can you stay away from him? A day? Two days? A week? A month? A year? A lifetime? If so, where are you going to live, Tokitoh? Don't forget, you're sharing an apartment with him. And you attend the same school as he does. Same. Are you going to shift somewhere else after this? Undoubtedly there are a long time more before you need to worry about those, because we are still now in school holidays. But what happens when school reopens?"
Tokitoh was quiet.
Tachibana smiled, and got up. Slowly, he walked towards Tokitoh and laid one comforting arm on his shoulder. "Tokitoh, think properly. Don't jump to brash decisions."
Tokitoh bit his lips. "But,... Kubo-chan,... he..."
"It is all right. Think twice next time." With those words, Tachibana planted a gentle kiss on Tokitoh's cheek. "See you soon, Tokitoh."
Tokitoh blushed furiously as he touched the spot where Tachibana kissed him.
"Wait, Tachibana."
"Ah, yes?" Tachibana asked, turning around.
"Don't kiss me or hug me anymore. You belong to Matsumoto. I don't think he fancy watching you doing that to me, and I don't feel comfortable with that either."
"Oh sure sure." Tachibana said dismissively as he turned around the corner and disappeared inside the elevator.
Tokitoh sank back into the couch.
Think twice next time...
I miss Kubo-chan so much,... but did he miss me? I miss him so much...
End of Part 3 : Communication