Chapter 7: All Bets In!
Miyagi rubbed his stiff neck as her stepped off the train. Sleeping inside a cramped, dirty old cottage didn't do well for his tired muscles but he did sleep like a log. He woke up just in time to see the sun rising, casting its golden rays over the tranquil sea. He had found Mitsui asleep, huddled against the small corner of the cottage.
Miyagi turned as he heard a sneeze behind him. Mitsui stepped off the train after Miyagi, tired and eyes a little watery. "I think I caught a cold," Mitsui said, his voice slightly hoarse.
Miyagi laughed. "That's what you get for not wearing a shirt."
"So," Mitsui said, eyeing Miyagi's bad "How did you get your stuff back?"
"The next morning. When we got back to the cabins, the door to my room was open already."
"So did you ask Rukawa why he locked the door?"
Miyagi shook his head. "Rukawa was still asleep on his bed and I knew better than to wake him up." At that time, Miyagi caught a glimpse of Sakuragi get off the next compartment.
"Matte! Hanamichi!" Miyagi called out as he ran towards Sakuragi. Sakuragi turned around and blinked at Miyagi. "Nanda Ryochin?"
"We need to talk, "Miyagi said. "Look, I'm sorry. I know that I said something that I didn't mean. If you want to be with Rukawa, then -"
"Maa," Sakuragi interrupted, holding up his hand to silence Miyagi. "It's okay. We made up last night."
"What?" Miyagi cried out. Sakuragi bent down and whispered something in Miyagi's ear. Miyagi's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "Honto?" He panicked. "But the bet! It would mean -"
"Maa, it's okay!" Sakuragi said again. "Don't worry, I'll help you. Kitsune doesn't have to say that he loves me, not for this week anyway."
Miyagi smiled. "Really?"
Sakuragi laughed. "Of course! The Tensai keeps his word!" he gave Miyagi a pat on the shoulder.
Miyagi narrowed his eyes at Sakuragi. "What's the catch?"
"Gyahahahah! The Tensai asks for nothing!" Sakuragi bent down and whispered again, "Though we should have lunch again after the bet is over! Your treat of course!" Laughing heartily, Sakuragi turned and walked away, seemingly as happy as how Miyagi felt at that very moment.
"What was that about?" Mitsui asked as he materialized beside Miyagi.
"Rukawa and Hanamichi made up, " Miyagi explained, grinning from ear to ear.
Mitsui looked at Miyagi, confused. "Then why are you so happy?"
"Because I'm going to win the bet," Miyagi said firmly. He slung his bag over his shoulder and started to walk towards the exit, leaving Mitsui, who was still trying to figure out what Miyagi meant by what he said.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Miyagi yawned and rubbed his eyes. The basketball team had regular classes that afternoon even though they just arrived that morning at 10:00 and all Miyagi wanted was to hibernate until December. And the teacher's constant complaining didn't help much either. But even lack of sleep nor incessant nagging couldn't ruin his day. Miyagi smiled as he remembered the conversation he had with Sakuragi at the train station earlier that day. He looked down at his desk. His hand was tapping his pen rhythmically against the desk. With a sudden burst of inspiration, he took out a piece of paper and started to string together a bunch of words which later turned into paragraphs.
"Im so glad Miyagi kun here has decided to participate and copy notes instead of just yawning and daydreaming!" the teacher whined, thinking that Miyagi was writing down important notes from the blackboard. "As for some of you, you think that classes are too boring huh? Look what kind of grades you get during tests! The future of Japan is in your very incapable hands!" The teacher's tirade continued, her voice similar to a croaking of an old frog.
Miyagi felt someone poking him on his back. Miyagi found Ayako looking at him suspiciously. "What's gotten into you?"
Miyagi thought for a little while. "Ne Aya-chan. How can you say that you've been an insensitive bastard, but harsher."
"What?"
"Ne, can you do me a favor?" Miyagi asked, giving the paper to Ayako. "Can you finish this?"
Ayako read the letter. "Isn't this too harsh?"
"Think of it as justice for Seiko."
Ayako nodded and slipped the note between her notes. "I'll finish this later. Talking about Seiko, do you know he's coming here later?"
"Really?" Miyagi asked, smiling. An already perfect day just got better. "Why?"
"Seiko had to fill in some requirements here that are needed so he can successfully transfer to his new school."
"Let's find him after class okay?"
Ayako waved Miyagi away, signaling him to look front. The teacher was glaring at them and Ayako feared being the subject of her tirades. "Of course, that's why I told you." She whispered.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Mitsui tried to stifle a sneeze as he opened his locker. The musty smell inside his locker not only made his nose twitch but his stomach churn as well. Mitsui reminded himself to clean his locker one of these days.
"Your nose is red."
Mitsui turned and glared at Miyagi. "Lay off okay? I have a really bad cold."
Miyagi smiled, which irritated Mitsui at the moment. It kinda reminded him of Hideki when the latter was oozing in self-confidence. "Here," Miyagi said, handing Mitsui a letter.
"What's this?" Mitsui took the letter from Miyagi.
"Remember that if you lose, you have to apologize to everyone you played live on the school's sound system. This is the letter you have to read out loud."
Mitsui frowned and threw the letter inside the locker. "Thanks but I wont be needing that."
"Really?" Miyagi challenged. "Because unless you have a master plan up your sleeve, I'm sure to win our bet, which would mean you'll also lose the bet you had with your gang. What will you do anyway if you lose the bet with your gang?"
Mitsui groaned. "If you don't know then I'm not telling you."
"Hanamichi has decided to help me. He will make sure I win the bet."
Mitsui pointed an accusatory finger at Miyagi. "You cheat!"
"I didn't do anything! He decided that on his own." Miyagi looked at his watch. "Oh look at the time. I better go. See you in practice!" Miyagi waved at Mitsui cheerfully as he practically skipped away.
"Shit!" Mitsui cursed as he slammed the locker door close. This wasn't working. There were barely five days more and Mitsui was losing time. "Why the hell did I relax?" Cursing his own laziness, he slumped against the locker and forced his brain to work overtime. Forget Rukawa and Sakuragi. He'd just have to stick to his original plan and pursue Miyagi.
He emptied his pockets and counted his money. When he found that he had enough, he ran out the school entrance, not minding the looks the other students were giving him.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Seiko just closed the door to the principal's office when he heard a familiar voice cry out, "Seii!"
Seiko turned around and gave his dear friend Ayako a warm smile. "Konnichiwa Ayako chan. I missed you a lot." He gave Ayako a small hug and noticed that Miyagi and Yasuda were behind her. "Ryota! Yasu!"
"So how are you Seii?" Ayako prodded, grabbing Seiko by the arm and leading him towards the school garden. Yasuda sweatdropped and looked at Miyagi, who simply shrugged and followed Ayako. They both knew how much Ayako treasured Seiko as a friend.
"My new school is nice, though I get lots of odd looks. It seems as if everyone already knows why I am there. Rumors spread fast in schools." Seiko gave a tiny laugh and turned to face Miyagi. "Speaking about rumors, I've heard one about you Ryota."
Miyagi groaned. "I don't want to talk about it."
They finally reached a bench outside the cafeteria. Ayako sat down and pulled Seiko down beside her. "We have better things to talk about anyway. Seii, you know you shouldn't have transferred."
"I just want to get away from it all Ayako chan."
"We could have dealt with Mitsui sempai for you."
Seiko laughed. "Ayako chan. Mitsui kun is not a mean person, right Ryota?"
Miyagi, who had been silent during the whole conversation, was shocked by the question. "Why ask me?"
"Maybe we can ask him," Seiko said, looking at something behind Miyagi. The rest turned and saw Mitsui walking towards them.
Mitsui stopped a few steps away from Seiko. "Hey," Mitsui said.
"Hey Mitsui kun. Long time no see," Seiko greeted. "Don't be afraid. I won't bite, you know."
Ayako looked down at her watch. It was already 5:30 in the afternoon. She had to go home and tutor her little sister. Mitsui noticed Ayako's actions. "If you have to go, go."
"I don't need to go yet." Ayako said indignantly.
Seiko placed his hand on Ayako's shoulder. "It's okay Ayako chan. Mitsui kun and I have some catching up to do.
Ayako looked at Yasuda, who nodded. Slowly and reluctantly, Ayako stood up, stepped away from the bench - carefully avoiding contact with Mitsui - and motioned for Miyagi to do the same.
"Ne Ryota! We haven't even talked yet!" Seiko protested. He took Miyagi's arm and pulled the latter down on the bench, where Ayako sat a while ago. "Don't worry Ayako chan. I'll visit you guys during the winter championships."
Ayako nodded. "Be good okay?" she said to Seiko, but she was looking at Mitsui. She turned around and walked towards the school gate. She looked back a couple of times, which made her companion Yasuda a little uneasy.
"Geez, what's wrong with her?" Mitsui asked.
"She's just being a really good friend." Seiko replied, smiling. "So Ryota, what about that rumor?"
"Oh right!" Mitsui suddenly remembered. He took out a red box from his bag and gave it to Miyagi. "Here. I waited till Ayako was gone so I can give it to you."
"What's this?" Miyagi asked, opening the box. Inside, were squared grids filled with small bite sized chocolates of several shapes and sizes.
"Chocolates, duh." Mitsui said exasperatedly.
"What for?"
"As a peace offering," Mitsui explained, giving Miyagi a peace sign.
Seiko laughed. "I see I don't even have to ask if the rumor is true." He turned towards Mitsui. "Nice to see you again Mitsui kun. I see your tactics haven't changed at all."
"And you're still as radiant as ever, Sei-chan."
Seiko smiled. "I'm flattered. Complements were always your strong point."
"You're certainly happy," Mitsui observed. "I guess you're not mad anymore?"
"I was very mad before but I've grown stronger Mitsui kun." He took a piece of chocolate from Miyagi's box and popped it into his mouth. "Hmm, not bad I guess. You should have accompanied it with roses like what you did with me."
Mitsui shrugged. "I didn't have enough money."
"Really? Mitsui kun, you're losing your touch. Miyagi isn't showing any reaction to your gift. I remember that I literally got swept away with the roses."
"Believe me, sweeping him off his feet is practically impossible," Mitsui admitted. He gave Seiko a salute. "I need to go home. I'll leave you two to talk since I guess my presence here is not wanted," he reasoned, looking at Miyagi. Miyagi didn't seem to notice and kept his gaze down at the box of chocolates.
"Bye Mitsui kun!" Seiko waved. It wasn't until Mitsui was nearly by the gate when Miyagi did look up. He watched Mitsui cross the street and disappear, hidden by the afternoon rush hour traffic.
Miyagi turned his attention at Seiko, only to find the latter looking at him. "What?" Miyagi asked.
"You were very cold towards him Ryota." Seiko said, shaking his head in disapproval. "That was very rude."
"What about you then?" Miyagi countered. He shoved the box of chocolates inside his bag. "Did you forget what he did to you back then?"
"Of course I will never forget about it, Ryota."
"Then why were you acting all friendly towards him?"
"Because if I could do it over, I would have still fallen for him."
"What?"
Seiko took out his wallet and pulled out a piece of paper. "Read this."
Miyagi took the paper and read its contents. "What's this?"
"It's a poem Mitsui gave me. He told me he wrote it. I knew that it was a passage from 'Love's Fool' but I didn't tell him. It was the gesture that counts."
Miyagi gave the paper back to Seiko. "I don't get it."
"He gave you chocolates! How do you think he is able to play many guys even if we all know what he's like?" Seiko asked. When Miyagi didn't give an answer, Seiko continued. "Because we all think we could change him."
"During the time he courted me, I felt like I was in heaven. He gave me everything I wanted. He acted like a perfect lovesick schoolboy. Deep inside I had a feeling this was different. He was serious with me. I was gonna change him and make him turn away from his playboy nature, that's why I fell for him."
"It's not gonna work with me and he knows it." Miyagi said. "I know his playboy nature and I know I can't change him. I don't even want to try. I know this is all a bet and he's not serious with me."
"But you still fell for him."
"What?"
Seiko laughed. "I saw how you looked at him."
"That was just a plain look!" Miyagi defended. "Can't I even look at people anymore?"
Seiko shook his head. "Did you know that he told me took me to this swamp during the full moon? He told me that when a couple kisses near fireflies, the fireflies carry their wishes and hopes with them and light the way to their future. Then he kissed me. It was so romantic!"
"Fireflies?" Miyagi asked, confused. "He told me that when a couple kisses below a blanket of stars, the stars act as witnesses to the couple's love and they help the couple overcome and difficulties in their relationship."
Seiko laughed. "That's Mitsui alright. Always changing his lines. I bet he told you this when there were lots of stars right?"
Miyagi smiled. Mitsui had almost fooled him with that line. "Right!"
Seiko's eyes widened and he seemed almost giddy. "And he kissed you!"
"What? Who said anything about a kiss?"
"But he did!"
Miyagi frowned. "Whose side are you on anyway? I thought you were my friend!"
"But I am your friend!"
"Why are you favoring Mitsui san then?"
"Ah! Gomen," Seiko said, patting Miyagi on the back. "I got carried away. No, I don't want you to get played. Stay away from him as much as possible. Don't talk to him. Don't say his name. Don't even think about him and his gorgeous body." He said, in a monotonous voice, lacking the seriousness Miyagi asked for.
"Fine!" Miyagi said, standing up. "If you're gonna be of no help, then -"
"I hope you change him," Seiko whispered.
"What?"
Seiko looked up at Miyagi. "Seriously, if I was you, I would have tried. He made me feel special, like I was the only person in the whole wide world for him. It's a wonderful feeling Ryota. I know you're still trying to pursue Ayako chan and he could be the perfect thing for someone who craves for love. If only he didn't dump guys in the end."
"Thanks but no thanks," Miyagi said. "It's getting dark. You should be getting home now."
"Ryota, can I tell you something?" Seiko asked. Miyagi saw the seriousness in his eyes and he nodded.
"I'm straight."
"What?" Miyagi looked at his friend for a long time. When he first met Seiko, he knew the latter was straight. He was even surprised when he found out Seiko fell for Mitsui. Now he was even more surprised. "But, Mitsui san -"
"I courted girls but I never told you and Ayako chan about my love life because I was ashamed. Girls dumped me because of how I looked. I am small, thin and nerdy so they all think I'm gay. I've gotten used to giving girls flowers, making them cards, wanting to hold them but Mitsui kun gave me something I never felt before. To be the one held, instead of the one holding. It felt so good to be on the receiving side of love. I know you might not believe me, but I'm glad Mitsui kun came into my life." Seiko picked up his bag. "And my dad's in the principal's office, talking with the principal but thanks for worrying about my safety."
Miyagi watched Seiko walk back towards the school. "Seiko!" Miyagi called out.
Seiko stopped and looked back, with an inquiring look on his face.
Miyagi smiled. "I believe you."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thanks for reading minna. Please C&C!!! Oh right! The next chapter will flash forward to the day of the end of the bet!! So who do you think should win the bet? Miyagi or Mitsui?
Miyagi rubbed his stiff neck as her stepped off the train. Sleeping inside a cramped, dirty old cottage didn't do well for his tired muscles but he did sleep like a log. He woke up just in time to see the sun rising, casting its golden rays over the tranquil sea. He had found Mitsui asleep, huddled against the small corner of the cottage.
Miyagi turned as he heard a sneeze behind him. Mitsui stepped off the train after Miyagi, tired and eyes a little watery. "I think I caught a cold," Mitsui said, his voice slightly hoarse.
Miyagi laughed. "That's what you get for not wearing a shirt."
"So," Mitsui said, eyeing Miyagi's bad "How did you get your stuff back?"
"The next morning. When we got back to the cabins, the door to my room was open already."
"So did you ask Rukawa why he locked the door?"
Miyagi shook his head. "Rukawa was still asleep on his bed and I knew better than to wake him up." At that time, Miyagi caught a glimpse of Sakuragi get off the next compartment.
"Matte! Hanamichi!" Miyagi called out as he ran towards Sakuragi. Sakuragi turned around and blinked at Miyagi. "Nanda Ryochin?"
"We need to talk, "Miyagi said. "Look, I'm sorry. I know that I said something that I didn't mean. If you want to be with Rukawa, then -"
"Maa," Sakuragi interrupted, holding up his hand to silence Miyagi. "It's okay. We made up last night."
"What?" Miyagi cried out. Sakuragi bent down and whispered something in Miyagi's ear. Miyagi's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "Honto?" He panicked. "But the bet! It would mean -"
"Maa, it's okay!" Sakuragi said again. "Don't worry, I'll help you. Kitsune doesn't have to say that he loves me, not for this week anyway."
Miyagi smiled. "Really?"
Sakuragi laughed. "Of course! The Tensai keeps his word!" he gave Miyagi a pat on the shoulder.
Miyagi narrowed his eyes at Sakuragi. "What's the catch?"
"Gyahahahah! The Tensai asks for nothing!" Sakuragi bent down and whispered again, "Though we should have lunch again after the bet is over! Your treat of course!" Laughing heartily, Sakuragi turned and walked away, seemingly as happy as how Miyagi felt at that very moment.
"What was that about?" Mitsui asked as he materialized beside Miyagi.
"Rukawa and Hanamichi made up, " Miyagi explained, grinning from ear to ear.
Mitsui looked at Miyagi, confused. "Then why are you so happy?"
"Because I'm going to win the bet," Miyagi said firmly. He slung his bag over his shoulder and started to walk towards the exit, leaving Mitsui, who was still trying to figure out what Miyagi meant by what he said.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Miyagi yawned and rubbed his eyes. The basketball team had regular classes that afternoon even though they just arrived that morning at 10:00 and all Miyagi wanted was to hibernate until December. And the teacher's constant complaining didn't help much either. But even lack of sleep nor incessant nagging couldn't ruin his day. Miyagi smiled as he remembered the conversation he had with Sakuragi at the train station earlier that day. He looked down at his desk. His hand was tapping his pen rhythmically against the desk. With a sudden burst of inspiration, he took out a piece of paper and started to string together a bunch of words which later turned into paragraphs.
"Im so glad Miyagi kun here has decided to participate and copy notes instead of just yawning and daydreaming!" the teacher whined, thinking that Miyagi was writing down important notes from the blackboard. "As for some of you, you think that classes are too boring huh? Look what kind of grades you get during tests! The future of Japan is in your very incapable hands!" The teacher's tirade continued, her voice similar to a croaking of an old frog.
Miyagi felt someone poking him on his back. Miyagi found Ayako looking at him suspiciously. "What's gotten into you?"
Miyagi thought for a little while. "Ne Aya-chan. How can you say that you've been an insensitive bastard, but harsher."
"What?"
"Ne, can you do me a favor?" Miyagi asked, giving the paper to Ayako. "Can you finish this?"
Ayako read the letter. "Isn't this too harsh?"
"Think of it as justice for Seiko."
Ayako nodded and slipped the note between her notes. "I'll finish this later. Talking about Seiko, do you know he's coming here later?"
"Really?" Miyagi asked, smiling. An already perfect day just got better. "Why?"
"Seiko had to fill in some requirements here that are needed so he can successfully transfer to his new school."
"Let's find him after class okay?"
Ayako waved Miyagi away, signaling him to look front. The teacher was glaring at them and Ayako feared being the subject of her tirades. "Of course, that's why I told you." She whispered.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Mitsui tried to stifle a sneeze as he opened his locker. The musty smell inside his locker not only made his nose twitch but his stomach churn as well. Mitsui reminded himself to clean his locker one of these days.
"Your nose is red."
Mitsui turned and glared at Miyagi. "Lay off okay? I have a really bad cold."
Miyagi smiled, which irritated Mitsui at the moment. It kinda reminded him of Hideki when the latter was oozing in self-confidence. "Here," Miyagi said, handing Mitsui a letter.
"What's this?" Mitsui took the letter from Miyagi.
"Remember that if you lose, you have to apologize to everyone you played live on the school's sound system. This is the letter you have to read out loud."
Mitsui frowned and threw the letter inside the locker. "Thanks but I wont be needing that."
"Really?" Miyagi challenged. "Because unless you have a master plan up your sleeve, I'm sure to win our bet, which would mean you'll also lose the bet you had with your gang. What will you do anyway if you lose the bet with your gang?"
Mitsui groaned. "If you don't know then I'm not telling you."
"Hanamichi has decided to help me. He will make sure I win the bet."
Mitsui pointed an accusatory finger at Miyagi. "You cheat!"
"I didn't do anything! He decided that on his own." Miyagi looked at his watch. "Oh look at the time. I better go. See you in practice!" Miyagi waved at Mitsui cheerfully as he practically skipped away.
"Shit!" Mitsui cursed as he slammed the locker door close. This wasn't working. There were barely five days more and Mitsui was losing time. "Why the hell did I relax?" Cursing his own laziness, he slumped against the locker and forced his brain to work overtime. Forget Rukawa and Sakuragi. He'd just have to stick to his original plan and pursue Miyagi.
He emptied his pockets and counted his money. When he found that he had enough, he ran out the school entrance, not minding the looks the other students were giving him.
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Seiko just closed the door to the principal's office when he heard a familiar voice cry out, "Seii!"
Seiko turned around and gave his dear friend Ayako a warm smile. "Konnichiwa Ayako chan. I missed you a lot." He gave Ayako a small hug and noticed that Miyagi and Yasuda were behind her. "Ryota! Yasu!"
"So how are you Seii?" Ayako prodded, grabbing Seiko by the arm and leading him towards the school garden. Yasuda sweatdropped and looked at Miyagi, who simply shrugged and followed Ayako. They both knew how much Ayako treasured Seiko as a friend.
"My new school is nice, though I get lots of odd looks. It seems as if everyone already knows why I am there. Rumors spread fast in schools." Seiko gave a tiny laugh and turned to face Miyagi. "Speaking about rumors, I've heard one about you Ryota."
Miyagi groaned. "I don't want to talk about it."
They finally reached a bench outside the cafeteria. Ayako sat down and pulled Seiko down beside her. "We have better things to talk about anyway. Seii, you know you shouldn't have transferred."
"I just want to get away from it all Ayako chan."
"We could have dealt with Mitsui sempai for you."
Seiko laughed. "Ayako chan. Mitsui kun is not a mean person, right Ryota?"
Miyagi, who had been silent during the whole conversation, was shocked by the question. "Why ask me?"
"Maybe we can ask him," Seiko said, looking at something behind Miyagi. The rest turned and saw Mitsui walking towards them.
Mitsui stopped a few steps away from Seiko. "Hey," Mitsui said.
"Hey Mitsui kun. Long time no see," Seiko greeted. "Don't be afraid. I won't bite, you know."
Ayako looked down at her watch. It was already 5:30 in the afternoon. She had to go home and tutor her little sister. Mitsui noticed Ayako's actions. "If you have to go, go."
"I don't need to go yet." Ayako said indignantly.
Seiko placed his hand on Ayako's shoulder. "It's okay Ayako chan. Mitsui kun and I have some catching up to do.
Ayako looked at Yasuda, who nodded. Slowly and reluctantly, Ayako stood up, stepped away from the bench - carefully avoiding contact with Mitsui - and motioned for Miyagi to do the same.
"Ne Ryota! We haven't even talked yet!" Seiko protested. He took Miyagi's arm and pulled the latter down on the bench, where Ayako sat a while ago. "Don't worry Ayako chan. I'll visit you guys during the winter championships."
Ayako nodded. "Be good okay?" she said to Seiko, but she was looking at Mitsui. She turned around and walked towards the school gate. She looked back a couple of times, which made her companion Yasuda a little uneasy.
"Geez, what's wrong with her?" Mitsui asked.
"She's just being a really good friend." Seiko replied, smiling. "So Ryota, what about that rumor?"
"Oh right!" Mitsui suddenly remembered. He took out a red box from his bag and gave it to Miyagi. "Here. I waited till Ayako was gone so I can give it to you."
"What's this?" Miyagi asked, opening the box. Inside, were squared grids filled with small bite sized chocolates of several shapes and sizes.
"Chocolates, duh." Mitsui said exasperatedly.
"What for?"
"As a peace offering," Mitsui explained, giving Miyagi a peace sign.
Seiko laughed. "I see I don't even have to ask if the rumor is true." He turned towards Mitsui. "Nice to see you again Mitsui kun. I see your tactics haven't changed at all."
"And you're still as radiant as ever, Sei-chan."
Seiko smiled. "I'm flattered. Complements were always your strong point."
"You're certainly happy," Mitsui observed. "I guess you're not mad anymore?"
"I was very mad before but I've grown stronger Mitsui kun." He took a piece of chocolate from Miyagi's box and popped it into his mouth. "Hmm, not bad I guess. You should have accompanied it with roses like what you did with me."
Mitsui shrugged. "I didn't have enough money."
"Really? Mitsui kun, you're losing your touch. Miyagi isn't showing any reaction to your gift. I remember that I literally got swept away with the roses."
"Believe me, sweeping him off his feet is practically impossible," Mitsui admitted. He gave Seiko a salute. "I need to go home. I'll leave you two to talk since I guess my presence here is not wanted," he reasoned, looking at Miyagi. Miyagi didn't seem to notice and kept his gaze down at the box of chocolates.
"Bye Mitsui kun!" Seiko waved. It wasn't until Mitsui was nearly by the gate when Miyagi did look up. He watched Mitsui cross the street and disappear, hidden by the afternoon rush hour traffic.
Miyagi turned his attention at Seiko, only to find the latter looking at him. "What?" Miyagi asked.
"You were very cold towards him Ryota." Seiko said, shaking his head in disapproval. "That was very rude."
"What about you then?" Miyagi countered. He shoved the box of chocolates inside his bag. "Did you forget what he did to you back then?"
"Of course I will never forget about it, Ryota."
"Then why were you acting all friendly towards him?"
"Because if I could do it over, I would have still fallen for him."
"What?"
Seiko took out his wallet and pulled out a piece of paper. "Read this."
Miyagi took the paper and read its contents. "What's this?"
"It's a poem Mitsui gave me. He told me he wrote it. I knew that it was a passage from 'Love's Fool' but I didn't tell him. It was the gesture that counts."
Miyagi gave the paper back to Seiko. "I don't get it."
"He gave you chocolates! How do you think he is able to play many guys even if we all know what he's like?" Seiko asked. When Miyagi didn't give an answer, Seiko continued. "Because we all think we could change him."
"During the time he courted me, I felt like I was in heaven. He gave me everything I wanted. He acted like a perfect lovesick schoolboy. Deep inside I had a feeling this was different. He was serious with me. I was gonna change him and make him turn away from his playboy nature, that's why I fell for him."
"It's not gonna work with me and he knows it." Miyagi said. "I know his playboy nature and I know I can't change him. I don't even want to try. I know this is all a bet and he's not serious with me."
"But you still fell for him."
"What?"
Seiko laughed. "I saw how you looked at him."
"That was just a plain look!" Miyagi defended. "Can't I even look at people anymore?"
Seiko shook his head. "Did you know that he told me took me to this swamp during the full moon? He told me that when a couple kisses near fireflies, the fireflies carry their wishes and hopes with them and light the way to their future. Then he kissed me. It was so romantic!"
"Fireflies?" Miyagi asked, confused. "He told me that when a couple kisses below a blanket of stars, the stars act as witnesses to the couple's love and they help the couple overcome and difficulties in their relationship."
Seiko laughed. "That's Mitsui alright. Always changing his lines. I bet he told you this when there were lots of stars right?"
Miyagi smiled. Mitsui had almost fooled him with that line. "Right!"
Seiko's eyes widened and he seemed almost giddy. "And he kissed you!"
"What? Who said anything about a kiss?"
"But he did!"
Miyagi frowned. "Whose side are you on anyway? I thought you were my friend!"
"But I am your friend!"
"Why are you favoring Mitsui san then?"
"Ah! Gomen," Seiko said, patting Miyagi on the back. "I got carried away. No, I don't want you to get played. Stay away from him as much as possible. Don't talk to him. Don't say his name. Don't even think about him and his gorgeous body." He said, in a monotonous voice, lacking the seriousness Miyagi asked for.
"Fine!" Miyagi said, standing up. "If you're gonna be of no help, then -"
"I hope you change him," Seiko whispered.
"What?"
Seiko looked up at Miyagi. "Seriously, if I was you, I would have tried. He made me feel special, like I was the only person in the whole wide world for him. It's a wonderful feeling Ryota. I know you're still trying to pursue Ayako chan and he could be the perfect thing for someone who craves for love. If only he didn't dump guys in the end."
"Thanks but no thanks," Miyagi said. "It's getting dark. You should be getting home now."
"Ryota, can I tell you something?" Seiko asked. Miyagi saw the seriousness in his eyes and he nodded.
"I'm straight."
"What?" Miyagi looked at his friend for a long time. When he first met Seiko, he knew the latter was straight. He was even surprised when he found out Seiko fell for Mitsui. Now he was even more surprised. "But, Mitsui san -"
"I courted girls but I never told you and Ayako chan about my love life because I was ashamed. Girls dumped me because of how I looked. I am small, thin and nerdy so they all think I'm gay. I've gotten used to giving girls flowers, making them cards, wanting to hold them but Mitsui kun gave me something I never felt before. To be the one held, instead of the one holding. It felt so good to be on the receiving side of love. I know you might not believe me, but I'm glad Mitsui kun came into my life." Seiko picked up his bag. "And my dad's in the principal's office, talking with the principal but thanks for worrying about my safety."
Miyagi watched Seiko walk back towards the school. "Seiko!" Miyagi called out.
Seiko stopped and looked back, with an inquiring look on his face.
Miyagi smiled. "I believe you."
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Thanks for reading minna. Please C&C!!! Oh right! The next chapter will flash forward to the day of the end of the bet!! So who do you think should win the bet? Miyagi or Mitsui?