Autumn In My Heart
Chapter 2
"It was really cool aniki! Heh, it was no surprise I got nominated actually, seeing as I'm a tensai and all. I just hope I win though my rival is very smart! Err, but not as smart as the tensai of course. I don't know if you've heard of him. His name's Soichirou and.." Hanamichi continued talking animatedly as he and Kaede made their way towards school.
To say that Kaede was proud of his younger brother being nominated as class president was an understatement. Although he'd never admit it to Hanamichi, he was very proud of the boy and thought highly of him. Hanamichi may not be as smart or as talented as his older brother but he has this certain charm that seem to pull anyone towards him.
"If you win you'd probably bully your classmates into giving you more food, what with your huge appetite." Kaede smirked as he teased his younger brother. The older boy quickened his pace, leaving his brother scowling behind him.
"Hey!" Hanamichi called and dashed forward to catch up with his older brother. "I resent that!"
Kaede chuckled softly at his brother's reaction. He lifted a hand to ruffle Hanamichi's red locks playfully.
"Aniki! Stop! You're messing my hair!" Hanamichi complained loudly as he attempted to free himself from Kaede's –as the redhead would put it– 'evil' hand. "The tensai will have a hard time attracting girls if you mess up my hair! What would Haruko-san say?"
Kaede's winced inwardly at the girl's name but continued his teasing. "What tensai? I only see a do'ahou."
"Kitsune!"
"Do'ahou."
The two boys looked at each other for a brief moment before they broke into laughter. The name-calling had been a form of endearment to them whenever they had mock fights like this. Other than his parents, Hanamichi was the only one Kaede would openly show his emotions to, the only one who could get away with calling him "kitsune" and the like. Even his classmates or school friends couldn't tease him openly, let alone call him names like Hanamichi does.
Kaede stole a glance at his brother and smiled to himself. The younger boy's cheeriness was catching. Hanamichi was happily walking at this side, singing his infamous "tensai" song and his face looking adorably smug.
The pale boy suddenly remembered Hanamichi's words from before. "You mentioned a 'Soichirou' a while ago is he giving you any problems?" He asked in between strides.
Wide brown eyes gazed at him for a moment before the younger boy shifted his eyes to the road before them. "No aniki. He's just my rival for the position and for the interclass basketball competition as well."
Kaede narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Are you sure? He isn't bullying you or anything?"
Hanamichi was silent for a while before he turned to his older brother and gave the pale boy a big grin. "Of course not aniki! How can anyone bully a tensai? It's me you're talking about here!" The redhead boasted.
The older boy shook his head at this. His younger brother's egotism was a hopeless case. "Do'ahou."
Instead of reacting violently to the insult, the redhead suddenly asked. "You know," Hanamichi began uncertainly, "..you never told me about that girl you like. You keep turning down all those girls because you said you have someone you like already." The redhead looked up and met his brother's gaze. "Who is it aniki?"
Kaede stared at his younger brother in surprise. He never expected Hanamichi to ask him such a thing. Finally regaining his composure, the pale boy gave a snort and smirked at the younger boy. "Why are you asking me that? Since when have you become nosy, do'ahou?" He teased gently.
"Kitsune!" Hanamichi cried in frustration. "You're being unfair here! You know almost all of my secrets yet I don't even know a single one of yours!" The redhead finished with a cute pout.
The older boy didn't answer. He quickened his pace instead and smiled secretly at his brother's curiosity. Not even their parents knew of this but Kaede loved provoking and teasing Hanamichi. He found it cute and adorable whenever his younger brother pouted like that, or whenever the do'ahou was whining at him or calling him names during their mock fights.
"Kitsune! Oi, aniki! Matte yo!" The redhead's loud voice broke Kaede from his reverie. He stopped and turned around to face Hanamichi who was walking briskly behind him in an attempt to catch up. "Hurry do'ahou, or we'll be late for school."
"Nani yo?! You haven't even answered my question yet!"
"Do'ahou."
"Kitsuneee!"
And another round of name-calling ensued.
Kaede was walking towards his classroom when he heard two boys talking at the hallway. One was standing in front of the classroom while the other one with dark, cropped hair and pale skin was leaning against the doorway, arms crossed on his chest. "He doesn't have a chance anyway. What the hell was he thinking going up against you?"
The boy with dark, cropped hair and pale skin shook his head and smirked. "Don't mind a loser like him. It's a sure win anyway."
The first boy grinned and nodded in agreement. Then something caught his attention and he tapped his companion's shoulder. "Hey, isn't that Rukawa-sempai?"
The dark-haired boy glanced sideways and saw a tall boy entering the art room. "Aa it is the famous Kaede Rukawa."
"Well, aren't you going to ask him about the poster? C'mon!" The first boy dragged his companion towards the art room. Both of them entered and saw Rukawa quietly arranging the art supplies.
The first boy approached Rukawa and spoke. "Rukawa-sempai, my friend here has a favor to ask." He paused for moment and continued, "It's for the upcoming interclass basketball competition as well as the election for class president. We were wondering if you could help him a little with his defense and um, do a poster for him for the election since you're good with painting and all."
Rukawa gave them a cold look and spoke. "I could."
The two boys exchanged a triumphant look and grinned at each other when Rukawa suddenly added, "But that doesn't mean I will."
The first boy frowned and asked. "What? What do you mean?"
Rukawa gave a snort and sat on one of the chairs. "Is it too hard to understand? It means I won't do anything for you, and that includes the painting. Not now, not ever."
"Nandato?" The first boy exclaimed in anger.
The dark-haired boy asked this time. "Why? It's just a painting! Why won't you paint for me?"
Rukawa didn't even glance back at them. "Because I don't know you." He paused and added coldly, "And you're not worth my time."
"Why you—" The first boy was about to bombard him with curses when his companion suddenly walked out of the room. "Hey! Wait up man!"
He then turned to Rukawa and uttered angrily. "What the hell's your problem dude? Soichirou's just asking you a small favor!"
Soichirou? The pale boy frowned at the name. It sounded familiar to him Soichirou.. it's the guy Hana was talking about! Rukawa turned to the cursing boy and inquired. "That guy's name, 'Soichirou' is it?"
"Yeah! What the hell do you care?" The boy snapped at him before stomping out of the classroom to catch up with his friend.
Rukawa was left alone with his thoughts, pondering on the unpleasant scene that took place just a while ago. He frowned, thinking how that Soichirou guy could be brewing up problems for his younger brother.
Somehow, he had a sinking feeling he was right.
Hanamichi stepped inside the classroom, eyes lighting up as he caught his friend's gaze. "Yo!" He gave a small wave and sat down next to a boy with dark hair which was gelled and brushed back neatly.
"Os! How was your morning Hanamichi?" The shorter boy with the styled hair inquired cheerfully.
Hanamichi shrugged and sat down next to the boy. "Fine, the usual. Called aniki names nothing new." He grinned all of a sudden and turned to the boy next to him. "Soooo.." he said in between nudges and continued, "how was your date with Megumi-chan, eh?" Hanamichi asked mischievously, wiggling his eyebrows in the process. "C'mon Mito! Tell me what happened!" The taller boy persisted.
The boy named 'Mito' whacked the back of Hanamichi's head and replied in an irritated tone. "Baka! How many times do I have to tell you it wasn't a date?!"
Hanamichi rolled his eyes. "Yeah yeah, keep denying."
"I told you! It was just a study session!"
"Su~re.."
"Hanamichi!" The shorter boy warned.
Hanamichi sighed in defeat though he couldn't help but smile at his friend's obvious discomfort. He knew Mito had a crush on this Megumi chick but was too embarrassed to admit it to him. "Hai hai. wakatta yo"
Mito cleared his throat and tried to changed the subject. "Anyways, how's the campaign?"
The taller boy grinned widely at this. "It's great! The tensai is sure to win Mito! No doubt about it!"
Someone from the class suddenly shot him a rude remark. "Of course there's no doubt, seeing as his older brother had something to do with it. It's really convenient to have a popular brother, ne Soichirou?"
The boy named 'Soichirou' just smirked in reply. He gave Hanamichi a challenging look before turning back to his friends.
Mito gritted his teeth at the insult and was about to retort back but Hanamichi restrained him. "Don't mind them Mito."
The shorter boy muttered curses before slumping down on his seat. Sometimes Hanamichi can be too kind. He stole a glance at his friend before turning to the front of the classroom where their sensei was currently briefing them on the day's lecture. He decided that no matter what, he would stay at Hanamichi's side and help him.
It was their PE period, and everyone was busy changing into their sports attire inside the boy's locker room. Hanamichi and Mito had their lockers next to each other, both were laughing and goofing off while dressing.
"Whoa!" Mito exclaimed suddenly. "Cool new rubber shoes!" Their classmates turned to look at the redhead and shared the same sentiments with the shorter boy. Hanamichi was instantly surrounded by his classmates, some gazing at his new rubber shoes wistfully while the others whispered in excitement and envy.
"Wow, that's the latest one from Nike isn't it? That must have cost a lot!"
"Yeah," someone replied in agreement. "I've been saving for that for months now! You're so lucky man!" He punched Hanamichi's arm playfully. Hanamichi just grinned at them in return. "Mom bought it for me as a birthday gift. And aniki was the one who chose this style. Cool eh?" The redhead replied proudly.
"Dude!" Mito looked at him in bewilderment. "Are you kidding me? That's beyond cool! I mean, I know I'm not exactly the sporty type and neither do I excel in basketball or any other sports but that," he pointed at the said rubber shoes and continued, "but that, my friend, is one fine piece of work. Even girls would drool over that!"
Hanamichi just blushed at the compliments he was receiving but inwardly, he was gloating. Of course! Just the best for the tensai! Nyahahaha!
"Yo guys!" Someone shouted from outside the locker room. "Namura-sensei is waiting! He'll give minus points to those who come in late!"
The boys rushed out of the room at the warning, their thrills about Hanamichi and his new rubber shoes temporarily forgotten. Unbeknownst to them, two boys were silently watching the whole scene, both grinning maliciously as they hatched up a plan to make a certain redhead's life miserable.
"Boy.. was it scorching out there! I'm practically drowning in my own sweat!" Hanamichi complained loudly as he undressed to get ready for the showers.
"Are you kidding me?" Mito asked incredulously. "You call that 'drowning in sweat'? Take a good look at me pal! I'm an open faucet! Literally!"
The redhead wrapped a towel around his waist and headed to the showers. "Yeah yeah, you win. Hey, hurry up with that will you? I can't wait to hit the showers!"
The shorter boy shut his locker before finally following the impatient redhead. "Okay! Let's go!"
When they were sure the two friends had gone into the showers already, a boy and his friend stepped out from their hiding place. They sauntered towards the lockers and stopped in front of Hanamichi's locker. Both exchanged a knowing grin as the paler boy opened the redhead's locker and took out the new pair of rubber shoes.
"Heh, nice pair. I'm almost feeling sorry for what we're about to do with it." The other boy sneered in sarcasm.
"Yeah, almost. C'mon, we gotta hurry up before they finish."
The two boys dashed out of the room with Hanamichi's rubber shoes in tow as thoughts of various tortures they could inflict the redhead with swirled in their minds.
Just you wait, Hanamichi Rukawa. I'll make your life a living hell.
Hanamichi emerged from the showers, one towel tightly wrapped around his waist and the other he held in his hands as he toweled his red locks dry. He enjoyed the cold shower so much that it took a little longer than the usual before he finally decided to step out of the shower stall. He wiped a few drops on his chest and strolled towards his locker.
The tall boy immediately felt that something was wrong when he didn't see his new rubber shoes inside the locker. His eyes widened at the realization and he threw out all the things inside his locker in an attempt to locate his missing rubber shoes. A few minutes had passed and Hanamichi had emptied his entire locker yet the rubber shoes was nowhere to be found.
Where the hell is it? Mom gave it to me what am I gonna do? The redhead gave a frustrated sigh and slumped down on the bench opposite the lockers. His friend, Mito, chose this moment to step out of the showers.
"God, that was some shower I took! I swear, I could stay there forev- Hanamichi? Hanamichi! What's wrong?" The shorter boy inquired as he hurried over his friend's side.
"It's gone Mito! I couldn't find it anywhere!" Hanamichi voiced out in panic.
Mito looked at him quizzically and asked. "Huh? What's gone? What are you talking about?"
"The rubber shoes! The new pair Mom gave me! I swear I just left it here! And now I couldn't find it!"
Mito's eyes widened in surprise. "What? You mean that cool new Nike pair auntie just gave you?"
The taller boy stood up and paced around the room in panic. "Of course that's the one! Is there any other?" He asked in sarcasm. "K'so... what am I gonna do.."
Mito approached his friend and patted the boy's back in assurance. "Don't worry Hanamichi, I'll help you find it! C'mon, hurry and dress up so we can start looking for it!"
Hanamichi smiled at his friend gratefully, mumbling a soft "thanks" as he dressed as quickly as he could. When both of them were finished, they rushed out of the locker room, only to face one of their classmates panting heavily at the doorway. The boy looked up in surprise when he saw the redhead and immediately relayed to the two what he had just witnessed.
"Hanamichi! Your *pant* rubber shoes!"
At the mention of "rubber shoes" Hanamichi shook the poor boy and demanded. "Where is it? Did someone took it?"
The boy was reeling from the violent shake he had just received but managed to give a coherent answer. "We.. the guys saw something hanging from the tree outside the senior classrooms. We were wondering what that was and as we inched closer, we recognized it as your new pair of rubber shoes. Only" The boy trailed off, eyes lowering to the ground.
Hanamichi frowned and questioned impatiently. "Only what? Oh, never mind! I'm gonna see it for myself!" At that he removed his hold at the boy's shoulders and dashed outside the building, with Mito hot on his heels. The two were running wildly before they stopped in front of a certain tree, shocked etched on their faces.
The shorter of the two was the first one to speak. "Hanamichi is that your..?"
Hanamichi didn't wait for his friend to finish, nor did he try to answer the question. He positioned himself on the tall tree and began climbing up, determined to get his rubber shoes. The redhead knew that at his rubber shoes' current state, he may not be able to use it again. Hanamichi cursed silently. His parents worked hard to buy him that shoes, and although they never told him that, Hanamichi knew it. Their family could be considered belonging to the upper-middle class, but he knew that whatever his parents bought, they had strove and sweated for it. And that includes his rubber shoes – his new pair of expensive rubber shoes which was currently hanging on the tree, ripped and torn, soaking in mud and other stuff he didn't know (or didn't want to know).
Mito finally broke from his trance and saw what his friend trying to do. That idiot! What's he doing? He could fall off from there! The shorter boy screamed in his mind as he watched his friend ascending higher and higher. He almost had a heart attack when Hanamichi slipped and was now dangling dangerously, his arms wrapped around a tree branch.
"Shit oi Hanamichi! Stop that and climb down here! Do you want to die young?" Mito shouted from below as he watched his friend's attempt to maintain his balance. He heard murmurs and saw that a crowd has gathered around him and the tree where Hanamichi was currently dangling from. He cursed inwardly as he turned to look at his best friend. Hanamichi no baka! You're gonna kill yourself!
An idea suddenly struck him. Kaede! Of course! He scurried towards the direction of Kaede's classroom, unmindful of the crowd and the whisperings around him. If someone can drill some sense into Hanamichi, it's Kaede. Shit, I hope this works
Kaede on the other hand was quietly sitting behind his desk with his usual deadpan expression when a classmate suddenly called up to him. "Hey Rukawa! Isn't that your brother over there?" He pointed to the tree outside the window.
At the mention of his brother, Kaede rushed over to them and turned to where his classmate was pointing at. His blue eyes widened at the sight.
His brother was balancing himself on a tree branch, one hand clutching at another branch for support while the other was extended forward in his attempt to reach what Kaede assumed to be Hanamichi's new pair of rubber shoes. K'so! What the hell were you thinking Hana!
Kaede was about to dash out of the classroom when the door suddenly burst open. Youhei Mito entered, panting heavily as he scanned the room for the person he was looking for. When his eyes fell on Kaede, he ran to the older boy and grabbed his arm. "Quick! Hanamichi's outside, climbing a stupid tree!" The shorter boy said in annoyance as they fled outside. "And I thought your brother was stupid when he accidentally left his key inside the locker along with his clothes, but this is by far, the most idiotic thing he has ever done."
"What was he doing up there anyway?" The pale boy couldn't help asking, even though he had more or less an idea what urged Hanamichi to do such a dangerous stunt.
Mito frowned in annoyance and spoke. "You know that new pair of rubber shoes your mom bought for him? Well somebody must have decided to play a joke on your brother, thrashed the rubber shoes and hanged it up there." He cursed again and muttered. "I swear if I find out who did this" he stopped and exclaimed, "We're finally here!" The two boys halted in front of the tall tree, ignoring the curious looks the crowd was giving them.
The pale boy sighed inaudibly as he approached the tree. He looked up and called out to his brother. "Hanamichi! Come down now!"
The aforementioned boy peered down in surprise. "Eh? Aniki? What are you doing here?"
Kaede shook his head at his brother's ignorance. "Do'ahou. Can't you even see the fuss you're causing?" Not to mention you're giving me a heart attack, baka!
"But aniki! I have to get my rubber shoes!" Hanamichi countered.
"Forget the rubber shoes and get down here idiot!" The older boy commanded.
Hanamichi shook his head stubbornly. "No! No matter what, I have to get it!" At that he began reaching for the rubber shoes again, the branch he was currently stepping on lowering dangerously, appearing to break any moment.
Kaede cursed at his brother's foolishness. Can't that do'ahou see how risky this is? "Ahou! I said come down now!" The pale boy repeated, his voice laced with anxiety.
The redhead just ignored him and continued reaching out for the rubber shoes. He was getting nearer and he inched a little closer, his fingers grazing the shoelaces which were tied loosely around the branch. After a few more steps he finally got hold of the rubber shoes, untied the shoelaces and started to move backwards when the branch he was stepping on suddenly snapped.
The crowd around him gasped and he could hear Mito's voice screaming his name but he paid little attention to them. He was falling! Hanamichi tried desperately to hold onto something anything he could lay his hands on, but all he could grope was the air.
He shut his eyes tightly, expecting the hard pain of the impact but surprisingly, nothing came. The redhead opened his eyes slowly and found himself in the arms of somebody. He looked up and saw a pair of beautiful, blue fox eyes peering at him from behind the long lashes, and Hanamichi almost drowned at the concern he saw in them.
Their eyes locked for a moment, seemingly lost in their own world before the owner of the enticing, blue eyes spoke. "Do'ahou."
Hanamichi replied uncertainly. "Ki-Kitsune?"
Kaede nodded and hugged his brother tightly, whispering at his brother's ear. "Do'ahou. Don't ever scare me like that again."
"I'm sorry aniki.." Hanamichi buried his face on the crook of his brother's neck and hugged back.
The crowds had dissipated at this, seeing that the commotion was finally over and headed back towards the building. Only Mito had stayed, and he silently strode towards the two. "Hanamichi, you idiot! You're gonna kill us!"
Hanamichi pulled back from his brother's hold and grinned sheepishly at his best friend. "Err sorry Mito. I didn't mean to worry you guys but I just had to get that rubber shoes, know what I mean?"
Mito sighed exasperatedly and shook his head. "Yeah, I know what you mean. And I'm sure Kaede knows what you mean too. But that's no excuse for that dangerous stunt you pulled back there. You could've injured yourself badly!"
"I know! I said I'm sorry alright! It won't happen again, I promise"
"It better not." Kaede spoke suddenly.
Hanamichi turned to his brother and apologized once more. "I'm really sorry aniki I know I shouldn't have acted on impulse like that. But I couldn't bear to see mom's disappointed face when she sees the rubber shoes she had worked so hard for to buy.."
"Baka. It's already ruined. You climbing up the tree and retrieving it won't make much of a difference. Besides, which would you prefer? Kaasan's disappointed face, or her worried one when he sees you all bruised up or worse, in a coma?"
The younger boy bowed his head in shame. "You're right aniki. I don't want kaasan getting worried about me. She has too much to worry about as it is."
Mito came up from behind him and gave him a soft pat on the back. "You know Hanamichi, I don't think auntie's gonna be mad at you for something you didn't even do. It's not as if you're the one who purposely damaged your own rubber shoes!" The shorter boy's eyes narrowed suddenly. "Speaking of rubber shoes, I wonder who the hell did this to yours. Somebody must hate you real badly. hmm, could it be—"
Before his best friend could finish, Hanamichi cut him off hastily. "Aah! It must have been those guys we met at Danny's last week! You know, the one calling themselves 'Reapers'. They must have sneaked inside and sabotaged the tensai's property!" Hanamichi gave out a nervous laugh, eyes flickering as the Kaede eyed him suspiciously.
The older boy turned to Mito and asked. "Do you have any other suspects in mind?"
Mito met his best friend's panicked eyes and shook his head. "Err, no. I can't think of anyone else who would do that" Hanamichi. why are you hiding it from him?
"Sou." Kaede looked hardly convinced but he nodded at the boy. He turned to his brother and spoke. "I'm going back now, take care of yourself. Don't get into trouble." He held his gaze for a moment before he turned around and walked to the direction of the school entrance. I know that Soichirou has something to do with this. And Hanamichi is hiding something from me whatever it is, I have to find out
The two boys gave a heavy sigh as soon as Kaede was gone. "Why didn't you want me to tell him about Soichirou?" Mito asked.
Hanamichi leaned against the tree and replied. "Because I don't want him worrying about me. I don't want him interfering with me Soichirou. Our business is ours and ours only. And I don't want Soichirou to think that I'm a coward who's hiding behind my brother's shadow."
The shorter boy shrugged. "Whatever. But remember, if it's more than you can handle, don't be embarrassed to ask for help. We're all here for you, you know. Me, Kaede, your family, your other friends..." He leaned all of a sudden and added mischievously, "..and even the 50 girls who dumped you!"
Hanamichi scowled at this and gave the poor boy a head butt. "Temee! You should be grateful you're friends with the tensai!"
Mito was unable to reply at this, for at the moment he was lying on the grass, unconscious and steam emanating from his forehead. His best friend, unmindful of his current state, continued blabbering about how the world should be rejoicing that a tensai like him was born and so on and so forth.
AN: I'm sorry for this badly done chapter! I'm so incoherent right now and it's clearly showing in my writing. My apologies! *bows* Anyways, I promise to do better in the next chapter, which will probably come out next week or hopefully, earlier. Again, thanks for all those who reviewed! I'm sorry I couldn't give an individual reply.. probably in the next chapters. ^_^ Yonde kudasatte, arigatou!