SEVENTEEN
(c) rikki-chan (lady bundtcake) 2004
CHAPTER FOUR - THE DARE
===
"Wow."
"Nice!"
"I guess it will do," Yaten said, giving the lavish hotel room a skeptical look. He handed the bellhop some folded bills and ushered him out of the room before closing and locking the door, sliding the security chain into place. Then he turned back to give the room a second glance.
Three full-size beds were lined up along one of the walls, facing an enormous wall filled with floor-to-ceiling windows covered by heavy drapes. Seiya bounded over to them and yanked on the chain, drawing back the curtains to reveal a spectacular night view of the city. "Got to love staying on the fourteenth floor," he said, grinning, as he took in the city lights.
Taiki set a stack of books down on one of the bedside tables and joined Seiya at the window. "It may be a small planet, but it definitely has its share of beauty."
Around the corner, Yaten was poking his head in the large bathroom. "Well, it's huge in here," he yelled, his voice echoing off the tile walls. "But there's only one bath. And as I'm already in here, I'm using it first!" He quickly shut the door and they heard the lock click.
Taiki narrowed his eyes and headed toward the bathroom, pounding briefly on the door. "Yaten, I already called that when we were back out on the street!"
"Sorry, I can't hear you over the running water!"
Turning back to face Seiya, Taiki rolled his eyes. "He's such a brat," he said in a rather uncharacteristic tone that could almost pass for whiny.
The black-haired man shrugged and flopped back on the middle bed, digging through the bedside table drawer for the remote. "We could rent a movie or something," he suggested. "I mean, Yaten's usually in the bathroom long enough for at least one epic film."
"Thanks, but I think I'll just read a book," Taiki said, picking up one from the top of his stack and settling back onto his own bed.
"Suit yourself," said Seiya, flipping on the television.
He made it through an episode of a foreign soap opera and part of the late news before Yaten finally emerged from the bathroom, wearing a towel wrapped around his head like a turban and another around his waist. Seiya leaned back against the headboard and cracked a wide grin. "So the lovely Yaten Kou is finally ready to greet his adoring public, I see!"
"Shove it," Yaten said gruffly, sitting down on the unoccupied bed. He removed his turban and ran his fingers through his damp silver hair. He glanced at the television. "What the hell is this?"
"I don't know. Some nature program," Seiya tossed his partner the remote control. "Here, tune it to whatever. I'm going to run downstairs and grab a Coke. Want anything?"
"Bottled water, if there is any."
"How health conscious of you. Taiki?"
Taiki glanced up from his book. "You could just order and have it brought up here."
"Yeah, but I thought I'd take a walk."
"Ah," Taiki went back to reading. "Water's fine with me, but I think I'll just call room service."
Seiya rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm going to go get something laden with sugar and caffeine. You ladies enjoy your WATER."
Stepping into the hallway, Seiya walked quickly to the stairwell. The elevator was just at the end of the hall, but Seiya had been feeling pretty keyed up ever since arriving back on this planet and needed to burn the energy. He took the steps two at a time all the way to the ground floor; he was so full of energy that he arrived in the lobby without even breaking a sweat. Seiya brushed his bangs out of his face and jogged past the front desk and into the lounge.
Since it was almost midnight, the lobby was more or less empty save for the lone night clerk at the front desk, and the lounge itself was deserted. The only light came from the lighting around the pool outside and the gentle glow of the vending machines at the other end of the room. Seiya began to trot over to the Coke machine and gradually slowed, stopping midway through the room. He ran his hand through his hair in slight frustration.
"I really must be stupid," he whispered to himself.
He walked slowly over to the windows and stared out at the swimming pool. No one was in it at this late hour; Seiya just stood and watched the wind blow gentle ripples across the bright blue water. The full moon was reflected perfectly in one corner of the pool.
Seiya sighed. Then he dug briefly through his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, flipped it open, and scrolled through the lighted display.
He had already programmed her number into his address book, of course. It had been the first number he had entered, directly after purchasing the phone, while Taiki and Yaten were still arguing over maps and directions. They were tugging on opposite ends of the map, and Seiya was standing several feet behind them, typing in her name. O-D-A-N…
"Seiya? Are you coming with us!"
…G-O. "Right behind you," Seiya called back, flipping the phone shut.
Now he stood alone in the darkened lounge, staring intently at the name, followed by several digits.
He could call her.
This was, of course, under the assumption that she still lived with her parents, in that plain suburban house, in that second-story room with the window Seiya had stood beneath on those lonely nights, gazing solemnly for a hint of movement behind the curtains. That little house he had casually passed by as often as he could without it seeming indecent or odd, in hopes of catching a glimpse of her through the window, or walking through the front door, or perhaps sitting on the pavement outside.
He had her phone number, right here. All he had to do was press the green call button; the phone would ring and she would answer and then oh, to hear Odango's bubbly, cheerful voice on the other end.
He ran his thumb beside that button.
Or maybe it would be like last time, and he would only get a busy signal, because she was on the phone with someone else, Rei-chan or Minako-chan or…or…
Seiya groaned inwardly and shut his eyes.
"I really, really must be stupid," he muttered. Something warm and wet slithered down his cheek; Seiya brushed his hand across his face and was surprised to find a few tears had escaped his closed eyes.
He knew it was pathetic, to have come all the way down here and stand alone in the dark, crying like an insecure little child…but god, why did this one thing have to keep gnawing at him? Why couldn't he just let it go?
Why couldn't he just dial her number, and hear her sweet little voice?
Because, Seiya thought bitterly. Because…well, he wasn't exactly sure why. Because it was too hard.
There you go, Fighter, Seiya thought. Way to live up to your name. Oh, poor me, it's just so HARD! Buck up, man! Just dial the stupid number.
Seiya placed his finger on the call button.
The lounge lights came on, flickering a few seconds before emitting a steady light and bathing him in their brightness. A janitor was standing in the doorway, a mop in one hand and a bucket in the other.
"You okay, kid?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Seiya said. "I just came down here to grab a Coke."
He snapped the phone shut and walked over to the vending machine.
===
"He's going to screw something up, you know," Yaten said, flipping rapidly through the channels without actually watching anything.
Taiki sighed and marked his place in his book. Shutting it, he removed his glasses and leaned back against the headboard of his bed. "I know. I can't help feeling this may have been a bad idea."
"Well, what was I supposed to do?" Yaten was obviously irritated. He punched the OFF button on the remote and tossed it on the bed. "I couldn't just say, 'Oh, Seiya, by the way, Taiki and I are running off to Earth for a week and you aren't invited,' could I? He already knew about her birthday coming up, you know. He's been writing her a damn song. He just didn't know he'd actually get an opportunity to perform it for her live."
"We could have declined the invitation in the first place."
The silver-haired man sighed, flopping onto his back and gazing at the ceiling. "I know. But Taiki…"
"What?"
"Look, promise this doesn't leave this room."
"I won't tell Seiya, if that's what you're asking."
Yaten closed his eyes. "Well, I really did want to see them again. And yes, by them I do mean Minako-chan. But if you ever mention it to Seiya, you're a dead man."
"Understood," Taiki nodded. "I felt the same about Mizuno-san. Of course, the attraction may be due to an intellectual compatibility, but we did seem to hit it off rather well."
"Sure, great, whatever. Taiki, the point is that what we feel is just that; it's an attraction. I haven't lain awake nights dreaming of Minako. Maybe one or two times a week, back when we first got home, but it wasn't like she consumed my every waking thought. With Seiya, it's…it's different," Yaten gave a short laugh. "You know, I always sort of thought he'd fall for Kakyuu-hime in the end, just by default."
"I did, too. I think even she did."
"But he didn't, and that's my point. Their love seemed so perfect, almost destined, and even though it seemed so fated, it ended up not working out. Or maybe it's because it felt like it was supposed to happen, and that's why it ultimately didn't, I don't know." A pair of olive eyes focused intently on his friend. "You see what I'm saying?"
"You're saying you see the same thing happening between Usagi-chan and Mamoru-san."
"Exactly. Which is why I almost feel like maybe Seiya WON'T screw this up, and it IS a good thing we came back here."
"The conclusion is easy to make, although the logic is inherently wrong," Taiki pointed out. "See, just because A was in love with B but subsequently chose C does not mean that…"
"All right, look, since when has logic had anything to do with the nature of love?" snapped Yaten, flicking a piece of hair out of his face. "All I'm saying is that maybe it's not a lost cause, and maybe Seiya won't screw anything up."
Taiki allowed himself to express a rare grin. "Well, the first is a possibility, though I have my doubts about the second."
The pair burst into laughter just as the door gave an electronic click and Seiya strolled back in, sipping soda from a can. He raised his eyebrows.
"Sounds like a slumber party in here." Seiya settled back onto his bed and took a big gulp of Coke.
"Ha. Truth or dare, Seiya?"
The dark-haired boy let out a huge belch. "Truth."
"Who looks better in uniform, Maker or me?"
"Maker. You look like a little girl who got attacked by the vinyl fairy."
"Hey, my uniform is the same as both of yours!" Yaten said indignantly.
"Well, Maker's got nice legs," Seiya grinned lopsidedly at Taiki, who just rolled his eyes. "Truth or dare, Taiki?"
"Truth."
"Figures," Seiya took another swig. "Who's more of an asshole, Yaten or me?"
"You both have your shortcomings."
"Yeah, Yaten's are just ESPECIALLY short," chortled Seiya. Yaten chucked a pillow at his head.
"Truth or dare, smartass," Yaten growled as Seiya lobbed his pillow back at him.
"Dare."
Yaten smirked. "I dare you to call her right now and confess your undying love."
Seiya stiffened.
Taiki shook his head. "Yaten, that was low even for you."
"Oh, I was just kidding," replied the smaller man. "Besides, it's not like he'd actually do it."
Rising abruptly from the bed, Seiya crushed his Coke can in one hand and hurled it into the trash, turning his back on his companions in favor of staring intently out of the window. Neither Taiki nor Yaten made a move to confront him. An awkward silence descended upon the room.
Seiya slid one hand into his pocket, coming in contact with the cool surface of his cell phone.
In answer, the hotel room's phone rang loudly, shattering the silence.
Yaten lunged for it, thankful for a mood change, and answered. "Hello?"
"Yaten-kun!" came a bubbly voice from the other end.
"Mi—Minako-chan?" Yaten fumbled.
Taiki tore his gaze from Seiya to look at Yaten. At the window, Seiya gave no indication that he was paying any attention at all to the exchange on the phone.
"Minako-chan, I don't mean to sound abrupt, but how the hell did you find out where we were staying?"
Her laughter rang out clearly on the other end. "Networking, of course! I have some of the best connections in town. I had Ami-chan calculate how long it might take you to travel here and we figured you may have arrived a day early. She said she saw some shooting stars earlier this evening, so she ran a trace and said they seemed to match up with the energy trails she had stored for you in her database. Then all it took was a call to my agent and a couple of other people in the business to find out where you were staying, and now here we are!" Minako giggled. "How was your trip?"
"It was fine. Nothing major," Yaten said coolly.
"Well, listen up, here are the plans. We still haven't told Usagi-chan that you guys are coming, but of course we're not going to hold you hostage at Haruka-tachi's for the week without actually seeing her because that would be stupid. So tomorrow, after you check out from the hotel, just drop by my apartment and we'll figure out where we're going from there. I'm having the directions faxed to your hotel and the manager said he'd have the bellhop deliver them to you tomorrow with breakfast, since you guys and I are all fairly big idols around here. It's pretty easy to pull a few strings, you know? Just have Seiya call up your agent to have a car sent over, since I heard from my people that that's basically what he did tonight. And then we'll all meet up somewhere and you guys can see the birthday girl, and we'll go from there. Maybe we'll head to the amusement park or something," Minako paused to take a breath. "She's going to be so thrilled to see you again. I am, too, actually."
He couldn't help himself; Yaten smiled. "I'm excited to see you again, too."
"I'm going to go ahead and let you go, since you've probably had a long day. Sleep well, okay? Oh, and tell Seiya…tell Seiya she's missed him, all right? Bye."
Yaten placed the receiver back on the hook and gazed at Seiya's back.
The awkward silence had returned once again, this time interrupted by Taiki. "It's late," he said, undoing his long ponytail and letting his chestnut hair fall around his shoulders. "We should get some rest."
"I'm not going to call her," Seiya said abruptly.
"Look, Seiya," Yaten started. "I didn't mean it…"
"No," Seiya turned around, his ebony ponytail whipping around behind him. "I mean, I'm not going to call her to confess my undying love, as you so eloquently put it."
The other two remained silent, looking at Seiya apologetically.
"No," Seiya murmured. He folded his arms casually and assumed the cockiest stance possible, quirking one eyebrow mischievously.
"When the time is right, I'll tell her to her face."
(c) rikki-chan (lady bundtcake) 2004
CHAPTER FOUR - THE DARE
===
"Wow."
"Nice!"
"I guess it will do," Yaten said, giving the lavish hotel room a skeptical look. He handed the bellhop some folded bills and ushered him out of the room before closing and locking the door, sliding the security chain into place. Then he turned back to give the room a second glance.
Three full-size beds were lined up along one of the walls, facing an enormous wall filled with floor-to-ceiling windows covered by heavy drapes. Seiya bounded over to them and yanked on the chain, drawing back the curtains to reveal a spectacular night view of the city. "Got to love staying on the fourteenth floor," he said, grinning, as he took in the city lights.
Taiki set a stack of books down on one of the bedside tables and joined Seiya at the window. "It may be a small planet, but it definitely has its share of beauty."
Around the corner, Yaten was poking his head in the large bathroom. "Well, it's huge in here," he yelled, his voice echoing off the tile walls. "But there's only one bath. And as I'm already in here, I'm using it first!" He quickly shut the door and they heard the lock click.
Taiki narrowed his eyes and headed toward the bathroom, pounding briefly on the door. "Yaten, I already called that when we were back out on the street!"
"Sorry, I can't hear you over the running water!"
Turning back to face Seiya, Taiki rolled his eyes. "He's such a brat," he said in a rather uncharacteristic tone that could almost pass for whiny.
The black-haired man shrugged and flopped back on the middle bed, digging through the bedside table drawer for the remote. "We could rent a movie or something," he suggested. "I mean, Yaten's usually in the bathroom long enough for at least one epic film."
"Thanks, but I think I'll just read a book," Taiki said, picking up one from the top of his stack and settling back onto his own bed.
"Suit yourself," said Seiya, flipping on the television.
He made it through an episode of a foreign soap opera and part of the late news before Yaten finally emerged from the bathroom, wearing a towel wrapped around his head like a turban and another around his waist. Seiya leaned back against the headboard and cracked a wide grin. "So the lovely Yaten Kou is finally ready to greet his adoring public, I see!"
"Shove it," Yaten said gruffly, sitting down on the unoccupied bed. He removed his turban and ran his fingers through his damp silver hair. He glanced at the television. "What the hell is this?"
"I don't know. Some nature program," Seiya tossed his partner the remote control. "Here, tune it to whatever. I'm going to run downstairs and grab a Coke. Want anything?"
"Bottled water, if there is any."
"How health conscious of you. Taiki?"
Taiki glanced up from his book. "You could just order and have it brought up here."
"Yeah, but I thought I'd take a walk."
"Ah," Taiki went back to reading. "Water's fine with me, but I think I'll just call room service."
Seiya rolled his eyes. "Well, I'm going to go get something laden with sugar and caffeine. You ladies enjoy your WATER."
Stepping into the hallway, Seiya walked quickly to the stairwell. The elevator was just at the end of the hall, but Seiya had been feeling pretty keyed up ever since arriving back on this planet and needed to burn the energy. He took the steps two at a time all the way to the ground floor; he was so full of energy that he arrived in the lobby without even breaking a sweat. Seiya brushed his bangs out of his face and jogged past the front desk and into the lounge.
Since it was almost midnight, the lobby was more or less empty save for the lone night clerk at the front desk, and the lounge itself was deserted. The only light came from the lighting around the pool outside and the gentle glow of the vending machines at the other end of the room. Seiya began to trot over to the Coke machine and gradually slowed, stopping midway through the room. He ran his hand through his hair in slight frustration.
"I really must be stupid," he whispered to himself.
He walked slowly over to the windows and stared out at the swimming pool. No one was in it at this late hour; Seiya just stood and watched the wind blow gentle ripples across the bright blue water. The full moon was reflected perfectly in one corner of the pool.
Seiya sighed. Then he dug briefly through his pocket and pulled out his cell phone, flipped it open, and scrolled through the lighted display.
He had already programmed her number into his address book, of course. It had been the first number he had entered, directly after purchasing the phone, while Taiki and Yaten were still arguing over maps and directions. They were tugging on opposite ends of the map, and Seiya was standing several feet behind them, typing in her name. O-D-A-N…
"Seiya? Are you coming with us!"
…G-O. "Right behind you," Seiya called back, flipping the phone shut.
Now he stood alone in the darkened lounge, staring intently at the name, followed by several digits.
He could call her.
This was, of course, under the assumption that she still lived with her parents, in that plain suburban house, in that second-story room with the window Seiya had stood beneath on those lonely nights, gazing solemnly for a hint of movement behind the curtains. That little house he had casually passed by as often as he could without it seeming indecent or odd, in hopes of catching a glimpse of her through the window, or walking through the front door, or perhaps sitting on the pavement outside.
He had her phone number, right here. All he had to do was press the green call button; the phone would ring and she would answer and then oh, to hear Odango's bubbly, cheerful voice on the other end.
He ran his thumb beside that button.
Or maybe it would be like last time, and he would only get a busy signal, because she was on the phone with someone else, Rei-chan or Minako-chan or…or…
Seiya groaned inwardly and shut his eyes.
"I really, really must be stupid," he muttered. Something warm and wet slithered down his cheek; Seiya brushed his hand across his face and was surprised to find a few tears had escaped his closed eyes.
He knew it was pathetic, to have come all the way down here and stand alone in the dark, crying like an insecure little child…but god, why did this one thing have to keep gnawing at him? Why couldn't he just let it go?
Why couldn't he just dial her number, and hear her sweet little voice?
Because, Seiya thought bitterly. Because…well, he wasn't exactly sure why. Because it was too hard.
There you go, Fighter, Seiya thought. Way to live up to your name. Oh, poor me, it's just so HARD! Buck up, man! Just dial the stupid number.
Seiya placed his finger on the call button.
The lounge lights came on, flickering a few seconds before emitting a steady light and bathing him in their brightness. A janitor was standing in the doorway, a mop in one hand and a bucket in the other.
"You okay, kid?"
"Yeah, I'm fine," Seiya said. "I just came down here to grab a Coke."
He snapped the phone shut and walked over to the vending machine.
===
"He's going to screw something up, you know," Yaten said, flipping rapidly through the channels without actually watching anything.
Taiki sighed and marked his place in his book. Shutting it, he removed his glasses and leaned back against the headboard of his bed. "I know. I can't help feeling this may have been a bad idea."
"Well, what was I supposed to do?" Yaten was obviously irritated. He punched the OFF button on the remote and tossed it on the bed. "I couldn't just say, 'Oh, Seiya, by the way, Taiki and I are running off to Earth for a week and you aren't invited,' could I? He already knew about her birthday coming up, you know. He's been writing her a damn song. He just didn't know he'd actually get an opportunity to perform it for her live."
"We could have declined the invitation in the first place."
The silver-haired man sighed, flopping onto his back and gazing at the ceiling. "I know. But Taiki…"
"What?"
"Look, promise this doesn't leave this room."
"I won't tell Seiya, if that's what you're asking."
Yaten closed his eyes. "Well, I really did want to see them again. And yes, by them I do mean Minako-chan. But if you ever mention it to Seiya, you're a dead man."
"Understood," Taiki nodded. "I felt the same about Mizuno-san. Of course, the attraction may be due to an intellectual compatibility, but we did seem to hit it off rather well."
"Sure, great, whatever. Taiki, the point is that what we feel is just that; it's an attraction. I haven't lain awake nights dreaming of Minako. Maybe one or two times a week, back when we first got home, but it wasn't like she consumed my every waking thought. With Seiya, it's…it's different," Yaten gave a short laugh. "You know, I always sort of thought he'd fall for Kakyuu-hime in the end, just by default."
"I did, too. I think even she did."
"But he didn't, and that's my point. Their love seemed so perfect, almost destined, and even though it seemed so fated, it ended up not working out. Or maybe it's because it felt like it was supposed to happen, and that's why it ultimately didn't, I don't know." A pair of olive eyes focused intently on his friend. "You see what I'm saying?"
"You're saying you see the same thing happening between Usagi-chan and Mamoru-san."
"Exactly. Which is why I almost feel like maybe Seiya WON'T screw this up, and it IS a good thing we came back here."
"The conclusion is easy to make, although the logic is inherently wrong," Taiki pointed out. "See, just because A was in love with B but subsequently chose C does not mean that…"
"All right, look, since when has logic had anything to do with the nature of love?" snapped Yaten, flicking a piece of hair out of his face. "All I'm saying is that maybe it's not a lost cause, and maybe Seiya won't screw anything up."
Taiki allowed himself to express a rare grin. "Well, the first is a possibility, though I have my doubts about the second."
The pair burst into laughter just as the door gave an electronic click and Seiya strolled back in, sipping soda from a can. He raised his eyebrows.
"Sounds like a slumber party in here." Seiya settled back onto his bed and took a big gulp of Coke.
"Ha. Truth or dare, Seiya?"
The dark-haired boy let out a huge belch. "Truth."
"Who looks better in uniform, Maker or me?"
"Maker. You look like a little girl who got attacked by the vinyl fairy."
"Hey, my uniform is the same as both of yours!" Yaten said indignantly.
"Well, Maker's got nice legs," Seiya grinned lopsidedly at Taiki, who just rolled his eyes. "Truth or dare, Taiki?"
"Truth."
"Figures," Seiya took another swig. "Who's more of an asshole, Yaten or me?"
"You both have your shortcomings."
"Yeah, Yaten's are just ESPECIALLY short," chortled Seiya. Yaten chucked a pillow at his head.
"Truth or dare, smartass," Yaten growled as Seiya lobbed his pillow back at him.
"Dare."
Yaten smirked. "I dare you to call her right now and confess your undying love."
Seiya stiffened.
Taiki shook his head. "Yaten, that was low even for you."
"Oh, I was just kidding," replied the smaller man. "Besides, it's not like he'd actually do it."
Rising abruptly from the bed, Seiya crushed his Coke can in one hand and hurled it into the trash, turning his back on his companions in favor of staring intently out of the window. Neither Taiki nor Yaten made a move to confront him. An awkward silence descended upon the room.
Seiya slid one hand into his pocket, coming in contact with the cool surface of his cell phone.
In answer, the hotel room's phone rang loudly, shattering the silence.
Yaten lunged for it, thankful for a mood change, and answered. "Hello?"
"Yaten-kun!" came a bubbly voice from the other end.
"Mi—Minako-chan?" Yaten fumbled.
Taiki tore his gaze from Seiya to look at Yaten. At the window, Seiya gave no indication that he was paying any attention at all to the exchange on the phone.
"Minako-chan, I don't mean to sound abrupt, but how the hell did you find out where we were staying?"
Her laughter rang out clearly on the other end. "Networking, of course! I have some of the best connections in town. I had Ami-chan calculate how long it might take you to travel here and we figured you may have arrived a day early. She said she saw some shooting stars earlier this evening, so she ran a trace and said they seemed to match up with the energy trails she had stored for you in her database. Then all it took was a call to my agent and a couple of other people in the business to find out where you were staying, and now here we are!" Minako giggled. "How was your trip?"
"It was fine. Nothing major," Yaten said coolly.
"Well, listen up, here are the plans. We still haven't told Usagi-chan that you guys are coming, but of course we're not going to hold you hostage at Haruka-tachi's for the week without actually seeing her because that would be stupid. So tomorrow, after you check out from the hotel, just drop by my apartment and we'll figure out where we're going from there. I'm having the directions faxed to your hotel and the manager said he'd have the bellhop deliver them to you tomorrow with breakfast, since you guys and I are all fairly big idols around here. It's pretty easy to pull a few strings, you know? Just have Seiya call up your agent to have a car sent over, since I heard from my people that that's basically what he did tonight. And then we'll all meet up somewhere and you guys can see the birthday girl, and we'll go from there. Maybe we'll head to the amusement park or something," Minako paused to take a breath. "She's going to be so thrilled to see you again. I am, too, actually."
He couldn't help himself; Yaten smiled. "I'm excited to see you again, too."
"I'm going to go ahead and let you go, since you've probably had a long day. Sleep well, okay? Oh, and tell Seiya…tell Seiya she's missed him, all right? Bye."
Yaten placed the receiver back on the hook and gazed at Seiya's back.
The awkward silence had returned once again, this time interrupted by Taiki. "It's late," he said, undoing his long ponytail and letting his chestnut hair fall around his shoulders. "We should get some rest."
"I'm not going to call her," Seiya said abruptly.
"Look, Seiya," Yaten started. "I didn't mean it…"
"No," Seiya turned around, his ebony ponytail whipping around behind him. "I mean, I'm not going to call her to confess my undying love, as you so eloquently put it."
The other two remained silent, looking at Seiya apologetically.
"No," Seiya murmured. He folded his arms casually and assumed the cockiest stance possible, quirking one eyebrow mischievously.
"When the time is right, I'll tell her to her face."