Chapter two
Daisuke held his breath.
Ken.
Impossible, said the voice of hopeless reason in the back of his head. You are mistaken, Daisuke dear. There is no way for Ichijouji Ken to be here. Ichijouji Ken, in case you didn't notice (no surprise, you're always a tiny bit hard-headed, aren't you?) is a genius boy attending one of the most respectable schools out there. He doesn't dance, he doesn't hide in the park, he doesn't listen to Eminem. Right now he is probably passing his entrance exams for Tokyo U. Anyway, Daisuke, boys of your dreams (your perverted wrong lecherous dreams!) don't appear in front of you out of thin air, looking as though they were fit for a crazy round of sex. And by the goddamned way, Daisuke, you've trodden upon the most dangerous part of this park. If anybody wanted to kick your sorry ass, it would be right about there, so now.. go BACK!
A mirage? A fantasy? A mistake?
Hoping against hope, Daisuke stared at the familiar face. But it was Ken. His stomach curled on itself and sloped down Mount Everest. He couldn't believe his eyes. Daisuke froze on the spot, well hidden by the growth of the bushes, now dubious about this surprising discovery.
It was strange for Ken to be here. It wasn't the right place especially after dusk, which was growing thicker by minute in the cool air. It was a very well dangerous place. Random gangs dropped in to have their wild orgies after the sunset.
That's what I'm talking about, now go back! the voice in his head ordered.
What about Ken? I don't want to go away without saying anything to him. It's my chance to make up with him.
And, what would you say to him? sneered the voice. Tap him on the shoulder and say, 'Hi, Ken! Long time no see..'? Silly Daisuke. Well, if you want to make a fool of yourself, you're welcome. After all, you've always been a vulgar, babbling piece of no-good blockhead. Is this what you want to impress Ken with? Ah, he'll fall into your arms for sure. I can see it.
Daisuke's face burned hot as the voice laughed at him inside his head.
He's probably right. Ken is not for me. I'll better go and pretend I didn't see anything. Ken deserves better. When I become a millionaire, I'll find him and I'll do everything for him.. so that he could love me back.
Ken had his eyes closed and Daisuke impulsively decided to stay and watch him for some more time. The way he moved skillfully. He always performed skillfully.
The music stopped. Ken opened his eyes and Daisuke saw the stubborn frown cross his forehead. It meant irritation. Something was going wrong, some unpracticed move that Daisuke failed to notice?
Time, the voice whispered. Run before he sees you!... Daisuke felt like a freaked fan girl...He backtracked soundlessly out of the bushes, retreating for now. I'll find you someday, Ken… I swear it, he thought solemnly but a small question arose in the back of his mind, which made him freeze on the spot, Why is Ken dancing?
Then, somebody stepped behind him, seized his hands, locked them in a painful position and threw him head first into the terrace. His head connected with the old wood and gave a painful 'smack'. He crashed to the ground, hands flying up to cover the throbbing knot of pain on his forehead.
Shit..
Somebody got a handful of his hair and drew him to his feet. In this fashion he was dragged through the bushes, disorientated from the first blow, and thrown into the terrace where Ken had been dancing not two minutes ago. Daisuke landed on the floor and rolled over to face his captors.
"Spying, aintcha?"
The voice belonged to a young boy, about seventeen or eighteen who had a nasty smug grin on his face. There were two more behind him. The first one, the one who brought him in, was tall, well-built, wearing baggy trousers and a zipped up leather vest. The second was a skinny boy in a sport uniform with a mop of bright orange hair and orange shades sitting low on his long nose. The third was a plump boy, the youngest one, wearing a silver hoodie, jeans, a wide range of earrings and a menacing smile on his face.
They did not look like they had just finished their lessons and came here to watch chrysanthemums bloom; they looked like they killed their teachers and wanted some warm blood now.
You're in trouble, Daisuke. And because of you, Ken is too.
His hands rolled into fists as he stared at the gangsters. He had some experience in dealing with scum like that. Ken didn't. So, it meant he would have to fight for the two of them.
At that moment a cold familiar voice spoke up behind him.
"Who is that, Hiroshi-sempai?"
Daisuke turned around and stared at the welcoming smile on Ken's lips, the smile that was addressed to the tall boy.
"He was hidin' 'round here. Spying, no doubt. Must be one of them. So, what to do? Kill him?" the redhead said conversationally. "We can't let him get away with it. If he tells someone about you, Ken.."
"I wasn't spying!" Daisuke spat viciously.
"Oh, then you must be lost!.. You wanna go to your mommy?" the redhead mocked. "See me believe you, freak," he added with cheekiness in his voice.
"Less ask 'im what gang he's from," said the fat one.
"I'm not from any gang!"
Daisuke moved as if to stand up and then he felt the indigo-haired boy behind him freeze. Ken's voice wavered. "Motomiya?!"
Daisuke faltered and gave him a guilty smile. "Hi, Ken."
Is it something I don't understand here? he thought nervously. Am I not supposed to grab Ken by the arm and run away risking my head into the happy future together? Why is he with those blokes?
"You know him?" the baggy trousers asked suspiciously.
Ken shrugged. "Motomiya and I used to be friends..."
Used to?! Daisuke's thoughts echoed.
"Used to?" the second teenager echoed. "So, you're not. That means you're not here for a friendly chat, right?" he looked down at the boy.
"Ken, listen," the spiky-haired boy spoke up hurriedly, "Sorry for not calling-" He stood up and smiled apologetically.
"Enough. I get the picture," the leader interrupted. A heavy hand landed on Daisuke's shoulder, making his knees buckle. Daisuke cast him a partial glance. If this guy wanted a fight he would sure as hell get one. The Child of Courage wasn't the type to back off and run away.
"Look, I'm talking to Ken right now, get a room!" Daisuke shook his hand off.
"Oh isn't sweet? What is it that you want to tell him?"
"It's not your frigging business!"
"Hiroshi," Ken said worriedly and shifted closer. "Let Motomiya explain."
"I was just walking in the park!" Daisuke exploded. "I didn't notice a sign here saying it was your property!"
At this moment the fat one came up from behind and kicked Daisuke's knees. The boy crashed down, and another kick was delivered to his hip. Hiroshi pinned his shoulders to the dirty wooden floor and loomed over.
"Now you're going to tell us everything. We've got you redhanded. I've seen you with some chaps from Soma, so tell me now, what do you want from Ken? Are you trying to steal him from us too?" He squeezed Daisuke's shoulder painfully. "Answer or else..."
"Shit!" Daisuke jerked away, "Why'd I do that? What are you guys on? I don't fucking get what you're talking about! Ken!"
"I believe Motomiya, Hiroshi," Ken said. "Let him go."
"Oh, I'm sure I would," said Hiroshi sarcastically, but he let Daisuke stand up. "He may be your friend, Ken, but since he is not from our gang, he must learn it the hard way he shouldn't be here. We have the right to kick his ass, and I really want to kick his ass.."
Daisuke was aware that his eyes bulged out. "A gang?!" he repeated.
The older guy grabbed Daisuke's shirt and shook him. The redhead clenched his fist and pumped his muscles to punch the opponent when his forearm was circled with cold gentle fingers and Ken edged in between the two boys. He guarded Daisuke with his arm and nudged Daisuke to back off.
"Look... calm down... this is wrong," Ken began steadily in his soft cool voice. "I trust him to keep the secret."
Daisuke was caught off-guard by being so unexpectedly close to Ken, literally breathing down his neck while Ken's hand rested on his hip's area. Quite shocked by the contact, Daisuke stared at the back of his friend's head, at his limp indigo hair - a bit longer than he remembered it. His finely-moulded frame radiated warmth. There was the delicate pale line of his neck rooting down into his spine than curled south under the wet clinging shirt, leading to his nice ass.
Daisuke openly stared.
Ken took another step back and Daisuke's face was buried instantly in his soft hair. The boy drew Ken's sharp scent of sweat in and staggered. He balanced himself by grabbing Ken's waist and leaning over his back, but he realized too late that his sudden interest in his friend's ass wasn't left unnoticed. Unfortunately.
In a single moment the three teenagers were seized with uncontrollable fits of laughter. Daisuke felt his face burn.
"What...?" he croaked and quickly shut his mouth, horrified at the betrayal of his feelings in his voice.
Ken turned to him, wide-eyed and blushing.
"Careful, Ken, he fancies you!" Hiroshi roared in laughter.
Ken took a step back, still searching Daisuke's face with his large eyes.
Daisuke blushed a deeper shade of red. He could never imagine that his feelings for Ken would come out in such a vulgar and perverted way. He should have been more careful knowing what a refined young boy Ken was.. He spoiled everything. A logical conclusion to this line of thoughts was that Ken now despised him. One more minute of this disgrace and Daisuke would burst into tears.
"Okay, enough!" Ken turned to his friends. "I said, stop it!"
The teenagers ceased their maniacal laughter. Hiroshi circled Daisuke slowly.
"Not a spy?" he asked unkindly.
Daisuke vigorously shook his head, "Do I look like one?"
Hiroshi raised a brow. "Well... you are sorta scruffy-looking, good-for-nothing stupid bloke from backwater school... But a spy? Nay, too little brains!" He mocked him by twisting his finger at his temple.
"Why you..." Daisuke began and a cooling palm landed on his shoulder blade. Daisuke looked back at Ken.
"Daisuke is my friend," Ken said firmly. "He's with me."
"Ken! He's an outcast unless he wants in," Hiroshi said.
"If I give my word for him will you accept him?"
The teenagers turned to each other. Hiroshi rolled his eyes. The redhead shrugged. The fat one pushed his fists in his pockets and spat on the ground.
"If he won't tell anyone, he's okay. Beside, we're down to four since Demo left for Crackers."
"If he tells we'll kill him."
Finally, Hiroshi turned to Daisuke, "Alright, you playboy, wanna officially join our gang?"
"Uhm.. what to do?" Daisuke asked carefully. "Kill someone or?"
"We don't kill or do drugs, god, no," Ken said hurriedly. "We dance. Like street dancers. Our gang is Schwarz, that's Hiroshi, Shuichiro, Junpei and me. We're taking part in.."
"KEN!" Hiroshi snapped. The indigo-haired rolled his eyes and went to the stereo to take a drink from the bottle that his fellows brought with. Shuichiro, the fat one, went to mess around with the tape-recorder but Daisuke couldn't see what he was doing and craning his neck didn't help. The leader scrutinized him. Daisuke cringed uncomfortably inside.
"What do you want from me?!" he shouted.
"There are rules, my unwelcome friend," Hiroshi explained. "Anyone who wants in must prove that he can outdance us or at least, keep the rhythm and the movement for fifteen minutes. We'll throw some mix on you, if you can hold as long you're in. If not, say goodbye to Ken."
Daisuke glowered at him. "I'm ready!" And the awful thought slipped into his head, I don't know how to dance!
Hiroshi nodded. "Okay, do you want to dance yourself? No, alright, you repeat after me, no mistake, is that clear?" Slowly a wicked smile blossomed on his face. "It's gonna be such a laugh.."
Ken warned him but the teenager gestured for him to keep silent. Ken sighed in exasperation, which was his usual manner of saying there was something he didn't approve of, and covered his eyes with his palm.
Daisuke grew uneasy. Hiroshi snapped his fingers before Daisuke's nose and the redhead grimaced at him.
"Attention, What's-Your-Name!"
Daisuke assumed a defensive position. He realized very well that didn't know the simplest basics about dancing. He used to consider discos a waste of time; when their PE teacher announced they would be dancing next lesson, he always failed to show up at the lesson.
But he would win.
Freeek…
George Michael sounded from the speakers. Daisuke inwardly groaned. He started to hate it beforehand, not even suspecting where it would take him. Ken gave him a compassionate glance, his fingers nervously pulling his indigo hair.
Freeek…
The dance began.