Note: Okay… so I honestly don't know daddy Uesugi's name… (lol) can anyone help me out there? Thanks to cutelilpuppieyez, LaDiDaanifan, AnimeDarkRain and of course, DarkMetal Angel of Destruction for reviewing… and for everyone who greeted me last June 1!

(This chapter is inspired by Utada Hikaru and her song "Tokyo Nights"… which isn't mine— and will be taken and twisted… but I disclaim it!)

Silent Night Kyoto Nights

Shuichi looked up at the sky and sighed to himself. He had already secretly asked for Tatsuha's help to find him somewhere to live for the rest of the— er— season, and his host had offered to book him in the Green Peace in Kyoto.

The blonde-haired singer (Shuichi, in case anyone forgets) was glad that Tatsuha wasn't so annoying and persistent on the reason of his sudden departure from Tokyo. He wasn't ready to explain to anyone yet— even to Tatsuha, whom he had learned to trust sometime ago…

He sighed again as the cab he hailed stopped in front of the hotel.

No turning back, he repeated to himself.

He registered under a false name and walked towards the room at the end of the hall. He had told the lady at the desk that he was staying for a month— but he doubted highly that he would ever, ever go back to Tokyo.

He and the rest of the Bad Luck members already agreed to do the recording for their next album (to be released next month) in advance— surprisingly, Suguru didn't comment on this and just did what any good synthesizer would do.

None of them— Tohma, K, Sakano, Ryuichi and even Mika— asked about the abruptness of his decision.

Shuichi glanced at the room Tatsuha had chosen for him and smiled to himself.

Trust Tatsuha to get the most expensive room in the hotel.

It was a private couple room— surprisingly enough— complete with air conditioning system, internet connection— it would be a good way to catch up on news—, shower, toilets, kitchens… the list goes on.

Shuichi took out his CD player (with FM) and earphones, deciding to listen to the radio to forget the misery of his situation.

Yama o koete umi o watatte GAADOREERU no ue tobikoe

Ima wa mukashi hitotsu no kage ga

Nantonaku kono machi e

Hikan wa shinai kedo nanika ga tarinai

Watashi wo koko e yobiyoseru no wa dare?

His eyes widened as he heard the lyrics of the song… It was almost a mirror to what he was thinking… ( Translation: Step over the mountains, cross the sea, jump over the guard rail. Now, the same shadow from before. Is somehow coming to this city. I don't know disappointment, but something isn't right. Who is calling to me to come here?)

KYOTO NIGHTS

Mitsukaranai

Hontou no jiyuu wo sagashiteru

Kagayakidasu

KYOTO NIGHTS

Love is hard to find

Unmei no deai wo machinasai

Mada wakai

I haven't found it yet, but I'm searching for real freedom… Just like the song says… Shuichi turned off his player and walked out into the living room, where other people from different places chatted away without worry. He chose a quiet little corner and sat there.

I haven't found it yet, but I'm searching for real freedom… The freedom to love Yuki and to be loved… but maybe it would never work out… I can't stand in the way of Yuki and his family— and their happiness.

Shuichi shook his head, hoping to clear the thoughts that were invading his peace of mind…

Kakushite okitai Akachan mitai ni sunao na kimochi wa BIRU no sukima ni Tsuki nado iranai Okaasan mitai ni yasashii nukumori Machi no akari ni

(translation: I want to hide. Like a baby, I honestly feel like hiding a hole in a building. The moon--for example--isn't here, Just like my mother's warm whisper, In the lights of the city.)

But, in all fairness, he hasn't had peace of mind since the night that the old man cornered him.

He took out his cellphone and decided to call Hiro— but before he could even dial a number, someone hit his head from behind, knocking him to the table.