Hi, hi! Once again, THANKS to all who reviewed the last chapter!

I agree that it's hard to imagine Shuichi with a girl… that's part of the point… I think. Anyway, that's why I made Akiha out to be a crazy character. You'll understand what I mean after you've read this chapter. Besides, Shuichi's POV in the upcoming chapter 7 would reveal his thoughts on his relationship with Haruko, Akiha and Yuki. Maybe that will provide a clearer idea of where this story's headed.

And, the point of making Shu and Haruko close? It is to make it hard for Shu and Yuki to get back together! Hahahaha! I'm evil! Kidding… I love YukixShu… But what's the point if I make things easy for them? Oh no… I guess I'm really evil after all…

Maybe I should have just hook Shu up with Akiha… but that would really make him a homo. Sigh… I'm just babbling on and on. But it's too late to change anything now, so I'll just stick with it and most probably, some new characters will only be very minor characters.

DISCLAIMER: Gravitation does not belong to me.

MOU ICHI DO

Chapter 5 --- Birthday Dinner

"Aniki! You're here!" Tatsuha called out in excitement and began scanning Yuki from head to toe. "Where's my present?"

"I didn't get you any."

"What!" Tatsuha's face fell. "Oh well, at least you're here."

Tatsuha's birthday dinner party was being held in a huge VIP room of a classy restaurant, where there were trays of food laid out on a long table at one side of the room, a huge round table near the centre, and couches with a TV set, hi-fi set, karaoke set etc at the other side, near the entrance. The room was well-lit with chandeliers, and all the plates and cutlery present were gleaming clean. Currently, everyone was seated at the couches, except Yuki who sat at the dining table as he hated crowds.

"Yeah… I haven't seen you for quite some time, Eiri." Mika glowered at Yuki. "Not hiding with your worthless girlfriends and boyfriends, I hope?"

Yuki ignored her, staring at the wine glass in front of him. This only added onto her anger. Mika was about to open her mouth again to reprimand her brother when…

"SHUICHI!" A high pitched voice called out as its owner glomped the brown hair boy who had just walked in.

"Sakuma-san!" Warm laughter could be heard and Yuki turned to the entrance, getting a view of two bodies entangled on the floor.

Tatsuha ran over immediately. "Shuichi! It's great to see you! You've dyed your hair?"

"Ah, Tatsuha! Here's your present. I'm sorry but we got it at the last minute. It's from me and Haruko…"

"Thanks! But where's your girlfriend?"

Yuki held his breath unknowingly.

"Oh, I'm sorry, but she had to go to the airport to pick Akiha and Jun up. Sorry!"

"It's ok… come! Grab something to eat. Dinner has started and it's in a buffet style…"

Shuichi greeted Hiro, Ayaka, K, Sakano and Noriko, before Tatsuha led Shuichi towards the food, where Yuki, Mika and Tohma were close by.

"I wonder what's going to happen…" K narrowed his eyes, while Sakano shook with fear and worry.

"Don't worry. Shuichi can handle it." Hiro whispered calmly.

K, Sakano, Noriko, Suguru and Ayaka looked at Hiro, puzzled as to what made him say that.

"Shindou… nice to see you again. You're doing very well!" Mika smiled and hugged Shuichi.

Embarrassed, Shuichi blushed and replied: "Ah… not really. But I'm glad to see you too! You're just as beautiful and scary as ever!"

"… What did you say?" A vein on Mika's forehead twitched.

Shuichi gulped and laughed nervously. "Er… I was just kidding! Honestly!"

Baka… Yuki suppressed the urge to roll his eyes and smirk.

"You're still as interesting as before, Shindou-san…" Tohma chuckled and shook hands with Shuichi.

Then, Shuichi noticed Yuki. Nobody knew, but at this point, Shuichi's heart skipped a beat.

Everyone looked in silence at the ex-couple.

Thinking as fast as he could, Shuichi chose to smile and murmured softly. "Hi… thanks for the coffee last night…"

"It was nothing." Yuki nodded and replied coolly, avoiding Shuichi's eyes, trying to keep up his indifference.

Everyone gaped as their jaws fell wide open. LAST NIGHT!

"I'd better get something to eat… I'm hungry. Aren't you guys eating?" Shuichi brushed his fringe back, addressing Mika, Tohma and Yuki at the same time.

"… Sure… you go ahead…" Mika was too stunned to speak fluently. Tohma didn't trust himself to talk.

Shuichi smiled sheepishly. "Ok then!"

He skipped over to the table where the food were placed, calling out for Hiro to join him. "Hiro! Fujisaki! Sakuma-san! Aren't you guys going to eat! I'm going to finish everything if you guys don't hurry! Of course I'll leave some for Sakuma-san! But only for Sakuma-san!"

"Wait for me, Shuichiiiii! Kumagorou's hungry na no da!" Ryuichi bounced over to Shuichi, with his pink stuff bunny safely on his head.

It took a few whole minutes before anyone else moved.

"I can't believe that!" Noriko whispered to K, who nodded thoughtfully.

Sakano removed his spectacles; wipe them clean, before putting them on again. "Is that really Shindou-kun?"

Soon, everyone got their food and was seated at the dining table, eating and talking.

Nobody noticed as Yuki stole glances at the bubbly Shuichi who was enjoying himself thoroughly every moment.

He looks so happy and beautiful…

Yuki looked down at his plate as he felt a bitter taste in his mouth, wondering if the food was poorly cooked.

I guess it's not the problem with the food…

"Shuichi, sorry to mess up your schedule, famous model!" Tatsuha began. "I heard that you were supposed to meet Sakurai Akiha tonight…"

"Don't worry about that! It doesn't matter. It's not that I like seeing him…" Shuichi looked a little drunk as he stood up to get more food. "That stupid Akiha. He's a downright idiot… Sakurai Akiha..."

"You were calling me?" A voice breathed gently into Shuichi's ear.

Shuichi froze completely. As did everyone and the TV screen.

"So you missed me so much? We've only been apart for a few days… and you're already missing me like hell?" Fingers ran down Shuichi's back, and then he was grabbed and hugged from behind. A hand even went under Shuichi's shirt, exploring his warm skin. "My Shuichi…"

In a split second, Shuichi had recovered from his initial shock and he let out an ear-piercing scream, struggling to free himself, and pushing the stranger back. He spun around to face the stranger and leaned against the table for support.

The tall, slender and elegant stranger had bleached blond hair (like Touma's) pulled back into a low ponytail but with fringe falling down over the sides of his face, warm hazel eyes, and a gorgeous grin. He wore a casual long sleeve black T-shirt and designer jeans, and had on a blood-red earring on each ear.

Shuichi stared in horror at the sight before him. "Akiha!"

"Akiha?" The rest of the gang repeated in surprise. Yuki frowned.

Shuichi began moving away from the table, and away from the handsome photographer, stuttering at the same time. "What… what are YOU doing here? Where are Haruko and Tsuyoshi? They were supposed to pick you up. What are you doing here alone!"

Akiha's grin widened. "I didn't see them at the airport… my flight was early. So I came looking for you first… I received an email from Haruko, on the plane, saying that you were attending your friend's birthday party which was to be held here…"

He moved towards Shuichi who kept walking backwards, never letting his eyes off Akiha. Everybody watched on curiously.

"And the next thing I knew, I was hearing you call my name so desperately and lovingly that I had to show myself to comfort you…"

"Stop making up stories! Who missed you! Who called you lovingly! You idiot-" Unfortunately, Shuichi wasn't watching where he was heading (he was walking backwards), he fell back onto a couch near the TV area. He struggled to get up, and began to panic as he watched Akiha close in.

"You're forever so clumsy but cute… Shu-chan…" Akiha's voice was laced with mischief. He climbed on top of Shuichi, purring "And you're so beautiful… it makes me feel like devouring you… my dearest Shu-chan…"

Shuichi felt his hair stand on its ends. "GET OFF ME, YOU PERVERT!" He struggled with all his might.

"Why? Are you feeling embarrassed? But we've done this so many times!" Akiha gazed deeply into Shuichi's violet eyes.

"WE HAVEN'T! STOP BLABBERING NONSENSE! GET OFF!"

Yuki frowned and gritted his teeth as he watched the guy called Akiha climbed all over Shuichi. He tightened his fists and tried very hard to restrain himself from striding over and yanking the perverted guy off Shuichi.

Shuichi was getting desperate by now. He wasn't a match for Akiha's strength.

Fortunately, all of a sudden, Akiha was jerked back off Shuichi with the help of an unknown force.

Scrambling to get up and then placing himself a safe distance away from Akiha, Shuichi turned to thank his helper.

"Jun!" Shuichi's eyes widened in shock and gratefulness. "Thank god you're here. Get that crazy pervert away from me!"

A lady with short jet black hair was holding Akiha by the back collar.

"What do you think you're doing, Akiha! Stop bullying Shuichi! He's Haruko's boyfriend, get it!" Jun shook Akiha vigorously, hoping to knock some sense into him.

"But I'm his mistress… his secret lover! We're supposed to date, hug, kiss and make love whenever Haruko isn't around…" Akiha tried to pout.

"WE'RE NOT LOVERS! FOR GOODNESS SAKE! WON'T YOU STOP PESTERING ME LIKE THAT! THAT'S CALLED SEXUAL HARRASSMENT!" Shuichi leaned against the wall and slid down in defeat. "I don't know how much more of this I can take…"

"Stop loving you? No way! You're too beautiful…" Somehow, Akiha had freed himself from Jun's grasp. He knelt down by Shuichi, grinned, grabbed his chin and brushed his lips against Shuichi's pretty lips.

Everyone gaped at the sight in shock, turning blue (or green). Yuki narrowed his eyes dangerously at Akiha.

Akiha chuckled in triumph. "I love kissing you! You're so kissable and your lips taste like honey! Let's try a passionate wet kiss next time!"

Turning as red as a tomato, Shuichi shook in anger. Without warning, he delivered Akiha a punch, sending him flying up, hitting the ceiling. When he landed again, he was all dizzy with swirly eyes and rubber limbs.

"Ok… now I understand the reasons for your reaction earlier…" Tatsuha laughed hysterically. "You're still as charming no matter where you go, don't you agree, aniki?"

All he got in return were glares from Mika and Tohma, while Yuki held onto his cool and seemingly uncaring exterior. But if looks could kill, Tatsuha would already be murdered by Mika and Tohma.

Shuichi only blushed harder in embarrassment. Oh no… I've forgotten that Yuki was here. Now he has witnessed everything. Oh nooooo! Just let me die!

"I'm really sorry about that…" Jun bowed in apology. "Sorry to disturb your dinner…"

"Hahaha!" Akiha got up and brush dirt off his clothes. "Sorry about that. Shuichi is just too irresistible at times… (earning more yells from Shuichi). Let me introduce myself formally." He strode over to the table. "I'm Sakurai Akiha, Shuichi's beloved photographer, here for my exhibition which features Shuichi as my model. And Jun is our hairstylist and make-up artist. I believe you have met Tsuyoshi, who's our manager overall. The rest of our small crew are in America. And, Haruko's just accompanying us on this trip so as to prevent Shuichi and me from taking our relationship one step further…"

"Stop. It." Shuichi glared threateningly at Akiha.

"Ooh… you're so pretty when you're angry too…" Akiha winked before turning dreamy. "Anyway, all of you, being Shuichi's friends, are invited to the opening launch of the exhibition tomorrow evening. Here!"

He handed an invitation card to each of them around the table, one by one.

"Ah! Seguchi-san!" Akiha exclaimed as he reached Tohma.

"It's been a long time, hasn't it? Sakurai-san?" Tohma stood and smiled politely and shook hands with Akiha. "We've only met briefly at a party held at Miyamoto Works last year."

"Right. I'm sorry I didn't manage to talk to you much… I was so busy…" Akiha smiled apologetically. He then noticed the blond hair novelist seated next to Tohma. "Hmm? You look familiar… you're…"

Yuki shot Akiha a brief sideway glare, before picking up his glass of wine.

"This is my brother-in-law, Yuki Eiri…" Tohma answered for Yuki.

Akiha raised his eyebrows as a deafening scream filled the room, causing everyone to jump in fright.

"NANI! YUKI EIRI! Really?" Jun ran up beside Akiha, peering at Yuki excitedly. "You're that Yuki Eiri! Japan's famous drop-dead gorgeous romance novelist!"

"…" Yuki glanced at Jun in disdain. "Is there anything wrong?"

"Oh no no no no no! I'm just so glad to meet you! Yuki Eiri for real? I'm not dreaming, am I? Oh god…" Jun blabbered on, unable to contain her excitement and disbelief.

"Jun-san… are you a… fan of Eiri-san?" Tohma asked tentatively.

Akiha chuckled as Jun continued to be buried in her happiness. "Didn't Shuichi tell you? Jun's a BIG fan of Yuki Eiri. She commands me to buy her Yuki Eiri's novels whenever I visit Japan. Haruko just got a little influenced by Jun. Hahahahaha! That's the other reason as to why they were so eager to visit Japan. They were hoping to meet Yuki-san through Shuichi!"

"Oh my god!" Jun turned back and shot Shuichi an accusing look. "Shuichi! Why didn't you tell me that Yuki-san will be here!" She began straightening her hair, hoping to look more presentable.

"… huh? How would I know? You aren't even supposed to be here!" Shuichi protested, pouting.

Akiha laughed. "You can't blame him. Of course he wants to keep it a secret, since he's meeting his ex-lover!"

At this, Shuichi felt his heart stopped. All around, everyone froze.

"Akiha! Don't spout nonsense! That's disgusting! Shuichi and Yuki-san will never do that. That's just a made-up story used to promote their popularity… though I will never agree with such a marketing strategy." Jun screwed up her face in repulsion.

"…" Those who knew better just stared at Jun silently.

"Well, anyway…" Akiha grabbed Yuki's chin and held it up, examining Yuki's face seriously. "You're really beautiful. I could do lots with your looks…"

"Get your hands off me." Yuki snapped and grabbed Akiha's intruding hand and jerking it away.

"But…" Akiha frowned.

"Stop hitting on him! Get away from Yuki, you pervert!" Shuichi had gotten up over to Akiha's side by now. Realizing what he had just said, he blushed and hurried to correct his mistake, stuttering frantically: "I mean, stop… bothering him…"

Yuki's heartbeat was racing. Did that meant that Shuichi's jealous?

"Ooh… Are you jealous?" The ends of Akiha's mouth curled up into a playful grin.

"What! No… I just got the… the wrong word! I really didn't mean it! Don't… don't spout nonsense!" Shuichi blushed even more, getting all flustered and alarmed.

Akiha smirked, and bent down to level his eyes with Shuichi's. "Don't worry… I was just kidding. I won't allow you to feel jealous over someone else… because you're mine…"

Shuichi sweatdropped, feeling helpless at Akiha's stupidity.

Akiha straightened up, turned back to the table, smiled and waved. "Well then, so long for now. I'll be claiming Shuichi back now as we have a long day tomorrow. See you guys at the exhibition tomorrow night!"

And with that, he scooped the unprepared Shuichi into his arms and began to walk towards the door.

"I'm sorry for all the trouble we've caused. Hope to see all of you again soon, especially you, Yuki-san! Please remember to turn up for the exhibition!" Jun smiled demurely, bowed and ran after Akiha.

Shuichi was yelling and screaming in protest by now, so loudly that everyone could still him even though he was already far out of the VIP room.

"LET ME DOWN! YOU PERVERT! YOU IDIOT!"

"But I don't wannaaaaaaaaaaaa!" Akiha's whiny voice followed.

"Akiha! Let him down this instant!" That was Jun's reprimanding voice.

CRASH!

"Ouch! What are you doing! It hurts!" Shuichi screamed in pain.

"But you were the one who wanted me to let go!"

"You're supposed to let me down nicely! Not drop me without any warning from that height!"

"Oh."

"Are you ok, Shuichi?" Jun asked in concern.

"No. It hurts so much!"

"Then I'll just have to carry you again!"

"NOOOOOOO! LET ME DOWN! HENTAI! GET AWAY FROM ME! GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME! BAKAAAAAAAAA!"

The commotion faded as minutes passed.

"Looks like Shuichi's life isn't as great as it had seemed to be…" Hiro was still deep in shock.

All around the table, everybody nodded stiffly in agreement, with the exception of the blond novelist who was in a really foul mood now.\

xXx tbc xXx

This is quite a long chapter! Oh dear! Hope you guys didn't get lost reading it! Maybe some of you may have noticed: Sakurai Akiha is modeled after the Akiha from Hana Kimi. I've always thought Akiha in Hana Kimi was so funny and cute! But I love the school doctor Akiha pesters endlessly. I forgot what his name was…

To make it clear, the new people around Shuichi are: Haruko, his girlfriend; Tsuyoshi, his manager and Haruko's elder brother; Akiha, his boss, the famous photographer; Jun, one of Akiha's crew, make-up artist and hairstylist.

Other new characters: Atsushi, one of Yuki's lover, his only guy lover… who appears to be very slutty… in my opinion. I'm planning to do a Yuki POV on Atsushi. Tanaka Miyabi, a new romance novelist… more will be revealed in the later chapters.

Next up: The exhibition. I feel like I'm neglecting Yuki. Argh... I'll try to write more about him. Sorry...