Ah… so much for my promise to get this chapter up as soon as possible. Haha. I should stop making empty promises. But I'm really, really, really busy with projects and tests.Sigh…
Well, anyway, on to the chapter. I hope that this chapter is long enough to make it up to you guys (for waiting)...
Oh! And I've been in a crazy mood lately because… part 2 of the Gravitation manga is finally out! Murakami-sensei has decided to continue with the story at last! Track 55 is out in a magazine. (Need more info? XD)
Cheers:D
And, to benight fool-san, I'm so sorry. I'm not sure what I was doing writing that! Let me correct what I said. English is my first language, but not my mother tongue(?). I'm Asian, and my language skills aren't that good. (grins sheepishly) I'm so sorry for my mistake! I'm so embarrassed! Hee... Argh... I'm really embarrassed now...Anyway, I'm better at Maths and Science. I admire and envy those who excel at writing... they're able to put across their thoughts and feelings so well. And oh my god... I'm actually on asuicide roadas I've chosen to minor in English Literature! Lol... Besides, could you tell me where I hadcommitted that mistake? I would like to correct it... THANKS!
I would like to thank my other reviewers too! Honestly speaking, I'm really nervous reading reviews every time. I'm afraid of receiving flames... if you don't like the story, please just pretend it doesn't exist. I don't mind constructive criticism though... I'll try to improve on what's wrong.
THANKS for your reviews as they really encouraged me to carry on, and I'll try to improve on all the horrible parts!
DISCLAIMER: Gravitation does not belong to me. Lyrics of 'In the Moonlight' was taken from animelyrics.
MOU ICHI DO
Chapter 14 - Mamoritai (means: want to protect)
Shuichi rubbed his eyes lazily, yawning at the same time.
God… I'm so tired. Why didn't I turn in earlier last night?
He frowned; trying to remember what had kept him up so late the night before.
…
…
It finally occurred to him, and he bolted up to a sitting position on the bed.
Yuki!
The image of Miyabi on the phone and the words that had flowed from her appeared in his head again. He had spent one whole night going over Miyabi's words repeatedly, trying to figure out what she was planning to do and how to stop her. But before he could figure things out, he had given in to sleep.
He turned to check out the time. 1:55pm.
"Oh shit!" He cursed and stumbled out of bed, rushing into the bathroom to wash up before changing into a new set of clothes.
As he put on his clothes, his thoughts were still focused on Yuki.
Maybe I should just tell Seguchi-san about this. He'll know what to do… but then… what if I'm interpreting the whole situation wrongly? What if I'm getting all worked up and worried for nothing? And will Seguchi-san misunderstand my actions? Will he think that I'm still attached to Yuki?
Well… it's true that Yuki and I…but…
"Shuichi! Good morning, my love!"
Shuichi blinked, wide-eyed, as Akiha burst in unexpectedly just as he was halfway through putting on his pants. They stared at each other, before Akiha's eyes trailed down to Shuichi's boxers, causing Shuichi to blush.
"You-" But before Akiha could complete his sentence, he was hit by a pile of old clothes, shoes, a remote control, a mug, a book, and lots more.
"GET OUT, PERVERT!" Shuichi screamed and kicked Akiha out, slamming the door close.
Outside the door, Akiha laid sprawled over the floor, groaning.
"What did you do this time?" Tsuyoshi sighed as he approached the scene lazily. He crossed his arm and leaned against the wall, looking down at Akiha.
"Shouldn't you offer me a hand here?" Akiha grumbled as he stood up. "Shuichi is so violent! He didn't have to kick me out like that! Though he looked so cute doing that half-naked…"
"It's half-DRESSED, not half-naked…"
"Does it matter? They're the same! Only that half-naked sounds so much sexier…"
Tsuyoshi rolled his eyes. "You never learn, do you?" He knocked on Shuichi's door. "Shuichi, are you done? Open up."
After a few seconds, a fully-clothed Shuichi swung the door open for Tsuyoshi, glaring at Akiha at the same time.
"If you say a word… anything stupid… I'll kill you." He threatened dangerously.
Akiha flashed him a bright, cheery smile before following Tsuyoshi in.
"Haruko's out with Jun… or rather, Jun dragged Haruko out with her to get some stuff… probably Yuki Eiri's books. She seems rather excited to get Yuki-san's autograph the next time she sees him." Tsuyoshi stated as a matter of fact. "Anyway, she wanted me to pass on a message to you. She wants to give you a new haircut tomorrow morning."
"Huh? That's quite sudden…" Shuichi replied, staring into his reflection in the mirror. He blew a few stray strands of hair away from his face. "So is there anything else?"
"Well, after working so hard for this past week, there's nothing on the schedule these three days. You guys can go enjoy yourselves. The next interview will take place three days later, together with Tamiya Goushi, a famous photographer in Japan." Tsuyoshi drew the curtains open, revealing the view of a city bustling with life. "Or maybe… Akiha would like to start on his new project… photos around Tokyo…"
Shuichi strolled over to the glass window, roaming his eyes over the city, before settling on the Tokyo Tower far away.
I remember going there together with Yuki once… those were the good times… He placed his hands on the window, as a desire to reach out for something welled up in him. What am I trying to reach out for? The Tokyo Tower? The memories?
"Shuichi?" Akiha called out tentatively. There he goes again… putting on that look… such a vulnerable look. It makes one have to urge to hug him close.
Shuichi continued staring wistfully at the tower. Yuki…
"Shuichi? Are you listening to me?" Akiha called out louder this time, startling Shuichi out of his stupor.
The boy whipped around to face him. "Yes?"
Akiha eyed him carefully. "Are there any places you wanna take photos of? Or rather, take photos at?"
Shuichi hesitated for a moment before replying. "… Tokyo Tower?"
"Fine with me. Since Jun isn't around, we can't do it today. Let's just go over there now and have a quick look first..."
"Today?" Shuichi frowned for a moment as if trying to remember something. "…I can't! I've got something important to do…"
Tsuyoshi and Akiha raised their eyebrows questioningly. "Where-"
But Shuichi was quick to interrupt Akiha. "I've got a question. Who's Sawada? Is he in charge of some publishing company or a radio program or a TV show?" He was unable to conceal his anxiety. I'm running out of time! I've got to get to the bottom of this! I can't let someone hurt Yuki…
Akiha frowned. "Sawada? Why are you asking about that guy so suddenly? Don't tell me you got into trouble and he's after you…"
"No, it's nothing like that. Just tell me who the heck Sawada is!"
"Well… Six months ago, Sawada started out as a co-producer of 'Truth', at J-Works. 'Truth' was an entertainment program that uncovered the true face of big stars. However, in just a month, he took over the whole program as head producer, and the title of that program is now known as 'Beneath that Face'. He's considered quite new to the media industry, but he's well-known for his notorious ways of getting big headlines, trying every way to get hold of any juicy news or gossip of stars. Once he has laid his eyes on you, he'll probably dig up all the newsworthy stuff on you. He can either pull you all the way down from the top, or help you rise to stardom in a flash. He'll do anything to obtain sky-high viewership for his entertainment show."
"…I didn't know that such a crazy, evil and annoying guy existed in Japan…"
Akiha smiled knowingly to himself. "You're wondering why you weren't targeted during your stay here right?"
"…yeah…"
"Haha! You don't need to worry about that… I'll protect you at all costs no matter what, my dear… because you're too precious to me."
"…"
"Aren't you going to say something like 'I love you' or 'Akiha, you're the best'! Not even a word of thanks? You're so heartless… If I wasn't here to protect you, you would have been slapped by countless false headlines and accusations by now, especially so since Yuki Eiri is one of his favorite hotshots…"
"What?" The next words came as a soft curse. "Shit!"
"Wait… does this have something to do with Yuki Eiri? Is that why you're asking me about Sawada? Shuichi, what happened?"
"Nothing! I'm just asking because I'm curious to know who he is since Hiro mentioned him once." Shuichi rushed about the room, picking up his coat, mobile phone, wallet and other necessities, rambling on and on. "I'm late for a meeting with Hiro now… I've gotta run! See you!"
"Shuichi!" Akiha leapt off the couch and shouted after the boy who had just ran out. He met Tsuyoshi's worried eyes. "Damn! Doesn't he know that he's a bad liar by now?"
xXx xXx
Shuichi stared at his watch as he sat on the couch outside Tohma's office.
4:19pm
Is Seguchi-san coming back anytime soon! It's already so late! 'Beneath that Face' airs at 7pm tonight. What should I do! I had decided that the best thing to do was to inform Seguchi-san. He'll definitely know what to do. It doesn't matter if it's true that that woman harbors evil thoughts towards Yuki. Prevention is better than cure, after all…But Seguchi-san is taking too long to return!
He had been talking to the members of Bad Grasper, their fashion consultant and their crazy manager earlier, but most of his time was spent staring at his watch worriedly.
"Shindou-san, you're still here? Did something bad happen? Tell me about it… we can get the rest of them to help out with the problem!" Sakano peered at Shuichi in concern, turning hysterical gradually.
"No, it's nothing. I'm fine…" Shuichi frowned again and bit his lip anxiously while glancing at his watch again. "Sakano-san, are you sure that Seguchi-san mentioned that he's going to be back by 4?"
"Well, he did say that he'll be back from the meeting at JBC by that time… and I can't get through to his mobile phone…"
Shit. This isn't good… Seguchi-san may not make it back in time!
He stood up suddenly. "Sakano-san, can I have a paper and pen? And maybe an envelope?"
Sakano appeared to be surprised. "Sure! Of course!"
Shuichi thanked the faint-hearted producer as he accepted the paper. Pen and envelope brought to him. He scribbled a few words and folded the paper, before slipping it into the envelope, and then sealing it.
"Please pass this to Seguchi-san immediately when he gets back. It's important and urgent and confidential."
Sakano nodded as he received the envelope in his hands, looking somewhat perturbed.
"I've got to go. Please remember to pass it to him. Thank you!" Shuichi's yell grew softer and softer as he ran off towards the lifts.
I'll just have to try to delay that woman's plans… alone... for the time being.
xXx xXx
5.30pm
Shuichi walked along the busy corridors inside J-Works building, his eyes hidden behind a pair of tinted sunglasses. He followed the directions he was given to get to Sawada's office. All of a sudden, a familiar voice drifted into his ears.
"I did it. I passed Sawada everything we dug up about Yuki Eiri. We can just leave the rest up to him. He's pretty delirious now…" Miyabi laughed as she walked pass Shuichi blindly.
There she is! Lucky! He turned away, just in case she could recognize him. He watched as she disappeared around the corner, and then turned back to regard the door through which Miyabi had appeared from. Sawada's office... By the looks of it, she's really up to no good.
He approached the door slowly and cautiously. But before he could reach the doorknob, the door was pushed opened from the inside.
"What interesting news on Yuki Eiri! A video on all the women who slept with him… and even a man! I'll go edit this video now!" A guy who was standing at the doorway cried excitedly. But before that guy could turn to leave, the videotape was snatched out of his hand by some unknown force.
Shuichi narrowed his eyes furiously. "This tape goes nowhere."
Sawada mirrored Shuichi's expression. "Who are you? Hand the tape back to us now, or else…"
The boy removed his sunglasses leisurely and answered Sawada by ripping out the contents of the tape. Sawada sprung out of his seat so forcefully, knocking over his glass of water in his rage.
"Damn you! I'll make you pay for that!" Sawada cursed venomously. "You're… Shindou Shuichi…?"
Shuichi smirked. "That's right."
"What do you think you're doing?"
"I'm stopping you from broadcasting all these lies."
"Lies! We uncover the truth, Shindou-san."
"Yeah right…"
"Why are you doing this? Can't forget your old flame?"
Shuichi's blood ran cold as he took in those words. He was stumped for that moment. Sawada waved for the guy (whom Shuichi snatched the video from) to leave.
The corners of Sawada's lips curved up into an evil smile. "You won't be able to protect your lover just by doing that. I still have photos and the information from the supposedly anonymous Aizawa-san…"
Shuichi gritted his teeth and stepped further in, eyes settling on the photos and a pile of notes placed on Sawada's desk.
"Uh-uh. I won't let you." Sawada slapped his hand over his precious information.
"Why do you guys always create such problems for us stars!" He cried out irately and apprehensively.
Sawada chuckled. "Isn't that obvious? My only goal is to obtain the highest viewership ratings possible!"
Shuichi was silent for a moment. "Then I'll give you that through other means."
"What do you mean?"
"I'm offering you a deal here. Give me back all those information you collected on Yuki Eiri. I will raise the viewership ratings of your show tonight."
"You're trading yourself for Yuki Eiri…?"
"Yes."
"What makes you think that I'll agree? This news on Yuki Eiri may bring about higher ratings than whatever news is there about you. I will not take this risk."
"Are you sure that you'll succeed by broadcasting such stuff about Yuki Eiri? Do you think that Aizawa Tachi would actually admit to saying anything? Do you think that he would dare to confirm his story when other news reporters seek him out? Do you think that Seguchi Touma would just sit by and do nothing? Do you think that Yuki Eiri's fans would believe all these stories? Are you sure that they wouldn't write in to tear your program apart! The company will have no choice but to axe your show by then…" Shuichi slammed his fist onto the desk. "Now, can you still be so confident of yourself? Because I'm sure of one thing… Seguchi Touma will be able to cover it up and protect Yuki Eiri. Then, he'll come after you."
They glared at each other for a few minutes. Sawada seemed to be contemplating Shuichi's words.
"I'll provide you with high ratings out of my own free accord. It's a safer route to take, and it's a sure-win. I can guarantee you that." Shuichi stared directly into Sawada's eyes. "Do you think that I, Shindou Shuichi, can't command enough fans to push your program to the no. 1 spot? I'm a famous model and the ex-lead singer of Bad Luck. Ever since I've returned, there were so many reports focused on me, especially the part about me quitting singing… being unable to sing. Then… what if I were to sing on your show?"
God…what am I doing? Talking about singing like that…Besides, I was never good with words. And now, I'm actually threatening and persuading a crazy guy with words! I can't believe it! Is it working? To pit myself against the popularity of Yuki is quite silly! No matter what, any reports about Yuki would definitely draw more attention than anything else! Shuichi surveyed the man before him. He let out a mental sigh of relief when he saw the man wavering.
I need a little more… something more… so that he'll accept the deal… but what else can I offer!
"On top of that, I'll let you reveal one of the photographs from my secret collection. It's a never-been-released-before photo. How about that?" An abrupt voice interrupted.
Startled, both Sawada and Shuichi stare at the man who had just entered the room quietly.
"Akiha!" Shuichi exclaimed in shock. "What are you doing here!"
"Saving the damsel in distress, Shu-chan! (hearts)" Akiha produced a victory hand signal, smiling. He then turned serious as he faced Sawada. "We will not lose to the popularity of Yuki Eiri, Sawada-san. Consider it carefully."
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
Tick tock.
The room grew stuffy as minutes passed.
"Fine. I'll accept your deal. Shindou-san will sing, and Sakurai-san will reveal the photo from his secret collection." Sawada grunted and threw his pile of information on Yuki to Shuichi. "Don't worry, Miyabi had told me to take care of that info as it was the ONLY copy… You can search my desk or even the room to make sure that I didn't secretly stash away any of that information."
Half an hour later, Shuichi and Akiha were seated on a couch at the filming area, waiting for the 'live' telecast to begin. Shuichi had his hands clasped tightly together, and he was staring down listlessly at his hands.
"Shuichi? Are you sure you want to do this?" Akiha watched the boy worriedly.
"I'm fine… we made a deal…" He lifted his gaze up towards Akiha. "Anyway, where did that photograph come from?"
"Well, it so happens that I had brought it here from America when I came, as I was still in the midst of contemplation if I should exhibit it. Although I chose not to, but it wouldn't hurt revealing it anyway…"
"Is it really ok? I mean… I know what your secret collection means to you. You hardly allow anyone to see it… those photographs are especially precious to you, am I right?"
"Yes… but like I said, it doesn't matter if this particular photograph is revealed to the public or not. Don't worry, I'm ok with this…" Akiha regarded Shuichi closely. "I'm more bothered about you. Are you sure you can sing?"
Silence.
"I'll have to… somehow…"
Akiha sighed. "You shouldn't need to go through all this… Why do you sacrifice to protect him so? You know very well that you'll only hurt yourself by doing this…"
"I-" Shuichi trailed off and he looked away. I can't answer that… I don't even know the answer myself…
"Ok! The broadcast begins in 1 minute! Get ready!" Someone shouted.
…3…2…1…ACTION!
"Welcome to the latest episode of 'Beneath that Face'! Tonight, we have the honor of having the champion celebrities, Sakurai Akiha and Shindou Shuichi, with us!"
Both Akiha and Shuichi smiled professionally for the camera.
"Now… my dear viewers at home, do not switch the channel for the next 45 minutes! 'Cause if you do, you miss the wonderful lineup of programs we have for you this night! Firstly, Sakurai-san will be revealing one of his beautiful photographs from his secret collection. What's the secret behind this 'secret collection'? You'll have to stay tune to find out! Besides that, we have an even bigger treat for you. Shindou Shuichi, ex-lead singer of Bad Luck… will be singing for us again… but only on this show. That's why you should glue your eyes to the TV for the next 45 minutes. But now, we'll break for the commercials… just so that you can inform all your friends on these wonderful gifts we're offering to all of you!"
(3 minutes of commercial break)
"Back to the show! Sakurai-san, can you please tell us what's so special about this photo you're about to show us?"
Akiha closed his eyes, thinking for a moment. "It's a photograph of my younger sis… who died 6 years ago. She was only 15 then."
Shuichi almost choked on… air. He whipped around, staring at Akiha in shock.
"She had contracted a terminal illness. And her last wish was to have her picture taken by me…" Akiha smiled sadly then. "I had brought the work over, intending to exhibit it here since she loved our home country a lot. But I couldn't muster up enough courage. I wanted to keep all the memories of her to myself… I didn't want her photograph to be ruined…" Akiha stood up and stepped in front of the large veiled photograph that was placed on a stand beside the couch. "But I was silly. I didn't realize… her shining beauty should be shared to the world…"
He tugged at the red veil which then fell off slowly, revealing a young lady sitting down on the lush green grass with tiny flowers blooming all around, leaning against a towering tree which possessed an ancient beauty at the same time. She was pretty… with features so fine, shoulder-length jet black hair, and a bright warm smile that seemed to hide all the pain she suffered due to her illness. Dressed in a plain white sleeveless dress and with a shawl shielding her bare arms from the cold, she looked absolutely angelic and happy.
"The title of this photograph is… Sakurai Kaori."
Shuichi found himself unable to react, or even think. This was too appalling. He never knew that Akiha had a sister! All he had heard was that Akiha's family members had all passed away by the time he was 18, leaving him alone in this world. And he had assumed that by 'family members', it meant Akiha's father, mother, and maybe his grandparents. But a sister!
"Tha-thank you very much, Sakurai-san, for sharing such an exquisite work with us. I'm deeply sorry about your sister… for now, let's take a commercial break."
Akiha sighed and flopped back down onto the couch. He glanced sideways at the boy who was still astounded by the revelation. "What?"
"Was what you just said really true?"
"You don't believe me? Do you think I'll joke about something like this!"
Shuichi detected a level of anger, disappointment and hurt in that reply. "I'm sorry… I just didn't know…"
Akiha shrugged. "I don't like talking about my past…"
Shuichi bit his lip guiltily. "I'm sorry. If it wasn't to help me, you wouldn't need to go through all that…"
Akiha chuckled softly, reverting back to his old self. "No… it's ok. You gave me the courage to do that. If it wasn't for you, I would never be able to share with the world what a wonderful sister I had… Thank you…"
"But-"
"Don't worry so much about me. I'm a grown-up and I can take care of myself. That's how I've been surviving right? You should be more concern about your own matters… are you sure you can do it?"
"… I told you I'll try… and are you implying that I'm still a little kid who doesn't know how to take care of myself!"
"Yes."
Shuichi was seething by now. "You idiot! I'll show you that I can do it!"
"Hey! It's working! We're receiving so many calls about the show! There are many viewers crying over Sakurai-san's photograph, and lots more calling in to wish Shindou-san luck and to proclaim their support for him! Our ratings are sure to soar to the highest level we've ever achieved! It's record-breaking!" A random shout could be heard. "Back to the show!"
"Riiiight! After listening to Sakurai-san's heart-breaking story of his sister, let us now turn our attention to Shindou-san! Shindou-san, tell us… what made you give up singing?"
Shuichi faltered for a moment. "I just wanted to try something new… before I knew it, I had fallen in love with modeling."
"So, is there any chance that you may return to the stage as a singer?"
"… No, not that I know of…"
"Ok… but you're here today to present to OUR viewers a wonderful gift, aren't you?"
"Yes… I'm going to sing just one song for everyone."
"And that song will be…?"
"…… Bad Luck's In the Moonlight." He answered in a tight voice, heart thumping so rapidly that he thought that it was about to burst out from his chest.
"Right! So let's welcome Shindou-san onto the stage! Music please!"
As the opening of the song began, Shuichi stood up with reluctance. He dragged himself over to the center of the stage where the microphone was placed, stepped up to the microphone, and placed his hands over the cold metal. Beads of cold sweat rolled down the sides of his face as he trembled slightly.
Oh god… I can't breathe! I'm losing to my nervous breakdown! I can't remember the stupid lyrics! He squeezed his eyes shut and tightened his hold on the cold metal, trying to compose himself. Think, think, think! I can do this! I have to… for the deal… for Yuki!
An image of the blond novelist snuck into his mind. A concert, singing up on stage with Sakuma Ryuichi, catching a glimpse of his lover in the crowd, screaming out with joy, singing his heart out with steady eyes on his lover.
Yuki… I wrote the song… for him…
He took in a deep breath.
"Orenji iro tsuki yoru ga kuruto kimi no koto o omoi dasu
kakko tsuketa ore no serifu wa hoka no dare kano serifu de
fui ni miageru shiruetto kimi no yokogao o terashita
awai hikari wa ima demo"
His voice grew stronger and more confident.
"nani o matteru kimi wa inai heya
tokei dake ga ashi oto no youni nemurenai mune ni hibiku
ima mo matteru hitori tomatteru
futari mita anohi no tsuki o ima dokode kimi wa miteru"
His heart was wrenching with pain and sorrow as he sang those words loud and clear, as if he had just written the song and sung it for the first time yesterday.
"ore no shigusa manete waratta kimi no koe mo omoi dasu
kimi to aruku yoru no shiin wa orenji iro photogurafu"
Tears stung his eyes and he fought to hold them back with every ounce of strength he possessed. His voice grew sour with bitterness. His chest ached with agony.
When did singing turned to be such a torturous action?
"kage ni otoshita uso to ore no wagamama o yurushita
kimi no namida ga ima demo"
He almost choked on the next verse.
"nani mo iwazuni toki wa nagareru
yagate kuru asa no hisashi ni tokeru youni sora ni kieru
saigo no yoru wa doko ni mo nakute
okizari no ore no kokoro o tsuki dake ga ima mo miteru"
A burning realization hit him.
I hate singing.
xXx xXx
Outside the recording room, a man stared at the enormous TV screen in the lobby. His hand was stopped in midair, forgetting its duty of lighting a cigarette. He was transfixed by the TV screen, or rather, by the familiar brown-haired boy who was currently being filmed 'live' on TV.
I can't believe this… he's singing! He's right here in this building… singing! But why! Back then, when he stayed overnight at my apartment because of the typhoon, he clearly stated that he did not intend to sing ever again. Then… why is he going back on his words now? What's going on?
"Yuki-sensei, thanks for coming all the way here to pass the drafts to me. I'm sorry I just couldn't get away…" Mizuki smiled apologetically, scratching her head in embarrassment. "Yuki-sensei?"
Strange… I missed watching him sing like that…And that song… it's that song…
She turned to the TV and realization hit her.
"That's Shindou-san…? He's filming for 'Beneath that Face'? I can't believe he actually did a show for Sawada! And he's singing…"
I need to see him…
"Mizuki, do you have any idea which studio is that?"
Mizuki frowned, trying hard to recall. "I think that 'Beneath that Face' is always filmed in studio 3A… it's one of the biggest studios here in J-Works…"
xXx xXx
"kimi o matteru tooi omoi demo
tokei dake ga ashi oto no youni nemurenai mune ni hibiku
ima mo matteru hitori tomatteru
futari mita anohi no tsuki o ima dokode kimi wa miteru"
Just as Shuichi completed the song, he released his grip on the microphone and stepped back unsteadily.
I did it… Yuki's safe…
At that moment, all trains of thoughts were lost in his mind. Darkness overtook everything.
xXx xXx
Shuichi! Yuki felt his heart contract as he watched Shuichi collapse right after ending his song. He spun around on his heels and started for the recording studio Shuichi was in. God… please let him be fine!
"Thanks. I've got to go." Yuki turned and advanced briskly towards the lifts, heading for the said studio.
xXx xXx
"You really scared the hell out of me back there! Are you really ok now? I can carry you back to the hotel…"
"No thanks! I'm fine now! I just fainted due to stress and nervousness back there… Don't talk about it any further…" Shuichi snapped at the annoying photographer.
"It took you 3 minutes to regain consciousness. I was so afraid that you might never wake up…"
Shuichi swung a fist at Akiha, missing as the photographer ducked. "Are you cursing me! Idiot!"
"Hey, hey! How can you say that about me? I helped you out back then, didn't I? I even sacrificed one of my secret photographs… and that's a photograph of my dead sister. You should be grateful to me!" Akiha crossed his arms and looked away.
They were silent for a moment.
"I'm sorry… I didn't mean to remind you of those sad memories. But I'm honestly grateful to you for helping me. Honest!" Shuichi gazed sincerely at Akiha (who had turned back to face him) with his large gleaming violet eyes.
"You don't need to feel bad… just thank me with a gift."
"Ok… what would you like to have?"
Akiha grinned. "A kiss."
Shuichi froze in his tracks. "What! Stop joking here, pervert!"
Akiha halted as well, stepping up in front of the boy, his expression and voice all serious. "I'm not kidding. Can't you do it? To thank me for saving your Yuki-san?"
Shuichi stared into Akiha's emerald eyes, trying to decide if he was joking. He looked away for a second, before directing his gaze back to the photographer, crossing his arms. "Fine. Just this once. A simple, quick kiss."
Akiha smirked. "Do you remember when I turned up suddenly at your friend's birthday party that night I arrived in Japan? And how I said to try a passionate wet kiss the next time?"
A vein trembled at the corner of Shuichi's forehead. "No way."
"I insist on it. A kiss without using the tongues cannot be counted a kiss at all!" The platinum blonde tilted Shuichi's chin up, his voice dropping charmingly low.
Shuichi gritted his teeth in annoyance. "Fine! But only this once!"
Akiha wrapped his arms around Shuichi's waist, while the latter grasped onto the former's jacket.
At the other end of the desolated corridor, a figure appeared.
The pair leaned in for a kiss, parting their lips to allow each other's entry. They had no idea that someone was watching them as their lips connected. A pair of narrowed golden eyes reflected anger, jealousy, betrayal and hurt in them.
Although he hadn't expected such a scene to have such a humongous painful effect on him, Yuki Eiri felt as if the world had crashed down unto him.
xXx tbc xXx
At last! God… I'm so tired! This chapter is hard… I'm sorry if it's lame and yucky or whatever. I did try to edit it, checking for disconnected, weird parts and language. But it's already 4 in the morning, and I'm really too sleepy to edit it well! Therefore, please tell me if there's anything that's strange or doesn't make sense. I'll try to correct or explain it in the next chapter. But if there are problems with my language, grammar or vocabulary or tenses, please ignore them and pardon me! As long as you understand what's going on… I admit that my language sucks. I'm trying to read up on grammar… especially tenses. :)
Anyway, next up: Tohma, Shuichi, Yuki, Haruko (since I'm neglecting her), Miyabi, Plan B (which has something to do with our dear Shu). Get the drift? Lol… Hope that you'll continue reading this fic!
By the way, I've grown to enjoy writing about Akiha and Atsushi. Haha! Not to mention all the YukixShu parts. I guess my portrayal of Akiha is somewhat based on Ayame from Fruits Basket. And Atsushi… he's just like Tohma. He's forever smiling gently, but the smile hardly reaches his eyes. The only difference is that Tohma is hiding his monstrous side behind his smile, but Atsushi is truly a nice guy! He's just quiet (introverted)! He keeps his feelings to himself, he observes others, and he's a lone-wolf by nature.
Well, that's what I think of Akiha and Atsushi. What about you guys?
Thank you all for everything! Please don't flame me… I'm tired…