Disclaimer: Unfortunately, I don't own Saiyuki. And I didn't create it. But I'm damn glad Minekura Kazuya-Sama did.

((hi, this is my first fic actually and its still ongoing, coz im still suffering from too much school, and this time its actually MED school.. but anyway, I'm still alive.. there's a little ooc-ness here with Goku.. or maybe its not.. anyway, Thanks to gypsie, kotojuri, kryscylla, and esp to lycanine for waking me up from my fanfic-writing hiatus.. enjoy! ))

HIGH SCHOOL BOYS

Chapter 7

Late that afternoon, Gono saw the center of his thoughts sitting all by himself inside the coffee shop near school. The tiny cafe looked ancient, not at all like those hang-out places most students liked to go to. Gono however appreciated its sculpted façade and often passed by for coffee. He didn't plan to have coffee that afternoon, but since he was already there, and there seemed to be company…

Gono pushed the heavy wooden door into the café and breathed the aromatic scent of coffee and pastries. He stole a glimpse at the only customer dining and smiled. Goku stared at the newcomer for a very long time, as if trying to recall who he was, or just trying to recover from surprise.

"Hey Goku!" He gave the smaller boy a wave, "I'll just get a coffee". He turned to the plump man behind the counter and ordered. And then he strode to Goku's table. "I can sit here, can't I?" Goku nodded, still wide-eyed. His mouth was full, as was his table, which was littered with all sorts of croissants, cakes, and other fancy-looking baked goodies.

"So do you go here often?" Goku managed to utter after swallowing his mouthful.

"Yeah. It's a real nice place. The coffee's great too."

"So are the pastries!"

"Yup. And the nice thing here is that there's not much people coming and going. I can stay here the whole day and not be distracted by the world outside."

Goku only nodded as the plump man came over and placed a big mug of steaming coffee in front of his friend.

"Have one!" he gestured to a pile of brownies.

Gono smiled. "Thanks." He took the topmost one and munched on it slowly. An awkward silence formed between them and Gono itched more and more about the question in his mind. He had wanted to ask the question ever since he saw him in the canteen, but decided that it would be too rude. But right now, the sight in front of him plus the silence begged him to say it out loud. Besides, he thought, Goku didn't seem like the person to be hurt or to think the question was too undignified.

"Why do you eat so much?"

A cookie dropped to the floor. Gono froze.

"Uhm…."

There was now a very surprised look in Goku's face. He didn't even look silly-surprised.

"Well.. I don't mean it in a bad way.. It's just that.."

Goku looked down and Gono felt like he was the scum of the whole world for blurting out such a rude question. When it seemed like forever had passed, Goku was smiling.

"It makes me happy," came the small voice, not the bright and powerful tone he usually used.

"Oh.." was all Gono could say. His cheeks were burning with embarrassment. He swore that he would listen to his conscience the next time before trying anything again. He didn't know what to think anymore. i Is this kid so starved of happiness that he just binges everyday! /i

"You see," said Goku in a more serious tone, "This is the only thing that makes me happy. This is the only thing I look forward to everyday. "

Gono was surprised that Goku could string together that much words at one time. He nodded and listened.

"Everything else is misery, the way I see it. Family, school, they're all the same. Eating is my only refuge." He paused for a while as if to contemplate and continued.

"You're the only one who asked me that question. And since I blew my cover, I guess I have to tell you a little more.. People see me as this cheerful and ignorant little kid, but to answer your sensitive question, I have to be myself. Does this answer it? Anyway, I'm telling you because you asked for it. Besides, you're the only one who's bothered to talk to me at all in school. I really appreciate that."

Goku suddenly looked less childish. He wore a serious face and a tight smile.

"Are you sure you want to listen? Maybe you have something to do."

"No no.. I have the whole day. Go on please." He grinned sheepishly. Here was someone who had transformed right in front of his eyes.

"everything was.. just an act, behaving like a kid and all. But of course, I meant what I said to you before, that I appreciate your befriending me. I binge, but later I'd have to throw it all up. It's a disease, but it's not that much of a bad thing for me.

You see.. my parents and siblings died when I was really young, and I've live with my grandparents ever since. It was fine. Life was good, cause they were really rich, but life was ugly too, because they're bastards of relatives to have. I barely saw them when they were alive and the longest I had stayed with them in the same room was when they died. Its all about money. They shove money to shut people up, and they shove money to my face. I see money when I see them, and I could only handle that much. Anyway, if it just ended there I wouldn't be that miserable, but when I was still new to their house, they would forget they had a grandson with them and I'd spend a few days locked in one of their guest rooms. When I do get out of these dungeons I eat a lot immediately. Its not my fault really. The hunger was terrible, and I'd binge to just temporarily forget everything. It was my savior, sort of, but not. It has cost my health, but.."

He started sobbing and Gono, who was extremely disturbed and startled by his story froze for a while, not knowing what to do. Later, he leaned over and gently stroked the boy's back. "It's alright, Goku, its alright. Let it all out.." He didn't know what he was supposed to say or do. i I could say something, and it could make him feel better but it could make it even worse /i He looked at his friend. i I guess its better if I just shut up. /i

((Sorry for the delay, it was our 2week sem break, and sorry this one's so short.. I'll write a much better next chapter.. it just happens that im not feeling all well today.. and there's not much free time this week.. sob..))