Title :A game of lost and found

Warnings : I am not sure where the story is gonna head, and I do not know which pairing I'm putting or if there's even a pairing... though I did receive suggestions... I'm just writing according to my flow and mood. And plz review, whether to insult me or whatever. Will love you if you do :) Domo!!

Summary :Set after the Hokuto Cup, where Hikaru still trying to go on. This time around though, he has Sai back with him. But life isn't that easy, not when another Go genius other than Akira had his sights set on him. Life is definitely not easy nor simple for him.

Disclaimer :I do not own Hikaru No Go, its characters, and what-so-ever I used in this fic that associates with HnG. It's solely for my own entertainment... and yours if you enjoy it. :)

Foreword: First of all... this fic is NOT beta. And I am NOT a native speaker of English. As someone already pointed out, I do have grammatical errors, horrible usage of verbs, yada, yada... in my fic. So if you were to read this and find my English a disaster, please do not say I did not warn you. As for getting it beta, I don't think so as I am only writing this for fun and to release some tension. To get it beta seems a bit too troublesome... and I had other commitments. Anyway, I'm still trying to improve my English... so for those still wanting to read my fic, thank you and please bear with me. Arigatou!!

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Chapter 6: Tomodachi

Hikaru looked up from his book as he heard the final bell signaling the end of the day. The class stood up and bid the sensei farewell before individually packing up their stuff to go home. Hikaru too packed up his stuff and walked out of the classroom lazily, followed by Sai, who was skipping quite happily beside him.

'Ne Sai, what are you so happy about?'

"Hikaruu!! I had a great time in class just now. I'm so glad you have literature class now, compared to last time when I could only have fun in history."

Hikaru chuckled softly as he heard Sai's buoyant reply. He knew Sai would enjoy his classes, but he had never guessed that the gentle ghost would be so hyper about it.

"HIKARU!"

Startled, Hikaru stopped at his tracks and turned around, searching for the person who was shouting for him. He spotted Akari waving at him cheerfully while running forward. So Hikaru stood where he was waiting for Akari to catch up with him.

"Ne, Hikaru..." Akira paused to take a breath, pleased that she managed to catch up with Hikaru before he left the school compound. "Where are you going?"

"Huh?" Confusion etched every line of Hikaru's face, wondering why Akari was asking such a question. "I'm heading towards the library. I need to pick up a few books. Then I'm going to meet up with some friends to have a Go study group. Why?"

"Eh? Oh... I was hoping you were free. I joined the Go club, and I was hoping you could come over to give us some pointers." Akari was looking quite disappointed that she wasn't able to drag Hikaru to the Go Club to give pointers as well as a lost chance to show-off her best friend who was a Go pro.

"Hikaruu!! I wanna go!! Ne, Hikaru, lets go, lets go."

Hikaru gave Akari a smile as he inwardly chuckled at Sai's typical reaction. How he had miss the gentle yet hyper ghost.

"Gomen Akari, I am needed elsewhere today. Perhaps some other days?" Hikaru answered Akari softly, trying to cheer Akari up.

Sai, who was chanting 'Go' while waving his arms around, paused slightly as he heard Hikaru's reply to Akari. Then he started crying while clinging on Hikaru's pants again. A sweat-drop was quickly forming on Hikaru's head as he tried to sneak looks at Sai without having Akari noticing anything odd.

'Come on Sai, we are going to meet Waya, Isumi and the others for Go as well. I did promise them after all.'

"Eh... we are going to play Go after all?" Sai looked up from Hikaru's pants with a puppy eyes look.

'Obviously, that IS the purpose of a Go study group, right?'

That was enough to cheer Sai up, who had starting his chanting all over again. Meanwhile, Akari stood where she was not moving, all the while complementing Hikaru. When Hikaru had finally finished dealing with the ghost, he turned his attention fully to Akari, only to be disarmed by the indescribable look in her eyes.

"What is it, Akari? You... Is there something on me?" Hikaru looked about himself only to come in contact with the still dancing ghost, which placed him in slight panic that maybe Akari had noticed his slightly (at least he hope so) off behavior.

"Iie, it's not really that." Akari then gave Hikaru her best sunny smile. "It's just that you have really change, Hikaru. You are totally different from the Hikaru I've known since childhood."

Hikaru then gave a gentle smile, knowing the girl had just spoken out loud what he was sure everyone was thinking about. Even he realized how much he had changed. In fact, he realized he was now more polite and courteous, but at the same time could still be rude and annoying. 'Maybe some of Touya's mannerism had rubbed off on me, seeing that I spent so much time in his presence.'

"Sou da ne... Tell me, Akari, which Hikaru do you prefer?" Suddenly curious, Hikaru asked Akari, surprising her.

"Eh?? Ano..." Akari trailed off, looking thoughtful before answering distantly, "I'm not sure. I like the Hikaru you are now, all polite and nice... a big change from the rude and loud baka I used to know."

Hikaru laughed softly, hearing the words Akari used to describe him, which earned him a smiling glance from Akari. Then Akari gaze turned serious as she continued speaking.

"But the Hikaru back then was much more cheerful and care-free. The Hikaru you are now seems so... well, there is the determination and strength in you which makes you admirable both in Go and, from what I have heard, in your studies as well, but you always seems so... distant, so burdened and melancholy... and it pains me so to see you like this." Akari said softly, looking deep into Hikaru's eyes with all the compassions and loves she felt for her best friend.

Hikaru's eyes widened slightly with shock and surprise before he smiled sadly but gently at Akari. He then slowly moved forward and enveloped Akari in a hug, not caring that they were in the middle of the school corridor. Sai, who was still in his own world of Go stones, was surprise to find Hikaru hugging Akari, but smiled understandingly. He knew that Akari and Hikaru had been friends for almost forever, but had slowly drifted apart when Hikaru decided to totally immerse himself in the world of Go. Maybe lately these two had become close again; after all it would be such a shame to lose a friendship as close and wonderful as theirs.

"Arigatou, Akari-chan. I'm sorry, for always making you worry. Thank you... thank you for always being there for me." Hikaru softly whispered into Akari's ear, closing his eyes as he took in the comfort of being in Akari's arms. Akari was hugging Hikaru back, burying her face in his shoulders, glad that Hikaru had allowed her into his soul, even just a little.

Akari shook her head softly and mumbled some thing intangible into Hikaru's blazer. Hikaru pulled back to look at her quizzingly, eyes silently begging her to repeat her words. Akari blushed delicately before smilingly repeated her words.

"That is what friends are for. And you'll forever be my best friend, Hikaru."

Hikaru smiled softly as he took in the sincerity of Akari's words. Then he gave Akari another hug before letting go, softly repeating Akari's words to her. As he was pulling back, he saw quite a number of curious faces was darting towards them. He gave each and every one of them a piercing gaze and an icy smile, which did its job nicely at frightening them off. Hikaru then grinned, satisfied at his own work before turning back to Akari who was trying her hardest not to laugh. Hikaru crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow at her, which finally caused her to start laughing. Even Sai was laughing together with Akira, although Hikaru was the only who could hear it.

"What is so funny, may I have the pleasure of knowing?" Hikaru asked sarcastically, addressing both Akari and Sai.

"Nothing, Hikaru. It's just weird to see you giving off death glares. You can't blame those people. We are in the middle of a hallway and you are a celebrity after all... well, kind of anyway." Answered Akira in a fit of giggles. Sai was nodding his head quite excitedly beside her.

'Stop nodding your head so excitedly, Sai. It's going to fall off soon.'

Hikaru thought sarcastically, sending the thought to Sai, which had the ghost immediately grabbing his head to prevent the said accident from happening. Hikaru smirked at Sai's antics before frowning slightly over Akari's statements, still unable to see what was so amusing about it. And him, a celebrity... a Go pro yes, but a celebrity? That does not make any sense. Are Go pros celebrities? It is just a profession after all, and his job. As he slowly pondered about it, he noticed three girls and a couple of guys were walking towards them. One of the girls then called out Akari's name. Hearing her name, Akari turned and smiled.

"Akimoto-sempai! Konnichiwa, sempai-tachi."

"Konnichiwa, Fujisaki." Replied a few of Akari's upperclassmen with smiles to her although all of them were curiously sneaking looks at Hikaru. As recognitions began to dawn in, they started to stare openly at Hikaru in awe. Thankfully, Hikaru had gotten used to attentions (not to forget cameras) to be not fidgeting uncomfortable under all the attentions. All he did was stared back at them with a curious yet mocking gaze and yet, not disrespectful. After all they were upperclassmen of Akari. Akari was happily smiling at all of them, preferring not to introduce the 'celebrity' to watching the bound-to-be interesting exchange. Sai was looking dumbly at everybody, confusion in his face.

"Ne, Hikaru, what's going on?" Asked the ghost finally, unable to stand the staring and the silence anymore.

'Wakaranai, Sai.' Answered Hikaru calmly, finally raising an eyebrow at all of them, and prompting some to look away in embarrassment.

"Ano... are you Shindou Hikaru?" Asked one of the girls shyly.

Looking a bit surprised, Hikaru nodded his head in assent. At that, the three girls all looked dreamy and even the guys looked awed. Unable to understand their attitude, Hikaru turned to Akari, silently asking her the reason. Akari smiled as she relented.

"Hikaru, these are my sempai-tachi from the Go club. I believe they are admirers of you and Touya-kun." Akari smiled before leaning forward to whisper in Hikaru's ear. "Actually they admired a lot of pros, especially those who are good-looking or young. Too bad you're one of them."

Akari straightened, giggling while Hikaru was confused over what Akari had said. Actually he was only confused about the words 'too bad'; unable to understand why would being admired by them is too bad. He soon had his answer as all the three girls crowded him and bombarded him with questions, each trying to get hold of his hands. Although Hikaru had gotten used to all the attentions he received as a pro, he was still not and most probably will never be used to being crowded. Sai was looking quite bewildered standing beside Akari as the three girls continue crowding Hikaru.

Finally, Hikaru held up both his hands and asked them politely but firmly to stop their actions before smiling sweetly telling them that he could only answer a question at a time and that he preferred not to be pushed around. The three girls cringed slightly realizing their embarrassing attitude but at the same time they were blushing over Hikaru's sweet smile and polite words. Even the guys were in awe at Hikaru's ability to handle the three fan girls so expertly. Hikaru kept his smile, silently thanking Kami-sama that Touya had advised him beforehand what to do in such situations.

"Sumimasen!" All the three girls bowed as one of them apologized to Hikaru. "Please forgive us for our embarrassing attitude. I suppose we were too excited about meeting a Go pro whom we admire very much in our school face to face, especially since the news that you were studying here seemed to be nothing but rumors."

Hikaru grinned slightly at the apology and explanations, while sneaking a look to Akari, who was grinning back to him innocently. Obviously Akari had choose not to correct the so-called rumors... since when had she became so mischievous?

"Please allow me to introduce ourselves." The girl continued, now smiling shyly at Hikaru. "The two guys behind me are Matsuo Masahiro and Shimizu Naoki, these two girls are Inoue Chiaki and Saruwatari Yumi and I am Akimoto Kumiko. Please to meet you." As Kumiko introduced them, each of them bowed upon hearing their name before straightening up to smile or wave at Hikaru. Hikaru gave a small smile before bowing himself.

"Yoroshiku. Shindou Hikaru desu."

The whole group, minus Akari and Sai, blushed (yes, even the guys!) at Hikaru's politeness. Sai was exclaiming from behind the scene how polite Hikaru had become and that his little Hikaru had all grown up. Hikaru inwardly winced at Sai calling him little before straightening up and giving the whole group one of his winning smiles.

"I'm very sorry but I have to excuse myself now. I had some errands to run and a commitment to fulfill." Hikaru told the star-struck group, earning another ten points in their rating scales. They continued staring as Hikaru turned to talk to Akari before bidding her farewell. Hikaru then smiled and bowed to all of them again before turning and walked away, followed by the skipping ghost.

"Ne, Kumiko-chan, for a kouhai he is very mature and handsome, ne?" asked a dreamy-eyed Yumi.

"Aa... even Matsuo and Shimizu think so too." Kumiko said cheekily, pointing at the two boys who immediately tried to cover up that they too were taken in by the younger boy too. Their denials and antics caused all four girls to crack up, laughing at them. In the end they gave up and admitted that they were very much entranced by Shindou-kun.

"He may be a guy as well but he's so different! You can't blame us for being captivated by him also." Said Naoki heatedly in defense as Masahiro was starting to rival a tomato under the perusals of the four girls. "It's not like as if we are attracted by him."

The two boys started to look more uncomfortable as Kumiko and Yumi pinned them down with a disbelieving look, intended on bullying the two boys mercilessly. Akari and Chiaki laughed softly, before Chiaki decided to take pity on the two boys and stop her two best friends' teasing.

"Minna, we're going to be late if we don't make a move now." Chiaki said in her soft musical voice.

"Ah! You're right, Chiaki-chan. Lets hurry up! I want to tell everyone about Hikaru-sama!" Kumiko exclaimed cheerfully while sprinting into a run towards their Go Club room. The rest of the group quickly followed her. Suddenly she turned back to glower at Akari. "Fujisaki-chan! You knew Hikaru-sama and you did not tell us! How could you? Yurusanai!"

Akari just gave one of her innocent smiles as she made up some excuse about Hikaru not wanting to be in the spotlights. Her excuse seems to pacify her sempai who nodded and turned back to watch where she is running to, excitement coursing through her as she thought about the news of their Hikaru-sama studying in the same school as them. She was already complementing on starting a Fan Club solely for their resident Go pro.

Meanwhile Akari was smiling secretly, amused at her sempai calling her long-time friend Hikaru-sama. She shrugged, guessed that it is to be expected, after all how many pros there were that were of schooling age... not to mention to be still schooling. All she knew was she was very happy, to be able to have a heart-to-heart talk with Hikaru again. She did not know nor understand what had happened in Hikaru's life, but she was glad that Hikaru had come back to her and began to slowly smile again. She knew that back in junior high some of her friends thought that Hikaru was her boyfriend or she had an unrequited love, even she had thought so too. But now she knew better, the two of them were the best of friends and while they do loved each other, but they were not in love. And that kind of love... is the best kind of all.

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Hikaru softly whistled as he strolled towards the library. He needed to pick up a few books to write an essay about Lady Murasaki Shikibu, who wrote the famous literature, 'The Tales of Prince Genji'... although, Hikaru suddenly realized, it will probably be much easier asking Sai about her, since both of them were from the Heian period.

'Ne Sai, do you know a Lady Murasaki Shikibu back when you were still alive?'

"Lady Murasaki Shikibu? Iie, I don't think so. Why?"

'Iie, betsuni. I'm supposed to write an essay about her, and I was just wondering if you knew about her, since both of you are from the same period.'

"Iie, gomen Hikaru. I can't help you with that. But I have heard of the book before..." Sai smiled softly as he thought back to the happy times when he was still alive and not so alive. Then he frowned slightly. "Hikaru, who could she be from my time? Females that time did not learn how to read or write, with a few exceptions of those of the royal blood or of higher status."

'I believed she learned those skills herself, and if I am not mistaken, she was only a maidservant for the queen then but possessed great knowledge. I've heard that she even know kanji which was mainly meant for males. Never mind, I'll find out more about her and I'll tell you all about it.'

"Hai! Hai!" Sai answered cheerfully as they finally reached the library. As usual, the childish ghost was awed by the size of the library and started flitting left and right all over the library looking at everything and nothing while Hikaru went to look for his books. Half an hour later, Hikaru walked out of the library carrying three thick books in his arms. Sai was staring quite fascinated with the books, which was totally obstructing Hikaru's view and finally had him snapping at the ghost.

"Ah! Gomen Hikaru! It's just that these books seem so old. Look! They are yellow near the edge of the pages!" Sai said excitedly, even though he was professing sadness at the ill-kept books. "Why couldn't you get those newer books?"

'Sai... these are what I need for my study materials. I just can't choose any book at random, right?'

"True... so where are we going now?" Sai skipped happily beside Hikaru as they walked towards the school main entrance.

'To Waya's apartment. It's too late for me to return home for a change now. Come on, lets hurry up. I'm going to be so late... and dead by the time I reach there.'

Hikaru sighed mournfully as Sai laughed, remembering that the brown-haired boy usually screamed at Hikaru whenever he was late... and when Hikaru is being plain ignorant. In fact, Waya seems to scream at Hikaru almost every time they met up. Sai suddenly stopped in his tracks when he spotted someone standing just outside the main entrance, looking extremely unsure of himself.

"Ne Hikaru..." Sai poked Hikaru with his fan, eyes still trained on the unlikely figure outside the gates.

'Huh? What is it Sai?' Hikaru asked distractedly, trying to balance all the books he was holding to a more comfortable position.

"I think Touya-kun is here to see you."

'... Nani??!! Again?!' Hikaru exclaimed loudly in his mind, nearly dropping his books while fearing the worse and shocking the ghost slightly. He quickly looked around before finally spotting the other boy still in his uniform and holding his bags, leaning against the wall while staring at his shoes. Hikaru paused in his steps, frowning at the figure that looked like Touya Akira but definitely did not act like the Touya Akira he knew. The Akira he knew would just enter his school, hunted him down and demands for something or another. The Akira standing in front of him was... for lack of better word, insecure. Curious and a bit worried, Hikaru slowly approached the other boy.

Akira was still wondering what he was doing here. He knew he had finally made the decision to tell Hikaru about the reappearance of Ko Yongha, but he could easily do so with just a miserable phone call. There was no need for him to travel all the way to Haze Senior High to give out the grand news. He stared at the interior of the school for a moment before turning around, sighing and leaned against the wall of the entrance. Silently he asked himself again what he was doing here. His mind blanked out as he stared at his shoes, for once pure uncertainty lacing through his figure.

"Touya?"

Startled, Akira snapped his gaze up just to collide with concern green eyes. Akira thought distractedly that those green eyes had more grayness in them than what he usually thought. Suddenly realizing his position and who exactly he was staring at, Akira straightened and smiled nervously at Hikaru.

"Shindou... konnichiwa." Not knowing what to say, Akira said the first thing that popped into his mind and promptly kicked himself for it.

"Eh? Ah... Konnichiwa." Hikaru answered awkwardly and stared at Akira curiously while Akira inwardly cringed.

'Probably wondering what was wrong with me today. Especially since we hardly exchange any pleasantries...'

"Touya... daijoubu?" Hikaru asked tentatively, the other boy was fairly freaking him out.

"Aa..." Akira trailed off, wondering how to broach the subject with Hikaru. He knew it would be hard, but he did not guess that it would be this difficult. So he just stood there fidgeting with his teeth tightly clenched, praying for guidance.

Sai was staring at Akira all the while, plainly curious about the young boy's reactions. As far as he knew, Touya Akira had only been nervous once. That was during the inter-school Go tournament when they were still in junior high where he finally had Hikaru cornered for a game. Thinking that Hikaru was the one who had beaten him the first and second time around whence it was Sai who played him, Akira had relentlessly chased after Hikaru when Hikaru had refused to play him anymore after the second game. When he had Hikaru finally cornered, he was triumphed and determined, but underneath it all, there was fear and nervousness also. And the Akira in front of them today was definitely very nervous.

"Ne, Hikaru... I think there is something very wrong with Touya-kun."

'I can see that, Sai. I'm not blind, contrary to what all of you think. The thing is I don't know what to say to him. I had never seen him like this to know how to react...'

"How about just dragging him along? That way you both won't have to stand at the main gate." Sai replied in a wise tone.

Hikaru rolled his eyes as he sent a sarcastic thank you to Sai. Then he turned to regard Akira, who was still looking at the ground and fidgeting slightly. Hikaru suddenly had an insight that Akira may have some thing important to tell him. And by the looks of Akira, pressing the matter would not help at all, so he decided to follow Sai's suggestion, as lame as he thought it was. Smiling softly, he called out to Akira.

"Hey, Touya. Want to take a walk with me? The weather is very nice today. Besides, there's somewhere I need to go. Walk with me?"

Akira looked up, surprised that Hikaru had asked him to walk with him. As he saw understanding in Hikaru's eyes, he smiled gratefully and nodded his assent. The two boys then walked down the path, followed by the genki ghost. A comfortable silence soon settled between them, which neither of the boys took noticed of. If they had, they would be surprise, for this will be the first time they had actually spent time in each other company without death glares or a yelling match every fifteen minutes or so.

After a long while, Akira finally calmed down enough to bring up the dreaded subject with Hikaru. He told Hikaru he wanted to talk over something important with him. Hikaru nodded and then pointed out a small park just beyond the turning near the ramen shop and gestured that they have the talk there. Soon both the boys were sitting down on an unoccupied bench, books and bags placed on the ground beside them. Hikaru looked around to make sure Sai had not went off to far (the ghost had earlier squealed at the beautiful park and the beautiful fountain while jumping around in excitement and scolding Hikaru for not bringing him to this kind of places more often) and found the hyper ghost near the fountain, staring deeply into it.

'Probably found some beautiful fishes or the beautiful water enchanting.' Hikaru thought exasperatedly before turning to Akira, who had once again lapsed into silence, but this time he was no longer nervous or fidgeting. So Hikaru waited till Akira was ready to talk, thinking momentary how Waya is going to kill him this time since he had been missing a lot their group studies.

"Shindou... there is something I need to tell you. I supposed you guessed so as much." Akira started saying before stopping for a moment, as if to recollect himself before turning to face Hikaru with an intense glare. "There is no easy way about it, and this will probably come as a bad news and a shock to you... and I hope you won't get mad or sad or anything after hearing this...especially to me..." Akira trailed off softly, his words mingled with the winds, almost losing themselves in it.

Hikaru, who was already surprised by Akira's initial behavior, needless to say was now very surprised now. He wondered for a moment what could had made Akira acted like this to the point of thinking that Hikaru might even get upset at him. True, they were rivals, but they were also friends... of some sort, Hikaru believed.

"Ne Touya, I do not know what is it that had you so worked up, but I do not believe that I'll ever truly get mad at you... maybe except above the goban, that is." Hikaru then gave Touya a lopsided grin. "We are tomodachi, ne? Tomodachi do not get mad at each other for long and they always stays together. That was what someone taught me today."

"Tomo...dachi?" Akira looked at Hikaru surprised before a sweet smile graced his features. "Arigatou, Shindou-kun. And yes, I guess we are friends... friends and rivals, I guess."

Hikaru grinned at Akira and upon receiving an answering smile he leaned back against the bench and closed his eyes, face facing heavenwards basking in the warm sunlight. Akira felt at peace sitting beside his friend and rival, synchronizing with the feeling of contentment and peace that was radiating off Hikaru.

"Ne, Touya-kun, what was it you wanted to tell me?"

At that, Akira immediately looked away, sad that he had to spoil this moment and feeling guilty that he might cause Hikaru harm. He took a deep breath before replying.

"Shindou... Ko Yongha is back in Japan."

Hikaru tensed upon hearing those words, feeling as if the world had literally fallen down on him. At first he had thought that Akira was playing a joke on him, and then he recalled Akira's actions and behavior, and the tone of his voice when he said those fateful words, and realized that Akira spoke the truth. Still keeping his eyes closed, he slowly sat up and crouched down slightly, lower arms resting on his calves as he thought of what significant do those words held. Suddenly his mind was in a jumble.

"I see. What is he doing here, Touya? And how do you know?"

"He is here with his sempai on a holiday, or so he says. I know because they are currently staying at my house as guests of otou-san." Akira replied cautiously, deciding to leave out the part where Yongha had asked for Hikaru.

Hikaru nodded, eyes still closed and looking quite troubled. Tentatively, Akira reached out to touch Hikaru's shoulder, giving him silent support. They stayed in that position as the world continued to run by.

"Why are you telling me this, Touya?" Hikaru asked in a while, his voice so soft that Touya almost missed the question.

"I... I thought that you would like to know." Answered Akira awkwardly, he could not very well tell him that Yongha's seemingly one purpose is to find Hikaru... right?

"Sou ka? Why would you think that I want to know about that jerk? True, I can not forgive him for all those insults and I most probably hate him and I want to beat him in Go, to gain back Shuusaku's honor. But why are you looking out for me like this?" Hikaru asked tiredly, suddenly the weight of the world seems to be on his shoulders.

At lost for words, Akira only stared at Hikaru. He too asked himself, the reasons he was looking out for Hikaru. Suddenly their relationship of rivalry seemed too trivial. Out of the blue he remembered, he remembered that he thought of himself more than just Hikaru's rival, he thought of himself as Hikaru's friend, and he knew he cared for this friend and rival of his. With determination set in his jaw, he answered, hoping that Hikaru had meant what he had said earlier.

"Because you are my friend, Shindou Hikaru. I may not have many friends, but I do believe they look out for one another."

Hikaru gave a bittersweet laugh, staying in his forlorn position, still burdened and tired, and it made Akira worried, to see his newly officially declared friend suddenly so wizen.

"I know that, Touya. I know friends look out for each other, but that does not answer my question. There is something more isn't it?" Asked Hikaru harshly, with steel in his voice, a tone that Akira had never heard before. Akira hesitated, wondering for a moment whether to reveal tell Hikaru about Yongha's intention. Making a quick decision, he nodded.

"Yes... you're right. There is something more." Akira paused, for a moment wondered again if he is doing the best thing in telling Hikaru about it. He looked towards the clear sky, unable to find an answer within himself. His quick decision suddenly seemed too hasty.

"And what is it?" Hikaru's distant voice startled him out of his reverie, turning him back to face the other boy. For a moment he just gazed at Hikaru, memories of the past suddenly swarmed him. He then told himself to believe in Hikaru strength and determination, somehow knowing that Hikaru would definitely pull through this new obstacle like how he did with the others.

"It had seems that... well, Yongha wants to see you. I do not know why, but for some reasons, he seems to be really interested in you. He even asked me to bring him to you, and when I declined, he just laughed and said he had his own way of finding you."

Under his hand, he could feel Hikaru's shoulders tensed as he related his tale before drooping down dejectedly, his head nodded once in thanks for telling him. Akira suddenly wished he had telepathy powers, wanting to know what was going on in Hikaru's head. Not for the first time and he was certain, not the last either, the supposedly simple boy confused and eluded him. Whenever he thought he had finally figured Hikaru out, Hikaru will undoubtedly and immediately proved him wrong. Frankly speaking, it was pure frustrations.

Distantly Hikaru could hear Sai laughing. It had seems that the ghost really enjoyed being surrounded by nature, trees and flowers. Hearing Sai's childish laughter somehow strengthens Hikaru's soul, and he knew that petty revenge was insignificant now. He knew that he still had not forgiven the Korean for those insults, but it had seems that, with Sai's reappearance, his anger, his helplessness, had gone. Briefly he wondered, wondered if he still wanted revenge at the redhead. He then shook his head out of that thought. What was important now was to show the cocky Korean that Honinbo Shuusaku was a great Go master, even if the jerk had not truly meant those insults... at least that were what Suyon and Touya had said. He would not ask Sai to beat Ko Yongha, but instead will do so with his own strength, using solely Shuusaku's moves he had learnt both from Sai and kifus. New determination course through him as he sat up straight and looked over to Akira.

"Don't worry Touya, I'm fine. I do not know why that jerk wants to find me, but... I guess I have a new challenge now eh? Just let him come." Hikaru told Akira with a determined smile and a steely look in his eyes.

Akira searched Hikaru's eyes, and then seemingly satisfied that Hikaru was not going to fall into depression again or was angry or upset at him, he smiled, gladded that Hikaru had taken the news better than he had expected him to. He then raised his eyebrows mockingly at Hikaru.

"Challenge? More like retribution ne?" Akira asked in a proud yet teasing tone. Hikaru shook his head slightly, thinking that only Touya Akira could accomplish being dignify and childish at the same time. He then gave Akira a smile that was both mysterious and revealing, telling nothing and yet hinted at everything. Akira shook his head and smiled gently, not pushing Hikaru for answers. He then took up the lazy position Hikaru was in earlier, enjoying the warmth of the sun on his face, vaguely understanding cats' loves of napping under the sun.

"Don't forget Shindou Hikaru. I am your only rival." Akira whispered softly, loud enough only for Hikaru to hear.

Hikaru smiled at the possessiveness in Akira's words, knowing that he too claimed the same demands from the green-haired boy.

"Aa." Hikaru softly whispered back to Akira, leaning back against the bench, contented to be at peace with the world and leaving all his troubles behind.

Sai looked up from where he was, watching the two boys relaxing side by side quietly and peacefully, truly a big change from when he last saw them together yesterday, where both of them were determined to bring to roof down. Sai smiled happily.

'It seems like those two had talked things out. So me being discreet had been well utilized after all. Looks like Hikaru is slowly healing. Yokata ni.'

Sai then flopped down onto the grass, gladded that in some way, he could still feel and enjoy nature, like the smell of grass, the warmth of the sun, the teasing of the wind and the lovely fragrance of flowers. It is really great to be able to feel, Sai muses as he watched the clouds floated by slowly, changing shapes as they go on. Sai slowly lost track of time as he stayed where he was, not that time was very noteworthy for a timeless ghost like him.

The sun was almost setting when he heard Hikaru mentally calling out to him. He quickly sat up to see both Hikaru and Akira picking up their bags and books respectively before walking together towards the subway. Hikaru looked back slightly at the ghost, trying not to give Akira any thing to be suspicious about.

'Sai! Are you coming? Surely you have enough of the park already... we're going home now. Hayaku! Otherwise I'll just leave you here alone.'

"Eh?? Wa... Hikaru hidoi!" Sai quickly ran after the two boys while crying his heart out at Hikaru's harsh words. Hikaru just laughed inwardly at Sai's expected reaction. Suddenly Hikaru bumped into a solid figure only to find out it was Akira.

"Touya, wh--"

"Look at the beautiful sunset, Shindou. It seems so beautiful today ne?"

Akira, not caring that Hikaru had literally run into him, was watching the setting sun with wonder in his face. Curious, Hikaru and Sai looked towards the horizon and to their amazement, found that Akira was right. Today's sunset had to be the most beautiful sunset they had ever seen; even the one thousand years old ghost could not deny it. All three of them stood there, watched as the sun slowly disappeared below the horizon before finally walking to the subway. Although none of them voiced it out, this was one unforgettable day that would forever remained in their heart and mind.

-owari-

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Chapter 6 up!! I know this is one fast update, but I had nothing to do for the moment, except eat and sleep. I created some characters as Akari's sempai-tachi. Where I found such names? Beats me, I just find them meaningful. Kumiko means 'eternal beautiful child', Yumi means 'beautiful bow', Chiaki means 'very fine in autumn', Masahiro is 'big hero' and Naoki is 'straight tree'. Whatever... I think I'm going a bit mad here. The heat is getting to me!!! How could it be so hot?! Imagine sweating immediately after bathing cold water! Weather is horrible!!

And thank you thank you thank you for all the reviews. Glad to know that all of you enjoyed my fic. As for any pairing, I'll just go with my flow and see what I cook up. Hopefully it'll be of your taste. But I don't think I'll do a HikaSai pairing. It seems a bit odd for someone to be with a ghost, but I do know Sai and Hikaru will forever be together... in a way. Anyway I hope all of you will enjoy this chapter. Thank you again so much!!

Explanations:

Genki – literally means happy.

Iie – no

Betsuni – it's nothing/it's all right

Minna - everybody

Sensei – teacher

Gomen/sumimasen – sorry

Sou ka / sou da ne – is that so

Hidoi – cruel

Yoroshiku – please to make your acquaintance

Konnichiwa – good afternoon

Sempai/sempai-tachi – upperclassman, tachi used as in plural

Kouhai – underclassman

Yurusanai – unforgivable

Tomodachi – friends

Nani – what

Hayaku – hurry up

Yokata ni – I'm so glad

Wakaranai – I do not know