What do we mean to each other?
Summary: Tezuka had been very distant when it comes to the aggressiveness of Fuji but things might spice up a little when a guy from a rival school confesses his unrelenting love towards Fuji. The love of which reminds Fuji of his own feelings towards Tezuka. Will Fuji be able to understand his feelings, move on and take the risk with this new guy?
Warning: a shounen-ai fic (boy's love). Read at your own risk.
Disclaimer: The author does not own the characters, only the plot and the setting.
Chapter 3: Bittersweet after taste
Tezuka close his eyes but it seems tonight, sleep has already escaped him. He grabs the alarm clock that is silently resting at his bedside table, it read, fifteen minutes passed midnight.
...and I'm still wide awake, he thought to himself. Knowing that tomorrow or better yet today, they will be having an extensive practice for the nationals. He gently closes his eyes, willing himself to sleep.
Few seconds later, he found himself transported to the time when all the regulars went to a hot spring to celebrate their victory in the prefectural tournament. It was a nice bath, which was followed by a game of cards, the loser of which will have to drink one of Inui's treasured juices. After each game, one regular suddenly found himself passing out because of the haunting taste of the juice. After a series of games, Tezuka and Fuji is going against each other. The others had already taken the sanctuary of sleep or rather suffered the nightmare, which accompanies the bitter taste of Inui's juice.
"This is boring, going against each other," Fuji commented browsing at his cards.
"You're only saying that because you never lose a sett," Tezuka said without looking at him. Battling against Echizen the last round before, Tezuka terribly wanted to win the game so as not to drink the juice. Fortunately enough, he was able to win against Echizen.
"How about a deal?" Fuji pushed further.
Tezuka lowered his hands to look at Fuji, "what kind of deal?"
Fuji gave him one of his serious looks, which gave Tezuka the creeps. "Since we are the only ones left, why don't we declare ourselves as winner but as a consequence, we will simultaneously drink a glass of Inui's juice."
Tezuka raised the cards on his face. This is the last thing he wanted to hear at this moment.
Without a response, Fuji blurted out, "not interested huh?"
"Well, the very reason we are having this game is to avoid drinking the juice yet you are suggesting that we drink it simultaneously. That's not logical," Tezuka explained. "Now hurry up and pick your cards."
"If that's the case then I declare myself as the winner," and Fuji grabs the pitcher and pour the content in a glass. Without saying anything, he emptied the contents.
Tezuka watched in amazement, "you're not supposed to do that."
Fuji replaced the glass in its original place, unaffected by the juice as usual "just kidding. Anyway, I declare you as the winner since I declined to play," he said and smiled. "Don't worry, my fault."
"That attitude again," Tezuka answered and as if on cue, he grabs the pitcher and repeated what Fuji did.
Fuji watched Tezuka's expression but he was betrayed by the lack of sign of any discomfort. "I didn't know you love Inui's juice."
"Not really. Although I can say I am almost immune," Tezuka said and rise from the table. "I'll go ahead."
"Sure," Fuji answered and watched him leave. However, the trembling hand of Tezuka as he slides the door open did not escape his attentive eyes.
"Two minutes," Fuji silently said to himself and started counting the seconds.
On the other hand, Tezuka almost reach the door to his room when he almost fainted. Unable to get up, he sits at the wooden floor and instead leans on the door. From this time on, he felt weak and light headed. "Must be Inui's juice," and he let out a sigh, "what did he put to it this time?"
Just then, Fuji's face came across him, startling his internal system silently.
"You… I mean Fuji, what are you doing here?" he said. Wondering at the guy in front of him that doesn't seem to be affected by Inui's juice. In fact, the only person he knew who was totally immune with the juice as even the creator of it had not yet developed the immunity to his own creation.
"I'm just wondering if I could offer some help leading you in your room and judging from the situation you're in, looks like you really need it."
"Well, all your efforts have been wasted as I can go to my room, unaided. I had stop on purpose because I wanted to view the pond under the moon light," Tezuka answered and gazed at the shimmering water – as if saying that action speaks louder then words.
Fuji turns around to look at the pond, "beautiful. I just hope that I have brought the camera with me." When he turns again to face Tezuka, the same eyes that met his gaze earlier did not welcome him anymore. Tezuka had already bowed his head. He felt dizzy and could not pretend that he is still in good shape.
Fuji smiled and took Tezuka's face in his hand. "Why don't I take away the after taste?" he asked and sealed Tezuka's lips with his own.
Although surprised by what happen, Tezuka was not able to stop Fuji's aggressiveness. When their lips parted, Tezuka instinctly look at Fuji's eyes, searching for a sound explanation. Then said the words "why did you do that?" before he fainted totally.
Fuji stared at him, "I told you didn't I? I'm going to take away the bitter sweet after taste… Go to sleep Tezuka. Good night."
Tezuka awoke suddenly. He remembered everything that happens during that particular trip to the hot spring. Yet the part where Fuji had kissed him is blurred. He did not know whether it is part of the reality or only a dream, or worse a fantasy inside his head.
"What was I thinking? That thing did not really happen and… and I'm not the type who would fantasize that kind of thing.. Well, if just in case that thing really happens in a dream, I would not be able to control it can I? And it doesn't mean still that I like doing that particular thing… That's it, that would be the best logical explanation, that kiss is only a dream….
… but then, why can't I forget the after taste?"
Hello people!
Finally, I was able to get through to my hibernation days, I mean months! And hopefully, you'll be able to enjoy this latest addition.
Hope to hear from you people out there. And thanks to "Lieyan" for editing chap 1 and 2..
-shadowcLite
