CHAPTER TWO:
Soon enough, Saturday had rolled around and Keitaro was getting ready to meet up with the crew at the entrance of the mall so they could all shop for their outfits for the party. Keitaro put on pullover hoodie and tied his converse shoe laces. Checking for his keys and wallet, he stepped to the front door. He looked behind him to see his empty, quiet home. He let out a sigh.
Every since his sister had started dating her boyfriend, she had spent much more time in his apartment and less time in her own home with Keitaro. She was there for such long periods of time that half the time Keitaro didn't even know when she'd be coming home. The last time he'd seen her was around two weeks ago when he came home from school. She was packing an overnight bag. When he had asked where she was going, she'd only replied she was heading out. Keitaro knew better not to ask when she was coming back. He had only wondered how they had drifted so far apart.
Don't get him wrong, he was always grateful for the financial support of his family. Without them, he wouldn't be able to go to school, buy food, go out with his friends and buy the suit he was currently going out to buy. But he just wished for once that they would be home.
But that problem was for another story.
With that, the brunette let out another sigh, turned his back on the hollow hallway, opened the door, and left.
30 minutes later, Keitaro found himself at the mall entrance waiting for his friends. He had just arrived a minute early from the bus stop, so he was sure that Natsumi would be here on the dot. Which should've been right... about...
"Keitaro! There you are!"
Exactly as he predicted, Keitaro turned his head to see the ever puntual blue-head approaching him with an easy smile.
"Nastumi!" Keitaro exclaimed, a smile already overtaking his features. Seeing his friends happy was probably the number one thing that could make Keitaro easily happy. "On time as always, I see."
"A good friend is never late to an outing with other friends Keitaro!"
"Hehe, like that time you and Keitaro stripped down Yoichi and gave him a hard-on?"
The two boys had barely been frightened by the familiar voice. They had all gotten used to Hunter's quiet appearances. Despite Hunter's grown confidence, he was as quiet as a mouse when making an entrance. Natsumi blushed and frowned at the remark.
"F-For the last time Hunter, the scoutmasters said that everyone should be prepared in five minutes! It wasn't like that!"
"If you say so Natsumi, but remember, just invite us next time if you're in a mood for a beach orgy."
Keitaro snorted.
"KEITARO, DON'T LAUGH! YOU WERE THERE TOO!"
"Pfft, hehe, sorry Natsumi, but you have to admit, looking back it was kinda funny."
Natsumi small scowl quickly dissolved into a smile. He really couldn't stay mad at his friends. He reached over and ruffled the smaller boys' hair, making the trio all giggle.
"Oh ok, maybe it was just a bit funny. You two are very lucky that I'm such a forgiving spirit."
Keitaro laughed again. "Oh yeah, very forgiving Natsumi. Unless someone eats the last ice pop."
"Oh hush Keitaro, everyone knows that there will be consequences for those who eat the last blue raspberry."
"Natsumi, you literally had eaten the other five!"
The slam of car doors distracted the three boys. Across the road , they saw a figure hop out from the front seat, walk to the backseat, and let out another person. They waved goodbye to the driver and began to make their way to the mall entrance. When they had finally reached the visible side of the car, the two people revealed themselves to be Taiga and a rather grumpy Yoichi. They looked as if they were in a small argument. When they saw their friends, they both smiled and hurried over.
"Sorry we're late dweebs," Taiga apologized, "we would've been here sooner, but because of some people, we needed to have a little bit of a seating arrangement."
Yoichi squinted his purple eyes "OI! It ain't my fault! I wanted some air! Can't a guy breathe around here?"
"Dude! You legit opened the car door! On a highway!"
"It was a one-way road, we were fine."
"WE ALMOST RAN INTO A HONDA!"
The boys laughed at their antics. Leave it to Yoichi to behave like a literal dog in the car. The last time they were all in the car, Yoichi stuck his head out the window. He had ate two flies.
"Heh, we're just glad you could make it Taiga! Thanks for coming!" Natsumi replied, with nods from both Hunter and Keitaro.
Taiga smirked, showing his sharp incisors "Go shopping with my friends? And see Yoichi try on a suit and probably look ridiculous? Wouldn't miss that for anything."
"That's what I said!"
"Hey, I probably would looked ripped in a suit! Have you seen my bod?" Yoichi bragged as he flexed his biceps.
"Uhm Yoichi, didn't you say that Mr. Yoshi was bringing you shopping?" Keitaro asked.
"Ugh, when Dad heard that Mr Perfect, Twinkerbell, Frogboy and Dynamite here were tagging along, he thought that I was in 'good hands', some stupid shit like that. Thought you guys would know what would be best, better than him anyway."
"Aww, it's so nice that he has so much trust in us!" Natsumi said as he put his hand to his heart.
"Yeah yeah, now cut the sap crap and let's go, I'm getting bored standing here listening to you people."
The boys turned to enter the building. Once inside, Taiga was the first one to speak.
"I don't know if your dad made a good decision man. I have no clue what I'm doing. I'm just a dude with a shit ton of money to spend on a suit, tie and shoes. And hair gel. I need more hair gel."
Keitaro had to agree. As fun as it was to be with his friends, he wasn't so sure on how to get the right suit for him. He didn't really live the type of life where it was necessary to wear suits. Natsumi perked up.
"Don't worry Taiga! I've constructed a list of places that sell different quality suits for different prices! Best of all, we'll be finished half of the stores in 4 hours!"
Everyone cringed.
"Natsumi," Keitaro started, "as much as me and the others are grateful for your effort, I don't think we have the patience to go through all those stores."
"I know a store we can go to," Hunter interrupted, "I usually go there when I have to go to some events with my parents when they're in town."
"That's a great idea Hunter! Since you're familiar with the place, it's bound to be good!"
"Yeah I'm with Keitaro on this one. Let's go to Hunter's place." Taiga agreed.
"Uh, I don't know pipsqeak, I'm not going to some stuffy store, with some stuffy ass people with their-"
"They give out free snacks."
"SAY LESS TWINKERBELL, LEAD THE WAY!"
Hunter smiled and started to lead the way, closely following by a bounding Yoichi and Keitaro, leaving a confused Natsumi and Taiga in their wake.
Natsumi stuttered "B-But my list..."
Taiga placed his hand on his taller friend's shoulder "You'll get 'em next time buddy, you'll get 'em next time."
"Ayo, Hunter, where is this store anyway? We've been walking around for ages."
It had only been fifteen minutes, but Keitaro wouldn't tell Taiga that fact.
"Yeah Twinkle Toes, I'm bored! When are we gonna get there?"
Natsumi gasped. "Don't worry guys! If we follow my list, we could just turn right to check the store-"
"We're here."
"Annnd never mind."
Away from most of the familiar stores, stood two large black doors, with the title "Dick's- Store for the Elite" above the doors. It looked as if the sign was covered in gold.
"Geez, Twinkle Toes, why does it look like you're leading us to our doom or something? And why the hell is a shop called Dick? We going in for a fuck or something?" Yoichi snarked, a smirk on his face.
"Oh drat, you've caught me Yoichi. It was my secret plan to be fucked by all of you. You've found me."
Taiga threw his head back and laughed "Well at least we'll look good while we do it. I've always wanted to know if a tie is a good replacement for a gag."
The group giggled at the joke. Except for Natsumi of course.
"Hush guys, must you be so vulgar? We are in public!"
"Damn Natsumi, you like orgies and you're an exhibitionist? That is some kinky shit."
"T-TAIGA! L-Let's just go inside! Hunter please lead the way."
Saving Natsumi from further embarrassment, Hunter preceded to walk to the door and open the entrance. He motioned the others to come forward with his hands.
Finally the boys stepped inside, and everyone immediately gasped. The shop was huge. With marble floors and glass chandeliers, and rows and racks of expensive looking clothing.
"WOAH!" Keitaro exclaimed, "This place is beautiful! It's so elegant and quiet! I gotta take a picture!" He reached for his camera in his backpack and immediately started to snap photos.
"I feel like this definitely is Eduard's scene. He would love a place like this." Taiga commented as he too began to walk around.
"Wow Hunter, this place seems very exquisite. Even I didn't have this place on my list!" Natsumi wondered as he took in the sights.
Hunter looked over to Yoichi "You ok Yoichi? You seem quiet, it's worrying."
Yoichi nudged Hunter at the remark "I'm good Twinkie Bar, it's just times like this where I remember that you're rich like Little Mr Rich Pants."
Hunter shrugged "I forget that sometimes too Yoichi. I only start remembering that I have a lot of money when I buy more than instant ramen noodles for my apartment in school."
Yoichi laughed "Eh, I see that as a good thing. There's way more to ya than money. You're just cool that way."
"Wow Yoichi, was that a compliment?"
"Don't get used to it."
Suddenly, a tall lean man with quite the impressive handlebar mustache came from the corridor. He spoke in a distinguished English accent.
"Well good afternoon gentlemen, may I ask what- Oh Mister Springfield how lovely to see you again! Are these your companions you mentioned last time?"
Hunter turned and wakes up to the man "William! There you are! Yes, these are my friends I were talking about at my last fitting! Well not all of them, one of them couldn't make it today. Were here to get some suits for a party of Felix Clermont. You've heard right?"
"Of course Sir! I've had so many fittings and reservations for suits and dresses already. Quite the event isn't it? Of course I will help your friends and yourself. Only the best for our best and favorite client! Now we must make haste and go forward!" He clapped his hands "Now, young men, come up, please come up, we must begin! Now could you call tell me what you all are interested in. I see you all have signature colors."
Yoichi raised an eyebrow "Was it that obvious?"
William laughed "This must be the Yoichi you speak of! Very nice to meet you! Would you like some snacks? We have cookies!"
Yoichi blinked and turned his head "I like this guy! Lead the way Your Majesty!"
Soon enough, the boys were standing on small stools and being measured every which way.
"Wow guys! I really feel like some celebrity with all this attention!" Natsumi said as a lady measured his back.
"Yeah this is- ow pin in my ass, pin in my ass!" Taiga griped as a man tried to tag something to his backside. Yoichi chuckled as he sat on a couch in his boxers, with his legs up and being measured, all while munching on a marshmallow cookie.
"Quit your yapping Dynamite, this great! I should get my clothes fitted all the time! Hunter, your William guy is awesome!"
"Yeah that's cause your eating your cookies! I can't even reach mine!"
"I'd pass you my own Taiga, but my arms are being felt up." Natsumi said.
"You've been rather quiet Keitaro. What's on your mind?"
Keitaro was currently on the other couch, texting Hiro about the fitting.
Hiro: you guys seem to be having fun! tell Wolf boy to save me a cookie!
Keitaro: pfft I will! You never said when you were gonna go buy your suit
Hiro: i told you cutie, it's a surprise! you sure you just don't wanna see me naked~
Keitaro: Hiro! Stop I'm with the guys!
Hiro: pfft alright cutie~ trust me, I'll look great! Text me when you guys are done! I wanna go eat with you guys!
Keitaro: I will don't worry! It wouldn't be the same without you there!
Hiro: awww I miss you already Keitaro!
Keitaro: I miss you too cutie
Hiro: ahhhhh Keitaro not the nickname you're making me blushhhhhh
Keitaro grinned and blushed madly at his phone. Him and Hiro were having another less then platonic moment over text, something that had been happening way too often. Sometimes they were sweet and cute like this, or rather more perverted that had him... more than excited.
"Hey, earth to Lover Boy! Stop texting your boyfriend!"
Keitaro looked up and frowned "Hiro isn't my boyfriend, for the last time Taiga!"
Hunter looked up from the magazine he was currently reading "Who said anything about Hiro?"
Keitaro stopped and blushed madly, and Yoichi and Taiga burst out laughing.
Hunter chuckled "It's ok Keitaro, we all know about it."
Keitaro sweated "A-About what Hunter?"
"Your infatuation with Hiro of course."
Natsumi gasped "You have a crush on Hiro?! Why didn't I know that?!"
Yoichi raised his eyebrow "Cause you and Frogboy are number one players of the Dense Dense Revolution game."
"Hey!"
Taiga turned to Keitaro "It's ok to admit it Keitaro. I'm pretty sure Hiro has a thing for you too. You two are really close after all, weren't you just texting him?"
"W-Well yeah, but it's not like that! And I'm close with you guys too!"
"I know that, but you and him are a different type of close. You probably couldn't stand a minute without talking to him." Taiga laughed.
"Yes I can!" Keitaro huffed defensively. He walked to the middle of the room and placed his phone on the coffee table. "See, there!"
A moment passed. The fitting people had already left so it was just the boys. They all stared at the phone.
Another moment passed.
Ding!
Keitaro hurried to his phone and checked the message.
Hiro: I'm at the mall! Just tell me where you guys are at and I'll be there!
Keitaro smiled widely. He turned to the others "Hiro says he's here! I'll tell... him... why are you all staring at me like that?"
All the boys had a blank disappointed stare on their faces.
"Keitaro, you absolute gay disaster, you're hopeless" Yoichi stated.
After they had been measured, the boys were shown many types of blazers, trousers and ties to see which on they liked the most.
"Now gentlemen, I have many suits of many colours to your liking!" If you have any issue I will be just a call away!" William told the group. "Oh and here are your cookies, Mr Yoichi."
"You never fail to please Willy, you never fail." Yoichi replied as he took another plate of the snack. Taiga rolled his eyes.
"My god, how many have you eaten? I swear you're gonna ransack this place. Poor William."
"Hey! Let the man do his job and get me my cookies!"
A ding sounded throughout the room, signaling someone had come in the store, making the boys all turn their heads to the entrance.
"Hey guys! Sorry I took forever, I got pretty lost- oh are those cookies?"
"Hiro! There you are!" Keitaro exclaimed as he rushed over from the tie stands to his best friend. Hiro brightened and rushed over. They met in the middle with a hug.
"Haha, hey Keitaro! I missed you so much!"
"I missed you too Hiro!"
"Ahem, if you two love birds are done, I'd like to say hello to my friend as well." Natsumi said from the other side of the room.
Hiro's face turned pink and pushed Keitaro away "Hey guys! Wow this place is really classy! Look at all this stuff!" Hiro sped over to the racks of clothing. "You gotta get this tie Keitaro! It's green and would look great on you!"
Hunter looked over Hiro's shoulder "Hiro's right Keitaro. This would look really good on you. Try it on."
Keitaro took the tie from Hiro's hands and looked at the mirror to try tie it. "Uhm, can I get a little bit of help? I'm not really sure how to do it..."
Hiro laughed "Come here silly, I'll do it for you." He stepped up and took it back from his friend, unraveling and beginning to tie the garment around Keitaro's neck. He was standing... so close...
"...I used to see my mom do it for my dad all the time. He always knew how to do it, cause I saw him do it once when he was in a rush. But he always went to my mom to help him do it." Hiro said in an almost whisper.
"I could see why he did... it's nice... being close to someone like this..." Keitaro replied at the same level of voice.
He hadn't even noticed that the others weren't present in the room. They were alone, just staring at one another. Hiro's eyes had always been beautiful to him.
"Hiro..." Keitaro started.
"Keitaro..."
Keitaro glanced down to Hiro's lips. They looked so inviting and warm...
They were getting oh so close... their breaths were mingling... closer and closer and-
"Oi Torch Head you gotta try these- oh."
The two boys jumped apart at Yoichi's voice.
"A-Ah sorry guys, we didn't realize you guys were busy!" Natsumi apologized, his hand rubbing the back of his neck.
"It's ok Natsumi! I was just putting on Keitaro's tie. Hey Wolf Boy, give me one!" Hiro said and he rushed over to Yoichi. Keitaro sighed... what just happened...
"Damn Keitaro, we said the sex in the shop thing was a joke." Taiga pipped up. Keitaro blushed and pushed Taiga "C-Can we just get our stuff and leave?!"
Soon enough the boys had completed their outfits and paid (they got a major discount thanks to Hunter's connection) and left the shop.
"God I am starving! Let's go eat something!" Hiro groaned, throwing his head back in annoyance.
"Didn't you just eat like 2 plate of cookies in there?" Taiga asked in bewilderment.
"Exactly! Only two plates! I need to get something in me or I'll die of starvation!"
"I can only pray for your digestive system."
The boys headed to the food court, got their meals and found a place to sit in the plaza.
"Wow Taiga, tell me off for eating too much, and then you go get three cheeseburgers?! The hypocrisy is high with this dude."
"Hey! Burgers are the only food that are acceptable to be eaten in many amounts. Like, who on earth only eats one cheeseburger?"
"Me." The rest of the COC replied.
"Amateur hour, honestly."
"Hey, I was just thinking of something," Keitaro spoke up "how are we gonna get to the party anyway?"
"Oh, I already have a good plan!" Natsumi addressed the whole group, "I could pick up everyone in my car!"
Everyone instantly cringed.
"Fine! Fine,I won't play my music."
"Well, if you're not, then I have no problem with that." Hunter admitted "Can I actually go to your place to get ready Natsumi? I don't want you driving all the way to my school."
"Of course Hunter! You'll always welcome over!"
"When you and Natsumi are ready, you can head over to Camp Buddy to get Yoichi and Taiga. Then over to Keitaro and then me!"Hiro grinned "It'll be so much fun!"
"I hope we don't get into trouble though. There's not enough space for seatbelts!"
"Seatbelts, shmitbelts, Mr Perfect, no one cares!" Yoichi replied after finishing the chip in his mouth.
"And besides, if we do die, then our tombstones would be pretty sick. 'Here lies Taiga Akatora, sadly yeeted from the backseat.' May he rest peacefully." Taiga looked, making everyone laugh.
"This is still a great idea and everything, but I still have one question," Keitaro said after everyone had calmed down, "what did Felix mean by the password? Isn't the invitation we're bringing not enough confirmation?"
"Honestly I'm not sure," Hunter pondered, "We'll figure it out when we get there."
"Ohh I can't wait. This is gonna be the best party ever!"
