Chapter 5: No Comment
A/N: Did I proofread this? I most certainly did not. I apologize if anything is out of place. Also, yes, there are 2 OC characters (characters I made up) in this chapter. Not recurring characters don't worry. (At least I had no plans for them as of now) But well, I have no ownership of any of the characters here except maybe 2. ...I'm also sorry for sometimes using the word 'cafe' and 'restaurant' interchangeably, I might be hungry when I wrote this and have an unconscious inclination to eating at a restaurant.
Sakuragi stirred uncomfortably under his blanket, grunting groggily at his now ringing alarm clock. Caught in a weird sushi roll of blankets, he grumpily and blindly feels around for his clock to turn it off.
"Nggh, noisy noisy..." he mumbled incoherently, closing his eyes tighter, burrowing his head deeper underneath the blanket to avoid the ray of light slowly penetrating through the windows. Before he could settle peacefully, the second wave of alarm echoed loudly making Sakuragi tense in frustration. He jolted up and glared at the innocent object, his tired eyes twitching slightly.
Sakuragi sighed in defeat, accepting the fact that his own clock wouldn't let him continue to rest. He yawned, rubbed his eyes sleepily as he glanced at the clock properly for the time. His eyes widened as soon as he read the time on the clock which read, 10:00 am. Shock ran through him just as quickly as reality sets in.
But before he could move, the phone rang.
"Sakuragi!" the voice was stern and furious, "You have any idea what time is it?" Sakuragi bolted up at the familiar voice on the other line, his awareness now heightened as he glanced at the clock. Oh great, it's the boss.
"Uh..." before even finishing his sentence, Sakuragi was cut off by a cold reply, "You're supposed to start at 8:00 Am."
Sakuragi winced at the sudden realization. Today, out of all days was a bad day to be late.
"If you don't come to work this instant, you'll be working double shifts for a year." The voice affirmed firmly. "Oh, since you're late today, you're going to be taking Ichiya's shift tomorrow." With that last threatening response, the line goes immediately dead.
Sakuragi sighs as he groaned at his unfortunate predicament. He was not prepared for this, he had hoped to squeeze some rigorous basketball practice session with Miyagi today since he was supposed to finish earlier than most days today. Not to mention, he was intending to ask for a week off from work but now that seems unlikely. He glanced at the clock again, wondering why of all days was he late for work today. He groaned at the sudden throbbing headache and the dizzy sensation. Wait, a hangover? Sakuragi shakes his head in an attempt to clear his blurry vision. He recalled snippets, disjointed memories of laughter, a glass poured to the brim and him chugging down in one shot. He remembered Youhei, his cheeks red with heat but still able to maintain a cool posture. He distinctly remembers falling down and rolling around happily.
"Oh, that's right..." he thought to himself, remembering last night's events.
He was never a graceful or cool drunk, though, that was always Youhei. He's either a careless-bubbling drunk or a giddy drunk which is less classy when you're on a date. Sakuragi sighs, internally blaming Youhei for his now predicament. It was his idea to get drinks til the ungodly hours of the night. What was his deal exactly? Did Youhei want to poison him something? Youhei was acting uncharacteristically adamant of getting drinks. Typically it's not strange but there was a particular worry in his expression that bothered the redhead.
He remembered Youhei's persistence and the almost avoidant gesture he gave off, the kind of non-verbal language he gives when he was either upset about something or he was hiding something. Sakuragi shook his head, "he probably wanted me to be too wasted to forget about borrowing his car." He scoffed, "Well guess what buddy, I wouldn't forget even if I am brain dead."
Sakuragi untangled himself from his blankets and slowly picked himself up. Still, in a light daze, the red head walked carelessly towards the bathroom.
Youhei entered the cafe; his eyes scanned the room only to suddenly be greeted by a familiar tall figure looking rather disappointedly at him. "Can I help you, sir?"
"Hanamichi? I thought you're off today?" asked Youhei. Sakuragi narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Youhei. "Apparently, I was too drunk the night before to even know anymore."
Youhei scratched his head nervously, "sorry about that, It was fun though right?"
Sakuragi grumbled under his breath, crossing his arms at his friend. "Since I'm here, can I get a seat?"
Sakuragi nodded and pointed to the table in front of the counter. "You can order from Makoto, I'll have a few orders to take first. Youhei nodded and walked towards the long table and take his seat. A handsome man with light brown hair waved at him, a bright smile etched on his features.
"Yo, Youhei, long time no see." Makoto greeted, waving at him.
The night went on as usual with more customers coming in and out every hour.
He never realized how packed the cafe could be since he's usually off duty on the weekends. Weekdays could be a handful but Saturday's was a nightmare to keep track. He could hardly catch his breath when the bell of the door keeps chiming in with a wave of customers waiting and waving for attention. "I had no idea it was this crazy on Saturday," said Sakuragi, standing beside his other two co-workers, Makoto and Riku.
"Looks like you're late for the party, Sakuragi." Riku raised his eyebrows at him. Sakuragi simply stared at him, confused.
"What he means is that," Makoto started, "We get a lot of people around this time since we're the only cafe that close so late. Besides, young couples like our cafe best for their date on the weekends since we close late anyway."
"couples?" now that he scanned his surroundings, there seem to be more couples occupying the space.
Sakuragi quickly shrugged the thought deciding that it was not his business to run and he wasn't all that surprised considering how much of a money hungry asshole the owner could be.
"Don't you ever take your date to a nice restaurant, Sakuragi?" Makoto pat Sakuragi's pack considerately."
Sakuragi stayed silent, unsure how to approach the question. Makoto looks at Sakuragi, his eyes widened in realization.
"Wait, don't tell me you've never..."
Sakuragi blushed at the thought and shot up immediately.
"I-I have!" said Sakuragi defensively, his voice stuttering slightly. Makoto and Riku smiled teasingly at his reaction.
"Hnn..." Makoto hummed, interested. "What did you do on your first date? Knowing you, you'd probably bring her to a cheap diner and tried your best to look cool."
Sakuragi's face dropped as he thought about his first real- actual –date. He wished he could say it was Haruko then it would've been easier to brag about it in times like this. But instead, he remembers the awkward 'date' with Rukawa at Denny's and his sorry attempt at trying to look cool and put together when he was anything but cool that night.
"I...I guess you could say that." Sakuragi chuckled, trying to play it off as a funny memory.
"Trust," Riku commented as he bumps his fist lightly on Sakuragi's shoulders.
"Hey, Youhei, what was she like?" Makoto leaned in and asked casually. Youhei nearly choked on his sandwich at the question.
"She?" Youhei asked to which Makoto nodded and winked teasingly at Sakuragi who was now standing surprisingly straight and still. Clearing his throat, Youhei gazed up at Makoto. "Why are you asking me?"
"You're his best friend, you know everything about him." Makoto said plainly, folding his arms against his chest confidently. Youhei sat still, eyeing Sakuragi's defensive body language. He understood full well that the subject is not something he talks about casually, considering the turmoil it left him.
"Who knows, "Youhei shrugged. "He's been on a few dates; you're going to have to be more specific.
Makoto frowned, disappointed at the vague answer.
They watched happy couples as they ate, talk and shared awkward moments together. Some couples were successful than others, stupidly gawking at each other and holding hands without any regard to their surroundings.
Makoto sighs dreamily, "Have you ever shared something so beautiful with someone?"
Sakuragi and Riku stayed silent momentarily before Riku commented with, "You mean like when I share that pie with you?"
Sakuragi chuckled and Makoto wrinkled his brows at Riku, "Hey, it's serious question okay."
Riku shrugged, "I guess I've dated a few girls here and there but none really stuck to me."
"Sakuragi?" Makoto prodded. Sakuragi kept silent, averting his eyes from Makoto, twitching slightly. The question sends a strange feeling in his chest, a sudden feeling of tightness as he remembers his sorry excuse for a love life. It's been 2 years now since everything happened, and that's a long enough time to be reeling from a pathetic heartbreak. If he wants to forget about him and move on, talking about him shouldn't affect him anymore.
"Oi, "Youhei interjected, "mind your own business, it has nothing to do with you." Sakuragi stared at Youhei, surprised at his quick interruption.
"I was only -," Makoto stopped when he saw Youhei's glare at him, his intense eyes bore into Makoto's green ones.
"Its okay, Youhei, it's not a big deal." Sakuragi places his hand on Youhei's shoulder, comforting him to which Youhei just look up at Sakuragi. He needs to talk to Youhei about this outburst later.
"Yeah, sure, I've been in a serious relationship before, "he said plainly as if it's nothing important. Both Makoto and Riku watched him silently, their eyes eager for more information.
"Yeah, and?" Makoto raised an eyebrow, "what kind of woman have you dated Sakuragi? I'm curious." His lips turned into a mischievous grin.
"Does it matter?" Sakuragi feels his cheeks turn slightly warm, shifting his feet awkwardly, a habit he tends to do when he's uncomfortable. As much as he hates to admit it, there is a part of him that still feels bitter and heartbroken about the situation. He figures it's because he still doesn't fully understand Rukawa's reasons. I guess he could take it as it is with Rukawa being a jerk and he wasn't ever serious, but then, somehow, after reflecting on it properly, sometimes Sakuragi wonders if there was more to it.
"Why are you guys interested anyway?" Youhei added, eyeing the two suspiciously.
Makoto and Riku froze at the question, "Oh, you know, just curious." Youhei and Sakuragi looked at each other, their eyebrows raised skeptically at the two.
"Excuse me," a Man called out, "we need some service, please."
"Over here too!" a woman raises her hand to get their attention. With that, both Riku and Makoto quickly rush to the customer, bowing apologetically when they reach their table.
Youhei sighs as he rests his palm on his cheek, relieved that the conversation stopped before anything gets out of control. He then steals a glance at Sakuragi who was wiping the counter in front of him, "Hanamichi, "he began.
"Are you okay?" ask Youhei, nothing but sincere worry in his voice. Sakuragi grinned, giving him the thumbs up.
"I'm serious."
"I'm fine, nothing's wrong," Sakuragi reassured his friend.
"So you're fine with...you know?" Youhei prodded. Sakuragi stopped momentarily but shrugged at the question. "Look Youhei, it's been ages since and don't you think I have important things to focus on right now? I don't have time to think of something that happened years ago.
'Wow, he's matured more than I thought,' Thought Youhei, staring at his friend with a new sense of admiration. Maybe he's been thinking too much about how past Sakuragi would react that he didn't even consider how the now, current Sakuragi would think about it. And now, it seems that he's been worrying for nothing. Sure the past Sakuragi might give head butts and demolish a house but this Sakuragi might accept situations and the outcome of things better.
"Say, Hanamichi," Youhei continued, biting his lip in indecision. "What if, if Rukawa came back to Japan. You know, if he just suddenly came back. "
"I'll kill him," Sakuragi growls lowly, his fist shaking at the thought. Youhei leaned back, surprised. Youhei sweat dropped at that, erasing the too optimistic view of his friend. Oh, where did all the maturity go?
"Okay, you're pretty clear on that." Youhei chuckled.
Sakuragi sighs, his demeanor serious, "Youhei, why do I feel like you're keeping something from me?"
Youhei paused as he considers. Should he tell him? There's only so long before he bumps into Rukawa anyway and letting him know now is better than letting him know later. Whatever his reaction may be, Youhei figures Sakuragi deserves to at least know the truth.
"Hanamichi, there's something I want to talk to you about."
"Oh..." noticing the sudden seriousness in Youhei's posture and voice, Sakuragi nods to pay attention. But before Youhei could go on any further, a voice called out to the redhead, "Oi, what are you doing goofing off there! There's a customer waiting!"
Sakuragi shot up and bowed apologetically, "Ah, sorry, we'll talk later okay."
"Someone will be with you in a minute," Makoto smiled, the customer simply nodded and continues to scan the menu.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, "Sakuragi apologized as he takes out his mini notebook. "So, what will—"his sentence trailed off midsentence as soon as he looks up. A pair of familiar cobalt blue eyes stared back at him, any hint of surprise or shock absent from his expression. At that moment, Sakuragi could feel his soul escape his body; a wave of numbness devoured his senses. All thought, motion ceased as he turned pale at the sight of the man in front of him. His eyes widened in disbelief, "Y-you're..."
Rukawa's waits for his reaction, his eyes never leaving the redhead. He knows confronting this head on and revealing himself was probably silly, it's like starting a war that could easily be avoided. If he avoided the key places for a bit longer then the chances of meeting the redhead are slim to none. It was doable, but in some sense, that would make him a coward.
"You look just like someone I know," said Sakuragi finally to which Rukawa lightly scoffs.
"Actually, you look exactly like him." Sakuragi moved in closer, leaning his head closer to Rukawa to inspect him. Surprised by the sudden proximity, Rukawa leaned back slightly, his eyes trained on the curious redhead. Rukawa swallowed thickly, taking in the familiarity of the man. It's been a long time since he's been this close to Sakuragi and he forgets how much that made his heart race.
Sakuragi let out a forced laugh, immediately shaking his head, "That's impossible, that's impossible."
"You're not him," said Sakuragi as he patted Rukawa's back, "he left. There's no way that-"
Rukawa simply looked at him, unflinching, "D'oahou."
With that one simple word, Sakuragi feels everything come crashing down. "R-Rukawa?" A question, a question he wishes he was wrong about. But Rukawa casually replied with a "Humph, took you long enough."
"Rukawa!" Sakuragi shouted which perked the interest of everyone in the cafe. "What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here!" Sakuragi growled.
Rukawa simply shrugged, "Last time I checked, I live here."
"Don't get cocky with me!" Sakuragi grabbed Rukawa's shirt collar, his fist shaking.
"Sakuragi, what are you doing attacking the customer!" Makoto panicked, shocked by the sight. Riku clasped his hand to his mouth, interested at the predicament before him. The whole restaurant watched on in concern with the girls generally taking notice of Rukawa, obviously completely smitten by his handsome face while the boys look on in curiosity, generally excited about a potential fight.
"Hanamichi, "a voice came from behind that immediately calm the redhead. Sakuragi turned his head and saw Youhei putting a gentle hand on his shoulders, his eyes pleading. Sakuragi dropped his gaze to the ground, analyzing the situation, collecting his thoughts in the process. He looked at Rukawa, his icy blue eyes bore into Sakuragi's brown orbs. Then, slowly, he looked back at his best friend and suddenly everything makes sense.
Releasing his grip on Rukawa, he turned to Youhei; his eyes spoke the language of betrayal. "Youhei," Sakuragi started, "You knew, all this time."
Youhei kept silent and nodded, avoiding Sakuragi's gaze. Sakuragi closed his eyes, taking in the disappointment. Sakuragi sighs and regains his composure.
"Makoto, "Sakuragi called out, "I'm going home."
Perplexed and confused by the redhead's bizarre behavior, he opened his mouth to protest but a hand appeared to stop him. He looked beside him to find Youhei shaking his head, a silent indication to just let it go.
Rukawa watched as Sakuragi left the restaurant and ignored his presence. He sighs as he sat back down in his chair. He anticipated Sakuragi's reaction and didn't doubt his ability to dramatize a situation but at least he was free from hiding, free from wondering if they're going to meet the next corner. Sure, it's a trivial matter, and usually, he would not care but somehow, this time, it's different.