Chapter 2

The three bronze turned divine saints stood there in shock their sweet green-haired friend swore. Cross that, shock is an understatement. All those years they knew him, he has never once swore despite all the hardships of war and boy were they hard but Shun would never, never, NEVER, ever swore. Being 'shocked' says the least; they were horrified. Even that might've been an understatement too.

Shun's POV

Oh goodness no, I just made them worried. By reflex I place my arm over my chest to cover the now-visible the binding bandage under my, now see through, white shirt. I then quickly said, "Please excuse me", while running in human pace as naturally as possible towards the men's washroom. Hoping that they'll be too shocked from my outburst that they wouldn't come after me.

Hoping

Hyoga's POV

Shun swore. I never thought I'd live to see that happen. From Seiya and Shiryu's expression I can deduct, so did they. Seiya's practically gawking, don't ask what else, while Shiryu's eyes widen like saucers, which is saying a lot considering this IS Shiryu. The ever-so-calm dragon saint.

I was the first to recover. Which felt like an eternity in our saint-like speed, but really it's just half a second.

"Shun!", I called out, "Shun! Shun! Come back! What's wrong?!", I quickly ran towards him fast I could without looking too inhumane as I'm already making a scene. Shun must be uncomfortable with that because he quickened his pace too.

Just before I get to touch his shoulder he slammed the washroom door in my face. My reflex are fast enough to not get any impact from the slamming but mentally I was crushed. This is not Shun. Where's the gentle Shun I've always known? He'd never slam a door in someone's face. Irritated or not.

I wasn't the least bit angry at what he did but I was agitated. 'What's wrong with Shun?', 'Is he alright?', 'Why did tell me he's fine just minutes ago?', 'Was he lying?', no, I shook my head. Shun never lied. It's just not him.

It was faint but I can hear it. It tore my heart for some reason. I can hear a soft sob, nearly inaudible, from inside.

Choosing to not to be hard on him or the door I called to him softly, "Shun? Please come out".

Before I said anything further Seiya made his presence known, Shiryu beside him. "Yea man, if it's about that thing I just pulled off I'm sorry. Shun please just open the door. I've brought a change of clothes for you. It's mine, it should fit.", Seiya said. If I'm irritated at anyone, it would be Seiya, it IS his fault; but like him, I'm just as puzzled at what could possibly upset Shun.

Is there anything to be really upset about getting wet?

Shun's POV

I was shaking. Despite knowing that my identity is not busted just yet I couldn't open the door. Before I know it tears began rolling down my face. I caught a tear and thought, 'Why am I crying? It's going to be fine. They haven't found out about anything'. I should just act as natural as possible, if possible that is. I've been weird since a few moments ago, they won't buy an 'everything-is-fine' excuse.

It broke my heart. The reality is. I've got to come clean. I knew that but when I got wet (ceh, such a lame reason -my darker side thought) I just lost it. I lost control. The stress is too much.

That's it. I want to come clean. It's now or never.

I swallowed a nonexistent bile and opened the door timidly. As I opened the door and there they stood. Their faces white with shock.

Their minds didn't seem to register the presence of the bandage moments ago before I covered my chest. Courtesy to the shock I bet.

but now they did. ****.

No one's POV

They were quiet and still quite even though they recovered from the second big shock that day.

Hyoga grasped Shun's hand in his out of reflex. Fearing that he's disappear behind the door again. Seiya threw a small apologetic smile and offered Shun the towel which he gladly took to wrap around his own delicate shivering frame. "Shun… when did you get hurt?", Shiryu asked worriedly before shaking his head and changing the question, "Never mind that, let me see the wound. It got wet with salt water. It must hurt. Running like that might've opened th-".

Shiryu was cut off when Shun suddenly look at them sharply.

The green haired youth couldn't stand it. The secret has to come out today. This very hour.

"Guys", he started slowly, "lets go somewhere…", he gently pried Hyoga's hands of his before continuing. "More secluded". Shun walked without as much as looking at them once. The puzzled trio followed silently. All worried in varying degrees.

Time lapse (after they got to a more secluded spot at the beach)

"Guys… I have a confession to make", the three others cocked their heads forward slightly in curiosity while preparing for the worse. Shun could be fighting a certain inner dark God for all they know.

It came out simple and flat but that didn't lessen the blow, "I'm a girl".

The others looked as if Hades has just revived. Yes, even Shiryu. The world seemed to have stopped for Shun. What seems like seconds felts like an eternity before...

"WHAT!?"