NINE
The hot ball of fire above propelled its final flares through the white wispy clouds as it began to diminish its sallow colour turning the infinite sky into different palettes of autumn and landed towards the fine sandy coastline. Groups of seagulls squawked as they glide on the ginger atmosphere, heading towards the southern direction. A fresh and chilly gust of wind flowed towards an unlocked colonial patio door and waltzed its way inside the inviting room via the white laced curtains.
"Like as the waves make towards the pebbled shore, so do our minutes hasten to the end; each changing place with that which goes before," Ranmaru Morii recited a Shakespearean sonnet affectionately as he stood by the courtyard entrance and surveyed the twilight heavens. Ah! It's so wonderful to be a bishounen. My beauty is immeasurable and incomparable.
Ranmaru shrouded himself in sparkles and deep red roses as he embraced his self. Why am I born with so much charm? He and his other housemates decided for a time-out after they initially celebrated their first day at the Paradise Hotel with grilled barbeque and slipped into a white shirt with large island print and mocha Capri pants.
"Will you shut up?!" Kyouhei Takano barked in exasperation as he opened a bag of chips and sat comfortably on the soft carpet. He garbed on a yellow-cream shirt with aqua green stripes and a small black anchor was embroidered on the left chest area. He completed his look with a pair of light blue washed-up pants. So much for a relaxing day.
"What did you just say?!" Ranmaru turned and collected himself in spite of his irritation towards Kyouhei, "Why are you here in the first place?! Have you forgotten that you have your own room next door?!" I shouldn't have invited him and destroy my beloved vacation!
"We all agreed to stay here for awhile," Yuki Toyama prompted while he kept his eyes glued on the movie on the large flat screen television he played few minutes ago. He sure loves to pick a fight on Kyouhei. Donned in maroon collared short-sleeved shirt and denim carpenter's shorts, he positioned himself next to Kyouhei with crossed legs.
"Hmpf..." Ranmaru conceded and chose to seat on the white sectional modern sofa. Why do I always feel like I am the bad guy here? It was my idea to come here anyway.
Opposite to him, Takenaga Oda snickered silently as he witnessed how his two blonde friends outnumbered Ranmaru. Ha ha ha...He should have just kept his mouth shut. He picked out a blue sleeveless top with thin horizontal stripes and white washed out jeans to wear that afternoon.
Ranmaru had a feeling that he was laughed at by Takenaga but ignored him instead. Heh...Mister high and mighty.
"Where's Nakahara?" Kyouhei looked up at Takenaga as he bit a piece of potato chip. I'm getting hungry and it's almost dinner time.
"You missed her already?" Takenaga teased coyly except he received a squinted eye stare from Kyouhei. He's scarier than last time and every time he's hungry. Since they started to pair up Kyouhei and Sunako as Ruu's parents, his tall yellow-haired pal developed sudden temper issues, "She had to change Ruu. Don't worry she won't run away from you."
"Don't start, Takenaga," Kyouhei gave him his last intent look and moaned as he picked the last piece of his chips. This is just great! I ran out of chips. He looked around for spare bags and saw Yuki's opened but untouched bag. Kyouhei quietly slipped his hand behind Yuki to grab the junk food that lay on the left far side.
Yuki was quick enough to notice what Kyouhei did and spanked his hand as Kyouhei touched the bag, "Not so fast Kyouhei!"
"Come on, share your food!" Kyouhei pouted, batted his eyes, and tried his best to lure Yuki into sharing his rations.
"No way," Yuki pulled his tongue out. You already had your share.
"There's still more in the fridge, Kyouhei," Takenaga rolled his eyes and directed his thumb, pointing towards the kitchenette. Two grown-up five year olds...
"Fine!" Kyouhei grabbed the empty bag and lazily rose from his feet. As he stood up, he saw the main door opened and revealed an eye-catching image.
Sunako Nakahara closed the door behind her as she cuddled Ruu, grasping tightly on a ruffle in her outfit. She was for the nth time forced to wear a baby pink rose-patterned frilly off-shoulder blouse with puffed sleeves and a white mid-thigh cullotes. Her legs appeared thinner and longer with her white wedge shoes. Without any make-up or jewellery own, she was surprisingly lovely. Sunako was left without any other choice except to put them on given that the boys packed her stuff, she had no other clothes to wear for three days, and they blackmailed her by using Ruu as bait. Why do I have to submit to this humiliation?! When this ends, I am going to murder them and I won't succumb to their sympathy!
Kyouhei's eyes widened with awe as he assessed her from head to foot. He had somehow acknowledged that Sunako can be gorgeous at certain times with force, threats, and rewards. But this time, Kyouhei felt something different about the Sunako Nakahara. She was donned with simplicity, beauty, and elegance. For a moment, Kyouhei felt time has stopped, as if everything froze in an instant. All he could see is an empty space with Sunako and him in it.
Is this love that I'm feeling
Is this the love that I've been searching for
Is this love or am I dreaming
This must be love, 'cause it's really got a hold on me, a hold on me...*
To Kyouhei's view, they were both shrouded with sparkling light and falling red rose petals. Unconsciously, Kyouhei felt sudden warmth in his cheeks and struggled to gulp down a large lump in his throat.
She's...she's beau...
"What's wrong Kyouhei? Are you alright?" Yuki arose from his feet as he was mystified by Kyouhei's sudden stillness. He looks all pale and sweaty. I wonder what happened to him.
Shit! What the heck?! Why did I just...? Taken aback, Kyouhei shook his head, erasing the unexplained display and sensation. He averted his sight from Sunako and crushed the empty bag on his hand. Get a grip, Takano!
"Nothing," Kyouhei hid his eyes and flushed cheeks with his hair as he strode towards the fridge. It's nothing...nothing...nothing...
Heh! What's this? Ranmaru detected Kyouhei's tensed reaction by accident. I got you Kyouhei Takano and it's a good thing I have a 20/20 vision.
"What's wrong with him?" Yuki was bemused, crossing his arms.
"Tsk...tsk...tsk...It's elementary, my dear Yuki," Ranmaru moved his finger like a ticking clock, "Can't you see who bewitched our handsome knight?"
Yuki discerned Ranmaru's reference and looked between Sunako and Kyouhei, "Ooooohhh..."
"The fairest maiden before us captured his lonely heart and this is a sign from the heavens," Ranmaru ogled the idea of Kyouhei 'love at first sight' experience.
"What are you talking about?" Sunako finally spoke as she was perplexed with Ranmaru's otherworldly statements.
"Ahhh...thy innocence will surely ignite thy handsome prince's passion and affection towards you," Ranmaru stood up, walked towards Sunako, and bowed down like an English gentleman.
"What's with him?" Takenaga leaned from his seat as he asked Yuki and pointed his lips on Ranmaru.
"It's Kyouhei."
Takenaga only managed to grin as he concluded what the commotion was about. He's picking on Kyouhei, again. He peeked on Kyouhei who was inaudibly standing by the fridge. Still, Kyouhei was easy to read.
Meanwhile, Kyouhei simply stood in front of the refrigerator with his hand on the handle. He heard everything what Ranmaru exclaimed. He was being talked about and the reference of a 'handsome knight and prince' was him.
"Shut up, Ranmaru!" Kyouhei roared as he opened the appliance and snatched a canned tropical juice. He could still hear Ranmaru's recitals, but the words 'lonely heart', 'passion', and 'affection' echoed on his head. Irritably, he lifted the soda lid and drank the juice in one gulp.
I can't stop the feeling; I've been this way before
But, with you I've found the key to open any door
I can feel my love for you, growing stronger day by day
And I can't wait to see you again
So I can hold you in my arms...*
That Ranmaru! He is really ticking me off! He mashed the drained soda can with both hands and pitched it directly on Ranmaru's forehead, "I am not in love!"
The crumpled tin can was a direct hit and gave rise to a bump on Ranmaru's brow.
"Who said you're in love?!" Ranmaru was close to tears as he touched the growing lump. Ouch! You'll pay for this, Kyouhei Takano! You will regret that you messed with the great Ranmaru Morii.
"Kyouhei, Ranmaru never mentioned about you being in love," Yuki supported Ranmaru's statement as he try to stand in between Ranmaru and Kyouhei, who stomped towards the scarlet-haired chap.
"Ooohh...let's see, you finally realized that you are in love," Ranmaru mocked, adding fuel to the fire.
"Ranmaru, stop it!," Yuki pleaded and turned to their only savior every time the two lads fight, "Takenaga, do something!"
Why does it have to be me? Takenage sighed, "Stop it, you two!"
"Heh! You are just in denial." Ranmaru continued.
"Are you diverting your failed attempts of seduction to your ladies and frustration towards me?"
"Failed attempts? Me?! Don't talk as if you've fallen in love."
"Right back at you! You never even experienced it before."
"Now, Kyouhei..." Takenaga knew that it was a direct hit on Ranmaru since he knew or remembered that his red-haired friend never talked about 'loving a single woman' and being a 'one-lady man'. Or maybe he was wrong.
"Sunako, help us..." Yuki pleaded to the aloof girl who started her way towards the sectional cushioned seat.
"They started it and they have to finish it by themselves," Sunako plopped down on the sofa, placed Ruu on the carpeted floor, and handed him a stuffed rabbit she found on the seat.
"You bet!" Kyouhei nodded in agreement and seized Ranmaru's shirt and retracted his long limb to send the crimson-haired lad into a cold state. I'm going to knock you dead!
"Kyouhei!" Takenaga and Yuki dived between the two men stopping Kyouhei him from hitting Ranmaru.
I'm too sexy for my love, too sexy for my love
Love's going to leave me
I'm too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt
Too sexy that it hurts
And I'm too sexy for Milan, too sexy for Milan, New York and Japan...**
However, a bizarre tone came from Ranmaru's pants saved him from being knocked down.
"Huh?" Kyouhei halted as he heard the music continued. Yuki and Takenaga looked at each other with bewilderment. The trio finally raised their eyebrows at Ranmaru.
"What?" Ranmaru startled as he was gazed at and grabbed his mobile phone from his pocket, "It's a new thing. You can use a song as a ringing tone."
"Seriously, Ranmaru?" the boys chuckled as the song continued.
"Well, the song fits me; I'm too sexy that I can't even handle it."
"Just answer it!"
Men are idiots...Sunako rolled her eyes, ignored them, and kept her eyes on Ruu.
"Yes, Oto-sama?" Ranmaru flipped his phone and answered the call. He knew that every time his father calls, it is always urgent. What is it this time?
"Ranmaru, I want you and your friends to attend the Opening Gala tonight. I have sent Yamada-san to deliver your clothes in your room and there will be no exceptions. Got it?" Morii-san's voice echoed the entire room.
"Hai. If you say so," Ranmaru ended their conversation and looked at his housemates, "you heard my old man. We're going to a party."
"Can't we just stay here?" Yuki pouted. I want to finish the movie.
"No can do. You know my father; he's scary like Oba-san!" Ranmaru said and turned to Kyouhei and Sunako, "and you two, you're also going!"
"I have to look after Ruu," Sunako plainly explained. I can't stand parties, more so dressing up.
Darn it! She got a good excuse. Kyouhei bit his lower lip, "Why don't you go by yourself? I'm not in the mood for parties anyway."
"Ohhh...I see. Since Sunako's not going, you're not attending too, huh?" Ranmaru's eyes glinted with mischievousness.
"Don't start again, Ranmaru. I told you I'm not good in social gatherings," Annoyed, Kyouhei paced towards the kitchen.
"I'm not going," Yuki reminded him and turned at Takenaga, "How about you Takenaga?"
"Well, if everybody's not going, I'll have to pass too," Takenaga lifted his shoulders and sighed, "sorry, Ranmaru."
"WHAT?! Some friends!" Ranmaru shrieked in disbelief and walked towards the main door after he heard loud knocks. He opened the door and he saw Yamada-san and a bellman with a hotel cart behind them. Ranmaru noticed four tailor-made tuxedos, one rouge pink formal dress, and one infant-sized tuxedo hanged on the golden trolley and each item was wrapped in transparent wardrobe bags.
That was fast. Ranmaru thought as he studied the wardrobe.
"Good afternoon, Ranmaru-sama. I am here to deliver the clothes you are about to wear for the gala tonight." Yamada bowed and signaled the bellman to enter the room, who then directed the hotel cart in the middle of the vast living area.
"Wait, we didn't agree to this!" Kyouhei barked from the kitchen. Crap! I'm not going to wear a tuxedo!
"That's right. We've already decided that we're not going," Yuki seconded. Though, I want to see what it looks like in an opening night.
"Please do come to the party. Danna-sama will be expecting you," Yamada bowed and left them.
"Looks like we don't have a choice now," Takenaga walked towards the cart and inspected each outfit, "Kyouhei and Sunako will go together." It was an order from Takenaga and not a request.
"Wait! Why me?" Kyouhei protested and almost choked as he chomped a handful of chips into his mouth.
Don't talk when your mouth is full. Takenaga looked disturbed as he studied Kyouhei.
How disgusting. Yuki groaned.
So much for a well-known bishounen. Ranmaru slapped his face in disappointment.
"I can't. I am babysitting Ruu," Sunako objected. And I don't want to go to a party.
"We'll be attending the ball but you have to go first then we'll come by a little later. Leave Ruu to us," Takenaga justified as he crouched to cuddle Ruu, "Kyouhei, you will be Sunako's date tonight."
Yuki glanced at Takenaga. So, he wants to pair them up again.
"WHAT?! Are you crazy?" Kyouhei shouted and marched towards the living room, "I won't escort her. Ask Ranmaru!" Not with her again. Who knows what she'll do there.
"I have to agree with him! This is absurd!" Sunako stood from her seat and seconded. Why do I always have to go with him? I can't even stand his radiance.
"Now," Takenaga pointed out, "we did have a deal. Both of you have to play as Ruu's parents until the real ones showed up. But before that day comes, you have to settle with your differences and somehow show Ruu that his 'parents' loved each other. You both agreed with my terms." He emphasized the word 'parents' and gave the couple an intent and deadly stare.
"Right! You have to set a good example for him," Ranmaru chimed in.
"This is unforgivable! You're using the kid against us," Kyouhei was displeased and made a fist. It's always their way and I end up looking after Nakahara.
That's the point. "Now, Kyouhei," Ranmaru winked, "Don't be a bad daddy and husband, okay?"
"No way!" Kyouhei stepped back and tried to escape but he was hindered as Ranmaru lassoed him.
"You're not going anywhere," Ranmaru pulled him back. It's payback time, blondie.
"Yuki, help me!" Kyouhei moved violently. Why do I always have to go through this?!
"Sorry, Kyouhei," Yuki felt remorseful and couldn't look at Kyouhei. I'm with Takenaga and Ranmaru.
"Where are you going Sunako?" Takenaga sensed that Sunako creeped towards the main entrance door. I am already a master of your escape plans, Sunako. He handed Ruu to Yuki and his eyes sparkled as he elongated a thick rope he mysteriously got from somewhere.
"Eh?"
"Are you trying to escape?"
"Nooo...please..." Sunako screamed as the loop landed on her waist and she was dragged by Takenaga, "I'm begging you...I don't want to go to the party! Pleaseeeeee..."
"I'm really sorry," Yuki heaved a sigh as he saw Kyouhei and Sunako being yanked into one of the bedrooms.
"Mama, Papa," Ruu cooed as he saw two known individuals close to him in a helpless situation.
A/N:
*Is This Love by Whitesnake
**I'm Too Sexy by Right Said Fred
First of all, gomennasai since it took me a very long time to update. I'm studying and working overseas now so it's pretty rough with all the adjustments. From time to time, I try to write so please bear with me. But then, thank you for the continued support. ^_^