CHAPTER 7 - THE FESTIVAL
Fuji was unusually quiet on the way back from the beach. He really didn't know what to expect from Tezuka anymore. Doing something like that…It was getting more and more difficult to hate the guy when he was being this sweet to him. Fuji found himself fast forgetting the reason to that.
"Do you want to go to the village after breakfast?" Tezuka asked, breaking the silence.
Even if he had said otherwise, Fuji could tell how tired Tezuka was from the obvious dark smudges under his eyes. "Not until you have a good rest first."
"I'm fine."
"No, you are not! I'm not going to be answerable to your grandmother if you happened to collapse on the way."
Tezuka stopped in his stride and searched Fuji's eyes. "Is that the only reason that you are concerned?" he asked softly.
The expectant tone in Tezuka's voice disturbed Fuji. "What other reason is there?" he replied peevishly.
Tezuka looked away. "Nothing." He sounded disappointed at Fuji's answer. "All right then, we'll go after lunch if you'd like."
They walked in an awkward silence after that. Fuji bit his lips. What was Tezuka hoping for me to say?
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
Tezuka brought Fuji to the village after lunch as promised. Fuji chose a pair of sturdy Japanese slippers this time for the trip. No more high heels.
During their entire short hike to the village, Tezuka held fast onto Fuji's hand. Fuji didn't protest or pull away. The truth was, he was secretly thrilled to have Tezuka's warm hand enveloping his slightly smaller one.
They were greeted by a flurry of activities on their arrival. Brightly colored ornaments, banners, flags and streamers of all shapes and sizes were festooned everywhere. There was a makeshift stage in the center, and wooden stalls being set up neatly in two rows.
"What is going on, Tezuka?" Fuji asked in astonishment.
"They are preparing for tomorrow night's annual festival, which is held to commemorate the founding of this village. There will be lots of food, games and performances, and later, a display of fireworks," Tezuka explained. "We can come for it if you want."
Fuji nodded. It sounded like fun.
As they walked into the village proper, Fuji was amazed to find how quaint and laid back it was. It looked like some scene straight out of a movie. There was a surreal feel to his surroundings, right down to the buildings itself. Fuji marveled at everything he came across. Things so outdated that he didn't know they existed in this age and era. He had to rely on Tezuka to brief him on them, which the other boy did perfectly. Fuji was seeing him in a new respectful light now, thinking how smart Tezuka was to have such vast knowledge.
They went to visit the temple and then headed to the various shops lined nearby. Fuji's camera was clicking away at everything in sight. He couldn't get enough pictures of them. He also found himself secretly taking some photos of Tezuka as well, without thinking too deeply as to why he did that.
Everywhere they went, they received friendly greetings. Fuji even got a few cat calls, much to his embarrassment. The people in this village seemed to know Tezuka very well. They almost always stop him to have a chat.
"Kunimitsu, it's about time you pay us old folks a visit!"
"Tezuka-kun, long time no see! Coming to visit your grandmother again?"
"Wow, you got yourself a girlfriend this time! She's a beauty. What's your name, love?" a few suggestive winks directed at Fuji.
"Kunimitsu, be sure to make yourself available for the festival tomorrow night. It'll be grander than most this year, I tell you. And bring that nice girlfriend of yours as well."
Tezuka answered all these with his usual aloofness and charm, or lack of it, in his case. The villagers liked him all the same.
Fuji had such a wonderful time exploring the village that he was almost reluctant to leave when the time came. He promised to come and visit again if the opportunity ever arose.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
That night, at dinner, Tezuka's grandmother chatted animatedly about the upcoming festival. She then gave Fuji an appraising look. "We have to get you a kimono, Fuji-chan. Allthe young ladies wear them at the festival. I think Ayana's old one will suit you. You are just about the size."
What? I have to wear a kimono?
She eyed Fuji critically. "Though you are much skinnier, and less well-endowed…." As if that served as a reminder to her, she began to heap more food onto Fuji's bowl. "Eat more, eat more!"
"….."
Fuji looked at Tezuka for help but the other boy remained silent, save for a tiny quirk of amusement on his lips.
Tezuka's grandmother asked Fuji to accompany her to the attic after dinner. After rummaging around for a while, she finally found the box that she wanted. Fuji quickly went to give her a hand.
"Ah, here is the kimono that I want you to wear," the old lady exclaimed happily as she pulled out an old but well-preserved kimono. It was made from rich blue silk and shot through with silver embroidery of sakura blossoms. It was the most beautiful piece of clothing Fuji had ever seen.
"You shouldn't have, Obaasan," Fuji said in awe.
The old lady waved it aside. "Nonsense. This kimono will look good on you. It brings out the blue in your eyes." She smiled. "Do you need help in wearing it tomorrow?"
"Ah..no, no, that's not necessary," Fuji hastened to reply. Tezuka's grandmother might just faint from shock if she happened to see something that shouldn't be there…. "I'm an expert at it, really. My mother taught me."
She nodded amicably. Then, as if just remembering, she fished something out from the folds of her kimono. "And, this is for you as well, Fuji-chan."
Fuji accepted the object in his hand. It was a pendant made from the purest white jade and carved to resemble a phoenix. The artwork was exquisite. It must have worth a fortune…
"I…I can't receive such an expensive gift, Obaasan," Fuji stuttered.
"Are you going to refuse this old lady the whole night?" she asked archly.
"But…"
"I gave the same pendant to Kunimitsu but it has the image of a dragon instead of a phoenix. Kunimitsu must have like you very much if he went through the trouble of bringing you here. This is my gift for both of you. It is said that these pendants will strengthen the bonds between lovers. You are not going to make this old lad sad by refusing this gift, are you?"
Fuji had no other choice but to accept. His earlier misgivings about deceiving Tezuka's grandmother came back to haunt him now. She was putting too much hope in him and he felt bad at having to eventually disappoint her.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
The next night dawned with excited bustle from the guests at the onsen as well. They got the news of the festival and were looking forward to enjoy themselves there.
Tezuka found Fuji in their room, struggling with his kimono. His cheeks were flushed with exertion.
"Allow me." Tezuka deftly turned him around. A tuck here and several folds there. Finally a pull, and he was done with Fuji's kimono.
"Hey, where did you learn to do that?" Fuji asked, amazed.
"I have a keen eye for observation," came Tezuka's impassive reply. "Come out to the porch when you are ready. I'll be waiting there."
After another bout of fussing over his hair with the flower clip Tezuka's grandmother had kindly provided him, Fuji was finally ready to go. If I have to dress up like a girl, I might as well go all the way…..
He put on a pair of Japanese clogs and slowly made his way to the porch. Although the kimono was kind of restricting, it was still indisputably better than all the other clothes Yumiko had packed for him.
Fuji found Tezuka sitting on the porch, eyes fixed far away on the twinkling lights of the village below. The festival had already started, by the looks of it. Music could be heard wafting up to them.
Tezuka turned his head and smiled when he heard Fuji approached. He got up.
As Fuji got his first good glimpse of Tezuka, he realized just how impressive the other boy looked in his black yukata. He was made for wearing those traditional clothes.
"Ah…you look nice," Fuji found himself commenting before he could stop himself.
"You look…beautiful as well," Tezuka returned the compliment. "I like what you did to your hair." His eyes were hungrily devouring Fuji.
"Don't look at me like that, you pervert." But Fuji couldn't stop himself from blushing. I swear I'm turning more and more into a girl the longer I spent with Tezuka……
Tezuka held out a hand to him. "Shall we get going then?"
Fuji nodded, and unassumingly put his hand in Tezuka's.
00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000
The festival was already in full swing by the time they reached there. There were a lot of people milling around, chattering excitedly and enjoying the merriment. Children were running about, playing hide-and-seek and catch-the-thief with their friends.
Fuji was entranced. He went from stall to stall, trying everything in sight. There were all kinds of souvenirs and food there. Tezuka bought him a stick of sweetened crab apples, which was surprisingly delicious. They also got themselves some takoyaki.
Fuji tried his hand in snatching the goldfish too, but it wasn't as easy as it seemed. Finally, he managed to catch one, but gave it to a small child who had been eyeing wistfully at the fish in the tank.
On the stage, singing and dancing performances had already begun. There was also to be a karaoke contest. Fuji thoroughly enjoyed himself watching these.
At last, it was time for the fireworks. Tezuka dragged him to an isolated clearing. "We can see the fireworks better from here," he told Fuji.
There was a loud boom, and suddenly the sky was lit up by the many intricate patterns of fireworks. Fuji stared at them, mesmerized.
Tezuka was maintaining his hold on Fuji's hand all through the night. He turned towards Fuji now. "May I kiss you?"
Fuji looked at him. Just do it if you want to. You don't have to ask me, you idiot……
As Tezuka slowly bent his face forward, Fuji closed his eyes in anticipation…..
"Well, well, what do we have here?" came a sneering voice. Tezuka and Fuji broke apart as if being caught in a compromising position.
A tall, mean-looking youth emerged from the surrounding foliage with a couple of his goons following close behind. He had spiky grey hair and small piggy eyes. He looked like some nasty character out of a story book.
Fuji felt Tezuka stiffened beside him.
"Tezuka Kunimitsu. Fancy seeing you here," the youth said. He looked at Fuji. "What is a four-eyed wimp like you doing with such a pretty chick?"
"Akutsu," Tezuka muttered, his body rigid and unmoving. It was almost as if Tezuka was afraid of this Akutsu. Fuji found that unbelievable.
Akutsu reached out to pull Fuji roughly to him. "You are much better off with me, sugar. What say we go somewhere, just the two of us, uh?" he leered at Fuji in a sickening way.
Fuji glanced at Tezuka, who still remained rooted to the spot. Isn't Tezuka coming to my rescue?
Akutsu was talking to him again. "Come on, sweetheart. I know just the place where we can get to know each other, really, really, well." He made a grab at Fuji and tried to force a kiss on him.
Fuji snapped. Putting all his strength behind it, he dealt a blow to Akutsu's jaw. A resounding crack ensued. Fuji tried to keep himself from wincing in pain, afraid that he might have broken his knuckles with that blow. He could just imagined what Akutsu must be feeling right now.
"Unhand me, you brute!" Fuji jerked his hand free from Akutsu's grip. I have my male pride and I refused to be man-handled like this……
Akutsu was holding his injured jaw with murder in his eyes. He looked as if he was going to hit Fuji in return.
"So, you have resorted to hitting girls now?" Fuji taunted in disgust.
Akutsu glared at him but didn't attack.
"Good. At least you still have some decency in you. But too bad I have no such qualms to do this," Fuji told him before aiming a hard kick at…Akutsu's nether region. How he did that in that kimono of his was beyond Fuji as well.
Akutsu's eyes bulged before he collapsed onto the ground. While his goons were bust fawning over their leader, Fuji dragged Tezuka away as quickly as possible.
"How is that hand of yours?" Tezuka asked, finally coming out of his trance-like state.
Fuji glared at him. "Oh? Did it just occur to you now that I might have been injured?"
Tezuka didn't reply, or else he was too ashamed to say anything.
When they arrived back at the onsen, Tezuka spoke again. "Let me have a look at you hand. It needs to be tended to." He went to fetch the first-aid kit.
Fuji's knuckles were scrapped, but otherwise fine. He could still move all fingers. Nothing broken. When Tezuka applied some salve on it with a cotton, the sting made Fuji yelled. "Ouch! Watch it, buster!"
"Don't be such a baby," Tezuka told him mildly, continuing to clean the wound.
Fuji gave him an ominous glare. "You are the one to talk," he said sourly. "Why the hell did you freak out back there? Didn't you have a black belt in karate or something?"
Tezuka kept his gaze safely averted. He looked like he wasn't proud of the way he acted back there as well. "I guess I still have that childhood phobia of mine when I saw Akutsu," he mumbled.
"What phobia?" Fuji didn't know anything could ruffle Tezuka's composure.
Tezuka heaved a sigh. Reluctantly, he told Fuji his story. "I've known Akutsu since I was six. A bunch of us, including Akutsu and my best friend, Oishi, used to play together whenever I came to visit my grandmother here."
"We actually didn't want to hang out with Akutsu, because even from young, he already had that cruel streak in him. He would torture everything he could get his hand on, like plucking out all the feathers of an injured bird and breaking its wings before feeding it to his cat."
"One day, he became curious to know why things float in water and chose Oishi and I to test out his theory, because we were the only two who dared to occasionally stood up to him. He made our friends tied our hands up and attached huge rocks to our feet. Then, he threw us into the sea and watched if we would float up with all that weight. Luckily, one of the kids got scared of the game and went to the village for help. I was saved from drowning, but…."
Tezuka's expression was grim. "But my friend Oishi, wasn't so lucky. Because he panicked, he took in a huge gulp of water and drowned within minutes."
Fuji was shocked to hear such a morbid tale. "What about Akutsu? Wasn't he punished for this?"
Tezuka laughed bitterly. "He was only mildly reprimanded because they assumed he didn't know better since he was still a kid. And moreover, he was the village chief's grandson. They didn't dare make a big deal out of it, so it was treated as a freak accident."
"Is that why you are afraid of the sea?" Fuji asked shrewdly, recalling Tezuka's reluctance to join him the other day.
Tezuka nodded. "It reminds me of my friend, Oishi. That incident really made a deep impact in me. I became withdrawn and distrustful of people, and for a time, I didn't even come to visit my grandmother here, for fear of running into Akutsu."
Fuji felt as if he could almost sympathize with that little Tezuka. To have your best friend dying on you this way….. No wonder Tezuka was so cold and aloof most of the times.
Tezuka finished bandaging Fuji's hand and gave him a strain smile. "There, it's done. We need to go to bed now. We have a long trip in front of us tomorrow."
He turned off the light. As Fuji lay there in the darkness, he found himself getting more and more intrigued by Tezuka.
A/N: I know, I know, I killed Oishi off even without him making an appearance in this fic (running away from Oishi fans). But I couldn't think of any other best friend for Tezuka. :P Once again, thank you for those lovely reviews. Hope you enjoy this chapter! Thoughts appreciated. ;)
P/s: Thanks Reddwarfer, for correcting on my mistake in the previous chapter. :D I could've sworn I wanted to type stigma…probably my computer had gone auto-correcting it and I must've missed it. Thanks again.