CHAPTER 12
Hikaru returns to his room. He hesitated with the key in his hand. Finally, left with no option he opens the door and walks in.
Akira is sitting on the chair with a book in his hand. He did not turn to look at Hikaru. Hikaru did not know whether this is a good sign or bad sign. Nevertheless, he doesn't want to confront or face Akira. He went straight to the bathroom and shower. Once out, he lies down on the bed and covers himself with the blanket. Soon, he was snoring and did not even hear the sound of Akira shutting his book with a thud.
Next morning...
"Rise and shine!!!" Waya shouts at Isumi.
"Em... Waya, you woke up so early... it's only eight."
"Well, it's morning Isumi. We have one whole day to ourselves so we must make good use of the time!"
"Come on, let's go wake Hikaru up!"
Hikaru again... Isumi suddenly lost all interest to go out. If Waya is going to talk about nothing but Hikaru, he might as well stay here for some peace and quiet.
"I'm not feeling well today... why don't you go out with them?"
"What? Isumi, are you alright?"
"Yeah... I'm alright. Just a little headache. Maybe I don't get enough sleep..."
"I'm sorry I woke you up..." Waya said apologetically.
"Don't worry, it's not you... go and have fun, I'll be fine here."
"Maybe you should take some medicine. I have some in my bag, just in case. Here, take this." Waya handed him a few tablets. Isumi accepted them but simply put it aside (he's not sick anyway).
"You need water?"
"I'm fine... I'll take them after breakfast. You can't take medicine in empty stomach anyway."
"Right... can you go down for breakfast? Or you need me to bring them for you?"
"I can go down and eat them later... I'll just sleep a little longer..." and he pretends to doze off. Waya looks at Isumi in a worried expression. Perhaps it's better for him to accompany Isumi here? But he can't miss this wonderful opportunity to be with Hikaru the whole day!
"Sleep well Isumi..." Waya whispers and left.
DING DONG DING DONG
The doorbell rang a couple of times. Finally Hikaru opens the door while rubbing his eyes.
"HIKARU!!!" Waya pops in happily and fully energized.
"Em... Waya... so...so... ear—ly ..." Hikaru yawns.
"Come on; let's go explore the areas in Beijing! Don't you think the capital is interesting? They have markets and lots of Chinese restaurant down the street!!! Let's try them all!!!"
"This is China. Of course they have Chinese Restaurants every where."
"Let's go!!! It's a holiday today!"
"Yeah, we rest on holiday..."
"... ... ... ..." Waya pouts at the door.
"Alright alright... give me some time to get ready..." Hikaru scratch his head and finally gave up.
CRACK
"What's going on? It's so loud..." a messy looking Yashiro opens his door and pops his head out to see Waya standing in front of Hikaru's door.
"Yashiro, good morning. Waya suggests we explore Beijing and its food." Hikaru finished with a laugh.
"Um... that's a good idea. I'd rather do that than to stay in the room."
"I don't remember inviting you."
"Ahaha the more the merrier... hurry up and prepare, Yashiro. Remember to call Ochi. Oh yea, get Honda and Kurata-san too. We'll meet at the lobby."
"What? I—"Waya began but Hikaru closed the door.
He walked towards Honda's room angrily. This is supposed to be a date with Hikaru since Isumi won't be coming. He did not plan to ask the others to join in. Why must Yashiro (oh yea, blaming on his rival-in-love is easier than blaming on Hikaru) spoil it for him...
"Waya asks us to go for a walk around this area." Hikaru spoke without looking at Akira.
"I'm not going."
"What? Why?"
"I just don't feel like going out."
"Aren't you bored in the room?"
"That's my own problem."
"Why are you saying that?"
"I can say what I want. Or do I need your permission?"
"... What's wrong with you?"
"Nothing is wrong with me. What is wrong with YOU?"
"Nothing... I'm fine."
"Then why have you been avoiding me since yesterday?"
"What? You must be mistaken. I did not avoid you." Hikaru looks away.
"Liar." And he sat down pretending to read his book. Akira did not want to continue this meaningless argument since Hikaru is not being honest. It's pointless to argue with a person who denies everything.
"Fine. I'll go out with them. You can stay here and do whatever you want." Hikaru spoke firmly though he had no idea why he's feeling angry. Or is it because his rival had guessed what his heart says?
Indeed, he left the room with anger.
Down at the lobby, Hikaru met up with Waya, Ochi, Yashiro and Honda.
"Where's Touya?" Ochi asks.
By the mention of that name, Hikaru's face became red with fury.
"He doesn't want to come." He controls himself.
"What? Why? He's not feeling well?" Ochi is concern.
"What do I care? If he doesn't want to come then just leave him! Let's go!" Everyone was surprised at Hikaru's tone. He sounds... angry.
"Oi, Shindo! What happened? Did you argue with Touya?" Ochi couldn't stop pestering Hikaru for details.
"Leave me alone will you!?" Hikaru shouted at Ochi. Then looking at the boy's resentful look, he apologizes.
"I'm sorry. He said he doesn't want to come along. That's all. If you don't believe me, you can ask him yourself."
All the others are unable to utter a word. They didn't know what to say... but surely, surely something had happened between those two. Yashiro blames himself for being part of the problem. If only he had agreed to Hikaru's suggestion of exchanging partner for the night then this might not have happened. (Well Yashiro, if you do that the problem is going to be worse).
Everyone else walks gloomily. Waya is beginning to wish that Isumi is here with him...
A/N: Fu... finally have time to upload this new chap!!! The earlier chapters were a little short I mean the contents for one chap is kinda short... I will promise you guys future chapters will be longer!