Amaru-chan: Yuii-chan, this isn't the end of the fiction, is it? because if it's the end..i'm going to cry..i can't read this fic more...Hikzz
this fic is really good...but since i don't understand about the pairing, can you make this fic's pairing to AkiraHikaru or HikaruAkira, because i love them both..
A/N: Haha no, this is not the end! Thanks for loving it so much!!! –hugs amaru-chan- yes… basically this is an AkiHika pairing which I love most in all other pairing! Please continue to read although I don't see many people favour this fic Hahaha! But as an author… I feel that as long as someone, even one person enjoys reading it, I will continue to upload. Thanks for your support!!!
CHAPTER 14
"What time is it now?" Honda forgot to wear his watch today.
"A quarter past ten." Hikaru answers.
"Right. Now that we had had our breakfast… what shall we do?" Waya walks along with the others.
"Why don't we get a map first?" Yashiro is still worried.
"I say we should find out where we are first. Seriously, no one can understand or speak Chinese here?" Ochi looks around.
"What do you expect? You don't know Chinese either." Yashiro looks back at him.
"Then why don't we look for someone who understands Japanese or English…?" Hikaru suggests.
"What? I am terrible at English. Who can speak English well here?" Honda asks in a panic voice.
"Wait a moment… where do you guys plan to go? Let's say we know where we are now… then what will you do? Go back to the hotel or continue to walk around?" Yashiro feels insecure
"Maa… that will have to depends how long it takes us to find out our current location and the way back to hotel. If it's still early, I don't mind exploring this place. It looks interesting." Hikaru smiled at them.
Yashiro let out a long sigh and said, "So what now?"
"Come on, let's go over there and asks some of people for directions…" Waya points to a crowded shop nearby. It's more convenient to ask around especially when there's a group of people. One or two of them might be able to help.
Finally, after half an hour of asking around with both English and Japanese, they found out that they have been walking towards the north of Beijing. Their hotel is only fifteen minutes ride with a taxi. Therefore they decided to have fun instead and travel further up.
"Hey, isn't it dangerous to keep going north? We are getting further from the hotel." Honda hopes they will turn back.
"Don't worry. We can get taxi everywhere. Just tell them the hotel's name and they will know. Going back certainly isn't a problem. We are not out for nothing." Waya assures Honda.
"Hey, stop by at this market! Let's look around!" Hikaru's excitement affects the others.
They walk around the market to see lots of interesting things. Whatever you want can be found here without hassle.
"Waya, what's wrong?" Hikaru saw him staring into space.
"Ah? Em, I am a little worried about Isumi. He looks pale this morning when I woke him up. I wonder if he remembers to take the medicine I gave him."
"Give him a call then."
"There's no need for that by the way, I want to surprise him with the Dim Sum we bought for them." they take-away some dumplings for Isumi, Akira and Kurata.
"Hikaru… what … what happened this morning?" Waya whispers to him since the others are not around.
"…ah… nothing happens …" it's so hard to answer that question.
"You can always tell me … no matter what happens, I'll support you… I'll be on your side…" Waya blush upon finishing the sentence. It was something he had always wanted to tell Hikaru.
"Thanks…" Hikaru felt awkward. Those words… they sound like some sort of confession. Or is he wrong? It must be a mistake! Those are words of a friend showing support to another friend! Hahahaha Right!
"Hey look at this! It's a mini Go board keychain!!!" Hikaru exclaimed in excitement. Without further thought, he bought two of them.
"Oh? Why did you buy two?" Yashiro sneak up from behind and gave them a scare.
"Ugh… it's for my little cousin… he… he bugs me to buy a souvenir for him…" Hikaru stammers… it's a lie after all. It just crosses his mind to take two and pay for it. But deep down in his heart and conscience, he knew whom he wanted to give that to…
. Waya observes Hikaru but did not say anything.
"Oh, watches!!! I'll buy one for Isumi. It's so cheap and elegant!" Waya was busy choosing and comparing those watches.
"Why do you need to get him a new watch?" Yashiro butt in again (since when he becomes so busy body? Haha)
"Ah, I was taking a shower this morning and saw his watch inside the bathroom. He must have left it there last night and there's water in it. I guess he drop it in the bath tub or something… so I'm going to get him a new one. I don't want him to say I am stiingy to come home empty-handed. Hahaha"
"Yashiro, what did you buy?" it's Hikaru's turn to ask him.
"Em, I got some junk food here… and a few books. It's getting boring staying in the hotel anyway."
"Books? What type of books?" Ochi looks interested. Perhaps looking for a chance to make fun of him.
"…Chinese Guidebook, Chinese ki, Chinese-Japanese conversational guide and a map of Beijing! This is great! Yashiro I didn't know you are such a hardworking person." Hikaru browse through the paper bag he's holding.
"I just thought it might help. We will be here for two weeks. I hope at least I am able to learn something useful while I am here." he said them so seriously that Ochi couldn't pluck enough courage to make fun of him. Everyone else starts to ponder the matter in a serious manner. Why are they here? What will they learn here? What type of experience will they obtain?
"That Chinese Ki book and Chinese-Japanese conversational guide look interesting. Where's the bookshop?" Hikaru asks all of a sudden.
"Ne... over there." Yashiro points to the corner shop stacked with books. He was surprised at this sudden question.
"Yea, me too. I want to get some books. I'll just browse through and see if there's anything suitable for me…" and Waya disappears behind the crowd. Honda and Ochi followed him. Yashiro stood there alone. What's this sudden rush to the bookshop?
"Oi… why… YOU COPY CATS! WAIT UP!!!" Yashiro shouted behind them.
At the shop there indeed is a great deal of valuable books. Majorities are in Chinese but the shop also sells books in English, Japanese and Korean. It's a huge shop (it's a miracle that it's situated near the market) with tons of books neatly displayed on the shelves. They are divided into different sections and categories. Hikaru walks towards the section labeled 'Japanese' where all the books available there are in Japanese. Without wasting time, he picks up several books and starts flipping through them.
Honda and Ochi on the other hand are browsing through English books. Waya is at the corner looking through some cook books. Since he's staying alone, he might as well try cooking rather than going home for meals daily. Plus, Isumi does visit him regularly. It would be nice to cook something and both of them can enjoy it together.
Yashiro came in panting. He looks around and spots them scattered everywhere in the bookshop. What is this sudden interest in book? Just because he bought three books, they wanted to buy books too? Copy cats! Unable to understand the meaning of this action, Yashiro walks towards Hikaru.
"Shindo, what is this fuzz on books?"
"Yashiro, don't you understand?"
"That's why I ask you!"
"Hahaha what a slow guy!"
"SLOW!?"
"You said that to me, remember?" Hikaru grins wickedly at him.
"That was different! What's the meaning of this?"
"Well, you see… when we came here, all we thought of is simply Go and how to strengthen our skills and level. But we never give a serious thought on other aspects of life that we can learn here. Coming to China is not merely about ki… it's also about respecting the people, culture and country. Your determination inspires us. I suddenly felt that I have been ignorant and childish. Communication is vital in everywhere we go and I think it would be an advantage if I am able to speak the native language here. It would be a good experience to learn something. I respect them and their language… don't you think we are a little stuck up when we refuse to speak their language although we are here? We only rely on him (Akira) to do all the talking… now that we are all by ourselves; we look like a group of disabled people without his help. I look down on myself in this aspect."
Yashiro looks at Hikaru in disbelieve. He only said three sentences but it inspired everyone!? And to this level of understanding? Amazing!!! 'I can be a philosopher…' he was considering that idea seriously. But what's most amazing of all is the 'awakening' of Shindo Hikaru… realizing and understanding something of utter importance. Somehow, Yashiro felt that Hikaru is different now. However, he doubts the others realize that point as much as Hikaru.
After spending about an hour in the bookshop, everyone leaves with satisfaction. Their pockets are considerably lighter than this morning but it was all worth it.
"(Gasp!) It's already one in the afternoon! No wonder my stomach is growling… we spent too much time at the market…" Waya complains.
"I'm tired… Let's have lunch around here." Honda couldn't walk any further. He felt as though his leg weighs a ton.
"Me too… what's for lunch?" Yashiro asks.
"Is that Beijing duck? Want to try that? My grandfather told me it's good." Hikaru points to a stall opposite with roast duck hanging on the display mirror.
"Sounds good to me. Come on." Yashiro leads the way.
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After a delicious lunch, our five kishi commence their journey to north. Along the way, they observe the city folk's life and compare the difference with their lifestyle back in Japan. All around them are the hustle and bustle of city since Beijing is a capital but the further they go, the less noisy it gets. In fact, even the air smells fresher. The even saw few kids walking with a cow! (Which is a wonder to them since they—except Yashiro are staying in Tokyo)…
"Hey, how long have we walked?" Yashiro is out of breath.
"About an hour… but don't you think the journey is worthy? This part of the country is a bit more to the traditional lifestyle." Hikaru waves to a small boy who smiles at him.
"What time is it?" Honda asks.
"About four in the evening. I think we should head back to the hotel now. If it gets darker then we will be lost for sure." Waya suggests.
"I agree… its getting dark." Yashiro comments.
"Shindo, you still want to walk further north?" Honda asks while wiping sweat off his forehead. It's hot.
Hikaru took a peek a his watch… should they go back now? He knew the others are tired so it's better to head back to the hotel. Plus, they won't be able to find their way back when night falls.
"That's all for today. Let's head back." He smiled. The others were relieved at his decision.
"Smart choice. Hail a taxi." Yashiro tries to stop a cab coming their way but it ignores them.
"Sheesh" Waya hisses angrily.
"Maybe we have to line up in the taxi stand."
"What? Shindo, did you see any taxi stand here?" Ochi says sarcastically. There are only trees and grasses around them.
"Don't tell me we have to walk all the back to where we came from?" Honda moaned tiredly.
"… maybe we can get a taxi a little distance from here." Waya suggests.
"What? You want to go in deeper? No way am I moving if that's the case." Ochi speaks stubbornly.
"Then what do YOU suggests?" he asks Ochi back.
"Walk back to the town we came from. On the way get a taxi if we see one. This place looks like a country side. It's not possible to get a taxi further in the village unless you plan to stay here overnight." He spoke calmly.
"Ochi has got a point. It's best to follow the route we came from…" Hikaru felt guilty. Why does it feel as though it's his entire fault again? They end up in this situation because of him? He's at fault?
"Whatever it is, we better start moving now…" Yashiro leads them. Honda groans as his feet moves. How he wished he hadn't followed them today. Then he would be in the hotel enjoying a good afternoon nap.
It took them longer to walk back as they tend to slow down. After half an hour of walk there's still no sign of taxi.
"Oi, don't tell me they finish work early?" Yashiro is beginning to panic.
"How could it be? It's only half past four in the evening!" Waya exclaimed.
"Sigh how long do we need to walk?" Honda walks almost like a dead corpse.
No one answers him. They just concentrate on walking…and then suddenly, a taxi stops beside them!!!
"XXX XX XXX XXXX?" the driver asks.
"What… what is he saying? Yashiro take your book out… tran… translate what he says…" Waya panics.
"Ha? How is that possible? Don't you think it's better to get in the taxi first? What if he goes off?"
"XX XXXXX XXX X XXX. XXXX XX XXXXXX XXX?"
"What?" all of them said in unison. Finally… Ochi get in the front seat and says the name of the hotel they are staying in. The taxi driver nodded.
"XXX XX XXXX XXX…"
"Gosh, what is he saying?" Waya is getting irritated.
"Come on, let's get in." Hikaru says and get in the passenger seat. Waya and Yashiro get in too. But when Honda is about to enter, the driver stops him.
"XXXX XXX XX XXXXX."
"Huh?" Honda gave him a puzzled expression.
"Could it be that… that…" Yashiro stammers. It has that probability.
"What?" Hikaru and Waya ask him.
"The taxi can only fit four passengers." Ochi said from the front.
"NANI!?" Honda shouts.
"I think that is what he tries to say… that he will only pick four passengers. If he picks all five then he breaks the law." Ochi explains.
"But… but we can't leave Honda here!" Waya says.
"No… no, please don't leave me here… I will die!!!"
"… … … …" no one speaks. Everyone refuse to get down. They try to plead the driver but the law in China is very strict. If he breaks the rule, even if it's just this once and get caught, he might not be able to drive taxi anymore in his whole life. The driver refuses to take the risk.
"It's fine. I'll walk back or get another taxi… "Hikaru steps down.
"But Hikaru, it's getting late… and this place is quiet. It's dangerous to walk alone." Waya is getting concerned.
"Don't worry, I have no problem. You guys go ahead." he replied with a smile.
Honda didn't know what to say. He feels grateful but on the other hand, he felt horrible inside.
"I'll walk with you." Yashiro got out of the taxi as well. He knew Hikaru feels guilty into dragging them into this situation but seriously, it's not his fault.
Everyone is surprised but soon, Waya steps out too. He had decided to stand by Hikaru all the time no matter what. But now, the taxi driver is confused. His passengers are getting less. He hopes the other two will stay.
Ochi did not move. Honda is so tired that although he would like to join them he couldn't. And Waya slams the taxi door and it went away.
"Why did you get down?" Hikaru asks them.
"Because I am a fool." Yashiro replied while turning his head to the opposite direction.
"Me too…" Waya says.
"Hahahahahahaha" Hikaru laughs happily. He appreciates their support.
"That's not funny! Stop laughing or I'll leave you here alone!" Yashiro is blushing.
"If you leave, YOU will be alone!" Waya teases him.
"Wahahahahahaha" Hikaru laughs even harder.
"Stop laughing Shindo!" and Hikaru walks between them to stop their argument. Somehow, Waya doesn't hate Yashiro as much as he thought. In fact, he seems to think Yashiro is not such a bad guy and somehow reliable (are you sure?). Hikaru did not know what to say… he's very grateful and happy that he's not alone. There are friends around him.
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"Oh, you guys are back…" Kurata said when Honda opens his room door. He saw Isumi and Akira in the room. Kurata is having a match with Akira while Isumi observes the game.
"Actually… em…" Honda did not dare to look at them. He felt as though he had done something bad. Is this how a betrayer feels like? It certainly felt horrible to come back with Ochi in the taxi, leaving the others to walk… but it was their choice. He's not at fault. He did not do anything wrong. Did he?
"What is it?" Isumi starts to worry when he sees that guilty expression on Honda's face.
"Well… only I and Ochi are back… the others… they… they…" and then he breaks down and started crying.
A/N: Ahahahahaha I disappeared for a long time there! Was busy writing other fics and then there's uni, assignments, reports, tests and exams to tend to… but currently on holidaaaaaaaay!!!