A/N: Gomen ne minna! Its been soooooooooooooooooooo long since I last update any chapter! Amaru-chan's email somewhat reminds me that I still can't abandon this fic coz there's a long way to go before it's finished haha. So as to make up for the lost time and long wait of avid fans, I'll upload next chapter together (eto... give me few hours to edit in case you catch this fic right after its uploaded)!

Here goes…

CHAPTER 15

"What did you say!" Kurata didn't know how to response. This is really troublesome… it's already five something in the evening. Even the journey with taxi took them about an hour to travel back here.

"I… I'm sorry Kurata-san! The taxi driver refused to pick all five of us and there's no other taxi around… "

"It's alright… Not your fault. But you guys shouldn't have gone that far. I expect all of you to wander around this area."

"I'm sorry…" Honda apologized again. He told Kurata what happened from morning till now, when he reached back here safely.

"No, it's my fault. They are not familiar with the area and couldn't speak or understand Chinese… I should have followed them." Akira said solemnly. If something happens to Hikaru, he will never forgive himself.

Isumi on the other hand became pale and worried sick. He shouldn't have pretended to be sick… he should have accompanied Waya. What if something happens to that boy? He can be so careless sometimes, not to mention hot-headed…

"Enough… it's no one's fault so I don't want to hear anymore apologies. We have to figure out a way to solve this problem. Honda, go get Ochi." Kurata finally issued out orders.

Kurata picked up the phone and dialed the numbers of his only acquaintance in China.

"Yang Hai? I need your help… five of my kishi went out and three of them is still not back yet… yes… somewhere in the north area of Beijing… not sure… uh-huh… no… Shindo, Waya and Yashiro… yea… really? Alright, thanks a lot. I owe you one there." And he puts down the phone with a sigh.

"Kurata-san, what did Yang Hai-san said?" Akira is so worried that he wished he could go out and look for them immediately.

CRACK

The door opens and Honda walks in with Ochi.

"Yang Hai says he will look for them with his friends…"

"Kurata-san, shouldn't we go too? Maybe we can help."

"No Touya… there's nothing we can do except to wait for them to return safely. It's getting dark and we don't know the way. We might get lost if we go… and it would be far for Yang Hai to come here and then drive to the north. It would be faster for him to go there straight."

"… "Both Akira and Isumi nodded in disappointment. Honda just sat at the corner quietly. Ochi did not say anything. Kurata switched on the television.

"Ku…Kurata-san…"

"What Honda?"

"Must you switch on the television?"

"Why?"

"I… I don't want to hear the news reporting that something happens to them!"

"Ha? Are you out of your mind? Nothing will happen to them. They are just lost… don't forget, they have trained so hard and come this far to be a kishi. They won't let anything happen to themselves because they still have a long way to go." Kurata said with much confidence. This helps to calm them down a little.

"When they come back, I'm going to punish them." Kurata said in a serious tone. The others however are not too concerned about the punishment. Just sitting around and waiting is a torture. If only… if only there's something they could do to help…

"Come on, let's go."

"Kurata-san, are we going to look for them?" Isumi asked anxiously.

"No. we are going down for dinner." They became silent.

"Aren't you going for dinner?" Kurata asked. Surely these boys are hungry.

"Iyaa… it's alright. I am not hungry… I'll wait here… just in case they come back."

"Me... me too." Isumi joins in.

"Touya, Isumi, don't worry about them. They'll be fine. Come, let's go for dinner."

They could not reject Kurata's invitation. He is, after all their leader. But down at the table, no one except Kurata is able to feast himself. Akira hardly touches his food.

"Come on, don't sulk like that. Eat!" Kurata said to Akira and Isumi.

"Sorry…" Akira apologized and lifted his fork.

"What time is it?" Honda asked gloomily.

"Seven thirty." Akira replied. It's been more than two hours now. What could have happened to them?

"Hm… they should be hungry by now…" Kurata said in between mouthful of meat.

"Will they… will they be eaten by wolves or something? I mean, that place looks like a country side with bushes and trees around… there's a possibility of wild animals…" Honda started jabbering nonsense.

"Honda, get a grip. Don't scare them." Kurata said. What Honda just mentioned had begun to scare the others. Although Akira is someone with logic and senses but he can hardly be logical anymore when emotions are involved. He started to imagine the worst possibilities after Honda mentioned about wolves and wild animals.

"Kurata!"

Everyone turned to see Yang Hai walking towards their table. Akira and Isumi immediately stood up. They could feel as though their heart stopped a beat when no one walks behind Yang Hai. Both Akira and Isumi expect to see Hikaru, Waya and Yashiro following Yang Hai in.

"Yang Hai-san! Where are they? Did you find them?" Isumi rushed to his side.

"Yang Hai, you found them?" Kurata is still chewing his food.

"… Don't worry. They are safe and sound. But seems like grown-up Le Ping sprained his ankle. We found them walking along the main road… looking so exhausted."

"Oh Thanks a lot, Yang Hai. These kids are really troublesome."

"Really… how could you still have the appetite to eat?"

"What's wrong with that? You promised to look for them."

"Kurata… I really don't know what to say. Do you know that two of them were participants of Hokutohai? They might be someone important in future!"

As Yang Hai and Kurata chats on, Akira, Isumi and Honda finally let out a sigh of relief. Ochi too, felt that he can have his dinner in a more enjoyable manner.

"Kurata-san… I want to go up and see them."

"Me too."

"Me as well…"

"Fine… go up then. Yang Hai, sit here. This is a dinner treat."

Akira, Isumi and Honda disappeared from the restaurant and rushed up. Ochi eats his food quietly.

"Treat? Maybe next time. I took your kishi for dinner just now… they look so worn out and hungry. You should keep an eye on them, Kurata. They are still kids."

"Kids? I don't think so." After swallowing his food, he continues,

"They are adults and should be responsible of their own life. I cannot control them nor do I have the power to order them around. They run their own life."

"Really. Then what do you do?"

"Watch them grow."

"Ha?"

"I'll give them advice when they need them and guide them when they are lost. Isn't this something we should do instead of lecturing them and making them feel guilty or fear after they made a mistake? I want them to learn from experience which helps them to understand and see things in a broader horizon. It's not a lesson anymore if I tell them everything. Anyway, they should know better than me."

"Hm… you have a point there but still, I think they are kids and that you need to keep an eye on them. Beijing is a big city and they will be lost easily running around without a guide."

"hey this fried chicken is really good. You want one, Yang Hai?"

"Aren't you listening!" Yang Hai exclaimed with much irritation.

"What?"

"Forget it… I better make a move now… my friend is still waiting for me in the car."

"Oh, thanks a lot for your help today. I'll treat you and your friend to a meal next time."

"Haha yea, you certainly owe me one there! Ok see you tomorrow!"

"Bye" Kurata waved as Yang Hai left.

"Hm? You didn't go with them?" Kurata just noticed that Ochi was with them all this while.

"There's nothing I can do to help anyway."

"… … well, we will bring some desert for them after this." And Kurata continued eagerly with his meal.

"Hikaru!" Akira shouted when he opened the door. But the superior room that they are sharing is empty.

"Touya, over here." Honda informed him. All three 'missing' boys are gathering in Isumi's room.

"Waya!" Isumi rushed to his side worried sick.

"Isumi."

"What happened? Are all of you alright?" Honda asked.

"Yea, we are fine but Waya sprained his ankle." Hikaru explained. Isumi shook his head. Didn't he just say that Waya is a careless person? But nothing matters more than seeing all of them back safely. Isumi swore secretly to never leave Waya anymore.

Akira did not say anything. He just watched from the side.

"I… I am sorry…" Honda apologized (A/N: boy, he keeps saying sorry today)

"Honda, don't apologize. It's our own choice." Hikaru assured him.

"But… but it's because of me… I feel so guilty… if it's not me, Waya wouldn't have sprained his ankle…"

"Don't worry, this is just a small injury" Waya smiled.

"Huh small injury… then you should have walked on your own. Why do you need me to carry you!" Yashiro exploded.

"Because you look so free" Waya answered nonchalantly, looking at the opposite direction.

"WHAT! I was dead tired! And I have to carry you on my back! Didn't you know you are heavy! Shindo should have take turns to carry too!"

"Ah I wanted to help too but when I was about to offer an exchange, Yang Hai-san arrived."

"LIAR—"Yashiro stick his tongue out.

"What liar! It was true! And I was carrying all the stuffs, both yours and Waya's. They aren't light. Don't stick-out your tongue! That's childish!" and the quarrel continued, causing laughter to everyone around. Akira retreated quietly to his room. He's glad that Hikaru is fine…

Few minutes later…

CRACK

The door opened and Akira, sitting on the bed with a book on his hand, gave a nervous flinch. He knew Hikaru is coming in. They will be talking for the first time since they had an argument this morning. He felt stupid now… it was such a childish act.

Hikaru walked in. He did not look at Akira but took a small brown package from his bag. Then he flung the package towards Akira. The black hair boy was both surprised and puzzled.

"This…" he began.

"It's for you. I bought it at the market today. I'm sorry about what happened this morning." He did not dare to look at his rival the whole time he said those words because he knew he's blushing. He didn't want Akira to see how embarrassed he felt. Hikaru quickly grab his towel and clothes and rush to the bathroom, leaving Akira alone with the package.

Akira blush a little. The package is so cute and his heart gave a nervous flip when he opens it. It's a mini Goban keychain! Akira did not know where the happiness rush from nor did he bother to find out. All he knows is that he felt he's the luckiest and happiest guy in the entire world to receive a gift from Hikaru. Nothing matters because… it's the heart that counts. The goban was wrapped beautifully. But what makes Akira happy was the fact that Hikaru actually think of him even when they are not together. This simply meant that this person with the name Touya Akira has a place in Hikaru's heart.

"Do you… do you like it?" Akira jumped at the question. He didn't expect Hikaru to come out so soon.

"Um… yea. It's really nice. Thank you." His heart skipped a beat.

"Hikaru, I… I want to apologize for what happened this morning too. I should have gone with all of you since I am the only translator around…"

"No. its fine. If you really didn't want to go, then you don't have to follow us. Don't push yourself." Hikaru smiled.

"It's not that… actually I wanted to go but…" he stopped.

"But?"

"Remember our conversation this morning? I said you were avoiding me and you denied."

Hikaru is tongue-tied. Now, how is he supposed to answer that?

"Um…"

"Can you be honest? Because if I did something wrong, I want to know."

"It's… it's not you…"

"Then what is it?"

Hikaru's palm is wet with sweat. 'Please… someone interrupt me… someone comes in… put a stop to this conversation…' Hikaru pleads in his heart.

"Never mind, it's me. I'm the one with problem…" Hikaru said finally.

"What problem? Tell me. I believe it has got something to do with me … otherwise you won't avoid me."

"… Akira, you think too much…"

"No. I only want to make things—"

DING DONG DING DONG

Both of them stopped moving for an instance. Then Hikaru opened the door to reveal Kurata-san standing in the doorway, holding two plates of fruits.

"Come in everyone! Shindo, we brought some fruits from the restaurant. Actually I'd want to punish all of you but since you brought back some food, I'll let you go this time. Now I want you guys to tell us what happened the whole time there." Kurata said.

Hikaru and Akira looked at each other. Seems like they have to continue their discussion some other time. The other kishi poured in and make themselves comfortable without invitation. And so Hikaru, Yashiro and Waya takes turn to recall what happened few hours back…

Few hours ago when all three get off the taxi…

"Gosh, how long more do we have to walk?" Yashiro complained.

"Ah… don't worry… there should be another taxi around… we'll just have to wait for it… the heat is killing me…" Hikaru replied.

"Uh… yea… it's very… hot… and I am so tired…"

"Actually both of you don't have to do this…" Hikaru looked at them from the side.

"Do you know you are a fool?" Yashiro asked.

"What fool?"

"You can be such a fool sometimes. And such a fool for getting down the taxi… but I respect that foolishness of yours."

Waya just listened on quietly.

"… … yea… I am such a fool…"he answered solemnly. "But you are a worse fool for following a fool!" Hikaru laughed.

"SHUT UP!" Yashiro shouted. He didn't know whether to be in awe of him or hate him for teasing him. 'Gosh… he's right. I am a worse fool for following a fool…' he thought regretfully.

"OUCH!" Waya shouted. He trips on a rock and fell down. He was listening intently on their conversation that he did not notice the rock in front of him.

"Waya!" Hikaru helped him to sit down. There are some scratches on his knee.

"Oi, are you alright?" Yashiro called out.

"Ugh I can't walk… I think I sprained my ankle… it hurts…"

"What?" Yashiro was shocked. Sprained ankle? At this time? Come on, this is not funny.

"I am not joking." Waya said seriously as if reading Yashiro's mind.

"Can you move your leg?" Hikaru was more concerned.

"I… I'll try…" and he did but it hurts so much that Waya could only stand on his right foot.

"This won't do. He can't walk." Yashiro said.

"Shall we get a doctor or something?" Hikaru suggested.

"It's no use… just look around; this is a rural area. Not even a car has passed by since half an hour ago." Yashiro explained.

"Then… you guys can leave me here… I'm fine…" Waya said sadly.

"Are you out of your mind? I'll never leave you here." Hikaru knocked playfully on his head. Then he tries to lift Waya but it was difficult.

"(Sigh) I'll do it…" Yashiro offered his help finally. Since he's bigger and taller, it was easier. He carried Waya on his back.

"Here, I'll carry your stuffs…" and Hikaru carry both their belongings.

"Come on let's go… you are such a troublemaker."

"Be quiet!" Waya hit Yashiro on his head.

"Hey, you do that again I'm going to leave you here!"

"Maa maa we better hurry up… it's getting dark." Hikaru rushed them.

Yashiro carried Waya for about half an hour... and then…

"Hurry up! You are getting slower!" Waya complained.

"What are you saying? Do you know who makes me slow! You are so heavy!"

"Fuh we have walked a long way but there's still not a taxi in sight. Don't tell me we have to walk all the way back to the hotel…" Hikaru sighed.

"No way am I carrying this THING back to hotel."

"What THING did you say?" Waya asked threateningly while pulling a few strand of Yashiro's hair.

"Stop that! My precious ha—"

HONK HONK HONK

A white car pulled beside them. A familiar figure got out.

"Yang Hai-san!" All three of were so happy that they'd gladly kiss him all the way back to the hotel.

"Oi you guys are really bold… hm? What happened?" he saw Yashiro carrying Waya.

"Waya sprained his ankle." Hikaru explained.

"Come on, get in the car. I'll bring him to the doctor first, and then we'll get something to eat."

"Yang Hai-san, why are you here?"

"Kurata gave me a call. He told me the three of you are not back yet and asked me to look for you guys."

"Sorry for giving you so much trouble…" Hikaru apologized.

"No problem. I'm glad nothing happened to all of you. This section is a rather rural part of Beijing and hardly any car passes by here…" and then Yang Hai spoke something in Chinese to his friend who only nods his head without any reply.

----OWARI-----

A/N: Did you enjoy that? Certainly hope so. Well check up the next one around!