Chapter 4: Coming on Strong

Author's Notes: Hey everyone! Merry Christmas! It appears that Santa stopped by last night and delivered a brand new chapter when I wasn't looking. How about that? Thanks Santa! :D

. . . a-anyways, thanks to anyone who's still reading these chapters! They sure are a pleasure to post.

Now, about this chapter-we find out a little more information about Aru, and a follow-up to Yuki's crush on Moe. So, without further ado, read on to chapter 4 . . . .

…

A month passed with Aru coming over to Yuki's house every weekend to hang out. They would sometimes watch movies together and TV, or play darts, board games, or video games upstairs in Yuki's room. Things had been going relatively well for a while between them, and Yuki had gradually become used to the idea of having a friend around, or altogether, even. Still . . . something was bothering him.

That following Friday, Aru came over to Yuki's house as usual, and Yuki invited him upstairs to play "Call of Duty" together. After a few minutes of playing, however, Yuki decided he couldn't take it anymore. He lowered his controller, pressing the "start" button to pause the game.

Aru blinked, turning his head to Yuki. "Something the matter?" he asked.

"How come we never go to your house?"

Aru's eyes widened. "Do you want to go to my house?"

Yuki shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe."

Aru gave a slight grin. "In that case, how about you stop over at my house tomorrow evening? I'll text you my address," he offered.

Yuki returned the smile. "Okay."

He pressed the "start" button again, and the two resumed playing.

…

A half an hour later, Yuki lowered his controller again, his eyebrows furrowed in thought.

"I didn't ask her," he said suddenly.

Aru stopped what he was doing and looked over at him in puzzlement. "What?"

"I didn't ask Moe Wakaba out," Yuki clarified. "in case you were wondering."

Aru felt a sense of hope blossoming in his stomach. Still, he wanted Yuki to be happy. "Was it fear?" he asked.

"No." Yuki responded, prompting Aru to raise his eyebrows. "I didn't ask her because . . . I didn't want to." He looked over at Aru. "For some reason, my feelings for her weren't that strong after all. It's confusing, but . . . I think I got over her."

Aru's eyes widened. Then, he gave a faint smile. "I see," he replied.

Yuki eyebrows furrowed, the game now long forgotten. He fumbled for words. "Aru . . . you don't- . . . you haven't found anyone special yet, have you?" he asked.

Aru smiled. "I have actually."

Yuki's eyes widened, his heart sinking suddenly. "Oh, I see," he replied, looking down. "Can you . . . at least tell me who she is?"

Aru's face became serious. "No."

Yuki's head shot up then, looking to Aru. "What? Why not?" he implored.

"Because she doesn't exist."

Yuki frowned. "Huh?"

"It's getting late. I'll see you tomorrow, Yuki," Aru replied shortly, getting up and leaving Yuki's bedroom.

"W-wait!" Yuki called after him, getting up from his spot and following after him. He rushed down the staircase, catching Aru at the door. "Aru!"

Aru turned around and smiled at him. "You needed something?" he asked.

Yuki took a moment to catch his breath. "I didn't mean to," he paused, taking another breath. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. If you don't want to tell me, then . . . then I'll respect that. I'll quit asking."

Aru's smile faded, his crimson eyes studying the boy in front of him. He shook his head. "No, it's not that," he said. "You asked me if I could tell you who she is. I can't because . . . there is no she."

"Because it's a he," Yuki connected, his eyes lighting up in realization.

Aru gave a small smile, nodding.

Yuki's eyebrows furrowed. "But . . . I thought you liked girls," he said.

"That's true," Aru responded. "But you never asked if I liked boys too."

"So then . . . that makes you-"

"No," Aru interjected. "What you're about to say is incorrect because it implies that I love the person for their gender alone when, in fact, that couldn't be further from the truth." He smiled. "I love this special person for him. Any other factor is irrelevant."

The two stared at each other for a long moment, neither saying a word. Yuki's mind was racing, trying to come up with all of the possibilities of who Aru might be interested in.

Then, Yuki grew self-conscious. "I, uh . . . ." he stuttered. "You should probably get going."

Aru didn't move. "Yuki, why don't you ask me who he is?" he said, stepping closer to him. "Are you not curious?"

Yuki's heart skipped a beat, suddenly feeling nervous. He stepped back from Aru, looking around for an out. Aru continued to approach him, Yuki stepping away until his back hit the wall.

"I-I," he stammered, his eyes darting away from Aru. "I've . . . I've got to go to the bathroom!"

With that, he pushed past Aru and raced up the staircase, not looking back. He shut the bathroom door behind him, locking it. Then, he leaned against the door, his back sliding to a sitting position. He put his face in his hands.

He sighed. I've got to go to the bathroom? How lame is that? he thought. His mind flew to Aru moving closer to him.

His cheeks suddenly felt warm. What's he doing to me?

...

Fifteen minutes later, he peered out of the bathroom. Seeing no one, he started down the staircase. He breathed a sigh of relief when he didn't see Aru at the door. Then, he turned to the side and jumped in surprise at the person before him.

"Yukiteru!" his mother exclaimed. "Do you mind explaining why you didn't tell me you were having a guest over?"

He gasped, looking around. "What? Is he-"

"Is who," she demanded.

Yuki rolled his eyes. "Just a friend, mom," he sighed. "And I guess he isn't here then since you'd know who he was by now."

Yuki's mother's eyes widened. "You made a friend?!"

"Yes, mom."

"And you didn't introduce me?!" She argued. "What am I, chop liver?" Then, she gasped in realization. She narrowed her eyes. "Oh, I know what this is! You're embarrassed of me, aren't you? You're embarrassed because you think I'll break out the baby pictures!"

He frowned, not wanting to deal with this right now. "Yes, mom. That's exactly what I'm worried about. Now, will you please leave me alone?" he exclaimed, heading back up to his room.

"Yukiteru!" his mother called after him. "Yukiteru, clean up that mess the two of you left in your room!"

Yuki slammed the door behind him. He fell to his bed, putting a pillow over his head. He pictured Aru waiting for him at the door. He sighed.

Why did he run away from him?

…

Author's Notes: Now, I'm not saying that Yuki's a chicken . . . but I could swear I heard some clucks and saw some feather flying when he ran in the opposite direction of Aru to "go to the bathroom." Ha. I guess Aru might have been getting a little too close for comfort with the way their conversation was heading.

Anyways, I think I like giving myself deadlines for chapters. It gives me something to shoot for, you know? That being said, I'll try to have another chapter out on Saturday. I'll talk to you guys then! Stay tuned!

Also, reviews are greatly appreciated! Just sayin'.

Cheers!