It was shining brightly in the sun and 6-year-old Yuichi Kazuki smiled as he took 5-year-old, Wataru fuji's hand. "See. It's cool right?"
Wataru's eyes shimmered as he stared at the piece of metal. "Yeah. Yeah… Way cool, where did you get it?"
"At this spooky old store and even if my mommy said not to go in there I still went because I wanted to get this for you." He was so excited. Kazuki couldn't remember a time when he was this happy. Wataru was right in front of him, smiling like he always did and as Kazuki grabbed his hand, Wataru's grin widened.
"This mean were going to be friends forever right. Whatever what happens we will never forget. Right Kazu-kun?"
He nodded in response, slipping the ring onto his thin fingers but once Kazuki put it on, the two boys frowned. "Hey, it won't fit." The ring was too big and once Wataru's fingers failed, Kazuki tried his own and he wanted to cry. He spent all his money on these two rings but what was the point in having them if it couldn't be worn. Tears gathered in the blonde's eyes and he placed his hands over them to hide his weakness from Wataru but it couldn't be done.
"It's okay Kazu-kun. I mean when we grow up will get to wear it right?" His comforting words didn't reach his ears as tears traveled down his face, his hands trembling in remorse. But despite this, Wataru didn't give up and he laid a hand on Kazuki's shoulder, taking his hands away from his face. "You don't need to cry Kazu-kun, it'll be okay?"
"No it's not." He said in a fragile voice, tears continuously spilling.
"Yes it will. Please don't cry Kazu-kun. You'll make me cry if you don't stop." Wrapping his arms around him, Wataru could hear Kazuki's sniffles subsiding and as soon as he pushed Wataru away, a smiled was placed on the blonde's face.
"You're not mad."
Wataru shook his head. "Of course not. I'll never be mad at you. You're my best friend and one day we'll be married and well stay with each other forever."
"Married?" Kazuki recalled watching one of those Cinderella weddings on T.V. with his mother and to him that sounded like an excellent idea. Without even a seconds notice, Kazuki dove for Wataru, his arms tightly around him. But caught of guard, the two fell to the ground, which caused Wataru to laugh. "Sorry, sorry…are you hurt?"
He giggled. "I'm okay. It's just that you're funny."
"Funny?"
"Yeah. Funny." As soon as Kazuki got off of him, the two sat on the grass, staring at the rings that the blonde held dearly in his hands. "Isn't one of those for me? You're holding it like you're keeping both of them for yourself." Wataru extended his hand expecting Kazuki to give him the ring but he hesitated as he uncurled his hand, darting his eyes towards the ring and Wataru.
"But how are you going to wear it. I'm leaving tomorrow and I don't think I can get another ring in time."
"Don't worry." Wataru reached deep into his pocket and took out two strings, grabbing the rings from Kazuki and looping them into a necklace. "See we can wear it around our neck and once we grow up it will fit and we'll never forget. This ring will…"
"What's wrong?" Noticing Wataru quickly stopped his sentence, Kazuki grew worried but once he smiled, his sentence continued.
"…bind us together. What ever that means. My mommy said that word means a lot when you really love someone. Because I love you and when we grow up we'll have the rings and each other. So don't you dare forget me or I'll cry."
"I'll never forget you Wataru. Together forever until death." He laughed and they made a pinky promise on this, there smiles reflecting off of each other's eyes. "Because once I come back from America I'll find you and we'll be making a pinky promise again."
"Pinky promise again? For what?"
Kazuki smiled. "That nothing will break us apart. Ever again."
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The school bell rung and everyone rose from the seat to go to lunch. Startled, Kazuki never even realized that tears were streaking down his face. He wiped them away quickly before anyone could see. This whole ordeal was affecting him more then he expected. He came back a month ago and saw Wataru frequently around campus but he would never acknowledge his presence. Wataru never gave him a second glance.
"Why is this happening to me? Why am I like this?" Kazuki took of his ring and stared at the engraved word that meant so much to him. "He said he wouldn't forget and yet he's the one making me cry." Whispered words were unheard as the class he sat in was now empty. He wasn't in the mood to go out and put on that mask for everyone. This was the time to be alone and he got it as silence filtered the air. Resting his head upon the desk, Wataru's unforgettable words ran rampage in his head.
"Um excuse me."
Kazuki instinctively looked up and saw a student talking to Mr. Haseo. It was a shock as he saw Wataru standing there, his back turned toward him as he continued to talk to the teacher. What was he doing here?
"You must be Wataru Fuji." Mr. Haseo replied as he flipped through papers. "Ms. Kazume informed me you were seeking for help but due to the fact you waited to long to sign up, every tutor has been assigned to an underclassmen. I will recommend that you try and find outside help from other schools to prepare for your upcoming examine."
"Excuse me…Mr. Haseo." Kazuki stood up and walked toward the two who stared at him. "I can assist and tutor him."
"Ah, Mr. Kazuki, I see you haven't signed up for this."
Kazuki could feel Wataru's eyes burning through him but this was his only chance and he had to take it. "I understand that sir, but I have the requirements to help Fuji to Ace his exam. I have the time to tutor him but of course I would want this to go on my resume."
"I see but how about your upcoming entrance exams. You are directing yourself into a prestigious college aren't you Mr. Kazuki? So wouldn't that require preparation? A student of your caliber can't risk tutoring another when you have to put in that time to study to your full extent." Mr. Haseo was about to add more trivial drabble but Wataru couldn't stand this any further. He glanced at Kazuki then back at Mr. Haseo.
"Mr. Haseo is right. I think I can find another tutor. I wouldn't want to waste your time sempai."
Just when Kazuki was about to look at Wataru, Mr. Haseo nodded in agreement. He couldn't believe this was slipping out of his hands so fast. Kazuki wasn't the one to give up so as Wataru was about to leave, Kazuki grabbed his arm. "Mr. Haseo…" He began, letting go of his arm as he stayed put. "I understand what you are saying but I think I have the capability to tutor and study on my own time. Not only will it look good on my college application but it'll give Fuji a chance to have a better future as well."
It didn't sound as great as he thought but he was put on the spot so thinking fast was of consideration. He just wished he could have prepares for this. "Fuji's a junior and don't you think it's rather accommodating that Fuji will be able to have a chance to go to a prestigious college due to my help. I assure you, that I'll be ranking at the top of my class as I always do and when Fuji is in my place next year, he'll do the same."
It sounded rather arrogant of him to say that but he was persistent and Mr. Haseo saw that in him. "You're the split image of your brother…" Was his reply as he grabbed a pen and started to sign some papers. At that time, Kazuki glanced at Wataru but his eyes stared at the floor. He expected him to decline his offer but he stayed silent as Mr. Haseo handed Wataru the papers.
"Alright. Give that to Ms. Kazume. I'll advise you Mr. Fuji. Do not waste Mr. Kazuki's time. He's going through get lengths to tutor you so I expect you to show up for your tutor sessions on time.
Wataru bowed his head. "Yes sir and thank you Sempai."
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"Wow. You got Yuichi Kazuki. I can't believe you lucked out." Kawamura playfully punched Wataru's arm in jealousy. " He's like super smart. I never got a tutor yet."
"You know if you want to ace this test. A tutor is recommended." Wataru pointed out, placing a spoon full of pudding into his mouth. Despite Kawamura's words, he didn't feel lucky, more like nauseating. If anything, he didn't want to see Kazuki anytime soon and now due to his stupidity, he was going to see him every day for a whole 2 weeks.
"I know that. Stop rubbing it into my face."
Wataru sighed. "I'm not doing anything. I'm just reminding you."
"Well don't remind me. You're going to get a definite 'A' so let me worry about myself and cut with the reminding." Wataru notice the anger in his voice so he let the subject go. Taking a sip of water before continuing.
"Anyways, what's up with you and your love life?" He knew it was the only thing that made Kawamura happy, so he put up with his dribbled lovesick words that spilled out of his mouth. It was tiring to hear the same thing over and over again. Kazuki stealing all the girls away from him, no girls taking a second glance at him and the ever so popular I want a girlfriend! It was the same but as long as he was happy and talking.
"Eww. Speak of the devil." Kawamura suddenly said and that snapped Wataru back into reality.
"Huh?"
"Look." He pointed an index finger at the door way and Wataru's gaze followed only to be averted as fast as possible.
"What the hell is he doing here?" Just then Wataru hid his face. If anything Kazuki could be looking for anyone else but him but what could that chance be. Lately they've been bumping into each other, thanks to Wataru's clumsiness. But it was out of embarrassment that he ducked down into his arms. After that day at the library, everything was just so difficult when Kazuki was around.
"Wataru's right there." One of the females said, pointing him out and Wataru froze in place, unable to lift up his head.
Damn it. He found me. What am I going to do? Shit…I missed one of our study sessions but it wasn't my fault. Damn it to hell.
"Hey Wataru he's coming." Kawamura whispered.
"Shut up."
"What do you mean shut up. He's coming… Well to late." He heard Kawamura walk away and that only could indicate that Kazuki was standing right in front of him. It wasn't known until Kazuki grabbed his arm, wrenching him out of his seat.
"Hey!!!" He practically shouted unaware of the people around him. "What the hell are you-"
"I hung my neck out for you. Just to tutor you and you miss the first session. Come here." Without a chance to grab his back, Wataru was pulled out of the classroom, every pair of eyes following the two as they exited.
"Wow, Kazuki looked really mad. I never saw him like that before." One of the girl's commented and then Kawamura appeared out of nowhere, attempting to strike up a conversation with the gorgeous girls.
"Well when it comes right down to it, maybe Kazuki isn't all that perfect." He smiled widely.
The girls rolled their eyes. " Whatever. Kazuki is all the man anyone could have. He's perfect."
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"What the hell is your problem! I missed a session big deal. I never asked you to tutor me!!" Wataru shouted once they got to the student council office. Where Kazuki got the key was a mystery but Wataru didn't care about that right now.
"I did this for us."
"For us?"
Kazuki took a seat and stared at Wataru for a long while. He change so much sense then and he couldn't believe he left him. He was perfect in every way. Wataru was hot headed but still, he couldn't stop forgetting the 5 year-old kid he left all those years ago. How could he?
"You could honestly say you don't remember me…Yuichi Kazuki….The person who you always protected. The one person that you said you wouldn't forget. Did you forget about me Wataru?"
It was the same thing. The same question and Wataru couldn't respond to it. "………."
Kazuki's hand reached toward him but Wataru took a step back in refusal. He glowered at him, Kazuki couldn't' believe this. He was acting oblivious to the whole thing.
"I can't believe I took your words to heart. I was a fool. To wear this ring for all these years." He lifted his hand to reveal the silver ring and that made Wataru glance at the ring on his own hand. "So many years. You're a fraud Wataru Fuji."
His eyes were cold and so intense, Wataru's knees buckled as he backed up into the wall. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Kazuki bit his bottom lip to the point where blood trickled down his chin. He was so angry but not at Wataru. But at himself.
Kazuki stood abruptly, Wataru's eyes following his every movement as he came toward him. Every step, Wataru's heart rapidly beat within his chest and as soon as he knew it, he closed his eyes tightly as Kazuki's hand came toward him.
"I want this back." Kazuki pulled the ring from Wataru's finger causing him to open his eyes, which revealed more confusion.
"You can't take that!!" He reached to get his ring back but Kazuki declined his attempts as he opened the door. Before he left, those piercing eyes froze Wataru's limbs as he was unable to move.
"You know what Wataru. I shouldn't have gotten my hopes up. If I knew it was going to be like this. I should have died.
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My story isn't going all that well but I like it so I'm just going on with it no matter who reads it. But if some is then I'm grateful. Thanks.
-anari02