My goodness! The reviews were certainly overwhelming! Was it really that cruel to leave the chapter ending like that? I really thank everyone for showing their support. It really means a lot, plus it keeps me inspired. Truth is, when I ended the previous chapter like that, I literally had no idea what to put in this chapter. So I began to jot around and kept typing and typing until… Well you tell me how it came out.

Summary: To shake off a stubborn fiancé-candidate, Asaka asks Wataru for a favor while Kazuki is in America. Wataru reluctantly agrees, but what's going to happen when Kazuki returns?

Disclaimer: ONLY THE RING FINGER KNOWS does not belong to me. All elements below belong to Kannagi Satoru and its proper copyrights.

Note: These are not, I repeat, these are NOT the actual events of the fourth novel. This is what I guess you could call an alternate storyline. Please do not rely on this fic for information about the fourth novel or on any of the books, although I will be borrowing some scenes and events that took place there.

Since I have finally been able to read the novels, I realize that Kannagi-sensei did indeed give a description on how they look. But I also adore Odagiri-sensei's beautiful illustrations, so I'll compromise. Yuichi will still be blonde but not the striking color yellow. Let's say his type of blonde is the type that borders to very light brown. I think it's called honey-blonde? I'll have the eyes be ice blue because I think it suits him.

Wataru's eyes will be black as Kannagi described it to be, and the hair will be of chocolate brown as in Odagiri's illustrations. Asaka's hair will be a reddish brown color because I think it suits his personality, but he still has tan eyes.

The honorifics I'm using for this story are the honorifics I heard being used at the Drama CD. If you find any error, feel free to correct me.


"I will acknowledge you and Yuichi's relationship and will no longer oppose it. All on one condition…"

"……"

"…You continue being Masanobu-kun's pretend-boyfriend."


THE UNTOUCHED RING

Chapter Five: Transfixed


Wataru gaped with his mouth wide open. He didn't just hear what he thought Shohei said, did he? Was he… just insinuating—no—telling him to continue being Masanobu's boyfriend?

"What…" he found himself breathless with stupor. "Shohei-san… what do you… mean by that…?"

"It's really not that hard to understand, is it?" replied Shohei, his smile still gleaming on his lips. "It's only for a while…"

"But… I don't understand… Why would you… be concerned over that…"

"Engagement? It's just that Masanobu-kun loses focus at work, and I can't have that. It seems that your method is working so I'd like it if you continue. Anyway, shouldn't you be happy? Once you succeed, you'll be rid of me trying to get in between your relationship."

Wataru hung his head low. A heavy weight was suddenly beginning to pound on his shoulders, making his head feel dizzy. Shohei's words rung in his ears; the promise suddenly leaped into his chest. And yet, there was still confusion. "Shohei-san… I… I need to go… think about this…" he rose from his seat and staggered his way out of the park, ignoring Takako's calls.

"Oniichan…" the little girl quietly muttered; her expression glazed with worry. "Papa, is something wrong with oniichan?"

"Hm? He's just tired and needed to go home and rest. It's getting pretty late. Shall we go now, princess?"

A small pout formed on Takako's lips. "Ah! Papa was bullying oniichan, wasn't he? Bad, papa! Bad!"

Shohei chuckled lightly.

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Asaka bit his lips anxiously, frowning at the sound of the ringing phone. Why won't he pick up? He scowled even deeper when he heard the call convert to voicemail. He had tried calling six times, but there was still no response. It was the morning of a school day, but that didn't stop Wataru from answering before. So why now?

But then again, he still has tons of exams to do so he's probably busy studying…

But it didn't shake away this ominous feeling creeping up his chest.

Wataru-kun…

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The commute from home to school wasn't very far, that's why he got by with taking the morning bus or, if he feels like it, just walking. But this morning, Wataru's mind was filled with so many confusing things that he felt he needed to move around to satisfy his restlessness. The conversation with Shohei still echoed in his thoughts and it troubled him to no end.

In the past, Yuichi was there to guide him and give him good advice regarding the elder Kazuki. But this time, he isn't, which makes it even more difficult. He couldn't talk about it either. He had tried telling Karin the moment he got home, but he faltered.

Because he was seriously considering the offer…

Not being crazy or anything, but the approval of Kazuki's brother was what they had been aiming for since the moment their relationship became known to the man. They had tried ignoring it, but Wataru would always see the look of longing in Yuichi's eyes. He remembered how his boyfriend would tell him how he admired his brother so. There was a strong bond between brothers, and yet they are at odds because of this relationship, and Wataru didn't want to be the root cause of it.

He glanced upwards and froze at the sight of a petite girl leaning by the wall of his school gate. Her long silky black hair flowed all the way down her waist, her snow-white skin contrasting her black sailor fuku uniform. He was astonished at the way her scarf was properly tied and how the pleats of her skirt folded neatly all the way to her knees. She looked neat, orderly—the very enchantment of feminine beauty.

"Fujii Wataru," a blank voice called him, her coal-black eyes glistening at him. Wataru stiffened a bit and grew a bit uneasy at the stares and whispers directed at him, probably because of his association with such a mysterious beauty. "Sa… Sayuri-san…" he mumbled. "What brings you to my school?"

This was definitely a first. The past week, he and Asaka had gone on "dates" with Sayuri present, but she kept acting like he was nonexistent. This is the first time she actually sought him out herself. The way her eyes bored right through him made him more self-conscious than the countless stares the passerby's were making. Without a word, she stepped forward, took hold of his wrist and began to drag him away from his original intended destination.

"Wa… Wait!" he exhaled. "Sayuri-san… I've got school…"

But Sayuri didn't seem to be listening, and the ring of the school bell faded into the distance. As they walked further and further away, Wataru couldn't help but notice the hand holding his wrist. It was small, soft and smooth, and also… quite frail… But that was to be expected, considering Sayuri's petite figure. She looked like the sickly type—meaning, one who isn't fond of outdoor activities or heavy work.

If he wanted to, he could easily break free from her grasp. And if a chase occurred, he could easily outrun her. But it bothered him as to why the young girl sought him out. So he let her drag himself away, until the bell chime on a door tinkled and he soon found himself seated in a small café with a cup of hot chocolate laid out in front of him.

"Uh… What's this…?" he was tempted to ask.

"Don't like it?" Sayuri questioned, taking a sip from her own cup. "Sorry, but I'm not fond of coffee. I like chocolate more." She paused for a moment and added two lumps of sugar to her drink. She seemed a bit dissatisfied, and continued to add two more. "Um…" Wataru muttered. "That's… Uh…" "I always put lots of sugar," she interrupted, not letting him finish his sentence.

So she likes sweets… he mused, but paled at the sight of the sugar cubes piling up in her tiny cup.

"Uh… You might take it easy. You could get diabetes…"

"……"

"…Uh, right…"

A few minutes of silence passed and once again, Wataru felt uncomfortable. This was also the first time they were left alone and it was starting to feel awkward. "You," Sayuri spoke, breaking the silence. "What are your true intentions with Masanobu-sama?" Wataru was taken aback by the girl's words and didn't know how to respond.

What does she mean by that?

Sayuri gazed at him with intense eyes holding only truth. It was a scary look. It reminded him of the gaze that Shohei had when they talked in the park. A type of gaze that seemed kind, yet malevolent at the same time.

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Asaka drew lines on the huge drafting paper, shifting his right hand on the calculator to determine the correct measurements. Afterwards, he took hold of the pencil again, and resumed connecting lines and drawing out some curves. "Asaka-san," said Kobayashi. "Do you have the layout for the room?" "Yeah," he absent-mindedly said. He rummaged through the heap of papers on the stack of lumber he'd used as a desk. "Here," he said, pulling one out.

Kobayashi took the sheet of paper and skimmed over it with his eyes, then slightly frowned. "Asaka-san," he said again. "The measurements are wrong. If we make the mirror 6 x 7, it won't fit the frame Kanna designed."

"What?" Asaka looked at him with confusion. "I… must've miscalculated. Sorry. I'll redo the calculations now." He snatched the paper back from his colleague's hands and crossed out a few numbers, and began correcting the miscalculations. Kobayashi knitted his brows together and stared at him with suspicion. "What's wrong?" he asked. "It's not like you to mess up with something like that."

"I know. I'm doing it again, aren't I?"

"It'd be fine if you miscalculated the mirror alone. But what about the other designs you've been doing for the past hour and a half? What if you messed up with those too? Are you gonna redo them?"

"If I did, then that would be the natural thing to do wouldn't it?"

"Why are you so calm about it? We've got a deadline to meet, and we're losing time because of your mistake."

"And I'm correcting it, aren't I?! Just go back and do your job already, Kobayashi!!"

Asaka's voice bellowed throughout the room, causing the other members to cease working and look their way. Intensity reigned in the atmosphere and, despite the cold weather outside, the room began to feel hot. They stared uneasily at the two men—astonished at the sudden outburst that Asaka had made.

"A—All right!" Mitsuki called out, clapping her hands together to get everyone's attention. "Who wants to go for some breakfast? I mean, it's still pretty early to start working right away, right? Come on. I hear McDonald's has a new breakfast special today."

She clapped her hands again, knocking everyone from their stupor. As each and every one of them dropped their tools and begun to shuffle out the door, Mitsuki approached the two boys who kept their gaze fixed on one another. "Kobayashi, Asaka, come on," she patted both their backs. "We're just tired from yesterday. Shohei-san is going to drop by again. We can't let him see such unprofessional behavior, right?"

Kobayashi narrowed his eyes and sneered. "Fine!" he snorted. "Just because he's close with Kazuki Shohei makes him a big shot! What should I do? Kiss-ass with Kazuki and Asaka?!" He stomped off in fury, leaving the two alone in the room. Once he was away, Mitsuki turned her sights to Asaka and frowned her face at him. "Care to enlighten?" she asked, raising her hands to her hips. Even she found the man's outburst hard to believe.

All this time she had known Asaka, he was always calm, sociable and clear-headed. But now, he had just lost his collected self and actually snapped at someone—and at Kobayashi! Something was definitely wrong.

"Asaka-san," she spoke again. "Do you want to talk about it?"

"…No, uh… it's fine," came the uneasy answer. "You're right. I'm just tired. Not to worry."

"Is it because of Kohai-chan?"

"……"

"You two have been hanging out a lot lately. I'm not saying it's wrong, but Fujii-kun is Kazuki-kun's kohai. I understand how close you've suddenly become, and it's actually good. I haven't seen you so happy before ever since…"

"…Since what?" Asaka asked, sensing the woman's hesitation. Mitsuki averted her gaze for a moment, and mumbled lowly, "…Ever since Yuina-san's death." Asaka's eyes widened with surprise, but all too quickly returned to normal. "What do you mean?" he said. Mitsuki sighed and bent down to pick up the papers that had fallen to the floor as a result of the other man's earlier outburst.

She rummaged through them, arranging them in proper order. "Whenever I see you with Fujii-kun, your eyes begin to light up like it's full of life again. This past year was really difficult for you and, despite the cool and calm exterior you have, inside you're tearing up. But when you're with Fujii-kun, it seems as if you're back to normal. How should I put it? Like you've regained faith in living."

"Mitsuki-kun…"

"Asaka-san… What is Fujii-kun to you exactly…?"

Mitsuki stared directly into Asaka's eyes, prying for an answer. Normally, she wouldn't meddle into her friend's personal life, but she herself has gotten quite fond of the young man. Since day one, she had grown affections for Wataru that had probably spawned from the natural maternal instinct of a woman.

"To me…" she heard Asaka speak. "To me, he is…"

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"What are your true intentions with Masanobu-sama?"

My intentions… Wataru pondered. What are my intentions? The ring of course, but…

Was that really the valid reason? Was it really because of the ring, and the ring alone, that he had consented into this ridiculous charade?

No, not just that… It's because… because…

What was the other reason…?

"Let me tell you this," Sayuri spoke again. "Masanobu-sama's family takes quite pride in him, and being this type of… orientation… could hurt his reputation. You don't know anything about him. You're just in it for the glory, aren't you?"

"Excuse me?' Wataru frowned, upset at what Sayuri was saying.

"Well, I can't think of any other reason," she countered, her eyes never leaving his, the chill in her voice quite crisp and clear. "For the past year, Masanobu-sama has been devastated over the death of Yuina-san. Even when they broke up, he was still in love with her. And now he's suddenly back on his feet and in a relationship with another man? I find that quite incredible!"

"……"

"He's just confused. I don't believe that he really loves you. You're just a replacement."

Wataru wrinkled his brows. He definitely didn't like this conversation. "Replacement? What are you…"

"You resemble her, don't you know that?" she interrupted. "Not physically, of course. But the kind of presence you leave. It's like hers. And that is the only reason I can think of why he is attracted to you."

Wataru lowered his head, gazing at his reflection on his cup of hot chocolate that had now turned cold. It's true that Asaka had once mentioned that all the qualities Yuina had, he found in Wataru. But frankly, he wasn't bothered by this fact.

It was something else…

"Certainly. Those huge dark eyes have a hint of audacity. You would go for that," Shohei had told Yuichi before the Ryokuyo Fest. At that time, he was apparently comparing Wataru to someone else. To which, Yuichi had commented, "Don't go analyzing other people's tastes!" But when Shohei said that he was just stating a fact that is true, Yuichi didn't seem to have a comeback remark and, instead, his eyes glistened with sadness.

Instantly, Wataru had felt miserable feelings. Despite the knowledge that Kazuki had a previous love, he still didn't like the idea that he shared even a tiny inch of similarity with his lover's ex-girlfriend.

"That love is false," Sayuri spoke from the thick silence, and the words echoed in his head.

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Asaka leaned back on the park bench—his facing tilting upwards to meet the azure sky. A heavy sigh escaped his lips. "Of course, he'd want out," he talked to himself. "After all, we agreed for only one week but…" He lifted his hand and reached into the neckline of his coat, and pulled something shiny out.

He had placed Wataru's silver ring on a chain and carried it around like a necklace. On the day he and Wataru went shopping, he left the young boy for a while to pick up his car, at the same time make a stop at the jeweler's. He asked for a chain for the ring and left it there while he returned to collect Wataru and attend the omiai. Afterwards, he had gone back to the shop the next day to pick up both the ring and the chain. And ever since, it's been around his neck.

Holding it against the light, the silver metal shone brightly as if mocking him. He chuckled a bit, amused at his thoughts. "He only did this to get the ring back. It's not like… he feels that way… about me…"

"Who feels about you?" A familiar voice shocked him out of his inner ramblings. Asaka stiffened for a moment, releasing the ring in his hand and letting it dangle at the end of the chain around his neck. "Sh—Shohei-san," he stuttered. "What're you doing here? You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

"I wasn't sneaking," the elder man scoffed, and sat next to him. "If you had paid closer attention, you would've heard me calling you."

"Oh. Sorry…"

"Never mind. Why aren't you back at the site? Well, I know you'd like to enjoy the changing of the seasons—watch the leaves turn bright orange and red…"

"Shohei-san…"

"Actually, I wanted to speak with you."

"……"

"It's about your engagement. Even though you told me, I still haven't heard your reason. Is there anything about the girl that you find dissatisfying?"

"No, not like that," he answered. "My family and Sayuri's family have always been friends, so she ended up growing quite fond of me."

"You're concerned that her feelings for you are like that of a child's to her father?"

"She's just too young for me."

"Well, based on what I've seen, age doesn't really matter, does it? Or is it because… she's different from Yuina-san?"

"…H—How did you know… about…."

The corners of Shohei's lips tugged back to form a smile. With a certain gleam in his eyes, he said, "You really shouldn't underestimate my ability of deduction not to mention talent in gathering information." A moment passed before something in Asaka's mind clicked. "You talked with obaasan, didn't you?" Shohei's smile was answer enough. "What'd you talk about her for?" he asked.

"She was the one who approached me. She's concerned about you. It seems you're very dear to her."

"……"

"The same way Yuichi is very dear to me."

"……"

"But, honestly," Shohei huffed, crossing his arms. "What does Fujii Wataru have anyway? Both you and Yuichi could get whatever woman you like. You'd have no problems with that. But why fall for a man?"

"Is it because we're gay?"

Shohei frowned. "You're not gay. Aside from Fujii, have you found any other man attractive enough to fall in love with?"

Asaka scrunched his brows together. "Well, I'm not prejudiced. I mean, I can tell when a man's attractive or not. But to the point I fall in love…? Uh… the mere notion kind of… chills me…"

"See? You're not gay. And neither is Yuichi. You're just attracted to Fujii, disregarding the fact that he's a boy."

"…Yes, you're right," Asaka's eyes brightened at that remark. "It wasn't really a problem that he's a boy. There's just something about him… Something I find indescribably attractive that I want." He opened his palms and stared at them as if grasping something. "I want it for myself. I don't want anyone else to have it. Perhaps I'm being selfish but, whenever I see him, I just keep getting the urge to trap him—corner him—until he gives in to me."

"……"

He gave a light chuckle. "You think I'm hypocritical, don't you? After saying I don't want to do something he'd hate me for…"

"There's still a chance, though," Shohei mused, earning a surprised and confused stare from the younger man. "I've asked Fujii-kun to continue 'dating' you in exchange for accepting their relationship."

"WHAT?!" Asaka bolted from his seat. "Shohei-san, why would you do such a thing?! Wataru wouldn't accept—not in a million years! Why… This…"

"Relax," Shohei's calm exterior didn't fade—not even for a single instant. He crossed his right leg over his left one, and continued to regard the other man lightly. "Think of it this way. I'm helping you both."

"And how is this helping? Wataru already made it clear that he didn't want any part in this anymore. But with you… I'm the one ending up being hated here!" He raised his hand to push back his bangs in a gesture of exasperation. He wondered idly if this was possibly the reason why Wataru would not answer his calls. Perhaps it was a wrong idea to tell Shohei everything.

Shohei studied the man's features, fully noticing the distress he was enduring. In a corner of his mind, he was really awed and wondered at the type of person Wataru is. Not only had he snagged two elite and absolutely handsome students, he was even able to cause someone as cool and suave as Asaka to lose his composure. Truly, Fujii Wataru is a force to be reckoned with—that's the conclusion he had long established. But he still needed to confirm one thing…

"How can you be sure that Fujii-kun won't choose you in the end?"

"Pardon?"

"Do you know the problem with young love these days? It's that they only look at one thing and disregard everything else. If that's the case, then how are they sure that they are the ones fated to be? Don't you think so?"

Asaka was dumbfounded. "I don't quite understand what you're saying, Shohei-san."

"Think of it like this," he continued. "Despite your fondness for Fujii-kun, aren't there still some feelings for dear Yuina? And the fact that Fujii-kun resembles Yuina to a certain degree—how should I put it—you see her shadow in him and it is for that reason you pursue him."

"So you're saying I'm thinking of Wataru-kun as a replacement?" Asaka frowned at the thought. "That's just ridiculous."

"Maybe. But it could also be unconscious. Let's put it this way. If Yuina was still alive and standing right there in front of you, would you still fall in love with Fujii-kun the same way you're doing so now?"

"……"

"That's what I'm talking about. People tend to look only at the things they want to see. But when a better option arises, they quickly discard the other."

The brunette let out a tired sigh and sat back down on the bench next to Shohei. "You know, the way you talk it's almost as if you're encouraging their relationship and telling me to back off." Shohei wrinkled his brows and a small pout appeared on his lips. With an air of arrogance, he said, "Who said I was supporting them? I merely used your predicament to explain my train of thought. But I never said I was in favor. If more than anything, I'd like it if you sweep Fujii-kun off his feet and liberate Yuichi from the tyrannical chains of commitment."

"That coming from a married man."

"I'm talking about homosexual commitment! Besides, for all we know, Yuichi might be in the same predicament as you."

"Eh?"

"I've mentioned it before but… Fujii—he… has a certain resemblance to Mizuho."

"Kazuki-kun's ex? Wataru resembles Kazuki-kun's ex?"

"Yes, so to speak. That's why I'm genuinely curious of what basis this relationship of theirs is from." Shohei began to feel a cramp in his legs and uncrossed them. He spared his companion a brief glance then returned to staring at nothing in particular—maybe that pile of leaves by the trunk of the tree. "I know Yuichi," he continued. "He might deny it, but a person's feelings all happen unconsciously. Whether it's Fujii or Mizuho he chooses in the end remains to be seen."

"Besides," he quickly added. "Fujii is also in the same predicament, but slightly different."

"Huh?"

"Fujii-kun only looks at Yuichi, and doesn't spare others a second glance. The both of them are transfixed on each other that they completely forget about other people. And if you focus on one thing and one thing alone, how can you be sure that it's meant for you? If you don't try or look at other things, you can never assess how precious one thing is for you. Without being able to compare it, how do you know its value?"

It took a moment before Asaka was able to digest the meaning of those words properly. But once he understood, everything sounded very clear. What Shohei was really worried about wasn't the fact it was a gay relationship—although the man certainly frowned on it—it was because of the uncertainty still present.

"Shohei-san, you…" Asaka spoke. "You really care about Kazuki…"

"I told you, didn't I? Yuichi is very precious to me. So even if he hates me for it, I'll still be bothering those two until I feel satisfied with the outcome."

"And here I said I wouldn't move according to your wishes," Asaka gave a defeated chuckle. Shohei eyed him for a while and said, "You're not moving according to my wishes. It's the other way around, actually. I'm the one moving to your wishes."

"Eh?"

"You said so yourself, didn't you? You want him for yourself—you'd corner him until he gives in to you. Well, let's just say I'm opening up the road for that, but the rest is still up to you."

The both of them continued to sit there in silence, feeling the cold chill pinching their skin. After a few more minutes, they both stood up and made their way back to the worksite.

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Wataru flopped back on his bed, lifting a heavy sigh from his chest. He ended up cutting the entire day of school, which was definitely not a good thing for an exam student. His parents still haven't returned from their trip and Karin would be home soon. She'd probably ask him why he's home early since it became a habit that he'd always come after her. He flipped open his cell phone and skimmed through the list of missed calls and voicemails. All of them were from Asaka.

His mind was boggled with all the information given to him, not to mention Shohei's startling proposal. Because of that, he found it quite distressing to talk with Asaka at the moment. But his conversation with Sayuri only amplified that…

"That love is false," spoke Sayuri. "Masanobu-sama isn't even the person you love." Wataru lifted his gaze in surprise, but she continued. "I was there," she spoke. "On the day of the omiai, I had already come to town earlier. I was walking around when I saw you and Masanobu-sama talking at the open café. Of course, I didn't know who you were so I assumed you were just a friend, colleague or whatever."

Wataru wet his lips anxiously, feeling himself becoming nervous under the girl's striking gaze, and her words continued. "I was just making my way to both of you—about to greet him—when I suddenly saw him lunge forward and kiss you. It's quite a miracle no one was around to see that remarkable make-out session of yours."

Wataru reddened at her choice of words. True that around the time, the café was empty—even the people standing by the register had gone to the back to take care of something. Now that he thought about it, it was probably because that they were the only two people in there that Asaka had chosen it as the opportune time to bring up the fiancé-subject

"I was shocked," continued Sayuri. "I was very shocked that Masanobu-sama would do such a thing. Before, I didn't seriously believe that he was with a man since he was so in love with Yuina-san. But that kiss instantly made me believe his words. But then, the both of you began talking about a ring and someone named Kazuki."

She paused briefly, examining Wataru for any sort of reaction. And, true enough, he had flinched when he heard the words "ring" and "Kazuki". Feeling pleased with the reaction, Sayuri leaned back on her chair and crossed her arms. "Does Masanobu-sama dislike the thought of marrying me so much that he'd pretend like that?" she said. "Or does he love you that much that he prefers to pretend being your boyfriend, even though you already have another?"

"……"

"Fujii-kun, I really should apologize for my rude behavior when we first met. I was upset at that time. But then I realized the resemblance you have with Yuina-san and came with the conclusion that he only sees her in you. It was because of that I was able to tolerate the 'dates' you've had with him the past week."

"However," she emphasized. "I do not like the idea of him being transfixed on someone for so long, especially when there's no chance whatsoever. That's why I'll steal him away from you." With that said, she got up and made her way to the door. "I love Masanobu-sama. I won't give him to someone who doesn't feel the same way." The tinkle of the doorbell was heard, and Wataru was left alone with a cup of un-drunk hot chocolate that was now as cold as stone.

As the memory fleeted him, Wataru gave a slight frown. She left without paying the bill… He remembered being pressured by the cashier to pay for both cups of hot chocolate, afterwards being scolded by the man for skipping school just to be dumped by his "girlfriend".

"It's not like I wanted to skip!" he shouted to no one and punched the pillow hard—strangling it in his grip. "What's up with her anyway?! She's totally un-cute!!" After wrestling with his pillow, he decided to make up for the lost time and study. After all, they'd be riddled with lots of exams until the start of Christmas break.

Damn that school for making it hard for us…

As he sat down in front of his desk, flipping through his books, the glint of the gold ring still placed there caught his eye. He regarded it with great sadness. I still have to return this to him. He picked it up and held it under the light of his desk lamp. He admitted that he admired the beauty and the extravagance of the ring. It wasn't like his that was made up of just a simple design. He brushed his fingers against the carvings, feeling it etch upon his skin.

When he turned the ring around, he saw something embedded on the inside. He narrowed his eyes and brought the object closer, trying to make out what was carved. Upon closer inspection, his eyes widened in amazement, but at the same time, something painful began to jolt in his chest. And, for some reason, tears began to form at the rim of his eyes.

The name Yuina was carved there.

0-n-L-y--t-H-3--R-1-n-G--F-1-n-G-3-r--k-N-0-w-5-z--t-H-3--u-N-T-0-u-c-H-3-d--R-1-n-G

The sound of breaking glass filled the room and then shards of shattered porcelain scattered all over the floor. "Is everything all right?" the nurse asked after being startled by the sound. "No, it's fine," came the young man's reply. "The cup just slipped from my hand and fell." He knelt down to pick up the pieces when another woman's voice came out to stop him.

"Don't!" she scolded. "You could cut yourself! Let the staff clean that up!"

The woman sat up, her back leaning against the headboard of the bed. Her brown hair neatly pooled by her shoulders, and her dark eyes shone with firmness. "You're really a marvel, Mizuho," spoke her companion with amusement present in his voice. "I wonder if I'm even really needed here."

"Don't say that, Yuichi," she scoffed. "You know how happy I am with you here. If you weren't, I never would have made it."

Yuichi chuckled at the remark. After a while, a janitor entered the room and began picking up the broken pieces. He watched absentmindedly wondering how clumsy he was to let a small cup slip from his fingers. When that thought entered him, he looked at his barren left hand with a hint of guilt and sadness gleaming in his eyes.

For a brief moment, he wondered if Wataru had already received the package he sent.


To be continued…

Who here thought that the mysterious figure from chapter one was Shohei? Or did you all forget about it already?

Also, I shouldn't be saying this… but I've GOT TO!! Especially after chochowilliams was so observant enough to notice. YES! There is something up with Kazuki! If you analyze the phone conversation they had, something was definitely off. You could even tell in this chapter. But if I tell you what it is, it'd totally spoil the entire story!!

Anyway, the OtRFK vid is finished. You can find the link at my website. Or you could just go to YouTube and search for Yuichi & Wataru Taking Over Me. Click the one uploaded by MSCDR (that's also me).

Next chapter: Dear John. The memory of Asaka's kisses burned on his skin, blurring his vision. "Kazuki!" he thought. "Kazuki! Not Asaka… Kazuki!!" He repeated it over and over again in his head like a mantra, and yet the feel of Asaka's lips—the numbness his body felt—and the warmth… Everything was clear and it began to overlap with that of the person he loves.

Now, is that a cruel teaser or what? REVIEW!!!