Sorry for the long update. My computer suffered from dual losses. (1) The CPU got infected with a virus. (2) The monitor died and we had to buy a new one... Furthermore, I got really sick...
Drama CD's!! I was able to download the second and third Drama CD's!! Oooh, their voices are so good, I am absolutely falling in love with them. Anyway, someone PM-ed me asking about the honorifics, so I'll repeat it. The honorifics I am using for this fanfic are the honorifics I heard them make use of in the Drama CD. Although, there are some honorifics that I've changed to better suit my story.
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 UNTOUCHED RING
Chapter Six: Dear John
Wataru stared at the golden ring in front of him—the carved name shining bright under the light of his desk lamp. The tears in his eyes began to form and unconsciously fall down the side of his cheek. A sense of pain and deep hurting shot through his chest, constricting his breath and causing his heart to ache.
Asaka-san…
The tears dripped down on to the gold metal, glistening it with moisture. For some reason, the ring began to sparkle even more beautifully, but at the same time, Wataru's tears would not stop.
Asaka-san…
The throbbing in his chest increased. Even during these moments, Asaka still loved Yuina. Her memory exists. And because of this, Wataru began to understand… it is most difficult to forget and let go the person you had first come to love—your first true love.
As the tears blurred his eyes and distorted his vision, a painful pang crept up his bosom wondering… fathoming…
Kazuki…
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Despite his absence, he was still able to catch up with the lessons and even pass the test their literature teacher had given a few days later. That, he attributed to the decency of his mind to study to make up for lost time. He was actually feeling confident about his scores, considering that English had always been a weak subject of his. As the teacher left, the classroom erupted to numerous murmurs and sighs.
"This is excruciating…" groaned Kawamura. "So this is the life of an exam student. How did the seniors last year ever survive? Well, it's no problem for Kazuki since he's so perfect."
"Kawamura," said Wataru. "You're whining again."
"Well, you should talk! Unlike you, some of us don't have two elite graduates who tutor you."
Wataru winced a bit at the mention, but then chuckled lightly. "Yeah, I guess I do owe them. Kazuki's helped me raise my grades since the start of the term. Asaka-san also helped me during the mock exam…"
"Uh, Wataru," his friend suddenly turned serious. "You should know that Asaka-san's been a bit out of it lately…"
"Huh? A bit out?"
"Yeah. Mitsuki-san emailed me last night. She said that Asaka-san suddenly snapped at Kobayashi-san yesterday. He looked really distressed."
"…Oh…"
Wataru was left speechless for a moment. Asaka's out-of-character behavior… Could it have been because of him? Because I'm not returning his calls…? He shrugged that notion off a bit, but it kept bothering him to no end. The P.A. system began to chime the tune signaling lunch break. And, in almost a breeze, students began to shuffle out of their rooms and headed to the cafeteria.
"Wataru, let's go!" called Kawamura. "We might miss out on the banana bread!"
Knocking out of his reverie, Wataru glanced upward and jolted out of his seat. The both of them hurried and joined the daily lunch break stampede.
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"UNBELIEVEABLE!" Kawamura's eyes widened at the sight. "Are you seeing this huge crowd of people, Wataru?"
True enough, there was a riot of students piling up in front of the store, pushing and pulling at each other. It was a sight that would normally coax the attention of the police or anti-riot squads, but for the students of Ryokuyo, it was another normal day. "Let's go Wataru!" Kawamura urged, and all too soon submerged himself amongst the crowd. Wataru paled a bit then chuckled lightly. "Nah..." he called out. "I remember Karin making me a nice bento for lunch!" With that, he stepped away for a moment, Kawamura's voice getting lost in the loud shouts and roars of the crowd.
Wataru leaned back against the hard concrete wall, his eyes gazing at nothing in particular. It was probably a bit too cruel to leave Kawamura alone to scavenge for the bread, but there's no way he's going to fight for it! Students turn into savage wild animals when it comes to lunch. That alone is a scary fact. As he began to ponder on other useless and mindless things, a light pat on the shoulder startled him a bit. Turning, he found himself face to face with a pretty girl with jet-black hair and shining bright eyes. A girl he knew very well...
"Miho," he smiled. "It's been a while." The girl gave a light bow and smiled back at him. "You seem to be doing okay yourself, Fujii-senpai." The tone of voice she used was a teasing one, causing him to turn pink at the cheeks. Realizing that there were some students looking at him, he quickly straightened up and recomposed himself. "Right," he coughed. "So, uh... What can I do for you, Miho-san? The last time we talked was..."
"...At the accessory shop run by Kazuki-san's cousin. Touko is her name, right?"
"R-Right..."
Their last encounter had been indeed awkward. In front of him, Kazuki and Touko, she had blatantly revealed her knowledge of the two boys' relationship—due to the fact she watching the first time Kazuki and Wataru had confessed their feelings amid the hydrangeas. Afterwards, she confessed that her reason for giving Wataru a hard time was because of envy. Wataru had been able to figure out that she was also one of the many girls in their school harboring a crush for Kazuki. But her words "I couldn't have it... not this ring... and not you..." had left him slightly confused. Kazuki told him it's because after spending some time with Wataru, Miho had now fallen for Wataru instead. Though since that day in Touko's shop, they had not spoken since.
"U-Um... Miho..."
"Congratulations, by the way," she interrupted, earning a confused expression from the boy. "The school festival, I mean. It was a success, wasn't it? Even though Kazuki-san didn't make an appearance himself, the appearance of his senpai and elder brother—both extremely handsome themselves—certainly bought a lot of points from the students."
"I wasn't even part of the committee at all... But Miho is also popular. There were a lot of people who bid for your item, right?"
"Really troublesome, if you ask me."
"Ha..."
If Kazuki Yuichi was the celebrity among women, then Ookusa Miho is the celebrity among men. In their school, she's already been dubbed as an idol—enlisting a lot of suitors from a variety of ages. As something that can only be expected from someone so beautiful. But... Wataru thought. Why do I always find myself involved with them? This stands out way too much. Setting aside those thoughts, he turned to the young girl again, and asked, "Is there something you wanted to tell me, Miho? If not, you wouldn't have approached me so casually." A small smile emerged from her lips. "You're really learning how to read people, Fujii-kun," she said. "Actually, I was hoping if I could speak with you about something."
"About what?"
"That girl who came to meet you a few days ago... You didn't come to school that day because of her, right?"
"That's... It's not like I wanted to cut..."
"I'm just a bit concerned about it. Wherever Hongo-san goes, there always seem to be trouble."
"Eh?" Wataru was a bit surprised. "Miho, do you know her?" The girl regarded him for a bit before nodding her head in answer. "Yeah, I know her," she explained. "Hongo Sayuri. Only child and heiress to the Hongo School of Japanese Dance. She was my kohai back in junior high."
Kohai? Wataru pondered. Considering that Miho was a year younger than him... How old is Sayuri anyway?
"Anyway," she continued. "Sayuri is bad news. She's a very spoiled brat and selfish in certain ways. So be sure to keep a distance from her, okay? Although... I really don't understand her interest in you. It doesn't have anything to do with Kazuki-san, does it?"
"...Huh? No, it's not Kazuki. It's another... reason..."
"...Oh," Miho eyed him suspiciously. "Well then, that's fine. But remember... if you don't watch yourself, she might become the death of you."
"Right..."
"Oh, and before I forget... Here!" She reached into the plastic bag she had been carrying and tossed him a pastry still wrapped up in its plastic packaging. As he caught it in his hands, he eyed her curiously. Reading his thoughts, she winked at him and said, "Banana bread. That's what you wanted, right? Enjoy!" "Huh? Miho, wai—!!" Before he could utter any other protest, she had skipped away, leaving him behind with the coveted pastry in his hands.
"UNBELIEVABLE!!" Kawamura breathed out loud for the second time, finally detaching himself from the mountain of students still struggling at the store. "I pushed and squeezed but I couldn't get any!" he whined. "Darn it!!" He was about to call Wataru's attention when he froze at the sight of the item in his hands. "Wataru...!! Where... How... did you get that bread!!" Wataru looked at him blankly then to the bread he was holding, and began to chuckle unevenly. "No way!!" the frustrated youth continued. "You didn't even dive in there!! Argh!! SO UNFAIR!!"
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Wataru looked up at the bright orange sky that was slowly turning into a shade of red. The view from his bedroom window wasn't really that majestic, but he still adored the sight. There was always something about a sunset that he found beautiful... romantic, perhaps? In any case, it'd always somehow lighten his mood. That day was a Saturday, plus he had no cram school (thank goodness). It's during these pressuring times that he'd really wish for Christmas break to come soon. Feeling the cold breeze prick his skin, he felt oddly refreshed, but the sound of his phone ringing removed him from his fantasy.
Pulling the phone from his pants pocket where he had left it, he glanced at the name flashing on the LCD, and suddenly took a moment of silent contemplation. Taking in a deep breath of air, he pressed the "answer" button, and quickly brought the receiver to his ear. "Asaka-san," he greeted. "It's been a while since we last talked." He paused for a moment, allowing the man on the other line to speak. "Yes, I'm doing fine," he spoke again when given the chance. "My exams are good, thanks to you. What I'd give for a moment's rest and relaxation." He paused again as Asaka began to speak again on the other line.
"Eh? I don't have cram school for today. Yeah, I'm done with studying for the day. Huh? You want to meet? Right now? Uh... Yeah, I guess that does make me free. Um... where should we meet? Uh... Yeah, that's fine. Sure. I'll be waiting then."
Afterwards, a click was heard then the dial tone greeted his ears. Wataru stared for a moment at his phone before hanging up himself. With a sigh, he sat back down on the bed and began tinkering with the keypad—letters and numbers appearing on the LCD.
Really, he mentally sighed. What the heck am I doing?
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Karin carefully unpacked the things she had bought from the convenience store while humming a soft tune to herself. "What should I cook for dinner?" she thought aloud. Their parents still haven't returned from their trip. It was initially a business trip to Hokkaido, but considering the sights and sceneries, it was probably turning into a second honeymoon by now. "Can't be helped, though," she said again. "Otousan and okaasan are just too in love." Beginning to hum a different tune, she put away her groceries and began moving about the small space. She grabbed her apron and proceeded to tie it around her, when her eyes fell upon a stack of papers and envelopes. Her big black eyes shone with wonder, until she remembered it was just the mail she had brought in before leaving earlier that morning. She hadn't had a chance to rummage through that yet. "Although," she added as an after-thought. "It's probably just more bills."
She was about to turn back into the kitchen, when the chime of the doorbell filled her ears. She found it a bit strange to receive visitors at that time of day—especially when their parents aren't around—but nevertheless, she proceeded to the door to check on who it is. Glancing through the peep hole, her eyes widened for a moment with astonishment. Kazuki-san? She thought. But isn't he supposed to be still in America? She undid the chain and the double-lock, and turned the knob to open the door. Upon getting a better view of their visitor, she gaped again.
It's not Kazuki-san... Though, he does look like him. I mean, the shape of the face is similar, and the way the eyes are slanted, not to mention the cheekbones... But it's not Kazuki-san. He seems familiar though. Where have I seen him before?
"Ah, you must be Karin-san," the visitor said. Karin was taken aback for a moment, and asked, "You know me?" A bright smile greeted her, along with a response. "Yes," the man's voice was silky smooth. "My name is Asaka Masanobu. I'm Kazuki-kun's senpai from college. Wataru-kun has mentioned me before, right?" With that, realization dawned on her. "Asaka?!" she exclaimed. "Ah! The 'Asaka-san' that Wataru-chan talked about! The one who tutored him! And the one who is currently his pretend-boyfriend!" Upon realizing what she had just said, Karin immediately covered her mouth with her hands. "Sorry," she said, her eyes downcast. "I'll tell Wataru-chan you're here." She stepped aside and let him enter, ushering him to take a seat on the couch.
Asaka... She thought, and took hold of the envelopes that made up the morning mail. She patted them together and began to rummage through them while being immersed with her thoughts. No wonder he looked familiar. He was there at Ryokuyo's school fest. I think he auctioned his Gucci jacket. He's really handsome! Wataru-chan definitely attracts a lot of attractive people! I'm so proud of him!!
"Asaka-san!" Wataru called from the stairwell. "You got here a lot sooner than I thought. It's only been twenty minutes." "Well, yeah," the elder man grinned. "The directions you gave were very accurate, and I came by car so it's fast." "I'll go make some tea," Karin said, but Wataru quickly responded. "No need, Karin. We're going somewhere." "You're going out?" she asked, suddenly curious, but the seriousness in her brother's eyes reassured her a bit. "Okay," she said, flipping the envelopes to see the senders. Ugh, she mused. Just as I thought. Bills. She was about to set them aside on the shelves where they'd be forgotten until their parents' return, but one envelope caught her eye.
"Let's go then, Wataru-kun," spoke Asaka, his hand already at the door. Wataru made a beeline for the closet and quickly pulled out his jacket, and sprung it around his shoulders. "All right." As they were about to leave, Karin's voice called out to him. "Wataru-chan, there's a letter from Kazuki-san." "Huh?" Wataru turned his head a bit. He suddenly recalled his phone conversation with Kazuki a week ago about a letter the elder man had sent. As he was about to walk over to her to retrieve the letter, he heard Asaka speak. "Guess we should cancel, huh?" Wataru looked apologetically, but upon seeing the sadness and disappointment written in the elder man's eyes, he found it impossible to ignore him.
"Karin," he spoke. "I'll just read the letter later, okay? Let's go, Asaka-san." He took hold of the man's wrist and dragged him out of their two-floored apartment. Karin shrugged and placed the letters into the shelf just as she had originally planned, but set aside the one from Kazuki and placed it on the living room table so that Wataru will be able to see it when he gets back.
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Asaka looked down at the hand currently holding his wrist. It was smaller than his and a bit thinner, almost slender, rendering him unable to believe that it was actually a man's hand. There was something about that seemed so... delicate... and fragile... yet also something incredibly strong. The feel of Wataru's palm against his wrist was very warm that it made his stomach swell with bliss. For a moment, he mentally berated himself for feeling like a lovestruck schoolgirl, but he sincerely wished that the hand clasping him would continue to hold his hand forever.
Unfortunately, "forever" only lasted up to the sixty seconds needed to get to his car. All too soon, Wataru released his hold on him, earning a disappointing sigh from Asaka. "Is there anything wrong, Asaka-san?" Wataru innocently asked, watching the man unlock the car doors and head over to the driver's side. "Nothing," came the answer, but the warm smile was still on his face.
Once inside, Wataru patiently waited for Asaka to start the engine before looking at him curiously and raising a question. "You wanted to talk about something?" "Yes," came the quick response. "But first, let's have a change of scenery. How about the beach?"
"Beach? In late-autumn?"
"The sunset looks best at Tokyo Bay. Wanna go?"
"..."
"Wataru-kun...?"
"...Let's go."
The hint of hesitation in his voice was evident. With his hands inside his pocket, he tightly clutched the item that he was carrying there.
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"Waaaaaahhhh!! So beautiful!!"
Wataru gazed with wide eyes into the distant horizon, marveling at the sky's dyed reflection upon the calm waters. It was truly a sight to behold. I wish Kazuki could see this with me, he thought. The waves rippling against the sand echoed in his ears, and he felt a calm serenity washing over him. "Feeling better, Wataru-kun?" asked Asaka. "I know how tiring studying all the time could be."
"Yeah, it's great. Thank you, Asaka-san."
"It's nothing. Your pleasure is my business, Wataru-kun. Seeing you smile so beautifully like that assures me it was worth calling you."
At Asaka's words, Wataru could feel his face turning a different color, but he prayed the man wouldn't notice. "Wataru-kun..." He was wrong. "Your face looks kinda' red. I don't know if it's the sunset or you." Perhaps Asaka had meant it as a joke since he chuckled lightly afterwards. But Wataru quickly turned his face away, afraid that he might betray his own emotions. Upon doing so, Asaka realized that he was in fact blushing. "Wataru-kun...?" He softly murmured. "Are you...?"
"Ah, sorry if Karin said anything," the younger man quickly spoke. "I'm her brother so I know that she tends to talk about things she shouldn't, especially when it comes to me."
"It's no trouble," came the response. "She's quite adorable herself. I really didn't believe Kawamura-kun at first when he said the both of you looked alike. But now, I'd definitely mistake you for twins."
"Yeah... We get that a lot."
"I did notice though that your parents weren't at home. Do they work?"
"Yeah, both of them. They're in Hokkaido at the moment in a business meeting. But they should be back in a couple of weeks or so."
"Parents working a lot. It's no wonder you and your sister have a bit of independence."
"Not really..." Wataru scratched the back of his head with slight embarrassment. "Well, anyway," spoke Asaka. "I suppose I should tell you the reason why I called you out. It's about what we discussed back at the worksite... The ring is..."
"Asaka-san..." Before another word could be spoken, Wataru had interrupted and held open his left hand in front of the elder man. Curious, Asaka glanced at him and on to the item laying in the middle of Wataru's palm. His eyes widened for a fraction of a moment. "Wataru-kun... that's..." "Your ring," came the simple reply. "Or to be more exact, Yuina-san's ring."
"...!!"
"I saw the name engraved on the inside. This is Yuina-san's ring, isn't it? If so, then you should hold on to it instead of giving it to me so casually..."
"It's not..." Asaka interrupted, taking Wataru by surprise. "It's not really... Yuina's ring..." Noticing the young man's confused expression, Asaka continued, "Wearing matching rings also became popular in my school. Everyone was into it. I secretly had the paired rings made—our names engraved on the inside—with the intention of giving it to her as a present. But on the day I was about to give it to her, she broke up with me."
"Eh..."
"Automatically, the rings lost its purpose. So I had no use for them since then."
"You mean you carry it around with you?"
"No. The jeweler from where I got them is a friend of mine. I planned on returning it to him so he could sell it off or something, but he told me to hold on to it 'till I find a new love then he'll engrave a new name there. But holding on to it was just too painful, so I asked him to keep it for me. The day we went shopping, I also went to him to get the rings."
"..."
"He was really ecsastic about it, wondering if I've discovered new love. He knew how Yuina was so precious to me. How I loved her so."
"Asaka-san..." Wataru stared in awe at the man's confession. Then, resolve began to glaze over his eyes. He took hold of Asaka's hand, opening it palms up, and placed the gold ring in the center. "Then you should keep it, and not carelessly give it to someone on a mere whim." "But I gave it to you because it's you," Asaka stated, causing Wataru to perk up in surprise, their eyes meeting. Black mirrored brown, and Wataru somehow began to feel lost in the soft yet intense gaze of those brown orbs. "Asaka... san...?"
Wataru felt Asaka's hand rise, the man's fingers brushing against his skin, until their palms were pressed together. The gold ring had fallen from their grasp—the sound of its fall muffled by the sand. "The ring is a symbol of my love, and so I decided to give it to you—the person I love. But I suppose it was cruel indeed to have you hold on to an item that bore another person's name." Asaka interlaced their fingers together, marveling at how Wataru's hand fit so perfectly in his. "I loved Yuina more than anything. And it's possible that I still love her until now. But I know I can't keep living in her memory forever." The warmth emanating from his palm was making Wataru feel hot and flushed. There was also something... nauseating about it. But it was because of the presence of that heat that he had noticed the ring now being half-buried in the sand.
"Now I know," he calmly said, sparing a glance at the ring shining by his feet then into Asaka's deep eyes. "Now I know why I accepted this silly proposal of yours."
"Wataru-kun...?"
"Asaka-san is really helpless, isn't he? He acts so strong and mature around other people. He is kind to everyone he meets, but the truth is he is hiding the pain he feels. Asaka-san... is still hurting... Perhaps that's why I accepted. Because despite the smile I see on your face, deep within your eyes I can see a pain unimaginable. When I think of it like that, I just can't leave you alone. I want to be able to see Asaka-san smile. That's why I want to do everything I can in order to help."
Asaka gazed dumbfoundedly at Wataru, amazed at his thoughts. Was he really that transparent? Did he really look that vulnerable that Wataru felt compelled that he had to do something? "When you made that proposal," the young man continued. "I was a bit upset, but at the same time I felt that I really couldn't let you be. Asaka-san has done nothing but help me and encourage me. So this time around, I want to be the one to help and encourage Asaka-san."
For a moment, the rays of the setting sun shone against Wataru, blending him with the scenery. Asaka's eyes widened a bit—an overwhelming feeling bursting inside him. In his eyes, he had never seen the young boy look so beautiful as he did before...
Wataru detached his hand from Asaka's and was about to bend down to pick up the ring, when strong arms suddenly encircled his back, pulling him tightly against the elder man's broad and warm chest. "A...saka...san?" Wataru was at a loss for words, but he felt it. The rapid beating of Asaka's heart... the heat of his body... All of it made him feel... dizzy.
"I guess that's my limit," the elder man whispered, earning a confused gasp from Wataru. Tightening his embrace to ensure that the young boy would be unable to escape, he gently yet fiercely spoke, "Wataru-kun... I love you..." Wataru felt his body stiffen, his limbs suddenly going numb. It was because of the strong embrace. No... It was because... the person holding him... was trembling. "I love you..." the soft voice continued, almost breaking. "Why... Why not me..."
"...Eh?"
"Why not me? Why does it have to be Kazuki-kun? I can... make you happy too... So why...?"
Just by the mention of those words, Wataru already sensed that something was wrong. It wasn't the usual way Asaka confesses. There was something... desperate about this. "Asaka-san!!" Before Wataru could add anything to that, strong lips pressed against his, trapping him in another kiss. His mind suddenly went blank again with shock. Not again... he thought, and began to struggle for freedom. But Asaka kept him in place, his arms still wrapped painfully around Wataru's back, so much so that the young man's back was probably bruising.
Asaka kept kissing hard, exploring the corners of his mouth and moaning freely at the intensity he was feeling. Wataru opened his mouth to protest, but that caused Asaka to dive into him, deepening the kiss. Their tongues danced around one another; one trying to coax the other to come out, the other trying to push it away. Asaka moved one hand up to the back of Wataru's neck, angling their heads carefully to allow more access into the wet cavern.
Wataru began to feel weak at the knees. He gripped the elder man's arms for support, his fingers digging into the man's sleeves. The kiss was... intoxicating. He felt Asaka's tongue in his mouth, exploring every corner and every inch inside, brushing up against his teeth and gums, and even sparing a wrestling match with his own tongue.
Wataru shivered. This is wrong, he thought. I shouldn't... But somehow, all the frustrations he'd been feeling these past two weeks have piled up and were ready enough to explode. And Asaka was more than willing to become the receipient. This kiss... This taste... it was like...
Kazuki...
Kazuki!!
Finally realizing his actions, Wataru summoned up all the strength he could muster, and pushed himself away from the man's strong grasp. They both stumbled back opposite each other, their eyes widening in surprise and their breaths hitched. A pink stain adorned Wataru's cheeks, and he found it difficult to breathe. A cold gust of wind blew against them, and it pricked his neck, momentarily cursing himself for not wearing a scarf.
"I..." Wataru gasped. "I'm sorry..." With that, he dashed away, leaving behind a surprised Asaka. "Wa... Wataru-kun!!" he called out, regaining his senses and sprinting after him.
The gold ring lay forgotten amid the sand.
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Wataru continued to run as fast as his legs could carry him, not even glancing behind. His left hand burned. His back ached. And his lips were swollen. All the places where Asaka had touched him hurt, and the pang in his heart began to get heavier. It was another addition to the guilt he felt.
He needed to get away. He needed a source of reassurance. The letter! That's right... Kazuki's letter... It arrived this morning. Kazuki said that the letter contained the reason why he couldn't come home just yet. Dammit! If he just came home as planned, then this wouldn't even be happening! There was no time to think about the "what-if's". He needed to read that letter and he needed to do it now! Otherwise, he'd probably go insane. Getting back to the main road, he hailed a taxi and quickly gave it directions to his home.
The night sky began to reflect itself against the windows of tall buildings and cars, yet he found it impossible to admire. Wataru clenched his fists as he felt the nauseating feeling return to him. He began to rub his lips with the back of his right hand, but it didn't get rid of the warmth and the sensation it had felt earlier. Darn it! He mentally cursed. Kazuki... Kazuki not Asaka! Kazuki!! He repeated it over and over again like a mantra, and yet the feel of Asaka's lips—the numbness his body felt—and the warmth... none of it would be erased.
The taxi pulled up against his apartment building. He pulled out some bills he had in his pocket and quickly dashed away, not even bothering to wait of his change. He raced up the stairs to the floor of his family's apartment unit and down the hall to where he lived. Pulling out the key, he undid the lock and entered with cold sweat running down the side of his neck. He caught sight of Kazuki's letter on the living room table and made a beeline for it, ignoring Karin's note saying she had gone back to the convenience store because she forgot to buy something, but she'd be back soon.
Kazuki... Kazuki... Kazuki...
The memory of Asaka's lips burned on his skin, blurring his vision. But he refused to give in. Trying to calm down his racing heart, he hastily peeled off the flap of the envelope, not caring if he did it sloppily. He reached into the envelope to pull the white piece of paper out, but as he did so, something bright and shiny fell out, catching his eye. A tiny "clink" sound was heard as if cold metal made contact with the wooden floor. Curious, Wataru bent down to inspect the item in question, but paled upon the sight.
He blinked once. He blinked twice. He even pinched himself a couple of times to make sure he wasn't hallucinating. Slowly, he picked up the small object and held it in between his fingers, his eyes widening with disbelief.
It was a ring. A silver ring with a thin golden band around it—the original design of his ring!
His ring is with Asaka at the moment... So... that means... this ring... is...
"Ka... Kazuki... Why..." he trembled, the dizziness he felt earlier began to overwhelm him. "No... it... this has to be... a mistake..." With his hands shaking like crazy, he unfolded the white document, and his eyes, though beginning to blur with tears, skimmed through the contents, looking for an answer. When he was done, he collapsed down on to the floor, the paper fluttering away from his hands, and the pounding in his head getting stronger and stronger.
"No way..." he breathed out. "He really... But why... Kazuki... Why...?"
His world suddenly went black, and in the darkness, he distinctly heard the sound of metal falling on wood and rolling away... fading off into silence.
To be continued...
If memory serves me right, students in Japan go to school six days a week (Monday to Saturday). Monday to Friday have whole-day classes, while Saturday classes are only half-day. So, their real weekend-break from school is just Sunday. And really, don't rely on me for the geography of Tokyo or even Japan itself. I've never been to Japan before, and in any case, this is fiction so let's pretend that's the way it is.
Anyway, I'm not really sure if Wataru's family lives in an apartment or in a house & lot. It's just that, the scenes in the manga where Wataru was at home looked a bit small for me to consider it as a house & lot. Plus, it kind of made sense. I mean, both their parents work and both he and Karin are at school or outside most of the time. A two-floored apartment is easier to maintain by a family that rarely stays indoors than a house and lot. Another thing, the part where Wataru was tinkering with his cell phone after Asaka called, he was sending a text message to Asaka with directions on how to get to his home.
Ha... The reviews are getting less and less frequent these days. This is such a drag... I lose interest if I don't get enough reviews with the proper feedback.
Next chapter: Ominous Predicament. How did all this happen anyway? What is Wataru's reaction to this startling letter? And will Shohei do something...?
