WARNING: THERE IS LIGHT LEMON IN THIS CHAPTER!! It's not graphic lemon, but lemon nonetheless.
Thank you to all those who reviewed! Yeah, it got me pumping. I honestly didn't think I'd update this soon, but… Here it is!! It only took me a day and half to write! That is the power of reviews!
Thank you as well to my first-time readers. Welcome to my world of OtRFK fandom.
Anyway, it seems that there are still a lot of people confused, so I'll announce it again. There IS a fourth novel for the OTRFK series. It was released in Japan in June of last year, and a translated version is still currently being worked at. The English translation of the title is "And the Ring Confesses". If you've read the spoiler summary at the end of the first chapter of this fic, you'll know that the 4th book ends with a terrible cliffhanger and that a fifth book is inevitable.
The fifth book is still yet to be released, although rumors say that it "might" come out in Japan late this year or next year. KEYWORD: "Might"
Now, on with the 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. The only things I do own are my original characters.
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.
"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 away into silence.
THE UNTOUCHED RING
Chapter Seven: Ominous Predicament
Karin dampened a piece of cloth in the water basin she had carried in her brother's room. Squeezing the excess liquid out, she settled it against her brother's forehead and felt the heat of his burning skin slowly dissipate. "I'm really sorry about this," a soft and apologetic voice called from the door. "I should have known that he was feeling unwell." "It's not your fault, Asaka-san," she replied. "I should have told him to wear a scarf. The jacket he wore was too thin, and it's cold outside."
"I shouldn't have brought him to the beach."
"It's not your fault. Anyway, the doctor said that it's only a minor fever. He'll be better by tomorrow morning. It's nothing serious. Although…"
She trailed her words off in hesitation. Imagine her surprise when she came home to find her brother collapsed on the floor. It was a good thing Asaka came in afterwards. He carried Wataru off into his room while she called for a doctor in haste. Though the examination said he was fine—just tired probably due to exhaustion and certain amounts of stress—it still did not get rid of the ominous feeling creeping up her chest.
"Well then," she said, lifting herself up along with the basin of water. "I better start making dinner. Wataru-chan might be hungry when he wakes up. You don't mind staying with him for a while, Asaka-san?"
Asaka looked at the young man's sleeping face and pondered for a moment. Finally, he said, "Yes, if you don't mind." As Karin took her leave, Asaka pulled up a chair and sat next to Wataru's bedside. He took the younger man's hand in his and held it tightly, not wanting to let go.
Wataru-kun…
He had never seen Wataru asleep before. When the young boy stayed over at his family's home, the room was dark so he couldn't see his face. And when morning had arrived, Wataru was the first to wake up. So this is truly the first time he'd ever seen the young man fast asleep. And he found it quite… enchanting… When he was awake, he'd display amazing strength and determination, but right now… He looked so vulnerable—so helpless.
Asaka wondered how many times Kazuki had probably seen this sleeping face. And when that thought entered his mind, he couldn't help but feel a pang of jealousy creeping in his heart. It's true at the moment he had no right to be jealous since Wataru isn't officially his boyfriend. But his feelings for the young boy had grown more intense. Even he was surprised at his actions earlier that day. Furthermore, it wasn't coaxed out of something concerning Kazuki like what Wataru did before by kissing his ring. No… It was brought about by Wataru's words and concern towards him.
Wataru-kun…
Still holding the young man's hand in his, he bent down ever slightly and softly kissed the hand he held dearly. For a moment, he thought he felt Wataru flinch at his touch, but when he looked at the young man's face, he saw no signs of waking up. Sighing, he leaned back on the chair and gazed ever so lovingly at his beloved's sleeping face. His fingers rubbed around Wataru's hand, caressing the spot where he had kissed it.
Wataru-kun… I wonder what he's dreaming about…
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"Wataru… What are you doing?" asked a disgruntled Kazuki, pushing himself up on the bed with his elbows. "What does it look like I'm doing?" Wataru replied, still leaning forward against the sink with an ice pick in his hands. Kazuki frowned a bit before propping himself up into a sitting position. "I can do that, you know…"
"So says the guy who is sick in bed…" Wataru continued to jab against the huge block of ice, ignoring the cold prick on his fingers. "Careful," he heard his lover speak before giving another strong thrust. "OW!!" he winced, as he felt the ice pick graze against his hand making a small cut. "Wataru!" he heard Kazuki jump out of bed and hurry to his side. He watched as the elder man quickly took hold of his injured hand, bringing it up to his face and lap up the blood that was beginning to trickle out.
"Kazuki…"
"Idiot, Wataru. I told you to be careful, didn't I? Cutting yourself like that…"
"It was an accident…"
"Excuses… Come here. I should have a band-aid lying around here somewhere."
Luckily, the cut wasn't very deep. It was just a flesh wound, and hardly posed any trouble at all. Even though a band-aid had now covered the wound, Kazuki still glared at him with intensity in his eyes. "I'm sorry, already," he spoke, breaking the tension. "I was just making you an ice pack." "And I told you I could do that," came the reply. "Or are you feeling guilty because it's your fault I'm sick?"
Wataru frowned a bit and turned his head away. He was doing this on his own volition, and yet the man seemed like he didn't want any of it. True that it was technically his fault Kazuki had fallen ill. They were supposed to meet at the park near Kazuki's home but, as usual, Wataru ran a little late. When he got there, Kazuki looked a bit pale. Then, as expected, Kazuki developed a fever and had to stay indoors for a few days.
"Don't you still have some exams to do?" Kazuki asked, sitting back on the bed and motioning for Wataru to do the same. The young boy obeyed and sat next to his lover. "It's fine. I'm studying quite a lot these days," he answered, slightly annoyed. "Besides, what's wrong in coming over to take care of my sick boyfriend?" "Well, if you put it that way," Kazuki trailed off, leaning himself forward against Wataru and pushing the younger man down on the soft mattress.
"Ah, h-hey, wait!" the young man pushed gently. "You're sick!"
"So?"
"I said I'd take care of you. But I don't want to catch it. You said so yourself that I still have exams."
"Then don't act so cute around me."
"C-Cute?!"
"You know that whenever you act cute it gets me turned on."
"K-Kazuki!!"
Wataru froze when he felt Kazuki's hand brush against his stomach, gently lifting his shirt higher and higher. "Kazuki! S-Stop it!" He struggled, but was cut off by strong lips being pressed against his. Wataru felt himself melt into the kiss—his protests being drowned by moans and whimpers of pleasure. "K-Kazuki…" he gasped as soon as their lips separated. Kazuki looked at him with gentle yet intense eyes.
"You don't want to? Wataru? Will you deny me the pleasure of holding you?"
He descended on to him once again, nipping at his skin but still careful not to leave any marks, though this frustrated him a bit. But the last time he left some, Wataru had complained about it since it would definitely attract attention and questions. Oh well, he thought. I could try leaving some where no one would see it. As he pushed the boy's shirt higher, soft hands quickly caught his and stopped him from going any further.
"Wataru…" he frowned, but Wataru matched it with a scowl. "I said 'no'," the dark-eyed boy spoke. "You need to rest, Kazuki." He gently pushed Kazuki off of him, relieved that the elder man complied. He got off the bed and let Kazuki tuck himself beneath the covers. He walked over to his bag and reached in to grab a few things. All throughout, he could feel the elder man's eyes on him. "Going to study?" the elder boy asked.
"Yeah. Oriya-sensei decided to give another test tomorrow. I have to be prepared."
"I see. Will you be fine with that hand?"
"Hm? The cut's not that deep," he walked back over and sat at the edge of the bed, observing the bandage around his hand. "It'll heal in no time. Besides, it's the left hand, thankfully."
"Thankfully?" Kazuki raised an eyebrow. "You should say, 'thankfully the wound is not serious'. Never say, 'thankfully it's the left hand' or any other part of your body."
"Kazuki?"
Kazuki took the injured hand in his again, and brought it near his face. "Even the slightest injury makes me worry for you," he spoke, his hot breath blowing against Wataru's skin. Wataru shuddered for a moment, but then turned different shades of red when Kazuki kissed the hurt area, afterwards descended further to kiss the ring on his finger. "Wataru," he spoke, his voice containing heat and passion. "I love you." He leaned forward to kiss him on the lips, but was effectively pushed away again.
"Kazukiiii…" Wataru drawled. "Stop that. You're not getting me with that!"
"You've denied your boyfriend sex, and now you're denying me a kiss?"
"You are sick," he put emphasis on each word.
"You won't get sick by kissing me or sleeping with me."
"I'm not taking any chances."
With the conversation ended, Wataru slid down on to the floor and began flipping his school books open. Sighing in defeat, Kazuki lay back down and threw the covers over him. Even though he'll never openly admit it, he was really overjoyed at the fact that Wataru was there with him, especially now that he's feeling a little under the weather.
"Wataru…"
"Hm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Kazuki. But I'm still not sleeping with you."
"Thought so…"
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Minutes passed by and the room fell into silence. Wataru glanced at Kazuki and discovered him to be fast asleep. He really looks adorable when he's asleep, he thought. The only other time he'd been able to see Kazuki's sleeping face was during the early summer. He had woken up earlier than the older boy, something that astonished both of them. Kazuki didn't seem pleased at the idea of being watched while he slept, but that dissatisfaction was immediately washed away as they had engaged in another heated love-making.
Keeping those thoughts to himself, Wataru stretched out his hand and placed it on the man's forehead to feel his temperature. He's still burning, he concluded. Maybe I should get that ice pack. He rose up and went over to the kitchen sink where the ice block still lay. It was slightly melted, making it easier to chip through. After flaking off a few chunks, he placed them in a small pack and walked back to Kazuki. Placing the ice bag on his burning forehead, Wataru watched as Kazuki's facial expression changed to that of ease and comfort. The coolness was probably doing good on his heated skin.
Finding the man's face undeniably attractive, he leaned down and gave a small and gentle peck on the lips. A little will do, he thought as he raised himself back up. Since he looks so cute… He went over to the desk to pull up the chair, but as he did so, his eyes glanced at the book laid on top. Curious, he picked it up to take a closer look, and realized it was the same book that Asaka had recommended to him to better improve his English.
Kazuki did mention that he read this back in Junior High. I thought he said this was back in his parents' house…
Nonchalantly, he flipped it often and skimmed through the pages wondering what type of person Kazuki was back in Junior High. How did he feel as he read this book for the first time? Did he find it difficult or did it come naturally to him like everything else did? Just the mere presence of this book showed Wataru the many things he still didn't know about Kazuki. The days before they met and fell in love… The years that are virtually unknown to him…
He gave a heavy sigh and was about to put the book back down when something fluttered out of its pages and fell back on top of the desk. Feeling his curiosity rise, he placed the book back down and picked up that item instead. It was a postcard, obviously. But from whom? Since it was placed in between the pages of a book he was reading, Wataru thought that it was probably very important to Kazuki.
…Or he's just using it as a bookmark. (Both of which he could imagine Kazuki doing)
The picture on the postcard featured a statue of a lady wearing a crown and holding a large tablet in one hand and torch in the other. The hand holding the torch was raised high into the sky. He'd seen that statue before in pictures and magazines. It was the Statue of Liberty!
No wonder he's keeping it! It's from the U.S.!
He flipped it over to find that it was dated last Christmas. The message was simple, yet at the same time obscure…
"Yuichi. How are you doing? It's been a while since we last contacted each other. How are things in Japan? Everything is still fine as usual, I hope. I heard you ranked 27 in the overall national exam. Congratulations! You've made me really happy and so proud of you. Are you still planning on going to Tokyo University? With your grades, I'm sure you'll make it. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Mizuho."
Mizuho?
The name signed at the end bothered him a bit. Who was this person? The handwriting was neat and elegant, unlike his that were a bit messy and, at times, like chicken scratch. He could even smell traces of lavender scent on the postcard itself. It seemed that the sender took great care in writing this. Perhaps that was the reason why Kazuki held on to it? But "Mizuho" is a woman's name. And the fact that she referred to Kazuki by his given name suggested a certain degree of closeness. And what did "still planning on going to Tokyo University" mean?
Why "still planning"?
Was there an important significance in Kazuki's going to Tokyo University?
Wataru shook out those thoughts. It wasn't right for him to pry. Even if Kazuki was his boyfriend, there were still some things that the man would like to keep secret. And Wataru was a man who respected a person's right to privacy. If Kazuki wanted me to know then he'd tell me right away. He settled the postcard back down and re-inserted it among the pages of the book. "Right," he thought aloud. "I should run to the convenience store to get dinner. I wonder what Kazuki would like? He's sick so he probably won't have an appetite, but he still needs to eat something before taking some medicine."
Afterwards, he picked up his things and hurried outside.
A few minutes passed after he left, and Kazuki began to stir awake. He opened his drowsy eyes and waited for a moment for everything to blur back into focus. He groggily got up, his hand massaging his temples, and felt rather annoyed that he had fallen asleep. Wataru was probably watching him all along and, as flattered as he was that his boyfriend would find his face very attractive, he still didn't like the notion of being watched while he slept.
"Wataru," he called out, but received no answer. Finding it peculiar, he scanned the surroundings to discover definitely that his boyfriend was gone. That's odd, he thought. He wouldn't leave without telling me first. And it's not even that late for him to go home. Besides, he did say he was staying over. He forced himself to get out of the bed, even though his body protested. Just by mere chance, his sight fell upon his desk where the book he had been reading the night before lay.
That's strange.
He knew he left the book facing upward, not down. He approached it and found a flap of something sticking out from in-between the pages. Only one conclusion came to his mind. Wataru saw "it". He breathed a heavy sigh filled with unknown emotions. He grabbed hold of the flap and pulled the postcard out. Holding it at eye-level, he skimmed through the contents again, his eyes flickering with raw emotion.
Mizuho.
He didn't know what Wataru thought when he saw the postcard, but he knew he needed to explain quickly before a misunderstanding arose.
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The door creaked open and Wataru slowly entered, careful not to make a sound in case Kazuki was still asleep. He decided to go with the usual bento boxes, since there was no need for long preparations, and Kazuki probably had little or no appetite. Closing the door behind him, he took off his jacket and scarf, and shook off the coldness he felt at his shoulders. While doing so, strong arms suddenly wrapped themselves from behind, and he found himself swept in a tight embrace.
"Ka…zuki…?" he mumbled, slightly surprised. The elder man held him tighter and buried his head at the crook of the younger boy's neck. "Kazuki… What's wrong?" It wasn't abnormal for Wataru to suddenly go to the store, and he'd always come back right away. So what was up with Kazuki's odd behavior? As much as he relished in the fact that his boyfriend had missed him so much in the few minutes he was away, he didn't think he was gone that long to receive such a passionate greeting.
"I thought you probably left," the man's cool voice whispered. Wataru looked confused. "I did leave," he stated, which was technically true. But the moment he said it, he felt Kazuki tense and the arms pulled him closer and tighter against the elder man's body. "Kazuki, what's wrong?" he was getting worried. "I just went to the convenience store for a moment. I always do that, but you're acting as if I'd gone out of your life."
"…Y-You're right." Did he stammer? "Sorry, I guess I just lost myself back there. Must be the fever…"
"Yeah, probably," said Wataru, finally being released from the strong embrace and getting a chance to look at his boyfriend's face. "Your face is all red and flushed. You even feel hot. You better lie down again."
Wordlessly, Kazuki did as he was told, but Wataru could sense the reluctance in his actions. Now he was really worried. What could have set Kazuki in such a way? It couldn't be the fever. It had to be something else. But what? He glanced around the room in search of anything out of the ordinary, and saw the postcard he had seen earlier placed upon the nightstand next to the bed.
For a moment, all he could look at was the postcard. He knew he put it back inside the book. He had no idea for how long he kept staring at it with a blank expression, but Kazuki must've taken notice of it, since he suddenly spoke up.
"She's a friend," he said, answering the questions forming inside Wataru's head. "She's been living in the States for some years now. This is the first time she's made contact ever since she went to live there."
"Oh. Who is she anyway?" The question was innocent and honest, but once again, Kazuki tensed at the mention. "She…" he drawled, as if he unsure how to answer. "She's my brother's ex-girlfriend." "Eh?" Wataru was taken aback. "Shohei-san's ex? But why did she write to you and not to him?" This was really getting confusing. Kazuki sighed and pulled Wataru by the arm, causing the young boy to fall on to the bed where he immediately straddled him.
"Kazuki…" Wataru berated, but was cut off by the sudden presence of hot lips pressed against his. "Wataru…" the whisper of his name was hot and seductive that he couldn't help but blush madly. "I love you…" the sultry voice continued as the lips descended further down his body, making his belly swell with bliss. "Kazuki…?" He felt the elder man's hands tug the end of his shirt, and slowly push it upward, exposing his skin to him. Kazuki continued with his ministrations, his lips making contact with the young man's chest where he kissed and licked every part of it.
"Kazuki… What…"
Kazuki stopped for a moment, and undid the buttons of his pajama top. He let it slide down his shoulders and Wataru gaped at the sight of his lover's broad chest and fine abs. The sight was to drool for. Entranced by the sight, he didn't even realize that Kazuki had already succeeded in taking off his shirt—pulling it over his head—and letting it drop on to the floor. "Kazuki, you're sick…" he muttered, trying to retain a bit of his resolve, but the elder man's soft and gentle touches were making it hard for him to comply.
"Wataru…" he spoke, his hands exploring every inch of him. Wataru closed his eyes in embarrassment, and tried to keep them closed as he felt the heat overwhelming his body. When he opened them again, he found himself to be naked as the day he was born. Above him, Kazuki was also bare naked, never stopping in his caresses.
"Kazuki?"
"Wataru… I love you… You love me too, right?"
"Eh… O-Of course! What brought this about?"
"Then believe in me…" There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes, something that Wataru couldn't decipher. But it was there. A look of longing and… desperation…? It was the first time he'd ever seen Kazuki with such an expression. "No matter what happens… Believe in me…"
Wataru truly did not know how to respond in plain words at such a statement. Not trusting his voice, he simply nodded, and wrapped his arms around the man's back—pulling their flushed bodies together. "I love you, Kazuki."
The next thing he knew, he was drowning in a sea of warmth and love. And all he could see, hear, taste and feel was Kazuki.
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Wataru groaned as he slumped himself forward against the table, finding it hard to keep his eyes open. "You okay?" Kazuki asked, holding a tray with two lattes. Setting both down on the table, he took a seat opposite his boyfriend. "You should talk," Wataru replied. "I'm the one here who nearly failed in the test. I didn't get much studying done last night. Not to mention I was deprived of sleep."
"I already said I'm sorry, didn't I?"
"Kazuki… Just be thankful I didn't catch your cold! Otherwise, I won't be coming over for a week!"
"Then I'll come over to visit you."
"Kazuki!!"
The elder man chuckled and reached out his hand to touch his lover affectionately. It is during these rare public displays of affection that he is glad the café they always frequent is most of the time devoid of people. He brushed away the dark chocolate brown bangs away from his lover's face—an intimacy that he always enjoyed. He was about to lean forward and steal a kiss, when the chime of the door tinkled, signaling the entrance of another customer. Disappointed, he reeled back his hand and settled back on the chair.
"Ah! Yuichi and the dark-eyed boy! I knew I'd find you here!"
"S-Shohei-san!" Wataru perked up, but Kazuki frowned at the man's presence. "Aniki… What are you doing here? And who are you calling 'the dark-eyed boy'?"
"I've been trying to get in contact with you," the elder Kazuki continued, ignoring the earlier comment.
"Honestly, why do you have your cell phone turned off?"
"Because I know you'll just bother me."
"True. But then I recalled finding you and dear Fujii-kun here before, so I decided to take a gamble that you'd be here. Guess what? I win."
"How exciting… But what are you doing here, aniki?"
"Here," the elder man thrust into Yuichi's line of sight a clean-white envelope with a postage stamp that Wataru knew didn't come from Japan. He could also smell traces of lavender from the envelope… the same scent that was on the postcard. "It's from your precious Mizuho."
Mizuho? That was definitely the name on the postcard… The woman whom Yuichi had told him was Shohei's ex-girlfriend. But why did Shohei say "your precious Mizuho"?
Before he could ponder on it further, Kazuki slammed his palms on the table and rose up, a frown matching his brother's grin. "Something wrong, otouto?" he asked with an innocent tone in his voice. Yuichi glared at him, but then turned his head away. "Come on, Wataru. Let's go." "Huh? Kazuki?" the young boy called out, feeling very confused. But his reaction caused a gleam of amusement in Shohei's eyes. "I see," the elder man drawled. "You haven't told him yet. My! What a cruel boyfriend you are, Yuichi. Not even telling your lover something so important as this…"
"It's nothing important," Yuichi stated defensively. "And it's also none of your business, aniki."
"But he does have a right to know, Yuichi. About your ex-girlfriend who is eight years older than you…"
"Eh?!" Wataru bolted up from his seat, shock and surprise evident on his face. "B-But, Kazuki… You told me she was…"
He trailed off, but it did earn Shohei's interest. "Goodness me, what has Yuichi told you, Fujii-kun? He didn't lie to you about this, did he?"
"Wataru! Let's go!" Yuichi practically snapped, but Shohei continued waving the white envelope in front of him. "That isn't a nice way to treat me, otouto," he mused. "Especially, since I personally delivered this letter for you. I thought you might be thrilled about it, am I wrong? Or could the timing just have been wrong?"
Wataru bit his lip anxiously, staring back and forth between the two brothers. The air of animosity was so thick that a knife could probably slice through it. The fact that Kazuki had lied to him did hurt him a bit, but as he surmised the night before, he respected other people's privacy. Even he had secrets from Kazuki that he didn't want to become known. So it was only fitting…
At least that's what he's trying to say to himself…
"U-Um… Kazuki…" he interrupted the brothers' staring contest. "Shohei-san went all through the trouble of delivering the letter for you. Wouldn't it be right to accept it?"
"Wataru…" the man uttered with slight amazement in his eyes. Even Shohei was a bit surprised.
"It's fine," the young boy continued. "I'm not particularly mad that you didn't tell me about her, or that you lied about it. I've lied to you before as well so you could consider it even. But even if it's a letter from your ex, shouldn't you read it? It might be important."
Silence reigned for a few moments, before Kazuki finally let out a long sigh of relief. He was worried that Wataru would probably be upset at him for lying to him then immediately making love afterwards—almost as if he used sex to cover up his lie. Though he was relieved that the young boy didn't hate him, he was still annoyed at his brother for choosing such an uneasy moment to butt in. Taking the letter in his hands, he flipped it open and frowned upon reading the contents.
"What's wrong?" Wataru asked with concern.
"It says she's going to have an open-heart surgery soon."
"Heart surgery?" Shohei echoed. "Well, I guess it was inevitable. Mizuho's heart condition had always been weak. It was only a matter of time…"
"Anyway," Yuichi continued, cutting off his brother. "She says she wants me to accompany her there."
"What?" both men chorused in surprise. Kazuki re-folded the paper with a slightly annoyed expression on his face. But there was another emotion there… Was it worry…?
"Then will you go?" Shohei asked. "I could immediately arrange for a visa. I've got lots of connections so…"
"Not happening," came the immediate reply. "I'm not going." He stated it with an air of finality and proceeded over to the door. "Let's go, Wataru. Oh, and aniki… I'll leave the bill to you, okay?" Not knowing what else to do, Wataru bowed lightly to Shohei, then ran after Kazuki not wanting to be left behind.
A smirk appeared on Shohei's lips as he sat down, staring at the un-drunk cups of latte in front of him.
"Really, Yuichi," he mused. "You can be so stubborn at times." Moments later, the chime of the door tinkled again and in stepped Masanobu looking as if he had hurried. "Shohei-san," he called out, hurrying to the man's side with envelopes and folders in his hands. "I'm sorry I'm late. You weren't waiting for long, were you?"
"No, just fine Masanobu-kun. Just thinking of how interesting things are really getting."
A confused expression formed on the other man's face. He took a seat opposite him, and waited for the elder man to explain it to him.
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"Kazuki, wait up!!" Wataru called out, as he caught up with his boyfriend. "Hey… Are you listening? Kazuki!! Come on! What was that about? Why aren't you going?!"
Upon hearing the last statement, Yuichi stopped dead on his tracks, causing Wataru to bump into his back. "Kazu—" "You want me to go?" he interrupted, before the young boy could finish. Wataru averted his gaze for a moment, sadness gleaming in his eyes. "I am a bit mad that you lied to me… but like I said earlier, let's call it even. Besides, even you have things you don't want known, even to me."
"You're not bothered that she's eight years older than me?"
"So? You're older than me," he said, meeting his lover's eyes.
"It's a different case. The gap is just one year."
"That's not the issue here. The point is, she's going to undergo a risky operation, and she's probably scared."
"Wataru…"
"You should go to her."
"……"
"Please don't worry about me. Look, she needs you to see this through to the end. I may not know what happened between you and her, nor the extent of your feelings for one another, but you should still help her in any way you can."
"Wataru…"
"Please Kazuki? It's only the right thing to do. It's like what Asaka-san would do for me, and vice versa."
"Asaka?" Kazuki perked at the mention of the name, and getting stuck at "vice versa". "Why bring him into this?"
"It doesn't matter," Wataru quickly recovered, detecting the hint of jealousy laced in his boyfriend's voice.
"Kazuki, you should go and see Mizuho-san. I know you're worried about her as well."
"It's okay."
"Kazuki!!"
"You worry too much, Wataru. I told you it's okay."
The argument would go on for a few more moments, until it was interrupted by the sudden presence of Asaka. Noticing the deliberate display of affection towards his boyfriend, Yuichi felt annoyed and wanted more than ever to get Wataru as far away as he can from the elder man.
He succeeded, but at the expense of agreeing to go to the U.S. to accompany Mizuho.
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The bed creaked violently as two bodies shuddered on top of it, their hands clasping against one another and heavy breaths filled the air. "Ka… Kazuki…" the younger man panted, quivering beneath his lover's hot body. "Kazuki… slow down…" He gasped as he felt a sudden prick up his spine, causing him to clutch on to the elder man's back—his fingernails digging into the damp skin.
"Wataru…" the man whispered, blowing a breath of cool hair on to Wataru's heated skin. He ignored the latter's weak protest and continued to take him in the rhythm he had established. Wataru could feel himself leaping up from the bed with every hard thrust he received—his mind going blank with infinite thoughts of bliss and pleasure. "Kazu…ki…" he drawled, trying to catch his breath. "Too… much… I can't…"
"Wataru…" the name continued to be chanted like a mantra. They had been trapped in that blissful intercourse for two hours, and yet it still didn't seem enough. Kazuki wanted more. He wanted everything that the younger boy had and could offer. No matter how many times he would take him… no matter how many times he would feel satisfied to the core… He still wanted to hold him.
In the next moment, he felt Wataru's breathing hitch and the clutch on his back tightened. He also found himself burying himself deeper and deeper with every thrust, causing the heat inside him to build up getting ready for release.
After a few more thrusts, Wataru arched his back and opened his mouth to form a silent scream. Kazuki continued taking him further, even as he felt great warmth spread in between them and Wataru slumped back on the sheets due to exhaustion. Very soon, it was Kazuki's turn and he made one final thrust deep into his lover before reaching his climax—filling his beloved with warmth that it overflowed. Afterwards, he fell on top of him—their chests heaving heavily, trying to catch their breaths, and their bodies still conjoined.
"Kazuki…?" Wataru huffed, brushing a few bangs away from his lover's face. "Hm…" came the groaned reply. "I'm fine. You?"
"All right, I guess. But… remind me again why we…"
"You forgot already? Boy, my technique must be really good if it made you forget."
"K-Kazuki!!"
Soft laughter filled the room as they basked in the afterglow of their lovemaking. After Kazuki had made the decision of going to America (courtesy of Wataru's urging); he contacted Shohei and cashed in the favor that the older man was offering earlier. In a breeze, the necessary papers and documents were arranged, and he was set to go the day after tomorrow. Unfortunately, the date of departure was on the same date as Wataru's exams.
Obviously, the two would be unable to see each other off. To make up for it, Kazuki had invited Wataru over for a night just between them. Even though he'd be gone for just a week, Kazuki had felt that it was a different thing if they were thousands of miles apart. So he decided to "stock up on love", as he put it. But Wataru had no idea exactly how amorous Yuichi was feeling.
"Kazuki…"
"Hm?"
"I love you."
"I love you too, Wataru. Only you… and no one else."
They closed in for another kiss, Yuichi's fingers momentarily brushed up against the marks that he had placed upon Wataru's body. Luckily though, he was able to restrain himself a bit, and only left some on areas that would surely be covered up by clothes. Their hands began to roam and explore each other's body; the rings on their finger offered a soothing coolness to their burning skin.
Wataru groaned as the kiss deepened and became more intense. He broke off to gasp for air—angling his head upward—but that caused Kazuki to descend on to his neck, leaving a trail of kisses and saliva. How tempted he was to leave a kiss mark in plain sight where it can be seen so that everyone would know that this person belonged to him. And it took him every amount of restraint not to.
Another heat began to pool and gather, and Wataru became startled at the feeling of something jolting inside him. "Uh… Kazuki…" he mumbled, realizing what it was. "Y-You're… Uh…" Kazuki paid no attention to the ramblings and continued, feeling the heat building up inside him again. "Wataru," he spoke in-between nipping at his lover's skin. "Let's do it again."
"What?!"
"Let's do it two more times without pulling out."
"Wha—What?! Kazuki, w-wait! We already…" He groaned when he felt the elder man grind against him, feeling him spring back to life inside him. "Kazuki…"
"Come on, Wataru. We won't be seeing each other for a while and I'll miss you."
"It'll only be for a week. We've gone longer without doing it."
"I told you it's different. This time, I won't have the pleasure of seeing you or hearing your voice. How long do you think I'd be able to last?"
"Kazuki…"
"Well?"
Wataru mentally paled. It wasn't unordinary for them to do it again, but… Three consecutive times? Kazuki is getting more and more into this each time. He's even starting to talk dirty…
"Wataru…?"
"Three times… is a bit too much…"
A soft chuckle escaped the elder man's lips. "I love you, Wataru," he said, and propped himself up with his hands. He began loving Wataru again in a manner that only he could—his eyes never left the young boy's face—and watched intently as pleasure washed over his lover's facial expression.
Long into the night, Kazuki's small apartment was filled with pants and moans of two lovers basking in each other's tastes and scents.
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Wataru began to stir awake; waiting for his eyes to blur everything back into focus. When everything was finally clear again, he willed his body to get up, despite the heaviness he was feeling. "Wataru-chan!" someone called from the doorway. But he knew only one person would call him that.
"Karin?" he replied groggily. "What… What happened?"
"You passed out," she said, quickly hurrying to his side. She sat down next to him and pressed her forehead against his to feel his temperature. Her hands were a bit wet and cold, so she couldn't use them. After determining her brother's condition, she breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that his fever had gone.
"Honestly, Wataru-chan!" she scoffed, a small pout forming on her lips. "Do you have any idea how shocked I was when I got back? Seeing you on the floor all collapsed like that… I was in a state of panic! Lucky that Asaka-san came, though…"
"Asaka-san?"
"Yeah. He said he came back thinking you would've gone home after ditching him at the beach. He was the one who carried you up here and changed you out of those clothes."
"Wha—What?!" Wataru flinched as he inspected himself. True enough, he was out of the clothes he had worn earlier and was currently dressed in his dark blue pajamas. "A—Asaka-san… undressed… me…?" His face turned beet red and flushed with embarrassment. At this reaction, Karin slightly giggled and reassured him. "Don't worry. He didn't change your underwear, so he didn't see anything."
"That's not the point!!" Wataru slumped back on to the mattress, grabbing the pillow and burying it against his face. He was too embarrassed now to say or do anything. How was he supposed to face Asaka now?
"Wataru-chan," Karin continued. "You should be grateful. If he hadn't been here, I would've panicked to no end. Even though he was also worried, he kept calm and did his best to help."
"I see," he spoke, mildly getting up from his "hiding place". "Then I should thank him…"
In truth, he truly owed a lot to Asaka. He also hadn't thanked him properly yet for covering for him during the Ryokuyo Fest. He had promised Kawamura that Kazuki would make an appearance at the auction, but due to certain events that could not be avoided, both he and Kazuki ended not showing up at all. He thought he'd have hell to pay with Kawamura, but the young boy had bounced over to him, saying that it was a good call to invite Asaka in place of Kazuki. When he heard this, he realized that Asaka saved face for him with Kawamura. For that, he is truly very grateful.
"Asaka-san left not too long ago," Karin spoke again. "It was getting very late. And he has early classes tomorrow so…"
"Okay… I'll just thank him when I get the chance then."
"Wataru-chan…"
"Hm?"
"The doctor said you collapsed due to exhaustion and sudden stress."
"Really? I must be more tired than I thought with the exams and studying…"
"Wataru-chan…" Karin looked at him with eyes of worry, knowing full well that he seemed to be avoiding the topic. "We, uh… saw the letter."
"……"
"Asaka-san and I… we saw the letter. It's a bit obscure so I don't think Asaka-san understood the meaning, since I was able to hide the ring from him."
"……"
"I guess that was the only upside that I found you before he did. Here." She placed the silver ornament in his hands, confirming that everything that had happened was not some awful nightmare, but the real thing. "I, uh… I'll be in the kitchen if you need me. Are you hungry? I made pasta, but if you want something else, I can whip it up for you."
"…No. I'm fine. Pasta will do. Thank you… Karin…"
Karin couldn't help but feel the sadness and depression coming from her brother. Leaving the conversation at that, she exited the room and closed the door behind her. She leaned against the hard wooden fixture for a moment, before finally hearing lamenting sobs coming from the other side.
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Shohei tapped lightly on his mahogany desk, a glint of amusement evident on his face. Earlier that morning, he had a chat with Masanobu and learned about the man's actions. In his opinion, it was certainly an amazing improvement. He wondered if Masanobu was really that great a kisser that Wataru would faint over it.
If that's the case, then there's a chance that the dark-eyed boy is falling for Masanobu. Yuichi really has serious competition… Speaking of which…
What truly spiked his interest was that little letter that Yuichi had sent to his boyfriend. After hearing the exact contents from Masanobu, he agreed that the meaning was a bit cryptic. Should he dare hope that it was a "Dear John" letter? Glancing at his watch, a mischievous smile appeared on his lips and he dialed a few numbers.
Thousands of miles away, a grumpy and worn-out Yuichi staggered to find his cell phone in the deep darkness. The loud ringing was hurting his ears. Upon seeing the name flashing on the LCD screen, he grunted and pressed the "answer" button and snapped at the receiver, "WHAT?!"
"My, My… What a greeting," Shohei chuckled. "I thought you would be more than jubilant in hearing my voice."
"Aniki…" he groaned. "What do you want? Do you have any idea what time it is here?"
"Two in the morning."
"You called to amuse yourself? I don't have time for this…"
"Oh? You're not interested in the latest dating couple?"
"Why should I care about that kind of gossip? Goodbye…"
"Then, I'll be giving Masanobu-kun and Wataru-kun my blessings. I'll also tell them that you are happy for them as well."
"WHAT??" Shohei had to hold the phone far away from his ear to avoid the loud shriek. "Asaka and Wataru… What game are you playing?! Are you trying to get to me with such an underhanded scheme?!"
"Believe what you want to believe. But while you're taking your dear sweet time there, a new romance is being born here. But I was under the impression that you were the one who instigated it."
"What? Why would I…" He trailed off, leaving a thick silence behind. Shohei continued to listen, but heard no response. "Yuichi?" he spoke. "Are you still there?"
"…I'll call you when I get to Narita Airport."
"Huh?"
"I'm taking the earliest flight back to Japan!!"
To be continued…
Whew! Finally a Kazuki x Wataru scene—even though it was a flashback… For the past six chapters, it's all been Asaka x Wataru. I keep re-reading the novels and those Asaka x Wataru moments so that I can portray their relationship properly, but the more I do, the more entranced I become with that pairing. Truth is if Kazuki hadn't been Wataru's seme, I'd totally root for Asaka.
Well, I needed this chapter in order to reassure myself (and my readers) that this is a Kazuki x Wataru story.
…Or is it? (insert maniacal laugh)
Just an added note… The beach scene with Asaka and Wataru last chapter was inspired from one of the illustrations of volume 4. That volume is dominated with Asaka x Wataru images, which really makes me want to know in full and complete detail… WHAT HAPPENED?!
Next chapter: Rondo to Destruction. Kazuki is back in Japan!! And he's not alone… Plus, there's a new rumor going around school.
P.S. I was going to write Kazuki's letter here, but I realized the chapter was already too long so I skipped it. It might be revealed in the next chapter… But then again a lot of things are gonna happen there so… Well, let's see if I can squeeze it in somewhere, since majority of the reviews are now drilling holes into my head demanding to know "WHAT THE HELL DID KAZUKI WRITE?!"
