I really should apologize to everyone for another slow update. My computer was acting funny again so I was computer-deprived for a whole week. Other than that, I've been obsessing over YELLOW by Tateno Makoto, and I even made an AMV for it! Also, I recently discovered Watase Yuu's latest manga creation Sakura Gari. Although I've read most of her popular works, I was never really a fan. But Sakura Gari has totally captivated me. Why? Because it's YAOI!!
Anyway, this fic is will be done when I think it's done. But I've been getting busier and busier (because of work), so I'm having less time writing it, not to mention there's the drive and inspiration to write.
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.
"What are you doing?" a voice called from the door. Startled at the intrusion, the two boys quickly detached themselves from one another, but a click of Asaka's tongue was heard, probably in disappointment. Wataru's face was burning red with color. What had he just done? How could he not have heard the door opening? But more importantly, was he just making out with Asaka?! And to be discovered no less!
"What are you two doing?" the stern question was presented again; the icy tone and cold demeanor of the voice could not go unnoticed, as if it held intensifying rage. Wataru finally turned his attention to the owner of the voice, but was struck with shock and surprise.
"Kazuki…"
THE UNTOUCHED RING
Chapter Sixteen: Separate Ways
"What are you two doing?" the question was presented again with heavy emphasis. The sharp glare in Kazuki's eyes was enough to smolder even the hardest rock. Wataru shuddered and quivered at this gaze. What kind of explanation could possibly be offered? He was backed up against a wall, his clothes were a bit rumpled, his lips were swollen and there were tiny droplets of tears brimming at his eyes. What other conclusion would anyone come up with?
Kazuki's eyes were trembling with different emotions as he shifted his gaze back and forth between the two men; anger for Asaka, and agony for Wataru. He finally focused his attention on the younger boy, as if signaling him to give a proper explanation. But Wataru averted his gaze, unable to look at the hurt expression surfacing on the older boy's face.
"What does it look like we're doing?" Asaka spoke out, choosing that appropriate time to remind his kohai of his presence. "Surely, you can already tell just by looking, Kazuki-kun." His eyes reflected the other boy's image, scrutinizing him and mocking him.
Kazuki clenched his fists tightly, getting irritated at the way Asaka's eyes were sneering at him. He glared at the elder man with deep intensity enough to scathe a man's soul. But Asaka was unperturbed and maintained his calm and relaxed composure. A thick and tense silence reigned over the room, so much so that it made Wataru suffocate and yearn for air. The way the two older men stared at one another was like a silent battle wherein the first person to bat even an eyelash would lose.
"You… kissed him… again." Kazuki hissed through clenched teeth, pressing emphasis on the each word as if to inform his older rival of the crime he had once committed.
"Indeed I did," came Asaka's response. He had his head tilted upward; making him look even taller—looking down on Kazuki—and his lips contained an arrogant smirk that suggested superiority. Kazuki would've more than wanted to wipe that smug grin off his face. "I've rather become quite addicted to Wataru-kun's lips," he continued. "So soft and sweet…" He brought his thumb to his lips and began to caress it quite fondly to add effect to what he had just stated.
"Asaka-san…!" Wataru exclaimed, not liking the level of maturity both boys were so far displaying. Before he could utter another rebuttal, he thought he saw a blur—a flash of some kind—whiz by him. And then…
BAM!
He heard a loud sound, and in the next blink of an eye, Wataru saw Asaka stumble back, and Kazuki was standing before him with his fist curled, and his knuckles turning a certain shade of red. It took a moment for everything to register in Wataru's head before he finally understood what had just happened.
Did Kazuki… just hit Asaka??
That can't be right.
Kazuki? The Kazuki Yuichi…? The honor student who always gets along well with others and never picks fights with anyone? The very image and embodiment of absolute perfection…?
Did hell suddenly freeze up, and the world began to rotate in a counter-clockwise direction?
Wataru couldn't ponder over the situation any further since he saw the younger of the two men take careful strides towards the other. Kazuki's fist was still balled up tight. With the other hand, he reached out to grab hold of Asaka's collar with the intention of landing another one. Without any further thoughts, Wataru quickly cut in between them, stopping Kazuki's hand before it came into contact with the older man's face.
"No, Kazuki! Stop it!"
"Wataru… what the hell?!" Kazuki snapped, surprised at the young boy's actions. "What're you doing? Let go!"
"No, you'll just hit him again!"
"Why shouldn't I? He started it. He kissed you! Are you telling me you're okay with that?!"
"Kazuki…!"
"I heard from the door! He was forcing you! This kind of guy needs to be taught a lesson!"
"Taught a lesson?" Asaka cut in, prying Kazuki's fingers from his shirt. He staggered a bit, still recovering from the impact, but otherwise, he was still standing. "Just because you're my kohai doesn't mean you have the freedom or privilege to teach me a lesson, Kazuki-kun."
"Asaka…!"
"Kazuki, enough!!" Wataru shouted more than pleaded. "Please stop. This is ridiculous! What're you doing acting like a child?"
"…And why are you taking his side?" Kazuki snapped and turned his attention to Wataru. His eyes narrowed as it was evident there was fury in them. "He forced himself on you and you're defending him?! What the hell is the matter with you, Wataru? Are you out of your mind?!"
The rage in Kazuki's voice did not go unnoticed by the younger boy. It was truly a rare thing for him to see the older boy this enraged; and it was scaring him. But what hurt him the most was that he was the recipient of that anger. It's not like he was defending Asaka on a mere whim or to hurt Kazuki further. But it's because that in Kazuki's current state of mind, it's most likely that a fight will really explode here and now. He was in fear that both men might get seriously hurt. And since Kazuki was the one on the warpath, it was natural logic that he'd be the one restrained. That was all Wataru had truly intended, but now he was being accused of being "out of his mind."
"What the hell is the matter with you?" Wataru returned the question, letting go of his hold on the man. "This isn't like you, Kazuki. It's not like you at all! I just don't get it!!"
His own anger began to rise, but he did not want to stoop to the level of kindergarteners fighting over the last ice cream cone. So he did what he thought best to avoid further complications: He left. He stomped out of the room and stormed out of the building, leaving a trail of animosity behind him.
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Mitsuki saw the scowl marring Wataru's features as he left. She had never seen the boy look so upset so this struck a bit of concern on her part. Earlier, when Asaka had arrived with the young boy, she felt a bit uneasy about the slight intimacy her colleague was showing. When they disappeared into the other room, she felt slightly worried about something, but she couldn't figure out what it was. When Kazuki arrived, he went about with his normal work, but she could detect the sullenness in his posture. She shrugged it off and went over to inform him that Wataru was at the worksite. She thought it best to let him know since he's the boy's senpai, and originally the one who introduced him to everyone.
The moment Kazuki had learned of this, he suddenly perked up, and color began to enrapture his face like life was restored to him. But the moment she told him that Wataru was alone with Asaka, the color shifted from a buoyant shade to a shadow of intense red. Mitsuki had no idea what triggered the change in color, but as she watched Kazuki go after them, she had a bad feeling that something awful was going to happen.
The three men had been in that room for a considerable time, and when Wataru finally came out, he looked seriously upset. Mitsuki would've tried to catch up to the boy and ask for details, but the aura around him clearly said, "Leave me alone." Such negativity is something she never expected from him. What on earth could've happened inside that sparked that kind of reaction?
She proceeded to the doorway to speak to the two boys, but what she saw completely shocked her.
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BAM!
It was Kazuki's turn to see stars as he stumbled back, and wobbled trying to maintain his balance. His vision blurred a bit before returning to focus. The back of his hand wiped away the maddening red color that was staining his cheek. "You…" he hissed, the ice forming in his eyes.
"What a scary look," Asaka commented, wagging his wrist as the knuckles of his hand also turned into a red shade. "Your fans would be disillusioned for life if ever they see you with such a menacing glare. That hit now was for the one you gave me earlier."
"Oh, so you're saying you didn't deserve it…" he scoffed.
"I meant every word I had said to you at the café. I have every intention of taking Wataru-kun away from you."
"So forcing him is part of your plan, senpai?" He stressed the honorific in a rude, disrespectful tone.
"……"
"I've kept quiet about the things you do. I've tolerated it thus far, and left it to Wataru's discretion because it is his free will and choice to make. But it looks like I can't remain quiet anymore. There's no way that I'm allowing you to go one step further!"
"Really?" Asaka sneered. "I'm sorry to sound rude, Kazuki-kun, but what right do you have to dictate who Wataru-kun dates? As far as I know, the both of you have already broken up, right?" Kazuki winced. "Or do you know different?"
"……"
"I never would've thought you'd have an impatient and unrefined side to yourself. That being the case, don't you think Wataru-kun is much better off with me?"
"Hell no!" Kazuki cursed. "I will not allow Wataru to become a part of this delusional fantasy of yours that you interpret as love!"
"……"
"…And I absolutely will not stand by and let him become just a mere replacement for your dead girlfriend!"
"That's enough!" Asaka snapped, the crimson of fury completely coloring his eyes. "I can take any insults or ill-thoughts you have for me, but never mock what I feel for Yuina and Wataru. I loved Yuina, and I did what I could for her. But I love Wataru now, so I am doing everything I can and beyond that for him."
"How honest of you…"
"Yes, I am honest. I never hid anything from him. I have been nothing but truthful to him."
"……"
"I'm in love with Wataru-kun, so I told him that. I had a former love, and I told him that. I have told him everything that is needed to know. I was honest with him since day one. Unlike someone else here…"
"What're you getting at?" Kazuki cut in. He narrowed his eyes; not liking what the man was trying to insinuate. "Are you saying that I'm not honest with Wataru?"
"Can you really say you are?"
"I ought to hit you again!" the younger man berated. "I am honest with Wataru. I've been honest with my feelings for him since the very beginning. I never denied it."
"A likely story," Asaka scoffed. "In the few months I have known Wataru-kun, I've seen him distress over you. He loses temper when it comes to you; he becomes sad and happy. But whatever argument you two have, he is always the one to make amends. Despite his own pride, he runs after you to seek reconciliation. That kind of pattern is very tiresome, isn't it?"
"……"
Kazuki fell silent in quick contemplation. He hated to admit it—he hated admitting anything that Asaka says—but the man had a point. In every quarrel he and Wataru had, it was always Wataru who made the first move to make amends. It was always Wataru running after him, looking for him and offering words of apology. And when this knowledge finally clicked in his mind, he bit his lip in frustration at his own negligence.
"Perhaps it is you who is thinking of Wataru-kun in such a way," the older of the two spoke again.
"What?" Kazuki was caught off-guard by that statement.
"As a replacement, I mean."
"You're saying I'm thinking of Wataru as a replacement?" His temper was beginning to rise again. He was even more irritated by the way Asaka had mentioned it. His tone had been nonchalant—as if he was stating an everyday fact like the weather. "What exactly do you mean by that, senpai?"
"I've heard from Shohei-san that Wataru-kun resembles Mizuho-san."
"And he resembles Yuina," he spoke in a deliberate attempt to strike a nerve.
Asaka paid no attention to the childish attempt, and continued, "Could it be that you fell for Wataru-kun because he resembles Mizuho-san?"
"That's nonsense."
"Is it? You don't sound convincing."
"……"
"Wataru-kun was just a replacement. How sad… And now that Mizuho-san seems to have returned, you're thinking of picking up from where you left off."
"…I don't!!"
"And what does that leave Wataru-kun with?"
"I never said he was a replacement!!!" Kazuki hollered to the top of his lungs. "To me, Wataru is… Wataru is…" Just as he was about to finish his statement, an astonishing thought occurred to him. "Wataru!" Was that what was going through the boy's head all this time? Did he think that he was being a replacement for someone else? "Argh!" Kazuki let out a frustrated cry and bolted out of the room, bumping Mitsuki on the shoulder.
"Ah, Kazuki-kun, sorry," the girl tried to apologize.
Kazuki took a moment to acknowledge the apology then sprinted out of the building. But he didn't fail to realize that the entire club had been looking at him with mixed expressions of worry, concern and amazement. Even with his troubled mind, he understood what it meant.
Everyone in the club knew about him and Wataru.
But that was at the tip of his mind right now. What he was truly focused on is finding the boy.
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Mitsuki watched as Kazuki dashed off, disappearing from her sight—the second person to race by her. She peered into the room where Asaka was still standing so silently as if desperately contemplating over something. "Asaka…" she murmured to catch his attention. He probably heard her, but chose to ignore. She gave out a long sigh and shook her head tiredly. "Care to elaborate?"
"…You heard everything, didn't you?"
"…Some of the things you said were out of line, you know. But you know what? I think both you and Kazuki-kun are being rather unfair."
"…??"
"You're both pushing poor Kohai-chan into a tight corner. But that's the nature of love triangles, isn't it?"
"……"
"It traps you in difficult situations, making it impossible to make a right choice. And when you do, it's guaranteed that someone will still get hurt, no matter what the decision you make. Kohai-chan is under a lot of pressure…"
Asaka sank his head in silent agreement.
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Kazuki looked around, running hastily from one place to another; to the point that he felt his lungs would burst from restlessness. Where on earth could Wataru have gone to? For sure he wouldn't go to Kazuki's apartment like he did before. The level of anger the young boy had completely suggested it. Perhaps he had gone home? That's a possibility. Maybe he ought to call up Karin or their house to make sure.
He reached into his pocket to fish for his mobile phone, but when he had clutched it, he hesitated. Right now, Wataru is pissed and so is he. Surely, they'd just get into another argument the moment they speak. Plus, there was that whole scenario earlier still replaying itself in his head.
Asaka kissing Wataru…
Wataru coming into defense of Asaka…
And there's his talk with Asaka concerning Wataru's role in both their lives…
"Could it be that you fell for Wataru-kun because he resembles Mizuho-san?"
"Wataru-kun was just a replacement. How sad… And now that Mizuho-san seems to have returned, you're thinking of picking up from where you left off."
The mere notion was outrageous! But… he never truly denied that there have been some similarities between the two. The audacity of their eyes, the contour of their faces… It was truly similar, but…
Kazuki shook his head in frustration. Now, even he was having trouble figuring things out. Why do matters of the heart have to be so difficult? There was a time when he only worried how to refuse a girl properly, but he never imagined that he would play the role of girl sickly in love. Things were so complicated. But the problem remained…
What was he going to do now?
He tucked his cell phone back into his pocket, and let out a heavy breath of air. First thing he needed to do was cool his head off. That way, when he and Wataru really do meet up, he'd have the peace of mind to think properly and not let blind jealousy take over him.
Guess I should go home then, he thought.
"Yuichi? What're you doing here?"
As Kazuki was about to turn and leave, he had heard another voice call out his name. On reflex, he turned around to see who had called him. And his eyes widened with surprise. "Mizuho…?"
"Is everything okay?" the older woman asked, sensing some sort of dilemma within the young man.
"Y-Yes, everything's fine," he lied. "Uh… what're you doing here, Mizuho?"
"Me? I'm on my way back from the hospital. This is the way home, remember?"
"…It is…?" He looked around him and, true enough, he could see the familiar landmarks that suggested the way home. "That's odd," he though aloud. "Here I was just running around, and I end up on this road…"
"…You probably missed me and subconsciously looked for me…"
"Eh?"
"Never mind. Anyway, what happened to you? It's my check-up, remember? You were supposed to accompany me, but you never did."
"Uh, sorry," Kazuki immediately apologized. He felt like an idiot forgetting something so important like that. "I was… busy so…"
"Busy?" Mizuho repeated. "So busy that your cheek's swelling…?" Kazuki automatically brought a hand to his swollen cheek, and remembered that it was where Asaka had hit him. "I guess boys will be boys, huh?" the woman continued, raising her hand and touching the swollen area. "But it's so unlike you. Being in a fight… What happened to the cool and elite student?"
"…Dunno…" he hesitated to answer.
"Oh, Yuichi," she sighed. "Well, we better put some ice on it. Otherwise, that handsome face of yours will have a horrible blemish come tomorrow morning." She took his hand and began to lead him away. Kazuki silently let her do so, and realized how hot the cheek her hand had touched suddenly became. But it was probably just the swelling…
As they disappeared down the street, black eyes blankly and silently watched them.
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Shohei was sitting in his office, going over some papers and documents, when he heard the buzz of his phone. He pressed a button on the control panel and answered, "What is it Amemiya?"
"Kazuki-san," his secretary spoke. "There's someone here to see you."
"I'm not expecting to see anyone. Just tell that person I'm in a meeting."
"But," his employee continued. "She insists on seeing you. She says that she's a relative."
Relative? Shohei thought for a moment. And a woman…? Who could it be? If it was his wife, surely Amemiya would let her in without even seeking permission from him since she recognizes Kirie. But who is this other female relative? "Very well," he answered. "Amemiya, let her in."
In a minute or so, the doors to his office were pushed open, and in stepped a young woman clad in a business suit that held a professional elegance. Upon seeing her, Shohei's eyes twinkled and the corners of his mouth tugged his lips to form an amused grin. "Well, well," he mused. "This is certainly a surprise. What brings you here, Touko?"
Touko looked at him with stern eyes as if saying she had something to accuse him of. "Shohei," she spoke. "There's something I need to talk to you about."
"And you can't do it over the phone?"
"You'd only avoid the topic. But I needed to know no matter what… Do you have anything to do with the dilemma Yuichi and Wataru are having now?"
"How forward of you…" Shohei raised his brows. His cousin was truly a perceptive young woman. It truly ran in the Kazuki blood. "What makes you think so?"
"Oh, it's just a thought. Like, for example, how did Mizuho know that Yuichi had ranked in the top 30, or that he was still going to Tokyo University?"
"Beats me…"
"Shohei…" Touko crossed her arms. "You better not be up to something… are you?"
Shohei chuckled. He knew that Touko's inquiry stemmed from her protectiveness of Yuichi. When it came to the affections of his little brother, this woman was his greatest rival. Even when Yuichi was very small, the both of them had competed as to who was the better role model for him. Their ways of thinking may be different, but they both agreed that they only want what was best for Yuichi—the most favored child of their family.
"I've heard that the two lovebirds are having marital problems," he said nonchalantly. "But it's not a big deal. All couples, no matter how in love they are, would eventually have problems. Even Kirie and I have disagreements, and we're married."
"You know what I mean, Shohei," Touko persisted, leaning over the man's table to stare at him in the eye. "I don't know what it is you're doing exactly, but leave those two alone. They don't need your watchful eye hovering around all the time."
"Really now, Touko," he answered. "I can assure you that I have nothing but Yuichi's best interests at heart. Surely, you think so too."
"Is that really the case?" she questioned.
"I'm his older brother. I've looked after him since the day he was born, so I know what's best for him."
"Then do what's best for him and not what you think is best for him! If you haven't noticed, Yuichi isn't a child anymore that needs constant supervision. On the other hand, he never really was the type who would depend on anyone. He knows what he is doing, and he can make decisions on his own."
Touko continued to stare at him with eyes of intensity. Finally, Shohei broke eye contact and gave a sigh. He waved his hand in dismissal and turned back to the papers he was reviewing. Touko straightened up and silently made her way to the door. She opened it, but before leaving, she gave her cousin these parting words.
"Don't interfere with Yuichi and Wataru anymore."
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Tokyo is a vast city with streets and roads looping around like a giant maze. One of the streets there is Highway 54. It cut through the greeneries of Tsukimine Shrine, forming a slightly dangerous and elevated curb (a shallow cliff lay below) then connected all the way down to the main road.
Wataru had no idea what he was doing there. All he remembered was walking and walking while pondering on many things. He didn't become aware of his surroundings until he reached the railing of the highway's curb. Had he really walked that far?
He reached into his pocket and pulled out a silver ring. It was the ring that he originally owned—the one he had switched with Kazuki. He hadn't returned to wearing it, but he still carried it around. He honestly didn't know why since, officially, he had broken up with Kazuki. But he was still upset at what he saw.
He was wandering around the city streets when he thought he had heard Kazuki call out his name. Without really thinking, he followed the sound—almost as if it was his natural instinct to do so. But when he saw Kazuki, he found him with Mizuho. She was touching his cheek in a gentle manner, and he wasn't pushing her away. Not only that, when she took his hand, he didn't mind and let her do as she pleased. When Wataru saw that, he truly felt everything shatter into pieces.
Was it really that quick to move on?
…Or maybe Kazuki wasn't serious with him right from the beginning…
He didn't know… but thinking about him made him angry. He felt like a fool completely played around by someone's good looks and graces. He had always been worrying himself sick about everything, whether it was an everyday quarrel or this major break-up. He was still torturing himself over the matter, but when Kazuki saw him, the first thing he reared was his jealous head.
Was that it?
Just because he was with Asaka that Kazuki felt compelled to do something? What was he to the boy anyway? An object, a servant… or a replacement?
Now that he was thinking about it, he began to believe less and less in what Kazuki had said before… that he had fallen in love with him because he saw how beautiful Wataru's smile was.
Ha, that's rich! Wataru mentally scoffed. Fall in love with a smile… Is that even possible…?!
He laughed at the irony—laughed hard like he did when he thought of Kazuki's "laughable kiss"—a mixture of merriment and tears. There was no denying it. He loved Kazuki. He loved the boy to no ends. He loved him too much. Perhaps it is just like Asaka had said. He was too in love with Kazuki that he was practically suffocating in it. It hurt him so much that the closer they get, the more it tore him up inside.
He looked at the ring on his palm. That ring was the very thing that linked them together—that caused them to meet. If it hadn't been for that ring… If it hadn't been for it then everything would be…
Wataru closed his eyes in silent contemplation. I love him so much that it hurts. This is ridiculous… How can love… hurt hard like this…? Everything… with this ring… Everything started with this ring. Then maybe… just maybe…
He opened his eyes again and crouched down, and placed the ring on the cold pavement. The brilliance of its silver glimmered beautifully as if pleading with him. He smiled painfully, almost regretting what he's about to do. But before it could conquer is conscience, he got up and turned his back to it. He gave one final glance at it, and then clicked his heels in a sprint; his footsteps quickly disappearing into the distance.
Let everything end like this…
The ring continued to shine in that lonely corner like it was crying… and everything fell silent.
To be continued…
About the geography concerning Tokyo… that's all fiction on my part. So, don't rely on me for information on that streets and locations of the city. But it is true that if you're in deep thought or upset about something while walking, you tend to cover a huge distance.
Like I was saying earlier, I was busy obsessing over two yaoi manga's: Yellow and Sakura Gari. Sakura Gari is by Watase Yuu—yes, the same woman who created Fushigi Yuugi, Ayashi no Ceres, Absolute Boyfriend, Alice 19th, etc. I was quite surprised to discover her trying out the field of yaoi, and her work ROCKS!!
It's a great manga with beautiful art and an awesome story filled with drama, mystery, estranged romance, and betrayal. Plus, it's yaoi! Sakura Gari is an ongoing piece that currently has four chapters, but the length of those chapters is very long that it's like you're reading a short volume rather than a chapter. Anyway, even the mangaka is so absorbed in this work that she's even put the release of Genbu Kaiden on an indefinite status.
Anyway, I totally recommend Sakura Gari to all yaoi fans out there who want to read a good yaoi manga with a plot. For a summary of the story, you can either go to baka-updates or to my homepage.
Next chapter: Bared Intentions. Asaka makes the move on Wataru again! But Sayuri shows up… and what has Shiori decided about Asaka's engagement?
Please review. And don't kill me for the ending… I promise it'll get better… eventually…
