I'm so happy I got so many positive responses in the previous chapter! And now, I've reached the twentieth chapter, and things are getting exciting. There's no way I'm resolving things so easily! Actually, that cliff scene in the previous chapter is something I've been thinking of ever since I started writing this fic.
Well, here's the latest installment! Hope you guys like this as well. LOTS of revelations so don't blink! Otherwise, you'll miss it! Take note, this chapter is going to be LOOOONG.
Oh and there's also a surprise so keep reading. Enjoy!
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.
THE UNTOUCHED RING
Chapter Twenty: Crisis!
The first thing that Yuichi noticed the moment he got home was the sight of his brother's black sedan parked in the driveway. He knew that the man, along with his family, was going to visit, apparently concerning plans about Christmas. But having his elder brother around him, surely to pry into his business again, would undoubtedly just give him another head ache. So when he had closed the front door and hung his coat in the nearby closet, he had every intention of going up to his room for a moment's peace and privacy. But instead, he was greeted by the sight of his mother and sister-in-law holding out a tray of tea and cakes to him.
"Welcome home, Yuichi," she softly spoke. "Your brother and Kirie are here. Would you like to join us for some snacks before dinner?"
He smiled faintly at his mother and shook his head. "No thanks. I'm not hungry."
"Takako is here too. She's been all excited to see you, as usual, Yuichi. Why don't you play with her for a while?"
"I'm not in the mood… okaasan…" He bowed his head, and politely excused himself from her presence, ignoring all the chatter coming from the living room.
Mrs. Kazuki watched her son go up the stairs and disappear into his room. Once she heard his door click shut, she breathed a heavy sigh. "I just don't understand," she mumbled. "He's been acting all strange lately."
"Strange?" Kirie asked.
"Yes… going into seclusion like that so suddenly… it's just like last year… For no reason at all, he kept to himself. He'd go to school then come home and go straight up to his room. He won't even eat, always spaced out and staring off somewhere… I had tried to learn what happened, but he wouldn't say."
"Perhaps it has something to do with school or at work…"
"No, Yuichi gets along fine with everyone! I really don't understand why he's acting like this," she paused for a moment in deep thought. "Although… there was that instance when Touko called… they talked about something, and instantly he was full of life again! He immediately rushed outside into the park as if he was expecting something…"
Kirie took a moment's contemplation before her eyes twinkled with an idea. "Why don't you ask Touko to come over then? If she was able to snap Yuichi out of his daze back then, surely she can do it again now."
"That's an excellent idea, Kirie," the elder woman said. "I'll call her right now. You don't mind taking these do you?" She handed over the tray of tea and cakes to her young daughter-in-law and scurried over to the telephone.
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Upstairs, the first thing Yuichi did was dump his bag on the floor and flop down heavily on the bed, with his arms and legs spread wide open. He was tired and frustrated. He had wanted to speak with Wataru properly, but it always ends up with arguing. Was their relationship not working now? He closed his eyes and bit his lip in aggravation. What was wrong? What wasn't he getting about the situation?
He opened his eyes again and stretched out his right arm as if reaching out to something. There on his middle finger was the shining silver ring with a single golden band around it as its primary design. It was the very ring that he had copied off Wataru's and had exchanged with the boy. But now, it was in his possession again. The ring was shimmering brilliantly under the fluorescent lamp that it practically made his heart wrench in pain.
He hadn't heard a word or news about Wataru since their last meeting at the old coffee shop. He missed those emails he often got from the young boy, inquiring about his day, trading I-love-you's, or just simply saying 'good night'. But now, it's been ages since he last flipped open his cell phone to find a message from Wataru. He had tried calling and mailing before, but they were totally ignored. Kawamura hasn't stopped by the club's worksite either, and Mitsuki won't tell him why. Even Karin hasn't been to Touko's shop since the break-up.
Was there no more connection between them?
He gazed at his ring again, remembering that Wataru used to wear it on his ring finger. He imagined the boy's delicate fingers wrapping around his, holding his hands tightly like a life-line. And the ring… In all of their fights and conversations, Wataru kept bringing up the ring, but he wouldn't tell him what he meant. Yuichi couldn't understand what the boy had meant by "gotten rid of the ring". It's not the same as "returned the ring". Almost as if he "disposed" of it… But that's impossible. What ring did he throw away?
Surely, the boy wasn't referring to his original ring—the one he had switched with Yuichi. As far as Yuichi is concerned, he had lost that ring by accident back in New York…
Yuichi couldn't remember the last time he had a decent sleep. It had already been almost a week since he arrive in New York, and he's been too busy looking after Mizuho that he hasn't had time to sleep for himself. Although the hospital provided a small sofa for visitors to sit on, it wasn't exactly the most comfortable spot to sleep on. It made his back sore and it gave him a stiff neck.
He only had the opportunity to roam around the city for one day, after that it was straight back to playing caregiver. Although, he didn't think that one day was wasted. After all, he found something rather pretty on window-display at a jeweler's shop. The week would soon be up and it would be time for him to go back home to Japan.
However, upon Mizuho's request, he decided to stay a bit longer. He already thought that Wataru would probably be upset with his decision, but he knew the boy would understand. But just in case he didn't, Yuichi decided to write him a letter. There was something about hand-written letters that seemed so romantic… much more so than emails or text messages. He sat by the small table in the center of the room, carefully choosing his words, but was quite heavily annoyed at the giggling nurses that would, once in a while, sneak a peek over his shoulder.
When he finally finished, he folded the letter up neatly and placed it in the envelope. All throughout, his eyes kept drooping down, wanting to remain closed. He shook his head and trudged over to the sink. He took off his watch and some other valuables so as to not get any water on them. Afterwards, he opened the tap, and splashed water on to his face. "Yuichi?" Mizuho called. "Are you all right?" Yuichi reached for the towel and yanked it off the bar. "I'm fine," he answered, wiping away excess water from his face. Mizuho stared at him and frowned at the sight of the horrid bags under the young boy's eyes. "You're not okay, Yuichi," she said. "Why don't you go back to the hotel and get some rest?"
"…What about you?" he settled the towel back on to the bar.
"It's going to be just for one night. Besides, you look tired. Go back, get some good night's sleep, and then pop back over here. Okay?"
"…Okay…" he was a bit hesitant to comply. "But I have to mail this first." He pointed to the letter on the table.
"Oh, you can leave it here!" the nurse spoke. "The postal courier drops by every morning to pick up and deliver the patients' mail. It's sort of the hospital's treat to the patients. We can send it for you if you like."
"All… All right…" he yawned a bit. "The address is already on the envelope. And thanks."
With a wave of his hand, he left and headed for the hotel where Shohei had arranged for him to stay at. The moment he got there, he immediately flopped down on the bed, not even bothering to change into his pajamas. He dozed off instantly, entering a world of dreams.
When the following morning arrived, Yuichi got up and stretched out his arms. He certainly got back all his energy—and that was definitely a much-needed rest. He came to notice that he was still wearing his clothes from the other day then he frowned and shook his head. "So much for the elite student," he mumbled and began to undress. He went off into the bathroom to take a shower.
He re-emerged refreshed and clean. He pulled out some clothes from the closet where he had unpacked his things, and proceeded to get dressed. As he studied his reflection in the mirror, he realized something was off. It felt like something was missing. He instinctively looked at his left hand and discovered his ring to be gone. Did he take it off before taking a shower? He looked around for it—on the dresser, the table, in between the pillows of the bed, even the bathroom sink—but couldn't find it.
He bit his lip, suddenly feeling a rush of panic sweeping over him. "Please don't tell me I lost it." He took a deep breath of air and tried to retrace his steps. Where did he have it last? He was sure he had it up till yesterday. But he was feeling so sleepy and groggy that time that he couldn't even remember what he did the other day. He went over to the phone and dialed the hospital's number, and asked to be connected to Mizuho's room. He began to tap his foot, waiting until he heard her voice on the receiver. "Hello, Mizuho?"
"Yuichi? Good morning. Did you have a good sleep?"
"Uh, yes, thank you. Listen, Mizuho, when I left yesterday… did I leave anything behind?"
"Aside from that letter and item you wanted mailed back to Japan? None that I know of… Speaking of which… the courier just dropped by and picked them up."
"Ah, yes, thank you… So I didn't forget anything?"
"Well, your watch is here… and that choker you were wearing… but other than that, nothing else."
"Nothing? Whatsoever?"
"None."
"I… I see… Thank you… and, uh, good morning…"
Yuichi hung up, his face laden with disbelief and turmoil. He had lost the ring. He couldn't go back to Japan without it. And that's what he intended to do. Although he had delayed his return to Japan to help Mizuho recover, he spent more time searching for the ring rather than actually staying with the woman. He even called up Wataru with the intention of explaining the situation properly. But when he heard the boy's voice, he faltered. The more he heard his voice, the more he became ridden with guilt, so he ended up hanging up on Wataru without telling him about the ring.
He continued to look for the ring, and intended to not stop until he found it. However, a call from his brother had startled him so much. Asaka and Wataru dating…? Somehow, finding the ring suddenly became less important. He didn't care if it was a worthless rumor, if it involved Wataru, there's no way he could ignore it!
So he packed his bags and arranged to return to Japan the following day. When Mizuho had learned of his intention, she immediately asked if she could join him in his return flight, since her family would have a reunion that Christmas. Yuichi was originally hesitant. He didn't think it would be a good idea to have her board an airplane when she was still in the middle of her recovery. But the doctors assured him that she was doing excellent progress. They cleared her for the airplane flight, but explicitly instructed her to have at least daily check-ups in the hospital to ensure her recovery.
The very next day, they left for Japan.
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Yuichi furrowed his brows and sat up, his feet touching the floor while his back hunched up as he leaned his elbows on his knees. There were so many confusing and complicated details that he couldn't think up a solution for—and he's supposed to be smart! What to do with Wataru…? It doesn't take a brainiac to say that their relationship is seriously taking a rocky turn. They've had trialing times before, but never anything as grave or serious as this.
They already doubted each other. He doubted Wataru over Asaka, and Wataru doubted him over Mizuho. With such doubts present, could their relationship last?
But more importantly, he had to decipher his own feelings. He's with Wataru now; he didn't regret that. He's harbored a secret crush on the boy, and even made an exact replica of his ring! However, did he truly love Wataru? Or is it exactly as Asaka—and probably Shohei—had speculated… that he was only seeing Wataru as a replacement for someone else? He doesn't deny that he's incredibly happy that Mizuho is back in Japan, and is so close to him. And there are times when he's reminded of all the things they used to do together. But… do these joys and affections stem from the possibility that he is still in love with her?
Mizuho or Wataru…? Which one does he love…?
In the midst of his inner turmoil, a knock from the door disturbed all his thoughts. Yuichi whipped his head upwards, and called out in a strained voice, "Come in." The door swung open and in stepped Mizuho with a soft and serene presence emanating from her. "You've been cooped up here for ages," she said. "Your mother sent me up here to make sure you're still alive."
"……"
"…And also to tell you that my brother will be arriving at Narita Airport in the morning. My parents apparently decided to hitch a ride with him, so they'll be arriving together."
"Tomorrow…" Yuichi faintly echoed. "That's great… Looks like it'll be a good Christmas for you, after all."
Mizuho gazed at the young boy for a few more seconds before she let out a heavy sigh. She walked over towards him and sat right beside him. "This depression of yours is making me depressed," she said. "It's almost Christmas and you're so down. What happened? Is it because… of what I said…?"
Yuichi immediately knew that she was referring to her confession—the proposal of renewing their relationship. The offer was tempting, he admitted, but there was a nagging feeling that didn't seem right. "No," he answered. "It's not your fault, Mizuho. It's actually… a very complicated situation." He chose his words carefully.
"If not me…" she persisted in her query. "…then is it your lover? Whoever it is that returned your ring? Is she the one causing you so much grief?"
"……"
"She should be making you happy, bringing you all sorts of joy to your life… and not making you miserable like this. No love is worth all that."
"……"
An awkward tension immediately rose between them, and neither knew where it came from. Although, it was probably a premonition of what would happen next. Mizuho looked at him warily and leaned in closer, until their knees were already touching. "Yuichi," she spoke in the faintest voice. "How do you feel about me…?"
Yuichi stiffened a bit at the question. He took a moment's contemplation before he shook his head. "I don't know," he honestly answered. "I really don't know."
Mizuho bit her lip. Obviously, that wasn't the answer she had been hoping for. "Well then, let me see if I can help you understand," she suggested. "Close your eyes for a moment." Yuichi looked at her puzzled, but seeing the sparkle in her eyes made him comply. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, momentarily plunging himself into darkness. He waited for a few moments, and then he heard the rustling of sheets. Long and elegant fingers touched his cheeks, and the next thing he knew, soft lips had planted themselves on to his.
Although surprised, Yuichi kept his eyes closed, focusing on the foreign lips. At first, they were pressed innocently against his, but in the next moment, he felt them move as if urging for a response. Something wet probed his lips to part, and then something entered his mouth. The hands that were cupping his cheeks placed themselves around his neck, pulling him closer for a more intimate contact. And for a moment, Yuichi lost all sight of logical reasoning.
There was something in the kiss that was enrapturing. It was burning—like a flame of passion was lit up, and it had begun to scorch him from the inside. And in his mind, Yuichi felt himself slipping away. With his eyes, still closed, he continued to reciprocate the kiss, indulging in a battle for dominance over the other's mouth. And in his mind, he could see a line of freshly blooming hydrangeas, and the scent of a summer's breeze filling his nostrils. There was also the smell of the ocean—it was very faint—and there was sand too. The feel of the sand at his feet as the waves crashed in. A hand holding his… and the small sound of two tiny metal objects tinkling as it made contact with one another.
Yuichi got lost in all those thoughts and imaginations that he leaned in further—drowning himself in that intoxicating kiss. He brought his hands up to pull that person closer—to get as much contact as he possibly could. He held that person in his embrace, his hands roaming about to feel more. But as his hands traveled upward that beautifully sculpted back, where he expected to feel mere fabric, instead, he felt strands of long hair. He frowned a bit as those strands laced around his fingers. They were soft and smooth, but they weren't what he was expecting to feel.
He slowly opened his eyes—not too much, but enough for him to see the person in front of him. And he saw thinly plucked eyebrows and long, curled eyelashes that held refined elegance. Those eyes somehow seemed different from the ones he had pictured earlier… he had thought of eyes that were filled with audacity, yet also held determination, some fluster, and every other emotion there is… eyes that were unlike any other. But these eyes that he was seeing seemed to lack just that. Coming to this realization, he slowly pulled away from the older woman's grasp.
Noticing that their contact had been broken, Mizuho looked at him questioningly. Yuichi once more looked at her face and searched in those black eyes for something, although he wasn't entirely sure of what, but just something that he expected to be there. But there wasn't. Whatever he was desperately searching for, he couldn't find it. He could clearly see his reflection in those black orbs, but he couldn't feel himself in there.
"Sorry…" he murmured, after taking notice of the woman's questioning glance. "I'm sorry, Mizuho…"
"Yuichi…?"
"…I thought it was the same… but it's not… It's not what I want… And now, I know… I finally know…"
As he pulled away from her, something inside him began to break, and he found it harder and harder to breathe. His heart was hurting. He kept his head low as he thought of many things instantly rushing through his head. "It's not the same…" he continued to utter in a strained and broken voice. "The sight… the smell… the taste… the feeling… it's not the same…" As he continued his ramble, something slipped out of his eye and slid down his cheek—something he didn't even become aware of.
Mizuho looked at him with awe. She had never seen him like this before—rambling like a broken man. "Yuichi, what's wrong?" she asked, genuinely concerned. Just sheer moments ago, they were exchanging a hot and passionate kiss, and now he was breaking up in front of her. What happened?
"It's not what I want…" Yuichi continued, hot tears streaming down his face like a geyser. He grasped on to the mattress, feeling his knuckles sink in as he continued to reveal the depths of his sorrow. "What I want more than anything… is for that person to return to me… to have that small body pressed up against me leaving no space in between… and if there was, I'd fill it up instantly."
"……"
"I want those hands to cling on to me… tightly… like I am the only thing it can grab on… Shy, innocent, and almost-reluctant kisses… that instantly explode into feverish and searing passion that can never be satisfied…"
"……"
"Soft and moist lips… gasping for air as if being suffocated and drowned in me… only my name being said… Only mine…"
Without restraint, Yuichi completely broke down; his tears and sobs filling the room. He looked like a small child who had lost a very important keepsake, but he didn't care. He wanted his love to return to him. He wanted it so badly that it hurt unbearably.
Mizuho watched silently, feeling her heart constrict again. Never had she ever seen Yuichi break down into tears. Even when he was a child and she used to baby-sit him, he always acted like a mature and well-behaved child. He never did anything childishly, or wanted something so selfishly. He was always strong, composed and confident. But this Yuichi was different. It was different from the one that she had always known. Is he crying because of his lover? That thought caused a painful pang in Mizuho's chest. She wondered… did Yuichi also cry like this when they broke up?
Not knowing what else to do, she pulled out a handkerchief from her pocket and handed it to the crying man. It seemed so strange that she was the one offering him something to dry his tears with, when he was always the one doing that. But nevertheless, Yuichi accepted the piece of cloth, and quickly cleaned his tear-stricken face with it. As he was about to return it, there was something about the handkerchief that seemed so familiar. There was a scent there… it was faint, but he could still smell it… The scent of clean soap, yes, but also something else…
Curiosity getting the better of him, Yuichi opened the handkerchief wide, and found some initials at the lower-right corner. It read: "W.F." Upon seeing it, his eyes widened with surprise. There was no mistaking it. This was Wataru's handkerchief.
What is Wataru's handkerchief doing with Mizuho?
He recognized it because it was a personalized handkerchief. He was with Wataru the day the boy had bought it. He could still remember the young boy saying that it looked nice with his initials on it. There's no way he could mistake it for someone else's. He looked at Mizuho and asked, still holding on to the piece of fabric, "Where did you get this?"
Mizuho looked puzzled at Yuichi's expression, as if he had made an astonishing discovery. She looked back at the handkerchief and suddenly clapped her hands together. "That's right!" she exclaimed. "I got it from, Fujii-kun! I was supposed to ask you to return it to him for me, but it kind of slipped my mind."
"From Wataru…?" Yuichi asked. "When did you get it? And how…?"
"Oh, I got it from him the day we went to Touko's shop. Remember?"
"The day we went…" he dug into his memory, trying to remember what happened that day. Yes, it was that day he had arranged to meet with Wataru in the park. But the boy never showed up!
"We kind of met in the park before you arrived. We talked about a lot of things."
"Wait… What did you two talk about?"
Hearing Mizuho explain to him everything suddenly made him understand things a bit clearer. Wataru was there at the park. He didn't stand him up. He was there! But he spoke with Mizuho first and apparently got the wrong impression, and that was probably what provoked the young boy to break up with him. When he finally understood that, Yuichi ran his hand through his hair. "It's a misunderstanding…" he murmured, and reached out to grab his bag and search for his cell phone. He needed to call Wataru. They had to talk now. He needed to explain things properly, as what he should've done right from the very beginning.
Beside him, Mizuho continued to wear a puzzled expression on her face. She had no idea what the connection of the handkerchief or Fujii Wataru is to Yuichi's dilemma. What did he realize and is currently trying to mend? Before she could voice out her thoughts, the door swung open again, and in stepped an infuriated little girl with pale-blonde pigtails.
"Yuichi-oniichan!" Takako screeched, and then paused at the sight of the older woman sitting so closely near her favorite uncle. "Kyaa! Oniichan, how could you?" She bellowed and then lunged herself on to the older boy.
With a thud and an 'oof!', Yuichi fell back with the little girl straddling him on the hips. "Takako," he wheezed. "What're you doing? Get off!"
"Yuichi-oniichan is an idiot!" she cried, fuming with rage. "Why aren't you with oniichan? I want to see oniichan!"
"Oniichan?" Mizuho echoed, but Yuichi understood what his little niece meant. She was referring to Wataru whom she affectionately calls "oniichan". He also knew that Takako has dreams of living together with Wataru and himself, almost as if she was volunteering to be their "child".
"Takako…"
"Yuichi-oniichan is a meanie!" she screamed, not allowing him to finish. "Oniichan is doing everything to be with Yuichi-oniichan! But Yuichi-oniichan is playing with this woman!"
"P-Playing?" he sputtered. "Takako, I'm not…!"
"I hate Yuichi-oniichan!" she interrupted him again, beating him on the chest. "Yuichi-oniichan is horrible! H-O-R-R-I-B-L-E!"
Hearing a little girl call someone horrible is a horrible feeling to anyone. But the fact that this little girl is his niece, made Yuichi feel the utmost worst. He propped himself up by his elbows, and gently patted Takako on the head. He knew that Takako loved Wataru more than she did him, so obviously she would take him as a bad person for hurting the dark-eyed boy.
"Oniichan loves Yuichi-oniichan very much," the little girl continued. "He's even… doing what papa suggested."
"…What?" Yuichi got stuck on the last statement. "What did you mean, 'papa suggested'…?"
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The sound of the doorbell ringing made the adults pause in their mildly interesting conversation. Kirie took the initiative and rose up to answer the door. As soon as the wooden fixture swung open, in stepped a very pretty young woman, in her early twenties, wearing a thick coat, and most likely her business suit underneath.
"Touko!" Kirie greeted. "It's quite a pleasure to see you again. How have you been doing?"
"Fine, Kirie-san," the younger woman replied. "You're looking well, yourself. I'm surprised that being married to Shohei hasn't worn you out yet."
A small giggle came from the older woman, as Shohei coughed to gather their attention—apparently not liking being the topic of conversation. Touko proceeded to take off her coat and hung it in the nearby closet next to everyone else's. "So," she spoke. "I hear that Yuichi's acting like a hermit again…"
"It's really quite worrisome," Mr. Kazuki said. "I just can't seem to understand that boy. He was doing just fine then all of a sudden he decides to lock himself up in his room. It's like a repeat of last year! Surely you can do something, can't you Touko? Yuichi always listens to you."
"Well… he does listen… but I don't think I'm the one that can snap him out of this…" she paused for a moment as if in deep thought. "He probably still hasn't made up with Wataru-kun."
"Everything that's wrong with Yuichi involves Wataru-kun," Shohei interrupted, taking a sip from his tea cup.
Touko frowned at her cousin's childishness. "Yuichi knows what he's doing and doesn't need a meddling brother to interfere."
"I, my dear Touko, am only doing what is best for my little brother."
"Oh, you stop it. Yuichi has a right to decide what is best for him. He's doing a perfectly good job at it, and he doesn't need any guidance from you."
Mr. and Mrs. Kazuki kept staring back and forth at the two as they argued like a couple of children. Although, they did take particular interest in the topic being argued. "Wataru?" Mrs. Kazuki asked. "Isn't he Yuichi's kohai that he often hangs around with? The cute one with dark eyes… What does he have to do with this?"
Kirie waved her hand in a dismissive gesture. "Oh, it's nothing, okaasan," she said. "It's really a complicated issue, so…"
Before she could finish her sentence, the slam of a door was heard, followed by heavy footsteps coming down the stairs. Soon enough, an angry and fuming Yuichi emerged before them, with his eyes narrowed together in an icy and ferocious glare. Everyone immediately ceased whatever it was they were doing, and turned to look at the maddening teen.
"Aniki," he icily said. "What's this I hear about you suggesting something to Wataru?"
"Suggesting?" Shohei feigned ignorance, shrugging his shoulders. "Whatever do you mean, Yuichi?"
"Don't play innocent!" the younger man snapped as he grabbed hold of his older brother's collar, causing the man to rise from his seat. Around them, the others all had a look of surprise and astonishment plastered on to their faces. "You…" Yuichi continued. "You told Wataru to pretend to be Asaka's lover? For what? So that you could accept us?"
"I didn't force him, Yuichi," the elder man explained, shrugging his little brother's hands off of him. "And he was already playing pretend even before I suggested it."
"Yes, but he was already calling it off. He and Asaka both agreed to stop the charade. You… You persisted! Takako already told me everything!"
"Takako?" Of course! How could Shohei have been so dumb? Takako was there when he had offered Wataru that absurd proposal. She could practically hear everything being discussed! The first time was at the park. She was at the swings while he and Wataru were at the nearby bench, and that was when he had first brought up that suggestion. The second time was at the café. The girl was practically sitting on the dark-eyed boy's lap! Shohei bit his lip. He had always prided himself in having a bright and smart girl. So why was he so careless enough to discuss a difficult matter in front of her?
Meanwhile, the others who had been watching the scene develop were all awe-struck, especially their parents. Mr. Kazuki downed his drink in one go, trying to assess the situation properly. Based on what was being discussed by his two sons, surely it didn't mean what he thought it meant, did it? That his youngest son… Yuichi… his favorite… was…
Hurried footsteps were heard rushing down the stairs, and soon, both Mizuho and Takako entered the living room, probably lured in by the loud shouting. The moment they entered, there was a clear sign of animosity between the brothers, and the tension was so thick that a knife could slice right through it.
"Aniki…" Yuichi said through gritted teeth. "You always did like to poke your nose into other people's business… but you've gone too far. Just what else have you done behind my back?"
"I have done nothing that would earn your distrust, Yuichi. Although, I will admit that I have done one or two things that might not be in your liking, but it's not enough for you to distrust me."
"Distrust?" he stressed. "You think it's not enough? All this…? This is costing me Wataru!"
"…And I've always thought it was better this way," Shohei stated with full authority. "If you want to love someone then love a girl! But if you're so intent on dear Fujii-kun's face, then why not just date his sister? They practically look alike!"
"Do you even hear yourself speaking, aniki?" Yuichi hissed, his anger reaching a boiling point. He had always loved and admired his brother since the time he was a little boy, but never had he seen him act like this. He was truly losing all respect he had. "What makes you think you can decide for me what I want or what's best for me?"
"I am your older brother! I've seen it all, and have been to all of that! I know what's best for you, Yuichi! And, although you're happy with Fujii-kun now, it won't last. He can't bring you the happiness that you deserve. The both of you are worlds apart!"
That did it. Yuichi had tolerated every single antic his brother had done to aggravate him and his relationship with Wataru. But this was just too much! It was enough, and he had just crossed the line. With his right hand clenched tightly into a hard fist, he reeled his elbow, and sent a powerful blow straight to the elder man's face.
BAM!
A loud sound was heard as Shohei stumbled back, falling over the wooden coffee table and landing flat on his back. On his face was an imprint of the silver ring Yuichi was wearing, while Yuichi's knuckles were bruised and glowing red, almost bleeding. The girls gave a screech and a gasp of surprise. Mrs. Kazuki fell back on the sofa to keep herself from fainting, while Kirie rushed over to her husband's side. Yuichi stared at him blankly with eyes filled with rage. He made a move to hit the man again, but Touko and Mizuho quickly acted to restrain him.
"Let go!" he shouted, struggling free from the two women's grasp. Touko restrained him by the right arm—the arm he had used to land one on Shohei—and pleaded with her young cousin to stop. Mizuho on the other hand, took him by the left arm, and likewise pleaded for him to calm down.
"Yuichi, stop it!" Touko said. "Calm down! You've never resorted to violence before! Look, your parents are here! Even Takako is here! Calm down already!" She tried her best to restrain him, but Yuichi was proving to be stronger. She had never seen her young cousin so upset and enraged before. But this only showed how infuriated the young man was for being played and ultimately losing something important to him. She frowned and clicked her tongue. If only she had been able to realize Shohei's hand in this earlier… If only she had been able to stop the older man from doing anything that could cause trouble for the two… If only…
"Yuichi, please stop!" Mizuho pleaded, losing her grip amid Yuichi's struggle. And it happened… Yuichi yanked his arm swiftly and with tremendous force that it caused the older woman to lose her balance, making her trip and fall down on to the floor. The thud and her yelp of pain brought Yuichi back to his senses, and he looked at her disheveled form on the floor. Mrs. Kazuki, taking notice of what happened, quickly acted to help the young woman, while her husband went over to their eldest son to make sure he was all right.
Seeing that he had calmed down somewhat, Touko released her grasp on Yuichi, and noticed Takako standing by the doorway, her eyes big with astonishment. Worried that such a scene would've seriously scarred the young girl for life, she hurried off to her little niece to reassure her everything would be okay.
Realizing what he had just done, Yuichi felt bitter and terrible than he did before. In the middle of his reckless behavior that was unlike him, he could have accidentally hurt Mizuho. And she was the one with the heart condition! Hoping to make amends with what he did, he approached her and stretched out his hand, offering to help her, and apologizing as he did so.
Mizuho took a moment to consider whether or not to accept the offer. But as she took her time, Yuichi noticed something glittering around her neck—peeking out of the sweater vest she was swearing. Was it a necklace? How come he had never noticed it before? Well, she probably kept it hidden underneath her clothes, but the force of her fall had caused the thing to come out into full view. And as Yuichi clearly saw what it was, his eyes widened into shock and disbelief.
"Mizuho…" he uttered. "Where did you get that…?"
"What…?" she asked; dumbfounded. Then she noticed him staring at the silver locket she was wearing. "What do you mean 'where I got it'?"
"Where did you get it?" Yuichi repeated. "That… looks just like the one I had bought in New York City."
Mizuho raised her brows in confusion. "Yuichi… are you all right? This is the locket you bought in New York City. You left it in the hospital room when you went back to the hotel remember? I woke up with this next to me on the bedside table. The nurse there said it was for me… wasn't it…?"
"What…? No!" Yuichi stumbled back with amazement. "How… Why is… Then if you have the locket… what did Wataru receive along with the letter?" As he was pondering over that, something clicked in his mind. Something that he had shrugged of earlier as nothing important suddenly stood out and was practically slapping him on the face. "Mizuho…" he uttered. "That time… why did you say 'She didn't like the ring…'? How did you know that the ring came with the letter when you saw them separately?"
When she had said those words, he dismissed them as nothing. But now that he thought about it, it was rather peculiar. Was it at an automatic assumption on her part that the ring came with the letter, and that it was being returned? But what made her think so? The way she had said it was almost as if the ring was the gift and she had known about it. But that was impossible. He had never showed her the ring up close, and never did he mention that the ring would be a gift to anyone. So how could she…?
"The ring…" the older woman finally answered. "That was the present that you were giving along with the letter, right? A silver-ring with a single golden band around the center, with tiny scratches on it as if it had been worn for a considerable amount of time…"
Upon hearing that, everything fell into place. Yuichi ran a hand through his hair to show his frustration. "No!" he exclaimed, feeling his stress-level rising again. "That ring is something that I left by accident in your room. The present was supposed to be that locket!" He growled and rubbed his temples, attempting to clear his mind before it blew up.
Mizuho suddenly froze as the words sunk in. Not for her…? This glistening silver locket she had awoken to find…? The one with the inscription 'Forever with you' inside it…? It wasn't for her…? Instinctively, she clutched on to the locket tightly, letting all her thoughts flow. Surely there was a mistake, and that the locket was definitely hers… Surely, it was…
0-n-L-y--t-H-3--R-1-n-G--F-1-n-G-3-r--k-N-0-w-5-z--t-H-3--u-N-T-0-u-c-H-3-d--R-1-n-G
The morning sunlight seeped in and she awoke to the sight of closed curtains. Mizuho had been expecting to find Yuichi sleeping on the sofa as usual, but remembered that she had sent him back to the hotel for a good night's rest. Although it was her idea, she badly missed the boy and wanted to see him soon. If only there was something that would tie him to her… if only she could learn his feelings before she can act upon her own.
The door swung open and in stepped the nurse, carrying a tray of what she presumed to be her breakfast. She shifted to a seating position, and waited for the tray to be placed in front of her, uttering a "thank you" when it was done.
"Ms. Mizuho," the nurse said. "The courier will be here any minute. Where's that letter your friend had wanted to be delivered?"
"Oh, it's there on the table," she pointed to the small, round table at the center of the room. Her eyes glistened a bit with envy, imagining the person who would be receiving the letter. Apparently, Yuichi was sending a small item with it, and she had no idea what it is. Surely, though, the person Yuichi had written to wasn't a mere friend. With the care he took in writing the letter, it's probable that it was for a very special person in his heart.
"Um… excuse me…" the nurse spoke, breaking her from her thoughts. "This letter hasn't been sealed yet. Is there anything else that is supposed to be inside?"
Mizuho blinked, also quite curious. Then something caught her eye—something shiny near the foot of the table. "Is it that?" she asked, pointing at it. The nurse picked it up, and upon closer inspection, she discovered it to be a silver-ring, with a thin golden line at the center. It had some scratches, suggesting some years to it, but it was a very simple design and kind of worn-out. It must've fallen off the table. Mizuho pondered why Yuichi would buy such an old and worn-out ring for his sweetheart. But not one to better his judgments, she shrugged and placed the ring in the envelope, sealed it, and handed it back to the nurse, not even bothering to check the name and address. "There, I think that's all," she said.
"Okay," the nurse replied, accepting the envelope.
As Mizuho was about to indulge herself in her breakfast, her eyes strayed to the small box resting on her bedside table. Curious, she took it and opened it, and she marveled at the sight of a beautiful silver locket, glistening underneath the light. "Um, excuse me," she called to the nurse. "What's this…?"
"Oh, that?" the woman replied. "It was on the sofa last night, so I put there where it's safe. It must be from your handsome young friend. Probably a get-well present…" She snickered and giggled, her voice hinting something else. But she didn't explore the topic further as she excused herself and left the room to have the letter mailed.
Mizuho stared at the silver ornament, feeling something warm spread inside her. She quickly took it out of its box and placed it around her neck. Grabbing the hand-mirror on the bedside table, she studied her reflection, marveling the beauty of the locket. It was perfect.
She opened the locket and found something… a slot of some kind… as if something was supposed to be inserted there… something round… She found it odd and quite peculiar. Though she pondered over its purpose, she didn't ponder over the meaning of the inscription she found on the other side…
"Forever with you…"
0-n-L-y--t-H-3--R-1-n-G--F-1-n-G-3-r--k-N-0-w-5-z--t-H-3--u-N-T-0-u-c-H-3-d--R-1-n-G
…A mistake.
The locket wasn't hers…
Mizuho was shocked into stunned silence. She clutched her chest, feeling her heart pace again. Even everyone in the room was swept up into silence at the revelation. And during this long silence, only one sound could be heard—the ringing of Touko's cell phone.
Yuichi continued to stare at her with disbelief. Now everything made sense. Wataru never received the locket. Instead, he had received the ring along with the letter. And he remembered exactly what he had written. He knew he was vague in the letter, attributed to his sleepiness and the annoying nurses that kept peeking over his shoulder. What had Wataru felt upon seeing the ring? Did the young boy presume that he was breaking up with him? That would certainly explain the uncertainty and hostility that followed soon after he had returned to Japan. And because Wataru had presumed Yuichi sent back the ring on purpose, he also thought that the older boy was playing or feigning ignorance whenever the topic about the ring came up. Yuichi grit his teeth and ruffled his hair. He had unknowingly hurt Wataru in the worst possible way imaginable.
As he continued his own mental rant, Shohei gave a soft chuckle, breaking the silent spell that was cast upon them. He got up with little effort, ignoring the help offered by his wife and father, and regained his composure. In the background, the ringing of Touko's cell phone stopped, apparently because it was answered by the young woman.
"Really…" Shohei mused. "This is all just too amusing… So Fujii-kun broke up with you because of a misunderstanding… How unfortunate… He didn't even bother confirming the truth first, and immediately jumped to conclusions."
"Don't start, aniki," Yuichi mumbled lowly and softly. "It's not his fault. Don't point the finger at him because he's done nothing wrong. He was… completely honest with me… He didn't deny standing in as Asaka's boyfriend… he didn't lie to me about anything. But I… In a fit of jealousy, I came back here and selfishly drew my own conclusions. I didn't tell him about losing the ring… and I'm the one who urged for the both of us to be truthful about it. I'm the one who destroyed his trust in me."
"……"
"Worse, I go around shamelessly with Mizuho holding on to my arm that's really open for misinterpretation. I've unknowingly subjected Wataru to daily rumors about me having a girlfriend, and I have done nothing to remedy the situation. I'm the one who hurt him. I've hurt him so much, so I am the one wrong. I am the one to blame."
"Yuichi…"
"Please here me out, aniki. I am to blame for all the trouble Wataru's going through. That's why… I've decided to apologize to him. First thing tomorrow, I'll go over to his place and ask for his forgiveness. I don't care if I have to get down on my hands and knees and literally beg for him to take me back. I'll do anything—even throw away my own pride—just to have him back… the one I love."
When he heard no response from his older brother, he turned to Mizuho who was still huddled up on the floor, desperately clinging on to the locket. "Mizuho," he uttered softly. "I have to apologize to you as well for leading you on. I do admit that I'm still quite fond of you… but it's not Love. You and I… have long ended. I only see you now as an older sister… a dear friend… and that's all. I have someone else I love now more than anything. And I don't ever want to let that person go."
"……"
"I had never told you because I was worried about your condition. But I don't want to lie anymore. I'm truly am sorry for having hurt your feelings. But I'm in love with someone else. And that will never change."
As he ended his words, Mizuho closed her eyes tightly as she tried to calm down her racing heart. It was hurting, and how she wanted to hear Yuichi's soothing voice. But instead, she kept hearing words of apology and rejection. It was making her cry.
Finally, Yuichi turned to his parents and held a very sincere and grave expression. They weren't stupid. They already knew what everything meant. "Okaasan, otousan…" he spoke. "I'm sorry as well… I realize now that I might have failed you in your expectations of me as a son. But… I don't want to fail myself as a person. I only hope that you understand…"
His parents remained silent either processing this newfound discovery about their son or trying to understand the solemnity of his apology. Yuichi didn't wait for a response and decided to go back upstairs to his room. He'll do exactly as he had declared. First thing tomorrow, he was going to mend things with Wataru, and move back into his apartment. If that was the only way then so be it.
He was barely at the stairs when he heard Touko call out to him. "Yuichi, wait!" she said. "Something terrible has just happened!" The panic in her voice was genuine, so Yuichi stopped and turned to look at her.
"What is it?" he asked.
"That call I had just now… it was Karin."
"Karin? Wataru's little sister?"
"Yes, she was asking if Wataru had been to your place or if any of us had seen him."
"Why…?" Yuichi didn't like where this conversation was going. His heart was beginning to race like crazy. "What happened…?"
"Yuichi…" she paused as she took a deep breath, probably wondering how to say it without startling the boy. "Wataru is missing. He's gone and no one knows where he is."
"What?"
"His sister doesn't know… his parents don't know… even Kawamura-kun doesn't know… They're already calling up as many people as they can, asking if anyone knows where he is."
Hearing of the young boy's condition, Yuichi felt something inside him crack. Without another word, he hurried to the closet and pulled out his heavy brown coat, and quickly put it on. Shohei, snapping out of his daze, noticed Yuichi's actions and called his attention. "What are you doing, otouto?"
"What does it look like I'm doing?" Yuichi replied, already opening the door and stepping outside. "I'm going to look for Wataru!" With that, he slammed the door shut, venturing out into the cold night in search for his beloved.
To be continued…
Whew! Hopefully, that was satisfying to everyone.
We're almost at the end. Just a few more chapters and The Untouched Ring will be finished. I'm not saying how many chapters there are left of the story, but we're almost there. So please help me make it happen by giving me lots and lots of reviews!
So… can you already connect the dots with the previous chapters…?
Next chapter: Finding What Is Lost. Wataru and Sayuri are spending a very cold night together. What do they learn and discover about one another… and about themselves…? Will they be found in time?
Please review! It's not so hard. See the pretty purple button at the lower left-hand corner? Just give it a click and leave a review. I really read them. So drop by and say something. :-)
And here is the surprise I was saying earlier…
I'm not sure if everyone already knows this but… it has been announced! Kannagi-sensei has announced it in her blog that the fifth volume is indeed the final book! And it's scheduled for release in Japan on September 27, 2008! The title is Sono Yubi Dake Ha Nemuranai (That Finger Alone Will Not Sleep).
You can view a picture of the front cover on my LJ site. You can find the link in my profile.
Kyaaa! The English version of the fourth volume in 2009 or 2010… does that mean the fifth volume will be in 2011 or 2012?
