CHAPTER 2

The next day, in school, the five of them were eating beside Heisuke who was happy taking the paper ball for the "Secret Santa". They then decided that they would open the paper and not discus whom they got. Some of them were smiling and others were a bit worried. Shinsaku, on the other hand, kept a straight face and threw out the paper after reading the name.

—Then… in a week? —he asked. —And we can spend all of the money we want to?

—Yes, I think it's a good idea. —said Toshizo. —Why? Are you thinking in buying a

Ferrari?

—I can't pay my rent sometimes. Do you really think I will use a lot of money? —responded Shinsaku as he stood up, taking his backpack —But anyway, Ryoma, hurry up and eat faster. We have an exam in a few minutes and we still need to study.

—OH RIGHT! —exclaimed Ryoma, drinking his milkshake as fast as he can. —MY BRAIN! OH MY BRAIN! This thing just gave me a brain freeze and crashed my head. —suddenly Ryoma opened his eyes wide —Crash my head…

—I like that look on your face. —smiled Soji. —It's just like the last time you wrote a song; you had the same face.

—But not now —said Kogoro, a bit worried. —Now, he's more interested in writing the song than studying, and you really need to study Ryoma.

—I can help —Heisuke stood up beside Shinsaku.

Ryoma joined them as they said goodbye to their friends and walked away. The three of them were thinking about the new song that Ryoma had in mind and came up with a few lyrics. While Ryoma was writing down the lyrics, he couldn't help but sing a song in English.

—Is that a song of yours? —Heisuke asked.

—No, no. It's another band I really like, but I'm thinking about the rhythm and all.

—Oh, I see. —Heisuke smiled. —I really like the music you listen and make with the band. Whenever I have the chance, I would listen to that song all the time.

—I KNOW WHAT YOU MEAN! —Ryoma answered excitedly.

—Ahh shut up and let's go study already. —interrupted Shinsaku. —Besides, after classes we will practice. So Heisuke can join us then.

—You know I love to listen to you guys! —Heisuke was excited to be able to join them after school.

When they arrived at their classroom, Heisuke said goodbye to Shinsaku and Ryoma who went inside and took their seats to study.

Ryoma was happy that he could answer the questions that Shinsaku asked to review him, but he was excited about the Secret Santa gift exchange with his band.

—Do you know what to buy? —asked Ryoma —I don't exactly know what to get and you know that I can't waste too much money. Lamentably, the guitar that I used in the concert broke so I need to buy a new one.

—The one my teacher gave you?

—Ah? No not that one, the other one. The one I bought a few months ago. You know that I don't like to use the one your teacher gave me when we do concerts outside the city; I might break it.

—I see. —Cindy took out a lollipop from his pocket and put it in his mouth. —And… I think I know what to buy. —he smiled as he looked to his friend —And I know it will be perfect.

—You already know what to buy? Ammm, I'm jealous. —Ryoma pouted, like a child would. —I don't know if I can think of a gift for this person.

—Better think in the exam, Ryoma —said his friend gathering his books.

The teacher entered and asked for her students to have only a pencil and an eraser. Suddenly Ryoma started to feel nervous and began to take Shinsaku's hair.

—Cindy, if I don't know the answer to a question, will you help me?

—Ah? Are you stupid Ryoma? Of course you aren't. —he turned to hit his friend on the head. —Don't worry, you studied hard… even if we both don't believe it.

—Then, —Ryoma raised his hands up high —GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

All of the students in the classroom began to laugh, except for Shinsaku who was embarrassed and hid his face with his hands.

—Ryoma? —asked the teacher —Good luck to you too, now, could you please sit down correctly and begin the exam?

—Yes teacher. Sorry, teacher. Thank you teacher.

Ryoma was embarrassed and blushed, hiding his face exactly like his friend. The teacher was a beautiful woman whom Ryoma couldn't handle. However now wasn't the time for him to think in such things, he needed to focus and think about the exam – nothing more, not even the song that was stuck in his head.

Afterschool, the band members got together and practiced as promised. Ryoma was singing, and Shinsaku and Soji were practicing on their instruments perfectly. However, the other two, Toshizo and Kogoro, kept making mistakes during the rehearsal. Shinsaku was baffled, seeing his best friend who usually makes sick beats mess up so easily. He couldn't follow his rhythm very well, the same with Toshizo.

—Stop! Stop! This is horrible! —Shinsaku angrily strummed his bass to make a weird sound.

—Don't do that again! It's so noisy. —said Soji, a bit angry.

—Sorry, princess, but what your friend is doing is indeed a noise.

—Oh, don't tell me that. Well, what YOUR friend is doing doesn't have rhythm at all.

—Cindy, Sochin —interrupted Ryoma as he hugged his closest friend, Shinsaku —please don't fight.

—But they are being honest. —Kogoro sighed, walking towards them. —Sorry, it's just that I'm worrying about the exam I just had. Plus, I don't know what to buy for my person in Secret Santa.

—I have the same problem —Toshizo added —Sorry guys.

—Maybe you should take a break.

The five turned to see where their friend was sitting. In Toshizo's house, there is a room that is perfect to accommodate all of them to practice in. His father never used it before so it was now the new "Ultra Soul CAVE" as Ryoma called it. There was a small stage where they rehearsed; to the right of the stage was a red sofa where Heisuke was doodling in his notebook, taking it seriously. In front of the stage were a TV and two more sofas where they could rest and play videogames.

—Take a break? —Shinsaku asked. —We only have a week left to practice the song of Ryoma and other songs.

—But it is very late, and you are all tired —smiled Heisuke closing his notebook.

—That is true —Soji took Ryoma's arm —And you, my friend, remember that I will help you with your homework?

—Homework? —asked Ryoma. He didn't understand until Soji made a wink at him —Ah true! True!

—Oh by the way, before you go, —Heisuke said coming closer to them —tell me, Ryoma, how was your exam?

—Perfect! —smiled the singer. —I think the teacher even winked at me.

Everyone say him with a serious face, doubting him. Indeed Ryoma was handsome but no one believed it. Ryoma just laughed to himself.

Soji moved quickly to the pile of backpacks to take his and his friends while Ryoma hugged and said goodbye to his friends. Shinsaku began to tune his bass again as the other two were going.

—See you tomorrow, friends! —yelled Ryoma.

—Talk to you later, Toshizo —smiled Soji. —Bye, bye Kogoro, Heisuke. —he then sent a kiss — And you too, grumpy.

—Bye, princess. —he answered a bit angry.

Heisuke moved to the floor and sat in front to see how they could play together. He knew that the three of them had a song, Fukansen Puzzle, a song Toshizo and Kogoro wrote together one day, the one that Soji and Ryoma couldn't play for other reasons. Shinsaku liked the song so he joined them and help with the chords. After a few rehearsals the three decided to stop and Heisuke took this opportunity to show Toshizo a drawing he did of him wearing a mask, just for fun. Suddenly, they heard the angry yell of Shinsaku.

—Tsk, that stupid princess! —he said —He took my backpack again!

—Oh, he will give it back to you tomorrow, like always —said Toshizo.

Shinsaku gently placed his bass down and sighed.

—That's not the problem. Kogoro, your book was still in there.

Removing his glasses, to clean them, the band drummer had a worried expression on his face. But knowing that it couldn't be helped just sighed and smiled.

—It's okay. I bet nothing bad will happen to it.

—Is it an important book? —asked Heisuke —From school?

—Ah, no, no. It is a novel. I bought it a few weeks ago and when I finished reading, I lent it to Shinsaku to read. But now Soji took it.

—A novel? —added Toshizo.

—The one from my favorite author I told you about. —Kogoro smiled —The one I suggested for you to read… but didn't have the time. —Toshizo felt a bit guilty. —But don't worry, Toshi, I'm not angry. —Kogoro laughed a bit. —It's just that I want all of my books because he will come to Kyoto, and I really want him to sign them.

—Who's coming? —asked Heisuke curiously.

Excited, Kogoro didn't hear the question asked to him as he began to describe the books the author wrote: psychological and detective thrillers with a touch of horror. The kind of books that made him think about who the assassin could be or how will the protagonist catch him without having the police involved.

—Kogoro really likes him —smiled Toshizo. —See? I didn't forgot what you told me, you even want his new thriller series, isn't? It's like five or six more books.

—Yes, I do want them! —Kogoro sighed thinking how amazing it would be to have them, taking Toshizo's arm. —Anyway, friends, I think it's getting late and we should get going.

—I agree. We need to go now. —replied Shinsaku as he took Heisuke's backpack and tossed it to him. He smiled as he walked towards the door —See to you tomorrow, friends.

Heisuke soon followed suit and said goodbye. Catching up with Shinsaku, they began to make small talk, laughing here and there. They talked about anything that came to their mind until they reached the front door entrance, hearing their names being called. It was Kogoro, running up to see them.

—Oh, I thought you would stay with Toshizo. —said Shinsaku.

—No, no. He has an exam for tomorrow and so do I. Plus, I need your help… with some creations I have in mind.

—Will you brag about science again? —sighed Heisuke. —You know that I can't fully understand it, that's why I decided to study the arts. —just then his cell phone began to ring —Hell, I need to go now. My little sister wants to buy some ice cream before my parents arrive. See you tomorrow guys!

Heisuke waved goodbye as he ran in the other direction to take a bus. Watching him leave, Shinsaku and Kogoro decided to walk home to their apartment together.

—You don't have any weird machine in mind, do you? —asked Shinsaku.

—No… but I do need your help. I want to give a perfect gift for my person in Secret Santa —he smiled —But I really want it to be something special that he could use everyday and remember that I gave it to him, something useful that he would really like.

—Then, tell me who it is while we walk home okay?

—Alright. I know you can keep a secret.

—Cindy or Sensei? —asked Ryoma walking towards the mall's elevator —Or maybe Heisou or Toshizo? —he began to think at his own question —Ah! I think they are all my friends!

Soji laughed thinking in Ryoma's good heart. He is such a good person and so innocently pure that he would win the heart of anyone. Thinking about this, Soji remembered the first time they met: calling him Sochin and praising him for his singing even if Soji was trying to ignore the compliments. He called everyone his friend with sincerity; that was his best trait.

The mall was huge: full of clothing stores, videogame arcades, electronic retail stores, and food stands, etc. Seeing all of this made Ryoma excited, opening his eyes wide.

—Sochin! All of these stores have so many wonderful things, that I don't need but want! Oh, look! —he looked at the display case of the store's window —They have the new videogame I want: "Hell-O 5" and "Call of Honor". They are announcing "Xeldaz: The Pan's Flute of Time". AH! I WANT THEM ALL!

—You can see them later just help me with the gift. —Soji took his arm and pulled him in the other direction. —If you see something you think Cindy or Sensei… or Heisuke or Toshizo would like, tell me and I'll consider it.

Ryoma really liked helping Sochin. He was exhilarated, seeing not only all the possible gifts for his friends, but for himself. He always said the same, things he really wanted to have but didn't need; from designer clothes to toys, even simple food like ice cream and chips. Soji, getting a bit tired, wanted to hurry so he took Ryoma's arms, and sometimes his head in the shoulder of his friend. Ryoma was such a good guy that he didn't really care what people would think or say, even if they said things about Soji. Besides, Ryoma considered everyone his dear friend.

A few hours passed and the once energetic Ryoma now had most of his energy depleted. Looking a bit tired, he didn't get excited about things he wanted, unlike before. He only commented about a few things: a pair of sunglasses for Cindy to use, a new laptop or cell phone for Sensei, some designer clothes for Hijizo to wear, and even a few art materials for Heisou. However, Ryoma still couldn't stop spotting things for himself. Soji needed to keep reminding him that the gift wasn't for him, but for a friend.

—But look, Sochin, —Ryoma said, pointing to a remote controlled toy car for kids —that little Ferrari is just adorable and it's red! I love red.

—I know but…

—And look, look! Those scarves are perfect for me. —he took his own scarf —This one is perfect, but maybe I could use another one, don't you think so?

—Well, your fashion sense isn't so bad, maybe…

—Ah! THAT! —Ryoma suddenly left his friend to run towards a big display case of a music store. —Look at this Sochin! It's beautiful.

Soji came closer and laughed seeing what it was. It was Ryoma's style indeed; just seeing it screams Ryoma.

The company "Guilbert" was one of the most important guitar makers and their designs were unique and funny. The new guitar, on display, was an expensive but not the best compared to the other models; however, this one was special because it had food designs and part of the money would go to a foundation to help kids that are starving. Ryoma liked the idea and the design on the guitar was a delicious pizza margarita. He pressed his face on the window too much that people inside could see his cheeks leaving a facial print.

—Do you like it? —asked Soji —You can't eat it by the way.

—I know, I know, but look at it. It is so beautiful; it's a pizza. But… ah! It's so expensive. —he fell to his knees. —I would need to work in the restaurant for a year to save enough money to buy it.

—Then maybe you should work for a year, my friend. Can we continue, now? I'm getting tired —Soji yawned —I think I need a cup of coffee.

—Can we go buy something to eat first? —Ryoma rose up with a smile. —Now I'm hungry after seeing the guitar.

The richer of the two smiled and told Ryoma that he would invite him to have a delicious slice of pizza while he needed hot coffee or soup with a lot of tofu.

The first slice of pizza wasn't enough so Soij bought a small pie of pizza for Ryoma, who was happily eating it even if his friend knew he was a bit heartbroken for not having the pizza guitar.

—Don't worry some day we will be in a huge concert and you would be able to buy all the guitars you want. —smiled Soji.

—Then I could even use it for different concerts. That would be so AWESOME! —he yelled in English. —Talking about it, I hope the concert on Friday is perfect. I wouldn't like to see Otose sad on Christmas Eve.

—Me neither, she is a great person. —Soji took a sip of his coffee —And what about the party? Are you going to help too? —Ryoma said yes with his head as he was stuffed his mouth with a rolled piece of pizza margarita. —Then, can I help too?

—You?

Soji closed his eyes, a bit disgusted. Ryoma talked with his mouth full of food and he didn't like that.

—Yes, me. I would like to help with the party. May I? I have enough money to help, at least.

—Oh Sochin —Ryoma swallowed his food and drank a bit of his milkshake to wash it down —You know, sometimes I would like to have all the money that you have.

—But you know that money can't buy everything. —Soji took his hands —Not good friends like you have, —Soji sighed —or a lovely boyfriend.

Ryoma blushed, but he didn't remove his hands from Soji. He didn't want to be rude to his good friend. He knew that many of his classmates bully Soji because he likes men instead of women. Ryoma didn't quite understand why that would be considered something to make fun of, he also didn't understand the comments and whispers the people at the mall said when Soji took his hands, saying they were boyfriends. He didn't really care; after all he was his good friend.

—Sochin, Sochin, you know I like a girl right?

—I wasn't talking about you! —Soji suddenly became red. —Sorry if you didn't think so!

—Ah! No! But… then who? —Soji hid his face a bit. —You don't need to tell me! But I bet your money can buy him… no, wait, that sounded so wrong. I mean, you can ask him to go out with you and buy him flowers and…

—I don't think he would like flowers. And I insist that not everything can be bought.

The singer of the band didn't like to see his friends sad so he offered a slice of pizza to his friend with a huge smile. And he began to understand that not everyone could be bought with money.

—AH! I HAVE IT! —he yelled as Soji began to eat the pizza, after removing some of the cheese, —I know what I can give to… you know, the person, the person whose name was written in my paper ball.

—That's great. I think I have an idea too, but I need to buy it another day. Today I just want to go home, and take a bath and sleep.

—Same… —he was smiling. —But not take a bath together, just go to your home and sleep. I really like the guest's bedroom in your apartment.

Soji laughed. Ryoma was, indeed, an adorable person, unlike the guy he liked.

Finishing the pizza and coffee, the both of them decided to go to Soji's apartment and play some video games all night; because of this, they over slept and missed the morning session of classes the next day. They did, however, decide to take the afternoon classes and meet up with the band practice.

Arriving at Toshizo's house for rehearsals, the rest of the band members were there: Toshizo was fixing the drums along with Kogoro at his side, while Shinsaku was having a fight with Soji about how bothersome it was to not have his notebooks and backpack throughout the whole school day. Not to mention homework too. Soji just smiled and listened to him yell, he thought it was very funny and didn't take his friend seriously. As for Ryoma, he was laying down on the sofa with a notebook and pen in hand writing something, like a list. Heisuke came close and sat at his side.

—What are you doing? —he asked.

This caught Ryoma off guard and scared him, making him drop the notebook on his face.

—Nothing, my friend. —he smiled, replying in English as he closed the notebook.

—Oh, okay. —Heisuke smiled —By the way, Ryoma, I need to draw something but I'm not sure what. Could you help me?

—I wouldn't like to make you draw something for free.

Heisuke appreciated how Ryoma respected him as an artist. After all, they both knew how hard it was for people to respect their work, one as a musician and another as an artist.

—It's for my homework so don't worry. You will be helping me. —he took his drawing block and a pencil. —So, do you want another guitar or some characters from your comic?

—I did love the last "Iron-Man" you drew for me. But no, no. —he then came close to whisper something in his ear —Isn't for me, but I would like it if you kept this a secret. Use beautiful colors and, please, add a beautiful moon.

—I do like your idea Ryoma, and I bet my teacher would like it too. But for whom is it…

—STOP IT! STOP NOW!

Someone interrupted him so they bother turned over to see the stage where the others were. Shinsaku was being attacked over and over with kisses and hugs from Soji.

—Ah! Toshizo! Stop your princess friend!

Toshizo and Kogoro just laughed seeing how Soji was holding him down by the neck and kissing his cheek over and over, telling him that he was a cute grumpy cat.

—They act like couples. —said Heisuke as he began his drawing.

—Yes, they do. —agreed Ryoma with a smile.

Ryoma got up and began to walk over to where his friends were, still laughing and having a good time.

—Sensei, may I ask you something? —he then took his guitar. Kogoro just said yes with the head. —Could you help me with something? Is for the gift.

—Yes, of course but…

—PLEASE! SOMEONE HELP ME WITH THIS!

Again, Soji was over Shinsaku, he just couldn't stop kissing him and Shinsaku was getting angry…and red. Ryoma laughed hard this time and passed his fingers over the strings.

—LETS ROCK, MY FRIENDS!

Saved, Shinsaku was finally released by his "enemy" while Soji and the rest of the members took their positions near their instrument. This practice was important, as Toshizo said, because they needed to practice the new song that Ryoma has composed. It was a great song and they needed to perfect it and make it better by Friday.