Yozak and Wolfram had strategically placed themselves a few tables' distance from Conrad and Yuri behind a large plant so that they can keep tabs on the two forced lovers without being seen themselves.
So far none of them was much pleased with the outcome of their carefully planned date. Ever since they had left Yuri and Conrad alone, all that any of them had done was look owlishly at everything else but each other. A few times, Yozak thought that, maybe Yuri caught glimpses of Conrad and sometimes ogled as well and sometimes the vice-versa with Conrad but nothing more than that. Not even a single word was said. The result was that Wolfram was getting more and more difficult to control.
Meanwhile, Wolfram glared at Yozak. "This is what happens when you rush things! Our engagement was only broken last night! What was such a hurry fix them up so soon! As you can clearly see, it's not going anywhere!"
That was almost the umpteenth time Wolfram had said that and the umpteenth time that Yozak sighed in reply. He couldn't really blame him because his own vast patience was at the verge of abandoning him very soon.
Yozak sighed as he replied, "Only you wouldn't since you were too busy not looking."
"What do you mean by that?"
Yozak sighed, "Please keep a little patience. These things take some time and I'm pretty sure it will work out just fine. Besides, you're saying that because you don't know everything about them."
Wolfram quirked an eyebrow and asked with crossed hands. "And what might that be?"
"You see I too, just like you, had thought earlier that maybe it was best to leave the two alone for a little while but as it turns out the story have more to it."
Wolfram merely looked at him calmly indicating him to continue, so he continued, "Ever since Heika's return yesterday, I kept thinking that now with the engagement broken, at least they'd talk a little and hopefully return with smiles on their faces. But instead when I saw them return from the temple Heika looked super depressed about something and Conrart, well, you know him. After he left Heika for the evening, I confronted him and managed to get him to tell me that Heika kissed him again and…"
"What do you mean AGAIN?" Wolfram almost screamed but not quite enough to attract attention, surprisingly.
Yozak wasn't sure of a safe way to answer that. But finally sighed and said, "Well…it seems after Conrart brought Yuri-Heika his lunch the day we thought he'd lost his maryokou, that they ended up kissing. That was the first time."
"What?" Wolfram practically screamed, this time drawing attention.
Yozak was quick to cover his mouth as he started yelling about wimpy no good cheaters. Thankfully it was all muffled by Yozak's hand.
"Calm down!" Yozak whispered loudly."Listen, for some reason Conrart is taking those kisses to mean that Boochan is simply seeking comfort and that he was tricked into the switching ceremony."
Wolfram huffed, "Yuri maybe a no good cheating wimp but he's not that stupid."
"Well that's what I think too. But it's getting difficult to make Conrart see that. That's why I needed you and this planned date in the first place." Yozak replied. "But now I'm having second thoughts."
Wolfram understood the unexplained. "You heard those murmurs too, didn't you?" Yozak just nodded. "I never expected this to happen. They're not speaking at all and if this continues then it might affect their reputation. Maybe the date wasn't such a good idea after all." Yozak concluded.
"I don't understand. I had the best attires in the country made for them and even dressed Conrart his best. I even left his shirt unbuttoned a bit. Even strangers are eying him every now and then with lust filled eyes. I don't get it. Why is Heika not even talking to him when he should be jumping him by now?" Yozak said jokingly to lighten the situation. That only managed to earn a furious glare from Wolfram.
"Ok. Ok. Take it easy. I get the hint. What I meant was that today they're looking incredible. Maybe, even, their best. That's all." Yozak tried to look innocent.
"This is a serious issue. Be serious."
"Yes Sir!"
Suddenly, Yozak saw the manager approach Yuri and, both, Yozak and Wolfram saw the not-so-friendly conversation take place between them. But what surprise and bothered them both the most was the very faint blue outline that seem to be enveloping the young Maoh all of a sudden.
'Shit! Looks like the Maoh's on the way. I wonder what happened?' thought Yozak. He visibly gulped not liking the tight situation very much.
"What's wrong?" Wolfram said mirroring Yozak's thoughts while still looking at Yuri.
They soon got their answers as the extra attendants hearing the conversation at Yuri's table left them quickly and passed their own table talking amongst themselves. Yozak and Wolfram only caught a part of their conversation. One of them said that Yuri was furious over someone insulting him and Sir Weller and have warned for possible death penalty for anyone if another ill-word for Lord Weller is said. They even described how very dangerous he looked with silted eyes and that terrifying aura radiating from him, giving them all shivers of dread.
That short explanation heightened Wolfram's fury once more.
"That...That...That...Cockroach. He never defended me by the death penalty whenever someone insulted me, always speaking a equality and justice. Where's that equality and justice now? That...That...filthy flea infested mongrel. That...That...That...WIMP of massive proportions." Wolfram's eyes stung.
Although, Wolfram was very happy that Yuri cared for his brother so strongly, yet this incidence had opened his eyes that he truly loved Conrad, otherwise he'd never break his principles. And the realization hurt.
Yozak felt bad for Wolfram and tried to console him but was pushed away rather roughly.
"Well, at least that showed you the entire picture. Do you, now, see why I wanted them together so badly? They're just made for each other and there's no denying that." Yozak said. Wolfram merely nodded. "I guess so."
Yozak just looked at the prince admiring how very brave and kind-hearted he actually was. Not at all like the selfish-brat everyone perceived him to be. He knew how difficult it is to let go of someone whom you love with your very being. And watching Wolfram do just that made him feel sorry for his poor luck. Whatever be the outcome, Yozak knew that from now onwards, he was going to admire him even more now.
Yozak admired him more now, that was true. But that didn't mean that he couldn't tease him. He smirked devilishly before speaking.
"You know, you're admiringly brave. Now, I see why Geika, in spite of so many other worthy matches, wanted you so bad." Yozak teased.
"Don't talk about him in front of me." Wolfram said angrily with his nose held high in spite of his cheek reddening at the praise.
One more look at Yuri's and Conrad's table showed them both laughing a genuine laugh. The Maoh was gone and Yuri was his normal self. They both seemed to be having lot of fun. This was the first in a long time that they'd seen any of them being truly happy. The mere sight brought sweet smiles to both their faces as they, too, enjoyed the moment. This was perfect.
"See. I told you it's gonna work just fine." Yozak boasted.
"Yes. Yes. You made your point now stop boasting." Wolfram snapped although his small warm smile told an entirely different story.
x-x-x-x
They didn't know how much time passed, neither did they care. Right now, all they could think about was the humorous situation and laugh heartily. It was one of the first in many days. And both were going to live it to the fullest and treasure. It's always nice to sit with the people closest to you and share a good laugh. Everyone was watching them but they didn't care.
After several minutes, they got themselves in control. As soon as the laughing fever left them, both returned back to their previous mode and thoughts of insecurity. Sigh.
'Come on Yuri. Now's the time. Be brave and clear everything between Conrad and you. He's your best friend and too good to lose or be insulted.' Yuri thought and remembered disgustingly.
He opened his mouth to speak, just to show others that everything was alright, but was interrupted by the waiters who brought their order. After setting up the table with delicious looking food, the waiters left taking the spare utensils with them along with Yuri's trail of thought. Yuri and Conrad both thanked them.
Yuri was, however, left speechless for a moment, not remembering whatever he was going to say. However, Conrad acted first and saved him the dilemma. "So, you were saying something, Yuri?" Conrad asked starting the conversation for the first time.
"No, it was nothing important really and honestly saying, I don't remember. Those waiters made me forget." Yuri replied embarrassed.
Conrad chuckled. "Maybe something in your stomach will help. This food looks delicious." Conrad offered keeping the conversation light. Yuri agreed but continued on saying, "By the way, you were saying something too?"
Conrad chuckled. "Yes. But it's not of much consequence either."
"I'd still like to hear. That is if you too didn't..."
Conrad chuckled again at Yuri's simple mental workings and it enchanted him. For some reason, his confidence as well as his smile was coming more easily now than before. "No Yuri. I didn't forget. I just wanted to ask how's your school going on Earth?"
Yuri smiled, "Sometimes I wonder whose lectures are more boring, my teachers or Gunter's." 'Though at least with Gunter's, I know you'll be there to rescue me.' Yuri concluded silently.
They continued light conversation about anything and everything except why they were here and their feelings. It looked like they still couldn't muster enough courage for that.
Soon enough, this fact started causing problems and both ran out of anything to say, bringing back the gloominess around them. Both were smiling for each other's as well as everyone else's, who might be watching, benefit. And although it worked for the spectators but, ultimately, the smiles remained fake.
Conrad wanted to do anything and everything he could to make that smile on Yuri's face real. But alas! He sighed. 'Not that he could say much. After all, his wasn't real anymore either', he concluded sadly.
x-x-x-x
Back at their table, Yozak and Wolfram, both, were watching their progress. For a moment, it felt like everything would be fine. However, they were no fools. Soon enough, they started noticing that nothing much had progressed. Basically, they were still where they'd started.
"Somebody was so sure of his success. Where's that promised progress?" Wolfram commented in a sly tone. Yozak didn't reply.
Everything had its limits. And even a saint's patience break one day or other and Yozak by no means was a saint. He stood up all of a sudden.
"Alright. Now's time to take things entire in our hands. We don't have luxury of time, so do as I say." Yozak said abruptly.
Wolfram was startled to see all-of-a-sudden-serious-Yozak so he hurriedly agreed. Together both decided their next course of plan for a few minutes and finally came out of their hiding to act. Yozak moved somewhere else while Wolfram moved directly towards where Yuri and Conrad were seated.
Not caring who was watching and putting up his best mask of anger, Wolfram shouted, "YURI!"
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A note from is_sm to all the readers : Guys don't worry. We're almost there now. You'll see all the action you've been waiting for very soon. Plz keep patience and stay with us. And plz don't forget to review. Only your reviews keep us going. Or else we might simply stop *grins devilishly*. I'm evil. Arn't I? Just kidding. But plz review. We need it to fuel ourselves.