A/N: Hello everybody, here's the next chapter of "Remember Me".
If you have ever asked yourselves why I titled this story "Remember Me", I can assure you that you'll get your answer in this chapter.
Enjoy the read!
Disclaimer: I don't own blah, blah, blah...
Chapter 2
Gii was restlessly pacing the floor of the hospital's emergency ward when Akaike burst through the doors, his chest heaving, a sure sign that he had been running most of the way. "How…is he? Has any…anything been heard," he gasped, his eyes traveling back and forth between his best friend and the two boys who were occupying the chairs that were rowed up here and there along the white walls. Shingyouji silently shook his head and quickly cast his eyes in an attempt to hide the fresh tears that were welling up in them for the umpteenth time.
"The doctors are still with him," Misu explained quietly, pulling his boyfriend closer in order to comfort him and gestured towards a set of doors at the end of the floor, which marked the entrance to the area that was off-limits for everyone except patients, doctors and medical assistants. "What's taking them so damn long," Gii huffed, ruffling his hair in desperate frustration. "He's been in there for ages!"
"Don't worry. I'm sure Hayama is going to be alright, you'll see," Akaike said softly and squeezed his best friend's shoulder in comfort and encouragement. The amber-haired boy looked downright miserable. He was pale as death himself, his warm hazel-brown eyes were bloodshot and dull with worry, desperation and fear written all over his handsome features. "Thanks Shouzo," he whispered shakily. "I really hope that he will be, but all this waiting and this damn uncertainty are killing me."
"Who on earth would do such a thing to Hayama," Misu hissed, his eyes narrowing dangerously. "Too bad we couldn't see the faces of the guys because of the distance and the darkness." "I think I have a pretty good idea who is responsible for this attack," Shingyouji growled angrily and when the older boy gave him a questioning look, he quickly filled his boyfriend in with the details of the encounter between Takumi and Kurokawa at the dorms around noon that day. "But we don't have any proof, so there is nothing we can do, right," the second-year student finished, sighing dejectedly as the others nodded their heads slowly in agreement.
"For now, all we can do is wait until Hayama is well enough to tell us what exactly happened back at the dorms tonight and who attacked him," Akaike stated, frustration evident in his usually calm voice. Misu was just about to say something when the doors leading to the examination and operating rooms opened and a doctor emerged, walking towards the group of boys. "Are you Hayama-kun's friends," the middle-aged man addressed them and they nodded silently. "Sensei how is he," Gii inquired anxiously. "Is he going to be alright?"
"Well, your friend's condition is serious, but not life-threatening and for now he is stable," the doctor explained matter-of-factly. "Hayama-kun has four broken ribs as well as numerous bruises and scratches. Apart from the fractures we couldn't detect any other internal injuries, but for the next forty-eight hours the patient is going to remain under close surveillance in the intensive-care unit, just for safety. Your friend also received several kicks into the head and consequently we did a brain scan. According to the results everything seems to function normally, but we have to wait until Hayama-kun regains consciousness, so that we can run a few more tests to check if there is any impairment. In order to prevent his body from dehydrating he'll be on intravenous drip until he wakes up and he will be given some light pain relievers. That's all I can tell you for now."
"Thank you very much, sensei," Gii said and bowed low as did the other boys. "Can we see him now?" "You can, but please make it short," the doctor informed them. "Third floor, room 305. Hayama-kun's parents have also been notified and are expected to arrive some time tomorrow. Please excuse me now. I have some other patients to attend to." The boys bowed respectfully once more and after the doctor had left, they made their way towards the elevators.
Room 305 was lying almost in complete silence. The only sounds that could be heard were the steadily repeated beeping of the heart-rate monitor and Takumi's shallow breathing which was slightly labored. The group quietly walked over to the bed and what they saw didn't do much to improve their spirits, despite the doctor's relatively positive diagnosis. Takumi's face and arms were strewn with many scratches and bruises of an ugly blackish-blue color. A bandage was draped around his head and the boy himself was almost as white as the sheets he was bedded on. He looked miserably poor, so fragile and vulnerable in his state that his friends found it difficult to keep their countenance.
"I sincerely hope that the guys who did this to Hayama-san are going to pay dearly for this," Shingyouji murmured huffy. "They will, definitely. We will make sure of that," Akaike stated quietly. "If the culprits should really be either Kurokawa and his minions or any other students of Shidou Academy, they are doubtlessly going to be expelled immediately in consequence for their actions."
"There could be legal consequences as well," Misu explained in a hushed voice. "Hayama could file a lawsuit against his attackers, charging them with aggravated assault in coincidence with aggravated battery and he could demand compensation for non-pecuniary damage, meaning for pain and personal suffering. Let's just hope that he is willing to tell us truthfully who is responsible for this mess." "If he shouldn't be, I'll make him talk. I swear," Gii said grimly. "Those guys won't get away with what they did. I won't allow them to."
The room fell silent again and the boys remained quietly at their friend's bedside for several minutes. "I hate to say this, but we should return to the school," Akaike spoke up softly. "Even though there won't be any consequences this time for our breaking of the curfew rules because of the special circumstances, we shouldn't take too much advantage of that. Besides, for now there's nothing we can do for Hayama anyway. Let him rest and let's come back to check on him tomorrow, after we had some rest as well. Maybe he'll already be awake by then." Misu and Shingyouji nodded in agreement, but Gii didn't show any reaction and remained silent.
"Gii-senpai, daijoubu ka," the second-year student asked gently. "No, not really," the handsome upper-class man answered truthfully. "Could you give me another minute or two?" "Of course," Akaike said softly. "We will wait for you outside." With that he gave his best friend's shoulder a light, comforting squeeze and turned to leave, the other two boys following suit. As soon as they had closed the door behind them Gii took one of the chairs and sitting down at his fiancé's bedside he gently took Takumi's hand into his as silent tears began to trickle down his weary face.
"I'm so sorry that I couldn't protect you, my love," he whispered shakily and kissed each of the boy's fingertips. "This is all my fault. I hope you will be able to forgive me eventually." With that he pressed his lips softly against Takumi's palm and sat in silence for a while. Finally he slowly rose to his feet and before rejoining the others outside he bent over his beloved to place a gentle, lingering kiss on the boy's pale, bruised lips. "Please wake up and get well soon, I beg you. We still have to celebrate our engagement and tell the others. Don't you want to see their faces when we give them the news?"
oOo
Sleep just didn't want to come that night, leaving Gii tossing and turning in his bed, pictures of the one he loved more than anything, looking so pitiful in that hospital bed, appearing in front of his eyes as soon as he closed them. "Takumi," he whispered repeatedly into the silent darkness of his room. "Please be alright, please." When his alarm finally went off at eight o'clock Gii groaned and rubbed his eyes groggily. His body felt heavy, a clear sign of exhaustion and even without looking into the mirror he knew that he was pale and had to have deep, dark circles around his eyes.
'Coffee, I need strong coffee,' he repeated in his head over and over again as he dragged himself out of bed to get dressed and ready for the day, a day he would spend in the hospital at his beloved's bedside. "Maybe I should also get some breakfast before I go to visit Takumi," he murmured at the sound of his grumbling stomach. His gaze fell onto his mobile phone that sat on his night stand and after a brief moment of consideration he picked it up resolutely and dialed the hospital's number.
"This is Saki Giichi from Shidou Academy. I'd like to inquire after the condition of my friend and classmate Hayama Takumi. He was admitted to the intensive-care unit last night," he exclaimed as soon as his call went through. "Please hold on a moment," the operator replied in a monotone voice and put him on hold. Finally he got connected to the intensive-care unit and after he had finished the relatively short call, Gii grabbed his room keys with a dejected sigh and slowly trudged down the stairs to the entrance hall where he ran into Akaike and Misu.
"Whoa Gii, you look like a ghost," the head of the disciplinary committee exclaimed, worry written all over his face as he took in his best friend's appearance. "It looks like you had a rough night. Did you get any sleep Saki," Misu asked concerned. "I tried Misu, I tried," the handsome upper-class man replied quietly, rubbing and massaging his temples against the headache he felt was coming on. "I'll get you some Aspirin from my room before we go to the cafeteria," Takumi's roommate stated with determination, the tone in his voice making it clear that he would book no opposition whatsoever. "You two go ahead. I'll just get the tablets and wait for Shingyouji, so please reserve two seats for us." "Alright," Akaike replied nodding and turned to leave. "Thanks Misu," Gii whispered softly and followed his best friend outside.
"You know," the head of the disciplinary committee began carefully as they slowly made their way to the cafeteria, "it might be a good idea to ask the school's nurse for some light sleeping pills if you suffer from sleeplessness. You need your strength because the next few weeks are going to be quite tough. You know that, don't you?" The amber-haired boy nodded silently and a deep sigh escaped his lips. "And I guess Hayama wouldn't like the idea that his condition affects you so much as to the point of endangering your own health and wellbeing," Akaike went on. "More importantly, how can you be of any help and support to your lover if you collapse from exhaustion and insomnia? Once Hayama is back on his feet he might need your help, support and strength more than ever."
"What do you mean," Gii asked concerned. "A violent assault like the one Hayama experienced is considered a traumatic event," the other boy explained. "There might be side-effects like nightmares or fear of darkness. I don't mean to meet trouble half way, but we should be prepared for something of that sort and considering that Hayama is a very sensitive guy, who suffered from a phobia before…," "I see your point Shouzo," Gii replied softly and sighed deeply. "But I sincerely hope that everything will turn out well." "So do we all," Akaike said with sincerity as he patted his best friend's back in a reassuring manner. "And I'm sure it will, so keep your chin up Gii."
The cafeteria was busy as usual, but the boys were lucky enough to get a table big enough for five or six people. Shingyouji and Misu joined them only a short while later and the tall, handsome third-year wordlessly shoved a package of tablets over to Gii, which he accepted with a grateful nod. The group was just about to start their meal when Toshihisa appeared at the table.
"Would you mind if I joined you," he asked, smiling shyly. "Of course not, take a seat," Akaike replied, returning the smile and gave the boy a short, barely noticeable glance, a glance that was filled with tender affection. The rest of the boys nodded their consent as well and Toshihisa took the remaining seat next to Shingyouji. "Ano, are there any news," he asked, his voice laced with concern. "I'm afraid not," Gii sighed. "I called the hospital first thing this morning, but they couldn't tell me much. Takumi is still unconscious, but at least his condition is stable and hasn't gotten any worse. We are allowed to stop by today to pay him a longer visit."
oOo
About two hours later Gii, Akaike, Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa were sitting around Takumi's bed, talking to each other in hushed voices. They tried to include their unconscious friend as best as they could in their conversation, filling him in with details about this and that and occasionally directing a question at him. "Do you think he can hear us? Does he realize that we are here and that we are talking to him," Shingyouji mused quietly.
"I'm sure that he does somehow," Gii replied softly and gazed lovingly at his fiancé, squeezing the boy's hand which he had taken into his own the moment he had sat down at the bedside, in a gentle caress. "You know that we are here by your side, don't you my love," he whispered and bent down to place a sweet, lingering kiss on Takumi's pale lips. "Please come back to us soon. We all miss you." "He'll be back to his old self and show us his beautiful smile in next to no time Saki-kun, I'm sure," Toshihisa said comfortingly. "You'll see." "Right and besides, since meeting you Hayama has changed a great deal and is now much stronger than he looks," Misu added with sincerity and the rest of the group nodded in agreement.
"Thanks guys," Gii replied hoarsely, a weak but grateful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. The boys stayed for another hour at Takumi's bedside, in hopes that the boy might at last open his eyes, but they were disappointed. As the time kept slowly ticking away it became more and more evident that he wouldn't wake up any time soon and finally they agreed to return to the school and to visit their friend again either the next day or the day after that.
The group was just about to leave when the door was opened and two people, a man and a woman, obviously Takumi's parents, entered the room. The boy's father was a tall, slender man with raven-black hair and a prominent jaw, while his mother's features were soft, but somehow stern with dark eyes of a rich chocolate-brown color. She was a slender, elegant looking woman and it quickly became obvious that, where looks were concerned, Takumi had taken mostly after her.
"Konnichiwa," the boys greeted the couple in hushed voices and bowed slightly in respect as they introduced themselves to the new arrivals. "So, the five of you are my son's so-called friends," the middle-aged man stated coldly without returning the greeting, glaring at each boy with a piercing, intimidating gaze. "Excuse me," Gii inquired to make sure that he had heard correctly, trying to hide his annoyance and surprise as best as he could behind an expression of indifference on his handsome face.
"You heard right, young man," Takumi's father replied resolutely. "I referred to you as my son's so-called friends. I seriously can't consider you his true friends because if you were, you would have looked after him, protected him and he wouldn't be here right now in this terrible condition." Swallowing hard the amber-haired boy took a deep breath in order to calm himself and to keep his emotions under control. Those words had found their mark and stung greatly, but reminding himself that the present moment was neither the right time nor a hospital room the right place to get into an argument, Gii chose to remain silent.
"Anyway, since you guys have done your duty in visiting Takumi, I'd appreciate it if you would allow my wife and me some private time with our son." The boys glanced at the woman who had kept silent the whole time since she had entered the room and received an indifferent glance from her in return, her face portraying no emotion whatsoever. "Of course Hayama-san," the handsome upper-class man answered with a polite smile, even though he was raging inside at the rudeness and insolence of that man. "Then would you please excuse us. Good day." With that the five boys bowed in respect and quietly took their leave.
"Man, that was scary," Toshihisa exclaimed as soon as they had exited the hospital building. "Takumi's parents seem to be quite harsh, strict and, I dare say, cold people. I mean, I could be wrong and it's possible that they were only cold to us because they are worried about their son and because the current situation is very emotional for them, it would be natural after all...but if they are like that at home as well, I'm no longer surprised that Takumi used to be so shy and withdrawn. Hayama-san and his wife don't seem to be the kind of parents one can easily talk to or comfortably confide in."
"If you only knew," Gii murmured inaudibly while the others nodded in agreement to Toshihisa's words. "I understand the feelings of Takumi's parents, but I still think the way they treated us was unjust," the boy continued. "What happened to Takumi is terrible, but it's not our fault and it was unfair to blame us like that." "You're right. What happened yesterday wasn't your fault," Gii said quietly with a dejected sigh. "It was mine, entirely mine. I'm the one who is to blame. If I had asked Takumi to wait for me, instead of sending him back to the dorms by himself, none of this would have happened. I failed him…,"
"You didn't Saki," Misu interrupted the other boy sternly. "You are too severe upon yourself. Don't let Hayama senior's word get to you this much. You couldn't have foreseen this, none of us could have and you are not to blame, not more than the rest of us. Others are culpable and they'll get to face the consequences of their actions and will receive the punishment they deserve." "Misu is right you know," Akaike added softly and placed his hand firmly on his best friend's shoulder. "Who would have thought that Kurokawa would be so bold and dare to get his hands on Hayama twice in one day, especially since his first assault was witnessed by someone. That guy must have known that Shingyouji was more than likely to tell us about that incident, as he did."
"We should have directly reported the incident to the head teacher," the second-year student mused dolefully. "And what would you have achieved by that," Misu asked quietly. "It was a Saturday. The head teacher would have asked Kurokawa to report to him and he would have given him some punishment that wouldn't have been put into effect before Monday. By reporting Kurokawa you would have only fueled the fire, increased that guy's dislike for Hayama and he would have struck all the same, maybe even harder. No matter how you look at it, there is nothing you or any of us could have done." With that the tall, handsome boy bent down and pressed his lips gently against Shingyouji's temple in a loving, comforting caress. Under normal circumstances he would have never shown such an open display of affection in public, but seeing the sadness on his pet's and lover's face, the pain, Misu didn't care that he had an audience. The younger boy needed some sort of comfort and he was more than willing to give it.
"That's true," Akaike confirmed. "So, stop blaming yourself for what happened, especially you Gii." He fell silent for a moment and took a deep breath, carefully pondering his words before he continued. "I know how much you love Hayama and I know that you have sworn to do everything in you power to keep him out of harm's way, but you are only human and there are limits to what one can do. A year has three-hundred-sixty-five days, one day has twenty-four hours and you have your own life, your responsibilities as a student at Shidou as well as the heir and future successor to your father's business empire. You might not want to hear this, but it's simply impossible to look after Hayama every single hour of the day, even for someone as great as you. Besides, I don't think he would wish it. You know better than anyone how much he hates to be a burden to any of us, especially to you."
"I know Shouzo, believe me, I know, but I just can't help it" the amber-haired boy sighed. "This helplessness, the fact that I can't do anything for Takumi but to sit and wait, is unbearable and it's driving me crazy." Knowing that there was nothing he could say at present that would offer consolation to his best friend, Akaike chose to simply drape his arm tightly around the other boy's shoulders in silent comfort.
oOo
For the remaining time of their short journey back to the school the boys kept silent, each one of them lost in his own thoughts. "How about some coffee or tea in my room," Gii offered to the others once they had arrived at the dorms. "I think we all could need some refreshments right now. What do you say?" "A cup of your freshly brewed coffee, I don't say no to such an offer," Akaike said, smiling weakly. "Same here," Shingyouji and Toshihisa exclaimed in unison and Misu wordlessly nodded his consent as well. "Let's go to the convenience store and get some sweets," Toshihisa suggested. "We can't have coffee without some cake or cookies."
"True, so what are we waiting for," Shingyouji replied and with that the two boys were out the door, leaving the rest of the group smiling lightly at their retreating figures. "Shall we go upstairs first," Akaike suggested. "There's no need for us to wait down here. They'll know where to find us." Gii nodded and the three boys were just about to head for the staircase when none other than Kurokawa appeared at the foot of the stairs and walked casually towards the group of third-years.
"Konnichiwa minna," he greeted politely with a tiny smile on his lips. "Saki-senpai," he addressed his crush sweetly and the expression on his face immediately changed into one of concern. "I heard what happened to Hayama-senpai last night. How terrible! I feel so sorry for him and I sincerely hope he's going to be alright and will be back here with us soon. I assume that you have just returned from the hospital. How is he?"
The sophomore had barely finished his sentence when he felt himself being roughly grabbed by the collar of his shirt and being yanked forward. "Why, you little…," Gii, who simply couldn't take it anymore, roared and pushed the boy brutally against the wall. "Drop that sanctimonious act of yours. I know that it's you who is behind all this!" With that he struck out, but his arm was immediately intercepted by his two companions and they grabbed his shoulders firmly.
"Saki, shikarishirou," Misu exclaimed, tightening his grip as the handsome upper-class man struggled vehemently to free himself. "Don't do anything you're going to regret later," Akaike hissed forcefully. "Don't lower yourself to that guy's level. He's not worth it." Breathing hard, Gii let go of the boy, lowered his head and closed his eyes for a moment to calm down and regain control over his feelings. When his friends finally released him from their hold, he took a step back and slowly lifted his head again to face the sophomore, glaring daggers at the younger boy, anger and rage blazing dangerously in his hazel-colored orbs.
"I understand how you feel Saki, that you are worried about Hayama-senpai," Kurokawa explained calmly and straightened out his shirt. "But you really shouldn't go around venting your anger and frustration out on innocent bystanders or blame them without having any evidence." "Innocent," the amber-haired boy growled, his shoulders trembling from the effort of keeping his temper in check. "How dare you take that word into your mouth, you lying, scheming lowlife."
"For someone who always claims that he only cares about Hayama-senpai as a friend you sure get worked up a great deal about the recent events," the first-year continued unperturbed, without batting an eyelash. "What you're doing here could be considered bullying and I could report you to the head- or your homeroom teacher for it. You know that, don't you senpai?"
"You know what, I dare you to," Gii challenged in a dangerously low voice. "And we shall see who has the whip hand in the end. We all know beyond any doubt that it was you and your spineless, brainless minions who attacked Takumi so cowardly under the cover of darkness!" "Prove it," Kurokawa replied with a smug smile, a smile that Gii would have dearly liked to wipe off the boy's face with a punch of his fist. "Be assured that we will," Misu huffed angrily and Akaike nodded grimly.
"I swear I'll make you pay dearly for what you did to Takumi and if it's the last thing I'm going to do," Gii growled as he grabbed the sophomore by the collar of his shirt and yanked him close once more. "I don't know how you're going to play this game from now on, but I'll be prepared, we all will be," the handsome upper-class man hissed with a dangerous undertone evident in his voice. "We will watch you and your followers and if I should find you or any of your minions coming near Takumi again or laying hands on him I'll personally see to it that you are going to regret the very day you decided to enroll at Shidou Gakuin!" With that he released Kurokawa from his grip, pushed him roughly out of the way and began to climb the stairs without giving the boy another glance, Akaike and Misu wordlessly following suit.
Once inside his room Gii dropped onto the sofa and sighed deeply. "Thanks guys for interfering back there," he said quietly as he massaged his temples in frustration as well as exhaustion. "I really was about to lose it. If you hadn't stopped me I would have punched that coward square in the face." "Punched," Misu repeated, raising a brow. "Saki, you would have made mincemeat out of the guy." "Who could blame him for it," Akaike murmured huffily. "But that Kurokawa sure has some nerve, to play all innocent in front of us when in truth he's the culprit."
"Yes and I wouldn't be surprised if he would really go and report today's incident to a teacher," the president of the student council added grimly. "In that case, what would you do," Gii asked cautiously. "Luckily Misu and I were the only witnesses to that scene," Akaike explained with an unreadable expression on his face. "If Kurokawa should seriously dare to report you, which I personally doubt he will, I would turn a blind eye and bolster you, since we all know who the bad guy here is."
"I see, but what would you tell the head teacher if he should ask you about the incident," the handsome upper-class man asked, a relieved smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "I'd say that you tripped, didn't he Misu?" The so addressed boy nodded wordlessly, a barely noticeable smirk playing about his lips. He and Gii might not be the best of friends, but he would never stab him in the back, knowing that he wouldn't be able to face himself if he did.
"I tripped," Gii repeated, meeting the two boys with disbelief. "Sure and there's a simple reason," Akaike explained calmly. "This morning you already complained about indisposition as a result of yesterday night's events and lack of sleep and you took the medicine Misu gave you, didn't you? He, Shingyouji, Toshihisa and I witnessed that. Well, after the return from the hospital you suffered from a sudden fit of dizziness as a result of your poor physical condition. In order to prevent yourself from falling you grabbed the first thing that was in your reach for support and that 'thing' happened to be Kurokawa. Of course he couldn't foresee that and was consequently caught off guard by the sudden impact, which caused him to lose his balance and to tumble against the wall with you holding on to him. Sounds very plausible, doesn't it and since Kurokawa was all alone his word would stand against ours."
"Besides the home room teachers and the head teacher already know that this guy is by no means a choirboy," Misu added casually. "So, who do you think they would believe in the end, a troublemaking sophomore or the head of the disciplinary committee and the president of the student-council?" "Thanks guys," Gii said chuckling lightly. "You're the best." "Don't mention it. That's what friends are for," Akaike replied nonchalantly. "And now that this matter is settled you better hurry to get that coffee ready. Shingyouji and Toshihisa should be back soon."
oOo
The following day, which marked the beginning of another school week, Akaike was talking to Misu prior to the beginning of the first period when suddenly Gii bolted through the door and burst into the classroom, almost tackling one of the other students in the process and all conversations in the room died down in an instant. The deep, dark circles under his eyes were a clear sign that he had passed another sleepless night, but nonetheless his face was glowing with happiness as if he had swallowed the sun.
"He's awake," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed breathlessly before his best friend and Misu were given the chance to say anything. "Takumi is awake! I just called the hospital and the head nurse gave me the news. She refused to give me any details concerning Takumi's condition because of confidentiality, but he finally opened his eyes!" "That's wonderful Gii," Akaike shouted smiling brightly as he pulled the amber-haired boy into an amicable embrace and even Misu went so far as to give him a short hug, neither of the three caring about the odd and curious stares they were receiving from their on-lookers.
"When can we see him," Misu asked excitedly. "I haven't asked the nurse about that," Gii admitted sheepishly. "But after the final period should be alright, I guess." "It's a good thing then that I spoke to the head teacher before homeroom and managed to get permission for all of us, including Shingyouji and Toshihisa, to leave the school grounds without permission if we want to visit Hayama after school or on weekends," Akaike explained proudly. "The only conditions are that we don't neglect our studies and school-related responsibilities, even with summer holidays starting next week and that we report to our homeroom teacher before we leave and as soon as we are back." "Well done," Misu complimented the boy and Gii nodded in agreement. "Well done indeed!" "Thanks," the head of the disciplinary committee replied smiling. "And since I'm certain that we are going to pay Hayama a visit this afternoon, we should tell Shingyouji and Toshihisa the good news as soon as possible. I bet they will be just as elated and relieved as we are."
oOo
For none of the five boys, Gii especially, school could let out quickly enough that day and as soon as the last bell had rung they gathered in front of the main building, each of them beaming with happiness and on their way to the hospital they chatted animatedly.
"Good afternoon," Gii greeted the nurse at the information and reception desk with a friendly smile. "We're here to visit our friend Hayama Takumi. Can we see him?" "Ah, you must be the students from Shidou Gakuin," the young woman replied, politely returning the smile. "Hayama-kun's attending doctor wishes to speak to you. Please allow me a moment to inform him that you have arrived and wait over there." With that she motioned for the boys to sit down in the small waiting area and picked up the phone.
"I somehow have a dark premonition concerning this," Gii murmured, genuine concern beginning to overshadow his features as the happiness and excitement he had felt only moments ago vanished quickly into the air. "Minna, don't worry. I'm sure it's nothing serious," Akaike said trying to sound convincing and to encourage his best friend as well as the others who looked similarly anxious, but failed miserably. The boys waited for several minutes in strained silence until at last, a doctor appeared and walked over to them.
"You are Hayama-kun's friends, I assume," he said politely. "My name is Asano Kengo and I'm your friend's attending physician." The students bowed respectfully in response before Gii spoke up. "Thank you, sensei for attending Takumi. We are all very desirous to see our friend and talk to him, now that he is finally awake," he explained, trying to remain calm. "So, may I inquire what it is you wish to speak to us about?"
"As you might have already guessed what I have to say relates to Hayama-kun," the middle-aged man stated matter-of-factly. "Would you please follow me to my office?" The boys nodded and quietly walked the ward's cold, white floors for a while until they were asked to halt in front of a door at the end of one of the smaller corridors. "Please come in and take a seat," the doctor invited the group inside. The style of the small office was typical for hospital and clinics, white paint, sparsely furnished with the smell of disinfectant lingering in the air.
"Ano, sensei how is Takumi," Gii asked bluntly as soon as everybody was seated, unable to suppress his concern and fear for his fiancé any longer. "Is he going to be alright?" "Well, I'm sorry to say that I have some bad news concerning your friend and I won't beat about the bush," the man in white said gravely. "Hayama Takumi suffers from total amnesia. When he regained consciousness this morning he was unable to remember anything, including his name."
With that he fell silent for a moment to give the boys the chance to process what they had just heard. Gii closed his eyes and ran a hand through his hair, a pained sigh of desperation escaping him as the meaning of the doctor's words sank in. The other boys looked equally shocked and Akaike wordlessly placed a hand on his best friend's shoulder, squeezing it in silent comfort and support. "Can you provide us with a detailed diagnosis," the handsome upper-class man finally asked hoarsely into the deafening silence of the room.
"Unfortunately, there isn't much I can tell you at the present moment," doctor Asano explained. "We ran a few tests and another brain scan in the course of the day and according to the results Hayama-kun suffers from a so-called 'tight brain', an edema that sometimes appears in consequence of a more serious head injury. Amnesia can occur as a side-effect of a 'tight brain' and is usually temporary in that case. All we can presently say for sure is that Hayama-kun's condition is not threatening. The edema will be treated and should detumesce within seven to ten days. For now all we can do is to wait and see if he begins to remember as soon as his brain responds to the treatment."
"I see," Gii answered weakly and took in a sharp breath. "Thank you, sensei for your openness." "Can we pay Hayama-san a short visit," Shingyouji asked anxiously. "I'm afraid you can't," the middle-aged man replied, casting his eyes and folding his arms in front of him. "By the order of Hayama-kun's parents you are not permitted to see him."
"WHAT," Gii bellowed and clenched his fists as his shoulders began to tremble with suppressed anger. The faces of the other boys portrayed similar emotions to the ones Gii tried to keep so desperately under control and Asano-sensei couldn't help but feel for them, knowing how much they worried and cared. If there was one thing he hated about his work, it definitely had to be moments like the present one.
"I'm really sorry," he continued somewhat meekly. "I tried to reason with them and counseled strongly against their decision because from the medical point of view I don't agree with it. Unfortunately I couldn't persuade them to change their mind and since Hayama-kun is not yet of age the parents have the full power of disposal. I have to abide by their decisions, no matter how little I support them, but I can understand that they only care for their son and try to protect him and do what they think is best." "Well, that would be a first," Gii hissed enraged, which caused the others to stare at him questioningly.
"Is there any possibility that we can at least call regularly to receive news concerning our friend," Misu asked carefully. "I'm afraid, there isn't," the doctor replied with a sigh. "I understand how desperate you must feel, but I'm bound to the medical confidentiality. By law I'm not allowed to report the full details of a patient's condition to anyone except his or her closest relatives, which means parents and siblings, or the person the patient has conferred the power of disposal to. I have already violated that law by giving you a diagnosis concerning Hayama-kun's amnesia and if I continue to forward these kinds of confidential information to you, I risk my job and my license. I'm really sorry, but I hope that you can be understanding."
"That means there is no way for us to receive any news about Takumi until he gets discharged," Toshihisa asked dejectedly. "I'm afraid so," the man in white confirmed the boy's assumption. "If Hayama-kun's physical injuries heal well, he can be discharged within three or four weeks." "Thank you, sensei," Gii said weakly and slowly rose to his feet. "Thank you for giving us all this information and excuse us for having taken up so much of your time." With that the others rose from their seats as well and the group bowed in respect before leaving quietly.
On their way back to Shidou none of the boys uttered a word, all of them too shaken by what they were told only a short while ago. They reached the bus stop near the hospital after a few minutes' walk and at last Gii couldn't keep his feelings under control any longer. Tears began to stream down his cheeks and with a cry of pain and desperate frustration he slammed his fist so hard against the wall of the small waiting booth that the others winced at the sound of their friend's cracking knuckles. "Aaahhhhh!"
A/N: Another sad and depressing chapter, I'm sooooo sorry. But before anyone wants to kill me, I swear that the worst is over!
From now on things are gradually going to get better, at least in some respect, I swear! ;-)
Do you want to know what happens next?
You know the rule: at least 5 reviews = update!
I'm not doing this because I want to blackmail you into leaving comments, but because I'm incredibly busy. I'm living and working in Japan and those
of you who are a little familiar with this culture know what that means. If I get to spend more than three or four hours a week on writing, I consider
it a luxury. That's why I need to know that there are enough people out there who are interested in reading and following this story, which is going
to have at least ten chapters. It's for those readers that I try to update regularly, which means within four or five weeks because I feel obliged to
them. I hope you can be understanding concerning this update-rule.
So, again: at least 5 reviews= new chapter