A/N: Hello Everybody, here's the latest chapter of "Remember Me". I kept you waiting for a long time, but I hope the length of the chapter will make up for that. As you know I'm really busy and updating more often than once a month is simply impossible. Gomen ne?
Again I'd like to thank all those who have left a review for the previous chapter and/or added me to their 'Favorites' list. That means a lot to me. THANKS MINNA!
Many things are happening in this chapter, so I'll make this short and sweet. Enjoy reading the latest chapter of "Remember Me" as much as I enjoyed writing this.
Disclaimer: Nope, I don't own them!
Chapter 5
At the hospital Takumi was restlessly pacing his room and the floors of the hospital ward, glancing repeatedly at any clocks that came in his way. Lunch hours had already passed and he was eagerly anticipating the visit of his friends. The greatly desired knock on the door came around two o'clock and a moment later Gii entered the room, smiling brightly.
"How is the patient feeling today," he asked curiously. "I'm feeling great, thank you," Takumi beamed. "I started exercising today and the therapist was really satisfied with my performance and the results. I can't wait to get out of here!" "Be patient," the amber-haired boy replied chuckling lightly. "It's Monday afternoon already and you'll be discharged within a few days. So, cheer up and tell me what you would like to do for the next few hours." "Could we go for a walk in the hospital's park," Takumi asked, his chocolate-colored eyes gleaming with excitement. "I've been stuck indoors for such a long time and I'm really having cabin fever."
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go," Gii exclaimed gazing lovingly at his beloved as the boy practically jumped off his bed to get ready and only a couple of minutes later the two students made their way through the corridors of the hospital down to the small park. As they walked the winding graveled paths they chatted comfortably about various things and Gii was incredibly happy not to mention relieved that his boyfriend had improved so much, physically as well as in spirits, over the past seven days. "Na Saki-kun, why are the others not here today," Takumi inquired curiously as he sat down on one of the wooden benches that were interspaced here and there throughout the area to take a short rest.
"Well, the new school term is going to start soon, so Akaike and Misu are getting busy because of their duties," the handsome upper-class man explained. "The same goes for me. From next Monday onwards students will return to the dorms and there are some transfer students that need to be taken care of and being dorm head I have to prepare various things prior to their arrival. Misu, Akaike and I want to get most of our work done before your discharge from the hospital, so that we can spend the final week of the summer holidays together with you. That's why the three of us won't be able to visit you for the three remaining days of your stay at this place, but Shingyouji and Toshihisa will stop by to keep you company." "I see," the ebony-haired boy said, smiling shyly. "Thank you for going through so much trouble just because of me."
"Don't mention it," Gii stated and waved his hand dismissively. "We are your friends after all, aren't we? So, it's natural to do these sorts of things and with Shingyouji and Toshihisa by your side you won't feel lonely. They will keep you occupied." "I'm sure they will," Takumi chuckled lightly, "and I also have Dai-chan for company." "You really love that teddy bear, don't you," the handsome upper-class man smirked. "Yes, I do," the other boy said softly, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Call me childish, but this teddy bear means a great deal to me. I've grown really fond of him because Dai-chan was my comfort and support in those, sometimes dark, long and lonely hours when you and the others couldn't be by my side."
"That's not childish at all," Gii replied his voice velvet-like and laced with sincerity and gazed affectionately at his beloved, desperately fighting the urge to pull him into a tight embrace. "If you ask me, I think that's perfectly reasonable, not to mention that it's incredibly cute as well." "Saki-kun," Takumi exclaimed, turning crimson. "Don't tease me like that!" "I'm only stating the truth," the amber-haired student retorted, a bemused smile at his boyfriend's reaction to his flirtatious remark tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Anyway Takumi, I'll pick you up on Friday around noon," he casually changed the subject as if nothing had happened. "Doctor Asano said there will be a final check-up in the morning and after that your discharge papers are going to be prepared." "I can't wait! I wish it were Friday already," the other boy exclaimed and sighed deeply. "You know what, so do I," Gii whispered velvet-like which caused his beloved to blush once more.
oOo
For both boys the following days couldn't pass quickly enough and when Thursday evening had come at last, after what had felt like an eternity, Gii was as giddy as a child on Christmas Eve, wearing a bright smile on his handsome face, a smile that simply refused to vanish. "Really Saki, calm down and stop grinning already, will you," Misu huffed and scrunched up his nose in annoyance as the handsome upper-class man set his dinner tray on the table the two men were sharing with Akaike, Shingyouji and Toshihisa whistling a merry tune. "All of us are happy that Hayama is finally coming back tomorrow, but your overexcitement and your giddiness are making me sick!"
"I'm sorry guys, but I simply can't help it," Gii said smiling apologetically. "I'm just so happy, not only because Takumi is coming back to Shidou after five long weeks but also because he and I are going to be roommates again. Ever since I've become dorm head not a single day has passed without me missing him. You have no idea how many times I've wished for things to go back to the way they used to be one year ago."
"I perfectly understand your feelings, but I have to agree with Misu to some point," Akaike said in his usual calm and collected manner. "You should control your emotions a little, though it's good to see that you are back to your old self," he added grinning as he watched his best friend digging into his food, enjoying every bite of it and the others nodded in agreement with bemused smiles on their faces. Once they had finished their dinner the boys started to discuss their plans for the evening, but Gii soon excused himself.
"I still have to unpack and arrange some of Takumi's stuff, so I'll get going now. See you tomorrow guys!" With that he rose to his feet and left the cafeteria with a light bounce in his step. "It's good to see him so happy," Toshihisa stated with a smile as he stared after Gii's retreating figure. "Being in a sad and somber mood doesn't suit him." "I agree," Akaike said quietly. "I just hope that everything will turn out the way he wishes." "What do you mean Akaike-senpai," Shingyouji asked a mix of alarm and confusion evident in his voice.
"Well, I don't mean to meet trouble halfway, but as the old saying goes 'an event looked forward with much impatient desire does not always bring its promised satisfaction'," the head of the disciplinary committee explained stony-faced. "It's true that Hayama and Gii got along really well right from their first meeting at the hospital, despite Hayama's total amnesia, but those were special circumstances. The hospital is a dreary place and Hayama was glad to have company, but how will it be when those two start living together again? Paying someone a daily visit for a few hours and sharing a room with someone, seeing that person almost twenty-four hours a day are two totally different things." "Aren't you seeing a little too black here," Toshihisa asked meekly.
"I don't know. I just hope for the both of them that all will be well," Akaike sighed. "What do you say Misu?" "All we can do is wait and see, I guess," the so addressed boy replied casually, not wanting to worry Shingyouji and Toshihisa any more than they already were, but secretly having thoughts that were similar to those of Gii's best friend. "Anyway, however that may be one thing is for sure, Saki won't be able to get a wink of sleep tonight considering his elation and excitement."
oOo
And Misu should prove to be right. When Gii got up the next morning he felt incredibly sleepy, but luckily he had no dark circles around his beautiful hazel-colored eyes that seemed to sparkle brighter than usual that morning despite the young man's lack of sleep. "You look tired Gii," Akaike stated the obvious when he sat down at his best friend's table in the cafeteria, a teasing smirk playing about his mouth. "Did you have another sleepless night?" "Not exactly," the amber-haired boy replied nonchalantly and shrugged his shoulders. "I got a few hours of sleep, I guess something between three and four hours and after one or two cups of good strong coffee I'll be as good as new." "Seriously, you are drinking so much of that stuff that I sometimes wonder if you have blood or coffee running through your veins," the head of the disciplinary committee muttered shaking his head in disbelief.
"You are hopeless, really. What time will you be leaving?" "I'll take the bus at eleven o'clock, so I should arrive at the hospital around quarter to twelve," Gii explained grinning from ear to ear. "I'm not sure how long it will take for the documents to be prepared, so I'll send you a message when Takumi and I are ready to leave." "Alright, I'll tell the others and we'll see to it that everything will be as good as ready by the time your mail comes," Akaike said and patted his best friend's shoulder. "And now go. Pick up your sweetheart and bring him back home." "Nothing will keep me from doing that Shouzo, depend upon it," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed. "I've been eagerly anticipating this moment for the past five weeks!" With that he shoveled down the rest of his breakfast and took his leave, leaving a chuckling Akaike behind.
When the handsome upper-class man arrived at the hospital Takumi was already waiting for him in the seating area of the ward, a large travelling bag and Dai-chan, the big teddy bear sitting next to him. "Ohayo Saki-kun," the ebony-haired boy exclaimed happily and closed the book he had been reading as he saw his friend, class- and roommate stepping through the large glass doors and approaching him. "Ohayo Takumi," Gii replied smiling equally and took a seat across from his beloved. "You look great today and I see that you are practically ready to go," he commented motioning towards the boy's luggage. "Thank you for the compliment Saki-kun," Takumi whispered shyly and couldn't help but blush.
"I'm feeling really well and the final check-up was good. The head nurse told me not long ago that my papers are going to be ready any minute now and then we can finally leave this tedious place." Offering the handsome upper-class a mild smile he bent over to put his book into his bag and that was when Gii noticed some shiny object peeking out from the collar of the other boy's shirt. "Takumi is that a necklace you are wearing," he asked curiously. "Yes, it is," the ebony-haired youth replied and took out the filigree silver chain that had a ring on it, a ring Gii knew only all too well.
"Nurse Emiko told me that I was wearing this ring on the ring finger of my left hand the night I was admitted here and though I can't remember anything I somehow feel that this silver band is an important item that has a special meaning," Takumi explained thoughtfully and trailed his finger gingerly over the intricate piece of jewelry. "However, I feel a little awkward to wear this type of accessory without knowing who gave it to me and why," he continued after a moment of silence. "I talked to nurse Emiko about it and yesterday she gave me this necklace, so that I can put the ring on it, as a goodbye present and I have decided to wear this beautiful ring as a pendant on this delicate silver chain until I can remember the meaning of it."
"I see," Gii replied with a warm affectionate, but at the same time pained smile and if Takumi had looked up to meet the other boy's gaze instead of examining the intricate designs of the silver band he would have seen the tinge of sadness and longing in the handsome upper-class man's hazel-colored orbs. "My beloved," the amber-haired boy breathed unconsciously, his voice barely audible. "Did you say something, Saki-kun," Takumi asked curiously and looked up to face his friend again. "N-No, no," Gii stammered hastily. "I didn't. I was just wondering how much longer we'll have to wait for your papers to be ready."
As if on cue a nurse approached them and handed Takumi a medium-sized envelope. "Hayama-kun, these are your discharge papers, information about your future treatment and the date and time for your first therapy session," she explained politely. "For any questions please contact doctor Asano, your attending physician." "Thank you," the ebony-haired boy replied with a friendly smile and bowed slightly. "Ja, let's go," Gii exclaimed once the nurse had left and grabbed his boyfriend's bag. Takumi nodded eagerly, took his teddy bear into his arms and about fifteen minutes later the two boys boarded the bus that would bring them back to Shidou Gakuin, the ebony-haired student growing more excited as well as nervous with every kilometer the vehicle covered.
When he finally got off the bus about forty minutes later and stepped through the familiar and yet unknown main gates at the entrance of the prestigious school's campus Takumi instinctively hugged Dai-chan closer to his chest, his heart pounding so hard against his ribs that it was almost painful. "Don't worry Takumi," Gii who had noticed his beloved's uneasiness whispered soothingly. "Everything is going to be alright, you'll see." The so addressed boy nodded shyly and soon fell into pace with the handsome upper-class man as they walked the broad and narrow paths of the spacious campus side by side. "Where are we going Saki-kun," he finally asked after several moments of silence. "Where are you taking me?"
"I'll take you to the dorms and show you to our room," Gii replied smiling reassuringly. "And after we have dropped off your luggage I'll give you a tour of the school grounds and its main facilities. How does that sound?" "That sounds great," Takumi replied and returned his friend's smile, his inner tension easing up slowly. Soon the dorm grounds came into view and the amber-haired student led his boyfriend to their dorm building, explaining and showing him several things along the way. Once they had arrived in room 310 Gii helped Takumi to unpack and when all the clothes were successfully stored and Dai-chan had found a nice place at the head of Takumi's bed, near the pillow, the two friends began their tour of the campus. For the following hour the handsome upper-class man guided his beloved around, paying special attention not to leave out any places that used to be special and dear to the two of them in the past, patiently answering all of the boy's questions as best as he could.
"Well, that's the last stop on this little tour, the student council room," Gii announced after he had shown Takumi the most important facilities in the main building where all of the classrooms were located. "Misu can be usually found here after classes since he is the head of the student council. If you have any problems or questions and I should happen not to be around you can always come here and ask him for advice." "I will, thank you so much for the tour Saki-kun," the ebony-haired boy said smiling mildly. "I guess it's going to take me some time to find my way around all the buildings of this large campus." "Don't worry about that," Gii replied calmly. "Remember, you will have Akaike, Misu, Toshihisa, Shingyouji and me by your side. And now before we finish our tour for good there's one more thing I want to show you. Open the door and go ahead."
Takumi shrugged his shoulders, frowning a little but did as he was told. He had just entered the room that was lying in complete darkness and silence when suddenly the ceiling lights flickered to life and he was greeted by the smiling faces of his friends. "Welcome back Hayama," they shouted in unison and showered the astonished boy with confetti and paper streamers. "Wow…minna, thank you so much," the ebony-haired youth stammered, smiling shyly. "I really don't know what to say."
"You don't need to say anything. Just enjoy the party," Gii chuckled and ushered his boyfriend over to the tables in the center of the room. "There is plenty of cake as well as snacks and drinks. I'm positively starving and I dare say that after five weeks of low-calorie hospital food you must be craving for something unhealthy like that." "You bet," Takumi exclaimed and they all broke out in laughter. "Then what are we waiting for," Toshihisa chuckled and began to cut the cake once everybody had gathered around the table. Akaike poured the drinks and after the boys had raised a toast to Takumi and wished him a speedy recovery of his memories they began their feast. Soon the room was filled with their voices and animated laughter and the hours flew by.
"I think it's time to call it a day," Misu finally said with a glance at his watch that was showing nine o'clock. "There is no curfew because we're still having summer holidays, but we need to clean up and the janitor informed us earlier that we are supposed to be out of here by ten o'clock in the evening." The other boys nodded in agreement and once the student council room was sparkly clean again they slowly made their way back to the dorms. Upon his arrival in room 310 Takumi flopped onto his bed letting out a yawn. "Are you tired," Gii asked gently and smiled lovingly at his boyfriend. "A little," the ebony-haired boy replied truthfully, stifling another yawn. "Last night I couldn't sleep well because I was so excited and today there were so many things I had to process, not to mention the welcome party you guys threw for me."
"Then change quickly into your pajamas and go to sleep," the handsome upper-class man said softly. "Tomorrow will be another exciting day. We are going to take you to town for some sightseeing and a little shopping spree." "I can't wait," Takumi exclaimed as he got ready for the night. "Aren't you going to bed as well Saki-kun," he asked as he slid under his covers but noticed that the amber-haired boy made no attempt at all to change into his jams. "I'll go to bed in a little while, but before that I quickly want to stop by Akaike's and then Misu's room to thank them properly for organizing the party today," Gii explained. "I promise I won't take long. Do you want me to switch off the light?" "Yes please," the other boy replied with a mild smile gracing his lips. "Good night Saki-kun." "Good night Takumi," the handsome upper-class man said, returning his beloved's smile warmly. "And you can call me Gii, if you like that is."
With that he switched off the light and quietly closed the door from the outside. When he at last returned to the room about one hour later Takumi was already fast asleep. Gii moved slowly and cautiously in the darkness until he had reached his bed where he switched on the small lamp that was sitting on his nightstand. After he had changed into his pajamas he sat down quietly at the edge of his beloved's bed, careful not to wake the boy from his slumber and for several long moments he gazed affectionately at him. "I'm so glad that you are back here with me," he whispered softly and ran his hand gingerly over Takumi's rosy cheek in a loving caress.
"Please remember me quickly," he breathed yearningly, his voice barely audible. "I miss my lover and fiancé. I miss your touches, kisses and caresses. I miss that special smile of yours that's only meant for me and I miss holding you." With a longing sigh escaping him he bent down until his and Takumi's noses almost touched. "Sweet dreams my beloved Takumi," he whispered endearingly and placed a feathery lingering kiss onto the slumbering boy's lips before he rose to his feet and slid under the covers of his own bed.
oOo
The weekend passed swiftly and relatively uneventful as did the following five days. The boys made an effort to take Takumi to any places on and off campus he used to like, places that had meant something to him in the past, in hopes that his memory might be triggered somehow, but much to everybody's, especially Gii's, dismay the ebony-haired boy couldn't recall anything and in order to encourage themselves they kept reminding each other that all they would have to do was to be patient.
It was on Friday afternoon, when Gii caught Takumi glancing at his violin case that an idea came to his mind.
"Takumi, let's go for a walk," he suggested smiling sweetly. "It's a beautiful afternoon and it would be a shame to spend it indoors. "You are right, let's go," the other boy exclaimed and hopped off his bed, a little astonished when his friend and roommate grabbed the violin case. "Why are we taking that violin with us," he finally asked as he and Gii had left the dorm grounds, unable to hide his curiosity any longer. "You'll see," the handsome upper-class man replied, a mysterious smile playing about his mouth. Takumi was just about to say something to the amber-haired boy when he noticed Misu, who was looking anything but happy, coming their way.
"Konnichiwa Misu-kun," he greeted his friend and unbeknownst to him former roommate. "What's the matter? You look a little upset." "Shimada-sensei has just informed me that I'll get a new roommate," the so addressed third-year growled and shot Gii, who was desperately trying to hide his amusement, an evil glare. "The fellow is supposed to arrive sometime tomorrow afternoon like most of the other students." "Don't worry Misu-kun," Takumi said and smiled comfortingly at the other boy. "I'm sure that your new roommate is going to be a nice guy and that the two of you will get along just fine." "I hope so Hayama. I hope so," Misu replied grumpily, "especially for the sake of a certain someone." With that he glared one more time at his rival and continued on his way muttering under his breath.
"Poor Misu-kun," the ebony-haired youth said compassionately as he and Gii resumed their walk as well. "He looked really miserable." "He's going to be alright, you'll see," the handsome upper-class man chuckled. For several minutes the two friends continued to walk in comfortable silence until they reached and Gii led his boyfriend to the entrance. "Come on," he said softly and ushered the astonished boy inside. "What are we doing here," Takumi asked once they had reached the open space in the center of the glasshouse, confusion evident in his voice and on his face.
"I've noticed that you've been glancing at this violin all week," the amber-haired boy explained motioning towards the black case. "But you haven't touched it even once. In the past you used to come here almost every day after classes to practice. I've always loved listening when you played the violin. It's been so long and I'd like you to play a piece for me." "G-Gii I…I don't know…I…," Takumi stammered clumsily. "Please," the other boy pleaded, making puppy dog eyes. "Just one little tune." Realizing that his roommate wouldn't book any opposition the ebony-haired student sighed and hesitantly opened the violin case. "Do you have a special request," he asked as took out the instrument. "No, just play whatever you like," Gii replied smiling warmly.
Nodding Takumi applied the bow to the strings and when the first notes of the tune he had chosen began to echo through the greenhouse the handsome upper-class man's eyes went wide with surprise. "It seems that, despite my amnesia, I haven't lost any of my skills," the ebony-haired boy whispered softly once the last notes of the tune had faded. "This piece, why did you choose it," Gii asked hoarsely. "I'm not sure, but when I took the violin out of its case it was the first tune that came to my mind and while playing it for you…I don't know how to explain it, but something about this whole situation felt strangely familiar," Takumi explained hesitantly. "Why are you asking Saki-kun?"
"Well, when I first gave this violin to you almost one and a half years ago I also asked you to play something for me and you played the very tune you've played just now," the other boy replied softly. "I received this violin from you," the ebony-haired student repeated in surprise and Gii nodded slowly. "I wish I could remember," Takumi whispered sighing dejectedly as he put the instrument carefully back into its case. "You will remember it soon," the handsome upper-class man stated and smiled reassuringly at his beloved, "along with everything else I'm sure. Just now you somehow unconsciously recalled that tune you played for me so long ago and that's an encouraging thought."
"Thank you…Gii," the other boy said softly, a grateful smile gracing his lips. "Thanks for lifting my spirits." "You're welcome," the amber-haired student whispered hoarsely. Smiling brightly at his beloved he nictitated rapidly several times in order to blink away the tears of joy that were burning in his hazel-colored orbs, his heart pounding hard, fluttering with happiness upon hearing his nickname coming from his boyfriend's lips for the first time since the fateful of Tanabata.
oOo
In the afternoon of the following day the campus was buzzing with life and activity. Most of Shidou Gakuin's students returned from their holidays and moved back into their respective dorm rooms. Gii, as dorm head, was busy supervising the whole process, assisting here and there, exchanging polite greetings with the students on his floor and engaging in polite small talk with them. To his relief Takumi had decided to spend the afternoon in their room reading, the whole hustle and bustle as well as the fact that he couldn't any names or faces making him feel uncomfortable.
In room 270 Misu was impatiently pacing the floor with a sulky expression on his handsome face, glancing repeatedly at his watch. Around four o'clock there finally was a knock on the door and he growled a stern "come in", surprised to see that it wasn't the stranger he had been expecting but Shingyouji who entered the room with a nervous smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Shingyouji, what can I do for you," the head of the student council asked, impatience evident in his voice. "I hope this is important. Since I'm expecting my new roommate to arrive any minute now your timing is less than perfect, so please make it short."
"Ano, Arata-san I…well…how should I say this…you…ano I…," the raven-haired second-year student stammered clumsily, fidgeting nervously and fiddling with a piece of paper he held in his hands, his gaze riveted to the ground. "Listen Shingyouji," Misu interrupted the younger boy sternly. "Stop blabbering because I don't understand a word of what you are trying to say and I really don't have time for this right now. So tell me clearly what it is you want." "Well, about your new roommate…," the other boy began hesitantly. "I don't know why, but somehow…well…" For a long moment Misu could only stare at his pet and lover as understanding of what the boy was so desperately trying to say began to dawn on him.
"Shingyouji don't tell me that…," he muttered perplexed and accepted the by now crumpled piece of paper his boyfriend wordlessly held out to him. He quickly read the short message and his assumptions were immediately confirmed. "Do you need a hand moving your stuff from the third floor to this room," he asked his voice firm, but much softer than before. "I have already packed everything. There are only some boxes and my suitcase that need to be carried down here, but that's it," Shingyouji explained shyly finally looking up to face the older man properly. "Ano, Arata-san is it really ok for me to move in with you? I mean if you prefer I could ask Shimada-sensei to be put into another room. I don't want to be a burden for you."
"Don't be ridiculous, Shingyouji," Misu scolded. "You worry way too much about these things and now let's go and get your stuff, so that you can settle in." With that the handsome young man pushed his pet towards the door, his mood having brightened significantly. "I bet you had a hand in this Saki," he whispered inaudibly as he followed the other boy upstairs, a barely noticeable smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
oOo
At the same time in a room down on the first floor the atmosphere was growing worse with every passing minute as some of Kurokawa's minions meekly told their leader about the news they had heard only a short while ago and the freshman's face grew darker and darker as he listened to his followers' accounts. "WHAT," he finally roared and swept a couple of books from his desk, seething with rage. "This worthless scum and my Gii-senpai are roommates again. HOW? How could this happen?" "There are rumors that Saki-senpai used some of the privileges he has as dorm head and arranged for this change of rooms because of Hayama's present condition and because he wants to remain close to him until his memories have fully returned," one of the boys explained with a slightly trembling voice and ducked his head fearfully as Kurokawa shot him a murderous glare.
"This is unacceptable," the sophomore bellowed and began to pace the room, his features contorted with wild fury. "How dare Hayama, this lowly commoner take advantage of his amnesia and use it to get close to Gii-senpai? I won't allow it! Gii-senpai belongs to me and me only!" "What are we going to do now," another boy asked shyly. "What if Hayama regains his memories of that night? If he tells anyone what happened we are done for because he has seen our faces. We'll definitely get expelled or worse." "Then we have to make sure that he won't say a word," Kurokawa growled angrily. "How are you planning on keeping his mouth shut," a brown-haired sophomore asked curiously. "You told us before that you had a run-in with Saki-senpai before the holidays and that he informed you that he and his friends would stay closer to that Hayama brat than ever in order to protect him."
"Actually that's what I'm counting on because we can use it to our advantage," the other boy snickered. "I'm thinking of threatening Hayama to the point where he is going to be too afraid to open his mouth should he really come to remember the night of the attack clearly and I'm planning on bringing his annoying commoner friends, that Shingyouji brat and that Katakura fellow into this." The sophomore fell silent for a moment and grinned evilly at his minions before he continued. "Hayama loves his friends and he wouldn't want any of them to get into trouble because of him. So all we have to do is making it clear in our threats to Hayama that there are going to be consequences for his friends as well should he talk and then show that worthless commoner that we are dead serious."
"What do you want to do," one of the boys asked curiously. "Well, let's just say we all have our club activities as well as many other duties around school and accidents can happen from time to time," Kurokawa hissed dangerously. "But we have to be very discreet. That means no direct contact with Hayama or any verbal threats when Gii-senpai and the others are around and we have to watch them closely as well. I want to know what these guys are up to. Did I make myself clear?" The other freshmen nodded their understanding and for several moments the room fell silent.
"Ano, what about Hayama and his relationship with Saki-senpai, now that they are roommates again will you leave them be," one of the boys finally asked shyly. "Are you stupid? Of course I won't leave them be," Kurokawa bellowed enraged and smacked the boy on the head. "This school is not big enough for Hayama and me. I swear I'll force him to leave Shidou Gakuin since a lowly worthless commoner like him doesn't belong here anyway and if it's the last thing I do!" "How," another freshman asked meekly.
"Ijime," Gii's ardent admirer replied with a menacing smirk. "Gii-senpai and the others won't be able to be around Hayama twenty-four hours a day once the new term has started. They all have their duties and responsibilities as well as their studies that will keep them occupied. We simply have to be patient and ready to strike whenever an opportunity arises and there are also countless ways of teaching that worthless scum a few lessons without approaching or facing him directly." "Do you have any other instructions for us apart from watching Saki-senpai and his friends closely," a black-haired boy asked carefully.
"Yes, there is one more thing," Kurokawa snickered. "I want you to find out if Hayama and Gii-senpai were really romantically involved last year. Apart from the fact that they were roommates and that Gii-senpai kissed Hayama once in front of the whole class after he had returned from one of his many trips to America all we have are rumors. I want to know the truth concerning that matter and I want to know it as quickly as possible, so do whatever you have to in order to get the information I desire." All of the freshmen nodded eagerly and soon afterwards took their leave, Kurokawa staring after their retreating figures, a content and malicious grin playing about his mouth. "Hayama, from now on your life at Shidou Gakuin is going to be a living hell," he sneered and burst into evil laughter.
oOo
"Are you nervous," Gii asked as he saw his boyfriend and roommate struggling with his necktie. "Not nervous, I'm terrified," Takumi sighed and closed the door of his closet after one last brief glance into the mirror. "Today is the first day of the new term," the amber-haired boy explained, his warm baritone voice calm and soothing. "That means the only things on the agenda for this whole day are the opening ceremony and one period of homeroom. You'll be alright, don't worry. Akaike, Misu, Toshihisa and Shingyouji will be there as well and I promise that I won't leave your side through the whole of today." "Thank you Gii, that's a great comfort," the ebony-haired boy replied smiling shyly. "It's just that it's going to be so embarrassing when people who I'm supposed to know will approach me and I can neither remember their faces nor their names or their relationship with me." "Courage Takumi, courage. Everything is going to be fine," Gii stated and flashed his beloved a reassuring smile before he ushered him to the door.
When the two boys arrived at the entrance of the assembly hall the others were already waiting for them. "Ohayo minna," Gii exclaimed good-tempered. "Are you well prepared for another term of long classes, tedious studies and neverending preparations for the exams coming up?" "You really know how to motivate people," Akaike replied, his voice overflowing with sarcasm. "You're welcome," the amber-haired boy replied and offered everybody a bemused smile before he turned to Misu. "By the way how's your new roommate," he asked innocently. "I hope you'll get along well with him." The head of the student council shot his rival an unreadable look, but chose to remain silent for the time being, his suspicions of the other day confirmed and Shingyouji couldn't help but blush faintly.
"Well, let's work hard and do our best from tomorrow onwards," Toshihisa exclaimed and soon the boys were chatting animatedly with each other, but somehow Takumi wasn't able to focus on the conversation, no matter how hard he was trying to. When he let his eyes wander to scan his surroundings he noticed that most of the other students were talking to each other in hushed voices occasionally glancing at him or were throwing him weird glances as they walked past and the ebony-haired student began to feel terribly uneasy, his discomfort and anxiety growing with every passing minute. "Hayama-san, are you alright," Shingyouji who noticed the tensed expression on his friend's and senpai's face asked genuinely concerned. "It's nothing Shingyouji-kun, I'm fine," the older boy lied and forced a smile upon his lips. "Shall we go in?"
The other members of the group nodded and the six boys made their way to their seats in the assembly hall, Takumi trying his best to ignore the stares and glances he received from many people as he walked past them, sighing in relief when he had at last reached his seat. He plopped into it with another deep sigh, trying to make himself as small as possible. The ceremony itself wasn't exactly spectacular and went smoothly without any incidents whatsoever. "Urgh, how I hate these tedious ceremonies," Gii complained as the left the assembly hall about one hour later. "The principal and the head teacher always say the same things and listening to their long, boring speeches always makes me incredibly sleepy." As if to prove his point the amber-haired student let out a yawn and stretched his arms above his head which caused the others, including Takumi, to chuckle in amusement.
"Well, I better get going," Shingyouji stated checking his watch. "I don't want to be late for homeroom on the first day of the new term, but I see you later for lunch at the cafeteria." The other boys nodded in unison and the second-year student took his leave. "We should go as well if we don't want to be late," Akaike stated and with that the five third-year students made their way to their classroom. They happened to be some of the last arrivals and all conversations in the room died down almost instantly as soon as Takumi entered. All gazes riveted on him as he quickly strode past the rows of desks and chairs to take a seat in the far back of the room, keeping his beautiful chocolate-colored eyes cast down the whole time, wishing that the floor would open and swallow him. He felt miserable and wanted nothing more than to disappear. Throughout the whole hour of homeroom that followed, the ebony-haired boy kept his gaze lowered, trying not to attract any attention and when the teacher finally announced the end of the class he practically fled the room without looking at anyone.
"This is anything but good," Akaike stated with concern as he and the other boys followed their friend into the corridor. "Hayama's behavior today was almost the same as in his freshman year at this school," Misu added grimly and Toshihisa nodded in agreement. "Give him some time guys," Gii said softly and sighed deeply. All of this must be very difficult for Takumi and honestly speaking I can't even imagine how he must be feeling right now. Not only is he unable to remember anything but he has become the center of everyone's attention. Basically the whole school knows what happened to him on Tanabata, the attack and its consequences. Have you noticed how the students stare at him or start whispering to each other when he passes? Though I didn't say anything I have noticed that it has been like that not only when he entered the classroom earlier but throughout the whole morning. How would you feel and act if you were in Takumi's shoes?"
"I see your point Saki," Misu replied thoughtfully. "For now let's just stay by Hayama's side and observe him closely and attentively. However, if his behavior doesn't change for the better within the next couple of days you need to talk to him." "Rest assured that I will," Gii replied with sincerity and nodded his head. "But now let's take Takumi to the cafeteria and cheer him up a little bit." With that the handsome upper-class man let his eyes wander through the hallway and once he had spied his beloved standing in a corner, gazing shyly towards the classroom door he walked over to the ebony-haired student, a warm and affectionate smile gracing his handsome features.
"Are you alright Takumi," he asked gently as he led the boy back to Akaike and the rest of the group. "I guess so," the ebony-haired third-year replied, his voice barely more than a whisper and Gii decided not to pry any further for the time being. Shingyouji joined the group only a short while later and on their way to the cafeteria as well as during lunch the boys chatted animatedly with each other, trying hard to make Takumi feel easier, but despite their efforts the boy remained alarmingly quiet and somehow withdrawn. "Excuse me, I'll be right back," the ebony-haired student murmured suddenly, rose to his feet and headed for the restroom, his friends staring after him.
On his way he passed a table that was occupied by a group of freshmen and the boys' conversation died down as soon as they had laid eyes on him. "Scum…worthless…bastard," they hissed only loud enough for Takumi to hear, glaring at him in such a hateful and menacing manner as they silently declared war on him that it gave the boy goose bumps and caused his heartbeat to speed up a pace. When he finally reached the restroom the ebony-haired boy sighed deeply in a mix of dejection and confusion. "What's going on? What have I done to these people," he whispered softly to himself and took several deep breaths in order to calm his racing heart. "Why do these guys seem to hate me so much?"
oOo
On the way back to the dorm grounds Takumi was still dwelling on the thoughts and questions he had on his mind. He was taciturn and didn't engage much in the conversation his friends were having which didn't go unnoticed. Akaike, Misu, Toshihisa as well as Shingyouji exchanged worried glances with Gii and the handsome upper-class man nodded almost imperceptibly, knowing what the others were expecting him to do.
"Takumi what's the matter," he asked the ebony-haired boy gently once they had arrived at their room and had changed out of their school uniforms into more comfortable clothes. "You've been awfully quiet ever since homeroom let out." "Don't worry about me Gii," Takumi replied weakly and sat down on his bed casting his eyes. "I'm alright, really." "But I affirm that you aren't," the amber-haired youth objected quietly and stepped closer to his beloved. "This morning when we got ready you were merely nervous about your first day back at school, but this is different. I can tell that you are distressed by something." "It's nothing Gii, believe me. I'm just a little tired out I guess," the other boy tried to assure his roommate, but to no avail of course, Gii knowing his boyfriend too well to fall for his lie.
"Takumi look at me," he commanded with a soft but determined undertone in his voice and knelt down in front of his ebony-haired lover. "Please." Takumi did as he was told and hesitantly raised his head to meet Gii's gaze that was filled with nothing but tender affection and a hint of worry. "Don't you want to tell me what's distressing you," the handsome upper-class man asked velvet-like, smiling mildly. "You know that you can trust me unconditionally, don't you, that you can confide in me and tell me everything that's on your mind or weighing you down."
"I know Gii, believe me," the ebony-haired boy whispered smiling shyly at his friend and roommate before lowering his gaze again, "but right now I just want to be alone for some time. Would that be alright?" "Sure, if that's what you wish," Gii answered, hiding his disappointment and sadness about his beloved's rejection behind a compassionate smile. "I'll go for a walk and be back in about one hour, ok?" "Thank you, Gii. Gomen ne," Takumi whispered meekly as the amber-haired boy rose slowly to his feet. Before taking his leave Gii glanced one more time at his boyfriend, who was reaching for Dai-chan to bury his face in the teddy bear's soft fur for comfort. "Oh Takumi," the handsome upper-class man whispered inaudibly, pained to see the ebony-haired boy's despair and he quietly left the room with a sigh of dejection.
He was just about to leave the dorm grounds, hoping that he could slip away unnoticed by any of his friends since he was in no mood to answer any of their questions, knowing that his face was openly portraying his emotions and present distress, when he ran into his classmate and rival. "Saki, could you spare me a minute of your valuable time," Misu asked in his cold demeanor that was so distinctive for him. "Sure," Gii replied with a sigh and the two students took a seat on one of the few wooden benches that were interspaced throughout the area. "You really can't stop meddling, can you Saki," the head of the student council began sternly. "It was you who arranged for Shingyouji and me to become roommates, wasn't it?"
"I plead guilty," the handsome upper-class man replied quietly. "Are you in any way dissatisfied with this arrangement?" "No, not exactly though I was surprised," Misu stated truthfully. "To tell the truth, I want to thank you, not only for arranging for Shingyouji to share a room with me from now on but for Tanabata as well. I was about to lose my pet, my possession and thanks to you I finally realized on that day how much that guy really means to me. However, I'd really like to know why…why did you do all this for me?" "Well, about Tanabata, I helped you because Takumi asked me to. He felt so bad for Shingyouji. And then I owe you a couple of favors, don't I," Gii explained with a mild smile. "Consider me making you realize your true feelings for Shingyouji as redeeming one of them. As for the arrangement of his moving into your room, right after Takumi's hospitalization I promised you that I would make amends for ruining your summer vacation, didn't I?"
"I see, thank you Saki," the other boy replied smirking. "But knowing you that's not the only reason, is it?" "No, it isn't," the handsome upper-class man admitted, a sad smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You and Shingyouji have only a little more than half a year before you'll graduate and leave Shidou while he will have to remain here for another year. I want you to make the most of the short time you have left together," he explained hoarsely. "If you don't want to show your feelings for Shingyouji in public out of fear for your image and reputation or because of any other reason that's totally fine, but at least when you are together in the room you share, when it's just the two of you, show him your true self and let Shingyouji know how much you love him. Don't be afraid to do what's necessary to strengthen the bonds between you and don't make the mistake of taking him and his affection for granted."
"Saki…you," the head of the student council whispered huskily, deeply affected by his rival's words that were serious but true. "Misu, there is one thing I've learned from that fateful night of Tanabata," Gii continued, a pained sigh escaping his lips. "Nothing in this life is for granted and fate can be really cruel sometimes. Everything can change in the blink of an eye and there is no guarantee that things will ever go back to the way they used to be. Every moment is precious and that's why you should make the most of the present because you never know what the future holds in store for you." The amber-haired student's voice trailed off and as he hung his head, letting out another dejected sigh, he could suddenly feel Misu's hand on his shoulder.
"Saki, did something happen between you and Hayama," he asked, his voice being unusually soft and Gii nodded slowly. "Just now, back in our room I tried to talk to Takumi about the events of this morning," he explained quietly. "I could feel that he was distressed and upset, so I asked him to tell me what he had on his mind, hoping that he would open up to me because we were alone, but he didn't. Takumi rejected me and instead asked me if I could leave him alone for some time. That hurt Misu, to be thus rejected by the person you love more than anything in the world really hurt."
"Well, it might not offer much consolation, but I want to tell you the same thing you told us this morning. Give Hayama some time," Misu said and squeezed the other boy's shoulder reassuringly. "We all knew that this wouldn't be easy, but I believe all will turn out well in the end. So, don't allow yourself to be cast down by incidents like this one. It's annoying, it's not like you and being gloomy doesn't suit you. Besides you also have your friends for support and that includes me." "Thank you Misu," Gii whispered huskily and smiled gratefully at the other boy as they firmly shook hands, finally burying the hatchet.
A/N: "Ijime" means "Bullying" and is unfortunately quite common at Japanese high schools for all I know.
Anyway, wow so many things happened in this chapter and I hope you enjoyed the read!
What's going to happen next? What is Kurokawa up to and when will Takumi finally begin to remember?
If you want to find out you know what you have to do... ;D
One more thing, one of my dear readers, Karina, drew a beautiful picture that was inspired by chapter 3 of this story. It's a drawing of Takumi being in hospital, holding Dai-chan the teddy bear tight for comfort. Thank you so much Karina for this amazing drawing. Please go over to my profile here on to get the link.