A/N: Hello Minna! Guess what happened, luckily I haven't been that busy at work lately so I found more time for writing und you'll get the update of "Remember Me" before I move!
While the last chapter was a quieter one, this chapter is rather eventful and I hope you'll enjoy the read.
Again I'd like to thank everybody who is following this story, added it to their alerts/favorites lists and/or left a review on any of the last chapters. That means a lot to me!
Disclaimer: As usual, I don't own anything but the idea of this fic and the new characters I introduced.
Chapter 9
Gii paced the entrance of the cafeteria with the restlessness of a hungry lion, glancing repeatedly at his watch that was showing ten minutes past seven. "He is late," the handsome upper-class man huffed. "What on earth could be taking him so long?" After another five minutes had passed he finally couldn't bear the wait any longer and pulled out his mobile phone from the pocket of his jacket. He was just about to call his roommate and fiancé when he noticed the boy in question walking around the corner.
"I'm sorry Gii for being late," Takumi stated smiling weakly at his friend. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting. Please forgive me." "What kept you," the amber-haired youth asked trying hard to sound casual and to keep his jealousy under wraps, as they entered the cafeteria, assuming that Takumi's tardy arrival was somehow related to Ichikawa Motoki. "It was nothing serious or anything you need to worry about," the other student lied boldly and quickly made his way over to a small corner table, thus effectively evading Gii's keen gaze. The ebony-haired boy was pretty sure that his lie would have been immediately exposed by his friend had he given the handsome upper-class man the chance to look at him more closely.
"When I went back to the dorms after the meeting with Motoki I felt like freshening up a little before dinner," he continued as he sat down. "So I took a shower and somehow I lost track of the time." 'At least that's partly true,' he added in his mind and forced an apologetic smile upon his lips, trying his best to ignore the pang of guilt he felt in his chest for lying to the amber-haired student who was caring so much about him. "Oh, I see," Gii replied good-naturedly and a tiny sigh of relief tore from him. "I was just wondering because usually you are a very punctual person. And now let's get some food. I'm positively dying of hunger." With that he rose to his feet and walked briskly over to the food counter, Takumi following suit, relieved that his friend and roommate had obviously bought the lie.
"So, how did your meeting with Ichikawa go this afternoon," the handsome upper-class man inquired nonchalantly once the two boys had returned to their table, each of them carrying a tray with their respective dinner sets. "It was quite interesting and we had a good time," the ebony-haired youth replied truthfully, but kept his eyes riveted on his choice of food. "We looked at many photographs and Motoki told me a lot of things about them, but I wasn't able to recall anything. He allowed me to keep the photo books though, so I hope that I'm going to recall at least a couple of things if I keep looking at those pictures every now and then."
"You need to give it some time I guess. After all your brain got a lot of input today and you can't expect it to process all that information at once," Gii stated with confidence and encouragement when he noticed the crestfallen undertone in the soft voice of his beloved, somehow managing to hide his own disappointment rather successfully. "There is no rushing these things you know?" "Yeah," the so addressed boy murmured and began to poke mopishly at his food, forcing himself to eat at least a few bites of it even though he had no appetite at all.
"Takumi, are you sure that everything is alright," the handsome upper-class man asked genuinely concerned after he had observed his beloved and the boy's strange behavior attentively for some time. "You are looking a good deal paler compared to this morning and obviously you aren't hungry at all. What's wrong? Did anything bad happen or are you feeling somehow unwell?" "Jeez Gii," the ebony-haired student exclaimed with anger resonating in his voice. "Is this supposed to be a casual dinner between close friends or an interrogation session? I'm perfectly fine, okay?"
"Whoa, calm down Takumi," Gii replied clearly taken aback and raised his hands in defense. "You should know that I didn't mean to pry or to draw you out. I was only worried about you because you are looking a little ill. No need to get huffy." With that the handsome upper-class man turned his attention back to his meal and picked wordlessly at the food in a slightly furious manner, an unmistakable sign that he felt truly hurt by his beloved's harsh words which caused Takumi to bite his bottom lip as he continued to watch his amber-haired friend, feelings of guilt and remorse welling up inside him. "Gii," he finally spoke up softly after several long, seemingly endless, moments of awkward silence.
"I…I'm really sorry. I do know that you are only concerned about my wellbeing and I didn't mean to snap at you like that. It's just that I feel so very tired and…" "…and obviously a little frustrated if I'm any judge," the other boy finished the sentence and put down his pair of chopsticks. "Yeah, exactly," the ebony-haired youth sighed adding 'amongst other things' in his mind. "It seems that regarding the recovery of my memories I have come to some sort of standstill and it is driving me insane."
"Don't despair Takumi and keep your chin up," Gii replied, trying his best to sound encouraging and offered his one and only a warm, compassionate smile, thus showing the boy that he had accepted his apology. "I can imagine how you must be feeling, but we need to be patient and that goes for all of us, even though I have to admit that it is quite difficult at times." "Thank you for being so understanding, especially since I have been pretty moody lately and thanks for being such a great friend," Takumi stated, smiling affectionately back at the other student. "I really don't know what I would do without you." "You are exaggerating, but thanks for the kudos anyway," the handsome upper-class man answered casually and quickly turned his attention back to the meal once more, hoping that his ebony-haired fiancé wouldn't notice the faint blush that was creeping onto his cheeks.
oOo
The remaining two days of classes passed by quietly and without any incidents that were worth mentioning, but for some reason Takumi seemed to be a little more nervous and edgier than usual. However recalling his beloved's outburst during their private dinner on Wednesday evening Gii decided to leave the matter alone and to refrain from questioning the boy about it, but to let him make the first move should he feel like talking about whatever it was that seemed to be bugging him. As agreed with doctor Asano the night of his fainting spell, the ebony-haired youth went to the hospital on Saturday afternoon for his first therapy session, disappointed when it ended after one and a half hours without him having made any progress at all and it took Gii, Akaike, Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa a good deal of effort to cheer their downcast friend up again. On Sunday however things took, in several respects, a rather unexpected turn.
Just a short while after Gii and Takumi had returned from their lunch with the others at the cafeteria, Takumi's mobile phone went off, a rather short but distinctive sound announcing that its owner had received a message. Once the ebony-haired student had opened the mail and read its contents he typed a quick reply before leaving his seat by the window and walking over to the closet where he began to change his outfit. "May I ask who the message was from," Gii inquired curiously and looked up from the book he had been reading.
"Why are you changing your clothes? Are you planning on going out?" "Yes I am, as a matter of fact," Takumi replied casually, buttoning up the shirt he had chosen while speaking. "The message was from Motoki saying that he will leave the school in about fifteen minutes and go to town in order to do some shopping. He invited me to come along and since I don't have any other plans or engagements this afternoon I accepted his invitation. We will meet in the entrance hall and he is already down there waiting for me, so I have to hurry up."
"I see," the handsome upper-class man replied nonchalantly, but on the inside his feelings were in a raging turmoil. "What time will you be back?" "I don't know," the other boy stated and shrugged his shoulders, "sometime around dinner I guess. Can I get you anything from town?" "No, you can't, but thanks for asking," Gii answered forcing a smile and slammed his book shut. "However, I would like to accompany you downstairs if you don't mind. I want to get myself a bottle of water or soda from the vending machine in the lobby. "Sure, come on," the ebony-haired youth said smiling mildly and headed for the door, his friend and roommate following suit.
When the two boys arrived in the quiet entrance hall of the dorm they immediately spied Takumi's friend, the only student in the rather spacious hall who, true to his word, was occupying one of the comfortable armchairs in the seating area and nursed a paper cup that obviously contained some kind of hot beverage. "Hey Takumi, there you are at last," Ichikawa exclaimed with a bright smile on his face that faltered momentarily when he noticed Gii's presence. "Hello Saki." The handsome upper-class man acknowledged the boy's greeting merely with a quick nod of his head before strolling over to the vending machine without addressing a word to the new student.
"Well Takumi, are you ready," Ichikawa asked his friend from junior high school as if nothing had happened and rose to his feet. "There should be a bus from the bus stop at the main gate in about twenty minutes." "Then let's go," the ebony-haired youth replied with a mild smile and walked leisurely towards the front door of the dorm where he turned around to address his friend and roommate once more. "Ja ne, Gii! In case I should be back later than seven o'clock I will send you a message okay?"
"Alright, have fun Takumi and look after yourself," the handsome upper-class man replied good-naturedly, trying his best to put on a good face to the matter, but his jealousy as well as the general dislike for his beloved's friend finally got the better of him. "Ichikawa, can I talk to you for a moment," he asked politely when the boy was just about to reach the door, the sharp undertone he had in his voice making it evident that he had just uttered a command and not a mere request. "It won't take long." "But of course," the new student answered and stopped in his tracks. "Takumi, please go ahead. I will be right with you, okay?" "Wakatta," the so addressed boy stated softly and with one last, slightly questioning glance at his roommate and closest friend he exited the building.
"What can I do for you Saki," Ichikawa asked innocently once the door had fallen shut and stepped closer towards the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin. "Listen Ichikawa and listen well," Gii growled glaring daggers at the boy. "I don't know what kind of game you are trying to play here, but if you know what's good for you then you will keep your hands off of Takumi." "Are you trying to threaten me Saki," the Takumi's friend asked slyly, holding the handsome upper-class man's penetrating gaze. "No, I don't," the amber-haired youth replied calmly, but with a dangerous undertone in his voice. "I'm just giving you a good advice. Takumi is mine. He belongs to me and I won't allow anyone to steal him away."
"Kind of possessive, aren't you Saki," Ichikawa stated smugly and completely unfazed. "That's interesting because any romantic connection that might have existed between you is now dissolved. Takumi doesn't recall his relationship with you and who knows if he will ever regain his memories of it. You might still consider him as your precious boyfriend, your lover, but right now he certainly doesn't feel that way about you. He has no romantic feelings for you at present, so to put it bluntly: your love is a one-sided, an unrequited one." "I believe that Takumi will remember everything soon, including us and even if he shouldn't I'm confident that he will give his heart to me again," Gii hissed. "So what are you trying to imply?"
"I'm not implying anything," the other student answered casually after a brief moment of tense silence. "I'm just saying that Takumi most likely considers himself as being single right now and, since he doesn't remember you and his romantic involvement with you, so do I. I will take my chance in pursuing him and I don't care whether you approve of it or not. If you really are that self-confident about being able to win your beloved's heart again, why don't you make a move on him? I certainly will because in the end, regardless if he will eventually recall his past or not, it's Takumi who decides to whom he wants to give his heart and I will try everything in my power to be that person. Don't make the mistake Saki of thinking that you are the only one who is deeply in love with Takumi. And now if you will excuse me, I'm going on a date with my friend and we have a bus to catch."
With that Ichikawa smiled haughtily at the handsome upper-class man and headed briskly for the door, leaving the amber-haired youth to stare after his retreating back. "I won't lose Takumi to this guy," Gii whispered to himself once his newly gained rival was safely gone, his shoulders trembling from the effort of keeping his emotions under control. "I won't allow the most precious thing I have in this life to be taken from me!"
oOo
Takumi had almost reached the main gate of the campus when he turned around to see Ichikawa running towards him. He momentarily halted his steps and soon the other boy had caught up with him.
"I'm sorry Takumi," he panted. "I didn't mean to keep you waiting for such a long time." "No problem Motoki," the ebony-haired youth stated with a mild smile playing about his mouth as the two friends made their way to the bus stop. "What did Gii want from you? Did he have anything particular to say to you?" "Not really," the other boy lied unabashed and shrugged his shoulders. "He just entreated me to look after you and to take good care of you because of your amnesia, that's all." "I see. Please forgive him Motoki," Takumi replied softly. "It's just that Gii really worries about me and is very protective of me, sometimes without discretion, but he means well."
"I'm sure he does," Ichikawa mused quietly. "But doesn't it bother you sometimes?" "I have to admit that at first it did bother me at times, but now it doesn't bug me anymore. I've gotten used to Gii's affectionate attentiveness I guess," the ebony-haired student explained truthfully and his eyes began to sparkle. "To be honest I truly appreciate his concern for my wellbeing. Gii is a wonderful friend who would walk through the fire for me without blinking. Recently I have often been thinking that this great guy is much too good for a mere commoner like me. I don't think that I deserve all the attention Gii bestows upon me and I'm very lucky to have someone like him by my side." "I understand," the other boy replied casually, masking the fact that he hadn't liked the nature of his friend's account behind an amicable smile and got ready to board the bus that had just pulled up in front of the waiting booth, Takumi following his example.
For most part of the ride to town the two boys didn't talk much, each of them being occupied with his own thoughts and about forty minutes later they were walking the narrow streets of the town center, stopping here and there to have a closer look at the items that were displayed in the windows of the shops. Every now and then they entered a shop in order to browse or to examine items they were interested in more closely and both students enjoyed themselves thoroughly.
"Why don't we take a stroll through the local shopping mall next," Ichikawa suggested after he and Takumi had occupied a table at a small café in order to rest for a while and to enjoy a light snack. "I'm sure we could find some pretty cool items there and it's still early. The last bus back to school leaves around eight-thirty in the evening, so we could even have dinner at a restaurant around here and would still make it back to Shidou in time for curfew." "Sure, why not," the ebony-haired boy answered, nodding his head in agreement and once the two friends had finished their meal, only a short while later, they headed for the relatively crowded shopping mall.
They had already been to a couple of big and small shops when Ichikawa stopped at a tiny clothing store that sold fashion for young people and pointed towards one of the mannequins. "Hey Takumi, have a look at this dress shirt," he addressed his friend. "I think the color and design of that shirt would go perfectly with the tight, black, boot-cut jeans you bought earlier at the other shop. That shirt, in combination with the jeans and a nice pair of shoes would make a quite elegant, yet cool outfit. What do you think?"
"I like the shirt very well indeed," Gii's beloved said, smiling mildly. "The question is if I will be able to afford it." "Well, let's go in then to have a closer look," the other student suggested. "Let's see how much it costs and if it should be within your budget for this month you can try it on and make your decision." "That's true," Takumi replied, shrugging his shoulders and entered the shop. "Just looking doesn't hurt."
Only a minute or two later he had found a stack of the same shirts as the one that was displayed on the mannequin and checked the price tag which was saying '3500 yen' as well as '10 percent off'. "Ano, that's what I call lucky," Ichikawa exclaimed excitedly. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead and try it on!" Smiling the ebony-haired youth nodded and headed for the fitting rooms with his friend in tow. Once he had put the top on he emerged from the small changing cubicle to present himself to the other student.
"Wow Takumi, that looks great on you," the brown-haired boy stated approvingly. "How do you feel in it?" "I like the way I look in it as well and the fabric is really comfortable on the skin," the so addressed youth explained. "I think I will take it." "You definitely should," Ichikawa agreed smiling mildly. "It would be a real shame if you didn't buy that shirt, especially when you consider the price for it." "It's decided then," Takumi remarked matter-of-factly and disappeared again into the narrow cubicle in order to change back into his old top.
On his way to the cashier Takumi's eyes fell onto a young couple that was looking at several blouses and Gii's beloved could perceive scraps of a conversation. "…If you like those blouses so much I'm going to buy one of them for you my sweet," the man said smiling affectionately at his girlfriend. "Which one do you like most?" "That's so difficult to say. I like those two in particular," the girl replied pointing at a light blue and a champagne-colored blouse, one decorated with lace and pearls, the other adorned with braiding and sequins. "I really can't decide. They are both so beautiful and exactly my style. Can't we take them both?"
Smiling mildly to himself Takumi was just about to walk passed the couple, after all he didn't want the lovers to think that he was eavesdropping, when the voice of the girl's boyfriend caused him to stop dead in his tracks. "But my love, buying two blouses that are so similar would be a waste of money." The ebony-haired youth blinked several times in confusion as the statement continued to ring in his ears and suddenly his vision began to blur. He could perceive the girl's reply that seemed to come from the farthest distance. "Don't be so stingy. You already have a full-time job while I'm still a poor university student and yet you are fussing about two blouses that cost merely 2300 yen each." Gii's one and only couldn't catch the rest of the conversation for his eyes had grown misty as well as distant and a scenario began to unfold in his mind.
Takumi found himself at a shopping mall. Christmas songs blasted out of the speakers, every shop on every floor was decorated with fairy lights, garlands as well as Christmas ornaments and almost every store had put up big signs that all said things like 'Christmas Sale', 'Winter Bargain', or 'New Year's Discount' in order to attract as many customers as possible. "Hey Gii, shall we have a look at that shop," the ebony-haired youth exclaimed and motioned towards a shoe shop. "The sign says '30-50 percent on all models'. That sounds pretty good don't you agree? And didn't you tell me this morning that you would like to buy a new pair of shoes before returning to the US over the Christmas break?"
"True, that's what I said," the handsome upper-class man replied and offered his friend a warm, affectionate smile. "Let's go and check if they have to offer something I like." Takumi nodded eagerly in agreement and only a few minutes later the two boys were browsing through the shop's wide range of loafers, sneakers, boots and lace-up shoes. After they had walked up and down several aisles already Gii finally stopped in front of a tall rack that had a big sign dangling above it reading 'Every pair 1000 yen'. Once he had let his eyes wander for a bit the amber-haired youth picked up two similar looking pairs of shoes to examine them more closely.
"I quite like them," he stated looking back and forth between them. "Should I take the brown pair or the olive-colored one?" What do you think Takumi?" "Well, since they are so cheap, why don't you take them both if you really can't decide," the so addressed boy suggested, smiling mildly. "What," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed wide-eyed. "If I were to take both pairs that would mean I had to pay 2000 yen and…" "Gii, what is your budget for this shopping trip," the other boy asked somewhat sternly and began to tap his foot.
"My budget is 30.000 yen," the amber-haired youth replied truthfully with a sheepish grin on his face. "30.000 yen," Takumi repeated in sheer disbelief. "With that much money you could easily afford to buy three or four pairs of shoes from this shop! Upon my word you are so stingy!" "I'm not," Gii objected pouting, feigning hurt. "Yes, you are," the ebony-haired youth retorted, crossing his arms in front of his chest with determination. "You really are one of a kind Gii and you never fail to amaze me! You are literally drowning in money and yet you are making such a great deal of spending 2000 yen, I repeat 2000 yen, on two pairs of shoes! If that isn't being stingy then I really don't know what else is!"
"I'm just being economical," the handsome upper-class man defended himself. "That's a difference. To buy two pairs of shoes, even though they are cheap, when I only have need for one would simply be a waste of money." "Oh please, come on," the other boy sighed in desperation. "So tell me, 'Mister Economical', are you going to take at least one pair of these shoes or not?" "Hmmm, I'm not sure," Gii replied thoughtfully and looked back and forth between the two models of footwear once more before finally putting them back onto the rack. "I think I want to check out another shop first. Let's go!" With that the amber-haired boy turned to leave, Takumi following him quickly outside. "That guy," the third-year student whispered inaudibly and rolled his eyes as he sped up his pace in order to catch up with his friend. "Sometimes I really don't get him."
"…kumi…Takumi," the ebony-haired youth perceived his name being called repeatedly from afar and he finally snapped out of his trance. "Takumi what's the matter," Ichikawa asked concerned. "Are you planning on growing moss under your feet? You were completely spaced out." "It's nothing, I'm alright," the so addressed boy replied weakly and shook his head in order to clear his mind. "I just remembered something all of a sudden, something that happened one time when I went on a shopping trip with Gii."
"You are looking rather pale. Are you sure that you are okay," the brown-haired boy inquired with worry written all over his face. "My head hurts a little and I'm feeling a bit dizzy," Gii's beloved answered truthfully and grabbed the nearest clothes rack for support. "Then let's go to pay for the shirt and afterwards we will take the first bus that leaves for Shidou Gakuin to get you back to school, alright," Ichikawa stated determinedly, taking the dress shirt from his friend's hands and Takumi nodded slowly in agreement. "Thanks Motoki," he said softly with an apologetic smile tugging at the corners of his mouth as the two friends slowly made their way over to the cashier. "I'm sorry for ruining our shopping tripe like this."
"Nonsense," the other boy stated, his voice laced with sincerity. "You just had a flashback. That's a good thing and you should be happy about it instead of feeling sorry because it caused our shopping spree to end early. We can go on another one anytime. The shopping mall won't go anywhere." The ebony-haired youth nodded again, paid for the top he had chosen and only a short while later the two students were on their way back to Shidou Gakuin. Once they had reached the campus grounds Ichikawa saw his friend, who still seemed to be a little absent-minded, directly back to the dorms, observing him attentively until they had entered the building.
"Ano, my room is on this floor," the brown-haired youth explained softly, "but if you like, I will see you all the way to your room." "Thanks Motoki, that's very kind of you, but I don't think it will be necessary," Takumi replied smiling warmly at his friend. "I'm going to be alright." "Are you sure," the other boy inquired with a worried undertone in his voice, but finally gave in as Gii's beloved nodded his head with determination. "Alright then, Takumi," he said softly, "but make sure to rest well, so that you are fit for classes tomorrow." When the ebony-haired student nodded once more, Ichikawa flashed him another affectionate smile before leaving the entrance hall. Takumi watched Ichikawa's retreating figure for a moment, smiling mildly to himself before heading for the staircase.
He was just about to climb the first step when one of the boys who were occupying the seating area claimed his attention. "Hey Hayama," the tall freshman exclaimed, rose to his feet and quickly strode over to the third-year student. "I just wanted to give this to you," the younger boy continued and held out a neatly folded note to Gii's one and only, a malicious grin playing about his mouth. "From a mutual friend."
Takumi hesitantly accepted the piece of paper and once the freshman had left to rejoin his friends, he unfolded it to let his eyes skim over the message. It was surprisingly short and read only two sentences: 'Watch your back. The game has only just begun.' The ebony-haired youth took in a shaky breath as he re-read the message a couple of times, his heartbeat speeding up a pace. The note bore no signature, but even though it was anonymous it was anything but difficult for the boy to guess who the author and sender had been. After one last look at the two sentences Takumi crumpled the piece of paper and stuffed it into the pocket of his coat with slightly trembling hands before he went to climb the stairs slowly and on somewhat unsteady feet.
oOo
Gii was restlessly pacing up and down in his room, with the grimmest expression on his handsome face. "I knew it! I just knew it," he growled and tore his hair in desperation. "From the first moment I laid eyes upon that Ichikawa fellow I knew that he came here on purpose and that he would cause some kind of trouble. I swear if he dares so much as to touch Takumi, I'm going to…"
"Gii, calm down already, will you," Akaike said sternly, "and for heaven's sake, stop pacing back and forth and sit down. You are driving me nuts!" "I'm sorry Shouzo," the handsome upper-class man sighed and took a seat on the edge of his bed. "It's just that the mere thought of Takumi spending all afternoon in town with that guy is really getting to me, especially after what he said to me before leaving."
"I understand that Gii, I really do, but starting to panic won't change anything," the president of the disciplinary committee explained calmly. "Besides, concerning Ichikawa's declaration of pursuing Hayama I wouldn't be too worried. After all it takes two to play the game of love. As Shingyouji says, Hayama doesn't have any romantic interest in Ichikawa which means no matter how much that guy tries to woo and to sweet-talk your beloved it won't get him anywhere. My guess is that, even if Ichikawa should make a serious move on Hayama, let's say something like a confession for example he would be rejected."
"What makes you think that," the amber-haired student asked in astonishment. "Let's just say that's what my heart is telling me," the other boy replied with a mild, encouraging smile. "And before you ask, for one important reason my mind is telling me the same thing…the ring. Hayama is wearing it as a necklace now isn't he? He knows that it is precious somehow and that it was given to him by someone special. Judging from Hayama's character and personality I dare say that he won't rest until he has found out from whom he received that ring and why and until he knows, he will think twice before allowing himself to get romantically involved with anyone to a serious degree, except for you maybe that is. Hayama might have lost his memory but he is not dumb Gii. In his heart he probably already knows that this ring is related to some sort of romantic involvement, so don't worry about that Ichikawa fellow too much. The way I see it, that guy is fighting a lost battle." "I hope you are right Shouzo," the handsome upper-class man said softly and a deep sigh tore from him. "I hope you are right."
The words had barely left his mouth when the door when Takumi entered the room, much to the surprise of both his friends. "Tadaima," he murmured weakly and sat down his shopping bags. "Good afternoon Akaike-kun." "Okaeri," the two boys replied in unison and Akaike threw a questioning glance at his best friend. "It looks like your little swallow has come home," the president of the disciplinary committee remarked with a smirk. "You are back early Hayama. Gii told me that you wouldn't be back on campus before dinner."
"Well…yeah," Takumi replied hesitantly and trudged over to his closet without uttering another word upon which Akaike shot Gii another glance, a glance that was saying: 'Something isn't right, you should get to the bottom of this,' and the handsome upper-class man quietly nodded his understanding. "Alright guys, I think I should be going," the amber-haired student's best friend stated and rose to his feet. "It's almost five o'clock and I feel like asking Toshihisa to have tea with me. See you later." And with that he quickly headed for the door.
"Takumi, please don't take this the wrong way. I don't mean to patronize you, but you don't look well," Gii began carefully and patted the empty space next to him on the edge of the bed. "Are you alright? Did anything happen while you were in town? Did you and Ichikawa have a fight or something of the sort?" "No, between him and me everything is alright," the ebony-haired youth sighed and sank onto the seat his friend and roommate was offering him. "What's wrong then," the handsome upper-class man asked softly. "What caused you to return that much earlier from your shopping spree with Ichikawa?"
"While browsing around one shop at the mall I had a flashback about us," Takumi whispered almost inaudibly and Gii's eyes went wide, reflecting a mix of surprise and curiosity. "You mean you had a flashback about him and you," he inquired hoarsely, "about the days you spend together in junior high school?" "No, I'm talking about us Gii, about you and me," the other boy stated softly and the handsome upper-class man's heart skipped a beat. "W-What is it that you remember," he asked in a husky and slightly shaky voice.
"I remember about a shopping trip we went on," Takumi explained truthfully and told his friend everything about the incident at the shoe shop at the end of the previous year. "I don't recall though if you bought the shoes in the end or not." "I didn't," Gii replied smiling warmly, his eyes sparkling with happiness. "Can you remember anything else from that shopping spree?" "No, unfortunately I can't," the ebony-haired youth sighed. "But I wish I could." "Wait a second Takumi," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed and practically jumped to his feet before quickly making his way over to his closet. "I have an idea."
After a minute or two he returned to the bed and sat down next to his beloved again. "Do you have any memory of this," he asked gently and placed the mustard-colored cashmere scarf he had gotten from Takumi carefully into the boy's hands. "I…I'm not sure," the so addressed student whispered hesitantly and stared at the accessory for several long moments, letting his fingers ghost repeatedly over the soft fabric. "It sure looks very familiar and I can feel that the memory related to it is very close, but I just can't grasp it," he finally sighed dejectedly. "That's so frustrating." "Put it around my neck," Gii demanded softly, unwilling to give up just like that.
"Eehhh," the other boy exclaimed in astonishment. "Are you sure?" "Yes, I am," the amber-haired youth replied with determination. "Please Takumi, put this scarf around my neck." Hesitantly Gii's beloved did as he was told and began to drape the long muffler neatly around his friend's neck, but all of a sudden he halted his actions and his eyes went wide. "What is it," the handsome upper-class man asked cautiously, his warm, baritone voice laced with hope. "I…I did the same thing once before," Takumi stammered, blinking his eyes rapidly. "T-This scarf…it was supposed to be your Christmas present, but…but you…you got sick with a bad cold…and…and so I actually gave it to you a few days before Christmas."
"Yes…yes, you did," Gii replied hoarsely, getting teary-eyed as he reached out to gently take Takumi's hands into his own which caused the ebony-haired youth to stiffen momentarily, but he made no attempts to free himself from Gii's tender hold. "Y-You also took good care of me and nursed me back to health," the handsome upper-class man continued breathy. "Sadly I don't have any recollection of that," the other boy stated, smiling apologetically.
"That doesn't matter," Gii replied softly. "I'm sure you are going to recall it soon. I can't tell you how elated I am that you are beginning to remember me and I'm so happy for you as well! To think that only a few days ago you were so depressed because you hadn't made any progress regarding the recovery from your amnesia and today you remembered so many things at once." "I'm really glad about that as well," Takumi whispered huskily. "But my head hurts a little."
"I see, then you should lie down and sleep a little," the amber-haired youth suggested, smiling mildly and ran the back of his hand ever so gingerly over Takumi's cheek in an affectionate caress, barely touching the soft skin. "I think I still have some headache tablets in the drawer of my nightstand and if you prefer I can go to the cafeteria and bring back your dinner, so that you can eat it here." "Thank you so much, Gii. That would be really nice," the other boy stated and slowly rose to his feet to walk over to his own bed.
Gii appeared at his beloved's bedside only a minute later, holding a glass of water and a pack of Aspirin. "Here, take one tablet and then close your eyes," he ordered. "I will switch off the ceiling lights. I want to continue reading my book and for that the light on my desk is bright enough." Takumi obediently swallowed the medicine, made himself comfortable and only a short while later he had drifted off to sleep. Gii tried to make as little noise as possible and when he checked on his beloved before going to the cafeteria about one hour later, the student's deep and even breaths convinced the handsome upper-class man that his one and only was sound asleep.
"Thank you my love, thank you for beginning to remember me," the amber-haired student whispered and gently brushed a few of Takumi's silky strands from the boy's forehead. For a long moment he simply stood at the bedside and watched the sleeping form of his fiancé before bending down to steal a sweet kiss from his soft, rosy lips.
oOo
On Monday morning Takumi and Gii entered the classroom together, both boys being in an exceptionally good mood which didn't go unnoticed by their friends. "What's up with the two of you," Misu asked narrowing his eyes suspiciously. "So much happiness, that early on a Monday morning is almost unendurable." Chuckling lightly at the boy's statement Gii filled the others in with the good news and once the handsome upper-class man had finished his account Misu, Akaike, and Toshihisa were also wearing big smiles on their faces. "That's great Takumi," Toshihisa exclaimed happily. "That calls for a celebration lunch, meaning that whatever you are going to choose at the cafeteria later is on us, ne guys?" The rest of the group nodded in agreement and a bright smile formed on Takumi's face.
The ebony-haired student was just about to say something when Ichikawa who had just entered the room called out his name and made a beeline for him. "Hey Takumi, how is your head? Are you feeling better?" "I'm fine thank you," the so addressed student replied politely. "That's good to hear," the new kid stated stepping closer to the object of his affection and Gii narrowed his eyes disapprovingly which didn't go unnoticed by the handsome upper-class man's friend and roommate. Takumi couldn't exactly put his finger onto it, but for some reason there seemed to be a strong tension between Gii and Ichikawa, a tension that almost bordered on an immense mutual dislike for each other.
"Do you want to have lunch with me today," the brown-haired boy's voice brought him back from his thoughts. "I'm sorry Motoki, but the guys have already invited me," Gii's beloved replied with an apologetic smile and motioned towards his friends, slightly confused as he perceived the smug simpers they wore on their faces, Gii in particular. "Maybe some other time, alright?" "Sure, no problem," Ichikawa replied nonchalantly and shot the handsome upper-class man as well as the others an angry, condemnatory glare before walking wordlessly over to his desk.
"Motoki, what is wrong between you and Gii," Takumi asked curiously in a hushed voice once he had sat down at his own table. "I've noticed the glances the two of you exchanged just now." "I guess Saki-kun doesn't like the idea that he doesn't have you all to himself anymore," the brown-haired boy mused calmly. "Ano Motoki, are you trying to say that…," the other student began, but was interrupted by the sound of the bell upon which a teacher entered the classroom and thus the morning school hours began.
When the highly anticipated lunch time bell finally began to ring three and a half hours later the boys hastily packed their bags in order to get over to the cafeteria as quickly as possible. "Takumi, are you ready," Toshihisa exclaimed as he and the others headed for the door. "Please go ahead and choose a nice table okay," the ebony-haired youth replied smiling mildly. "I need to go to the restroom first. Oh, and don't forget to bring Shingyouji along." "I have sent him a message this morning, right after the first period," Misu stated casually. "Don't worry Hayama, he will be there." With that the head of the student council and the rest of the boys left the classroom.
"I wonder if it is such a good idea to leave him alone like that," Gii mused thoughtfully as the group of students made its way downstairs. "You worry too much pal, believe me," Akaike replied softly and draped his arm leisurely around his best friend's shoulders, which made Toshihisa inhale sharply. "It seems that our plan to remain close to Hayama, but to allow him his privacy as well, has been quite effective so far. Kurokawa and his fan club haven't tried anything recently." "That's exactly what's distressing me the most," the amber-haired student growled. "For my liking that little weasel has been much too quite since the locker and the book incident. He is definitely up to something, I can feel it."
"Well, the other dorm heads as well as our other friends are constantly on their guard regarding Kurokawa and his minions and so far they haven't noticed anything suspicious that would suggest that he is actually planning something," Toshihisa added. "Maybe you are just seeing ghosts." "I hope so Toshihisa," the handsome upper-class man murmured somewhat grumpily. "I hope so." Before Akaike's boyfriend could say anything in return their conversation was interrupted by Shingyouji joining the group and the five boys continued their way together. By the time they arrived at the cafeteria it was quite busy already, but the group managed to secure one of the last few larger tables that were still unoccupied.
"Where the dickens is he," Gii exclaimed, drumming his fingers on the tabletop, after he and the boys had been waiting for their friend for several minutes already. "What's keeping him? Going to the restroom doesn't take that long!" "Calm yourself Gii-senpai," Shingyouji said smiling encouragingly. "I'm sure Hayama-san will be here any moment now." "Maybe he was held up by Ichikawa," Toshihisa mused. "After all, that guy was still in the classroom with Takumi when we left." "I don't know why, but somehow I have a bad feeling about this," the handsome upper-class man sighed, riveting his eyes on the entrance of the cafeteria in hopes his beloved would at last walk through the door and his nervousness grew with every passing second.
Thus several long minutes went by and at last the others began to exchange worried glances as well. "I hate to say it, but I'm starting to think that Saki might be right," Misu murmured and checked his watch. "It's already fifteen minutes since we have left the classroom." "Look Arata-san, isn't that your new classmate over there," Shingyouji piped in and pointed to a table near the door. "Maybe he knows where Hayama-san went." "It surely is Ichikawa," the head of the student council answered quietly. "I'll be right back."
With that he rose to his feet and strode briskly over to the other table, the eyes of all his friends following him curiously. "Excuse me Ichikawa for interrupting your lunch," he addressed Takumi's friend politely, "but have you seen Hayama?" "No, I haven't," the brown-haired student answered truthfully. "In the classroom I talked to him for a minute or two, but then he left, saying that he didn't want to keep you guys waiting for too long. Has anything happened?" "Probably not. It's just that he hasn't shown up yet," Misu stated in his usual collected manner and shook his head towards his friends before thanking Ichikawa once more and making his way back to the other boys.
"That's it! I'm going to look for Takumi," Gii exclaimed with determination and rose swiftly from his seat. "Alright, would you like us to join in," Akaike asked cooperatively. "No, I don't think that's necessary, but thanks for the offer," the amber-haired youth replied. "Why don't you guys stay here to grab a bite and in case Takumi should show up during my absence please give me a call, okay?"
When the others nodded in agreement Gii grabbed his school bag and literally bolted out of the cafeteria. He ran all the way back to the main building as fast as his legs were able to carry him, while trying to recall where all the restrooms in the school were located. Once he had reached the entrance hall he systematically checked all the lavatories from the ground floor up to the floor where his and Takumi's classroom was located, growing more and more desperate by the minute. "Damn Takumi, where are you," he muttered as he darted to the room and flung its door open, only to find the schoolroom empty.
Panting the handsome upper-class man momentarily halted his steps in order to catch his breath. "Where could he have gone, think Gii, think," he muttered and squeezed his eyes shut. "The restroom on this floor is closed because it is being renovated, that would leave only…," He stopped in midsentence as it suddenly struck him like lightning and then he darted out of the classroom, down the corridor towards the side staircase and bolted down the stairs which led down to a passage that connected the main building with the side wing of the schoolhouse and finally stopped in front of a door, bearing a sign reading '00'.
"Baka ore," he scolded himself as he put his hand on the door latch of the lavatory that was rarely used by students and teachers alike because of its rather inconvenient location. "How could I forget about this place?" With a deep breath the amber-haired youth turned the handle and threw the door open. "Takumi, Takumi are you in here," he asked in a loud voice as he stepped into the room. The words had barely left his mouth when Gii was answered with a faint moan. With a sense of foreboding the handsome upper-class man quickly made his way over to the toilet stalls and noticed immediately the one on the far left whose door was bolted from outside with a broom.
When he stepped closer to remove it he also perceived the pool of water that had welled out from underneath the door. "Oh please no," he whispered as he kicked the broom aside before throwing the door open so hard that it cracked in its hinges and his eyes widened in shock at the sight in front of them. There on the ground, like a picture of misery cowered Takumi, blindfolded and gagged, with his hands tied behind his back. The ebony-haired youth was drenched from head to toe and his whole body shivered from the cold. "Oh my God," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed as he crouched down beside his beloved to free him from his ties and to pull down the blindfold as well as the gag.
"G-Gii," Takumi stuttered through chattering teeth, his beautiful chocolate-colored eyes clouding over tears. "I'm right here," the other boy replied softly and stretched out his hand towards his boyfriend in order to help him up. "Come on, we have to get you out of this place and out of these clothes." Nodding weakly the ebony-haired youth pushed himself to his feet and allowed himself to be led slowly out of the restroom by his closest friend and roommate. Once outside Gii took off his blazer and draped it carefully around his beloved's shivering form.
At that very moment he wanted nothing more than to pull his one and only into a tight, comforting and protective embrace, but considering the boy's condition, which he supposed had to be a mix of fear, shock and confusion, he refrained from giving in to his desire. Instead the handsome upper-class man decided to simply walk as close as possible beside his fiancé as they slowly made their way out of the building. "I will take you back to the dorms and stay with you for the rest of the afternoon, okay," he stated softly, but with determination.
When Takumi nodded quietly Gii pulled out his mobile phone and dialed Akaike's number. "Moshi moshi," he could hear his best friend's voice only moments later and he quickly filled the president of the disciplinary committee in with the news. "He is a bit shaken. Otherwise he seems to be alright, but I don't want to leave him alone." "Wakatta," Akaike answered. "I will report directly to our homeroom teacher and ask him to excuse the two of you from the afternoon classes. Oh and Gii, one more thing. I know I said earlier that you worry too much, but now I have to admit that we have seemingly felt too confident regarding out plan to protect Hayama. It seems that we have let our guard down and put his safety at risk. I think it would probably be best if we went back to our original strategy."
"Our original strategy," the amber-haired student repeated. "You mean…" "I mean that we shouldn't Hayama let out of our sight throughout the day anymore, not even once, just like in the beginning," Akaike finished the sentence. "He won't like the idea that's for sure, but you should talk to him about it because that's the only way how we can guarantee Hayama's safety at the present moment since he still can't remember the faces of his assailants." "I fully agree with you," Gii replied with sincerity. "I will try to convince him somehow. Just leave it to me. Ja ne!"
With that he ended the call and after the two boys had walked another couple of minutes in silence the dorm grounds came into view at last. "Look Takumi, we are almost there," the handsome upper-class man stated with an expression of tender compassion on his features. "Then we can finally get you out of these wet clothes." "Thank you for helping me again," the ebony-haired youth answered meekly, his voice barely more than a whisper.
Once they had entered the lobby of their dorm building Gii lost no time to usher his beloved upstairs to their room where he immediately switched the coffee machine on while Takumi changed out of his wet uniform into a pair of comfortable slacks and a relatively warm sweater before sinking saplessly onto his bed. "Here Takumi, drink this," the handsome upper-class man approached his beloved only a short while later, holding out a mug of steaming coffee towards him. "I know you don't like coffee that much, but right now you need something hot and strong, something that gets your circulation moving." The ebony-haired youth accepted the offered drink with a grateful nod and began to sip the hot liquid obediently.
"Do you want to tell me what happened," Gii asked carefully after several moments of silence had passed and sat down next to his lover on the edge of his bed. "Ano…, after I had finished packing my bag I talked to Motoki for a moment and then I left the classroom," Takumi began hesitantly, keeping his eyes bent on the ground. "I…I walked down the corridor towards the side staircase because I remembered that Akaike had told me about the restroom down there that is rarely used by anyone and I didn't want to keep you guys waiting longer than necessary, so I decided to use this one since the lavatory on our floor can't be used at the moment. I had just taken a couple of steps when I was suddenly grabbed from behind by some guys and was blindfolded. Everything happened so sudden and so fast that I can't even tell how many guys assaulted me."
"I see. Then I assume that you couldn't recognize any of them either," the amber-haired student mused and the other boy nodded quietly, finally looking up to face his friend. "What happened next?" "Those guys pulled me roughly down the stairs and pushed me into a rather cold room," Gii's one and only continued, his eyes growing moist. "I…I could tell that it had to be the restroom. Once inside they gagged me and bound my hands before locking me up in one of the stalls. Then the guys tossed several buckets of ice-cold water over me and after that they simply walked away, leaving me locked and tied up in that toilet stall. All the time I was in there I prayed that you would come for me," Takumi's voice trailed off, silent tears began to trickle down the boy's cheeks and Gii's heart broke at the sight.
"Come here," the handsome upper-class man whispered huskily and held out his arms in invitation, knowing that his beloved presently needed more than just mere words of consolation. For a long moment Takumi gazed silently at his friend and roommate, unsure of how to react, but at last he inched closer and hesitantly leaned his head against his savior's firm chest. Ever so slowly Gii put his arms tenderly around his fiancé's middle which caused the youngster to stiffen momentarily, but he soon began to relax when he perceived the amber-haired student softly whispering soothing words into his ear.
"Takumi do you remember what I told you some time ago about the freshmen and their jealousy," the handsome upper-class man began carefully once the boy in his arms had calmed down a little. "I do," the ebony-haired youth murmured almost inaudibly and slowly raised his head to face his closest friend. "I might not have told you all that clearly, but I guess you already figured that the guys who attacked you on the eve of Tanabata are also the ones who are bullying you now," Gii stated quietly and when the other student nodded weakly he continued with a serious undertone in his voice.
"Listen Takumi, I know you said that you don't want to be guarded twenty-four hours a day, but considering what just happened it might be better to watch you more closely again. In fact it's the only way to protect you right now. Until you remember the faces of your attackers clearly or we manage to catch them red-handed we don't have any other options to keep you save. Do you understand that?"
"Yes," Takumi sighed, trying to ignore the pang of guilt he felt about hiding the fact that he had already recalled everything related to the attack, but he just didn't want to risk that any of his friends might become victims of Kurokawa and his followers, especially after the guy had already used Shingyouji to prove his point. "So you want to stand sentinel over me more closely again?"
"As closely as possible, if you agree to it that is," the handsome upper-class man stated with determination, "which would mean that, starting tomorrow, from the moment your alarm clock goes off in the morning until the minute you go to bed in the evening either Akaike, Misu, Toshihisa, Shingyouji or I will accompany you wherever you go, even if it's just the restroom. From now on we won't take any more risks." "I have to admit that I don't like the idea of being guarded in such a way, but I see your point," Takumi whispered softly. "Besides, what other choice do I have? So, I agree to your plan."
"Thank you Takumi, thank you so much," Gii replied with a grateful smile and a sigh of relief tore from him. "Listen, why don't you rest for another hour or two and later I will take you on a nice afternoon walk to divert your thoughts and to cheer you up a little, okay?" "That sounds nice," the ebony-haired youth answered and at last a mild smile began to form on his lips.
oOo
About three hours later Gii and Takumi were walking the school grounds at a leisurely pace. They purposely avoided the more crowded area around the main building and kept to the quieter parts of the premises instead.
"Are you feeling a little better," Gii asked sweetly and offered his beloved a mild, affectionate smile. "Yes, thank you," Takumi replied, smiling mildly back at his friend and roommate. "You are really good when it comes to comforting people. You never fail to lift my spirits whenever I feel bad, depressed or both." "Yokatta," the handsome upper-class man exclaimed, sighing happily and fought the urge of taking his one and only by the hand or to gently drape an arm around the boy's shoulders as a sign of affection. With the ebony-haired student recently becoming more attached to him again despite his memory loss, Gii found it more and more difficult to deter himself from touching the one person he loved with all his heart.
"Hey Takumi, shall we walk over to the greenhouse and take a rest at the gazebo," he asked casually as they came close to that area of the campus. "Sure why not," the so addressed boy answered good-naturedly. "I really like the place and its atmosphere. It's so serene and quiet." "I agree with that," the amber-haired student concurred with his beloved as he led him towards the pavilion. "It's a very beautiful spot. You know, we often came here together to talk or to relax." 'And to make out,' Gii's inner voice added slyly.
"Did we indeed? I think you once mentioned something of the sort," Takumi mused as he climbed the few steps of the gazebo and leaned himself casually against one of its wooden pillars. "I think it was right after I got released from the hospital. I wonder why other students hardly ever come here. They have no idea what they are missing out on." "Well, this pavilion is quite far away from the school buildings and dorm grounds, just like the wooden terrace we passed earlier," Gii explained smiling mildly. "So, most of the students prefer the seating areas near the main buildings and dormitories as a hang-out, the first- and second-year students in particular. But I certainly don't complain about that because from time to time I need a little solitude. Being a dorm head can be very tiring sometimes."
"I can well imagine that," the other boy chuckled lightly, "especially because of your popularity. Another day I should take Motoki here. I'm sure he would like this place just as much as we do." "Ano concerning Ichikawa, I wish you wouldn't spend so much time with that guy," Gii remarked before he could himself and bit his bottom lip as soon as the words had left his mouth, silently scolding himself for that slip of the tongue.
"Eh," Takumi exclaimed in astonishment, his eyes growing wide and for a long moment an awkward silence fell between the two friends. "Gii, can I ask you something," the ebony-haired youth finally spoke up. "You don't seem to like Motoki very much, do you? I have noticed the way you look at him and how he looks at you. Whenever the two of you meet the atmosphere grows extremely tense. It's almost as if there was a silent war going on between you guys."
"Well, what can I say," the handsome upper-class man sighed. "I can't and I won't deny the fact that I have an aversion to Ichikawa. Don't get me wrong, I'm really glad for you that you were able to meet your old friend again, especially because he probably knows a lot about your past, but I have to say that, personally, I don't trust him. I seriously doubt his true intentions."
"Is it really just that or do you have another reason for disliking Motoki so much," Takumi asked slyly upon hearing these words, the conversation he had had with his friend from junior high school that morning coming back to him. "Like what," the other boy asked cautiously in return and rose to his feet. "Maybe something like disapproving of the fact that I like to hang out with him," the ebony-haired youth replied casually. "Gii could it be that you regard Motoki as a rival and that you are jealous of him?"
"What if I did and what if I were," the handsome upper-class man asked as he strode over to his beloved and placed one hand on the pillar, just beside the left of the boy's head, the feelings he had managed to suppress and to keep under control for such a long time finally getting the better of him. "Takumi," he said hoarsely and gazed intensely at his one and only whose eyes had grown wide. "G-Gii, you are too close. P-Please move away a little," the addressed boy stated in a pleading voice, shifting in discomfort as he tried to hold his friend's penetrating gaze.
For a long moment the two students stared wordlessly at each other and when it became obvious that Gii had no intention of backing away from Takumi, the ebony-haired youth tried to get away by taking a couple of quick steps to the right. But much to the boy's dismay he was prevented from doing so for the handsome upper-class man had swiftly placed his free hand against the pillar, on the right-hand side of his head, with stubborn determination thus trapping him effectively between his arms. "Don't run Takumi, don't run. Please listen to me," Gii demanded huskily and the other nodded almost imperceptibly, clearly feeling uncomfortable and intimidated.
"I am jealous of your friend Ichikawa," the amber-haired student continued, "very jealous and do you know why? Because you are the only thing on my mind. I love you! I love you so much that it hurts!" "G-Gii…w-what did you just say," Takumi asked in sheer disbelief, not sure whether he had heard correctly or not, growing tense as his friend and roommate began to inch closer. "A-Are you serious? I…I'm not sure I understand…" "Then I will make you understand," Gii stated hoarsely and leaned in to take Takumi's mouth captive.
The two boys' lips had barely touched when the ebony-haired youth pushed the handsome upper-class man away with all the strength he could muster, exclaiming "yada…yada yo!" before he, seized by panic, struck him hard on the cheek and for several, agonizingly long seconds the two soul mates could only stare at each other in shock and bewilderment. "T-Ta…kumi," Gii finally breathed brokenly into the tensed silence, his heart shattering into pieces as he slowly placed the palm of his hand onto his cheek which had begun to burn from the slap and unable to stand his beloveds accusing, almost contemptuous gaze he cast his eyes. "Y-You…"
"How could you, Gii," the ebony-haired youth interrupted him shakily and pressed one hand against his lips that had just tasted Gii's while his chocolate-colored eyes started to cloud over with tears. "How could you!?" And with that he fled the gazebo and bolted down the narrow path that led away from the greenhouse as fast as he could, without looking back. Inside the pavilion Gii stood motionlessly for a while, his hands clenched into fists and his vision getting blurry because of the tears that began to well up in his eyes as Takumi's words kept echoing in his ears. When the realization of what had just happened had at last sunk in the handsome upper-class man's shoulders began to tremble violently and breaking into heart wrenching sobs he dropped to his knees. "Ta…kumi…Takumi!"
oOo
Takumi ran blindly over the campus grounds, neither paying attention to nor caring about where he was going. All he wanted was to get away, away from the greenhouse, the gazebo and away from his friend and roommate to a place where he could be alone for some time in order to clear his mind, which was in turmoil, as well as to calm his racing heart. "Baka Gii…baka," he sniffed and furiously wiped away the tears that stubbornly refused to cease. "W-Why did you do that? Y-You ruined everything…baka…baka!"
The ebony-haired youth couldn't say how long he had been running, but at last he slowed down and giving in to exhaustion he was feeling he sank onto the ground. After he had wiped away his tears again he let his gaze wander around for a moment and noticed that he found himself in a, at least to him, unknown part of the campus, a construction site to be exact. It looked like an old building had been demolished not too long ago to make room for the construction of a new facility since there were euro-pallets stacked and containers filled with building materials. "Where am I," Takumi whispered softly and blinked a few times in confusion. "What is this place?"
He scanned his surroundings once more in hopes to find anything that seemed at least remotely familiar when he suddenly perceived someone calling his name. "Hayama-san!" Gii's beloved slowly turned his head into the direction the voice had come from and soon he found himself face to face with his friend and kouhai Shingyouji Kanemitsu. "Hayama-san, you look terrible," the younger boy stated wide-eyed, his voice laced with genuine concern. "I just finished training and was about to return to the dorms when I saw you running past the dojo. I got worried, so I followed you. You look very upset. What's wrong? Do you want me to call someone, Gii perhaps?"
"No," the older student exclaimed shaking his head vehemently. "It's…it's because of him that…" The boy's voice trailed off and fresh tears welled up in his eyes. "Gii-senpai, what did he do," Misu's boyfriend asked carefully and crouched down beside his friend. "G-Gii…he…he…," Takumi sniffed incoherently. "The gazebo…kiss…" "Ehh, masaka…," Shingyouji exclaimed in surprise, counting two and two together. "Ano Hayama-san, why don't we go back to my room for a chat," he offered once he had recovered from his astonishment. "Arata-san said that he wouldn't be back until after dinner, so we won't be disturbed. Besides, since this is a construction site it's off-limits for students, meaning we are not supposed to be here. If we are discovered by a teacher we will get into serious trouble."
"Thanks for coming after me and for inviting me over to your room," the third-year student whispered softly and rose slowly to his feet. "Ja, ikou ka," the younger boy asked with a warm smile playing about his lips upon which Gii's beloved nodded in agreement and about twenty minutes later the two friends were sitting comfortably on Shingyouji's bed in room 270.
"Ano, Shingyouji-kun, about the place where you found me," Takumi began hesitantly after he had accepted a can of juice from the younger boy, "what kind of building used to be there before the area became a construction site?" "The old concert hall was located there," Misu's boyfriend explained patiently. "It was demolished at the beginning of this academic year due to its age. However, because the exterior and interior of that hall were much loved by students and teachers alike, the management board of Shidou Gakuin decided that the new concert hall, which is currently under construction, will not only be built in the same location as the old one, but that it is going to be an exact replica of the original auditorium. The graduation ceremony of the third-year students, meaning yours, next March is supposed to be the first big event held there."
"I see, thanks for the information," Takumi said and smiled mildly at his friend. "You're welcome," Shingyouji replied smiling equally. "At the library you can find a book about Shidou's old concert hall as well as some pictures and articles should you be interested in doing some research." The older boy nodded his understanding and for a moment silence fell between the two students.
"Ano Hayama-san," Misu's lover finally spoke up cautiously. "Can you tell me how you ended up at that construction site, drenched in tears?" "Well, you probably heard what happened to me during lunch break today," Gii's beloved began quietly after a moment of hesitation and when the other boy nodded Takumi told his friend about everything that had happened between him and Gii that afternoon. "…then I ran away and just left him there, not even once looking back at him. I couldn't think straight, so I just kept running and somehow I ended up at the construction site of the concert hall."
"Oh I see, so that's why you were in such a swivet when I found you," Shingyouji mused softly. "How are you feeling now?" "A little better I guess," the older boy replied, offering his friend a mild smile. "But I was really shocked by Gii's confession and his actions. I can't believe that he really kissed me!" "Hayama-san may I ask, but you don't have to answer if you don't want to," the second-year student stated cautiously, "how do you feel about Gii-senpai's confession and the kiss?" "I…I hardly know. I mean what happened at the gazebo was so…so unexpected," Takumi stammered and a sigh tore from him. "Right now I really don't know what to think. I'm so confused, my heart simply won't stop racing and just recalling Gii's lips touching mine makes my head spin…"
When the boy's voice trailed off Shingyouji nodded understandingly, but couldn't help smiling to himself at his friend's last remark. "How about Gii-senpai himself," he asked slyly. "Are you angry with him? Do you resent him for what he did?" "Resent him…no, I don't," the third-year student stated, shaking his head with vehemence. "I could never do that! And I can't even say if I'm angry or not. It's just…well, how should I put it…His confession and the kiss changed everything between us. After what Gii did at the gazebo I don't know anymore where we stand when it comes to our relationship. After what happened today we can't just go on in the same way as we used to and pretend that nothing has changed, you know?"
Takumi fell quiet once more and sighed deeply before he continued. "Then…how am I supposed to face Gii after all this? God Shingyouji, I hit him! I slapped him hard across the face, accused him and simply left without bothering about him. I must have hurt him deeply…oh what am I to do now?" With that Gii's beloved ruffled his hair in desperation, another deep sigh escaping his lips. "Ano, the situation is difficult indeed and the way I see it there is only one way to handle it," Misu's boyfriend explained softly. "Straighten your thoughts and ask yourself the following question: 'Do I have any romantic feelings for Gii?' Once you have found the answer go and talk to him, tell him how truly you feel about him, but don't take too long to make up your mind. This is a serious issue which needs to be resolved quickly because the longer you wait the more it will damage your friendship with him."
"You are right Shingyouji, thank you," Takumi replied softly. "I'm only worried about what will happen once the two of us are back in our room. Things are beyond any doubt going to be very tense and awkward between us." "That may be true, but I'm sure you will find a way to sort it out," the younger boy mused and offered his friend and senpai an encouraging smile. "Alright then, I think I should be going. I've taken up enough of your time already," Gii's beloved said in return and hopped off the bed. "I think I should apologize to Gii for the slap in the face and ask him to give me some time to sort out my feelings."
"That sounds good Hayama-san," Shingyouji replied with a nod of approval. "Ganbatte ne?" "I will, thank you," the older boy stated and made his way over to the door. "Oh and please don't tell Misu or the others about what happened. I'm sure they will learn about it soon enough." "You can depend on my secrecy," Misu's boyfriend answered and showed his friend the peace-sign.
Takumi smiled gratefully in response and after bidding Shingyouji goodbye he took his leave. He slowly climbed the stairs to the third floor, his nervousness growing with every step he took. When he had finally arrived at the door of his and Gii's room he took several deep breaths in order to calm his raw nerves before putting his hand hesitantly on the doorknob and turning it.
"Tadaima," he said meekly as soon as he noticed that his friend and roommate was in and walked quietly over to his desk, completely at a loss of what to say or how to start a conversation with the other boy. "Okaeri," Gii murmured shortly without turning to face his beloved and kept rummaging his closet instead. The atmosphere in the room was extremely awkward, not to mention very tense and every passing minute only made the uncomfortable, almost oppressing silence that had settled between the two boys worse.
"Ano…Gii, what are you doing," Takumi finally asked shyly, unable to bear the quiescence any longer and a sense of foreboding overcame him as he noticed that the other boy was not only going through his wardrobe, but that he was actually stuffing some clothes into a small travel bag. "I just finished packing," the so addressed student stated matter-of-factly and zipped up the bag. Once he had closed the door of his closet he turned around at last to face his beloved and the ebony-haired youth gasped as he apprehended how miserable the handsome upper-class man was looking. Gii was pale, almost as white as a sheet, his eyes were puffy and bloodshot, an unmistakable sign that he had been crying hard and it tore Takumi's heart to see the pain and hurt those dark-brown orbs were reflecting.
"P-Packing…why," Takumi stammered weakly and with a fearful undertone in his voice. "What's the meaning of this?" "I made a decision," Gii stated quietly, trying hard to keep his composure. "I will move into room 300, the single bedroom on this floor which is reserved exclusively for the dorm head. After what happened today I think it might be better if we kept a little distance from each other. If we were to continue sharing this room after what we said and did earlier it would just cause pain for both of us." "G-Gii," the ebony-haired youth stuttered in shock and for a long moment he could only stare at his friend and roommate, who was slowly making his way towards the door, unable to utter another word.
"Regarding your safety, you don't have to worry," the handsome upper class-man continued after he had taken a deep breath and reached for the doorknob. "Akaike as well as the others will look after you and during school hours so will I, just like I promised. But being around you throughout the whole day would be too painful for me right know. I hope that you can understand my feelings and that you can eventually forgive me for my selfishness. Good night Takumi, I see you tomorrow in class." With that Gii quickly took his leave and was gone before the other boy had the chance to say anything in return.
Once the door had fallen shut all the ebony-haired student could do for the following couple of minutes was to stare at it in shock and disbelief. When the realization that the handsome upper-class man had really left for good began to register with his mind, Takumi went over to his bed and reached for his precious teddy bear. "Oh Dai-chan," he whispered brokenly, tears beginning to form in his chocolate-colored eyes as he hugged the stuffed animal tightly to his chest. "I have hurt Gii so deeply that he left. What am I supposed to do now? I've…I've lost him," he sobbed and when the salty drops that were clouding his vision started to trickle his cheeks, Gii's beloved buried his face in the soft fur of the teddy bear, his sobs growing heavier with every passing second, just like the pain in his heart while in room 300 Gii was lying on the bed and cried himself into a dreamless slumber that should prove to be anything but regenerating.
A/N: I'm sorry guys to leave you with another cliff hanger and such a sad one!
Wow, that was my longest chapter so far. I hope you enjoyed reading it. I admit that I got all teary-eyed while writing the final part of this chapter.
What will happen next? How will things develop between Takumi and Gii in the future? Will Ichikawa take this chance to make a move on Takumi? Will Kurokawa strike again? Questions over questions...Find the answers in the next chapter of "Remember Me".
Please take a moment to click the 'review' button and leave me a little comment with your thoughts. It's much appreciated!
For those of you who aren't so lucky to have the whole manga series, the little episode Takumi recalled in this chapter is taken from the manga called "The night Gii became Santa." Takumi, Akaike and Gii go Christmas shopping together, but eventually split upto shop seperately. Because Gii mentioned once that he had never possessed a scarf, Takumi buys one for him at the mall as a christmas present. He and Akaike return to Shidou without Gii who comes home late in the evening, long after curfew and the night is freezing. The next day he feels bad and it becomes onvious that he caught a cold. Takumi nurses him back to health, but wonders why Gii got sick. In the end he finds out that Gii spent most of his money on his christmas present for Takumi, a real illuminated Christmas tree, and had to walk most of the distance back to the school because he didn'thave enough money to pay a taxi.