A/N: Hello Minna! After one month's wait...here is the latest chapter of "Remember Me". I hope you have all been anticipating its release with eagerness. This new chapter is a bit slower-paced compared to the previous ones and will focus mainly on Takumi and Gii (after what they have been through I think they deserve that), but there is going to be plenty of development as well.
Once again I would like to thank all my dear readers who are still following this story, even though it was started over one year ago. A big thanks also goes to all those who took the time to leave me a comment!
Announcement: After due consideration I have finally decided to take the risk and publish my DaiMao story "The Fate of Love" which has been only available on my LJ so for here on . The first chapter will be published on Saturday in the "Misc" category under "web shows" since BACS TV plays a minor role. I hope I will get away with it. If you have not yet read the story on my LJ, but are curious about it then please check back here on Saturday.
And now enjoy the latest chapter of "Remember Me" and as usual comments and reviews are most welcome and greatly appreciated.
Disclaimer: I don't own Takumi-kun Series.
Chapter 12
"Saki-kun," the nurse called Gii's attention as she emerged from the examination room with Takumi in tow and the handsome upper-class man who had been waiting anxiously perched onto one of the chairs in the waiting area immediately jumped to his feet. "How is he," the amber-haired student asked his voice laced with genuine concern. "Hayama-kun has some rope burns on his wrists which I treated and bandaged and he is still a little edgy as a result of the shock he suffered," the nurse explained calmly. "He also complained about light nausea which was caused by the punches in the stomach he received and the anesthetic, but other than that he is alright and you can take him back with you to the dorms. Just make sure that he rests properly and avoid saying or doing anything that could agitate him too much." "I understand. Thank you Natsuko-san," Gii replied and once he had bowed respectfully to the nurse he gently ushered his beloved out of the infirmary and back to room 310.
Once inside the ebony-haired youth sank onto his bed with a pained sigh tearing from him, reached for his precious teddy bear and buried his face in the soft fur of the stuffed animal's chest. "Takumi, are you alright," the handsome upper-class man asked softly after several long moments of silence and sat down on the edge of his beloved's bed's mattress. "I…I hardly know," the so addressed boy whispered brokenly and pushed himself into a sitting position. "If you…if you and the guys wouldn't have come to my rescue Kurokawa would have…he would have killed me." "Luckily we managed to get to you in time," Gii replied hoarsely, the realization of how close he had come to lose his one and only now fully registering with him and a lump began to form in his throat as he silently thanked the heavens that he and the other boys had been able to prevent the worst from happening.
"How did you find me," Takumi's voice ripped him out of his thoughts and he quickly blinked away the tears that had begun to cloud his vision. "You have to thank one of Kurokawa's followers for that," he whispered and drew in a shaky breath. "He came to inform us about that crazy guy's plans. You should also thank Ichikawa. When you were attacked your phone obviously slipped from your pocket. Luckily your boyfriend found it and gave me a call to inform me and the others what was going on."
"I see," Takumi breathed quietly and after a moment of silent contemplation he took a deep breath. "I will thank Motoki later," he went on, "but where he and I are concerned you got it all wrong. He isn't my boyfriend." "After what I saw on Friday I find that hard to believe," the amber-haired student replied brokenly, hurt reflecting in his hazel-colored eyes. "Gii, please listen to me and to what I have to say," the other boy pleaded fidgeting nervously. "You saw a kiss that's true, but you have to believe me when I say that it wasn't what you thought it to be. Motoki he…he forced himself onto me." Takumi's voice trailed off and for a couple of seconds he shyly gazed into Gii's expectant eyes before he finally told the handsome upper-class man every detail of what had occurred the other day.
"…I was shocked by Motoki's actions and so scared because of his touch that I simply froze up. All I wanted to do when I saw you walking away was to call your name, but I couldn't even though I tried several times." "Takumi," Gii breathed softly and all his fears and doubts vanished instantly into the air as he saw the truth in his beloved's eyes along with a mix of pain, sadness and guilt. "Motoki asked me to meet him at the wooden terrace this afternoon because he wanted to hear my answer to his confession," the ebony-haired youth went on. "That's why I went there." "Would you…would you have accepted him," the handsome upper-class man inquired hoarsely, his racing heart leaping in his chest when Takumi shook his head with vehemence.
"I'm so sorry Gii," he whispered brokenly. "I hurt you so much and I…" "It's alright Takumi," he was interrupted by the other who offered him a warm reassuring smile. "It was a misunderstanding and now that it's cleared up neither of us should dwell on it. Don't make yourself uneasy about what happened on Friday and let the memory of that unpleasant incident pass from your mind. In fact I feel like I owe you an apology as well, for the kiss I tried to force upon you the day I confessed to you in the gazebo. My behavior to you at the time was really bad. I permitted my feelings, especially my jealousy to cloud my better judgment and allowed myself to be ruled by them. Please forgive me." Quietly nodding his head in acceptance of the apology he was offered the so addressed boy smiled shyly back at the handsome upper-class man and for a moment silence settled between the two students.
"Ano, Gii can I ask you something," Takumi finally spoke up again and began to fidget a little. "Anything," the most popular student of Shidou answered truthfully. "What is it?" "Well, after the…uhm…incident with Motoki I had another flashback," the ebony-haired youth stated quietly and Gii's eyes went wide, his heartbeat speeding up again. "What was it about," he inquired trying to remain calm, but failed miserably. Takumi was just about to say something in return when a sudden knock on the door interrupted the conversation and as he got up to answer it the handsome upper-class man couldn't help but let out a faint sigh of disappointment, silently cursing inside. As much as he appreciated the diligence and the care of his friends, they couldn't have picked a worse time for their visit and indeed he was greeted by the concerned faces of Misu, Akaike, Toshihisa and Shingyouji when he opened the door, just as he had expected. "Hey guys," he greeted the visitors and stepped aside, inviting the four boys inside.
"How is he," Akaike whispered as he walked past his best friend. "Why don't you see for yourself," Gii murmured in a hushed voice and followed the president of the disciplinary committee and the rest of the group into the room. "Look who is here to check upon you, Takumi." "Minna," the ebony-haired youth exclaimed softly and his lips curled up in a weak smile. "How are you feeling," Toshihisa asked carefully. "Have you calmed down a little?" "Well, I can't really describe what I'm feeling at the moment, but overall I guess one could say that I'm alright considering the circumstances," Gii's beloved explained somewhat hesitantly. "That's good to hear Hayama-san," Shingyouji piped in. "We were all quite worried about you after what happened earlier, so we thought we pay you a short visit."
"Thanks minna, that's very kind of you," Takumi replied softly. "I also want to thank you guys for coming to my rescue. If you hadn't I would…I would be…" The boy's slightly shaky voice trailed off and when his eyes began to turn misty once more Gii was instantly by his beloved's side. "Don't mention it Hayama," Misu stated quickly, immediately sensing the ebony-haired boy's distress, just like his former rival had. "You are safe now. Kurokawa and his minions won't be able to harm you anymore and that's the only thing that counts."
"What is going to happen now," the so addressed student whispered huskily. "Shimada-sensei recorded our statements and has started to prepare for a disciplinary conference," Akaike spoke up gently. "Until the day of the conference Kurokawa and his fan club are going to stay under arrest, so there is nothing you need to fear. The head teacher also charged me with a message for you and Gii. He wants you guys to know that he is going to stop by some time tomorrow morning to hear your statements because tonight he is too busy due to all the paperwork that needs to be done. He also said that the two of you are excused from tomorrow's classes including extracurricular activities and any other school related duties and that you should take a good rest, Hayama especially."
"I will definitely see to that Shouzo, rest assured," Gii replied with such a determination in his warm baritone that it caused Takumi to blush. "The only place we will go to tomorrow is the cafeteria at meal times and that's it." "Speaking of the cafeteria and meal times, I'm sure you guys haven't eaten dinner yet. Should we perhaps go and have dinner together," Toshihisa piped in and while Misu, Shingyouji and Akaike nodded in agreement Takumi glanced pleadingly at Gii, shaking his head almost imperceptibly and the handsome upper-class man caught on immediately. "Thanks for asking, but I think it is better if the two of us would stay in tonight," he explained with an apologetic smile on his lips. "I hope you can understand that." "Of course we do, but you can't go to bed with an empty stomach," Akaike replied, a serious undertone ringing in his otherwise calm voice. "How about this, after we have finished our dinner, we will order yours for take-out and drop it off at the door, so that the two of you can dine here in comfort and in private." "We would appreciate it, thank you Shouzo," Gii answered, smiling gratefully at his best friend and only a short while later he and Takumi were alone again.
"We are really lucky to have such good friends, aren't we," the ebony-haired youth stated softly and his lips curled up a little at the thought. "We are indeed. I don't know where we would be without their support," the other boy agreed smiling mildly and sat down next to his beloved again. "However, just before they stopped by you mentioned that you had another flashback and that there was something you wanted to ask me," he added carefully after a brief moment of silence. "May I ask what you remembered and what it is you would like to know?"
"Well, the flashback was about…it was about us," Takumi began hesitantly, riveting his eyes on his bandaged wrists and Gii gasped, his heartbeat speeding up a pace. "We were in a dark room and there was a stage…" "The old concert hall," the handsome upper-class man whispered hoarsely. "What were we doing there?" "You…you told me that we ended up in that place because of some other guy, but I can't recall his name. You said something about him being jealous because you like me instead of him and then…then you kissed me," the so addressed boy explained softly and at last raised his head to face his friend. "Gii, have we been lovers in the past…before I lost my memories. Are we supposed to be a couple?"
"Takumi," the handsome upper-class man sighed and for several long seconds he simply gazed at the object of his affection, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions and his features holding an expression the ebony-haired youth couldn't quite interpret. "I will only say this, it's true that I confessed to you before," Gii finally said quietly, his voice raspy with emotion. "If we were a couple in the past or not doesn't matter. The only thing that matters is the present, the here and now." "But why? Why don't you want to answer my question," Takumi asked somewhat dejectedly. "If you should choose to be with me, to become my boyfriend and lover, I want you to make that choice based on your own true feelings, on the things your heart keeps telling you and on nothing else. I don't want you to be with me because you feel obliged to, because of something you think we might have had in the past," the amber-haired student explained with sincerity. "I really want you to be with me, you know that I do, but I could never accept you as my boyfriend and lover if you don't return my feelings because if I did, neither of us would be happy. Can you understand that?"
"Yes, I can," the other boy answered meekly, his cheeks reddening in shame and embarrassment. "I'm sorry Gii for being so egocentric, so thoughtless and inconsiderate when it comes to your feelings. Please forgive me." "There is nothing to forgive," the handsome upper-class man replied gently and offered his beloved a warm, reassuring smile. "As long as you can understand why I act the way I do everything is alright." "Thanks," Takumi whispered softly before his voice trailed off again and as he began to play nervously with his fingers Gii couldn't help but smirk for he knew only all too well what his beloved's behavior meant.
"Is there anything else you would like to ask, anything else that's on your mind," he finally asked good-naturedly into the silence that had settled between him and the other. "Y-Yes there is," the ebony-haired youth stammered, blinking rapidly a few times in surprise. "H-How can you tell?" "Oh Takumi, my dear Takumi," the handsome upper-class man chuckled. "We have been roommates for a whole year and classmates ever since we entered this school. During the past two years I have come to know you and your habits quite well. You always start to toy with your fingers whenever there is something on your mind you are too shy to talk about or don't know how to address. "Eh…really," Takumi exclaimed blushing lightly and Gii nodded his head in response, his lips slightly curled up in a mild smile. "Come on, tell me what it is that troubles you," he pried carefully. "You know that you can tell me everything."
"Ano…, I don't really know how to say this," the other boy stammered lowering his gaze like he had done only a short while before and began to fidget at little. "I…well, I wondered if…if you could…well…if you could move back here with me." With that the ebony-haired youth fell silent once more and ever so slowly he raised his head to face Gii again. "I mean…I know that you said the other day in the infirmary that you move back in with me once we have talked things over," he added hastily when he perceived the expression the handsome upper-class man's face held, an expression he couldn't construe at all. "But after what happened today I wondered if…well, if you could stay here at least for tonight because I…I…"
"Of course I will stay," he was interrupted by the other whose voice was gentle yet reassuring. "And not only will I stay for tonight, but for good. I will move back here. What a friend would I be if I would continue to let you stay in this room all by yourself after everything that has happened to you?" "Thank you Gii, you are so kind," Takumi whispered and offered his friend a shy smile, gratefulness and relief written all over his delicate features. "I know I'm being selfish again, but I really can't bear to be alone right now."
"Come here," the handsome upper-class man stated softly and opened his arms in invitation, knowing what his one and only needed, but was too shy and embarrassed to ask. "G-Gii," the ebony-haired youth stammered. "Is it okay…I mean…" "Takumi, no matter if we become lovers or continue as friends I will always be there to support and to comfort you," Gii said endearingly and offered his one and only an affectionate smile. "So don't be afraid to ask for a hug if you need one or a shoulder to lean on, unless you prefer to hug Dai-chan and to lean on him instead of me." That remark raised a tiny smile from the other and shaking his head almost imperceptibly he slowly inched closer to the handsome upper-class man, at last resting his head lightly against the boy's firm chest. Smiling mildly to himself Gii wrapped his arms tenderly around Takumi's slender frame and began to rub the youth's neck as well as his back in the most soothing and caressing manner.
Upon feeling the touch Takumi flinched and gasping he stiffened momentarily, but kept reminding himself that it was the person who was holding him with so much tenderness would never hurt him and soon he began to relax. With a small sigh escaping from his lips he returned Gii's gesture and slowly put his arms around his friend's middle, settling his hands on the amber-haired student's shoulder blades. The handsome upper-class man gently tightened the embrace, gingerly nuzzling his beloved's hair and thus the two boys sat quietly for a while, remaining in each other's arms, in a loving embrace that was comforting and healing for both of them.
oOo
"…kumi…Takumi," he perceived a velvety voice, seemingly coming from afar at first but gradually becoming louder and clearer, calling his name. Moaning faintly the ebony-haired youth slowly opened his eyes and was greeted by the handsome face of his friend and roommate who was gazing lovingly at him, a warm affectionate smile playing about his mouth. "Ohayo Takumi," Gii greeted his beloved. "How are you this morning?" "Compared to yesterday I'm feeling much better I guess," the so addressed boy murmured, and blinked rapidly a few times before rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. "What time is it?" "It's almost 9 o'clock," the handsome upper-class man replied the warm smile that was gracing his lips growing bigger, "and I have something for you."
Takumi's eyes widened with curiosity as Gii walked over to the desks only to return a few seconds later with a tray in his hands that contained a rich meal. "Breakfast is served," he announced and set the tray carefully down onto his beloved's nightstand, smiling widely. "G-Gii…thank you so much," the ebony-haired youth stammered as he let his gaze wander over the delicious looking dishes and shyly returned his friend's smile. "But you shouldn't have taken that much trouble." "Yes, I should have," the other boy contradicted with determination. "The head teacher and the nurse ordered you to rest well and I will make sure that you do. With the disciplinary conference being just a few days around the corner I can well imagine that the time until then is going to be quite stressful and nerve-wracking for you, so you should take it easy."
"You are really sweet to do all this for me," Takumi replied softly and couldn't help but blush at all the kind, loving attention he was receiving. "But what about you? Won't you have some breakfast as well or have you already eaten at the cafeteria?" "Don't worry, I ordered my breakfast for take-away as well and Shouzo was kind enough to assist me in carrying all the dishes here," Gii answered calmly motioning towards his desk upon which the other boy craned his neck and could spy a second breakfast tray. "Then bring your breakfast over and let's enjoy the meal together," he stated smiling mildly and only a minute later Gii had made himself comfortable at the foot of Takumi's bed, the tray which carried the dishes he had chosen sitting beside him on the mattress.
"The food looks really delicious," the ebony-haired youth remarked and licked his lips. "You must have been very quiet after you got up, considering that I didn't hear you move at all." "I tried to make as little noise as possible," the so addressed student replied truthfully. "I also think that you have probably slept deeper than usual. Yesterday evening you surely must have been both physically and mentally exhausted after…" Gii's voice trailed off and for a moment his eyes grew misty, an expression of pain becoming evident on his handsome features as the boy recalled the events of the previous day which caused him to swallow hard.
"Gii, are you alright," Takumi inquired softly and the handsome upper-class man rapidly blinked a few times in response, attempting to shake off the dark, oppressive thoughts that had begun to enter his mind. "It's nothing. Please don't worry," he finally spoke up. "I guess I'm still far from being over yesterday's incident. Just thinking about it sends cold shivers down my spine, but never mind. Let's try to forget about it for the time being and enjoy our breakfast." With that he picked up his chopsticks and nodding in agreement the ebony-haired youth followed his friend's example. The two students ate most of their meal in comfortable silence, smiling at one another whenever they caught each other's eye and for the first time in days, weeks even, Gii's confidence began to strengthen as the spark of hope, that had begun to flicker in his heart once more after the receipt of the other's message and their reconciliation the previous day, turned into a flame, blazing bright and warming his chest.
"Gochisousama deshita," Takumi stated and put down his chopsticks with a sigh of contentment. "Thank you Gii for choosing all these dishes for me, including many of my favorites, too. "You are really spoiling me this morning." "You are welcome," the handsome upper-class man replied good-naturedly as he hopped off the bed to pick up both trays and to place them back onto the desks. "You deserve to be indulged a little, at least until the conference has taken place." The words had barely left Gii's mouth when a loud knock on the door announced a visitor.
"That would have to be Shimada-sensei," the boy murmured as he strode over to it to welcome the visitor and to invite him inside. He attended to the doorway and just as he had expected he was greeted by the face of Shidou Gakuin's head teacher. "Shimada-sensei, please come in," Gii stated politely and slightly bowed his head to the middle-aged man in respect. "Thank you Saki," the teacher replied and stepped into the room. "How are Hayama and you this morning?" "We are not too bad sensei. We have just finished breakfast," the handsome upper-class man explained as he led the man towards the small seating area. "But why don't you ask Takumi directly about his condition?"
"I see you are following my orders and are taking it easy Hayama," the head teacher said as he approached Takumi's bed, smiling mildly. "Gii is taking good care of me and he is determined to make sure that I get as much rest as possible," the ebony-haired youth explained and offered the middle-aged man a shy smile. "That's good," Shimada-sensei replied with a nod of satisfaction and went to draw one of the chairs from the seating area closer to Takumi's bed.
"Hayama, I have no doubt that you know the reason for my visit," he said calmly and once Takumi had wordlessly nodded his understanding the head teacher sat down, Gii immediately following the man's example, taking a seat on the edge of his beloved's bed again. "I'm well aware that this interrogation is probably going to be quite hard for both of you and Hayama in particular, but you guys have to tell me what happened yesterday in as much detail as possible. Do you think you can do that," Shimada-sensei inquired carefully and breathed a sigh of relief when Takumi and Gii nodded in unison. "That's good," he continued and offered the two students a reassuring smile. "Don't feel pressured. Take as much time as you need and if you should need a moment to calm yourself or to collect your thoughts, please don't hesitate to tell me. That goes for both of you."
"Wakarimashita," the boys stated and once the head teacher had pressed the 'record' button on his mp3 recorder Gii began to tell him everything that had happened from the moment Nakanobu had come running to room 300 with the news. "And how about you Hayama, are you ready to tell me what happened to you," Shimada-sensei asked gently after the amber-haired student had finished his account and Takumi nodded almost imperceptibly, taking several deep breaths to calm himself and riveting his eyes on his hands he hesitantly began to explain what had occurred the previous day. The head teacher and Gii listened attentively and a lump began to form in the handsome upper-class man's throat as he listened to his beloved's account of how he was attacked and etherized in the coppice and what Kurokawa had done to him before they had been interrupted by Ichikawa's scream.
"…a-and then Gii suddenly appeared along with our other friends," the ebony-haired youth stammered shakily and unconsciously reached for the hand of his friend and roommate. Surprised by the boy's action Gii's eyes widened slightly in surprise, but only a few seconds later the handsome upper-class man laced his fingers with Takumi's, gently squeezing the youth's hand in silent comfort and support.
"Saki, Hayama, thanks for your detailed accounts," Shimada-sensei spoke up after a brief moment of uncomfortable quiescence. "Hayama, can I ask you another question?" The so addressed boy nodded quietly and unconsciously tightened his hold of Gii's hand. "What is it sensei that you would like to know," he asked politely, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Well, I heard that you are frequently having flashbacks these days," the middle-aged man began cautiously. "Have you by any chance remembered some details about the evening of Tanabata, like who was involved in the attack that night or anything of the sort?"
"Ano…, I…," Takumi stuttered fidgeting nervously and glanced repeatedly at Gii from the corner of his eye. "Takumi, what is it," the handsome upper-class man asked gently, alerted by the behavior of his beloved. "Actually I do remember almost everything about the attack," the ebony-haired youth admitted meekly and looked at his friend and roommate once more, drawing in a shaky breath when he noticed the look of surprise and hurt on the handsome features of the boy. "I do remember the faces of my attackers. I even know their names." "Even though I can already guess who the culprits are, I would like you to tell me the names of the students who assaulted you on Tanabata," the head teacher requested calmly. "I will greatly help to settle this whole matter once and for all." Takumi quietly nodded his understanding and with a slightly desperate sigh escaping his lips he began to list the names of Kurokawa and the ones of those among his minions who had been with him that fateful night. "…I can't recall that there was anyone else," he finished somewhat meekly upon which Shimada-sensei closed the notebook that was now containing the names of Kurokawa and seven other freshmen.
"Is there anything else related to this whole affair that I should know about," the middle-aged man inquired somewhat emphatically. "Ano, I'm not sure if it is of any importance, but some weeks ago this was given to me," Gii's beloved replied shyly as he bent over and opened the drawer of his nightstand to take out the threatening letter that he had received shortly after his return to Shidou. "And before you ask me why I concealed this until now… I'm certain that the contents of the letter will more than explain my actions." "That's interesting, that's very interesting indeed," the head teacher murmured once he had read the short message that was printed on the piece of paper that had been handed to him. "I will ask Nakanobu if he knows anything about this letter. He has agreed to cooperate with us and to tell us everything he knows about Kurokawa's machinations on and after Tanabata at the disciplinary conference."
"What is going to happen next," Gii asked politely, but with a somewhat skeptical undertone in his voice. "Well, the disciplinary conference is scheduled for the day after tomorrow, meaning Wednesday, at ten o'clock in the morning," Shimada-sensei explained matter-of-factly. "Hayama, Ichikawa and Nakanobu will have to give their statements once more in front of the principal and the board of teachers. After that we will decide on the proper punishment and it will be announced in front of the whole student body in the assembly hall at three-thirty in the afternoon. To announce a punishment publicly is rather unusual, but it seems that the principal is intent on making an example of Kurokawa and his followers in order to make sure that incidents like the ones that happened to Hayama won't occur again in the future."
"What about us," Gii inquired curiously. "I suppose that we are expected to attend classes again from tomorrow onwards?" "Actually we, meaning the board of teachers and the principal agreed upon excusing both of you from any classes, club activities or other school-related duties until the day of the conference," the head teacher stated smiling mildly. "After his ordeal Hayama should rest as much as possible, but shouldn't be left alone and after what we have witnessed yesterday all of us are of the opinion that you Saki are the most capable person to look after him."
"Wakarimashita," the handsome upper-class man replied with sincerity and Takumi couldn't help but smile to himself at the thought of being able to spend another free day with Gii. "Well then, if you guys don't have any further questions, I will return to the teachers' room. There still are a lot of things to do prior to the disciplinary conference," Shimada-sensei announced and rose to his feet, Gii following his example while the ebony-haired youth remained in bed. "If you should need anything, please don't hesitate to come to my office." The two boys nodded their understanding and after they had exchanged their goodbyes the teacher took his leave upon which a grave silence fell over the room. With a dejected sigh Takumi hung his head and shifted uncomfortably, bracing himself for what was about to come for he knew that after what he had just, in the presence of Gii, admitted to the head teacher he would have a good deal of explaining to do.
"How long has it been since you first remembered the names and faces of the guys who attacked you on Tanabata," the handsome upper-class man finally spoke up. "Ano…, do you remember the first flashback I had shortly after got released from the hospital," the so addressed boy began hesitantly. "Yes, the one that caused you to faint and after which you could partly remember the attack," the amber-haired student replied quietly. "I was scared to death when I first heard about that fainting spell." "The truth is that after that flashback I could remember everything related to the attack and not just parts of it," Takumi explained meekly and began to twiddle his thumbs while he kept his gaze lowered, not daring to look at his friend and roommate. "You mean that all this time you knew who…," Gii muttered in sheer disbelief, clearly taken aback, hurt reflecting in his hazel-colored orbs. "Why Takumi…why didn't you tell us?"
"I…I was too scared," the so addressed student replied, his voice barely more than a whisper. "A day or two before the flashback, I can't remember exactly, I was insulted by some freshmen at the cafeteria and then I received that threatening letter which stated that you guys would get hurt should I dare to breathe a word to anyone about what happened on Tanabata." Takumi's voice trailed off for a moment and the ebony-haired youth took a deep breath before he continued. "What happened to Shingyouji-kun in the library the other day wasn't an accident Gii. It was design, a warning in order to show me that the creator of this letter meant every single word he had written and after what had happened to Shingyouji-kun I was afraid that more 'accidents' would happen. I wouldn't have been able to bear it if anything serious would have happened to Akaike, Misu, Toshihisa, Shingyouji-kun and especially you…"
"So you decided to keep silent even though you knew quite well that agreeing to Kurokawa's conditions would cause you suffering and pain," the handsome upper-class man breathed softly and the other boy nodded almost imperceptibly. "Oh Takumi." "I…I'm really sorry Gii. I didn't mean to deceive you and the others," the so addressed youth stammered, shyly reaching for his friend's hands. "Please don't be too angry with me, but I really didn't know what else to do." "Don't worry I'm not mad at you. I'm only sad because you had to endure so much for our sake when we should have been the ones doing everything possible to protect you and to keep you out of harm's way," Gii whispered brokenly as he gently took his beloved's hand into his own.
"Don't blame yourself and don't be sad," Takumi replied softly and inched a little bit closer to the other boy. "You can't protect me all the time even if you wish to. You and the guys have done so much for me. All this time, from the very moment you came to see me at the hospital, all of you have been nothing but supportive in any way, especially you and that helped me more than you can imagine. Thank you, thank you for everything you have done for me until now." And with that the ebony-haired youth withdrew his hands from Gii's hold only to place them lightly onto the boy's shoulders before resting his head against the handsome upper-class man's chest much to the surprise of the latter. For a brief moment Gii remained motionlessly on the edge of the mattress, the realization that his beloved was hugging him by choice, in spite of his phobia slowly sinking in, but once it had the amber-haired student returned the gesture and tenderly embraced his one and only, a smile forming on his lips when the other accepted the touch with only a light flinch and a faint gasp.
"Gii," Takumi breathed softly after a while. "Since we don't have to attend any classes today could we go for a walk on the campus and meet the others for lunch? The weather is nice and since I don't have anything to fear from Kurokawa and his fan club, them being kept in custody, I don't want to stay cooped up in our room all day." "Of course we can do that," the handsome upper-class man replied, lightly nuzzling his beloved's hair. "Change your clothes and then let's go." Nodding eagerly the ebony-haired youth withdrew from the other's embrace, hopped off the bed and practically bounced over to the closet, Gii's eyes following his every move attentively. He quickly changed out of his pajamas into a pair of jeans and a simple T-shirt and only a few minutes later the two boys were walking the paths of the vast school grounds at a leisurely pace.
"This feels quite nostalgic," Gii spoke up softly after they had walked in comfortable silence for a while. "We often used to take walks together in the past." "Did we, then why don't we make it a habit again," Takumi replied shyly and couldn't help but blush at the words he had just spoken. "I'd really love that," the handsome upper-class man beamed and casually held his hand out to his beloved, his heart leaping joyously in his chest when the boy hesitantly took it. Ever so tenderly Gii laced his fingers with Takumi's and a soft sigh tore from the lips of the ebony-haired youth. "Are you happy?" "Yes, I am. I'm so happy that after Wednesday afternoon my life here at Shidou is going to be normal and quiet again," the so addressed boy replied truthfully. "No more threats, no more bullying and I won't have to look constantly over my shoulder wherever I go. However, I'm so nervous about the disciplinary conference. I dread the thought that I will have to face Kurokawa and the others once more."
"Don't worry Takumi, everything is going to be alright," Gii stated with sincerity and offered his beloved a reassuring smile. "Since he is the president of the disciplinary committee Shouzo will be present at the conference and if it makes you feel better, I will ask him if I can attend it as well, so that I can stay by your side." "That's very kind of you. Depending how I feel on Wednesday morning I might take you up on that offer," Takumi answered and a sigh of relief escaped his lips. "Shall we slowly walk towards the cafeteria? I'm starting to feel hungry and morning classes will let out in about fifteen minutes." "Really, you are hungry after the hearty breakfast we had not too long ago? I'm delighted to hear that your appetite begins to return," the handsome upper-class man chuckled lightly. "Let's go then. Since I'm in charge of looking after you I can't let you starve, now can I?"
The ebony-haired youth nodded eagerly in agreement and soon the two friends were on their way to the cafeteria, their hands still intertwined. By the time they arrived the dining area as well as the ordering counter had already begun to crowd with students, but after having taken a quick glance across the room Gii spied Akaike, Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa who were already occupying a table that was large enough for six people and smiling mildly he strolled over to them with Takumi in tow. "May we join you guys?" "Of course, we already figured that you would come here for lunch," Akaike replied returning his best friend's smile. "Have a seat."
"Hayama, compared to yesterday you are looking much better," Misu remarked casually. "How are you feeling?" "Thank you, I'm already feeling much better, mostly thanks to Gii who is taking excellent care of me," the so addressed boy and threw glance at the handsome upper-class man, an affectionate smile playing about his lips. "He is a wonderful nurse." "I didn't do anything special," the amber-haired student stated casually, but despite his efforts to keep his cool demeanor he couldn't prevent a faint blush from creeping onto his cheeks at the compliment he had just received.
"Well, have we missed anything in class this morning," he inquired hastily, eager to change the subject of the conversation. "No, not really," Akaike answered calmly. "We only continued to work through the books and so far we weren't given any special assignments. You will be able to catch up in next to no time. If you like I can make a list with the pages covered and the homework we were assigned in each subject and quickly stop by your room after dinner to drop it off." "Thanks, that would be great," Gii replied and glanced at his wrist watch which was showing twelve-thirty. "Speaking of studying, shouldn't you guys slowly but surely head back and get ready for the afternoon classes?" "My last two periods are self-study," Shingyouji spoke up cheerfully. "Both periods are English and the teacher is a member of the board of teachers, so he is busy with preparations for the disciplinary conference." "The same goes for us. The last two periods after lunch are self-study today because the science teacher called in sick this morning," Toshihisa beamed. "So, we all can take it easy this afternoon."
"That's great," Takumi and Gii exclaimed in unison, a sigh of relief tearing from them since science was neither their favorite subject nor exactly their strongest one. The other boys began to chuckle because their friends' actions had been completely in sync and even though it had been a mere coincidence it had looked and felt so natural. Blushing, the handsome upper-class man and the ebony-haired youth gazed at each other in surprise for a few seconds before they finally broke into laughter as well. Once they had all calmed down the boys continued chatting animatedly about this and that, but when the bell from the clock tower began to toll, announcing two o'clock, Takumi's eyes went wide. "Oh my goodness, is it really that late already," he exclaimed and rose to his feet. "I'm sorry guys, but I have to go. I almost forgot that I promised the nurse yesterday that I would stop by the infirmary around two o'clock this afternoon for a quick check-up und to get my bandages changed."
"Shall I go with you," Gii inquired gently. "Just to make sure that you get to the infirmary unharmed." "Thank you Gii, but please don't trouble yourself," the so addressed boy replied, shaking his head. "Kurokawa and the others are in custody, remember? So, what could possibly happen? The check-up won't take long, so maybe you could pick me up in about, let's say half an hour?" "Sure, I'd like to do that," the handsome upper-class man replied and offered his beloved a beautiful, loving smile. "I see you at two-thirty then," Takumi stated, smiling equally. "See you later guys!" And with that he headed for the exit of the cafeteria.
"Hayama sure seems to be in high spirits today. I'm sure that, with Kurokawa and his minions finally being taken care of, a heavy weight must have been lifted from our friend's shoulders," Akaike remarked smiling mildly. "I haven't seen him like that in weeks." "A heavier one than you can probably imagine," Gii murmured softly and everybody's eyes riveted immediately upon him. "What do you mean Saki," Misu inquired curiously. "Is there anything we should know about?" "Well…there actually is and I think it is better if I tell you about it because Takumi definitely won't and this issue will, without a doubt, come up during the disciplinary conference the day after tomorrow. Takumi has hidden quite a few things from us," the handsome upper-class man answered truthfully and after he had taken a deep breath he filled Misu, Toshihisa, Shingyouji and Akaike in with the details of what he had learned from the conversation with his beloved and the head teacher regarding the truth of Takumi's first flashback and the threatening letter he had received.
"…For our sake Takumi kept all that to himself and decided to take the heat instead, knowing that his days here would turn into a living hell because Kurokawa wouldn't leave him alone." The handsome upper-class man's voice trailed off and for several long moments Misu, Akaike, Shingyouji and Toshihisa remained silent, their faces portraying a mix of emotions ranging from shock and disbelief to embarrassment and consternation as they tried to take in and process what they had just heard. "That guy," Misu finally muttered and shook his head. "Doing something like that is so typical for him."
"I don't know what to say," Akaike added hoarsely, still trying to regain his composure. "I really don't. I'm at a loss for words. Here we are thinking that we have been protecting Hayama up to now when in fact, for all this time, it had been him protecting us." "I feel so sorry for Hayama-san. To think that he had to endure so much and mainly because he wanted to keep us as best as he could out of harm's way," Shingyouji piped in, his voice raspy with emotion. "Hayama-san really is one of a kind, isn't he?" "Yes, he sure is, but I really don't know whether I should hit and reprimand Takumi for what he has done or hug and thank him instead," Toshihisa muttered. "To hide all this from us and to carry this additional burden all by himself when his amnesia was already causing him enough stress and trouble…"
"Those were exactly my thoughts as well when I first heard about all this from Takumi this morning," Gii spoke up and a mild somewhat melancholic smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "But in the end I decided to go for the hug." "Well, it seems that, after what happened yesterday, you and Hayama have finally gotten closer again," Misu stated casually and the others nodded eagerly in agreement. "You hugged despite his phobia and while we were having lunch I have observed him and noticed the way he looked at you. There definitely was admiration and affection in Hayama's gaze." "And that means that Takumi either subconsciously begins to remember the feelings he harbored for you in the past or that he is falling for you again despite the fact that he has no recollection of the romantic relationship with you," Toshihisa mused grinning from ear to ear. "It seems like you have succeeded at last and managed to capture his heart once more."
"That's great," Shingyouji exclaimed happily. "Gii-senpai, if that's true, don't you want to make a move?" "No I don't," the handsome upper-class man replied softly. "When it comes to the matter of our relationship I don't want to pressure Takumi. Yesterday he told me that he would give me an answer soon, so I will wait patiently and until that day comes I will make the best of the present, meaning that I will gratefully accept whatever he is willing to give and show my affection for him in a subtle way. I have noticed as well that Takumi's behavior towards me begins to change, that he seeks my closeness and as happy as I am about this development the last thing I want is to scare him off by being too demanding, too pushy."
"I can well understand that," Akaike said smiling mildly. "And I dare say that in good time the two of you will be all lovey-dovey again, regardless if Hayama is going to recover his memories of the past or not." "I hope so Shouzo," Gii whispered softly, his lips curling up slightly at the thought of calling Takumi his boyfriend once more. "And now I have to go," he continued after his voice had trailed of for a few, short seconds. "It's almost two-thirty and I don't want to be late or keep Takumi waiting for too long should he already be done with his check-up." With that he rose from his seat and turned to leave. "I see you guys later. Ja ne," he called over his shoulder as he headed for the doors of the cafeteria with a light spring in his step.
"It's wonderful to see Gii like that again," Toshihisa stated keeping his eyes fixed on the retreating figure of the handsome upper-class man until he was out of sight and the others nodded in agreement. "I don't know why, but somehow I feel that once the disciplinary conference is over everything will soon be the way it used to, the way it should be." "Let us all hope so," Akaike murmured softly. "After everything they have been through Hayama and Gii deserve a happy ending."
oOo
He slowly opened his eyes and blinked a few times in order to clear his blurred vision. He squinted his eyes, trying to make out his surroundings that were veiled fog that was wafting in thick shrouds through what looked like clumps of trees, bushes and brushwood, but he couldn't discern much in the murky duskiness. "Where am I," he muttered, his voice barely more than a whisper. "How did I get here?" His body was feeling strangely numb as was his head and the cold humid air caused the boy to shiver upon which he grabbed the collar of his jacket to pull the garment tighter around his trembling figure, only to discover that the coat was wet. Frowning the ebony-haired youth patted his shirt and his trousers, his eyes widening in surprise and confusion when he discovered that all of his clothes were obviously drenched with water.
"What the heck is going on here," the boy stammered perplexed. "I need to return to the dorms and get out of these clothes before I catch a cold, but in which direction are the dorm grounds?" He glanced once more into the fog and after a long moment he could make a dim light in the far distance or at least he thought so. "That must either be the main buildings or the dorms," he murmured relieved and tried to take a step forward, but he couldn't advance. He tried a second and a third time, but his legs that were suddenly feeling heavy simply refused to move. It was as if his whole body was frozen to the spot and slowly fear began to curdle the boy's stomach.
"What's wrong," he half-shouted with desperation evident in his voice and glanced down his body, examined every inch of it, but couldn't detect any restraints. "Why can't I move?" With that he closed his eyes and concentrated all his willpower on moving his foot at least one step forward, but to no avail and then slurred voices reached his ears, softly at first, but soon growing louder. Panic began to form in his throat as the ebony-haired youth slowly opened his eyes and perceived several ghostly figures that had emerged from the shadows. The faceless creatures quickly approached the boy without making a sound and began to float around him. "Scum…lowlife…worthless commoner…," they whispered lowly as the kept moving around the scared youth and even though they never touched him he soon felt pain in his face, his stomach and other parts of his petrified body. It almost seemed as if he was receiving invisible punches and as the pain grew stronger he groaned several times in agony. "Help," he screamed desperately in his mind and wrapped his arms tightly around his trembling form. "Anyone, help…please!"
The ghostly creatures began to snicker and sneer at the poor sight their victim offered and at last one of them left the circle and floated closer. When the goblin-shaped figure had come face to face with the ebony-haired youth its blurred features began to change. They slowly took shape and only a moment later the boy found himself staring at the face of Kurokawa Minoru. For several long seconds the freshman glared wordlessly at him, hate and disgust evident on his features. Then with an evil grin forming on his lips the first-year student raised his hand and revealed a long knife. The eyes of the older student widened in horror as they perceived the weapon that was flashing dangerously despite the murky duskiness of its surroundings. With all the power and energy he could muster the ebony-haired youth tried once more to force his body to move, to get away from the life-threatening danger, but failed miserably. He tried to scream, but no words came out of his mouth and then Kurokawa lunged forward…
"Kyaaaaa!" Takumi shot up in his bed in the middle of the night with a piercing scream. The lamp on Gii's nightstand flickered to life only a moment later and while the handsome upper-class man scrambled out of his covers and rushed to his beloved's side a feeling of déjà vu overcame him as the memories of a certain night several weeks before began to fill his head. "Takumi," he exclaimed, concern and anxiety written all over his handsome features as he approached the other boy who was drenched in tears and breathing raggedly. "Takumi, Look at me! Can you hear me? Takumi!"
"G-Gii," the so addressed boy stammered with a trembling, tear-stained voice and the handsome upper-class man breathed a sigh of relief, grateful that, unlike the other night, the ebony-haired youth had recognized him immediately. "It's alright Takumi. I'm here," he whispered in the gentlest and most soothing voice as he sat down on the edge of the other boy's bed. "Nobody will harm you. You are in our room and you are safe." With that Gii reached out and after a short moment of silent contemplation he tenderly took his beloved's hands into his. Takumi flinched and his body stiffened momentarily at the touch, but he didn't try to withdraw. He just continued to sob quietly, keeping his gaze lowered. "What happened? Did you have a bad dream," the amber-haired student asked softly. "Please tell me."
"I…I found myself in s-some cold, foggy, dark a-and dreadful place and I had no idea h-how I had gotten there," the ebony-haired youth sniffed and finally raised his head to face his friend and roommate. "M-My body was paralyzed. I couldn't move, no matter h-how hard I tried…" And with that he explained the handsome upper-class man what had happened in the dream he had had. "…a-and then Kurokawa raised the knife and lunged forward." Takumi's voice trailed off and silent tears trickled down his cheeks. "It was only a dream," Gii whispered soothingly. "Kurokawa can't hurt you anymore and he won't ever be able to do anything to you again. You are safe." "I know, but it felt so real and I was so scared," the other boy stammered and furiously wiped away the tears that continued to escape his eyes, "so incredibly scared."
"It's alright now," the handsome upper-class man replied calmly and ever so slowly he reached out to brush away the salty drops from the cheeks of his beloved who much to his surprise allowed the feathery, almost non-existent touch. "You should try to get back to sleep. It's late and you need to keep your strength." Upon hearing those words that were spoken in the softest manner Takumi shook his head vehemently. "I'm afraid," he breathed quietly. "I'm afraid that if I close my eyes, I'm going to have another nightmare. "Don't worry about that. I will stay by your side until morning," Gii replied, smiling reassuringly. "N-No, you can't sit by my bedside for the rest of the night," the ebony-haired youth protested. "You wouldn't be able to get a wink of sleep and you need it just as much as I do." "Actually, I don't intend to sit by your bed," the so addressed boy answered, a mild, somehow mysterious smile playing about his mouth. "I had something else in mind. Takumi, could you get out of your bed for a moment?"
"Eeh," the ebony-haired youth exclaimed, blinking his eyes in confusion and for several seconds he only stared at the other student, but finally nodded his consent and did as he was told. As soon as his beloved had left the bed Gii pulled its mattress onto the floor before doing the same with his own. He then arranged the two mattresses, so that they were sitting side by side like they would on a double bed. "Come here Takumi," he whispered softly and patted the ebony-haired youth's side of the newly created night's lodging while sliding under his own covers. Hesitantly the so addressed student followed the example of his friend and roommate, even though he wasn't sure what exactly the other was up to. "Good boy," the handsome upper-class man cooed when his one and only laid down and began to make himself comfortable.
"Now lace your fingers with mine," he continued in a velvety voice, making sure that he wouldn't lie too close to his beloved, out of concern that his closeness would be intimidating for the boy, before he slowly extended his hand. "By taking my hand and holding it you will be reminded for the remainder of the night that I'm right here beside you and that way we both can get some sleep." "G-Gii," Takumi stammered and for a long moment he gazed wordlessly into his friend's gentle hazel-colored eyes, but then he hesitantly did as he was told and lightly laced his fingers with the ones of the handsome upper-class man, blushing faintly.
Smiling mildly Gii reached above his head with his free hand and pushed the switch of his bedside lamp upon which the room fell dark again. "Try to relax and to go back to sleep. You have nothing to fear," he whispered in the gentlest voice and tenderly squeezed his beloved's hand in a reassuring manner. "Good night Takumi." "Good night Gii," the ebony-haired youth breathed softly and closed his eyes. Soon his breath became flat and even, a sign that he had drifted back to slumber and for the rest of the night he slept peacefully, never letting go of Gii's hand that gave him a feeling of safety and protection just as the handsome upper-class man had said it would.
oOo
The following day passed rather uneventfully. Takumi spend most of his time with Gii in their room chatting or studying and like they had done the previous day the two boys took a leisurely walk together. However, when the time of the curfew approached and they got ready for bed the ebony-haired youth began to feel anxious, the memory of the dreadful nightmare that had haunted him the previous night coming back to him. Sensing his beloved's uneasiness Gii offered the boy to sleep in the same way they had done the night before, an offer which Takumi accepted gratefully and thus after eight hours of peaceful, regenerating sleep the day of the disciplinary conference dawned.
"Hayama, are you alright," Akaike inquired concerned as he and Takumi made their way to the conference room after breakfast, accompanied by Gii, Misu, Toshihisa and Shingyouji. "You look pale." "I'm fine, just a little bit nervous," the ebony-haired youth replied, trying to hide his true feelings behind a shaky smile. He wasn't merely nervous about having to face Kurokawa and his followers once more, he was terrified. His heart was racing, beating so hard against his ribs that it was painful and his stomach hurt which caused the boy to feel a little nauseous. "It's really kind of you to keep me company, but shouldn't you guys head to your classrooms," he spoke up, trying to change the subject. "It's eight-thirty already and homeroom is going to start in fifteen minutes."
"That's no problem," Toshihisa replied cheerfully. "Have you not heard? All classes today are self-study classes because the majority of the teachers will attend the disciplinary conference. The freshmen and sophomores have to be at their desks by ten o'clock and will be supervised, but the third-year students are free to go and do some studying at the library or in their rooms." "So all of us can keep you company at least shortly before the start of the conference," Shingyouji piped in. "Don't worry Hayama-san, everything is going to go well. Ganbatte ne!" "Thanks, I will do my best," Takumi answered and offered his friend a mild smile. "Shingyouji is right Hayama," Misu spoke up in his usual cool and collected manner. "Akaike is going to be with you and your friend from junior high school as well." "Thank you for the encouragement guys," the so addressed boy replied with a shy smile, "but I have a request. Gii, could I take you up on the offer you made me the day before yesterday? Will you stay by my side throughout the hearing?"
The handsome upper-class man glanced at Akaike and smiled warmly at his beloved after the president of the disciplinary committee had quietly nodded his consent. "Of course I will," Gii stated with sincerity, secretly rejoicing that he had been asked by his beloved because he didn't like the idea of the boy being around a certain brown-haired student without himself being present as well. "We will do this together." "Thank you," Takumi stated and with a sigh of relief escaping his lips he reached for the amber-haired student's hands. The most popular student of Shidou Gakuin reacted instantaneously as soon as he felt the feathery touch and gently wrapped his fingers around his beloved's trembling ones which caused Misu, Akaike, Toshihisa and Shingyouji to exchange knowing glances and bemused smiles.
"Shouzo, how exactly will this conference be executed," Gii asked curiously never letting go of Takumi's hands. "Well, first the principal will open the conference and address a few words to us, the board of teachers and the delinquents," Akaike explained and immediately became serious again. "Then the head teacher will explain what offence has been committed and present his detailed report including all the statements we have given. After that Hayama, Ichikawa and Nakanobu will be asked if they have something to add to their statements and the members of the board of teachers are given the chance to ask any questions related to the case, should they want to know or need any further details about certain points of those three statements. Finally Hayama and Kurokawa will be asked if they want to make a final statement before the hearing is going to be concluded and then the teachers and the principal will retire for deliberations about the punishment of Kurokawa and his followers. That's about it."
"That doesn't sound too bad," Toshihisa mused aloud and Takumi nodded lightly in agreement. "I'm sure I can handle that," he said softly. "It isn't the hearing I'm worried about. What is giving me the creeps is the thought of having to face Kurokawa and his minions once more." "I can well imagine that," Misu replied with an edge of compassion in his firm voice. "But you have to be strong and to keep reminding yourself that these scumbags can't hurt you anymore and that tonight this whole issue will be dealt with once and for all." The ebony-haired youth acknowledged his friend's words with another nod and a mild smile before he took a glance at the clock above the door of the conference room which was showing nine-thirty. Only a short while later the principal and the head teacher arrived followed by Ichikawa, Nakanobu and the remaining members of the board of teachers who were escorting Kurokawa and his fan club to the assembly room, watching the group of freshmen like hawks.
The hearing started as scheduled at ten o'clock and even though it went almost exactly the way Akaike had explained it would, the conference proved to be quite an ordeal for Takumi. Not only was asked, once the head teacher had finished reading out his official report, to give full accounts of the assault three days prior and the one he had suffered on Tanabata which were followed by a flood of questions, but for the first time ever he got to see the video Ichikawa had taken and which was shown to the board of teachers in order to verify the statement of Gii's beloved regarding that incident. As he watched the short clip the ebony-haired youth felt like reliving the whole ordeal and the fact that Kurokawa and the other freshmen were constantly shooting him menacing death glares, snickering evilly from time to time didn't make it any easier. Gii's beloved desperately fought back the tears that were burning in his eyes, determined not to show how the younger students, their leader in particular much the latest assault was still affecting him and finally, after two hours that had seemed like an eternity to him, the head teacher rose to his feet in order to announce the end of the official hearing.
"Before we retire for deliberations I would like to ask the delinquents and the injured student if they want to give a final statement as a conclusion to this hearing," he stated in a firm voice. "Kurokawa Minoru, do you and your accomplices have anything to say to your defense?" "I don't know about the others, but I personally don't have anything to say," the freshman replied with a menacing sneer. "I don't regret what I did to Hayama and I enjoyed every single minute of it." Upon hearing these words Gii, Akaike and Ichikawa inhaled sharply, trying hard to keep their anger in check and the president of the disciplinary committee could tell that his best friend was quite close to jump at Kurokawa in order to strangle the guy. The teachers and the principal shook their heads in shock and disbelief the hateful words that had just been uttered while Takumi swallowed hard.
"Hayama Takumi, do you have anything to say," Shimada-sensei addressed the ebony-haired youth, putting in an effort to keep his composure." "No, I haven't. I only hope that these guys receive the punishment they deserve," Gii's beloved stated hesitantly, avoiding to make eye-contact with Kurokawa or any of the other freshmen. "However, if I'm allowed to I would like to request something. I'd like to ask the board of teachers to go easy on Nakanobu-kun. He wasn't directly involved in either of the violent assaults, nor the more serious acts of bullying. What is more, he also helped to save my life. After all, it was thanks to him that Gii and my other friends got to know about Kurokawa's scheme and could come to my aid in time. I kindly ask the board of teachers to take that into consideration before deciding on Nakanobu's punishment."
"That is a very decent request, very decent indeed," the head teacher replied with admiration in his voice and Gii smiled affectionately at his one and only, his chest swelling with pride for the boy he loved more than anything in the world. "I assure you Hayama-kun that the points you just mentioned regarding Nakanobu will be taken into consideration as well as the fact that you spoke for him." Shimada-sensei's voice trailed off and the principal rose to his feet, all other occupants of the room following his example. "Well, this concludes the official hearing," the middle-aged man announced firmly. "The board of teachers and I will retire for deliberations and the punishments of the delinquents will be announced publicly at three-thirty this afternoon in the assembly hall." And with that Takumi, Akaike, Gii and Ichikawa were dismissed while Nakanobu had to stay in the room under observation along with Kurokawa and the other freshmen.
Once outside the conference room Gii's beloved sank onto one of the chairs in the waiting area and sighed deeply. "Are you alright Takumi," Gii and Ichikawa asked in unison and crouched down in front of the boy who was looking quite done for. "I'm fine, don't worry. I'm just a little tired that's all," the ebony-haired youth answered truthfully and smiled weakly at his two friends. "Thank you, minna for your silent support during the hearing. And Motoki, thanks for coming to my aid on Sunday. Until now I haven't had the opportunity to thank you properly." "You're welcome Takumi," the so addressed student beamed. "I'm just glad that your other friends and I could prevent anything tragic from happening."
"That's right and I'm just as glad that in a few hours everything will finally be over," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin added with sincerity and faced his beloved again. "You did very well at the hearing. I'm so proud of you Takumi." "Thanks Gii," the ebony-haired youth replied, blushing faintly. "I'm so grateful that you were with me. I'm not sure if I could have done it had you not been there." "Of course you could have," the handsome upper-class man stated firmly and the others nodded in agreement. "You are much stronger than you think."
"Speaking of strength, should we go and grab some lunch at the cafeteria? I think we could need an energy boost, Hayama in particular and I bet Misu, Toshihisa and Shingyouji are already impatiently waiting for us," Akaike piped in quickly when he noticed that Ichikawa was about to say something. Even though he definitely wasn't the kind of guy to meddle, especially when it came to other peoples' relationships, he wouldn't allow anyone to come between his best friend and Takumi again, in particular not the latter's friend from junior high school. "That sounds great," Gii's beloved beamed and rose up from his seat. "Ja Motoki, I see you later at the assembly," he added somewhat hastily, noticing the hostile glances the boy was giving the handsome upper-class man, who on his part tried to ignore them as best as he could.
He felt a pang of guilt as he turned his back to his friend from junior high school and began to walk down the corridor without so much as glancing back even once, but at the same time he felt strangely relieved to get away from the boy. He knew that he still owed Ichikawa an answer and he also knew that the brown-haired student wouldn't exactly like it. "See you later Takumi," Ichikawa replied loud enough for the other to hear and watched the object of his affection leave with clenched fists and gritted teeth, being left with no choice but to put on a good face on the matter.
oOo
The assembly hall began to fill with students and the loser the hand of the clock came to three-thirty, the more nervous Takumi got, the fact that many of the boys were either giving him curious looks or whispering to each other when they walked past him not helping much to calm his frayed nerves. "It's going to be all right. We are all here, so don't worry," Gii breathed softly into his beloved's ear as he lead the boy to a couple of seats in the front row that were reserved for Takumi and those students who had been somehow involved in his case, Misu, Akaike, Toshihisa and Shingyouji following suit and after a few more minutes of anxious waiting the principal as well as the head teacher finally entered the stage at three-thirty sharp. All conversations in the room died down almost instantaneously and the principal stepped up to the speaker's desk with a serious and stern expression on his face.
"Dear students, I'm sure you all know why we are assembled here this afternoon," he began in a firm, rigorous voice. "A group of freshmen, led by Kurokawa Minoru, have committed several serious and unpardonable offences, including violent assault, against one of their seniors, Hayama Takumi, who, as a result of one of these attacks, is currently suffering from memory loss and had almost lost his life in another assault last Sunday had it not been for his friends who rushed to his aid and luckily managed to save him. I can't say how shocked I am by the disgraceful behavior of the delinquents, a behavior that is unworthy for any student of this prestigious academy. I don't nor will I ever tolerate such vicious conduct at this school. There are rules here at Shidou Gakuin which have to be followed under any circumstances by students and teachers alike and there are consequences for those who don't. The board of teachers and I have discussed the offences committed against Hayama Takumi and at last decided on a suitable punishment for everybody involved. Shimada-sensei…"
Nodding the head teacher rose to his feet and stepped up to the microphone. "After due consideration the board of teachers has decided on the following punishments for the delinquents," he announced sternly. "Kurokawa Minoru and the other freshmen who were directly involved in the violent assault on Sunday and the one on Tanabata as well as in several acts of severe bullying are going to be expelled from Shidou Gakuin with immediate effect and this decision is irrevocable. Regarding Nakanobu Hiroyuki, after having taken into consideration that he has helped saving Hayama's life by revealing Kurokawa's plans to Saki Giichi, that he has given detailed accounts concerning the assault on Tanabata as well as the acts of bullying and that he has never committed any offence at this school before, we have decided on a lighter punishment. Nakanobu Hiromasa will be suspended from this school for three weeks." The middle-aged man's voice trailed off for a moment and the teacher riveted his eyes on the boys sitting in the front row.
"Finally, Saki Giichi, Akaike Shouzo, Misu Arata, Katakura Toshihisa, Shingyouji Kanemitsu and Ichikawa Motoki, I'm sure that all of you are aware of the fact that at this school starting a brawl or serious fight is considered as an offence as well and the issue needed to be addressed and discussed subsequent to the disciplinary conference," he continued and Takumi grew tense, fearing for his friends. How was he supposed to bear it if they would receive a severe punishment because the broke the rules only for his sake? "However, the board of teachers and the principal agree with your statements that last Sunday a fight was inevitable in order to save Hayama Takumi," Shimada-sensei's voice rang in his ears. Therefore, there won't be any punishment for any of you this time, but that doesn't mean that we generally condone such a conduct."
With that the head-teacher stepped down from the speaker's desk and the principal took over the microphone once more. "There is one other announcement I have to make which concerns the victim of these incidents," he explained and fixed his gaze upon Takumi who began to shift uncomfortably in his seat. Some time prior to the disciplinary conference I had a meeting with the board of executives and we agreed concordantly that Hayama Takumi ought to be indemnified for what he had to endure. We consider it our fault that, even though an investigation was carried out subsequent to the violent assault on Tanabata, this case couldn't be concluded at an earlier stage. Hayama Takumi, please come up to the speaker's desk."
The so addressed boy blinked several times in surprise before he finally rose hesitantly to his feet and made his way onto the stage. "Hayama Takumi, in order to indemnify you for the ordeal you had to suffer the executive board of Shidou Gakuin has decided to provide you with a special scholarship," the principal explained and handed the ebony-haired youth a document which the latter accepted with a nervous smile and a light, respectful bow. "The tuition fees your parents have paid up until now as well as the fees for accommodation will be fully reimbursed to you and put onto a special bank account that will be opened for you. We deeply regret that we, as the prestigious educational institution that we are, have not been able to fulfill our duty in protecting you the way we should have. Please accept this scholarship as compensation along with our sincerest apologies."
Takumi nodded, his cheeks red with embarrassment and was just about to express his gratitude when the principal and the head teacher bowed low to him, firmly saying "Hidoku moshiwake arimasen deshita. (We are terribly sorry.)" Deeply embarrassed by the actions of the principal and the head teacher Takumi glanced at Gii and his other friends in a beseeching manner. Catching on immediately the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin gave Akaike as well as Misu a quick glance and when they both nodded wordlessly he rose from his seat and began to clap, his best friend and his former rival following his example. Only a few seconds later Toshihisa, Shingyouji and Ichikawa joined in as well and soon everybody in the assembly hall was on their feed applauding Takumi and the two representatives of the school.
Once the principal and the head teacher had raised their heads and were facing him again the ebony-haired youth humbly thanked them for the scholarship before he left the stage on slightly shaky legs to rejoin his friends and a short time later, after the principal had addressed a few concluding words to the whole student body the assembly came to an end. "Congratulations Hayama-san on the scholarship! Isn't that amazing," Shingyouji exclaimed as soon as the two educators had left the stage. "You can invest the money you are going to receive into your college education!" "The board of executives has been very generous," Takumi replied smiling shyly. "I still feel like I'm dreaming. I never expected the school would do something like that in order to show their contrition."
"Well guys, I dare say that calls for a celebration, don't you think," Toshihisa piped in. "Nice idea, I will pull a few strings, so that we can use one of the school's community rooms tonight, let's say from six-thirty to nine-thirty, maybe the one that has access to the terrace," Akaike suggested and everybody nodded their consent with eagerness. "Let's get going then," Shingyouji stated cheerfully and the six boys were just about to leave the waiting area of the assembly hall when Nakanobu approached them smiling shyly.
"Ano, Hayama-senpai," he began hesitantly. "Do you have a moment? I would really like to thank you for speaking up for me at the disciplinary conference this morning. That I got off with a slap on the wrist this time is mainly thanks to you." With that the freshman's voice trailed off and the boy bowed respectfully to Takumi. "Thank you very much senpai for your kindness." "You're welcome," the ebony-haired youth replied good-naturedly. "But I can't take all the credit for this good outcome. I think things turned out this way mainly because you helped saving me and because you have been very cooperative, telling the head-teacher everything you knew about Kurokawa's plans and deeds."
"I still am very grateful to you senpai," the younger student continued meekly. "I also want to apologize sincerely for what I did. Even though I wasn't directly involved in any of the assaults I was one of Kurokawa's followers and had my part to play in all this. I hope that you can forgive me eventually and that we will get along well from now on." "I'm sure we will Nakanobu-kun," Gii's beloved replied with sincerity. "Once you have returned to Shidou after the end of your suspension let's start over again." "Hai," the freshmen exclaimed, a relieved smile floating on his lips and after he had bowed once more to Takumi as well as to the other boys he took his leave.
"Well, that's what I call a good recommencement," Misu stated smirking as soon as the freshman was out of sight and the rest of the group nodded in agreement. "But, now let's get ready for the party," Toshihisa spoke up. "There are a few things to organize and we don't have that much time to prepare. Takumi, Gii please take a rest. Leave the preparations to us and meet us at the community room around six-thirty." The two boys wanted to object, but before they were given the chance to say anything their friends had already turned to leave, making it more than evident that they wouldn't book any opposition whatsoever.
oOo
"Are you ready Takumi," Gii asked and closed the door of his closet after having taken one last glance at his appearance in the large mirror that was affixed to the inside of the door. "We don't want to be late for a party held in your honor, do we?" "I'm ready to go," the ebony-haired youth replied and emerged from the bathroom. "You look very nice Gii." "Thanks for the compliment, but you don't look too bad yourself," the handsome upper-class man chuckled lightly as he admired his beloved's outfit which consisted of the pair of black jeans and the tight fitting shirt the boy had bought only recently. "Well then, shall we go?" Takumi nodded smiling mildly and soon the two friends were on their way to the main building. As they had expected the other boys were already waiting for them in the community room that was nicely decorated for the private victory party.
"Welcome," Akaike exclaimed smiling warmly and ushered the two students inside. "We have already prepared some drinks, so grab a cup and let's start this party off with a proper toast." The so addressed boys nodded and approached the table in the center of the room. Once they had chosen their beverages they turned to face their friends again and everybody raised their cups in a festive manner. "Here is to the expulsion of Kurokawa and his minions, to a new beginning and most of all to you Hayama," Misu said cheerfully. "Kampai!"
"Kampai," the rest of the group exclaimed in unison and drank before the boys sat down at the table and started to feast, chatting animatedly as they enjoyed several deliciously looking dishes from the cafeteria as well as some snacks and sweets. "That was really good," Shingyouji remarked and licked his lips. "And to think that there is even going to be dessert." "Yes, but I think we should wait a while before eating it," Toshihisa suggested and the others nodded in agreement. "At the moment I'm too full."
"Well, if we are going to have dessert a little later would you guys excuse me for a moment," Takumi asked softly. "I need a breath of fresh air." "Sure, go ahead," Akaike stated motioning towards the sliding glass door that was leading onto the terrace. Smiling apologetically at his friends Gii's beloved rose to his feet and made his way over to the door to step outside. "I wonder if there is something wrong with Hayama-san," Shingyouji mused quietly, his voice laced with concern. "He looks as if he's troubled by something."
"Don't worry, there is nothing much wrong with him," Gii replied softly. "I think that only now he has truly begun to realize that the case 'Kurokawa' is closed, that everything is over. An immense weight has been lifted off his shoulders and with this burden being taken off him, Takumi at last begins to work through the things that have happened to him since his return to Shidou. And you know my sweetheart; he isn't the type of guy who talks easily and openly about his thoughts or feelings. Even after all the time we have been together as lovers and friends he still tends to keep things to himself, seeking solitude instead of confiding in me. I'm certain that this is the reason why he just excused himself from our company."
"If that's truly the case Saki, then you should go and check upon him," Misu stated in nonchalantly. "Hayama trusts in you and has begun to seek your closeness again. Offering him a shoulder to lean on could work to you advantage if you know what I mean." "Misu has a point there and who knows, Hayama might even be expecting you to go after him," Akaike added smiling mildly. "Well, I guess it's alright to quickly check upon Takumi, just to make sure that he really is okay, ne," Gii mused and swiftly rose from his seat when the others nodded eagerly in agreement. "Ja, excuse me." And with that the handsome upper-class man went to join his beloved on the terrace.
The ebony-haired youth was standing a few meters away from the door, leaning against the balustrade with his elbows propped on its smooth surface and his head resting onto his hands as he stared into the night. "Takumi, is everything alright," Gii asked gently and walked over to his beloved. "I'm fine Gii, please don't worry," the so addressed boy answered truthfully. "I just needed a moment to myself, that's all." "I see. Do you wish me to leave," the handsome upper-class man inquired softly and motioned towards the glass door. "No, please stay and keep me company for a while," ebony-haired youth replied and offered his friend a mild smile upon which the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin closed the remaining distance between him and the object of his affection and leaned leisurely against the balustrade as well.
"I still can't believe that it is really over, that from now on I will be able to live a normal student life again," Takumi whispered after a moment of comfortable silence that had settled between him and his friend and roommate. "You better believe it, my dearest, because it is true," Gii breathed sweetly and the other boy couldn't help but smile at the endearment woven into these words. He took a deep breath and following the promptings of his heart he made a momentous decision.
"Ne Gii, the business regarding Kurokawa and his fan club may be concluded, but there still is one thing you and I have to discuss," he began carefully and turned to face the handsome upper-class man who tensed up instantaneously, knowing only all too well what his beloved was hinting at. "Yes, we do," he answered hoarsely and his heart sped up several paces as he met his sweetheart's gaze, pounding almost painfully against his ribcage and heat rushed over him because the moment he had been anticipating and dreading at the same time ever since the day of his confession at the gazebo had finally come.
"Ano…, I don't really know how to express my feelings in any suitable way," Takumi said softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. "Ever since the day you first came to visit me at the hospital my relationship with you has been an emotional rollercoaster ride. It took me a good while, but I think I have finally figured out what I want us to be in the future." With that the ebony-haired youth fell silent and for a long moment the two friends gazed deeply into each other's eyes. "H-How do you want us to…," Gii finally began huskily, but was interrupted in mid-sentence by a pair of sweet, soft lips brushing gingerly against his own and his eyes went wide. "T-Takumi," he stuttered clumsily once the other had broken the feathery kiss, realization of what had just happened slowly registering with the handsome upper-class man. "T-Takumi, does that mean you…"
"The words you said to me that day at the gazebo, could you say them once more," the ebony-haired youth interrupted him a second time and placed his hands gently onto the handsome upper-class man's shoulders, a faint blush creeping onto his cheeks. "Y-You are the only thing on my mind," Gii said huskily and wrapped his arms lightly around his beloved's middle. "I love you. I love you so much that it hurts." "I…I love you too Gii," Takumi breathed affectionately, ever so slowly inching closer until his and the other's lips touched again and his eyes drifted shut. The handsome upper-class man reacted instantly and took the lead, tightening his embrace as he gingerly nipped and suckled the lips he had been craving so much and for the longest time until they finally parted slightly, a sweet sigh escaping their owner, but he didn't take advantage of it. Instead he merely pressed his mouth a little harder against Takumi's and the couple shared a long, loving, open-mouthed but otherwise innocent kiss.
"Gii," Takumi whispered softly after they had pulled away at last. "I'm so sorry I made you wait for such a long time. I have been so blind. For several reasons my heart and mind have been in such turmoil that I simply didn't realize how much you really mean to me. Please forgive me." "Don't make yourself uneasy my love," the amber-haired student replied smiling warmly and gingerly cupped his beloved's cheek. "You are finally in my arms and that's the only thing that matters to me." "Oh Gii," the other boy breathed endearingly and the words had barely left his mouth when it was sealed again with another affectionate kiss.
With a blissful sigh the ebony-haired youth let himself go and melted further into the handsome upper-class man's embrace as returned the kiss, coyly at first but growing more eager with every passing second. Gii gently nibbled his beloved's bottom lip in a playful manner at last tracing it sensually with the tip of his tongue and moaning sweetly Takumi parted his lips in invitation. "Ngh…" The handsome upper-class man outlined the boy's bottom lip once more and when the ebony-haired youth didn't show any signs of objection or resistance he slowly deepened the kiss, beginning to explore the hot, moist cavern of his one and only with growing passion.
God how he had missed these kisses, their taste, their feeling and sighing Gii gradually deepened the kiss a little further. Takumi slightly tilted his head in response another moan of pleasure escaping him as he felt Gii's tongue swirling sensually around his own and he let his hands travel from the handsome upper-class man's shoulders up to the nape of his neck where he settled them firmly. "Unngh…ngh." The kiss they shared was long and passionate, a kiss that spoke of nothing but love and somewhere in the back of their minds the lovers perceived a sound that sounded like a door being opened, but neither of them cared as they were too immersed in the heavenly feeling of what they were sharing.
oOo
"Well, have you told Takumi and Gii to come back inside, so that we can finally start eating the dessert," Misu asked impatiently, throwing questioning glances at his boyfriend. "Ano…, I…uhm…I didn't," Shingyouji replied grinning sheepishly and ruffled his black strands in abashment. "Why not, we don't have all night, you know," the head of the student council stated sternly. "And what is it with that silly grin you are wearing?" "The truth is…the truth is that I didn't want to disturb them since they were…how should I say it…occupied," the younger boy explained, grinning from ear to ear. "You mean Gii and Takumi were kissing," Toshihisa asked curiously. "Yes, they were," Misu's boyfriend confirmed his friend's assumptions, "and quite passionate if I may say so."
"Yatta," the three boys exclaimed in unison and gave each other high-fives, laughing happily. "Finally, there is a happy ending for those two, even without Hayama remembering his past with Gii," Akaike mused smiling brightly and the words had barely left his mouth when the boys in question returned to the room their cheeks flushed and their lips slightly swollen.
"Saki, Hayama, welcome back," Misu stated with a smirk. "You look a little disheveled. Is there anything you would like to tell us?" "There is indeed," Gii replied grinning from ear to ear and cautiously draped his arm around the shoulders of his beloved who smiled shyly in response and couldn't help but blush. "Takumi has just agreed to be my boyfriend." "Congratulations," Akaike, Toshihisa, Misu and Shingyouji exclaimed in unison, smiling brightly and after they had handed their two friends one cup each they had another toast. "To love and to new beginnings," Akaike said in a celebratory manner upon which everybody raised their cups.
Once they had taken a sip of their drinks the six friends sat down again and had just begun to enjoy the dessert when Takumi's mobile phone went off, the notification sound announcing that the ebony-haired youth had received a message. He pulled the phone from the breast pocket of his shirt and pressed the 'read message' button. As he scanned the short text his face momentarily grew darker which didn't go unnoticed. "Takumi who is this message from, is everything alright," Gii asked cautiously, concern written all over his handsome features. "It isn't anything important," the so addressed boy replied smiling nervously and put the mobile phone back into his pocket. "Don't worry everything's alright, I swear." And with that Gii's beloved turned his attention back to his dessert.
A/N: Well folks, that's it...at least for this chapter. Did you enjoy it? Please write me a little comment and let me know what you think.
And again I leave you with some questions to ponder. Who was the message from? What will Ichikawa do when he finds out about Takumi and Gii? Will he just accept it or try something? What about Takumi's amnesia? Will he ever remember his past with Gii? Find out in the next chapter of "Remember Me".