Remember Me

by Princess Serenity-chan

The final story of the "Popping the Question Series". When Gii proposes to Takumi on Tanabata the happiness of the couple is complete. However, their happiness is short-lived as Takumi becomes the victim of a freshman's insane jealousy, which results in serious and grave consequences that might change things between Takumi and Gii forever.

15. Meetings and Letters

A/N: Hello Minna!
I'm sorry that it took me almost one-and-a-half months to update. My parents came to Japan to spend the summer holidays with me and since Obon I'm litterally drowning in work, so I didn't have that much time for writing.

Anyway, I'm happy that I can finally present you with the second-last chapter of "Remember Me". This chapter is a little slower-paced compared to the previous ones and it will mainly tie up some lose ends of the story before it heads to the epilogue. But don't worry, I believe that even in this chapter there are still plenty of things going on.

I hope you'll enjoy the read and I'd be happy if you'd leave me a comment with your thoughts. As usual a big "Thank you" goes to all those who have left a review for one of the previous chapters.

Disclaimer: Nothing new here. Takumi-kun Series doesn't belong to me.

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Chapter 14

The warm rays of sunlight streamed through the window of room 310, its curtains being only half closed and fell onto the bed tickling Gii's nose. With a soft moan escaping him the handsome upper-class man began to stir and once his eyes had fluttered open a tender smile formed on the boy's lips as his gaze landed on the sleeping form of his fiancé. For several long moments the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin gazed at his beloved, who was still lost in peaceful slumber, his beautiful, delicate features holding an expression of blissful serenity, with loving tenderness and just like the night before Gii felt like being caught in a dream, even though he knew in his heart and mind that everything that had happened the previous night was more than real.

However, after all the long weeks of pining for his one and only, weeks of being afraid to lose him to another guy and of desperate hope which had been more than once followed by devastating disappointment, the amber-haired student found it incredibly hard to believe that he and the one he loved more than anything in the world had overcome yet another obstacle in their relationship and that everything had gone back to the way it used to be before the attack on the eve of Tanabata.

"Takumi," he whispered almost inaudibly and unable to resist the urge of touching the object of his affection he reached out to run his hand gingerly over the boy's rosy cheek in a feathery caress. "My sweet Takumi." The ebony-haired youth began to stir in response, but didn't wake and sighing softly he snuggled up to Gii, resting his head comfortably on the handsome upper-class man's chest. Smiling felicitously to himself the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin wrapped his arms tightly around his slumbering fiancé and let his hands disappear in the ebony-haired youth's silky, slightly tousled hair where he began to rub and stroke softly.

With a purr of contentment leaking from his lips Takumi nuzzled Gii's chest and breathed his partner's name in the most endearing manner. "Unngh…Gii…" Upon hearing his name being sighed with so much affection the handsome upper-class man turned his head to place a sweet, loving kiss onto the forehead of his beloved, his heart flowing over with love and devotion for the boy and only a short moment later Takumi slowly opened his eyes.

"Ohayo my love," Gii whispered smiling warmly, never ceasing his caresses of the other's hair. "Did you sleep well?" "I did indeed," the so addressed student replied somewhat drowsily. "When I know that you are lying right beside me I always sleep well. Feeling your warmth and your heartbeat makes me feel safe, protected and at home." And with that the ebony-haired youth raised his head to meet his fiancé's warm, loving gaze before leaning in to claim a romantic morning kiss from the other. The handsome upper-class man obliged only all too willingly and pulling his one and only close he moved his mouth sensually against the other's, teasingly suckling and nipping the bottom lip, lapping at it every now and then in a playful manner. Sighing faintly Takumi parted his lips in invitation and the amber-haired student reacted immediately. He slowly deepened the romantic kiss, turning it into something very intimate, not to mention erotic and stimulating, his hands roaming over the shoulders and back of his beloved on their own accord. The ebony-haired youth welcomed the other into his mouth and as he let his tongue dance with Gii's, fighting playfully for dominance until he finally surrendered, he buried his hands into the boy's soft, silky hair.

"What a perfect way of starting the weekend," Gii sighed breathlessly once the couple had broken the kiss and began to affectionately rub noses with his fiancé. "But most importantly, how is my beloved feeling this morning? Are you alright?" "I'm perfectly fine," Takumi whispered with a mild smile playing about his mouth, knowing what his lover was hinting at and rolled off the boy's body to stretch, his elbow hitting his teddy bear's nuzzle in the process. "Oh…gomen ne Dai-chan," he exclaimed softly which earned him a bemused look from the amber-haired student.

"You know there were times in these past twelve weeks when I was insanely jealous of your fluffy, inanimate friend here," he explained quietly, "times in which I would have given everything to switch places with that teddy bear because you would turn to him whenever you needed comfort rather than to me." "Are you serious? You were jealous of Dai-chan," the so addressed boy asked, trying hard to suppress a giggle and to remain serious. "Yes, I was," the handsome upper-class man replied truthfully. "I still am and it makes me feel more than just a little uncomfortable to think that he witnessed everything we did last night." And with that he playfully poked the nose of the stuffed animal with his index finger. "We gave you quite a show last night, didn't we," he stated huffily, his words being accompanied by the lighthearted laughter of his fiancé.

"Baka, Gii," Takumi chuckled. "Dai-chan is only a cuddly toy and therefore he can neither see what we are doing nor hear what we are saying." "I know that," the other replied, pouting adorably. "However, I still can't help but feel that your precious Dai-chan is watching us attentively with those big, dark beady eyes of his." "That didn't seem to bother you too much last night," the ebony-haired youth remarked teasingly, grinning from ear to ear. "That was only because I was too occupied with other things to notice his presence," Gii retorted and winked seductively at his beloved. "Believe me, if I had, I would have blindfolded him and banished him from the bed."

"Saki Giichi, you really are one of a kind," Takumi laughed shaking his head. "But isn't that one of the things you love about me," the handsome upper-class man smirked and placed a chaste kiss onto his fiancé's lips. "I guess I do," Takumi replied with a teasing undertone in his voice and made himself comfortable on Gii's chest once more, running his hand gingerly over its smooth, warm and taut skin. "With you by my side, life never gets boring. By the way what time is it?" "It's almost nine o'clock," the amber-haired student replied with a sigh after he had taken a quick glance at his alarm clock. "Since breakfast hours end at ten o'clock, I'm afraid we will have to get up now if we don't want to remain fasting until lunch hours begin."

"To be honest, I'm not feeling particularly hungry," the so addressed boy breathed softly. "I'd much rather stay here with you." "I promised our friends to keep them informed about any change of your condition and they will most likely get worried if we don't show up for breakfast," Gii mused thoughtfully, trying hard not to laugh out loud because his beloved was pouting so adorably upon hearing those words. "But I guess as long as we show our faces at lunch it should be alright," he added sweetly, reached for his mobile phone and quickly typed a short message. "Does that mean we are going to stay here," Takumi asked, smiling radiantly when his fiancé nodded. "Yes, we are. But tell me my love, what do you mean by 'staying here'," the handsome upper-class man inquired with a mischievous grin playing about his mouth. "Do you mean that you would like us to stay here in this room or do you mean that you would like us to stay here in this bed?"

"What do you think," the ebony-haired youth breathed seductively, slowly leaning in and as he began to nuzzle Gii's neck, he let one of his hands laggardly travel south at the same time. "Ta…ngh…T-Takumi," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin gasped upon feeling the intimate, arousing touch, "do you think that's a good idea?" "Eeh…why," Gii's beloved exclaimed and halting his actions momentarily he looked up, his face portraying a mix of surprise and confusion. "Don't you want this…don't you want me?"

"Baka," the other boy whispered, gently cupping Takumi's cheek with his hand before running over it in a loving caress. "Of course I want you, I always do and I wouldn't mind keeping you prisoner in this bed for the whole weekend. However, I'm a bit concerned about your physical condition." "Concerned…about my physical condition," Takumi repeated hesitantly. "Your body must be quite exhausted," Gii explained smiling mildly. "We have already done it three times last night after all and you ought to know that I won't be able to stop myself whenever I lay my hands on you or feel your touch. For three months we haven't been intimate with each other and I just don't want to hurt you…are you really sure that you can take another round?" Without saying a word the so addressed youth gazed intently at his beloved for a moment, a seductive smile slowly forming on his lips and then he bent down to take his lover's mouth captive in one swift motion. Gii instantaneously wrapped his arms around Takumi's middle in response, pulling the boy into a tight embrace as he deepened the kiss and while he let his tongue swirl fervently around his fiancé's he shifted his weight thus maneuvering himself on top of his one and only.

"Last chance to make me stop," he breathed hoarsely and locked gazes with Takumi again once the couple had broken their long, romantic and stimulating kiss. The words had barely left Gii's mouth when the handsome upper-class man felt himself being pulled down upon which his lips were taken captive a second time. With a sweet sigh of pleasure escaping him the amber-haired student reacted immediately and taking the lead he passionately returned the kiss, losing himself in the heavenly feeling of it. He moaned faintly against his fiancé's lips as he felt Takumi's soft, warm hands roaming caressingly over his back and soon he immersed in heated, excited passion with the ebony-haired youth, the fact that Dai-chan was still sitting comfortably against the headboard of the bed, his big brown beady eyes riveted upon its occupants and their actions, completely forgotten.

oOo

"Hi guys! Have you heard anything about Takumi," Toshihisa burst into the conversation Misu was having with his pet and boyfriend outside the cafeteria. "I'm sorry for interrupting you in such a rude manner, but I'm about to go crazy because there hasn't been any news from Gii since last night except for the short message he sent to Akaike this morning saying that he and Takumi would skip breakfast, but that there's no need for us to worry. Has he by any chance contacted either of you?" "No, he hasn't," the head of the student council replied matter-of-factly. "I guess that either means that Hayama's condition is still unchanged or that it has improved. I really hope that it's the latter because if Hayama is still unconscious things are most likely more serious than they seemed to be last night and in that Saki had better take his sweetheart to the infirmary."

"Where is Akaike-senpai," Shingyouji piped in. "Maybe he has some news for us." "He had some business to attend to after breakfast, but he said that he would definitely be here to have lunch with us," Toshihisa explained quietly. "He should be here any moment now." "Speak of the devil," Misu smirked as he noticed the boy in question walking into their direction. "Hello minna, I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," the president of the disciplinary committee stated, smiling apologetically. "Otsukaresama desu senpai," Shingyouji stated returning the smile. "Have you received another message from Gii-senpai?"

"Unfortunately not," Akaike stated truthfully with a hint of worry evident in his otherwise calm voice. "I know I said this morning, after I had received the message from Gii that we should trust his words and his judgment and not worry too much, but if he hasn't sent us another message with more detailed information about Hayama's condition by the time lunch hours are about to end, we will pay a visit to room 310 in order to check upon our two lovebirds. You know Gii…he won't leave Hayama's side until the boy has rallied a little even if that means that he has to neglect his own health and wellbeing." The others nodded and after another minute of inconsequential banter they finally entered the cafeteria, searching for a table that was big enough for six people in hopes that Takumi and Gii would join them for lunch before they went over to the counter to order their food.

Compared to other days the boys were unusually quiet during their meal, the uncertainty about the condition of their two friends making it hard for them to relax. When they were halfway through the meal Toshihisa looked up and took a glance around the room only to freeze almost instantaneously, his eyes growing wide. "Hey, do you see what I see," he exclaimed, elbowing his boyfriend hard into the side and pointed towards the entrance with his other hand. "Look over there, look, look!" Rubbing the assaulted spot Akaike let his gaze wander into the appointed direction, Shingyouji and Misu following his example and soon their faces held the same expression as Toshihisa's. "Look who has decided to finally honor us with their presence," the head of the student council murmured and breathed an almost imperceptible sigh of relief.

"Hello minna," the boys were greeted in unison by Takumi and Gii once the lovers had reached the table. "Saki Giichi, didn't you promise us yesterday that you would keep us informed about Hayama's condition," the president of the disciplinary committee scolded sternly. "We were really worried about the two of you, you know?" "I told you in my message that there's no need for concern," the handsome upper-class man replied ruffling his hair and gave his friends the most adorable puppy-dog eyes. "I really wanted to write in more detail, but…ano…for certain reasons I was prevented. Please forgive me."

"Well whatever," Misu huffed and the others nodded in agreement. "The most important thing is that both of you are safe and sound. How are you feeling Hayama?" "I'm fine, thank you," the so addressed boy replied smiling mildly and nestled closer to Gii who immediately draped his arm possessively around his fiancé's middle grinning from ear to ear. "I'm feeling a little exhausted, but other than that I'm alright." "That's good to hear," Shingyouji spoke up. "You are looking very well too…rosy cheeks, sparkling eyes…" "Thanks for the compliment. I'm really sorry that I made you guys worry again and the credit for my speedy recovery goes solely to Gii. He took really good care of me," Takumi replied, smiling innocently while the boy in question couldn't help but blush, the hidden meaning of his fiancé's words registering immediately with him. "There's no need to be sorry," Toshihisa replied good-naturedly. "We are your friends, so it is only natural that we are worried about you, even if a certain someone tells us that we don't need to be."

"Thanks, but still I can't help but feel a little guilty since worrying you seems the only thing I've done during these past three months," the ebony-haired youth stated softly and fell silent for a brief moment. "However it seems that my illness and the situation I found myself in caused some good things to happen as well," he continued once he had taken a deep breath and smiled mildly when he noticed the puzzled looks his friends were giving him. "For once the circumstances caused two rivals to bury the hatchet and to become friends. Secondly they resulted in two people finally becoming a true couple and thirdly they cause two other people to acknowledge and admit their feelings for each other. These are good things, don't you think? And if I may say so, especially to you Toshihisa and Akaike, now that you have officially started dating…it was about time!"

"Hayama, do you…," Misu spoke up, an idea beginning to form in his head, but was almost instantaneously interrupted by Toshihisa. "Eeehh…what on earth do you mean Takumi," he asked in confusion. "Oh come on Toshihisa," Gii's beloved replied smiling radiantly. "We've been roommates for a whole year and friends ever since, so I got to know you pretty well. I might have been afraid of human contact at that time, but I certainly wasn't blind. I noticed the way you were looking at Akaike-kun, the expression on your face whenever you caught a glimpse of him, talked about him or whenever your gaze met his for a second or two because it was the same way I used to and still am looking at Gii…with admiration, affection and longing."

"You…you can remember all that," Akaike's boyfriend exclaimed happily and jumped to his feet. "So the nurse was right when she assumed that your blackout yesterday was caused by another flashback." "It was more than just a mere flashback," Gii piped in, smiling brightly. "Look very closely at Takumi guys and you will understand." With slightly confused expressions on their faces the boys did as they were told and only a moment later Shingyouji suddenly jumped to his feet as well, his eyes growing wide. "Hayama-san, your left hand! You are wearing the ring that you used to wear as a necklace until now. Does that mean…" "Yes, Shingyouji," Takumi stated hoarsely, "I remember the evening of Tanabata, my true relationship with Gii as well as everything else."

The words had barely left his mouth when he was pulled into a tight embrace by Toshihisa. "That's wonderful Takumi, welcome back," the brown-haired student exclaimed and tears began to form in his eyes. "I missed my best friend so much!" "Toshihisa," Gii's beloved whispered returning his friend's embrace and while they were hugging the other boys rose from their seats as well and Akaike was the first to pull Gii into a warm, brotherly hug. "I'm so happy for you and Hayama. That's the outcome we have all been hoping for." "Thanks Shouzo," the handsome upper-class man replied and leaned back a little so that he could look properly look at his childhood friend. The two boys smiled widely at each other and soon another series of hugs and embraces was exchanged with everybody along with exclamations of happiness and congratulatory words. Even Misu went as far as hugging his former rival amicably and none of the six students cared much about the commotion their actions had caused or the fact that almost the whole cafeteria was staring at them.

"Just out of curiosity, when exactly did Hayama regain consciousness," Akaike asked slyly once they had all calmed down and taken their seats again. "Ano…that was at about eleven o'clock last night," Gii replied meekly, a sheepish smile playing about his mouth. "That means about thirteen hours ago," Misu commented with a smug smile forming on his prominent features. "And yet you two only show up now after skipping breakfast and Hayama claims to feel exhausted…You must have taken very good care of him since last night Saki." "No comment," the so addressed boy replied casually and kept a straight face, but the way Takumi was blushing told the head of the student council as well as the rest everything they needed to know.

"Anyway, you have a meeting with doctor Asano this afternoon, haven't you Hayama," Akaike stepped in helpfully, trying desperately to hide his bemused grin. "Maybe you should give him a call and give him the news prior to your therapy session." "I'll do it right away," the ebony-haired youth replied smiling gratefully at his friend before he turned to face his fiancé. "Would you like to accompany me to the hospital Gii?" "Sure, I'd love to," the handsome upper-class man replied with affectionate sincerity. "Since it is Saturday I don't have to fill any request forms and only need to sign out at the front gate before leaving the campus. You are also meeting Kumamoto-san today, aren't you? Maybe we can do some shopping and have a formal dinner in order to celebrate your recovery once you successfully filed your penal charge." "That's a great idea," Gii's beloved beamed and laced fingers with his fiancé.

"Speaking of celebrations," Toshihisa spoke up. "Now that Takumi's memories have returned we can hold a proper engagement party for the two of you and celebrate Takumi's recovery at the same time. How about organizing it for next Saturday evening? That would give us enough time to prepare." "That sounds good," Akaike commented and the others nodded in agreement. "I'll ask the head teacher for permission and look for a good location. Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa, could you take care of the food, the drinks and the decorations?" "Sure," the three boys replied in unison while Takumi and Gii sat there quietly, smiling mildly at each other, knowing that it wouldn't be any use to ask if there was anything that they could do because their friends would never allow them to help with the preparations for their own engagement-recovery party.

oOo

"Hello Hayama-kun, Saki-kun, how are you," doctor Asano cheerfully greeted his patient and the boy's companion. "I have to say that I was quite surprised when I received your call two hours ago." "I can well imagine that," Takumi replied smiling shyly. "I myself still find it hard to believe that my memories have returned completely." "You must be elated and I guess so are you Saki-kun, aren't you," the physician asked good-naturedly. "I am indeed," the so addressed boy answered truthfully and glanced lovingly at his one and only. "There were times when I had almost given up hope, times when I thought that I had lost the most important thing in my life for good. So, to know that Takumi's memory has returned and that everything between us is just as it used to be triggers emotions that I can't really put into words." "Oh Gii," the ebony-haired youth whispered compassionately and laced fingers with the handsome upper-class man.

"It's great to see the two of you being so happy," doctor Asano commented smiling mildly, "but now for the reason why you guys are here. How are you feeling after that last fainting spell Hayama-kun? Do you have any troubles to complain about like dizziness, nausea or a headache?" "No, I don't sensei," Takumi replied truthfully. "I'm feeling perfectly fine." "That's great! In that case let me just do a quick check-up to make sure that your physical condition is indeed as good as you say," the physician stated and once he had received a nod of confirmation from his patient he prepared his equipment.

"Should I wait outside," Gii inquired politely once the man was ready to begin his examination. "No, Saki-kun, that won't be necessary," doctor Asano replied. "I will only check Hayama-kun's temperature, pulse and blood pressure and then I will check his lungs since he has been outside in the rain for such a long time that it caused hypothermia, so it is better not to take any risks." And with that the man began his examination, smiling mildly to himself when he noticed that his patient, upon being touched, hadn't flinched even once. "Well young man, I'm happy to say that I can give you a clean bill of health," he spoke up only a few minutes later. "You pulse, blood pressure and temperature are all normal and I can't her any unusual noise coming from your lungs when you breathe. However, there is one thing that really amazes, not to mention puzzles me exceedingly. You haven't shown any signs of your phobia during the check-up. It seems to have vanished practically overnight."

"I have to thank Gii for that," Takumi explained softly and couldn't help but blush. "Last night, after I had regained consciousness he took me into his arms, held me tight and touched me in the gentlest way imaginable. He quickly made me feel comfortable and before I knew it my fear of human contact gradually disappeared. However, I haven't made a complete recovery yet." "What do you mean," the physician inquired calmly while Gii gave his fiancé a concerned look. "Well, upon hearing that my memories have returned my best friend was so happy that he hugged me impulsively. At that moment I became aware of the fact that sudden and unexpected touches still startle me and cause me a light feeling of discomfort," the ebony-haired youth answered softly and smiled reassuringly at his beloved.

"That's no cause for concern Hayama-kun," doctor Asano explained matter-of-factly. "You have to take into consideration that you haven't suffered a simple relapse, but that, as a result of the violent assault, the degree of your phobia had heightened significantly. I'm convinced that within a few weeks' time you will have made a complete recovery." "I hope so sensei," the so addressed boy answered, "and I'm confident that I can do it, especially with the help of Gii and our other friends." "I will do everything within my power to support you my love," the handsome upper-class man said hoarsely. "And I promise you that this time we will cure that stupid phobia for good!"

"I have no doubt about that," the physician stated and offered the two lovers a mild smile. "In all my years in this profession this is the first time I have ever seen the love of a special friend or partner influencing the patient to the degree your love is influencing Hayama-kun. From the medical point of view this verges on a miracle. But however that may be I want to make sure that my patient really makes a complete recovery from his illness." "So, what do you suggest sensei," Takumi asked somewhat hesitantly. "How about this, let's have another therapy session in four weeks from now in which we will analyze if things have changed compared to today and in what manner," the doctor replied calmly before turning to Gii. "I think it would be a good idea for you Saki-kun to join that therapy session since the matter concerns you too."

"Wakarimashita sensei," the handsome upper-class man replied with sincerity. "Thank you for your hard work so far and please, take care of us in the future as well." "Thanks for your trust in me, but to be honest, I haven't done that much," doctor Asano stated with a smile. "That Hayama-kun recovered his memories in such a relatively short time is mainly thanks to your and your friends' efforts. All of you have worked so hard to help Hayama-kun remember his past and I'm pretty sure that if you guys hadn't been there, he wouldn't have made such a quick recovery. Do the two of you have any other questions or concerns regarding future treatments?"

Gii and Takumi looked at each other for a brief moment and when they both shook their heads the physician rose to his feet. "In that case we are done for today," he announced and the two boys stood up as well. "Please stop by the reception desk to make an appointment for the next therapy session and if there should be anything either of you is worried about, don't hesitate to call me any time." "We will," Takumi answered smiling gratefully. "Thank you sensei for everything you have done for me."

"You're welcome young man," doctor Asano stated, mildly returning his patient's smile and once he had exchanged his goodbyes with the two boys he took his leave upon which Takumi and Gii made their way to the reception desk. They had just finished the paperwork and were about to leave when Gii's beloved perceived a familiar voice calling his name. "Hayama-kun…long time no see! How are you?"

"Emiko-san," the so addressed boy exclaimed and turned to face the head nurse. "I'm fine, thank you. My memory has fully returned and my phobia is almost gone." "That's great to hear and I reckon that, with the return of your memory, you could at last solve the mystery of that silver ring of yours." "Yes, I could," Takumi replied truthfully and lifted his left hand. "It's an engagement ring." "At your young age you are engaged," the woman asked, slightly astonished. "Yes, I am," the ebony-haired youth stated grinning. "And may I introduce my fiancé Saki Giichi to you?"

"I remember you Saki-kun," the nurse exclaimed and shook hands with the handsome upper-class man. "When Hayama-kun was hospitalized you came to see him almost every day. Congratulations to the two of you!" "Thank you," the two lovers replied in unison, both of them blushing faintly. "Saki-kun, take good care of Hayama-kun," the nurse went on. "Treat him like the treasure he is." "Rest assured that I will Emiko-san," Gii stated with sincerity and after a few more minutes of small talk the boys took their leave.

"I will quickly give Kumamoto-san a call, to tell him that we are ready to meet him, so that I can make my penal charge at the police station," Takumi said once they had exited the building. "I don't want to keep him waiting." "Alright and after you are done at the police, I will treat you, to a romantic dinner as promised," the so addressed boy answered and placed a tender kiss onto Takumi's temple. "We also have to call our parents once we are back on campus to give them the news."

"I know I should call my mother and father, but…," Takumi sighed and lowered his gaze dejectedly. "Listen my love, I know that you don't really want to make that call, but they are your parents after all," Gii began carefully and encircled his fiancé's middle in a protective and comforting manner. "You might not be on good terms with them, but however that may be I still think that they should hear the news about your recovery directly from you rather than the hospital or the school." "I know Gii, but how on earth do I tell them about our engagement," the ebony-haired youth breathed softly. "You don't have to tell them about us yet. Take one step at a time and start by giving them the news of your recovery," the handsome upper-class man suggested. "There's still plenty of time to let them know about our engagement. Don't worry Takumi, everything will work out somehow." And with that Gii pulled his beloved close and sealed the boy's lips with a loving, innocent kiss.

oOo

The remainder of the weekend passed quietly and Takumi and Gii spent most of their time in blissful and intimate togetherness, taking either romantic walks or staying in their room chatting and cuddling. Takumi's parents had taken the news of their son's recovery with somewhat restrained happiness and even though the ebony-haired youth had already expected that kind of reaction he couldn't help but feel a little down once had ended the call. Gii, being the loving and considerate fiancé that he was, provided all the comfort his one and only needed and soon Takumi's mood had brightened again.

However, with the sound of the alarm clock on Monday morning and thus the beginning of a new week of classes came the end of those blissful hours. As soon as Takumi entered the classroom he was immediately surrounded by his classmates who literally bombarded him with curious questions, since the rumors about the boy having at last recovered from his amnesia had spread like a wildfire within the previous forty-eight hours. "How are you feeling…Is it true that you passed out…Can you really remember everything from your past…Is it true that Gii found you in the rain, unconscious?" Smiling shyly Gii's beloved patiently answered the questions as best as he could, including only those details he was willing to give and was more than grateful when the sound of the school bell ended the interrogation.

As he quickly made his way over to his desk the ebony-haired youth noticed immediately that the neighboring desk was unoccupied. "Motoki hasn't come. I wonder if he's trying to avoid seeing me," he whispered softly and took his seat, his heart growing heavy and thus the morning school hours started. "You are worried about Ichikawa, aren't you," Gii, who had approached his beloved's desk as soon as the lunchtime bell had begun to ring, asked cautiously. "I confess I am," Takumi answered truthfully. "Motoki was serious about me and he must be hurting because of the way things turned out. He has done some pretty bad things to me, but that doesn't change the fact that he is my friend from junior high school and even after all that has happened between us during these past few weeks I still care about him. I remember that we had a couple of serious arguments in the past like all friends have, but he has never gone as far as avoiding me."

"If Ichikawa has really chosen to stay away from you for the time being, there might be another reason than just heartache," Gii mused, squeezing his fiancé's shoulder with tender compassion. "You said it yourself, he has done some bad things to you. I'm sure he is hurting because he got rejected but in addition to the heartache he might also feel regret for what he has done and might not know how to face you after all that. Don't worry Takumi, I'm certain that Ichikawa's keeping his distance from you is only temporary and that he will approach you again once he has come to terms with his feelings and his conscience." "I hope so Gii, I hope so," the ebony-haired youth sighed dejectedly and closed his eyes for a moment. "I never meant to hurt him."

The other boy was just about to say something in return when the PA system went off. "Saki Giichi, you have a phone call. Please proceed to the secretariat immediately," a female voice announced. "Saki Giichi, you have a phone call. Please proceed to the secretariat immediately." "Takumi, why don't you go to the cafeteria together with Shouzo and the others? I will join you guys later," the handsome upper-class man said upon hearing the announcement and once his beloved had nodded his consent the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin left the classroom while Takumi went over to Akaike, Misu and Toshihisa.

"I wonder who the caller is," Akaike's boyfriend mused as the group went downstairs to meet up with Shingyouji before heading to the cafeteria. "Saki will tell us soon enough I guess," Misu remarked casually and he should be proven right. The boys had just arrived at their destination when Gii caught up with them, breathing a little harder than usual, a sign that he had been either walking at a brisk pace or running. "That didn't take too long," Takumi stated smiling. "Was it an important call?" "Well, I guess you could say that it was," the so addressed boy replied nonchalantly. "It was from my parents. They asked us not to make any plans for next Saturday afternoon because they intend to pay us a visit and they really want to meet you."

"Y-Your parents are coming here and they want to meet me," the ebony-haired youth stammered and blanched, biting his bottom lip nervously. "H-How am I supposed to face them? I'm not prepared for this!" "Now don't you worry Takumi, you are going to be fine," Gii replied calmly and placed his hand gently onto his fiancé's shoulder. "They already agreed to our engagement, so there is no doubt that they will accept you and welcome you into our family." "Besides, if you hadn't been attacked on Tanabata, you would have spent the whole summer vacation with Gii and his parents in the US," Akaike added and offered his friend a mild, reassuring smile. "I know that, but I still can't help but feel nervous about meeting Saki-san and his wife for the first time," Takumi sighed. "I really want to make a good first impression on them."

"You worry too much," Misu stated casually and the others nodded in agreement. "They will definitely like you. Just be yourself and everything will turn out right, you'll see." "I hope so," the so addressed boy replied forcing a smile and took several deep breaths in order to calm his racing heart, trying hard to convince himself that this first meeting wouldn't be a big deal, especially with Gii being by his side, but despite the attempt to think positive and the encouraging words of his friends the ebony-haired youth found himself unable to put his mind at ease. During the lunch break he remained rather silent, hardly ate a thing and during the afternoon classes he found it quite difficult to concentrate on the lessons. Instead his thoughts kept constantly wandering off and several scenarios of how the meeting with Gii's parents would go began to unfold in his mind.

"A penny for your thoughts," the voice of his fiancé ripped the boy out of his musings. "Are you still thinking about the visit of my parents?" "Yes, I am," Takumi answered meekly after a brief moment of silence and sighed deeply. "How can you tell?" "Well, for once you have been staring into the distance for most part of the last two lessons with unseeing eyes and secondly you haven't moved at all from your seat since the final bell which rang about two minutes ago," Gii explained smiling mildly. "So obviously there's something on your mind and considering our lunch time conversation it wasn't hard to guess what 'that something' is. But why are you so concerned about meeting my parents?"

"How should I say it," the so addressed boy began after a moment of silence and shyly met his fiancé's gaze. "I know that meeting your parents shouldn't be a big deal, but this first meeting matters a lot to me and I can't help but feel somehow insecure and anxious. Gii, after all these years I finally get the chance of having a family again and that means the world to me. I don't think I could take it if your parents would dislike me." "I see," the handsome upper-class man replied softly and reached out to cup his beloved's cheeks in a gentle caress mentally smacking himself for his ignorance.

"I should have guessed that your worry and distress in regards to this meeting is somehow related to your past. Listen Takumi, my mother and father are kind people and they have good hearts, even though my father can seem a little distant and strict at times. But believe me when I say that you have nothing to fear. If my parents wouldn't approve of you, they would have never given me their consent to propose marriage to you. I'm absolutely certain that after the meeting on Saturday both my parents will love you just as much as I do and that they will treat you like a second son."

"Do you really think so," Takumi inquired meekly and gazed intently at his fiancé, his beautiful chocolate-colored eyes reflecting a peculiar mix of fear and hope. "Yes I do," Gii replied with sincerity in his voice. "They will make you feel as if you had always been part of our family. So let go of your worries, your doubts and relax. Otherwise you won't be able to sleep for the remainder of the week and the last thing I want is to visit you at the infirmary because you fainted from exhaustion." "I'll try to be easy about this meeting," the ebony-haired youth stated and managed a faint smile. "I should think positive, shouldn't I?"

"Yes, you should my love," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin said, smiling reassuringly and ran the palm of his hand along the side of his beloved's face in a tender caress. "What will you do until dinner time," he asked casually once he had pulled away in the attempt to change the other boy's thoughts. "I guess I will spend the afternoon at the library," Takumi sighed dejectedly. "Since I didn't pay much attention during the last two lessons today I have some serious catching up to do. What are you going to do?"

"I will go to the student council room to meet Misu and to help him with the planning of the upcoming school festival" the amber-haired student replied shrugging his shoulders and only a second later his face lit up as a sudden thought crossed his mind. "Ano Takumi, there is something Misu and I have been meaning to ask you for a while, but until now we didn't really have the opportunity to do so," he began carefully and took his beloved's hands into his own. "Misu and I would like to ask you if you would be willing to perform a short violin concert on the day of the festival, just a couple of classic pieces and maybe one or two of your own creations." "A-Ano, Gii…I…," the ebony-haired youth began to stammer, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, but was almost instantaneously interrupted by his fiancé.

"You don't have to say anything right now," the handsome upper-class man explained softly. "Just give it some thought, okay and there is no need to feel pressured because neither Misu nor I will force you into playing in front of the student body. Whether you want to give this concert or not is completely up to you." With that Gii fell silent for a moment and when the other boy nodded his understanding he offered him a warm, affectionate smile before speaking up again. "Since we are both going to spend the rest of the afternoon in this building shall we meet at the statue outside the main entrance at, let's say, six-thirty and have dinner together?" "Alright," Takumi replied smiling mildly and the words had barely left his mouth when Gii leaned in to capture the boy's lips for a long, loving kiss, taking advantage of the fact that he and his fiancé were the only two students remaining in the room. "I see you in a couple of hours my love," the handsome upper-class man breathed sweetly once he had pulled away and with a seductive smile playing about his mouth he exited the room.

oOo

"I'm a little too early. Gii won't be here for another fifteen minutes," Takumi murmured glancing at his wrist watch and leaned casually against the pedestal of the bronze statue that stood only a few meters away from the broad staircase which lead into the main hall of the school building. Smiling to himself at his own impatience the ebony-haired youth placed his hand over his heart that was beating a tad faster than usual, like it always did when its owner was thinking about the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin. "Oh Gii, what have you done to me," Takumi whispered and closed his eyes with a dreamy sigh, allowing his mind to fill with images of the handsome upper-class man whom he had come to love with all his heart and soul.

Gii's beloved was so lost in his blissful thoughts that he didn't perceive the sound of footsteps approaching and only upon his name being called the boy's eyes snapped open again. "Takumi…" "Mo-Motoki," the ebony-haired youth stammered, his eyes widening slightly in disbelief, but he tied his best to hide his surprise and uneasiness behind a faint smile. "Y-You didn't attend classes today. What happened?" "I had some private matters to take care of, so I was granted a leave of absence from Saturday morning until today," Ichikawa explained quietly. "I'm surprised that you are asking though. After what happened last Friday at the construction site of the concert hall I didn't think you would care much about me or my whereabouts anymore." "Don't say that," Takumi whispered and shifted uncomfortably, lowering his gaze.

"Upon my return I heard that you had another flashback and that your memories have fully returned," the brown-haired boy continued after a brief moment of awkward silence, a sad smile forming on his lips when the other nodded wordlessly. "Congratulations Takumi, that's good news." "M-Motoki," Gii's beloved sighed softly and lifted his gaze again to face his friend properly. "Since made a complete recovery from your amnesia I assume that everything between you and Saki has gone back to the way it used to be," Ichikawa stated matter-of-factly before Takumi had the chance to continue and all the ebony-haired youth could do was to nod once more.

"That's good," the other student remarked in response, putting up a brave front. "I want to ask you something if you don't mind and even though I dread the answer, I need to know the truth. That silver ring you showed me the other day, you got it from Saki, didn't you?" "Yes, I did," Takumi replied meekly, unconsciously letting his right index finger trace over the intricate designs of the band he was wearing on the left hand. "Gii proposed to me on the eve of Tanabata and that ring is a symbol of the promise we made that night."

"Wow, I didn't expect that ring to have such a meaning," Ichikawa muttered, not even trying to hide his perplexity. "A couple ring…yes…but an engagement ring…" And with that the brown-haired boy reached out and grabbed the other boy's hands. "Congratulations Takumi," he stated with sincerity. "I wish you all the happiness in the world. I should have known that, even though you suffered from total amnesia, I wouldn't stand a chance with you, not with a guy like Saki Giichi fighting for your love. That fellow never gave up on winning your hear again, no matter how many drawbacks he had to face. I don't like to say it, but Saki truly deserves you and I sincerely hope that the two of you will find lasting happiness."

Ichikawa's voice trailed off and once he had released Takumi's hands from his hold the brown-haired student turned to leave only to be held back by the object of his affection. "Motoki," Gii's beloved exclaimed with firm determination ringing in his voice. "You have to promise me one thing. Please promise me that you won't turn your back on me and walk out of my life because you are important to me and I want us to remain friends."

"You really are a kind-hearted guy," the so addressed boy stated softly. "You always have been. Just like you I want us to continue as friends or rather start over as such, but first I need some time to sort out my feelings. I have also said and done some terrible things to you and taking that into consideration I think that, for the time being, a little bit of distance between us is going to do you some good as well. I'm awfully sorry Takumi that I haven't acted like a friend at all these days and I hope that you can forgive me eventually. I allowed myself be driven over the edge by jealousy and I lost control, but don't worry about me. Once I have come to terms with my emotions I will return to your side and if you have found the heart to fully accept my apology by that time, I will be more than happy to start over again as friends."

"I will be waiting for you Motoki," the ebony-haired youth replied and offered his friend a mild, amicable smile. "Thank you, and now I will leave you to the care of the famous Saki Giichi," Ichikawa stated quietly and pointed towards the approaching handsome upper-class man before he casually walked away in the opposite direction with his head held high.

"Was that Ichikawa," Gii asked rhetorically as he let his eyes follow the boy's retreating figure. "Yes, approached me in order to apologize and to talk things over," Takumi replied and sighed deeply. "I'm feeling really sorry for him." "That guy…he came to the student council room earlier in order to have a chat with me," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin explained quietly. "He sincerely apologized to me for his actions, wished me luck and asked me to take good care of you. He also threatened me that he would definitely snatch you away for real, should I dare to cause you pain in the future and make you cry." "I feel so bad for Motoki. He tries to hide it as best as he can, but he is seriously hurting because of me," Takumi whispered, his eyes turning misty. "I never meant to hurt him and to cause him such heartache."

"Listen, my love," Gii began in the most soothing voice and pulled his one and only into a tight embrace. "What happened is not your fault. Ichikawa fell in love with you and decided tell you openly about his feelings. Unfortunately for him his affections were not returned, but things like that happen in love. Being rejected by you, the object of his affections is certainly painful for Ichikawa, but there is nothing you have to blame yourself for because all you did was to listen to your own heart. Your friend knows that as well, I guess that's why he decided to face you in order to talk things over and time is a great healer. Ichikawa will get over you and once he is ready for a new beginning he will approach you again." "I know Gii," the so addressed boy whispered and buried his face in the folds of his fiancé's jacket. "Motoki said something similar. However, it still hurts to see him like that and to know that I'm the cause for his misery…because…because he is my friend." "Give him time Takumi, give him time," the handsome upper-class man breathed soothingly and cradled his beloved's head tenderly against his shoulder, nuzzling the boy's hair in the most loving manner while whispering sweet words of comfort and encouragement at the same time.

oOo

The rest of the week passed quietly and finally Saturday had arrived. Takumi hadn't slept well the night before and now as he got ready for the day, desperately trying to button up his dress shirt with shaky fingers, but failing miserably, his heart was beating so hard against his ribs that it was almost painful. "Don't be afraid my love," Gii whispered endearingly and sensing his fiancé's distress he hugged the boy from behind. "Didn't I tell you many times that everything will go well?" "Yes, you did," the ebony-haired youth sighed. "And throughout the whole week I have been telling myself the same thing over and over again, but somehow…"

"I see," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin stated compassionately when the other's voice had trailed off. "It seems to me that your thoughts need some distraction and I know exactly how to achieve that goal." And with that he pressed his lips tenderly against the soft skin of Takumi's neck before trailing a series of sensual kisses down to its nape, letting his hands roam over his beloved's half exposed chest at the same time, finally brushing the boy's shirt swiftly off his shoulders. "G-Gii…dame…w-we can't do that right now," Takumi gasped trying to ignore the heat that had begun to spread in his body in response to his fiancé's ministrations and turned around to face the culprit.

"H-How can you think of being intimate with me at a time like this? Your parents could arrive any moment now." "It's not even nine o'clock yet and the last message I received from my parents said that they won't arrive at Shidou before noon, so we have plenty of time for an amorous tête-à-tête," the handsome upper-class man replied in his bedroom voice and smiled seductively at his one and only before he began to nuzzle the boy's neck once more. "Ya-yada yo…Gii," the ebony-haired youth breathed, his words being barely more than a whisper since his defenses had already begun to melt under the enticing caresses of his fiancé like ice in the sun. "W-We…ngh…we really can't…"

Of course his words were ignored and Gii showed no intention whatsoever to stop his erotic, highly arousing ministrations. Instead of listening to Takumi's faint words of protest he sealed the boy's lips with a passionate kiss and pulled their owner into a tight embrace. The moment Takumi felt the touch he finally surrendered to the advances of the handsome upper-class man and the enamored couple spent the time until the arrival of Saki-senior and his wife cuddling and making sweet love.

The limousine of the Saki family pulled up in front of the main building of the school just a few minutes past twelve and after being formally introduced to the couple by his fiancé Takumi managed to greet the boy's parents politely, hiding his nervousness successfully behind a warm smile. "Mister and misses Saki, it's a pleasure to meet you," he stated in formal Japanese and bowed respectfully to his future parents-in-law. "It's nice to meet you too Hayama-kun," Gii's mother replied and offered the ebony-haired youth an affectionate smile. "We have heard so much about you." "We have indeed," mister Saki added in a calm and collected manner. "And we are very happy to hear that you have made a complete recovery from your amnesia."

"Thank you," the so addressed boy replied smiling shyly. "I'm really sorry that the incident of Tanabata has prevented Gii and me from visiting you in New York as planned and from spending the summer with you." "There is absolutely no need to apologize. What happened on that day wasn't your fault and the same goes for the consequences which have followed that incident," Gii's father explained with sincerity, secretly impressed with the boy's manners and his attitude. "You are well again and we are finally able to make your acquaintance and that's all that matters." "That's right," Saki-senior's wife added cheerfully, "and in order to celebrate our first meeting I prepared a big lunch basket for all of us. So shall we look for a nice spot and feast?" The head of the Saki family and the two boys nodded in unison and as the group made their way over to the cafeteria and its outside resting areas Gii breathed a sigh of relief that his parents and his fiancé had seemingly gotten off to a good start.

"Mmmmh, that's really delicious," Takumi sighed and closed his eyes for a moment as he savored the rich taste of the marinated pork. "You are a wonderful cook Saki-san." "Thanks for the compliment my dear," the so addressed woman replied with a warm smile gracing her fine features. "I can tell from your reaction that you don't often have the opportunity to enjoy a homemade meal." "You are right," the ebony-haired youth replied, sighing dejectedly and placed his chopsticks down for a moment. "Gii might have told you that I'm not exactly on good terms with my parents and that I rarely return to our home in Shizuoka."

"What happened," Gii's father asked carefully once he had confirmed the boy's assumption with a nod of the head. "Ano, l-let's…let's say it was a serious family affair at the end of which my parents pretty much disowned me," Gii's beloved stammered somewhat clumsily and felt the arm of his fiancé being wrapped protectively around his middle almost instantaneously. "…n-not that my father and mother ever cared much about me to begin with…ano…" "It's alright Takumi," Gii piped in, his warm baritone voice being soft but resolute and as he pulled his one and only closer he gave his parents a pleading look.

"By the way Hayama-kun, how is your violin practice going," misses Saki, who had caught on immediately, asked casually in the attempt to change the direction of the conversation. "A certain someone told me that you play brilliantly. Is there any chance of seeing and hearing you perform?" "Gii asked me only a few days ago on behalf of Misu Arata, the head of the student council, if I would perform at the upcoming school festival," Takumi replied truthfully and offered Gii's mother a shy smile. "I'm not sure if I should do it though. I wonder if I'm really good enough to play a concert and it has already been about ten years since I have last performed in front of an audience."

"It would be a good opportunity to show off your talents and we are certainly hoping to attend a recital of yours sometime in the future," the head of the Saki family added with an emphatic undertone in his otherwise calm voice, his wife nodding in agreement. "I'm still contemplating about whether I should agree to Misu's request or not, but no matter what my decision is going to be, I promise you that I will definitely perform for you when the occasion arises," the ebony-haired youth answered politely and with that the conversation turned back to general topics and continued on a much lighter note while the Saki family and their future son-in-law enjoyed the rest of the lunch.

"Well Giichi, if you don't mind I would like to have a private talk with you regarding a matter of business before your mother and I return to Tokyo," the amber-haired student's father spoke up once they had all finished their meal and rose to his feet. "It won't take too long." "But of course father. Takumi, mother, would you please excuse us for a while," the handsome upper-class man asked politely and rose from his seat as well.

"Well, what do you say Hayama-kun, shall we go for a little walk until my husband and Gii have settled their business affairs," misses Saki said good-naturedly once her husband and her son had taken their leave. Smiling shyly Takumi nodded his consent and soon he and his fiancé's mother were leisurely walking the campus grounds. "Well, would you mind telling me a little about your relationship with Gii," misses Saki asked nonchalantly. "Is that son of mine behaving himself and treating you well?"

"Gii is the best partner I can imagine," the so addressed boy stated softly and couldn't help but blush. "He is kind, gentle, protective and always there for me. I admit that he can also be rather impulsive at times and that he often has a way of handling things that I don't thoroughly understand, but whatever he does is done with the best intention and the desire to help, to support and to protect the people he cares about and me." "My son loves you more than anything in this world and he would sacrifice everything for you," Gii's mother explained smiling warmly. "You know, the first time Gii ever talked about you was when he came home for Golden Week in his freshman year and at that time he already made it pretty obvious how he felt about you. Whenever he mentioned your name his eyes began to sparkle and he always spoke in the most glowing terms about the, I quote, shy, withdrawn, ebony-haired vision of beauty in his class that I already knew back then that he had deeply fallen in love with you and that those feelings were not just a temporary infatuation."

"Really," Takumi exclaimed turning crimson. "But in fact I love him just as much and when I first laid eyes upon Gii I had similar thoughts, even though I never thought back then that there would ever be a chance for me to become friends with him, let alone his boyfriend and fiancé. I always felt that there were worlds between us and that Gii was an existence above the clouds, someone I would be able to watch from afar, but could never get close to." The boy's voice trailed off for a moment and the ebony-haired youth marveled at how comfortable he felt with his fiancé's mother, at how easy he found it to lower his defenses and to open up to her. "With the love he has given me Gii has changed my life," he continued once he had taken a deep breath. "He broke through the wall I had erected around my heart and managed to cure me from a serious illness. Has he ever mentioned my 'human contact' phobia to you?"

"Only very briefly," the so addressed woman replied truthfully. "Gii only said that you really disliked it when people got too close to you or touched you…You mentioned earlier that your parents disowned you…Is your phobia related to that matter?" "Yes and no," Gii's beloved stated hesitantly. "My phobia is one of the results of what happened in our family, just like my parents disowning me." "Have you ever tried to reconcile with each other," misses Saki asked sympathetically. "Both my mother nor my father ever really tried and I refused to make the first step," Takumi sighed dejectedly, "not because I was too proud, but because I felt that I was the one who had been wronged. So I believed that the first step for reconciliation had to come from my parents. I'm actually surprised that Gii never told you about all of this."

"Of course we asked him for details regarding that matter in the beginning, but Gii always refused to give us any," the handsome upper-class man's mother explained. "He always said that it would be best if we heard the whole story directly from you once you are ready to confide in us and I as well as my husband agreed with him on that." "Gii really is a wonderful guy," Takumi sighed dreamily upon hearing those words. "I often think that he is too good for me…"

"Do your parents know about the relationship you and Gii are having," misses Saki asked carefully. "I think that, since you aren't on good terms with your father and mother, it must be quite hard to communicate with them." "I mentioned Gii several times to them during my freshman year here at Shidou and another couple of time after we had become roommates," the ebony-haired youth answered truthfully. "Because of the way I talked about him and because he called me so often during our school holidays my parents might suspect something, but they have never asked me anything about my relationship with Gii. To be honest I'm really scared to tell them about the engagement…"

"Everything will eventually work out somehow," Gii's mother replied in a soothing voice. "You will see." "As long as I have Gii by my side for comfort and support I'm going to be alright, I guess," Takumi stated smiling shyly. "I wonder where he is and what he and mister Saki are discussing right now." "Most likely they are talking about a matter related to the company," Saki-senior's wife mused. "While Giichi clearly takes after me when it comes to love and relationships he definitely takes after his father where the family business is concerned. Gii knows that running a business and managing a global business empire such as ours is a tremendous responsibility and just like my husband he takes those matters very seriously." "Gii truly is such an amazing person," the amber-haired student's fiancé breathed endearingly. "And even after all the time we have been together I'm still finding it hard at times to believe that he gave his heart to an ordinary guy like me."

oOo

"Well father, what would you like to speak to me about," Gii asked curiously once he and the head of the Saki family had sat down at the table in the conference room in which the dorm heads held their regular meetings. "There are two things I would like to discuss with you," the boy's father answered calmly. "The first one concerns the lawsuit Kumamoto-san is pursuing on Hayama-kun's behalf. I have provided our lawyer with some detailed information about the family backgrounds of the guys who attacked your lover on Tanabata and we thoroughly discussed the height of the compensation we are going to claim from them." "How much money are we talking about and how are Takumi's chances to receive that amount," Gii inquired carefully. "I talked Takumi into doing this and I don't want him to suffer any drawbacks from following my advice."

"Don't worry about that son," the so addressed man replied in a calm businesslike manner. "Kumamoto-san and I are thinking the same way as you do and have decided to purposely file extremely high claims in order to make sure that, even if the other parties will try to enter negotiations about the height of the smart money, Hayama will receive a compensation that is just, one that duly considers the severity of the violent assault itself and its consequences for Hayama, including both the physiological as well as the psychological aspect. Also the evidence against the guys who have been involved is abundant, so there are no doubts that these lawsuits against Kurokawa Minoru and his minions are going to be successful. Once this case is settled Hayama will be a very rich young man. We will of course claim the highest amount of smart money from Kurokawa's family and considering that the boy is also about to face trial in front of a jury his family won't dare to negotiate in order to protect their reputation. They will try to settle the matter as quickly and quietly as possible and for the families of the other guys it's pretty much the same thing. They might try to bring down the amount of money we will claim from them, but however that may be the compensation Hayama will receive without question mounts up to two-and-a-half million US dollars at least and it's very likely that the final amount will be higher than that."

"Wow," the heir of the Saki family exclaimed in astonishment. "Please excuse my bad language but two-and-a-half million US dollars at least…that's a shitload of money." "Yes it is, especially for a guy like Hayama who has a rather humble middle-class background and that's the reason why I wanted to speak to you about this," Gii's father explained. "You are the one who is closest to Hayama and both Kumamoto-san and I think that it would be a good idea if you broke the news to your lover in a gentle manner. Make him aware of the fact that he can expect a lot from these lawsuits and that his life is going to change for good." "Of course I will do that," the handsome upper-class man replied with sincerity. "I bet that even in his wildest dreams Takumi has never thought about receiving that much smart money. Hell…I myself didn't expect it." "Justice should be done and the victim as well as the culprits should get what they deserve. It's as simple as that," Saki-senior stated matter-of-factly and with that a brief moment of silence settled between father and son.

"You mentioned another matter that you wanted to discuss," Takumi's fiancé finally spoke up. "What is it?" "The other thing I wish to talk to you about is a private matter and it concerns you and your fiancé," the so addressed man answered truthfully, his prominent features holding an unreadable expression. "W-What do you think about Takumi," Gii asked hesitantly and his heartbeat instantly sped up a pace.

"Hayama seems to be very nice guy. He is well-mannered, quite well-educated and I have no doubt that his affections for you, are sincere and profound," the boy's father began in a calm and collected manner. "However, I'm beginning to wonder if I made the right decision when I gave you my consent to propose to the boy. I'm beginning to ask myself if he is the right partner for you and if he is right for our family." "W-What do you mean," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin asked alarmed, unconsciously raising his voice. "Are you trying to tell me that you disapprove of Takumi and that you want me to break off the engagement?"

"It all depends," the head of the Saki family stated truthfully and took a deep breath. "Listen Giichi, I know how much you love Hayama…how much he loves you in return and you have to believe me when I say that I'm truly happy for you," he explained softly. "I'm a parent and like all parents I want you to be happy and to live a good, successful life. However, I'm not only a parent but also the owner and manager of a huge business empire of which you are the heir and being a man of business I have to take that fact into careful consideration when it comes to certain aspects of your future like your partner in life. Marrying into a family such as ours comes with many duties attached. Your marriage partner has to be capable of supporting you in every way and that person also has to act as a representative of our family in society. Is your fiancé aware of the expectations we are having of him as a member of the Saki family?"

"Yes father, he is," Gii answered with the utmost sincerity. "Takumi knows about the tremendous responsibilities I will have after taking over the company and he knows just as well that he is not only expected to share these responsibilities with me, but also to give me strong support in public and in private." "But is Hayama capable of doing so," Saki-senior asked sternly. "I had the impression that the boy is not only shy, but quite sensitive as well. He looks very vulnerable, like someone who easily succumbs to pressure. I do not yet know much about Hayama, but based on what he said, about what kind of person he used to be in the past, I fear he isn't very talented in society. If we really accept him into our family Hayama will have to deal with a lot of pressure. The business world is a shark world and you know that. Also, leading a life in the high society and thus the public eye is very tough and the two of you are definitely going to face many obstacles in society in general since not everybody is supportive of same-sex relationships, let alone same-sex marriages. What's more, for me as a the owner of a family business, accepting Hayama as your lawful partner in life means accepting the fact that in the future there won't be an heir from our side of the family to take your place once you choose to retire and that the ownership of our company will inevitably go to another relative."

"Father, I…," the amber-haired boy began only to interrupted instantaneously. "That's why I need to have the assurance that Hayama is mentally strong enough to take all this on and that he won't cave in to the pressure and stress he is going to be exposed to," the head of the Saki family continued unperturbed. "Giichi you are my son and heir and I trust your judgment, so I expect that you will answer my next question truthfully and to the best of your knowledge. Is Hayama Takumi capable of fulfilling all the duties that are incumbent upon him as an in-law of our family and as your marriage partner?"

"He most certainly is," Gii answered straight-faced and with a firm voice. "Takumi is much stronger than he looks or than you think. He is probably the strongest person I have ever met and I can prove it to you. However that would mean that I have to reveal everything I wanted Takumi to tell you himself. So please promise me that what I'm going to say will stay between us." For a moment the amber-haired boy gazed intently at his father and once he had received a nod of agreement from the man he told him all that was to know about Takumi's dark and tragic past. "…I won't lie and say that those experiences haven't taken their toll on him. What Takumi has been through has left deep wounds and many scars, but it didn't break him, quite the contrary actually. Right after entering Shidou Takumi has quickly become a victim of repeated bullying because of his phobia and his distant, anti-social behavior, but he never broke under that kind of mental stress he had to face on an almost daily basis. He bravely endured and even faced up to the bullies, much to their indignation and more than once either Shouzo or I had to intervene openly or in secret in order to prevent things from escalating."

"When Hayama talked at lunch about a family affair being the reason for the bad relationship with his parents it wasn't difficult to imagine that something serious had to have happened, but I never expected anything of that sort," Saki-senior whispered, the light tremble in his voice the only sign how shaken he was by the things he had just heard.

"Takumi is a fighter and someone who would do anything to protect his friends and loved ones, in fact he has already done so," Gii continued gravely. "I only found out a few days before the disciplinary conference took place." And with that the handsome upper-class man told his father what Takumi had confessed in regards to the return of his memories after his first flashback and the threatening letter he had received only shortly afterwards. "Up until that day he has kept all that to himself and has decided to take the heat instead. He has suffered greatly by the hands of Kurokawa and his minions and decided to endure it just in order to protect me as well as our other friends. Now tell me father, are you still having doubts about Takumi being the right partner for me and about accepting him into our family?"

"Before I can answer that question truthfully I need a moment to myself in order to process everything that I have just heard," the head of the Saki family answered quietly. "Why don't you rejoin your fiancé and your mother? I will be with you in a while." "Wakarimashita," the so addressed boy stated in a calm voice and rose to his feet. "Take your time, but there is one thing I want you to know. I will never give up on Takumi even if you should decide against him as my partner in life. Please don't make a decision that would force me to choose between him and the family for you might not like my choice." And with that Gii left the room with his back straight and his head held high.

"Ah Giichi, there you are," he was greeted by the voice of his mother the moment he had stepped into the entrance hall of the main building. "Hayama-kun and I were just about to come and look for you," the woman stated smiling mildly. "Where is your father?" "He has some urgent business to attend to and asked me to tell you that he will join us, as soon as everything is taken care of," the handsome upper-class man explained successfully keeping his cool. "So why don't we go to the cafeteria and have some coffee or tea while we wait?" "That sounds like a good plan," the boy's mother replied casually and turned to face her son's beloved. "What do you say Hayama-kun?" "Sure, let's go," the ebony-haired youth answered with a mild smile playing about his mouth and soon the group was occupying a table outside the cafeteria chatting away as they enjoyed their refreshments.

About thirty minutes later they were joined by Saki-senior and Gii gave him a stern, questioning look which the older man chose to ignore. Thus the head of the Saki family engaged in the light conversation his wife and the two boys were having and the afternoon hours passed swiftly. "Well, I think it's time for us to take our leave," misses Saki announced somewhat ruefully after she had taken a glance at her watch. "Our limousine should be here in a few minutes." "Takumi and I will accompany you back to the main building," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin answered and rose to his feet, his fiancé following his example instantaneously.

By the time the group arrived at their destination the driver of the Saki family was already waiting for Gii's parents as were the principal of Shidou Gakuin and a large number of curious students. "Gii, take good care of yourself and Hayama-kun," misses Saki stated and hugged her son. "He is something special." "I will mum, I will," the handsome upper-class man assured his mother with sincerity upon which the woman turned to her son's fiancé. "I hope to see you again soon Hayama-kun and also hope that you will accompany Gii next time he comes home for a visit." And before Takumi was given any chance to reply she pulled the ebony-haired youth into a loving embrace, placing a soft kiss onto his forehead before she got into the car.

"It was a pleasure meeting you Hayama-kun," Gii's father stated stepping up to his son's one and only, whose cheeks had turned crimson, and firmly shook hands with the boy. He then turned to his son and placed both of his hands gently onto the handsome upper-class man's shoulders. "Take care Giichi," he stated softly. "Regarding the matter we discussed earlier, I left a letter in your post box. Please read it and get back to me as soon as possible." "Alright," the amber-haired boy replied politely and once they had exchanged a short hug the head of the Saki family took his seat in the car.

"Have a safe journey home," Gii and Takumi exclaimed in unison as the driver was about to close the door and a moment later the engine of the limousine was started. "One thing is for sure, after what just happened no student here will ever dare to bully you again. We will have a lot of things to celebrate with our friends tonight," the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin whispered and gently took his fiancé's hand into his as they watched the car drive away. "Welcome to our family my love." "G-Gii," the so addressed boy stammered and nestled closer to the handsome upper-class man, rapidly blinking away the tears of joy and relief that had begun to form in his eyes.

oOo

"Congratulations," Akaike, Misu, Shingyouji and Toshihisa exclaimed in unison as soon as Takumi and Gii entered the gazebo which was beautifully decorated with glass tealights as well as several red, white and pink garlands. "Thank you guys," the two lovers replied smiling mildly and laced fingers with each other. "You have chosen the perfect location for this party," Gii commented, his beloved nodding eagerly in agreement. "We know that this gazebo has a special place in both your hearts and we all agreed that there can't be any better location on the campus to celebrate your engagement," Akaike explained and handed out cups to everybody. "It's only non-alcoholic cider, but anyway…here is to your engagement and to Hayama's recovery. Cheers minna!"

"Cheers," the others exclaimed cheerfully and drank to the happiness of the betrothed couple before Misu picked up a gift bag. "Since this is an engagement party we have prepared a little present for you," he announced grinning mischievously and handed the bag over to the two lovers. "We thought you might have use for it someday in the future. Please have a look at it." Gii accepted the bag and once he and Takumi had thanked their friends properly they did as Misu had asked, the ebony-haired youth turning crimson as he beheld the contents of the bag while the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin couldn't help but burst out laughing. "I can well imagine who came up with the idea for this engagement present," chuckled as he inspected the maid costume that came complete with over-knee stockings, garter belt and straps and a pair of plushy handcuffs while Akaike put on an innocent expression.

"Thanks guys, I think Takumi and I will save the use of those items for our wedding night," Gii continued and nudged his beloved, giving the boy a sexy wink upon which he began to chuckle lightly as well. "And when will that be," Shingyouji asked curiously. "I would say in about four or five years, after graduation from university," Toshihisa piped in. "Am I right Gii?" "That remains to be seen since we haven't actually discussed that matter yet," the amber-haired student replied casually, but even though his voice was cheerful there was a strange undertone in it as well as something in the boy's eyes that made Takumi feel uneasy. However, for the sake of not ruining the cheerful mood of the others he decided to put his worries aside and soon the six boys were crowding around a small buffet table that was placed in one corner of the gazebo eating and chatting.

"So Gii-senpai, now that Hayama-san has fully recovered, will you have to move back into room 300," Shingyouji asked casually. "No, I won't," the handsome upper-class man replied grinning from ear to ear. "Earlier this week I spoke to Shimada-sensei regarding that matter and he agreed to let both of us stay in room 310 for the rest of the school year." "Really, that's wonderful Gii," Takumi exclaimed and with a sigh of contentment he leaned his head against his fiancé's shoulder. "I was worried that sensei would make you move back into room 300, now that everything is resolved. Why haven't you told me?" "I wanted to surprise you and luckily I could convince Shimada-sensei to let me stay with you," the amber-haired student explained and draped his arm lovingly around his beloved's middle. "And I guess that he also knew quite well that I wouldn't allow him to separate us again."

"The benefits of being the most popular student of Shidou Gakuin," Misu smirked. "But now that everything is settled we can focus all our attention to the next big event which is the school festival. Hayama, I know that Saki has already asked you on behalf of the student council if you would agree to give violin performance on that day, hasn't he?" "Yes, he has," the so addressed boy replied truthfully. "I have thought hard about your request and…and I have decided to play at the festival." "Yatta," Gii exclaimed and pulled his beloved into a tight embrace, the other boys smiling approvingly at their friend's decision.

"Takumi, I have something for you," the handsome upper-class man said softly once he had released the ebony-haired youth from his hold and pulled out an envelope from the inside pocket of his jacket. "I had planned to give it to you later, but since you have already agreed to give a violin performance in front of the whole student body of Shidou Gakuin I think you should have it now." "What is this," Gii's fiancé asked curiously, blinking a few times in surprise. "Read it and you will see," the other boy stated with a mysterious smile playing about his mouth and winked mischievously at his one and only.

Takumi did as he was told and as he scanned the contents of the letter his eyes grew wider with every passing second. "A-An invitation t-to a recital in front of the board of teachers of Japan's most renowned and prestigious music academy in order to decide if I will be accepted at the school as a fulltime student on a scholarship," he stammered perplexed and looked at his friends whose features were also holding expressions of surprise. "How is that possible? I haven't applied for a place at that academy."

"As you know our mutual friend Sachi Inoue graduated from that academy and as a student of honor he is often asked to represent the academy at certain event and therefore he is still in regular correspondence with the principal and the board of managers," Gii explained casually. "The day you performed for us at the green house, shortly after your discharge from the hospital, I secretly recorded one of the tunes you had made up on the spot and sent it to Sachi together with a detailed explanation of the situation. This is the reply to my letter and it arrived only yesterday. Will you write back to the academy in order to schedule a date and time for the recital?"

"Oh Gii…my beloved Gii," the ebony-haired youth exclaimed and with tears forming in his eyes he flung himself into his fiancé's arms, hugging the boy tightly. "Thank you so much!" "I take that as a 'yes'," the handsome upper-class man chuckled and returned the embrace lovingly. "Saki Giichi, you sly thing! You are always good for a surprise, aren't you," Akaike stated smiling brightly upon which the others nodded in agreement. "That was a masterstroke my friend!" "I think that calls for another toast," Toshihisa piped in and raised his cup and the rest of the boys followed his example instantaneously. "To talent, genius ideas and success! Kanpai!"

"Kanpai," the others repeated in unison and once they had drunk the toast they continued to chat animatedly until the time for returning to the dorms had finally arrived. "Hayama, Gii, you guys go ahead," Akaike addressed his friends smiling mildly. "There isn't much to clean up and we have permission to store the table as well as the trash bags inside the greenhouse until tomorrow morning, so four people are more than enough to tidy up." Knowing that it would be no use to argue the handsome upper-class man and his fiancé politely thanked the rest of the boys for and made their way back to the dorm grounds after they had bid them goodnight.

"Ano, Gii…can I ask you something," Takumi inquired hesitantly once he and his beloved were back in their room. "When Shingyouji and Toshihisa speculated about the date of our wedding day you said: That remains to be seen. What did that mean? Is there anything I should know about?" "Well, prior to my parents' departure my father left this in our postbox," the so addressed boy replied truthfully and walked over to his desk where he picked up a letter. "You should read it." Nodding almost imperceptibly the ebony-haired youth accepted the piece of paper with slightly trembling fingers and for several long moments silence fell over the room as Gii's beloved studied the letter, re-reading it a second, a third and even a fourth time, rapidly blinking his eyes in disbelief.

"G-Gii…t-that…that is…," he finally began to stammer clumsily, unable to form a coherent sentence his gaze wandering back and forth between the piece of paper in his hand and his fiancé. "When I first read that letter I had a similar reaction," the most popular student of Shidou stated softly and sat down beside his one and only, gently draping his arm around the boy's middle. "The question is what are we going to do? This is a difficult choice to make and even though the matter concerns the two of us, I would like you to make that decision and I will abide by whatever you choose to do." Nodding Takumi shifted his gaze once more from his fiancé to the letter in his hands and stared at it for another long moment before he finally raised his head to face the handsome upper-class man once more. "I have made my decision Gii…"

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A/N: That's it for this chapter and again I'm leaving you wiht a cliffhanger, even though there is only one more chapter to come.
What were the contents of that letter? Was it good or bad news for our beloved couple? Find out in the epilogue of "Remember Me".

I'll try to update that final chapter as soon as possible, so please stay tuned!

I hope you enjoyed reading this second-last chapter and please take a moment to click on the review button. Thanks!