A/N: Hello again...
Thank you to all who have read my first and second fanfics and the Prologue of my Winter Sonata in My Heart. Thanks to all who are willing to leave comments for me to improve myself. Here is the first chapter after prologue...
Well minna... what do you think about my prologue? What will happen to Takumi without Gii? Will Gii be back safely? Akaike has feeling towards Takumi? (Please don't hate me... My dear Princess Serenity-Chan and Dollmasterlynne I'll return Takumi to Gii when the times come...ok...) The Dagger Dripping in Ink, I'll pay attention to the paragraphing... Thank you all... Keep on reading...
Disclamer: I don't own Gii, Takumi or any "Takumikun Saga" characters in the story. I only own the story and the name that I invented. If there are similarities, it's only coincidence and my deepest apology in advanced.
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Chapter 1
Listening to the continuous heart-wrenching sobbing and hugging the crying young man in his own arms definitely something new in his life history so far. He could not fathom a sudden ache building in his own heart now. Enduring the upside down chaos emotion which was alien to his own soul was quite frightening to Akaike. Ignoring the turmoil in his heart and to lend his shoulder for Takumi to cry on and at the same time holding him close trying to sooth his emotion is indeed unforeseen. He never expected Takumi could give such privilege. He also could not comprehend those tender feeling which able to slither inside his own heart.
"Haish! This feeling is annoying! Ahh! Takumi is important right now," Akaike spoke in his own head. Shaking his mind, he gave his attention to the one in his embrace now.
While waiting for Takumi's weeping subsided, his memory flashing the short conversation with one of the waiter earlier, Takumi was really at a complete loss and as if under a spell holding out his hand phone to the waiter who was on the line answering his call. He knew, this was indeed a massive blow to Takumi's fragile heart. A sudden stir jolted Akaike into reality. Maybe the way he was calling Takumi by his name not his surname as always had changed Takumi's reaction towards him. So, he addressed Takumi as Hayama instead, "Hayama...are you alright?"
As if aware of his awkward position in Akaike's arms, Takumi hastily pushed himself away from Akaike and sat erect on his chair. He was clumsily wiping away the tears which still visible on his cheeks and the corner of his swollen red eyes. Afterward he was repeatedly apologising to Akaike, " Gomen...Akaike-kun...Gomen...Gomen..."
Unconsciously, Takumi was nodding his head countless times while putting his hand together just as the Buddhist praying. Akaike was deeply touched by Takumi's gesture and stopped him immediately. "Hayama! Hayama! Stop it!" his voice rose a bit and shook Takumi. Takumi froze in action. "Enough Hayama...Let's go home," he softly drew Takumi's attention.
Takumi nodded weakly in accordance as he slowly stood up. Akaike was once again lending his shoulder for support. He accompanied Takumi to his apartment after paying the bill. On the way, they could not stop people around from glancing towards them. Ignoring the curious stares, they both unhurriedly walked away and endured the whole journey to Takumi's residence.
As they both reached at the front door, Akaike took the key from Takumi's trembled fingers and quickly opened the door. Hurriedly, Akaike assisted Takumi to Takumi's bedroom and helped him lie down on the bed.
"Take a rest Hayama. You really need it," he softly persuaded.
Maybe he was really tired and surrendered to slumber. Akaike stayed for a while watching Takumi doze off and his breath became even. Later, he crept silently to the living room and sat on the sofa exhaling a deep sigh. His left hand was busy massaging his temple as if able to squeeze out rotten memory off his mind. Still, the person who was sleeping very soundly in the bedroom not far away from him able to wreck havoc to his heart which he well guarded so far. Even surrounded by fascinating pairs of "love birds" since Shido Gakuen, his perspective never swayed to "that" direction. He did not hate them, but not in the slightest he ever expected that he could be like them.
"I am straight!" he screamed inside his head. "Haish! Pull yourself together," another monologue. With a long heavy sigh, he stood up and finally he realised something quite different compared to the time he left Takumi yesterday.
The whole apartment was amazingly too bright and shiny. Almost impossibly and unusually super clean under his scrutinising eyes. When he walked into Gii's room, he noticed that the room was the only spot untouched. A lump formed in his throat. He perfectly understood the reason Takumi has behaved exactly that way. He is their best friend. He was well aware and have a handle on the whole scenario. He remembered when Gii suddenly pushed Takumi away from his life in order to protect his lover from the onslaught of the first year throngs. The miscalculation on Gii's behalf had caused Takumi's phobia to relapse even less frightening than before.
Since, he was the one who always watched from the sideline made him more sensitive and observant. He also managed to convince Takumi and made him got the picture of the whole situation regarding Gii's sudden change of attitude that year. Together, with the brilliant Misu in their league, Gii and Takumi were able to reconcile their confusion. In fact, their love life became stronger afterward.
"I definitely will not leave Takumi alone this time," he whispered. With utter determination he put a pledge to help Takumi fought to face this terrible ordeal and will return Takumi to Gii safe and sound when he come back. "I must persuade Takumi soon. Hope he will not too stubborn to listen to my suggestion," nodding his head agreeing to his conscience.
"Gii! Come back! Gii! Don't leave me!" Takumi's cry brought Akaike back to reality; jolting up straight and sprint to the adjoining room.
"Hayama! Hayama!...Oii Hayama!" Akaike tried his best to shake Takumi from the wild trashing.
Takumi abruptly woke up and was being consoled by Akaike. "Akaike-kun...Gii is dying... He's going to leave me forever... Akaike-kun...what should I do?" Takumi was wailing and Akaike was really in trouble to calm him down.
"Hayama...calm down, we don't know yet. It is still under investigation. Let's pray for his safety," Akaike tried to comfort Takumi.
Luckily, Takumi was at ease even though his sob still visible but both were silent to give prayers for Gii's safety. Akaike was eyeing and examining Takumi's mood at the moment to voice out his attention earlier. Sensing Takumi's fragile demeanour right now, he was almost afraid to utter even a single word. He did not want to disrupt the serenity of current atmosphere. Takumi was sitting on the bed and his back leaning against the headboard. His chest was heaving naturally as he was breathing. His swollen eyes still wet and tears mark was clearly visible.
"Hayama..." softly he whispered to grab Takumi's attention.
"Emmm..." that was all Takumi's response and slowly he turned his head facing Akaike showing his inquiring eyes.
Akaike gathered his courage and opened his mouth to speak. "I think it is better for you to stay with me for awhile," he carefully chose his word.
Noting the movement of Takumi's lips, he quickly pulled up both his palms in front of Takumi as a gesture to make Takumi listen to him and let him finished his speech. Akaike felt relieved, Takumi was simply obeying his order. Gulping another fresh air into his lung, he continued explaining in a most calming and soothing manner.
"I know you did your best to be strong but I don't want anything bad befall upon you. You are not just my best friend's lover but you are my best friend too," he tried his best to win Takumi's trust. "We will face this together as always. If you stay with me, at least I can watch over you and return you back to Gii safely when he came back," he stared into Takumi's eyes and watched closely for any physical response.
Takumi did not argue but his action was showing something really wrenching for Akaike to fathom. As he spoke, tears trickled down from the corner of Takumi's left eye. From time to time, he wiped them off his cheek. Akaike was panic for awhile but kept his form steady.
"Hayama?" Akaike was trying to get Takumi's response.
"I do understand your intention Akaike-kun but there are lots of our memories together here. I want to be close to him. I cannot totally part with him yet. Not now. Please...Akaike-kun...," Takumi solemnly replied.
"That is the ultimate reason why I want you to stay with me. He is always in our heart Hayama. I did not forbid you to come here once in a while but of course with my consent. This is for your own safety Hayama...I know you are really in love with him and your love for him know no boundary...I sincerely acknowledge your relationship...I know ," Akaike reasoned with Takumi's persistence while putting his hand on his heart.
They both looked into each other's eyes for quite sometimes and the answer was resolute. Takumi's nod put a genuine smile on Akaike's face. At least half of the battle won. He got the upper hand when Takumi was in his supervision. While waiting for Takumi overcome his fatigue, Akaike took a duffel bag and started packing Takumi's clothes. Later, Takumi woke up and took a quick shower to freshen up his body and got dressed. Soon, he realised he has been absent from his class in Tokyo University since he was hospitalised. Five days! He did not notify the Student's Affair Department upon his absence. After packing all the necessary things; locked the door, they both took the elevator to the ground floor and exited the building.
Fortunately, they were able to hail a taxi without waiting for too long. The taxi whizzed to the designated location. No conversation exchanged in between Takumi and Akaike on the way to Akaike's apartment. Maybe they both were respecting each other's privacy in silence. Soon upon arrival, after paying the taxi fare, they walked hurriedly to Akaike's home. Their hands were numb owing to hauling heavy bags in each hand. As the front door opened, they quickly dumped the bags unceremoniously on the floor and both flopped on the sofa panting for air because of exhaustion. Neither paid attention to each other's well being. They were busy catching their own breath until the moment they clashed their eyes onto each other, reading the other comical facial expression; both burst into laughter. After they had surfaced to reality, Akaike was the first one to break the ice starting the conversation.
"Glad to hear you laughing again Hayama," Akaike smiled as he started to cajole his friend to a light banter.
Takumi smiled hearing Akaike's teasing, "Thank you Akaike-kun. You are always available whenever I need you."
"Ahh... I'm forever at your service sir," nodding his head once while showing his bashful smile towards Takumi.
"Hmmm... even as a messenger between Gii and me once upon a time... Thank you Akaike-kun. I'm forever in debt and hope I can find a way to repay your kindness...Akaike-kun...hontoni domo arigatou gozaimasu," Takumi bowed to show his gratitude.
"Oii Hayama...no need to do that, we are friends after all...Your happiness and smiles are all I need to repay me," Akaike simply answered in response. As he saw Takumi seemed surprise, he quickly added, "You said so earlier, saying you would like to repay me back."
Takumi was speechless and just grinning shyly.
"Hayama...let's start unpack. I'll show you to your room and I think I'm going to cook something for our dinner. We skipped lunch earlier and my stomach is grumbling unhappily," Akaike soon stood up and pull Takumi's hand and shoved him to the room. He left Takumi on his own and dashed to the kitchen.
Smiling and humming his favourite tune, Akaike was deeply engrossed in his territory enchanting everybody palate with his splendid cooking. He swiftly took off his coat and hung it on the coat-hanger. Later, he took a blue black apron and spread all the ingredients needed for diner. Before preparing the ingredients, he cooked the rice first. Next he took out the seafood: scallops, prawn and squid for garlic fried rice with seafood; the mushrooms: Cremini, Shiitake and White for miso soup. Then he chopped, sliced and cut all the ingredients accordingly and cheerfully cooking with love. One by one was done and garnished elegantly like 5-star cuisine. Iced mint lemonade for the drinks and strawberry pudding topped with vanilla ice-cream decorated with freshly sliced strawberry on the top for dessert.
He felt sweaty and headed to the bathroom to get a quick shower. As he passed by Takumi's room, he was silently tip-toed and peered from outside. Takumi was still unpacking and did not aware of his presence. He did not want to disturb him and hurriedly took his bath. After he had finished taking his bath, he sauntered to the kitchen and saw Takumi was sitting on the edge of the single bed gazing at Gii's picture in his hand as he passed by.
Akaike felt his heart ached and called Takumi's name a few times, "Hayama...Hayama...Hayama..."
Slanting his head towards the door, Takumi was a bit shocked. "Ahh...Akaike-kun...how...how long have you been standing over there...Akaike-kun...?" Takumi stammered. "You have changed your clothes?" Takumi enquired.
"Yes, I have. Why don't you go take a shower and freshen up. Diner is ready and come to the dining table. We can eat together," Akaike pretended he did not see what had happened before his eyes.
"Okay, thank you Akaike-kun," Takumi smiled and swiftly stood up and went to take his shower and got ready for diner. Inside his mind, he really hoped Akaike did not see what he had been doing before he called his name. He did not want Akaike to worry so much about him. The last thing he does not want to be is a burden and nuisance in Akaike's life. Taken him under his wing was already too much for him. He felt really in debt to Akaike.
Akaike dawdled to the kitchen, set the table fabulously suited for a 5-star hotel customer and finally served the sumptuous delicacies magnificently. He really wanted to alleviate Takumi's mood and forget his sadness and worry. He has never seen Takumi cried so much, this was the worst since old days in Shidou Gakuen. A sudden gasp had made him twisted his body facing the source of the stimulant. Takumi was standing frozen in amazement with his right hand covering his opened mouth muffling his own gasp and his eyes wide opened exposing two black orbs. His facial expression was hilarious and priceless. Akaike could not stop himself from double over and roll with laughter. Takumi was baffled by Akaike's spontaneous act.
"Hayama... you are such a priceless companion... no wonder Gii was profoundly infatuated with you," Akaike praised Takumi as soon as he able to catch his breath and almost bit his lips for mentioning Gii's name. "Ahh... hurry Hayama. I'm famish," quickly rectified his major slip of tongue, he swiftly ushered Takumi to his seat.
"Wow! You are amazing Akaike-kun. I still remember our threesome moment when we spent our holiday at your home during one holiday. Gii had caused the foam overflowed from the washing machine for pouring too much soap. The grilled fish charred and finally you end up doing everything: the cooking, cleaning, washing," Takumi was really happy recounting the past memory and even though he was smiling but the sadness reflected in his eyes could not deceived Akaike's vigilant observation.
"Hayama...please do enjoy your meal... itadakimasu!" Akaike hurriedly tuned the mood.
"Emmm...itadakimasu...hmmm...oishi neh!" Takumi started indulging the wonderful cuisine praised the scrumptious dishes.
The mouth-watering meal was superb. His mind was focusing on the stimuli charming his taste bud. He gulped down his sadness and thanked Akaike's excellent cooking by showing his appreciation through his stomach. His belly was stretched to the max. Now, the memory of Gii was knocking his conscience; the black hole tummy Gii who could swallow the whole cuisine with not so much difficulty. He could not push away Gii out from his mind. What he can do now is adjusting his heart and start learning to live without Gii around in person but engulfed in his memory lingering. He did not know whether he could endure the pressure; only time will tell. Life must go on.
"Fancy for a dessert Hayama?" Akaike inquired.
"Ahh...there's more! Akaike-kun...my belly is going to burst any minute...let me do the cleaning. After that, I'll devour your delightful dessert," Takumi excused himself from the sweet torture.
He love dessert but he was so full at that moment. He took all the tableware, brought them to the sink and started washing. Akaike soon followed and helped drying the serving dishes.
"Akaike-kun...let me do this. You can have a rest," Takumi pleaded.
"It's okay. I want to ease my tummy too. I was too ravenous until I did not realise that I had cooked more than enough," Akaike smiled after convincing Takumi and promised to eat the dessert together after all the cleaning done.
The job was done faster because they did it together. "I don't think I can enjoy the dessert now. What about you Hayama?" Akaike asked.
"Yup, me too," Takumi replied.
They both sauntered to the living room and slouched on the couch facing a home theatre. Akaike snatched the remote control and switched on the television jumping from one channel to the other searching for something worthwhile to watch. Out of the blue, current news on the flight tragedy was displayed on the screen. Both Akaike and Takumi froze in their seat. Later, Akaike sensed that Takumi was inching nearer to his right side and he could feel his body trembling slightly. Akaike was gambling his luck when he clasped Takumi's shaky left hand with his right hand. Fortunately, he did not refuse but ironically was rather intensely squeezing Akaike's hand.
From the corner of his right eye, he could see Takumi was really trying hard to compose himself and his eyes were heart-rending and petrified. They both just sat and listened attentively to the news. It was reported that the plane wreckage was seen on the foot of the west part of Mount Everest as the mountaineers tried to scale the West Ridge which was the toughest route to tame the mountain. The news revealed all the passengers from various nations including their picture. The statistic shown out of 275 passengers and 17 crews, 270 passengers were found dead. Another five were still trapped in the wreckage. Their fate still unknown but chances of survival almost none.
Upon hearing the dreadful news, Takumi's heart beat escalated causing difficulties of breathing afterward. His body trembled and his clutched on Akaike's hand loosen. His right hand was grasping the crimson red body warmer near his painful chest with a tight grip.
Akaike too was fighting his sanity to absorb the horrendous live broadcast. His attention swiftly turned towards Takumi. "Hayama...daijobu ka? Hayama...calm down," he was really desperate to console Takumi. He brought Takumi into his arms. Takumi did not resist and a sudden relieved washed over Akaike's heart.
"Gii...Ak...Akkai..ke-kun...Gii...Gii...Gii," Takumi's voice stuttered in between short pants. He could not bring himself to acknowledge that Gii might be among the dead. He could not accept to be left behind alone without Gii by his side.
Akaike was still holding Takumi in a tight embrace. Takumi's body was trembling because of his unstoppable sobbing and wailing. In between he could hear Takumi was calling Gii's name sometimes. He did not ask him to stop crying. It was more dangerous if Takumi bottled everything inside his fragile heart.
After quite sometimes, when Takumi seemed to be a bit collected and calm, Akaike realised his uncomfortable position, his behind felt stiff and his butt was numbed. "Hayama... let's go to your room. You need to rest," he tried to persuade.
Takumi did not reply. Akaike slowly distance himself away a little bit to look at Takumi's well being. His heart constricted inside. Takumi looked distraught and weak.
"Hayama...be strong Hayama," Akaike shook Takumi's shoulder to get his awareness. "Let's pray for Gii's safety. Do you believe in miracle? We must not lose hope," he tried to get response.
Even though Takumi did not answer, his pleading eyes were staring into Akaike's eyes hoping whatever said by his friend will be true. When Akaike helped his up on his feet, slowly guided him to his room, he did not argued. He lied down on the bed. Akaike pull up the blanket over Takumi up to his waist. Takumi was staring on the ceiling. He had stopped sobbing, but his tears kept flowing down the corner of his eyes. Akaike wondered, even after so much crying, Takumi's dam of tears still overflowed.
Akaike exhaled a heavy sigh. He wondered the tragedy really made him understood how did he feel to be in Gii's shoe; worrying and fussing over Takumi's safety especially when Gii's life is at stake and still unknown. He knew, surviving in the freezing mountain at such high altitude; 23,000 feet above sea level was impossible. Deaths commonly occur from exposure to weather, avalanches, icefall, and altitude-related illnesses. To make Takumi understand all these now was impractical.
When Takumi closed his eyes slowly drift to sleep, Akaike quietly dragged his feet to the living room and made a few phone calls. He must informed Misu and Syingyoji the current scenario and he needed second thought. Two head is better than one he thought.
While waiting for his friends' arrival, he prepared aromatic herbal tea ideal to help the mind and body unwind and felt calmer. He brewed a special blend ingredients including mint, citrus-like herbs, cinnamon and aromatic flowers in a clay pot. The aroma of the tea diffused around the kitchen area. As he inhaled the fragrance of the tea, the calming effect was effective almost immediately.
The sound of the door bell instantly brought Akaike dashing to the front door. Misu, Syingyoji and Toshihisa were waiting at the entrance. He ushered them to the dining area and enlightened everybody with the recent story. Everyone was whispering to avoid disrupting Takumi's peaceful sleep.
"What happened to the other 5 victims? I was distracted by Takumi's outbreak," Akaike enquired.
"They are still searching," Toshihisa quickly answered.
"Why don't you call Gii's family? You are his best friend after all," Misu stared into Akaike's eyes.
"Yes, I'm his best friend but when it comes to family matters, Gii kind of secretive. I only know his father is a powerful conglomerate tycoon and probably now have set up their own rescue team. Gii is their only son and the heir of his father's mega corporation even though Gii has an older sister," Akaike reasoned greatly because judging from the tone of Misu's voice, he sensed Misu was accusing him.
"I didn't blame you Shouzou, it's not what I meant," as if he could read Akaike's mind, Misu quickly clarified.
"What should we do now?" Syingyoji promptly asked to ease the tension atmosphere.
"Yeah...we should be united for Takumi's sake," Toshihisa added.
"Hmmm... let's have tea everybody. I have prepared herbal tea for all of you," Akaike hurriedly brought four mugs filled with aromatic herbal tea.
Everyone was silent and savouring the soothing taste and aroma of the tea.
"We should pay close attention to the current news," suggested Akaike breaking the silence.
The other three nodded in agreement. Misu and Akaike were busy checking their smart phone for any new update. Meanwhile Toshihisa and Syingyoji were checking on Takumi in the bedroom. They both tip toed inside and silently observing him.
Syingyoji was unable to contain his sadness when he saw Takumi's condition. His body started shaking and he quickly muffled his sobs by covering his mouth with his palm. Toshihisa hastily dragged him out to the living room and tried to comfort him.
"Where are they?" Misu asked.
"Hmmm...? I beg your pardon?" Akaike raised his enquiring eyes.
"Toshihisa and Syingyoji?" he asked again.
"Oh...checking on Takumi I guess... Let's go," Akaike stood up followed by Misu.
As they went to Takumi's room, Toshihisa and Syingyoji were not around. Refused to disturb Takumi they only observed from a far and sauntered to the living room. Misu saw Syingyoji red eyes and sighed. He slowly approached and sat beside him. He knew what had happened although his pet did not say anything and pulled his lover close to his side.
The other two were just exchanging knowing stares and hid their smile. Misu's attitude toward his pet has change a lot after Syingyoji graduated from Shido Gakuen last year. As if his sixth sense fully activated, Misu shot a glaring stare toward both Akaike and Toshihisa causing the other two chuckled even more.
Akaike took the remote control and switched on the television and reduced the volume. As they watched, the breaking news on the last 5 victims appeared. There were NO SURVIVORS. All four of them were frozen, speechless gazing at each other and back on the screen. They could not believe their ears and eyes.
After a while dumbfounded by the catastrophic news, as their conscious returned, all four stood up in unison mouthing "TAKUMI!"
Everybody was really anxious. Both Toshihisa and Syingyoji slumped on the sofa crying. Misu was standing astride while watching Akaike was pacing back and forth; raking his tousled hair.
"How are they going to convey the news to Takumi?" The same questions kept repeating again and again in their mind. That was their major problem. What will happen to Takumi afterward?
"Misu...I think we should keep the news a secret for the time being," Akaike suggested.
"Are you out of your mind? For how long...?" Misu objected.
"Takumi is too fragile right now. I don't think he can endure another fatal blow... not now...at least allow him to recover from the last shock," Akaike now dropped on the sofa and hunched his body holding his head with both hand. His energy drained.
"I have to go back, it's getting late..." Misu suddenly spoke. Actually he felt suffocated. He needed fresh air to clear his mind.
"Misu...seriously, you got to be kidding. Don't leave me alone. This is crucial time. Takumi needs all of us by his side," Akaike pleaded.
"You said yourself just now. You don't want to break the news to him yet. We're not going to tell him now. So, it's going to be suspicious if Takumi saw us all crammed in your apartment tonight. He might sense something fishy. Try to act normal Shouzou," Misu explained clearly
" Syingyoji, let's go home. Toshihisa, I'll drop you at your place. We're going to come back tomorrow around 10.00 a.m. after breakfast. Make sure Takumi eat something and ease a bit. We'll tell him together," Misu enlightened everybody with the plan.
Akaike did not argue only nodded in agreement. Misu helped Syingyoji to his feet and Toshihisa started walking slowly to the front door. They said goodbye and went home.
Behind closed door, the apartment seemed to be too spacious and too quiet after they all left. Akaike felt overwhelmed by the shocking news. His feet suddenly turned to jelly. He slumped down to the floor with his back against the front door, drawing up his knees to his chest.
Even he was known for his calm and reserved attitude; he could not evade the sadness growing in his chest. He is just a normal human being. He too has feeling. His heart ached, his head throbbed. Tears trickled down the corner of his eyes. His shoulder sagged and felt heavy.
Losing his best friend really tormenting his heart but knowing the effect would shatter Takumi's heart into dust; the sting became more intense and excruciatingly unbearable. The image of Takumi the past few days flashed in his mind. How he will survive this final lethal ordeal. This is too much for Takumi to live in the world without Gii.
Akaike did not have heart to imagine anymore. He braced himself for the moment of truth. He staggered as he walked to the dining area. He felt dizzy. Cleaning will help him calm his mind. He took the mugs, cleaned and dried them. Later, he went to his room, slowly lied down on the mattress trying very hard to sleep.
His mind was too occupied with the whole scenario and very difficult for him to doze off. He did not aware when he had fallen asleep. Fatigue had robbed his conscious and slumber land welcomed his battered soul.
The sound of his alarm clock woke him up. He is the morning type of man, since he prepared his own breakfast and bento before going to his class. Today he must prepare everything before Takumi woke up.
After taking his bath, he peered into Takumi's room and he was still sleeping. He dashed to the kitchen preparing sumptuous breakfast for Takumi and himself. They desperately needed the energy to fight the inevitable outcome. He practiced to bury the sadness deep inside in order to confront Takumi later on.
When everything was ready, he went to Takumi's bedroom. His face looked calm and serene. This is the first time he watched Takumi's sleeping face in the morning. He was surprised because he thought "Takumi is beautiful" despite the tear streaks still visible. He inched closer trying to touching Takumi's face with the back of his hand... but his hand stopped half way. His skin looked very soft. His finger itched to touch the skin badly. His heart beat skipped a bit.
"What is he doing? What is happening to him?" he became flustered. He slowly shook Takumi's shoulder instead, "Hayama...Hayama...wake up...it's morning."
Takumi suddenly bolted up with his eyes wide opened asking for Gii's whereabouts multiple times. To stop his tantrum, Akaike hugged him tightly and allowed him to calm down while giving him soothing reassurance. When Takumi did not struggle anymore Akaike smoothly coaxing him to wake up and take a bath to freshen up his body and ease his mind.
He left Takumi to get ready and served breakfast on the table. Almost fifteen minutes, Takumi was still did not come to the dining table. He was worried. He dashed to Takumi's room. He saw Takumi was still drenched from head to toe clad with only a white towel around his hip. His heart banged in his chest.
He went to his own room to take a towel and walked slowly toward Takumi who was sitting on the edge of the single bed. He knelled down in front of Takumi and started drying Takumi's hair and then his body. His eyes were feasting on Takumi's naked torso for the first time ever. He was afraid Takumi could hear his heart drumming loudly. Takumi was too forlorn to realise. He felt guilty and quickly help Takumi to put on his clothes and help him to the dining table.
Nothing had been said between those two but only action took place. Takumi lost his appetite only played with the food on his plate. Akaike was aware of the situation and cleared his throat before he spoke.
"Hayama... you must not do this to yourself. Be strong...please... You really need the energy Hayama," he tried to persuade.
Takumi slowly eat his meal. Akaike took a glance on his wrist watch. It was almost time for their arrival. Speak of the devil, the door bell rang twice.
"Finish up your meal Hayama. I'll take a look," he left Takumi and welcomed in his friends.
From his sad face the others could predict the mood of the day as soon as Akaike opened the door. But at least Takumi did finish up his meal when they greeted him at the dining table. He seemed shocked to see his friends arrived at the same time.
Akaike pretended to be a good host and invited the others to have breakfast together. But the others politely declined and moved to the patio.
"Hayama...let's get fresh air outside," Akaike asked Takumi to follow him.
Everybody was outside trying to enjoy the morning panorama but actually was searching the best way to tell Takumi the truth. It is now or never. Everybody was staring at each other but Misu took the lead.
"Hayama...Gii was no longer with us..." Misu straight away blurted the terrible truth causing everybody who heard gasped and turned swiftly toward Takumi.
Takumi was too shocked and fainted as he heard the news. Luckily Akaike was behind him and able to catch him before he crashed on the floor.
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Well minna... what do you think about my first chapter after prologue? Gii died? What will happen to takumi? What about Gii's family? If you want to know, please do drop your comment. I'll keep on writing if you are interested to read it.
To those who willing to read my story, please leave a comment that will improve myself. Thanks in advance. I'll continue to the next chapter if I get at least 4 comments.
Hontoni... Domo Arigatou Gozaimasu Minna...