S2 Chapter 2
Days Without You, Days With You
The teens entered the car wet from the snow. Maurien, the driver, was kind enough to get off and store away Sae's luggage.
«Please take us to Yuusuke's.» Yui requested to which Maurien nodded.
Sae entered the backseat area with Yui and took a seat next to her. The girl happily smiled at him. She had thoughts of holding his hand but resisted. She clenched her hand in her seat.
It wasn't a long ride but they enjoyed the blissful time they got to chatter and catch up.
«Sae, tell me how have you been?» Yui inquired excitedly.
Sae wasn't sure how to answer this.
During his time in Spain he went through highs and lows, and only in the recent years did his career as a professional athlete really start.
Thinking back, the world he saw was insane and he might have lost himself to despair if it wasn't for the brief moments of normalcy and support he received from them. Sae looked at Yui and thought: 'Thanks.'
If it's Yui it might be okay to talk. If it's her she might understand. Just as Sae thought these, he had already begun to speak.
«The football world is a battlefield.» Sae began to speak slowly as he retold his experiences.
«Teamplay? Support? Assist? No. It was all about defeating each other, using each other to score, and upon the bodies of the losers, the victorious would stand. Those that win are those that live and only they can climb up towards the top. That's the world of World-Class-Football.» Sae said and his eyes burned with a cold, predatory flame. He could feel the familiar adrenaline pump through his body.
«I've been fighting in that world for the last few years...» His eyes went to the front view mirror in the car. He could see his own reflection in it. It was a cold and unfazed glare. A gaze belonging to someone that had been victorious.
«It's not bad.» Sae knew he could only say that now after having a taste of victory.
Yui looked at him quietly. Sae emitted the aura of a seasoned warrior. One that had been going through battles day in and day out. Although he seemed calm, she knew he was fighting a silent battle, his guard was up.
She smiled softly. It reassured her to see that Sae was cautious and confident enough to not be bullied or touched by anyone. It did pain her a bit to know that he had to go through all that but then again, Yui trusted and believed in Sae as much as she respected his decision. She knew, he wouldn't do things half-heartedly. Sae, when it came to his goal and future, had always been more mature and resolute than most of their peers. Seeing his resolve, Yui too, had decided to wait and support him as best as she could.
«Sae, give me your hand.» Yui asked with a smile when she held out her own hand.
«?» Sae glanced at her from the corner of his eyes. His gaze then went to her hand.
«I'm done with gifts.» While he didn't mind giving her some, he just felt like it was a burden to receive more. Besides, it was a hassle to decide on something.
Yui laughed. «It's not. So, your hand?»
Hearing her laugh put Sae in a good mood and he put his hand on top of hers. He was curious as to what she was going to do now.
Yui felt warm as she assessed Sae's larger, slightly calloused hand. It was funny, when they were teens their heights and hands were about the same size and now everything about him had grown to be bigger than hers. Yui mused with a small sulk.
Sae meanwhile found himself intrigued at her change of expressions. It was strangely endearing.
«What now?» Sae asked with a hint of mirth as he watched the girl stare at their hands silently. He playfully intertwined them when he asked this which caused her to blush hard.
Sae's expression softened with joy and he felt warmth spread from his chest all throughout his body.
'I should start getting serious...'
Sae realized, while Yui was distracted with calming her beating heart. He would be a fool to let Yui go and Sae was no fool. But then again, he was only here now to renew his passport.
Sae temporarily played with the thought of taking Yui with him to Spain. Now that he was part of the World's-11 he not only had a title and status but also the wealth that came with it. Providing for her would be no problem. Heck, Sae already earned enough to provide for them for a lifetime.
A brief thought however stopped him when he glanced down at her. 'What do you want, Yui?'
Sae opened his mouth to ask when he suddenly saw Yui tie around a beautifully crocheted bracelet around his wrist.
«... I said no gifts.» Sae mumbled ambiguously. It was hard to tell whether he was amused or annoyed with how neutral his voice sounded.
«It's not... I made it for myself but since I saw you today, I don't need it anymore.» Yui said with a bright jolly smile. Sae was suddenly reminded of how much he missed that smile.
«... Are you giving me scraps now?» Sae questioned and Yui chuckled at that. «Please keep it. It's pretty and new.»
'... It's still a gift...' Sae replied softly but he never stopped Yui from putting the wristband on him. Instead, Sae casually grabbed Yui's hand into his once she was done. He remembered these were the fingers he complimented as pretty when he found her for the first time. They were long and slender and fitted into his hand just perfectly.
Sae glanced down at the well-woven bracelet. It was tied onto his right wrist, right below the black metal bracelet that reminded him of their bond. A small smile appeared on his face and he turned it away. It was nice to see them again.
As for the bracelet..., if it was something Yui wanted to give him, then he would take it. The same went for all the other accessories she would send him on his birthdays.
It all started with that one necklace Yui had made for him. She was saying something about them being popular among in the Spanish culture, and how they might help him find some friends.
Sae wasn't interested in them, but he still wore it simply because they fitted his taste and style.
He didn't pay any attention to it at first, but his necklace actually got the curiosity and attention of some Spaniards in the team. They soon came to talk to him about it, and then took him out for some shopping. Occasionally, the boys would discuss the newest fashion trends together and share advices outside of football as well. Sae had to admit, while he didn't talk much it was nice to hang out in a no stress environment from time to time.
After that, Sae just naturally started paying attention to these more - even sending some over to Yui, who seemed to have made it a new hobby of hers to create accessories in her spare time.
Sae couldn't complain. In truth, it pleased him to know that she still cared for him enough to make him those gifts herself.
With a soft sigh, Sae turned to the window. He could already see the familiar streets that surrounded Yuusuke's mansion. They would soon arrive at their location but before they arrived he wanted to spend just a little more time with her.
Turning back to her Sae indicated towards his bracelet and asked. «Why don't you need it anymore?»
Sae's body language shower her that she had his full attention. He could see her cheeks grew red slightly and she shyly brushed away a strand of her behind her ear.
'That habit still remained...' Sae noticed with a warm tinge in his chest.
Yui thought for a moment and then raised her head to see him directly in the eyes. Her eyes were clear without a single speck of doubt in them.
«My wish already came true when I saw you today. That's why, I don't need it anymore.» Yui calmly explained without looking away. Her eyes were looking into Sae's to see if he understood what she meant.
Yui opened her mouth to explain some more. In that instant however, Sae's expression turned into a smile. He chuckled softly. It was a short, sweet sound. But a heartfelt chuckle nonetheless.
«I see. You wanted to see me this much, didn't you?» Sae teased her gently with glee.
«Yes, I did.» Yui replied back sincerely with a soft, heartfelt smile.
Sae stopped laughing when he heard her sincere response, a small smile still remained on his lips. He watched her and felt a pang of guilt as he saw how much she missed him in her eyes. It troubled him in more ways than anything or anyone ever could but... he didn't know what to do to ease her sorrow or pain now.
'I'm the same, Yui...' Sae thought as he averted her gaze and looked out of the window again.
The scenery outside was now completely covered in white. The starry night in full view. Sae looked at it and he imagined the sea breeze that touched his skin.
During his first two years in Spain. He was humiliated, humbled, wrecked and utterly defeated. It was a past and memory Sae didn't like to think or talk about. He suffered like he never did before.
'Part of the reason why I could keep going... it was undoubtedly you.' Sae thought as he remembered the soft glimmering light that would reward him with a burst of strength at the times he needed it most.
It was the same as how Yui appeared in front of him today. - This time in flesh and blood. - Just when he needed her, again.
'You're the reason I came back here. You're the reason I managed to be where I'm am now.
You're the reason I've come so far.' Sae thought with fondness at the thought of the woman that he knew he adored. There were countless times where he wished that he could hear her, embrace and keep her in his arms. He simply wished to love her for all that she is. Even after four years. He still wanted her.
'I'm sure... I missed you much more, Yui.' Sae quietly whispered these words to himself as he carved them into his heart.
Sae knew, he'd never be able to express his words of gratitude and how much she means to him with mere words, and as such he promised himself that he would treat her well. His eyes shone with fire as he thought this.
Sae tightened his hold on her hand.
When the time comes, he would make her happy and repay all those years of wait and enduring. His resolve to do so grew day by day.
«Let us out here.» Sae's voice interrupted the silence they were in.
Maurien glanced at the front mirror his eyes going from Sae to Yui.
Yui looked at Sae and then followed up calmly. «It's okay. Please do as he said, Maurien.»
«Yes, young lady.» Maurien did as Yui said and parked the car over. Sae opened the door and left, helping Yui out as he did so.
«We'll walk the rest of the way. Thank you for your work today.» Yui thanked her driver and waved him off before he could reply.
«Young lady! It's dangerous!» Maurien yelled as he got up from the driver's seat and looked at them in worry.
«It's fine, don't worry. Yuusuke's mansion is right around the corner.» Yui explained with a smile.
«Besides... I have Sae with me.» Yui glanced at him before she lightly held onto his arm. She hoped he would catch her act.
Thankfully, Sae didn't throw her off. Instead he just kept his eyes on her calmly.
Seeing Yui's cheerful smile Maurien couldn't say anymore, instead he turned to look at Sae.
Maurien removed his hat and clutched it in front of his chest. «Please watch over the young lady, Itoshi-san.»
Sae nodded at this polite gesture. If he was surprised at this treatment then he didn't show it.
Sae shifted his posture slightly. He was now shielding her protectively with his taller frame without making it too obvious for Yui to notice.
Maurien however did notice Sae's movement. The driver paused in his thoughts for a moment as he watched the two teens walk away.
After they turned around the corner Yui slowly let go of Sae's arm.
«Don't let go. I need to protect you.» Sae stopped her with his words mid-motion.
Yui chuckled. Hearing these words from Sae, even if it was only an act, made her happy. She put her hand back onto his arm.
Sae too mirrored it with a small softening of his lips. Together they looked like a young and happy couple.
«What are you protecting me from, oh great Itoshi-sama.» Yui teased him lightly. She remembered the nickname Rin used to give him.
Sae cringed inwardly at that nickname. He was temporarily thinking that he should have gone harder on Rin..., until he suddenly remembered their clash.
'Rin...' Sae turned somber.
Yui noticed the change in the teens mood. They stopped in front of Yuusuke's mansion.
It was hard not to see how sad and down-trodden - even heartbroken Sae looked.
Sae rarely showed his emotions, but when he did they were transparent and almost clear in how straightforward they are.
«Did something happen with Rin-chan?» Yui asked softly from his side.
She leaned forward slightly to look him in the eye.
Sae didn't know how to reply to this and continued to stare her down.
Suddenly... after a long time of silence, he leaned forward and pulled her into yet another hug. The carefulness from earlier was gone. This time Sae kept her in his arms tightly.
Yui couldn't see his face, but she could feel the mix of emotions that was locked inside of him, and now unraveling slowly. If it was a silent companion Sae needed than she would give him all the time he needed. Her heart echoed loudly in her chest and she felt the warmth provided by their bodies.
It's been so long since she had seen Sae. The way he was holding her so tightly, filled her with happiness to the brim. Her heart must be jumping out of her chest right now. She felt scared that Sae might hear, but at the same time she didn't want this to end. Yui knew then that she loved him... and she wished that he would love her back.
Everything about this whole situation seemed like a dream to her. Maybe too much happened in a day and her fluctuating mood must have tired her out. For a brief moment the world seemed hazy. Yui closed her eyes tiredly. Being in Sae's arms was just too comforting, Yui thought in content.
Yui returned the hug and lightly put her arms over Sae's back. She relaxed in his arms. Her breath softened as a wave of fatigue suddenly hit her.
She forced herself awake by opening her eyes. «Sae... the car is coming.»
Yui softly said. She could see the lights of the car approaching through the heavy snow fall.
Sae didn't stir and Yui absentmindedly brushed the snow off his hair.
«You're gonna get sick, Sae.» Yui reasoned worriedly when she realized their wetness.
She heard Sae exhale. He slowly backed off, but his eyes looked down at her softly.
«I want to hear your sound. Can you play something for me, Yui?»
«...» Sae's very random request dumbfounded her. Once again, she had so much she wanted to ask but when she saw how much Sae seemed to need it, Yui smiled in agreement.
«I will. We can do it after we are both freshened and cozied up, then.»
She brushed the snow from her own hair just as the gate opened and a car arrived. Immediately the driver got off with an umbrella ready to help the two teens into the car.
She turned around and tucked at Sae's hand gently. «Let's get inside. Yuusuke has a music room in the mansion as well. In the meantime... is there anything you wish for?»
'You.' Sae's mind instinctively answered. He knew that the him four years ago would have gotten flustered over that answer. Yet now, he was feeling strangely calm.
More importantly, Sae finally started thinking about the next steps, he would have to take, for their relationship to develop. - And for that 'you' to become 'mine'.
To be frank, all this thinking was wasting his time from football. But when it came to making Yui (and himself) happy, he figured he could bear it.
«No. You can decide.» Sae replied as the car drove off. He looked out of the window and lamented how ridiculous lavish this whole thing was. He estimated the distance between the gate and Yuusuke's mansion to take around 10 min by foot. 'What a waste of time...' Sae thought.
Meanwhile, Yui hummed in thoughts. In her mind she was going through all the familiar sounds and pieces.
«Alright, I got one. I always wanted you to hear it.» Yui said with a hint of excitement in her eyes. Sae nodded feeling a sense of anticipation and excitement rising from her words.
«Finally...» Sae muttered softly with a small ounce of happiness. He felt like a part of him was missing with her music gone.
The car stopped in front of the mansion. Standing at the entrance was no one other than Yuusuke, who was ready to greet Yui.
«Yui, what's up? Did the visit go well?» Yuusuke asked the moment the girl exited the car.
«Yes, it went well. Thank you for driving me.» Yui replied back. «More importantly, Sa-»
Before Yui could finish her reply, Sae stepped up next to her.
«!» Yuusuke watched the red-head exit the car with widened eyes.
Sae merely stared back with a bored expression. His eyes went around assessing the building.
«Sae is back.» Yui ended her sentence with a bright smile full of happiness.
The gears in Yuusuke's mind moved when he tried to assess the situation. Yuusuke opened the front door, stepped into his home and closed the door shut. He then opened it again and looked at them.
Yuusuke blinked once then twice.
Yui watched him with a soft giggle. Sae remained as unimpressed as always although his expression did soften into the beginning of a smirk slightly.
«Bro... Why didn't you tell me anything?» Yuusuke asked when he had regained his calm.
«Wait, come inside first. I don't know what you both did but you look like a typhoon hit you.» Yuusuke commented and quickly ushered them inside.
Happy to be invited in, Yui turned around and gently held Sae's hand.
«Welcome to Yuusuke's castle.» She greeted him inside the hall with a bright smile.
To say it was a castle might be a bit far-fetched, but it indeed was quite a huge building worthy of being called a mansion.
The moment they entered, Yuusuke's mansion staff appeared and helped them out of their jackets.
«Geez, you're both soaked. Lead Sae to the guest room on the second floor and draw him a bath.» Yuusuke commanded.
He then turned to Yui. «Your room's ready as always. Let's meet at the living room later.»
Yui nodded with a smile. «Got it. Thank you... Please take care of Sae for me.» She added after a bit of hesitation. Yuusuke watched in mild surprise when he saw her leave for her own room.
A supportive smile appeared on his face. 'Leave it to me, sis.'
Meanwhile, Sae who watched their interaction had all kinds of warning bells going off.
He watched with unease at their close interaction. Was he missing some crucial information? As far as he's aware Yuusuke and Megumi's relationship had been going well.
Why was he suddenly with Yui now? What's the thing about 'your room'?
Sae felt wrath and irritation well up from deep within him. He felt like he was missing out on something important and it irritated him. Sae quietly followed the staff to the guest room. He needed answers, and he would get them.