Family (part 7)
Title: Family (part 7)
Pairing: Takaki Yuya x Inoo Kei
Rating: PG-13
type: chaptered
Author: Hagino_aimi
Summary: the title. (Can’t think of a summary)
A/N: This fic is the continuation of the fic I made, Love comes. But this one concentrates on the family. Also, new Jr. pairing appears so…
“You’re gonna make that something Butter Gnocchi with Spinach right?” Takaki asked when he saw Inoo grabbing the spinach while he was leaning his elbow against the trolley. The Takaki family went out for groceries shopping.
“Yeah. Why?” Inoo place the spinach in the trolley.
“Can it not include pine nuts?” Takaki requested it and followed after Inoo.
“But Rei likes it” Inoo responded.
“… Fine”
“You can just put them aside if you don’t want them” Inoo said and picking out some broccolis. “and it’s Brown Butter Gnocchi with Spinach and Pine Nuts” He added.
Rei walked towards the trolley and put in some bunch of stuff; hair moisturizer, conditioner, sun block, chocolates, pink notebook and…pads? Inoo and Takaki looked at the things then to eachother then to Rei. Rei looked at them with her innocent expression.
“I don’t know if I got the right one…” Rei mumbled and gazed down at her fingers.
Takaki and Inoo looked at eachother in confusion but Inoo understood at once what Rei meant, though Takaki is still confused.
“It’s your first time?” Inoo asked.
Without answering, Rei nodded.
“what, what’s going on?” Takaki, still clueless.
“Rei…” Inoo smiled and he picked up the one that Rei chose and read the covers. 38cm?! He looked at Rei then back at the pads.
“ohhhhh it’s your first perioddd~~” Takaki guessed out loud.
“Papa you’re so loud~!” Rei hit his arm.
“Ignore him, come on let’s get you the right one” Inoo said and Rei followed after him and held Inoo’s hand.
“So um, how do you know about all this stuff?” Takaki asked when they were waiting in the car while Rei was going to the rest room.
“I asked Manochan in advance about girls’ period and what pads to get” Inoo answered. In so many reasons, Inoo has to know these things. He might not understand what Rei have to go through but who else is gonna help her? Parents are both guys afterall.
“as expected from the mother” Takaki replied jokingly only to get whack by Inoo in return, then Inoo look down to his phone when he received a message.
“It’s my ex-boss again” Inoo muttered and replied to his text.
“Still asking the same question?” Takaki suspected and Inoo nodded.
“I mean I don’t get it, he said the last place Matsumoto went to was me. Since then he’s nowhere around. Weird” Inoo said suspiciously. Matsumoto went to his place 5 days ago, he even contact Matsumoto when his ex boss called him to see if he knows where he is.
Rei washed her hands and stare at the mirror at her own reflection. Then she dried her hands with a tissue while leaning her back against the sink. She was in a mix of emotions. She was happy now that she’s having her period. But the problem is it’s not making her feel good. Like how she feels like throwing up earlier when she’s in the car, or having negative thoughts on Jinguji and Genki. That’s right!
Rei but her lips in realization. That day at the aquarium…
Flashback
“…Why are you ignoring me?” Genki grab Rei’s wrist when Jinguji and Sakura disappeared from their sight.
Rei turn around and looked away when Genki’s eyes met hers. It’s true… Rei ignored Genki as much as possible from the beginning of the day. It was obvious to Genki which led to this.
“Is there something you wanna tell me?” He asked and let go of Rei’s hand.
“…Nothing really” Rei laughed lightly and turn to walk away but Genki grab her hand again.
“Rei”
“What?”
“… Was I a bother to you?” He asked, though is voice sounds guilty and Rei didn’t want Genki to think that he is.
“I… It’s not…” Rei stuttered.”… Sakura told me about you…” She clutched the hem of her blouse out of nervousness.
Genki furrowed his eyebrows. Told her what exactly? That he threatened Miyachika because of hurting sakura?
‘oh no’ Genki thought as the idea of Sakura telling Rei about him being ‘that’ crossed his mind.
Rei noticed Genki’s expression change and she was panicking inside. “Not that Sakura said it in a bad way. She thought I knew so she just… blurted out…” She tried to explain. “And you know, you could tell me about this, I mean, I don’t mind. In fact My parents are gay. Ah” She covered her mouth with her hand when the gay word came out easily.
Genki didn’t say anything.
“Genki I won’t tell anyone” Rei reassured him.
“I’m gay, Reichan” Genki stated, still in a bit state of shook knowing that Rei knows. He was scared Rei wouldn’t be friends with him anymore. “I can’t help it…”
“…I know” Rei replied. “But I don’t mind… Genki-“
“And I really like Jinguji…” Genki cut Rei’s sentence.
Rei looked Genki in the eyes, telling that he’s terrified that Rei knows about him at the same time determined about his feelings for Jinguji.
“Then you should tell him” Rei said.
“but-“
“That’s your plan today right?” Rei gave him a small smile. “I’ll go… distract Sakura… so that you can have the time with Jingu” She excused herself. Giving Genki a small pat on the shoulder.
Before Genki could protest Rei already went and kidnap sakura from Jinguji. Telling her to accompany her to the restroom for a bit while Genki and Jinguji were left alone. She didn’t know what happened then. She and Sakura were elsewhere staring at fishes. But it sure did took a long time before Jinguji came back, without Genki.
“Oh. Sorry we left you guys” Rei said when Jinguji found them.
“Yeah. We got distracted by the seahorses” Sakura reasoned out. Then she notice Genki’s not present, and she sense that things are not going well. “Where’s Genki?”
“He uh… He went home” Jinguji answered. Although Rei wasn’t there to witness the confession, sensing the tension from Jinguji, it’s not a good one, and she herself felt Genki’s pain.
On the way home, Jinguji didn’t say anything to Rei. It was the first time they ever went home in silence. Rei was too afraid to ask and Jinguji seems off. and that was it. The next day, Genki didn’t even come to school. She knows Jinguji is worried as she is but Jinguji just doesn’t show it. He’s the one that got confessed to, not her.
End of flashback
“Sorry for taking so long” Rei apologized when she got into the car.
“No worries, Reichan” Inoo reassured. Then Takaki started to drive.
Takaki and Inoo discussed about a lot of things on the way, like about paying bills, Inoo’s doctor appointment, getting a doorbell etc. all Rei could see is how her parents are always kind to eachother. And it made her thought about Genki’s future? She giggled at that imagination. But she never knew how Inoo and Takaki got together. She knew bits and pieces, she was young back then afterall.
“Ne, how did you guys got together?” Rei finally speaks out. Both Takaki and Inoo look at eachother then at Rei. “I remember a bit about the first time I met Papa. and then something about mama tutoring papa... And saw the both of you hugging in the kitchen wearing school uniforms one time.” She added.
“Well… hmmmm… I don’t know where to begin” Inoo sigh. “How did we got together” all of the sudden the image of Takaki kissing him for the first time appear in his head making him blush.
“Mama was tutoring me…Coz I was failing almost all of the stuff I learn in school. Then I was attracted by his commitment in taking care of you and his obvious sexiness” Takaki explained and got a scary glare from Inoo. “So I confess my feelings to him and voila! We’re all over eachother!” and this time Inoo whack him.
“Nice…story…” Rei twitched her upper lip. If Takaki explained it in a good way instead of joking like that it would seem nicer.
“but were you both gay from the beginning or…” Rei questioned.
There’s no point in not telling the truth. Inoo and Takaki know that. So it’s better to be honest.
“Yes” Inoo answered.
“No” Takaki states the opposite.
Rei looked at Inoo and Takaki weirdly. “So you both just fell in love with eachother?”
“Yeah… “Takaki answered and Inoo nodded.
“Was it hard what you guys have to go through?” Rei asked again.
“yeah… but I guess that’s like already a part of us so we barely notice it” Inoo answered then he look back and asked “Why are you asking us this, Reichan?”
“oh… nothing… I was just curious” Rei half lied to her parents.
******^*********^*****
“Yuya, you forgot your phone” Inoo called out when Takaki was about to get in the car.
Takaki wanted to hit himself for being forgetful sometimes. “Thanks” Takaki said when Inoo handed him the phone.
“What’s going on with you? You seem a little off…” Inoo asked, noticing Takaki looks concern.
“I was just wondering… Reichan and Jinguji seem to have this wall between them lately” Takaki said worriedly.
Inoo look at him in disbelief. This is coming from the guy who dislikes Jinguji for always being with Rei. He thought Takaki would never notice about it, but he was wrong. “Nice to see you worry about their friendship for once” He commented with a smile.
Takaki click his tongue and look elsewhere. “I’ll be back by 6” He said and gave Inoo a kiss then he open the door of the car but then close it back.
“I’m kidding, I’ll be back by 3” Takaki only said that as an excuse to Kiss Inoo again. He was already holding the handle of the car but thennn…
“4 actually” Takaki let go of the handle and kisses Inoo.
Inoo giggled in respond and lean in to kiss Takaki, raising his arms and wrap them around Takaki’s neck for a longer kiss. If Takaki couldn’t have enough of Inoo then it means Inoo feels the same way too. Like Takaki said yesterday, they’re all over eachother. Still.
“Have fun with the kids” Inoo said once they broke the kiss.
“Will do” Takaki replied and kiss Inoo’s lips before getting inside the car. Inoo went upstairs and as he was getting closer, he could hear the sound of his cellphone ringing and he rushed in to grab his phone, looking at the screen. it was Nakazawa.
“Hello?” Inoo answered.
“Takaki-san. Don’t worry. I’m not calling you to ask about Matsumoto-san” She began.
“Oh…” Inoo actually felt relief about that as he walked to the front door and close it. “What is it about?”
“Are you still looking for a job?” She asked.
“…I guess I am” Inoo answered, not really sure, since he’s still in the midst of relaxing and enjoying taking care of his family at home. Not that he has financial problems.
“Well, I got a job for you but at a different company. If you’re interested to know more, meet me at Hisabe café at 1pm today. Good bye”
“….” Before Inoo could answer, she ended the call.
******^****^*****
“Tsuyumichan let me see your drawing: Takaki sing song as he bent over beside Tsuyumi’s desk. Tsuyumi grinned at Takaki as she showed him the drawing.
“Woooowww~ you’re really good in this! oh, is that meee~?” Takaki playfully pointed at one of the drawing figures.
“No. this one is Fukka niichan. This is Yuya niichan” She grab Takaki’s finger with her hand and pointed it at the other figure. “You are the sunflower because you always shine!” She stated cheerfully.
Takaki bit his lips at the adorableness of the girl and to prevent himself from crying. “tsuyumichan is a good artist! You get 5 star~~” He took out his chop stamp and chop 5 stars on Tsuyumi’s drawing. With extra heart stickers he bought yesterday.
“Thank you yuya niichan!!” Tsuyumi glomps him. And all of the students the other kids crowded him wanting to get 5 stars and stickers too.
When Takaki had his break as other staff took over. He was smiling all the way but then he passes by a small bin, very full. It never occurs to anyone to throw it away. He thought. But maybe he just happen to pass by when it was full, so he grab the can and went out to the back building to throw it but then…
He paused in his tracks and dropped the bin as he was surprised to see the scene infront of him.
When Fukazawa and Sanada saw Takaki there the both of them broke the kiss.
“WHATT?!!” Takaki screamed on top of his lungs.
“sshit…” Sanada cursed in a low voice.
“Whatta,howwa,what,how,whawhat??!!” Takaki stumbled upon his words, though it was only two.
“You go back in, I’ll deal with him” Sanada whisper to Fukazawa, who nodded and walked pass Takaki.
“Wha-I mean- what. Momoko?” Takaki finally got to word out at least one point.
Sanada felt one of his wire brain? Snapped. He walked to Takaki and pick up to bin and threw the continents into the trash and he grab Takaki’s arm and drag him inside to the bathroom.
“Me and Momoko broke up about a month ago. Things didn’t work out. so I’m seeing Fukka now” Sanada explained briefly.
“Since when?! Why did you broke up with momo?! What ‘things didn’t work out’?! I thought you’re against gay! ” Takaki asked all at once, still over shocked.
Sanada sigh. “Okay, we started seeing eachother a week ago. I broke up with Momoko because we wanted different things. I used to be against gay until Fukka happen. There. satisfied?! Can you keep this to yourself?” Sanada asked eagerly and at the same time annoyed to both Takaki and himself apparently for being careless.
“Well kissing out in the open is like you’re advertising to people who pass by!” Takaki pointed out.
“What people?” Sanada asked angrily.
“ME!” Takaki pointed a finger to himself. “I mean, why were you guys kissing in the first place?! you ought to know better than doing things like that at work I mean for god sake this is a kindergarten! I mean imagine if it was somebody else and not me walked into that!”
“Fukka feels devastated and I was just cheering him up” Sanada blurted out.
Takaki’s pressure calms down a little and he became confused. “…Devastated? Why?”
“Fukka started working here and got dumped by his girlfriend that night. He told me about it the next day so I let him to stay at my place for a while. Then when he came back to his apartment, almost all of his things got taken away by the girl. She even took Fukka’s money in the bank. And even blame him for being the worst boyfriend… he’s got a debt to pay but he doesn’t have the money. I offered him my money but he refused it.” Sanada ended up confessing everything to Takaki. He did think to stop talking but he just couldn’t. Maybe Takaki’s the right person to tell this to.
“… Why did they broke up?” Takaki asked.
“heh… His ex girlfriend said that he wasn’t manly enough… and that he was a lot girly than her” Just thinking of that reason made Sanada angry, again.
“Wow… that girl is one demonic bitch” Takaki commented.
“I know…” Sanada agreed.
Then it was silent for a while until Takaki speak out. “…How did you guys… get together?”
“hm… Things happen…” Sanada smiled, it was only for him and Fukazawa to know.
Takaki notice Sanada’s smile. It was a familiar smile to Takaki; it was the smile of love. How they got together is probably sweet to make Sanada smile like that. It didn’t bother him anymore to ask Sanada if he’s okay about being gay. If he’s happy, then it doesn’t matter.
“Listen… if you wanna tell me something just tell me. You don’t have to hide anything anymore. And you can trust me on this. k?” He patted Sanada’s shoulder.
Sanada smiled at Takaki. “Thanks”
They got back to work afterwards then at one point Takaki witness Sanada giving a comforting smile at Fukazawa to ease his pain for a bit. It was very nice to look at so it seems to Takaki. Love is a medicine afterall.
*****^******^*****
Rei and Jinguji sat next to eachother that morning in class, while people were chit-chattering; they were just sitting in silence. It was rare for Jinguji to be this… dead. Okay Rei must’ve exaggerated for a bit but Jinguji is always cheerful and now, he’s actually reading a book. What did really happen that day? Rei didn’t bother to ask Jinguji and just wait for him to say it, or maybe he just doesn’t want to remember it anymore.
Then the door opens and Genki walked in, he looks gloomy. Not genki at all. And he walked pass by Jinguji and Rei, Jinguji and Genki met eyes for a bit then looked away as he sat down at his place behind Rei.
Rei hesitated for bits, then she turn around. “Good morning Genki” She greeted with a smile.
Genki looked up to Rei and muttered “morning”
“So uh… did you catch a cold or something? Sakura told me you were unwell for the past few days” Rei stated.
“…Something like that” Genki answered.
Jinguji, out of the blue, grab Rei by the wrist and drag her out of the class, leaving Genki alone. Jinguji stops infront of the library and went in and further to the corner and lean against the book shelf.
Rei could only be more confused. Yet again, she needs to be a good friend right now. “…Jingu” She voice out.
“… Rei I have to tell you something” Jinguji stated he sounds as if he did something awful.
“… That day… at the aquarium” He began. “… Genki confessed to me…”
Rei didn’t know how to react. She knew about it already but she only seems confused and worried in Jinguji’s eyes.
“He told me he liked me… “ Jinguji said. “But I… I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
“What do you mean?” Rei asked.
“… I was surprised and I didn’t know what to respond to him… so I told him… ‘You’re not normal… I’m not like you’… Then he told me he understood and he walked away…” Jinguji’s voice was breaking. “But I saw his face… I really didn’t mean to say that to him”
Rei’s eyes widen in horror. Yeah Genki is gay but being told like that directly would hurt real badly. No wonder Jinguji seems like he’s carrying a huge burden. Which is guilt.
“I never knew… I didn’t know… he’s gay…” Jinguji said.
“…Me too…” Rei step closer and she rub Jinguji’s back in comfort. “…But you can’t blame yourself like this Jingu”
“Then… what should I do?” He looks up at Rei.
Rei’s eyes soften when she looks at Jinguji’s scared ones. Jinguji is too kind to hurt anyone. Rei has so much Confident that he will not hurt Genki’s feelings.
“… Talk to him… that’s all it takes to solve this…” She answered.
Jinguji followed Rei’s advice. Now, he was sitting on the bench, watching the baseball practice, or to be exact watching Genki from afar. Genki seemed too serious in the game. He was usually serious but that is different. Genki is all gloomy because of him…
Genki took off his cap and put in on the bench, and then he exits the court and went to the water fountain to get a drink. He wipes his lips with the back of his hand then when he turns around, Jinguji was there.
“…Can we talk?” Jinguji asked.
Genki felt his heart beat faster and seeing Jinguji there isn’t helping at all. So he turns away. But Jinguji grab him by the shoulder so that he could get Genki to face him but Genki still had his hand up, covering his face but only his eyes shown.
“Look, I’m sorry for what I said to you that day-“Jinguji said instantly but stopped when he saw Genki’s teary eyes.
“Genki…” His voice soften.
Hearing that voice only made it worse for Genki. Genki regretted leaving his cap. He didn’t want Jinguji to see him like this.
“I’m really sorry” Jinguji looked down and let go of Genki gently.
“… I-I have to go” Genki manage to say before he leave Jinguji.
Jinguji didn’t mishear it at all. it was Genki’s crying voice. It made Jinguji’s heart break but it’s worse for Genki, Jinguji bet. But he didn’t want to leave it like this. He wanted to work things out with Genki. No matter how long it will take.
*****^*****^*****
“I’m homeee~” Takaki greeted as he entered. Then he saw Inoo getting up from the couch.
“Yuya. I have great news!” Inoo said happily and he grab Takaki’s hand and lead him to the couch to sit next to him.
“I met Nakazawa-san just now and she offered me a job as an architectural technologist at Seijo architectural and engineering firm” He said excitedly.
“….Isssss that designing?” Takaki asked since he doesn’t get architecture like Inoo does.
“Yes but slightly different. And I’ll start working next week on Monday” Inoo answered.
“Wow! Congratulations!” Takaki Hugged Inoo. “I’m so happy for you, Kei” He pulled away and kiss Inoo’s lips.
“Thank you” Inoo smiled.
“Nakazawa-san is not so bad afterall” Takaki smirked.
“Oh, how’s your day?” Inoo asked Takaki.
Then Takaki remembered the intense Incident that happened earlier. “uhmmmm… kinda weird” He titled his head. “Oh did you know Sanada and Momoko broke up?”
“… Yeah. Shimizu did mention that. But Momoko didn’t want us to know. She didn’t want anyone to worry about her. Why?” Inoo said.
“…Nothing just that… Sanada told me he broke up with Momoko because they wanted different things…” Takaki explained.
Then they heard the door open and Rei entered. “Tadaima” She murmured. Taking of her shoes and went straight to her room.
“…What’s wrong with Rei?” Inoo said worriedly.
*****^*****^*****
Rei lean her back against the door. Her lips trembled and she couldn’t hold it in anymore and the tears that she was holding back earlier finally came out and she slide down against the door. she saw the look on Jinugji’s eyes that he was worried about Genki in a loving way. Jinguji doesn’t realize it, she doesn’t know where did it come from but she knows. She didn’t want to say it out loud. As much as she was helping both her friends out, she forgot about herself. How it hurts her inside.
“Rei…”
She could hear Inoo’s concern voice and his gentle knock on the door. She needed her father, well mother to be exact. So she moves a way for a bit and stretch her hand to reach the door knob to open it.
“…Rei” Inoo’s voice soften and he bent down. Rei crawled towards Inoo and hug him tightly, wetting Inoo’s shirt with her tears, crying her heart out.
Inoo has seen Rei cried. And whenever he did he would feel terrible. But this one is different. Rei was crying so hard as if her heart got torn apart and it was obvious to Inoo and Takaki. It’s not the time to ask, it’s the time to calm her down. “Shhhhh, it’s okay Rei, we’re here for you” He whispers against the side of Rei’s head and it made Rei cry even more.
To be continued…
So it took a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery long time for me to continue. Sorry about that. Really. Personally I think this story has gotten intense, well atleast in my head. Or well…whatever.
But seriously I’m really sorry it took me so long. I’ll do my best in continuing.
Pairing: Takaki Yuya x Inoo Kei
Rating: PG-13
type: chaptered
Author: Hagino_aimi
Summary: the title. (Can’t think of a summary)
A/N: This fic is the continuation of the fic I made, Love comes. But this one concentrates on the family. Also, new Jr. pairing appears so…
“You’re gonna make that something Butter Gnocchi with Spinach right?” Takaki asked when he saw Inoo grabbing the spinach while he was leaning his elbow against the trolley. The Takaki family went out for groceries shopping.
“Yeah. Why?” Inoo place the spinach in the trolley.
“Can it not include pine nuts?” Takaki requested it and followed after Inoo.
“But Rei likes it” Inoo responded.
“… Fine”
“You can just put them aside if you don’t want them” Inoo said and picking out some broccolis. “and it’s Brown Butter Gnocchi with Spinach and Pine Nuts” He added.
Rei walked towards the trolley and put in some bunch of stuff; hair moisturizer, conditioner, sun block, chocolates, pink notebook and…pads? Inoo and Takaki looked at the things then to eachother then to Rei. Rei looked at them with her innocent expression.
“I don’t know if I got the right one…” Rei mumbled and gazed down at her fingers.
Takaki and Inoo looked at eachother in confusion but Inoo understood at once what Rei meant, though Takaki is still confused.
“It’s your first time?” Inoo asked.
Without answering, Rei nodded.
“what, what’s going on?” Takaki, still clueless.
“Rei…” Inoo smiled and he picked up the one that Rei chose and read the covers. 38cm?! He looked at Rei then back at the pads.
“ohhhhh it’s your first perioddd~~” Takaki guessed out loud.
“Papa you’re so loud~!” Rei hit his arm.
“Ignore him, come on let’s get you the right one” Inoo said and Rei followed after him and held Inoo’s hand.
“So um, how do you know about all this stuff?” Takaki asked when they were waiting in the car while Rei was going to the rest room.
“I asked Manochan in advance about girls’ period and what pads to get” Inoo answered. In so many reasons, Inoo has to know these things. He might not understand what Rei have to go through but who else is gonna help her? Parents are both guys afterall.
“as expected from the mother” Takaki replied jokingly only to get whack by Inoo in return, then Inoo look down to his phone when he received a message.
“It’s my ex-boss again” Inoo muttered and replied to his text.
“Still asking the same question?” Takaki suspected and Inoo nodded.
“I mean I don’t get it, he said the last place Matsumoto went to was me. Since then he’s nowhere around. Weird” Inoo said suspiciously. Matsumoto went to his place 5 days ago, he even contact Matsumoto when his ex boss called him to see if he knows where he is.
Rei washed her hands and stare at the mirror at her own reflection. Then she dried her hands with a tissue while leaning her back against the sink. She was in a mix of emotions. She was happy now that she’s having her period. But the problem is it’s not making her feel good. Like how she feels like throwing up earlier when she’s in the car, or having negative thoughts on Jinguji and Genki. That’s right!
Rei but her lips in realization. That day at the aquarium…
Flashback
“…Why are you ignoring me?” Genki grab Rei’s wrist when Jinguji and Sakura disappeared from their sight.
Rei turn around and looked away when Genki’s eyes met hers. It’s true… Rei ignored Genki as much as possible from the beginning of the day. It was obvious to Genki which led to this.
“Is there something you wanna tell me?” He asked and let go of Rei’s hand.
“…Nothing really” Rei laughed lightly and turn to walk away but Genki grab her hand again.
“Rei”
“What?”
“… Was I a bother to you?” He asked, though is voice sounds guilty and Rei didn’t want Genki to think that he is.
“I… It’s not…” Rei stuttered.”… Sakura told me about you…” She clutched the hem of her blouse out of nervousness.
Genki furrowed his eyebrows. Told her what exactly? That he threatened Miyachika because of hurting sakura?
‘oh no’ Genki thought as the idea of Sakura telling Rei about him being ‘that’ crossed his mind.
Rei noticed Genki’s expression change and she was panicking inside. “Not that Sakura said it in a bad way. She thought I knew so she just… blurted out…” She tried to explain. “And you know, you could tell me about this, I mean, I don’t mind. In fact My parents are gay. Ah” She covered her mouth with her hand when the gay word came out easily.
Genki didn’t say anything.
“Genki I won’t tell anyone” Rei reassured him.
“I’m gay, Reichan” Genki stated, still in a bit state of shook knowing that Rei knows. He was scared Rei wouldn’t be friends with him anymore. “I can’t help it…”
“…I know” Rei replied. “But I don’t mind… Genki-“
“And I really like Jinguji…” Genki cut Rei’s sentence.
Rei looked Genki in the eyes, telling that he’s terrified that Rei knows about him at the same time determined about his feelings for Jinguji.
“Then you should tell him” Rei said.
“but-“
“That’s your plan today right?” Rei gave him a small smile. “I’ll go… distract Sakura… so that you can have the time with Jingu” She excused herself. Giving Genki a small pat on the shoulder.
Before Genki could protest Rei already went and kidnap sakura from Jinguji. Telling her to accompany her to the restroom for a bit while Genki and Jinguji were left alone. She didn’t know what happened then. She and Sakura were elsewhere staring at fishes. But it sure did took a long time before Jinguji came back, without Genki.
“Oh. Sorry we left you guys” Rei said when Jinguji found them.
“Yeah. We got distracted by the seahorses” Sakura reasoned out. Then she notice Genki’s not present, and she sense that things are not going well. “Where’s Genki?”
“He uh… He went home” Jinguji answered. Although Rei wasn’t there to witness the confession, sensing the tension from Jinguji, it’s not a good one, and she herself felt Genki’s pain.
On the way home, Jinguji didn’t say anything to Rei. It was the first time they ever went home in silence. Rei was too afraid to ask and Jinguji seems off. and that was it. The next day, Genki didn’t even come to school. She knows Jinguji is worried as she is but Jinguji just doesn’t show it. He’s the one that got confessed to, not her.
End of flashback
“Sorry for taking so long” Rei apologized when she got into the car.
“No worries, Reichan” Inoo reassured. Then Takaki started to drive.
Takaki and Inoo discussed about a lot of things on the way, like about paying bills, Inoo’s doctor appointment, getting a doorbell etc. all Rei could see is how her parents are always kind to eachother. And it made her thought about Genki’s future? She giggled at that imagination. But she never knew how Inoo and Takaki got together. She knew bits and pieces, she was young back then afterall.
“Ne, how did you guys got together?” Rei finally speaks out. Both Takaki and Inoo look at eachother then at Rei. “I remember a bit about the first time I met Papa. and then something about mama tutoring papa... And saw the both of you hugging in the kitchen wearing school uniforms one time.” She added.
“Well… hmmmm… I don’t know where to begin” Inoo sigh. “How did we got together” all of the sudden the image of Takaki kissing him for the first time appear in his head making him blush.
“Mama was tutoring me…Coz I was failing almost all of the stuff I learn in school. Then I was attracted by his commitment in taking care of you and his obvious sexiness” Takaki explained and got a scary glare from Inoo. “So I confess my feelings to him and voila! We’re all over eachother!” and this time Inoo whack him.
“Nice…story…” Rei twitched her upper lip. If Takaki explained it in a good way instead of joking like that it would seem nicer.
“but were you both gay from the beginning or…” Rei questioned.
There’s no point in not telling the truth. Inoo and Takaki know that. So it’s better to be honest.
“Yes” Inoo answered.
“No” Takaki states the opposite.
Rei looked at Inoo and Takaki weirdly. “So you both just fell in love with eachother?”
“Yeah… “Takaki answered and Inoo nodded.
“Was it hard what you guys have to go through?” Rei asked again.
“yeah… but I guess that’s like already a part of us so we barely notice it” Inoo answered then he look back and asked “Why are you asking us this, Reichan?”
“oh… nothing… I was just curious” Rei half lied to her parents.
******^*********^*****
“Yuya, you forgot your phone” Inoo called out when Takaki was about to get in the car.
Takaki wanted to hit himself for being forgetful sometimes. “Thanks” Takaki said when Inoo handed him the phone.
“What’s going on with you? You seem a little off…” Inoo asked, noticing Takaki looks concern.
“I was just wondering… Reichan and Jinguji seem to have this wall between them lately” Takaki said worriedly.
Inoo look at him in disbelief. This is coming from the guy who dislikes Jinguji for always being with Rei. He thought Takaki would never notice about it, but he was wrong. “Nice to see you worry about their friendship for once” He commented with a smile.
Takaki click his tongue and look elsewhere. “I’ll be back by 6” He said and gave Inoo a kiss then he open the door of the car but then close it back.
“I’m kidding, I’ll be back by 3” Takaki only said that as an excuse to Kiss Inoo again. He was already holding the handle of the car but thennn…
“4 actually” Takaki let go of the handle and kisses Inoo.
Inoo giggled in respond and lean in to kiss Takaki, raising his arms and wrap them around Takaki’s neck for a longer kiss. If Takaki couldn’t have enough of Inoo then it means Inoo feels the same way too. Like Takaki said yesterday, they’re all over eachother. Still.
“Have fun with the kids” Inoo said once they broke the kiss.
“Will do” Takaki replied and kiss Inoo’s lips before getting inside the car. Inoo went upstairs and as he was getting closer, he could hear the sound of his cellphone ringing and he rushed in to grab his phone, looking at the screen. it was Nakazawa.
“Hello?” Inoo answered.
“Takaki-san. Don’t worry. I’m not calling you to ask about Matsumoto-san” She began.
“Oh…” Inoo actually felt relief about that as he walked to the front door and close it. “What is it about?”
“Are you still looking for a job?” She asked.
“…I guess I am” Inoo answered, not really sure, since he’s still in the midst of relaxing and enjoying taking care of his family at home. Not that he has financial problems.
“Well, I got a job for you but at a different company. If you’re interested to know more, meet me at Hisabe café at 1pm today. Good bye”
“….” Before Inoo could answer, she ended the call.
******^****^*****
“Tsuyumichan let me see your drawing: Takaki sing song as he bent over beside Tsuyumi’s desk. Tsuyumi grinned at Takaki as she showed him the drawing.
“Woooowww~ you’re really good in this! oh, is that meee~?” Takaki playfully pointed at one of the drawing figures.
“No. this one is Fukka niichan. This is Yuya niichan” She grab Takaki’s finger with her hand and pointed it at the other figure. “You are the sunflower because you always shine!” She stated cheerfully.
Takaki bit his lips at the adorableness of the girl and to prevent himself from crying. “tsuyumichan is a good artist! You get 5 star~~” He took out his chop stamp and chop 5 stars on Tsuyumi’s drawing. With extra heart stickers he bought yesterday.
“Thank you yuya niichan!!” Tsuyumi glomps him. And all of the students the other kids crowded him wanting to get 5 stars and stickers too.
When Takaki had his break as other staff took over. He was smiling all the way but then he passes by a small bin, very full. It never occurs to anyone to throw it away. He thought. But maybe he just happen to pass by when it was full, so he grab the can and went out to the back building to throw it but then…
He paused in his tracks and dropped the bin as he was surprised to see the scene infront of him.
When Fukazawa and Sanada saw Takaki there the both of them broke the kiss.
“WHATT?!!” Takaki screamed on top of his lungs.
“sshit…” Sanada cursed in a low voice.
“Whatta,howwa,what,how,whawhat??!!” Takaki stumbled upon his words, though it was only two.
“You go back in, I’ll deal with him” Sanada whisper to Fukazawa, who nodded and walked pass Takaki.
“Wha-I mean- what. Momoko?” Takaki finally got to word out at least one point.
Sanada felt one of his wire brain? Snapped. He walked to Takaki and pick up to bin and threw the continents into the trash and he grab Takaki’s arm and drag him inside to the bathroom.
“Me and Momoko broke up about a month ago. Things didn’t work out. so I’m seeing Fukka now” Sanada explained briefly.
“Since when?! Why did you broke up with momo?! What ‘things didn’t work out’?! I thought you’re against gay! ” Takaki asked all at once, still over shocked.
Sanada sigh. “Okay, we started seeing eachother a week ago. I broke up with Momoko because we wanted different things. I used to be against gay until Fukka happen. There. satisfied?! Can you keep this to yourself?” Sanada asked eagerly and at the same time annoyed to both Takaki and himself apparently for being careless.
“Well kissing out in the open is like you’re advertising to people who pass by!” Takaki pointed out.
“What people?” Sanada asked angrily.
“ME!” Takaki pointed a finger to himself. “I mean, why were you guys kissing in the first place?! you ought to know better than doing things like that at work I mean for god sake this is a kindergarten! I mean imagine if it was somebody else and not me walked into that!”
“Fukka feels devastated and I was just cheering him up” Sanada blurted out.
Takaki’s pressure calms down a little and he became confused. “…Devastated? Why?”
“Fukka started working here and got dumped by his girlfriend that night. He told me about it the next day so I let him to stay at my place for a while. Then when he came back to his apartment, almost all of his things got taken away by the girl. She even took Fukka’s money in the bank. And even blame him for being the worst boyfriend… he’s got a debt to pay but he doesn’t have the money. I offered him my money but he refused it.” Sanada ended up confessing everything to Takaki. He did think to stop talking but he just couldn’t. Maybe Takaki’s the right person to tell this to.
“… Why did they broke up?” Takaki asked.
“heh… His ex girlfriend said that he wasn’t manly enough… and that he was a lot girly than her” Just thinking of that reason made Sanada angry, again.
“Wow… that girl is one demonic bitch” Takaki commented.
“I know…” Sanada agreed.
Then it was silent for a while until Takaki speak out. “…How did you guys… get together?”
“hm… Things happen…” Sanada smiled, it was only for him and Fukazawa to know.
Takaki notice Sanada’s smile. It was a familiar smile to Takaki; it was the smile of love. How they got together is probably sweet to make Sanada smile like that. It didn’t bother him anymore to ask Sanada if he’s okay about being gay. If he’s happy, then it doesn’t matter.
“Listen… if you wanna tell me something just tell me. You don’t have to hide anything anymore. And you can trust me on this. k?” He patted Sanada’s shoulder.
Sanada smiled at Takaki. “Thanks”
They got back to work afterwards then at one point Takaki witness Sanada giving a comforting smile at Fukazawa to ease his pain for a bit. It was very nice to look at so it seems to Takaki. Love is a medicine afterall.
*****^******^*****
Rei and Jinguji sat next to eachother that morning in class, while people were chit-chattering; they were just sitting in silence. It was rare for Jinguji to be this… dead. Okay Rei must’ve exaggerated for a bit but Jinguji is always cheerful and now, he’s actually reading a book. What did really happen that day? Rei didn’t bother to ask Jinguji and just wait for him to say it, or maybe he just doesn’t want to remember it anymore.
Then the door opens and Genki walked in, he looks gloomy. Not genki at all. And he walked pass by Jinguji and Rei, Jinguji and Genki met eyes for a bit then looked away as he sat down at his place behind Rei.
Rei hesitated for bits, then she turn around. “Good morning Genki” She greeted with a smile.
Genki looked up to Rei and muttered “morning”
“So uh… did you catch a cold or something? Sakura told me you were unwell for the past few days” Rei stated.
“…Something like that” Genki answered.
Jinguji, out of the blue, grab Rei by the wrist and drag her out of the class, leaving Genki alone. Jinguji stops infront of the library and went in and further to the corner and lean against the book shelf.
Rei could only be more confused. Yet again, she needs to be a good friend right now. “…Jingu” She voice out.
“… Rei I have to tell you something” Jinguji stated he sounds as if he did something awful.
“… That day… at the aquarium” He began. “… Genki confessed to me…”
Rei didn’t know how to react. She knew about it already but she only seems confused and worried in Jinguji’s eyes.
“He told me he liked me… “ Jinguji said. “But I… I didn’t mean to hurt him.”
“What do you mean?” Rei asked.
“… I was surprised and I didn’t know what to respond to him… so I told him… ‘You’re not normal… I’m not like you’… Then he told me he understood and he walked away…” Jinguji’s voice was breaking. “But I saw his face… I really didn’t mean to say that to him”
Rei’s eyes widen in horror. Yeah Genki is gay but being told like that directly would hurt real badly. No wonder Jinguji seems like he’s carrying a huge burden. Which is guilt.
“I never knew… I didn’t know… he’s gay…” Jinguji said.
“…Me too…” Rei step closer and she rub Jinguji’s back in comfort. “…But you can’t blame yourself like this Jingu”
“Then… what should I do?” He looks up at Rei.
Rei’s eyes soften when she looks at Jinguji’s scared ones. Jinguji is too kind to hurt anyone. Rei has so much Confident that he will not hurt Genki’s feelings.
“… Talk to him… that’s all it takes to solve this…” She answered.
Jinguji followed Rei’s advice. Now, he was sitting on the bench, watching the baseball practice, or to be exact watching Genki from afar. Genki seemed too serious in the game. He was usually serious but that is different. Genki is all gloomy because of him…
Genki took off his cap and put in on the bench, and then he exits the court and went to the water fountain to get a drink. He wipes his lips with the back of his hand then when he turns around, Jinguji was there.
“…Can we talk?” Jinguji asked.
Genki felt his heart beat faster and seeing Jinguji there isn’t helping at all. So he turns away. But Jinguji grab him by the shoulder so that he could get Genki to face him but Genki still had his hand up, covering his face but only his eyes shown.
“Look, I’m sorry for what I said to you that day-“Jinguji said instantly but stopped when he saw Genki’s teary eyes.
“Genki…” His voice soften.
Hearing that voice only made it worse for Genki. Genki regretted leaving his cap. He didn’t want Jinguji to see him like this.
“I’m really sorry” Jinguji looked down and let go of Genki gently.
“… I-I have to go” Genki manage to say before he leave Jinguji.
Jinguji didn’t mishear it at all. it was Genki’s crying voice. It made Jinguji’s heart break but it’s worse for Genki, Jinguji bet. But he didn’t want to leave it like this. He wanted to work things out with Genki. No matter how long it will take.
*****^*****^*****
“I’m homeee~” Takaki greeted as he entered. Then he saw Inoo getting up from the couch.
“Yuya. I have great news!” Inoo said happily and he grab Takaki’s hand and lead him to the couch to sit next to him.
“I met Nakazawa-san just now and she offered me a job as an architectural technologist at Seijo architectural and engineering firm” He said excitedly.
“….Isssss that designing?” Takaki asked since he doesn’t get architecture like Inoo does.
“Yes but slightly different. And I’ll start working next week on Monday” Inoo answered.
“Wow! Congratulations!” Takaki Hugged Inoo. “I’m so happy for you, Kei” He pulled away and kiss Inoo’s lips.
“Thank you” Inoo smiled.
“Nakazawa-san is not so bad afterall” Takaki smirked.
“Oh, how’s your day?” Inoo asked Takaki.
Then Takaki remembered the intense Incident that happened earlier. “uhmmmm… kinda weird” He titled his head. “Oh did you know Sanada and Momoko broke up?”
“… Yeah. Shimizu did mention that. But Momoko didn’t want us to know. She didn’t want anyone to worry about her. Why?” Inoo said.
“…Nothing just that… Sanada told me he broke up with Momoko because they wanted different things…” Takaki explained.
Then they heard the door open and Rei entered. “Tadaima” She murmured. Taking of her shoes and went straight to her room.
“…What’s wrong with Rei?” Inoo said worriedly.
*****^*****^*****
Rei lean her back against the door. Her lips trembled and she couldn’t hold it in anymore and the tears that she was holding back earlier finally came out and she slide down against the door. she saw the look on Jinugji’s eyes that he was worried about Genki in a loving way. Jinguji doesn’t realize it, she doesn’t know where did it come from but she knows. She didn’t want to say it out loud. As much as she was helping both her friends out, she forgot about herself. How it hurts her inside.
“Rei…”
She could hear Inoo’s concern voice and his gentle knock on the door. She needed her father, well mother to be exact. So she moves a way for a bit and stretch her hand to reach the door knob to open it.
“…Rei” Inoo’s voice soften and he bent down. Rei crawled towards Inoo and hug him tightly, wetting Inoo’s shirt with her tears, crying her heart out.
Inoo has seen Rei cried. And whenever he did he would feel terrible. But this one is different. Rei was crying so hard as if her heart got torn apart and it was obvious to Inoo and Takaki. It’s not the time to ask, it’s the time to calm her down. “Shhhhh, it’s okay Rei, we’re here for you” He whispers against the side of Rei’s head and it made Rei cry even more.
To be continued…
So it took a veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery long time for me to continue. Sorry about that. Really. Personally I think this story has gotten intense, well atleast in my head. Or well…whatever.
But seriously I’m really sorry it took me so long. I’ll do my best in continuing.