~Only You~ Chapter 3 - Usagi
Author's note: I'm glad to have written so much in about one night. I did some minor edits to this and hope you all like the next installment. Also, 1000 yen is about 10 USD for those that were wondering how much it was worth. But then again, all this is fictional. This chapter took a lot of thinking, but I give credit to Sakura-san who gave me the ideas for most of the chapters so far. Glad you are reading the fanfic! Thanks again for your support! xD
Chapter 3 - Usagi
It’s been a few days and I haven’t heard from Keito. I was wondering how things went with them. It was night time and I went to check the laptop for any updates on mail before I headed to bed. Then, I magically, the email popped into my inbox saying, “You’re a lifesaver!”.
“Me? A lifesaver? Hah…” I said to myself as I clicked the email and started to read…
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keito@mail.goo.ne.jp to me
I wonder what would’ve happened if you didn’t tell me to talk to them. Sorry that the reply was late… It is because I had to wait to fill you in with all the details! There really was more to this problem than it was to the naked eye. A few days after I received your email, I went to talk to Yuuto first. I found him in the dressing room fiddling over some old pictures. (I’m sure you could’ve guessed by now who was in most of those pictures…)
“Yuuto? Looking at old pictures I see,” I said starting the conversation.
Yuuto was startled and quickly put the photos back down. “Ne! You can learn to knock before coming in!” puffed Yuuto.
“Sorry sorry, I’ll remember next time. I just came to ask about what is happening between you are Ryosuke lately… You see very out of it and a few of us are worried about you,” I explained.
“Well… I’m sure Daiki said everything the last time. You were there right?” asked Yuuto. I stayed quiet. I didn’t want to hurt Yuuto’s feelings and make them worse.
“You were there weren’t you? Well, it is basically what Daiki explained. I don’t know what is going on with Ryosuke lately. He wouldn’t tell me anything. I’m just worried you can say,” sighed Yuuto with a sad face.
“Worried? About what? You really think that Ryosuke is going out?” I asked.
“YES! The least he could do is tell me! I’m his closest friend after all… I don’t see why it is a big secret anyways. I mean, everything he does I watch from behind. I want to do something… something for him that will make him remember me more… I want him to remember me more than a friend…” whispered Yuuto who looked down. Tears started streaming down his eyes as he said the last sentence.
I put my hand on Yuuto and said, “I’m sure Ryosuke will never forget you. Like you said, you’re his closest friend he has. He won’t forget you for his life. If he does, all of us will give him a smacking!”
Yuuto wiped his tears, feeling a bit better, replied, “Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll remember that. We’ll smack him dead if he forgets anyone of us ne?” Yuuto finally smiled, but I could tell he was still sad inside. “I’ll be fine with a little rest. I’m going to be in the diner if you need me. My stomach is growling…”
I quickly left the room to find Ryosuke. Apparently he wasn’t in the studio. I ran outside and saw him near the river side kicking his soccer ball around. He usually did that when he was stressed about something. I ran down and yelled, “Ryosuke! Can I talk to you for a bit?”
Ryosuke stopped and grabbed his water bottle, “Sure. I’m going to rest anyways.” We both sat at the edge of the river looking towards the sunset. “So what is it that you want to talk to me about?”
“I want to talk about Yuuto and what is going on between you two,” I said.
“What is there to talk about? I mean, my business is mine alone… He doesn’t have to know every single bit of my life front and back…” said Ryosuke sternly.
“Well, have you thought of how he felt? Do you think he thinks the way you do? Though you may be older than he is by like a few months, he has feelings too,” I explained.
“You’re right, but what does that have to do with anything?” asked Ryosuke who apparently seemed confused.
“What I’m trying to say here is that he cares about you, you idiot! I mean, you should be happy that someone wants to know more about you! He is worried for what is going on with your life and that is what a friend does.”
“He was worried about me? I didn’t… think about it that way. I’ve always thought of him as a good friend…” whispered Ryosuke.
“Friends are friends, forever and ever. But, you might want to think about his feelings on a higher level. He might not just want only want to be your closest friend.”
Ryosuke stayed quiet and stared at the horizon. He didn’t say anything for awhile. All he could think about was Yuuto and how he hurt his feelings. “What am I to do now? I’m sure if I apologized, he’d still be sad knowing him.”
“Hehe, this is where I come in. Here is the plan…” I whispered to him. “You got that? I’ll set it up and you figure out that part by yourself. It will be all set tomorrow in the diner after work okay? Make sure you be there on time!”
Ryosuke smiled and nodded to the plan. I left him after that to commence the plan “中島裕翔のたすけて。” or also called, “Save Nakajima Yuuto”.
The next day, I got the supplies set up. As I was setting up, Daiki, Chinen, and Ryutaro both walked in.
“Ne ne, Keito-kun, play with me will you?” begged Chinen with his innocent eyes.
“Sorry Chinen, I have to set up for the plan tonight. I’m hoping it will work,” I replied.
“Aww… you’re no fun!” puffed Chinen.
“I’ll play with you Chinen! By the way, what are you up to Keito?” asked Daiki who looked at me as if I was up to something. Ryutaro was poking at the bag of stuff on the table and Chinen joined in.
“Well, you know Yuuto has been down lately and also, there is another occasion for what I’m doing, but…” I said before I was interrupted by Kei and Hikaru who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
“IS IT A PARTY FOR YOUR G-I-R-L-F-R-I-E-N-D?” they shouted in unison from behind me.
I turned bright red and the other three laughed so hard they nearly fell of their chairs.
Chinen jumped up and down and said, “Keito! You have a girlfriend! Why didn’t you tell us earlier!? We’ll help you set up!”
“You’ve all got it wrong! I don’t have a girlfriend for the last time! I’m setting this up for-” I started before being interrupted by Yuya who appeared from behind me and said.
“Yo! You all hosting a party or something? Ne? Keito? You’re setting this up? Could it be for someone special?” hinted Yuya.
“Guys! It isn’t for myself for the last time! It is for Yuuto! Get it right everyone!” I shouted.
“Eh? When did you started taking a liking into Nakajima-kun? Hehe, appears like he attracts girls and guys alike! Haha!” joked Hikaru.
“You guys… QUIT FOOLING AROUND ALREADY!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. Everyone went quiet and looked at me. “Finally! Now if you are all quiet, I’ll tell you what is up.”
Yabu was standing by the doorway, but didn’t interrupt. He waited for me to finish and left on his own to find the “guest of honor” and bring him here later when it was time.
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In downtown Tokyo (Ryosuke told me this later when I asked him how he thought of it), Ryosuke was searching for something to give to Yuuto all day. He finally came upon a store who was selling plush toys for a pretty cheap price. He saw a girl walking out with a cute usagi.
“That is what I’ll get him,” said Ryosuke to himself.
He walked to the store clerk and looked around for the same usagi that the girl had.
“Welcome! How may I help you today?” asked the nice store clerk.
“I’m looking for that exact usagi that you sold to that girl awhile ago. Do you have any more by chance?” asked Ryosuke.
“Ah, you mean the Moon Usagi. It is a special one of its’ type. For short, it is a limited edition that has a story that follows it. Do you wish to hear the tale?” asked the clerk. Ryosuke nodded and the clerk began her tale.
“Once upon a time, there were three friends, a usagi, a fox, and a monkey. They were the best of friends. They’d help anyone that needed help that passed by on the moon. There was this old man that passed the three friends and asked for some help. The monkey went to gather some fruit in the trees and the fox stole from neighboring villagers to give to the old man. The usagi didn’t know what to give to the old man. He wanted to do something for the old man, and since the usagi couldn’t gather anything but grass, it decided to offer himself to the old man. He jumped into the fire that the old man built, but was not harmed because the old man revealed himself to be a God of the Cosmos. He was touched by the usagi’s kindness virtue that he decided to draw his picture on the moon for all to see so he could be remembered by all,” said the shop clerk.
Ryosuke was astounded by the story of the Moon Usagi and thought that he must get that for Yuuto no matter what the cost. “Do you have any more in stock?”
“I’m afraid that was the last one. You were a second too late. Like I said, it is limited edition, so it is hard to find another-, “said the clerk who stopped to think for a second. “I might have another one, but it is in Yokohama, where my other store is. If you have time, you can go there and buy it from there unless you want me to order it and get it sent here,” explained the clerk.
“I’ll go there and get it myself! Thank you very much!” exclaimed Ryosuke who ran out of the shop and quickly headed to the subway. He looked at the clock.
“5:30 PM… Will I make it back in time?” thought Ryosuke.
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Everyone was finishing up setting up for the big event tonight. Chinen and Ryutaro decorated the diner and Hikaru and Kei went to get the food. Daiki helped me set up the remaining bits to complete the plan.
Yabu found Yuuto sitting outside watching the last remaining bits of the sunset.
“Yo, it is going to get cold soon. You should get back inside or else you’ll get everyone worried,” said Yabu.
“Thanks for your concern. I want to stay out for a bit longer,” replied Yuuto. “Isn’t the sunset pretty? When it rises, a new day comes and everything in the past is forgotten, and when it sets, it is like it goes back to remember the past and what happened that day so it wouldn’t be forgotten.”
“You’re too young to go philosophical on me now. We all are too young. We still have a future ahead of us. I wouldn’t want to be down on the past, since it already happened. We are to learn from the past and remember what it has taught us. I’m sure Ryosuke is doing the same at the moment,” said Yabu who stared at the city lights being put up as night fell.
Yuuto’s cheeks flared up at the mention of Ryosuke’s name. He knew what Yabu said was true, but he just couldn’t forget about anything Ryosuke said. He remembers his smile and how they first met walking home from school. “I don’t want to forget the past at all…” whispered Yuuto.
“The past will always be behind you. But what you did in the past will influence the future. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift. That is why it is called a present,” smiled Yabu. He walked away and shouted out behind him, “You better get back in soon. Everyone really will be worried about you.”
Yuuto looked at Yabu dumbfounded, but knew it was true. He got up and started to head back inside.
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Chinen was playing with some toys laying around and Daiki joined in. Yabu came into the room and walked up to me.
“Keito, Yuuto is coming in now. Is Ryosuke-kun back yet?” Yabu asked.
I looked at the time and it was almost 8 PM and Ryosuke still wasn’t back yet. “No, I haven’t seen him practically all day. I wonder where he went.”
Yabu tried calling Ryosuke, but it flew right to voice mail. “That is weird… How come he isn’t picking up?”
Chinen and Daiki came over screaming, “Yuuto is walking towards here! What should we do!?!”
“Umm…. Stall as long as you all can! Make sure he doesn’t get in here till Ryosuke gets here!” I shouted to them.
One by one, they left the diner and went to stall Yuuto as long as possible.
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A few hours earlier, Ryosuke finally made it to Yokohama. It was 5:30 and he quickly ran to find the address that the store clerk gave him. He finally made it there and requested the usagi from the store clerk.
“Ahh, you’re the one my mother mentioned. I’ve had it on hold for you. Here it is. That will be ¥1045 please,” asked the clerk.
Ryosuke quickly paid and thanked the clerk then ran out holding a box with a ribbon tied around it. Before he left, he quickly ran back inside and asked the clerk, “Can I have a card to go with it please? It is a gift for a friend.”
The clerk smiled and handed Ryosuke a blank card, then Ryosuke left for Tokyo again. It was about 6:00, but the only train available at the moment was the local train.
“You have got to be kidding me… It is being fixed just now?” said Ryosuke to himself. He got on looked at his phone. It was going to be about 6:40 by the time he gets back. “I must get back on time. I just have to!”
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“Ne ne Yuuto! Please help me build a domino castle!” said Chinen energetically.
“Sorry Chinen, maybe tomorrow. I have to find Ryosuke,” replied Yuuto.
“Do you want to make something to eat with me and Ryutaro? Aren’t you hungry?” asked Daiki.
“No thanks. I’m not that hungry. I really have to find Ryosuke,” said Yuuto but with a little more anger this time.
“Yuuto, do you want to practice some dance moves before-,“ said Kei but was interrupted by Yuuto.
“Will you all give me a break? It will still be a no till I find Ryosuke. So will you all please wait?” pleaded Yuuto. He walked up to where I was standing. “Move out of the way Keito. You don’t usually get in my way.”
I refused to move out because I couldn’t ruin the surprise yet… Not until Ryosuke got back.
“So have you solved your problem?” I asked to stall a few more extra minutes.
“Yeah I have thanks to you and Yabu. But to end this once and for all, I have to talk to Ryosuke. Please move aside,” Yuuto pleaded.
I bit my tongue thinking where in the world Ryosuke was. I would be in trouble if I didn’t let Yuuto in and I’d be in trouble if he found out about the surprise… In the end I gave up and let Yuuto through.
As Yuuto entered a dark room, I whispered to everyone to scatter in the room. It was pitch black aside from the light from the door. I closed the door and opened the lights.
“たんじょうびおめでとう,” everyone in the room screamed.
“Yuuto, happy birthday! Did you forget your own birthday too?” I chuckled.
Yuuto’s look was priceless. He was dumbfounded at the room and how he forgot his own birthday.
“Everyone… thank you for remembering!” exclaimed Yuuto. But he looked around and then said, “Where’s Ryo-“said Yuuto before the door behind us opened with a slam.
Ryosuke late, the whole room went completely quiet. “I’m… *gasp* sorry for being late. Caught the local train because *gasp* express was being fixed apparently.”
Yuuto was almost to tears when he saw Ryosuke arrive. He was overjoyed to see that he made it. “Baka… How come you were so late arriving?” asked Yuuto holding back his joy and tried to act mad.
“For this… *gasp* Man, that run was tiring, but I finally made it back with a gift,” gasped Ryosuke who handed the box with the ribbon and card to Yuuto. Yuuto opened the box and saw that it was an usagi and looked up to Ryosuke.
“Where did you go to get this?” questioned Yuuto who appeared to know what the usagi was.
“At first I went to downtown Tokyo and found a store clerk who just sold it to a girl. But he told me he had another one in Yokohama. I just got back with aching legs after running,” whined Ryosuke who ignored the pain and continued to finish what he said. The rest of us knew it was our time to leave so I made them all move out of the room for the moment. “The story behind this usagi is interesting and shows our relationship. It explains of an old man meeting three animals, an usagi, a fox, and a monkey. To help the man, the monkey went to get fruit from a tree, the fox stole from a family in a nearby town, but the usagi couldn’t give the man anything as good as the rest, so instead, he gave his body to the man. The man was in the end a kami who was touched by the usagi’s virtue and made the usagi’s face printed on the moon for everyone to remember him.”
“Really? It represents that much?” whispered Yuuto.
“What this usagi represents is how you’ll always be in my memories and you’ll always be close to me. Closer than anyone else. I’m the old man who is being touched by your virtue and love. That is why I will never forget you. What you’ve given me is nothing compared to what the others can give me. You understand that Yuuto? Besides, you’re always going to be my cute little usagi jumping up and down.”
Yuuto was at the verge of tears holding the usagi. “I’ll treasure this for the rest of my life. Also… I’ll treasure you the most of all.”
Ryosuke smiled and gave Yuuto a tender hug. “I’m sorry for making you worry. You’ll always be the closest person to my heart. Forever and ever. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy. “
“Really? You’ll even tell me things about you more?” whispered Yuuto in a shy manner.
“Hehe, yeah I will but later during our private time,” chuckled Ryosuke.
Yuuto finally smiled which warmed Ryosuke’s heart up ten-fold. I was happy to have seen them back together again, closer than ever. But apparently, that didn’t last long when Kei and Hikaru broke the tender atmosphere.
“LOVEY DOVEY COUPLE!” shouted Hikaru and Kei. They ran around and gave both of them a bear hug. “So, when did you two start getting so tender towards each other?”
Both of them went bright red and didn’t reply. The others had no idea what was going on and just joined in the fun. Yabu smiled and then decided to have some fun as well. It was a night we’ll all never forget. I’m sure Ryosuke and Yuuto are right now in front of the TV either arguing what channel to watch, or sleeping on each other’s shoulder. So, that is the story of those two on August 10th, 2008. It was all thanks to you that gave me courage to talk to them. Usually, I’m the quiet one. I haven’t talked to many people in English because they ether can’t speak fluently, or rather have me speak in Japanese. I’m happy to have known you as a friend.
But, the problems seem to continue… A few days afterwards, Chinen and Daiki… I don’t know how to put it into words because it is so complicated. Apparently, eye witnesses SEEN Daiki walking rather very close to a girl about his age. I don’t know whether to believe that was true or not. But if you saw Chinen’s face at the news, it wasn’t a pretty one. Now, every day, you can see him stalking Daiki from the back. You don’t think Chinen is jealous do you? Give me a reply ASAP. Thanks for your help again!
Keito
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I took a sigh of relief to hear Ryosuke and Yuuto back together. But more problems arise each day. I wonder how this happens so frequently. Makes me wonder if I found a girlfriend, would my little brother be jealous? I needed to write up a reply and fast.
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To: keito@mail.goo.ne.jp
Subject: RE: You’re a lifesaver!
Keito,
I’m pretty sure I’m not lifesaver. All I speak is common sense. But I’m glad things went well for Yuuto and Ryosuke. If it didn’t I’d be worried that I gave you the wrong sort of advice. However, if you didn’t do anything, I’m sure this wouldn’t have happened. So give yourself some credit.
About Chinen and Daiki. Well, all I can say is watch them for now. You can’t really judge anything from what we know now. Unless Daiki plans on saying something soon about the matter, for now just watch Chinen closely. I’m worried something might happen if you don’t. That is basically all you can do now. I’m glad everything went well for Yuuto, I really do. Reply back soon with more.
Simon
P.S. Sorry that all my responses are short… Nothing is like happening over here in China, so you can’t really blame me. All I’m doing is visiting relatives after all. I really wish I was staying in Japan. However, I’ll be going to Japan for a night. So, if I’m lucky, I’ll see you there and hopefully the rest of the group. If not, I’m glad to have met you as a friend. I leave August 21st, right in the morning from Nikko Narita Hotel around early morning. Flight leaves at noon, so if I don’t see you then, we’ll keep in contact via email. Keep me updated!
To be continued...
| Chapter 4 |
Chapter 3 - Usagi
It’s been a few days and I haven’t heard from Keito. I was wondering how things went with them. It was night time and I went to check the laptop for any updates on mail before I headed to bed. Then, I magically, the email popped into my inbox saying, “You’re a lifesaver!”.
“Me? A lifesaver? Hah…” I said to myself as I clicked the email and started to read…
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keito@mail.goo.ne.jp to me
I wonder what would’ve happened if you didn’t tell me to talk to them. Sorry that the reply was late… It is because I had to wait to fill you in with all the details! There really was more to this problem than it was to the naked eye. A few days after I received your email, I went to talk to Yuuto first. I found him in the dressing room fiddling over some old pictures. (I’m sure you could’ve guessed by now who was in most of those pictures…)
“Yuuto? Looking at old pictures I see,” I said starting the conversation.
Yuuto was startled and quickly put the photos back down. “Ne! You can learn to knock before coming in!” puffed Yuuto.
“Sorry sorry, I’ll remember next time. I just came to ask about what is happening between you are Ryosuke lately… You see very out of it and a few of us are worried about you,” I explained.
“Well… I’m sure Daiki said everything the last time. You were there right?” asked Yuuto. I stayed quiet. I didn’t want to hurt Yuuto’s feelings and make them worse.
“You were there weren’t you? Well, it is basically what Daiki explained. I don’t know what is going on with Ryosuke lately. He wouldn’t tell me anything. I’m just worried you can say,” sighed Yuuto with a sad face.
“Worried? About what? You really think that Ryosuke is going out?” I asked.
“YES! The least he could do is tell me! I’m his closest friend after all… I don’t see why it is a big secret anyways. I mean, everything he does I watch from behind. I want to do something… something for him that will make him remember me more… I want him to remember me more than a friend…” whispered Yuuto who looked down. Tears started streaming down his eyes as he said the last sentence.
I put my hand on Yuuto and said, “I’m sure Ryosuke will never forget you. Like you said, you’re his closest friend he has. He won’t forget you for his life. If he does, all of us will give him a smacking!”
Yuuto wiped his tears, feeling a bit better, replied, “Thanks for the encouragement. I’ll remember that. We’ll smack him dead if he forgets anyone of us ne?” Yuuto finally smiled, but I could tell he was still sad inside. “I’ll be fine with a little rest. I’m going to be in the diner if you need me. My stomach is growling…”
I quickly left the room to find Ryosuke. Apparently he wasn’t in the studio. I ran outside and saw him near the river side kicking his soccer ball around. He usually did that when he was stressed about something. I ran down and yelled, “Ryosuke! Can I talk to you for a bit?”
Ryosuke stopped and grabbed his water bottle, “Sure. I’m going to rest anyways.” We both sat at the edge of the river looking towards the sunset. “So what is it that you want to talk to me about?”
“I want to talk about Yuuto and what is going on between you two,” I said.
“What is there to talk about? I mean, my business is mine alone… He doesn’t have to know every single bit of my life front and back…” said Ryosuke sternly.
“Well, have you thought of how he felt? Do you think he thinks the way you do? Though you may be older than he is by like a few months, he has feelings too,” I explained.
“You’re right, but what does that have to do with anything?” asked Ryosuke who apparently seemed confused.
“What I’m trying to say here is that he cares about you, you idiot! I mean, you should be happy that someone wants to know more about you! He is worried for what is going on with your life and that is what a friend does.”
“He was worried about me? I didn’t… think about it that way. I’ve always thought of him as a good friend…” whispered Ryosuke.
“Friends are friends, forever and ever. But, you might want to think about his feelings on a higher level. He might not just want only want to be your closest friend.”
Ryosuke stayed quiet and stared at the horizon. He didn’t say anything for awhile. All he could think about was Yuuto and how he hurt his feelings. “What am I to do now? I’m sure if I apologized, he’d still be sad knowing him.”
“Hehe, this is where I come in. Here is the plan…” I whispered to him. “You got that? I’ll set it up and you figure out that part by yourself. It will be all set tomorrow in the diner after work okay? Make sure you be there on time!”
Ryosuke smiled and nodded to the plan. I left him after that to commence the plan “中島裕翔のたすけて。” or also called, “Save Nakajima Yuuto”.
The next day, I got the supplies set up. As I was setting up, Daiki, Chinen, and Ryutaro both walked in.
“Ne ne, Keito-kun, play with me will you?” begged Chinen with his innocent eyes.
“Sorry Chinen, I have to set up for the plan tonight. I’m hoping it will work,” I replied.
“Aww… you’re no fun!” puffed Chinen.
“I’ll play with you Chinen! By the way, what are you up to Keito?” asked Daiki who looked at me as if I was up to something. Ryutaro was poking at the bag of stuff on the table and Chinen joined in.
“Well, you know Yuuto has been down lately and also, there is another occasion for what I’m doing, but…” I said before I was interrupted by Kei and Hikaru who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.
“IS IT A PARTY FOR YOUR G-I-R-L-F-R-I-E-N-D?” they shouted in unison from behind me.
I turned bright red and the other three laughed so hard they nearly fell of their chairs.
Chinen jumped up and down and said, “Keito! You have a girlfriend! Why didn’t you tell us earlier!? We’ll help you set up!”
“You’ve all got it wrong! I don’t have a girlfriend for the last time! I’m setting this up for-” I started before being interrupted by Yuya who appeared from behind me and said.
“Yo! You all hosting a party or something? Ne? Keito? You’re setting this up? Could it be for someone special?” hinted Yuya.
“Guys! It isn’t for myself for the last time! It is for Yuuto! Get it right everyone!” I shouted.
“Eh? When did you started taking a liking into Nakajima-kun? Hehe, appears like he attracts girls and guys alike! Haha!” joked Hikaru.
“You guys… QUIT FOOLING AROUND ALREADY!” I shouted at the top of my lungs. Everyone went quiet and looked at me. “Finally! Now if you are all quiet, I’ll tell you what is up.”
Yabu was standing by the doorway, but didn’t interrupt. He waited for me to finish and left on his own to find the “guest of honor” and bring him here later when it was time.
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In downtown Tokyo (Ryosuke told me this later when I asked him how he thought of it), Ryosuke was searching for something to give to Yuuto all day. He finally came upon a store who was selling plush toys for a pretty cheap price. He saw a girl walking out with a cute usagi.
“That is what I’ll get him,” said Ryosuke to himself.
He walked to the store clerk and looked around for the same usagi that the girl had.
“Welcome! How may I help you today?” asked the nice store clerk.
“I’m looking for that exact usagi that you sold to that girl awhile ago. Do you have any more by chance?” asked Ryosuke.
“Ah, you mean the Moon Usagi. It is a special one of its’ type. For short, it is a limited edition that has a story that follows it. Do you wish to hear the tale?” asked the clerk. Ryosuke nodded and the clerk began her tale.
“Once upon a time, there were three friends, a usagi, a fox, and a monkey. They were the best of friends. They’d help anyone that needed help that passed by on the moon. There was this old man that passed the three friends and asked for some help. The monkey went to gather some fruit in the trees and the fox stole from neighboring villagers to give to the old man. The usagi didn’t know what to give to the old man. He wanted to do something for the old man, and since the usagi couldn’t gather anything but grass, it decided to offer himself to the old man. He jumped into the fire that the old man built, but was not harmed because the old man revealed himself to be a God of the Cosmos. He was touched by the usagi’s kindness virtue that he decided to draw his picture on the moon for all to see so he could be remembered by all,” said the shop clerk.
Ryosuke was astounded by the story of the Moon Usagi and thought that he must get that for Yuuto no matter what the cost. “Do you have any more in stock?”
“I’m afraid that was the last one. You were a second too late. Like I said, it is limited edition, so it is hard to find another-, “said the clerk who stopped to think for a second. “I might have another one, but it is in Yokohama, where my other store is. If you have time, you can go there and buy it from there unless you want me to order it and get it sent here,” explained the clerk.
“I’ll go there and get it myself! Thank you very much!” exclaimed Ryosuke who ran out of the shop and quickly headed to the subway. He looked at the clock.
“5:30 PM… Will I make it back in time?” thought Ryosuke.
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Everyone was finishing up setting up for the big event tonight. Chinen and Ryutaro decorated the diner and Hikaru and Kei went to get the food. Daiki helped me set up the remaining bits to complete the plan.
Yabu found Yuuto sitting outside watching the last remaining bits of the sunset.
“Yo, it is going to get cold soon. You should get back inside or else you’ll get everyone worried,” said Yabu.
“Thanks for your concern. I want to stay out for a bit longer,” replied Yuuto. “Isn’t the sunset pretty? When it rises, a new day comes and everything in the past is forgotten, and when it sets, it is like it goes back to remember the past and what happened that day so it wouldn’t be forgotten.”
“You’re too young to go philosophical on me now. We all are too young. We still have a future ahead of us. I wouldn’t want to be down on the past, since it already happened. We are to learn from the past and remember what it has taught us. I’m sure Ryosuke is doing the same at the moment,” said Yabu who stared at the city lights being put up as night fell.
Yuuto’s cheeks flared up at the mention of Ryosuke’s name. He knew what Yabu said was true, but he just couldn’t forget about anything Ryosuke said. He remembers his smile and how they first met walking home from school. “I don’t want to forget the past at all…” whispered Yuuto.
“The past will always be behind you. But what you did in the past will influence the future. The past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift. That is why it is called a present,” smiled Yabu. He walked away and shouted out behind him, “You better get back in soon. Everyone really will be worried about you.”
Yuuto looked at Yabu dumbfounded, but knew it was true. He got up and started to head back inside.
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Chinen was playing with some toys laying around and Daiki joined in. Yabu came into the room and walked up to me.
“Keito, Yuuto is coming in now. Is Ryosuke-kun back yet?” Yabu asked.
I looked at the time and it was almost 8 PM and Ryosuke still wasn’t back yet. “No, I haven’t seen him practically all day. I wonder where he went.”
Yabu tried calling Ryosuke, but it flew right to voice mail. “That is weird… How come he isn’t picking up?”
Chinen and Daiki came over screaming, “Yuuto is walking towards here! What should we do!?!”
“Umm…. Stall as long as you all can! Make sure he doesn’t get in here till Ryosuke gets here!” I shouted to them.
One by one, they left the diner and went to stall Yuuto as long as possible.
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A few hours earlier, Ryosuke finally made it to Yokohama. It was 5:30 and he quickly ran to find the address that the store clerk gave him. He finally made it there and requested the usagi from the store clerk.
“Ahh, you’re the one my mother mentioned. I’ve had it on hold for you. Here it is. That will be ¥1045 please,” asked the clerk.
Ryosuke quickly paid and thanked the clerk then ran out holding a box with a ribbon tied around it. Before he left, he quickly ran back inside and asked the clerk, “Can I have a card to go with it please? It is a gift for a friend.”
The clerk smiled and handed Ryosuke a blank card, then Ryosuke left for Tokyo again. It was about 6:00, but the only train available at the moment was the local train.
“You have got to be kidding me… It is being fixed just now?” said Ryosuke to himself. He got on looked at his phone. It was going to be about 6:40 by the time he gets back. “I must get back on time. I just have to!”
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“Ne ne Yuuto! Please help me build a domino castle!” said Chinen energetically.
“Sorry Chinen, maybe tomorrow. I have to find Ryosuke,” replied Yuuto.
“Do you want to make something to eat with me and Ryutaro? Aren’t you hungry?” asked Daiki.
“No thanks. I’m not that hungry. I really have to find Ryosuke,” said Yuuto but with a little more anger this time.
“Yuuto, do you want to practice some dance moves before-,“ said Kei but was interrupted by Yuuto.
“Will you all give me a break? It will still be a no till I find Ryosuke. So will you all please wait?” pleaded Yuuto. He walked up to where I was standing. “Move out of the way Keito. You don’t usually get in my way.”
I refused to move out because I couldn’t ruin the surprise yet… Not until Ryosuke got back.
“So have you solved your problem?” I asked to stall a few more extra minutes.
“Yeah I have thanks to you and Yabu. But to end this once and for all, I have to talk to Ryosuke. Please move aside,” Yuuto pleaded.
I bit my tongue thinking where in the world Ryosuke was. I would be in trouble if I didn’t let Yuuto in and I’d be in trouble if he found out about the surprise… In the end I gave up and let Yuuto through.
As Yuuto entered a dark room, I whispered to everyone to scatter in the room. It was pitch black aside from the light from the door. I closed the door and opened the lights.
“たんじょうびおめでとう,” everyone in the room screamed.
“Yuuto, happy birthday! Did you forget your own birthday too?” I chuckled.
Yuuto’s look was priceless. He was dumbfounded at the room and how he forgot his own birthday.
“Everyone… thank you for remembering!” exclaimed Yuuto. But he looked around and then said, “Where’s Ryo-“said Yuuto before the door behind us opened with a slam.
Ryosuke late, the whole room went completely quiet. “I’m… *gasp* sorry for being late. Caught the local train because *gasp* express was being fixed apparently.”
Yuuto was almost to tears when he saw Ryosuke arrive. He was overjoyed to see that he made it. “Baka… How come you were so late arriving?” asked Yuuto holding back his joy and tried to act mad.
“For this… *gasp* Man, that run was tiring, but I finally made it back with a gift,” gasped Ryosuke who handed the box with the ribbon and card to Yuuto. Yuuto opened the box and saw that it was an usagi and looked up to Ryosuke.
“Where did you go to get this?” questioned Yuuto who appeared to know what the usagi was.
“At first I went to downtown Tokyo and found a store clerk who just sold it to a girl. But he told me he had another one in Yokohama. I just got back with aching legs after running,” whined Ryosuke who ignored the pain and continued to finish what he said. The rest of us knew it was our time to leave so I made them all move out of the room for the moment. “The story behind this usagi is interesting and shows our relationship. It explains of an old man meeting three animals, an usagi, a fox, and a monkey. To help the man, the monkey went to get fruit from a tree, the fox stole from a family in a nearby town, but the usagi couldn’t give the man anything as good as the rest, so instead, he gave his body to the man. The man was in the end a kami who was touched by the usagi’s virtue and made the usagi’s face printed on the moon for everyone to remember him.”
“Really? It represents that much?” whispered Yuuto.
“What this usagi represents is how you’ll always be in my memories and you’ll always be close to me. Closer than anyone else. I’m the old man who is being touched by your virtue and love. That is why I will never forget you. What you’ve given me is nothing compared to what the others can give me. You understand that Yuuto? Besides, you’re always going to be my cute little usagi jumping up and down.”
Yuuto was at the verge of tears holding the usagi. “I’ll treasure this for the rest of my life. Also… I’ll treasure you the most of all.”
Ryosuke smiled and gave Yuuto a tender hug. “I’m sorry for making you worry. You’ll always be the closest person to my heart. Forever and ever. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy. “
“Really? You’ll even tell me things about you more?” whispered Yuuto in a shy manner.
“Hehe, yeah I will but later during our private time,” chuckled Ryosuke.
Yuuto finally smiled which warmed Ryosuke’s heart up ten-fold. I was happy to have seen them back together again, closer than ever. But apparently, that didn’t last long when Kei and Hikaru broke the tender atmosphere.
“LOVEY DOVEY COUPLE!” shouted Hikaru and Kei. They ran around and gave both of them a bear hug. “So, when did you two start getting so tender towards each other?”
Both of them went bright red and didn’t reply. The others had no idea what was going on and just joined in the fun. Yabu smiled and then decided to have some fun as well. It was a night we’ll all never forget. I’m sure Ryosuke and Yuuto are right now in front of the TV either arguing what channel to watch, or sleeping on each other’s shoulder. So, that is the story of those two on August 10th, 2008. It was all thanks to you that gave me courage to talk to them. Usually, I’m the quiet one. I haven’t talked to many people in English because they ether can’t speak fluently, or rather have me speak in Japanese. I’m happy to have known you as a friend.
But, the problems seem to continue… A few days afterwards, Chinen and Daiki… I don’t know how to put it into words because it is so complicated. Apparently, eye witnesses SEEN Daiki walking rather very close to a girl about his age. I don’t know whether to believe that was true or not. But if you saw Chinen’s face at the news, it wasn’t a pretty one. Now, every day, you can see him stalking Daiki from the back. You don’t think Chinen is jealous do you? Give me a reply ASAP. Thanks for your help again!
Keito
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I took a sigh of relief to hear Ryosuke and Yuuto back together. But more problems arise each day. I wonder how this happens so frequently. Makes me wonder if I found a girlfriend, would my little brother be jealous? I needed to write up a reply and fast.
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To: keito@mail.goo.ne.jp
Subject: RE: You’re a lifesaver!
Keito,
I’m pretty sure I’m not lifesaver. All I speak is common sense. But I’m glad things went well for Yuuto and Ryosuke. If it didn’t I’d be worried that I gave you the wrong sort of advice. However, if you didn’t do anything, I’m sure this wouldn’t have happened. So give yourself some credit.
About Chinen and Daiki. Well, all I can say is watch them for now. You can’t really judge anything from what we know now. Unless Daiki plans on saying something soon about the matter, for now just watch Chinen closely. I’m worried something might happen if you don’t. That is basically all you can do now. I’m glad everything went well for Yuuto, I really do. Reply back soon with more.
Simon
P.S. Sorry that all my responses are short… Nothing is like happening over here in China, so you can’t really blame me. All I’m doing is visiting relatives after all. I really wish I was staying in Japan. However, I’ll be going to Japan for a night. So, if I’m lucky, I’ll see you there and hopefully the rest of the group. If not, I’m glad to have met you as a friend. I leave August 21st, right in the morning from Nikko Narita Hotel around early morning. Flight leaves at noon, so if I don’t see you then, we’ll keep in contact via email. Keep me updated!
To be continued...
| Chapter 4 |