Apasionado (Part 9)
Title: Apasionado
Pairing: Takaki Yuya x Inoo Kei (TakaNoo)
Type: Chaptered
Genre: Romance, friendship, fluff, school-life
Disclaimer: Boys aren’t mine. They belong to Johnny’s Entertainment. I am just a crazy fan who always imagine my otps ‘till I write down their stories based on personal expectations.
Summary: Inoo Kei was the homecoming king on his school. He has everything. He is expert at fulfilling people’s expectations. But one day, one twist on his life changes the whole world he’s currently into. So that Inoo decides to move. New school, new friends, mean new life as well. And he would never predict something might change drastically when he fell in love with new guy, Takaki Yuya.
Warning: My English is bad.
Part IX: The Reason
Some students are passing by the hallway. Since the school is over, so that Inoo doesn’t need himself to rush. He spent the whole after-class moment to search textbooks on library, and the only good thing is he eventually just found one of his needs. But it’s enough, though.
When he got into class, this certain figure of someone is sinking the face on the desk. A black headphone covers his ears, and Inoo can tell slow-rock music is blasting without he needs to put it on his own ears. With a slow motion, the pretty guy shoves the headphone away from his boyfriend’s head, but the one is still sleeping.
“Yuya…”, he whispered, intends to wake up the older guy. But there’s no response.
Somehow, the mere realization comes to chase him. It’s an empty class, quiet atmosphere, and as long as he could hear, there’s no signs of footsteps will pass by the place. Literally, it’s just him and Yuya for a brief moment. So that with a very careful movement, Inoo ruffles the messy brunet hair. It feels so fluffy, and soft against his palm. And God, Inoo loves the feeling very much. It was as if the invisible desire had burst, and he couldn’t really get enough of his boyfriend. He doesn’t quite get the reason why, is it because they’re new lovers who’s still crazy in love, or because Yuya is really having an unexplainable charm, but he loves it whenever that baka person sleeps and his face shows a childishness.
The hand tilts lower, and he reaches for Yuya’s cheeks without quite knowing hows. Maybe Yuya is 16, but his skin is just as addicting as 4 yo baby. He stays like that for a while, studying the mark on such tanned skin and curves a little smile. After that night he told him everything, about his dad, his family, his previous shitty academy, and Yuya seemed to pour all his concern too Inoo like no one ever did, Inoo knows he just wanted to be with Yuya. He wanted to be with him every minute. And when he wasn’t with him, it feels like he was just waiting for him.
And somehow, his index finger runs slowly to Yuya’s lips. Another moment passes in silence, with Inoo gave an appreciation to his sudden wild imagination. A second later, he bent down, matched up his level with Yuya’s face. Thus finally he shuts the eyes and captures Yuya’s fresh mouth onto him. He understands this might be dangerous if someone will look at them, he thought, but he didn’t really understand why he still is enjoying that.
“Nghh… Kei?”
Right away, Inoo stops on what he’s doing. But then a quick grab hold the back of his head, ‘till Inoo can’t fight back and that’s how another kiss filling the space between them. Everything is just happened without warning, bewildered, and unprepared. This is messing all up, in a good way. And the most impressive part is how they drown into a deep kiss all of a sudden.
“Oh, very nice. A kiss after napping. I hope I could always get that”, Yuya muttered, clearing the throat.
They step away from each other and the brunet fixes his messy hair.
“Well, it should be in another place, if it happens”, Inoo answered
“Another place? Like-example?”
“I don’t know. Somewhere more private”, he suggested
“O wow okay. Stop giving me hope on such stuffs. I just woke up, and you know growing-up guy when he just woke up could be so, so dangerous”
“Well elaborated”, Inoo snorted. “Anyway, Yamada already texted me they are waiting on the gate. If we don’t come in five minutes, Daiki will kill us”
“Oh right”, Yuya tapped his forehead, indicating he was spacing out to the point forgetting their appointment to try new game on Hikaru’s place. “I shouldn’t sleep, though. Rather I have to discover a tactic so I’ll win the game”
“Why so eager?”
“Because flock is always forcing the loser to buy juices for all of them. I don’t want to lose”
“Oh, understandable”, Inoo nodded.
They are walking side by side to the main entrance gate. Out there, he could see Daiki is snorting while pointing at his watch. It’s as if there’s a silent you-are-late-so-you-should-apology moment between them. But Yuya didn’t seem bothered about that, and Inoo takes the responsibility to mutter a short sorry even though they aren’t really angry at the very first place.
“So, mind tell me what takes you so long?”, asked Yamada
“Yeah, and an explanation of Inoo’s messy hair and crumpled collarshirt”, Hikaru added
In a quick move, Inoo fixes his outfit. Damn, he didn’t even notice they’re being so reckless and wild few minutes back. But a sheepish laugh from the flock makes everything feels understandably enough. No words needed to elaborate what was the lovebird did so they couldn’t come on the set time.
But then amidst their jibber-jabber time, Inoo suddenly catches a sight of someone else on the gate. Someone, whose uniform is different than Heisei students, looks elegantly handsome with that signature Tommy Hilfiger backpack on his shoulder.
“Haruma?”, he confirmed
Now all of them stop on the track, looking at Haruma with a smile crept on his lips. And by seeing him with Hoshino’s outfit, it made Inoo feels like he’d been physically assaulted. It was like a swift, sudden, unexpected punch in the pit of his memories. He wanted no part of Hoshino’s stuffs to re-appear inside his life, not when he just had a nightmare yesterday and all of those events ran on his dream.
“Ah, Inoo-chan”
It somehow leads his poor mind to remember the details of such terrified afternoon. An image of empty class, covered by orange-ish blinding twilight sky, and Haruma’s serious expression when they committed to end everything. There is a history on how he calls his name, just like how they did back when they’re still a great couple on such a horrible place, back when seeing Haruma was one of the most important parts on his life. But something is just very, very wrong. Nevertheless, Inoo still replies Haruma by a smile.
“How are you?”, asked Haruma
“Never better. You?”
“Well. I am fine”
“So, what brings you here?”
“Ah actually…”, he fish out something from the bag, and seconds later offered a Crude Play CD to Inoo. “I forgot that I borrowed this for a very long time already. So, I want to give it back”
“Oh my… I forgot about this as well”, as he takes the CD. “And then, another business?”
“Oh, anoo-“, he stuttered. “You’re very straight-forward now. It quite shocked me”
“Maybe”, Inoo shrugged. “Maybe I am not that old Inoo Kei you once knew”
“Wait, what?”
There is an unmistakable tense on their conversations. Everyone just shut up, letting Inoo and Haruma to have talk even if they didn’t take a step away from them.
“I am sorry”, Inoo apologized, suddenly feels bad of his words. “I mean, well, what are you up to? Do you have something to tell me? Oh, or maybe you wait for someone else and it’s not me?”
“No, it’s you.”
“Then go on”
He hadn’t told anyone of how nervous he is. From how Haruma gestured, he knows whatever the Hoshino boy wanted to said, it won’t be a good thing. He’s enough of past-tense, of things they had done, of things had happened, and no need to bring it now especially when there’s Yuya behind him.
“Haru-“
“I miss you”
“……………………………………”
“As much as I miss us”
“……………………………………”
“I want to get back. After met you few days ago, I recalled all of those memories, and you didn’t know how much daydreaming I’d been doing about you when you suddenly moved without telling anybody, without telling me.”
“You were the one asked for break-up”
“But I just said you need time to be alone. I didn’t said something like you could just leave everything behind”
“So my decision to move school should get your approval?”
“……………………………………”
“So, when people treated me like a trash I should stay there when no one defended me, and not even you?”
There’s an unspoken punctuation. Both of them shut up and just staring for few minutes. Maybe Inoo lets it out coldly, but inside he’s just tensed. Evidently, Haruma didn’t protect him. But it doesn’t mean that he was the one at fault, and not that he has an obligation to protect Inoo, even. Deep down, Inoo just hoped it selfishly. And knowing that the older guy didn’t grant his expectation just made him one-sidedly disappointed.
“I am sorry”, Inoo mumbled, realizing he’d said it harsh. “I didn’t mean it. I am sorry for saying something like that. Maybe because I want to move on from Hoshino’s stuffs and you suddenly appeared it’s just-quite unpredictable. So it gave me crap. I’m sorry if this feeling is too dominating”
“Inoo….”
“It was lame. I was lame. I distanced myself from everyone when I knew they showed me fake faces. I got mad by myself, I was terrified and scared, and I turned to be someone whose people didn’t want to be with. Partially, it was my fault”
“But now it’s over, right?”
“Right, it’s over”
“So we can-“
“No, we can’t”, Inoo cuts. “We can never happen anymore. I didn’t want to look back, and I am sorry but truthfully, seeing you in front of me feels like-I couldn’t move on. I can’t help myself not to remember all of those humiliations when I see you. And I know we can’t get back and pretend like everything never happened.”
“No”
“And I love my new life. I love my new friends and school. They didn’t wear any masks and give no shit over Inoo Keiichiro. You know I always wanted to have this kind of youth, remember?”
“But if we’re together I won’t restrict you to hang out with your friends, either. You still could enjoy your time and it won’t change anything”
“I can’t”
“The reason?”
“I have a boyfriend already”
Inoo admitted as the full weight of it bursts out. Haruma turns silent in an instant, frowning. But clearly Inoo just spilled for a truth, and he’d supplied the basic reason of details why he’s so eager to keep on his current track.
“Oh, so that’s it”, the ex-boyfriend nodded. “I know, you’re his boyfriend right?”
“Yes, he-wait, what?”
Right when Inoo wants to agree, he finds out Haruma looks to Yabu’s direction. And as soon as he gives the class rep that interrogating look, all flock is seeing the way Yabu points himself out.
“Eh? Me?”
“Not you!”
“Ohhhh, I am the boyfriend!”, Yabu laughed excitedly, and slid his arm around Inoo’s shoulder in a casual way. “So, where we go after this honey?”, he winked
“Stop it, Yabu-“
“Not him”, a deep voice filled into Inoo’s ears, making him shudder. Yuya who just kept silent even since this convo started, is now digging Inoo’s admiration over such a gentle voice and it washed over him. And that was what it was; a shot of adrenaline-filled with happiness. More when Yuya shoved Yabu’s hand away and takes the boyfriend to his own possessive embrace. “I am the boyfriend”, he confirmed
The latter lifts up to see Yuya’s eyes. It seemed, was convincing. Just when it began to become tense up, to be standing there and finds the two friends saying nothing with everyone’s eyes on them, Inoo decides to spill a word but then;
“Eh, Takaki?”, Haruma asked, confused.
“Yes, me”
“W-what what, what?!! WHAT?!!!”
Nothing even remotely resembling that Haruma expects Yuya to be Inoo’s boyfriend. But, hell, he should have guessed it already, right? Because everything is very suspicious even from the very beginning. When Yuya asked for the pictures, when they acted so close on Tasty Pasta, when they went back together just two of them after they parted away. And because they’re friends so Haruma should know it without Yuya have to explain.
“Bakaki is the boyfriend?!”
“Woy!”
“Yes yes!!” Yamada barged in. “We even didn’t expect Yuya could be Inoo’s boyfriend, right?!”
“True!”, Daichan added. “I was shocked too, like you, when I know they’re dating!!”
“Like a prince and the pauper!”, Hikaru claimed
“GUUUYYSSS!!!! Which side are you in actually?!!!” Yuya protested.
He lets go off of Inoo’s shoulder and tries to whack Yamada. And that’s how an unimportant quarrel between the flock started. Inoo huffed, not even surprised anymore to their childish behavior even if there’s a serious talk occurred around them. Eventually, it won’t stop, of course. So Inoo motioned out silently to Haruma, confirming that Yuya is the boyfriend.
“I can’t believe it”, Haruma said
“Why?”
“Because he’s just-“
“Different? Like he didn’t drive car as Hoshino boys did? Or because he’s a stupid?”
“I am not the one saying”
“Well but-you didn’t know what he did when I was in my depressed stage. When I have nothing left. When I have no one to turn back to. When I don’t think I could be a better person anymore. He was the only one defended me”
Inoo explained, in a very low tone. However he doesn’t have to make Yuya hears the conversation. Maybe he needs time to boldly say that to Yuya one day, with a better structure of words. But now, he just felt like he has to tell Haruma about this. Because it will definitely make any difference, and it will change things, as clear as Haruma finally sighed. A white flag is waving.
“I am sorry…”, the Hoshino boy apologized for nth time.
“No need”
“I shouldn’t ask you for break-up back then”, he laughed slightly. “Damn, it hurts. And moreover, that Bakaki is my friend”
“Lousy timing, I guess”
“……………………………………”
“And you’re not a type who’ll choose lover over friendship. I know you treasure your buddies a lot”
“Wow, you still remember about me”
“……………………………………”
“Even if I want to but-maybe you’re right…”, he mumbled, eyes settling to Yuya who still is busy with flocks. “I am not that type of person. It’s just-not so me”
“That’s what I liked about you, actually”
“Oh stop saying that”
“It’s just about start-over and-“, Inoo stopped. He pulls Yuya’s hand to his grip and makes the noisy flocks pour back their attention to those guys. For a moment, the pretty guy squeezes Yuya’s strong hand on him, with whatever the reason. “Maybe having a new life is kind of spooky at the beginning. But, in my case, I didn’t hate it. I actually really loved it now. And I-really-love him”
“……………………………………”
“So please, excuse us”, he bowed. “Ah Hikaru, I am sorry we can’t join you guys. I have something to do with this guy”
Inoo lifts up their interlace fingers. And then a tiny smile from him to Yuya made Haruma realized of how important the brunet’s existence for Inoo. No, Inoo’d never looked at him that way. In sincere, and very lovingly way. It’s as if there’s no better thing to look at except Yuya. And he didn’t know whether that made Inoo better or worse but, he just seemed genuinely happy.
And Haruma finds out the best explanation of his rejection.
***
“Ah! It’s raining!”
The two guys are running to nearest bus shelter. Summer sky greets the new pair by light drizzles. Out there, a shadow of shifting branches is reflected on the hard road. No one here, as far as Inoo observed. It’s just him and Yuya, again. After some sort of escaping from the flocks and Haruma, they somewhat ended up together and that was classic.
“It’s quite chilling”, Inoo mumbled
“You feel cold?”
“A bit”
“Here”
Inoo knew Yuya is giving his jacket to him now, and he even puts it properly on Inoo’s back ‘till the point he zipped up such the black hoodie. Inoo had been quiet just for a moment, silently feel happy because of this simple treatment from his boyfriend. For people, maybe it was Yuya who needs to be taken care due to his kiddy behavior, but truthfully, Inoo knew it was him who could do nothing if there’s no Yuya around.
He smelled citrus from the jacket, tempting as always. And maybe the size is somehow bigger, but it feels so protective. Inoo drown into the feeling of wanting more to sniff Yuya’s scent on the outfit, but there he’ll looked so obsessed, and utterly unacceptable for being such a little pervert. So that he pretends like it wasn’t such a big deal, while actually a simple jacket could dip an unnoticeable huge effect.
“Thank you”, he giggled
“I don’t know if you love Crude Play. Well, not that I know what you like except for peach tea, carbonara, and lemon tea, and oh, Takaki Yuya”
The pretty guy kicked his lover’s leg, just in case he heard a hurtful hiss second after. “Baka”
“Screw you”, Yuya kicked back, earns a whack on the arm from Inoo. “But seriously, I think I know nothing about your taste”
“Now you know that. Well, I love Crude Play”
“Me too”
“You too?”
“Insecticide is my favorite”
“Same here!”
"But Sayonara no Junbi wa Mou Dekiteita's lyric is deeper"
Waza to ame no naka
(You purposely got drenched)
Nurete matteita ndarou
(and waited in the midst of rain, didn’t you?)
Shoubu egao de te wo futte
(Then waved your hand with your best smile)
Shunkan de koi ni ochita
(I’ve fallen for you at a glance)
Boku wo kimi wa kitto
(But I bet,)
Azawaratteita ndaro
(you were ridiculing me, right?)
They sing at the same time, and burst into laughter not so long later. Inoo was amazed, in the moment, of how fate could lead him into a guy named Takaki Yuya. He remembered few moments back then, he just confessed that he loves the older guy in front of his friends, and his ex. Maybe he wasn’t so shy, but now, yes he is.
“You are unexpectedly a great singer”, he praised
True, Inoo knew from the start Yuya has a deep voice. But he’d never literally heard Yuya sings even just once. His husky tone is somehow having a different charm. Something like eargasm, and terrible to consume too much
“Karaoke is my hobby. Flocks often told me to sing a lot”
“Nah. Now I know you love karaoke and… and… damn, I don’t know anything about you too”, he muttered, quietly.
“Then… how if we start making rules here?”
“Rules? Like what?”
“Like, maybe we should answer honestly what we do like and dislike. Or do you think we should have a rule what boyfriends should do? Maybe how we should react to the ex boyfriends?”
“Come on, Yuya”, Inoo cupped both cheeks of his boyfriend. “We don’t have to go that far”
“Sorry. But I didn’t quite knowing what to do when he appeared. And, damn, he is my friend for God’s sake”
“Me and Haruma is over since long, long time ago. Don’t mind about him anymore. I even forget about how I felt back then. There is nothing left”
“I know I know… Not that I’m angry about that. And you even….. said that you love me”
Somehow, Yuya’s voice sounds lower on the last part. Which is making a slight trouble inside Inoo’s chest. For everything’s sake in the world, this is just incredibly embarrassing. He didn’t plan to say the feeling out loud, and especially, not in incomprehensible way.
“Baka…”, is all he answered, turning his eyes around so he won’t meet Yuya’s
But on the next movement, the brunet guy cupped back his chubby cheeks, pushing their eyes to capture each other’s. “I love you too”
It was very straight-forward, quite unexpected. The spot went deadly silent with a very concerning eyes from Takaki fills the space around. Inoo quickly fake coughing fit, acting like he didn’t hear anything which is an absolute lie since his face turns red like fresh apple he had on last month’s stage-play.
“Well, that’s good”, Inoo said
“Good?”
“…………………………………”
“Can you say something good than just good?”
“Hey, you said that we should tell each other the truth so we’ll know more about ourselves, right?”, Inoo confirmed
“Yes? And why do you bring it up now?”
“How tall are you?”
“Me? 176 cms”
“So you’re taller than me by two cms”
“And…. Does it have anything to do with my recent confession?”
“I swear… I don’t hate the idea of we’re having similar heights”
“Means?”
“Because you’re easier to reach”
And that’s how Inoo wrapped his arms around Takaki’s neck like what they did on the street few days ago. He kissed him, tasting like lemon. Sweet and sour, probably from Takaki’s latest drink he had during lunch. Technically, there’s no one here, so there’s nothing to worry about, right? That’s what was Inoo thought to himself. So that by any seconds, he closed the eyes and keeps kissing like it didn’t matter they’re on public shelter.
He could feel Takaki on the other side, began to tilt his head as well to get better position. And the boyfriend pulled his waist to lose the gap between them. When finally their body touches, a heat thrown up makes Inoo wanting more. It seems like they’ll take any chance when they’re alone by themselves to do something like this, without really care where they actually in. And they never seemed to try to break the kiss soon.
“The rain stops”, Yuya muttered between their lips.
“So?”
“Wanna go home?”
“Don’t want”
“What a spoiled brat”
“That’s what I am. A spoiled brat”
When Inoo finished spilling another side of him, Yuya didn’t say anything instead closed the short distance between them, and brushed his lips against Inoo’s pointed nose, enjoying the breathing pace. They were warm and he didn’t move away, gratefully surrender to Inoo’s wish for staying in a longer time.
“Well honestly, I love spoiled brat.”
***
Extra:
“Hey!”, Yabu runs toward a certain guy. “You dropped your student ID!”
“Oh thanks”, Haruma notices his ID is on Yabu’s hand, taking it. “I didn’t realize I dropped this. What a day, I couldn’t imagine if I lose such important stuff”
“Welcome”, he smiled
“You’re Inoo’s friend, right?”
“Yes”
“Are they always like that?”
“They?”
“Anoo-that couple, I mean”
There’s a testy silence between them. Somehow, Yabu finds a hopeless sign from Haruma’s face, even since Inoo rejected him straightly few minutes ago. He thought about maybe Haruma is better than Yuya. Say, he has more money and he’s handsome. And he could tell Haruma is a nice guy too. But;
“I know right. They’re such a baka couple”, Yabu said
“Eh?”
“When the first time Inoo moved here, he just laid his eyes to Yuya and only Yuya. I even wondered what’s so good about Yuya. I mean, I am his friend even since we were kid, and he has same common with most guys. Nothing really special about him”
“…………………………………..”
“But however, Inoo already chose. And he seemed-happy. His first expression was horrifying, but slowly Yuya took a part to change him so he turned into more fun and friendly. And that’s how I know, we can’t defeat Yuya. Because he’s special, for Inoo”
“Yes. I thought that way too. He seemed so happy and-wait-we?”
“Oh? Did I say we?”
“Yes yes yes you said that… does it mean you-like Inoo, too?”
“Ah…”, Yabu responded, but then he smiled out of the blue. “I think Hikaru already waited for me. I just wanted to give back your ID actually.”
“Wait wait-“
“Adios!”
With a simple smile, Yabu turned away, leaving the dumbfounded Haruma behind.
---to be continued---
Pairing: Takaki Yuya x Inoo Kei (TakaNoo)
Type: Chaptered
Genre: Romance, friendship, fluff, school-life
Disclaimer: Boys aren’t mine. They belong to Johnny’s Entertainment. I am just a crazy fan who always imagine my otps ‘till I write down their stories based on personal expectations.
Summary: Inoo Kei was the homecoming king on his school. He has everything. He is expert at fulfilling people’s expectations. But one day, one twist on his life changes the whole world he’s currently into. So that Inoo decides to move. New school, new friends, mean new life as well. And he would never predict something might change drastically when he fell in love with new guy, Takaki Yuya.
Warning: My English is bad.
Part IX: The Reason
Some students are passing by the hallway. Since the school is over, so that Inoo doesn’t need himself to rush. He spent the whole after-class moment to search textbooks on library, and the only good thing is he eventually just found one of his needs. But it’s enough, though.
When he got into class, this certain figure of someone is sinking the face on the desk. A black headphone covers his ears, and Inoo can tell slow-rock music is blasting without he needs to put it on his own ears. With a slow motion, the pretty guy shoves the headphone away from his boyfriend’s head, but the one is still sleeping.
“Yuya…”, he whispered, intends to wake up the older guy. But there’s no response.
Somehow, the mere realization comes to chase him. It’s an empty class, quiet atmosphere, and as long as he could hear, there’s no signs of footsteps will pass by the place. Literally, it’s just him and Yuya for a brief moment. So that with a very careful movement, Inoo ruffles the messy brunet hair. It feels so fluffy, and soft against his palm. And God, Inoo loves the feeling very much. It was as if the invisible desire had burst, and he couldn’t really get enough of his boyfriend. He doesn’t quite get the reason why, is it because they’re new lovers who’s still crazy in love, or because Yuya is really having an unexplainable charm, but he loves it whenever that baka person sleeps and his face shows a childishness.
The hand tilts lower, and he reaches for Yuya’s cheeks without quite knowing hows. Maybe Yuya is 16, but his skin is just as addicting as 4 yo baby. He stays like that for a while, studying the mark on such tanned skin and curves a little smile. After that night he told him everything, about his dad, his family, his previous shitty academy, and Yuya seemed to pour all his concern too Inoo like no one ever did, Inoo knows he just wanted to be with Yuya. He wanted to be with him every minute. And when he wasn’t with him, it feels like he was just waiting for him.
And somehow, his index finger runs slowly to Yuya’s lips. Another moment passes in silence, with Inoo gave an appreciation to his sudden wild imagination. A second later, he bent down, matched up his level with Yuya’s face. Thus finally he shuts the eyes and captures Yuya’s fresh mouth onto him. He understands this might be dangerous if someone will look at them, he thought, but he didn’t really understand why he still is enjoying that.
“Nghh… Kei?”
Right away, Inoo stops on what he’s doing. But then a quick grab hold the back of his head, ‘till Inoo can’t fight back and that’s how another kiss filling the space between them. Everything is just happened without warning, bewildered, and unprepared. This is messing all up, in a good way. And the most impressive part is how they drown into a deep kiss all of a sudden.
“Oh, very nice. A kiss after napping. I hope I could always get that”, Yuya muttered, clearing the throat.
They step away from each other and the brunet fixes his messy hair.
“Well, it should be in another place, if it happens”, Inoo answered
“Another place? Like-example?”
“I don’t know. Somewhere more private”, he suggested
“O wow okay. Stop giving me hope on such stuffs. I just woke up, and you know growing-up guy when he just woke up could be so, so dangerous”
“Well elaborated”, Inoo snorted. “Anyway, Yamada already texted me they are waiting on the gate. If we don’t come in five minutes, Daiki will kill us”
“Oh right”, Yuya tapped his forehead, indicating he was spacing out to the point forgetting their appointment to try new game on Hikaru’s place. “I shouldn’t sleep, though. Rather I have to discover a tactic so I’ll win the game”
“Why so eager?”
“Because flock is always forcing the loser to buy juices for all of them. I don’t want to lose”
“Oh, understandable”, Inoo nodded.
They are walking side by side to the main entrance gate. Out there, he could see Daiki is snorting while pointing at his watch. It’s as if there’s a silent you-are-late-so-you-should-apology moment between them. But Yuya didn’t seem bothered about that, and Inoo takes the responsibility to mutter a short sorry even though they aren’t really angry at the very first place.
“So, mind tell me what takes you so long?”, asked Yamada
“Yeah, and an explanation of Inoo’s messy hair and crumpled collarshirt”, Hikaru added
In a quick move, Inoo fixes his outfit. Damn, he didn’t even notice they’re being so reckless and wild few minutes back. But a sheepish laugh from the flock makes everything feels understandably enough. No words needed to elaborate what was the lovebird did so they couldn’t come on the set time.
But then amidst their jibber-jabber time, Inoo suddenly catches a sight of someone else on the gate. Someone, whose uniform is different than Heisei students, looks elegantly handsome with that signature Tommy Hilfiger backpack on his shoulder.
“Haruma?”, he confirmed
Now all of them stop on the track, looking at Haruma with a smile crept on his lips. And by seeing him with Hoshino’s outfit, it made Inoo feels like he’d been physically assaulted. It was like a swift, sudden, unexpected punch in the pit of his memories. He wanted no part of Hoshino’s stuffs to re-appear inside his life, not when he just had a nightmare yesterday and all of those events ran on his dream.
“Ah, Inoo-chan”
It somehow leads his poor mind to remember the details of such terrified afternoon. An image of empty class, covered by orange-ish blinding twilight sky, and Haruma’s serious expression when they committed to end everything. There is a history on how he calls his name, just like how they did back when they’re still a great couple on such a horrible place, back when seeing Haruma was one of the most important parts on his life. But something is just very, very wrong. Nevertheless, Inoo still replies Haruma by a smile.
“How are you?”, asked Haruma
“Never better. You?”
“Well. I am fine”
“So, what brings you here?”
“Ah actually…”, he fish out something from the bag, and seconds later offered a Crude Play CD to Inoo. “I forgot that I borrowed this for a very long time already. So, I want to give it back”
“Oh my… I forgot about this as well”, as he takes the CD. “And then, another business?”
“Oh, anoo-“, he stuttered. “You’re very straight-forward now. It quite shocked me”
“Maybe”, Inoo shrugged. “Maybe I am not that old Inoo Kei you once knew”
“Wait, what?”
There is an unmistakable tense on their conversations. Everyone just shut up, letting Inoo and Haruma to have talk even if they didn’t take a step away from them.
“I am sorry”, Inoo apologized, suddenly feels bad of his words. “I mean, well, what are you up to? Do you have something to tell me? Oh, or maybe you wait for someone else and it’s not me?”
“No, it’s you.”
“Then go on”
He hadn’t told anyone of how nervous he is. From how Haruma gestured, he knows whatever the Hoshino boy wanted to said, it won’t be a good thing. He’s enough of past-tense, of things they had done, of things had happened, and no need to bring it now especially when there’s Yuya behind him.
“Haru-“
“I miss you”
“……………………………………”
“As much as I miss us”
“……………………………………”
“I want to get back. After met you few days ago, I recalled all of those memories, and you didn’t know how much daydreaming I’d been doing about you when you suddenly moved without telling anybody, without telling me.”
“You were the one asked for break-up”
“But I just said you need time to be alone. I didn’t said something like you could just leave everything behind”
“So my decision to move school should get your approval?”
“……………………………………”
“So, when people treated me like a trash I should stay there when no one defended me, and not even you?”
There’s an unspoken punctuation. Both of them shut up and just staring for few minutes. Maybe Inoo lets it out coldly, but inside he’s just tensed. Evidently, Haruma didn’t protect him. But it doesn’t mean that he was the one at fault, and not that he has an obligation to protect Inoo, even. Deep down, Inoo just hoped it selfishly. And knowing that the older guy didn’t grant his expectation just made him one-sidedly disappointed.
“I am sorry”, Inoo mumbled, realizing he’d said it harsh. “I didn’t mean it. I am sorry for saying something like that. Maybe because I want to move on from Hoshino’s stuffs and you suddenly appeared it’s just-quite unpredictable. So it gave me crap. I’m sorry if this feeling is too dominating”
“Inoo….”
“It was lame. I was lame. I distanced myself from everyone when I knew they showed me fake faces. I got mad by myself, I was terrified and scared, and I turned to be someone whose people didn’t want to be with. Partially, it was my fault”
“But now it’s over, right?”
“Right, it’s over”
“So we can-“
“No, we can’t”, Inoo cuts. “We can never happen anymore. I didn’t want to look back, and I am sorry but truthfully, seeing you in front of me feels like-I couldn’t move on. I can’t help myself not to remember all of those humiliations when I see you. And I know we can’t get back and pretend like everything never happened.”
“No”
“And I love my new life. I love my new friends and school. They didn’t wear any masks and give no shit over Inoo Keiichiro. You know I always wanted to have this kind of youth, remember?”
“But if we’re together I won’t restrict you to hang out with your friends, either. You still could enjoy your time and it won’t change anything”
“I can’t”
“The reason?”
“I have a boyfriend already”
Inoo admitted as the full weight of it bursts out. Haruma turns silent in an instant, frowning. But clearly Inoo just spilled for a truth, and he’d supplied the basic reason of details why he’s so eager to keep on his current track.
“Oh, so that’s it”, the ex-boyfriend nodded. “I know, you’re his boyfriend right?”
“Yes, he-wait, what?”
Right when Inoo wants to agree, he finds out Haruma looks to Yabu’s direction. And as soon as he gives the class rep that interrogating look, all flock is seeing the way Yabu points himself out.
“Eh? Me?”
“Not you!”
“Ohhhh, I am the boyfriend!”, Yabu laughed excitedly, and slid his arm around Inoo’s shoulder in a casual way. “So, where we go after this honey?”, he winked
“Stop it, Yabu-“
“Not him”, a deep voice filled into Inoo’s ears, making him shudder. Yuya who just kept silent even since this convo started, is now digging Inoo’s admiration over such a gentle voice and it washed over him. And that was what it was; a shot of adrenaline-filled with happiness. More when Yuya shoved Yabu’s hand away and takes the boyfriend to his own possessive embrace. “I am the boyfriend”, he confirmed
The latter lifts up to see Yuya’s eyes. It seemed, was convincing. Just when it began to become tense up, to be standing there and finds the two friends saying nothing with everyone’s eyes on them, Inoo decides to spill a word but then;
“Eh, Takaki?”, Haruma asked, confused.
“Yes, me”
“W-what what, what?!! WHAT?!!!”
Nothing even remotely resembling that Haruma expects Yuya to be Inoo’s boyfriend. But, hell, he should have guessed it already, right? Because everything is very suspicious even from the very beginning. When Yuya asked for the pictures, when they acted so close on Tasty Pasta, when they went back together just two of them after they parted away. And because they’re friends so Haruma should know it without Yuya have to explain.
“Bakaki is the boyfriend?!”
“Woy!”
“Yes yes!!” Yamada barged in. “We even didn’t expect Yuya could be Inoo’s boyfriend, right?!”
“True!”, Daichan added. “I was shocked too, like you, when I know they’re dating!!”
“Like a prince and the pauper!”, Hikaru claimed
“GUUUYYSSS!!!! Which side are you in actually?!!!” Yuya protested.
He lets go off of Inoo’s shoulder and tries to whack Yamada. And that’s how an unimportant quarrel between the flock started. Inoo huffed, not even surprised anymore to their childish behavior even if there’s a serious talk occurred around them. Eventually, it won’t stop, of course. So Inoo motioned out silently to Haruma, confirming that Yuya is the boyfriend.
“I can’t believe it”, Haruma said
“Why?”
“Because he’s just-“
“Different? Like he didn’t drive car as Hoshino boys did? Or because he’s a stupid?”
“I am not the one saying”
“Well but-you didn’t know what he did when I was in my depressed stage. When I have nothing left. When I have no one to turn back to. When I don’t think I could be a better person anymore. He was the only one defended me”
Inoo explained, in a very low tone. However he doesn’t have to make Yuya hears the conversation. Maybe he needs time to boldly say that to Yuya one day, with a better structure of words. But now, he just felt like he has to tell Haruma about this. Because it will definitely make any difference, and it will change things, as clear as Haruma finally sighed. A white flag is waving.
“I am sorry…”, the Hoshino boy apologized for nth time.
“No need”
“I shouldn’t ask you for break-up back then”, he laughed slightly. “Damn, it hurts. And moreover, that Bakaki is my friend”
“Lousy timing, I guess”
“……………………………………”
“And you’re not a type who’ll choose lover over friendship. I know you treasure your buddies a lot”
“Wow, you still remember about me”
“……………………………………”
“Even if I want to but-maybe you’re right…”, he mumbled, eyes settling to Yuya who still is busy with flocks. “I am not that type of person. It’s just-not so me”
“That’s what I liked about you, actually”
“Oh stop saying that”
“It’s just about start-over and-“, Inoo stopped. He pulls Yuya’s hand to his grip and makes the noisy flocks pour back their attention to those guys. For a moment, the pretty guy squeezes Yuya’s strong hand on him, with whatever the reason. “Maybe having a new life is kind of spooky at the beginning. But, in my case, I didn’t hate it. I actually really loved it now. And I-really-love him”
“……………………………………”
“So please, excuse us”, he bowed. “Ah Hikaru, I am sorry we can’t join you guys. I have something to do with this guy”
Inoo lifts up their interlace fingers. And then a tiny smile from him to Yuya made Haruma realized of how important the brunet’s existence for Inoo. No, Inoo’d never looked at him that way. In sincere, and very lovingly way. It’s as if there’s no better thing to look at except Yuya. And he didn’t know whether that made Inoo better or worse but, he just seemed genuinely happy.
And Haruma finds out the best explanation of his rejection.
***
“Ah! It’s raining!”
The two guys are running to nearest bus shelter. Summer sky greets the new pair by light drizzles. Out there, a shadow of shifting branches is reflected on the hard road. No one here, as far as Inoo observed. It’s just him and Yuya, again. After some sort of escaping from the flocks and Haruma, they somewhat ended up together and that was classic.
“It’s quite chilling”, Inoo mumbled
“You feel cold?”
“A bit”
“Here”
Inoo knew Yuya is giving his jacket to him now, and he even puts it properly on Inoo’s back ‘till the point he zipped up such the black hoodie. Inoo had been quiet just for a moment, silently feel happy because of this simple treatment from his boyfriend. For people, maybe it was Yuya who needs to be taken care due to his kiddy behavior, but truthfully, Inoo knew it was him who could do nothing if there’s no Yuya around.
He smelled citrus from the jacket, tempting as always. And maybe the size is somehow bigger, but it feels so protective. Inoo drown into the feeling of wanting more to sniff Yuya’s scent on the outfit, but there he’ll looked so obsessed, and utterly unacceptable for being such a little pervert. So that he pretends like it wasn’t such a big deal, while actually a simple jacket could dip an unnoticeable huge effect.
“Thank you”, he giggled
“I don’t know if you love Crude Play. Well, not that I know what you like except for peach tea, carbonara, and lemon tea, and oh, Takaki Yuya”
The pretty guy kicked his lover’s leg, just in case he heard a hurtful hiss second after. “Baka”
“Screw you”, Yuya kicked back, earns a whack on the arm from Inoo. “But seriously, I think I know nothing about your taste”
“Now you know that. Well, I love Crude Play”
“Me too”
“You too?”
“Insecticide is my favorite”
“Same here!”
"But Sayonara no Junbi wa Mou Dekiteita's lyric is deeper"
Waza to ame no naka
(You purposely got drenched)
Nurete matteita ndarou
(and waited in the midst of rain, didn’t you?)
Shoubu egao de te wo futte
(Then waved your hand with your best smile)
Shunkan de koi ni ochita
(I’ve fallen for you at a glance)
Boku wo kimi wa kitto
(But I bet,)
Azawaratteita ndaro
(you were ridiculing me, right?)
They sing at the same time, and burst into laughter not so long later. Inoo was amazed, in the moment, of how fate could lead him into a guy named Takaki Yuya. He remembered few moments back then, he just confessed that he loves the older guy in front of his friends, and his ex. Maybe he wasn’t so shy, but now, yes he is.
“You are unexpectedly a great singer”, he praised
True, Inoo knew from the start Yuya has a deep voice. But he’d never literally heard Yuya sings even just once. His husky tone is somehow having a different charm. Something like eargasm, and terrible to consume too much
“Karaoke is my hobby. Flocks often told me to sing a lot”
“Nah. Now I know you love karaoke and… and… damn, I don’t know anything about you too”, he muttered, quietly.
“Then… how if we start making rules here?”
“Rules? Like what?”
“Like, maybe we should answer honestly what we do like and dislike. Or do you think we should have a rule what boyfriends should do? Maybe how we should react to the ex boyfriends?”
“Come on, Yuya”, Inoo cupped both cheeks of his boyfriend. “We don’t have to go that far”
“Sorry. But I didn’t quite knowing what to do when he appeared. And, damn, he is my friend for God’s sake”
“Me and Haruma is over since long, long time ago. Don’t mind about him anymore. I even forget about how I felt back then. There is nothing left”
“I know I know… Not that I’m angry about that. And you even….. said that you love me”
Somehow, Yuya’s voice sounds lower on the last part. Which is making a slight trouble inside Inoo’s chest. For everything’s sake in the world, this is just incredibly embarrassing. He didn’t plan to say the feeling out loud, and especially, not in incomprehensible way.
“Baka…”, is all he answered, turning his eyes around so he won’t meet Yuya’s
But on the next movement, the brunet guy cupped back his chubby cheeks, pushing their eyes to capture each other’s. “I love you too”
It was very straight-forward, quite unexpected. The spot went deadly silent with a very concerning eyes from Takaki fills the space around. Inoo quickly fake coughing fit, acting like he didn’t hear anything which is an absolute lie since his face turns red like fresh apple he had on last month’s stage-play.
“Well, that’s good”, Inoo said
“Good?”
“…………………………………”
“Can you say something good than just good?”
“Hey, you said that we should tell each other the truth so we’ll know more about ourselves, right?”, Inoo confirmed
“Yes? And why do you bring it up now?”
“How tall are you?”
“Me? 176 cms”
“So you’re taller than me by two cms”
“And…. Does it have anything to do with my recent confession?”
“I swear… I don’t hate the idea of we’re having similar heights”
“Means?”
“Because you’re easier to reach”
And that’s how Inoo wrapped his arms around Takaki’s neck like what they did on the street few days ago. He kissed him, tasting like lemon. Sweet and sour, probably from Takaki’s latest drink he had during lunch. Technically, there’s no one here, so there’s nothing to worry about, right? That’s what was Inoo thought to himself. So that by any seconds, he closed the eyes and keeps kissing like it didn’t matter they’re on public shelter.
He could feel Takaki on the other side, began to tilt his head as well to get better position. And the boyfriend pulled his waist to lose the gap between them. When finally their body touches, a heat thrown up makes Inoo wanting more. It seems like they’ll take any chance when they’re alone by themselves to do something like this, without really care where they actually in. And they never seemed to try to break the kiss soon.
“The rain stops”, Yuya muttered between their lips.
“So?”
“Wanna go home?”
“Don’t want”
“What a spoiled brat”
“That’s what I am. A spoiled brat”
When Inoo finished spilling another side of him, Yuya didn’t say anything instead closed the short distance between them, and brushed his lips against Inoo’s pointed nose, enjoying the breathing pace. They were warm and he didn’t move away, gratefully surrender to Inoo’s wish for staying in a longer time.
“Well honestly, I love spoiled brat.”
***
Extra:
“Hey!”, Yabu runs toward a certain guy. “You dropped your student ID!”
“Oh thanks”, Haruma notices his ID is on Yabu’s hand, taking it. “I didn’t realize I dropped this. What a day, I couldn’t imagine if I lose such important stuff”
“Welcome”, he smiled
“You’re Inoo’s friend, right?”
“Yes”
“Are they always like that?”
“They?”
“Anoo-that couple, I mean”
There’s a testy silence between them. Somehow, Yabu finds a hopeless sign from Haruma’s face, even since Inoo rejected him straightly few minutes ago. He thought about maybe Haruma is better than Yuya. Say, he has more money and he’s handsome. And he could tell Haruma is a nice guy too. But;
“I know right. They’re such a baka couple”, Yabu said
“Eh?”
“When the first time Inoo moved here, he just laid his eyes to Yuya and only Yuya. I even wondered what’s so good about Yuya. I mean, I am his friend even since we were kid, and he has same common with most guys. Nothing really special about him”
“…………………………………..”
“But however, Inoo already chose. And he seemed-happy. His first expression was horrifying, but slowly Yuya took a part to change him so he turned into more fun and friendly. And that’s how I know, we can’t defeat Yuya. Because he’s special, for Inoo”
“Yes. I thought that way too. He seemed so happy and-wait-we?”
“Oh? Did I say we?”
“Yes yes yes you said that… does it mean you-like Inoo, too?”
“Ah…”, Yabu responded, but then he smiled out of the blue. “I think Hikaru already waited for me. I just wanted to give back your ID actually.”
“Wait wait-“
“Adios!”
With a simple smile, Yabu turned away, leaving the dumbfounded Haruma behind.
---to be continued---