[One-shot] Splashes of Ink
Title: Splashes of Ink
Character(s): Inoobu. Takaki. Yuto.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Nope.
Summary: AU. Inoo has always been the weird guy around campus, especially because of his abnormal obsession with pens. Not really having any friends, he became dumbfounded when Yabu Kota spoke to him. Inoo's life changes a little with each passing day he spends with Yabu.
A/N: Prompt Pens from 100 HSJ fic challenge. For dreamweavernyx . Happy birthday, Luna! ♥ Thanks to hotfruits for beta-ing.
Inoo quickly rushed down the hallways of his university, managing to stumble on air, as he was late for his class. When he arrived, his teacher was in the middle of a lecture so he tip-toed towards his usual sit, hair disheveled, trying to catch his breath.
Shuffling through his bag, Inoo took out his books and his notes, along with his large collection of pens. There were all sorts; rollerballs and ball points, blacks and blues, there were also browns and pinks and yellows and every colour of the rainbow. Even scented pens existed amongst the pile. Inoo arranged them accordingly and a smile spread across his face.
“Do you have a pen obsession or something?” Inoo heard someone ask but didn’t really think it was directed at him, so he shrugged it off.
“Hey. I’m talking to you. Don’t ignore me like that.” The pale boy felt a poke to his side and squeaked, looking at the source of voice.
Inoo blinked, pointing to himself. When the other person nodded, Inoo blinked even more, confused to why the Yabu Kota was talking to him. Inoo wasn’t really the type to have many friends. In fact, ever since he entered university, he hadn’t made any because everyone thought he was weird with his pen collections and the fact that he was too pretty to be a boy.
So it was only natural for him to become dumbfounded when Yabu Kota, the son of a famous architect whom Inoo admired so much, spoke to him.
“You’re spacing out. And your mouth is wide open. Better close it before a something flies in~”
“Huh? What?” Inoo blinked again. “Oh.” He closed his mouth, a light pink slowly tinting his cheeks. Not wanting to embarrass himself more, Inoo looked down at his desk, fiddling with his notes.
“You still haven’t answered my question, you know.” When Inoo looked up at him again, with questioning eyes, Yabu sighed. “Why do you have so many pens?”
“Oh, these? Um, well, I sort of collect them,” Inoo stuttered.
“A pen collector, huh? Interesting.”
Inoo’s heart beat a few notches higher at what he assumed to be a compliment. Yabu Kota just called me interesting. He smiled, and gathered his courage to make real conversation with the slender boy, but at that very moment the lecturer announced the end of class.
He hadn’t even realize that time had flown by so fast.
Everyone shuffled to their feet and scattered away, glad for the break. Inoo was a little disappointed, missing the chance to talk to Yabu, but the feeling washed away when he heard the boy calling.
“Oh hey! We should hang out sometime. I’m Yabu Kota.”
I know. “Inoo Kei. I’m Inoo Kei!” He replied, half-yelling across the hallway.
Yabu nodded and waved, a smile painting his features, before turning his back and walking away. It was only a simple gesture. But that simple gesture sent Inoo’s heart into rapture.
*
Inoo had to cup his ears with his hands as Takaki squealed in his face.
“You finally talked to him?!”
“Well, technically, it was him who talked to me first.”
“Either way, you guys finally had a conversation!”
“I don’t really see why you’re so excited about this…”
“Inoo Kei. Yabu Kota has been your crush ever since you got into that school. You should be happy about this!”
“I know. I want to be happy about it but somehow, I can’t.”
“Why not?” Takaki pouted, calming down and sitting beside Inoo on the bed.
“Well, I’m weird. And weird people just don’t mix with people like Yabu.”
“Do we really have to go through this talk again?” Takaki whined. “You’re not weird, Inoo.”
“Yes I am! Even you thought so when we were small!”
“It’s not my fault! You brought it on yourself! You were playing with your crayons more than you played with the other kids!”
Inoo sulked, reminiscing back to his kindergarten days. When everyone was out in the sunshine, playing catchers or putting sand down each others pants, Inoo stayed inside, humming a song while sorting out his crayons. He wasn’t anti-social, nor did he dislike people, it was just that he preferred to be by himself.
Well, he was always by himself until Takaki bounced into his life. He doesn’t even remember how they became friends. They were the complete opposite.
“Anyway,” Takaki started, trying to break the sudden silence, “He told you he wanted to hang out sometime, right?”
Inoo nodded.
“Well then, you should! You can’t be that weird if he wants to hang out. C’mon Inoo, believe in yourself a little.” Takaki nudged the pretty boy on the shoulder.
“I-I guess I could give it a try.”
“That’s my Kei!” Takaki laughed and glomped Inoo, the two of them rolling around on the bed in a mess of limbs.
*
The weeks flew by and Inoo grew closer to Yabu with each passing day. They would meet up during lunch time in the vast university garden, where they would eat and chat about their lives, occasionally discussing school work.
More people began to notice Inoo and he felt insecure with the stares he got. Yabu would laugh at his shyness, telling him to ‘man-up’ and those words would only cause Inoo to blush even more. He just wasn’t used to all the attention.
As they were walking down the pathway, autumn leaves crunching under their feet, Yabu asked Inoo, “So, why did you choose to study architecture?”
“Why are you always asking questions?” Inoo laughed, amused.
Yabu pouted, “I only want to get to know you better.”
“Well, my mum never really had the chance to live in a big house. Even now, she and my siblings are living in a small flat. When I was ten, we visited Tokyo to see what the city life was like. I saw the longing in her eyes as she looked up at the tall buildings in awe and her smile was so sad. Ever since then, I worked my hardest to get into university and here I am now. I promised her that one day, I’ll build a house just for her.”
When Inoo finished his story, he looked at Yabu to see if the older boy was listening. Yabu had a look of contemplation on his face, and another expression that Inoo couldn’t figure out.
“Wow, that’s pretty amazing,”
Inoo hummed in agreement. “Your dad had a pretty big role in this too. I’ve always admired him, and seeing his works put the drive in me more.”
Yabu snorted. “He’s not that great.”
“Eh? What do you mean? I’ve always thought that you chose to study this course because of him,” Inoo said, as they turned around a corner towards their usual spot in the garden.
“At the beginning it was. Seeing him draw sketches of buildings and putting them into real life ones drew me in. When I told him I wanted to be like him, he laughed. He said, ‘You will never be as great as me.’ At that time, I was confused to why he said that. I thought he would be happy to hear that I was going to follow his footsteps.
As I grew older, I finally understood. He didn’t want competition. He wanted to be the best of the best. So I told him that I’d be better than him. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.”
“And what did he say?”
“Of course, he just chuckled but once he saw how determined I was, he finally took me seriously.”
“I see. Well, I have faith in you. With your strong will, I’m sure you’ll be able to reach your dreams.” Inoo smiled at him.
“Psh, of course I will. Then after that, maybe you can admire me instead.” Yabu winked, laughing.
Inoo felt blood rush to his cheeks and playfully punched Yabu’s shoulder, joining in his laughter.
*
“It’s nice to see you smiling like this.” Takaki poked Inoo’s cheek.
“It’s nice to have a friend at school.”
“You really like him.”
“I do.”
*
“Whoa, your notes are so neat,” Yabu stated as he flipped through Inoo’s book. “There are so many colours too.”
“Yeah, colour co-ordination helps me study. That’s why I have so many pens,” Inoo said, not looking away from his work on the computer.
“I’m still intrigued by your pen collecting. I mean, people usually collect stamps or coins or baseball cards but you…you’re different.”
The sound of the mouse clicking stopped and Inoo turned in his chair to face Yabu, who was sprawled out on his bed. “Is that a bad thing?”
Yabu sat up, suddenly looking at Inoo intensely. “Nope, not really. I like that about you.”
Inoo’s eyes widened and his heart beat faster. Not knowing what to do, he turned back to the computer and continued his work, hiding his flushed face.
He didn’t want to keep his hopes up.
*
Come Inoo’s birthday, Yabu gifted him with a Grayson Tighe Limited Edition fountain pen.
He didn’t know how Yabu managed to get it, let alone pay for it, but it was the best gift Inoo had ever gotten.
*
“Senpai, are you serious with him?” Yuto asked when Yabu was in the middle of tutoring him at the campus library.
“Hm? Serious with who?” Yabu wasn’t really paying attention as he tried to teach Yuto, who was no longer interested in his work. Frustrated, Yabu dropped his pen, running a hand through his hair.
“With that boy. The pretty one.”
This caught Yabu’s attention.
“You mean Inoo Kei?”
Yuto nodded. “You’re spending a lot of time with him nowadays. You used to play soccer with Yama-chan and I whenever you were free but you barely have time for us now.”
Noting the slight sadness in Yuto’s tone, Yabu smiled, ruffling his hair. “I don’t know, really. I mean, he’s a great guy.”
“Isn’t he a little odd, though?” Before Yuto continued his next sentence, he checked their surroundings to make sure that the coast was clear and whispered, “I’ve heard rumours about him.”
Yabu chuckled. “What rumours? Don’t believe everything you hear, kiddo.”
“But he didn’t have any friends before you, right? Apparently, he was always clutching his pens and talking to them, or something,” Yuto told the story animatedly.
“What? That’s ridiculous, Yuto. I mean, he does have an abnormal number of pens but he doesn’t-”
Before Yabu managed to finish his sentence, Yuto already stood up, rushing towards the door and screamed, “So it is true! I’m gonna tell everyone that the rumour is real. Thanks for the information Yabu-kun!” not really caring that he was in the library.
Yabu tried to stop Yuto, but he was too late.
*
“How could you?! Spreading gossip about me like that! I thought I could trust you!” Inoo screamed.
“Inoo, listen to me first,” Yabu begged, dodging the eraser that was thrown at him.
But Inoo refused to listen. “I felt happy when you told me I was interesting. That was the first time someone complimented me instead of calling me strange and weird and creepy. I believed you. I was so stupid.” He cried.
“Inoo, please don’t cry. You’re not stupid and I’m sorry but it wasn’t me-”
“I knew it was too good to be true.” Inoo laughed sarcastically. “I mean, why would a person like you want to befriend me, right? I’m not normal.”
“Inoo-”
“I shouldn’t have liked you.”
“What?” Yabu questioned, confused at the direction this conversation was going.
Inoo only looked up at him with his tear streaked face and something inside Yabu broke a little. He didn’t even answer the boy and left, leaving a very puzzled Yabu behind.
*
“I’m sorry.” Takaki hugged Inoo in comfort.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter if people think I’m weirder than I already am. I was planning on living my whole life alone anyway.” Inoo laughed dryly.
“You still have me, you know. And don’t get mad at me for saying this, but don’t you think you should have listened to him first? Maybe you misunderstood.”
“Maybe I should have but…I think it would be best if we didn’t stay friends anymore.”
*
The sound of the piano playing filled the campus lounge, decorating the air with its melody. Long, pale fingers slid across the black and white keys, playing every note perfectly.
The lounge wasn’t packed, only a few students there, including Yabu, chatting and drinking coffee. It was rare for Yabu to be seen there but somehow, the beautiful yet sad melody of the music attracted him, and when he saw the person behind the instrument, he immediately sat down to watch.
How long has it been since they last spoke to each other? Two weeks? Three? Maybe even a month? Yabu didn’t know anymore. Whenever he tried speaking to Inoo in class, the boy would ignore him, except if it was about school work. They no longer hung out in the garden together either. Yabu sighed.
When the last note to the song played, Yabu clapped his hands but instantly stopped when he was the only one doing it.
Had people really been that ignorant about Inoo?
Seeing Inoo standing up, Yabu did the same and quickly rushed to his side.
“I didn’t know you played the piano. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know you worked here.”
Inoo collected his music sheets, replying Yabu with a bored tone, “You never asked.”
“Well, I didn’t have the chance.”
“And whose fault is that?” Inoo hissed.
“You misunderstood! You didn’t let me explain. I-”
“Is there really any-”
“Stop cutting off my sentences and let me talk, will you?!” Yabu snapped. “I finally get to have a real conversation with you and I want to make things right.”
Inoo completely shut his mouth, but didn’t lose the attitude. He crossed his arms across his chest and tapped his foot on the floor impatiently.
Yabu sighed. “Look, I didn’t start the rumour. It was my junior. I was tutoring him and then he suddenly asked about you.” He looked at Inoo to see if the boy was still listening. “He told me he heard all these rumours about you and your pen obsession. I, of course, told him not to believe those lies but he didn’t listen to me and jumped to conclusions.”
“He’s telling the truth.”
Inoo looked behind Yabu and his eyes widened. Seeing Inoo’s expression, Yabu turned around, now wearing a look that was pretty much the same as Inoo’s.
“Yuuya? What are you doing here?” Yabu asked.
“Just visiting~”
“Wait, you two know each other?” Inoo looked back and forth between Yabu and Takaki.
“Yeah, he’s my cousin.”
“Your what?! Takaki, how come you didn’t tell me?”
“How do you two know each other?”
“We’ve been friends ever since kindergarten,” Inoo replied.
“What?!”
“Guys, guys, relax. I’ll explain everything later. For now, you two just need to get together already. I’m tired of listening to Inoo’s pathetic excuses and Kota’s whining.”
“Well, you can’t really blame them, Yuuya. It was partly my fault.” Yuto suddenly popped out of nowhere.
“Yuto?! Okay, this is getting really weird. How do you know my cousin? And did you just call him by his first name?”
“What’s wrong with calling my boyfriend by his first name?” Yuto pouted, wrapping his arm around Takaki’s waist.
“My junior is your boyfriend?!” Yabu screamed in Takaki’s face.
“Um, yes?” Takaki said in a small voice. He knew that when Yabu used that tone of voice, he was going to face trouble.
“Takaki Yuuya, I demand you to tell me everything now.”
*
“So…Takaki is your cousin, who’s my childhood friend, and also your junior’s boyfriend?” Inoo asked as they leaned against the balcony railing of Yabu’s room, in the chilly autumn night.
“Yes, yes, and please don’t remind me about that.” Yabu sighed in exhaustion. After such a confusing evening, Yabu felt more drained than ever before.
Inoo chuckled lightly and let the silence lie between them. The moon shone brightly above the dark sky, its glow cancelling out the twinkle of the stars. Their locks danced against the light breeze, swaying back and forth.
“Hey…” They both started simultaneously and laughed.
“You go first,” Yabu offered.
Taking a deep breath, Inoo started, “I’m really sorry. For misunderstanding everything. I know I should have listened to you at that time but I was angry and tired and I guess I let out all my aggravation on you. It wasn’t fair of me. Again, I’m sorry.” He bowed.
Yabu laid a hand on Inoo’s shoulder, a gesture that told him to get up. When he did, he stared back into Yabu’s eyes: warm, brown and soft.
“It’s okay, really. There’s nothing to apologize for.” He smiled. “Though, Inoo? I have something to ask.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“When, um, when we fought-you told me something.”
“Told you some…? Oh!” Inoo blushed, face-palming himself. “Shit, how did I forget about that?” he mumbled so quietly that it was almost inaudible. “Uh, um, can we just forget about that?” Inoo stuttered, hiding his face behind his hands.
“But…I don’t want to forget it,” Yabu said softly, unlatching Inoo’s hands so that he could see the younger boy’s face. “Do you really like me?”
Slowly, Inoo nodded.
“Well you wanna know the truth?” Yabu inched closer to Inoo, placing a hand on his hot cheek. “I think you’re pretty, and I like you too.”
The small distance between them closed and they kissed under the luminescent moonlight.
***
“Technically, we helped them get together.”
“Yeah!”
“Then why are we being punished?!” Takaki cried as he continued to scrub the floor.
***
“Don’t you think you were a little harsh on them?” Inoo asked Yabu as they scanned through the stationery shop.
“Nope, not at all. They deserve it for almost breaking us apart.”
“But then again, they also got us together,” Inoo reasoned.
“Yeah, but they wouldn’t have had to do that if Yuto didn’t spread the gossip in the first place.”
“But-”
“Oh, this one is blue, and look,” Yabu held the pen under Inoo's nose, prompting the boy to smell it, “It smells like blueberries.”
“Mmm, it smells good~ and I don’t have a blueberry scented pen yet-hey, you did that on purpose to distract me from the topic, didn’t you?” Inoo pouted.
Yabu snickered. “Yes, and really, don’t worry about them too much, you should pay attention to me more,” he whispered hotly into Inoo’s ear.
“Kota, stop that. We’re in a public place,” Inoo said, but he couldn’t deny his fast beating heart as he felt Yabu’s face getting closer.
“Don’t care~”
“Really, if you get any closer, I’m gonna stab you with this pen.”
“Okay, okay fine.” Yabu sighed, backing away. “I’ll wait till we get home then, and I can do anything I want to you~” He pecked Inoo on the cheek in a swift movement and immediately ran away.
“Yabu Kota! I’m gonna get you!” Inoo yelled after him, and they ended up chasing each other all around the mall, not caring about the odd stares people gave them.
Fin.
Grayson Tighe Pens. Just so you guys know how the pen looks and how much it costs O__O Haven't written anything this long in a while. Not really proud of this piece but I like it.
Happy birthday, Luna!
Character(s): Inoobu. Takaki. Yuto.
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Nope.
Summary: AU. Inoo has always been the weird guy around campus, especially because of his abnormal obsession with pens. Not really having any friends, he became dumbfounded when Yabu Kota spoke to him. Inoo's life changes a little with each passing day he spends with Yabu.
A/N: Prompt Pens from 100 HSJ fic challenge. For dreamweavernyx . Happy birthday, Luna! ♥ Thanks to hotfruits for beta-ing.
Inoo quickly rushed down the hallways of his university, managing to stumble on air, as he was late for his class. When he arrived, his teacher was in the middle of a lecture so he tip-toed towards his usual sit, hair disheveled, trying to catch his breath.
Shuffling through his bag, Inoo took out his books and his notes, along with his large collection of pens. There were all sorts; rollerballs and ball points, blacks and blues, there were also browns and pinks and yellows and every colour of the rainbow. Even scented pens existed amongst the pile. Inoo arranged them accordingly and a smile spread across his face.
“Do you have a pen obsession or something?” Inoo heard someone ask but didn’t really think it was directed at him, so he shrugged it off.
“Hey. I’m talking to you. Don’t ignore me like that.” The pale boy felt a poke to his side and squeaked, looking at the source of voice.
Inoo blinked, pointing to himself. When the other person nodded, Inoo blinked even more, confused to why the Yabu Kota was talking to him. Inoo wasn’t really the type to have many friends. In fact, ever since he entered university, he hadn’t made any because everyone thought he was weird with his pen collections and the fact that he was too pretty to be a boy.
So it was only natural for him to become dumbfounded when Yabu Kota, the son of a famous architect whom Inoo admired so much, spoke to him.
“You’re spacing out. And your mouth is wide open. Better close it before a something flies in~”
“Huh? What?” Inoo blinked again. “Oh.” He closed his mouth, a light pink slowly tinting his cheeks. Not wanting to embarrass himself more, Inoo looked down at his desk, fiddling with his notes.
“You still haven’t answered my question, you know.” When Inoo looked up at him again, with questioning eyes, Yabu sighed. “Why do you have so many pens?”
“Oh, these? Um, well, I sort of collect them,” Inoo stuttered.
“A pen collector, huh? Interesting.”
Inoo’s heart beat a few notches higher at what he assumed to be a compliment. Yabu Kota just called me interesting. He smiled, and gathered his courage to make real conversation with the slender boy, but at that very moment the lecturer announced the end of class.
He hadn’t even realize that time had flown by so fast.
Everyone shuffled to their feet and scattered away, glad for the break. Inoo was a little disappointed, missing the chance to talk to Yabu, but the feeling washed away when he heard the boy calling.
“Oh hey! We should hang out sometime. I’m Yabu Kota.”
I know. “Inoo Kei. I’m Inoo Kei!” He replied, half-yelling across the hallway.
Yabu nodded and waved, a smile painting his features, before turning his back and walking away. It was only a simple gesture. But that simple gesture sent Inoo’s heart into rapture.
*
Inoo had to cup his ears with his hands as Takaki squealed in his face.
“You finally talked to him?!”
“Well, technically, it was him who talked to me first.”
“Either way, you guys finally had a conversation!”
“I don’t really see why you’re so excited about this…”
“Inoo Kei. Yabu Kota has been your crush ever since you got into that school. You should be happy about this!”
“I know. I want to be happy about it but somehow, I can’t.”
“Why not?” Takaki pouted, calming down and sitting beside Inoo on the bed.
“Well, I’m weird. And weird people just don’t mix with people like Yabu.”
“Do we really have to go through this talk again?” Takaki whined. “You’re not weird, Inoo.”
“Yes I am! Even you thought so when we were small!”
“It’s not my fault! You brought it on yourself! You were playing with your crayons more than you played with the other kids!”
Inoo sulked, reminiscing back to his kindergarten days. When everyone was out in the sunshine, playing catchers or putting sand down each others pants, Inoo stayed inside, humming a song while sorting out his crayons. He wasn’t anti-social, nor did he dislike people, it was just that he preferred to be by himself.
Well, he was always by himself until Takaki bounced into his life. He doesn’t even remember how they became friends. They were the complete opposite.
“Anyway,” Takaki started, trying to break the sudden silence, “He told you he wanted to hang out sometime, right?”
Inoo nodded.
“Well then, you should! You can’t be that weird if he wants to hang out. C’mon Inoo, believe in yourself a little.” Takaki nudged the pretty boy on the shoulder.
“I-I guess I could give it a try.”
“That’s my Kei!” Takaki laughed and glomped Inoo, the two of them rolling around on the bed in a mess of limbs.
*
The weeks flew by and Inoo grew closer to Yabu with each passing day. They would meet up during lunch time in the vast university garden, where they would eat and chat about their lives, occasionally discussing school work.
More people began to notice Inoo and he felt insecure with the stares he got. Yabu would laugh at his shyness, telling him to ‘man-up’ and those words would only cause Inoo to blush even more. He just wasn’t used to all the attention.
As they were walking down the pathway, autumn leaves crunching under their feet, Yabu asked Inoo, “So, why did you choose to study architecture?”
“Why are you always asking questions?” Inoo laughed, amused.
Yabu pouted, “I only want to get to know you better.”
“Well, my mum never really had the chance to live in a big house. Even now, she and my siblings are living in a small flat. When I was ten, we visited Tokyo to see what the city life was like. I saw the longing in her eyes as she looked up at the tall buildings in awe and her smile was so sad. Ever since then, I worked my hardest to get into university and here I am now. I promised her that one day, I’ll build a house just for her.”
When Inoo finished his story, he looked at Yabu to see if the older boy was listening. Yabu had a look of contemplation on his face, and another expression that Inoo couldn’t figure out.
“Wow, that’s pretty amazing,”
Inoo hummed in agreement. “Your dad had a pretty big role in this too. I’ve always admired him, and seeing his works put the drive in me more.”
Yabu snorted. “He’s not that great.”
“Eh? What do you mean? I’ve always thought that you chose to study this course because of him,” Inoo said, as they turned around a corner towards their usual spot in the garden.
“At the beginning it was. Seeing him draw sketches of buildings and putting them into real life ones drew me in. When I told him I wanted to be like him, he laughed. He said, ‘You will never be as great as me.’ At that time, I was confused to why he said that. I thought he would be happy to hear that I was going to follow his footsteps.
As I grew older, I finally understood. He didn’t want competition. He wanted to be the best of the best. So I told him that I’d be better than him. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.”
“And what did he say?”
“Of course, he just chuckled but once he saw how determined I was, he finally took me seriously.”
“I see. Well, I have faith in you. With your strong will, I’m sure you’ll be able to reach your dreams.” Inoo smiled at him.
“Psh, of course I will. Then after that, maybe you can admire me instead.” Yabu winked, laughing.
Inoo felt blood rush to his cheeks and playfully punched Yabu’s shoulder, joining in his laughter.
*
“It’s nice to see you smiling like this.” Takaki poked Inoo’s cheek.
“It’s nice to have a friend at school.”
“You really like him.”
“I do.”
*
“Whoa, your notes are so neat,” Yabu stated as he flipped through Inoo’s book. “There are so many colours too.”
“Yeah, colour co-ordination helps me study. That’s why I have so many pens,” Inoo said, not looking away from his work on the computer.
“I’m still intrigued by your pen collecting. I mean, people usually collect stamps or coins or baseball cards but you…you’re different.”
The sound of the mouse clicking stopped and Inoo turned in his chair to face Yabu, who was sprawled out on his bed. “Is that a bad thing?”
Yabu sat up, suddenly looking at Inoo intensely. “Nope, not really. I like that about you.”
Inoo’s eyes widened and his heart beat faster. Not knowing what to do, he turned back to the computer and continued his work, hiding his flushed face.
He didn’t want to keep his hopes up.
*
Come Inoo’s birthday, Yabu gifted him with a Grayson Tighe Limited Edition fountain pen.
He didn’t know how Yabu managed to get it, let alone pay for it, but it was the best gift Inoo had ever gotten.
*
“Senpai, are you serious with him?” Yuto asked when Yabu was in the middle of tutoring him at the campus library.
“Hm? Serious with who?” Yabu wasn’t really paying attention as he tried to teach Yuto, who was no longer interested in his work. Frustrated, Yabu dropped his pen, running a hand through his hair.
“With that boy. The pretty one.”
This caught Yabu’s attention.
“You mean Inoo Kei?”
Yuto nodded. “You’re spending a lot of time with him nowadays. You used to play soccer with Yama-chan and I whenever you were free but you barely have time for us now.”
Noting the slight sadness in Yuto’s tone, Yabu smiled, ruffling his hair. “I don’t know, really. I mean, he’s a great guy.”
“Isn’t he a little odd, though?” Before Yuto continued his next sentence, he checked their surroundings to make sure that the coast was clear and whispered, “I’ve heard rumours about him.”
Yabu chuckled. “What rumours? Don’t believe everything you hear, kiddo.”
“But he didn’t have any friends before you, right? Apparently, he was always clutching his pens and talking to them, or something,” Yuto told the story animatedly.
“What? That’s ridiculous, Yuto. I mean, he does have an abnormal number of pens but he doesn’t-”
Before Yabu managed to finish his sentence, Yuto already stood up, rushing towards the door and screamed, “So it is true! I’m gonna tell everyone that the rumour is real. Thanks for the information Yabu-kun!” not really caring that he was in the library.
Yabu tried to stop Yuto, but he was too late.
*
“How could you?! Spreading gossip about me like that! I thought I could trust you!” Inoo screamed.
“Inoo, listen to me first,” Yabu begged, dodging the eraser that was thrown at him.
But Inoo refused to listen. “I felt happy when you told me I was interesting. That was the first time someone complimented me instead of calling me strange and weird and creepy. I believed you. I was so stupid.” He cried.
“Inoo, please don’t cry. You’re not stupid and I’m sorry but it wasn’t me-”
“I knew it was too good to be true.” Inoo laughed sarcastically. “I mean, why would a person like you want to befriend me, right? I’m not normal.”
“Inoo-”
“I shouldn’t have liked you.”
“What?” Yabu questioned, confused at the direction this conversation was going.
Inoo only looked up at him with his tear streaked face and something inside Yabu broke a little. He didn’t even answer the boy and left, leaving a very puzzled Yabu behind.
*
“I’m sorry.” Takaki hugged Inoo in comfort.
“It’s okay. It doesn’t matter if people think I’m weirder than I already am. I was planning on living my whole life alone anyway.” Inoo laughed dryly.
“You still have me, you know. And don’t get mad at me for saying this, but don’t you think you should have listened to him first? Maybe you misunderstood.”
“Maybe I should have but…I think it would be best if we didn’t stay friends anymore.”
*
The sound of the piano playing filled the campus lounge, decorating the air with its melody. Long, pale fingers slid across the black and white keys, playing every note perfectly.
The lounge wasn’t packed, only a few students there, including Yabu, chatting and drinking coffee. It was rare for Yabu to be seen there but somehow, the beautiful yet sad melody of the music attracted him, and when he saw the person behind the instrument, he immediately sat down to watch.
How long has it been since they last spoke to each other? Two weeks? Three? Maybe even a month? Yabu didn’t know anymore. Whenever he tried speaking to Inoo in class, the boy would ignore him, except if it was about school work. They no longer hung out in the garden together either. Yabu sighed.
When the last note to the song played, Yabu clapped his hands but instantly stopped when he was the only one doing it.
Had people really been that ignorant about Inoo?
Seeing Inoo standing up, Yabu did the same and quickly rushed to his side.
“I didn’t know you played the piano. As a matter of fact, I didn’t know you worked here.”
Inoo collected his music sheets, replying Yabu with a bored tone, “You never asked.”
“Well, I didn’t have the chance.”
“And whose fault is that?” Inoo hissed.
“You misunderstood! You didn’t let me explain. I-”
“Is there really any-”
“Stop cutting off my sentences and let me talk, will you?!” Yabu snapped. “I finally get to have a real conversation with you and I want to make things right.”
Inoo completely shut his mouth, but didn’t lose the attitude. He crossed his arms across his chest and tapped his foot on the floor impatiently.
Yabu sighed. “Look, I didn’t start the rumour. It was my junior. I was tutoring him and then he suddenly asked about you.” He looked at Inoo to see if the boy was still listening. “He told me he heard all these rumours about you and your pen obsession. I, of course, told him not to believe those lies but he didn’t listen to me and jumped to conclusions.”
“He’s telling the truth.”
Inoo looked behind Yabu and his eyes widened. Seeing Inoo’s expression, Yabu turned around, now wearing a look that was pretty much the same as Inoo’s.
“Yuuya? What are you doing here?” Yabu asked.
“Just visiting~”
“Wait, you two know each other?” Inoo looked back and forth between Yabu and Takaki.
“Yeah, he’s my cousin.”
“Your what?! Takaki, how come you didn’t tell me?”
“How do you two know each other?”
“We’ve been friends ever since kindergarten,” Inoo replied.
“What?!”
“Guys, guys, relax. I’ll explain everything later. For now, you two just need to get together already. I’m tired of listening to Inoo’s pathetic excuses and Kota’s whining.”
“Well, you can’t really blame them, Yuuya. It was partly my fault.” Yuto suddenly popped out of nowhere.
“Yuto?! Okay, this is getting really weird. How do you know my cousin? And did you just call him by his first name?”
“What’s wrong with calling my boyfriend by his first name?” Yuto pouted, wrapping his arm around Takaki’s waist.
“My junior is your boyfriend?!” Yabu screamed in Takaki’s face.
“Um, yes?” Takaki said in a small voice. He knew that when Yabu used that tone of voice, he was going to face trouble.
“Takaki Yuuya, I demand you to tell me everything now.”
*
“So…Takaki is your cousin, who’s my childhood friend, and also your junior’s boyfriend?” Inoo asked as they leaned against the balcony railing of Yabu’s room, in the chilly autumn night.
“Yes, yes, and please don’t remind me about that.” Yabu sighed in exhaustion. After such a confusing evening, Yabu felt more drained than ever before.
Inoo chuckled lightly and let the silence lie between them. The moon shone brightly above the dark sky, its glow cancelling out the twinkle of the stars. Their locks danced against the light breeze, swaying back and forth.
“Hey…” They both started simultaneously and laughed.
“You go first,” Yabu offered.
Taking a deep breath, Inoo started, “I’m really sorry. For misunderstanding everything. I know I should have listened to you at that time but I was angry and tired and I guess I let out all my aggravation on you. It wasn’t fair of me. Again, I’m sorry.” He bowed.
Yabu laid a hand on Inoo’s shoulder, a gesture that told him to get up. When he did, he stared back into Yabu’s eyes: warm, brown and soft.
“It’s okay, really. There’s nothing to apologize for.” He smiled. “Though, Inoo? I have something to ask.”
“Hm? What is it?”
“When, um, when we fought-you told me something.”
“Told you some…? Oh!” Inoo blushed, face-palming himself. “Shit, how did I forget about that?” he mumbled so quietly that it was almost inaudible. “Uh, um, can we just forget about that?” Inoo stuttered, hiding his face behind his hands.
“But…I don’t want to forget it,” Yabu said softly, unlatching Inoo’s hands so that he could see the younger boy’s face. “Do you really like me?”
Slowly, Inoo nodded.
“Well you wanna know the truth?” Yabu inched closer to Inoo, placing a hand on his hot cheek. “I think you’re pretty, and I like you too.”
The small distance between them closed and they kissed under the luminescent moonlight.
***
“Technically, we helped them get together.”
“Yeah!”
“Then why are we being punished?!” Takaki cried as he continued to scrub the floor.
***
“Don’t you think you were a little harsh on them?” Inoo asked Yabu as they scanned through the stationery shop.
“Nope, not at all. They deserve it for almost breaking us apart.”
“But then again, they also got us together,” Inoo reasoned.
“Yeah, but they wouldn’t have had to do that if Yuto didn’t spread the gossip in the first place.”
“But-”
“Oh, this one is blue, and look,” Yabu held the pen under Inoo's nose, prompting the boy to smell it, “It smells like blueberries.”
“Mmm, it smells good~ and I don’t have a blueberry scented pen yet-hey, you did that on purpose to distract me from the topic, didn’t you?” Inoo pouted.
Yabu snickered. “Yes, and really, don’t worry about them too much, you should pay attention to me more,” he whispered hotly into Inoo’s ear.
“Kota, stop that. We’re in a public place,” Inoo said, but he couldn’t deny his fast beating heart as he felt Yabu’s face getting closer.
“Don’t care~”
“Really, if you get any closer, I’m gonna stab you with this pen.”
“Okay, okay fine.” Yabu sighed, backing away. “I’ll wait till we get home then, and I can do anything I want to you~” He pecked Inoo on the cheek in a swift movement and immediately ran away.
“Yabu Kota! I’m gonna get you!” Inoo yelled after him, and they ended up chasing each other all around the mall, not caring about the odd stares people gave them.
Fin.
Grayson Tighe Pens. Just so you guys know how the pen looks and how much it costs O__O Haven't written anything this long in a while. Not really proud of this piece but I like it.
Happy birthday, Luna!