Pandora's Box - Chapter 17
TITLE: Pandora's Box - Chapter 17
DISCLAIMER: I didn't own any of the character but i own the plotXD
GENRE: romance, slice of life, drama
CHARACTERS: Inoo, Yabu, Yaotome, Arioka, Yamada, Takaki, Nakajima
SUMMARY: Hatred turned to love, silence turned to seeking and lies become truth. Kota just hit the rock bottom making him realize that memories should not remained unlock. He seek for truth, he yearned for what really happened and why things are going this and that. But what if he is going further to what is already near to him? Is everything gone too late to change? Everyone is given curiosity and so will you open the box as well?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the revised version of my on going fanfic Pandora's Box. Enjoy^___^
Pandora's Box
Chapter 17
"Friendship"
“Today is the creation of Amazing 5.” Hikaru announced as he toss up high a glass of juice. “With this drinks, we are promising that we will be friends forever, no secrets, no lies. We will hold unto each other no matter what problems that we have. If there is anyone of us who are fighting with each other we will do our best to fixed it without making this bond broken.”
“What a lame name.” Daiki commented. “Why did you call our group amazing 5?”
“Coz everyone of you are amazing on your own way. Daiki is amazing at painting. Kei-chan is amazing with his piano. Ryo is amazing with his studies and Yuya is amazing with his looks.” Hikaru explained.
“Then how about Hikaru?” Kei asked.
“Me? I am not amazing at all. I am just normal but because I am with everyone who is amazing then I am infected by it.” Hikaru joked. “Yeah… cheers for everyone of us. From now on, every November 20 we will celebrate like this.”
“Hikaru is so hyper about this.” Ryosuke said.
“It’s his nature so don’t bother about it.” Yuya answered him back.
“I am just happy. I am happy that I have a chance to be friend with everyone.”
Hikaru looked at the calendar of his room while buttoning his uniform. November 20 have a weird drawing on it. There are 5 people which of course represent everyone in Amazing 5. It should be an exciting day for Hikaru but for some odd reason he was not happy about it. After eating breakfast he went out of the house to go to school and then he saw Daiki’s house which was just in front of them. He remembered last year’s November 20, Daiki was already at the balcony of their house and greeted him but now it was just only an empty dull balcony with nothing but only memories of the past.
He walked going to his school thinking how far things go. It’s just been a year but there are lots of things change. He was always afraid of changes coz he didn’t know how to handle it. He felt like all people was drifting away from him, forgetting about him until one day he will just one small memories in their mind. He was good at nothing, he was just normal and he don’t have ability that he can be proud of. Not like everyone in amazing 5 he was not good at anything but despite that he still live a life full of smile even though he envy his friend so much that he hurt deep within.
He was not really emotional about this small stuffs but each day that pass by his thoughts changes. It seems like his friends are starting to hide secrets from him. he can’t read them anymore and even they still see and talk to each other, everyone was careful with their words so that they can’t say something very important. What’s with the friendship that they created if everyone will just keep secret from him? and what hurts him the most is the fact that Kei, the one he trusted the most, also keeping a secret from him.
That night of the tanabata festival, he went there together with his neighbors. Before the fireworks started, he decided to go to the comfort room but he loss his way. As he walk searching for it he saw Kota and Kei together and when he is about to call their attention, he saw the two kiss each other. He loss his words, thinking what he just see. Why did those two kiss each other? They don’t have a good relationship at all but they are so intimate that time.
As the school resumed, he wanted to asked Kei about it but he can’t help himself to do it besides why is Kei not telling anything at all? He noticed that him and Kota’s relationship move forward from enemies to lovers, he noticed that change even though they were keeping it a secret but what made him mad is the fact that Kei is also hiding it from them. What’s the point of being friends when he was just hiding a secret from him? Can’t he trust them?
As he arrived at their classroom everyone greeted him and they are all looking at the same magazine. “Takaki really look good.” Someone commented. The magazine that they are all looking at is the magazine of Noric which Yuya is now working as a model. The release date was today but Hikaru together with Kei and Ryo already seen it before hand since Yuya give them a copy.
“Good morning HIkaru.” Kei greeted.
“Good morning Kei-chan.” Hikaru greeted with a smile. “everyone was going crazy over Yuya’s magazine. He looks so professional though.”
“He looks great isn’t he? He will be famous with this.” Kei said.
“Kei-chan, are you planning to do something today?”
“Today? Yeah I have… I have an appointment to someone later why?”
“Nothing… I just asked. I wonder if Ryo have something to do today.”
“He said he will not coming to school today. He was studying really hard for his coming entrance exam in M. University. He was really serious in taking doctor as his course. It will be held just a few days from now so he don’t want to be disturb.” Kei answered him. “Are you planning to do something today? If you want after my appointment we can…”
“Nevermind.” Hikaru muttered.
“A..are you sure?”
“Yeah.” Hikaru whispered.
…
Daiki was looking at the calendar of his phone and he was focusing on the date today. He was standing near the window and was in deep thinking. He was planning to greet HIkaru that early morning but he didn’t know why he suddenly back off. It’s the anniversary of their group but for some reason he doesn’t feel like greeting everyone and also not like last year there is no plan for today. Everyone was busy with their own agenda. Ryosuke is busy studying, Yuya have work, Kei have an appointment and Hikaru is not on his own self.
“Daiki” Yuto called. “Class is about to start, are you not going in?”
“How can you comfort someone who is depressed?” Daiki randomly asked.
“Are you depressed?”
“Not me…”
“Who?”
“A friend… but I am not sure if he is… no… I think he will be.”
“Yaotome-kun?” Yuto asked him back. “The two of you are really close.”
“Of course we are. Since child we are already together. I know everything about him from head to toe. Even how many moles he have I knew and so I also knew that today, with this kind of atmosphere, I know he is depressed.” Daiki said.
“I think you should just be besides him if he is depressed. People who are in that state needs someone they can talk to. Someone they can share their thoughts and the burden that they are feeling.” Yuto suggested. “You really care about him… I always thought that you don’t care about others but hearing this from you… it’s quiet a surprised.”
“Don’t sound like I am some sort of stoned hearted guy.” Daiki said and then from the corner of his eyes he seems like he saw a blackish color on Yuto’s right arm. “Yuto… wh…what is that in your hand?”
Yuto’s eye open wide as he heard that Daiki’s question he immediately grab into his right hand and stretch his sleeves to hide it. “Th..this is nothing.”
“Nothing… i…it’s a bruise right? Let me see.” Daiki forced his hand towards Yuto to confirm what he just saw but Yuto tried to stop him but still he was able to grab Yuto’s arm and push the sleeve up. Daiki was shocked when he saw the bruised and there are others that seems old already. “Wh….what is this? Yuto… someone hurting you? Where did you get this?”
“It’s nothing. I just bump it in a concrete wall.”
“You’re lying. You will not get this kind of bruise being hit in a wall. Tell me honestly… what is happening to you?”
“Please don’t concern with this anymore. This is nothing.” Yuto said as he pulled his sleeves down. “Let’s go back to class… it will start already.”
…
Kota went to the rooftop where he knew Kei was. He saw him being busy doing some wrapping as he sit down besides him. “What are you doing?”
“Gifts.”
“For me?” Kota asked.
“No, for the members of Amazing 5.”
“What’s with that lame name?” Kota asked. “it sounds like a hero from an anime.”
“It’s the name of our group.” Kei explained. “Me, HIkaru, Ryo, Yuya and Dai-chan. HIkaru named it when we are in first year high school and every November 20 we are celebrating our anniversary. Today is our 2nd but we can’t celebrate it because everyone was busy with their own stuffs.”
“Aren’t you cold?” Kota asked him. “It’s getting colder already because it’s autumn. Why don’t you do this in the music room or in the library.”
“I can’t… there is a possibility that I can be found. I want this to be a secret.”
“Then is there something I can help so that you can finished everything faster?”
“Then can you tie the ribbon?”
“Ribbon? Why do you still need to put one? Guys didn’t like ribbon.”
“If you can’t then don’t help me.”
“Alright I’ll do it.”
…
On the second half of the class, Kei and Hikaru are partnered to a project in their history and the remaining that they have was used to talk about what they wanted to do. Hikaru and Kei have face to face thinking of what they should do but it seems like Hikaru was not listening to what Kei was talking about and he can’t concentrate.
“Kei, aren’t you going to tell me something?” Hikaru asked Kei seriously.
“is there something… I should tell you?” Kei asked him back as he look at him innocently like he didn’t know what HIkaru is talking about. HIkaru look at him and then look at Kota who was talking to one student who seems to be his partner for the project and then he look back at Kei who is waiting for his answer.
“Why are you doing this? I don’t get why do you need to hide something from me?” Hikaru asked.
“Hikaru…”
“Whatever… I don’t care anymore.” Hikaru whispered as he stand up and walk out of the room even the teacher keep on calling his name coz he go out without saying anything. Everyone looked at Kei who himself was also puzzled with what Hikaru did.
As Hikaru run away he remembered those times that he was in junior high and him and Daiki are in the park. He saw a group of highschool students who are laughing out loud while walking in the streets. They look so happy and free. That time he was really amazed and he really like to have a circle of friend just like that ones they become highschool students. “Daiki, let’s make a circle of friends just like that. Don’t you think it will be great?”
“Hikaru creating a circle of friends is easy but if you are talking about a really serious and passionate thing then it’s impossible.” Daiki said. “You can easily find friends but its hard to find true friends.”
“You are thinking of the negative side again, besides you are not a psychic so how can you till that we can’t find something like that as we reach our high school.”
“I am not being negative it’s the truth. Friends will betray you and I am just protecting you so that you will not hurt coz I know you are someone who expect so much in anything and then if you didn’t get what you want you will just cry in the corner.” Daiki told him.
“I am not like that and also of course I will not find friends that will betray me. I will look for true friends that will not only make me happy but also you. I am happy by how strong our friendship is but don't you think how happier it could be if we have more members? Everything will be a plus, more talks, more experience, louder laughter. I'm so excited to be a highschool student.”
As he remembered those words that he said that time he just felt pain. It’s really painful when you are expecting something but it didn’t turn out the way you want it to be. As he sit on the seesaw and sulking he felt being lifted up and when he look at the other side he saw Daiki staring at him with his lips pouting and then he sigh. “I knew you will be here.”
“Wh…what are you doing here?”
“Kei told me that you suddenly run away from school and you even leave your bag.”
“Bu…but why are you at school?”
“Kei told me to come, he said he will give me something and then he just told me about you acting weird. I have your bag here and also a gift from Kei-chan.” Daiki said as he handle Hikaru’s bag and the gift. “What’s your problem? Are you sulking because no one greeted you about Amazing 5 anniversary today?”
“Y…you remembered?” HIkaru asked him.
“You are really such a child you know." Daiki sighted. "Why are you so being emotional about it? Besides do you think everyone will forget about such important event?” Daiki asked him as he showed him a doll which looks like Daiki in front of Hikaru and it is wearing a shirt with Amazing 5 written on it. “This is Kei’s gift, his mother made the doll and he is the one who embroider the letters in the shirt. This is gift from him for the celebration of our anniversary and for sure this is the same as yours and to Yuya and Ryo.” Hikaru immediately opened it and Daiki was right, he felt touched by seeing it and all his worries was suddenly lifted up. “And also… you didn’t open your phone yet right? Ryo called me that he can’t contact you, he wanted to greet you too. Yuya have a press conference today and he greeted us live if you want you can watch it in streaming site. No one forgets about it… coz like you, everyone felt that today is really a special day.”
Daiki heard Hikaru sniffed and he was surprised when he saw Hikaru already crying. “Amazing 5 is really the best.” he sniffed. Tears of happiness flows from his eyes and he can't stop it. He felt so bad doubting everyone just because he was not greeted earlier and to think that everyone greeted him in many ways made him think that everyone is really amazing. He wipe his tears away and then he smiled as he look at Daiki with twinkling eyes. "Thank you."
“That sounds lame with you saying in that manner.” Daiki chuckled. "But… aren't you glad we met them? I never believe your words but maybe finding true circle of friends that you are talking about before is not bad at all."
Hikaru nodded his head so many times. "Yeah… indeed."
“And so… why did you suddenly walk out? It’s not just because you are being emotional because of this stuffs right? Something happened? Kei was so worried about you.”
Hikaru become silent for a moment as he played on that doll given to him. “Kei was hiding something from us.”
"Of course he is. All people have something they need to hide. You can't exposed everything, you need privacy as well." Daiki responded back immediately.
“I know about that but… but… I saw it. I mean I saw what he was hiding and so that just made me more frustrated that he was not talking about it even we promised that there should be no secret from everyone of us." Hikaru replied back. "I...I went to the tanabata to watched the fireworks and then I accidentally saw him and Kota together and then they kissed. That time I knew that they were dating but then Kei never told it to us, even only one of us, he didn’t say anything.”
“Th…they are?"
"Well… th…they kissed. Is there anything else? You can only kiss someone whom you like right? It's so weird since they have this cat and dog relationship at first but now they are so close and intimate. I wonder what happened in between?"
"Yesterday's enemy can be your comrade today." Daiki quoted. "I know from the very beginning that those two will click but that was sooner than I have expected."
"You knew? How?"
"It's obvious." Daiki said. "I wonder why Kei was the only lucky one? He always have what he wanted without inserting so much effort. I always envy him… always."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ne Hikaru… Am I only a friend to you?"
"Yeah." Hikaru answered without a doubt. "Is there a problem with that?"
"You sure don't know how to hold your horses… you said words directly without even thinking about it. But that is the Hikaru I really knew so… I guess it's not bad at all." Daiki smiled. “I guess we come up with a conclusion now. You really don't have feelings for Kei-chan since you are not hurt about knowing that those two are dating. With this… our deal comes to its end."
"Ahhh… yeah… like you said I…I was not really that affected." Hikaru answered. "I… didn't like Kei the way you described it. He is just a special friend to me and that solve the problem."
"Let's break up then." Daiki said instantly. "There is no reason for us to continue this fake relationship. We need to live our life like we used to do. You are not bind to me anymore and I am not bind to you anymore and because of this I can date someone again. I have this guy I am eyeing and I hope I can get him."
“You’re going to date someone else again? Are you really enjoying dating someone that you didn’t like?”
Daiki give him a fake smile as he turned away from Hikaru. "it’s better than dating someone who you like but didn’t like you.”
The two separate ways since Hikaru was ordered to buy something by his mother. Daiki went back home alone and as he arrived he just went straight to his room and then locked the door. Just putting his bag on the floor, he sit down and lean his back to the door and hug his knee. Silence and darkness filled the room. He stayed like that for a moment and then he sigh. "I lost huh." he whispered.
He was looking straight when he felt something drip on his knee. He take a look at it and it was a drop of water. "Eh? Wh… where did this come from? my room have leak?" He look up but there is no sign of leaking anywhere and then he felt another drop to his chin. He slowly touch his face and noticed that it came from his eyes. "Ahh… it's my tears." he whispered with his trembling voice "Wh…why am I crying?"
Daiki jolted when he heard his phone ring and vibrate from his pocket. He picked it up and saw that it was Kei who was calling. He just stared at it thinking if he will answer it or not until he press the accept button. "Everything is now settled. Hikaru is fine." he reported trying to change his voice so that his friend will not noticed that he was crying.
“I am glad to hear that. I am so worried when he suddenly walk out. Did you ask him what is the problem behind?" Kei asked.
“He found out about your relationship with Kota. I guess you should avoid doing intimate things in public." Daiki answered. "But don't worry, Hikaru is just in state of confusion but he can recovered back."
"I…I'm sorry about hiding it. It's just that…"
"You don't need to say sorry to me. I can understand it. I am not some simple minded guy like Hikaru. I am knowledgeable enough specially when It comes to this stuffs. I am happy for you. I think Kota is a good man."
Kei paused for a moment “Daiki, do you have a problem?” he asked by the phone. He was surprised to hear that. Did Kei just see through him? is it obvious to his voice? No, Kei was always like that. He is a living psychic.
“What are you talking about? Of course I don’t have.”
“More than Hikaru, I am worried to you as well. I just noticed that there is something bothering you and so… if you are ready to talk about it just tell me. I want to help you."
“Kei is so nice… so nice….”
“I am not." Kei answered instantly. "I am not nice at all so don't call me that besides I think… you are nicer than me. Despite of transferring school, you still stick to us. communicating with us and even helping us whenever we are in trouble. Without you I don't think everyone can last this long. You became the pillar of Amazing 5 all through this years and so I am thankful of you. You are the nice individual here. You are."
“I am not."
“You are. How many times do you think you help everyone of us?"
“Don't call someone who tried to used you as nice person!" Daiki shouted back. "It… It just hurt me more." he continued as he tightened his grasp to his phone and biting his lower lip. "I…I don't deserved anyone's kindness."
“Used? What are you talking about?"
“I tried to infused in Hikaru's thought that he likes you."
"Huh? Why? Didn't you like Hikaru?"
Daiki chuckled. "So even you can tell that I like him." he whispered. "I do like him. I do love him and that's the reason I come up with this stupid game. I know Hikaru is not into men but I know that he have strong affection towards you and so I used that to exposed him into men to men relationship. In the process I did things so that his affection towards you grow stronger but I failed. Even he found out about your relationship with Kota he was not hurt or affected."
"But what if Hikaru did, what if he really fall for me? Do you know what will happen after that? How can that help you?"
"If Hikaru ever realized his feelings for you I know he will not end as the winner. In the beginning I know that you have affection towards Yuya but I was wrong. Then Kota came in the picture and things are going the way I want it to be. The two of you become close and then turned into lovers. Hikaru found out about your relationship but he didn't end up hurt which Is not in my plan. He didn’t get heart broken and because of that my role in the game didn’t arrived." Daiki continued. "Love is just about timing. When a men is hurt that's the right time to show affection coz everyone who comes to comfort him will be an angel in his eyes. I thought I could be one. I thought that my turn will arrived if everything falls in the right places but it didn't. My plan failed and I lost the game. Hikaru can only see me as a friend and nothing else. My affection and love didn't reach him at all."
"Dai-chan, you can't just toy with other people's feeling." Kei replied back. "You've become selfish and greedy."
"I know… that's maybe the reason I failed."
"But Hikaru is stupid enough to not noticed how much you love him." Kei said softly. Daiki heard it clear and then tears started to fall from his eyes again as his left hand touch his chest and clenched.
"What should I do Kei?" Daiki asked with his trembling voice. "What should I do? It hurt so much. I feel like dying."
"Don't worry… I'll punch Hikaru for you. Maybe if he hit his head he can realize how important you are to him."
"I doubt that will happen besides can you even punch him."
"Then I'll let Yabu do it for me." Kei said as he chuckled. "Dai-chan… Hikaru is not smart enough to see reasons behind people's action. If… if you really wanted him to know you should tell it directly to him. Confessed and be heard. He may consider you as a friend now but then…"
"It's fine." Daiki said. "I don't want to be rejected the second time. Kei, I am with Hikaru as long as I can remember and I know how his brain works. If I confess I will be surely rejected and I don't want that. It's already painful now but what more If I heard it directly to his mouth that he can't love me back… It's okay… I'm fine. I can move on… I know I can."
"Alright… if you need help just call me. I will always be here… for you."
DISCLAIMER: I didn't own any of the character but i own the plotXD
GENRE: romance, slice of life, drama
CHARACTERS: Inoo, Yabu, Yaotome, Arioka, Yamada, Takaki, Nakajima
SUMMARY: Hatred turned to love, silence turned to seeking and lies become truth. Kota just hit the rock bottom making him realize that memories should not remained unlock. He seek for truth, he yearned for what really happened and why things are going this and that. But what if he is going further to what is already near to him? Is everything gone too late to change? Everyone is given curiosity and so will you open the box as well?
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is the revised version of my on going fanfic Pandora's Box. Enjoy^___^
Pandora's Box
Chapter 17
"Friendship"
“Today is the creation of Amazing 5.” Hikaru announced as he toss up high a glass of juice. “With this drinks, we are promising that we will be friends forever, no secrets, no lies. We will hold unto each other no matter what problems that we have. If there is anyone of us who are fighting with each other we will do our best to fixed it without making this bond broken.”
“What a lame name.” Daiki commented. “Why did you call our group amazing 5?”
“Coz everyone of you are amazing on your own way. Daiki is amazing at painting. Kei-chan is amazing with his piano. Ryo is amazing with his studies and Yuya is amazing with his looks.” Hikaru explained.
“Then how about Hikaru?” Kei asked.
“Me? I am not amazing at all. I am just normal but because I am with everyone who is amazing then I am infected by it.” Hikaru joked. “Yeah… cheers for everyone of us. From now on, every November 20 we will celebrate like this.”
“Hikaru is so hyper about this.” Ryosuke said.
“It’s his nature so don’t bother about it.” Yuya answered him back.
“I am just happy. I am happy that I have a chance to be friend with everyone.”
Hikaru looked at the calendar of his room while buttoning his uniform. November 20 have a weird drawing on it. There are 5 people which of course represent everyone in Amazing 5. It should be an exciting day for Hikaru but for some odd reason he was not happy about it. After eating breakfast he went out of the house to go to school and then he saw Daiki’s house which was just in front of them. He remembered last year’s November 20, Daiki was already at the balcony of their house and greeted him but now it was just only an empty dull balcony with nothing but only memories of the past.
He walked going to his school thinking how far things go. It’s just been a year but there are lots of things change. He was always afraid of changes coz he didn’t know how to handle it. He felt like all people was drifting away from him, forgetting about him until one day he will just one small memories in their mind. He was good at nothing, he was just normal and he don’t have ability that he can be proud of. Not like everyone in amazing 5 he was not good at anything but despite that he still live a life full of smile even though he envy his friend so much that he hurt deep within.
He was not really emotional about this small stuffs but each day that pass by his thoughts changes. It seems like his friends are starting to hide secrets from him. he can’t read them anymore and even they still see and talk to each other, everyone was careful with their words so that they can’t say something very important. What’s with the friendship that they created if everyone will just keep secret from him? and what hurts him the most is the fact that Kei, the one he trusted the most, also keeping a secret from him.
That night of the tanabata festival, he went there together with his neighbors. Before the fireworks started, he decided to go to the comfort room but he loss his way. As he walk searching for it he saw Kota and Kei together and when he is about to call their attention, he saw the two kiss each other. He loss his words, thinking what he just see. Why did those two kiss each other? They don’t have a good relationship at all but they are so intimate that time.
As the school resumed, he wanted to asked Kei about it but he can’t help himself to do it besides why is Kei not telling anything at all? He noticed that him and Kota’s relationship move forward from enemies to lovers, he noticed that change even though they were keeping it a secret but what made him mad is the fact that Kei is also hiding it from them. What’s the point of being friends when he was just hiding a secret from him? Can’t he trust them?
As he arrived at their classroom everyone greeted him and they are all looking at the same magazine. “Takaki really look good.” Someone commented. The magazine that they are all looking at is the magazine of Noric which Yuya is now working as a model. The release date was today but Hikaru together with Kei and Ryo already seen it before hand since Yuya give them a copy.
“Good morning HIkaru.” Kei greeted.
“Good morning Kei-chan.” Hikaru greeted with a smile. “everyone was going crazy over Yuya’s magazine. He looks so professional though.”
“He looks great isn’t he? He will be famous with this.” Kei said.
“Kei-chan, are you planning to do something today?”
“Today? Yeah I have… I have an appointment to someone later why?”
“Nothing… I just asked. I wonder if Ryo have something to do today.”
“He said he will not coming to school today. He was studying really hard for his coming entrance exam in M. University. He was really serious in taking doctor as his course. It will be held just a few days from now so he don’t want to be disturb.” Kei answered him. “Are you planning to do something today? If you want after my appointment we can…”
“Nevermind.” Hikaru muttered.
“A..are you sure?”
“Yeah.” Hikaru whispered.
…
Daiki was looking at the calendar of his phone and he was focusing on the date today. He was standing near the window and was in deep thinking. He was planning to greet HIkaru that early morning but he didn’t know why he suddenly back off. It’s the anniversary of their group but for some reason he doesn’t feel like greeting everyone and also not like last year there is no plan for today. Everyone was busy with their own agenda. Ryosuke is busy studying, Yuya have work, Kei have an appointment and Hikaru is not on his own self.
“Daiki” Yuto called. “Class is about to start, are you not going in?”
“How can you comfort someone who is depressed?” Daiki randomly asked.
“Are you depressed?”
“Not me…”
“Who?”
“A friend… but I am not sure if he is… no… I think he will be.”
“Yaotome-kun?” Yuto asked him back. “The two of you are really close.”
“Of course we are. Since child we are already together. I know everything about him from head to toe. Even how many moles he have I knew and so I also knew that today, with this kind of atmosphere, I know he is depressed.” Daiki said.
“I think you should just be besides him if he is depressed. People who are in that state needs someone they can talk to. Someone they can share their thoughts and the burden that they are feeling.” Yuto suggested. “You really care about him… I always thought that you don’t care about others but hearing this from you… it’s quiet a surprised.”
“Don’t sound like I am some sort of stoned hearted guy.” Daiki said and then from the corner of his eyes he seems like he saw a blackish color on Yuto’s right arm. “Yuto… wh…what is that in your hand?”
Yuto’s eye open wide as he heard that Daiki’s question he immediately grab into his right hand and stretch his sleeves to hide it. “Th..this is nothing.”
“Nothing… i…it’s a bruise right? Let me see.” Daiki forced his hand towards Yuto to confirm what he just saw but Yuto tried to stop him but still he was able to grab Yuto’s arm and push the sleeve up. Daiki was shocked when he saw the bruised and there are others that seems old already. “Wh….what is this? Yuto… someone hurting you? Where did you get this?”
“It’s nothing. I just bump it in a concrete wall.”
“You’re lying. You will not get this kind of bruise being hit in a wall. Tell me honestly… what is happening to you?”
“Please don’t concern with this anymore. This is nothing.” Yuto said as he pulled his sleeves down. “Let’s go back to class… it will start already.”
…
Kota went to the rooftop where he knew Kei was. He saw him being busy doing some wrapping as he sit down besides him. “What are you doing?”
“Gifts.”
“For me?” Kota asked.
“No, for the members of Amazing 5.”
“What’s with that lame name?” Kota asked. “it sounds like a hero from an anime.”
“It’s the name of our group.” Kei explained. “Me, HIkaru, Ryo, Yuya and Dai-chan. HIkaru named it when we are in first year high school and every November 20 we are celebrating our anniversary. Today is our 2nd but we can’t celebrate it because everyone was busy with their own stuffs.”
“Aren’t you cold?” Kota asked him. “It’s getting colder already because it’s autumn. Why don’t you do this in the music room or in the library.”
“I can’t… there is a possibility that I can be found. I want this to be a secret.”
“Then is there something I can help so that you can finished everything faster?”
“Then can you tie the ribbon?”
“Ribbon? Why do you still need to put one? Guys didn’t like ribbon.”
“If you can’t then don’t help me.”
“Alright I’ll do it.”
…
On the second half of the class, Kei and Hikaru are partnered to a project in their history and the remaining that they have was used to talk about what they wanted to do. Hikaru and Kei have face to face thinking of what they should do but it seems like Hikaru was not listening to what Kei was talking about and he can’t concentrate.
“Kei, aren’t you going to tell me something?” Hikaru asked Kei seriously.
“is there something… I should tell you?” Kei asked him back as he look at him innocently like he didn’t know what HIkaru is talking about. HIkaru look at him and then look at Kota who was talking to one student who seems to be his partner for the project and then he look back at Kei who is waiting for his answer.
“Why are you doing this? I don’t get why do you need to hide something from me?” Hikaru asked.
“Hikaru…”
“Whatever… I don’t care anymore.” Hikaru whispered as he stand up and walk out of the room even the teacher keep on calling his name coz he go out without saying anything. Everyone looked at Kei who himself was also puzzled with what Hikaru did.
As Hikaru run away he remembered those times that he was in junior high and him and Daiki are in the park. He saw a group of highschool students who are laughing out loud while walking in the streets. They look so happy and free. That time he was really amazed and he really like to have a circle of friend just like that ones they become highschool students. “Daiki, let’s make a circle of friends just like that. Don’t you think it will be great?”
“Hikaru creating a circle of friends is easy but if you are talking about a really serious and passionate thing then it’s impossible.” Daiki said. “You can easily find friends but its hard to find true friends.”
“You are thinking of the negative side again, besides you are not a psychic so how can you till that we can’t find something like that as we reach our high school.”
“I am not being negative it’s the truth. Friends will betray you and I am just protecting you so that you will not hurt coz I know you are someone who expect so much in anything and then if you didn’t get what you want you will just cry in the corner.” Daiki told him.
“I am not like that and also of course I will not find friends that will betray me. I will look for true friends that will not only make me happy but also you. I am happy by how strong our friendship is but don't you think how happier it could be if we have more members? Everything will be a plus, more talks, more experience, louder laughter. I'm so excited to be a highschool student.”
As he remembered those words that he said that time he just felt pain. It’s really painful when you are expecting something but it didn’t turn out the way you want it to be. As he sit on the seesaw and sulking he felt being lifted up and when he look at the other side he saw Daiki staring at him with his lips pouting and then he sigh. “I knew you will be here.”
“Wh…what are you doing here?”
“Kei told me that you suddenly run away from school and you even leave your bag.”
“Bu…but why are you at school?”
“Kei told me to come, he said he will give me something and then he just told me about you acting weird. I have your bag here and also a gift from Kei-chan.” Daiki said as he handle Hikaru’s bag and the gift. “What’s your problem? Are you sulking because no one greeted you about Amazing 5 anniversary today?”
“Y…you remembered?” HIkaru asked him.
“You are really such a child you know." Daiki sighted. "Why are you so being emotional about it? Besides do you think everyone will forget about such important event?” Daiki asked him as he showed him a doll which looks like Daiki in front of Hikaru and it is wearing a shirt with Amazing 5 written on it. “This is Kei’s gift, his mother made the doll and he is the one who embroider the letters in the shirt. This is gift from him for the celebration of our anniversary and for sure this is the same as yours and to Yuya and Ryo.” Hikaru immediately opened it and Daiki was right, he felt touched by seeing it and all his worries was suddenly lifted up. “And also… you didn’t open your phone yet right? Ryo called me that he can’t contact you, he wanted to greet you too. Yuya have a press conference today and he greeted us live if you want you can watch it in streaming site. No one forgets about it… coz like you, everyone felt that today is really a special day.”
Daiki heard Hikaru sniffed and he was surprised when he saw Hikaru already crying. “Amazing 5 is really the best.” he sniffed. Tears of happiness flows from his eyes and he can't stop it. He felt so bad doubting everyone just because he was not greeted earlier and to think that everyone greeted him in many ways made him think that everyone is really amazing. He wipe his tears away and then he smiled as he look at Daiki with twinkling eyes. "Thank you."
“That sounds lame with you saying in that manner.” Daiki chuckled. "But… aren't you glad we met them? I never believe your words but maybe finding true circle of friends that you are talking about before is not bad at all."
Hikaru nodded his head so many times. "Yeah… indeed."
“And so… why did you suddenly walk out? It’s not just because you are being emotional because of this stuffs right? Something happened? Kei was so worried about you.”
Hikaru become silent for a moment as he played on that doll given to him. “Kei was hiding something from us.”
"Of course he is. All people have something they need to hide. You can't exposed everything, you need privacy as well." Daiki responded back immediately.
“I know about that but… but… I saw it. I mean I saw what he was hiding and so that just made me more frustrated that he was not talking about it even we promised that there should be no secret from everyone of us." Hikaru replied back. "I...I went to the tanabata to watched the fireworks and then I accidentally saw him and Kota together and then they kissed. That time I knew that they were dating but then Kei never told it to us, even only one of us, he didn’t say anything.”
“Th…they are?"
"Well… th…they kissed. Is there anything else? You can only kiss someone whom you like right? It's so weird since they have this cat and dog relationship at first but now they are so close and intimate. I wonder what happened in between?"
"Yesterday's enemy can be your comrade today." Daiki quoted. "I know from the very beginning that those two will click but that was sooner than I have expected."
"You knew? How?"
"It's obvious." Daiki said. "I wonder why Kei was the only lucky one? He always have what he wanted without inserting so much effort. I always envy him… always."
"What are you talking about?"
"Ne Hikaru… Am I only a friend to you?"
"Yeah." Hikaru answered without a doubt. "Is there a problem with that?"
"You sure don't know how to hold your horses… you said words directly without even thinking about it. But that is the Hikaru I really knew so… I guess it's not bad at all." Daiki smiled. “I guess we come up with a conclusion now. You really don't have feelings for Kei-chan since you are not hurt about knowing that those two are dating. With this… our deal comes to its end."
"Ahhh… yeah… like you said I…I was not really that affected." Hikaru answered. "I… didn't like Kei the way you described it. He is just a special friend to me and that solve the problem."
"Let's break up then." Daiki said instantly. "There is no reason for us to continue this fake relationship. We need to live our life like we used to do. You are not bind to me anymore and I am not bind to you anymore and because of this I can date someone again. I have this guy I am eyeing and I hope I can get him."
“You’re going to date someone else again? Are you really enjoying dating someone that you didn’t like?”
Daiki give him a fake smile as he turned away from Hikaru. "it’s better than dating someone who you like but didn’t like you.”
The two separate ways since Hikaru was ordered to buy something by his mother. Daiki went back home alone and as he arrived he just went straight to his room and then locked the door. Just putting his bag on the floor, he sit down and lean his back to the door and hug his knee. Silence and darkness filled the room. He stayed like that for a moment and then he sigh. "I lost huh." he whispered.
He was looking straight when he felt something drip on his knee. He take a look at it and it was a drop of water. "Eh? Wh… where did this come from? my room have leak?" He look up but there is no sign of leaking anywhere and then he felt another drop to his chin. He slowly touch his face and noticed that it came from his eyes. "Ahh… it's my tears." he whispered with his trembling voice "Wh…why am I crying?"
Daiki jolted when he heard his phone ring and vibrate from his pocket. He picked it up and saw that it was Kei who was calling. He just stared at it thinking if he will answer it or not until he press the accept button. "Everything is now settled. Hikaru is fine." he reported trying to change his voice so that his friend will not noticed that he was crying.
“I am glad to hear that. I am so worried when he suddenly walk out. Did you ask him what is the problem behind?" Kei asked.
“He found out about your relationship with Kota. I guess you should avoid doing intimate things in public." Daiki answered. "But don't worry, Hikaru is just in state of confusion but he can recovered back."
"I…I'm sorry about hiding it. It's just that…"
"You don't need to say sorry to me. I can understand it. I am not some simple minded guy like Hikaru. I am knowledgeable enough specially when It comes to this stuffs. I am happy for you. I think Kota is a good man."
Kei paused for a moment “Daiki, do you have a problem?” he asked by the phone. He was surprised to hear that. Did Kei just see through him? is it obvious to his voice? No, Kei was always like that. He is a living psychic.
“What are you talking about? Of course I don’t have.”
“More than Hikaru, I am worried to you as well. I just noticed that there is something bothering you and so… if you are ready to talk about it just tell me. I want to help you."
“Kei is so nice… so nice….”
“I am not." Kei answered instantly. "I am not nice at all so don't call me that besides I think… you are nicer than me. Despite of transferring school, you still stick to us. communicating with us and even helping us whenever we are in trouble. Without you I don't think everyone can last this long. You became the pillar of Amazing 5 all through this years and so I am thankful of you. You are the nice individual here. You are."
“I am not."
“You are. How many times do you think you help everyone of us?"
“Don't call someone who tried to used you as nice person!" Daiki shouted back. "It… It just hurt me more." he continued as he tightened his grasp to his phone and biting his lower lip. "I…I don't deserved anyone's kindness."
“Used? What are you talking about?"
“I tried to infused in Hikaru's thought that he likes you."
"Huh? Why? Didn't you like Hikaru?"
Daiki chuckled. "So even you can tell that I like him." he whispered. "I do like him. I do love him and that's the reason I come up with this stupid game. I know Hikaru is not into men but I know that he have strong affection towards you and so I used that to exposed him into men to men relationship. In the process I did things so that his affection towards you grow stronger but I failed. Even he found out about your relationship with Kota he was not hurt or affected."
"But what if Hikaru did, what if he really fall for me? Do you know what will happen after that? How can that help you?"
"If Hikaru ever realized his feelings for you I know he will not end as the winner. In the beginning I know that you have affection towards Yuya but I was wrong. Then Kota came in the picture and things are going the way I want it to be. The two of you become close and then turned into lovers. Hikaru found out about your relationship but he didn't end up hurt which Is not in my plan. He didn’t get heart broken and because of that my role in the game didn’t arrived." Daiki continued. "Love is just about timing. When a men is hurt that's the right time to show affection coz everyone who comes to comfort him will be an angel in his eyes. I thought I could be one. I thought that my turn will arrived if everything falls in the right places but it didn't. My plan failed and I lost the game. Hikaru can only see me as a friend and nothing else. My affection and love didn't reach him at all."
"Dai-chan, you can't just toy with other people's feeling." Kei replied back. "You've become selfish and greedy."
"I know… that's maybe the reason I failed."
"But Hikaru is stupid enough to not noticed how much you love him." Kei said softly. Daiki heard it clear and then tears started to fall from his eyes again as his left hand touch his chest and clenched.
"What should I do Kei?" Daiki asked with his trembling voice. "What should I do? It hurt so much. I feel like dying."
"Don't worry… I'll punch Hikaru for you. Maybe if he hit his head he can realize how important you are to him."
"I doubt that will happen besides can you even punch him."
"Then I'll let Yabu do it for me." Kei said as he chuckled. "Dai-chan… Hikaru is not smart enough to see reasons behind people's action. If… if you really wanted him to know you should tell it directly to him. Confessed and be heard. He may consider you as a friend now but then…"
"It's fine." Daiki said. "I don't want to be rejected the second time. Kei, I am with Hikaru as long as I can remember and I know how his brain works. If I confess I will be surely rejected and I don't want that. It's already painful now but what more If I heard it directly to his mouth that he can't love me back… It's okay… I'm fine. I can move on… I know I can."
"Alright… if you need help just call me. I will always be here… for you."