Pandora's Box - Chapter 22
TITLE: Pandora's Box - Chapter 22
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 22
"Masquerade"
The worst possible scenario happened to Hikaru. The day when the masquerade party was about to happened he woke up with a fever that cause him to just stay in the house. He was so sick that he can't even stand on his own and so his mother didn't allow him to go anywhere and just stayed on his room to rest and recuperate. He was so disappointed with what happened that he can't do anything but to sulk on his bed. Hikaru was so excited for the party and he thought that it will help him feel better after all the bad things happening to him but it didn't turned that way.
"Why do I need to get sick at a very precious moment like this." Hikaru complained while punching his pillow lightly.
"Hika, don’t put your frustration with on the pillow it's not pillow-san fault that you were sick besides you need to rest. But to be honest I can't stay with you the whole day neither papa nor your sister and so I asked someone to come and look after you." Hikaru's mother said. "He is someone I can trust so I can feel secure."
"Who?"
"Dai-chan."
"D…Dai-chan? No…no… don't call Dai-chan… not him." Hikaru tried to stopped his mother but she raised her eyebrow as if asking why it must not be his friend but Hikaru can't say a thing since his head was aching and he can't say the right word to say. He felt defeated without even fighting. Everyone in the house have something to do and he will be left all alone in that house and so his mother wanted to asked Daiki to come over and take care of him but after what happened to the two of them he didn't know if he can face Daiki like he always do and also he really wanted to go to Krono's party but now because of his condition he can't go on anymore.
After Hikaru's mother prepared everything that he needed she finally said goodbye. The house became so silent and Hikaru was just looking up at the ceiling. His visions are swirling and he just wanted to sleep and not do anything but deep inside his mind he can imagine everyone at the party and how they were enjoying it. Krono told him that it will be really great and there will be special food catered for everyone."This sucks." he whispered.
"Yeah it is." someone replied back to him. Hikaru looked by the door and he saw Daiki standing there while waving his hand. "I am here to be your errand boy for a day since you are sick. I didn't know that even stupid guy can be affected by virus."
"Shut up." Hikaru replied back as he is about to sit down but he felt a cold hand touched his forehead. It was Daiki's hand who was checking his temperature. He immediately pulled it away, stand in front of Hikaru with his right hand on his waist.
"Should I make you something to eat? Porridge or soup?"
"Don't bother if you will just make a disaster inside our kitchen besides I don't have appetite. I just wanted to sleep." Hikaru told him. "I'm already frustrated that I can't go to the party… the timing sucks so much."
"This is the first that you look forward so much to a party like that. I heard it from Ryo, that it was organized by Krono and the sister school will be coming to join this Christmas masquerade ball. Don't tell me you have a girl you're going to asked for a dance?"
"What if I am? It's not like you care…" Hikaru muttered but he immediately avert his eyes away when he remembered about Daiki's confession to him. "Don't bother taking care of me. if you have anywhere you wanted to go then go." Hikaru told him. He lie down on his bed and covered himself with the blanket. Because of what happened its hard for him to look at Daiki eye to eye and being alone with him already felt so awkward.
"I will not do anything so rest assured." Daiki told him. "If you need something just call my name. I'll stay at your living room." Hikaru heard him say and then the next thing he heard is the door being locked. He take off the blanket that was covering his face and then face the ceiling. "Why things need to end up like this?" he whispered in the mid air.
…
"Welcome to our Senior Christmas Masquerade Party." Krono raised his arms and then bowed down respectfully. He raised up his head and touch the microphone again "I am Krono, School Council President and I together with Rika, council president of Kensai All Girl's School, organized this party for every seniors who are spending their last moments in high school. Hoping that everyone will make good and fantastic memories, I hope my message will reach each and everyone of you. Let us enjoy and create a great day worth remembering."
He received a warm of applause and as he went down the stage the orchestra started to play music that resounds the whole place. Krono is not a type of person who you need to underestimate. Even he looks like a carefree individual, he have a scary connections that should not belittle besides he came from a really rich family. He rented a hall from a 5 star hotel and the food looks really high class and mouth watering. Addition to his accomplishment are the costumes worn by the students. The Victorian style dresses and the prince type clothes that were really flashy and aristocratic at the same time was all prepared by him.
"It's sad to know that Hikaru can't come." Ryosuke told Kei. "This kind of party is his cup of tea."
"His fever caught him at a bad moment. Poor him, he is the most excited one about this." Kei responded while his eyes are looking at everywhere."President really pulled some strings, to be able to attend a high school party in such a extravagant hotel, he sure is something."
"He never failed to surprised me since the very beginning that I met him. Events like this is just a piece of cake for him." Ryosuke answered and then he sigh. "Kei-chan, where is Kota? I didn't see him yet since I arrived."
Kei smiled while pointing to the right direction. Ryosuke look to the same direction Kei was pointing and he saw Kota being surrounded by girls asking him to dance them but his face doesn't look please by those persistent girls. "His hands are too full." Kei smiled.
"What if those girls knew that he is already in a relationship? Maybe they will not bother to approached him anymore." Ryosuke commented. "Kei-chan, are you okay with that? He is too popular with girls already, are you not worried that he will be snatched away from you."
"I don't think… that is possible." Kei said. He is about to scratched his chin when someone grab his hand and when he look up it was Kota. "Kota… what are you…"
"Leave me alone. I don't have time to dance everyone of you. This guy is enough for me." Kota proudly said to all the girls that just followed him. All the girls look disappointed but they all leave peacefully without saying anything. When they are finally gone, Kota finally breathe deeply. "I really hate party."
"Should we go outside?" Kei asked him.
"Yeah… that works best for me." Kota answered him.
Kei looked back at Ryosuke and excused themselves. Ryosuke was left alone. He went to the food area and have a taste. He remembered what just Kota did a while back. He was so brave for being so open about his relationship with Kei. Actually he still didn't know what to do about Yuya. He was afraid his image to the girls will be ruined if they found out that Yuya was chasing after him and also he think that he was not strong to face the critique eyes of people. Even he love Yuya, he was not brave enough to stand at the same place as Yuya is.
…
Kota and Kei sit down in the chair available near the fountain area of the hotel. There are other students who are also there but just enough for them to have a private time together. Kei brought something to drink for Kota. "You should be with Yuya right now right? Didn't he asked you to perform together with him?" Kei asked him.
"Change of plan." Kota answered as he take a sip to the drinks that Kei give to him. "That Yuya is planning something."
"What is it?"
"To prove that his feelings are not just mere words, that is what he told me. I think his relationship with Ryosuke is going one step ahead. You like it right?"
"Those two suits each other."
"Are you their cupid?"
"I am not… I am just a human who have an ability to know who are best for each other." Kei answered sincerely. The music for dance already started and they saw some girls already went inside the hall. "It's the dance already… should we go inside?"
"I don't want." Kota replied instantly. He kneel down in front of Kei and raised his hand "It's you who I want to dance with… the whole night. My princess… can I dance with you?"
"It's weird to see two guys dancing with each other. Are you not embarrassed to say that kind of words?" Kei asked him back again.
"I don't care about other people. When we are together it will only be me and you."
Kei put his hand over Kota's hand and then he smiled. "Alright my prince… please don't let go of my hands." Kei answered him as he smiled.
…
Ryosuke bowed in front of the girl that he dance with. She is a friend of him and so she invited her to dance but he don't have courage to invite others besides he was not really popular with girls either. He went back standing near the wall as he observed the place. He also noticed girls who were looking around and they were talking about why they didn't see Yuya yet. Lots of girls wanted to dance him. He is the ideal man that every girls wanted to have to be their boyfriend.
Since he arrived he didn't see Yuya as well. From what he know, Yuya and Kota will have an intermission number any minute so maybe he was preparing at the backstage for it. The music stopped and the students stopped their dancing and all eyes were set on the stage. This time it was Alen who was standing in the stage and thanking all the sponsors for the party.
"As we are in the middle of the party, let us make it livelier by hearing the melancholic voice of our very own Yuya Takaki with his original composed song." Alen announced and all the girls became so happy as they squealed. Kei and Kota also went inside to see what was Yuya planned to do.
Yuya stand in the stage with a very princely image. With a mask covering half of his face, a prince dress with a red cape at the back, he stand proudly while holding a microphone on his hand. "A pleasant day to everyone." he greeted warmly. "I am here to sing in front of you my original composed song. In this song I write all the things I wanted to tell to this someone who is really important for me. I knew I became a bad person to him, making him cry, making him suffer. I regret it…I really do and so this time it's my turn to do something for your sake but I know you will not believe me if I just said this things by just words and so I wanted to show it using something I knew I excel. Through this music I hope it will reach you… my sincere love for you. This is the story of us… this song is titled Bracelet."
Ryosuke knew that Yuya was talking about him. He just remained in his position as he listened to Yuya's song. From his position he can hear the people around trying to guess who is that individual that Yuya was talking about. If they found out that it was him, what will be their reaction? Will they accept him? Will they get mad at him? Will they be disappointed?
Your warm hand shows nostalgia
The time that it seems like I loss my way
You arrived at a perfect timing, you showed me light again
With a smiling face you said "I'll not leave you alone"
In this seven colored bracelet everyone called as the lucky charm
Became the witness of struggle to find true love
Hope it can show me what should I do
For you to see that my heart was serious wanting to have you
If only I can turn back time…
Ryosuke was seriously listening to the song when he heard someone laughing. He looked around and saw a guy wearing a full dark mask also standing near the same wall as he was. "Is this bracelet what he was talking about in that cheesy song?" Ryosuke jolted when he heard a familiar voice behind the mask. He picked something on his pocket and then he showed him a bracelet that really looks familiar to him. "This is… something very important huh… this cheap bracelet." The guy move closer to Ryosuke, he wore the bracelet on his left arm and then slowly take off his mask. "It's been a while, Yamada."
"To…Torio?" Ryosuke uttered with his trembling voice.
"Yeah… it's me your greatest nightmare." Torio replied with an evil smirk on his face.
"Wh…why are you here?" Ryosuke asked him back. He step away from Torio but the tall guy just move closer and closer to him.
"Are you surprised that someone who was uninvited was here? I am here to see you. I miss you." Torio told him with an evil grin. Ryosuke wanted to run away from him but before he knew it Torio already grabbed his hand and dragged him outside of the hall. He can't shout for help because of fear, nothing was coming out of his mouth. He felt like it was happening again, that fear that he suffered to him when he was still young and innocent.
Torio bring him to an empty room and push him inside. "How many times do you want to mess my life Yamada?" Torio asked him. "You know since we are in elementary you are always like this… I really like you but you did nothing but to hate me and push me troublesome thing. I knew it was you… you are the one who sell me out about Chihiro's sake. You are the one who heard our conversation."
"I… I…do…don't."
"No need to lie. Why is your bracelet in that area that time that we were talking to each other? It is because you eavesdrop and because this bracelet is really old and cheap it is easily taken off. You didn't noticed that it was not in your arm anymore when you run away because in your mind you just wanted to escape from me, right?"
"P…please… Fo…forgive me." Ryosuke pleaded like he already admitted that he did it. "Torio…"
"So now… you plead… why are you always like this? You look so pathetic right now… it make me want to torture you more." Torio threatened. "Can you remember what I did to you before? Aren't I evil?"
Ryosuke's tears flow from his eyes as he remembered the nightmare of his past. He can't help being scared of him. Torio can do anything without fear in his eyes. Even how many times he was punish he just keep on doing evil and he is his favorite play toy. He can't run away from him. He can't.
"Let us do something fun… I want you to entertain me Yamada. I want you to strip… in front of my video camera." Torio told him.
…
Yuya finished the song while his eyes were traveling around searching for Ryosuke among the audience but he was not around. He went down the stage and approached Kota and Kei who congratulated him for a good performance. "Did you see Ryo?" Yuya asked them but they both answered they don't. They also asked Krono if he saw Ryosuke but he was also searching for him because he have some work to ask him to do. They all searched for him and they even asked some students but they said they didn't noticed until they found a student who saw where he go.
Kota and Yuya rushed to where that student directed them to. He said that he saw Ryosuke being drag by someone with a black mask and they entered a room in a hotel. Kota asked Kei to just stay in the hall but because he was worried about Ryosuke as well, he accompany them though he run slower than the two.
Yuya opened the door of the room by kicking it and then he saw Torio standing in all four in top of Ryosuke who was half naked and have some cuts on his chest. Tears are flowing from Ryosuke's eyes while Torio was holding a knife in his right hand that have blood dropping on it. "You asshole!" Yuya cursed, suddenly attacking Torio by punching him direct to his face. "You asshole….asshole…asshole…" he shouted so many times as he punched Torio continuously. Kota helped Ryosuke to stand up and then he give him his coat to cover his upper body. "I told you to leave Ryo already… you freak!" he shouted on him again.
Kei, Krono and Alen arrived at the scene and saw that Yuya was killing Torio by his punched. Krono immediately dragged him away from Torio or else he will really have a chance to commit a crime. "You jerk… I'm going to kill you!" Yuya said again.
"Stop this Yuya!" Krono shouted on him.
Kei approached Ryosuke who was trembling in fear. He saw the wounds on Ryosuke's chest and felt terrified about what just Torio did to him. "Krono, let us bring Ryosuke to the hospital." he told him.
"Alen, call my driver and tell him to prepare the car." Krono commanded. "Back off Yuya… let me handle this."
"Handle this? Are you an idiot Krono? Even how many times you punished this guy he keep on coming back? When is he going to leave Ryo's side? That guy always suffered hell because of him." Yuya told him.
"Calm down Yuya… I know what do you mean but hitting him till he die is the worst thing you could do. What he did to Ryosuke is not simple and this really need a serious punishment. I am the school council president so I know what I am doing. You better go out already together with him. My car will be ready outside, bring Ryosuke to the hospital and don't leave him alone." Krono ordered.
Yuya finally calmed down. He come with Kei and Ryosuke outside of the room. Kota is about to follow them when he noticed that Torio was standing behind Krono and was ready to attacked him from the back. With his fast reflex he was able to push Krono away but he was hit by the knife on his arms. Torio also fell down the floor when he was hit by a book at the back of his head and it was Alen who did that. "Krono, are you alright?" Alen asked him.
"Ye..yeah I am fine. Yabu saves me." Krono said.
Kei immediately approached Kota when he saw that he was wounded. "Kota.. Kota are you alright?" Kei asked him worriedly. Kota looked at his right hand which he used to touch his wounded arm and it was covered with his own blood. As he look at them, events started to flashback at his mind again and he can hear voices from the back of his head.
"You useless child! I don't need you… I hated you so much!"
"Why do father need to hurt us? I hate him."
"No Kou.. You must not hate your father if you did I will hate you instead."
"I will not forgive you if you hurt my friend. "
"Let go you asshole… I told you to let go… you bastard."
"Kota… Kota…" Kei called repeatedly. Kota was not in his own self and he started shouting while squeezing his head. Krono and Alen was shocked with what Kota was doing but Kei didn't let go of him. "Please Kota… calm down." he said.
"H..he wanted me to die." he shouted.
"No…no… no one wanted you to die. Please calm down Kota… calm down I beg you." Kei said while hugging him tightly. "You are wounded."
Some officials of the hotel arrived and help the students dealing with Torio. Krono came with Yuya, Kei, Ryosuke and Kota in the hospital and then he called their parents to tell what just happened and apologized for it. Their wounds were taken care by the doctor and they said that they are ready to be sent home anytime. Ryosuke's mother who was working in that hospital came instantly and get her son back home. Kota's mother also said that she will going to pick Kota so he need to wait.
Kei accompanied Kota until he calm down. He was holding his hand so tightly like he was in fear by something unseen. He asked Kota if he wanted something to drink and he just nodded his head. Kei went to the nearest vending machine and bought something when he saw Yuya all alone and he looks depressed. He approached him and offered him a drink. "You should go home too." Kei told him.
"I felt… I felt so useless Kei. I… I was not able to protect him even I said that… that I like him…" Yuya whispered.
"It's not your fault. Torio is just a tough guy who didn't want to leave Ryosuke alone. Krono didn't invited him to this event but he still came but don't worry this time he will surely received a great punishment for what he did. Ryo will not be bothered by him."
"How is Kota? What happened to him?"
"He was fine. His mother will be here soon so…" Kei replied.
"I think you should go back to his side… he needs you."
"Yuya, everything's gonna be alright." Kei told him with a smile, cheering him up for what just happened.
Kei leave Yuya alone and went to where he left Kota but when he saw Krono together with Suzanne he immediately hide himself. When Suzanne saw Kota, she immediately approached him and asked if he was alright. Krono keep on apologizing about what happened but Suzanne was mad about it. She can't accept the fact that his son was wounded because of the low security of the hotel and she also blame the school administration. Krono have nothing to do but to apologized for the mistake.
"Let's go Kou. Let's go back home." she told him as she grabbed his unwounded hand.
"Wait… I need to wait for someone." Kota told her and he was talking about Kei who was not coming back.
"Just send him a message… whoever you are waiting. Kamiyo is waiting for us outside." Suzanne said. Kota looked at Krono and whisper him to tell Kei that he already leave and Krono just nodded his head. Krono was about to go back to the hall when he saw Kei hiding from the side of the wall. "What are you doing there?" Krono asked him.
"No…nothing."
"Kota just leave… his mother get him." Krono told him though he already knew about it.
"I knew…"
"If you knew why didn't you showed yourself? Are you just here the whole time?"
"It's not the right time for the two of us to meet each other." Kei whispered. "Are you going back to the hall?"
"Yeah… I need to explain what really happened coz Alen told me that everyone was already talking about this. I'm sorry… I made this party a bad memory to everyone."
"It's not your fault Krono… don't think deeply about this." Kei suggested.
…
Hikaru stayed the whole time sleeping on his bed. He drink his medicine in between but mostly he just lay down on his bed and sleep. Daiki on the other hand finished a painting while he was downstairs. He painted a landscape which is about winter in the city. He looked at the clock and noticed that it will be about time for him to leave because the Yaotome family will be back any minute. He packed his things and then he go upstairs to check on Hikaru's situation. His temperature gone down and he looks better than this morning.
He gazed at Hikaru's face for a moment. He wanted to touch him, feel his warmth under his skin but he can't do that anymore. He decided that things are already over, Hikaru's arc is already over. "You are so near to me right now but yet I feel that you are so far away from my grasp." Daiki whispered. "I really wonder why it needs to be you? I... i apologized. If only i didn't fall in love with you then things will not end like this between us. I guess it was better if i didn't say anything right? Then... we should not be acting so awkward with each other and i know you will not suffer as well. Knowing my feelings, i know it was hard for you to see me as a childhood friend anymore. I'm sorry... i'm sorry HIkaru." he continued still staring at Hikaru's face and when he was satisfied he exited the room.
But that time he didn't know that HIkaru heard everything that he said.
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 22
"Masquerade"
The worst possible scenario happened to Hikaru. The day when the masquerade party was about to happened he woke up with a fever that cause him to just stay in the house. He was so sick that he can't even stand on his own and so his mother didn't allow him to go anywhere and just stayed on his room to rest and recuperate. He was so disappointed with what happened that he can't do anything but to sulk on his bed. Hikaru was so excited for the party and he thought that it will help him feel better after all the bad things happening to him but it didn't turned that way.
"Why do I need to get sick at a very precious moment like this." Hikaru complained while punching his pillow lightly.
"Hika, don’t put your frustration with on the pillow it's not pillow-san fault that you were sick besides you need to rest. But to be honest I can't stay with you the whole day neither papa nor your sister and so I asked someone to come and look after you." Hikaru's mother said. "He is someone I can trust so I can feel secure."
"Who?"
"Dai-chan."
"D…Dai-chan? No…no… don't call Dai-chan… not him." Hikaru tried to stopped his mother but she raised her eyebrow as if asking why it must not be his friend but Hikaru can't say a thing since his head was aching and he can't say the right word to say. He felt defeated without even fighting. Everyone in the house have something to do and he will be left all alone in that house and so his mother wanted to asked Daiki to come over and take care of him but after what happened to the two of them he didn't know if he can face Daiki like he always do and also he really wanted to go to Krono's party but now because of his condition he can't go on anymore.
After Hikaru's mother prepared everything that he needed she finally said goodbye. The house became so silent and Hikaru was just looking up at the ceiling. His visions are swirling and he just wanted to sleep and not do anything but deep inside his mind he can imagine everyone at the party and how they were enjoying it. Krono told him that it will be really great and there will be special food catered for everyone."This sucks." he whispered.
"Yeah it is." someone replied back to him. Hikaru looked by the door and he saw Daiki standing there while waving his hand. "I am here to be your errand boy for a day since you are sick. I didn't know that even stupid guy can be affected by virus."
"Shut up." Hikaru replied back as he is about to sit down but he felt a cold hand touched his forehead. It was Daiki's hand who was checking his temperature. He immediately pulled it away, stand in front of Hikaru with his right hand on his waist.
"Should I make you something to eat? Porridge or soup?"
"Don't bother if you will just make a disaster inside our kitchen besides I don't have appetite. I just wanted to sleep." Hikaru told him. "I'm already frustrated that I can't go to the party… the timing sucks so much."
"This is the first that you look forward so much to a party like that. I heard it from Ryo, that it was organized by Krono and the sister school will be coming to join this Christmas masquerade ball. Don't tell me you have a girl you're going to asked for a dance?"
"What if I am? It's not like you care…" Hikaru muttered but he immediately avert his eyes away when he remembered about Daiki's confession to him. "Don't bother taking care of me. if you have anywhere you wanted to go then go." Hikaru told him. He lie down on his bed and covered himself with the blanket. Because of what happened its hard for him to look at Daiki eye to eye and being alone with him already felt so awkward.
"I will not do anything so rest assured." Daiki told him. "If you need something just call my name. I'll stay at your living room." Hikaru heard him say and then the next thing he heard is the door being locked. He take off the blanket that was covering his face and then face the ceiling. "Why things need to end up like this?" he whispered in the mid air.
…
"Welcome to our Senior Christmas Masquerade Party." Krono raised his arms and then bowed down respectfully. He raised up his head and touch the microphone again "I am Krono, School Council President and I together with Rika, council president of Kensai All Girl's School, organized this party for every seniors who are spending their last moments in high school. Hoping that everyone will make good and fantastic memories, I hope my message will reach each and everyone of you. Let us enjoy and create a great day worth remembering."
He received a warm of applause and as he went down the stage the orchestra started to play music that resounds the whole place. Krono is not a type of person who you need to underestimate. Even he looks like a carefree individual, he have a scary connections that should not belittle besides he came from a really rich family. He rented a hall from a 5 star hotel and the food looks really high class and mouth watering. Addition to his accomplishment are the costumes worn by the students. The Victorian style dresses and the prince type clothes that were really flashy and aristocratic at the same time was all prepared by him.
"It's sad to know that Hikaru can't come." Ryosuke told Kei. "This kind of party is his cup of tea."
"His fever caught him at a bad moment. Poor him, he is the most excited one about this." Kei responded while his eyes are looking at everywhere."President really pulled some strings, to be able to attend a high school party in such a extravagant hotel, he sure is something."
"He never failed to surprised me since the very beginning that I met him. Events like this is just a piece of cake for him." Ryosuke answered and then he sigh. "Kei-chan, where is Kota? I didn't see him yet since I arrived."
Kei smiled while pointing to the right direction. Ryosuke look to the same direction Kei was pointing and he saw Kota being surrounded by girls asking him to dance them but his face doesn't look please by those persistent girls. "His hands are too full." Kei smiled.
"What if those girls knew that he is already in a relationship? Maybe they will not bother to approached him anymore." Ryosuke commented. "Kei-chan, are you okay with that? He is too popular with girls already, are you not worried that he will be snatched away from you."
"I don't think… that is possible." Kei said. He is about to scratched his chin when someone grab his hand and when he look up it was Kota. "Kota… what are you…"
"Leave me alone. I don't have time to dance everyone of you. This guy is enough for me." Kota proudly said to all the girls that just followed him. All the girls look disappointed but they all leave peacefully without saying anything. When they are finally gone, Kota finally breathe deeply. "I really hate party."
"Should we go outside?" Kei asked him.
"Yeah… that works best for me." Kota answered him.
Kei looked back at Ryosuke and excused themselves. Ryosuke was left alone. He went to the food area and have a taste. He remembered what just Kota did a while back. He was so brave for being so open about his relationship with Kei. Actually he still didn't know what to do about Yuya. He was afraid his image to the girls will be ruined if they found out that Yuya was chasing after him and also he think that he was not strong to face the critique eyes of people. Even he love Yuya, he was not brave enough to stand at the same place as Yuya is.
…
Kota and Kei sit down in the chair available near the fountain area of the hotel. There are other students who are also there but just enough for them to have a private time together. Kei brought something to drink for Kota. "You should be with Yuya right now right? Didn't he asked you to perform together with him?" Kei asked him.
"Change of plan." Kota answered as he take a sip to the drinks that Kei give to him. "That Yuya is planning something."
"What is it?"
"To prove that his feelings are not just mere words, that is what he told me. I think his relationship with Ryosuke is going one step ahead. You like it right?"
"Those two suits each other."
"Are you their cupid?"
"I am not… I am just a human who have an ability to know who are best for each other." Kei answered sincerely. The music for dance already started and they saw some girls already went inside the hall. "It's the dance already… should we go inside?"
"I don't want." Kota replied instantly. He kneel down in front of Kei and raised his hand "It's you who I want to dance with… the whole night. My princess… can I dance with you?"
"It's weird to see two guys dancing with each other. Are you not embarrassed to say that kind of words?" Kei asked him back again.
"I don't care about other people. When we are together it will only be me and you."
Kei put his hand over Kota's hand and then he smiled. "Alright my prince… please don't let go of my hands." Kei answered him as he smiled.
…
Ryosuke bowed in front of the girl that he dance with. She is a friend of him and so she invited her to dance but he don't have courage to invite others besides he was not really popular with girls either. He went back standing near the wall as he observed the place. He also noticed girls who were looking around and they were talking about why they didn't see Yuya yet. Lots of girls wanted to dance him. He is the ideal man that every girls wanted to have to be their boyfriend.
Since he arrived he didn't see Yuya as well. From what he know, Yuya and Kota will have an intermission number any minute so maybe he was preparing at the backstage for it. The music stopped and the students stopped their dancing and all eyes were set on the stage. This time it was Alen who was standing in the stage and thanking all the sponsors for the party.
"As we are in the middle of the party, let us make it livelier by hearing the melancholic voice of our very own Yuya Takaki with his original composed song." Alen announced and all the girls became so happy as they squealed. Kei and Kota also went inside to see what was Yuya planned to do.
Yuya stand in the stage with a very princely image. With a mask covering half of his face, a prince dress with a red cape at the back, he stand proudly while holding a microphone on his hand. "A pleasant day to everyone." he greeted warmly. "I am here to sing in front of you my original composed song. In this song I write all the things I wanted to tell to this someone who is really important for me. I knew I became a bad person to him, making him cry, making him suffer. I regret it…I really do and so this time it's my turn to do something for your sake but I know you will not believe me if I just said this things by just words and so I wanted to show it using something I knew I excel. Through this music I hope it will reach you… my sincere love for you. This is the story of us… this song is titled Bracelet."
Ryosuke knew that Yuya was talking about him. He just remained in his position as he listened to Yuya's song. From his position he can hear the people around trying to guess who is that individual that Yuya was talking about. If they found out that it was him, what will be their reaction? Will they accept him? Will they get mad at him? Will they be disappointed?
Your warm hand shows nostalgia
The time that it seems like I loss my way
You arrived at a perfect timing, you showed me light again
With a smiling face you said "I'll not leave you alone"
In this seven colored bracelet everyone called as the lucky charm
Became the witness of struggle to find true love
Hope it can show me what should I do
For you to see that my heart was serious wanting to have you
If only I can turn back time…
Ryosuke was seriously listening to the song when he heard someone laughing. He looked around and saw a guy wearing a full dark mask also standing near the same wall as he was. "Is this bracelet what he was talking about in that cheesy song?" Ryosuke jolted when he heard a familiar voice behind the mask. He picked something on his pocket and then he showed him a bracelet that really looks familiar to him. "This is… something very important huh… this cheap bracelet." The guy move closer to Ryosuke, he wore the bracelet on his left arm and then slowly take off his mask. "It's been a while, Yamada."
"To…Torio?" Ryosuke uttered with his trembling voice.
"Yeah… it's me your greatest nightmare." Torio replied with an evil smirk on his face.
"Wh…why are you here?" Ryosuke asked him back. He step away from Torio but the tall guy just move closer and closer to him.
"Are you surprised that someone who was uninvited was here? I am here to see you. I miss you." Torio told him with an evil grin. Ryosuke wanted to run away from him but before he knew it Torio already grabbed his hand and dragged him outside of the hall. He can't shout for help because of fear, nothing was coming out of his mouth. He felt like it was happening again, that fear that he suffered to him when he was still young and innocent.
Torio bring him to an empty room and push him inside. "How many times do you want to mess my life Yamada?" Torio asked him. "You know since we are in elementary you are always like this… I really like you but you did nothing but to hate me and push me troublesome thing. I knew it was you… you are the one who sell me out about Chihiro's sake. You are the one who heard our conversation."
"I… I…do…don't."
"No need to lie. Why is your bracelet in that area that time that we were talking to each other? It is because you eavesdrop and because this bracelet is really old and cheap it is easily taken off. You didn't noticed that it was not in your arm anymore when you run away because in your mind you just wanted to escape from me, right?"
"P…please… Fo…forgive me." Ryosuke pleaded like he already admitted that he did it. "Torio…"
"So now… you plead… why are you always like this? You look so pathetic right now… it make me want to torture you more." Torio threatened. "Can you remember what I did to you before? Aren't I evil?"
Ryosuke's tears flow from his eyes as he remembered the nightmare of his past. He can't help being scared of him. Torio can do anything without fear in his eyes. Even how many times he was punish he just keep on doing evil and he is his favorite play toy. He can't run away from him. He can't.
"Let us do something fun… I want you to entertain me Yamada. I want you to strip… in front of my video camera." Torio told him.
…
Yuya finished the song while his eyes were traveling around searching for Ryosuke among the audience but he was not around. He went down the stage and approached Kota and Kei who congratulated him for a good performance. "Did you see Ryo?" Yuya asked them but they both answered they don't. They also asked Krono if he saw Ryosuke but he was also searching for him because he have some work to ask him to do. They all searched for him and they even asked some students but they said they didn't noticed until they found a student who saw where he go.
Kota and Yuya rushed to where that student directed them to. He said that he saw Ryosuke being drag by someone with a black mask and they entered a room in a hotel. Kota asked Kei to just stay in the hall but because he was worried about Ryosuke as well, he accompany them though he run slower than the two.
Yuya opened the door of the room by kicking it and then he saw Torio standing in all four in top of Ryosuke who was half naked and have some cuts on his chest. Tears are flowing from Ryosuke's eyes while Torio was holding a knife in his right hand that have blood dropping on it. "You asshole!" Yuya cursed, suddenly attacking Torio by punching him direct to his face. "You asshole….asshole…asshole…" he shouted so many times as he punched Torio continuously. Kota helped Ryosuke to stand up and then he give him his coat to cover his upper body. "I told you to leave Ryo already… you freak!" he shouted on him again.
Kei, Krono and Alen arrived at the scene and saw that Yuya was killing Torio by his punched. Krono immediately dragged him away from Torio or else he will really have a chance to commit a crime. "You jerk… I'm going to kill you!" Yuya said again.
"Stop this Yuya!" Krono shouted on him.
Kei approached Ryosuke who was trembling in fear. He saw the wounds on Ryosuke's chest and felt terrified about what just Torio did to him. "Krono, let us bring Ryosuke to the hospital." he told him.
"Alen, call my driver and tell him to prepare the car." Krono commanded. "Back off Yuya… let me handle this."
"Handle this? Are you an idiot Krono? Even how many times you punished this guy he keep on coming back? When is he going to leave Ryo's side? That guy always suffered hell because of him." Yuya told him.
"Calm down Yuya… I know what do you mean but hitting him till he die is the worst thing you could do. What he did to Ryosuke is not simple and this really need a serious punishment. I am the school council president so I know what I am doing. You better go out already together with him. My car will be ready outside, bring Ryosuke to the hospital and don't leave him alone." Krono ordered.
Yuya finally calmed down. He come with Kei and Ryosuke outside of the room. Kota is about to follow them when he noticed that Torio was standing behind Krono and was ready to attacked him from the back. With his fast reflex he was able to push Krono away but he was hit by the knife on his arms. Torio also fell down the floor when he was hit by a book at the back of his head and it was Alen who did that. "Krono, are you alright?" Alen asked him.
"Ye..yeah I am fine. Yabu saves me." Krono said.
Kei immediately approached Kota when he saw that he was wounded. "Kota.. Kota are you alright?" Kei asked him worriedly. Kota looked at his right hand which he used to touch his wounded arm and it was covered with his own blood. As he look at them, events started to flashback at his mind again and he can hear voices from the back of his head.
"You useless child! I don't need you… I hated you so much!"
"Why do father need to hurt us? I hate him."
"No Kou.. You must not hate your father if you did I will hate you instead."
"I will not forgive you if you hurt my friend. "
"Let go you asshole… I told you to let go… you bastard."
"Kota… Kota…" Kei called repeatedly. Kota was not in his own self and he started shouting while squeezing his head. Krono and Alen was shocked with what Kota was doing but Kei didn't let go of him. "Please Kota… calm down." he said.
"H..he wanted me to die." he shouted.
"No…no… no one wanted you to die. Please calm down Kota… calm down I beg you." Kei said while hugging him tightly. "You are wounded."
Some officials of the hotel arrived and help the students dealing with Torio. Krono came with Yuya, Kei, Ryosuke and Kota in the hospital and then he called their parents to tell what just happened and apologized for it. Their wounds were taken care by the doctor and they said that they are ready to be sent home anytime. Ryosuke's mother who was working in that hospital came instantly and get her son back home. Kota's mother also said that she will going to pick Kota so he need to wait.
Kei accompanied Kota until he calm down. He was holding his hand so tightly like he was in fear by something unseen. He asked Kota if he wanted something to drink and he just nodded his head. Kei went to the nearest vending machine and bought something when he saw Yuya all alone and he looks depressed. He approached him and offered him a drink. "You should go home too." Kei told him.
"I felt… I felt so useless Kei. I… I was not able to protect him even I said that… that I like him…" Yuya whispered.
"It's not your fault. Torio is just a tough guy who didn't want to leave Ryosuke alone. Krono didn't invited him to this event but he still came but don't worry this time he will surely received a great punishment for what he did. Ryo will not be bothered by him."
"How is Kota? What happened to him?"
"He was fine. His mother will be here soon so…" Kei replied.
"I think you should go back to his side… he needs you."
"Yuya, everything's gonna be alright." Kei told him with a smile, cheering him up for what just happened.
Kei leave Yuya alone and went to where he left Kota but when he saw Krono together with Suzanne he immediately hide himself. When Suzanne saw Kota, she immediately approached him and asked if he was alright. Krono keep on apologizing about what happened but Suzanne was mad about it. She can't accept the fact that his son was wounded because of the low security of the hotel and she also blame the school administration. Krono have nothing to do but to apologized for the mistake.
"Let's go Kou. Let's go back home." she told him as she grabbed his unwounded hand.
"Wait… I need to wait for someone." Kota told her and he was talking about Kei who was not coming back.
"Just send him a message… whoever you are waiting. Kamiyo is waiting for us outside." Suzanne said. Kota looked at Krono and whisper him to tell Kei that he already leave and Krono just nodded his head. Krono was about to go back to the hall when he saw Kei hiding from the side of the wall. "What are you doing there?" Krono asked him.
"No…nothing."
"Kota just leave… his mother get him." Krono told him though he already knew about it.
"I knew…"
"If you knew why didn't you showed yourself? Are you just here the whole time?"
"It's not the right time for the two of us to meet each other." Kei whispered. "Are you going back to the hall?"
"Yeah… I need to explain what really happened coz Alen told me that everyone was already talking about this. I'm sorry… I made this party a bad memory to everyone."
"It's not your fault Krono… don't think deeply about this." Kei suggested.
…
Hikaru stayed the whole time sleeping on his bed. He drink his medicine in between but mostly he just lay down on his bed and sleep. Daiki on the other hand finished a painting while he was downstairs. He painted a landscape which is about winter in the city. He looked at the clock and noticed that it will be about time for him to leave because the Yaotome family will be back any minute. He packed his things and then he go upstairs to check on Hikaru's situation. His temperature gone down and he looks better than this morning.
He gazed at Hikaru's face for a moment. He wanted to touch him, feel his warmth under his skin but he can't do that anymore. He decided that things are already over, Hikaru's arc is already over. "You are so near to me right now but yet I feel that you are so far away from my grasp." Daiki whispered. "I really wonder why it needs to be you? I... i apologized. If only i didn't fall in love with you then things will not end like this between us. I guess it was better if i didn't say anything right? Then... we should not be acting so awkward with each other and i know you will not suffer as well. Knowing my feelings, i know it was hard for you to see me as a childhood friend anymore. I'm sorry... i'm sorry HIkaru." he continued still staring at Hikaru's face and when he was satisfied he exited the room.
But that time he didn't know that HIkaru heard everything that he said.