[fanfic] Source of Happiness - Reita x Aoi - 13/?
Title : Source of Happiness
Chapter : 13/??
Author : kei_kyuuketsuki
Fandom : the GazettE, Alice Nine
Pairings : ReitaXAoi, ToraXAoi, ToraXRuki
Rating : R
Genre : AU, drama, angst
Warning : bad English
Disclaimer : I only own the story… but I won’t mind claiming those beautiful boys later…
Summary : the Beautiful Being’s happiness couldn’t last long. The Mean One will never let the Beautiful Being go… and it seems; Reita can’t do anything about it either…
Comments : I guess it will be few more chapter until the final chapter..>< ..happy reading! XD
Chapter 1: Beauty; Chapter 2: Innocent; Chapter 3: View; Chapter 4: Blame;
Chapter 5: Truth; Chapter 6: Interest; Chapter 7: Smile; Chapter 8: Pain;
Chapter 9: Escape; Chapter 10: Protection; Chapter 11: Thought; Chapter 12: Denial
IN VAIN
He was a little bit late compared to his prediction before. Aoi forgot about his wounds that made him had to walked slower. He reached his apartment in almost fifty minutes. It was already two pass ten in the afternoon when Aoi reached his apartment. Aoi opened his apartment door and entered his small world.
With his current condition, Aoi moved as fast as he could. He moved to his bedroom and changed his shirt. Tora wouldn’t like it if he saw Aoi wore some shirt he didn’t know.
Yes, it was not only Aoi’s class schedules that Tora memorized. Tora also remembered Aoi’s clothes. Sometimes it freaked Aoi out to know that Tora able to remember all of those things. But mostly the clothes that Aoi own were gift from Tora. Tora always wanted Aoi to wear something that suits his taste. That’s why Tora could easily memorize the rest of it.
That time, Aoi chose to wear the most comfortable shirt to his body. The shirt he wore that time was also a gift from Tora. Aoi wanted to show Tora that he could felt comfortable with things that Tora gave to him. Aoi hoped, that way, he could made Tora forget about his anger from yesterday. That way, Tora don’t have to get mad at him again, considering how difficult it was to contacted Aoi last night; until this time.
Aoi then folded the shirt he borrowed from Reita and kept it in his wardrobe. He put it in the lowermost of his wardrobe so Tora won’t find it. Done with the shirt, Aoi checked all the things around him. When he saw his sling bag, Aoi hurriedly took Chizuru, his white cellphone, and recharged the battery.
“At least, I can recharge it before Tora come…” Aoi said to himself.
After that, Aoi took his black cellphone, Ogre, and gathered all of his courage to call Tora. Aoi held his breath as he heard the dial tone. He bit his lip as he waited. Aoi clenched his fist a little to divert his panic. Then, Tora picked up the phone.
“Honey..!?” Tora answered him.
Aoi felt a little relieved as he heard the worried tone in Tora’s voice. Tora didn’t yell at him. He answered. “I-I’m sorry, Tora… I-”
“Where are you now?” Tora asked.
“A-at my apartment, Tora…”
“Wait there. I'll be there as soon as I can,” Tora said before he hanged up the phone.
Aoi flipped his cellphone off and looked at his black cellphone. “Tora will come here…” He said to himself. “Please… anyone… anything… please… don’t let him hurt me again… I’m scared… really, really scared…”
*
Aoi predicted everything. To reach his apartment, Tora needed at least forty minutes. In forty minutes Aoi had enough time to recharged Chizuru’s battery. Not full, but enough to call Reita. After that, Aoi still had enough time to hide Chizuru, the charger, and all things that could bring problem if Tora sees it.
As he waited - in panic - Aoi walked to his kitchen to make a coffee. He wanted to calm himself and at that time, coffee was the only thing he could think of. He took a bottle of black coffee powder. When Aoi wanted to opened the bottle, he remembered something.
...“Sorry. I don’t have black coffee. That’s all I have right now,” Reita explained...
Aoi changed his mind. He put the bottle back to its place and opened the upper cupboard where he usually store instant things for his urgent time. Aoi looked for some sachets of instant coffees. He smiled when he found a coffee-mix sachet in there.
“Ouch…” Aoi gasped when he raised his hand to take the sachet. The wound on his body was still aching. Carefully, Aoi raised his hand again and took the sachet. With that, Aoi made him a cup of hot coffee-mix, just like Reita made for him this morning. “This morning?” Aoi asked to himself. He smiled. “I drink two cups of coffee-mix today?” He didn’t believe himself. But he couldn’t help it. He just needed it at the time. That’s all.
Aoi looked at the clock in his room. There’s still time until Tora arrived. Aoi walked back to his bedroom and checked Chizuru. The battery was still recharged a little. Aoi didn’t care. He just wanted to call Reita. Maybe listening to Reita’s voice might calm him a bit. Aoi turned Chizuru on. He waited until he could looked for Reita’ number. Just when Aoi wanted to dialed the number. His apartment bell ringed.
“Eh..!?” Aoi gasped. Tora is already here? That fast? Aoi bit his lip. He’s panic again. As fast as he could, Aoi turned Chizuru off. When Aoi wanted to unplugged the charger cable he forgot that he still holding his coffee cup. Aoi went really panicked that time. He put his cup on a nearest table and unplugged the charger cable with his - now already - free hands. Aoi took Chizuru and the charger to the same wardrobe where he put the shirt he borrowed from Reita. Aoi prayed that Tora won’t checked it and found those things.
Aoi walked to his front door limply and opened the door. There he was, Tora, standing in front of his door, panting. There he was, Aoi’s lover, in front of his door, and looking at Aoi with the gaze that made Aoi couldn’t guess what’s in Tora’s mind that time.
How could he arrive so fast? Didn’t he come from his apartment? If he did, it was a long way to go through, and not to mention the traffic jam at busy times like this, Tora must be exceed his car speed limit to reach his place. And the way Tora panted, he might be just run from the parking lot to be able to stood in front of Aoi this fast.
“Tora…” Aoi said slowly just right before Tora hugged him.
Aoi was surprised with Tora’s demeanor. He just gave what Aoi needed. A hug. Mere hug. It did hurt a little. But at least, Tora didn’t get mad at him. The hug was more than enough to calm Aoi’s heart that filled with fear since last night. Aoi reciprocate the hug and closed his eyes. He wanted to enjoy the hug that he missed since long time ago.
Tora then break the hug and touched Aoi’s cheek softly. “Where have you been last night?” Tora asked.
His panic returned. Aoi looked at his still opened front door. He used it to distract himself from the question. “Come in, Tora. We can talk inside…” Aoi said slowly.
Aoi was taken aback when Tora pushed him soflty. Tora took over to close the door before he returned his gaze back to Aoi. Tora hold Aoi's hand and gently pulled Aoi to the small sofa in that room. Tora gestured Aoi to sit on the sofa before he followed and sit next to Aoi.
“Where have you been last night?” Tora repeated his question.
“I… I…” Aoi couldn’t still find the proper answer. He didn’t want to mention Reita’s name. He never would. “I’m so sorry that I ran from your apartment last night, Tora… I-”
“We’ll talk about it later. What I want to know right now is, where were you last night, Aoi? I couldn’t contact you… you didn’t pick up your telephone here… and what’s wrong with your cellphone?”
“I… I was…” Aoi didn’t know the right way to lie to Tora right now. But if he didn’t answer it immediately, Tora might turn into a very impatient person. If that happen, it would be harder for Aoi to lie to Tora. “I… fainted, Tora…” Aoi answered blindly.
“What!?” Tora asked disbelievingly. Aoi could hear clearly the surprised tone in Tora’s voice.
“S-someone found me and took me to the hospital…”
“Who was the person?”
“I… I don’t know, Tora… when I woke up, I could only see the doctor who treated my wounds. The doctor said that the person who helped me was already gone and he already took care of everything for it was a pity when he saw my condition last night. I didn’t even have to pay anything…”
Tora sighed relieve breathe. He leaned his back to the sofa. Tora looks at Aoi and stroke Aoi’s cheek. “You were treated well there?”
Aoi just nodded to answer the question. The more he speaks, the more lies will spilled out from his mouth, the more things he must cover. Because of that, Aoi chose to stay silent and just nodded.
Tora stroke Aoi’s cheek again. He continued his words, “Can you promise me one thing, Aoi?”
“What is it?” Aoi asked as he felt a little fear with what he would hear.
“Promise me, that you will never, ever, contact Reita again, for good…”
Aoi was shocked when he heard those words. He couldn’t contact Reita again, which means, he couldn’t talk to Reita, couldn’t even say mere “hi”, couldn’t return Reita’s book if Reita left his book again in the class, and so on.
No, Aoi didn’t have to wait until Reita did something reckless like that. There was one book that he should return. Aoi only had one day left until he could return the book to Sumire or he would get a forfeit. Aoi didn’t know how he would return the book he borrowed if he couldn’t contact Reita. Went to the café means meeting with Reita, right? Must Aoi ask for someone’s help to return it to Reita?
“Aoi? Answer me?”
Tora needed an answer. Again, if Aoi didn’t answer it soon, Tora might found out about Aoi’s reluctance. It would be bad for Aoi.
Then, Aoi answered the question. “Yes, I promise…” Aoi said slowly.
“Really?” Tora asked with a smile.
“I promise, Tora…”
“You won’t see him again, right?”
“I won’t do it… for you, Tora…” Aoi had to repeat his promise three times to made sure that Tora believe in his words. With all of his might, Aoi held back his tears. Again, the more Aoi repeat the promise, the more his tears struggled to fall.
“Thank you very much, Honey…” Tora said as he hugged Aoi. “I know you can do this for me…”
Aoi reciprocated the hug. He couldn’t say anything at all. Aoi could only hide his face on Tora’s shoulder. When, at last, he cried and his tears dampen Tora’s shirt, Aoi didn’t really care about it anymore. If Tora asked why did he cry, Aoi could answer it with one word: touched.
Big liar… That’s what Aoi think about himself. Aoi didn’t notice it. When did he become that smart at lying?
“Aoi…” Tora called as he breaks the hug. Tora looked at Aoi and wiped Aoi’s tears. “I got an idea. How about we go out for dinner to celebrate this? Well, not today, though. We can't go out with your condition, right?”
“Celebrate what, Tora?”
“Celebrate this: we’re back together, and no one can disturb us. How about that? I think it will be nice for the both of us,” Tora said with a smile.
Aoi saw happiness in Tora’s eyes. It’s impossible for Aoi to let the happiness vanished just like that. Aoi nodded to the invitation.
“That’s good!” Tora caressed Aoi’s hair. He was almost touched the wound on Aoi’s forehead again. Without realizing it, Aoi gasped when he felt the pain a little. But Tora didn’t notice it. He just continued his words again. “How about we go out for the dinner tomorrow, at the usual restaurant, 7 pm?”
“Tomorrow?” Aoi was startled. He was still thinking how to return the book to Reita directly without anyone’s help.
“Yes. We can meet at the restaurant if you want to.”
“Eh..?” Aoi didn’t believe with what he heard. “Meet there?”
“Yes,” Tora answered. “I have some errands before that. That’s why I can’t pick you up. You don’t mind to go there by yourself, do you?”
Aoi fell silent for a moment. A dinner. Just him and Tora. It was very rare for Tora to invite him to such a thing. What else did he need? Tora offered him something that could make Aoi very happy. A little walk to meet his lover would be just a small sacrifice, won’t it? The result too could be a very delightful.
“I won’t mind…” Aoi answered with a smile.
“Great!” Tora was really happy. “Tomorrow, we’ll meet there at 7 pm, ok, Honey?” Tora said before he kissed Aoi’s nose.
Aoi was really glad. After this, Tora would left and go back to his apartment. Then, Aoi could contact Reita with his white cellphone. But Aoi didn’t expect Tora’s next words.
“I’ll stay for the night...”
“What..!?” Aoi was really shocked with that.
“I want to accompany you. It must be hard to move and do everything alone with your current condition, right? I can go home tomorrow morning to do my errands before we go out for the dinner. OK?”
“Y-yes…” Aoi answered it with stammered voice. Aoi lost all of his hope about contacting Reita that moment. From now on, Aoi won’t have any free space to make any contact with Reita. He could only wait the right time when Tora and Kai were nowhere around him when he and Reita were at the same place.
That would be difficult to find.
“By the way…” Tora said when he stared at Aoi.
“W-what is it?” Aoi was really awkward. His heart started to beat faster. Aoi thought about the things that cling to his body that moment. He really wished that nothing related to Reita were still visible around him and Tora.
“This shirt really looks good on you, Aoi,” Tora said with a smile.
Aoi looked at the shirt he wore. He really forgot that he was wearing the shirt that Tora gave him. His fear was making him forgot about lots of things. Aoi sighed. At least, his succeed in making Tora happy that day.
*+*
The next day, Tora brought Aoi to the campus. Tora stopped his car in front of the campus gate. Like their plan yesterday, after this, Tora went to do his errands. Aoi didn’t know where Tora will go. He didn’t know what the errand was. Aoi didn’t have the courage to ask. If Aoi ever dare to ask, Tora would definitely get angry to him. Tora would accuse him for being not believed in him.
Aoi let Tora kissed his lips before he got off from the black car. Aoi closed the door from outside and looked at Tora after Tora opened the window.
“See you at seven at the restaurant, Honey…” Tora said with a wink.
Aoi just nodded and smiled. After that, he saw Tora waved at him before he closed the window again. Aoi saw as Tora drove his car away from the campus. After he made sure that Tora was nowhere around the campus, Aoi started to walk. Aoi looked at the motorbike parking area inside the campus yard. Aoi focused his view to certain spot in the parking area. Kai used to park his motorbike in only that spot. There, Aoi didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Feeling not too sure about it, Aoi looked at few meters around the spot. He still didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Kai didn’t go to the campus.
Aoi smiled. He felt so free that day. Aoi walked excitedly to his class. He really wanted to run. But since he still felt the pain a little, Aoi could only walk as fast as he could.
Aoi entered his class and immediately looked at the place where Reita usually sat. His smile was vanished when he didn’t saw Reita there. Slowly, Aoi stepped his feet to the seat and sat beside it. Aoi looked at the watch on his cellphone. Fifteen minutes left until the class started.
Aoi chose to wait. He smiled again. Soon, he could see Reita and he didn’t have to feel afraid of someone who might confront them both. At least, not for today.
*
Fifteen minutes passed by. Aoi tapped his finger on the table for getting impatient. The seat beside him was still empty. Aoi bit his lower lip. Reita never arrived at the campus that fast. But he never arrived late either. Or…was he late?
Aoi heard steps from outside the class. But Aoi had to postpone his happiness for the one he saw after that was not Reita. It was their lecturer who entered the class.
Maybe he’s just late… maybe Reita’s just late…
Aoi waited. Their class was already started ten minutes ago, but Reita still didn’t show up. Aoi’s heart started to beat faster. What made Reita didn’t come today? What’s happen with him? Did he wake up late? Did he didn’t get the earlier bus so he had to waited for the next bus? Or was Reita forgot about his book and had to go back home to took it?
There were too much questions popped up in Aoi’s mind. Aoi couldn’t think clearly, moreover if he must to concentrate to the class. He couldn’t wait until the class was over. In the end, Aoi groped his sling bag’s pocket and took Chizuru - his white cellphone that he secretly put it to his sling bag when Tora was in the bathroom when they’re still in Aoi’s apartment this morning - out from it.
Aoi sent an email to Reita. He waited for few minutes, but Reita didn’t reply his email. Was Reita still asleep? Thinking about the probability, Aoi decided to call Reita. Quietly Aoi lowered his position and put his cellphone onto his ear. In any case, Aoi still didn’t want the lecturer to find out that he’s calling someone during the class, right?
Aoi waited. He was agape with surprise when he heard Reita’s voice, but in a mailbox. A mailbox? Aoi thought. His cellphone is inactive? Aoi close his cellphone flip and wondered what was happening to Reita that time.
*
His first class that day was over. Aoi went out from the class quickly to called Reita gain. The result was just still the same: he still couldn’t reach Reita. His cellphone was shill inactive.
“What should I do now..?” Aoi asked to himself.
Aoi then checked the campus parking area again. He still didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Apparently Kai really didn’t come to campus today. From there, when Aoi intended to get back to his class, he saw Uruha walked not far in front of him. He didn’t think twice before he called, “Uruha!”
The blonde stopped his step and turned his head to Aoi. He looked at Aoi that walked with difficulty. Uruha was a little curious about why Aoi need that great effort for just trying to approaching him.
“Hey, hey…” Uruha was bit panic when he saw Aoi tripped a little. “What happen? Are you alright?”
“I-I’m okay…” Aoi said as he tried to smile. “S-sorry… but… do you see Reita?”
“Hee..?” Uruha didn’t expect the question. “Why should you ask?”
“Eh..?” Right then, Aoi was the one who didn’t expect Uruha’s question. “W-what do you mean?”
Uruha looked at Aoi in more confused look. “Didn’t Reita tell you?”
Aoi was startled. “T-tell what?” Aoi was confused when Uruha looked at his surroundings. “What are you searching for?”
“Are you alone today?” Uruha asked with whispering voice.
“Y-yes…” Aoi answered it with still in confusion. Why Uruha should lower his voice?
Uruha sighed a relieved breathe. He looked at Aoi who was still looking at him; confused. “Are you sure, that Reita didn’t tell you anything?” Uruha repeated his question.
“No… Reita didn’t tell me anything…”
Uruha scratched his head. He looked at Aoi again and asked, “You still have class after this?”
“Yes. W-why..?”
“What time?”
“The class? It’ll start at about half an hour…”
“Good! We have enough time… oh!” Uruha lowered his voice again and asked, “Your lover’s cousin. Is he in campus today?”
Aoi was really confused with Uruha’s questions. “N-no… what’s wrong?”
Again, Uruha sighed a relieved breathe. “OK. Now, if you want to, we can talk at the cafeteria…”
*
At the cafeteria, Aoi and Uruha sat opposite each other. Aoi was just about to drink his hot coffee-mix - his third time in these two days - when Uruha said it. “Reita went to Kanagawa…”
Aoi looked at Uruha disbelievingly. “When..!?”
Uruha shook his head slowly. “So Reita really didn’t tell you anything, did he…” Uruha said. “He left this morning, Aoi…”
“W-what is he doing there?”
“I don’t know…” Uruha said as looked through the cafeteria window. “Reita didn’t say it clearly. He only said that his father needs him. That’s why Reita went straight home…”
“Oh… so that’s Reita’s hometown…” Aoi said slowly as he lowered his gaze. “Then… how long will Reita be there?”
“Soon after his matters with his father are over, Reita will be back… maybe… three or four days…”
“Three… or four days…!?” Aoi didn’t believe that he had to wait that long until he could see Reita again. It was just like letting his all-night-plan for meeting Reita today melt away in vain.
***+++...___...___...+++***
A/N: as always, comments and critics are sooo much luuuv~♥
Chapter : 13/??
Author : kei_kyuuketsuki
Fandom : the GazettE, Alice Nine
Pairings : ReitaXAoi, ToraXAoi, ToraXRuki
Rating : R
Genre : AU, drama, angst
Warning : bad English
Disclaimer : I only own the story… but I won’t mind claiming those beautiful boys later…
Summary : the Beautiful Being’s happiness couldn’t last long. The Mean One will never let the Beautiful Being go… and it seems; Reita can’t do anything about it either…
Comments : I guess it will be few more chapter until the final chapter..>< ..happy reading! XD
Chapter 1: Beauty; Chapter 2: Innocent; Chapter 3: View; Chapter 4: Blame;
Chapter 5: Truth; Chapter 6: Interest; Chapter 7: Smile; Chapter 8: Pain;
Chapter 9: Escape; Chapter 10: Protection; Chapter 11: Thought; Chapter 12: Denial
IN VAIN
He was a little bit late compared to his prediction before. Aoi forgot about his wounds that made him had to walked slower. He reached his apartment in almost fifty minutes. It was already two pass ten in the afternoon when Aoi reached his apartment. Aoi opened his apartment door and entered his small world.
With his current condition, Aoi moved as fast as he could. He moved to his bedroom and changed his shirt. Tora wouldn’t like it if he saw Aoi wore some shirt he didn’t know.
Yes, it was not only Aoi’s class schedules that Tora memorized. Tora also remembered Aoi’s clothes. Sometimes it freaked Aoi out to know that Tora able to remember all of those things. But mostly the clothes that Aoi own were gift from Tora. Tora always wanted Aoi to wear something that suits his taste. That’s why Tora could easily memorize the rest of it.
That time, Aoi chose to wear the most comfortable shirt to his body. The shirt he wore that time was also a gift from Tora. Aoi wanted to show Tora that he could felt comfortable with things that Tora gave to him. Aoi hoped, that way, he could made Tora forget about his anger from yesterday. That way, Tora don’t have to get mad at him again, considering how difficult it was to contacted Aoi last night; until this time.
Aoi then folded the shirt he borrowed from Reita and kept it in his wardrobe. He put it in the lowermost of his wardrobe so Tora won’t find it. Done with the shirt, Aoi checked all the things around him. When he saw his sling bag, Aoi hurriedly took Chizuru, his white cellphone, and recharged the battery.
“At least, I can recharge it before Tora come…” Aoi said to himself.
After that, Aoi took his black cellphone, Ogre, and gathered all of his courage to call Tora. Aoi held his breath as he heard the dial tone. He bit his lip as he waited. Aoi clenched his fist a little to divert his panic. Then, Tora picked up the phone.
“Honey..!?” Tora answered him.
Aoi felt a little relieved as he heard the worried tone in Tora’s voice. Tora didn’t yell at him. He answered. “I-I’m sorry, Tora… I-”
“Where are you now?” Tora asked.
“A-at my apartment, Tora…”
“Wait there. I'll be there as soon as I can,” Tora said before he hanged up the phone.
Aoi flipped his cellphone off and looked at his black cellphone. “Tora will come here…” He said to himself. “Please… anyone… anything… please… don’t let him hurt me again… I’m scared… really, really scared…”
*
Aoi predicted everything. To reach his apartment, Tora needed at least forty minutes. In forty minutes Aoi had enough time to recharged Chizuru’s battery. Not full, but enough to call Reita. After that, Aoi still had enough time to hide Chizuru, the charger, and all things that could bring problem if Tora sees it.
As he waited - in panic - Aoi walked to his kitchen to make a coffee. He wanted to calm himself and at that time, coffee was the only thing he could think of. He took a bottle of black coffee powder. When Aoi wanted to opened the bottle, he remembered something.
...“Sorry. I don’t have black coffee. That’s all I have right now,” Reita explained...
Aoi changed his mind. He put the bottle back to its place and opened the upper cupboard where he usually store instant things for his urgent time. Aoi looked for some sachets of instant coffees. He smiled when he found a coffee-mix sachet in there.
“Ouch…” Aoi gasped when he raised his hand to take the sachet. The wound on his body was still aching. Carefully, Aoi raised his hand again and took the sachet. With that, Aoi made him a cup of hot coffee-mix, just like Reita made for him this morning. “This morning?” Aoi asked to himself. He smiled. “I drink two cups of coffee-mix today?” He didn’t believe himself. But he couldn’t help it. He just needed it at the time. That’s all.
Aoi looked at the clock in his room. There’s still time until Tora arrived. Aoi walked back to his bedroom and checked Chizuru. The battery was still recharged a little. Aoi didn’t care. He just wanted to call Reita. Maybe listening to Reita’s voice might calm him a bit. Aoi turned Chizuru on. He waited until he could looked for Reita’ number. Just when Aoi wanted to dialed the number. His apartment bell ringed.
“Eh..!?” Aoi gasped. Tora is already here? That fast? Aoi bit his lip. He’s panic again. As fast as he could, Aoi turned Chizuru off. When Aoi wanted to unplugged the charger cable he forgot that he still holding his coffee cup. Aoi went really panicked that time. He put his cup on a nearest table and unplugged the charger cable with his - now already - free hands. Aoi took Chizuru and the charger to the same wardrobe where he put the shirt he borrowed from Reita. Aoi prayed that Tora won’t checked it and found those things.
Aoi walked to his front door limply and opened the door. There he was, Tora, standing in front of his door, panting. There he was, Aoi’s lover, in front of his door, and looking at Aoi with the gaze that made Aoi couldn’t guess what’s in Tora’s mind that time.
How could he arrive so fast? Didn’t he come from his apartment? If he did, it was a long way to go through, and not to mention the traffic jam at busy times like this, Tora must be exceed his car speed limit to reach his place. And the way Tora panted, he might be just run from the parking lot to be able to stood in front of Aoi this fast.
“Tora…” Aoi said slowly just right before Tora hugged him.
Aoi was surprised with Tora’s demeanor. He just gave what Aoi needed. A hug. Mere hug. It did hurt a little. But at least, Tora didn’t get mad at him. The hug was more than enough to calm Aoi’s heart that filled with fear since last night. Aoi reciprocate the hug and closed his eyes. He wanted to enjoy the hug that he missed since long time ago.
Tora then break the hug and touched Aoi’s cheek softly. “Where have you been last night?” Tora asked.
His panic returned. Aoi looked at his still opened front door. He used it to distract himself from the question. “Come in, Tora. We can talk inside…” Aoi said slowly.
Aoi was taken aback when Tora pushed him soflty. Tora took over to close the door before he returned his gaze back to Aoi. Tora hold Aoi's hand and gently pulled Aoi to the small sofa in that room. Tora gestured Aoi to sit on the sofa before he followed and sit next to Aoi.
“Where have you been last night?” Tora repeated his question.
“I… I…” Aoi couldn’t still find the proper answer. He didn’t want to mention Reita’s name. He never would. “I’m so sorry that I ran from your apartment last night, Tora… I-”
“We’ll talk about it later. What I want to know right now is, where were you last night, Aoi? I couldn’t contact you… you didn’t pick up your telephone here… and what’s wrong with your cellphone?”
“I… I was…” Aoi didn’t know the right way to lie to Tora right now. But if he didn’t answer it immediately, Tora might turn into a very impatient person. If that happen, it would be harder for Aoi to lie to Tora. “I… fainted, Tora…” Aoi answered blindly.
“What!?” Tora asked disbelievingly. Aoi could hear clearly the surprised tone in Tora’s voice.
“S-someone found me and took me to the hospital…”
“Who was the person?”
“I… I don’t know, Tora… when I woke up, I could only see the doctor who treated my wounds. The doctor said that the person who helped me was already gone and he already took care of everything for it was a pity when he saw my condition last night. I didn’t even have to pay anything…”
Tora sighed relieve breathe. He leaned his back to the sofa. Tora looks at Aoi and stroke Aoi’s cheek. “You were treated well there?”
Aoi just nodded to answer the question. The more he speaks, the more lies will spilled out from his mouth, the more things he must cover. Because of that, Aoi chose to stay silent and just nodded.
Tora stroke Aoi’s cheek again. He continued his words, “Can you promise me one thing, Aoi?”
“What is it?” Aoi asked as he felt a little fear with what he would hear.
“Promise me, that you will never, ever, contact Reita again, for good…”
Aoi was shocked when he heard those words. He couldn’t contact Reita again, which means, he couldn’t talk to Reita, couldn’t even say mere “hi”, couldn’t return Reita’s book if Reita left his book again in the class, and so on.
No, Aoi didn’t have to wait until Reita did something reckless like that. There was one book that he should return. Aoi only had one day left until he could return the book to Sumire or he would get a forfeit. Aoi didn’t know how he would return the book he borrowed if he couldn’t contact Reita. Went to the café means meeting with Reita, right? Must Aoi ask for someone’s help to return it to Reita?
“Aoi? Answer me?”
Tora needed an answer. Again, if Aoi didn’t answer it soon, Tora might found out about Aoi’s reluctance. It would be bad for Aoi.
Then, Aoi answered the question. “Yes, I promise…” Aoi said slowly.
“Really?” Tora asked with a smile.
“I promise, Tora…”
“You won’t see him again, right?”
“I won’t do it… for you, Tora…” Aoi had to repeat his promise three times to made sure that Tora believe in his words. With all of his might, Aoi held back his tears. Again, the more Aoi repeat the promise, the more his tears struggled to fall.
“Thank you very much, Honey…” Tora said as he hugged Aoi. “I know you can do this for me…”
Aoi reciprocated the hug. He couldn’t say anything at all. Aoi could only hide his face on Tora’s shoulder. When, at last, he cried and his tears dampen Tora’s shirt, Aoi didn’t really care about it anymore. If Tora asked why did he cry, Aoi could answer it with one word: touched.
Big liar… That’s what Aoi think about himself. Aoi didn’t notice it. When did he become that smart at lying?
“Aoi…” Tora called as he breaks the hug. Tora looked at Aoi and wiped Aoi’s tears. “I got an idea. How about we go out for dinner to celebrate this? Well, not today, though. We can't go out with your condition, right?”
“Celebrate what, Tora?”
“Celebrate this: we’re back together, and no one can disturb us. How about that? I think it will be nice for the both of us,” Tora said with a smile.
Aoi saw happiness in Tora’s eyes. It’s impossible for Aoi to let the happiness vanished just like that. Aoi nodded to the invitation.
“That’s good!” Tora caressed Aoi’s hair. He was almost touched the wound on Aoi’s forehead again. Without realizing it, Aoi gasped when he felt the pain a little. But Tora didn’t notice it. He just continued his words again. “How about we go out for the dinner tomorrow, at the usual restaurant, 7 pm?”
“Tomorrow?” Aoi was startled. He was still thinking how to return the book to Reita directly without anyone’s help.
“Yes. We can meet at the restaurant if you want to.”
“Eh..?” Aoi didn’t believe with what he heard. “Meet there?”
“Yes,” Tora answered. “I have some errands before that. That’s why I can’t pick you up. You don’t mind to go there by yourself, do you?”
Aoi fell silent for a moment. A dinner. Just him and Tora. It was very rare for Tora to invite him to such a thing. What else did he need? Tora offered him something that could make Aoi very happy. A little walk to meet his lover would be just a small sacrifice, won’t it? The result too could be a very delightful.
“I won’t mind…” Aoi answered with a smile.
“Great!” Tora was really happy. “Tomorrow, we’ll meet there at 7 pm, ok, Honey?” Tora said before he kissed Aoi’s nose.
Aoi was really glad. After this, Tora would left and go back to his apartment. Then, Aoi could contact Reita with his white cellphone. But Aoi didn’t expect Tora’s next words.
“I’ll stay for the night...”
“What..!?” Aoi was really shocked with that.
“I want to accompany you. It must be hard to move and do everything alone with your current condition, right? I can go home tomorrow morning to do my errands before we go out for the dinner. OK?”
“Y-yes…” Aoi answered it with stammered voice. Aoi lost all of his hope about contacting Reita that moment. From now on, Aoi won’t have any free space to make any contact with Reita. He could only wait the right time when Tora and Kai were nowhere around him when he and Reita were at the same place.
That would be difficult to find.
“By the way…” Tora said when he stared at Aoi.
“W-what is it?” Aoi was really awkward. His heart started to beat faster. Aoi thought about the things that cling to his body that moment. He really wished that nothing related to Reita were still visible around him and Tora.
“This shirt really looks good on you, Aoi,” Tora said with a smile.
Aoi looked at the shirt he wore. He really forgot that he was wearing the shirt that Tora gave him. His fear was making him forgot about lots of things. Aoi sighed. At least, his succeed in making Tora happy that day.
*+*
The next day, Tora brought Aoi to the campus. Tora stopped his car in front of the campus gate. Like their plan yesterday, after this, Tora went to do his errands. Aoi didn’t know where Tora will go. He didn’t know what the errand was. Aoi didn’t have the courage to ask. If Aoi ever dare to ask, Tora would definitely get angry to him. Tora would accuse him for being not believed in him.
Aoi let Tora kissed his lips before he got off from the black car. Aoi closed the door from outside and looked at Tora after Tora opened the window.
“See you at seven at the restaurant, Honey…” Tora said with a wink.
Aoi just nodded and smiled. After that, he saw Tora waved at him before he closed the window again. Aoi saw as Tora drove his car away from the campus. After he made sure that Tora was nowhere around the campus, Aoi started to walk. Aoi looked at the motorbike parking area inside the campus yard. Aoi focused his view to certain spot in the parking area. Kai used to park his motorbike in only that spot. There, Aoi didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Feeling not too sure about it, Aoi looked at few meters around the spot. He still didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Kai didn’t go to the campus.
Aoi smiled. He felt so free that day. Aoi walked excitedly to his class. He really wanted to run. But since he still felt the pain a little, Aoi could only walk as fast as he could.
Aoi entered his class and immediately looked at the place where Reita usually sat. His smile was vanished when he didn’t saw Reita there. Slowly, Aoi stepped his feet to the seat and sat beside it. Aoi looked at the watch on his cellphone. Fifteen minutes left until the class started.
Aoi chose to wait. He smiled again. Soon, he could see Reita and he didn’t have to feel afraid of someone who might confront them both. At least, not for today.
*
Fifteen minutes passed by. Aoi tapped his finger on the table for getting impatient. The seat beside him was still empty. Aoi bit his lower lip. Reita never arrived at the campus that fast. But he never arrived late either. Or…was he late?
Aoi heard steps from outside the class. But Aoi had to postpone his happiness for the one he saw after that was not Reita. It was their lecturer who entered the class.
Maybe he’s just late… maybe Reita’s just late…
Aoi waited. Their class was already started ten minutes ago, but Reita still didn’t show up. Aoi’s heart started to beat faster. What made Reita didn’t come today? What’s happen with him? Did he wake up late? Did he didn’t get the earlier bus so he had to waited for the next bus? Or was Reita forgot about his book and had to go back home to took it?
There were too much questions popped up in Aoi’s mind. Aoi couldn’t think clearly, moreover if he must to concentrate to the class. He couldn’t wait until the class was over. In the end, Aoi groped his sling bag’s pocket and took Chizuru - his white cellphone that he secretly put it to his sling bag when Tora was in the bathroom when they’re still in Aoi’s apartment this morning - out from it.
Aoi sent an email to Reita. He waited for few minutes, but Reita didn’t reply his email. Was Reita still asleep? Thinking about the probability, Aoi decided to call Reita. Quietly Aoi lowered his position and put his cellphone onto his ear. In any case, Aoi still didn’t want the lecturer to find out that he’s calling someone during the class, right?
Aoi waited. He was agape with surprise when he heard Reita’s voice, but in a mailbox. A mailbox? Aoi thought. His cellphone is inactive? Aoi close his cellphone flip and wondered what was happening to Reita that time.
*
His first class that day was over. Aoi went out from the class quickly to called Reita gain. The result was just still the same: he still couldn’t reach Reita. His cellphone was shill inactive.
“What should I do now..?” Aoi asked to himself.
Aoi then checked the campus parking area again. He still didn’t see Kai’s motorbike. Apparently Kai really didn’t come to campus today. From there, when Aoi intended to get back to his class, he saw Uruha walked not far in front of him. He didn’t think twice before he called, “Uruha!”
The blonde stopped his step and turned his head to Aoi. He looked at Aoi that walked with difficulty. Uruha was a little curious about why Aoi need that great effort for just trying to approaching him.
“Hey, hey…” Uruha was bit panic when he saw Aoi tripped a little. “What happen? Are you alright?”
“I-I’m okay…” Aoi said as he tried to smile. “S-sorry… but… do you see Reita?”
“Hee..?” Uruha didn’t expect the question. “Why should you ask?”
“Eh..?” Right then, Aoi was the one who didn’t expect Uruha’s question. “W-what do you mean?”
Uruha looked at Aoi in more confused look. “Didn’t Reita tell you?”
Aoi was startled. “T-tell what?” Aoi was confused when Uruha looked at his surroundings. “What are you searching for?”
“Are you alone today?” Uruha asked with whispering voice.
“Y-yes…” Aoi answered it with still in confusion. Why Uruha should lower his voice?
Uruha sighed a relieved breathe. He looked at Aoi who was still looking at him; confused. “Are you sure, that Reita didn’t tell you anything?” Uruha repeated his question.
“No… Reita didn’t tell me anything…”
Uruha scratched his head. He looked at Aoi again and asked, “You still have class after this?”
“Yes. W-why..?”
“What time?”
“The class? It’ll start at about half an hour…”
“Good! We have enough time… oh!” Uruha lowered his voice again and asked, “Your lover’s cousin. Is he in campus today?”
Aoi was really confused with Uruha’s questions. “N-no… what’s wrong?”
Again, Uruha sighed a relieved breathe. “OK. Now, if you want to, we can talk at the cafeteria…”
*
At the cafeteria, Aoi and Uruha sat opposite each other. Aoi was just about to drink his hot coffee-mix - his third time in these two days - when Uruha said it. “Reita went to Kanagawa…”
Aoi looked at Uruha disbelievingly. “When..!?”
Uruha shook his head slowly. “So Reita really didn’t tell you anything, did he…” Uruha said. “He left this morning, Aoi…”
“W-what is he doing there?”
“I don’t know…” Uruha said as looked through the cafeteria window. “Reita didn’t say it clearly. He only said that his father needs him. That’s why Reita went straight home…”
“Oh… so that’s Reita’s hometown…” Aoi said slowly as he lowered his gaze. “Then… how long will Reita be there?”
“Soon after his matters with his father are over, Reita will be back… maybe… three or four days…”
“Three… or four days…!?” Aoi didn’t believe that he had to wait that long until he could see Reita again. It was just like letting his all-night-plan for meeting Reita today melt away in vain.
***+++...___...___...+++***
A/N: as always, comments and critics are sooo much luuuv~♥