“Kaoru!! KAORU!! STOP!!”

The purple head continued to thrash and scream blindly.

Suddenly, he felt a sharp, painful sting on his cheek.

He snapped his eyes open.  He felt his pajama shirt sticking to his back because of the amount of sweat.  His breathing was heavy, as if he just ran a marathon.  The purple head sat up slowly, still trembling from shock. He shook his head rigorously.

~It was a dream, Kaoru, only a dream…. ~

~Why…? Why am I having these dreams?~

~That was back then…this is now…~

“Kaoru, daijoubou?” a voice interrupted his thoughts.

Kaoru felt a warm, secure hand on his left one.  He slowly turned to his left and widened his eyes in surprise.

Toshiya sat beside him. The blue head had worry written all over his face. His eyes looked at Kaoru’s questioningly, hoping to get answers from his companion.

“Kaoru?” Toshiya whispered softly, unsure of what to say.

Kaoru looked at the blue head.  How long has it been since they last saw each other? Only one week, but it seemed like ages.

“Kaoru, are you OK? Kaoru-----?!?”

Before Toshiya could finish his question, his roommate abruptly pulled his arm and held him in a firm embrace.  At first, the younger man stiffened and gasped in surprise, but blushed furiously at such warm and intimate form of affection.

“Jesus Christ, Totchi!” Kaoru whispered. “Where the hell were you for the past week?”

Toshiya nervously rolled his eyes around. Why was Kaoru doing this? “A-ano…I was at Hakuei’s place ne…”

The purple head playfully hit him on the head. “Baka. You should have called.”

“I---well----“

“You got me so worried. I thought I was having a heart attack.”

“Sou ka?”  Is that why Kaoru was thrashing around and having nightmares? No, it seemed more personal than that. Why was Kaoru so worried? It wasn’t really his business to be worried. Nobody else in the dorm seemed to mind or question his actions. It was normal for him to stay over a lover’s place in lengthy intervals.

Suddenly, Toshiya felt guilty.  Kaoru was only worried about him because he cared.  It was cruel to take offense over someone who cared a lot.  He was sure everyone in the dormitory care about him, but he assumes everyone has their own way of showing it.

Toshiya could feel the purple head still trembling from the nightmare.  He wondered what could have happened to cause his roommate such hysteria.  The younger man slipped his arms around Kaoru’s slim waist and held him tighter.  Kaoru felt his friend embrace him.  Without thinking about it, he buried his head on Toshiya’s neck, startling the younger man.  Toshiya, though slightly uncomfortable, didn’t budge.  Giving his Kaoru comfort was the least he could do for him for being such a good……friend….. {MOU~! Messed up hormones, I tell ya!! ~Yk2}

Toshiya could smell Kaoru’s hair.

~How beautiful…~ he thought.

It was a sweet combination of cigarettes and coffee…

…..COFFEE???

Toshiya quickly broke up their warm embrace, surprising Kaoru.

“Gomen, Kaoru. I forgot I have to meet someone at the coffee shop.”

“Wha---? Coffee shop? You mean Oxley’s?”

“Gee, there aren’t any other coffee shops around campus, now, are there?” Toshiya grinned.

Kaoru smiled. Toshiya was now back to being the usual busy-body Toshiya.

The blue head quickly fixed his hair and fixed his choker.

“Do I look OK with this on?”

“Yeah.”

“But, I mean, there are wrinkles on this skirt. And does it make me look fat?”

“Totchi!! You look fine.”

“What? I just look ‘fine’? What happened to ‘Totchi, you look hot!’ or ‘wonderful’ or ‘SEXY’ for that matter?”

“Alright Totchi, you look really ugly in that outfit.” The purple head tried not to show his amusement.

“MOU~!” Toshiya hit him with a pillow.

The blue head straightened his black vinyl tanktop. The shirt was a little to tight and too skimpy for an innocent meeting at the coffee shop on a breezy autumn morning…..

“You going to see Hakuei, aren’t you?”

“Huh? Oh! Yeah, I’m gonna see my honey.”

 Kaoru made a face. “I still don’t understand what you see in that guy!”

Toshiya stuck his tongue out. “Just because he called you a Rat Face---“

“Ack! Stop! Don’t say that!”

Toshiya giggled. It felt good to see that Kaoru was feeling much better. “Look, Rat Face, I’m late, so I don’t have time to argue.”

Kaoru frowned.

Toshiya got up from the bed too quickly, then hissed in pain. He forgot his rear end was still sore from the night before. Toshiya winced. He didn’t think Hakuei was that rough…

Kaoru jumped up. “Totchi! Are you OK?”

“I’m OK. I’m OK.” Toshiya flashed a smile and hopped to grab his coat.

“But Totchi---“ Kaoru said uncertainly, watching Toshiya limp painfully.  He winced as he wondered how hard Hakuei fucked with his roommate.

“I’m OK. Really!”

Toshiya walked---er, limped to Kaoru and wrapped Kaoru’s blanket around the purple head. “You’re still trembling a little. Keep yourself warm and wrapped up. If I come back early, I’ll bring you coffee. And you stay out of trouble, alright?”

“Demo---“

“Promise I’ll call.” Toshiya winked before he disappeared out the door.

*****

Hours later…….

Toshiya tapped his newly painted fingernails on the table.

~Where. Is. He.?!!!~

He checked his wrist watch for the fiftieth time.  9:45 am. Hakuei was 45 minutes late! He whipped out his cell phone and dialed his lover’s number.

“Hello. The sexy irrisistable Hakuei is unavailable right now, so please leave a message after the---“

Toshiya hung up.

Damn answering machine. He had already left four messages. He was getting more and more fidgety and nervous from anticipation. He really really wanted to see Hakuei again, despite the fact that he saw Hakuei just yesterday. He couldn’t believe he is so……in love? He scratched his head. For some odd reason, it didn’t’ sound right. Well, whatever it is, everywhere he went, he wanted to be with his lover. Anything that concerned Hakuei made him ever so nervous.  Toshiya even wore his tight leather skirt with the slit on the side because Hakuei said it looks good on him.

Suddenly, someone tapped him on the shoulder. Toshiya, expecting it to be Hakuei, turned around with a bright beam on his face.

“What’s that smile for?”

Toshiya’s smile faded to a frown. “Hamasaki-san desu ka?”

In front of him wasn’t Hakuei, but it was that gossiping sorority bitch Hamasaki Ayumi.

Ayumi rolled her eyes. “What do you want?”

“Shouldn’t that be my question?”

Ayumi didn’t answer. She tapped her pencil on a pad of paper. Toshiya didn’t notice before, but Ayumi wore a white collared shirt with a matching white skirt. She wore a bright pink-checkered apron tied to a bow in the back.  It was Oxley Caf?’s typical fruity uniform. Masaka….

Toshiya restrained his laughter by gripping the side of the table.  The little ‘I-am-so-awesome-at-singing’ girl was working as a waitress!! The girl probably failed another quarter of music class and had to retake it again, so she needed money to pay for tuition.

“Well! Ayumi! It’s so nice to see you anyway!”

“Very nice to see you too.” She said sarcastically. “Now tell me what you want before I mutilate your pretty little face up.”

“This isn’t very good customer satisfaction, now, is it?”

“Shut it, gayboy!”

Toshiya felt anger well up in his chest. He opened his mouth to retort, but was cut off by someone.

“Hey, part-timer! Get to work!!”

Toshiya and Ayumi both turned to see a guy clad in an Oxley Caf? manager outfit.

“Shinya-san {from LS ~Yk2}!!” Toshiya beamed and gave a wave.

“Oi! Toshiya-chan? ‘sashiburi desu ne!” The manager of the Caf? walked over to Toshiya’s table. “Eh? You’re never here during the weekends, is something up?”

“No. No.  Just waiting on someone.” Toshiya replied, smirking at Ayumi then turning back to the older man. ”I haven’t seen you in a while. Have you been busy?”

“Hai. Hai. They really need help in the kitchen.” Shinya (LS) nodded. “The business is doing great.  If things go like this for a while, I will be able to open up another Caf? right across town.”

“Wow! That’s nice to hear. I hope you won’t be leaving us though.” Toshiya gave a sexy grin.

“Oh! I would never leave my lovely Toshiya! You always give me good business here.” The older man smiled. “I need to go now, but order anything you want. It’s on me.”

“Arigatou gozai masu, Shinya-san.”

Ayumi rolled her eyes. “What’ll it be?”

“Hmm…”

Toshiya scanned the menu, but couldn’t decide on what to order.  Suddenly, he heard Shinya (LS) talking to someone seated behind him.

“Hey, buddy! How’s it going?” a voice greeted.

“Real great.” Shinya (LS) replied cheerfully. “Wow! You’re by yourself today?”

“Yep.” The person sighed. “He’s always so busy and doesn’t have enough time for me.” The person whined cutely {---Is that possible? ^^ ~Yk2}.

Shinya (LS) gave a hearty laugh. “Well, that’s Hakuei for you. Now if you’ll excuse me.”

Toshiya dropped the menu. Did he just mention Hakuei? The person’s voice rang through his ears over and over again.

~……He’s always so busy and doesn’t have enough time for me…..~

Impossible.  Hakuei was seeing HIM and no one else.  Maybe he was jumping to conclusions. Toshiya turned around, hoping to catch a glimpse of that person.

To the blue head’s dismay, the seat behind him was already empty.

 Ayumi watched confusedly as Toshiya suddenly turned to the seat behind him.  Toshiya turned back around then whipped out his cell phone, hastily dialing a number.  The blue head hung up and checked his watch.  He sighed.

 “Hey, are you going to order or not?”

 Toshiya looked up. Ayumi was startled to see him slightly shaken.

 “Hey, did you hear me?”

 Toshiya apparently wasn’t listening.  “Who was behind me a while ago?”

“Eh? A customer. How should I know?”

Toshiya pressed his lips together, thinking.  Suddenly, he hurriedly picked up his purse and shoved Ayumi out of the way, running out of the caf? and ignoring the soreness of his behind.

Ayumi pouted. “He didn’t even give me a tip.”

“Sumimasen.” A voice behind Ayumi said.

“Ah! Gomen!” Ayumi stepped aside, letting the customer sit back down on the seat behind where Toshiya was sitting.

“I think one of your faucets in the restroom is leaking.” The person informed the waitress.

“Sou desu ka? We’ll have it fixed right away.” Ayumi walked over to the counter, watching the customer sip his coffee, then moving her eyes to where Toshiya was sitting, then moved over to Toshiya’s running figure outside the caf?.

Ayumi may suck at singing, but she was not stupid.  In fact, she was far from stupid.

Out of nowhere, Ayumi gave one sly, frosty smile.

*****

Toshiya ran until the pain on his rear end could take no more.  He leaned against the wall and slumped to the floor, trying to catch his breath.  Deep in his heart, he was hurting. He wanted to cry. But what kept him from doing so is speculation.

~Yes, speculation. You’re speculating too much, Toshiya! You’re so stupid.~

Toshiya gripped his purse and squeezed his eyes shut.  He cried easily and he knew that, but he promised himself not to cry or get head-over-heels over somebody ever again.  All his previous lovers weren’t exactly the nicest people.  Most of them ended up pretty badly. But he didn’t want to give in.

The blue head looked at his reflection on a window right across form him.  Despite dressing up all nice, his face looked like crap.  Maybe it’s him.  Maybe there was something wrong with him.  Was he too desperate? Too na?ve? Too optimistic? Too….stupid?

Toshiya shook his head hard. ~ Don’t think too much. Like you said. This is all speculation.  Just put a smile on your face because Hakuei is YOUR Hakuei. Understand?~

Toshiya pasted a very fake smile then took a few deep breaths.

~That person in the caf? is only Hakuei’s friend….only Hakuei’s friend….friend….friend….~

Feeling a lot better, he stretched his arms out and continued to walk on the sidewalk.

~Damn! I forgot my coffee!!~ Toshiya pouted.~ I even forgot to buy Kao-Kao one too!~

The thought suddenly worried him.  He wondered if Kaoru was OK.  It was so scary.  That morning, he was having his usual two hour make-up-fixing session when suddenly Kaoru began yelling like crazy.  Toshiya shuddered. He really wanted to ask Kaoru what he dreamt about, but Toshiya suppressed his curiosity.  Whatever the nightmare was about had to be painful….and personal. Toshiya didn’t have the heart to ask.  Besides, it was invasion of privacy.  He already buggs Kaoru enough.

Toshiya stopped by a shop and looked at the display on the glass. His eyes widened.

~KAKKOI!!!~ Toshiya thought.

Normally, he would look at the new jewelry displayed in that particular store, but his time, he was looking at something else.

The blue head ran into the store and asked the employee to give him the item on display.

The sales clerk handed it to Toshiya. “It’s a little expensive, but it’s an original handmade item.  You’re very lucky. It’s the last one left.”

“I’ll take it!” Toshiya exclaimed. He was too happy to think about the price tag. Besides, it was for someone else. Toshiya shoved the bills to the sales lady’s hand and bolted out the door with his purchase.

Toshiya beamed excitedly.  He held up the purple and blue dreamcatcher he just bought and watched the little gems gleam from the sunlight.

~So beautiful !~

 “OoooOOoo! What’s that?”

 Toshiya turned around, but saw nobody.

 “>_<!! ~MOU~! Down here, Toshiya!!”

 Toshiya looked down and saw Kyo, scowling.  Toshiya giggled. “Aww…gomen Kyo. I didn’t see you there.”

 “Shut up, Mr. Long Legs.”

 “Ohayo, Toshiya!”

 Toshiya looked and saw Levin and Hyde right behind Kyo. “Gomen, you guys. I guess the air up here is cloudier than the air down there.” (Insert evil anime laugh).

 Kyo and Hyde: “>_<****!!!”

 Levin: “Huh?”

 “SO, I hear you guys got a new roommate.”

 “Oh!” Levin replied. “You mean Shinya-san?”

 “You mean the Mute One.” Kyo snickered.

 Toshiya raised his eyebrow.

 Hyde rubbed his eyes. Obviously he just got up from bed. “Yeah! He doesn’t talk at all. He’s scary.”

 “Dude. Yesterday I sat down and tallied his words. He said 6 words to me the entire day!” Kyo said.

 “He’s not that bad.” Levin said.

 “Come on, Levin.” Kyo rolled his eyes. “Shinya obviously favors you.”

 “No he doesn’t.”

 “Yes he does! You always have that kawaii innocent attitude about you. Of course he likes you better!”

 “Do not!”

 “Do too!”

 “Do not! Do not! Do not!”

 Toshiya *sweatdrop*. “Ano…guys, where you headed?”

 Hyde yawned. “We’re having math problems. So we’re going to see ‘the Engineers’.”

 “Engineers?”

 “Hai. You know, that group of smart asses that always break the curve.” {There’s always that one group in every college, ne? ><~Yk2}

 “Oh! You mean Akira, Tadashi, Takashi, and Ryutaro? {heehee. Plastic Tree….as engineers? ^^;  ~Yk2}.  Toshiya laughed. “Just because their engineers doesn’t mean they have all the answers. Why don’t you ask your T.A. {T.A., you know, Teaching Assistants.  Those ppl. Who teach recitation and help the professors in college…. You do know what I’m talking about, right?  ~Yk2}.”

 Kyo gave Toshiya a murderous look. “Sorry to burst your bubble, Toshiya, but our Math TA happens to be Sugizo.  Do you really think we can learn anything in that class?”

 Toshiya tried to hide his smile. “My, my. But it must be enjoyable watching Sugizo flirt with all the students and professors, ne?”

 Hyde whined. “But it’s not fair! I wanna pass too! Why couldn’t we be lucky like Levin here and get Inoran as our Math TA.  Everyone else from that recitation got good grades!”

 “Yeah! Look at what I got on the last quiz!” Kyo took out a paper with a big ‘F’ on it.  On the side was a comment that said: ‘Better luck next time, baby.’ There was a bright red lip mark on the side of the comment.

 Toshiya started laughing. “I think he’s coming on to you, Kyo!”

 Kyo grumbled. “I’m not feeling any support here.  Let’s go, guys!”

 Hyde shook his head and followed Kyo while Levin looked confused, trying to catch up to his other roommates.

*****

 Kaoru rubbed his eyes wearily and set his pencil down.  His head hurt from studying the past four hours.  Not only that, but his stomach has been growling uncontrollably.  He was so busy studying he forgot about his hunger.  And where’s Toshiya? Wasn’t he supposed to bring back coffee? Why hasn’t he called? Dammit. He’s probably fucking Hakuei again!  As if his ass isn’t grounded enough already.

 Knock. Knock.

 Kaoru frowned. He didn’t really want visitors at this time.  He really needed to study, especially since Takeo is also in his chemistry class, so the curve won’t be much of a help.  It’s probably Toshiya, unable to open the door because of the amount of shopping bags he’s carrying.

 Knock. Knock.

 “Coming! Coming!!”

 Kaoru got up from his study table and padded over to the door.  He swung it open.  He was about ready to yell, thinking it was Toshiya at the door.  But the purple head stopped.  Instead of seeing Toshiya’s mischievous grin, he was greeted by a pair of pretty green eyes.

 “Shinya?” Kaoru said in surprise.

Kyo had his hand on his chin. He was absently looking into space and his eyes were drooping.  God, he wanted to go to sleep.  Hyde was nodding his head intently, listening to the Plastic Tree guys explain the math material.  Hyde listened, but after the explanation was done, he’d forget everything.  Levin sat beside him, reading an Archie comic book and laughing to himself.  Besides that, the entire library was way too quiet.  It made Kyo feel all the more sleepier.

 He glanced at the Plastic Tree guys.  Even if Kyo listened, he wouldn’t understand anything.  They explained in such technical high level terms it caused more confusion that help.  No wonder Die refused to go with them to seek Plastic Tree’s help.  But Kyo went anyway.  He didn’t care about not comprehending the material, he was just there for the answers.  {Kyo… ^^ ~Yk2}  Kyo could go to Koji, who is good with numbers {Well, duh, he’s in finance. ~Yk2}, but Koji would cleverly snitch his money somehow.  Kirito and Aiji are also pretty good in math, but their constant fondling would break up anyone’s concentration.  Takeo is an excellent tutor, but he’s also one very busy pre-med student.

 Suddenly, Kyo heard Plastic Tree begin to argue over a math problem.

 “No. That’s not right!” Akira protested, standing up.

 Tadashi frowned. “But the Intermediate----“

 “Screw that Theorem!!”

 “Without that Theorem, the function cannot exist!” explained Takashi heatedly.

 “Yes it can! Look at the graph!”

 “The graph doesn’t make sense!”

 “What are you talking about??!” Akira grabbed Kyo’s homework packet from Takashi’s hand.

 “Guys, I’m confused.” Hyde complained.

 “Akira, I’ve got a headache.” Ryutaro whined, pulling his koi’s sleeve. “I think I’m going to throw up.”

 “Taro-chan, why don’t you take one of those pills of yours.” Akira then turned around and began arguing with the other guys.

 “Demo, Akira!”

 Akira continued to ignore Ryutaro.

 Ryutaro looked like he was going to puke.  The boy stood up. “Akira! You have the key to the apaato! I left my pills there! NE! Akira!!”

 Akira slammed Kyo’s packet of homework on the table. “WHAT DO YOU WANT!!!?!?!?”

 The whole library stopped.  Everyone turned to stare at their table.  Kyo slumped down on his seat and put his hood up in embarrassment.  Hyde, Takashi, and Tadashi just scooted their chairs as far away from the couple as possible.  Levin looked around and scratched his head confusedly.

 Ryutaro winced as Akira gave him a murderous glare.  Then Ryutaro’s pretty lips began to tremble.

 “Uh-oh.” Tadashi whispered.

 “Hiddoi!!” Ryutaro cried and ran away from the table.

 “Taro-chan! Matte!” Akira quickly ran after Ryutaro.

 Ryutaro ran blindly around the large library building.  He does’nt know how, but somehow he ended up huddling in the corner of a restroom.  The man hugged his knees to his chest and sobbed quietly, not bothering to wipe his tears away.

 That baka!! Baka! Baka! BAKA!

 Then he heard the restroom door open.

 “Taro-chan!!”

 Ryutaro turned his head away and sniffed. “Go away!”

 “Look, Taro-chan---“

 “Don’t speak! You don’t know what you’re saying!” {Eeks! Sounds like No Doubt!!  ~Yk2}

 Akira sat down beside his lover and reached to cup Ryutaro’s face.  “Gomen, Taro-chan. You know how I get…”

 “I know.” Ryutaro whispered.

 Akira used his thumb to wipe his lover’s tears away. “Taro-chan…I’m very sorry…”

 Ryutaro looked at his lover’s eyes.  So beautiful.  Ryutaro couldn’t help but let a single tear drop.

 “Taro-chan…please don’t cry…” He knitted his eyebrows together.  It hurt to see his love in pain, but he himself didn’t know how to handle Ryutaro’s tears.  His koi looked so hurt…. He wrapped his arms around Ryutaro tightly, then kissed his forehead gently.  “Please forgive me…I can be such an idiot.”

 “I know.” Ryutaro said with a  tiny smile.  He buried his face in Akira’s chest.

 The bathroom door suddenly opened and the couple snapped their heads up.

 “Well, well. What do we have here?”

 A group of young students clad in Abercombie {I had to crack on Abercombie too ^___^  ~Yk2} shirts stood in front of them.

 The couple stood up slowly, glancing at the faces of the group.  Akira and Ryutaro recognized them as members of the Sigma Alpha Johnny’s, the preppiest and most popular fraternity in the large university.

 Akira held Ryutaro’s hand tightly and stepped in front of his love protectively.  He put a fake smile on. “We’re just leaving now, right, Taro-chan?”

 “H-hai.” Ryutaro nodded nervously.

 By now, the group has surrounded them.

 “Sorry, no can do.” Miyake {One of the V6 guys ^^;  ~Yk2} replied. “Say, aren’t you one of those engineer nerds?”

 “I am an engineer, yes, but I’m not sure about the nerd part.” Akira answered hurriedly. “I’d love to chat, but gotta go!”

 “Hold it! Hold it!” another guy, whose name is Inohara {OK, so everyone in here right now is in V6. Gyah! I cant believe I know their names >.<!! ~Yk2} said. “That is the dork that broke the damn curve!”

 Akira nodded. “Yeah, yeah.  Now if you’ll excuse us---“

 “Why are you in such a hurry?” Morita asked, circling the couple and eyeing them suspiciously.  Ryutaro scooted closer to Akira and gazed at the floor.  He didn’t like the way the guy was looking at him.

 “Look guys, we shouldn’t be doing this.” Nagano said.  He is part of the fraternity, but he didn’t like causing anybody any harm.  “They didn’t do anything wrong---.”

 “Shut up, Nagano!” Miyake snapped.

 “And how’d a nerd like you end up with a hot chick in the men’s room, huh?” Morita barked.

 Akira pursed his lips. “Ryutaro’s a guy!”

 Okada laughed. “That’s bullshit!  You’re just trying to get away with the cutie!”

 “Seriously, I AM a GUY!” Ryutaro said.

 “Well, babe.”  Morita coaxed. “There’s only one way to find out…” He licked his lips then winked at Ryutaro.

 Akira glared.  He knew what they were planning to do to Ryutaro.  He had to get him out of the restroom, fast! The group of boys are in a semicircle.  The couple had two options of exiting: The window and the door.  The window is to their right, but they are on the fourth floor of the building.  The door is in the front, but is blocked by the circle.

 Akira looked back and forth between the door and window. ~Dammit!~ He thought. ~Only one way to get out of this mess!~

 Akira gathered up all his strength, then balled his hand into a fist.  To the frat boys’s surprise, the ‘engineer dork’ ran up and struck Morita in the face, sending the boy down on the floor with a bloody nose.

 “Taro-chan, RUN!”

 “Demo…”

 “JUST RUN, DAMMIT!!”

 Ryutaro gave a reluctant nod and ran out the door before the group could react.

 Akira rubbed his fist. He was sure he broke Morita’s nose.  Serves him right. “What are you staring at? Didn’t think an engineer could knock someone out?”

 Morita got up, wiping the blood off his swollen nose.  The frat boys winced.

 Sakamoto stepped forward. “You bastard! No one does that to Sigma Alpha Johnny’s!”

 Akira smirked. “Well, I just did!”

 Morita scowled. “That’s it, smart ass. You’re gonna get it big time!!!”

*****

 Kaoru and Shinya walked across the cement sidewalk, which was carpeted with the red autumn leaves.  The breeze was cooler than the past few weeks and the days are finally getting shorter.  Winter was coming soon.  The purple head glanced at his quiet companion.  He really needed to go study, but Shinya had asked him to check his music composition for him. Kaoru couldn’t say no, especially when those innocent green eyes gazed pleadingly at his.

 “Ne, Shinya,” Kaoru started. “I thought you already turned in your big music composition last week.”

 “This is just for fun.” Shinya quietly replied.  “I really love composing.  I hope to write music as my career someday.”

 “Understandable.  I occasionally strum meaningless guitar chords just for fun. Since you’re a music major, how do you practice your sheets?”

 “Oh, I have a electronic keyboard in the dorm.”

 “How do you manage to keep that away from Kyo, Hyde, and Levin?”

 Shinya giggled. “I put it on top of the cabinet. Anyone their height wouldn’t be able to see it.”

 Kaoru laughed. “How clever.”

 Shinya’s laughter died down and he said, “Ne Kaoru.”

 “Nani?”

 Shinya played with his fingers. “Ano…I have a question.”

 “Ok.”

 “Well,” he began. “Let’s say you have someone you really really look up to….and you really really admire….and you really really want to be like him….”

 “Uh-huh…”

 “But you don’t know how to get his attention…”

 “Then talk to him.”

 “No. no. It’s not that simple… you see, I’m really timid, but deep down in my heart, I really want him to know how much I ….. appreciate ….. him.” Shinya blushed after he said those words.  He didn’t know how to word his thoughts without Kaoru being suspicious of his crush on Yoshiki.

 Shinya was surprised to see Kaoru give him a sad smile.  “Shinya, if there’s someone you admire, and someone you really appreciate being with, you ought to convey your thoughts into your actions.” Kaoru looked up at the grey sky.  He had a faraway look on his face, as if he was thinking of something distant.  “But not only your actions, Shinya, but also in your words.  Tell him how you feel.”

 “But, I get so nervous…”

 “I understand how you feel. When I said to tell him, it doesn’t mean to physically open you mouth and say it.  You are the type of person that expresses your thought into music, then express how you feel about him through that outlet.”

 Shinya pouted. “I’m not sure if he’d notice…”

 “Well, Shinya.  It doesn’t matter what method you use to convey your feelings, but whatever you do, never keep this inside yourself.  No matter what, inform the person. Because you never know when the next time?or if there ever is another next time---you will see your idol again….ne?”

 Shinya stared at Kaoru, but didn’t say anything.  He merely smiled and nodded his head.

 They walked a few more minutes in silence.  Soon they passed the University Library, but was interrupted by Kyo running up to them.

 “KAORU!!” Kyo yelled on top of his lungs.

 Kyo looked like he was in panick.

 “Kyo! What’s wrong? Did something happen??”

 Kaoru waited until the shorter man could catch his breath. “Akira….(huff, huff) …Akira…”

 “What about Akira? Kyo, answer me!”

 Kyo shook his head violently.

 Shinya was confused.

 “KYO!!!” Kaoru screamed. He was getting really really worried.

 Without another word, Kyo grabbed Kaoru’s hand and dragged him up to the library’s fourth floor restroom. Shinya followed them.  Kaoru saw Tadashi, Takashi, Levin, and Hyde in there, all four were panicking and not knowing what to do.  Ryutaro was in the center of the bathroom floor, holding a beat up Akira.

 “Akira-kun! Wake up! Please!” Ryutaro sobbed.

 Kaoru turned to Kyo. “Quick! Call an ambulance!”

 Kyo shook his head. “We can’t! The Sigma Alpha Johnny’s did this! We can’t!”

 “WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE CAN’T??!”

 “Kaoru, I can’t explain right now! I dragged you here because you’re a pre-med student! PLEASE do something!”

 Kaoru shoved people out of the way and inspected Akria’s body. Then he sighed in relief. “He’s alright.  He just fainted.”

 Ryutaro sobbed. “It’s all my fault.”

 Kaoru shook his head. “It’s nothing serious. He has a few bruises and cuts.  Probably a big bump on the head. I think his leg’s broken too. ”

 Takashi growled. “It’s all those Johnny’s preps fault!”

 “Look, people! Stop thinking of whose to blame!! Right now, it’s important that we get Akira out of here!” Kaoru yelled.

 Tadashi spoke up. “That’s right.” He tossed Takashi his keys. “Takashi, go get the car. We’re going to my place. It’s closest to here.” He turned to the others.” Kyo, Ryutaro, and Kaoru, we’re gonna carry Akira to the car and make sure no one gets suspicious.” He turned to Shinya. “And, um,…ano…..”

 “Shinya desu.”

 “Ah, yah. Shinya. I don’t have ice packs at home. Could you grab some ice from the convenient store. I live in the apartment across from it.”

 “Hai.”

 Levin raised his hand. “What about me?”

 Tadashi looked at Levin. “Pray.”

 “I don’t understand why we have to keep this to ourselves!” Kaoru protested while helping lift Akira. “Why can’t we call the authorities?”

 Tadashi glared heatedly at Kaoru. The purple head thought his eyes were burning holes on his. “You’d better not tell the authorities about this.” Tadashi hissed. “ Akira’s our friend and we don’t want him hurt any more than this, you got that?”

 Kaoru gulped. “Hai….” Though he still doesn’t understand.

What is so intimidating about the Sigma Alpha Johnny’s Fraterinty?

Die rang the doorbell.  He stood outside Ryutaro and Tadashi’s apartment.  Ryutaro answered the door.

 “Ryutaro! Are you alright?” Die asked, entering.

 “I’m fine.” Ryutaro smiled and lead Die across the apaato.  Practically every student from Diety hall came and visited Akira, who was a former Diety Hall resident.

 “Is Akira---?”

 “Akira’s doing great! He only has cuts, bruises, and a broken leg, but nothing fatal.”

 Inside Akira’s room, there were so many people it seemed more like a party than a sick-bed visitation.  People were watching a game on the television, and others were playing a computer game on Akira’s crappy Macintosh. Lord knows why he has a “Mac-in-trash”.

 “Die! You came!” Akira was sitting up on his bed.

Jun and Takeo were wrapping a cast on his leg.  “Hi Die!” They simultaneously greeted.

Die nodded. “Hey guys!” He held up a paper bag then gave it to Akira. “Got you some Champaign for your pains.”

“Die, you didn’t have to!” Akira protested.

“C’mon, man! I insist.” Die placed the bottle on the table next to the bed. “So, what the hell happened?”

“It was Johnny’s…” Akira replied.

Die pressed his lips into a frustrated line. “Those bastards.”

Kaoru raised his hand. “Ano…why can’t we inform the police about this?”

Die sighed. “The biggest problem is that this is the Johnny’s fraternity we’re dealing with. They are the preppiest, most popular, and richest students in this whole school.  They have means and money to twist the facts fo that they are not to blame.  If we tell the authorities, they’d surely make it sound like Akira was the one who harassed them.”

Kaoru clenched his hand into a fist. “This is ridiculous! There has to be some way of getting back at them!”

“Money talks, Kaoru! You can’t beat them with something we don’t have.” Die said.

“But this isn’t right! Why don’t we all go to campus police? They’d surely listen to all of us.” Kaoru insisted.

“Kaoru!”

Kaoru turned to face Akira.

“Domo arigatou.” Akira said with a soft smile.

“What for?”

Akira continued. “You have a good idea suggesting to go to campus police.  I appreciate your enthusiasm to do what’s right.”

“No problem.”

“But please stop contemplating on those losers!”

Kaoru blinked. It was ridiculous.  In his high school, there were poor, middle-class, as well as rich students, but nobody had advantage over anyone.  Everyone was treated fairly. “But they deserve---“

“They deserve nothing!”

Kaoru silenced.

Akira took a deep breath. “I understand this is your first quarter at college.  Kaoru, no offense, but you still have a lot to learn.  Revenge won’t do us any good.  It would cause more grief than satisfaction.   Deep down, I want to punch the living shit out of those jerks, but up here…” He pointed to his head. “…I knew I had more important things to worry about.  I know you’re a pre-med student, so focus your energies on that as I focus my energies on getting my engineering degree and taking care of Taro-chan.”

Ryutaro blushed.

Kaoru said. “What if they strike again?”

Akira gave a low chuckle. “That group is like a matchstick.  They don’t burn unless someone strikes it with friction.  I was pissed and cocky, so look what happened to me.  I could’ve gotten away without consequences if I used my head. Don’t fret, Kaoru.  Those guys are sleezy, and they like to pick on people, but they won’t kill anyone.”

“It’s still not fair.”

“Life is never fair.” Akira shrugged. “But think about it.  Once these boys graduate and go off to the real world, who do you think would have a better and happier life: some hard-working student like you, or spoiled-shitless brats like them? Besides, when they graduate, you will never encounter these people again.”

Kaoru nodded his head in amazement. “Wow! You make good points there!”

Akira laughed. “I’ve been hanging out with Takeo too much.”

“And what is that supposed to mean?” Takeo frowned.

Jun giggled.

“Die-kun,” Akira called out. “Can you put the wine in the fridge?”

Die gave a salute. “Aye, aye, sir!”

Outside Akira’s room, Ryutaro went out to let more visitors into the apartment.

“Sumimasen. I brought more icepacks at the store.” Shinya entered the apartment.

“Ah, Shinya-san.” Ryutaro beamed. “Arigatou gozai masu. Could you put it in the fridge over there. Onegaishimasu.”

Shinya nodded. Amazingly enough, the Johnny’s incident has caused him to meet several people from Diety hall.  His introvert personality has not necessarily achieved him close friends, but his list of acquaintances has grown incredibly.  He was surprised at how close everyone in one dormitory building is.  Shinya squeezed his way through the crowd.  When he finally reached the fridge, he opened the freezer door hastily and put the icebag in.

“ITTAI~!”

Shinya had accidentally hit someone when he opened the freezer door.  “Sumimasen!!’ Shinya exclaimed and quickly rushed over to help the person, but stopped when he saw a familiar ball of red hair .

The red head was rubbing the back of his head, cursing to himself.

“Oh FUCK! Would you watch it with the door?!”

Shinya narrowed his eyes into slits. “And you’d better watch your mouth!”

Die snapped his head up, startled. “It’s you!” he gasped.

Shinya rolled his eyes. “I’m leaving.”

“No wait! WAIT!” With lightning speed, he ran up and blocked the younger man’s way. “Why don’t you stay a little longer? We’re having wine later.”

“No thank you. I have to go back to the dorm.”

Die frowned. “But everyone in Diety Hall is here.  The dormitory is empty.”

“Good. Then I’ll have some peace.”

“It’s not safe to go by yourself.”

“I’m leaving.” Shinya hurriedly shoved people out of the way.

Die tried to keep up with Shinya.  Shinya finally got out of the apartment door and sighed in relief.  He was about to walk down the stairs when someone called out. “Shinya-san!” Shinya would have turned his heel and ran, but he knew the voice belonged to Levin.

“Yes, Levin. I have things to do.”

Levin blinked his big sad eyes (;_;). “You’re leaving me??”

Shinya let out a long breath.  He couldn’t leave his ‘baby’ alone.  He slowly trudged back to the apartment.

Die finally got through the crowd, but grinned when he saw Shinya come back in. “Glad you decided to stay. “ He said.

‘It’s not because of you.” The younger man snapped. ~GOD! How do I get rid of this guy?!~

 “Everyone’s passing drinks right now. Want one?”

 “I’ll get it myself. “ Shinya replied. “Let’s go, Levin.”

Die followed them as they made their way to the dinner table. “Are you always this testy?”

~MOU~! >< Leave me alone!!~  “Only when I see you.” Shinya said coldly. He took a cup and chugged it down, trying to relieve his annoyance.

Die smiled. “That’s good. You look cute when you’re agitated.”

Shinya choked on his drink, then felt his face grow hot with anger and shyness. “I’m not cute!”

“Yes you are.” Die put his hands under his chin and stared at Shinya. “It makes you so enjoyable to look at.”

Shinya flushed. “Don’t look at me like that!”

Levin, who was eating pizza beside the red head, tugged on Die’s sleeve. “Ne. Ne. I’m thirsty.”

Without taking his eyes off Shinya, Die handed Levin the closest drink he could find.

Shinya’s eyes windened in realization.  “Hey! Levin! You can’t drink that!”

Die raised an eyebrow. “Levin’s old enough, he can drink it.”

Levin looked at the large mug of golden-yellow liquid. “Ano, Die-san, what is this?”

Shinya piped up. “Levin, don’t drink that! It’s---“

“---Apple Juice!” Die replied with a grin.

“COOL!” Without further ado, the short man chugged the whole mugfull.

Shinya was in panick. “You red-headed imbicile! He’s not supposed to have that!”

“Levin’s not underaged or anything.”

“Yes! But---he’s---he’s---LEVIN!”

“Here, Levin-chan!” Die grabbed another mug of beer.

“NO!” Shinya jumped up and attempted to take the mug from Die, but Die quickly moved it away.

“C’mon, I think Levin wants some more, ne, Levin-chan??”

“ *hic* Die-san! *hic* That apple juice was goo….berry…goo…” Levin slurred then giggled cutely.

“See?” Die grinned.

 Shinya clenched his fist. Die was testing his patience, and those mocking/teasing eyes are really pissing him off.

Die grinned even wider. “Am I pissing you off?”

Shinya spoke through gritted teeth. “As a matter of fact, you are.”

He reached over again and tried to get the mug away. Unfortunately, Die was too fast. The red head swiftly swung the mug to his left as Shinya stumbled toward empty space.  The action was so fast that the next thing Shinya knew, strong muscular arms steadied him and soft lips brushed his cheek. Shinya widened his eyes and pushed the grinning red head away. He put a hand on his cheek as his face turned crimson.  The kiss was quick, but left a burning imprint on the younger man’s cheek.

The younger man saw Die’s teasing eyes and recovered from shock to annoyance.

“I.  HATE.  YOU. “ He sneered then stalked out of the apartment.

Die watched him walk away and swung an arm around a *berry* drunk Levin.  The red head sighed. “Y’know what, Levin? I think he likes me.”

Kaoru opened his eyes. It was early Monday morning, and amazingly enough, he woke up not grouchy and not dreary. The purple head got up and started picking out clothes.  The door opened suddenly.

“Eh? You’re awake!” Toshiya exclaimed, setting down coffee on the table.

Kaoru felt his forehead. “I hope I’m not coming down with anything.”

“I know why you’re awake this morning!” Toshiya grinned.

“Huh? Why?”

“Didn’t you notice anything hanging on your bed’s headboard?”

Kaoru looked at the headboard and picked up the dreamcatcher. “Is this yours, Totchi?”

“No. It’s for you!” The blue head grinned. “You like it?”

“Ano…what is this thing?”

“MOU!!~! ><!” Toshiya grabbed the dreamcatcher from Kaoru. “This. Is. A. Dream. Catcher. Get it?”

“…oh…”

“It’s supposed to catch bad dreams, so you can only have good dreams and sleep well.”

“Really? Like how?”

Toshiya hit him on the head. “Oh my lord!! And you’re supposed to be a pre med student???!?!”

“Ahh~! Gomen! Gomen! But thanks a bunch anyway. Where’d you get it?”

“I got it yesterday morning at the Mystical Store. After that, I ended up shopping every store on High Street.”

Kaoru blinked. “Weren’t you supposed to spend the day with Hakuei?”

Toshiya froze then his face fell. Truth was, Hakuei never called back, nor did he pick up the phone the entire day.

 “Look, Totchi. Forget I said anything---.”

“It’s OK.” Toshiya took a deep breath and produced a sad smile. “Hakuei stood me up. I called his place over and over and over again.  I left him a message, but he never called the whole day…” Toshiya bit his lip, which started trembling. “And then…” He gazed down at his feet. “…then….”

~Uh-oh…~ Kaoru bit his lip. “Totchi. You don’t have to tell me…”

Toshiya felt his eyes water and his voice start to shake.  “Then someone who sat behind me at Oxley’s…he was complaining about Hakuei not spending enough time with him…”

Kaoru placed a hand on Toshiya’s shoulder. “Totchi…” He grabbed some Kleenex from the table and gently wiped a few years that were threatening to fall.

The younger man sniffed.

“Totchi, just think about the situation. That person could be anybody to Hakuei, ne? He’s a busy guy too.  Maybe there was an emergency situation to deal with; maybe he never got your messages.  Or maybe he arrived right after you left the caf?.”

Toshiya stopped and looked at Kaoru. “Hountou?” he whispered.

“It’s a possibility.” Kaoru nodded. “But don’t stress over it.  I’m sure he’ll call you.  Besides, you’re ruining your make-up.”

Toshiya smiled. He was so grateful Kaoru became his roommate.  He is so sweet, gentle, and caring.  Despite the fact that he’s workaholic, he always made the blue head smile.  He helped him with homework and whenever he was in trouble, the purple head would stand by him.  Toshiya felt that bringing Kaoru coffee every morning was not enough to repay for his kindness.

“Totchi.” Kaoru said. “Come with me to English lecture.  I’m pretty sure you’ll have peaceful sleep there.”

Kaoru hung the dreamcatcher on his bed.  He led Toshiya out and they both walked to class together.

*****

“Ugh! Shinya-san! I feel sick!! ;_;”

Levin just woke up that morning and he looked mighty green.  Shinya pursed his lips and walked to the shorter man.  ~Damn that red head! Damn him! Damn him! Damn him!~

“Levin, stop whining!” Kyo growled. “Hyde and I are trying to play a game here!”

Shinya glared at Kyo. “Why can’t you guys be nice to each other? It’s not Levin’s fault!”

Kyo cackled. “Don’t tell me your precious ‘baby’ drank Die’s ‘Magic Apple Juice.’” Hyde and Kyo rolled around the carpet and laughed.

Shinya glared then turned his attention back to Levin.  Levin had his hands on his mouth.  Shinya hurriedly dragged the short man to the bathroom, where he immediately threw chunks in the toilet.  Shinya rubbed Levin’s back worriedly as he threw up some more.  After Levin was done, Shinya carried him back to his bed and tucked him in. “Ne, Levin-chan. I’ve got class right now. Take care, OK?”

Levin pouted. “But I feel sick…”

“Hyde and Kyo are here. They’ll take care of you…” Shinya stopped himself.  Hyde and Kyo…take care of Levin?? “….or maybe not, Levin-chan.”  Shinya scratched his head. Maybe Kaoru? No. He has English class.

Kyo smirked. “Why don’t you ask Die to take care of him?”

Shinya made a face. “No.”

Hyde piped up. “Yeah! He just lives next door!”

Shinya cringed. NEXT DOOR~! He was living next to that…that…jerk! Suddenly, he had a flashback of those twinkling eyes, mischievous grin, and that…. …KISS!! Shinya felt his face burn, then felt himself grow angry.  He suddenly hit his fist really hard on the desk, causing it to crack on the side.

Kyo and Hyde stopped and stared.

Levin blinked.

“You guys had better take care of Levin….” Shinya’s voice was murderously low. His eyes were narrow slits that projected red anger. “….or else….”

Kyo and Hyde froze like statues and nodded their heads. “H-hai, Shinya-san!”

Shinya flashed a sweet smile. “Good boys.” He picked up his bag then went out the door. It wasn’t long before he reached the sidewalk and met up with Kaoru and Toshiya.

“Shinya! Good morning!”

“Good morning, Kaoru.” Shinya greeted.

Kaoru watched as the morning sun made Shinya’s green eyes shine like emeralds. The older man blushed. Toshiya raised an eyebrow as he glanced from a sweetly smiling Shinya to the flushed and fidgeting Kaoru. ~Hmmmm…..~

“We haven’t met.” Toshiya proclaimed as he smiled and stepped in front of Kaoru. “I’m Toshiya.”

“Totchi…” Kaoru frowned.

Shinya nodded shyly. “I’m Shinya. Nice to meet you.”

“So,” Toshiya said, “how did you and Kao-Kao meet?”

“ ‘Kao-kao??!’” Shinya said quietly.  He looked at his feet and flushed.  Toshiya’s gaze was making him nervous.  It was as if the bluehead was eyeing his prey. “A-ano…”

“Shinya, don’t answer him.” Kaoru said, pushing Toshiya aside. “He’s just nosy.”

Toshiya stuck his tongue out. “Kao-kao’s stingy! He wants to keep all the pretty boys to himself!”

 Shinya turned crimson.

 “Totchi!” Kaoru scolded. “You’re making him uncomfortable.”

 Toshiya gave a lopsided smile. He whispered to Kaoru, “I’m sure you won’t mind making your pretty boy more comfortable.”

 Kaoru blanched.

 “Kao-kao, you lucky dog! Go for it!” Toshiya winked then began to walk the other direction. Shinya blinked, puzzled.

 “What~!!?? Totchi!!” Kaoru yelled, flustered and frustrated at the same time.

 Without turning back, Toshiya gave a wave of his hand. “Gomen, Kaoru! I just remembered something I have to do. Ja!” Toshiya skipped his way back to the dorm.  He was feeling so much better, especially when he saw that embarrassed look on Kaoru’s face.  He also felt relieved because now, he can pay Kaoru back for his good deeds. “Time to play the good Samaritan.” Toshiya whispered to himself. “And time to play a little matchmaking….”
 

~Yk2: #_# NOOO!! Toshiya! Don’t do it~!!

CONTD~ @ Part 11: Incomplete?