Episdoe 16: Shuse’s Party

Kyo jumped for joy as he burst out of the advisor’s building. He raised the paper of his newly switched schedule in the air and kissed it. He felt good that his advisor actually let him switch Math classes. The math professor he had before the switch was boring as hell, and the shorter man couldn’t handle that. It was his last quarter of math, but he desperately needed to raise his descending GPA. The day was going great though. He got his schedule snitched, and there’s gonna be some party at Shuse’s room later that night. Strange that Die’s not the one throwing the party this time, but Die’s been in this “I’m-so-busy-studying’ bit. Oh well. Die said he’d show up if he could get his homework done.

Kyo looked up and saw Kaoru on the other side of the walkway, looking sulky and gloomy. “Yo! KAORU!” Kyo jogged up to the guy. “Wassup?”

“…the sky…” Kaoru mumbled.

Kyo frowned. “Dude. You still thinkin’ about Toshiya?”

Kaoru sighed. After Hakuei ran after the blue head the other day, Toshiya didn’t come back. He assumed Toshiya went back to Hakuei’s place and they made up. But still, Kaoru never had the chance to apologize to his roommate, and that was bugging him.

Kyo slapped Kaoru on the back. “Don’t worry! Hakuei and Toshiya are probably getting along now, and I’m sure Toshiya forgives you. Just as long as he’s with Hakuei, he ought to be happy.”

~So that’s how it is, huh?~ Kaoru thought. He gave the short guy a wan smile. “Thanks, Kyo. By the way, I got my math class switched.”

“REALLY? I thought that witchy advisor wouldn’t let you switch classes! How’d you manage that?”

Kyo~sweatdrop~. To tell the truth, he tried to look as small and as cute as possible, blinking those oh-so-innocent eyes of his to the advisor while pleading. Amazingly enough, the old spinster of an advisor broke down and the tactic worked; but he’d rather die than have someone find out about that.

“Er---I’m just the man, Kaoru.” Kyo said, hiding his embarrassment.

“Sou ka?” Kaoru gave a lopsided grin. “Ne, which math professor do you have?”

“Let’s see…it says here Professor Heath.”

“I have him too! He’s really good.”

“Good! I need an A on this so I can get my GPA up.”

“What time do you have math?”

“I have Monday, Wednesday, and Friday lectures at this time. I also have Tuesday and Thursday recitation on the same time.”

“Kyo, you and I are in the same classes!”

Kyo jumped for joy. “YES!” The day couldn’t get any better.

*****

At Math recitation…..

Kaoru tapped his pen on the desk impatiently. The entire class has been waiting on their TA for about ten minutes now. Two more minutes….two more….there was a 12 mts. Rule at the university. If the instructor didn’t show up with that time period, class is dismissed. Not that anyone gave a fuck about the rule, but Kaoru decided to stay out of sheer courtesy. He knew how it felt like to get up late from bed.

Kyo was already asleep beside him with drool dripping down his chin and snoring. Majority of the students left already.

Suddenly, the door opened and a tall, slender man clad in tight vinyl shorts and tanktop walked in, swaying his sexy hips from side to side. The class sat and gawked at those slender legs and scandalous outfit. Not that anyone minded seeing some skin…

Without taking his eyes off the TA, Kaoru nudged Kyo awake.

“Huh? What, Kaoru?” Kyo took one look at their TA and fell off the chair. “GYAH!!” He pointed at the skanky man. *_*!!!! “IT’S YOUUUUU!!!”

Sugizo smiled sexily and winked. “Hell-OO, class. I’m Sugizo, your TA this quarter, but you can call me Sugi, if you’d prefer….”

The whole class nodded absently.

Kyo glowered and whispered to Kaoru. “I had him last quarter! I swear we won’t learn a thing!”

“Uh-huh…” Kaoru inattentively replied. He, along with the other students, were staring at those slim legs.

Kyo rolled his eyes and hit Kaoru on the head. “DUDE! Did you hear me?”

“Oh my, it’s a pleasure to have you in class again, Kyo.” Sugizo interrupted, walking toward Kyo. He noticed the purplehead beside the glaring man, and gave a seductive smile. “I see you brought a friend this time.”

Kaoru blushed.

“So tell me,” Sugizo said as he sat on Kaoru’s desk. “What’s your name?”

Kaoru fidgeted nervously. “Uh, ano, Kaoru. Niikura Kaoru desu.” Kaoru shifted his eyes on the floor. He felt embarrassed and he felt so much like a pervert for staring. {gee. You’re a college guy, what can you expect? ~Yk2}

“Hmmm?” Sugizo leaned forward and twirled a lock of Kaoru’s silky purple hair with his finger. “Well, Niikura-san. My office hours are right after class. Math building. Room 666. visit me if you need warming up with your….math…skillz.”

The pink head slowly got up and blew Kaoru a playful kiss. Kaoru was crimson, fidgety, and nervous. He always felt so flustered whenever someone comes on to him. Maybe that’s why he doesn’t have a boyfriend/girlfriend.

Kyo grinded his teeth in frustration. There was absolutely no way he can pass the class now that Sugizo’s his TA. And there is no way he’s going to go back to witchy advisor and use his “sad-puppy” technique. Kyo would rather die.

The bell rang.

Kyo got up from his seat and gathered up his stuff. He practically dragged Kaoru out of the room. The other students kept deliberately asking Sugizo math questions, just so they could get more of his fanservice.

“whoa, Kyo! I didn’t know you had a TA like THAT!”

“Believe me, Kaoru, you would NOT want a TA like THAT!”

“Why, Kyo? Can’t get under the man’s skin?”

Kyo growled as Kaoru laughed. The purple head was feeling much better now.

“That’s what you get for leaving me to fend for myself against Hakuei.”

Kyo pouted. “It’s so ridiculous! Sugizo’s going out with Ryuichi.”

“WHAT? You talking about Ryuichi, Die’s roommate?”

Kyo nodded. “Yep. Quite a pair, huh? Sugi goes around and screws all those people. Ryuichi knows, but doesn’t care.”

“Geezus, Kyo. You sure are catching up with the dorm gossip.”

Kyo gave his friend an evil grin. “Hey. Die’s too busy studying; someone’s gotta take over.”

“Ne, how’s Die? I feel like he’s chained himself to his books.”

Kyo sighed. “I dunno what’s up, Kaoru. He’s changed suddenly, but I don’t wanna say anything. It’s really good he’s putting effort in his studies and all.”

“Well, kyo, maybe he’s just redirecting a lot of frustrations in a more positive light.”

“It’s Shinya, isn’t it?”

Kaoru froze.

“C’mon, Kaoru! You can’t be that dense! It’s obvious Die has something for that boy.”

Kaoru bit his lip. “Oh really?”

“Yes, really. But I don’t know what happened. Die never talks about him anymore….” Kyo shook his head.

Kaoru put a comradely arm around his friend. “Don’t worry, Kyo. Die’s a strong person; he’ll get over things easily.”

*****

Die threw his pencil across the room. A goddamn C+!! A GODDAMN C +!!!!!!! He needs to raise his GPA. ~But that’s right. I’m the dumb jock. Dumb jock; dumb as rocks.!! ~ {Die-kun, that’s not true ;_; ~Yk2}

The red head paced back and forth around his room. Who could he turn to for help? It was obvious he couldn’t do this alone. He tore out a sheet of paper and began writing a list of people who could help him achieve an A+:

1. Kaoru = too busy
2. Takeo = too busy
3. Ino = too busy
4. Ken = drunk
5. J = drunk
6. Ryu = ditz ^^;
7. Koji = bankruptcy
8. Kohta = paranoid
9. kirito + aiji = detatchable ^^;
10. Mana = creepy
11. Takuro = hell no!
12. Gackt = ….er…..

Die stopped. This is hopeless! Suddenly, he perked up. He should just call the university administration to ask for tutors. The university has a tutoring program where students can call and sign up for available tutoring appointments.

Die picked up the phone and dialed the number.

“Moshi. Moshi. University Administration, how may I help you?”

“Hai. I’m calling about the Tutoring Program.”

“Let me transfer your call to the Program Advisor. Hold on a minute please.”

The line went blank and cheap elevator music began to play.

“Moshi moshi?” a voice with a really bad southern accent spoke up.

“Hai. Ando Daisuke desu. I’d like to sign up for the tutoring program.”

“Alrighty. For which classes ya’ll need tutoring on?”

Die’s eye twitched. “Math 152 and English 111.”

“Lemme check in this computer ‘ere, alrighty?”

~Dammit. Stop saying that!~

“Alrighty. Ah got yer a spot fer Math and English. I emailed you yer schedule. Your tutor should know who you are. Is this alrighty wit’ y’all, sonny?”

“Er, …yeah…everything’s fine.”

“If there be any prob, call the Tutor Program Administration, alrighty?”

“Um..alrighty…” ><;; Die quickly hung up his phone.

Whew.

Now he had two tutors. Good. What could get in the way of his A+ now?

*****

Shinya attempted to pay attention to the lecturer, but couldn’t. His new music professor was the pits. Nobody could compare to his Yoshiki-sama! This professor was too easy, and too lenient; not enough challenge for bright musical minds to face. At least, this is what Shinya thought anyway. The rest of the students thanked God in their prayers Prof. Yoshiki wasn’t their professor. No more Akuma-sensei.

Prof. Komuro {you know, that producer guy ^^; } pointed his stick clumsily on the board. “And what is this note, class?”

“B!” the class echoed.

Shinya rolled his eyes. The guy always had a cheeky grin on his face. What’s worse is that he spoke with a high and nasal tone that made it feel like he was talking to second graders.

“And what is this note, class?”

“C sharp!” The class said gleefully.

Shinya put his head on the table. It felt more like an AA class than anything.

~God help me~

*****

Hours later @ Shuse’s party…

“Tee-hee. I won again!” Koji leaned back on his chair with his hands behind his head.

“No fair! No fair! No fair!” Shuse was jumping up and down in frustration.

“Calm down, Shuse.” Taka said. “It’s only a game.”

“Only a GAME!” Shuse exclaimed. “I know what all of you are thinking. It’s just not a game anymore, now, is it? This blonde bastard’s cheating us off our money.”

“Shuse, how in the world can I be cheating?” Koji held up his hands. “See? No trick cards.”

“That’s what you say.” Shuse continued. “Do you guys ever wonder why he wins all the time?”

“Er…yeah…” Hiro replied.

“It’s not humanly possible, is it? Unless he CHEATS!!”

“Well, yeah..” Taka shrugged.

“Shuse, he can’t possibly cheat.” Hiro pointed. “Look!”

“OH-hohohoho.” Shuse gave an evil, crazed laugh. “That’s because you see the outside, but what if the tricks are on the inside?!”

“Y’know, Shuse’s right.” Taka frowned. “Koji might have trick cards up his sleeve.”

“C’mon, guys.” Koji said. “Trust me, I would never cheat.”

Hiro raised an eyebrow. “We’re not sure anymore…”

“Hiro! I thought you were my friend.”

“There’s only one way to see if your cheating or not.” Shuse said.

“It doesn’t matter what you guys do, I know you’ll find me innocent!”

“Good. Then strip.”

“WHAT!?!?!?!”

“Yeah, Koji,” Hiro agreed. “We gotta make sure you have no trick cards!”

“C’mon, Koji!” a drunk J piped up from the couch.

A drunk Ken yelled. “They always say you blondes have the most fun.”

Koji turned red. “Hell NO!! Go strip yourself!!!”

“ *hic* DUDE! Why not?” Ken was drunk enough to do anything, so he stripped ass naked and started dancing.

The partiers either laughed or choked. Koji took this as a chance to get away.

“Hey! HEY!!” Shuse, Taka, and Hiro ran after Koji. “Our stripper’s running away!! STOP HIM!!”

Outside in the hallway, Kaoru and Die walked toward Shuse’s dormitory. Kaoru invited Die to go. The red head was pushing himself with homework, so Kaoru decided to relieve his best friend’s stress by inviting him to the party.

“Die, you know what I said about putting your strength into a more positive attitude?”

“Hai. What about it?”

“Well, you also need to relax.”

Die sighed. “Kaoru, I wish I could say that as easily as you would. I’m not like you, Kaoru. I’m not smart!”

“Die! I’m no genius either!”

“But you’re still smart.”

“I’m a B student, Die!”

“Goddammit! You know what I would give to get a B? And you know how hard I work just to get a C?”

“But you shouldn’t lose hope. Before now, you never tried in your studies, so it’s going to be a difficult beginning for you. You still have a lot to catch up on your foundations. After that, it will become a much easier task. Besides, don’t you have tutors assigned?”

“Yeah.” Die smiled tiredly. “You’re right. Gotta think positive.” He hugged kaoru.  “Thanks pal.”

“No prob, buddy.”

Suddenly, Shuse’s dorm room burst open and Koji ran out with nothing but his boxers on.

Kaoru and Die: 0_0;;;;!!??

Koji spotted the two men. “Thank GOD!! Die, help me!!” He ran and hid behind Die and Kaoru.

Shuse, Taka, and Hiro came out. “You can’t hide from us, koji.”

“What’s going on?” Kaoru was afraid to ask.

Koji spoke up. “I think you guys have proved my innocence already. Ne? We can stop now.”

“No way!”

“He probably has ‘em in his boxers!”

“Yeah! Down with the boxers!!”

“Eeeks @_@! Guys! This is ridiculous!” Koji squeeked. “Kaoru and Die agree with me, right?”

“Umm…actually, we don’t know what’s going on.” Die replied uncertainly.

“We’re just trying to get our money back!” Shuse exclaimed.

Kaoru looked at Koji. “Hey! I want my money back too!”

“Down with the boxers!”

Koji: 0_0;; eeks!

The tall blonde attempted to run away, but was tripped by Kaoru. “NOOOO!!!!” Koji shrieked and fell on his stomach. Hiro and Taka grabbed his long legs and dragged him across the hallway. “Help MEEE!!” Koji left nail marks on the wooden floor.

“What the hell’s going on here?”

Everyone turned to see a tall man with a big nose with his hands on his hips. Hiro and Taka immediately dropped Koji’s legs and tried to look innocent. Shuse started whistling and looking around. Koji got up and flushed. Kaoru bit his lip and stared at his feet. Die rolled his eyes.

Takuro Kubo, the admisnistration appointed dorm president, raised an eyebrow and walked around the men. “Ando Daisuke, you throwing another ridiculous party? You know that’s against Dorm Policy #59!”

Kaoru pursed his lips. “I invited him to the party! Die didn’t start it.”

Takuro glared at Kaoru. “Did you start the party?”

“No. I did.” Shuse raised his hand.

“Well, well. Bad boy Shuse. You know I’d have to penlaize all of you anyway.”

Shuse growled.

Takuro took out a piece of paper and wrote down people’s names. “Taka and Hiro, you guys are in for horseplay. Die and Kaoru, you’re in for loitering the halls. Koji, I’m penalizing you for indecent exposure.”

“WHAT!?” Kaoji exclaimed, turning beet red.

“And that DJ of yours is disturbing the peace!” Takuro said.

Die shook his head. “Look, Takuro. You can’t penalize us because you have no valid evidence.” Die gave Shuse a wink.

Shuse nodded, understanding this signal. Die was a good talker; he’ll talk to Takuro and keep him busy. Takuro had his back turned to Shuse and Koji. Shuse nudged his friend. “Ne. It’s time to use Operation Bail out.”

Koji raised an eyebrow. “Eh?”

“Mou! Don’t you remember?”

Operation Bail Out always happens when Takuro busts them for anything. The dorm never got busted a whole lot though because Takuro was always busy drooling over Sugizo. Everyone knows he harbours a fascination for him.

“Oh yeah.” Koji nodded. “Now I remember.”

“Good. I’ll stop the party and you go find Sugizo.”

“Are you crazy?? I’m in my BOXERS and you expect me to find SUGIZO!?!?” {*^-^*}

Shuse grinned. “See ya, Koji!” He sneaked into his room.

Koji pouted, but managed to creep down the stairs unnoticed.

*****

“I don’t care what you say, Ando Daisuke. I’m Dorm President!! I reserve the right to penalize those who break the law. Now, open the door.”

Die shrugged and opened Shuse’s door.

Takuro gawked.

Shuse was sitting on the floor, playing video games with Levin. Kyo was asleep on the couch. The beer cans and the crowd were nowhere in sight.

Shuse blinked innocently. “Is there something wrong, Kubo-san?”

Takuro growled. “All of you will be penalized for destruction of evidence.”

Suddenly, the door opened and Koji staggered in with a grinning Sugizo behind him.

“Took you long enough, Koji.” Hiro smirked.

Koji blushed and tried to hide the hickeys all over his neck.

“S-sugi!” Takuro stammered.

“Hnnn? Is my lil’ ol’ Takuro-chan being naughty again?” Sugizo pouted sexily. He catwalked to Takuro and wrapped his slender arms around the man.

“N-no, Sugi. Just doing my job as dorm president.”

Sugizo frowned. “That’s too bad, Mr. Prezident.” He licked Takuro’s earlobe. “I was planning on giving you a good………punishment……………”

Takuro quivered at the remark. “W-ell. If you put it that way….”

Sugizo slid an arm around to Takuro’s butt, grabbing the pad of paper with a list of people’s names and penalties on it from the back pocket. He tossed it to Die.

“Thanks, Sugi.” Die mouthed quietly.

Sugizo winked as he led Takuro away.

“SO,” Die asked. “Where’s everyone?”

Shuse pointed at the window. “Some of ‘em are hiding in the fire escape. Some are hidden on the top bunk. The drunk ones are in the bathroom.”

“Whew! Alright!” Die clapped his hands. “Let’s party!!”

Upon hearing those words, everyone reappeared from their hiding places and continued with the celebration.

“Hey, guys!” Kaoru yelled. “I brought cookies!”

“Cookies!!”

“Woohoo!”

Kyo woke up and yelled. “Dudes! STOP!!”

“What?”

Kyo rolled his eyes. “You guys, these are KAORU’S cookies!”

“Hey!” Kaoru protested.

Everyone: *gasp* and backs away.

Die picks up a cookie and flicks it with his finger. “Ow! These are hard as rocks!”

“Die! I thought you were my best friend!” Kaoru pouted.

“I’m just telling the truth, bud. Watch.” Die lifted a cookie at arm’s length and dropped it on the table. The cookie fell with a loud thump and produced a large dent on the table.

“MOU~! No one wants to eat my cookies!! T______T!”

“Oo! Did I hear cookies?” Levin got up from playing video games and skipped over to kaoru, chanting: “Coo-kie! Coo-kie! Coo-kie!”

“No, Levin! Cookies are bad for you!” Die lifted the short man up.

“B-b-b-b-but I wanna cookie!”

Kyo picked up a cookie and waved it in front of Levin’s face. “Mmmmmm! Lookie Levin! Doesn’t it look sooooo good.” Kyo cackled.

Die grabbed the cookie from Kyo. “Kyo! Be nice!”

Kaoru: ;_; boo-hoo. My cookies.

Kyo growled. “Just because Momma Shinya’s not here doesn’t mean you can play Daddy-Daisuke!”

Die gave Kyo a murderous glare. “Shut it, Kyo!”

“So that’s how it is, Die?” Ken hooted.

“NO!” Die yelled. “And Christ, Ken, put some clothes on!!”

“OooOOooo! Die’s getting testy!” J chanted.

Shuse joined in. “He’s in luuuuuuuvv!”

Die’s face was crimson. “I told you guys! I don’t like him anymore.”

“Whatever you say, Die!” Shuse and Kyo made smooching noises. “You know you just luuuuv your Shin-chan.”

Die bit his lip. He knew Kyo and Shuse were right. No matter what he did, he would always think about Shinya. To him, Shinya would always be his auburn haired beauty……but………..

~I. HATE. YOU.~

Die clenched his fist.

Kyo and Shuse began singing Whitney Houston’s Body Guard song. “And IIIIIIIII……..will always….luuuuuv yoooouououououuuuuuu!!”

Die dropped Levin and glared at Kyo and Shuse. “You guys just SHUT THE FUCK UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!”

Levin blinked. Kaoru stopped moping about his cookies. Kyo, Shuse, and the rest of the party froze.

“You don’t know what you’re saying!!” Die yelled angrily. “I don’t even LIKE that boy! I don’t like him, OK?!?!?!?!”

~I. HATE. YOU~

~…Yoshiki-sama…..~

“I HATE SHINYA!!!!!”

Everyone was silent. Only the few that listened from the beginning knew what was going on. Kaoru saw the hurt behind the anger on his best friend’s face.

~It’s eating him~ Kaoru thought. Almost immediately, the purple head felt guilty. He didn’t know why. Maybe because he gave the red head advise he had no right to give.

“Gomen, Die…” Kyo and Shuse stammered fearfully.

Kaoru was about to go calm down the red head, but on the corner of his eye, he saw a figure standing by the doorway. The shadowy silhouette suddenly turned its heel and ran away , but not before he saw a flash of silky, auburn hair.

Kaoru ran out the dormitory as soon as he saw the figure run from Shuse’s doorway. The purple head hurried across the grass, not caring that the weather was bellow freezing and he practically had no jacket on; he even still had the plate of cookies on his hand. Die was still glowering at Kyo and Shuse before he left, so he decided not to tell Die anything until the red head calmed down.

Kaoru suddenly stopped. He lost track of Shinya. The younger man, though slim, feminine, and clad in a long skirt, sure ran as fast as lightning. Then Kaoru remembered the time when Shinya pushed he and Hakuei against the wall. The guy can’t be human.

Kaoru sank to his knees in the grass and heaved. God! His chest hurt. He can’t run anymore. Must’ve been all that unhealthy food and smoking.

Kaoru turned to look at Diety Hall from afar. It was surprising that Die hasn’t thrown Kyo or Shuse out the window. The purple head decided to go back to the dorm, since there was no way he can find Shinya now.

Kaoru clutched his plate of cookies as he started to feel the zero below temperatures infiltrate his thin shirt. He was already close to the dormitory building when a familiar voice called out his name.

“KAORUUUU!! ^o^!!!”

The purple head turned. “Totchi?!”

The blue head was smiling jubilantly. “Gyah! Kao-kao, I miss you!!” He jumped and hugged Kaoru excitedly, almost making his roommate drop the plate.

“Totchi, you’ll make me drop the plate!”

“Wah! So you don’t miss me? ;_;?” Toshiya pouted cutely.

“No, no! I do miss you! A lot!” Kaoru frowned. “Totchi, you didn’t call me!” Then he remembered the incident in the hallway. How could he expect Toshiya to call him? “Ne, Totchi. I’m real sorry about what happened in the hallway.”

Toshiya looked at Kaoru. “No, Kaoru. I should apologize for acting so childish.”

“Totchi! I was being childish! Please don’t blame yourself!”

“But Kaoru---“

“Here, have a cookie.”

“A-arigatou.” Toshiya picked up a chocolate one.

“Hey, babe. I got your purse from the car.” Hakuei suddenly popped up from behind the blue head and wrapped his arms around his lover’s waist. He held Toshiya’s tiny snakeskin {fake, of course ~Yk2} purse on one hand. He gave his lover a small kiss on the cheek then noticed Kaoru. “oh, it’s you.”

Kaoru glared. God knows he wanted to mutilate that annoying little face up, but , for Toshiya’s sake {and Hakuei’s fans’s sake ^^} he tried to be nice. He shoved the plate of cookies in front of the blonde and produced a scary, fake smile. “Here, Hakuei-chan.” He said in an over-mellifluous voice. “Have a cookie.”

Suddenly, gasps were heard from the dorm’s upstairs window.

“Ack!! He’s giving Hakuei the cookies!!” Kyo exclaimed.

Kaoru, Toshiya, and Hakuei saw almost everyone from Shuse’s party looking out the opened window.

Toshiya frowned and waved his cookie around. “You guys are so mean! What’s wrong with Kao-kao’s cookies?”

Hyde’s head popped out the window. “Don’t eat it, Toshiya! You’ll get kidney stones or maybe indigestion!”

“Toshiya,” Takeo said, “if you must know, Kohta and Jun are using one of those cookies as a puck for table hockey.”

“WHAT!?!?!??!” Kaoru exclaimed.

“And,” Takeo continued, “Koji’s wondering if you could give him the rest of the plate so he could use them for poker chips.”

“MOU~! ><”

Hakuei looked at the cookie inquisitively. “you want ME to eat THIS?”

Kaoru looked at Hakuei. “Well, are you eating?”

Kyo yelled. “LOOK!! He’s offering them to Hakuei. Those cookies MUST be fucked up!!”

Kaoru balled up his hand to a fist and raised it. “You shut up, Kyo!!”

Hakuei put the cookie back on the plate. “Erm…no thanks.”

Toshiya stamped his feet. “you guys! Kaoru worked so hard on these cookies! How inconsiderate can you all be? Where’s your compassion?”

“We don’t give a fuck about compassion.” Kyo said. “We wanna stay alive.”

“Fine! I’m eating this!”

“If you start combusting in flames, I’m NOT helping you!” Kyo retorted.

Toshiya gave him the finger. Without another word, he stuffed the cookie in his mouth.

“I lay down $20 for Toshiya to last about 10 seconds.” Koji said.

“No way. $10 for 5.” Hiro said.

“Here’s $20 for 3” Taka fished his wallet out.

Toshiya stood silently as the cookie just lay on his tongue. He tried his best not to show any indication of disgust. The cookie tasted terribly raw.

Kaoru looked at him expectantly.

Hakuei looked at him as if he was nuts.

Taka frowned after 3 seconds passed. Everyone else looked at their wristwatches and timed how long Toshiya would last.

Toshiya closed his eyes after tears started to form. ~Gyah! This is terrible~ Toshiya couldn’t take it anymore. He spit the cookie out and choked as tears streamed down his face.

Koji grinned triumphantly as Taka and Hiro reluctantly handed him their money. Hakuei bent down and inspected the cookie amazedly. Kyo cackled like a madman.

Kaoru sulked, but stopped when he saw Toshiya still choking. He went over. “Totchi? Daijyobou?” When he saw the tears, he panicked. “Totchi!” He wiped the tears with his thumb. “Gomen, gomen! You didn’t have to eat it! I’m so sorry.”

Toshiya could only nod while he stuck his tongue out and gagged. “I’m *hack* OK.”

Kaoru bit his lip. Now he felt really bad.

Hakuei stood up and watched Toshiya and Kaoru. He glared at the unnoticing purple head so hard he could’ve burned a hole through his skull.

“*ack* Need---need---water!” Toshiya cracked.

“Water?” Kaoru asked, rubbing his roommate’s back. “Alright, Totchi. Just stay put!” He got up to go to the dorm.

Hakuei shifted and blocked his way. He narrowed his eyes at Kaoru. “I think Toshiya can have as much water as he wants at my apaato.”

Kaoru blinked. “WHAT?! He’s choking right now. He needs water!”

“He’s not choking. He’s just not enjoying the taste. It’ll go away.”

Kaoru’s eye twitched. He’s had about enough of this guy. “Get the fuck outta my way!”

Hyde yelled to Shuse’s party. “WOO!! FIGHT!!”

Kaoru pursed his lip.

“DON’T FIGHT!!!” Toshiya managed to yell out.

Hakuei gave Kaoru an evil smile. “Hmm..that’s just too bad. *MY* lover doesn’t want any violence.”

“What are you imposing?” Kaoru glowered.

Hakuei smirked and turned to walk away, half dragging and half carrying Toshiya. The purple head waited until the couple was far off in the distance. He picked up a cookie and threw it across the walkway, hitting the back of Hakuei’s head with a loud thunk. Kaoru giggled uncontrollably as he scrambled into the dorm. Kaoru couldn’t help grinning to himself.

~I guess these cookies aren’t too bad after all.~

*****

Yoshiki sat on his chair with his legs crossed. The bedroom was lighted with a faint yellow glow from the lamp on the bedside table. The light shone on the sleeping figure on the bed, whose auburn hair splayed out in contrast to the creamy, silk sheets. The younger man shifted slightly, but remained asleep. Yoshiki sighed and leaned back. He desperately wanted to be Shinya’s guiding light. There was so much of himself that he saw in the young man. Ambition. Stubbornness. Determination. Perfection. And passion.

The older man picked up the frame on his bedside table. He stared helplessly at it.

~Shinya. All I want is the best for you……… Hide, what would you do in this situation?~

Yoshiki took a deep breath and looked at Shinya again. He could remember what happened to him earlier….

*Flashback*

Shinya passed through empty lots and walkways without a thought and without a care in the world. He thought he heard someone following him at one point, but now, he heard nothing but his clomping shoes and that voice in his head.

~I HATE SHINYA!~

Why? Why does this bother him so much? It wasn’t as if HE doesn’t hate the guy too. What did it matter?

Shinya clamped his eyes shut. He was going to cry. He can’t cry. He won’t cry. Especially over that jerk. Jerk? He’s the one that’s been a jerk to the red head since day one. He deserves to be hated. No. it wasn’t right. He was ready to talk to Die about the incident last quarter. He wanted to talk it out because the tension was too intense. Unfortunately, he came through the door while Die yelled like a madman.

~I HATE SHINYA~

The young man opened his eyes. He didn’t know where he was going. He didn’t know how long he’s been running. Nevertheless, he instinctively ran into the Music Building and knocked on Professor Yoshiki’s door. The young man was surprised to see Professor Toshi {LOL. Professor of Chemistry} open it.

Toshi blinked. “MAY I HELP YOUUUU??”

Shinya winced. Professor Toshi is known for his glass-breaking, ear-wrenching voice. No wonder the Chemistry Department never had funds.

“A-ano, could I speak to Professor Yoshiki please?”

Toshi nodded hesitantly. “YOSHIKIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!”

*glass breaks*

“What?”

“VISITOOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!”

*cracks*

Yoshiki soon appeared, his hair slightly out of place. “Shinya?! Is there a problem?”

Shinya felt his barrier break after he saw the concerned look Yoshiki had. He felt tears flow down his face uncontrollably and he hugged the older man in a tight embrace. Yoshiki widened his eyes in surprise, but softened his expression after he heard sobs emulating from the fragile form.

“Toshi, I’ll have to….*talk* ….to you tomorrow then.” Yoshiki said quietly.

Toshi nodded, but glared at the auburn-head before leaving.

“Here, Shinya. Have a seat.” Yoshiki led him to the soft leather couch. “Tell me what happened.” He held Shinya’s hand assuringly.

“I…I don’t know…” Shinya sobbed. “I really don’t know…”

Yoshiki nodded. “You want something to drink?”

Shinya shook his head, but noticed the bottle of brandy and two half-empty wine glasses on the table. ~Masaka……..~

Shinya looked at his hands hastily. “Gomendasai. I…I ruined your plans for the night with your lover….”

Yoshiki raised an eyebrow. “Lovers? You mean Toshi and I?” He chuckled. “Nah. We just like to hang out.”

“Sou desu ka?” Shinya said quietly, but couldn’t help feeling better upon hearing Yoshiki being single. Shinya sniffled.

“Shinya. You don’t have to tell me what’s wrong, but I believe you came to my office for that reason.”

Shinya nodded. “It’s about someone…” He gripped his skirt tightly. “…who’s very angry at me, and he has a right to be angry because….because I have been cold toward him. But…” Shinya felt the tears come back. “I….I….was going to apologize!” Shinya rubbed his wet eyes with the back of his hand. “I was standing at the door! And he……and he……” The young man burst into uncontrollable tears.

Yoshiki pulled him close. “Sh….it’s OK…”

Shinya cried on his idol’s shoulder. “He…he HATES me, Professor! He said he hates me!”

“Shinya, no one can hate someone with such passion.”

“yes he does! He does! He yelled it to everybody! Professor Yoshiki, he HATEs me!! *sob* sniff* sob*.”

“That doesn’t mean a thing. Words speak less than actions. Actions speak nothing but truth. Truth should be what you ought to listen to. Sometimes people say things, but they don’t mean it. Politicians do it all the time. They say they’ll do this and do that, but all they do is sit on their leather chairs and grow gray hair.” {I just had to put some wise words from Yoshiki ^-^ ~yk2}

Shinya sobbed. “But it hurts….it hurts so much…..why do people do this?”

“Because we’re people.” Yoshiki sighed. “Shinya, when I was your age, I was like that too. Music was my love, and I believed it for years. I truly believed nothing could get in my way of trying out for the New York Symphony Orchestra. Then someone came along and convinced me otherwise without meaning to. He was wild, crazy, and preposterous! We met at college, in some music class. I was always top of the class, but he always broke the rules of music, which irritated, and yet, fascinated me. His style of composition was so….so out of place, but he captured my heart. When I realized he could steer my goal from becoming a member of the orchestra, I developed a dislike for him; but he clung on to me despite my coldness. One day, I was driven over the edge. I did say I hated his guts. That hurt him. Hurt him so much he stopped talking to me. I never apologized, which was the biggest mistake of my life.”

Yoshiki closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “A week after I got in the orchestra, I wrote a letter to him saying how happy I was to be a part of it.” He laughed humorlessly. “I was young and inconsiderate. I never gave a single hint of apology on the letter, but instead, gave an impression of triumph and glory. Shinya, I don’t want you to end up like me. Don’t be stubborn, alright?”

“………..”

“Shinya?”

Shinya was asleep in Yoshiki’s arms.

*end flashback*

A bright ray of sunlight shone through the window and woke the sleeping man on the chair. Yoshiki blinked. How long had he been asleep? He checked his grandfather clock. Almost time for work. The young man was still asleep on the bed. Yoshiki got up and was about to prepare breakfast when the phone rang. He picked it up.

“Moshi moshi?” he greeted tiredly.

“YOSHIKIIIIIIIII??”

“Oh, hi Toshi.”

“WHEN ARE WE *TALKING* TODAY?”

“I don’t know. I’m a little tired today.”

“…………”

“Toshi?”

“YOU’RE WITH THAT BOY, AREN’T YOU?”

“Well, yes. He fell asleep on the couch last night.”

“……OH…….”

“Toshi, is anything wrong?”

“….YOU LIKE THAT BOY, DON’T YOU?”

“WHAT??!”

“TWO-TIMER!!” Toshi shrieked and hung up the phone.

Yoshiki put the phone back on the receiver. He could still hear ringing on his ears.

“Who was that?”

Yoshiki saw Shinya sitting on the bed. “You’re awake. Oh, it’s Toshi.”

“He sounded upset.” Shinya yawned.

Yoshiki chuckled. “He’s always upset. By the time nighttime comes, he’ll cool down.”

“Are you sure you and Toshi aren’t lovers?”

“Where did you hear that from?”

“Dorm gossip.”

“Interesting. Even I’m the subject of dorm gossip.”

Shinya giggled. “yes. And there are also rumors you and Toshi have sex every night in your office.”

“WHAT?!” Yoshiki exclaimed. “Who said that?”

“Kyo.”

“Why that little….!!” Yoshiki sneered. “Just because I failed him that quarter…and if the staff hears about his….” Yoshiki started pacing back and forth. “Toshi and I aren’t’ even together.”

“But it sure sounds as if there’s something between you.”

“No there’s not. I don’t even like him.”

Shinya winced.

~~I don’t even like the boy! I HATE SHINYA!~~

“Professor Yoshiki. Please don’t say that.” Shinya said quietly.

Yoshiki stopped and stared.

“I’m sure Professor Toshi has feelings for you.”

“I doubt---“

“It doesn’t mean his feelings have to be romantic. They could be friendship, or commeradship; but whatever it is, you can tell he truly cares about you. I understand this whole idea of words does not necessarily conduct action; and I understand human nature is imperfect and frustration could lead to feelings similar to hatred. But take an advice from a student to a teacher: it hurts. When someone seriously says they hate you, it hurts. That’s one thing I learned from this, and I vow to try my best NOT to say it again.” Shinya gave a tired smile.

Yoshiki smiled back. ~Shinya, you’re growing up.~ He thought proudly.

Yoshiki suggested. “Would you like breakfast here or elsewhere? You don’t have a morning class, do you?”

“I have M367 with Professor Komuro.”

Yoshiki snorted. “You won’t learn very much from that class anyway.”

“Actually, Professor,” Shinya got up from the bed. “I would like to go back to my dorm.”

“As you wish,” Yoshiki said. “you may borrow my coat. It’s below freezing outside.”

Shinya smiled. “Aritagatou, Prof. Yoshiki.”

Yoshiki drove Shinya back to his dorm in his black Lexus {^0^}

“You know what, Professor Yoshiki?” Shinya started as he looked out the car window. “I really like you.”

Yoshiki almost slammed on the brakes.

Shinya giggled. “As a mentor, of course.”

Yoshiki: -.-;;; whew

“Except, it took me quite a while to realize that. I was very in love with you, you know?”

“Really?”

“yes, but what you told me yesterday made me think and discover my true feelings.”

“You were awake that entire time? I distinctly recall you asleep.”

“I still heard what you said though. And that phrase made me really think.”

“Which one?”

“That we’re people, and nobody’s perfect. I wanted to be with you the minute I laid an eye on you. Why? Because you were perfect. You won so many awards, you’re well known, and you’re a successful college professor. I wanted someone who was ideal and perfect in my eyes. But last night, I discovered that nobody is perfect. Life is not perfect. Love is most definitely not perfect. And that my desire for you was not love, but mere idolization. I look up to you, that’s all. Besides, I get the feeling there’s always this special someone in your heart.”

Yoshiki smiled. “Yes. We had the most imperfect, but perfect relationship.”

“What’s his name?”

“hide.” Yoshiki blushed. “He always called me Yo-yo-chan.”

“Have you reconciled with him? It’s never too late.”

Yoshiki stared across the road. “hide killed himself a couple years ago.”

“I’m very sorry.”

“I still hurt, but I move on. I was depressed for a long time. I quit the orchestra and settled to teaching. I thought it was a good descision. I don’t hurt as much as I used to because I try to teach students what hide taught me.”

“That’s why you insisted on focusing on artistic attributes!”

Yoshiki nodded. “I think it’s what hide wants. It’s also my way of reconciling.” The car stopped. “We’re here.”

Shinya got out of the car. “Professor Yoshiki. Domo arigatou gozai masita.”

Yoshiki gave a slight wave before the young man smiled sincerely and shut the door.

~hide~ Yoshiki thought. ~I hope you’re watching.~
 

Shinya trudged up the staircase, gripping his skirt in tension. He never had trouble climbing stairs like the other residents; he was always physically capable, though he didn’t know why. But today, he felt like the staircase seemed to draw on forever. He felt nervous, but knew it was the right thing to do. He stood in front of the door. 412. Room 412. He knocked on it.

~Please be home. Please be home.~ he prayed in his mind.

“It’s open!” Someone from the inside yelled.

Shinya opened the door slowly, as if he was expecting something to jump out at him from the inside. He walked in quietly with his head down and closed the door behind him.

“Goddammit!” Die yelled. He tugged his hair in frustration. He sat on a chair with is back to Shinya. The table in front of him had stacks of books and piles of disorganized papers all over the place. Pens, pencils, and several calculators embedded its surface. It was apparent he was doing homework.

The younger man could only see Die’s back and a big poof of red hair. He opened his mouth to say something, but it got caught in his throat. Why was this happening, especially with Die within his grasp?

“Ryuichi, how do you do this?” die asked without turning around.

~ He thinks I’m Ryuichi?~

“Ryu, I told you to stop staring at yourself in the mirror!”

“………”

“Ryu, I-----“ Die stopped. The glass penholder beside him projected a reflection of a slim, delicate figure on the other end of the room. Definitely not Ryuichi.

The red head quickly stood up and turned around. He watched as Shinya stared at the ground. God, he was beautiful.

Another moment of silence passed. Only the ticking of Die’s alarm clock could be heard and the faint breathing from the two men. Neither of them knew what to say, so the awkward silence droned on.

~Is he mad at me?~ Shinya thought, but shook his head from the thought. ~Christ, Shinya. You’re here to apologize for being such a jerk to him all last quarter, not question him~ He opened his mouth again, but no sound came out. He suddenly forgot all the words he recited in his sleep. How irritating, yet nerve-wracking! All he had to say was: I’m sorry!

“D-die.” He managed. He felt himself trembling.

Die looked at him. Shinya’s heart froze. Those eyes, they were so deep, so dark. He could feel himself drowning in their blackness. He couldn’t think and couldn’t formulate words to speak. Why is this happening?

Die was confused, startled, yet pleased to see the young man. What did he want? And where was he the night before? Kyo, Levin, and Hyde couldn’t find him anywhere last night. But here he was, standing in front of him within his grasp. Suddenly, he felt like shit. What had he said last night? I HATE SHINYA. He was thankful Shinya didn’t show up that night to Shuse’s party. The red head felt a pang of pain after he’d said that. He couldn’t sleep well the entire night because the guilt bore on him like a leech sucking off his blood. He vowed to not be angry, but instead, try to be supportive of Shinya. It wasn’t Shinya’s fault he loved Yoshiki, and Kyo and Shuse were merely teasing. Besides, “hate” was such a strong word. But still…it pained him so much……..

“Shinya, I -----“

“Die, let me talk. Please.” Shinya stammered. “I….i….”  ~I’m sorry.~

Die bit his lip, but nodded and waited patiently.

“I………” Shinya closed his eyes. “Die…..I’m sorry.” He let out his breath in a big woosh and blushed afterward.

Die was speechless. Sorry for what? “Shinya----“

“Please let me talk!!!” Shinya yelled.

Die blinked. Maybe what Shinya had to say was really important, so he shut up.

The younger man looked at his feet again. His voice softened. “I am such an asshole, die. I never treated you right. I was too full of myself to even try to be nice to you. I deserve to be hated.”

Die’s eyes widened in realization. “You heard?”

Shinya didn’t want to answer and stayed silent, but the anguish on his face was enough for the red head to know. Almost immediately, the older man felt a pang on his chest.

“Shinya, I didn’t---“

“It’s OK. I said I hated you when I didn’t mean it. It was mean; I was mean. Please. Just accept my apology.” He could feel his eyes water. No. Not now. No crying in front of Die. “And I…..I----!!!”

*SLAM*

Shinya didn’t know what happened, but the next thing he knew, he felt a strong force hit the back of his head painfully. He fell to his knees and clutched his head desperately. He could faintly hear people talking to him in the background, and he could feel someone holding him as he saw different colored spots in front of his eyes. Someone touched his head and he wimpered painfully. “Ittai….”

Die panicked as he held Shinya protectively. The young man was just standing by the door when it suddenly opened fast, hitting the bishounen with the door’s hooks {As mentioned in my commentary ~YK2} with a loud cracking sound. “Shinya! Are you OK? Shinya?”

“Dude, I didn’t think I opened the door that fast!” Kyo stared at the back of the door. The hooks were on the floor and the door had a mighty crack on it. He whistled. “Didn’t think that boy had that hard of a head.”

“SHUT UP!!” Die snapped angrily. “You should’ve KNOCKED!”

Kyo winced. “Sorry, man. Is he alright?”

“I dunno.” He peered at the semi conscious Shinya, who had his eyes furrowed in obvoius discomfort and was wimpering from the pain. “Shhhhh… Shinchan…it’s OK…” He held the younger man closer, careful not to touch the back of his head. “Kyo, call Kaoru or Takeo or Jun or whoever the hell’s a med student!”

“Bad timing! They all have class right now.”

“Then call Taka or something!!”

“WHAT!? Taka’s a sociologist!”

“I DON’T CARE!!!” Die screamed.

~@_@;! Eeks!~ Kyo darted out the dorm in search for whoever he can find. ~Gyah! What’s Die’s problem?~

Kyo finally ran into someone close to the stairwell. “Prof. Toshi?”

“IS THAT YOU, KYOOOO?” the Professor asked.

“Hai. What are you doing here?”

“JUST GETTING READY TO PUT A SPELL ON A TWO TIMING BASTARD!”

“Oh. Ne, Prof. Toshi, I need---no---a friend of mine needs your help!”

“REALLY?”

“Yes!” He grabbed the professor’s hand and darted toward Room 412.

When they both arrived, Shinya was asleep on the couch and Die knelt beside him, holding his hand. Kyo explained the situation as Die stared at Toshi in disbelief.

“Hey, you said you didn’t care!” Kyo pouted. “Besides, he’ll cast a cult healing spell for Shinya.”

“UH….ACTUALLY, I DON’T KNOW ANY HEALING SPELLS!”

“Eh?”

“I LEARNED CURSES AND STUFF, BUT NEVER BOTHERED WITH HEALING!”

“Doh!”

Die felt Shinya stir and attempt to sit up. “Hnn…I’m alright, you don’t have to….”

“Shinya!” Die exclaimed and gently pushed the bishounen down. “Don’t get up.”

“I’m OK. Really.” The truth was, he was dizzy. The ceiling looked like ocean waves lulling back and forth in rhythm. Then he felt a warmth emulating from his right hand. He turned and saw Die’s hand securely holding his. He blushed crimson and looked away hastily, but didn’t wrench out his hand from the firm, but gentle grasp.

Kyo smirked. Toshi surveyed the scene before him obliviously, then he noticed something peculiar…..

“NE. WHY DO YOU HAVE YOSHIKI’S JACKET ON???”

Shinya hastily looked down at himself. That’s right. Yoshiki had leant him the jacket because it was cold outside and he forgot his own.

“AND HOW COME YOU SPENT THE NIGHT AT YOSHIKI’S LAST NIGHT????” Toshi’s voice was getting more and more hysterical.

Die stared at Shinya in disbelief. “Is this true?”

Shinya was speechless. “I-I can explain.”

“So that’s where you were last night?”

“Die.” Shinya said desperately.

“WHATEVER IT IS, I’M NOT HELPING SOMEONE WHO’S TRYING TO TAKE MY YOSHIKI AWAY!!” With that, Toshi sormed out the door in a jealous fury.

“Wait!” Shinya protested.

Die got up hastily, slightly shaken. “A-ano…I have to go…”

“Die!”

“I have…tutoring right now. Can’t miss my first appointment. Stay however long you need to and stay out of trouble, ne?” He produced a fake, depressing smile and ran out the door hurriedly, not wanting to meet the bishounen’s hurt gaze.

Kyo watched as Die scurried away then raised an eyebrow. “Whew! Feels like a soap opera in here!” Then he saw Shinya bury his face in the couch pillow. “Shinya?”

“Go to class, Kyo.” The young man whispered.

Kyo furrowed his eyebrows in worry. “ne. I’ll get you ice packs for the back of your head…” He walked to the door.

“Just go to class….”

“But…”

“Just go, Kyo.”

Kyo sighed. “Alright….” He closed the door reluctantly with a soft click, but not before hearing sobs coming from the delicate figure on the couch.

The blue head limped across the walkway with a big, mischievous, but jubilant beam on his lips. Despite choking on his roommate’s cookies and being dragged to the apartment by an angry Hakuei last night, the night ended in great passion and bliss. So of course, he was in a very good mood. Not only was the sex last night deliciously brutal, but it left Toshiya a highly satisfying soreness on his behind.

He suddenly had an interesting thought in mind. If an angry Hakuei made him so wild in bed, then maybe he should let Kaoru and Hakuei hang out together more. He frowned. He didn’t exactly like fighting. How can he stop those two from doing it?

Toshiya continued limping on, then noticed a man with big poofy hair walk quickly across the pathway. His hands were stuffed in his pockets and he had a cigarette hanging on his lips.

“Die!” the bluehead carefully limped to the older man.

“Toshiya?” Die stammered. “What are you doing here?”

The younger man could observe Die slightly shaken. “Are you feeling alright, Die?”

“Huh? Oh! I’m O-kay…” Die threw the cigar on the ground and stomped on it. “Just on my way to tutoring.”

“Tutoring? You actually registered for that?”

“Huh? Oh. Yeah.”

Toshiya pouted. “Fine. You’re not really listening to me anyway.”

“OK” Die replied absently. He wasn’t really paying attention to his friend because his thoughts were preoccupied with something else…. ~How could I have been so stupid?~ he thought to himself. He shouldn’t have let his guard down, but when Shinya hurt his head, he couldn’t help but panic and forget about the auburn-head’s infatuation with Yoshiki. He just suddenly had an urge to hold and comfort the young man’s pain away. He felt so fragile, so sensitive; and seeing him hurt is like someone punching him on the his own stomach. Die fished out another cigar. He really needed to smoke.

“Ne, Die. Smoking’s bad for your health.” Toshiya said.

“You should take your own advise.” Die lit his cigar.

Toshiya giggled. “Only when Shinya’s around. Geezuz! That boy is obsessed with his health.”

“yeah.” Die said uncertainly. He didn’t exactly want to talk about him.

Both men entered the tutoring building.

“Toshiya, why are you following me?”

“Actually, Die, since you’re so down right now, I’m offering you something.”

“What?”

“Dozo.” Toshiya handed Die two red and white tickets to the university’s rendition of Macbeth.

“Where did you get this?”

“Hakuei got extra tickets from his friend. Come on, Die! Please say you can come.”

“When is it gonna be?”

“It’s on Friday and Ryuichi’s gonna be in it.”

“Really? What part does he play?”

“MacDuff.”

Die gave a slight smile. “Wow. The department’s prima donna didn’t get leading role? I’m shocked.”

“But you know Ryuichi’s going to do something to sabotoge the leading role’s act.”

“I know. That’s why I’ve decided to go.”

“Yay!! -^.^-!!”

“But who got the leading role?”

“The guy that got the tickets for us.”

“Wow! Hakuei’s got connections in the theatre department? What’s his name?”

“I dunno. I never met him before.”

“True that. That guy must be a damn good actor if he can upstage Ryu for lead role!”

“I’m just happy to get tickets before they’re sold out! So, you’re definitely going to go?”

“Of course. Ryuichi’s there, he’ll definitely be causing the tragedy of Macbeth.”

“Cool! I’ll go find some more people to give tickets to. Ja.”

“Ja.”

After Toshiya left, Die entered the Tutoring room. He was surprised to see nobody in there but a familiar looking guy in the center, sitting by a table and tapping his pencil on it. The guy wore an abercombie shirt.

“What’re you gawkin’ at?” the guy retorted.

Die glared. “Morita!!!!!!!?? What the hell are you doing here?”

Morita’s eye twitched. “Look, my old man sponsored this program. It’s not like I wanna do this, y’kno?”

Die rolled his eyes. “That’s it. I’m leaving!”

“Dude! STOP! Ya can’t leave!”

“Why not? I don’t want to be here. You clearly don’t want to be here, so there’s no point in staying in this stuffed up room!”

“You don’t understand! There’s a tutoring monitor!” He pointed to the other side of the room.

Die almost fell over.

Kubo Takuro sat there watching them like a hawk from a distance. He had an ID hung around his neck that said: ‘tutor monitor’ on it in bold letters.

Morita whined. “If my old man hears about this…”

Die growled and sat down. There was nothing either of them could do about it. He hopes his English tutor was someone he liked and knew.

*****

Toshiya reached his dorm after a long limp from the Tutor Building to Diety Hall. He found Kaoru asleep on the desk with piles of papers and anatomy books surrounding him. He limped over to the sleeping man and peered at his face. Toshiya always enjoyed watching Kaoru sleep; he didn’t know why. Maybe because he looked so adorable. The blue head’s eyes lingered on the books surrounding the roommate. Toshiya giggled when he spotted a book on ‘how to improve your cooking’. Then he saw an opened leather bound notebook beside the sleeping man.

Kaoru’s jounal.

Toshiya grinned mischievously. ~OH-hohoho…how tempting….~  He shouldn’t read it……..

…..but what the heck? His curiosity’s killing him.

###
Dear jounal,
I’m so tired today. Actually, I’m worn out, but I have to stay up and keep studying if I want to get into medical school. Maybe all the stuff that’s been going on is what’s wearing me down. I feel guilty. Guilty for giving Die advise that suits me and not him.

Die loves Shinya. I can tell. It hurts me to know that because I feel that way too. Die told everyone he hates Shinya, but I was the only one who realized Shinya heard it; and I am then only one that knows why Die said such words. When I saw the anguish on Shinya’s face, I felt terrible, but I also felt relieved. Terrible because his features showed such pain that it was obvious he has feeling for Die, no matter how much he denied that fact, and that I would never have a chance with that beautiful boy. I felt relieved because my best friend has a opportunity to be happy with someone equally as deserving.

Die was so distraught last night. It’s eating him. Eating him alive and I don’t know what to do about it. I tried running after Shinya, but I couldn’t reach him. Then afterwards, Shinya didn’t come back to his dorm. No one knows where he is or what he’s doing. I still havent’ told Die that Shinya heard. I don’t know how to tell him or how he’ll react.

I see Die hurt; I hurt. I see Shinya hurt; I hurt too. I don’t like to see people I care about so down because it pains me so much. I don’t care anymore about my longing for Shinya.

 I just want everyone to be happy.
###

Toshiya felt tears moisten his eyes. This was the sweetest thing he’s ever read in his life. He looked at the sleeping figure beside him. Kaoru had dark circles in his eyes. The blue head immediately felt terrible for making Kaoru go after Shinya. He did it to make Kaoru happy, but instead, it was depressing the purple head.

~Toshiya, you never do anything right!~ He scolded himself.

The blue head carefully placed the journal back on the desk. Maybe he ought to get Die and Shinya together.

Suddenly, he had an idea. He took out the Macbeth tickets. Four tickets left; two of which are his and Hakuei’s. They’re all situated in a row, except for Hakuei’s and Toshiya’s seats, which were in front of the row. The blue head thought of giving a ticket to Shinya and one to Kaoru. He’d make Shinya sit next to Die. Toshiya grinned mischievously.

“Whatcha smiling about?”

Toshiya jumped. “Gyah! Kaoru!! Don’t scare me like that!!”

Kaoru rubbed his eyes and yawned. “Why does everyone think I’m scary?”

Toshiya held up the tickets. “Ne, Kao-kao. Come to the play with us!”

“Play?”

“Macbeth!”

“Macbeth?”

“You know…Shakespeare!”

“Shakespeare?”

“GAHH!” Toshiya pulled Kaoru’s hair in frustration.

“Ack! Totchi! I know what you were talking about. I’m just a little sleepy right now.”

Toshiya let go and pouted. “HMP! I was going to give you a ticket, but I’m not sure anymore.”

“Good. More time to study then.”

“Study, study, study! Is that all you can think about? C’mon, kao-kao! Go out for one night and have fun!”

“For you one night is every night.”

“Pleaazzee come with us!”

“You just said you werent’ giving me a ticket.”

“Forget I said that!”

“Totchi, I have to study.”

“No you don’t.”

“Yes, I do. You’ll have Hakuei there to be with you.”

“But you’re my favorite roommate!”

“And Hakuei’s your boyfriend.”

“Wah! ;_; Kaoru doesn’t like me!”

“Totchi!”

“Why aren’t you going? Ryu is going to be MacDuff!!”

“I---“

“WAAHHH!!” Toshiya started jumping up and down like a spoiled brat. “I worked so hard to get these tickets *sob* sob* sob* T_T.”  It was an outright lie, but Toshiya thought it was a good tactic.

Kaoru knew Toshiya was just fake-crying. He’s been though the tantrums long enough to know fake versus real. But still, he didn’t like to see Toshiya cry.

“Totchi, I’m sorry. Don’t cry.” Kaoru was about to stand up, but Toshiya suddenly plopped on to his lap. “A-ano…Totchi??” The younger man nuzzled onto his neck and Kaoru felt his face grow hot.

Toshiya’s sad puppy technique wasn’t working, so maybe he could try flustering the man into going to the play. True, he was going out with Hakuei, but his koi didn’t mind him flirting with other guys, just as long as he kept his pants zipped that is.

“C’mon, Kao-kao. Everyone’s gonna be there….” Toshiya whispered to his ear.

“Uh..Totchi…I…” Kaoru flushed crimson.

“…Hmmmm??…..”  Toshiya felt his roommate stiffen suddenly, but he sniffed the purple head’s hair anyway. Kaoru always smelled good, he couldn’t describe how or why. It was a strange, peculiar scent that he couldn’t point out or describe in words. He just knew it was a warm, beautiful aroma.

“….i think you need to get off now…”

Offended, Toshiya pulled back and huffed. “Fine! I won’t give you the tickets then!!” Then he noticed Kaoru’s scared look focused on the other end of the room. Toshiya turned around.

Hakuei stood by the doorway with a menacing look directed to Kaoru.

~Totchi! GET OFF!~ Kaoru pleaded internally. The younger man didn’t seem to notice the malice.

 Toshiya giggled. “hi, hakuei-chan!”

“….Hi…” Hakuei greeted, not taking his focus off Kaoru.

Kaoru was scared shitless. As if Hakuei didn’t hate him enough already. This was like playing cat and mouse. {hakuei=cat; Kaoru=mouse. LOL. ~yk2}

“Hey, babe. Are we going out for lunch or not?”

“Hai. Hai. Just let me get dressed. I’ll be down, OK?” The blue head winked.

Hakuei nodded slowly and left, but not before intensifying his glare, which terrified Kaoru. Kaoru quickly got up, which sent Toshiya crashing to the floor.

“OW!”

“TOTCHI!! Why did you do that?”

“Do what?”

“Sit on my lap and didn’t get off!”

Toshiya stood up and rubbed his butt. “Kaoru, I told you Hakuei really doesn’t mind when I flirt with other guys! He knows I’m not serious!”

“Well apparently he made me an exception.”

“Oh, Kaoru! You just think that because you guys don’t like each other. You should put more effort into actually getting along!”

“You didn’t see that glare---?!”

“---ne. I’m letting you off the hook on this one, Kao-kao. Next time I get a play ticket, you have to obey my orders, OK?”

Kaoru sighed. “Alright.”

Toshiya changed in the closet then walked out the dorm.

Toshiya clung to Hakuei’s arm while he swung his favorite purse around in circles. They were walking arm in arm to Oxley’s Caf? for their lunch date. Toshiya was humming gleefully while Hakuei’s eyebrows knitted in thought.

“Eh? What are you thinking about, Hakuei-chan?”

“Huh? Oh. Nothing to worry about, babe.”

“OK”

They walked together in a moment of silence.

“Hey.”

“Nani?”

“What’s Rat Face to you?”

“What do you mean?”

“What’s his relation to you?”

“Oh! Kaoru’s my roommate.”

“Just your roommate?”

“Yes. Why’d you ask?”

“….nothing. It’s nothing…” Hakuei let the subject drop and he and his lover reached the caf?.

After they seated themselves comfortably, Toshiya started a conversation.

“Ne, Hakuei-chan! Kao-kao won’t go to the play with us!”

“Really?”  ~Good~

“So I have extra tickets left, and I dunno who to give them to.”

“You said you’d give them to that anorexic boy from your dorm.”

“Yeah, I was going to give Shinya one, but one to Kao-kao too.”

“Why don’t you give Shinya both tickets and ask him to give the other to one of his friends.”

“Wai! That’s a good idea!” The bishounen leaned over and gave his koi a peck on the cheek.

“Ahem! I need your order.” Ayumi stood in her uniform, tapping pen on paper like usual.

Toshiya giggled. “Hi, Ayumi!”

Ayumi rolled her eyes.

“Hey, babe. Gotta go take a dump. Order for me, will ya?”

“No problem.”

Ayumi watched Hakuei get up and go to the bathroom. “Is the always like that?” she asked.

Toshiya raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”

Ayumi slyly smiled. “W-ell! He’s always here during Sundays.”

Toshiya tried not to look phased. “So?”

“So I guess you’re his Wednesday bitch, huh?”

“W-what are you talking about?”

“Oh, my! You must not know about it! Tisk. Tisk. I can’t say anything because it might cause a scene!”

“Ayumi, I swear, I’ll----“

“OH-hohohohoho! Give me a $20 tip and you shall hear Ayumi’s words of wisdom.”

“Go eat shit.”

“My, my. Such bad choice of words! I guess you don’t want to hear about that one pretty boy.”

“Pretty boy? What pretty boy?”

“$20.”

Toshiya gave in. His curiosity ALWAYs made him weak. “Fine. Here’s $20. Now tell me.”

Ayumi smiled. “Meet me here tomorrow at noon. That boy will be here.”

“Tell me his name.”

Ayumi refused to answer. “You won’t know him, but you’ll sure recognize his face.”

“Ayumi---!”

“Hey, babe. What’s taking so long to order?” Hakuei sat back down on his seat.

“Uh-er…nothing.” Toshiya picked up his menu hastily and pretended to scan it with his eyes.

Ayumi gave an evil, but triumphant smile.

*****

The next day….

Shinya got up from studying after he heard a knock on his door. He staggered to it, then swung it open.

“Toshiya?”

“Shinya?” The blue head gasped. “What happened?”

He fingered the bandage wrapped around his friend’s head.

“Accident.”

“Accident? My God, Shinya. You never get into accidents.”

Shinya shrugged. “Jun insisted on bandaging me. It doesn’t hurt, really.” Shinya lied. In actuality, it still hurt; sometimes the pain would suddenly be unbearable and at times he felt dizzy. Takeo said it should go away in a couple of days, but for now, he was stuck with a bandage on his head.

“Next time be careful.” Toshiya fished out two tickets from his pockets. “Anyway, I’ve got two extra tickets for the university’s play. Just wondering if you’d like to come.”

“That’s fine, but I don’t need two tickets.”

“Bring a friend along with you. I’m sure Levin would like to go.”

“Well---“

“Look, I gotta go now. I’ll see you on Friday.” Toshiya smiled sexily and sauntered away.

Shinya pouted, then stared at the two tickets. He’d feel terrible if one of them went to waste. Who could he go with? Suddenly, Shinya had an image of him going to the play with Die and cuddling up on the seats. His face flushed. Why was he thinking that way? Yeah, right. Like Die would go with him to the play. He stared at Yoshiki’s jacket, still sprawled out on his bed. The memories of what happened that day came back to him. He wanted to talk to Die. Explain to him what had really occurred between him and the professor. Asking Die to the play would be the perfect opportunity to talk and explain what happened. That’s right. He’ll ask Die to the play.

*****

Toshiya walked into the caf? and immediately spotted Ayumi sitting by the counter. She had blue jeans and a Guess shirt on. She didn’t have her uniform.

Toshiya stared Ayumi up and down. “Where’s you pink apron?”

“I’m off work today, thank you very much.”

Toshiya gave a wan smile. “Alright. Tell me where he is.”

“Does this look familiar to you?”  Ayumi waved a pamphlet around.

“Yeah. That’s the Macbeth playbook.”

“Apparently the boy’s in Macbeth. I’m sure Hakuei has connections to the theatre department.”

Toshiya widened his eyes as he recalled that Hakuei got his tickets from his friend, who landed a role as Macbeth. “You mean Macbeth’s going out with my Hakuei?!” He said.

Ayumi rolled her eyes. “Not Macbeth, dummy. The person who’s playing Macbeth.”

“WHO is playing Macbeth?”

Ayumi grinned. “Third seat on the right isle by the window.”

Toshiya spotted the person, but he had his back facing the blue head. “MOU~! I can’t see him!”

“Go talk to him!”

“What!? Are you insane?”

“You’re the one who insisted in knowing who he is!”

“But what am I supposed to say? ‘hey, bitch. You’re going out with MY boy toy?’”

Ayumi laughed. “I wouldn’t say ‘going out’ with Hakuei…”

“Then what is HE to my KOI?? He---“

Ayumi spotted someone in the distance, then pulled Toshiya behind the counter.

Toshiya retorted. “What’s up with that?”

“SHhhh… Hakuei’s coming. You’d better hide and keep your mouth shut!”

“MOU~! I can’t even hear what they’re talking about from here!”

“Then poke your head over the counter and peek! I’ve gotta stand up. I’m supposed to meet someone here and I’d be in trouble if he doesn’t see me.”

“Meet someone?”

“Yeah. Some guy that signed up for the tutoring program.”  {^o^!}

Toshiya lifted his head just enough to see Hakuei and the boy.  ~Dammit! Turn around!~  He fumed after seeing Hakuei sit down.

At the table….

Hakuei frowned. “What’re you doing here?”

The boy pouted cutely. “C’mon, Hakuei-chan! Don’t you want to have lunch with me?”

“Look, we’ve been through this enough. I don’t want you! I’ve already got a boyfriend.”

“Like he can satisfy YOU in bed. What’s his name?”

“His name’s Toshiya, and you’d better stay away from him.”

“Humph! You never did defend me when we were together!”

“Dude! That was high school.” Hakuei growled. “We’ve been over since I graduated! I can’t believe you haven’t gotten over it! Jeezuz!

“How can I forget? Face it, Hakuei; you’re lying to yourself by being with this Toshiya boy.”

Hakuei rolled his eyes. “Why in the world do I bother with you?”

The boy smiled mischievously. “Because you love me.”

Hakuei choked.

Toshiya saw this and ran with super lightning speed to his koi’s side. “Gyah~! Hakuei-chan, daijyobou?”

Hakuei looked up with a surprised expression on his face. He hastily stood up. “Toshiya/! What are you doing here?”

“I, uh----“ Toshiya realized his error and blushed uncontrollably.

“You’re Toshiya?” came a surprised voice.

Toshiya turned and finally got a good look at Hakuei’s ‘little friend.’ The boy was young and looked like he was fresh out of high school. He also was shorter than the blue head, but that didn’t really matter to Toshiya. He could only stare amazedly at the pretty face before him. They both stared at each other in shock and astonishment. Toshiya felt like he was staring at himself in the mirror. The boy looked exactly like him.

“You’re Toshiya?” The boy asked again, which snapped the blue head out of his gaze.

“Hai…” Toshiya said quietly. “…And you are…?”

“I’m a childhood friend of Hakuei’s” The boy said, giving the blue head malicious eye beams. “My name’s Miyabi.”

CONTD @ Episode 21: Ticket Blackmail