Ayumi sat on her seat by the counter and surveyed the scene before her. She smiled smugly to herself. The person she was supposed to meet up with was late, but at least she had something to entertain  herself with and watch Toshiya and Miyabi glare at each other. She sighed and looked at her watch. The tutoring session was supposed to start half an hour ago. She pursed her lip. “That boy had better show up.” She muttered to herself. She always wondered why she signed up to be a tutor.

*****

Shinya paced back and forth in front of Room 412’s door. He kept reciting practically the same stuff over and over again.

“ ‘Die, I have two tickets to the play and I…’ NO! That doesn’t sound right…..  ‘Guess what? I have two tickets to Macbeth.’  Mou~! No good either!” Shinya was so frustrated. He was frustrated because he is frustrated and he never gets frustrated. Whatever happened to his cold, frosty demeanor when he needed it?

Inside Room 412….

Die ruffled his hair in exasperation. He had two tickets to Macbeth, but didn’t know who to give them to. His roommates were all out of the question. Ryuichi is in the play. J and Ken would probably show up to the auditorium drunk and cause a riot. {like those stupid beer drunkards at OSU >.< ~yk2}

Suddenly, Die thought about the beautiful boy next door. Maybe Shinya would go with him to the play. It was a very nice thought, cuddling up with the auburn head and feeling comfort with each other’s warmth.

Die sighed. Shinya would never go to the play with him; the auburn head would rather go to his Yoshiki-sama.  ~Shinya, shinya…..~ he thought absently. ~My little Shin-chan…I wish…I really wish….~ He picked up the tickets and stared at them.

His eyes swept over the little alarm clock by the tickets. He looked at it for a while before his thoughts finally registered in his brain.

~OH SHIT!!~

He was half an hour late for his English tutoring. Die quickly stepped into his shoes and slipped on his jacket. He still had his tickets on hand when he burst the door open and bumped into someone in front of his dorm.

“AH! Gomen!” Die helped the person up, then recognized the tufts of auburn hair poking out of the bandaged head. “Shinya?”

Shinya stared at Die. “Die. K-konnichiwa.” He stammered.

Die gave a slight, nervous nod. “Konnichiwa. Ano, did you need something?”

Shinya opened his mouth, ready to tell Die what he’s been reciting all along, but stopped. He saw the two tickets to Macbeth on Die’s hand. Shinya’s face fell and he quickly stuffed his own tickets in his pockets.

~Die is going with someone else……~ he thought sadly.

Die noticed Shinya’s depressed expression, and instantly, he wanted to kiss those tempting lips to a smile. Yet, he held his longing. “A-are you OK?” was all he could stutter out.

Shinya tried to display a smile. “I’m fine.” He quietly replied. “I’ve gotta go.” He silently walked to the staircase with slumped shoulders.

Die felt helpless as he watched Shinya walk away. He couldn’t just leave the young man at such a state. He felt he had to do something. “Shinya! Wait!” He put his tickets in his shirt pocket and jogged to Shinya.

The younger man froze, but turned around and was greeted by Die’s smiling face.

“I’m on my way to the coffee shop, would you like to accompany me there?”

Shinya blinked. Die was asking him to go to the coffee shop with him???
~This isn’t happening~

Die started to become nervous after Shinya didn’t reply. “Um, if you have plans. It’s, you know, OK with me…”

“No, no. I’ll go with you.”

The two walked in heavy silence to the coffee shop. Die contemplated on how he could ask the bishounen to the play with him, but couldn’t think straight. Shinya felt equally as nervous. He really wanted to clear up the jacket incident with the red head.

“Ne, die.” He began.

“Nani?”

“About yesterday…”

Die bit his lip. “you don’t have to explain.” He said. “You have the right to do and feel whatever you want.”

“I know, but---“

“I really wish the best for you and Prof. Yoshiki.”

“Please let me SPEAK!”

Die grew silent.

“There’s nothing between Professor Yoshiki and I, except that he’s my idol, but nothing more than that. That night, I was so distraught with…..” He stopped and looked sadly at his feet. He was upset that night because he heard Die say he hated him.

Die furrowed his eyebrows. “Shinya…..”

“I didn’t know where else to go.” Shinya continued. “I couldn’t think….I……” Shinya could remember the anguish he felt. He never thought anyone could make him feel so emotional.

Die felt like shit. Shinya looked so hurt and depressed, and it was solely because of him. How come he can never do anything right for this beautiful man? Instinctively, Die felt himself step forward. He wanted to hold and comfort the younger man, to make him smile again and take away the pain, but stopped when he heard a yell across the lot. {doh! ~yk2}

“YOUUUU!!” a voice echoed.

Shinya and Die turned to see a very angry Ayumi storm toward the red head.

”How could you do this to me?!” she exclaimed.

“Ah! Gomen! I forgot and I----“

“You FORGOT about ME!!!??? You kept me waiting for 45 mts!”

Shinya surveyed the scene before him. “Y-you were supposed to meet her at the coffee shop, die?” Shinya quietly asked.

“W-what?” Die stammered.

Shinya stared from Ayumi to Die with big, surprised eyes.
~Masaka…..~

“Shinya, it’s not what you think…” Die tried to explain.

Shinya hastily turned around. “Die,” He started with a trembling voice. “It’s never nice to stand up such a pretty girl, even if it’s only a lunch out to the caf?.” He left quickly.

“Wait, Shinya!”

Shinya broke into a run across the lot.

Ayumi pouted. “What was that all about?”

Die kept staring at the receding figure in the distance.

Ayumi noticed the tickets on his shirt pocket. “ *gasp* Those are tickets to Macbeth!”

“Yeah. What’s it to you?”

“They’re sold out already.”

“So?”

Ayumi smiled evilly, then looked at Shinya, still running. “Take me to the play.”

Die choked. “WHAT!!??”

“I said, take me to Macbeth.”

“Are you on CRACK!?!?!?!?!?!?!”

“Your boyfriend seems uninclined to go with you…”

“…he’s not my boyfriend…”

“…you don’t want the tickets to go to waste, and you don’t want an F of English this quarter, or do you?”

Die widened his eyes. “Are you blackmailing me?”

Ayumi smirked. “Far from it. I’m merely……bargaining…… If you don’t take me to the play, then I won’t help you with English composition. You can kiss you A+ good bye.”

Die narrowed his eyes suspiciously. “Why do you want to go to the play so badly?”

“Let’s just say, I harbor a fascination for one of the cast members…. SO, are you in or not?” She twirled a lock of her hair in one finger.

Die sighed. What could he do?

*****

Shinya ran into Diety Hall thinking of how stupid he just acted. Of course Die would go with someone else. And it was obvious he would be dating such a pretty sorority girl… why would the red head even think of going after a little anorexic boy like him?

~Calm down, Shinya…~ He said to himself. He breathed in and out slowly.

He saw Kaoru walk toward him from the staircase. He had books tucked under one arm.

“Oh, hi shinya!”

“Hello, Kaoru.” Shinya forced a smile. “Where are you headed?”

“Oh. Just going to the library to Xerox a couple of pages.”

“For biology?”

“Er..no.” Kaoru blushed. “I need a  good cookie recipe.” He showed Shinya his  ‘How to Improve Your Cooking’ book.

Shinya couldn’t help giggling at Kaoru’s embarrassed face. “You don’t need a book like that to cook well. I can help you cook better.”

“Really?” Kaoru’s face brightened up.

“Hai.”

He jumped around for joy. “Thanks so much! You don’t understand how happy this makes me.”

“Hontou?”

“YES! I was planning on making cookies for Totchi to make up for the hard cookie I made him eat. You’ll help me, right?”

“Of course.” Shinya smiled. Kaoru was such a sweet guy. He hopes the purple head will get together with someone as sweet.  Shinya suddenly had a thought. He spoke up. “Under one condition.”

Kaoru stopped. “Eh?”

Shinya took out his two tickets and showed them to Kaoru. “I really don’t want these tickets to go to waste. Come with me to see Macbeth if you want to bake some awesome cookies.”

“What?” Kaoru blinked. Shinya’s asking him to the play. He couldn’t stop himself from feeling excited at that fact, but mentally slapped himself. He should refuse politely and persuade Shinya to go with Die. “But I’m busy, Gomen.”

Shinya sighed. “I figured as much, but everyone is going to be there. Toshiya, Hakuei, Die, and that one girl.”

Kaoru raised an eyebrow. Why didn’t Die ask Shinya to the play? “Who’s going with Die?”

“That sorority girl.” Shinya pretended to shrug it off.

Kaoru’s eyes almost popped out of his head. “ @______@ AYUMI!???????!!!!!!!!?!?!?!” Die would never go anywhere with that girl. There must be a mistake or a good explanation. Maybe Ayumi is planning something fishy…. “Alright, Shinya. I’ll go to the play with you.”

“OK. Thanks, Kaoru. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem.”

“I hope this isn’t too much of a hassle for you. I totally understand how busy you are.”

“Oh, no, no. Don’t feel guilty. It’s not a hassle at all. “

Just as long as he kept his thoughts pure, that is.

Toshiya spent pretty much the entire day by the mirror fixing his hair and applying loads of make-up. He changed it several times already, but always felt a twinge of disappointment and unsatisfaction on his application. Finally, he settled on browner shades of eyeshadow and a lighter tone of lipstick. He also spent half the day by the closet, looking and having difficulty deciding on an outfit.

“C’mon, Totchi. It’s not that hard to pick an outfit.”

Toshiya stuck his tongue out at his roommate, then crinkled his nose. “don’t tell me you’re going like *that*!!”

Kaoru adjusted his tie. “Hey, what’s wrong with this?”

Toshiya rolled his eyes and tore Kaoru’s tie away. “Have you no fashion sense? That tie doesn’t match!”

“Mou! You’re always dressing me up and picking my clothes! I’m a college student! I’m supposed to look grubby and scrubby!”

Toshiya wasn’t listening. He picked out one of his Armani ties and began tying it on Kaoru. “See? Doesn’t this look better on you?”

“All ties are the same.”

“Isn’t it funny how you’re coming to the play with us anyway?”

“Yeah, yeah, and you know it’s not because of you.”

“Mou~! Stay still! I can’t tie this right if you keep moving!”

“But you’re putting it on too tight.” Kaoru protested.

“This is how it’s supposed to be. Stay still!”

“I’m choking!”

“I’ll choke you if you don’t stop moving.”

“Aww..and lose you’re favorite roommate? I don’t think so.”

Toshiya pouted. “Who said you are my favorite roommate?”

“You did. I’m just too loveable.”

“Whatever, kao-kao.”

“Hey, babe. Let’s get going.” Hakuei suddenly materialized leaning on the door.

Kaoru flushed. “Er, Totchi. I can tie it myself.”

“Demo, Kao-kao!”

“I think Hakuei and you need to go now.”

“Fine.” Toshiya pouted and turned to Hakuei. “I gotta change real quick, alright?”

Hakuei nodded. After Toshiya closed the closet door, he started, “SO, you’re coming to the play after all.”

“Yeah.”

Hakuei fished out a cigar and lighted it, even though he knew they weren’t allowed smoking in the dorms. He let out a big puff of smoke. “How long have you and Toshiya known each other?” he suddenly asked.

“Um…about 2 quarters now….” Kaoru blinked.

“You two become real close, huh?”

“Well, we live together, so we have to get along somehow.”

“How well do you and Toshiya get along?”

“Pretty well, I think…..”

Hakuei took a long drag. “What’s ‘pretty well’ mean?”

“What are you trying to imply?” Kaoru furrowed his eyebrows menacingly. “Toshiya flirts with all those other guys and you say nothing. He and I aren’t serious either, but you seem to act like I’m going after him and taking him away from you!”

Hakuei laughed humorlessly, then dropped the cigar and stomped it out. He walked toward Kaoru until he was towering over the purple head. In a low, but intimidating voice, the blonde guy spoke, “And you’d better not be because if you are, I’d beat that whiskering face of yours into a bloody pulp, you understand?”

Kaoru nodded, but kept his glare strong and unfaltering. “I don’t know where you get that impression from. I’m not after him, Hakuei.”

Hakuei sneered. “Good.” He backed off just as the bluehead got out the closet with a seductive grin on his face. Of course, he wore another ass-tight outfit with a huge slit on the side.

“I’m ready, Hakuei-chan.” He purred.

“Alright, babe. Let’s go.”

“Bye-bye, kao-kao.” Toshiya blew a playful kiss toward him before the couple left.

*****

Kaoru and Shinya entered the auditorium after walking though a short cut from Diety Hall. Shinya looked beautiful, like always, except he had to wear a hat, which covered his bandages and covered his beautiful hair. Not that that mattered to Kaoru. Shinya’s heart may not be his, but at least he can savor the bishounen’s company for one night.

The ushers led Kaoru and Shinya to their seats and they settled down. The auditorium rows, unfortunately, were too close together and Kaoru didn’t have much room to move. What’s worse is that Hakuei sat in front of him.  ~Great!~ the purple head thought ~We get to see those two get all lovey-dovey and make out!~

“Hey, Kaoru!” a voice called out.

“Die! Wassup?”

Die gave a tired smile. Behind him was Ayumi, looking around for Toshiya. Die sat on Shinya’s left and Ayumi sat on his left.

~I can’t believe he really came with her.~ Kaoru thought in amazement.

Shinya looked sadly at his hand clutched on his lap. ~So he did come with her…~

Die cleared his throat. “Konbanwa, Shinya.”

“K-konbanwa, Die,” he stammered. “so, are you two enjoying the night?”

“It’s alright…” Die replied. He looked at the guy beside him. No matter what Shinya did, he was always like a beautiful angel. Die was tempted to take the hat off and watch the beautiful auburn hair shine under the dim auditorium lights.

Toshiya turned and saw Ayumi. “What the hell are YOU doing here?” he demanded.

Ayumi crossed her arms over her chest. “Your friend invited me to go.”

Toshiya gawked. “DIE!?!?!?”

Die felt embarrassed and looked at his feet. “I had no choice. Gomen, Toshiya.”

Shinya and Kaoru blinked. ~What did he mean by ‘no choice?’~

Toshiya glared at Ayumi, but turned back around after the lights dimmed and the curtain rose.

After a few minutes into the play, Toshiya grew irritated at the protagonist even though the acting was perfect. Maybe it was because Miyabi was playing the part and he wanted to kill the look-alike/wannabe. Whatever it was, he wasn’t exactly enjoying the fact that Hakuei was actually listening to the play. Hakuei never liked Shakespeare.

Toshiya started noticing things. If Hakuei never liked plays, why did he decide to invite him and  his friends? And if Hakuei insisted on hating Miyabi’s guts, how come he accepted the ticket offers? The questions swirled around his head for a while until Ryuichi showed up. He couldn’t help but giggle at Ryuichi wearing tights, and, as usual, overacting his part. He couldn’t wait for Ryuichi to sabotage Miyabi’s act. It was imminent; the prima donna always did that whenever he never got lead characters.

~Oh, well~ Toshiya thought. ~At least I’m here to enjoy my Hakuei-chan’s company.~ He leaned his head lovingly on his koi’s shoulder.

Kaoru blew a strand of hair away from his face. He never was into Shakespeare, or plays for that matter. Their seats were not the best either; all Kaoru could see was a blur of Macbeth on the stage. He turned to his left. Shinya was sitting prim and quiet as usual, but Die looked awfully disturbed. It seemed like he wanted to say something to the bishounen, but couldn’t say it. Ayumi sat back on her seat watching Macbeth, then watched Toshiya and Hakuei.

He started watching the couple too. Toshiya had his head on hakuei’s shoulder. Hakuei lifted his arm and wrapped it around the blue head.

Kaoru rolled his eyes. ~Don’t tell me their gonna start making out…~

And that they did. The purple head thought he was going to puke; he couldn’t stand it whenever they did that, so he stood up and excused himself to the restroom. Unfortunately, in the process of walking across the row, he accidentally kicked Hakuei’s seat in front of him.

Hakuei jerked up and glared at Kaoru, but was detained from running after the purple head by Toshiya, who pulled him closer for another hot kiss.

Die saw Kaoru leave and followed him to the restroom.

Kaoru finally got there and immediately took out a pack of cigars.

“Kaoru.” Die said.

“Oh, hi, die. Can’t stand the stuffiness either?”

“Yeah, I guess you could say that.”

Kaoru offered his best friend a cigar.

“Thanks, pal. I can’t believe I forgot mine at home.”

Kaoru laughed. “you probably didn’t want to bring it because you knew Shinya was coming.”

Die blushed. “I was surprised Shinya asked you to go with him.”

Kaoru waved his cigar around. “And I agreed to go with him. I was hoping you’d start talking to him today.”

“Kaoru it’s not that easy to talk to him. I feel like every time I open my mouth, I say something wrong.”

“You ought to at least tell him there’s nothing between you and Ayumi.”

“I tried. He wouldn’t listen.”

“That’s Shinya. Die if you want to get the point across, you have to force him to listen. Make him stay in the room or something.”

“Kaoru, you really don’t understand how physically strong that boy is.”

“Oh, believe me. I was the one knocked against the wall by him.”

Die squatted on the floor and held his head in frustration. “Arhg! Why is this so difficult? If that Ayumi wasn’t there….”

“Hey, why did you take Ayumi here?”

“She’s blackmailing me. I don’t’ know what she wants, but if I didn’t take her to the play, she wasn’t going to tutor me in English.”

Kaoru shook his head. “That’s low. Why did she want to come so badly?”

“As I said before, I don’t know. She mentioned something about a cast member from Macbeth, but I’m not sure who.”

Kaoru wrinkled his nose in disgust. “Oh, gross! I hope she doesn’t have a crush on Ryuichi; I’d feel so bad for him.”

Die shook his head. “I don’t think that’s the case. It’s something else. I dunno why, but I could see vengeance in her eyes.”

“Vengeance?”

“yup. Like she wanted to get back at someone because of something.”

Kaoru thought about it, then remembered Ayumi staring at Macbeth, then staring at Hakuei and Toshiya. Kaoru snapped his fingers. “It has something to do with Totchi!”

“You sure about that?”

“No, but it’s a possibility.”

Die sighed. “Whatever it is, she’s ruining my chances with Shinya.”

“Die, don’t’ say that.” Kaoru squatted beside his best friend. “Never lose hope until that boy sits there and says, to your face, that he’s not interested in you. Ignore all these circumstance, because they have nothing to do with you and Shinya. Who gives a shit if Ayumi’s your date tonight? Your heart is with Shinya, and the only things that matter is that and how Shinya feels about you.”

“But what if Shinya doesn’t feel the same way? What if---?”

“?he DOES love you back?” Kaoru smiled. “Remember, Die. Think positive. You have to convert those negative feelings to a lighter, brighter tone. If he rejects you, then no matter what, it wasn’t meant to happen. If he accepts you, then it was meant to be. Make the best of either circumstance, ne?”

{Kaoru, the DEG shrink….-yk2}

Die smiled and hugged his friend firmly. “God, Kaoru! I never would have thought you are a new student this year. I’ve probably learned much from you compared to what you’ve probably learned from me.”

“Nah, you taught me how to party, Die, and that was a lesson well taught.” Kaoru broke the embrace. “I think we ought to go back before they start wondering what’s going on.”

*****

When Die and Kaoru returned, it was intermission already and audience members were milling around and about. Suddenly, Kaoru felt someone pull his ear.

“OW~!”

“Sneak off, why don’t you!”

Kaoru whirled around and saw an angry Toshiya. Die sneaked off into a safe distance and Kaoru cursed internally at the red head. “Totchi! I needed to go.”

Toshiya crossed his arms over his chest. “Whatever. I told you to go before coming to the play. You stayed in the restroom for half the play!”

“Die did it, too.”

“I know that! What were you two doing in there?”

Kaoru grinned mischievously. “Fucking.”

“Mou~! Take me seriously! It’s rude to just get up in the middle of the play and not come back.”

“Totchi! You didn’t look very happy either. In fact, you didn’t smile all night until you guys started making out.”

Toshiya’s cheeks flamed. “Gyah~! You were watching us! Hentai!” He playfully hit Kaoru.

“Hentai? Look at you wearing that tight ass dress!”

Toshiya stuck his tongue out. “See? You were watching. Besides, anyone with enough fashion sense can see this dress is an Armani piece of art.”

Kaoru suddenly noticed Ayumi watching them both from her seat. “Er… why’s Ayumi staring at us?”

“Eh?” Toshiya turned around and smirked. “Maybe she’s jealous?”

“Puhleeze, Totchi. Don’t make me puke on your dress.”

“Hnn..? Come to think of it, she’s been staring at me all night.”

“Maybe she likes you, Totchi.”

“*cough* cough* Impossible. She hates my guts.”

“That’s most likely why she’s staring at you. Ne, Totchi. I don’t know what’s up with her, but I know it’s not good. Stay away from her, alright?”

“Hai, Otou-san.”

“Hey, I’m not that old.”

“Dirty old man!” Toshiya giggled as he ran back to his seat beside Hakuei, who stiffened his jaw and glared.

*****

The final act of the play finally came, to Kaoru’s delight. He couldn’t wait for the whole thing to be done so he could leave then study for Biology, which he desperately needed to do because he has a quiz the next week. The final battle of Macbeth and Macduff was near. Ryuichi went on overacting and Kaoru couldn’t help snickering, which sent Toshiya turning around to glare at him. Kaoru stopped and pouted. The play was quite uneventful. Ryuichi didn’t upstage Macbeth throughout the previous acts; and now they were nearing the end of the play, so Kaoru gave up his expectations and slumped on his seat.

Miyabi spoke his last few lines before the final fight in a loud and clear voice. “Before my body//I throw my warlike shield. Lay on, Macduff,//And dammed be him that first cries ‘Hold! Enough!’//”

Macbeth and Macduff drew their swords simultaneously. Ryuichi lifted his sword high in the air and was supposed to strike Miyabi, but instead, he struck his sword down halfway, then skillfully pushed Miyabi off the stage with a  hard shove.

Miyabi let out a cry of surprise; and the next thing he knew, he landed sorely on his butt.

The audience couldn’t help but laugh, except for Shinya and Die, whom were too preoccupied in their own thoughts to notice. It was mean, but it was one of those things that are not supposed to happen, and you wish for it not to happen to anyone, but you laugh at that moment, then feel terrible the next {you understand what I mean? ~Yk2} Ayumi giggled uncontrollably, but kept her eye on Toshiya, Hakuei, and Miyabi.

Miyabi sat on the bottom of the stage in shock as the play went on.

Malcolm (a Macbeth character who ends the play): “We will perform measure, time, and place//So thanks to all at once and to each one,// Whom we invite to see us crowned at Scone.//”

Curtain down.

Immediately, Miyabi pulled himself to his feet and bolted out the exit doors without looking back at the stage or the audience. To Toshiya’s surprise, Hakuei hastily jumped up and ran after his childhood friend. Toshiya stood up and called out. “Hakuei!”

Hakuei turned around. “I’ll be back.” Without another word, he ran after him.

Toshiya could do nothing but stare and sit down quietly. Hakuei just left him alone for that look-alike boy. How could he?

Ayumi noticed what happened, then smirked out a giggle. Kaoru noticed too, but glared at Ayumi before sliding over to the blue head. “Totchi?”

Toshiya stared into space. “Hakuei-chan left me.” He said dully. “He left me for that…..that…..”

“Totchi,” Kaoru said, “That doesn’t mean anything.”

“I knew he felt something for that boy.” Toshiya felt his eyes water. “I knew that something was there….”

“But that doesn’t prove it’s romantic.” Kaoru pointed out. “You said it yourself. Miyabi is Hakuei’s childhood friend. If I saw my childhood friend in that situation, I would do the same thing. I’m sure Hakuei knows Miyabi needs him right now. You can’t have Hakuei all to yourself, ne?”

Toshiya nodded quietly.

The curtain rose again and the cast members came out one by one to take their bows. When Miyabi’s name was announced, no one came out. The announcer said his name again, and this time, the exit door opened and Hakuei came in dragging Miyabi behind him. Quickly, the spotlight was drawn toward Miyabi, who was stunned at the standing ovation and cheers audience members gave him. He couldn’t help but let a tear drop when he saw the audience support him. He could hear someone saying: “That was the best Macbeth I’ve ever seen.”

Miyabi smiled and bowed shyly as tears of joy streamed down his pretty face.

Toshiya felt like a selfish bitch. He ought to feel happy that Miyabi’s embarrassment is appeased, but couldn’t help feel a twinge of jealousy in his heart. Hakuei walked up the aisle and plopped himself beside his lover. “Hey, luv,” he bent over and kissed the blue head on his cheek, “told you I’d be back.”

Toshiya forced a smile, but leaned his head on the blonde’s shoulder uncertainly.

#####
Dear Journal,
I took the Biology quiz last week; I’m so happy because I’ve gotten an A on it. I asked for Kyo’s help on studying, and what’s amazing is that he knows so much about Biology and Anatomy. I told him to go into medical school with me, but he says he’s not interested. He’d rather deal with the blood in biochem, so he decided to apply for that major.
Anyways, I know I haven’t written in a while, so I’ll back track from a couple of weeks ago. I went to see Macbeth with Totchi, Die, Shinya, Hakuei, and Ayumi. Ayumi blackmailed die into bringing her, so now Shinya thinks Die and her are going out. Die STILL hasn’t told Shinya that there’s nothing between him and that girl, and I don’t know why. I think he’s scared he’ll say something wrong. What’s worse is Die and Ayumi see each other a lot because she tutors him in English. I am tempted to tell Shinya everything, I truly am, but I have no right to say any of it. I’ve tried getting Die to tell him, but the guy gets so nervous. I guess he truly cares about the pretty boy.
Day after the play, Ryuichi came back to the dorm with a black eye, courtesy of Hakuei that is. Totchi and Hakuei are still together, but ever since the Macbeth incident, Miyabi hasn’t popped up in the conversation. I’ve been seeing that boy a lot in the coffee shop lately, and I think he’s a very nice guy. Very polite for someone who’s fresh out of high school. I never got a good look at him during the play, but it feels weird to talk to him. I always feel like I’m talking to a nice and polite Toshiya. Creepy…
Anyway, I have to study now.
#####

Kaoru placed his journal back in the drawer, then looked over his shoulder. Toshiya was still asleep on his bed. The purple head smiled and tried to sneak out of the dorm.

“Where are you going?” Toshiya asked without opening his eyes.

Kaoru pouted. “You never tell me where you go, why should I tell you where I’m going?” Truth was, Kaoru planned on meeting Shinya at Akira’s place so they could bake cookies, and Kaoru wanted the cookies as a surprise for Toshiya.

Toshiya got up with his blue blanket wrapped around his shoulders. “Because I don’t have to tell you where I’m going evertime I go out; you already know I’m at Hakuei’s.”

“Totchi, I’m just going over Akira’s OK?”

Toshiya jumped up and down excitedly. “Wai~! I wanna go too!”

“No, Totchi. We’re ---er----doing homework there. It won’t be any fun. Really.”

Toshiya hooked his arm around Kaoru’s tightly. “Please, Kao-kao? It’s so boring here. Don’t you enjoy my company?”

“Of course, I do, Totchi, but this is very important. Why don’t you call Hakuei. I’m sure he’ll gladly take the boredom off your hands.”

Toshiya produced his irresistible sad-puppy eyes.

“Totchi.” Kaoru frowned. “I’ll bring you back something.”

“Hountou?”

“Yep, and I’m sure you’ll like it. ^_____^.”

“Gyah! Arigatou, kao-kao.” The blue head jumped up and hugged him tightly.

*****

Kyo trudged up the staircase in the Music Building. He didn’t know why, but he received a message from Sugizo that Professor Yoshiki asked him to see him in his office that day. Kyo grumbled. It was Saturday, for God’s sake!! The professor could have waited for another day so at least the short guy could sleep in for one day. Moreover, what did Yoshiki want from him? They didn’t exactly get along when they both had a class that one quarter. Not only was the lecture itself boring, but Yoshiki forced him to stay up for all the lectures.

Kyo stood in front of Yoshiki’s closed door. He heard familiar voices from the inside. Probably Yoshiki and Toshi fucking again. Kyo shook his head. Impossible. Toshiya mentioned a couple weeks ago that he and Yoshiki were through because Yoshiki was cheating on him. The short man knocked on the door.

Swiftly, the door opened with a swish. Kyo was surprised to see Sugizo’s grinning face. As usual, he wore his tight vinyl shorts that practically rode up his ass. Sugizo stepped aside and let the blonde guy in.

Kyo observed that Yoshiki’s office was the same as always. Nothing had changed. Yoshiki sat on his leather chair by the desk.

“So, Kyo-kun. Have a seat.” He offered with a mocking smile. “Oh, and Sugi, you may leave.”

Sugizo winked and left, shutting the door behind him.

Kyo rolled his eyes. “What do you want?” Kyo demanded. He wasn’t the type to go around what he needed to know. He was straight to the point and in your face.

Yoshiki shook his head. “Same as always. Tsk. Tsk. You need to changed that attitude of yours.”

“Don’t evade my question. What do you want?”

Yoshiki gave a mocking smile. “I’ve been hearing some pretty interesting things around the dorm lately. I have my sources, and I’m not deaf, I assure you. Just because I’m a lot older than you guys doesn’t mean I cannot hear.”

“Dude, will you just get to the point!”

“Alright, Kyo. Then I will. Sugizo’s informed me that you have been the source of a lot of dorm gossip.”

“And?”

“What is this I hear about Toshi and I having an affair?”

“Geezus! You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to figure it out.”

“Are you spreading the rumor?”

“Rumor? Dude! It’s NOT a rumor at all! I freakin’ hear both of you squealing like pigs in here!”

Yoshiki flushed. “Well, then! Stop spreading it, OK?”

Kyo shook his head. “No way! Why? Are you afraid or embarrassed to be with Professor Toshi?! Or were you two-timing him?”

Yoshiki gawked. “Where did you hear that from?”

Kyo shrugged and grinned. “I have my sources.”

“Is that how it is? You think you’re so awesome with your cute little comebacks---“

“ ‘CUTE!?!?!?!’ “ Kyo fumed. He stormed over by the door. “No one calls me *CUTE*!!” He pointed to the professor. “This means war!!!!!!”

Yoshiki glared.

Kyo glared.

Then shut the door behind him with a loud *SLAM*.

*****

“No, Kaoru! Not too much flour!” Shinya yelled. He scooted over and stopped the purple head from further destruction.

“Ah! Gomen!”

“Kaoru! Stop!” Ryutaro exclaimed as Kaoru backed up and knocked over the carton of eggs.

“@_@!! Gah~! Gomendasai!” Kaoru quickly bent over and picked up a cloth from the counter and wiped the egg stains off the floor.

“^^;;;;; Kaoru-kun.” Ryutaro said.

“nani?”

“That’s Akira’s shirt you have there!”

“GYAH~! T_______T!! Gomendasai!” Kaoru got up and was about to wash off the shirt, but Ryutaro stopped him.

“Kaoru-kun. It’s OK. You can---er---sit over there and watch Shinya-kun bake, OK? ^^;;” Ryutaro urged nervously.

“I’m very sorry.”

Ryutaro nodded and desperately nudged Kaoru to the other side of the room. The purple head obediently sat on the stool and watched the auburn head mix that batter.

“Kaoru, next time, be cautious around the kitchen.”

“Gomen, Shinya. For some odd reason, I can’t do anything right in that place.”

“It just takes time and patience. Just think of it like medical school.”

Kaoru thought about it. “It’s sort of an analogy.”

The door suddenly opened and Akira walked in with 2 boxes of coke under one arm and the mail on one hand.

“Konnichiwa.” Kaoru and Shinya greeted cheerfully.

“Konnichiwa.” Akira replied.

Ryutaro went over and helped his lover with the coke. “I thought you were buying sprite.”

“I was, but someone detained me from getting some before they were sold out.”

“Detained?”

“Yeah. Actually, Kohta came up to me and started talking about the strangest rumor.”

Kaoru raised an eyebrow. “Kohta? Gossip?”

“Well, dorm gossip is faster than the CIA when it comes to unearthing secrets and whatnot. He probably heard it from a chain of people.”

“So, what’s the gossip?”

“Er, he said Professor Yoshiki was a male stripper before he became a professor. I dunno if it’s true or not.”

Ryutaro, Shinya, and Kaoru were silent.

“Um, Guys?”

Suddenly, all three burst into laughs and giggles. They could just imagine Professor Yoshiki dancing around a pole to a composition he wrote. Too strange and too ridiculously unlikely, but funny.

Akira pouted. “hey. I thought it was interesting.”

Shinya shook his head, smiling. He could never imagine his idol doing that. Who would be ridiculous enough to make up such a thing? “Ne, Kaoru. Here. Mix up the batter and be careful! We don’t want to give Ryutaro a heart attack.”

Akira picked up his shirt. “Wah! What happened to my shirt?”

Kaoru: ^^;;;;; “Er….”

*****

Die finally got up from bed. He glanced blearily at his dilapidated alarm clock, but could not believe it was already after lunch. He stretched himself out the bed and walked over to the bathroom.  The red head lazily washed and dried his face with a towel, then walked over to his closet. He felt so lazy. But no one can blame him. It was Saturday, and Saturdays he had no class, no tutoring, no appointments, no nothing. Maybe he should throw a party. It’s been a while since he did that.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Die yawned. “Coming!”

He swung the door open and stared down at a man he never knew in his life.

“Um, hi,” the man said, “I’m here to deliver a telegram to Terachi Shinya.”

Die raised an eyebrow. “Wrong room. He lives right there.”

“Oh, Sorry to bother you, sir.”

“Wait! Wait! I know him and I can give him the telegram.”

The man was hesitant, but gave Die the envelope anyway. “Just make sure he receives it because it’s very important.:

“Alright, sir.”

The man nodded then strolled off.

Die watched until the telegram guy walked down the staircase, then stared at the envelope. The envelope was cream-colored and had the words: ‘to Terachi Shinya’ handwritten neatly on it. There was no name, return address, or any indication as to where the telegram came from. Die wanted to open the letter immediately. Who could be writing to Shinya? Was it Yoshiki? Die frowned. Shinya insisted before that there was nothing between him and the professor, but Die had his doubts because the auburn-head still had Yoshiki’s jacket. Then again, Shinya explained he was too busy to return the jacket lately and did not have enough time to do so.

Die side stepped so that he was in front of Room 411. He knocked on the door. No answer. Knocked again. No answer. Maybe everyone was out. The red head sighed. He walked back to his room when suddenly, someone called out his name.

“Die!”

“Toshiya? What are you doing here?”

“Kao-kao abandoned me and I’m bored.”

“Even Kaoru needs a vacation away from you.”

“Really? I don’t tire him, do I?”

Die shrugged. “I dunno. Ask him. I just know if I were in his shoes, I’d be dead tired from being YOUR roommate.”

Toshiya pouted. “Why is that?”

“Well, let’s see. You’re always dragging him to go shopping with you. He carries ALL your shopping bags. He helps you with your homework. You force him to go party. You yack on the phone until dawn. If you don’t get your way, you pout and whine and use your sad-puppy look. You insist on dressing him up to par. And…..”

“OK.OK. I get the point, Die.” Toshiya crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not that bad, am I?”

“I’m not your roommate, so I wouldn’t know. But anyway, shouldn’t your koi be the one doing all those things?:

Toshiya looked thoughtful. “You know what? That’s right! I never thought of that. But I guess it’s because Kaoru’s expendable.”

Die chuckled. “Expendable?!”

“Ack! Hentai! I don’t mean it that way! I just meant that he’s so nice and caring that I can’t help it!”

“Ah! So you’re just using his ‘nice-ness’?”

“NO! Die! I’m not using him! He’s just….oh, I don’t know… Don’t bother me with such trifle matters!”

“Trifle? Kaoru’s far from ‘trifle.’”

“Alright, alright. Let’s drop the subject. What’s that in your hand?”

Die waved the envelope around.  “A telegram for Shinya.”

Toshiya grinned mischievously.

Die frowned. “No, Tohsiya. We’re not going to read it.”

“Come on, Die. You know you want to know what’s in it. Besides, what are you going to do? Hang on to it all day?”

“No, I---.”

“Dudes! Whassup?” a voice called out.

“Kyo! Where have you been?”

Kyo walked toward the two men. “Just going….around….” He grinned.

“O-kay…” Die said. “Ne. Where’s Shinya?”

“Why? You finally ready to tell him there’s nothing between you and Ayumi?”

Die glowered. “I have a letter for him, that’s all.”

“oOOooO! Love letter?”

“Shut up!” Die growled. “It’s a telegram from someone, but there’s not return address or anything.”

Kyo shrugged as he opened his door. “Hey, sometimes I forget to do that.”

“Baka.” Toshiya said.

Kyo stuck his tongue out.

“So where’s Shinya?” Die asked again.

“He’s at Akira’s place.”

Toshiya stomped his feet. “Mou~! Kaoru would go to Akira’s with Shinya but he wouldn’t go with ME!?”

“Would you like to go there and give Shinya the letter?” Die inquired.

“no.” Toshiya said. “You know me. I’d read it before it gets there.”

“Alright. Come with me to Akira’s. Wanna come, Kyo?”

“Nah. I have…..*stuff* to do.”

“OK, bud. See ya!” Die said.

“Ja ne, Baka-chan!” Toshiya giggled and blew a kiss.

Kyo pouted and went to his dorm.

*****

Kaoru was beaming like a happy child as he held the batter bowl and mixed it with his spatula. He’d finally gotten used to being in a kitchen environment, and it was a triumph in itself. Ryutaro finally washed off all the eggstains from Akira’s shirt and hung it on the chair to dry. Shinya stood beside Kaoru and set the oven ready while occasionally glancing at the purple head just to make sure nothing else happened. The entire kitchen was a mess and Akira was stooped on the floor wiping flour, sugar, and egg crap off the tiles.

“We’re almost done, Kaoru,” Shinya said, “All we have to do is put the batter on the sheets and stick them in the oven. After that, we’re all set. Here’s how you put them on the sheets.” Shinya picked some of the mix and rolled it into a ball then stuck it on the cookie sheet. “There. That’s not so hard, now, is it?”

“Kakkoi.” Kaoru breathed. He quickly made the entire batter into deformed balls and let Shinya put the cookie sheet into the oven. Ryutaro insisted that Kaoru stay away from the oven ^^;

“Now what?” Kaoru asked.

“We wait.” Shinya picked up a rag and began helping Akira clean the kitchen.

Kaoru knew better than to help them if he wanted less destruction to occur, so he just sat in front of the oven as he proudly observed his cookies rising from the heat. He felt impatient for the cookies to be done. He couldn’t wait for Toshiya to taste them.

Ding. Dong.

The doorbell.

“I’ll get it!” Ryutaro proclaimed. He swung the door open. “Konnichiwa, Die, Toshiya!”

Kaoru jumped to his feet. “SHIT!” He muttered. He wanted the cookies to be a surprise. How’s he supposed to hide it? He hastily looked for something to cover the oven’s glass, but gave up after he couldn’t find anything. The only thing he can hope for now is that Toshiya doesn’t notice the oven is on.

Toshiya quickly stepped into the apartment and saw Kaoru by the kitchen. “Kaoru!!!! You said you were studying!” He stalked over to the purple head, who stood in front of the oven.

“Er, hi, Totchi! We just got done!”

“You come here with Shinya, but you don’t even invite me to come with you.”

“Demo, Totchi…”

“Wait. Why’s it so warm over here?”

“Er, ah, it’s the heater! Yeah, the heater!”

Toshiya gazed at Kaoru suspiciously. Kaoru hate did when he did that. “You’re hiding something from me, aren’t you?”

“What?”

Toshiya stepped to the side, but Kaoru slid over to block the blue head’s way. Toshiya pursed his lip in annoyance, but moved to the right, then made a sharp turn to the left and shoved Kaoru aside.

“TOTCHI!!” Kaoru scolded.

Toshiya ignored him and stared at the cookies inside the oven. “Cookies? You came here to bake COOKIES?”

Kaoru looked sheepishly at his feet.

“Kaoru! You lied to me!”

“No! no!” Kaoru protested. “I------.”

“You could’ve told me the truth! Now I’m mad!” Toshiya pouted. He stalked toward the couch and seated himself on it while crossing his arms over his chest.

Kaoru seated himself beside the younger man and frowned. “Totchi, you can be such a brat.”

Toshiya stuck his tongue out.

“I lied because I didn’t want you to know that I’m baking cookies.”

“Why?”

“I wanted the cookies to be a surprise! Totchi, I wanted you to have them because I made you eat such terrible cookies during Shuse’s party.”

Toshiya looked at him doubtfully.

“I asked Shinya to help me and I asked Ryutaro if I could use their oven and baking materials. Ask them.”

Toshiya looked over to Shinya who sat on a stool watching them with an amused smile. “Is this true, Shinya?”

Shinya nodded. “And he worked hard on them, too.”

Toshiya turned back to Kaoru with watery eyes. “Kao-kao, that’s so sweet of you! T_T!” Toshiya hugged Kaoru in such a tight embrace the other man practically choked.

“Ano, Totchi…. I can’t breathe.”

The blue head didn’t pay attention “Wah! Kaoru, I’m sorry for yelling at you!”

“I-it’s OK. Really, Totchi. Just let me breathe.”

“But I was so selfish and mean and inconsiderate and…”

Kaoru couldn’t help but smile. Toshiya could be so cute sometimes. He instinctively reached up and stroked his roommate’s hair. He was surprised at its nimble and soft silkiness.

Shinya leaned back on his stool with a tiny smile as he watched the two men engage in the hug. It was an amusing, yet, warm sight to see; it was one of those things that happen to other people, but produce a nice feeling in your heart and make your day.

“That’ll be a match someday.” A voice behind him said.

Shinya jumped in surprise and nearly fell over with the stool, but someone caught him. He quickly recovered and stood up. He blushed after he realized who it was. “Arigatou…” he said shyly.

Die nodded as he watched Shinya blush, but quickly shook his head. He stretched his arm out and handed the bishounen the letter. “It’s a letter for you.”

Shinya stared at the letter and blinked. “From who?”

“I don’t know. The telegram man gave it to me by mistake; but he did say it was important and you need to read it ASAP.”

“Sou ka?” Shinya took the letter. “Arigatou.”

As Shinya started tearing the envelope open, Die took the time as a chance to explain about Ayumi. He cleared his throat. “Shinya.”

“Nani?” Shinya asked without really paying attention. He was having problems opening the envelope.

“About Ayumi and I….”

Shinya pursed his lip and gave up on the envelope. “I’ll just read it later.” He put the letter on the table hastily.

Die frowned and picked up the envelope. “Just listen to me for a sec, OK?” He grabbed the letter opener conveniently placed on the table. “Look, Ayumi and I are NOT going out. We have no relation to each other except that she is my English tutor. I’d rather be beaten to a pulp or sent to thell before I go out with that sorority girl.” Die slid the letter opener across the paper. “Got it!” He handed the envelope back to the bishounen.

Something fell out.

“What was that?”

Die raised an eyebrow. “What was what?”

Shinya got on the floor and looked around. “Something fell, I saw it.”

“Nothing fell.” Die said.

“No. I saw it.” Shinya stubbornly insisted.

“I think you should read the letter first.”

Shinya didn’t listen. He went under the table to search for whatever that thing was. “Found it!” He picked up a shiny object close to a table leg, but could not see what it was from the darkness underneath the table. Before he could resurface, he smelled something strange in the air, a stench that was horridly familiar…..

“SHIT!” He yelled. He got up but hit his head on the table. “Ittai~!” Eventually, he stood up out from underneath the table and ran to the oven.

Kaoru perked up. “What’s wrong, Shinya?”

“It’s burning!’ he yelled as he grabbed a mit and opened the oven.

Kaoru abruptly jumped to his feet and joined Shinya. His eyes widened in astonishment while Shinya pulled out a cookie sheet full of charcoal-looking balls.

“My cookies!” Kaoru exclaimed.

“What happened?” Toshiya asked.

“Oh, my.” Ryutaro gasped when he saw the cookies.

Kaoru’s shoulders slumped. “Totchi. Gomen. You can’t eat these.”

“I should apologize.” Shinya said. “I should have kept watch of the oven.”

“No, Shinya,” Kaoru said. “I should have been the one watching.”

“Guys, it’s alright,” Toshiya smiled. “There’s always next time.”

“Gomen, Totchi,” Kaoru said again. “I was really looking forward to you eating these.”

“Kao-kao, don’t feel bad. Next time we should make these together, ne?”

“You can cook?”

“er, not really, but we’ll learn together.”

Die remained between the stool and table watching the scene. Shinya was busy throwing away the burnt cookies and helping Ryutaro wash the materials. The red head sighed, then looked at the opened envelope on his hand. The paper inside was sticking out and he could read the first couple of lines on it.

###
Dearest Shinya,
We desperately need you to come back………
###

Die blinked. He was becoming curious, but stopped himself when Shinya approached him.

“Did you see a shiny object laying around?”

“Shiny object?”

“The thing that feel out the envelope. I had it but I don’t remember where I put it.

Die shrugged. “Here’s your letter.”

Shinya sighed, but grabbed the envelope and began reading the paper inside.

Die watched Shinya’s eyes move from left to right in the process of scanning the paper’s contents. Those piercing green eyes were like precious jewels that shone even under the dim apartment lights, and the auburn head’s eyelashes fluttered softly against the flawless skin. Die wished he could just look at the man all day and never have to stop, but he observed Shinya’s eyes darken and his eyebrows furrow in worry.

Die felt prompted to ask. “Shinya, is something wrong?”

The bishounen paled, but kept reading.

“Shinya?”

Shinya finally lifted his gaze to the red head. He looked so distraught and stressed that the red head thought the young man would collapse.

Die bit his lip worriedly. “Maybe you should sit down.”

“No.” Shinya shook his head, slightly trembling. “I….I….need to get back to the dorm…” He grabbed his stuff hastily.

”I’ll walk you there.”

“I’ll be fine.” The young man slipped his shoes on.

“Shinya!” Die called out, but was only greeted by the front door slamming shut.

“What was that about?” Kaoru asked.

Die shook his head. “I dunno…but something’s wrong…”

“Hey, look,” Toshiya waved something around. “I think Shinya forgot this.” Toshiya had a silver metal key.

“So that’s what came with the letter.”

“And look at this.” Toshiya brought up his other hand, which had the cream colored envelope. “Shinya also forgot his letter.” He grinned.

“Toshiya!” Die scolded. “It’s important to him! Don’t read it!”

“Like you didn’t try to read it, Die! Believe me, I saw you!”

“Still, Totchi!” Kaoru pointed out. “He didn’t read it!”

“Don’t’ you guys want to know what’s wrong with Shinya?”

“Of course we do, but it’s his business to read that!”

Toshiya looked form Kaoru to Die to Ryutaro and Akira, whom were busy flirting in the kitchen. “Well!” He huffed. “I’m going to read it myself then!”

Toshiya read the paper, and gradually, his eyebrows rose and his mouth gaped open. “Oh, my….”

Immediately, the other two scrambled to stand on either side of the blue head, and they all read the letter.

Shinya walked to class in the bitter cold, but it did not bother him. The weather reminded him of home. The past few days, he had been feeling rather numb. Numb the fact that he could not think of anything but the letter’s contents. He’d also been careless to leave it in Akira’s place, where Toshiya would definitely read it no matter what circumstance befalls it. But that did not phase the auburn head. Eventually everyone would have found out.

Evidence of people having read it were showing too. Toshiya took him out shopping the other day, and Kaoru asked if they could look over music sheets together.

Shinya guesses the letter must have circulated the entire dormitory by now. Of course, it wasn’t a big deal to him.

He sighed and watched his breath form in the chilly air, then moved his eyes around the empty lot. Trees were bare. The ground frosty still from the morning dew. The building windows were fogged. He never thought he would feel so at home in such a place so far and so different from home.

*****

Die scribbled over his calculations for the hundreth time; he just could not understand the material as quickly as his other classmates. It’s infuriating. What’s even more infuriating is the fact that the red-head had difficulty focusing on the course work. His attention was averted to something else that he didn’t want to think about at all. But the thought was there, and he wished it would go away. That letter; that damned letter. Why did it have to arrive now, of all times? Die stared at the cream colored envelope on the corner of the desk. It lay faced down because the red head kept having the urge to read it over and over again, vainly hoping there was some kind of mistake to those words, some kind of error or misinterpretation. But no matter how much the red head wanted it to be false, the letter never changed. Totchi and Kaoru had insisted that he kept the letter, despite his protest. He didn’t want to keep it because everytime he looked at it, it pained him.

Die finally gave in to his urge and grabbed it. He read it again, line by line, word for word.

###
Dearest Shinya,
We desperately need you to come back. I understand this might be of short notice, but something terrible has occurred here. The family business had an unfortunate fire last week and nothing could be saved. Your father fell ill from shock, but has recovered tremendously in the past few days. He is doing well. We plan on restoring the business elsewhere, but we need you to come back and help us here. It is very unfortunate, but we cannot afford to keep you studying under these circumstances. Please be back by the end of the week. Your cousin will wait for you at Ontario and you can both fly here.

We miss you dearly.

Love,
Your mother

PS- I have enclosed your house key.
###

Die shook his head. He still could not believe it. Shinya was leaving at the end of the week.

Knock. Knock.

The door.

“It’s open!” Die put the paper back in the envelope and placed it in his drawer.

“You still studying?” Kaoru entered the dorm.

“Hey, Kaoru. Yeah. Studying.” The red head stretched his arms out. “What’re you doing here?”

Kaoru sat on Die’s futon and crossed his leg. “Shouldn’t that be my question?”

“Eh? I’m studying. You just said it a while ago.”

Kaoru leaned forward. “What are you doing here studying? You shouldn’t be in here right now.”

Die raised an eyebrow. “Are you OK, Kaoru?”

“Don’t try lying to me.” Kaoru said. “We all read the letter at Akira’s apartment. We all know Shinya’s leaving soon, and we’ve all been trying to spend as much time with him as possible……except you…”

Die bit his lip.

“Die, I have you the letter to keep in hopes that returning that to Shinya would be a good excuse to talk to him. You need to resolve your problem before he leaves, and don’t deny that. If you leave this misunderstanding like this, and if you don’t tell him exactly how you feel, it will eat you for a very long time. Die, I know you, you’ll regret it.”

“But Kaoru, it’s so hard.” Die explained. “I never understand that boy, and I don’t know how or when to approach him! The only time I’ve gotten him to talk to me is when I tease him; and i…I can’t tell him how I feel!!”

“Yes you can.” Kaoru insisted. “Who would have ever thought you could sit down and study all day? I bet you anyone who knew you fall quarter would laugh at that, but here you are now, studying your ass off and achieving grades better than the other quarter. That proves that anything is possible.”

“It’s impossible. That boy is impossible!”

“The impossible make things possible. At least give him his key back. I’m sure he’ll need that.”

Edie sighed and twirled the pen in his hand. “You know…. I never thought I’d be so distressed over something like this. I always had a smile; the bright ‘happy-go-lucky’ kinda guy…”

“Your conscience is what’s keeping you from it.” Kaoru lay a hand on his best friend’s shoulder. “Talk to him. If you feel that you really can’t converse with that guy, just be there with him. Spend time together, because after this week, you never know when you’ll see him again.”

Die nodded slowly.

“Look, it’s already Wednesday and he’s leaving on Friday morning. Don’t waste your time. You only have 2 days left.”

“Hai. I’ll talk to him.” Die stood up and grabbed Shinya’s housekey. “After my tutoring session.”

Kaour smiled at his friend’s resolution as they both headed out the dorm.

Die had Math tutoring, so he left the building while Kaoru went back to his dorm.

The purplehead didn’t even touch the doorknob when Toshiya swung it open. “So, is he doing it?”

Kaoru frowned. “Totchi, you’re so nosy.”

“I can’t help it! You took so long!”

“Totchi, I was only up there for 10 mts.!”

“I know! SO long!”

“Hey! Die’s not an easy guy to persuade.”

“You’re his best friend. You ought to know which buttons to press on that guy!”

“I’d like to see you try. Are you letting me in or not?”

Toshiya pouted and stepped aside to let his roommate in. Kaoru noticed that Toshiya was dressed to go out in his usual skimpy outfit.

“You have a date with Hakuei or what?”

“What?”

“You going out tonight?”

Toshiya gasped. “You don’t remember?”

“Eh?”

Toshiya pouted. “You don’t remember!”

“Remember what? I’m not required to remember your social plans!”

Toshiya’s lip trembled. “But---but---you promised!!”

“Totchi. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Toshiya stamped his heels noisily. “You promised to come shopping with me tonight! And you forgot!”

“Shopping? I did?” Kaoru scratched his head.

Toshiya’s eyes watered.

“Oh! Er, yeah, now I remember!” Kaoru lied. “Um, I clearly recalled now.”  ~^^;~

“Mou! Nevermind!” the bluehead crashed himself on his bed without taking off his shoes.

Kaoru frowned. “Totchi…” He sat on the bed. “I’m sorry. I’m just real tired lately and I just took you and Shinya out yesterday. I distinctly recall myself carrying all the bags and boxes for you guys.”

Toshiya sniffed and buried his face on his pillow.

“Totchi…”

“I’m sorry, Kao-kao.” He gave a muffled reply. “I’m being a brat these days. It’s just that… I’m not feeling well.”

“Are you sick? You have a fever?” Kaoru quickly turned the younger man over and felt his forehead.

“No, I’m fine…I’m just…” He sighed. “Hakuei’s out of town on another business/exec trip and I’m just feeling really lonely these days. Gomen.”

“It’s alright with me, you know, going shopping and all. And I know how you feel.” Kaoru chewed on his lip. “It’s not just that that’s upsetting you, ne?”

Toshiya felt his eyes moisten. Miyabi has not contacted or tried to get with Hakuei after that day, but Toshiya felt the event had an impact on Hakuei. The blonde guy and he hasn’t had sex since then, and Hakuei insisted he was too tired or worn out. Maybe they were fading and Miyabi sets in….

Toshiya closed his eyes and buried his face on his roommate’s chest to keep the tears back. Kaoru jerked up in surprise, but didn’t let go. He had an inkling Hakuei has something to do with Toshiya’s depression.

“Kaoru, I don’t think Hakuei loves me.” Toshiya whispered sadly.

“Why do you say that?”

“I-I don’t know…”

“Totchi…” Kaoru involuntarily stroked the blue head’s hair.

Toshiya sniffed. “I know it shouldn’t matter, but since the play, we haven’t had sex. And, I don’t know how to describe it, but something changed.”

“So you think it has something to do with what happened in the play?”

Toshiya nodded.

“You mean Miyabi, right?”

Nod. Nod.

“But you said Miyabi hasn’t gone after Hakuei since then.”

“But…I don’t know. I think Hakuei’s thinking about him now that he doesn’t see Miyabi anymore. And I just think…”

“You just *think* but you don’t *know* “ Kaoru reasoned softly. “And don’t think too much. If Hakuei loves you, then you’ll stay together forever; if Hakuei doesn’t love you…” He felt the blue head jerk at that statement, so he held the younger man tighter. “Totchi…” He whispered. “If he doesn’t love you, then eventually, you’ll break up anyway. But that doesn’t mean it’s the end of everything, ne?”

Toshiya nodded.

“But don’t go around assuming and thinking; if you feel so insecure, then you definitely should talk to Hakuei when he comes back.”

Toshiya sniffed again. “kaoru, it’s not very easy talking to him…… especially when it comes to this kinda stuff.”

“Really? You shouldn’t feel that way about your koi.”

Toshiya shook his head sadly. “Maybe it’s just me. I feel uncomfortable talking to him about it.”

“Well, maybe you ought to talk to someone who knows him very well.”

“Like who?”

“Miyabi.”

Toshiya frowned. “You know that boy quirks me.”

“I know, and I understand too. It’s the same with me and Hakuei. He irks me; I irk him. But Miyabi’s a very nice guy once you get to know him. Just ignore the fact that he looks like you.”

Toshiya remembered that look on Hakuei’s face after Miyabi fell off the stage. Surprise, shock, worry….and something else…. Toshiya couldn’t help but feel so much pain on his chest. He could feel his eyes water again no matter how much he willed them down. He resolved to just not think about it. He burrowed his face deeper on Kaoru. ~Don’t think about it. Stop thinking about it.~

“Kaoru,” his voice cracked. “just…. Just hold me. please.”

Kaoru didn’t know what else to do, so he complied to his roommate’s wishes, silently praying Hakuei won’t magically appear by the door and beat him up.

The two men were silent for a while, and only the sound of rain from the outside and their low, steady breathing could be heard. Toshiya could feel Kaoru’s heartbeat and warmth. It was so comforting, he wished it would last forever…

“Ne, Kaoru,” he spoke softly, not wanting to break the serenety of the atmosphere.

“Nani?”

“Do I tire you?”

“Why would I tire of you, Totchi?”

He shrugged. “I mean, I’m such a brat and all, and I’m always making you do things you don’t want to do. I feel I’m a nuisance to you….”

“You want the truth, Totchi?”

“Hai.”

“You’re a nuisance.”

Toshiya broke off and looked at him with sad eyes.

“At first,” Kaoru smiled sweetly. “I wondered why you always went to parties. I was so annoyed every time you dragged me shopping. I hated it when you tried to separate me from my homework. I absolutely despised it when you always said to get out the dorm and have fun. But after a while, I realized some things. College life isn’t only about books and studying; it isn’t only about parties and drinking either. It’s about both. It’s about people. Totchi, you’re right. I work too much, but at least I had someone like you to teach me more about life than the life in books and lecture notes.”

“Sou ka?’

“Yep. Arigatou, Totchi.”

Toshiya felt like crying from happiness. “Dooitasimasite.” He whispered.

“Ne, you still want to go shopping? If you want to stay here, it’s alright too.”

“It’s raining though.”

“Really? Amazing, isn’t it? It’s almost spring already.”

“Hai. Ne, maybe we should just visit Shinya tonight.”

“That’s a good idea, but I just told Die to talk to him today.”

“Oh yeah. Well, we can stay home, ne.”

“That’s fine with me, Totchi.” The older man sat up to go to the desk and finish his homework, but Toshiya pulled him down. “Totchi??”

The blue head whined. “Don’t leave me.”

“I’m not leaving the dorm.”

“No, just stay with me, ne.”

“Totchi…”

“I’m cold.”

Kaoru sighed. “If Hakuei was here, he’d beat me.”

Toshiya raised an eyebrow. “There’s nothing between us. No way. He won’t do anything with you.”

“Oh yes he will, and if it’s me, he’ll do it too.”

“Why do you say that, Kao-kao? You don’t like my company?”

“Of course I like your company…”

“OK, then shut up and just hold me.” He smiled and put his head back on Kaoru’s shoulder.

Kaoru sighed in resignation, but smiled at the pretty boy with him and held him securely in his arms.

*****
Die tapped his pen on the desk as Morita tried to explain the Math material to him. Amazingly enough, Morita was pretty good at teaching; it’s just that Die didn’t feel like paying attention. He wanted to get out and talk to Shinya.

“Dude! You’re not even listening to me!” Morita exclaimed.

Die leaned forward. “You don’t wanna be here, do you?”

“Hell, no.” Morita growled. “You think I’m nuts? The only reason I even show up is because they actually assigned a monitor for math tutoring.” He frowned. “I shoulda signed up for some other course tutoring, but I’m no good at anything other than math.”

“You know, I don’t want to be here either. In fact, I want to get out of here right now.”

“And how do you expect to do that? That Takuro guy is impossible!”

“Not that impossible. He monitors my dorm too, but we barely get busted for anything.”

“Dude! How do you do that? I feel like that guy’s the terminator or something.”

“We have our ways.”

“Hey! So you live in Diety Hall, don’t you?”

“Yeah.”

“Are you the lucky guy who lives with that hot chick?”

“What hot chick?”

“That really hot babe with the blue hair.”

Die would have rolled around the floor laughing if it weren’t for Takuro’s presence in the room. “Toshiya’s a guy, dummy.”

Morita wasn’t paying attention. “Damn, is that her name? Dude, you have to introduce me to her.”

Die: *sweatdrop*  These guys seem to have a problem with gender distinction.

“Anyways,” Die changed the subject. “Do you want to get out of here or not?”

“Of course I wanna get out of here!”

“Then you have to cooperate with me, ne?”

“I don’t think you can escape that guy.”

“Just trust me.”

“Whatever you say, dude.” Morita leaned back on his chair.

“Hey, if you cooperate with me, I’ll give you Toshiya’s phone number.”

“Alright! You’re on!”

“OK, here’s the deal. You jump up and start yelling about someone running in the halls, got it?”

Morita looked confused.

“Just pretend someone’s running/loitering in the hallway.”

“O-k….” Morita said uncertainly, but braced himself anyway. “OH MY GOD!!! RUNNING IN THE HALLS!”

Takuro immediately jumped to his feet. “Where?”

“Er, over there! They ran across the corridor!”

After Takuro went out the room’s doors, Die immediately hopped on the table.

Morita stared at him. “You know, when that guy figures out I bullshitted him, I’ll get busted.”

“I know. We’ll BOTH get busted.” Die said calmly, as if he’s dealt with the type of situation all his life. “That’s why I’ve got to do this.” He took out his lighter and opened it. Then her reached as far as he could to the ceiling’s sprinkler system. After a few seconds, the fire alarm went off and the sprinklers burst open.

Die jumped down the table. “Alright! Let’s go!”

Both men ran out the building, only to be greeted by the night rain. Not that they cared; they were both wet anyway.

Morita looked at Die. “Dude! That was the best escape tactic I’ve ever seen! Even I never thought of that.”

Die grinned. “Comes with experience from evading the law. I’ve got more methods up my sleeve.”

“You’re gonna have to teach me, man.”

“Maybe I’ll teach ya another one next session. For now, I’ve got business to deal with.”

“Wait! You promised me the chick’s number!”

“Oh, yeah. Here.” Die wrote on a soppy piece of paper. “See you next session ne?”

“Yah. See ya.”

Die happily strolled back to Diety Hall. Morita wasn’t so bad after all. But the red head couldn’t wait for Toshiya to start receiving calls from the frat boy.

Die reached Room 411’s door and fished out the silver key from his pocket.

~Time to talk to Shinya~  he thought to himself. The red head knocked on the door. It opened with a soft creak and Die saw Shinya standing there with a surprised look on his face.

“Konbanwa.” Die nervously greeted. His eyes wandered over the delicate form involuntarily. Shinya looked like he just got out of the shower. He had a white robe on and his hair was slightly wet and sticking to his neck. The red head could feel his heart quicken a pace…. All he had to do was pull the robe’s sash…… {Die, you hentai!! ~yk2}

“Konbanwa.” Shinya said quietly and blushed. Die was drenched from the rain. The crimson hair stuck to his face and neck and his shirt clung to that fine body of his.

“A-no…dozo…” Die handed Shinya the silver key. “You left it in Akira’s place.”

“Arigatou”

Silence.

Die nervously shifted his feet. “I heard you are leaving on Friday.”

“Hai.”

Silence.

“N-ne.” Die began.

“Nani?”

“I’m having a farewell party tomorrow night.”

“Sou ka?”

“Please be there.”

Shinya looked up.

Die chewed his lip. “It’s for you.”

Shinya blushed.

“See you tomorrow.” Die said, sidestepping to his dorm.

“Chotto matte.” Shinya spoke up.

Die stopped.

“Uh…ano…” Shinya gripped his robe. “Oyasumi…”

Die blinked, but smiled sweetly. “Oyasumi, Shin-chan.”

Shinya’s face flushed crimson upon hearing that word, then smiled back before shutting the door silently.

Shinya brushed his hair silently and absently. He didn’t know how long he’d been there, staring at himself in the mirror and frowning at himself with dissatisfaction. It wasn’t as if he was going anywhere; the party was just next door.

“Brushing it 100 times is not going to make it any uglier.” Kyo commented across the room.

Shinya threw his brush across the room and it smacked the shorter man on the butt cheek.

“OW~~! That’ll bruise, you know.”

“Not my problem.” Shinya stood up and walked to the tiny closet. He sighed in disappointment. Despite shopping the other day with Toshiya, he couldn’t buy anything because of money; and he could not find anything small enough to fit his size {duh, it’s Shinya ^^;}

“Shinya, it’s just next door. You don’t have to look exclusive.”

Shinya ignored Kyo.

Suddenly, the dorm entrance burst open and Toshiya came in.

“Laaa~! Shinya!” He grinned seductively while holding a large white box in the air.

“Er, konbanwa, Toshiya.” Shinya stared at the box. “What’s that?”

Toshiya walked toward the younger man and thrusted it to him. “Dozo!” He winked. “Farewell present for you.”

“Farewell present?” Shinya gasped. “For me? Arigatou, Toshiya!”

“No problem. Hope you like it.”

Shinya beamed happily when he opened the box and pulled out a black, silk skirt with oriental patterns on it. “Oh, my God! Toshiya! This must have cost you so much!”

The blue head shrugged it off with a haughty laugh. “Money is nothing when friendship is concerned.”

Kyo snorted. “That’s easy for you to say.” He turned to Shinya. “You should see his house… or should I say, mansion.”

Shinya’s eyes widened in surprise. “Toshiya! I didn’t know you’re rich!”

The blue head blushed. “Well, not that rich…”

Kyo chuckled. “Yeah, right! You guys even have your own indoor pool.”

Toshiya pouted. “Kyo..”

Shinya gasped. “Wow! I wish I had an indoor pool!”

“Maybe sometime I’ll invite you to my place, ne?”

“Arigatou, Toshiya.”

“Hnn… you want me to fix your hair?” Toshiya played with Shinya’s auburn locks. “Oh my! You have such nice hair.”

Shinya blushed.

The door opened again.

“We’re having too many visitors today.” Kyo said.

“What took you so long?” Toshiya asked.

“Konbanwa, Kaoru.” Shinya greeted.

Kaoru pouted. “At least Shinya’s nice enough to greet me ne.”

The blue head checked his watch. “Tsk, tsk. Took you 10 minutes to get here from downstairs. So slow.”

“Well it’s not my fault you misplaced my present for Shinya.”

“You bought a present for me too?” Shinya asked in surprise.

Kaoru gave the younger man a small box. He stared at the ground sheepishly. “I know it won’t be much after what Toshiya gave you… but I hope you like it.”

Shinya opened the box and took out a pin with a musical note on it. “What do you mean, Kaoru? I love it!”

The door opened again, but this time, Levin was there. “Shinya-san! The party’s starting.”

Kyo raised an eyebrow. “Already?”

Shinya got up. “You guys go ahead. I’ll change real quick, OK?”

Everyone walked out to the next room except for Levin.

“Levin-chan?” Shinya asked.

Levin slowly walked to the auburn head. “Shinya-san. Are you leaving me?” {;_;}

Shinya bit his lip. “I think we should sit down & talk about this ne. “ They both settled on Shinya’s bed. Shinya wrapped his arms around the smaller man securely. “You asked me if I’m leaving you; and the answer is no. I am going back to my home because my family needs my help right now…’

“But that means you’re leaving me….”

“No, it doesn’t. I am physically going somewhere else, but I will always be in your heart, ne?”

Levin blinked innocently, then slowly smile.

Shinya stroked his roommate’s hair lovingly. “I don’t know how long I’ll be away; and I don’t know if I will ever come back again, but I will write to all of you. And I promise that I’ll see you again in this lifetime.”

Levin nodded. “Shinya-san.”

“Nani?”

“I made a card for you.” He handed it to the bishounen. Shinya looked at the card. It was made from plain white paper. The front had a crayon and marker drawing of him; and on the inside were words written clumsily, yet carefully. It said: ‘Shinya-san, I will miss you. Take care. From, Levin.’

It was so sweet. The most costless, simplest, but most powerful and impacting. Shinya didn’t know what else to say, so instead, he hugged the smaller man tightly in his arms and thanked him ceaselessly. He knew it was going to be difficult to leave Diety Hall.

*****
As soon as Kyo, Kaoru, and Toshiya walked into Die’s dorm, they could see crowds of people and Yukihiro mixing some songs.

Die popped out of nowhere and grabbed Kaoru on his shoulders. “Kaoru!”

“Die?”

“Did you see a delivery man anywhere?” He shook the smaller man repeatedly.

“Delivery man…? Wha…” Kaoru blinked. He was getting dizzy from all the shaking.

Die let go and gripped his hair. “Arrgh! I told the shop to deliver them to me at 8 sharp!”

Kyo stared at him. “Die, you need to explain!!”

“You don’t understand! I ordered carnations for Shinya, but it’s 8:45 and they’re still not here!!’ He exclaimed.

Toshiya crinkled his nose. “Carnations?”

Die flushed. “Hey! They smell fresh; and I can’t afford much right now.”

Kaoru thought about it. “If you ordered from Caddie’s gift and flower shop, I guarantee you the flowers will arrive tomorrow morning at 8.”

“WHAT?!?!?”

Kaoru shrugged. “Utada is the receptionist, so I’m not surprised.”

“NOOOOOO!!!!!”

“Die, calm down,” Toshiya reassured. “Shinya’s train doesn’t leave tomorrow until 9. the station isn’[t too far from here, so he doesn’t need to leave until after 8. you can give him the flowers then.”

Die clenched his fist. “That delivery man had better show up!”

*****

Levin went ahead of Shinya to the party, but the younger man lingered a little longer by the mirror, watching himself with the skirt Toshiya just gave him.

There was an unexpected knock on the door.

“It’s open.”

The door silently opened.

Shinya gasped in surprise. “Konbanwa, Prof. Yoshiki.”

Yoshiki smiled. “Konbanwa.”

Shinya blinked several times just to see if he was hallucinating or not.

“I came here to say my farewells.” Yoshiki stated with a  polite nod.

Shinya realized he wasn’t seeing things, so he nodded.

“Shinya, just wanted to say that you’re a very good and very talented musician.”

“Sou desu ka?”

“Hai. Sou desu. And I hope you’ll continue with music.”

“I definitely will, Professor.”

“I think we’ve all enjoyed your company here.”

“As I do yours.”

“I hope to see you in the future.”

“So do I to you.”

Yoshiki reached out a hand.

Shinya didn’t understand at first, but eventually realized, so he reached out and they shook hands.

“Take care, Shinya.” Yoshiki said with a smile.

“Arigatou gozai masita.” Shinya said. “And you also take care.”

Yoshiki nodded and walked out the dorm.

*****

Shinya finally arrived at the party and was immediately greeted by the Diety Hall crowd. Even though almost the entire dorm residents were there {@_@ is that possible?} the auburn head did not see Die anywhere.

“Open the door. It’s stuffed in here!” Shuse exclaimed.

Someone pushed the door open and some residents decided to occupy the hallway.

As usual, the poker players were seated at the table intensely focused on their cards, except this time, they had kept Kaoru’s cookies and are using them for poker chips. The bathroom was occupied by Kirito and Aiji and the rest of Pierrot were playing video games on the couch. Plastic Tree smoked out in the hallway, and Shinya was glad they smoked there instead of in the room.

Soon, Shinya spotted Kyo, Toshiya, and Kaoru. “Hi guys!”

“Hi, Shinya!’

Toshiya winked. “Lookin’ good for a party next door.”

Shinya blushed. “Er, ano… have you guys seen Die anywhere?’

Kyo piped up. “Well, he’s at---“

Toshiya quickly clapped his hand on Kyo’s mouth. “--- the bathroom!” Toshiya finished.

“Bathroom?!?! Kirito and Aiji are in there!”

Kyo pushed Toshiya away. “He likes to watch rabbits, Shinya.” Kyo smiled evilly.

Shinya scratched his head. “Rabbits? What do rabbits have to do with that?”

Kyo, Toshiya, and Kaoru: ~^^;~

“Anyway,” Kaoru interjected. “Die will be back. Don’t worry.”

The truth was, Die wasn’t anywhere in the building.

*****

The bus halted to a harsh stop as all the passengers were jerked forward by the inertia. The red head fell forward and almost knocked over an old lady, but luckily didn’t. Once the bus came to a complete halt, Die ran out as quick as lightning toward the empty night street. He searched for a particular place on High Street and beamed when he found it. Caddie’s Gift & Flower Shop. He jogged toward the front door and pulled the handle. It wouldn’t budge. He tried again, but the door was bolted shut. The red head looked up, then saw a sign on the window that said, “closed.”

Die tugged his hair and cursed out loud. “#(@#*$&(@^%#*%(@$!!!!!”

He went all the way across town for nothing. Now what was he going to get Shinya??? He slumped to the ground and sat for a minute, feeling depressed. Everybody gave Shinya something nice and Die didn’t know what to get the younger man, but when he saw those carnations displayed on the window of the flower shop, he thought they were perfect. The flowers reminded him so much of the pretty boy. So fresh. So intricately delicate. And so beautiful.

Die walked back to the bus stop with slumped shoulders and leaned on the lamppost. All he could do now is go back and expect the flowers next morning.

He waited.
And waited.
And waited.

~Where’s the damned bus?!~ he thought.

The red head waited for another half an hour then began to feel nervous. No way was he walking all the way back to Diety Hall from High Street! That would take too long! Suddenly, Die remembered that the bus schedule changed yesterday. He hit his head on the lamppost repeatedly. The bus he got off of was the last bus to go around. He immediately fished his pockets as he looked around. Great. No quarters. No payphone. No mobile. Nobody.

The red head began jogging back to the dorm. Everyone’s going to wonder where he went, and Die hopes to make it back to the party before his roommates decide to end it.

*****

Die trudged up the staircase in dismay. He was tired, sweaty, and looked like shit. He couldn’t believe he ran from High Street all the way to Diety Hall. Even though he was fit as a football player, his lungs still hurt from all that physical exercise. It must be the smoking. Once he reached his floor, the red head saw Kaoru smoking in the hallway. At once, he knew the party was over. It was too late in the night, and everything was quiet. Die slumped next to his best friend.

“It’s over, isn’t it?” Die said.

Kaoru offered a cigar. “The party is, but you guys aren’t.”

Die chuckled. “Here we go again, Kaoru the optimist.” He took Kaoru’s cigar offer and brought out a lighter.

“Doesn’t hurt to be that way. Anyway, Shinya’s asleep. His train leaves morning. Why don’t you wake him up?”

“Not without those flowers.”

“Die! He doesn’t care about that! He just wanted to see you! He was asking about you during the party.”

“Kaoru…” Die took a long drag. “….you may find me stupid, and you could go ahead and call me stupid, but I can’t see him right now, not without those flowers. I feel so… I don’t know. I feel like I have to give him something. And when I saw those flowers, I could see Shinya delighted to receive them. After that, I just wanted to get them for him… give it to him as a surprise. Kaoru, I wanted so badly to see him happy…. God, I don’t know what I’m saying….” He buried his head on his knees.

Kaoru patted Die on the back. “I understand, Die.” He reassured. “It’s just as you said at Campus Steak house; you remember that day?”

“Yeah.”

“You said you love him so much, like you’ve never loved any other, that you’d climb any mountain and pick a flower from it if he’d asked. I understand perfectly how it feels.”

“Thanks, Kaoru.”

“But Die…”

“Nani?”

“Flower or no flower, you’d better talk to him before he leaves at 9, OK?”

Die grinned. “Hai!”

*****

Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep. Beep.
*SLAM*

The alarm clock was knocked over and it tumbled on the floor. Die stretched out and picked up the clock and put it back on its proper place. Suddenly, he jumped. It was already 8:30.

“FUCK!!!!!”

He hastily put some unmatched street clothing and grabbed Ryuichi’s coat by accident, but he didn’t care. Die swung the door open and was surprised to find his flowers by the doorstep.

“That little fucking flower shop.” He grumbled, then picked up the flowers.

“Die! There you are!”

Die looked up. “Toshiya?”

Toshiya gave a wan smile. “Good going, Shinya’s at the station already.”

Die’s eyes widened. “Which station?”

“Er, the only one 15 minutes away from here…”

Die held Toshiya’s shoulders and shook him. “Which gate number? Please tell me you know which gate he’s at!”

Toshiya blinked.

*****

Shinya placed his luggage on the compartment as the rest of the passengers boarded the train. He sat by the window, which wasn’t his seat, because the train did not have very many passengers. The train was cramped and old, but Shinya didn’t care. He stared out the window sadly. He felt like crying. He was going to miss Diety Hall so much. He never thought he would become so attatched to so many people in such a short time ---- well, it seemed short. And he was never the type to warm up to people easily, which surely didn’t happen at Diety Hall. It was home away from home. And the residents of Diety Hall he will never forget. His vision was blurred from the moisture that accumulated in his eyes, but he blinked repeatedly. He thought he saw something familiar in the distance.

A blur of red.

Shinya wiped his tears away then stared. It really was Die. What was he doing there? Where was he the night before? What’s going on?

Suddenly, Die turned around and they both locked each other in a gaze. Everything else seemed to move in slow motion, as if everything felt like they were underwater, floating with the current. Die couldn’t believe it; he ran toward the auburn head as the younger man opened the window.

“Shinya!” Die gasped for breath. He’d been running quite a bit.

“Die..” was all Shinya could say.

Quickly, Die handed him the carnations.

Shinya drew a breath. The flowers were so beautiful. He took it, smelled its freshness, and smiled sweetly, but shyly. “A-arigatou.” He blushed.

Die could only nod. Shinya’s smile was timid and shy, but breathtaking. The younger man looked so pretty with his auburn hair lose and the white dress that perfectly framed his delicate form. And his eyes were bright with happiness and sadness at the same time.

Not caring about the consequences anymore, Die reached up and grabbed Shinya’s hands in a secure hold.

Shinya blinked, surprised at first, then blushed hard as he looked at Die in the eye.

“Shinya,” Die spoke softly, “do you…. Do you really have to leave?”

Shinya quietly nodded.

“…please don’t go…” Die pleaded.

Shinya felt his eyes water. “I’m sorry, Die. I can’t….my family…. They really need me….”

“Shinya….”

“No, call me Shin-chan…” Shinya smiled as his tears tickled down his cheeks.

“Hai, Shin-chan.” Die smiled back, feeling his own eyes moisten. “When will I see you again?”

“I don’t know… but I’ll try to write to everyone…”

“Please take care.” Die reached up and stroked the younger man’s tear-streamed cheeks. His heart ached to hold him.

“You, too… promise me something?”

“Hai.”

“Take good care of everyone in Diety Hall. Please watch out for Levin, and please watch out for yourself, ne?”

Die nodded.

“Don’t smoke too much, ne?” Shinya sniffled and held Die’s hand tightly. “I’ll miss you.” He whispered.

“I’ll miss you too.” Die said. “And you know Ayumi and I…..”

Shinya shook his head. “That doesn’t matter anymore. I know about it.”

“Really?”

“Kaoru told me.”

“WHAT?!”

Shinya giggled softly and wiped his tears with one hand while still holding the flower with the other. “Red headed imbicle.”

Die smiled. “My auburn-haired beauty…”

They both looked into each other’s eyes for a moment. In that moment, the world was alien to them. Nothing else mattered, but the touch of their hands, and the loving gaze they held for each other.

Die couldn’t breathe. Shinya’s piercing emerald eyes were shining beautifully and lovingly---at him! How long had he wished for this day to come? It was like a dream, a dream come into reality. He wanted Shinya. He realized that now. No matter what he did and no matter what he said, his heart will always be with Shinya alone.

Die stammered. “S-shinya…”

Shinya listened patiently.

“Shin-chan, I ----.”

The train jerked suddenly, and Shinya almost fell forward, but held onto the windowsill.

“Die, the train’s moving…”

“But I….”

Then, the train moved slowly. Die let go of Shinya’s hand, but ran across the station, trying to catch up to the window {um.. that’s not gonna work, Die-kun…}

“Shinya!”

“Die!”

The train moved faster.

“Shin-chan, I …..” Die dropped to his knees as the train moved at its maximum speed and receeded into a tiny spec in the distance. The red head hit the ground with his fist as the tears fell.

He cried and cried to himself and ignored passers-by who stared in curiosity.

“Shin-chan… I love you…..”
 

CONTD~@ Episode 26: Miyabi

Yk2: Wahhh!!! T_T. It’s not over yet! I assure you!! *yukimi hides behind a shield from the Die x Shinya fans*