Episode 31: We Meet Again
 

Kaoru thought he could get some sleep in the van, but didn’t. He stared out the window and tried to concentrate on achieving peace, which was impossible to do under the circumstances. The seats of the dilapidated rented van was beyond uncomfortable, and all 11 of them were squished. Three people in the front seats and four on the back two rows. Kaoru was glad he was up front with Die, who drove, and Miyabi, who helped him with directions. On the second row was Levin, Shuse, Taka, and Koji, whom were all playing cards. The last row had Kyo and Hiro, who both slept, and Toshiya and Hakuei, whom wouldn’t stop making out.

Kaoru knew Miyabi was trying his best to ignore them, but was doing a good job by busying himself with directions. Kaoru sighed. His neck felt cramped. The car ride would have ended earlier, if it wasn’t for Levin asking to go to the bathroom every 15 minutes. Maybe the kid has a bladder problem or something.

“I need to pee!”

There he goes again.

Shuse rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you pee in a bottle?”

“But I gotta pee!” he whined.

Die sighed. “Alright. I’ll stop at the next rest stop.”

Die pulled over to a gas station and pumped up while Levin went to his 100th restroom break.

“Ne, Die.” Kaoru said. “I’ll drive next. You’ve been driving since we left campus.”

“Thanx pal.” Die beamed.

“How long do we have until we reach our destination? I assume it’s not too far away because the air is getting chilly.”

“Of course. We are driving north.” Die shrugged. “I thinking Miyabi knows the directions and how long we have till we reach the resort.”

“Miyabi!” Kaoru called out. “how long do we have until we reach the resort?”

Miyabi furrowed his eyebrows and stared at the map. “Hmm..if Levin didn’t’ have a bladder dysfunction, we would’ve been there 2 hours ago. But right now, my estimation is 2? hours minimum.”

“Minimum, huh?” Kaoru frowned. “Maybe we should buy diapers for Levin. I’m sure he’ll fit.”

Miyabi smiled. “Or beer bottles would be nice.”

Kaoru chuckled. “Either way, it’ll stink up the van.”

Miyabi giggled.

Toshiya appeared out of nowhere. “What’s so funny?” he asked and glared at Miyabi from the corner of his eye.

“Oh, nothing.” Miyabi grinned.

“Actually, Miyabi’s telling me how long it would take to get there.”

“Oh.” Toshiya sniffed. “What’s so amazing about that?”

“Like you can give decent directions.” Miyabi said haughtily. “I highly doubt that with all that air in your head.”

The blue head glared, then grabbed the map. “Boy! Sit in the back seat and watch how I’ll get us there in less than 2 ? hours!!” he snapped.

Miyabi yawned. “That’s alright. I’d rather sleep. With you giving directions, we’d be driving in circles all day.” He turned his heel and walked back into the van.

“I’ll bet that Toshiya won’t make it in 2 ? hours!” Koji declared as the other guys placed other bets.

Toshiya turned and glared.

“A-no…Totchi, are you sure you want to do this?” Kaoru asked uncertainly.

Toshiya gave him a menacing look. “I can too give directions!!” he insisted angrily and stomped into the van.

*****

Toshiya scrutinized the map determinedly as Kaoru drove sleepily across the barren, dark road. It was already night and they haven’t found the resort. It was cold outside, and they could see some snow around the area. Everyone else was asleep though. Die slept beside Toshiya, the poker players remained where they were, and the back seat composed of Kyo, Hiro, Hakuei, and Miyabi. At least Levin wasn’t up to complain about peeing.

Kaoru was getting very tired. He really wanted to sleep, but everyone else was, and he didn’t want to stop until they’ve reached the resort. “Totchi, are you sure we’re in the right path?”

“I KNOW this is the right way!”

“You said that 5 turns ago. I feel like I’m moving in circles.”

“>.<! MOU!!! The resort is supposed to be ahead.”

“You said that 3 turns ago.”

Toshiya pouted. “Look. At least you can be more supportive.”

“Ne, Totchi. I think we need to wake up Die or Miyabi and ask them where we are.”

“NO!!!”

“Totchi!”

“We are not even lost! I know what I’m doing!”

“Look! Toshiya! I am VERY TIRED! I want to sleep and I don’t care if this has a thing to do with your personal quirk against Miyabi. I want a nice comfortable bed and a warm secure room!!!”

Toshiya pursed his lip angrily. “Pull over.”

“what?”

“I SAID pull over!!! I’ll drive.”

“Are you sure? It’s late…” he pulled over to the side of the road.

“I’ll drive!” he got out of the van and moved to the driver’s side.

“You go sleep. I’ll keep going.” He dragged Kaoru out the driver’s seat. “I WILL get us there!!”

“What if you fall asleep?”

“I won’t.”

“But---“

Toshiya gave him a look and the purple head decided to shut up and do as told. He climbed over Die and settled beside the blue head. “You want me to give directions?”

“No.” Toshiya turned on the ignition and slammed on the gas, practically throwing the purple head back.

He looked at Toshiya, who had his pretty lips pursed in a line. His eyes looked to the road with gleamed determination. He actually looked cute like that. Kaoru smiled. There was no stopping the bishounen, so he just lay back and fell asleep.

*****

The purple head’s eyes fluttered open as the dawn’s bright sunlight illuminated his face. He blinked, then felt a warmth on his body. He stared down and found Toshiya asleep on his chest. Immediately, he looked around. The van had stopped, but everyone else was where they were. Everyone was still asleep. He peered outside the frosted window and noticed snow all over the place. They were parked on a parking lot. Then Kaoru saw something off to the side. It was the resort.

He shook the blue head. “Totchi! Totchi! You did it!”

Toshiya whined and held him tighter. “Cold.”

“Ne, Totchi. Let’s go and check in. We’re here.”

“Hnn….”

Then Kaoru noticed the heavy dark circles under his eyes. “Christ, Totchi, how long did you drive?”

“I got here an hour ago.” Toshiya mumbled.

“WHAT!?!?!? You’re nuts!”

“…I know…” Toshiya gave a tired smile.

“Come on, let’s go.” Kaoru woke up Die, who had their money and all three men walked to the resort.

Die yawned. “Geez, Totchi! It took you 6 hours to find this place?”

“Shut up, Die.” Toshiya said tiredly.

Kaoru looked at his roommate. His eyes were half lidded and his eyebrows were slightly furrowed. He never noticed before, but the bishounen’s face was a bit pale. “Totchi, daijoubou?”

“Kao-kao. I’m tired…” he whispered, then fell to his knees.

“TOTCHI!”

Both men kneeled down and peered at him.

Kaoru held Toshiya’s shoulders. “Do you feel dizzy or tired or both?”

“Hnn…I’m ok, just tired ne…”

“Do you feel nauseous?”

“No. Kinda dizzy though.”

“C’mere, Totchi. You need food and rest. You’ve over-exhausted yourself.” Kaoru and Die helped him up.

The three men entered the tiny Japanese-style resort then settled Toshiya on the couch close to the reception counter.

Kaoru stayed with Toshiya as Die went up to book their rooms.

“I’m cold.” Toshiya whined and hugged Kaoru.

“You’re always cold.” Kaoru said.

“But you’re so warm.” Toshiya pouted.

In a few minutes, Toshiya was fast asleep. Kaoru smiled as he held him. The blue head’s lips were cracked, indicating that he was in need for food.

“Totchi, once we’ve booked rooms, you have to eat, ne? After that, you can go to bed.” Kaoru said softly. He stroked his roommate’s hair as he waited and waited for Die. Pretty soon, Kaoru’s eyes were drooping and he felt very sleepy. He pouted. Where did Die go? He turned around and saw Die still waiting by the counter. “Ne! What’s taking you so long?”

Die gave an exasperated sigh. “The bell doesn’t work and there’s no one out here! What the fuck?” he was getting mad. They drove all day for nothing.

Kaoru shrugged. “Maybe they’re out back?”

“I dunno, Kaoru.”

“Wanna smoke while we wait?”

“Sure.” Die took Kaoru’s offer.

Suddenly, they heard an employee from the counter. “Sumimasen… I was out in the kitchen. May I help you?”

Die rolled his eyes and turned around. “Damn well you can----“ He stopped.

“I’m sorry, sir, but no smoking in the---!!” the greeter stopped and gasped.

Kaoru gawked.

Die kept staring and didn’t know what to say. It has to be fate, isn’t it?

The red head’s eyes wandered over the greeter, whose plain yellow kimono framed the delicate body perfectly and whose distinctive auburn hair was pinned in a cute bun.

The greeter blinked, the blushed hard.

Die finally found the voice to speak. “S-shinya?” he whispered.

“Dude! This is so weird!” Kyo said. “Who’d ever thought you’d be working here?”

Shinya flushed. “I never expected anyone to get that flyers. But I guess it traveled all the way to campus ne?”

“Shinya-san!” Levin glomped him. “I missed u!! T_T”

“Levin!” He hugged the younger man.

Everyone else said their greeting, then grabbed their keys and went to their rooms. Die stayed behind.

“Er...ano... how’s the business?“ Die asked after everyone left.

“Oh, good.” Shinya said. “How’s class?”

“Good.” Die nodded.

Silence.

“Gomen.”

“Huh?”

“For not writing to any of you.”

“I figured you were busy.”

“And truthfully, I am and I was. We’re having more and more customers lately.”

“Really?”

“Ano…wanna have some tea?”

“No. That’s alright.” Die said. But sat down on the couch.

Shinya sat beside him and clutched his kimono nervously.

“So, how many cutomers do you have now?” Die asked, trying to contain his own nervousness.

“Plenty.” Shinya said. “Actually, we’re having a politician throw a party in the reception room tomorrow.”

“REALLY? Kakkoi.”

“But we’re not sure we can handle that many people.” He sighed. “There’s only four of us: my parents, me, and my cousin. We don’t know what to provide for entertainment.”

Die nodded. Then smiled. “We can help you.”

Shinya blinked. “What?” But your’e on vacation!”

Die shrugged. “We are and we’re gonna spend it with you.” He smiled. “we don’t mind.”

Shinya bit his lip uncertainly. “But I don’t’ feel right making you work fo rus.”

“You’re not making us do anything. We chose to do it ourselves. Besides, what are friends for?”

shinya opened his mouth in protest, but was cut off by Die leaning forward and pressing his lips on the bishounen. Shinya stiffened in surprise, but sighed when Die forced his tongue in and explored his warm cavern. After Die pulled back, Shinya found himself lying on the couch. His breathing was labored and his eyes were hazy. Die stroked Shinya’s lips with his thumb.

“Shinchan…”

Shinya blushed.

“…you don’t’ know how long I’ve wanted to see you and be with you.”  Die looked at him lovingly. “Shinchan…you’re so beautiful…”

the bishounen could feel his heart beat rapidly. “D-die-kun…” Die bent down again and kissed those soft, innocent lips. This time, with a lot more passion and vigour.

Shinya moaned as Die trailed his open-mouthed kisses down the delicate throat.

“You’re so beautiful…” Die murmured again and again. “…so sweet…so innocent…”

Shinya couldn’t think. He felt dizzy from all these emotions that came into play. He wanted this for so long, and now that he has it, he felt so overwhelmed. Die began tugging the kimono down so that half of Shinya’s chest was exposed.

Shinya widened his eyes. “Wait, Die! This kimono’s expensive! Don’t----aahh!!” he arched his back as the red head sucked and nipped his nipple. Die continued teasing the pink flesh while the younger man wimpered and grapped his red hair from behind.

Suddenly, the door slammed open and a girl’s voice rang out. “Shinya! It’s your turn to---!!” the girl gasped.

Die immediately got off Shinya and Shinya quickly fixed his kimono.

The girl kept staring.

Shinya blushed and bit his lip. “Die, meet my cousin Megumi. Megumi, this is Die.”

“Nice to meet you.” Die cleared his throat.

“Nice to meet you too.” Megumi grinned mischievously.

Die avoided the girl’s gaze.

“Tsk. Tsk. Shinya, are you sure you’re still a virgin?” Megumi teased.

Shinya pouted. “Shut up, Megumi.”

“Just be glad it wasn’t your mom or dad that walked in.” Megumi winked and left.

Die stared at her as she went away. “That’s your cousin?”

Shinya flushed. “Hai. I know, she’s a bit forward ne.”

“That she is; but she’s not as kawaii as you.” Die grinned and hugged him from behind. He sniffed the auburn hair. “Hm…you smell nice too.”

Shinya pouted and hit him playfully. “Baka.”

***

Kaoru walked around the resort but couldn’t find Shinya anywhere. He was going to ask for some food to give Toshiya. Finally, he found another employee sweeping the floor.

“Sumimasen.” Kaoru called out.

The person turned around. “Hai?”

“Ano… I was wondering if you had any food?”

The lady smiled sweetly. “Why, of course.” She paused. “Are you one of Shinya’s friends?”

“yes.”

“Ah. Come with me. I’ll give you food for free.”

“Really?”

“Hai. You students took care of my little Shinya while he was at the university. It’s the least I can do.” She led the purple head down the stairs.

“Are you Shinya’s mother?”

“Yes. How’d you guess?”

“You both have the same smile.”

The older woman laughed softly. “if only Shinya would smile more. So what do you want to eat?”

“OH, actually, it’s not for me. It’s for a friend of mine.”

“A friend?”

“Hai. He’s not feeling well.”

Mrs. Terachi nodded. “You’ve come to the right person. I know much about herbal medicine. What sickness does your friend have?”

“Well, he’s not really sick. He’s just exhausted.”

“Hmmm. How about some soup?”

“That would be fine.”

The two entered the kitchen, where an elderly man had a huge wok and cooked with great skill. He poured the wok’s contents into a plate. Kaoru’s mouth watered at the sight and smell. The elderly man turned and faced them with a  jolly smile. “Oh! Hello there!”

“Hi.” Kaoru greeted shyly. It felt weird to meet Shinya’s parents.

“Honey, do we have any vegetables left?” Mrs. Terachi asked.

Mr. Terachi blinked. “No. I thought you were going to the grocery so I ate them.”

“Baka.”

Mr. Terachi gave a jolly laugh. “You love calling me names. Even in front of guests.” He turned to Kaoru. “Be glad she’s toned down quite a bit. Should’ve heard her 20 years ago. She had a glutton of a mouth.”

“Look who’s the glutton now.”

“It’s your fault though. You fattened me up!: He patted his big beer belly. “Who’d think I used to have a six pack here.”

“You’re right about something for once. Who would believe you?” Mrs. Terachi smiled, then changed the subject. “By the way, Shinya’s friend needs food.”

“Ah…are you one of his friends from the dorm?” Mr. Terachi asked.

“Hai.”

“Are you that guy Shinya keeps talking about?” Mr. Terachi inquired.

Mrs. Terachi and Kaoru blinked.

“I don’t’ recall Shinya ever talking about anyone from the dorm.” Mrs. Terachi said.

The elderly man shook his head. “I overheard him and Megumi talking one day. Something about a boyfriend.”

Mrs. Terachi gasped. “You mean, our baby has a boyfriend?? Are you the one?”

^^;; “I assure you, It’s NOT me.” Kaoru said.

“Then who is it?” Mr. Terachi asked.

“Er…ano…”

“Honey, we should ask Shinya ourselves.” Mrs. Terachi insisted. “Even so, isn’t that wonderful? Our little baby’s grown!”

Kaoru looked at both of them and wondered if parents wwere always quick in jumping conclusions. They weren’t even sure of what they heard and they’ve already formed an assumption. Eventually, Kaoru got his soup and went up to visit the blue head, who roomed with Hakuei.

*****
Later that night…

The reception room had the Diety Hall residents (except Toshiya, who was asleep, and Hakuei, who was with him.) Shinya’s parents, Megumi, and Shinya gathered there. Die had insisted to csll a meeting and discuss how they could help out with the politicians party the next night.

“I’d feel terrible if you kids had to work during vacation!” Mrs.Terachi stated. “And to think. You all drove so many hours to get here.”

“IT really is alright with us, Mrs. Terachi. Please don’t worry. We want to help.” Miyabi spoke up.

“Ya! Anything for Shinya-san.” Levin said.

Shinya was touched.

“So, what’s the politician’s party about?” Die asked.

“Some politician calledin to say they wanted a birthday party here.” Mr. Terachi replied. “They said it was the perfect place because it’s secluded in the mountains.”

“But we need help because there will be plenty of guests and they’ve reserved our reception room for the whole night. Shinya and Megumi can’t play the piano as entertainment for that long; and puppy can’t do tricks all night.” Shinya’s mother explaned.

“PUPPY?!” they all asked.

Shinya flushed. “My dog.”

“Maybe we can have different forms of entertainment every hour or so.” Kaoru suggested.

Die nodded. “And if you need help in the kitchen or with serving, we can split the labor too.”{

Mr. Terachi’s eyes gleamed. “Arigatou. You are such good people. Now I don’t’ regret sending Shinya to a school with such caring students.”

“So how do we split the jobs?” Levin asked.

“We need some people to be washing dishes, waitressing, a greeter, entertainment, and cooks.” Megumi said, bringing out a sheet of paper with a chart on it. “They’ve paid a great sum of money for tomorrow night so that no other guests would be here. It should be fairly simple to sign up.”

Kyo cackled. “Just as long as Kaoru doesn’t cook, we’d be OK.”

Kaoru pouted.

“What about the entertainment?” Hiro asked.

“I left my guitar in the car,” Miyabi said. “I could play it.”

“That’s great” Megumi quickly jotted it down. “Come one, more suggestions guys.”

“We can have some people sing karaoke and get some people to participate.” Taka said.

“Good idea.” Megumi said. “We have an old karaoke machine somewhere. We can have that at the endof the night.”

Kyo suddenly had a thought, then laughed. “Maybe we ought to have someone burst out of a cake.”

“That’s actually a good suggestion.” Megumi said.

“Megumi! That’s insane!!” Shinya said.

“Those politicians want thosethings.” Mr. Terachi said. “I think it’s worth a shot.

Shinya sighed in resignation. “So, who wants to be a cake boy? ---or girl?”

Megumi shook her head. “Hey. I have to help in the kitchen.”

“Ano…what’s a cake person?” Levin asked.

Everyone: ~sweatdrop~

“Er, it’s someone who bursts out of a big big cake.” Shinya explained.

“Why?”

“For a birthday… as a birthday present.”

Levin blinked. “But why would that be a birthday present? Wouldn’t that destroy the cake?”

Die cleared his throat. “Well… the person comes out, and does stuff for the birthday boy..”

“What stuff?”

Die looked at Shinya, who looked back at him helplessly. “Er…” Die began. “…stuff that the birthday boy would like.”

“Really? Why? If the birthday boy likes it, shouldn’t he do it himself?”

“Let’s talk about this later,ne?” Shinya said.

“Bue who’d be crazy enough to BE the cake boy?” Koji inquired.

“Haha! I can see Toshiya doing it!” Kyo laughed.

Kaoru choked. He was glad Toshiya and Hakuei were upstairs. “Kyo, are you sure about that? I mean, can you see Totchi stripping in front of all those people??”

“If he had an incentive, yeah.”

“Incentive?”

“Yep. Piss him off into doing it and he won’t hesitate. Look at what happened to us in the van>”

Kaoru frowned. “But Kyo, it’s like blackmail.”

“Don’t deny it, Kaoru,” Die winked. “I know you’d like to see him strip off a bunny suit.”

Kaoru flushed. It was a very good thought. “But you guys are forgetting something. Hakuei’s here.”

“He doesn’t have to be in the reception hall when that happens.” Koji suggested.

“But I still don’t think it’s right.” Kaoru insisted.

“Toshiya doesn’t have to strip all the way.” Shinya suggested. “He could just strip down to the bunny suit, then stick around the reception hall and act as a hostess. Jump from one table to another and converse with people. I know he’s very good at talking and getting people’s favor. I’m sure he’ll make a lot by tips.”

“That’s great!” Die said. “Hakuei doesn’t mind that and we wouldn’t have to force Toshiya to do anything.”

“But where are we gonna get a bunny suit?”

“I saw Toshiya pack his own in the luggage.” Kaoru said.

“What?”

He shrugged. “He said it was a surprise for Hakuei.”

“Good.” Megumi said. “Then that problem’s settled.”

Kaoru frowned. “What makes you so sure Toshiya would be willing to do it? And who’s gonna tell him?”

Die pointed. “you.”

“WHAT??”

“Who else?”

“But why me? What did I do?!”

“He only listens to you.” Die pointed out.

“B-b-b-b-but…”

“C’mon, Kaoru. Let’s go.” Die grabbed Kaoru’s arm and led him to the door. “We’ll be back.”

Kaoru protested. “DIE! He’s going to KILL ME!!”

“No he won’t”

“Yes he will! Die,this isn’t fair!”

“I don’t’ think he’d want to lose his favorite roommate.”

They finally reached the door and Die knocked. “C’mon, buddy, don’t panick.”

“I’ll get you for this, Die.” Kaoru seethed.

The door opened and a sleepy Toshiya came out. He was half lidded and yawing; he looked terribly cute. “Eh? Die? Kaoru?”

“Feeling better, Toshiya?” Die inquired.

Toshiya stretched his arms. “I had one nice, long nap. I feel so much energy right now that I’m not sure I can sleep tonite.”

“That’s good to hear. Where’s Hakuei?”

“OH, he’s asleep.”

“Ah…” die grinned. “BTW, Kaoru wants to tell you somehting.” He patted his best friend hard on the back, which sent Kaoru forward.

“Hountou? What’s up, Kaokao?” he asked.

“Eh…” Kaoru thought a moment of what to say.

Toshiya looked at him expectantly.

Kaoru turned around to get help from Die, but discovered that the red head disappeared. He cursed at himself.

“Ano, you don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to.” Tohsiya said.

Kaoru bit his lip. “Well…if I don’t tell you, then nobody else will. So I kinda have to…”

Toshiya raised an eyebrow. He sensed something amiss. “Tell me.”

“Er… Die wanted to gelp the resort out and we all agreed to do it. They are having a party for some politician tomorrow nite, but they’re short of entertainers. Then we were thinking that maybe someone popping outta a cake would be good. So we voted you to do it.”

Toshiya froze and remained silent.

“A-ano…you don’t have to strip all the way. You just have to get down to your bunny suit. That’s all… ^^;;;; “ Kaoru started to become more nervous when Toshiya did not respond. “…..Totchi…?”

suddenly, the blue head grabbed Kaoru by the collar and shook him repeatedly. “WHAAAAAAAAT!!!!>>?????””

Kaoru: O_O;;; *very terrified*

“You want ME to get in front of a bunch of OLD FARTS and be a CAKE BOY!!?!?!?! An erotic sex symbol for people I don’t’ even know!?????????!!!!!!!!!”

“00; well, Totch-----!”

Toshiya continued to shake him. “WHO’S IDEA WAS THIS???”

“Kyo started it---“

“I’ll kill him.” Toshiya growled. “what does he think I am? A *SLUT?*”

^^; Kaoru decided not to comment on that. “But Mr. And Mrs. Terachi thought it was a wonderful idea.” He pointed out.

Tohsiya stopped then blinked. “Mr. & Mrs. Terachi? What are you talking about?”

“Mr. & Mrs.Terachi own the resort. Didn’t you know that?”

“I was asleep all day, Kaoru.”

“Oh.”

Tohsiya’s eyes abruptly widened. “Does that mean Shinya’s here too?”

“…Yes…”

Tohsiya shook him again. “OH. MY. GOD! I have to see him again. GYAHH!! Kaoru! Where is he? Take me to him!”

Kaoru suddenly had an ide. “If you become the cake boy. I’ll take you there.”

“WHAT!!!!” Toshiya exclaimed. “Kaoru, are you black mailing ME?”

Kaoru shrugged. “Why not?’

“MOU~!!! >.<~! FINE!”

“You have your bunny suit, right?”

Toshiya pouted. “hai.”

“And the bunny ears?”

“Hai.”

“Good. Let’s go see Shinya.”

Toshya frowned. “Kaokao, you’re mean.”

Kaoru grinned. “Thanks.”

Shinya and Megumi were making the gigantic birthday cake in the kitchen while Mr. & Mrs. Terachi, Miyabi, Die, and Taka helped cook the other food. Toshiya had to squat so they could measure its size. The cake had a compartment that lifts the top of the cake up so Toshiya could get in and out.

“My legs hurt.” The blue head whined.

Miyabi passed by. “Brat.”

Toshiya stood up and glared.

“Toshiya! Don’t move and sit down.” Shinya scolded. “The more you move, the longer it takes.”

“DEMO!!” Toshiya stomped his feet.

Megumi stretched her arms. “Ne, Shinya. I’m getting tired too. Maybe we should stop for a bit.”

The auburn head sighed. “Alright.”

“Megumi-chan! Come help me here.” Mrs. Terachi called out from the stove.

“Hai.” The girl sauntered over to her aunt.

Mr. Terachi appeared beside her and hastily whispered. “So, Megumi. Which one is Shinya’s boyfriend?”

Megumi blinked. “He doesn’t really have a boyfriend.”

“Come on. He has to have one.” Her uncle urged.

Mrs. Terachi made a face. “Dear God. I hope it’s not that cake boy! Or that boy that looks like the cake boy! Or that boy that has a rat’s face!” {^^;;}

Megumi chuckled. “Auntie, no matter who it’ll be, you will never be satisfied with who Shinya chooses. Why don’t you ask Shinya?”

“Ah! SO he DOES have a boyfriend!”

“…well…sort of…”

Mr. Terachi looked confused. “There can’t be a ‘sort of’ in that….”

“He just really likes this guy and the guy really likes him too, but they’re not together---yet, that is.”

“He is one of these young ‘uns, right?”

“Hai.”

“Which one?”

Megumi looked around. Shinya had gone to take the dog out. Only Taka remained in the room. The rest of the people were probably taking smoking breaks.

Megumi pouted. “He’s not here.”

“Damn.” Mr/Mrs. Terachi cursed.

****

in the reception hall….

The rest of the group were busy decorating and setting up the room. Kyo and Levin blew balloons up. Koji, the only one tall enough, would tie the balloons up by a large sign that said ‘happy birthday’. Everyone else setup chairs and the round tables.

“I’m out of breath!” Kyo complained in a squeaky voice.

Levin laughed and pointed at Kyo. “Hahahaha! You sound funny!”

Kyo hit him on the head.

“Ittai~! Kyo hit me!”

Kaoru passed by with two chairs under his arms. “Kyo, violence is not the answer.”

“Look who’s talking,” Kyo grumbled. “You’re always putting your fist up Hakuei’s jaw.”

Kaoru glowered. “He started it first!’

“I do not!!”

Kaoru turned to see a glowering Hakuei with a ladder tucked under his arm. “Yeah you do!!”

Kaoru glared.

“Prove it, Rat Face!”

“See?? You just called me that ---- that *cursed* NAME!”

“So?”

“WHY YOU---!!”

“Woo-hoo! Fight!” Kyo yelled.

Kaoru and Hakuei were close to punching each other in the face, but stopped once they heard barking. Puppy. That meant Shinya was around. Both men continued each other’s menacing glare, but took a few steps away from each other.

“Hey, guys. How’s the decorating going?” Shinya asked.

“It was great until you showed up.” Kyo said.

Shinya bapped him on the head.

“OW~!”

“Actually, I came here to tell you we need help in the kitchen.” Shinya informed.

“Really?” Kaoru said. “Like how? More cooks or dishwashers?”

“No,” Shinya sighed. “I need more help on the cake. Toshiya refuses to stay still so I need either you or Hakuei in there.”

“You should give him some nailpolish or magazine.” Kaoru suggested. “That usually shuts him up.”

“I tried ^^; he sighed. “ I need more hel on the cake. Toshiya refuses to stay still so I need either you or Hakuei in here.”

“I’ll talk to him.” Hakuei said, as he practically threw the ladder toward Kaoru.

Kaoru caught it clumsily and glared.

Hakuei smirked.

*****

A bunch of gray haired old politicians filled the round tables of the simple reception hall quickly. Most were obviously rich and well-to-do, but were polite and in good spirits.

Kaoru was never good when it came to working as a waiter, but he kept his spirits high and smiled the whole time. It wasn’t too hard, but he never expected to get a few pinches on his ass from the old perverts.

The purple head finished filling the sake cups on one table, then walked toward the back of the room by the kitchen door, where Taka sat and rested. Kaoru leaned against the wall and slumped.

“I need a smoke.” He said.

“You’d have to wait.” Taka said.

“I know. But I feel so tired.”

“Understandable, especially since having all these well respected politicians turn out to be generic deprived geezers is pretty disturbing.”

“Well, at least you know they’ll enjoy Totchi’s show.”

Suddenly, the kitchen door cracked open and Toshiya’s head popped out.

“Psst! Kaoru!”

Kaoru blinked. “Totchi?”

“I really need to talk to you.” Toshiya whispered. He looked terribly worried.

Kaoru got up and went into the kitchen. “What’s wrong, Totchi?”

Toshiya looked at him with furrowed eyebrows. “I can’t do this!” He spoke, exhasperated.

“W-what?”

“I can’t be the cake boy!” Toshiya said. “I just can’t do it!’

“Totchi, first of all, calm yourself.” The purplehead grabbed a nearby stoo. “Here, sit down.”

Toshiya sat down and twiddled his thumbs. “I can’t calm down! I don’t want to disappoint anybody! You guys were counting on me, but… but…” Toshiya felt his vision blur. “….wah! Kaoru, I can’t do it!!!”

“Totchi, now why can’t you do it?” Kaoru gently asked while holding Toshiya’s hand. “You’re Toshiya. You’re the sexy pouty brat that can get any guy wrapped around his finger. What could possibly go wrong?

“My father is out there….” He quietly said.

Kaoru’s eyes widened. “FATHER?!?!?!”

Toshiya nodded. “You’ll notice him. He never smiles and always has a cold scowl on his face.”

Kaoru could remember clearly. Earlier, Taka was complaining about some asshole that didn’t seem to enjoy the party very much. The guy wasn’t very nice either.

Toshiya slowly got up and cracked the door open. He pointed to the table close to the other end. “That’s him over there.”

Kaoru looked over the blue head’s shoulder. Yup. It was the same guy taka complained about. He wondered how Toshiya’s father seemed so stern and Toshiya seemed s carefree. “Your father is a politician??”

Toshiya nodded. “Hai. A senator.”

“HOLY SHIT! A senator??!”

Toshiya bit his lip. He hated talking about his father. “Hai. He’s very difficult to warm up to. So now you see why I can’t do this.” The blue head sat on the stool. “Kaoru…gomen…” he felt a tear slip down his face.

Kaoru gasped and wiped it away. “Totchi…. You don’t have to apologize ne.” he grabbed both of Toshiya’s hands in his.

“D-demo…”

On the other corner of the kitchen, hakuei continued to wash dishes, but stopped once he saw the two together. At first glance, he fumed and wanted to toss Kaoru into the food grinder {tsk. Tsk. So violent!} Fortunately, the blond refrained his anger after he saw his lover’s tears. Something must be wrong. He swiftly left the sink, sneaked behind a large cart of food and listened to the conversation.

“Do the other politicians know who you are?”

“No.” Toshiya replied. “The only person that knows me is my father.”

Kaoru nodded. “Don’y have an ulcer about this, Totchi. Hope is not lost yet.” He peered at Toshiya’s down trodden face.

“…my father hates me… if he sees me…” Toshiya sobbed.

“Your father can’t hate you…”

“Yes, he does!” Toshiya insisted.

“Even so, you can still get out there and be the best cake boy, I guarantee it.” Kaoru smiled.

“But…”

Kaoru didn’t know why, but an invisible force caused him to lean forward and kiss Toshiya on the forehead. “I”ll take care of it, Totchi.” He said. Toshiya blinked and felt his heart thump eradically.

Hakuei’s jaw dropped. He wanted to beat Kaoru to a pulp, but noticed his lover’s reddening face and dreamy gaze at the purplehead. The blue head never looked at the blonde in that manner before; no matter how sweetly or passionately they kissed.

Then Toshiya smiled. A sweet smile Hakuei had never seen before. How come he could never make him smile like that? The young man seemed so happy… and Hakuei’s heart began to sink, despite his growing anger and frustration.

*****

Kaoru went out the doors and found Taka still squatting. “Ne, Taka.”

“Nani?”

“You’re still serving that guy’s table, right?”

“You mean that asshole?”

“Yep.”

Taka rolled his eyes. “Yes. I hope to God I’ll never see him again.”

“I was wondering if you could keep filling his cup with sake?”

“Huh? Oh, sure. Why?”

“Just be sure to get him as drunk as possible. And to increase that possibility, it’s better to keep his stomach empty. So decrease his portions a bit, ne?

“That’s an awesome idea!” Taka exclaimed. “If that butt fungus gets drunk enough and falls asleep. I won’ have to deal with his snot-nosed attitude all night! Kaoru, you’re a life saver!”

Kaoru smiled. “NO problem. It’s just nice to hit two birds with one stone.”

*****

Kaoru continued to observe Sen. Hara, who took no notice of the plan against him. He continued to drink. Even Taka plastered the fakest smile as he urged the table to a drinking contest. The table cheered as they agreed to the idea, except for Toshiya’s father, who was already tipsy. Kaoru chuckled as Sen. Hara laid his scowling face on the table and fell asleep while his co-workers continued the jovial occasion. The purple head checked his watch.

~Just in time~ he thought.

Suddenly, the lights went out and Kaoru smiled. Toshiya was next on the entertainment list. The party grew silent, then cheered when a large birthday cake wa rolled by Levin to the birthday boy’s table. The birthday boy was pretty old, with gray hair poking out all over ht eplace and thinck-rimmed glasses that kept sliding down his nose. On top of that, his crookd teeth showed through his hentai grin. Once the cake was there, the old man slowly got up and started to blow the candles out. Kaoru wondered if the guy would start wheezing after blowing out all those candles, but the old man didn’t. Maybe he was just too eager to see Toshiya’s show.

The politicians clapped their hands after the last candle was blown out. Then, the lights came on and the top half of the candle lifted. Toshiya peeked out at first, then sighed in relief to see his father faced-down on the table. He smiled, then popped out of the cake. The ole men hooted. “Wooo! Cake boy! Cake boy! Cake boy!” they all chanted. Music started to play.

Toshiya wasn’t caring too much anymore who these men were. He was actually enjoying the attention. He loved it when people said he was sexy…except when Morita said it, of course ^^; Besides, he was doing something utterly blasphemous in front of his father, and it was just too good. {bad, bad toshiya..}

He jumped out with layers of clothing and a jacket on, just to make the show longer and better. The Blue head eyed the party with a seductive gaze, then slowly licked his lips while taking ihis time to take off the stuffy jacket. He let it slide down his shoulders and it landed in a heap bellow his slim legs. Now he wore a shirt with blue jeans. He took off his shirt and threw it toward the crowd. He giggled when it landed on his sleeping father.

Then, he had a very tight tanktop on. The blue head went on his knees and arched his back to the beat. his hands wandered over his own chest as his lips parted erotically and his tongue poked out to the side sensually.

The Diety hall residents in the reception hall were in shock, but couldn’t turn away from the slim, sexy figure. Nobody thought Toshiya would pull it off so well. Because Toshiya was unwilling to participate from the beginning, everybody thought the show wouldn’t be much. But now, their opinions have changed. Theiry eyes were glued and nobody could stop, except for Levin, who was shoved into the kitchen minutes after Toshiya took off his jeans and tossed it to the birthday boy. Now he was down to tight shorts and a tanktop.

Kaoru gulped as he watched Toshiya move like a skillful cat. His throat felt dry and his face felt hot. He really shouldn’t be doing this, but when Toshiya corssed his sexy legs, he just could not stop. Of course, the blue head had nice legs, he knew that before, but right now, everything about Toshiya was too hot to handle.

Soon, the blue head swiftly took off his tight tanktop and tight shorts, only to reveal the blue head clad in his black string bikini. {you know, the one that he bought because he thought they were going to the beach?}  The outfit composed of more string than cloth. The song was almost at an end. Quickly, he put on his bunny ars and sat on the old man’s lap. The song ended.

“Happy birthday, Mr. President.” He whispered to the man’s ear.

Cheers dominated the room as hoards of money were thrusted or thrown or handed to the grinning blue head.

Kaoru was supposed to collect the mooney so Toshiya would be able to keep hostessing, but the purple head felt blued to the spot. He blinked when he felt moisture on his upper lip. He felt it, then stared at his finger.

“OH, shit!” he cursed. Quickly, he grabbed some tissues and stuffed it on his nose.

“Kaoru? Daijyoubou?” Taka asked.

“Er…ano…can you collect the money for me for a sec?” Kaoru said. “I gotta go.”

Taka blinked.

Kaoru bolted out the hall and into the restroom. He hastily grabbed more tissues as he attempted to stop his nose from bleeding.

*****

As the night bore on, Toshiya continued to jump from table to table, conversing with the politicians his father worked with. Amazingly enough, the was having fun with them. He liked people and he loved to talk. Plus, he was making generous tips.

“So what’s your name?” Mr. Tanaka,one of the people in the table asked.

“Er…” Toshiya rolled his eyes around nervously. He couldn’t tell themhis real name or else his father might find out. “they call me Totchi. ^^;”

“Totchi?” Mr. Tanaka blinked. “Interesting. They ought to call you Tigress or something like that. You’re too sexy for that name.”

“Oh,you’re such a tease. Call me whatever you want.” Toshiya hid the hurt he felt with a flirtatious smile. He loved being called ‘totchi.’ It made him feel cute.

“You know, you ought to be a model.” Mr. Smith, a foreign ambassador, said as he placed his sake down.

Toshiya blushed. “Oh, I’m not that skilled.”

“You don’t have to be skilled. Just maintain a good body, though I don’t have to tell you that from the looks of your nice…nice legs.”

Toshiya winked,then crossed his legs. “It’s just my nature.”

“Those models are lucky.” Mr. Yamamoto said. “They don’t have to use their brains, but they get paid so much and become famous and successful. Mr. Tanaka, why don’t your invite this Tigress to your wife’s modeling agency? A body like this shouldn’t be wasted on being a cake boy.”

Mr. Tanaka cleared his throat. “I was about to until you guys interrupted.” He took out a business card and handed it to the blue head. “Here. That’s my wife’s card. She owns a famous modeling agency in France. I’ll give her a recommendation for you.”

“Thank you.” Toshiya smiled. “But I want to get my degree and work hard for success.”

“Understandable. But keep your mind open for it. A lot of things happen in the road of life. If you run out of options, don’t hesitate to call my wife.”

“I’m not sure if your wife would be happy to receive a call from a cake boy.” Toshiya giggled.

“OH, don’t worry. She won’t mind because you’re a man. She’ll care if it’s a woman.”

“Sou desu ka?” Tohsiya stared at the card.

“Hey, Mr. Tanaka.” Mr. Yamato called out. He laughed. “Isn’t that Sen. Hara asleep on the table?”

Mr. Tanaka laughed. “It is! That guy never has luck!”

Toshiya snapped his head up upon the mention of this father’s name.

“Tsk. Tsk. Poor bastard.” Mr. Tamato shook his head. “You know what I heard? I heard his son was rejected from all the IV league schools os he had to settle for some no-name college.”

“Really?” Mr. Smith gaped.

“What’s even worse is that his son decided not to attend law school, but instead, major in fashion design.”

The whole table gasped, except for Mr. Tanaka and Toshiya.

Toshiya was frozed on his seat. He felt a cold ice stab his heart. His dream, his lifelong dream, was just picked and laughed at by some well known and successful politicians. Of course, he felt pretty shitty.

Mr. Tanaka slammed his cup on the table with a sarcastic smile plastered on his lips. “Now, now, gentlemen. My wife happened to come from a ?very- poor background. She went to a community college and received a degree in design. I assure you, she makes more money than I do selling her brand name items and she didn’t have to go to Harvard Law School to do that.” He raised an eyebrow at all of them.

Toshiya couldn’t help smiling like an idiot. He wanted so badly to hug Mr. Tanaka and thank him with all his heart, but did not want to reveal his identity nor arouse suspicion.

The table was silent, except for Mr. Tanaka, who leaned back with a genuine and triumphant smile on his face while sipping his cup without a care in the world.

The next day, Mr. And Mrs. Terachi offered the Diety Hall residents to go ski with Shinya. Of course, the residents agreed to go.

“Wheee!” Levin giggled as he slid across the flat snow. “This is fun!!”

Kyo picked up a fistful of snow and threw it on Levin. “Ha-ha!”

“Waaa~H!” Levin cried. “Kyo-kun hit me!!”

”Kyo!” Shinya glared.

Kyo stuck his tongue out. “Sorry, Oka-san!”

“Why are we just skiing on flat surface?” Shuse asked. “Where are the slopes?”

Shinya sighed. “I would take you to the top of the mountain, but knowing you guys, you’d surely get into an accident. So I just decided to take you cross-country skiing. Is that OK with you?”

“This is boring!” Kyo said.

Shinya frowned.

“C’mon, Kyo. None of us are experienced skiers here.” Die said. “Better to be safe here.”

“If you want to fly down the slopes, I suggest to get used to this first, then I’ll take you up there tomorrow.” Shinya said.

“What is this place?” Taka asked.

“It’s a pine forest. Don’t worry; I know the trail. It simply goes around in a circle.” Shinya led the way. Die stood by him; he was a fast learner. Everyone else staggered behind, trying to push, pull or cling on to a tree.

Taka almost lost his balance, but quickly grabbed Hiro’s hair. {ow}

“Ittai!!” Hiro yelled and they both slid toward Shuse and fell.

Koji bent down and looked at them with a  goofy grin. “Need help?”

Shuse rolled his eyes. “Dude, just untangle us.”

“Pay me.”

Levin giggled. Kyo saw the great opportunity and pushed Levin forward. Levin yelped, knocked Toshiya off balance, then ran into Koji.

“GAHH!” Koji yelled.

“EEK!” Toshiya shrieked as he started to slide forward from the loss of balance. He grabbed hold of the first thing he could grasp. Kaoru.

“Totchi! Stop moving or I’m gonna fall too!”

“DEMO!!” Toshiya screamed.

Kaoru winced as Toshiya yelled at his ear.

Hakuei watched the two roommates with a cold indifference and no expression on his face. His goggles hid the pain projected on his eyes, but Miyabi, who stood behind the blonde, knew. Miyabi stared at the couple, then to Hakuei, who stared at the blue head. Miyabi’s eyes darkened in gloom. Hakuei really cares about Toshiya, but Toshiya insisted he loved him just to confirm his denial. How sad. And how painful. For him and Hakuei.

Hakuei turned away and skiid ahed. The trail wasn’t very difficult to figure out, despite the fact that Die and Shinya were so ahead they weren’t in sight. Miybi looked again at kaoru and Toshiya, whom were trying to stand up straight, then turned to Hakuei’s receeding form. He skiid after the blonde, even though he knew Hakuei’s company would only bring silence during the entire trail. But he didn’t mind at all.

*****

“Shin-chan!” Die tried to catch ihis breath. “You’re too fast!”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, You are!” Die puffed. “I can’t catch up to you, not even the others can!”

“That’s why I told you to stop smoking!”

“Aw, come on, Shinchan.”

“I told you, Die! Smoking is bad for your health.” Shinya nagged. He swiftly delved his hand in Die’s front pocket and took the red-head’s cigars.

“Hey!” Die windened his eyes.

“I’m keeping these away from you.” Shinya smiled innocently, yet evilly, while holding the pack up.

“No! Shinya, this is unfair!”

“Fair for your health, unfair for your addiction.”

Die glared. “SHINYA!!”

Shinya giggled. He didn’t know why, but he was having fun playing around. He turned and skiid ahead as fast as he could.

Die skiid after him in full speed. He needed that pack; without them, he could never last the day. Soon, he was only a few feet away from the bishounen. The red head couldn’t reach, so he jumped and tackled the younger man down into the powder soft snow with a whoosh. He turned Shinya around and grabbed his pack and stuffed it in his pocket with a sigh of relief. The young man looked at him with a tiny smile on his lips.

“That was a good tackle.” Shinya whispered shyly.

Die glared down at Shinya, but softened his expression when he saw the younger man’s cute smile and flaming cheeks. He reached up and tucked a strand of Shinya’s hair away from the pretty face and watched the auburn hair laid out in contrast to the white snow. The younger man’s eyes shone brightly with such happiness that Die felt this heart melting.

“Shin-chan…” he whispered.

“Nani?”

The red head cupped his face and stroked his cheek lovingly. He felt his heart beat grow rapidly.

“That day you left…” Die said. “I…I wanted to tell you something….”

“hai?”

“…Shinchan…i…” Die bit his lip nervously. “I….I love you...”

Shinya widened his eyes in surprise.

Die continued. “I really do feel that in my heart. Since the day I met you, it was already there. But I was so stupid. So, so stupid…” he fel this vision blur from his tears. “But I know you don’t feel the same way. How could you? I’m just…some guy! I can’t even get A’s or anything, but---“

“Die-kun, I love you too.”

Die stopped and stared.

Shinya smiled sweetly at him. He reached up and kissed him lightly on his lips. He pulled back and gazed deeply into Die’s blurry eyes. “I don’t care if you get A+ or F on a grade card. I don’t care if you become a Nobel Peace Prize Winner or a dirty beggar on the street. You’re still Die. My red headed imbicle.“

Die looked at him, then smiled. He was so happy to hear, he hugged Shinya tightly and showered kisses all over his face and neck. Shinya smiled broadly. He felt like he was an angel on a cloud, fluttering his wings as he soared higher and higher into heaven. Die covered his lips with his in a light kiss. Shinya eagerly opened his mouth and let Die thrust his hot tongue in. they didn’t care about the snow falling on the ground, nor the chilly weather that surrounded the harsh environment. They could only feel each other’s warmth, and right now, everything was very warm.

*****

~FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK FUCK~ Hakuei trudged angrily across the flat ground of snow. He’d been doing that for the past 15 mts., not caring about the biting cold wind and not paying keen attention to which direction he was going. He knew Miyabi was only a few steps behind him, but he decided to ignore him. He was too mad to focus on anything else. He slowed down after his anger dissipated and now he felt hurt. He really loves Toshiya, and Toshiya insists on loving him back, but Hakuei felt something amiss. In fact, he kenw something was amiss. He knew no matter what he did, he could never make Toshiya smile in utter bliss. He could never make his lover truly happy. He felt as if he was searching for something that could never be found. Yet, the blond walked deeper into the woods aimlessly and painfully.

Miyabi understood Hakuei’s hurt. It was exactly how he himself felt when he discovered Tohsiya and Hakuei together. Miyabi also knew that saying something nor talking about it would not alleviate the situation, so he simply tried his best to keep in pace with the older man, though Hakuei skiid extremely fast out of anger and grustration.

The younger man looked around and blinked. They were not on the trail. Where were they? Pine trees and bare branches surrounded the two. Hakuei, too infatuated with his predicament, kept going ahead, while Miyabi, furrowing his eyebrows in worry, looked around frantically.

“Hakuei?” He said as his eyes darted from pine tree to pine tree.Hakuei didn’t answer.

“I-I think we’re lost…”

Still no answer.

“Hakuei!!” He yelled. He turned around to face the blond, but found no one.

Miyabi was all alone in the woods.

*****

Toshiya finally got the hang of standing on skiis and Kaoru finally untangled the poker players from each other. “Kyo! Don’t do that again!” he scolded.

Kyo looked aghast. “I never did anything. Baka Levin just doesn’t know how to ski!”

Levin yelled. “That’s not true! I can ski too!’

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Kaoru-san! Kyo called me a liar!” Levin cried and cried.

Shuse rolled his eyes. “You guys need to shut up or you’ll cause an avalanche.”

Taka and Hiro just shrugged their shoulders. “From the way Levin’s bawling, I bet it could happen.”

Koji perked up. “Did someone say ‘bet’ ?!”

Kaoru sighed. “Look guys, we’d better get through the trail. Shinya’s way ahead of us already.”

Kyo laughed. “He just wanted to get away from us so he could be alone with Die.

“WHAT? So they’re together now?” Taka asked.

“DUDE! Isn’t it obvious?!”

“Obviously not to them.” Koji grinned and stuck his hand out as Hiro, Taka, and Shuse brought out their cash.

“Um.. guys, we’d better get going.” Kaoru pointed out.

“Wahhh! I’m not a liar!”

“Bwahahaha. Liar! Liar!”

“Show me the money, boyz!”

“Cheater!”

“Look! Kao-kao! I’m standing up on ski’s!” Toshiya beamed.

Kaoru hung his head. They weren’t gonna be leaving for a while. The purple head stood by Toshiya, then sat on the snow. “Totchi, may as well sit down. It’ll be a while.”

Toshiya pouted. “I just learned how to stand up and now you’re asking me to sit again?”

“Fine. Stay standing then.” Kaoru took out a cigar and lit it.

Toshiya whined, but sat down anyway. “Brrr. It’s cold here.” He shivered.

Kaoru smiled. “See? You’re always cold.”

“No, I’m not.”

“Yes, you are---!” Kaoru was suddenly interrupted by a large snowball hitting him on the back of the head.

“Ha-ha! Look at Kaoru!’ Kyo pinted.

Kaoru glared. He stood up and chased after Kyo. Soon, everyone except Toshiya were engaged in a snowball fight.

Toshiya sighed. “Boys will be boys.” He’d rather not participate for the sake of his hair, which he took great pains in styling that morning.

Suddenly, he saw a familiar figure in the distance. The blue head squinted. It was Hakuei. Hakuei looked up and blinked. Somehow, he must have gone in a circle because he ended up where he started; but the last person he wanted to see was the first person he saw.

Toshiya smiled happily at him and waved. “Hakuei-chan! Come sit here!”

Hakuei numbly obeyed and sat down. He couldn’t take his eyes off the blue head. This was Toshiya, right in front of him, and yet, far from his reach.

~Toshiya, why can’t you smile for me the way you did then?~

The younger man noticed Hakuei’s strange gaze. “Ano… Hakuei-chan, daijoubou?”

Hakuei slowly turned away and stared at the snowball fight. “Toshiya, we need to talk…”

Toshiya blinked. “OK…”

“Ne, how long have we been together?”

“HMM… almost a year.” Toshiya smiled. “Wai! Almost time for an anniversary!’

“Toshiya, you know I love you, right?”

“Of course! And I love you too.”

Hakuei’s heart shattered at those words, but his face remained unchanged. “And you know I want you to be happy, right?”

“Yes…” Toshiya stared at him.

Hakuei sighed. “Toshiya, I love you. I love you with all my heart.”

Toshiya blushed. Hakuei was never the romantic type. What was goin on? Maybe it was the cold weather…

“But..” Hakuei continued. “I don’t’ have the ability to make you happy.”

“WHAT?”

“I don’t’ think you know how you really feel. You say you love me, and I believe you, but if I were to ask if you are happy to be with me, and if you said ‘yes,’ I would know that you’re lying.”

“Hakuei, what’s going on? Why are you saying this?”

Hakuei turned and looked at the blue head straight in the ye. “Toshiya, for me to grand you happiness, I would have to….. break up with you..”

“………” Toshiya stared at him.

“Don’t even think this had a thing to do with some third part because it’s not. I decided this myself.”

“But…but why?” Toshiya could feel his eyes water.

“I’m sorry to have to inform you this,” Hakuei said. “But I’m not the one for you.”

Toshiya froze. He felt his tears flow down his cheeks. “W-what?”

Hakuei swallowed his pain. He took out a handkerchief. “Here.” He offered. “Toshiya, I’m very sorry. Please remember that I did this for you.”

“D-d-demo…” Toshiya sobbed.

Hakuei slowly got up and dusted his pants off of snow. “Don’t worry, babe.” Hakuei gave a pained smile. “True happiness is always within your reach. It’s only a matter of finding it within yourself which takes time.” He gave the blue head a slight nod then left with a heavy heart.

After Hakuei left, Kaoru decided to take a break from the snowball fight. He plopped himself beside the blue head and stretched. “GaahH! That was fun!” he heard no remark or response from his companion. He stared at Toshiya. “Totchi?”

Toshiya looked up.

Kaoru gasped upon noticing the mascara-streamed face and glassy dark eyes. He noticed a handkerchief on the man’s lap and picked it up. He gently wiped the silent tears away.

“Totchi, daijyoubou?”

Toshiya just sniffed and shook his head. His throat felt so lumpy he couldn’t talk.

Kaoru pursed his lip. What had happened? He was so happy a minute ago. What should he do? There was nothing more nerve wracking than Toshiya crying *silently* to himself. It would’ve been different story if he was crying and throwing a tantrum.

“Kaoru, I’m hurting..” Tohsiya finally whispered. Fresh tears sprang on the corners of his pretty eyes.

Kaoru quickly wiped them away. “…Totchi…are you feeling sick?”

Toshiya shook his head.

Kaoru stared at him. “Ne, let’s go back in.”

Toshiya shook his head again.

Kaoru pursed his lip. “Toshiya! You can’t is there all day. Let’s go!” He grabbed the younger man’s arm and tried to pull him up.

Toshiya pulled his arm away.

Kaoru tried to grab it again, but Toshiya turned to his back. Kaoru attempted to turn the bluehead around, but Toshiya hugged the tree beside him. Kaoru let go, but he wasn’t going to give up. He was stubborn too, and he was doing this for Toshiya’s own good.

 “Toshiya!’ he scolded sternly.

“NO!” Toshiya cried.

“Staying out here in the cold is NOT going to make you situation any better. Besides, it’s becoming dark already and the other guys went back to the resort.”

Toshiya started crying hard on the tree trunk.

Kaoru felt bad. He felt helpless because he didn’t know what to do. He watched Toshiya’s shoulders shake with the hard sobs coming from his battered heart. The blue head was in a state of great pain, so much pain that the rest of his body felt humb. Suddenly, he felt the purple head’s arms wrap around him from behind.

“…Totchi…” Kaoru whispered softly in his ear.

Not knowing why, the younger man felt so vulnerable; like he watned to sit there and pour out his heart o this companion. Kaoru turned him around and gently held him. Toshiya let him. Being held by Kaoru was much warmer than the tree trunk. He felt Kaoru stroke his silky hair affectionately. He coulnd’t help but cry his bleeding heart out on Kaoru’s shoulder. He did that until he fell peacefully asleep.

Kaoru held him and peered at his pretty face. He didn’t’ like to see Toshiya hurt, but whatever the situation was this time, it hurt Toshiya a lot. What happened? Kaoru wiped the dried mascara on the bishounen’s face. Suddenly, he stopped. He stared at the handkerchief. It wasn’t Toshiya’s. Toshiya’s handkerchieves were all blue. This one was black. and he recognized exactly whose it was.

Kaoru placed Toshiya on his mattress then walked down the stairs of the resort. He held the black handkerchief in one hand. He reached the front lobby. Of course, Hakuei was sitting by the window smoking, even thought the lobby was no smoking. Kaoru marched angrily toward the blonde. He threw the handkerchief on the coffee table in front of him.

“We need to talk.” The purple head held a menacing glare.

Without turning away from the window, Hakuei spoke, “I knew you’d show up.”

“And what is THAT supposed to mean?!”

The blonde slowly turned to face him. Kaoru grew even angrier at Hakuei’s calm expression.

“This is about Toshiya, isn’t it?”

“Damn right it is!! What did you---?!!”

Hakuei waved his cigar as a sign of silence. “I had to do what was best for him.”

Kaoru didn’t believe him. “What the FUCK are you talking about! If what you did was best for him, then he wouldn’t be so hurt right now.” Kaoru grabbed Hakuei by the collar. “What the fuck did you do!!!”

Hakuei calmly shrugged him off. “I told you, I did it to make Toshiya happy.”

“I don’t think he’s very HAPPY right now!! And I don’t think you know what you’re talking about!” Kaoru yelled.

Hakuei took a long drag and stared out the window again. He remained silent for a moment. After Hakuei didn’t reply, Kaoru spoke, “Did you hear me?!”

Hakuei ignored him and stared at the falling snow outside. “I broke up with Toshiya.” He said quietly.

“WHAT!!!?!??!?!” Kaoru was shocked. “Why?!”

“I told you…”

“You think breaking up with your lover would make him happy?”

Hakuei took another long drag. “You don’t understand how much I love him. Most people think it’s only sex I’m after. Well, he was great in bed, but I really felt soft on him.”

“But if you really love him, then why did you DO that??”

Hakuei took a deep breath. “I’m hurting pretty bad too, you know? But I loved him so much that all I wanted was to make him happy. I knew I wasn’t the one who would make him smile.”

“If only you listened to him when he needed someone to talk to!”

“Point exactly. I didn’t know when he was upset. He never came to me when he was upset. He wasn’t comfortable talking to me. Yes, we were affectionate; but we never confided in each other because we weren’t comfortable. The love was there and the sex was great. Unfortunately, we didn’t have something that would make your relationship blossom and last.”

“Wasn’t love enough for you?”

the blonde guy put his cigar on the aluminum ashtray he took from the dining area, then took out another cigar. “You haven’t been through a lot of relationships, I can tell.”

“Well…”

“you can always learn to love anybody.” Hakuei said. “It’s simply a matter of how much both of you understand each other. That’s the one thing that makes the love grow and last forever. Apparently, Toshiya and I did NOT understand each other. I could never tell when he was upset. Even if I knew he was upset, I would not know what to do to make him happy again. Anyone who could make you smile, laugh, and feel emotions you’ve never felt before has to be somebody very special. Every time he tells me he loves me, it breaks my heart, but I know I’m not the one. So I broke up with him. He’s too special for me to cling onto selfishly. I’m sure Toshiya will heal in time and find someone who will mend his heart.”

Kaoru sighed and plopped on the couch. He knew Hakuei was right. Toshiya wasn’t very happy when he was with Hakuei. He remembered time after time when the bishounen would run to the dorm and cry. He didn’t want that to happen again either. He couldn’t get angry at Hakuei for doing what he did.

“can you take good care of him for me?”

“Huh?” Kaoru blinked.

Hakuei continued to stare at the snow as it fell and blanketed the ground with its whiteness. “Make sure he doesn’t do anything stupid.” He chuckled to himself. “You know how he gets.”

Kaoru smiled.

“Just make sure he stays outta trouble.”

“Hai.”

“If you fail to do that, I’ll kick your ass, Rat Face.”

Kaoru frowned. What is with that name that sticks to Hakuei’s tongue like glue?

Before he could retort, Shinya burst into the room.

“Shinya?”

“Kaoru!”

“What’s wrong?”

The pretty boy bit his lip. “I can’t find Miyabi.”

“WHAT?”

“I searched everywhere in the resort and he’s nowhere to be found!”

“When was the last time you saw him?”

“UMM.. when we all went to the ski trail by the pine forrest. I remember he was with us at the starting point. After that, I thought you were with him.”

“No, he was with me.” Hakuei spoke up.

The two turned and stared. “Where was the last time you saw him?” Shinya inquired.

“In the trail somewhere. I kept going, but he turned around so I thought he went back here.”

Shinya shook his head. “He’s not here.” He sat and thought for a moment, then looked up. “Don’t’ tell me you went off the trail!”

“Well…i…”

“Shit! You must’ve gotten lucky and got back to the path, but it’s easy to get lost in those woods.”

“FUCK!” Hakuei cursed at himself.

Shinya quickly grabbed his jacket and hat. “You guys stay here just in case he comes back. My dad and I are going to go search for him. Megumi will stay here with you. Tell everyone what’s going on and stay put.”

Hakuei stood up. “I’ll go with you.”

“No. it’s getting dark and it’s too much of a risk. We don’t want anyone else lost.”

“IT’s my fault he got lost. Besides, I remember the area I last saw him.”

“No.” Shinya glared.

Hakuei glared back, but Shinya narrowed his eyes into such intense slits, it felt like eyebeams were shooting out of them.

“Fine!” Hakuei sat on the couch.

“Be careful, Shinya.” Kaoru said as the auburn head walked into the kitchen toinform his family of the current predicament.

*****

Flake after flake fell in slow, but monotone rhythm. It was a beautiful sight to see, the snow building up and floating around with such grace.

Miyabi watched the beautiful scene as he sat against a bare tree in the pine forrest. He didn’t enjoy it though. In fact, he was scared shitless to appreciate the beauty. After a few hours of wandering, he decided to settle against the tree. He placed his bright colored skis on the other sidein hopes that someone would easily find him, that is, if anyone was searching for him. He shook his head from the thoughts. He can’t panick. If he panicks, he’ll use up more enrgy than necessary.

Miyabe relaxed his body and breathed deeply in a slow rhythm. That was how monks from China kept their body heat to survive winter; at least, that was what he learned from taking History class.

Miyabi suddenly felt something on his leg. He gasped and saw a squirrel. It quickly scurried away. The young man felt his heart beat in his chest uncontrollably.

~Calm down…calm down…calm down…~

it was difficult for him to do because his mind wandered to the many possibilities. What if there were more dangerous animals around? Like Bears? What if he never got resuced? Did they all forget about him?

Suddenly, Miyabi felt this heart stop. He realized something. Was Hakuei lost in the woods too? Is he alright? Is he OK? The younger man stood up and looked around. He couldn’t just sit there and mope. What if Hakuei needed his help? Of course he did. That blonde bastard always got into trouble.

The young man picked up his ski’s and put them on. He broke as many branches as he could from the dead tree and stuffed them in his pockets. He laid one out to mark his trail and kept going into the woods. At least the branches would help him get back to that tree.

*****

the Diety Hall residents all clustered in the lobby waiting for Miyabi, except for Kaoru and Toshiya. Kaoru decided to stay with Toshiya in his room and wait there.

As the time passed by, the residents fell asleep on the couches one by one. Kyo and Hiro fell asleep first, of course, followed by the other poker players, except for Koji, who conversed with Megumi about business, finance, and the stockmarket. Mrs. Terachi stayed in the kitchen, then brought out tea for everyone who was still awake. She reassured everyone Puppy went with them and would surely find Miyabi.

“Puppy’s a search dog?” Koji asked.

Mrs. Terachi and Megumi nodded. “I know he’s a runt of a dog, but he’s real smart. He’ll surely find your friend.”

“It’s hard to believe. I feel like that tiny thing would be buried under that snow.” Die commented.

“Don’t underestimate him.” Megumi laughed.

“Megumi, could you help me put these cups away?” Mrs. Terachi asked.

“Hai.”

“Arigatou gozai masu for thetea.” Koji and De said.

Mrs. Terachi and Megumi quickly placed the cups in the sink and rinsed them in the kitchen.

“SO,” Mrs. Terachi started. “Which one is Shinya’s man?”

“Auntie!” Megumi frowned, but smiled afterward. “Well, if you must know, he’s a very nice young man…”

‘And?” Mrs. Terachi pushed. “Which one is he?”

Megumi sighed. She knew her aunt and uncle would never leave her without an answer. She leaned in and whispered to Mrs. Terachi’s ear. “That red-head out in the lobby.”

Mrs. Terachi’s eyes widened. “You mean, the one with the really nice body?”

“Auntie!” Megumi giggled.

“Dear, don’t tell me that you don’t think so too.” Mrs. Terachi opened the door a crack and glanced at the residents in the lobby. “Tsk. Tsk. Too bad he smokes.”

“True, but he’s been very helpful to us the past few days.”

“And I’ve never met such a gentleman before.” Mrs. Terachi nodded. “I can’t wait to tell your uncle about this.”

Megumi frowned. “Auntie, he’ll only let Die-kun see Shinya outside a 3 feet radius.”

“Oh, your uncle’s just a bit protective of Shinya. I’m sure he’ll get along with the young man.”

Mrs. Terachi and Megumi re-entered the lobby. Die was stretching his arms and Koji was trying a few magic tricks with his cards, but was doing so unsuccessfully. Megumi plopped down beside him. “Need help?”

“I guess.”

“I used to do trick cards when I was in high school, used to be the master of cards actually.”

“Really?” Koj grinned. “I bet you fifty bucks you can’t beat me in poker.”

Megumi gave a smug smile. “I accept the challenge. Tomorrow. Right here. With the other poker players.”

“Deal.”

Mrs. Terachi rolled her eyes. “Megumi chan, you should stop gambling like that.” She turned to Die. “You should’ve seen her when she was in high school. Always coming home with pockets full of cash.”

“Then it should be an interesting match.” Die said. “Koji’s our master gambler.”

“Hmmm…do you gamble?” Mrs. Terachi asked.

“Me? Oh, no. not often. I just don’t like to do anything risky.”

“Really? You don’t like to do anything risky, but you’re smoking your life away right here.”

Die looked at the cigar on his hand, then quickly stubbed it on the ashtray. “Gomen…” he said sheepishly. He knew Shinya’s family didn’t approve of smoking very much.

Mrs. Terachi couldn’t help but be amused at Die’s embarrassed expression. “It’s OK, young man. Just as long as you don’t do that around my little Shinya.”

Die widened his eyes and stared at the lady. “You… you….”
“Hai. I know.” She smiled.

Die blushed. She had the same shy sweet smile Shinya has.

“I was wondering when you or Shinya were going to inform us.”

“Well…i….” Die stammered. “I wasn’t sure…and…. I ….well…”

“Don’t worry. I understand. No explanations needed.” Mrs. Terachi laughed softly. “I’m just very happy to hear that my only child is with such a nice gentleman.”

Die flushed. “thank you very much.”

Mrs. Terachi sighed and looked at the sleeping students. Everyone was sprawled all over the place, even Megumi and Koji fell asleep too. Hiro, Kyo, and Levin were all on top of each other on the other couch, not caring. Then Die noticed Hakuei smoking in the corner by the window. He didn’t look too happy.

“I think your friend over there needs someone to talk to.” Mrs. Terachi said.

Die agreed. “Excuse me.” He stood up.

Mrs. Terachi nodded.

Hakuei continued to stare out the same window for the past four hours. He finally tore off his gaze to stub out his cigar and take out his pack for another. He shook the box, waiting for a fresh stick to comeout, but found none. He peered into the pack. Empty.

“Fuck.” He cursed as he threw the box aside.

Suddenly, a cigar appeared in front of him. He looked up and saw Die smiling down at him.

“Need a stick?” Die asked.

Hakuei took the offer. “Thanks man.” He took out a lighter and lit it.

Die sat on the seat beside the blonde guy. “You’ve been quiet for some time now. Actually, you’ve been quiet the entire trip. Got a lot on your mind?”

“Man, I hate you.” Hakuei joked. “Remember when we used to room together? You always knew what was on my mind.”

“That was back then. I havent’ seen you so upset in a long time.”

“How do you know I’m upset?”

“I can just tell. It’s kind of amusing, actually. When Kaoru gets upset, he panics; but when you get upset, you become really calm.”  {is it just me, or doesn’t Die like to watch his friends upset?? ~yk2}

“Heh. It’s just how I am.”

“What’s the situation this time?”

“A lot of stuff.” Hakuei waved his cigar around. “Things you knew were meant to happen, but you just didn’t---couldn’t---let go, but you had to.”

Die smiled sympathetically. “I understand. I’m sure Toshiya will understand in time.”

“It just hasn’t been the best few days, y’kno? First, I had to dump him, and now we’re sitting here twiddling our thumbs while some mutt searches for my only childhood friend. No offense to the dog.”

“It’s alright. That dog doesn’t like me either. ^^;” Die said. “But don’t worry. You should know by now that Miyabi’s not stupid. He won’t wander off too far.”

Hakuei took a long drag, then blew swirls of smoke and watched them disappear into thin air. “He never does. He never liked taking risks. He was always a woosie and never had the guts to stray away from the norms, except when people he cares about were concerened.”

“Really? That’s good.”

Hakuei stared out the window again. “He’s a very good person, y’kno? He followed the rules all the time, and tries to do well in his studies, but when a friend is concerned, he’ll drop everything and even break the rules just to be there for them.”

“interesting. Most city people are tough.”

“What he does with his friends shows that he’s tougher than any of the kids in the block. Nobody would ever do things the way he did. You don’t have to be a rough guy to be tough. Miyabi earned the respect of everyone in the neighborhood by helping people who needed help. Now THAT is tough.”

“Sounds like you have a lot of respect for him too. I just don’t understand why you avoid him.” Die said.

“Well, the problem with Miyabi is that he’s a worse nagger than my own mother. I just don’t like to be told what to do.”

“Me either, but I’ll admit, Hakuei. You’re quite a stubborn guy. Maybe you need to be nagged for anyone to listen to you.”

Hakuei shrugged. “I guess, but geezus! He doesn’t have to be there all the time to nag me. I wanna do my own thing! That’s why I left high school early. I wanted my independence. I wanted to get out and find myself in the real world.”

“I understand.” Die nodded. “But a person cannot go through life and find himself by pushing others away. You also have to learn to deal with people and learn to accept others before you can fully understand who you are. Miyabi’s a good person; you said it yourself. But he’s not just a good person to you, is he? He’s also your childhood friend and your only best friend. You cannot simply shrug him off or ignore his existence because no matter what, he’ll always be there.

I’m not saying you have to be in close terms with him. I’m just saying that you should at least acknowledge his presence rather than get away from him. {hehe. Like Die’s wonderful words of wisdom? ^_^ Yk2}” Die looked at the blonde. “We were all wondering why you didn’t introduce him to us when he first got to campus. It must’ve been a very hard start for him.”

“Fuck!” Hakuei threw his cigar on the ashtray. “Gimme another one.”

Die frowned. “You’re wasting my pack.”

“I’ll pay you back when we get to the university.”

Die gave in and handed Hakuei another cigarette. The blonde lighted it and started smoking again. After a moment of silence, Hakuei spoke quietly, “That’s not the reason I’m upset…”

Die blinked. “huh?”

Hakuei shook his head. “Miyabi’s mom is gonna kick my ass.”

“Why is that?”

“After I heard Miyabi received a theatre scholarship, I knew he would attend the university ASAP. His mother called me and made me promise to take good care fo him. She said she didn’t want her baby to get into trouble, even though he never did. Of course, I couldn’t refuse. So I thought that I’d just make sure he was alive. I didn’t want to bother with such trifle matters.” He tapped the cigar on the ashtray. “Now that he’s out there in the woods, it’s making me think twice about how much I really ‘took care’ of him.”

“So you’re afraid Miyabi’s mom will beat you.”

“No. it’s not that.” Hakuei took a deep breath. “I dunno how to explain how I feel. It’s probably guilt. Guilt because it had to take a situation like this to realize how precious friendship is. Especially how I’ve taken this one for granted. I mean, no matter how stupid I got, or how much trouble I caused, he was always there. He was either nagging or………just there……..” Hakuei shook his head. “…sometimes, I wonder what life would be like if he wasn’t just there…”

Die had to smile. His friend was actually showing regret. That was something ‘mr.-I-am-a-bad-ass’ never did. The red head placed the pack on Hakuei’s lap.

“I think you’re gonna need these more than me.” Die said as he got up.

Hakuei blinked. “Thanks man.”

*****

Another hour passed and Die and Mrs. Terachi fell asleep. Hakuei remained awake, unable to sleep from all the nicotine he infested in his lungs. He stubbed his cigar and took out the last stick from the box. He flicked his lighter and realized it wouldn’t work. Being the potty mouth that he is, he cursed to himself and threw the lighter on the ashtray. After the ashtray fell to the floor from impact, the front doors opened with a big woosh.

Shinya came in with Puppy on a leash. Mr. Terachi soon came afterward, with Miyabi on his back.

Hakuei breathed a sigh of relief, then went there to help Mr. Terachi.

“Shinya, get some heavy blankets.” Mr. Terachi said as he placed Miyabi on a nearby couch.

Hakuei stared at the unconsciuos Miyabi and touched his hand. His skin was icy cold. “Is he going to be alright?” he asked.

“Well, we need to keep him warm so his fever won’t go any higher.” Mr. Terachi q uickly ran into the kitchen to get some hot tea.

The blonde observed the younger man on the couch. Snowflakes covered his silky black hair and his cold skins seemed as pale as the snow outside. He looked like a Snow Princess engaged in a deep slumber. Hakuei started brushing the flakes off his head. The younger one stireed and Hakuei froze.

“M-miyabi?” he whispered.

Miyabi cracked his eyelids open slightly. The blonde guy couldn’t help but stare at the unfathomable dark orbs that stared at him. His eyes looked dreadfully blank, like he was staring at a dead man.

“Miyabi?” Hakuei asked again, uncertain that he’ll receive a response.

Miyabi parted hhis lips slowly then spoke with a raspy voice. “Ha…kuei?” Hakuei felt so relieved, then he began lecturing.

“Why did you follow me to the pine forest?” Hakuei said. “You shouldn’t have done that! You should’ve gone back to the trail! You should have---!”

“…You’re really here…” Miyabi said absently.

Hakuei blinked. “Of course I’m here.”

Miyabi’s eyes filled with tears as his mouth curved into a tiny, tired smile. “Yokkatta…I thought… I thought you were lost… Baka Hakuei-chan… you always get in trouble. I was so worried. I looked everywhere for you, but… I couldn’t find you… I thought maybe…maybe…” A tear gradually fell on his cheek. “…maybe you got eaten by bears… or…maybe you got buried in the snow…”

Hakuei was speechless. He was enver good at being sweet or handling the sweet stuff, but it was really touching to hear that someone worried about him to such extent.

“You always do that.” Hakuei said softly. “You’re always helping people no matter how badly they treat you. With the way I’ve treated you, I wasn’t worth the trouble. Why do you still put your life in the line like that?”

“…because… you’re Hakuei…”

“But you can’t always risk your life like that!” Hakuei protested. “What about us? Do you think we would be happy to have you dead out there? Of course not!”

Miyabi felt his eyelids grow heavy. His eyes fluttered open and closed. He was feeling really sick right now. “…what about me?” he uttered softly. “…do you think I’d be happy to have YOU dead out there…?” he smiled sweetly. “..of course not…”  he closed his yes and furrowed his eyebrows. Damn. His head hurt a lot.

Hakuei felt the young man’s forehead. He was burning up badly. “Are you cold?” he asked, though it was a dumb question.

Miyabi nodded. There was so much pain. His head felt like a hammer was smashing through his skull repeatedly. He took long deep breaths to alleviate the painful feeling. He wasn’t like Toshiya; he’d bear through the pain without the utterence of a whine or pout.

Hakuei noticed the pained expression. “Don’t worry. Shinya’s coming with blankets and his dad’s making tea.”

Miyabi nodded. Hakuei never noticed before, but he was trembling.

Hakuei bit his lip worriedly. “Maybe what you need is a hot bath.”

“…that would be nice..” Miyabi murmured.

Suddenly, Mr. Terachi came back with a  warm cup of green tea. Hakuei helped Miyabi sit up as the young man tried his best to hold the cup in his trembling hands. Some of the tea sloshed out the edge onto the couch.

“Gomendasai.” Miyabi apologized.

“It’s alright.” Mr. Terachi said. “Just hold it in you r hands and drink. Hopefully that will make you feel warmer.”

“Areigatou gozai masu.” Miyabi said. “…I’m so sorry for the trouble.”

“IT’s no trouble at all.” Mr. Terachi laughed. “I know the pine woods from the back fo my head.”

“Here’s some blankets.” Shinya burst in with a  pile of heavy comforters.

“Thank you.” Miyabi said. “I ought to thank your dog too.”

Shinya wrapped the blankets around him. “Oh, I already gave Puppy his treat. Tsk. What is with these sleeping people?” He grabbed. A magazine and rolled it up. He smacked Die on the head. “Hey! Miyabi’s back!”

Die groaned and pouted at him. “Why are you being so abusive today? First, you take my pack, and now you hit me on the head.”

“Taking cigars is NOT abuse.” Ge gasped when he noticed the empty pack of cigars on the floor. “You finished that pack of cigars in one night???! That’s unhealthy!”

“No. no. Hakuei smoked it all!’

“Don’t try to put the blame on anyone. I KNOW that was YOUR pack!”

With the commotion Die and Shinya were causing, the other sleeping forms began to wake up, except for Hiro and Kyo.

“Wah! Miyabi-san’s here!” Levin yelled.

“Gyah! Miyabi, are you OK?”

“Miyabi! What happened?”

Miyabi stared at the concerned faces around him. He felt so happy at that moment; he felt so loved. Why should he seek for love? It was always there in front of him with his friends. “…thanks for your concern. I’m OK… just a bit of fever…”

“Do you have a hot bath?” Hakuei asked.

“Yes, we do.” Mrs. Terachi said. “Megumi. Set the hot bath ready.”

“Hai.”

“That’s a good suggestion. A nice hot bath would relieve the fever.”

Miyabi nodded, but he felt so weak. He could barely sit up, let alone keep his eyelids open. Soon, he leaned over to Hakuei’s shoulder and fell asleep from exhaustion and the fever.

CONTD @ ~ Episode 36: Lemon?