TITLE: Who Says College is Easy?
PART: Side Story 2
PAIRING: Atobe Keigo/Tezuka Kunimitsu
GENRE: Shounen-ai (Humour/ Continuation/ Angst / Romance)
DISCLAIMERS: The series I'm referring to does not belong to me… only this weird story does.
NOTES: Blah or Blah is for emphasis. /Blah/ is for conversations over the phone or flashbacks (if any). /Blah/ is for the conscience, or whatever inner voice there is, talking. Blah is for thoughts or random Japanese words. Some of these words are footnoted at the end of every page (I'm beginning to understand the need for footnotes in fiction. Thank you dear friend, you know who you are. ).
Side Story 2 (part 4 - END): Deep Ocean Eyes
There must be something really wrong with me.
Rather, there was something really wrong with Atobe.
But then again, when I really thought about it, there was something really wrong with the lumbering, slobbering being living in the same quarters with him. I knew it was a dog, but there was something in the way it licked me that made me think otherwise.
It was a Cyclops masquerading as a humongous sheep dog... if the single visible eye from all that fur was any indication.
I was going to be its next meal.
Or at least until Atobe decided to divert its attention from me to the ten-pound ALPO in the kitchen – fast.
Wonder of wonders though... he didn't even move.
At all.
"Tezuka." Atobe's voice rang in my ears. I immediately snapped to attention, taking my eyes off the dog and staring right back, almost matching the intensity of his eyes.
"Hmm?" I murmured in answer, drowning in his piercing gaze.
"Are you alright?"
That was a good question. Was I alright? I wanted to think so, but then there was the matter of the startling revelation, which he wheedled out from me after I nearly collapsed in the middle of the living room... and the matter of the butterflies in my stomach everytime I was in close contact with him... and the matter of his humongous man-eating dog. Was I alright? I would like to think so, but considering all those I mentioned – I obviously was not.
When I didn't answer, Atobe set down his cup of hot chocolate and got up from his comfortable position in the middle of the sofa just to sit down next to me on the plush tan carpet. "No you're not." He answered for me, eyes greeting mine with much concern that I was floored. Once again, his sensitive side was showing. He sighed, shaking his head and leaning back against the plump seat of the sofa. "Stop thinking about it." He said quietly. "Everyone has his own demons to conquer... I had conquered mine... you should conquer yours."
"It isn't that easy." I replied, leaning forward and setting down my own mug on the glass table in front of me.
"I know." He said sympathetically. "The death of my father wasn't easy to me too, but at least, in your case, you had the chance to say goodbye. I didn't... and that is much worse than anything in the world..." He closed his eyes tiredly. "But that did not stop me from moving on."
Moving on. What a wonderful phrase... filled with much feeling – and much hope. Now, if only I was strong enough to weather everything and start rehabilitating. "Maybe I would too."
"You should."
Surprised, I turned to him. Atobe's eyes were open now, and his lips were curled up in a smirk. I raised a brow, wondering about the sudden change of tone. A challenge... that it was. Then he began digging into his back pocket for something. And the vision he made as he did was quite racy. He stretched, his back arching, drawing me in, sensually as usual, for it was natural to him. I wanted to react, but control reared its face once again, saving me from making a fool of myself.
"Because I challenge you to a game of... tada! Poker!" He grinned, waving the box of playing cards in the air as if he had just uncovered a bar of gold.
I almost keeled over.
How in heaven's name did he do that? He had just shattered such lonesome atmosphere with a few careless words – and actions. He wanted to stop me from angsting too much? Was that it? Or was it because of something else?
"Atobe..."
He wagged a finger playfully. "Ah-ah-ah!" He sing-songed. "No questions, let's just play!" His deft fingers opened the box and took out the cards, shuffling them expertly as if he had been doing it for a living. It was a fascinating show I had to admit. But then why this all of a sudden? And why was I thinking in circles? Wasn't it better to just ask him why – even if he did say no questions? Sighing, I turned over the cards he dealt for me. "Atobe... why are we doing this?" And why are we straying from the angst session we had a while ago? Is it because you can't handle it? I had a feeling that it wasn't the case, but...
He turned thoughtful, his brows narrowing as if in concentration. "Promise you won't get mad at me?" He asked testily, tapping his facedown cards on his crossed legs. Perplexed at such an unusual condition, I nodded, albeit half-heartedly. But it did not deter him from continuing, and for sure, even if I said I would get mad at him, he would still say whatever his reason was. There was a deeply rooted suspicion blossoming from my brain. Somehow, I knew what he was about to say was not what I wanted to hear...
"I'm doing this because... we have nothing else to do."
I gave him a narrow look. "What do you mean we have nothing to do? I thought I'm going to help you with the project later?"
"It's finished."
"I know, you said I was going to double check it."
"There is nothing more to double check, I asked sensei to check it for us."
"Then why –"
"No reason."
I glared at him – hard. "What do you mean no reason? You called me up and upset my emotional balance, and now you're telling me that –"
Atobe shrugged, making my blood boil a Fahrenheit higher. "As I said. No reason. I just felt like ordering people around."
"Like me."
"Yes, like you. There's no Kabaji to lead around by the leash anymore." He smiled that seductive smile he had always used to lure people in his... traps (Whatever they may be). But no, I wasn't going to fall for any of them...
I sighed inwardly. Who was I kidding?
Too late to do anything about it now... I already fell for one.
I eyed him as he shuffled the card deck.
No... make that two.
oooOooo
Yawning, I trudged sullenly towards my building, filled with hopes that by the time I got there, no one would piss me off or else, I didn't know what I would do. It was either I kill the offender or get back through nasty means – Sadaharu Style. Why did I ever threaten Atobe to do the exercises again? The self-proclaimed Operations Research God checked it already... I sighed. Who was I kidding? I was so freaked out of what was happening that I was pushed to tire myself (And Atobe too, but no need to get guilty over that...) out in order to escape it.
Damn Atobe for making me play strip poker with him.
No matter how hard I tried, I kept losing until I was down to my undershirt and underwear... and it was freezing in there. Argh. I wonder why... was he cheating? Because as far as I knew no one had ever beaten me in a round of poker before. I shook my head weakly. I was probably losing my touch...
"OMEDETOU!"
It was one thing to be awakened by the ringing of an alarm clock, and another by a shrill call of something resembling feminine... squealing. Just between you and I though, I would probably be doing some shrieking of my own at the sight of a truckload of students doing the camel stampede straight towards me.
"OMEDETOU!"
Why now when I'm dead tired from all those analysis problems last night? I thought, panic smothering the chronic yawning I seemed to have caught this morning naturally. As the monstrous crowd began to close in around me, I gulped in a lungful of air. This isn't good...A girl suddenly launched herself at me, and my nose was suddenly buried in between two very healthy breasts, rendering my newly-polished glasses crooked, finally succumbing to its need to disintegrate the moment another female student latched onto me throwing an arm around my waist while the other perverted hand began stroking my back, the her cheek rubbing my chin. My back was being patted numerous times by hands I did not have the faintest idea whom they were connected to... and wait... did someone just pinch my butt? What was it with my butt anyway? Why do people tend to pinch in such area?
I couldn't breathe. What was happening? Why was everyone cheering me on as if I had just won the lottery? What caused all of these? I was feeling lightheaded, and for sure, it wasn't anything close to bliss. I can't breathe... This was a total reminiscence of when I first landed in my home country... except that these were no Seigaku Regulars... these were people I didn't have the faintest idea who.
Arms were choking me... and meaty breasts were suffocating me. I wasn't daring enough to inhale the possibly toxic odour from an assortment of cloying perfumes. I had to get away from here... I had to get away, the questions would have to come later, and I would be a lot happier if later was NEVER!
I had to get away – NOW!
I was about to elbow my way through when someone grabbed my wrist and began dragging me away from the overbearing crowd. I was about to thank the towering saviour leading me away when the realisation that I had dropped my precious gym bag clouded my senses. I cast a horrified look back and almost turned to stone as the image of eager people pillaging my property greeted my line of sight. Fangirl screams followed as someone held up a pair of black briefs. What if that pair had been – ME? I shivered
The hallway sped past me, as did college buildings. And before I knew it, I was being dumped unceremoniously on one of the toilet seats of what I presumed was the tennis room shower area. Breath haggard and body limp from exertion, I looked up in complete gratitude.
"Thank you." I started as soon a I caught my breath, brushing the hair out of my eyes to see the face of the one who helped me out, and promptly meeting... sparkling brown eyes.
Familiar sparkling brown eyes.
The face looked familiar too...
Then it clicked. The mischievousness gave everything away.
"Sadaharu?" I asked tentatively.
He nodded smugly. "Yup, in the flesh." Haru chuckled, leaning against the cubicle wall. "Surprised?"
I nodded, allowing a heartfelt smile. "Way." Playfully, I punched his arm. "Why lose the glasses?"
"Both Kaoru and Wakashi, even in his condition, demanded it and bought me a pair of contact lenses." He grinned slyly. "They shopped around with Kaoru pushing Wakashi's wheelchair. They told me my glasses were already outmoded."
I stared at him in disbelief.
"I know, I know... it's really hard to believe. I mean, I could understand if it were only my stepbrother... but Kaoru too? I tell you, I was so creeped out that I told Kaoru that he needed to stop hanging out with Wakashi too much."
"What did he say?"
"He said he would stop hanging out with Wakashi when..." Haru's shoulders slumped dejectedly. "When I'm not addicted to sex anymore."
I snickered at the thought. "Kaidoh Kaoru, one point, Inui Sadaharu, none."
He laughed, crossing his arms across his chest. "Yeah, yeah... I know. However, that is not only the reason. I knew this would happen, and I knew from my calculations that you would need help, so here I am."
"You..."
Haru nodded. "Yup, I came prepared. Glasses are not advisable when you're rescuing a friend from a politician-hungry mob. My probabilities, then and now... they never fail... or at least, I don't think they do."
I arched a questioning brow. "Politician?"
"Hai. Politician. I told you the probability of you winning the elections were above seventy percent! You won the title of Student Council Business College President."
President? What in heaven's name is he talking about? I blinked. "I... won? How did I win?"
He started back at me with the equal intensity... but quite the quizzical type. "How did you win? Duh, the students from the business college voted for you."
Eh? "No, no..." What's going on? How come I didn't know anything about this? I shook my head in disbelief. "It's not that..."
"Then what are you looking so shocked about?"
I wanted to shout bloody murder but the trauma prevailed.
"Haru... I didn't file anything!"
oooOooo
"Who did this?" I asked through gritted teeth. "If this is your idea of a prank, then it's not funny. You've gone too far."
Syusuke's blue eyes fixated upon me as if he was offended that I would think such. Sadaharu's features remained bland, but I could just hear the wheels inside his head turning... what was he thinking about, an excuse?
Kurobane glared at me, the perpetual hothead, easily offended... and Dabide shook his head, eyes wide, as if thinking 'why didn't I think of that?'. Who did this stupid thing? And now... now, even without my consent, I was elected college president. Could I even list this as my achievement in my resume?
I sighed, knowing I couldn't get anything from them. "Great. I'm doomed." I mumbled, slumping down on the closed toilet seat in my temporary hiding place – the shower area. Would I ever get the guts to get out of here, what with the mob searching high and low for me?
"Look at the bright side Tezuka-buchou," Syusuke laughed. "You're back to your popular status now!"
That's what I'm afraid of... I don't think I can handle such huge responsibility now...
"And we're going to help you get through it. After all, it's just for a year, right?" Kurobane smiled, his frown gone, probably because he saw through my anger a while ago – that I was merely nervous. Okay, fine. Terrified.
I sighed. "Right... but still..."
And then in came the narcissistic whirlwind, followed by the pitiful figure almost buried underneath shoeboxes and hangers of expensive-looking... stuff. No, make that two pitiful figures buried under stuff. Why did he come in the shower area with all that junk anyway?
"Ah, Kei-chan!" Syusuke chuckled. "What a nice surprise!" The innuendo was there, but what for? What about? Something was going on between those two... and I had a feeling that I should know what it was – that it was important. Maybe I should just ask them later.
"Ahn, I just went into a shopping spree with these guys." Atobe announced cheerfully, standing behind Syusuke and leaning down, elbows on his friend's shoulder as he crossed one ankle in front of the other.
"How did you know we're here?" Kurobane asked, fidgeting with the clasp of the chain around his neck.
"Oh, a little bird told me..."
"Ah, I told him that we're here." Syusuke cut in, still smiling.
Somehow, that did not sound right... why was it that my mind kept thinking stupid thoughts like... like I was being plotted upon?
oooOooo
"Tezuka-bouchou, will you please stop fidgeting?"
I glared at Syusuke, brow twitching. Why was it that he always calls me by that name? I was not his captain now, am I? Was he purposefully irritating me? "How could I?" I asked sourly, trying to keep my temper in check, lest I smack him as I remember I did with Echizen. That was a bad memory... I didn't want another one to add to the overflowing bin inside my heart. I just didn't think I could take it.
There was something quite calming about Syusuke's indulgent smile as he reached out and tapped my forehead. "Look, you're going to have worry lines if you keep that up." He said, eyes finally snapping open, revealing their azure depths. It was one thing to see those infamous irises, but to actually see them twinkling with much amusement at a time like this... I shook my head, feeling a tad bit nauseous.
The idea behind the amusement triggered another panic attack in me, and I took deep breaths in order to calm myself down, all to no avail. My knees were all too ready to give way now, and the feeling wasn't at all welcome. And then, coupled with such staggering responsibility that I would most probably amass and work out was pretty much dizzying.
I felt like I was going to die...
And if it was what dying feels like, I didn't want to die anytime soon.
Gustav... now I knew what he felt before he eternally closed his eyes. I shook the overflowing emotions away. There was no sense in reliving such depressing moment at a time like this. Gustav should be the source of my strength... not my woe.
"Syusuke..." I started, wincing slightly at the catch in my voice.
"What is it, bouchou?" The sweet tone gave me the shivers. No wonder Yuuta was the rebellious brat he was. I personally wouldn't want to listen to that every single waking day.
Oh yes, it sucked to be him.
And he used that nickname again. I let my breath out in a sound whoosh, the glare etched on my brows earlier softening. "Talk to me."
He, obviously perplexed, cocked his head to one side and gave him an inquisitive look, his blue eyes seemingly clouded with confusion. "What is there to talk about? We've exchanged life updates just an hour ago..."
I shook my head frantically, giving him an imploring gaze, trying to make him see that I wasn't all too eager about this. "I'm... feeling a weird like this... just say something so I can focus on your words rather than think of... work."
"Okay... what do you want to talk about?" He relented, gaze softening as if trying to calm my spirits
"About... About... Souichirou and Eiji."
Syusuke's countenance became sad somehow. It's that bad. I thought in disappointment. "Souichirou called more than a week ago. He was looking for Eiji. I was meaning to ask you about it for such along time now, but he told me not to... that he would not include you in their fights anymore... tell me, Syusuke... what's wrong with those two? At least, tell me what you know... I won't tell."
"I suppose Oishi-haha told you his side of the story, right?" He pressed tired fingers against his temples.
Oh yes... Now I know why... Syusuke is just fond of giving nicknames. No wonder he and Eiji hit it off at first meeting. Came a wry thought. "Yes... he told me about the whole university transfer thing."
He nodded thoughtfully. "Good. Well, apparently, he hadn't told Eiji about it, and Eiji wouldn't have known about it if he did not stumble upon Oishi-haha's papers in a rare moment of cleanliness attack back in their rented apartment near Hyoutei Daigaku."
"So... Eiji felt betrayed and went away in an unannounced trip to Siberia?" I finished hesitantly, unable to believe such irrationality. It wasn't Eiji to act like that. He may be childish and naïve at times, but never to that extent. Maybe something was wrong with him other than the Souichirou issue.
"Not exactly Siberia, Tezuka-bouchou... not even close. He's in my pad, finishing off my groceries in two minutes – flat."
The image branded itself in my mind. "Ouch."
Syusuke threw up his hands exasperatedly. "Exactly! I'm going to be cleaned out soon... and I just had my weekly groceries delivered yesterday afternoon!"
"Ouch." I repeated, cringing.
"Why do you keep saying ouch?" He asked.
I gave him a small smile. "I keep imagining Eiji eating your stash of icky grass-tasting treats... normally, that would have hurt... in the stomach at least." What did you think? I was worried about you? You can eat anything! Of course it's Eiji I'm worried about. I thought in amusement.
He growled, eyes open, and overtly frowning now, arms crossed defiantly across his chest. "Nya. Ha. Humour me. They're not that bad – and I like them, so there." He stuck out a tongue for good measure. Yes, he did act like Eiji sometimes.
"If you say so..." I chuckled. "I guess I'm feeling a bit relieved... at least we know where he is and don't have to search everywhere for him. I have to tell Ichirou, or else he would panic even more. Do you think Eiji would mind?"
The glare was dropped off, and his eyes softened as if dragging something out of memory. "He would, I know he would... but it's best for Oishi-haha to know... they have to resolve their problems right away – or they would really regret it... I know I would."
"You're worried about them too, huh?"
He gave me a look of mock confusion. "Whatever are you saying?"
"Worried about them being, you know, kind of a married couple in the aftermath of a divorce."
"Hoi?"
"You know, broken ties and misty eyes?"
"No, I'm not worried about that at all!"
"Then why did you say you would regret them not solving their problem?"
"I'm going to be buried under lots of house bills if this keeps up... I'll go bankrupt – and hungry! Nyan!" He snickered, eyes filled with glittering amusement.
There was nothing more to do but laugh. It made the tension dissipate, as if another type of tide had just taken over my system. I felt so relaxed... as if I could take on anything with such ease and good nature.
Well, at least until...
"Fuji. You can let him in now."
My breath stuck to my throat, and self-consciously, I straightened up, collecting the remnants of my dignity before succumbing to the call of reality...
More like the call of the head officer from inside that door.
"So, this is it." I whispered almost inaudibly.
"Don't do that, nyan... you sound as if you're going to face the firing squad."
"Syusuke, you're starting to sound like Eiji."
"I am?" He asked with a slight chuckle, turning to me fully, a sincere smile on his lips. "Nevermind that." He waved the observation away, eyes filling instantly with pride. "I wish you luck, Kunimitsu. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you." And for that, just that, I felt better. I can do this. I thought, nodding as bravely as I could at my long time friend before fixing a solid stare at the opened door and taking a step forward.
There was no turning back.
oooOooo
That went well. I mused as I sauntered off. For someone fond of wearing ladies shoes, the former college president sure is one big mean geek.
The answer to my question still wasn't provided after all the questioning I did everyone I knew, and it was exasperating, really.
Who could it be? Would I be able to meet the one who changed my life entirely? The thought was daunting and exciting both at the same time, and it filled me with such energy that I knew I could just face anything. It was the same kind of sensation I had while talking to Syusuke... only deeper... stronger... like whenever I was with Ato –
Whenever I am with... Atobe.
I shook my head, clearing my mind of such weird thoughts. Yeah right. As if I would think of Atobe that way. I scoffed inwardly, fidgeting with the strap of my backpack as I came face to face with the endless staircase leading up to the second floor of my building.
However, hard as I might, the idea of having something with Atobe was appealing.
Now, if only my common sense and vengeful heart would listen to the diktat of my gut, I would be very...
"THERE YOU ARE!"
Surprised, I nearly jumped, eyes wide, turning to where the offending scream sounded. "Shishi...do?" I noticed the two guys tagging along behind him. "Ohtori-kun? Mizuki-san?"
"Don't think you can get away from me!"
Miffed, all I could do was scowl. "What are you talking about? I haven't offended you as far as I know, so why would I run away?"
Mizuki raised a red portfolio in the air, waving it to get my attention. "Rules are rules Tezuka-san, unfortunately."
Eh?
"Yes, Tezuka-san... please be responsible enough for your actions. You filed for that position, so you should be prepared for the consequences." Ohtori-kun added as he reached my side, grabbing my shoulder as if I was some kind of criminal. I never knew that such a gentle guy would have such forceful attitude.
But I didn't even file anything! My mind protested, and was about to tell the three hoodlums off when I caught sight of the words written on the main page of Mizuki's portfolio. Oh no.
I stared at the words, written in huge black letters:
MISSION #1: Get Tezuka-san to wear a frilly skirtMISSION #2: Get Tezuka-san to agree to dance for the whole student body before the inaugurals (As if he has a choice. Duh.)
MISSION #3: Make sure He looks all primped and pretty before the show.
"What is that?" I asked weakly, pointing at what would I knew would prove to be the source of what I felt was an incoming heart attack.
Shishido smirked, freezing my blood almost instantaneously. "Why, Tezuka-san, you didn't know?"
"Know what?"
"The newly elected presidents dress up as women and dance in front of everyone before the inaugurals, which, if I may add, would be tomorrow night... it's a tradition."
Who could it be? Would I be able to meet the one who changed my life entirely? I really wanted to know now...
I needed to kill whoever it was – ASAP.
oooOooo
"Oi, Tezuka-chan, what are you doing out there? It's freezing!"
I growled. "I need to clear my mind." I called back. "I need to erase the knowledge that I'm a very respectable human being before I humiliate myself onstage tomorrow night."
A sudden silence.
"Oh come on now... are you still thinking about that?" Atobe, clad in suffocating fur (Fake of course, since he was against wildlife annihilation) from head to toe, came out to accompany me on the patio of his home, Operations Research project either forgotten or set aside for a short while.
I was prepared for a round of teasing, like what Shishido and company had done this afternoon...
But it didn't come.
Instead, he sat beside me and smiled wanly, eyes boring deep into mine. Slowly, he reached out and gave my shoulder a healthy squeeze before dropping onto his lap. "Tezuka, it's not your fault, okay? You don't need to prepare for this thing, it is just initiation."
"Easy for you to say." I mumbled. "You're not the one who's going to get humiliated tomorrow."
The flinch was visible, and a huge part of me felt the pang of guilt instantly. After all, I shouldn't be unloading on him... he didn't have anything to do with my blunders anyway. "Sorry." I said quietly. "I'm just nervous about this whole thing, that's all."
He gave another wan smile.
"Don't be. It's fine; I deserve that for intruding on your thoughts. I was being nosy. So..."
"Stop." I held up a silencing hand and gave him along look. "When I say it's not your fault, then it's not."
Atobe visibly flinched from the iron in my voice. "But you didn't say it wasn't." He retorted quietly.
Tiredly, I shook my head. Ah, Atobe, the stubborn peacock of a man. Momoshiro's description was very accurate indeed... and so was Syusuke's. "Atobe..."
He raised a silencing hand and nodded his head. "I understand Tezuka-chan. I lost. I won't bother you on your contemplative days your whole life." He grinned slyly. "But payback for this small amount of humiliation would be when I see you dance tomorrow night in a short multicoloured skirt – oh yes... that's payment enough..."
Menacingly, I started towards him, him stepping back, body poised to run away. "Atobe... I'm going to kill you..." Growling, I lunged – but missed.
And there was Mr. Hyoutei Perfection, scampering catlike away, his teasing laughter echoing inside his huge home.
oooOooo
What in heaven's name did I do to be subjected to this type of torture?
It was cold, and I couldn't help shivering under my clothes – or the lack thereof. The moment I stepped out of my last class, ready to escape, Shishido Ryou grasped my wrist and literally dragged me off to the Home Economics studio to 'Doll Me Up'.
I felt like Barbie.
And now someone my age was yakking about ungrateful ninnies and such that I wanted to just smack his busy mouth shut. As if I wanted this to happen.
I slid a glance at the surprisingly quiet Atobe. He seemed uneasy (If any of that talk when we were left momentarily alone a while ago about Echizen being the captain of Seigaku was any indication), and for once, I was dreading the thought of him harbouring anything related even the remotest to me. It was unsettling – with his eyes going all jittery and body all restless while we 'conversed'. What was wrong with him?
Sighing, I shifted my attention to the sound of the opening door. It was when the low whistle came that the familiar surge of embarrassment returned. I was about to comment when Atobe beat me to it.
"Why are you here, and where's Syusuke?" Atobe demanded. I glanced sideways.
He was frowning.
Sadaharu grinned; as if he knew something some people did not know. "Out harassing Mizuki."
Any idiot would have seen the way Ohtori-kun doted on Mizuki-san for the past few weeks, and knowing what happened before, as well as the telltale signs of vexation on the usually friendly features of the younger boy, his stomach churned. Bad move, Haru. I thought, sending him a pointed look. Sadaharu only looked amused.
"I have to..." I strained to hear what Ohtori-kun was saying, but I couldn't quite make his words out. "Mizuki-san... be back..."
Oh yes, things were going to get ugly.
As he went out hurriedly, I couldn't help feeling sorry for Syusuke. Ohtori-kun was respectful, that was true... but for someone he cared for – to be played with? That was another story. I knew he wouldn't hesitate to strike.
Don't be careless, Syusuke. I muttered inwardly.
"Wow, Tezuka... you should wear those kinds of things more often... they suit you."
Damn you Haru. I thought crossly. You've just caused a major problem and now you're creating another one. Do you want me to cream you once this thing blows over?
I glared at him, former irk returning. "I don't want to do this Haru." I grumbled, fidgeting much until Shishido-san slapped my ankles in annoyance. Ouch. "I'm cold."
"Yeah, I know. It's almost winter, and you're wearing that."
"You don't have to look so happy about it."
Sadaharu laughed uproariously. "I'm sorry. It's just... I never knew you have such nice legs, Kunimitsu... a short Samba skirt suits you!" He was hysterical now... and I wanted to kill him – Shishido-san's threatening pin or not. I was about to tell him off when the door slammed open. It was Hiyoshi-kun, panting, all excited... and staring straight at...
My legs.
Why is this school filled with stupid perverts?
"Ohayo! Have you seen Sadaharu-nii?" His eyes were roving all over me, and it seemed as if he was deciding on what more to say. I wanted to explode from the humiliation, but I couldn't – because I found myself laughing... as much as I laughed when Atobe came in here before.
Because just as Ohtori-kun slammed the door open and squished him... I snorted, doubling over.
The Karma Boomerang strikes again.
Sadaharu was there, a twitching lump wedged between a heavy cherry wood door and a drab wall... twisted in painful protest.
"Ouch."
There is a God.
oooOooo
I squeezed my eyes shut.
"Stop pushing." I muttered as Atobe pushed me towards the stage. Yes. The moment of truth had come. I was going to be the laughing stock of the school until some slob got bowled over into the punchbowl in some frat party before Christmas. That would be two months more. Seriously though, I wanted to just call in sick – but I couldn't. I was already in my dance clothes.
I wanted to die.
Preferably with the cause of all this trouble dying with me.
"Atobe, tell me... why do I have to do this?"
I couldn't see him, but I was sure he was near... very near if the presence behind me was any indication. "I don't know... maybe to keep you working hard enough in the future... or be used to rebukes and catcalls from your subordinates... I don't really have any idea..." He answered in a very uncharacteristic faltering manner. Is it just me or does he sound... guilty?
"I never thought I would do this kind of thing in my entire life." I sighed, opening my eyes, feeling slightly tingly as his skin came in contact with mine. Surreal.
"I'm sorry..." He murmured in my ear.
I turned towards him, questions filling my mind in a single moment of confusion. What is he sorry for? This isn't his fault – unless...
I had not the time to deliberate, for I was dragged unawares up the stairway.
Unless...
oooOooo
"Dance! Dance!"
I gritted my teeth as whistles and catcalls echoed all around me.
Yes... the moment I knew who set me up for this... I'm going to go kill him.
oooOooo
It took a few hours for me to finally settle down. My heart was still pumping from all the embarrassment and humiliation I was submitted to, and my knees still felt much like jelly. Yes... I got it bad. I sucked – nice legs or not. What kind of tradition was this anyway? If only I didn't sign up in this school, I wouldn't have been out there in the middle of the night dancing in high heels.
Chikusho(1)...
I hated this... feeling powerless.
I was powerless.
Sighing, I threw the costume I wore into the trashcan. Had to burn it tomorrow. I HAD to burn it tomorrow. Seeing that in the future would give me a heart attack. Everyone saw me.
Everyone.
Even the people who didn't study in this university... Kami-sama... what had I done wrong?
Maybe I should've been nicer to everybody in my early years... maybe I should've tried socialising more... maybe, if I hadn't blown everybody off... like Syusuke whenever he invited me for afternoon tea... like Sadaharu whenever he invited me for lunch... Like Atobe whenever he invited me to go shop...
Atobe.
His words were still reverberating in my brain. Was that really guilt? I didn't exactly understand... well, I tried listing everything weird he did – everything weirder than usual anyway. Something was really wrong about the list, and I felt like such a moron that I didn't get it.
Now, after a small amount of time had already passed, I still didn't.
I can't put my finger on it... what...
RING!
I nearly jumped. Eyes wild, I reached for my cell phone. "He-hello?" I said tentatively.
"Tezuka-chan..."
Atobe.
I quickly cleared my throat and tried to maintain my composure. The nagging thought was still whirling inside my mind. I would've paid heed to it if Atobe didn't sound so desperate. Did something happen?
"Don't call me that." I retorted. "Why did you call at this time of night?"
Atobe breathed deeply before answering me. Yes. Something was indeed wrong. He never sounded like that – since they knew each other way back. "Inui called." The deep baritone that was complete seduction shivered down my spine. Even at a time like this, he sounded so...
I cleared my throat yet again, fidgeting. "And?" I prodded, trying to divert my thoughts away from what I knew spelled disaster for my underpants. Kami-sama... I'm becoming perverted. I shook my head, focusing on what he was saying rather than his way of saying whatever information it was he was relaying.
"Shishido."
My heart stopped cold. I had never been close to my private costume designer, but I felt a sort of dread cast a spell upon me. Something was terribly wrong. "What happened to Shishido?" I asked falteringly.
"He's missing."
"He's what?" I asked incredulously. "Maybe he just went out for ice cream or something..."
"Tezuka. It is practically winter. No one would want an ice cream in this weather!" Atobe cried out hysterically. "Do you have any idea where he is? Be rational for once, Tezuka!"
I stiffened. Be rational? Am I not rational? Maybe my last line was not the brightest in the world, but who was he to accuse me of being irrational? I am Tezuka Kunimitsu! I thought, starting to simmer in annoyance. "Atobe." I muttered warningly.
Silence.
He must've known that he went overboard. "Sorry." I stiffened even more. Atobe Keigo was apologising – again. What was happening to the world? Was I going crazy? "Look, I'm just worried, okay. Just pretend you didn't hear what I just said. Erase that. Just..."
"Atobe. Calm down." I instructed instinctively. The weight of the problem was finally presented to me. One of my acquaintances – or dare I say friend – was missing. "Tell me why Inui said he was missing."
"Ohtori-kun called Shishido's place looking for him... Then his roommate... what's his face?"
"Akutsu Jin."
"Whoever he is," Atobe continued, breath haggard. "Told him that he wasn't home and they both panicked. So they called up people and asked around but they didn't know where he is either!"
It was interesting when you take out the bad thing about the situation. Akutsu Jin was worrying over someone else than his precious charge Taichi-kun and his mother. It was interesting. He cared for Shishido, obviously. I smiled slightly at the thought and focused more on where I last saw Shishido...
"Ah... I saw him with Jirou... or at least someone who looked like Jirou... but I'm pretty sure it was he. At the back, with Momoshiro and Kaidoh... and Sadaharu."
"I saw him back then too... and then he went off with Inui..."
"What did Sadaharu say?"
"He said the last time he saw Shishido was when they were walking towards the exit together and Shishido told him he'd go home ASAP because he wasn't feeling all too well."
"Where could he possibly be?"
"His roommate said that Shishido never came home late – ever. And now he's gone without anyone knowing where he is!" Atobe was panicking, it was all too obvious. "Where could he be?"
Yes. Atobe Keigo did care for his teammates – his friends.
Especially Shishido Ryou. He seemed disdainful of him but in fact, he cared. And he knew that the other felt the same way. They were friends.
Just like Gustav and I.
But then what relationship do I have with Atobe?
I set the thought aside quickly. No sense in dwelling on that in a difficult time like the present. We must find Shishido – and fast. "Anyone got any ideas?" I asked determinedly.
"Inui said we must meet at the coffee shop near your apartment. He's already with Ohtori-kun and Mizuki in the Student Plaza now, I think."
"Did you tell the others about this?"
"Yes, I called Syusuke and he said he's going to meet us in the coffee shop – same goes with Kurobane and Marui."
"I'm going to call Momoshiro and Jirou on the way down." I said, standing up and slipping my wallet inside my back pocket. "See you."
"See you." Atobe agreed. I was about to end the call when he spoke up. "Ah, Tezuka-chan, you're not wearing that frilly costume, are you?"
I twitched. "No."
"Aw, such a pity... you had nice legs after all... I was wondering... do you shave? You must be –"
"Good bye, Atobe." I growled.
I pushed the end button.
oooOooo
"I can't believe I'm stuck with you." Atobe groused, kicking a rock that was unfortunately lying on the warpath. "This is so boring."
"You're the one to talk. You never said anything either."
"Well, I'm talking now, aren't I?"
I glared back at him. "Then what am I doing, playing Monopoly?"
He sighed and turned his head away. "Where could he be?" He muttered restlessly. "If something happened to him..."
There was pinprick of jealousy deep within the chambers of my heart. He sounded as if Shishido was his life. And somehow, that made me feel uneasy... and alone. What were they to each other? Do they share some bond that I hadn't the eyes to see since I came here? And why did I even care?
It was no use lying to myself.
Sighing, I walked on, eyes searching for the missing Shishido... without much success. And I knew, that if I was feeling restless, the impact of the loss was even more for Atobe. I gazed at his unusually pale features. What were they to each other? Were they really only friends? I thought they were while we were talking over the phone, but seeing him now, dishevelled like this... I was having my doubts.
I was jealous.
I finally admitted it.
And I would never deny it now that I did.
"Tezuka... stop staring at me." It was when he uttered those annoyed words that I realised I was gaping at him – with my mouth apart, fortunately, not dripping with drool. Why was he so annoyed anyway? He had done the same to me in the past and I didn't say anything about it. Kicking myself inwardly, I looked quickly away. I wasn't about to apologise for doing such, because frankly, I wasn't apologetic at all for doing it.
I wanted to stare at him...
I liked staring at him.
Just like I loved staring at Gustav before when he was still alive.
"I must look like a total lunatic like this, no?" Atobe suddenly piped up. I remained quiet. I didn't have anything to say. "Shishido is great and I don't want to lose him. He has a nasty temper and I know that it would put him in trouble anytime, so I keep close tabs on him. I worry over him not only as a former captain... but also as a friend."
I nodded. I knew that. It was obvious.
And it didn't help pull me out of the darkness I felt I was sinking in.
There was something between them that I did not know... something that I knew I didn't want to know.
Atobe grasped my scarf and pulled hard – so hard in fact that I whirled a complete ninety degrees, facing his now-taller form. He looked down at me, eyes clear and unblemished...
He smiled softly.
"Shishido Ryou is a very good friend, Kunimitsu..."
He looked softly down at me with his bottomless...
"Just a very good friend, nothing more, nothing less."
Deep ocean eyes.
I smiled back at him.
Gustav... I finally understand.
oooOooo
"Ahh... I'm so tired... I can't find him anywhere!"
I smiled inwardly as he crossed his arms on the table and banged his head on them in a very un-Atobe-like way. "Where is he, where is he, where is he..." He punctuated with every hit. "I'm going to deny him another practice game if I fail my exam later at ten." He swore, finally halting his frustrated movements and resting his head on his arms.
It was funny... if only he wasn't burdened with too much at the moment.
The journey we had in complete chemistry-filled silence ended back in this coffee shop, where the search party met before. We left empty-handed... and we returned the same way. But there was still hope – there were Ohtori-kun, Kurobane and Amane who were still searching. Maybe they would find some clues. Atobe's panic leaked into me, it seemed. I was feeling edgier than before, that was for sure.
"Sleep a bit if you're that tired." Mizuki-san answered him quietly shredding tissues. It wasn't long before Akutsu snatched them from his hand, balled them and threw the tissue ball right smack on his forehead. He didn't seem to have the power to counter, so the only thing he did was to slump in his seat. Feeling sorry for him, I immediately picked up one of the throw pillows from one of the vacant couches and placed it on his lap, smiling back as he looked up and grinned wanly.
There was an almost inaudible murmur of agony from Atobe. I wasn't exactly sure if it was because he was tired or... something else. Shaking my head slightly in amusement as he rubbed his nose against one of his arms, I turned, snatching another pillow and carefully raised his head, slipping it between his folded arms, before letting him rest on it.
The feeling of jealousy was still there, but at least, I figured something out of it.
I didn't know what I was to him...
But I knew what he was to me.
And for now –
That was enough.
oooOooo
"Mitsu-chan... Sleep... Now. The light is blinding me." Atobe grumbled almost incoherently. He gazed up at me with dark bleary eyes. They were brown, nearly black in the dim light, and they closed around me warmly. And for once, I was happy.
They both have the same eyes... I thought fondly. The same but entirely different... One pair I loved... and the other... I now love. Yes... they both have the same eyes. "Fine." I said in mock resignation. He liked it when I was not being entirely difficult. But then again, I wasn't exactly difficult – it had something to do with him deciding something was difficult when it wasn't agreeing to his terms as quickly as possible. I reached out and turned off the bed lamp.
No sooner than it clicked shut when I was suddenly pulled into warm arms. "Keigo... you promised..."
"I lied." He growled, burying his head deep in the contour of my bare neck.
"I'm going to tell Ryo that you call him Drama Queen behind his back." I retorted.
"Tell him then." He responded groggily. "You're so soft..."
"I'm not your pillow."
"No, you're my stuffed toy."(2)
"Keigo... unhand me, I can't breathe..."
"Promise me you won't go away?"
I smiled, burrowing the back of my head deeper into my pillow.
"Yes."
oooOooo
Maybe Gustav is psychic... but that's ridiculous.
But then again, who am I to contest?
He must've known about Atobe and I since he had contact with both of us before. So what exactly did he see? He obviously knew something we didn't before...
His aquamarine eyes were too observant... those deep ocean eyes that seem to bore deep inside the soul... seeing everything hidden beneath.
Atobe's brown eyes are like that too. They pique your yearnings; making them surface... they lay your soul bare... tear you apart and glue you back together again.
They both have the same eyes...
They have the same deep ocean eyes.
But one thing still bothers me...
Who set me up for presidency?(3)
OWARI
A/N: FINISHED! YAY! Now I'm gonna work on the Akutsu/Shishido side story! This took too long to finish, but I sure hope you enjoyed reading all the ultra-long parts! Tell me what you think!
PS #1: This is for all the AtoZuka/ZukaAto fans out there, especially Sailorstarsun and Gokumew2
LOVE YA GUYS!PS #2: I am becoming more in love with this pairing as time passes... I have all the ideas why, but none seem to satisfy... as if there must be more than this pairing than what I have in mind... and I'll be very happy indeed while searching for them. I'm sappy. So sue me. XD
1 A Japanese word resembling 'Damn!' or something like that. XD
2 So sickeningly cute, isn't it? XD
3 Still clueless... (Snickers)