Ch. 10

I don't own HANA YORI DANGO-korean version/ japanese version, just a fan that wish to recreate another plot of the story. DON'T SUE ME please~!

First time writing a fanfic; please constructive criticism only~! Thanks!—

Oh as well, I changed Ga-eul into Yuki to fit with the Japanese names that I've used for the characters.

Tsukasa stares numbly at Rui, as he watched him kiss her. Something broke inside, and then a flurry of images of tsukushi came into mind. Tsukasa stumbled into the room, his walk slow and wobbly. He tries to make sense of things. He grip tightly at the nearby chair, and bent his head in deep thought and reflection as memories came rushing back. Tsukushi and her powerful punch, Tsukushi and her twinkling eyes, Tsukushi and undying spirit, Tsukushi and her twinkly eyes, Tsukushi…tsukushi...

Rui watched in surprise as he stare at the odd tsukasa. He did not feel the qualm of guiltiness for falling in love with tsukushi. Even if she was his, there was no way he will give her back. Not when he repeatedly warned him and given him chances that regretfully almost killed tsukushi. No, not this time. No teddy bears or anything would persuade him of otherwise.

There was uneasiness between them, and moments passed on, with only the tsukushi's soft snores to filled the room. Tsukasa finally raise his head to face his friend, his rival, his...opponent. "Rui, I remember now, I remember everything now," Tsukasa said in a familiar, confident, but quiet voice. Rui only nodded, cautious and wary of tsukasa's next movement.

Tsukasa felt alert, and the uneasiness and uncertainty that he once felt was gone, replaced by the familiar confidence and peace within. Tsukasa signaled for Rui to follow him, and leave tsukushi to her soundless sleep. They walked outside, quite aware that it was the midst of the night, and both had the decency to avoid bickering inside the non-sound proof cottage rooms. They two shivered at the coldness, with the harsh wind blowing icily over them. But neither would falter and both stood their ground.

Then came the punch, a direct hit to the left cheek. Rui toppled over from the force, and landed on the soft ground. He quickly rose and lunged at Tsukasa, both beating each other senseless, until only the sound of breathlessness is heard over the harsh wind. The two large figures lay flat on to the snow, both panting heavily, and both bruised and exhausted. They turned and stared at each other, chocolate brown met marble blue, both furrow their brows in deep thought, time passed, and before anything was said, large grins broke from their faces. Yes, this was just like before, and this was how they communicate. It's their communication, a simple, mutual communication that only the two shared and only the two could understand.

"Rui, do you love her?" Tsukasa breathlessly yelled out in the silent night. "Uh" Rui firmly nodded, eyes shone of truth and determination. "Rui ,do you remember? Remember the time when I was with her?" Tsukasa asked. "Uh", Rui softly answered, his eyes far away. Tsukasa observed Rui's lonely expression before asking: "Rui, back then-did you felt like crap, like what I am feeling now?" Tsukasa cheekily asked follow by a heavy intake of breath. "Uh" Rui nodded in response. Moments of brief silence passed and then tsukasa calmly asked: "Rui, will you take care of her, and not make her cry as I have done?" Unhesitant, Rui answered: "Yes, I will, I swear". And with that their eyes met, as if on cue the two then clasps their arms in a brotherly hand shake, while laying flat on the snow.

A drop of tear fell from tsukasa's eyes before he could turn his head away. Eyebrows furrowed in sorrow and pain, but there was a readiness and acceptance to it all. Rui observed the brave and strong tsukasa, whose confidence and strong personality was what Rui had always envied and supported. Moments of understanding silence passed, and then tsukasa swiftly turned his usual confident face towards Rui and he arrogantly said: "Rui, then I am giving her to you, take care of her", then he quickly rose, and trudged towards the cottage. Rui knew that the arrogance was a façade to his pain, and with a firm shout: " I will! I promise!" Rui ran towards him. The two large figures topple over, and began a friendly round of snow ball fight.

When Tsukasa and Rui entered the cottage, everyone was already awake. "What happened?" Tsukushi asked worriedly as she eyed over their appearance, looking extremely anxious at the two bruised and snow covered figures. Tsukasa clasps his arm over Rui shoulder and the both laugh, it was a sincere laugh. A small smile passed secretly between them as all conflicts, resentment and anger have finally became resolved. Although tsukasa knew that he will experienced a period of pain and sorrow to grow out of his love, but his friends and his memories will carry him forward.

Their masculine laughter was contagious, as is happiness. In the coldest night of the winter, there was no anger or sorrow but only happiness echo through the walls of the cottage. There were happiness for the new couple, the happiness that will forever stay in memories, and the happiness in the near-future that awaits everyone.

-End-

Thank you for reading, and I hope you all enjoyed this story