Haunted

Chapter 1: The Beginning

“Okay, people!,” K shouted eerily, “one more try and you’re all off for tonight!” he added, “Fujisaki, hit the button!”
And then in a split second, the whole band started playing again.

But this time, everybody was doing rather well, and not one of them wished to stay inside the studio an hour longer.
Everybody wanted to go home—especially because it’s Christmas Eve.


The sound of Shuichi’s voice made the whole studio rock. For the past
year, their band had been booming high, and ever since they started, the invitations, concerts, interviews were all endless.
Sometimes, Shuichi had to cancel most of the interviews for the sake of his time with Yuki Eiri, who on the other hand had won awards worldwide recently for the reason that of his romantic novels.

He had been traveling around the world lately, having book tours every so often, and it seems to both of them that they had been neglecting their relationship.
Even up to now, the media wasn’t still weary of their relationship. Shuichi was only thankful that their close friends don’t seem to mind.

A year ago, Yuki, who was known for his quiet and serious ways, had declared to the media that he and Shuichi were ‘lovers’, and in spite the fact that Yuki does novels about relationships between men and women, he didn’t seem to mind to be involved in a relationship with the same sex.

A lot of people had been asking the same questions lately. The irony was so obvious that people couldn’t help but ask: ‘how in the world did it happen?’
One time, when Shuichi and the rest of the band had an interview, the host seemed to be curios about his relationship with Yuki Eiri, asking how their relationship was doing and how were they handling the issues.
The truth was; Shuichi didn’t care about the issues any longer. It’s been going on for a full year and the inquiries were all the same.

“So Shuichi-san, what do you think about the matter pertaining between you and Eiri-san? Despite the irony that Yuki Eiri writes romantic novels between two opposite sex, what do you think about your relationship, which involves the same sex? Specifically man to man relationship?”

The question suddenly came through. Although K had already forewarned the interviewers regarding asking questions related to that, the hostess herself seemed to be brave enough to pose a question relating to Yuki and Shuichi’s affiliation—despite the fact that she might get a bullet stuck in her head after that interview.
“Uh, hehehe,”
Shuichi was beginning to get nervous. He swallowed hard and tried to think of the best answer that would also avoid further conflicts.
“I guess that’s what they call ‘love is blind.’…?”
There was a long pause of silence that urged Shuichi to laugh it all off and surprisingly; the whole audience went with him.

After that reply, the hostess immediately shifted her topic to something more significant concerning Shuichi’s famous band, Bad Luck.

Probably because she saw K at a small corner holding a rifle gun pointed at her…

Since the band was getting popular day by day, some other countries had been hearing about their success and was intrigued by such a phenomenon,
Unbelievably even to the lead vocalist himself, a few invitations were out from New York, San Francisco and Chicago.

K and the rest of the BAD LUCK never knew they’d go this far, and K didn’t want to lose this chance, but he still thinks that they should create more improvements to be able to compete with other rock bands globally.
K said they needed to create English-based songs to make other people, especially foreigners, relate to their music’s message.

Singing in Japanese language wasn’t enough to make it ‘world-wide’.

Since K had lots of connections abroad, it wouldn’t be a problem to get concerts out there.
All they needed right now was to get Shuichi and the other members to construct new songs out of English words.

The problem was, Shuichi wasn’t much of an English speaker, and when he tries to speak English, he seemed to be eating every word and his a’s would sound like e’s and his l’s were r’s, so obviously when he would say the word ‘love’ it would sound morel like ‘rove’.

That was why K started giving Shuichi some English lessons.

In the end he gave up

And so he entered Shuichi into some English tutorial.

Shuichi was excited to go home to Yuki. He also prepared his Christmas gift for him. He was really planning to spend the rest of the night in Yuki’s arms—if Yuki was willing to do just as that. (because often he would stop embracing Shuichi after they made love, which was approximately about after one and a half hour).

Now that the rehearsals were over, they could all go home, and even though everybody was tired, they seemed to be carrying such happy faces.

Not to mention the one stuck on Hiro’s face.

“What are you smiling about, Hiro-chan?” Shuichi asked with a brow rising.
“Ayaka-chan promised me that she’s got a surprise for me when I get home, that’s why.”
He replied with a horny grin this time.
“Oh…”
They both laughed at the corny implication and stared ahead,
“Can I ask what the commotion is all about?” Fujisaki interrupted while he placed his
black sling bag around him.
“Uh, nothing.” Hiro said, “people who don’t have relationships like ours won’t make any
sense to you.” he fanning his hand at Fujisaki, on purposefully provoking the talented keyboardist.
“The hell was that supposed to mean?!” Fujisaki raged, his nostrils flaring.

The argument was on, and K and the others were still inside the studio.

“K-san, do you think we can really make it abroad?” Sakano asked, watching the three
from afar.
“Of course!” K shouted haughtily, not minding the muted argument they were
witnessing, “Since when did my connections fail me?!” he boasted and laughed
deafeningly in exaggeration.
“I mean, I’m not sure if Shuichi-san can really handle this. We all know how poor he is
with his English speaking ability,” he alleged, “are you sure he can make it through?”
His question was accompanied with a worried look.
“Sakano-san, trust me,” K began, slapping Sakano soundly at the back, “that boy can do
it! He already passed ‘the first stages’—and this isn’t that hard. It’s like learning the
ABC’s all over again, but this time, in English version—and in English accent,” he
cheerily supplemented, “it won’t be long until he learns, “ he assured confidently.
Sakano adjusted his glasses and sighed deeply, reflecting about Shuichi-san’s past
performances and how it all ended up just fine.

As the band’s producer and former manager, he refused to use Shuichi’s flabbergasting
association with Eiri-san.
It would only look like the gossip is fueling the money to come in.
The real objective of delivering outstanding songs wouldn’t be achieved.
For Sakano, this is becoming highly unacceptable.
“I’m sure Yuki can help him,” K spoke with a reassuring nod, noticing the deep creases
on his friend’s forehead, “he writes English novels, so I’m sure he’d be happy to help…
they are lovers, you know.”

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“No.”
When Shuichi got home that nught, he immediately went straight to his lover’s study room where he was intently writing his current novel.
‘No’ was the one word Yuki had been repeating for the past several minutes as his young koibito lingered beside him.
“Please! Help me out here, I really want to learn!” Shuichi persisted, with those big
teary eyes gazing at the handsome Yuki Eiri.
“Learn it by your own, and stop that, you look like a dog.” Yuki continued
typing on his laptop, somehow stating to feel strained and irritated by such an asinine
request,
“But Yuki, you’re a novelist, you’re good in English, and I’m not a novelist, and I was
never good in English, and I so suck at my English tutorials—I can’t even pronounce my
‘L’ right!” he cried out.
“What difference does it make if you’re not a novelist? A five-year old kid can learn
English if he studies well enough, and I doubt if you pay attention to your sensei, in fact,
I doubt if you even attend your tutorials.” he remarked.
“Yuki! You’re so mean! Of course I attend my tutorials. K would kill me if I don’t
anyway…it’s just that… my teacher is so boring…I tend to sleep in fifteen minutes.” Shuichi began tugging Yuki’s red polo.
“Baka! See what I mean?” Yuki yelled, “If you’re not paying attention to your teacher,
what difference does it make if I would be the one to teach you.” he reasoned and
started off to into the kitchen.
“Yuki…” Shuichi hopped behind him, still carrying his watery eyes, “I promise I’d do
anything you want if you’ll tutor me.” He pleaded.
Yuki paused for a while, sensing a high advantage to an impeccable deal,
“Anything?”
“Anything.”
And for a moment, Shuichi noticed those golden devilish eyes were glimmering with
delight.
“Well…I guess I can tutor you…but with a couple of conditions…” Yuki started, putting
down the cup he was holding and leaning closer to Shuichi, trapping him towards the
table behind them.
Shuichi of course understood the obvious reason behind his lover’s advancement.
“What conditions?” Shuichi implored, feeling all excited and thrilled.
“Let’s see,” Yuki’s face was only a few inches away from Shuichi, and when he bended
nearer his breath touched Shuichi’s flushed face.
He brought his hand up, sliding his palm slowly towards Shuichi’s face and inserted his finger inside his mouth and whirling it around and around, in and out,
“I heard you say you’re bound to have a concert tour next week.” He paused,
“I want you to cancel that.”
Shuichi was going to react, but Yuki covered his mouth and suddenly made a trail
downwards using his other hand..
“I’m not yet finished,” he added.
This time Shuichi was getting really, really excited,
“I want you to be back home by eight starting from now on until I know you can speak
fluently in English.” He gruffly instructed, touching the very heat of Shuichi.
“I guess that can be arranged.” Shuichi whispered huskily, wrapping his arms around
Yuki’s neck, pulling him closer to him, and gradually kissing him hungrily.
Yuki smiled at his lover’s passionate moves. Slowly, the fire inside of him started to
ignite, and Yuki just had to do something about that. He lifted Shuichi’s buttocks and
placed him on top of the marbled table. Yuki took Shuichi’s slender legs and brought it to
his sides, which Shuichi wrapped it automatically around Yuki’s waist.
Yuki held Shuichi’s face, and for an instant, their eyes locked, both seeing the sensuality
of the moment. Yuki kissed his lover gently on the lips, tugging the lower lip with his
teeth again and again.
Shuichi thought he was going to loose his mind with such simple teasing. Yuki took off
Shuichi’s green shirt and tossed it aside. Shuichi on the other hand slowly, seductively
unbuttoned Yuki’s polo, deliberately trying to seduce his lover—and actually succeeding.

Shuichi gazed at his lover’s wide, muscular chest. He leaned down and started suckling
each nipple until it turned to tight little buds. Yuki groaned in ecstasy as Shuichi made
him delirious. He caught Shuichi’s hair and descended his mouth towards Shuichi’s.
Shuichi’s hands were suddenly toying around. While Yuki kissed his lover, Shuichi’s hands started going lower, and then, without unfastening Yuki’s pants, he zipped open Yuki’s fly and took out the very heat of him.
Yuki moaned at the slightest touch of his young koibito. The feeling of having Shuichi’s hands grasping his manhood made him feel good. He missed the feeling, even though they made love almost everyday. This thrill in the relationship never left them, which startled Yuki a lot.
Being with this boy confused him. He doesn’t know what it exactly feels, but it seems to be close to something special.

Shuichi started to pump Yuki. Yuki on the other hand never left Shuichi’s mouth. Their tongues darted in and out, enjoying the invasion of each territory. Finally, Yuki took the upper hand. He didn’t want Shuichi doing all the heavy work. After all, he is the boss around here, and he should be the aggressive one, just the way he likes it.
Yuki slapped Shuichi’s hands away from his manhood. He was about to come if Shuichi kept pumping and massaging his manhood.

So Yuki decided to play his lover’s game.

He pushed Shuichi down on the table, and hurriedly tore Shuichi’s boxers away. Shuichi chuckled at the obvious personality his lover was displaying. Yuki was excited, and he wanted to please Shuichi as much as Shuichi pleased him.
With Shuichi’s legs still wrapped around Yuki and his back lying on the marbled table, Yuki lowered his body towards the object of his attention. It seemed so long since the last time he took his dear Shuichi in his mouth, and with endless savageness, Yuki took Shuichi, grinding the pink flesh served right in front of him. Shuichi gasped in exquisite pain and pleasure. The wonderful agony he was feeling made him feel alive, and at the same time, incredibly happy.
Yuki continuously tormented Shuichi with his mouth, and was enjoying his treatment for his lover.
Shuichi was already hard and erect. Yuki sucked and licked his lover’s manhood, exemplifying his sexual skill that had always amazed Shuichi.

At last, Shuichi came and Yuki took all of him. Shuichi pushed his elbows against the table to gain support and to be able to get up. His body was a bit limping from what they had just shared, but when Shuichi saw the eyes of his lover, the feeling of fear and excitement bubbled inside of him.
Yuki’s eyes were still aglow with passion. It showed that he still wanted more. Shuichi came a lot, and some of it spilled across Yuki’s face. Yuki didn’t want to waste it, so he wiped away the excess and slowly licked each of his fingers.
He was deliberately making Shuichi hot again. Shuichi tried to move away, but Yuki wouldn’t let him.

“Where are you going? We’re not yet finished.” Yuki said huskily and pulled Shuichi from the table and brought him down on the cold kitchen floor.

“Yuki! Not here! It’s freezing.” Shuichi pleaded but he couldn’t help but smile,

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep you warm.” Yuki assured and licked his lover’s jaw line.

“I love your taste.” Yuki whispered against Shuichi’s ear.

“Just my taste?” Shuichi teased,

Yuki looked down below Shuichi’s face, and then turned back his gaze towards Shuichi, “that too.” He seductively added.
Shuichi was about to give his comment when Yuki flipped him around and trapped his hands above his head.
Yuki positioned himself, and with one fluid motion, he invaded Shuichi with his hard manhood, making the boy gasp for air.

Yuki spontaneously withdraw and entered, again and again, like there was no tomorrow.
Yuki was about to come while Shuichi was crying in pleasure.
The kitchen was filled with low groans and gentle screams. The rhythm of Yuki Eiri and Shindou Shuichi’s lovemaking was a mix of a beautiful disaster and a wonderful agony.
Yuki’s groans grew louder and louder as his climax approached him, and when it did, he then released a tormented moan that startled both him and Shuichi.

“Yuki…?” Shuichi asked as his lover got off his back.

“Are you…okay?” Shuichi asked and crawled closer to his lover, whose head was covered with a hand. Before Shuichi could touch his lover’s face, Yuki got hold of his wrist. Shuichi’s eyes widened when Yuki flashed those familiar eyes to him.

“More.”

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London

London atmosphere has never been more inviting than this time of the year. Tourists are constantly pouring in, and regardless of the races combined; everyone was enjoying their simple private moments with their own crowds and partners.

At Hyde Park, the interaction between unfamiliar faces was frequently present. Most of all, the people enjoyed the famous and lovely Serpentine lake where they could have an overview of the vast landscape.
Such bucolic stillness made a peculiar impression on one person sitting comfortably on a wonderfully carved bronzed bench just along the luscious green basis of the park.

Spring had always been a favorite season for most fashionable women.
And for the woman who sat with her right arm resting coolly on the back, fashion is one of the foremost responsibilities of a wise critique.

Clad with one of the latest Gucci spring collection, the woman tapped her fingers idly on her lap, her eyes carefully scrutinizing her delicate slender fingers towards her polished long nails.

Shifting her leg over the other, her white straight cut pants gleamed with its pristine color, catching the attention of any passers by. Matched with a lacy ivory satin camisole, the woman’s appearance could captivate any man, especially the shadow that formed between her appealing valley.

With the refreshing breeze running towards her direction, her long shiny ebony locks spilled aimlessly like black ink in mid-air.

“My sisters and I will be expecting you at Tokyo Airport tomorrow evening. I don’t want anything to be postponed. Prepare everything when we get there. I want bodyguards outside the parameter and several cameras to ensure security. Make sure the mansion is comfortable and safe.”

Her tone was brisk, velvety, but roughly of an American accent. Her features anyhow
were undeniably Asian.
The woman stretched her neck and paused for a while, staring upon the heavens with the
phone cradled in her hand.
Before she received her current phone all, she was entertaining herself by watching the
people in front of her, who on the other hand were walking their dogs with unmasked
fondness.

The dogs varied from the smallest to the largest ones you’ve
ever seen. Mixed bred and purebred.

Europeans, she thought humorously, not completely understanding the likeness over such
animals.

But receiving this phone call now, her entertainment was cut short.

“…I see,” she spoke, understanding the statement of the caller at the other end of the line.
“Hmm…really?… I guess he’s quite famous, I’ve heard a lot about that man.
I’ve seen him even, although from afar… Hmph, he looks like an arrogant, stubborn ass.
I see no problem separating him with my sister. He’ll be easy. I don’t think it’s possible
that he’d sincerely fall for anyone in that particular.” the woman had a smirk on her face,
She grimaced right after and haughtily added,
“I’m confidently assuming that he’s not that kind of sort…besides, why would
he continue a relationship with my sister? She’s only sixteen, I don’t think they’ll last.
He’d be stupid to hang around with a young girl and ruin his wonderful reputation ” she
had to lean forward on her knees to brace herself while she talked about such a
despicable man.

She was quite confident with her theories and seemed to loathe this peculiar person she
was referring to.

Suddenly, an unexpected news delivered over the phone sent the woman standing up with
the obvious reaction of fury,
“He did what? That asshole!” The woman was outrage and catching the
attention of casual observers

“That can’t be possibly true!” She exclaimed, “he announced it? Oh please, I’m sure he’s
just playing around.” the woman countered,
“I want more information about that bastard. Tell me right away as soon as you can. Find
out everything about him: His past, his background, even his past relationships, down to
the smallest details. Leave no information behind. I want to crush that hindrance. Call me
when you got the information” this time, she gripped her mobile
phone tightly, as if trying to imagine that the phone was the bastard’s neck.
“Don’t worry, I don’t think a middle aged man could ever seriously love a sixteen year
old girl.”


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“Shuichi…” he whispered his name while he trailed his finger on his
young koibito’s face.
He had to carry him to bed after they made love on the kitchen floor, and he even woke
him up just to make love again. They didn’t stop until dawn.

Yuki was just too active that night, Shuichi thought, and those were one of the
rarest times he gets Yuki to react that way. It was so exquisite. Their lovemaking could last until forever—if Yuki was in the mood.
“Shuichi…” Yuki whispered his name again, and this instance, he got Shuichi’s attention.

They were wrapped in a huge white cover, their bodies’ creating all the warmth they
needed and the cold but tingly atmosphere matched the sweet moment they were
experiencing.
Shuichi could tell the passion was still in Yuki’s eyes—and he could tell Yuki still
wanted him.
“This is surprising, I can’t believe you’re still in bed with me—and not in your
study room.” Shuichi teased and was immediately silenced by a kiss.
“It’s Christmas. Why would I spend it in front of a computer?”
Shuichi was rendered speechless by his lover’s charming reply, but decided to say something back,
“Good point.” He simply put and leaned his head on his lover’s hard warm chest.

It was snowing in Tokyo and the sky was pearly white. Outside the condominium, Christmas carols were being played, Christmas lights were on and everybody was having a ‘jolly’ time—especially the lovers.

“So, what do you want for breakfast?” Shuichi asked, still lying on Yuki’s chest.
Yuki made a partial groan and slipped his hand around Shuichi’s waist, hauling him closer to his side, “I think I’ll have a huge sausage and two eggs, do you think we have that?” he asked with a smile and Shuichi felt the rumbling of Yuki’s chest when he laughed.

“I think we have that,” Shuichi said, but paused, thinking that his statement sounded both literal and metaphorical (on both men).
He decided to ride along with the jest, “I know where you can find it. The kitchen is too far, but I know where you can find one in a shorter distance.” Shuichi added in a seductive tone.

“Really? Where?” his lover challenged,

Even though Shuichi wasn’t facing Yuki right now, he knew those devilish eyes were glued on him.

“Down here.” he whispered.


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“Do you think she’ll remember us, sister?” a beautiful brunette with deep
ebony eyes asked while she stared at the snowing sky about them inside their private plane.
“Not for now…but she will.” Her sister replied with a quiet but certain assurance.
The brunette turned her gaze towards her sister and looked at her deep green eyes.
They were the greenest color one could ever find.
As green as an emerald, one look from it can hypnotize you by its unknown warmth, suspense and kindness.
“Sister, I’ve waited so long for this. I can’t believe I’m getting nervous.” The brunette chuckled, and her luminous eyes were blurring with tears of joy.
“So am I.” agreed her sister.
Suddenly, soft muted footsteps were coming from behind them.
“Tokia, are we there yet?” one voice asked to the brunette and it seemed that she was with two other ladies behind her.
Bianca was the lady who asked the question.
Like any of her sisters, Bianca inherited the good looks of their family from their mother’s side.
But apparently, also taken as an advantage or a unique mark, she stood different due to her distinctive pink hair shaped into an apple cut, which suit her face perfectly.
A sporty feminine look for a spirited girl that she was.

The other two behind Bianca were identical twins namely Marlotte and Monette.
They both looked so much alike that nobody, excepting their sisters, could tell them apart. There were no birth marks, specific moles that can differentiate them.
For these five sisters and the rest of the people who knew or are acquainted to them, you have to be as good as the twins’ sisters to know who’s who.
They were both blondes, and both very beautiful.
If you would make them stand face to face, with the same outfit, hairdo and accessories, it would actually look as if one of them were looking at a mirror.
They were that creepy.
But scarily beautiful.
“Soon enough, sister, soon enough. Be patient, I know we’re all excited.” Tokia held Bianca’s hand tightly, as if infusing some comfort in her.
“What were you talking about, Serena?” Bianca asked to the elegant woman who had emerald eyes, sitting right beside Tokia.
“About our sister, Sakura.” Serena replied.
Serena threaded her jet-black hair with her fingers and crossed her arms athwart her chest.
Odd though, when Serena mentioned that name, silence surmounted each and one of them.
Inside the private jet plane, the only sound to be heard was the soft engine working beneath them and the occasional sighs coming from the twins.
“Serena,” Bianca walked to their eldest sister and knelt in front of her, “I’m afraid she won’t remember us. What if she won’t remember us? Then the plan won’t work, we won’t save—”
“Hush, child.” Serena said, cutting her off, “she will remember us… she will in due time.” She told this with a smile as her sister looked at the others.
“I wonder how our sister looks like already.” Marlotte guessed and stared blankly at the window beside her.
“I saw her picture!” Bianca exclaimed, “she was as pretty as mother!” she remarked.
“Didn’t you see her picture too, Marlotte?” Tokia inquired,
“I don’t want to.” Marlotte firmly stated, shaking her head in such a childish way as if refusing to brush her teeth.
She closed her eyes and dreamily explained,
“I want to see her face to face. I want to surprise my self—and her, and then I’m going to hug her until she can’t breath.” She jested.
“I think we’re all excited to see our youngest.” Serena said tenderly, smiling in such a composed manner.
“I hope she remembers right away.” She added, but was unaware that her own voice had a string of doubt, unconsciously drifting closer.

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“Eiri-san, I haven’t seen you for a long time.” Tohma Seguchi spoke, and shook
hands with his old friend.
They met at his office this morning when Shuichi begged Yuki to come along at the studio.
Tohma Seguchi had just gotten himself inside the structure when he saw his friend standing by,
“I know.” Yuki replied, “We’ve all been quite busy lately… I for one have so many
things to attend to. So, how’s the life?” he started, following Tohma to the end of the room.
“Still rocky but manageable, and you?” Tohma implored, guiding his friend towards a long fashionable red and velvety couch.
“Never better.” Yuki was unconsciously showing a weary but genuine smile as he sat down on the couch adjacent to the massive table inside Tohma Seguchi’s office.

God, he smiled.
How long has it been since this man smiled? Tohma thought.

“Perhaps it’s because there’s too much action going on every night, eh?” Tohma teased.
“Perhaps.” Yuki said with a wider smile this time, “And your sex life, is it doing good?”
The rather blunt question took Tohma by surprise, making him shout a hearty laughter.

Yuki knew his statement was a bit addling, but a certain emotion was dwelling inside of him nowadays that made him feel so light.
So free.

“Never better!” Tohma blurted out and laughed together with his friend.

They were laughing together. Laughing.

Yuki Eiri was laughing.

Laughing.

“So what brings you here?” Tohma asked curiously.
“Oh that,” Yuki started, “Shuichi wanted to drop off some gifts to his friends and acquaintances. He was being persistent. I had to agree. Besides, it’s Christmas.”

In all Tohma’s life, he had never seen Yuki accompany any woman, or any man, not even his sister or brother, to bring gifts or shop for clothes for their friends or acquaintances and never especially on Christmases.
Of course, excepting the years he spent before that horrible incident at New York.

New York was both a good and bad start for Yuki Eiri. It was also the place where his current name was born. Yuki. Taken from his teacher.
The very same man Eiri loved.
And maybe, still did.

If that man hadn’t committed such a mistake, maybe Eiri was still happy right now. Maybe Eiri didn’t have to change. Maybe Eiri was not only a successful novelist, but a certified contented man as well.

Ever since that night, everything changed. Everything.

Tohma could still remember what he witnessed.

He was running like a thousand predators were after him. He was running for the sake of a friend who was about to be maltreated.
Eiri was his friend, his brother, and his love.
He couldn’t let anything happen to him.
But after what happened, he couldn’t stop blaming himself for introducing them to each other on the first place.
Tohma himself never knew Yuki-sensei could do such a terrifying act.
So unforgivable, so despicable, so…inhumane.

Throughout the years, it had been Tohma’s secret mission to bring his friend back to life. He did, after all, took responsibility for that unfortunate night.
In his mind, it was his fault why Eiri had to endure all this.
But never did he think that a spark of hope could be awakened after so many years by the most unusual of the bizarre.

That boy…Shindou Shuichi…did something to him.
Something Tohma could have never done.
Something no one could have ever done successfully.

And seeing Eiri right now, laughing with him and enjoying this conversation, while he lounged comfortably on the sofa—made it all seem so unreal.
Like this encounter was just a dream.

A dream that Tohma wished would last forever.

For his sake and for Eiri’s.

One thing for sure, Eiri was acting outlandish today.
This was just so unlike him.
This was just too impossible.
And there was another thing—

When did he start looking so satisfied?
And how come he looked so fulfilled?
His short but gentle movements could tell how at ease he was.
This was all too strange—
Yet very interesting.

“I see…” Tohma continued, watching Yuki closely.

As a matter of fact, Yuki couldn’t hide his joyous feeling nowadays. Probably because he was taking a vacation from work
Or maybe something else…
“Eiri-san… correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel your relationship with Shindou Shuichi
has gone a few levels higher for the past few months, am I right?” Tohma said, walking towards a cart that bared a wine.
“What do you expect me to say?” Yuki asked, raising a brow.
Okay, so he’s attitude is coming back that fast, Tohma thought regrettably.
“Simply the obvious.” Tohma countered, his back facing Yuki while he poured wine in the crystal glasses.
“And that is?” Yuki was starting to feel annoyed and impatient from waiting for an immediate answer.
Tohma sighed, and shook his head.
“Seriously now, do you honestly believe there is no emotion going on between the two of you?” Tohma chuckled under his breath and handed over Yuki’s wineglass.
“Yes actually there is, and it’s quite common.” Yuki answered him abruptly, leaning from his chair, looking cool and carefree—and suddenly cold.
“Love?”
“Lust.”
“Ah…” Tohma pretended he didn’t see his friend’s scowling face and instead, sipped from his wine.
“Are you sure it’s just lust, Yuki?” Tohma asked imploringly, and this time, he was serious.
“Why is this any importance to you?” Yuki swiftly sounded pissed.
“Why are you denying it?” Tohma contradicted.
“Denying what?” Unconsciously, Yuki was growing more and more uncomfortable by each minute.

“That you’re in love.”

The room suddenly became quiet and for a few seconds, Tohma had to hold Yuki’s murderous gaze.

In all honesty, Yuki didn’t know how to answer that question, because on the first place, he really didn’t know.
“Still not answering my question, hmm, that’s very strange … probably the indication
that you want to keep on denying it.”
“No, probably because I don’t like this kind of topic.” Yuki spoke between his teeth and took out a cigarette from his pocket. He took his lighter from his coat and paused when he was going to light it.
There was the neoprint of him and Shuichi, the one they had on their first date.
Actually, their only date.
“Baka…” Yuki whispered, his thumb brushing against the tiny plastic.
Unfortunately in his state, he forgot the fact that his friend was looking intently at him, staring at him and finally drawing a conclusion.
“This is amazing.” Tohma gushed all of a sudden.
“What is?” Yuki’s head snapped up from the picture he was staring at.
“This! You! I can’t believe you’re in love, and a sixteen-year old boy did it,” he said, “I can’t believe my passive boring friend is undeniably in love. Wow. I salute Shindou
Shuichi.” Tohma raised his glass, tilted his head on one side and winked at him.
“Stop it.” Yuki was deeply flushed, his hands turned into hard fists, not understanding why he was reacting so atypical.
“Aha! You’re blushing! Yuki Eiri is blushing!” Tohma exclaimed, standing up from his chair and pointing an accusing finger at his friend “It’s true then: You’re in love!”
“Who’s blushing, and who’s in love?”
A voice spoke out of nowhere, and within a matter of seconds, both men could distinguish the source.
It was Mika, Eiri’s older sister, walking towards them with an amused expression.
“This guy.” Tohma pointed and laughed, “Now I know your weak point.” He teased.
“And to whom is my brother in love?” Mika asked, taking Yuki’s wineglass and drinking it straight.
“To Shuichi.” Tohma said briefly.

To both men’s utter disbelief, Yuki Eiri’s once handsome and cultured face suddenly became wet with grape wine.

“What did you just say?” Mika voice echoed inside the room, her nostrils flaring.
Chaos. Tohma thought.
Lecture. Yuki thought.

Wordlessly, they both stood up from their seats and walked outside the room while Mika kept blabbing and shouting in rage. She was trying to find out why and how.
Just how the heck was that possible?! Yuki in love with Shuichi?!
That’s like stars falling from the sky, she thought. No way.

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“So I heard you and Yuki are going on pretty well.” Hiro was teasing
Shuichi while he adjusted the keys of his guitar.
It was already evening, and Shuichi was still inside the studio with the rest.
They had to take a break for a few minutes, so Hiro decided to strike a nice topic.
Well, in his definition.
“Oh that…um, I guess.” Shuichi said softly and took a bite from the sandwich he brought along with him.
“What do you mean ‘I guess’,” Fujisaki quoted coming out of nowhere, “Yuki acts as if he’s in ‘cloudnine’. I’ve seen the way he looks at you when you’re afar.” He commented, drawling each word out and smiling thoroughly.
“Really?” Shuichi asked, suddenly amazed.
“Yeah, but why wouldn’t you be sure if he really likes you?” he asked wonderingly.
“Oh no, he likes me alright, but he doesn’t love me. There’s a world of difference between like and love.” Shuichi nodded to accompany his answer. He was so sure with what he was saying that it hurt even more just to believe the placid truth.
The truth that Yuki only saw him as a lover.
It was quite odd in Shuichi’s opinion for the word ‘lover’ meant someone you share love with. In this millennium, lovers are only taken as two people who share passionate things in bed.
Minus the love.
“And you want love.” Hiro provided the palpable answer with a grin.
“Of course he does!” Fujisaki butted in, “who doesn’t?” he shifted his gaze back to Shuichi and asked, “Shuichi-san, why aren’t you sure if Yuki doesn’t love you? Isn’t it obvious already?” he asked.
“I don’t want to draw conclusions. I just don’t want to believe something that isn’t really proven.” Shuichi spoke so miserably that Hiro felt they should start changing the subject.
“But isn’t living under the same roof and having sex every night in one whole year enough of a proof?!” Fujisaki blurted out, almost nauseatingly.
“I know but, I’d personally prefer to hear those words from him.” Shuichi moaned.
“Hmm…” Fujisaki paused, thinking for a plausible explanation, “Maybe he’s the type of guy who prefers to show his love in actions instead of saying it…you know, the ‘silent type’.” Fujisaki’s psychological reason actually struck a chord inside Shuichi.
“You think? I’m not sure about that. Yuki often tells what he feels. If he is in love with me, he should’ve said it months ago.” Shuichi complained and sat on a chair, pulling his knees up.
“Maybe he’s only waiting for the right moment.” Hiro suggested rubbing his chin, analyzing his best friend’s situation.
“Good Lord, ‘right moment’?” Shuichi began irritatingly, “are you kidding me? You guys, it’s just impossible. Yuki‘s the type of person whose feelings won’t go any
further than likeness. If he likes you, then you’re very fortunate, but do you know the things or the people he would only love? Two: his best friend, Tohma Seguchi, and his long-time companion, the damn laptop.”
It was never a question to Shuichi that Yuki’s laptop was the worst adversary he ever had when it comes to catching Yuki’s attention.
By God, Shuichi thought, even the laptop itself was better than sex.
“Well maybe you should just ask him.” K said, coming inside of the studio when he heard all the commotion.
All three heads turned towards their manager’s direction.
“Why the hell is everybody popping out nowhere lately?!” Hiro grunted, remembering Fujisaki’s unexpected arrival a while ago.
“Wait,” Shuichi started, reflecting about K’s proposal, “you want me to ask Yuki Eiri if he loves me?” he repeated, wide-eyed.
“Sure, why not.” K shrugged off his shoulders and continued, “you are close to him already, aren’t you? And I’m sure it’s okay to ask something pretty natural.” he snorted
with his words of motivation and approached a corner where he could make some coffee.
“Natural? Are you kidding me?! Yuki would never think that it’s natural for me to ask him if I love him. Because the last time I asked him if he likes me, he just slammed me on the wall and started stripping off my clothes! I can see it from his reaction that he thinks it’s abnormal of me to ask him that kind of question…besides, I think it had always between a rule between lovers to never open such subjects since the other party doesn’t want any real commitment—and in my opinion, I think it’s very applicable in my situation.” Shuichi commented, greatly frustrated by this whole ordeal.

By some means, everybody wasn’t prepared for Shuichi’s sharing about getting slammed on a wall and getting all his clothing ripped to smithereens.

“Uh…d-did I s-surprise you?” Shuichi stuttered, feeling like the whole world was watching him now.
“You get slammed on walls?” K gasped, “Wow…I didn’t know Yuki was that aggressive…” he alleged admiringly.
Shuichi turned as red as a tomato.
“Look, that doesn’t matter! What matters right now is that how am I supposed to know if that old fart really likes me!” Shuichi whimpered.
“Maybe he’d slam you on the floor this time if you’d ask him if he loves you.” Fujisaki presented an idea, trying to imagine the picture.
“Cut it out!” Shuichi boomed, blushing immensely.
“Well there you have it.” Hiro finalized.
“What?” Shuichi’s brows snapped together, getting all startled.
“That’s the way you figure it out if he likes you or loves you.” he said, prolonging the trepidation
“What do you mean?” Shuichi asked ignorantly.
“If he likes you, he slams you on walls, and if he loves you—it’s on the floor.” Hiro’s tease resulted to Shuichi giving him an uppercut.
“Shuichi,” K started, ignoring the huge hole Hiro made in the ceiling, “all you have to do is ask the guy… how hard can be?”

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Back inside the condominium where Shuichi had been living in for the past year, he braced himself to face the man he wanted so desperately to fall in love with him.
“Yuki?” Shuichi began, feeling all nervous and agitated.
“Mmm.” Yuki replied while he was typed on his computer.
“Umm, a-are you going somewhere tomorrow?” he asked.
“No.” Yuki simply responded absentmindedly and continued typing.
“Yuki?”
“Mmm.”
“Do you want to go to the park tomorrow? Or maybe at the mall, I think a lot of stuffs are on sale, especially nowadays ‘cause it’s Christmas season.” he suggested.
“No.”
Still typing.
“Oh…uh,” Shuichi’s hands were perspiring, “do you want me to prepare dinner already?”
“Sure.”
Still typing.
The quiet atmosphere surrounding the both of them did not, in the least, impede Shuichi in anyway from blurting his question out.
“Uh…”
“What are you still doing here?” Yuki’s head was slightly bent towards Shuichi’s way; however his eyes were still glued on the gadget while he continued typing endlessly.
“Oh, um, c-can I ask you something?” Shuichi said, becoming redder
And redder
And redder—
“Mmm.”
“Do you love me?”

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“Do you have any idea the way he reacted when I asked him if he loves me that
night?!!”
When Shuichi got into the studio this morning, he immediately went inside the studio, slamming the door and making a huge crack on the wall behind while catching the attention of every occupant inside the room.
“What? He slammed you on the wall?” Hiro asked expectedly, laughing out loud.
“On the floor perhaps?” Fuji teasingly added.
“Neither!” Shuichi yelled.
“Shuichi, calm down.” K spoke, coming inside the room, “sit on a chair and explain carefully.” He casually spoke to the band’s leading vocalist and continued reading the newspaper he was carrying when he got inside the studio.
“That’s the problem! I can’t sit my butt down!” Shuichi reasoned, flushing profusely.
“Why not?”
“Because he spanked me!” Shuichi wailed.
“Across the face? What’s that got to do with your bu—no way! No way!”
It took a few minutes before the thought registered and translated completely in each and everyone’s mind.
“Oh my God, I can’t believe this!” Fujisaki exclaimed, laughing along with everybody.
“Hey Shuichi, I guess this time we know already if Yuki really loves you—you get spanked behind your ass!” K bawled, guffawing along with the rest.
“Will you all please take this seriously?!” Shuichi cried out embarrassingly, his fists getting ready for a solid punch, and at the same time, trying to question himself why he even bothered telling the truth to his so called ‘friends’.
“Okay, okay…” Hiro said, calming himself down and so did everybody.
“Better.” Shuichi sighed.
He sat on a chair—and yelped.
Everybody laughed again, ignoring Shuichi’s pitiful condition,
“That wasn’t funny!” Shuichi screeched stiffly.

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After a long while, Shuichi couldn’t take the laughter any longer so he left the studio using the excuse of getting some fresh air (but everyone knew better).
When he got outside the room, someone called his name from afar.
“Shuichi-san!” one of the workers of the company came running towards him, carrying a little box and handling it over.
“What’s this?” Shuichi asked, looking at the rather small container.
“I don’t know, but some huge guy who came up to me said it was important and very personal. He also mentioned I should give it to you right away—else it would cost my job!” the man exclaimed.
“No kidding? Is it that important?” Shuichi insisted, looking all puzzled.
“I suppose. Well, I have to get going now, got work to do.” He reminded.
“Oh, well thank you for the trouble. I really appreciate it.” Shuichi bowed curtly and waved at the man and started walking down the hall.

He went to the cafeteria carrying the small box and ordered some food. He sat carefully on a chair, to avoid his current pain.
“That Yuki! He didn’t have to spank me to show his affection!” he whined and finally got himself on the chair.
Shuichi stared at the box in front of him.
“Hmm, I wonder what’s inside…” Shuichi started wondering to himself.
“Wait, maybe this is a bomb! Like the ones in the movies! Or a smoke poison or something!” he thought childishly,
He began shaking the box but not even a single sound of metal was heard. It was quite light and he guessed it mustn’t be a time bomb, or a poison.
Finally, he decided to open it.

There was a tiny doll. It had pink long hair and it had a name across its chest.

“S…a…k…u…r…a.” Shuichi read it carefully.

And all of a sudden his head was pounding incredibly hard.
The pain was so astounding that he felt numb in a few seconds, and then the whole world seemed to darken as he fell down the chair.


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