Bringing You Back- Chapter 13
Aug. 15th, 2009 07:05 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
twentyeytakoTitle: Bringing You Back
Pairing: RYODA
Rating: pg13
Genre: Angst? Romance?
Summary: Ryo and Tatsuya have been best friends since they were young but unknown to Tatsuya, Ryo is in love with him. One day, something happened which made Ryo wish that he and Tatsuya were never friends and that he has all grown up. What happens when he wakes up one morning, all grown up without Tatsuya by his side?
Disclaimer: I still think I’m one of Johnny's lost nieces or granddaughters and i will inherit the company when he retires. until that happens, I don’t own any of them.
Warning: the story's inspired by the movie. 13 going on 30. *yeah. The one that stars Jennifer Garner*
Tatsuya woke up at the sound of the alarm clock. He reached on to the side of his bed to turn off the alarm but as he pushed the button, it didn't go off. Tatsuya scratched his head and checked his alarm clock. 7 am, it says.
"7 am? Why the hell am I waking up at 7 in the morning? Is there some kinda meeting I need to attend to?" Tatsuya asked himself.
He looked at his alarm clock. It's different. This is not the alarm clock he's been using for the past few years. This was the alarm clock he used way back when he was young.
Tatsuya jumped out of his bed to reach his cd player. He opened it and took out the cd.
"Aerosmith"
Tatsuya read. He looked inside his cd player again but what he was searching for is really gone.
"Where's Ryo's cd?" Tatsuya asked. He looked around the room and literally turned it upside down.
Tatsuya sat at the foot of his bed ready to cry. He doesn't know why the cd was gone. It was just last night that he was listening to it. He cried on his knees. He wanted to listen to that song again. He wants to hear Ryo's words of confession even if it's just in a song.
He lifted his head up and he accidentally saw himself on the mirror.
"What?!" Tatsuya exclaimed at his reflection.
He went closer to the mirror and rubbed his eyes. He thinks he's dreaming. He pinched himself but his reflection didn't change. He doesn't know what the hell happened but he's not his 24 year old self. He's back to being 14 years old.
"Tatsuya!" his mom called from outside
Tatsuya panicked.
"Tatsuya! Ryo's here! Are you ready?" His mom said
Tatsuya immediately stood up when he heard what his mom said. Ryo was there. They were back to normal.
When Tatsuya didn't come out of the room, Ryo took it upon himself to knock on his best friend’s door.
"Tatsuya? We're going to be late--" *thud*
Ryo was lying on the floor with Tatsuya on top of him hugging him tight.
"Uhhhh...Tatsuya, what's up?" Ryo asked him.
Tatsuya just shook his head as he rested his head on Ryo's neck. He didn't say anything and started to sob.
"Tatsuya what's up? Are you crying?" Ryo asked. He pushed Tatsuya off of him to have a look at his best friend
Tatsuya wiped away the tears on his face and knelt beside Ryo who's still sitting on the floor.
"Nothing. I thought you're gone and angry at me." Tatsuya said
"Wait, what? Gone? Angry? Tatsuya, are you okay? Did you have a bad dream?" Ryo asked
"Yes, a very bad dream but I'm glad it's over now and that you're here." Tatsuya said
After that incident, Ryo told Tatsuya to dress up for school while he waited on the living room.
They were on their way to school when Tatsuya asked Ryo what day it was.
"Eh? It's October 5. Yesterday’s your birthday. Why are you asking the date?" Ryo looked at him quizzically.
Tatsuya looked shock.
"October 5? I missed my birthday!" He told himself.
"What's that?" Ryo asked.
"Eh?"
"You were saying something." Ryo said
"No I wasn't." Tatsuya said. Ryo just looked at him strangely and they continued to walk to school.
A few moments later, Tatsuya asked something again.
"So how was my party?" Tatsuya asked
"Your party? It was okay, I guess. Yamapi admitting that he was a total jerk and asking for your forgiveness was priceless." Ryo said.
"Pi did what?"
"You know, when we were fighting because he said something bad against you. I punched him right? I thought you were going to take his side but you didn't. You told him off and before the party ended, he said sorry and promised not to be a jerk. He actually came up to me and said sorry too. He even shook hands with me and told me he wanted us to be friends." Ryo said
"Really? What did you say?"
"I said there's no harm in trying and also, his friends, Akanishi and Kamenashi, are cool but I still can't forget the things he did to you." Ryo said
"Ah...That's good to hear."
"So you like my gift?" Ryo suddenly asked
Tatsuya's face lit up. The cd! Ryo still gave him the cd as a present!
"Yes! I love it!" Tatsuya said
"Really?"
"Yes but--. Don't be angry at me, Please?"
"What? Why?" Ryo asked
"Ryo, I'm sorry. I lost your gift. I was listening to the cd you made me last night and---"
"Wait wait wait. What? A cd? I didn't give you a cd." Ryo said
"You didn't?" Tatsuya asked
"No. I gave you a pinky ring and look, you're wearing it." Ryo said as he showed Tatsuya his own hand.
Tatsuya stared at his finger. There is a pinky ring on it.
"This is your gift?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes. The lady down at the store said this'll be good."
"For what?"
"For bestfriends. It signifies friendship." Ryo said
Tatsuya was now the one that has a confused look on his face. Ryo continued walking and Tatsuya just followed him. Tatsuya was still staring at his pinky ring while Ryo would steal glances at him from time to time.
Of course Ryo lied. Those pinky rings does not signify friendship. For him, it means that he is connected to Tatsuya. He read somewhere that the pinky is the relationship finger. He gave Tatsuya a pinky ring because that is the only way he can show what he really thinks of the other and he relates it to the red thread of destiny. That he and Tatsuya are connected through their pinkys.
They reached their school and when right outside their classroom, Yamapi, Jin and Kame were talking. When they saw Tatsuya and Ryo, they stopped to greet them.
"Good Morning Ryo-chan!" Jin said.
Ryo looked at him weirdly.
"Jin, don't call him Ryo-chan. You're not even that close yet. Good Morning Nishikido!" Kame said
"Ah...Good Morning." Ryo greeted back
"Good Morning Tatsuya!" Kame greeted him.
"Good Morning Kamenashi!" Tatsuya greeted back.
*ehem*
They all looked at Yamapi who was standing beside Jin.
"Good Morning." He told both Ryo and Tatsuya.
Ryo just nodded at him.
"Good Morning." Tatsuya greeted.
"Uhhmmm...Tatsuya... About yesterday---"
"It's okay. I know you're sorry. Let's forget about it. Let's be friends, okay?" Tatsuya said. He reached out his hand to Yamapi
Surprised at how things were going, Yamapi just stood in his place.
"Hey! Pi, Tat-chan is reaching out his hand to you." Jin said
"Uhhhhh..." Yamapi accepted Tatsuya's hand.
Tatsuya smiled at him.
"Uhmmmm..I'm sorry. I mean it, Tatsuya. I'm really sorry." Yamapi said.
"I know you are, Pi. I want to forget about it. Really. Let's be friends. Right Ryo?" Tatsuya said and looked at his bestfriend
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Forget about it. As long as Tatsuya's fine, I'm fine." Ryo said.
After that day, Yamapi,Jin and Kame started to hang out with Tatsuya and Ryo.
******
Tatsuya was fixing his school bag in his room when he heard his mother and father talking in the living room. He carefully listened to what they were talking about.
"When are we going to tell Tatsuya about it?" His mom asked
"We'll tell him as soon as possible so he'll be able to prepare." His dad replied
"I hope he can understand our decision."
Tatsuya wants to know what they were talking about so he bravely asked them. Jis parents were surprised that he was listening to them.
"Mom, what is it that you need to tell me?" Tatsuya asked
His parents looked at each other. His mom told his dad to tell him.
"Tatsuya, son, we're moving." His dad said.
"Moving? Where? Why?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes son. We're moving to America. A company offered me a job there and they are willing to shoulder all our expenses including your education."
"But--but why do you want to work there? and why does mom and I have to go?"
"Tatsuya, honey, it's a good opportunity for your father to work there and we don't want to be apart from each other so when the company said we can come, we decided that it's better if we all go."
"What about my friends here? Ryo? I don't want to leave them." Tatsuya said
"Honey, we'll come back here when you want to and I'm sure you'll meet more friends there."
They were moving. He felt confused. America is miles away from Japan. He would understand if they were moving to another district but out of the country? He doesn't understand. What will he do without Ryo?
Tatsuya's eyes were starting to water and when his mom saw this, she tried to hug him but Tatsuya didn't let her. He ran away from her and went outside. He ran and ran not knowing where to go.
Yamapi was taking out the trash when he saw Tatsuya running. He was just about to greet him but Tatsuya was running fast and he seemed troubled. Yamapi finished discarding the trash and decided to run after his friend.
"Tatsuya!"
Tatsuya slowed down and looked behind to see who was calling him. It was Yamapi and he was running after him. Tatsuya stopped and wiped the tears from his face. Yamapi reached him and was panting.
"Why are you running on the streets at this time?" Yamapi asked
"I just want to. I need time away from home." Tatsuya said and tried to avoid Yamapi's eyes.
"Is something wrong Tatsuya?"
"No."
"Then why aren't you looking at me?"
"There's nothing wro~ng" Tatsuya's voice cracked and tears started to fall from his eyes. He brought the back of his hand to his eyes and sobbed.
"Why are you crying?" Yamapi asked
"I don't understand. I don't want to leave you guys. I don't want to leave Ryo." Tatsuya said
"Leave? Why would you leave us?"
"We're moving to America. My dad was offered a job there and he's taking me and my mom with him."
Tatsuya cried more after telling Yamapi the news. The other had nothing else but to hug him.
"I don't want to leave."
"We know."
"What will happen to Ryo when I'm gone?"
Yamapi didn't say anything.
"What will happen to me when I don't have Ryo beside me?"
"You love him that much?" Yamapi suddenly asked.
Tatsuya stepped away from Yamapi looking nervous and stared at him.
"I know you like Ryo, Tatsuya. I see it in your eyes." Yamapi said.
Tatsuya was still in shock and just stared at him.
"I completely understand your feelings. I know Ryo feels the same way." Yamapi said.
Before Yamapi can say anything more, Tatsuya was hugging him and continued to cry.
"I don't want to be apart from him..." Tatsuya said.
Yamapi patted Tatsuya's back and let him cry on his shoulders.
The two on them walked around the park. They didn't talk much and Yamapi successfully stopped Tatsuya from crying. They sat on the swing and Yamapi watched as Tatsuya sulked and tried not to let a tear drop.
"Let's go home." Yamapi said as he stood up from his swing.
“I don't want to."
"Come on Tatsuya. Your mom and dad are worried."
"I don't want to go home. If I go home, they'll force me to go with them to America."
Yamapi sighed
"They're just thinking what's best for you." Yamapi said
"How can leaving Ryo alone be best for me? and I don't want to go to America. I don't want to be the "different" one" Tatsuya said
"It's a big opportunity to go there. Hundreds of people would kill to have the same luck as you!"
"Then I'll give it to them. I'm okay with staying here as long as I'm with Ryo."
"What's wrong with you? I know Ryo will understand your situation and I know that nothing will change even if you go to America."
"You don't understand!"
"That's because you don't want to explain to me what's wrong with you! I told you Tatsuya, I'm your friend. You can tell me your problems. I'll listen."
"I don't want to lose him again."
"Lose him? Ryo? Again? What do you mean?"
"I lost him. I mean, I almost lost him. I don't want that to happen. I want him with me. I don't want him to be apart from me because I'm afraid he'll forget me again. I don't want to go back to that. I don't know if I can still take that kind of feeling."
"Tatsuya, I know it's hard but don't you trust Ryo? Aren’t all these years of friendship enough to convince you that nothing will change even if you're miles apart? Ryo loves you and I know that even if you're not here, he'll still continue loving you. Discovering how stubborn he is when we started hanging out, I know he won't look for someone else to love."
"But--"
"and me, Jin and Kame are all here. We'll make sure no girl or boy gets near him. If he gets out of line, I'll call you on the spot and you can take the first plane back here so you can beat him up yourself."
Tatsuya laughed at what Yamapi said.
"Pi... You think it's better if I go with mom and dad?" Tatsuya asked
"As much as we all want you to stay here with us, I think this opportunity rarely comes and think about your dad. He wants all of you to be there and share his success with him. Don't you think he'll feel lonely if he's all alone there?"
"Won't Ryo be lonely when I'm gone?"
"Of course he will. We all will but we have each other. We can count on each other whenever anyone of us misses you. and of course, you'll mail us, right?"
Tatsuya nodded.
"Let Ryo have the chance to miss you. Think of it as a chance for him to really know how much he loves you and how much your value is in his life."
******
Tatsuya and Yamapi came to school together the next day. Tatsuya agreed to move to America with his parents and he will tell Ryo, Jin and Kame about it today.
"Ah! Good morning Pi-chan! Morning Tat-chan!" Jin greeted when he saw Yamapi and Tatsuya enter the room.
Jin, Kame and Ryo were talking before the other two came.
"Why go to school together today?" Kame asked them
"We had to do something together." Yamapi said.
When he heard this, Ryo can't help but feel uneasy. What does Yamapi mean by that? He asked himself. He gathered the guts to ask them but their teacher came in.
"We need to talk during the break." Tatsuya whispered to him before going to his seat.
Ryo stared at Tatsuya during their lecture which got him a lot of remarks from the teacher. Finally, after 4 hours of waiting, the bell rang. Everyone got out of the classroom to get lunch except for 5 people. Yamapi, Tatsuya,Ryo,Jin and Kame stayed at the classroom to talk.
"Agh! I thought the alarm would never ring!" Ryo said
"I'm hungry. Let's eat" Jin said
"Shut up, Jin. You won't die if you don't eat right now. Your fats will save you." Yamapi said
"I do not have fats! These--these are muscles." Jin said
"Ladies and gentlemen, that was the joke of the century!" Yamapi said. Jin just pouted at him.
"Enough you two! We're here coz Tat-chan said he has something important to tell us." Kame said.
"Oh! Yeah. Tat-chan, what is it?" Jin asked
Tatsuya looked at Ryo. The other was also waiting for him to say something. He then looked at Yamapi who was telling him that it'll be ok.
"Uhmmmm... I have important news..."
He paused and observed everyone's reaction. Still the same. Waiting for him to continue.
"My dad got a job in America." Tatsuya said
"EH? Really? Wow! Congratulations Tat-chan!" Kame said happily.
Tatsuya smiled and thanked him. Ryo just stared at him. He knows there's something else Tatsuya has to say.
"And then?" Ryo asked interrupting the mini celebration.
"Ryo...uhmmm..I-- I mean-- Mom and I..."
"What?"
"Dad's taking us with him." Tatsuya said.
Somehow, he knew that Tatsuya would say that. Of course his dad would take them. Living in America would be a lot better for them.
"What? You're leaving us?" Kame and Jin asked in unison.
"No...I--"
"When are you leaving?" Ryo asked before Tatsuya can say anything more.
"I don't know. The company wants dad to work with them as soon as possible."
Ryo stood up from his seat and ran out of the classroom. Tatsuya ran after him. Jin and Kame were about to do the same but Yamapi stopped them.
"Let them talk." He said
Ryo ran up to the roof tears forming in the corner of his eyes. He stopped near the ledge and breathed heavily. Tatsuya who was following him stopped a few meters away from him.
"WHY?" Ryo shouted
"Ryo..." Tatsuya called him
Ryo turned around and wiped the tears with his sleeves.
"Please don't cry." Tatsuya said.
"I'm sorry. It's just that... I wasn't expecting this." Ryo said.
"but you understand, right? As much as I want to stay here with you, dad needs me and mom with him. He can't leave us here." Tatsuya said
"Of course Tatsuya. I know that. Uncle needs auntie and of course they can't leave you behind. I’m fine. Really. I'm sorry that you need to see me like this." Ryo said.
Tatsuya sighed. This isn't the scene he expected. He thought Ryo would be angry and shouting but it's the complete opposite. He never imagined seeing Ryo crying.
Tatsuya's thoughts were interrupted when he felt Ryo's body against his. Ryo locked him in an embrace.
"Ryo?" He managed to ask.
"Please let me hug you just this once." Ryo said and hugged him tighter.
Though taken a back, Tatsuya hugged back after a while.
"Don't you dare replace me with some cool American guy." Ryo suddenly said.
"What? You're really---"
"Promise me I would always be your best friend.."
Tatsuya sighed.
"I promise."
Ryo gave a soft laugh
"Ryo?"
"Hmmm..."
"I'll kill you if you replace with some girl."
Ryo laughed.
"I'm serious." Tatsuya said.
"I know. I would never dare."
******
It was early in the morning and Ryo, Yamapi, Jin and Kame were on their way to the airport. Tatsuya's family is leaving for America that day and they wanted to send him off.
Ryo was holding on to a cd and Yamapi noticed it.
"What's that?" He asked
"Nothing."
"For Tatsuya?"
Ryo nodded.
"What is it?" Yamapi asked again
"A song."
"You wrote it?"
Ryo nodded again.
"So you finally had the guts to tell him how you truly feel through that song?"
"What?"
"Come on Ryo. I know you like, no, LOVE Tatsuya. So is that song a way of confessing your feelings to him?"
"That's none of your business." Ryo said
Yamapi just smiled on his own.
They arrived in the airport and headed straight to the departure area. They saw Tatsuya and his parents sitting on one of the benches.
"Tat-chan!" Jin called him.
Tatsuya who was reading a book stood up when he heard Jin. His parents also looked up and greeted them.
"Tat-chan! How're ya feeling?" Kame asked
"I'm fine. How about you guys?" Tatsuya asked
"We're good. Ryo-chan almost killed Jin because he was late." Kame said
"It's not my fault my alarm clock didn't work." Jin said
"Shut up Jin." Ryo said
"So, what time will you board?" Yamapi asked.
"in 30 minutes but we need to go to the gate in 15 minutes. Dad still needs to meet with his boss." Tatsuya said.
"Tatsuya, your father and I will go ahead, okay? Just follow us inside. Good bye boys!" Tatsuya's mom said.
She and Tatsuya's dad left and went inside.
"So you're really going." Jin asked
"Oh come on, Jin. Don't say that right now!" Kame said
"What? I still can't believe Tat-chan's going to live in America. I'll surely miss him."Jin said
"Aww. Jin. I'll miss you too. I'll miss all of you. I'll mail you as often as I can." Tatsuya said.
Ryo kept quiet the whole time and let Jin,Kame and Yamapi talk to Tatsuya. He was still holding the cd and thinking of how he can give it to Tatsuya.
*ring
"Hello?" Tatsuya answered his phone. It was his mom and she was telling him to go inside.
"You need to go?" Yamapi asked
Tatsuya nodded.
"Well, I need to go..." Tatsuya said and sighed.
"Bye ne!" Tatsuya said. He already turned back and was walking away when Yamapi elbowed Ryo.
"What?" Ryo asked
"You woke us up early in the morning to come with you so that you can say good bye to him and yet all you had to say was 'SHUT UP JIN' and aren't you going to give that to him?" Yamapi pointed at the cd."
"Huh?"
Yamapi sighed. He pushed Ryo and said: "Just go! Baka!"
"Tatsuya!" Ryo ran after him.
"Eh? Ryo?" Tatsuya said when he turned.
"Wait up.."
"What is it?"
Ryo gave him the cd.
"What is this?" Tatsuya asked
"A gift. From me. I wrote it last night. I want you to listen to it on the plane." Ryo said
Tatsuya smiled.
"Thanks! I'll play it as soon as we get settled on our seat."
"Uhmmm...so... bye, ne? Take care there." Ryo said
Tatsuya nodded.
"I'll go back now." Ryo said and was about turn back when Tatsuya grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"Eh?" Ryo stared at him and looked confused.
Tatsuya smiled at him and the next thing he felt was Tatsuya's lips touching his cheek.
"The next time we see each other, I'll give you a proper kiss." Tatsuya said and smiled widely at him.
"WHAT?"
Tatsuya just laughed and started to walk away
"BYE RYO-CHAN! DON'T DARE REPLACE ME WITH SOME GIRL OR ELSE!" Tatsuya said as he waved and smiled at Ryo.
Ryo still stood in his place and waved back smiling.
"Can your smile get any bigger?" Yamapi asked Ryo. He, Jin and Kame followed him so that they can also say good bye to Tatsuya.
"Shut up." Ryo said
They made their way home and Ryo was smiling the whole time.
A/N: Okay. I like games so let's play one. Here's a hint: The true ending can only be found by those who seek it.
Am I too evil? Well. It does end here! :D
Tell me if you got it. If not. oh well. too bad. a really really nice surprise is waiting. :D
oh, yeah, to those who will find the prize, don't spoil the others!
Pairing: RYODA
Rating: pg13
Genre: Angst? Romance?
Summary: Ryo and Tatsuya have been best friends since they were young but unknown to Tatsuya, Ryo is in love with him. One day, something happened which made Ryo wish that he and Tatsuya were never friends and that he has all grown up. What happens when he wakes up one morning, all grown up without Tatsuya by his side?
Disclaimer: I still think I’m one of Johnny's lost nieces or granddaughters and i will inherit the company when he retires. until that happens, I don’t own any of them.
Warning: the story's inspired by the movie. 13 going on 30. *yeah. The one that stars Jennifer Garner*
Tatsuya woke up at the sound of the alarm clock. He reached on to the side of his bed to turn off the alarm but as he pushed the button, it didn't go off. Tatsuya scratched his head and checked his alarm clock. 7 am, it says.
"7 am? Why the hell am I waking up at 7 in the morning? Is there some kinda meeting I need to attend to?" Tatsuya asked himself.
He looked at his alarm clock. It's different. This is not the alarm clock he's been using for the past few years. This was the alarm clock he used way back when he was young.
Tatsuya jumped out of his bed to reach his cd player. He opened it and took out the cd.
"Aerosmith"
Tatsuya read. He looked inside his cd player again but what he was searching for is really gone.
"Where's Ryo's cd?" Tatsuya asked. He looked around the room and literally turned it upside down.
Tatsuya sat at the foot of his bed ready to cry. He doesn't know why the cd was gone. It was just last night that he was listening to it. He cried on his knees. He wanted to listen to that song again. He wants to hear Ryo's words of confession even if it's just in a song.
He lifted his head up and he accidentally saw himself on the mirror.
"What?!" Tatsuya exclaimed at his reflection.
He went closer to the mirror and rubbed his eyes. He thinks he's dreaming. He pinched himself but his reflection didn't change. He doesn't know what the hell happened but he's not his 24 year old self. He's back to being 14 years old.
"Tatsuya!" his mom called from outside
Tatsuya panicked.
"Tatsuya! Ryo's here! Are you ready?" His mom said
Tatsuya immediately stood up when he heard what his mom said. Ryo was there. They were back to normal.
When Tatsuya didn't come out of the room, Ryo took it upon himself to knock on his best friend’s door.
"Tatsuya? We're going to be late--" *thud*
Ryo was lying on the floor with Tatsuya on top of him hugging him tight.
"Uhhhh...Tatsuya, what's up?" Ryo asked him.
Tatsuya just shook his head as he rested his head on Ryo's neck. He didn't say anything and started to sob.
"Tatsuya what's up? Are you crying?" Ryo asked. He pushed Tatsuya off of him to have a look at his best friend
Tatsuya wiped away the tears on his face and knelt beside Ryo who's still sitting on the floor.
"Nothing. I thought you're gone and angry at me." Tatsuya said
"Wait, what? Gone? Angry? Tatsuya, are you okay? Did you have a bad dream?" Ryo asked
"Yes, a very bad dream but I'm glad it's over now and that you're here." Tatsuya said
After that incident, Ryo told Tatsuya to dress up for school while he waited on the living room.
They were on their way to school when Tatsuya asked Ryo what day it was.
"Eh? It's October 5. Yesterday’s your birthday. Why are you asking the date?" Ryo looked at him quizzically.
Tatsuya looked shock.
"October 5? I missed my birthday!" He told himself.
"What's that?" Ryo asked.
"Eh?"
"You were saying something." Ryo said
"No I wasn't." Tatsuya said. Ryo just looked at him strangely and they continued to walk to school.
A few moments later, Tatsuya asked something again.
"So how was my party?" Tatsuya asked
"Your party? It was okay, I guess. Yamapi admitting that he was a total jerk and asking for your forgiveness was priceless." Ryo said.
"Pi did what?"
"You know, when we were fighting because he said something bad against you. I punched him right? I thought you were going to take his side but you didn't. You told him off and before the party ended, he said sorry and promised not to be a jerk. He actually came up to me and said sorry too. He even shook hands with me and told me he wanted us to be friends." Ryo said
"Really? What did you say?"
"I said there's no harm in trying and also, his friends, Akanishi and Kamenashi, are cool but I still can't forget the things he did to you." Ryo said
"Ah...That's good to hear."
"So you like my gift?" Ryo suddenly asked
Tatsuya's face lit up. The cd! Ryo still gave him the cd as a present!
"Yes! I love it!" Tatsuya said
"Really?"
"Yes but--. Don't be angry at me, Please?"
"What? Why?" Ryo asked
"Ryo, I'm sorry. I lost your gift. I was listening to the cd you made me last night and---"
"Wait wait wait. What? A cd? I didn't give you a cd." Ryo said
"You didn't?" Tatsuya asked
"No. I gave you a pinky ring and look, you're wearing it." Ryo said as he showed Tatsuya his own hand.
Tatsuya stared at his finger. There is a pinky ring on it.
"This is your gift?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes. The lady down at the store said this'll be good."
"For what?"
"For bestfriends. It signifies friendship." Ryo said
Tatsuya was now the one that has a confused look on his face. Ryo continued walking and Tatsuya just followed him. Tatsuya was still staring at his pinky ring while Ryo would steal glances at him from time to time.
Of course Ryo lied. Those pinky rings does not signify friendship. For him, it means that he is connected to Tatsuya. He read somewhere that the pinky is the relationship finger. He gave Tatsuya a pinky ring because that is the only way he can show what he really thinks of the other and he relates it to the red thread of destiny. That he and Tatsuya are connected through their pinkys.
They reached their school and when right outside their classroom, Yamapi, Jin and Kame were talking. When they saw Tatsuya and Ryo, they stopped to greet them.
"Good Morning Ryo-chan!" Jin said.
Ryo looked at him weirdly.
"Jin, don't call him Ryo-chan. You're not even that close yet. Good Morning Nishikido!" Kame said
"Ah...Good Morning." Ryo greeted back
"Good Morning Tatsuya!" Kame greeted him.
"Good Morning Kamenashi!" Tatsuya greeted back.
*ehem*
They all looked at Yamapi who was standing beside Jin.
"Good Morning." He told both Ryo and Tatsuya.
Ryo just nodded at him.
"Good Morning." Tatsuya greeted.
"Uhhmmm...Tatsuya... About yesterday---"
"It's okay. I know you're sorry. Let's forget about it. Let's be friends, okay?" Tatsuya said. He reached out his hand to Yamapi
Surprised at how things were going, Yamapi just stood in his place.
"Hey! Pi, Tat-chan is reaching out his hand to you." Jin said
"Uhhhhh..." Yamapi accepted Tatsuya's hand.
Tatsuya smiled at him.
"Uhmmmm..I'm sorry. I mean it, Tatsuya. I'm really sorry." Yamapi said.
"I know you are, Pi. I want to forget about it. Really. Let's be friends. Right Ryo?" Tatsuya said and looked at his bestfriend
"Huh? Oh, yeah. Forget about it. As long as Tatsuya's fine, I'm fine." Ryo said.
After that day, Yamapi,Jin and Kame started to hang out with Tatsuya and Ryo.
******
Tatsuya was fixing his school bag in his room when he heard his mother and father talking in the living room. He carefully listened to what they were talking about.
"When are we going to tell Tatsuya about it?" His mom asked
"We'll tell him as soon as possible so he'll be able to prepare." His dad replied
"I hope he can understand our decision."
Tatsuya wants to know what they were talking about so he bravely asked them. Jis parents were surprised that he was listening to them.
"Mom, what is it that you need to tell me?" Tatsuya asked
His parents looked at each other. His mom told his dad to tell him.
"Tatsuya, son, we're moving." His dad said.
"Moving? Where? Why?" Tatsuya asked.
"Yes son. We're moving to America. A company offered me a job there and they are willing to shoulder all our expenses including your education."
"But--but why do you want to work there? and why does mom and I have to go?"
"Tatsuya, honey, it's a good opportunity for your father to work there and we don't want to be apart from each other so when the company said we can come, we decided that it's better if we all go."
"What about my friends here? Ryo? I don't want to leave them." Tatsuya said
"Honey, we'll come back here when you want to and I'm sure you'll meet more friends there."
They were moving. He felt confused. America is miles away from Japan. He would understand if they were moving to another district but out of the country? He doesn't understand. What will he do without Ryo?
Tatsuya's eyes were starting to water and when his mom saw this, she tried to hug him but Tatsuya didn't let her. He ran away from her and went outside. He ran and ran not knowing where to go.
Yamapi was taking out the trash when he saw Tatsuya running. He was just about to greet him but Tatsuya was running fast and he seemed troubled. Yamapi finished discarding the trash and decided to run after his friend.
"Tatsuya!"
Tatsuya slowed down and looked behind to see who was calling him. It was Yamapi and he was running after him. Tatsuya stopped and wiped the tears from his face. Yamapi reached him and was panting.
"Why are you running on the streets at this time?" Yamapi asked
"I just want to. I need time away from home." Tatsuya said and tried to avoid Yamapi's eyes.
"Is something wrong Tatsuya?"
"No."
"Then why aren't you looking at me?"
"There's nothing wro~ng" Tatsuya's voice cracked and tears started to fall from his eyes. He brought the back of his hand to his eyes and sobbed.
"Why are you crying?" Yamapi asked
"I don't understand. I don't want to leave you guys. I don't want to leave Ryo." Tatsuya said
"Leave? Why would you leave us?"
"We're moving to America. My dad was offered a job there and he's taking me and my mom with him."
Tatsuya cried more after telling Yamapi the news. The other had nothing else but to hug him.
"I don't want to leave."
"We know."
"What will happen to Ryo when I'm gone?"
Yamapi didn't say anything.
"What will happen to me when I don't have Ryo beside me?"
"You love him that much?" Yamapi suddenly asked.
Tatsuya stepped away from Yamapi looking nervous and stared at him.
"I know you like Ryo, Tatsuya. I see it in your eyes." Yamapi said.
Tatsuya was still in shock and just stared at him.
"I completely understand your feelings. I know Ryo feels the same way." Yamapi said.
Before Yamapi can say anything more, Tatsuya was hugging him and continued to cry.
"I don't want to be apart from him..." Tatsuya said.
Yamapi patted Tatsuya's back and let him cry on his shoulders.
The two on them walked around the park. They didn't talk much and Yamapi successfully stopped Tatsuya from crying. They sat on the swing and Yamapi watched as Tatsuya sulked and tried not to let a tear drop.
"Let's go home." Yamapi said as he stood up from his swing.
“I don't want to."
"Come on Tatsuya. Your mom and dad are worried."
"I don't want to go home. If I go home, they'll force me to go with them to America."
Yamapi sighed
"They're just thinking what's best for you." Yamapi said
"How can leaving Ryo alone be best for me? and I don't want to go to America. I don't want to be the "different" one" Tatsuya said
"It's a big opportunity to go there. Hundreds of people would kill to have the same luck as you!"
"Then I'll give it to them. I'm okay with staying here as long as I'm with Ryo."
"What's wrong with you? I know Ryo will understand your situation and I know that nothing will change even if you go to America."
"You don't understand!"
"That's because you don't want to explain to me what's wrong with you! I told you Tatsuya, I'm your friend. You can tell me your problems. I'll listen."
"I don't want to lose him again."
"Lose him? Ryo? Again? What do you mean?"
"I lost him. I mean, I almost lost him. I don't want that to happen. I want him with me. I don't want him to be apart from me because I'm afraid he'll forget me again. I don't want to go back to that. I don't know if I can still take that kind of feeling."
"Tatsuya, I know it's hard but don't you trust Ryo? Aren’t all these years of friendship enough to convince you that nothing will change even if you're miles apart? Ryo loves you and I know that even if you're not here, he'll still continue loving you. Discovering how stubborn he is when we started hanging out, I know he won't look for someone else to love."
"But--"
"and me, Jin and Kame are all here. We'll make sure no girl or boy gets near him. If he gets out of line, I'll call you on the spot and you can take the first plane back here so you can beat him up yourself."
Tatsuya laughed at what Yamapi said.
"Pi... You think it's better if I go with mom and dad?" Tatsuya asked
"As much as we all want you to stay here with us, I think this opportunity rarely comes and think about your dad. He wants all of you to be there and share his success with him. Don't you think he'll feel lonely if he's all alone there?"
"Won't Ryo be lonely when I'm gone?"
"Of course he will. We all will but we have each other. We can count on each other whenever anyone of us misses you. and of course, you'll mail us, right?"
Tatsuya nodded.
"Let Ryo have the chance to miss you. Think of it as a chance for him to really know how much he loves you and how much your value is in his life."
******
Tatsuya and Yamapi came to school together the next day. Tatsuya agreed to move to America with his parents and he will tell Ryo, Jin and Kame about it today.
"Ah! Good morning Pi-chan! Morning Tat-chan!" Jin greeted when he saw Yamapi and Tatsuya enter the room.
Jin, Kame and Ryo were talking before the other two came.
"Why go to school together today?" Kame asked them
"We had to do something together." Yamapi said.
When he heard this, Ryo can't help but feel uneasy. What does Yamapi mean by that? He asked himself. He gathered the guts to ask them but their teacher came in.
"We need to talk during the break." Tatsuya whispered to him before going to his seat.
Ryo stared at Tatsuya during their lecture which got him a lot of remarks from the teacher. Finally, after 4 hours of waiting, the bell rang. Everyone got out of the classroom to get lunch except for 5 people. Yamapi, Tatsuya,Ryo,Jin and Kame stayed at the classroom to talk.
"Agh! I thought the alarm would never ring!" Ryo said
"I'm hungry. Let's eat" Jin said
"Shut up, Jin. You won't die if you don't eat right now. Your fats will save you." Yamapi said
"I do not have fats! These--these are muscles." Jin said
"Ladies and gentlemen, that was the joke of the century!" Yamapi said. Jin just pouted at him.
"Enough you two! We're here coz Tat-chan said he has something important to tell us." Kame said.
"Oh! Yeah. Tat-chan, what is it?" Jin asked
Tatsuya looked at Ryo. The other was also waiting for him to say something. He then looked at Yamapi who was telling him that it'll be ok.
"Uhmmmm... I have important news..."
He paused and observed everyone's reaction. Still the same. Waiting for him to continue.
"My dad got a job in America." Tatsuya said
"EH? Really? Wow! Congratulations Tat-chan!" Kame said happily.
Tatsuya smiled and thanked him. Ryo just stared at him. He knows there's something else Tatsuya has to say.
"And then?" Ryo asked interrupting the mini celebration.
"Ryo...uhmmm..I-- I mean-- Mom and I..."
"What?"
"Dad's taking us with him." Tatsuya said.
Somehow, he knew that Tatsuya would say that. Of course his dad would take them. Living in America would be a lot better for them.
"What? You're leaving us?" Kame and Jin asked in unison.
"No...I--"
"When are you leaving?" Ryo asked before Tatsuya can say anything more.
"I don't know. The company wants dad to work with them as soon as possible."
Ryo stood up from his seat and ran out of the classroom. Tatsuya ran after him. Jin and Kame were about to do the same but Yamapi stopped them.
"Let them talk." He said
Ryo ran up to the roof tears forming in the corner of his eyes. He stopped near the ledge and breathed heavily. Tatsuya who was following him stopped a few meters away from him.
"WHY?" Ryo shouted
"Ryo..." Tatsuya called him
Ryo turned around and wiped the tears with his sleeves.
"Please don't cry." Tatsuya said.
"I'm sorry. It's just that... I wasn't expecting this." Ryo said.
"but you understand, right? As much as I want to stay here with you, dad needs me and mom with him. He can't leave us here." Tatsuya said
"Of course Tatsuya. I know that. Uncle needs auntie and of course they can't leave you behind. I’m fine. Really. I'm sorry that you need to see me like this." Ryo said.
Tatsuya sighed. This isn't the scene he expected. He thought Ryo would be angry and shouting but it's the complete opposite. He never imagined seeing Ryo crying.
Tatsuya's thoughts were interrupted when he felt Ryo's body against his. Ryo locked him in an embrace.
"Ryo?" He managed to ask.
"Please let me hug you just this once." Ryo said and hugged him tighter.
Though taken a back, Tatsuya hugged back after a while.
"Don't you dare replace me with some cool American guy." Ryo suddenly said.
"What? You're really---"
"Promise me I would always be your best friend.."
Tatsuya sighed.
"I promise."
Ryo gave a soft laugh
"Ryo?"
"Hmmm..."
"I'll kill you if you replace with some girl."
Ryo laughed.
"I'm serious." Tatsuya said.
"I know. I would never dare."
******
It was early in the morning and Ryo, Yamapi, Jin and Kame were on their way to the airport. Tatsuya's family is leaving for America that day and they wanted to send him off.
Ryo was holding on to a cd and Yamapi noticed it.
"What's that?" He asked
"Nothing."
"For Tatsuya?"
Ryo nodded.
"What is it?" Yamapi asked again
"A song."
"You wrote it?"
Ryo nodded again.
"So you finally had the guts to tell him how you truly feel through that song?"
"What?"
"Come on Ryo. I know you like, no, LOVE Tatsuya. So is that song a way of confessing your feelings to him?"
"That's none of your business." Ryo said
Yamapi just smiled on his own.
They arrived in the airport and headed straight to the departure area. They saw Tatsuya and his parents sitting on one of the benches.
"Tat-chan!" Jin called him.
Tatsuya who was reading a book stood up when he heard Jin. His parents also looked up and greeted them.
"Tat-chan! How're ya feeling?" Kame asked
"I'm fine. How about you guys?" Tatsuya asked
"We're good. Ryo-chan almost killed Jin because he was late." Kame said
"It's not my fault my alarm clock didn't work." Jin said
"Shut up Jin." Ryo said
"So, what time will you board?" Yamapi asked.
"in 30 minutes but we need to go to the gate in 15 minutes. Dad still needs to meet with his boss." Tatsuya said.
"Tatsuya, your father and I will go ahead, okay? Just follow us inside. Good bye boys!" Tatsuya's mom said.
She and Tatsuya's dad left and went inside.
"So you're really going." Jin asked
"Oh come on, Jin. Don't say that right now!" Kame said
"What? I still can't believe Tat-chan's going to live in America. I'll surely miss him."Jin said
"Aww. Jin. I'll miss you too. I'll miss all of you. I'll mail you as often as I can." Tatsuya said.
Ryo kept quiet the whole time and let Jin,Kame and Yamapi talk to Tatsuya. He was still holding the cd and thinking of how he can give it to Tatsuya.
*ring
"Hello?" Tatsuya answered his phone. It was his mom and she was telling him to go inside.
"You need to go?" Yamapi asked
Tatsuya nodded.
"Well, I need to go..." Tatsuya said and sighed.
"Bye ne!" Tatsuya said. He already turned back and was walking away when Yamapi elbowed Ryo.
"What?" Ryo asked
"You woke us up early in the morning to come with you so that you can say good bye to him and yet all you had to say was 'SHUT UP JIN' and aren't you going to give that to him?" Yamapi pointed at the cd."
"Huh?"
Yamapi sighed. He pushed Ryo and said: "Just go! Baka!"
"Tatsuya!" Ryo ran after him.
"Eh? Ryo?" Tatsuya said when he turned.
"Wait up.."
"What is it?"
Ryo gave him the cd.
"What is this?" Tatsuya asked
"A gift. From me. I wrote it last night. I want you to listen to it on the plane." Ryo said
Tatsuya smiled.
"Thanks! I'll play it as soon as we get settled on our seat."
"Uhmmm...so... bye, ne? Take care there." Ryo said
Tatsuya nodded.
"I'll go back now." Ryo said and was about turn back when Tatsuya grabbed his hand and stopped him.
"Eh?" Ryo stared at him and looked confused.
Tatsuya smiled at him and the next thing he felt was Tatsuya's lips touching his cheek.
"The next time we see each other, I'll give you a proper kiss." Tatsuya said and smiled widely at him.
"WHAT?"
Tatsuya just laughed and started to walk away
"BYE RYO-CHAN! DON'T DARE REPLACE ME WITH SOME GIRL OR ELSE!" Tatsuya said as he waved and smiled at Ryo.
Ryo still stood in his place and waved back smiling.
"Can your smile get any bigger?" Yamapi asked Ryo. He, Jin and Kame followed him so that they can also say good bye to Tatsuya.
"Shut up." Ryo said
They made their way home and Ryo was smiling the whole time.
A/N: Okay. I like games so let's play one. Here's a hint: The true ending can only be found by those who seek it.
Am I too evil? Well. It does end here! :D
Tell me if you got it. If not. oh well. too bad. a really really nice surprise is waiting. :D
oh, yeah, to those who will find the prize, don't spoil the others!
