Lonely Souls - Part 2
Authoremmachase
Requested by: No One
Title: Lonely Souls Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Angst, Fluff
Pairing: OkaJima
Summary: Keito has spent his life alone, Yuto spent his life sheltered, when these two boys meet their friendship grows through understanding, and the sharing of a small journal.....
Keito sat alone again atop the building, nothing had changed….
As he stared at the cars slowly inching their way through the crowded streets he wondered what compelled him to come back here. The gentle breeze that rushed against him now ruffled the hood that hung behind on his new jacket and he froze. For a few moments he stared at the jacket, wondering about the boy who had insisted upon giving it to him. Was that it?
“Am I coming here…. To see you?” He asked aloud but received no answer.
The door to the roof access opened with the familiar creek that Keito had begun to get used to. He recognized the footsteps that trod upon the crushed stones that littered the roof.
“I can hear you.. Nakajima-Kun” Keito said frankly as he sighed and leaned back.
“Why!?” Yuto pouted as he took his usual spot next to Keito and the two boys looked down at the ever distant world below.
“Because…..” Keito turned to look at his companion and he froze.
Yes. He was why….. Yuto was why he spent the last week returning to this exact building…. Yuto was why being alone at nights began to become more and more unbearable…..
It had only been a week since they first met….why had he had such an affect?
“Because what?” The younger boy asked as he turned his head sideways and frowned.
“Because…..”
“Hmm?”
“Because you’re not as quiet when you’re tiptoeing as you think you are.” Keito finished as he turned his attention back to the small girl on the sidewalk that seemed to be throwing chocolate chips on the ground when her mother wasn't looking.
“Yuto… let me ask you something.”
“Hm?”
“That other night…. When you said all you wanted was my friendship…. What did that mean?”
“W-What do you mean?”
“I don't.. understand…..”
“Oh…..” Yuto sunk down a bit as he furrowed his brow before a thunderbolt seemed to strike him and he jolted up with a smile.
“What I meant…. Was that I would like… someone to talk to, someone to listen to, and someone who I can.. rely on”
“And is that person me?”
“I don’t know… Okamoto Keito…. Is it you?” Yuto looked at the other boy for a moment, and as their eyes met he smiled.
“Don’t use my full name…. its creepy…..”
“Then don’t call me Nakajima-Kun…. It’s too formal…”
A quietness seemed to settle between the boys after that, Yuto wondered whether his quick tongue had set Keito off, while the latter pondered the question of his ability to be a “friend”.
“I don’t know” Keito concluded after a while
“Don’t know what?”
“I don't know if I’d be a good friend…”
“Keito… I think.. you would be…” Yuto replied as he set his hands upon the other boy’s shoulders and turned him until they were staring each other in the eye.
“I’m… I’m sorry.. but everything you wrote in that book…I read it and… I… I feel like I know you…and…are you angry?” Yuto looked down at his lap ashamedly.
“I-“ Keito was about to give Yuto a stern talking to about reading things that are private, but when he turned and saw the younger boy hunched down nervously, everything he was going to say softened and faded away. After all what harm could letting him read it do….
“No… I’m not angry…”
“Then…. I think that you would be a good friend… and I want to be a good friend to you too. I don't want to stay a shadow to you.” Yuto smiled as he looked at Keito again.
“You’re really nosy aren’t you…” Keito chuckled slightly, giving Yuto a push as he blushed at hearing his own words. He paused for a few seconds as he saw the expression on Yuto’s face freeze.
“Y-Yuto?”
“You’re beautiful… Keito...this is the first time I’ve ever seen you smile… and you’re beautiful….” Yuto leaned in for a closer look and for a moment Keito found himself frozen again. Why was that? Whenever he was around Yuto, these moments seem to be coming more and more frequently. However, something was changing now… this time… his body began to move by itself as his hands moved to the lithe boy’s body. He trembled nervously as he felt his neck lean in toward Yuto and for just a few tender seconds, their lips met and they shared a small kiss……
After their lips parted, Keito looked away quickly from Yuto’s gaze as the two blushed secretly.
“I’m sorry.” Keito said flatly as he felt himself returning to his usual calm self.
“I-It’s okay…”
“It’s time for me to go…b-bye Keito!” Yuto got up as he quickly stumbled to the door that led into the building. He got into the small hallway on the other end, and shut the door, leaving Keito alone on the rooftop.
“What is wrong with me?” Keito asked as soon as he was sure he was alone. He had never felt this way about….. anything before. Whenever he thought about the kiss that had just taken place…. A strange feeling washed over him. Where he was used to feeling the barren cold within him…..he now felt a sort of warmth…and he felt it somewhat hard to breathe…..
“W-Whats the use….? In the end…. A boy like him couldn’t possibly end up with a guy like me….” He concluded as he tried his best to shove all these feelings aside. Keito turned his attention to the world below again, but found himself have difficulty concentrating…. Not that there was much to look at anyway…
Meanwhile… on the other side of the door, Yuto stood still, his back pressed against the cold metal that separated him from the world outside.
“K-Keito..” He stuttered as he pressed a single finger against his lips, he could still feel the tingling sensation dancing upon his skin.
“H-Have I…. fallen in love?” Yuto murmured to himself as he let his head hit the door behind him and his body slid to the floor. His mind wondered, but his heart knew the answer….
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After finally composing himself, Yuto walked down the stairs and arrived at the lobby, he smiled as the last few employees of his father’s company bowed to him and he thanked them for their hard work.
“Yuto, its time to return home…” A familiar voice said as the boy walked the last few steps out of the lobby. He looked up to see his caretaker and best friend standing by the door to the car that awaited him.
“Thank you, Misaki…” Yuto smiled as he nodded and stepped into the car.
He rode home quietly as he usually did, the man who sat beside him would occasionally check to make sure that he was okay.
“Is there…. Something wrong Yuto?” Misaki asked
“N-nothing…”
“You seem to have something on your mind…”
“N-No….I just… its something…”
“Well you know I'm always here if you need to talk okay?”
“Un, arigatou…” Yuto nodded and Misaki motioned for the driver to speed up a little.
“Where are we going….? This isn’t the way home…”
“Did you forget? We have to go buy your clothes for your father’s benefit, it’s coming up soon you know and we haven’t gotten you a new suit for the occasion.” Misaki smiled as Yuto shyly nodded.
“You always were a forgetful child..” he sighed.
Yuto laughed as he looked up at the buildings he was passing, he was truly grateful for Misaki. The man was more like a brother to him, they were in reality, not far apart in age, but for as long as he could remember, Misaki was by his side and he watched him grow up.
“We… also have to… meet him….” The man suddenly added.
“H-Him?”
“Yes….”
“I-I don't want to go….”
“You must… your father has specifically asked for you to be there.”
“Please… Misaki… please…? Keiji please?” Yuto begged.
“Yuto, we’ve talked about this…. it’s not proper for you to call me by my first name…”
“Just because you’re hired by my father…..does that mean that we cant be friends?”
“Yuto…. Even if I wasn't hired by your parents… Do you really think that I wouldn’t be here, supporting you?”
“I’m… Sorry….I just don't want to see him…I just… I don't…”
“I know…. It’ll be okay….. I just know that everything will work out… somehow…”
The older man placed his hand upon Yuto’s and smiled as he tried his best to reassure him. The fitting for the suit came and went, with Misaki making the tailor promise to finish it within the next two days, just in time for the benefit.
“Misaki… could I… bring someone to the benefit?” Yuto asked
“Oh? A friend? I don't see why not, I’ll add an extra space next to you at the table.”
“And…. Misaki…. Would you please…. Buy me a camera?”
“Hm?”
“I want…. To make a few memories… before it happens…”
“Certainly…Yuto..” The man bowed as he motioned for the driver to take them home.”
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The next night, Keito found Yuto waiting for him atop the small rooftop, and he wondered whether he should approach the boy or not… he had been struggling to deal with what had happened the last night they met, and he wasn't sure how Yuto had taken it.
As he crept closer, Keito heard the sounds of sniffling as he felt his worries melt away into concern….
“Yuto?”
“H-Huh Oh! Keito… I'm sorry… I just… I was here… and I-I was…” The younger boy’s voice faded into nothingness as he tried his best to stop sniffling.
It was clear that he had been crying.
“A-Are you okay?” Keito asked, unsure about what to do in this type of situation.
“I’m fine…” Yuto smiled through his tears as he wiped away the remnants on his cheeks.
“U-Uh… O-okay…” The older boy turned away for a moment as he felt a new kind of pain hit him and he clutched his chest… what was it?
“Keito… I love.. being up here with you….” Yuto said as the two boys lay back upon a section of the ground they had cleared of rocks. Yuto had brought a few extra blankets that they spread on the ground and occasionally, Keito found himself falling asleep here, the familiar scent of the other boy seemed to lull him into a sense of comfort that he could neither understand nor explain. But now… he sensed something was wrong… he just…. didn't know how to go about it…
“You do?”
“Yes…it’s so quiet… and its nice… just being here… talking to you… listening to you…”
“But I haven’t said anything really…”
“You don't have to… I understand… even if you don't say it…” Yuto nodded as he closed his eyes. Keito didn't really know how to reply to this either. And he thought it best to just close his eyes and nod along.
“Keito….?”
“Hm?”
“Would you… do something for me?”
“What?”
“Could you…. Smile for me?” Yuto asked as he sat up and began to pull something out of his bag.
“S-Smile?”
“Yes… just… smile for me….. please?” Keito watched as the other boy turned back around, this time with a camera in his hands.
“What do you mean?”
“I want… to keep your smile… forever….”
“What does that mean? I’ll always be here… you know….”
“I know….. I just… hope I can always come back here.” Yuto uttered the last few words barely above a whisper.
“W-What does that mean?”
“N-Nothing….just smile… please?” Yuto raised the camera to his eyes and waited.
“Yuto….” Keito sighed as he took the camera from the boy and without really knowing what he was doing…. Grabbed him, wrapping his arm around him and with the other hand, took a picture of a smiling him, and a surprised but smiling Yuto.
“If you have to keep a picture of a smile… shouldn't it be our smiles?” Keito asked as he returned the camera to a now softly weeping Yuto.
“Did… I do something wrong? Did I do something to make you cry?” The older boy asked worriedly. He had never done something like this before… and wasn't sure where these… boundaries were.
“N-No! I’m just…. so happy…” The other boy shook his head and smiled as he looked at the picture.
“Yuto… what is it… you ‘re not telling me?”
“N-Nothing…uh..um… Keito, would you…. Like to come to a dinner with me?”
“You… mean like… on a date?” Keito felt his heart flutter as the last word left his mouth.
“S-Sorta.. you see….. my father… has this… benefit thing… and.. I would really like to go with you…” Yuto nervously poked his fingers together as he waited for a response.
“I don't… have the clothes for that….. or..”
“Oh…” Yuto looked dejeted.
“B-But if I did, I would I absolutely would” Keito added quickly, and suddenly wondered why he felt the urgency in saying that last part.
“Really!?”
“Y-Yes….” Keito felt uneasy now as he began to realize what he was getting himself into. He wasn't cut out to be mingling with the…. Rich people…..
“Come with me!” Yuto grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the roof access door. With a firm tug he yanked Keito down the stairs all the way to the lobby which Keito had only seen as he was passing by on his way to the backside ladder. It was really….. everything he thought it would be and more….
“Yuto… is this your friend?” A man’s voice asked and Keito whipped around to see another person, dressed in a suit walking towards them.
“Yes” Yuto nodded excitedly.
“Hello, my name is Misaki Keiji” The man bowed and Keito found himself awkwardly trying to return the gesture.
“H-Hello…” Keito stuttered as he began to feel rather fluttered.
“He’s going to the benefit with me… only….” Yuto pouted more adorably than Keito had ever seen.
“Oh alright… I’ll bite…. Only what?” The man asked as he gave Yuto a nudge.
“Only…. He doesn't have any formal wear……and….”
“And you want to get some for him…. right?”
“Right!” Yuto nodded and his smile faded slightly as he noticed the stern look upon his caretaker’s face.
“Alright, I think we can do that” Misaki’s face brightened up as he smiled and nodded.
“Thank you Misaki!” Yuto jumped up and down as he grabbed Keito’s hands and smiled happily at him.
Keito worried as he sat in the car on the way to the tailor’s shop, he worried as the man began to take his measurements, and he worried as they left the shop. But it seemed no matter how much he worried, a look at the still smiling Yuto beside him made it all go away….
When they returned to the office building, Keito stepped out of the car and turned to thank Yuto and Misaki.
“M-Misaki?” Yuto asked as the man in the car beside him merely nodded. Happily Yuto jumped out of the car and ran after the boy that made his heart flutter, he jumped and grabbed his wrist, catching him by surprise.
“Y-Yuto?” Keito stumbled a little as a familiar tingling feeling began to radiate through his body. The same one he couldn’t quite identify…
“I just…. want to thank you.. for coming with me…” The younger boy gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and after a moment’s hesitation, he hugged him gratefully before waving goodbye and running back to the car.
“B-Bye….” Keito was speechless as the car drove off. He found himself strangely alone again… it was something he was used to…. but lately….. something had changed. Late at night Keito would lay awake in the blankets, or in the small youth hostel he stayed in, and he would just think…. He tried his best to figure out what that strange feeling was in his heart… He tried his best to figure out why being around Yuto made him go weak at the knees and hard for him to speak… it seemed that no matter what, he always ended up back at Yuto…
Tonight in particular, Keito found himself tossing and turning on the rooftop, the comfort of the blankets seemed lost on him now and he sat up. Noticing the distant dark clouds he quickly grabbed all the blankets, taking care to fold them neatly and hid them under the small alcove that housed the door into the building. With a sigh he sat down in the small chair that awaited him beneath its shelter and waited for the coming rain. As he sat quietly, hearing the sounds of honking car horns and motorist who were clamoring to get home before the storm came, a sort of peace came over him, and even if for just that moment, he gained a bit of clarity. Pulling out his small notebook he smiled as he brushed the cover, remembering the way Yuto returned it to him nervously. He sighed as the distant roaring skies began to envelop him in a steady drizzle and the monotonous droning of rain against the small metal roof began to accompany him, with a final dig into his bag, he pulled out a pen and flipped to an empty page…..
The shadows that you see passing me….. that’s all they stay to me….. shadows.
No one stops to look at me, no one stops to talk to me…..no one knows who I am.
I remember all those words but now… It seems that I don't understand them anymore. Lately I’ve found myself so… weak. I cant stand to be alone anymore, not after I’ve met Yuto. What’s happening to me? Whenever I sit here by myself, a small part of me wants so badly to see him, to hear him sneak up behind me… Whenever I sleep… I just breathe in the familiar scent that bathes the blankets and it brings me peace. Is it because I’ve come to depend on him? What happens when I lose him? Life was so unbearable with just my own thoughts, I struggled to get through each day by myself. Is Yuto here to test me?
No… I don't think the world is that cruel… a part of me knows that. I’ve worked my whole life to be strong, to be able to stand by myself. Now that someone has appeared, someone who has stepped into the light and become more than a passing shadow…can I let him in?
I already have haven’t I?
The still nights seem brighter with him beside me, and the bitterest of colds don't phase me… so long as I’m with him…..
Whenever Yuto’s around, my heart beats twice as fast, my hands get shaky, and my mind seems to think all by itself. I want to….. hug him… I want to relive that one kiss, even though it was so embarrassing…. I want to… just be with him….
Tell me….
Is this love?
I’ve been wondering for quite some time now… is this love?
Do I love you Nakajima Yuto?
Keito closed the book, clipping the pen to the cover. He sighed as he looked into the mirage of water that poured down before him.
“I don't know what this is yet… but I’ll find out….” He promised himself as he leaned back upon the rough cement walls and fell asleep upon the small chair.
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The next day, Yuto didn't come to the rooftop, and Keito was left to his own devices, with nothing to do, he sat and he thought the day away. There was something that seemed to be in the corner of his mind, something that he had forgotten….
Keito paused only long enough to grab a meal from his friend at the local sushi restaurant in the area, naturally he couldn’t eat the absolutely perfect pieces of sushi that were for the customers, but the man was a gentle older man who would give him his meals with scraps of fish or the occasional piece of beef and vegetables.
After that, he returned to his perch atop the building and sat in silence as he re-read his journal entry over and over again, trying to ignore the annoying feeling that kept pestering him.
“Mou… what did I forget!? What’s bothering me so much?!” He whined as he scratched his head confusedly. Then as if by a bolt of lightning a sudden image flashed into his head.
“Yuto was…. crying…..” He said to himself as he clutched his chest when a sudden heavy feeling landed upon his chest.
“Why?” He asked as the image seemed to bring him more and more pain.
No matter how much he thought about it… he couldn’t find the answer….
Eventually day turned into night, and he walked over to the small overhang that housed the blankets, the ground would still be too wet tonight to sleep on, so the chair would have to do for now…
“Excuse me… Okamoto Keito-kun?” A man’s voice asked as Keito turned around quickly, hiding the blankets behind his back. Once again he asked himself why he bothered to do such a trivial thing…..
“Y-Yes?”
“Ohh so that's where Yuto-kun’s favorite blanket went… I was looking for that…” The man’s voice grew louder as a figure approached him from the darkness of the overhang.
“Misaki…”
“Yes, its nice to see you again, I have come to ask that you return to Yuto-kun’s home with me tonight, The Nakajima Family’s benefit is tomorrow and we will ensure that you will be best dressed for the event.” Misaki bowed.
“W-we? As in you and Yuto?”
“We… as in me and the staff…”
“And Yuto?”
“I understand you want to see him.. but Yuto doesn’t know that I am here, he has had his own problems to deal with today.. and we his staff would like to take care of what we can….” Misaki gestured towards the door again. This time, Keito followed. He walked down to the familiar car that awaited them at the ground floor.
When the car set in motion, Keito felt himself relax, only slightly at first, but then a more pressing matter, the same matter that had puzzled him all day returned.
“Misaki…. When you said Yuto had his own problems.. what did you mean?”
“I think… that is best left to Yuto to tell you…”
“Does it have to do with why he was crying the other day?”
“Just wait…Keito-kun, Yuto will tell you everything, if only you could wait until tomorrow night….” The older man said as he nodded to a house in the distance.
The Nakajima Manor was a huge private estate, Keito gasped as he watched the huge Koi pond in the front, the vast multitudes of flowers the bloomed happily along the gates, and the small and simple garden that grew in front of the house.
When he got out of the car, a few maids approached him, bringing him in anxiously and hiding him away into a corridor. They rushed as they brought him into a private room and ushered him into a seat as the maids began immediately to ask if he would like anything to eat first.
“N-No it’s okay….” He shook his head
“Are you sure? I imagine being up there all day hasn't afforded you much to eat.” Misaki chuckled as he set a plate down before Keito on a desk.
“I don’t want to take advantage of this situation… of you…” Keito shook his head again as he pushed the plate further away.
“It’s okay…. If its for our young master Yuto, we would gladly do anything if it meant his happiness.” One of the maids bowed as she pushed the plate gracefully back in his direction.
“That is how we all feel, so please, do not worry about taking advantage of us… while you are eating, we will draw you a bath…” Misaki nodded to the other maid who bowed and excused herself. Keito knew he was defeated now, and accepted a pair of chopsticks.
“S-So…. this is Yuto’s family’ s house….i-it’s very impressive..” Keito tried to start some small talk.
“This house is Yuto’s house, his father only returns here to Tokyo when the benefit is held, and his mother returns from France only twice a year.” Misaki replied quietly as he sat down opposite Keito, who suddenly felt very ashamed for asking such a question.
“I-I see….” He nodded his understanding before gratefully digging into his plate. Just as he finished, the maid that Misaki dismissed returned to tell them everything was ready.
When the maids left Keito alone in a grand bathroom he noticed the bath had been drawn for him, a simple tub cascading with water as it overflowed into a border that collected the water and forced it back into the tub in the form of a massage. He had only heard of such things in spas, but clearly… to him…. this was one…
Quietly and quickly he took a bath, making sure to clean himself from head to toe and he stepped out of the waters to find a towel and the softest silk garments and robes waiting for him on the small sink counter. Beside the garments lay a small bag that he recognized immediately as his own clothes, neatly laundered and folded.
“Okamoto-kun, are you ready?” Someone asked from the other side of the door and Keito scurried to put on the garments and rushed out.
“So-Sorry..” He bowed as the maid smiled and shook her head.
“It’s okay… Yuto-kun likes to take long baths as well. Please follow me….” She gestured down the hallway and led him into another room. This time a pair of women approached him and nodded.
“We will be styling your hair and helping you with any other problems you may encounter in the night. Etiquette will be part of the lesson, but we suppose that simple common sense should get you through the night.” One of the women nodded as the other began to run a series of combs through Keito’s hair.
Over the next two hours, the women drilled him on the “proper” way to do things at a formal party, they tugged on his hair, treated it with products that transformed it from its usual appearance to a soft silky and luxurious style that Keito himself hadn’t thought possible. Though remembering everything they threw at him was difficult, he did his best…. For Yuto’s sake at least. He couldn’t afford to embarrass him.
“Keito-kun? We will have a review in the morning, for now, the hour is late, and rest is important.” Misaki dismissed the two women who politely bowed and left.
“If you would follow me…. “ The man bowed again as he led Keito up a set of stairs and down a hallway.
“You know… I can tell… Yuto likes you… quite a bit.” Misaki blurted out half way, almost causing Keito to stumble.
“W-What?”
“Aha, I’m sorry, I just thought it would be very obvious by now…. “
“H-Hm..?”
“I’m glad though….Yuto who has spent his whole life sheltered by the arms of his family, has finally found someone….I’ve been caring for Yuto since he was very young…. When I was out of a job and almost broke… I ran into him by chance and he… despite his very small age….. pleaded with his father to hire me.” Keito noticed the man was smiling happily as he recounted the story. It seemed everyone Yuto had touched had that sort of look… himself included…
“I owe my life to him really… I imagine if it were not for this job…. I would be in debt somewhere… but in any case…. I vowed to protect him… to raise him to the best of my ability, he’s my little brother… and it seems that now… he’s fallen for you….” Misaki turned to look at Keito as the two stopped in the middle of their walk.
“Do you…. Feel the same way?”
“I….” Keito stammered but was hushed by the man.
“I know…. It must be difficult for you to realize your feelings now… but.. don’t dismiss them entirely…..” He smiled as he opened a set of doors revealing a grandly designed bedroom.
“You will stay here tonight, anything you need, just let us know and we will provide, Yuto’s room is next door to yours.. if you’d like to see him.” Misaki bowed and excused himself.
As the quietness of the house sunk in, Keito debated whether or not to visit… in such a different environment would be a good thing, he figured as he walked in the direction of the next room. Noticing it was open… he gently rapped against the wooden frame but no response. It was then that heard something… mumbling…
Slowly Keito crept into the room to see Yuto asleep upon his own bed, dressed in the same silky pajamas except where his were silvery, Yuto’s were white.
“Mnnh…Kei..to…” Yuto grumbled in his sleep as he turned over and yanked the blanket that was covering him over his shoulder.
Seeing as how Yuto was sleeping, Keito resolved to wait until tomorrow to see him, but as he was leaving….. that strange feeling took over him again as he suddenly turned about and walked over to the side of the bed. He saw the angelic look upon Yuto’s face and he smiled. He had never… felt like this before. Slowly he knelt down until he was at level with Yuto and he whispered a single…
“Thank you…” Before giving the boy a soft kiss on his exposed cheek and turning out the small lamp that lit the room. He shut the door and went to his own bed and for the first time in a long while…. Slept peacefully.
The next morning, Keito awoke to the feeling of someone pouncing on the bed and when he finally managed to pry open one eye he noticed a smiling Yuto beside him.
“Keitooooooo!” He called as he gave the boy a hug.
“You’re much more active in the mornings aren’t you?”
Yuto nodded.
“Breakfast is here.” A maid’s voice called from Yuto’s room.
“I’m in here!” Yuto returned. The maid Keito recognized from the night before appeared at the door, walking over she brought two trays of food one for each boy and shortly dismissed herself.
“S-So… tonight’s the night.” Keito felt his awkward attempt for small talk flop again.
“Yes..” Yuto said as he paused a little before taking a bite of his omelet.
“Yuto…is there something… that you’re not telling me?” Keito thought it would be best to tackle the issue head on.
“N-No..”
“You’re lying aren’t you.”
“N-No! I’m not!” Quickly Yuto stuffed his mouth full with three pieces of steamed carrots.
It was clear that he was going to get no where like this…
“Okamoto-kun, if you would please follow me.. we will need to review your etiquette, you may see Yuto later tonight.” Misaki appeared as Keito nodded.
As he walked away Keito turned to see Yuto pouting on the bed as he absent-mindedly moved things around his plate. Then looking up, the younger boy noticed Keito’s gaze and forced a smile and mouthed a single “bye”
After being drilled upon which fork to use for this, and what to do when you drop a napkin, a spoon, or a knife… Keito couldn’t wait for night to come. As soon as the two women who trained him deemed him ready, he was pulled to bedroom he had stayed in the night before. The bed was now neatly made, the corners crisp as if pressed flat with an iron. Now there lay a different set of clothes waiting for him, a simple tuxedo sprawled across the bed, it’s shirt open and welcoming to him.
Although he had never worn one of these before, Keito found the process was rather easy, he pulled on the coat at last and looked at himself in the mirror. Personally, he thought he looked more like a butler but if this was what it took…
“I guess it can’t be helped” He mumbled as he straightened the small tie around his neck.
“Keito-kun? It’s time to go, Yuto will be coming after us, he will be meeting with his father and mother first. We will go to the event and wait for him.” Misaki bowed as he gestured in the direction of the door. The same grand car awaited Keito as he stepped the last few feet out of the mansion and he winced as he suddenly gained a new respect for people who could stand such stiff formal shoes.
“Don’t worry they’ll loosen during the night, they’re just new that's all.” Misaki smiled as he shut the door and they were off.
After a short 15 minute drive, the party arrived before a large mansion, except this one had a sign in front of it, signifying its importance as “Kyoraku Hall”. Slowly Keito crept into the building and after assuring Misaki that he would be alright on his own, fell into a short little hallway near the table of hors d’oeuvres the waiters stopped at. He noticed the shimmering gems that hung around every lady’s neck, and the brilliant golden rings that they wore. He was sure if given the chance, they could blind them by letting the light hit them at just the right angle.
“Attention! Your attention please! Our great foundation’s chairman and chairlady have arrived. We welcome Master and Mistress Nakajima and their sons Yuto and Raiya Nakajima!” A stout man announced from the top of the stairs that led to the back of the room.
Keito watched intently as a man and a woman, dressed in a pure white stepped down slowly from the top. Even if the announcement hadn’t been made, Keito was sure the spotlight would still have been on them. As the man and woman reached the bottom of the steps, Keito gasped as he noticed just how radiant they were. The man, Yuto’s father was a well built man, he shared the same eyes, the same nose, and the calm atmosphere.. whereas Yuto’s mother was a peaceful compassionate looking woman, they shared they same complexion, both glowing with a soft paleness that seemed to relax everyone around them.
“Yuto….” Keito stood in awe as a form stepped up to the top of the stairs again, and slowly stepped down. The boy who had been jumping around in his mind certainly looked nothing like the one who was walking down now. Where Keito pictured the same Yuto who appeared to him the first night, the Yuto that walked gracefully down the grand staircase was far….. different. The small casual t-shirt that he wore was now a tuxedo jacket, pure white like his parents, except his seemed to be lined with the softest of greens. The pair of jeans that he usually wore were now a pair of snowy white pants that were perfectly fit to reveal the boy’s slender legs and at the same time provide enough space for comfort. Yuto was…. amazing…
Keito had been so focused on Yuto he had hardly noticed a smaller boy holding Yuto’s hand as the two boys traversed the steps. It was clear at once they were siblings, and Keito wondered whether or not Yuto had ever mentioned it to him.
“I must not have been listening….” He sighed as he resolved to pay better attention from here on.
Keito’s moment of thought was interrupted as the room burst into a chorus of applause when the family reached the bottom of the stairs and the room lit up as dozens of cameras flashed, and photographers clamored about, trying to get the best possible picture for their magazines.
In an instant Yuto’s eyes locked onto Keito as he smiled happily while holding absolutely still for the rest of the photos. He had enough of a break to raise a single finger up to his cheek, signaling for Keito to just wait “one more second”.
“So that’s him huh?”
“Yeah, that’s him… god he’s cute.”
“Yeah he’s not bad… maybe you can lend him to me one day hm?”
“You wish, he’s all mine…”
Keito looked at the small crowd that stood before him and he spied a group of three boys about his age standing on the edge of the gathering. Quietly he crept up to them and listened.
“When it happens, Yuto will be all mine, and I will do whatever the hell I want to him” One of the boys cackled.
“I can’t believe you’re so lucky….”
“Yeah seriously, What I would give to get into those pants….” One of the other boys nodded
“Yeah well boys….. too bad what’s between those legs belongs to ME now” The boy in the middle chuckled.
By now Keito was boiling over with anger, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were talking about Yuto as if he were little more than an item one could buy at a store!
Keito made up his mind and sternly walked into the group, making sure to run his shoulder into the boy’s arm.
“HEY! Watch it!” The boy immediately retaliated and Keito turned around to look at him.
“Get over yourself, jerk.” As much as Keito wanted to punch the boy now, he held himself back with sheer will alone.
“What did you call me?!” The boy grabbed Keito’s shirt, trying to lift him, but Keito stood his ground.
“A jerk..”
“You…”
“Keito!” Yuto’s voice cut through everything as the tension seemed to dissapear when the younger boy appeared.
“Hi Yuto….” The boy said creepily and for a moment, Keito saw the look of terror in Yuto’s eyes as he looked at the jerk of a boy he was picking a fight with.
“K-Keito… let’s go…” Yuto pulled and tugged on Keito’s arm trying to drag him away.
“Hey wait, aren’t you going to introduce us?” The boy said as his “posse” stood on either side of him.
“This…. is Keito, and that is-“ As much as Yuto tried to speed through the introduction, the boy jumped in and slow things down.
“I’m Takeo, Yuto’s fiancé.”
The boy, Takeo seemed to note the small twinge in Keito’s expression when the words left his mouth, and he smirked evilly.
“Let’s go Keito…” Yuto pleaded and pulled him away into a quiet hallway just outside of the main room.
“Yuto…. Is what he said true?”
“H-He….”
“It is isn’t it? This is what you meant when you said that you may not be able to return to the rooftop anymore isn’t it?!” Keito began to feel frantic
“Keito I..I didn’t want you to find out… I was hoping you two would never meet….”
“Well we did… and I can’t believe you! You have a fiancé!”
“That I don't love! I don't love him like I… Like I…”
“Like what!”
“Like I love you!” Yuto cried as he almost fell to his knees and begged for Keito’s forgiveness.
“I don't want to… I didn’t want to….!” Yuto continued
“Then you still should have told me!” Keito walked off as his mind was a flurry of thoughts. As he walked each step he felt himself tear into pieces as a part of him wanted to go back and comfort the softly crying boy and another part wanted nothing more than to be alone again.
Keito finally stopped as he reached a stone bench that overlooked the only pond on the property. He sat down solemnly as the last few hours replayed in his head.
He remembered the way Yuto looked when he walked down the stairs, the way he smiled at him and cutely raised that one finger… and then he remembered overhearing the conversation and finally the one part that stuck in his mind.
“I’m Takeo, Yuto’s fiancé”
The words haunted him as he felt himself split into a third part, except this part wanted nothing more than to just...cry...
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Hua! So…. this story is my attempt to write an artistic story…. Please let me know how badly I failed…….. T_T. Sorry this chapter is so long! Hopefully the next chapter wont take so long to write….. Hopefully………
Once again, Comments are <3
~Emmie
Requested by: No One
Title: Lonely Souls Part 2
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance, Angst, Fluff
Pairing: OkaJima
Summary: Keito has spent his life alone, Yuto spent his life sheltered, when these two boys meet their friendship grows through understanding, and the sharing of a small journal.....
Keito sat alone again atop the building, nothing had changed….
As he stared at the cars slowly inching their way through the crowded streets he wondered what compelled him to come back here. The gentle breeze that rushed against him now ruffled the hood that hung behind on his new jacket and he froze. For a few moments he stared at the jacket, wondering about the boy who had insisted upon giving it to him. Was that it?
“Am I coming here…. To see you?” He asked aloud but received no answer.
The door to the roof access opened with the familiar creek that Keito had begun to get used to. He recognized the footsteps that trod upon the crushed stones that littered the roof.
“I can hear you.. Nakajima-Kun” Keito said frankly as he sighed and leaned back.
“Why!?” Yuto pouted as he took his usual spot next to Keito and the two boys looked down at the ever distant world below.
“Because…..” Keito turned to look at his companion and he froze.
Yes. He was why….. Yuto was why he spent the last week returning to this exact building…. Yuto was why being alone at nights began to become more and more unbearable…..
It had only been a week since they first met….why had he had such an affect?
“Because what?” The younger boy asked as he turned his head sideways and frowned.
“Because…..”
“Hmm?”
“Because you’re not as quiet when you’re tiptoeing as you think you are.” Keito finished as he turned his attention back to the small girl on the sidewalk that seemed to be throwing chocolate chips on the ground when her mother wasn't looking.
“Yuto… let me ask you something.”
“Hm?”
“That other night…. When you said all you wanted was my friendship…. What did that mean?”
“W-What do you mean?”
“I don't.. understand…..”
“Oh…..” Yuto sunk down a bit as he furrowed his brow before a thunderbolt seemed to strike him and he jolted up with a smile.
“What I meant…. Was that I would like… someone to talk to, someone to listen to, and someone who I can.. rely on”
“And is that person me?”
“I don’t know… Okamoto Keito…. Is it you?” Yuto looked at the other boy for a moment, and as their eyes met he smiled.
“Don’t use my full name…. its creepy…..”
“Then don’t call me Nakajima-Kun…. It’s too formal…”
A quietness seemed to settle between the boys after that, Yuto wondered whether his quick tongue had set Keito off, while the latter pondered the question of his ability to be a “friend”.
“I don’t know” Keito concluded after a while
“Don’t know what?”
“I don't know if I’d be a good friend…”
“Keito… I think.. you would be…” Yuto replied as he set his hands upon the other boy’s shoulders and turned him until they were staring each other in the eye.
“I’m… I’m sorry.. but everything you wrote in that book…I read it and… I… I feel like I know you…and…are you angry?” Yuto looked down at his lap ashamedly.
“I-“ Keito was about to give Yuto a stern talking to about reading things that are private, but when he turned and saw the younger boy hunched down nervously, everything he was going to say softened and faded away. After all what harm could letting him read it do….
“No… I’m not angry…”
“Then…. I think that you would be a good friend… and I want to be a good friend to you too. I don't want to stay a shadow to you.” Yuto smiled as he looked at Keito again.
“You’re really nosy aren’t you…” Keito chuckled slightly, giving Yuto a push as he blushed at hearing his own words. He paused for a few seconds as he saw the expression on Yuto’s face freeze.
“Y-Yuto?”
“You’re beautiful… Keito...this is the first time I’ve ever seen you smile… and you’re beautiful….” Yuto leaned in for a closer look and for a moment Keito found himself frozen again. Why was that? Whenever he was around Yuto, these moments seem to be coming more and more frequently. However, something was changing now… this time… his body began to move by itself as his hands moved to the lithe boy’s body. He trembled nervously as he felt his neck lean in toward Yuto and for just a few tender seconds, their lips met and they shared a small kiss……
After their lips parted, Keito looked away quickly from Yuto’s gaze as the two blushed secretly.
“I’m sorry.” Keito said flatly as he felt himself returning to his usual calm self.
“I-It’s okay…”
“It’s time for me to go…b-bye Keito!” Yuto got up as he quickly stumbled to the door that led into the building. He got into the small hallway on the other end, and shut the door, leaving Keito alone on the rooftop.
“What is wrong with me?” Keito asked as soon as he was sure he was alone. He had never felt this way about….. anything before. Whenever he thought about the kiss that had just taken place…. A strange feeling washed over him. Where he was used to feeling the barren cold within him…..he now felt a sort of warmth…and he felt it somewhat hard to breathe…..
“W-Whats the use….? In the end…. A boy like him couldn’t possibly end up with a guy like me….” He concluded as he tried his best to shove all these feelings aside. Keito turned his attention to the world below again, but found himself have difficulty concentrating…. Not that there was much to look at anyway…
Meanwhile… on the other side of the door, Yuto stood still, his back pressed against the cold metal that separated him from the world outside.
“K-Keito..” He stuttered as he pressed a single finger against his lips, he could still feel the tingling sensation dancing upon his skin.
“H-Have I…. fallen in love?” Yuto murmured to himself as he let his head hit the door behind him and his body slid to the floor. His mind wondered, but his heart knew the answer….
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After finally composing himself, Yuto walked down the stairs and arrived at the lobby, he smiled as the last few employees of his father’s company bowed to him and he thanked them for their hard work.
“Yuto, its time to return home…” A familiar voice said as the boy walked the last few steps out of the lobby. He looked up to see his caretaker and best friend standing by the door to the car that awaited him.
“Thank you, Misaki…” Yuto smiled as he nodded and stepped into the car.
He rode home quietly as he usually did, the man who sat beside him would occasionally check to make sure that he was okay.
“Is there…. Something wrong Yuto?” Misaki asked
“N-nothing…”
“You seem to have something on your mind…”
“N-No….I just… its something…”
“Well you know I'm always here if you need to talk okay?”
“Un, arigatou…” Yuto nodded and Misaki motioned for the driver to speed up a little.
“Where are we going….? This isn’t the way home…”
“Did you forget? We have to go buy your clothes for your father’s benefit, it’s coming up soon you know and we haven’t gotten you a new suit for the occasion.” Misaki smiled as Yuto shyly nodded.
“You always were a forgetful child..” he sighed.
Yuto laughed as he looked up at the buildings he was passing, he was truly grateful for Misaki. The man was more like a brother to him, they were in reality, not far apart in age, but for as long as he could remember, Misaki was by his side and he watched him grow up.
“We… also have to… meet him….” The man suddenly added.
“H-Him?”
“Yes….”
“I-I don't want to go….”
“You must… your father has specifically asked for you to be there.”
“Please… Misaki… please…? Keiji please?” Yuto begged.
“Yuto, we’ve talked about this…. it’s not proper for you to call me by my first name…”
“Just because you’re hired by my father…..does that mean that we cant be friends?”
“Yuto…. Even if I wasn't hired by your parents… Do you really think that I wouldn’t be here, supporting you?”
“I’m… Sorry….I just don't want to see him…I just… I don't…”
“I know…. It’ll be okay….. I just know that everything will work out… somehow…”
The older man placed his hand upon Yuto’s and smiled as he tried his best to reassure him. The fitting for the suit came and went, with Misaki making the tailor promise to finish it within the next two days, just in time for the benefit.
“Misaki… could I… bring someone to the benefit?” Yuto asked
“Oh? A friend? I don't see why not, I’ll add an extra space next to you at the table.”
“And…. Misaki…. Would you please…. Buy me a camera?”
“Hm?”
“I want…. To make a few memories… before it happens…”
“Certainly…Yuto..” The man bowed as he motioned for the driver to take them home.”
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The next night, Keito found Yuto waiting for him atop the small rooftop, and he wondered whether he should approach the boy or not… he had been struggling to deal with what had happened the last night they met, and he wasn't sure how Yuto had taken it.
As he crept closer, Keito heard the sounds of sniffling as he felt his worries melt away into concern….
“Yuto?”
“H-Huh Oh! Keito… I'm sorry… I just… I was here… and I-I was…” The younger boy’s voice faded into nothingness as he tried his best to stop sniffling.
It was clear that he had been crying.
“A-Are you okay?” Keito asked, unsure about what to do in this type of situation.
“I’m fine…” Yuto smiled through his tears as he wiped away the remnants on his cheeks.
“U-Uh… O-okay…” The older boy turned away for a moment as he felt a new kind of pain hit him and he clutched his chest… what was it?
“Keito… I love.. being up here with you….” Yuto said as the two boys lay back upon a section of the ground they had cleared of rocks. Yuto had brought a few extra blankets that they spread on the ground and occasionally, Keito found himself falling asleep here, the familiar scent of the other boy seemed to lull him into a sense of comfort that he could neither understand nor explain. But now… he sensed something was wrong… he just…. didn't know how to go about it…
“You do?”
“Yes…it’s so quiet… and its nice… just being here… talking to you… listening to you…”
“But I haven’t said anything really…”
“You don't have to… I understand… even if you don't say it…” Yuto nodded as he closed his eyes. Keito didn't really know how to reply to this either. And he thought it best to just close his eyes and nod along.
“Keito….?”
“Hm?”
“Would you… do something for me?”
“What?”
“Could you…. Smile for me?” Yuto asked as he sat up and began to pull something out of his bag.
“S-Smile?”
“Yes… just… smile for me….. please?” Keito watched as the other boy turned back around, this time with a camera in his hands.
“What do you mean?”
“I want… to keep your smile… forever….”
“What does that mean? I’ll always be here… you know….”
“I know….. I just… hope I can always come back here.” Yuto uttered the last few words barely above a whisper.
“W-What does that mean?”
“N-Nothing….just smile… please?” Yuto raised the camera to his eyes and waited.
“Yuto….” Keito sighed as he took the camera from the boy and without really knowing what he was doing…. Grabbed him, wrapping his arm around him and with the other hand, took a picture of a smiling him, and a surprised but smiling Yuto.
“If you have to keep a picture of a smile… shouldn't it be our smiles?” Keito asked as he returned the camera to a now softly weeping Yuto.
“Did… I do something wrong? Did I do something to make you cry?” The older boy asked worriedly. He had never done something like this before… and wasn't sure where these… boundaries were.
“N-No! I’m just…. so happy…” The other boy shook his head and smiled as he looked at the picture.
“Yuto… what is it… you ‘re not telling me?”
“N-Nothing…uh..um… Keito, would you…. Like to come to a dinner with me?”
“You… mean like… on a date?” Keito felt his heart flutter as the last word left his mouth.
“S-Sorta.. you see….. my father… has this… benefit thing… and.. I would really like to go with you…” Yuto nervously poked his fingers together as he waited for a response.
“I don't… have the clothes for that….. or..”
“Oh…” Yuto looked dejeted.
“B-But if I did, I would I absolutely would” Keito added quickly, and suddenly wondered why he felt the urgency in saying that last part.
“Really!?”
“Y-Yes….” Keito felt uneasy now as he began to realize what he was getting himself into. He wasn't cut out to be mingling with the…. Rich people…..
“Come with me!” Yuto grabbed his hand and dragged him over to the roof access door. With a firm tug he yanked Keito down the stairs all the way to the lobby which Keito had only seen as he was passing by on his way to the backside ladder. It was really….. everything he thought it would be and more….
“Yuto… is this your friend?” A man’s voice asked and Keito whipped around to see another person, dressed in a suit walking towards them.
“Yes” Yuto nodded excitedly.
“Hello, my name is Misaki Keiji” The man bowed and Keito found himself awkwardly trying to return the gesture.
“H-Hello…” Keito stuttered as he began to feel rather fluttered.
“He’s going to the benefit with me… only….” Yuto pouted more adorably than Keito had ever seen.
“Oh alright… I’ll bite…. Only what?” The man asked as he gave Yuto a nudge.
“Only…. He doesn't have any formal wear……and….”
“And you want to get some for him…. right?”
“Right!” Yuto nodded and his smile faded slightly as he noticed the stern look upon his caretaker’s face.
“Alright, I think we can do that” Misaki’s face brightened up as he smiled and nodded.
“Thank you Misaki!” Yuto jumped up and down as he grabbed Keito’s hands and smiled happily at him.
Keito worried as he sat in the car on the way to the tailor’s shop, he worried as the man began to take his measurements, and he worried as they left the shop. But it seemed no matter how much he worried, a look at the still smiling Yuto beside him made it all go away….
When they returned to the office building, Keito stepped out of the car and turned to thank Yuto and Misaki.
“M-Misaki?” Yuto asked as the man in the car beside him merely nodded. Happily Yuto jumped out of the car and ran after the boy that made his heart flutter, he jumped and grabbed his wrist, catching him by surprise.
“Y-Yuto?” Keito stumbled a little as a familiar tingling feeling began to radiate through his body. The same one he couldn’t quite identify…
“I just…. want to thank you.. for coming with me…” The younger boy gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek and after a moment’s hesitation, he hugged him gratefully before waving goodbye and running back to the car.
“B-Bye….” Keito was speechless as the car drove off. He found himself strangely alone again… it was something he was used to…. but lately….. something had changed. Late at night Keito would lay awake in the blankets, or in the small youth hostel he stayed in, and he would just think…. He tried his best to figure out what that strange feeling was in his heart… He tried his best to figure out why being around Yuto made him go weak at the knees and hard for him to speak… it seemed that no matter what, he always ended up back at Yuto…
Tonight in particular, Keito found himself tossing and turning on the rooftop, the comfort of the blankets seemed lost on him now and he sat up. Noticing the distant dark clouds he quickly grabbed all the blankets, taking care to fold them neatly and hid them under the small alcove that housed the door into the building. With a sigh he sat down in the small chair that awaited him beneath its shelter and waited for the coming rain. As he sat quietly, hearing the sounds of honking car horns and motorist who were clamoring to get home before the storm came, a sort of peace came over him, and even if for just that moment, he gained a bit of clarity. Pulling out his small notebook he smiled as he brushed the cover, remembering the way Yuto returned it to him nervously. He sighed as the distant roaring skies began to envelop him in a steady drizzle and the monotonous droning of rain against the small metal roof began to accompany him, with a final dig into his bag, he pulled out a pen and flipped to an empty page…..
The shadows that you see passing me….. that’s all they stay to me….. shadows.
No one stops to look at me, no one stops to talk to me…..no one knows who I am.
I remember all those words but now… It seems that I don't understand them anymore. Lately I’ve found myself so… weak. I cant stand to be alone anymore, not after I’ve met Yuto. What’s happening to me? Whenever I sit here by myself, a small part of me wants so badly to see him, to hear him sneak up behind me… Whenever I sleep… I just breathe in the familiar scent that bathes the blankets and it brings me peace. Is it because I’ve come to depend on him? What happens when I lose him? Life was so unbearable with just my own thoughts, I struggled to get through each day by myself. Is Yuto here to test me?
No… I don't think the world is that cruel… a part of me knows that. I’ve worked my whole life to be strong, to be able to stand by myself. Now that someone has appeared, someone who has stepped into the light and become more than a passing shadow…can I let him in?
I already have haven’t I?
The still nights seem brighter with him beside me, and the bitterest of colds don't phase me… so long as I’m with him…..
Whenever Yuto’s around, my heart beats twice as fast, my hands get shaky, and my mind seems to think all by itself. I want to….. hug him… I want to relive that one kiss, even though it was so embarrassing…. I want to… just be with him….
Tell me….
Is this love?
I’ve been wondering for quite some time now… is this love?
Do I love you Nakajima Yuto?
Keito closed the book, clipping the pen to the cover. He sighed as he looked into the mirage of water that poured down before him.
“I don't know what this is yet… but I’ll find out….” He promised himself as he leaned back upon the rough cement walls and fell asleep upon the small chair.
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The next day, Yuto didn't come to the rooftop, and Keito was left to his own devices, with nothing to do, he sat and he thought the day away. There was something that seemed to be in the corner of his mind, something that he had forgotten….
Keito paused only long enough to grab a meal from his friend at the local sushi restaurant in the area, naturally he couldn’t eat the absolutely perfect pieces of sushi that were for the customers, but the man was a gentle older man who would give him his meals with scraps of fish or the occasional piece of beef and vegetables.
After that, he returned to his perch atop the building and sat in silence as he re-read his journal entry over and over again, trying to ignore the annoying feeling that kept pestering him.
“Mou… what did I forget!? What’s bothering me so much?!” He whined as he scratched his head confusedly. Then as if by a bolt of lightning a sudden image flashed into his head.
“Yuto was…. crying…..” He said to himself as he clutched his chest when a sudden heavy feeling landed upon his chest.
“Why?” He asked as the image seemed to bring him more and more pain.
No matter how much he thought about it… he couldn’t find the answer….
Eventually day turned into night, and he walked over to the small overhang that housed the blankets, the ground would still be too wet tonight to sleep on, so the chair would have to do for now…
“Excuse me… Okamoto Keito-kun?” A man’s voice asked as Keito turned around quickly, hiding the blankets behind his back. Once again he asked himself why he bothered to do such a trivial thing…..
“Y-Yes?”
“Ohh so that's where Yuto-kun’s favorite blanket went… I was looking for that…” The man’s voice grew louder as a figure approached him from the darkness of the overhang.
“Misaki…”
“Yes, its nice to see you again, I have come to ask that you return to Yuto-kun’s home with me tonight, The Nakajima Family’s benefit is tomorrow and we will ensure that you will be best dressed for the event.” Misaki bowed.
“W-we? As in you and Yuto?”
“We… as in me and the staff…”
“And Yuto?”
“I understand you want to see him.. but Yuto doesn’t know that I am here, he has had his own problems to deal with today.. and we his staff would like to take care of what we can….” Misaki gestured towards the door again. This time, Keito followed. He walked down to the familiar car that awaited them at the ground floor.
When the car set in motion, Keito felt himself relax, only slightly at first, but then a more pressing matter, the same matter that had puzzled him all day returned.
“Misaki…. When you said Yuto had his own problems.. what did you mean?”
“I think… that is best left to Yuto to tell you…”
“Does it have to do with why he was crying the other day?”
“Just wait…Keito-kun, Yuto will tell you everything, if only you could wait until tomorrow night….” The older man said as he nodded to a house in the distance.
The Nakajima Manor was a huge private estate, Keito gasped as he watched the huge Koi pond in the front, the vast multitudes of flowers the bloomed happily along the gates, and the small and simple garden that grew in front of the house.
When he got out of the car, a few maids approached him, bringing him in anxiously and hiding him away into a corridor. They rushed as they brought him into a private room and ushered him into a seat as the maids began immediately to ask if he would like anything to eat first.
“N-No it’s okay….” He shook his head
“Are you sure? I imagine being up there all day hasn't afforded you much to eat.” Misaki chuckled as he set a plate down before Keito on a desk.
“I don’t want to take advantage of this situation… of you…” Keito shook his head again as he pushed the plate further away.
“It’s okay…. If its for our young master Yuto, we would gladly do anything if it meant his happiness.” One of the maids bowed as she pushed the plate gracefully back in his direction.
“That is how we all feel, so please, do not worry about taking advantage of us… while you are eating, we will draw you a bath…” Misaki nodded to the other maid who bowed and excused herself. Keito knew he was defeated now, and accepted a pair of chopsticks.
“S-So…. this is Yuto’s family’ s house….i-it’s very impressive..” Keito tried to start some small talk.
“This house is Yuto’s house, his father only returns here to Tokyo when the benefit is held, and his mother returns from France only twice a year.” Misaki replied quietly as he sat down opposite Keito, who suddenly felt very ashamed for asking such a question.
“I-I see….” He nodded his understanding before gratefully digging into his plate. Just as he finished, the maid that Misaki dismissed returned to tell them everything was ready.
When the maids left Keito alone in a grand bathroom he noticed the bath had been drawn for him, a simple tub cascading with water as it overflowed into a border that collected the water and forced it back into the tub in the form of a massage. He had only heard of such things in spas, but clearly… to him…. this was one…
Quietly and quickly he took a bath, making sure to clean himself from head to toe and he stepped out of the waters to find a towel and the softest silk garments and robes waiting for him on the small sink counter. Beside the garments lay a small bag that he recognized immediately as his own clothes, neatly laundered and folded.
“Okamoto-kun, are you ready?” Someone asked from the other side of the door and Keito scurried to put on the garments and rushed out.
“So-Sorry..” He bowed as the maid smiled and shook her head.
“It’s okay… Yuto-kun likes to take long baths as well. Please follow me….” She gestured down the hallway and led him into another room. This time a pair of women approached him and nodded.
“We will be styling your hair and helping you with any other problems you may encounter in the night. Etiquette will be part of the lesson, but we suppose that simple common sense should get you through the night.” One of the women nodded as the other began to run a series of combs through Keito’s hair.
Over the next two hours, the women drilled him on the “proper” way to do things at a formal party, they tugged on his hair, treated it with products that transformed it from its usual appearance to a soft silky and luxurious style that Keito himself hadn’t thought possible. Though remembering everything they threw at him was difficult, he did his best…. For Yuto’s sake at least. He couldn’t afford to embarrass him.
“Keito-kun? We will have a review in the morning, for now, the hour is late, and rest is important.” Misaki dismissed the two women who politely bowed and left.
“If you would follow me…. “ The man bowed again as he led Keito up a set of stairs and down a hallway.
“You know… I can tell… Yuto likes you… quite a bit.” Misaki blurted out half way, almost causing Keito to stumble.
“W-What?”
“Aha, I’m sorry, I just thought it would be very obvious by now…. “
“H-Hm..?”
“I’m glad though….Yuto who has spent his whole life sheltered by the arms of his family, has finally found someone….I’ve been caring for Yuto since he was very young…. When I was out of a job and almost broke… I ran into him by chance and he… despite his very small age….. pleaded with his father to hire me.” Keito noticed the man was smiling happily as he recounted the story. It seemed everyone Yuto had touched had that sort of look… himself included…
“I owe my life to him really… I imagine if it were not for this job…. I would be in debt somewhere… but in any case…. I vowed to protect him… to raise him to the best of my ability, he’s my little brother… and it seems that now… he’s fallen for you….” Misaki turned to look at Keito as the two stopped in the middle of their walk.
“Do you…. Feel the same way?”
“I….” Keito stammered but was hushed by the man.
“I know…. It must be difficult for you to realize your feelings now… but.. don’t dismiss them entirely…..” He smiled as he opened a set of doors revealing a grandly designed bedroom.
“You will stay here tonight, anything you need, just let us know and we will provide, Yuto’s room is next door to yours.. if you’d like to see him.” Misaki bowed and excused himself.
As the quietness of the house sunk in, Keito debated whether or not to visit… in such a different environment would be a good thing, he figured as he walked in the direction of the next room. Noticing it was open… he gently rapped against the wooden frame but no response. It was then that heard something… mumbling…
Slowly Keito crept into the room to see Yuto asleep upon his own bed, dressed in the same silky pajamas except where his were silvery, Yuto’s were white.
“Mnnh…Kei..to…” Yuto grumbled in his sleep as he turned over and yanked the blanket that was covering him over his shoulder.
Seeing as how Yuto was sleeping, Keito resolved to wait until tomorrow to see him, but as he was leaving….. that strange feeling took over him again as he suddenly turned about and walked over to the side of the bed. He saw the angelic look upon Yuto’s face and he smiled. He had never… felt like this before. Slowly he knelt down until he was at level with Yuto and he whispered a single…
“Thank you…” Before giving the boy a soft kiss on his exposed cheek and turning out the small lamp that lit the room. He shut the door and went to his own bed and for the first time in a long while…. Slept peacefully.
The next morning, Keito awoke to the feeling of someone pouncing on the bed and when he finally managed to pry open one eye he noticed a smiling Yuto beside him.
“Keitooooooo!” He called as he gave the boy a hug.
“You’re much more active in the mornings aren’t you?”
Yuto nodded.
“Breakfast is here.” A maid’s voice called from Yuto’s room.
“I’m in here!” Yuto returned. The maid Keito recognized from the night before appeared at the door, walking over she brought two trays of food one for each boy and shortly dismissed herself.
“S-So… tonight’s the night.” Keito felt his awkward attempt for small talk flop again.
“Yes..” Yuto said as he paused a little before taking a bite of his omelet.
“Yuto…is there something… that you’re not telling me?” Keito thought it would be best to tackle the issue head on.
“N-No..”
“You’re lying aren’t you.”
“N-No! I’m not!” Quickly Yuto stuffed his mouth full with three pieces of steamed carrots.
It was clear that he was going to get no where like this…
“Okamoto-kun, if you would please follow me.. we will need to review your etiquette, you may see Yuto later tonight.” Misaki appeared as Keito nodded.
As he walked away Keito turned to see Yuto pouting on the bed as he absent-mindedly moved things around his plate. Then looking up, the younger boy noticed Keito’s gaze and forced a smile and mouthed a single “bye”
After being drilled upon which fork to use for this, and what to do when you drop a napkin, a spoon, or a knife… Keito couldn’t wait for night to come. As soon as the two women who trained him deemed him ready, he was pulled to bedroom he had stayed in the night before. The bed was now neatly made, the corners crisp as if pressed flat with an iron. Now there lay a different set of clothes waiting for him, a simple tuxedo sprawled across the bed, it’s shirt open and welcoming to him.
Although he had never worn one of these before, Keito found the process was rather easy, he pulled on the coat at last and looked at himself in the mirror. Personally, he thought he looked more like a butler but if this was what it took…
“I guess it can’t be helped” He mumbled as he straightened the small tie around his neck.
“Keito-kun? It’s time to go, Yuto will be coming after us, he will be meeting with his father and mother first. We will go to the event and wait for him.” Misaki bowed as he gestured in the direction of the door. The same grand car awaited Keito as he stepped the last few feet out of the mansion and he winced as he suddenly gained a new respect for people who could stand such stiff formal shoes.
“Don’t worry they’ll loosen during the night, they’re just new that's all.” Misaki smiled as he shut the door and they were off.
After a short 15 minute drive, the party arrived before a large mansion, except this one had a sign in front of it, signifying its importance as “Kyoraku Hall”. Slowly Keito crept into the building and after assuring Misaki that he would be alright on his own, fell into a short little hallway near the table of hors d’oeuvres the waiters stopped at. He noticed the shimmering gems that hung around every lady’s neck, and the brilliant golden rings that they wore. He was sure if given the chance, they could blind them by letting the light hit them at just the right angle.
“Attention! Your attention please! Our great foundation’s chairman and chairlady have arrived. We welcome Master and Mistress Nakajima and their sons Yuto and Raiya Nakajima!” A stout man announced from the top of the stairs that led to the back of the room.
Keito watched intently as a man and a woman, dressed in a pure white stepped down slowly from the top. Even if the announcement hadn’t been made, Keito was sure the spotlight would still have been on them. As the man and woman reached the bottom of the steps, Keito gasped as he noticed just how radiant they were. The man, Yuto’s father was a well built man, he shared the same eyes, the same nose, and the calm atmosphere.. whereas Yuto’s mother was a peaceful compassionate looking woman, they shared they same complexion, both glowing with a soft paleness that seemed to relax everyone around them.
“Yuto….” Keito stood in awe as a form stepped up to the top of the stairs again, and slowly stepped down. The boy who had been jumping around in his mind certainly looked nothing like the one who was walking down now. Where Keito pictured the same Yuto who appeared to him the first night, the Yuto that walked gracefully down the grand staircase was far….. different. The small casual t-shirt that he wore was now a tuxedo jacket, pure white like his parents, except his seemed to be lined with the softest of greens. The pair of jeans that he usually wore were now a pair of snowy white pants that were perfectly fit to reveal the boy’s slender legs and at the same time provide enough space for comfort. Yuto was…. amazing…
Keito had been so focused on Yuto he had hardly noticed a smaller boy holding Yuto’s hand as the two boys traversed the steps. It was clear at once they were siblings, and Keito wondered whether or not Yuto had ever mentioned it to him.
“I must not have been listening….” He sighed as he resolved to pay better attention from here on.
Keito’s moment of thought was interrupted as the room burst into a chorus of applause when the family reached the bottom of the stairs and the room lit up as dozens of cameras flashed, and photographers clamored about, trying to get the best possible picture for their magazines.
In an instant Yuto’s eyes locked onto Keito as he smiled happily while holding absolutely still for the rest of the photos. He had enough of a break to raise a single finger up to his cheek, signaling for Keito to just wait “one more second”.
“So that’s him huh?”
“Yeah, that’s him… god he’s cute.”
“Yeah he’s not bad… maybe you can lend him to me one day hm?”
“You wish, he’s all mine…”
Keito looked at the small crowd that stood before him and he spied a group of three boys about his age standing on the edge of the gathering. Quietly he crept up to them and listened.
“When it happens, Yuto will be all mine, and I will do whatever the hell I want to him” One of the boys cackled.
“I can’t believe you’re so lucky….”
“Yeah seriously, What I would give to get into those pants….” One of the other boys nodded
“Yeah well boys….. too bad what’s between those legs belongs to ME now” The boy in the middle chuckled.
By now Keito was boiling over with anger, he couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were talking about Yuto as if he were little more than an item one could buy at a store!
Keito made up his mind and sternly walked into the group, making sure to run his shoulder into the boy’s arm.
“HEY! Watch it!” The boy immediately retaliated and Keito turned around to look at him.
“Get over yourself, jerk.” As much as Keito wanted to punch the boy now, he held himself back with sheer will alone.
“What did you call me?!” The boy grabbed Keito’s shirt, trying to lift him, but Keito stood his ground.
“A jerk..”
“You…”
“Keito!” Yuto’s voice cut through everything as the tension seemed to dissapear when the younger boy appeared.
“Hi Yuto….” The boy said creepily and for a moment, Keito saw the look of terror in Yuto’s eyes as he looked at the jerk of a boy he was picking a fight with.
“K-Keito… let’s go…” Yuto pulled and tugged on Keito’s arm trying to drag him away.
“Hey wait, aren’t you going to introduce us?” The boy said as his “posse” stood on either side of him.
“This…. is Keito, and that is-“ As much as Yuto tried to speed through the introduction, the boy jumped in and slow things down.
“I’m Takeo, Yuto’s fiancé.”
The boy, Takeo seemed to note the small twinge in Keito’s expression when the words left his mouth, and he smirked evilly.
“Let’s go Keito…” Yuto pleaded and pulled him away into a quiet hallway just outside of the main room.
“Yuto…. Is what he said true?”
“H-He….”
“It is isn’t it? This is what you meant when you said that you may not be able to return to the rooftop anymore isn’t it?!” Keito began to feel frantic
“Keito I..I didn’t want you to find out… I was hoping you two would never meet….”
“Well we did… and I can’t believe you! You have a fiancé!”
“That I don't love! I don't love him like I… Like I…”
“Like what!”
“Like I love you!” Yuto cried as he almost fell to his knees and begged for Keito’s forgiveness.
“I don't want to… I didn’t want to….!” Yuto continued
“Then you still should have told me!” Keito walked off as his mind was a flurry of thoughts. As he walked each step he felt himself tear into pieces as a part of him wanted to go back and comfort the softly crying boy and another part wanted nothing more than to be alone again.
Keito finally stopped as he reached a stone bench that overlooked the only pond on the property. He sat down solemnly as the last few hours replayed in his head.
He remembered the way Yuto looked when he walked down the stairs, the way he smiled at him and cutely raised that one finger… and then he remembered overhearing the conversation and finally the one part that stuck in his mind.
“I’m Takeo, Yuto’s fiancé”
The words haunted him as he felt himself split into a third part, except this part wanted nothing more than to just...cry...
(>'_')><('_'<) (>'_')><('_'<) (>'_')><('_'<) (>'_')><('_'<) (>'_')><('_'<) (>'_')><('_'<)
Hua! So…. this story is my attempt to write an artistic story…. Please let me know how badly I failed…….. T_T. Sorry this chapter is so long! Hopefully the next chapter wont take so long to write….. Hopefully………
Once again, Comments are <3
~Emmie