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Man Of Probabilities - Chapter 71
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Shinobu Naoyuki’s POV
One week have passed since I started being a free loader in Kazuya’s small apartment and while he is in his work, I started searching for a new place for the two of us.
“Are you sure, you are not busy tomorrow? What about your job? I’m fine going there on my own.” I told him on Monday morning when I am helping him to fix his necktie.
“It’s okay, I will just take a rest day from my work. And besides, I am also excited to see what our new place will look like.”
“Okay, but just make sure not to complain about anything when you see it.”
“Of course, I won’t. I am confident in your skills in choosing the best just like how you choose me.”
“Ahahaha, please stop your flirting so early in the morning. You are going to be late in your work.
“Ah! It’s almost time. I will back as soon as work is over. Bye.” He keeps pouting his lips waiting for me to kiss him.
“Yes, be careful in your way. Bye.” I kiss his lips and push him out of the door before he starts to ask for more.
The next day, I borrowed Hisashi’s car to drive to the new place but Kazuya insisted to drive instead of me. Maybe he is still concerned about me getting in a car accident and so he strongly opposes to the idea of letting me take the wheel and drive.
“Are you sure that we are going in the right direction? This is the exact road going to my workplace.” Kazuya asked as we take another turn on the road.
“Yeah, I am sure. Just stop there, in front of that two-story house at the left.”
“What?! Did you just buy that big house?”
“Yes.”
“But I thought that you we are just getting a larger apartment or a condominium unit just like your place before.”
“I wanted to have a larger place. And besides, didn’t you hate taking the stairs to my place every time the elevator is not working.”
“Still, isn’t this house kind of expensive? What about the payment? I should be paying half of it if you just told me beforehand.”
“It’s okay, I still have plenty of cash from the sale of the land where my clinic was.”
“Then what is your plan about your job? Are you not planning to build a new clinic? You should have just used that money to build a new clinic of yours.”
“I am still thinking about it, though the school where Hisashi is working is inviting me to be their school’s official doctor so maybe I might consider taking their job offer.”
“That sounds good.”
We step inside the newly purchased house that I bought and it really looks big inside. It has a large master’s bedroom and three extra rooms including a guest room in the first floor. There is also a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub where two people can fit in. The living room is also spacious and bright which I really like because I am planning to buy a new cat tree for Naoya which will perfectly fit the place.
“Yuki, are you really sure about having this expensive looking place? Please don’t tell me that you used up all your savings for this.”
“Don’t worry, I still have plenty of savings with me. And besides, I will not be scared to run out money because I got a very hardworking lover like you.”
“Geez, yeah, I am willing to work for the of us so you will not even need to lift a finger.”
“You are really the best.”
“So, when are we going to move here?”
“We can move now if you want.”
“Really?” I can almost see his imaginary tail wagging.
“No. I’m just kidding. We still need to buy some furniture and I still have to pick up my things from my parents’ place.”
It takes us a whole to move in to our new home and finally, we are able to settle down just a few days before April 30, my birthday.
“Hey Yuki, what are your plans for your birthday?” Kazuya asked while we are eating our breakfast.
“Why? Are you planning to surprise me?”
“No, I am just looking forward spending it all alone with you after all, it’s been almost three years since we celebrated your birthday together.”
“Eh, but I am actually planning to invite everyone to come here to do a house warming party at the same time.”
“But Yuki… Can we just celebrate that on another day? Can we just celebrate your birthday alone together?” he is trying to give me his puppy eyes trying to convince me but I already have something special planned for my birthday.
“No, I want to do it to save some time and money.”
“Humph.” he started pouting and it is really cute.
“Kazuya, don’t be mad. We can still have our time together after they leave. I’m all yours for the whole night.”
“You promise that, I will remember that. Prepare yourself for the whole night on your birthday.”
“Yes, I will, bulldozer-kun”
“Hey, stop calling me that.”
“Bull-Do-Zer-kun~”
“Stop. Stop. Stop.”
As he left for work, I immediately started contacting my friends to invite them on my birthday. Luckily, the day falls down on weekend so everyone has no excuse not to go.
And finally, after days of simple preparations, my special day has come.
*ding**dong*
I opened the door and it was Hisashi and Miyoshi who first arrive.
“Here, this is our gift for you.” Hisashi handed me a sealed paper bag with some ribbons.
“And here are some cookies that we baked together as a house warming gift.” Miyoshi presented a box full of cute shaped cookies.
“Thank you. Come in, and have a seat first. Kazuya and I are still not done cooking all the dishes.”
“I can help.” Hisashi volunteered.
“No. Just stay here. You can just babysit Naoya if you want to help.” I stop him from going in the kitchen because I know that it will only slow down Kazuya if they started arguing about random things again.
I am only in the kitchen for a few minutes helping Kazuya to mix some sauce when the doorbell rings again.
“Nii-san Happy Birthday.” Koharu gives me a big hug the moment I open the door.
“Happy Birthday Naoyuki-san. I have prepared a gift for you, please take it and enjoy.” Sorashi makes a formal bow and gave me a box of colorful mochi.
“Thank you, I will definitely enjoy this. Please come in and wait at the living room while we prepare the food.”
I lead them to the living room where Hisashi was actually waiting for them.
“Hey you dude, come here and sit beside me.” Hisashi immediately calls Sorashi to sit next to him.
*ding**dong*
I walk back to the door and open it for the new guest.
“Nao, it’s been a while. I really miss you! I’m sorry but I got too excited and forget to bring my gift for you. I promise to give it on my next visit.” Hisashi’s brother, Satoshi-nii happily enters the living room and started nagging Hisashi when he saw him pressuring Koharu and Sorashi and thought that he is bullying the kids.
After 10 minutes, Kazuya finally finishes preparing all the food including the desserts. I still wanted to wait for my last guest but he suddenly sent me a message.
‘I’m sorry but I think I will be late. Just start the party without me.’ -Shinjiro
“Ok guys, come on and let’s eat.” I call everyone in the dining table and proudly serve the food the Kazuya cooked for us.
“Wow, this taste like something I can only eat from a fancy restaurant, are you sure that these are all cooked by you?” Satoshi-nii who is seating next to me asks Kazuya after tasting the food.
“Yes, I am still learning to cook some of those dishes but I’m glad to know that you like it.”
“Hisashi, I think you should start asking Kazuya-san to teach you how to cook.” Miyoshi tells Hisashi who is seating next to him from the other side of the table.
“Tskkk, I can cook better if I only I am not too busy with my work.”
“That’s not a valid excuse. You have plenty of time during weekends but you always choose to laze around the house all day.”
“Hmmmp, just wait and see. I will do better than you Kazuya.” He shoots glare towards Kazuya who is sitting next to me.
“Sora~ here you should eat more meat. And this, and this.” Sitting next to them was Koharu and Sorashi and I just witness how Koharu keeps filling up Sorashi’s plate.
“Please don’t transfer all the vegetables from your plate.” Sorashi puts back the vegetables that Koharu secretly put in his plate when he thought that he wasn’t looking.
“But I don’t like the taste of those cabbages.”
“Just eat it so you will be healthier.” Sorashi put a piece of cabbage in his chopstick and directly feed Koharu.
Did I just witness them flirting publicly again?
My mouth was hanging open as I continue watching them feed each other in front of Satoshi who is not paying attention because he is busy eating his food that he didn’t even notice them flirting right in front of him.
“Yuki, here taste this one.” Kazuya put a slice of meat in my mouth when I turn to look at him. He also closed my mouth afterwards as it stayed open when I turn to look at Koharu again and see them whispering at each other.
“Yuki, just focus on me.” Kazuya grabs my chin and turn my head to face him.
“But, Koharu and-“
“Just ignore them. They are just having fun just like us.”
*ding**dong*
“I think Shinjiro is finally here.” I stand up and walks towards the door.
“I’m very sorry for being late. There was an urgent call so I wasn’t able to leave the hospital on time.”
“It’s okay, we just got started eating.”
“By the way, here is my gift for you.” He gave me a bottle of my favorite expensive white wine.
“Thank you very much. Come on, let’s go. I’ll introduce you to everyone whom you haven’t met yet.”
We walk in the dining area and everyone stops eating when they saw Shinjiro walking in.
“Some of you haven’t met him so I would like to take this opportunity to introduce him. This is Shigure Shinjiro, he is my friend and senior back in the university.”
“Hello, nice to meet you.” Shinjiro awkwardly looks at everyone who are staring at him.
“I’m Kazuya.” He suddenly stands up from his chair and introduced himself like a kid in elementary school.
“Yeah, Nao loves to talk about you.”
“I’m Hisashi, Nao’s best friend. We already see each other back then but we didn’t have a chance to talk.”
“Yes, I remember you are the one who was always with him during our university days.”
Miyoshi is too shy to speak and introduce himself and so I just cut off the introductions and let Shinjiro to sit and eat.
“Shin, you take your seat next to Satoshi.”
“Hello, I’m Satoshi, Hisashi’s older brother.”
“Oh, hello.” He sits next to Satoshi who immediately resume eating after briefly introducing himself.
As everyone enjoys the food, we decided to get some drinks to add more fun and besides, everyone here are already in the legal age to drink so there is nothing to worry about.
After a while, Satoshi started a strange drinking game as he drinks straight a can of beer to challenge us all, though nobody really took him seriously and we all just casual enjoy our drinks. Maybe he is really in the good mode after eating Kazuya’s dishes because he started talking to Shinjiro who is seating next to him and the next thing I know, they already look close as if they are friends since birth after spending only a short time talking and drinking together.
“Yuki, please don’t get drunk and wasted. You still have to fulfill your promise tonight.” Kazuya whispered to me when he saw me opening my third can of beer.
“It’s okay, I can hold my liquor well. Just worry about yourself.” How can I even forget how lightweight is Kazuya when it comes to drinking even a glass of beer?
“Hey, come on bro, please drink moderately.” Hisashi is trying to stop Satoshi from drinking when he notices the huge number of empty cans between him and Shinjiro.
“Hey, stop nagging your brother, we are just having fun here.” Shin pushes Hisashi away from Satoshi.
“Ahh, whatever! If you ever get drunk here, I will just drag you out and leave you on the road later.”
“See? Can you now see how my cute little brother turned into a grumpy guy like this? He is too mean.” He complains to Shin.
“Don’t worry bro, I will take care of you if you ever get wasted. I wont ever let you stay on the road.”
“You are the best bro.”
“Because you are also my best bro.”
I don’t even know if they are just too close or they are just acting like that because they are already drunk. I don’t want to say it but the two of them really looks like they are gay for each other. I can almost imagine flowers blooming on the background as they pat each other’s shoulders and look at each other’s eyes.
“Ah, Nao I have something to ask.” Satoshi-nii caught me staring at them and he suddenly turn around from his seat to face me. “Do you guys have a karaoke?” He looks at me with shining eyes as he anticipates my answer.
I actually wanted to lie and tell him that we don’t have that because I really have a bad feeling about being forced to sing but I also don’t want to disappoint Satoshi-nii.
“We actually got one that came as a freebie from our brand-new television set.” I really hope that I wont regret this answer later.
“Really?! Then let’s go and let the party started.” He runs across the dining area and went straight to our living room to set up the sound system.
Yes, that was a bad decision coming from me. He will definitely force us all to sing just like how he used to do with Hisashi and I when we were young.
“Come on guys, let’s all sing and let our feelings be heard.” He started pulling everyone to the living room to start forcing each one of us to sing.
“Satoshi, what do you think are you doing now?” Hisashi asks his brother sounding a little annoyed.
“What’s wrong? Isn’t this more fun than just sitting around the table? Right Shin?” He turns towards Shinjiro who is sitting next to him at the sofa.
“Yeah whatever. But don’t you dare force me to sing.” Hisashi takes his seat to a spot next to Miyoshi. “Nao, I’m really sorry for my brother’s drunk behavior. I think, he is really drunk now after that drinking battle with Shinjiro-san.”
“No, it’s alright. I am actually having fun to see him and Shinjiro acting happy and carefree for once.”
“I am also afraid that my brother will start having another drama about his ex-fiancé if he continues drinking more.”
“What? You mean his fiancé three years ago? So, Satoshi-nii still haven’t move on about her?”
“Yes, I think he still cannot accept the fact that his ex-fiancé got married to another guy just after a year after the two of them broke up.”
“Oh, I think that really hurts Satoshi-nii’s feelings, after all, they were together for many years.”
“I really hope that he will find a new one for him to start forgetting about his past. I am really getting tired of listening to his dramas every time he gets drunk. “Hisashi keeps complaining about all the dramas that Satoshi-nii has done throughout the past three years.
“Hisashi! Come on and be the first one to sing here.” Satoshi-nii came back to our direction while carrying the mic to give it to Hisashi.
“I already told you that I will not sing!”
“Come on, don’t be shy~ I already picked a good song for you.” He keeps shoving the mic to his hands and a clearly random song he selected starts playing in the background.
“No, I won’t sing.”
“Then it’s your time to shine Nao.”
“Eh?!” How can he even switch me as the next target so easily?
“If you sing first, I am sure that everyone will sing after you.”
“I also want to hear you sing Yuki.” Kazuya looks like he really wanted to hear me sing with his eyes glimmering and so I take a gulp of my beer before accepting the mic and steps in front of the tv. Fortunately, it is a song I am quite familiar after hearing it multiple times in the television.
**[STORY OF COLORS by **UDUKI ARATA cv. Hosoya Yoshimasa]
~Your love too, your kindness too, and all the things you gave me. I will remember them in the waver of a falling cherry blossom… Foolish wishes and reasons are drawn inside my heart although I want to become stronger, I’ll never be as much as you are. The present me wants to convey something as I still stand in place. ~
Kazuya has fixed his gaze towards me the whole time and it only makes my heart skips a bit every time our eyes meet.
~Your joy too, sorrow too, I embrace them, keeping me alive while I make a vow in the waver of falling cherry blossom. I wished for an ordinary existence and all that comes with it. Even though I always wanted to believe, I’m still one step away. Without knowing the answer, I can only dream and resist… It’s fleeting and painful but even so still good. The tears that I held back that day told me what I should do… Although the path before my eyes has no light whatsoever. Your voice will always keep on shining upon it. ~
Just like how your voice pulled me back to reality and wake me up from that very long slumber. Without you, maybe I have already given up my life without hesitation a long time ago.
~Your love too, your kindness too, and all the things you gave me are surely shining and even now, they are here with me. Your joy too, your sorrow too, I embrace them, keeping me alive while I make a vow in the waver of a falling cherry blossom together with you. ~
Kazuya is just staring at me the whole time and thanks to that, I got to experience what it feels to have a number one fan.
“Yuki, your voice is so angelic.” He said to me as soon as I go back to my seat.
“Ha! That’s what you expect from one of the kids I taught how to sing.” Satoshi-nii started bragging as he keeps selecting a lineup of random songs in the karaoke. “Hisashi you are next! Show them how I great I am in teaching the two of you.”
“Tsk. Fine. But I will choose my own song.” Hisashi take a shot of his beer just like what I did earlier before standing up.
“Miyoshi this song is for you.” I accidentally overhear his whisper to Miyoshi who is sitting next to me before he gets the song book in front of the TV.
[CHRISTMAS SONG by BACK NUMBER]
~A bell sounded from somewhere, words unlike me crossed my mind. The cold breeze is somehow feels good. Huh? Is this what a “Love” can do? Christmas eve song was repeated all over. Everything is strangely sparkling, is it because of the town? The number of times I miss you, this heart is hurt when I can’t see you. ~
Instead of watching Hisashi, I actually have fun watching Miyoshi’s different facial expression as he listened to Hisashi’s song especially dedicated for him. They definitely look cute together as I catch Hisashi getting flustered every time his gaze meets Miyoshi while he was singing.
~I want to tell you how I feel about you but it’s okay, I know myself. Even I ask Santa, it can’t be help. I want to be by your side. I want to be with you wherever you go. I want you to keep thinking only about me but if I tell you something like this, it’s not cool at all. It’ll be a long story so I’ll just make it short, I love you. ~
I cannot stop myself from smiling as keep listening to Hisashi’s song which is very unbelievable that I get to see him such a sweet and warm song just for Miyoshi. Love can really change a person.
~The playful couples wearing a red nose reindeer just too soon. They surely can do it in public. Well, it’s not that I’m envious of them. I wonder what present will make you happy. I wonder what I can give you. Even your answer when I say “I really love you” is different from what I think it would be. I won’t hate you just because of that. Wishing upon the stars isn’t like me though. In the end, it can’t be anyone but you I’m looking up. Ever since I met you, just because of this, new “me’s” I didn’t know emerge and emerge. I miss you every day, and I want you to know that. I search for you every time I pass by someone in the crowd… I’ll repeat this until you hear me, I love you.~
It was just a shame that Hisashi didn’t choose a rock song just like what Satoshi-nii always asked him to sing when we were just kids. I wonder if Miyoshi already witness how he gets wild every time he sings a rock song where he cannot stop himself from making a head bang. I can still remember that one time when he accidentally slammed his head to the wall and it left a big bump on his forehead for a long time.
“Miyoshi do you want to sing? Hisashi really went all out to dedicate a song for you, why don’t you answer him through a song too?” I try teasing him before Hisashi goes back to the seat next to him.
“Is it really okay? I am not very confident with my singing skills so uhm…”
“It’s alright. What’s more important is the message you want to convey.” I really thought that he will refuse immediately but it seems that he is really willing to sing if it is for Hisashi and so I did my best to encourage him.
“Okay! I have decided on what I will sing. But please keep in mind that my voice is not that great compared to all of you.” He bravely steps forward before Satoshi-nii can even ask for a new volunteer.
He snatched the mic from Hisashi who looks a little surprise to see him stepping out bravely. And yet again, they whispered something to each other before Hisashi walks back to his seat with his face all red.
Everyone turned quiet as the music started to play again and Miyoshi looks a little shy standing in front but I make a thumbs up sign to encourage him.
[NOSTALGIC RAINFALL by CHICO WITH HONEYWORKS]
~After school, by the shoe lockers, the sound of rain rings out, as you set off running without an umbrella, your shirt gets wet. Since you’re an adult I can’t actually reach out to you, I wish I could be the rain… able to touch you easily. Let me touch you…~
Miyoshi’s voice is so soft and calming while he sings the song and it really cute the way he sings it.
~1: Don’t treat me like a child 2: Trying to be kind by dodging the question is even worse. I love you (can you hear me?) I love you! Right now, I’d soar over the puddles~
~After the rain, a rainbow spans the sky, and our eyes finally met. You’re so clueless about love… and that’s why! The water droplets glisten in the summer blue. Lu-lu-la-la, I’m falling in love After the rain…~
Hisashi on the other hand is getting a little teary eyed like a proud father watching his kid take up the stage alone. He definitely looks like a die-hard fan watching his idol sings in front of him, and I can almost imagine that he is holding a light stick with Miyoshi’s name shining bright.
~Huh? My first kiss? Of course, I’ve had it [or so I lie] Come on! I am an appropriate adult now, so be careful how you treat me, alright? I try pushing forward (pushing forward) I try drawing back (drawing back) What am I doing? In the end, I end up pushing forwards…~
I wanted to tease Hisashi so badly as he keeps fanboying over Miyoshi but I don’t want to interrupt him and make him miss any moment of the performance and so I decided to just continue watching them until the end and save my teasing for later.
~As I take shelter from the rain alone, the coffee is more bitter than usual and before I know it, I’ve been dyed to your color. Ah, how much better I’d feel if I could just stop but I cannot stop… Whether it be ‘I like you’, or ‘I love you’. You don’t notice any of them even though I’m saying them for real… Lu-lu-la-la, I’ll jump over… Lu-lu-la-la, this puddle… Lu-lu-la-la, I’m falling in love. After the rain… I won’t hesitate in this moment- I need no umbrella anymore. ~
“Hisa, you should be grateful to me after encouraging him to sing, hahaha.” I said to him as Miyoshi finishes his song.
“Yeah, thanks for letting me hear that. I really wished that I have recorded his performance.”
“Eh? Really? I am actually recording everyone’s performance since the beginning. Are you willing to pay for it?” Kazuya suddenly butt in to our conversation.
“What do you mean by that? When did you start recording?” I asked him as soon as I realized that I was also recorded by it.
“When Satoshi-san asked me to help him set up the karaoke earlier. I took the opportunity to put my camera in front of the TV. It’s been recording everything since the very beginning.”
“Ahh, why do you even do that?’
“Because Satoshi-san promised me to show you sing in front.”
“How much money do you want?” Hisashi who suddenly kept quiet breaks his silence with an offer to Kazuya.
“Hmm, well it will depend on the length of the whole video.”
“I only want Miyoshi’s part.”
“But I will still need to edit it for you which will cause an additional fee.” Kazuya sounds like a conman trying to take advantage of Hisashi.
“I don’t care how much. Just give me a copy of it as soon as possible.”
“Okay deal. Prepare your money tomorrow when I send you the copy.” They make a hand shake to seal their deal.
“Deal.” For the first time after a long time, I witness the two of them have an agreement without getting into an idiotic argument.
“What are you talking about?” Miyoshi finally escapes from Satoshi-nii’s grasp and manage to go back to his seat.
“Nothing.” Hisashi sit up straight trying to look innocent.
“But I heard a deal. What’s up?”
“Ah, we are just making a bet of who can sing better between you and Kazuya.” He blurted a freshly make up lie without even flinching.
“Yeah…. Huh? Wait? What?!” Kazuya got caught by Hisashi’s unbelievable excuse without even thinking.
“Come on Kazuya, it’s time for you to shine.” Hisashi pull him out of his seat and brings him in front of Satoshi-nii like a sacrifice.
“But… I don’t even know how to sing!” But it was too late because the mic is already passed in his hand and a song is already starting to play after Satoshi-nii randomly picked it for him.
I actually don’t even have the slightest idea of his singing skills and I don’t want to accept his excuse of not knowing how to sing but as soon as he sings the first line, he has proven it without a doubt.
My ears started ringing from the noise… No! I mean his voice.
His way of singing is unexplainable. I cannot even tell if the song just doesn’t fit for him or it is his voice that has a big problem. Hisashi and also Koharu who is seating at the other side covers their ears as soon as they hear Kazuya’s terrifying voice. My head is tingling as I continue listening to his song without trying to cover my ears because I don’t want to hurt his feelings.
Why do he even get excited when we got that karaoke as a freebie when we bought the tv? Why did he even forget to tell me that he is tone deaf?
I can almost see the surroundings getting blurry as I keep listening to his voice. I don’t even know that it may be possible for a person to faint due to excessive listening to unpleasant sounds. I can feel my soul leaving out of my body as the chorus of the song is approaching.
“Ah! Okay that’s enough. We already understand your point. You can now go back to your seat.” Shinjiro snatched the mic from Kazuya who looks like he was singing the song with full emotion.
“Is it really that bad?” He innocently asked.
“Yes!” Everyone answered in unison.
That was close. I really thought that I will collapse if he ever finishes the whole song.
“I think it is time for me to sing and refresh everyone’s sense of hearing.” Satoshi-nii finally feel obliged to sing on his own after that traumatizing experience. I bet that he will now stop his habit of forcing people to sing.
[PRETENDER by Official髭男 dism]
~My love story with you, it went just as expected. Once it starts, it’s a one-man show even if I stay by your side, in the end, I’m just a spectator… An “I’m sorry” without emotion. It’s as usual though it’s not bad once you get used to it. My romance with you is the pattern of life I knew it wouldn’t continue.~
~In a more different setting with a more different relation, I wish I could choose what world line at which we meet with a more different personality with a more different set of values, I wish I could convey my love but since its useless to hope. ~
Satoshi-nii started singing and he really looks like he is about to cry as he reaches the chorus of the song.
~Someone is pridefully tells of the logic of love. Not a single clicked with me. It’s like looking out of the window of a plane and seeing the night view of an unfamiliar town in a more different setting with a more different relation. I wish I could choose what world line at which we meet with a pure heart and embrace the love that came true. I wish I could say “I love you” irresponsibly even if I wished that, it’s all in vain.~
“See? He really sounded like he still cannot move on from his ex.” Hisashi keeps complaining in while Satoshi-nii keeps singing the song that have a very relatable lyric for him with full emotion.
~Goodbye! Behind our help hands is the end line. Every time its delayed in the aching future, you aren’t there to that truth I cry. It’s painful isn’t it? Goodbye. Your soulmate is not fated to be me. It’s hard but undeniable even so it’s hard to leave. Just touching your hair, it hurts and yet it feels sweet No, no. Goodbye! So, then what are you to me? I don’t know the answer I don’t want to know if there’s just one thing for sure, “You’re beautiful” … ~
“At least, he looks like is having fun now. We just have to wait for him to fall in love with a new person.” Somehow, my gaze keeps changing direction as I notice Shinjiro cheering Satoshi-nii at the side.
~If this and that are all the rules of romance It’s not that bad, although there is no eternity or promises. “You’re so beautiful”. ~
After he finished his song that is definitely dedicated to his ex, he passes down the mic to Shinjiro who was looks a little tired after cheering for him non-stop for his dramatic performance.
“Bro, it’s okay. I will break all your sadness away by my song. Watch me.” Shin winks at him before putting in his song to the karaoke.
“Pftttt.” I hold my laughter as Shin keeps acting like a drunk man.
[I FAKE ME by SORARU]
~Unfaithful rotten discipline. Fake world made of discards. Oh, everyone is merely terrified of needle tips. Bullshit, it’s all bluff stuck to the mouth. Right to the dream must be a joker… I Fake me! Fake me! What a disgusting stage! Keep on exposing each other’s fake emotion. I Fake me! Fake me! Though there’s nothing I can do. Truth of constant rush of excitement! ~
When the song started to play, I already knew that it will be a disastrous performance as the sounds of electric guitar filled the whole room.
~Bedding nothing but audaciousness, rubberneckers and scums are queuing up. Mocking laughter in harmony, song spit by a groveling underdog… Raise me! Raise me! Let me hear your voice! No Alms nor Dreams for games without defeats, don’t you think? Raise me! Would you raise me? If you can’t leave me behind! Lingering, tormented wound. Stray outcast’s my name. Dismal putting me off. Buying a trickish night, a poker face seduced…~
I never imagine seeing Shinjiro, the friend that I thought was a serious guy all these years will be drunk and started singing a very energetic song with his new found friend jamming by his side with their imaginary guitars.
~Becoming the bottom every time, I deceive, this mind and the future are going insane. Going insane. I Fake me! Fake me! See through the Fake me! Poker fake me, impeded by transience. Fake me! Trust me, though I’m taking in. Truth of constant rush of excitement! ~
I wonder what he will feel when he watches himself from the recording if I ever send it to him once they sober up. Should I use it to extort some cash from him? Hahaha I can almost imagine his embarrassment once he sees his wild performance today.
“You sound so cool. Let’s sing together next time.” Satoshi-nii compliment his best bro.
“Yeah, let’s do it later.”
After that, the last two persons who still haven’t sing are targeted by Satoshi-nii.
“Hey Koharu and you Soraki-“
“It’s Sorashi!” Koharu corrected him before he started calling him Soraki forever.
“Come on here and sing.”
I don’t even expect to see Sorashi to actually stand up instead of declining and pulls Koharu with him.
“You seriously want to sing together?” Koharu asks him as they look for a song together.
I also wanted to ask that question. I cannot even imagine that guy singing so it really something that I don’t want to miss. I look at their seat to check if Sorashi is just drunk but there are only two cans of beer left on their seat.
He is not even drunk but he is willing to sing without even complaining. I don’t even know anymore what to think about Sorashi’s personality because it is too damn hard to predict.
“Hey Kazuya, what do you think about Sorashi-kun?” I leaned towards him to whisper.
“I think he looks cool. He is taller than me and he looks very manly, I guess.”
“No, what I mean is his personality.”
“Oh, I don’t even have the slightest idea about that. He is always wearing a poker face so I cannot really guess what is going on inside his head.”
“I guess we are both thinking the same thing.”
The song started playing and the title flashed on the screen along with lively background music.
[NAIMONONEDARI by KANA-BOON x NECRY TALKIE]
~One, Two! ~
~ “You’re always complaining and whining, just like a child.”~
Koharu started singing and it really cute how he sings the song and Sorashi-kun follows up with his deep voice and his face still with no expression.
~ “But look at you, you’re always asking for too much. Just what is it that you want? Tell me.”~
~“You look this and that way… You really like pretty girls, don’t you?”~
~ “Well, that guy working at the café back there is your type, isn’t he? Answer me”~
What’s wrong with the lyrics? I can almost imagine Sorashi-kun being jealous about Koharu being attracted to a random guy who works at the café.
~ Swaying! Swaying! My heart was blown away by the wind. Swaying! Swaying! Your heart is scattered. Swaying! swaying! Our love is going to float off into space. Swaying! Swaying! It’s swaying like fluff in the air. ~
~ “Are you even listening to what I am saying?” ~
~ “Hey, hey listen, there’s a donut shop over there that’s opening next week! Ahh… I was thinking we’d go together…”~
~ “Ahh… I was thinking of bringing you along with me…”~
~ Swaying! Swaying! My heart was blown away by the wind. Swaying! Swaying! Your heart is scattered. Swaying! swaying! Our love is going to float off into space. Swaying! Swaying! It’s swaying like fluff in the air.~
Eh? What the? Don’t tell me that they practice that song together beforehand? Their performance is too great. It was a duet song that I never imagine that Sorashi-kun will agree to ever sing. The song was a total opposite of what I imagine of him and yet, his singing skills is decent compared to Kazuya’s cursed singing skills; though I bet that I will not ever find someone who sounds worse than Kazuya.
“That kid seriously pull off that song? HAHAHAHAHA. This is hilarious.” Hisashi is laughing so hard after watching the cute duet.
After everyone finally sing, I really thought that it was over and I can go ahead and do what I originally planned to do today but Satoshi speaks again upon getting back the mic from Koharu and Sorashi.
“It will not be fair if only the two of you can sing a duet, so as promised, Shin and I will be performing our duet as a finale.”
“HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.” Hisashi burst out laughing again and he almost choke from his own saliva because of it. “What the heck is wrong with my brother today? He always got a high tolerance but why do he even act like a drunk man from the very beginning?”
“I am also wondering about that, same with what is happening with Shinjiro. Did they really get drunk after their so-called drinking contest earlier?” I try to remember how many cans of beer did they finish earlier but I really didn’t see everything beneath their seats so maybe they really did drunk plenty already.
The song started and strangely, it was a Korean song.
“I think your family really have thing in singing Korean songs. I can still remember that sweet Korean song you sing for me back then.” Miyoshi said to Hisashi as soon as the title of the song appeared on the screen.
“Well, we somehow shared the music taste so maybe that’s the reason for it.” Hisashi suddenly looks shy after Miyoshi mentioned something from their past.
Everyone keeps quiet when the beat of the drum and guitars filled the room and Satoshi-nii started singing with his iconic facial expression.
[CONGRATULATIONS by DAY 6]
~I don’t even know how I can talk to you now, isn’t not, then you who talks to me anymore. And sure, I know that sometimes it gets hard, but even with all my love, what we had, you just gave it up. Thought we were meant to be, I thought that you belong to me. I play the fool instead. Oh, but then I know that this is the end.~
~So hey, there’s a couple of things I should say to you, I promise I’d be good if I could, but yeah, I’m sorry. I’m not sorry. I can’t be happy for you now. And hey, that’s great, must be nice to not feel anything, cause I’m feeling just the same way, okay. I don’t give a, aaaah! Congratulations, glad you’re doing great! Congratulations, how are you okay? How could you be so fine? Can see it in your eyes, the same look that you gave me, that kills me inside.~
Shinjiro got the mic and started singing the next part of the song.
~Yeah, really wow girl congratulations You couldn’t wait two months, so impatient, your SNS page is now full of smiley face but I’m singing this with DAY 6, so, I give you my best wishes cause I’m over you, we’re overdue, no problem saying “How do you do” Oh, I’ve been good. My days have been so good to me, thankfully. Oh, you used to be a muse to me. My best memory, truthfully. But that’s about it. The end!~
Satoshi-nii grabs back the mic when the chorus part started playing again and he eventually sing until the end with Shin running around with his imaginary drum sticks.
~Congratulations, so you win again? Congratulations, you just took away our memories so far. They’re gone, just like you are. Now, all I have is me, and it’s getting too hard. I saw it on your face, yeah! I knew you too damn well, yeah! I heard you laugh and knew that you did more than move on. I hate that you’re happy, I hate that I can’t sleep, keep thinking about how he now seems better off too just like I was with you.~
It’s not even a duet song. It was a song to be performed by a band but the two still managed to perform it nicely even though they are two drunkards. I wonder if it will be possible for them to create a band together… maybe they can also recruit Hisashi and Koharu.
“Okay, Satoshi-nii I think your performance is great knowing that it is another song for your ex-fiancé but can we stop the singing contest now?” I snatch the mics from them and immediately turn off the karaoke before they can even complain.
“Oh Yuki, I almost forget about the birthday cake that I have made for you. Let me get it in the kitchen.” Kazuya said while he gets the video recorder in front of the TV to stop the recording.
“Okay.” I immediately run back to my seat and whispered something to Miyoshi while nobody is looking.
“Miyoshi, can I ask a favor from you. You are the only one who looks normal among all the drunkards here.”
“Yeah, sure. What is it?” he answers with a low voice.
“You see, I am planning to surprise Kazuya when he gets back from the kitchen. Can you turn off the lights for twenty seconds after I blow off the candles on my cake later?”
“But why are you the one surprising him? Isn’t it your birthday?”
“It’s a secret. Just secretly turn off the lights without being notice by anyone.”
“I understand. You can trust me with that.”
“Thanks.”
We both sit back straight as soon as we saw Kazuya walking in with the strawberry cake, he made for me.
“You are really talented doing stuffs dude.” Satoshi-nii walks closer to take a closer look at the cake.
“Well, I just love cooking.” Kazuya put the candles around the cake and then light it up one by one.
“Everyone, let’s sing a happy birthday for Nao!” Shin also stands up and followed Satoshi near the cake and asks everyone to stand up and sing.
“Happy birthday to you~ Happy birthday~ Happy birthday~ Happy birthday to you~” They all stand up and sing but among them all, the voices of Satoshi and Shinjiro are the only thing that I can hear.
“Yuki, make a wish before blowing the candles.” Kazuya holds the cake in front of me.
“I wish that the next word that you will say to me is the word ‘YES’” I said loudly before blowing the candles.
“Huh?” Kazuya was confused about my wish when suddenly, the living room turns dark.
As expected, Miyoshi successfully turned off the lights just like how I asked him to do.
“Miyoshi, where are you?!” I can almost see Hisashi trying to look for him who is supposed to be by his side.
“Ah Sora, where are you?” I can hear my brother sounding so flirty in the dark.
“I’m just here. I’m not moving.” Sorashi’s voice still sounded calm and cool.
“Ahhhhh!” Satoshi screamed.
“What?! What is happening?” Shinjiro is also confused.
*thud*
I heard a loud noise before the lights went back and when I turn my head, I saw Satoshi lying underneath Shinjiro on the floor.
I just pretended that I didn’t see that scene and turn back to face Kazuya who is still in shock with the sudden black out of the room.
I kneeled down to the floor and pulled out a small box from my pocket and take a deep breath before looking in to his eyes.
“Kazuya, will you marry me?” I opened the box revealing a golden ring.
“Yes. Of course, I will.” Kazuya tears up as I pull out the old silver ring I gave to him 3 years ago and replaces it with the new golden engagement ring.
“I love you” I stand up and kissed him in the lips.
“I love you too.” He kisses me back as we temporarily forget about the other people watching us.
The real reason why I intentionally invited other people today despite of Kazuya’s wish to celebrate it alone with him is because I wanted to propose to him in front all the special people that I love.
“Congratulations!” Miyoshi and Hisashi started clapping their hands.
“Congrats nii-san.” Koharu run into my side and greeted me.
“Congratulations Naoyuki-san and Kazuya-san.” Sorashi also walks after Koharu and made a formal greeting.
“Congrats Nao. You’ve got another thing to brag about now huh?” Shinjiro shakes my hand and pats Kazuya’s shoulder.
Huh? What’s happening here? You mean you and this guy is in a relationship all along?” Out of nowhere, Satoshi-nii’s reaction is the most unique among them all. I finally remember that I never had a chance to tell it to him back then but I assumed that he still has the idea since Hisashi was taking care of everything between me and Kazuya so I thought that maybe Hisashi already told him about that.
“Yeah. The two of them are in a relationship for almost three years.” Shin answered him nonchalantly.
“Ahhhhh! Look! I never thought that my little brother will get married earlier than me.” I never thought that it will be his reaction after knowing the truth. Instead of questioning our sexuality, his main concern was that?
“It’s okay bro.” Shin who is still standing next to him tries to comfort his drunkard new friend.
“But I was supposed to be a married man by now! If only my fiancé and I didn’t break off our engagement that time! And now she is already married with the guy she started dating just after we broke up!” Satoshi started crying as he chugs down a whole can of beer he found nearby.
“It’s time to forget her. Why don’t you try to search a new love? I’m sure that you can easily find someone else.” Shin keeps trying to calm down him.
“But I want to get married soon, before Nao does.” It was a funny sight even though Satoshi-nii keeps crying like a child having a tantrum.
“Then marry me! We just met today but I already know that you are the best husband material.” Shinjiro suddenly exclaimed as he kneeled down in front of Satoshi while holding a pop tab he got from the can of beer as if it was a ring.
*cough**cough**cough*
“Hisashi are you alright?” Miyoshi immediately runs back to Hisashi to help as he chocked from the beer he was drinking after watching the scene that his drunk brother and Shin is doing.
“Fuhahahahaha, things are escalating too quickly here. I am really glad that we go here today Sora.” Koharu is busy laughing so loud at those two drunkards while taking photos at the corner while Sorashi’s face remains calm without a hint of smile even after watching the chaotic scene.
The supposed to be a romantic moment for Kazuya and I got immediately ruined by Satoshi-nii and Shinjiro as they keep acting more and more gay to each other the longer they stay together. It was as If they stole the spot light for my wedding proposal after they casually propose to each other like that.
As everyone calmed down and settled back to their seats, we continued the party with the cakes and other desserts and the remaining alcohols we have until everyone drops out. It was already 11 pm when the party is finally over and only leaving me, Kazuya and Sorashi as the only people who can stand up straight.
Hisashi was too drunk to drive and so I let Miyoshi and him to stay in one of the rooms in our house.
Koharu also complained about how it will be hard for him to go home drunk and let our parents see him and so I let him stay with Sorashi in another room.
And lastly, Satoshi and Shinjiro who were both a heavy drinker passed out after they get into another round of their drinking contest of who can drink more and the winner gets to be the husband when the get married. They are both knock out and Kazuya and I got a little trouble carrying them in the guest room in the first floor. Luckily, Sorashi who has a great body build volunteered to help me carry Shinjiro.
After everyone were settled in their rooms, Kazuya pulled me inside our room and excitedly made me fulfill his promise all night. It was a good thing that all the rooms in our house are sound proof.
When morning comes, our house was filled with people suffering from hangovers and so Kazuya decided to make a soup for everyone to eat. The first one to arrive at the dining area is Shinjiro who looks exhausted.
As the three of us decided to drink coffee together while waiting for everyone to wake up, I noticed a red mark in Shinjiro’s neck.
“Shin, are there bugs in the guest room last night?” I ask him while pretending to be clueless.
“Oh, you mean this? I was just bitten by a big mosquito, I guess so.” His voice is trembling a little as he covers the red mark on his neck but as he did, I saw a bite marks in his arms when he adjusted the collar of his wrinkled shirt.
“I see. Ahahaha.” I pretended to believe it even though I can already imagine what happened between him and Satoshi-nii.
All I can think of was endless questions asking… ‘Did they seriously do it last night after Shin’s drunk proposal?’ ‘Are they really gay for each other?’ ‘Is this what they call love at first sight?’ ‘Are they already in a relationship?’ and ‘Who is the real top and bottom?’ ‘Should I just straightforwardly ask Satoshi-nii later?’
“Good morning…” I heard Koharu’s sleepy voice as Sorashi came in while carrying him like a pillow in his right arm.
“Good morning, do you want some hangover soup?” I asked him as Sorashi put him down to a chair.
“Yeah.” *yawn* he really looks sleepy with his eyes still half closed.
“Good morning. Ah- “Satoshi-nii walks in the room and he looks surprised when he sees Shinjiro seating next to me.
“Hey, don’t block the way. Are you still drunk?” Hisashi pop out behind him and started pushing him inside the room.
“Good morning everyone.” Miyoshi greeted us as he walks from behind Hisashi.
As everyone finally arrive at the dining room, we all eat our breakfast and the seating arrangement is still quite similar to our arrangement yesterday where Satoshi-nii and Shinjiro’s position only switched.
“Satoshi-nii, here have some soup.” I passed down the bowl to him but when he stretched out his hands to get it, I spotted another set of red marks on the side of his neck just like what Shinjiro have.
“I guess there are really a lot of mosquitos in your room last night.” I said to them.
*cough**cough**cough*
Shinjiro started choking from the coffee he is drinking.
“Ahh, hahaha yeah, there are a lot of mosquitos and so I didn’t even get to sleep comfortable last night.” Satoshi-nii answered while trying to avoid my gaze.
“Yeah, the bed is also a little small too for a two grown up man like us don’t you think.” Shin follows up after recovering from his intense coughing.
“Is that so? I’m really sorry about that. We are not really expecting to have a lot of people to stay over night so we just assigned two people per each room.” Kazuya explained to them.
“By the way, Nao…” Shinjiro leaned closer towards me before continuing. “Are all of your rooms sound proof?” he whispered to me.
“Yes, don’t worry. All of the rooms in this house is sound proof.” I accidentally said aloud.
*slams*
*cough**cough**cough*
The slamming sound came from Satoshi-nii as he makes a face slam on the table. While on the other side of the table, Hisashi is coughing violently.
“Hisashi are you alright? You’ve been coughing uncontrollably since yesterday.” Miyoshi asks him as he offer a glass of water.
Why does everyone keep acting guilty? Did they really do something dirty last night with their partners? I turn my gaze towards Koharu and Sorashi to check for any signs of them possibly also doing it.
Koharu is still half asleep… no kiss marks… no bite marks… then I focus at Sorashi… also no marks… and his clothes doesn’t have any wrinkles perfectly neat… All clean, including his expressionless face which didn’t even react to anything that is happening in front of him. Seems like the two of them didn’t do it.
No wait.
Did I just say that his clothes are perfectly neat without any wrinkles? How can that be possible? Anyone who sleeps wearing that shirt and pants cannot possible wake up without having flawless clothes like that. There are only two possible answer to it, first is maybe he sleep without even moving like a corpse…. Or he sleeps ***** with his clothes neatly folded on the side table.
I’d rather choose the first answer. I don’t want to imagine him sleeping ***** in a bed with my playful little brother.
“Yuki~ What’s wrong, it seems like you are thinking about something serious.” Kazuya interrupted my critical analysis of Sorashi as he whispered to me while putting a slice of the left-over birthday cake to my plate.
“Ah, it’s nothing. I am just a little tired after what we did last night.”
“Does you back still in pain? I’m very sorry for doing it more than twice.”
“Yeah, it is all your fault.” I pinch his cheeks as he makes a puppy expression.
“Ehemm, we are still here.” Hisashi interrupted us before we forget that everyone is watching us.
“Ahahaha I’m really sorry.” I push Kazuya’s face away and awkwardly started eating the cake on my plate.
“Hey, Nao are you serious about getting married with Kazuya-kun?” Satoshi-nii asks.
“Yes, I am very serious.”
“But you know that it is not legal here right?”
“I already thought about it and so I already planned everything about it back when I was still in Canada.”
“So, what are your plans?”
“We are going to get married there.”
“What?” They all said including Kazuya who didn’t even think about it yesterday before even answering my proposal.
“One of the people I met there told me about how their country allows same-sex marriage. From that moment, I have started thinking about marrying you there once everything is settled and so I didn’t think twice to make my proposal to you last night.”
“That’s very sweet Nao. I’m very happy that you finally found the person who gives light to your life. And by the way, I’m really sorry for ruining the moment last night.” Satoshi-nii apologizes.
“Eh? You mean, you remember the things you have done?” Then does that mean that he really remembers how Shin also proposed to him?
“Well, some parts are still cloudy but I remember singing twice and forcing all of you to sing in the karaoke.
“Ah, hahaha is that so?” I steal a glimpse of Shinjiro thinking if he also remembers everything, he has done last night.
After we finished eating our breakfast, Miyoshi and Hisashi left with his car. Sorashi and Koharu also left together to get on the train and ride the first trip going back to our parent house. When Satoshi-nii bids his goodbye, Shinjiro follows after him and I caught him catching up to Satoshi-nii outside. To be honest, I am still intrigued by their relationship but I guess, their story will take some time to be told.
Kazuya and I planned our trip to Canada and our wedding together afterwards. It was planned on the middle of Autumn the following year and we are both excited about it. When we came to visit my parents, they were a little surprise about all our plans for the future but they didn’t hesitate in giving us their blessings and supporting us for our marriage. They insisted to come with us to Canada during the wedding even though we are really not planning to have anyone with us there during the ceremony.
Time sure flies fast when you spend it happily with the person you love; In the blink of an eye, the year changed and the Autumn season we are waiting finally arrived.
And just like how red and bright the maple leaves are, our love for each other never faded and remains shining bright red. Hand in hand, we took our step to the place where we can seal the promise of forever.
THE END.
Author’s Note:
Hello guys, first of all, I would like to thank you for staying until the end for our more than 1 year journey in this novel. Without you, I wouldn’t be able to have enough motivation to finish this story so I am very thankful to everyone, specially to the readers who actively leave a comment every chapter, all your support is very much appreciated.
Secondly, there will still be an update next week (August 15) for the EPILOGUE which contains a little ‘twin’ surprise so stay tuned.
Oh, and also there will be more extra chapters about the other couples so watch out for more updates in the future.
Once again, thank you very much and if you have some spare time, please share this story to your fujoshi and fudanshi friends so we can have more people who can read this novel.
Don’t forget to give a like and leave a comment about your thoughts for this ending and the coming epilogue…
Goodbye and SEE YOU AGAIN!
~RaiNiichi (^-^)/