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Mika paced back and forth in his room, holding the letter he just got from his parents in his hand. He finally stopped by the foot of the grand king-sized bed, gripping the letter in his hand as he reread it.Mikaela,We are sending you to Selapeu Daehag, which is Seraph University, in Seoul to study business. When your education is done, you will be heading back to San Diego to take over the American branch of Shindo Corp. Whatever you have planned for college, cancel it. This opportunity is more important. Sincerely,Mr. and Mrs. ShindoMika gritted his teeth as he balled up the letter and he hurled it across the room. It hit the dark red curtain as he sighed, sitting down at the foot of the bed.It had always been like this. His parents would never agree with him. When he was small, they had sent him away from Tokyo to San Diego to be raised by his uncle Crowley and his aunt Krul. His parents were so busy with maintaining the company that they had no time to take care of him. But, Mika didn't care. He preferred to be raised by Krul and Crowley.As he got older, he began to think of it like they had exiled him. They never really contacted him. When they did, it was some kind of order that went against his wishes and desires. Now was one of those times where they decided to contact him. He was all set to go to Harvard and now they're sending him to fucking South Korea?!He ran his fingers through his wavy blond hair as the bedroom door opened a little."You know you're going to have to go." "I know." Mika replied, shooting a glance over at his aunt.She watched him, twirling some pink hair around her finger."I know you really wanted to go to Harvard. You worked hard to get accepted." she stated."I don't want to go to South Korea." Mika stated."But, you cannot rebel against your parents. You know that." she said as she made her way over to him, her thin heels clicking against the wood floor.Mika watched as she sat down next to him."I wish you guys were my parents..." he grumbled.Krul smiled softly."I know." she pulled him into a small hug. "You've told me this many times." she said as Mika rested his head on her shoulder."Aw~Well, ain't things getting lovey-dovey in here.""Oi, Crowley." Krul flipped the middle finger at Crowley, who was leaning against the door frame with his arms crossed over his chest. "Screw off." she snarled.This made Crowley laugh."Well, you're as feisty as ever." he commented."Don't let me repeat myself." she threatened."Okay, okay!" Crowley threw his hands up in defense. "I'll keep silent." he stated.Krul snorted as she watched Mika pull away from the hug."Like they couldn't exile me enough...first San Diego and now Seoul?" he asked."Mika..." Krul trailed off."I guess I'll go tell Harvard that I decline." he said before heading out of his room. Once the door closed behind Mika, Crowley's facial expression turned serious."You tried to convince them to let him go to Harvard, didn't you?" Crowley guessed.Krul sighed."No matter how hard we try, it just won't happen. They're just going to keep manipulating him."After changing the currency from US Dollars to the Korean Won, Mika made his way over to the baggage claim, his backpack swung over his shoulder.After he got the letter and he declined his admission to Harvard, he flew out to Seoul the next day. It was nearing six in the evening.He could tell everyone was staring at him as he went to get his baggage from the carousel. Well, it was normal. Besides, it's not like they've seen a handsome blond boy that could resemble a model everyday.He pulled his two huge black suitcases and his small red suitcase off of the carousel and he dragged them off to the side. He got a cart, stacked them on it, and he began to push it outside.Once he reached outside, he went to wave over a taxi. A taxi pulled up and the driver came out of the vehicle."A! Yeoboseyo!" the driver greeted. (Ah! Hello!)"Oh! Um..." Mika quickly grabbed for the small book in his backpack and he began flipping through it. "Yeoboseyo!" he responded. (Hello!)The driver chuckled as he opened up the trunk."Dangsin-i gwangwang issneun geoscheoleom dangsin-eun bwa." the driver noted. (You look like you're a tourist.)Mika didn't know what to say, so he just nodded his head."Joh-eun. Dangsin-eun eodi eseo wass-eul kka?" the driver asked as he began to put the luggage into the trunk. (Nice. Where did you come from?)"Um...Um..." he tried to rack his brain in an attempt to remember what the guy was saying. "Um...Saendiego" he replied. (San Diego.)"A! Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun migug eseo wass-eoyo?" the driver asked. (Ah! So, you're from the United States?)Mika nodded again, trying to hide the fact that he had no idea what he was saying."A, johda...naneun hangsang migug e gago sip-eossdeon..." the driver trailed off as he closed the trunk. (Ah, that's nice...I've always wanted to go to the States...)Mika made his way over to the taxi and he got in as the driver got in, as well."Geulaeseo, eodi?" the driver asked. (So, where to?)"Um..." Mika quickly dug through his pants pocket for a paper giving him details on the university. "Selapeu daehag gisugsa juseyo." he told him. (Seraph University dormitory, please.)"Johguna." the driver turned to look over at him. "Dangsin-eun hangug-eo manh-eun mal-eulhaji anhseubnida, dangsin-eun mueos-ibnikka?" he guessed. (Alright. You don't speak much Korean, do you?)Mika's cheeks flared a bright red in embarrassment as the driver started up the engine and he began to drive off.Mika watched out the window as he left the airport."I wonder if I really will be okay here..." he thought to himself.The driver pulled up in front of the university dormitory building."Yeogie uliga issseubnida! Jeug, ₩29313.68 hasigi balabnida su issseubnida." the driver said. (Here we are! That'll be 29313.68 Won, please.)Mika dug through his wallet and he pulled out his cash, handing it to the driver as he got out of the vehicle.The driver came out and he helped Mika take out his luggage. Once the red luggage came out of the trunk, the driver closed it down."Geulsse, nan dangsin-i daehag eul jeulgil seoul e osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida huimang!" the driver chirped. (Well, I hope you enjoy the university and welcome to Seoul!)Mika nodded his thanks to the driver as he got in and he drove off.Mika sighed as he looked at his luggage and then up at the dormitory building."Oh boy...I'm gonna have to get used to a lot of things here..." he grabbed for his luggage and he began pulling them onto the sidewalk. "Well, I guess it's gonna have to start now." he thought to himself as someone came jogging down the sidewalk."Ah!" the person approached him. "Yeogie saeloun ibnikka?" they asked. (Are you new here?)Mika looked over at the person. The person was a guy with short pink hair and reddish-brown eyes behind black rimmed glasses. He had on a black wife beater with a grey sleeveless goodie over it, black basketball shorts, and white Nike running shoes. There was sweat all over him and he had one earbud in his ear with the other one hanging down his chest."Huh? What did he just say?" he asked himself."Oh, I see. You don't speak Korean!" he said in English, which caused Mika's eyes to widen in shock."Eh? He speaks English?" he asked himself."You don't speak English, either? Should I try French, since you look like you're French?" he asked."N-No, you don't need to! I'm just surprised, since I didn't think there would be any English-speaking people here..." Mika trailed off.The guy looked at him before laughing."You're a funny one!" he reached out to ruffle Mika's hair playfully, which caused Mika to look at him in surprise. "Would you like for me to help you carry your bags?" he asked him."Yeah." Mika replied as he watched the guy grab for the two black suitcases."What room are you going to?" the guy asked."Um..." Mika grabbed for a sheet of paper that he had along with the paper that had the details of the university on it. "Room 426." he replied."So, you're the guy!" the guy exclaimed."Hm?" Mika questioned, not understanding what the guy meant."We're roommates!" they began to pull the luggages over to the front door. "I'm Shiho Kimizuki. And I'm assuming that you're Mikaela Shindo?" Kimizuki said."You know my name?" Mika questioned."Yeah! Ever since everyone in the dormitory found out about you when you applied, we all began talking about you! I mean, you're from the US! And from San Diego, even! I'm glad to have you as my roommate." Kimizuki explained."Huh? But I only found out ye- - -" that was when Mika realized that his parents probably applied for him a while back."Shit. They applied for me a while back..." he thought to himself.Kimizuki scanned a card against a scanner and the door opened."Hm? What's that for?" Mika asked as they stepped inside."Security. It's so that no one suspicious can come in. You'll probably get your card tomorrow." Kimizuki explained."I see..." Mika trailed off as they made their way over to the elevator. They stepped in and Kimizuki scanned his card before pressing the number 4."Here, too?" Mika questioned in surprise.Kimizuki nodded."Yeah." he replied as the elevator began to go up.Mika chuckled as he looked up at the elevator ceiling."They must really be concerned about security here." Mika noted."Yeah. Well, there have been some incidents here, after all, so it would make sense that the security here is heightened." Kimizuki stated."Really?!" Mika thought to himself in shock.The elevator finally reached the fourth floor and they stepped out."Down this way." Kimizuki said as they made their way down the hall towards the room.They approached the room a few minutes later and Kimizuki swiped his card down, opening the door."Come on in." he said.Mika nodded slowly as he stepped into the room. He looked around as Kimizuki began to bring in his luggage.The room was a decent size with two beds, a nightstand in between with a lamp on it, a large window behind the two beds, and two desks on each side. There was also a small bathroom to his left."Where do you have the kitchen?" Mika asked."Oh, just down the hall. I don't really use it, though." Kimizuki replied."I see..." Mika trailed off as Kimizuki brought in the last piece of luggage and he closed the door behind them."So, go ahead and get yourself situated. I'm going to take a shower." Kimizuki said before going to grab some clothes from a dresser and heading into the bathroom.Mika sighed, running his fingers through his hair."I might as well get set up...Krul might've sent me an e-mail by now..." he thought to himself.After hooking up to the wifi (which was acting pretty crappy at the moment), Mika went into his e-mail. As he had predicted, Krul had sent him a message. He clicked on it and he began to read it.Mika,How are you doing? Did you get there safely? It's probably nighttime by where you are, so you can reply to this tomorrow. I hope you know that classes start in about a month or so, so that'll give you enough time to familiarize yourself with the city and the people around you, especially your roommate. I believe he's Japanese??? I don't quite remember what your parents told me about him. And if you were wondering, yes, they did end up applying you there way before you even considered Harvard. I know you're mad at them for having to give up your opportunity to go to Harvard, but it is what it is. Well, I hope you have a great night and I cannot wait to hear from you!Love,KrulMika sighed as he heard the bathroom door open."You finally hook up to the Internet?""Yeah." Mika glanced over at Kimizuki, who just finished up in the shower. "However, it's acting a little crappy." he stated."Yeah, it's usually like that. But, you'll get used to it." Kimizuki stated."I see..." Mika trailed off as he signed out of his e-mail. He opened up a tab and he began looking up what there is to do in Seoul."Oi, Kimizuki. What is there to do here?" Mika asked."Hm...Well, there are a lot of malls, Internet cafes, some karaoke centers, parks, I believe there's an amusement park nearby, a library, and the one thing the college guys here really like: the red light district." Kimizuki stated."The red light district?" Mika questioned."Yeah. The men at this college have a reputation for going to the red light district often. They usually go to the gents club in the heart of the district, though. It recently opened." Kimizuki told him."Why the hell is there a gentlemen's club smack dab in the middle of the red-light district?" Mika asked, shooting Kimizuki a look of pure confusion.Kimizuki shrugged."Who knows...that place opened up a year ago." he dried his pink hair with a towel. "However, they have a boy there that has made the place quite popular." he noted."A boy?" Mika questioned."Yeah. He used to work as a courtesan, but when the job at the club came up, he instantly took it. Ever since then, he's been working there." he explained.Mika looked at the bright screen of his laptop like he were thinking long and hard about the club. He then shot a glance over at Kimizuki."Kimizuki?" he asked."Hm? Yeah?" he responded."Take me there."
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"What?! Are you bloody mad?!" Kimizuki nearly exclaimed as Mika began waving for a taxi to come over. "What? I'm just curious." Mika pointed out. "Why would you want to go now?! You just got here! Don't you want to relax?!" Kimizuki asked. "But, I am." Mika replied. Kimizuki sighed in exasperation as a taxi pulled up to the curb. Kimizuki and Mika got into the taxi as the taxi driver glanced over at them. "Annyeonghaseyo! Eodilo?" the driver asked. (Good evening! Where to?) "Jibsi lojeu sinsa keulleob e ulileul hasigi balabnida gala." Kimizuki said. (Take us to the Gypsy Rose Gents Club, please.) The driver chuckled as he stared at them. "Geulsse, dangsin-eun i daedam eun eobs-seubnida." he commented as he drove off. (Well, aren't you two gutsy.) Mika watched outside as the lights of Seoul colored the sky. He traced his finger along the window in an attempt to connect the lights together as the song Airplanes began to play. "Can we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars...? I can really use a wish right now, wish right now, wish right now..." he murmured as he felt his hand drop onto his lap. Kimizuki watched him as the driver drove into the district. "What made you decide to go there, anyway?" Kimizuki asked. "The boy." Mika replied. "Wait, what?! You're going to see the boy?!" Kimizuki hissed in between his teeth. "Yeah." Mika replied. "Why? Are you possibly gay?" Kimizuki asked. "Why would you ask me something like that? Of course I'm not gay." Mika stated. "So, then why are you going to see him?" Kimizuki asked. "I think it's interesting that they have a male working at a gents club. It's usually a bunch of girls that work there in the US." Mika explained. "So, this kind of stuff is rare for you." Kimizuki stated. "Yeah. What, is this kind of thing normal for you guys in South Korea?" Mika asked. "Eh, not really. You see 'em here and there, but this is the first time one of them has become popular." Kimizuki explained. "I see..." Mika trailed off as the taxi driver pulled up in front of the gents club. "Yeogi salam i issda! Jeug ₩30616.99 su issseubnida." the driver said. (Here you guys are! That'll be $27.50) Kimizuki dug through his wallet and he handed the driver the cash as Mika stepped out of the taxi. He closed the door as he heard the music booming from inside. There was a small line coming out from the club. "Daedanhi gamsahabnida!" Kimizuki called out as he came out of the taxi, closed the door, and the taxi drove off. (Thank you very much!) "Well, here we are." Kimizuki stated. "Have you been here before?" Mika asked. "Once. It was a friend's birthday and since he had turned eighteen, we thought, eh, why not? So, we came out here and partied." Kimizuki explained as they got in line. "Huh." Mika watched around curiously. "I noticed this about a minute ago, but there aren't that much Koreans here." he noted. "Ah, that's because this club appeals more to the foreigners. So, it's probably something that you'll like." Kimizuki explained. "But...I've never really been to a gentlemen's club before." Mika admitted. "Eh?! For real?!" they began to move down the line. "Aren't you allowed to do that kind of stuff in the States?!" Kimizuki exclaimed. "Yeah, if you wanna get arrested." Mika stated as he rolled his eyes a little. "Ah, I see now. You aren't allowed to do this kind of stuff until you're twenty-one." Kimizuki said. "Precisely." Mika replied. "Gosh, why is it always America that has to have all these age restrictions...?" Kimizuki mumbled under his breath as they approached the bouncer. "Naneun dangsin-ui ID leul bol su issseubnikka?" the bouncer asked. (May I see your ID?) "Johguna." Kimizuki pulled out his wallet as he nudged Mika. "Hey, he needs your ID." he told him. (Alright.) "Okay." Mika replied as he pulled out his wallet and he took out his driver's license. He handed it to the bouncer so that he could look it over. He then glanced over at Mika. "Dangsin-eun migug eseo ibnikka?" the bouncer asked. (Are you from the States?) Mika arched a brow as he stared at him. "Excuse me?" he asked. "Ne, geuneun migug eseo ibnida! Geuneun bulgwa myeoch sigan jeon-e yeogie dochag hago geuneun ginjang-eul pulgo hyusig-eul chwihal su issdolog yeogi geuleul deligo iss-eoyo." Kimizuki explained. (Yes, he's from the States! He just got here a few hours ago and I'm bringing him here so that he can unwind and relax.) The bouncer glanced over at Mika's driver's license and then over at Mika. He stared at him for what seemed like centuries before the bouncer finally spoke. "Gwaenchanh-a. Du e gal su issseubnida." he said, handing them back their IDs. (Okay. You two can go in.) "Joh-a, gamsahabnida!" he said as he grabbed for Mika's wrist and he pulled him into the club. (Alright, thanks!) "So, they let me come in?" Mika questioned. "Yeah. I mean, you're eighteen, so you're old enough to come in here, even if you're from the US." Kimizuki explained. "Okay." Mika replied as they made their way up the stairs and they stepped into the club. Loud music bounced off the walls and strobe lights danced across the club as men sat at various tables being entertained by women. "Well, here we are! Welcome to the Gypsy Rose Gents Club." Kimizuki declared. "Are you sure we're even allowed to be in here? I mean, I know the guy let us in, but still..." Mika trailed off. "Oh, stop fretting. This is the only club in the district that lets men eighteen and over in. It's totally legal, trust me on this." Kimizuki explained. Mika nodded his head slowly as he looked around. That was when he noticed a stage at the very back with a pole in the center. "What's that for?" Mika asked, nodding his head over at the stage. "Oh, that? They usually have a performance every thirty minutes." Kimizuki looked down at his Apple Watch. "Actually, as a matter of fact, the next one is going start right about now! Come on, let's go get some drinks and find a spot so we can watch!" Kimizuki declared as he began to drag Mika over towards the bar. However, they began to get swallowed up by the crowd. Mika walked around the club, pushing through the crowd as he tried to keep up with Kimizuki. "Oi! Kimizuki! Wait up!" he shouted over the loud music. However, Kimizuki didn't hear him. This made him grit his teeth. "Gosh, does he still have water in his ears? It's not like I can pick him out in the dark or anything..." he thought to himself. Somehow, he found himself close to the stage. That was when he saw him. With hair that was black like the night sky and eyes that shone like emeralds, the boy looked almost like an exotic animal. The boy had a thin build with a heart-shaped face, a small nose, and beautiful pink lips. He wore a leather outfit that consisted of a tube top, a tight fitting jacket, booty shorts that shaped the curve of his butt, and black leather boots that came up about an inch above his knee. There was also a small black star tattoo under his right eye. He made his way over to a nearby pole and he began to dance as the music began. For some reason, Mika was captivated by him. He was like a work of art as he watched him shrug the jacket off and kick it off the stage. He didn't notice the jacket fall at his feet as he watched him pose and dance against the pole in a seductive fashion. "What the...? Is he even a boy?! He's like a seductress!" he thought to himself. That was when he saw the jacket that had landed at his feet. He bent down and he picked it up, holding the jacket in his hand. "Huh? Wasn't he wearing this jacket a moment ago?" he asked himself. He looked up as he watched the boy whirl his hips around against the pole. He gyrated to the beat of the soft, sensual-sounding song as the men around him began to hoot and holler. That was when they locked eyes. Mika felt himself swallow as those emerald eyes gazed into his blue ones. His look was so intimidating that it prevented him from moving. The boy made his way over to the edge of the stage and he hopped down gracefully like a cat, landing on his feet perfectly. He made his way over to Mika, his hips swaying to the beat seductively. "Wait a second...is he coming over to me?" Mika asked himself incredulously as the boy stopped before him. He stared at him curiously before crooning his finger in a 'come' motion. He whispered something before walking off. Mika arched a brow as he stared at the boy. "What did he say?" he asked himself. The boy turned to look at him and he motioned for him to follow him. Mika pointed at himself and the boy face palmed before walking over to him, taking his hand, and pulling him towards the stage. Mika watched as the boy pulled him over to the stage. His hand felt warm and was extremely small. But, for some reason, it fit well in his. "Is he even a boy?" they got onto the stage. "He doesn't even act like one...it's pretty much remarkable." he thought to himself. The boy pulled Mika over to the chair that was at the front of the stage and he pushed him lightly onto the chair. Mika watched him as his hands fell on his wrists. His gaze had him pinned to the chair. He watched him as he began whirling his hips around. Mika watched him with wide eyes as the crowd cheered and hollered. "Wait...is he giving me a lap dance?!" he asked himself in shock. He then felt a finger being pressed to his lips. He watched as the boy traced his fingertip along the outline of his lips and then he began to walk his fingers down towards his chest. He tugged lightly on the collar of his white button up shirt before crawling onto his lap. He then began to move his hips against Mika's, which caused the blond to blush. The crowd heckled as the boy continued. Mika bit his lip as he looked at the boy. For some reason, the way the boy was moving was starting to turn him on. "What the...? How is he able to turn me on like this? I'm not even into men!" he thought to himself. The boy continued moving his hips to the beat, occasionally bucking his hips up into Mika's. His hands trailed up Mika's arms and he wrapped his arms around his neck. Mika stared up at the boy, blue meeting emerald green. "Okay, this is crazy. I need to get out of here before things get complicated." he thought to himself. The music stopped and the crowd cheered. Some people whistled and heckled as the boy got off of him. Mika slowly stood up and he got ready to leave. However, the boy grabbed for his hand. "What is it?" he asked. The boy didn't respond as he turned and he began to drag him away. "H-Hey, where are we going?! Slow down! Oi!" the last thing Mika saw was Kimizuki shouting his name with two bottles of beer in his hands before he disappeared.Mika was led into a room that only had a couch, a bed, a nightstand by the bed, a fan above the couch, and a window above the bed. "Wh-Why are we in here?" Mika asked, fearing what was about to happen next. The boy looked over at him as he spoke. "Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun mueos-eul wonhaneunga? Nan dangsin-i na-ege oneul bam eul suhaeng hal modeun seobiseu leul suhaeng hal su issseubnida." he said. (So, what do you want? I'll perform any service you want me to do tonight.) "Huh? Wha- - -" Mika felt himself being pulled over to the couch. "Y-You don't understand! I'm not here for- - -" he was cut off once again as he was pushed onto the couch and the boy crawled on top of him. "Naega eotteohge dangsin eun mueos eul hasigessseubnikka? Naneun dangsin-i wonhaneun mueos-ideun hal su issseubnida." the boy said. (What would you like for me to do? I'll do anything you want.) "I can't even understand one word he's saying!" Mika thought to himself. "L-Look, you've got it all wrong. I'm not here to- - -" the boy pressed a finger to his lips, silencing him. "Shhh...geogjeonghaji masibsio. naneun dangsin-i aju joh-eun neukkim-i issneunji hwag-in habnida." the boy said, removing his finger from Mika's lips as he leaned in towards him. (Shhh...Don't worry. I'll make sure you feel very good.) Mika's cheeks flushed a bright red as he squeezed his eyes shut. "Wai- - -" that was when he heard loud banging sounds at the door. "Yeol-eo!" the person behind the door shouted. (Open up!) The boy rose his head up, glancing over at the door. "Geugeos-eun yeollyeo!" the boy replied. (It's open!) He crawled off of Mika, giving the blond his space as the door opened to reveal Kimizuki. "Eomeo, dangsin-eun segseuleul haneun geoya dangsin-eun mun-eul yeol-eo..." that was when he saw Mika. "Ah! Mika!" he exclaimed in English. (Gosh, you're going to have sex and you leave the door open...) "Kimizuki..." Mika trailed off as Kimizuki approached him. "Dude, I didn't think you'd want to get laid by a guy." Kimizuki said as he tsked. "That is NOT what's going on here!" Mika snapped. The boy glanced over at Kimizuki, pointing at him. "Dangsin-eun nugu-inga?" he asked. (Who are you?) "Ileum ui Kimizuki gwa i nae chingu mika ibnida. Dangsin-ui ileum eun mueos-ibnikka?" Kimizuki asked. (The name's Kimizuki and this is my friend Mika. What's your name?) "Yuichilo Amane. Geuleona, dangsin-eun jeo yuu ttoneun nae yemyeong cheonsa e uihae hochul hal su issseubnida." Yuu said. (Yuichiro Amane. But, you can call me Yuu or by my stage name Angel.) "Wait, wait, what's going on here?" Mika asked, shooting a glance in Kimizuki's direction. "I introduced us to him and he gave us his name. His name is Yuu Amane or you can use his stage name Cheonsa, which is Korean for angel." Kimizuki explained. "I see..." Mika trailed off. He then looked over at Yuu, who was eyeing the two of them curiously. "Do you know how to speak English?" Mika asked as he looked at Yuu. Yuu cocked his head to the side cutely, eyeing Mika like he were a rare specimen. "EN-GLISH. Do you speak it? Do you understand what I'm saying?" Mika asked. Yuu continued staring at him for a few more minutes before looking over at Kimizuki. Mika looked over his shoulder as Kimizuki cleared his throat. "Let me act as the translator." Kimizuki looked at Yuu as he spoke. "Dangsin-eun yeong-eoleulhasibnikka?" he asked. (Do you speak English?) Yuu quickly shook his head no. "Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun mika geunyang mal-eul amu saeng-gag-i eobs-seubnida." Kimizuki said. (So, you have no idea what Mika just said.) Yuu shook his head again. Kimizuki breathed out a sigh as he spoke to Mika. "He doesn't know what you're saying to him. Judging by the way he's watching us, he probably can't speak English, either." he explained. "Is that so...?" Mika looked over at Yuu. "You don't know how to speak English, Yuu?" he asked. "Dangsin-eun yeong-eo, yuu leul gusa haneun bangbeob-eul molla?" Kimizuki translated. (You don't know how to speak English, Yuu?) Yuu shook his head no. "Um..." Mika tried to rack his brain for some ideas. "Aha!" he suddenly declared. "Huh? What is it?" Kimizuki asked while Yuu eyed him curiously. "How about we make a deal?" he asked. "Er..." Kimizuki cleared his throat before speaking. "Eotteohge yag eun geolaeleul?" he translated. (How about we make a deal?) Yuu looked at Kimizuki before opening his mouth to speak. "Geolae ui jonglyuneun?" Yuu asked. (What kind of deal?) "What did he say?" Mika asked. "He asked what kind of deal are you going to make." Kimizuki said. "Ah. Well," Mika looked at Yuu, "I'll teach you English if you teach me Korean." he proposed. "Dangsin-eun naega hangug-eo galeuchineun gyeong-ue naneun dangsin-ege yeong-eoleul galeuchineun geos-ibnida." Kimizuki translated. (I'll teach you English if you teach me Korean.) Yuu narrowed his eyes at him as he spoke. "Naega wae dangsin-ui geolae leul heoyong haeya haneunga?" he asked. (Why should I accept your deal?) "He's asking why he should accept your deal." Kimizuki told Mika. Mika gritted his teeth as he shot what might've been a glare in Yuu's direction. "Oh, so he wants to play that way? Well, fine. Let's play that way." he thought to himself. "Well, why shouldn't you? I mean, it's a great opportunity for you to learn another language." Mika stated. Kimizuki gaped at him as he leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Mika...! Stop acing snarky!" he hissed. "Shut up. Just translate what I said before to him." he gritted out in response. Kimizuki breathed out a sigh as he opened his mouth to speak. "Geulsse, wae an? Nae mal-eun, dangsin-i daleun eon-eoleul baeul su issneun joh-eun gihoe ibnida." Kimizuki translated. (Well, why shouldn't you? I mean, it's a great opportunity for you to learn another language.) "Geulsse, geugeon sasil-ibnida. Hajiman, modu ga naleul wihae geogie issdaneun geos-ida?" Yuu asked. (Well, that's true. But, is that all that is in it for me?) "He's asking that if that is all that'll be in it for him or something of that nature." Kimizuki said. "Wha...?!" Mika nearly exclaimed. "Why that cheeky little brat...!" he thought to himself. "Well, what else would you like? I can give you anything you want. I won't care how outrageous it sounds." Mika said. "Geulsse, dangsin-eun daleun mueos-eul hasigessseubnikka? Naneun dangsin-ege dangsin i wonhaneun mueos-ideun eul jegong hal su issseubnida. Naneun soliga eolmana teomuni sang-gwanhaji anhseubnida." Kimizuki translated. (Well, what else would you like? I can give you anything you want. I won't care how outrageous it sounds.) Yuu began to think about it for a second. That was when he began to crawl over to Mika. This made the blond eye him in confusion. "Huh? What is i- - -" that was when Yuu pushed him down lightly onto the couch, his small hands pinning his shoulders to the couch. He straddled one of his legs, his clothed crotch nearly grazing the fabric of his pants. Their faces were merely inches away, which made Mika's face flush a bright red. "Wh-What is it...?" he stuttered out. A seductive smile pulled at Yuu's lips as he leaned in to whisper in his ear. "Eotteohge dangsin-ege laeb daenseu ttoneun du jul eun eotteohseubnikka?" he purred seductively into his ear. (How about I give you a lap dance or two?) The way Yuu purred in his ear seductively was enough to make Mika turn beet red. What Yuu said to him did not go unnoticed by Kimizuki (unfortunately), who also turned beet red. "Kimizuki...just what the hell did he say?" Mika asked. "He...He said that he'd give you a...a lap dance or two..." Kimizuki stuttered out. Mika watched him with wide eyes. "Wha...?!" he gawked at him as Yuu crawled off of him. "Geulaeseo? Ulineun geolaeleul haeyahabnikka?" Yuu asked. (So? Do we have a deal?) "He's asking if you guys have a deal." Kimizuki said. However, his words seemed far away as Mika began to think. Yes, he enjoyed that lap dance Yuu gave him during his performance earlier tonight (like he'd ever admit that to anyone), but that didn't necessarily mean that he wanted one every time they met up to teach each other their language. However, he needed to know how to say something in Korean for classes next month and he was desperate at this point. "Okay, fine. We have a deal." Mika said. "Joh-a. Ulineun geolaeleul haeyahabnida." Kimizuki translated. (Okay, fine. We have a deal.) "Joh-a geuleom. Joh-eun soli! Naneun hwayoil e dangsin-eul galeu chil su issseubnida. Neoneun eottae?" Yuu said. (Okay, then. Sounds good! I'll be able to teach you on Tuesdays. How about you?) "He says that it sounds good, that he'll be able to teach you on Tuesdays, and he wants to know what day is good for you." Kimizuki said. "I'll be able to do Thursdays." Mika replied. "Naneun mog-yoil eul hal su issseubnida." Kimizuki translated. (I'll be able to do Thursdays.) "Joh-eun soli! Naneun dangsin-ui jeonhwa beonholeul bad-eul su issseubnikka?" Yuu asked. (Sounds good! Can I get your phone number?) "He wants to know your phone number." Kimizuki said. Mika nodded as he grabbed for a pencil and a piece of paper on the coffee table and he wrote his number down. "Here. Can you give me yours, too?" Mika asked as he handed the slip of paper to him. "Ili. Dangsindo na-ege dangsin eul jul su issseubnikka?" Kimizuki translated. (Here. Can you give me yours, too?) Yuu nodded as he wrote his number down and he gave it to Mika. They both got up from the couch as Yuu began to speak. "Eum, deulleo jusyeoseo gamsahabnida! Naneun mog-yoil-e boja!" Yuu chirped. (Well, thank you for stopping by! I'll see you on Thursday!) "He said thanks for coming and that he'll see you on Thursday." Kimizuki said. "Alright. See you then!" Mika said. "Johguna. Geuttae manna!" Kimizuki translated as they headed out of the room and closed the door behind them. (Alright. See you then!)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Ugh, just what the hell did I get myself into...?" Mika mumbled as he fell backwards onto his bed."Well, you decided on tutoring a male stripper in English and you had him tutor you in Korean in return, why?" Kimizuki replied."Oh god..." Mika ran his fingers through his hair as he stared up at the ceiling."Well, don't dwell on it too much." Kimizuki yawned. "You may as well get some sleep. It's two in the morning." he said."Okay." Mika replied as he kicked off his shoes and he got under the sheets. "Night." he said."Night." Kimizuki replied as he fell asleep.Mika sighed as he curled up under the sheets in an attempt to fall asleep.The sun shone in through the curtains and into Mika's eyes. He groaned as he turned on his side."Hey, pretty boy. It's time to get up.""Urgh, what the hell...? Pretty boy?" Mika grumbled as he slowly opened his tired blue eyes to see Kimizuki standing up above him."Whoa!" he exclaimed as he quickly shot up from bed, nearly knocking Kimizuki over."Morning, sunshine! How was your rest?" Kimizuki asked."Eugh, stop that. It makes it sound like you're gay." Mika grumbled, which made Kimizuki laugh."Well, morning to you, too." Kimizuki stretched, letting out a yawn as he did. "I'm gonna go jogging. Wanna come with me?" he asked."Sure...?" Mika replied as he climbed out of bed."Okay. Get dressed, I'll be waiting out here." he said."Alright..." Mika trailed off as he grabbed for some appropriate jogging clothes and he went into the bathroom to go get changed."Too much happened last night...my parents practically threw me into Seoul, I met my roommate, who actually speaks English, and then there's this boy at a gents club who I am going to teach English to. Yes," Mika pulled a navy blue v-neck shirt over his head, "I am going to teach a boy who is cheeky, full of himself, a little bratty, has such gorgeous green eyes, has black hair that looks like silk, extremely seductive, and knows how to give a pretty good lap dance..." he thought to himself.He felt his cheeks flush a bright, hot red once he realized what he was thinking."Oh my god, Mika, no! You're not gay!" he slipped on a pair of grey sweatpants. "But...one look from him and he can most certainly turn a straight man gay..." he thought to himself.He then banged his head against the bathroom door."Oh, forget it! Stop thinking about him and focus on going jogging with Kimizuki!" he thought to himself before opening the door and stepping out."Oi, dude." he watched Kimizuki fiddle a little with his room card on a red and black lanyard. "You okay? You seemed a little stressed out when I heard that bang." he asked."Oh." Mika blinked his eyes twice. "Oh, I'm alright." he told him."Okay, good. Now," Kimizuki brought the lanyard strap around his neck, "let's get going." he said.Mika nodded as he followed Kimizuki out of the room and he closed the door behind him.Mika jogged at an even pace, trying to stay with Kimizuki so that he didn't get left behind."Damn, this guy jogs fast! It's like he's an athlete on the Olympic team!" he thought to himself."Oi! Kimizuki, wait up!" Kimizuki stopped at the corner as Mika caught up to him, panting. "Geez, you jog so fast! Are you an athlete on the Olympic team or something?!" he asked."Actually," Kimizuki watched out at the sun rising over the city skyline, "my dream is be on the South Korean Olympic track team. However, nobody has really scouted me back in high school no matter how many times I've won events and tournaments." Kimizuki explained."I see..." Mika glanced over at Kimizuki as they began to jog at a slow pace. "Well, I'm sure you'll get scouted soon enough. You love to run, so I bet they'll see that passion in you." he said.Kimizuki watched Mika in surprise before chuckling."Yeah, I guess you're right." they crossed the street. "So, what is your dream? What do you want to do with your life once college is over?" Kimizuki asked.Mika was so taken aback by Kimizuki's question that it nearly made him stop in his tracks. Kimizuki seemed to have noticed, for he glanced at Mika curiously."Hm? Mika?" he asked.Mika watched the pavement as one question crossed his mind:Just what DOES he dream of doing with his life?"What DO I want to do once college is over? I mean, I know I need to study business in order to take over the corporation, but is there something that I really want to do?" he asked himself.With the way his parents treated him, he knew better than to let his personal desires get the better of him. Whenever his parents found out that he was doing something that could potentially distract him from moving towards the path of the heir of Shindo Corp, they would force Krul and Crowley to ban him from it. He used to play the violin and the piano every once in a while, but what he really loved was painting.Painting had ended up being his escape from the various mountains of paperwork he had to deal with. It opened his world up and helped him to vent out his feelings and emotions. However, when he was twelve, his parents made Krul burn his paintings and throw away his paints and brushes. Ever since then, Mika had locked up his inner desires and focused on becoming the heir of the corporation."You know..." Mika scratched the back of his head. "Nobody has ever really asked me about it before, so I have no idea..." he said with a nervous laugh.Kimizuki frowned at this, but he decided to not discuss it any further as they jogged into the city."Hey, how about we go to Miseutig Meog Kape?" Kimizuki asked."Huh? Where?" Mika asked.Kimizuki sighed deeply."Oh gosh, I forgot you're not a Korean native...it's called Mystic Eats Cafe. They have this kind of sweet candy shop theme, but they also sell coffee, pastries, tea, and even energy drinks. I usually buy an energy drink there when I'm jogging in the morning and I also know the owner." Kimizuki explained."I see..." Mika trailed off."So? Wanna go?" Kimizuki asked.Mika nodded."Sure." he replied as he jogged after Kimizuki.A few minutes later, they stopped in front of the cafe, which was sandwiched in between a McDonald's and a clothing shop."Well, here we are!" Kimizuki nodded his head up at the sign. "Welcome to Mystic Eats Cafe!" he declared."Uh-huh..." Mika trailed off, gazing up at the sign."Well, let's go in." Kimizuki said as he reached for the handle and he pulled it open, the chiming of a bell reaching Mika's ears. They both stepped into the cafe as someone called out to them."Sinbiui meog e osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida!" Mika watched as a girl with purple hair tied up in the back by a bow and big brown eyes came out from the back of the cafe in a white long sleeve, black skinny jeans, shiny black boots, and a white apron tied around her. (Welcome to Mystic Eats!)She looked over at them and frowned."O. Geugeos-eun Kimizuki, dangsin ibnida." she said, her peppy attitude quickly deflating. (Oh. It's just you, Kimizuki.)Kimizuki waved."Yo, Shinoa !" he greeted. (Yo, Shinoa!)Mika nudged Kimizuki as they walked further into the cafe."Who is she?" he whispered."Ah, that's Shinoa. Her family, the Hiiragis, are the CEOs of the Hiiragi Incorporation. They're huge in the business world." he explained."Huh..." Mika trailed off."I remember Krul giving me books from my parents to read about the Hiiragis. Not only are they huge here, they're well-known all around the world." Mika thought to himself."So...how did she end up with this cafe if her family's one of the hugest incorporations in the business world?" he asked."They gave the cafe to her as a birthday present two years ago. She actually has a passion for baking." Kimizuki explained."Ah." Mika replied as the back door was kicked open."Oi! Dodaeche yeogi neomu ileun achim-e goemul-i nuga?!" a blonde haired girl with purple eyes snarled as she stomped into the cafe in a pink Hello Kitty cami and white Hello Kitty pajama pants. Her hair was frizzy and the purple ponytail holders that she had in her hair were about to slip out. (Oi! Who the hell is here so freaking early in the morning?!)"Mitsuba, geugeos-eun hajiman, 1030 nyeon ui..." a brunet mumbled tiredly as he followed the blonde out in a pair of black and yellow Batman pajamas whilst rubbing the sleep out of his tired green eyes. (Mitsuba, it's ten thirty, though...)The brunet let out a yawn as he shot a glance over at Mika and Kimizuki."A. Geugeos-eun Kimizuki ibnida." he said. (Ah. It's Kimizuki.)"Mwo?! Kimizuki neun yeogi?!" the blonde then noticed Mika next to Kimizuki. "[And he's got someone with him!]" she exclaimed."And who are those two?" Mika asked."The blonde is Mitsuba Sanguu. Her parents are the CEOs of Sanguu Garments Inc. Basically, they're a family of fashion designers. They own quite a few lines in South Korea, Pyobeom being one of them." Kimizuki explained."Pyobeom?" Mika questioned."Yeah. It's Leopard in English. The store next door is a Leopard fashion boutique. Mitsuba runs the store along with Yoichi." Kimizuki told him."Who's Yoichi?" Mika asked."The brunet over there. He may look like a child, but he's the son of Saotome Engineering Corp." Kimizuki said."Wow..." he watched Yoichi say something in Korean to Mitsuba, who shouted at him in response with a bright red blush on her face. "These three are from such prestigious families and yet they live such normal lives..." Mika frowned, shoving his hands into his sweatpants pockets. "I'm pretty envious...I wish I was like them." he thought to himself.Kimizuki frowned when he saw how sad Mika looked, but Shinoa's loud shout shook him out of it."Oi, Kimizuki! Bil-eo meog-eul eneoji eumlyo leul gu-ibhago yeogiseo naga idong!" she growled. (Oi, Kimizuki! Go buy your damn energy drink and get out of here!)Kimizuki chuckled at how annoyed Shinoa sounded."Gwaenchanh-a, gwaenchanh-a ." he waved his hand a little as he looked at Mika. "Let's go get our drinks." he said. (Alright, alright.)Mika nodded."Okay." he replied as he followed Kimizuki over to the cooler, where the drinks were.As Kimizuki opened the cooler and began to look for a drink, Mitsuba spoke up."Nugu ibnikka?" she asked. (Who's that?)"A, mika ibnida. Geuneun nae lummeiteu ibnida." Kimizuki said. (Ah, that's Mika. He's my roommate.)"O, jeongmal?" Mitsuba observed Mika. "Geuneun yeogieseo haji, geuneun mueos-ibnikka?" she asked. (Oh, really? He's not from here, is he?)Kimizuki shook his head."Geuneun yeogie migug eseo wassda. Geuneun hangug-ui manh-eun geos-eul malhal su eobsda, geulaeseo naneun jom jasin-ui tong-yeog yeoghal-eulhabnida." Kimizuki explained. (He came here from the States. He can't speak much Korean, so I kinda act as his translator.)As soon as Kimizuki said that Mika was from the States, Mitsuba's eyes began to sparkle."Mwo?! Geuneun migug eseo ibnida?!" she looked over at Mika. "Nan...Yeong-eolo myeoch gaji leul malhal su-issda!" she said. (What?! He's from the States?! I...I can say a couple of things in English!)"Hm? What did she say?" Mika asked."She said that she knows a couple of words in English." Kimizuki replied as he pulled out a blue can that read Hot 6ix."Ah." Mika said as Mitsuba began to stutter a word out."H-H-H...He...Herro!" she said.Mika blinked his eyes twice, trying to figure out what she was trying to say. He then figured it out as he smiled."Hello." he replied as he waved at her.Mitsuba resembled a lovestruck schoolgirl as she began to squeal. Shinoa only snorted as she rolled her eyes."Naneun dangsin eul mid-eul su eobs-seubnida. Geuneun danji migug ida! Jeongmal michin eod-eul su-issneun geos-eun amu geosdo eobs-seubnida." Shinoa pointed out. (I can't believe you. He's only American! There's nothing to get really crazy about.)Mitsuba shot a smirk in Shinoa's direction."Kimizuki ui geuui gwansim ui jeonbuleul jeon-yong hagi ttaemun-e geunyang jiltu migug malhaessda handa." she jeered. (You're just jealous because Kimizuki's dedicating all of his attention to said American.)"Geugeos-eun mueos-eulhaessda?!" Shinoa snapped angrily, slamming her hands down on the light teal colored counter as an angry blush spread across her cheeks. (What was that?!)Kimizuki chuckled, amused by the girls's bickering as he pulled out a white can and he handed it to Mika."Here, try a Sol Energy. It's got a nice trpoical flavor like pineapple and mango that I think you might like." he said."Okay..." Mika trailed off, taking the bottle from Kimizuki as he closed the cooler door.Unknown to the two guys, the back door opened and another person walked in."Dangsin-eun jibul hal junbiga doesyeossseubnikka?" Shinoa asked, the blush gone from her cheeks. (Are you ready to pay?)"Ye." Kimizuki replied. (Yup.)"Geuleon da-eum, yeogie eod-eul!" she snapped. (Then, get up here!)"Gwaenchanh-a." Kimizuki replied as the two of them made their way over to the counter. (Okay.)"Naneun hanaui has 6ix han sol eneoji leul jomhago sipseubnida." Kimizuki said as they both rested their drinks on the counter. (I'd like to get one Hot 6ix and one Vita 500.)The person took up their drinks and they scanned the barcode."Johguna. Chong eun ₩3856.30 doel geos-ibnida." the person said. (Alright. Your total is going to be $3.50.)Mika couldn't help but feel like that voice sounded familiar. He looked up from the counter and that was when he saw him.Yuu stood before him wearing the exact same clothes that Shinoa wore except his apron was a medium brown color. His eyes still sparkled and his hair still shone even if he wasn't under the strobe lights of the gents club.He could only stare at him as Yuu's eyes widened in surprise."You/Dangsin!" they both shouted at the same time, pointing at each other as they did. (You!)Shinoa arched a brow at this."Dangsin-eun du gaeui seololeul al-a?" she asked. (You two know each other?)"Huh?" Mika asked.Damn, it sucked not taking Korean back in high school..."Naneun keulleob-eseo salamdeul i jinan bam-e budijchyeossda. Geumbal naega dablyelo geuege hangug-eo galeuchyeo gyeong-u na yeong-eoleul galeuchigi wihae jegonghago issseubnida." Yuu explained to Shinoa. (I bumped into those two last night at the club. The blond is offering to teach me English if I teach him Korean in return.)"A, nan eul chamjohasibsio." Shinoa replied. (Ah, I see.)"Just what in the world are they talking about?!" Mika asked."Shinoa's asking how the two of you met and Yuu's telling her about the gents club." Kimizuki explained."I see..." Mika trailed off.Shinoa then glanced over at Kimizuki as if she just realized he was there."Oi, mulgeon eul jibul hago yeogi nagaya." she snapped in an annoyed tone. (Oi, pay for your stuff and get outta here.)As Kimizuki handed Yuu his debit card, Mitsuba began to taunt Shinoa."Jelli, jelli, Shinoa ui neomu jelli! Jelli, jelli, Shinoa ui neomu jelli!" she teased. (Jelly, jelly, Shinoa's so jelly! Jelly, jelly, Shinoa's so jelly!)"Dangsin-i jonglyodoeji anh-eun gyeong-u Mitsuba neun, naneun goemul-i dangsin eul jug-ilgeoya!" Shinoa shouted. (Mitsuba, if you don't shut up, I'll freaking kill you!)"Dangsin-i gogaeg-eul gwichanhge geoya...jinjeong..." Yoichi murmured out, nodding his head over to the flow of customers coming in. (Calm down...you'll bother the customers...)Yuu printed out the receipt and he handed it to him. "Yeogi yeongsujeung ibnida. Halu ui joh-eun hyusig-eulhaeyahabnida." Yuu said. (Here's your receipt. Have a good rest of your day.)"Gwaenchanh gamsa!" Kimizuki said. (Okay, thanks!)Yuu then shot a glance at Mika."Naneun mog-yoil-e dangsin eul bol su issseubnida." he said. (I'll see you on Thursday.)Mika could only nod as he followed Kimizuki out of the cafe. As he popped his bottle open, he shot a glance at Kimizuki."I think even though Shinoa acts mean to you, she actually likes you." he pointed out.Kimizuki chuckled as he cracked open his can. "I think so, too." he agreed as they resumed jogging.Mika sat on top of his bed, typing out an e-mail to Krul.It was now Thursday. Yuu had sent him a text in Korean earlier today, which Kimizuki translated as, I'll be there in fifteen minutes.He sighed as he finished typing his e-mail out. He decided to read it over to check for errors.Aunt Krul, How are you doing? I'm holding up just fine here. My roommate has been keeping me company here. We went jogging yesterday and we went to this cafe that his friend owns. Did you know that he's friend's with 'the' Hiiragi's daughter? And he's also friends with the Sanguu's daughter and the Saotome's son. Kimizuki's super incredible. And I couldn't help but notice that even though they come from such wealthy families, they lead normal lives. I kinda wish it were me...Anyhow, I don't think I've told you about the boy I have to tutor. He's a stripper at a popular gents club in the red-light district. Yes, I did indeed say red-light district. AND that he's a stripper. But, he's not such a bad person! I'm tutoring him in English and he's tutoring me in Korean because as you know, I don't know squat in Korean. So, I guess that'll benefit me. I hope Uncle Crowley's not trying to bother you a whole lot. Keep him under control!!! Well, I've got to go now. You'll probably be here in a minute. I miss you!Love, MikaAfter fixing a couple of minor errors, he sent the e-mail. He sighed, closing down his laptop as the phone went off in the kitchen."I'll get it!" he could smell the tteokbokki (Kimizuki told him that it was rice cakes cooked with fish cakes and scallions in an sweet and spicy chili paste sauce) cooking in the kitchen as he heard Kimizuki rush over to the phone."Yeoboseyo?"..."Ne, a! Ulineun geuleul gidaligoiss-eo. Nae lummeiteuga geuleul delileo haeyahabnida." ..."Gwaenchanh gamsa! Annyeong."He heard footsteps and then saw Kimizuki poking his head out of the kitchen entrance."Yuu's here. Go get him." he said.Mika nodded."Alright." he replied as he got off of the bed and he made his way over to the door. He slipped on a pair of tan sandals, grabbed for his green lanyard on the key rack, and he headed out of the room.He made his way down the hall to the elevator. He got in, scanned his card, and he pressed the number 1 with the star next to it. He watched himself in the mirror that the elevator had and he began to smoothen out the blue hoodie that he wore (Kimizuki usually complains about how the room is too hot, so he cranks the AC up to the max). As he began to run his fingers through his hair to make himself look decent, he realized what he was doing."What are you doing?! It's not like you need to look good for him or anything..." he thought to himself as he quickly ruffled his hair to make it look messy.The elevator arrived at the lobby and he stepped out, rushing over to the front door. He opened it and stepped outside to see Yuu sitting on the bench in a white shirt, a black peacoat over it, black skinny jeans, and black Converse. "H-Hey!" Mika called out.Yuu looked up from his gold Samsung and he glanced over at Mika.A small smile pulled at Mika's lips as he awkwardly waved at him.Yuu waved back as he stood up, slipping his phone back into his peacoat pocket."Yeoboseyo." he greeted. (Hello)"Y-Yeoboseyo!" Mika stuttered out. (H-Hello!)A small laugh escaped Yuu's lips, which caused Mika's heart to skip a beat."Um...Uh..." Mika decided that hand motions would be good for now as he moved his hand in a 'come on' motion. "Come." he said.Yuu nodded as he followed Mika into the dormitory building.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The elevator ride up was excruciatingly silent.Mika stared at the mirror while Yuu played a little with his hair, tugging at it occasionally."This is so awkward...actually, why the heck IS it so awkward? I mean, it's not like we both did something that would make us act like this..." Mika thought to himself.He then noticed something."Well, he DID give me a lap dance two days ago. Not only that, we made a deal to teach each other our languages and then my heart did that weird doki doki thing when he laughed..." he trailed off in his thoughts.The elevator dinged, signaling that it had arrived at Floor 4. Yuu nudged Mika lightly and he nodded his head over at the open elevator doors."Ah." Mika replied as they both stepped out of the elevator and they began to make their way to the room. They approached the room a couple of minutes later and Mika swiped his card down. The door beeped, signaling that it was unlocked. He opened the door and he stepped off to the side as a sign for Yuu to walk in.Yuu nodded before stepping into the room. Mika followed him inside as he called out to Kimizuki."Kimizuki, I'm back!" he hollered."You are?" Kimizuki poked his head out of the kitchen as he spotted Yuu sitting on the bed, untying his cream colored shoelaces. "Annyeonghaseyo, Yuu!" he called out. (Good afternoon, Yuu!)Yuu pulled off his left Converse as he looked up at Kimizuki."Annyeonghaseyo." he sniffed at the air. "Naega geogie bueok-eseo naemsaega iss-eo geu tteogbokk-i inga?" he asked. (Good afternoon. Is that tteokbokki I'm smelling in the kitchen there?)"Ye, geugeos-eun hwagsilhada! Naneun geoui geugeos-eul mandeuneun kkeutnass-eoyo. Hanpyeon, mika neun dangsin-ege han du gaji leul galeu chil su issseubnida." Kimizuki replied. (Yes, it sure is! I'm almost done making it. In the meantime, Mika can teach you a thing or two.)Yuu glanced over at Mika as he took off his right Converse."Naega mun ileohan baechihaeyahabnikka?" he asked. (Do I put these by the door?)"Huh?" Mika asked.Yuu sighed as he made his way over to the door. He pointed at his shoes and then over at a spot by the door."Ah." Mika nodded. "Yeah, you can put them there." he said.Yuu dropped his shoes down on the ground. As he began to shrug off his peacoat, Mika opened his mouth to speak."May I take your coat for you?" he asked.Yuu eyed him in confusion."Eung?" he questioned. (Huh?)Mika made his way over to Yuu and he tugged lightly at Yuu's peacoat before nodding his head over to the coat rack nearby.Yuu nodded his head as he pulled his phone out and he shrugged the peacoat off of him. He handed it to Mika and as he took the peacoat from him, their fingers brushed against one another. This made the peacoat fall out of Mika's hand."Ah! S-Sorry!" Mika stammered out as he picked the coat up from the ground."Mika, stop acting like some nervous schoolgirl! Get your act together!" his mind shouted at him as he quickly rushed over and he hung the coat on the rack. He made his way over to the bed and he sat down, tapping on the spot next to him.Yuu made his way over without another word and he plopped down next to him, their legs barely touching. Mika felt himself begin to grow warm as he spoke."S-Shall we get started?" he stuttered out.Yuu eyed him in confusion, which made Mika nearly face palm."Here." Mika grabbed for the notebook and pen next to his laptop and he handed it Yuu. "Take notes." he said.Yuu seemed to have comprehended what Mika said, for he nodded slightly."Good. Now, let's begin." he said.Thirty minutes later, Mika found himself laying on his stomach on the bed with Yuu next to him, their bodies touching and Yuu's face right next to Mika's face. Mika could feel Yuu's body heat course through his body, which went to show how close their bodies were."Here. Use this and listen to the audio." Mika said.Yuu watched him in confusion, which caused Mika to nearly face palm.He took the earbud, stuck it in his ear, and he tapped play on the YouTube video."O." Yuu said. (Oh.)He put the earbud in and he started the video.The woman in the video began to explain everything to Yuu as Mika began to think."Geez...teaching English is so hard. I was thinking that it was going to be easy, but it's more complicated than it seems..." Mika thought to himself."Uh...Ah, Beh, Ceh, Deh...Uh..." Yuu paused the video and he looked at Mika."Are you trying to say the alphabet?" Mika asked."Heum?" Yuu answered. (Hm?)"Uh..." Mika tried to remember the Korean word for alphabet. "A! Alpabes!" he declared. (Ah! Alphabet!)Yuu nodded in response."Okay, maybe we should take a break from the audio right now." Mika got off of the bed and he made his way over to the kitchen. "Oi, Kimizuki!" he called out."Yes?" Kimizuki replied."First off, when will you be done cooking?" Mika asked."In a couple of minutes." Kimizuki replied."And also, do you have any English fairytale books that I can borrow? I want to try reading one to Yuu." he said."Ah! I've got Snow White sitting in one of my drawers in the dresser. I'm holding onto it for my sister Mirai." Kimizuki explained."I see...thanks!" Mika said as he went over to the dresser. He opened multiple drawers before pulling the book out."There we go..." he closed the drawer and he turned to see Yuu watching him. He could feel his heart racing as Yuu's eyes trailed down his body, eyeing him with what might've been a seductive look.Mika gulped as he watched Yuu's tongue dart out and run along his bottom lip."Oh my god, stop it!" he mentally smacked himself. "Right now, you're his tutor. Don't think about dirty things." he thought to himself.He made his way over to Yuu and he laid back down on his stomach beside him."Okay..." Mika closed his laptop down. "We're going to read." he said.Yuu pointed at the book, eyeing Mika as if he were asking if they were going to read it.Mika caught onto what Yuu was trying to tell him and he nodded."Yes. We are going to read Snow White." he opened the book and he began to read. "Once upon a time, there lived a beautiful princess. Since she had fair skin and gorgeous blue eyes, she was given the name Snow White." he flipped the page and he pointed at the illustration of Snow White. "You see? It's Snow White." he said.Yuu brought his finger to the page and he traced the outline of Snow White's yellow skirt."Sch...Show Why!" he declared.Mika shook his head."No, that is not right. It's Snow White." he said.Yuu eyed him, his eyes obviously asking him why it was Snow White and not Show Why."Think about it. Does it snow here?" he asked.Yuu watched Mika in confusion, causing the blond to sigh."Okay, pick one. Yes," he nodded his head, "or no." he shook his head.Yuu nodded his head."Okay. What color is snow?" Mika asked."Eo..." Yuu trailed off. (Uh...)"Is the snow white?" Mika asked.Yuu nodded his head."So...?" Mika trailed off, hoping Yuu would at least be able to understand this much."Ah! S...Snow White!" he declared, pointing at the picture of Snow White on the page.Mika nodded, giving Yuu a thumbs up."Yes! He's understanding me! I might actually be good at this tutoring thing!" he thought to himself.Yuu watched Mika as a bright smile spread across his face.Mika couldn't help but blush as his heart raced rapidly. He was just too cute."Shit...why does he have to be so cute?!" he asked himself."Uh...anyhow..." Mika cleared his throat. "Let's continue reading." he said as he continued to read the fairytale to Yuu."And so, the prince just happened to pass by. He saw Snow White laying down around a small meadow of flowers. He watched her and said, "She is such a beautiful woman! I think I want to kiss her.'" he flipped the page. "He made his way over to her and he knelt down beside her. He leaned in and as his lips pressed against hers- - -" that was when Mika heard Kimizuki call out to them."The tteokbokki's done! While I'm letting it cool, I'm gonna go buy some drinks. I'm getting some sujeonggwa because that shit is the bomb." Kimizuki looked over at Yuu. "Dangsin eun naega dangsin-eul wihae sip-eo habnikka?" he asked. (What do you want me to get for you?)"Ilbu banana uyu." Yuu replied. (Some banana milk.)"Joh-a, joh-eun soli." Kimizuki glanced over at Mika. "What do you want?" he asked. (Okay, sounds good.)"Uh...I guess I'll have whatever Yuu's having?" Mika answered uncertainly."So, you'll also have a banana milk." Kimizuki said.Mika nodded."Yeah, that sounds like it'll taste good." he said."Okay. I'll be back in about twenty-five minutes, so happy tutoring!" Kimizuki chirped before slipping on a pair of black Nike sneakers and heading out of the room, swinging his lanyard around as he did.Mika sighed as he felt Yuu tug at the sleeve of his hoodie."Yeah?" he answered.He pulled at the page in the book, watching Mika with a hopeful look in his eyes.Mika couldn't help but grin. He had never seen a boy his age be so eager to finish reading a fairytale. As much as he wanted to read the rest of the book, he decided against it."Let's stop here for today. I'll let you finish reading the rest of the book as homework. I'm sure Kimizuki will let you take the book home." he said.Yuu pouted as he looked at Mika. Mika watched Yuu and he couldn't help but notice how Yuu's lower lip was stuck out a little. It made him look adorable and he just wanted to kiss him and- - -wait, what the heck was he just thinking about?"Mika, stop it! You're not fricking gay!" he told himself."Geulaeseo, kiseu jangmyeon..." Yuu trailed off after a few more moments of silence. (So, the kiss scene...)"Hm?" Mika questioned, not quite getting what Yuu was trying to tell him.Yuu brought his hand to his lips and he kissed it, blowing the kiss in Mika's direction. He then pointed at himself and then at Mika."Ulineun geuleon il-eul sido hal su?" he asked. (Could we try doing something like that?)Mika stared at him for what seemed like hours. That was when it finally clicked: Yuu was asking if they could kiss."K-K-Kiss?!" he nearly exclaimed, his cheeks turning a beet red."I figured that he was bold, but not THAT bold!" he thought to himself.Yuu nodded."Animyeon ulineun ttohan daleun mwongaleul hal su..." Yuu trailed off as he climbed off of the bed. (Or we could also do something else...)Mika arched a brow as he climbed off of the bed, as well."What is he trying to say?" he asked himself.He watched as Yuu pulled out his phone. He tapped on something and an oddly familiar song began to play. "Huh? What song is thi- - -" Mika's eyes widened once he recognized the song."This song...this was playing when he gave me that lap dance a couple of days ago!" realization then dawned on him. "Wait a minute...is he going to give me a lap dance?!" he asked himself."Um...I don't think we should- - -" he was cut off by Yuu pushing him down onto the bed. Yuu rested his phone down on the bed and he straddled Mika.He cocked his head to the side, eyeing Mika with a seductive look in his eyes. He began to move his finger down Mika's clothed chest as Mika began to think."Is he trying to give me a lap dance or seduce me?" he asked himself.As he thought that, Yuu began to move his hips against Mika. This made Mika blush furiously."Wha- - -" he felt Yuu's hands rest on his shoulders and they began to back up until Mika's back hit the wall the bed was up against. Mika gulped as he looked up at Yuu."This is crazy..." Yuu began to whirl his hips about just inches from Mika's hips. "Just how in the world did we get to lap dancing, anyway?!" Mika asked himself.Yuu's fingers danced along the waistline of Mika's jeans, causing Mika to bite his lip. He watched Yuu lean in and tug at the strap on Mika's hoodie lightly."Okay, he is seriously a turn-on. How the heck is it even possible for a man to turn another man on?!" Mika asked himself.Yuu let go of the hoodie strap and he gazed into Mika's eyes for what seemed like centuries. That was when he began to lean in. Mika's breath hitched in his throat as he managed to focus in on one thing: Yuu's cotton candy pink lips."Damn it...he's too hot!" Mika tried his hardest not to pounce on Yuu as he moved closer to him.As Yuu's lips hovered over Mika's, Mika heard his phone go off in his hoodie pocket. Yuu eyed Mika curiously as Mika pulled his phone out and he answered it."Hello?" he answered."Ah, Mika! Hey! So, I'm at Mystic Eats right now and I wanna know if you want banana or banana light.""Uh...I guess just banana milk?" Mika answered uncertainly."Alright! Original banana, it is! Oh, can you hand Yuu the phone?""Okay..." he looked at Yuu. "Kimizuki." he answered.Yuu nodded as he took the phone from Mika. As he did, their hands bumped. An unfamiliar spark shot through Mika's hand, causing the blond to jump a little as Yuu brought the phone to his ear."Yeoboseyo?" he answered. (Hello?)"Ibwa, yuu! Geugeos-eun Kimizuki ibnida. Dangsin-i wonlae banana na banana deung eul wonhandamyeon naneun algo sip-eo." (Hey, Yuu! It's Kimizuki. I wanna know if you want original banana or banana light.)"Wonlae banana." Yuu replied. (Original banana.)"Joh-a, geu, geulae...I wonlae banana su issseubnida dangsin-eun dasi mika ege jeonhwaleul hasibsio jul su issseubnikka?" Kimizuki asked. (Okay, so that'll be two original bananas...Okay, can you give the phone back to Mika, please?)Yuu nodded as he moved the phone from his ear and he handed it to Mika."Hey, Kimizuki." Mika answered, bringing the phone to his ear."Okay, I'll be back in about ten minutes. Don't do anything funny in those ten minutes. I'll probably laugh, though.""No, I won't! We're both just fine!" Mika lied."Okay, then. Talk to you soon! Bye!" "By- - -Shit!" Mika suddenly exclaimed as he felt Yuu press his hand against his crotch.Before Kimizuki could question him, he quickly hung up.Yuu whined, moving his hips against Mika's as he did."No, no, no." Mika shook his head. "That's not nice." he told him sternly.Yuu pouted as he sat on his lap, crossing his arms over his chest with his lower lip stuck out.Mika sighed."Should we stay like this? Yes or no?" Mika asked."Ye!" Yuu exclaimed as he nodded his head.Mika sighed as he stared up at Yuu until Kimizuki got back. Mika couldn't seem to fall asleep late that night. All he could think about was how Yuu's breath felt against his lips as Yuu's hair nearly tickled his eyebrows and his eyelids and how close they were to kissing."Shit, shit, shit!" he buried his face into his pillow. "Why the hell can't you fall asleep! It's not like you're freaking gay or anything!" he told himself.That was when he stopped."Am I gay?" he asked himself.He slowly rose his head from the pillow as he began to think."Maybe she knows." he thought to himself.He reached for his phone in the dark and he climbed out of bed. He tiptoed over to the bathroom door as to not disturb Kimizuki as he flicked the lights on. He quickly slipped into the bathroom and he quietly closed the door behind him. He slumped down onto the floor as he began to dial a number. He brought the phone to his ear as he heard a voice."Hi, Mika! Why are you calling so late at night over there? Isn't it two in Seoul right now?""Aunt Krul...I think I might be gay."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kimizuki woke up with a start early the next morning."Well, shit." he ran his fingers through his hair. "I know that I have a bunch of wacky dreams and all that kind of thing, but why in the world did I dream of Shinoa stuffing me into an egg roll and eating me alive?" he asked himself.He slowly rose up from bed and he looked over to see that Mika wasn't in bed."Hm? Where'd Mika go?" he asked himself.He yawned while shrugging his shoulders."Eh, whatever. Maybe he went out somewhere." Kimizuki got out of bed. "He'll be back eventually." he thought to himself.He stretched as he glanced over at the bathroom door."I should probably go shower..." he mumbled under his breath.He made his way over to the bathroom door and he opened it. He stepped in and he closed the door behind him. He quickly stripped of his black wife beater and red pajama pants and he reached for the shower curtain. He pulled it and he nearly let out a girlish screech."Holy shit!" he staggered backwards once he saw Mika fast asleep in the tub with his phone on his lap. "M-Mika?!" he exclaimed as he quickly grabbed for a towel to cover himself with."Mmmm..." Mika stirred a little and he glanced over at Kimizuki. "Kimizuki...?" he then took notice of the bath towel wrapped around his waist. "Why the hell are you naked...?" he mumbled."Why I'm naked?! I should he asking you why in the actual fuck are you in the tub?!" Kimizuki snapped.Mika's eyes widened at this. "I'm in the...?!" Mika quickly stood up and he looked around, his phone sliding off his lap. "Oh. I am." he said, blinking his eyes twice.Kimizuki let out an exasperated sigh."Haaaa, you totally killed the mood..." he ran his fingers through his hair. "Well, I think I'm gonna go for a run. If you wanna come, then you may as well make yourself look decent." he said.Mika nodded his head slowly as Kimizuki headed out of the bathroom and closed the door behind him.Mika tried his hardest to keep up with Kimizuki as they jogged in the direction of the city."Oh...my...god...!" he panted, throwing his hands down onto the black sweatpants that he decided to throw on. "Kimizuki is WAY too fast! Can't he at least slow down a little?!" he asked himself as he resumed jogging.Kimizuki suddenly stopped, causing Mika to run into him."Holy shit!" Mika staggered backwards in shock as he glared at Kimizuki. "Why the hell did you stop?!" he snapped."I just got an idea!" they began to walk so that Mika could follow Kimizuki's pace. "How about we have breakfast at Mystic Eats?" he suggested."I guess...?" they turned the corner as Mika began to think. "I mean, I would love to and all, but wouldn't Shinoa be out for your head if we go?" Mika asked.Kimizuki chuckled at Mika's question."We may bicker and stuff like that, but we only do that because of our status and our place in society." he told him.Mika arched a brow at Kimizuki's statement."Huh? What does he mean by that?" he asked himself.Before he could ask him, they arrived at Mystic Eats."Alrighty! Here we are! Now, let's go inside, shall we?" Kimizuki suggested as he opened the door and they stepped in. The small bell chimed as they heard Shinoa let out a holler."Miseutig e osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida- - -" she frowned once she spotted Kimizuki. "O. Geugeos-eun Kimizuki, dangsin ibnida." she stated. (Welcome to Mystic---Oh. It's just you, Kimizuki.)"Eyadiya!" Kimizuki greeted. (Yo!)She then glanced over at Mika and frowned."Geuligo dangsindo, dangsin-ui migug chingu leul gajyeowassda." she noted. (And you brought your American buddy, too.)"Ye! Ulineun achim sigsaleul wihae yeogi!" Kimizuki declared. (Yup! We're here for breakfast!)Shinoa's eyes nearly bugged out of their eye sockets."Achim sigsa?!" she nearly exclaimed. (Breakfast?!)"Ye!" Kimizuki replied as him and Mika walked over to the beverage fridge. (Yup!)"Hananim, naneun jom geunyang jibulhago nagal su issdolog dangsin eun eneoji eumlyo e daehan on dallago..." Shinoa grumbled, which made Kimizuki laugh. (God, I kinda wished that you only came for energy drinks so that you can just pat and get out...)"Mian haeyo, yeobo. Nan geunyang sip-eo dangsin-ui guwojin sangpum ui ilbuleul bosibsio." he told her, causing her to blush furiously. (Sorry, sweetheart. I just wanna try some of your baked goods.)She lowered her gaze in an attempt to will away the blush on her cheeks as Kimizuki opened the fridge and he pulled out a bottle of banana milk."Want some banana milk?" Kimizuki asked."Sure..." Mika trailed off as Kimizuki pulled out another banana milk bottle and he handed it to Mika. Mika took the bottle from Kimizuki and they made their way over to the front counter."Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun mueos-eul eod-eul geos-inga?" Shinoa asked. (So, what will you get?)"Eum..." Kimizuki scanned the display case. "A! Naneun daseos yagkwas eul haeyahabnida!" he declared. (Um...Ah! I'll have five yagkwas!)Shinoa let out a small 'tch.'"Dangsingwa dangsin-ui dalkomhan ippal..." she grumbled. (You and your sweet tooth...)"Geuleona, dangsin-eun dangsin-i nae dalkomhan chia leul salang algoissda." Kimizuki flirted as Shinoa went to get the five yagkwas from the display case. (But, you know you love my sweet tooth.)Shinoa nearly hit her head on the display case at Kimizuki's statement.Even without knowing any Korean, Mika knew that Kimizuki was flirting with Shinoa. He was tempted to face palm."Goddammit, Kimizuki...like he couldn't save the flirting for another time!" he looked over at Shinoa warming up the yagkwas a little in a microwave and then at some of the customers filing into the cafe. "Aaaaagh, I just wanna melt away into complete nothingness!" he thought to himself."Joh-a, i." Shinoa put the plate of yagkwas onto the counter. "Daleun geon?" she asked. (Okay, there. Anything else?)"Mika, what do you want?" Kimizuki asked, glancing over at the confused blond."Uh..." Mika trailed off as he glanced up at the menu board and then over at the display case."Just what DO I want to eat?" he asked himself."Naneun hotteog eul chucheonhabnida." Mika glanced over at Shinoa. "Dangsin-i geugeos-eul joh-ahaneun geos gat-ayo." she said. (I recommend the hotteok. I think you'll like it.)"What did she say?" Mika asked, glancing over at Kimizuki."She says that she recommends the hotteok." Kimizuki said."A hot what?" Mika questioned in surprise."A hotteok. It's basically a pancake with a filling on the inside." Kimizuki explained."Hm...I guess I'll try it." Mika said."Alright." Kimizuki looked over at Shinoa. "Geulaeseo, hana hotteog du gaeui banana uyu leul eod-eul su issseubnida." he said. (So, I'll also get one hotteok and two banana milks.)"Joh-a...daleun geon?" Shinoa asked. (Okay...Anything else?)"Naneun Shinoa hi ilagi eul malhal geos-ibnida ,hajiman geugeon neomu deultteo soli geos-ibnida." he watched how Shinoa's face turned as red as a tomato as he spoke. "Hajiman, geuge jeonbu ibnida." he said. (I would say Shinoa Hiiragi, but that would sound too flirtatious. But, that's it.)"Gwaenchanh-a. Jeug, 5060.25₩ su issseubnida." she said. (Okay. That'll be $4.50.)Kimizuki took out some cash and he handed it to Shinoa."Naneun hotteog eul eodgo teibeul e delyeo geos-ida." she told them. (I'll get the hotteok and bring it over to your table.)"Gwaenchanh-a. Gamsahabnida, Shinoa!" Kimizuki said. (Okay. Thanks, Shinoa!)Shinoa snorted as she attended to another customer. Kimizuki could only chuckle as him and Mika made their way over to a table. They sat down and Mika cracked open his bottle of banana milk. He took a sip as he eyed the daisy-shaped pastries on Kimizuki's plate curiously."What ARE yagkwas, anyway?" he asked."Oh, these?" Kimizuki picked up one. "They are honey-coated pieces of heaven!" he declared as he bit into one."I...I see..." Mika trailed off as he watched Shinoa come over to them with a plate in her hand."Yeogi hotteog ibnida." she rested the plate before Mika and she looked over at Kimizuki. "Geuligo neo. Seodulleo yeogiseo naga." she snapped. (Here's your hotteok. And you. Hurry up and get out of here.)"Alrighty." Kimizuki said as she walked off. (Alrighty.)Mika eyed Shinoa curiously as he spoke."Do you think Yuu's working here today?" he asked.Kimizuki shrugged."I don't know. Want me to go ask her?" he asked.Mika nodded."Well, if you want to, at least." he said."No, I'll go ask her." Kimizuki said as he got up and went over to the front counter.Mika sipped on his banana milk as he watched Kimizuki converse with Shinoa."It would be nice to talk to him today..." he thought to himself.He pulled off a piece of the hotteok and he eyed it."I must really like him, huh..." he thought to himself as he thought back on the conversation that he had with Krul last night.
"Hi, Mika! Why are you calling so late at night over there? Isn't it two in Seoul right now?"
"Aunt Krul...I think I might be gay." he admitted.
The line was silent for what seemed like hours. Mika bit his lip as he spoke.
"Um...Aunt---" he was cut off by her laughing. "A-Aunt Krul! Why are you laughing?!" he asked.
"I'm just happy that you've found your first love!"
Mika's cheeks grew a bright pink as she spoke.
"So, who's the lucky boy? Is it your roommate?"
"No way! I could never see Kimizuki like that!" Mika exclaimed.
"So...is it the stripper boy that you're tutoring?"
Mika's heart skipped a beat at the thought of Yuu. His cheeks turned redder as he spoke.
"...Yeah." he said.
"Well, I'm glad you realized that you're gay pretty early."
"Really?" Mika blinked his eyes twice as he stepped into the bathtub and he closed the curtain. "Is it good to notice these things early?" he asked.
"Yes, it is. Usually, you don't notice you're in love with them until they leave you behind. So, by being able to recognize it quickly, you are able to choose whether or not you will pursue it."
"Hm..." Mika tugged at his lower lip with his teeth. "I think I'll try and see how I feel before I end up pursuing this love." he said.
"Okay. But, just in case you do, just remember that there will be some problems."
"Problems? Like what?" Mika asked as he quirked a brow up in confusion.
"Your parents are constantly watching over you. And that's not in a good sense." Mika gulped at this. "All they care about is their bloody reputation. If they find out what's going on, then they'll rip you two apart and they'll end up covering the whole thing up."
"I figured out that much..." Mika trailed off.
"But, even if that is so, just remember that I will always support you no matter which path you take. Crowley will support you, as well."
Mika smiled softly at Krul's words.
"Thank you, Aunt Krul." he thanked her.
"Aw, no problem! Anything for my cute nephew!" she then let out a gasp. "Oh my gosh! You should get to bed right now! Good night and I'll talk to you another time!"
"Okay. Bye, Aunt Krul." Mika said.
"Bye!" the phone clicked.
Mika sighed as he looked up at the ceiling and slowly drifted off to sleep.
Mika found himself slipping the piece of hotteok into his mouth as Kimizuki made his way back over to the table with a piece of paper and a small pencil in his hand."What's that for?" Mika asked as he pointed at the piece of paper."You'll see." Kimizuki said as he began to write something down on the paper.Mika frowned as he tore off another piece of the hotteok. His eyes sparkled as he savored it."Mmmmm! This hotteok is amazing!" he gushed."Wait, let me try it." Kimizuki reached out and tore a piece off of the hotteok. "I haven't tried a hotteok in years." he said as he popped it into his mouth."Mmmmmm! This really IS amazing!" he exclaimed."Oi!" they looked over to see a red-faced Shinoa glaring at them. "Gei haengdong-eul jungjihago dangsin-i yeogiseo nagal su issdolog seodulleo!" she snapped angrily. (Oi! Stop acting gay and hurry up so that you can get out of here!)"Joh-a, jiltu sonyeo." he told her as he went back to writing on the piece of the paper. (Alright, jealous girl.)Shinoa fumed as she went to help out a customer. Mika eyed the slip of paper as he took another sip from his banana milk bottle."Can you tell me what you're writing down, exactly?" he asked as Kimizuki put down the pencil."So, you see, I asked her about Yuu and she told me that he isn't working here. Apparently, he works somewhere different everyday before going to the gents club at night." he turned the paper around and pushed it across the table in Mika's direction. "Here. Take a look." he said.Mika eyed the paper in wonder as he read what it said.Monday-Gas station on outskirts of SeoulTuesday-Grocery store on outskirts of Seoul (quit due to tutoring)Wednesday-Mystic Eats CafeThursday-Housekeeping in manor (quit due to tutoring)Friday-Car was at gas stationSaturday-Leopard next door to Mystic EatsSunday-Internet cafe in the heart of SeoulHe then noticed what Tuesday and Thursday said."Huh? How come he quit the housekeeping and the grocery store jobs?" he asked."It's probably because of the tutoring going on between the two of you." Kimizuki explained."I know that, but...why so many jobs?" Mika asked."Well, being a stripper in the red-light district doesn't give you much options. Maybe life for him is difficult and because of where he stands, he has to work harder than other people." Kimizuki told him.As he said that, Mika remembered something that Kimizuki told him before they stepped into Mystic Eats."We may bicker and stuff like that, but we only do that because of our status and our place in society." Kimizuki's voice rang through his head."So, Kimizuki..." he popped another piece of the hotteok in his mouth. "You told me that the reason you and Shinoa bicker is because of where you stand in society." he said."Yeah." Kimizuki said as he bit into another yagkwa."Why is that?" Mika asked.Kimizuki breathed out a small sigh."I haven't told you, have I?" he asked as he grabbed for his bottle of banana milk.Mika slowly shook his head."No...?" he answered uncertainly."Okay. So, my parents are actually doctors at the Shiho Medical Center further into the city. My father was very good friends with Shinoa's father back in the day. However, as the years went by, the huge gap in status grew wider and wider. Their friendship went sour and they became enemies. And now, they expect Shinoa and I to become enemies just like them." Kimizuki explained."But, that's not what you want, now is it?" Mika guessed.Kimizuki shook his head."No. All I want from Shinoa is to be friends with me." he said."Or maybe you can become even more than that?" Mika suggested.Kimizuki quickly shook his head."No way! I can never see Shinoa in that light!" he exclaimed.Mika rolled his eyes at Kimizuki's answer."Well, if you say so..." he finished his hotteok. "So, shall we get going?" he asked.Kimizuki nodded."Sure." he replied as he packed the remaining three yagkwas into a small bag and they got up from their seats. As they began to head out, Kimizuki glanced over at Shinoa."Juwi Shinoa eul boja!" he hollered. (See you around, Shinoa!)Shinoa snorted."Eum, joh-eun jyeoss!" she hollered loudly. (Well, good riddance!)Shinoa's response made Kimizuki snicker as him and Mika left Mystic Eats.Mika never knew he'd be so nervous in his whole life.It was now Tuesday, the day when Yuu would be able to teach him Korean. And as he tried to button up his dark red button up shirt with a white dragon on it, he couldn't help but feel his fingers twitch ever so slightly as his heart raced."What the heck, Mika?! Stop acting so nervous!" he thought to himself."Oi, Mika." Kimizuki came up behind him, examining his shirt in the mirror. "You're buttoning up that shirt wrong." he commented."I am?!" Mika quickly glanced down at his shirt and he realized that it wasn't buttoned up right. "Shit, it is..." he grumbled.Kimizuki chuckled."Good job, Mika." he said."Screw off." Mika growled as he unbuttoned his shirt and he buttoned it back up properly. As soon as that was done, he went into the bathroom."You sure you'll be able to find the place?" Kimizuki asked."I'm sure." Mika reached for the container of hair gel. "I'm taking a cab, so the driver should know where to go. It's a good thing I'm taking a cab or else I'd be completely lost if I drove on my own." he stated.As he began to gel his hair, he heard Kimizuki step into the bathroom."Oi, you're going to get tutored, not go on a date with your girlfriend. You don't need to gel your hair up or anything." he stated."I told you to screw off!" Mika snapped as he closed up the gel container and he ruffled it back up.Kimizuki chuckled."Alright, I'll screw off." he went over to his bed and he sat down. "Anyhow, when do you have to be there for?" he asked."He said that I need to be there for eleven thirty..." Mika glanced down at his watch and he gasped, seeing that it was now eleven fifteen. "Crap! I gotta go or else I'll be late!" he exclaimed as he sped out of the bathroom.He slipped on a pair of black and white Nike sneakers, not caring to tie them as he grabbed for his lanyard, swung the door open, and he darted out.Kimizuki watched the door slam shut as he heard Mika let out a loud shout.He couldn't help but chuckle."Dang, Mika sure is clumsy..."About fifteen minutes later, the taxi pulled up at the destination. Mika stepped out and he handed the driver some cash."Gamsa!" he said as he closed the door and the driver drove off. (Thanks!)He sighed as he looked up at the place that he had arrived at.It was a two story building that was painted a light shade of red. The building reminded him of a typical American motel that he'd find if he were driving on the highway back home."So, Yuu lives here, huh..." he trailed off in his thoughts.He made his way over to the building and he began to make his way up the stairs. The railing was starting to rust with some of the white paint chipped off as the stairs squeaked with each step he took.He approached the second floor and he looked down at his phone as he made his way down. "If I remember correctly, the room number is 2G..." he trailed off as he rose his head up to find himself in front of Room 2G."Ah, there it is..." he mumbled.The door seemed old with the white paint chipped off to reveal some of the wood. He gulped."Does he seriously live here? Did I get the wrong place? I mean, yeah, it says that it was 2G at this address, but still. This building looks fishy..." Mika looked around to see some people smoking and others going down the street, heckling and cussing. "And so does this neighborhood. I hope he isn't living by himself." Mika thought to himself as he reached up and knocked on the door.However, there was no answer. This made Mika frown."Huh? How come he's not coming up to the door? He knows I'm coming over today..." he knocked on the door again. "Right?" he asked himself."Yeoboseyo?" he called out as he got ready to knock on the door for a third time. (Hello?)And then, the door opened.
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A male around his thirties was leaning against the frame of the door. He had tousled, medium length black hair with amethyst colored eyes. He had on a red wife beater with black boxers.He yawned as he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes."Whaddyaneun wonhaneun...?" he grumbled tiredly. (Whaddya want...?)"Um..." Mika trailed off, trying to figure out what the guy just said."This is nowhere near Yuu. Am I even at the right place?!" he asked himself."Ah, are you the American boy?" the guy asked in English."Huh?" Mika questioned, surprised that he also knew how to speak English."Are. You. The. American. Boy?" the guy shouted in Mika's face."Uh...Uh..." Mika was completely speechless."What the heck am I supposed to say?! I thought that Kimizuki was the only person that spoke English in this country!" he thought to himself."Look, if yer gonna gape at me like some goldfish, then you best get the hell outta here." the guy snapped as he got ready to close the door."W-Wait!" Mika stuck his foot in between the door and the frame. "I...Does Yuu Amane live here?" he asked."Okay, so you ARE the American boy!" the guy swung open the door and he yanked Mika into the nearly dark apartment. "The name's Guren Ichinose. And I believe you're Mika, right?" Guren said."Y...You know who I am?" Mika asked in surprise."Well, no duh. Yuu talks about you quite a bit." Guren stated."I...I see..." Mika trailed off.He glanced around the apartment (it was so messy that it would've made Kimizuki scream bloody murder) as he spoke."How are you able to speak English?" Mika was ready to slap himself for asking that question.Wow, way to act like a complete idiot, Mika."Boy, I've been in the military for YEARS, so of course I gotta know how to speak English. What, you thought I spoke Martian?" Guren grumbled in annoyance."N-No!" Mika stammered out."Well, anyhow," Guren plopped down on the couch in the living room, "Yuu's in the bedroom on the left. Now, get to yer tutoring cuz you totally screwed up my Game of Thrones binge watching session." he snapped."O-Okay!" Mika watched as Guren resumed watching Game of Thrones. "And I do apologize for interrupting you!" he quickly apologized before rushing off to Yuu's room.He reached out and knocked on the door."Yuu?" he called out.There was no answer. This made Mika frown."Huh? Just where in the world IS he? Is he even in there?" he asked himself."Um...Yuu?" he called out again as he knocked on the door. The door creaked open slightly."Eh?" Mika questioned. He gulped as he spoke again."I'm coming in. Excuse the intrusion..." he trailed off as he slowly pushed the door open and he walked in.That was when he saw Yuu standing over by a desk near a window. He had on a black wife beater that showed off a little bit of his chest along with black shorts and black ankle socks. He was currently tying his hair back into a tiny ponytail."Eh...I didn't think his hair would be THAT long for it to be able to go into a ponytail..." he thought to himself.He then got another look at the wife beater and he saw what was on it. It said, Wanna Fuck Me? in white block letters. This made Mika gawk at him in shock."What the heck?! He's practically inviting me to have sex with him!" his cheeks then flushed a deep red. "Mika, just what the hell?! Stop thinking like that!" he snapped at himself.However, he couldn't help but keep his gaze on Yuu's stomach as he began to think."However, he doesn't look too bad...he has a pretty sexy body..." he thought to himself.He bit his lip as Yuu opened his mouth to speak."Yeoboseyo." he greeted. (Hello.)"Um...!" Mika cleared his throat. "Yeoboseyo!" he replied. (Hello!)Yuu finished tying his hair into a small ponytail and he plopped down onto his bed, crisscrossing his legs as he did so. He patted his hand down on the spot next to him as if he were telling him to come sit down next to him.Mika gulped, nodding slowly as he made his way over to Yuu and he sat down next to him.Yuu reached for his laptop and he began typing something down. It took him to YouTube and he went searching for a video."Hm? What is he looking for?" he asked himself."Watch video?" Yuu spoke, which surprised Mika."You're starting to speak English..." he trailed off.Yuu nodded."Speaking not good yet. Know only few words." Yuu explained."You seem to know a lot more than just a few, though." Mika pointed out."Been getting some tips from Guren." Yuu stated."Gu- - -Oh. Him." Mika then remembered something."Guren can speak English, right? So, why in the world isn't Yuu letting Guren teach him instead of me?" he asked himself."Um...Yuu?" Mika spoke up.Yuu glanced over at Mika curiously."Ye?" Yuu answered."Doesn't Guren speak English?" Mika asked.Yuu nodded his head slowly."Then, why? Why have me teach you when Guren could teach you instead?" Mika asked."Guren lazy." Yuu stated."Uh..." Mika trailed off."No kidding, he's lazy." he thought to himself."But you...I..." Yuu trailed off."I...?" Mika trailed off.Yuu tugged at his bottom lip with his teeth for a split second before speaking."Naega dangsin-eul joh-ahabnida." he said. (I like you.)"Hm?" Mika questioned.Yuu sighed softly before pointing at himself. He then made the heart symbol with his hands and he pointed at Mika. In that instant, Mika knew what Yuu was trying to say."L-L-Love?!" he stuttered out in surprise.Yuu nodded, which caused Mika's cheeks to flush bright red."Guren teach me hand signal. I think you nice. You are nice person and tutor." Yuu said.As soon as Yuu said that, Mika felt deflated."Oh yeah. He likes me as a tutor, not as in he wants me to be his boyfriend. But, why? Why..." Mika rested a hand over his heart. "do I feel so disappointed that it wasn't what I thought it was?" he asked himself.Yuu glanced at him curiously as he reached out and pulled at the sleeve of Mika's shirt."Hm?" Mika answered."Know how to say hello?" Yuu asked.Mika nodded."Yeah." he replied."Say." Yuu said."Say...?" Mika questioned in surprise.Yuu nodded."Yeah. Say." he stated."Oh." Mika figured out what Yuu was trying to tell him. "Um...Yeoboseyo?" he said uncertainly. (Hello?)Yuu nodded."Joh-eun. ije jagbyeol insa." Yuu said as he waved his hand. (Good. Now, say goodbye.)Mika waved his hand as he spoke."Goodbye?" he questioned."Annyeong." Yuu replied with the nod of his head. (Goodbye.)"Okay. Um...joh-eun..." Mika trailed off. (good...)"Ye..." Yuu trailed off. (Yes...)"Joh-eun...Annyeong...?" Mika spoke uncertainly. (Good...goodbye...?)Yuu nodded."Yes!" Yuu clapped. "Mika speak Korean!" he declared.Mika blushed a little. He liked the way his name rolled off of Yuu's tongue."Good god, Mika...stop getting all flustered!" he snapped at himself.Yuu ran the tip of his tongue along his bottom lip as he plugged his earbuds in."K-Deulama?" he asked, handing Mika an earbud. (K-Drama?)Mika nodded slowly as he took the earbud from Yuu."Video?" he questioned."Ye. Watch one." Yuu stated.Mika nodded as he put the earbud in. They got into a comfortable position and they began to watch the video.They finished watching the fourth episode of the drama as there was a knock at the door."Ye?" Yuu answered as the door opened to reveal Guren. "Oi, naega naengjang-go eseo soegogiwa mulgeon myeoch gaji babekyu eul mandeulgo sip-eo?" Guren asked as he let out a yawn. (Oi, want me to make some barbecue with the beef and stuff in the fridge?)Yuu nodded."Ye!" he poked at Mika's arm lightly. "Mika want meat?" he asked."Hm?" Mika questioned as he took the earbud out."Oi, you want barbecue?" Guren asked."Oh! Um...yeah, sure!" Mika said."Alright." Guren glanced over at Yuu. "Naega joh-a, dangsin i myeoch gaji chilseong saida eul gajigo issseubnida?" he said. (I'll bring some Chilsung Cider for you two, okay?)Yuu nodded excitedly."Ye!" he declared."Johguna." he then narrowed his eyes at the laptop screen. "Wae i yeonghwaleulbogo issseubnikka? Geos-eul geuege hangug-eoleul ihaehaneun de doum geoya?" he asked. (Alright. Why are you watching movies? Is that going to help him understand Korean?)Yuu nodded."Ye! He use book, so I use movie." Yuu stated.Guren sighed as he ran his fingers through his hair."Geulae, geuleohge malhandamyeon." Guren let out a yawn. "Geugeos-eun ama yag sasib-obun e wanlyo doebnida, geulaeseo neohuideul eun meli ui sigan-i geollil." he stated before leaving the room and closing the door behind him. (Okay, if you say so. It'll probably finish in about forty-five minutes, so you guys take your merry time.)Yuu sighed as he started up the fifth episode of the drama."Honglyeon eun ttaettaelo nae gaein gong-gan-e neomu manh-i pries..." Yuu mumbled as he tapped his fingers along the edge of the computer. (Guren pries too much into my private space sometimes...)Mika eyed Yuu as he listened to the conversation in the drama."I swore Yuu said something about Guren..." he thought to himself."Honglyeon eun wanjeonhan meongcheong-i ibnida." Yuu stated. (Guren's a complete jackass.)Mika bit his lip as the sun coming in from the slightly parted curtains outlined the profile of Yuu's face. He ran his tongue along his bottom lip, making it seem like he was teasing Mika. This made the blond blush furiously."Is he doing this on purpose or does he not know what he's doing to me?" he asked himself.He felt Yuu nudge him, causing him to jolt out of his thoughts."What?" he asked.Yuu frowned, his eyebrows furrowing as he spoke."Attention video." he stated as he pointed at the video."Oh. Okay." Mika stated.Yuu pouted, gazing up at Mika as he did so."Okay, now he's DEFINITELY doing this on purpose!" he thought to himself."You okay, Mika?" he asked."Hm? What do you mean?" Mika asked.Yuu said nothing as he reached out towards Mika. He rested the back of his hand against Mika's forehead as he spoke."Face red. You fine?" he asked.Mika felt his face flush an even brighter red at the feeling of Yuu's hand against his forehead.Yuu let out a sharp gasp."Oh no! Face get redder!" he watched him with a concerned look on his face. "Mika not sick, right?" he asked."Uh...uh...uh...no, I'm alright! I'm not sick..." Mika trailed off as he quickly willed the blush on his cheeks away."Gwaenchanh-a..." Yuu trailed off. (Okay...)He resumed the video (Mika didn't realize that the video was paused) and they continued to watch the drama. Mika bit his lip as he kept shooting glances at Yuu out of the corner of his eye."Gosh, I need to keep my guard up...I can't have him suddenly pouncing on me like that!" he thought to himself.Yuu finished teaching Mika about how to form basic sentences as there was a knock at the door."Ye?" Yuu answered."Lum seobiseu!" the door opened to reveal Guren balancing two plates on one of his arms. "Naneun yaggan-ui soegogi, dwaeji gogi, gimchi ga issseubnida." he stated. (Room service! I have some beef, pork, and kimichi.)"Ooooooh!" Yuu clapped his hands together excitedly. "Naneun babikyu soegogi eul salang haeyo!" he exclaimed. (I love barbecue beef!)Mika watched as Guren handed Yuu a plate."Okay, just in case you didn't hear what was on the menu, it's barbecue beef, pork, and some kimchi." Guren handed him his plate. "Have you eaten kimichi before, blond boy?" he asked."Um...yeah. It was during my sophomore year in high school back in San Diego." Mika stated."Alright, cuz I was about to tell you to give it to Yuu if you didn't want it, since that boy practically grew up eating kimchi." he then eyed the half empty bottle of Chilseung Cider by Mika's foot. "How's that Chilseung Cider treatin' ya?" he asked."Mmmmm..." Mika picked up the green bottle and shrugged. "It's not SO bad. It's like Sprite and Mist Twist from back in the States. I wouldn't say that it's my favorite, but it's passable." Mika explained."Alright. Well, if ya want anymore, you can come into the kitchen and get another bottle." Guren said before heading out of the room.Mika breathed out a sigh as his stomach grumbled a little."Dammit..." he grabbed for the wooden chopsticks resting on the barbecue pork. "I'm so hungry..." he thought to himself before picking up one of the pieces of beef with the chopsticks and popping it into his mouth.Instantly, the flavors of the soy sauce and the sesame oil began to overtake his taste buds."Mmmmmm! This is pretty good! I didn't think Korean barbecue could taste so good." Mika exclaimed.Yuu swallowed a piece of pork as he looked at Mika."Like," he put his thumb up, "or not like?" he asked as he turned his thumb down."Like!" Mika smiled as he put both thumbs up. "Most definitely like!" he declared.He swore he saw Yuu blush a light shade of pink. He watched him shake his head as he noticed something."Sauce." he stated suddenly."Hm?" Mika arched a brow. "Sauce?" he questioned.Yuu nodded."Yeah. Sauce." he said."What do you mean by sauce?" he asked.Yuu sighed as he went to put his plate down on the desk and he crawled over to Mika."U-Uh..." Mika backed up until his back hit the wall. "Wh...What is it?" he stuttered out.Yuu watched him, his green eyes meeting Mika's blue ones. He then reached out and he swiped at the corner of Mika's mouth with his thumb. Mika turned as red as a rose."Wha...?!" Mika gawked at Yuu in surprise as Yuu withdrew his thumb and he looked down at it."See?" Yuu showed him the smear of barbecue sauce that was on his thumb. "Sauce." he stated."Oh..." Mika trailed off.Yuu eyed his thumb before licking it slowly. As the tip of Yuu's tongue nearly touched the top of his thumb, Mika could feel his heart racing rapidly."Shit...he's totally teasing me..." he gritted his teeth. "Come on, Mika. Control yourself!" he told himself."Do something else?" Yuu said."Like what?" Mika asked.Yuu said nothing as he grabbed for Mika's plate and he placed it on the desk next to his plate."Naneun uliga jigeum laeb daenseu lo idong handago saeng-gaghabnida." he purred into Mika's ear. (I think we should move on to the lap dancing now.)Mika nearly jumped as he felt Yuu trace his jawline with his finger. He lightly blew on Mika's lips, causing him to shiver."Eum-ag?" he asked. (Music?)"Huh?" Mika asked.Yuu pulled out his phone and he showed it to Mika."Oh, music." Mika bit his lip as he lowered his gaze. "Well...you're the one who's dancing, so you can pick what you want." he stated.Yuu watched him for a couple of seconds before going into his phone and playing a song. Yuu tossed his phone off to the side and he slowly rose Mika's head up so that he was looking at Yuu."Nal bwa." he whispered before moving his hips to the beat. (Watch me.)Mika bit his lip as he tried to keep his eyes on Yuu. However, it was proving to be very difficult for him. He slowly lowered his eyes to the black star tattoo under Yuu's right eye as he began to think."This is crazy...why did I even think that I could handle having him lap dance on me?" Yuu rolled his hips against Mika's. "I don't know if I could take it much longer..." he thought to himself.Mika trailed his fingers up Mika's clothed chest and his fingers rested on the white button at the top of the shirt. He plucked the button off with ease and he leaned in to bite lightly on Mika's neck.Mika let out a sharp gasp at the feeling of Yuu's teeth lightly digging into the skin of his neck. He bit down on his lip, drawing some blood as Yuu withdrew from Mika's neck and he began to move down. As he unbuttoned one of the shirt buttons, he'd press a kiss to the exposed flesh. As soon as the last button was unbuttoned, he pushed the shirt off to reveal Mika's chest.Mika was actually pretty fit for his age. He had nice muscles and six-pack abs to go with them. Mika used to do weights back in high school and he ran a lot on his own time (he was too busy with work from the corporation to even think about joining the track team).Yuu trailed his tongue up and he flicked the tip at one of Mika's nipples. Mika let out a startled moan, rolling his head back until it hit the wall.He then gasped, a hand flying over his mouth."Shit! Just what kind of noise was that?!" he asked himself.Yuu eyed him as he spoke."Dangsin-eun deo manh-eun geos-eul wonhasibnikka?" he asked as his hand moved down Mika's chest. (Do you want more?)"What?" Mika asked.He then hissed a little as Yuu's hand began to massage in between his legs."More?" he asked.Mika didn't know what to say. Did he really want more?"Uh- - -" at that moment, they heard Mika's phone begin to go off."Oh, that might be Kimizuki. I should answer that." Mika said as he reached into his jeans pocket and he pulled out his phone.Yuu eyed Mika curiously."Kimizuki." Mika showed Yuu his phone. "Answer phone." he said.Yuu nodded as Mika answered his phone and he brought it to his ear."Hello?" he answered."Yo, Mika! It's Kimizuki.""Yeah, like I didn't know that before. What's up?" Mika asked."Do you know what time you'll be heading back?""Um...tutoring lasts until 2:30, so..." Mika glanced down at his watch. "I'll start heading up in half an hour." he said."Alright. Mitsuba invited out for lunch, so I'm going.""Oh?" Mika questioned."Yeah. We're going to a barbecue joint for her lunch break.""I see...Well, I'll see you whenever you get back." Mika said."Yeah. Bye!""Bye." Mika said as Kimizuki hung up.Mika sighed as Yuu looked at him. He then leaned in and licked at his cheek."Wah!" Mika quickly withdrew his head, nearly knocking it against the wall. "Wh-What was that for?!" he asked."Music done. Dance over." Yuu stated as he showed Mika his phone."I see..." Mika trailed off."Finish lesson?" he asked.Mika nodded."Yeah. Let's finish the lesson." he said as he reached for his shirt, threw it back on, and he made himself look appropriate as Yuu went onto YouTube.Mika sat on his bed later that night, watching the black screen of his iPhone as Kimizuki came out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his neck."Why are you staring at your phone like that?" he asked, letting out a yawn as he began to dry his hair."I'm thinking." Mika said."Ah. Hey, do you want me to make some warm milk and honey?" Kimizuki asked."Huh?" Mika rose his head up from his phone, eyeing Kimizuki in surprise. "How'd you know that I liked warm milk and honey?" he asked."Hm?" Kimizuki blinked his eyes twice. "I didn't know that. Shinoa's fond of it and always forces me to make some for her whenever I show up at Mystic Eats during her lunch break." Kimizuki explained.Mika arched a brow suggestively as he spoke."You really do like her, don't you?" he said."N-Not in that sense!" Kimizuki's cheeks turned a light pink as he looked away. "I told you that it was just as friends!" he snapped.Mika chuckled."Yeah, yeah, yeah." he said as Kimizuki disappeared into the kitchen.Mika sighed as he went back to looking at his phone. After a couple of minutes, he turned it on and he went into his Phone App. He then tapped on a contact and he brought the phone to his ear."Hello?""Aunt Krul?" he said."Oh, Mika! What's up?""I think I know what I'm going to do." Mika said."What do you mean?""I'm going to pursue this love for him, Aunt Krul."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Oh, Mika! What's up?""I think I know what I'm going to do." he said."What do you mean?""I'm going to pursue this love for him, Aunt Krul." he told her."Your love for the stripper boy, right?""Yeah." Mika replied.The line was silent for a couple of seconds. Then, he heard Krul speak."Ahhhhhh~! Oh my gosh, yay! So, tell me more about him!""Um...well...I did tell you that his name was Yuu Amane, right?" Mika asked."I don't think you have...so his name is Yuu?" "Yeah." Mika replied."Aw, he sounds like he's a cute boy. You'll send a picture for me sometime, yeah?""Yeah, I'll make sure of it." Mika told her."Good!" he then heard her voice fade off into the background. "Crowley! Mika's going to pursue his love for Yuu!"Mika could hear small snippets of Krul and Crowley's conversation and then, he heard Crowley on the other end."Yo, Mika!""U...Uncle Crowley?!" he nearly shouted."Yup, it's me, alright! So, you have come to terms with your sexuality, I've heard?""Yeah...I'm gay..." Mika trailed off."And for a stripper boy, too!" he heard Crowley laughing and then a loud BAM! Mika chuckled, knowing that Krul was the one that hit him."Look, Mika. Crowley and I support you two every step of the way. We'll try our hardest to hide it from your parents, but you best keep your eye on them, too. Who knows what they'll try to do.""I know, Aunt Krul." Mika replied."Good! Now, I've got to go. Crowley and I are going on a date.""Um, wait! Before you go, I want to ask you something." he said."...Yes?""Um...I've always wondered this since I was eight, but...do you really love Uncle Crowley?" he asked.The line was silent for what seemed like centuries. Then, Krul finally spoke."To be honest...when I was sixteen and ended up in this arranged marriage, I didn't think I'd love him. But, he's the whole world to me now and I don't think I'd want it any other way. And I want you to also experience a love where you'd truly love a person and you'd never want to let them go, whether they're a boy or a girl." "I see..." Mika trailed off."Okay, my sweet nephew! I've got to go now!" "Okay, Aunt Krul. I'll talk to you another time." Mika said."Alright! Bye!" the phone clicked, signaling that Krul had hung up.Mika sighed, putting his phone on the nightstand as Kimizuki stepped out of the kitchen with two mugs in his hands."Milk's done!" he made his way over to Mika and he handed him a white mug that had the Korean flag on it. "Who were you talking to just now?" he asked."My aunt. I was kind of missing her, so I decided to call her." Mika explained."I see." Kimizuki sat down on his bed and he sipped on his mug of warm milk. "So, what do you want to do tomorrow?" he asked."Got no idea." Mika sipped on his mug of warm milk. "You gonna go running tomorrow?" he asked.Kimizuki nodded."Yeah. Wanna come with me?" Kimizuki asked.Mika nodded."Sure." Mika replied as he took another sip from his mug.Mika managed to catch up to Kimizuki for once as they approached the city the next day."Are we going to Mystic Eats?" Mika asked.Kimizuki shook his head, which confused Mika."No?" he questioned in surprise.Kimizuki shook his head."Nah. I'll give Shinoa a break." they slowed down a little as they began to weave through some people. "I'm gonna go visit Mitsuba and Yoichi." he said."What, for real?" Mika questioned."Yup!" Kimizuki replied as they stopped in front of Pyobeom. He pushed the door open and they stepped in. (Leopard)"A, Kimizuki ibnida!" Yoichi exclaimed. (Oh, it's Kimizuki!)"Ne! Geuligo nado jeowa mika leul gajyeowassda." Kimizuki said. (Yeah! And I brought Mika with me, too.)"Naega chamjo. Eum, le-opadeu e osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida!" Yoichi greeted. (I see. Well, welcome to Leopard!)"Eoi, Mitsuba eun eodi?" Kimizuki asked. (Ey, where's Mitsuba?)"A, geunyeoneun Shinoa eulo achim sigsa yeopjib-e saneun geos." Yoichi explained. (Ah, she's buying breakfast next door by Shinoa.)"Naega chamjo..." Kimizuki trailed off. (I see...)"Dangsin-i un-i johdamyeon, geunyeoneun eotteon yagkwas eul gajigo issseubnida! Geunyeoneun manh-eun dangsin cheoleom geu il-eul joh-ahabnida." Yoichi pointed out. (If you're lucky, she might bring some yagkwas! She loves those things as much as you do.)"Jinjja?! E daehan dan!" Kimizuki exclaimed. (For real?! Sweet!)Yoichi then glanced over at Mika, who was eyeing a shiny, black leather jacket."Yeogiseo, modeun sigan-eul yuu sangjeom eul algoissda." Yoichi said, successfully catching Mika's attention. (You know, Yuu shops here ALL the time.)"Jeongmal?" Mika questioned. (Really?)"Ne! Geuneun jibsi lojeu eseo ib-eul os-eul pil-yolo hal ttae geuneun botong yeogie onda." Yoichi glanced over at Kimizuki. "Geuneun jigeum hangug-eo leul malhaneun geoya?" he questioned in surprise. (Yeah! He usually comes here when he needs clothes to wear at Gypsy Rose. He's speaking Korean now?)"Ne. Yuu ui geuleul galeuchigo geuneun kkwae yeonseub ibnida." Kimizuki explained. (Yeah. Yuu's teaching him and he's been practicing quite a bit.)"Whaaaaaaat?! Jeug, syupeo meosjida!" Yoichi exclaimed as the back door opened to reveal Mitsuba holding at least three bags from Mystic Eats. (Whaaaaaaat?! That's super cool!)"Naneun dasi yoichi haeyo!" she declared as she dropped the bags down on the front counter. (I'm back, Yoichi!)She fixed one of her loose ponytails back into a tight one as she looked over to see Kimizuki and Mika."A! Kimizuki!" she exclaimed as she ran over to him. (Ah! Kimizuki!)"Ibwa, Mitsuba!" he greeted as she hugged him tightly. (Hey, Mitsuba!)She then got up on her tiptoes and she pressed a small kiss to Kimizuki's lips, which stunned Mika as she whirled around to look at him."A, bwa! Geugeos-eun mika ibnida!" she exclaimed. (Oh, look! It's Mika!)Mika smiled as he waved."Annyeonghaseyo, Mitsuba." he greeted. (Hello, Mitsuba.)"Ahhhhhh~! Geuneun siljelo hangug-eo leul malhal su issda!" she gushed. (Ahhhhhh~! He's actually speaking Korean!)"Oi, geuleul bunchul haji anhseubnida. Dangsin-eun naleul gieoghago iss-eo?" Kimizuki stated. (Oi, don't gush over him. You've got me, remember?)"Al-a." she said as she remembered something. "A! Naneun Shinoa lo gaseo eotteon yagkwas leul gu-ib! Neohuideul-eun eotteon kkayo?" she asked. (I know. Ah! I went over by Shinoa and bought some yagkwas! You guys want any?)"Geulae jiog, naneun yaggan-ui yagkwas sip-eoyo!" Kimizuki declared as he followed Mitsuba over to the front counter. (Heck yeah, I want some yagkwas!)Mitsuba glanced over at Mika."Neomu ilbu leul wonhasibnikka?" she asked. (Want some, too?)"Eum...geulae..." Mika trailed off as he followed Kimizuki over to the front counter. (Um...yeah...)Mitsuba pulled out at least two boxes from a white paper bag."₩12104.08 e daehan du daseu yagkwas. Dodugjil haneun geos-i aningayo?!" Mitsuba gushed as she popped open one of the boxes to reveal twelve yagkwas inside. (Two dozen yagkwas for $10.95. Isn't that a steal?!)"Heo. Eum, Shinoa amugeosdo e daehan hi ilagi anida. Geunyeoneun geunyeoui abeoji cheoleom joh-eun geolae leul chaejjigjil haneun bangbeob-eul algoissda." Kimizuki stated as he reached into the box and took out a yagkwa. (Huh. Well, Shinoa's not a Hiiragi for nothing. She knows how to whip up a good deal like her father.)"Kimizuki, dangsin-eun dasi geunyeoege jasin-eul bigyohaneun?" Yoichi asked as he grabbed for a yagkwa. (Kimizuki, are you comparing yourself to her again?)"Bangbeob-i eobs-seubnida! Naneun geunyeowa chingugadoego sip-eun gyeong-ue naneun uli sahoe sangtaeleul non-ui haji anh-eulgeoya." Kimizuki stated. (No way! I'm not going to discuss our social statuses if I want to be friends with her.)Yoichi frowned at Kimizuki's choice in words as he glanced over at Mika, who looked a little hesitant."A!" Yoichi reached into the box, pulled out a yagkwa, and handed it to Mika. "Hanaleul suhaenghabnida!" he chirped. (Ah! Take one!)"Eo...gwaenchanh-a..." Mika took the yagkwa from him, feeling how slightly sticky it was from the honey on it. "Gomabseubnida." he said. (Uh...okay...Thank you.)"Munje eobs-eo!" Yoichi said as he bit into his yagkwa. (No problem!)Mika stared down at the daisy-shaped treat before bringing it to his mouth and taking a small bite out of it."Hm..." Mika slowly chewed on it. "It's not too bad, I guess..." he trailed off."Whaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaat?! How could you NOT like it?! Yagkwas are amazing!" he gushed.Mika rolled his eyes."I grew up on eating Cheerios, crackers, and caramel. Extremely sweet foods can make me feel a little sick." Mika explained."Eo...Kimizuki, geuneun mueos-eul mal habnikka?" Mitsuba asked. (Eh...Kimizuki, what is he saying?)"Geuneun yagkwas joh-a anilago haessda!" Kimizuki complained. (He said that he isn't fond of yagkwas!)"Aya." Yoichi commented as he finished a yagkwa. (Ouch.)"Geuleom dasi, uli moduneun uliui gaein hwangyeong seoljeong eul gajigo, geulaeseo uimiga issseubnida." Mitsuba stated. (Well, then again, we all have our personal preferences, so it makes sense.)"Mitsuba...!" Kimizuki whined. (Mitsuba...!)Mika could only laugh nervously as he continued to nibble on the yagkwa."So..." Mika sipped on the can of iced coffee that he had gotten from Mitsuba. "What's the deal with you and Mitsuba?" he asked as they began to make their way down the street to the dormitory."What do you mean?" Kimizuki asked."The two of you seemed a little more touchy-touchy than usual. Heck, you two even kissed!" Mika pointed out."Oh, that." Kimizuki finished up his can of Red Bull. "I forgot to tell you last night, didn't I?" he said."Well, I guess..? As a matter of fact, I didn't think that you had anything to tell me in the first place." Mika noted as he drank some more of his iced coffee."Well, Mitsuba and I are dating." he said.This caused Mika to choke a little on his coffee. He coughed as he gaped at Kimizuki."HUH?!" he exclaimed."Hm? Why do you seem so shocked?" Kimizuki asked."I thought you liked Shinoa!" Mika pointed out."What?! What is THAT supposed to mean?!" Kimizuki shouted."It seemed pretty obvious, though..." Mika trailed off.Kimizuki shook his head."No way!" they arrived at the dormitory. "Like I said, I do not like Shinoa in a romantic sense." he stated before scanning his card and opening the door.Mika frowned as he followed Kimizuki into the building."Still, it WAS pretty obvious..." they walked into the elevator and Kimizuki scanned his card. "I mean, he teases and flirts with her a lot. Plus, I think he goes to Mystic Eats just to go see her. How could that NOT scream that he had a crush on her?!" he told himself."Oi, Mika. Do you want to go to Gypsy Rose tonight?" Kimizuki asked."Huh? Really?" Mika questioned."Yeah!" the elevator door opened as they stepped out of it, making their way over to their room. "If we're lucky, we might find Yuu." Kimizuki stated.Mika blushed a little at the thought of Yuu. The last time he had seen him was when he went over to have Yuu tutor him. Shivers shot down his spine as he thought back on how Yuu acted during the lap dance."Dangsin-eun deo manh-eun geos-eul wonhasibnikka?" Yuu's sultry whisper caused Mika to feel tingly. He bit his lip as they arrived at their room. Kimizuki unlocked the door as he spoke. (Do you want more?)"So? You up for it?" he asked.Mika slowly shook his head."Yeah..." he trailed off."Cool! So, we'll head there around nine. Sound good?" Kimizuki asked."Sure..." Mika trailed off as they stepped into the room and closed the door behind them.The taxi pulled up in front of the club later that night. Mika stepped out, adjusting his leather jacket a little as Kimizuki spoke to the driver."Gomabseubnida!" he said before closing the door and letting the taxi drive off. (Thank you!)Mika looked over at the entrance, noticing something."Hm? There's no bouncer tonight?" Mika asked."Nah. Most of the time, they'd be out here, but sometimes, they're not out here. It's normal." Kimizuki said as they walked into the club.Music played as they made their way over to an empty lounge area near the bar."Ah..." Kimizuki dropped down on the white couch that looked a little pink in the red light and lounged out on it. "These couches are so relaxing..." he trailed off."I...I guess so..." Mika noted as he sat down. He sighed as he listened to someone sing a song on stage."Is Yuu working here tonight? I mean, yeah, he works all those jobs, but he's got to have SOME kind of day off besides our tutor days, right?" he asked himself."Yeoboseyo!" Mika looked up at a busty blonde with wavy hair and bright blue eyes that stood out in the light. "Nan dangsin i mwonga masil leul eod-eul su issseubnikka?" she asked, her Russian accent thick in her voice. (Hello! May I get you two something to drink?)"Um..." Mika trailed off, not knowing what she just said.He was now able to pronounce simple sentences in Korean, but that wasn't the issue here. The woman speaking Korean with a Russian accent was totally throwing him off."What the heck?! How am I not able to understand her?! And that was probably a pretty simple question, too!" he thought to himself."Ne, a!" Kimizuki sat up as he looked up at her. "Naneun soju leul haeyahabnida!" he then nudged Mika. "She wants to know what you'll be drinking." he said. (Ah, yes! I'll have a soju!)"Um...I guess whatever you're having...?" Mika answered uncertainly."And that would be a soju. Order a soju. This'll be perfect for practicing your Korean." Kimizuki explained."Okay. Um..." he looked over at the woman, who wore a white bikini that seemed a little small on her with studs on it, white strappy heels, and a white boa hanging off of her shoulders. "I neun soju leul balabnida sipseubnida." he said. (I would like a soju, please.)"Joh-a, geulaeseo dangsin-eun i sojus eul haeyahabnida! Naega dasi geu wa hamkke iss-eulgeoya!" she chirped before walking off. (Okay, so you'll have two sojus! I'll be back with that!)Mika bit his lip, watching how the woman's boobs nearly bounced out of her bikini top as Kimizuki spoke."I highly doubt that it was even possible, but I don't think you've ever had soju, now have you?" he asked.Mika shook his head."No. What IS a soju, anyway?" he asked."Well, it's basically a sweeter version of vodka." Kimizuki explained.Mika quirked a brow up at this."A sweeter version of vodka? Is there even such a thing?" he questioned in surprise."Yup! Once you try it, you'll know just how good it is!" Kimizuki declared as the woman came back with two green bottles in her hands."Yeogi i ganda!" she handed them their soju bottles. "Dangsin-i naleul pil-yolohaneun gyeong-u nae ileum-eun anya, geulaeseo nae ileum-eul soli chyeo!" she chirped before skipping off. (Here you two go! My name's Anya, so holler my name if you need me!)Mika held his bottle, peering down at the clear liquid inside as Kimizuki spoke."C'mon, drink it!" he chugged some of the soju down. "Ah! Now THAT is the good stuff right there!" he gushed.Mika watched the clear liquid once more before bringing the bottle to his lips and chugging some of it down."Wow..." Mika drank some more. "This thing drinks pretty good." he noted."Yup! It sure does!" Kimizuki finished his bottle in no time at all as he waved his arm around. "ANYA! Bring us some more soju!" he hollered.He then looked over at Mika, who rested his bottle of soju on the glass table."We're gonna drink the night away, okay?" he said.Mika could only nod as he sipped on some more of the soju."Oh boy...I could only imagine where this is gonna go..." he thought to himself.About twenty-seven bottles of soju later, Kimizuki was down and out for the count. However, Mika was still drinking more. He actually had a pretty high tolerance for alcohol, but he began to feel like the alcohol was slowly taking over his brain."You..." Kimizuki slowly rose his head up from the floor (Mika didn't have any idea how he got down there in the first place). "How da hell you not drunk yet...?" he grumbled in annoyance."I've been drinking wine and champagne since I was sixteen for charity balls and such in England and other countries. Also, my body is pretty strong, so I'm able to resist the urge to get drunk." he explained."Hunh...? Wouldn't your body grow weaker to alcohol the more you drink it...?" Kimizuki mumbled."First off, I only drink a glass or two during the entire ball. Then, I go for water. Also, my body seems to work differently than other people's." Mika explained."I schee..." Kimizuki then looked up at the stage and gasped. "Oh my god! It's Yuu!" he exclaimed."It is?!" Mika said as he whipped his head over in the direction of the stage.Sure enough, Yuu was performing a dance up on stage with four back-up dancers. He had on a white tube top with a white biker jacket over it that had gold spikes on it, white booty shorts, and white go-go boots. There were white bracelets on his wrists that also had gold spikes on them and an ear mic on his left ear.He couldn't help but stare as Yuu sang and moved to the beat. Yuu was truly a fascinating creature. The way his hips rocked sensually to the beat, the way he sang, the way his lips moved to pronounce the lyrics, and the way his eyes sparkled like he was having fun on stage made Mika's heart race."Shit...he's totally turning me on..." he thought to himself."I bwa, dangsin-eun algoissda, dangsin-eun siljelo kkwae gwiyeobda." Mika felt Anya press against him, causing his eyes to widen in shock. (Hey, you know, you actually look pretty cute.)"H-Huh?!" he stuttered out."Hahaaaa! Mika get lovin' on by a lady!" Kimizuki slurred loudly as he reached for another bottle of soju, knocking a couple of empty bottles over as he did so.Mika wanted to tell Anya to get off of him, but her piercing gaze pinned him down."What the heck?! I'm fucking gay and yet I'm letting her come on top of me!" he thought to himself.She traced a pink fingernail along the outline of his lip as she sat down on his hardening erection, causing him to hiss."Shit...!" Mika gasped out as she rolled her hips against his.Her arms wrapped around her neck as she watched him."Annyeonghaseyo. Sip-eo i wicheung eul?" she purred. (Hey. Wanna take this upstairs?)Mika watched her, confused by what she said. The performance ended as he looked over to see Yuu looking over at them with what seemed to be wide eyes."Shit. He looks like he's extremely pissed." he thought to himself.He didn't notice Yuu hop off the stage as Anya pulled him off of the couch."Jal? Dangsin sip-eo nawa hamkke joh-eun sigan i eobs-eusibnikka?" she asked. (Well? Don't you wanna have a good time with me?)"Uh..." Mika trailed off.That was when Yuu smacked Anya's hand away from Mika's. Mika gaped at him in surprise."Yuu...!" he exclaimed.Yuu shot a glare at Anya as he pulled Mika towards him."Mika neun nae kkeoya. Geu meolli nappeun iss-eo." he snarled angrily before pulling Mika through the crowd. (Mika is mine. Stay away from him, bitch.)"Whoa! Y-Yuu! Slow down!" Mika shouted over the loud music as he was pulled through the crowd.He led him up a spiral staircase before disappearing into the first room on the right. Yuu quickly closed the door and he pinned Mika to the door."Wha...?!" Mika blushed furiously as he gazed down at Yuu. "Y-Yuu!" he stammered out.Yuu pouted as he gave the blond a seductive look."I only one touch Mika." he grumbled.He glanced down at Yuu."Huh?" that was when he realized something. "Yuu...were you possibly jealous?" he asked."Yesh." Yuu replied, a light blush dusting his cheeks pink.If Mika could, he blushed even redder."So straightforward!" he thought to himself."Mika not belong to Anya." Yuu began to pull Mika over to a couch. "Mika belong to me." he stated promptly before pushing the blond onto the couch."Yuu...!" Mika exclaimed as his back hit the couch arm. He gazed up at Yuu with wide eyes as Yuu crawled on top of him."You mine." Yuu trailed his finger along Mika's lip. "Get that?" he said."Uh..." Mika tugged at his bottom lip lightly. "I guess..." he trailed off.Yuu leaned in towards Mika so that he could whisper in his ear."Good." he said before moving down and pressing a small kiss to Mika's neck."Nnnn! Y-Yuu...!" Mika gasped out as he felt Yuu dig his teeth into his jawline.He pulled Mika up and he pushed his jacket off of him. He tugged at Mika's white shirt before pulling that off of him, as well."Dangsin-eun joh-eun mom eul gajigoissda." Yuu commented. (You have a nice body.)Mika blushed, knowing exactly what he said."Jeez, stop being so straightforward!" he thought to himself.Yuu then shrugged off his jacket and then reached for the back, unzipping the tube top. It fell before Mika, leaving Yuu topless. Mika couldn't help but turn as red as a rose."Dammit, he looks hot!" he was trying to resist the urge to pin Yuu down onto the couch as Yuu wrapped his arms around Mika's neck. He slowly leaned in towards him, his fingers slowly moving up to entwine themselves in Mika's blond locks. Mika bit his lip as Yuu whispered onto his cheek."Ije dangsin-i wonhaneun mueos-ideun hal su issseubnida." he whispered. (Let's do whatever you want to do.)"Huh?" Mika murmured out.That was when the door burst open."Ahhhhhhhhhh!" Kimizuki glanced over at Mika. "Mikaaaaaaaaaaah!" he shouted before hiccuping.Mika blushed furiously."Ki-Kimizuki...!" he stammered out in surprise.Yuu blinked his eyes twice as Kimizuki stumbled over to them."Canh we go hone...? I sweepy..." Kimizuki grumbled before falling forward onto the ground.Mika let out an annoyed groan as he glared down at the passed out male."You idiot..." he then gave Yuu an apologetic look. "I'm sorry. I have to go." he told him as he shifted Yuu off of him and he grabbed for his shirt and he threw it back on. He put back on his jacket as Yuu spoke."Alright." Yuu said.Mika pulled Kimizuki up from the floor and he tried to support him."I'll see you tomorrow, alright?" Mika said.Yuu nodded."Yeah. See Mika tomorrow!" he chirped.Mika smiled."Bye." he said before dragging Kimizuki out of the room.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu sat on the bed that Thursday night, flipping through the pages of another fairytale book Mika lent him."The clock struck midnight as Cinderella and the prince were about to...to..." Yuu narrowed his eyes at the word he was trying to pronounce. "Ki...Ki...Ki..." he trailed off."Kiss, right?"Yuu gasped sharply as he looked up to see Guren watching him, his back up against the frame of the bedroom door."Honglyeon, dangsin-i bil-eo meog-eul nom!" Yuu grabbed for one of his pillows. "Nokeueobs-i nae bang-eulo pogbalhaji ma!" he snapped angrily as he threw it at Guren. (Guren, you bloody bastard! Don't burst into my room without knocking!)Guren caught the pillow before it hit his face as he began to shout."Saseu-iyagileul sijaghaji masibsio nal! Dangsin-ui bumoloseo, dangsin-i choedae mueos-inji al gwonligaissda!" Guren snarled. (Don't start sass-talking me! As your parent, I have a right to know what you are up to!)"Dagchyeo!" Yuu held up his book. "Naega mwol modeun daleun donghwaleul ilg-go issseubnida!" Yuu snapped. (Shut up! All I'm doing is reading another fairytale!)"Geulsse, nan dangsin-eul banghae joesonghabnida, hajiman dangsin-eun jeongmal dangsin-i jisogjeog-eulo donghwaleul ilg-eo yeong-eoleulhaneun bangbeob-eul baeul su issdago saeng-gaghabnikka?" Guren asked. (Well, I do apologize for interrupting you, but do you really think that you'll learn how to speak English by constantly reading fairytales?)Yuu nodded."Ye! Mikaga geuleohge malhandamyeon, geuttaeneun geos-ibnida! Ttohan, geuneun eotteohge oneulnal yeong-eolo jagseonghaneun bangbeob-eul galeuchyeo!" Yuu stated. (Yes! If Mika says so, then I will! Plus, he taught me how to write in English today!)Guren breathed out an annoyed sigh."Eum, sonyeon, julkkeyo najung-e geugeos-eul muneo tteulineun: donghwaneun najung-e yerui jisig-eul hwagjang-geoya doum-idoeji anhseubnida. Ilbu seong-in jaelyolo idonghabnida." Guren stated. (Well, boy, lemme break it down for ya: fairytales are nothing's help ya expand yer knowledge. Move on to some adult stuff.)"Geuleiui 50 eum-yeongcheoleom?" Yuu asked innocently, causing Guren to cough on his saliva. He totally fell into that one. (Like 50 Shades of Grey?)"Ani jiog. Naneun yeonghwaleulbogo dangsin-ui naie daehan uimi chaeg-eul ilg-go uimihanda." Guren stated. (Hell no. I mean watching movies and reading books meant for your age.)"Geuleiui 50 eum-yeong deung-euldeul su-issda." Yuu said. (Like 50 Shades of Grey.)Guren couldn't help but facepalm."Ani, dangsin-eun eongdeong-i." Guren held up a DVD case. "Ulineungeoya taitanig-eulbogo." he said. (No, you ass. We're gonna watch the Titanic.Shinoa arched a brow up as she eyed the upset Yuu sitting at a table by the window."Geuligo wae segyeeseo dangsin-eun ulgoissda?" she asked. (And why in the world are you crying?)"Naneun jinan bam-e honglyeongwa hamkke yeonghwaleul boassda." Yuu stated. (I watched a movie with Guren last night.)"I honglyeongwa yeonghwaga issdamyeon geulsse, dangsin-eun dangsin-i geo ul geo al-a. Geuligo geugeos-eun joh-eun uimieseoi anida." Mitsuba commented as she let out a yawn. (Well, if it's a movie with Guren, then you know you're gonna cry. And that's not in the good sense.)"Eotteon yeonghwaneun geugeos-eulhaessda?" Yoichi asked as he sat down next to Yuu. (What movie was it?)"Geu...Taitan..." Yuu trailed off. (The...The Titanic...)"Ani, sesang-e o!" Mitsuba exclaimed, her hands flying over her mouth. (Oh my god, no!)"Wae, geu bil-eo meog-eul jasig! Geu yeonghwaneun nae ma-eum naega geugeos-eul bol ttaemada nanugi!" Shinoa exclaimed. (Why, that bloody asshole! That movie breaks me heart each time I watch it!)"Eo...nan noteubug, hajiman gwaenchanhdago saeng-gaghaessda." Yoichi spoke in a timid voice as the door to Mystic Eats opened. Yuu quickly wiped at his eyes as Mitsuba spoke. (Uh...I thought it was The Notebook, but okay.)"Aga!" she exclaimed as she ran over to the person that entered the cafe. (Baby!)"Ibwa, Mitsuba!" the person declared as they spun her around. (Hey, Mitsuba!)Yuu quickly realized that that person was Kimizuki."A, geunyang geu-ibnida." he then noticed something. "Gidalim. Geuga yeogie issdamyeon, geu uimi...!" he looked over and that was when he saw Mika. (Oh, it's just him. Wait. If he's here, then that means...!)"Mika!" he thought to himself."Mika, hei, o!" Mitsuba exclaimed as she hugged Mika, as well. (Oh, hey, Mika!)"Yeoboseyo." he greeted. (Hello.)"A!" she pulled away from him. "Nan geunyang dangsin-i hangug-eoleul gusa bangbeob-eul tonghae eod-eul su eobs-seubnida! Neomu maelyeogjeog-ibnida!" she gushed. (Ah! I just can't get over the way you speak Korean! It's so charming!)"Oi, naega juwieiss-eul ttae daleun salam-eul tonghae bunchul jungjihabnida. Naneun jiltu!" Kimizuki whined. (Oi, stop gushing over another guy when I'm around. I get jealous!)"Oi! Dangsin-i balamdung-i sip-eun gyeong-ue, oebu geugeos-eul hal!" Shinoa snapped in an irritated voice, throwing her hands over her hips as she said that. (Oi! If you want to flirt, then do it outside!)Yuu could only watch as he reached for his bottle of banana milk and he sipped on it.He could tell that Shinoa had a crush on Kimizuki. It was so damn obvious. It was also obvious that Kimizuki harbored the same feelings for her, too. But, he decided on dating Mitsuba."Geu baboneun...geuneun danji geuga Mitsuba Shinoa gyun-yeol gayadoeji deiteu-iya?" he asked himself. (That idiot...he's only dating Mitsuba to get Shinoa to crack, isn't he?)"Ibwa, Yuu." (Hey, Yuu.)Yuu looked up to see Mika watching him with a wide grin on his face. A small blush dusted his cheeks pink as Mika sat down in the chair across from him."Annyeonghaseyo." he replied. (Hey.)"Did you make any progress with the Cinderella book?" he asked."I make progress. But, Guren stop me. Make me watch Titanic." Yuu stated."Ah. Titanic's an okay movie, I guess." Mika said."Guren tell me read and watch age appropriate stuff. I say 50 Shades of Grey and he tell me no." Yuu sighed. "I wonder why he doesn't want me to read 50 Shades of Grey, though..." he mumbled.He then noticed how Mika's cheeks were flushed furiously."Heum? Geuneun yeol ttoneun mueongaga issseubnikka?" he asked himself. (Hm? Does he have a fever or something?)"Mika? You have fever?" he asked as he reached out to rest his hand against Mika's forehead."N-No! Not at all!" Mika stammered out.Yuu withdrew his hand, realizing that he didn't feel hot at all."O. Naneun geuga honlan saeng-gag. Geuleona," Yuu grabbed for one of the yumilgwas (basically a fried mixture of honey and grain flour) that was on a plate by Yoichi, "geuneun hoesaeg-ui 50 eum-yeong-eul deul-eoss-eul ttae wae segyeeseo geuneun honlan eod-eul geos?" he asked himself. (Oh. I think he was flustered. But, why in the world would he get flustered when he heard about 50 Shades of Grey?)Yuu looked over at the clock on the wall behind the front counter and he gasped."A! Naneun gaya hae!" he exclaimed as he quickly stood up. (Ah! I have to get going!)"Jigeum il geos?" Shinoa asked. (Going to work now?)Yuu nodded."Ne. Naneun jubyeon-e neohuideul-eul bol su issseubnida!" he then glanced over at Mika. "Geuligo...naega hwayoil-e boja gat-ayo?" he said. (Yeah. I'll see you guys around! And...I guess I'll see you on Tuesday?)Mika nodded."Yup! Geuttae manna!" he said. (See you then!)Yuu couldn't help but blush as he quickly made his way out of the cafe and he closed the door behind him.Yuu slapped a sponge onto the hood of a red vehicle and he began to soap it up. As he did, he could feel the stares of many guys on him. Well, it was to be expected. When you decide to wear a white shirt that you tie up a little to expose your chest, a pair of black short shorts that shape your butt nicely, a pair of black Converse, and your hair tied back in a small ponytail, how do you not draw eyes to you?"nnyeonghaseyo." Yuu dropped the sponge into a red bucket, some of the water and suds splashing on him. "Naneun dangsin-ui jeonhwa beonholeulbad-eul su issseubnikka? Dangsin-eun jeongmal bil-eo meog-eul tteugeoun-ibnida." the person stated. (Hey. Can I get your phone number? You're so damn hot.)Yuu glanced over at a middle-aged guy, who wore a perverted expression on his face."Ulineun bulg-eun bich-i jigueissneun geoscheoleom-i boibnikka? Naneun cha ttoneun mueongaleul secheoghayeo maechun issseubnikka?" Yuu batted his eyelashes at the guy. "Geuleohge saeng-gaghaji anh-ayo. Sillye gyeong-u ije, naega hal il-iissda." he said cooly before grabbing the hose and beginning to wash the vehicle down. (Does it look like we're in the red-light district? Am I prostituting by washing cars or something? I don't think so. Now, if you excuse me, I have work to do.)"A, geuleohgehaji masibsio!" the guy moved closer to Yuu. "Nan dangsin-i na gat-eun salamgwa hamkke geol-eo sip-eo algoissda." he purred, his fingers creeping up and down his exposed waist. (Oh, don't be like that! I know you wanna hang with a guy like me.)"Ani, nanhaji anhseubnida. Ije, naega gaja." Yuu snarled angrily. (No, I don't. Now, let me go.)"Oi! Nae jig-won-ui son tte, dangsin-eun jasig-eul bil-eo meog-eul!" (Oi! Get your hands of of my employee, you damn bastard!)The loud shout caused Yuu to jump, the hose slipping out of his hands and the water spraying all over his clothes, soaking them completely."A!" he exclaimed as he quickly turned the pipe off. (Ah!)He watched as a brunet with brown eyes and a mole under his right eye made his way over to them with a blue and green tye-dye towel in his hand."Igeos-eul gajigo." he flung the towel in Yuu's direction as he turned to glare at the guy. "Dangsin. Jigeum namgyeojuseyo. Dangsin-eun uliui hwangyeong-eul banghaehago issseubnida." he snapped angrily. (Take this. You. Please leave now. You are disturbing our environment.)The guy let out a small 'tch.'"Dodaeche mueos-i. Eojjaessdeun, tteona kkeutnal geolago..." he mumbled under his breath before walking off. (Whatever. I was going to end up leaving, anyway...)Yuu breathed out a small sigh of relief as he covered himself with the towel. The brunet turned back on the hose and he finished washing the suds off."Nan geunyang museun il-i iss-eossneunjie daehae sagwa anhseubnida." he turned the hose off and put it back into a green bin. "Dangsin-eun modeun joh-eun geos!" he declared. (I do apologize for what just happened. You're all good!)"Gomabseubnida!" the driver in the vehicle said as they slowly drove up and handed the brunet some cash. (Thank you!)"Balo igeo ya. Ttohan sonyeon-i tib-eul jegonghabnida." they handed the brunet some cash. "Geuneun hullyunghan il-eulhaessda." they commented. (Oh, yes. Also give that boy this tip. He did an excellent job.)A smile broke across the brunet's face."Naneun gippeoyo!" he said. (I'm glad!)"Geulsse, nan neohuideul-i joh-eun halugadoegileul balabnida." they said. (Well, I hope you guys have a great day.)"Dangsin gat-eun!" the driver rolled up their window and drove out of the lot. "Dasi oseyo!" he hollered. (Same to you! Come again!)Once the car was out of sight, the brunet slowly turned to look at Yuu. Yuu jolted, noticing the almost demonic look the brunet had."O sonyeon. Yeogie agma mako onda." he thought to himself. (Oh boy. Here comes Demon Mako.)"Samusil. Jigeum." he gritted out before storming off. (Office. Now.)Yuu could only breath out a sigh as he followed the brunet into a small, white building. "Geuleoni na-ege malhaebwa." the brunet flashed some cash in Yuu's face. "Dangsin-eun dangsin i tib eulbad-eul jagyeog-i saeng-gaghasibnikka?" he asked. (So, tell me. Do you think you deserve this tip?)"Naega mwol saeng-gaghabnida." Yuu threw his hands over his hips. "Chaneun, banjjag yeossda jal ssis-eo hago, gogaeg-i manjog cheoleom boyeossda." he stated. (I believe I do. The car was shiny, washed off well, and it seemed like the customer was satisfied.)"A, jeongmal ibnikka? Geulsse, dangsin-eun sip-eo naega museun saeng-gag-eul al su issseubnikka?" the brunet said. (Oh, is that so? Well, do you wanna know what I think?)"Mwo?" Yuu asked. (What?)"Nan dangsin-i modu eseo i tib eulbad-eul jagyeog-i saeng-gaghaji anhseubnida!" the brunet snapped angrily. (I don't think you deserve this tip at all!)"Mwo?!" Yuu's jaw dropped at this. "Hajiman, Makoto...!" he complained. (What?! But, Makoto...!)"Jeug, dangsin-ege miseuteo boseu ibnida!" Makoto snapped angrily. (That's Boss to you, Mister!)"Wae sesang-eseo naega anin tib eulbad-eul jagyeog-i habnikka?!" Yuu whined. (Why in the world do I not deserve the tip?!)"Dangsin-eun maeu eumlan issda yuchi namjaleul yuji! Geugeos-eun maldo andwae geuligo dangsin i salam-i dangsin-eul delileo halyeoneun ilbu sanghwang eseo lopeulo mukk-eoss bad-eul ttae michin nal deulaibeu! Ttohan, danji dodaeche os mueos ibnikka?!" Makoto motioned to the clothes that Yuu had on. "Dangsin-eun dangsin-i Niki Mina jeu leul bil-eo meog-eul geos gat-eun deulesing jungji hal su issseubnida?!" he shouted. (You keep attracting men that are extremely perverted! It's ridiculous and it drives me crazy when you get roped up in some situation with a guy trying to pick you up! Also, just what the hell is with your clothes?! Can you stop dressing up like you're fucking Nicki Minaj?!)"Eung?" Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Geunyang Niki Mina jeu neun dodaeche nugu-inga?" he asked. (Huh? Just who the fuck is Nicki Minaj?)"Joh-eun, dangsin-eun geunyeo ga nugu-inji moleunda." Makoto stated. (Good, you don't know who she is.)"Eum...Eo, naega Syakila, hajiman gwaenchanh-a cheoleom os-eul ibgo saeng-gaghaessda." Yuu stated. (Uh...well, I thought I dressed up like Shakira, but okay.)"Geulsse, nan geu jonglyuui sasil saeng-gag hajiman- - -" that was when Makoto realized something. "Naega opeu jujeleul yeogi badgo iss-eoyo, jamkkan!" he stuffed the cash into his jeans pocket. "Amuli haedo! Dangsin-eun dangsin-ui tib eulbadji anhseubnida geuge majimag ida! Jigeum, nae samusil eseo naga!" he said. (Well, I guess that's kind of true, but- - -Wait, I'm getting off-topic here! Anyhow! You will not get your tip and that's final! Now, get out of my office!)Yuu furrowed his brows at him as he frowned. He then sighed."Dodaeche mueos-i." he mumbled before beginning to head out of the office. (Whatever.)"Mwo...?!" that was the last thing he heard from Makoto before he closed the door behind him. (Wha...?!) Yuu sighed deeply as he watched himself in the mirror of the lounge area."Naega wae igeos-eul chag-yong haeyahabnikka? Neomu bulpyeon..." he thought to himself as he tugged a little at the strap of the jeans jumper that he wore. (Why do I have to wear this? It's so uncomfortable...)"A, Nalumi neun dasi os ui daleun seteu lo gangje seubnikka?" (Ah, did Narumi force you into a different set of clothes again?)Yuu sighed as he glanced over at the black-haired guy slipping into the lounge."Saeloun gineung?" Yuu grumbled in annoyance. (What's new?)"Geuleohge haji masibsio. Geuga dangsin-eul miwo hagi ttaemun-e geuneun geu il-eul anieyo." the guy stated. (Don't be like that. He's not doing it because he hates you.)"Hajiman, Syusaku...!" Yuu whined. (But, Shusaku...!)Shusaku chuckled softly under his breath."Geuneun chuun geoscheoleom boil su issseubnida, hajiman geuneun siljelo naebue kkwae keun yaghada ibnida. Dangsin-eun uli modu ui magnae hana bakk-e iss-eo, geu ttaemun-e, geuneun dangsin-eul boho halyeogo." Shusaku explained. (He may seem cold, but he's actually a pretty big softie on the inside. You're the youngest one out of all of us and because of that, he's trying to protect you.)"Nae tib-eul meolli bog-yong eulo?" Yuu asked. (By taking away my tip?)"Geulsse, geugeon geuga pyeong-gyun doe go deo gat-eun soli." Shusaku went to take his lunch out of his bag. "Hajiman, jeongmal. Geuneun danji dangsin-eul boho halyeogo. Ulineun dosi ui yeppeun mulgogi bubun-e, geulaeseo dangsin-eun yeogie salam-i kkwae eumlan geos-eulo yesang hal su-issda." Shusaku said. (Well, that sounds more like he's being mean. But, really. He's only trying to protect you. We're in a pretty fishy part of town, so you can expect the guys here to be pretty perverted.)Yuu pouted as he said nothing."Eum, eojjaessdeun, dangsin-eun yeojeonhi jeolm-eun, geulaeseo dangsin-eun ajig ihae haji moshal su issseubnida." Shusaku pointed out. (Well, anyhow, you're still young, so you might not be able to understand yet.)"Ajig jeolm-eun! Naneun seon (seon) eul wihae, yeol ahob haeyo!" Yuu roared. (Still young?! I'm nineteen, for goodness sake!)Shusaku sighed."Eum, eojjaessdeun, nan dangsin-i nae mal eul but jab-assda hwagsinhabnida. Jigeum, naneun dasi nagaseo geuleohji anh-eumyeon geuga dangsin-ui kkeut eul boda deo manh-eun il-eul hal su issseubnida jeanhabnida." Shusaku stated. (Well, anyhow, I'm sure you caught my drift. Now, I suggest you get back out there or else he'll do more than just take your tip.)"Gwaenchanh-a. Naneun najung-e dangsin-ege Syusaku eul yaegihaja!" Yuu said before heading out of the lounge. (Okay. I'll talk to you later, Shusaku!)He closed the door behind him as he breathed out a sigh."Geuneun heo, naleul boho halyeogo..." he began to make his way down the hall. "Naneun geuleon sig-eulo saeng-gag haji anh-assda. Geuneun hangsang geuleohge nawa mulgeon-eul goelobhineun halyeogo. Naneun honglyeon ui na manh-eun geuleon leul algo, uimi, hajiman...nan jeongmal manh-eun geos-eul boho haeyahabnikka?" he asked himself. (He's trying to protect me, huh...I never thought about it like that. He's always trying to bully me and stuff like that. I mean, I know Guren's like that with me a lot, but...do I really need to be protected that much?)Yuu stood in front of the door as he breathed out a sigh."A geulsse. Naneun geugeos-e daehae saeng-gag eul jungjihago jag-eob-eul dasi bad-ayahabnida." he thought to himself before pushing open the door and stepping back onto the lot. (Oh well. I should stop thinking about it and get back to work.)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika laid in bed early that Tuesday morning. He would've had a nice, peaceful rest if only he hadn't been disturbed. A KPOP song began blaring in his ear, causing him to shout loudly in alarm as he quickly shot up from bed. "Ack!" he exclaimed. He looked over to see Kimizuki doubling over in laughter on the floor. "You ass...!" Mika hissed out as he reached for a pillow and he chucked it at Kimizuki. Kimizuki tried to stop laughing as he began to speak. "Well, aren't you a bright piece of sunshine." he stated sarcastically. "Shut up or I'll start throwing other things besides my pillow." Mika snarled. "What, like the condoms you're holding onto for when you finally pop Yuu's cherry?" Kimizuki teased. Mika turned as red as a rose as he spoke. "Why, you little...!" he shouted angrily as he threw his next pillow and he began chucking many other things at Kimizuki (including his cell phone). "Okay, okay, I give up! I surrender!" Kimizuki threw his hands up as a balled up sock hit his forehead. Mika glared at Kimizuki as he spoke. "Well, anyhow, don't you need to be somewhere today?" Kimizuki asked. "What do you mean? It's only Tuesd- - -" that was when his eyes widened. "Shit!" he exclaimed as he flew up from bed. Kimizuki could only chuckle as he watched Mika disappear into the bathroom. "Wow. Were you like this back in high school?" he asked, amusement laced in his voice. "Screw off!" Mika growled in between gargles of Listerine. He quickly smoothed out his hair to make himself seem decent and he scurried out of the bathroom. He flung his pajamas off and he threw on a white wife beater with a deep red button up shirt over it, black denim jeans, and dark red Converse. "Okay, I'm out!" Mika declared as he stumbled over to the key rack, took his lanyard off of it, and he swung open the door. "Bye, Mika!" Kimizuki chirped. The door slammed shut behind Mika as Kimizuki chuckled. "Gosh, he really is clumsy..." he mumbled under his breath.The taxi pulled up in front of the apartment building that Yuu lived in fifteen minutes later. "Gomabseubnida!" he said, handing the driver some cash as he slammed the door shut behind him and the taxi sped off. (Thank you!) He quickly ran over to the stairs, climbed up to the second floor, and he made his way over to Yuu's apartment room. He stopped before the door, quickly running his fingers through his hair and smoothing out the wrinkles in his clothes. "Okay..." he huffed out a sigh as he reached up and rapped on the door. That was when the door creaked open. This made Mika nearly jump back in surprise. "Wh-Why the heck is the door open?!" he asked himself. He tried to calm himself down as he reached for the door handle and he pushed the door open, stepping into the apartment. "Um...hello?" he called out. He closed the door quietly behind him and he slipped off his Converse as he heard a loud moan. "What was that? Is someone hurt?" he asked himself. "Oh...Oh, yes...Keep going ha- - -AH! Yes!" Mika's face turned bright red, realizing what kind of moans those were. "What the...?! Is Yuu hearing this?! That is, if he's even here!" he thought to himself. He gulped as he tiptoed into the nearly pitch black living room. He found the light switch and he flicked the lights on. He looked over at the couch and he let out a loud shout, stumbling over a couple of shoes and falling against the wall. A naked silver haired guy sat on top of a naked Guren, glistening with sweat as his cheeks glowed a bright red. His hands were resting atop Guren's chest. "Hey, Guren. It seems like you have a visitor." the silver haired guy said. "A visitor? Just who the hell is i- - -" Guren slowly sat up to see Mika on the floor. "Oh, it's you." he stated. "That's all you have to say?! You're having se...se...se..." Mika couldn't complete his thought as Guren spoke. "Can't you see that I'm having sex with my boyfriend here? Now, skedaddle." Guren snapped. Mika had no idea how to respond to that. All he could do was quickly pick himself up off the floor and scramble in the direction of Yuu's bedroom. He swung the male's door open and he began to speak. "Yuu! Just what is the meaning of thi- - -" he stopped, spotting the male by his desk with earbuds in his ears. Yuu pulled an earbud out and he turned to look at him. "Heum?" he answered, confused by why Mika was shouting. (Hm?) "Honglyeon-eun...geu...geu-ibnida...!" before Mika could say anything else, his eyes landed on the red tank top that Yuu wore, which showed off a bit of his midriff. He also wore black denim short shorts and sheer black kitty cat socks that came up to about five inches below his short shorts. His hair was pulled back into a small ponytail. (Guren...he...he's...!) "Honglyeon-ui...?" Yuu's melodic voice brought Mika back into the present. (Guren's...?) "Guren's fucking with his boyfriend outside and you're not even hearing anything!" Mika shouted. Yuu arched a brow in confusion, not understanding what Mika was saying to him. "Guren and that one guy!" Mika shouted. "O! Dangsin-eun honglyeongwa sin-ya-eul uimi! Jeug, wanjeonhi jeongsang-ibnida." Yuu stated. (Oh! You mean Guren and Shinya! That's completely normal.) "That kind of shit is normal?" Mika asked himself. "A, nan dangsin-i sseuneun na-ege malhaessda munjang-ui ilbuleul sseossda." Yuu said, quickly changing the subject. (Ah, I wrote some of the sentences that you told me to write out.) "Huh?" Mika asked. Yuu grabbed for the paper that was resting on his desk and he waved it about for Mika to see. "Look. Paper. Sentences." he said. "Oh! You wrote the sentences!" Mika walked over to Yuu and he sat down on the bed across from him. "May I see?" he asked. Yuu nodded as he handed the paper to Mika. Mika took the paper from him and he began to read it over. "Wow!" Mika's eyes lit up as he finished reading over the paper. "This is great! You're doing excellent!" he exclaimed as he handed the paper back to Yuu. "Guren help me little bit." Yuu stated. "I see..." Mika trailed off. "But you!" Yuu jabbed at Mika's chest. "You still screw up Korean." he stated. "Huh?! How so?!" Mika asked. Yuu huffed out an annoyed sigh as he got off the chair and he crawled onto Mika's lap. "You speak good, but write bad!" Yuu snapped. "What do you- - -Oh." Mika stared up at him. "Was it those text messages Kimizuki made me send?" he asked. Yuu nodded. "Ye! Need to work on writing more!" Yuu declared. "Okay..." Mika trailed off as he felt Yuu begin to play a bit with his locks of blond hair. "You know...you have pretty hair." Yuu commented. "Do I now?" Mika questioned. Yuu nodded. "Ye." his breath mingled with Mika's breath. "Why you so beautiful? Because you from US?" he asked. "What is that supposed to mean? Isn't everyone beautiful in their own way?" Mika reached up to run his thumb along Yuu's bottom lip. "Like you." he said. A small sound mixed between a sigh and a moan fell from Yuu's lips at the light touch. His eyes twinkled with lust as the door slowly opened. "Ah." they both whipped their heads around to see Guren leaning against the door frame. "So, Mika, you come spoiling my time with Shinya and now you're creating your own little romance? Ain't that amusing." he teased. Mika's cheeks turned bright red as Yuu spoke. "Honglyeon!" he grabbed for a pillow and he chucked it at Guren's head. "Yeogiseo naga!" he snapped. (Guren! Get out of here!) Guren chuckled as he bent down to pick the pillow up. "Nae mesijileul jeondallo joh-a, naega god galgeoya." he waved the pillow about as he spoke. "Sin-yaui jejag jeomsimgwa naneungeoya meolileul haeyo ilbu banana uyuleul gu-ibhal su issseubnida." he said. (Alright, I'll go as soon as I deliver my message. Shinya's making lunch and I'm gonna head out and buy some banana milk.) "Geuneun mueos-eulhagoiss-eo?" Yuu asked. (What's he making?) "Jaeyook bokum." Guren replied. (Spicy pork and kimchi stir fry.) "A! Ain-yagaleul yoli hal ttae naneun salang haeyo!" Yuu gushed. (Ah! I love when Shinya cooks that!) "Huh? What's going on?" Mika asked. "Shinya make jaeyook bokum!" Yuu declared. "What now?" Mika asked. "It's basically spicy pork and kimchi stir fry." Guren explained. "I see..." Mika trailed off. "Well, I'm gonna head out now." Guren was about to step out when he remembered something. "Ah. Before I forget, I want to talk to you for a little bit." he said, shooting a glance at Mika. "Oh?" Mika questioned as he arched a brow. "You wanna go shopping with me?" Guren asked. "Eh?" Mika questioned in surprise. "Yes, cuz this conversation may take a while." Guren said. "Oh...okay..." Mika glanced up at Yuu. "I'm going with Guren." he said. "Okay..." Yuu trailed off as he got off of Mika and he sat down cross-legged on the bed. Guren shot a glance at Yuu as Mika made his way over to the door. "Geogjeonghaji maseyo, naneun najung-e dangsin-ui chyaming wangjaleul dol-agabnida." he teased. (Don't worry. I'll return your Prince Charming to ya.) This made Yuu turn as red as a stop light. "Bil-eo meog-eul nom, dangsin-eul dagchyeo!" he roared as he grabbed for another pillow and chucked it at him, causing Guren to chuckle as he followed Mika out of the room. (Shut up, you bloody bastard!)Mika watched Guren as they began to walk back to the complex from the grocery mart. He narrowed his eyes at him as he spoke. "So, what is it that we need to talk about? You haven't said anything about it yet." he said. "Oh, that." Guren stopped, causing Mika to stop, as well. "Well, ya see, I did a little bit of research on ya, since you looked familiar." he said. "And? What did you find out?" Mika asked. Guren turned to look at him. "You're that Shindo boy, aren't you?" he guessed. Mika couldn't help but watch Guren in surprise. "I...I am a Shindo, yes." he replied. "I figured as much. You Shindos basically put my family corporation out of business. I was sixteen when that happened. And because of that, I was sent to the army at a young age and I started developing a hatred for them." Guren explained. "But...that doesn't mean all of them is bad. I don't even have the intention of taking up the role of being the heir! I'd rather- - -" Guren cut Mika off. "That's what they all say. Then, they end up becoming money hungry." Guren snapped. Mika almost flinched, the bitter tone in Guren's voice startling him. "Just what the heck did my parents or grandparents do exactly to make Guren despise them like that? Well, it's not like I care, since I would rather not associate myself with them. But...I'm still curious." he thought to himself. "Yuu may have a job that is shunned by many people, but he's a good boy at heart." Guren spoke up. "Huh?" Mika questioned, surprised by how Guren quickly changed the subject. "Yuu's had a tough childhood since he was young. His parents argued a lot and then one night, the fight got extremely nasty. He got roped up in it and his father stabbed him in the chest, calling him a demon." Guren said. Mika's eyes widened in shock as Guren continued. "His mom committed suicide by burning the apartment room and herself alive. His father was sentenced to life in prison with no bail. I found him that night bleeding out in an alleyway. It was a miracle that he lived up to that moment. I took him in and I raised him. As you can tell, our living situation isn't the best, which is why Yuu works in the red-light district along with four other part-time jobs in the day. I also work, but only on Saturdays and Sundays at a small barbecue joint." Guren continued to stare at him. "I can tell you don't understand what I'm trying to say here." he said. "I...I believe I know, but just to be sure...tell it to me straight." Mika said. "Okay. So, Yuu's gone through a lotta hell to get to where he is now. Being a dancer/prostitute isn't the best job out there, but he gets a lot of money for it. You get money without even moving a finger. You two are from vastly different worlds and since you're a Shindo, it's even worse because your family is a complete scam. I don't want Yuu to get caught up in your schemes. In other words, I'm telling you to stop seeing him." Guren explained. Mika felt like the world stopped spinning. His heart dropped as he tried to find the right words to say to him. "Wha...?" he choked out. "I treat Yuu like he's my little brother and I don't want him getting hurt. Especially by a shitty Shindo boy like you. So, when you finish up today, tell him that today will be the last time you two meet for tutoring. I'll teach him English from there. After today, don't come in contact with him at all. If you do, you will get more than just a warning." Guren threatened. Mika tried to swallow the lump that was forming in his throat as Guren turned and continued walking. He was rooted to the spot, stunned by what Guren asked of him. "Oi." Mika blinked his eyes twice and he looked over at Guren. "You coming or what?" he asked. "I...I am..." Mika stuttered out as he hastily rushed after Guren.Mika couldn't help it. No matter how much he tried to pay attention to Yuu as he wrote something down on a sheet of paper, he couldn't. He was thinking about what Guren had told him earlier. Guren's hatred for the Shindos was somewhat justified, Mika knew that much. He felt that kind of repulsion himself because of the way his parents treated him. But, for him to suddenly demand that he stop seeing Yuu... Was his hatred really THAT strong? "Mika!" "Ack!" he felt Yuu smack him on the forehead with a mechanical pencil. "Y-Yuu!" he stammered out. Yuu had an adorable pout on his face as he looked at Mika. "Why no pay attention?!" he complained. "Sorry...I was just thinking about something..." Mika trailed off. Yuu frowned as he spoke. "Pay attention." Yuu pointed at the sentence that he wrote. "Tell me what sentence say." he said. "Um..." he narrowed his eyes at the characters that Yuu wrote down. "How do you do...?" he answered uncertainly. "Good! Now," Yuu handed Mika his mechanical pencil. "write down sentence I would like something to drink." he said. "Okay..." Mika trailed off as he touched the pencil to the piece of paper. He tapped the point against the paper, trying to figure out what character to start with. "Geez, I really need to memorize my characters...how can I speak it, but not write it?!" he asked himself. He then began to write down his best guess. He dropped the pencil down a few minutes later and he looked at Yuu. "Done." he responded. "Okay." Yuu picked up the paper and he began to read the sentence. He frowned once he finished reading it. "Want I drink something?!" Yuu glared at Mika. "What kind sentence that?!" he snapped angrily. "S-Sorry!" Mika stammered out as the bedroom door opened. "Geulae, neohuideul." Shinya smiled at them. "Naneun jaeyook bokum-eul gajigoissda." he said. (Okay, you guys. I've got the jaeyook bokum.) "Yaho!" Yuu clapped his hands excitedly. "Naneun dangsin-ui jaeyook-ui bokum-eul salang haeyo!" he chirped. (Yay! I love your spicy pork and kimchi stir fry!) "A, naneun gippeuda." Shinya said with a light blush on his face. (Aw, I'm glad.) Mika looked down at his watch and his eyes widened. "Shoot! I have to get going!" Mika exclaimed as he shot up from the bed. "A...dangsin-i ileohge ppalliganeungeoya?" Yuu asked. (Aw...you're going so soon?) "Ne. Joesonghabnida." Mika apologized. (Yeah. Sorry.) Yuu looked at Shinya. "Sin-yaneun, keonteineoe mikaui jeom-yuyul-eul paeg." he said. (Shinya, pack Mika's share in a container.) "Gwaenchanh-a." Shinya handed Yuu his plate as he looked at Mika. "I'll pack your food in a container." he said. (Okay.) "What?! But- - -" Shinya cut him off. "Don't worry about it. Yuu insisted and plus, Guren's not going to notice. He's lazy like that." Shinya said as he winked at him. "O...Okay..." Mika trailed off. Shinya smiled as he slipped out of the room with the plate that was meant for Mika. Yuu picked up a piece of kimchi with his chopsticks and he popped it into his mouth as he looked at him. "Why leave?" he asked. "It's time. Remember?" Mika asked, showing Yuu the time on his phone. "Oh..." Yuu trailed off. He put the plate down on the bed and he followed Mika out of the room as Shinya came up to him. "Here." he said, handing Mika the container. "Thanks." he replied. Mika opened the door and he got ready to step out when he heard Yuu speak. "See Mika Thursday!" he declared, a wide smile on his face. Mika was about to tell him that he'd see him then when Guren's harsh words swam through his head. He opened his mouth and then shut it, feeling his throat dry up. He knew he had to tell Yuu that he wouldn't be seeing him again. But, he just didn't have the heart to do so. His emotions were overpowering his rational thoughts. He tried to put on his best smile. "Yeah...see you..." he said. He knew Yuu could notice something was up, but he didn't say anything about it. And as he closed the door, he knew that this would be the very last time that he laid eyes on him.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Kimizuki was stupified. Yes, he had been stupified by many things before. However, those things could never compete with what he just heard from Mika. After a few moments of silence, he spoke. "WHAT?!" he shouted. "Don't shout so loud!" Mika snapped. "But, I'm just so confused right now!" Kimizuki handed Mika a mug of warm milk and he sat down on the bed across from Mika with his own mug of warm milk in his hand. "How come you can't see Yuu anymore?!" he asked. "Guren told me not to." Mika replied. "Yuu's little guardian angel did?" Kimizuki asked in a sarcastic voice. "Yeah." Mika replied. "What the hell does he have against you?!" Kimizuki asked. "You mean, what does he have against my family?" Mika rephrased. Kimizuki sipped on his mug in an attempt to calm himself down as he spoke. "Lemme guess: the Shindos and Guren's family are heated rivals and have been this way since feudal times." he guessed. "Those were the Shindos and Hiiragis..." Mika trailed off. "Is that so?" Kimizuki questioned in surprise. "Yeah. They were heated rivals until your father came into the picture. Then, the Hiiragis set their sights on your family and left the Shindos alone." Mika explained. "I see...well, you get my drift!" Kimizuki complained. "And as for that...that wasn't it at all." Mika said. "Then, what was it?" Kimizuki asked. "Apparently, my parents or grandparents put his family out of business and ever since then, he's hated the Shindos. He thinks that I might cause harm to Yuu." Mika explained. "What?! That's bullshit! I mean, you may not be the brightest lightbulb in the batch," Kimizuki could feel Mika's heated glare on him, "but you aren't the kind of person that would take advantage of anyone like that!" he pointed out. "Exactly. I would've liked to fight him on it, but Aunt Krul taught me to never disrespect my elders, so I didn't push any further." Mika said. "Damn. So..." Kimizuki took another sip from his mug. "What are you gonna do now?" he asked. Mika drank some of the warm milk as he spoke. "Just leave it be." he replied. "What?!" Kimizuki nearly choked on his milk. "Are you being for real right now?!" he shouted. "I am." Mika replied as he rested his almost empty mug on the nightstand and he rolled over onto his back on the bed. "But, we have six days until college starts and you STILL can't write a single sentence in Korean! You're going to get slayed by the teacher! Also, don't you have some kind of crush on Yuu?!" Kimizuki exclaimed. "I know." Mika replied. "So?!" Kimizuki nearly cried out in frustration. Mika chuckled. "I can tell that my story with Yuu isn't quite over yet." he stated.Six days went by in the blink of an eye for Mika. It almost felt it was yesterday when he had told Kimizuki that he wasn't allowed to tutor Yuu anymore (or see him, for that matter). Yuu kept texting and calling him, but he ignored all of them. He really wanted to answer his texts and his calls, but he knew he couldn't in fears of Guren finding out. He threw on a white shirt as Kimizuki came out in a pink polo shirt with tan khaki pants. "You ready?" Kimizuki asked. "Yeah." Mika replied as he grabbed for his bag and he followed Kimizuki out of the dorm room. "So, what class do you have first?" Kimizuki asked. "Korean Literature." Mika replied. "Same here!" they got into the elevator. "Ah, I think I might be lucky this year..." Kimizuki trailed off. Mika let out a yawn as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I hope my teachers are nice..." he trailed off. "I hope you survive your classes. I mean, you have to be able to understand what all of your teachers are saying." Kimizuki pointed out. "I'm sure I can. I can interpret and speak Korean well at this point." Mika stated. "But, you still can't write it." Kimizuki deadpanned. "Don't ding me for that..." Mika mumbled under his breath as the elevator stopped at the lobby. They got out of the elevator and they began to make their way to the campus building. "So, the campus is separated into wings. There's an English, Math, Science, Humanties, Fine Arts, and Performing Arts wing." Kimizuki explained. "So...how am I able to figure out which is which?" Mika asked. "They each have fountains with bronze statues in front of each building." they got onto the campus grounds and Kimizuki nodded his head over to a fountain with a bronze globe in the center. "That's the Humanities wing, for example." he said. "I see..." Mika trailed off. "And the English wing is tucked all the way in the corner there!" Kimizuki pointed at the statue with a bronze book and pencil in the center. "It's in between the Performing and Fine Arts wings." he explained. "Cool." Mika replied as they approached the building. They stepped inside to see the students chatting in the halls and rushing about to get to class. "So, we're in Room 2-205...that's on the second floor." Kimizuki said. Mika nodded as they made their way up the stairs to the second floor. They got up onto the floor and they made a beeline towards their classroom. Most of the students were there, save for a couple of other kids besides themselves and their teacher. "The teacher's not in here..." Mika murmured. "That's normal." they took their seats next to each other in the second to last row near the window. "I'm assuming that's different in the US?" he guessed. Mika nodded. "Yeah." that was when he noticed the many pairs of eyes on him. "Um...why is nearly everyone staring at me?" he asked. "Oh, that? Well, you normally don't see an extremely handsome blond that isn't Asian everyday." Kimizuki explained. "Ah..." Mika trailed off as the bell rang. Everyone diverted their attention to the chalkboard as a sickly sweet voice reached Mika's ears. "Joh-eun achim, nae jag-eun yang!" Mika watched as a male with silver hair tied back in a ponytail with a black ribbon walked gracefully into the classroom. (Good morning, my little lambs!) He wore mainly black and white clothes, his black boots making light thudding sounds against the laminated tile flooring. His ear piercing jingled a little at his movements as he stared at everyone with his ruby red eyes that seemed almost demonic. "Naneun dangsin-ui hangug munhag seonsaengnim-ibnida! Dangsin-i bodeueseo bol su issdeus-i, nae ileum-eun miseuteo Ferid bae toliibnida. Naneun choegeun-e migug-eseo yeogie jeonsonghago yeogiga nae cheos hae gyoyug-ibnida. Naneun dangsin-eul mannaseo gippeuge saeng-gag naneun neohuideulgwai hagnyeon-e deul-eogal gidalil su eobs-eo!" Ferid chirped, flashing them a smile with pointed teeth. (I am your Korean Literature teacher! As you can see on the board, my name is Mister Ferid Bathory. I have recently transferred here from the United States and it is my first year teaching here. I am pleased to meet you and I cannot wait to go into the school year with you guys!) Mika didn't know why, but Ferid sent shivers down his spine. He seemed a little suspicious and creepy with the way he acted and the way he smiled. It seemed...ominous. However, he decided to shake that off as Ferid began leading the class in a small get-to-know-each-other game.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Shinoa stood behind the desk, watching the seconds tick by on the clock above the door of the cafe. "Haaa...danji myeoch bun deohagoneun nae hyusig-eul chwihal junbiga eod-eul su..." she thought to herself. (Haaa...just a couple more minutes and then I can get ready to take my break...) As she got ready to make some more yagkwas, the door opened. "E osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida- - -" she stopped, seeing who had come into the cafe. (Welcome to- - -) "Eug. Dangsin-i dasi?" she snapped in annoyance, catching a glimpse of Kimizuki's red-violet eyes. (Ugh. You again?) "Eyadiya!" he chirped. (Yo.) She 'tch'ed at him. She could never understand why he was so chirpy, especially when it came to her. The two of them were supposed to be rivals, for goodness sake! They weren't supposed to be acting all friendly with one another! Or was that just her father's influence making her think that way? She shook that thought out of her mind as she glared at him. "Dangsin-eun mueos-eul wonhaseyo?" she asked. (What do you want?) "Ulineun jeomsim sigsaleulhaessda." Kimizuki replied, nodding his head over at a half-awake Mika. (We came for lunch.) "Ulineun yeogiseo jeomsim-eul jegonghaji anhseubnida." she lied, hoping that could get him off her case. (We don't serve lunch here.) "Geojismalhaji ma! Dangsin-eun delli saendeuwichiwa kulleoeissneun mulgeon-ui modeun jonglyuleul panmae!" Kimizuki pointed out. (Don't lie! You sell deli sandwiches and all that kind of thing in the cooler!) Shinoa continued to glare at him. She hated how he was able to see through her lies. She knew that she was pretty transparent, but there were some things that even he couldn't pick up on. One of those things was what she really felt about him. She felt...confused each time he came into the picture. It annoyed her to no end. "Tch. Dangsin-i gippeuge imi gaseo geunyang hae!" she snapped. (Tch. Just do as you please and go already!) Kimizuki laughed. "Gwaenchanh-a, gwaenchanh-a." he said. (Alright, alright.) Shinoa watched as Kimizuki looked over at the blond (she could never quite remember his name) and told him to get an egg salad sandwich, a sandwich of his own, and two bottles of banana milk. "Geulaeseo?" she shot a glance in Kimizuki's direction. "Geugeos-eun daehag-ina mwonga jeomsim sigan-inga?" she asked. (So? Is it lunch break at the college or something?) "Ne." he then grinned as he leaned in towards her. "Mueos-eul, dangsin-eun siljelo na-e daehae gung-geumhae?" he teased. (Yeah. What, are you actually curious about me?) She tried her hardest to fight the oncoming blush rise to her cheeks. "A-Andwae! Iyuneun geos?! Naega algo sip-eossdeon modeun il-uii sigan-e yeogie dangsin-eul delyeo geos-i mueos-ieossda!" she snapped. (N-No! Why would I be?! All I wanted to know was what would bring you here at this time of day!) "Ttohan hogisim geos-eulo allyeojyeo issseubnida." Kimizuki stated. (Also known as being curious.) Shinoa got ready to pounce on him when Mika came up to the counter and he rested the two sandwiches and two banana milks on the counter before her. "Ulineun-ileul jomhago sipseubnida." he said. (We'd like to get these.) "Gwaenchanh-a..." she trailed off as she began to scan the items. (Okay...) As she picked up one of the bottles of banana milk, she could feel Kimizuki's gaze on her. His intense gaze made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up and a shiver to course through her body. "N-Nal chyeodabogo neun-jonglyohabnida." she snapped. (Q-Quit staring at me.) "Naneun hal su eobs-seubnida. Dangsin-eun neomu gwiyeowo." he flirted. (I can't. You're too cute.) Shinoa glared at him from out of the corner of her eye. She wanted to snap, tell him that he's dating Mitsuba and that he shouldn't be flirting with her. But, he'd probably try and twist it to his advantage. After all, he was born to pull that kind of thing off. She decided not to answer him as she finished scanning everything. "Joh-a, geuleom chong-eun ₩13,724.70 eul doel geos-ibnida." she said. (Okay, so your total is going to be $11.96.) "Gwaenchanh-a..." Kimizuki fished through his khaki pants pocket as he looked at Mika. "Take the food." he said. (Okay...) Mika nodded as he grabbed up the food and he made his way over to a table. Kimizuki took out his wallet and he opened it as he noticed a slip of paper sticking out of it. He took it out along with his money as he remembered what that piece of paper was. "Aha!" he thought to himself. "Shinoa?" he asked. (Shinoa?) "Jigeum mueos?!" Shinoa snapped. (What now?!) "Naneun dangsin-e ge butag-eul gajigoissda." he said. (I've got a favor to ask of you.) "Gwaenchanh-a..." Shinoa trailed off, waiting for him to elaborate on what he was saying. (Okay...) "Dangsin-eun god yuuleul bol su-iss-eul geos-inga?" he asked. (Will you be seeing Yuu anytime soon?) "Yuu?" she drummed her fingers along the counter. "Geulsse, nan Mitsuba wa yoichineun jeomsim sigan ollaol ttae geuneun oneul pab-eob su issseubnida algo..." she trailed off. (Yuu? Well, I know he might pop up today when Mitsuba and Yoichi show up for lunch break...) "Dangsin-eun geuege naleul wihaei pyeonjileul jul su issseubnikka? Geuneun yeojeonhi hangug-eolo sseul su issgi ttaemun-e, mikaui yocheong-e ttala naneun geugeos-eul sseossda." Kimizuki explained as he handed the money and piece of paper to Shinoa. (Can you give him this letter for me? I wrote it as requested by Mika, since he still can't write in Korean.) "Eung? Geunyang museun dodaeche geuneun eojjaessdeun jagseonghadolog yocheong haessseubnikka?" Shinoa mumbled out as she stuffed the money into one of her apron pockets and she unfolded the letter. (Huh? Just what the heck did he ask you to write, anyway?) She began to read it, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly to try and read Kimizuki's sloppy handwriting. Once she was done, she looked up at Kimizuki, her eyes wide in shock. "Mueos-eul...?" she breathed out. (What the...?) "Geunyang gwaenchanh-a, geuege eod-eul su issneunji hwag-in?" he asked. (Just make sure it gets to him, okay?) She nodded slowly. "Gwaenchanh-a." she replied. (Okay.) "Joh-eun!" Kimizuki blew a kiss in Shinoa's direction. "[See ya, Shinoa!]" he chirped. (Good! See ya, Shinoa!) Shinoa's face turned as red as a fire hydrant as she shouted at Kimizuki. "Dangsin seukeulyu! daman imi tteona!" she shouted, causing Kimizuki to laugh as him and Mika left the cafe. (Screw you! Just leave already!) The door closed as she breathed out a sigh. "Jenjang..." she made her way over to the door and put up a sign saying that she was now on lunch break. "Naneun geuleul geuleohge nawa hamkke jangnan-eul jungji hal pil-yoga..." she thought to herself. (Dammit...I need to make him stop messing with me like that...) That was when the back door burst open. "Shinoa!" Mitsuba hollered. (Shinoa!) "Ibwa!" Shinoa greeted. (Hey!) Yoichi and Yuu also filed into the cafe. "Annyeonghaseyo, Shinoa!" Yoichi chirped. (Good afternoon, Shinoa!) "Annyeonghaseyo." Yuu greeted. (Hey.) "Ibwa, neohuideul." she replied. (Hey, you guys.) Shinoa didn't realize that she was still holding the small letter in her hand until Yuu spoke up. "Shinoa? Dangsin-ui son-e geu mueos-ibnikka?" he asked. (Shinoa? What's that in your hand?) "Eung?" she looked down and gasped. "A!" she quickly hid the letter behind her back. "A-Amugeosdo jeonhyeo!" she stammered out. (Huh? Ah! N-Nothing at all!) Yuu frowned slightly, having this strange feeling that Shinoa was lying to him. However, he shook it off as he made his way over to the pastry display case. "Dangsin-eun songpyeonga bujoghabnida?!" Yuu complained. (You ran out of songpyeon/half moon-shaped rice cakes?!) Shinoa laughed nervously. "Naneun yeon hue geulae...naneun botong 2 sigan somo..." she trailed off. (Yeah...I usually run out 2 hours after I open...) She sighed in relief at the thought of not showing the letter to Yuu as she watched Yuu pull out a couple of yagkwas (now she's beginning to wonder why Kimizuki didn't buy any), Yoichi complain about how Mitsuba pushes him too hard at Pyobeom, and Mitsuba lecturing him about various things. She'll probably give him the letter on Wednesday.Wednesday came quicker than Shinoa had expected it to. As Yuu began wiping down some tables, she began thinking about the many ways she could bring the subject of the letter about. "Heum...bangbeob-i jag-eob-eul suhaenghaneun...naega geuege jul su-issneun mwongaga issdago malham-eulosseo sijaghaeyahabnikka? Naneun bubunjeog-eulo sasil-ijiman naneun-i pyeonjileul jagseonghaji anh-eun, uimihanda. Kimizuki geugeos-eul sseunhajiman siljelo geu geumbal sonyeon-ui malsseum-ibnida. Animyeon geunyang geuegejugo hyeonjang-eul talchulhaeyahabnikka? Geuneun daegi...geugeos-eun salang gobaeg saeng-gag du beonjjae, Shinoaleul gaechoehabnida, gidalyeo! Yuudo jigseon-i anida! Geuneun hananim-eul wihayeo, geiibnida!" she smacked her cheeks. "Shinoa eoseo! Geunyang hae!" she thought to herself. (Hm...how to do this...should I start by saying that I have something to give him? I mean, that's partially true, but I didn't write this letter. Kimizuki wrote it, but it's actually that blond boy's words. Or should I just give it to him and flee the scene? Wait, he'll think it's a love confession...wait, hold up a second, Shinoa! Yuu's not even straight! He's gay, for God's sake! Come on, Shinoa! Just do it!) Yuu came back behind the counter as Shinoa cleared her throat. "Eum...Yuu?" she spoke up. (Um...Yuu?) "Heum?" Yuu glanced over at Shinoa. "Mwo?" he asked. (Hm? What?) Shinoa bit her lip as she continued. "Naneun dangsin-eul boyeojul pil-yoga...mwongagaissda." she said. (There's something...I need to show you.) "Mueoscheoleom?" Yuu asked. (Like what?) "Ili." she said, digging through her apron pocket and pulling out the note. She handed it to Yuu, who eyed her in confusion. (Here.) "Nugulobuteoibnikka?" he asked. (Who's this from?) "Amu saeng-gag eobs-eo. Naega aneun geon-i dangsin-ege haegyeol doen geos-ibnida." she lied, hoping Yuu would take the bait. (Got no idea. All I know is that this was addressed to you.) Fortunately, he did, for he didn't question her any further. He unfolded it and he began to read it. Ibwa, Yuu. Naneun dangsin-ege dangsin-ege maeu jung-yohan mueongaleul malhaei pyeonjileul bonaenda. Nan deo isang-e uihae ol su eobs-seubnida. Naneun dangsin-eul gwaoe hal su eobs-seubnida dangsin-i hal sueobsneun iyuneun gat-eun maeu bogjabhan munjeibnida. Naneun geugeos-eul sidohago seolmyeonghandamyeon, geugeos-eun maeu jal jagdonghaji anh-eul geos-ibnida. Jeongmal uliga hamkke deo manh-eun sigan-eul bonael su johgessji man bulhaenghagedo, ulineun hal su eobs-seubnida. Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun dangsin-ui insaeng-eul sal geos-ida naega nae sal su issseubnida. Geunyang na-e daehae ij-eojusibsio. Annyeong, yuu. Seomyeong,Mika (Hey, Yuu. I'm sending you this letter to tell you something very important. I cannot come by anymore. Why I cannot tutor you and you cannot do the same is a very complicated issue. If I were to try and explain it, it wouldn't work out so well. I really wish we could spend more time together, but unfortunately, we cannot. So, you shall live your life and I'll live mine. Please, just forget about me. Bye, Yuu. Signed, Mika) Yuu was stunned into complete silence. He had no idea what to say. After a few minutes, he spoke. "Mwo...?" his voice croaked as he scanned the letter again. (What...?) Shinoa felt her heart clench as she saw the hurt spread across Yuu's face. "Yuu..." she trailed off. (Yuu...) "Geuneun danji na-egei jag-eob-eul suhaeng hal su issseubnida..." Yuu crumpled the paper up in his hand as he looked at Shinoa. "I pyeonjiga gajja malhae. Geugeos-eun gajjahaeyahabnida!" he exclaimed. (He can't just do this to me...Tell me this letter is fake. It HAS to be fake!) Shinoa bit her lip as she racked her brain for things to say to him. However, she couldn't think of anything to say. All she had was to tell him the truth. "Yuu, I..." she trailed off. (Yuu, I...) Yuu watched her as the truth began to sink in. The letter was real. Mika wasn't able to see him anymore. And just like that, Yuu's life fell into darkness.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu slapped a sponge onto a navy blue Kia Soul and he began to soap it up. Makoto could only watch him in surprise from inside his office as he looked at Shusaku. "Geunyang nal ttoneun yuu yeoghal-eul jom isanghangayo?" he asked. (Is it just me or is Yuu acting a little weird?) Shusaku shrugged. "Molla. Naneun geuga maegdonaldeu hwayoil-eseo jag-eobgwa mog-yoil-e nugungaui jib-eseo gajeongbudoegi sijaghaessda geos-eul algo, uimi, hajiman nan geuwa hamkke amugeosdoui haejeleul saeng-gaghaji anhseubnida." Shusaku stated. (Don't know. I mean, I know he's started working at a McDonald's on Tuesdays and become a housekeeper at someone's house on Thursdays, but I don't think anything's off with him.) Makoto frowned as he sipped on a bottle of cola. "Naneun saeng-gaghanda, hajiman...jega doum-idoejiman mueongaga balo yeogi anilago neukkil su..." he mumbled. (I guess, but...I can't help but feel that something's not right here...) "Dangsin-eun dasi gwaing appa gog-yeleul dang-gineungeoya?" Shusaku asked. (Are you pulling the overprotective dad stunt again?) "Ani, anieyo!" Makoto shot a glare in his direction. "Dagchigo jag-eob-eul dasi eod-eul!" he snapped angrily, causing Shusaku to laugh as he slipped out of Makoto's office. (No, I'm not! Shut up and get back to work!) Makoto sighed deeply as he watched out the window. "Naneun ileohge yeogi anj-a yujihal su eobs-seubnida." he sat up from his desk. "Naneun museun il-iya bol pil-yogaissda." he thought to himself before stepping out of his office. (I can't keep sitting here like this. I need to see what's up.)Yuu finished washing down the vehicle he was working on and the driver gave him a ₩22842.90 tip before driving off. ($20) He folded the cash up and he slipped it into the pocket of the white suspenders that he wore. "A...geu jigeum-eul wihae chungbunhan don-i iss-eoyahanda..." he gazed down at his suspenders. "Geuligo geu byeontae amudo hana, nae dwie oneundoeji anhseubnida. Ama melppang-eul chag-yonghaneun geos-eun gyeolgug, nappeun saeng-gag-i anida..." he thought to himself. (Ah...that should be enough money for right now...And none of those perverts are coming after me, either. Maybe wearing suspenders isn't such a bad idea, after all...) "Oi." (Oi.) Yuu quickly turned to see Makoto standing before him. This made him arch a brow. "Algessseubnida?" he answered. (Yes, Sir?) "Dangsin-eun jigeum dontchaleul jeomsim-eul?" Makoto asked. (You have lunch right now, dontcha?) "Eung wae?" Yuu asked. (Yeah...why?) "Ulineun myeoch gajileul non-ui hal pil-yogaissda." Makoto said before making his way back over to the building. (We need to discuss a couple of things.) Yuu could only frown as he followed Makoto inside. "Geunyang aldasipi, dangsin-eun munjega anieyo." Makoto stated promptly. (And just so you know, you're not in trouble.) Yuu nodded as they entered the lounge, which was void of employees. Yuu went to get his lunchbox as Makoto sat down in one of the chairs at the long lounge table. "Geulaeseo?" Yuu sat down across from Makoto and he pulled out a peanut butter and apricot preserves sandwich. "Mwoga munje ya?" he asked as he got ready to bite into the sandwich. (So? What's the problem?) "Dangsin-eun jasincheoleom haengdonghaji anhneun." Makoto stated. (You're not acting like yourself.) Yuu stopped, the sandwich mere inches away from his mouth. "Mueos...jeonghwaghi uimihabnikka?" he asked. (What...exactly do you mean?) "Dangsin-i botong-eulocheoleom, dangsin-eun joh-ahago haengdonghaji anhneun. Ppunman anila, dangsin-eun bil-eo meog-eul melppang-eul chag-yonghago geuligo dangsin-eun naega inteones kapeeseo lika-eseo deul-eossdeon geosgwa, jasin-eul gwalohago issseubnida." Makoto explained. (Like, you're not acting as bossy as you usually are. Not only that, you're wearing fricking suspenders AND you're overworking yourself, from what I've heard from Rika at the Internet cafe.) "Gwa?" Yuu answered, taking a bite from his sandwich. (And?) "Mwonga il-i iss-eossnayo?" Makoto asked. (Did something happen?) "Ani." Yuu replied. (No.) Makoto sighed deeply, which was usually a sign that he knew Yuu was lying. "Na-ege ttong-eul pogihaji masibsio...mwongaga naelyeo gaseo naneun geugeos-eul algoissda." Makoto watched as Yuu pulled out a bottle of banana milk. "Dangsin-ui gyosawa amu sang-gwan-i issseubnikka?" he asked. (Don't give me that shit...something went down and I know it. Does it have anything to do with your tutor?) "Wae dodaeche dangsin-eun neomu manh-eun jilmun-eul gyesoghabnikka?" Yuu snapped angrily. (Why the hell do you keep asking so many questions?) Makoto watched him, the surprise evident in his eyes. He knew he had hit a nerve. "Eum...eum...nan danji butaghaessda..." Makoto trailed off. (Um...well...I was only asking...) Yuu said nothing as he cracked the bottle open and he took a sip. He put the bottle down and took a bite out of his sandwich as Makoto spoke. "Dangsin-eun amu jalmos eobsdago jujanghaneun gyeong-u eum, geuleom naega mul-eo jungdandoebnida. Hana," Makoto stood up and stared Yuu in the eye, "Naneun nae dongsaeng-eulo dangsin-eul saeng-gaghago dangsin-i gwaenchanh-a issneunji hwag-inhalyeomyeon. Geugeos-eun wiheom geoscheoleom boindamyeon naega pil-yo, naneun manh-eun kaego-eul dahagessseubnida. Geugeos-eun geuege naelyeo oneun gyeong-ue ttalaseo, nal solihaji anhseubnida." he said before stepping out, leaving Yuu alone in the lounge room. (Well, if you insist that nothing's wrong, then I'll stop asking. However, I think of you as my little brother and I want to make sure you're okay. If it seems like it's dangerous, I'll do as much prying as I need to. So, don't yell at me if it comes down to that.)Yuu finished combing his hair as he threw on a pair of shiny black boots and he headed out of his room, a black bag swung over his shoulder. "Honglyeon-eun, jigeumgeoya meolileul haeyo. Naleul wihae gidalyeoya gwichanhgehaji masibsio." he said. (Guren, I'm gonna head out now. Don't bother to wait up for me.) "Gwaenchanh-a." Guren replied with the wave of his hand as Yuu stepped out of the apartment. (Okay.) He walked down the stairs and he walked down the sidewalk in hopes of flagging down a taxi. "Taegsi!" he hollered. (Taxi!) A couple of minutes later, a taxi pulled up onto the curb. He opened the door and sat down. "Eodilo?" the driver asked. (Where to?) "Jibsi lojeu sinsa keulleob." Yuu replied. (Gypsy Rose Gents Club.) "Gwaenchanh-a." the driver replied as they drove off in the direction of the city. (Okay.) Yuu sighed softly as he drummed his fingers against the window. The lights of Seoul sparkled in Yuu's eyes as he gazed out the window. There was always something mystical about the city lights. It made him feel more at ease and it camped him down. It was like he had stepped into some kind of wonderland. "Ulineun dochaghaessseubnida." the driver said as he pulled up on the curb in front of the club. (We've arrived.) Yuu pulled some money out and he handed it to the driver. "Gamsa." he said as he got out of the taxi and closed the door behind him. (Thanks.) The taxi sped off into the night as Yuu let out a sigh. He made his way towards the side entrance and he slipped in. "A, yuu-issda!" a brunet with baby blue eyes rushed over to him. "Dangsin-eun o-eiss-eo!" she chirped. (Ah, there's Yuu! You're up in five!) "Gwaenchanh-a. Gamsahabnida, Shanya." he said as he went to change his clothes. (Okay. Thanks, Shanya.) He unzipped his sleeveless black hoodie and wiggled out of his black skinny jeans before grabbing for his outfit. He threw on a red tube top, black short shorts, red sparkly booties, tied up a black button up shirt just under his tube top, and he rolled up the sleeves. He smoothed his hair out as he heard a voice. "Imi il-eona!" another girl screamed. (Get up there already!) Yuu nodded as he ran up and he began to sing to EXO's Black Pearl. As he went through the song, he danced and moved his hips to the beat. Whenever he got up on stage, he felt the most alive. The music ran through his veins and invigorated him. He was like a zombie that came back to life. The song ended after a few minutes and everyone applauded. Yuu and the other six girls that came up with him bowed, causing the guys to heckle loudly. Yuu stepped down from the stage and was about to hit the bar before his second performance when he felt a hand on his arm. He quickly whirled around, expecting to see Mika before him with a wide smile on his face. However, the person before him was a drunk blond that looked French. "Ibwa, dangsin-eun nawa hamkke jaemileul gajigo sip-eo?" he asked, his French accent evident in his voice. (Hey, you wanna have fun with me?) "Gat-eun...nawa hamkke segseuleul?" Yuu asked. (Like...have sex with me?) "Nan geunyang mul-eohaji anh-assda?" the guy asked. (Did I not just ask that?) "Jal..." Yuu wrapped some hair around his finger. "Dangsin-i jeoleul wonhaneun gyeong-u, da-eum nal delyeoga." he purred. (Well...If you want me, then take me.) The guy chuckled. "Joh-a, geuleom." the guy wrapped an arm around Yuu's waist. "Ui juwie nasa boja." he said before letting Yuu lead him upstairs to the room he used during his shift. (Alright, then. Let's screw around.) They stepped into the room and Yuu closed the door behind him. Yuu beckoned him to the bed and almost instantly, the guy pushed him onto the bed, attacking his lips hungrily. Yuu yelped a little at the roughness. As he felt the guy pry his mouth open and push his tongue in, he began to think about Mika and what it would feel like to kiss him. His heart skipped at the thought. "Eojjaessdeun, mika kiseu mueos-eul joh-ahaneun geos-ibnikka? Geuui kiseuneun geochin geos-ibnikka? Geudeul-eun budeuleoun geos-ibnikka? Geuui ibsul-eun budeuleoun neukkim-i deulgess neunga? Animyeon geudeul-eun geochil su geongayo?" he mentally smacked himself. "Yuu eoseo! Jinjeonghae! Dangsin-eun dangsin-i anila mika jeon-e salam-e chojeom-eul majchul pil-yogaissda!" he told himself. (What WOULD it be like to kiss Mika, anyway? Would his kisses be rough? Would they be gentle? Would his lips feel soft? Or are they going to be chapped? Come on, Yuu! Calm down! You need to focus on the guy before you, not Mika!) The guy pulled away from the kiss and he yanked Yuu up, resting him on his lap. "Eomeo, dangsin-eun neomu aleumdawo..." he mumbled as he began to trail kisses down his neck. (Gosh, you're so beautiful...) Yuu wrapped his arms around the guy, staring at the door as the guy began to undo his shirt and slide it off his shoulders. He just decided to forget about Mika for now as he succumbed to the pleasure.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika stepped out of the bathroom as he smelled pancakes coming from the kitchen. "Kimizuki, I'm done in the shower." he said as he fixed up his hair. "Okay. I'll just finish with these pancakes and then head in." Kimizuki replied from in the kitchen. Mika stepped into the kitchen to see Kimizuki flipping pancakes in a pan. He slid one onto a plate that had a stack of them on it and he turned off the stove. He turned to see what Mika had on. "Well, aren't you flaunting your American charm." he commented, watching Mika in his deep red Aeropostale shirt, black skinny jeans with a rip in the knee, black Converse with red paint splotches on it, and a pair of gold aviator sunglasses perched on top of his slightly damp blond locks. "Screw off..." Mika grumbled, causing Kimizuki to chuckle. "Alright. Well, I've made some chocolate banana pancakes. They go best with Nutella." he stated. "I don't really like Nutella, though..." he trailed off. "Oh." Kimizuki blinked his eyes twice. "Then, the butter and maple syrup are in the fridge if you need it." he said before making his way over to the bathroom. Mika sighed deeply as the bathroom door closed shut. He went over to a cupboard and he pulled out a white plate with a blue flower pattern on it. He went over and put two pancakes on the plate. He then pulled a drawer open and took out a fork and knife before making his way over to the small kitchen table and rested his plate and cutlery down. "I should get the butter and syrup..." he thought to himself before making his way over to the fridge. He opened it and pulled out the huge gallon of maple syrup. However, he was having no luck in finding the butter. "Huh? Just where the hell is the butter?" he asked himself. He looked at the shelves on the door and that was when he found it by the cheese and cream cheese. "There we go." he thought to himself before pulling the butter out. He closed the fridge door behind him and he made his way over to the table, sitting down and putting the items down before him on the table. He opened the butter and spread it on his pancakes before opening up the maple syrup bottle and pouring some onto his pancakes. "Mmmmm...time to eat..." he murmured before cutting into it and putting a piece into his mouth. His eyes sparkled in delight. "Mmmmm! This is so delicious!" he gushed. "I see that you like them." Mika nearly choked on the piece of pancake as he whirled around to see Kimizuki standing in the doorway that connected the kitchen to where their beds, shower, and front door are. "Dammit, Kimizuki! I could've choked and died!" he complained. "Sorry, sorry." Kimizuki couldn't help but chuckle as he made his way over to the table and sat down across from Mika. "I just couldn't resist." he said. "Even if it were Shinoa?" Mika asked. "Oh, I don't need to resist to do that! It's practically an instinct of mine to tease her!" Kimizuki exclaimed. Mika watched as Kimizuki spread some Nutella onto his pancakes, a sly smirk on his lips. "You so got a thing for her." he said. "I told you that I don't!" Kimizuki whined, which made Mika laugh as they continued to eat breakfast.Mika took some notes down as he listened to Mr. Bathory's lecture. However, it was proving hard to do so. Last night, Shinoa had texted him and said that Yuu had passed out on the job at the gents club after he "satisfied" a customer. Apparently, Yuu hadn't gotten any sleep in the past four days and it must've pushed him to his limit. Mika really wanted to go see if he was alright, but he knew he couldn't. Who knows what Guren would try and pull if he did... He tapped his pen against his notebook as he stared outside. "Just what the hell is wrong with me? Am I really that unlucky? I find this cute boy I like only to have him be wrenched out of my arms." he sighed softly. "Being a Shindo is such a curse..." he thought to himself. "Hansumgwa mwoya, sindo ssi?" (What's with the sigh, Mister Shindo?) Mika swallowed, knowing who that voice belonged to. He slowly turned his head to see Mr. Bathory hovering over him with his face mere inches away from his, a wide smile spread across his thin lips. "Jal?" he asked. (Well?) "Um...what?" Mika answered. He watched Kimizuki facepalm next to him as Mr. Bathory spoke in English this time. "I do believe I asked a question for you to answer. Can you answer it for me, please?" he asked. "What question?" Mika asked. "Precisely." Mr. Bathory moved away from Mika to give him some space. "I'll spare you for now and ask someone who was actually paying attention. Oh, and for future reference, can you please pay attention and not draw people being hung or burning in fires, please?" he asked. Mika's face flushed bright red as some kids who actually knew what Mr. Bathory said to him in English laughed and snickered. Mr. Bathory made his way back over to the board and asked another student a question that was originally meant for Mika. As the student began to answer the question, Mika found himself resting his head on the desk and drifting off to sleep.The bell rang, signaling that class was over. Mika slowly rose his head up as Kimizuki poked his arm. "Come on. We need to get to the Humanities Wing." he said. Mika nodded. "Alright." he replied as he began to pack up his materials. Once that was done, they headed down towards the door. As Mika was about to follow Kimizuki out, he heard a voice call out to him. "Mister Shindo!" He froze at the voice. "Don't go just yet." the voice said. Kimizuki looked at Mika and then over Mika's shoulder. "I'll see you when lunch period starts. Good luck with Mr. Bathory." he told Mika before heading to his classroom. Mika sighed deeply as he turned to look at Mr. Bathory. "Yes?" he responded. "Let's sit down and have a chat, shall we?" he asked. Mika didn't respond as he made his way over to Mr. Bathory's desk. He sat down in the chair by his desk and Mr. Bathory sat down across him. "I believe I've given you plenty warnings about paying attention in my class, right?" Mr. Bathory asked. "Yeah." Mika replied. "This is the first time I've had to actually talk to you after class about your behavior. Has anything been stressing you out recently?" Mr. Bathory asked. "Well...not necessarily..." Mika trailed off. "Are you sure?" an idea floated into Mr. Bathory's head. "Could it be relationship problems?" he asked. Mika balled his hands up into fists. He didn't think that Mr. Bathory could see right through him. Mr. Bathory chuckled after a few moments of silence. "Well, even if that is so, you shouldn't let your personal problems get in the way of your studies. You want to succeed, right?" he asked. "Yeah..." Mika replied. "Then, act like you want that degree." Mr. Bathory watched as students began to file into the classroom. "You should get to class. Be glad that you have a fifteen minute passing period here." he said. "Yeah, okay." Mika grumbled in response as he got up and he walked out of the classroom. As Mika brushed past some of the students, Mr. Bathory couldn't help but watch after him with a slight frown on his face.Mika and Kimizuki ate dinner later that night in their dorm room. Mika picked a little at the kimchi that Kimizuki prepared as said male chuckled. "Too spicy for ya?" he guessed. "Yeah." Mika pushed the nearly empty plate in Kimizuki's direction. "Even Guren makes less spicy kimchi than you..." he mumbled. He then frowned at the mere thought of Guren. Just thinking of the male made him think about Yuu and how he was doing. He felt like he hadn't spoken to him in years even though it was nearly three weeks since their last encounter. "Don't dwell on it too much. Besides, you said so yourself! Your story with Yuu isn't over just yet." Kimizuki picked up the kimchi with his chopsticks and dropped it onto his plate. "Or are you giving up now?" he asked. "I never said that I was giving up." Mika stated. "Then, what IS it that you're doing?" Kimizuki asked. "To be honest, I don't even know anymore." Mika admitted as he finished up his bulgogi. (bulgogi=Korean barbecue beef) Kimizuki watched Mika as he put a piece of the bulgogi in his mouth. "Alright." he said as he quickly stood up, startling Mika a little. "Ki...Kimizuki?" Mika stammered out. "I'll pack up the food and stuff. I think we need to go to the red-light district and cool down a bit." he stated. Mika continued to eye Kimizuki with a confused look on his face. "Huh...?" he questioned.Mika looked up at the bright neon sign that read Gypsy Rose Gentleman's Club in both Korean and English and then back at Kimizuki. "Kimizuki, just why the hell are we here?" he asked. "To relax, of course!" Kimizuki replied. "At Yuu's workplace?! What if Yuu catches me here?!" they got in line. "He'll tell Guren and then I'll really be doomed!" he complained. "Hush, child, hush!" Kimizuki shushed him as he pulled out his license card out. Mika grumbled a few curse words as Kimizuki spoke. "Don't sweat it! I texted Shinoa and she said that he's off today so that he could recuperate after passing out last night. So, you're alright." he explained. "So...you asked your crush about Yuu..." Mika pulled out his wallet. "How interesting." he noted as he took out his license card. "Sh-Shut up! Like I said, Shinoa and I are NOT an item!" Kimizuki snapped angrily as they approached the bouncer. "Sinbunjeungjuseyo." the bouncer said. (ID, please.) "Johguna." Kimizuki replied as him and Mika both flashed him their licenses. (Alright.) The bouncer looked at them before nodding. "Johguna. Deul-eogal su issseubnida." the bouncer said. (Alright. You may go in.) "Gamsa!" Kimizuki chirped before dragging Mika into the club. (Thanks!) They weaved through the crowd of people before finding themselves at a white couch near the bar. They sat down as Kimizuki sighed. "Ah, I love sitting here! I mean, I've tried sitting at the booth many times, but it's just not as comfortable as sitting here..." he trailed off. "I see..." Mika trailed off. The blond breathed out a sigh as he lounged back on the couch. He had to admit, it seemed pretty peaceful here. The feeling of the leather against him was very relaxing and the smell of alcohol and a hint of cigarette smoke was enough to help him relax. The smell of the cigarette smoke tickled his nose, but it wasn't as bad as when he was still in San Diego, where the scent of the smoke would nearly choke him to death. He watched the pink and red strobe lights dance around the room as Kimizuki spoke. "I'll go to the bar and get us some soju. Are you alright with that?" Kimizuki asked. Mika nodded. "Sure." he replied. "Sweet." Kimizuki stood up and stretched. "I shall be back." he said before walking off. Mika watched Kimizuki disappear into the crowd before sighing. "I really hope Yuu's not working tonight...I don't know if I can handle seeing him right now. If I do, I might just- - -" his thoughts were cut off by the DJ on stage. "Al-ass-eo! Ulineun sigan-ui maen wie chyeossda! Eung-won hal junbileulhasibsio, sojunghan cheonsaga ulileul wihae EXOeseo sangcheoleul ib-eul geos-ibnida!" the DJ hollered. (Alrighty! We've hit the top of the hour! So, let's get ready to cheer and holler, for our precious Angel's going to be performing Hurt by EXO for us!) Everyone cheered while Mika's eyes widened in horror. He knew only one person who also went by the nickname Angel. He looked over at the stage as Yuu came on wearing a black wife beater, a black jacket with shreds coming down from the sleeves and bottom of the jacket over the wife beater, black leather shorts, black fishnet stockings, and black leather boots. He snapped his fingers and he began to sing. Mika couldn't help but stare as the boy moved to the beat, singing as he did so. "I...I thought Shinoa told Kimizuki that Yuu wasn't coming in tonight..." he muttered. "Just what the hell?! Why is he here?!" his mind screamed. He bit his lip as he began to argue with himself. Should he make himself known to Yuu? Should he blend in with the crowd and act like he didn't see him? Should he go up to him and speak to him? Should he just run while there was still the chance to do so? Should he...go up there and kiss him? His heart fluttered at the thought of kissing Yuu. He could imagine how soft the boy's lips were. Yes, he knew that Yuu had kissed many other boys, but that was just to get money to support himself and Guren. Had Yuu ever kissed someone because he wanted to? Mika shook his head quickly as he watched Yuu hook his leg around a pole. "Come on, Mika! Stop thinking like this! You can't let your desires run wild! You have to do what's best for you!" he thought to himself. However, he couldn't help but stare at Yuu as the boy sang. "You hurt me!" he sang out. "So bad, so bad." the chorus sang. "You hurt me!" Yuu sang. "So bad, so bad." the chorus sang. As Yuu spun around the pole, their eyes locked on one another. Yuu's eyes widened in surprise and only then did Mika realize that he had been spotted. "Shoot! I've been spotted!" he shot a glance at the door. "I need to leave...now!" he thought to himself. He looked at Kimizuki as he brought back two bottles of soju. "Alrighty! Now, let's drink the night awa- - -" Mika grabbed for Kimizuki's arm. "We have to go. Now." Mika snapped. "Huh? Why?" Kimizuki asked. "Yuu's here!" Mika hissed in between his teeth. "Wait, what?!" Kimizuki looked over to see Yuu performing on stage. "Holy shit! He IS here!" he exclaimed. "I thought Shinoa told you that he wasn't working here tonight!" he said. "I thought so, too!" Kimizuki could feel Mika's heated glare on him. "Look, we didn't try setting you up at all. Heck, I didn't think he'd come in, despite passing out on the job last night! A sane person would stay home and recover before coming back to work!" Kimizuki stated. "Well, if he's not sane, then he's definitely insane." he snatched the soju bottle out of Kimizuki's hand as Yuu's performance ended. "Let's go. I think I'll feel safer drinking soju at the dorm room." he said. "Okay. We can stop by a liquor store on the way back and get maybe a twelve pack of soju." Kimizuki suggested. "That sounds good. Now," he pulled Kimizuki as he began to make his way to the entrance, "let's get going before Yuu ends up stopping me." he said. "Whoa! Hold on! I can walk on my- - -" Kimizuki nearly bumped into a gyrating couple. "Come on, Mika!" he complained. Mika ignored Kimizuki's complaints, chugging down some soju as he stepped out into the cool night. He waved over a taxi and opened the door, tossing Kimizuki in. As he got in and closed the door, he failed to hear Yuu call out to him.The performance finished and everyone cheered. Yuu panted as he fixed the ear mic. "Modudeul gamsahabnida!" he hollered. (Thank you, everyone!) Everyone cheered even louder as roses and, for some reasons, condoms were thrown onto the stage. Yuu picked up a rose, a thorn lightly pricking his finger as he held it. However, his mind wasn't fixed on the cheering crowd. It was fixed on Mika, who had pulled a soju bottle out of Kimizuki's hand as he spoke to him. Tears were threatening to well up in his eyes. "Mika..." he whispered out. He didn't think he'd be able to see him after so long. Those three weeks had felt like three years. It crushed his heart and the pain stung like the thorn that had pricked his finger just now. However, the pain from the small prick wound felt numb compared to the pain that he felt just by seeing Mika. His heart twisted painfully at the sight of the blond. He wanted to call out to him, but his heart dropped as he watched Mika begin to pull Kimizuki towards the entrance. He gritted his teeth, his hands balling up into fists. He couldn't let it end like this. He had to stop him. He had to ask him why he left, why he couldn't come to see him anymore, and most importantly, just who the hell was he to him. He needed to express his feelings. He needed to tell Mika how he felt about him, even if he knew that he'd get shot down. "Mi..." his heart panged painfully. "Mika!" he cried out, the rose falling out of his hand as he leapt off the stage. "Eung? Geuga eodi issni?" one backup dancer asked. (Huh? Where's he going?) "Yuu! Daeche eodiganeungeoya?!" a second backup dancer asked. (Yuu! Just where the hell are you going?!) "Yuu! Yeogilo dol-awa!" a third backup dancer hollered. (Yuu! Get back here!) Yuu ignored their calls as he ran after Mika, his heart pounding in his ears with each thud his boots made on the ground. "Mika!" he reached through the crowd as Mika stepped out of the club. "Gaji ma!" he called out. (Don't go!) He managed to push through the crowd and step out into the streets of the red-light district as a taxi drove off. His eyes widened, realizing that Mika and Kimizuki were probably in that taxi. Tears spilled out of his eyes as he began to sob. "Ani...ani..." he slumped down onto the ground. "Wae...?" he whispered softly. (No...no...why...?) His sobs grew louder as his hands flew over his eyes. "Ani! Wae, Mika, wae?!" his body shook as he whispered something under his breath. (No! Why, Mika, why?!) "Wae gaya hae, Mika...?" (Why did you have to go, Mika...?)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It was now October. It had been nearly two months since Mika had seen Yuu. After their almost run-in that night at the club, Mika decided to stop going to the club. But, really, he longed to see him. The way Yuu watched him with those wide eyes was like feeling someone twist a sharp spear around in his heart. His emerald eyes were filled with so much hurt that it made him want to die. After that night, Mika had started falling behind in his classes. Even Mr. Bathory threatened to drop him from the class if Mika couldn't bring his grade up by the time the first term ended in late December. Kimizuki had begun to panic and even forced Shinoa to tutor Mika whenever she was free to do so. Mika laid on his bed that night, his phone to his ear as he listened to the voice on the other end. "I see...So, you're not allowed to communicate with him anymore..." "Yeah." Mika replied. "But...! Not all Shindos are bad! You're not bad and neither am I or your Uncle Crowley!" "But, Aunt Krul...! No matter how hard I tried to insist that I wasn't bad, Guren kept insisting that I was considered bad luck for Yuu." Mika explained. "Okay...and? What did you do about it?" "I did exactly what he asked of me. However, I do think that my story with Yuu hasn't ended just yet." Mika stated. "Aw, aren't you quite the romantic...MIKA! Don't you love him?!" "I love him, but- - -" "Goddammit, boy, break the damn rules! Sneak out and meet him in secret! If you love him, then be with him!" "Aunt Krul...haven't you heard the song This Is Gospel?" Mika asked. "No, why?" "There's a line in the chorus that says, If you love me, let me go. What do you think that means?" Mika asked. "You are not letting that damn boy go. I haven't even seen what he looks like yet!" "But, Aunt Krul!" Mika breathed out a deep sigh. "Sometimes, I think I should just let it go at this point. I've hurt him enough." Mika explained. "Oh? Does he know about you separating yourself from him?" "Oh, he knows, alright. Actually...nearly two months ago, I saw him at the club. He saw me and the hurt in his eyes told me what I needed to know: he doesn't need me anymore." Mika said. "Gosh, Mika, enough with the melodrama! You don't know that unless you get the whole story from him!" "But, Aunt Krul, I- - -" the door opened to reveal Kimizuki bringing in some groceries. "Look, I have to go." he said. "What?! But, Mika- - -" he hung up before she could continue to lecture him. He sat up in bed as he spoke. "Gone shopping, huh?" he guessed. Kimizuki nodded. "Yup! The fridge and pantry is bare like fuck." Kimizuki commented as he kicked the door shut behind him. "I see...I didn't even realize that..." Mika murmured. "You haven't been able to realize shit since the last time we stepped into Gypsy Rose." Kimizuki remarked bitterly as he made his way into the kitchen. Mika sighed deeply as he looked at the entrance of the kitchen. Kimizuki had also started acting bitter to him since he found out that he would end up dropping Korean Literature all because of Yuu. He was annoyed by it at first, but now he had gotten used to it. Maybe this was why Shinoa was bothered by him... Mika rolled off the bed and he went into his Camera App, flipping the camera around so that it was in selfie mode. "God, I look like a mess..." he mumbled under his breath. He stretched, coming to a decision. "Hey, Kimizuki?" he called out. "What?" Kimizuki replied as he began packing things away in the pantry. "You know any nice cafe besides Mystic Eats that I can go to?" he asked. "Ah." Kimizuki pulled out a carton of milk. "There's one called Keopi Lein on the other side of town. They're famous for their hotteoks and cappuccinos." Kimizuki replied. (Coffee Lane) "Okay. I think I'll go there for a while." Mika said as he went and pulled out some clothes from the dresser. "Suit yourself." Kimizuki replied in a clipped voice as he opened the fridge and put the milk inside. Mika stepped into the bathroom, fixing himself up a little as he put on a thin white long sleeve, grey sweatpants, and white running sneakers. He ran his fingers through his hair twice and he stepped out. He wanted to tell Kimizuki that he may be back by late midnight or sometime before it, but he figured that Kimizuki wouldn't respond to him, anyway. So, he just grabbed his lanyard off the hook along with his wallet and he headed out of the dorm room. He made his way down the hall towards the elevator and he got in, scanning his card and pressing the number 1 with the star next to it. He stuffed the card hanging from the lanyard into the pocket of the sweatpants as the elevator went down. A couple of minutes later, the elevator reached the lobby and he stepped out. He walked across the lobby and pushed the door open into the cool night. He sighed deeply as he began to think. "Well, I think this calls for a run." he thought to himself before running down the sidewalk. As he did, he began to think. He thought about what had transpired since he got here. He remembered meeting Kimizuki and tutoring Yuu and listening to Shinoa supposedly denying her love for Kimizuki and Yoichi complaining about how Mitsuba pushed him too hard at work and how Mitsuba usually fawned over him and how Guren acted like a stereotypical dad and how Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley seemed to be getting along so fine without him. Just the thought of everyone made him feel sick. Fuck Kimizuki for acting like a prick to him. Fuck Mr. Bathory for threatening to drop him out of his class. Fuck Shinoa for not confessing to Kimizuki quicker. Fuck Yoichi for not appreciating his job. Fuck Mitsuba for unknowingly taking Shinoa's man from her. Fuck his parents for acting all high and mighty. Fuck Aunt Krul for not understanding how he felt. Fuck Guren for tearing him and Yuu apart. And as for Yuu...none of this was his fault. At all. Mika felt like dying. "Why does everything seem to be my fault?!" he ran into the city in hopes of finding the cafe. "I manage to fit in here, but now I feel like an outsider. I find a friend that I can rely on and now he hates me. And then I find the boy that I love and he is ripped away from me." he thought to himself. "Shit!" he screamed as he punched the brick wall of a building, startling a few people. "Why do I have to be a Shindo?! Couldn't I be anyone but a godddamn Shindo...?" he asked himself. He withdrew his fist and turned. That was when his eyes widened. Yuu stood before him, a hand on the window of the building before him as he stared inside. He wore a tan sweater with a long black peacoat over it, black skinny jeans, and brown boots. There was also a white scarf wrapped around his neck. He lowered his hand as he looked away from the window. That was when their eyes locked on one another. "Yuu..." Mika trailed off. "Mika..." Yuu whispered out. They stared at each other for what seemed like hours. Then, Yuu took a couple of steps towards him. "Is...that...you...?" he whispered as he brought a hand up to Mika's cheek. "Yes...it is indeed me..." he trailed off. A smile threatened to cross Yuu's face, but it didn't appear as Yuu quickly withdrew his hand. "Naneun keopileul masil yejeong-ieossda." Yuu nodded his head at the neon sign, which read Keopi Lein. "Nalang gat-i gago sipni?" he asked. (I was going to go in for some coffee. Did you want to come with me?) Mika nodded slowly. "Gwaenchanh-a..." he replied as he followed Yuu into the cafe. (Okay...) It smelled faintly of amaretto coffee and cinnamon. The cafe was spacious and filled with many people. The walls were painted a lime green that wasn't too unsettling with brown stripes coming along the bottom. Mika stepped into the line with Yuu as the boy pulled out a deep red wallet. "Naega don-eul naeseo nega wonhaneun geol malhae jul su-iss-eo." Yuu said. (I'll pay, so you can tell me what you want.) "Ani, aniya, geuleol pil-yo eobs-eo! Sasil-eun..." Mika reached for his wallet. "Naneun modeun geos-eul jibul hal geos-ida." he said. (No, no, you don't have to! Actually...I'll pay for everything.) Yuu turned, his emerald eyes narrowed as he watched him. He then sighed. "Gwaenchanh-a. Naneun nega wonhaneundaelo haejulgeoya." there was a cold edge in Yuu's voice as he spoke. It was worse than when Kimizuki spoke to him, which made Mika's heart nearly break. (Okay. I'll let you do as you please.) The cashier called for them and they went up to the counter. "Annyeonghaseyo, Coffee Lane Cafe mich Sweetse osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida! Naega neoege mueos-eul jul su issni?" the male cashier asked. (Hi, and welcome to Coffee Lane Cafe and Sweets! What can I get for you two?) "Naneun amaleto keopileul masilgeoya." Yuu spoke. (I'll have an amaretto coffee.) "Gwaenchanh-a..." he then looked over at Mika. "Neoleul wihaeseo?" he asked. (Okay...And for you?) "Eum...gyepi paundeu keikeuwa hamkke heijeulneos latte meog-eulgeoya." he said. (Um...I'll have a hazelnut latte along with a cinnamon pound cake.) "Gwaenchanh-a. Daleun geon eobsni?" the cashier asked. (Okay. Anything else?) "Ani, geuge doelgeoya." Yuu stated. (No, that'll be it.) "Johguna. 16043.73 won-ibnida." the cashier said. (Alright. That'll be $13.65, please.) Mika pulled out some cash and handed the cashier it. "Joh-a, neoui byeonhwagaissda." he handed Mika ₩1586.74. "Jumun beonhoneun 191 ibnida. God haegyeol doel geos-ibnida." he said. (Okay...and here's your change. Your order number is 191. It'll be out shortly.) ($1.35) "Gomabseubnida." Mika took the receipt as him and Yuu stepped out of the line. (Thank you.) He folded the receipt neatly as he looked at Yuu. "Geulaeseo...eodiseo anjgo sipni?" he asked. (So...where do you want to go sit?) Yuu shrugged. "Eodiseona gwaenchanhseubnida." he replied. (Anywhere is fine.) "Okay..." Mika trailed off. He looked around until he found an empty table. They made their way over to it and they sat down. Yuu rested his hands on the table, folding them as Mika spoke. "Geulaeseo..." Yuu shot a glance over at the blond. "Eotteohge ji naessni?" he asked, hoping to start a conversation. (So...How've you been?) "Naneun kkwae gwaenchanh-a. Insaeng-ui joh-eun." Yuu stared at Mika. "Geuligo neo?" he asked. (I've been quite fine. Life's good. And you?) "Eo, gwaenchanh-a." Mika replied. (Eh, it's been okay.) "Naega chamjo..." Yuu tapped his foot lightly against the floor. "Hangug-in-i naajigo issseubnida." he noted. (I see...Your Korean's getting better.) "Ne. Je hangug munhag seonsaengnim-i jeoleul dudeuligo issseubnida. Shinoado geuleohseubnida. Geunyeoneunhaeya hal ttae kkwae museoul su issseubnida." Mika said. (Yeah. My Korean Literature teacher's been knocking it into me. So has Shinoa. She can be pretty scary when she needs to be.) "Chamdoen." Yuu stated. (True.) Mika looked at Yuu and could tell instantly that he wasn't paying much attention. Yes, he was watching him, but it seemed like his mind was elsewhere. To be honest, Mika couldn't blame him. Guren prevented him from seeing the boy and he couldn't even tell him why. He ended him making Kimizuki write up a small letter for him and have Shinoa give him the letter without confronting him like a man. Heck, he saw him at the gents club and then vanished without a trace for two months! Yuu had every right to be angry at him. He was about to open his mouth and attempt to start another conversation when he heard the order number being called. "Beonho 191!" the cashier hollered. (Number 191!) "A, geugeon uliui myeonglyeong-ibnida." Mika stood up and stared at Yuu. "Naneun dol-aolgeoya." he said. (Ah, that's our order. I'll be back.) Yuu nodded as Mika hurried off to get their order. As Mika picked up their cups and a paper bag, he looked over his shoulder at Yuu, who plugged in his earbuds and began to listen to music whilst looking outside. "I think he actually hates me, but is trying to show it subtly..." he thought to himself. He made his way back over to the table and he put the items down. Yuu muttered out a small thanks as he grabbed for his cup and sipped on it. Mika sat down, pulled out his cinnamon pound cake, and he broke off a piece. He popped it into his mouth as he observed Yuu. His eyes then landed on Yuu's lips, which were pressed to the lid of the cup ever so slightly as he sipped on the coffee. His lips were a cotton candy pink and they looked soft and shiny. It made Mika begin to wonder what it would feel like to kiss him. Mika nearly choked on a piece of the pound cake, which startled Yuu. "Gwaenchanh-a?" he asked. (Are you okay?) Mika nodded. "Ne." he responded as he managed to calm himself down. (Yeah.) He reached for his latte and sipped on it as he began to mentally scold himself. "Goddamit, Mika! Stop thinking like this! Yuu practically hates your guts for leaving him! Don't venture off into some fantasy land and assume that everything'll be alright!" he thought to himself. However, his eyes just couldn't leave his lips. It was like there was some mysterious force drawing him to them. The more he stared, the more he wanted to kiss him. The more he continued to fight with himself, the more he began to think about one thing: Would Yuu be able to forgive him? He gritted his teeth as he found himself speaking before he could stop himself. "Yuu, dangsin-i naleul yong seohaneun deneun mueos-i pil-yohalkkayo?" he stared at him. "Naneun dangsin-ui sinloeleul doechajgi wihae mueos-eul hal su issseubnikka?" he asked. (Yuu, what would it take for you to forgive me? What can I do to gain back your trust?) Yuu pulled an earbud out and he looked at Mika. "Mid-eum?" he questioned in surprise as he rested his cup down. (Trust?) "Ye. Neoleul hae chyeoss-eo. Naneun neoleul baesinhan jul al-ass-eo. Nega geuleohgehagilo gyeoljeonghamyeon nega naleul yongseohaji anh-eul geolan geol al-a. Naneun dangsin-i naleul dasi sinloehaji anh-eul geos-eul algo issseubnida. Geuleona, naneun danji mudgo sipda. Naege du beonjjae gihoeleul jusigessseubnikka?" Mika asked. (Yes. I know I've hurt you. I know I've betrayed you. I know that you won't entirely forgive me if you decide to do so. I know that you won't put your entire trust in me again. But, I just want to ask. Would you give me a second chance?) Yuu felt his eyes widen. He had never seen such a sincere look in anybody's eyes before. "Mika..." his heart raced at how serious the blond looked. (Mika...) Mika bit his lip, hoping to distract his mind from Yuu's lips. However, it was proving to be extremely difficult to do so. The boy just looked too irresistable. "Yuu." the way Mika said his name made the boy shiver. (Yuu.) "Mika...?" he questioned. (Mika...?) "Naegahaneun il-eul yongseohae jwo." he said suddenly. (Forgive me for what I'm about to do.) Yuu blinked his eyes twice. "Eung? Mika- - -" that was when Mika's lips met his in a kiss. (Huh? Mika- - -) Yuu's eyes widened at the sudden kiss. He was totally not expecting it. He could feel Mika push his lips slightly against his own as he tasted the amaretto on them. Mika felt like he couldn't stop. It was like tasting a highly addictive drug. He slowly withdrew from the kiss, his eyes fluttering open. As he watched Yuu's eyes flutter open, he realized what he had just done. "Shoot!" he began to panic. "I...I didn't mean to!" he quickly stood up. "I think I should get going now." he said as he packed the pound cake back into the bag and he picked the bag up along with the latte cup. As he turned and got ready to leave, he heard a voice. "Mika." the hand on his arm stopped him from leaving. (Mika.) Mika slowly turned to look at Yuu. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes sparkled with a hint of lust in them. "Naneun gung-geumhaehago iss-eossda..." he lowered his gaze coyly. "...nal kiseu hal ttae..." he murmured. (I've been wondering...when you'd end up kissing me...) Mika felt his heart race furiously as he stared at him. Yuu's grip on Mika's arm tightened as he spoke. "Dasi kiseu haejwo." he whispered as he closed his eyes. (Kiss me again.) Mika could hear his heart pound loudly in his eyes as he watched Yuu purse his lips. He swallowed, wondering if he should kiss him again. After a few more moments of pondering over the thought, he leaned in and kissed him again.Mika and Yuu sat in a cab as it drove them into the red-light district. Mika couldn't help but look at Yuu as he stared outside. He didn't know why the boy wanted to talk to him in a different location, let alone a place in the red-light district. Just what in the world did he want to talk to about? "Neoneun dochaghaessda." the driver said as the taxi came to a stop. (You have arrived.) They both got out of the taxi and closed the door behind them. Yuu paid the driver as Mika looked up at the bright neon sign, which read Pantaji Leobeu Motel. (Fantasy Love Motel) "A love motel, huh..." that was when his eyes bugged out wide in shock. "Wait, a love motel?!" he exclaimed in shock. He turned to look at Yuu as the taxi drove off. "Wae ulineun salang motel-e issni?!" he asked. (Why are we at a love motel?!) Yuu arched a brow as he looked at Mika. "Wae andwae?" he asked. (And why not?) "Geulsse...nan danji gung-geumhaeseo, geuge daya..." Mika trailed off. (Well...I'm just curious, that's all...) Yuu sighed softly as he rested a hand on Mika's shoulder. "Oneul bam neoleul gagehaji anh-eulgeoya. Naneun nega nawa hamkke issgileul balanda." Yuu said. (I'm not letting you go tonight. I want you to stay with me.) Mika swallowed at the sultry tone in Yuu's voice as he felt the boy slip his hand into his. "Neo meomuleulgeoya?" he asked. (Will you stay?) "G-Geulae..." Mika trailed off. (Y-Yeah...) Yuu smiled at Mika before pulling him inside. The lobby was dark with pink, blue, and green lights lighting up certain parts of the lobby. The stairs off to the right of the lobby had pink lights shining on it. To the left, there was the front desk with a light shining above it. "Sillyehabnida." Yuu walked over to the front desk with Mika following from behind. "Naneun bam-eul-wihan bang-eul eodgo sipda." he said. (Excuse me. I'd like to get a room for the night.) "Gwaenchanh-a." the woman behind the front desk went over to a rack with keys on it and picked one up. "Godae ijibteu bang-ui 2 cheung-e issseubnida." she said, handing the key to Yuu. (Okay. You're on the second floor in the Ancient Egypt room.) "Gomabseubnida. Naneun achim-e yogeum-eul jibul hal geos-ida." Yuu said. (Thank you. I shall pay my fee in the morning.) The woman nodded as Yuu made his way over to Mika. "Galkkayo?" he asked. (Shall we go?) "Ne." Mika replied as he followed Yuu up the stairs to the second floor. (Yeah.) The hallway was also dark with lights shining down in front of the rooms. Mika followed Yuu as he spoke. "Yuu, igeos-e daehae hwagsinhabnikka?" he asked. (Yuu, are you sure about this?) "Naneun. Keulleob-ui chingudeul myeoch myeong-i igos-eseo myeoch beon-ina gogaeggwa hamkke waseo joh-eun jangsolago malhaessseubnida." Yuu explained. (I am. A couple of my friends at the club have come here quite a few times with their clients and told me that it was a nice place.) "Naega chamjo..." they passed a room with a gold plaque on it that read Hello Kitty. "Geuleom, Yuu...jigeum naleul keullaieonteulo saeng-gaghani?" Mika asked. (I see...So, Yuu...do you think of me as a client right now?) "Geugeos-eun babo gat-eun jilmun-ibnida." they stopped in front of their room. "Wae naega neoleul nae gogaeg-eulo saeng-gaghal kka? Naneun jigeum ilhago issjido anhda. Naneun danji naega algoissneun mikawa yeogieissda." he stated. (That's a silly question. Why would I consider you my client right now? I'm not even on work right now. I'm just here with the Mika that I've come to know.) Mika watched as Yuu stuck the key into the keyhole and unlocked the door. They stepped in and closed the door behind them. Yuu flipped the lights on and Mika gaped at the room in shock. "What the hell?!" he exclaimed. The walls were designed like it were walls in an Egyptian palace. Arabian music played softly from a jukebox shaped like the Sphinx and there was part of a king sized bed jutting out of a structure that looked like the Pyramid of Giza. A bright light shone from the top of the pyramid structure. "Igeos-eun uliga meomulgoissneun bang-ida?!" he exclaimed in surprise. (This is the room we're staying in?!) "Ye, geuleohseubnida." Yuu replied. (Yes, it is.) "But, that's- - -" Mika spun around and was about to continue when he stopped, watching Yuu take off his coat. He reached over to hang it on the nearby coat rack and that was when Mika noticed the tan sweater begin to slide off his shoulder, revealing some skin to him. Mika swallowed a little. The setting seemed a little too right to him. Him and Yuu were together in a room at a love motel and Yuu was unknowingly seducing him. It seemed too good to be true. "I need him...now..." he thought to himself. Before he could stop himself, he found himself making his way over to Yuu. "Naneun neoga jeonyeog sigsaleul ajig meogji anh-assdaneun geos-eul maeu uisimhanda. Niga wonhamyeon naneun uliege mwongaleul julgeoya- - -A!" Yuu let out a small gasp of surprise as he felt Mika pull him backwards into a hug. His heart raced twice as fast at the feeling of Mika's chest against his back. "Mika- - -A!" he let out a small cry as Mika bit into his neck softly. (I highly doubt you've eaten dinner yet. If you want, I'll get something for us to ea- - -Ah! Mika- - -Ah!) "I think you've already provided me with something to eat." Mika whispered lowly. Yuu heard his heart skip a beat at how husky Mika's voice was. "Eat? I have?" he questioned in surprise. "Yes." Mika turned Yuu so that he could face him. "Can I?" he asked. "What Mika mean?" Yuu asked. Mika sighed as he scooped Yuu up bridal style. The boy watched Mika in surprise as he was carried over to the bed. They got on and wiggled their way into the structure of the pyramid. "I want to have you." Mika said. "In what way?" Yuu asked. "Segseu." Mika replied before leaning in and placing a kiss under his chin. Yuu shivered a little at the touch as Mika continued. (Sex.) "Naneun neoleul aju simhage pil-yolohajiman, nega na-ege geuleohgehaji anh-eumyeon naega gyesoghaji anh-eul geos-ida." Mika rose his head to stare into his eyes. "Naega neoleul gajge hae jul su issni?" he asked. (I need you very badly, but I won't continue unless you tell me to do so. Will you let me have you?) Yuu nodded his head slowly. "Ye." he reached his hands up to run his fingers through the blond's hair. "Jeoleul delyeogasibsio." he whispered softly. (Yes. Take me.) Mika nodded. "Johguna. Naega neoleul delyeo galgeoya, Yuu." he said before closing the gap between them and pressing a kiss to his lips. (Alright. I'll take you, Yuu.) Yuu moaned softly into the kiss, threading his fingers through Mika's hair as he fervently kissed the blond. Mika kissed him back just as roughly. Yuu moaned again, causing Mika to slip his tongue into Yuu's mouth. Yuu gasped, feeling the tip of Mika's tongue stroke his tongue lightly. He playfully poked at Mika's tongue and their tongues danced together as they continued to kiss. They pulled away after a few minutes. Mika gazed down at Yuu, whose eyes sparkled with lust and his cheeks were flushed a bright red. He panted, his head feeling lightheaded after the loss of oxygen from the kiss. His lips glistened with saliva in the dim light inside the pyramid. "Maindeu beulloing..." he breathed out. (Mindblowing...) "Maindeu beulloing?" Yuu began to look around at his surroundings. "Museun solinga?" he asked. (Mindblowing? What's mindblowing?) "Dangsin-eun eoliseog-eun yuu-ibnida." Mika said. (You are, silly Yuu.) Yuu couldn't help but blush at Mika's comment. He then shivered, feeling Mika's breath ghost down his jawline. "I want to savor each and every moment with you. I don't want to rush." Mika said. Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Huh?" he asked. "Not go fast. Will move slow." Mika said. "Move slow?" Mika nodded. "Why move sl- - -Ah!" Yuu let out a sharp gasp as he felt Mika's teeth lightly graze his neck. "Shhh. Ileohge gwiyeoun solileul gyesog deul-eumyeon deo manh-eun geos-eul kyeosibsio." Mika purred. (Shhh. You'll turn me on more if you keep on making such cute sounds.) Yuu could feel his cheeks grow warmer as he brought a balled up fist to his mouth. He let out a muffled sound as Mika kissed his neck and sucked on it lightly. Mika's lips made a small 'pop' sound as he withdrew from his neck. "Keopi naemsaega naneunde..." he buried his nose under Yuu's chin as he licked lightly at it. "Neomu dog-iiss-eo..." he murmured. (You smell a lot like coffee...It's so intoxicating...) Yuu whimpered as Mika began to kiss along his jawline and place butterfly kisses along his neck. He felt Mika slowly slide off his sweater to reveal his chest. Mika moved down as his hand slid up the boy's side. "Gamgi!" Yuu yelped out in shock. (Cold!) "Geuleohji?" Mika looked up at Yuu. "[I'm sorry.]" he apologized. (Is it? I'm sorry.) "Sagwa hal pil-yoga eobs-seubnida. Naneun- - -O sesang-e, Mika!" Yuu cried out in pleasure as he felt Mika's mouth circle around his right nipple. He sucked on it lightly, running his tongue in circles around it. He then flicked the nipple with his tongue, making Yuu arch his back a little off the bed. (You don't need to apologize. I- - -Oh my god, Mika!) "Mika...! Deo..." he whispered out. (Mika...! More...) "Gwaenchanh-a." Mika pulled away from the nipple and he dragged his tongue along towards the other nipple. He suckled on it, as well. Yuu moaned and writhed in pleasure. (Okay.) "O, Mika..." Yuu panted. "Jom deo najchul suneun eobsni...?" he asked, rolling his eyes down to look at the blond. (Oh, Mika...Can't you go lower...?) Mika ran his tongue over the nipple as he spoke. "Cheoncheonhi, Yuu. Ulineun neomu ppalli gal su eobs-eo." he said. (Slow down, Yuu. We can't go too fast.) Yuu pouted as Mika went back to suckling on the nipple. He rose his left hand to tweak with the other one, causing another moan to escape Yuu's lips. He curled and uncurled his toes as he withdrew, a thin string of saliva connecting his tongue to the nipple. He snapped it and began trailing his tongue down towards his jeans. He tugged lightly on the hem of the jeans. "Naega geudeul-eul beosgyeo julkka?" he asked, rolling his eyes up to stare at an extremely flustered Yuu. (Do you want me to take them off?) "Ye..." he bucked his hips up lightly. "Ye, geuleol su issseubnida..." he murmured out. (Yes...Yes, do it...) Mika nodded before unwilling the boy's jeans down. He pulled them off to reveal his hardened erection. "Giseub daewon, geuleohji anhseubnikka?" Mika teased, a playful smirk on his face. (Going commando, aren't we?) "Dagchyeo!" Yuu whined as he smacked the blond on the head lightly. (Shut up!) "Al-ass-eo, al-ass-eo!" Mika chuckled as he ran a finger up the underside of his erection, causing Yuu to jolt a little. "Geuleona, naneun geugeos-i kkwae gwiyeobdalago saeng-gaghanda." he said before leaning in and bringing the tip into his mouth. (Okay, okay! However, I think it's pretty cute.) "Ahhhhhhh!" Yuu arched his back, his head thrown back into the pillow as Mika rolled his tongue around the tip, occasionally lapping at some of the pre-cum leaking out of it. (Ahhhhhhh!) Yuu swore that Mika's hot mouth wrapped around his erection was going to drive him mad. He moaned, fisting his hands in the blond's hair as he began to swirl his tongue around his erection. "Mi...ka...! Sesang-e ...!" Yuu gasped out. (Mi...ka...! Oh, god...!) Mika withdrew from his cock with a small 'pop!' sound. "Neoneun igeol jeulgigoissneun geos gat-a." he noted. (You seem to be enjoying this.) Yuu chuckled. "Nuga segseuleul jeulgiji anh-eulkkayo?" he asked. (Who wouldn't enjoy sex?) Mika smiled up at him in response as he began to stroke his cock with his hand up and down. "Mmmmm..." Yuu let out a small sigh of pleasure. "Deo gamyeon andwae?" he asked. (Mmmmm...Can't we go further?) "Deoug-i?" Mika questioned. (Further?) "Geulae- - -O!" Yuu moaned as Mika trailed his tongue up the underside of his cock. "Naneun geugeos-eul wonhae..." he whispered. (Yeah---Oh! I want it...) Yuu's moans grew louder as Mika stroked him faster and faster. "Mika! A! Naneun...Naneun jeong-aeg-eulo galgeoya!" he cried out. (Mika! Ah! I...I'm going to cum!) Mika looked up at Yuu in confusion. "Cum...?" he murmured. That was when a stream of white spurted out of Yuu's cock and onto Mika's face. He sputtered slightly in surprise at what just happened. He wiped at his cheek lightly as he looked at Yuu, whose cheeks were bright red in embarrassment. "Neo keullai magseuleul chi eossji?" Mika guessed. (You just hit your climax, didn't you?) That just made Yuu's cheeks turn even redder. "Da-Dagchyeo..." he grumbled. (Sh-Shut up...) Mika chuckled. "Neo neomu gwiyeowo." he wiped some of the cum off of his face. "Yeogiwa." he said before pulling Yuu onto his lap. (You're too cute. Come here.) Yuu stared up at him innocently. "Mika...?" he whispered. (Mika...?) Before he could say anything else, the blond pulled him into a kiss. Yuu moaned softly, grabbing at the fabric of Mika's long sleeve top. They parted from the kiss so that Yuu could take off his shirt before going back in for another kiss. "Naneun almom-ui yuilhan salam-i doel su eobsda, neodo aldasipi..." Yuu murmured into the kiss. (I can't be the only one naked, you know...) "Naneun geuleohge saeng-gaghaessda." Mika replied as he let Yuu push him lightly onto the bed. (I thought so.) Yuu traced his fingers along Mika's bare chest. "Neomu aleumdawo..." he murmured. (It's so beautiful...) He pressed a light kiss to his chest before bringing a hand down to Mika's sweatpants. He tugged on the elastic band, gazing up at Mika with innocent eyes. "Dangsin-eun geudeul-eul kkeul-eonael su issseubnida." he said. (You can pull them down.) Yuu nodded before moving his other hand down and pulling down Mika's sweatpants along with his briefs. As he did, he pecked Mika's lips lightly before going to pull at Mika's bottom lip with his teeth lightly. Mika's erection popped free and he began to palm it in his hand. Mika grunted as Yuu released his bottom lip. "Dammit...you're too hot..." Mika mumbled. Yuu looked at Mika in confusion, but decided not to question him as he wiggled down in between Mika's legs. "Naega eolmana joh-eunji boyeo julkke." he purred before moving in and bringing the tip to his mouth. (Let me show you just how good I am.) "Shit!" Mika let out a loud curse as Yuu's tongue flicked at the tip. He licked at some of the pre-cum that was leaking out before bobbing his head up and down his length. Mika hissed as he gazed down at him. "Shit...he is so good at this..." he moaned a little. "Dammit, I can't keep it in anymore!" he thought to himself. "Yuu?" he asked. "Heum?" Yuu hummed onto his length, causing Mika to gasp in pleasure. (Hmmm?) "Naneun...Naneun jeong-aeg-eulo gal geolago saeng-gaghae..." he said. (I...I think I'm going to cum...) Yuu rolled his eyes up in surprise as Mika let out a loud moan. He fisted his hands into his hair as cum spurted into his mouth. Yuu eagerly gulped it up, sucking on Mika's cock like it were a lollipop. Yuu pulled away with a loud 'pop!' as he watched Mika. "First time?" he asked. "Yeah. First time." Mika replied. "No wonder." Yuu replied. Yuu ran his fingers along Mika's cheek as he spoke. "Mika..." he whispered softly. "Yes, Yuu?" Mika replied. "Junbi dwaess-eo. Hajiman useon, naneun nega naleul junbihaeyahandago saeng-gaghae." Yuu said. (I'm ready. But first, I think you should prep me.) "Naneun yunhwaljeleul mudgi sijaghaessda..." he watched as Yuu grabbed for his peacoat, which was stuffed in the very corner of the bed with their other articles of clothing. "Issni?" Mika asked. (I was just about to ask for lube...Do you have any?) "Naegahaji anh-eumyeon, naneun nae os-eul ib-eul geos-igo, gajang gakkaun pyeon-uijeom-e gaseo jogeumssig eod-eul geos-ida." Yuu pulled out a small white bottle that read Passionate Lubricant on it in black cursive letters. "Naega junbihaneun geos-i joh-eun il-ida." he stated. (If I didn't, I'd be putting on my clothes and rushing off to the nearest convenience store to get some. It's a good thing that I'm prepared.) "Ne, hwagsilhi junbi dwaessseubnida." Mika replied before moving in and pressing a ting kiss to Yuu's nose, causing the boy to giggle. (Yeah, you sure are prepared.) He took the bottle from Yuu and opened it, squeezing some onto his hand. "Hoejeon. Naneun yaggan-eul jeog-yong hal geos-ida." he said. (Turn. I'm going to apply some.) Yuu nodded as he turned and stuck his butt up in the air for Mika. He rubbed his fingers in the lube and he began to poke at Yuu's entrance. "Mika..." Yuu whispered. (Mika...) "Naneun mil-eo neoh-eulgeoya." Mika said before pushing a finger inside of him. (I'm going to push in.) "O!" Yuu let out a loud moan, feeling Mika's lubricated finger slip inside of him. (Oh!) Mika slowly thrusted his finger in and out of Yuu, eliciting moans from him. Yuu put his head in the pillow in an attempt to muffle his moans. "Neo wae sin-eum solileul eobsni? Naneun geudeul-i salang seuleobdalago saeng-gaghanda." he stated. (Why are you muffling your moans? I think they're adorable.) He continued thrusting as an idea popped into his head. "I wonder if I could fit another finger inside..." he thought to himself. He decides to give it a try as he began to make space for another lubricated finger. He pushed it in with ease and Yuu moaned loudly into the pillow. He thrusted his hips against Mika's fingers as he began to scissor inside of him. "Gosh, he is so hot when he reacts like this..." he thought to himself. That was when his fingers pressed lightly against something. This made him arch a brow. "What is that?" he asked himself. He pressed down on it lightly so that he could satisfy his curiosity. Yuu's head instantly shot up as he let out a sharp gasp. He moaned loudly as he felt Mika push down on that spot again. "What did I just press down on?" he asked. "A...deo...dasihaela..." Yuu moaned out. (Ah...more...do it again...) "I'm assuming that it's a spot that gives Yuu the most pleasure. Maybe I should thrust into it." Mika thought to himself. He began to pull his fingers all the way out before ramming them straight into that spot. Yuu let out a loud cry, the pleasure coursing through him. "Sesang-e! Gyesog geogiseo chigoiss-eo, Mika!" he cried out. (Oh my god! Keep hitting right there, Mika!) Mika could only nod as he continued to thrust his fingers into that spot. Yuu felt like he was about to go crazy as he spoke. "Mika! Naneun...Naneun jeong-aeg-eulo gal geos gat-a ...!" he choked out. (Mika! I...I think I'm going to cum...!)Mika's eyes widened. He wasn't expecting him to cum so quickly. He withdrew his fingers from Yuu's entrance, causing the boy to whine a little. "Mika...! Wae geulaess ni?! Naneun cumming-e maeu gakkawossda!" he whined, turning around to face him. (Mika...! Why'd you do that?! I was so close to cumming!) "Naega neo an-eiss-eul ttae nega jilnae sagileul balanda..." Mika murmured. (I want you to cum when I'm inside of you, though... Yuu blushed bashfully as he felt Mika lay him down onto the bed. Yuu watched as Mika squeezed some more lube onto his head and he began to rub his reawakened cock with it. He lightly pressed the tip of it against Yuu's puckered entrance, teasing him. Yuu grunted at this. "Imi naege geugeos-eul neoh-eo!" he complained. (Just put it in me already!) "Al-ass-eo, al-ass-eo." Mika reached up to stroke Yuu's cheek. "Igeo junbi dwaessni?" he asked. (Okay, okay. Are you ready for this?) "Dang-yeonhaji. Naneun neoleul na-ege neomuna wonhae." Yuu purred seductively. (Of course. I want you in me so bad.) Mika could hear his heart race as he stared into Yuu's lust-filled eyes. He swallowed before beginning to push the tip into Yuu. Yuu hissed in slight pain. He figured that Mika's cock was big, but he didn't think it was THAT big. It made him feel a searing pain that he hadn't felt in such a long time. Yuu moaned as Mika continued to push into him. A few minutes later, Yuu's entrance had swallowed Mika's cock to the hilt. "Mmmmm...Mika..." Yuu breathed out as he gazed up at him. (Mmmmm...Mika...) "Gwaenchanh-a? Neo eodiedo da chiji anh-assji, geuleohji? Naega geuman dugil balae?" Mika asked. (Are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere, are you? Do you want me to stop?) "Ani, jeonhyeo." Yuu stroked the rise of Mika's cheekbone with his thumb. "Idonghal su issseubnida." he said. (No, not at all. You can move.) Mika seemed hesitant, but he nodded as he slowly pulled out before thrusting back into him. Yuu moaned loudly as Mika thrusted into him. The feeling of intense pleasure coursed through his veins as he reached up to wrap his arms around Mika's neck. "O, Mika...! Ppalli...!" he choked out. (Oh, Mika...! Go...faster...!) Mika bit his lip as he picked up the pace. Yuu arched his back off of the bed ever so slightly, more moans being torn from his throat. His nails began to dig into his back as he wrapped his legs around Mika's naked torso. "Ne...o, geulae, Mika!" Yuu cried out in pleasure. (Yes...oh yes, Mika!) Mika pounded deeper and deeper into him. He didn't think he had it in him to be so rough. He then nailed that spot from before, causing Yuu to nearly scream in pleasure. "O! Mika! Jebal, gyesogga!" he cried out. (Oh! Mika! Please, keep going!) Mika nodded as he continued. He leaned in and pressed a kiss to his forehead. "Dangsin-eun neomu gwiyeowoyo." he whispered. (You're so cute.) Yuu blushed as he looked up at him. "Ibwa, Mika." he leaned in towards him. "Mul-eo bwa." he whispered. (Hey, Mika. Bite me.) Mika's eyes widened. "Naneun...ama geuleol su eobs-eo! Naneun neoleul haechilgeoya, mullon!" he exclaimed. (I...I can't possibly do that! I'll hurt you, for sure!) "Naneun deo simhage cham-assda." he reached a hand up to run his fingers through Mika's hair as he pressed a small kiss to Mika's lips. "Gyesoghae. Naneun geugeos-eul cheoli hal su-issda." he said. (I've endured worse. Go on. I can handle it.) Mika swallowed, not knowing what he should do. He knew he shouldn't hurt him, but the seductive look in Yuu's eyes was telling him otherwise. "O...Mika, naneun gakkabda..." Mika continued to ram into him. "Naneun neomu gakkai...!" Yuu gasped out. (Ohhhh...Mika, I'm close...I'm so close...!) Mika gritted his teeth. He couldn't take it anymore. He leaned in and bit Yuu's neck. Yuu let out a lustful cry as he reached his climax, cum spurting out onto both of their chests. He moaned loudly as he rode out his climax. Mika grunted, shooting cum into Yuu a few moments later. Yuu relaxed a little, his back falling onto the mattress. Mika pulled out and he dropped down next to him. "Neoneun neomu gwiyeobda." he whispered. (You're very cute.) Yuu giggled. "Al-a. Neo imi na-ege malhaessda." he said before cuddling up in Mika's arms. (I know. You told me this already.)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika groaned as he stirred the next morning. He looked to his right to see that Yuu wasn't there. He frowned at this. "Huh? Where did Yuu end up going?" he asked himself. He slowly sat up, being careful as to not hit his head as a dreadful thought filled his head. "Wait...could Yuu have left me?!" he smacked his cheeks. "Stop it, Mika! After what you two did last night, he wouldn't possibly leave you!" he reassured himself. He climbed out of the pyramid structure as he smelled grilled chicken coming from somewhere in the room. "Mmmmm...grilled chicken? Who's making that? Actually, is there even a kitchen in here?!" he asked himself. He looked down at his chest, sighing. "I should probably clean this off...but with what?" he asked himself. He decided not to think much about it as he wiped it off with some of the sheet and he founded his discarded clothes, quickly throwing them on. He smoothed out his hair and he began to look for the source of the smell. He found the kitchen (he was shocked that there was even a kitchen in this room) and he spotted Yuu by the stove in a red sweater, faded skinny jeans, and black boots. "Uh...Yuu...?" Mika murmured out. Yuu quickly turned, his eyes landing on Mika. After a couple of minutes, a bright smile broke across his lips. "Joh-eun achim, Mika!" he chirped. (Good morning, Mika!) Mika blushed furiously, his heart racing furiously in his ribcage as he spoke. "Joh-eun achim..." he trailed off. (Good morning...) "Ssis-eoya ji. Naneun geoui achim sigsalo kkeutnanda." Yuu began putting the grilled chicken into two black bowls. "Naneun bakk-eulo nagago, eumsiggwa hamkke yaggan-ui os-eul eod-eossda. Dangsin-eun oetu seonban-e uihae gabang-e issseubnida." Yuu explained. (You should go wash up. I'm almost done with breakfast. I went out and got some clothes along with the food. Yours is in the bag over by the coat rack.) "Gwaenchanh-a." Mika replied as he began to make his way over to the coat rack. He found the bag and made his way over to the bathroom. (Okay.) Even the bathroom looked fancy as he stepped in. He sighed as he reached into the bag and pulled out a grey hoodie with grey sweatpants. "As I'm in here, I should probably shower." he noticed the porcelain claw foot bathtub in the bathroom. "That tub looks nice..." he thought to himself. He decided to go with it as he stripped, turned on the water, and slipped into the tub.Mika stepped out in the clothes that Yuu bought for him as the boy finished setting up the table. "Achim sigsa junbi!" he declared. (Breakfast is ready!) "Gwaenchanh-a." Mika replied as he made his way over to the table. He sat down across from Yuu and they said a small prayer before eating. (Okay.) Mika reached for the bowl of soup and he poked at it with his chopsticks curiously. "Ige mwoya?" he asked. (What is this?) "Miyeoggug supeu." Yuu dropped a couple pieces of grilled chicken into his rice. "Jeon-e hanbeondo bon jeog-i eobs-eo?" he asked. (Seaweed soup. You've never had it before, have you?) Mika shook his head. "Ani, jeonhyeo." Mika replied. (No, not at all.) "Naneun manh-i saeng-gaghaessda." Yuu said. (I figured as much.) Mika looked at the soup before sighing. "O jal. Eojjaessdeun naneun geugeos-eul sido hal geos-ida." he said before grabbing up some of the seaweed with his chopsticks and bringing it into his mouth. (Oh well. I'll try it, anyway.) He rolled some of the seaweed around in his mouth as Yuu laughed. "Neo jaemiss-eo!" he exclaimed. (You look funny!) "Nado geulae?" Mika asked. (Do I now?) Yuu nodded in response. "Ne. Haecho seupeuleul hanbeondo sidohan jeog-ieobsneun salam-ilamyeon nuguna eolgul-eul dwiteul su issseubnida!" he declared. (Yeah. Anyone who's never tried seaweed soup before is guaranteed to twist their face up like that!) He popped another piece of grilled chicken into his mouth as he spoke again. "Geulaeseo, geugeos-i eolmana mas-issneun ji malhaejusibsio." he said. (So, tell me how it tastes.) "Eum..." Mika rested his chopsticks besides his plate of fried rice. "Geugeos-eun kkwae mulgogi gat-eun mas-i naneun dongsie ollibeuwa gat-eun mas-inabnida." he stated. (Um...It tastes pretty fishy and at the same time, it tastes like olives.) "Heum...geulaeseo, dangsin-eun nacheoleom!" Yuu finished off his grilled chicken and began to dig into his small bowl of kimchi. "Naneun geugeos-i kkwae mulgogi gatdago saeng-gaghaessda." he stated. (Hm...so, you're just like me! I thought it was quite fishy, as well.) "Eum, neo daleuda..." Mika mumbled as he moved on to eating some of the fried rice, poking the yolk with the tip of his chopstick and letting it pour out onto the rice. (Well, you're different...) They ate in silence. Mika finished off the last of his fried rice as Yuu spoke. "Geulaeseo..." he trailed off. (So...) Mika glanced up at Yuu. "Ne?" he replied. (Yeah?) "Ulineun jigeum mueos-eulhaeyahabnikka?" Yuu asked. (What do we do now?) Mika was about to ask the boy what he meant, but he refrained himself from asking once he remembered the events that transpired last night. "A. Geu..." he trailed off. (Ah. That...) "Naneun neoege hwaga nassjiman ajig..." a light blush colored Yuu's cheeks pink. "Geuleom-edo ulineun geuleon sig-eulo..." he trailed off. (I was supposed to be mad at you and yet...And yet we engaged in something like that...) "Ne..." Mika replied. (Yeah...) Another awkward silence fell over them. Mika reached for the kimchi, nibbling on some of it. He then rested the bowl on the table, breaking the silence between them. "Eum, kkeutnan il-i kkeutnassseubnida. Ulineun gwageoleul bakkul su eobs-seubnida. Ulineun uliui haengdong-e daehae chaeg-im-eul jyeoyahabnida." Mika said. (Well, what's been done has been done. We can't change the past. We need to take responsibility for our actions.) Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Uimi...?" he asked. (Meaning...?) "Yuu." Mika reached out to touch the boy's hand. "Eojesbam-e uliga han il-eun sagoga ani eoss-eo. Ulineun geugeos-eulhagiwihan geos-ibnida." he said. (Yuu. What we did last night wasn't an accident. We meant to do it.) Yuu swallowed, his heart thumping in his chest as Mika continued speaking. "Yuu," Mika's voice took on a softer tone, "neo jinan myeoch dal dong-an naega neoleul eolmana geuliwohaessneunji algileul wonhaji anh-a. naneun neoleul butdeulgo, neowa manjigileul wonhaessgo, mueosbodado," Mika sat up slightly and began to lean in towards Yuu, "Naneun neoege kiseuhago sip-eoss-eo." he whispered. (Yuu, you don't want to know how much I've missed you these past couple of months. I've been wanting to hold you, touch you, and most of all, I've been wanting to kiss you.) Yuu watched as Mika got closer and closer. Before their lips could touch, Yuu rested his hand on Mika's lips. Mika watched him in slight surprise as the boy opened his mouth to speak. "Ib-e haechowa yangbaechu mas-i naneun geos gatseubnida." he stated. (Your mouth probably tastes like seaweed and fermented cabbage.) "A." Mika pulled away. "Najung-e?" he asked. (Ah. Maybe later?) Yuu nodded. "Ne. Najung-e hae." Yuu said. (Yeah. Do it later.) Mika nodded his head in agreement as they went back to finishing their breakfast.Mika and Yuu walked down the street together, listening to the sounds of cars whizzing by. "Geuleom, eodilo galgeoya, jeonghwaghi?" Mika asked. (So, where are we going, exactly?) "Dang-yeonhi ppeongtwigileul eod-eulyeogo." Yuu replied. (To get patbingsu, of course.) Mika arched a brow in confusion. "Pae beulseu...?" he murmured out loud. (Patbingsu...?) "Ne! Kkwae manh-eun toping-eul gajin myeondo aiseu dijeoteu-ibnida." Yuu explained. (Yeah! It's pretty much a shaved ice dessert with toppings on it.) "Geuleona geoui jeong-oibnida...achim sigsaga geoui kkeutnamyeon dijeoteuleul eodieseo chaj-eul su issseubnikka?" Mika asked. (But, it's nearly noon...where would you find dessert when breakfast is nearly over?) "O, naneun wanbyeoghan jangsoleul anda." Yuu replied as they stood at an intersection. Yuu pressed on the button and they waited for their chance to cross. (Oh, I know the perfect place.) A few minutes later, the walk sign came up and they began to head down the crosswalk. Mika glanced down, noticing how his hand was close to Yuu's. "Should I hold it?" he asked himself. He began to argue with himself over whether or not he should take the boy's hand in his. That was when he felt a hand slip into his. He nearly jumped in shock as he looked over at Yuu. "Mika, nae son-eul jabgo sipdamyeon geunyang geuleohgehaela. Naneun sang-gwanhaji anh-eul geos-ida." he said. (Mika, if you want to hold my hand, just do so. I won't mind.) Mika blushed a bright red in embarrassment as they got onto the other side and they stopped before a small cafe space titled Patbingsu Avenue. (Patbingsu Avenue) "Yeogi issseubnida! Geudeul-eun yeogiseo choegoui paes-sing-eul mandeubnida." Yuu said before pushing the door open. (Here we are! They make the best patbingsu here.) Mika looked around, noticing that it looked almost like a Starbucks back at home. The walls were painted brown and the place was pretty busy. "Damn, it's busy in here." they went through the line and up to a cab register. "And yet the line is so short!" Mika thought to himself. "Yeoboseyo! Oneul nega mueos-eul eod-eul su issni?" the cashier up front asked. (Hello! What can I get for you two today?) "Naneun jeontongjeog-in besbu seuleul wonhaeyo!" Yuu chirped. (I'd like a traditional patbingsu, please!) He then looked over at Mika. "Panjaleul bosigo panda." he said, nudging the blond lightly. (Look up at the board and pick one.) "Gwaenchanh-a." Mika replied as he watched the board. He scanned it thoroughly before coming up with a decision. (Okay.) "Mang-go paes-sing-eul gajyeoda deulilgeyo." he said. (I'll have the mango patbingsu, please.) "Al-ass-eo! Chong habgyeneun ₩10319.46 ibnida." the cashier said. (Alrighty! So, your total is going to be $8.80.) Mika nodded as he reached for his wallet and he pulled out some cash. The cashier took it and handed them a card. "Jumun beonho 81 ibnida. God jumun-eul deulil geos-ibnida." the cashier said. (You guys are order number 81. We will bring your order out to you shortly. Mika nodded as Yuu spoke. "Gomawo." he said. (Thank you.) He then looked at Mika. "Eoseo. Jalie anj-ja." he suggested. (Come on. Let's go get a seat.) Mika nodded in response as he followed Yuu over to a high table by the window. They sat down in the dark wood stools and waited for their order to arrive. "Kimijeukineun nawa hamkke yeogie issdaneun geos-eul algo issseubnikka?" Yuu asked. (Does Kimizuki know you're out here with me?) Mika shook his head. "Sasil, geuneun nalang kkwae jjalishae." Mika explained. (No. Actually, he's been pretty salty with me.) Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Sogeumgi issneun...?" he questioned. (Salty.) "A, geu uimieseo geu yong-eoleul alji moshal geos gat-a. Geugeos-eun hwaga nageona bul-angam-eul neukkineun salam-eul myosahagi wihae migug-eseo sayongdoeneun sog-eoibnida." Mika explained. (Ah, I don't think you'd know the term in that sense. It's a slang term used in America to describe someone who is feeling upset or agitated.) "Naega chamjo." Yuu drummed his fingers along the surface of the table. "Eojjaeseo?" he asked. (I see. How come?) "Geulsse...choegeun-e uli saie il-eonassdeon modeun illo geuneun neomu ppalli pogihago nae seongjeog-eul tteol-eo tteulineun bangbeob-eulo sobyeon-eul boassseubnida." Mika said. (Well...with the whole thing that went on recently between us, he's been pissed by how I'm just giving up so quickly and letting my grades drop like it were nothing.) "Jamkkan, neo sueob deudgoiss-eo?" Yuu questioned in shock. (Wait, you're failing your classes?) "Ijeneun hangug munhag ilppun-ibnida. Geuleona Shinoaui gyoseub bangsig-eun jigeumkkaji sangdanghi hyogwajeog-ieossseubnida. Nae mal-eun, neowa daehwahagoiss-eo. Naneun jalhagoiss-eo!" Mika exclaimed. (Well, now it's just Korean Literature. But, Shinoa's teaching style has been quite effective so far. I mean, look, I'm having a conversation with you and I'm doing just fine!) "Geuleona dangsin-i ajigdo hangug-eolo geul-eul sseul su eobsdago gajeonghabnida?" Yuu guessed. (But, I am assuming that you still can't write in Korean, right?) "Neo nal jab-ass-eo..." Mika grumbled, causing Yuu to laugh as a worker came over with two bowls of patbingsu, placing them on the table. (Ugh, you caught me...) "Yeogi neohuideul-i ganda! Jeulgyeo!" the worker chirped. (Here you guys go! Enjoy!) "Jeongmal gomabseubnida!" Yuu watched the worker walk off as he turned to look at Mika's bowl. "Wau! Neoneun wanjeonhi nollabda!" he exclaimed. (Thank you so much! Wow! Yours looks totally amazing!) "Jigeum-eun...?" Mika mumbled out loud as he looked at his bowl of patbingsu, which had shaved ice, cubed pieces of mango, vanilla ice cream, and a mango drizzle over it. He then looked over at Yuu's one, which had just shaved ice and azuki beans in the bowl. "Neo pyeongbeom hae." he noted. (Does it now...? Yours looks plain.) "Naneun ileohge paes-sing-eul joh-ahanda." Yuu grabbed for the spoon that came with the bowl. "Na-ege jeontong-eun gajang joh-eun bangbeob-ida." he said before digging into the patbingsu. (I like my patbingsu like this. For me, traditional is the best way to go.) Mika grabbed for his spoon and did the same, bringing some of the ice, mango, and ice cream into his mouth. "Mmmmm, wau!" Mika's eyes sparkled. "Igeos-eun jeongmal mas-issseubnida!" he exclaimed. (Mmmmm, wow! This truly is delicious!) "Naega mal haessjanh-a!" Yuu said. (I told you!) Mika blushed a little at the wide smile on Yuu's face as he continued eating. He put a piece of mango and some ice cream into his mouth as he decided to make some conversation with the boy. "Geuleoni...gulen-i nega halusbam-eul bonaen geos-eul algo issni?" he asked. (So...does Guren know you were out overnight?) Yuu shook his head. "Anyo. Soljighi malhaeseo, je jig-eob ttaemun-e jeoege tonghag sigan-eul jeonghajineun anh-assseubnida. Naneun iteudnal achim iljjig jib-e dol-agado sang-gwanhaji anhneunda. Geuleona naega 1 ju-il isang jinaemyeon geuneun goelobhil geos-ida." Yuu explained. (No. To be honest, he doesn't really set a curfew time for me due to my job. He doesn't mind if I come home early the next morning. However, he'll freak if I'm gone for a week or longer.) "Naega chamjo..." Mika gazed out the window, watching the cars whizz by. "Uliga gulen-eul jujelohaneun dong-an..." he trailed off. (I see...You know, while we're on the subject of Guren...) "Ne?" Yuu said as he arched a brow in confusion. (Yeah?) Mika looked back at Yuu with a serious look on his face, slightly startling the other boy. "Ibeon-en naega wae neowa yeonlag-eul anhaessneunji malhae jul ttaega doen geos gat-a." he said. (I think it's about time I tell you why I haven't been in contact with you all this time.) "Neo jeongmallo na-ege malhalgeoya?" Yuu questioned in surprise, nearly dropping the spoon into the bowl as he spoke. (You're really going to tell me?) "Ye. Neoneun al gwonligaiss-eo." Mika said. (Yes. You deserve to know.) "Geuleom malhaejwo. Wae tteonaneungeoya?" Yuu asked. (Then, tell me. Why did you end up leaving?) "Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun jeoleul galeuchyeodallago han geu nal-eul gieoghago naneun gulengwa hamkke syopinghaleogassseubnida?" Mika asked. (So, you remember that day I came to have you tutor me and I went out shopping with Guren?) Yuu nodded. "Ne. Gwa? Geuge eottae?" Yuu asked. (Yeah. And? What about it?) "Sil-eun, naega jinjeonghan na-e daehae malhan geos gatji anh-a?" Mika guessed. (Actually, I don't think I told you about the real me, have I?) Yuu arched a brow in confusion, obviously wondering what Mika meant by that. "Joh-a, ajig neo hante mal anhaess-eo." Mika cleared his throat. "Ye, je ileum-eun mikaibnida. Geuleona, naui jeongsig myeongching-eun sindo mika. Uli bumonim-eun migug-eseo gajang ganglyeoghan salamdeul jung hanaimyeo, amado sa-eob-e iss-eoseoneun segye il geos-ibnida." Mika said. (Okay, so I haven't told you yet. Yes, my name is Mika. However, my full name is Mika Shindo. My parents are one of the most powerful people in America and possibly the world when it comes to business.) Yuu's eyes widened in surprise. "Neo sindo ya?" he questioned in shock. (You're a Shindo?) Mika nodded. "Ne." he replied. (Yeah.) "Gulen-eun sindo-e daehae bulpyeong-eul gyesoghanda. Geuleona naneun wae geuleonji ihaehaji moshabnida." Yuu pointed out. (Guren keeps grumbling about the Shindos off and on. But, I don't quite understand why.) "Jal," Mika ate some more of the ice cream, "bunmyeonghi, uli gajog-eun gajog-eul geumandugo geu ttaemun-e sindolaneun salam-eul silh-eohabnida." he said. (Well, apparently, my family put his family out of business and because of that, he hates anyone who's a Shindo.) "Jinjjaya?" Yuu questioned. (For real?) Mika nodded. "Ne. Geuneun jeoleul jeojulo saeng-gaghago dangsin-eul haechiljido moleundago saeng-gaghaessseubnida. Geulaeseo geuneun na-ege dangsin-egeseo meol-eo jilagohaessseubnida." he explained. (Yeah. He considered me a curse and thought that I might hurt you. So, he told me to stay away from you.) Yuu sighed deeply. "Ileon, geu nal neomu hwaganassdaneun geos-eun dang-yeonhaji...geuligo geu eoliseog-eun gulen! Geuneun hangsang jeoege meonjeosang-uihaji anhgo nae salm-e gwanhae geuleohan seong-geubhan gyeoljeong-eul naelibnida!" he finished his patbingsu. "Mika, na hante jinsil-eul malhaess ni gippeuda." he said. (Gosh, no wonder you looked so upset that day...and that stupid Guren! He always makes such rash decisions about my life without consulting me first! Mika, I'm glad you told me the truth.) "Eung...machimnae gaseum-eseo kkeonaeseo dahaeng-iya..." Mika trailed off. (Yeah...I'm glad to finally get it off my chest...) "Mika, jinsil-eul malhal ttae naneun gyeolko hwaleul naeji anh-eul geos-ida. Naega hwanage hal il-eul sumgil ttaeman-ibnida. Geuleoni jebal." Yuu reached out to hold Mika's hand. "Geuleon sanghwang-i dasi saeng-gimyeon na-ege jigjeob malhaejusibsio. Dasineun naleul ij-ji mala." he said. (Mika, I would never get mad at you when you tell the truth. It's only when you hide things that I'll get upset. So, please. If such a situation arises again, tell it to me straight. Don't vanish on me again.) "Al-a." Mika brought Yuu's hand up, brushing his lips against his knuckles. "Naneun geugeos-eul dasihaji anh-eul geos-ida, naneun yagsoghanda." (I know. I won't do it again, I promise.) Yuu blushed a little at Mika's gesture. He slipped his hand out of Mika's as he spoke. "Mika." Mika stared into the boy's emerald eyes. "Salanghae. Manh-i. Geuligo naneun gulen-i uli saie deul-eooneun geos-eul wonhaji anhneunda." he said. (Mika. I love you. A lot. And I don't want Guren coming in between us.) Mika's heart raced at hearing Yuu say that he loved him as he continued. "Geulaeseo ulineun-i gwangyelo naagal ttae bimillie mannam-eul sijaghaeyahandago saeng-gaghaessseubnida." Yuu suggested. (So, I was thinking that we should start meeting in secret as we move forward with this relationship.) "N-Ne." Mika quickly nodded. "Ne, bunmyeonghihaeyahabnida. Gedaga...neoleul dolbwa jul ppun-iya..." he trailed off. (Y-Yeah. Yeah, we should definitely do that. Besides...I care for you, as well...) Yuu blushed, gazing down at his empty bowl as Mika finished off the last of his patbingsu.Mika and Yuu sat in silence in the cab as the driver drove them outside of the city. After eating their patbingsu, they had gone back to the motel, grabbed their stuff, and checked out. Now, they were heading back to their homes. Yuu gazed out the window as he let out a small gasp. "A, yeogieseo geuman." he said. (Ah, stop right here.) The driver stopped and Yuu handed him some cash as Mika spoke. "Jamkkan, eodi gani?" he asked. (Wait, where are you going?) "Naneun yeogiseo beos-eonalgeoya, wae?" Yuu asked. (I'm dropping off here, why?) "Geuleona danjineun da-eum beullog-ibnida!" Mika pointed out. (But, the complex is the next block over!) "Ij-ji anh-ass ni? Ulineun seolo bimilliebogo issseubnida. Gulen-eun igeos-e daehae al su eobsda." Yuu explained as he got out of the taxi. (Haven't you forgotten? We're seeing each other in secret. Guren can't find out about this.) "Gwaenchanh-a..." Mika murmured as he pouted. (Okay...) He scooted over to where Yuu had sat before and he rolled down the window. "Yuu, nae jagbyeol kiseuneun eodi issseubnikka?" he asked. (Yuu, where's my goodbye kiss?) Yuu sighed deeply. "Neo jeongmal pil-yohangeoya?" he asked. (Do yo really need one?) "Wae, dang-yeonhaji." Mika stated. (Why, of course I do.) Yuu watched Mika before giggling. "Neoneun neomu beoleus-iiss-eo. Geuleona dongsie, naneun geugeos-i sungbae hal manhadalago saeng-gaghanda." he said before leaning in and pressing a kiss to Mika's lips. (You're so spoiled. But, at the same time, I think it's adorable.) He pulled away from the kiss as quickly as it began before speaking. "Annyeong, Mika." he said. (Bye, Mika.) "Annyeong, Yuu. Najung-e jeonhwa halkke!" Mika said. (Bye, Yuu. I'll call you later!) "Gwaenchanh-a." Mika rolled up the window as Yuu blew a kiss at him. "Dangsin-eul salanghabnida." he said. (Okay. Love you.) Mika pointed at himself, created a heart with his hands, and pointed at Yuu. The boy blushed as the taxi drove off. He breathed out a deep sigh as he turned to start walking back to the complex. That was when he spotted someone unexpected. His eyes grew wide at this. "...Sin-ya?" (...Shinya?)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu cracked open a can of Coca-Cola and he chugged some of it down as he sat down on a swing next to Shinya in the nearby park. "Naega chamjo. Geulaeseo, mikaleul bimilliebogo issni?" Shinya asked. (I see. So, you're seeing Mika in secret?) Yuu nodded. "Ne. Ulineun jigeum dangjang uligahaneun geos-i choeseon-ilago saeng-gaghaessseubnida." Yuu explained. (Yeah. We both thought it was the best thing for us to do right now.) "Gwaenchanh-a." Shinya said. (Okay.) Yuu sipped on some more of the soda as he looked at Shinya. "Sin-ya, Gulen hante gyehoeghaji anhni?" he asked. (Shinya, you don't plan on telling Guren, do you?) Shinya shook his head. "Dang-yeonhi aniji. Dangsin-ui bimilgwa sasaenghwal-eul jonjunghabnida. Gulen-ege nae insaeng-e gabs-eul chileudeolado malhaji anhgessda." Shinya stated. (Of course not. I respect your secrets and your privacy. I would never tell Guren even if it costed me my life.) "O, jeongmal gomawoyo..." Yuu trailed off. (Oh, thank you so much...) "Dang-yeonhaji. Naneun nega dongsaeng-ilago saeng-gaghanda." Shinya said. (Of course. I see you as a little brother, you know.) Yuu bit his lip, recalling what Makoto had told him a while back. "Geuleona, naneun dangsin-eul nae dongsaeng-ilago saeng-gaghamyeo, dangsin-i gwaenchanh-eunji hwag-inhago sipseubnida." his words swam through Yuu's head as he watched Shinya, who drank some green tea in a can. (However, I think of you as my little brother and I want to make sure you're okay.) "Geuleom, Sin-ya, Gulen-ina daleun gos-eul bangmun haessni?" he asked. (So, Shinya, were you visiting Guren or something?) A light blush spread across Shinya's cheeks as he stared down at the can. "Eo, geuleon geos..." he trailed off. (Eh, something like that...) Yuu was tempted to blush, knowing what Shinya meant. However, he couldn't find it in him to do it because he done that exact same thing with Mika. He remembered the way Mika harshly bit him, leaving a reddened bite mark on his neck. He didn't think Mika had it in him to be so harsh, seeing that Mika was so kind and that he wouldn't dare hurt a soul. And he was surprised by the fact that it turned him on greatly. He guessed that being bitten would end up becoming his new kink... His hand quickly flew up to the bite mark, causing Shinya to look at him. "Geu seuweteoga geu mullin jagug-eul sumgiji anh-eulgeoya." he said. (You know, that sweater isn't going to hide that bite mark.) Yuu blushed furiously, realizing that Shinya had caught him. "Eum, igeos-i munjegadoeji anhseubnida." Shinya 'tsk'ed as he finished his green tea. "Gulen-eun pyeongsoui gogaeg oee daleun salamgwa hamkke iss-eossdaneun geos-eul hwagsilhi algo issseubnida. Geudeul-eun botong dangsin-eul mulji anhseubnida." he stated. (Well, isn't this a problem. Guren'll know for sure that you were someone besides your usual clients. They don't usually bite you.) "Nega olh-a..." Yuu trailed off. (You're right...) "A." an idea hit Shinya. "Ulineun Pyobeom-e ganeunge eottae? Naneun Mitsubaga dangsin-eul wihae mwongaleul gajigo issdago hwagsinhabnida." he suggested. (Ah. How about we go to Leopard? I'm sure Mitsuba's got something for you.) "Hajiman...jeon dosie iss-eoss-eoyo..." Yuu trailed off. (But...I was just in the city...) "Gwaenchanh-a." Shinya got up from the swing he was sitting in. "Gedaga, dangsin-i nawa jogeum-ilado gilge beos-eonandamyeon gulen-eun hwaleul naeji anh-eul geos-ibnida." Shinya said. (It's alright. Besides, Guren won't get upset if you're out just a little longer, especially if you're with me.) Yuu looked at Shinya before sighing. "Joh-a." he said before getting off the swing and following Shinya out of the park. (Okay, fine.)Shinya and Yuu stepped into Pyobeom as they heard a peppy voice. "Pyobeom-e osin geos-eul hwan-yeonghabnida!" the voice called out. (Welcome to Leopard!) Shinya looked over at the counter and waved, a smile on his face. "Annyeong, Micheuwa." he greeted. (Hello there, Mitsuba.) Mitsuba, who was fixing her twin ponytails, gaped in shock once she saw Shinya. "Mwoya...?! Shinoaui ib-yang doen aningayo?!" she asked. (What the...?! Aren't you Shinoa's adopted older brother?!) Shinya chuckled. "Geulae...naneun yuuwa hamkke seukapeuleul chaj-a wass-eo." he said. (Yeah...I've come with Yuu to pick out a scarf.) "Mwo?! Yuu yeogiiss-eo?!" she exclaimed. (What?! Yuu's here?!) She hopped over the front counter and ran over to Yuu as Yoichi stepped in with a huge pile of boxes. "Micheuwa! Sangjaiss-eo!" he said. (Mitsuba! I've got the boxes!) However, she paid little attention to him as she pulled Yuu into a bone crushing hug. "O, ne eolgul-eul bol su-issge haejwoseo gomawo! Naneun 2 gaewol man-e dangsin-eul boji moshaessseubnida. Geuligo Shinoa, Yoichi, geuligo jeoneun dangsin-i segseuwa il-e igsahago jib-eseo bil-eo meog-eul NEET gadoegileul geogjeonghaessseubnida!" she shouted. (Oh, thank god I get to see your face! I haven't seen you in two months and Shinoa, Yoichi, and I worried that you were drowning yourself in sex and work and becoming a goddamn NEET at home!) "Na...Naneun niteugadoeji anh-eulgeoya, Micheuba..." Yuu trailed off. (I...I wouldn't become a NEET, Mitsuba...) "O, sesang-e, Yuu?" Yoichi exclaimed. (Oh my god, is it Yuu?!) "Mullon uli agi Yuu Yoichi!" Mitsuba hollered. (Of course it's our baby Yuu, Yoichi!) "O, Yuu!" Yoichi dropped the boxes on the ground and he ran over to Yuu. "YUU!" he wailed, knocking the boy onto the floor. (Oh, Yuu! YUU!) "Waaagh!" Yuu hit the floor as he looked at Yoichi, who was holding onto him tightly. "Yoichi...!" he exclaimed. (Waaagh! Yoichi...!) "Yuu...nega sal-aiss-eoseo gippeo..." Yoichi sniffled as he rose his head. "Nega jug-eossdago saeng-gag haess-eo!" he shouted as tears freely streamed down his cheeks and his nose grew runny. (Yuu...I'm so glad you're alive...I thought you had died or something!) Yuu sighed as he watched the brunet cry like a newborn baby. "Ileon, Yoichi. Eonjenacheoleom, dangsin-eun neomu jijeobunhan salam-ibnida." he stated. (Geez, Yoichi. As always, you're such a messy crier.)Yoichi sniffled. "Geuleona...naneun geugeos-eul doul su eobsda! Naneun neomu ansim-i dwae!" he cried. (But...I can't help it! I'm so relieved!) "Dagchyeo, Yoichi!" Mitsuba pulled Yoichi off of Yuu and then turned to look at Shinya. "Eotteon jonglyuui seukapeuleul chaj-eusibnikka?" she asked. (Shut up, Yoichi! What kind of scarf are you looking for?) "Gageubjeog tteuda." Shinya looked at Yuu as he slowly stood up. "Eotteon saegkkal-eul wonhani?" he asked. (A knit one, preferably. What color do you want?) "Eum...amado geom-eun saeg-iya." Yuu replied. (Um...probably black.) "Gwaenchanh-a! Naneun dwie mwonga wanbyeog hae." Mitsuba said before taking them towards the back of the store. (Okay! I've got something perfect in the back.) As she directed them to where she kept her scarves and other accessories, Yuu grabbed ahold of Mitsuba's shirt sleeve. "Micheuba?" he asked. (Mitsuba?) "Heum?" she answered, turning to look at him. (Hm?) "Eum...neoleul butaghago sip-eossda." he said. (Um...I wanted to ask a favor of you.) "Algessseubnida. Meolli bul!" she chirped. (Okay, sure! Fire away.) "Gwaenchanh-a. Geulaeseo naneun igeos-i il-eonal ji uisim seuleobjiman, Gulen-i eojesbam-e daehae mudneundamyeon, bam-e dangsingwa tteog-eul chugilo gyeoljeonghaessdago malhasibsio." Yuu explained. (Okay. So, I highly doubt this will happen, but if Guren asks you anything about last night, just say that I decided to bunk with you for the night.) Mitsuba blinked her eyes, trying to process what Yuu said to her. After a while, she nodded. "Okie dokes! Geuga geugeos-e gwanhae mudneundamyeon naneun geugeos-eul hal geos-ibnida." she said. (Okie dokes! I'll be sure to do that if he ever asks about it.) "Gomawo, Micheuwa." Yuu said as Shinya picked out a scarf and began to show it to him. (Thank you so much, Mitsuba.)Yuu played a little with the knit scarf around his neck as the taxi drove him and Shinya back to the complex. "Naneun geu pyojileul keobeo hal su-iss-eul geos-ilago hwagsinhanda. Geuleona, dangsin-i dol-aol ttae, dangsin-eun eotteon gicholo geugeos-eul siheomhago keobeohaeyahabnida. Geuneun dangsin-i geu seukapeuleul neomu manh-i ibneun geos-eul bondamyeon uisimseuleowo hal geos-ibnida." Shinya looked at Yuu. "Neo jaedan-eul gajigo issji, geuleohji?" he asked. (I'm sure that'll be able to cover the mark. However, when you get back, you should try and cover it with some foundation. He'll get suspicious if he sees you wearing that scarf too much. You do have foundation, right?) Yuu nodded. "Ne. Jinan dal-e sass-eo." he said. (Yeah. I bought some last month.) "Joh-eun." Shinya said as the cab turned the corner. (Good.) It stopped in front the complex and they stepped out. Shinya handed the driver some cash and they drove off as Shinya and Yuu walked over to the stairs. The steps creaked ever so slightly as they walked up to the second floor. They stopped in front of Room 2G and Shinya knocked on the door. Yuu twiddled with his thumbs as the door opened to reveal Guren in a navy blue robe that wasn't tied up to cover his chest, blue and white plaid pajama pants, and blue bedroom slippers. "Jeoleul pallyeogo nolyeoghaneun geos-i mueos-ideungan-e, naneun geugeos-eul saji anhseubnida!" he snapped in annoyance. (Whatever it is that yer tryin' to sell me, I ain't buyin' it!) "Nae sicheleul palgo sipdagohaedo?" Shinya cooed teasingly, causing Yuu to blush furiously. (Even if I wanted to sell my body to you?) Guren glanced up at Shinya and his eyes instantly widened. "Shinya! What are you doing here?! I thought you went back home!" he exclaimed. "I was going to when I found your precious Yuu wandering the streets by himself. So, I brought it upon myself to bring him back home." Shinya explained. Guren stared at Shinya before looking at Yuu. "A. Nega eodilo gassneunji gung-geumhaejigi sijaghaessda." he stated. (Ah. I was starting to wonder where to went.) "Geulsse, na dol-a wass-eo, geulaeseo ..." Yuu trailed off. (Well, I'm back, so...) "Okay, I've got to go home now. But, I'll come visit next week." Shinya said. "Alright." Guren leaned in and kissed Shinya. "I guess I'll see you then." he said. Shinya smiled as he pulled away and looked down at Yuu. "Dangsin-eun jigeum anjeon haeyo, Yuu." he said. (You be safe now, Yuu.) Yuu nodded. "Naneun hal geos-ida." he said before stepping into the apartment. (I will.) Guren closed the door behind him and he watched the boy take off his boots. "Eojesbam-e eodieseodeunji jaemiissge nol-assseubnikka?" he asked. (You have fun wherever you were last night?) Yuu nodded. "Ne." he replied. (Yeah.) "Naega chamjo. Oneul bam ilhaleo nagalgeoya?" Guren asked. (I see. So, are you heading out to work tonight?) "Ne. Naneun ama achimkkaji dol-a gaji anh-eulgeoya." Yuu replied. (Yeah. I probably won't be back until the morning.) "Gwaenchanh-a. Geulsse, dangsin-eun gaseo ginjang-eul pul-eo. Sopa-eseo naj-jam jaleo galgeoya." Guren said before heading off into the dark living room. (Okay. Well, you go and relax. I'm just gonna take a nap on the couch.) Yuu nodded as he walked off in the direction of his bedroom. He closed the door and he let out a deep sigh. "Geulsse, geugeon gakkaun saeng-gag ieoss-eo...Naneun geuege eotteon byeonmyeong-eulhaeyahandago saeng-gaghaessda..." he murmured under his breath. (Well, that was a close one...I thought I was going to have to pull some kind of excuse on him...) He slowly pulled off his scarf and he walked over to the vanity in his room. He sat down on the small stool and he watched the bite mark that he had managed to hide from Guren. He ran his finger along it as he remembered Mika biting into his skin. The thought made him blush a little. It was like Mika had marked his territory. "Geuneun naleul geuui geos-eulo pyosihaessda..." butterflies began to flutter in his tummy. "Eomeo, neomu dalkom hae..." he thought to himself. (He marked me as his...Gosh, that's so sweet...)Mika walked into the dorm room that he shared with Kimizuki to find the boy watching something on his phone. "I'm back, Kimizuki." he said. "Yeah." Kimizuki didn't look away from his phone as he spoke. "Where did you end up going?" he asked. "I didn't think you cared at this point, but I guess I'll tell you, anyway." Mika took off his shoes and he made his way over to the bed, sitting down on it. "I met up with Yuu and we ended up spending the night at a love motel." he explained. The sounds from Kimizuki's phone stopped. He slowly lowered his phone and he turned to watch him. "You did what now?" he asked, sitting up on the bed as he watched the blond in disbelief. "I thought you didn't care." Mika stated. "Can you just tell me?" Kimizuki snapped. "Well...I just said that I met up with Yuu and spent the night with him at a love motel." Mika explained. "No way..." Kimizuki breathed out. "Yeah." Mika said. "Wait...did you just say love motel?" Kimizuki asked. "Yeah, I did." Mika blinked his eyes twice. "Why?" he asked. "Dude! You got laid?!" Kimizuki exclaimed before laughing. Mika blushed. "Sh-Shut up!" he snapped before grabbing for a pillow and chucking it at Kimizuki's head. Kimizuki laughed as the pillow hit him in the face. He then sighed, grabbing for the pillow and bringing it to his chest. "But, dude, seriously. I'm sorry for the way I've been acting recently. I wasn't trying to shun you, but...just hearing you give up two months ago made me pretty upset." Kimizuki explained. "Kimizuki..." Mika trailed off. "So, if it's okay, will you forgive me?" Kimizuki asked. Mika glanced down at the sheets, wondering what he should do. He then looked up at him. "Okay. I forgive you." he stated. A wide smile spread across Kimizuki's face. "Thank you so much!" he exclaimed as Mika's phone went off. "Ah, lemme take that." he said before grabbing for his phone and answering it. "Yeoboseyo? A, Yuu! Museun il-iya? Gwaenchanh-eungeoya?...Jamkkan, mwo?!" Mika nearly exclaimed. (Hello? Ah, Yuu! What's up? Is everything okay?...Wait, what?!) "Huh? What is it?" Kimizuki asked. Mika looked over at Kimizuki before speaking. "Yuu says he wants to stay the night here."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika stood impatiently in front of the elevator, waiting for it to come down. As he did, he began to think back on what happened just now.
"Yuu says he wants to stay the night here." Mika told Kimizuki.
"Well...I mean, I guess it's alright. It's only Friday, after all." Kimizuki stated.
"So, you won't mind at all?" Mika asked.
"No, not at all! If he wants to spend the night, then he totally can! I'm not stopping him." Kimizuki said.
"Okay..." Mika trailed off before continuing his conversation with Yuu. "Ne. Kimizukineun geugeos-i wanjeonhi johdaneun geos-eul malhanda. Al-ass-eo, na god boja!" he said before hanging up. (Yeah. Kimizuki says that it's totally fine. Okay...okay, I'll see you soon!)
"So, does that mean I have to make dinner?" Kimizuki asked.
"I guess so, yeah." Mika replied.
"Dammit! And here, I was thinking we could order takeout!" Kimizuki ran his fingers through his hair. "Eh, I guess it's alright. I can just head to the convenience store and buy what I need to buy. What do you think he'll want to eat?" he asked.
"Kimchi. He's in love with that stuff." Mika replied.
"Alright. Would he want beef or chicken...?" he murmured.
"Just wait until he gets here to ask him. He'll tell you what he wants." Mika said.
"Alright. You wanna go down to the lobby and wait for him?" Kimizuki asked.
Mika nodded.
"Yeah, sure." he replied.
Mika sighed as he looked up at the numbers slowly increasing up to 4."Gosh, like this elevator can't go any faster..." he thought to himself.The elevator arrived a couple of minutes later and he stepped in, scanning his card and pressing the number 1. He stuffed his hands into his sweatpants pockets and he watched the numbers decrease."Even though I only saw him this morning, I already miss him. I'm actually glad he's coming over to stay the night. Actually..." he lowered his gaze to the ground. "Why DID he decide to come by and stay the night? Is he skipping work? Did he argue with Guren? Or even worse," he began to pale, "did he throw Yuu out because he found out about us?!" he asked himself as he began sweating profusely.He then smacked himself."Mika, calm yourself! Guren couldn't have found out so quickly! You're safe, Mika. Safe." he told himself.The elevator arrived and as soon as the doors opened, he made a beeline for the front door. He darted out the doors and that was when he saw him.Yuu stood by the curb in a black and white sawtooth peacoat, black skinny jeans, and white Converse. He puffed hot air into the white gloves that he wore. He then reached into his peacoat pocket and pulled out his phone. He tapped on a few buttons before bringing the phone to his ear.That was when Mika's phone began to ring."Crap! Is he calling me?!" he asked himself.He reached for his sweatpants pocket and he pulled out his phone, quickly answering the call."Yeoboseyo?" Yuu answered. (Hello?)"Yuu? Naya, Mika." Mika replied. (Yuu? It's me, Mika.)"A. Neo eodiya? Naneun yeogi seoissda." Yuu said. (Ah. Where are you? I'm standing out here.)"Jeogi bwala." Mika said. (Look over here.)"Eung?" Yuu questioned as he turned to see Mika standing just a few feet away from him. "Mika..." he trailed off. (Huh? Mika...)"Naneun jigeum jeonhwaleul kkeunhgoissda." Mika said before hanging up. (I'm hanging up now.)Yuu slowly brought the phone away from his ear, staring at the blond in surprise. He then ran into his arms."Imi nal geuliwo?" Mika asked. (You miss me already?)Yuu nodded."Ne. Oneul achim-e naega neoleul majimag-eulo boassjiman neoleul dasibogo sip-eossda." Yuu said, shooting a glance up at him. (Yeah. Even though I last saw you this morning, I really wanted to see you again.)"Yeogi gatne. Naneun neoleulbogo sip-eossda." Mika said. (Same here. I wanted to see you, too.)Yuu smiled before burying his face back into Mika's chest, taking in the smell of clean linen and cologne."Eo...Mikaneun aju joh-eun naemsaega nanda!" Yuu thought to himself. (Gosh...Mika smells so good!)"Galkkayo?" Mika asked. (Shall we go?)Yuu nodded before following Mika back into the dormitory building. They got into the elevator and waited for it to reach the fourth floor. Yuu glanced over at Mika before slowly inching over and leaning against his arm."Neoneun aju eosaeghae." he noted. (You're quite clingy.)"Naega jigeum?" Yuu asked, slipping his hand into Mika's. (Am I now?)"Ye, issseubnida." Mika replied. (Yes, you are.)"Naega chamjo." Yuu said. (I see.)The doors opened a couple of minutes later and they stepped out of the elevator hand in hand. They approached the dorm room and Mika unlocked the door, stepping into the dorm room."Kimizuki, I'm back!" Mika hollered."Okay!" Kimizuki stepped out of the kitchen and spotted Yuu next to him. "Ah! Hey, Yuu!" he said."Hi, Kimizuki." Yuu replied, which surprised Mika a little."How have you been? I haven't seen you in quite a while." Kimizuki noted."Been doing well." Yuu replied."Well, you came just in time because I was about ready to go shop for dinner! I heard from Mika that you love kimchi?" Kimizuki asked.Yuu nodded."Yeah." he replied."So? Is there anything specific that you'd like me to make?" Kimizuki asked."Hm...maybe some chijeu-buldak?" Yuu answered."Chijeu..." Mika blinked his eyes twice. "...buldak?" he questioned."Ah, yes! I don't think I've had you try it yet! It's also known as fire chicken with cheese. In other words, it's spicy chicken with cheese melted on top." Kimizuki explained."I see." Mika replied."Yeah...I know you don't eat too much spicy food, but you've got to try my version of it. It'll taste so good that you'll forget that it even had spice in it!" Kimizuki chirped."If you say so..." Mika trailed off."Oh, I'll also get ingredients for tteokbokki and buy some yagkwas from Mystic Eats, if that'll make you feel better." Kimizuki offered.Mika shrugged."Sure." he looked at Yuu. "Eotteohge saeng-gaghae?" he asked. (What do you think?)"Joh-ayo, gwaenchanhseubnida." Yuu said. (Okay, I don't mind.)"Sweet." Kimizuki went to go throw on a light hoddie and a pair of sneakers. "Okay, you guys! I'll be back!" he chirped before grabbing for his lanyard and heading out of the room, closing the door behind him.Mika sighed deeply as he looked at Yuu, who began to untie his Converse shoes."I didn't think your English improved that much." he commented."Yeah." Yuu took off his shoes and rested them by the coat rack. "I can understand most English sentences now, but I still slip in speaking it." he explained."I see..." Mika trailed off as he also took off his shoes.He sat down on the bed as he watched Yuu begin to slowly unbutton his peacoat. He peeled it off to reveal a fuzzy tan sweater that said #iloveyouverymuch on it and a white tank top underneath. He continued to look at him as he hung the coat on the rack."Goddammit! Why does he have to look so beautiful?!" he asked himself."Mika?" Yuu spoke, snapping Mika out of his trance."H-Huh? Yeah?" he answered."You zone out. You okay?" Yuu asked.Mika nodded."Yeah." he replied."Good." Yuu said before making his way over to him and plopping down next to him on the bed.It was silent between the two of them for a couple of minutes before Mika cleared his throat."So...why did you decide to come by, anyway?" Mika asked.Yuu blinked his eyes twice."Why...?" he questioned."I...I'm not saying you shouldn't have! It's just...I'm kinda curious as to why..." Mika trailed off."Oh." Yuu tugged on the sleeve of his sweater. "I skip work. Don't wanna work tonight." he explained."I see." Mika replied.Yuu glanced up at Mika, his lips slightly pursed."You don't mind me staying the night, do you?" he asked.Mika shook his head."N-No! Not at all! Actually, I'm quite glad to see you." he admitted.Yuu blushed a light pink as he gazed down at his lap."I see." Yuu replied as they dipped back into an awkward silence.Mika wasn't sure what to say. After what they had just gone through, it was hard for him to determine the kind of relationship that he had with the other boy. He swallowed a little."What kind of relationship DO I have with Yuu now, anyway?" he asked himself.He wished to ask him, but he decided not to. That could be a conversation for another time. That was when he began to smell cinnamon in the air."Cinnamon...?" he murmured out.He turned and realized that it was coming from Yuu."Gosh...he smells way too good..." he thought to himself.Before he could stop himself, he began to lean in. Yuu turned to look at him."Mika- - -Ah!" he let out a surprised gasp as he felt Mika begin to lick under his chin. "Mika...!" he exclaimed. "I'm sorry. You just smell so good." he said before pulling Yuu onto his lap. Yuu gasped softly, his hands flying onto the blond's shoulders to keep himself steady. He gazed into his blue eyes as he spoke."Mika, neoneun botong judogwon-eul jwiji anhneunda." he noted. (Mika, you don't usually take the initiative.)Mika chuckled."Byeonhwaleul wihae mwonga daleun geos-eulhaneun geos-i johdago saeng-gaghabnida." he stated. (I think it's fine to do something different for a change.)Yuu ran his tongue along his bottom lip as he gazed at him. That was when Mika leaned in and attacked his lips. Yuu moaned into his mouth as Mika's tongue quickly darted into his mouth. Yuu ran his fingers through the blond's hair, feeling the silky locks against his skin.Mika's hands moved to his sweater, pulling on it lightly. They withdrew from the kiss as Mika pulled the sweater up over Yuu's head to reveal his chest."Yuu..." Mika pressed a kiss to Yuu's jaw. "You're beautiful." he said before peppering the boy's neck with kisses.A soft moan escaped Yuu's lips as he craned his neck a little to give Mika more access. He licked at his collarbone before venturing downward."Mi...ka..." Yuu whispered out.Mika rose his head up to stare at him. Yuu bit his lip as Mika began to speak."Where's the bite mark I gave you?" he asked.Yuu arched a brow in confusion, not knowing what Mika had said."So, you don't know what that means, huh..." Mika cleared his throat. "Mullin jagug. Eodi issni?" he asked. (Bite mark. Where is it?)"O, geugeoya! Naneun geugeos-eul gicholo deop-eoyahaessda. Gulen-i geugeol al-abol suneun eobs-eo." Yuu explained. (Oh, that! I had to cover it with foundation. I can't have Guren spotting it.)"Yeah, you're right." Mika replied before turning them over onto the bed.Yuu's hair created a dark halo on the white sheets as he gazed up at Mika."Mika..." he trailed off.Mika smiled as he began to lean in. As their lips brushed together, Mika's phone rang. Yuu looked at Mika as the blond grumbled out a couple of curse words."Who use phone?" Yuu asked."It's probably Kimizuki." Mika answered his phone and brought it to his ear. "Hello?" he answered."Ah, Mika! Hey, it's me."Mika sighed."What do you want, Kimizuki?" he asked."I'm calling to tell you that I'm coming back!""Why would you do that? You don't have to." Mila stated."What?! For all I know, I could walk in on you fucking Yuu! I don't wanna see things I wish I didn't have to see!"At that moment, Mika blushed furiously, which confused Yuu."What ha- - -" a finger flew over Yuu's lips as Kimizuki continued."Well, anyhow, I won't be long. I'll be back in five minutes. See you guys then!"Kimizuki hung up soon after, causing Mika to let out a huge sigh of relief that he didn't think he had been holding in."Kimizuki coming back?" Yuu asked.Mika nodded."Yeah. So, that means," Mika got off of Yuu and reached for the boy's sweater, "you're going to need to put this back on." he stated as he tossed the sweater in his direction.Yuu pouted as the sweater landed on his lap. He picked it up and threw it over him as Mika began to lean in."Mika...?" he murmured out."I can't help it. I wanna kiss you." Mika stated before pressing a chaste kiss to Yuu's lips.Yuu blushed a little as Mika pulled away."So, what do you want to do?" Mika asked."I don't know." Yuu looked up at Mika. "I'm fine with what you wanna do." he stated."Alright, then. There's been something that I've been meaning to do..." Mika trailed off."Like?" Yuu asked.Mika grabbed for his phone and he unlocked it."I don't think I have ever told you about my Aunt Krul, have I?" he asked.Yuu shook his head."Well, my Aunt Krul is pretty much my mother back in the United States. I told her about yo and she wants to see pictures of you." Mika explained."Pictures?!" Yuu felt a warm blush rise up to his cheeks. "I...I'm not one for pictures..." he mumbled."I think you'd look cute in a picture." Mika stated.Yuu nibbled on his bottom lip as Mika went into the Camera App. He wound an arm around Yuu's waist and he pulled the boy in towards him. Yuu's heart skipped a beat as Mika switched the camera around to the selfie function."Alright. Now, smile." he said before tapping the shutter button and taking the photo.After having dinner and getting ready for bed (Mika's stomach was burning due to the fire chicken), they were all in bed with Yuu sleeping in Mika's bed."Now, go to sleep!" Kimizuki reached for the lamp sitting on the nightstand. "I don't want to hear sex sounds." he stated."Shut up!" a red-faced Mika snapped as the room grew dark. He rested his head on the pillow as Yuu snuggled up into him.Mika closed his eyes and tried to sleep. However, the feeling of Yuu's tiny canine teeth yanking at the fabric of his dark grey wife beater was enough to distract him."Yuu?" Mika whispered softly."Hm?" Yuu hummed in response."You're not going to sleep?" he asked.Yuu shook his head."Problems sleeping..." Yuu murmured into his chest."Oh." Mika wiggled down a little so that he was at eye level with Yuu. "Should I stay up until you fall asleep?" he asked."You don't have to! Mika go to sleep. I go to sleep soon." Yuu said."That's not fair." Mika wound an arm around Yuu's waist, pulling the boy closer. "I wanna make sure you fall asleep." he stated.Yuu gave him a small pout as Mika spoke."You know, whenever I can't sleep, it's because something is bothering me. Is that the same for you?" he asked."Kind of..." Yuu trailed off."Is it about Guren?" Mika asked.Yuu nodded."Yeah. I'm just...afraid that he'll find out that I'm secretly seeing you." he admitted."Relax. He won't find out. And if he does, I'll fight him off." Mika stated."You'll get hurt, though. Guren's too strong." Yuu stated."Then, I'll come steal you. We'll run away together and create our own little world." Mika said.Yuu giggled."That sounds nice." he said as he let out a small yawn.Mika smiled softly at him as he leaned in and pressed a small kiss to his nose."Good night, Yuu." he whispered.Yuu smiled as he leaned in and kissed Mika softly on the mouth."Night, Mika." he said, snuggling up against Mika as they both drifted off into a deep sleep.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
"Mwolago? Ileum yuuui saeng-il?" (Eh, Yuu's birthday?)
Mika looked at Shinoa in surprise as he ate some of the hotteok that he ordered.
"Geuneun iteul man-e 19 segadoenda." she explained. (He's turning nineteen in two days.)
"Sagyeog. Geuneun gyeolko naegei sasil-eul malhaji anh-assda." Mika stated. (Shoot. He never told me this.)
"Geulsse, dangsin-eun geuege seonmul-eul sajuneun geos-i johda. Geuneun ttaeloneun kkwae kkada lobseubnida. teughi seonmul-i eumsig-ilamyeon." Shinoa explained. (Well, you better get to buying him his present. He gets pretty picky sometimes, especially if the present is a food item.)
"O ye. Kimizukineun dangsin-i yuue daehan kkamjjag patileul gaechoehago issdago malhae jwoss-eo?" Mika questioned. (Oh yeah. Kimizuki told me that you're holding a surprise party for Yuu?)"Ye! Botong ulineun geuui apateue waseo chughahajiman olhaeneun kapeeseo halgeolago gyeoljeonghaessseubnida. Wonhandamyeon ol su issseubnida." she explained. (Yup! Usually, we come by his apartment and celebrate, but we decided that this year, we'll do it at the cafe. You can come if you want.)
"Johguna..." Mika trailed off. (Alright...)
Shinoa looked over at the table by the window and frowned, seeing how Kimizuki was flirting with Mitsuba.
"A, eonje tteonal su issni?! Mitsubawa hamkke geuleul mannaneun geos-eun naleul michigehanda!" she snapped. (Ugh, when can he just leave?! Just seeing him with Mitsuba drives me crazy!)
Mika laughed nervously.
"Neo jiltusim ttaemun-e geu mal-eulhaji anh-eulgeoya?" he asked. (Are you sure you're not saying that because you're jealous?)
Shinoa scoffed.
"Jiltusim manh-eun? Geulae maj-a!" she plopped down in the chair across from Mika. "Naneun geujeo micheubaga geu saekkiboda joh-eun salam-i doelmanhan gachiga issdago saeng-gaghabnida." she stated. (Jealous? Yeah, right! I just think that Mitsuba deserves someone way better than that asshole.)
Mika chuckled.
"Nope, it's definitely because she's jealous." he thought to himself.
"Oi, Mika! We gotta go! Lunch break is almost over!" Kimizuki shouted.
"Coming!" Mika shouted back as he got up and he picked up his bottle of banana Milkis.
"Seukeulaem, neo babo gat-eun kijeu!" Shinoa snapped angrily as Mika began to follow Kimizuki out of the cafe. (Scram, you stupid Kimizuki!)
Kimizuki chuckled.
"Nado salanghae!" he teased as he pushed the door open. (Love you, too!)
Shinoa fumed and began to shoot off various curse words as the two guys stepped out and closed the door behind them.
"So, what were you talking to Shinoa about?" Kimizuki asked.
"She was telling me about how Yuu's birthday is on Wednesday and that they're holding a surprise party for him at the cafe that night." Mika explained.
"I see. So, are you going to need to go shopping?" Kimizuki asked.
"Yeah." Mika replied as he opened the bottle of Milkis and let the creamy soda slip down his throat.
"Well, we can worry about that after classes. Let's just try and get through the rest of the day." Kimizuki said.
Mika nodded.
"Alright." he replied as they turned the corner and headed out of the city.Mika laid on his back on his bed with his phone to his ear, breathing out a deep sigh.
"I have no idea what to do, Aunt Krul." he stated.
"Mika, it's just a present. It's not that hard." Aunt Krul told him.
"But, this is Yuu we're talking about here!" Mika complained.
"Wait, this is for him?!"
"Yes! Who did you think I was talking about?!"
"Your roommate, Kimizuki!"
"His birthday isn't until November 26th!"
"...Oh, okay. So, what do you find to be so stressful about finding a present for him?"
"It's just...I don't know what his likes and dislikes are. I know he's in love with kimchi and that he shops at Leopard a lot..."
"Then, start there! I mean, looking at Yuu's picture, he seems to be wearing designer clothes. So, I came to the conclusion that he's a classy, expensive, fancy boy."
"I think I'll ask him. He's coming to stay the night again."
"Heh...he's been staying over for three days straight, huh..."
"Yeah. Kimizuki and I are starting to wonder why that is..."
"Maybe he feels more free when he's with you guys? I mean, from what you told me two nights ago, it seems like he's starting to get more and more nervous around Guren, so he's trying to find a means of escape so that he doesn't have to face that reality."
"Reality? What reality?"
"That you and him have to go sneaking behind Guren and your parents's backs just so that you have to be together. You guys are not allowed to be together because of your status in life. He wants to try and live in the fantasy where status doesn't matter and the two of you can be together forever."
Mika's heart skipped a beat as he began to think about it a little.
"I see..."
"You shouldn't think about it too much. Just focus on the birthday present."
"Alright. Thanks, Aunt Krul."
"No problem! I'll talk to you another time, bye!"
"Bye!" the phone clicked, signaling that Aunt Krul had hung up.
He sighed as he rolled over onto his stomach, exiting out of his Phone App and looking at the apps on his screen.
"He wants to escape reality, huh...I never even thought of it like that..." he thought to himself.
"Mika! Do you want me to make seafood or beef?" Kimizuki called out from in the kitchen.
"Beef'll be fine! And also, make sure you got kimchi for Yuu!" Mika called out.
"Already on it!" Kimizuki chirped.
Mika buried his face in his pillow as he puffed out another sigh.
"I have to ask him what he likes...but, will I be able to do that without having him grow suspicious?" he asked himself."What I like?" Yuu questioned in surprise, looking away from the drama that they were watching and staring up into Mika's eyes curiously.
"Yeah. I want to know what you like." Mika said.
"Why so sudden?" Yuu asked.
"I want to get to know you more, Yuu." Mika replied.
"I see..." Yuu trailed off as Kimizuki came out with three bowls of food.
"Alright! I have made ttukbaegi-bulgogi! I'm gonna also bring some kimchi and Coke." Kimizuki said.
"Thanks, Kimizuki." Yuu said as he took a bowl from Kimizuki. Mika also took his bowl as Kimizuki spoke.
"So, what are we watching tonight...?" Kimizuki glanced over at the TV. "Ah! The Heirs! This used to be my favorite drama back in high school!" he exclaimed in excitement.
"Heirs is favorite show all-time." Yuu stated.
"Sweet. Do you watch it for Min Ho?" Kimizuki asked.
"Mostly." Yuu replied.
Kimizuki let out a small laugh.
"You are a cute little Min Ho fanboy." he teased, causing Yuu to blush in slight embarrassment as Kimizuki disappeared into the kitchen.
Mika looked at Yuu as he spoke.
"So, do you like this Min Ho person?" he asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. Min Ho good actor. I watch his dramas a lot. However," Yuu leaned in and pressed a kiss to his cheek, "I like Mika more than any drama actor." he stated.
Mika blushed as he looked down at his bowl of ttukbaegi-bulgogi (beef stew).
"S-So...I know you like that Min Ho guy, me, and kimchi. What else do you like?" Mika asked.
"Well...I like shopping at Leopard, Guren's barbecue beef, clothes, boots, sparkly items, and perfume. Actually...there is this one perfume that I have been saving my money for..." Yuu trailed off.
"Really?" this made Mika's ears perk up. "What is it?" he asked.
"It's called Escape. It's a gold bottle with pink, purple, and white diamond studs on it with a small key attached to it. It's vanilla and lavender scented. It costs ₩84439.09." Yuu explained. ($69.99)
Mika's jaw dropped in shock.
"That perfume is nearly $70 in US dollars!" he thought to himself.
"A-Ah! I...I see..." Mika trailed off.
Yuu arched a brow, but he decided not to push the subject any further as he cuddled up against Mika and they continued to watch the drama.It was now Wednesday.
Mika sighed deeply as he fixed his hair in the mirror.
"Boy, it's just a surprise party. You're not going to some glitzy restaurant." Kimizuki spoke, poking his head into the bathroom.
"I know that!" Mika whined, reaching up to ruffle his hair.
Kimizuki chuckled.
"You don't need to mess up your hair because I'm teasing you." Kimizuki stated.
Mika snorted.
"Whatever..." Mika grumbled as he stepped out of the bathroom, flicking the lights off.
"Oi, don't forget his birthday present." Kimizuki stated as he grabbed for a wrapped box and he threw it in Mika's direction. Mika caught it with ease.
"Like I would forget this." Mika said before grabbing for his lanyard and following Kimizuki out the door.
They headed down the hall and managed to slip into the elevator as it closed. The elevator arrived at the lobby a few minutes later. They stepped out and made their way into the cool night.
"Ah...it's a nice night for a walk in the city, isn't it?" Kimizuki asked.
Mika snorted.
"Oh, please. Walking in twenty degree weather is definitely considered nice." he stated as they continued walking.
Mika tried to blow hot air onto his hands to keep them warm, but it wasn't really helping. He sighed as he gave up on it.
"What, is it not cold like this in San Diego?" Kimizuki asked.
"No. It's pretty warm down there." Mika explained.
"I see." Kimizuki said as they arrived in the city.
"So, what did you end up buying for Yuu?" Mika asked.
"I got him a pair of earmuffs from Pyobeom. What did you get him?" Kimizuki asked. (Leopard.)
"That's a secret." Mika replied, bringing a finger to his lips as he shot Kimizuki a mischievous look.
"Eh?! Now that is most definitely not fair!" Kimizuki complained, which made Mika laugh as they arrived at the cafe. They pushed the door open, the little bell jingling as Shinoa, who was wearing a mahogany red scoop neck dress with black strappy heels and her hair in a side bun, turned to look at them.
Kimizuki stopped in his tracks, stunned by how beautiful Shinoa looked as she spoke.
"Oi! Naneun nega eodiissneun ji gung-geumhaehagi sijaghaessda." she snapped angrily. (Oi! I was starting to wonder where the hell you two were!)
Kimizuki could only stare as Mika spoke.
"Joesong haeyo! Na modeun geos-i eoss-eo." he said. (I'm sorry! It was all me.)
"Johguna. Geulsseyo, yuuneun yag 5 bun an-e yeogie ogilodoeeo issseubnida. Geuligo ttohan," Shinoa glared at Kimizuki, "geu salam-i nal boji mala. Geuneun goemul gat-eun mulgogi gat-a!" she snapped. (Alright. Well, Yuu's supposed to get here in about five minutes. And also, get him to stop looking at me! He's gaping like a freaking fish!)
Mika laughed nervously as Mitsuba walked up to Kimizuki and tried to get his attention on her. He rested the box on one of the tables as Yoichi spoke.
"Mika, geu salam hante museun jis-eul haessni?" he asked. (What did you get for him, Mika?)
"Geugeon bimil-iya." Mika said. (That's a secret.)
"A! Gongjeonghaji!" Yoichi complained. (Aw! No fair!)
"Geuge naega geuege malhangeoya!" Kimizuki pointed out. (That's what I told him!)
"Joh-a, dagchyeo!" they watched as Shinoa came out with a cake that had fruit on it from the back. "Naneun keikeuleul gajyeowassda!" she chirped as she rested it down on the table by the presents. (Okay, shut up already! I have brought the cake!)
"Wau! Jeongmal geunsahae boinda!" Mika examined the cake curiously. "Eotteon jonglyuui keikeu-ibnikka?" he asked. (Wow! It looks so cool! What kind of cake is it?)
"Sinseonhan keulim keikeulagohabnida. Migugboda asia-eseo deo heunhabnida. Geugeos-eun gibonjeog-eulo gwail-eulo chaewojin gyecheunghwa doen seuponji keikeuwa hwiping jangsig-eulo deopgo gwail-eul eonj-eun keoseuteodeu-ibnida. Yuuga gajang joh-ahaneun ttalgiwa kiwi sinseonhan keulim keikeuneun naega mandeun geos-ibnida." Shinoa explained. (It's called a fresh cream cake. It's more common in Asia than the US. It's basically a layered sponge cake filled with fruits and a custard covered in whipped icing and topped with fruits. Yuu's favorite is a strawberry and kiwi fresh cream cake, which is what I made.)
"Naega chamjo." Mika replied. (I see.)
Mitsuba felt her phone vibrate in her white cardigan and she pulled it out. She read the message that popped up on it and her eyes widened.
"Sagyeog! Yuuga god ol geolago haess-eo!" she exclaimed. (Shoot! Yuu says that he'll be here any minute now!)
"Sseulegi!" Shinoa looked over at the front counter. "Eoseo! Kaunteo dwie sum-eo gaja." she suggested. (Crap! Come on! Let's hide behind the counter.)
Everyone nodded as they quickly scurried over to the counter. Yoichi flicked off the lights as they hid.
"Sesang-e, bijob-eun neukkim-i deunda..." Kimizuki murmured, feeling himself wedged between Shinoa and Mitsuba. (Goodness, it feels kind of cramped here...)
Shinoa felt her cheeks catch on fire as she glared up at Kimizuki.
"Dagchyeo!" she snapped angrily. (Shut up!)
"Hush, Kimizuki! Geuneun jamsilado deul-eogal su issseubnida!" Mitsuba hissed. (Hush, Kimizuki! He might walk in at any moment!)
And then, the door to the cafe opened.Yuu turned the corner, making his way down to the cafe.
"Wae jeon segyeeseo iljjig kapeleul tteonayahabnikka? Jeongmallo jung-yohan geos-inga?" he asked himself. (Why in the world do I have to leave work early to come down to the cafe? Is it really that important?)
He stood in front of the cafe a few minutes later. That was when he arched a brow in confusion.
"Eung? Amudo eobsni?" he asked himself. (Huh? Is no one here?)
He reached to open the door and to his surprise, the door opened, the little bell jingling.
"Gwaenchanh-a..." he trailed off as he stepped into the dark cafe. (Okay...)
He closed the door behind him and he looked around.
"Eum...yeoboseyo?" he called out. (Um...hello?)
That was when the lights turned on and streamers popped. Yuu blinked his eyes twice at this.
"Eung? Geunyang mwoya- - -" he was cut off by a loud shout. (Huh? Just what is---)
"NOLLAM!" Shinoa and the others shouted as they jumped out from behind the counter. (SURPRISE!)
"Yesu...!" a hand quickly flew over Yuu's chest as he tried to calm his racing heart. "Yaedeul a, sesang-eseo museun il-inga?!" he asked. (Jesus...! Guys, just what in the world is going on?!)
"Ulineun mullon dangsin-ui saeng-il-eul chughahabnida!" Mitsuba chirped. (We're celebrating your birthday, of course!)
Yuu paled, realizing something.
"Sagyeog! Oneul-eun nae saeng-il! Naneun oneul naega yeolsimhi ilhae wassgi ttaemun-e wanjeonhi ij-eossda!" he thought to himself. (Shoot! Today IS my birthday! I've been working so hard today that I completely forgot!)
He facepalmed.
"Naneun chong babo ya..." he thought to himself. (I am a total idiot...)
"Saeng-il chughahae, Yuu." Mika said, a smile spread across his face. (Happy birthday, Yuu.)
Yuu blushed a little as Shinoa spoke.
"Naneun keikeuleul mandeul-eossda! Geugeos-eun dangsin-i gajang joh-ahaneun geos-ibnida: ttalgiwa kiwi sinseonhan keulim keikeu." she said. (I made cake! It's your favorite: strawberry and kiwi fresh cream cake.)
"A jeongmal?" Yuu looked at the cake in awe. "Neomu yeppeuda..." he trailed off. (Ah, really? It looks so pretty...)
"Geuleohji anhni? Ja, jiyeonsikiji anhgessseubnida." she ushered Yuu over to the table and sat him down before the cake. "Saeng-il chughahabnida." she said. (Don't it? Now, let's not delay. We need to sing Happy Birthday to you.)
"Lemme gaseo chosbul-eul jab-a!" Mitsuba chirped before skipping off. (Lemme go get candles and matches!)
Shinoa then looked over at Mika before smirking.
"Al-ass-eo, iliwa." she said before grabbing for Mika's arm. (Alright, come here.)
"Mwo...?!" Mika gaped at her in surprise. "Shinoa...!" he exclaimed as he was dragged over to a chair beside Yuu. (Wha...?! Shinoa...!)
"Ja, anj-a!" she chirped before pushing him down into the chair. (Now, sit!)
Mika could feel his shoulder brush lightly against Yuu's as he was pushed down into the chair. A light blush dusted his cheeks as Mitsuba came back with nineteen candles and a box of matches.
"Ulineun geogie gal!" she looked at Kimizuki. "Chosbullo nal dowa jul su-iss-eo?" she asked. (There we go! Can you help me with the candles?)
"Geulae." he said as she handed him nine candles. (Yeah, sure.)
They began adding candles, spacing them out evenly. Once they were finished, Mitsuba opened the box of matches and she swiped the match across the side of the box, a flame quickly forming on the tip. She lit up the candles and blew the flame out.
"Johguna!" she looked at Yoichi. "Yoichi, bul-eul kkeusibsio." she said. (Alright! Yoichi, go take off the lights.)
"Jinjjalo ...?" Yoichi murmured in annoyance as he walked over to the light switch and he flicked the lights off. He made his way back over to the table as Shinoa spoke. (Ugh, really...?)
"Johguna. Hana, dul, ses..." she cleared her throat and everyone began to sing. "Saeng-il chughahae! Saeng-il chughahae! Saeng-il chughahae, chin-aehaneun Yuu! Saeng-il chughahae!" they sang. (Alright. One, two, three...Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday, dear Yuu! Happy birthday to you!)
Everyone cheered and clapped as Shinoa looked at Yuu.
"Geudeul-eul nallyeo, Yuu!" she said. (Blow them out, Yuu!)
Yuu nodded before blowing the candles out. However, one of the candles refused to go out.
"Aaaargh! Geugeon sagikkun chosbul-iya!" Mitsuba exclaimed. (Aaaargh! It's a trickster candle!)
Yuu blew on it the same time Mika did it. The light went out, causing everyone to cheer.
"Jal haess-eo, neo 2 myeong!" Kimizuki declared as Yoichi went to turn back on the lights. (Good job, you two!)
Mika chuckled.
"Naneun mae nyeon teuligseuteo kaendeul-eul gajigo iss-eossgi ttaemun-e igsughaejyeossseubnida." he explained. (I used to have a trickster candle every other year, so I'm used to it.)
"Naega chamjo..." Kimizuki trailed off as Shinoa reached for a cake cutter. (I see...)
"Ili. Keikeuleul jaleusibsio. Jeobsineun seonmul yeop-e issseubnida." she said, handing the cake cutter to him. (Here. Cut the cake. Plates are on the side by the gifts.)
Yuu nodded as he took the cake cutter from her. He brought the plates over by the cake and he cut into the cake. He pulled the slice out and put it on the plate.
"Igeon naegeoya." he said, resting the plate off to the side. He then cut into the cake again and began putting the slices on plates and handing them to everyone. (This one is mine.)
He ended up cutting Mika's slice last. He put the slice onto the plate and he offered it to him.
"Here." he spoke in English as he handed the plate to him.
"Thanks." Mika replied as he took the plate from him.
He then felt the urge to put some frosting on Yuu's face. He swiped his finger in the frosting and before Yuu could react, he swiped some frosting across his cheek.
Yuu's eyes widened as he looked at a mischievously smirking Mika.
"Mika...!" he complained.
"I couldn't help it." Mika said.
Yuu pouted before dipping his finger into the frosting and rubbing it on Mika's nose.
"Hey...!" he complained.
"Two play at this game." Yuu stated.
Mika chuckled.
"I guess you're right." he said.
He broke off some cake with his fork and stabbed a piece of strawberry with it.
"But, for right now, I will have to withdraw from our little cake battle." he brought the fork towards Yuu's mouth. "Say ah." he said.
"Ah..." Yuu opened his mouth as Mika fed him the piece of cake.
"Now I feed Mika." Yuu said, breaking off a piece of cake with his fingers and bringing it up to Mika's mouth.
Mika eagerly took the piece of cake into his mouth. He swirled his fingers around Yuu's fingers, lapping at the custard and cake crumbs on it. Yuu blushed as he slowly withdrew his fingers. He quickly wiped them with a napkin as Shinoa cleared her throat.
"Naneun sojuwa hamkkewassda!" she handed everyone a bottle before slamming a bottle on the table before Yuu. "Ije masil su-iss-eo, Yuu. Geuleoni soju jom meog-eola." she said. (I've come with the soju! You're allowed to drink now, Yuu. So, have some soju.)
Yuu nodded slowly, glancing at the green bottle curiously. He picked it up, swirling the liquid around in the bottle a little as he glanced up at Mika.
"Mika, soju mas-eun eotteoni?" he asked. (Mika, how does soju taste?)
"Soju? Geulsse...dalkomhan bodeuka gat-a." Mika explained. (Soju? Well...it's like sweet vodka.)
"A." he replied. (Ah.)
He stared at the soju bottle before bringing it to his lips. His eyes lit up as the liquid slid down his throat.
"Siljelo nappeujineun anhseubnida..." he trailed off. (It's actually not bad...)
"Gwonli? Geugeos-eun joh-eun mas." Mika said. (Right? It tastes nice.)
Yuu took another sip as he looked at Shinoa.
"Shinoa, nae seonmul-eul yeol su issseubnikka? Jigeum dangjang jib-e gaya gess-eo." he asked. (Shinoa, can I open my presents? I'm gonna have to head home just now.)
"Balo igeo ya! Geugeos-eulo kkeutnaeja." Shinoa gulped down most of her soju. "Wonhaneun geos-eul seontaeghasibsio." she said. (Oh, yes! Let's get that done with. Pick whichever one you want.)
Yuu nodded as he looked at the presents before him. He began to reach for a red and gold wrapped box as Kimizuki spoke.
"A! Majimag-eulo yeol-eo la!" he spoke quickly as he offered Yuu a sparkly back bag with white tissue paper. (Ah! Open that last!)
Yuu arched a brow in confusion. He opened his mouth like he were to ask him why, but he decided against it as he closed his mouth and took the bag from him.
"A, geuge Makoto chulsin-iya." Shinoa said. (Ah, that one's from Makoto.)
"Makoto?" Yuu questioned in surprise. (Makoto?)
"Ne. Geuneun gajog munjelo inhae geugeos-eul mandeul su eobs-eossjiman, geuneun gagi jeon-e yeogieseo seonmul-eul tteol-eo tteuligilo gyeoljeonghaessseubnida." she explained. (Yeah. He couldn't make it due to family issues, but he decided to drop the present off here before going.)
"Makotoneun nugu-ibnikka?" Mika asked. (Who is Makoto?)
"A, geuneun yuuui manh-eun sangsa jung hanaibnida. Geuneun yuuga geum-yoil-e ilhaneun sechaleul soyuhago issseubnida." Shinoa explained. (Ah, he's one of Yuu's many bosses. He owns a car wash that Yuu works at on Fridays.)
"Naega chamjo." Mika replied, recalling when Kimizuki had shown him the paper listing Yuu's various jobs a couple of months ago. (I see.)
Yuu pulled out the white tissue paper and he reached inside the bag to pull out a red sleeveless top with a knot at the front and a picture of a clown face on it.
"Mwoga...?!" Yoichi nearly exclaimed. (What in the...?!)
"Eum...Makoto hangsang pyeonsim geosdeul-e dae handoeeossseubnida..." Yuu pointed out. (Well...Makoto has always been one for eccentric things...)
"Chamdoen..." Shinoa trailed off. (True...)
"Hajiman ppalgansaeg-eun naega gajang joh-ahaneun saeg jung hanaimeulo joh-ahae." Yuu stated before folding the shirt and putting it back into the bag. (But, red is one of my favorite colors, so I like it.)
"Da-eum gwangsan-eul yeol-eo la! Geugeos-eun eunsaeg hwal-eul gajin palan saeg-ibnida." Yoichi chirped. (Open mine next! It's the blue one with the silver bow on it.)
"Johguna." Yuu said before reaching for the wrapped box and unwrapping it. He opened the box and he gasped. (Alright.)
"Wau!" he pulled out a pair of tan boots with cream lace trimming around the top and a lace bow on the side. "Ideul-eun neomu yeppeuda! Naneun geudeul-eul salanghanda." he smiled at Yoichi. "Jeongmal gomabseubnida!" he gushed. (Wow! These are so pretty! I love them. Thank you so much!)
"Munje eobs-eo! Naneun geudeul-i yeogie sigan naee dochaghal su-iss-eoseo gippeo..." he trailed off. (No problem! I' just glad they managed to get here in time...)
Yuu giggled as he put the boots back in the box. He reached for a black and gold polka dot bag and he pulled the yellow tissue paper out. He then pulled out a grey sweatshirt that said Let It Snow in swirly silver letters on it.
"Naneun-i seuweteuleul gieoghanda!" he looked at Mitsuba. "Igeon neo hanteissneun geoni, geuleohji anhni?" he guessed. (I remember this sweatshirt! This is from you, isn't it?)
She nodded.
"Ye! Naneun dangsin-i myeoch ju jeon-e geugeos-eul wonhaessdeon bangsig-e daehae bulpyeonghaneun geos-eul gieoghabnida. Geuleona don-i chungbunhaji anh-assseubnida. Geulaeseo uliga deo manh-eun geos-eul gagee gajyeo wass-eul ttae, naneun dangsin-eul wihae hanaleul jeojanghaeyahaessseubnida." she explained. (Yup! I remember you complaining about how you wanted it a few weeks ago. However, you didn't have enough money. So, when we brought more into the store, I just had to save one for you.)
"Gomabseubnida." he said before putting the sweatshirt back in the bag. He then took notice of the large present leaning against the empty chair on his right. (Thank you.)
"Ja, nuguya?" he asked. (Now, whose one is this?)
"A, geugeon naegeoya. Naneun nega joh-ahal geos gat-a." Shinoa said with a wink. (Ah, that one's mine. I think you're going to like it.)
He reached for it and began to rip off the rainbow striped wrapping paper to reveal a brown box.
"Sangja...?" he murmured. (A box...?)
"Gaeinhwahaneun deneun sigan-i geollyeossji man gachiga issdago saeng-gaghabnida." Shinoa grabbed for a knife and handed it to Yuu. "Yeogi, igeos-eul sayonghasibsio." she said. (It took me a while to personalize it, but I think it was worth it. Here, use this.)
Yuu nodded before bringing the tip of the knife to the tape and he brought it down the box, tearing the tape. He put the knife on the table and he opened the box to reveal his present. He gasped once he saw what it was.
"Sesang-e!" he exclaimed. (Oh my god!)
Kimizuki watched Yuu pull out his present and his eyes bugged out in shock.
"Jenjang, minho begae ya!" he exclaimed. (Holy shit, it's a Min Ho pillow!)
Mika watched in shock as Yuu hugged the pillow. He began to grow envious, wishing that he were the pillow instead.
"Dammit! Why does that pillow get more attention than me?!" he grumbled in his mind.
"Igeo eomcheongna ne! Jeongmal gomabseubnida!" Yuu exclaimed. (This is amazing! Thank you so much!)
"Dangsin-eul wihae, Yuu!" Shinoa replied. (Anything for you, Yuu!)
"Nogsaeg hana yeol-eo! Geu salam-eun naegeoya." Kimizuki said. (Open the green one! That one's mine.)
"Johguna." Yuu replied before reaching for the box and unwrapping it. He opened the white box to reveal a pair of fuzzy white earmuffs. (Alright.)
"Uu, jinjeonghae." Yuu took the earmuffs put and he put them over his ears. "Geudeul-eun nae osgwa jal eoullibnida!" he chirped, examining the white fur coat, black and white sawtooth jeggings, and black knee length boots that he wore. (Oooh, cool. They match my outfit!)
"Joh-ayo, ije geugeon uidojeog in geos-i anibnida." Kimizuki said. (Okay, now that was certainly not intentional.)
Yuu laughed as he looked up at him.
"Jeongmal gomabseubnida." he said. (Thank you so much.)
"Ani prob eobs-seubnida!" Kimizuki replied. (No prob!)
"Ja, majimag seonmullo neom-eo gabsida." Yuu reached for the box that he had tried to open before. "I salam-i nuguya?" he asked. (Now, let's move on to the last present. Whose this one from?)
"Chucheug haebosibsio." Kimizuki said. (Try and take a guess.)
Yuu took no time in shooting a glance Mika's direction.
"Yours?" he asked.
Mika nodded.
"Yeah." he replied.
Yuu blushed a little as he looked at the red and gold wrapped box, pulling lightly at the red bow stuck on it. He began to shake it a little, causing Mika's eyes to widen.
"Don't shake it! It's fragile!" he exclaimed.
"Fragile?" Mika nodded. "Breakable?" Yuu asked.
"Yes. Please be careful with it." Mika said.
Yuu frowned as he gazed at the box.
"Geunyang mwoya...?" he murmured as he pulled at the bow, cleanly peeling it off. He then ripped the wrapping paper off. He gasped, looking at the purple box that contained a perfume bottle in it. (Just what is it...?)
"Sesang-e..." he whispered. (Oh my god...)
"Mwo? Ige mwoya?" Mitsuba asked. (What? What is it?)
"Naega wonhaessdeon hyangsuyeyo." he trailed off, resting the perfume box on the table. (It's the perfume that I've been wanting...)
"Andwae. Geugeon talchul-iya?!" Yoichi exclaimed in shock. (No way. That's Escape?!)
"Jinjja?! Geu ttong-eun neomu bissada!" Mitsuba squeaked out. (For real?! That shit is so expensive!)
"Geulsse, neo un-i joh-eun sonyeon aninga." Shinoa noted. (Well, aren't you a lucky boy.)
"Shinoa, naneun segyeeseo neoege mueos-ideun sajulgeoya." Kimizuki said. (Shinoa, I'll buy you anything in the world.)
"Tteol-eojyeo." Shinoa snapped coldly, causing Mitsuba to frown and Yoichi to laugh nervously. (Screw off.)
"Bangbeob..." he looked at Mika in shock. "eotteohge al-ass-eo?" he asked. (How...How did you know?)
"Naneun iteul jeon-e geugeos-e gwanhaeseo dangsin-i iyagihandago deul-eossseubnida. Geulaeseo don-eul moaseo sa jusyeossseubnida." he explained. (I heard you tell me about it two days ago. So, I got some money together and bought it for you.)
Yuu smiled before grabbing for the red bow and pressing it to his forehead. He ruffled Mika's hair as he spoke.
"Naneun nega nae saeng-il seonmul-ilago malhaljido moleunda!" he gushed. (I may as well say that you're my birthday present!)
Mika blushed furiously at Yuu's statement.
"Dammit! I can't take it anymore! He's just too adorable!" he thought to himself.
"Ibwa, Yuu? Naega neoleul naelyeo noh-eul geos gat-a." he said. (Hey, Yuu? I think I'll drop you off.)
"Mwolago?" Yuu blinked his eyes twice, gazing up at Yuu in confusion. (Eh?)
"Jib-e gaya hae, geuleohji? Neoleul jib-e delyeoda julkke." Mika said. (You have to go home, right? I'll just take you home.)
Yuu swallowed, looking like he wanted to refuse Mika's offer. But, he slowly nodded his head.
"Johguna." he quickly packed up his presents and he looked at Mika, hugging the Min Ho body pillow to his chest. "Gaja." he said. (Alright. Let's go.)
"Naneun naeil jeomsim sigan-e keikeuleul tteol-eo tteulilgeoya." Shinoa said. (I'll come drop the cake off tomorrow during my lunch break.)
"Johguna. Naeil bolge." Yuu said. (Alright. I guess I'll see you tomorrow.)
"Gwaenchanh-a." she replied. (Okay.)
"Oi, Mika. Text me when you're coming back, okay?" Kimizuki said.
Mika nodded.
"Okay, I'll make sure to do that." he said as him and Yuu began to head to the door.
"Annyeong!" everyone shouted, waving as Mika closed the door behind them. (Bye!)
They began to head down the sidewalk together and Mika looked at Yuu.
"Should I call a cab?" he asked as they got far away from the cafe.
"Walk me to red light district. I call cab from there." Yuu explained.
"Okay." Mika replied.
They continued walking side by side, their shoulders brushing against each other ever so slightly. Mika blushed as his knuckles brushed against Yuu's hand.
"Gosh, this is making me want to hold his hand..." he thought to himself.
He then grabbed for the boy's hand, their fingers intertwining with each other. Yuu jumped slightly as he shot his head to look at him.
"Na...ne son-eul jabgo sip-eoss-eo..." Mika murmured, looking away with a light blush on his face. (I...I jut wanted to hold your hand...)
Yuu blinked his eyes twice before smiling.
"Gwaenchanh-a." he replied as they turned the corner. (Okay.)
The lights of the red-light district twinkled as they got closer. Yuu held the body pillow closer to his chest as Mika spoke.
"Geulaeseo, Yuu?" he asked. (So, Yuu?)
"Ne?" Yuu replied. (Yeah?)
"Naneun myeochil jeon jeonhwalo nae sugmowa iyagileulhago iss-eossneunde geunyeoneun na-ege mwongaleul malhaessda." he said. (I was talking to my aunt over the phone a couple of nights ago and she told me something.)
"Cheoleom?" Yuu asked, the two of them stopping before a store right on the border of the red-light district. (Like?)
"Naneun dangsin-ege wae bam-e gyesog gandagohaessneunji mul-eossgo geunyeoneun geugeos-i gule ttaemun-e bimillie seololeulboayahandaneun gahoghan hyeonsillobuteo beos-eonaneun sudan-ilago neukkyeossdago malhaessda. Ulineun sahoega saeng-gaghan geosgwa uliga yeong-wonhi hamkke hal su-issneun geos-e daehae geogjeonghal pil-yoga-eobsneun iljong-ui pantaji segyee deul-eogago sip-eossseubnida. Geuge sasil-iya?" he asked. (I asked her why you kept coming by for the night and she said that you felt like it was a means of escape from the harsh reality that we have to see each other in secret because of Guren. You wanted to go into some kind of fantasy world where we didn't need to worry about what society thought and that we can just be together forever. Is...that true?)
Yuu bit his lip, thinking about what Mika had said. He then opened his mouth to speak.
"Naneun geuleon sig-eulo saeng-gaghaji anh-assda. Geuleona naneun geuleon sig-eulo saeng-gaghabnida. Gulen-eun naleul neomu mukk-eoseo saejang-e gadhin saecheoleom neukkibnida. Naneun geuleohgedoego sipji anh-a. Naneundoego sip-eo...jayu lobda. Naneun nalgaeleul pyeolchigo nalgo sipda." Yuu grabbed for Mika's other hand and he held it in his. "Salanghae. Neowa issgo sip-eo, Mika. Ulineun ileon sig-eulo sahoee mukk-yeoseoneun andoebnida." he said. (I never thought about it like that. But, I guess in a way, it's true. Guren ties me down too much and it feels like I'm a bird trapped in a cage. I don't want to be like that. I...want to be free. I want to spread my wings and fly. I love you. I want to be with you, Mika. We shouldn't have to be bound down by society like this.)
Mika bit his lip, his heart racing at the way Yuu gazed up at him innocently. He then gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Yuu. Naneun neoege yagsoghago sipda." he said. (Yuu. I want to make a promise to you.)
"Y...Yagsog?" he asked. (A...A promise?)
"Ye. Naneun daehag jol-eob-i kkeutnamyeon jol-eobhago, naega neowa ulieseo neoleul pul-eojul geos-eul maengsehanda. Ulineun yeong-wonhi hamkke gal su issseubnida." Mika said. (Yes. I swear that once college is over and I have graduated, I will come and release you from your cage. We can go and be together forever.)
"Yeong-wonhi hamkkehaneun..." Yuu rested his forehead against Mika's. "Naneun geu soliga ma-eum-e deunda." he said. (Being together forever...I like the sound of that.)
Mika smiled softly as he released Yuu's hands and he held up his pinky.
"Igeol yagsoghaedo doelkkayo?" he asked. (Can I promise you this?)
Yuu looked at his pinky before nodding.
"Ye. Geulae neon halsu-iss-eo." he said as he linked his pinky with Mika's. (Yes. Yes, you can.)
Mika smiled.
"Gamsahabnida, Yuu." he whispered before leaning in and pulling Yuu into a kiss. (Thank you, Yuu.)
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
It had been over three years since Mika had made that promise to Yuu. And now, it seemed like he was going to be able to fulfill it. All that separated him from taking Yuu away was the last five minutes of Mr. Bathory's Korean Literature class. Just five more minutes and he was free from Seraph University. Forever. The minutes seemed to go slow as Mika tapped his eraser on his notebook impatiently. "Let me go now, let me go now, let me go now, let me go now...!" his mind shouted. "Mika, don't get so jittery." Kimizuki poked him with his pen. "Just relax." he whispered. "But, Kimizuki. We're almost done here. After this, we are adults. Actual adults." Mika whispered back. "Yeah. You're a gay adult and I'm a straight one." Kimizuki replied. Mika began to fume. "Shut up, Kimizuki...!" he snarled, causing Kimizuki to snicker as Mr. Bathory cleared his throat. "Al-ass-eo, dangjang!" his red earring glowed in the light as he spoke. "Dangsin-eun haesandoeeossseubnida! Hyeonsil segyeeseo jaemiissge nolja!" he chirped as the bell rang. (Alrighty, now! You are dismissed! Have fun out there in the real world!) "Hell yeah! No more college!" Mika shouted as he began to stuff his supplies into his bag and he began to make a beeline for the door. Before he could leave the classroom, he heard a voice call out to him. "Mister Shindo! Come back here right this instant! I need to talk to you!" Mr. Bathory called out. Mika was tempted to groan as Kimizuki walked up to him. "Good luck. I'll be in the dorm." he said before heading out. Mika sighed as he turned to look at Mr. Bathory. "Coming~!" he said in a sarcastic voice as he began to make his way over to Mr. Bathory's desk. This made Mr. Bathory chuckle. "Now, now, no need to act sarcastic. You're not in trouble." he said. Mika arched a brow in surprise. "I'm not?" he questioned. Mr. Bathory shook his head. "Nope. I just need to tell you a couple of things." he said. "Okay..." Mika trailed off as he lowered his tan leather shoulder bag onto the floor. "First off, I want to congratulate you for being able to pass my class. I was starting to worry about you during your freshman year, but you managed to pick it back up in October. I don't know how you managed to keep up with me after what happened, but you sure managed to stay on track even after that. So, I applaud you on that part." he said. "Okay. Well, thanks...?" Mika answered uncertainly. He failed to see the evil glint in Mr. Bathory's eyes as he spoke. "And the other thing? I really need to go..." Mika trailed off. "And where is it that you're in such a rush to get to?" Mr. Bathory asked. "I have to see someone." Mika replied. "And is this someone more important than me?" Mr. Bathory asked. "Not necessarily. But, they are very important to me." Mika said. "This very important person..." a creepy smirk began to pull at Mr. Bathory's thin lips as he began to walk towards Mika. "Could it be Yuu?" he asked. Mika began to feel scared as he tried to get away from him. However, his back ended up hitting the desk. His eyes widened as Mr. Bathory trapped him against the desk. "How...How do you know Yuu? I haven't even mentioned his name once..." he trailed off. "Well, your parents told me to keep tabs on you, after all." Mr. Bathory said. "My parents...?" fear flashed across Mika's eyes as he stared at Mr. Bathory. "How the hell do you know them?" he asked. "Oh, dear me. I haven't told you?" Mr. Bathory's smirk turned sinister. "I work for your family. Your parents sent me here to spy on you and see what you are up to. Turns out that their son has turned gay because of a lowly stripper boy from the red-light district. Imagine what could happen to the family if this got out." Mr. Bathory stated. Mika snarled. "I could care less what happens to them. Let them burn to the ground. They deserve it, anyway." he spat. Mr. Bathory chuckled. "What? What the hell is so funny about that?" Mika snapped. "I've been given orders, you know. If Yuu's starting to become a nuisance, then I get rid of him. Simple enough. All I have to do is mess with him a little and then he's done for. Just like what I did to you years ago." Mr. Bathory said. Mika watched him, wondering what he meant by that. Then, his eyes widened. "Wait...I remember you now!" he hissed. Mr. Bathory laughed. "Yes. I'm the one who had attacked you those many years ago. And now, if you don't leave him, I'll do exactly what I did to you to him. So, if you know what's best for ya," a vicious grin pulled at Ferid's lips, "leave him." Mr. Bathory said.Kimizuki finished tying up his sneakers as the door opened. "Oh, Mika! You're back! Wanna run with me to- - -" he then stopped, seeing how pale Mika looked. "Mika? Are you okay? You look pale." he stated. "Oh, I'm alright." Mika said, putting his lanyard on the rack as he did. "You sure?" Kimizuki asked. Mika nodded. "Yeah, totally." he replied. Kimizuki narrowed his eyes and Mika could tell right away that Kimizuki didn't believe him one bit. However, he chose not to say anything else as he changed the subject. "Oh, do you wanna run with me to Mystic Eats? Or do you have something planned with Yuu?" he asked. "I'll pass. I just wanna stay here and lay down for a bit." Mika said. "I see...Well, make sure to call me if you need anything." Kimizuki said as he stood up from his bed and picked up his lanyard. "Alright." Mika replied. "Well, I'll see you in a little while!" Kimizuki said before heading out of the room. As the door closed behind him, Mika breathed out a deep sigh of relief. "Thank god he's gone..." he murmured under his breath. He slipped off his shoes and he went over to his bed. He dropped down onto it, curling up into a ball. "I can't believe it...Aunt Krul was right." he puffed out a sigh into the pillow. "My parents really were keeping watch on me..." he thought to himself. He rolled over onto his back as he rose his hand up to trace the patterns up on the ceiling. "Yuu..." he murmured out. That was when it hit him. "Yuu..." he slowly sat up. "I need to talk to him. Now." he murmured as he reached for his phone and went into his contacts. He tapped on the icon of Yuu blowing out his candles during his birthday party last year and he tapped call. He brought the phone to his ear, listening to it ring. After a little while, he heard Yuu's voice on the other end. "Yeoboseyo?" (Hello?) "Yuu, neoya? Naya, Mika." Mika said. (Yuu, is that you? It's me, Mika.) "A! Mika!" that was when Yuu's voice lowered down to a whisper. "Nan jib-eissda. Wonhaneunge mwoji?" (Ah! Mika! I'm at home. What is it that you want?) "Ibwa yo, oneul bam-e najung-e mannagilodoeeo iss-eossjiman, mannal su iss-eulkkayo? Joh-a, jigeum?" Mika asked. (Look, I know we were supposed to meet later tonight, but can we meet? Like, right now?) "Imi nal geuliwo? Nae mal-eun, eojesbam sinsa keulleob-eseo seolo mannan geol..." (You miss me already? I mean, we only saw each other last night at the gents club...) "Naneun nega geuliwo. Geuleona igeos-eun jung-yohabnida." Mika said. (I do miss you. But, this is important.) "...Gwaenchanh-a. Gulen-eun jigeum Sin-ya-ege jeomlyeong danghaessgo, geulaeseo naneun mollae naoleo ol geos-ida. Naega gisugsa-e ogil wonhae?" (...Okay. Guren is occupied with Shinya right now, so I'll sneak out and come. Do you want me to come to the dorms?) "Keopi Lein bakk-eiss-eo. Naneun maengsehanda, olae geolliji anh-eul geos-ida." Mika said. (Meet me outside Coffee Lane. I swear, it won't take long.) "Gwaenchanh-a. Naneun os-eul ib-eun da-eum ol geos-ida." (Okay. I'll get dressed and then come.) "Gwaenchanh-a. Naega neoleul bolgeoya." Mika said. (Okay. I'll see you then.) "Ne. Annyeong." the phone clicked, signaling that Yuu had hung up. (Yeah. Bye.) Mika sighed deeply, bringing the phone away from his ear. "Gosh, I should go change into something else." he climbed of of the bed and stretched. "I hope he will hear me out...if not, then this will all be for naught." he thought to himself.Shinoa stood in the cafe, cleaning up the tables after the lunch rush had ended. She sighed, wiping some sweat from her forehead. "Tto daleun jiluhan nal, heo...eonje jaemiissneun il-i il-eonal su issni?" she asked himself. (Another boring day, huh...When can something interesting happen?) That was when she heard light rapping on the window. She rose her head up from the table that she was cleaning and she spotted Kimizuki on the other side. She was tempted to groan. "Hananim, nae halu gat-i aghwa doel su eobs-eossseubnida..." she murmured under her breath. (God, like my day couldn't get any worse...) She dropped the cloth she was using onto the table and she began to make her way over to the door. She opened it and glared at Kimizuki. "Wonhaneunge mwoya?" she asked. (What do you want?) "Nawa gat-i geodgo sipni?" he asked. (Wanna walk with me?) This made her arch a brow in confusion. "Naega neowa hamkke geodgo sipni?" she questioned in slight surprise. (You want me to walk with you?) Kimizuki nodded. "Ne. Mikaneun neomu gibun-i johji anhgo, Micheubaneun gagewa hamkke bappeuda. Yoichi neun jeonbanjeog-eulo dalligileul silh-eohanda. Geulaeseo, naneun neoegelo dol-a gayahaessda." he explained. (Yeah. Mika doesn't feel too well and Mitsuba's busy with the shop. As for Yoichi, he just hates running in general. So, I had to turn to you.) "Wae naya?" she asked. (Why me?) "Neoneun naega pyeon-anhadago neukkil yuilhan salam-igi ttaemun-e." he said. (Because you are the only person I feel comfortable around.) Shinoa felt her heart skip a little. She knew for a fact that he never said that kind of thing about Mitsuba. Two years back, she came to terms with her feelings for Kimizuki and realized that she was hopelessly in love with him. However, she knew she couldn't have him because Kimizuki was dating Mitsuba. And it hurt that she realized her feelings a little too late. "Eum...jal...joh-a..." she trailed off. (Um...well...okay...) "Dan! Gaja! Olae geolliji anh-eul geos-ilago yagsogdeulibnida." he said. (Sweet! Let's go! It won't take long, I promise.) "Johguna." she untied her apron and stepped back inside. "Yoichi! Naleul josimhae, jebal!" she shouted. (Alright. Yoichi! Watch over for me, please!) "Cheosjjaelo, naega yeogie deul-eoon geos-eul dangsin-i al-assdaneun geos-i museobda. Geuligo Mitsubaneun eotteolkkayo?!" he asked. (First off, it's scary that you knew I walked in here. And also, what about Mitsuba?!) "Geunyeoleul ij-eo! Han beonman naleul dowajuseyo!" Shinoa snapped. (Forget her! Help me for once!) "Joh-ayo...eojjaessdeun eodilo gana yo?" he asked. (Okay...where ARE you going, anyway?) "Naneun Kimijeukiwa hamkke sanchaeghaleo galgeoya." she said as she rested her apron on top of the counter. (I'm going for a walk with Kimizuki.) "Kimiwaui sanchaeg- - -" he had no time to finish his sentence as she stepped out of the cafe. (A walk with Kimi- - -) "Jal? Uliga gago issgeon eobs-seubnikka?" she asked. (Well? Are we going or not?) "Ulineun jigeum galgeoya." he said as they began to walk together. (We're going to go now.) As they turned the corner, an idea struck Kimizuki. "A! Seoul sup-e gago sipni? Geogi pyeonghwa lobseubnida." he suggested. (Ah! Do you want to go to Seoul Forest? It's peaceful there.) "Seoul sup...Naneun jeon-e geogie gabon jeog-i eobsda..." she trailed off. (Seoul Forest...I've never been there before...) "Joh-eun gos-iya. Mikawa naneun myeoch beon geogieseo geol-eo danyeossda. Ulineun Yuudo delyeogassseubnida. Ttohan Mystic Eatseseo dobolo bulgwa 5 bun geoliibnida." he explained. (It's a nice place. Mika and I walked around there a couple of times. We've taken Yuu there, as well. Plus, it's only a five minute walk from Mystic Eats.) "Jeongmal? Naneun geugeos-eul mollassda." Shinoa noted. (Really? I didn't know that.) "Mannada? Ja, al janh-a. Eojjeomyeon dangsin-eun swineun dong-an geogie gaseo hyusig-eul chwihal su issseubnida." he said. (See? Now, you know. Maybe you can go there during your breaks and relax.) Shinoa nodded her head slowly, lowering her eyes to the black Vans she wore. A few minutes later, they arrived at Seoul Forest. They walked down the path, watching little kids run around and friends having lively conversations. "Haaaah! Yeogi jeongmal pyeonghwa lobseubnida!" Kimizuki declared. (Haaaah! It's really peaceful out here!) "Ne..." Shinoa trailed off. (Yeah...) She glanced around at the trees, the sun peeking out from them as they passed by a couple. She frowned, watching them kiss under a weeping willow tree. "Kiseuneun jeongmal daedanhangayo?" she asked herself. (Is kissing really that great?) She then glanced up at Kimizuki, examining his side profile in the sunlight. Her eyes traced the shape of his lips, her heart racing. "Mwo...kiseu haneunge joh-eulkka?" she asked herself. (What...would it be like to kiss him?) She bit her lip as they began walking on a small bridge. She stopped in the middle of it, causing Kimizuki to stop, as well. "Sinoa?" he questioned. (Shinoa?) She bit her lip before looking up at him. "Kimijeuki. Ib dagchyeo." she snapped before grabbing for the collar of his faded denim button up shirt and pulling him into a kiss. (Kimizuki. Shut up.)Mika looked away from his phone as he looked to see Yuu coming down the sidewalk. "Yuu!" he called out, waving at him. Yuu waved back as he approached him. "Hey." he replied as Mika pulled him into a hug. Mika ran his fingers through Yuu's hair as Yuu spoke. "Why did you call me here?" he asked. "I need to ask you something very important." Mika said. "Like?" Yuu mumbled into his chest. Mika sighed as he pulled away from the hug and looked at Yuu. He then extended his hand to him, causing Yuu to arch a brow. "Hu- - -" Mika cut him off. "Yuu," there was a serious look in Mika's eyes as he spoke, "will you come to America with me?" he asked. Yuu watched him, blinking his eyes twice in surprise. "...Huh?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika loosened the black tie he had around his neck as the meeting ended. He stood up as Crowley made his way over to him. "Shall we go home?" he asked. Mika shook his head. "Nah. I'm just gonna go for a walk." he said before walking past him and stepping out of the conference room. He shrugged back on his white jacket as various workers greeted him. He nodded his head in response as he caught the elevator. He fixed his hair as he reached and pressed the lobby button, the elevator doors closing and moving down. "Haaaaah...I hate these meetings..." he murmured. The elevator reached the lobby and he walked out into the humid weather of San Diego. It had been three years since he left Seoul and came back to the States. He had become the new CEO of the company and now they were planning on building another corporation building in Tokyo. However, he felt empty. The life he was living didn't feel complete. And it was because of Yuu. Mika sighed softly at the thought of Yuu. "Well, he made the decision not to come with me, so I shouldn't be mulling over it. It's been three years, anyway." he thought to himself. He turned the corner and made his way over to a Starbucks. He walked in, the smell of coffee and sweet pastries surrounding him. "Hm...Maybe I'll buy Aunt Krul something, as well. Crowley's not really into Starbucks..." he thought to himself as he got in line. He stuffed a hand into his coat pocket as he looked up at the menu board. "What WOULD she want, anyway? Does she like a Frappuccino? Or maybe she likes those refresher things..." he thought to himself. "Next!" a voice called out. Mika made his way over to the counter as the person spoke. "What can I get for you?" the person asked. "Um...can I get a java chip Frappuccino, a Caffè Americano, a turkey and havarti sandwich, and a devil's food donut?" he asked. "Okay. Anything else?" the person asked. "No, that'll be it." Mika replied. "Alright. That'll be $9.79, please." the person said. "Alright..." Mika murmured as he dug through his pants pocket for his wallet. He pulled it out, took out his debit card, and handed it to the cashier. "Can I have a name, please?" the person asked. "Mika." he replied. "...Mika?" the person questioned in shock. "Yes, Mika. It's spelled M-i-k-a- - -" Mika looked at the cashier and he stared into wide emerald green eyes. Mika couldn't help but be taken up in those eyes as he began to think. "Those eyes...where have I seen them before?" he asked himself. His eyes trailed down the person's face and only when they landed on the black star tattoo under their right eye did he realize who it was. "Yuu...?" he whispered out. "Mika..." Yuu choked out, tears spilling out of his eyes as he stared at him. Mika swallowed, taking in the look on Yuu's face. He opened his mouth to speak when a loud shout was heard. "Yuu! What are you doing?! You're holding up the line!" "Shit...!" Yuu quickly swiped at his tears, turning to look at the person that had called him. "Sorry, I- - -" the person chuckled. "Crying at the sight of a customer? Well, that's new." they commented. "Manager...!" Yuu complained, looking at the blonde that had come up beside him. Manager chuckled. "Well, it seems like I spoke in good time. Your shift is over." she said. "It is?!" Yuu looked at the Apple Watch on his wrist. "I didn't even notice the time..." he trailed off. "Well, do this person's order and then you can go." she said. "Thanks, Manager." he said. He then looked at Mika. "So, a java chip Frappuccino, a Caffè Americano, a turkey and havarti sandwich, and a devil's food donut, right?" he asked. "Yeah." Mika replied. "Okay." Yuu looked over at a nearby barista. "One java chip frap and one Caffè Americano, please!" he shouted. "Coming up!" the barista shouted as they got to work on the order. Yuu went over to the display counter and took out a donut and a sandwich. He quickly wrapped them up and took them over to Mika. "Here." he then shot the blond a serious look. "Hey, can you stay here? I want to talk to you." he whispered. Mika nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll just go nab a table..." he trailed off as Yuu headed off into the back. Mika sighed as he took up the wrapped donut and sandwich and he headed over to a table by the window. He sat down, resting the food on the table and running a hand through his slightly tousled hair. "I must be dreaming...yup, totally." he thought to himself. He reached down and pinched his wrist. A small twinge of pain hit him, signaling that he wasn't dreaming. "Nope, this is real. Yuu is actually here in San Diego. But how? How is this possible?" he asked himself. Two to-go cups were rested before him on the table and Yuu sat across from him with a coffee cup in his hands. "Yuu..." Mika trailed off, reaching out to rest his hand on Yuu's cheek. Yuu leaned into the touch as Mika spoke. "How...How is this possible?" he asked. "I..." Yuu bit his lip as he looked around. "Actually, can we discuss this elsewhere? It feels uncomfortable discussing this kind of thing in public. You may never know who could be listening in on our conversation..." Yuu murmured. "Yeah, totally. First, I need to drop something by my aunt and uncle's place and then we can head to my penthouse." Mika said. Yuu nodded as they both got up from the table, picked up their stuff, and headed out of the Starbucks. Mika pulled out his phone and pressed a number, bringing it to his ear. After a couple of minutes, he heard a voice on the other end. "Yes, Mr. Shindo?" "Hi, Horn, can you call one of the limos around? I'm by Starbucks. Yes. Thank you, bye." Mika said before hanging up. "Wait, did you say limo?" Yuu asked. "Yes." Mika looked over at him. "What? Did you forget that I'm a Shindo?" he asked. Yuu quickly shook his head. "No, that's not it. It's just...it still surprises me each time..." he trailed off. "I see..." Mika trailed off as the limo pulled up in front of them. The chauffeur came out and quickly opened the door for them. The two of them stepped in and sat down as the chauffeur closed the door behind them. The inside of the limo was pretty spacious and everything was black from the floor to the velvet plush cushions. There was also a small cooler and snack pantry on the left side of the limo. "Whoa...it's so spacious in here..." Yuu murmured. "Isn't it?" the limo pulled away from the Starbucks. "I usually like to sleep in here after work. The cushions are plush and comfy." Mika explained. "I see. That sounds nice." Yuu said. "Yeah." Mika looked at the small cooler. "Do you want something to eat?" he asked. "Oh no, I'm alright. I'll probably get something to eat once I go back to Manager's place." Yuu said. "You stay with your Manager?" Mika questioned in slight surprise. "Yeah. She's been so nice to me since I came here." Yuu stated. "I see..." Mika trailed off as they dipped into an uncomfortable silence. Yuu bit his lip while Mika diverted his gaze over to the window. He then reached for a black telephone resting nearby and he punched in a couple of numbers before bringing the receiver to his ear. "Take me to Aunt Krul's before you head back to the penthouse." Mika stated. He then hung up and looked at Yuu. "You know how to speak English fluently now." he noted. Yuu nodded. "Yeah. And how is your Korean?" Yuu asked. "I can speak it fluently. Plus, I can write it now." Mika said. "You can?" a smile crossed Yuu's lips. "I'm glad." he said. Mika blushed a little as the limo pulled up in front of a huge cream Italian villa. "We have arrived, Master Shindo." the driver spoke. "Thank you. I'll only be about five minutes or so." Mika said before picked up the Starbucks stuff and stepping out of the vehicle. Before closing the door, he looked at Yuu. "I'll be back just now. Get snacks or drinks if you want any." he said. Yuu nodded slowly as Mika closed the door behind him. Mika made his way over to the front door and he rang the bell. The sound of the doorbell resonated throughout the large house, causing the small, fluffy Pomeranian inside to come rushing towards the door, yipping and barking. He watched as a familiar woman with long pink hair and ruby red eyes scooped up the dog in her arms and she opened the door. "Mika! What are you doing here? You're not supposed to be here until Saturday." the woman stated. "Sorry, Aunt Krul. I just really wanted to see you." he said. "Oh, my sweet nephew. Come here." she said before pulling Mika into a hug. That was when the Pomeranian began to bark. "Lulu, be quiet! I'll toss you in the pen if you don't stop!" Aunt Krul snapped angrily. Lulu whimpered in her grip, causing Mika to chuckle. "Oh, Lulu." Mika pet its fur, causing Lulu to lick at his face. "I know, I know. It's been about three weeks since I last dropped by." he said. Aunt Krul's eyes lowered down to the Starbucks bag and cup that he had. "Oh? And that's for...?" she asked. "This is for you." he said, handing the cup and bag to her. "Oh, Mika!" she took the bag and cup from him and yanked him into another hug. "This is why you're my favorite nephew! You're so considerate!" she gushed. "And your only nephew..." Mika pulled away from the hug. "I can't stay long. I have a guest with me in the limo. We're going to my penthouse." he explained. "A guest? Who?" Aunt Krul asked. "You guess who." Mika said. "I got no clue! You never invite anyone besides Crowley and I to your pent- - -" she then stopped, noticing how Mika's gaze had shifted to the ground. "No. It couldn't be. It's Yuu, isn't it?" she guessed. Mika nodded. "Yeah. It's him." he replied. "What?! How come he's in San Diego?!" she asked. "I haven't gotten around to ask him yet..." Mika trailed off. "Well, you should." Lulu began struggling and barking in her grasp. "Lulu, that's enough!" she snapped. Mika chuckled. "Well, I guess that is my cue to go. I'll see you on Saturday!" Mika said. "Yes, of course!" Aunt Krul waved as she watched Mika make his way back over to the limo. "Ah, I suggest you bring Yuu with you to dinner on Saturday! I've been dying to meet him for a long time now!" she exclaimed. "Okay, I'll ask him." Mika looked at Aunt Krul. "Love you, Aunt Krul!" he called out. "Love you too, Mika!" she replied as she watched Mika slip into the limo. She waved as the limo drove around the stone fountain in the center of the brick driveway and out onto the road. She closed the door as she heard footsteps behind her. "Who was that?" "Mika, obviously. He came to give me some Starbucks." she replied, putting Lulu back on the white tile floor as she turned to look at Crowley. "Well, he's quite considerate." he stated, making his way over to her and pulling her into a hug. "Oh, and also, Mika's bringing a guest with him to dinner on Saturday." she said. "A guest?" a surprised look crossed Crowley's face as he pulled away from the hug a little, looking down at Krul. "Who is he bringing?" he asked. Krul giggled as she gazed up at him. "His boyfriend, of course." she replied.The limo pulled up in front of a white apartment complex that glowed in the intense sunlight. "We have arrived, Master Shindo." the driver spoke. "Alright. Thank you." Mika reached over to lightly nudge Yuu, who was starting to drift off to sleep. "Yuu, we're here." he said. "Mmmmm...we are...?" Yuu murmured as he let out a small yawn. "Yeah." Mika replied as the chauffeur opened the door for them. They stepped out as the chauffeur closed the door. "Here." Mika gave the chauffeur a twenty dollar bill and he stuffed his hands into his pants pockets as the chauffeur thanked him and got back into the limo. The limo sped off as Mika looked at Yuu. "Well? Shall we go?" he asked. Yuu nodded. "Yeah." he replied as they walked into the complex building. The lobby was nearly all white, making it seem more spacious that it actually was. There were at least five diamond chandeliers hanging on the ceiling in various places. The floors were white marble with three golden elevators on the other side of the lobby. They walked over to the elevators as one opened to reveal a girl in revealing clothing with a guy in baggy clothing. Yuu could only observe as they stepped into the elevator. "There are some pretty rich people living here..." he trailed off. "Well, not necessarily. Some of these people just come to visit others that live here. Take that guy, for example. Judging by his clothes, he came from the ghetto to possibly pick up the girl, who most likely lives here." Mika explained. "I see." Yuu replied as the elevator doors closed. Mika pulled out a card and scanned it against a scanner before pressing the number 12. This caused Yuu to arch a brow in confusion. "Why do you have to scan a card before choosing a level?" he asked. "Ah, that? The last two floors consist of penthouses. So, to maximize security for the penthouses, the people who stay up there have to scan a special card before selecting their floor." he explained. "I see..." Yuu trailed off as the elevator began to go up. Yuu watched as the elevator rose higher and higher from the glass of the elevator. "Whoa...the view is pretty cool..." he trailed off, pressing his hands to the glass. "Really? I never really cared to look..." Mika murmured as he watched out at the city. The elevator reached their destination a couple of minutes later and they stepped out. "My place is right here." Mika said, nodding his head over at a white door that had the number 1201 in gold numbers. Yuu nodded as he followed Mika over to the door. Mika took out a pair of keys, unlocked the door, and they stepped into the penthouse. "Wow..." Yuu breathed out as he examined the penthouse. The walls were white and the ceiling was very high. The windows were large, nearly touching the ceiling. There was white tiled flooring with a L-shaped white leather couch off to the left side facing an electric fireplace and a TV suspended right above it. In front of the couch was a circular glass coffee table under a plush fur skin rug stretching to just a little bit under the couch. A little further up was the kitchen with a small bar area along with French doors leading to the balcony. On the right was a large dining table that could seat up to eight people with a lighting fixture over it and a curved staircase that lead up to the second floor. Yuu gazed at the large chandelier above the entryway as Mika spoke. "You seem astounded by the penthouse." he noted. "It's just...wow." Yuu blinked his eyes twice. "You live in this big place by yourself?" he asked. "Yup. It's just me." Mika replied. "I see..." Yuu trailed off. Mika chuckled as he glanced over at Yuu. "Do you want me to get you something to drink?" he asked. Yuu nodded. "A glass of water would be nice." he replied. "Alright, I'll go get that. You can go sit on the couch and put on the TV in the meantime." Mika said as he began to make his way over to the kitchen. Yuu nodded before making his way over to the couch. He sat down, listening to Mika rummage around in the kitchen as he reached for the TV remote on the coffee table. "So, I just push this power button, right...?" he murmured as he pressed the red power button. The TV turned on, showing Chopped. "Hm...I guess I'll watch this..." he trailed off, lounging back in the couch and bringing a white pillow with dark blue embroidery on it and small dark blue tassels around the edges of the pillow. He slipped off his black and white Nike sneakers and curled up on the couch, resting his chin on the pillow as Mika walked over to the couch with two slightly waved glasses that had an orange tint at the bottom of it. "Your water." he said, handing the glass to Yuu. "Ah, thank you." Yuu said as he took the glass of water from him. Mika sat down next to him, sipping on his water a little. "Chopped, huh..." Mika trailed off as the entree round ended. "I guess." Yuu replied. Mika looked at Yu as he placed his glass on the coffee table. "So, Yuu," he turned his body a little so that he could face the boy, "are you ready to tell me everything now?" he asked as Yuu got ready to take a sip from his glass. Yuu slowly brought the glass away from his lips, watching him with an indescribable look on his face. Mika stared into Yuu's eyes, trying to decipher the emotions that swam around in the emerald pools. Could it be hesitance? Or was it fear? Mika really hoped that it wasn't fear as Yuu parted his lips slightly to speak. "Well...I..." Yuu trailed off. "If you're afraid to tell me, then, you don't have to- - -" he cut Mika off. "No, there's no need for that. I'll tell you everything." Yuu ran his tongue along his lower lip. "The day you were leaving, I was packing my bags and getting ready to sneak off to the airport to meet with you and Kimizuki. But, as I zipped up my last suitcase, Guren caught me. He forced the truth that we were secretly seeing each other out of me and he grew outraged. He was so angry that he bought a ticket to Japan and sent me off to a private college there. He took away my phone and broke it, giving me a phone that had only his contact on it. I couldn't contact you or Shinoa or any of the others. I was about two years into my studies when I had enough. I couldn't keep up with everything that was going on. So, I dropped out and came here about a year ago. Ever since I came, I've been under the care of Manager and I've been working at Starbucks." Yuu explained. Mika gritted his teeth at the sound of Guren's name. "That bastard...!" he snarled out. "Mika..." Yuu reached out to touch Mika's hands. "I was really ecstatic when you had asked me to come with you to America three years ago. I really was. And I really wanted to go with you, too. But, things seemed to change. But, now that I could see you, hear you, touch you, and feel you, I can now tell myself that all this isn't a dream and that I am finally being able to see you after three years." he said. Mika blushed a little. "Yeah...I've been wanting to see you, as well." he replied. "So," Yuu pulled away from Mika a little and he sipped on some water, "have you been keeping in contact with Kimizuki and the others?" he asked. Mika nodded. "Yeah. Kimizuki was recently scouted for the Olympic team and Shinoa still works at Mystic Eats. Yoichi and Mitsuba still work at Pyobeom. Everything is all good with them...at least, that's what I'd like to say." Mika said. Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Huh? What do you mean?" he asked. "I mean, yes, Kimizuki was scouted and Shinoa still operates Mystic Eats, but things happened while I was gone. Mitsuba and Kimizuki had a falling out with their relationship after she found out that Kimizuki was more in love with Shinoa. Mitsuba left Pyobeom in Yoichi's care and disappeared. Shinoa and Kimizuki are now dating and Yoichi's trying to get through the day, like always." Mika explained. "Wow. I was definitely not expecting that." Yuu stated. "Me neither. But, I knew that Shinoa and Kimizuki were bound to get together sooner or later." Mika said as he grabbed for his glass of water and he took a gulp from it. "True." Yuu noted. "From there on out, Kimizuki told me to keep an eye out for Mitsuba in case she decided to flee to the US. And actually...I think I found her." Mika admitted. "You did?!" Yuu exclaimed. "Well, I'm not quite sure yet, but I swore I found a Pyobeom somewhere downtown when I was browsing online a few nights ago. I've been meaning to check it out, but with my work recently, I haven't been able to find time to do so." Mika explained. "I see...Well, whenever you decide to, can you take me with you, as well? I really want to see her." Yuu suggested. "Of course. I think you two need time to talk, after all." Mika said. "Great." Yuu looked down at his phone and gasped. "Oh shoot! I completely lost track of time!" he exclaimed. "Is it time already?" Mika asked. Yuu nodded. "Yeah. I have to get back before Manager shuts down the store for the night." Yuu said as he slipped on his sneakers and he got ready to go out the door. Mika bit his lip as he watched Yuu head over to the door. "I'll call a cab for you." he offered. "You will?" Yuu looked over at Mika. "Thanks." he replied. Mika nodded as he walked over to Yuu. "Come, I'll walk you down." he said. "Alright." Yuu replied as they headed out and Mika closed the door behind them.Mika waved as the cab that Yuu was in drove off into the night. He sighed softly as he stepped back into the lobby and he got into the elevator before it closed on him. The doors slid shut and it began to head up to the top floor as Mika gritted his teeth. "Shit!" he shouted as he swung his fist into the door. He panted a little as he began to mutter under his breath. "Why couldn't I just tell him that I wanted him to stay with me...?"
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika was curled up under the warm sheets on his large king-sized bed as his alarm went off. He reached over to slam his hand down on the snooze button as he stared into never-ending darkness. If there was anything else that he hated in the world (besides Guren and his parents), it would be being forced to wake up after sleeping soundly or having an awesome dream.In this case, he had one of the best dreams that he had in three years. It was about him back in Seoul with everyone else at Mystic Eats. Kimizuki was helplessly flirting with Shinoa while she shot him down and Mitsuba was snapping at Yoichi, who kept complaining about how she pushed him too hard during work. And then there was Yuu, sitting across from him at a table by the window. The boy had said that they were going to be together forever and before he could try to kiss him, the alarm went off.Mika groaned as he sat up, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes. He reached for a small black remote on the nightstand and he tapped a button, causing the pitch black curtains to open up so that the sun could shine into his room."Goddammit...it's gonna be another boring day, huh..." he murmured under his breath.He climbed out of bed and stretched a little before making his way over to the massive windows. He peered down, looking at the lower level of his penthouse."Do I want to go to work, I wonder...?" he asked himself.He walked across the bedroom towards his bathroom, sighing."Well, then again, it's not a matter of if I want to or not. It's if I have to or not." he told himself.He pushed the door open and stepped into the bathroom.The bathroom had cream walls and white tile. There was one sink on one side of the room and another sink on the other side. A jacuzzi bath was to his right and a shower was right next to it. The toilet was in a small room to the left and a shelf filled with towels and bath necessities was against the wall right by the toilet room.He went over to the tub and started warming up the water for when he'd get in. He shrugged off his black button up pajama shirt and wiggled out of the matching pair of pants. He tested the temperature by dragging his fingers lightly across the water."Okay, that should be warm enough..." he thought to himself before stepping into the tub and sinking down into the water, feeling the jets massage his skin.A sigh echoed throughout the room as he sunk deeper into the water."Maybe I should go visit Yuu during my lunch break..." he nodded his head. "Yup, I'll definitely do that." he told himself.He created bubbles on the surface of the water before bringing himself up lightly and reaching for the bottle of shampoo that sat on the side of the tub.He dunked his hair in a little bit of the water before pouring some of the shampoo into his hand and rubbing it into his blond locks.As the faint scent of coconut from his shampoo reached his nose, all he could think about was when he'd go see Yuu today and how excited the boy would be when he saw him.Mika stretched as his final conference of the morning finished. He ended up having three conferences this morning with one being about the layout for the Tokyo building and the other two on things he was too tired to remember.He sat up as Crowley came up to him. "You're now on break. Will you be heading out?" he asked."Yeah. Call the limo around." he said."Okay." Crowley then pouted. "Mikaaaaaaa! At least call me Uncle Crowley!" he complained."We're on work! That should be saved for when I visit the villa!" Mika hissed.Crowley sighed."Figures. Well, I'll be seeing you on Saturday, so I shouldn't get too upset." Crowley stated."Crowley, just call the limo around." Mika snapped."Alright, alright!" Crowley pulled out his phone, punched in a couple of numbers, and brought the phone to his ear. "Hey, can you bring the limo around? Mister Shindo is going out for lunch." they stepped into the elevator. "Okay, thank you! Bye!" he said before hanging up.He slipped his phone into his dark grey suit pants pocket as he looked at Mika."So, Mika." he stuffed his hands into his pants pockets. "Where do you plan on going for lunch?" he asked."Starbucks." Mika replied."What?!" Crowley gaped at him in surprise. "Does Starbucks even offer lunch?!" he asked."I ordered a sandwich there yesterday. So yes, they do indeed serve lunch." Mika replied."Aw, my little nephew's getting cuter and cuter each day!" Crowley gushed as he hugged the blond tightly."U-Uncle Crowley! Let me go!" Mika whined."Aw, you finally called me Uncle!" Crowley gushed.Mika pouted as Crowley let him go. The elevator doors open and the two of them stepped out."I'm going to tend to some things with Horn, but you go have fun on your break." Crowley said."Alright." Mika replied as they parted ways.Mika stepped out of the building, where the chauffeur was waiting for him. "Take me to Starbucks, please." Mika said.The chauffeur nodded as he opened the limo door and Mika got in. The door closed and sooner or later, the limo pulled away from the curb and it began going down the road.Mika drummed his fingers along the cushioned seat as he began to think."I hope Yuu is working today. I didn't get his phone number yesterday, so it wasn't like I could call him or anything..." he thought to himself.He felt the limo stop a couple of minutes later and the chauffeur opened the door for him."We have arrived." he said."Alright." Mika stepped out of the limo. "I'm going to pick someone up, so don't go anywhere yet." he said."Yes, sir." the chauffeur said as he closed the door. Mika ran his fingers through his hair as he began to make his way over to the door. The door swung open as he caught hold of it."S-Sorry!" a woman stuttered out."Don't worry about it." Mika said, shooting a wink in her direction.The woman blushed as she scurried off. Mika sighed deeply as he stepped into the Starbucks."Ah, I remember a time where I used to be straight. Now, I'm completely gay." he thought to himself.He looked around and that was when he spotted Yuu."Ah, there he is." he thought to himself.Luckily, there was no line, so he was able to walk on over to the front counter. He walked up and looked at Yuu."Hey, Yuu." he said."Hm?" Yuu looked away from the cash register and he looked at Mika with surprised eyes. "M-Mika?!" he stuttered out."Yeah, it's me." a serious look appeared on Mika's face. "Hey, I need you to come with me." he said."What?" Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "Why?" he asked."I just need you to." Mika replied."But, Mika, my break doesn't start in at least half an hour or so!" Yuu pointed out.Mika sighed, running his fingers through his hair. And then, without warning, he reached out and lifted Yuu over the counter."Wha...?!" Yuu blushed furiously as he was held in Mika's arms."Now, that is better." Mika stated before readjusting the boy into his arms bridal style and carrying him out of the Starbucks."Ack! Mika! Seriously, let me go!" Yuu whined as Mika stepped out of the Starbucks. He looked at the chauffeur as he spoke."Take us to Piacere Mio, please." he spoke before opening the door and getting into the limo with Yuu still in his arms. He closed the door and placed Yuu down next to him as the boy spoke."Where are you taking me?" Yuu asked."You'll see." Mika said as he winked at him.Yuu pouted as the limo pulled away from the curb and drove off into the San Diego traffic.About ten minutes later, the limo came to a stop. Yuu sighed deeply as he watched Mika open the door."What is it that is so important that you have to carry me out of my workplace when I'm not even on my lunch break yet?" Yuu asked."Come." Mika pulled Yuu out of the limo and Yuu watched in surprise as they stood in front of a black and white building. "What's so wrong with me wanting to have lunch with you?" Mika asked innocently.Yuu could hear his heart race as his cheeks turned a light pink."W-Well...I don't mind lunch with you...It's just that you took me here without much of a warning..." Yuu murmured, gazing up at the black sign on top of a black cover that read Piacere Mio on it in white letters.Mika chuckled."Well, let's go enjoy some Italian food." he said, intertwining his fingers with Yuu's as he led him over to the front door.Yuu blushed at the contact as they stepped into the restaurant.The room was cozy and rustic with its soft lights coming from the circular light fixtures hanging over the tables and the wood ceiling. The walls were covered in stone. There was a small deli counter to their left and to the right was a large sitting area. A huge table sat in the middle with red chairs, which Yuu assumed were for big parties that came to the restaurant. Surrounding that table were many smaller tables that had white chairs. There was also a large black window on the right by a couple of tables that looked out onto the streets."Hello!" they looked over to a woman that stood behind the deli counter. "How many?" she asked."Two." Mika replied."Alright." the woman picked up two menus. "Come right this way." she said as she came out from behind the counter and took them over to a small table meant for two by the window. They sat down and she handed them their menus."Your waiter will be coming to attend to you shortly." she said before walking off.Yuu sighed as he stared outside."Geez, Manager is going to be so mad at me..." he trailed off."Don't sweat it. I'll make sure to explain everything to her when I drop you back off." Mika said.Yuu looked at Mika, eyes narrowed."Geez, rich people in the US sure are weird..." he murmured as a waiter came up to them."Hello, and welcome to Piacere Mio! My name is Dio and I will be taking your order today. So, what can I get you guys to drink?" he asked."I'll just have a glass of water with lemon." Mika said."I'll have that, too." Yuu said."Alright. I'll be back with that." Dio said before walking off.Yuu cracked open his menu and began scanning it as Mika did the same. "So, is there anything in particular that catches your eye?" Mika asked."Well, not ye- - -Ah." Yuu said."You found something, didn't you?" Mika guessed."Yeah. It's something called melanzane alla parmigiana." Yuu said."And that is where...?" Mika asked."It's under the section called Secondi." Yuu said."Okay..." Mika flipped through the menu, running his finger along the pages until he spotted it. "Ah, I see. Eggplant Parmesan, huh..." he trailed off."Yeah. I grew to love eggplant once I came over to the States." Yuu explained."I see..." Mika trailed off."And? What will you have?" Yuu asked."Taglierini neri ai frutti di mare. It's pretty much squid ink pasta with seafood and marinara sauce." Mika closed his menu. "I usually have that when I come here." he said."Oh, okay." Yuu closed his menu, narrowing his eyes at Mika. "I thought you hated weird-tasting stuff." he stated."What?! I've been eating squid ink pasta since I was small!" Mika whined.Yuu couldn't help but giggle as Dio came back with two glasses of lemon water."Here you guys go." he said, putting two drink coasters down before putting the drinks on top of them. "Now, are you guys ready to order?" he asked."Yes, we are. I would like to have the taglierini neri ai frutti di mare." Mika said."Alright." Dio took out a small pad and pen and he wrote down Mika's order. "And for you?" he asked as he looked over at Yuu."Um..." Yuu quickly opened his menu and flipped through the pages. "I would like the melanzane alla parmigiana, please." he said."Alrighty..." Dio quickly wrote down Yuu's order and smiled. "Thank you very much." he took the menus from them. "Those will be out soon." he said before walking off.Yuu sighed as he propped his elbow up on the table and gazed out the window, watching cars go by."So, Mika." he slid his eyes to gaze at Mika. "Why here?" he asked."What do you mean, why here?" Mika asked."Well, since you are rich, I was expecting a five-star restaurant with a candlelit table and food that costs well over a hundred dollars." Yuu said.Mika couldn't help but watch him in surprise."Just what the hell was he told back in Seoul?!" he asked himself.He decided to shrug it off as he let out a chuckle."Well, whoever told you that is wrong." he said."But, seriously, why? Why take me to a place that you could see an average person at?" Yuu said."Before I'm a rich boy, I'm just Mikaela Shindo." he reached for his glass of water and sipped on it. "I wish to be free more than be bound by my responsibilites. I want to experience life as an average person than as "the heir of the Shindo Corp". So, that is why I go out to places like these." Mika explained."Ah." Yuu looked back over at the street. "So? How did you find out about this place?" he asked."Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley used to take me here for dinner when I was small. It was usually on special occasions, though. This is also where Uncle Crowley took Aunt Krul on their first date after their marriage was arranged." Mika explained."Wait, really?" Yuu questioned in surprise, his elbow sliding of of the table as he looked at Mika."Yeah. Their marriage was arranged. But now, they love each other so much." Mika explained."I see..." Yuu trailed off.Mika took another sip, poking at the lemon lightly with his straw as he watched Yuu."Gosh, he is way too beautiful..." he thought to himself."Hm? Mika?" Yuu explained.Mika nearly choked on his spit, realizing that Yuu caught him staring."Ah! I-It's nothing!" he exclaimed.Yuu arched a brow, but didn't question him any further as he took a sip from his water.A few minutes later, Dio came around with their food."A taglierini neri ai frutti di mare for you." he set the plate down in front of Mika. "And a melanzane alla parmigiana for you." he rested the plate down in front of Yuu. "Is there anything else that I can get for you guys?" he asked."That'll be it for right now." Mika said."Alright. Enjoy your meal." Dio said before walking off.Mika looked down at his pasta."Well, let's ea- - -" Mika looked up and watched in shock as Yuu began scarfing down his eggplant."Dang, he's fast!" he thought to himself."Geez, Yuu, calm down! Give yourself a chance to breathe!" he exclaimed.Yuu swallowed as he looked at Mika."I didn't have breakfast, so...I'm hungry." Yuu stated."How come you didn't eat breakfast?" Mika asked."It's rare for me to skip breakfast, but Manager and I were running very late this morning." Yuu explained."I see..." Mika trailed off.He twirled some pasta around his fork, stabbed a shrimp with it, and he put it in his mouth. He chewed as he stared at Yuu."Hey, Yuu." he said."Hm? Yeah?" Yuu answered."Actually, there's another reason why I wanted to come out here with you." Mika admitted."Another reason?" Yuu put his forkful of eggplant down. "So, we didn't come here just to eat?" he asked."Well, yes, there's that, too. But, this is very important." Mika said."Okay..." Yuu trailed off."Yuu." Mika reached out and held Yuu's hand in his. "I still love you." he spoke in a serious voice.Yuu could hear his heart skip a beat as Mika continued to speak."I mean it. I've loved you and I always will. All I ask is that you stay by my side. So, will you?" he asked.Yuu blushed. His hart raced furiously and his brain felt like it was going to shut down if he didn't calm down."Um...I..." he trailed off."You don't have to give me an answer right now. I mean, me asking if you want to move in with me right this second must really be a shock to you." Mika said."No! No, that's not it at all!" Yuu bit his lip. "Actually...that doesn't sound like a bad idea..." he murmured."Wait, for real?" Mika questioned in surprise."Yeah. I've missed you, Mika." Yuu laced his fingers with Mika's. "I won't hold myself back any longer. I want to be with you." he said.A smile danced across Mika's lips as he slowly leaned in towards him, their foreheads touching."You'll stay with me, right?" he asked.Yuu smiled."Yes. I'll stay with you, Mika." he replied as Mika tilted his head up to press a light kiss to Yuu's forehead.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu pulled his luggage into Mika's penthouse later that night as he spoke."This is crazy..." he murmured."What, that you get to stay here with me from now on?" Mika asked."Yeah..." Yuu trailed off.Mika helped Yuu get the rest of the luggage inside of the penthouse."You go and settle yourself down. I'll take your luggage upstairs to your room." Mika explained."Okay." Yuu replied as Mika began to bring some of the luggages up the stairs.He sighed as he took off his shoes and he padded over to the couch. He sat down and turned on the TV."I can't believe this is actually happening...I'm actually going to start living with Mika now..." he lounged back on the couch. "It's like a dream come true!" he thought to himself.He flicked through the channels as he heard Mika come down the stairs."I'm surprised you don't have much." he noted."I didn't come here with much." Yuu replied."I see..." Mika trailed off.He them made his way over to the couch and he sat down beside Yuu."Well, I'm off tomorrow, so we can go shopping for some clothes." Mika said."Okay." Yuu replied.Yuu glanced up at Mika, taking in his side profile. His blond hair was as wavy as ever and his eyes were still that bright blue that he simply adored. His skin was also pale, but not sickly pale.Before he realized what he was doing, he leaned over and rested his head on Mika's shoulder. Mika blushed a little, but he said nothing as they continued to watch the TV.Mika fluffed up the pillows on the guest bed a little as Yuu stepped out of the bathroom in an oversized yellow Simpsons t-shirt with matching pajama pants. He couldn't help but eye him in the pajamas."Peculiar." he commented."Manager had these hiding in her closet. Apparently, they're from her ex-boyfriend." Yuu explained."Ex-boyfriend?" Mika pouted. "Just hearing that from you makes me a little jealous." he teased.Yuu snorted as he rolled his eyes."Good. Be jealous." he said, smacking Mika's cheek lightly as he reached to pull the sheets down and he climbed in."You'll be okay in here, right?" Mika asked."Yeah. Mika, I'm not a little kid." Yuu stated."I know. I just want you to know that if you want, you can come into my room." Mika suggested."Alrighty, then." Yuu replied before curling up into the white and navy blue sheets. "Good night." he said, his head dropping onto the pillow."Good night." Mika replied before walking away from the bed. He flicked off the lights and he stepped out of the guest bedroom, the door closing shut behind him.Yuu found himself standing in complete darkness."Hm? Where am I?" he asked himself.He looked around and that was when he saw Mika standing at the very end."Mika...?" he swallowed before calling out to him. "Mika!" he called out.He began to chase after Mika. However, Mika kept getting further and further away from him. Tears began to well up in Yuu's eyes."Mika, please! Please don't go!" he cried out.Mika then stopped suddenly, causing Yuu to bump into him."Mika...?" he murmured out.That was when Mika slowly turned. Yuu gasped sharply, seeing that it was a guy with long silver hair and glowing red eyes."Hello there, my little lamb. I like the way you suffer." he said before lunging at him.Yuu couldn't help but scream as he was attacked by the guy.Yuu let out a sharp gasp as he quickly shot up from the bed. He panted, trying to catch his breath."What the hell WAS that...?" he murmured out.He then looked over at the bedroom door."I don't know if I feel comfortable sleeping in here..." he thought to himself.He climbed out of the bed and he began making his way over to the door. He slowly turned the handle and he stepped out into the dark hall."Now, where was his room again...?" he asked himself.He padded down the dark hallway, looking for Mika's room. He then approached the door closest to the stairs."Oh, yes. I think it was this room." he thought to himself.He lightly rapped on the door."Mika?" he called out.However, Mika didn't answer. This caused Yuu to frown."Is Mika asleep? Or is this the wrong room?" he asked himself."Mika?" he called out again as he rapped on the door.Mika still didn't answer. Yuu pouted at this."I guess I have no choice...I've got to open the door..." he thought to himself.He reached for the handle and he slowly turned it."I'm coming in..." he trailed off as he slowly opened the door.The room was pitch black, making it difficult for Yuu to see. He stepped into the room and he closed the door behind him."Mika?" he called out.He began to make his way across the room, occasionally tripping on a few items. He reached. His hand out and that was when he felt the soft fabric of the bedsheets."That must be the bed." he thought to himself.He climbed into the bed and tried to find Mika's body. His fingers grazed along something, causing Yuu to frown."What is that?" he asked himself.He slowly moved his hand up and only when his fingers brushed against silky locks did he realize that he found Mika."Ah, there he is." he thought to himself.He decided to snuggle up closer to Mika, taking in the familiar scent of clean linen and cologne as he closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.Mika stirred the next morning, stretching as he let out a small yawn."Mmmmm...that felt good..." he murmured.That was when he felt something against his chest. He slowly looked down and that was when he saw Yuu resting against him. This made Mika blush furiously."What the...?!" he nearly shouted, looking down at the sleeping boy in shock."How did he get in here?!" he could hear the boy breathe softly against his chest. "Did he have a nightmare or something?" he asked himself.He sighed softly as he watched the boy sleep. He reached out to brush some hair out of Yuu's eyes when he began to stir."Mmmmm..." he opened his sleepy, emerald eyes as he slowly rose his head up. "Mika...?" he murmured."Yeah, it's me." Mika replied."Oh. Well, morning." Yuu greeted as he stretched a little."Morning to you, too." Mika replied.He watched as Yuu slowly sat up in bed."Did you have a nightmare or something?" he asked."Something like that." Yuu replied."I see..." Mika replied, taking the hint that Yuu didn't want to elaborate anymore.Mika also sat up in bed, stretching a little as he climbed out of bed."Well, let's get ready for the day. We're going down to town after breakfast." Mika explained."To town? Why?" Yuu asked."We're going to go find Mitsuba." Mika replied.The drive downtown was silent as Mika and Yuu sat in the limo.At this point, Yuu was starting to get used to sitting in the limo. At first, he'd grow embarrassed and complain to Mika about it, but now, it was like second nature."We have arrived, Master Shindo." the driver said."Okay, thanks." Mika replied.He opened the limo door before the chauffeur could and he stepped out. He extended his hand out to Yuu and he helped him out, as well."I'll call when we're ready." Mika told the chauffeur as he closes the door."Of course, Master Shindo." the chauffeur replied.The limo drove off into traffic as Mika stared at the store before them."Pyobeom...this really must be the place..." Yuu trailed off. (Leopard)Mika looked at Yuu before reaching out to take his hand. Yuu jumped a little at the contact as Mika brought Yuu's hand up to his lips, lightly kissing his knuckles."You can do this." he said.Yuu nodded slowly as Mika lowered his hand and they walked into the store.A small bell jingled as a voice called out to them."Welcome to Pyobeom!"Yuu heard his heart skip a beat as a familiar blonde came into view, her hair pulled back into her signature twin ponytails. She had on a simple tank top that said Pyobeom in cursive pink letters, faded denim short shorts, and black lace up boots. There was a tattoo of a tiger wrapped around her left leg. Her nails were also painted black with black spiked bands on her wrists.Her voice was way too familiar. Yuu knew it had to be Mitsuba."Yup, that's her, alright." Mika examined her as she went to help a customer. "Damn, she's changed." he commented."She may have changed, but she's still the same ditzy Mitsuba that I know from back in Seoul." Yuu stated.They made their way over to the coats section as someone came up to them."How are you guys doing today? Looking for anything specific?" the voice asked."Ye. Naneun danji nae chinguleul chajgoissda." Yuu spoke as he turned to look at the blonde, who was now in shock. (Yes. I'm just looking for my friend.)"Andwae..." tears threatened to spill out of her eyes. "Yuu?" she questioned in shock. (No way...Yuu?)Yuu nodded."Ne, naya, Micheuwa." Yuu replied. (Yes, it's me, Mitsuba.)Mitsuba couldn't hold it in anymore as she choked out a sob."O sesang-e...Yuu!" she exclaimed as she pulled him into a hug. (Oh my god...Yuu!)Yuu smiled as he held the sobbing blonde in his arms."Gwaenchanh-a. Na wass-eo." he said. (It's okay. I'm here.)She continued to sob as she slowly rose her head to lock eyes with Mika."And you're here, too...silly American boy..." she choked out in English.Mika chuckled."Yup." he replied."So, you knew I fled here?" Mitsuba questioned, staring at Mika as she drank some of the iced coffee in a can that she had with her."Well, yeah. However, it was completely coincidental. I was browsing on the web one night and found your store. I saw the name Pyobeom and I knew it had to be you, since there is no one else who would have a store named that." Mika explained."Do...Do Kimizuki and the others ask for me?" Mitsuba asked."Oh my god, every time I have a conversation with any of them, they ask if I've seen or heard anything about you. Mitsuba, they are really worried." Mika explained."I figured. Just..." Mitsuba lowered yer gaze to the floor in the break room that they were in. "Just let them know that I'm fine." she said."I'll make sure to do that, then." Mika said.She then looked over at Yuu, who was busy gulping down a bottle of Mountain Dew."And you? What have you been up to?" she asked."Well...I got sent to boarding school in Japan. Then, I dropped out and came here. I work at a Starbucks not too far away from Mika's corporation building." Yuu explained."I see...Well, that's not too bad. And also, you can now speak fluent English!" she smacked his thigh lightly. "I am so proud of you!" she gushed.The two of them laughed a little as Mika's phone vibrated in his pants pocket. Mika quickly pulled out his phone and arched a brow in confusion once he saw the caller i.d."Guys, I'll be back. I need to take this call." he said before quickly slipping out of the break room. He scurried over to a changing room in the boutique and he locked himself in it as he answered it."Aunt Krul, what is it?" he asked."Mika..." he could hear her sigh over the phone. "I...I got some bad news.""Bad news? What is it?" Mika explained."Mika...don't freak out, but..." she sighed again. "Your parents want us to come by them for dinner on Saturday. And...they want to meet Yuu."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika was silent in the limo as it took them back to the apartment complex.
Yuu was tempted to ask Mika if something was wrong, but he stayed silent. He didn't want to accidentally set Mika off.
Mika huffed out a deep, frustrated sigh as he recalled his conversation with Aunt Krul earlier today.
"Aunt Krul, what is it?" he asked.
"Mika..." he could hear her sigh over the phone. "I...I got some bad news."
"Bad news? What is it?" Mika explained.
"Mika...don't freak out, but..." she sighed again. "Your parents want us to come by them for dinner on Saturday. And...they want to meet Yuu." she said.
Mika was rooted to the spot. He was at a loss for words. He bit his lip as he spoke.
"Why? Why would they suddenly suggest something like that?" he asked.
"You think I would know?" Aunt Krul sighed on the other end. "To be honest, I don't know what runs through my sister's mind...However, what's stumping me is how they found out about Yuu."
"Yeah, I wanna know that, too. I would never mention him to them in a million- - -" that was when Ferid's face flashed through his mind. "Shit. That bastard...!" he growled out.
"Huh?"
"That guy who was my Korean Literature teacher...he works for my parents!" he exclaimed.
"Well, shit. Who is it?"
"Mister Bathory. His name is Ferid." Mika said.
"Fuck, it's him...I'll have Crowley keep tabs on him. But, for right now, just take deep breaths and tell Yuu that your parents want to meet him."
"I'll try." Mika replied.
"Okay. Bye! I love you, Mika!"
"Love you, too. Bye, Aunt Krul." he said before hanging up.
Mika ran his fingers through his hair as Yuu reached out to rest on his thigh. Mika jumped a little at the contact as Yuu spoke.
"Mika? What's wrong? You seem tense." he said.
"Um...well...how do I put this...?" Mika mumbled.
"You can put it any way you like." Yuu said.
"Okay. Well...my parents want to have dinner with us on Saturday. They want to meet you." Mika explained.
"Your parents?" Yuu eyed Mika curiously. "I don't see why that's making you so tense..." he trailed off.
Mika wanted to facepalm at Yuu's obliviousness.
"Dammit, he's too innocent!" he thought to himself.
"Oh, you don't know my parents. They are vicious." he said.
"More vicious than Guren. I'd rather get beat up by Guren than deal with my parents." he thought to himself.
Yuu sighed as he began to rub Mika's thigh, causing the blond to hiss in slight pleasure.
"Well, if it's really stressing you out, then..." Yuu shot Mika a seductive look. "Maybe I could help relieve your stress?" he suggested.
Mika bit his lip as he spoke.
"Yeah, I'd like that.""Mmmmm...oh god..."
Mika laid on the bed in only a pair of black boxers, his cheeks flushed a bright red.
"Yuu, keep going...you are so good at this..." he breathed out.
Yuu batted his eyelashes at the blond as he spoke.
"If that's what you want." he said.
Mika let out a pleasured grunt as he spoke.
"Goddammit, Yuu, why didn't you think of becoming a goddaamn masseur?!" Mika complained as Yuu began massaging his back.
"I never knew I had the knack for it, that's all." Yuu replied bluntly as he kneaded his hands into the blond's skin.
Mika sighed as he rested his head onto the pillow.
"But, seriously. You are way too good at this." Mika said.
"Well, I'm glad you like it." Yuu rubbed his thumbs under Mika's shoulder blades. "You've got a lot of knots in your back." he stated.
"I do?" Mika questioned in surprise.
"Yeah." Yuu replied.
"Damn. I must really feel tense if you're telling me that." Mika noted.
"You sure are." Yuu replied.
He ran a finger along Mika's spine as he spoke.
"You know, you should go to a massage place if you really feel this tense." Yuu suggested.
"I would if only I wasn't drowning in work." Mika shifted his head a little so that he could look at Yuu. "Maybe I should hire you." he said.
"Hire me, huh. That doesn't sound too bad at all." Yuu said.
"Yeah. You could massage me every night." Mika told him.
"Well, that is true. But," Yuu leaned over, his white sleeveless top brushing lightly against Mika's back, "I can do way more than just massage your back." he whispered seductively into Mika's ear.
Mika chuckled.
"Now there's the seductive stripper that I know." he said before turning them over so that Yuu was under him.
Yuu giggled as he sunk into Mika's bed a little, the sheets nearly swallowing him up.
"You are such a tease." he said.
"I know I am." Yuu replied as he stuck his tongue out cutely.
That was when Mika leaned in and he stroked his tongue lightly against Yuu's. Yuu moaned as their tongues engaged in a small battle. Yuu's fingers weaved themselves through Mika's hair and he tugged him down so that their lips connected in a kiss. A couple locks of blond hair brushed against Yuu's cheek as Mika kissed him.
They pulled away and Mika began trailing light kisses down Yuu's chin and neck. As Mika's lips brushed against his collarbone, he let out a small whimper.
"Mmmmm, Mika..." he muttered breathily, tilting his head to give Mika more access.
Mika ran his tongue along Yuu's collarbone and up his neck before stopping. This confused Yuu.
"Mika?" Yuu questioned.
Mika sighed before rolling off of Yuu, grabbing the boy and pulling him close. Yuu blushed at the close proximity as Mika spoke.
"I'm dreading Saturday." he ran his fingers through Yuu's silky black hair. "I don't want to see my parents. I'd rather I never see them at all." he said.
Yuu said nothing as he wrapped his arms around Mika's torso.
He was still confused as to why the blond dreaded going to see his parents. They were his family, after all.
He figured he'd find out why on Saturday.It was now Saturday, the day Yuu would be able to see why Mika objected seeing his parents so much.
Yuu stared at himself in the mirror, tugging at the deep green tie that he wore.
"Do I have to wear a suit?" he complained, eyeing himself in the tailored black suit that he wore.
Mika fixed the silver cuff links on his light grey suit as he spoke.
"We have no choice. Whenever it involves my parents, it's got to be formal." Mika explained.
Yuu pouted as he glanced at Mika out of the corner of his eye. He had to admit, Mika looked hot in his light grey suit and baby blue tie. His hair was styled with gel and a little bit of hairspray to make it seem decent.
Yuu ran his fingers through his hair as he spoke.
"Mika, when was the last time you've seen your parents?" Yuu asked, testing the waters to see if this kind of conversation was fine.
"When I was three years old." Mika replied.
Yuu froze, his fingers lingering over his tie.
Was his relationship with his parents really that bad?
He bit his lip as he began to think.
"I thought I had it rough...Mika hasn't seen his parents in nearly twenty one years!" he thought to himself.
"Well, I guess that was partially a lie. I've heard their voices, gotten their emails and letters, and I caught a glimpse of my mother's face once. But, as for being face-to-face with them, it's been a little over two decades. Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley are considered my parents, since they raised me in place of them. Honestly, my real parents disgust me. They try to dictate my life, which is something I don't take too lightly." Mika explained.
Yuu swallowed at the coldness in Mika's voice. It was like he was being freezed by the blond's words.
Mika cleared his throat as he sprayed some cologne on.
"We're going. And when we get back, you are going to massage my back again. My parents give me more stress than my work ever will." Mika stated promptly.
Yuu slowly nodded before following Mika out of the bedroom and closing the door behind him.After picking up Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley at their villa, the limo drove off to the mansion where Mika's parents lived.
Krul played with her hair as she beamed at Yuu.
"You really are charming." she said.
"Hm?" Yuu questioned.
"You know, I'm really glad to meet the one who has stolen my Mika's heart. You know, back when Mika was in Seoul, he'd tell me so much about you." she said.
"Aunt Krul...! Why are you telling him such things?!" Mika whined.
Krul giggled.
"What? Our future son-in-law needs to know everything about you, sweetie." she explained as he winked at Yuu.
Yuu blushed furiously at this.
"S-Son-in-law?!" he squeaked out.
"Aunt Krul...!" Mika whined, causing Krul to laugh.
"Mika, don't be so embarrassed." she said.
Mika pouted as Crowley nudged him in the arm lightly.
"My wife's teasin' ya, ain't she?" he asked.
"No kidding." Mika said as he watched Krul lean in to whisper something into Yuu's ear. Yuu giggled as Crowley spoke.
"Only way you're gonna escape is if you flee to some random island in the middle of absolutely nowhere." Crowley said, causing Mika to snicker as he heard the chauffeur spoke.
"We've arrived at the mansion, Master Mika."
Mika felt himself freeze at the thought of arriving at the mansion. He swallowed as Crowley spoke.
"Don't worry, boy. You can get through this." he said.
Mika nodded as the chauffeur opened the door. They stepped out of the limo and Yuu looked up at the large villa-style mansion in awe.
"Whoa..." he looked up at Mika. "This is where your parents live?" he asked.
"Yeah." Mika frowned. "This is where they live, alright." he said.
Yuu bit his lip as he watched the mansion.
"Let's go." Krul said, the skirts of her black and red dress swirling around her as she looped her arm through Crowley's arm and they began to head up the stairs to the door.
Yuu glanced up at Mika, who smiled down at him.
"Well, let's go." he said before walking after Krul and Crowley.
Yuu sighed before running after Mika. They approached the door as it opened to reveal a maid.
"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Eusford." she then looked at Mika and Yuu. "Welcome, Mr. Shindo and Mr. Amane." she said as she bowed.
Yuu swallowed.
"They know my last name?" he questioned.
"It seems that way." Mika replied.
"Please come in. Mister Shindo and Madam Shindo will come to greet you shortly." the maid said as she stepped off to the side.
They stepped into the house. The maid closed the door behind them as Yuu gasped.
"Whoa..." he breathed out.
There were ceramic tiles on the floor, a large marble staircase that split into two at the top, gold stair railings, and two doors off to each side. The walls were painted white with gold trim and white crown molding. There was also a large diamond chandelier above their heads.
"This place is like a castle out of a storybook..." Yuu murmured as someone spoke.
"Ah, it seems like you guys have arrived."
Yuu watched Mika tense up before looking to see a beautiful woman begin to make her way down the stairs. Her blonde hair cascaded down to her waist as she made her way down the stairs in a red over-the-shoulder mermaid style dress with short sleeves and red peep toe heels. Her dark brown eyes sparkled as she made her way down.
Yuu was blown away by her beauty as another person spoke.
"Welcome to our mansion."
An older male that looked exactly like Mika with blond hair and blue eyes came down after the woman in a black suit, white shirt, black tie, and black shoes.
Yuu swallowed as he looked over at Mika, whose eyes were wide in horror.
The woman laughed softly.
"Oh, my dearest Mika, don't give us that look. We are your parents." the woman said.
"Are...Are you Mr. and Mrs. Shindo?" Yuu asked before he could stop himself.
Mika watched Yuu in shock as the male chuckled.
"Yes, we are." his Russian accent was so thick, Yuu found it surprising that Mika didn't have the slightest bit of a Russian accent in his voice. "Mr. Amane, I assume?" he spoke.
Yuu nodded.
"Yes. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Shindo." he said as he shook his hand.
He then looked at Mrs. Shindo.
"It is nice to meet you, as well, Mrs. Shindo." he said.
"The pleasure is all mine." she said.
Mika bit his lip as Mrs. Shindo looked at Krul.
"My dearest sister, it is a pleasure to see you again." she said.
"A pleasure, indeed." Krul replied as she curtsied a little.
Yuu could feel the tension hanging around everyone in the room. Even though Krul and Mrs. Shindo were smiling and being polite with one another, he could tell that it was fake. Even though Crowley and Mr. Shindo were laughing like old friends, he could tell that Crowley wasn't really fond of the Russian. And he could most definitely tell that Mika would rather be swallowed up by the ground than stand here in this entryway.
Yuu swallowed.
"It's way too tense in here. But..." Yuu glanced at Mika. "Mika told me not to say much of anything unless someone asks me a question, so it's not like I can do much about the situation." he thought to himself.
"Now, shall we go to the dining room?" Mrs. Shindo asked.
"Of course. Let us go." Mr. Shindo replied as they walked over to the large oak door on the left. He opened the door and they made their way into the dining room.
The room was large and expansive with a long dining table that had a white cloth over it. There were eight oak wood chairs with three each on the horizontal side and one on either side of the table. Another large chandelier hung above the table.
A butler came into the room and he seated them at the table with Mr. Shindo at the head of the table, Mika and Yuu sitting on the right of Mr. Shindo and Mrs. Shindo, Krul, and Crowley to the left of him. He then stepped off to the side as two butlers came in with trollies that had food on it.
"The menu is minestrone soup and a surf n turf of filet mignon and a lobster tail." one of the butlers said as they began placing the food before them.
Yuu froze as he watched them place the food before him. He couldn't help but stare at the lobster tail next to the filet mignon.
He was terribly allergic to lobster. He had eaten it when he was small and ended up in the hospital due to lack of breathing, scratchy throat, and red rashes on his skin.
He bit his lip as everyone began to eat. He slowly pulled the filet mignon away from the lobster and he cut off a small piece. He put a piece of it into his mouth as Mrs. Shindo looked at Mika.
"So, how is the company doing?" she asked.
"It's going well." Mika replied.
"That's always good to hear." Mrs. Shindo said.
"Those four years in Seoul really did serve you well." Mr. Shindo noted.
"If you wish to think of it like that, then yes, it was indeed beneficial." Mika spoke in a clipped voice.
Krul watched him with a look that told him to be a little more polite than that, but Mika chose to ignore it as he ate some of the lobster.
"Mika, that is not how you act at the table." Mrs. Shindo said.
"I'm not being rude, Mother." Mika replied coldly.
Yuu decided not to partake in the conversation as he continued to eat his filet mignon. As he put a piece into his mouth, Mrs. Shindo turned her attention to him.
"So, Yuu...I can call you that, right?" she asked.
"Huh?" Yuu nearly choked on his piece of meat. "Um...yes, you may." he said.
"Yuu, what do you do? You know, what do you do for a living?" she asked.
"I work at a Starbuck's not too far away from Shindo Corp." he replied.
"Oh, that's nice." she finished her lobster tail. "So, how did you end up meeting Mika?" she asked.
"Mother, you shouldn't be- - -" she cut Mika off.
"Mika, let him speak. I'm sure he's old enough to explain things on his own." she said, narrowing her eyes at him.
Mika shut his mouth as Yuu spoke.
"Actually, we met in Seoul. At the time, I was juggling a whole lot of jobs, since my family wasn't really a privileged one. We met one day at a cafe that I used to work at on Wednesdays." Yuu explained.
"A cafe?" Mr. Shindo questioned.
"Yes. It's called Mystic Eats. My friend, Shinoa, runs the place." Yuu said.
"So, you're friends with the Hiiragi's daughter, then." Mr. Shindo said.
"Um...I guess so, yeah." Yuu reached for the glass of water by his soup and he sipped on it. "I served his table one day and then we began talking. We exchanged numbers and ever since then, we've kept in touch." Yuu explained.
"Oh? Well, I haven't heard anything about you until a couple of weeks ago." Mrs. Shindo pointed out.
"Mika can be shy sometimes, so I can see why." Yuu stated.
"Our son? Shy?" Mr. Shindo questioned, surprise evident on his face.
Crowley couldn't help but chuckle.
"Now that's something you don't hear everyday." he noted.
Yuu finished his filet mignon as Mrs. Shindo spoke.
"So, while juggling all those jobs, did you ever get to go to school?" Mrs. Shindo asked.
"Mother, I really do believe that- - -" Mika was cut off yet again.
"Mika." her voice dropped, a stern look shot in the blond's direction.
Mika glared at her as she looked at Yuu.
"Where did you go to school?" she asked.
"Well...I had gone to a boarding school in Japan. I studied there for a couple of years before moving to San Diego." Yuu explained.
"What did you study?" Mrs. Shindo asked.
"I studied Forensics." Yuu replied.
"Forensics, huh. That's an interesting field." Mrs. Shindo noted.
"Why not business? You seem like a bright boy." Mr. Shindo said.
"Yes! Mika could hire you and show you the ropes." Mrs. Shindo said with a wide smile.
Yuu bit his lip as he looked at Mika, who was gripping his knife and fork angrily.
"They're targeting me on purpose to anger Mika...but why?" Yuu asked himself.
"Mrs. Shindo, I believe this is making for some sour conversation." Crowley sipped on his soup. "Maybe we could save this for after dinner?" he spoke.
"How is this sour conversation? I just wish to know about Yuu." Mrs. Shindo stated.
"Well, I am feeling the tension lingering around here, especially from Mika. Is this how we should be acting around our guest?" Crowley asked, shooting a glance at Yuu.
This seemed to shut up Mrs. Shindo, for she went back to eating.
Yuu looked at Crowley, who winked at him as they went back to eating in silence.Yuu walked out of the bathroom after dinner.
He was glad that dinner was over. He swore that if it had continued on, then he would have been choked by the tension in the room.
"Maybe this is why Mika didn't want to come..." he adjusted his tie a little. "His parents make him feel uncomfortable. Well, it was mainly his mom, but still." he thought to himself.
He sighed deeply as he heard a voice from behind him.
"I do apologize for the behavior at the dinner table tonight."
Yuu quickly turned to see Mrs. Shindo make her way over to her.
"Oh, Mrs. Shindo." he watched as she approached him. "Don't apologize. It was alright." Yuu replied.
"And I also do apologize for not realizing that you are allergic to lobster. If I had known, we would have prepared a different menu for tonight." she said.
"Oh no, I'm alright. It doesn't matter anymore." Yuu told her, causing her to sigh.
"Geez, Mika really is a stubborn child..." she grumbled.
Yuu was tempted to snort, but he held it in as she looked at him.
"Well, your story was an interesting one. And mostly accurate, too." she said.
"Accurate?" Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "What do you mean by accurate?" he asked.
"Well, from what Ferid told us, you did juggle a million jobs, you did go to a boarding school in Japan, and you did come here after dropping out. You also did meet Mika, but not at that cafe." she said.
Yuu watched, beginning to fear what she was getting at.
"Wh...What do you mean?" he asked.
"You met him in the red-light district at a gent's club. You were a stripper that went by the name Angel. In other words, you are a good-for-nothing slut." she said.
Yuu's eyes widened as he swallowed.
"M...Mrs. Shindo, I believe you are mistaken- - -" she cut him off.
"No, I am most definitely not mistaken. I've heard that all of the strippers at thy Gypsy Rose club get a tattoo somewhere on their body. It didn't matter where. So then explain to me," she reached out towards Yuu's cheek, "why you have one under your eye." she said, swiping away at the foundation on his cheek to reveal his black star tattoo.
Yuu froze in place. He wished to shoo her away, get her to leave him alone. But, her menacing gaze kept him glued to the floor.
"So, did you seduce your way into my son's heart? Or did you sell your body to him so that you could wrap him around your little finger?" she asked.
"What?!" he smacked her hand away. "I would never...!" she cut him off.
"Don't give me your shit." she spoke coldly.
He was rendered speechless by the coldness of her words.
"A lowly stripper like yourself could never be with such a great and successful person like Mika." she snapped.
He stared at her with wide eyes as she continued to speak.
"You better stay away from my son. Or else, he'll have to pay the price for your selfishness. So, do what's right and leave him," she then leaned in towards his ear, "slut." she whispered lowly
She flipped some hair over her shoulder as she walked off, leaving a speechless Yuu in the hallway.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika let out a contented sigh as Yuu pressed the palms of his hands into his skin."You are way too good at this..." Mika murmured."Just relax. That's all you need to do." Yuu said."I'll try to. But, what happened there with my parents is too much." Mika turned his head so that he could look at Yuu. "This is why I didn't want to go there. They'll try and manipulate you somehow." he explained.Yuu stopped, his fingertips brushing lightly against Mika's skin."Like his mother...?" he bit his lip, recalling what she had told him. "She's so bitter and cold..." he thought to himself."Yuu?"Yuu was brought back into reality as he looked at Mika, who had now turned around to look at him."Okay, something's up." he then rolled them over so that they were on their side with Mika holding Yuu in his arms. "What's wrong?" he asked."It's nothing." Yuu replied."Are you sure?" Mika asked, running his fingers through Yuu's coconut-scented hair."Yeah. I think I might just be tired." Yuu said."I see. Well, it's getting late, anyway. So, I think we should go to sleep." Mika suggested.Yuu nodded."Yeah." he replied.Mika reached over Yuu to grab for a small remote and he pressed a button, causing the curtains to close. He then reached over towards the lamp and took it off."Go to sleep, Yuu. Good night." he said.Yuu nodded as he dropped his head against his chest. He listened to the sound of Mika's breathing as he thought back on what Mika's mother had told him."A lowly stripper like yourself could never be with such a great and successful person like Mika. You better stay away from my son. Or else, he'll have to pay the price for your selfishness." he swallowed."Would they really hurt him? I mean, he's their son! They wouldn't do such a thing!" he thought to himself.He then thought back to when they were eating, the tension that hung above them and the way Mika's mother snapped at Mika when he had tried to stop her from poking and prodding too much into Yuu's life."But...they really don't seem to be on good terms. Mika seems to hate his parents with a passion and as for his parents, they don't see him as a son, but as a tool..." he thought to himself.He rolled over, successfully breaking from Mika's grip."This penthouse has a balcony, right? Maybe I'll go out there and take a breather." he thought to himself.He got out of bed and he reached for his gold iPhone 6 Plus, slipping it into his pajama pants pocket and he quietly stepped out of the room. He padded down the hallway and made his way over to the curved staircase. He began to step down as his phone began to ring."Huh?" he murmured as he quickly pulled out his phone and looked down at it. He frowned, seeing that it was an unknown number."Who could that be...?" he asked himself.He decided to answer the call as he tapped on the green button and he brought the phone to his ear."Hello?" he answered...."Um...yes, this is Yuu. Is there...any way that I can help you?"...Yuu's eyes widened in horror as he listened to the person talking on the other end. His phone nearly slipped out of his hand as one word spilled from his lips."...What?""You're kidding me, right?!"Mitsuba's loud screech reached his ears as he poured some orange juice into a glass."I'm not..." he trailed off."Just who the hell do they think they are to talk you down?!""Mika's parents, who are one of the richest families in the world." Yuu told her, watching her on FaceTime as she ripped open a green apple lollipop."Like, the real parents or his aunt and uncle?" she asked."His real parents. His aunt and uncle are really nice people." Yuu told her as he walked out of the kitchen with his glass of apple juice."So, his real parents decided to threaten you?" she asked."Yeah." Yuu replied.This made Mitsuba snort."This is why I hate rich people! All they care about is their goddamn money, wealth, and fame! They could give a shit about their children. The children are basically their puppets that they manipulate in order to gain more money and fame." she rolled the lollipop around in her mouth. "If they try to contact you again, tell them to go suck a dick!" she snapped.Yuu laughed nervously."Geez, Mitsuba...I'm glad to see that your loud mouth hasn't changed." he said."Oi! What is that supposed to mean?!" she snapped."It's just that I'm glad the Mitsuba I know is still there." he said.Mitsuba pouted at this."It's not like I'm gonna let these Americans change this Korean!" she snapped, causing Yuu to laugh."But, seriously." Mitsuba's expression turned serious. "If you're really bothered by it, why not go on a trip?" she suggested."A trip?" Yuu questioned."Yeah! You and Mika can go on a trip and relax the hell out! I suggest LA." Mitsuba suggested."LA?" Yuu questioned."Yeah, baby! Los Angeles is where it's at! The beaches! The Hollywood sign! The food, come on, Yuu! Convince him to take you!" Mitsuba shouted."Uh...I'll see what he thinks..." Yuu trailed off."Yeah, you go do that." she then glanced up. "Ah, I've got a customer. I'll talk to you later." she said."Okay. Bye, Mitsuba." he said as she hung up.He sighed deeply as he finished his orange juice. He got up from the couch in the living room and he glanced out at the balcony, eyeing the large pool and hot tub there."Maybe I'll go soak in the hot tub..." he thought to himself.He went upstairs to go change and came back down a couple of minutes later in a pair of black swimming trunks that had silver flames on it. He stepped out onto the balcony, the warm breeze hitting him as he went and he sank down into the hot tub. The jets massaged his back as he thought back on the conversation from last night.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hello. Is this Yuu Amane?"
"Um...yes, this is Yuu. Is there...any way that I can help you?"
"There is, actually. I'm sure you remember me. I'm Mika's father. And I've called to request that you stay away from our son."
Yuu's eyes widened in horror as he listened to the person talking on the other end. His phone nearly slipped out of his hand as one word spilled from his lips.
"...What?" he choked out.
"I knew there was something off with you and now I realize that you're that stripper from the red-light district in Seoul. Whether you like it or not, we can't have you jeopardizing Mika's future as the heir to the company."
"Mika never asked to be the heir. And I never asked to get involved in your shitty complaining and crying." Yuu snapped.
"Mika has to continue our legacy. The company is his main priority. Also, you were asking for trouble when you managed to seduce him."
"Like I said, Mika doesn't want this! And why do I have to be threatened for this?!" Yuu asked.
"Because if you don't keep away, then Mika will get hurt because of your selfishness."
Yuu felt himself jolt a little.
"What are you trying to say? You guys would hurt your own son so that you can stay on top?" Yuu asked.
"A lowly stripper like yourself may not know this, but in order to stay on top, sometimes your hands need to get dirty."
"So you'd kill him?!" he nearly screeched into the phone.
His hand then quickly flew over his mouth, hoping his shouting didn't wake up Mika. He quickly looked over his shoulder to see if the blond had awoken. He then breathed out a sigh of relief once he saw that the hallway was still pitch black.
"Not really. He'll just be punished, that's all."
Yuu gritted his teeth.
"Just what is it that I have to do to keep him safe? Look, I'll do anything! Just don't hurt him..." Yuu said.
There was a sigh on the other end.
"Well, since you really seem desperate, I'll give you two weeks."
"Two weeks?" Yuu blinked his eyes twice. "Two weeks for what?" he asked.
"Two weeks to spend as much time as you want with him. After that, you need to vanish from his life. By doing this, we guarantee that Mika won't be harmed."
"Are you sure?" Yuu asked.
"Most definitely."
Yuu bit his lip.
"Okay, fine. I accept. I'll leave him once those two weeks are up." Yuu said.
"Good."
The phone clicked, signaling that Mr. Shindo had hung up. Yuu sighed as he brought the phone away from his ear and he looked down at his phone screen.
"I hope this will turn out okay..." he murmured before continuing his way down the stairs to the balcony.
Yuu stared up at the sky as he sighed."Was this the right decision? I mean, by agreeing to this, Mika won't be hurt. But still...I don't know if I should really trust them or not..." he thought to himself.He sank a little deeper into the water, the tips of his hair disappearing under the bubbly water."Come on, Yuu! You came out here to clear your mind, nor clutter it!" he told himself.He sighed again, creating bubbles on the surface of the water as he continued to soak in the hot tub."A trip?"Mika eyed Yuu in slight surprise as he swirled some lo mein around his chopsticks.Yuu nodded his head in response as he chewed on some broccoli.This time, they chose to order takeout rather than cook. Yuu was too lazy to cook a decent meal and as for Mika, he was too tired from work to go shopping for groceries. So, this led them to ordering Chinese food from a nearby Chinese restaurant down the road."What brought this on?" Mika asked."Well," Yuu sipped on his glass of water, "I feel like the two of us need a break from reality and go relax somewhere. Maybe for a few days or something." Yuu suggested.Mika nodded."Okay..." he trailed off."So?" Yuu asked."Before I say anything else, may I ask a couple of questions?" Mika asked."Yeah, sure!" Yuu said as he put some more broccoli into his mouth."One, why a trip?" he asked."Well...I thought that maybe you may need a break from all that corporate work..." Yuu trailed off."Two, did Mitsuba put you up to this?" Mika asked."Mitsuba didn't necessarily put me up to it! All she did was suggest it to me. So, I took her suggestion." he said."Okay." Mika ate some beef rolled up in some lo mein noodles. "And three, where would you want to go?" he asked."Um..." Yuu tapped a chopstick against his plate. "Maybe Los Angeles?" he questioned.This made Mika chuckle."Okay. I guess I can take a few days off. It'll probably be three days, at the most." Mika said."Wait, for real? We can actually go on the trip?" Yuu asked in slight surprise."Yeah. Like you said, I kinda need a break, anyway." Mika said."Okay." Yuu replied."Is that all you have to say?" Mika asked."What? Is there anything else for me to say?" Yuu asked."Hmmm..." Mika shrugged a little. "Not necessarily." he said before leaning in and pressing a kiss to Yuu's lips.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika let the wind rush through his hair as he drove down the highway in his old, red Corvette convertible. Thanks to Crowley, he managed to get three days off from work. So, he decided to drive him and Yuu up to LA for their vacation, as Yuu requested. He zipped around the corner as he glanced at Yuu through his gold aviator sunglasses. Yuu's hair whipped around in the wind and his emerald green eyes watched the scenery around him in awe. Mika couldn't help but chuckle. "He is just too cute..." he thought to himself. "Mika!" Yuu looked over at the blond. "When are we getting there?" he asked. "At this rate, we'll get there by maybe six this evening?" the wind blew his hair around in his face. "I'll have to pull over for gas soon." Mika explained. "I see..." Yuu then looked over at the radio in Mika's car. "Can we turn on the radio? I wanna listen to something." he said. "Okay. Are you okay with pop?" Mika asked. Yuu eyed Mika in slight confusion. "Pop? What's that?" he asked. "That's where your Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, and Justin Bieber music is." Mika explained. "Oh." Yuu replied. "Have you never listened to pop music before?" Mika asked. "If we're talking KPOP, then yes, I have. As for American pop, it's only played in Starbucks, but I don't listen to it a lot. Manager plays quite a bit of classical and orchestra music." Yuu explained. "Huh." Mika began to fiddle around with the radio. "Well, it's about time I expanded your mind." he said before switching the channel to 104.3. The song Hello by Adele floated through the speakers as Mika pulled off the highway and drove to a nearby gas station. "Who's singing?" Yuu asked. "Adele. She's a British singer." Mika replied. Yuu arched a brow in confusion. "British?" Mika nodded in response. "If she's British, then why are her songs being aired in America? They don't air much KPOP songs here, so why is Britain an exception?" Yuu asked. Mika chuckled as he pulled up at a pump at a gas station. "You're so cute." he said, reaching out to ruffle Yuu's hair before pressing a light kiss to his forehead and cutting the engine. He stepped out of the vehicle and closed the door as Yuu pouted. "You didn't even answer my question!" he whined. He watched Mika as he dug out his wallet and he opened it, digging through it for his debit card. He had to admit, Mika looked really hot (probably more hotter than ever before) in the white sleeveless top, dark denim jeans, and white sneakers that he wore. The sleeveless top showed off his muscles and biceps, which was slowly turning Yuu on. This caused Yuu to blush. "Oh my god, Yuu! Stop doing that or else he'll notice!" he told himself. He quickly shook his head as Mika put the pump into the vehicle and selected the type of gas he wanted. The pump began filling the car with gas as Mika looked over at Yuu. "Do you want me to go into the store and see if I can find a snack?" Mika asked. Yuu nodded. "Yeah. If they have honey buns, could you buy two? I like them. They remind me of Shinoa's sweets." Yuu requested. "Yeah, I'll check and see. If the gas finishes pumping before I come out, take it out and close everything up." Mika said. Yuu nodded. "Alright." he replied as Mika dashed off to the small convenience store that the gas station had. Yuu sighed as he lounged back in the chair he was sitting in. "This feels nice...being able to get away from it all, not having to listen to anyone at all...if life could be like this, then I'd be glad." he thought to himself. The sound of Adele singing ran through his ears as he drummed his fingers along the dashboard. He then kicked his shoes off and he put his feet on the dashboard. "This is so relaxing..." he thought to himself. That was when the pump stopped filling gas. Yuu looked over at it. "Ah, I should probably deal with that..." he thought to himself. Another song began to play on the radio as Yuu hopped out of the convertible and he made his way over to the gas pump. He pulled it out, closed back up the gas container in the vehicle, and he put the pump back. He then saw something flash across the screen. "Print receipt or pay in store? What does this mean?" he wondered out loud. Before he decided to go with the first option, he saw Mika come back with two honey buns and a package of Trolli Sour Gummy Worms. "I'm back!" he put the food in the cup holders as he looked at Yuu. "Is there anything you need help with?" he asked. "Um...what should I do with the receipt...?" Yuu asked. "Oh, that. Just press Print Receipt. It's a hassle to go pay in the store, so I usually have the receipt printed at the pump." Mika explained. "Okay..." Yuu trailed off as he selected the print receipt option. A small receipt was printed out and Mika took it. "Alright! Now that that's settled, let's continue on our way." Mika stated as he got back into the vehicle. Yuu quickly went back over to the passenger seat, got into the vehicle, and buckled himself in. "Now, this should be our last stop, so our next stop is LA!" Mika declared before starting the engine and speeding off. Yuu watched as they got back onto the highway. He reached out, his fingers running through the air as he looked at Mika. "Mika?" he spoke. "Yeah?" Mika replied. "Is pop music all you can play?" Yuu asked. "As of right now, yes. Static'll probably come up on all the other channels." Mika explained. "I see..." Yuu trailed off. He then picked up the gold aviator sunglasses that Mika had slipped into the cup holder and he put them on. Mika couldn't help but smile as a familiar song began playing on the radio. "Ah! It's Youth!" he exclaimed. "Youth...?" Yuu questioned in confusion. "Yeah! It's by Troye Sivan." Mika explained. "Ah! I know this song! It would play a few times at Starbucks." Yuu explained. "Yeah. I really like this song." Mika went up the windy road as he began to sing to the song. "What if, what if we run away? What if, what if we left today? What if, we say goodbye to safe and sound?" he sang. Sooner or later, Yuu joined in with him. "What if, what if we're hard to find? What if, what if we lost our minds? What if, we looked and fall behind and then never found?" Yuu sang. "And when the lights start flashing like a photo booth...and the stars exploding, we'll be fireproof!" they both sang in unison. "My youth!" Yuu clapped his hands as Mika continued. "My youth is yours, trippin' on skies, sippin' waterfalls. My youth! My youth is yours, runaway now and forevermore. My youth! My youth is yours, the truth so loud you can't ignore..." Mika sang. Unbeknownst to Mika, Yuu had unbuckled his seatbelt. "My youth, my youth, my youth...My youth is yours!" Mika shouted. And at that moment, Yuu shot up from his seat. He stood, embracing the wind as he swayed a little to the song. Mika looked up and his jaw dropped in shock. "Y-Yuu! Just what is it that you're doing?!" he squeaked out in horror. "I'm doing what those Hollywood stars do. I'm standing in the moving vehicle and letting the wind caress me." Yuu explained. "Are you bloody mad?! I'm gonna get pulled over and given a ticket if you continue doing that!" Mika exclaimed. "What's a ticket?" Yuu asked. "It's a piece of paper the police give people as a warning to not break the laws! If they catch me and you're not in your seatbelt, then I'm held responsible!" Mika complained. "I thought I would be the one responsible." Yuu stated. "Well, whoever takes responsibility will end up with the ticket and the fine that comes with it and that is painful." Mika explained. "Aw..." Yuu pouted. "I kinda want to continue being like this..." he whined. Mika sighed. "To be quite frank, I would've let you. But, I wish to keep my license, so can you please sit down?" Mika asked. "Okay..." Yuu murmured before sitting down. He buckled in his seatbelt as Troye Sivan went into the second verse and Mika continued on down the highway.After getting into LA and picking up a couple of cheeseburgers at an In-N-Out Burger joint, Mika finally pulled up at the hotel that they were staying at. "A Marriott?" Yuu questioned in slight surprise. "Yeah...I'm not really up for huge, luxury hotels like Hyatt and all that kind of thing." Mika explained, staring at the large TownePlace Suites before them. "I see..." Yuu trailed off. "I'll be back." Mika unbuckled his seatbelt. "I'm gonna go in." he said. Yuu nodded in response as Mika got out of the vehicle, closed the door behind him, and walked over to the entrance. Yuu sighed as the double doors slid open and Mika disappeared into the hotel. "I can't believe this is really happening..." he rested along the edge of the convertible. "We're actually going on a trip that involves just the two of us..." he thought to himself. He blushed a little. "Aaaaagh, now I'm getting all flustered just thinking about it!" he thought to himself. He peeked through the glass of the double doors and watched Mika converse with the lady at the front desk. A couple minutes later, Mika turned and stepped out of the building. "Alright, I got our room. It's room 215. Apparently, it's a suite." Mika explained as he got back into the vehicle. "A suite, huh..." Yuu murmured as Mika handed him the card key. "Yeah. Hold onto that card key for me until we get to the room." Mika explained. Yuu nodded as Mika drove the vehicle into the parking lot. He pulled up in front of the building by a side door and he cut the engine. "Okay...let's get our luggage from the back." Mika said. Yuu nodded, picking up the bag of food and drinks as they stepped out of the vehicle and they took their luggage out from the back. Yuu grabbed for his plaid suitcase while Mika picked up a black suitcase. Mika brought the hood back over the convertible and rolled up the windows before locking it. "Let's go." Mika said. Yuu nodded before following Mika over to the side door. Mika opened it and they stepped into the hotel. "Ah, there's the stairs." Mika nodded his head over to the flight of stairs on their left. "Let's use those." he said. Yuu nodded before picking his luggage up and following Mika up the stairs. They arrived on the second floor and they took a left towards the end of the hall. They approached a blue door with a silver plaque on the door that said 215. "Let me see the room key." Mika said. "Okay." Yuu replied as he handed the key to Mika. Mika pulled the key out of the holder and he swiped it next to the door handle. It beeped as a green light showed, signaling that the door was unlocked. Mika quickly opened the door and he walked in with his luggage. He held the door open so that Yuu could also step in. The door closed as Mika flicked on the lights. The room had a simple yet contemporary look to it. The carpet was brown with different colored circles on it. To the left of them was a small kitchen with white tile, a black fridge, microwave, stove, and oven along with a sink and dishwasher. To their right was a dining table that could easily seat four people. Ahead of them was a small seating area with a blue couch, a small glass coffee table, and a large TV sitting on a brown cabinet. The walls were a cream color and there was a window by the seating area, which was covered by a blue curtain. "This room isn't so bad." Yuu noted. "Yeah. Suites are usually nice." Mika replied. Yuu went to put the bag of food on the counter as Mika walked up to him. "I'll take our luggage into our room." Mika said. "Wait...our room?" Yuu questioned. "Yeah. There's one room, so we'll share the bed." Mika blinked his eyes twice. "Did you not want to?" he asked. "N-No! That wasn't what I meant at all!" Yuu stammered out. Mika couldn't help but chuckle. "I'll go unpack our clothes. You can start warming up our dinner in the microwave." Mika said. Yuu could only nod as Mika went off to their bedroom and Yuu began to prepare their dinner.Mika sipped on his cup of Sunkist as Yuu dipped a fry into some ketchup. "So, what are we going to do tomorrow?" Yuu asked. "Anything you want to do." Mika replied. "Anything I want to do?" Yuu questioned in surprise. "Yeah." Mika replied. "But, I've never been to LA before..." Yuu trailed off. "Ah, yes, that's right. Well, once we finish eating, we can go on my laptop and check out what there is to do." Mika said. "Okay." Yuu replied as he bit into his cheeseburger. Mika also took a bite out of his cheeseburger as he noticed something. "Ah, you got some ketchup on your cheek." he said. "I did? Seriously?" Yuu complained. Mika nodded. "Yeah. Let me get it for you." he offered as he reached out and he swiped at the ketchup on Yuu's cheek. He wiped his thumb on a napkin as he realized how close they were. Yuu's heart raced as he gazed up at Mika. "Mi...ka...?" he choked out. Mika continued staring at him before beginning to lean in. Yuu felt the butterflies fluttering around in his stomach as his eyes slowly closed, waiting for Mika to kiss him. However, the kiss never happened. Yuu opened his eyes to see that Mika had withdrawn and he stood up from his seat at the dining table. "I think I'll save some of this for later. I'm going to go shower." Mika said. Yuu nodded his head slowly. "Okay..." he trailed off as Mika went into the kitchen and wrapped up his burger. He put it in the fridge along with his cup of soda and he began to make his way over to their room. As Yuu listened to the sounds of Mika moving around, he drew a pattern in the ketchup with his fry with a frown on his face.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu knew that he should be sleeping. However, he couldn't help it. He couldn't stop thinking about what happened earlier this evening.
"Mika was going to kiss me...but why did he stop?" he asked himself.
He shifted around on the large queen sized bed to face Mika, who was sleeping peacefully. He ran a couple fingers along Mika's cheek, smiling softly.
"So beautiful..." he murmured.
He then frowned.
"But...I can only be with him for two weeks...I would've refused his father's offer, but since they are one of the richest families in the world, I couldn't risk it. I won't let Mika get hurt." he thought to himself.
He lowered his hand as Mika wrapped his arms around his waist and pulled him closer. Yuu rested his head on his chest, listening to the sound of Mika's breathing as he was lulled to sleep.
Yuu felt the wind blow through his hair as Mika drove around the city the next day.
"So, what are we doing today?" Yuu asked.
"I thought we'd go down to Hollywood. You know, take a picture by the sign, go to the wax museum, or do something that you may consider fun." Mika explained.
"Sounds good." Yuu replied as Mika took a left.
Yuu propped his feet up on the dashboard as he began to think.
"This is so relaxing! The wind blowing through my hair, the sun shining brightly, and Mika by my side..." he thought to himself.
A light blush colored his cheeks pink as Mika stopped at a stop light.
"As we're right here, wanna go to the Hollywood Walk of Fame?" he asked.
"Okay, sure" Yuu replied.
"Then, we'll go for lunch." Mika said as the light turned green. Mika turned right and parked up on the curb by a small boutique. He cut the engine and they got out of the vehicle.
"Whoa..." Yuu trailed off, watching all the people walking around on the sidewalk.
"So, they put all of these stars on this sidewalk?" Yuu asked.
Mika nodded.
"Yeah. They put celebrities' names on these stars for everyone to see. And sadly, there is no Lee Min Ho here." Mika said, causing Yuu to frown slightly.
"What?! But, they came to LA to film The Heirs, though...!" Yuu complained, causing Mika to chuckle as he followed Yuu down the sidewalk.
Mika took pictures of the many brass stars on the sidewalk such as Mickey Mouse and Walt Disney. At one point, Yuu had gone into a store to buy Mickey Mouse ears and he had Mika take a picture of him sitting by the Mickey Mouse star, causing Mika to smile.
After that, they decided on going to eat at a restaurant.
"Mika, where are we going to eat?" Yuu asked.
"It's a surprise." Mika replied, bringing a finger to his lips.
This made Yuu pout.
"Meanie..." he mumbled, causing Mika to laugh as he drove down the road.
Yuu glanced at Mika as he spoke.
"Can I at least try to guess?" he asked.
"Fire away." Mika replied.
"Alright..." Mika took a left. "Fast food?" he asked.
"No." Mika replied.
"Italian?"
"No."
"French?"
"No."
"Mediterranean?"
"No."
"Burgers?"
"No."
"Gourmet food?"
"Something like that."
"Wha..?! 'Something like that?!'" Yuu couldn't help but shoot the blond another pout. "So, am I getting there?" he asked.
"Basically, yeah." he took another left. "I felt like you may feel more at home if I took you to this place." Mika explained.
"More at home...?" Yuu questioned.
"Yeah." Mika pulled up on the curb in front of a small restaurant. "How does Korean barbecue sound?" he asked, nodding his head up at the sign that read Genwa Korean BBQ.
Yuu watched up in shock.
"Oh my god..." he looked at Mika. "So, this was the surprise?" he asked.
"Yeah. I figured that you might be missing your kimchi and traditional Korean flavors. So, I looked up some Korean restaurants and found this place. I heard this place was supposed to have really good food." Mika explained.
"Well, I'll be the judge of that." Yuu said as the two of them got out of the vehicle. Mika cut the engine as he brought the hood back over the convertible, locked the car, and they stepped into the restaurant.
The lights were dimmed to give a more relaxed and intimate feel, but it was still lively. The restaurant was pretty huge with large windows, dark wood tables and chairs, and some booths along the sides of the walls. The smell of barbecued meat reached Yuu's nostrils as a waiter took them to a booth in the very corner of the restaurant. They sat down and Yuu began drumming his fingers along the table.
"This is quite gourmet and stylish for a Korean barbecue joint." Yuu commented.
"It is. Back in Seoul, it was more stalls out in the streets and fast food joints." Mika explained.
"Yeah, pretty much." Yuu replied as a waitress came over with two glasses of water and a small bowl containing lemon wedges.
"Hello and welcome to Genwa! May I get you guys started with something to drink?" she asked.
"Well," Mika grabbed for the menu they were given once they were seated at the table, "I would like some soju, please." he said.
"I'd like some soju, as well." Yuu said.
"So, that'll be two sojus?" the waitress asked.
Mika nodded.
"Yeah." he replied.
"Okay! I will be right back with that." she said before heading off.
Mika sighed softly as he glanced down at the menu.
"Do you know that you get to grill your own meat at the table?" Mika asked.
"Really?" Yuu questioned.
"Yeah." Mika replied.
Yuu couldn't help but giggle.
"It's almost like back at home where Shinya would set up the small grill and him, Guren, and I would grill beef for dinner on special occasions." he commented.
Mika frowned at the mention of Guren as Yuu realized that he mentioned Guren. He slowly lowered his gaze.
"Sorry...I shouldn't have mentioned him..." he trailed off.
"Don't be sorry. I didn't mind. All you did was reminiscing about the good times." Mika said as the waitress came back with two uncapped bottles of soju.
"Here are your sojus." she rested the bottles on the table. "So, what would you guys like to order?" she asked.
"Well, I was thinking of grilling some bulgogi at the table." Mika said.
Yuu's eyes began to sparkle a little as the waitress wrote the order down.
"Anything else?" she asked.
"We'll also have some white rice, shrimp, scallops, and lobster." Mika said.
Yuu swallowed as the waitress spoke.
"Okay..." the waitress smiled at them. "Well, I will be back with your order!" she chirped before taking their menus from them and heading off.
Yuu sighed as he looked at Mika.
"Mika...I have to tell you something." he said.
"Yeah?" Mika replied.
"I'm allergic to lobster." Yuu admitted.
"Wait, you are?" Mika questioned.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. When we had gone to have dinner with your parents, I didn't eat the lobster that they served because I was allergic." Yuu explained.
"I see...Well, how come you didn't tell me anything before? If I had known, I would've had Uncle Crowley call them and changed the menu." Mika said.
"But, you never told me what the menu was." Yuu pointed out.
Mika blinked his eyes twice before chuckling.
"That's true." he said as a small grill was brought over to them.
"The meat will be coming out just now." the waiter that brought the grill stated before heading off.
Yuu drank some of his soju as Mika eyed the grill curiously.
"The grill looks kind of adorable." he stated.
"Adorable?" Yuu questioned in slight surprise.
"Yeah. Like, dollhouse adorable." Mika replied.
Yuu laughed a little.
"Well, that's interesting." he replied.
Mika reached out to start up the grill as the waiter came by with some meat.
"Here is the meat to put on the grill." the waiter said.
"Thank you." Mika responded as the waiter walked away.
Yuu smiled as he grabbed for a pair of tongs.
"How warm is the grill?" Yuu asked.
"Hm..." Mika reached out to let his hand hover above the grill. "It's warming up pretty quickly. I think we can put the meat on now." he stated.
"Okay." Yuu said as he picked up a piece of beef with his tongs.
Mika couldn't help but smile at him as the boy slowly brought a piece of beef onto the grill.
After eating their lunch, they had driven to the Hollywood sign, as Mika had promised. Mika pulled the vehicle onto the curb as Yuu looked at the huge mountain before them.
"Whoa!" his eyes sparkled. "It's the Hollywood sign!" he chirped.
"Yup. It looks nice, doesn't it?" Mika asked.
"Yeah." Yuu hopped out of the vehicle as he continued to stare at the sign. "It's almost like The Heirs!" he exclaimed.
"What?!" Mika got out of the vehicle. "They filmed here, as well?!" he questioned in shock.
"Yeah! They filmed a scene at the sign in The Heirs!" Yuu explained.
"Jesus...where did they not film in that drama...?" Mika murmured, causing Yuu to laugh.
His laughter faltered as he gazed up at the sign.
"It's a shame we can't get any closer, though..." Yuu trailed off.
"Well, that's what we got selfie sticks for!" Mika declared as he pulled out a black selfie stick.
"Selfie stick?" Yuu questioned.
"Yeah. All I have to do is hook my phone up onto my Bluetooth and then we can take our picture." Mika explained as he attached his phone onto the stick and he began to set it up.
Yuu smiled softly as he glanced back over at the Hollywood sign.
"The sign...it's so far away and distant...I wonder what it would look like if we got closer?" he asked himself.
"Alrighty, then..." Yuu felt an arm wound itself around his waist and pull him closer, causing him to gasp. "Time to take a selfie! Say cheese!" Mika declared.
"Cheese...?" Yuu spoke uncertainly as the picture was taken.
"Okay, another one." Mika said.
This time, Yuu smiled as Mika snapped another picture. He disconnected it from the Bluetooth and the stick as he looked at Yuu.
"Okay, now let me take a picture of you." he said.
"Okay." Yuu replied as he fixed himself up.
"Now, give me a smile!" Mika said.
Yuu smiled as he took the picture. Mika went into his photo gallery and smiled as he heard a voice.
"Do you want me to take a picture of you guys?"
"Sure!" Mika declared, looking at the guy that called out to them as the guy walked over to him.
"All you have to do is tap that button." Mika said, showing the guy the button on the phone.
"Okay." the guy replied as he took the phone from Mika. Mika quickly rushed over to Yuu as the guy spoke.
"I'm taking it now!" he said.
Mika quickly wound an arm around Yuu's waist, pulling the boy close as the guy snapped the photo.
"Okay! One more for good luck!" the guy declared.
Mika smiled before leaning in and pressing a kiss to Yuu's cheek. A surprised look washed over Yuu's face as the guy snapped the next picture.
"There we go." the guy handed the phone back to Mika as he spoke. "You two look like a cute couple." he said.
A bright red blush appeared on Mika's cheeks as Yuu watched in confusion.
"Uh..." Yuu trailed off.
"W-Well, good day, sir!" Mika declared.
He then looked over at Yuu.
"You wanna go driving around for a bit?" he asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Sure." he responded.
They got into the convertible, started up the engine, and sped off. A Britney Spears song came in through the speakers as Mika drove back into the city.
As they got closer to Sunset Boulevard, Yuu noticed something by a small courtyard.
"Hey, stop." he said.
"Stop? How come?" Mika asked.
"Just do it." Yuu replied.
"If you say so." Mika replied before parallel parking by the curb. He cut the engine and they stepped out of the vehicle.
"Now, what is it?" Mika asked as they began to head down the sidewalk.
"Look at them." he said, nodding his head in the direction of the courtyard.
Mika looked over and that was when he saw a married couple standing in the courtyard with many other people.
"A married couple?" he questioned.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah." he replied.
"That's why you wanted me to pull over? To look at a married couple?" Mika asked in slight surprise.
"Yeah." Yuu replied.
"Uh..." Mika trailed off, not sure what to say to that.
Yuu smiled softly as he watched the bride laugh, a wide smile on her face as she hugged the man Yuu assumed was her husband.
"I wonder..." he trailed off.
"Hm?" Mika asked.
"What?" Yuu asked.
"You said something." Mika said.
"Well, I was looking at them and I began to wonder..." Yuu trailed off.
"Wonder what?" Mika asked.
"Well...I was wondering what it would be like if we got married." Yuu admitted.
It was silent between them for a couple of minutes. Mika wasn't quite understanding what Yuu was trying to get at. Then, it clicked.
"M-Marriage?!" he stammered out in shock, his cheeks a bright red.
"Yeah...us married with no one to object us or anything like that. And when the priest says to speak now or forever hold your peace, everyone will not speak because they truly believe that we belong together." Yuu looked at Mika. "Wouldn't that be nice?" he asked.
Mika felt his heart skip a beat. He then cleared his throat before speaking.
"Yeah. That surely does sound nice."
Yuu sat on the bed, tying his hair back into a small ponytail as Mika walked into the room whilst drying his hair with a towel.
"Are you going to bed so soon?" Mika asked.
"Yeah. I'm kind of sleepy." he admitted.
"I see." Mika replied.
Yuu bit his lip as he gazed at Mika, who was in a black wife beater and black and white plaid boxers.
"I want him..." he thought to himself.
"Um...Mika?" he spoke up.
"Yeah?" Mika replied.
"About last night..." Yuu bit his lip. "Why didn't you kiss me?" he asked.
"Why I didn't kiss you?" Mika questioned.
"Yeah. I thought you were, but you pulled away at the last moment." Yuu explained.
"Oh." the towel slipped out of Mika's hand and onto the floor as he looked at the boy. "Well, I wasn't sure if you wanted to progress quicker than I thought you wanted to. I don't want to do things that might make you feel uncomfortable, since it has been a little while since I have been with you like this." Mika explained.
"Mika..." Yuu blushed a little. "I didn't think you were being so considerate..." he trailed off.
"I am. I'm being considerate because I love you, Yuu." he said.
Yuu bit his lip as he spoke.
"Well, I'm glad. But, I am willing to do anything for you. There is nothing for you to worry about. If you want to kiss me, then go right ahead." Yuu closed his eyes, puckering his lips slightly. "Kiss me." he said.
Mika felt his cheeks heat up. He swore that one day, Yuu was going to be the death of him.
"Goddammit..." he murmured under his breath as he walked over to him, his hands on either side of him. A hand slid up to rest on Yuu's cheek as he leaned in and pressed a chaste kiss to his lips. He quickly pulled away from the kiss as Yuu's eyes fluttered open. He noticed how Yuu's eyes sparkled a little as he spoke.
"Mika..." he murmured.
"Yuu..." Mika trailed off.
He then moved in for another kiss. This kiss was more rough as he lightly pushed Yuu down onto the bed.
"Mmmmm..." Yuu felt Mika run a hand through his hair as he kissed back. Mika nibbled on Yuu's bottom lip lightly, causing Yuu to moan softly as his mouth opened a little. Mika's tongue slithered in and it stroked Yuu's tongue lightly.
Mika grunted in slight pleasure as Yuu poked at his tongue with his own. Their tongues were engaged in a small tongue battle as the kiss grew more intense.
"Oh..." drool began to dribble down the side of Yuu's mouth. "Mika..." he murmured out.
Mika pulled away from the kiss and he fixed themselves onto the bed, Yuu's hair creating a dark halo on the fluffy, white pillow.
"Mika...Mika, plea- - -Mmmmm!" Yuu let out a surprised moan as Mika began peppering kisses down the side of his neck. He stopped at the junction between his neck and shoulder and he began suckling on the skin. Yuu moaned softly as he left a hickey.
"Mika, please..." he panted out.
"Please what?" Mika asked.
"I need you...so, please...!" Yuu gazed up at Mika with lustful eyes. "Take me...Oh, please, take me!" he pleaded.
Mika could feel his heart skip a beat. The way Yuu was staring at him was beginning to turn him on. Yuu's cheeks were flushed a bright red with green eyes glazed over with lust and his lips were a little red due to the rough kiss he planted on them before.
"Dammit, Yuu...you don't know how badly I want you. But..." he reached out to run his fingers through Yuu's hair. "I want to go slow." he said.
"Slow?" Yuu questioned.
"Yes. If we go too fast, it won't be as enjoyable." Mika explained.
Yuu said nothing as Mika reached for his oversized white band t-shirt and he pulled it off, revealing his chest. He leaned back in and began to drag his tongue along Yuu's collarbone. Yuu shivered a little, feeling Mika's saliva begin to dry a little on his skin. He created a small trail down towards his left nipple and he began to suck on it.
"Ah!" Yuu gasped out, feeling Mika's tongue swirl around the pink bud. Mika reached up to tweak with the other one as Mika licked the nipple. He then bit it, causing Yuu to cry out.
"Ah!" Yuu's back arched off the bed a little. "Oh, shit!" he cried out.
"Shhh." Mika pulled away from Yuu's nipple with a small 'pop' and he brought a finger to Yuu's lips. "Don't make so much noise. You'll disturb our neighbors." he said.
Yuu scoffed.
"Screw tha- - -Mmmmm..." Yuu hummed in pleasure as Mika resumed his ministrations with Yuu's nipple. He then switched nipples, giving the right one the same treatment he gave the left one.
Yuu's toes curled in and out as he grasped for the sheets.
"Oh, god..." Yuu breathed out.
He turned his head into the pillow as Mika pulled at his left nipple lightly. He moaned into it as Mika pulled away.
"Yuu, are you hiding your face?" he asked.
"Mmm." Yuu let out a muffled reply as he kept his face hidden from view.
"Yuu, I want to see you." Mika said as he reached out towards Yuu's face.
Yuu didn't do much to fight back as Mika turned his head so that he could see him. Yuu was blushing up to his ears at this point. Just the sight of him was enough to make Mika blush.
"Yuu..." he trailed off.
As he spoke, his leg moved up a little. His knee pressed against Yuu's growing erection through his dark grey boxers, making Yuu moan loudly.
"Mmm!" Yuu's hips jolted slightly at the sensation.
"Yuu?" Mika questioned.
"More..." Yuu murmured, grinding his clothed erection against Mika's leg in an attempt to gain more friction.
"More, huh..." Mika trailed off.
He trailed a hand down the side of Yuu's hip towards the band of his boxers. He hooked a couple of fingers around it as he gazed at Yuu. Yuu nodded his head slightly.
"You can pull it down." he whispered.
"Okay." Mika replied before slowly pulling his boxers down.
Yuu's erection popped out as Mika discarded Yuu's boxers. He then shifted down a little and parted Yuu's legs.
"Gosh, you are beautiful..." Mika murmured as he began planting kisses along the inside of Yuu's thighs. Yuu moaned as Mika occasionally nipped at the skin. He then took Yuu's erection into his hand and he moved up towards the tip. He licked it lightly before beginning to suck on the tip.
"Oh!" Yuu cried out as Mika bobbed his head lightly. He swirled his tongue around Yuu's length before moving down.
"Mmmmm...oh, Mika..." Yuu panted out as Mika bobbed his head up and down.
His fingernails dug lightly into the skin, creating small crescent shapes as Yuu reached out towards Mika. He fisted his hands in Mika's hair and he bucked his hips up.
"Mmmmph!" Mika let out a muffled gasp as Yuu's cock nearly hit the back of his throat. His hands flew to Yuu's hips, holding him down.
"Pwaah!" Mika withdrew from Yuu's cock as he spoke. "Yuu...no thrusting up..." he panted out.
"You...You make it way too good..." Yuu panted out.
"Do I...?" Mika murmured.
Yuu nodded his head.
"Yes...please, keep going..." he trailed off.
Mika nodded before continuing what he was doing. He dragged his tongue along the hardened length, swirling it around the leaking tip as Yuu spoke.
"I...I'm gonna...! Ah!" Yuu bucked his hips up as cum shot into Mika's mouth. He eagerly gulped it up as Yuu rode out his climax.
Mika pulled away and he looked up at Yuu.
"Stop being so bashful. Come here." he said before pulling Yuu towards him and kissing him.
Yuu moaned into the kiss as he wrapped his arms around Mika's neck. He began to run his fingers through Mika's hair as Mika slowly pulled away from the kiss.
"Do me..." Mika whispered.
Yuu nodded before reaching down to pull Mika's hardened erection out from the slit in his boxers. He palmed it in his hand, causing Mika to grunt slightly.
"Gosh, Yuu..." he breathed out.
"Mmmm? Do you want me to stroke you?" Yuu asked.
"Yeah. But, let me take off my boxers first." Mika said.
He reached for the band on his boxers and he pulled it off as Yuu moved in and began to lick at the tip.
"Shit...!" he choked out.
Yuu hummed along his length as he began bobbing his head up and down. He used his hand to stroke whatever he couldn't swallow (Mika's cock seemed to be a lot bigger from the last time they had sex), his tongue running along the underside of the blond's cock.
Mika hissed as he reached over to the nightstand. He picked up the small bottle of lube that was sitting there and he opened it, pouring some onto his fingers.
Yuu looked up at the bottle of lube, removing his mouth from Mika's length.
"You're actually using it." he said.
"I'm still shocked by how you are so prepared." Mika countered.
"What? I actually use it for things beside masturbating to the thought of you." Yuu teased, which caused Mika to chuckle.
"Well, I am quite flattered." Mika said.
Yuu couldn't help but roll his eyes as he went back to sucking Mika's cock. Meanwhile, Mika moved his hand down to Yuu's ass. He used his other hand to part Yuu's cheeks so that he could run a finger over Yuu's puckered hole. He poked at it slightly before slowly inserting a finger. Yuu let out a surprised moan as the finger slipped inside him.
"Oh! Mika!" he cried out.
"Do you want me to keep going? I won't move it unless you tell me to." Mika said.
"Please..." Yuu panted a little. "Move it..." he breathed out.
Mika nodded before slowly thrusting his finger in and out of Yuu's hole. Yuu moaned, hot breath hitting the tip of Mika's hardened cock.
"Mmmm, yes..." he moaned out.
Mika continued to thrust his finger into Yuu before deciding to add another finger inside. Yuu nearly choked on Mika's length as the finger slipped in with ease.
"You never choke." Mika commented.
"That's your fault." Yuu stated, narrowing his eyes at the blond.
A small smirk began pulling at Mika's lips as he began scissoring inside of Yuu to try and open him up more.
"Mmmm..." Yuu moaned onto Mika's cock, creating vibrations that shot through Mika's body. Mika grunted as his fingers brushed against Yuu's prostate.
"Oh! Shit!" Yuu cried out.
Mika continued thrusting into that spot, causing Yuu's moans to grow louder and louder.
"Shit! Oh, shit! Mika, I'm gonna---!" that was when Mika pulled his fingers out. This caused Yuu to let out an aggravated whine.
"Mika...! Just what the hell?!" he complained.
"I think I opened you up enough. Now, let's get onto the real show." Mika handed Yuu the bottle of lube. "Will you add some more lubricant?" he asked.
Yuu nodded before taking the bottle from him, squeezing some lube onto his hand, and rubbing it all over Mika's hardened cock. He then moved in to press a quick, sloppy kiss to Mika's lips.
"I'm gonna put it in." he said.
"Go ahead." Mika replied.
Yuu rose himself up a little and he positioned himself in line with Mika's cock. He slowly lowered himself down, letting the tip penetrate his entrance. He hissed, instantly catching his bottom lip in between his teeth.
"Relax, Yuu. Go down slowly." Mika slid his hands up to rest on Yuu's hips. "I don't want you to hurt yourself." he said.
Yuu nodded before continuing to lower himself with Mika's assistance. He bit down on his lip so hard that it began to bleed a little.
"Yuu, you're bleeding." Mika said, leaning in to lick at his lip.
Yuu looked at Mika before smashing their lips together into a rough kiss. Yuu managed to swallow Mika up to the hilt as the kiss grew more intense. Mika's tongue slipped into Yuu's mouth with ease as Yuu began to roll his hips against Mika's.
Mika chuckled against his lips.
"You are so bad." he said before thrusting his hips upwards into him.
"Ah!" Yuu moaned loudly, throwing his head back in pleasure.
Mika moved in to suckle and lick at Yuu's neck as Yuu began to bounce on Mika's cock.
"Dammit...your cock...it's so damn big...!" Yuu exclaimed in between pants.
Mika marked a hickey on Yuu's collarbone as he began to roll his hips up into Yuu the same time Yuu came down on him.
"Mmmm...oh, yes!" Yuu gasped out as Mika went to tug lightly on a nipple.
Yuu was then flipped over with his ass in the air and his face down in the sheets. Mika held onto Yuu's hips as he began pounding into him.
"Oh god! Yes! Harder! Oh yes, go harder!" Yuu cried out.
Mika's fingernails began creating crescent shapes into Yuu's sides as Yuu moaned loudly. He then rammed into his prostate, causing Yuu to nearly scream.
"Yes! Oh, goddammit! Hit there again!" he screamed out as he fisted his hands into the sheets.
Mika leaned in towards him, his body covering Yuu's as he whispered into the boy's ear.
"Okay." he whispered lowly, making Yuu moan into the sheets as he resumed thrusting into him.
Yuu moaned louder as Mika continuously nailed his prostate. It was like he were seeing stars. His legs began trembling like they were wanting to give out. Mika grazed his teeth over Yuu's shoulder, making Yuu arch into him.
"Shit! Mika, more!" Yuu could feel his head spinning. The heavy smell of sex and sweat filled Yuu's nostrils, intoxicating him.
His erection woke back up and it rubbed against the sheets, making Yuu groan in pleasure.
"Mika...please touch me...!" he gasped out.
"Okay." Mika replied before moving his hand down to stroke Yuu's reawakened erection. Yuu moaned loudly, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Goddammit! You're so good!" he bit into the sheets, his knuckles turning white. "I'm gonna cum!" he cried out.
"I'm close, too." Mika said, stroking Yuu faster.
"Mmmmm! Ah!" Yuu's eyes flew open, looking teary-eyed as cum shot onto the sheets. His legs shook vigorously, threatening to give out as he continued thrusting violently into Mika's hand so he could ride out his climax.
Mika came not too long after, filling Yuu up with his seed. Mika slowly pulled out as they fell backwards onto the bed.
"Shit...that felt so good..." Mika trailed off.
"Yeah..." Yuu murmured, shifting himself so that he could stare at Mika.
Mika's eyes widened slightly, noticing how Yuu was on the verge of tears.
"Yuu, why do you look like you're about to cry? Did I tear anything inside you? Are you feeling hurt?" Mika asked, his heart beginning to pound in panic.
Yuu shook his head.
"No...I'm happy, Mika. Happy that I got to have sex with you again." a tear rolled down Yuu's cheek as he leaned into to press a sweet kiss to Mika's lips. "I am just so happy right now, Mika..." he choked out.
Mika smiled softly.
"I am, too." he spoke into the kiss.
Yuu pulled away after a couple of minutes and he looked down at himself.
"We look like a complete mess." he said.
"Yeah. Should we take a bath and clean ourselves?" Mika asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. I would like that."
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu sat in the tub, his back pressed to Mika's as the blond played a little with his damp hair.
"This is so soothing..." Mika murmured.
"What, playing with my hair?" Yuu asked.
"Well, yeah, that's part of it. But, also being able to sit here with you is very soothing." Mika said.
Yuu smiled up at him.
"I think so, too." he said.
Mika smiled, as well.
"I'm glad you think that." he said before moving in to press a chaste kiss to Yuu's lips.
Yuu smiled into the kiss as Mika pulled away. He rested his head on Mika's chest, causing Mika to chuckle.
"You're too cute." he commented.
Yuu hummed in content as he ran his fingers along the surface of the water. That was when Mika chose to speak.
"What do you want to do tomorrow? It's our last day here." he said.
Yuu shrugged, the water sloshing around slightly.
"I don't know. There's so much out there that I can't decide." Yuu said.
"Well, I'll do what you wanna do." Mika then let out a small 'aha!'. "Okay, how about this? The first thing you suggest will be what we are doing tomorrow. Does that sound okay?" he asked.
"Okay, sure." Yuu curled and uncurled his toes under the water. "Hmmm..." he hummed.
His fingertips danced along the water as an idea struck him.
"Maybe a boardwalk? Those have always peaked my interest." Yuu suggested.
"Okay. I'll see if I can find one on the drive back home." Mika said, moving in to nuzzle his nose against Yuu's cheek lovingly.
Yuu smiled.
"Alright." he said before turning his head slightly to capture Mika's lips in a kiss.
Yuu ran his fingers through his hair as Mika drove down the road. The sunset was reflected on the gold aviator sunglasses that he wore as he gazed out into the distance.
"The sunsets here are just so beautiful...I don't think I'll ever get tired of it." he thought to himself.
Mika stopped the vehicle a couple of minutes later in a parking lot.
"Hm?" Yuu glanced over at the blond. "Mika? Why did we stop?" he asked.
"We reached our destination, silly." Mika replied.
"So soon?" Yuu questioned in shock.
Mika nodded.
"Yeah." he nodded his head behind him. "Welcome to the Santa Monica Pier." he said.
Yuu looked in shock as he got out of the vehicle.
"Whoa...they've even got a roller coaster there!" he exclaimed.
"Yup. They have an amusement park here called Pacific Park." Mika explained.
"Nice." Yuu said.
He then reached out to take Mika's hand in his.
"Let's go." he said.
Mika nodded.
"Alright." he replied as they walked across the parking lot to the pier.
They walked along it, watching out at the beach as children played, some splashing in the water and others building sand castles. The sun began to lower as Yuu spotted a small store.
"Look! They've got a small gift shop!" he chirped.
Mika smiled.
"Do you want to go in?" he asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. I want to get a souvenir. I also promised Mitsuba that I'd buy her something, as well." Yuu said.
"Alright." Mika said before following Yuu into the store.
They looked around at the various items in the store. After a little while, Mika and Yuu decided on getting matching red tops that said Lifeguard on Duty on it and a small rope anklet that was made out of seashells for Mitsuba. They stepped out, the cool beach breeze hitting them.
"It's so nice out here..." Yuu murmured out.
"It sure is." Mika replied.
They walked down the pier hand in hand. That was when Yuu noticed a small arcade.
"Ah! Mika, Mika, Mika!" he exclaimed.
"Yes?" Mika answered.
"An arcade!" Yuu shot Mika a pair of puppy eyes. "Can we go in? Please?" he begged.
Mika chuckled.
"You don't need to beg to get what you want, you know." he said, pressing a kiss to Yuu's temple before going into the arcade with Yuu.
The sounds of arcade machines and kids screaming and running around reached Yuu's ears as they stepped into the arcade.
"It's almost like that arcade we had gone to one night back in Seoul..." Yuu murmured.
"Yeah, it kind of does." Mika replied.
They went over to a kiosk and Mika typed in some information before being given fifty tokens. He kept the first half with him and gave Yuu the other half.
"Here. You get twenty-five and I get twenty-five." Mika explained.
Yuu nodded.
"Alright." he replied.
Mika glanced over at the skeeball machines that were to the back of the arcade.
"Hey, wanna go hit the skeeball machines?" he asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah." he replied.
They weaved through the crowd of small children, parents, and teenage couples so that they could get to the back.
They stopped in front of two unoccupied machines side by side and they put in two tokens.
"Just know that I'm going to kick your ass." Yuu told him.
"Hey, I hope you haven't forgotten who had beaten both you AND Kimizuki at skeeball that night we went to that arcade." Mika replied as he threw his ball carefully.
It landed in the center, causing Mika to cheer.
"Yes!" he declared as Yuu screwed up, his ball going into the 50 section.
Yuu groaned as he shot a cute glare at Mika.
"Oh, you are so on."
They had spent about an hour and a half in the arcade with Mika continuously beating Yuu at skeeball and Yuu completely annihilating Mika in Whack-a-Mole. Mika had also gotten Yuu a small, pink plush bunny from a claw machine and had enough tickets to also get Yuu a large, blue teddy bear that was nearly as huge as him.
They bought their tickets to get into Pacific Park and now they were wandering around after riding on the West Coaster, eating corn dogs for dinner.
"What do you want to do next?" Mika asked.
"Mmmm." Yuu bit into his corn dog. "I don't know." he replied.
"Hmmm..." Mika hummed as he gazed up at the Ferris Wheel, which was lit up with many different colors. "Do you want to go on the Ferris Wheel?" he asked.
Yuu glanced over at the wheel before nodding.
"Okay." he replied.
They headed over to the Ferris Wheel. Luckily, the line wasn't too long, so they managed to get inside a cabin. Yuu hugged the large teddy bear to his chest as the Ferris Wheel began to move.
"I never thought I'd be able to ride on a Ferris Wheel in my life." Yuu commented.
"You've never been on a Ferris Wheel before?" Mika questioned in surprise.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. Guren never took me to an amusement park. I could only imagine what it would be like through some of the pictures Yoichi had taken when he used to go with his parents." Yuu explained.
"I see." the cabin rose higher and higher. "So, does this scare you at all?" Mika asked.
Yuu shook his head.
"No, not at all. I'm fine with it." he replied.
The cabin stopped at the top a couple of minutes later and Mika took this chance to move and sit next to Yuu. The cabin shook, causing Yuu's heart to race.
"M-Mika!" he quickly clung onto the blond, the teddy bear slipping out of his arms and hitting the floor by his feet. "D...Don't move so suddenly!" he exclaimed.
"I'm sorry. I just really wanted to sit by you." Mika replied.
Yuu pouted as he looked outside.
"Wow...the view of the beach is so beautiful..." he trailed off.
"Yeah. It still is as beautiful as before..." Mika murmured.
"Hm?" Yuu gazed up at him with curious eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Well, back when I was young, I came here with Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley. I was probably six at the time. We came up to Santa Monica for the day and we walked about on the pier for a little bit. We bought tickets to go here and we went on the Ferris Wheel." Mika reached out to lightly touch the glass. "It feels like that happened yesterday." he said.
"Memories do that sometimes, ya know?" Yuu spoke.
"Yeah." Mika nuzzled his nose in Yuu's hair. "Time just flies by too quick." he said.
He slowly pulled away as Yuu looked up at him. He then began to lean in towards him. Their lips brushed against one another lightly before they came together in a small kiss.
They pulled away from the kiss moments later. Mika glanced down at Yuu, watching how his eyes sparkled and his cheeks were flushed a light red.
"Mika..." he whispered out.
The cabin jolted a little as they began to move down. That was when Mika spoke.
"Hey, before we head back to the car, do you wanna walk on the beach a little?" he asked.
This made Yuu arch a brow in confusion.
"The beach?"
They walked along the beach, the water touching their ankles occasionally. Some seaweed tickled Yuu's feet when it washed up on shore.
"Mika, I wish this could last forever." he spoke.
"Same here." Mika watched out at the dark ocean. "If I didn't have all these responsibilities weighing down on me, I would've whisked you away to LA in a heartbeat." he said.
"I know you would." Yuu replied.
Mika chuckled.
"Yeah. But," he reached out towards Yuu, "we gotta make the best of it while we still can!" he declared.
"Ah!" Yuu let out a sharp gasp as Mika wrapped his arms around his waist and lifted him up. "Mika!" he exclaimed.
Mika laughed.
"I've always wanted to do this." he said.
"Well, you know what I have wanted to do?" Yuu managed to get out of Mika's grip. "Run along the shore!" he declared before running off.
"Don't think I'm not coming for you!" Mika called out before running after him.
Yuu laughed, the water lapping at his ankles as he tries to get away from Mika. However, Mika was faster than him. He managed to catch up to him, lifting him up again. Yuu let out a surprised squeak, giggling as Mika spun him around in circles.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Yuu handed a caramel latte to a middle-aged woman clad in a white button up shirt, black pencil skirt, and black three-inch pumps as he breathed out a sigh.
It had been nearly a week and some days since him and Mika had come back from LA. Life slowly began to go back to the way it was before the trip, which made Yuu sad.
"I wish we could go back to LA. I had such a great time there." he thought to himself.
He went back to the counter and let out a holler.
"Next!" he called out.
"Hello. I would like to get an iced vanilla latte."
Yuu froze, quickly recognizing that voice. He slowly rose his head up to stare at the blonde woman before him.
"M-Mrs. Shindo!" he exclaimed.
He could hear his heart beating erratically in his ears as he stared at the woman, her icy blue eyes peering into his soul.
"Just what is she doing here?!" his mind screamed.
"Good afternoon, Yuu. I believe I did ask for an iced vanilla latte. Or does this Starbucks have such disrespectful employees?" she spoke in a clipped voice.
Yuu bit his lip as he typed her order in.
"Your total is going to be $4.95, please." he said.
Mrs. Shindo pulled out her debit card and handed it to Yuu. He swiped it and handed the card back to her along with her receipt.
"Here you go. We will call your order number when your order is ready." Yuu told her.
Before he could go and begin making her iced latte for her, he heard her call out to him.
"May I speak to you for a couple of seconds? It won't take long, I promise." she said.
He saw the fake Barbie doll-like smile plastered on her lips and he could already tell that this conversation wasn't going to end well. He swallowed before going over to where she was.
"Yes? May I help you?" he asked.
His heart nearly leapt into his throat when she grabbed for his apron and yanked him towards her.
"Are you still seeing my son?" she asked lowly.
Yuu froze as she practically hissed in his ear. He tried to swallow the huge lump that had settled in his throat as he spoke.
"And? What if I still am?" he narrowed his eyes at her. "Your husband told me to stop seeing him after two weeks. I haven't hit those two weeks yet." he replied.
Mrs. Shindo let out a small 'tch'.
"Well, my husband has always been a little softer than me..." she glared at him. "Leave him now. A slut like you doesn't deserve someone as great as my son." she snapped.
"He doesn't see you as his mother and he never will." Yuu shot back.
"Oh, so you're trying to give me sass, huh...Well, if you know what's best for you, you better leave him by tonight. If you don't, then Mika's life will be as torturous as hell." she threatened.
She then let go of his apron as one of his coworkers slid the latte in her directions.
"Thank you so much." she smiled sweetly at the guy before shooting a cold glare at Yuu. "At least SOMEONE here shows some respect in this place." she bit out before turning on her heel and walking off.
Yuu stood there, his hands clenching into fists as Mrs. Shindo got into a limo and she disappeared out of sight.
Mika idly twirled the tip of his pen around on a blank piece of paper as Crowley came in with a Subway bag that held a footlong in it.
"I got your favorite: oven roasted chicken with cheddar and bacon along with all your favorite toppings on it." Crowley dropped the bag before him on the desk. "Just know that I am taking my share." he stated.
Mika shrugged.
"Okay." he replied.
Crowley eyed Mika, his eyes narrowed.
"You're not looking too good. You keep zoning out." Crowley sat across from him. "Tell me what's up." he said.
"Well..." Mika dropped the pen onto the paper and he reached to loosen the navy blue tie that hung around his neck. "It's about Yuu." he said.
"Oh boy. Did you two get into a fight or something?" he asked.
Mika quickly shook his head.
"No way! Yuu and I would never fight!" he exclaimed in shock.
"Well, you may never know." Crowley stood up and made his way over to the small fridge that was in the office. "If you guys didn't fight, then what is it?" he asked over his shoulder.
"He's just..." Mika sighed. "He's not acting like himself." he admitted.
"I see..." Crowley pulled out a bottle of ginger ale and picked up two glass cups. "Is anything troubling him?" he asked.
"I have no idea. I mean, I asked him a couple times what was wrong and he told me that there was nothing wrong. But, I'm not convinced." Mika explained.
"How does he act?" Crowley asked, resting the bottle and cups down on the desk and sitting back down across from him.
Mika reached to open the bottle.
"He seems to be deep in thought a lot. He's always zoning out and he looks like he is conflicted. Every time I try to dig in deeper, he just closes himself off and either ends it there or quickly changes the subject." he poured the ginger ale into the glasses as Crowley took out the sub from the bag and unwrapped it. "And we usually tell each other everything, which is why I'm confused! Just what is it that he is not telling me?" Mika wondered out loud.
"Well, maybe the two of you need to sit down and have a nice, long talk about it?" Crowley as he took his half of the footlong. He opened it a little and took out a small slice of banana pepper, dropping it on top of Mika's half of the footlong.
"I tried that already. However, Yuu would grow uncomfortable and quickly rush off to shower." Mika explained.
"Hmmm..." Crowley reached for a glass and sipped on the bubbly liquid. "Have you tried anything else? Like, easing him into the conversation?" he asked.
"I was getting ready to one night, but he was quick to slip into bed. And once his head hits the pillow, he's out like a light." Mika ran a finger through his hair, nibbling lightly on the banana pepper that Crowley had dropped on his sub. "Uncle Crowley, I am seriously running out of ideas here at this point." he said.
Crowley took a bite out of his half of the footlong as an idea hit him.
"Aha!" he rested it back on the wrapping paper it came in. "I think I know what you should try and do." he said.
"Really?" Mika questioned.
Crowley nodded.
"Yup. It works on Krul every time." a devious grin pulled at his lips. "Have sex with him." he said.
"O-Oi!" a deep red blush spread across Mika's cheeks like wildfire. "T...Talk a little softer!" he snapped in embarrassment.
"Relax! Your parents aren't going to know that you fuck a boy." Crowley teased, causing Mika to glare at him.
"So, what is it that you're trying to say here? If I have sex with him, he'll tell me?" Mika asked.
Crowley shook his head.
"Not exactly. He seems stressed out, right?" Mika nodded in response. "Well, you need to alleviate his stress first. Having sex is a good way to do that. Then, once that stress is gone, try talking to him. I'm sure he'll open up then." Crowley explained.
"Are you sure that it'll work?" Mika asked.
"Positive. If it works on your aunt, then it'll work on him." Crowley said.
Mika looked slightly flustered by how Crowley mentioned Krul in a casual manner as he spoke.
"Okay. Thanks," Mika noticed how Crowley was watching him expectantly, "Uncle Crowley." he spoke reluctantly as Crowley let out a light-hearted chuckle.
Yuu stood in the kitchen in only one of Mika's white button up dress shirts that was at least two sizes bigger than him as he washed the dishes used for dinner.
He scrubbed some food off of a plate inside the large pile of suds and water in the sink as Mrs. Shindo's words from earlier raced through his head.
"Leave him now. A slut like you doesn't deserve someone as great as my son." the venom that was present made her objective all the more obvious than it already was.
She wanted him gone.
Now.
The thought of having to leave Mika caused his heart to clench painfully.
"It hurts having to be torn away from Mika. But..." Yuu put the plate in the dishwasher. "I chose to do this. I chose to leave in exchange for his safety. Nothing would break my heart more than seeing him be ruined because of a foolish and selfish mistake on my part. I have to at least protect him." he thought to himself.
He reached for a glass that had blue and orange swirls on it as a pair of arms encircled his waist.
"Ah!" he nearly lost his grip on the cup, feeling Mika's teeth graze along his ear lightly. "M-Mika!" he stuttered out, a light blush spreading across his cheeks.
"Mmmmmm..." Mika sniffed at Yuu's hair. "You smell so good. I love when you smell like coconut." he murmured into the silky black locks.
"Stop being such a flirt." Yuu stated.
"I wasn't exactly flirting. I was only stating the truth." Mika replied.
Yuu responded with the roll of his eyes as he went back to what he was doing.
He got ready to put the cup into the dishwasher when Mika reached to place the cup in the drainer instead. This made Yuu pout.
"Mika...! You know that only plastics can go in the- - -" Mika cut him off.
"You know, you don't seem like yourself recently." he spoke up, reaching out to turn off the water.
Yuu froze in the blond's arms. Mika had hit it straight on the dot. He always had ever since they got back from LA. He'd know that something was troubling him.
And yet, Yuu would turn him away because he knew that opening his mouth would equal him telling Mika about the threats he was receiving from his parents and Mika trying to act as the hero only to get burned in the end. That was something Yuu didn't want. So, he'd usually divert the conversation to something more pleasant like small talk or quickly rush off to take a shower or get himself ready for bed (even if it were at eight thirty at night).
But now, he didn't have an escape route. He was wrapped up in the blond's arms AND he was trapped between him and the kitchen sink. It was pretty much a worst-case scenario for him.
After a little while, he managed to choke out something.
"Wh...What is that supposed to mean? I am feeling just fine." he said.
"Don't lie. I know when something is off." Mika replied.
Yuu bit his lip as he continued.
"Really, Mika. Nothing is wrong with me." he said.
"Are you tired? Stressed? Is something bothering you?" Mika asked.
"It really is nothing. You don't have to worry so much about me. You've already got enough to worry about, after all. Your corporate work keeps you so busy that you have little to no time to take a breather." Yuu explained.
"But I do worry about you! When you act like this, I can't help but wonder why you are like this!" Mika exclaimed, his grip tightening around him.
Yuu gritted his teeth. It was growing worse. At this point, Mika was going to have him spill whether he wanted to or not.
He had to try and shift the conversation.
"Mika, you know, I am feeling really tired right now- - -" he was cut off again by the blond.
"Do not change the subject." a chill shot through Yuu at the deepness in Mika's voice.
"Shit. He is dead serious." he thought to himself.
"I need to know what is happening and I need to know now. You can tell me anything, remember? We shouldn't be keeping secrets from one another." Mika said.
Yuu squeezed his eyes shut.
"Okay, if you won't let go, then I'm gonna have to do this the hard way." he thought to himself.
"Look, Mika." the volume in his voice began to raise. "If you do not let go of me, I'm going to- - -" he quickly turned as Mika leaned in to kiss him.
Yuu's eyes widened in shock as Mika kissed him roughly.
"This..." Yuu couldn't help but melt into the kiss. "This must be a trap..." he trailed off his thoughts.
As much as he wanted to stop, he couldn't. The taste of prime rib and Chardonnay on the blond's mouth was enough to intoxicate him. He needed to taste more of him. His fingers threaded through Mika's hair as Mika tried to pry his mouth open.
Yuu moaned, his lips parting to let Mika's tongue slip in. He turned him around and he backed Yuu up against the island. Their tongues danced with one another in a wild frenzy as Mika lifted him up onto the island. Some of the button up shirt hiked up a little as Yuu kissed him senselessly.
"I can't think rationally anymore. Dammit, all I want to do is make out with him and be fucked until I can't walk." his heart hammered in his chest. "I need him, now." he thought to himself.
His legs went around Mika's waist, drawing him closer as they continued to make out. Mika's hands went to rest on Yuu's cheeks as he slowly withdrew from the kiss. His breath barely tickled the boy's lips as he spoke.
"Yuu...let me help you..." he murmured as he pressed a soft kiss to his lips.
"Help me with what?" Yuu asked.
"Stress. I can relieve your stress for you." Mika said.
"Oh?" Yuu responded as he dove in for yet another kiss.
"Yeah." their teeth clacked together as Mika spoke into the kiss. "Do you want to take this to the bed?" he asked.
"Sure. Let's do that." Yuu murmured before kissing Mika again.
Mika kicked the door open and tried to make his way over to the bed, lost in the kiss that Yuu had roped him into. Yuu's legs were wrapped tightly around Mika's waist, his hands in the blond's hair as he kissed him hungrily.
Yuu was dropped onto the bed and Mika straddled him.
"Dammit...you are so hot that it's almost a sin." Mika breathed out.
"Then, I will receive any punishment that you give to me for being so sinfully hot." Yuu teased.
Mika chuckled as he gazed into Yuu's sparkling eyes.
"You will have to revel in the immense pleasure that I give to you." Mika said before moving in to kiss him once again.
Yuu moaned instantly, tasting more of the Chardonnay on Mika's lips.
"Gosh, his kisses are seriously going to be the death of me!" his mind shouted.
He felt Mika caress his skin through the shirt as he nipped lightly at his bottom lip. Yuu opened his mouth without hesitation and Mika ran his tongue over Yuu's.
"Mmmmm..." Yuu murmured out as they continued to kiss.
Mika pulled away a few moments later and he trailed his tongue down Yuu's chin and neck. He reached the junction between his neck and shoulder and he sucked on it.
"Ah!" Yuu breathed out.
He writhed a little in Mika's grasp as he ran a thumb over a hardened nipple. He pulled his hand out and he trailed his finger up Yuu's side. Yuu shivered at the feeling of the shirt rubbing against his skin. The sensation made him feel weird.
"Oh god..." Yuu murmured as Mika licked at the hickey he had created and he pulled at the collar of the button up shirt.
"You are seriously turning me on..." Mika murmured.
He moved down, nipping lightly at the fabric of his button up shirt occasionally. He then licked at one of Yuu's nipples through the shirt, making Yuu gasp.
"Ah! Mika!" he exclaimed as the fabric around Yuu's nipple grew transparent.
He tweaked the other one with his finger and continued licking and nipping at the nipple. Yuu moaned again as he arched his back off the bed.
"Mika...down..." Yuu panted out.
Mika withdrew, watching how flushed Yuu looked under him.
"Okay." his knee went up to nudge Yuu's hardening erection a little. "Someone seems to be turned on." he noted.
If he could, he blushed even redder.
"Th-That's your fault..." Yuu bit his lip. "I've...never had anyone play with me through my shirt before..." he admitted.
"Like what I just did right now?" Mika asked.
Yuu nodded in response, causing Mika to grin.
"Well, I'm honored to be your first." he said before reaching for the shirt. He lifted it up a little to reveal Yuu's erection, which stood up proudly for him.
"Yuu..." he reached out to palm his erection lightly. "You look so beautiful..." he murmured.
Yuu let out a small whimper as Mika began to pump him. His head rolled back into the pillow as Mika continued.
"Shit..." he murmured.
Mika stroked him a little before bringing the tip into his mouth. Yuu hissed, his hips bucking up slightly. He loved the feeling of Mika sucking him off. It made his stomach bubble and his sense go crazy.
His hand moved to fist itself into's Mika's hair.
"Mika, please...!" he choked out.
Mika began to pick up the pace, causing Yuu to moan louder.
"Mika...! Shit, I'm gonna cum...!" he cried out.
Mika deep throated him, making Yuu moan loudly as streams of white shot into his mouth. Mika swallowed, letting the bitter semen roll down his throat. He released Yuu's cock with a small pop and he gazed at him.
"You are so damn beautiful." Mika said before pressing a lazy kiss to Yuu's lips.
Yuu kissed back as Mika's fingers moved down to poke lightly at his entrance. Yuu jolted a little at the sensation.
"Where's the lube?" Mika murmured into the kiss.
"On the nightstand..." Yuu replied, nearly breathless as Mika pulled away.
He reached over for the bottle of lube and he uncapped it. He poured some over Yuu's puckered hole and spread some over his finger.
"I'm gonna open you up a little." Mika said, circling the tip of his finger around Yuu's entrance. He then slowly pushed in, causing Yuu to let out a small gasp.
"Ah!" he gasped out, feeling Mika's finger slowly slip inside of him.
Mika bit his lip, feeling Yuu's walls pulse around his finger.
"Damn, you're tight..." he murmured, continuing to ease his finger inside until it was completely in.
Yuu took in small breaths as Mika slowly pulled his finger out before plunging it back in. Moans slipped from his lips as he continued. He then slipped another finger in, scissoring inside of him.
"Ah! Mika!" he gasped out as he went faster.
Yuu's back arched off the bed slightly as Mika hit his prostate.
"Mika! Oh god!" he cried as Mika continued to nail into that spot.
He could feel himself nearing his climax, the familiar heat welling up inside him.
"Mika! Shit! I'm gonna...!" he shouted.
Before Yuu could be pushed over the edge, Mika pulled his fingers out. Yuu pouted at this.
"Mika...!" he whined.
"I wanna be inside you." Mika said.
Yuu sat up, pressing a quick kiss to his lips.
"I know." Yuu moved his hand down to massage Mika's erection through the black and white checkered boxers that he wore. "Lemme take this bad boy out." he said.
Mika hummed in response as he helped Yuu take off his boxers. He then reached to unbutton Yuu's shirt as Yuu reached for the bottle of lube. He squished some onto his hands and he applied it onto Mika's cock.
"I wanna ride you." he said.
"Ride me, then." Mika replied as Yuu straddled the blond's hips. He applied some more lube onto his fingers, fingered himself a little more, and he began to lower himself onto Mika.
The tip penetrated him, causing Yuu to moan. He put a hand on Mika's shoulder as he continued to move down on him. A couple of minutes later, Mika was completely sheathed. Mika hissed, feeling how tight Yuu was around him. He watched up at him as he began to move, occasionally rolling his hips up into him.
Mika and Yuu both moaned in unison, the bed rocking back and forth. Yuu bounced on Mika's erection, his mind growing fuzzy.
"Shit...shit...oh yes, Mika..." Yuu panted out.
Mika's hands slid under Yuu's shirt and they rested on his hips, guiding him. Yuu panted as he continued. That was when his prostate was hit.
"Oh!" Yuu's head was thrown back, his mouth open to let out a pleasure-filled moan. "Shit, Mika, yes! More!" he cried out.
Mika nodded before thrusting his hips up into him, nailing his prostate each time. Yuu saw stars dance around in his vision as Mika pounded into him. Mika moved in to nuzzle his nose against Yuu's neck, nipping lightly at his sweaty skin.
"Mmmmm..." Yuu ran a finger through the blond's hair. "So good...more..." he murmured.
Mika licked at his neck before licking down towards Yuu's chest. He swirled his tongue around a pert nipple before nibbling on it. Yuu cried out in pleasure as he felt that familiar heat build up inside of him.
"Shit! Mika! Oh, I'm gonna cum!" he cried out.
"Me too..." Mika trailed off as he picked up the pace.
Mika let out multiple cries before coming undone, spraying cum on both of their chests. Mika came soon after, shooting his seed into Yuu. They both stayed still, trying to catch their breath. After a while, Yuu slowly lifted himself off of Mika's cock and they found themselves falling down onto the mattress. Mika reached for the tissue box and he began to wipe themselves clean as Yuu began pressing lazy kisses to Mika's face.
"Mika...Mika...oh, Mika, I love you...I love you...I love you so much..." Yuu whispered out in between soft kisses.
A low chuckle rumbled through Mika's body.
"Well, this is new. You usually fall asleep right after sex." Mika said.
Yuu shrugged.
"I just want a change of pace." Yuu stated.
"A change of pace?" Mika blinked his eyes twice. "How come?" he asked.
"Because..." a sad expression washed over Yuu's face as he hugged Mika tightly. "Because I feel like I won't be able to do this kind of thing again."
Mika stirred the next morning, the alarm clock going off at exactly seven o'clock the next morning. He groaned, yawning as he stretched.
"Yuu, why the hell won't you turn off the alarm clock...?" he grumbled as he reached out to turn off the alarm. He sat up in bed and stretched again.
"Yuu, it's time to get u- - -" he looked to see that the spot next to him was empty.
"Hm...maybe Yuu went to shower..." Mika murmured under his breath.
However, he didn't hear the shower running.
"Huh...Yuu's probably making breakfast for us..." he glanced over at the bedroom door. "But, I'm not smelling anything..." he trailed off.
That was when he spotted a piece of paper on the pillow. This made him arch a brow in confusion.
"Hm? What is that?" he asked himself.
He picked up the piece of paper and he looked it over. His eyes widened in horror as he read the two words that were written on the paper.
I'm sorry.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika
The smell of Yuu's Escape perfume wafted through the still air as he reread the two-word note that Yuu had left behind for him.
"I'm sorry...?" he croaked out softly.
He traced his fingers along the words written on the paper as he tried to piece it all together.
"Why would Yuu leave something like this? He would never do that unless..." his eyes widened as he came to a realization.
"Unless he left me..." he choked out.
Mika felt his heart squeeze painfully as tears welled up in his eyes.
"How could he leave me?! How?! Was I...just not enough for him? Am I not the kind of person he needs in his life?" he asked himself.
Tears blurred his vision as a tear slipped down his cheek.
Waking up to kiss you and nobody's there
The smell of your perfume still stuck in the air
It's hard
Mika made his way down to the kitchen after changing into a dark grey tuxedo with a white shirt, black dress shoes, and a dark blue tie. He fixed his cuff links and got ready to speak when he remembered that Yuu wasn't in the apartment anymore. He let out a painful sigh.
"He's not here anymore..." he thought to himself.
He imagined Yuu standing in the kitchen, cooking some hotteoks for them to eat for breakfast. He would flip one before gazing up at Mika and smiling like a little child.
"Good morning, Mika!" his heart tugged painfully as tears welled up in his eyes again. He managed to will them away as he went over to the fruit bowl and picked out an apple.
"I guess it's an apple for breakfast, then..." he muttered.
He went over to the sink, washed the apple, and bit into it. He stepped out of the kitchen and grabbed for his briefcase, which sat on the couch in the living room. He exited the penthouse and locked the door behind him. He turned on his phone and called a number.
"Hey, bring the limo up to the front." he was surprised by how soft his voice was. "No, I'm alright. Goodbye." he said before hanging up.
He strode down the hallway without a single word towards the elevator. He stepped in and the elevator made its way down to the lobby. He arrived at the lobby a couple of minutes later and he walked outside to his limo, which was waiting for him outside. He nodded his head at the chauffeur.
"Take me to the corporation building." he spoke, slipping into the limo.
The chauffeur closed the door and the limo pulled away from the curb. As the limo maneuvered through the San Diego traffic, Mika couldn't help but choke out a couple of sobs.
Yesterday I thought I saw your shadow running round
It's funny how things never change in this old town
So far from the stars
Yuu
Yuu found himself back in Seoul late that night. He bit his lip as he maneuvered through the crowds of people to get his luggage.
He didn't think he'd find himself back here in a million years. It had been a few years since Guren sent him away to Japan.
"Damn. I can't believe it has been that long since I was last here..." he thought to himself.
He grabbed up two leopard patterned luggages and a black duffel bag from the luggage carousel and he stepped out into the cool night, the light breeze whipping at his hair. As he hailed a cab, he couldn't help but think of Mika. His heart ached at the thought of Mika being by himself again.
"I hate this...I hate this so much..." the taxi driver helped him with his stuff and he got in. "I never knew how much I'd regret this until it really happened. But, this is for the best. Maybe it would be better if Mika stayed in his world and I stayed in mine." he thought to himself.
He blinked away the tears that threatened to spill from his emerald green eyes as he told the driver the address that he had on a piece of paper and the driver drove off to their destination.
He gazed out at the bright lights of the city, running a finger along the glass.
"Seoul is still as beautiful as it was before I left..." he murmured under his breath.
His head went to rest on the window as the cab got onto the highway.
About twenty minutes later, the cab pulled up at a decent-looking apartment complex. Yuu paid the driver, got his luggage, and he made his way into the building. He made his way over to the elevator, stepped in, and he pressed the number four.
"This should be the address...Mitsuba was saying that this is where they moved to..." he thought to himself.
He arrived on the fourth floor and he began to head down the hall to Room 415. He approached it a couple of minutes later, letting out a shaky sigh.
"Come on, Yuu...Calm down now..." he looked at the door. "You can do this." he told himself.
He chanted these words to himself as he knocked on the door hesitantly. However, nobody answered. Yuu bit his lip.
"Huh? I was hoping they were home..." he thought to himself.
He reached up to knock on the door again. There was still no answer. He sighed.
"I figured they wouldn't answer...we haven't spoken in a long while, anyway..." he thought to himself.
He got ready to leave and head someplace else when the door swung open.
"Ye, nugu-ibnikka?!" a girl with purple hair in a messy bun shouted out. (Yes, who is it?!)
Yuu chuckled.
"Shinoa, neo jogeum-ilado byeonhaji anh-ass-eo..." he murmured. (Shinoa, you haven't changed one bit...)
"Heum? Eotteohge nae aneungeoya- - -" Shinoa looled over at him and her eyes widened. (Hm? How do you know my- - -)
"Sesang-e..." she choked out. (Oh my god...)
Yuu smiled weakly.
"Olaenman ine." he replied. (Long time no see.)
And I want to tell you everything
The words I never got to say the first time around
"Naega chamjo..." Shinoa fluffed a pillow for him as Yuu climbed into the guest bedroom in the tiny apartment. "Geulaeseo geuge dangsin-i han il-ibnida." she stated. (I see...So, that's what you've been up to.)
"Ne. Gulen-i naleul ilbon-eulo bonaego naneun tallaghago migug-e gassda. Naneun simjieo mikawa jaegyeolhabhaessgo, geuui jangso-e jamsi meomuleugo iss-eossda." Yuu explained. (Yeah. Guren sent me off to Japan, I dropped out, and went to America. I even reunited with Mika and was staying by his place for a while.)
"Gwa? Neo wae yeogilo dol-aongeoya?" Shinoa asked. (And? What made you come back here?)
"Niga aldasipi, mikaui bumoneun maeu bujaigo mikawa naneun gwangyee issdaneun geos-eul al-assda." Yuu played a little with the blue blanket that he had pulled over himself. "Geudeul-eun naleul wihyeobhago geuleul tteonalagohaessseubnida. Geulaeseo, naneun geulaessda." Yuu explained. (Well...as you know, Mika's parents are very rich and they kinda figured out that Mika and I were in a relationship. They threatened me and told me to leave him. So, I did.)
"Hajiman, geuleul salanghaji anh-a?" Shinoa questioned. (But, don't you love him?)
"Geulaeseo naega geuleul tteonass-eo, Shinoa! Naneun geuleul salanghagi ttaemun-e geuleul beolyeossda!" Yuu could feel the tears welling up in his eyes. "Naneun geuga sangcheo badgileul wonhaji anh-assda. Geulaeseo, naneun geuleul bohohagi wihae tteonassda." he choked out. (That's why I left him, Shinoa! I left him because I love him! I didn't want him to get hurt. So, I left in order to protect him.)
Shinoa shot him a sad look as she handed him the pillow and plopped down onto the bed.
"O, Yuu..." she looked at him. "Igeos-eun dangsin-ihaeya hal gotongseuleoun gyeoljeong-ieoss-eul geos-ibnida." she said. (Oh, Yuu...This must've been a painful decision for you to make.)
Yuu nodded.
"Geugeos-eun-ieossda." he replied. (It was.)
She sighed softly.
"Nega jom swieoya hal geos gat-a. Ulineun achim-e ppan buseuleul wihae bakk-eulo nagal geos-ibnida." she leaned in to hug him, pressing a small kiss to his forehead. "Jamja ji." she said. (Okay, I think you need to get some rest. We'll head out for some patbingsu in the morning. Sleep it off.)
Yuu nodded.
"Naneun geuleohge hal geos gat-a." he said as Shinoa pulled away from the hug. (I think I'll do that.)
She walked over to the door and glanced over her shoulder.
"Annyeonghi jumuseyo." she said before taking off the lights and closing the door behind her. (Goodnight.)
Yuu sighed deeply as he cuddled up into the sheets. His eyes slid shut as memories began to invade his mind.
And I remember everything
From when we were the children playing in this fairground
Wish I was there with you now
Yuu sat in the small kitchen across from Mika as the smell of barbecue beef wafted around the small space.
"Geulaeseo? Naneun eotteohge haessseubnikka?" Yuu asked. (So? How did I do?)
Mika looked over the paper, checking for any mistakes. That was when a smile broke across the blond's lips.
"You did it!" he declared.
"I did?" Yuu responded.
Mika nodded.
"Yes! Yes, you did! You wrote all of the sentences correctly." Mika said.
Yuu smiled.
"Ye!" he said, clapping as Kimizuki made his way over to them with two trays that had white rice, kimchi, and barbecue beef on them. (Yay!)
"Geuligo jeomsim-eun gongsigjeog-eulo jegongdoeeossseubnida!" Kimizuki declared. (And lunch has officially been served!)
"Yam!" Yuu's mouth began to water. "Modu mas-iss-eo boinda!" he exclaimed. (Yum! It all looks so delicious!)
"Naneun gippeoyo." Kimizuki said as he rested the trays down. (I'm glad.)
"Thanks for the food, Kimizuki." Mika stated.
"Why, of course, Mister Rich Boy!" Kimizuki teased, causing Mika to snort.
"If you don't shut up, I'll stick my chopsticks up your ass." Mika threatened.
Kimizuki burst into laughter as he went over to get his tray of food. He sat down at the table with Mika and Yuu as Yuu spoke.
"Um, Kimizuki?" he spoke hesitantly. (Um, Kimizuki?)
"Ne, Yuu?" Kimizuki answered. (Yes, Yuu?)
"Naneun gung-geumhaehago iss-eossda...Eotteohge yeong-eolo malhaela?" he asked. (I've been wondering...how do you say fuck in English?)
Kimizuki nearly choked on his piece of kimchi, making Mika eye him with slight confusion.
"Kimizuki?" he questioned.
"Mika..." Kimizuki slowly cleared his throat. "You are NOT going to believe what just came out of Yuu's mouth." he said.
"What did he say? It couldn't have been that bad." Mika said.
"He wants to know how to say fuck in English!" Kimizuki exclaimed.
This made Mika bang his knee under the table. He hissed, reaching down to rub his aching knee.
"You see?!" Kimizuki hissed as Yuu spoke again.
"Naneun yeong-eolo maengsehaneun beob-eul algo sipda!" Yuu declared. (I wanna know how to swear in English!)
"Why would you want to know that?!" Mika exclaimed.
"Because I do!" Yuu shot back in response.
"Now, now, ladies, chill. You're both pretty, so please keep your tits in place." Kimizuki spoke sarcastically.
This made Yuu and Mika glare at him.
"Jiog, Kimizuki dag!" they roared angrily. (Shut the hell up, Kimizuki!)
If the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Yuu sat on the bed in Mika and Kimizuki's dorm room as Mika came out of the shower in only a pair of navy blue boxers.
"Yuu, neoneun sangsog-in-eul ajig ib eossni?" he asked. (Yuu, did you put on The Heirs yet?)
Yuu swore that his cheeks were on fire.
"A-Ajig!" he stuttered out, quickly scrambling for the TV remote. (N-Not yet!)
Mika arched a brow, wondering why Yuu was acting all flustered. That was when he grinned.
"Aha. I think I know what's going on here." he began to make his way over to Yuu. "Is it because I'm shirtless?" he asked.
Yuu shook his head profusely.
"No!" he whined.
"No?" Mika questioned.
"Not because you're shirtless..." Yuu mumbled.
Mika chuckled.
"Don't start lying to me over there." he trapped the boy against the bed. "Does my half-naked body turn you on?" he asked teasingly.
Yuu blushed furiously.
"Sh-Shut up!" he whined as he reached up to pounce on the blond. However, Mika caught him by the wrist and yanked him into an embrace.
Yuu could feel the blush on his cheeks spread as his cheek collided with Mika's bare chest. He inhaled the smell of musk and coconut shampoo as Mika spoke.
"I wanna dance with you." he spoke suddenly.
This made Yuu arch a brow.
"Dance?" he questioned.
"Ye. Naneun neowa chumchugo sipda. Gwaenchanhseubnikka?" Mika asked. (Yes. I want to dance with you. Is that okay?)
Yuu nodded his head slowly.
"Gwaenchanh-a..." he murmured in response. (Okay...)
Mika smiled as he pulled the boy closer by the waist, his hand moving to slip into Yuu's as they began to slowly dance. The theme song for a random KDrama began to play as Yuu rested his feet on top of Mika's.
"Neoneun neo neomu gwiyeowo, Yuu." Mika said. (You know, you are just way too cute, Yuu.)
Yuu blushed a little as he lowered his gaze. He then moved in to rest his head against Mika's chest, listening to Mika's heartbeat as they continued to dance in each other's arms.
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
Yuu woke up with a loud shout. He panted harshly, looking over at the time.
"Three thirty in the morning...?" he murmured.
He looked around the dark room.
"Mika?" he called out hesitantly.
His hand ran along the sheets only to feel the edge of the mattress. He bit his lip, realizing that he wasn't in the large, king-sized bed that him and Mika usually slept in. Instead, he was laying in a small, full-sized bed that smelled an awful lot like Shinoa's Shakira perfume. He slowly climbed out of bed and he pulled open the curtains to reveal the bright lights of Seoul in the distance. He sighed softly.
"Yuu, stop being ridiculous...you're back in Seoul, not San Diego. You left Mika so that he wouldn't get hurt by his parents..." he whispered under his breath.
"But I can't stand this! It's only been a few hours and it feels like I haven't been by Mika's side in years!" he closed the curtains. "When will this nightmare be over...?" he asked himself.
A sob managed to escape his lips as he slumped down onto the floor, tears streaming down his cheeks.
I saw that you moved on with someone new
In the pub that we met he's got his arms around you
Mika
Mika stared listlessly at the blonde that sat across from him in the luxurious living room of the mansion he was in.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mister Shindo." the blonde spoke.
Mika didn't care to smile at her as he spoke.
"The pleasure is all mine, Miss Kingston." he responded.
"Please, call me Cara." she said, a smile dancing across her lips.
Mika said nothing as he reached for the cup of tea that was resting on the small coffee table before him.
It had been a day since Yuu had left him. Even thought it had only been a day, it felt like centuries since he had last seen the boy. Not only that, his parents were beginning to grow more strict with him. Heck, they even set him up with this woman for the day as a potential marriage candidate!
Cara tucked a stray curl behind her ear as she spoke.
"So, how has work been for you?" she asked.
"Alright, I guess." Mika replied, lounging back in the antique, floral loveseat that he sat in.
"Well, right now I feel like shit because the man I love left me and my parents had set up an arranged meeting with you in terms of finding me a wife and turning a gay man straight again, how is your day today?" he was tempted to say that to her, but he chose not to.
"Well, as long as you are not stressed out." she said, reaching over to the porcelain teapot on the table and she moved towards Mika's nearly empty cup. As a couple drops fell into the cup, Mika, rested a hand on the teapot.
"I would not like anymore tea, Miss Kingston. Thank you for offering, though." he spoke.
"Oh, Mister Shindo, you do not need to be so stiff and formal!" her baby blue eyes lit up with excitement. "Would you like to walk through the garden with me? I'm sure you'll feel more relaxed if you got some fresh air." she suggested.
Mika nodded.
"Yes, that does sound nice." he replied.
It's so hard
So hard
The sounds of birds chirping came from a nearby tree as he walked through the garden with Cara.
"The garden is nice." he commented.
"I'm glad you like it." Cara responded.
As they turned a corner, Mika couldn't help but look at Cara. Every time he stared at her, he couldn't help but imagine that Yuu was beside him instead of her.
"I want him back so bad..." he said.
"Um...Mister Shindo?" Cara spoke hesitantly.
"Yes?" he replied.
They stopped at a small, marble bench by a water fountain and sat down. Cara smoothed out the white and light blue dress that she wore as she spoke.
"You like someone else, don't you?" she guessed.
And I want to tell you everything
The words I never got to say the first time around
"Wh-What?" he stuttered out.
He didn't think she'd be able to see right through him.
She smiled.
"You have someone else that you like." she said again.
After a few moments, he managed to say something.
"How...?" he choked out.
"I can see it in your eyes. You keep watching me like you wish someone else were in my place. To be honest, it was quite obvious." she explained.
"I...I see..." he trailed off.
"So, who is the lucky girl?" she asked.
"Um...it's actually a boy..." Mika trailed off.
"A boy?" Cara blinked her eyes twice. "You're gay?" she questioned in slight shock.
"Yeah." he replied.
"So? Who's the lucky boy? Is he from around here?" she asked.
"Actually, no. He's from Seoul. He came out to the US a little while ago after attending school in Japan and we've been staying together for a while now." Mika explained.
"But?" Cara questioned, knowing that there was something more to the story.
"But...he left me..." Mika admitted.
"Oh my." a hand flew over her mouth. "But how come? Weren't you two in love with one another?" she asked.
"We were. We really were. But...I guess I just wasn't enough for him..." he said.
"You poor thing." she then gasped. "Oh! I'm having a get-together with some girls soon. I can't believe the time." she said.
"Well, I only requested 30 minutes of your time, after all." he stood up. "Have a good day, Miss Kingston." he said.
"You too, Mister Shindo." she replied.
He sighed as he walked away from her. As he walked behind a hedge, he swore he could hear her crying over the chirping of birds from a nearby tree.
And I remember everything
From when we were the children playing in this fairground
Wish I was there with you now
Yuu
Yuu sat in the living room, watching a KDrama on the television. It then ended and began playing The Heirs. His heart sank at this.
"The Heirs..." he thought to himself, thinking about the many times when him and Mika would watch the show.
"Yuu! Neoneun eotteon gimchilado wonhani- - -" Shinoa poked her head out from the kitchen and she saw what was on the television. "A, sangsog-in-ibnida! Naega geu syoleul bon ihulo olaen sigan-i jinass-eo." she murmured. (Yuu! Do you want any kimchi- - -Ah, it's The Heirs! It's been a long time since I've seen that show...)
"Ne..." Yuu responded. (Yeah...)
A mischievous smirk pulled at Shinoa's lips.
"Minholeul ajigdo joh-ahani?" she asked teasingly. (You still like Min Ho?)
"Yesu, Shinoa...!" Yuu whined, causing Shinoa to laugh before disappearing back into the kitchen. (Jesus, Shinoa...!)
He sighed as he looked at the screen. Just watching the first episode brought back way too many memories.
"I think I'm gonna change the channel..." he thought to himself before reaching for the remote and changing the channel. It began playing a movie that starred Min Ho as the apartment door opened.
"Shinoa! Naneun jib-eissda!" (Shinoa! I am home!)
Yuu's heart leapt at the familiar voice. He whipped his head around as a familiar male stepped into view.
"Shinoa, dangsin-eun gyotong-eul boass-eo ya haess-eo! Geugeos-eun goemul-ieossda! O, geulae, nega bwass-eo- - -" he stopped, taking notice of Yuu on the couch. "Yuu...?" he questioned in shock. (Shinoa, you should've seen the traffic! It was monstrous! Oh yeah, did you watch the- - -Yuu...?)
"Ki-Kimizuki..." Yuu trailed off. (Ki-Kimizuki...)
The duffel bag that Kimizuki was holding slipped out of his hands as he ran over to the boy, nearly squeezing him to death.
"I cannot believe this! You're actually here!" he exclaimed.
"I am..." Yuu trailed off.
"And you're finally speaking fluent English!" he let go of him. "We haven't seen or heard from you in years! What happened?!" Kimizuki asked.
"A whole ton of shit." Yuu replied.
"Sounds like a typical Yuu answer." Kimizuki said as Shinoa came out of the kitchen.
"Geulaeseo, machimnae jib-e wass-eo." she stated. (So, you finally came home.)
"Sasil, naneun geulaessda." he said. (Indeed, I did.)
"Ne gyeong-gi daehoeleul bwass-eo. Seunglileul chughahabnida." Shinoa said as she began to make her way over to him. (I saw your tournament. Congratulations on your win.)
"Gomabseubnida. Ja, i chaempieon-eun chugha kiseuga pil-yohabnida." Kimizuki said, puckering his lips expectantly. (Thank you. Now, this champion needs a congratulations kiss.)
Shinoa sighed whilst rolling her eyes.
"Eung, geulae." she said, leaning in to kiss him. (Yeah, yeah, hotshot.)
Yuu couldn't help but snicker.
"Du bun-eun jeongmallo seolo chingchanhabnida." he said. (You two really do compliment one another.)
Shinoa quickly pulled away, a red blush spreading across her cheeks as Kimizuki chuckled.
"Ulineun hwagsilhi geugeos-eulhanda! Ije, jung-yohan sahang-eulo dol-agaseo," Kimizuki looked at Yuu, "Eotteohge seoul-e dol-aongeoya? Machimnae bangmunhagilo gyeoljeonghasyeossseubnikka? Geuligo mikaneun eodi issseubnikka?" he asked. (We sure do! Now, back to pressing matters, how come you're back in Seoul? You finally chose to come visit? And where is Mika?)
Yuu felt his heart squeeze painfully at the thought of Mika. Shinoa sighed as she looked at Kimizuki.
"Kimizuki...geogie mwonga Yuu malhagoissda." she said. (Kimizuki...there's something that Yuu has to say.)
As if the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
"Daeche dodaeche mwoya?!" (Just what the hell?!)
Kimizuki watched Yuu in shock as Shinoa spoke.
"Ne. Geuge il-eonangeoya." she said. (Yeah. That's what happened.)
"Bumonim-i jalmos hasyeossnayo?! Geudeul-eun jjileuda!" Kimizuki exclaimed. (The hell is wrong with his parents?! They're a bunch of pricks!)
"Geuui imowa samchon-eun aniya! Geuui sugmowa samchon-eun na-ege maeu chinjeolhabnida." Yuu said. (Not his aunt and uncle! His aunt and uncle are very nice to me.)
"Geulaeseo, jag-eun ttongcheoleom haengdonghaneun geos-eun geuui bumonim ilppun-ibnida?" Kimizuki asked. (So, it's just his actual parents that are acting like little shits?)
"Jeonghwaghage." Shinoa stated. (Precisely.)
"Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun geuleul idaelo namgyeo dul yejeong-ibnikka? Nae mal-eun wae nega tteonassneunji jeonghwaghi malhajineun anh-ass-eo." Kimizuki said. (So, are you just going to leave him like this? I mean, you didn't exactly tell him why you left.)
"Naneun geuleul algi ttaemun-e geuege malhaji anhgilo gyeoljeonghaessda. Geuneun naleul bohohalyeogo nolyeoghaessda. Geuleomyeon geuui bumoneun geuleul haechil geos-ida." Yuu looked at him. "Geugeos-eun yuilhan gil-ieossseubnida." he said. (I chose not to tell him because knowing him, he'd try to protect me and then his parents would hurt him. It was the only way.)
"Eotteohge geuge yuilhangeoya- - -" Shinoa shushed him. (How could that be the only- - -)
"Kimizuki." she looked at him. "Geuneun jeongmallo seontaeg-ui yeojiga eobs-eossda. Uli bumonim-eun mikaui bumonim-eul abnida. Geudeul-eun wonhaneun geos-eul eodgi wihae mueos-ideun meomchuji anh-eul geos-ibnida." she explained. (Kimizuki. He really had no choice. My parents know Mika's parents. They won't stop at anything in order to get what they want.)
Kimizuki let out a small 'tch'.
"Hajiman yeojeonhi...kkeut-i aniya..." he trailed off. (But still...it can't be the end...)
Yuu sighed.
"Naega wonhaessdeonmankeum, igeos-i mikaui kkeut-iljido moleundago saeng-gaghabnida. Naneun uliga doel uidoga eobsdago saeng-gaghabnida." Yuu spoke sadly. (As much as I wish it wasn't, I think this might be the end of Mika and I's story. I guess we just weren't meant to be.)
"Yuu..." Kimizuki trailed off. (Yuu...)
Shinoa sighed, hoping to cut into the conversation.
"Eum, jigeum dangjang yuuga uliwa hamkkeiss-eulgeoya. Naneun sonnim chimsil-eseo jagoissda." she said. (Well, for right now, Yuu'll be staying with us. I have him sleeping in the guest bedroom.)
"Naneun geugeos-eulo meosjida." that was when Kimizuki's stomach grumbled. "Jenjang, baegopeuda." he said. (I'm fine with that. Shit, I'm hungry.)
Shinoa laughed.
"Geulsse, dangsin-eun je sigan-e dochaghaessseubnida. Naneun gimchi bokk-eumbabgwa yakkwasleul mandeuneun geos-eul kkeutnaeeossda." she said. (Well, you're just in time. I finished making some kimchi fried rice and yagkwas.)
Kimizuki had a bright smile on his face.
"Geuleom dang-yeonhaji! Neoui yagkwas meoggo sipda." Kimizuki declared, causing Yuu and Shinoa to laugh in unison. (Hell yeah! I miss eating your yagkwas.)
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
Mika
Mika sat in the hot tub, swirling some Pinot Noir in a glass. He sipped on it as he gazed out at the sunset.
"Yuu..." he trailed off.
He took a small sip as memories began to run through his mind.
You still make me nervous when you walk in the room
Them butterflies they come alive when I'm next to you
Yuu sat in the hot tub, letting the jets massage his back lightly.
"Mmmm..." he hummed slightly, his eyes slowly closing.
That was when he heard the water sloshing about. He smiled, knowing who it was without even having to look.
"Mika? Is that you?" he asked.
A deep chuckle was heard.
"Damn, nothing gets past you."
Yuu smiled, his eyes fluttering open to reveal a shirtless Mika in a pair of black swimming shorts standing in the tub.
"It's only the two of us in this large penthouse, you know." Yuu commented.
"True." Mika replied.
Yuu then took notice of the two wine glasses that Mika was holding.
"Is that for me?" he asked.
"One glass is." Mika walked across the hot tub and he sat down besides Yuu. "Here, some Chardonnay. Your favorite." he said.
"Thank you." Yuu replied as he took the glass from him.
He sipped on it as he looked at Mika, who also took a sip from his wine glass.
"Do you do this often? You know, sitting out here in the hot tub and drinking from a glass of wine." Yuu asked.
"Sometimes. I especially do this in the evening." Mika replied.
"Oh? How come?" Yuu asked.
"Because of this." Mika said, pointing into the distance.
Yuu looked out and gasped, seeing the sunset before them.
"Wow...it's so beautiful..." he breathed out.
"But, not as beautiful as the sight before me." Mika said, looking down at Yuu as he said that.
Yuu couldn't help the giggle that escaped his lips.
"Are you drunk, Mika?" he asked.
"Yup." Mika shifted himself a little so that their faces were mere inches away from each other. "I'm completely drunk on you." he said before pressing a kiss to his lips.
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
After soaking in the hot tub, Mika quickly retired to his room.
He changed into a white shirt and black boxers briefs after taking a quick shower. He laid in bed and slept, constantly thinking about Yuu.
"Yuu..." he murmured softly as he recalled another moment from when Yuu was still here.
And I know that it's wrong
That I can't move on
But there's something about you
Yuu laid in bed next to Mika after having sex one night. He reached out to play a little with Mika's hair, smiling softly.
"So beautiful..." he murmured.
He slowly withdrew his hand only to have Mika grab ahold of his wrist.
"Ah!" Yuu gasped out as he was pulled unto a hug. He tilted his head up to stare into Mika's eyes, which glimmered with amusement.
"Are you ogling me, Yuu?" he asked.
Yuu shook his head.
"N-No..." he stuttered out.
Mika chuckled deeply before leaning in to whisper into his ear.
"Don't lie." he whispered softly.
Yuu shivered at the way Mika breathed against his ear as he pulled away.
"Yuu, you know I love you, right?" he spoke.
Yuu nodded against the blond's chest.
"I know. I love you too, Mika." he said.
Mika smiled.
"I'm glad." he said before kissing the boy softly.
If the whole world was watching I'd still dance with you
Drive highways and byways to be there with you
Mika was quickly pulled out his slumber as his alarm went off. He sighed deeply, running his fingers through his hair.
"Another boring day, huh..." he murmured.
He turned to say good morning only to remember that Yuu wasn't with him anymore. He felt his heart squeeze painfully in his chest.
"Shit..." he trailed off.
"I don't think I'll ever be able to get used to this..." he thought to himself.
He slipped out of bed and padded into the bathroom. He turned on the shower, stripped out of his clothes, and he stepped into the shower. The warm water poured onto him as he rested his head and hand against the ceramic bathroom tile.
"Yuu...where could you have gone...?" he murmured under his breath.
He quickly washed his hair and body before stepping out of the shower. He towel dried his hair and skin and changed into a black suit with a white dress shirt and red tie. He smoothed his hair out, making himself look presentable before heading out.
He stepped out of the apartment building only to find Crowley standing by his car, which was a sleek, black Audi.
"Uncle Crowley?" Mika questioned as he made his way over to him.
"Come. I'll take you to work this time." Crowley said.
Mika could only nod as he got into the vehicle. Crowley got into the driver's seat and he sped off.
Soft, classical music drifted from the speakers as Crowley drove. They turned a corner into some traffic as Crowley spoke.
"Still can't find him?" he asked.
Mika shook his head.
"No. I've called him millions of time and it's always the same response: his answering machine. I think he turned his phone off." Mika explained, gazing out the window.
"Damn. Just why the hell did he up and go so suddenly? He was very content being with you, so it's confusing me." Crowley pointed out.
Mika sighed, tears shimmering in his eyes.
"I have no idea..." he croaked out.
Over and over the only truth
Everything comes back to you
Yuu
"Yuu! Jeonyeog jom dowa jullae?" Shinoa hollered from the kitchen. (Yuu! Wanna help me with dinner?!)
"Hwagsilhan..." Yuu replied as he got up from the couch. (Sure...)
He stretched, the sleeves of the large, black sweater that he had on sliding down his thin arms as he padded over to the kitchen. Before stepping in, he slipped his hands into the sleeves and he brought it up to his nose, sniffing it. His heart panged.
"It still smells like Mika..." he could feel the tears begin to burn in the back of his eyes. "Goddammit, Yuu. Calm down. You shouldn't be crying." he told himself.
He kept chanting those words to himself as he pulled his hands back out and he stepped into the kitchen.
"Uliga mwol mandeulgoiss-eo?" Yuu asked. (What are we making?)
"Eum, menyuneun dalg-gogiwa huin ssal-eul gyeotdeul-in jogaetang-ibnida. Naneun neomu olae jeon-e sojuleul guhagi wihae kimijeukileul bonaessseubnida." Shinoa explained. (Well, the menu is clam stew with some grilled chicken and white rice. I sent Kimizuki out to get some soju not too long ago.)
"Gwaenchanh-a." Yuu replied. (Okay.)
"Pawa maneul-eul dalwoya gess-eo?" Shinoa asked, nodding her head over to the cutting board that had a green onion and two cloves of garlic on it along with a knife. (Wanna deal with the green onions and garlic?)
Yuu nodded.
"Johguna." he replied. (Alright.)
Shinoa smiled.
"Joh-eun. Ja, naneun ssal-eul kkeulh-yeoyahago jogaeleul bunlyuhaeyahabnida!" Shinoa declared. (Good. Now, I've gotta boil the rice and sort out the clams, so chop chop!)
Yuu nodded before heading over to the cutting board. He reached for the green onion and he began to slice it. As he continued slicing the green onion, more memories resurfaced.
You still make me nervous when you walk in the room
Them butterflies they come alive when I'm next to you
Yuu sat down on Mika's bed after dinner as Mika came out with two bowls and spoons.
"And I have come with the patbingsu!" Mika declared. (Patbingsu=shaved ice dessert)
Yuu's eyes widened in surprise.
"Patbingsu?!" he exclaimed.
"Yup!" he handed Yuu a bowl with shaved ice in it topped with azuki beans as he sat down next to him. "Here you go." he said.
"Thank you." Yuu took the bowl from Mika as he stared at the bowl the blond had. "You have strawberry one?" Yuu questioned.
"Yeah. Shinoa taught me how to make it." Mika explained.
"I see..." Yuu trailed off.
"So, you up for some TV?" Mika asked.
"Ye. What we watching?" Yuu asked as Mika turned on the TV.
"Hmmm, maybe an Heirs binge watch session?" Mika said.
Yuu's eyes sparkled.
"We're watching Heirs?!" he exclaimed.
"Yup! Since it's Valentine's Day, I thought I'd do the things that you like." Mika explained.
"But why?" Yuu asked.
"Because I love you." Mika replied.
Yuu blushed as Mika began the first episode of The Heirs. He put some of the patbingsu into his mouth as he remembered something.
"Ah! I have something for you." Yuu said.
"You do?" Mika asked.
"Ye!" Yuu replied as he got off the bed and went over to the box that he had rested on the nightstand. He picked it up and he handed it to Mika. Mika watched the box in shock.
"You..." he trailed off.
"Happy Valentine Day." Yuu said, a light blush dusting his cheeks pink.
Mika looked at the heart-shaped box as he took it from Yuu. He watched it, eyes wide in surprise.
"Chocolate...and it's Godiva, too..." he trailed off.
"In Korea, Valentine Day for men and White Day for women. So, I give chocolate to you. To show I...love you..." Yuu murmured the last part, his cheeks growing a brighter shade of pink as he spoke.
Over and over the only truth
"Ttong...!" Yuu hissed out as the tip of the knife nicked his skin. Some blood dripped onto the cutting board as Shinoa looked away from the clams. (Shit...!)
"Yuu!" she raced over to him. "Gwaenchanh-a?!" she asked. (Yuu! Are you okay?!)
"Nan...Nan moshae..." tears began to blur his vision as he held his head. "Naneun hal su eobsda...igeos-eulhaela..." he choked out. (I...I can't...I can't...do this...)
He trailed his hand across his face, leaving a tiny trail of blood.
"Naneun geu salam eobs-ido gwaenchanh-eul geolago saeng-gaghaessjiman..." his voice cracked as tears spilled from his eyes. (I thought that I'd be fine without him and yet...)
Sobs wracked his body as his hands went over his eyes. Shinoa had a sad look on her face as she embraced him.
"Yuu..." she trailed off as the apartment door opened. (Yuu...)
"Annyeong, nae du meosjin chingu- - -" Kimizuki stopped, seeing how Shinoa was embracing Yuu. One look into her eyes made him realize what was going on. He set down the case of soju that he bought and he went over to embrace the both of them, his chin resting on the top of Yuu's head. (Hello, my two wonderful frien- - -)
Yuu found himself sobbing louder as he let himself be wrapped up in his friends's embrace.
Everything comes back to you
Mika
Mika sat in his room, his eyes bloodshot and ready to slide shut at any moment as he typed away on his laptop.
It had been two months since Yuu had left him. Since then, he had been tirelessly working himself to the bone and trying to find any clues as to where he could have gone with the help of Mitsuba, Krul, and Crowley.
He yawned, sending yet another email out.
"Sleep..." he mumbled.
Before he could surrender himself to his sleepiness, his phone began to ring. He reached for it, hoping it was Yuu trying to get in contact with him. However, it was Krul.
"Huh...? Aunt Krul...?" he mumbled out tiredly.
He answered the call and brought the phone to his ear.
"Yello...?" he grumbled tiredly.
"Mika, I have something to tell you. It is very urgent."
"Okay...?" he mumbled.
"It's about Yuu."
Now, Mika was fully awake. He straightened himself up as he spoke.
"Yuu? What about him? Did you manage to find anything?" he asked.
"Yes. As a matter of fact, we know why he left."
As he listened to what Krul had to say, his eyes widened in horror.
"...What?"
Everything comes back to you...
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Mika sped down the road in his red Corvette convertible, the wind rushing through his hair.
He took a sharp left as he recalled the conversation he had with Krul before storming out of the penthouse.
"Mika, I have something to tell you. It is very urgent."
"Okay...?" he mumbled.
"It's about Yuu."
Now, Mika was fully awake. He straightened himself up as he spoke.
"Yuu? What about him? Did you manage to find anything?" he asked.
"Yes. As a matter of fact, we know why he left."
Krul breathed out a deep sigh before speaking.
"Mika...your parents threatened him. They pretty much forced him to leave."
Mika sat there, trying to comprehend what his aunt just said. Then, his eyes widened in horror.
"...What?" he choked out.
"Yes. Ferid was feeding your parents information on Yuu and they used that to attack him and blackmail him into separating himself from you."
"Just what the- - -" that was when he connected the pieces together. "That trip..." he trailed off.
"Trip? What trip?"
"The one Yuu and I took to LA...that was about a week before he left. I thought it was just a coincidence that he wanted to go on a trip with me, but now I know why he did it. He did it so that he could spend time with me before he..." he began to choke up, tears welling up in his eyes.
"Of course! It makes complete sense now that I think about it."
As he swiped away at his tears, he felt this sudden anger take over him.
"Those bastards...they took him from me..." he growled out.
He got off of the bed and he headed over to the closet, yanking out a black Sleeping With Sirens tour t-shirt that Kimizuki lent him and a pair of dark grey sweatpants.
"Where are they?" he asked.
"Mika?"
"Where are they?" he asked again.
"Mika?" Krul sounded a little panicked. "Mika, just what is it that you are going to do?"
"Just tell me where the hell those bloody fucks are!" Mika shouted into the phone as he wriggled out of his pajamas.
"C-Crowley says that they're holding a late-night conference at the corporation building..." Mika pulled on his sweatpants as she spoke. "Mika, you're not planning to kill them, are you?"
"No." Mika put on a pair of sneakers and he stormed out of the bedroom. "I'm gonna make them wish that they never tore Yuu and I apart."
He pulled the vehicle into the Shindo Corp parking garage and he parked it, hopping out and locking the vehicle. He stuffed the keys into his sweatpants pocket and he stomped into the corporation building.
"Master Shindo! How may I- - -" he cut the secretary off.
"Where are my parents?" he asked.
"U-Um..." she flinched slightly at the tone of Mika's voice. "Th-They're on the twenty-fifth floor..." she trailed off.
"Thank you." he said before walking over to the elevator.
"Wait! They're in a conference, though!" the secretary called out.
However, Mika didn't hear her. And even if he did hear her, he pretended that he didn't give a shit. All that mattered to him right now is that he gave his parents a piece of his mind.
He stepped into the elevator and practically smaller his fist into the Floor 25 button. He held onto one of the elevator bars as the elevator began to go up.
He tapped his foot, the anger welling up in him more and more.
"Mika, you're not planning to kill them, are you?" Krul's words ran through his head as he began to think.
"I would love nothing more than to see them dead, but I plan to ruin them in my own way. Plus, I don't want to screw up my record and be labeled as a murderer." he thought to himself.
He arrived on the twenty-fifth floor and he stormed over to the conference room that they were most likely in. He threw the door open, twenty-seven pairs of eyes landing on him. Mr. Shindo glanced over at him.
"Mika?" he asked.
"Do not fucking call me by my name." he then glared at the other people in the room. "Get out!" he shouted.
His loud shout stunned them into complete silence. This made him snarl.
"Well?! Just what the fuck are you waiting on?! A promotion?! I'm obviously not giving you one, so get the fuck out!" he screamed.
Everyone jumped out of their sets and they scrambled to get their stuff. As they filed out of the room, Mrs. Shindo shot him a confused glance.
"Mika? What's wrong? Why are you so angry?" she tucked some blonde hair behind her ear. "Furthermore, you should be asleep. It's ten thirty, after all." she said.
"Drop the fucking act. I know what you did." he snapped.
"What we did?" Mr. Shindo chuckled. "Mika, we did nothing that could upset you." he said.
"Stop spouting bullshit. You sent him away, didn't you?" he glared at them, fury lit in his eyes. "You tore Yuu away from me." he snapped.
Mrs. Shindo huffed out an exasperated sigh.
"Gosh, are we seriously going to talk about this?" she asked.
"Yes, we are going to fucking talk about this. You sent him away. Blackmailed him, even." he hissed.
"Mika, how do you know all this?" he asked.
"How else? Aunt Krul told me everything just now. You blackmailed Yuu into leaving me." Mika said.
"Oh, hush. Besides, he wasn't good enough for you." Mrs. Shindo said with the wave of her hand.
"Oh? And are you the one to judge who I date and don't date?" Mika asked in a snarky voice.
"Well, when the person you've chosen is not only a boy, but a complete manwhore, we have no choice but to judge him. A slut like him could never be of the same league as you." Mrs. Shindo said.
Mika heard something inside of him snap.
"What the hell did you just call him?" he asked.
"Well, isn't that what he is? He's a slut, a male prostitute who sells his body in the red-light district for money." she said.
"All you see is a fucking prostitute when it comes to Yuu! But, you don't know him!" Yuu's face flashed through Mika's mind. "He's the sweetest person I have ever known! He just happened to be in one of the most unfortunate situations anyone could think of!" Mika snapped.
"Mika, I hope you realize that your emotions don't matter in this conversation." Mr. Shindo crossed his arms over his chest. "Venting out your anger is not going to help you lead this corporation forward." he stated.
"I never asked to be the heir of this stupid corporation!" Mika threw a nearby chair onto the floor. "You practically thrusted me into the position! All I asked for was a normal family, normal friends, a normal life! I never asked for this shit! I never asked to have assholes for parents! I never asked to be the heir of a company! Most of all, I never asked to be a fucking Shindo because everyone is terrified of people that are Shindos! You made me lose so many things like my childhood, my obsession with painting, and my one-way ticket to Harvard! And guess what?! I fucking put up with your bullcrap! However, I am NOT backing down on this! I am not going to lose Yuu forever because that is the one thing that I as a person want to hold on to!" Mika shouted.
He panted harshly as he glared at them. His voice was starting to become raw, but he didn't care. He wasn't going to lose this argument. If he succumbed to their wishes again, he would never let himself down for that.
"Mika." Mrs. Shindo's sharp voice cut through the intense air surrounding them. "I hope you have realized that even though my sister and her husband raised you, we are still your parents. So, we can inflict any damage that we want on you." she spoke in a clipped voice.
Mika glowered at her.
"Not if I do something about it." he quickly came to a decision on the spot. "I am cutting off all ties with you guys. I am not going to be a Shindo anymore." he said.
Mr. Shindo barked out a laugh.
"You can't be serious." he said.
"Oh, but I am. I can go petition for a name change tomorrow. I'm old enough to do it, after all." Mika said.
"And what about your precious Aunt Krul and Uncle Crowley?" an evil smirk crossed Mrs. Shindo's lips. "If you cut off ties with us, you also cut off ties with them." she spoke, malice evident in her voice.
Mika froze, his eyes wide in horror.
"Shit. They backed me up a corner." he swallowed as Mrs. Shindo laughed.
"Oh? Where's that bravado you had not too long ago? Did it disappear once I mentioned your aunt and uncle?" she asked.
Mika gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Even if that is so..." he curled his hands into fists. "I'll still do it. Because I know they'll get upset if I don't do the right thing. And I think that cutting myself off from you guys is the right thing to do." Mika said.
Mr. Shindo snorted.
"Well, suit yourself. Just know that the petition won't be getting approved anytime soon." Mr. Shindo said.
"Oh, we'll see about that." Mika shot back before turning on his heel and storming out of the conference room. Everyone shot him terrified looks as he walked into the elevator and headed down to the lobby. As he stepped out, he spotted Crowley by the secretary's desk.
"Uncle Crowley?" he questioned in shock.
Crowley nodded.
"Yeah. Your aunt sent me down here because she thought you were going to slaughter your parents. It's a good thing you didn't." he said.
"Yeah." Mika replied.
His heart then panged painfully, realizing what he had just done. He looked at Crowley before falling into his arms.
"Mika?" he questioned.
"I'm sorry...I'm so sorry..." Mika choked out.
"Mika, what do you mean, you're sorry? You didn't kill them, so there is nothing to be sorry about!" Crowley pointed out.
"No. It's just...I'm going to have to say goodbye very soon." he choked out.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The plane touched down in the Seoul airport at around seven o'clock that July evening. A blond stepped out of the aircraft, fixing the black backpack that he had over his shoulder as he headed off to look for a certain someone. He then spotted a brunet holding a bright, neon sign that had his name written on it.
"Yoichi!" the blond called out. (Yoichi!)
"O, geogi issne! Nega eodi issneunji gung-geumhaeseo." Yoichi stated. (Oh, there you are! I was wondering where you were.)
"Eum, 2 nyeon-ui kkeunh-im-eobsneun ssaum kkeut-e, naneun wassseubnida." the blond then examined the sign. "O geuleonde, dangsin-eun nae ileum-eul jalmos sseossda." he said. (Well, after two years of constant fighting, I have come. Oh, by the way, you wrote my name wrong.)
"Mwolago?! Naega geulaess-eo?!" Yoichi exclaimed as they went to go grab up two black suitcases. (Eh?! I did?!)
The blond nodded.
"Ne." the blond gazed out at the city through the large airport windows. "Deo isang sindoga anibnida. Naneun jigeum Hyikaya Mika." he said. (Yeah. It's not Shindo anymore. I'm now Mika Hyakuya.)
Mika sat in the white Smart car that Yoichi was driving as he looked out the window at the large city.
"Naega yeogieseo majimag ilaelo seoul-eun kkwae bakkwieossda." Mika commented. (Seoul has changed quite a bit since I was last here.)
"Majimag-eulo uliga dangsin-eul bon geos-eun 5 nyeon jeon-ieossseubnida." Yoichi pointed out. (Well, the last time we saw you was five years ago.)
"Chamdoen." Mika noted. (True.)
Yoichi turned off the highway as he looked at Mika through the rearview mirror.
"Ttalaseo, cheong-wonseoleul seung-in bad-eulyeomyeon olaen sigan-i geollyeoss-eul geos-ibnida." he commented. (So, it sure took you a long time to get that petition approved.)
Mika nodded.
"Geugeos-eun hwagsilhihaessda. Naneun eoliseog-eun bumo ttaemun-e beobjeong-e gajyeo gayahaessseubnida." Mika explained. (It sure did. I even had to take it to court because of my stupid parents.)
"Jinjjaya?" Yoichi questioned, arching a brow in shock. (For real?)
"Geulae, jinjjaya." Mika replied as Yoichi took a left. (Yeah, for real.)
"Jogeumdo." Yoichi commented as they pulled into a community that had rows of brown and white apartment structured buildings. (Damn.)
Yoichi pulled into the parking lot by a building that had the letter B on it and he cut the engine.
"Geulsse, yeogiissda! Igeos-eun naega saneun gos-ibnida." Yoichi chirped. (Well, here we are! This is where I live.)
"Siwonhan." Mika commented as they got out of the vehicle. Yoichi popped open the trunk and he took out Mika's luggage. (Cool.)
"Deul-eo gaja. Neo bae an gopeulgeoya." Yoichi said as he closed the car trunk and locked the vehicle. (Well, let's go in. I'm sure you're hungry.)
Mika nodded.
"Ne." he replied before following Yoichi into the building. (Yeah.)
Mika made himself comfy on the red patterned couch in the cozy living area as Yoichi made his way over to him with two glasses of lemon water.
"Ili." he said. (Here.)
"Gomawo, Yoichi." he said, taking the glass from him and sipping on the water. (Thanks, Yoichi.)
Yoichi plopped down on the couch next to him, flicking the channel to a romantic soap opera as Mika spoke.
"Geuleom, eottaess ni? Pyobeom-eun jal jinaego issseubnikka?" he asked. (So, how've you been? Is Leopard doing well?)
"Geulsse, naneun gwaenchanh-a. Pyobeom-e gwanhaeseoneun..." Yoichi breathed out a small sigh. "Naneun geugeos-eul pyeswaehaeyamanhaessda." he admitted. (Well, I've been alright. As for Leopard...I had to shut it down.)
Mika's eyes widened in shock.
"Mwo?! Jinjja?!" he exclaimed. (What?! For real?!)
Yoichi nodded.
"Ne. Ije 2 nyeon dong-an pyeswaedoeeossseubnida." he explained. (Yeah. It's been closed for two years now.)
"Ttong..." Mika sipped on some of his water. "Eojjaeseo?" he asked. (Shit...How come?)
"Mitsubaga tteonal ttae sa-eob-eun neuj-eojigi sijaghaessseubnida. Meoji anh-a sa-eob-eun na ppajyeossgo naneun geunyeoui gageleul dad-eul su bakk-e eobs-eossseubnida." Yoichi watched the lemon slice as it swam around in the water. "Saeng-gaghae boni, jega Shinoawa Kimizukiege majimag-eulo malhaessdeon sigan-ieossseubnida. Geuttae ihulo, naneun hoesa-eseo bumonimgwa ilhal ttae neomu bappassda. Naneun geudeulgwa iyagi hal sigan-eul gaj-ji moshaessda. Gedaga, naneun kimijeukiwa micheubaga yuulo tteol-eojineun sungan-e il-eonassdeon sageon-i gabjagi uliui salm-eseo gabjagi salajyeoseo uliui gong-gan-i pil-yohadago mid-eossseubnida." Yoichi explained. (Business started slowing down when Mitsuba left. Sooner or later, business got so bad that I had no choice but to close down her shop. Come to think of it, that was the last time I had spoken to Shinoa and Kimizuki. Since then, I've been so busy working with my parents at the corporation that I didn't get time to talk to them. Plus, I believed we needed our space after all the events that occurred at the time from Kimizuki and Mitsuba's falling out to Yuu suddenly vanishing from our lives without a trace.)
"Jenjang...yeogiissneun geosdeul-i naega saeng-gaghaessdeon geosboda deo nappass-eo..." Mika trailed off. (Damn...things here were worse than I thought they were...)
"Ye. Modeun geos-i chong-e maj-assseubnida." Yoichi finished his glass of water as he looked at Mika. "Mika, mwongaleul al-aya hae. Eotteohge yuuga dol-a wassneunji eotteohge al-assseubnikka?" he asked. (Yup. Everything went to total shit. Mika, I need to know something. How could you possibly know that Yuu came back here?)
"Geuneun jib-e gayahajiman jib-e gal gos-i eobs-seubnida." Mika explained. (Well, he's got nowhere else to go but home.)
"Yuhyohan pointeu." Yoichi stood up from the couch. "Geulaeseo, jigeum kkwae gin hyugaleul gajyeoss-euni naeil yuuleul chajgo sipni? Naega dowa julge." he asked. (Valid point. So, since I've got a pretty long vacation right now, do you want to start looking for Yuu tomorrow? I'll help.)
"Neo jeongmal naleul dowa julgeoya?" Mika asked. (You're seriously going to help me?)
"Eum, aniya. Naega gaji anh-eumyeon gonghang-e delyeodajuji anh-ass-eulgeoya." Yoichi pointed out. (Well, no duh. I wouldn't have come to get you at the airport if I wasn't going to.)
"Yuhyohan pointeu." Mika noted, which caused Yoichi to laugh. (Valid point.)
Mika and Yoichi both spent the next two weeks trying to track down Yuu. They went to places that Yuu used to go to such as the patbingsu place him and Yuu had gone to after that night at the love motel and the car wash that Yuu used to work at. However, they were out of luck.
Mika stood in front of a familiar door, tapping his foot nervously.
"I cannot believe that I'm actually here. It's been years since I last came by this place..." he thought to himself.
He reached up to knock on the door and waited. He bit his lip, his heart racing louder and louder with each passing moment.
"Come on, Mika. You can do this. Stop acting so nervous." Mika told himself.
The door opened to reveal a familiar black haired male in a red shirt and a pair of black boxers. The male's amethyst colored eyes bored into Mika's blue ones.
"What the hell do you want?! I don't want to buy any- - -" his eyes then widened. "You...You're that Shindo brat..." he trailed off.
"Um...it's actually Hyakuya now..." Mika told him.
"What? You changed your last name?" the male questioned.
"I did." Mika replied.
"Huh. You haven't been here in years. What brings you back here now?" the male asked.
"I- - -" before Mika could speak, he heard a voice from inside the apartment.
"Guren! Who's at the door?"
Guren chuckled.
"Shinya, you ain't gonna believe it." he said.
"Hm?" Shinya came into view, trying to fix the small ponytail he had in his hair as he spotted Mika. "Ah! Isn't that Mika?" he asked.
Mika nodded his head in greeting.
"Good evening." he greeted.
Shinya smiled at Mika before directing his attention to Guren.
"Guren, don't just stand there! Let him in." Shinya said.
Guren grunted.
"Whatever..." he grumbled before ushering Mika inside.
Mika took this chance to examine the apartment space. It looked cleaner with new furniture such as a dark leather couch, widescreen television, new curtains, and even new hardwood flooring.
"This place got cleaned up." Mika commented.
"Yeah. We completely renovated the place about a year and a half ago." Shinya explained.
Guren closed the door as he looked at Mika.
"Spill. Why the hell are you here, Shindo brat?" he asked.
"My last name is Hyakuya now." Mika spoke bluntly.
"You're still a Shindo brat to me." Guren snapped.
"Now, now..." the three of them sat in the small living space. "No need to dig up old wounds." Shinya spoke.
Guren sighed.
"Whatever..." he mumbled, leaning up against Shinya's arm. Shinya smiled softly as he looked at Mika, who chose to sit across from them in the leather recliner.
"Tell us why you dropped by. It must be very important if you decided to come here." Shinya said.
"Well..." Mika twiddled with his thumbs nervously. "It's about Yuu..." he trailed off.
"Yuu?" Guren's eyes widened. "Have you been able to find him?" he asked.
"That was actually going to be my question. However, it seems like you guys have no idea, either." Mika said.
"The last time we came in contact with him was when I had sent him to Japan. I told him to call and yet, he never did." Guren explained.
"That was at least five years ago..." Mika trailed off.
"Have YOU seen him since the last time?" Shinya asked.
"Actually, we reunited in San Diego two years ago. He stayed by me for a while and then, he left due to my parents's instructions. I got my named changed and after that, I decided to look for him. I believed that he must've come back to Seoul, so I flew back and I am now staying with Yoichi. We thought that maybe he might be with you guys, but it seems like he's not." he gave Shinya a pleading look. "We've looked EVERYWHERE in the city for him. We checked every place that we believed he might be. Is there any other place we haven't checked? Please help. I NEED Yuu in my life. Without him, I have no reason to exist. I would rather die than have the two of us suffer like this." he said.
He then looked at Guren.
"I know you don't like me, but I really need help. I'm desperate at this point." Mika pleaded.
Guren stayed silent, watching Mika like he were contemplating telling him something. After a little while, Shinya chose to cut through the silence.
"The red-light district. I remember whenever Yuu and Guren would argue, Yuu would run off there to walk off his anger. He also does it when he's depressed or really deep in thought. I suggest you check there." he suggested.
Guren looked like he wanted to protest, but he sighed.
"Just go get him. All that matters at this point is that he is safe." Guren cracked a smile, which surprised Mika. "He had always preferred to stay with you, anyway." he said.
"Are you...accepting me?" Mika questioned in shock.
"Don't act smart with me! I haven't said ANYTHING about accepting you! Bring Yuu back and then we'll talk!" Guren snapped.
"Baby, calm down." Shinya tried to soothe the other male as he looked at Mika. "I believe in you." he said.
"Thank you so much." Mika stood up. "I should get going now. Have a good rest of your evening." he said.
"You too." Shinya said as Mika stepped out of the apartment, closing the door behind him. He made his way down the steps and over to Yoichi's vehicle as Yoichi rolled the window down.
"Eotteon haeng-un-iya?!" he called out. (Any luck?!)
Mika shook his head.
"Ani. Geuleona naneun geuleul chaj-eul su-issneun gos-e daehan aidieoleul eod-eossda." Mika replied as he approached the vehicle. (Nope. But, I got an idea as to where I might find him.)
"Geulaeseo? Eodiganeungeoya?" Yoichi asked. (So? Where are we going?)
Mika opened the car door and got into the passenger seat as he spoke, clicking in his seat belt.
"Hongdeung-galogabnida." he said. (Drive to the red-light district.)
Shinoa locked the front door of Mystic Eats as she looked at Yuu.
"Ulineun geogie gal! Ije gaja. Kimizuki jigeum jib-e iss-eoyahabnida." she said. (There we go! Now, let's go. Kimizuki must be home by now.)
"Eum...sasil, bulg-eun bich jiyeog-eseo jogeum geol-eul su issnayo?" Yuu asked. (Um...actually, can I go walk for a bit in the red-light district?)
This made Shinoa arch a brow.
"Hongdeung-ga?" she questioned. (The red-light district?)
Yuu nodded.
"Ne. Naneun nae ma-eum-eul jogeum biugo sipda." he said. (Yeah. I want to clear my mind for a bit.)
"Geulsse, al-ass-eo. Munja geudaelo dosiui daleunjjog-e issgi ttaemun-e taegsileul dasi bulleo wayahabnida." Shinoa instructed. (Well, okay. Make sure you call a cab to bring you back because we are literally on the other side of the city.)
"Al-a." Yuu said before walking off. (I know.)
A light breeze played with Yuu's hair as he walked down the sidewalk, his hands stuffed into his black coat pockets.
"It's been a long time since I've last walked through these streets..." he thought to himself.
A few minutes later, he found himself in the red-light district. The bright lights sparkled in the night sky as he breezed through the busy crowd filled with drunk men and a few prostitutes here and there. As he turned the corner, he saw the familiar bright sign that read Gypsy Rose.
"Gypsy Rose..." he choked out as memories began to hit him.
"Geulaeseo, dangsin-eun mueos-eul wonhaneunga? Nan dangsin-i na-ege oneul bam eul suhaeng hal modeun seobiseu leul suhaeng hal su issseubnida." (So, what do you want? I'll perform any service you want me to do tonight.)
"Geulsse, dangsin-eun daleun mueos-eul hasigessseubnikka? Naneun dangsin-ege dangsin i wonhaneun mueos-ideun eul jegong hal su issseubnida. Naneun soliga eolmana teomuni sang-gwanhaji anhseubnida." (Well, what else would you like? I can give you anything you want. I won't care how outrageous it sounds.)
"Eotteohge dangsin-ege laeb daenseu ttoneun du jul eun eotteohseubnikka?" (How about I give you a lap dance or two?)
"Mika, neoneun yeong-wonhi naleul salang halgeoya, geuleohji?" (Mika, you'll love me forever, right?)
"Mullon, Yuu. Naneun hangsang neoleul salanghalgeoya." (Of course, Yuu. I'll always love you.)
The sound of Playboy by EXO played in his mind as a sob crept up his throat.
"Mika..." he choked out as tears began to blur his vision.
He wiped at them furiously, trying to calm himself down.
"Come on, Yuu." his eyes lowered to the concrete. "Take deep breaths." he told himself.
He breathed in and out, trying to control himself. His heartbeat slowed, causing him to let out a small sigh of relief.
"Okay..." he murmured.
As he looked up, he saw a blond exit Gypsy Rose, a distressed look on his face.
"Did he get rejected or something?" he asked himself.
The blond whipped out his phone and he quickly dialed a number before bringing the phone to his ear. The person he was trying to call must've answered, for he began to speak.
"Yoichi, geuneun geogiedo eobs-eossda." (Yoichi, he wasn't in there, either.)
Yuu felt like the world had stopped spinning. That voice was so familiar that he knew he couldn't mistake it for anyone else's.
"Mika...that's Mika..." he thought to himself, tears welling up again in his wide emerald eyes.
"Naneun geuga jibsi lojeueiss-eul geolago hwagsinhaessjiman..." Mika sighed. "Naneun eodieseoboayahalji moleugessda. Amado geuneun siljelo seoul-e issji anhseubnida." he said. (I was so sure he'd be in Gypsy Rose and yet...I don't know where else to look. Maybe he really isn't in Seoul.)
There was silence before Mika resumed speaking.
"Ani, gwaenchanh-a. Naneun nega jigeum-issneun gos-eulo hyanghagoissda. Annyeong." he said before hanging up. (No, I'm alright. I'm heading back to where you are now. Bye.)
Yuu could hear ringing in his ears as he watched Mika slip his phone back into his coat pocket.
"Has he been looking for me all this time? How long has he been here in Seoul? And what about his parents?" many questions swirled around in his mind as he observed the blond. He really wanted to run up to him, let him know that he was right here. But, he couldn't find it in himself to move.
"Huh?" his heart began to beat erratically. "Why...Why can't I move...? I need to go to him. I have to. Move! Move! MOVE!" he swallowed. "I can't let him leave this time!" his mind screamed.
Mika turned and began to walk away, causing Yuu's eyes to widen.
"No!" his mind shouted as he opened his mouth.
"MIKA!" he called out.
This made the blond stop in his tracks. He slowly turned, wide blue eyes locking on Yuu's teary green ones.
"He saw me...he saw me..." he thought to himself.
An awkward silence hung among them as Mika stared. After a while, Mika finally chose to speak.
"...Yuu?" he choked out.
"Mika..." Yuu trailed off.
"Oh my god..." tears welled up in Mika's eyes. "Oh my god, you're here!" he exclaimed as he began to make his way over to him.
"Mika!" Yuu exclaimed as Mika embraced him.
The smell of clean linen and cologne enveloped Yuu as fresh tears sprung up into his eyes.
"Oh my god...I didn't think I'd end up missing this so much..." Yuu thought to himself.
"I knew you'd be here..." Mika trailed off.
He pulled away from the hug as he stared down at him.
"How could you just leave me like that, Yuu?! I was seriously hurt when you vanished out of the blue like that! I..." Mika pulled him back into a hug. "I thought I had lost you forever..." he choked out.
"Mika..." Yuu choked out a small sob as he spoke. "I did it to protect you. If I didn't leave, then your parents would end up hurting you. I didn't want that to happen! All I wanted to do was keep you safe and all I've done was hurt you..." Yuu explained.
"I understand. I heard everything from Aunt Krul and Mitsuba." Mika pressed a small kiss to the top of Yuu's head. "But, my parents won't be causing problems for us anymore." he said.
"Huh?" Yuu glanced up at him. "What do you mean?" he asked.
"Yuu..." Mika sighed. "I cut myself off from them. I'm not a Shindo anymore." he said.
"What? You cut ties with them?" Yuu questioned, shock flashing across his eyes.
"Yes. I had to lose my aunt and uncle in the process of changing my last name, but in the end, it was all worth it." Mika cupped Yuu's cheeks. "I finally get to be with you after all these years of constantly fighting." he said.
"Yes...yes, we finally get to be together..." Yuu trailed off.
"Indeed. Yuu, will you accept me, Mikaela Hyakuya, forever and ever?" Mika asked.
Yuu laughed.
"Mika, is that supposed to be a trick question?" he asked.
Mika chuckled.
"You have a point there." Mika nuzzled their noses together lightly. "Yuu, I love you so much." he confessed.
"I love you too, Mika..." Yuu said, tears welling up in his eyes as they kissed under the Seoul lights.
~The End~
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
The afternoon light shone into an expansive greenhouse inside a mansion outside of Seoul.
A blond sat before an easel, dragging a paintbrush that had green paint on it across the canvas he was painting on.
As he finished painting a leaf, he felt a pair of hands cover over his eyes. He smiled at this.
"Is that who I think it is?" the blond asked.
"Hm, I wonder." a voice came from behind him. "Take a guess."
"My dearest Yuu." a smile pulled at the blond's lips. "You like to sneak up on me, don't you?" he guessed.
A giggle reached his ears.
"You know me, Mika." he said.
Mika put the paintbrush into a cup of water and he slowly pried the hands off of his eyes to gaze up into the dazzling green eyes of his fiancé, Yuu.
It had been two years since they had finally reunited in Seoul and began to date openly. Mika had ended up getting a job with the Hiiragis (Kimizuki seemed like he was about to faint once he heard the news) and as a result, earned enough money to be able to support him and Yuu in a comfortable home. They managed to find a nice mansion about half a mile away from Seoul and they moved in there together.
As for Guren, he finally accepted Mika and let him date Yuu. About a year after, Mika proposed to Yuu in Mystic Eats and they were now officially engaged with the wedding date set for July 27th the next year.
About six months after they reunited, the Shindo Corp met its downfall. Mr. Shindo had filed for bankruptcy after the events that occurred involving Mika and his name change and mysteriously vanished off the face of the earth. As for Mrs. Shindo, she had died of breast cancer. Krul and Crowley decided to move to Seoul so that they could be closer to Mika, regardless of whether or not they shared the same last name.
Mitsuba also moved back to Seoul and was now the director of the Sanguu Garments Inc. Yoichi still worked with his dad and is currently dating Mitsuba. As for Shinoa and Kimizuki, they got married five months ago with Shinoa being three weeks pregnant. She still operates Mystic Eats while Kimizuki had gone away for the 2028 Olympics in hopes of earning his very first gold medal (he kept winning bronze and silver medals, which ticked him off).
As for Yuu and Mika, they lived in peace with Yuu working as a masseur and Mika pursuing his rekindled passion for painting and selling his paintings in order to earn some cash.
Yuu reached over to dip his fingers in the green paint and smeared some across Mika's cheek as he spoke.
"Have you been working on this all day?" he asked.
"Yup. Been up since nine o'clock this morning working on it." Mika explained.
"Geez, you need to take a break..." Yuu murmured, planting a small kiss on Mika's nose.
"Well then, my cute little masseur. You've got a client who's willing to get a massage from you." Mika said.
Yuu smiled as Mika pecked him lightly on the lips.
"Alright. I'll make you feel really good, trust me."
Mika grunted softly in pleasure as Yuu kneaded his palms into his back.
"Jesus...I didn't think I was THIS tense..." Mika murmured.
"Are you stressed out about something?" Yuu asked.
"Well, besides Shinoa constantly nagging me about all the other wedding necessities like the cranky pregnant woman she is, nothing has been bothering me." Mika said.
Yuu couldn't help but laugh.
"That sounds like Shinoa, alright." he commented as he rubbed Mika's shoulders.
"Mmmmm...you're so good at this..." Mika murmured.
Yuu smirked as he straddled Mika's back and he leaned in to whisper in his ear.
"As you know, I live to please." he purred softly.
Mika chuckled.
"You are such a tease." he said before turning them around so that Yuu was under him.
"Are you relaxed now?" Yuu asked.
"More relaxed than before, that's for sure." Mika said before moving in to pepper some kisses along the boy's jawline.
Yuu murmured out a small moan as Mika licked lightly at his chin.
"Face in the pillow." Mika whispered.
Yuu nodded before turning to bury his face into the pillow. He turned his head slightly as Mika lapped lightly at the nape of his neck.
"Mika..." he breathed out.
"Yes?" Mika replied.
"We have that thing for Shinoa tonight, don't we?" Yuu guessed.
"Yes, we do. Plus, she wants to show us the cake design." Mika explained.
"Mmmmm..." Mika began to pepper small kisses down Yuu's clothed back. "Yeah, she did mention that..." he murmured.
"Yeah. I'm still surprised that she wants to make tis cake herself. I mean, she's pregnant." Mika explained.
"I know that. But, if you try to force her to stop, she won't." Yuu pointed out.
"You make a very good point there," Mika leaned in to whisper into Yuu's ear, "soon-to-be Mr. Hyakuya." he purred.
Yuu let out a tiny whimper as Mika licked at the shell of his ear.
"Shit, Mika...you're making me horny..." he complained.
"That was the point." he turned Yuu over so that he could look at him. "Can we? We haven't fucked in about two weeks and I feel extremely sex deprived." Mika requested.
Yuu shot him a mischievous smirk.
"Whatever you say." he said before pushing the blond down and capturing his lips in a kiss.
Mika pushed the door open to Mystic Eats as Mitsuba finished adjusting a banner on the wall. She looked over her shoulder and grinned.
"There are my two favorite boys!" she hollered.
"Hey." Mika said as he waved at her.
Yuu smiled as he looked over to see Yoichi fixing Shinoa's hair into a loose ponytail by a nearby table.
"Shinoa!" he called out. (Shinoa!)
Shinoa looked over and smiled.
"Ibwa, neohuideul!" she responded. (Hey, you guys!)
"3 ju imsin-igo beolsseo anj-ayahabnikka? Neoneun ajig jjajeung-i naji anhneunda." Mika commented as they approached her. (You're three weeks pregnant and already need to sit down? You're not even pudgy yet.)
"Yeogi deul-eo bwa, ajeossi! Naega imsinhaessgi ttaemun-e naneun jeoldaejeog-eulo eneojiga eobsdaneun geos-eul uimihajineun anhneunda! Naneun yoichiege nae meolileul matgigoissda." Shinoa complained. (You listen here, Mister! Just because I'm pregnant doesn't mean that I have absolutely no energy! I'm just letting Yoichi do my hair.)
"Yoichineun dangsin-ege jal eoulligi ttaemun-e hwagsilhi joh-eun il-eulhaessseubnida." Yuu commented. (Well, Yoichi certainly did a good job because it looks good on you.)
Yoichi laughed nervously.
"Gomawo...Micheuwa-eseo gajyeo wass-eo. Geunyeoneun naega hangsang nae meolileul hal geos-eul yoguhanda." he said. (Thanks...I've been getting it from Mitsuba. She asks for me to do my hair all the time.)
"Geojismal! Geuneun yeodongsaeng-ui meolikalag-eul sayonghaessgi ttaemun-e meolie jayeonseuleoun gamgag-eul gajigo issseubnida." Mitsuba stated. (Lies! He used to do his sister's hair, so he's got a natural knack for it.)
"Geulsse, geunyeoga sal-a iss-eoss-eul ttae." he then noticed how everyone's expression changed. "N-Neohuideul-eun geogjeonghal pil-yoga eobsda! Jeongmal keun munjeneun anibnida." Yoichi said. (Well, when she used to be alive, that is. Y-You guys don't need to worry! It's not really a huge deal.)
Everyone knew how precious his sister was to him. When she was , she had gotten killed in a drunk driving accident when she was coming back from a group study session one evening. Yoichi had been distraught about the incident, falling into a six month long depression that nearly made him take his life. They never brought the subject up because they knew that Yoichi was still affected whether he didn't want to admit it or not.
The silence was broken by the sound of the door opening. Mika looked over to see many people file in such as Guren, Shinya, Makoto, Shusaku, Krul, and Crowley.
"Patie chamseog han salamdeul-i dochaghaessseubnida!" Makoto hollered. (The party people have arrived!)
Mitsuba laughed.
"Uliga geugeol mollassdeon geoscheoleom!" she hollered back. (Like we didn't that before!)
Mika smiled as Krul came in to hug him.
"My sweet nephew...how are you?" she asked.
"I'm doing great, Aunt Krul." he hugged her back. "We only saw each other last week, you know." he said.
"I know." she replied.
Crowley reached over to ruffle Mika's hair.
"Hey, buddy!" he then looked at Shinoa before handing her a container. "Krul-eun chokollis chib kukileul mandeul-eossseubnida. Yuuneun dangsin-i geudeul-eul galmanghandago malhaessgo, geulaeseo geunyeoneun eotteon geos-eul mandeul-eossseubnida." he said in Korean so that Shinoa would understand. (Ah, Krul made chocolate chip cookies. Yuu told me you were craving them, so she made some.)
"A! Naneun yeoleobun-i mandeuneun chokollis chib kukileul aju joh-ahabnida! Jeongmal gomabseubnida!" she thanked him as she took the container from him. (Ah! I love the chocolate chip cookies that you guys make! Thank you so much!)
Guren looked at Yuu as he spoke.
"You two holding up well?" he asked.
Yuu nodded.
"Yeah. With Mika selling his paintings and helping Shinoa's parents out and the salary I get from my job, we're able to get by without any worries." he explained.
"That's good." he said as Mitsuba whistled loudly.
"Joh-a, neohuideul! Geulaeseo, geunyeowa kimijeukiui aileul imsin han Shinoaleul chughahagi wihae oneul modu moyeossseubnida!" she declared. (Alright, you guys! So, we've all gathered here today to celebrate Shinoa, who is pregnant with her and Kimizuki's child!)
Everyone applauded as Mitsuba continued.
"Ulineun igeos-eul deo iljjig chughahaess-eul geos-ibnida. Geuleona uliui salm-eun banghaegadoebnida. Geulaeseo ulineun oneul bam geugeos-eulhagilohaessseubnida." Mitsuba sighed. "Geugeos-eun Kimizuki yeogidoeji anhseubnida suchiibnida." she said. (We would have celebrated this earlier, but our lives got in the way, so we chose to do it tonight. It's a shame that Kimizuki isn't here.)
"Geulsse, geuneun uli agileul wihae geummedal-eul chaeng-gilyeogo nolyeoghagoiss-eo." Shinoa commented. (Well, he's out there trying to win gold for our baby, you know.)
"Geunyeoneun yuhyohan jijeom-eul mandeubnida." Shusaku noted as the sound of a phone ringing reached their ears. (She makes a valid point there.)
"A, geu salam-i teullim eobs-seubnida." Shinoa said as she reached for her iPad, which sat on the table, and she answered the FaceTime call that popped up on the screen. A couple of minutes later, Kimizuki appeared on the screen. (Ah, that must be him.)
"Jeogiissneun segsihan yeoja ya?" he called out. (Is that a sexy woman I see over there?)
Shinoa smiled whilst rolling her eyes.
"Dangsin-eun gyeolko byeonhaji anhseubnida." she commented. (You never change.)
"Yeppeun yeoja! Geolileul geodneun jung! Yeppeun yeoja!" Kimizuki sang out, causing everyone to laugh and Shinoa to blush furiously. (Pretty woman! Walking down the street! Pretty woman!)
"Ibwa, geumanhae! Bang-eseo naman-ui geos-i anilaneun geos-eul algileul balabnida." she snapped, moving the iPad so that Mika and the others were in view. (Hey, stop that! I hope you know that it's not just me in the room!)
"Ileon jenjang! Mikawa daleun salamdeul-iya!" he exclaimed. (Holy shit! It's Mika and the others!)
Everyone waved as Shinoa spoke.
"Dangsin-eun ij-eoss? Ulineun oneul bam nae imsin-eul chughahagoiss-eo." Shinoa said. (You forgot? We're celebrating my pregnancy tonight.)
"Jenjang, geu il-i kkamppag haess-eo. Geulsse, naneun geujeo sigan-ui byeolmyeong-eulo bulleossdeon geoscheoleom boinda. Nae donglyodeulgwa naneun bang-geum ma-eul-eseo dol-awassda. Ulineun gyeolseung-e jinchulhaneun naleul chughahaessda." Kimizuki explained. (Shit, I forgot that was happening. Well, it looks like I called just in the nick of time. My teammates and I just came back from town. We were celebrating me getting into the finals.)
"O ye! Mitsubawa naneun geugeos-eul boassda!" Yoichi declared. (Oh yeah! Mitsuba and I saw that!)
"Yuuwa nado machangajida." Mika piped in. (Same with Yuu and I.)
"Ne. Geuligo ulido igeos-eul chughahaeyahabnida." Kimizuki said before grabbing for something on the bed in the hotel room he was in and he waved it in front of the screen. (Yeah. And we also got to celebrate this.)
"Sesang-e!" Shinoa exclaimed, her hands flying over her mouth in shock. (Oh my god!)
Kimizuki smiled.
"Ye! Deudieo geummedal-eul .da." he said. (Yup! I finally won gold.)
"Attaboy!" Guren let out a loud whoop, making Shinya laugh nervously. (Attaboy!)
"Ijeneun chugha halmanhan gachigaissneun geos-ibnida." Makoto commented. (Now THAT is something worth celebrating.)
"Geu medal-eul eodgi wihae yeolsimhi nolyeog haess-euni chughahae." Mika said. (You worked so hard to earn that medal, so congrats.)
"Gomawo chingu. Joh-a, nae medal-e daehaeseo chungbun hae! Naega dol-aol ttae modu saeg-angyeong-eul chil su-iss-eo." Kimizuki put the medal back on the bed. "Oneul bam neohuideul-i hal il-eul malhaebwa." he said. (Thanks, dude. Okay, enough about my medal! You can all ogle it when I get back. So, tell me what you guys are going to do tonight.)
"Eum, ulineun chaetinghago, yuuwa mikaui weding keig dijain-eul gong-gaehago, teughi joh-ahaneun: yakkwasleul meog-eul ganeungseong-i issseubnida." Shinoa explained, saying the last part with a devious smile on her face. (Well, we plan to chat, possibly get to the unveiling of Yuu and Mika's wedding cake design, and eat, especially your favorite: yagkwas.)
"O, eoseo! Geugeos-eun simgaghage gongjeonghaji anhseubnida!" Kimizuki whined. (Aw, come on! That is seriously not fair!)
"Geulsse, neoneun bakk-e nagaseo geummedal-eul ttan salam-iya." Makoto pointed out. (Well, you're the one who chose to go out there and win gold medals, after all.)
"Teochi." Kimizuki yawned. "Eum, yeogiga neuj-eoseo chimdaeleul chyeoss-eul sudo issseubnida. Naneun tim donglyo jung han myeong-ege maikeul pelpeuseuwa hamkke suyeong hal geos-eul yagsoghaessda." he said. (Touché. Well, as it is getting late over here, I may as well hit the bed. I promised one of my teammates I'd come see her swim alongside Michael Phelps.)
"Siwonhan." Mitsuba commented. (Cool.)
"Joh-eun bam!" Yoichi chirped. (Well, good night!)
"Ya, neohuideul! Jaemiiss-eo!" he then directed his attention to Shinoa. "Naneun god segsihan eommagadoeeo, dangsin-eul salanghae." he flirted. (Night, you guys! Have fun! I love you, my sexy soon-to-be mama.)
"Ye, ye, bam." she responded cooly. (Yeah, yeah, night.)
Kimizuki laughed as she reached to end the call.
She sighed as she looked at everyone.
"Keikeu dijain-eul bol junbiga dwaessnayo?" she asked. (Well, are you guys ready to see the cake design?)
Yuu nodded.
"Ye." he said. (Yeah.)
"Eum, sigan-i da dwaessseubnida." Guren stated as he ran his fingers through his hair. (Well, it's about time.)
"O, Gulen...neo chamgi himdeul-eo..." Shinya trailed off as he rested his head against Guren's arm. (Oh, Guren...you're so impatient...)
Shinoa glanced over at Yoichi.
"Yoichi, nae seukechibug gajyeool su issni?" she asked. (Yoichi, can you get my sketchbook?)
"Geulae, geulae!" Yoichi chirped before skipping over to the counter. (Yeah, sure!)
Shinoa then looked over and smiled.
"Dangsin-eun jeongmallo dijain-eul joh-ahal geos-ibnida." she said. (You are really gonna love the design.)
A couple of minutes later, Yoichi came back with a white sketchbook in his hand.
"Ili!" he said. (Here!)
"Gamsa." Shinoa took the book from Yoichi and she flipped through it before stopping at a page. "Aha! Yeogie uliga ganda." she said, showing everyone the two pages that she had filled up. (Thanks. Aha! Here we go.)
"Wau..." Yuu trailed off, examining the cake design that was on the left page. (Wow...)
It was a three tiered cake with tiny pearl shapes on the bottom of each tier. Brown and green swirls covered one side of the cake and there were sunflowers placed in various places with a whole arrangement of them on the top.
"Johji anh-a?" she asked. (Doesn't it look nice?)
"Mullon geuleohseubnida." Mika said. (It sure does.)
"Keikeuneun ttalgiwa kiwi sinseonhan keulim keikeuga doel geos-ibnida. igeos-eun yeoleobun jung du myeong-i gyeoljeonghan geos-ibnida." Shinoa explained. (The cake is going to be a strawberry and kiwi fresh cream cake, which is what the two of you guys decided on.)
"Okei, sinseonhan keulim keikeu!" Makoto declared. (Oooooh, fresh cream cake!)
"Eum, baegopaseo saeng-gaghagoiss-eo..." Guren murmured. (Mmmm, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it...)
"Neoleul almyeon, Shinoa, geugeos-eun aleumdaun keikeuga doelgeoya." Shinya commented. (Knowing you, Shinoa, it's going to be a beautiful cake.)
"Gamsa." Shinoa said. (Thanks.)
Yuu then took notice of the many pictures of sunflowers plastered onto the right side of the page along with a sketch of a cake slice, some labels, and a few bulleted notes jotted down.
"Shinoa?" he spoke. (Shinoa?)
"Heum?" she answered. (Hm?)
"Wae haebalagileul seontaeghasyeossseubnikka?" he asked. (How come you chose sunflowers?)
"Geulae, nado geugeol gung-geumhaehaessda." Mika said. (Yeah, I was wondering that, too.)
"Geulsse, cheoeum-eneun ppalgan jangmileul halgeo yeossneunde geuttaeneun neomu pyeongbeomhadago saeng-gag haess-eo. Geulaeseo naneun yeonguleul haebwassneunde haebalagileul boassseubnida. Bunmyeonghi, geudeul-eun sungbaewa heonsingwa hamkke sunsuhan saeng-gag-eul uimihabnida. Geuleona heonsinjeog in salang-eul uimi hal sudo issseubnida." Shinoa traced a finger along a picture of a sunflower. "Soljighi malhaeseo iljong-ui uimiga issseubnida. Naemal-eun, neohuideul-eun machimnae ileohge habchyeojigikkaji yag 8 nyeon dong-an ssawossda. Geuligo geugeos-eun seolo-e daehan jinjihan heonsingwa sinloeleul pil-yolohabnida. Geulaeseo haebalagiga dangsin-ui iyagileul pyohyeonhal su issdolog dijain-e gajang jal eoullineun geos gat-assseubnida." she explained. (Well, I was going to do red roses at first, but then I thought that that was too ordinary. So, I did some research and I saw sunflowers. Apparently, they mean pure thoughts along with adoration and dedication. But, it can also mean dedicated love. It kind of makes sense, to be honest. I mean, you guys fought for about eight years to finally be together like this. And that takes some serious dedication and trust in one another. So, I felt like sunflowers fit best in the design so that it could represent your story.)
"Joh-a, neomu gwiyeowo." Mitsuba pointed out. (Okay, now that is too cute.)
"Geugeos-eun! Gedaga, dangsin-eun geudeul-ui salang iyagileul aju jal jab-assseubnida." Yoichi stated. (It is! Plus, you captured their love story so well.)
"Geulaessji." Krul swung her arms over Mika and Yuu's shoulders. "I sonyeondeul-eun haengboghan gyeolmal-eul eodgi wihae jiog-euljina gassda." she stated. (You sure did. These boys have gone through hell in order to get their happy ending.)
"Geulsse, jeog-eodo geudeul-eun deo isang geogjeonghal geos-i eobsda. Geudeul-eun daleun salamdeul-i geudeul-eul pandanhaji anhgodo seololeul salanghal su issseubnida." Crowley pointed out. (Well, at least they have nothing to worry about anymore! They can love each other without having other people judge them.)
"Teughi mikaui bumonim." Mitsuba commented. (Especially Mika's parents.)
"Hananim-eun geudeul-ui salang-eul siheom hasyeossgo, gyeolgug geudeul-eun nal-euneun saeg-eulo jinaga syeossseubnida." Yoichi said. (God tested their love and in the end, they passed with flying colors.)
"Joh-a, igeon eoliseog-eun seongjanghagi sijaghaessda! Uliga meog-eul su iss-eulkka?!" Guren complained. (Okay, this is beginning to grow sappy! Can we eat?!)
Shinoa laughed.
"Gyesoghae! Yoichineun modeun eumsig-eul kaunteoe seolchihaessseubnida." Shinoa said. (Go on! Yoichi set up all the food on the counter.)
"Yahu!" Guren let out a before dashing over to the counter with Shinya following from behind. (Yahoo!)
"Immaneun yakkwasleul meog-euleo gala!" Mitsuba chirped. (Imma go eat some yagkwas!)
"Ibwa yo! Jeog-eodo kimijeukiege namgyeojuseyo!" Shinoa called out. (Hey! At least leave some for Kimizuki!)
"Geulae, al-ass-eo!" Mitsuba replied. (Yeah, yeah, okay!)
Yuu couldn't help but laugh at Mitsuba's response as he leaned against Mika.
Mika smiled as he looked at Yuu, lacing their fingers together.
"Ulineun jinjjalo, geuleoh gessji?" he asked. (We really were meant to be, weren't we?)
Yuu giggled as Mika pressed a kiss to his lips.
"Ne, mullon-ieossseubnida." (Yes, we sure were.)