CHAPTER 30

"It's finally summer!"

"And yet you dragged us all out here to Tokyo..."

          Wannabe ignored Hiro's comment as he once again threw his arms into the air. "Summer vacation!"

           I readjusted my heavy bag on my shoulders and stretched. The hill we were standing on top of gave us a beautiful look into the city under the morning warmth ahead, and if you looked closely dew was still plainly visible on all the blades of grass nearby. Birds overheard were chirping—then again, when were they not so cheery so early in the morning—but it really set the mood for this trip Wannabe had dragged us out on.

           "I wish somebody could give me that much energy so early in the morning," Yuji mumbled. As he shielded his upcoming yawn with his hand, tears consumed the corners of his eyes and his eyelids thinned as a result.

           A tiny smile curved up my mouth as I squinted my eyes in his direction. "Aren't you usually the one so full of energy all the time?"

           "But we had to wake up at 5 AM to get here. Even I need proper sleep to function." Yuji once again produced a heavy breath and leaned his chin on top of my head. "Miyuki, I might accidentally fall asleep. If I do wake me up with a kiss."

He wasn't entirely heavy considering he hadn't shifted all his weight onto me yet, but it was still rather uncomfortable. "Yuji," I groaned, teetering more he leaned into me. "Get off of me."

"Maybe if you give me a peck on the lips."

With all the force I could muster considering the time of morning and my lack of sleep, I shoved him away harder. "Stop fooling around. I'm gonna fall—"

"N-nobody will be k-kissing my Miyuki."

Yuji lifted himself off me a little. An invisible cross-popping vein mark made its appearance on my head as I swivelled around to glare at the one responsible for that claim.

"Hibiki, I'm not yours—"

My words caught in my throat. Mainly because, the said dude was in a sorry state. Wobbly and a little green, Hibiki was barely able to keep his eyelids open—let alone hold his luggage and stand.

   My legs steered me towards him, face scrunched in concern. "Are you alright?"

Hibiki inhaled deep breaths before collapsing to his knees. "Th-thanks for worrying about me. I think I just need to lie down for a bit, and maybe die..."

"Hey, don't say that," I said. "I don't want you to die." Much less because of a simple three-hour train ride.

A flicker of awe filled his features. "Miyuki..." Almost as soon as my name left his lips, he slapped his hand overtop his mouth and turned his head down to the ground. "Miyuki," he moaned, shakily pressing his palms into the dirt. Clearly, he was nauseous.

"Is he alright?" Hiro asked after approaching us.

"He's always had terrible motion sickness," I answered, bending down beside him and soothingly rubbing his back. "Almost as bad as Natsu's."

"It wasn't even that long of a ride," Hiro said pointedly. "You shouldn't have insisted you come along then."

Hibiki picked up his head. "Th-there was no way I could leave Miyuki alone with you people for a week—"

The guy didn't even receive the opportunity to finish his sentence. A look of alarm overtook his features and he scrambled to his feet. Then, scurrying off to the nearest tree, tossed his cookies into the grass below. Slightly sympathetic, I picked myself up and veered my gaze. Poor guy could never handle travelling too well.

"Come, my comrades!" Wannabe shouted from up ahead, his close relative and our escort beside him. "And Hibiki, stop regurgitating into the nature! We still have a bit of walking to do before we get where we're supposed to!"

"Aye-aye, captain." Yuji yawned once again, dragging his feet over to join them.

"Um, I'm gonna need more time regurgitating," Hibiki weakly called out.

Hiro and I crossed eyes, both of us slightly apologetic.

"He'll feel better," I assured him. "Eventually."

"Yeah..." Hiro fiddled with strands at the back of his head, meeting my eyes. "I'm surprised you agreed to this so easily."

"This trip?" I responded. "Why wouldn't I?"

          Hiro gave me a flat look. "Wasn't it last year you nearly flipped your marbles when we all went somewhere together?"

           "Last year you guys took me to that beach against my will and it basically could've counted as kidnapping," I reasoned. "Besides, if Wannabe's relative is giving us a week-long trip to Tokyo—free of charge, too—why would I refuse? I'm not that much of an idiot."

"Well, it's actually sponsored by Kazuya's dad," Hiro corrected. "His family company has influence everywhere so I'm not surprised he regularly gets good deals for small outings like this. Still... so I guess this means you're the travelling type?"

             "Not really," I disagreed, a grin taking the form of my lips. "The last school trip I went on was back in middle school, and that was to Kyoto. Tokyo's so much cooler. And everyone knows what's to offer in Tokyo."

            Hiro's face brightened, in immediate curiosity. "What is there to offer?"

             "Akihabara!" I cheered, throwing my hands into the air. "An otaku's paradise! I'm so excited!"

Hiro blinked, eyelids framing his eyes raising the slightest. "An otaku's... paradise?"

"Hiro, Hoshino, Hibiki! We're going to leave you!"

Wannabe's shout sliced through the forming tension in the air. He'd already made quite the feat away from the nearby station we'd departed from, a listless Yuji at his side. Fortunately, Wannabe's relative had come to assist Hibiki, wrapping an arm around his shoulder and keeping him stable. He'd also offered the guy some water, and the guy already seemed to be looking better.

"Wannabe!" I cried, shuffling up to him after securing my bags. "Let's go to Akihabara today!"

"We'll have plenty of time to go sightseeing," Wannabe reassured me once I reached him. He already had a map and other sheets and lists in hand. "But first we have to set down our luggage. And I've already constructed a detailed schedule for all the things we'll be doing—"

"I want to try out different foods," Yuji mumbled.

"I'd rather check out the popular attractions," Hiro rambled. "Visiting the Imperial Palace, climbing the Tokyo Tower..."

"We should all go to a festival," Hibiki suggested once Takuma finally brought him over.

"We can't forget to buy Kouichi and Hinata some souvenirs, too," Wannabe added. "Sadly they're both on summer trips with their families, but that doesn't mean we can leave them behind us—"

"Now, now," Takuma chuckled. "As Kazuya said, we still have to get settled in. Let's first head to the inn we'll be staying at and then we'll decide on the plan for today, alright?"

"Alright, Takuma-san," we all chorused.

    This trip would be a blast!

——————————————————

        And in actuality, the first day lived up to its expectations. Tokyo was a lot more lively than I was used to. Bustling citizens and other travellers like us, exciting functions and programs, amazing scenery and tourist attractions. It was a lot more crowded and intense than what I was used to, but even I had to admit walking around, taking photos, spending a reasonable amount of money on food and drinks—it was amazing.

         We'd mostly stuck around with each other for the majority of today, Takuma as our guide considering he was actually from Tokyo. We did our best to give and take to what we wanted to explore the best we could. It was pretty exhausting walking through the humid heat and extensive crowds, which was why the inn we were staying in having a hot spring was a dream come true.

It was already a fancy enough inn as it was, and it being free of charge for 'friends of Hayashi Takuya's son,' or Wannabe's father was the icing on the cake. Regardless, the whole spa-like environment, relaxing in the calming water with a couple other friendly females, I was living the life.

Between pushing aside Hibiki's flirtatious comments once he'd made his recovery and the others rowdy arguments, I kept having to pinch myself to remind me that this wasn't a dream no matter how unrealistic this entire situation had escalated. Hot springs always meant perverted boys trying to peek, unnecessary nosebleeds and intense ping-pong competitions in the main lobby, but today once again proved to me just how dramatic anime really was. Not that I couldn't help but love the stuff regardless.

Still, the only regretful thing about this all was the fact that I didn't have a female partner to live this along with me. I think Wannabe might've invited Saki but was met with no answer, per usual. I knew it was another closed chapter in my life and I had to leave it all behind me, but looking back just filled me with those 'what-if-she-still-stuck-around' thoughts.

Even though she blocked us all off, maybe I could have a bit of hope that she still had thoughts similar to mine also.

"Miyuki, you came to visit me!"

I easily dodged Hibiki's eager arms the moment I'd stepped in through their door. He stopped himself before he could hit the wall, issuing a chuckle from Yuji and a snort from Hiro from their place on the ground.

As all the boys were sharing a room together, they'd already spread out a number of futons around the spacious room. Takuma was spending the night in his own room, connected to this one, as he didn't want to be a bother to the young 'teenage boys.' And seeing as I was the opposite gender I also had my own room separate from all this.

"Hoshino, we were just about to play a game of Old Maid," Wannabe said as he gestured to the floor where a deck of cards was conveniently placed.

"But we're a small number of players so we were thinking of coming to get you anyway," Yuji went on.

"Old Maid, huh?" I said, flopping down right across from him and Hiro. I'd already changed from my yukata considering it wasn't a garb so comfortable to me, but the rest of them were still dressed in their respective ones. "Is there any punishment for the loser?"

"Besides paying for drinks, no," Hiro responded as he started to deal out the cards.

Yuji shook his head as he straightened up his pile. "I keep saying it's too plain of a punishment, but..."

"Then I have the perfect solution," Hibiki said as he collapsed to the spot right beside me. "Instead of cards, how about we play a sophisticated game like spin the bottle?" My expression already fell flat even before Hibiki went to send me a wink. "Of course, the rules will state that only the boys kiss the girls and the girls kiss the boys. Miyuki being the only girl here, she'll, of course, be kissing every turn. Putting that aside, I nominate myself to go firs—"

"It's the Joker, right?" I said, picking up my cards and discreetly searching for them.

"Last one with the card is the loser," Yuji responded and glanced to Wannabe who'd joined the circle in a means of child-like excitement. "You think you understand the rules now, Kazu?"

A wide grin pinned up his lips. "I'm ready to pass this Old Maid around. Let's start!"

"Jeez." Hibiki pouted. "You didn't even let me finish."

"You don't have to play if you don't want to," Hiro absently replied as he went clockwise and held out his deck towards Yuji to take a card. "You don't even have to stick around. The door's over there."

He made a face. "I was just suggesting an idea."

"An unnecessary one."

"Oh come on!" Hibiki prodded. "This is a kiss from Miyuki we're talking about! You'd really want to pass that up—"

I smacked the back of his head. Hibiki teetered forward, sucking in a breath as he rubbed the spot. He carefully raised his head and once he met my eyes, I extended out my cards towards him.

"You taking a card or not?"

Hibiki's eyebrows lifted before he dodged my eyes in sudden regret. With a heavy sigh, he met my gaze again with newfound conviction.

"Maybe as a prize for the winner—"

"Hibiki."

"Fine," he drew out, letting go of his head to take a card. "But it's still on the table."

I had to do my best to suppress the appearance of a smirk when Hibiki realized what card he'd taken from me. He nearly did a double-take, his disappointment sticking on like a sore thumb as he gaped at me. This time, I couldn't help but cover my mouth as I snickered.

"Give it your best shot, playboy," I cooed, jutting my chin as I leaned back on my palm. "Let's see you even try to win at least one game."

My provocation had succeeded in getting to Hibiki. Like I'd flipped a switch in him, he straightened himself up in determination. Both Yuji and Hiro could immediately catch on to the card I'd slipped him, but a clueless Wannabe beside him was an innocent lamb to the rest of us experienced players.

We spread the circle out a bit more to have more space, and the game continued on. Needless to say, I'd taken the first win easily. And the second, after Wannabe asked for a rematch. When we decided to take a try at other card games, the boisterous sounds of our bickering and trash talking inclined our laughter and enjoyment to the max. We lost count of how many cards games we'd played, the amount of winners and a certain loser throughout this all (Wannabe), but it was only after Takuma knocked in that we realized it'd gotten extremely late.

I noticed then too that between Hiro and I's match, Yuji had taken a little detour to his futon and fallen asleep. Not that I blamed him—today really was an exhaustive day. And we'd only be waking up bright and early again tomorrow.

"It was pure luck," Hiro said as I tossed in the last of my cards.

I snorted, "Three wins, Hiro. I doubt that's luck anymore. Better luck next time."

Hiro didn't appear the least convinced as he gathered up all fifty-two cards, including the jokers, and returned them back into their package. I hauled myself up to my feet, paying a short glance to a completely passed out Yuji.

"Guess I'll be returning to my room then," I said as I turned to go.

"I feel bad," Hibiki responded, stopping me by tossing his arm over my shoulder. "Won't you feel lonely?"

"I'll be fine," I assured him. "It's just a night."

"Still," Hibiki said, cocking an eyebrow. "Being alone on a trip like this is unfair. If you want, we can always cuddle with each other—"

"I'd rather not." I cracked a smile. "I'll be fine, okay? Goodnight, Hibiki."

He unhanded me with a good-natured laugh. "They grow up so fast."

I gently knocked his firm chest. "Stop acting like such an old man."

"Take good care of yourself, Hoshino," Wannabe interjected, guiding me to the doorway. "Don't open the door to any strangers, stay hydrated, think positive, always watch your step—"

"I think you're the real old man here." Hiro deliberately shooed Wannabe away, flashing me a last minute smile. "'Night, Hoshino."

"'Night, Hiro. Night, Wannabe. Watch out for ghosts."

I said it purposely, but even though it was stupid, Wannabe paled. "Gh-ghosts?"

Hiro gave me a final reprimanding look for ever putting the idea in his head at such a time to which I returned a shrug. I gave them a wave before turning and heading to the room next door, or my room. It was nearly as spacious as theirs, but considering I was alone it was a whole lot emptier and quiet when I stepped inside.

My first means of business was slipping into my pyjamas and setting up my bed. Then I'd quickly brushed through and tied up my hair. The moment I sunk my head into my pillow, the hollowness from the darkness settled in. I immediately shielded myself with the blanket but just as I got comfortable, my mind took the time to wander in different directions all at once.

We were heading to the museum tomorrow weren't we? I should wake up a little early then. And set my alarm.

I began patting around for my phone but when nothing but a rush of cold air and vacancy greeted me, I hoisted myself onto my elbows. Considering the night, I could barley see much, causing me to curse. Great, I had to leave my warm blanket and turn on the light. Always such a fun trip in the middle of the night.

The only thing was, when I did go around as quietly as I could, searching for my cell, I couldn't find it. And it was after I retraced my steps did I realize I had to have left it in the boys' room. It was the last place I had it.

But I couldn't go in there to bother them. They must already be asleep by now. An alarm wasn't too important. I could somehow wake up myself.

But how about if I didn't? I didn't want to rely on the other guys to wake me up; I'd be a bother to them that way.

After pacing around contemplating, I finally reached the conclusion to hurriedly go and check if they were all sleeping yet. Maybe one of them was still awake.

Tiptoeing out into the hall, I remained as quiet as a ninja as I went to knock on the door. Despite the gentle raps of my knuckles, no means of answer met me. I really was stuck then. I reached for the doorknob. Unless they magically left their door unlocked—

Click.

My countenance fell flat. They left their door open? Seriously? These guys were really easygoing.

I pushed open the door as quietly as I could. All the lights were off, but fortunately the moonlight pouring in from outside illuminated the room enough to let me search inside.

There was gentle snoring sounds originating from Hiro, but all of the guys were sprawled out on their beds in a peaceful sleep. They were lucky they could fall asleep so quick. They must've been really tired.

As I stalked around a for some reason, shirtless Hibiki, I found my phone sitting on the same tabletop I'd left it on. They must've not noticed yet. Once I tucked my phone away, I silently moved as quick as I could to get out of there without waking them up. Sadly, I was stopped yet again when I passed by Yuji.

I narrowed my eyes as I leaned over to get a closer look at his face. A moustache...? I caught sight of the black marker lying beside his head top. I knew it! They seriously did draw on Yuji's face with a marker. Wow, how sweet of them.

I scanned their individual faces and couldn't help but shake my head. But how could they not do the same to themselves? They couldn't just let themselves off the hook like that.

Don't do it, my conscience was hissing in my mind but my fingers secured themselves around the nearby marker and I was smirking before I knew it. Maybe just a little fun.

Crawling over to the first in my path, Hiro, I hovered above him and gently poked his cheek to see if that would wake him up. No means except for the crinkling of his nose met me, causing me to chuckle. I briefly pondered what to draw leaving me to be basic, with a simplistic monocle and moustache.

When I carefully made my way to Hibiki, I snorted to see he was in a deep sleep also. His somewhat built chest was exposed, distracting me the slightest and leaving me to sigh. Now, this guy so deserved this. I pressed the ink to his cheek, writing 'I'm an idiot' in big thick letters. I also filled in the space between his brows, giving him a fine unibrow.

Considering the guy prided himself in his handsome face, I could just imagine him screaming when he saw himself in the morning.

Snickering to myself, I made my way over to Tamaki-Wannabe. I bent over his body to get a fine look at his face only to be momentarily astonished.

Usually he acted so childish but he really had such striking features if you peered close enough. Long eyelashes, too. Even still, it was a fact nonetheless that he really did resemble Tamaki a lot. My body stiffened, giving me the notice of how long I was staring at his face for. Why was I admiring him like some kind of creep? I should be thinking about what to draw...

'Obnoxious' maybe? I uncapped the marker and brought it closer to him. Just before I could make contact with his cheek, though, my wrist was seized. My heartbeat spiked instantaneously but I couldn't receive the opportunity to escape. Wannabe pressed his arm around my waist and I was dragged face-first into his chest. My eyebrows shot into the sky. Wait.

Wait, wait, wait.

I attempted yanking back against his tight hold to no avail. You had to be kidding me! Was he awake this entire time? I tilted my chin to take a good glimpse of his face only to barely brush our lips. My face fell ten shades darker as I pressed my face back down into his chest. Oh gosh. What the hell? What was with this awkward situation?

Wannabe's firm chest rose and fell, peacefully, his chin grazing the top of my head. His hold around my waist and wrist wasn't relenting the slightest, making my erratic heartbeat in my ears pound more rapidly than before. Was he really sleeping? He wasn't doing this on purpose?

Was this my karma? I grounded my teeth, soaking in the heat of his body first-hand. I was killing this Wannabe if he was awake. And if he wasn't awake and made getting out of this human pillow situation more awkward than it should be I was killing him too.

I wriggled for liberation but right when I thought I had a bit of hope, it was immediately thwarted when Wannabe twisted his body over to the side, bringing me with him. My ear hit the ground and I turned up my head as he tightened his hold on me once again. His proximity was still close, to my distaste, only growing closer and closer the more he brought my body towards him to sleep on. I whipped down my head the last minute before my face could make contact with his.

My face bled with immense heat and colour, goosebumps arising on my skin.

This idiot! This idiot! This idiot! My mind was replaying the sentence at rapid speed. What the hell was he dreaming about? Was he messing with me? The more I thought about it, the more I doubted that was the case. This was Wannabe I was talking about. He'd be the blushing apologetic mess if he really was aware of what exactly he was doing to me. And if I dared tried to scream I'd risk the others waking up and learning about this awkward situation as well as the newly added scribbles to their faces.

Then... was there even a chance I could get out of this situation before morning arrived?