Chapter 4: Logic Four
-The Previous day-
"Raihen's POV"
I was walking around the outskirts of town and the skies started to get dim. It was very nostalgic, I could barely remember when was the last time my parents took me here for vacation during the summer here in the city capital to visit my grandfather who used to live here.
There were acres of small planted trees in between the vicinity of the main road dividing it in two with designated pedestrian lanes that connected to each other on the opposite sides of the road and well-constructed sidewalks that are completely safe to walk without accidents happening.
You can see bustling students walk around in groups, a couple sitting on a bench kissing each other, also some people going crazy over a bargain sale at a nearby cake shop. That's some marketing skills they have. What they don't know is that they're actually just buying something cheap, it's not a real bargain so it's a bad idea to fall for it.
Life was so much simpler in Norville, but being here ain't too bad. There's always a lot happening around but it gets old eventually, I've seen all of it.
It would be nice to just stay at home all day, but I have to go fetch my new school uniform at the tailor shop. Which I find very... Troublesome.
I yawned loudly then locked my arms sideways and stretched.
'Is there anything interesting around here?' I thought. I pull out my phone from my sling bag and opened Schmoogle Maps. I realized I've been going around in circles and I'm back to where I started which is in front of this burger joint I'm standing right next to. That's when I realized.
"I'm still lost," I muttered to myself. Alas, I was truly born with the curse of having no sense of direction. Very helpful Schmoogle Maps. Very helpful. Not even this thing can help me.
I decided to play the guessing game instead, so I tried to recall the places I've already been to as I resumed walking so I won't make mistakes again repeatedly.
Apparently, I got distracted playing summertime saga on my phone while wearing my earphones so I didn't know where I was going. I just sighed in disappointment. I screwed again. I should be at home jerking off and watching the porn movie I downloaded last night on my PC right now.
I blinked my eyes shut for a few seconds and took a peek with one eye and stared for a while. Yep. Still the same view from a while ago. But I may have overlooked when my eyes trailed to a very familiar someone from a distance in front of a local convenience store. I immediately noticed the school uniform which was obviously from the famous Lakewood. The school I am about to transfer to. I walked straight forward to the direction of that person. One look was all I needed and there's no mistaking it. It's really him. I tried to hold my smirk I grinned and kept it cool.
You're here.
This is going to be interesting.
-Present Day-
"Hide's POV"
I actually punched someone. That someone is now badly hurt. Because of what I did. I never punched someone before, not even as hard as this. Why did I do that? What was I thinking? I know what I did. And I went ahead and actually did something like that.
I'm not someone who resorts to violence.
"Raihen are you okay?" I asked. I immediately helped him get u by grabbing his hand and pulling him. He was heavy but he immediately stood up. If word gets out that I punched someone, let alone a transfer student, I might get into detention or possibly a suspension.
"Ow..." Raihen whined in pain.
"Look I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to punch you. I really apologize," I told.
"Nice punch," He smiled impressed. Then jolts from the pain on his cheek and rubs the back of his head where it got hit by the pole.
"I'm taking you to the infirmary," I said annoyed. I grab his wrist and drag him away.
"Wait. Whoa, calm down. I'm fine," Raihen protested. I just ignored and continued to pull him away.
"No, you're not," I angrily told back. I pull out my phone to text Arum and tell him to meet us in the infirmary.
"Hey! You're pulling me too hard," Raihen complained.
"Just hurry up and follow me so we can get this over with," After arriving shortly to the infirmary I made him sit on the bed and called a nurse. The nurse immediately aided Raihen and cleaned his swollen cheek with cotton.
"It's nothing major Hide. It's totally okay," Raihen says. He then lets out a small yelp from the sharp pain.
"Stay still," The female nurse ordered. After cleaning his cheeks the nurse applies cooling ointment then covers it with a bandage.
"This wouldn't have happened if you didn't-" I paused suddenly remembering what he did. I clicked my tongue pissed.
"Boys shouldn't fight each other you know?" The nurse said before she immediately leaves the infirmary. The door slid open to someone coming in as well at the same time.
"What the heck happened?!" Arum asked.
"I'm sorry Hide. Maybe I got a little carried away there," Raihen grins innocently. "Hey Arum," He also greets.
"Did you... Punch him in the face?" Arum notices the bandage on his cheek. I averted my eyes away in slight embarrassment.
"Holy shit. How did you get him to do that?" Arum curiously asked. "I wish Hide would punch me too," He added. I gave him a stern look as a favor.
"You want one?" I threatened showing my right fist.
"Err... On second thought, maybe not," Arum holds his hands up in front of him.
"I brought sandwiches," Arum hands one to me and Raihen.
"Thanks!" Raihen immediately takes it and munches on it. After taking a bite he turned his eyes towards me.
"Are you still mad at me? I'm still sorry for what I did," Raihen told sincerely.
"Yeah, it's fine, whatever," I replied.
"Yeay!" He delightedly cheered. Afterward, he tugged me closer and encircled his arms tight around me as we sat together while he nuzzled his face against mine. After what I did, I don't think I'm even mad at all. It's probably his nature, I was too startled by his unusual behavior that's all.
I should probably get used to this.
"Arum's POV"
I was running across the grassy playing field with my teammates backing up my underclassmen who have the ball with them. It was soccer practice as usual and we usually split our team into two during practice, since I was the captain I also have to accompany those who are much younger than I am.
Kaeru who is one of them is the one running with the ball but was suddenly caught off guard by Kuronoya who easily managed to steal it. Kuronoya snickers while Kaeru frowns in disappointment.
"Kaeru don't mind! Don't lose track! Defend! Defend!" I signaled.
"Yes, captain!" He nodded and snapped out of his current state. I immediately followed up while Kuronoya kept running, Tsugino our goalkeeper was aware of the threat and made a stance with his hands spread wide. It was until Sho another one of my fellow regulars immediately took the ball when Kuronoya accidentally stumbled and landed on his face om the ground because of his untied shoes.
"Arum!" He passes the ball towards me. I nodded in response and kicked the ball immediately to a far away distance. Tohru bounces it with his body and passes it to Kaeru once more, Kaeru filled with determination to make up from earlier successfully scores a goal when our second goalkeeper Sushi Maru on the other side fails to react quickly. The whole team and I grouped up soon after the last point. Practice is over again. I went over to Kaeru and the rest.
"Good job Kaeru," I complimented. I ruffled and mess with his hair.
"Thanks for always looking out for me," Kaeru smiled brightly. This guy really admires me a lot as a captain, it's kind of adorable.
"Kuronoya, what was that? You landed on your face," I laugh.
"You just love to roll in the dirt don't you?" Tohru says sharply. His usual sarcastic remarks.
"Easy on the newbies Kuronoya," I told.
"Hey! I fell on purpose! I know how awesome I am," Kuronoya protested.
"More like Kuro-knows-not how to tie his shoe," Tsugino butts into the conversation as he leans towards his back. We all laughed, except for Tohru, that guy hardly laughs at anything.
"Has anyone seen the coach lately?" Sushi Maru asked. We call him that because that's his actual name, and it's ironic because his family runs a sushi business.
"No clue," I shrugged. "Coach Heifetz has been gone busy and he hasn't contacted me lately," I continued.
"We can't exactly win our practice match against Daiji without a coach. Let alone when we'll finally face against Hale in the interschool sports competition," Sushi Maru says.
"Relax dudes. Of course, we'll win, I'll make sure of it! Remember what the coach always says! 'The foundation of strength comes from teamwork'!"
"Ugh, you're starting to sound like the coach himself," Tohru groans.
"You're sharp as always Tohru, but let's all be serious. We have to keep working together!"
"Arum is right. I mean let's admit, we all hate losing," Sho suddenly speaks. It was unusual because he is usually the quiet one among us. But the thought was there, and I'm kind of proud. Everyone nods and forms as a circle.
"Teamwork?" I reach out a hand.
"Teamwork!" They followed.
Later on, after all that hard practice we hit the lockers. I just remembered that Raihen and Hide went home together, I'm relieved that Hide doesn't need to go home alone anymore. Raihen really got attached to us already.
"Hey guys, you won't believe what just happened today," I say to my fellow teammates right beside me.
"What did? " Kuronoya asked.
"Hide actually punched someone,"
"He did what?" Tohru was seemingly surprised.
"I know!" My teammates actually know my best friend since I talk about him a lot and Hide got quite acquainted with them as well.
"So who did he punch?" Tohru asked.
"We have this new guy in class, his name is Raihen and he hangs with us now. I disappeared for five minutes and the next thing I knew he was in the infirmary, I don't really know what happened but he seems to take a really good liking to Hide,"
"If you're not careful he might steal your best friend," Tohru warns.
"What? No one can steal my best friend," I replied frankly.
"I see it all the time on T.V."
"You actually watch those cheesy television dramas?" Kuronoya laughs.
"What? Shut up," Tohru turns his head away. His ears turned an obvious red.
"He's embarrassed," Tsugino teases.
"Ugh, I'm outta here. Fucking weirdos," Tohru grabs his bag and immediately storms off. Now that's something you don't see every day.
"We're going to leave now as well," Kaeru who is together with Yoshi and Kouji inform.
"Alright, take care then!" I bid them goodbye. Eventually, everyone else eventually left as well leaving me behind.
As I was changing my shoes the words that Tohru said got stuck in my head for some reason. Steal my best friend? There's no way someone would do that. It's impossible.
I'm probably just over thinking, but I don't think Raihen is the type of person who'd do that. He's freakishly friendly, also he's too honest about his carnal desires. But I just realized, does it have something to do with Hide? He is actually really clingy for someone we just met.
I sighed and took a deep breath. I'm probably just tired, I kind of like Raihen, I think he's a good guy. I don't want to think ill of someone else. I packed up my stuff and shut the locker rooms, I went to get my bike in the parking lot and soon ride home. I arrive to see Hide cooking something dinner.
"What's cookin'?" I asked.
"Chicken curry," Hide replied while stirring the pot.
"Smells good," I took off my bag and my shoes and went towards the kitchen with Hide. He dips a spoon into the pot and scoops a small portion of it and offers it to me.
"Try it," Hide told. My face flushed red a little because it feels like we're a couple. Regardless, I blew the spoon a little to lessen the heat and gladly accepted.
"It's just right, perfect as usual," I complimented.
"I almost thought I overdid it. Thanks. You should probably take a quick shower and get changed before anything else,"
"Alright, then we play video games."
"It's been a while, but sure. After dinner," Hide agreed. We have no homework today so the rest of our evening will just be leisure time, it's nice to just relax sometimes. Every once in a while Hide and I agree to play games together because that's what best friends do.
"How's Raihen?" I asked.
"He actually lives close by, I told him how you and I met and how we live together. He even asked if he could pay us a visit sometimes, I didn't really care if he did or not," He replied.
"He sure is one big goofball," I said. I went ahead to fetch a towel and stepped into the bathroom. I stripped my clothes and turned on the shower to take a shower.
Now that I thought of it, I tried to remember the time Hide and I first met. I recall seeing each other at an empty playground and he was sitting alone at a swing. Or I think it was that time we tried to solve a jigsaw puzzle together during grade school, but that wasn't how we actually met though. How could I possibly forget? My parents used to drop me often at Hide's. We were introduced to each other and we eventually became playmates, we got along easily quite well. Our parents were very close to each other and Hide wasn't allowed to go out. I used to nag my parents to take me to see him all the time. I wonder if Hide remembers.
I turned off the faucet after taking a shower and dried myself with a towel. I quickly get changed and head towards the kitchen to help Hide set the table. As I helped him set the food, I took a close look at my best friend's face. We shared a lot together, it's hard to believe it's been years. We've been. Through a lot together. And I feel like there's so much I want to talk about but I wouldn't know where to start that I just don't. We used to have lots of fun together, and I still try to find my own moments with him.
It makes me wonder since when did Hide develop a strong sense of logic. To be honest, I can't really tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing. But I know Hide very well, he always knows what's best for himself. Thinking about something like this makes it seem so depressing for some reason. It makes me sad for no reason, and when there's no reason it's usually pointless to talk about. Or at least that's what Hide would say, but he still always listens to other peoples opinions regardless.
I know the real Hide. Only I can understand him the most, then again, as his best friend. I'm not even sure if I can call myself that, do I really understand him? Is Hide who I think he is?
"Hide," I told.
"What is it?" He asked.
"Am I really your best friend?" I asked. He looks at me slightly confused.
"What are you talking about? Of course, you are," Hide replied.
"Oh, I see, sorry about that."
'I remember the day, I made a promise to you. It was a very long long time ago and I know you don't remember it anymore.' Was what I wanted to say.
Hide and I begin to chow down our meal. We were face to face across the table. It's moments like these that I take for granted sometimes. Ever since we started living together I can't help but notice every inch and detail. I know his eating habits, the way he moves, the way he talks, the way he looks when he gets flustered, the way he smiles or gets angry.
Until today I've learned to become very observant. I also know the face he makes when he sleeps and how he snores quietly. I notice more of his features like how he actually has long lashes and how I can remember the details of his skinny body type despite having a major sweet tooth. I could probably tell who he is blindfolded. There's also the innocent face he makes when he is too focused on something. Knowing a side of him that only I can know is a privilege. I kind of get a little mad at myself because this isn't really me, I barely immerse myself into deep thoughts like this.
"Uhh... Why are you looking at me like that?" Hide blatantly asked.
"I just remember how you used to look like," I replied. "We've really grown to adults," I added.
"You're not usually like this."
"I know!!! Oh god, I'm so sorry!" I immediately apologized.
"Tell me what's on your mind?" Hide asked. Fudge, it's the hot seat.
"Well. I don't know Hide. I feel like we've grown so much that we've also grown from the things we loved to do together."
"What is it that you want to do?" Hide asked once again. These chain questions are killing me.
"I don't know. Today just seems so different. I started thinking about a lot of things."
"And what things are those exactly?" Hide crosses his arms. I groaned in frustration. Ugh. When it comes to Hide, everything always has to be specific, he does not like vague things at all.
"Just... Don't ask," I've given up. My face collapses on to the table with my arms stretched out. Hide just sighs in dismay.
"Need a hug?" He asked.
"Yes please," I replied in a tired manner.
"There, there," He ruffles my hair and leaned in for a small hug as my face stayed on the table. When things are all for naught this is what he does to cheer me up, because he knows me well like that. These thoughts are driving me nuts. 'Idiot' I wanted to utter but only did in my head.
You don't know a lot of things.
Because you're just that special to me Hide.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
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