^Letter From Author^

Wow!
i've finished this one.
i really enjoyed writing it
hope you'll enjoy this...
i'll be writing another piece after this for my YaoiFiction series...
thanks for your time!

NOTE
italic= inner thoughts or feelings

P/S: if you want the 'hardcore' part, contact me directly and i'll email it to you...hehehehe!

Part 5: bed of roses

Hitori woke up to find Tanou is not around. His place is well arranged and his futon is folded-up in his cupboard. Hitori quickly gets up and bath. He went straight to school after that.

He is never good at math but, he managed to pull through this test with the formulas that he had memorized. He thought of Tanou a lot. He wonders why Tanou had cried for him. Tanou is a really caring person. He cares so much of me. But why is it so? He thought.

When the school bell rang indicating that the school’s out, Hitori got out of the school compound quickly. He is shocked to see Tanou is waiting for him with his car park outside near the gate. There are two other guys sitting at the back seat. They are looking at him. They had that same hideous smile on their face the way that Tanou used to always have. Hitori quickly get to him.

“Why are you here, Tanou?” Hitori asked.

“I thought of asking you out.” Tanou said.

“But, I have work to do.”

“Oh… That. My mom called me. She said that there’ll be no business today.”

“Why? What’s wrong?” Hitori is worried.

“There you go worrying again…” Tanou said. “Everything is fine. She just wanted you to have day-off, that’s all…”

“Oh come on! Look at that! Tanou is making up lies for this little cutie…” One of the guys from the back seat said. He got long black hair tied up high and dark eyes. “What a real cute school boy you’re dating this time…” He said again.

The other with short brown hair and blue eyes laugh and say; “don’t say that, Makoto. He’s gonna get real angry…” He said a warning in a cynical way.

“Shut up!” Tanou said to them. He then looked at Hitori. “Get in.” He ordered him.

“Wait a minute! What lie are you giving me? I don’t want you to think that this is something that you can joke around about, okay? It will interfere my job!” Hitori is angry.

“Wow, I’ve never seen you this angry…” Tanou said.

“He’s cute when he’s angry. Right, Kanawa?” Makoto said, interrupting them.

Kanawa only smiles and looked at Hitori with his blue eyes.

“He is right…” Tanou said to Hitori. He then places his right hand on Hitori’s cheek. “I am the one who asked my mother to give you a day off. Sorry about that lie. But she allowed you to have a day-off. She liked the idea of me taking you out. She thinks we’re having an affair, you know? Well, she’s wrong. It’s not an affair.” Tanou said and plant a soft kiss on Hitori’s lips in front of everyone, in the middle of the daylight, without shame. He liked to see that Hitori is astounded. He then continues his words; “it is a serious one…”

Hitori didn’t yell at him. He is in shock by what Tanou had just done to him but he didn’t say anything. He’s not even angry. He just looked down, blushing and get inside beside the driver’s seat. He can hear that Tanou’s friends are chuckling behind them and make sounds of awe towards Tanou. He just ignores them.

Tanou is surprised to see that Hitori didn’t yell or get angry at him for kissing him like that. He is enjoying this. He likes me too, I guess. Last night, I was afraid to touch him and had my plan cancelled. But tonight, I won’t be afraid. I will even force him if he resists. He thought and smiles to himself enjoying his imagination.
***
They went to a real expensive restaurant for dinner. Tanou said that he’ll pay for everything. Hitori felt bad about it but could not express it because Tanou will call him ‘worrycake’. He used that term for him now when he is worried over some things. It came from Makoto’s mouth. He gave that idea to Tanou since Hitori is always worrying over small things. Now, Hitori will just keep his mouth shut. Makoto is always teasing him and Tanou while Kanawa will ignite the flames even more using his cynical way of teasing them. Tanou didn’t seem to mind what they say. He would just laugh over it. He seems to enjoy it.

Kanawa is Tanou’s senior, he is half-blood American. That explained why he had a pair of blue eyes and original brown hair. Makoto is in the same year with Tanou. He is his friend since high school. Though they tease a lot, Hitori can sense that they have good hearts.

“You know, Tanou used to sexually harass cute boys at our school when he was young.” Makoto said to Hitori.

Hitori is shocked to learn that but he didn’t say anything.

“Did he ever do anything to you?” Makoto asked.

Hitori thought of last night when Tanou had hugged him, crying with him. “No.” He lied.

“Wow! What a surprise! Not yet, I guess…” He said knowingly in a teasing manner.

“It’s like holding a sand in you hand. You didn’t want to grasp it tighter ‘cause it will slip away. You just need to hold it steadily and it’ll stay there. So, just let it comes naturally, right Tanou? How long have you been holding your desire?” Kanawa asked him cynically.

“So long…” Tanou answered candidly, being honest over things. And they all laugh out loud.

Hitori looked at him in astonishment. And Tanou will just look into Hitori’s eyes fearlessly, indicating him danger. Hitori feels that his heart is beating faster than usual. He is afraid. He gets a feeling that tonight will be different than his normal nights.

“Are you a virgin, Hitori?” Kanawa asked.

Hitori didn’t know how to answer that. He is shy. He felt his cheek is burning again. It’s getting red. He’s blushing again. He started blushing only after last night. He never felt this way before. He never blushed like this before.

“He never had a girlfriend before. He never even feels like it. So, I guess he is a virgin.” Tanou said.

“Tanou!” Hitori said suddenly as if not wanting them to know. But then, he went back to silence when they all started laughing at him.

“Don’t worry, little Hitori. I think Tanou will be gentle on you.” Kanawa said and laughs.

“Oh no. I think he’ll go wild! You’re gonna be in great pain! Physically!” Makoto said, laughing too along with the rest of them.

I’m living in a cruel world…, Hitori thought to himself, bearing their teasing. He got to get used to this. He had become their subject of conversation all night. Only a time or two they had talked of their art works. He can’t take it…

***

After sending both Makoto and Kanawa home, Tanou is now alone in the car with Hitori. Silence filled the air as the car drove along in darkness.

“Tanou, your friends… they really like to tease, huh?” Hitori said, trying to start the conversation.

“Yes.” Tanou answered him shortly.

“I feel slightly in fear of tonight.” Hitori said expressing his feelings. “I don’t know why.”

“It’s normal, Hitori.” Tanou said simply without having to know of what Hitori actually meant.

“What do you mean by that?” Hitori asked, puzzled.

Tanou only smiles his usual same old hideous smile. “I have something to show you tonight.” Tanou said.

“What is it?”

“You’ll see when we get home.”

***

They are in the room now. Tanou turns on the light. And Hitori saw it. It is the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. It is a painting; a painting of Hitori asleep on a bed. The bed is full of roses’ petals. And moonlights shone his face. He knew that it is the moonlight even without a picture of the moon in it.

“Do I look like that when I’m asleep?” Hitori asked.

“Yes. I always had a good memory over things that I wanted to draw. It’s like I captured the moment in my head and I add some of my imagination to it. Here, the imagination is the roses… What do you think of it?”

“It’s beautiful. Just like the paintings of your rose-garden. You always draw authentic things. It almost makes me feel like I can touch it. This one, too, seems like it’s alive.” Hitori said.

“I appreciate that comments better than my lecturers’.” Tanou said truthfully.

“But, why didn’t you paint us together?” Hitori asked suddenly.

“Oh. I just didn’t want you to get angry or anything.” Tanou said honestly.

“I would’ve liked it.” Hitori said being honest with himself and Tanou.

“Okay then. I’ll draw that for you.” Tanou said, determined.

“Would you want to capture the moment, then?” Hitori asked.

Tanou is surprised by Hitori’s sudden daring attitude. “Yes. I’d liked that.” He said and pulls Hitori closer to him. He kisses Hitori, soft at first but then it gets deeper and wilder. He can’t hold it any much longer. Hitori did not fight him. He only kisses him back. It’s obvious of how inexperienced it is of Hitori. But, Tanou liked it. This innocence will be obliterated tonight by his lust and his love towards Hitori. He pushes Hitori down on the floor, getting on top of him, pinning Hitori’s hands down, and continues kissing him deeply and wildly. He can hear Hitori moans. He enjoyed it.

“Tanou…” Hitori called Tanou, breaking the kiss for a while.

“Yes…” Tanou said in a whisper. He kisses Hitori’s cheek.

“That painting you’ll draw… make it a bed full of roses too…” Hitori said.

Tanou only smiles and he’ll get it started. “You are mine, now.” Tanou said. “No one else will ever take you away from me. You are all mine.” Tanou said possessively.

Hitori didn’t say a word. He just nodded and let himself falls into Tanou’s arms. He let himself becomes Tanou’s possession forever… Tomorrow is not just another day. It is a new beginning…

…THE END…

Part 4: special someone

It’s been a week and five days. Now, the restaurant had been properly set up. Hitori had been waiting all morning for the food to come. When the food had finally come, he started to get busy arranging them in the refrigerator and down the cabinets. His assistants are there too to help him. He ordered them around of where to place things and all. He never ordered people around before so he always uses his polite and soft intonations.

While they are busy doing their work, Tanou came down wearing his back-pack. He only smiles to Hitori and Hitori smiles back at him. He already told him last night that he’ll be going to Hokkaido for his assignment’s presentation. He didn’t say when he’ll be back though and Hitori didn’t even bother to ask. Hitori only watches his car drove off from the parking lot.

Soon after that, Mrs. Takahashi arrived. Hitori greets her happily and respectfully.

“Good afternoon, Madam… How are you?” Hitori asked.

“Good afternoon. I’m good. How about you?”

“Good. Everything’s going well…”

“The business will start tomorrow. People had started booking. Ganbatte ne! I’m counting on you!” She said, looking rather excited.

“Yes! I will!” Hitori said convincingly.

“Are you getting along well with Tanou-kun?” She asked, wondering.

“Oh yes… He’s really nice…” Hitori said.

“Is he here?”

“Nope. He had just gone out. He said he’ll be off to Hokkaido. Something about his presentations.” Hitori explained.

“Oh… I didn’t have a chance to see him at all. I’m busy and he rarely been at home since he found you here, you know? He used to only stay here for a day or two but now, he stayed here all week. Are you having an affair with him or something?” Mrs. Takahashi said looking curious and excited at the same time.

“What?! No, no. How could we?” Hitori said in shock.

“Oh… I thought you do… Sorry for my bad thought. It’s just that he had been open-minded over a lot of things. He ever dated a guy before, you know? … It’s not that I mind. It’s just that I’m worried about him. But then again, if it’s you he’s dating, I’m fine with it!” She said happily, laughing her heart out.

Hitori didn’t know what to say. Are they like this real big happy open-minded family or something? He thought.

***

Hitori will be busy after this for sure. He quickly walks home from school. The restaurant is his home now, he felt like it. He even thought of pursuing this job after school. He really liked it there especially when Tanou is around.

He stopped walking suddenly thinking of Tanou. Will he be back this time? He thought. It’s been three days of his absence. Hitori began to feel like the hole is getting bigger inside his heart. It is a black hole… It was small at first. But as days passed, the hole is getting bigger and bigger. It kind of feels like… emptiness…

He reached the restaurant. He quickly opened the door and locked it back. He then went straight upstairs. It’s 4 p.m. now. The assistant chefs won’t be there until five. As he reached the door, it had already been opened and Tanou is inside.

Tanou looks at Hitori and smiles; “welcome back…”

Hitori too, smiles; “welcome back, too…” He said and went inside placing his back-pack on the floor near his Japanese table.

“Thank you, Hitori…” Tanou said suddenly.

“Aa? For what?” Hitori asked, puzzled.

“I won the best presentation out of all.” He said, smiling.

“Wow, congratulations!” Hitori wishes him happily.

“Great, isn’t it?” Tanou smiles too. “It’s not that I never won before. I always won… but, this time, I won because of you.” Tanou said.

Hitori is puzzled. And he can’t speak.

“I was supposed to make three paintings of theme ‘home’. For the first painting, I draw my mess bedroom at first. But, I changed it. I draw this room; our room. And then the second one was the picture of you cooking for me. And lastly, the picture of your dishes. All the lecturers seemed impressed. They said they, too, feel at home just by looking at them. Too bad they keep the paintings with them. If not, I would’ve shown them to you.” Tanou explained. “I won… but this time it is more… meaningful.” He said honestly and get back to his drawing board.

Hitori didn’t know how to respond to that. So, he just keeps his mouth shut. But, deep inside his heart, there’s a warmth feeling. It is so comfortable and soothing. He liked the feeling. It was as if his mother is still around.

Tanou wonders why he had said all that to Hitori. He felt his heart is in pain if he didn’t say it out. He misses Hitori so bad even when he only was separated from him for only three days. He never really ever felt like this before. He heard Hitori is moving behind him to go downstairs. He can’t let him off that easy. He had been separated for so long; he can’t let him out of his sight. “Where are you going?” Tanou asked without looking at Hitori.

“Um?” Hitori is puzzled. “Downstairs. I need to prepare the ingredients before my assistants came.” He explained.

Tanou smiles hideously and look at Hitori. I will have you tonight…, He thought. “Can I lend you a hand?” Tanou asked almost sounding like he’s pleading.

“Okay.” Hitori said after being speechless for a while.

Downstairs, Tanou helps Hitori in preparing all of ingredients and he felt really happy to be there. Hitori didn’t seem to mind at all with Tanou’s presence.

“Hitori, why is it that you prepare all the ingredients yourself before your assistants came? Aren’t it’d be easier if you told them to come earlier?” Tanou asked, wondering.

“Oh, I just like to do it alone. I always had this fear that if someone else interfere, it might tasted differently.” Hitori said without thinking.

Tanou immediately put the ingredients in his hand down, just by hearing it.

“No, Tanou, it’s not like that! You can help. It’s ‘you’ after all, not anyone else. I mean… I mean…” Hitori didn’t know what to say to make things better.

“Oh…” Tanou said and picked the ingredients back up. “You mean, I’m special, is it?” He asked.

“Um?” Hitori didn’t know what to say. But after a while, he let out a shy answer with a real tiny voice almost sounding like a whisper; “yes.”

Tanou only smiles, planting a cruel intention inside his heart; you’ll be mine, tonight…

Tanou continued to help even when Hitori’s assistants arrived. He just simple told them that he is Hitori’s boyfriend when they asked him who he is and Hitori will deny it whole-heartedly but Tanou will just laugh at that silly and innocent Hitori.

***

Tanou is already asleep on his futon at the other end of the room. Hitori is still studying at his table. Hitori felt bad for letting him sleep with the lights on. But, he had to study for tomorrow’s math test. He quickly memorized the formulas so that he can get to bed early and get to turn off the lights for Tanou to sleep more comfortably.

He is now confidence that he had remembered all the formulas so he spread down his futon on the floor and turned off the lights. He lies down, and turns his body towards the sight of Tanou. Tanou slept with his back on Hitori. Hitori just watches him as his eyes are soothing. He began to whisper in his heart; tomorrow could be just another day and also a new beginning… But, he then isn’t able to close his eyes since he saw Tanou is moving. Is he awake? He thought.

Tanou turns his body towards Hitori’s side with eyes wide open. Their eyes met for a moment in shock of each other’s stare. But then, Tanou just smile and Hitori is clueless and stray his eyes from the sight of Tanou. When he looked back at Tanou, he finds that Tanou had already had his eyes closed. He might’ve fallen back asleep…, he thought. Why is it that I’m so interested in him? He is just a guy…, he thought again.

Tanou suddenly woke up from his sleep. He got up and moves his futon to the middle of the room right in front of the window. He then looked at Hitori, smiling. “Come. Pull your futon next to me. The stars are so beautiful tonight…” He said convincingly.

Hitori was shocked at first to figure out that Tanou haven’t asleep yet. But without hesitation, Hitori did as what Tanou had wanted him to do. Now, they are lying side by side, looking at the stars above. It’s true what Tanou had said, the stars are really beautiful. It almost made Hitori felt like he had never seen stars as beautiful as these. Is it really too beautiful? Or is it the feelings that he had within him at that moment that made it all so beautiful? He had thought of how Tanou had been of interest to him and how he ought to be a special someone. He never really ever felt anything like this before. He never even thought of wanting to feel this way. His eyes began to widen as he realize a tiny ache within his heart. It is love…

“You’re not asleep?” Hitori asked.

“Nope.” He simple answered.

“Is it because of the light? I’m sorry about it.” Hitori apologized.

“Not at all… don’t worry about it. You know, you worry too much, Hitori.”

“Oh, is it? I’m sorry…” Hitori apologized again.

“And you apologized too much.” Tanou said, laughing a little. “I noticed that you looked differently during the time you’re cooking and the time you’re studying or reading. Those are all of your activities anyway.” Tanou said, analyzing Hitori’s behavior.

“Really? I never really noticed that. How different am I?” He asked.

“When you’re cooking, you talk a lot and you smile a lot more than you do up here. When you’re studying and reading, you’re so serious. You hardly even say anything to me who is always at the other end of the room, observing you. You never even noticed the fact that I was looking at you.” He said again.

“You’re watching me?” Hitori asked, surprised.

“I’ve always been watching you. Even when I’m not looking at you, I’m aware of everything you do.” Tanou confessed.

“Why?” Hitori asked.

“Because… you are interesting…” Tanou said looking directly into Hitori’s eyes.

Hitori felt his cheek is burning. He is blushing… He didn’t say a word. He’s clueless of what to say.

Tanou then diverge his sight to the stars outside. “Why is it that you’re always alone? Where’s your family?” Tanou asked, changing the subject.

“My mother died when I was 12. My father lives in Okinawa.” Hitori said, looking sad.

“Why didn’t you stay with your father?” Tanou asked.

“I can’t…” Hitori said, not wanting to tell the reason. But then, he opens up a little and began to tell him of his sordid life. “He… went out of his mind when my mother died.” Hitori said not meeting Tanou’s eyes who is paying all his attention to Hitori. “You see, my mother died being hit by a car when she went out looking for me one night. I didn’t came back from school that day so she was worried and went out without even thinking that it is late and dangerous outside.” Hitori said, holding his urge to cry. “I was bullied by the kids from my previous school and could not get up because I’m in pain. I’ve never been hit before. But then, I saw my mother in the distance and when she saw me, she rushed towards me without realizing that a car is driving fast on the road.” Hitori’s tears fall down from his eyes. It is cooling his ears as it got there. He couldn’t say more.

Tanou wipes Hitori’s tears slowly with the end of his fingers not saying anything. There’s a sad look on his eyes. Hitori didn’t want Tanou to sympathize him. But, that look on Tanou’s eyes; they are not of sympathy. He didn’t know what it is but he feels better when he look into Tanou’s eyes.

“My father blamed me for my mother’s death.” Hitori continued. “So, he always had been abusing me. I can’t take it anymore. So, I ran way…” Hitori said. “It’s always better off to be alone.”

Hitori realizes that Tanou’s eyes are shimmering when the light of the moon outside hits his face. He is crying too. He is crying for Hitori.

“Tanou, why are you crying?” Hitori asked, worried.

“Don’t worry about me.” Tanou said and he hugged Hitori.

Hitori can feel Tanou’s weight on top of him. He had never been hugged by anyone for so long so he hugged him too.

“You’re not alone anymore, Hitori.” Tanou said while he is still hugging him, he said those words with his shaking voice; the voice of a crying man. “I’m with you now.” He said. He broke the hug and looked down on Hitori. “Go to sleep.” He ordered him as he strokes his hands along Hitori’s soft hair. “I’m here with you. I’ll take care of you.”

What a soothing voice. His words; they are honest words. They make me feel at ease, Hitori thinks to himself as he closes his eyes and falls fast asleep.

***

Part 3: “be open-minded!”

…There are footsteps coming up the stairs…
…Sounds of someone moving up things in the room…
…Who’s there? ...
Hitori opened his eyes slowly to find the sight of his clock on the table in front of him; it is 10 a.m. Sun shines outside but it didn’t hit the window. The sun must rise from the other side of the building since at noon; he can see sun sets through his window.
He looked at the other end of the room near the door entrance while still lying on his futon. There’s a guy putting down his rose garden painting on the floor and paste up an empty paper on the drawing board. He is setting up his drawing kits and cleaning up all of his stuff. Then, he looked behind his shoulder to Hitori.
Hitori’s eyes widen to find a real handsome guy standing in front of him. He is about 180cm tall, he had dark hair and a dark colored shady eyes. He also seems shock to see Hitori who had awaken.
“Oh, sorry! I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He said with a husky voice.
Hitori still haven’ found words to say and he is still lying on his futon. He thought that this guy is really good-looking, he hasn’t yet ever found a guy as beautiful as this before that he had become so speechless and immobile.
“Nice to meet you and, good morning! You must be Hitori, ne? I’m Tanou Takahashi…” He said, smiling welcomely. “Now that I’m no longer a stranger, you can at least say a word or two…” He said sounding like trying to wake Hitori up from his statue position.
“Aa… Sorry…” Hitori said and he sat up. He didn’t say anymore than that….
“I’m sorry coming in this early. I know that it must be a day off for you so you might want to wake up a little later… it’s okay if you want to go back to sleep.”
“Oh… No… Really… It’s okay…” Hitori said. “I want to go to buy some things to cook at the market anyway…”
Tanou put a hideous smile on his lips and he went back to his drawing board. He needs to make three paintings for his assignment. There’s no time for him to entertain a school boy. He got to get busy! Behind him, Hitori is folding up his futon and place them back inside his drawer. He took off his shirt and took his towel. He then just walks straight to the bathroom.
Tanou colored up the paper in green shades before getting to paint the real picture. He hasn’t had any idea yet for his three paintings. The theme would be on ‘home’. What is it that made him feels homey? Nothing? God!!; He thought to himself. Hitori got out from the bathroom and get inside the room. That’s when Tanou get a real good look of him. He then thought; what a real cute school boy... Big brown eyes and dyed blond hair… He’s a complete ‘set’. Especially with a wet look like that…
Hitori got dressed behind him. Tanou didn’t peek a look but he knew that Hitori’s body is still not fully shaped yet and he’s skinny.
Just as he passed Tanou to go downstairs, he looked at him and say, “Jaa…” with a soft voice, Tanou noticed.
“Jaa…” Tanou replied trying to sound casual. Shit, he’s really something, he thought.
***
“Have you eaten yet, Takahashi-san?” Hitori asked Tanou soon after he reaches the room.
“Oh please… call me Tanou. I haven’t had anything yet.” Tanou said.
“Would you like something to eat? I’ll prepare breakfast…” Hitori offered him.
“Ah… thank you. I would like to taste the cooking of a winner anyway.” He said, smiling and let out a little laugh.
Hitori laughs too and smiles brightly. “In a minute…” As he went down the stairs, he thought, what’s up with me? I never cared for anyone before except for my mother. Now, I’m asking a stranger whether he had eaten or not? Weird…
Downstairs, he made sandwiches, a couple of garlic breads and mushroom soups. He places them on the tray. He then pours in two glasses of orange juice, places them on the tray too, and went back upstairs.
Tanou had just finishes his first painting. It’s a drawing of a messy room. It is what he had in mind would be of a comfortable homey bed room. He smiles his hideous smile. Just then, Hitori came back into the room holding a tray of food with his both hands.
“Sorry for interrupting, could you move my table to the middle of the room, please?” Hitori asked Tanou politely.
Tanou quickly removes all the things from Hitori’s Japanese table and move it to the middle of the room. Hitori then places the tray on the table. They both sit down at the table.
“Dozo…” Hitori said.
“Itadakimasu!” Tanou said in a happy tone as he took a bite from the sandwich. He got his eyes pop-out a little. “Wow… Real tasty…” Tanou said.
“Really?” Hitori asked happily and put on a big green on his face. He likes praises very much. He laughs a little while rubbing his head, sounding kind of proud. “Thank you…” He said.
“At first, I thought that my mom had an affair with you or something…” Tanou said, laughing…
Hitori is in shocked to learn that and let out a silly laughs at Tanou.
“She just seemed to have interest in this restaurant more than any of her other restaurants. But then, I realize you are special after all. You made just a simple sandwich but the taste is really… special.” He added. “Anyway, you don’t seem to be the kind of person who would fall for an older woman… Do you have a girlfriend?” He asked.
“Ah… No…” Hitori said, shaking his head. He thinks I’m special. Last I heard of anyone who would think or call me special was my mother…, he thought.
“Really? Wow… I thought that a guy with a cute face like you do have ‘someone’.” Tanou said again, laughing.
Hitori is surprised to learn that Tanou thinks he’s cute but he just ignored the feelings. “I never really had any… not even friends…” Hitori added.
“Why is it so?” Tanou asked, having himself another slice of sandwich.
“Huh? Um… Just… that I prefer to be alone and I haven’t found anyone that interests me, that’s all.” Hitori answered, and sips a little of his juice.
“So, it has to be someone that catch your interest, is it?” Tanou asked, putting on his hideous smile.
“I… I guess so…” Hitori said. Why is he smiling like that and why do he have to ask this kind of question?, Hitori thought to himself.
“Well, as for me, I want someone who can really fit into imagination. Someone I can draw of. He or she must be really special, or else I wouldn’t want him or her…” Tanou said imaginatively.
“He? Him?” Hitori asked looking puzzled. He thought that he might’ve misheard what Tanou said.
“Yes. Someone who’s supposed to be special for me could be a girl and could also be a guy, right?”
Hitori had a shocked of his life! How could this guy be so open over everything? He thought. He never even thinks that it’s possible for a guy to love another guy.
“If it’s a girl, I would marry her the old normal usual ways but, if it is a guy, I would take him to Canada and got married!” He laughs hard, evilly, as soon as he finishes his words…
Hitori went all numb and immobile. He is in total shock.
“Are you going to eat that?” Tanou asked Hitori innocently. “Ah… I’ll eat that. You can make them for yourself later.” He made that selfish statement and ate Hitori’s meal. “Thanks for the food!” he said happily and got up to get back to his work.
Where in the world am I living in? Hitori thought to himself as he can finally find his strength to move again. He cleans up everything on the tray and get up. Tanou is…, He thought as he reached the stairs. He looked back at Tanou for a while and went down the stairs; …interesting…, He finishes his thought.
***

Part 2: ‘The Forbidden’

Mrs. Takahashi is a real nice person. Right after listening to Hitori’s problem, she offered him right way to stay at the restaurant. She also didn’t seem to mind that he is still going to school and all. She said that they are rooms above the place. Most of the rooms are filled with boxes and furniture but, there’s one spacey empty room. She said that her son usually goes up there to do his art work and that Hitori will find her son’s stuffs at one end of the room and Hitori could use the other end of the room. She said that the bathroom together with toilet is just beside the room.
Hitori didn’t mind at all of the condition of the room as long as he has a place to stay, sleep and bath. It is near his school too. After that, Mrs. Takahashi also offered him to find help to move his stuff from his old place. Hitori is also very thankful for that.
After all of the talking, now it is time to get back to business. She said that her new restaurant, ‘The Forbidden’, is a real exclusive restaurant. There are five tables for ten and ten tables for two inside the restaurant. The customers will have to book the tables two or three days earlier and the customers who came would be those from the rich and famous. Business starts at 6 p.m. each day and end at 12 p.m. Hitori thought that he’ll have enough sleep for school and time for studies and homework. His school starts at 8 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. He’ll start cooking and preparing right after school. Mrs. Takahashi said that she’ll provide him assistant chefs. All he would need them to do is to help him with the frying, chopping, and serving anyway. He thought of preparing the ingredients and all by himself. This time, he thought, it was as if angels suddenly fell down on his side…
***
The place is really spacey and does look exclusive. He really liked it especially the kitchen. It’s all that matters… The kitchen suits all his needs. Why is it that since he met Mrs. Takahashi, everything seems to fall into place? Everything had been easy for him. He felt blessed.
God, thanks for everything…, he whispered silently inside his heart. As he went upstairs and got to the room, he thought that it looked really cozy. As soon as he enters the door, he saw a cupboard stands at the far side of the wall. There’s a fold-up futon and several clothes inside it. Next to it, there’s a table filled with art stuffs. The table comes with a chair. Standing near the table is a drawing board with a painting pasted to it. It is a real beautiful painting… Whoever that had painted it is a real talented artist. It’s a painting of a rose garden. The garden seems real magical. The roses are redder than ever, the leaves are green and sun shone above them. Sun so bright! It is as if he can touch and smell those roses. He feels like he is in the painting. What a wonderful feeling…
He arranged all of his stuffs at the on other end of the room. He too, folds up his futon and keeps it in his drawer. He fixes all of his clothes and things into place. He had a Japanese table with a study lamp on it. So, he didn’t need a chair. He thought of doing his homework and studies right after work which ended at 12 p.m. He’ll get to sleep around 2 a.m. That way, he’ll get five hours enough sleep. He used to not getting enough sleep anyway if he sleeps later than that.
There’s a real wide window in the middle of the wall in the room. It shines light to the whole room. The view outside is lovely and he felt homey already. Business won’t start until next week. A few workers will come in now and then to set-up the place. Only after the place is ready then the food will be in store and after that, he’ll get busy arranging the kitchen’s arrangement and the dishes’ ingredients and all. It doesn’t matter… All he cared about is having payments to live and he for sure will keep all the money including the ¥100,000 that he had won. He lights up a smile on his face. His life will get better…
***
The moon rise high on the dark sky. Stars surrounded her… what a beautiful sight. Hitori turned off the lights to go to sleep. Tomorrow is Sunday, another day off from school. He had finished all of his homework. He only has to study tomorrow. Unlike all of the other kids in school, he is always… always… alone. He never liked to go to game stores or hang out like them. So, he always thought that being alone is better.
His futon had been spread down on the floor. He went straight to bed. Again, like all the other nights, he whispers silently through his teeth; Tomorrow could be just another day and also a new beginning… He closed his eyes slowly, remembering his mother’s presence. Her smell, her eyes, her smile… she almost looked like that risen moon outside his window. She must be very happy, in heaven, along with the angels, now…, he thought and doze off to sleep.
***

Part 1: special dishes

Hitori slumps down on his bed. It’s a very tiring day. Everyday is the same. He had to work since he needs to pay the fee for his school and also for the rent of his rented room in a real deserted area of Tokyo. It was far away from his school too but it’s near the train station so he always had to get up early to go to school by train. He usually only had four and a half hour sleep everyday and after school, he would go straight away to his work place; a mini market near the train station. It’s been three long months living like this. He felt so tired… But he can’t go back ‘there’. If he does, he’ll get beaten up to death so he had to bear living this way at least for only two years away since he’ll be finishing school by then. He then closes his eyes. Tomorrow could be just another day and also a new beginning…, he thought remembering what his mother used to say to him. He always thought of it every night before he falls into the dark unknown world…
***
“What? The store is closing?!” Hitori asked the owner of the mini market in shock of the news he had just heard. The market is running out of business and the owner just had to shut it down.
“Yes. And I’m paying your last payment today, Hitori.” The owner said with a sad and frustrated face. “I’m sorry that it has to happen.” He apologized.
Hitori sigh and took the money. Now he got a new problem. He had to find a new job!
***
I have to do this. I need the money. Anyway, I’m used to cooking. Hitori thought as he saw an advertisement on a cooking competition today at the shopping complex. It’s a program held by a woman named Takako Takahashi. She’s offering ¥100,000 to the winner and a chance to work at her new restaurant which are about to open in Aoyama. It’s really near to Hitori’s school! I have to win this! He thought, determined on winning. It’s not just because of the money. The money will eventually run out though he thought of keeping it for his future (!educational future!). What he really need is the job! He needs it desperately! So, he signs up for the contest.
The contest will include three stages. The first stage is where the contestants had to bake a cake. The most creative and delicious cake will lead ten people to the next stage. The second stage is where the contestants will make any kind of western food. The tasty and creative one will decide out three contestants for the final round. In the final round, the contestants are free to decide what kind of dishes (three dishes altogether) to be served to the judges. The best will win!
***
First Stage:
There are twenty five contestants all together that had signed up for the test. Mrs. Takahashi seems like a real nice person and very approachable. She wishes luck for all of us and the first stage begins…
…Hitori finishes his cake earlier than everyone. He thought that his is the least creative out of all. He made a real simple heart-shaped cake. It is a big heart-shaped cake in the middle that is surrounded by smaller sized heart-shaped cakes. They are white in color with red cream carvings on them and they looked really cute! But, unlike all the other with more marvelous shapes of cakes all around him, he seems to have the lamest shape of cake.
Mrs. Takahashi went to his table with the other three judges to have a taste of his cake. They all had their eyes popped-out a little after testing his cake and smile.
“You are really something. Your cake is really just simple looking, but I’ve never tasted anything like it before… though it might not be creative in the shape but I sense creativity in the taste… So, congratulations! You’ll be up for the next stage!” Mrs. Takahashi said with a warm smile and all the other judges nodded in unison.
Well, to think back, he only ever cooked for his mother before and his mother always said that he is special. He put a real big grin on his face; he can’t argue the fact that he really loves praises. “Thanks!”
***
Second Stage:
Hitori made meat-ball spaghetti for the second stage. All of the judges started whispering to each other after having the taste of it. All he heard are words like; ‘special’, ‘delicious’, and ‘talented’.
Mrs. Takahashi said he’ll get to go to the final round and that he have to start thinking of what to cook for it.
***
Final stage:
It always comes naturally for him to cook. He hardly thought of anything before he cooked. His hands will simply moved around and mixed different ingredients on its own in a very subtle way as he used to.
He noticed that in this round, most of the time, the judges visited his table, asking him opinions on cooking and wishing ‘ganbatte’ to him. He really liked it. It’s as if he had caught their attention.
The time is up. He had finished his dishes earlier as usual. He made Sashimi, Ramen, and Miso soup. They are just natural Japanese dishes. But, he thought that being proud of his own National’s dishes, made him feel happier. This time, he feels a bit weird because he just didn’t care of winning anymore. He wonders why...
Strange as it is, even with ordinary dishes like that, he won. It’s wonderful to have won…

PROLOGUE

Tanou suddenly woke up from his sleep. He got up and moves his futon to the middle of the room right in front of the window. He then looked at Hitori, smiling. “Come. Pull your futon next to me. The stars are so beautiful tonight…” He said convincingly.

Without hesitation, Hitori did as what Tanou had wanted him to do. Now, they are lying side by side, looking at the stars above. It’s true what Tanou had said, the stars are really beautiful. It almost made Hitori felt like he had never seen stars as beautiful as these. Is it really too beautiful? Or is it the feelings that he had within him at that moment that made it all so beautiful? He had thought of how Tanou had been of interest to him and how he ought to be a special someone. He never really ever felt anything like this before. He never even thought of wanting to feel this way. His eyes began to widen as he realize a tiny ache within his heart. It is love…