Yukio felt
like a traitor. He trusted Kyoko, and Kyoko promised that if Kuri
said something was good for Urufu then it was really good for Urufu.
But he still felt like a traitor. Urufu was his most important
friend, the man turned boy who had brought out what Yukio believed
was the best parts of himself. Urufu had dared him to become a better
Yukio, and Urufu had supported him when he was uncertain of his
ability to become one.
A full night's
sleep hadn't changed his feelings that he should have protested when
the others effectively transferred parts of Urufu's control over his
business to the Wakayama parents. The others? You coward! You took
part of it yourself when you signed that contract.
With those
feelings of conflict he made his way down the stairs to the dining
hall where breakfast was served Viking style. As in the sign in the
doorway stated that it was served Viking style. The irony wasn't lost
on him. Sweden had its own era of fame, but from what Urufu had told
him a breakfast buffet probably had very little to do with anything
Viking.
Two floors
above him Urufu was still asleep, or had been when Yukio left their
room, and he looked for other familiar faces to share his breakfast
with. Between club members grabbing small dishes and walking a few
rounds between serving tables and their own seats he saw Ryu and
Noriko sitting by a table in a corner. Kyoko headed there with the
last of her booty and Yukio quickly got himself some juice and booked
a place beside her with his glass.
The adults
were seated by the windows at a table pointedly placed a bit apart
from the rest. It looked like stratification, but Yukio knew from his
conversations with Urufu that it was only a sensible solution to
avoid students feeling awkward with a couple of teachers sharing
their table. In Urufu's case it had been employees who wanted to
avoid being forced into conversation with corporate management.
On his way
between getting food and placing it at his place he touched hand and
shoulders with Kyoko several times, none of them an accident. Each
time he felt his heart jolt and each time he wondered how many of the
club members who were watching them.
Less than I
think, but more than what's comfortable, he admitted to himself
when both of them headed for their table one last time unable to
separate their hands. I love you. I'm happy I confessed that
second time. I'm happy you love me back. I'm happy.
He understood
he was luckier than he deserved, but he also guessed he deserved the
luck he had. There was no contradiction as long as he was honest.
“Guess what
I'm thinking,” he said to her when they sat down.
“Guess who I
love in return,” she replied.
She reads
my mind. My fantastic Kyoko!
“Where's
Kuri?” Yukio asked, and he made an effort to raise his voice just a
little bit.
“Should come
down from our room soon. She overslept so we had to shake her awake
just as we
went for breakfast.”
Yukio smiled
at Kyoko. Good girl. Did I tell you that you're fantastic? No I
just thought that. “My fantastic little Kyoko.”
She blushed at
that but smiled back a him anyway.
Kuri hadn't
overslept, unless she went back to sleep after returning to their
room. Most of the night she spent cuddled up with Urufu. Ryu and
Yukio moved their futons so Kuri and Urufu could have some space for
themselves. After that Kuri cradled her boyfriend like a mother hugs
her children when they're afraid to go to sleep.
It's
strange, Yukio thought, that it only felt natural having Kuri
sleeping beside Urufu in our room. Yukio looked around the dining
hall. None of the other members would understand if it became known,
so this was a secret between the six of them.
He threw a
glance at the adults' table. They were all there. Both Wakayama
parents, Principal Nakagawa, Ashiga James and Sato-sensei. And
another two middle aged persons he hadn't seen before. They looked
like locals, a local couple.
The bedlam
slowly abated when more and more club members finished eating and
only sat back nursing tea or coffee. At that time, first Kuri and
then Urufu arrived as well.
While those
who had finished first filed out to prepare for the afternoon's hike
Kuri and Urufu started stacking plates with breakfast in a way that
made Yukio grateful most club members had left the dining hall. How
many nights have you spent at hotels? You're packing food like robots,
and you know exactly in what order you have to stack those plates.
Ryu elbowed
his sister lightly and Yukio saw them give the two Swedes approving
glances. Forgot you're the rich kids. You should know this drill
as well.
“Would
President Ageruman and Vice President Hamarugen please join our
table,” a voice suddenly cut through the hall.
What the
hell? Principal Nakagawa? At least you're making a formal invitation.
Yukio watched
the pair walk up to the adults' table and take a seat each. Kuri and
Urufu were introduced to the two strangers. After a few words Kuri
all of a sudden threw her hands to her face. For a moment Urufu woke
up from his apathy and rose to protect his girlfriend. She looked at
him but shook her head.
What's
going on?
Around him the
Wakayama twins and Kyoko shared his worried glares. Yukio held
Kyoko's hand tightly and felt her squeeze back. When he questioned
Ryu with a look he only waved his hand in the negative. Whatever was
happening Kuri had to deal with it on her own. Yukio didn't like it,
and he definitely didn't like to se a mentally unstable Urufu dragged
into it.
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