Chapter 3 - And so it begins

Part 3/7

When Ren called over to Kai, saying he was heading to the restroom, Yuki couldn't help but notice the piercing grey eyes focused on his face for a beat. The boy turned and started walking away. Yuki’s eyes followed him.

This is a really stupid idea...

There was a loud cheer from the crowd around him as Yuki stood up from his chair. 

“Where are you going?” Kai asked. His arm was now casually around the shoulders of a very excited Niko.

Yuki smiled, happy that the crowd wasn't discouraging their affection. “Just wanted to give you some alone time.” He winked at Kai, whose face turned stern.  

“Yuki,” Kai warned. “The point is to not make trouble.”

“Hey, someone's got to fix this mess.” Yuki shrugged indifferently. 

“Don't make it worse,” Kai growled.

The crowd around them cheered again. The other side of the arena booed loudly. A play was called over the arena's speakers. 

“Yellow card, unsportsmanlike behavior…”

The rest of the sentence was drowned out by the booing that erupted from the stands. There was such a commotion, even Niko rose from his seat, yelling at the referee far below. He hissed with the other fans. 

That temporarily distracted Kai. He looked at his empty arm and groaned with disappointment. Kai's eyes trailed up Niko's body until they reached his face. Yuki understood. The first thing Kai ever wanted to watch was Niko. 

His friends had grown so much already, and it was exciting to think who they might become if they stayed by each other's side. It was something Yuki wanted to protect. And if Watanabe Ren wanted to take Niko’s place to get back together with Kai, he’d have to go through Yuki first. 

Watanabe Ren, more like Wannabe Niko! Yuki huffed. Whatever this Wannabe’s intentions are, I'll stop him from messing up the pure relationship Nikai have!

“I make no promises!” Yuki yelled as he walked away. 

Kai's eyes bore into the back of his head as he turned around. He knew it would only last a few seconds, though. One word from Niko, and Kai's eyes would be back on his boyfriend instead.

It was a little difficult getting out of the stands, as every seat was occupied. After he finally did, Yuki navigated the stairs, dodging people who were holding food and drinks and, for whatever reason, did not see him. 

I’m short, not invisible! 

By the time he managed to find his way to the bathroom, he was a bit out of breath. Not that it slowed him down in any way. With each step, Yuki felt his determination harden. There was no way he couldn't make this work. He had done it a thousand times before with other people. 

When he went to push through the door to the bathroom, someone inside pulled it open. Suddenly, Yuki was face-to-face with Ren. His heart skipped a beat. The expression Ren wore was soft and surprised, his heart-shaped lips opening ever so slightly. Though Yuki didn't understand why he had noticed it, he felt his own mouth water at the sight. 

It was hard to look away. Yuki could see multiple shades of grey swirling around Ren’s irises. They drew him in, like a whirlpool he could not escape. It was only when Ren blinked that Yuki was able to avert his gaze. He covered his eyes and cursed.

What the hell was that?! I’ve never had that happen before! Yuki thought in panic. You gotta keep your cool! 

“Do you normally walk around with your eyes covered?” Ren asked. 

Yuki peaked between his fingers. Ren’s expression had shifted to a harder one, mouth closed and jaw clenching.

Yuki frowned, still trying to get out of his bewildered state. “What? No!”

Ren stared at him for a few seconds, eyes a bit narrowed. Then he shrugged nonchalantly, letting go of the door and moving to walk by Yuki. Without thinking, Yuki grabbed his shoulder and pulled him to the side so they wouldn’t be in the way of other people.

“Wait, we need to talk,” he stated, his face turning serious.

Ren straightened his back and crossed his arms, as if getting ready to defend himself from something. The attitude took Yuki by surprise. Part of him had thought, or rather hoped, Ren had been putting on a show before, pretending to be more upset than he really was. After all, he didn't really know Yuki, did he? 

“Talk about what?” Ren asked.

You can do this, Yuki told himself, clenching his fists at his sides. Ignore his eyes. Forget who he is. It's just another nameless face in the crowd. One more person to win over, regardless of the reason why. It will all be fine as long as you act like it is. 

He took a deep breath and thought back to the first time he had used his signature smile. The day he had created the façade that the world now saw. Since then, Yuki knew that if he acted okay, then things would eventually be okay. 

He took another breath before responding.  “Listen, I'm not sure what Kai told you, but I'm really harmless. And since I'm so close to him, I want to be sure I get along with all his other friends. So let's start over, shall we?” Yuki said, feeling a bit more confident.

Ren, however, just stared at him, face unreadable. His brows were furrowed, and Yuki felt like the boy was searching for something in him. He felt unbearably exposed.

“I must admit I was also a bit suspicious of you.” Yuki chuckled with a hint of nervousness in it, struggling to break the tension between them. “I mean, becoming so close to an ex-boyfriend can only be seen one way. But I’m willing to let it go if you will let my past with Niko go, too.”

Ren continued to glare at him in silence. 

“Seriously, with your good looks, how could I not worry? But it will take more than a stunning smile and captivating eyes to split up those two.” 

Wait, what did I just say? Yuki glanced at the cold stare that scrutinized his very existence. Well, maybe flattery will work? It's not like I'm lying about his looks, and there's no way he doesn't know it's true. 

“What? You think I’m dangerous because Kai and I have a past?” Ren’s tone was ironic, and the emphasis on the last word didn’t go unnoticed by Yuki.

“Isn’t that the same thing you think about me?” he retorted. 

Yuki’s façade began to slip. The intensity of the swirling grey eyes was both intimidating and intoxicating. He struggled to keep his emotions in check while continuing to hold a light smile.  

“No. I think you’re dangerous because of your present situation with Niko,” Ren said, as though every word Yuki said was bullshit.

Yuki felt his cheeks warming. He was unsure if it was from anger or embarrassment. After all, his compliment over Ren’s looks was very true; and yet, completely ignored. 

“I have no situation with Niko other than being his friend.” Yuki tried to be as firm as he could under the icy grey gaze. He could feel his lips twitching. “His and Kai’s. What happened between us is also in the past.” 

Ren stood in silence again, body rigid as a rock. Yuki wished he could read his fucking thoughts. After a beat, Ren licked his lips.

Don’t look.

“So you say. But I have no reason to believe you whatsoever. I heard about what you did to Niko on Christmas Eve, you know. Just four months ago,” Ren said accusingly.

Christmas Eve. Yuki gulped, remembering the horrible day when he lost all sense of reason. 

Niko had missed out on purchasing the limited edition vinyl he had worked so hard to give to Kai. Yuki had only wanted to help him. It was meant to be a favor. But jealousy had gotten the better of Yuki.

Ren laughed sarcastically. “I think you still like him just as much as you did back then. And who can guarantee you won’t harm them again?”

“Woah, hold on a second!” Yuki felt his demeanor crumble down. He raised his hands defensively, taking a few steps back from Ren. “What happened on Christmas Eve wasn't my fault. Not entirely, at least.” Niko was the one who ran away impulsively, after all.

“Sure it wasn't,” Ren scoffed. 

The intense, burning gaze made Yuki feel completely exposed now. Like Ren could see through all of Yuki’s facades. As if he knew it all.