情熱の音 - Sound Of Passion -

XI

Since that day Yahiko and I grew closer. We've been going on dates for a whole week straight, not bearing a second to be lost when we are not next to each other. It is crazy to think about, that I would fall for a man like Yahiko and yet here I am. Admiring from head to toe, falling for his awkwardness everytime he messed something up and his goofiness...It is clear as the day that he enchanted me with his presence. I am deeply in love with him. And today, we planned on telling the group about our relationship. We invited each member of 'No Spin', including Anna and Levi's girlfriend, hoping that each of them would show up. Yahiko and I are already seated in the vip section of their favorite chinese restaurant. Nervously I played with the fabric of the dress I was wearing. Yahiko was a nervous wreck as well, biting his lip. His eyes glued to the screen of his phone. He sighs as a message popped up.

"They are here", he said anxious as he put the phone into his jeans. I nod my head at that, staring at the entrance as the door slowly began to open, revealing our cheerful friends. Even Levi seemed to be in a better mood today, which was rather unusual. Anna was the first to notice us, waving enthusiastic our way.

"It's good to see you all", Yahiko said as soon as they reached us, giving each and every single person a hug and I did they same. You just knew from their positivity, that it's gonna be a good night. Then again, someone was missing as expected.

"Where's Ji-Woon?", Yahiko questioned, scanning the crowd if he might spot the signature purple hair.

"I don't know, we didn't receive a message from him", Tadashi answers as he reached for his phone to check again.

"No need to check, the Star has arrived!", a voice shouted behind them, causing us to turn around.  And there he was. Ji-Woon. He didn't change at all. He still has the same taste in fashion, his hair is still the same as I remember and even the smirk is unchanged. He looked good. His eyes fell on me, staring intensely into my very own, almost as If he tried to capture each glance that I could muster and he did not fail. He captivated me with his presence like it was the easiest thing to do. That must be his charm, yet I could not explain how he did it. His smirk rose as he takes notice of the fact that I was completely under his spell.

"It's good to see you again, Ji. We missed you", Tadashi said with a huge smile and petted the man's shoulder. This pulled him out of the stare, freeing me and giving back my own will to break the eye contact.

"It's good to be back", he announced as he walks over to the table. He took a close glance at the chairs before taking the one next to me. He took off his jacket, revealing the tuxedo he was wearing under. He hung it over his chair, before sitting down and leaning onto his hand, while he stared right at me. I gave him a side eye, a bit uncomfortable with the stare he was sending my way. Almost judging and demanding even. Yahiko then suddenly grabbed ahold of my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze as he smiled my way with a nod. He wanted to announce it, that was his sign to do so. I nod, approving of the moment and he stood up, catching the attention of each member.

"I uh, I invited y'all here to this rather nice evening because there is something exciting to announce!", Yahiko began to say as he reached for my hand, which I took and pulled me up.

"Yahiko and I....well...", I tried to begin as I felt my face begin to heat up.

"We're....together", Yahiko finished it and proudly smiled at his friends, who all began to clap.

"About damn time!", Yagami cheered in delight, raising his hand for a high-five with Yahiko, which he accepted.

"Congratulations, it's time for you to find your happiness as well, Yahiko", Levi says in his usual monoton voice, yet a small smile rose from his lips, a rare thing to see, but only then you can tell that he really meant what he was saying. Everyone was cheerful about those news except for one person. Ji-Woon. He stares at Yahiko almost death-like. A predator and his meal, that's what you could compare it with.

"Ji-Woon, you didn't say anything at all! What do you think about this?", Tadashi questioned as he leans over rather table, scanning the males facial expression.

"Nice. Very nice indeed", he said in an almost forced smile, giving Tadashi a roll with the eyes and turns away.

"Ji-Woon, are you-" , though before Yagami could  finish his sentence, he got cut off by Ji-Woon, who smashed his fists onto the table. I shrieked in the seat. My heart was pounding as I reach for some comfort from Yahiko. He pulls me into his side, as he stares at Ji-Woon. He was fumming with anger as he stood up.

"You wanna know my honest opinion?!"

None of the men spoke up. They all stared blankly at him, no movement, no comment.

"Well, here it is. They are not meant for each other!", he shouts with a mean chuckle and turns our way. He then pointed at me.

"You. You are not meant to be with him."

I furrowed my eyebrows at that. Why would he say that? Why would he ruin our special night? He bitterly broke the eye contact and went on to Yahiko.

"And you. Watch your back."

Yahiko was about to say something, but hold himself back. Ji-Woon scoffed and put his jacket back on. He went with his hand through his slicked back hair.

"Thanks for this evening, and the invitation. But I'll take my leave now. Good day." And with that he walked away yet again, disappearing into the shadows and consumed by the unknown of when he returns again. Tears began to roll down my cheek. I did not plan this, let alone could've foreseen this outcome. I thought they all would be happy for us, though I was wrong. Yahiko gave me a hug, caressing my hair and trying to stop the tears. I didn't know why it bothered me that much, though my heart was arching in pain as I watched him leave yet again and in such violent way.

"Forget about him. He'll come to his sence soon again", Yahiko whispered, planting a kiss on top of my head and replaced his frown to a bright smile in a matter of seconds.

"I'm hungry! We should order!", he announced, lighting up the mood and banishing the clouds in front of our eyes.

Tadashi laughed. "Me too!"

"Then it's settled, take whatever. Food and drinks on me!", Yagami cheerfully said and raised his glass, "To our newest Lovebirds. May you have a happy and bright future!"

We raised our glass as well, smiling at each other. "That we never part..."

"And nothing comes in between us...", I finished Yahiko's sentence before giving him a kiss.