Second Chances

Part 29

Hira's feet dragged, his head pounded so badly by the time photography club started. He walked in late, unusual for him. As he opened the door, six people turned to stare at him and he didn't even notice, simply walking over to his spot, dropping his bag to the floor and flopping like a rag doll into the chair. 

With automatic motions, he grunted as he bent forward to lift the bag. It seemed to weigh a lot, and pulled out a folder, tossing on the table. With a short, staccato words, "Contest entry. Three. You choose." He leaned back and closed his eyes.

The Club President ignored the folder. "Hira? Are you alright?"

Without opening his eyes, Hira grunted. "Up all night. Finishing." His hand came up, rubbing his temples, where the blood pounded furiously. "Look. Choose." He repeated, his voice sounding dead, flatter than usual.

One of the seniors had already opened the folder and spread the three 8 x 11's across the table. He stood back and swore. "Holy Hell! You have to see this!" The other members came to see the portraits. 

One member also swore. "Isn't that the guy from the ads? The one my girl goes crazy for? How did you get him to be your model?"

Kayama glanced at Hira, knowing he wouldn't answer. "They went to high school together." 

"Fuck, they are good." The Club President examined the images carefully. The kimono's were good, but there was something special about the montsuki photo. The shadows played carefully over the model's face, highlighting it in a very neat way. There was emotion... something unique in it.

"The kimono's are good, but the montsuki photo is..." The President didn't have a chance to finish because one of the seniors, more eagle eyed than he, noticed the mons.

"Hira? You dressed the model in your own FAMILY montsuki? That takes courage! If you win, this picture will be famous." Now they crowded around, all looking more closely at the clothes. 

Comments flashed too fast for Hira to follow, with his pounding head. "Are you rich?" "Is it a heirloom?" "Is that your own Kimono?"

Suddenly, Hira took a deep breath and whispered, "Water." In the melee, no one heard him. Silently, he slipped off the chair and passed out. It was the sudden thump of him hitting the floor that caught the attention of the room. 

Kayama turned and was going to help him, when the Club President stopped him, with a shake of his head. The President walked over and touched his forehead. It was burning hot. He sighed. "Call for an ambulance. He has a high fever. Does anyone know who to call?"

"I'll check his phone." His hands trembled. He didn't need too, but he went through the motions anyway. It had to be Sou Kiyoi. After seeing this pictorial, all the doubts left in his mind were gone. Kayama had to pack away any lingering feelings for Hira. Whatever damage he had caused, they obviously had worked out. 

Saying a small prayer, he swiped the screen and it immediately opened. So, Hira still didn't lock it. How trusting. He scrolled through the contacts, looking for his name, finding only Sou. He pressed the number and had to hold the phone away from his ear. 

"You damn asshole! We were not finished! Come home now!" The volume of Sou Kiyoi's voice was so strident, several of the Senior's turned to stare. Kayama felt the color rise in his cheeks. 

"Excuse me? You know Kazunari Hira? He fainted at the University and we have called an ambulance to take him to the hospital. He's running a very high fever." Kayama waited, first to see if his voice was recognized (embarrassing) and second, what would be his response.

The silence stretched, before Kiyoi answered much more softly. "What did you say? Repeat that."

Taking a deep breath, Kayama replied, just as soft, feeling sympathy, "Hira fainted from a fever. The EMT'S just arrived. I can find out which hospital and text you, from his phone, if you want?"