The Alternative

Chapter Seven

"What the hell just happened?" Yugi demanded in utter confusion. Kaiba had ushered the group out of the building, letting his last words be "keep away from that scum", before friskily strutting away.

"It's a long story," Otogi sighed in slight embarrassment while leaning against the brick wall. He grabbed a pair of dice from his pocket and began tossing them as a way to keep busy.

"Long story or not, Kaiba is a drama queen, and I wouldn't take any of his reaction too seriously," Malik huffed, letting his back slide down the building and falling to his bum.

Yugi was unconvinced. He kept a close eye on their mannerisms and noticed the unease in their small movements. Otogi, whom at a time appeared so calm and collected, was now fidgeting while breathing unsteadily. Malik, whom usually portrays a great deal of energy, looked lost in a daze. With a tired sigh, Yugi followed Malik's lead and took a seat beside him.

"Are you guys okay?" He questioned sincerely.

"Peachy," Otogi popped the word while flicking a dice over his thumb.

"I wish there was a way I could cheer everyone up," Yugi bowed his head in thought. "It's the first day of classes and so far everyone's just spooked out. That's no fun."

Malik quickly lifted his head up in excitement, as if Yugi had just spoken the magic words. "That's it! That's a great idea!" He snapped his fingers.

"I...I didn't offer any ideas—"

"Everyone's already sort of startled; we might as well have fun with it and have a camp fire!" Malik grinned widely.

"What is it with you and fire?" Otogi nodded his head playfully.

Malik quickly turned towards Yugi and placed a hand on his shoulder. "What do you say? I can get us to have a campfire our first official night at Domino! We can have snacks and tell scary stories...wow, I'm excited just thinking about it!"

"Uh, well, that does sound like it can be fun," Yugi blushed softly, letting his gaze drift towards the hand that was still on his shoulder.

"Then it's settled!" He removed his hand and turned to look up at Otogi. "You coming tonight?"

"Sure," he smirked. "The further away from the fifth floor of the Industrial Dorm, the better."

"Yami," Yugi mumbled under his breath. He raised his head to see Otogi. "What did happen between Kaiba and Yami anyway?"

Otogi chuckled softly, tossing his dice into his pocket as he began to walk away. "I'll tell you tonight." He waved one last time before disappearing into the crowds of students lingering around campus.

"Does he already know where it will be?" Yugi questioned softly to himself.

"Whenever we have a fire, it's at my sister's house," Malik beamed. "She lives twenty minutes away from here."

"She doesn't mind?"

"Oh Ra no! She loves company! I'll give her a buzz and start inviting people. Be ready at around 7 so I can pick you up, okay?"

Yugi's cheeks flushed at the sight of Malik's pure cheer and sweet gaze. He nodded shyly in agreement and began to head towards his room, anxiously awaiting his plans for the night.