Unmatchable

Unmatchable (Plastic Tree) Chp. 04 / 06

Three days past since their last phone call. Taro hadn't called Tadashi and he hadn't called either; maybe because he didn't want to disturb him, his family, whatever. By the end of the fourth day, Tadashi nervously tapped with his pencil against his school book. He wondered when Taro would attend school again. Although he couldn't attend dance class he'd surely pay attention during the other classes. Tadashi's plan was settled and come what may he'd visit Taro's school today.... If only to check that everything was all right.

Tadashi walked up the well-known grounds which he abandoned so well the last few weeks. To him it seemed that a lot had happened since then but at the same time it didn't. Did he change? Did they both change? In what way? Something seemed to have changed but Tadashi couldn't name it. It was stupid but somehow he felt at fault. After all it was him who started avoiding Taro and now everything seemed to just be back to normal?

Well known faces from school started to whisper and wonder about the 'strange punk' having returned. Tadashi greeted friendly with a 'yo' before he'd entered the dance and music building. He walked down the corridor and looked into the different classrooms. Of course Taro wasn't there. It was only wise for him to rest at home. He took the last turn and stopped in his tracks when he saw a familiar, delicate figure leaning against the wall while holding his crutches. A thousand thoughts went through Tadashi's head. So he attended school after all! Why didn't he say a word?! Did he AVOID HIM?!

Taro hadn't seen him yet and Tadashi already wanted to storm over and start a conversation when suddenly someone else came out of music class. Taro smiled, he leaned up from the wall and got his crutches... can it be? CAN IT BE?! That he'd waited FOR HIM?! Who was it?! A cheap substitute of Tadashi?! The blond fumed... and why? A thousand reasons why! Firstly: Taro not calling Tadashi all these days because he was constantly watched by his mother. Secondly: But now attending class without letting him know?! Thirdly: Spending time with a new school friend?! Was he any better? Did he fit into the 'upper class theme'? Oh yes, that must be it.

Tadashi wanted to run, to return where he'd come from but his obvious appearance made it impossible to escape soundlessly and quickly. He heard Taro's chipper voice from behind, calling for him. The punk stopped in his tracks, battling with himself whether to turn around or not.... Christ, he did.

"Tadashi! You're here!"

"Hn." He simply answered and thought to himself where the big surprise was. He used to be here on a regular basis. It was stupid he knew that, but it hurt.

Clumsily and with his 'new friend' behind him, Taro made his way on crutches over to Tadashi who felt a naturally urge to help and hold him but he hold himself back and remained standing still.

"Tadashi, meet my friend Akira. He's the sound engineer at our school."

Akira, who's style leaned in a similar direction as Tadashi, stretched out his hand and Tadashi, not wanting to be rude, took it. "Nice to meet you."

"Pleasure is all mine."

Tadashi hated him. Although he was more than a head shorter than Tadashi, he was tattooed and an aura of a rockstar extended from him. Taro seemed to appeal to such kind of guys. It was only then that Taro realized the 'pissed off' aura around Tadashi simply because he was all stiff and didn't speak. Such a thing almost NEVER occurred. And Taro, being sensitive as ever...

"I'm sorry Tadashi, I wanted to call you but-"

"Nevermind. Just wanted to check if you're all right... well guess I can leave in peace now."

"Taro-chan, gotta go." Akira escaped the situation and tapped Taro on the shoulder when passing him by and nodded at Tadashi. The blond barely nodded back. He crossed his arms and looked down at Taro.... TARO-CHAN!!!! WTFH?!.... The little dark haired boy looked up sheepishly at Tadashi.