The current & the ex

Part 10

It was a long day for Inoo. Although some of the job offers were retracted because of the scandal, Inoo's regular TV appearances are enough to keep him busy. Living a laid-back life for the past 1month, it takes Inoo quite sometimes to get use to his daily routine. Takaki's absence make it less stressful for Inoo to get use being around members again. But Inoo will avoid being alone with Daiki as much as he could- for Inoo knows he can't contain the urge of touching the man he loves.

Do you miss me Dai-chan?

"Ah... this is not good... Hait... I'll try to ask him," Inoo, who is leaning against the declined car seat with his eyes close, overhears his manager's conversation over the phone.

"What's wrong?"

Inoo's sudden question startles the manager. "Sorry if I woke you up Inoo-san."

"Did something happen?"

"Chief manager called."

"I can guess that much," Inoo crosses his arms. "Go on..."

"Arioka-san is not feeling well. He can't go to location shooting tomorrow. Chief is wondering if you could be his replacement.

Inoo straightens his car seat at instant. "What's wrong with Dai-chan?"

"He catches cold, viral fever. Chief already took him to hospital and get medicine. Arioka-san is resting at home now."

"Home? Which home?"

The young manager frowns. "Erm... How many homes Arioka-san has?"

"Right, sure... Where else could Dai-chan be right?" Inoo smiles awkwardly. Stupid me! Did I expect manager-san to know that Dai-chan is cohabiting with Takaki?

"So, no one else is free tomorrow?"

"All other members are occupied. Except you. But I already informed chief that it's your off day. You haven't had any rest since the past 1 week... That is not good for your health too."

"It's all right, I'll take his place."

"But Inoo-san-"

"Don't worry, I'll be fine," Inoo reassures. "Besides, Dai-chan replaced me for the whole month. I'll return the favour."

"Ahh... you are so kind Inoo-san. I'll update chief now," the manager starts dialling again.

Inoo takes out his cell phone, searching for Daiki's name. He pressed 'dial', but immediately cancelled the call. He is worried about Daiki. With Takaki being away, Inoo is wondering if Daiki gets the care he needs.

Should I call him?

-------------------

Although the sneeze has somewhat subsided with medicine, the joint pain he is experiencing is killing him. Daiki has been lying on bed the past 24hours, too weak to even make a hot beverage for himself. Their chief manager and Yabu takes turn to check on him every other hour, bringing him food and other necessities. Hikaru and Yabu offered their place for Daiki to stay until he recovers, but Daiki politely refuse.

There is something in this apartment that is not available anywhere else.

Takaki's presence.

It is almost 2 weeks since Takaki departed for his documentary filming. Daiki never thought he would miss Takaki this much.

It's true what people says- absence makes the heart grew fonder.

Daiki lies on his left side, hugging Takaki's pillow as he curls on the bed. He buries his face on the fluffy white pillow, sniffing the remaining of Takaki's scent.