The current & the ex

Part 18

With only one week remaining to the end of his winter holiday, Keito has slowly gather several items for his return trip to New York- especially the spices and cooking materials that are not available there. A year in overseas turn him into a decent cook- oh well at least he did not get stomach-ache after eating his own cooking.

Keito opens his luggage, noticing an envelop inside. He takes the content out- it is an itinerary he had planned for a weekend gateway with Inoo.

Keito sighs. Looks like the opportunity to take Inoo on a real date has slipped.

The boy looks at his reflection on the glass shelve. His short hair reminds him of that night. When he was finally brave enough to take his relationship with Inoo one step further, Keito was embarrassed by rejection.

Not once, but twice.

Keito is aware that Inoo's reaction towards him that night was unintentional. No matter, his heart still aches whenever he recalls what happened.

Does he hates Inoo? No, not even the slightest. He loves the boy more than anything. But moving forward, Keito is not sure if Inoo shares the same feelings he has.

And now, there's Daiki who thinks that getting back together with Inoo will atone Takaki's misbehave.

Keito wouldn't lie- he is a bit disturbed with his encounter with Daiki last night. It pains him thinking that the two is getting along again. He knows Inoo cares about Daiki a lot even after they broke up- to the extent that Inoo chose to keep his suffers to himself rather than seeing Daiki in despair.

Not to mention their past intimate relationship- it is something that is impossible for Keito to achieve.

Perhaps me and Kei was not meant to be in the first place.

Perhaps I should have kept the secret that Kei tried to burry to myself.

"Keito," his father knocks.

"Yes dad?"

The door opens. "Your friend is here."

"Who?"

"Hello Keito," Daiki greets with smiles.

Keito is surprised seeing the unexpected guest.

"It's my off day. I thought we could spend time catching up," says Daiki cheerfully, as if nothing happened between them.

"Ah... yes... thank you for coming," Keito hesitantly replies.

"Then I'll prepare some snack for you two," Keito's father excuses himself and leaves the boy's the room.

The smile on Daiki's face immediately disappears. They stare at each other, both appears awkward and uncomfortable.

"Come in," Keito breaks the silence. He removes the clothes that was on his couch and put them on the bed.

"Thanks," Daiki slowly walks inside. This is not the first time he visited Keito's house. In fact, Daiki spent a lot of time in Keito's room along with the rest of Hey Say 7 members before the boy furthered his studies abroad. Especially on pre-concert night, Keito would be so nervous that he requested to go through the concert routine with Daiki and practice till morning.

But that timid Keito is no longer here. Keito has mature. The boy does not pester him about choreography anymore.

Of all people, Daiki never thought that Keito will become his love rival.

Daiki observes as the boy put his luggage and the items he shopped aside.

"There's still a week left. Why are you packing so early?"