Set Me Free
by Empath no Tenshi
Chapter 4
Hisoka woke up and felt warmth all over him. True enough, he was
covered by a comfortable blanket and is lying on a bed. His eyes opened
sleepily, and he noticed that he was in a room, yes, but NOT his room. He
felt hands gently clasping his own smaller one, and he turned to the side
to look at the person who showered him with warmth as he slept. Emerald
eyes met amethyst ones that soon sparkled with relief.
"Hisoka. . . you're awake. . ."
"Where am I. . .?" Hisoka asked sleepily.
"At my apartment. How are you feeling now?" Tsuzuki asked, smiling
ever gently.
"Fine. Tired. . . but fine."
"Do you want anything? I could cook some food for you if you like.
*heart*"
Hisoka was tempted to say that he wanted to sleep some more, only if
he wasn't in someone else's apartment, room, and to be more specific, bed.
Besides, his father would be raging mad right about now, because he'd
usually be home by five, so what reason could there be why he wasn't at
exactly seven in the evening.
"Thanks, but I better go now." He muttered.
So he sat up, pushed the blanket away, and stood up to leave. But as
soon as he did so, he became light-headed and wobbled from side to side.
"O--Oi! Hisoka, what are you doing? You still need to rest you know."
Tsuzuki said, then he gently led him back to bed.
"I. . . I need to go. I have to be back home, or else Tou-sama would
be very angry."
Hisoka desperately tried to sit up again, but was gently pushed back
to bed by Tsuzuki.
"Don't worry. I called to your house and talked to your father. I told
him what happened, and I asked him if I could keep you here for a while, to
take care of you--"
"You what!? And what did he say?" Hisoka exclaimed, with obvious
nervousness in his voice.
"Relax. He said it was okay, so don't worry about it."
Then there was a puzzled look on the youth's angelic but tired face.
--'That's odd. . . tou-sama would never have let that. Perhaps because
Tsuzuki was a teacher and he didn't want to make a bad impression. . .? But
still, after what happened in the hospital. . .'--
Tsuzuki noticed the worried expression on the boy's face, so he tried
to comfort him.
"I think your father cares about you, even if he doesn't show it. . .
Because if he didn't, he would've insisted on taking you home even if you
weren't in the condition." Tsuzuki said with a reassuring smile, and he
laid his hand in Hisoka's shoulder.
--'Cared huh. . . How I wish. . .'--
"Yosh! I'll go make you some soup. Okay?"
And Tsuzuki happily bounced out of the room.
--'Oh well, at least I'm glad he's okay. . . I guess I made it in
time. . . Yokata. . .'--
And his eyes felt heavy. . . and he fell asleep.
"Hisoka! Here's your--" Tsuzuki shut himself upon noticing that the
young boy was asleep. He brought the soup at the kitchen again, and went
back to the room. He smiled as he mused how kawaii Hisoka was, asleep. He
covered him with the blanket and bent down as he placed a soft kiss on
Hisoka's forehead.
"Oyasumi. . ." he whispered to the sleeping boy, totally forgetting
about everything he wanted to ask earlier. He went to the couch, stretched,
yawned, and he, too, fell asleep.
~)-0-(~
When Hisoka woke up the next morning, he felt well rested but hungry.
As soon as he sat up, Tsuzuki came in, carrying a fresh bowl of newly made
soup.
"Ohayou! Feeling better?" He greeted cheerfully. He then sat on a
chair and started to spoon feed Hisoka.
"Open wi~de!"
"S-- stop that! I can eat by myself!" Hisoka was blushing.
Tsuzuki pouted and reluctantly handed the bowl to Hisoka. After all,
it's not exactly a good idea to argue with a person who just woke up.
~DING DONG~
"OH! That must be him."
Tsuzuki went out to open the door to let his guest in. Hisoka wondered
who it was, but his question was soon answered when Tsuzuki came in with. .
.
"Hijiri."
"Ohayou!" Hijiri greeted with a warm smile.
"I called him this morning. I borrowed some clothes for you, because
mine are too big, just in case you wanted to change. Knowing you, you'd
probably want to go to school today." Tsuzuki explained.
"Oh. . . thanks." Hisoka muttered shyly.
Hijiri walked over to Hisoka and sat beside him, looking at him
worriedly.
"I'm okay. I was just tired. And thanks for the clothes." Hisoka said,
knowing all too well how Hijiri felt.
"Do you want to take a shower? I can lend you an extra towel." Tsuzuki
offered, which Hisoka gladly accepted. Heck, all that time he was
unconscious at the ground did leave his clothes dusty. He made a mental
note to apologize to Tsuzuki later for dirtying his bed sheets.
After eating breakfast at Tsuzuki's place, which left the two boys
looking green on the face up until now ^_^!, they walked to school
together. They were happily chatting when someone called out Tsuzuki's
name. He turned to look at the person. He had long blonde hair and was
wearing a white lab coat. He also had a genki smile on his face.
"Ohayou! Tsuzuki-san."
--'Watari? Why is he here?'-- Tsuzuki thought nervously.
"Oya! What's this? You have a couple of cute boys with you. Nice to
meet you! Name's Watari! *heart*" he said, smiling to the two.
"Minase Hijiri desu!" Hijiri said, returning Watari's cheerful smile.
"Kuro--" But before Hisoka could even introduce himself, Tsuzuki cut
in.
"Hora hora! You two go on ahead. You'll be late for class. Hayaku,
hayaku!" Tsuzuki shoved them off.
The two did so, but with confused looks on their faces.
Tsuzuki faced Watari, and looked at him straight in the eye.
"Watari, what did you come here for?" he asked frankly.
"Eh? I came here for the science fair. I heard that they welcomed new
inventions for the exhibit, so I came. Besides I heard that your assignment
was here, so I decided I might as well drop by."
"Is that all?"
"Yup! What else would I come here for?"
He then noticed the way Tsuzuki looked at him desperately, and
understood.
"Oh. . . If you're worried about THAT, then it's okay. I didn't come
here to give the order to kill him, because Kachou hasn't released that. So
relax!" And he tapped his shoulders.
"Yokata." Tsuzuki sighed with relief.
"That's him, wasn't it?" Watari asked interestedly.
"Well. . . yes."
"I see. You really care about him don't you? Tsuzuki-san." Watari said
with a kind smile.
"Ah. Why wouldn't I? He's the type you can easily get attached to,
once you see through the real him."
~)-0-(~
That day, Hisoka decided to drop by the music department. He'll talk
to Maria-sensei, to tell her that he decided to join the program.
"You-- you will!? Finally! I've been long waiting, hoping, WISHING for
this. Thank you, Hisoka-san. Thank you so much. But what made you decide to
join?" She asked, as if forcing Hijiri all the time was in itself not a
reason.
Hisoka sweatdrops, but tells her about it anyway. He repeated the
reason he previously told Hijiri.
Maria holds Hisoka's hand and gave him an encouraging smile.
"I'm very confident that you'll sing wonderfully, Hisoka-san."
She stood up then led Hisoka towards the theatre, to start practicing.
~)-0-(~
When they entered, Hisoka was relieved that there would be no one else
there except him, Maria-sensei, and the pianist, who'll be composing an
accompaniment for his song.
He climbed up the stage, and his two listeners sat contentedly on the
front seats. Maria-sensei gave him the cue.
"Start anytime you're ready, Hisoka-san."
Hisoka took a deep breath and started to sing.
Maria-sensei's jaw dropped in shock, and the pianist beside her was
dumbfounded. How. . . HOW can anyone's voice be so. . . so. . . enchanting?
It was beyond her expectations.
Suddenly, in the middle of the song, tears began to fall from Hisoka's
eyes. He stopped singing when he found he could no longer continue.
"Hisoka-san!" Maria-sensei ran up to the stage. She rubbed his back to
ease his breathing.
"Gomen. I. . . I couldn't stop it from hurting. It's always the same
pain that I feel every time I try to remember how kaa-sama died, but
couldn't." He sobbed.
--'Why. . . why does it have to hurt so much?'--
"Hisoka-san. . ." Maria-sensei hugged him like an older sister would
to comfort a troubled little brother.
~)-0-(~
It took a lot of practice, and every bit of determination Hisoka had,
to be able to sing the song without breaking down during rehearsals.
Besides, it would be too embarrassing in front of the other participants,
and more so to those who'd be watching the program.
Meanwhile, Maria-sensei and the other staff included in the production
were taking charge of setting up the posters and even distributing the
pamphlets for publicity.
"Sugoi! With Hisoka-san as our star number and Hijiri-kun as the grand
finale, this will definitely be a success!!!" she proudly exclaimed.
After the practice, Tsuzuki met the two and started to babble
excitedly. Apparently, he just saw the poster for the upcoming concert. He
commented on how cute the two looked together in the poster, with their
backs against each other, which, in his opinion, was a really cool pose,
and you could barely tell who's who.
"Really, Hisoka. I never thought you'd go for it. But anyway, I wish
the best for both of you. I know you'll both do your numbers beautifully."
Tsuzuki beamed at them.
"Mou, arigatou Tsuzuki-sensei. Don't forget to come and watch, 'kay?"
said Hijiri.
"You kidding!? I won't miss it for anything!"
~)-0-(~
The man with silver eyes and hair was passing by near the school
grounds when a pamphlet flew his way. Looking at it made him smile.
"What's this? I guess fate really keeps on bringing us together ne?"
His elegant silver eyes were focused on Hisoka. Then there was that
possessive look in them again, as if he owns the young boy.
"Don't worry. I'll make sure that I'll come, and I'll even give you a
wonderful present. . . something that I think you'll appreciate very much."
~)-0-(~
The day before the big event, Tsuzuki, Hisoka and Hijiri went
shopping to get some stuff they needed for the concert. First on the list
were formal attires. Hijiri and Hisoka went into different stores and tried
out some clothes. It took them about half an hour or so, then they came out
each carrying a shopping bag. But neither showed what they bought to each
other, nor to Tsuzuki, so as not to spoil the surprise.
Later on, after they've gotten all that they needed, they decided to
eat. While Hijiri and Hisoka had decent snacks, Tsuzuki of course gulped
down sweets as if he didn't need to chew them.
"Oi! If you don't slow down, you'll choke."
And no sooner after Hisoka said that did Tsuzuki start coughing and
hitting his chest. The two boys stood up and rubbed his back, before Hisoka
slapped it real hard, which made Tsuzuki cough out the obstructing candy.
He took a few deep breaths, then the two sighed in relief.
"Sankyuu!" Tsuzuki said cheerfully.
"Matakau. . ."
After eating, Hijiri went on ahead. He said that he needed to buy
something for his violin. But before leaving, he reminded them not to stay
at the mall too long. The crowd gets bigger in late afternoon, and they
might begin to affect Hisoka empathically.
True enough, after a couple of hours Hisoka began to look pale.
"Do you want to go home now?" Tsuzuki asked.
"Ah."
~)-0-(~
Tsuzuki walked Hisoka home, but on the way, Tsuzuki passed by one more
shop and was beaming when he came back out.
"I've got something for you."
Hisoka looked at him curiously, and it made Tsuzuki chuckle. He
absolutely loved that innocent look. Then he handed a tiny pouch to Hisoka.
When Hisoka opened it, there was a necklace inside that had an exquisitely
carved silver cross pendant. At the back, he noticed the kanji for his name
engraved on it.
"Wha. . . what for?"
"Well, I can tell that you're very nervous for your performance, so
think of that as a good luck charm. With that, nothing will go wrong."
"Eh?" Hisoka looked at Tsuzuki, then down at his gift again.
"Arigatou. I. . . I really appreciate this."
Hisoka had a soft expression on his face that was good enough for
Tsuzuki to consider a smile. Tsuzuki reached in his pocket and got a pouch
that was very much like what he gave to Hisoka.
"Actually, it's a pair. They say it has the power to bind the souls of
two people together. I don't know if it works. Oh well, you know antique
shops. They always tell legends and all that."
Hisoka merely looked at him with a confused expression. Oh you know,
that kind that has 'what-the-heck-is-he-talking-about' written all over it.
^_^!
Suddenly, an idea came to Tsuzuki's mind.
"Ano ne, Hisoka, I, anou, is it okay if I trade mine with yours? I
want to have that one with your name on it. . . please?" Tsuzuki smiled
sweetly.
And you thought Hisoka couldn't look any more puzzled than he already
is. Now he's got question marks hanging all over his head, but he gave in
to Tsuzuki's request anyway.
"Sure." And they traded the identical crosses.
"Wa----i! *heart* Sankyuu! Hisoka." And he holds the necklace as if it
was a priceless possession, which is true, given Hisoka's name on it. ^_^!
Hisoka, too, stares at the pendant, then to Tsuzuki's kanji engraved
at the back.
--'At least I've got something to remind me of this baka.'--
~)-0-(~
At last, the night of the concert came. Tsuzuki arrived at the theatre
with two other gorgeous men, namely Watari and Tatsumi, all wearing tuxes.
Hijiri came over to meet them.
"Konbanwa, minna-san!" He cheerfully greeted. He looked really
handsome in a black, long-sleeved shirt, and black slacks. Leather shoes
and a silver choker also complemented his outfit.
"Wow! You look good Hijiri." Tsuzuki commented.
"Arigatou!"
"Oh by the way, these are my co-workers. This is Watari, you already
met him the other day, and this one here is Tatsumi. Guys, this is Minase
Hijiri." He introduced them to each other.
"Nice to meet you!" Hijiri smiled at them cheerfully, and extended his
hand for a handshake. The two gratefully took it and smiled at him too.
"By the way, where's Hisoka?" Tsuzuki asked.
"He'll be out in a minute. He's still at the dressing room."
"Is. . . is that who I think it is?" Watari exclaimed.
The others looked at the direction where Watari was looking. Hisoka
was walking through the crowd towards them. He looked shy but absolutely
stunning. Even Tatsumi noticed this and looked at him with mild surprise
and admiration. No wonder, Hisoka was wearing a deep black, fit turtleneck
shirt that showed the beautiful curve of his sexy waist. On top of it, the
necklace that Tsuzuki gave was glimmering, reflecting the bright lights. He
wore black slacks too, like Hijiri's, only that his were loose and held by
a metal, chain-like belt. His footwear? Black boots.
"Konbanwa" was his simple greeting that told them that the young man
was already right in front of them.
"Hisoka, you look. . simply wonderful." Tsuzuki said, and it made him
blush cutely.
"Hey, you really look great tonight!" Hijiri added, tapping his
shoulder in his usual friendly manner.
Tsuzuki introduced his co-workers to Hisoka too.
"Yoroshiku. Kurosaki Hisoka desu." Hisoka bowed politely, and the two
returned the gesture.
"Kurosaki-kun! Minase-kun! Program starts in ten minutes!" Another
participant called out to them.
"Hai!" the two replied in chorus.
"Well, we gotta go." Hijiri said.
"Ganbatte yo!" Tsuzuki called out as the two went over to the back
stage.
The three gentlemen went to look for seats, then found a good spot
where they can clearly see the performers. Watari talked to Tsuzuki as soon
as they've settled down.
"Oi, Tsuzuki. It's no wonder you were so eager to watch this concert.
*wink*" Watari said teasingly.
"It's not like that!" Tsuzuki tried to deny, but his blush told
Watari the opposite.
"But be careful. Watch your feelings for him, Tsuzuki. You have a job
to do, and it might hurt you when the time comes." Watari said warningly,
but with sympathy.
Tsuzuki couldn't answer to that, but there was a flash of deep sadness
in his eyes that didn't go unnoticed by his companions.
~)-0-(~
It was time for Hisoka's number. He gracefully walked towards the
center, then held the microphone. At hearing the pianist's intro, he
started to sing.
**
Norowareta Tsukiyo no Kioku (Memory of the Cursed Moonlight Night)
I have been here before,
But when or how I cannot tell
I have been here before,
But when or how I cannot tell:
I know the grass beyond the door,
The sweet keen smell,
The sighing sound, the lights around the shore.
You have been mine before,--
How long ago I may not know:
But just when at that swallow's soar
Your neck turn'd so,
Some veil did fall,-I knew it all of yore.
Has this been thus before?
And shall not thus time's eddying flight
Still with our lives our love restore
In death's despite,
And day and night yield one delight once more?
**
The crowd was dead silent all throughout the song. Not even a
whisper, nor the littlest hint of noise was heard. Hisoka's voice was. . .
magical. It was just too sweet, and Tsuzuki found himself speechless with
his mouth hanging open towards the end of the song. He loved Hisoka's voice
when he spoke, but he had no idea that it was just a taste of how beautiful
it was when the usually silent boy sings.
After the song, Hisoka bowed, and the audience broke into a loud
applause. Most of them even stood up. The host of the program gave him a
bouquet of flowers. After receiving it, he gave another grateful bow and
exited the stage.
~)-0-(~
At the backstage. . .
Hijiri met him and gave him a friendly hug.
"That was amazing! Omedetou! Hisoka-chan."
"A-- arigatou." Hisoka replied shyly.
"Well, ja. I have to go now. I'll be up soon too."
"Ah. Ganbatte!"
Hisoka walked to the dressing room assigned to him. Upon entering, he
saw another bouquet of flowers. . . roses red as blood. Beside it was a
note. He laid down his first bouquet on the table to pick it up and read
it.
~*~ These roses will only reach its full beauty as it blossoms. You,
however, continue to grow more beautiful. I wish that you will give me the
pleasure of seeing you again, much like that night, three years ago. ~*~
--'Three years ago. . .?'--
When he looked at the roses, he noticed something sticking out behind
it. He moved the bouquet to see what it is, then regretted it the next
moment.
There was a porcelain doll. It had long, curly light blonde hair, and
pretty jade eyes. However, it was smeared with blood, and a dagger was
stabbed at the very center of its chest. He moved his trembling hand to
remove the dagger from the poor doll, as if feeling pity for it. He gasped
in horror as visions flashed in his mind with incredible speed, as his
finger touched the tip of the dagger's handle.
>>> the moon was red as blood and his mother lay dead on the ground
and then there was a man and there were silver eyes looking at him then the
man smirked then there was blood everywhere <<<
Hisoka hugged himself tightly and fell on his knees. He felt it again,
that very same pain, that burning sensation on his skin. But this time, it
was more intense, as if piercing right through his soul. Then, he noticed
red characters glowing brightly, that it could even be seen through his
dark shirt.
"It hurts. . . it hurts so much. . . please. . . help me. . ."
And he hugged himself even tighter, as his sight goes in and out of
focus.
"Tsuzuki. . . help. . ."
Then his vision totally faded into darkness. There was a soft thud as
a delicate beauty fell to the ground.
Chapter 5