Un musicien parmi tant d`autre

“AHH!” I shrieked loudly falling on my ass once again and backing up all the way against the wall, as far away as I could from the boy who answered. “Where did you come from, don’t just pop out of the blues!” I shout pointing at the boy in accusation.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you.” He said, he had the most monotone voice I had even heard in my life. He bent down to pick up my discarded bottles. He had a small frame for a boy but he had long thick fingers. His red hair was about shoulder length and his bang was so long that I couldn’t even see his eyes. Moreover, his face was round and his skin was ghostly pale.

“It’s okay you just really surprised me.” I said scratching the back of my head. I picked up the remaining bottles. “Thanks for the help!” I said cheerfully, at least this boy was nice enough to help me. When we stood up I realised he was even shorter then I was, only about four feet nine. “I’m Santa, by the way.” I said holding my head out for him to shake. He looked at it for a moment as his it were some kind of trap before he finally held out his own hand.

“Namikaze Kurorimi.” He simply answered.

“Wow, what a long name for such a small boy!” I exclaimed in surprise. With his free hand he played with a rebel strand for a moment.

“Kuro.” He said after a moment.

“Kuro?” I questioned at the weird statement. I watch enough Anime to know that Kuro is the Japanese word for black. Why was he saying that out of the blues? This boy is strange.

“It’s alright if you call me Kuro.” He finally explained.

“Oh! Yeah! You’re right, Kuro is much shorter and it’s much cuter for a small boy like you!” I said cheerfully. This strange boy is very adorable in a way. He speaks in short sentence and his voice is just as monotone but I can’t help but smile ever since he arrived.

“Do you know where the art class is?” he asked.

“Yeah, do you have a class there right now?” I asked, he nodded slowly. “That means you’re in my class. How come I’ve never seen you around?” I asked.

“I’m starting today.” He answered grabbing his bag that he had dropped before helping my with my paint.

“That’s awesome! Did you transfer?” I asked.

“Something like that.” He answered. I smiled brightly.

“Don’t you worry Kuro kun! I’ll get you to art class safely!” I said grabbing his hand giving him on of my grins. His hand are icy cold but I don’t complain and start dragging him to the class. It doesn’t really bother me when Kuro doesn’t smile, unlike with Abe senpai I don’t feel like he dislikes me. In fact I really enjoy being around Kuro. During art class I talked to him throughout the entire class and I still managed to concentrate on my painting.

I can’t usually talk and paint at the a same time. We I paint I tend to lock myself in my imaginary world, on paper is the only place I can truly let my emotions out. However, I was able to talk to Kuro. For some reason I felt very calm and peaceful as he sat beside me. He didn’t talk by he just listened, I didn’t feel like he was ignoring me either. At first I was doubtful but this boy seems very nice. We even had lunch together.

“How come you knew about Abe senpai if you’re starting today?” I asked as I munched on my sandwich.

“I read about him in a newspaper, he’s a regional track champion.” He said without looking up from his food.

“Abe senpai is so impressive!” I exclaimed.

“He’s also one if the two second year representative.” He added.

“That’s why he’s wearing a prince outfit!” I realised, Kuro nodded.

“Kuro chan, there you are!” exclaimed a boy’s voice from behind us, I turned to get a look at him. The boy came up to us with a large smile on his face. He was another second year student, except this one was wearing a regular uniform. He seemed only a couple of inches taller than I was but he was clearly older. His stormy blue eyes beamed with energy and his shaggy white hair were only about an inch long than Abe’s.

“Morning senpai.” Kuro said politely.

“Don’t be so formal Kuro chan, we’re still friends when we’re at school.” The senior said as he sat beside Kuro brushing some hair out of his face gently. “Did you have trouble finding your classes?” He asked.

“Tooru kun helped me a lot.” He said pointing me turning the senior’s attention toward me.

“Thanks for helping him, it’s only his first day in this high school. I feel really bad I couldn’t be there this morning to help him. He’s a good friend of mine. I’m Kishimoto Seshiru!” He said smiling at me.

“It wasn’t a problem at all, we have the same classes. I’m Tooru Santa, nice to meet you Kishimoto senpai!” I said cheerfully. Kishimoto also seems like a nice person, he’s always smiling. He always very affectionate toward Kuro, he’s like a protective older brother. However, Kuro doesn’t smile around him either, I doubt it’s because he’s shy, they seem like really close friend. This boy is such a mystery.

After only a few days I, myself, started to grow fond of the small redhead. He doesn’t talk a lot but when he does talk it’s not for anything, he always have something smart to say. He’s a pensive person but he’s always comfortable to be around. This air of safety and understanding hangs around him.

He’s also a thoughtful person. He seemed to have realised, even after a single glance that I had some kind of admiration toward Abe senpai. On the Tuesday of the next week he dragged me out in our school backyard. I was curious because no matter how many times I asked he wouldn’t tell me the reason for dragging me all the way out there.

“Come on, tell me. What’s so interesting that you want to show me out here?” I asked for the fifth time.

“I want to show you something.” He answered just as monotonously as he always does. ‘Show me something’ didn’t give me too much information. I was growing impatient and excited. There seemed to be an event going on in the sport field because a mass of people gathered there and they were all cheering loudly, the audience was composed of mainly girls.

“It’s a track competition!” I exclaimed as we were finally able to sneak to the front.

“That guy is in the competition too.” He said pointing at the tall dark haired prince.

“It’s Hibari!” I exclaimed, a blush crept up to my face as I looked at the handsome prince. He stood at the starting line stretching, he was dressed in a yellow tank top and a pair of navy blue shorts. He wore our school colours beautifully! I couldn’t stop myself from staring at his long tanned muscular legs. This man is a breathing masterpiece!

“You were interested right?” asked Kuro. I snapped out of my daydream state to look down at him.

“Well, I’m sort of interested in him, he looks so cool.” I admitted in embarrassment. It was odd for a boy my age to have that kind of admiration for a senior.

“He’s a regional champion so this race should be a piece of cake for him.” He added. I looked back at the object of my admiration he’s getting ready to start squatting down in position. I was getting anxious for the race to start. I wanted to see Hibari win that race, I knew he wouldn’t disappoint me, he looks too confident.

When the race started I held my breath. He was a stunning running beauty as he pushed himself at the head of the group. His sweat-drenched hair bounced off his forehead as his amber eyes were focused on the track before him. He’s so graceful, he looks as if he’s running on air compared to the other competitor, he does the track with so much ease!

He finishes the race in first place a few head before the others. He’s truly amazing! I never saw anybody run so fast in my life! When he reached the finish line the whole the stadium breaks into cries and cheers but I can’t utter a word, I’m simply too stunned by his performance. As he takes a moment to take his breath Kishimoto Seshiru goes up to him to give him a bottle of water and a towel. Hibari smiles at the white haired boy and grabs him in a friendly hug.

Hibari’s smile. I almost melted as the toothy smile appeared on his face, I thought he couldn’t get more stunning but here he goes. I put a hand over my pounding heart. I think my strange obsession is more than simple admiration. I never reacted this way to anyone before.

However, I get a small pang of jealousy when I see Kishimoto’s arms around Hibari’s neck. When I see his stone cold face illuminated by Kuro’s friend. I’d probably never be able to make Hibari smile so beautifully. How I wish it were my arms around his neck. Somehow, when he’s around I forget about all the sadness, all the pain I try to hide away behind my smiles. He makes it melt away.

Before heading off the track the prince shot a glance my way. His face is back to the cold façade as he stares at me, I can’t help but burn up when our eyes locks. A small smirk appeared on his face just before he turned his head and left toward the locker room along with Kishimoto. A large grin crept up to my face. Hibari just smiled at me, it was a small one but I’m pretty sure it was directed at me.

“Hibari senpai is so awesome! Did you see that Kuro kun?” I asked cheerfully shaking his shoulder in excitement. Kuro cocked his head to the side gently.

“Senpai is pretty fast.” He agreed.

“Are Kishimoto and Hibari friends?” I asked.

“Yes, they’re in the same grade, I think they have a lot of classes together. He’s the one that told me about the competition today.” The redhead explained.

“Wow Kishimoto is so lucky to by such good friends with him!” I exclaimed trying to push the picture of the two of them hugging out of my mind. Kishimoto is also very handsome and it bothers me how beautiful they looked together. I’m probably just imagining things, I don’t think either of them like men. However, Hibari is simply so beautiful it’s impossible that all the other can’t see it as well. I doubt I’m the only one so desperately in admiration before him.

Coming out to the sport field became like a ritual for Kuro and me. I wouldn’t miss a single race nor a single practice. Since I can’t speak to the prince this is the only time I get to see him. Racing is the only thing that holds our relationship together. The glance he shots at me after each race was our only contact. I fell head over heels in love with the second year representative Abe Hibari.

On Wednesdays after school I don`t head directly home, instead I head toward the comic book shop. It’s become a weekly ritual in the last two years. However, this time I invited Kuro to come along with me. He said he didn’t mind coming along but it’s hard to know whether he was happy to come or not. I’m slowly getting use to it, Kuro never expresses any kind of emotion at all, I wonder why. When we got in the little shop he froze in the entrance.

“What’s wrong Kuro kun?” I asked turning to him after I noticed he hadn’t been moving for a while.

“I’m amazed; I never thought there would be so much Manga.” He said, I couldn’t help but laugh at how blank he was even when he was ‘amazed’ like he said.

“This is the biggest Manga/Anime shop in Montreal!” I said proudly. I’m a big fan of Japanese comics and animation, other than painting, collecting Manga and Anime is my passion. Kuro finally moved from the entrance and started looking through the book, I couldn’t tell if he was interested or not.

“Do you like reading Manga?” I asked.

“I read a few series, I really liked that one.” He said pointing to the series ‘Yu Yu Hakusho’. I nodded enthusiastically.

“It’s one of my favourites to.” I said giving him a thumb up. As he silently roamed through some of the books, I headed toward the back of the shop to find the series I was currently reading, ‘Ayashi no Ceres’. I already got up to volume ten; I only need four more volumes to finish this series. As I reach out to grab the eleventh volume off the shelf my hand comes in contact with a larger one. We pulled both of our hands back as quickly as possible. I looked up at the owner of the elegant hand. My breath got stuck in my throat when my eyes met with the prince’s cold topaz coloured ones.

“Hibari.” I said in surprised. I quickly clasped my hand over my mouth when I realized I called him by his first name without any honorific. He glared at me. I never wished I could fade away so much in my life! He nonchalantly shrugged me off and grabbed the lone volume eleven while I’m still in a state of shock.

“Hey! Who said you could take that! I was here first!” I exclaimed following him and he walked toward the counter.

“You might have gotten it if you didn’t lose all that time talking to your friend.” He said never stopping.

“You cheated!” I exclaimed accusingly, for a moment I was forgetting I was talking to the prince-like senior. While I complained loudly, he took the time to pay the book. “There’s no telling when I’ll be able to find that book again!” I complained. He abruptly turned around and shoved the book against my chest.

“I suggest you at least use senpai next time you address me.” Hibari said locking eyes with mine and he talked. Heat rushed to my face as I held the book against my pounding heart. He gracefully turned on his heels and walked out of the shop.

“He gave it to me.” I said to myself in disbelief. The ice prince gave me the last volume left even after I’ve been so informal with him. I hugged the present against myself.

“Abe senpai seems actually very nice.” Kuro’s monotone voice pulled me out of my reverie. I jumped in surprise.

“You always end up making me jump out of my skin!” I accused him clenching my heart dramatically. However, my heart was still pounding from Hibari’s suave voice than the surprise from Kuro. The redhead cocked his head to the side, he tends to do that whenever I expect him to smile, to me it as the same meaning. I’d say this time he did it more in some act of mischievousness, I blushed deepened, he must have seen the whole since.

“I always feel so weird when Hibari senpai is around.” I confessed leading my friend out of the Manga/Anime shop.

“You really like senpai, don’t you?” he asked shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Well, you see, Hibari is pretty awesome, I really admire him.” I said scratching my head in embarrassment.

“He always glances your way.” He said walking a few feet in front of me as I stared at his back with my mouth hanging open.

“You’re exaggerating Kuro kun, Hibari’s rich, popular, handsome, he doesn’t have eyes for a plain middle class boy like me. Most importantly, a boy.” I said laughing nervously. Kuro stopped and looked up at me, I got a rare glance at his mismatched eyes, and he cocked his head again. I can’t help but smile back at him, this tiny boy is always able to reassure. Maybe he’s right, I might have a little chance to become Hibari’s friend. Who knows? Maybe he’s not as cold and antisocial as he looks. He even bought this book for me!

“I had no idea prince Abe Hibari would be a fan of Manga though. He’s the less geeky person I have ever met. I thought he would be into more popular stuff.” I realised. I nodded to myself in determination, that’s at least one point me and my senior have in common. This simple realisation is able to make me giddy all over.

“It’s starting to rain.” Kuro stated putting his hand out to feel the drops on his skin. I bit my bottom lip for a moment but I finally grabbed his pale hand.

“Come on, let’s go to my place, it’s closer.” I said tugging on his hand to lead him in the direction of my place. I don’t really like bring friends over to my place, my father doesn’t have a lot of money so we live in a very small two bedroom apartment. However, over the last weeks I also started to grow really close to Kurorimi. I trust him and I couldn’t live with myself if I made him walk to his place alone in the pouring rain. I didn’t run too fast since I was afraid he wouldn’t be able to follow me on his short legs.

We made it to my place under only a few minutes but we were already soaked from head to toes. I never saw that one coming! As I opened the door I realised all the lights were shut. I’m already used to this though, it’s been like that for over a year now. My father has a bad habit of staying cupped up inside in the dark all day. I don’t blame him though, even if he drinks all the time, he’s been through some hard times. I have to keep smiling for him.

“Dad I’m home!” I called, however I didn’t get the answer I hoped for. I can hear the sound of the television blaring from the basement, he probably didn’t hear me. I remembered I had Kuro with me when he squeezed my hand tighter. The feeling of despair quickly dispersed, his hands might have been freezing cold but his gentle grip was comforting.

“Come in, come in, you’re soaked!” I said forcing my usual grin back on my face. I flipped the light open removed my shoes. Kuro did the same and followed me to my room; a room obviously decorated my various Anime posters and figurines. The television suddenly shut down, my father must have heard me close the front door. I started to look through my drawers for some cloths for my guest but I could hear my father sobbing loudly even though he was in the basement. I bit my bottom lip and gripped the side of the drawer shakily, I can’t cry, I must stay strong for my father. I jumped slightly when Kuro grabbed my elbow.

“Tooru kun, you’re always trying so hard to be cheerful but I feel so much pain and sadness coming from you. You don’t have to keep it all inside.” He said, he was just as calm as always but his words were so strong, in a single sentence he resumed my entire year.

“What are you saying Kuro kun? I’m always so cheerful because I like life so much.” I argued forcing myself turning around to smile at him. My eyes met his mismatched ones, through them I saw myself, I saw the real me that tries to hide the pain.

“You don’t have the force yourself to smile if you’re sad.” He said. These simple words were able to shatter all my defences, the smiles I’ve been trying so hard to keep up faded. No one was ever able to see through me like Kuro did. I always suspected it but now I’m sure, this boy as the power to read through peoples emotion. No matter how thick the wall is, he can read right through it. His truthful words instantly broke all my line of defence.

“Kuro…” I started but I broke into tears. I leaned over and pressed my head against his shoulder; he wrapped his frail arms around my back as my body was racked with sobs. I never cried. Ever since last year I kept strong and kept smiling and never even shed a single tear through all the hardships. How could this boy break me with a mere sentence?

I cried and sobbed loudly while Kuro held me. I cried for such a long time that our soaked clothes even tried on ourselves. Kuro gently made me sit down. He sat with his back against my bed as I sat in-between his leg hugging him with all my might. My sobs were muffled by the crock of his neck and he rubbed gentle circles on my back. He waited for hours for my sobs to subsist; he waited for me to cry all the tears that I hadn’t cried when tragedy struck my family. He still held my weak body as I stared endlessly at the pouring rain.

“I used to live with my mother, my father and my three sisters. Two of them were older and one was younger.” I finally said after God knows how much time. No one knew about it, I never told any of my friends about my family’s tragedy. I never had the strength to tell anyone, I always thought I could forget about it if I never talked about it. For once, I felt the need to tell someone, there’s this aura around Kuro that makes me feel like I should trust.

“My eldest sister’s name was Hikaru, she was my model and my idol. She was a fabulous painter. Nevertheless, around April last year, she was coming back home from work when a man picked her up. I was an old school mate that she had refused as a lover a few years earlier. Out of revenged he kidnapped her raped her and killed her. To make matters even worst the next morning he dropped her naked and mutilated body on our front lawn.” I managed to say, I bit my lips, fresh tears were threatening to fall but I couldn’t cry yet, my story didn’t end there.

“The guy was quickly found and sentenced to life prison but our tragedy didn’t end there. My sister’s death shook the whole family, it’s normal since we all cared for her so much but when June came around it all went from bad to worst. My family was only starting to go back to the old routine when on a Friday as they were going back home from dropping me off at a friend’s place they had a car crash. My elder sister, Himeko, was driving the car. My younger sister, Reiko, my mother and my father were all in the car.

The driver from the other car was a drunken teenager coming back from prom, he hit my sister in a frontal collision. The boy died along with my two sisters. The other passage of the car got critical back injuries and my father got leg and head injuries, he fell in a coma for an entire month. My mother was the only one who came out uninjured but she committed suicide before even knowing if my dad would survive or not, she couldn’t take so much pain.

The only person I had left in my life was my dad. He’ll be scared forever, both his legs were amputated, he’s never walk again. You have to understand that I have to be strong for him, I have to smile so he doesn’t worry about me!” I explained. When I thought I couldn’t cry anymore I broke into tears again. Kuro held my head against his chest, he was trembling a little too but he didn’t cry.

My friend is unable to cry but I knew he felt a great deal of sorrow after hearing my story. Just like earlier, I could feel it in his aura. However, being in his arms was the most comforting thing I ever felt in my life. Kuro is a very strong person, no doubt, he’s been through some hardship himself but he still has a smoothing and comforting aura. After crying so much I was left weak and exhausted, I cried a lifetime’s worth of tears in a few hours. Kuro never moved and listened patiently.

“Thanks Kuro kun.” I said whipping my swollen eyes. “I feel better than I ever did in the last year.” I confessed.

“It’s impossible to live with so much sadness on your shoulders, if you can’t cry to your father at least come to me. If you keep it all inside it will only destroy yourself.” He said, Kuro sounds very mature for his age. I wonder what could have happened to him for him to be unable to show his emotion. Is he keeping all of his pain inside too?

“I’m sorry Kuro kun, I’ll come to you from now on when I feel sad. I just realised I’m not strong enough to bare all of this myself. You’re the first person I ever told about this and I feel like a weight was lift all off my shoulders.” I said, for the first time in the last year a truthful smile appeared on my face. Kuro cocked his head to the side in response.

“It’s gotten so late, I really cried for a long time.” I said glancing at the clock; it was already eight.

“I should call my mom to come pick me up.” He stated.

“Don’t bother make her come out so late, it’s still pouring and it’s dangerous to drive in such weather. Stay here for the night instead.” I proposed.

“I guess I could do that if it doesn’t bother you.” He answered.

“It doesn’t really.” I reassured him and he nodded. In fact, I still feel like I needed him around for a little longer, I still needed his comforting smoothness. Since it was late I ordered pizza for supper. My father never came up to eat so I brought him some. Afterward we took a warm shower and I lend him some of my pyjamas.

Since I only have one bed he slept with me, he was so small he didn’t take that much place. As for me I used his chest as a pillow, I clung to him like a defenceless kitten to its mother but he never voiced out a word of complaint.

The next morning I told him I didn’t feel up to go to school so he agree to stay with me all day instead of going to school. Once again, I spend a major part of the day crying my unshed tear. However, when I got back to school on the next day I felt regenerated and truly content. Around that time, I started to wonder if Kuro wasn’t some kind of guardian angel. If he hadn’t been there I would have eventually broke down and I doubt it would have been pretty. Kuro saved me from my past and from myself.

One day around the middle of October Kuro wasn’t in the cafeteria when I arrived. I sat down beside Kishimoto, who was already haft way through his meal. He didn’t seem too concerned with the redhead’s absence.

“Where’s Kuro? He was here this morning but he suddenly disappeared right after class.” I asked, Kishimoto looked up at me.

“Yeah, I saw him too. He said he had something to take care of, he’ll probably come back.” My senior said. As if on cue the redhead chose this moment to emerge.

“You need to sign this Tooru kun.” Kuro said coming up behind me. Once again he was successful in scaring the living **** out of me.

“Kuro!” I exclaimed clenching my heart in surprise. When my heart calmed down I finally noticed the piece of paper he was holding in front of me. “What’s this?” I asked grabbing the sheet out of his pale hands. The title of the page said ‘SIGN UP TO BECOME THIS YEAR’S FIRST GRADE REPRESENTATIVE.’

“You’re interested in Abe senpai aren’t you? You’d see him a lot more if you became a member of the student council.” Kuro explain. I looked at the sheet again, it was all filled out already, the only thing missing was a signature. If I became a member of the student council, I could see Abe senpai everyday! Once again my heart start to pound out of control. This is a chance in a million!

“Thank you Kuro chan, this is such a good idea!” I exclaimed bear hugging my smaller classmate. “You’re the best Kuro!” I added placing a large smooch on his cheek. Kishimoto chuckled as he watched us. Kuro’s lack of response made him somehow very adorable, he was like a ragdoll in my arms but he didn’t really mind since he never made a move to pull away.

“I didn’t know you had a thing for Hibari.” Kishimoto, my face turned cherry red.

“Well, it’s not that I have a thing for Abe senpai, I just think he’s very cool.” I said scratching the back of my head in embarrassment.

“Let me warn you, this guy is a cold as ice. He’s been a friend of mine for a while now but it took a while for him to warm up to me.” Kishimoto warned. That reminds me, the white haired boy and Hibari are very close. The prince always smiles when they’re together.

“What’s the matter Santa?” He asked at my lack of response.

“Hibari likes you, right?” I blurred out. Kishimoto chuckled; I glared at him.

“Don’t worry, we don’t have that kind of relationship. We might be good friends but I’m in love with Kuro chan!” He said pointing at the redhead.

“Senpai, please don’t go around spreading rumours.” Kuro said never lifting his eyes from his lunch.

“You and Kuro have that kind of relationship!” I said in disbelief.

“Unfortunately, Kuro chan is quite hard to get, I’m still trying to seduce him.” Kishimoto said with a grin. I noticed that our senior was always so nice and charming towards Kuro but I would have never thought he was in love with him! I smile at the two of them, this sure reassures me, I didn’t want to dislike Kishimoto for something like that. I’m also happy someone likes Kuro he’s such a nice person, he deserves to be pampered and spoiled by someone.

I signed the sheet and immediately took it to the student council office. Hibari wasn’t there when I went, instead I was greeted by Ohba Tyler senpai. He’s a long haired handsome boy with a kingly attitude. He’s a funny and charming character, he’s also someone I look forward to work within the student council. His strong leader personality makes him a reliable member. He’s also a second year student since him and Hibari but had the same number of votes last year.

The third year representative is Nakajo Aizawa, he’s a guy that never seems to be in a good mood. He’s always frowning and complaining. He’s probably only in the student council because he’s the president’s brother. The president himself, Nakajo Aiko, doesn’t seem like a nice person either, I heard from the other’s that he’s only a tyrant with a pretty face.

The vice-president is also a quite intriguing person. Nitta Yuu is a guy that dyes his hair dark blond and dresses up in a female uniform. He’s also the owner of a small café where all the staff are males but some of them dress as female and some as male. It’s a nice place, the staff is always cheerful and the deserts are really good.

Normally the new representative is elected by vote however this year there’s only two candidates. No one dared to sign up since the other candidate is Aizawa and Aiko’s younger brother Nakajo Akito. For that reason the president decided the election would be done differently. The five current members of the student council would be the only ones to vote for the first year representative.

These kind of odds are bad for me. Like the other two, Akito doesn’t seem to have a nice personality. He probably wouldn’t win in a public vote. It’s obvious that his two older brothers will vote for him but what about the other members of the student council. He probably knows them more than him. Do I stand a chance in that kind of debate? For who would Hibari vote.

Starting Monday both Akiko and I will be a part of the student council so the other members could get to know if we were good for the job. I was a little anxious, I’d get to be in the same room as Hibari. It was at the same time my dream and my nightmare. What will I tell him? What will I do if we’re left alone in the room?

Being in the same room as Hibari didn’t stress me that much after all. The present kept giving me tasks like making prints and cutting signs into shape. I didn’t really get the time to get bored. Furthermore, with Ohba and Nitta senpai you never get a dull moment.

It’s safe to say that I grew very close to both Ohba and Nitta senpai. Nitta now forces me to call him ‘Oneesan’ and as made me dress up likes a little doll a few times. He’s argument was that I was still young and adorable so I could still pose for a Lolita. Once most boys grow older their body change so much they can’t dress like girls anymore. Same goes for Nitta, he still dresses as a woman but you can clearly tell he’s a man under the costume. The scary thing is that after all, it still fit him; it must be because of his extravagant personality.

As for Ohba I can tell we’ll be calling him king in a few years. He does the president job even better than our actually president. One of the reasons why, I think, is because Ohba spends a lot of time out in the public. He loves to be with people, to meet them, and to check the problems out by himself; compared to the older Nakajo, who stays in the student council room all day and does nothing but order the other members around.

I’m quite confident these two will vote for me when the time comes. They also seem to have taken a liking to me. Regardless, they never spend time with Akiko, they seem to think he’s too tight ass just like his elders. As for Hibari, I’m not so confident he would vote for me.

He’s never at the student council room except if there are meetings. He’s also very cold toward me, he never even talked to me once since I started coming here. My mistake, we did talk once. However, I can’t say it went well.
He was sitting on one of our leather couch reading silently and for once, I didn’t have any odd job to do from our tyrannical king. After taking a few deep breaths, I finally calmed myself enough to approach him.

“Hibari senpai.” I said to get his attention. When he finally looked up at me, a large grin spread across my face.

“What do you want?” He asked rudely while glaring at me.

“Here I wanted to give you this.” I said cheerfully taking out the eleventh volume of ‘Ayashi no Ceres.’ He looked at the book in curiosity then back up at me.

“I gave this to you out of charity; you don’t have to give it back.” He said going back to his book. I pouted.

“But Hibari!” I whined crossing my arms. I thought about it for a moment. “Then you don’t have to keep it but aren’t curious? Don’t you want to know what happens to Aya and Touya? I swear this is the best volume yet, you won’t regret taking it! You can just give it back later.” I said smiling innocently. He looked up at my face for a moment then took the book from my hands. My smile deepened even further.

“Don’t you think that just because you let me borrow this that I’ll vote for you to be member of the student council. A noisy brat like you would be more trouble than help.” He said coldly before getting up and walking out of the room without ever glancing back at my shocked face.

“It’s about time one of them decided to tell you. Someone as cheerful as you only gets annoying in the end.” Akiko said, I turned to him, he was leaning against the wall smirking as if he had just won the million. I was at a loss for words, Hibari’s phrase still rung in my head. Hibari thought I was annoying.

“You even dared call him by his first name! No one calls him by his first name, he hates it so much that even his best friend, Ohba senpai, calls him ‘Abe.’” Akiko explained, he was only pushing the knife deeper in the wound. Hibari hates me…

I rushed out of the student council; I didn’t even bother staying until my duties were done. I couldn’t take it, the simple thought of Hibari hating me was like a stab to the chest. Hibari hates me. He’ll never vote for me and I’ll never get to be in the student council with him. I’ll never get to be his friend. I knew I should have just stayed to boy that watches his every race and nothing more. Hibari and I are not even in the same species. He’s a prince and I’m nothing but a poor commoner. Why did I have to built my hopes to high. I froze when someone caught my arm.

“Are you alright Tooru kun? You look pale.” I instantly recognized the monotonous voice as Kuro’s.

“Hibari hates me, he’ll never vote me into the student council. He said it himself!” I explained; my voice was trembling. Kuro pulled gently on my hand to force me to turn around.

“He’ll vote for you.” He said seriously.

“Didn’t you hear me? He said I was an annoying brat and he would never vote for me!” I said this time a little louder. Kuro turned on his heels and pulled me in the direction of the door. “You’re not listening to me Kuro! Where are you taking me?” I asked.

“I care a lot for you Tooru kun.” He simply said. His statement only served to confuse me even more. He’s always so mysterious, I never understand what Kuro is thinking. Where is he taking me this time. He’s the one that dragged me to the student council, where is he taking me this time.

“Kuro stop, I can’t take anymore rejection!” I said once we were outside and I could see Hibari out in the track field. Nevertheless, I noticed that Kuro is actually very stubborn and he ignored my complaints without even a second thought.

“Abe Hibari senpai.” Kuro said to get Hibari’s attention; but the senior either didn’t hear the boy or he was ignoring him. Since he must have noticed I was with him, it’s most likely that he ignored us. I realized another thing about Kuro, he doesn’t like being ignore and even if he doesn’t talk too loud he’ll get heard anyways. To my astonishment, the redhead took out his left shoe and threw it at our senpai without hesitation.

“What the hell?” Hibari asked angrily rubbing his arm where the shoe had landed.

“What did you do that for?” I asked in utter disbelief. Now senpai will hate me for all eternity for sure!

“I challenge you.” Kuro said as calmly as usual.

“Sorry Namikaze kun but I’m not planning on getting thrown out of this school for fighting an underclassman.” Hibari said glaring down at the boy. Impossible! Kuro doesn’t actually expect to win in a fight against Hibari senpai! Kuro’s so tiny, he’d get killed.

“You misunderstood me senpai, I challenge you to a race, a 400 metre.” The redhead corrected him.

“What!” I exclaimed. Kuro saw just like me how fast Hibari is! What the hell is he thinking?

“Do you even know who I am, boy?” The senior asked.

“A tenth grade student named Abe Hibari. You’re also four times regional champion in the 50, 100, 200 and 400 metres.” Kuro explained. Hibari clenched his fist at the cocky explanation.

“You’re either really courageous or really stupid boy.” Hibari said.

“Do you accept my challenge?” Kuro asked. I could see that Kuro’s daringness was getting Hibari pumped up. There’s no way he would decline after my friend act so cockily.

“Fine what are your terms?” Our senior asked smirking.

“The race is going to be Friday after school, right here at four. If I win you vote for Tooru to be in the student council.” The small boy said, the tiny and frail boy acted as if he were very confident about that race.

“What if I win?” Hibari asked.

“Then I’ll become part of your track team.” He answered.

“Do I want you in my team?” asked Hibari.

“You’ll see after the race, then, you can do whatever you want with me.” Kuro said turning on his heels and started heading toward the school. After I got over the shock, I finally ran back to Kuro.

“Why did you challenge him to a race, no one was ever able to break is record?” I asked I was in a state of panic. I knew Kuro didn’t stand a chance against our senior but he still wanted to do anything he could do help me.

“If you never get in the student council he’ll never how nice you really are. I want to give you a chance.” He explained. I grabbed his arm.

“Please Kuro, don’t do this, it’s not important, I’ll still get a chance next year.” I tried to sway him.

“Don’t worry it’s a harmless race, Hibari is not that bad of a person. He just needs a little persuasion.” He said. This boy is so stubborn, no matter what I say he’ll never change his mind.

For the two next days I didn’t see Kuro at all. He wasn’t there at lunch nor in the classes. I got worried and asked Kishimoto about him and he said Kuro was sick and couldn’t come to school. It already Friday and he hadn’t shown up yet. I guess it’s better that way, at least he won’t have to race against Hibari. I’m glad the redhead wanted to do that for me but it’s a lost cause, there’s no way he could have won. I’ll go see how he’s doing after school.

Once class was over I decided to go to the sport field to at least tell Hibari Kuro wouldn’t come. I won’t leave the prince there to wait endlessly. When I got there my senior was already dressed in his shorts and tank top. At least I got to see him dressed in his shorts I don’t think I can get enough of that!

“You came alone today, did Namikaze chicken out?” I asked Hibari as he was stretching his legs.

“Kuro would never chicken out, he hasn’t been to school since he challenged you. Kishimoto senpai says he’s very sick.” I explained.

“Kishimoto told you that, so that was the boy he always talks about.” Hibari stated. Him and Kishimoto are good friend so I assume he most have already told him. “But that doesn’t change the fact that Namikaze ditched the challenge and I win by forfeit. It’s too bad really, I was curious about the two of you.” He said.

“I thought I said at four when I gave you the details of the challenge.” We both turned quickly to see the short redhead pointing and the large clock nailed to the school’s wall. He was dresses in his gym suit and his long red hair were tied in a ponytail, for once his bang was out of his face and we could see his eyes.

“You came after all.” Hibari stated.

“Kuro! Kishimoto said you were very sick! Why did you come here? I told you it was fine, you don’t have to race Hibari.” I said walking toward him, however he ignored me and walked right up to Hibari.

“I’d never back out of a challenge.” He said confidently.

“Then let’s get this over with but don’t come crying to me when you’ve lost.” Hibari warned.

“That’s my line.” Kuro said as he positioned himself.

“Tooru, you give the start.” My senior ordered.

“At three then.” I said sighing when I realised neither of them would change their minds. “One, two, three!” I counted and on three they started their mad dash. As expected, Hibari took the head instantly, he’s the champion after all. I never dreamed in a million year that Kuro would be able to beat him. Imagine my surprise when in about the middle of the race the redhead started to gain ground on his senior.

“Kuro…might actually win.” I realised, it’s obvious now! He would have never challenge Hibari if he knew he didn’t stand a chance!

“Kuro you can do it!” I shouted. When has Kuro ever let me down? My cheering seemed to have given him even more strength. The moment he was able to pass Hibari the race was done for him. Once Kuro had picked up his speed he was now a few heads in front of the dark haired senior. I’d say he finished at least a full second faster than Hibari. I knew Hibari didn’t let him win by purpose because for once I actually saw him struggle!

“Kuro! You won! You were able to defeat Hibari in a race!” I exclaimed as Kuro came toward me.

“You’ll be part of the student council now.” Kuro said breathlessly.

“You’re so amazing Kuro chan! I never knew you could run.” I said cheerfully. My best friend is truly mysterious. He has so many talents you’d never expect him to have. I was startled when he started coughing violently. “Are you alright?” I asked, my cheerfulness turned in worry and panic. He tried to nod as he trembled and cough. I was alerted when he felt down to his knees and began to vomit.

“Kuro!” I exclaimed going toward him but Hibari got there before me and knelt beside the boy.

“You truly are an idiot Namikaze, you pushed yourself to be able to beat me.” Hibari said severely rubbing the boy’s back.

“It‘s alright, I really wanted to see a true smile from Tooru kun.” Kuro managed to say through harsh breath. Hibari burst in a joyful laughter.
“I think your friend is fine Tooru, this little brat is truly resourceful.” The prince said smiling up at me. The smile returned to my face. I knelt down beside Kuro and rubbed his back along side with my senpai.

“You never seize to be surprised around Kuro chan.” I said.

“Are you alright there boy?” Hibari asked.

“I’m fine.” Kuro said whipping his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Come on, let’s go back inside it’s starting to get cold.” Hibari said effortlessly picking up the small boy.

“I can walk there.” The redhead argued.

“Don’t strain yourself Kuro chan, you were sick this were after all.” I said following the prince back to the school. We went back to the student council room. It was empty since all the other members had already left. Hibari dropped the boy on one of the leather couches.

“Stay there I’ll get you something to drink.” He warned then he turned my way. “I hope Tyler and Yuu vote for you too, you’re an interesting boy. You’re the only one who’s ever dared call me by my first name.” Hibari said smirking at me before leaving to fetch a drink.

It took me all my strength not to burst into a fit of giggles. The beautiful prince Hibari said I was interesting and he smiled at me too. I’m in heaven right now and it’s going to be even better if I’m voted into the student council. I glance at the redhead who’s silently resting on the couch.

-

“The next week I was voted into the student council with three voices against two. Ever since that day Hibari, Kuro chan and I have been an inseparable trio.” Santa said proudly.

“You’re trying to tell me Kowai Kao Kuro won in a race against Abe Hibari?” I asked leaning on my palm in disbelief.

“You should have seen it, it was incredible. Even I didn’t believe it at first.” The pink haired boy said grinning from ear to ear.

“Don’t you think you’re exaggerating the story a little?” I asked.

“Not at all, to this day Kuro chan holds our school record for the 100, 200 and 400 metres. He’s even part of the track team now. You should go see him run one day. You’ll fall on your ass in utter disbelief.” He said laughing joyfully.

Even though I try to detach myself from Santa’s story I can’t help but fell intrigued by the creepy faced boy. He’s a calm and serious boy and he doesn’t really seem to care about anything or anyone. I would find it hard to believe he would be willing to sacrifice himself for the happiness of another person.

After all that it was too late to start the project. I ate at his place. His father came to eat with us too. The old man is in a wheelchair and both of his legs are missing. However, he doesn’t seemed as depressed as in Santa’s story, I guess he must have change a lot in three years. He even laughed and made jokes at the table.

Before I left Santa thanked me for hearing him and gave me a few CD’s he told me to listen. He said he’s like to used some of them on our project. The bands and singers all have French names that I can’t read but according to him it’s good. I’ll give them a chance.

I lay on my unmade bed and listen to some of the bed Santa told me two. I particularly like one band called Harmonium. It’s the smooth kind of music that seem to touch all the way to your soul. I especially liked the few last lines of the songs. The were mostly the only ones I understood.

“ Où est allé tout ce monde
Qui avait quelque chose à raconter?
On a mis quelqu'un au monde
On devrait peut-être l’écouter”

These lyrics were by far the most thoughtful and for some reason they made me think about what was happening in my life recently. It made me think of how awfully I’ve been treating the emotionless boy. I think, maybe, I should listen to him for once. He might have something to say. I guess I could try to give Kuro a chance too.

________

I`m a little tired, I worked outside all day and even though I wore sunscreen I`m burned all over. But you guys will still need some translations for this. At the end the lyrics Yuuri pulls out are from the song `Un musicien parmi tant d`autre` by the french Quebequois groupe Harmonium.

These lyrics mean: Where did all these people that had to say go? Since we gave life to someone we should try listening to what they have to say.

And it exactly for these lyrics that I gave this story that tittle. These lyrics always had meanings for me, I remember from all the way to my childhood. This is an old enough song, from back in the 70`s. I also though it could relate to my characters. To Yuuri who`s trying to get accepted by others and find a place to this world. And also to Kuro, since he`s so expressionless people have difficulty understanding him.

Un musicien parmi tant d`autre means- A musicien among others.

I`m actually I managed such a long explaination considering how tired I am. I`m going to bed after this. But I`m not angry at the nice day we had, even though I got burned, it`s less boring to work outside and yesterday was really cold. Yesterday I would have needed gloves and a jacket to work outside and today it was 30 degrees C!

Anyhow, I hope you guys enjoyed reading chapter four,
with love-Mimi