checkmate 013 [Final Chapter]

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<< t o s h i r o >>

"OH! YOU GUYS WERE EARLY, HUH?"

I could completely hear the sarcasm in Fumihiro's greeting as Misao and I approached the group. Well, I can't blame him. It's almost time for class and yet my head was still above the clouds. For one, I still can't wrap my mind around the thought that Misao and I are officially lovers. It was like all the worries I used to mull over before seemed ridiculous to me now. Like being with Misao was the most natural thing to do, right after breathing.

"How about Saki-san? He went home already?" Fumihiro asked.

"Yeah, Saki-san left early." I answered almost instantly. There was a long pause when I suddenly remember…

"Hold on a sec… How did you know Saki-san left early?" Fumihiro threw me a suspecting look. I could almost feel Keita, who's standing beside me, looking at me the same way.

"Toshiro and Saki crashed at my place last night." Misao answered on my behalf and it only caused more suspicion.

Fumihiro's stare shifted back at me, "Why? You're not even drunk."

"Fumihiro-kuuun" Keita suddenly placed his arm over Fumihiro's shoulder, and with a cunning smile plastered on his face, he continued, "Let's stop asking them, 'kay? For sure they had to talk about some 'important' things. Right, Toshiro?"

"Y-Yeah."

Fumihiro shook his head, finally giving up on the issue, "Psh. Whatever…"

I almost heaved a sigh of relief when the professor entered our room, I could see Misao in my peripheral vision staring at me with such a bright look on his face.

---

Halfway through the class, Keita tapped my shoulder then leaned towards me bringing his face very close to my ear.

"You can open that gift if you're ready to accept me." He whispered in an attempt to imitate Misao's voice, immediately followed by a chuckle, "…Am I right?"

I immediately jerked my head away from Keita, what the heck does that mean?!

I wonder why he's been giving me this knowing look… And what the heck was that sly smile?

"I was wondering why that bracelet looks familiar…" Keita continued talking in a whisper. I took a glance at the gold bracelet on my right wrist. "That was Misao's gift for you on your birthday, also the day he confessed to you."

"How did you know this was Misao's gift?"

"Of course I know! I was with him when he bought that," He sounded so proud of himself, and half amused. "I will never forget that, I thought he was going to give that bracelet to Youjin. Besides, the price was so—"

"Keita." Misao interrupted Keita while giving him 'the look', as if daring him to run his mouth more than it already did. Keita pursed his lips as he obediently returned on his seat.

I didn't push for more. I have no confidence to know how much this bracelet cost. I glanced at Misao and found him looking half embarrassed, but who would even notice?

I gently tugged his shirt trying to get his attention. "Thank you Misao…"

***

AFTER CLASS, AS USUAL, WE MET WITH YOUJIN AND EISUKE. As soon as the two arrived, Youjin stood beside me giving me a teasing smile.

"W-What is it, Youjin?"

Just like what Keita did earlier, Youjin leaned closer to the side of my face and whispered, "You and Misao are dating, right?"`

I have no intention of keeping our relationship hidden from our friends but that Keita…!

I just wanted to be the one who announces it to everyone…

I sighed.

"Sorry, Keita told me earlier..." His smile disappeared, "Is that supposed to be a secret?"

"No, it's not that…"

Youjin gentled patted me on my back. His mouth, now curved in a big bright smile. "Congrats , Toshiro. You know, Misao was a huge help for me and Keita that's why I've always rooted for his own happiness. Take care of him and I'm sure he'll take care of you too."

"I know. Misao is a great guy." The corners of my mouth curved up, as if on their own accord. "I will definitely make him happy."

"Then, if you have any worries you can talk to me anytime."

"Thanks, Youjin."

***

2 WEEKS LATER.

Misao and I were on a bus on the way to Misao's hometown to meet his mom and younger sister. We're only into the second week of our relationship and I already have to meet his family. To be completely honest, I've been so nervous ever since the night it was decided we'll go meet them.

Three nights ago, while I was hanging out at Misao's apartment, Misao got a message from his younger sister.

<That night>

'Misao! Dad's on a week-long out of town business trip starting this weekend. Mom wanted to visit you there. Is that okay with you?'

Misao let me read the message his sister sent him. I was happy that he'll see his family again but I don't know why he has to show me such personal message.

"Go send her a reply, don't you want to see them?" I asked him.

"Of course I want to but…" He paused for a second, looking at his phone screen once again.

I stared at his stern face and waited for him to continue but he got lost in his own thoughts, he just sat there in silence. "But?"

We're sitting together on his bed and suddenly he leaned his head over my shoulder. Every time he does this, he surely wanted to be petted. And that's what I did. I gently stroked his soft hair with my fingers. We stayed that way for a few minutes before Misao's arms wrapped around my waist bringing me closer for a hug.

My heart was beating so fast but I can't help but chuckle thinking about how cute this guy was. I just continued caressing his head.

"I want you to meet them…" He mumbled, then he lifted his head to meet my eyes. "…My mom and my sister."

"Will you introduce me as your boyfriend? Or…"

'As a friend?'

I don't know why those words seemed so hard to say out loud. But truth is, I am just scared that those words will come out from his own mouth instead.

"I'm going to introduce you as my boyfriend, Is that even a question?" He raised a brow, looking at me like he knew I was thinking of something stupid. "The last time I met them I told them I'm trying to court someone and they said they want to meet that person."

"T-They're cool with it?"

"Yeah. My mom and my sister were supportive of me and they're honestly the sweetest. That's why you have nothing to worry about. I'm sure they'll like you and you'll like them."

<Back to the present>

So it was decided we'll meet with them at a hotel instead since his mom's body can't take a long travel. The plan is, we'll meet with Saki-san at the bus stop and he'll take us to the hotel.

Is it okay for Saki-san to do this for us even though he still has lingering feelings for Misao?

Misao's warm hand wrapping around mine pulled me out from my thoughts.

"Are you nervous?" He asked with a hint of teasing in his voice.

I rolled my eyes from him. "Of course I am, who wouldn't be?"

"You'll be fine."

I squeezed his hand as a reply before I glanced at the window, "Are we still far from the stop?"

"Nah. We're close. In fact, we're here."

"Huh?!"

The bus stopped almost instantly. Some passengers were getting off the bus and we followed. When I get off the bus, I immediately saw Saki-san from a distance. He's so easy to spot, he definitely stands out from the crowd. He instantly smiled as soon as he saw us and met my eyes.

"Misao! Toshiro!" He called out waving.

"Have you been waiting long?" Misao asked him when we got near him.

"Hmm… not really." Saki-san's attention returned back to me, "Hi Toshiro. It's been a while."

'It's been a while?' Only two weeks had passed since we saw each other, the day I confessed to Misao, but honestly, it feels just like yesterday since Misao and I started dating.

"Hi Saki-san." I smiled at him.

"Let's go. I parked the car there." He pointed at the nearby café.

When we reached his car, and hopped inside, that's only when we realized there's a guy sitting at the front passenger seat. He was looking at Misao and me with a big smile on his handsome face.

"Hi!" He greeted in a deep yet delighted voice.

Saki-san settled himself on the driver's seat first before turning his body to look at us too. "Ah, he's Reo, my boyfriend for 2 years."

My jaw dropped as I stared at Saki-san's cunning smile. Like he absolutely knows what's on my mind right now.

'Boyfriend for 2 years? I thought he still have lingering feelings for Misao? What was even the talk that night about?'

My eyes turned to Misao who was looking at me with his usual straight-face as if he knew about this all along.

"Boyfriend?" I whispered to Misao but, really, I'm sure the people in front could hear it too. "I thought…"

Misao shrugged his shoulders, "I told you… He's just teasing you."

Satisfied, Saki-san turned around and, finally, started the car. "Let's go meet the family!"

***

WHEN WE ARRIVED AT THE HOTEL, SAKI-SAN ACCOMPANIED US TO THE RESTAURANT. The reservation was under his name so that Misao's dad won't be able to trace his Mom's and sister's whereabouts, as Saki-san explained. I never imagined the intensity of Misao's family's toxic circumstances until now. I've heard some stories from Misao, I believed him and felt sorry for him, but honestly, at the back of my mind, I thought 'it couldn't be that bad'.

But man, I was wrong.

Saki-san told us, it was Misao's sister who called him to ask for a favor so they could meet without their dad finding out. He also said, he could hear the desperation from her voice and he couldn't let himself do nothing.

"Reservation for Ishikawa Saki." Saki told the person in charge in the restaurant's entrance.

"Ah, Yes. For Mr. Ishikawa Saki. Please follow me."

We followed the host inside and on the way, I was so amazed by how beautiful and expensive looking the place was. This is the first time I've been in a fine dining restaurant. It's a good thing that I didn't dressed too casually today but still, my outfit isn't even near the sophistication and standard of this place.

The host showed us to a private room in one corner of the restaurant.

"Some guests already arrived and were waiting inside the room." The host informed respectfully.

"Thank you." Saki replied and when the man left, Saki turned to us, "They're inside."

Saki gently pushed the door and the first thing I saw was the large painting hanging on the wall across us – a deep red Sakura Blossom tree with misty silhouettes of mountains at the background. Then, my eyes shifted to the two women occupying the seat with their backs facing us.

"Madam, we're here." Saki said in a low yet cheerful voice, which made the two women turn their bodies to look at us.

The other is obviously much older than the other but both of them are really beautiful and classy. Their lips both slowly curved up in a huge smile that made them even more radiant, totally different from the girls I'm so used seeing. It's an understatement to say that I was star-struck.

"Misao!"

"Brother!"

The younger one stood up and rushed to get close to Misao, who was standing right beside me, and when she did, she wrapped her thin arms around Misao's body and he also hugged her back. After a few seconds, she lifted her head and her eyes landed on me.

"You must be Toshiro?!" She said to me with a big smile on her pretty face. I felt my cheeks getting warm.

"Y-Yes. I'm Toshiro." I paused, "Eh? You already know my name?"

"Of course! My brother talked about you so endearingly last tim—mmm!" Misao covered her mouth with his hand preventing her from finishing what she's going to say.

"That's enough, Miki." Masao commanded with an embarrassed expression. He took a second to compose himself before he introduced her to me. "Toshiro, this is my sister, Miki."

"Hi Miki."

"Hi Toshiro." She said with her charming smile never leaving her face. A total opposite of Misao, the thought almost broke me into a smile.

"Why are you guys still standing there? Come over here and take a seat." The woman, I presume was Misao's mom, called us over.

"So, my job here is done. I'm taking my leave now." Saki-san announced.

"You're going back already, Saki-san?" I asked him.

He grinned at me, in a way, tauntingly. "This is a family dinner. I wouldn't dare to intrude."

"F-Family dinner…" I felt my face turned red with embarrassment. Then I heard Miki chuckled beside me.

"Just kidding." Saki-san suddenly blinked at me, "Reo is waiting for me outside. We're going on a date."

"I… I see."

"Thank you, Saki."

Saki patted Miki's head, "It's nothing. Call me anytime you need my help. I'm going now. Bye Auntie! See you later."

After Saki left, my heart began beating so fast. All the nervousness from the past three days suddenly came rushing on me, washing all over my body, and my knees were starting to lose their strength. Misao lead me to the table and we sat across Miki and his Mom.

"Mom, this is Toshiro, my boyfriend." Misao introduced me to his mom as soon as we sat down. I felt my heart skipped a beat when I heard him said the word boyfriend. What the heck, this is so nerve-wracking.

"Uhm, hello. Nice to meet you." I glanced at Misao's mom and found her smiling so endearingly at me.

"Hi Toshiro. I'm Risa, Misao's mom. I know how hard it is for Misao to make friends that's why I'm so grateful to you. Thank you so much for taking care of my son."

"Mom…" Misao grunted.

"Oh… It's nothing, you don't have to thank me. Misao and I were friends that's why—" I paused and took a quick glance at Misao before continuing, "I mean, Misao's a quiet and serious person but he's really kind. And it's embarrassing to say but, I think, I was the one being taken care of by Misao."

Miki and her mom looked at each other for a second, giggling.

Miki leaned closer towards me with an excited expression, "Say, Toshiro, what do you like about my brother?"

"What I like about Misao…?" I shifted on my seat, glancing over at Misao asking for rescue but instead I found him already staring at me with anticipating look in his eyes. And then, I watched as the corner of his lips slowly curved up into a smirk.

"Go ahead, Toshiro. I wanna know too…"

I sneered at him before looking back at his mom and sister, who're still smiling at me from ear to ear waiting for my answer. "Uhm... Actually, when I first saw him walked into our classroom, my first thought was, 'Wow, that guy looks so cool' with that stern look on his face and composed demeanor he really caught my attention. But Misao is kind of elusive…" I chuckled, and they followed, "He was always alone and he seemed hard to approach. Despite that cold front, I found out that he's actually a really kind person. He took care of me and always helped me when I was in need. When I'm with Misao, I feel like I have nothing to worry about. But eventhough he makes me feel that way, when I heard about his past and circumstances, I thought, I wanted to be the person beside him, giving him strength, happiness and protecting him."

I felt Misao's hand held mine underneath the table. Its warmth brought me comfort as if all those nervous feelings from before never existed in the first place.

"I like everything about Misao – all the nice things, even his quirks and all his unpleasant memories and fears. Even the things I still don't know about right now, and who he'll become someday. I'll make sure to try to understand him and stay by his side."

Misao squeezed my hand tighter, as if I'll disappear if he let go.

"Thank you for loving my son that much, Toshiro." Risa-san's eyes were welling up as she stared at me, "I'll sleep well at night thinking that Misao has someone who loves him so dearly by his side. Thank you so much."

"Ah! Please, you don't have to thank me," I started panicking, waving both of my hands right in front of me. "You have nothing to worry about, Madam."

"Madam? Just call me mom, okay?" She smiled, teasingly.

"M-Mom?! W-Wait… Isn't that a bit too early…"

"Haaa…" Misao released my hand, instead he placed his arm over my shoulders pulling me closer to him, "This dinner turned into an engagement meeting."

"E-Engagement?!" I shriek with disbelief. My whole speech was already embarrassing as it is and now Misao has to make the atmosphere even more awkward, for me at least.

"Right." Miki said, clapping, "This is great! I'm so happy for you, Brother. I'm so rooting for you guys!"

I can't help but smile thinking that Misao's family are such nice people. Despite hearing about his stories about his father, I'm glad that he still has a family that's happy to see him and supports him as who he is. And even though he could not return to his true home, yet, I wanted to give him a place he could call his own. A place where he could be himself, where he could do whatever that'll make him happy, where he could say everything in his mind, and a place where he could be vulnerable but also where he could build himself up over and over.

***

"THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR GOING OUT OF YOUR WAY TO MEET US."

The dinner already finished and we're about to bid our goodbyes. Misao and I will take a bus back home while Saki-san will pick up Misao's mom and sister again to bring them back to their house.

To be honesty, I had a great time. They're such welcoming people and eventually I became comfortable chatting with them. I ended up telling them lots of stories about Misao and our gang. It was obvious that they're having fun hearing about Misao's everyday life after running away from home. At least, I was able to relieve them off their worries for Misao.

"I'm happy that I'm able to meet you today, Toshiro." Risa-san took my hand. Misao and his mom, somehow, emits the same warmth, both felt really comforting. "This is the first time I heard such fun stories about Misao. I could see that he's having fun there with you. Our family house seemed more like a prison for Misao that's why I'm happy that he finally found a place he could call his home."

We exchanged a gentle smile with each other. I think, that was enough for the both of us to convey how much we both love and treasure Misao.

"Mom, Saki's here!" Misao called us from the outside of the room, peeking through the door.

"You two should always take care, okay? And if you guys have any problem and you need help, don't hesitate to tell me. I will definitely help you both."

I gave her hand a soft squeeze, "We will. Thank you so much."

---

WE WAITED FOR THEM TO LEAVE BEFORE WE BOARDED THE BUS BACK.

As soon as we sat down, Misao took my hand placing them onto his lap, and then entwined his fingers with mine. He held my hand so tight while caressing its skin with his thumb, leaving hot traces that sends warmth straight into my heart.

"Misao… Your mom and your little sister are such kind people. I'm glad I came with you to meet them…"

Misao looked at me with a satisfied expression, "I told you, you don't have anything to worry about."

"Hmm." I took his hand that was holding mine and brought it close to my lips, planting a soft kiss on his knuckle. "Please stay beside me forever, Misao."

"Should we buy a ring on our way back?"

I chuckled, "The ring can wait for another day but… I can't wait to go home and spend the night with you."

checkmate final chapter // end