Chapter 14

During the first class on a Saturday afternoon in the thirteenth week, Nick had a basketball game.

Akito said, "Nick, I don't have time, really, no time."

Nick replied, "What could be more important than watching my basketball game?"

Akito explained, "I have Political Science in the afternoon, and the teacher always takes attendance."

Nick insisted, "Just skip it."

Akito frowned, but Nick dragged him to watch the game, his arm around Akito's shoulder, telling him not to look so troubled and that he would treat him to something delicious after the game.

Akito remained unenthusiastic. During the basketball game, Nick grabbed rebounds, made shots, and scored points. During the break, Nick asked, "Am I handsome?"

Akito replied, "Not really. It was supposed to be a good basketball game, but you turned it into a personal show."

Nick lowered his voice and said to Akito, "That's for those losers…"

Akito interrupted him, "Stop, stop saying that. The second half is about to start, go back in."

After the game, Nick looked like he had just been fished out of water. Akito suggested, "Go to the bathhouse and clean up." Nick responded, "There's a place I can wash up later."

Nick took a group of people to eat, both those who played and those who didn't, at a restaurant to the west of the school gate.

Nick kept pouring alcoholic drinks for his teammates, and Akito felt dizzy just watching.

After eating and drinking, Nick said, "You guys go back first,Akito and I have something to do."

Indeed, they had something to do.

While Nick was taking a shower in the hotel, Akito lay on the bed, grimacing and making painful noises.

When Nick finished his shower, Akito stopped complaining. Nick casually picked up the remote and turned on the small TV in the hotel room. A legal program was airing.

Akito commented, "People can be so crazy,if you break up, just break up. but there's no need for killing, right?"

Nick lit a cigarette, leaned against Akito's back, and joined the conversation, "Everyone goes a bit crazy now and then."

Akito retorted, "Not this crazy."

Nick, afraid of ashes falling on Akito, adjusted his cigarette and said, "You haven't experienced something like this, so you can't understand."

Akito remained silent.

Nick took a drag of his cigarette, and the TV program was coming to an end.

Nick said, "If I ever go through something like this, who knows what I might do."