Young Wild and Free

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Maybe next time they should go to Disneyland Sea instead, to make it a bit easier on Yui. Or plan a much bigger trip someplace else in the country, or even abroad. They could then bring back Yusuke, they couldn't see him as much now that he was not living around. That would depend on their studies and what they would do after this school year ends. Besides, they chose to come here because Daisuke had passes.

The volleyball game was pushed for later in the day. For now, they would separate. The three of them didn't talk much about Daisuke and Yui. Even if Makiko might have been interested to do that, she wouldn't have now. The guys weren't in a mindset to be serious about their friends and talk of what might be going on between them. She too didn't really want to talk of this, anyway. She wanted to do slides with them. She wasn't as much into heart-racing activities as they were, but she enjoyed the slides more than Yui. And since she would be with Daisuke, none of them felt bad for leaving her. In fact, Kento gave a look at Daisuke, implying it was his moment to make a move, but none of them added anything to it and focused on the things they wanted to do.

The boys could have gone for more but Makiko pointed out they still had to walk back to the lounge chairs to meet with their friends. And they needed to keep some energy for the volleyball game later on. So they left the slides behind.

They were surprised the two weren't there already. Considering the time it took to walk up the slides between each ride, they figured they would be the ones arriving last, yet here they were without Yui or Daisuke in sight. Ryohei took the time to put his shirt back on, along with his cap. It was not the ocean, there weren't a breeze that could freeze him but it preferred it that way.

Finally, the two arrived. They look at them as they joined in. Daisuke was still quite red."Wow, Daisuke, that must be a first. It',s artificial lights and yet you manage to get sunburned." Kento said to tease him about it. The others said nothing but they were curious to know why he was like that. What happened between them to have him feel this embarrassed? Could it be...?

[IWAMOTO YUI]

Yui was glad to be back with the group but she felt a tad embarrassed to be late like this. Usually, they were the ones to be on time, they should have waited for their friends, but she got caught up. She tried to tell herself it was the crocodiles and tried to ignore whatever had happened back then. She managed to do it better than Daisuke, poor him, she felt a bit bad for leaving him like this, but he would get over it, right? She glanced at him, seeing his face still flush, and blushed a bit too. Geeze, this was getting embarrassing and she couldn’t even blame him for being like that. She didn’t know all of the questions he had in his mind and that she might be sending him mixed signals.

Daisuke needed to snap out of it, he tried to do that before his friends were there but Kento was faster to catch his blush and he wanted to die inside, especially since the guy sent him a warning glance as he left with Yui, knowing exactly what that meant. He didn’t believe it was a romantic place and he lost his voice, let alone his breath when something could actually happen. He’d hear all over it if he was to tell his friends. Luckily, Yui was quick to catch up on things despite their questioning gazes as she grabbed her vest back. “Did you guys know they had crocodiles and snakes around here? We’ll have to be careful, I don’t want to fall face to face with those creatures, we’ve seen them over there.” She said, thanking her acting skills as she thought she sounded pretty convincing. Spending some time at her parents’ agency watching idols, actors and singers performing was a plus for her at a time like this. Makiko was a bit surprised hearing of those creatures as Yui told her the location where they saw those. “Hopefully they don’t run too free.” Makiko too wanted to know details of what happened, but Yui left them no room to discuss. “What do you guys want to do now? Surfing, volleyball? Or should we lounge for a bit?” They could take a small meal break, they’ve had a lot of emotions in the morning. Daisuke meanwhile managed to slowly get over it, even if he was still confused. “We could also grab a bite.” He had laughed a bit sarcastically at Kento’s comment but didn’t say anything. Nope, he was going to try not to expose that part of her life unless Yui wanted to.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Yui too seemed embarrassed by the situation, leading all fo them to wonder exactly what happened. Ryohei couldn't tell how far Makiko was ready to think about it, but he knew what would make Kento and himself look like this. They couldn't expect them to go this far, not only was it not like them but it would be far too sudden, but what else? Did she turn him down before they came back and they were both trying to save face? Or were they really able to look this embarrassed after simply kissing, only because they felt bad it got them to forget about joining their friends on time. Not even Kento was pointing out how late they were to begin with.

They were all looking at Daisuke as Yui tried to change the subject by pointing out they had crocodiles and snakes. The guys were saying nothing to this though. Makiko, feeling something needed to be done, decided to respond. "You mean, in the wild? Are you sure they are real? That doesn't sound safe at all..." This gave enough time for the guys to go back into the conversation, at least for now. "We can watch over you, right?" Kento said. "If you want to fight a crocodile, leave me out of it," Ryohei simply replied. Was it true? It sounded crazy. To them, it felt like a distraction. Maybe it was just an attraction with fake animals to scare you. Either way, they seemed to get the cue it was time to leave Daisuke alone.

It was obvious Yui wanted to change the subject. The crocodiles and snakes could have been fine, but she was now trying to ahve them all do other activities. Almost on cue, Kento's stomach grumbled. That solved the problem of knowing what to do. "You want to order something to eat here or find a place to eat before we come back here to beat you ladies at volleyball?"

[IWAMOTO YUI]

They’d all be discouraged knowing nothing happened, well, nothing of what they were thinking right now and that she was saying the truth about the wild animals. She didn’t intend to sound like she was insisting on changing the subject, but she hoped that Daisuke would be able to town them down a bit so they wouldn’t question them too much. None of them seemed to react at first until Makiko was nice enough to respond, she mentally wanted to slap herself for being like this. They’d definitely suspect something happened. Damn it.

Daisuke let Yui talk on the other hand. He could tell his friends wanted to know but what was there to say other than girls could be confusing! Just when he thought Yui wasn’t responding to him and that he had no hopes, she proved him wrong. Had she finally noticed he had a crush on her for so long? He definitely hoped not unless she had feelings for him and he had been stupid blind the whole time. He called himself an observant, and he just had been proven wrong if it was the case! “They look pretty realistic if they’re not real.” He said to his friends, agreeing with that Yui said there. “I don’t think they’ll come over to the beach and pool areas though.” He added to reassure them. Daisuke gave a look at Kento and Ryohei. Yui made a face at Kento. “I’m not sure if I can trust you on that.” She said, mostly in a teasing way though.

“We can order in, that way we can fully enjoy the place.” He said to them, asking the girls what they’d want to eat and they could go from there, when they asked about sushi he turned his attention back to Ryohei and Kento when the girls were a bit away from them.”I know we can eat here so it won’t be a problem and before you ask Kento, she didn’t dump me but I’m not sure exactly what happened and I don’t want to talk of it.” He said, hoping they would understand and not ask furthermore about it for the time being.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Both Kento and Ryohei figured that, had nothing happened had they been in Daisuke's situation, they would have played it cool. In fact, even if something happened, they would have done their best so that no one would know. But Daisuke was apparently not as good at hiding his emotions and that led them to all sorts of conclusions. To be fair, they didn't think either of them had it in them to do naughty things in the open like that, not even in an allegedly crocodile-infested jungle. Kissing maybe? And they didn't want to admit it to them just yet. That sounded like something they could do.

"Oh, come on. We're all ig, strong men. We'll never let something happen to you ladies," Kento retorted as Yui claimed she could not trust him. "That sounded more macho than heroic," Makiko pointed out. The conversation didn't stay much longer on the crocodiles and other potential dangers there might be in this otherwise health-oriented resort-like aqua garden. They were considering what to eat.

The boys didn't listen the girls at first when they talked of food, because Daisuke came to them and, on a low, conspirational tone, threatened them to not bring out the topic of Yui and what happened. It only made them want to know more. "It would be hard to dump you when she doesn't even know you like her in the first place," Kento replied. "And if you're saying nothing happened, I assume you didn't confess either..."

They didn't get the time to say much more than that. Makiko was calling them out to ask if they were fine with sushi. "Sure," Ryohei answered. He already had a good idea which ones he would order. He had his favourites after all. He wouldd pick them once they would have the opportunity to do that.

[NOGUCHI DAISUKE]

Daisuke had to admit, he was not the best person when it came to having to hide his emotions and his family sometimes would tell him that he needed to find a way to do so especially if he was going to be involved in the business. Depending on the position he might end up having within it, he might have to practice hiding his feelings. It proved to be harder said than done, Ryohei was better at doing that than he was for sure. He couldn’t just play it cool and he bet that he was the most emotional of the three guys here which annoyed him a little at times. They were supposed to be tough, not as close to their feelings as he was now.

Yui had to roll her eyes and agree with Makiko when Kento added that they were all strong and that they could trust them. Kento was fun alright, but there were times when she wondered if she could really trust him to defend her. She’d tend to rely more on Ryohei if that was the case.

Of course, Daisuke didn’t confess, why would he be at such a place?! “Of course not, it’s not the most romantic place here.” He admitted to his friends. He didn’t see himself doing anything over the top but he wanted at least to make it more…nice for Yui if he was willing to confess. “Stuck in the wildlife of the resort isn’t really ideal.” He added to prove his point. The boys agreed with sushi, so the girls were taking on the reigns there and called the sushi place they were used to so they could get their food on time.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

To be fair, Ryohei didn't think he was all that good at dealing with his emotions. He was the one whose temper could flare up with the most ease. But, for that sort of things, he would keep his feelings close to his chest. Maybe he was more shy than people assumed. Then again, he was not in love with anyone in particular right now, unlike Daisuke, who couldn't bring himself to confess to Yui despite it being so obvious.

He even had to guts to tell them it was not the best moment to do so. Ryohei was shocked and Kento groaned. "That was precisely the best time and place for it."Kento pointed out. Ryohei thought the same. But they didn't have a lot of time to talk about this, not without looking suspicious from the girls' point of view. What was Daisuke thinking confessing was like? Girls just wrote a letter they gave them, it wasn't like it was a wedding proposal.

The girls handled ordering sushi to be brought by the staff here for them. The guys just had to say which ones they wanted the most or agree to the ones the girls suggested. As long as Ryohei could have at least one with river eel on, he was fine. Kento took Daisuke apart while they were busy ordering. "Okay, fine, it might not be the right time. If she turned you down, it would be awkward. But you have the perfect setting and we won't be able to find tons of excuses for the two of you to be alone, so take the opportunity when it presents itself before the end of the trip." Ryohei wasn't sure he would like getting such an ultimatum by his friend - or anyone for that matter. He would be more likely not to do it then, so it could really come from him and not because others forced it. But, at the same time, he agreed that Daisuke needed to do something. Neither Kento nor him would steal Yui from him, but someone else might.

[NOGUCHI DAISUKE]

Daisuke knew that his point of view might be silly, he wasn’t going to propose to her, far from that, he didn’t even know for sure if she returned his feelings and despite the clues telling him that there was a slight possibility that could, part of him feared the rejection and the idea that their friendship might not be the same after that. It was a lot to risk, in his eyes, and he didn’t know if Ryohei or Kento were aware of it. There was a possibility it might work out for the two of them, but what if they didn’t? Could there be a chance that things would go back to normal without any of them feeling awkward once she knew of his feelings? It was what scared him the most, to be honest and the idea of suggesting they could date at the aquagarden wasn’t too appealing to him either. Maybe he was a hopeless romantic but he didn’t care too much at this point. However, Kento seemed to have a different opinion and threatened him to confess to her before the end of the trip.

He knew pretty well what Kento was telling him right now. “I know that.” He conceded but he didn’t add more to it. It was useless to argue with Kento when he was in such a mood, and he wouldn’t take no as an answer either. He would have to considerate what his friend would say, otherwise, he might just have to keep it quiet until the end of the trip before he’d get harassed by his friend to tell his feelings for Yui, as long as he didn’t do that for him otherwise it’d be even worse!

Yui did talk a bit with Makiko as the boys were reuniting but she didn’t tell her the full story. It was getting confusing on her end as she was certain that she viewed Daisuke only as a friend but was starting to see him in a new light and she was feeling weird about it. Besides, it’s not like she wouldn’t get the support of her friends if it happened but it was time to resume the day and keep up with the activities as there was more to look forward to as they deserve the break and she was determined not to let that affect her. She felt like part of her love life was being overlooked by her friends and while it was nice to see that some people cared, unlike her family, she would rather keep a few things private so she could enjoy the moments on her own. They called out the guys so they could give their orders and Yui sat on the long chair she had saved for resting time.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

In a way, Yui was lucky. Had Ryohei been the one to confess to her... Well, he also wasn't sure he'd want to do it here, and he would have taken his time - definitely more than Kento it seemed - but if he did confess to her, and she happened to turn him down, it would be over. Ryohei wouldn't take well to seeing her around all the time. More than that, the others would feel pressured to choose between them and avoid Yui when Ryohei was around. Or even just mention her. Something similar sort of happened in the past, although the girl was not as close to them. Daisuke, on the other hand, felt like the type willing to suffer in silence, not even mention he had been turned down, and keep Yui around. Ryohei didn't get how the guy could be like that. It was way too submissive for his taste and made Ryohei want to shakin him around at times.

Daisuke did say he had not been rejected though and Ryohei doubted the guy would lie about that. If that had happened, he would have said he didn't get the chance to talk to her. Kento was still pushing him. Ryohei nudged Kento on the arm. "Leave him be. He'll do whatever he wants," he said to close the argument. The girls were ordering too, they couldn't stay in their corner, it would look suspicious.

The aquagarden had a bunch of people working there to offer the best care and services to the people visiting the place. The five of them could lounge on that fake beach until they arrived and they all, somehow, managed to get a table where they could eat their sushi, drink and act as though Daisuke and Yui didn't look weird when they joined them. They also talked of that volleyball game they had in mind and what better combo they could make for teams and whether or not they would need to find someone else to join them, making an even number. Ryohei was also curious about that surfing-like area. He didn't expect there to be any form of water gliding, but he also didn't expect there to be crocodiles and snakes, so he was willing to have Daisuke pull up the map he got and point out what activities there were. Makiko did say wanting something smooth and relaxing too, and he was willing to do that. In the evening, after dinner, before going to bed.

[NOGUCHI DAISUKE]

Daisuke was thankful that Ryohei was taking his side this time, knowing quite well what Kento was implying, that he could lose her again if he was too slow. He preferred not to think of that and focus on the day they were having. Besides, originally it was meant to be a weekend for just the three boys but they ended up inviting the girls. Not that he minded, they were all getting along quite well by the end of the day and seemingly enjoying themselves. It didn’t take long before the food was ordered and they were chilling and eating as they talked of the upcoming plans of the day.

The afternoon went by fast between the surfing and volleyball games. They did a few while switching teams and who was going to judge. Daisuke pinned them to the areas they were looking forward and in no time, it was time to go back to their rooms so they could get ready for dinner. It was a semi-formal restaurant so Daisuke let the girls go to their rooms to prep themselves knowing how women could be picky with their own outfits. He didn’t mind, as long as they didn’t make them late and they never had.

They decided on a meeting point and Daisuke was waiting for the girls to arrive, which didn’t take too long. He smiled seeing them and they all went towards the restaurant where they got their tables and were handed the menu. “I haven’t tried this place yet so I can’t tell you what on the menu is the best.” He admitted to them. Anyways, they could always figure that out later.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Ryohei wondered if they shouldn't start a betting pool on when Daisuke ad Yui would date, or even whether Daisuke would finally confess to her. Perhaps it would have been easier to talk to Yui and see what she felt, but Ryohei had no desire to get involved in this. It was already enough to see and listen to Daisuke. At least they were all friends so it wasn't like the guy had to ask him about what Yui had been doing lately. That would have been painful, and Ryohei wasn't sure he would have remained patient there. If Daisuke couldn't talk to Yui, perhaps he should seek out Mikako, get a girl's advice.

The sushi were good. Ryohei managed to hurt his jaw a bit when biting down on one that was bigger than the others, which got a good laugh from Kento, who couldn't resist asking how he could hurt his jaw eating one of the softest food possible.

The volleyball games were fun as well. The guys had enough of a competitive strike about them to really want to beat the other team, but did their best to only play hard against each other and avoid being too strong against the girls. There were always some comments against whoever was the judge, arguing over what counted as a point or a foul. Ryohei was able to surf a bit as well. He never really done it in the actual ocean but those places offered an interesting equivalent, in his mind.

When they returned to their rooms to get changed, even Kento was not in the mood to tease Daisuke any further. They were too busy having fun and considering what they would eat. Daisuke might think the girls were particular with their clothes and look but so was Ryohei. The pants were formal but he was wearing a t-shirt instead of a clean shirt and the jacket had enough flair to give him an edgier look. He made sure to clean his hair of any products used in this facility and to comb it well, arriving only a few seconds after the girls. "Good, because I was going to take whatever I wanted anyway," Ryohei teased Daisuke as he apologized for not knowing what this place was famous for. He first picked one meal but upon realising it came with an ingredient he disliked, he picked something else. "We should order drinks to have at our spot afterwards, to relax," Kento suggested. Ryohei nodded, absentmindedly. It would be a nice way to end the day though.

[NOGUCHI DAISUKE]

During the rest of the day, everyone had enjoyed themselves as much. The girls enjoyed playing against the boys and the sushi was good. Daisuke was content with how the day was going and that their focus was on something else than just himself and Yui. Anyways, it’s not like much happened out there and he would rather not overthink things that might just not have happened and that just came from his mind. He wondered what would hurt the most honestly, remaining in the friendzone forever or being rejected if she was to find out. Sometimes, he did wonder if she picked up on his feelings hence as much as he tried to make it look natural well, there were times when he would slip a few words or actions that almost bust him out. Luckily for him though, she never seemed to have minded or react in a way that would reject him once it happened. Just like back then. It was why it confused him so much about what he should do. Peer pressure wouldn’t help here as much either. Girls could be confusing sometimes with the signals they were sending if they sent any that is!

Daisuke smiled at Ryohei’s joke, knowing full well that he would anyways take what he preferred. Yui and Makiko were seemingly in a long conversation but he didn’t mind hence he was letting them look through the menu. He agreed with what Kento said and the drinks. “We can, you guys want to tag along later or you have planned something else?” He asked the girls, and they both said they could tag along and they had some time. The studying part could wait a bit. They might have exams coming but they could still afford a bit of time to relax afterward.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Yui never talked to them on whether or not she had a crush on someone, Daisuke or anyone else. Then again, Ryohei figured it would be something she would be more comfortable to talk about with Mikako. Unless she wanted a guy's opinion on her crush' actions or what would work best. Still, it was a weird situation to be in, having Daisuke so clearly looking in love with their friend and yet she didn't seem aware at all. Did Mikako get the hint too? It wasn't like Ryohei talked of this much. To him, it was Daisuke's private matter and he should handle it himself.

Luckily, Daisuke's little blunder with his perfect opportunity did not make things awkward for the group. As always, the guy just acted as if nothing happened and went back to being the friend that kept them all together and well organized.

There was a moment where they could tease Ryohei but his habit of being so particular about pretty much everything was so well known to everyone, even to him, that it was not all that funny anymore to bring it up. At least he tended to let other do whatever they wanted, so long as he was not forced into it as well. It was why he didn't pay too much attention as to what the others ordered for themselves. He did pick a beer to go along his meal, regardless of them having more alcohol later on. They were all of age to drink and he intended to enjoy that. "You think they manufacture a sunset here?" Kento asked. Ryohei wondered the same thing. They had a semblance of the sea so why not? It would help people relax for sure. A good end of the day moment before heading to their rooms. "So what did you guys do while we were down the slides, other then being chased by snakes and crocodiles?" he asked Yui and Daisuke. He couldn't remember hearing anything else they might have tried and that didn't sound like enough stuff to arrive after them at their meeting point. "I think I'll do some more surfing tomorrow. That didn't go nearly as well as I wished it to," he added. He didn't mind if the others didn't want to join but he just couldn't be in the low average, he had to really push himself and see what he could do. Kento was talking of some other stuff that could be fun for tomorrow, before they would leave the place and Mikako reminded them not to dismiss the calmer things too.

[IWAMOTO YUI]

In all honesty, Yui didn’t have a crush on anyone, at least, that’s what she believed until recently. She didn’t know. She was a bit confused and she only realized that Daisuke had always been there for her. She had managed to keep her own questioning shut the rest of the afternoon hence they were playing volleyball games and checking the other cool stuff there in the building. It had been really nice of him to invite them to tag along. They could have just been the boys and she wouldn’t be upset. She focused as much as she could on her talk with Makiko but her friend could easily tell that something was up and as if she was about to ask the question, Kento beat her at that and could tell that Yui was startled a bit while Daisuke looked a bit uneasy. “We got caught up in a conversation and then landed on the wild animals.” She managed to say. “Nearly gave me a heart attack.” She added, which Daisuke nodded to, preferring to let her take the reign of the conversation. Of course, they were going to ask. Why wouldn’t they? They never were late and now here they were. They didn’t need to know all of her second-guessing, even Daisuke didn’t know about it when they were together.

Her mind went back to the sunset idea they brought. “That would be fun if there were, we can go there before going to the bedroom.” She said, liking the idea. It would end the day well. She agreed with Makiko that they would have to do calmer things too and was glad that her friend was there to back her up. She just hoped that her answer would be enough for them.

Daisuke had to agree with Ryohei’s idea of ordering a beer and getting one for himself too before checking on the menu. The girls made up their minds about their meals and also ordered drinks that suited their tastes.

[MURAKAMI RYOHEI]

Kento and Ryohei exchanged a look after what Yui said. They did glanced a bit towards Makiko as well but since they didn't know what she thought of all this, they couldn't tell whether she was in or not. They did think that being so busy talking to each other was a good sign that Yui liked him. Shouldn't Daisuke make a move? Then again, it would have been a perfect opportunity and he wasted it. Again. "If you two didn't get to do as many things here then, perhaps you can pick the first activities tomorrow," Makiko suggested. Kento and Ryohei shrugged, showing they wouldn't mind. Kento seemed up for anything and Ryohei already expressed his desire to go surfing again eventually.

"There is a place with some chairs not too far from our rooms, we can do that there," Kento added. It did sound like a perfect way to end the day. Ryohei even thought he saw eithr a tub or a small pool for them there as well, which would be nice either way.

For now though, they would eat and talk. It was not the place for drinks and games, that would come later. If the girls were up for games, that is. If they were not, Ryohei figured Daisuke would drop them soon enough too or join them in doign something more calm. No drinking game in his current state, for sure. Well, he supposed he could still count on Kento, but it wouldn't be as fun with just two people. They could still figure that out once they were done with their meal though.