Part Three:

Ochi eyed his roommate with wariness as he slowly unpacked his own luggage. If Akira was angry or disgusted or both, Ochi couldn’t really tell. But one thing was for sure, the taller boy was clearly not happy about something. Ochi raised an eyebrow as Akira slammed the drawer, after roughly stacking his undergarments inside it, loudly. He watched as Akira stalked like a caged animal towards his closet and began to hang up his suits as if he were in a private battle with the hangers. The handsome face was in a scowl and those green eyes seemed to flash with an inner danger that sent a chill down the bespectacled boy’s spine.

Ochi dared not ask what the problem was. He wasn’t that close to Akira, never had been and never would be. Besides their love for Go, there was really nothing else they had in common.

Well, he just came out from Shindo and Waya’s room…maybe Waya annoyed him again.

But somehow, Ochi doubted that thought. Waya was constantly getting on Touya’s nerves and the reserved boy rarely showed any emotion or pretended not to care for the redhead’s antics. So, what could have happened to make the normally calm boy this flustered and upset?

The loud slam from the bathroom door closing caused Ochi to jerk alert in surprise.

And with a low grumble, he muttered softly to himself. “Geez…I wonder what climbed up his behind.”

~*~*~*~*~

Akira placed his toiletries as neatly as possible in the cream-colored bathroom cabinet, for his hands were shaking badly and the tendency to drop them into the pristine sink below was inevitable. Finally placing the hair shampoo bottle in the neat row he had formed, he closed the cabinet and leaned his head against it. His hands gripped the edge of the sink tightly and a low frustrated growl escaped his lips as he squeezed his eyes shut to block out the indelible image of Waya kissing Hikaru.

“Kuso!” he cursed softly as he felt the pain slice through his chest, causing him to place a trembling hand against it. “Damn them both!”

He sank to the floor and raised his knees, wrapping his arms around his legs to quickly

bury his face within them. But the image stubbornly refused to go away. He could still see every motion as if forced to rewind a tape over and over again.

“No wonder he wanted to room with Hikaru,” he whispered softly. “How can they stand a guy like me anyway?”

And how in Kami’s name had he allowed his two nemesis to get under his skin so much? His daily obsession, from the moment he had played Hikaru so many years ago, had blossomed into an emotion that Touya refused to acknowledge. He had told himself many times that he could care less about Hikaru’s feelings, any more so than the redhead who seemed to have a knack for insulting him at will. But then again…it was only Hikaru and Waya that had the tendency to bring out the more passionate side of him. He rarely showed any emotion, due to years of training himself to become the best at a game he loved to death. He had never had any real friends -- at least those close to his age -- until he had met Hikaru and the Insei at the Go Institute.

And it wasn’t as if he had made himself accessible to others, either. It was no fault of his really. Akira wasn’t sure he could handle himself around his own age mates. He could easily converse with others older than he, but when it came to normal teenage conversations…he was hopelessly lacking in that area. So rather than join them, he kept away, inwardly afraid that he would make a fool out of himself, especially before Shindo and Waya.

He was jealous. Plain and simply put. Jealous of the way Hikaru could make friends easily. Jealous of the way he and Waya could joke and laugh like they had been friends for a lifetime. Jealous of the obvious attraction the two boys had for one another. Jealous that he couldn’t have been the one sleeping next to Hikaru. Kami, it had taken all of his strength not to strangle Waya in the plane last night. And then to top it all…

“Why me…” he groaned miserably.

“Hey, Touya! Could you get out of the bathroom? I have to use it!”

Akira raised his head quickly as he heard the familiar yet irritated voice behind the door. Scrambling to his feet, he eyed himself quickly in the mirror, hoping that he didn’t look as morose as he felt inside. Satisfied at gaining some semblance of control, he opened the door that was adjoined to Hikaru and Waya’s room, and came face-to-face with the boy that had filled his thoughts earlier.

Hikaru was no longer in his suit. In fact, the bleached blond was… topless. He was now dressed in only the dark pants of his suit, which was halfway unzipped and nearly falling off his lean hips. Shindo was also bare feet, having taken off his socks as well.

Akira found himself gawking helplessly at the sight. He had never seen Shindo topless let alone standing before him in this state. Feeling a reluctant heat flare through his body, he tightened his grip on the doorknob and was quick to place another scowl on his face. He tried hard not to stare into those green eyes and full lips that Waya had had a chance to take advantage of. With a curt nod, Akira spun around and began to make his way back to his bedroom without saying a word.

The blond stood watching as Touya left, his own face burning now as the thought of he almost reaching out to touch Akira, ran through his mind. As the door closed behind his rival, Shindo sighed and shuffled his way towards the toilet to do his business.

Still can’t stand me, I see. What the hell do I have to do to make you like me, Touya?

He washed his hands quickly, automatically reaching for the cabinet to see if there was anything he could use. Seeing the neatly arranged toiletries caused a small smile to come to his visage. Touya had some really expensive stuff in his collection and being naturally curious, Hikaru reached for an after-shave lotion and opened it up. The scent was distinctly Touya and Hikaru felt like he could probably drown in that unique smell.

Uuuum…what are you doing, Hikaru? Sai asked innocently, only to wince at Hikaru’s loud squeal.

AAAAH! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING IN THE BATHROOM?

But Hikaru…

How many times have I told you never to follow me into the bathroom! I need some privacy for Chrissakes!

Sai looked contrite and twiddled his thumbs together. I am sorry, Hikaru, but…your friend Waya was beginning to give off some negative…uh...vibes, as you call it…and I couldn’t stand it any longer. You…you wouldn’t want to play a game with me now, would you? He asked hopefully.

Like hell! You come into the bathroom and try to invade my space and then you ask me to play a game with you? Go play by yourself!

But Hikaruuuuuuuuu….

Shindo covered his ears as the familiar whine began. Sai was a nice and kind spirit, but he could be such a crybaby at times. The blond spun away from the now sobbing ghost, to place Touya’s after-shave back in its place. A sudden loud knock on the door caused him to blink in confusion, before Ogata’s voice was heard.

“Is everything all right in there, Shindo?”

“Uh…yeah! Everything’s fine!”

“Are you sure? We heard you screaming a few moments ago…”

Waya spoke up with a light snicker. “Probably because he hasn’t seen a Jacuzzi before and he freaked out!”

Hikaru noticed the large tub in the corner of the bathroom and made a face. “You wish, Waya! You’re the one who’s scared of taking showers!”

“Why you little! Come out here and let me show you just how scared I am!”

Ogata interrupted impatiently. “Well, hurry up. We all have to go down for dinner in thirty minutes.”

“Yes, sir,” Hikaru replied weakly as he groaned and sat on the edge of the bathtub. He cocked his head to the side and eyed the weeping spirit.

Could you please cut that out, Sai?

But… * sniff * You…won’t play with me… * sniff *

Shindo counted slowly to ten before replying in resignation. “Fine…when I practice with Waya, then you can play.”

Yaaaay!

Sai…Sai! I can’t breathe! You are hugging me too tight!

The spirit released him quickly and he began to dance around the large bathroom in joy.

I am so sorry, Hikaru, but this is all terribly exciting!

Yeah, yeah, yeah. Just don’t get too excited and make Waya want to kill me again for making him lose so early, got it?

Sai nodded fervently and for a few minutes, both boy and spirit stared at each other….until Shindo remarked dryly.

Are you planning to watch me use the bathroom, Sai?

Oops! Sorry! I am going now!

And as Sai made himself scare, Shindo idly wondered what the spirit had meant about Waya having negative vibes.

~*~*~*~*~*~

“Damn this stupid suit!” Waya grumbled as he tugged restlessly at the constricting black tie. “Why do we have to keep wearing suits all the time?”

“Because it’s a black tie event and we are going to be dining with other professional Go players like yourselves, so please try and carry yourself in a dignified manner,” Ogata replied calmly as they stepped out of the elevator that led them to the main floor.

Hikaru snickered and nudged Waya playfully. “Hear that, Waya-kun? Stop acting like an idiot for once!”

Waya gave a mock growl and tried to attack Hikaru, only to stop as he noticed the cool look that Akira threw his way. He blushed lightly as he remembered the incident earlier and with a reluctant sigh, he pulled away from Shindo, sticking his hands into the pockets of his dark slacks and turning his face away.

In a flat tone, he said smoothly, “Let’s just go.”

Hikaru blinked in surprise. He had fully expected Waya to tease him mercilessly, or ruffle his hair or give him another headlock. What was with the cold shoulder all of a sudden?

Maybe the negative vibe thing you were talking about Sai? Sai?

The spirit was already gaping in awe at the large ballroom/dining room they had now been ushered into. It was elaborately decorated with gold and black streamers and balloons. A large banner with the words ‘Welcome to the Annual Igo Competition’ hung above a large podium, where several distinguished members of the Go World sat, all dressed in evening attire. On the main floor, rows of circular dinning tables had been set, with each country that would be participating in the event, assigned to one. The tables looked quite elaborate, with its beautiful floral decorations and the silverware that seemed fit for royalty.

The Japanese contingents were ushered to their table, which wasn’t too far from the podium. Hikaru tried very hard not to bump into anything, for the wine glasses and plates looked pretty expensive. He almost laughed at the way Waya seemed to look out of place and as both boys exchanged wary glances, they finally broke down into giggles, only managing to stifle them as Ogata gave them another warning look.

Akira and Ochi, on the other hand, looked as if they fitted right in.

A round of applause was begun as the chairperson of the event walked up to the podium to begin his speech. Hikaru yawned and was just about to place his head on the table, when Sai reprimanded him sharply.

Where are your manners, Hikaru? You are about to fall asleep at the most important part!

Geez! No need to yell, Sai! I am tired. My body hasn’t adjusted to the new time zone and all. Gimme a break, will ya?

The spirit pouted and turned back to face the man, who had introduced himself as Kashimoto-san, a Japanese-American. He was a 9-dan and quite popular in the Go World. Hikaru couldn’t understand a single word…well, except for a few phrases here and there, but he figured that they were probably talking about the upcoming event. His eyes roamed the room lazily and their gaze soon fell on a familiar group. With a small smile, he waved at the American group, nudging Waya (who was half-way asleep himself) to take notice. The redhead started and blinked in confusion, before turning to see what the fuss was about.

Matt was mouthing off something and gesturing with his hands and for a moment, the two Japanese players couldn’t make out what he was trying to tell them. They had to be quiet, since the entire room was focused on the speaker and they did not want to alert Ogata in any way.

“Hmmm…do you think he wants us to meet him somewhere?” Waya asked in a harsh whisper, his brows furrowed in a puzzled frown. “He keeps pointing to himself and then to us….and then outside.”

“I guess that’s what he means,” Hikaru reasoned, having to lower his voice as well. He pointed to himself and then at Waya and then towards the exit with a questioning look on his features and as Matt nodded fervently, Hikaru grinned. “Yeah…he wants us to meet him outside.”

“But how do we ditch the others?” Waya asked, nodding lightly towards Ogata, Ochi and Akira. “If we both leave at the same time, they will know that something is up for sure.”

Shindo bit his lower lip in thought as his peripheral vision caught Matt and Chris already leaving the room at the same time. Nobody stopped them, not even their coach and Hikaru exchanged a bewildered glance with Waya.

“What the hell are we waiting for? Let’s follow them!”

Waya placed a hand on Shindo’s arm to still his movements. He shook his head and cleared his throat. Leaning closer to Ogata-sensei, he placed a look of pained suffering on his features.

“May I go back to the hotel room, sensei? I have to take this stomach medicine before eating and I forgot to do that. If I don’t take it, I might end up throwing up my meal…”

Ogata waved his hand in dismissal, his eyes still firmly clued to the speaker. “Do what you have to do, Waya.”

The redhead couldn’t believe it was this easy. “May Shindo-kun come with me, too? I need the comp…”

“Just go, Waya,” Ogata hissed in irritation. “Just make sure you get back here.”

“Hai!” He nodded with a pleased grin, before tugging on Shindo’s arm. He could feel Touya’s gaze on him and fighting the urge to blush, he spun around quickly and led them both out of the ballroom and towards the lobby, where Matt and Chris could be seen waiting for them. There was also a boy that looked Japanese, standing next to Chris. Matt was quick to rush forward to greet his friends.

“Ohayo! Couldn’t stand to be in that boring room listening to those guys yapping away. And besides, the coach will tell you everything in the morning, so you guys don’t have to worry about missing much.”

Hikaruuuuuuuu! We shouldn’t be here! I want to go back inside! Now! Now! ~

JUST SHUT UP, SAI!

*gasp* Which was soon followed by a sullen pout.

Matt was still speaking. “Oh yeah, least I forget, since you guys probably can’t hear a damn word I’m saying…Tadaaa! This is Kim.” He pulled the quiet boy closer to the group with a wide grin. “He is in my high school and he will be our official translator. Go ahead, Kim. Tell them that we are going to show them a good time tonight, okay?”

Kim snickered and bowed lightly. He introduced himself to Hikaru and Waya and repeated everything that Matt had said. This news got both Go players excited and Hikaru nodded fervently.

“Cool! I’ve always wanted to see the sights of New York City! So where do we go first?”

Matt pursed his lips for a moment. “Uuh…what about Touya? And Ochi? Aren’t they coming?” He craned his neck to see if the elusive players would be heading out as well.

Waya and Hikaru exchanged another quick glance, before the redhead said quickly. “They didn’t feel like coming. They said maybe some other time, right, Shindo?”

Shindo nodded in agreement. “Yeah…that’s what they said. Come on, already! We’re going to miss all the fun!!”

Matt laughed loudly as he placed an arm around each boy’s shoulders and motioned for Kim and Chris to follow.

“Don’t worry, boys!” he announced with an air of self-confidence, as he led them towards the waiting limousine parked in front of the hotel. “I promise to make this a night you will never soon forget!”