↑ Iori Yutaka above ↑

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''To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved'
—George MacDonald

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"No! Please don't leave me!"

Startled, Tadashi's eyelids shot open. He gasped, his heart thumping in frenzy. Holding his hand to his chest, he inhaled deep breaths to calm himself down.

What was that? A girl's voice? He closed his eyes. It sounded... like she was crying...

The sound of his cell phone ringing broke Tadashi out of his thoughts and he groggily reached onto his nightstand for it. Putting it to his ear without bothering to check the Caller ID, he yawned. "Yes?"

"Where the hell are you?" an angry voice bellowed, nearly popping his eardrums. "We were supposed to leave ages ago!"

Tadashi's body bolted upright when he traced the voice back to Yasuo Ishikawa. Once his eyes landed on the clock on his nightstand, dread washed over him.

No way...

"I'll be there soon!" Tadashi shouted before hanging up the call and dashing towards the washroom.

He was incredibly late!

☻ ☺ ☻

"Here, take the bags." Tadashi nearly collapsed from the weight of the bags Izumi Shinzo threw to him. Seeing that, she sneered, "Late comers get their punishment."

Punishment? Tadashi thought incredulously. Then why did he have to carry her bags? Tadashi groaned internally as he struggled to get a proper grip of the bags that kept slipping. And what was with this? What was even in these? They didn't even need bags this heavy! They were just staying there for a day!

"Ha ha, Tadashinn," Haru laughed at his friend, flashing him a wide smile. Holding up his backpack and a large pink duffel bag which belonged to Izumi with ease, he grinned. "Weakling. These aren't even that heavy!"

Tadashi gawked in disbelief. The bag looked way heavier than the ones he carried. How was he carrying them? Was it even possible to be that strong? Well, Haru was always an unpredictable case so...

"Why'd you come late anyway?" Ryuu slapped Tadashi's back with a boisterous laugh. "Sleep in?"

Tadashi smiled weakly. "Yeah."

"Really?" Ryuu said in surprise. "I couldn't even sleep a wink last night! We're going to Tsuji Day Camp! The most awesome, and most expensive day camp there is! And we're going there for free! Dahaha!"

"We get it, Ryuu," Saya said. She adjusted her large glasses as she shook her head. "Settle down."

"What? You're not excited, Saya?" Ryuu's eyes reflected his enthusiasm.

Saya raised an eyebrow at Ryuu's behaviour and smiled. "Define excited."

Tadashi laughed at Ryuu and Saya's conversation. They really were close. Ryuu did say that they were childhood friends.

"Now, now. Even if Matsumoto was late, there's even more who are late," Katsura stated with a sigh as she crossed her arms.

"Those late comers! Don't they realize that being punctual is important?" Atsushi Yamada cried, standing up as straight as he always did. Despite it being a day off though, he was still wearing a suit.

"H-home... H-home... Twenty-four hours and I'll be home again..." Mayumi was murmuring to herself, fiddling around restlessly. She didn't enjoy being in crowds at all.

"What are you overreacting for, Mayumi?" Akira asked, bursting with energy as usual. "Let's all enjoy ourselves!"

"Geez, did I have to be here?" Yasuo groaned to himself, pulling his hands behind his head.

"Yes, you did." Everyone turned their head towards Mr. Nobuo, and he was back to his regular, tedious self. Yawning, he fixed the hat he wore on his head.

"That's right," Izumi agreed with an assertive look. "I've been here countless of times before but my father wanted to give my allies something. I settled on eeny, meeny, miny, moe and ended up choosing to bring the CRF. You all should be grateful."

"Really?" Akira exclaimed, her baby blue eyes sparking with delight. "Your dad is giving this to us?"

Izumi frowned at her proximity. "Yes. Now back away from me. There's something called personal space."

Akira blinked slowly before doing as told. "Sorry, Izumi. Is this good?"

"Farther," Izumi responded.

Akira did as told, shuffling back a few steps. "Here?"

"Keep going."

Akira peeked over her shoulder, dodging Yasuo and Katsura who stood in her way. "Is this good—" She didn't finish because she managed to trip over her untied laces. With a small scream, she fell fast onto the cement.

"Akira, are you all right?" Saya rushed to her aid immediately and with a small sniffle, Akira picked herself up. Her attention was on the identical scrapes on her knees that she had sustained from the fall. Her bottom lip quivered. "At least they're not bleeding," Saya breathed out in relief.

"They hurt," whined Akira, flinging her arms around Saya's shoulders. "They hurt! Saya, make them feel better!"

Saya nearly fell over, her mouth hanging open. "E-eh! A-Akira!"

"Waah! They hurt! I think I'm going to die!"

"B-but they're just scratches! Here! I packed band-aids!"

Yasuo appeared about ready to hurt Akira for the ruckus she was causing and Katsura was slightly miffed as well.

"And she's still in my radius," Izumi muttered under her breath, but since she said it in the low voice she did, Akira hadn't heard.

"So... who else isn't here yet?" Ryuu questioned aloud to shift everyone's focus onto something else.

"I apologize that I'm late." Ayame Kobayashi joined the group of eleven, catching them all off guard. Turning their heads, each and every one of their eyes landed on the female whose casual attire was shocking for someone like her. She wore a grey dress with a purple ribbon around her waist, purple knee-high boots, and a small daffodil in her tied up hair.

Everyone was jaw-dropped for a while, in awe over Ayame. Confused at their staring, Ayame tilted her head to the side—a gesture that only added to the innocence she was radiating.

"What is the matter, everyone?"

"Uh, it's nothing!" Ryuu hollered quickly before stomping down the pavement towards the bus. "Let's go!"

Everyone followed Ryuu in suit, and Izumi did so as well after sending an unfriendly scowl Ayame's way. Not until everyone was already ahead of him did Tadashi then tag along.

Prior to entering the bus, Ayame seized him by the arm to stop him. Tadashi's eyes widened and he slowly turned his head towards her.

"Yes?" he asked.

Ayame appeared as if she wanted to say something, but instead unhanded him and pointed to his head. "You have bed hair."

Tadashi put his hand to his dishevelled hair in surprise. Ugh, because he was late he didn't get the time to comb it! How embarrassing.

Tadashi spared a small peek Ayame's way as she climbed up the stairs for the bus. He couldn't help but wonder if that was that all that she needed.

At the notion, Tadashi shook his head. No, he had to stop anticipating the worst all the time! Positive thoughts only.

"Tadashi, hurry up!" Ryuu shouted, rapping on the window from the inside.

Tadashi recoiled slightly, but did as told, nearly stumbling on the steps on his way up. "I want a window seat!"

Iori and Kiyoshi were going to be okay.

☻ ☺ ☻

"We have plenty of things planned for you today! Enjoy your stay!" Grinned one of the advisors. He was quite young, a college or university student most likely. He peered over toward Tadashi and held out his hands. "Those bags look heavy. Want me to help with those?"

Tadashi shook his head, knowing he was referring to Izumi's things. "I can manage. Where are the cabins?"

His expression morphed into a small smile that made Tadashi's skin crawl. He neck craned upwards at the male who merely chuckled.

"Are you sure you don't want help?"

Before Tadashi could reply to him once again, Ayame stood in front of him with her usual cold expression. "We don't have enough time as it is so can you please lead us to the cabins so we could begin our activities?"

The blond laughed slightly at Ayame's over-protectiveness, and nodded.

"Yes, of course! This way!" He sauntered off, leading everyone else towards the cabins.

Tadashi's eyes trailed after the male. What a weird guy.

"Matsumoto," Ayame said, breaking Tadashi out of his daze.

He blinked rapidly. "What?"

With a frown, Ayame pointed toward the rest of their clubmates who were already at a great distance from them. "Let's go."

"Oh, yeah." Tadashi nodded before following them.

The male advisor led them to the cabins and they all set down their bags and things inside, boys with the boys and girls with the girls.

Then, they began the activities. They played soccer, went canoeing, participated in treasure hunts—practically regular things people usually did at camp. Though, everything they did do or received was still top class, as it was a famous day camp for celebrities. At the end of the long day, they were given the task to prepare dinner with only a fire and very few ingredients they provided for them.

"Ryuu! Come help me!" Saya called over to her childhood friend whilst molding the rice together with her hands.

Ryuu manoeuvred his way over to the redhead and looked over at what she was preparing. "Rice balls?" he said, making a face. "Is that the only thing you could make?"

"Hey! I could totally make more things!" Saya objected in defence.

"Are you sure about that? Whenever we always used to go camping or whenever I came over, you'd always make the rice balls," Ryuu pointed out with a cheeky grin. "I've never heard of a girl who can't cook."

Saya reddened. "I so can! Stop being sexist, Ryuu. You meanie."

She glanced away, puffing her cheeks.

Ryuu laughed, patting her head. "Sorry, you know I didn't mean it."

"God, just kiss already," Izumi gagged, strolling pass them and towards to the stoves.

"K-kiss?!" Saya yelled, turning as bright as her hair.

Ryuu also blushed furiously.

"I don't get how you guys aren't together yet. It's so obvious you're flirting," Izumi responded, shaking her head in disbelief as she put some fish sticks onto the grill.

"We were not!" Ryuu objected, though the blush on his cheeks said otherwise.

Izumi shot Saya and Ryuu a disapproving look. "You two should just be more honest with yourselves."

"We are!" Ryuu snapped, folding his arms. "We weren't flirting."

She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. Not my problem. I'm just saying that one day, you won't be able to say what you want and end up regretting it."

Saya dropped her gaze in embarrassment as Ryuu looked away.

"The two of us... have nothing to say," Saya mumbled softly.

"Hehe, Izumin lectured them!" Haru cooed, tossing a lollipop into his mouth.

"Don't call me Izumin!" the blonde growled.

"Everyone, stop arguing and cook!" Atsushi decided to bark, stepping up to quiet the noise. "This should be a time for relaxing. Not for unnecessary squabble."

"Says the guy that came to relax wearing a suit," Yasuo snorted. He sat cross-legged on one of the logs surrounding the camp fire, doing nothing productive in the very least.

"Just because you come to relax doesn't mean that you have to come wearing such frivolous clothing!" Atsushi stated, pointing his pointer finger at Yasuo. He was probably referring to Yasuo's black t-shirt with a big white skull in the middle and sweatpants. "Even if I am wearing a punctual attire, I'll have you know that this is my relaxation attire."

"Oh geez... You even label your clothing? Be more free, dude."

"'Being free' sounds like another way to be called an idiot. Therefore, no thanks."

"Huh? Are you calling me stupid?" Yasuo demanded, rising from the log with his fists outstretched. An animated vein was prominent on his head.

"Your low intelligence aside," Atsushi responded, "I am implying that you are nowhere near what a true man should be like."

"A true man?" Yasuo repeated and stomped up to Atsushi, giving him a deathly scowl. Atsushi returned the look, but a lot less killer. "And you're saying that you are?"

"Obviously."

Yasuo grounded his teeth, holding back the urge to punch the guy. He glanced behind him and pointed toward the first thing his eyes landed upon: food. "Then... real men are able to eat a whole lot of food aren't they?" he posed. "I'll show you just how much I could eat!"

"The fact that you're even suggesting such is proof of your stupidity." Atsushi crossed his arms, his glare not faltering. "All right. I accept your challenge. But let me tell you now: you'll lose."

"With that scrawny body of yours, yeah right. I'll be surprised if you can even finish one plate."

Atsushi squared his shoulders. "I can say the same to you."

Yasuo did the same, but he easily towered over him from his height. "Yeah, well I said it first!"

Electro waves of their hatred hovered around the cooking area and everyone sighed.

"They're at it again," Akira exhaled, shaking her head.

"Sh-Should w-we st-stop them?" Mayumi stuttered, setting the food they prepared onto a plate. Mayumi had first started out with cooking but after two failed attempts of burning the beef skewers, Akira turned her over to 'plate duty.' Not that Mayumi argued anyway. It was way easier and less stressing this way.

"If we did that, we'll be the next ones they argue with," Katsura answered, taking her now finished shrimp to where Mayumi was.

"Ooh! Ayame is heading towards them! And she does not look happy!" Akira commentated, watching from afar while the snow-haired female charged towards the quarreling boys.

"Stop fighting!" Ayame barked, her frustration clear on her face. The two boys jumped under the girl's icy glare. "If you two want to be able to eat, help out," she went on, firmly. "If not, no dinner."

The threat caused Yasuo to bob his head, and Atsushi to salute.

"Yes, ma'am!"

"Do not call me ma'am," Ayame snapped.

Atsushi recoiled. "Y-yes... woman."

With that, the two sped off towards the kitchen to assist everyone else, and soon, dinner was ready. All CRF members assembled with their food at the camp fire site—except Mr. Nobuo who was currently snoring on the grass. The sparks from the flames illuminated their now darkened environment.

"Today went by fast," Ryuu spoke up, digging in to his meat kebab.

"Too bad Fatora couldn't come though," Saya said.

"Oh, he didn't come?" Tadashi asked, blinking. Juzo was typically so quiet, Tadashi found it natural to believe that he was there all the time. It was just the type of person Juzo was.

Saya bobbed her head up and down. "When I called him this morning and told him to tag along he said he had other things to do."

She tilted her head up so that she was staring up at the twinkling stars.

"It would've been better if he came, though. Be with all my friends and everything."

Everyone silently stared at the magenta haired girl, having nothing to say at her comment. Though, once she had said it, they all remembered Iori and Kiyoshi. If only they were to come too...

As if Saya had recalled something, her head jerked back down and her gaze shot left and right. "Everyone!"

"What?" Akira questioned in surprise. Her actions had piqued everyone's interest.

Saya bit her lip before starting, "I... About Yutaka and Oogawa... They—"

"Aww, Sasarin is blushing!" Haru yelled and everyone veered their attention towards Ryuu.

"I-I wasn't! Haru!" He blushed beet red.

"Sasarin and Saya sitting in a tree~!"

"Shut it!"

"Ignore them." Ayame rolled her eyes. They all returned their focus to Saya. "What was it you wanted to say?"

Tadashi caught Saya's hesitation as she looked at everyone, wearing a fake smile. "I-It's nothing! I was just going to say...that I missed them too."

"We all do," Tadashi reassured her and smiled warmly. "But the police will find them! For sure!"

Saya's eyes widened at first. Then, she smiled softly. "Yeah."

"Enough about that," Katsura spoke up and pointed to the two males behind her. "I think we should call it a night. They both seem to be knocked out already."

There, both Yasuo and Atsushi lay, their legs sticking out from behind the logs they were seated on, the rest of their bodies laying on the grass. Beside them were countless number of plates, all wiped clean until they were practically shining. Their bellies indicated that they had eaten quite a lot within the small amount of time everyone was chatting, and seeing their friends' peaceful, yet reckless nap, everyone in the circle started to laugh. Even Ayame—the coldest of all—managed to crack a smile. Though, it didn't last.

"Okay, let's call it a night!" Akira stretched, pulling her hands behind her head. "Sasahara, Harucchi, and Matsumoto could drag those two to their cabin."

"Finally. This camp always takes a toll on me," Izumi sighed, heading off before anyone else could.

"You've come here before?" Akira asked, keeping up with her.

"Well duh, I am famous."

"Wow! That's so amazing, Izumi! What did you do the other times you came here?"

"Why do I have to tell you what I did?"

"Because we're friends!"

"Since when?"

Their pointless bickering carried on as the two went further and further away on their route back to their cabin.

"Goodnight, everyone. I'll see you all in the morning." Katsura nodded and gave everyone a small smile before walking after Izumi and Akira.

Mayumi hurried behind her without even bothering to say her goodbye's.

"Guess we're stuck carrying the idiots," Ryuu sighed as he headed towards the two bodies. "Come on, Haru, Tadashi!"

"Aye, aye!" Haru said.

Before Tadashi could help his two friends out, somebody grabbed his sleeve. He jerked his head back in shock to find Ayame standing there.

"Meet me in the small forest we went to for the treasure hunt."

His eyelids rose. "Huh?"

"Oh, Kobayashi, need anything?" Ryuu inquired once he had hauled Atsushi over his shoulder. He had turned to find Ayame standing beside Tadashi and was slightly confused.

"Nothing," was what she replied before walking in the direction of the cabins. "Goodnight."

Blinking, Tadashi shifted his gaze and found Haru struggling to keep Yasuo up. Laughing at his friend's attempt, Tadashi hurried up to him and helped him carry their violent comrade back to the cabins.

☻ ☺ ☻

"Meet me in the small forest we went to for the treasure hunt."

Tadashi sighed, making his way up the large dirt slopes and slippery pathways as he stalked up the mountain trail. "I wonder what Kobayashi wants to tell me..."

Maybe something was wrong. Why else would she call him out? Another conspiracy?

Ugh... The feeling was gnawing at him from the pit of his stomach. What would she say?

Finally arriving at the broad area of grass, trees, and other types of vegetation, Tadashi came to a halt. "This is where we found that egg during the treasure hunt today," he murmured to himself, stepping further into the forest. "I wonder where Kobayashi is?"

Stumbling over the small hill that seemed to come out of nowhere, Tadashi's eyes landed on a breathtaking sight. There, under the light of the moon and stars was Ayame, her lustrous white hair swaying lightly along with the small wind. She sat with her hands laced around her knees, which she had pulled close to her chest. Tadashi felt his cheeks heat up, unable to stop the reaction.

Hearing the slight shuffle of feet, Ayame's head slowly turned around, her alluring purple eyes locking with Tadashi's pale green ones. "Oh, Matsumoto, you're late."

Taking a deep breath, Tadashi stepped towards Ayame. "Sorry. After we brought Yasuo and Atsushi back to the cabin, I had to wait until Ryuu and Haru went to bed, otherwise they would've pestered me about where I was going."

Ayame stood up on her feet. "I see."

Things got awkward. Tadashi found his eyes travelling back and forth between the girl. What was she going to say?

Ayame opened her mouth, pulling a strand of hair behind her ear. "Actually, I have something to tell you."

"Something to tell me?" Tadashi mustered up the courage to stare directly at her.

She nodded slowly. "It would be best to tell everyone else all at once, but there are some within our group that we can't trust."

Tadashi's cocked his head to the side. "Can't trust? What do you.."

She cut him off. "I'll explain from the beginning so just listen. Everything that I say to you from here on out is between us only." She looked directly into Tadashi's eyes, her gaze cold and serious. "I'm telling you this because I believe I can trust you, Matsumoto."

"Trust me?" He frowned. Why was everyone always saying that to him?

Ayame ignored Tadashi's confusion and sighed, glancing away. She suddenly couldn't find it in her to stare at him in the eyes. "Saya Asahina and Iori Yutaka," she began, swallowing hard. "They're the ones responsible for the kidnappings."