The End of Akira
Chapter 20: Be Careful

"So hurry!" ayano was upset.

"I'm Hiro first, see you" Akira told Hiro.

"Yes." Yeah." Hiro smiled. "I was so impressed with him" he said again staring at Akira's departure.

"You should just follow my words, Sou must have waited a long time" said Ayano annoyed.

"Sorry Ayano. About Sou, let me explain to him" Akira smiled. "Have you been friends with them for a long time?" Ask Akira.

Ayano nodded. "They're my Junior High friends so we're very close" Ayano smiled.

"Is that so? It's worth it that you guys are very familiar" Akira smiled. (Have they been like that from SMP? If true, it would be hard to tell him).

In class...

"Sou, sorry to make you wait a long time, the queue was quite long" explained Akira.

"No problem" Sou smiled.

"If Akira had said so, we would have been faster" Ayano said.

"Sorry" Akira said regretfully.

"I told you it doesn't matter, right? Come on, the Chairman is waiting" Sou said smiling at Akira.

"Alright, I take the lunchbox first" said Akira, who was taken by Sou. Soon Akira returns to Sou and Ayano.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, come on."

On the way, Sou walks first followed by Akira and Ayano in the back.

"It's the first time I've seen a sports club, I'm a little nervous" Ayano told Akira.

"really. Though I have promised to invite Ayano to see the sports club, sorry Ayano" said Akira.

"No problem. The proof is now I was invited to see the basketball club training, it means you have kept your promise" explained Ayano smiling.

"really? Can it be like that?" Akira said a smile that Ayano embraced.

A few moments later they arrived at the gym. There is already a Chairman and several other members. 

"Sou, Akira!" Call the club chairman. They then walked over to the Chief.

"Good day, brother. Sorry, because of Akira, Sou got late" Akira said, bowing.

"It doesn't matter, after all the members haven't gathered all" the Chairman smiled.

"about!" Call one of the princesses.

"Good day Brother" said Akira smiling.

"I'm the one who invited them to see our training today" explained Sou who was taken in by the Chairman.

"True Kak, please allow Akira and this, our friend Ayano to see the basketball club training" Akira said. 

"Of course I allow you, you know us anyway, don't you?" The Chairman smiled back.

"Thank you very much Brother" said Akira smiling.

"What's wrong with your hand, Akira?" Ask Chairman.

"Akira's hand was injured because Akira was careless Kak" explained Akira smiling.

"You should be more careful, Akira" said the Chairman again.

"Good Brother."

"Now everything is complete. Then we start yes" said the Chairman again.

"Sou, we will sit there" Akira pointed to the crowd.

"Yes. I put my bottle down" Sou said.

"If you can keep it on the sidelines" said the Chairman chimed.

"If I keep it there, it will be drunk by others" Sou protested.

"Reason" the Chief teased smiled.

"Is it okay Akira?" Ask Sou again.

"Of course" Akira smiled.

"Thank you very much" Sou said, giving the bottle.

"Either. We sat there yes" said Akira, who was taken by Sou.

Akira and Ayano then sit on the front bench to make it easier for Sou to take his drink when he is thirsty.

"It turns out you are familiar with basketball clubs" said Ayano.

"That's how it is, I've been here 2 times so I'm quite familiar with the members" Akira replied.

"It is so.." said Ayano nodded in understanding.

Basketball club training begins. Start with warm-up, running, shooting exercises and match practice. 

"They're really cool" Ayano said in amazement.

"You're right" Akira smiled.

(Sou is so cool if you sweat like that) Akira said inwardly watching Sou with a smile.

Sou displayed the skills he had that amazed everyone including Akira and Ayano. They occasionally clapped for the epic skill shown by Sou. He also occasionally looked towards Akira with a smile that made Akira nervous and happy simultaneously.

Sou then performs a slam dunk that makes everyone again surprised and amazed, in contrast to Akira who looks worried.

(Wouldn't Sou fall if he hung on the ring like that?) Inner Akira looked at Sou worriedly. Sou then smiled towards Akira which made her smile.

"That was a slam dunk, wasn't it?" Speak to the audience behind Akira.

"That's a pretty difficult technique even for NBA players, only a few can do it" said another.

"Is he a genius?" Ask the others.

"About you saw it? You see, right?! So cool.." said Ayano quite excited.

"Yeah, I saw that too. He's really cool" Akira smiled.

(Maybe Sou is indeed a genius) Akira said staring in admiration at Sou.

"Rest 3 minutes" said the Chairman.

Akira then approached towards Sou who was also walking towards him. 

"Here" said Akira giving Sou a bottle.

"Thank you" said Sou smiling. "How was that?" Ask.

Akira smiles. "Sou's great, really cool. But. wouldn't it be dangerous if Sou hung up like that?" Akira looked at Sou.

"Are you worried about me?" Sou asked who made Akira's cheeks flushed slightly. "Thank you for worrying about me. But you don't have to worry, I'll be fine" Sou smiled as he touched Akira's head.

(Sou is really handsome when seen up close like this, let alone with his hair soaked in sweat).

"I-iya" Akira said as she nodded.

"Sou you are so cool, I am speechless" Ayano said to Akira and Sou.

"Thank you" Sou said without looking at her.

"Other times teach me yes" said Ayano again who was ignored by Sou.

"Gather all together, the break time is up" said the Chairman.

"I go first, I drop the bottle again" Sou smiled.

Akira nodded with a smile. "The spirit of Sou."

Akira continued to stare in admiration at Sou who was playing. Akira's sweet smile was always etched on her pretty face when she saw Sou.

(Sou's really cool. His handsome face plus the sweat that soaked his body, was really very sexy. How'this? Akira can even hear Akira's own heartbeat, what should Akira do?)

"Sou is so cool, Akira! He really is like a prince!" ayano said.

"Ayano was right, Sou was like a prince" Akira smiled, but just seconds later Akira's smile faded when he saw Sou fall.

"Sou?!" Akira yelled a little when he saw Sou who had fallen after doing another slam dunk.

"Geez Sou!" ayano was surprised.

The chairman and the members quickly approached Sou.

"You okay?" Asked the Chairman approaching Sou.

Sou smiled. "I wasn't balanced on landing, but I'm fine Chairman" he said standing up.

"Other times be careful Sou. The training is enough here, we eat first" said the Chairman again.

"Good!"

Akira and Ayano then approached Sou who was sitting on the edge of the room.

"Sou, are you okay?" Ask Akira to worry.

"You okay? Is there a wound?" Ayano was also worried.

"I'm fine" Sou said as he nodded.

"Here, drink first" said Akira giving the bottle. "Don't you say you're gonna be okay?" say Akira again.

"I also didn't know I was going to fall, sorry to worry you" Sou looked at Akira.

"I was also worried earlier, you have to be more careful Sou" Ayano said.

"True, you have to be more careful" said Akira who is still worried.

Sou then smiled "I understand."

"Sou, Akira, Ayano, let's quickly get in the circle!" decreed Chairman. The basketball club always eats along with the sitting position making a big circle.

"Come on" Sou smiled.

The three of them sat close together. As usual, Akira sits between Sou and the club chairman and Ayano sits on the other side of Sou.

"It's Sou's" said Akira giving the other lunchbox.

"It seems like I've always troubled you huh, thank you very much Akira" Sou smiled.

"I don't feel bothered by Sou because I want to do it" Akira smiled.

"Thank you."

They then started eating each other. Akira ate quite slowly because his right hand was still sore and the bandage was thick enough to make it a little difficult to hold the spoon.

"Is it still sick?" Tanya Sou watched Akira.

"No, it's just a little hard to hold the spoon" explained Akira.

"Want me a bribe?" Sou asked looking at Akira.

"Eh?"

"Ah, forget it" murmured Sou with a slightly flushed face.

"If Akira does not want to, I want to be fed by Sou" said the Chairman staring at Akira and Sou alternately. While Sou and Akira both shifted their eyes.

(I reflexively say that) Sou said inwardly as he rubbed the back of his neck.

(I'm glad Sou cares about Akira, but Sou should not say such a thing in a loud voice) said Akira lowered his head in embarrassment.

"Aaaa.." said the Chairman opened his mouth ready to receive incoming food. "Why? Not so?" Tempt the Chairman again as Sou still shifted his gaze.

"Sorry" Sou said without looking at Akira.

"Ti-it's okay" said Akira who was still lowered.

"You two are very funny" said the Chairman with a smile. "It's okay. I support you, so there is no need to hesitate if there is me" the Chairman smiled.

"W-what exactly did the chairman say?" Sou asked a little nervously.

"none. Just continue eating if you don't want to faint while practicing later" the Chairman smiled. "But.. Are you sure you don't want to bribe me?" Tempt the Chairman again.

Sou then stared intently at the Chief who made him not dare to speak anymore. They continued eating quietly.

A while later...

The members are again preparing to continue their training.

"about!" Call a member of the prince.

"Yes, what's wrong?" akira approached the member.

"Do you want me to teach you how to play basketball?"

"Sorry Brother, Akira wants to learn to play basketball but today Akira's hand is injured so it seems that it can't" explained Akira.

The other...

"Are you jealous hm?" The Chairman asked after getting Sou who was staring intently at the member who was talking to Akira.

"I didn't expect, you would do such a bold thing just now" said the Chairman embracing Sou's shoulder and looking towards Akira as well. 

"I told you, didn't I? If not quickly will be taken people, Sou" said the Chairman again.

"But.."

"But what?"

(I like the smile but if I want to have that smile for myself, haven't I been so outrageous and so selfish? Akira is not my lover and I have no right to do it all) 

"Nothing" said Sou still staring intently at the member.

"What's wrong with your hand?" Said the member grabbing the injured hand of Akira.

"Tchh" Sou screeched and then left from there.

"Sou!" Call the Chairman who was ignored by him. "He must be upset."

Shortly thereafter...

"Friends rest is over, we continue the training" said the Chairman.

"Good!"

"Sou's spirit" Ayano smiled.

"Eager" said Akira also smiling.

"Titip my bottle again huh" Sou said then left Akira and Ayano.

"Yes." Yeah."

During the training this time, Sou looked a lot silent and not as active as earlier. He just keeps his own playing area.

"What's wrong with Sou?" Akira asked confusedly.

"Right, why isn't he like that? Though he is very cool" said Ayano staring at Sou.

"Is he tired?" Ask Akira again.

"Of course."

As time went on and Sou was still the same, he looked a lot silent and uninspired. He didn't even come to his aid when the other friend attacked until practice time was over.

"Our training is enough to get here. Thank you for attending friends" said the club chairman smiling.

"Thank you very much Chairman" Sou said slightly bowed. "Let's go back to class" he said again, which is taken by Akira and Ayano. Sou then walks out of gimnas first followed by Ayano while Akira approaches the Chairman first.

"Thank you for letting us watch your basketball club practice" Akira smiled.

"Tama-sama Akira. Do not hesitate to see us, the door is always open for people who want to see the basketball club" said the Chairman smiled.

"Thank you again, Akira, excuse me" Akira smiled.

"Sama-sama" said the Chairman who also smiled.

"About come!" call Sou.

"Yes." Yeah."

The hallway...

Ayano, Sou, and Akira walk side by side but Sou runs slower than Akira and Ayano.

"You're so cool Sou, I really admire you" said Ayano excitedly.

"Right, Sou is really cool" Akira smiled.

"Thank you" said Sou smiling.

"About, can I see the badminton club training?" Ask Ayano.

"I don't know, because I've never seen anyone other than the club members there" Akira explained.

"Hmm. whereas I want to see you practice" said Ayano.

"Then I will ask first" Akira smiled. "Sou?" Akira said as he looked at Sou who was left far behind.

"Quick Sou, or we'll leave you" Ayano smiled.

"Then go first" said Sou coldly.

Akira then went back to Sou. "What's wrong?"

"none. You don't have to wait for me. You can go home first if I walk slow" he said coldly.

Akira and Ayano then fell silent and stared confusedly at each other.

"Sorry Sou, that's not what I mean, I'm just kidding" explained Ayano.

"Ayano!" Call Ayano's friend. "You're here it turns out. Let's go home, everyone has gone home from before" he said, staring at Akira and Sou with a difficult look. 

"It's worth it that the people here live a little. Sorry, looks like I-"

"Your friend is waiting for you, go home!" said Sou coldly.

"But-"

Sou stared intently at Ayano's friend and then continued his steps past Akira, Ayano, and his friend.

"Sou.." murmured Akira looked at Sou. "Ayano just go home first, let me talk to him" Akira smiled.

"But.."

"Our previous plan also worked, didn't it? Don't worry" Akira said with a smile.

"Just trust him. Now come on, hurry up!" Ayano's friend said annoyed.

"Well, please Akira" said Ayano, holding her hands together.

"Yes. See you soon."

"See you, thank you Akira" Ayano said, then walked away leaving Akira there alone.

(Where are you going? Wasn't he in the opposite direction to the class?) Akira was confused. He then went after Sou who was walking in the opposite direction to Ayano.

"Sou! Sou, wait!" Call Akira a little run.

"Why did Akira follow me? Go home first, it's been a very late afternoon. I have business for a while" Sou looked at Akira at a glance and walked back.

"Are you angry with me?" Akira asked, looking at Sou.

"Whatchu mean? I'm not angry" Sou said without seeing Akira.

"really?"

"What's wrong?" Said Sou stopping his steps and looked at Akira.

"No, there's nothing."

"Then just go home first, there's something I have to do" Sou said back walking.

"No, I'm going home with Sou" Akira said walking behind Sou.

"Aren't you listening to me? My business will be a little long Akira, your brother must have been waiting below" Sou said without looking at Akira.

"Did your leg hurt?" Guess Akira who made Sou surprised. Sou then halted his steps back and turned to look at Akira 

"Don't switch Akira's conversation. Listen to me and go home" Sou smiled. He then turned his back and walked.

Akira then ran and placed Sou's hand on his shoulder.

"about?! What's up?" Said Sou surprised.

"Your leg must be hurt, let's go to the UKS" Akira said staring at Sou.

"I'm fine, my legs aren't hurt" Sou said pulling his hand from Akira's shoulder.

"really?" 

"Right, you just go home first" Sou smiled.

"Then before I go home, can I kick your leg?"

"Huh??"

Akira smiles. "Are you pretending to be strong right now? Come to the UKS" said Akira grabbed Sou's hand and placed it again on his shoulder.

"I'm fine Akira, I'm not lying" Sou smiled.

"Then let me kick your leg" Akira said, staring at Sou. "How to walk you weird Sou. I thought you were hurt when you fell. You said if something happened to tell the teacher or you didn't, but when something happened to you you didn't tell me. You said I could count on you but why don't you want to rely on me? Isn't that cheating?" Akira Protest.

"Hfff" Sou held back his laughter. (Is he sulking? Anxiousness). "All right, forgive me for cheating on you. Please take me to the UKS, it looks like my legs are sprained" Sou smiled.

(This smile.).

Akira smiled happily. "Okay, come on" Akira said as she reached for Sou.

"Am I heavy?" Sou asked looking at Akira.

Akira shakes. "No, Sou is not heavy" Akira smiled. "If I say yes, will you carry me?"

"If need be then I will" Sou smiled.

"What did you say?" Akira smiled. "I'm just kidding, Sou's not heavy because I know you must have moved your weight to the other leg isn't it?"

"Because I can still walk" Sou smiled.

"Slow it down" said Akira smiling.

"Yes." Yeah."

Of UKS...

Akira takes Sou to sit on the edge of the mattress and then opens Sou's shoes.

"Your feet are swollen Sou, does it hurt? Wait, I'll take the ice cubes first" Akira said and left.

"Ckk, this is because I was out of balance earlier" Sou muttered looking at her swollen legs in red and blue that adorned her.

Soon Akira returned with a bag of ice cubes.

"Why can it be swollen like this? What's because of being forced to practice?" Akira asked started compressing Sou's legs.

"It seems so" said Sou smiling.

"Why didn't you just stop?"

"Because it didn't hurt this much."

"You're really very cheating. You said that if I had to be more careful, it was you who were not careful" Akira said staring at Sou.

"Sorry."

"Are you ashamed to say that you're hurt? Will your pride be smeared if anyone knows your wounds? You didn't even tell the Chairman earlier and you also tried to hide it from me, would you like your leg to be amputated?" Akira looked at Sou annoyed, but the one who was stared at looked surprised.

"Sorry" Akira said, bowing his head after seeing the surprised Sou.

(It could be like this as well)

"Are you worried about me?" Asked Sou smiling.

Akira nodded weakly. "I'm so worried about you" he muttered which Sou could still hear.

Once again Sou was surprised by what Akira said. He smiled and then placed his hand over Akira's head. "Thank you, thank you for worrying about me. I'll heal right now."

"What did you say? The wound is still not healed."

"No, it's gonna heal soon" Sou smiled. "Remove the compress, I can do it myself" Sou reached out his hand.

"It's okay. Sou treated my wounds, now let me treat your wounds" Akira smiled.

"Thank you" said Sou smiling.

A while later...

"Finished" said Akira, finished rubbing Sou's swollen legs.

"Thank you Akira" Sou smiled. "I'm sorry you came home so late in the afternoon, I'll apologize to your brother later."

"It doesn't matter Sou, Big Brother definitely understands" Akira smiled.

"Then let's go home" Sou smiled.

"Come on" said Akira extending his hand.

"It's okay, I can be alone" Sou smiled. He then stood up and fell silent on the spot.

(I'd rather have a deep outer wound than an internal one like this. It hurts so much) 

"Don't force yourself, let me help you" Akira said, returning to Sou.

"Sorry Akira."

"For what?"

"I've been troubling you" said Sou bowing his head.

"Sou isn't troublesome at all because this is my wish" Akira smiled.

"Thank you."

"Thank you, too, Sou."

At the school gate...

"So, I was looking for you. Where have you been?What's wrong with Sou?" Yuki panicked.

"Sou's leg sprained Kak, so we went to the UKS first" explained Akira.

"Sorry Brother, Akira came home late for helping me" Sou said pulling his hand from Akira's shoulder.

"Sou?" Akira looked at Sou as he withdrew his hand.

"I'm fine" Sou smiled.

"No problem. Then let me take you home. You can't go home alone like this" Yuki said worriedly.

"No, brother, thank you. Sou can ask for an invitation later" Sou smiled.

"It will be a long time to wait for an invitation. Sou came home with us alone, our house is just a different complex, right?" Akira.

Sou then nodded. "true."

"Then, let's go inside" Akira smiled.

"But-"

"Just get in" Yuki said, helping Sou get into his car.

Sou sat in the back and Akira sat next to Yuki.

"What'sthis? Akira's hand hurt? How come?" Yuki said holding Akira's hand in the bandage.

"This is because Akira was not careful when the sculpting lesson was Kak" explained Akira.

"Why is Akira so careless? It must hurt, right? Been treated properly yet? We go to the hospital now" Yuki said worriedly.

"That's too much, brother. Sou has treated Akira's wounds, this is also not too painful" said Akira smiling

"really? Is it really like that? The next time Akira has to be more careful, you get hurt like this" Yuki said, staring at Akira worriedly. "Thank you for treating Akira, Sou" said Yuki smilingly looking at Sou.

"Sou didn't do anything Kak, Akira also treated Sou's wounds" Sou explained.

"Did you two make a pact to get hurt hm? How can you both get hurt and treat each other?" Tanya Yuki did not believe it.

"Where might we make a pact to get hurt, brother. If you can, Akira also does not want to get hurt" said Akira to cut his lips.

"Sirties know. Or maybe you guys.."

"Don't say anything weird, sister" Akira said again.

Yuki smiled. "alright. But Akira's really okay isn't he?"

"It's about okay, brother. Let's run the car" Akira said again.

"Ah, sorry Brother forgot" said Yuki then turned on his car and went home.

Arriving at Sou's house...

"Thank you very much, Akira" Sou smiled.

"Wait, let me help" Yuki said, getting out of her car.

"No need Brother Sou bi-"

"It's okay Sou, your legs must be very sore so it would be best if Brother Yuki helped you" Akira smiled.

"Akira, please bring the bag" said Yuki.

"Good sister" said Akira understood.

Yuki then helps Sou down and breaks him down to the front door of Sou's house.

"Let's go, Brother, Mom and Dad are working" said Sou, who is owned by Yuki.

"Excuse me" Akira said before entering Sou's house.

"Where's your room? Let me take you to the room" Yuki said again.

"There Brother."

Yuki then takes Sou to her room followed by Akira behind her. Arriving at the room, Yuki then sits Sou on her bed.

(This is the first time Akira has entered a boys room) Akira said nervously.

"Is there no one in this house but you?" Ask Yuki.

"No Brother."

"In that case, where's the P3K drug?" Yuki said again.

"That's in Kak's nightstand drawer" said Sou yuki.

Yuki then approached the nightstand that Sou showed.

(Isn't this the same photo in Akira's room?) Yuki said holding a photo of Akira and Sou taken by the photography club. "He was displaying it as well" Yuki muttered smiling.

"I keep the P3K box here so you don't move too much" Yuki smiled.

"Thank you Brother" Sou said staring at Yuki.

"Sorry Sou we have to go home, the people at home will look for us later. Sorry I can't take care of you" Yuki said again.

"No problem, Sis, Sou can be alone. Thank you for bringing Sou home" Sou smiled.

"No problem, we go home" Yuki said again.

"Sorry you can't drive" Sou said again.

"No problem, I still remember the entrance of this house" Yuki said again.

"Sou, sorry for having to leave you alone. Get well quickly and thank you for helping me out earlier" Akira said to Sou.

"Thank you for helping me with Akira" Sou smiled. "Be careful."

"Bye-bye. Rest Sou" said Akira smiling.

"You are also Akira, bye-bye" Sou said with a smile.

"We go home Sou" Yuki said.

"Yes, thank you" said Sou smiling.

The Akira house...

"Why can you get hurt like this, huh?" Shinji said in disbelief. "You're so careless" he said again.

"I don't know if Akira will get hurt either" Akira said confused.

"Come to the hospital now" Papa said worriedly.

"No need Pa, it's not a big deal. Akira is fine" Akira refused.

"Later Akira's hand infection. Don't argue, we're going to the hospital now" Papa said standing up from his seat.

"don't want. Going to the hospital will get sick. Anyway Akira does not want to go to the hospital" said Akira annoyed.

"Oh Akira, don't argue. Just follow Papa's words?" Papa said worriedly.

"No need for Pa. Akira has also recovered, this is not sick" said Akira firmly with his opinion even though he was lying.

"Based on a stone head! Let's go to the hospital now!" shinji said annoyed.

"No, Akira is fine" Akira refused.

"Of Akira, get checked first for fear of infection or how. Will Akira's hand be amputated?" Naoya.

"No want Brother. Akira has also been treated with alcohol, so there will be no infection" Akira said.

"Right Akira, let's go to the hospital. The doctor will not do anything strange to Akira, the doctor will treat the wound" Yuki explained.

"No want! No going to the hospital!" akira said stay on his feet.

"Well... (Papa breathed his breath rough) Akira sure is fine?" Ask Papa to make sure.

"Related."

"really?"

"true."

"Sister and Papa are just worried about Akira, we don't want anything bad to happen to Akira" Naoya explained.

"Sister and Papa don't have to worry, Akira is fine" Akira said again

"Yes already then" said Papa resigned. "But it's been treated right, right? Akira isn't lying, is he?" Ask Papa again.

"Right Pa, Akira wasn't lying. Akira's wounds have been treated well, just waiting for the wounds to dry" explained Akira smiling.

"Papa understands. Today there is no need to cook, let Papa order food" said Papa then left the living room.

"Why Pa? Aki-"

"There is no rejection, just follow the word Papa" said Papa again.

"Good Pa" said Akira resigned.

"When you stay in the hospital" Shinji said, upset.

"Then you go to the hospital, Akira does not want to" Akira said again.

"Be aware if Akira cries tonight because his hands hurt, Brother will not help you" said Shinji again.

"It won't cry" protested Akira.

"Already, already. Akira sure it's okay? Look at the blood still seeping into the bandage" Naoya said, holding Akira's injured hand.

"But it's not sick, you just have to wait for it to dry" explained Akira. "I'm sorry for making Brother and Papa worried" he said again with a lowered head.

"Then don't get hurt again if you don't want to worry us" Naoya said, ruffling Akira's hair.

Akira smiles. "I think you understand Brother, Akira will be more careful."