The situation wasn’t looking great. We stayed up for hours going over the matter, trying to come up with answers. I’m so on edge I snapped at Yasu twice during the conversation, as if he caused our unfortunate situation. I think I annoyed him. He walked out for a smoke three times during the conversation.

Yasu had BMS! (Bitchy Men Syndrome)

“Don’t worry about him. Yasu is feeling frustrated,” Uta said when we were alone. “I know he may come off a little—”

“Short-tempered. Arrogant.” I provided.

“No.” He threw a glare my way. “He may come off insolent and unfriendly. I think deep down he’s a good lad, only mistaken most of the time. That’s all.”

“Uh-huh. I wonder why.”

“Yasu has his reasons for acting the way he does. He has been through a lot.”

Uta struggled to explain himself. Maybe because he was making excuses for his complex and arrogant friend.

“You still think you met him before.”

“I know I have.”

“If Yasu was someone you know, wouldn’t you’d remember?”

“Do you remember everyone you spoke to?” I almost demanded.

“It’s been a hectic night; the stress is playing with your mind.” I rolled my eyes at that.

The night dragged on, discussion flowing like champagne at a bachelorette party. I got sick of chatting and decided I needed a break. I got up, leaving them both to deal with all that drama and pressure.

“Need a smoke?” I looked back to see Yasu holding up a box of cigarettes and a lighter. “I promise it’s more therapeutic than stressing.”

“I’ll pass.”

“Suit yourself.”

I hauled on my hoodie and stepped outside. The cool breeze blew my hair in my face and penetrated my skin, creating tiny goosebumps on my legs. I moved further away, to the side of the house, not wanting them to see me through the windows. I felt like I was about to lose it at any second. I felt like someone was pressing on my face with a pillow and I couldn’t breathe. I’m scared.

What if we didn’t find it? I closed my eyes, and my body just wouldn’t stop quivering. I’m feeling this awful uneasiness, and my heart was shaking in my chest and vibrating through my entire body. The fear I feel sent shivers through my arms, to the tip of my fingers. I sighed, trying to calm myself. What was the point of tripping? It would not make finding a cure easier. What I feared most was what could happen to Uta.

Before long, I felt arms wrap tightly around me and smooth lips slide down my neck, causing me to quiver. I instantly felt relaxed and Uta turned me around to face him. His eyes searched mine and mirrored my sadness.

“You’re even more attractive when you stress?” His voice warmed me. It was sweet and smooth.

“Maybe I need to stress more.”

“I wish you wouldn’t. Too much attractiveness will make others steal you from me.” He brushed my cheek.

His hands rested on my hips and pulled me closer to him, so close I could feel the outline of his chest. In one swift movement, Uta spun me around and placed me on the grass. It was so sudden it made my head dizzy, and my stomach dropped.

He lay next to me. He said nothing as he moved his fingers from my thigh to my belly. I trembled.

“Where is Yasu?” I asked to break the silence.

“He’s getting settled. How are you taking the news?”

“Fine, I guess. I am concerned and more worried for you,” I admitted.

“It’s all going to work out, Ji-Hye. I promise.”

“I sure hope you’re right, Uta.”

“Hey. Have I ever let you down? I know you’re scared and I’m not saying you shouldn’t feel that way. I’m troubled about what’ll happen if you lose it in a crowded area because of what’s happening.”

“That’ll never happen,” I said, knowing he might be right.

“Won’t it? I saw you earlier trying to calm down. I promise I won’t let anything happen to you. You’ve to believe that.”

“I do.” I sighed. “But—”

Uta pulled me over on his chest and cut me off with a kiss so powerful; I forgot what I was about to say. He was trying to calm my mind and I’m not about to complain. All too soon, I was flipped over and pinned me on the grass. Uta looked down at me and smiled. I blushed, and he pushed his body against mine, his gold chain dangling around his neck. Uta leaned in and when I thought I’m about to feel his lips against mine, he paused, teasing me. I could no longer resist and pulled my hands free from his hold and hauled his face to mine and our lips moved in perfect harmony.

We went on like that for a while, forgetting our problems and allowing the sweetness of our kisses to take our fears away. When he pulled away, my face was hot and I’m breathing like I’d run ten blocks.

“I can get used to your technique of taking my mind off things.”

He chuckled and brushed my cheek as he sat up and rested his hands on his knees, looking out in the darkness that hovered in his backyard.

Uta gazed down at me. “I got you. Don’t worry.”

“Yeah? And who’s got you?”

“God.”

“Aren’t you happy Yasu is here despite the circumstances under which he came?” I opted for a subject change.

“Yeah. It’s nice.”

I wondered how long before I adapt to Yasu since we weren’t getting along. It was important for me to get along with him, even if that meant biting my lip and smiling when secretly I wanted to squeeze the life out of him.

“I know this wasn’t the way you were looking to spend your weekend and I’m sorry about that.”

“Long as I get to see you, it’s all good.”

“You’re the best.” He brushed my lips. “I will have Alfred take you home and Yasu and I will keep searching. I’ll let you know something by tomorrow.”

After our little alone time together, we returned inside. I heard so many things tonight I felt like I’d been riding a roller-coaster for hours; my mind was still whirling from it all.

“I’ll see you tomorrow.” Uta kissed me on the forehead. I turned towards the door.

“Goodnight, Feisty.”

I turned my head and saw Yasu leaning against the railing. I frowned. He was shirtless! The bastard was shirtless.

“Goodnight arrogant,” I replied.

He just nodded, more focused on his mobile, and from the look of things, I could only assume he was texting one of his many girlfriends as his long slender fingers flashed across the keyboard effortlessly.

“With you and Yasu’s bickering, I don’t know what I will do.”

I smiled, dreading Yasu’s time with us. I threw another glance in time to see him turning his back on us, sauntering toward his room. He was well-toned but slender, with little muscles lined throughout his arms, legs. A large tribal tattoo covered his entire back. The solid thick patterns of lines and curves seemed complex, just like his character.

“I’ll see you.”

I looked back at him. “See you.”

Neither of us wanted to let, and I held tighter, which made Uta laugh. In his eyes, I saw what I treasured most.

“We will have to let go at some point.”

“Maybe.”

Eventually, I made myself let go and stepped outside. I could see Alfred from where I stood, waiting on me outside the gate next to the car. I’m a few distances away from him now. His face betrayed his melancholy.

“Missing you already,” Uta uttered for my hearing.

It was like second nature. I’m not even mindful of the steps I’m taking towards him. When I did, Uta was already halfway down the pathway, reaching out for me. He took me in his arms and crushed his lips against mine eagerly. My entire body shook from sensation.