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It was already after his first ride; he started to understand why this is so fun. He spent all his saved money for the bike, licence but he didn’t regret it. Even he didn’t regret that he had to retake the exam twice. He got his licence and didn’t think too long before he went for a long trip with his best friends. He was still surprised that Furuya and Seki followed his steps. After first burst of joy, Murayama remembered why exactly he wanted a bike so badly, but he never said it aloud. One day Seki asked him why he called Cobra twentieth time during a day even he already had the bike was ordered already and advance payment was paid. Before Murayama simply answered that he must consult with the specialist but now that wasn’t so easy to avoid these questions. His friends were surprised that Cobra picked up every single call and answered all questions.
Murayama really liked these phone calls because they helped him to collect thoughts. He felt that he’s calmer and relaxed besides, he wanted to hear this deep voice every day. Especially at the evenings when he came back home and was tired. Because even if Murayama had many loud and loyal friends, he sometimes felt lonely. He never admitted it and hide behind his image of confident guy, who just graduated. But life as an adult wasn’t so exciting so buying a bike was a way to make everything a little more colourful and interesting. And first, it was the best chance to be in touch with Cobra. The leader of Sannoh never judged or moralized him and during this evening calls they started talked about bikes, but topic changed into talks about everyday life. Murayama always admired him as a leader and boss but now he started to know him as a normal guy or… a friend. He didn’t think that he is going to called him that, but it happened. He told him what he really thinks, and he wasn’t afraid to show his weakness and doubts. He wasn’t sure if it was mutual, but he was happy with that what he had.
When he was already the proud owner of the bike, he sent everybody a photo with short add that he is going on a trip to check bike’s capabilities. Cobra also received this message, but Murayama’s disappointment was big when he saw only the short answer only with emoticon “thumb up.”
That was a week ago. Murayama knew that Cobra wasn’t the person who write first and he was so excited, so he didn’t contact him either. Shortly after coming back, he sent a massage “Bikes are cool” but he didn’t receive any answer for a few days. He didn’t expect that it’s going to hurt as it did. “So, that’s the reality” he thought and smiled bitterly.
Long rides across empty roads made him think a lot. He had chance to sort up his feelings. With the passing of time, he grew up and the one who, not always directly but next to him was Cobra. Murayama was happy that these phone calls gave a chance to get closer to him. From time to time, he visited Sannoh’s territory and was surprised when people wasn’t wary of him anymore probably thanks to Chiharu but he hoped that Cobra took a part in it too.
He wasn’t sure when he realised that what he feels toward Cobra it’s not only admiration and growing sympathy. Murayama always didn’t pay big attention to things like love or romance because his whole live was fights or wasting time with friends. After a while they told him that with this attitude, he broke Oshiahe’s heart. So now, is it his heart also broken when Cobra stopped to answering him?
It was already late afternoon when he wrote another short message “I’ll be next to Itokan in thirty minutes.” He put his phone in the pocket, wear his favourite blue jacket with dragon’s print and get on the bike. He didn’t why he’s going there and what he wants to say but staying in one place makes him angry. The loud sound of engine made him smile, he stepped on the gas and drove off.
He was in front of Itokan ten minutes earlier and he was lucky that police didn’t catch him because he broke almost all road traffic regulations. The parking lot was empty so probably everyone was still at work. Murayama had hope that Cobra will finish earlier and they’re going to have chance to talk in private. He created in his mind all scripts what he wants to say but everything sounded stupid and cheesy.
He’s not the type of person who talks with easy about feelings and emotions different than friendship and bonds with other Oya High students. It’s easier to punch someone than talk and that’s why he started to feel very annoyed and angry at himself.
“What the hell I’m doing here?”
“To be honest, I’m going to ask the same, you know?” answered someone with interest and amusement in voice. Murayama turned around, wondered when he started to be so careless, and it was easy to come closer to him unnoticed. In front of him stand young, not very tall man and smiled mysteriously. Murayama was sure that he saw him somewhere – bleached blond hair, old, worn-out jeans, and conspicuous coat with leopard spots.
“So? The King of Oya High?” blond smiled broader seeing surprise at Murayama’s face. “Ah, sorry, Former King.”
“Who the fuck are you?” Murayama felt that his patience starts to end. Especially now, when the stranger didn’t answer and just tilted his head with smirk on his face like he wants to show that he’s very amused. It was too much so Murayama went to well-tried methods and tried to throw his fist. But the man dodged all his punches without effort.
“They said that you started to be weaker, but I see your effort, good for you.”
In this moment Murayama realised that he knows this style of fighting. He remembered very well the day when White Rascals fought with Doubt and Mighty Warriors. The man who is standing in front of him was no other than Cobras opponent and that means trouble. Blond man fixed his shoes and was ready to attack when they both heard sound of bike. Murayama knew this sound very well.
“Hey Cobra-chan, good timing” said happily when Cobra stopped his bike and looked in their direction with surprise in eyes.
“What are you doing?” he asked, coming closer.
“You ignore all my messages with invitation for a drink, so I came personally” said other man before Murayama had chance to react. He processed his words for a short while and when he caught the meaning, he started to feel how his stomach tighten. He gripped his fists tighter, and nails were digging in his palm.
“That was unnecessary” Cobra sounded tired and uninterested.
“Cold as always” the stranger shrugged his shoulder and looked at Murayama. “Besides, what a coincidence that two SWORD leaders are meeting in the same place. So, would like to introduce me to the former king of Oya High?”
“I don’t need to know you” Murayama lost all his patience. “Now I just want to kick your ass and doesn’t matter if you’re from Mighty, Doubt or whatever. You piss me off.”
“What a shame. Well then, you’re ready? Let me evaluate your reputation.”
Murayama was so ready to punch someone to give release of his emotions and now it was the best opportunity. But it was the second time this day when he was stopped, this time by Cobra who put hand on his shoulder.
“We were supposed to meet today” said Cobra, slightly squeezed hand his shoulder but he was still looking at the stranger. “Shove off, Jesse.”
“And I started to think that you don’t remember my name anymore” Jesse carefully looked at them up and down and finally sighed dramatically. “You could tell me that you’re already dating someone but that… That’s quite surprising.”
Murayama had problems to follow the conversation. His brain couldn’t process current mix of emotion – being angry at Jesse and at the same time this stupid feeling in his chest caused by Cobra’s gesture. He wasn’t used to this kind of contact between them because all they did before, was fighting. He was feeling strange but short after, his mind went blank when he understood the meaning of word “dating.” Dating? No. NO! He came to his senses when Jesse came closer to him. He was shorter but his presence was big and a little overwhelming when he was looking straight in his eyes.
“So, if it’s like this, I say 'pass' today BUT!” Jesse raised his hand and waved with index finger. “Be careful because I can steal him from you anytime.”
“What…?” before Murayama reacted, Jesse turned around, said short “bye”, and went away. “HUH?! What’s wrong with this dude?! What does it mean?! Hey, Cobra-chan, could you….”
When he saw Sannoh’s leader’s face it made him a little confused. Since they started to meet often, Murayama noticed slight changes in Cobra’s expression. He started to know when he was amused or angry but today it was something new. He wasn’t sure if it’s confusion or embarrassment. Unsure what to say or do, he looked at Cobra’s hand still in his shoulder and then at him.
“Cobra-chan?” he asked after a moment, what woke up the blond man and he took a hand quickly and put deep in his jacket.
“Oh, yeah, sorry” said with hoarse voice. “So, you wanted to meet because…?”
“Yeah, that… Well, I wanted…” Murayama made strange move in direction of his bike and started to speak faster than usual but he tried to sound casual. “I know, I sent a picture and all, but I thought that you want to see it and how to put it… thank you?” he finished awkwardly because it was a little unnatural for him to thank someone. In general, he wanted to repay and also say sorry because he knew that sometimes he was a nuisance. Now, when Cobra didn’t answer, he wasn’t that much surprised because he always didn’t say much. During their talks it was Murayama who was blabbering, and Cobra sometimes added single sentences. When there was silence between that, it seemed natural but now it started to be awkward. Finally, Cobra looked at the bike and Murayama felt that he can breathe again.
“Good choice” Cobra smiled approvingly and came closer to take a better look. In the moment, when he looked up, Murayama started to be confused seeing the gentleness in this glance. “Come with me.”
Murayama didn’t want to argue because it was a rare occasion to see Cobra who takes the initiative towards him. He was intrigued so he followed him without a word. He wasn’t in this part of Sannoh’s region – they passed small shops and houses and after a while they started to climb up the metal stairs. They arrived at the high scaffolding and saw the view which contains many roofs, pylons and thousands of cables stretched from house to house. The hubbub of the street wasn’t heard good, and the sun started to set, and everything took the orange colour. Cobra stopped at one of the crosswise passages, leaned on a balustrade and looked ahead still with the same, gentle look. Murayama followed it and saw the same view – slightly squalid town, full of old buildings but in the distance were a little foggy mountains and sky, which changed colours from blue to purple. It was something in this view what makes it pleasant and gives a sense of security.
“So, where are we?” Murayama was the first who broke the silence.
“Since I remember, I’m coming here to look at the city and I’m glad that we protected it” nostalgy was well heard in Cobra’s voice. “This place brings back many memories. It’s important for me but the only persons who know about it, are Yamato and Noboru.”
“Hmm” for Murayama it was one more surprise during this day and he tried to hide it under his usual grin. “I didn’t know that you’re so nostalgic, Cobra-chan.”
“I’m coming here to think” Cobra wasn’t taken aback. Completely opposite, he concerted all his focus at Murayama, who tried not to look away. “Last time, when we talked, you sounded sad.”
Murayama tried to say something, but he just managed to utter strange sound; something between surprise and indignation. Indeed, last time when he called, he had dreadful day at work. He wasn’t sure, probably he even punched someone. Because he was Seki’s best friend and they both begged his father, he wasn’t fired. It was the day when he thought this adulthood sucks and he doesn’t need it anymore.
“No… I don’t know what you mean” he finally uttered and smiled awkwardly. “I'm fine, I bought a bike, so….”
“Murayama” Cobra said firmly making him shut up immediately. Second later he changed his tone into softer. “You know that you don’t have to pretend?”
It was like a nail in the coffin. For a long time, he tried to hide his feelings behind a thick wall and only show himself as undefeated, without fears and doubts. They both were somehow the same; they were showing true self just in front of people, who were the most important for them. Murayama was tired of pretending and only Cobra was the one, who sees his true personality. Only Cobra really listens to him. Only his presence gives him moment of relief. He needs Cobra's voice every day. He needs Cobra always next to him. “Ah, so that’s these fuckin butterflies in stomach” he thought.
“Cobra-chan, you’re making me crazy” he said finally aloud.
“Excuse me?”
“I’ll say it one more time: you’re making me crazy” Murayama looked at his shoes and nervously combed his hair making his bandana almost fell off. “Fuck, screw this!”
“Murayama, I don't understand what you are trying...”
“Fuck it all! I love you, okay? You’re damn bastard who caused this and I don’t know if I should punch you or what.”
He didn’t have to decide if he can hit him because Cobra just let out small laugh. It was the first real, warm smile just for him. He seemed still a little amused when he made first small ahead and reached a hand towards him. Murayama was ready to be hit because he realized what he said and regretted it already. But Cobra only pulled off his bandana and this gesture made him speechless.
“It was the first time when someone confessed love to me in this way but it’s your style, I think.” He said calmly and Murayama wondered if there’s something what discompose him. He felt like an absolutely fool.
“Whatever. Never mind. Forget that I said anything” he muttered. “Thanks for everything. I won’t bother you anymore and I’m leaving now.”
“Murayama, stop being childish and let me finish” Cobra sounded a little annoyed which pissed him off even more.
“FORGET IT, okay? Murayama said with emphasis and tried to held eye contact like it could help him keep the rest of his dignity. He wanted to do something impossible and turn back the time. He knew he can’t do that, so he decided to end everything right here and right now. He felt a little unsure when Cobra made another step ahead and in violated his personal space. He never ran away so immediately tried to fight back but his attempt collapsed. Cobra already held his wrists in tight grip, and they started to struggle. Just when the metal barrier started to dig painfully in Murayama’s back, he stopped his movements, but he still held the eye contact. To his surprise he didn’t saw anger in Cobra expression, only something like uncertainty and embarrassment. He didn’t know what to think about it, but his mind went completely blank when Cobra kissed him. Basically, he just brushed Murayama's lips lightly with his, but Murayama felt that his heart which once stopped, now is racing stupidly fast and he must remember to breath. Before he could compose himself, Cobra back off and turn the head to not look at him and hide his embarrassment.
“What…?” Murayama’s voice was hardly heard.
“My answer.”
“Huh? Your what? Oh. Right.” the silence between them was awkward but finally Murayama decided to make first move. “So maybe… Let’s take bikes and go for a ride?”
“Sure” the relief was in Cobra’s voice, and he smiled. Without any delay Murayama followed him and didn’t try to hide his big smile.
***
In the meantime, on the roof of nearest building.
“I won the bet!” Yamato said proudly and reached his hand to Furuya for money and didn’t pay any attention to Seki, who looked through binoculars, cried and muttered “congratulations” repeatedly.
“Damn it. I didn’t expect the first kiss before the first date” Furuya unwillingly gave money to Yamato and hit Seki to stop his sobbing.
“I know Cobra for so long that more or less I can predict his actions” Yamato shrugged and added. “It had to happen. He was sighing so often and checked his phone that it started to be annoying.”
“But they could hold hands now or something” mumbled Tetsu and Dan without word snatched binoculars from him and looked at him with disapproval.
“Do you really think that they’re going to show themselves in public?”
“Not a chance.” Answered Yamato and Furuya in unison.
“Murayama-san, I’m so happy for you” Seki howled, and other guys just let out heavy sigh.