Author's notes:

Hi guys! I have some few reminders before you start reading this fic. 1) I just want to warn you that this is Rated PG for foul language. 2) Italicized words means it's either a thought—I mean the characters are talking to herself/himself in their minds OR it is a flashback. When you come to that part, just figure out what it is of those two. 3) I do not own Karekano BUT I do own this fic! 4) Please review when you are done. Thanks!

Well, that's it! Enjoy reading! TC!

Cherry Blossoms

By Maya Kitajima

Chapter 1

I will never forget that day…the day that it all started. I was looking out the window of my bedroom, admiring the big tree with pretty pink flowers by our house.

I was thinking about her that moment. Her large cheerful brown eyes, her rosy cheeks, her small smiling lips and her soft, silky, short brown hair.

Yes, I am not mistaken…that was that time…

Wow…the cherry blossoms are so beautiful…just like her…

Images of my Yukino appeared in my mind.

Oh God…how I love her…

Suddenly, my lovely daydreaming was interrupted by a familiar voice. My mood was changed by the irritating sound in my ears. It was getting closer and closer until it was like outside my door.

"Now I've got to talk to that boy. This is his room, isn't it?" The voice said. I expected a knock but then the door was rudely opened and revealed my aunt (my father's elder sister) and beside her was her son (my cousin). She was a big lady with long blonde hair tied up in a bun and my cousin was a good-looking guy with his short sun-streaked brown hair and deep emerald eyes.

"You!"

Hun, I guess she can't even say my name.

"Yes, Aunt Eiko?" I asked politely.

"Now look here, young man. My son is going to live here and is going to your…ulk…school from now on. Unfortunately, he got kicked out of his former school and was only able to pass the entrance at that filthy PUBLIC school. Listen to me, I want YOU out of his life so don't influence him on your stupid schemes. Do you get that?"

"Y-yes, ma'am."

Damn…this is gonna be hard.

A week had passed since then and fortunately, that week wasn't his first at school. He needed it for transferring his things to his new room at our house AND for getting used to the atmosphere and surroundings at out town.

But it slipped so fast and Monday, the day that I've been dreading most, came.

"Souichiro-kun." Her cheerful little voice made my day so beautiful for a moment.

"Good Morning, Yukino."

"What's wrong? You seem so gloomy before I called you." But before I could tell her the cause of my depression, the classroom door opened and our teacher came in, with the familiar brown-haired guy following him behind.

"Good Morning, sensei." We greeted and sat down.

"Class, we have a new student here as of today. His name is Kanata Shikashi." My cousin beamed and bowed down.

"How do you do?" Most of the girls shrieked as he said that.

Oh well, he is a handsome guy after all...

I glanced at Yukino and saw that like all the girls and guys in our class, she was interested in the new handsome face. Kanata sat down at the empty chair behind her and they smiled at each other as he passed.

"Arima, I heard he's your cousin so I leave it to you and Miyazawa to show him around, okay?"

"Yes, sir."

I glanced again at Yukino and saw that she was already speaking with Kanata. But as she saw me looking at her, she smiled, and again, I felt that my day was so beautiful.

The class started and I thought that it was like the usual and nothing has changed. At English class, our teacher called me to translate some paragraphs and I did as I was told to. It was the middle of the year so everyone was used to my perfect translations already. But as I sat down, I noticed that Kanata was awestruck. I smiled to myself.

Finally! I have proved to one of my relatives that I'm not worthless. Oh, I'm so happy! This is going to be fun!

After that, I proved more of myself as I solved the complex problems in Math and as I aced our History test, yet again. I felt so satisfied as the day ended. This blissful feeling continued on for a whole week.

At last Saturday came…another weekend with Yukino. I was going out my room, all set for a date with her, when I heard the door beside mine shut.

"Where are you going?" It was Kanata.

"I-I'm going out with Yukino." He frowned.

"Do you like her, Souichiro?"

"Of course. She's my girlfriend."

"What!"

Oops. Guess he hasn't found out.

"We've been together for more than a month. Why?" He scowled and punched the wall beside him.

"Darn you, Souichiro! You're just a lowlife scum!" With that, he turned around and went in his room, leaving me very confused.

What did he mean by that!

We were inside the Ferris wheel at the Amusement Park, admiring the radiant sunset. Actually, SHE was admiring it. I was lost in my thoughts, thinking about what happened earlier.

Seating across me, Yukino leaned forward and grabbed both of my hands.

"Arima-kun…" She started. But then I brushed her bangs off her eyes and rested my hand on her head.

"Hey, aren't you uncomfortable in that position? Sit here beside me." I said. She smiled and followed my suggestion.

"What's wrong?" She asked as she slipped her arm around my waist and rested her head on my shoulder.

"Yukino, it's about…"

"Shikashi-san?"

"Yeah."

"I knew it. There's something about you two that's wrong. He's your cousin, right?" I nodded. "Then why aren't you speaking to each other? I noticed it when we were showing him around school." I sighed.

"Yukino, do you remember what I told you about me being like a reject in our clan? Well his mom warned me not even to talk to him."

"What? That's absurd!"

"I'm used to it."

"Well, he's a handsome guy and almost all girls in our school are falling for him. I guess being good-looking is in your clan's genes." She paused. "But I know Kanata doesn't like his mother's wish. He's too soft and nice to loathe you for a stupid reason." I looked hardly at her.

"Is that what you think?"

"Uh…yeah. He's a nice guy. It's only a week but we're so close already." I sighed sadly. "Why?"

"I-I think he likes you, Miyazawa." I looked away.

"W-what?"

"And be careful with him because he's not as soft as you think."

"What do you mean?"

"He cornered me today and asked me if I liked you. I said of course since you're my girlfriend. It seems like he didn't know and he got totally pissed off. And then he started calling me names." I gazed back at her but she looked away.

"Hard to believe…"

"I'm telling the truth." After that, Yukino didn't say anything.

Wow…what a girl. A month of relationship with her and I still can't predict her.

We didn't speak about Kanata anymore for the rest of the day after that.

"Yukino, I'll walk you home." She paused for a minute before she replied to me.

"No." I raised my eyebrows. But then she smiled. "How about if I walk YOU home. You've always walked home. It's my turn now." I laughed.

"If that's what you want." Then we headed straight for our house.

"Thanks, Miyazawa. Be careful, okay?" I said as we arrived home.

"Sure." I leaned forward and instead of my usual kiss on her cheek, I pecked her on the lips.

"Good---"

"What kind of man are you, cousin? Allowing a girl to walk you home is very ungentleman-like." Kanata stood in our front porch.

"No, no. I insisted to walk him home." Yukino said for me.

"Oh, I see. You're a great girl, Miyazawa-san."

"Uh…thanks." She turned to me. "See you tomorrow, Arima." She began to leave but then…

"Where are your manners, Souichiro? Miyazawa, please go inside and have some hot chocolate first." Kanata said. Yukino turned back in surprise.

"Uh well, um...okay." She glanced at me expressionless and walked towards the door. I followed her and glared at Kanata as I passed him.

The three of us sat down on the couch and sipped the hot chocolate we made.

"Miyazawa, how do you it? You always have high grades and you excel in all of the subjects. I really envy you." Kanata said.

"Uh…I just study hard. That's all." She replied humbly.

Hah! If I asked her that, she'd brighten up and boast loudly about her good brains. That's a good lead. She hasn't opened up the REAL Yukino to Kanata.

"Souichiro, I just remembered. We have to plan for the new cleanest classroom project. We need to win." I smiled and opened my mouth to reply, but Kanata beat me to it.

"Oh, let me help! I'm sure Souichiro won't have time because of her kendo practice. I'll take his place." My eyes widened.

"What? No. It's all right with me. I've always balanced my practices and class duties."

"Cousin, I'm doing you a favor." I looked hardly at him.

"Thanks but no, thanks, COUSIN." I said with sarcasm.

"Oh well, if you're sure. But I'll help you anyway."

Dammit! What with him! It seems he's trying to find a reason to be with Yukino. I can't let him do that. I won't let him…

Yukino placed the cup of hot chocolate down as she finished drinking.

"I think I should go home now." She announced.

"Oh, let me first show you something, Miyazawa-san. Come, it's in my room." He stood up and Yukino followed him.

What is it now!

They entered Kanata's room and I followed them. But when I was about to enter, Kanata stopped me.

"I'm sorry, Souichiro. But I only invited her."

I stood there ,enraged as he shut the door before me.

And after a few seconds, I sulkily turned around and went inside my room. I could hear them from there. I could hear her warm laugh as she apparently enjoyed his company.

What are they doing? Is she happy with him?

Damn…I'm not gonna lose her…She's all I got.

Yes, I'll show that guy who Souichiro Arima really is!

I never knew how long she stayed in our house that night with him. I fell asleep listening to her blithe laughter.