A Heart For A Kiss
Summary: "I'll give you 500,000 yen if you can get Minamino-sama to kiss you."
Rated: T
Disclaimer: I think by now we all know who really owns Yu Yu Hakusho... and sadly, it's not me. Le sigh.
Chapter 1
"So what do you think?"
"Delicious," I ran my tongue over my lips for emphasis.
"Be serious," she punched me lightly on the shoulder.
I grinned at her, "I'm always serious."
"Stop it. Now I know you're definitely making fun of him."
"Oh-no, I'm not making fun of him, Chouko-chan."
"Humph, you're just jealous that I'm more qualified to stand next to him than you are."
"Spare me," I snorted. "I bet someone like him will go out with just about any girl."
"What do you mean 'someone like him'?" Chouko sounded offended. "Are you blind? Minamino-sama is the most perfect person on the face of this sad planet."
"Uh-huh," I nodded compliantly as I took another look at this 'Minamino-sama.' I'd have to be completely bigoted or blind, as Chouko put it, to deny that this Minamino wasn't beautiful; brilliant hair, gorgeous body, and stunning features. I'd bet he have starred in many a girl's wet dreams at least ten times over by now. My eyes traveled down his back and then roamed even farther south. Yup, definitely worth the look. I'm not going to lie; I know how to appreciate beauty when I see it. I just didn't have to like it.
Back in my school days, I've fallen for this kind of pretty boy trap one too many times. The first time the guy was using me to get free lunch; I made him lunch boxes daily- not to mention all the sleep I sacrificed for him to make them. The second time, a guy invited me to a really crowded place to shoot me down. The third one, I found out was a complete cheating whore. The fourth one used me to show off to his buddies. There was two more after that, ugh, by now I don't even bother to remember their names. I used to have voodoo dolls of them hanging upside down in my room. Talk about being an obsessive ex, huh? So after my embarrassing history with this type of guy, I've washed my hands clean of them.
As we continued to 'observe' Minamino, three girls came up to him. He smiled and said something, the girls all started blushing and giggling. I wanted to retch; I can remember myself doing the exact same thing all too clearly. What a smooth playboy he is. I bet he bags five girls every week.
"Okay, I've seen enough," I announced. I stood up from behind some bushes and started to brush myself off. My legs were feeling cramp from crouching for so long.
"Since you're so nonchalant, that means you're confident you can nail him?" Chouko arched a graceful eyebrow at me.
"Huh?" I gave her an annoyed look and started to pick my ear with my pinky. Honestly, I have better things to do with my time than waste it stalking her crush.
"I bet someone like you can't get Minamino-sama to kiss you."
"Che, now why would anyone want that?"
Chouko's face glowed red. Was she angry? Or embarrassed?
"I'll give you 500,000 yen if you can get Minamino-sama to kiss you."
My ears perked up. "Now we're talking," I grinned at her.
"There's a time limit," Chouko stood up and brushed off her skirt. She held up her index finger. "One month."
"Don't need it; I can do it in two weeks."
Chouko looked like she was going to steam like a kettle for a second, then she took a breath and said, "Remember, he has to be the one to kiss you. You can't just go up to him and steal it."
"Psh, okay, one month." I conceded, more to pacify Chouko than anything. As if I need to steal anything from that guy. I should be the one protecting my chastity.
"If you lose, you have to kneel down before me and say 'He's too good for me'." Chouko crossed her arms in finality.
"You're on."
I won't ask why Chouko would instigate a bet for another girl to kiss her crush, as long as there is money involved, I don't particularly care for her warp thinking.
I knew I wouldn't be making any progress on my bet because I had to focus on work the next day. My off day was in two days, I'll hunt Minamino down then.
---
"Thank you for your hard work, Sumihara-san. It's your lunch hour; I'll take over from here."
"Thanks, I'm starving." I clocked out for lunch in the back of my work place and threw my apron over a random chair, not bothering to change out of my work outfit I rushed out to my favorite store for some soba noodles. Summer was settling in and I've been craving something cool to eat for awhile.
"Hey there ojou-chan, you're looking smoking today," a raucous voice called out to me.
I ignored the accompanying cat call and continued speed walking to me destination.
"Whoa, slow down there ojou-chan, you could get hurt," a hand on my shoulder stopped me in my tracks. Two more guys came in front of me.
"Where are you rushing off to, beautiful?"
"Why don't you hang out with us? We'll treat you to something nice."
I brushed the hand off my shoulder, "Sorry, I'm busy," I said with ice in my voice and started to side step them.
"Don't be so cold, miss. We just want to have some fun." An arm came up to block me, and the three of them surrounded me.
I glared up at them but they didn't look fazed. Sometimes I really hate my appearance. At 5 feet 6 inches I was hardly considered short, but I wasn't tall enough to look intimidating. I inherited a frail looking body structure from my dad and bedroom eyes from my mother. Not to mention I was in a mini skirt. In short I look like a perfect target for these types of unwarranted advances.
"If you don't move, I'll," I started to warn.
"I suggest you leave the lady alone." A smooth voice cut in.
A hand came down on one of my assailant's shoulder. The brutes turned to look at the new comer.
"Hey buddy," one of them growled.
"If you know what's good for you, you'd run on home." They threatened. There was a silence in which I assumed the new comer made some sort of facial expression in reply. Whatever it was it seemed to infuriate the three goons more. They abandoned the circle around me and started cracking their knuckles.
"I don't think that's a good idea," the voice carried a hint of a smile.
The guys started snickering.
"You'll see how good of an idea it is when we're done rearranging your face, sissy boy."
They shifted their positions and I could see the person who stopped my assailants. Long legs, lean body, an attractive face, and red hair; speak of the devil! It's 'Minamino.' Minamino's eyes flashed. There was something eerie about his returning smile.
In under a minute he had the three guys running for their mothers. Though I loath to admit it; I must say, that was impressive. It would've taken about ten minutes, not to mention losing my heels in the process, for me to get rid of those guys.
"Are you all right, Miss?" Minamino turned to me with a gentlemanly smile.
I crossed my arms and stuck out my lower lip, "I could've taken care of them myself," I grumbled.
He gave me an indulging smile. It was one of those smiles you'd give to a petulant child. He opened his mouth. Oh, I know where this is going, he's going to say "take care" and then walk off acting all cool and hot. (Urm, please ignore that oxymoron, you know what I mean.) No way, buddy. I'm not letting this God sent chance go to waste.
I uncrossed my arms, "But since you did help me out, I'll treat you to lunch. I hope you like soba; because that's the only thing I'm in the mood for right now." To prevent him from running off I took him by his wrist and started to lead the way. Never mind that these stuck up pretty boy types would jump at the chance to follow a pretty girl in a mini-skirt. But I didn't want to risk anything. Not with 500,000 yen on the line.
The bell chimed our entrance. The shopkeeper came over to greet me.
"Hey Haruka-chan, how are you doing?"
"Lovely! Look at the haul I got today."
The shopkeeper spared a glance at my companion. Minamino must be more appealing than I thought, because the shopkeeper did a double-take and then let out a whistle.
"And what a fine catch he is."
From the corner of my eye I could see Minamino smile politely. He didn't even blush! Over conceited jerk.
"I'll have two Zaru soba please."
"You got it!" The shopkeeper went away and I lead Minamino to my customary table. Once my butt hit the chair I jumped back up.
"Ah."
"What is it?" Minamino was about to sit down but he straightened up when I cried out.
"I forgot to ask, did you have lunch yet?" It hadn't dawn on me to ask till now. Please tell me you haven't eaten yet. I don't want to waste food, not to mention waste my money on wasted food. Please, oh please, oh…
"No, I haven't."
"Phew," I sighed in relief and plopped back down. "Good."
Minamino smiled in amusement and sat down. A waiter came waltzing over not long after.
"Here you are Haruka-chan, two Mori sobas."
"Hey, I asked for Zaru soba," I said looking down at my order.
"You did?" the waiter asked innocently.
"Don't play dumb with me, you jerk, you know darn well what I asked for."
The shopkeeper bustled over with a tray ladled down with two orders. "Here are your orders," the shopkeeper placed down two Zaru sobas and collected the Mori sobas. Then he turned to the waiter and clocked him playfully over the head. "Stop fooling around, go to the back and wash the dishes, they're piling up."
"Aww, you're no fun."
"Do you want your salary this month?"
"Aye, aye," the waiter saluted and marched to the kitchen with exaggerated knee lifts.
The shopkeeper shook his head good-naturedly and then turned back to our table, "Enjoy your lunch, Haruka-chan."
"Thanks," I smiled.
The shopkeeper carried the Mori sobas to another table and I turned back to Minamino.
"Eat up!" Then I broke apart my chopsticks and said the customary phrase, "Itadakimasu."
Minamino followed, and soon I was happily slurping up my noodles. After awhile I looked up at my companion annoyed.
"Oy," I grunted and jabbed my chopsticks at Minamino. "You're not slurping loud enough. That's being disrespectful to the cook."
"Is that so?"
"Yes it is. Hey, mister! Tell him he's being impolite!" I called to the shopkeeper.
"Yes, yes," the shopkeeper said tolerantly.
"See," I turned back to Minamino, and continued to slurp my noodles.
"Yes, yes," Minamino said compliantly, and resumed eating his noodles with a tad bit more noise than before. I grumbled, not completely satisfied. Hmph, pretty boy thinks being classy is attractive, does he now?
"By the way, I never got you name."
"Minamino Shuichi, please to make your acquaintance."
"Sumihara Haruka, nice to meet you."
I stuck out my hand in a western gesture. Minamino took my hand and shook it firmly, twice, and then let go. He's got a good handshake. Nice and firm and he didn't linger over my skin too much. Almost like… a gentleman. I shook my head dismissively and finished up my lunch. Then I washed it down with some tea and rummaged in my pocket for some money.
"Well, I have to get back to work now. It was nice talking to ya, Minamino."
Minamino paused at my lack of formality but than replied smoothly, "Likewise, Sumihara-san."
"I get a day off in two days. If you'd like we can hang out. I'll show you someplace good," I grinned.
"… That would be nice."
Uh-oh, I don't like that tone, it sounded like a "but" was coming after, and so I quickly reeled him in.
"Great, meet me in front of Shinobu station at noon, and don't be late." I slapped down the money and jetted from the store with a hasty "good-bye" over my shoulder to the shopkeeper.
If Minamino still tries to keep up his goody-two-shoe act, he'll come to the meeting point to reject me face to face. By then he'll be within my trap. And if he shows his true colors as an ass and stands me up, I'll have a plan B by then. Either way, you're going down, Minamino. That 500,000 yen is mine.
Author's Note: Please let me know your opinion on this story. Just drop off a review. (smiles) And I'm looking for a beta for this story, so if you're interested please message me. Hope you look forward to the next chapter.