You and Me

Light on the Foam Please…

"Light on the foam please," I muttered, fiddling with my rings as I ordered. He gave me a reassuring smile and turned around to start my drink. I looked out at the empty stage and then down at my phone. I should not be here. I knew that I would get in trouble upon my return. I would be in trouble with Natsuki and with Shining and Hyuuga Sensei. I felt my stomach flip again at the thought. I'd probably have to serve detention for this little stunt. I shuddered at the thought of disappointing Ryuuya Hyuuga.

"Anything else Sir?" the barista asked, setting my mug on the counter. I eyed the biscotti with desire, then looked back and my woefully empty wallet. I shook my head.

"No thanks, just this," I replied, pulling out money to pay for the ridiculously overpriced drink. He gave me back my change and said something along the lines of wishing me a good day. I nodded my head before leaving to find an empty armchair. The sad part about it was that the chair was more comfortable than our chairs at home; this place was posh. I laughed at the fact that of all the cafés in town Kaoru would book a gig at the stuck up and rich one.

I hadn't seen him since the beginning year and after spending my afternoon in town I hadn't seen him around. Maybe I could take him to dinner after his performance. It would be nice to talk to my brother after all this time apart. Of course I called him from time to time, but life had gotten suddenly very busy with the last dance assignment and trying to choose a partner. Come to think of it, I could pick his brain about Haruka at dinner if I managed to grab him before he disappeared. Kaoru was the only one I could talk about such things with. Natsuki was my best friend, but he never understood why things like that stressed me out.

Natsuki had a way with people. I don't know if it was his unfailing optimism or endless socialization, but he never worried about people's opinions. He would just ask the person in question how they felt rather than mulling it over in his mind, like I did. I, on occasion, would actually make myself physically ill trying to figure out how to approach a situation. I couldn't figure out what I thought of Haruka after she helped me with my fear of heights. Of course, I wanted her as my partner, but could I ask her to do that after I'd fallen for her? I wasn't allowed to fall in love.

"Is this thing on?" I heard the hoarse voice of my brother as he tapped the microphone. I settled back into the chair and took a sip boiling coffee. He smiled out onto the audience, still searching the crowd for my face. When his eyes found me he let out a sigh of relief and held up his violin. I smiled widely at him, encouraging him to blow me away with his set list. "Today I'll be playing a couple original songs," he explained, before shifting the microphone to focus on his violin.

I sat in that coffee shop for upwards of an hour and the coffee still hadn't cooled enough to drink. Kaoru's set list blew me away. I wished he'd gone to Saotome Academy with me. He could be my partner for the final project, and then I could pursue Haruka. I shook my head. I shouldn't be thinking about her after Kaoru just poured out his heart and soul into that performance. She just had a way of sneaking into all of my thoughts. Afterwards he walked around the café shaking hands.

A few people stopped him to get a business card and compliment his performance. After he pushed his way past the adoring socialites, he embraced me in a huge hug. I couldn't help but laugh as his strong arms wrapped around me. He held me like that for a long time. To be honest I wished it had lasted longer; it had been far too long since I'd spent time with my brother.

"Okay, how was it?" he asked, talking with his hands avidly. He was yearning for some honest critique. I smiled widely and pat his shoulder.

"It was really wonderful!" I encouraged. "You know that you did great," I laughed. He always did that. Asked for praise when he was aware of just how good he really was. I loved him for it, but he was good at getting compliments. He smiled again.

"Really?" he asked, blushing even though he knew the words were coming. I nodded and grabbed his arm, dragging him backstage.

"Yes, come on. Grab your stuff; we're going to dinner, my treat," I assured as he picked up his violin case.

"You're kidding right? Syo, you don't have any money," he chuckled. I rubbed at my wallet, feeling the credit card burning in my pocket. It was true. I didn't have a source of income, but I was just so proud of him I couldn't help it. He shook his head and began walking to his favorite restaurant. He lived closer to town and his school wasn't a closed campus, so he'd spent many an afternoon eating lunch here.

"Table for two," he requested, with me following after him meekly. I couldn't even take him to a congratulatory dinner like a proper brother would. When we sat down he set his violin aside and looked at me. "I'm glad you came."

"Oh, yeah I wouldn't miss it for the world Kao," I promised. He looked at me with concern evident in his eyes. He knew that I'd skipped class.

"They're probably searching for you right now. Did you leave a note?" he asked, ripping up the bread into tiny bite-sized pieces. I shrugged. I hadn't even thought about it, but Natsuki knew about my plans. He'd tried to invite himself along. It wasn't my finest moment as I rejected him blatantly. Come to think of it, due to his anger, Natsuki doubtlessly wouldn't tell anyone where I was. They were almost certainly worried about me, but this was important too; at least that's what I told myself.

"No," I whispered meekly. He touched my hand and I picked my eyes up to look at him.

"What's bothering you Syo? You haven't been yourself," he asked, the brotherly concern evident in his tone of voice. He could always tell when there was something on my mind. This was both nice and unbearable.

"Nothing, maybe I've changed. We haven't seen each other in forever. What if I'm not the same Syo?" I asked, being perhaps, crueler than I needed to be. He took a bite of the bread and shook his head knowingly. Here came the: I told you so.

"It's a girl isn't it?" he laughed, searching my eyes for the admittance. He chuckled and shoved at my arm playfully. I shook my head. Now I really didn't feel like admitting my crush to him. He'd just make fun of me for squandering my time at the academy on girls. "Can I tell you a secret?" he asked, lowering his voice and looking around the restaurant. He knew that I wouldn't confide in him unless he did the same.

"Sure," I agreed, leaning closer to hear his quiet whisper.

"I have a girlfriend," he announced. I knit my eyebrows together and turned my head to the side. Kao had a girlfriend? Really?

"What?" I asked. "No way," I concluded. That dirty liar was just trying to earn my trust on the subject. He nodded and grinned.

"Yeah, two months this weekend," he replied. My attitude changed dramatically at this confession. I slapped his arm and laughed out loud.

"Two months and you didn't tell me!" I joked. He shrugged. When my manic laughing subsided he returned to his serious face.

"So, who's your girl?" he asked, nudging me on carefully. I grinned, my eyes going to a faraway place remembering her. Oh god, she was probably worried about me right now. Nothing was cuter but more heart wrenching than a worried Haruka. What if one of the other boys comforted her? Oh, no they wouldn't!

"Kao, she's a really special girl and I just realized that right now I need to go back to her," I replied, standing up unconsciously and picking up my bag. He leaned back, surprised by my sudden departure.

"Are you leaving?" he asked, obviously hoping that I wouldn't go so soon.

"I'll call you," I promised, stepping out of the booth. "You have to meet her," I added with a smile. "She's breathtaking."

I rushed from the restaurant and caught the first cab I saw. I left Kao with a self-satisfied smile plastered on his lips. He'd gotten me to confess and once I returned to school and made sure she was okay I would call him with all the details, just as he had planned. I had come to support him in his music and in return he'd supported my strange situation with Haruka.

I got out of the cab and paid my way quickly. Once I had both feet on the pavement I took off tearing for the school. My hat nearly blew off in the sheer speed that I rushed. On the way to the front doors I nearly ran into a girl. She stumbled back and though I knew I needed to get to Haruka, I did the right thing and made sure she was alright.

"I'm sorry! Are you okay?" I asked, touching her shoulder to make her realize that I spoke to her. When she lifted her head she met eyes with me.

"Syo? Where did you go? I was so worried," Haruka replied, her large green eyes glistening with unshed tears. I felt my heart break in my chest at her feeble appearance. We stood staring at each other for a long time before I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her into a hug. She made a surprised sound, but held onto me and dug her face into my chest.

"I'm so sorry Haruka," I breathed, feeling the emotions in the moment welling up inside of me. "I'll never do it again," I swore to her, kissing the top of her head and holding her tightly. She made a soft giggling noise and clung to my shirt.

"So, it was better than a free dinner?" Kao asked. I moved my feet back and forth on the wall as I lied on the bed. The phone felt warm against my ear as I confessed my true emotions to my brother. I rolled over on the bed and took a furtive glance at the fuming Natsuki.

I laughed. "Definitely."


Quite fluffy, but I hope you enjoyed! :D Remember to REVIEW, FAVORITE, FOLLOW and READ my other stories! Love you all 3