Hi! Thanks for all those who reviewed and read the first chapter. I didn't know what to expect after writing a story. I truly appreciate it! I admit I have a lot to learn in writing and creating a story, so thanks for the tips! About the editing and grammar, I really don't know who can help me with it. (If I ask help from my home, I might get disowned if they read the content hehe) I'm open for anyone who'd like to lend a hand.

It's our sem break now and I feel really happy being able to rest from all the school work… whew!

Btw, a super typhoon struck our country but its still affecting us... huhuhu

Hope this chapter is better! waaaah I wish! :)

Enjoy reading!


"Ahem… Ah, so what's the favor?"

"I need you to pretend that we are engaged."

Natsuki is speechless.

"Natsuki, did you hear me?"

Shizuru comes closer and taps Natsuki's shoulder…

"I… I… (Natsuki stands up) I need to think about this."

Natsuki walks to go to the kitchen and gets a glass of water.

Not even Mayo can help me cope with this.

Shizuru follows her to the kitchen only to find Natsuki drinking water and emptying the glass half-full.

"Ara, Natsuki seems to be more thirsty than usual."

"How can you utter than usual! We've haven't seen each other after more than 5 years."

"Actually, it's been 7 years to be exact." Shizuru bluntly tells her.

"Fine, why do you need me to do this?" Natsuki lazily asks her, "Sorry about my mood, I'm just tired from work."

"No need to apologize, I know how your mood swings can get." Some things don't change, right Natsuki?

"Want some water? I don't really have teabags here…" Natsuki was about to get another glass but Shizuru drank from her glass instead… earning her a blush from Nastuki.

"You know that's my glass you're drinking from right?"

"Ara, yes I do… Should I worry of getting a disease Doctor Kruger?" Natsuki feels embarrassed and blushes. Then, Shizuru giggles at Natsuki's reaction.

"Alright, what's the problem? Why do I need to pretend? You know this will be hard for me; you know of all people that I can't lie. Not to mention the media frenzy." Natsuki looks at Shizuru with her death glare… But Shizuru stares back at her smiling and unfazed by her glare.

Can't lie? That's an overstatement. You've lied to me before Natsuki.

"I am sick of being arranged to different persons. I need your help so that I could be free of these arranged marriages for once."

"What's in it for me?" Natsuki asks Shizuru… Tsk… I knew I shouldn't have shown myself to her! She knows I can't refuse her!

"Ara, for you? Hmm, what do you want then? How about for old times' sake…"

"Now you're collecting dues? How do I know you won't leave me hanging again?"

"Ara, Natsuki if you recall you were the one who chose otherwise." I was the one left hanging. "I think you would agree since we are both professionals now… that this is beneficial to the both of us if you look in to it."

Natsuki looks outside and noticed that it has started rain.

"I know how much you want to help your family's company… This engagement would strengthen your family's position and by being allied to us, it would mean more stability in your business affairs. Plus, you won't even have to work in the company to build it. You're actually helping it indirectly."

Natsuki snaps out of her reverie after what she has heard and faces Shizuru.

"Stop analyzing. I know what you mean. Tsk… Always a step ahead of me! I know Shizuru… She's planning something behind my back and what scares me is that she already knows I'm going to accept her proposal from the beginning. Alright, fine!"

"Ara, Natsuki you don't have to worry too much… I'll even ask you properly." Shizuru then opens an elegant small box with two identical expensive gold rings in it. "This is so you won't have a hard time lying."

"You've got this all planned out?" Natsuki interjects.

"Will you marry me Natsuki Kruger?" Suddenly, Shizuru pops the question.

What? This is how you want it? Natsuki gets the other ring and wears it on her ring finger. I hate her for this. Why does this feels insulting?

"Ara, you didn't even answer the question." For some reason Shizuru feels sad for not hearing Natsuki's answer.

"I'm reserving it, for a genuine engagement." Shizuru's mask seems to falter for a second. Why does my heart feels as if it's being torn apart again? I've felt this before because of you… This is the plan isn't it Shizuru? I just have to bear with it.

"Hey do you want me to take you home? It's raining hard outside… Or do you prefer to stay the night?"

"Ara, are you suggesting something Natsuki? An early honeymoon?" Natsuki freezes up and blushes at the same time.

"Baka! I'm going to ask Miya to fix the guest room for you."

"Miya!" Natsuki calls out for her maid.

"Yes, Ms. Kruger."

"Could you please prepare the guest room near the garden for our guest."

"Right away, Ms."

"Ara, that's very sweet of you Natsuki to remember how I love flowers."

"I was just being a cool hostess." Natsuki smiles smugly. "I'm going to my room, and if you need anything don't hesitate to ask Miya."

Shizuru just smiles and lets Natsuki go without any playful teasing. She's really tired. I wonder… if my perception is correct… You still care for me more than you should Natsuki, I can tell. You're too transparent around me.

Inside Natsuki's Room

Natsuki opens the door to a room painted with white walls around, a metal bookcase near a white wooden study table, modern furniture and metallic blue curtains and bed sheets. Also, there are still some small boxes around filled with DVDs and video games. In front of the bed is a big box with a ribbon on it.

"Okay, what's this…?" Natsuki unwraps the gift only to find a new Plasma TV with the new 3D feature being given to her. She opens the box and picks up the card that goes along with it and reads it.

Natsuki, I hope you like my housewarming gift! It's the new product that we are selling. I have gotten feedback that you're forgetting to have fun… Sorry, my schedule is still… I know you understand, I can't come and see your house yet. Don't worry I'll make sure I will… one of these days perhaps! Love you!

-Mom

"One of these days… hahaha that's really funny mom! Maybe one of these months or years! Hahaha" But Natsuki's fake laugh can't shadow the raw feelings of longing and loneliness that she feels. She goes to the comfort room to wash her face and as the fluid flows on her face, tears flow with it as well.

After taking a bath, Natsuki lies on the bed and stares at the ceiling as the memories of the suppressed past is reborn into her consciousness.

Seven Years Ago…

A flock of birds where flying across the sky as the famous Ice princess of the university reclines on the grass to calmly rest and watch. Her pleasure is disrupted when a certain noise caught her attention. A group of girls are circling around a woman. Natsuki feeling annoyed by the sudden disturbance stands up and gets a good view of the person at the center.

Natsuki sighs and says "I knew it… Shizuru must be having a hard time." Hmm, why don't I count the number of times she twitches from her concealed irritation? This is going to be fun!

Natsuki opens her bag and gets a piece of paper and a pen. I can see through you Shizuru. Ok! 1! Hahaha! Almost! Almost! 2! Hahaha!

The sun's rays appeared and it shined to perfectly outline Shizuru, and Natsuki can't help but stare and stop what she's doing. It's like everything is in slow motion as Shizuru flicks her hair and continues to smile and talk to the people around her.

Natsuki continues to look closely at Shizuru's face. She started to feel butterflies in her stomach, her pulse going fast and beating like a drum. Then, she began to feel different. Why do I feel like this after all these years with her?

Shizuru notices Natsuki at a far distance. Ara, she better be in class later. Or, I think it's probably best to plan for a damage control.

"Will all of you excuse me for a second; I just need to talk to someone…" Shizuru utters and walks away from the crowd.

"Ara, Natsuki! Enjoying the view?" Shizuru lively asks Natsuki.

"Ah… ah… View?" Natsuki remembers what she was viewing earlier on and Shizuru's face is all she could remember.

"Oh the view! (Natsuki nervously points at the sky) haha It's really… (Then looks at Shizuru with soft eyes and blushes) perfect."

The bell rings!

"Ah, I gotta go! I'll see you around!" Natsuki picks up her bag and was about to run when Shizuru stopped her by holding onto her arm.

"Hey wait, why don't we go together?"

"Oh, okay."

They walked together to Natsuki's class but Natsuki starts to feel uncomfortable all of a sudden. People seem to be whispering around her and looking at her with weird stares.

They now reached the door to the classroom.

"Ara, Natsuki! It would really be great if you would do something uncalled for today; so you will end up going to the Student Council Room later to help plan this year's School Fair." Shizuru smiles at her mischievously. "Of course, it's always your decision." This is to warn me right? If I do something rebellious this would be my punishment- to organize the school fair! You know I hate those!

"Alright, I won't do anything stupid! You clearly have stopped me this time!" Natsuki enters the room irritated but a bit happy? Why do I feel happy? Weird…

Natsuki sits down on her chair and pretends to sleep while waiting for their professor. At that moment, she hears people inside the room talking about her.

"They don't look good together- Kruger and Viola. It's like seeing an angel being friends with the devil… It's just not right… Don't you agree?"

"Yeah, I think so too. Kruger is holding Viola back don't you think? What the hell is Viola thinking being with Kruger? It just lowers her image… There are plenty of other persons she could be with that's in the upper echelon… Why does it have to be the newbie and delinquent Kruger?"

"Everyone's talking about the same thing!"

What? My dam's about to break! Thought Natsuki as she tries to control her rage as best she can. I don't want to organize the school fair! I don't want to be a part of it! She continuously utters to herself to stop herself from creating trouble… Out of the blue, she realizes something… Why do I care about what people think? I never cared of what people think of me? Maybe it's because it concerns her…

Natsuki stands up with her shaking fists and was about to punch the face of the person talking behind her back when their professor arrived just in time.

"Ms. Kruger, is there a problem?"

"No problem at all sir." Natsuki glares at her classmates that scared them enough not to open their mouths for the whole period of that subject.

As the last period ended, Natsuki quickly went home after successfully containing her temper.

She enters her room and sees a familiar face by her laptop that seems to be serious at what she's doing. This person is trying her best to decipher Natsuki's password. Natsuki stunned at what she saw runs towards her desk.

"Nao! Would you stop what you're doing! Nao now!" Nao smiles at her and playfully nudges Natsuki.

"Don't worry I didn't crack it! Hehe"

"Don't let me catch you do that again! I'm really going to kill you!" Natsuki blatantly scolds Nao.

"You're visiting and this is how you make an entrance! (Sighs) Fine, I can't be angry at you for too long… How's life on your side Nao?" Natsuki lazily asks Nao…

"It's generally fine… We never went to the same school since we were kids so you know the reputation is the same… Who would've thought that we actually have a lot in common besides living in the same neighborhood?" Nao giggles at the realization.

"So, what's up?" Natsuki just keeps quiet and keeps fixing her things…

"Something's up… Tell me what's bothering you…" Nao sits on Natsuki's bed waiting for an answer…

"You remember the girl I told you about in High school?"

"Who among them? You've been with some girls… Can you please be specific?" Natsuki blushes at Nao's remark.

"You know the girl who's my only friend in high school and now in the university…" Natsuki shyly admits to Nao.

"Who? it's just you tell superficial stories between the two of you… and for some reason you never told me her n-."

"I think I like her more than I should… There I said it."

"You do? That's really hahahahahaha! I can't help it! Natsuki Kruger is falling in love for real…"

"IT IS NOT FUNNY!" Natsuki feels really embarrassed more than ever and makes a worried face.

"Ok… You're falling in love… Your head should be in the clouds; so, how come your head looks like it fell on the ground?"

"You know me… Before I didn't care what other people think. Now, I can't help but care about the rumors going around that say we're not meant to be together."

"Rumors? Why are they going to talk about you in the first place? Being a troublemaker makes you untouchable… So tell me who is she?"

"She's the Student Council President." Natsuki covers her face now with a pillow.

"WHAT! This just keeps getting better and better!" Nao burst out laughing when she heard this.

Can't breathe Natsuki! Hahahahahaha The girl's out of your league Natsuki! Well, who am I to judge?

"Oh would you stop it now! NAO!"

"Well, just be yourself. You don't know maybe she likes you too!"

There's a knock on the door.

"Come in."

The door opens and a maid appears.

"Ms. Kruger dinner is ready. Do you want me to bring it in your room"?

"Ah, how about I eat at the dining table for a change. Please prepare a dinner for two."

"Ok, Miss."

"You alone again?"

"Well, yeah mom's in a business trip. She had to take Alyssa with her too. I'm used to it Nao."

"Who says I'm worried about you?" Nao says sarcastically and they both laugh together.

The following day Natsuki arrived at school to talk to Shizuru about something. She was about to knock but the door opened.

"Shizuru its best you leave Kruger alone." A man who seems to be an officer and who was about to leave told Shizuru. "The election is coming and majority of the student body thinks she's holding you back." "We know how much you need to stay in this position. Your status quo demands it. We're just being objective and telling you the facts." Another officer remarked.

"Kruger is from a family who's new in the commercial industry and in society. Your popularity is going down because of her. You have to stay away from her." A girl reinforced.

Shizuru was about to say her piece when she notices Natsuki by the door.

"Natsuki!"

Shizuru's face was in agony and it was one of the few times the other officers saw her like that. They were more surprised when they saw a graceful Shizuru now running out the room…

Natsuki heard her name being called by Shizuru. But she just wanted to run as far away from Shizuru as possible.

It's not her fault… It's not her fault… Natsuki ran away while repeating the line to herself "It's not her fault."

She ended up at the garden of the University and sat down on the bench while gasping for air.

Then, she saw flowers by the side of the path and recalled the first time she met Shizuru.


In the Garden of Fuuka High School, a girl is angry talking to someone via her cellular phone.

"Mom, when are you coming home? You can't come for my birthday? I don't need that Mom! You've sent me the same pair of shoes and the same clothes for the past three years for my birthday. My favorite color is blue not pink! I've grown taller too. It won't fit anymore. Just call me when you're going home. Hello, hello mom! Are you still there?"

"Damn it! I'm out of coverage. Argh!"

Natsuki overwhelmed with frustration was about to displace her feelings by crushing a flower when at that moment a familiar girl with a different uniform stopped her.

"You shouldn't do that. Beautiful flowers are to be loved; since, it's doing its best to bloom in its short life."

Now, Natsuki in deep thought makes her realize and accept a convenient truth.

Beautiful flower… Shizuru is a beautiful flower worthy of being loved… doing its best to bloom in its short life… She's doing her best to reach her dreams… I'm the hindrance… the hindrance to reach her potential… I love her and I have to let her go for someone who deserves her. I'm sorry Shizuru. I am not good enough for you. I can't keep that promise after all.

"Natsuki!" Shizuru calls and touches Natsuki on her shoulder…

Natsuki is brought back to the present; while Shizuru bends so she could be face to face with Natsuki, and caresses Natsuki's cheek to reassure her.

"Hey, don't believe anything they said okay… It is okay if I lose in the election, I don't care about that but I… I do care more about you. So, please let's keep our promise okay? Remember? The two of us after graduating will start our own business together and we'll beat both our families' companies… You even said we'll share a house and live together so it won't be expensive… Natsuki…" Stay with me Natsuki…

Shizuru, I can't bear to see you sad. I wish I could tell how I truly feel.

Natsuki holds Shizuru's hand that cupped her face.

"Of course, Shizuru! Don't worry about me… I just ran away because I was about to pull the fire alarm but unfortunately you caught me! Hehehe."

"Ara, Natsuki! You worried me unnecessarily! For that you'll treat me out next weekend! Deal?"

Natsuki smiles and says out loud "Deal!"; while trying to hide her pain and insecurity.

Public Address System: Ding… President Viola you are requested to go to the Student Council room immediately… (Repeats)

"They're calling for you Shizuru. You'd better get back." Natsuki pushes Shizuru to go ahead. "Go on…"

"Okay… okay… Don't forget next weekendl!" Shizuru walks back to return to the Council room.

Natsuki, there's no fire alarm there… It's at the other side of the floor. Alright, I'll have it your way this time.

Unknown to Shizuru, this was the last time she'll be seeing Natsuki.


Present

Natsuki is hugging her pillow tightly, then closes her eyes and tries to rest her thoughts…

The bitter past is better to be buried and forgotten… But why do I feel guilty? I'm just thinking too much again…

She yawns and slowly drifts to sleep...