So here is the second chapter! Hope you enjoy! My computer has been dead for like a week+, but never fear, I wrote everything down in my handy dandy notebook!
Disclaimer: I don't own Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge. If I did...*evil chuckle*
Read and review please! Sorry if I took too long to update...(^o^)
Key: "blah blah blah"- Sunako thinking, blah blah blah-conscience, bold is me.
Rise and shine, Sunako-chan!
"...*snore*..."
Oh yeah...rise and darken, creature of the shadows.
Sunako wearily opened her eyes and sat up, stretching her arms. Yawning, she got up and changed into her black school dress.
Baka! Today is Saturday, you don't need to wear your school uniform!
"Right..." Sunako answered, but made no move to change.
"I wonder why the Dazzling One hasn't come to order me to cook him breakfast..."
*sigh* Did you seriously forget?
"Forget wha-oh!" The previous days events came rushing back. Dropping down on her knees, she thought, "Should I go visit him?"
*smacks forehead* Oh, I don't know, because of YOU he ended up with a KNIFE STUCK IN HIS ARM, maybe you could go visit him. I mean, if you have time, of course.
"..." Guiltiness filled up inside Sunako, as well as a deep concern. "I hope he'll be all right..."
(singing) Oh, it's love, love, LOVE! It's a wonderful feeeeeeling, ohhhhh yes it is!
"Shut up. Why are you in my head again?"
What a trifling matter. You stay here, vainly arguing with me when the love of your life--
"Don't call him that!"
--is probably lying in some hospital bed, in agonizing pain.
Before Sunako could reply, a knock sounded from her door. She walked over and squinted, preparing herself for the blinding light that was soon to flood her vision. Sunako opened the door to Yuki, Takenaga, Ranmaru, Noi-chan, and Tamao.
"Oh good, Sunako-chan, you're already dressed. We're going to go visit Kyohei in the hospital," Yuki said. Stumbling out of her room, Sunako followed the group outside and to Tamao's sleek limousine. Jii was waiting, and he opened the doors for them. Jii sat in the driver's seat (naturally) and in the passenger seat next to him sat Tamao. In the seats facing the back of the limo sat Noi and Sunako, a dark cloud in the corner near the door. Across from them sat Yuki, Takenaga, and Ranmaru.
"So...what happened to Kyohei-kun?" Noi asked, breaking the silence. Sunako listened closely, for although she was there, she couldn't really remember most of what had happened yesterday.
"He got stabbed by a flying butcher knife," Takenaga replied. "They took him to the emergency room and gave him stitches. The doctors say he was lucky, the knife didn't hit his bone, and he should be fine in about a month. They also said he would probably be released soon."
"Wow...how did Kyohei-kun get stabbed anyway? Did the knife just happen to hit him?"
"I don't know--"
"He was protecting me from it." Sunako cut in. Noi's face lit up as tears started cascading down her cheeks.
"Oh, that is so romantic! Aren't you happy, Sunako-chan?"
Aren't you happy, Sunako-chan?
Sunako said nothing, just stared out the window. A few minutes later they reached the hospital. As they exited the limo, heads began to turn and mouths began to whisper.
"Wow! They look so cool!"
"Do you think they're movie stars?"
"They must be!"
"*gasp* Maybe they're shooting a movie! We better stay out of their way!"
As the crowd searched wildly for cameras, the dazzling group made their way inside and to the reception desk. While Takenaga held Ranmaru back to stop him from hitting on the young receptionist, Yuki asked her what room Takano Kyohei was in. Once they had the information, the six teens headed to Kyohei's room. As expected, a gigantic swarm of girls was outside his room, trying to get in.
Is he really this popular?
"You have no idea."
Hmm...this may pose problems...
"Will you stop--"
NO! And you know that so you can stop asking those stupid questions.
"..."
Yuki, Takenaga, and Ranmaru tried in vain to take the girls' attention away from the door while Tamao had her cell phone out, ready to summon an army if needed. However it was Noi who finally got them in to Kyohei.
"Oh, you must be so worried, Sunako-chan!" Noi cried, grabbing Sunako's hand. Kyohei's fan girls momentarily stopped harassing the nurses guarding his door and turned to stare at Sunako.
"Um...uh..." Sunako stuttered, shooting daggers at the luminous creature holding her hand. Noi turned to the girls, tears falling from her eyes, and said, "This is Takano Kyohei's girlfriend. He was put in the hospital protecting her! Please, let us in so these two lovers may be reunited! Please, don't try to stop them from seeing each other."
Sunako was frozen stiff, while her conscience held a party in her head, complete with cake, streamers, and shouts of "Bansai! Bansai, Noi-chan! Bansai!"
The fan girls, crying from Noi's moving plea, parted to create a path to the door. Noi immediately started walking, pulling a stone Sunako behind her. The three boys and Tamao, also crying, silently followed, with Yuki and Ranmaru quietly congratulating Takenaga on his wonderful girlfriend. The nurses, awe-struck by Noi's inspiring performance as well, opened the door for them.
Oooh, I can't wait! What will you say to him?
"...how are you feeling...? What else would I say?"
...*shoots self*...
Before Sunako could comment, her stone self all but shattered as Kyohei's dazzlingness (yes, I know that is not a word, but now it is!)entered her field of vision. He was in a white hospital robe, and his left arm was bandaged. His eyes had dark circles under them and his face was the face of one who had not slept in a while. As soon as Kyohei's eyes fell on the teenagers, he said, "Tell me I'm not dreaming."
"You're not dreaming," Ranmaru complied, with a confused look on his face.
"Pinch me."
"..." Everyone looked at him the same way as you might look upon a mentally insane talking cow.
"Pinch me, dammit!" Kyohei shouted, glaring at them all. A plan formulating in Noi's mind, she said, "Sure, Kyohei-kun!", and pushed Sunako forward.
Come on, pinch him! Pay no attention to the fact that he looks so sexy, with his robe open to show his chest and the way his hair is tousled.
"You're not helping. Oh...I feel a nosebleed coming..."
NO! TAKE THAT NAPKIN! HOLD IT TO YOUR NOSE AND PINCH HIM, DAMMIT!
Complying with the hysterical wishes of her conscience, Sunako grabbed the nearest napkin, held it to her nose, and pinched Kyohei's face without a second thought. Almost immediately, her nosebleed came and soaked the napkin, a few drops leaking out into Sunako's waiting hand.
"Yes! I'm not dreaming! TAKE ME HOME! I can't take it any more! The food sucks, there are girls all the time, I can't remember the last time I got a bit of decent rest, and MY ARM HURTS," Kyohei sobbed, being comforted by Yuki. While everyone else talked about general things, Sunako slipped away to the bathroom that was so conveniently located in the room. She threw the napkin away and began working on washing her face.
Now that wasn't so hard, was it?
"*growl*"
Though there is much to say about these nosebleeds. We MUST find a way to stop them; they ruin almost all the moments between you two.
Wiping her face with a towel, Sunako finished cleaning up, and headed back out where everyone else was. No one seemed to notice her so Sunako thought she could sneak out.
I am ashamed of you! Very, very ashamed.
"What? He's shown he's fine!"
Did you not hear anything he said? Really, this is ridiculous. Just stay with him until he wants you to go. He did save your measly, undeserving life.
"..."
Feeling ashamed of her imatureness (that wasn't a word before but it is now), Sunako pulled up a chair next to Kyohei's bed. At that moment, a knock sounded at the door, and a doctor came in.
"Well, Takano Kyohei, seems like your fan girls have left you alone. 'Bout time, right?" the doctor chuckled. He was a middle-aged man, with dark but graying hair. His eyes were bright and the skin around them crinkled when he smiled or laughed. "Good news. You'll be released Monday. We're just going to keep you here a little longer to make sure you're okay and to get all your information down."
"What kind of information?" Tamao asked.
"Things for medical records, and painkiller prescriptions, stuff like that." With that, the doctor bade them good day and left to check up on other patients. The group resumed talking, but Sunako, gazing at Kyohei's face (That's right, keep your eyes there!), could see he was tired.
The hundredth time he stifled a yawn, Sunako said, "I think we should go now. There are lots of chores to be done, and you're not going to make me do them all myself, right?" Sunako glared around at everyone. The three boys gulped, and Noi said, "Of course not, Sunako-chan!"
As the boys and Noi said their good-byes, Sunako caught Tamao's eyes. The blond girl mouthed the word "maid" and Sunako shook her head and tilted it toward Kyohei. Tamao realized what Sunako was trying to do, and nodded, saying farewell to Kyohei as well. As they all exited the room, Sunako last, Kyohei whispered, "Arigatou," so softly only Sunako could've heard. She looked back at him and nodded, just as he closed his eyes and fell asleep.
*********A few hours later*********
Sunako stood in front of the hospital entrance, fuming.
"Remind me why I'm here again."
To deliver Takano Kyohei's lunch, of course. Are you getting Alzheimer's? So young too, what a pity...
"Why can't he eat the hospital food?"
He said it himself, that it was disgusting.
"*grumble* It probably tastes just fine, that spoiled brat!"
By now, Sunako was looking very terrifying and she was even scaring people off. In the end, a police officer had to ask her to move. She responded by giving him a glare that could make Dracula run crying for his mommy, but nevertheless, walked inside the hospital and headed up to Kyohei's room. Again, the same horde of girls was there, demanding the nurses let them in. Sunako tried, unsuccessfully, to push through a couple times.
Finally, frustrated, Sunako yelled, "Can you please let me through?!"
The girls turned to see an infuriated Sunako panting heavily, a lunch box in her hand. Disappointed, the girls parted like they had yesterday and began to leave. The nurses also left, thankful to go on their lunch breaks. Still a little angry, Sunako pushed the door open and stomped in. Kyohei was on the bed, with the same robe, and was watching TV very loudly.
Seeing Sunako he turned it off and said, "Oi! Did you bring me any food?"
"As annoying as ever. Food is always the first thing on his mind!"
Not for long. You'll be the first thing on his mind soon.
Sunako's scowl deepened as she fought an internal argument with her conscience, so she didn't answer Kyohei's question. BIIIIIIIIG mistake. He was impatient and hungry, and if it weren't for his injured arm, he would've jumped out of bed and throttled the answer out of Sunako. So maybe it was a good thing a knife had gotten itself stuck in his arm.
Answer his question! He's so hungry and frustrated, he might start to cry soon!
Sunako shook herself back to the present and handed him his lunch of fried shrimp, rice, and sushi. Kyohei's face lit up as he scarfed down her cooking. Sunako sat down in a chair and waited for him to finish.
Why are you staying? Why didn't you just drop off his lunch and leave?
"Because I...need to take the box back."
Wrong! You're staying because even though the doctor said he's fine and will be released soon, you're still worried about him.
"That's not true!"
It is and you know it. I'm not just your conscience. I'm the part of your heart that helps you realize the truth. So shut up and listen to me! It really isn't that hard, you know.
And, slowly, it dawned on Sunako that maybe her conscience was right. Everything it told her made sense. She knew she felt more than friendship for Kyohei, but she wasn't sure if it was love. After all, love is an illusion, a mirage.
Well, anyway, the first thing we have to do is stop your freakin' nosebleeds! They're inconvenient and annoying. Maybe you should go see a doctor. But, that would be awkward so...hmm...maybe we could ask Noi-chan? She might have a remedy...
Sunako ignored her conscience, letting it babble on as she was lost in thought, gazing at Kyohei from the corner of her eye.
"Oi! Nakahara!" Kyohei yelled, causing Sunako to jump out of her chair.
"Y-Yes?!"
"Go buy some Haagen-Dasz. Store right by the hospital." Kyohei tossed her some money. Sunako grumbled but obeyed, slipping out of the room and heading outside. Kyohei was right, the store was just across the street from the hospital. Counting the money, she realized he had given her enough to buy two cups. Unsure of what flavor to get him, she just bought two cups of green tea ice cream, since she knew he liked that at least.
Heading back to the hospital, she set off for Kyohei's room again. This time, she was surprised to see the same girls in front of his door. She pitied him, it must be hard being so gorgeous. But this time, one of the girls caught sight of her and told the others to leave, and Sunako was free to enter Kyohei's room.
"Here," She tossed him a cup.
"Oi! I wanted chocolate, not green tea!"
"Too bad, this is what I bought so this is what you get."
"Stubborn baka."
"Spoiled brat."
And once again, sparks flew as light and darkness collided.
"Look, if you don't want it, give it back." Sunako cried.
"No, no, I'll eat it," Kyohei replied and to prove it he tore open the lid, took the spoon, and dug in. Exasperated, Sunako kicked his bed and sat down to eat, furiously chewing the ice cream.
No one chews their ice cream.
"I do!"
Well...no one normal, anyway.
After Kyohei finished, he threw his cup in the waste basket by his bed and reached for some pills.
"Oi, could you grab me a glass of water? There's a fountain--"
"--right outside the door. Yeah, I've seen it." Sunako grabbed a plastic cup and went outside to fill it. When she returned, she gave the cup to him and asked, "What're the pills for?"
"Painkillers."
What did you think they were for, Nakahara?! Takano Kyohei is no druggie.
"Ich. These pills taste really weird." Kyohei made a face as he finished swallowing them. Feeling no need to stay, Sunako picked up Kyohei's lunch box and said, "I'll be leaving now. We'll probably visit again tomorrow." Her back was to Kyohei, so she didn't see the frightened look that passed his face or the way his body froze.
Just as she was about to walk open the door, he whispered, "Don't leave."
Why are you standing there? You heard the man, go back and say something like "Of course. I will never leave your side, Kyohei-sama!" *squeal*
Sunako stopped and didn't turn the handle, but her hand didn't move from it.
"I didn't tell the others this, but there's more to this hospital than what meets the eye. The doctors and nurses are all scum, trying to touch me in places that have nothing to do with the regular physical evaluation! And the girls are even worse. They yell threats to me of what they'll do if I don't strip. It's like they've forgotten that this is a hospital! And there's no way I can get any sleep! It drives me crazy!" Kyohei's muffled voice became clearer as he lifted his head from his arms. "But when you're here, they all go away. It's like, the idea of my girlfriend there with me depresses them or something. So please don't...don't go."
If you'd all please turn around, in front of you you'll see the future boyfriend and quite possibly, husband of Nakahara Sunako, broken and in tears.
"You sound like a tour guide."
What kind of heartless soul would turn him down?
Without turning around, Sunako asked, "What about your 'guard nurses'?
Kyohei laughed, a humorless laugh. "You think they're my guards? Those jealous bitches just want to keep me all to themselves."
"How can I stay with this creature of light?! I'll melt, you see if I don't."
I'm looking forward to that. Seeing your utter joy when you find that it's IMPOSSIBLE FOR HUMANS TO MELT. And then you'll say something like "Oh! Now we can be together for sure, Kyohei-sama!"
"Well? Are you going to stay or not?"
"..."
"Oi, Nakahara! An answer while I'm still young would be nice."
"...do they have any horror movies on the TV?"
"I think so...I heard 'The Texas Chainsaw Massacre' would be playing..."
"Really?! I've only seen that movie twice! Turn the TV on! Now!"
And so, Sunako was persuaded to stay by the allure of a horror movie. When the movie finished, Sunako said, "You do realize I'll have to go home sooner or later."
"Why?"
"W-Well someone needs to make dinner."
"They can order out."
"B-But--"
"*sigh* If you want to leave, I won't stop you. But it really is a shame...I was going to let you have these chocolates," Kyohei pulled out a box of Ferrero Rocher, "but since you're leaving, I might as well throw them away..."
"Grr...he's manipulating me..."
Not really. You're the one who wants the chocolate.
"Yes I do! Really badly!"
"Then stay and you get the chocolates! And if you ever start spouting some nonsense about 'melting', I will find a way to make your life very miserable. Oh, I'd hurry up and answer...looks like he's about to toss the box!
"NOOOOO!!!!!" Sunako launched herself toward the box of falling chocolate and just managed to grab it before it fell into the waste basket. However...
Don't move! This is perfect, perfect! Brilliant! Marvelous! Superb! Outstanding!
...she lay sprawled across Kyohei's lap. She shifted, and Kyohei's sharp intake of breath diverted Sunako's attention from the enchanting box of chocolates to the face of the person she was supposedly destined to be with. His lips were pulled back in a grimace and his face was scrunched up in pain.
"Are you all right? Did I do something?" Sunako asked, concern flooding through her.
"Unh...no, you just sorta hit my left arm," Kyohei grunted.
"S-Sorry..." Sunako apologized while trying to fight off the nosebleed that was sure to come.
"He looks even more dazzling when he's in pain!"
I don't like that tone of thought, Sunako.
Curious, Sunako poked his left arm, extracting another cry of pain.
"Music to my ears!"
She poked him again. And again. And again.
"One more ti--"
"Oi! What the hell?! Stop poking me! That hurts, you know!" Kyohei yelled, trying to pull Sunako over the side of the bed. That didn't work out as hoped.
(((Well, actually, Miss Author, they both subconsciously wanted it to happen, so in a way, they kind of hoped it would--Will you just let me write?!)))
Now, Sunako was lying on top of Kyohei, face to face with him.
Pleeeeeease, pleeeeeease don't nosebleed!
"..."
Yes! Yes! I can't feel one, can you?
Sunako and Kyohei stared at each other in shock, each thinking similar things.
"He's even more radiant up close!"
"She's...beautiful..."
But Kyohei's train of thought quickly took another turn.
"Oh God...don't let her have a nosebleed! If she does I swear I"ll turn to the Devil! I'll commit every sin I can think of."
And, apparently, the guy upstairs heard and thought that Takano Kyohei should be punished, but for the time being, decided to divinely intervene and grant his wish.
Sunako continued staring calmly at Kyohei, but inside was a completely different matter.
"No blood...shooting from my nose...there must be something wrong with me!"
Let's just hope this lasts...
(Back to Kyohei's thoughts...)
"Thank you God! I'll try and become a better man!"
Suddenly Kyohei had a little flashback to their kiss in the nurse's office. As if it had happened yesterday, he remembered how he had felt just before the...event. He was feeling just like that now. Before, he had thought it was just a moment of confusion...but if it was, it wouldn't happen twice.
(And, returning to Sunako...)
"Why won't he do something? Say something?"
...
Out of nowhere, she felt Kyohei's hand on hers, and before her brain could comprehend what the heck was going on, she was pulled forward and she felt Kyohei's soft lips crash down onto hers. She was paralyzed, but a part of her was very, very aware of the kiss.
Yup, yup. I was right. This boy--very intelligent. Yes, I think he'll do quite nicely.
Pulling back, Kyohei leaned towards her ear and whispered, "Love is not a mirage."
Well...I hope you found that as satisfying as I did...whooo that's a long chapter...more than 4,000 words! I think I did a pretty good job...but it's not what I think, it's what YOU think. Don't forget your reviews!
Hououza:if you're reading this, I hope you noticed that I tried to incorporate your idea with Sunako being bribed by chocolate...hope you like it! If the instance calls for it, I'll incorporate in the future if it's okay for you.
I apologize for any errors, and I look forward to writing the next chapters (with lots of reviews backing me up, of course).
--DefyGravity2502