Time Will Tell
A/N: I'm sorry for not updating sooner. I got ill, still am. But I feel bad for not updating, so here it is.
A/N: I don't own any anime or anime characters used in this story.
Chapter 3: The challenge begins
As it was already dark, the girls excused themselves and went home. After sending Chikane home, Shizuru and Mai went home silently. Shizuru braved herself and decided to break the silence by asking Mai some questions.
"So, did you have fun today?"
Mai was surprised but answered anyway. Shizuru was never one for idle talk.
"I guess I did. You're friends can be quite fun to be around."
"So, what did you think of Natsuki Kuga?"
"What I think about her? Well, she has such a strong personality; she knows how to take care and defend herself. I really thought you two would start a fight. I never saw you that agitated before. You're always so calm and reserved. What made you snap?"
Shizuru chuckled softly.
"I have no idea, she just made me defensive and I simply acted by instinct to fight back"
"Did you apologize nicely to her or did you start another fight when you went to see her? I noticed you were silent after seeing her."
"You noticed? You really are my sister. I did apologize nicely to her if you need to know. We didn't fight at all; she even offered me a glass of water."
"Only a glass pf water!?! The nerve of the girl. She could at least offer a cup of tea or something better."
"It's okay. She's facing hard times; she has barely enough to eat herself. I peeked into her fridge, there wasn't much to eat. How she survives is a wonder."
"I see. Say Shizuru, why didn't you join in the challenge? With your looks, no one can refuse you."
Shizuru could feel her cheeks redden but hoped Mai didn't notice it.
"Oh, I felt it would too much of a hassle with everyone trying to steal a kiss from Natsuki," lied Shizuru. "I pity her for what might happen in the future, the girls will work hard to kiss her."
The truth was she had begun to have feelings for the blue-haired girl even if it was a little crush. The blue-haired gave an impression of wildness and masculinity that could entice anyone; let alone Shizuru. Shizuru felt if she participated in the challenge it would make her deeper in love with Natsuki and the kiss would mean more than simply just a kiss.
"What about you Mai? Why didn't you join in?"
This time it was Mai's turn to blush. Shizuru could see she struck a weak point as Mai begun playing with her fingers.
"Well, I already have my eyes on somebody. I felt it would be wrong to fool around kissing people."
"Let me guess. Is it Tate?"
Mai blushed a darker shade of red. Steam was coming out of her ears.
"Does it show?" She took out a mirror out of her handbag and looked at herself.
"No. I'm your sister, I can tell these things. You don't have to worry about it. Sometimes we do things in the spur of the moment. I think none of the girls really take the challenge seriously because the already have someone important in their hearts but dare not to approach."
"Really?"
"Yes, the truth is Chikane, Shizuma, and Sei all has a secret crush on someone since high school but they don't show it. I 'm not sure about Nao though."
"Wait, if it's secret how do you know?"
"Now that's my little secret. Ara, we have reached home already."
Shizuru parked the car and they went in.
xxxxxXXOXXxxxxx
Little did Shizuru know, her friends were always serious in a challenge when there was money involved (it's amazing, they don't need the cash anyway. They're all filthy rich. Maybe they're pride is at stake?) The girls would find excuses to go to the Yuuichi mansion. The first to make a move was Nao since well, she lived there. Nao wore sexy and tempting (to normal people) tight clothes and attempted to seduce the mechanic. She strayed near the girl while she was working with hopes that the blue-haired girl would be attracted. Not only did it fail but the blue haired girl scolded her for wearing indecent clothes.
"What are you wearing in my garage? Are you here to work on your car or having a picnic here? Get lost!"(She said more but it had to be censored. Natsuki was really annoyed)
Further investigation yielded the results. The blue-haired did not like people with red-hair like Nao because she was once bitten by a red cat in a fight (I fail to see the connection but this simply meant Nao was out of the challenge. Natsuki wouldn't even think of kissing Nao. Btw, why was Natsuki in a fight with a cat anyway?). Everyone took notice of this and took down notes for future reference.
Shizuma decided to play the romantic and rich lover tactic. Shizuma sent bundles of expensive presents to Natsuki with gifts such as watches, clothes, jewelry etc. The blue-haired girl returned the gifts in a fit of rage.
"What do you think you're doing giving out these things to me? Do you think you're rich you can flaunt all your rich stuff? Is this charity? I don't need it!" (Again, the rest had to be censored for bad language)
Seeing that the first two attempts had failed miserably, the other contestants decided to plan thoroughly before making a move. So for the moment, the challenge was on hold.
On the other hand, Shizuru always had a chance for a quick drink with Natsuki. Shizuru would now and then buy a meal and bring it to give to Natsuki. The first time, it was some simple sushi that she managed to trick Natsuki to eat by telling her it was leftovers (even though it wasn't) from her house. Natsuki didn't mind taking them if it was leftovers because she would be helping to avoid the food going to waste (that's what she thought). Shizuru had learned earlier than the other girls that Natsuki had a lot of pride and would rather die of hunger before asking anyone for food. So Natsuki was well-fed for a while thanks to Shizuru, although she sometimes became suspicious.
Shizuru learned a bit about Natsuki. It turns out that Natsuki is an engineering student in college. Her college fees were paid by her aunt, who lived far away, but Natsuki vowed to pay back the fees; that's why she's often penniless. She was only able to work at the Yuuichi mansion because it was her college holidays.
Slowly but surely, Natsuki was opening up to Shizuru. They would often have small talk, Shizuru was the one doing most of the talking; Natsuki would listen silently and only talk once in a while.
The girls were a bit suspicious that Shizuru would tell Natsuki about the challenge but Shizuru assured them she would do no such thing. She feared Natsuki's response if she did.
To be continued.
