R&R

TERRIBLY SORRY FOR WAITING. I still hope you guys are still interested in reading this.. sorry!

THREE DAYS

Day 3

-Michiru-

From the vastly spreading sunlight inside my room, I could perfectly tell it was already morning. I moved my head slightly and felt a nice warm sensation lingering around my skin. Upon opening, I saw Haruka right next to me. I blinked a few times while staying in my position then watched her idiotic sleeping face breathe in and out. Suddenly, an eerie feeling came crawling down my spine.

I shuddered.

I was about to kick her out of my bed and scream mercilessly into her ear 'hentai'… trust me when I say mercilessly, but something in me, something like guilt, gratefulness, and-… a questionable attraction that was rolled into one, stopped me from doing anything but watch…

So I did.

I intently gaze at Haruka's face; from the creasing of her nose, furrowing of her brows, mumbling mouth, and to her silent snoring. There was something remarkably interesting about all of that, that it had me focusing my attention at her. It was like even the naughtiest person in the world has their moments when they're like angels. And the thought simply had me laughing quietly. I unconsciously inched in and gently poked her nose. Her face wrinkled while mumbling something out. I giggled silently.

There are a lot of reasons to despise waking up this morning. Painful reasons I rather not cross. Even so, I think there are few simple reasons in life why I still should stay happy. And I guess in this very morning, looking at that innocent sleeping face of hers was one of them.

As soon as I was getting quite comfortable looking at her, Haruka's eyes slowly opened up. I, so unlikely of me, suddenly panicked. After a few seconds of doing utter stupidity, ranging from thinking outrageous alibis down to sporting a new quality in panicking, my eyes finally came crashing down with her. I instantly froze as my blue orbs met perfectly with her emerald eyes.

She smiled and greeted, "Morning."

I, from panicking down to impulsive reaction, pushed her out of my bed and screamed, "HENTAI!"

Haruka, who in complete shock, fell hard on the floor. I quickly jumped off from the other side of the bed while Haruka as quick as me got up from the floor.

She rubbed her bottom and whined, "The hell Michiru! That was painful, you know!"

"Haruka, I think it was meant for you to get hurt. If it wasn't I might as well gently caressed your back." I retorted to which she had her eyes rolling. "Besides, you were in my bed. Who knows what you have done?"

Haruka scoffed. "Before getting more arrogant than that let me remind you that I wasn't planning on sleeping here. Sleeping while sitting isn't as comfortable as you would think, Michiru."

"Well you seemed to enjoy it."

"You're the one who clutched into me tightly and drag me down her own bed. If you weren't drunk last night I wouldn't be here."

I glared at her to which she immediately dismissed with a sigh.

"Forget it. Let's just continue the project." She waved, rubbing the back of her neck then slumping down on the floor.

Suddenly I felt a crusade of guilt mercilessly shouting from behind me... now talk about mercilessly. I sighed. I'm just a really big idiot. I shouldn't have done that; it was the least that I should have done. Showing my gratitude is what I should have done. But no, I just had to rub it in her face my lack of gratefulness.

I sighed disappointedly and sat across her, placing the books and the papers on the table. Expectedly, the room went annoyingly silent. Haruka kept her eyes intact on the book page while I took a glimpse of her from time to time. I guess this is what I get from being ungrateful. Now it makes it awfully harder for me to break this awkward silence up.

BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP….

Haruka propped from her seat and looked at me. I quickly disengaged my eyes off from her and followed the unrelenting beeping sound. My hands reached out for my bag and dug in to find my cellphone.

The last thing I want right now is a reminder of what had happened but ironically enough, as I flipped my phone open, it was the only thing it had in there.

10 Messages

Mikoto: I'm sorry. Can we talk? Please…

Mikoto: Please talk to me…

Mikoto: I'm sorry. I miss you…

Mikoto: I love you… please talk to me..

Mikoto: Michiru, I want to see you…

.….

….

…

..

.

Just by simply seeing her name flashing right in front of my phone's screen, my heart began to ache. My body suddenly trembled, and the feeling I was trying so hard to forget came rushing back to me… that painful tormenting feeling was slowly and quietly engulfing me…

I pulled out all the courage I have and act as if it didn't affect me. I forced a smile out as I looked into her worried green eyes, "I'm-…"

Before I could even finish what I was trying to say, I was already crying.

My hands brushed the tears away and tried to reassure her once again, "I'm okay. It's weird. These tears just started-…" laughing weakly, failing miserably from any of my attempts.

"I'm hungry." Haruka quickly said. The last thing I saw of her is a blurred image of her back before the door was finally shut close.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Frankly speaking, I was a little bit annoyed. I was expecting a cute sweet smile across her lips then mouthing my name along with words of gratitude but instead I was kicked off from the bed then was screamed ruthlessly at with degrading word, 'Hentai' to name one.

I was really, but I never thought it would turn the atmosphere into an awkward silence and further more have Michiru into feeling a bit frenzied.

And there I was sitting across her, practically thinking of a way to break this atmosphere. I thought of different topics to start with, probably with teasing first just to warm it up then hopefully some silly banter would follow next. Anything just to shake this weird creepy and awkward aura around us.

Settling with the teasing, I breathed out and was about to speak it out aloud when a beeping sound distracted me.

I looked over at Michiru and saw her quickly turning away. She pulled her bag closer and dug in it and caught her phone. The phone flipped open, and judging by the way her brows crease, her lips quiver and the heavy breathing, it only meant one thing.

Her.

Michiru looked up and forced out a smile, "I'm-…"

My eyes widened when I saw it.

In her blue orbs were tears.

Her hands brushed the tears away while reassuring me once again, "I'm okay. It's weird. These tears just started-…"

She laughed weakly, her tears not stopping from falling. Whatever Michiru was trying to pull out, she was failing miserably at it.

There was a feeling of heaviness gathering in my chest. And whatever that feeling was, I felt powerless as I looked into her eyes.

"I'm hungry." I said not even taking a glance of her as I leave. I quickly shut the door close.

The last thing I want to see this morning is to see her cry.

-x0x-

-Michiru-

As I stepped out of my room, I was hoping to see Haruka's face shamelessly munching in on our food. I did get to see someone munching our food as if there's no tomorrow but it wasn't her.

"You're a bit early for tomorrow's breakfast." She commented, chewing the last piece of bread. I waved a hand and took a milk carton from the ref and sat in front of her. Her eyes then shot wide. She gasped, "Have you been crying?"

"No…" I sighed, sipping a cold glass of milk, "My head just hurts a little, that's all.."

"Of course it hurts, idiot. You were completely drunk last night." She spat, quite endearingly… I rolled my eyes and refused to retort something back. From utter ridicule, she then announced her motherly trait by asking worriedly, "Did something happen?"

I shook my head and smiled, "Nothing. Akane and I just went out for a drink."

What we Kaioh's all have in common is we all are skeptical. My mom is one yet good enough she decided to wave my answer off and reply an advice of her own instead "Just don't do it again. You've caused Haruka enough by having her carry you here."

I nodded and a few seconds after, Kokoro happily showed up in the kitchen modeling her new pink floral dress. She beamed at us, widening my smile even further. I kneeled and fixed the bow on her head.

"Let's go! Let's go!" she shouted excitedly, pulling my mother's hand eagerly out the kitchen.

I stood up and turned to face her, "You're going somewhere?"

"I'm going to buy Koko a new pair shoes."

"Hai! New Koko shoes!" throwing her hands up, smiling cutely as usual.

My mother smiled, scooping Kokoro from the floor. They walked out of the kitchen and to the door. I followed behind them.

"Do you want me to buy you anything?"

"No. I'm okay." I said.

"We'll be back around three. You go ahead and eat lunch without us."

"I will."

Koko opened the door and twirled out of the house. After inserting the last shoe, my mother got up from the floor. "We're going."

"Ah-.." I murmured. She looked over her shoulder and raised a brow. "Have you seen Haruka this morning?"

She turned around, "I thought she said something to you."

"No… she didn't say anything…"

"Well, she left really early. She was quite in a hurry."

"I see."

"Did you two got into an argument?" She asked.

"No. I just kind of kicked her this morning." I responded, my face turning away from her disappointed gaze.

"You and your lack of gratefulness." She grunted disappointedly. She shook her head and sighed, "Just try and thank her if you see her and do apologize."

"I will. I will." I waved. I saw kokoro angrily pulling the hem of my mom's clothing. "Ah I think someone's really eager to go now and buy those shoes."

My mom looked down and saw kokoro pouting at us. She laughed, "We'll be going now. Don't forget to lock the door."

"I won't. See you!"

I shut the door closed and locked it as advised by my nagging mother. I walked back to the living room and lazily laid on the sofa.

Televisions were always been my companion during this times of being all alone. Moments like this comes once in a while and whenever I get this sort of time to myself, I always have the most relaxing time. And it was simply what I want. What happened yesterday even makes being alone today better. But as happy as I was not having anyone to pry into my problems, being alone felt a little bit lonely. I hate to admit it but to have someone or simply just Haruka right at this very moment would be alright… maybe enough.

I skipped through channels and channels endlessly. I stopped when the sound of our door bell ringing began penetrating inside the house. Pulling my feet off from the comfort of the table, I grudgingly walked towards our door.

It was probably my sister and my mother coming back for something they've forgotten to bring or those people selling a year subscription of magazine door to door.

I sighed then put up my most welcoming smile as I swung the door open.

From the two choices I had in mind, none even came close. I tried to speak but found something stuck down my throat called shock.

Instead her voice penetrated my ear first. "Good you're dressed!" Haruka clapped, beaming.

"That, I much know of." I replied a bit confused to what she just said. She raised a brow, smiling lopsidedly. I rolled my eyes, "What happened to you anyway?"

"Come with me" She intercepted, pulling my hand away.

"What? Hey wait! Answer me first!" I demanded, shaking my hand out of her grasp.

"Just come with me." Grabbing my hand once again, but this time much firmer in hers.

"Where are we going?"

"Somewhere fun." came the simple reply.

I don't know what this fun implicates, but if Haruka said it, safety isn't a guarantee. "But-…"

She stopped. We were now standing out of the house in front of what I supposed to be her motorcycle.

Dropping my hand down, she then faced me "Okay you've got to stop all that whining."

"My what?" I asked angrily, showing my feeling of displeasure. I didn't like the tone of that. Besides what's that suppose to mean, right?

Haruka rolled her eyes, and then sighed. She stared at me then spoke softly, almost pleadingly "Just once Michiru, don't be so stubborn and just come with me."

"I'm not stubborn." I mumbled, turning my eyes away.

"Oh, you don't know yourself very well then." My blonde friend scoffed and remarked annoyingly. She handed of a helmet and added, "Put this on."

I angrily took it away and wore it. "And you know me?"

"I know women." smiling cockily and assuredly as she rode onto the bike. "I'm very observant, I tell you." She grinned.

I stood still, looking at her then at her bike.

"Why are you still standing there? Come on."

"I won't ride that death machine!" I said flatly. Haruka only looked at me skeptically while holding back a smile. I continued, "Motorcycles are dangerous! Most deaths are caused by being on a motorcycle!"

"That's absurd."

"Care to venture why." I challenged; my hands around my waist.

"You see when people in motorcycles get into accidents they usually flew out of it. So basically they don't die on motorcycles anymore."

"And that's your way of encouraging me? What's that, a comic relief?" What a pathetic explanation! My face, I bet, suddenly twisted a form I solely called utter annoyance care of by her 'explanation'.

"Just come on! It's safe."

"I don't want to!" I said resolutely.

"I thought you weren't stubborn?"

"I'm not!"

"Then prove me wrong." She challenged, smiling that annoying smile of hers.

I gritted my teeth. Oh how I hate this! She could be very manipulative and I hate it. I know that she's having fun at this. And I simply hate that she knows I can't turn a challenged like that down, especially when it was accompanied by that sly smile plastered across her lips.

I growled and rode on the bike, sitting behind her, "I'll get you for this."

"That, I cannot wait for." She chuckled starting the engine. "Ready?"

"Does it matter?"

She laughed. "Alright. Hold onto me."

I held onto her sides a bit loosely with much content for my part. Unfortunately though, instead of having Haruka driving the bike already, she looked over her shoulder and spoke, "Hold tighter."

I furrowed my brows then she laughed. "This isn't about feeling my body up, it's about not dying Michiru."

And as much as I hate to admit it, she was right. Besides, I really don't like the idea of dying because I failed to hold on tightly. I sighed and as I breathed out, I circled both my arms around her.

"Don't try to sneak you hands above my waist." She kidded, accelerating the bike up.

I was about to retort something back but as soon as she sped the engine up, I was left with nothing but holding onto her tighter and screaming, "KYAAA!"

She chuckled. Surely one of us was enjoying this, and it wasn't me. I gripped a little tighter

"Not that tight. Are you planning on killing me?"

"Well, Are you planning on killing me as well? Slow down will you!" I spat.

"Don't worry. I've got some awards behind my driving skills." She gloated.

"I-DON'T-CARE!" I pointed out clearly. "Slow down or I'll dig my nails deeper! I tell you, I REALLY have long nails." I threatened.

Happily enough, it worked. As we turned left at a street, Haruka slowed down a line or two on her meter.

"Better, miss demanding?"

"Much." I smiled triumphantly.

Then we're off to I place I don't even have a clue off.

I felt soft cold breeze tracing my skin, ruffling my hair a little bit, and the smell of sea during morning breeze dancing inside my nostrils. I looked to the side and saw a clear blue sea vastly spreading through the horizon and was remarkably sparkling under the sun's golden rays. It was simply stunning. The scenery was breath-taking, the wind was refreshing, and the ride was surely comforting. The feeling emanating from behind me was undoubtedly called happiness. I closed my eyes and relaxed my head onto Haruka's back.

Just this time, I'll let this feeling get into me...

I lost sight of time and where we are going. Feeling the warmth of her back was enough to get me occupied for the whole ride. The only time I got aware of what was going on around me was when I felt the bike stopped and heard Haruka speaking once again, "Here we are."

As I opened my eyes, I was welcomed by a sandy road and a concrete bridge extending a few meters from the shore.

"You can let go now." I snapped. "But then again I don't mind this." She added, smiling mischievously as usual.

I quickly removed my arms and jumped off the bike. "It amuses me how you can manage to make those words dirty."

"It's gift. Some just doesn't walk in the light as I do." She replied dramatically. I giggled. "Come on." Once again she pulled my hand.

I wanted so badly to protest. I wasn't seeing any point anymore for her to hold my hand and drag me but somehow a part of me held those protests back and let this moment or myself, for once, be as what Haruka earnestly had in mind. Besides if it crosses the line between PG 13 and R18, some punching and screaming can be done.

Although it's also partially because it's warm…

Haruka's hand that is...

It's warm and has its own gentleness into it...

"Are you ready?"

I shook my head and stared at her. "Ready for what?"

A grin started forming around her lips. She stepped back, dropping my hand away, "For this." Another hand stretched up.

I looked ahead and saw what looked seemingly like the Toronto's CN tower or a concrete figure resembling a needle towering over us.

Then I dropped my eyes back at Haruka and stared blankly at her.

The next thing I knew, I was already sitting down, with seatbelts strongly fastened around my waist and a soft cushion wrapped around a metal clasped strongly against my shoulders. I looked beside me and saw Haruka smiling. And all I could think of was how dead am I?

"HARUKAAA!"

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Oh how worth it seeing that reaction of hers!

As soon as I showed her the ride behind me, her face suddenly went pale, then her knees began to tremble. From that point on, I knew she had always been afraid of heights and... I knew already how I loved seeing that reaction. She stood there and just stared blankly at me. And as much as I like her reaction then, I knew I would love her reaction more once we ride it.

Dominating Michiru, strength-wise, I quickly grabbed her hand and dragged her. As soon as she snapped from her reverie, it was already too late for her to back out. She was already securely fastened onto the seat. She looked at me then at that point on, I knew I was right; I do love her reaction now more than her reaction earlier.

And from the top of her lungs, she screamed, "HARUKAAA!"

I stared at her and innocently smiled, "Yes?"

"Don't 'Yes? Yes?' me, idiot! What do you think you're doing?"

"I don't know.." I kept my smile up. "Care to guess what?"

"Don't start with me!" She finally glared, gritting her teeth. I tell you if Michiru only had cyclops' power, I've probably been toasted a second ago. Luckily, she doesn't.

I chuckled."Gomen. Gomen. We're riding this ride. It'll be fun!"

"FUN? FUN? WHAT'S FUN ABOUT THIS?" She asked drastically, verging on angrily. "We'll be propelled upward then downward, only God knows at what speed!"

"That makes it fun!"

"Get me off of this! I don't want to have fun, I want to stay alive!"

"Michiru, that's insane." I sighed. Michiru could really be over analyzing and sometimes it's verging on irrationality.

"Oh I'm sorry for thinking about my life, I guess you're too carefree to neglect about that part."

"It's not dangerous. I've rode this a few times and you see I'm still alive."

"I don't want to depend my life on faith!"

"That perhaps or you're just afraid. You know Michiru, it is okay to be afraid of heights." I smiled smugly as usual.

Her brows furrowed as she glared at me. I can't believe this trick is working again on her. "I'm not scared. I just prefer living."

"Admit it, someone like you also has fears, and yours is fear of heights."

"I am not afraid of heights." She said resolutely, settling back onto the seat. "Heights don't scare me."

"That I want to see."

"You'll see." She proudly announced.

(Change your mind by Boyce Avenue)

I smiled and glanced over her hand which was shaking tremendously. I chuckled a little.

The ride shook abruptly as it started, and Michiru's hands trembled far more than I imagined was possible.

I sighed then smiled. I reached out and rested my hand on top of hers. "It's okay. I'll be here." I assured with a confident voice. "Hey, if you die, there's a big chance I will die also."

"And that was supposed to calm me?" she remarked, clearly not happy about what I just said.

I chuckled. "The trick here is to close your eyes. I'm also afraid of heights and that's my secret."

She laughed then teased "So you're a sissy."

"I am." I said proudly. "But don't you think it's better to face your fears once in awhile?"

She then smiled warmly than I used to remember. I felt her hold tightening. "If I die, I'll hunt your soul in hell."

"Oh, I'll be in heaven." I returned. She giggled afterwards.

The ride then started. Endlessly it propelled us upward and downward and as Michiru said, only God knows in what speed.

Her hand never left my hand. Instead she held it tighter. And as she screamed the hell out of it, there was smile spreading on her face. And at the simple sight of that, had me enjoying the whole ride.

Definitely…

I love her reaction more than anyone else…

-x0x-

-Michiru-

I never liked riding anything that would dare to challenge my fear of heights but riding that one certainly made me feel a lot better than before. It was exhilarating and invigorating. I somehow found a new respect for myself for riding it. I felt triumphant at some point or another.

"Feeling better?"

"That felt nice." I breathed out, stretching my arms up. "I've never done that before."

"I think I broke an eardrum from all that screaming." She teased.

"We could make it two." I returned. She laughed. "But really, I feel great." I breathed in then out. "I feel more easy and relaxed right now. I think I could scream some more."

"You know, there are other ways to vent your feelings out… Screaming is one of them. So next time you feel happy or sad, try to scream instead." Haruka said, and for once there was seriousness in the tone of her voice.

Was she worried about me? Is the reason for dragging me out here was because she was worried? It may be presumptuous to think that someone I just gotten to know was putting her heart out for me to make me feel better but somehow I can't help to think that way. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. But…

I rather drown myself with the thought that she was worried about me than not…

I took her hand in my own and dragged her to another ride. "I got a lot more screaming left."

She smiled and ran along with me.

We rode the rollercoaster where Haruka was hysterically panicking. It was cute, though. She held onto the bars as tightly as possible. And as we walked off from the ride, Haruka was still trembling. It was funny but also I found it adorable. It was weird that I do, but I just do. It's like when you thought of a person that couldn't any more be buff or courageous suddenly they prove you just how wrong you are. That was what I thought when I saw Haruka acting like that. Then I wondered how many of us do actually know that she's like this. The thought had me smiling. I felt a bit happy. I was one those people who knew something about her that you don't normally come across just by looking at her. I guess it was rewarding, don't you think?

I dragged Haruka then to a horror house. She stood proudly before me and scared me by telling me stories that can and will happen inside the horror house. Honestly, I thought it was lame for her to do that, but as soon as we got in, I suddenly knew why. She held onto my arm for dear life as we walked through the path with nothing but whirling dim light lighting us down. She screamed, a lot. And before I knew it, I was being dragged out of the horror booth already. That's when she told me a story from her past when her sister played a trick on her and left her inside the horror house. From that point on she never went in. I asked her why she then went along with me and she simply answered that she knew I would like to go inside and she doesn't want to ruin it. I petted her head while she only glared at me.

After that, she took control of where we were going, which didn't include any of the rides. We stopped at a stall. A middle aged man handed off a gun to Haruka in exchange of a hundred yen. It took Haruka five hundred yen before winning a feet tall bunny stuffed toy. She pulled me once again and now stopping at a food stall. She ordered a lot of food we could both share, and half of its price had come out of my own wallet. Haruka could really be stingy at times then again we're not really on a date for her to pay for my meals. Still it is a common courtesy to pay for someone's meal if they're the ones who invited them out of nowhere then again, courtesy isn't exactly in her dictionary.

I never thought in a thousand years that spending this time freely with Haruka who I just gotten to know for three days would be this enjoying. Sure, Haruka and I have a lot of differences and I could attest to that, but this time being with her seemed to shatter those differences between us. I hated her guts, I did, but now I don't even know why? It's funny really when you think about it but then again thinking makes everything complicated. But what I'm sure of is that I really enjoy being around her. Simply being by her side, it feels a breath of fresh air. Nothing was hard or complicated. Everything was easy and simple. And by her side, being happy this day made it easy and simple.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

The carnival was a lot more fun than I expected it to be. Having Michiru discover my fears, my lameness and utter cowardliness may be a little vexing and embarrassing but then again if I could get that smile on her face not to fade, then I'll probably do it over and over again. Seeing her smile once more, made everything worth it. And I definitely would do everything just to nurture that smile of hers. After all, that smile was one of the things I liked about her. Then again I like everything about her. And if nurturing everything I like about her would mean giving everything up, I probably won't hesitate even for a fraction of a second. Love or simple infatuation… whatever it is that I'm feeling, I certainly know that this is something new… something remarkably strong… something undoubtedly real…

And this is a little secret I'll hold onto myself for now.

"Here we are." I said, pulling to a stop. I got off from the bike first and helped Michiru out.

"So chivalrous."

"Charming?"

"Annoying."

I laughed.

I can't get enough of this. There's not even one second that talking, arguing, or just lame bickering with her came off as boring or tiring. It's always exciting, fun and somehow refreshing. Everything was interesting when it includes Michiru in it. I do like her and maybe I'm being biased with my judgment but this honesty, frankness and cleverness were one of the many things that caught my attention in the first place. The mere fact that she was different had me looking only at her... And it's simply amazes me how she managed to...

We stopped by the door. Michiru looked at me smiling as she bid, "I really enjoy today. See you then."

I nodded. I watched her as she opened the door. And as she entered, something down my throat kept bothering. I breathed and finally voiced out what I've been meaning to ask all this time. "Are you doing anything tonight?"

She turned around, "None that I know of. Why?"

I clenched the keys in my hand while the other rubbed the back of my neck, "You see my sister is having a formal party tonight."

"Okay?"

I straightened and spoke decisively, "Would you like to accompany me to my sister's event?"

"I don't know... I need to ask my mother first."

"I already asked her for permission. So?"

"but I don't have anything elegant to wear." She reasoned out.

"Don't worry about that. I had arranged something for you to wear. Would you now? Please. Just a favor. It's lonely to go alone."

She laughed. "Alright. Loneliness does make a good argument."

She entered the house. I rode my bike but just like the tag from the carnival, I did leave happier and better after that. Now, I just know, I'll only be happier.

-x0x-

-Michiru-

As soon as I entered, I saw Kokoro by the living room watching TV while my mother walked out of the kitchen. I don't know why but somehow there was something remarkably questioning about the smile my mother was giving me. Venturing the reasons as to what is a bit tiring, so instead I settled with shrugging it with a smile and went off to my room in preparation for tonight.

As I entered my room, I found myself surprised at the long black gown resting on my bed. There were laces around the waist and diamonds on the far top. It was elegant, beautiful and probably worth more than my salary for a year.

Now that I think about it, this is what Haruka meant by 'I had arranged something for you to wear' thinking even further maybe this is also the reason why my mother was smiling before.

"Honestly!" I sighed and lifted the dress up. Still, knowing both of them did connive didn't stop me from smiling. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad after all. Besides, doing something like this and planning it, it may as well be worthwhile.

I directly went to bathroom and got myself cleaned. I changed afterwards and soon found my hair in the tender hands of my mother.

After an hour of dressing and fixing up, the doorbell rang twice. The next thing I heard was Kokoro happily screaming her name. I stood up from the stool and walked out of the room with my mother giving me thumbs up.

As soon as I stepped out, I saw Haruka tickling my little sister who by now was laughing uncontrollably. I walked closer, "Kokoro might die laughing."

Haruka looked up and instantly her hands stopped, her mouth opened, and her eyes a bit surprised.

"What? Is something on my face?" I asked worriedly.

She shook her head and stood up from kneeling. "No. No it's not that. It's just that-…"

"Onee-chan's beautiful." My sister proudly announced.

"Yeah, she sure is Kokoro-chin." Haruka supported.

Out of nowhere, Kokoro was scooped off from the floor and was immediately dragged away from us. Haruka and I stood quietly by the front door.

"Wow…" was the first word flowed right through her mouth. "God must have spent a lot more time on you…"

I certainly did blush and returned the compliment as well, "You look quite dashing as well in your suit."

"I had it ironed out." She replied proudly. I giggled. "Shall we?" extending her hand out.

"Before we go," I started. Haruka looked at me and I continued, "I want you to promise me you won't try to hit on me."

She smiled, far more different than what she usually had on. She said softly, almost affectionately. "Then you should have worn something different."

I felt my ears getting hot. I quickly slapped her across the arm.

Haruka chuckled, rubbing her arm. "Hey, I thought there wouldn't be any hitting."

"And when did you become a smart ass?"

"You don't take compliments too well, ne Michiru?" She mused, inching closer

"Haruka, it's not a compliment when it's from you."

"Ehh" she gasped amusedly. "Then what is it?"

"Sexual harassment." I spat confidently.

"And now you're the smart ass." She retorted.

I cheekily smiled before her, crossing my arms over my chest, my eyes challenging her out. She smiled and raised both her arms. She then bowed graciously before me, one hand reaching out. I guess we had an understanding. I gladly accepted the invitation and placed my hand on her.

We walked to her car, and she gallantly opened the door for me. I went inside. Haruka ran around and went inside the driver's sit.

She then faced me, "Ready?"

I nodded.

She revved the engine up and roared out on our street. Backwards.

She hit the brakes quickly, and I felt my soul plunging out of my body.

She turned to me and smiled, "Reverse."

"Do you have to tell?" I angrily screamed out.

"Sorry." Now properly putting it on the first gear.

I sighed disappointedly, "Honestly, you just couldn't make this night perfect"

"Why?" Haruka immediately looked at me then smiled slyly. "Did you want me to make this perfect?"

I hit her arm and shouted, "Watch the road you idiot! And stop hitting on me!"

"I'm not hitting on you. But you certainly are."

I faked a smile and slapped her once more. "Good one."

Haruka quickly commented, "You know you've got to stop that. It does hurt."

The ride was silent but not awkward. It was as if we had a mutual understanding that we both liked, for once, enjoy the peace and quiet between us. Haruka turned the radio on and the sound of Stevie wonder's song playing in the radio filled the silent atmosphere on our way to the event.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

It was really satisfying to have someone as gorgeous as Michiru around my arm. People looked at us with much concentration and men obviously were staring at her. What I liked the most was giving this impression that we were a couple, which wasn't the case but it was something I certainly and secretly wishing for. Still, I'm happy she's here with me right now.

As we walked through the red velvet aisle, I had come across this really really wide smile approaching us.

"Haruka!" Extending her greeting by dropping a quick kiss on my cheek.

"Nee-san." I greeted with a warm smile. She smiled back which a second later got a little wider than how I wanted it to be.

She carefully eyed Michiru and teasingly asked, "And who's this gorgeous young woman you're with?"

"This is my friend Kaioh Michiru."

"A friend? Is that so?" She teased, winking knowingly at my direction.

"Onee!"

"Sorry. Sorry" She waved then extending her hand towards Michiru. "Anna Walsham"

Michiru smiled and delightfully accepted the handshake, "Kaioh Michiru. Pleasure to meet you, Walsham-san."

"Oh, call me Anna. And the pleasure's all mine, Michiru." My sister waved. From being busy with us, my sister then suddenly ran off to other incoming guests. I guess that's to be expected.

I led Michiru in and we sat on the table we were assigned to. She sat down while I took the liberty to go and get us some drink. I asked for two glass of champagne from the bar. Turning around I saw Michiru happily conversing with some people in our table. And as I walked back to the table, my lovely sister stopped me from my tracks.

"So tell me, who is she?"

I sighed. "A friend and nothing more."

"Really, Haruka? I'm your sister, I know you very well."

"I know, a bit frightening on how well that is." I returned. She lightly slapped me on the arm. I guess some women do like to slap someone by the arm when returning a joke. "It's nothing really, we're just friends."

She eyed me dubiously for a while before getting satisfied with my answer. "Alright. Fine."

With that the question between me and Michiru ended, but my sister didn't stop from talking. The topic drastically went from us to the things happened while she was backed in England and anything related for that matter. She was enthusiastically telling stories, I could tell were lovely, but somehow I was far more engrossed at glancing at Michiru. She was smiling, and certainly enough, it only takes something as simple as that to have my attention all on her. And as idiotic and cheesy as this sound, looking at that smile, I found myself smiling as well.

And I guess my sister noticed this because out of nowhere she suddenly uttered out, "It's a nice song Haruka. It's a waste not dancing to that."

(You make it real by James Morisson)

I looked at her and found myself handing the two glasses to her. Anna nudge me on the stomach for encouragement and a second after, I was walking towards her. The ballroom gotten bigger and our table felt farther as I took my steps towards her. My heart kept pounding onto my chest so hard, my hands we're terribly shaking and I can't stop myself from sweating. Crap. I never felt so damn nervous in my entire life but still I kept walking- just straight to where she is. Like I said, it's better to face your fears once in a while.

I stopped behind her, and surprisingly enough, they all stopped from talking and looked at me. Michiru turned around and smiled, "Hey."

"Hey." I replied. I felt my pulse racing but this has to happen somehow. I stood beside her and looked up "It's a nice song, isn't it?"

"That was quite out of the blue." She commented. I chuckled in return. She smiled shortly after replying, "It is, but such a waste not doing anything."

"We could dance." I quickly suggested.

"Dance?"

I turned, now fully facing her and extended out a hand. "Would you like to dance?"

"I-…"

"Just for tonight." I pleaded then added with a grin "Who here wants to have this young lady dance with me?" I asked to the people around us.

They all smiled and mouthed all at once "We do."

"But I can't dance" Michiru reasoned out.

"It's easy… just sway along..."

"I thought dancing was more than that?"

I quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her to the center. If we want to dance unto that song, we can't argue much anymore right? I lifted an arm up and gently wrapped it around her waist while I guide her other hand onto my shoulder. As soon as we were settled, I started swaying, with Michiru stiffly following behind me.

"It is more than that… but why don't we start with this? There are no steps in dancing, just let your heart follow the music, then it'll be alright." I smiled. By the second, Michiru was becoming stiffer and stiffer. I laughed lightly. "Loosen up… Just dance Michiru and think later."

"Well sorry for being stiff. I told you I can't dance." She pouted.

I inched closer my head resting over her shoulder, and whispered. "Close your eyes. Relax your shoulders… breathe normally… just move slowly, sway gracefully… See, now you're dancing. You don't have to prove to anyone that you're good at dancing. Just be yourself and move the way your heart tells you."

"Well my heart tells me I look like a fool."

I laughed then smiled as I inched back to look at her "then let's be a fool together."

There weren't any witty response after that. We kept swaying to the sound in the background still maintaining the quiet atmosphere between us.

After a couple of minutes, Michiru was the first to voice something out. "You're good at this, aren't you?

"Dancing?" I asked as I laughed. "Let me tell you a secret, I can't dance. but who's to judge anyway?

Michiru giggled, "No.. I mean with words."

"Oh that. Yeah, I'm a smooth talker."

"And not a very modest one."

"Is it working?" Michiru instantly raised her brow. I laughed. "I'm not hitting on you."

"Is that how you manage to get all those women?" She asked.

I thought for a little seconds before answering. "Usually I just smile. But in your case, you managed to challenge my intellectual out."

"And I seem to miss that part."

"Did my heart love till now? Forswear it, sight. For I never saw true beauty till this night."

"And quoting Shakespeare was one of those?"

I laughed once again. "See. It's a bit troubling to think what could make you fall for me. To be honest, I never really had a hard time having any woman I want."

"A conceited person never gets anywhere because he thinks he is already there."

"Touché." I applauded. "But I did prepare myself for such insult."

"Curious."

(Change your mind by Boyce Avenue)

"Dancing." I spun her around. She laughed. I removed my hand from her waist and held her hand instead. I swung my hips while flicking my fingers. She laughed and followed along with me.

Maybe just for tonight, it's okay to think that you and I are more than friends…

And think that the song playing in the background is the theme of our new found love for one another…

It wouldn't be so bad to think that way, would it? After all, happiness is what matters most. And right now, drowning myself with this thought, hoping even for a fraction of it was somehow possible, made me the happiest person I had ever imagined.

-x0x-

-Michiru-

"Thanks for coming with me." She said as she dropped me off.

"Iie." I waved then smiled. "I enjoyed it a lot."

"I'll get going then. It's getting a pretty late."

"Yeah. Take care then."

"I will. Do give my good night to your family."

"Hai." I smiled and waved.

She walked back and opened the gate.

"Haruka." I suddenly called out. She turned around.

"Hai?"

"Just when I thought I knew you, you suddenly surprised me with your unpredictable motives."

"What?" she laughed.

"This might not be enough but," I smiled, appreciatively, "Thank you. Thank you for tonight, Haruka."

Haruka smiled smugly the way I used to know it, "Well it's about time, Michiru. It's about time to give this charming blonde some credit."

I laughed, "Take care."

The last thing I saw was her waving hand as her car disappeared from the darkness.

There are reasons to despise this day. Painful reasons I rather not cross. But right now, there are a lot more reasons to stay happy, to keep smiling, to keep looking ahead and Haruka gave me all that reasons…

Maybe I won't remember why, and how… but surely enough, she will always give me a reason to smile.

Thanks for reading!