Haruka smiled proudly when Michiru ended her performance. It would be much better if Kaidoh was willing to join her but her friend had no interest in classical music. Haruka could not claim she was a fan but she gave it a try since she had been informed that Michiru was the world famous violinist. How come a 17-year-old girl was recognized as one of the most talented musician in the world? She had had to find that out.

After witnessing firsthand of the greatness of Michiru's craft she would be more than happy to be a musical fan after this or Michiru's fan to be exact. The aqua-haired girl was … magnificent and brilliant.

The crowd started to disperse and Haruka took a bouquet of flower from her lap as she was getting up from her chair. The flower was nothing more than a congratulatory gesture from her.

Wasting no time, Haruka strode to Michiru's dressing room. She knocked to announce her arrival and twisted the door knob when she got 'Come in' from the violinist.

Haruka's step stopped when she saw a couple was conversing with Michiru.

"Maybe this is not a good time. I'll come back later," Haruka said apologetically.

"No. That's okay. Come on in. Is the flower for me?" Michiru beamed at her.

"Yes. Congratulation for your great performance."

"Thank you. It's so sweet of you," Michiru took the flower and kissed her cheek. Haruka blinked. "Let me introduce you to my boyfriend, Tenoh Haruka." The aqua-haired girl looped her arm around Haruka's, quite affectionately.

Haruka coughed. Boyfriend?!

Did she mean a friend who is a boy when she mentioned boyfriend or boyfriend boyfriend? Was giving a bouquet of flower conveying a different message to her? It's bad idea to buy that red roses. I know it! I shouldn't have listened to that flower girl!

Before Michiru mistook her intention it was better for her to clear the situation.

"I'm not –,"

"This is Takuya and his girlfriend, Haylie," Michiru's introduction cut her sentence. She frowned. She sent a what-the hell-is-going-on-here look to the violinist and Michiru replied with a just-play-along look back.

Despite the confusing situation, Haruka greeted to the couple out of politeness. "Nice to meet you."

"Wait. Tenoh from Garuda Corporation?" The man named Takuya asked her incredulously.

Haruka sighed inwardly. Of course she would never get away from her family name.

"Yes. Haruka is Akio-sama second grandson and we're studying at the same school right now," Michiru spoke for her since Haruka suddenly had lost her ability to utter a word. She did not miss the proud tone of Michiru when she said that.

Haruka noticed that Takuya's face changed from his earlier demeanor. He looked almost intimidated and … jealous of her.

"Actually we're asking Michiru to come to my birthday party this Friday night. You're invited too Tenoh-san," Takuya said politely.

Speechless, Haruka was scrambling for the answer, " Well err... I think –"

"Of course, we'll be there, right Haruka?" Michiru once again became a spoke person for her. She swallowed when Michiru pressing her body closer to her and tightened her grip.

"Sure." That was the only reply she could muster.

Satisfied with the result of the conversation, the couple excused themselves and went out from the room.

"I'm not going to that party," Haruka voiced out when the couple were out of sight.

"But you say yes!"

"I didn't say yes. You're the one who say 'we'll be there' not me. You are brilliant with an impromptu idea like telling them I'm your boyfriend, I'm sure you can come up with another equally brilliant impromptu idea when he asks you about my abstinence later."

"Haruka-san, help me with this one."

"Excuse me. I'm trying not to warm up the idea of us probably ended married to each other. So no I'm not going to be your fake boyfriend. What're you thinking introducing me like that? You know I'm a … woman," Haruka hissed at the last word.

"My father and your grandpa were just joking about us. They haven't decided anything yet …"

"Sound pretty damn serious to me, " Haruka said gruffly.

"My father will not force me into a marriage that I don't want to. So as long as I refuse their little idea to unite us, we're not going to get married. However, your possible engagement with other girls .. that's another story." Haruka grunted. " Look, I'm desperate okay. Takuya was my ex-boyfriend. I need to show him that I've moved on from our relationship. You appeared at my doorstep so I didn't really think much and introduced you as my boyfriend."

"If you really have moved on you don't have to lie to him just you can feel great about yourself. "

"I have moved on. Since our break up I haven't dated anyone, so he spread the rumor to our mutual friends that I still can't get over him. That's why he and his supermodel girlfriend invited me to his party so he can show to everyone that I have no boyfriend because I'm still waiting for him. I just wanted him to shut his mouth, that's all."

"Okay , since I've unwillingly involved with this, I deserve to know this, give me a quick version of how you met him and why you guys broke up...," Haruka paused and sighed , "… sorry I sounded like a insensitive jerk. If you don't mind, can you tell me what happened between you and him?"

"No you're not an insensitive jerk; you're just an insensitive guy, Haruka-san." Michiru said sarcastically. "I've met him when I went to his art display. He's a talented sculptor and UNESCO has rewarded him as New Young Artist. I thought we would get along just fine and the first couple of months were great but things started to fall apart when he was busy with his work as and I was busy with my life. So he cheated on me with a college girl and we're done after that."

"Wow that's really a brief version of your love life. Is he rich like you? Judging from his appearance, he seemed rich."

"Quit stalling about my favour. Will you help me? Please. The party will be held -"

"Geez I don't know, I've never been -"

"Haruka-san. I really need your help. Besides, you can enhance your act as a man if we're a couple."

"Enhance? What, are we in Paris?" Haruka asked exasperatedly. She crossed her arms. "Why are you doing this? Aren't you afraid that you will end up without a real boyfriend if we do this?"

"That'd be great actually. At least boys would get off from my back. I don't have time for a relationship. At least for now."

Haruka pondered for a while. Nothing was wrong with helping her own friend and Michiru was kind enough to keep her secret. Maybe this was the way to repay the violinist.

"Okay. But just this once, no more fake relationship after this and we have to make sure that no one from our school knows about this. I'm still walking on eggshells around my disguise; I don't want to complicate things. And Michiru you really owe me this one."

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Michiru headed to Lamborghini Reventon where Haruka was waiting for her.

She studied her boyfriend, Haruka wore a pair of dark jeans, a dark red polo shirt and a black leather jacket. Haruka looked simple but still managed to look handsome. Having the blonde as her candy arm could make a few eyeballs to pop out from their sockets. She really chose her date wisely tonight.

"You're late, Princess," Haruka's voice greeted her.

Michiru tossed her wavy aqua hair elegantly and replied, "You know a girl always late when she is in a date."

Haruka smirked with the answer, "Good thing I'm not exactly a girl or else both of us would be fashionably late. By the way, you look beautiful."

Michiru smiled with the sincerity of the words. "Flatterer," was the only reply she could give.

"I try."

Michiru get on the car and buckled up her seatbelt. After Haruka did the same, the car sped off from the hostel building.

"So Haruka-san, how many girlfriends have you dated?" Michiru asked.

"Whoa whoa whoa. Just because you always see me in a boy garb and I look boyish doesn't mean I like girls," the blonde sounded offended. Michiru noticed the blonde's grip on the steering were tightened and she gulped.

"Sorry. I just thought…. I'm really sorry. I shouldn't ... So you like boys?"

"My orientation is none of your business," Haruka grinned. Michiru was relieved when her tone was light and playful. "However, to answer your question, I've never dated anyone. With the environment I lived in, it was not highly recommended to dating."

"What about now?"

"Also not a suitable time."

"Why?"

"If I dated a boy-"

"So you like boys."

"- Akio would kill me because he would think his grandson is gay. If I dated a girl –"

"So you like girls."

" – that also would be catastrophic."

"Okay, I have to ask once again, why?"

"For Akio, there are only two types of women. Type A is women I should date: somebody's daughter, elegant, smart yada yada. And type B is women I shouldn't date : any women who are not in type A. So if I dated anyone in Akio's preference, he would right away ask me to get engaged. He doesn't like me and Kei to fool around. If I dated anyone from type B, he also would right away force me to get engaged with his choice of bride because like I said, I can't fool around. So no dating for me. I want to delay the plan of his to play a matchmaker for me."

"Aww. What a waste. You know half of the female students are swooned over you. "

"I'm pretty sure they're just being friendly."

" I don't think that was the case. Even Takuya's girlfriend seemed to have interest in you." Michiru laughed silently when Haruka burrowed her eyebrows in confusion. She, of course, did not miss the way Haylie gave an elevated look at Haruka the moment the blonde stepped into the dressing room. Haruka was too stunned at that time to notice anything else.

"Let say if Haylie liked me, for whatever reason, do you think this will be nice for you to take your revenge? I can make her clash with your ex-boyfriend."

"There's no need to do that, Haruka-san."

"Are you sure? I can be very persuasive you know, that's why I was one of the top drug dealers at my neighborhood." Michiru laughed at the reply when she was imagining Haruka tried to persuade Takuya's girlfriend to leave him using her skills obtained as a drug dealer. "I didn't date anyone, but I can be charming when I want to. Just tell me a word and Takuya will be left without a girlfriend before 12 pm. If that does not work out, I can resort to another method, threatening. Oh I really good at that." The way Haruka grinned was simultaneously terrifying and seductive.

"I appreciate the offer but I don't want to sink to his level by doing that. All you need to do is, be a dashing boyfriend tonight and that's already enough."

"No problem, that's my jam." Haruka grinned, shifting the gear and turning the car to the left.

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Haruka and Michiru were escorted to the designated lounge when they showed an invitation card to the bouncer at the entrance.

Once they reached their destination, they were welcomed with a loud music from the dance floor. The crowd were having fun, drinking, chatting and dancing.

"God, this celebration is just for a birthday party? Wow." Haruka spoke in utter amazement. Michiru smiled at her. Haruka knew Michiru was familiar with luxurious social event so this did not faze her that much.

"Ah, you guys are here." Upon hearing her ex-boyfriend's voice, Michiru quickly held Haruka's wrist and forced the blonde to snake her arm around her petite waist. Haruka staggered a little with the sudden action but as usual she did not say anything about it.

Haruka's heart beat faster when Michiru snuggled her body to her just like after the concert. She kept telling herself that was a normal reaction since she was squeezed by a beautiful girl like Michiru but that did not lessen the redness of her face.

"Hello everyone." Haruka congratulated herself for uttering words considering her predicament.

"Glad you both could make it," Haylie cheerfully greeted them.

"Of course we wouldn't miss this. This is a lovely party," Michiru said.

"Thank you. How long have you guys dated? I'm just curious. I've never heard about Haruka and that seemed impossible because everyone in Japan know about Tenoh family. How can I miss the existence of Tenoh prince? And now he's dating you, Michiru-san," Takuya asked.

Haruka looked at Michiru, silently signaling her to answer his inquiry.

"We … ah have been dating for a couple of months. Haruka just came from oversea. That's why not many know about him. Oh before I forgot, Happy Birthday, Takuya-san." Michiru wished him and gave a medium sized packaged gift to him. Haruka flinched listening to the sincere tone that came out from the violinist's mouth. She did not get why Michiru still treated Takuya nicely. He cheated on her, right?

It did not make any sense to her.

After that, the conversation flowed among them smoothly. It did not turn out as awkward as she thought it would be. Takuya might be a jerk for cheating on Michiru but Haruka thought she would not reprimanded him tonight. Maybe it was not entirely his fault that they broke up. He might be lonely with Michiru never ending commitment to other things and it drove him to the arms of another girl.

"Hey Tenoh-san, let's get the girls some drinks," he offered. Haruka nodded and asked the aqua haired girl the drink she wanted, pretending to be a good boyfriend.

They both walked to the bar in silence. She just ignored him and proceeded without him when some guests stopped him and chatted.

Haruka got the drinks in both of her hands and she was about to leave the spot when Takuya approached her.

"Now our girls are not here, I finally can talk to you, from a man to a man."

Haruka raised an eyebrow, intrigued by the opening of conversation although she was slightly irritated by the way Takuya said 'our girls' – as if girls were property.

"What about?" Haruka asked, not beating around the bushes.

"How do you find Michiru so far?"

"She's … "Haruka was pondering the best word to describe her. Amazing? Pretty? Smart? Gorgeous? "Perfect." She sounded lame but that's the best she could think of. "Hey thank you for letting her go, now I'm the luckiest person alive."

"That what you thought at first. Sooner you would not think her that way."

"What do you mean?"

"Has she put out yet?"

She almost dropped her drinks. "Excuse me?"

"Man, she never put out with me when we're together. That's why I love college, no need to wait. If you want to … release stress because I know you won't get any action from her, I know a few girls, insanely hot girls that I can hook up you with. You're rich kid, I'm sure they'll love you. No need to worry about Michiru, this could be our little secret."

Haruka was speechless for the umpteenth time. This was the man Michiru had dated? She could feel the fire of anger flaming in her stomach. Her face must be terrifying because Takuya looked apprehensive for a while.

"Err… it's just a suggestion. We can forget about it." He shrugged and walked away from her. Haruka saw Takuya hastily hauled his girlfriend from Michiru.

Haruka inhaled and exhaled. She inhaled and exhaled once again. The nerve of some people! He was lucky that tonight was his birthday or else he would eat his food without teeth. Now she was seriously considering making Haylie break up with her douchebag boyfriend.

Calming her down, she walked to Michiru and saw she was talking to a red suit guy. Her monster in her stomach roared again. Takuya had cheated on her friend and she would be damned if she let this vicious cycle to happen again.

What if this is just another guy who wants to take advantage of Michiru?

Her protectiveness surged within her. She would not let that guy broke Michiru's heart like Takuya did. She would not let that to happen.

"Michiru here's you drink."

"Thank you. Oh this is Kou Seiya from Juuban High School."

"I'm Tenoh Haruka, Michiru's boyfriend," Haruka said, hugging Michiru's waist protectively. She made sure that she articulated the word boyfriend as clear as possible. She settled for handshake instead of bow and she took this opportunity to grasp the red suit man's hand with unnecessary strength. But Seiya merely smirked, unperturbed.

"He's also the famous idol from Star Lights."

Famous idol? I don't like popular men.

"Star Light? Sound like a bad porn."

"Haruka-san." Michiru's tone indicated that she wanted Haruka to behave.

Without saying anything, Haruka took the untouched drink from Michiru and put both of their drinks on the counter. "Let's dance." She grabbed Michiru's hand and quickly led her to the dance floor before Michiru could even protest, leaving the red suit guy alone.

Suddenly she was very aware of her callous her hand against Michiru's creamy soft hand. There was a stark difference between them. She, for a second, was worried if her hand was too rough for Michiru. She loosened the grasp but she did not let it go. She won't let it go.

"What's wrong? You look … angry."

"Nothing. It's just that this party is a little bit overwhelming to me."

Michiru smiled. Haruka knew the violinist did not believe her.

"I brought you here. And I really care if you're comfortable with all of this. We can go back early."

Haruka declined the offer. She would not spoil Michiru's happy time just because she had some issues.

Haruka knew Michiru just played her role as her girlfriend for tonight when the aqua haired girl's arms curled around her neck. Haruka , telling herself that she also just played her role as a boyfriend, rested her hands on Michiru's waist. They danced slowly, ignoring the noisy beat of music on the dance floor.

"Are you mad at Seiya? He is nice, harmless."

"You don't know that! You shouldn't trust people easily!" Haruka snapped. "Sorry." She sighed heavily.

Michiru just smiled kindly. "Did Takuya say something that made you upset?"

"He's a jerk." Haruka answer was simple.

"I already knew that." Michiru giggled melodiously.

Haruka was thankful when Michiru did not probe further about Takuya. She really did not want to repeat what Takuya had said to her.

"How many guys have hurt you, Michiru?" she asked suddenly. Her tone was dangerously low.

"Why this sudden melancholy question? Are you really okay? And I'm just 17 and I happen to be a very busy teenager, so I only dated once. Don't worry."

Haruka smiled, a bitter smile. "Did you remember when I said you owe me one for this party?"

"Yes."

"Then do me a favor. You'll tell me if there's any guy hurting you in the future, either physically or emotionally. Promise me you let me know."

"I can take care myself."

"I know you can, I didn't mean to imply otherwise. It's just a privilege to do so for you. I grew up with only few real friends. I consider you one of those so it is my duty to always have your back."

"So that makes you what? My guardian?"

"More like a nightmare to any guys who think it is a good idea to hurt you. Even to women, I don't discriminate." Haruka smirked.

Michiru giggled.

They continued to dance, enjoying each other company.

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Michiru glanced at her watch. It seemed that they needed to call it night now.

"Michiru, it's almost time." Haruka reminded her.

"Eh, where are you going? It's still early." One of the Michiru's friend asked.

"Ah, we're staying at hostel and the curfew time is before 11. The warden was willing to be flexible and he allowed us to overstay for our outing till 12 but now it's already 11.35. Sorry we have to go." Michiru replied.

"You're telling me your school can't cut some slack to Kaioh Michiru, the best student and Tenoh Haruka, the richest student of Mugen Gakuen?" the same girl asked once again.

Michiru saw Haruka looked annoyed at the girl. She was fully aware that the blonde hated it when people assumed she would break the rules simply she's somebody daughter … or son. Haruka strived to please her grandfather and she did her best to be a good student.

"I don't think we should do that. We don't want to cause troubles with the warden," the violinist said.

"Michiru-san, I can send you home later. I knew the warden very well. He'll have no problem if you arrived at your hostel a little late. He'll get out of your hair if I explain to him." Seiya joined the conversation.

The offer was tempting, she had to admit that. It was rare for her to have time to hang out with her friends. But what about Haruka?

She turned her head. Haruka had an expression as if she had tasted a bad fruit, staring dagger at Seiya. The blonde was quiet but she was clenching her jaws tightly. The first and the last time she witnessed Haruka with that face was three years ago. Is she really mad at Seiya? But why?

Seiya was just being nice, why did Haruka need to react so strongly?

"Thank you for the offer, Seiya-kun but I'm afraid I have to say no. I came here with Haruka so I think it is appropriate if I leave with him as well."

Michiru's answer was rewarded with the brightest light on the blonde's face. Haruka did not smile nor grin but her eyes matched a kid who got an early Christmas present.

She guessed she did the right thing.

"Well if you say so," Seiya shrugged his shoulders.

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"Romeo and Juliet? Did we get the shortest end of the stick or what?" Haruka complained to Michiru who was walking with her down the hall.

"Why? That play is considered as one of the greatest plays in the world. It is a great love story," Michiru answered calmly.

"A great love story? A 14 years old girl and barely 17 years old boy met at a party and less than an hour they decided to elope the other day. Their so called love caused 5 deaths. And they committed suicide because they thought the other one was dead. Is that love or just teenage hormones? If we have teenagers like Romeo and Juliet nowadays, we will not call their story as a great love, but the story of the stupidity of the highest level from hormonal teenagers."

"If you choose to look that way. Some people fall in love at the first sight, it's nothing weird when Romeo and Juliet instantly have strong feelings toward each other the moment they meet."

"But in Romeo's case, he falls in love at the many first sights. Did you know that he was madly in love with Rosaline, Juliet's cousin, before he met Juliet? And literally in a matter of second he declared Juliet as the love of his life once he saw her face. What the hell? Can Romeo guarantee that he would stay loyal to Juliet if he met a prettier girl?"

"For someone who hates Shakepeare's masterpiece, you know awfully lots about that play, Haruka-san," Miciru teased.

"Well, I … just… anyway I still think Henry The Fifth, The Tempest or Twelfth Night is much better for us than Romeo and Juliet. Kaidoh's class got Henry The Fifth, damn."

Michiru kept smiling, "Did anyone ever tell you that you're cute when you are rambling?"

"I'm not rambling, just stating the facts," Haruka told her defensively. "And don't call me cute," Haruka muttered under her breath.

"No matter what your opinion on the play is, you still need to participate. It is compulsory to every senior student for our English subject."

"I'll apply as a production crew. I can take care of lighting or sound effect or design customs."

"Do you even know how to do those? Come on Haruka, if you don't want to audition for major characters at least try for minor ones."

"No." Haruka answered stubbornly. "I'm bad at acting."

"Don't sell yourself your short. Based on your look, I have to say you might have a chance to be Romeo."

"I hate him."

Michiru sighed. "There's no winning in arguing with you. Suit yourself, I'm going to the audition."

"For which role?"

"Which one do you think?" Michiru smiled.

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Haruka was in the washroom, contemplating her contribution for the upcoming play, when she heard her classmates spoke.

"So Michiru is Juliet and we're still finding Romeo. Are you sure you want to try for that role? I heard most boys of our class want that role since the heroine is Michiru."

"Why not? I could get a perfect excuse to kiss Michiru when I get the part, and there is tons of kissing scenes."

"If you get the part."

"When I get the part. Kissing Michiru is every male student's dream in this school. Imagine if I could seal the deal."

Haruka stomach flared again. How dare that boy think of her friend that way.

You kiss her and I'll cut off your lips and parade them on the gate of our school, you idiot.

Haruka got out from her cubicle and went to the sink. She washed her hands while glaring at the two boys.

Perhaps noticing the hostility radiating from her, they hastily headed out. Her mind clicked.

I need to get Romeo part!

Haruka found her new resolution.

She sprinted to auditorium.

When Haruka arrived at the audition, her English teacher almost finished with the casting.

"Miss O'Brien, can I audition for Romeo Montague?" Haruka asked right away, wasting no time.

"You too? Alright Mr Tenoh, read the lines highlighted," the English class teacher said monotonously, not looking away from her papers.

Haruka took a script provided. Her heart started beating. She had never acted in front of others before. For a second she was thinking of withdrawing from this when all eyes in the hall gazed on her. She never did this kind of thing before. This was embarrassing. But she would not retreat, she could not. She had to do this to save her friend from being … kissed by a pervert.

Haruka took a deep breath and enunciated the dialogue.

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The day of the staging …

" … and they kissed passionately," Haruka mumbled, reading the script. She flipped the pages vigorously that they almost tore off. "Romeo connected his lips with hers again and again … they kissed… kissing … kissing… WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH THIS PLAY?!" Haruka screamed in frustration. She threw the script onto the wall. Her classmates who were getting ready for the performance stared at her. Nobody said anything about her outburst.

"Okay everybody, get ready. We're going on the stage in five minutes. Class B has finished The Tempest. Come on," Miss O'Brien said with a cheerful tone.

Haruka looked at her English teacher sardonically.

She certainly did not understand why she had failed to land the male titular character. The teacher said she was not romantic enough to be Romeo and her temper and energy were suitable for Lord Capulet character, Juliet's father.

Maybe she was partly to be blamed for auditioning while she had been feeling rather angry at the boy (in the bathroom) for his inappropriate comment about Michiru .

While she appreciated the fewer lines she got for Lord Capulet, she was not really happy.

She couldn't tell why.

00000000000000000

Haruka bit her lip till she could taste her blood.

Other casts, including her, was waiting at the sidelines as the famous balcony scene took place. The scene required only Romeo and Juliet characters to present.

Haruka gripped her sweaty hands on her cape. The cheesy dialogue between the two main characters made her want to puke.

Haruka's breath hitched when the two inched closer toward each other.

Haruka knew what would happen after this. She read the script enough times to know her classmate was about to kiss her friend, Michiru.

Haruka closed her eyes. She was suffocating by this whole drama. She had enough.

With insane determination and false bravado, Haruka stepped out from behind the curtain and loudly spoke. "Romeo, thou art a villain! How dare you sneak in my garden and met my daughter!"

Haruka could almost hear the gasping sound from everyone.

"Fetch me my sword, boy! I need to teach this Montague a lesson,"she yelled, continuing her act. There was no turning back for her.

Romeo and Juliet completely choked with the sudden intrusion from Juliet's father.

"Father? What …. What are you doing here?" Michiru asked, regaining her tranquility at a remarkable pace. It seemed that she still tried to save the play by playing along.

"Lord Capulet, I don't think … you should be here," the hero of the play hissed, narrowing his eyes.

"Silence!" Haruka exclaimed dramatically, flipping her gigantic cape in the process.

Michiru looked extremely unhappy and she approached the blonde. "Haruka what you're doing?! You're ruining this show. Go back behind the curtain at this instant!" She whispered harshly.

"No!"

"Don't be ridiculous. Please," Michiru begged, tugging Haruka's sleeve. Seeing Haruka refused to bulge from her spot, Michiru's tugged her again, this time much harder.

Haruka stumbled a little bit and she did not manage to find her footing, tripping her own long cape. She then fell and landed right on Michiru who was unfortunate to stand so close to her. And her lips too accidentally landed on Michiru's.

Haruka kissed her friend.