A/N: Wow, I've been gone from this fic for ages. I'm SO, SO, SO SORRY. I got caught up in life and rarely signed onto FF. Thank you to everyone who supported/still supports this story, and a big shout out to those who bothered to review. It was reading all of your encouraging reviews that really gave me the kick I needed to keep writing. BTW, keep sending in your opinions about Aiyu, I love to know your thoughts on her character (especially as I attempt to redeem her character later on). Here's a short update to let you know I haven't abandoned this, yet. Please enjoy it. [Deep bow from the author.]

Chapter 4

Kurama wanted to kill someone.

Namely a certain multi-colored hair girl with a deficiency of respect for the privacy of others.

Kurama never thought he would have a reason to complain about school, but because of her, school turned out to be a living hell for him. The entire morning was spent trying in vain to ignore the gawking and gossiping of his classmates. The girls either cheered for their beloved idol, Aiyu, or lamented the loss of such a fine bachelor. Some girls were openly crying in the hallway. And Kurama had the feeling they waited for him to walk down that particular hallway before they got out their eyedroppers.

The guys that considered him a friend teased him about his "closet relationship" and asked him to hook them up with some model friends of his "fiancé." Those that envied him dared to glare at him in the eye, of course none of them lasted longer than two seconds.

Either way, it was a very tiresome day; even worse than his episode against Karasu. And all because of one mere chit of a girl. Kurama sighed as he resisted the urge to rub his temples. He looked up to see if the crossing light was green yet.

Speak of the devil.

Across the street was the cause of his headache. Even though she had a hat over her head, the dyed locks were unmistakable. Kurama debated whether he should take a different route or confront his worst nightmares. His mind was made up for him when Aiyu spotted him and waved enthusiastically while bouncing on the balls of her feet. Don't come near me. Once Aiyu was sure she got Kurama's attention she quickly crossed the street. Her attention was so focused on him Kurama found it a miracle she did not trip or crash into someone else.

"Shu-kun! What a surprise seeing you here."

I'm sure you did not ask my mother for my schedule and then stalk me here... "Good evening, Aiyu," Kurama returned.

"What brings you here? You're not the mall type." Aiyu spread her arms to indicate the shopping district around them.

"I'm not?" Kurama challenged.

"Well, you never liked them before. Too noisy, you said."

"People change, Aiyu," Kurama said, throwing the singer's words right back at her.

"Oh." Well that would've been her response had she been coherent enough to form words. As it is, Aiyu's mouth is opened in the shape of an "O," with no sounds coming out. After a moment, Aiyu realized how stupid she must've looked and quickly snapped her jaw shut. She laughed nervously.

"Are you out with your friends?" Kurama asked, already scheming to get rid of her. He's going to be late if he stood around talking any longer. As for the engagement problem, it would be best to deal with it in a more private setting. "It would be rude of me to keep you from them."

"Oh," this time Aiyu was able to utter the simple sound, "I'm…"

"Ah, Aiyu, there you are," a familiar voice said.

Kurama watched horrified as a smile spread over Aiyu's face.

"Hello, mother," Aiyu chirped. That's not your mother! Kurama thought.

"Ara, Shuichi, what a surprised."

Kurama turned around to properly greet his mother, "Hello mother."

"Are you meeting your friends around here?" Shiori inquired. Kurama had informed his mother the night before that he was going home late today because he would be meeting his friends.

"Yes."

"Heeeeh? Shu-kun, you're meeting your friends here?" Aiyu butted in. Kurama did not feel the need to repeat himself; unless Aiyu was brain-dead and really needed repetition. Actually, he wouldn't bother to do her that favor, so never mind.

"Aiyu, do you want to go with Shuichi?" Shiori asked understandingly.

Kurama listened to his mother with hidden horror.

"Well…" Aiyu gave Kurama the puppy dog eyes out of the corner of her eye. Then she shook her head and turned back to Shiori, "No, I promise mother, you, that I was going to hang out with you today."

"Oh, you're such a sweet child, Aiyu, I'm glad you're so devoted to Shuichi," on his name, Shiori looked at her son with a fond smile. Kurama twitched. Then she turned back to Aiyu with a smile, "I would have nothing to worry about when the two of you get marry."

Aiyu blushed appropriately. Kurama couldn't control his eyes from widening. Was his mother going against him too?

"Go on Aiyu, we can just plan for another day."

Kurama suddenly understood how the magazine got a picture of him from his family photo.

"Mother," Aiyu said dramatically, getting all teary eyed as she clasped Shiori's hands.

Shiori smiled tolerantly, "You young ones have fun. Take care of her Shuichi."

Kurama was not aware that he had agreed until his mother had crossed the intersection and was already halfway down the block.

"C'mon Shu-kun. Let's go!" Aiyu's voice snapped Kurama out of his stupor. "Oh, I'm so excited. I wonder what kind of people Shu-kun's friends are."

Kurama let out a thousand years worth of sigh. On the bright side, Aiyu is in for a surprise, and not a completely pleasant one at that.