Disclaimer: Super GALS! is not my property.
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Katase's Point of View
In the beginning, I intended to go back to Japan to visit a good friend of mine, Aya Hoshino. This time I swore I would never try to ruin her relationship with her boyfriend again as I did two years ago. We were just friends. No more, no less.
I never expected that I would reveal the truth that Hoshino-san was pregnant. As a good friend, I did not mind to take care of her and keep that secret of hers from everyone, even from her boy—no, her former boyfriend, the bastard who had made her suffer like this.
I had always been thinking of how to solve this problem. On any account, I was sure that Hoshino-san was not prepared yet to be a young mother alone. She needed someone—who was supposed to be the one who had gotten her pregnant. However, she said that she did not want that. What a stubborn angel.
Without even realizing it, I ended up regaining some queer feelings I had ever felt before. Eventually, I admitted that I was still in love with Hoshino-san. That was why I could not leave her alone.
Being my usual spontaneous self, I proposed to her without thinking twice about what the consequence would be. I would not say that I was trying to compel her but up to now she had not given me her answer yet. I began sensing signs of rejection perceptibly.
I knew that deep inside her heart, she still had feelings for that Otohata but…
…what about that cold guy himself? If they still loved each other, then I would have to unite them again.
I had sworn that I would not ruin their love story; at least until that Otohata jerk said that he did not care about her anymore.
Part 4: Invidious Acceptance and Refusal
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Normal POV
As an 'industrious' part-time worker, Rei immediately headed to the music store after his school ended. Usually, the first one who would greet him at his workplace was his boss but it did not happen today. The Ice Prince furrowed his brows as he found a nut-brown haired guy standing before him, leaning against a CDs rack.
"Yo," Katase accosted. "I've been waiting for you."
"I'm busy," said Rei composedly as he walked toward the cash register. "Do you need something?"
Katase nodded and approached the chocolate brown-haired guy. "Don't worry, I won't be long. I hope you'll listen to every word I'll say carefully because this is very important and I won't repeat it."
Rei shrugged. "I'm listening."
The green-eyed guy cleared his throat and stated in such a calm tone, "I've proposed to Hoshino-san."
Rei did not look surprised at all. He kept on setting his stoic look and responded nonchalantly, "I see."
"Aren't you worried?" Katase's voice turned a little louder. "Aren't you worried if she said 'yes'?"
Still without expression on his face, Rei replied, "You were the one who said that I have nothing to do with her, weren't you?"
Katase sighed in resentment. Why was it so hard to melt the ice in Rei's heart? "You love her, don't you?"
"I've got to work," Rei told the nut-brown haired guy as if he wanted to elude Katase's questions. "I have many customers to serve."
Realizing that his patience was running low, Katase clenched his fists. "You just…don't care, do you?"
Rei was not able to give a response as Katase suddenly grabbed his collar. Despite getting a cold glare from the green-eyed guy, Rei merely kept his cool and waited for Katase to speak again.
"You idiot! Can't you see that I'm trying to help you take Hoshino-san back?" Katase reprimanded in rage. "But all you can do is pretend she's not in your heart anymore! Now look what you've done!"
Rei arched a brow. Katase tightened his grip on Rei's collar and whispered wrathfully, "You got her pregnant, you asshole."
For the very first time, Katase could finally see Rei looking shocked. "You've got to be kidding." The Ice Prince formed an awkward smirk on his face. "Your jokes are sickening enough, so just—"
"Have you ever seen me cracking a joke to you?" asked Katase in a cold tone. Then he released Rei from his clutch and turned around.
Before Rei could say something, Katase interrupted again, "I shouldn't have told you about Hoshino-san pregnancy since she told me not to. Nevertheless, I thought you would take good care of her because you are the one she loves. That's why I came here, in case those explanations would open your eyes."
Rei kept quiet while Katase resuming his speech, "But I was wrong. You're such a heartless dork. I will never hand Hoshino-san over such a complete jerk like you."
The Ice Prince remained speechless. He knew that Katase was right but his pride was too high to acknowledge it out loud. Katase cast a glance at Rei and proclaimed, "From now on, I'll be the one who protects Hoshino-san. Forever."
With that, Katase spun around on his heels and walked away. And all Rei could do was watch him blankly and lock his mouth tightly.
Not long after that, Rei's boss came. "Hey Rei, what's going on? I heard a man yell earlier. I thought you were quarreling with someone."
"Sir," Rei pleaded, "Sorry, can I take a rest for a while?"
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Ran was walking along the streets of Shibuya while humming. She just could not wait until she reached McDonald, the place where she would be treated by the certain 'wealthy' Second Place. Miyu and Tatsuki would be there, too.
"Otohata?" Ran stopped pacing as she saw Rei walking toward her. Rei stopped as well. "What are you doing here at this hour? Aren't you supposed to be working right now?"
Rei bent his head down and said nothing to answer, much to Ran's dismay. His raven hair covered his face. "Hey, what's wrong? You look so—oomph!" Ran was cut off as the Ice Prince locked her in a tight embrace all of a sudden.
Automatically, Ran revolted, "Hey, what the hell are you doing, you jackass?! Let go of me! There are too many people around here and—ugh, idiot! Don't you dare touch me or else—"
"Aya," Rei said in a low voice, which Ran could barely hear, "Just for a moment, please let me imagine that I'm holding Aya now."
Ran initially seemed to be unwilling at this. But seeing the weird Rei, she heaved a deep sigh and agreed without hugging him back, "Just for one minute, okay?"
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Aya's Point of View
This was bad. The obstetrician said that the condition of my baby was getting worse. Perhaps that was because I had been getting stressed recently. While I was still indecisive because of Otohata-kun, Katase-kun suddenly proposed to me instead. It was all too sudden. I thought Katase-kun's affections for me had already faded away since a long time ago.
What should I say? Knowing that I only saw him as a friend, I should not accept his proposal. But…
God, when would these ordeals come to an end?
No, cheer up, Aya. You should not be so down. Stop being so selfish and start paying your attention to your baby more! I would probably think about Katase-kun later.
Just as when I was about to encourage myself, my body became numb in a shake as my eyes caught a sight of two persons I knew very well, hugging intimately like a couple. Otohata-kun and…Ran?
I decided not to near them and hid behind the nearest pole instead to watch them and listen to their conversation. It could not be that Ran would let a guy hug her without any good reason. There must be an explanation. Yes, Ran and Otohata-kun aren't like that. Maybe Otohata-kun gets sick and…
My expectation fell into pieces as I heard Otohata-kun murmur to Ran's ear, "I love you."
I felt terrifically lifeless for five seconds. Shuddering, I turned around and left, not wanting to watch the inconceivable scene any longer. I really wanted to run so I could leave the place faster but my strength as a pregnant woman was too weak to do that.
Why do I have to be so pained? I was the one who asked Otohata-kun to break up with me in the first place. It was too late to regret everything. I don't have the right to be angry with them. It's Otohata-kun's business if he wants to confess to Ran.
I felt my cell phone beep. I hurriedly took it out from my handbag and picked it up. "H-Hello?"
"Hoshino-san? Where are you now?"
Instead of giving an answer, I sounded off my sobs. "Katase-kun…"
"What's the matter? Why are you crying?"
"Katase-kun…" I cried agonizingly, "…please…come here. I need you right now. I-I really need you."
"Of course, that's what I wanted to do from the start. Now tell me, where are you now?"
I looked around. "R-Right next to Taiyou Workshop."
"Good, close enough. Stay there, Hoshino-san."
I hung up and put my cell phone into my handbag back. I practically tried to stop my tears, which kept streaming down even until Katase finally appeared.
"Hoshino-san!" called Katase-kun, heading toward me.
I looked up at him with tears coursing down my rosy cheeks. Without thinking twice, I gripped Katase-kun's t-shirt and gave him a peck on the lips. I instantly pulled away and said emphatically to the surprised Katase-kun, "Yes, Katase-kun. I'll come with you to France and…marry you."
Katase stared at me in disbelief. "F-For real? But why? So suddenly…"
I shook my head. "No, I'm serious. I-I admit that I still like Otohata-kun, but…" I resumed in a husky voice, "If it's you, I believe that you will be able to make me…forget everything about him."
Katase-kun gazed intently upon me. A beatific smile slowly graced his lips as I clasped my hand with his own and tried to smile at him, despite the tears that were brimming at the corners of my eyes. Not long afterwards, Katase-kun scooped me in his arms.
"Thank you, Hoshino-san," Katase-kun managed to whisper. He sounded so delighted. "Thanks for trusting me. Yes, I will never let you down. I promise I'll make you happy in the rest of my life."
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Normal POV
"Engagement ring?" Ran frowned in perplexity. "What's that for? Ah! Are you going to propose to Aya?" Ran snapped her fingers, looking joyful.
Rei scratched the back of his head, managing to keep his calm look. "I didn't ask for your comment. I just need you to help me pick out the right ring. I'm not good at stuffs like that."
"Nonsense! That ring will mean nothing if I'm the one who chooses it!" Ran counseled the Ice Prince. "Do it yourself! How the ring looks like isn't important. As long as you intend to ask her to marry you from the bottom of your heart, she will surely be happy! You know that Aya can't say no to you."
Rei sighed. "Alright, alright."
"By the way, what exactly got into you?" Ran questioned in curiosity. "I mean, it's not like you to tell others that you're going to propose a girl this soon."
As usual, Rei dodged it. "I don't have much time. Later."
"Hey, wait a sec!" Ran shouted. "Aren't you going to thank me?"
"Yeah, yeah. Thanks a lot." said Rei with a sigh.
"You've hugged me in front of public!" The red-streaked gal mumbled, extending her arm. "You've got to pay for that."
Instead of granting Ran's request, Rei merely turned his back on Ran and walked away after saying, "I'll buy you some foods next time."
A vein popped up on Ran's head. "Tch, he's so damn unfair!" Ran grumbled, crossing her arms. Good thing this is related to Aya, you smartass. If it wasn't, I wouldn't have let you go without giving me a favor like this.
In less than three seconds, Ran screamed again as realization hit her. "Oh, shoot! I'd forgotten that Second Place and the others are waiting for me!" Ran speedily ran to her real destination.
You really have to pay much for this, Otohata.
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Rei's Point of View
Lord, was I really Rei Otohata--that heartless Rei Otohata who always hurt women's hearts? Was I really that coolheaded Rei Otohata who had never done anything stupid?
I was already in my room, all alone. Generally, I always felt peaceably tranquil every time I rested in my room but I could not help feeling uneasy as my eyes kept staring at a sparkling silver ring, which was placed on a small box. I just bought it yesterday and I had not given it yet to the girl I was going to propose to.
Was this really the right way? To be honest, getting married before graduating from high school was not my dream—it did not even cross my mind before. However, it was my entire fault for getting Aya pregnant. I had to take a responsibility of that before her pregnancy became a disgrace for her and her family.
Come to think of it, I had not even ensured the news that Aya was pregnant. I only heard it from that Katase, which could possibly be a lie. But just look at me; I had spontaneously purchased an engagement ring and planned to propose to my ex-girlfriend without even thinking of what would happen in the future.
I'll be the one who protects Hoshino-san. Forever.
I shook my head at the thought. Darn, why did that Katase guy's words suddenly chant in my head? I did not care. I would not care even if what he meant was that he was going to try to approach Aya again.
What he did was his business. I had my own way to improve my mistakes.
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Normal POV
"Will this be okay, Katase-kun?"
"Yes, I'm sure that he won't do anything bad. You can go, Hoshino-san. Sorry I can't accompany you. I didn't bring any vehicle with me."
Aya bit her lower lip in uneasiness. She was in her first step to forget Rei and learn to love Katase, who was now her fiancé. But why did Rei have to call her up and say that he has something to say when she was in her first date with Katase? After professing his love for her best friend, what else did he need from her?
"It's okay," Aya exhaled and rose from her seat. "Well…see you later."
Katase waved a hand at his fiancé and smiled. As Aya disappeared from his sight, his smile slowly faded away. Truth be told, he had already known that what Rei would say had something to do with Aya's pregnancy issue.
But he would not mind letting his rival talk to Aya for a while. In fact, he had a presentiment that it was time for them to bid farewell to this unresolved problem. It had started from the ex-couple themselves anyways.
Meanwhile, while Aya was heading to the railway station, she heard sound of motorbike's horn from behind. She turned her face. "Otohata-kun."
"Come hither," Rei demanded, tapping the seat of his motorbike. "I can't let a pregnant girl go to a beach alone without any accompanying."
It was as if Aya's heart stopped beating for a moment. She froze up on the spot. Why? H-How did he know that...?
Aya tried to nail a lie. "W-What are you talking about?"
Letting out a sigh, Rei harshly pulled Aya's arm and placed her on his motorbike. "We'll talk about that later." He said coldly as he started running his motorbike.
"…" Aya became silent. She was still flustered about this. The only person who knew that she got pregnant was Katase. Could it be that… Katase-kun was the one who told Otohata-kun about my pregnancy? No, it can't be. But if it wasn't Katase-kun, then who? It's impossible for Otohata-kun to find out himself, isn't it?
"T-There's nothing we need to talk about," Aya stuttered pleadingly. "P-Please stop this motorcycle and…put me down. I-I'm done with you, Otohata-kun."
Rei would not listen. "No, you're not."
Yes, it was hard winning against Rei Otohata. What is he going to say anyway? Whatever it is, can't it wait until I get to move on?
Even though Rei was the real father of her baby, Aya did not dare to ask for his responsibility. She did not want to get him into trouble. After all, she had witnessed him confessing to Ran few days ago. She should not be with him right now.
However, she could not deny the fact that her romantic feelings for him had not even halfway gone from her fragile heart. And it was even worse as she realized that every time he was around her, she could barely refuse to comply with his requests.
Please stop making me so hopeless, Otohata-kun.
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Part 4: Invidious Acceptance and Refusal – End
A/N: Whew, I'm done. Goodness, I just realized that I've been so cruel toward Aya-ppe and Ototchi in this fic. Well, I'd already told you that this is an angsty story, right? :)
One or two chapters left. Yeah, I'm not sure if the next chapter will be the last one or not. It depends on my mood. For sure, the next chapter will have more angst moments between Aya-ppe and Ototchi. I mean, just imagine. Rei. Proposing. To Aya? Humph. What could possibly go wrong? –runs away from readers-
Thanks for reading and sorry for making such numerous errors. And sorry for the OOCness too, concerning that this story is an AU-ish. I hope that I'll be able to post another update of my fic tomorrow, Super Innocent Gal. Sorry for those who'd been waiting for the newest chapter of that story. But don't forget to leave your reviews on this cruel story as well, hehe. Love you all. ^^
Chiby Angel-chan