AN: Greetings everyone! I would like first to thank LeNe03 and littleanjel for the acknowledgement of my story. I really appreciate it! Anyway, I'm still hoping to receive responses. Another thing, I apologize for some typographical error and same with my grammar, I just didn't have the time to check everything again. I have limited time to use the computer so, that's it. Here's the next chapter!
Disclaimer: I do not own Super Gals and its characters; I am simply borrowing them to play a part in my story.
Chapter 4: Sudden Reverse
This is it. A day she knew eventually she'll face. She will be challenged once again.
Aya Hoshino continued to pack her things, dreading of what is more to come after finishing this. Still, she reminded herself not to be afraid, Yuuya promised to protect her, he'd be there to comfort her just in case she give in to her grief. Yes, this time she won't be alone.
The doorbell rang, Aya cringed, and for a moment there she hesitated to come downstairs and see who it is. But a more determined voice instructed her to get on with it. Just to convince everyone she's really fine with the current situation. That she's strong enough to handle it, that she's not the same as before, that Otohata Rei is not the only person she is capable of loving, that Otohata Rei is--
"Ohayou Aya-chan! Are you ready?" Yuuya's cheerful ambiance and his bright smile nearly blinded Aya upon opening the door to find him grinning from ear to ear at her. Apparently, he appeared more excited than she thought he would be. Aya's lack of response though caused Yuuya to worry.
"I-I'm sorry if I'm too early. If you want I can just have a little walk and just go back later when you're--"
Aya almost laughed at his suggestion and of the way he was gesturing, his facial expression very comical with a touch of panic and nervousness. She finds him cute while struggling to please her. Wait, since when did she think of Yuuya as cute? Rather, since when did she think of other guys as cute aside from Rei of course? What could this mean? Could it be that she is--
"Aya-chan daijoubu desu ka?"
Yuuya's worried voice brought her back to the present, and now she's the one struggling for the proper words to say.
"H-hai Yuuya-kun…I-it's OK, you don't have to, I'm ready to go actually. There's nobody home right now so I'll have to lock the gates. Will you wait a bit?" Aya gave Yuuya her most cheerful smile to erase the creases on his forehead, which is an indication of him being worried about her.
"S-sure no prob!" Yuuya then stepped aside and turned his attention to the blue skies instead. He somehow felt good today since inexplicably, it seems as though something good is about to happen today. He can almost visualize the scene on the beach. He is sitting on the sand beside the person he loves. Their hands entwined together, the girl's head resting on his shoulder, both of them staring at the sun and its temporary retreat as it gave way for the moon to take over its place. Such a beautiful and romantic sight. But wait--something's not right! Why is it that he can't remember who the girl is? Who is it that he loves anyway?
"Yuuya-kun daijoubu desu ka?" Now it was Aya's turn to ask him that.
"Oh, I-I'm fine Aya-chan. So can we go now?"
Aya giggled again with Yuuya's eagerness as she momentarily lost her balance and her elbows brushed with Yuuya's.
A spark.
He felt it.
She felt it too.
"G-gomen Yuuya-kun. I'm such a klutz." Aya tried to hide her mortification by playfully punching him on the shoulder. Not wanting to dwell on the awkward moment, she decided to be humorous with the situation instead.
"Oh it's nothing…it's…nothing…" Yuuya convinced himself that the spark he felt meant absolutely nothing. Even going as far as thinking he had experienced it with Rei before and so therefore doesn't have any romantic meaning at all.
Aya only gave him a faint smile as they walked to the bus stop. She was confused. She can't possibly be falling for this guy, can she?
--
Miyu sighed, her cheeks resting on her hands. All six of them are now aboard on a train heading for 'Heaven is Bliss' resort. So far, the trip wasn't going well at all. Everyone seemed to have lost their voice and ability to speak for peace and silence reigned among them during this past half hour of traveling. It definitely felt awkward. More awkward still is the fact the Miyu kept on remembering how Ran and Tatsuki would always argue on stupid and petty matters nose to nose. Their pointless debate and endless bickering seemed to serve as entertainment for the group throughout the trip, driving away their boredom and drowsiness. Usually, Miyu herself would bring her camera with loads of film to capture moments shared with her friends and to preserve their happy memories together. But that was before, when their group was normal still. This time is different. There seem to be dark heavy clouds hovering above their heads that make the atmosphere uncomfortable and almost unbearable. Also, it felt like they have all undergone a metamorphosis, each person became a stranger. Like the bonding they have formed during these past 3 years suddenly dissolved. The barrier dividing them and keeping them apart is back. Everyone seemed to be drifting apart and she wondered what might be causing this.
Yamato, Miyu's ever loving boyfriend seemed to have sensed her worries as he glanced on his sister Ran, who's now slouched on her seat, lazily staring at the view outside. Beside her sat a bored-looking Rei, arms crossed over his chest, sharp blue eyes unfocused. He's probably feeling sleepy.
Sitting opposite the couple were Aya, who's apparently oblivious to the uncanny peace as her head was buried on a book that Yamato is unsure of whether she's asleep or not, and Yuuya who's also unaware of the quietness, obviously because of the headphones that's covering his ears as he listened to rock music that Yamato noticed his fingers repetitively tapping on the armrest and his feet moving in rhythm.
Miyu gave another heavy sigh as she felt it's such a waste for Aya to sit by the window since she's taking it for granted. She wished she sat there instead for right now, she has nothing to do and nothing else to look at. Her boyfriend is sitting opposite her beside Rei so how could she possibly reach him and be all cozy?
Somehow Miyu felt things won't look good as soon as they arrive at their destination and this was only the beginning. Supposedly, there'll be more to come later.
--
"Such good weather! We must not waste an opportunity to get better acquainted with Mother Nature!" Miyu tried to liven up the group as soon as they had managed to settle down. Finally, they had reached the resort and everyone wasted no time to unpack their things and tidy up their cottages. So that now, girls on their bathing suits, guys on their swimming trunks, all prepared to take a dive in the ocean.
"Ran--" Miyu received a glare from her best friend as she tried to ask her to play volleyball with them. "What's up with her?" She turned to Yamato instead as Ran walked pass them, ignoring her warm invitation.
"Dunno…From what I can see though, she probably had a fight with Otohata-kun." Miyu was taken aback by this statement. She never thought the mushy couple would ever experience such problems with the uncanny affection they have showed to her these days, with them being inseparable and all that. But then again, judging from Ran and her headstrong nature, combined with Rei and his ego, the two would probably crash messily. They would have problems getting along then. It would be a fight for dominance in their relationship. And Miyu doubted Ran will give up without a fight.
After a few minutes, Yuuya got hungry and so have volunteered to bring their food. "Break time everyone! You all better hurry! No food could escape my stomach now! So come on and eat before all these disappear!" Yuuya started to devour the sandwiches as proof of his statement while the rest also gathered around to feed themselves.
"Hai Rei-kun, say aaaa--" Ran gave her sweetest smile to Rei as she forcefully stuck a spoonful of rice on Rei's mouth. "Like it? Here's another, say aaa--" Rei shot her a deadly glare as a warning telling her to back off, but Ran didn't seem to mind. This is payback for not treating her properly during their dates. Eager to get even, Rei reached for a large chunk of potato and shoved it onto Ran's mouth. "Here's for you, my DEAR." With a smirk, Rei watched her struggle as she swallowed the potato whole, frantically searching for a glass of water.
"Oh the sweetest couple's display of affection! Looks like the Mushy-Romance Disease is striking again!" Miyu teased, silently apologizing to Aya. Well, this way her friend would be better off forgetting her feelings for Rei Otohata. She can always find a better guy for her, someone who deserves her and would treat her nicely.
"What? No more sandwiches? Yuuya how could you?" Ran pretended to look hurt, teasing Yuuya and his monstrous appetite. As if hers isn't.
Finding nothing better to do and since she's not that hungry and eager to eat, Aya volunteered to get the sandwiches back in their cottage instead. So with a fake smile, she stood up and hurriedly ran towards the cottage, trying her best not to be affected by Ran and Rei's 'sweetness'.
Yuuya stared after her, worried obviously. He stood up and attempted to follow her but Miyu dragged him down. "Where do you think you're going? Since you selfishly ate all the sandwiches you're going to receive a certain punishment. Don't even think of running away." Yuuya sighed in defeat as he sat back down. Oh well, Aya could probably use some privacy.
--
That night, the six decided to set up a bonfire and have a little chat, so as not to waste the beautiful scenery of the stars in the sky and of the cool night breeze.
Miyu, who has now made it her mission to promote and support the Ran and Rei couple so as for Aya to finally forget about Rei, brought up the two's progressing love life. Smiling eagerly, everyone was shocked as she voiced out her question. "So Rei, how did you and Ran celebrate your monsary?"
Yuuya was about to protest but Ran interrupted by answering the question instead. "Hey now, don't rush things. It's just two weeks since we became a couple." She answered nonchalantly with a wave of her hand.
"Well then, I take it you and Rei have been dating for about a month already before you became an official couple so I guess that counts."
Ran cocked an eyebrow at her, wondering what her motive is for bringing this up out of the blue and even in front of everyone. She gave her a look that told her this topic should be discussed privately but instead Miyu shrugged it off.
On the other hand, Aya winced with every word that came out of Miyu's mouth. She also tried avoiding Yuuya's intensely worried gaze not wishing to stir attention to herself, but the situation is slowly getting out of hand. Miyu seemed quite intent on letting this all out in the open now and if she don't escape sooner, everyone would discover about Ran and Rei's deal behind her back, and then they will pity her again for being so stupid as to not notice why Rei is able to put up with her. Aya didn't want to be reminded about her stupidity for thinking Rei had finally fallen for her readily, believing in something false.
"What are you implying Miyu?" All eyes turned on Ran, nervous as they all felt the impending war between the two girls. Rei though, find the confrontation quite boring as he turned his attention instead to the waves silently devouring one another, his ears shutting off his companions' voices as he has no interest in the matter. Frankly, he doesn't care about either girl anyway. Even he can't explain why he allowed himself to be submitted under the notorious Ran. It couldn't be because he loved her, he just isn't the type to fall in love, that's for sure. The reason, there's simply one. It's because Rei is devoid of emotions. He is unable to feel love so making others feel it is out of the question since he can't feel it in the first place. That's why he's been branded as the Ice Prince. Infatuation also can't be the reason why he decided to be Ran's boyfriend. Maybe he admired her character a little, but that is all there is to it and nothing else. He didn't find her beautiful at all. He didn't like girls who are loud, wild, violent and boyish like her anyway, so what could be the reason? If asked, what will he say?
"Ran, I don't wish to argue with you but I just can't take this anymore. Can't you see our once happy group turned into a cold and unhappy one all because of you and your illicit relationship with Rei. Your betrayal brought forth this hole in our friendship that threatened to destroy our group once and for all! And what of Tatsuki? He is also our friend, but where is he now huh? Ran would you please get your thinking straight?"
Silence.
No one seemed to find the right answer to Miyu's words. Yamato once again admired her courage and determination to preserve their group and the bond that he felt moved by it. As for his sister, he doesn't know what to think of her. Ran was never a thief. It was against her principles to steal be it something or someone. So what could have made her do this? Ran is not a traitor. He refused to believe his sister as a traitorous friend.
"You don't know what you are saying Miyu. Is it wrong for me to act on my feelings? For so long I've been doing things to make others happy, I've been way too generous leaving almost nothing for myself! Would it be wrong if I make myself happy for a change?" This time, Ran defended herself and her actions. Maybe she is indeed a traitor for stealing someone not hers, but would you still call it stealing if that person belonged to no one in the first place? She knew what she did isn't wrong at all, Rei doesn't belong to anyone not even Aya. Besides Rei came to her of his own accord, it's not as if she forced him to be her boyfriend. In fact, he's the one who proposed the whole idea.
"Alright Rei what is your say on the matter? Come on speak up for us to clear things out. We can't let this trip be ruined just because of a love triangle." Miyu turned to the Ice Prince who's apparently neglecting the urgency of the situation. He appeared the least bit interested in joining in their 'conversation'.
Finally, Rei looked up and meeting Miyu's eyes, he blatantly said in a monotone. "This doesn't concern me." Then he stood up and headed back to his own cottage. Miyu can only stare after his retreating figure in the dark, knowing it's no use to call out to him since he wouldn't explain himself even if they persuade him to do so. He is that adamant.
--
"Aya-chan, why are you still out here? Don't you want to sleep? Aren't you even tired?"
It was already midnight, everyone had retreated to their respective cottages. Yuuya happen to pass by Aya's cottage and so peering in, he saw it was empty then he decided to search for her. And now, he found her sitting on the sand as the gentle little waves on the shore soaked her dainty feet.
Yuuya kneeled behind her as he draped a warm blanket over her shoulders. Aya was startled but only gave him a sheepish smile instead as a thank you.
Yuuya felt he had intruded enough and so have decided to leave Aya. But as he rose and was about to go, he suddenly heard Aya gasping, then sobbing. He was instantly on her side, his arm laid comfortably around her shoulders.
"A-Aya-chan, what's wrong? Please don't cry like that. Remember your promise to stay strong? Talk to me. Tell me what's wrong. Let it all out. I'm just here listening."
Aya didn't make a move to lean on Yuuya nor did she try to remove his hold on her. Right now, she felt too weak to even move. Besides, having Yuuya's arm around her shoulders somewhat assured her that everything would be alright.
"Yuuya-kun, gomen…" She finally managed to speak as she finished crying her heart out. She was thankful of Yuuya's presence for it seemed to have comforted her somehow.
'Now she's ready to talk', Yuuya thought as he gently pulled his arm from her. He then sat beside her and waited patiently for her to continue.
"You know, I've always known Rei would never like me. No matter how hard I try to please him I just ended up pestering him." Aya shifted in position as she hugged her knees tight, as if the warm blanket draped over her shoulders isn't enough to ward off the coldness of the night. "His eyes…so cold and uncertain…so deep and mysterious…I often find it enticing. I even wondered if ever the day will come that I'll be able to make his eyes sparkle and turn it warm the way it does around…around Ran…" She then buried her face on her hands, sobbing silently. Seconds later, she looked up, now with a smile on her face. "I…you must probably think I'm so desperate...and crazy…well, Rei tends to make people crack up with that unfathomable personality if his. It's mean and cruel, yet it seems to further draw me onto him even more….strange isn't it?"
Yuuya suddenly felt a tight pain in his chest as he saw how much suffering this person is enduring all because of Rei and his insensitivity to other people's feelings. He knew how it feels for he had also been a victim. Enthralled by Rei's charismatic look and mysterious aura, Yuuya can't help but be stuck with him. For years now, people always see Rei as the number 1 hottest guy in Shibuya, followed by Yuuya, always on his shadow, always one step behind him, but he didn't care. Even now, Rei is still holding Aya's heart though he cares not about it, and so Yuuya's no match again. Also, even before when he was so in love with Ran, but look at them now, Ran ended up with Rei again. That leaves him one step behind him. Such a rivalry. How could he even think of being friends with his lifelong rival?
"Aya-chan…" Yuuya wasn't able to hold back from asking the very question he'd been dying to ask ever since. "Why is it that you still pursued your feelings for Rei even knowing he'll never return them?"
Yuuya expected for the girl to slap him, or walk out even, but her reaction was the least he expected. She just smiled, and not just any smile, this time it's a warm and honest smile, so innocent yet sincere that it almost told Yuuya everything he'll ever need to know to understand Aya's feelings.
"Yuuya-kun if you truly love a person then you wouldn't mind to not receive any feelings in return. If you truly care then rejection won't hinder you from loving that person. I have learned this from loving Rei all this time. No matter how much pain he has already caused me, and no matter how cruel, cold and unreachable he may be to me, I'll still remain loving him. Despite knowing this is a fruitless attempt, that this won't get me anywhere, what can I do if my heart simply tells me to continue loving him? I just can't seem to let go." With tears in her eyes, she continued to give him that smile and it greatly touched Yuuya that he found himself almost giving in to his tears as well. Too much drama, too much cliché, just bear with it!
"Also…" she continued, the smile now gone, to be replaced by sadness, her gaze became unfocused as she faced the ocean. "I've always known Ran and Rei are attracted with each other since they are so opposite, if you know what I mean. I admit I often feel jealous of how Ran can be so comfortable and carefree around Rei. Unlike me, she can do anything she wants in front of him and say anything she wants to him too! She's not afraid of Rei getting angry over her or of what he might think of her. Unlike me, who's such a coward I can't even speak for myself…" She bit her tongue to restrain herself from saying more for she doesn't want to recall those days of depression. Depression and frustration over herself. Curious as to how Yuuya might have reacted to all this, she stole a look beside her. Surprisingly, Yuuya was smiling to himself. "N-nani Yuuya-kun?"
"I just thought we're quite the same here Aya-chan. We both see our best friend as our rival. And we're jealous as to how they can be so bold and unashamed to the person we like. Makes sense, ne?"
Silence. Then they again smiled at each other as if in commiseration. Yuuya's next question though, aroused Aya's worries.
"So Aya-chan, why don't we just…be together?"
As Yuuya's statement struck her hard, she was so aghast that she lost her balance and fell on her back. Yuuya's reflex was quick enough to react though as he laid out his arm to soften Aya's fall and now his face was merely inches away from Aya's, centimeters even. Well, you get the point, they were close enough to KISS.
They could practically hear the loud beating of their hearts against their chests. Aya is sure though that the darkness protected her blushing cheeks from Yuuya's sight that she made a mental note of thanking the night later before she sleeps. That is, if she'll ever be able to sleep. After all that had happened today and of course of what is to happen now.
Aya closed her eyes frantically thinking of a way to escape, or else her first kiss, which is supposedly from someone she loves, will be stolen away by a friend! A friend. A friend? Is he really just a friend? For a second there, she almost felt like she didn't care anymore. So what if Yuuya kiss her? It can be just considered as a friendly kiss. Or even accidental, what with the circumstance they're in now? Really, why is she even thinking of an excuse in advance? It's not like somebody would ask why they kiss. Yes, it's as if not anyone would see them, or that anyone would care. Anyone….Anyone…
However, Aya suddenly became quite panicky as Yuuya's lips advanced on her. And as it was about to close distance between them, she silently screamed for help, as if it would freeze time.
And it did. Or maybe not.
But somehow, she was saved. She didn't understand what was happening at first. Or of why Yuuya suddenly withdrew from her. But as she looked up, she saw Otohata Rei, standing motionless just a few feet away from them. He was looking down at them with an expression that is hard to read. But Aya can tell jealousy is definitely not its implication.
For a moment there, not any of the three dared to move or even speak.
Rei was the first to break the silence, which is a miracle indeed for he rarely takes the initiative. With his eyes closed as though refusing to believe what he'd just seen, he turned around and headed back to his cottage. "Sorry for the intrusion. I seem to have interrupted something." And with that, he disappeared in the dark, his footsteps barely audible.
As soon as he was gone, Yuuya attempted to apologize but Aya was already on her feet and is heading to Rei's direction. He was powerless to even call out to her. So he just…let her be…
--
Numerous questions and what-ifs bombarded her mind as she ran after Rei. She wondered how much had he heard, of what he might have thought upon seeing them in such a position? Wait…Why did she have the urge to find him and explain things? She didn't have to. What did he care anyway?
Finally, she gave up and slowed her pace as she suddenly felt dizzy. She's probably sleepy, she needn't find Rei since obviously, the guy cared nothing at all. Yes..Otohata Rei doesn't, and won't ever care. So deciding it's better to be left as it is as he was never the type to gossip and tell everyone of what he saw, she just turned the other way and headed to her own cottage instead.
Unbeknownst to her, Rei was watching her from a distance, his presence completely concealed by the darkness. Upon seeing her hesitation, he closed his eyes and balled his fist tight, recalling the scene he just saw a while ago, and by doing so, he felt an unfamiliar feeling in him. Something violent that he can't explain. He can't quite understand it but upon seeing Aya being held by another man like that, it just makes his blood boil somehow! He almost wanted to punch him but self-control prevailed and he managed to cool down, thinking he had no reason to do that since he doesn't care about Aya anyway. He doesn't care. At least, that's what he thought.