A/N: Yeah, I know. It had been a long time since I update. Well, with my final just over, I kind of got a little carried away with the increased outings after months of studying. I'm so sorry. Anyway, the chapter is finally out. And hopefully, you guys will enjoy it.
Chapter 7
(Amu)
I opened an eye as the alarm clock rang. 8.00a.m. I turned it off and groaned in frustration. Who in the hell turned the alarm clock on?! I continued my slumber. Yesterday was tiring. I deserved a good sleep now. After a few minutes, I heard the sound of the alarm clock again. "What?! Didn't I turn it off already?" I muttered. Then I noticed another alarm clock on the table by my bed as I reached to it and turned it off. I slowly drifted off to sleep as another irritating sound prevented me from sleeping. This time, the alarm was from my phone. "Who in the world touch my phone without my permission?!" I said, frustrated. Again I turned it off and when back to sleep. Two days in a row waking up early… this is even worse than school. Sooner or later, I may have sleep deprived. And it's not a good thing as I tend to lose my temper easily when I did not have a good sleep.
Then a sudden force pulled away my blanket. I sat up abruptly and saw Nadeshiko standing there with her arms crossed. "As expected, I knew you won't be able to wake up, even with three alarm clocks."
I crossed my arms and fell backward on the bed. "Nadeshiko, its holiday. Just let me sleep, will you? I am tired." I said my tone, irritated
However, she didn't allow me to do so as she pulled me up and said, "No way. Get dressed. I'll wait for you here incase you decided to sleep again." She then sat on bed, waiting for me to shower and get ready.
I raised an eyebrow then forcefully dragged myself towards the bathroom. "Great, yesterday was Ikuto, today is Nadeshiko, wonder who will be the next one tomorrow?" I whispered to myself.
As soon as I got ready, Nadeshiko blindfolded me all of the sudden. "What are you doing Nadeshiko" I asked. "Trying to get me killed? It's dangerous to walk down the stairs blindfolded!" I exclaimed. I knew Nadeshiko wouldn't kill me. Still, what is she up to?
"Don't worry. I'll lead you down, step by step." Nadeshiko assured me.
We finally reached downstairs after what it seemed like forever. Now I know how blind people feel. Being unable to see is certainly insecure. Later, I was brought to the living room, though I can't be very sure. I could even get lost with my eyes open. How do you expect me to differentiate north, south, east and west with my eyes closed? When the blindfold was removed, my vision which was blurring at first slowly became clearer as I was adjusting to the light around me in the living room. Looks like I had a lower chance of getting lost with my eyes closed.
To my utmost surprise, I saw a birthday cake on the table along with some presents and my friends greeting me happy birthday. Oh, right! I almost forgot. It's my birthday today!
"Thanks everyone." My voice sounded kind of funny as I was about to cry out of joy but Ikuto found a way to stop me . . .
"You know, you are one of the worst sleepy head I have ever seen. Even three alarm clocks can't wake you up. I thought Fujisaki was only joking when she said that." He smirked.
"Well, it's your fault. Yesterday was tiring. I am not a robot." I said to him with a tone somewhere in between grateful and irritated; grateful because he stopped me from crying, irritated because he had reminded me the fact that yesterday he tricked me to Mirage Wonderland and accused that it was me who agreed him to a date! And I hadn't gotten my revenge yet!
"How can it be tiring on a date with me?" he asked, voice held smugness. He's definitely doing this on purpose. I just don't get him. Is it that fun to get on my nerves?
"Wait! You guys are on a date yesterday?" Yaya interrupted before I could yell at Ikuto.
"I thought it was something about helping out with Tsukiyomi's sister. So, both of you are on a date now?" Rima asked, eyeing both of us carefully.
"Well, I believe some explanation would be very much appropriate." Tadase said.
I looked from one of them to the other as I was kicking myself mentally to think of something quick. Great, now I had to explain how Ikuto manage to drag me to Mirage Wonderland yesterday easily without much protest from me. I don't feel like explaining as I don't know the reason myself too. This is his entire fault!
I sighed. Here goes nothing… As I was about to speak, somebody interrupted me . . .
"Anybody want to play volleyball?" Ikuto asked.
(Half an hour later-At the beach)
"I'm going to kick your butt this time!" Kukai taunted.
"Dream big, buddy. You're messing with the champion." Ikuto argued back.
"That was like five years ago. I had been having special training. So, I'm going to win this time." Kukai said confidently.
"Oh really? We shall see who gets the last laugh." Ikuto said nonchalantly. "Whichever team lose is going to pay for dinner tonight."
"That ain't going to be me." Kukai grinned.
We're now at the beach playing a two-on-two volleyball competition. Ikuto and Kairi are on a team versus Kukai and Tadase. Thank goodness they are more interested with the game compare to the 'date' thing. The reason was simply because Ikuto taunted Kukai earlier. Kukai was never the one to back down from a challenge. That's why Kukai was now all fired up to win this match now.
As for Nadeshiko and I, we decided to get some tan. This way, we could chat and watch the match between the boys at the same time. Rima was the umpire, checking their points and time. Yaya of course helped out since she was always excited about games and competitions. I guess some things just don't change. Nadeshiko and I found a place, laid our towel there and sat down. The match had already started.
"Well, seems like Ikuto and Kairi is going to treat us for dinner tonight." Nadeshiko chucked lightly.
"I don't mind. Besides, I still didn't receive any gifts from Ikuto yet. So, I'll accept the dinner tonight as present." I grinned. I can use this opportunity to tease Ikuto and he's going to be pissed off. Hah! I will also get my revenge. I smiled thinking about the look on Ikuto's defeated face as I lay down on my towel. I'll check the competition from time to time later.
"You seem happy." Nadeshiko said, diverting her attention from the boys.
I got up on my elbows and raised an eyebrow, looking at Nadeshiko, "Any reason why I shouldn't?" I asked. "Today's my birthday after all." Nadeshiko paused for awhile, thinking the right word to begin. I looked at her, confused. I thought hard. There shouldn't be anything that would make me unhappy, so that leaves one possible reason. "Something happen between you and Kukai?" I asked, making a wild guess as Nadeshiko remained silent.
Nadeshiko glared at me. "No, dummy. I'm talking about Hotori and his crush, which happen to be a different person."
Oh, that. Honestly, if Nadeshiko didn't bring it up, I don't think I'd remember. "Ouch, that sounded a bit harsh." I said as I lay back down. "But I think I got over it already though."
"That's a pretty quick recovery." Nadeshiko commented. "So, you're saying you don't like Hotori anymore?"
"Of course I still like him, as a friend." I said. "You, know, I've been thinking about this, and I do think I saw something in him but just not what I thought. What attracted me right off about Tadase is that; for someone who is handsome, he's really kind to other people. It's like the dream boyfriend that I had wanted to have ever since I know the meaning of dating. However, after spending some time alone with him, I realize that's not what I want in a relationship. I prefer to be in a relationship with someone that I'm comfortable with. I'm being a bit too self-conscious whenever Tadase's around." I paused for a moment then added. "Plus, he and Rima seem cute together."
Nadeshiko chuckled. "And to think I was worried about you. Anyways, I'm glad you are okay about it."
I grinned widely. "To be frank, I never thought I'm actually cool about it too. I guess that's what makes life more interesting. It would be too dull to have it all expected." I said.
(Ikuto)
I panted slightly. We're taking some rest now. Kukai's serious. He sure had gotten a lot better, but I'm just getting warmed up. I'll not lose this match. I took a glance at where Amu and Fujisaki were. 'Girls talk.' I thought mentally. "She is pretty, right?" A voice spoke, startled me, breaking my gaze towards the petite girl. I didn't even realize that I was actually staring at Amu for a little too long.
I turned to look at Sanjou who were looking at them too. I didn't answer the question but instead just drink my bottle of water to hide the fact that the question had thrown me off guard. I didn't really know what to answer anyway. Of course, Amu is not that bad herself, but I never really give much thought about it. Besides, all we did was just arguing.
"I don't really see her that way." I said after a moment, keeping a blank expression.
Sanjou shrugged his shoulders. "I was only asking whether she's pretty or not. I'm not implying anything else."
My expression remained blank. This Sanjou guy's pretty smart and observant. "I did not say you're implying anything else. But, now that you mention it, it did sound like you were."
He turned to look at me. "Actually" he said, "You're right. I'm implying something. Just so that you know, Amu is a precious friend to me and you better not hurt her."
"I don't think I understand what you're talking about" I said. "Why would I even want to hurt Amu? She's a . . . friend." Hell, why do I even I hesitated when I said that?
"Then this is something you have to figure out yourself. But do it quick. You don't have all the time in the world though" Sanjou said nonchalantly.
My lips twitched upward slightly. Although I don't really know about my feelings to Amu yet, Sanjou and I will be good friends; that I know. "What about you?" I asked. "When are you going to make your move? Yuiki is a nice girl too, right? Just that she talks too much for my liking."
He blinked, cheeks reddening a little as looked at me with a baffled expression, "I guess you make a good ninja too. You're quite observant I must admit." Sanjou said regaining his composure.
"So, what's stopping you? You and Mashiro were an item before right?" I said merely. That means he had had experience about dating.
"It's not that easy. Besides, she was the one making the first move back then. It's going to be different this t-" Sanjou was interrupted when we heard a cough and we both look to see Yuiki, who lot a bit . . . down? She was so energetic and cheerful just now. Then, it hit me. Yuiki must have overheard our conversation and misunderstood. She thought Sanjou wants to reconcile with Mashiro.
"Umm . . . , I just came to inform that resting time is over. I'll be going back to the villa for awhile. Bye" she said, eyes looking on the ground. Then she immediately turned and walked away before Sanjou could stop her.
"I think Yuiki thought I meant you and Mashiro." I told Sanjou.
He turned to look at me and groaned, "Don't you think I already know that?!" he muttered. "Because of this, I would have to tell her how I feel and risk loosing our friendship"
"Relax" I shrugged my shoulders. "Just tell her the truth. Things will work out. You can thank me later since I provided an opening for you. Don't worry about the game now. Go and explain to your sweetheart first."
Sanjou glared at my smug look before walking towards Yuiki's walking figure. "Yaya!" Sanjou shouted as she quickened her pace.
Kukai, Tadase and Mashiro looked at us with a confused look on their face. I waved a have at their direction, telling them to stop the match for the moment. Amu and Fujisaki who were sun bathing at a distant also came to know what was wrong. I shrugged. "Well, just a little misunderstanding."
(Third person)
"Wait!" Kairi shouted at Yaya. But, Yaya just ran as fast as her legs could bring her. She wanted to be alone now after knowing that Kairi did not love her like she does. Rejection sucked, but it's even worst when you have to listen to it twice. After all, she has loved Kairi for a long time, longer than she could remember. It would take her some time to get over the heartbreak. However, Kairi didn't allow her to get away from him as he moved in her way, stopping her.
Kairi panted slightly, catching his breath before speaking. "Don't run off like that before listening to my explanation!" He cursed himself mentally when he saw Yaya winced at his sharp tone. Well, he hadn't been to raise his voice but he desperately needed Yaya to listen to him. Trying to date Yaya was already difficult enough, the last thing he didn't need is to have Yaya misunderstood his feelings.
Yaya took a deep breath and then gathered all the courage she could get to look at Kairi, before speaking, "It's anything wrong?" Yaya asked, hoping that she sound cheerful enough to hide the fact that she's already on the verge of crying. She hoped that Kairi will get over whatever he's going to say quickly before she could go back to the villa and cry alone, where no one could see her.
Kairi exhaled heavily. 'It's now or never.' Gathered up all his courage, he said, "Yeah, it's about just now."
"Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to eavesdrop but you know accident just happen-" Yaya babbled.
"Yaya, listen-"
"No, Kairi, you listen first. I just overheard. Don't worry though. I didn't hear everything. I just heard a bit-"
"Yaya, it's-"
"Don't interrupt me. Believe me, really, I'm telling the truth. I just heard only a tiny bit and being friends for so long, I'll support y-"
Yaya didn't get to finish her sentence as Kairi just closed the gap between them and kissed her. Kairi tried to stop Yaya's babbling to explain but since words can't do much, he figured action will do. At first, Yaya was too surprised to respond. But, when the initial shock was gone, she finally realised that Kairi's kissing her. And so, she slipped her arms around his neck and deepened the kiss between them. Sure, she had always envisioned it a little more romantic but, well who's complaining? Reality worked just fine.
When they both broke the kiss, Kairi whispered, "I love you. Sorry for not telling you sooner."
"You love me?" Yaya said, to make sure she heard correct.
Kairi smiled, and gave a peck on her lips to reassure her, before answering, "Yes. Just now, Tsukiyomi and I were talking about us. Not about Rima and I."
Yaya suddenly pinched Kairi's arm and grinned when the boy frowned. "Hey, what's that for? It hurts."
"Just to make sure this isn't a dream" Yaya hugged Kairi. "I love you too. You just made my day. I'm so happy."
"And it'll be my duty to make your days happier with me." Kairi hugged her back. He was glad that everything was alright. Oh well, he'll have to thank Ikuto later then, he reminded himself mentally.
At a distant, all of them who were watching silently cheered for the couples. "Took them long enough." Rima commented.
Amu gasped surprisingly, "You actually noticed?"
The others just looked as Rima merely said, "It's so obvious. Besides, Yaya was the reason why Kairi and I broke up. He realised his feelings for Yaya finally after dating me. That's what he said to me."
"And you are okay with this?" Tadase asked.
Rima chucked lightly. "Of course I am. If Kairi didn't tell Yaya any sooner, I will be glad to do the honour for him."
Amu then turned to look at Ikuto whose expression remained blank then said, "You are lucky everything turns out to be alright." Ikuto merely shrugged.
Amu sighed and whispered to herself silently. "Of all people, it had to be him to get Yaya and Kairi together." Either way, Amu was happy that both her best friends are finally together.
"Okay, time to get some muscle moving" Kukai said. "Hey!" Both Yaya and Kairi instantly pulled away, blushing at the same time. "Congratulations, but we still have a match to continue. We'll celebrate later tonight for both of you, Amu's birthday and of course my team's victory." Ikuto rolled his eyes while others just chucked.
"Let's go. I have a game to win." Kairi said with determination as Yaya nodded.
(Amu-next few days)
I sighed as I walked out from my class. My professor just gave my class an assignment to do; research on different type of fashion and then choose one for designing. It was only the first day after the school reopened and I'd already gotten an assignment, which will be graded for this semester. And it's not an easy one either. I needed to do at least a ten-page long research if I wanted good results. To top it all, I will also need a design. Now, how am I going to start? The long written report first or the design? Both were equally difficult as research took a lot of time and a design isn't something that you can just picked up your pencil, drew a few lines, then done. Besides, I also don't have any inspiration yet on my design.
I know I shouldn't be too focused with my thought as it will result in me knocking over someone. "Ouch" I felt myself falling, only to be caught by a strong pair of arms as I walked into the café, where I'm suppose to meet Nadeshiko and the others.
"Wow, you'd better be more careful miss. Next time, I might not be there to catch you." A guy said as he pulled me to my feet again.
"Thanks" I responded but found myself gasped in surprise as I saw that the person who broke my fall was…Nadeshiko. Is it just me or there's something different about Nadeshiko today. She looked more like a guy, probably because of her outfit and her voice just now really sounded like a guy. Plus I realize she addressed me as miss instead of Amu just now.
"You're welcome" he smiled as he continued, "Though I don't mind, but it isn't polite to stare at a person like that."
I flushed at the statement. "No, I wasn't star-"
"Are you two going to stand here all day or you two are going inside?"
I jerked my head towards Ikuto, who interrupted me from responding. He walked up to us and took a long look at Nadeshiko. Guess I am not the only one that noticed she indeed looked different today. Ikuto then said, "No offence Fujisaki, but this outfit makes you look more like a guy."
The said person merely chucked. "Well, it supposed to be, because I am a guy. My deepest apologies, I believe both of you got the wrong Fujisaki. I am Nagihiko, Nadeshiko's twin brother."
Both Ikuto and I shared a look. Then it hit me. I vaguely remembered Nadeshiko mentioned that she has a twin brother. Though I never thought that they both resembles each other so much since I thought they were non-identical twins, given that one is a guy while the other is a girl. And Nagihiko's long hair, whose colour and length were the same as his sister made it more difficult to tell them apart for those who don't know them well. One thing's for sure though, their outfit would be the main, big difference between both of them. I guess I would be able to tell the other differences between them sooner or later.
"So, you guys are Nadeshiko's friend I assume?" he asked.
"Yeah. I'm Amu, her roommate. This idiot standing beside me here is Ikuto." I said as I introduced both of us to Nagihiko. Ikuto simply nodded his head keeping a blank expression. Well, that's why I called him an idiot anyway. Maybe I should call him ice-cube instead, but he never really acted that way when he's teasing me, so I'll stick with idiot instead.
As we set foot into the café, we looked around briefly to find that Nadeshiko and Kukai were already there, waiting for us to arrive. They didn't see us though as Kukai was murmuring something to Nadeshiko, who giggled lightly at his comment, her cheeks reddening a little. Those two do make a cute couple.
I took a glance at Nagihiko, wondering his approval of Kukai dating his twin sister. The smiling face of the guy answered my question well enough.
"Hi guys." I greeted cheerfully as we approached the love birds, while Ikuto just nod his head (his usual passive greeting), and Nagihiko waved his hand at the couple. We took our seat as the waitress came to take our order. After she left, Nadeshiko introduced Nagihiko to us. Apparently, Nagihiko just came back from a volunteered charity activity, which explained his late enrolment in Seiyo University.
We then chatted pleasantly while waiting patiently for Tadase and Rima to come. Rima had decided to enrol in our university after we came back from our vacation since she's just living nearby the campus. She also said that it would make her feel more comfortable if she were to be in the same campus with people that she already known. Yaya and Kukai, now happily as a couple had one back after our nice vacation few days ago.
Now that I remembered, I hadn't thanks Ikuto yet for managing to get both Yaya and Kukai confessed—in a way. Of all people in the world, he had to be the one that somehow cause the misunderstanding between Kairi and Yaya accidentally, which miraculously provided them an opportunity to confess their undying love for each other. I had tried lots of ways to get both of them together but Ikuto had manage to do it with just one try, and it wasn't even intentional. I sighed. He's just able to accomplish everything he does well, even without trying very hard, a trait that I had noticed lately.
I gasped in surprise as a voice broke through my thoughts, "Thinking about me?"
My face flushed up as I saw Ikuto's face just inches from me when I turned at the voice that interrupted my thought. "N-no . . ." I quickly averted my gaze to my soda as his face was too close for comfort. I'm beginning to aware of my increase flushed face, which were mostly caused by Ikuto (something that I hate to admit). "What gives you that idea?" I said.
Ikuto feigned a hurtful expression then said, "So, you were thinking about other guys then? I'm hurt and jealous now."
I narrowed my eyes at Ikuto as I knew he was teasing me like usual again, though the expression was somehow…softer. But before I can really respond, two familiar figures entered the café, saving me nonetheless.
"Hey Tadase, Rima, over here!" Kukai waved his arm over his head catching both of their attention.
"My apologies for being late," Tadase said, acknowledging us with a smile as he and Rima slipped into the remaining empty chairs "I waited for Mashiro since this is her first day of school, just incase she get lost. Besides, our classes are just nearby, so it really isn't any trouble waiting for a little longer." Typical Tadase-ever the nice guy, though I doubt that was his only intention.
"Well, Hotori, Mashiro, this is my twin brother, Nagihiko." Nadeshiko introduced to the two blondes that just arrived.
"Nice to meet you." Tadase said as he shook hands with Nagihiko while Rima merely nodded her head in acknowledgement. Maybe it was just my imagination, but I felt that Rima somehow don't really like Nagihiko's presence. Come to think about it, she was unhappy when Kukai, Nadeshiko, Ikuto and I came back together from Mirage Wonderland the other day during our vacation. Oh, I must be too tensed lately to the point that I am imagining things now.
A half-hour later, everyone had finished our meal, and though we had all paid our bills, we didn't want to leave yet. I leaned back in my seat with a smile on my face as I listened to the conversations swirling about me, adding comments at necessary times.
(Third person-hallway of the campus-Next morning)
Nagihiko was walking at the hallway, heading towards his next class which will start at 8.30 a.m. He glanced at his clock reading 8.00 a.m. 'Still early', he thought. As he continued down the hallway, he was unexpectedly stopped by Rima Mashiro.
"Morning, Mashiro." Nagihiko greeted as he smiled at the blonde.
"We need to talk." Mashiro said, without bothering to greet Nagihiko.
A faint smile curled one corner of his mouth upwards as the Rima's stern voice didn't bother him one bit. "I'm listening."
"Don't get close to Amu."
"Oh and why is that?"
"I don't like you."
Nagihiko chucked and replied politely, not offended by her comment, "Amu is not a kid. She can befriend with who she wants, without needing your approval. Don't you think your reason is a bit unreasonable?"
Rima glared at him. "No it's not. I can tell you are interested in Amu. So, I'm protecting her from getting hurt by guys like you. Keep your distance with Amu."
Nagihiko chucked as Rima glared harder. "I do what I like. Besides, if that's really the case, I think another more guy will need this warning from you more than I do." Nagihiko then turned around, getting ready to head to his class before adding, "Amu isn't the only one that caught my interest though"
Rima glared at Nagihiko's retreating back, clutching tighter to her note books before turning around with a frustrated sigh. I will not let anyone hurt Amu, especially not you, Nagihiko Fujisaki.
A/N: Well, that concludes this chapter. Please review and let me know what you think! Sorry for the delay again and any grammatical errors. Thanks for reading. I'll update as soon as possible.