A/N: This is the break-away chapter! Huahahahahaha! *evil laughs*


~ You Know I Ain't Rich ~

Chapter 7: Partner In The Dark


"Ouch!" The girl got bumped onto someone, and she was certain that it's a male. Well, what am I expected? This place is so dark.

"I-I'm sorry!" Surprisingly, the guy apologized and held his hand to the girl. "Did I hurt you?"

"N-no... Not really-"

"-two, one aaaaaannddd... ZERO!" The cupid stopped counting.

The other one still laughing so happily, watching those people wandering and shouting their lover's silly nickname are really entertain the two cupid on stage. "ALRIGHT! IT'S DONE! Keep your hands on the one you hold right now-"

"Cheerie-berrie!"

"Little-wolfie? I'm here!"

"Goddammit..." The cupid cursed a little, "NO ONES CALL EACH OTHER AGAIN! The times up and I don't want to hear those silly nicknames of your lovers!"

"Calm down a little, Rei..." The twin tried to make Rei calmed down. "Anyways, now you've found your partner. Now we can-"

"No." The other cupid cut Kei's words.

Kei frowning at his brother, "What d'ya mean? The game's ended here, right?" He whispered.

The other twin shook his head lightly, "I wanna make some new rule to find the Prom King & Queen. Listen carefully, you have to stick with your Partner In The Dark. I'm not gonna turn it on yet, and DJ, please put on some smooth music and make'em sway with their Partner In The Dark..."

What the heck are you thinking, Rei? Ritsu thought, not even letting go the hand who grabbed hers.

"Now, dance with your Partner In The Dark. The one who looks more intimate, will be choosen as the Prom King & Queen tonight! Remember, it's intimate, not sensual, get it? Alright, y'all may dance now..." Rei put a big grin on his face. His twin doesn't even bothered to smile along with Rei.

Mio gulped in nervous. What should I do...? I grabbed this hand first, but I can't just pull it to have a dance with me! But... I don't want to be force to do something horrible! Oh God, what to do? Unconsciously, Mio tightened her grip with the hand. It seems like her action made the owner of the hand flinched and then...

"Sorry," The owner of the hand whispered softly as he pulled Mio into a close distance, Mio thought that this person is a guy, so she sighed in relief. He got his hand on Mio's hips.

On the other hand, Ritsu can't do anything, she just indirectly asking the girl who grabbed her hand to dance. I hope this girl don't mind to have a dance with me. GAH! I forgot that I'm pretty bad at it. Please... don't let me step on her feet, that would be SO DAMN EMBARRASSING!

Oh, she had a pretty long hair... What a smooth hair... Ritsu thought as she keep swaying with her Partner In The Dark.


The pig-tailed kouhai smirked, she knew she likes it when this person, who grabbed her hand in the dark, pulling her closer.

That's when she heard a familiar giggles, "Y-Yui?" Azusa asked with a disbelief tone.

"He he, it's so easy to find you, Azusa~" Again, she let out a little giggles. "I can't believe you haven't recognize me when I grabbed your hand"

"Why didn't you tell me that it's- Oh whatever, I'm just glad it's you, Yui" The little kouhai tighten her embrace as she buried her face on Yui's chest.

Meanwhile...

Who is this guy? The dark-brown haired girl thought as she keep dancing with her so-called Partner In The Dark. "Ouch," A little groan escaped her mouth.

The other guy seems to noticed it, "A-are you okay? Did I step on your feet?" He asked worriedly. Damn, it's so hard to see where her feet and my feet goes!

"I'm fine... There's just someone bumped on me, that's okay" It's dark, but she managed to give out a smile.

••••••••••••••••••

Oh good God, this feels totally awkward! Sure this girl is fine with me pulling her into a dance, but seriously... Ritsu managed to look to her surrounding a bit, she just realized that so many people are talking to each other. Mostly people started to ask names, ages, classes, hobbies and such, while she and her Partner In The Dark kept silent with the dance.

Not long, someone bumped on her and made her distance with her partner even more closer. Looks like this girl enjoying it, because she started to wrapped her arms around Ritsu's neck. Ritsu flinched a little, knowing how her companion feels comfortable in her embrace now. Wow... This is the closest distance I've ever had with someone. Ritsu wasted no time to returning the favor by linked her arms around the girl's hips and gently pulled her closer.

Ritsu could feel the girl's breath against her own, she knew their faces were inches away to each other. Then... Click. It was a kiss, Ritsu unconsciously moved closer and also the girl. Oh no! I- I can't... Stupid, why am I so stupid! ? Soon, she pulled back from the kiss and the hug. "I'm sorry, I have a girlfriend." With that, she ran away and searching for the exit door.

She found one, but with two guards on either side. "I need to get outside, this is urgent. Please..." The guards stepped aside and letting Ritsu get to the outside of the building.

"Stupid, stupid, stupid! Why did I kissed her? Just why? Why didn't she pushed me away? Why she let me kissed her?" Ritsu keep talking to herself, questioning all the things that already happened.

She reached her car and leaned on it. Suddenly, her phone vibrated, she flipped it open and pressed the green button. "Yeah?"

"Neechan, dad just called me, he said he tried to call you but you didn't answer the phone. Why?"

"Ah that~ Well, I can't really pick up any phone call inside the building. So why is he callin' you?"

"He asked, if you already give the invitation cards to his old friend. If you haven't, you better hurry, Neechan."

I forgot! Ritsu slapped her own forehead, "A-alright, tell dad I'm on my way, okay? Thanks, Satoshi!" And she ended the phone call.

When she was about to go, she remembered Mio. She decided to call her and ask if she wants to come along. "Mio?"

"R-Ritsu? Why did you call me?"

"Well, I was-" Ritsu frowned, because the phone suddenly ended. "What was that? Did she just hung up on me?"

Soon enough, she saw Mio and David walked out of the building. Ritsu ran towards them and talk to Mio afterwards, "Hey, Mio!"

Mio flinched, "H-hy... what are you doing here?"

"Uh... nothing, actually... I want to tell you something"

"What is it?" Mio getting all nervous all of a sudden. It's Ritsu and David, the two person she dated.

"Well, Satoshi asked me to give some of invitation cards and your house is one of'em. Uhm, I wonder if you want to come along?"

"I-" Mio's word was cut by the guy next to her.

David cleared his throat, "She's with me. Means, she'll go with me, not you."

Ritsu could only raised her eyebrow in confusion, "Okay, maybe next time. See ya later, Mio~" Ritsu waves off and running to her car.

By the time Ritsu get inside her car, Mio could only stares in an awe look. It's the car, The 2010 Jaguar XFR, type X250! "Is she really riding that car?" Mio muttered under her breath.


Akiyama Residence.

"Excuse-"

"Welcome back, Rikkun~~" The old man pulled Ritsu into a tight hug. Finally, he pulled back. "Wow, you're really grown up now..."

Ritsu could only laughed nervously, "Well, it's been years since the last time you saw me. Thanks for welcoming me, Mr. Akiyama" She said with her grin.

"Hahaha, now don't be so formal with me~ I still call you Rikkun, just like old times, so get used to call me Haruka-san, okay?"

"Alright, as you wish~" Ritsu took a seat on the couch as Haruka took his own seat.

"So, what brings you here? I see that old man's birthday is coming up, isn't it?"

You and him are in the same age... Ritsu dead-panned as she thought about that. "Good guess, I'm here to give you this," She held her hand out with the invitation card.

The man took it from Ritsu offered hand, "This weekend? Okay, I'll definitely come. Ah, what's more... I really wanted you to see my daughter, she's just came back to Japan a few weeks ago~"

"Well, maybe you can just take her to father's party. I'm sure mom and dad will be happy to see her"

"Good idea, I'll ask her to come with me. Perhaps, you're really eager to meet her, hm?"

"Ha ha... Uh... Well," Ritsu keep scratching nervously, "I bet she'll... she'll totally shock... y'know, meeting me and all..."

Mr. Akiyama raised his eyebrow, "You're right, but I'm sure my daughter wouldn't throw away such opportunity to meet Tainaka family. Especially you, Ritsu."


Nearby the University's Gate.

"What the- ?" Ritsu frowning when a few of cars blocking her way to get inside the Uni. She got out from her car, "Hey, can you move a bit?"

Without any words, a bunch of boys came to her way. Ritsu backed away a little, no one could really recognize her because she's using mask with no headband. "Oh, so you're my girlfriend's Partner In The Dark, huh?"

Ritsu could only shot these guys a confused look, she knew kissing that girl wouldn't be a good idea. Now look where did she got herself into, "I don't know what you're talking about... Whose girlfriend?"

BUMP! A fist just landed on Ritsu's stomach rather hard. "You're that guy... The one who asked my girlfriend to come along with you..." She tried to keep her balance and keep backed away. "What? Don't have courage to fight us? Heh, what a coward~"

"I don't want to make fuzz... We're near the campus... I don't want to get in any trouble..." Ritsu coughed a little, "Listen, I really don't know what are you guys talking about here"

"Oh, but you're already in..." Another punch landed on the brunette's face, then she felt someone pushed her by the shoulder and she hit the wall behind her. "You. Don't you dare trying to steal Anderson's property." Finally, the guys walked away with their cars and back to the University.

Ritsu was beaten up, she had a few bruises on her arms. Bruises on her body didn't seem too visible, but those bruises on her face looks pretty bad and visible for anyone to see. Ritsu ran her finger through the corner of her bleeding mouth. She found out that it's bleeding and hurt, "Great. Just great... I kissed someone's girlfriend, while I had a girlfriend, and got beaten up right after... What a lucky day, Ritsu..."

She walked back to her car and drove herself to the parking lot. "I don't feel like get inside now... Better staying here..." And so be it, Ritsu opened her door and rested herself inside her car- Well, her dad's car.

Soon, something disturbed her napping time. "You jerk! You're such a playboy! And YOU, you... B*tch!"

"Oh, really?" The girl chuckled, "Maybe you should tell Ritsu about the truth now-" Ritsu closed her eyes once more. I always knew this would happen... soon enough.

••••••••• At the same time •••••••••

"Maybe you should tell Ritsu about the truth now- You're only playing with Ritsu, right? Tell me if I'm wrong, Akiyama-san~" A girl said mockingly at Mio.

"I... I never... No... It's-" Mio stopped when she heard someone bang a car's door rather roughly. Suddenly, someone just walking pass by her and it was Ritsu. She had her black-hoodie jacket on, "Rit- No, I-"

Ritsu gave Mio a total dissapointed look, she shook her head slowly and raised her head to face the three people. "I'm sorry if I disturbed your conversation... Excuse me." Fake smile, then she walked away.

"Ho ho ho, look at that~ Finally someone dumped you, huh? Ironic, isn't it?" Again, the girl laughing at Mio. The girl was right, Mio was never be the one who got dumped, but tonight...

"Tch!" Mio clenched her fist and ran to chase Ritsu. Why? Why did she have to know it like this? Oh Kami-sama, please... let Ritsu be there. Mio prayed as she keeps running towards the Uni's cafe.

Finally, she reached the cafe. Mio standing there, panting so heavily and looking to her surrounding, hoping that she'll find the brunette. There, sitting on a chair, with that sad look on her face. Slowly but surely, Mio walking towards her and stopped right in front of the table. Ritsu noticed her, then she looked up to her and smiling as usual. "Oh, you're here, Mio. C'mon, take a seat~"

Mio's heart ached when she knew that Ritsu still treat her nicely, even after she knew about Mio dating another person. "Ritsu... I-"

"You want to have some drink? I'll get you some, okay?" Ritsu grinned as she said that, which making Mio felt so hurt inside.

"N-no, I'm not really thirsty... I want to-"

"Oh, c'mon~ My treat." Again, Ritsu cut Mio's words, it was as if she doesn't wanna hear any explanation from Mio. "Yo, bring me some strawberry juice!" She shouted to the waiter.

Mio keep fidgeting, she's become so nervous, scared, and afraid. How could she fix things? Turn things to where it should be? Only if she could undo her mistakes, everything would be just fine.

"Anyway," Ritsu started, she noticed how nervous the other girl is. "Is there anything you wanted to tell me?"

"I- ...Ritsu, I... I'm so sorry... I didn't- I never mean it..." Mio said between her sobs, she's crying, she can't hold those tears anymore.

"Hey, told you what? I hate to see you cry, even though I love to tease you until you're crying~" Ritsu trying her best to lighting up the mood, because when she said that, there's no lies. Ritsu hates to see Mio cry, she loves to tease the girl but that doesn't mean she likes it when those tears started to make their way to Mio's cheeks.

"Here's your Strawberry Juice. Enjoy!" The waited said as he put the juice on the table.

"Uh, thanks." Ritsu ran her fingers to Mio's cheek and wiping off the tears. "Will you stop?"

Mio nodded slowly, "Thanks... I'll stop crying..." She felt that Ritsu really nice to her and how rude of her to ever hurt Ritsu that way. Mio took a deep breath and started to speak up again, "So... that car..."

Ritsu raised her eyebrow, then smirked. "Oh, that fancy car I ride?" The other girl nodded, "It's not my car." A simple answer, which makes Mio replied her with an 'Oh'. "That was my friend's car. I rent it, because the old-geezer won't work~ You didn't think it's really my car, did you?" Ritsu almost laughed at Mio's expression.

Mio's cheeks turning red all of a sudden, "I just... I thought-"

"You did? Hahahahaha! ! ! Oh God, Mio~ It's a miracle if I can afford such fancy-car!"

WHACK! Mio's fist just landed on Ritsu's head, but soon Mio realized what she had done and caressing the other girl's head. "I- I'm sorry! Really... It's-"

"Good to see you back in your mood~" Was all Ritsu said while grinning at the stunned and confused Mio. "Anyway, I'm fine~ Don't worry, I'm already got used to that"

Not long, Mio keep silent again. Ritsu hates it, because it's hard and so annoying to see Mio getting so nervous around her like this. She just knew, she had to talk about it, even she hates it. "Listen, what done was done. I just wanted to tell you that... I can live without money, I can live without good facility... but, I can't live with lies... I've always hates it, and you can say that I'm so scared that soon, what my friends always said happen... and I can't help but let it happened, right in front of my eyes... You, the only girl that I keep defense, lying to me."

"Ritsu... I'm sorry... I know you must be hate me-"

"No," For the first time, Mio saw Ritsu's eyes got teary. "You know what's hurting me most? It's- ...It's myself, for loving you so much that I can't even find myself to hate you..." With that, Ritsu stood up from her chair. "...Sorry, but I need to go now..."

She's right... I'm so stupid! Why can't I see that? Is it really that hard to choose between love and revenge? Ritsu love me so much, but I hurt her... I made her regret for ever loving me... Now she's gone.


A/N: Now that's a drama! Now she learned her lesson, huh? Do you think I'm too harsh? Well, I guess it's Poor Mitsu, huh? Oh well, I'll make sure next chapter would be... uh... better, a little bit better.

Hint: Akiyama Haruka (Mr. Akiyama), was Tainaka Ryuuji's (Mr. Tainaka) old friend. Haruka knows Ritsu ever since she was a little. However, he only knew that Ritsu just back to Japan after finishing her College years overseas.

~ Thanks for R&R ~