Disclaimer: I do not own Super Gals, I am simply borrowing its characters to play a role in my story.

Chapter 7: Reconciliation

Aya Hoshino slapped herself for the first time, seeing as this might be the only way to get her to concentrate on her studies other than with the incident earlier. But how could she possibly keep herself focused when her heart is beating so wildly against her chest? Why did he have to be the one to save her anyway? Of all the people out there, why does it have to be him? At this rate, she'll definitely lose her resolve and end up falling for him again, for the second time now. For sure, she'll be tormented by the pain of a one-sided love again.

She almost jumped from her seat as she heard her cell phone ringing. Who could it be at this time of the night? Curious, she rummaged through her pillows, fumbling for her phone. Upon getting a hold of it, she answered it at once regardless of who the caller might be.

"Hai?" was her gloomy greeting as she answered the call.

"Aya-chan? Oh thank God you finally answered my call! Please don't hang up on me, hear me out for a bit. Remember, friends should always communicate openly with each other in order to maintain their friendship. Onegai Aya-chan, talk to me. You don't have to talk to Ran if you don't want to, she doesn't know anything about this anyway. Promise it'll be just you and me."

Miyu held her breath as she waited for Aya's reply. It took quite a long time before the latter decided to accept the offer. Well, it's just Miyu, so it wouldn't do her any harm then. For all she knew, Miyu is nothing like Ran. Scheming is not her hobby. She is someone who is sweet, caring, honest, always speaking direct to the point, no beating around the bush.

"Good, I'll meet you by the park tomorrow morning then. Afterwards, we can walk together to school."

With that, the line went dead. She sounded cheerful though, and kind of excited, could it be that she's—'Oh stop it! Stop suspecting anyone of anything! Why don't I give them a chance for a change? Miyu is different anyway.'

Sighing, she finally decided to retire for the night. She had better sleep early and prepare herself mentally for what is to come tomorrow.

--

Miyu Yamazaki took a deep breath as she prepared for her speech to give later. She has to sound as convincing as she can. She has to persuade Aya to forgive them, and that includes Ran. Suddenly remembering Ran made her feel frustrated, because once again, though she declined at first to play a part in Ran's scheme, she ended up doing it since she just can't stand by and watch one of their best friends to drift away from them.

But still, she reminded herself that she's doing this not for the sake of going along with Ran's plan, but to restore Aya's trust and friendship. She's doing this to make their group whole and normal again.

"Miyu-chan! Sorry I'm late, got caught up in something at home…"

Miyu gave a sweet smile to the new comer as she let her catch her breath first, since she looked as though she'd run a mile.

"So what's up?"

Aya carefully straightened her uniform before taking a seat beside Miyu. At this time of the day, the park is pretty much crowded since people are taking advantage of the early morning sunshine and fresh air. Aya watched a couple of kids playing jump rope that it brought back memories from her childhood.

"Aya-chan, I was hoping you could forgive us for all that we've done. Please come back to us and let's just forget about everything. We could start over! Ran and Rei broke up you know, so there's no reason for you not to hang out with us."

Miyu silently pleaded to gain a favorable answer from Aya. She just hoped she didn't sound scripted, she meant what she have said anyway. But then again, those are all part of Ran's plan.

"I…I don't know Miyu-chan…I'm not really mad you know, just sort of confused…The problem is with me, because I'm…"

Aya was starting to have difficulty in expressing herself verbally, she just can't seem to find the right words.

"You see, this isn't something about Rei…nor is it about Ran…it's…it's all to do with me and my weakness…I just don't think I deserve to be your friend. You're all so extreme…and strong-willed, that I…feel like I don't belong…I'm pathetic aren't I…"

Aya half-smiled as she tried to find eloquent words to further make Miyu understand, but it seemed, as she was a very understanding individual naturally, Aya need not say more.

Miyu draped a comforting arm over Aya's shoulder, while the latter remained motionless.

"Aya-chan, don't think of yourself that way. Don't think of such things. We are your friends, and for that matter, we accept you for who you are. You don't need any requirements or qualifications just to be a part of our group. Being your true self is all that matters. So what do you say? Will you please return to us?"

Aya slowly looked up to meet Miyu's warm eyes. Well, what choice does she have? Considering Miyu exerted so much effort in convincing her like this, turning her down would seem rude. Miyu is her friend after all, and not just some friend, but a real one.

Aya's face suddenly brightened as she thought of an idea. Now she's ready to move on and she won't be successful unless something strong enough to influence her could serve as a diversion. Of course it could only be the number 1 Gal of Shibuya, Ran Kotobuki. Thinking of Ran made her feel somewhat nostalgic. She thought of the fun times she had spent with Ran in the past as she was dragged along by this persistent jolly gal to exotic experiences she never had before. From her seclusion to the world, limiting herself not to get out of that shell and explore what's out there, to the fabulous shopping and wild adventures Ran's company brings. From the gloomy atmosphere and black and white surroundings she has become so used to, to a more colorful and cheerful milieu brought about by Ran and that undying happiness and enthusiasm of hers. How could she just throw it all away over some rivalry for one guy? One cold-hearted snobbish aloof and mean guy by the name of Rei Otohata? Never mind the fact that he's way beyond cute, mouth-wateringly gorgeous, devilishly handsome worth drooling for and any other positive adjectives out there combined. She could just kiss him goodbye and find someone more simple, comfy to be with, humorous and just plain simple, someone like…Yuuya…Yuuya…Yuuya…

Wait! Didn't she decide already that Yuuya is off limits? He is her friend, just her friend and that's that. What's so hard to understand about that? But somehow Aya can't help but think what the hell is stopping her from loving Yuuya instead? Is it because he's Rei's best friend that it somehow looks wrong? It just might appear as though she wants revenge by doing that through the means of using Yuuya, but still—

"Earth to Aya?"

Miyu's worried voice finally cut through her thoughts as she realized she had been thinking way too long.

"Oh gomen Miyu-chan, you know what it's like to be in the morning, kind of brain-slow-processing and all that…"

Aya gave an apologetic smile then mumbled to herself.

"If only I could just reformat my brain and delete unnecessary files so I could start over…"

"Are you saying something?"

"Oh n-no, just talking to myself. Well I guess I'll take your offer then under one condition."

Aya leaned on Miyu to somehow emphasize her point.

"What's that condition?"

Miyu looked back at her questioningly, unaware of what's coming while Aya only smirked before she revealed what it was.

--

"You go on ahead Miyu-chan, I'll drop by the library first. Oh and please don't forget about our deal."

Grinning from ear to ear, Aya waved goodbye before disappearing in the crowd of jostling students.

"That's for the best anyway, I…guess…" was all Miyu could say before heading to the classroom. As soon as she entered, Ran was at her side in a flash.

"Morning Miyu! So how was it? Did it go well? What'd she say? Ooh I can hardly wait!"

"It's a miracle you're here early, anyway, of course I managed to convince her. You know Aya, she's just too considerate, but she only agreed under one condition."

Miyu tried to pry herself away from Ran and her bone-crushing hug. Oh how she's so eager to see how her friend would react to the said condition of Aya's.

"Well? Spill it!"

"Aya will only hang out with us again if we promise not to mention anything about Otohata Rei ever again, and that also includes not hanging out with him."

The look of shock on Ran's face was indescribable as she heard the said condition. She took a step back, eyes staring blankly. Apparently, her whole plan would be ruined because of the said condition, and if that happens, she won't be able to redeem her reputation (cough cough), I guess I've said enough for now.

"N-no way! Is she crazy? We all know the two of them are meant for each other! They are just always caught up in a bad time and in a bad situation for some reason! Why didn't you explain it to her that way?"

Ran looked as if she's on the verge of throwing a tantrum but luckily, sanity prevailed so that now she just sat and closed her eyes, thinking of an alternative.

"Well Ran, I guess Aya's back again with us, that leaves you, before we can finally return to our normal and peaceful lives again. Not that any day would be peaceful with you around…"

Miyu chuckled ignoring Ran's dangerous glares. As expected, ever the 'I'm invincible and unbeatable so I won't ever let anyone beat me', the number 1 gal surely wouldn't give up just yet.

"You just wait Miyu, this isn't over yet."

Crossing her arms over her chest, Ran sat firmly, determined to think of an effective plan.

--

"Man, sometimes I just don't get you. Why the sudden breakup?"

Yuuya continued to pester Rei with his 'why' questions as he popped another strawberry on his mouth, munching happily.

"Yuuya, inviting you over doesn't mean you get the license to deplete my food supply, baka." Was the Ice Prince's cold reply glancing behind him to where Yuuya sat on the couch, holding a bowl of strawberries with a look of satisfaction on his face, satisfaction for the food that is, but not with his friend's response.

"Here you go again, using a rotten strategy to evade my questions. Ok fine, hands off on the strawberries. Now will you please give me a proper answer? I'm dying in curiosity here."

He made a goofy face as he withdrew his hands from the tempting bowl, not minding to surrender the strawberries in exchange for a teeny little peek at Rei's enticing heart, which up to now still remained shrouded by mystery. Yes, he'd give anything just to understand this apathetic buddy of his.

"Good riddance then."

"What did you say? Man, sometimes you're just too cruel, you know that? May I remind you we just kissed and made up the other day when you were down on your knees pleading me to—"

"I did not, why would do that anyway?"

Yuuya wasn't able to see Rei's taunting smirk since he had his back on the now sulking blonde.

Yuuya meanwhile pouted, this time feeling kind of hurt for real.

"Let's just change the topic shall we? This conversation is getting nowhere. You're far too adamant than I first thought Rei."

With a sigh, he spread himself comfortably on the couch, stretching his legs and his arms.

"So, what had become of Ran then? Didn't she harass you or something? Seeing as you broke up with her."

Rei rolled his eyes as he got tired of looking out through the windows. He faced Yuuya then raised an eyebrow.

"And here I thought we're going to change the topic."

"Come on Rei, be generous even just this once! I've been giving you juicy information about myself all my life and this is what I get?"

"You and your overly exaggerated drama, who told you I want to hear any of those things about you anyway? You're the one who willingly ranted nonstop even though I was barely listening at all. You should be grateful I even took the time to endure you and your mouth."

Rei spoke quietly with those sleepy eyes of his, he had again the familiar bored look on his face.

"Rei you really do know how to make people cry. Or rather, you're an expert in that field."

This caught Rei's full attention as his eyes went wide, he appeared somewhat alarmed.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, if it isn't obvious to you Rei, I tend to get hurt by your sharp tongue. Good thing I didn't quite mind, but if it's another person, I doubt they'll be able to stand you."

With Yuuya's answer, Rei's mind suddenly drifted to that last encounter with Aya. Maybe he really is harsh with his words. Despite his good intentions, in the end the outcome is not what he wanted, all because he didn't know the right words to say. Words, are they really that important? Why can't actions be as expressive as words? Didn't the saying go like this: Actions speak louder than words? To him, maybe, but to Aya who has little confidence in herself, needs words to serve as affirmation, and to someone as slow as Yuuya, he also needs to be told rather than be showed.

Now that it became clear, all that's left is the method, and again, the right words. Maybe, it's time he set aside his pride and humbly ask for help. That is, if he wants Aya back, if he is determined enough.

--

"Why are you dragging me along again Ran? I thought I told you I won't be of help this time?"

Miyu continued to protest as Ran grabbed her arm, forcing her to go.

"This will just take a minute. Don't worry you won't play a part on this. You can just watch and I'll do all the talking."

"Whatever Ran, just make it quick."

A few minutes later, they arrived in front of their group's usual hangout, the R restaurant.

"Here we are, now come on in!"

Miyu sighed, rolling her eyes, just as what she expected, Ran and her same old rusty tactic, can she be any more predictable?

"You must mean I can just watch and you'll do the eating rather."

"Yeah right whatever."

As they entered the restaurant, Ran immediately spotted Yuuya at the left corner sitting all alone and looking quite depressed. Ran chuckled to herself as she noticed Yuuya and his unique cuteness. True, if compared with Rei, girls or majority of them, would probably choose Rei over Yuuya, but if you look at them closely, the blonde is not too far behind. Whenever he gets real serious, his unique handsome features surface which entitle him to be Shibuya's number 1 hottest guy as well, other than Rei.

Yuuya meanwhile became aware that someone was intently staring at him that upon seeing the two, he waved merrily at them, that childish grin dominating his good looks.

"Glad to see you Yuuya-kun. It has been such a long time since we had a chat. I think we have a lot of catching up to do, ne?"

Ran smiled at the innocent blonde sweetly, while Miyu only sighed.

"How very truthful of you Ran, for all we know, you're just trying to get him to treat you since you've run out of money for this 'special occasion'."

Ran stepped on Miyu's foot under the table while across from them, Yuuya remained oblivious as to what Miyu meant.

"I'm glad you chose this place to meet Ran coz I'm really starved right now. We could use a little dinner before proceeding to business."

He appeared less enthusiastic today since usually, he's one loud lively dude cracking corny jokes even at the expense of embarrassing himself. But now, he's quieter.

"Daijoubu desu ka Yuuya-kun? You seemed troubled."

Miyu asked out of pure concern, her pretty face appeared truly worried.

"Oh the usual, getting treated like dirt by him."

For a moment there, Miyu thought she saw his eyes becoming watery but as she looked closely again, she saw no trace of it.

"But no use dwelling in the past, he's always like that anyway, no use sulking. It'll just take some getting used to, so what're your orders ladies? It's all on me today!"

He grinned at them taking pleasure of being on the spot light, while Ran practically threw herself on Yuuya. Afterwards, he called the waiter to give their orders.

--

"Finally, I could eat some real food!"

Ran's eyes were twinkling as the waiter carefully set the plates of mouthwatering food on their table. With this, Miyu felt like scolding Ran to behave properly but thought otherwise.

"Dig in everyone!"

This time, Yuuya seemed back to normal as he enthusiastically grabbed his spoon and fork ready to devour his meal. Ran did the same.

While watching the two, Miyu suddenly felt out of place. Looking down on her own plate, she hesitatingly lifted her spoon to taste it. Not bad, but still at this time of the day, she's just not hungry yet. Aside from that, she's really intent on maintaining her figure, unlike someone here who only cares about food. 'This is going to be one long afternoon.' Miyu thought as she finally gave up the thought of wanting to go home early. Great, so much for having a romantic date with Yamato. Looks like she's stuck with the 'humungous appetite people'.

"So Ran, I heard Rei broke up with you."

Ran almost spat her iced tea, eyes wide and hands shaking, her grip on the plastic cup tightened that it almost exploded. Luckily, she didn't press any further.

"Y-Yuuya, did Rei tell you that?"

"Sort of, you see one day he came at my doorstep pleading for a chance. He said he wanted to talk to me and then the next day, I came over at his house and that was when he mentioned his breakup with you. What happened anyway? He won't tell me no matter how much I persuade him to do so. He's that hard to convince."

"Well, you see, that baka just realized something since he's too lazy and naïve to sort out his own feelings. Yuuya, why don't you try talking to him about Aya? It might just help. I mean, since you've been friends with him for so long already, then I guess you've figured out he has feelings for Aya though he won't openly admit it."

"Ran, how many times do I have to tell you? That guy's so dense, nothing I ever said could get through to him. He won't listen to me, he won't even answer me. In short, he won't open up to me at all!"

Yuuya raised his hands in exasperation, momentarily forgetting his hunger as he was getting carried away by this conversation.

"You have more influence to him than you could ever imagine Yuuya. Why don't you try talking it out of him? You're pretty good at that aren't you? I believe you have a way with words and right now, you should take advantage of this moment of weakness of Rei's. This is when he is vulnerable and is quite confused of what to do. Obviously, since you're his friend, he won't hesitate to confide in you. He'll seek out your advice, and that's where you come in, got that?"

This time, Ran looked serious herself. Looks like the Queen of Gluttony shunned her food just to put her plan in action, 'operation-flatter-Yuuya-with-Ran's-smooth-tongue'. Yes, she's that desperate to succeed, for the sake of redeeming her reputation as well.

"I think you may just have a point Ran! Yes, I guess I may still have a chance! Thank you Ran for making me realize it. And for that, I'll treat you for more! What do you like to have for dessert? Don't be shy Ran!"

Ran beamed happily, her smile almost blinding Miyu despite sitting beside her and not having direct contact with that brilliant smile of hers. She again felt the urge to scold Ran but thought otherwise.

'Oh well, it's not like Ran's ever going to listen to me anyway.'

"Thank you Yuuya! You're the best!"

Yuuya only grinned back, scratching his head as he blushed.

AN: This chapter may be a bit boring, but please just stay tuned, keep reading and...review review review please!!

To Chiby Angel-chan, Chinatsu Sanyu and Black-Hunter XX, thanks for the reviews!