Hi Guys

Thanks a lot for those who reviewed and for those as well who're reading and following this fanfic. =)

I would like to say sorry if you guys felt that I'm cutting the chapters intentionally to keep you guys hanging... As a matter of fact, before I started writing this story, the chapters were already lined out and the events were already dedicated to its particular chapters... which is why I need to write according to the outline I've drawn in order for me to follow the story accordingly and to have it finished its pace as planned. Secondly, I'd like to apologize too for cutting out the love scenes. To tell you guys honestly, the Lemon part is one thing I'm quite preparing for... but we'll get there eventually as the story unfolds its latter chapters. I hope i'd be able to pull it off quite well...

Thirdly, I received messages telling me that I shouldn't have made Haruka's character as a male one because it sullies her original character in both anime and manga. Please don't get me wrong guys... I have no problem with Haruka being female... I love her character in Sailormoon and the pair up with Michiru even more so. I have no other reason/s in creating her character a male in this fanfic aside the fact that I wanted to see Haruka in a different angle... Meaning to say I was just trying to answer my own "what if's?"... I really do hope you'd understand me in this because I meant no harm or anything...

Once again, I'd like to thank you all for your interest in this fanfic of mine. I'll try to update the soonest I could. ;)

I do not own Sailor moon, nor the wonderful pair of Haruka and Michiru... Naoko Takeuchi-sama does. :)


CHAPTER 9

Haruka could not believe his eyes either.

"Michiru? What're you-how could-?"

The racer looked at his outo-san, who was smiling and nodding at him, and his okaa-san, who's sporting a look of uncertainty, and then back to Michiru. Realization suddenly struck him like lightning.

"Impossible." Haruka hoarsely said. The tall-blond reeled from shock. However, Haruka could hardly believe his luck. His own Michiru is also the other Kaioh... the Kaioh to whom he was betrothed through his grandfather. Haruka almost laughed out loud due to the mixture of nerves, joy and immense relief he felt. This is probably the biggest and greatest surprise he's ever had. He looked at Michiru as though this was the first time he had seen her and felt as if a happy balloon is welling up inside of him. He felt an involuntary weak smile tug his lips as he moved towards Michiru. He placed his hands on her waist and said in a very soft whisper, "Michi... I'm so overwhelmed. I could not believe this."

Michiru looked at him, confusion etched over her angelic face, and she repeated her question earlier, "Haruka, what are you doing here? I thought you were at your parents' place? What are you so happy about?"

In answer to this, Tenoh Yamamura went over to the emcee. He held out his hand, asking for the microphone. The emcee gave it quickly to the elder Tenoh. Glancing at Michiru before turning to the huge crowd gathered at the Tenoh Manor's grand hall, Tenoh Yamamura said, "Konbanwa everyone. I personally would like to say arigato to all of you for coming tonight in one of our family's momentous event... the engagement of my only son and heir, Tenoh Haruka, to Kaioh Incorporated's sole heir and world-famous artist and musician, Kaioh Michiru."

Everyone at the audience applauded this remark except Kaioh Tomoe and Michiru's mother, Kaioh Ayame. Both of whom exchanged startled expressions as they stood up abruptly from their designated round table and proceeded to the stage hurriedly.

Michiru felt as if buckets of ice have been plunged down her stomach. She looked at Haruka and then to his parents. She blanched. Haruka noticed his girlfriend's not-so-happy reaction. His smile faltered a little. "Michiru, why do-?"

Michiru, now fully comprehending the real situation, removed Haruka's hands from her and said, her voice trembling, "Tell me you did not plan any of this, Haruka."

Haruka looked thoroughly bewildered. Michiru's ocean blue eyes, usually serene, looked alarmingly stormy and furious. His happy balloon within himself felt as if it had gotten an abrupt puncture.

"Michiru, nani-?"

Before the tall-blond could finish his question, the Kaiohs have already ascended the stage. Haruka turned to see the usually gentle demeanor of Kaioh Tomoe now sporting a most angry look.

"What's the meaning of this Yamamura-san!?" He asked Haruka's father angrily. "You told us this was a corporate event! What's all this about?!"

"Well Tomoe-san... As you've undoubtedly heard this is the engagement party of my son and your daughter." Tenoh Yamamura answered firmly, unabashed.

"We've agreed that their marriage will not be until after they graduate!" Kaioh Tomoe hissed furiously.

"Apparently, the situation has changed Tomoe-san." Tenoh Yamamura briskly said, he gestured at Haruka and Michiru, "They are now together. I don't see any good logic why we need to delay this engagement further."

The Kaiohs turned to look at Haruka and Michiru. Kaioh Tomoe looked as if he had swallowed a whole lemon as he asked her daughter, "Michiru, what is this? What's he saying?"

Michiru answered in an inaudible whisper, "He-he is my boyfriend, Papa."

The Kaiohs gasped.

"Your boyfriend?" Kaioh Tomoe and Ayame asked in unison.

Michiru, her head bowed, mumbled, "Hai."

Kaioh Tomoe's eyes flashed dangerously and he lunged suddenly at Haruka. Michiru's father grasped him by the collar of his tuxedo.

"What did you do to her?! She never wanted to get married to you! What did you do to make her agree?!"

The hall was suddenly abuzzed by people murmuring about the scene unfolding right before their very eyes. Most of the guests have moved towards the stage to hear the squabble between the two prominent families.

Haruka felt as if he was electrecuted with shock. He just don't understand the fury of Michiru's father... are they not happy that he and Michiru have gotten along very well, fell in love even, and that there'd be no more problems with getting them married in the first place?

"Kaioh-sama," Haruka choked, "I do not understand what you're saying."

The Tenoh security group have suddenly materialized and grabbed Michiru's father away from Haruka. Tenoh Yamamura went over Haruka's side while Tenoh Kaori held her son's arm. The elder Tenoh glared at Kaioh Tomoe.

"That's enough Tomoe-san! Why can you not accept the facts? It does make the situation easier and better for our children!" Tenoh Yamamura icily said. "Ruka has even sacrificed Princeton just to know your daughter and get the ball rolling!"

Despite his numb shock and disbelief, Haruka's jaw dropped at his outo-san's words. "I did NOT drop out of Princeton to follow Michiru!" The tall blond exclaimed loudly. All heads at the stage turned to him. "I did not even know at the time that Michiru's studying at Furushima either! This is all coincidence!"

Michiru stood paralyzed as she remembered her phone call with her Papa from what seemed like a very long time ago...

"His name's Ruka... Tenoh Rukawa."

"The boy's set to go back to Princeton this term..."

Tenoh RUKAwa. Tenoh HaRUKA. How could she have not realized then?

It was now the elder Tenoh's turn to look bewildered. "Nani? You-You're saying you don't know she's your fiancee, Ruka?"

"No!" Haruka said forcefully. "It's only NOW that I've found out!"

Tenoh Yamamura's shoulders sank as he looked at his wife for support. It had suddenly all gone awry for him.

"A likely story," Kaioh Tomoe scathingly said, his wife holding him back, trying to prevent her husband from lunging himself again at the Tenohs. "Who would've believed such a thing? That's preposterous! There are hundreds of universities in Japan and you have to go and pick one where my daughter exactly is!"

"But-that's the truth!" Haruka said indignantly. He looked at Michiru trying to find solace and strength from her ocean eyes. However, he was pained to see that Michiru's countenance showed no hint of sympathy or compassion for him. On the contrary, she was coldly quiet. Her eyes unmistakeably reflecting deep hurt and betrayal...

Haruka, his heart twanging like an elastic band, started to move towards Michiru.

"Michi-," Haruka began softly.

Both the Tenohs and Kaiohs watched as Haruka tried to hold Michiru's hand but the musician merely swung her right hand.

SMACK.

Michiru's hand landed with a force on Haruka's face. The tall blond staggered.

"Ruka!" Tenoh Kaori rushed towards her son and held him. She glared at Michiru but she refrained herself from berating the young woman; she knew this circus was her husband's own doing...

"Liar," Michiru breathed, her eyes started to get clouded by tears. "How-how dare you manipulate my feelings..."

Haruka felt as if he had been knifed by Michiru's words. He'd rather have her slap him again. "Michiru... Listen to me. This is not what it seems like to everyone. Let me explain, onegai shimasu. It may seem utterly absurd and impossible but this is just one big coincidence." He implored to her.

"I have heard and seen what I need to know Tenoh Haruka." Michiru said, her voice cold and distant. "Arigato for making such a great fuss for this engagement. Is this the surprise you told me about this morning? Congratulations, then. I am utterly surprised." With that, Michiru turned on her heel and ran away from the hall.

"Michiru!" Haruka shouted. Running from the hall either, the racer ran in pursuit of the aqua-haired musician.

"I hate to tell this but this is all your fault!" Tenoh Kaori snapped at her husband.


"-as the Tenoh stock prices plummet down, Tenoh Yamamura, President and CEO of the gigantic Tenoh Corporation, disclosed yesterday in Tenoh Corporation's press conference that they will be undergoing contingency plans to-"

Haruka grabbed the remote control of his TV and abruptly turned it off, completely barring the news from penetrating his already clogged mind. He closed his eyes and laid his head back in his couch, massaging his temple.

It had been four days since his engagement party at the Tenoh Manor. Four days. Haruka felt as if everything couldn't have been worse.

Only hours after the family drama between the Tenohs and the Kaiohs, the news about their squabble have leaked itself into the whole of Japan. It isn't everyday that two of the most prominent families in the country found themselves in a heated fight, anyway. The way the news have spread like wildfire seemed to Haruka as though nothing else in Japan is happening. TV stations flashed videos of Kaioh Tomoe grasping Haruka by the collar and of Michiru slapping the hell out of him; speculations as to whether or not the Tenohs have schemed to have Michiru marry Haruka earlier were emblazoned in tabloids and newspapers. The press have even camped out of Tenoh Manor's estate, Haruka's apartment in Tokyo, Michiru's apartment as well, and the Kaioh's own residence, all in the hope of getting a good line or answer from the principal people involved in the much talked about family scandal. TV stations have even conducted polls, interviewing the general public about their opinion about the Tenoh-Kaioh strife. Adding insult to injury, the scandal has severely affected the stock prices of Tenoh Corporation, much to Tenoh Yamamura's distress.

Haruka inhaled deeply, his eyes still closed. For one astounding and brief moment, he thought that his problem with his betrothal was finally over. For one second, he was the most fortunate man on the planet, and the most unfortunate either in the next. He finally was able to comprehend why the Kaiohs, including Michiru, were all furious at him and his family. They all thought that he, Haruka, have planned his transfer at Furushima University and subsequently, planned as well to have Michiru fall in love with him, thus making the marriage materialize earlier than expected.

Haruka opened his eyes, his blond-head still tilted against the couch, his hazel green shade brimming with pain as Michiru's name crossed his mind. Remembering what happened after he chased Michiru from the hall, Haruka took his glass of red wine from the table beside the couch and drank deeply.

"Michiru! Ma-te!" Haruka called. He was finally able to catch up with the musician as they reached the entrance of the Tenoh Manor's immense gardens. He grabbed a hold of Michiru's arm but Michiru withdrew it from him as though she received an electric current from his touch.

"Let go of me!" Michiru exclaimed.

"Michiru, will you please listen?" Haruka angrily said.

"What is there to listen to, Tenoh Haruka?" Michiru said, her eyes reflecting betrayal. "You lied to me! Everything fell according to your and your family's plan didn't it? Please leave me alone!"

"Why could not everybody just believe the truth!?" Haruka said, his voice sounding more vehement than he intended. "I did not plan any of this! How would you then explain my being friends with Usagi-chan and the rest, eh? I chose Furushima because of them, in the first place. And why, for Kami's sake, did YOU not tell me, that you ARE ALSO engaged?"

Michiru looked at him straight in the eye. Haruka could not fathom what the usual clear ocean blue eyes were reflecting... all he could see from it was the stormy look of treachery. He could not find anything from the depths of Michiru's eyes that he could draw hope from.

Michiru laughed a hollow, and bitter laugh. "Frankly, I do not have the faintest plan in submitting myself to that marriage."

Haruka gulped. "Nani?"

"Especially... when I met you... when I loved you." Michiru whispered, her face suddenly tinged with a scarlet flush, but nevertheless adamant. "Which is why I never bothered to tell you Tenoh Haruka... because I don't want that betrothal hanging over our heads... because I know that I wouldn't marry anybody that I do not know for that matter... know I wouldn't marry someone I don't love at all. Especially when... when you came along... and what a surprise-" Michiru said, her voice heavy with sarcasm, "-the person I loved turned out to be the stranger I am supposed to marry after all."

Haruka moved towards her and held her arms. Michiru did not move, both their gazes locked still. "Are we not supposed to be glad about it Michi?" The racer whispered softly. "That we fell in love?"

"Not if you planned it for the convenience of your family," Michiru scathingly said. "Enough, Haruka, onegai." She removed the tall blond's hands from her. "If you really have not planned all of this, you could've told me, couldn't you? But you did not."

"I DID try to tell you," Haruka replied, "Demo-demo-,"

"But what? You could not because it was all your plan wasn't it? You and your scheming father's-,"

"That's going overboard Michiru!" Haruka said, infuriated, his ego now kicking in. "My outosan and I have not schemed nor planned in any way! If you don't want to believe me then don't! This is a very simple matter blown out of proportion by your and your family's over-analysis!"

Haruka's insides were fuming. How dare they accuse him of such a thing. He's never that kind of person and never will be. Hearing the accusation from Michiru made his ego and Tenoh pride scream at the top of their lungs, pleading to defy the continuous assault to his Tenoh dignity. The tall-blond stared icily at the aqua-haired musician. If he has to lose Michiru over this most unfortunate circumstance, then what can he, Haruka, do? He's tried to explain but everyone's ears have seemed to shut themselves from reason other than their own. This was never his fault and he would never admit that it was so. He is a Tenoh. Begging has never been an option for him. His name and status never gave the slimmest opportunity to do such a lowly act. Never would a Tenoh beg to be believed to... particularly when he is telling the truth.

Haruka's countenance was now set in grim and stubborn lines. "You may not believe me but don't forget, the betrothal still stands." He said coldly. "Despite everything that has happened, our grandfathers' vow bonds both of us together. Neither of us has the right to break free from it."

Michiru looked at him in mock surprise. "Ara... I do not forget that Haruka," she said silkily, "demo... don't forget too... I did not want to marry Tenoh Yamamura's son because I do not know him... and now... I wouldn't want to marry you even more now that I've come to know who you truly are. We're over Tenoh Haruka. I'm breaking off this engagement... and I'm breaking up with you, too." Michiru turned her back to him, walking away from the numb racer as raindrops started to fall lightly.

Haruka downed the remaining red wine from his glass, still lost in his thoughts. His head turned unconsciously on the table beside the couch. His eyes fell upon Michiru's sketch of himself which the artist has placed within a glass picture frame. Haruka smiled sadly at this. It felt ages ago when he and Michiru were arguing good naturedly on where to put the framed sketch in the living room...

The still silence within Haruka's opulent apartment was broken with the ring of the telephone. In no mood to talk to anybody, Haruka let the phone rang till his voice message answered automatically.

"Moshi-moshi. Tenoh Haruka desu. I might not be available at the moment. Will get back to you as soon as I'm able. Kindly leave your message onegai."

"Haruka-san," the voice through the phone buzzed and Haruka recognized the owner of the gruff voice as his manager, Tanaka Yashida. "I know you got your own issues, the whole country knows apparently-," the racer rolled his eyes, Yashida-san's tactlessness knew no bounds, "-but this isn't the time for you to play the hermit. The racing weekend is already next week! We need all the preparation we can get. This is your first race in Japan and we got to have something to show up for it. Don't forget, Haruka-san, you nailed Monaco Grand Prix down, you owe your fans nothing less than that. Tomorrow we got a press conference to be set up by the Formula One committee for the Japan Grand Prix. I know you're kind of allergic to the press right now, what with all that scandal, but don't worry as the conference will be entirely focused on the race-," Haruka scowled at this, seriously doubting that the press will go easy with him about the Tenoh-Kaioh strife. "-the other racers will be there and so should you. Call me the moment you get this ok!? Ja ne!"

The Japan Grand Prix. How could Haruka have forgotten? The tall blond stood up and stretched his arms. He suddenly felt the electric surge in his blood that only Formula One Racing can produce. Part of his subconscious traitorously kept nagging him about Michiru; kept telling him to go to her apartment and beg (yes, beg) her to listen to him... to believe in him. But, being Tenoh Haruka, the greater part of him kept berating him to shun the problem aside and plunge ahead forward. It was in this situation that Haruka once again mustered up his old skill... a skill in putting up an emotional barricade that prevented him from getting deeply, or even more, hurt. Haruka admitted to himself that his feelings for Kaioh Michiru is absolutely something that goes beyond the normal border as far as his standards were concerned... in fact, it was something that he, Haruka, cannot gauge himself. It was as though he had found an oasis amidst a desert; a warm and gentle light in a raging storm; a moon to complement his sun...

However, Haruka was not one to force himself to someone. No matter how much he wanted and needed Michiru back, he'll never stoop low as to bring his guard down and make himself vulnerable once more. (Well... not if he would be able to help it.)

The tall blond was definitely glad that he still has the upcoming race to look forward to. Haruka reckoned that all the adrenaline rush from the upcoming racing weekend will be somewhat enough to make him numb against the pain of losing Michiru.

Haruka went over the phone and dialled Tanaka Yashida's number. His manager answered most immediately right at the second ring.

"Moshi-moshi." Haruka greeted. "Yashida-san, arigato for your call earlier. Hai. I'll be right at the conference tomorrow."


The stroke of her brush against the canvass felt light as a swift of a feather against a gentle breeze. Brows furrowed, she dipped the brush into her pallet; another stroke to the canvass and her scowl became more pronounced. The artist shook her head and she placed her brush down its holder.

Looking at her art's progress, Michiru did not fail to notice that the painting has this look of monotony about it... a sort of melancholic facade. She bit her lower lip bitterly. Being the naturally made artist that she was, Michiru knew she could never trick herself into creating an art that doesn't have that special connection with her inner self. Since the ruckus at the Tenoh Manor, Michiru have tried to find solace in the arts but everytime she tried to create light-mood and happy themed creations, she always found herself creating melancholic art within a rather sad canvass (the way she was actually feeling since she broke up with Haruka); it's as though her mind and hands were independently deciding where the stroke should be heavier or lighter and how the colours should blend itself...

Michiru sighed and wiped off some of the paint from her hands in a towel. She thought of Haruka and allowed herself the indulgence of reminiscing his booming laugh, his strong arms, his crooked smile, his scent, the way his lips carress her own... she missed the racer so much that the mere thought of him made her heart contract. But everytime Michiru remembered what took place at the Tenoh Manor, pain and anger kept coming back to her. She could not believe that the Haruka she thought she knew could do this to her. Michiru felt as if fate thwarted her... made her feel as though she was an experimented mice within a maze that has no exit. However, her subconscious kept nagging her the insistent question: what if Haruka's telling the truth? And then herself will stomp upon the said question and the aqua-haired beauty will berate herself with answers such as 'That could not be. How could he attribute this to mere coincidence? Impossible.'... or, 'That is most improbable!'... and, 'He lied to you, Michiru!'.

Despite it all, Michiru still could not shield herself from the constant ache that Tenoh Haruka is causing her...

The doorbell rang suddenly and Michiru was pulled out of her reverie. She went over the door and peeked in it's hole. Michiru saw a rather dumpling-shaped blonde hair bobbing up and down the hole as well as several other people. She opened the door.

"Mi-na?" Michiru asked in surprise.

"Konnichiwa, Michiru-chan!" Usagi, Minako, Rei, Makoto, and Ami greeted in unison.

"We wanted to hang out with you, Michiru-chan," Makoto said smilingly.

"We hope you don't mind us coming without informing you first," Rei said.

"Of course not," Michiru replied. "Please come in everyone, dozo."

Ten minutes later, with soda and pizza laid in front of them, Usagi and the rest were seated around the table of Michiru's living room. Michiru noticed that her friends seemed to be catching each others' eyes; as though they were hesitating whether or not they will start up the conversation right away.

Usagi, taking the cue from Rei it seemed, began softly, "Michiru-chan," she said, "We... we came here to ask you how you're doing of late?"

"Hai Michiru-chan," Ami added, "We... uhm... we wouldn't pretend that we do not know what happened to you and Haruka-kun recently."

"Thanks to the press and media, it wasn't exactly a secret, was it?" Minako said. Rei shot her a piercing look, trying to wordlessly inform the other blonde to be more tactful in broaching up this delicate topic.

Michiru, though her friends' questions no longer surprised her, felt herself blush.

"Ara... about that..." The musician said slowly. "...well... it was rather unfortunate but I'm glad I found out the truth about-about Tenoh Haruka... while it's still early."

"Really Michiru-chan?" Usagi said, her face full of concern. "Are you really sure that Haruka-kun planned all of this? Did you listen to any explanation from him?"

"No." Michiru said, trying to be nonchalant. "I've heard everything I need to know during the engagement party. I don't need to hear any alibis he'd come up with."

"Michiru-chan, I think that's quite unfair," Makoto said frankly. "Haruka-kun needs to be heard as w-,"

"Mako-chan," Michiru cut in. "What Tenoh Haruka was trying to say is unbelievable. Simple as that." The musician said stubbornly.

The girls looked at each other... quite lost.

Rei, inhaling deeply, said, "Michi-chan, we're not taking sides here, but we figured it would be best if you'll give Haruka-kun the chance to explain."

"Hai." Minako said. "Haru-kun's not the type to set people up, Michiru-chan. We've known him for so many years. I'm sure there's a logical explanation for what happened."

"Plus," Ami added, "How could Haru-kun be friends with us from years ago before we have met you Michiru-chan? If being friends with you and him was a plan, that would've been an impossible feat."

"Hai!" Usagi said, nodding her head vigorously. "Michi-chan, Haru-kun called me before he transferred, asking me what university I attend to... he said he wanted to study where we-," Usagi waved her arm around her friends, "-are studying. He never mentioned anything about a betrothal or engagement. He said he just wanted to be in Tokyo... where he can be closer to his friends and family."

Michiru stared at her friends... lost for words.

"It's easier to believe that everything happened because of fate than to see this whole affair as a scheme, isn't it?" Makoto pressed further.

Michiru suddenly remembered when Haruka tried to tell her something after her concerto... how the racer have looked very nervous back then... but, as fate would have it, they were interrupted by the press; and Michiru never got the chance to hear what Haruka was trying to say...

Could this really be a matter of fate? Michiru pondered, her heartbeat's rhythm faster than usual. What if her friends were right? Could she be doing some big stupid mistake? Accusing Haruka of betrayal when the racer had even no idea they'd bump along each other at the university? Michiru remembered how she and Haruka have first met in the girls' bathroom... that didn't look as if it had been planned... Haruka had been very furious at her back then. She also recollected in her mind's eye the memory of their team-up at Chibi-usa's family day at Juban elementary school... it had been Minako and Usagi who have called them separately to accompany the little girl in the first place...

Every piece of memory with Haruka seemed to flood Michiru's senses and she can hardly draw breath at the tidal wave of emotion starting to well up inside herself...

"G-guys..." The musician choked inaudibly. Tears started welling her eyes... so much damage had been done... only if she gave Haruka one small chance to explain...

Michiru flung herself to Rei, who was seated beside her, and broke down completely.


Hi Guys!

Im sorry this chapter isn't that long...but I'll try my best to make the next chapter longer. Kindly let me know what you think! Please leave a review... :D

CHEERS!

-Panulat23