A/N: This is my first ever fanfic so don't criticize my work too much, I'm sensitive. Please do not give me flames; I'm not ready for any of those. If I ever happen to misspell any words or if my grammar sucks, I only ask for your forgiveness. Please don't kill me if I mess everything up.

Disclaimer: I do not own Super Gals or any of its characters. But I do own this story. I'm just borrowing some of its characters.

Summary: Aya got hurt badly after witnessing Rei confess to Ran and decides to leave. After staying for years in America, she thought that she had already moved on, but sadly she wasn't even halfway over him. Then fate made their paths cross again.

Good day, dear reader, I shall not be posting Rei's POV in this chapter for I have caught the dreaded Lazy Virus (horrible joke, sorry). But seriously, I shall not be posting it because I'm rather in a hurry today. This is due to the fact that I need to study for my exams. The coverage for my exam is pretty long and the time we are given to study for it is inversely proportional to its coverage. So yeah, I'm cramming everything this weekend (oh the disadvantages of being such a procrastinator). Well, without further ado, here is the 9th chapter of It's Not Over. I hope you enjoy reading it because it was made with blood, sweat and tears…literally, since I'm sweating, I'm crying, and it's that time of the month (okay, too much information). Forgive me.


It's Not Over

Chapter Nine

Aya…

I groan as I reached over to silence my phone's alarm. Do I have to get out of bed today? I was seriously considering going back to sleep but then remembered that I was going to meet up with Rei today. Wouldn't wanna cancel on him again. I'd seriously get an earful from him, or worse, the cold treatment. Just imagining it makes me shudder. Before entering the bathroom, I decided to check on my phone. If I remember correctly, it was definitely vibrating a lot while I was sleeping. Okay, so I had like, five unread messages-four from Gilbert and one from Rei. I sigh. He just greeted me a good morning. Hmm…Rei has seriously been acting a bit differently lately. It's a lot harder to read him now. I shrugged before opening Gilbert's thread.

The Boyfriend
Apr XX, 20XX 2:23 AM
-Sorry about yesterday… i
shouldn't have let Chloe take
you shopping with her
-I love you.
Apr XX, 20XX 6:47 AM
-We're going to rehearsals.
Apr XX, 20XX 7:05 AM
-The manager says we're gonna
be here until late in the evening.
I guess we won't be eating
dinner together… again.

Now that I think about it, I haven't told him of my plans today. But then again, I don't think he'll be delighted to find out I'm about to go out with my ex today.

The Boyfriend
Apr XX, 20XX 9:34 AM
Don't worry about it. Oh, &&
before I forget, I'll be going
out with a friend today. -

Technically, I am telling him the truth. Rei is a friend and I am going out with him today. But still, I feel a heavy weight on my shoulders. It's like I'm going behind my boyfriend's back and having a torrid affair with another man. I didn't linger on any more thoughts of betrayal. I was too busy thinking about what Rei had planned out for us today.

I practically had a heart attack when I heard my phone ring from over at the dresser. I hurriedly made my way towards it, almost falling over in the process.

"Hello?" I answered, panting a bit.

"You done?" I heard Rei say then bit my lip.

"Uhm, almost," I replied while hurriedly brushing my hair and applying a bit of makeup on.

"Hn," he groaned in response. I silently pray that he doesn't bail on me as revenge for what I did to him a few days back.

"You?" I was almost done with my makeup, just had to apply a small amount of mascara and then, voila! I'm done. I stood before the mirror, scrutinizing my look. I had on a white tube dress which was cut just a few inches above my knee. I also paired it with a neutral-colored wedge. I think I look like I'm about to go to church and listen to the word of God. But, it's not exactly a bad thing. It's actually a good thing. What we're doing right now isn't a crime. We're just two friends meeting up to spend some time with each other and probably reminisce about our shared past.

"I'm at the lobby," I almost forgot that Rei was still on the other end. And oh my, he's at the lobby! I must hurry.

"Oh, okay" my voice trailed off as I hurriedly prepared my stuff, "Be there in a jiffy," and with that, I ended the call and gathered all that I needed. Wallet…check. Makeup kit…check. Tissues…check. I guess that's all there is. Hmm…I should call to check on Rei again. Phone…phone?! I searched through my bag but my phone was definitely missing in action. I must've left it in my room. Ugh. I could have sworn I was holding it just a minute ago. I ran all the way back to my room. Phew. I should really start checking my things first before departing.

As a girl, I am quite vulnerable to being caught staring at myself in the mirror. Today was not an exception. When I came back into my room to grab my phone, I stopped in front of my mirror and checked myself out. I look presentable enough, I guess. I sigh before turning towards my door and was met by a rather irritated looking Chloe.

"Where do you think you're going?" she asked while eyeing me from head to toe. I don't exactly like it when someone else scrutinizes me. It makes me feel inferior. I bit my lip in response, "Well, wherever it is you're going, you can count me in?"

"Huh?" I muttered with my mouth agape.

"Oh, don't think I'd just let you have all the fun. I'm tagging along," oh God, can this day get any worse? Well, actually, it did get worse. The look Rei had when he saw that I had brought someone along with me wasn't quite pleasant. I think he's sort of pissed off.

Rei led us towards the parking area where he had parked his black ugh… Lamborghini. I sensed an air of animosity around Rei, but then he opened the door for me which relieved some of the tension. I thought he was gonna do the same to Chloe, but he didn't. He just walked over to the other side and got in. This, of course, made Chloe get into a bit of a tantrum. She kept on ranting about how Rei was so rude and stuff like that. Well, me, I just kept my peace. I really don't wanna get in the middle of it all. Who knows what Chloe's capable of doing.

Anyways, I was about to fasten my own seatbelt, but again, Rei did it for me. It was nice having someone do things for me but, I think this is getting out of hand. I mean, I'm not a child or something. I am a full grown adult, capable of doing things on my own.

"I think we should go to Cavalle Restaurant," Chloe said from the back seat, "I heard they serve great food there," she added. I took a glance at my seatmate and noticed his ever famous scowl plastered on his face. I secretly whispered an apology to Rei which he replied with a 'Hn.' The rest of the morning and afternoon went on in a manner similar as this-with Chloe dictating Rei as to where he should take the three of us. Well, so much for spending the time with each other and reminiscing our past. I sigh then notice Rei staring at me. I smiled awkwardly. He just stared at me blankly, then looked away. Guess he's still pissed off.

It was around five in the afternoon that we found ourselves inside the mall, following Chloe around as she shopped for clothes.

"So much for catching up, huh?" I began, silently praying I wouldn't be given the cold shoulder. We were on a bench outside the dressing room where Chloe was currently trying out the clothes she fancied.

"Hn," he groaned in reply as he shifted in his seat.

"I'm sorry," I apologized for the nth time this day.

"Let's ditch her," he suggested. I immediately turned to his direction and was frankly taken aback when our eyes met. And there, I became mesmerized by his gaze once more.

And so, here I am, currently driving off to God knows where with my ex boyfriend, whom I am apparently still quite attracted to. As I looked at the view outside his car, it made me feel a bit insignificant. With all the hustle and bustle of the city and the people so busy doing their own thing, none of them stopping to appreciate the little things in life.

"We're here," I heard my companion say. We had stopped outside a fancy restaurant which he had apparently made reservations already. So now, we were seated on an isolated table at one corner of the restaurant and also, I gotta give a thumbs up to the designer of the place. The ambiance is just so…gosh…words can't express my sheer admiration of the place.

"I'm quite surprised, you know, about this place, Rei," I said as sat myself down. I was admiring the fine piece of artwork that was placed on the middle of our table. Rei just replied to my statement with his usual 'Hn.' Oh well, it's not as if I was expecting him to start a long conversation with me about the beauty of the restaurant.

Rei is doing everything today and well, tonight. He even chose the food. But then, it's not as if I have any complaints or anything. I like the sound of what he ordered. I just hope the food tastes as good as it sounds though. I inwardly shrugged. Before long, our food arrived. Yey! And it smelled heavenly. I was about to dig in when I heard the waitress attempt to start a conversation with Rei. She was asking whether or not 'he' would like anything else. She was even batting her eyelashes at him. And even worse, winking at the end of her sentences. Unfortunately, despite her best efforts, he still ignored and just continued with his food. Soon enough, she haughtily left our table with a flip of her hair. It made me chuckle a bit. People these days…

"What are you smiling there about?" Rei asked from across the table. I just looked down and took a sip from my drink.

"Nothing," I started, "Just noticing the people around me"

"Hn," he groaned as he continued eating.

"Especially pretty waitresses who pays special attention to a certain somebody," I added as I silently waited for his reaction.

"Why? Are you jealous?" he asked before shifting in his seat and looking directly at me. Once again, our eyes clashed that it almost made me choke on my drink.

"Why would I be jealous?" I replied after a few bouts of coughing and deep breaths. God, that caught me off guard, "I was just noticing," I gave an awkward laugh. Silence ensued as we both continued with our meal.

After a while, the dessert came along with the waitress who continued to make advances at Rei. It didn't take long when the worse happened. My companion's patience had run out. He snapped at the waitress and called her ugly. The poor girl looked severely dejected as she made her way towards the back of the restaurant.

"Well, that was a bit harsh," I said when the waitress was completely out of sight.

"She was getting on my nerves," he replied in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Your girlfriend must be very considerate with you," I started after a few moments of silence. And then I realize how rude it must be of me to suddenly bring certain…uh, topics up, "I'm sorry"

"Hn," he groaned as he shifted in his seat. I was expecting him to just ignore my statement and continue with his food when I saw him place his spoon and fork down. I looked up and gave him a questioning look. He was currently staring at the table's centerpiece, "I don't."

"Huh?" I asked, waiting for him to elaborate his shocking statement.

"I don't have a girlfriend"

"Why?" I asked reflexively. I inwardly slapped myself on the forehead. Stupid.

A few minutes had probably passed before I heard Rei speak again.

"She…" he paused, shifting on his seat, "She has a…someone," never have I witnessed Rei being so unsure of himself. Hmm. Ran being with Yuya must be really hard on him. I mean, how painful must it be to see the love of your life acting all lovey-dovey with your best friend?

"I see," I muttered while nodding my head to signify that I somewhat, understand how he feels. Unrequited love is my forte, I believe.

"It's not Ran," I hear him say. I immediately halt my nodding before I gave him a questioning look.

"Then who…" my voice trailed off. I couldn't manage to finish my sentence as I was met with a pair of dark orbs that I always seem to find myself drowning in. The look he's giving me right now is… difficult to decipher. I'm not used to these things from him.

The night went by like a blur. Before I knew it, I was already standing in front of my hotel room, with Rei, of course.

I didn't know what to do so I settled for admiring the beautiful carpeted floors. Then I felt my companion's cold hand squeeze mine, which were apparently linked with his. He used his free hand to cup the side of my face and made me look at him. I watched as he tucked the stray hair strands behind my ear. The feel of his hand against my skin lingers even after he had left. I briefly wondered if anyone had seen what had happened.

Sleep didn't come to me that night. The whole time I busy trying to figure out what Rei was thinking. I mean, I refuse to consider the possibility that he might like me. And that I might like him too, more than I should. Oh God, why me? Why is this happening to me? I sigh. Was I so very sinful during my past life that punishment reached even this lifetime?

I should just forget about it. I'm probably taking things too seriously. But then again, Rei wasn't making things easy for me. I sigh, yet again, as I look at my phone which had three unread messages, all from him. Should I read them or not?

I woke up still feeling the stress of yesterday's events. Gosh, my mind's a mess today. I got out of bed and headed straight to the kitchen to drink my daily cup of coffee and jumpstart my day. Gilbert was there, drinking milk directly from the carton. I inwardly chuckled before I cleared my throat, hoping to get his attention. It was successful as Gilbert turned and looked quite shocked to be caught red handed.

"You know," I started as I shifted my weight onto my other leg, "Your cousin's totally gonna make a scene if she finds out you drank milk like that."

Gilbert shrugged and placed the carton back into the fridge, "Well, what she doesn't know, won't kill her, right?" he replied with a wink. I smiled as I shook my head in disbelief. He does have a point though. I'm not one to tattle.

"So, would this fair lady before me care to have cereal with me?" he asked while wriggling his eyebrows.

"Yes, please, oh fine sir," I answered, riding along his childishness. Gilbert can be really sweet at times…makes me feel all giddy inside.

I ate my cereal in silence while my companion talked about the things that happened during their rehearsals yesterday. But my mind was in a different place. I just can't help but think about what Rei had said at dinner. What did he mean by, 'It's not Ran,' and also with the way he looked-like he was lost or something. The Rei I knew always had this air of confidence in him and well, last night, it was different. So, unlike him.

Before I got down any deeper in my own thoughts, I was brought back to reality by a projectile grain of cereal making contact with my forehead. I looked up to face the culprit, who was apparently grinning from ear to ear.

"I'm glad I finally got your attention," he said after he plunged his spoon into his cereal and left it there.

"Sorry," I stated before I went back to staring at my cereal bowl, "I just…" and I pause, contemplating as to whether or not I should tell him about what had happened to me yesterday.

"Nah, it's all good," he shrugged and continued eating his breakfast. I was about to apologize to him again, when Chloe suddenly walks into the kitchen and join our conversation.

"Aya must be thinking of a lot of things," she began while leaning on the counter, "Things like leaving people behind all because of a boy," she snarled and I felt a shiver run down my spine. Oh God, please don't let her do this to me. I couldn't gather enough strength to look up and face my boyfriend, for fear that if I met his eyes, I might divulge of information that he doesn't need to hear-like that part about Rei looking at me like a lost soul.

"What's this about, Chloe?" Gilbert asked. I could feel his eyes on me even though his question was directed at someone else.

"Oh nothing, dear cousin," was her reply before she laughed that mocking laugh and continued, "Probably the period talking," and she laughed some more. The ground could just swallow me up right now and I wouldn't mind it. I cringed at the thought of the high possibility of being blackmailed by this person in the future.

"Well, whatever it is," Gilbert began as he stood up from the table, "Leave me out of it," I bit my lip as I felt his warm hand on top of my head, giving me a gentle pat. Now I feel like a puppy, "Gotta go"

As soon as Gilbert's presence completely left the room, I looked up and was met by Chloe's glare. I frowned, a bit regretting ever leaving her behind yesterday. I wouldn't be in this predicament if I had endured spending the rest of the day with her. Before long, Chloe rolled her eyes at me and walked away. Thank goodness! I let go of the breath I had unconsciously been holding in. What have I gotten myself into? I just wanted to live a simple and happy life. I gave out a long, exasperated sigh as I ran my hands through my hair. Life is hard.

I got back into the safe confines of my room; silently praying that Chloe won't come in bursting through my door. I moved to check my phone and was not surprised to see Rei's unread messages.

Rei Otohata
Apr XX, 20XX 11:34 PM
-It was nice spending time
with you.
-Sleeping?
Apr XX, 20XX 12:17 AM
-Goodnight.
Apr XX, 20XX 9:08 AM
-Slept well?

I bit my lip as I continued to stare at my phone. My heart is beating too fast and my mind is confused.

Rei Otohata
Apr XX, 20XX 9:56 AM
I did. -

And the reply was almost instantaneous.

Rei Otohata
-Good.

This is the person who had rejected me all those years ago, and here he is, texting me…asking me if I had slept well. It's as if he cares for me when he made it clear to me before just how unimportant I was to him. I don't understand. Should I allow myself to be swayed by this person again or should I keep my distance and be miserable in my isolation?

To be continued…


A/N: Hello there, reader, I would like to thank you again for still reading this story even though I update quite slowly and shortly. So yeah, do send in some reviews, if you have time. Have a nice day! ^^