You and I

Wish 9: The Invitation

What was my relationship with Ikuto?

That question continued to blow bubbles in my mind as it started to cloud and distract me from school, work and life. Basically, I was suffocating just because of that darn question.

I just couldn't get my finger on it. No matter how hard I tried to come up with something, I could never pop that damn bubble. I thought of many things. Was he my friend? Or was he that strange boy that I didn't want to know but instead had gotten paired for that English assignment? Just what was he to me?

"Amu-chi~!" an intruding squeaky voice snapped out of my thoughts as I glanced up and saw Yaya's round eyes stare at mine. I flinched at the sight and noted how close she was.

"You there Amu-chi?" she squeaked as I blinked a couple of times to awaken from my thoughts.

"U-Uh yeah." I mumbled as I looked away and Yaya backed away. She laughed at me but then took a sit beside me. I gave her a puzzle look as Rima came along and sat along too.

"So Amu-chi, I heard you went to the library with Ikuto. How did it go?" she asked as she unraveled her chicken wrap. We could hear the loud cheers of the soccer match that was playing in the yard. I thought I could get some peace and quiet, so I decided to eat outside in the warm weather even though it was autumn. I wanted to embrace this weather before it turned upside down.

"U-Uh it went well," I quickly replied as I fidget in my seat due to the uncomfortable feeling of Rima's hard stare.

"Something fishy happened." Rima commented as Yaya gasped as though it was a dramatic scene. I instantly blushed. She was right. After Ikuto's flirty move I continued to avoid him. When we would pass through the hallways, I would back away and continue to walk the other direction. And even in class, when he stares at me, he knows how uncomfortable I would feel and dares me to look up. But I restrained myself and pretended to be fascinated at my dull sheets on the desk. Damn, it was getting hard to ignore him.

So far, it's been a week. I repeat, a week. A week I have not spoken to him. It's hard considering I needed him to do the assignment. But it was fine too. I needed some space so I could know my relation with Ikuto. But then again. That kiss… It was just a tease! So I shouldn't sweat about it too much.

"She's lost in La La land again." Commented Rima as she took a bite from her apple. Even though I was focused with my problems I could still her stern voice.

"Don't worry she'll snap out of it." I heard a familiar voice as my eyes followed that husky voice. Our eyes met. I didn't avoid them because once in contact, I could never lose focus.

"See I told you." Ikuto commented with that playful smirk. I blushed and I could feel my cheeks heat up once again and that light pounding of my heart.

"Wow! Ikuto seems to always have that effect on you Amu-chi!" commented Yaya as she brightly smiled.

"N-No way." I mumbled stubbornly as I crossed my arm and look away. Rima giggled at my reaction as I continued to feel flustered. I felt the seat of the bench grew heavy and noticed Ikuto had taken a sit beside me.

"W-What are you doing here?" I asked, embarrassed as I had forgotten my mission to avoid the blue teen.

"Taking a seat." He replied in oblivion.

"Yeah I know that." I huffed as I began to stare at my lunch. I thought Ikuto would be mad at me because I've been ignoring him this past week. But he looked fine. He seemed fine.

Suddenly, we heard footsteps coming this way as I turned away and saw a puffed Kukai who was wearing his soccer uniform, Utau with her usual perfect attire, Kairi with his books in hand and Nagihiko slurping orange juice. They soon took a sit on my table and began to continue on with their lunch. What was this? A gathering? I wondered to myself as I noticed my peaceful quite table was invaded.

I heaved a heavy sigh as I continued to take uneven bites from my homemade sandwich.

"Gosh Kukai! You stink!" gasped Utau as she covered nose as Kukai chuckled beside her.

"What can I say? I just love soccer. And today's game was intense. I got to say, the guys out there were so good that I couldn't help but be proud of my boys!" Kukai cheekily smiled and slapping his hand on Nagihiko back.

Everyone all laughed at Kukai's burst of happiness, including I. These people… They were fun to hang out. I couldn't help but think I had changed ever since I met Ikuto. I allowed that warm smile form on my lips as I thought about this moment.

"Hinamori Amu." A sharp voice pierced through my ears as I turned around to see that owner of that familiar face. It was a hazy face that appeared in my mind. But my guess was right.

The wine red curls that hung over her shoulders and those piercing emerald eyes bore into mine.

"Uh y-yeah?" I blinked as I had no idea who this girl was, yet she knew my name. Trailing behind the girl was a row of four girls who stood behind the red haired girl.

"I'm Yambuki Sayya." She introduced as her eyes fluttered at the sight of Ikuto. This made Rima scoff as I was curious to what kind of relationship this Sayya girl had with Ikuto. Sayya had locked eyes with Ikuto as I could see sparkle gleaming out of hers but boredom from Ikuto. I wanted to giggle at the sight but refrained.

"Ikuto-kun! I'm throwing my sixteenth's birthday party tonight. I want you to come. Actually I want all of you to come." She squealed as I noticed her voice had turned all squeaky at the moment she locked eyes with Ikuto. " Except for you, Hinamori Amu." She pointed out with a stern voice. I was shocked. This red haired girl came here out of nowhere and demands such invite. And shows such hate towards me!

Rima rolled her eyes at the invitation as I followed along with her. I wanted to throw curse words at this annoying try hard as I continued to eat and ignore her begging from the others.

"Party?" Utau asked shocked. "Tonight?" she asked again.

"Of course! I, the most popular girl in school should throw a spectacular party for my birthday. The theme is a formal ball." Sayya explained as she had this snotty look and gutty smile.

"Well, I'm not going." Ikuto replied as he glanced at me. Sayya pouted as she continued, "Why not Ikuto-kun! This would be a perfect opportunity for you to bond with such a fabulous person such as myself."

This time, it was me who scoffed. God, what in the world had gotten to this young girl mind? Yeah, sure Ikuto is hot looking and all. But no need for the cockiness!

"Watchu' thinking their Hinamori Amu." Sayya glared at me as I returned that glare back.

"Trust me. You don't want to know." I mocked. Sayya turned all embarrassed and this caused Rima to giggle and a smirk form on Ikuto's face.

"Fine! What about you Rima? Are you coming?" she asked Rima as she dully looked at Sayya's pleading eyes. A grin appeared on Rima's face and I knew Rima was thinking about something evil.

"I'll go if Amu goes." She stated as this caused Sayya to drop her mouth open at such request.

This caught Ikuto's attention and the rest of the teens.

"Same goes for me too!" Yaya chirped in.

"I agree." Kairi nodded.

"I don't know. But I reackon' it would be fun if Hinamori goes too." Kukai added as he smiled that goofy smile.

"I don't care. But Amu should come along too." Utau stubbornly said as she glared at Sayya's gaping face.

She almost lost the strength to speak at the sudden requests from the popular group.

"H-H-How about you I-Ikuto-kun?" she asked as Ikuto's signature smirk appeared.

"I want Amu to come too." Ikuto said as my heart skipped a beat. All eyes were on me as I could feel the blood rush through my veins and making my face beet root red.

I took small glances at each set of wide eyes and finally stared at Sayya's. She had this sour look but a begging one. Her emerald eyes were shouting for me to say yes but her mind wanted to rip my hair off.

Feeling the anxiety closing on me, I said the first thing that was in mind. "O-O-Okay."

No! I didn't want to say that! I didn't want to go to a stranger's party! But it was too late to call it off.

"Peeeerfect!" Sayya sang as she skipped around like an excited primary student. "I'll see you all at 8:30. Dress classy." She said before marching off.

"Damn, now I have to find a tux." Mumbled Kukai as he sulked in the corner with a pouted expression. I sweat dropped and regretted saying yes.

"What's done is done." Sang Utau as she was in a happy mood. She rose from her seat and before she disappeared, "Amu. My house after school." She pointed out before marching off. I was left clueless. 'Utau's house?' I thought as I wrinkled my eyebrows in confusion.

Everyone all shrugged but I decided to go along. My head was filled with thoughts of what to wear tonight and should I give Sayya a present or not. But I just met the girl… But it would be rude if I didn't present her a present. In truth, I thought it was troublesome to attend but I was excited and wished that time could travel fast so I could prepare. And also, it would be a rare sight to see Ikuto in a tux.

"Should we all meet up at Utau's and Ikuto's home?" asked Nagihiko.

"Yeah. Might as well." Shrugged Kukai as he began to pack all the wrappers and disposing it into the bin beside our bench table.

"Okie dokie!" exclaimed Yaya as she began to head off.


Before we knew it, school had ended and I began to gather my things and head off. I stopped midway at the school entrance and just realized that Utau wanted me to come over.

I sweat dropped and thought how silly Utau was because she didn't know tell me her address.

'Should I just leave?' I thought but then suddenly heard an intruding sound from outside of the gate.

Beep!

I turned my direction to the car honking and laid my eyes on a sleek black Volvo and to my surprise, Ikuto sitting in the driver seat and Utau sitting beside.

"Hop in!" Utau shouted as she waved her arms. I stare at the beautiful car and noticed these cars were expensive. How in the world could a seventeen year old student own such a priceless thing? It shocked me. Was the Tsukiyomi's this rich?

Opening the door seat, a fresh lemon scent flushed my surrounding as I noticed black leather seats.

'Fancy." I thought.

As the awkward silence began to ride through the trip, we had finally reached a beautiful double stair home that had modern architectural design and the brick walls was painted a light full of white and a vine fence that guarded the beautiful house.

"We're here!" Utau sang as I could see a relaxed and smooth face washing over.

'Weird.' I thought as I remembered when I first met Utau, she had such a stern look that I almost thought she disliked me. But now, since we've kind of gotten close, I saw a different side of her.

As Ikuto locked the car he walked beside me and continued to unlock the door and enter in.

"Sorry for the intrusion." I said quietly as I took off my shoes and left it at the front entrance and walked inside. The first thing I saw was the beautiful chest nut polished floors and smelt the lingering scent of peaches. I admired the design of the house. It was beautiful. Better than my home. As I continued to trail behind Utau, on my left there was their living room, far back of the house on the right hand side I saw their kitchen and dining table linked together. And on my right I saw a neat looking room which I assumed was the guest room.

"Wow. Your house is amazing." I commented as my eyes were still locked with the surroundings.

"Thank you. My mother loves to furnish the house." Utau happily said as we climbed up the stairs. Behind me was Ikuto as he walked to a different direction and I thought he was entering his own room.

'I wonder what it looks like.' I thought as I was curious to what Ikuto's room would look like.

'Wait.. What the hell am I thinking about! Amu you are not a pervert who is curious to look at another perverts room! Snap out of it!'

"Um Amu. We're here." Utau said as she shook my arm. I snapped my eyes open and was met with a cute room.

"Woah! Your room is so cute!" I exclaimed like a girl as I gazed at the pretty and gorgeous room.

"Um thanks." Utau replied embarrassed as I smiled at her.

"Utau, I actually thought you were a mean person but your actually pretty cool." I said without even thinking. It just came out. Utau eyes widened but it was softened as I continued to examine her room.

"Thanks. When I grow up, I want to become a singer." She said confidently as I admired that glow in her eyes. It gave that determination vibe.

"Yeah, that would be awesome." I cheered and smiled warmly.

Popping a sit on her bed, I asked "Utau, you asked me to come over. Is there a reason to why?"

"Oh, yeah. I was wondering… What's your relationship with my brother?" Utau asked as she flexed out her arms to give it a good stretch.

I stare down at her light pink rug and shrugged. "In all honesty I don't know." I said.

"Ikuto is a nice person but his different. He has cat ears and a t-" I stopped. My mouth still opened as the words froze. I had forgotten that I almost spilled the beans out of the bag. Did Utau know about Ikuto's situation? And about the unknown world called Fantasia? I could feel my muscle in my chest start to squeeze together and my breathing quicken.

"Don't worry I know about it." Utau explained as I breathed a relieved sigh.

"Thank goodness. Cause we need to talk!" I said as all these questions I had and wanted to ask will now be answered.

Utau giggled at my outburst and nodded. "Sure. But first, answer my question." Utau said.

I bit the inside of my mouth and chewed on my bottom lip. "I don't know. It's hard, I thought Ikuto was a strange guy that I'm paired with for this English assignment but now…" I slowly explained as I looked bashfully on the ground. Before I knew it, I was telling Utau my whole story of the moment I met Ikuto and he revealed to me his different self. The blue cat ears and tail. The grim elves. Fantasia. Everything. Even the time when Ikuto kissed me on the forehead.

I didn't know why I was spilling the beans out of the bag. But Utau just remained quiet and listened. It felt nice talking to someone.

I took a deep breath at the loss of air that I had burst out due to my whole explanation.

"That's some story." Utau noted out as I giggled.

"Yeah. I hope you didn't mind listening." I said as I started to move my legs up and down on the bed.

"No it was good. Sounds interesting. I've known my brother for sixteen years and I've never seen him take interest with a girl apart from you Amu. You're his spark that he was looking for." Utau explained as she locked her violet eyes onto mine.

"Me? Really?" I asked, gaped. That can't be. Ikuto is known for his looks and that rebel aura. He must have taken an interest of someone else apart from me.

"But your relationship with him… It sounds quite complicated. Why not go ask him for yourself?" Utau suggested.

"Eh no!" I said, embarrassed.

"Here take this. It's Ikuto's clothes that were mixed with mine in the laundry. Bring it to his room and talk to him." Utau demanded and kicking me out of her room.

"W-Wait!" I whined but the door was shut close and I was left with nothing but seem to be Ikuto's shirt in hand. I heaved a sigh and proceed to walk in the same direction to where Ikuto had left.

I stand in front of the chestnut door in which I believe this room belongs to Ikuto. Taking a big gulp, I shakily knocked on the door until I heard, "Come in."

With shaky hands, I opened the door and to my surprised I saw Ikuto laying on his bed. His room was clean and neat. Nothing I expected. He had a clean desk sitting in the corner, cupboards and a draw with books. And last, his bed. What caught my attention was that he had a balcony too. Just like my room.

He raised his head off the pillow and stop to stare at me.

"Um here." I mumbled as I tossed his clothes onto his legs. "You're clothes." I pointed out. He nodded and lay flat on his pillow. I examined his appearance and realized he was wearing a grey singlet and black track pants. The singlet revealed his toned arm muscles as I admired how built he was even though he was thin.

"Stop staring," Ikuto said. It was as though Ikuto's had another pair of set of eyes that were staring at mine. I immediately blushed and stood awkwardly in his room.

"I wasn't staring." I mumbled back as I crossed my arm. He smirked at my comment and rose up from his bed and was leaning against the head board.

"What brings you here?" Ikuto asked.

"Er…" I started. Thinking of what to say. Might as well spit it out. "What's our relationship? Ikuto?" I blurted out not thinking of what I had just said. He was shocked but had this smile on for a second but then disappeared.

"What do you think, Amu?" he asked me. I shrugged. I really didn't know.

The silence grew and I couldn't take it anymore. "Your that guy I was paired with English." I answered.

Ikuto wrinkled his eyebrows at my statement.

"No, I think we're more than that." Ikuto said. I gave him a puzzled look. "Like…?" I pushed on, my heart quickening. I could feel sweat forming in my palm and my ears burning. This was a side effect every time I was with Ikuto. It was like some disease.

"Friends." He simply replied.

And just like that, my mood was set off. Even though I felt relieved but my inside wasn't feeling right. It was as though it was not approving this answer. But the thing was, what was the answer I wanted?

'Friends?' I thought again.

Great.