A/N: And yes, I know I owe everyone an explanation for suddenly going off the grid for months without an update. But would a lemony encounter do? =D *laughs Maleficent-ly*


CHAPTER 9: PASSION

January, 5 Years since High School Graduation

"Woi pighead." Taichi's voice greeted when she answered her phone.

She was on the bed after a long and gruelling Queen match, where she lost yet again to Shinobu. She wasn't able to get enough sleep the other night because of her last minute practices, causing her to feel groggy on the actual match. She was able to win the first game, but the fatigue got the best of her, and at the final match, the odds were in Shinobu's favor.

"Taichi...I lost...again." she muttered, her voice breaking. It was the second time she lost the title, but like the first time, it was due to the stress of taking care of her mom. The hospitalization and medicine bills were already piling up, and it's already taking its toll on their finances forcing all of them work double time. In her father's estimate, it will take them years to pay all their debts, so even if Chihaya wanted to practice for the match, she had no time. If it hadn't been for her mother's insistence, she wouldn't join the tournament at all.

"I know." Taichi replied calmly. He already got the message from Tsutomu who accompanied her to Omi Jingu along Kanade and Tsukuba in lieu of her parents and Arata. He knew she'll be upset, so to cheer her up, he made the call during his break from the clinical lecture.

He knew that no words can ever comfort her. He'd been there - doing your best, beating the odds, and losing despite the hard work. Words wouldn't even be enough to describe the loss. Harada-sensei once said that the best way to get over it is to accept it happened. So instead of saying empty words, he came up with an idea to liven up her mood.

"I'm coming back for summer with my friends. We're going to Okinawa. You wanna come? We could invite the others too if they're available." he said. He remembered how fascinated Chihaya was with the beach when they were younger, and the beach in Okinawa is famous for all that jazz.

/Or you can just come alone with me./ He added in his mind, a smile gracing his face. He desperately needs a breather, now that he's doing some clinical internships. The drills and exams get harder each week, and no matter how spacious his brain might seem, all the information are threatening to explode in his mind. Chihaya was quiet for a while and for some reason, he already knew what she'll say.

"But...I'm not really sure if I can go... my mom is still undergoing therapy. And... I'm not sure if I have money for it..." Chihaya replied miserably.

"I wouldn't ask you if I haven't obtained permission from her, baka. She already agreed on booting you out for a weekend. As for the money, since I'm the one asking, I'll be the one to pay." He responded, as he chuckled. Chihaya's mom was delighted when he called her to ask for permission to go to the beach with Chihaya, and he remembered convincing her that they're going out as friends.

"You spoiled brat," Chihaya spat, as she laughed lightly.

"Haha. Just consider it as a gift, you ungrateful git." He retorted. He couldn't help but smile now that Chihaya's laughing.

"For what? For losing?" she asked sarcastically.

"For your win next year." He replied in all seriousness. He knew she'll make it, even without him hoping for it. Chihaya had a laser light focus that shuns out everything else when she really wants something, and he knew that it was about time she gets back what she lost. It would've been nice to be there for the tournament, but with his clinical internship, watching her match would be impossible.

"Ba-Baka. And if I don't join the tournament?" Chihaya retorted, embarrassed and touched at the same time. She knew he was doing this just to cheer her up.

"You're gonna pay me back." He replied, chuckling.

"Argh! I hate you!" She snapped.

"So, I'll see you?"

"Like I have a choice"

"Haha! See you, Vice-Queen" Taichi teased, but as he was about to drop the call, Chihaya called out to him from the other line.

"Taichi!"

"Nani?"

"Thank you..." Chihaya muttered softly as tears flowed silently in her eyes. Her loss, her distance from Arata and Taichi, and her circumstances were too much for her. She was glad she still has Taichi to call even with the distance.

"You're welcome." He responded. He wanted to hug her, knowing her pain and struggles.

"You've done so much for me, how can I ever repay you?" Chihaya asked tentatively. Taichi laughed at that.

"A kiss would do." He teased.

"A ki-kiss?!" Chihaya repeated, scandalized.

"Yes, a long, XXX-Rated one." He added. He knew all this flirting would add to a heartbreak later on, but he didn't care.

"YOU! PERVERT!" she screamed to the phone as he wittingly distanced the phone from his ear.

"Don't ask me that question if you don't really have an intention to repay me." He said, smirking.

"I swear to God I'm gonna strangle you when you come back" she growled, as she dropped the call.

/Looking forward to it, babe./ He thought naughtily.

Miles away, Chihaya was staring at the ceiling, phone in her hand, her face flushed.


"You'll drill holes in her head you know, the way you stare at her." Harada-sensei whispered to Chihaya who was staring at the couple a few feet away from her table. She was seated on the bar with a drink in her hand.

"Harada-sensei!" she greeted. His sensei smiled. Even at his advanced age, he managed to look regal. The almost-Meijin.

They were at Kanade and Tsutomu's wedding reception. Though the wedding itself was a very traditional one, they wanted it near the beach. And Okinawa has always been a favourite of beach shippers.

The hotel they were at had a lovely view of the beach, but even though there were nothing but smiles and laughter everywhere she looks, she couldn't help but feel the weight in her chest that she knew had something to do with her dashingly estranged best friend.

"If you ever make this lovely woman cry I'll staple you to your desk." Chihaya heard Taichi say. It was he who discovered Tsutomu's talent in Karuta. Though he wasn't much of a person then, it was their friendship that made him the way he is now.

"Haha! I outgrew the title some years back. Guess you outgrew your bad fate in love too though." Tsutomu retorted in his deep voice while elbowing his friend. Taichi smiled brightly. It was that smile that made her wish unconsciously that she was the one he's showing it to.

"Yah, oh by the way, this is my fiancée Hirashi Satoko." He introduced, causing her to look away. Harada-sensei, meanwhile, was observing her.

"Where's Megane-kun?" he asked after some time. They were always seeing each other in the Dojo, so there were times when they just sat in silence after a long practice match. They seldom talk about Taichi, because he knew it upsets her to talk of him when he had not contacted her the past few years.

"He's outside, he was just answering a call from his boss." She replied, remembering how agitated Arata was when she asked him about it. It must be really stressing him out, she thought.

"Sooo. Matsuge-kun's getting married too, huh?" He suddenly wondered, taking her by surprise.

"Uhm." Was the only reply she just managed to say, wanting to avoid the issue.

"And you?" he asked probingly.

"Ah! Ano—I'm not getting married. Not yet at least…" she blushed, as she twirled the cocktail in her hand. She couldn't really taste what she was drinking.

"And...? How do you feel about your childhood friend getting married?" he asked, as he ordered rum from the bar.

"I'm happy of course! He's happy. So...I'm happy... I just wish..." Chihaya replied, feeling the fakeness of it all.

"Wish what?"

"That he'd let me know." It was futile, she knew. But she hoped to hear it from him at least. So she could move on and be genuinely happy with Arata.

Harada-sensei was quiet for a moment. She almost spilt her drink when he asked:

"Do you love him?"

"Sensei!" Chihaya exclaimed. She blushed as she downed on her cocktail.

"Well you're no longer kids, and it really wasn't a secret that he's been inlove with you for God knows how long even when you chose Megane-kun. So the question is, do YOU love him?" he asked bluntly.

But before she could answer, they were interrupted by none other than the devil himself.

"Tadaima, sensei. How are you?" Taichi beamed at his professor.

Taichi looked even more dashing in his shiny black overalls and a matching gold tie, with his hair brushed up. He was dashing enough even at a distance, but now that he's up close, it's no wonder why his fiancée had been latching up to him ever since the party started.

"I'm good, I'm good. I can still kick your ass in Karuta, you'll see." The old man piped up, as he smacked him at the back.

"Really now, old man. Guess we'll have to see it next time." He laughed good-heartedly as he caught her eye. Chihaya blushed.

"And? Who's this lovely lady here?" Harada-sensei gestured to the girl at his side. Her black hair was styled up, and she was wearing a matching gold Grecian dress.

"She's my fiancee, sensei." Taichi introduced as he guided her forward with his hand on her waist.

"Nice to meet you, I'm Hirashi Satoko" the woman said in a bright voice, offering her hand to the old man.

"Nice to meet you too." Harada-sensei replied, as he shook her hand.

"Oh, have you met Chihaya?" Taichi then quipped, her heart skipping a beat by his mere mention of her name.

"No, I was actually planning to introduce myself." She answered as she went up to her to shake her hand.

"H-Hi." Chihaya meekly greeted.

"Nice to meet you. I loooooved your outfits in AneCan by the way. You look so Gorge!" She gushed.

"Thank you Satoko-chan" She was very bubbly for someone who looked anything but, and she immediately knew why Taichi fell for her in the first place.

"I've been wanting to meet you since Taichi said you were his bestfriend! I couldn't believe it really." She added as she held both of her hands in a very friendly way. She went on to narrate what she does for a living, how awful their trip was, and 10 minutes into their chat Taichi finally interrupted.

"Satoko" Taichi interrupted.

"What?"

"Can I dance with my friend?" he asked.

"Sure thing, babe! I'll just dance with your old man here." She replied, planting a kiss on his lips that made Chihaya flinch. Harada-sensei guided her onto the center of the dance floor while they opted to dance nearby. It was a slow song, so Taichi held her the waist while Chihaya rested her hands near his shoulders.

"Still the eyecandy, huh?" He teased. Chihaya blushed. She was wearing a cream dress that stops at her knees. It was lent to her by one of the fashion brands she was currently endorsing, but if she had known it would garner so much attention she might have worn another dress.

He knew when they entered the venue where she was right away. It wasn't hard to spot the crowd surrounding her, asking for pictures. She was stunning in her dress and her simple braided hairstyle that allowed most of her hair down. She looked like every inch a Goddess, he had to tell himself not to stare.

"Sorry for the other day Taichi." Chihaya started nervously. She rehearsed her apology many times over in her head before they went to the wedding, but with him so close and his arms radiating heat from her back towards the rest of her body, it was making her forget what she wanted to say.

"It was nothing. Is your ankle okay now? Shouldn't you be resting it?" he replied, concern lacing his voice. His eyes were framed beautifully with his long eyelashes and it's a wonder why she never noticed. She had always teased him about looking like a girl when they were kids, but now he just looks…

"It's okay. Don't worry about it." She answered curtly, a slight blush gracing her cheeks. People were flocking the dance floor by this time, and the others were nowhere to be seen. They remained silent for a while with Chihaya trying to find anything to say. It was Taichi who broke her from her reverie.

"This place...it's still as beautiful the last time we saw it." He said, smiling wistfully. They'd been in Okinawa some years back, when he went home with his friends to unwind and he tagged Chihaya along. It was a summer both of them would never forget.

"Yah." She smiled back, as his eyes bored into hers. She couldn't help but be drawn to his eyes so she flicked his nose to interrupt the tension. Taichi was surprised, so he retaliated with a tickle to her side, causing her to squeal.

"You brought your skimpiest underwear as a bathing suit." he whispered seductively as he adjusted his hold on her waist, closing their gap even further.

"You-you pervert!" she exclaimed, blushing profusely as she remembered her most embarrassing moment to date. She borrowed a swimsuit from her friend, but what she didn't expect was it was so loose it got carried away when they were playing volleyball in the waters. Taichi had to carry her back – topless – so she could get her towel.

"Hahahaha"

"What are you laughing at?!" she pouted, as his friend laughed boyishly. It was one of the things she really missed about him. Him laughing, them bickering, him showing off… the list goes on. It was hard enough that he had to leave for 8 long years, but him becoming a stranger after all that…

"You remember, right? Our last night here?" She asked, as the music slowly puts her in a trance. Taichi didn't reply, but a sudden flicker of emotion betrayed what he'd been trying to forget ever since he saw her…


3 years ago, Okinawa trip.

"Oi. You should stop drinking now." Taichi said disapprovingly, as he snatched Chihaya's 3rd beer. She was a terrible drinker, becoming immediately drunk after her second bottle and amusingly forward and violent the moment she finishes the next.

They were on their last night in Okinawa after a 3-day summer vacation with 3 of his friends in the Medical School. All of them brought their girlfriends, and since Taichi had none, he tagged her along.

They were seated at the front porch of their lodge.

"Why? Are you the only one allowed to down on this?" she slurred, trying to snatch the can back from him to no avail.

"Idiot, your mother will kill me." He said, as he drank the remaining liquor in the can. Chihaya pouted. Her face was red due to intoxication, and any guy who didn't know her would probably find her cute and easy.

"As if she could. She couldn't even lift a spoon." She retorted mindlessly while hugging her knees. Taichi could tell the mood shift, as Chihaya's shoulders shook slightly.

"Chihaya…" Taichi cooed as he hugged her frail form. Her mother had a heart attack. And as if that wasn't hard enough for her, Arata had to study abroad like him, and she somehow needed to bear with all the stress and depression alone. It's no wonder why she lost another Queen match.

"Hey, it's alright." He said gently as she hugged him back, the nook of his neck suddenly feeling wet from her tears. They stayed like that for close to half an hour, just enjoying each other's presence. It had been countless months since they last saw each other, and they would have to part for another year again in 3 days' time.

"Look, we're going back tomorrow and I need you to sober up. Let's go back inside, okay?" he said, peering at her to see if she might've fallen asleep. Chihaya meanwhile, looked like she was in deep thought.

"Taichi… have you ever had sex?" Chihaya asked him innocently, as she let go of his embrace. Taichi did a double-take.

"What?! Why in the world would you want to know?" he exclaimed, blushing profusely at her question. Just the word itself got his mind reeling in a circus, and he didn't need to be reminded of his own experience – or the lack of – especially by the person he least expected to have this conversation with.

"Just curious." She shrugged nonchalantly, as she sat looking at the horizon. He knew he had to find a way to exit this conversation before it gets anymore awkward. He'd be the only one anyway, as Chihaya tends to get amnesia after she sobers up.

"Oi. Let's just go back. It's late. You're drunk." He said as he stood up.

A Perfect combination, his drunk self was fighting to say.

"Arata says it's normal for couples to do that, and yet we're not doing it." She said in the same nonchalant voice as she drew imaginary circles in the porch.

Why yes, that would be appropriate for you to say, you jerk. He thought icily towards Arata, as he sat beside her. As pure as she was, Chihaya knew nothing of romance until Arata came along. But even when they became a couple he knew there was nothing but Karuta and more Karuta for both of them, so he knew she's trying her best to change that.

"Well in case you forgot, the last time I had a girlfriend was when we were in 2nd year, and the farthest thing that we did was an awkward kiss, so the awkward answer would be No. Secondly, he's a jerk if he's asking you without your consent. So don't ever do it if you don't feel like it." He answered bluntly. He would've added not to do it unless she's 40, and he's thinking of adding just that when she asked,

"But you never had thoughts of that?"

Like hell I won't. His unguarded mind thought as his eyes automatically locked with her eyes. His friends had been wondering how he could remain friendly with her for so long, when, as everyone says, they could actually pass as a couple with the way he treats her.

"…Look, you do it only with the person you love alright?" He said a little bit forcefully. It was hard enough that the only girl he ever loved will end up doing it with another man. To be reminded of that fact made it twice as hard to bear.

"Then who do you love?" she asked quietly. He turned to her in surprise at the question.

"Why is my love life interesting to you so suddenly?" he queried, knowing that they wouldn't have this conversation if she'd been sober.

If you only knew…he thought wryly.

"Because… I'd get jealous. I think." She said, as she looked away again.

This night is a revelation, he thought. He may have wanted to hear this from her so much he must've been daydreaming. But since he didn't want to sound retarded by acting surprised with her every query, he decided to just go along with her.

There'd be no harm, right?

"Why?" he asked. Chihaya was never the possessive type outside of Karuta, so it's a wonder why she'd be jealous of anyone pining after him.

"I don't know. You've always been there for me… and if you were to find someone else, I'm afraid… you won't be there for me anymore..." she said as she gazed at him, her eyes betraying her sadness. He knew he will always be a brother to him, and though it hurt to be reminded of that fact, he knew it wouldn't help her to know how he really felt, especially at this time. So he embraced her tight, and flicking her nose he said,

"I'll still be here. As your friend. If you want me to." He said reassuringly. He saw her blush, but instead of a smile he knew she'd show after being reassured, she gave him one of the easily misinterpreted, most profound question he ever faced;

"And if I don't?" she asked, as the tension between them grew thicker.

It was a mistake even having this conversation, he knew. He'd be the only one who'll remember, and she'll be fine like nothing happened. It was no use at all.

"It's getting late. Let's sleep now." He said as he stood up. He extended his hand to Chihaya, who took it too gingerly, her sudden movement made her fall to the ground with Taichi along with her. Chihaya groaned at the impact it made on her head.

"Chihaya!" Taichi cried as he tried to disentangle himself. He peered at her worriedly, but what stopped him was the look in her eyes. Their faces were so close he could almost feel her breath on his face, but he was so mesmerized it was hard for him to look away. And just when he had the resolve to move away, Chihaya inched her face closer to give him a light peck on his lips. And then he knew they had crossed the inevitable. That which must not be crossed.

Her kiss was so tempting he suddenly felt the need to make it deeper. He nipped on her upper lip before fully kissing her. She tasted of roses and beer, and words couldn't express the feelings welling up inside of him. He knew this was nothing like the first kiss they had when in his drunken stupor, he forced a kiss on her. She was actually responding, and both of them were too lost to actually make sense of everything.

Her arms automatically went up to his neck while his hands went down to touch the small of her back. She'd kissed Arata before, but it was nothing like this. Taichi's warmth was something she'd always been used to, but she never imagined this. She did wonder, but she never thought it would happen anyway. She felt him lightly touching her everywhere, and though she knew she must protest, the sensation he was giving her was enough to drive her nuts.

She felt him grazing the side of her left breast which made her skip her breath.

"Do you want me to stop?" Taichi asked gruffly as he searched her face for retaliation. He knew he had to stop before they do something both of them will forever regret. Even the tiniest would do. But in his disappointment (or of delight, it was hard to tell), she shook her head.

"Let's not do this here." He curtly said, as he stood up. He helped her up and held her tightly as he guided her into the dark lodge.

The lodge had 4 bedrooms, meaning all couples had a room to themselves. It was awkward for Chihaya and Taichi at first, but once the bed assignments had been made (Chihaya won the bed through a systematic game of Jangenpoy), the awkwardness gradually melted away. Except for now.

When they were finally inside their room, Taichi suddenly felt like backing out. He knew she was drunk, and it'd be hell if Arata knew of what transpired. But a part of him, wanted it like his life depended it he could almost hear himself debating.

"Taichi…" Chihaya whispered, uncertain on what to do. She was curious on what it really felt like, but she suddenly felt guilty for doing it with Taichi rather than Arata.

"Let me ask you a question. Do you really want to do this or do you just miss Arata?" Taichi asked, his back turned from her while grasping her hand.

She was getting dizzier by the second because of intoxication. And though she herself was confused, she answered him tentatively,

"I want… to know…"

Taichi went to face her.

"What do you want to know?" He asked mysteriously as he went towards her slowly. She almost felt afraid by the way he looks at her, but a part of her was excited. Too excited, she must say.

"I want…" she said tentatively as Taichi planted a kiss on her neck. The heat had a dizzying effect on her, causing her to lean onto his chest. He continued to kiss her from the back of her ear to the base of her neck. His arms encircled her waist as her hand went to clasp his hair.

"Chihaya…" Taichi groaned as he conquered her lips once again. It was a slow and gentle kiss, much different than the one they had on the porch. He suddenly lifted her up and carried her towards the bed while still kissing her, and as they stayed connected like that for Kami-sama knows how long, he kissed her forehead lightly before resting his forehead on hers.

"If you still feel like knowing when you're sober, I promise to do it with you." He spoke softly, as he got up and went towards the couch. It took him all the strength he had left to walk away, and though his body was protesting, he knew he had to do it.

It took them ages to finally digest everything. What almost happened.

"Why? Is there anyone… you'd want to do it with?" Chihaya asked, disappointment laced in her voice. She was still sprawled in the bed, and it wasn't easy trying not to pounce on her.

"Yes. And she's drunk. I haven't had the chance to confess to her yet" He answered as he sprawled in the couch the same way. It took her a moment to process his answer, he almost wished she misunderstood. But they ended up almost having sex, surely she would've caught on by now.

"Then…when do you plan to… confess?" she asked quietly. It took him a while to answer her back.

"When she's sober." And though he knew he wouldn't have that chance anyway, he was glad to have had this chance at least.

"I see." She replied. She was almost asleep, he could tell.

"Good night." He said. And as he stared at the ceiling, he almost thought he was dreaming when he heard her say,

"Can't you…sleep beside me, at least?" It took him ages to reply.

"Scoot over." He replied, as he quietly slipped beside her.


The music was starting to mellow down, and while others thanked each other for the dance, none of them was thinking of changing partners soon. At least, on Chihaya's part.

"Satoko-san...she seems nice." Chihaya said, as the girl caught her eye in the far end of the room, talking to Arata. There was the weight in her chest again, and she knew she would have to end whatever feelings she might've for her best friend.

"Thanks." Taichi acknowledged, as his eyes softened. Her insides made another knot at the sudden tension.

"I'm happy for you, Taichi. Congratulations." She said, as she smiled sadly at her friend. She couldn't understand why she couldn't be genuinely happy for her friend. She knew she must be happy for him, because finally, after all these years, Taichi, the ever fickle Taichi, will be settling down. Taichi, sensing her mood, smiled at her reassuringly and kissed her forehead.

"Thank you, Chihaya." Taichi replied, his hands slowly letting go of her. She immediately felt the cold when he moved a little farther. He bowed, and then suddenly, he felt like a different person to her. The knot in her heart tightened once more.

"You were...about to say something to me...the night when I got mobbed. What was it?" Chihaya asked suddenly, not wanting to let him go just yet. Taichi stiffened at his question, and it took him a few seconds before he faced her back.

"Chihaya, let's just forget about it, okay?" Taichi answered, putting on a fake smile at her. She knew there was something he wanted to say, or maybe it was just her wanting to hear what he really felt about her, but forgetting about it was something both of them knew she wouldn't be able to do.

"You… didn't really hear my apology properly. You've never read my letters, you've never answered my calls...you...just disappeared. And I didn't know...I didn't know how to say sorry..." Chihaya said without looking at him, willing her tears not to fall.

"Well I didn't need to, right? I've forgiven you already." He said nonchalantly, as he turned his back.

"Is this how you forgive people, Taichi? You ignore them? I've been your friend more than half of your life and you know how much you..." she cried, failing to contain her tears.

"How important you are...to me...so why...why didn't you hear me out?" She felt betrayed on so many levels. He'd been her best friend, her confidante, her protector. He'd been there when Arata wasn't, and though she knew it was impossible to bring back the closeness they once had, she still wanted to try. There were onlookers now, and Taichi somehow felt the accusing stares from some of the people tuned in in their affair.

"Chihaya... Look, this is awkward, ok? Your boyfriend is here, my fiancee is here. I don't really want them to misunderstand our little chat here." He said stoically as he wiped her tears.

"I need to go." Chihaya said abruptly, as she exited the dance floor. It was awkward enough that she was harbouring these feelings towards her best friend all these years, but she'd be really losing it if she broke down in a public place. She went towards the entrance, to the shore, where there was close to no one to see her tears.

She loved him all this time. This she knew. This she'd been trying to deny. But it was too late. It was all too late. The realization punched a hole in her chest, and no amount of consolation would ever fill that gap.


"Look, stop calling me. I'll come to you when all this is over. You know this isn't the right time, right? I'm hanging up." Arata screeched irritably onto the phone as he hanged up. She'd been calling him all the day, but he knew shutting his phone would only make things worse.

His blood run dry when he received another text from her.

I'm going to tell her if you won't. The text said.


A/N: And the flashbacks ends here. Finally. Now you know the backstory. I remembered Laura commenting how exaggerated his reaction was when Chihaya "rejected" him for the last time. They had like, a mutual understanding, so I guess it was normal for him to act the way he did. He's been hurting all this time, and to finally be rejected after saying all that needs to be said, he knew he had to forget one way or another. So there. Hope you enjoyed it =D Please Review! Means a whole lot to me. See you in the next chap =)