Thank you for those who always drop some comments and reviews, Chum-sa, elfspirit7, krugern, pri815, Nathan5th, Silver Ice Bullet, lindred, silverstri, Evil Detective, EisWulf, kikyo4ever
I don't know what you think for this chapter, I'm having a hard time constructing this one and I was distracted reading some fic so I got delayed.
Warning: Continue at your own risk. Don't blame me if your hands are itching to correct the errors. Again, grammar errors in this chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't own My Hime/Otome. Sunrise did.
Chapter 9: Confrontation
Monday is not the best day for everyone especially in Fuuka. Every students need to be back in the school grounds. They will tread their way into their room. Some of them like schools because of their friends, their crushes, their love ones. But some of them mean studies and future.
Arka is one of those who like going to school because she will meet more people and make friends with anyone. But right now, the bubbly girl act robotically and trying to conceal her feelings in front of her friends. She can't just drop down her smiling face and she doesn't want to entertain questions right now. So pretend nothing happened.
But the rumors are spreading again, maybe thanks to Chie. Rumor is that Natsuki is absent after the date with Arika. Many are betting their asses that no one can tame the self proclaimed wolf in the campus, the tough lone wolf girl.
And what about the rumor? It's all about Natsuki's date with Arika. They say that the date was a mess and Natsuki is hiding from Arika because of it. Yes, a lame rumor. But this is the past time of the students. Talked behind the person who is not here, so the target is Natsuki who's presence is not really in the campus.
Tuesday is a lot more fun for the students especially when they saw Natsuki walking in her always bad mood expression and don't dare to approach me. But there's always who will try to break the rule.
"Kuga-san, It's nice to see you back in school." Takeda approached the girl.
A death glare was shooting Takeda when he reached Natsuki. But he did not back down. He's been waiting this for a week to really approach the girl.
"What do you want?" Natsuki growled for the lack of common sense of this man.
"I want to confirm something from you." Takeda said confidently.
Natsuki just continue staring her like he was some kind of an irritating insect flying in front of her.
"Well, I I want to know if i-it's true that Yumemiya-san is y-your girlfriend." Finished by Takeda with blood loosely running in his face.
"And if it's true, what do you care? Stupid." With that Natsuki continue walking towards her class room broodingly.
That's the first thing Natsuki approached her that day. And she did not know that more things are coming to her.
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Natsuki slowly walked towards Arika in the cafeteria when she spotted her with her friends. She was not in the mood to feint a smile to show in the public that nothing happened. She already heard the rumor thanks to Mai for the warning.
When she reached the table, she stared directly to Arika. "Can I talk to you later after class?"
Arika look shocked with her suggestion. But she agreed with Natsuki. They really need to talk and clarify a lot of things.
With their teaching rumbling about something, Natsuki continue staring in the window. She was been thinking since yesterday when she's all alone in the dormitory. She already talked to Midori and told her everything what happened. Midori said that they will investigate that matters and leave it to them. And about Arika, it's her choice what to do about it. It's her decision.
After a day of thinking, she decided to tell Arika what she knows for precaution thing. And she's not that insensitive that the girl needs explanation and now in a confused situation.
And another problem is Shizuru. She is also thinking if she should tell Shizuru about her true identity. She feels that she owe the girl an explanation.
Before she can think further the last bell rung around the campus. She gathered all her things and went directly toward the garden where she told Arika to meet. She winced inwardly when her wound sting. Speaking of her wound, it was healing fast thanks to Dr Youko. The wound was already closed and not in danger of bleeding again.
Natsuki saw Arika seating in one of the benches and noticed that there are no students lingering that area. She was glad that there will be no interruptions in their serious long talk.
Natsuki sat besides Arika and taken a deep breathe before she starts the conversation.
"Arika, how do you feel?" Natsuki started.
"I should the one asking you that, Natsuki-san. I am fine. You?"
"I am alright. About last Saturday, I know you have a lot of questions. How about this, you ask and I answer?" Natsuki said.
Arika just nodded. She seems in a deep thought considering the suggestion. And then she asked the older girl that's bothering her since then.
"What I am? Who I am?" Arika is afraid to know the truth but she needs to know.
Natsuki clear her throat first before she spoke. "You are the carrier of the elemental user. You're family is a descendant of the legendary elemental user. There are people who monitor the life of family such as yours. To your question, who you are, you are Yumemiya Arika. That's nothing change."
"But what is this elemental user?"
"I don't know much about them. But what I know, they are eliminated way back in their time. But somehow managed to send out members of their family that continues the lineage. You have a power, to what you witness. You posses the element of power."
"D-does it mean, I- I am not normal?" Arika said in a confused voice.
"You are a human being. The problem is, you possessed a gift that not everyone can have. You are normal but special."
Arika keep silence for a while digesting what Natsuki is saying. Arika is having a hard time accepting this because the last time she checked she is normal. But right now, she is feeling like she is different specie from different kingdom.
Arika breathe deeply. "Explain to me who you are and what will happen now. Explain to me everything. Everything that you know."
It was Natsuki's turned to keep silent. She's not comfortable telling about what she is and what she know. But this is her decision so she should take this risk and the consequences.
"I am Otome 005. I am one of the recipients of the first batch of Otome. We are experimented if the Otome theory will be a success. And it turned out that the experiment is a success up to now. We are also normal. That's what we think but we know others do not think like that. Anyways, we exist because we are the weapon to use to stop the enemy. The enemy, what I know, is that they are trying to gather all elemental users and used the power to their plan. But I do not know their plan. And right now, my mission is to protect you at all cost."
"Do I have a say in this situation?" Arika said.
"The only thing I will do is to protect you when you are in danger. That's all. Whatever you will do or decide is all up to you. If you used your power for them, I will not hinder you. I am here for your safety. But I want you to know that I hope you will use your power according to your belief. And I may say that you should not let anyone knows what you have, you know."
Arika nodded. She knows that her life would be different starting right now.
"Am I alone or there are more?"
"You are not alone. According to history, there are five elemental users. You are one of them. The other four is still in surveillance. I can not tell you who those people are because we still don't know if they are the carrier. The incident happened last Saturday confirmed that you inherit the genes of the fire elemental user." Natsuki explained.
"But who are those who attacked us?"
Natsuki shrugged her shoulder. Even the home base doesn't hold the answer to her questions. She already reported what happened but they don't have any clues what it is.
"I don't know. But it seems that the target is not you. And I revealed myself who I am and you too. So I think we need to be careful."
"Why?"
Natsuki take a deep breath before answering. "Because the enemy I am talking about is wants you. And they also want to eliminate us. I think they already know who I am. So I suggest that be more careful and don't go out alone."
"Who is this enemy?"
"The Weis Organization was established hundreds years ago. They were created because they seek the powers of elements to rule the world, to dominate the world. But before they established themselves, the Leibe, which were I worked, was already created who solemnly protect the powers of elemental and the descendant of them. Centuries gone and many resolutions were passed between the groups and many individuals dreams of getting these powers until war broke two hundred years ago. The descendant of the elemental powers was lost. The Leibe can't track where they are. Until now, Leibe as a world power corporation spread in the whole world to track the remaining traces of the families. And they have some hunches like they stumbled upon your family and the others. But sadly to say, Leibe conclusion is the same in Weis. They also watching you, I believe."
"Is it useless to waste time for hundred years just looking for the elemental and protecting them?"
"No, it is not a waste of time. The Leibe emerge in the business world because they want a balance in our world. You don't know what the powers can do. Maybe you will find out later. The one who possess these can corrupt them like what happened to the others who first possessed it."
Arika nodded again. She was lost in her thoughts and Natsuki let her be. She will give her time to grasp all the things she said.
"But what will happen to me after knowing these things?" Arika said nervously. She lifted her gazed and looked onto Natsuki. And Natsuki looked at her too with full of understanding.
"Do what you always do. Nothing changed. Do not worry in this matter. But if you have problem, you can tell me. If someone is harassing you, tell me. If the Weis contacted you, tell me. If you need decision, it is yours alone. I will not bug you with it. As much as I want you to be on our side, it's always your decision."
Arika's mood slightly lifted upon hearing this. It will be hard for her, but she knows that everything will fall back on pieces. She still has her friends and her family to lean on.
Upon remembering friends, she looked at Natsuki and remembered something.
Natsuki peered onto Arika because she seems nervous again and fidgeting in her seat.
"uhm, Natsuki-san, ahm, I know this is hard, b-but can we, we, j-just be friends?" Arika finished stuttering and she shyly looked at to Natsuki.
"Yeah, after this thing, I think we can be friends." Natsuki said nodding at her.
"What I-I mean is, you and I, s-should s-stop seeing each other like girlfriends."
Arika blushed profusely while Natsuki was dumbfounded what she heard. She totally had forgotten that they are supposed to be in a relationship.
Arika suddenly jumped into her seat and bowed at Natsuki. "I am really sorry Natsuki-san for playing with your feelings. But I can't continue our relations anymore. Please accept my apology. But I hope our friendship will not stain because of this. And I hope you will find someone to love you." After that, Arika run not looking at Natsuki who's mouth was hanging open with shocked was visible in her eyes.
And to her amazement, someone touched her shoulder and her shocked double once more when her eyes found Chie in her side.
"I do understand your feeling Kuga-san. This is not the end of everything." After slight pressing in her shoulder, Chie Harada, who is the sole responsible of all gossips spreading in the campus, walked in the same path where Arika's run to.
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Wednesday was another intriguing day for everyone. Another rumor is spreading to the delight of the students and to annoyance of a certain blue haired girl.
Natsuki was waken by Shizuru much earlier than usual and that makes Natsuki gruff early in the morning.
After getting out from her bed, she went directly to the dining table and sit in her place. Usually in the morning, Shizuru always prepared breakfast and their bento. But today, Natsuki saw the plain table without food.
She suddenly looked at Shizuru who is silently sipping her tea while leaning in the kitchen counter.
She eyed her questioningly and Shizuru just raised her left eyebrow. Natsuki was getting more confused at this reaction. "Shizuru?"
"Yes?" Shizuru answered.
"Uhm, we will not have breakfast today?" Natsuki asked tentatively.
"I decided to skip my breakfast today."
"What? Then why do you wake me up this early in the morning?" Natsuki said adamantly.
"Ara, ara. Aggressive as usual in the morning," Shizuru calmly commented. "I just want to suggest that YOU should join YOUR girlfriend this morning for a change."
Natsuki face turned pale instantly at the word girlfriend. She remembered again about yesterday in the garden. She looked at the floor to escape Shizuru's imploring gaze. She felt somehow that Shizuru knows everything. She did not even bother telling her what happened between her and Arika.
"What? No argument?" Shizuru said. She likes teasing the girl especially when she saw blushes creeping in Natsuki's cheeks. But right now, Natsuki seems, depressed? "What's wrong Natsuki?"
Natsuki sighed. She really doesn't want to talk about what happened yesterday. But this is Shizuru. "Don't tease me like that. Anyway, about Arika and I" Natsuki cleared her throat. Somehow, she felt embarrassed telling someone what really happened. "We are cleared."
"What do you mean cleared?" Shizuru said.
"uh, She, uh," Natsuki take a deep breath and trying to push down the blood rushing in her head. She can do it. "We talked about our exact relationship. And that is friendship. Nothing more." No argument because that is basically the same. I feel like a loser here.
Shizuru just raised her brow. She received a text message about the latest gossip about Natsuki and she wants to confirm it to her.
She approached the girl who still find the floor interesting and hugged her behind her back.
"So that's why Natsuki is so lonely early in the morning." Shizuru said. As far as she wants to help Natsuki, teasing will not be forgotten.
"Mou Shizuru. Don't tease me. You know very well the real score in us." Natsuki said while struggling in Shizuru's embrace. She was feeling uncomfortable with the touch but in the same way feel like she wants more. She shrugged the feeling.
Natsuki's reaction made Shizuru hugged her more. She doesn't know if Natsuki don't like it but she feel like hugging the girl. She did not know until now that hugging has an addictive side that will hike up your addiction.
"Natsuki is no fun today." Shizuru let go of Natsuki. Shizuru thought that these past few days she's letting go of the girl especially what happened last Saturday. "By the way, I did not make our lunch today. We'll have to buy foods in the cafeteria and wait for me. We'll have lunch together."
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Shizuru was annoyed today in what happening in their campus. She was really irritated when she saw students looking at their way while heading to the school grounds. She and Natsuki was walking side by side when she noticed that students looking at Natsuki. And some, she noticed that looks they are giving to Natsuki. The looks that always present in her fan girls.
Shizuru sighed. She did not know what Natsuki did, but the girl become instant popular in the campus. She might become jealous with this outcome but the only thing she feels is worried to the girl. She knows how Natsuki dislike crowd. And she is thinking how Natsuki will handle this situation.
She was preparing her things to leave after she patiently listened to their teachers that morning. While stuffing her notebooks in her bag, she accidentally picked some words exchanging by her classmates.
"Do you think that's true?'
"Definitely, some saw her earlier that she is really depressed. I can't blame her if she got dumped."
"Well, I did not know Kuga was into girls, no one own her right now. Guess I have to move fast. I heard Sumire will pursue her. And I think Sai too." Said by a certain brown hair named Chisaki.
"Geez, Chisaki, cool it down. Kuga might be depressed for now. Maybe it's too bad to make a go with her."
"Ei, how can depression disappear my friend?" Chisaki said knowingly. Then shouted a question across the room to Shizuru when she noticed that Shizuru is still in the room. "Ei, kaichou-san, Kuga is free right?"
Shizuru did not understand but she feels her blood is rising at a maximum temperature right now but of course, she kept her façade as always. "You have to ask her that, Chisaki-san." With that she excused herself and get out in the room.
Everyone knows how playgirl/playboy is Chisaki. Everyone she likes, she always pursue them. Nothing hinders the girl to express what she feels for her target interest. And that make Shizuru feel the fear slowly creeping in her heart.
She walked in the corridor and went directly to the cafeteria. She was thinking what happened in her life since Natsuki became her roommate. At first, her privacy was snatched away from her but in the end she was glad that it was Natsuki who caught it. Then, in these past few weeks, her emotions were sent to a rollercoaster because of Natsuki.
She was trying to determine what she is feeling right now because every time she's with Natsuki, she feels like she doesn't have to put her mask and be with herself. And every time Natsuki was out of her sight, she feels lonely. When looking at their room, she feels that it was alive. She always remembers every time they changed their clothes, they will rummage to their cabinet. And seeing their clothes mingled she feels like that it is the right thing to happen. Closeness in everything they have. She feels like her home was with Natsuki.
But where do I put my feelings for her? What do I really feel for her? Is this another love or she really interest me? But this is different than Harumi. Maybe Natsuki really a friend or a younger sister to me. Or what? I don't know.
She kept struggling in her thoughts when she reached the cafeteria. She surveyed the place and looking out for her 'friend' in the crowd. She managed to spot Natsuki in the crowd with Sai.
Shizuru was curious what's happening. She saw Natsuki seems entranced with Sai while talking with her. She saw Natsuki nodding and seems agreeing in what ever Sai is telling her. She can't blame Natsuki in her situation like that because Sai is really looks like a goddess that will make you gaped with her.
But she is wandering why Sai is talking to Natsuki right now.
"Geez, why do beautiful girls always ask out another beautiful girl?" said by a random guy in the cafeteria.
"I am so envy with Kuga. She was asked out a dozen girls until now. I must ask her what her trick is. But she's also beautiful. Maybe I should ask her too."
Shizuru eyes widened when she overheard the conversation of guys watching the scene. What? Natsuki was asked out by these girls? What's happening?
Shizuru saw Natsuki's face turned pale after Sai said something. With determined look, she marched towards Natsuki and gave a polite smile to Sai.
"Natsuki, I am sorry if I am late." Shizuru said. Masking her growing irritation towards Sai.
"S-Shizuru!" Natsuki exclaimed and breathed out a relief. "Shizuru, I've been waiting for you." Natsuki said and at that moment, she totally forgotten a certain goddess flirting with her.
Shizuru gave her a sweet smile and then turned to Sai. "How are you Sai-san?"
Sai looked at Shizuru and nodded to her. "It's been a long time, Shizuru-san. I did not know Natsuki-san is with you. But you will not mind if Natsuki go out with me right?"
Shizuru turned to Natsuki, and looked at her. Trying to search the girl if this is what she wants. "Is that alright with you, Natsuki?"
Natsuki looked at her. She is familiar with that look in her eyes. The pleading look. "I-I, uhm, I "
Natsuki stopped and breathed deeply. But before she resume, "Yo, Kuga, take it easy. One at a time." Nao appeared in a nowhere and joined the conversation.
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Natsuki don't want to admit to Shizuru that she was really sad or maybe depressed. Yes, maybe she was depressed because she can't take failure easily especially she felt she lost in a battle. It lingers in her memory how she got injured and not able to protect properly the person she should protect to. Then, Arika's confession about her feelings to her, it's like rejection for her. She can't accept it all in one blow. She was like beaten inside and out. Not to add the rumors that she was dumped and broken hearted. Where's the tough image she portrayed there?
Walking in the school grounds earlier with Shizuru and students keep looking at them did not mind at all by Natsuki. She doesn't care what they think anymore. And she is not in the mood to interact with them or give them the famous Kuga death glare. She was lost in her thought and in self pity.
While waiting Shizuru in the cafeteria, Natsuki was stared and gawked by students. But again, she just ignored them. Even some students tried to talk to her and she did not bark them like she always do. But she politely answered back. And she did not know that small act encourage more girls to swarm her in her lonely table.
She was ready to start shouting at them when one girl stand in front of her and eyed her intently. At first she was slightly taken aback when she noticed the glimmering blue eyes of the girl. Followed by the long black hair and the porcelain face of the girl. She was mesmerized by the beauty presented to her. She did not even capture all the words spoken by the girl. She was just nodding absent mindedly.
Natsuki's reverie was broken when she spotted Shizuru standing near at her. She looked at her and thought to herself that Shizuru's classic beauty is more beautiful than the girl presented in front of her. When she heard the word going out or simply means a date, she winced inwardly. She turned to Shizuru and looked at her pleadingly. She doesn't want to go out with just someone and not at this moment.
But when she heard Nao comment, that was verge of her emotions she is controlling since morning. She did not even bother to stop herself. Her emotions today really in the verge of erupting.
"That's it. I will not go out with someone. And don't bother me anymore. And for the record, I am not broken hearted." Natsuki shouted. And there was the silence.
The cafeteria was silence after the outburst. And after that, Natsuki feel her blood was racing to her head instantly. She just made herself embarrass in the front of everybody.
"Shizuru…" Natsuki said looking at her friend.
"Wow. Nice way to go, Kuga." And trust Nao to comment like that at the wrong time.
When Natsuki looked at Shizuru with her eyes telling her to understand and trust her, Shizuru nodded to let her know she got the message Nastuki's trying to send to Shizuru.
Natsuki grabbed Shizuru's hand, "C'mon Shizuru. I've spent enough time here." And then Natsuki dragged Shizuru out in the cafeteria leaving the students dumbfounded.
"Ara, Natsuki is so forceful." Shizuru commented when they stopped in the secluded garden where they first met.
As response, Natsuki blushed. "Mou, Shizuru. It's your fault why they pestering me. You are late."
Shizuru just giggled at her friend. "Natsuki, it's not my fault if you are that popular. I did not imagine Sai-san will ask you out though you are really beautiful. I can't blame her for asking you out."
Natsuki's blushed doubled once more. After fighting the blood in Natsuki's face to where it belong, she turned to Shizuru. "Ei, I'll wait for you after class. Let's go home together."
Shizuru just looked at her quizzically. "Ok." Somehow Shizuru managed to understand why Natsuki needs it.
"Are they always like that?"
"What do you mean?" Shizure was puzzled by Natsuki's question. The event today maybe was too much for Natsuki.
"I mean, the girls. They suddenly asked me to go out. I don't even date girls. I mean, they did not know what happened between me and Arika. Argh, she will really pay for this. She let met get into this situation." Natsuki said.
"Who? Arika-san?"
"YES!" Natsuki yelled frustratingly. She remembered again what happened why she is in that situation.
"Natsuki. Can I ask you a question?"
Natsuki, in instant, tensed when she heard the serious voice of Shizuru. It seems like telling her to listen and answered honestly.
"I already let you go in this past few days; still you did not explain to me what happened last Saturday."
Natsuki winced afterwards. She really forgot that she should explain to Shizuru not because she is obliged but because she wants to. But in this case, she can't tell her everything and let Shizuru freak out.
"The real reason is, uhm." Natsuki mumbled and stuttering while talking and continue thinking what to explain. "I am kinda uhm.. guardian of Arika. I need to watch her and protect her. Something likes that. And she misunderstood it as I want a relationship with her. So, right now, we straightened it out and she understands now what I am doing." Natsuki rambled away.
"So, what happened last Saturday?" Shizuru persisted hearing the answered to the girl.
"Uhm, we saw men trying to harm us and we kinda run away with them and I got myself injured."
"And how can you explain to me your wound? It's already healed Natsuki. If I can remember exactly, you're wound should be healed in two weeks time."
Natsuki became restless and she shows in her action that she wants an exit in her interrogation. But the older girl did not bulge.
"Ano, I have a faster healing metabolism?" Natsuki tried to lighten the talk they have right now,
"Really? You can't fool me in that way. Are you one of those experimented human in Weis?"
Natsuki's head turned a sharp detour to Shizuru when she heard Shizuru.
"How did you know that?"
Shizuru's face turned pale. Her perfect mask was banished and only disappointment and regret was visible in her face.
"Are you working for them?" Shizuru asked silently.
Natsuk shook her head violently. "No. Why should I? I am working for Leibe."
Natsuki eyes widen when she realized that she given away again her identity. And Shizuru was shocked at the confession.
Shizuru was confused and really shocked at this moment. She did not know that Natsuki's confession will really hit a big hit in her life.
"What's wrong Shizuru? And how did you know about Weis?" Natsuki asked while she was controlling herself not to panic when saw the expression of Shizuru.
But Shizuru was still in dazed of her thoughts and having an internal battle to tell Natsuki what she knows.
"Natsuki, do you know names working in the Leibe?" Shizuru started.
"Yes. I know for sure. My father is working with them. But some people are not like revealing themselves. But I saw them a lot when there is a convention held."
Shizuru take a deep breath. She will not rattle with this revelation. "My father is the current Finance Director of Leibe. And that's why I know some of the works of Leibe and its enemy."
What the hell? Why didn't I know that? I should pay attention to the people they were introducing to me. But what can I do? It was only three years since I started to accept this mission. Argh. I should know better. Natsuki muttered to herself.
"Have you met my father?" Shizuru wandered and if her father already knows that Natsuki was her current roommate. Maybe she should ask what's the real connection of Natsuki in Leibe if Natsuki will not tell her soon.
"I don't know. I never bother to ask who held the position of higher ups. I did not bother at all."
Shizuru was starting to say something when the bell was sounded across the building signaling the end of their lunch.
"I'll see you later, Shizuru." Shizuru nodded and they walked silently but comfortably towards to their respective classroom.
They walked with thirst hanging between them and seeking how to quench the thirst. Who will be the water for them and who is getting thirst?
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Arika were dragging the stoic face Nina when they spotted Natsuki sitting in the bench in the front of administration building. Arika detour while still dragging Nina and went straight to Natsuki.
Natsuki was startled a bit when she saw Arika stopped in front of her and Nina huffing behind her back.
"Arika?" Natsuki said still confused.
"You said that you are my guardian and everything. So, I am telling you right now, Nina and I will go to the Hime café and drink some coffee." Arika said smilingly.
Natsuki seems puzzled to Arika's sudden change of moods. It seems that the younger girl accepted everything. And she remembered the cause of her recent problem.
"You! Do you know what they are doing to me right now? They been bugging me because they taught that you dumped me and I am nursing a broken heart." Natsuki jumped to her feet and faced Arika.
Arika just giggled to Natsuki's outburst. She really did not care what the other students gossiping about. She knows that Natsuki will not take it seriously. And Arika saw the cuteness of Natsuki's irritated face. She giggled more.
"You should be glad for that." Nina commented without looking at the two girls.
Natsuki growled at her and looks like ready to pounce the girl.
"Ah, Natsuki-san, this is Nina-chan, my roommate." Arika interrupted.
Natsuki just nodded with the introduction while holding her tongue not to answered back with Nina's retort.
"We will be going now, Natsuki-san. Do you want to come with us?" Arika said.
"Uhm " Natsuki think for a while then said what she think. "Sure. But can we wait for Shizuru?"
Arika's eyes lift up when she heard Shizuru's name. Natsuki just watched her with amusement how Arika grabbed Nina and flung themselves in the bench. And that gives her the answer.
They were waiting for fifteen minutes when Shizuru accompanied by Erstin emerged in the Admin building. They were talking politely when they saw the three figures waiting for them.
Shizuru offered a small smile to Natsuki when she saw her looking at their way. But she was a little bit of irritated when she saw Arika is with her. Just a little bit because there is another girl present with them.
Natsuki stand in her feet and ready to approach Shizuru but Arika beat her. She saw Arika literally jumped when Shizuru walking towards them. Arika dashed excitedly and grinning madly towards Shizuru when she was tripped, some might said that just only her clumsiness, toward Shizuru.
Shizuru's eyes widened when saw what's happening. She saw Arika tripped and fell towards her. She caught her before Arika face meets the ground. Shizuru sighed when she saw that the clumsy girl is alright. Before she let go of the girl, she heard Natsuki laughed what happened.
Really, Natsuki. You really want to make revenge with this girl? Look at this cute girl, she seems harmless and really naïve too. Shizuru thought to herself when she looked at the girl clinging to her.
"Arika-san, are you alright?" Shizuru said.
When Arika heard Shizuru talked, she hastily disengaged herself to Shizuru and mumbling something that no one in earth can understand but herself.
"Arika, are you alright?" Erstin said and run towards in her side. Arika just nodded while looking at the ground. Blushed where running wildly in her head and it seems that it will be gone long.
"Geez, Arika, how funny you greet someone." Natsuki commented after she subdued at laughing.
"Really Natsuki. Is that how you treat your ex-girlfriend?" Shizuru said calmly.
And there, the two girls blushed profusely with one tormentor and the other two younger girls laughed at them.
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The five girls where enjoying themselves in their drinks and talking animatedly except for Natsuki and Nina who likes to scowl between the exchanges of words.
"Nina-san, is Erstin-san and Arika-san are a nice roommate?" Kaichou asked the scowling young girl.
Nina just nodded without looking at them. Natsuki was curious why Shizuru asked.
"Nina don't have a roommate for years. She stayed in the dormitory during her middle school. So the staff transferred her to Erstin-san rooms."
Natsuki nodded. "So you are kinda loner huh?" Natsuki directed her question to the girl.
Nina just looked at her and continued drinking her coffee.
After a while, they were interrupted by a sudden figure appearing behind them.
"Shizuru-san, you seems enjoying the company of beautiful younger girls." Said by a tall girl with a boyish haircut.
"Sumire-san, it's rare seeing you here." Shizuru countered.
The girl named Sumire just flashed a flashy smile to her. "I like changes. Care to introduce me with your company?"
Shizuru cleared her throat with grace and proceed introducing her, "This is Sumire-san, she is also in my year. Sumire-san, this is Kuga Natsuki, Nina Wang, Yumemiya Arika and Erstin Ho."
Shizuru was very polite in introducing the names and did not bother to ask Sumire to join them. She knows that the girl will volunteer herself.
"Can I join in your table, you guys don't mind at all?" Arika and Erstin looked at Sumire and smiled brightly, then nodded. Nina was unaffected of the charms oozing out from Sumire and also Natsuki doesn't care at all. Shizuru was glad when she saw Natsuki was not interested.
But to Shizuru dismayed, Sumire chose the vacant seat with Natsuki. And the conversation of her classmates still ringing in her ear.
"I did not know I will meet the celebrity of our school today," Sumire said after taking her seat and looking at Natsuki.
Natsuki did not bother looking at her. She just simply drinks her coffee pretending that she did not hear anything at all.
"My, my, a rebel one. Really, I did not know a heartbroken girl will still hang out with the girl who broke her heart."
Natsuki looked at her with her eyes piercing to the blue eyes of Sumire.
Sumire smiled at her sweetly in return.
"Anou, Sumire-san, don't talk like that with Natsuki-san. She is really a friend of mine. And that's only a rumor." Arika said shyly.
"Really? A rumor? I don't mind at all. So, there's no complications here?" Sumire asked.
"None at all Sumire-san." Arika replied.
"What do you mean, Sumire-san?" Shizuru asked.
"I just want to know if Kuga-san will allow me to court her."
Arika gasped when she heard it. And also Erstin.
Natsuki just blushed slightly and still not looking at Sumire. Natsuki was really hate crowd and this is one of the reasons why should she hate it more. No less than a public announcement. She was not really sure if she is into girls but the girls in Fuuka are making her into it.
Heck, they are trying to convert me liking girls. What the hell!!! I feel like a toy to be played by everyone. I HATE this. Nasuki muttered to herself.
"Cant you find another plaything? I am not available." Natsuki grumbled.
"Really? Who is the lucky person?" Sumire insisted.
"No one. I don't have time for this. So back off." Natsuki was trying not to shout or make a scene by putting all her calmness she can muster.
Shizuru don't want to see Natsuki in that situation so she decided to help her friend. "Ara, ara, you should not force yourself to the girl if she really don't want to."
"Hey, there's no harm going out with me. You will experience joy in your life if you come with me." But Sumire will not deter to anyone. Once she set her mind she will go for it.
"I said back off. Look for someone who is willing to go with you. Why don't you try Nina here?" Natsuki said.
"No you don't. Nina is not also available." Erstin said rushly.
"Natsuki, what kind of attitude is that?" Shizuru commented.
Sumire was amazed watching the other girls grumbling about Natsuki suggestion.
"Natsuki-san, Nina is too young and too innocent for Sumire-san. Besides, she wants you." Arika said while grabbing Nina in a bear hug.
"Stop that Arika." Nina growled.
"So, are we already settled Natsuki, may I call you Natsuki?"
Natsuki scowled more to Sumire. She doesn't like hearing her name said by this girl. "No, you can't call me Natsuki. We are not that close. And we are not still settled. I will not go out with you."
"Try another day, Sumire-san." Shizuru suggested.
"I just got rejected. This is really new to me. How about you Shizuru-san? Do you want to go out with me?"
Shizuru chuckled with Sumire's rebound. Shizuru was already immune to Sumire's charm and she had experienced going out with her in the past. She knows that Sumire is not serious asking her, just saving her face.
"No, she doesn't have time to entertain you." Natsuki growled.
Shizuru just smiled at Natsuki but inside her thought, she was panicking and screaming because she doesn't know why she is feeling giddiness with Natsuki's action.
"Wow. Shizuru-san, you are being marked by this girl who rejected me." Sumire said teasingly the rebel girl, Natsuki.
"Oh? Natsuki is really possessive. She doesn't want to share me to anyone." Shizuru smirked.
Natsuki blushed madly. It was too late when she realized what her action means.
End of chapter 9
TBC
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I need to stop in here because its getting long and I don't know what will happen next. And the next chapter is about another boring battle. But I do hope this chapter does not bore you, readers…again, thank you for the time reading this chapter.