Chapter Four: Rescue Encounter/First Date?
Part One: Rescue Encounter
The next few days seemed to get back to semi-normal. Suzuna was as busy as ever at the candy shop and was less preoccupied with Yukito's sudden departure. The truth is she was happy for him and Shiori but did miss the days when they would meet behind the music room. Now as she stared down at the somewhat crowded campus all on her own she could feel the emptiness in her heart at the void of his company. She sighed heavily as she pulled away from the wall, hearing the final bell of the day, signaling to her that it was once again time to go to work.
(Scene Change: The Candy Shop; Outside)
She was astonished to see that when she arrived at the candy shop that there was a pair of college boys on either side of an attractive, small girl who looked frightened out of her wits.
"Come on baby" one of them said, "Why don't you let us take you out for something to drink."
"No thank you" she replied back in a little, sweet voice, "I don't drink much."
"Come on" the other one urged, "We can have lots of fun."
"Please" she cried, "I really need to get home. Please let me pass."
"Don't be like that."
"Ahem!" Suzuna cleared her throat so loudly and angrily that the three of them looked over at her astonished, "I believe you two gentlemen should move along."
"Huh?" they looked over at her surprised.
"The young lady there asked you both to leave her alone. I think you should comply with her wishes and depart" she added with a frown.
"You're kind of cute too" one of them smirked and moved closer to her.
"Huh?"
"Why don't you come and join us? Then we can have a real party."
"I don't think you heard me correctly" she smiled somewhat still furious, "You are accosting this girl in front of my place of business and I will not allow it. Either the two of your scram now, or I'll make you sorry."
"Come one baby" he said with a sneer placing his hand under her chin and stroking it, "Don't be so shy."
"I warned you" she replied her eyes flashing as she grabbed his hand and pulled it behind his back making him cry out in pain, " Do you want me to make it hurt even more!" she shouted.
"Ow! Ow! Ow!" he screamed as his friend backed away slightly afraid.
"Now I suggest before I hurt you or your friend even more then this, that you back off and go somewhere else."
"Okay. Okay" he whined his eyes shut as she squeezed his arm tightly once more, "You win. Please just let me go."
She let go of his arm roughly and the two of them took off running as she shook her fist at them.
"If I ever catch you two around here again harassing little girls, I am calling the police!"
"Oh miss" the young girl spoke up coming over at once, "I don't know how to thank you."
Suzuna looked back at the other girl with a kind smile.
"It was no trouble. I hate guys like that. Are you okay?"
"Yes. I am now, thanks to you."
"You still look a bit shook up. Why don't you come on inside and I'll get you a cup of tea, maybe a cookie. I work here."
"Oh thank you kindly. I'd love to" she bowed her head as she followed her into the candy shop.
( Scene Change: The Candy Shop; Inside)
Within moments the two girls were seated at a small booth in the shop while Miyu who had now heard the whole story brought over the tea and snacks. Suzuna took in the appearance of the young girl as she sat still drinking her tea. Her skin was very pale and beautiful. Her long blond hair went down her entire back. But the most attractive feature on her face was no doubt her clear blue green eyes which sparkled like a jewel when she spoke.
"I really can't thank you enough for what you did out there" she said sweetly, "Oh excuse me I still haven't introduced myself have I?" Suzuna shook her head as she continued, "My name is Tsubaki. Tsubaki Michida. I just recently came back to Japan."
"It's nice to meet you Tsubaki. I'm Suzuna. Suzuna Kamiya."
"Suzuna. What a beautiful name" she added enthusiastically, "It's the name of a flower isn't it."
"Yes. It's a type of bell flower."
"I thought so. Well it's lovely."
"Thank you" Suzuna bowed her head back, "This is my best friend Miyu Namura. We work together here."
"Nice to meet you" Tsubaki bowed her head politely to the other girl.
"You as well" Miyu nodded, "Pardon me but you said earlier that you just recently came back to Japan?"
"Yes. I moved here from America. I've come to live with my grandmother."
"What about your parents?" Suzuna asked.
"Sadly, my parents are both deceased" she shook her head.
"Oh I am so sorry."
"That's okay. They died when I was pretty young. Grandmother sent me to America for my early education and now I have come back for the rest of my schooling. Oh dear, is that the time?" she said when she noticed the clock and stood up from her seat, "Forgive me I must go now. My grandmother will be very worried about me. I said I would only be gone for a couple of hours."
"We understand" Suzuna nodded standing up as well, "Do you need me to come along to explain?"
"No that's all right. I'll just tell my grandmother about what happened. She'll understand. Well it was nice to meet you Miyu. And Suzuna, you're my hero" she smiled.
"Huh?" Suzuna said with a slight blush.
"You were really amazing out there. I do hope we're friends."
"Well sure. But I don't know when we'll see each other again."
"Probably tomorrow" Tsubaki replied as she stood at the door.
"What?"
"When you told me your name I recognized it at once. Your reputation proceeds you."
"Huh?"
"You go to Aonaki Academy isn't that right?"
"Yes but, the high school?"
"Mhm. I start there tomorrow."
"How is that possible? How old are you Tsubaki?"
"Me? Can't you tell?" she giggled, "I'm sixteen years old. I'm the same age you are."
"Huh!" they both cried out stunned with wide eyes.
"I know I look small for my age. But really I am in High School."
"Really? You don't say."
"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow Suzuna. Maybe we'll be in the same class huh?"
"Maybe" Suzuna nodded as she waved and departed, "Bye."
"Huh" Miyu said returning back behind the counter, "What do you know about that?"
"I know. I would have only guessed that she was like twelve or something."
"Hmm. You're right."
(Scene Change: The Back Grounds; Aonaki Academy
The next afternoon around lunchtime Akihito and Sanosuke were surprised to see Tsukasa immersed in another book. He barely said a word as he joined them under the trees. The taller of the pack sighed as he leaned back against one of the trees.
"It feels so weird without Yukito here" he replied as Kenji sat next to him.
"I know what you mean" Sanosuke nodded, "It's always been the five of us. To be short one is so abnormal. Wouldn't you say so Tsukasa?" he asked turning to his friend.
"Hmm?" he said back barely glancing up from his book.
"Don't you think it's strange that Yukito's not here?"
"What are you talking about?"
"What is so interesting Tsukasa?" Akihito asked with a mischievous raise of his eyebrows.
"Yea. Why do you have your head stuck in a book again?" Kenji added.
"That's none of your business" Tsukasa replied with a huff lowering his shoulders and pulling the book closer to his face.
"It must be pretty good if you won't pull your head out of it" Sanosuke nodded to Kenji who took the hint, stood up, and started walking behind Tsukasa, "Just like that last time. Is this more reading on improving oneself?" he teased.
"I told you its none of your business. Its not that important."
"I think we'll just have to see that for ourselves" Kenji said slowly as he grabbed the book stealthily from Tsukasa once more and ran behind his other two friends.
"Kenji!" he shouted leaping to his feet furiously, "Give that back!"
"No way!" he chuckled as Sanosuke and Akihito ran over to have a look.
"I mean it damn it! Give it back!"
"What is this?" Sanosuke replied as he took the book from Kenji and read the front title, "How to make your first date a memorable one?" he looked up at Tsukasa at the same time as the others did, "Date?"
"Give it back Sanosuke" Tsukasa demanded calmly holding out his hand.
"What, are you going on a date?" Kenji asked.
"No" he stammered, "Not exactly."
"Then what are you reading this slop for?" Akihito replied with a grin, "What is the point if you're not going on a date?"
"Well, I."
"Tsukasa talk to us" Sanosuke said handing the book back to Kenji who tossed it behind him onto the grass, "Are you going out with someone?"
"Sort of" he shrugged nervously.
"Who?" Akihito replied interested, "Who are you going out with?"
"Um. You don't know her."
"Wait I know!" Kenji spoke up.
"Huh?" they all looked at him.
"It must be one of those girls from the party. Shiori's party remember?"
"Oh yea" Sanosuke nodded, "Those models. You were talking with them a long time. Is it one of them?"
"Yes" Tsukasa finally agreed with a relieved grin, "You're right. I have a date and I wanted to be prepared."
"Well if that's the case" Akihito nodded, "You don't need a book."
"Huh?"
"You got us. We got all the experience in the world to share with you. Minus Kenji of course."
"Thanks" Kenji agreed with a nod of his own.
"Really?" Tsukasa added nervously, "But I don't know."
"Trust us my friend" Sanosuke smiled as he placed his arm around his neck, "Akihito and I can give you any piece of advice that you need on dating. For instance the places to go."
"The usual place could suffice" Akihito went on, "Fancy restaurant, moonlit walks on the beach, or the opera."
"Uh huh" Tsukasa nodded warily as they continued, "But I don't think she's into stuff like that."
"Well it doesn't matter what she's into" Sanosuke replied "You'll find that out later over dinner. Dinner is important, but the most important step is the right hotel."
"What?" he eyed them curiously.
"Oh yea" Akihito agreed, "The perfect dinner has to be topped off with the perfect hotel room."
"After all Tsukasa you are going to be seventeen very soon" his other friend added his brown eyes twinkling, " It's important that your first time is somewhere romantic."
"First time?" he raised an eyebrow questionly.
"Of course" Akihito nodded, "We have been waiting so long for this Tsukasa. The day when you finally know what it feels like to be a real man. When a woman gives you the ultimate gift that every man desires. Oh it's like heaven."
"Yea. Well I'll keep that in mind" he removed his friend's arm nervously, "Actually I have something I have to do, so if you guys will excuse me" he walked over and scooped up the book.
"Be sure to throw that out" Sanosuke added pointing at the book, "We just gave you all the advice you will ever need."
"Oh yea. You bet" he nodded before taking off, "See ya!"
"Oh I am so proud" Sanosuke replied in satisfaction.
"I know" Akihito smiled, "I thought the day would never come when he would let it go. But finally he is going to lose it and become a man."
"Mhm. And just shy of his seventeenth birthday too. Of course he'll never beat our record and there is still Yuki and Kenji to consider."
"What about me?" Kenji asked coming over.
"Oh you got time Kenji" Akihito said patting his shoulder, "We got to get you to talk to girls first."
"I don't think that's gonna happen anytime soon" he lowered his head blushing a slight pink as they chuckled lightly to themselves.
(Scene Change: On the Main Campus; Aonaki Academy)
It wasn't hard for Suzuna to find Tsubaki for the young girl was all to eager to see her friend again and was astonished that they had two classes together. After their class they headed for the cafeteria prepared to have lunch with Keiichi who had met Tsubaki at the lockers. As they approached the main cafeteria building Suzuna saw Sanosuke, Akihito, and Kenji walking towards them. As soon as the dark haired teen saw Tsubaki he smiled and at once came over.
"What do we have here?" he grinned, "Hello there princess. You must be new" he added as Tsubaki cowered behind her slightly afraid.
"Knock it off Sanosuke" Suzuna replied angrily crossing her arms.
"Suzuna you must introduce us to your friend. Just tell her I don't bite."
"All right. It's okay Tsubaki. They're friends of mine. This is Sanosuke Sakura. Akihito Yamada, and Kenji Sayuki. More commonly known as the Wolf Pack."
"The Wolf Pack?" Tsubaki said coming from behind her friend's back, "I've heard of you guys."
"Nice to know that we're known" Akihito grinned, "Even by pretty strangers."
"Oh" she blushed as Suzuna continued to frown, "Oh forgive me but I thought there were five of you."
"Oh there are" Sanosuke replied, "Our wonderful leader is off doing some research" he chuckled.
"Research?" Suzuna thought doubtfully, "What kind of research could that idiot be doing?"
"And as for Yukito" Akihito said, "He's not here at the moment. He went out of the country for awhile."
"Oh I see" she nodded, "You're quite as handsome as your reputation says. Aren't they Suzuna?"
"Oh yea" she nodded as they leered at her response, "Handsome" she scoffed.
"Well we'd love to stay a little longer and talk" Tsubaki replied taking Suzuna's arm, "But we are meeting someone for lunch."
"That's okay" Sanosuke said with a nod, "We understand. I'm sure we will see you again cutie" he winked, "In fact I insist on it."
She blushed a second time until Suzuna pulled her away with a disgusted look.
Part Two: First Date?
Keiichi didn't ask many questions as the two girls sat down for lunch. He could tell by Suzuna's face that she was irritated about something. Meanwhile while he and Tsubaki chatted Tsukasa Sakamoto appeared in the cafeteria. He spotted Suzuna and her friends right away so he moved towards them and much to everyone's surprise, he walked down the steps casually, strode over quickly to her table, and slammed a small piece of paper down onto it.
"Huh?" Suzuna exclaimed as he stared directly at her.
"Sunday. One o'clock. The Main Square."
"What?" she said back as he turned back around and started to leave.
"Don't be late!" he added with a wave of his hand.
"Huh?" she repeated looking across the table at her two stunned friends, "What did he mean by that?"
"Well" Keiichi began slowly, "It sounded like he was asking you on a date."
"What?" she replied back stunned.
"Don't you think?" he asked turning to the girl who was sitting next to him.
"That's what it sounded like to me" she nodded and then carefully sipped her juice.
"That's impossible" Suzuna shook her head as she picked up the small piece of paper and read, "That cannot be what he was after."
"Well he did mention a time and place. That usually means a date" Keiichi pointed out.
"But why would he want to go out with me? That doesn't make any sense."
"I don't know" Keiichi shrugged with a bit of a sigh.
"Maybe he really likes you" Tsubaki giggled, "He was totally dreamy. So that's the famous Tsukasa Sakamoto."
"Yea. That's him. I guess" Suzuna nodded continuing to eat her lunch in silence and confusion, "Could he really be asking me out?" she thought, "There's just no way."
(Scene Change: Sunday; At the Market in Town)
By the time Sunday rolled around the idea that Tsukasa Sakamoto had asked her out on a date still seemed quite absurd so at that very moment Suzuna was helping her mother shop for groceries like they did every Sunday. However for some reason, Suzuna couldn't quite concentrate.
"He couldn't of been serious" she thought, "It's impossible."
"Here dear" Mrs. Kamiya replied holding out a large green vegetable for her daughter to put in their cart.
"Hmm? Oh" she absently placed it in and then turned once again to her mother, "Hey mom, what time is it?"
"Now?" her mother said looking down at her watch, "Why its nearly two o'clock. We've been shopping for almost two hours."
"Oh. I see" she nodded, "Almost two o'clock huh?" she said to herself, "He probably gave up waiting after an hour. That is if he showed up."
Thirty minutes later they were in line buying the groceries and her mother was trying to haggle with the salesperson. Suzuna stared up at the clock on the wall in front of her and sighed. She turned to her mom with a quick look.
"Hey mom" she replied, "I forgot there was something I have to do. I'll catch you at home later" she grabbed the umbrella.
"Suzuna!" her mother shouted, "It's starting to rain. And my groceries" she pointed at the bag that was around her daughter's wrist.
"Don't worry! I have this!" she held up the umbrella, " I'll bring them back with me later! See ya!"
"What in the world is going on with that girl?" her mother shook her head as the salesperson finished bagging the groceries, "Wait I wasn't done arguing yet."
(Scene Change: The Main Square; 3:00)
As Suzuna ran in the rain, the umbrella firmly over her head the same thoughts kept going around in her mind.
"He can't still be there. It's been almost two hours. Besides it's already begun to rain. He can't still be" she stopped stunned as she approached the square and saw him sitting forlornly on a bench, the rain dripping from his hair, "There?" she thought her eyes wide.
It was true. The usual clean cut boy that she knew was sitting on a bench, dripping wet, his clothes soaked, and his expression no doubt angry. As she stood there staring at him two older girls approached him with smiles on their faces.
"Hey there" one of them replied, "You look awfully cold and lonely."
"Why don't you come with us" the other said, "We'll get you something warm to drink."
"Get out of here!" he shouted making them both step back in surprise, "I mean it! Beat it!"
They stormed off while Suzuna angrily shook her head and strode over to him.
"Are you not capable of being nice to anyone?" she asked grabbing his attention at once.
He frowned and then stood up the rain still dripping off of him.
"Where the hell have you been?"
"Huh?"
"Do you know how long I have been sitting here? Three hours. Why are you so late?"
"What are you talking about?"
"I told you where and what time didn't I? Was I not clear?" he asked with a frown, "Why are you so damn late?"
"Well I. Hold on" she began to get angry herself, "I don't have to explain anything to you. Who asked you to wait for me anyway? And when did I say I would come?"
"Now what are you talking about? We discussed it didn't we?"
"Uh no."
"Yes we did. I said let's go on a date and you agreed. So I gave you a time and place. And then you don't even show up on time."
"When did you ask me out on a date?" she asked her eyebrows furrowing.
"The day that Shiori left for Spain."
"Huh?"
"I asked you when Yukito's plane was taking off."
"Oh is that what you said? I couldn't hear a word you idiot."
"What?"
"The plane was so loud I couldn't hear a word you said."
"Well whatever. I said let's go on a date and you agreed. You even took my small piece of paper so I assumed you knew what I was talking about. Oh hell, this is just stupid and a waste of time. I'm going home" he added and then sneezed.
"Wait" Suzuna stopped him feeling a little sympathetic, "You shouldn't go home like this."
"Huh?" he looked back at her surprised.
"Since you have been waiting for so long I mean, and really it was my misunderstanding, I can at least get you something hot to drink before you go. Come on my treat" she finished with a smile as she placed her umbrella over his head.
"Well. Darn right it's your treat" he spat with his usual air, "Making me wait all this time."
"Come on" she huffed taking his arm and pulling him along the street, "You're getting wetter by the minute."
As they moved along down the street under a small walkway that was covered and near the shops, a young man approached with a pad in his hand.
"Pardon me miss" he stopped Suzuna as Tsukasa continued to walk, "Would you mind taking a survey for a minute?"
"Well I" she began as Tsukasa stopped and turned around with a frown.
"It'll only take a second."
"She's not interested" Tsukasa said angrily as he took her by the arm and pulled her away.
"Wait Tsukasa!" she replied, "Don't be so rude."
"Come on" he pulled her up a fancy flight of steps, "We're going in here."
"Hold on! I can't afford a place like this."
He took her into a small tea room and began to talk to the hostess in the front.
"Tsukasa" she said through gritted teeth, "I said to wait. I can't buy anything here. Everything is too expensive."
"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it this time. I'm cold and thirsty. I don't want to wait."
"But."
"If you hadn't taken so much time flirting with that guy down the street we could have gone where you wanted to go."
"Flirting? Why I?" she began to raise her voice but noticed the customers in the room watching her reaction, "Can I talk to you for a minute?" she grabbed his arm and pulled him into the main lobby.
"Huh?"
"In here" she pushed him into a nearby elevator but didn't notice the scheduled maintenance sign on the side wall.
"What are we doing in here?" he asked as the elevator began moving down after the door closed.
"I'll have you know I was not flirting and there is no way I could raise my voice in a place like that" she added indicating the restaurant.
"Looked like flirting to me" he said back just as angrily as he crossed his arms.
"He was asking me about some kind of survey. He stopped me. What else was I supposed to do?."
"Say no thank you and walk away. That's what any normal person would have done."
"Why you" she began as he sneezed, "Uh never mind. You're cold and tired so I'll humor you. But only this once" she walked to the buttons, "What floor was the restaurant on again?"
"Third" he replied, "Huh?" he said as the elevator lurched to a stop.
"What's going on?" she replied aloud, "Oh no" she added as she pressed the buttons and nothing happened, "I think the elevator is stuck."
"No way. Let me try" he hit the buttons himself but still nothing happened, "Mmm" he grumbled.
"See I told you."
"Hey!!!" he pounded the door, "Can anyone hear me? We're trapped in here!"
"Tsukasa" she shook her head, "They're not going to hear you. It's impossible."
"What are you talking about? Maybe they can."
"No what I mean is, it's almost five o'clock."
"So?"
"Well this building closes at five. Didn't you see the sign in front. Everyone would have already left who could help us."
"Fine. I'll just use my phone then" he pulled out his cell phone, "But it looks like I don't have any reception. How about yours?"
"I don't have a cell phone. You know I can't afford something like that."
"Oh this is why I hate poor people. They can't afford anything."
"Well excuse me for being poor" she spat, "I guess we're going to be stuck here for the rest of the night. We might as well get used to it" she shrank to the floor.
"Just great" he added sliding to the floor close to her, "Some date this turned out to be."
"Yea. About that. I'm sorry."
"Huh?"
"I really had no idea that's what you had in mind."
"Don't worry about it. It's not a big deal" he shrugged as he leaned up against the wall.
"Tsukasa" she said as her eyes softened.
"Hmm?"
"Never mind" she said with a shake of her head, " It's gonna be a long night" she thought, "A really long night."
(To be continued…)
Authors Note: Hey guys! I'm back. My computer completely died on me. But I have a new laptop now so I am going to get back to my writing. I'm hoping to finish this particular book by the middle of this month and start on the next by the end. See you all later and thanks for your patience.
Next Chapter: Believe Me!/I Love You