(a/n)
Hey guys! Thank you for all the reviews. They keep making me inspire to write more. I'm really sorry if I couldn't update sooner, school's hectic. But I'll do my best for you! Here's chaptereleven! Read & Review!
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CHAPTER 11
By
©ancercute
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It was yet another solitary moment in her bedroom. Just her, with the stereo on, listening to Tynisha Keli's My Everything, while she sat on her bed looking at the photographs they took the day before in the dressing rooms. She already had them developed and now, she'll be putting them on her album and some on her wide wall of collage. She kept staring at the pictures and wondered how they could possibly be her- because she totally looked different… and pretty.
Her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by the ring of her phone.
From Tk, Text Message, 11:27 pm.
Good nyt. :D
And magically, that smile appeared on her face again. She's never gonna get used to it. Everytime something happens that involves him, she couldn't help smiling. There was this some kind of bizarre feeling stirring inside her that makes it so heart-warming.
From Kari, Text Message, 11:28 pm.
Good night too.
Then she returned to her work at hand. She decided to show Zoe the photos they'd taken before she posts it on her wall or her album. So she sorted out those girly pictures from the ones she took on Tk's basketball game. It was him again, in that green Odaiba Falcons jersey. She remembered their past conversation some time before, and it was one of those memorable nights she had, because he had walked her to the front door.
"Hm. Coincidence. You're wearing my favorite color," he spoke.
"You like green?"
"Yeah. It looks good on you. Actually, it looks good on both of us," he smirked.
Tk in green, looking all handsome in that picture of throwing a three-point shot. He does damn well know how to melt a girl's heart. Doesn't he know he's that charismatic?
Her phone rang again.
From Tk, Text Message, 11:30 pm.
Why are u still awake pretty girl? (I'm handsomely raising my eyebrow right now) :D
From Kari, Text Message, 11:31 pm.
I'm sorting photos. And your raising your eyebrow doesn't affect me. :P
From Tk, Text Message, 11:33 pm.
Hmm. My charm must have vanished. But don't worry, I'll get it back soon. Haha. Shouldn't you be sleeping?
From Kari, Text Message, 11:35 pm.
You're not sleeping too.
From TK, Text Message, 11:36 pm.
It's coz I'm thinking of you. :) you won't escape my head.
From Kari, Text Message, 11:38 pm.
Huh. Really? I must be really that pretty. Haha.
From Tk, Text Message, 11:40 pm.
Ha! There comes your ego again. But it's true anyway. Pretty psycho!
From Kari, Text Message, 11:42 pm.
Whatever. You're just saying that.
From Tk, Text Message, 11:45 pm.
So you want me to mean it, don't you? Haha.
From Kari, Text Message, 11:47 pm.
I don't need you to mean it. I already know I'm pretty. :P
From Tk, Text Message, 11:48 pm.
Yeah yeah. Have it your way. Go to sleep already. It's getting late, you're making me worried.
From Kari, Text Message, 11:49 pm.
Ha! You actually know how to worry? Shocking! Haha.
From Tk, Text Message, 12:01 pm.
Seriously. Go to sleep. It's not healthy staying up late.
From Kari, Text Message, 12:03 pm.
You're not sleeping too.
After hitting the send button, she began to feel drowsiness creeping on her. She felt her eyes getting heavy as she plopped her back on the bed. The photos were still on the corner of her bed, scattered and unkempt. She fell to short span of unconsciousness; then a while after, she woke up in surprise by the sound of her ringing phone- this time, with a different song.
She hurriedly grabbed her phone and looked at the screen. Her eyes bolted in disbelief as her heart wildly raced against her chest at what she has read. Tk Calling… Without thinking, she pushed the green button and put the phone in her ear.
"Hello?" she said.
"Hi."
"What's with the call?"
"I need to make sure you're sleeping."
"If I were asleep, I wouldn't have answered your call. But I did fall asleep a while ago. My phone woke me up."
"So I shouldn't have called?"
"You're asking me?" She laughed.
He laughed too. "Hmm. I need to hear you say good night. I can't sleep if I don't. I'll have insomnia."
"Ha. You're a freak. You first. You're the one who keeps bugging me to get to sleep. Where's my good night now?" she can't help smiling. And the thing beneath her chest keeps pumping outrageously.
"Good night pretty girl."
"Good night too."
"Sweet dreams."
"Hmph. Sweet dreams too Teekaay." She emphasized his name in a sarcastic tone. But he just laughed.
"And mwah!"
"Hm. I think that's too much. You only said you can't sleep without a good night."
"But I need the 'mwah' to make my sleep a good one."
"Ha! And you think I'd give you one?"
"Why not pretty girl? I think I deserve it."
"Any reason?"
"We won our game… and I need your care."
She blushed a deep red as he said those words. Oh my god! It was too much. He needs her care?!
"Uh. Okaay? Stop being a baby. How about you give yourself care? Be self-supporting," she tried to cover her embarrassment with a laugh.
"Fine. I'm going to be upset with you."
"Like you'd be able to do that."
"I'm serious," he smiled on the other line. "After this call, promise me you'll go to sleep."
"Alright alright. Don't stress."
"Good night Kari. Sweet dreams."
"Good night too, and sweet dreams."
"Mwah! Please?"
"Uh. Fine, but you owe me. Mwah."
"Sure, I'll remember. Good night!" and then the line went dead. She couldn't believe herself. She just stared blankly, smiling like an idiot in love, and still her phone on her ear.
Lately things have been a little crazy
Flippin out and buggin on my baby
god only knows just what I would be
If I didn't have you hear loving me I
Wake up all hours of the night when u are away
crack a smile every time that you're on my brain
me without you baby just ain't right
So if I lose you how will I survive
And because of his call, she couldn't get back to sleep. He was lingering in her thoughts. She now lay on her bed, curled to the side facing the wall and still kept smiling in the darkness of her room. She looked at her cellphone beside her, then picked it up and scrolled to her log. She pressed Received Calls, and there displayed was Tk's name. There was this foolish yet overwhelming feeling she felt about him. Probably because they've been really intimate with each other lately. She could feel that there was something building up, but no one knows. All she knows was that she liked the feeling. And somehow, that was enough.
•-•-•
She woke up the next morning, and the first thought that came to her mind was.. "How did I get here?" and "Where am I going with this?" Those two questions got stuck in her head as she remembers their conversation last night. It was him again. Even the first thought in the morning, it was about him.
Determined to get the idea out of her head, she got up from bed and stretched. The photos on the corner were still there, untidy.
"Ah. The photos," she cursed to herself. Good thing it was a weekend, she would have free time on doing stuff. Scratching her head, she lazily picked up the scattered pictures and put them aside on her desk. She stepped out of her room to the kitchen.
"Taaaiii??" she called out.
No answer. She called for him again and only the silence greeted her. She opened the cupboard and took a box of cereals and a carton of milk from the fridge, then set it on the table. There she found a note from his brother. Hey sis, I'm going out early today at Matt's with Sora and Mimi. Won't be home till late this afternoon. Have a nice day!
She started eating breakfast when the doorbell rang. It must be Zoe since she told her last night at the game that she was coming in the morning. Without hesitation, she went to get the door and opened it.
"You know, it's too early in the morning to-," she stopped midsentence when she saw who it was by the door. It was a blonde, but definitely not a girl. "What are you doing here?!"
"Calm down psycho. I'm not a terrorist," Tk said amused looking at her from head to toe.
"Hey! I'm still in my pajamas, freak," she flustered as she let the door cover her.
"At least your wearing something," he pointed out and she blushed. "It doesn't matter. I don't really mind. What I mind is if you'll ever let me in."
"What if I don't?"
"Then I'll just welcome myself," he stepped inside through the door and smirked at Kari. She stuck her tongue out like a four year old and avoided his grin.
"Haha. Still in here pajamas," he mocked as he followed her in the kitchen.
"Ugh. Pissing me in the morning isn't good blondie. So you better shut up if you don't want me to shove chili pepper in your mouth. I just woke up dumbhead."
"Shheessh. You're awful in the morning. I don't think I'll be able to stand sleeping with you." He still kept that smirk on his face while he watched her eat her cereal.
She almost chocked as the word were out. "What the hell are you saying?"
"Nothing," he said in defense, both hands raised up. "I'm just kidding. Chillax pretty girl. You'll get old."
"Ugh. Whatever Tk. What are you doing here? It's what? Six forty five." She raised her eyebrow.
"Hey, your brother invaded our place along with those two girls. What am I supposed to do? Be their domestic helper?"
"It's better than pissing me in the morning."
"I like pissing you. It's cute," he grinned again, and tried to hide the blush that crept on her cheeks.
Surprisingly the doorbell rang again.
"Hold on, I'll get it," she pushed back her seat and got the door. When she opened it, Zoey came in speaking nonstop.
"Hi girl. I can't believe you didn't come to the party last night. I could have been so wasted but luckily Kouji was watching out for me and you should have seen the look on Karyl's face, I was beyond shocked to find that social climber there. She has such a huge nasty ego, since when does she think she's so close with the varsity team. I saw her flirting with the guys and ugh who does she think she is. I mean like does she even know how filthy her reputation is--," she kept blabbering on her way to the kitchen and when she saw Tk, her mouth hung open in surprise to see the blonde sitting by the table.
"Hi Zoey," he greeted.
"Hey Tk…?" her greeting sounded more of a question. She looked at Kari for an explanation. The brunette shrugged and put her bowl in the sink.
"You're earlier here than I usually am," Zoe commented on Tk. He only laughed and explained why he was there so early.
"Oh," she managed to say. "Hey, I'll just look for my notebook I let in your room."
When Zoe was out of the kitchen, Tk asked, "Is she usually here?"
"Almost everyday," she laughed. "Do want to eat anything?"
"Sure. I'm kinda hungry. What do you have?"
"Just check the fridge and get whatever you like… pig." She giggled after washing the bowl.
"Huh," he opened the fridge and looked for food. He got some pizza and put two slices in the oven.
"Ohmygosh K! These are so cuuuuttee!" Z suddenly burst back in the kitchen carrying the photos and holding them out to her face. She settles herself on the seat and piled the pictures on the table.
"What's that?" Tk asked in curiosity.
"Just some pictures we took in the mall," Zoe said marveling at how they both looked like. Kari kept quiet, trying not to be embarrassed that Tk was going to look at them.
He looked at some of the pictures and became surprised. He was speechless and tried to recover his expression hoping no one caught him. He didn't expect to see Kari look so pretty. He watched her by the sink and then back at the picture. He tried to compare, and yet still couldn't believe it. He was so sure that the girl in the picture is still here. No make up or whatsoever.
"How did you look so pretty all of sudden in here?" he asked in a teasing tone, hiding the true surprise in his voice.
"Huh. Surprised?" she played it safe, raising an eyebrow.
"Yeah. You should be like this more often. I like it," he grinned. Her poker face was on, making sure she wasn't showing any emotion but a blank expression.
•-•-•
Impressing others isn't what Kari would usually do. But she couldn't get off her mind what Tk said earlier. He liked to see her wearing girly clothes.. aka dresses and skirts. Well, truthfully, she did like how she looked in those pictures. Maybe it didn't hurt to have a little change, but what if he notices that she begins wearing those kind of clothes just because he said he liked it. Now that would make him think she actually likes him.
Does it matter anyway?
Yes it does! She thought. Ugh, this stupid feeling.
She kept on thinking about all those silly things while she walked to school that Saturday. She almost forgot the assignment her editor gave her. She was suppose to take a picture of the basketball varsity team… and Tk. She sighed. God, help me concentrate.
Her camera was hung around her neck and a small backpack hung on her right shoulder. She pushed the gates of the campus and let herself in, heading her way to the gym. She passed by the soccer field and suddenly bumped into Daisuke who was in a rush, carrying a soccer ball and his sports bag.
"Oh crap. I'm sorry Kari. I was hurrying. Are you alright?" he asked her.
"Yeah, I am. Don't worry," she smiled.
"Okay. What are you doing here? It's a Saturday."
"I've got some assignments to finish. I'm taking a picture of the basketball team for the school paper," she explained.
Daisuke's face fell. Basketball means Tk.. and he, let's just say, wasn't one of Daisuke's favorite person. "Oh, right. You've been hanging out a lot with Tk lately," he mentioned.
That was when she became rigid and insecure, unsure of where this was headed. "Uhm. Yeah. Is that bad?"
"Uh, no, of course not. Uhm.. I just noticed. That's all." She nodded at his reply.
"Do you still use the same number?" he asked. "It's been a while since we've talked." In other words, since she busted him.
"Uhm, yeah. It's still my number." She tried to be nice in answering. It wasn't really that she didn't like him, it's just that she didn't like him in that sense. And somehow, she found him so annoying before. Maybe he got over it. Maybe he wants to be reacquainted again. It's good to be friends, and not ignore each other. Maybe he changed.
"So, see you later. I've got practice."
"Oh sure. Sorry for keeping you out."
"Nah, it's okay. I better be going now," he took off and waved by to her. She raised her hand and smiled back, then made her way to the gym.
When she was by the door, Ken noticed her coming.
"Hey Kari," he greeted. "Looking for Tk?"
That was a surprise. Why is it that everyone keeps on mention Tk to her? Have they been really that obvious in hanging out? Maybe only to his friends. But why Daisuke? Were they really that intimate in public?
"Uhm no. Actually, I'm looking for your coach."
"Ah. He's inside."
"Uh, what are you doing here? You need to come in too. I'm taking a group picture of you all."
"Hm. Alright, be there in a sec."
The brunette pushed the heavy doors and entered the gym. All of the players were fresh from bath and were packing up their things. She spotted their coach and went up to him.
"Excuse me coach," she said.
"What's up kid?"
"I need a group picture of the team including you and Tk's solo. The school paper's writing an article with it."
"I see." He blew his whistle and clapped his hands, gathering the boys' attention. "Alright boys. Gather up, we need our pictures taken for the school paper."
The guys commented with each other and positioned themselves. They formed a single line with Coach on the far right. She spotted Tk giving her a ridiculously teasing expression. She ignored him but couldn't control her amusement, so she laughed quietly at herself.
"Ready guys?" she adjusted the lens and leveled the camera to her eye. A chorus of 'yes' was heard as the boys smiled. She pressed click and took several pictures. After doing so, they parted from their positions.
"Okay Tk, you're next," coach said. "They need a solo of you." With that, the guys chorused some "ooohh" and "weeehh". They laughed and teased him, shouting Kari's name and making mushy sounds.
The brunette blushed at the sudden reaction and tried to compose herself from the embarrassment she felt. Her head was bowed down, concentrating on her camera as she fidgeted with it.
"Hey, don't embarrass my pretty girl here," he grinned coming closer to her.
Ugh god! He was riding with their jokes! Her blush became redder and heat rose up to her face. I better get this thing done. He owes me twice now. Stupid blonde. Ugh! She put all her effort in restoring her normal color and put on an unaffected expression.
"My girl?" she raised an eyebrow. "Huh. C'mon blondie, stand over there and let's get this over with."
He smirked at her response. As she focused her camera, he flashed his most drool-worthy sexy grin. He crossed his arms on his chest and looked at the camera. Of course, Kari was biting her lip behind the thing as she looked at the blonde. Damn, why does he have to be so irresistible? Standing tall, handsome face, tamed blonde hair, mesmerizing eyes, teasing smile… this has to be the hardest photo to capture. Taking a photo with the person who also captured her heart. She was almost sweating behind the camera. How convenient.
Taking a deep breath, she pressed click several times.
"Done." She forced a smile back to him.
The other players watched them and laughed. "Kiss! Kiss!" some of them shouted in amusement. With that, Kari blushed and shook her head down.
"C'mon guys, that's enough," Tk tuned up his voice. "Where are you headed after?"
"Home, I've done all my work."
"Mind if I tag along?"
"Sure, no problem."
After most of them fixed their things, they all headed out of the court. Tk was closely by her side as they walked out together.
"Bye lovers!" someone shouted from behind with a laugh and Kari felt her face burn.
"Where the hell do they get that crazy idea?" she demanded Tk with narrowed eyes and knitted eyebrows.
"Hey, don't blame me," he raised his hands in defense. "I don't have anything to do with it. Just ignore them."
"Easy for you to say. You're all guys and they're your friends. Poor me, being cornered by idiotic basketball players," she scoffed.
"Ouch. Now we're idiots?" they both walked along the pathway towards the school gate when they spotted the soccer varsity players going to the opposite direction. Daisuke noticed Kari and he smiled at her, which she also returned. Tk caught a glimpse of this and tried to ignore. When his group passed by the two, Daiskue shouted, "I'll call you."
Kari waved back until he was out of sight and then focused on Tk. "You were saying?"
"Nothing," he muttered as he looked back behind his shoulders and saw Daisuke looking back at him too. Their faces were straight, eyes pierced through each other and not a twitch of the lips was seen. He rested his arm on Kari's shoulders, and Daisuke looked away. Tk focused back his attention on their direction and didn't pay any attention to the soccer player anymore.
Kari felt the blonde's move and got insecure with his arm on her shoulder, yet, she let it be.
"What was that?" He asked.
"I don't know," she replied without giving much care to Daisuke's greeting.
"He's going to call you?"
"Maybe."
"Does he still like you?"
She just shrugged her shoulders, not knowing at all. He paused and stopped walking, faced Kari and stared at her face.
"What?" she asked in bother.
"You don't know?" He raised an eyebrow with his frustrated expression.
"No I don't. Is that a big deal?" she let out a curious smile. "Ohmygod, are you jealous?" she asked in half amusement and surprise.
"No, I'm not." His face was a hard line.
"So what's the deal?"
"I'm just looking out for you."
"Really? Gee, thanks," she rolled her eyes and started walking, and he kept up with her too. "I'm not a kid Tk. And is his call so dangerous?"
"It might be."
"Whatever. Now get your arms down, they're heavy," she took them from her shoulders and dropped them. Somehow, she felt like he was being a little possessive. But not the kind she liked him to be.
"Sheesh." He smiled sheepishly. Yet underneath it, he still couldn't let go of that irritating feeling. Daisuke was bothering him.
- - -
cancercute ©opyright
- - -
(a/n)
I know, and I'm sorry it's kinda short. But that's all I can do for now. And god, long tests are next week! Ugh, school's getting in the way with my fictional life. Lol. Anyway, please do review. They are truly appreciated.
THANK YOU to a very nice song: My Everything by Tynisha Keli.
Oh, and to these people: edwardlele, sugarspiral, takumi4life, 61wisampa, musiclover9419, MM Forever, and BigKuriboh, thank you for reading chapter 10! I hope you become faithful to my fic. More power to you guys! See you soon… Ciao!
