Hey Guys! I know i know, it's been a REALLY long time since i've updates and yeah, i'm so sorry about that. I kinda ran out of creative juices on what's supposed to happen. SO, please forgive me! I also want to apologize in advance if you find this chapter slightly random and er...filler-ish? I dunno. Like, right now, i'm trying to bridge the next events? so yeah. Please bear with me for a while. Okay? THANKS :)
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One Sided Rivalry Summary: When girls see Fuji, they fawn over him. Meet the only girl who fumes with anger when Fuji's around. Miyashita Hikari, little miss always number two. She's Fuji's rival you know? Though, doesn't it seem a little bit one sided? FujiXOCX? (Basically, it a love hate relationship kind of thing) SO GO GO GO! CHECK IT OUT :) Just visit my profile and click the link :)
Heart Strings
Chapter Thirteen: Awkwardness
I lay down on my bed, staring at the ceiling. I then shifted to the right and stared at my empty side table. Usually, Riku would be there but not today. It was Ryo-chan's turn to take him home. Actually, throughout this whole day, the only time that I was able to talk to Ryo-chan was when I told him that it was his turn to bring Riku home.
I sat up from my bed. Grrr. I swear, I'm getting really frustrated. I mean, I seriously don't get Ryo-chan's sudden change in personality. Okay, I know he isn't the friendliest person in the whole school but I know for a fact that he isn't a snob. And today, well, he was being a snob. He was being a snob to me. Just me. Mou, what did I do? I don't remember doing anything mean to him. I sighed. Maybe I need some fresh air or something. I looked at the clock that was on my study desk. It was still early. I wonder if Kuni-chan will accompany me or something. I got out of bed and headed towards Kuni-chan's room. I knocked on the door.
"It's open." I heard him say on the other side of the room. I gently opened the door and peeked in. I saw Kuni-chan sitting on his chair, reading a book. He looked up. "Ah, Miyuki-chan."
"Neh Kuni-chan. Want to get some ice cream?"
I honestly didn't expect Kuni-chan to get some ice cream with me. I dunno. Throughout the twelve years that I've known my cousin, I've always known that he was a practical and responsible person. He wasn't the type who'd agree to random 'spurs of the moment.' He was more of the 'well planned' kind of guy. And just so you know. Yes, I've actually tried this before; asking him to have a walk around the neighborhood around night time. Hmm. I wonder why he actually agreed this time.
I licked my yummy ice cream. Green tea as usual. I just never get tired of this one. "Neh Kuni-chan, arigatou. I thought you wouldn't allow me to get some ice cream since I'm still kind of sick."
"Ah. You seemed upset and ice cream's the only thing that can cheer you up."
"Mou, ice cream isn't the only thing! Hugs can cheer me up too!" I gave Kuni-chan a hug. I continued to stare at Kuni-chan. "You should smile more. You look like Ojii-san." I giggled. Kuni-chan just blinked and stared at me. I giggled. Kuni-chan's so funny. I looked around, noticing where we were. We were in the same place wherein the accident happened. "Neh Kuni-chan, it's this street. I haven't walked in this street in a really long time." Really. See, this street is kind of far from Kuni-chan's house, and well, we don't really take this route. Why did we pass here today? Well, it's because this was the scenic route. I wanted to take the scenic route. I wanted to see this street again. I was tired of running away.
"Neh, I guess it was a good thing that we were walking in this street that day huh? I mean, okay fine, I injured my shoulder and all that but, at least that little boy wasn't hurt neh?" I licked my ice cream and looked at the stars.
"Is that why you seem dazed this whole day? Because of your shoulder?" I looked at Kuni-chan and cocked my head to the right. Really? Was I really that dazed today? Mou, I guess I was thinking too much about what I told Fuji-senpai earlier. "Hmm? Don't worry about that Kuni-chan. It's nothing." I gave him a reassuring smile.
"Miyuki, you're like a sister to me. You can tell me anything."
I giggled. "Just boy troubles Kuni-chan, just boy troubles." I giggled as he raised an eyebrow. I sighed. "Okay okay fine, I'll tell you but. Don't make fun of me okay? And don't tell anyone else. Pinky swear?" I raised my pinky.
Kuni-chan blinked. And stared at my pinky. Don't tell me he doesn't know what a pinky swear is? A few seconds passed by and he just stared at my pink. Okay, never mind. He really doesn't know what a pinky swear is. I sighed and grabbed his hand, stuck his pinky out and intertwined it with mine. "There. Now you're sworn to secrecy!" I giggled as I started to tell him everything.
Sigh. Sigh. Sigh. I've been sighing a lot lately. I looked at Ryo-chan and remembered what I had told Fuji-senpai and Kuni-chan a few days ago. I sighed again. What is it with me and sighing? Yeah, I know, I normally sigh a lot, it's kinda a habit, but this was way too much! I looked at Ryo-chan. Ugh, remember Miyuki, friendship over everything else. Shoot, I still can't get that thump thump thump feeling in my heart whenever I see him. And because of that, I can't even approach him anymore. Well I can, but it just feels awkward. And besides, I don't know why but it seems as though Ryo-chan is really avoiding me.
"Takishima-san." I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I jumped and tensed. "H-HAI!" I screamed and slammed my hands on my desk. Well, I was really tense right now, and nervous too! I turned red as soon as I heard the snickers from my classmates and the annoyed look on sensei's face.
I heart Suzuki-sensei, our homeroom teacher giggle. "Neh Takishima-san, we need you to help assist your other co class representative in deciding on what to do for the school festival. We only have a month to prepare you know." She giggled again. Suzuki-sensei's really bubbly isn't she? Co class representative? You mean Ryo-chan? I looked in front and saw Ryo-chan already standing in front of the class. I sighed and headed towards the blackboard.
Just so you know, I never volunteered for this job. I didn't even want it in the first place. The only reason why my class picked my was because well, my classmates found out that Kuni-chan, the president of the student council and the captain of the tennis club, was my cousin. How'd they find out? First day of school, Kuni-chan brought me to class and gave ma A LOT of reminders. Seriously. He was like a dad who was bringing his very first daughter to kindergarten! Then the teacher saw and found out that we were cousins and then my other classmates overheard.
"Anou…do you guys have any ideas?" I asked sheepishly.
"Neh, what about we have a teashop or something? It's both easy and convenient!"
"Yeah yeah! We can sell bubble tea too!"
"And cakes!"
By now, the whole class is in commotion. And well, I was now scribbling on the board. I wasn't sure if these were all the same idea or what, but I was just writing whatever I heard on the board. Okay, things are getting really noisy. Everyone's talking at the same time and I can't hear properly anymore. All I hear is jibberish. I looked at Ryo-chan. "N-neh, Ryo-chan. Do understand anything anymore?"
"Nope…." Was all that he said as he continued on staring at the classroom.
"Mah mah! One at a time everyone." Sensei giggled as she finally intervened. "Ora ora. So, does everyone agree to having a teashop slash café thing?"
"Hai!"
"Let me see a show of hands. Who's okay with this idea?" At that everyone raised their hands. Well, at least everyone agrees. Sensei giggled again. "Okay, now that that's done, let's discuss about how we'll go on about this. Class reps, go on and take charge." She giggled.
"Uh…hai." I looked at Ryo-chan. Er…it doesn't look like he wants to do the talking. He seems…bored actually. I looked at my classmates. "Anou, what about we er…divide into different committees? Like, we'll have you guys choose committees and then you can discuss first. Then you can share your ideas to the class and everyone'll just pitch in? is that okay?" I looked at sensei who just nodded.
"Er…so we'll have a layout committee, you guys are in charge of the floor plan and where things will go. I guess you guys can also find out where we can get extra materials?" I noticed that Ryo-chan stood up and started writing the things I was saying on the board. I continued. "Decors, you're in charge of the decorations. Costumes, er…costumes. I'm guessing you'll have to coordinate with the the decors committee. Uh what else?"
"Finance…" Ryo-chan said as he wrote that on the board. "And food…."
"Oh yeah. So…er…Finance? What do they do? I guess you'll have to handle all the budgeting. Right? And then food, you'll have to figure out what we'll be serving and where we can get those…."
"Neh. You guys can sign up now." Ryo-chan said in a very bored tone as he went to the side of the blackboard.
RING
The final bell rang. Meaning, school was over and it was time to go to tennis practice. This time, Ryo-chan and I were walking together. He didn't wait for me or anything, it just happened that we walked out of the room at the same time. I looked at him at the corner of my eyes. Okay, this is soo awkward. This walk is way too quiet for my liking.
"Neh Ryo-chan….?"
"Nani?" he said in a very bored tone as he continued to walk and looked in front.
"Well, uh…." I started as I placed a hand on the back of my neck. "Don't forget about the baby scrapbook. We can work on it tomorrow or something." I let out a nervous laugh. Gosh, even talking about school stuff is awkward!
"Ah…." Ryo-chan blinked, his eyes still not averting from the path that was right in front of him.
"Okay then" I nervously said.
"Okay"
I blinked. "Okay…"
"Neh, here's Riku…" He took Riku out of his pocket and handed him to me. Riku was inside his pocket? Good thing he didn't break!
It was quiet again. I sighed. Well, at least we're near the tennis courts now. In the tennis courts, the words quiet and peaceful do not exist. It occasionally does, but those moments are quite rare. Actually, they're really really rare.
"URUSAI BAKA!"
"What was that MAMUSHI?"
See what I mean? I looked over at the tennis courts, once again, Momo-senpai and Kaidoh-senpai were bickering and arguing. Mou, these two NEVER stop fighting! NEVER! Even when they're paired up as doubles partners, they STILL fight. I sighed but giggled. Despite the fact that these tennis regulars are…let's admit, they're pretty bizarre, I still love them! They're like the older brothers that I never had.
I headed towards the girl's locker room to change. Once that was done, I quickly walked to the tennis courts where the regulars were located. I heard then the door of the tennis courts open and saw Ryo-chan enter. Unconsciously, I ended up staring at him, following him with my eyes. I then heard a chuckle "Saa, you really like him don't you?" I turned around and saw Fuji-senpai.
I turned red. "N-no way! Not anymore at least! I told you yesterday Fuji-senpai! We're just friends!"
Fuji-senpai chuckled. "Really Miyuki-chan? Really? Just friends?"
"Yes! Just friends!" I turned even redder as I started flailing my arms. Grr, Fuji-senpai's such a sadist. I bet he's enjoying this right now. I mean, look at me. I'm all red, screaming and I'm flailing my arms. I bet I look like some kind of crazy person. Fuji-senpai started laughing. "Mou! Fuji-senpai! Hidoi!"
"Saa, just kidding Miyuki-chan." He ruffled my hair as I crossed my arms over my chest and humphed. Fuji-senpai just chuckled and smiled. As usual. "Demo, are you sure about your decision? You know, you can't really force yourself to do something that you don't want to do."
"Hai. And besides Fuji-senpai, I'm happy being his best friend."
"Saa, well, just don't rush into things neh?"
I blinked and looked at Fuji-senpai. I cocked my head to the right.I was slightly confused now. Who's rushing what now? Fuji-senpai just chuckled, he probably noticed the confused expression I had. "Saa, just make sure that you're happy about this neh?"
"Uh… hai…"
Is it just me or is Ryo-chan avoiding me? I think it started yesterday but…it's a lot worse today. Well, we were able to talk…a little bit but it was just soo awkward! Seriously! More awkward that when you're trying to get Kuni-chan into telling you his 'life stories.' What's going on anyway? I'm so confused and frustrated. I sighed.
"Oi! Miyuki-chan! Look out" I heard a scream from behind me.
"Ha?" I turned around and came face to face with a yellow green tennis ball. It hit me square on the forehead, causing me to drop the basket of tennis balls that I was carrying. I crouched down a bit and touched the area of my forehead where the tennis ball hit me. "Ite…" It really hurt. It really does. I rubbed my forehead. Mou, I think I have a bump. Note to self: NEVER EVER get distracted or dazed whenever you're in the regulars courts. You might end up having an 'owie' bump on your forehead.
"AH! Miyuki-chan! Gomen Gomen!" I heard footsteps running. I looked up. Woah. So it IS true! If you get hit on the head really hard you'll see stars. I blinked and squinted. I saw Momo-senpai right in front of me, a tennis racket in hand. So I'm guessing he was the one who hit the ball? Probably. After all, it was really REALLY strong! Behind him were the other regulars. Wow, there's like, three of each person. Okay, I think I got hit by the ball really hard."Neh neh, Daijoubu?"
"Mm" I nodded "Daijoubu Momo-senpai. It's my fault. I was being careless…" I gave him a reassuring smile. I was somewhat okay I guess, I mean, it's not like I'm bleeding or anything.
Suddenly, Oishi-senpai came running. I blinked. What exactly was he holding? What's with all those medical supplies? "Miyuki-chan, are you alright? Uh…bandage bandage…where's the bandage?" Oishi-senpai started rummaging through the first aid kit. Uh…I think Oishi-senpai's a tad too…worried. It was just a bump on the head.
"Uh…I'll take you to the emergency room! You might have a concussion!" I blinked. Oishi-senpai really needs to take a chill pill. Hmm, I think he's just over worked. Yeah, that's probably it.
"Anou…senpai? I don't think that's necessary.." I laughed nervously. "I think…I'll just go get something cold for my forehead. Okay?" I stood up and headed towards the nearest uh…vending machine? Well, it was the only place I could think of that had something cold. There was one nearby anyway. But before I could leave the court, I felt a hand grab the back of my shirt.
I stopped walking and turned around. "Here…This should be cold enough…" It was Ryo-chan. I looked down at what he was holding. It was a can of Ponta.
"A-arigatou Ryo-chan…" I took the can of Ponta and placed it on my forehead. Right now, I was staring at Ryo-chan. Shoot, I still can't get that thump thump thump feeling in my heart whenever I see him. He walked away. I sighed. What's with Ryo-chan? One minute he's all cold, the next minute, he's all warm. Ryo-chan, you're making me all frustrated…
Tennis practice was finally over. FINALLY. It's not that I hated practice today but, I'm just kinda tired that's all. I mean, after all, I did get hit on the head by a tennis ball. And besides, I felt kinda awkward in there. One, Ryo-chan was being distant and cold and two, whenever I looked at him, my heart would go thump thump. That was something that I was avoiding. Remember? Friendship over love. I sighed.
"Mimi-chi nya?" I looked up at Eiji-nii. He didn't have his usual heartwarming grin on his face. Rather, he had a somewhat worried and distressed look. Hmm. I wonder what's wrong with him.
"Ah Eiji-nii. Daijoubu? You don't look…okay." I blinked. I was concerned. Eiji-nii is one of the happiest and cheerful person I know. I've never seen him like this before. Well, I kinda saw him like this the other day when he was doing his math homework. But that was because of math. Eiji-nii and math don't really click.
Eiji-nii chuckled. "Mah! I'm the one who's supposed to ask that!" He sighed. "So, nya, are you okay? You and Ochibi have been acting really strange." He asked, still with that worried expression on his face. Okay, I swear, I'm not used to this Eiji-nii side. He's all….serious and not cheery. It's weird. Though, it's kinda touching that he cares about my well being.
"I was acting strange?" I asked slightly confused. I swear, I don't think I am. I understand Ryo-chan acting strange. I mean, he's acting slightly colder and more distant than usual. But me? Hmmm.
"Hai nya! You kept on staring. And you seem dazed during tennis practice nya. And Ochibi…well, he seems more distant that normal." He explained, flailing his hands everywhere.
I blinked. "Ah…" Hmmm. Okay, I noticed the whole Ryo-chan being distant thing, but I didn't know that I seemed dazed. Hmm. Really? I honestly don't remember acting strange….
"Nya, you're doing it again." Eiji-nii poked my cheeks. Not just once, not twice, but a couple of times. He loves doing this. You know, poking people.
I blinked. Wow. I really don't notice these things huh. "Ah. Gomen Gomen! I think I just have a lot of things on my mind." I giggled. "Don't worry about it Eiji-nii." I gave him a reassuring smile. Well, I think it worked. He's back to his normal self again.
"Nya nya! Want to get something to eat?" Eiji-nii and food. He's kinda like Momo-senpai. They get really distracted by food. He slung an arm over my shoulder. I gave him a side hug. What? I like hugs okay? It's one of the few things that Eiji-nii and I have in common.
"Hai hai. Demo, you're treating right?" I giggled as I saw the expression on his face. His eyes were wide open and he looked kind of surprised in a bad way? Something like that. I can't really explain.
"EH?" he pouted. "Mou, you hang out with Momo too much. You're starting to get his habits." He whined. I get what he's saying though. Whenever Momo-senpai's with Eiji-nii, he'd ALWAYS make Eiji-nii pay for his food. Actually, Momo-senpai would make ANYONE treat him, even his kohais! He's asked almost everyone, except for Kuni-chan, Fuji-senpai and Inui-senpai.
I laughed. "I was just kidding Eiji-nii! Besides, Even if I wasn't kidding, I wouldn't make you treat me. Kuni-chan might get mad." I laughed again, thinking of what Kuni-chan would say to me. I bet he'll give me a LONG lecture on being responsible or something. Kuni-chan fun fact number thirteen. Other than giving laps, One of Kuni-chan's hobbies include giving lectures. Shhh, don't tell him I told you that.
"Takishima." I blinked. I know that voice. That was Tsuyoshi-kun. I turned to the direction of the voice and saw Tsuyoshi-kun. He was standing in front of school, leaning on the gates. Eh? What's he doing here? His school's all the way in Kanagawa. Yes. Kanagawa. Honestly, I thought Kojimachi was in Tokyo. Anyway, moving on!
"Eh? Tsuyoshi-kun? What are you doing all the way here?"
"Takishima, neh, you want to..er…hang out or something? Just the two of us?"
Okay, so that was chapter 13! yay! Just saying the number 13 is my LUCKY number. I just love it! :) I know i'm weird. So anyway, what do you think? Too draggy? filler-ish? random? please tell me by...REVIEWING! comments, suggestions and constructive criticisms are welcomed :) SO REVIEW REVIEW REVIEW! It's just a button away!
AND ONCE AGAIN, I'LL ADVERTISE. CHECK OUT MY OTHER POT FIC! ONE SIDED RIVALRY. IT'S A FUJIXOC. :) I would really appreciate it :) and review :) please?