Chapter Seven: Welcome Back Yukito/Trip to the Beach
Part One: Welcome Back Yukito
Suzuna heard the knocking on her bedroom door the next morning and sat up, her eyes red with sleepiness.
"I didn't sleep a wink last night" she thought wearily as the a second knock came, "What? Oh, I mean. Come in!" she answered.
Into the room a maid with a tray and the head butler of the house appeared.
"Good morning Miss Kamiya" he replied with a jovial grin.
"Good morning" she bowed her head back.
"I trust you slept well?"
"Sort of" she shrugged.
"Well we have your breakfast here" he signaled the maid to come forward with the tray, "And a fresh new uniform is going to be brought up to you."
"Thank you" she nodded, "But is it possible to get dressed and then eat my breakfast afterwards?" she asked.
"Of course Miss" he bowed his head the glasses on his nose sliding slightly, "I will have your uniform brought in and place your breakfast on the table in the breakfast room. Someone will escort you there when you are dressed."
"Thank you" she nodded back as the uniform was brought in and the butler departed the room.
Within seconds she had her brand new uniform on and was downstairs enjoying the most elaborate breakfast she had ever eaten. The butler and two maids were standing nearby which made her feel a little uncomfortable but she continued to eat anyway.
"When you are finished miss" the butler said, "My master has left you a surprise in the hallway."
"What kind of surprise?" she asked curiously.
"If you would like I can show you?"
"Sure. I'm done anyway" she stood to her feet as the maids began to clean the table of her dishes.
The butler led Suzuna into the hallway and she was astonished to see a brand new shiny blue bicycle parked near the front door.
"This is for me?" she replied her eyes wide as she touched the handlebars.
"Yes, the master said your former bike was destroyed so he wanted to purchase you one even better."
"This is beautiful" she smiled, "Sir, if I may ask, where is Tsukasa this morning? I'd like to thank him for everything."
"My master left for school early this morning miss. He told us to drive you there and drop the bike off for you."
"He's at school already?" she asked confused since she knew the Wolf Pack never arrived at school on time. They preferred to make a grand entrance.
"Yes."
"Why?"
"He said something about unfinished business I believe. Shall I get the car ready?"
"Unfinished business?" she scratched the back of her head and then her eyes widened, "Oh no" she said realizing and then nodding her head rigorously, "Yes, if you could hurry."
(Next Scene: Aonaki Academy)
When Suzuna arrived at school a crowd was once more gathered in the courtyard. Only this time they weren't looking at the announcement board. Instead they were all staring up towards the roof. Suzuna spotted Keiichi in the crowd and ran over to him.
"Keiichi what's going on?"
"Sakamoto's snapped" he replied in a scared voice.
"What do you mean?"
"When he arrived at school this morning he cornered three boys and took them up on the roof and now look" he pointed and to Suzuna's horror she saw the three boys dangling from the roof by their feet, terrified to death.
All around her the students were nervous, anxious, and horrified at what they saw. Suzuna's eyes became wider as she saw Tsukasa standing on the rooftop above them.
"Oh hell. What does he think he's doing?" she shouted, "I've got to go put a stop to this right now!" she added as she dashed by everyone and headed towards the stairs that led to the roof.
Meanwhile on the roof the Wolf Pack stood by with anxious looks on their faces as well as their leader taunted the three boys who screamed out for mercy.
"You punks have to learn your lesson" he replied back with a stern look as he cleaned the dirt slightly from underneath his fingernails.
"Tsukasa don't you think you've done enough?" Sanosuke said.
"Yea, I mean I think they have learned their lesson by now" Akihito replied agreeing.
"Besides this is crazy" Kenji added, "They could fall if the ropes come lose. They could die."
"They're not going to die" Tsukasa said in a scoffing tone, "They're fine aren't you boys?" he finished calling down to them while they sobbed in forced agreement.
"Tsukasa Sakamoto!" Suzuna's voice rang out as she appeared at the door of the rooftop, "What the hell do you think you're doing?" she added as she ran over to him out of breath.
"Oh good morning" he replied changing his tone and smiling.
"Don't give me good morning, what do you think you're doing? Are you trying to kill somebody?"
"No I'm trying to teach someone a lesson" he shook his head, "These are the three guys" he pointed down so she looked directly into their terrified faces, "who were beating up on you yesterday."
"I can see that. But they don't need this kind of punishment. They learned their lessons I am sure. They will never do it again. Let them go please" she insisted.
"So you're saying that if I let them go now, you'll be satisfied?" he asked in a serious tone.
"Yes, yes absolutely" she nodded a little taken aback at his tone, "Just let them go. I'm satisfied. I promise."
"Okay" he nodded, "Guys" he snapped his fingers at the Wolf Pack and they at once began to untie the ropes and lift the horrified teens back to the top of the roof, "You heard the lady" he said angrily towards the three of them, "She spared you. I would have done worse. You should be grateful."
"Oh yes, absolutely grateful" they bowed their heads in tears, "Thank you Miss Kamiya."
"Get out of here! Go to class!" he demanded so they sprinted off and out the door. Then he turned to her once more with a smile, "Are you happy?"
"Huh?" she looked at him as if he had gone crazy but then shook her head with a defeated grin, "Yes. Thank you for defending my honor. But do me a favor."
"What?"
"Don't do anything stupid like that again. There are better ways to get back at somebody then hanging them upside down."
"I have to agree with her on that one" Sanosuke replied with a smile as he and the remaining two members of the Wolf Pack came over not even noticing that the door to the roof was opened up.
Kenji was the first to look over and his eyes widened with excitement when he saw who appeared.
"I don't believe it! Yukito!" he exclaimed grabbing all of their attention.
It was indeed the final member of the Wolf Pack strolling towards them with a huge grin on his face. His brown hair had gotten longer in the back but he still had the same gentle, familiar smile. As the Wolf Pack surrounded him, slapped his hand, and patted his shoulders in greeting Suzuna could feel her heart tighten in her chest. He spotted her behind them and walked over to her.
"Hello Suzuna" he said handsomely, "It's good to see you again."
"Yea" she nodded, "You too."
As if on cue Tsukasa walked over and immediately put his arm around Suzuna protectively.
"It is good to have you back Yuki" he replied with a smile, "We all have missed you. And I have got some news for everyone" he added as Yukito noticed the way he was holding onto the girl so tight, "Suzuna and I are officially a couple now."
"Tsukasa" she stammered not sure what to say and blushing slightly when she saw Yukito's reaction.
"Well congratulations" Sanosuke said shaking his hand.
"Yes" Yukito nodded his eyes twinkling, "Congratulations. To both of you" he finished this time eyeing Suzuna's expression.
"Well what do you say we go out and celebrate" Akihito replied, "Now that Yukito is back?"
"We should" Tsukasa nodded, "But let's do it after school."
"After school?" Kenji said raising an eyebrow in surprise as their leader headed for the rooftop door.
"Yea" he nodded a second time as he opened the door, "We should go to class for a change" he added with a playful grin glancing back at Suzuna who could only blink back in astonishment herself.
The others shrugged their shoulders and followed him out leaving the girl behind still wondering so many different things.
(Next Scene: Aonaki Academy: School Outer hallways)
Towards the end of the day Suzuna was walking with Keiichi as they carried two boxes toward the computer room. She was still wondering about Yukito's sudden appearance when Keiichi interrupted her thoughts.
"I can't really understand why Sakamoto did it" he replied.
"Did what?" she said absentmindedly.
"That thing this morning" he answered, "I mean I knew he was one of those people who handled people roughly but to do something like that, it's almost insane."
"Yea" she agreed, "I've never seen a person defend someone in that way. It's so aggressive. And yet" she thought as they continued to walk, "I can't help but feel grateful to him for defending me the way he did."
As if he knew he was being talked about Tsukasa appeared with a bit of a frown on his face.
"Tsukasa what are you doing here?" she exclaimed as she and Keiichi stopped, "Your classes are on the other side of the school."
"Beat it" he ordered Keiichi with an unmoving glare.
"Tsukasa" she began to protest.
"Uh it's okay Suzuna" Keiichi smiled, "I can take both boxes to the computer room. It's no trouble. It's obvious uh whatever Sakamoto has to say to you is important" he finished as Tsukasa took the box from Suzuna and placed it on top of the one her friend was carrying, "See ya!" he replied as he walked away as fast as he could.
"Was that really necessary?" she said with a huff as she placed her hands onto her hips.
"I don't like how that geek hangs around you all the time" he shot back with a frown.
"Keiichi is my friend. I've known him since I was a little kid. You have no reason to be jealous of him."
"Whatever. That's not the reason I came here."
"Then what did you come here for?"
"I'm still trying to get to the bottom of it."
"The bottom of what?"
"Someone took pictures of you and I the next morning after our night in the elevator. From what I understand the pictures ended up on the announcement board the next day right?"
"Yea. So?"
"Don't you think that it's a big coincidence that similar pictures of you showed up on the announcement board a week later? I think there is a connection and I intend to find out what. "
"I guess so" she nodded, "But I would really like to put that whole affair behind me."
"I know that's what you really want to do but I have to find out what happened because it involves me too. You can understand that can't you?"
"Sure" she shrugged.
"Not to mention I can't allow the person to do something like this again. I got to confront them and demand them to stop."
"Tsukasa you're not going to do something reckless again like you did this morning are you?" she replied worried.
"No, no. I promise I won't. In fact if it makes you feel any better when I find out who did it you and I will both confront them, deal?"
"Okay" she agreed with a smile, "That way I can stop you if you try to go too far."
"Yea, yea" he closed his eyes and then opened them again quickly, "Oh yea, I almost forgot" he reached into his side pocket.
"Huh?"
"Here" he said as he handed her a small object.
"What's this?" she replied immediately frowning.
"What does it look like? It's a cell phone."
"I can see that but what's it for?"
"For you dummy. You can't be the only person this day and age without one. Besides it makes it a lot easier for me to reach you if I have to."
"Reach me?" her eyebrows rose.
"That's right" he nodded as he crossed his arms, "I have to know where you are at all times for things like when I need you. Stuff like that."
"So in other words" she said beginning to get angry, "You're giving me this so I can be at your beck and call whenever you want?" she clenched her fist with the cell phone in the middle of her palm.
"Basically, yes" he nodded a second time, "I'm glad we understand each other. The guys and I are heading out earlier today after all so see ya!" he waved.
"Tsukasa!" she shouted after him, "I'm not taking this thing! Get back here! I know you hear me!" her shoulders shrank, "Ooh" she said through gritted teeth, "What does he think, that I am so kind of dog that he can order around? Of course he does" she nodded her shoulders shrinking again, "Oh well" she sighed, "What am I going to do with this thing?" she thought as she stared at the phone in her hand, "I'm never going to have any peace from him now. I should have just chucked it at him just like those shoes the first time he did something like this" she sighed a second time as she headed for her last class of the day.
When she got to class she was astonished to see that Tsubaki was no where in sight. In fact Suzuna hadn't spoken to her since the incident with the other students. She resigned herself to go to Tsubaki's place after school to get to the bottom of so many questions that she had.
(Next Scene: Tsubaki's Home)
It was a few moments till a servant came to answer the door and by the time Suzuna was more than anxious to speak to her supposed friend. He asked for her to wait in the hallway while he fetched his mistress which Suzuna complied until she heard a familiar voice coming from the tea room.
"Look I did what you asked me to do. Though I still don't know why."
"It doesn't matter why" Tsubaki said with a huff as Suzuna peered into the crack of the doorway that led into the room, "You got paid."
"Tsubaki I still think I have the right to know what you intended to do to that sweet girl" he replied as Suzuna's eyes widened at the sight of the strange teenager she had met only nights before, "You did something bad didn't you?" he added with a frown.
"That's none of your business" she said with a cross of her arms.
"I think it is. You paid me to get close to her. To show her some company. Next thing I know she's passed out on a seat near the table where you and her friends abandoned her and not only that she said she was feeling weird. Did you do something to her drink?"
"What if I did?" she replied back angrily, "What difference does that make Yamato?"
"It makes a whole lot of difference to me. Did you use me too Tsubaki on one of your little schemes?"
"Hmm?"
"I thought it was unusual that she was friends with someone like you. A nice girl like her. She must not know what your real personality is like" he said making Suzuna's eyes widen even more.
"You don't understand. I had to do what I did. It was the only way to achieve my goal."
"And? Did you? Was it all really worth it?"
Tsubaki lowered her eyes, her beautiful hair falling into them.
"No" she replied sadly, "It didn't. It didn't turn out the way I planned. I couldn't even get him to look at me."
"Huh?" Suzuna thought.
"I really honestly thought that if I changed my looks. That if I became more beautiful Tsukasa would finally notice me. He would finally understand my true feelings. But no" she went on as Suzuna realized the truth at last, "It was just like before. He said the exact same words he said to me years ago. You disgust me. You're the worst kind of person. I thought if I changed myself I could make him love me. But he chose her. He chose Suzuna."
"You did all this for a guy? You hurt that girl for someone who jilted you years ago?"
"Oh shut up. What do you know? You've never been in love before."
"No I haven't, but I wouldn't have gone about it this way. Is he the one in the photographs? The one in the album?"
Tsubaki nodded her head slowly as Suzuna pulled away from the door in complete understanding of the whole thing. She walked back to the front door but was astonished when she heard him slightly exclaim from behind her.
"It's you" he replied coming forward.
"I actually came to talk to Tsubaki" Suzuna said softly, "But I think I heard everything I needed to know."
"You overheard everything just now?" he asked surprised.
"Mhm. Thanks for standing up for me" she turned to face the door once more.
"Suzuna. I don't know what she did to you but it must have been pretty bad huh?"
"You really don't know?" she said eyeing his expression.
"No. Tsubaki asked me to come here to her home while I visited Japan. I used to work for her family back in America."
"You're from America?" she asked facing him completely.
"Yea originally. When I came into town she called me on my cell, quite surprisingly. She said she pay me to do a small favor for her."
"What favor?"
"She wanted me to treat one of her friends very kindly. I'm assuming that's you. I had no idea her real intentions though. I did think it was kind of strange how it all turned out. That's why I confronted her today."
"And the handkerchief?"
"Oh. She mentioned to me to bring one."
"Why?"
"I'm not exactly sure but she said something along the lines that you like that kind of gesture."
"Hmm" Suzuna frowned recalling some of her earlier conversations with Tsubaki about Yukito Hayakawa, "I see. Now it all makes sense."
"I'm sorry" he lowered his head.
"Huh?"
"For my part at least. If I had known I wouldn't have agreed to it."
"That's all right. She's the one I have to face about this now. But at this moment, it might not be the right time."
"Huh?"
"I'm really tired. I think I am just going to go home."
"Should I let her know that you came?"
"No. Please don't. I'll deal with Tsubaki on my own time."
"I understand. Well it was good to see you again, Suzuna."
"You too, Yamato" she added with a grin.
"So you know my name now too" he said with a smile.
"Mhm. I overheard it. Well see you around."
"See ya!" he waved as she departed admiring the strength he felt from her.
(Next Scene: Kamiya Residence)
When Suzuna arrived home she was in for another big surprise. When she entered she saw her brothers sitting down in front of their television with a new game console. Their mother was sitting on furniture that Suzuna had never seen before. She was so shocked she dropped her bag.
"Mom. Guys. What's going on?"
"Oh Suzuna dear" her mother said with a smile, "Welcome home."
"Check it out sis" one of the twins grinned, "Look at our new game console."
"Kata. Riku. Where did that thing come from? And where is our furniture?"
"Oh we don't have to worry about that anymore hon" her mother replied, "We have all new stuff now."
"But how can we afford any of this? Dad just started his new job. Mom don't tell me we dipped into savings again?" she asked exasperated.
"Don't be ridiculous, of course not. These were all gifts."
"Gifts?" she exclaimed but then frowned slowly catching on, "From who?"
"From your new boyfriend of course. He was so generous. All this stuff just arrived this afternoon."
"My new boyfriend? Tsukasa did this?" she asked her voice getting higher.
"Yes, and the delivery men were so nice. They even took our old stuff away."
"But mom we can't accept any of this. We shouldn't accept any of this. I'm gonna give that boy a piece of my, huh.." she stopped when she heard the phone ringing from her school bag.
"What's that dear?" her mother said interested as Suzuna pulled out the ringing cell phone.
"It doesn't matter" Suzuna said with a huff knowing fully well who was on the other end of the line, "What do you want?"
"Some attitude" Tsukasa answered on the other side, "Look I called to tell you to come meet us at The Pub."
"The what?"
"It's the Wolf Pack hangout. I put a map on your cell phone. Just get dressed and come down here. We're celebrating Yukito's return."
"Don't you order me about. And another thing what is it with all this stuff. You take it all back now."
"I don't have time to argue with you just get down here. A nice cold soda will be waiting for you" he ordered and then with a click of his phone he was gone.
"Hello. Tsukasa hello. Why does he always do that?" she groaned angrily, "There is no way in hell we're keeping all this stuff. I guess I have no choice. I am going to have to go down there and tell him to his face" she ran to her room to get changed while her family merely ignored her retort.
(Next Scene: The Pub Dancing Club)
Suzuna was slightly amazed when she arrived at the Wolf Pack's favorite hangout. The outside looked like you were entering a bar but inside was dressed much like a restaurant exclusively for rich teenagers. She spotted Akihito and Sanosuke out on the small dance floor while Kenji sat at the bar drinking what looked like a root beer float. As she glanced around the place she finally saw Tsukasa sitting at a booth table with two girls on either side of him. Immediately she could feel her cheeks turning red.
"Tell me it isn't true Tsukasa" the brunette on his right whined, " You don't really have a girlfriend do you?"
"Afraid so ladies" he said coolly, "And with that in mind you'd better get lost before she gets here."
"Ahem!" Suzuna said loudly.
"Ah you're here!" he replied excitedly when he saw her, "Beat it girls" he added making them whine some more as they departed, "Come on. Sit down" he said patting the booth seat.
"I only came down here to tell you to take your stuff back. My family can't possibly afford any of that stuff. It's just not right."
"We're going out, I don't see the problem with it" he said casually.
"And other thing about that."
"Would you just sit down already. Your soda is going to get all warm."
"Huh?"
"I already ordered it for you. Sit" he insisted as he took her hand and pulled her into the booth.
"Oh all right. But I'm only going to stay for a little while" she agreed taking a sip.
"Excellent" he grinned as the others came over and they began to chat.
About a half hour later Suzuna excused herself to use the ladies room all the while wondering where Yukito was. After all this was a celebration for him and she had yet to see him. As she walked past the bar she finally noticed him standing with a drink in his hand and even more curious with an unfamiliar looking girl. As Suzuna moved past she overheard a little of the conversation they were having.
"So when do you get off?" Yukito asked.
"Not till after twelve" she replied, "Why do you want to do something later?"
"Sure" he nodded with a sly smile, "I'm game" he put his cold cup against her thigh uncharacteristically making her move slightly as Suzuna's eyes widened, "We can even go back to my place if you want."
Suzuna rushed into the restroom and walked over to the sink slowly. She splashed some water on her face as her head lowered.
"What just happened?" she thought, "That was not the same Yukito Hayakawa I know was it?"
She left the bathroom and returned to the booth, standing in front of the table which Tsukasa noticed right away.
"What's wrong?" he asked concerned at her expression.
"I'm gonna go now. I'm not feeling too well" she replied.
"Do you want me to give you a ride home?" he asked gently starting to get up.
"No, I don't want to interrupt your celebration. I took the bus here, I can take it home. See you guys later!" she finished as she took off running.
"See ya Suzuna!" Kenji called back.
"Man is she okay?" Akihito asked, "She really looked pale."
"I don't know" Tsukasa shook his head, "I wonder if she knows about it yet?"
"What you found out this afternoon?" Sanosuke replied.
"Yea" Tsukasa nodded with a frown as he picked up his drink.
"I still can't believe it" Akihito shook his own head, "A cute girl like that doing something so horrible."
"Yea, well. She hasn't changed much."
"Huh? What do you mean?" Sanosuke asked confused.
"You guys probably don't remember her but I do. She may have had some improvements done to her face but she's the same conniving little Tsubaki Fukuda."
"Fukuda? I thought her last name was Michida" Sanosuke replied.
"Fukuda I believe was her original family name. But I've found through my research that she took the name Michida when she moved back here with her grandmother."
"So that's the girl who had the crush on you all those years ago" Akihito said in astonishment, "That ugly duckling?"
"Yep."
"I remember her" Sanosuke replied with a frown.
"Me too" Kenji nodded, "She was a mean little thing."
"And apparently she hasn't changed much. I found out through my source that she befriended Suzuna only to get close to me and make me believe that Suzuna was the wrong kind of girl. She went along with her to that club with Keiko and her girls. Then she put something in Suzuna's drink to make her dizzy and drowsy. Also it seems like she paid some guy, the guy in the photograph to be kind to Suzuna. He probably didn't even know what was going on. After he took her to the hotel that's when that little schemer struck. She took pictures of Suzuna and him on the street and even the last one in the hotel room of Suzuna in the bed. Oh yea, she was also the one who took the pictures of us the next morning after our date. That was where the trail began."
"Imagine that" Sanosuke shook his head.
"What are you going to do now Tsukasa?" Akihito asked.
"I don't know. I told Suzuna that we would confront her together but this is too big. This involves my reputation. I think it's time that little miss ugly duckling got a taste of her own medicine."
"You mean" Sanosuke began.
"Mhm. Starting tomorrow the whole school is going to know what has been going on.. The best punishment for someone as narcissistic as her is full out ridicule."
(Intermission)
Part Two: Trip to the Beach
(Next Scene: Aonaki Academy: Cafeteria; lunchtime)
The Wolf Pack leader's threats did not go undone. By noon everyone in the academy knew about Tsubaki's dealings and as Suzuna and Keiichi approached the cafeteria they saw the girl surrounded by several students including Keiko and her friends, taunting her about her appearance in the old childhood photographs. For a few moments Suzuna watched the anguished look on her former friend's face but soon her own face held remorse. So she stepped forward in front of Tsubaki who had slid to her knees, much to everyone's surprise.
"That's enough" Suzuna replied with a frown while over at the Wolf Pack table they watched interested, "You girls have tortured her enough. Now just leave her be."
"But don't you what she did to you?" Keiko said back, "To Tsukasa. This girl deserves to be punished."
"Perhaps that may be true but this really is between her and I. So I would appreciate it that the rest of you back off and let me deal with her" Suzuna finished with a cross of her arms that was so final that they at once nodded and walked away.
Suzuna held out her hand to Tsubaki who looked up at her in surprise.
"I don't need your pity" she said bitterly looking away.
"I'm not pitying you. We need to talk" Suzuna replied back coldly as she straightened her back, "Get up" she practically ordered to which Tsubaki complied and followed her out of the cafeteria.
"Wow" Sanosuke whistled, "Look at the way Suzuna handled that."
"I'll say" Akihito nodded, "But you already knew she would do that didn't you Tsukasa?" he asked turning to his friend who had his hands behind the back of his head.
"Mhm. That's just what kind of a person Suzuna is. So easy to forgive."
"It didn't sound like she forgave her yet" Sanosuke replied.
"She will. Trust me. In time she will forgive that girl."
"Hey" Kenji spoke up suddenly, "Where's Yukito?"
(Next Scene: Aonaki Academy: Fourth Floor)
Suzuna led Tsubaki close to the music room door and then stopped. She leaned against the wall and once more crossed her arms.
"You know before today I already knew what you had done to me" she began as Tsubaki fidgeted, "And I already decided how I would confront you. What you did was very low Tsubaki. I'm not going to pretend otherwise. But I do understand how you feel."
"Huh?"
"You love Tsukasa don't you?" she stated as Tsubaki's eyes widened, "You've been in love with him a long time. He was the one you were talking about all those years ago."
"Yes, but you misunderstood my reason."
"What?"
"I don't love Tsukasa anymore. I wasn't lying about that that time. I hate him. I hate him with a passion."
"Then, why?"
"Because I wanted to get him back . But the only way I could do that was to get you out of the way."
"I don't understand" Suzuna said with a shake of her head.
"I had a plan. I was going to make myself become his ideal woman. He hurt me so badly with his words. So when I left for America I resigned myself to become a better person. I even had surgery done so I could look different when I came back. My parents aren't even dead. I lied about that. My real name used to be Fukuda but I knew if I used that he would remember me. So I changed it to my grandmother's last name. I had it all worked out. I would come back here, throw myself at him, and make him want me. Then when we started dating I was going to humiliate him. I was going to destroy the perfect Tsukasa Sakamoto. But there was a wrench in my plan when I arrived. When I came to give my transcripts to the school I heard about you and your relationship with Tsukasa. So I had to change my plan a little. I staged that attack in front of your work."
"You staged it?" Suzuna said incredulously.
"Yes. I had also heard that you defended people who were in trouble like that so I though it was the perfect way to meet you, befriend you. I hired two actors. I don't think they knew that they were going to get that hurt though. The truth is I didn't like the next part of my plan. You seemed so nice. But I had no choice. I had one goal. And that was to bring Tsukasa Sakamoto down. And even if that meant hurting someone else along the way I had come too far to turn back. I even asked Yamato to help me. When you told me about the handkerchief thing with Yukito Hayakawa I thought it would be the perfect thing. I never really thought Tsukasa was that sincere about you. In the end I just looked like a fool. All over again" the tears began to fall down her face.
"Oh Tsubaki" Suzuna's eyes softened, "I know better then anyone what kind of jerk Tsukasa can be. But you held all this anger inside of you all these years? Aren't you tired?"
"Huh?" Tsubaki looked up surprised.
"It's got to be so tiring being angry all the time. And you changed your appearance for what? I bet you were not as ugly as he made you believe. In fact I would be willing to bet you were much prettier."
"Why are you being so nice to me after everything I've done to you? You don't make any sense at all."
"I know. Right now I should be furious with you and I still am a little but I do understand you a little bit better now. Tsubaki I really think you should just let go of the past and move on. After all the only person who is really hurting here is you. Tsukasa isn't. He doesn't feel any of your pain. So what did you really accomplish by doing all of this?"
"Nothing I suppose."
"Right. Look I've said all I am going to say. I think you should really mull over a few things for awhile. Until then I think that's what best."
"Are you saying you forgive me?" she looked up hopeful.
"Tsubaki, I understand your pain but you also hurt me quite greatly. It may take awhile for me to trust you again. I have some thinking to do of my own."
"I see" she nodded, "I guess that is all I can hope for, for now."
"It doesn't mean I won't talk to you but it won't be like before when we were friends."
"I understand" she nodded a second time, "That's only fair. I'll do as you ask and think about things."
"Good. I have to go now. See ya later!" she waved as she walked over to the music room door and opened it leaving the other girl standing in the hallway grateful that Suzuna hadn't yelled at her.
(Next Scene: Upper balcony behind the Music Room)
When she arrived at her favorite spot she was surprised to see Yukito Hayakawa sitting on the ledge as if he had never left. As he saw her approach he smiled handsomely.
"Hi."
"Yukito. What are you doing up here?"
"Are you that surprised to see me?" he grinned, "I mean this is where you used to find me all the time."
"That's true. It's just been so long since you've been up here."
"I really did miss it" he said breathing in the air as he continued to smile, "And I was hoping I would see you today."
"Oh?"
"Mhm."
Suzuna smiled back as she stood behind the ledge looking out over the campus. She glanced over at him several times daring to ask the one question she had been longing to ask him since his return.
"So Yukito" she began.
"Are you really going out with Tsukasa?" he asked interrupting her completely.
"Huh?"
"Are you really going out with him? I'm just curious."
"Oh well. You see, it's sort of complicated."
He chuckled.
"I thought so. It didn't seem that you guys were an actual couple just yet. It kind of seemed one sided from my angle."
"Mmm" she lowered her eyes to the ground as he watched her expression.
"But if that's true then I was also curious about something else."
"Huh?"
"Would you consider going out with me?" he asked her looking directly into her eyes.
"Out with you?" she exclaimed, "Oh, I don't know about that. I uh" she blushed.
He laughed heartily and then turned to her with a mischievous grin.
"I'm only kidding. I could never do something like that to Tsukasa. He's my best friend."
"Oh" she pretended to chuckle back, "Good one. You really had me going there."
"Of course" he went on seriously, "He doesn't have to know about it" he added getting her attention as he looked directly into her eyes once more.
"What?"
"We could date on the sly and Tsukasa would never know."
"We, well, uh" she didn't quite know what to say so Yukito just like before laughed heartily.
"I'm joking again. Man you are so easy today. What kind of friend would I be after all if I went behind my best friend's back and dated the girl he liked."
She chuckled nervously again.
"You got me again. Boy you're on fire today."
"But I do got to say" he replied once more in a serious tone, "I think you have gotten even more prettier then the last time I saw you Suzuna."
This time instead of stammering Suzuna chuckled.
"Oh really funny. You're not going to fool me this time. Mnm."
"I'm not kidding" he said so finally that she had to look at him.
"Hmm?"
"I really do mean what I am saying right now. You are definitely more pretty. In fact I think you get more pretty every time I see you."
"Oh. Yukito" she blushed again as she lowered her eyes, "Um. You know what I really have to get to class. I'll see you later!" she said in a hurry as she dashed to the door and left the balcony.
Yukito continued to smile until he returned his gaze to the sky. Then he lowered his head and a distinct frown appeared on his face.
"What the hell am I doing?" he replied aloud.
(Next Scene: Parking Lot; Aonaki Academy)
Yukito's strange behavior had made Suzuna so distracted that by the time school ended she walked as if doomed. When she arrived at her bike she was astonished to see Tsukasa standing by his car waiting for her.
"There you are" he said when she arrived.
"What are you doing here?" she asked.
"Come on get in" he insisted, "We're going someplace."
"Huh? Tsukasa not today. I have to go to work."
"No you don't. I already called them. I called your parents too."
"What for?"
"Just get in and I'll explain" he said pulling her arm and dragging her to the passenger side.
He pushed her down into the seat, buckled her seatbelt, closed the door, and walked to the other side of the car. He sat down and then started the car up leaving the parking lot with a screech of tires.
"Tsukasa what in heaven's name is going on?" she demanded as he sped down the road.
"Because you left The Pub so early you never got the chance to find out. We're all heading for the beach this weekend."
"But it's Thursday. And I can't go."
"Yes you can, I told you. I already made arrangements with your parents and your job. Now all we have to do is go to the mall and get you some new clothes and a suitcase."
"Suitcase?"
"Yep" he nodded with no further instructions.
For the next hour Tsukasa dragged Suzuna from store to store to try on different outfits from bathing suits to fancy dress attire. Then he went to the luggage store and picked out a brand new suitcase for her. After the shopping trip he started to drive towards the airport.
"Where are we going now?"
"To catch the plane."
"Huh?"
"My family's private plane is waiting for us on the runway."
"Plane? We're gonna fly?"
"Sure. It's gonna take at least two hours to get to the island."
"Island?" she exclaimed as they climbed out of the car.
"Yea. My family's private beach is on an island. Come on the rest of the gang are waiting for us. Oh yea" he pulled out another cell phone and handed it to her.
"What's this for?"
"Where we're going your cell won't work. So here's one that will. Come on" he pulled her hand as two men came by to take their luggage.
"But Tsukasa" she pulled him back, "I've never been on an airplane before."
"Don't worry about that. I'll take care of everything. You're in good hands. At least that's what your mother thinks."
"Oh brother" she rolled her eyes as they walked out onto the runway and then up the stairs that led into the plane.
Once inside Suzuna saw Akihito, Sanosuke, and Kenji sitting next to two other girls who were obviously the first two's dates. Yukito was also sitting down next to an unfamiliar looking girl having a deep conversation. Tsukasa led Suzuna toward the middle of the plane, sat her down in the window seat, buckled her seat belt , and then sat down next to her.
"Hey Suzuna" Sanosuke grinned, "Welcome aboard. Have you ever been to a private beach before?"
"I've never even been on a plane before" she groaned.
"Oh boy. Better have the barf bags ready."
"Huh?" her eyes widened as Tsukasa frowned.
"Don't listen to him. It's gonna be fine" he said gently taking her hand into his, "I'll hold your hand during the take-offs and the landings. Those are the worst parts. And relax this is going to be a great trip. The perfect kind of trip to keep your mind off of things for awhile" he finished turning to look at Akihito who had asked him a question.
Suzuna stared at him stunned as he talked to his friend.
"So that's what this is all about" she thought " He's trying to help me recover from what happened recently by distracting me with this trip. Oh Tsukasa" she sighed in her head, "Still, why an airplane?" she groaned as the engine started and she tightened her hand around his making him smile happily.
(To be continued..)
Authors Note: Okay this one took awhile. But as promised it's done. I will finish the book by either tomorrow or Thursday. See you then for the last chapter of Book Two!!
Next Chapter: Truth is Revealed/ Confused Feelings