Chapter 13: The Mistaken Invitation…
Whispers soon aroused when Naomi entered the classroom. As she walked past a few desks to get to her seat, everyone was now staring straight at her. She became nervous and clutched her books until her knuckles turned white.
Why is everyone acting so hostile…?
When she reached her own table, she knew the reason why. For there, lay a single crimson red rose. Immediately, Naomi felt her cheeks heating up.
Who would send something like that…?
Was it Zero…?
Or was it someone else…?
She grabbed it and stuffed it into her bag.
Now I'll stand out even more…!
No matter how hard I try to blend in…!
Naomi sat down and fixed her gaze on her desk, still blushing.
I'll throw it away once's school's over for the day…" I'll bet that that's from Zero, " Yuki whispered.
Her eyes widened in surprise and she blushed even harder.
" Or from a secret admirer, " her friend continued, poking her shoulder.
" A secret admirer? " Naomi repeated, looking confused.
" Uh-huh, maybe someone you've met before, " the student councilor answered, nodding her head.
But the only guy I've met before is Zero, isn't it…?
" Okay, your turn, Miss Segawa! "
Naomi examined each horse carefully before she took her pick.
" Naomi, what are you doing? That horse is White Lily! Switch horses! " Yuki yelled.
" Your friend is right, you know. That horse is mad so you better think twice, " the coach replied. " Although, I can see that you're a horse lover… "
" Don't worry, I'll be fine. "
The girl took a step nearer to the horse, holding its gaze.
Her eyes remind me of someone…
It neighed warningly.
She's tensed…
One sudden reaction….
And it'll set her off…
Slowly, she extended her hand out.
" C'mere girl. Here's something for you, " Naomi cooed softly.
The horse neighed again but this time, the warning note was gone.
" I won't hurt you. "
White Lily still did not move so she stepped closer, closing the gap between them.
" You can trust me… "
Cautiously, the horse approached her. Naomi smiled encouragingly at it.
" Sugar cubes seem to be your favorite, huh? "
It neighed in reply and nibbled on them, tickling her palm. The sixteen-year-old stroked its head and it nudged her affectionately. With that, she hoisted herself up onto its back.
" Good girl. I knew you'll come through… "
At the end of the riding lesson, Naomi patted her neck and whispered gently into its ear, " Your eyes sure look like Zero's! "
White Lily neighed happily and the girl giggled.
Tonight, I'll definitely meet her…!
After that, I'll ask her…
And then, convey my feelings for her…
" Um, Zero? "
He looked up. A bespectacled girl of age sixteen stood before him, looking quite unsure of herself. She looked vaguely familiar but he could not remember.
" Huh? "
The vampire clearly looked irritated.
" Don't you remember me, Zero? "
When he did not reply, she proceeded on, " You caught me before I fell… on Valentine's Day last year. And I guess I forgot to introduce myself, I'm Mitsumi. "
"Yes, Mitsumi. What can I do for you? "
" Could you…um, go to the ball with me? "
Zero's face mirrored his surprise.
I've never expected this…
How should I answer without hurting her feelings…
After all, I've hurt her once by rudely chasing her away…
The question remained unanswered between them.
" I think you should just accept her invitation, man. "
The guy shot a Aido, a murderous glare.
What should I do…?
What about Naomi…?
She was the one that I wanted to ask…
Would I hurt her feelings if I accept Mitsumi's invitation…?
This is the Chairman's entire fault…!
He should not have organized it in the first place…!
" Mitsumi, I-I accept. "
The girl's face lit up.
" Thank you! This means so much to me! "
He forced himself to smile.
If only I've gotten Naomi sooner…
Then, I wouldn't be in such a mess…!
" Hi, Zero! "
His mauve eyes widened. Naomi stood there, a cute grin playing on her lips.
" Oh, it's you. "
Her smile vanished instantly.
" What's wrong? You look so unhappy, " she told him.
That's because I wanted to invite you to the ball…
And not Mitsumi…!
" No, it's nothing. Don't worry about me. So, what's up? "
All of a sudden, she blushed.
" I've got a surprise for you, Zero! Your Valentine present. Meet me at the music room at midnight, okay? "
Without even waiting for his answer, she ran off.
But Valentine's Day is three days away…
Why is she giving it to me now…?
Unless she overheard the conversation between Mitsumi and me…?
Looks like it'll be a peaceful night…!
Yuki stretched her arm muscles.
Boy, was she stiff.
She had assigned Naomi to patrol around the Day Class dormitories while she herself patrolled the campus grounds.
Just another three more days…
And yet neither Senior Kaname nor I have made a move yet…!
She sighed resignedly and leaned against the oak tree.
Maybe I shouldn't go…
After all, he's way different from me…
Besides, there are many other girls who are just dying to ask him…
" Yuki…? "
She blinked in surprise and quickly straightened up.
Speaking of him…
" Hi, Senior K-Kaname! " she replied, flustered.
I should not have let him see me like this…!
" You seemed to be deep in thought. What happened, Yuki? "
He's right in front of you…!
You've got to act…!
You've got say something…!
" Yuki…? "
" Huh? " she responded, stupidly.
Oh on, now I'm starting to act wacky…!
Gotta do something fast…!
" Uh, I-I mean…I beg your pardon…? " the girl blabbered.
Now, it's becoming worse…!
Kaname chuckled, looking amused. Her instant reaction was an embarrassed smile.
" No, it's nothing. I wanted to ask you to be my companion for the upcoming dance. It's been a long time since we're together, Yuki. "
A very long time, Senior…
Five years is a very long duration…
Note from 'moi': This last paragraph between Yuki and Kaname took me nearly three days to get it perfect. I mean, I find it really difficult to write Kaname's lines. His character and reaction is so hard to gauge! Sighing