"…It's really coming down…"
Ami muttered as she sat on a bench beneath an arbor shelter that was situated along the embankment walkway; it was just a roof supported by four pillars. Just like she had said, the rain was falling heavily and the shelter was being bombarded by the sudden downpour. Massive clouds covered the sky and although it was still around 4 o'clock, it was unusually dark. It had only been a few minutes since it started raining but puddles were already gathering and flowing like small streams. Therefore it was impossible for Kai and Ami to continue with their trash collection. The powerful wind was making the shelter shake and Ami ended up embracing her legs even tighter.
Ami: It's almost like the wind is trying to blow away this shelter.
She tried to laugh as though she made a joke, but she appeared to be seriously frightened.
Ami: I hope we'll be okay…
Kai: Usually when it rains hard like this, it stops after a few minutes. I'm sure we won't have to wait very long.
The awkwardness that was caused by the standoff they had earlier basically disappeared with the appearance of the storm and Ami looked reassured by his statement. Her pale face was plastered with wet hair and through her peripheral vision, she secretly viewed Kai who was leaning against a pillar. He looked completely unfazed by what happened a few minutes ago, like he wasn't even the slightest bit bothered by seeing the real her. However, she knew that a guy like him could never understand the reason for her facade because Kai always said and did whatever he wanted, plus it was apparent he didn't care what anyone thought about him. Ami realized that she was really different from him in that regard. She looked up worriedly at the stormy sky while she trembled from the cold; everything she wore was completely soaked.
Achoo!
Ami suddenly let out a small sneeze and instinctively Kai wanted to remove his jacket so he could drape it over her shoulders. Yet, his own clothes were just as drenched as hers were.
Kai (sighs): You must be freezing…
He hated being so helpless but then an idea came to him.
Kai: Hey! We still have that extra trash bag, wanna wear it? All you'd have to do is make a hole for your head.
Ami looked at him like he was crazy.
Ami (appalled): Eh?! I'm not doing something like that!
His idea was shot down without any hesitation.
If Kawashima was putting on her act then I'm sure she would have just giggled and agreed to it.
Kai: C'mon, wearing a trash bag won't be that bad. -(jokingly)- Who knows, you just might end up starting a fashion trend and that could do wonders for your modeling career.
Ami (disapprovingly): Your sense of timing must be really horrible for you to try and pull a trick at a moment like this.
Kai smirked.
Kai: I'm not trying to trick you, I'm just being resourceful. It's one of those things where it sounds so crazy that it must be genius.
Ami (disgusted): No way! Absolutely not! I'm not going to do such a ridiculous thing! Geez… Unbelievable…
After using such a spoiled and nasally voice, she suddenly turned away from him like a rude child. Once again, the "pretend Ami" wouldn't have shown her irritation like that; Kai couldn't help but to chuckle at her reaction though. She then eyed him suspiciously because his laughter confirmed her notion.
Ami: See, it was a prank! Just like I said.
Kai (laughing): Kawashima, if I wanted to pull a prank on you, I'd put a frog in your desk.
Ami (irritated): You seem like a guy who would do something like that.
Kai (jokingly): Oh I've done it before in elementary school. I was arguing with this girl and she hit me simply because she knew I wouldn't hit her back; the nerve of that kid, right? I couldn't let her get away with it… -(dramatically-) Learn from that girl's mistake and don't take me lightly, Kawashima.
Ami quietly laughed at Kai's antics, then her laughter ended as abruptly as it had started. It was just like she had been hit with a petrification spell as her gaze was directed somewhere behind Kai. Then-
Kai (concerned): What's wrong?...Hey, wait! Kawashima!
Without responding to him, Ami sprinted from the shelter and into the rain. She was bending down as if to hide herself amidst the overgrown grass as she jogged off. She steadily got further away from him while being pelted by the cold rain. Even though her behavior didn't make any sense to Kai, he still ran out into the rain and followed her anyway. After catching up to her, he was forced to get right behind her as they huddled into a run-down bicycle storage area that was a little bit further from the arbor shelter. Although they were now covered by a corrugated iron roof, in comparison to the arbor shelter from just before, it was like heaven and earth. It was just as exposed to the wind but without anywhere to sit, and there were rusted bicycles piled up nearby in a disorderly heap.
Kai: Why'd you run off like that?!
Ami: Shh!
Her cold hands suddenly reached around the back of Kai's neck, then she held onto him and roughly pulled him down with considerable force, making him crouch down on the spot.
Kai (confused): Hey! What are you-
Ami (whispering): Please be quiet!
Suddenly he could feel the softness and warmth of her body melting onto his and he slightly blushed from being overwhelmed by the unexpected physical interaction. If such a guy existed who could remain indifferent to this sort of sudden contact with such an incredibly pretty girl, Kai would like to meet him.
Ami: Just for a little while…let's hide here like this…
She barely spoke in a whisper.
Kai (still confused): Hide? From what?
Ami balled up tighter and situated herself against Kai snugly; it was like she was using his body as a shield.
Ami: Over there…
Ami discreetly pointed with her finger; while still in a daze, he looked over in that direction and saw a strangely familiar man with a camera. That man had ran into the arbor shelter they had just come from and he brought back an unpleasant memory. He was the same person who was following Ami yesterday when she dashed to Kai and Taiga for help. Despite blushing mere seconds ago, Kai wrapped his arms around Ami in a protective manner.
Ami (sadly): I guess he intended to ambush me at school again; he even brought that damn camera…
Kai (confused): Again? Wait, how does he know what school you attend? Yesterday, didn't you say he was just a weird fan who you ran into coincidentally?
Ami: Yeah, I did but…
He sensed a bitter hesitation in Ami's faltering voice. She opened her mouth to try and say something but she instantly closed it shut. Ultimately she ended up holding her breath and stiffened up while in his arms.
Kai (gently): Go ahead and say it. We've already come this far, so there's no need to hide anything.
As his hands were softly wrapped around her shoulders, he could feel her back tremble just a bit. Then Ami slowly started speaking.
Ami: Well… to be honest...That guy has been…stalking me for a long time.
In a low voice, she finally spit it out.
Kai: Why didn't you tell us that yesterday?!
Ami: Because I was frustrated! I didn't want anyone to find out because then I'd have to admit that I'm letting some freak mess up my life. I moved here because of him; I didn't want to burden my parents so I decided to come here to live with my relatives. I even quit modeling to try and get away from him...But even after all that, he still chased me all the way here.
Kai unconsciously held her a bit tighter after hearing all of that.
I just got a slight chill from listening to that; so for Kawashima who is the actual target, the fear she is experiencing right now must be beyond my comprehension. I feel really bad that she has to go through all of this because of an idiot.
Kai glared at the stalker.
Kai (determined): I'm going to have a chat with that creep.
At the moment, the term "chat" was ambiguous to Kai. He wasn't sure if he could restrain himself to just using words.
If the situation escalates, then so be it. I'm intent on getting that creep to stop following Kawashima no matter what.
But just as he started to get up and walk away from Ami, she forcefully grabbed him and pulled him back.
Ami (alarmed): No! Don't go!
Kai (stubbornly): But-
Ami: Please, Arito! Don't leave me alone …
Ami looked like she would have a breakdown if Kai left her side so he relented.
Kai (sighs): Alright... We'll keep hiding here until that guy gives up and leaves.
So the two of them stayed together and hid as they waited for time to pass. But the stalker remained in the arbor shelter waiting for the rain to stop, he just sat on the bench and began to casually wipe down his wet camera. The whole time, the relentless rain continued to be carried by the wind and Kai's jersey was becoming even heavier with water. He was wondering how long they could last like this when-
"He~y! Arito-ku~n! Kawashima-sa~n! Where are you guys!... Taiga, it's so strange that we can't find them anywhere."
"I don't care anymore. In fact, I didn't care in the first place. Let's just go home, Minorin."
Amidst the rain, he heard the unmistakable voices of Minori and Taiga from afar. He wasn't sure if their sudden arrival was a good or bad thing but he couldn't really rely on the duo whose intentions he was never able to read. However, despite the current situation, Kai almost burst out into laughter from looking at them.
Aww this is just too much.
Like he had suggested to Ami earlier, Minori was cheerfully wearing a trash bag with a hole cut in it as a poncho. Taiga had done the same but resting on top of her head was some sort of small container that she was using as a makeshift umbrella. It actually looked like a takoyaki container, and yet even with such a thing, her small body was well protected from the rain
It's no good, my abs are starting to hurt from holding in my laughter.
But it seemed like Kai wasn't the only one who was entertained by Taiga's odd appearance, she also caught the attention of the stalker who was within the arbor shelter.
Stalker (excited): Wow, I found a cute little yokai (ghost)!
He suddenly got his camera ready and approached Taiga. Yet, there was no reason that the Queen of Beasts would allow such an action to go ignored.
Taiga (displeased): Yokai?
Taiga contorted her face and bared her fangs as if out for blood. She quickly turned to glare viciously at the arbor shelter from which the voice had originated.
Taiga (harshly): You there! I don't want to be called a "yokai" by a shady guy like you! I don't know what you think you're doing, but you're being way too creepy with that camera!
She licked her lips once with her red tongue and walked towards the man. Taiga's killing intent that she pulled out whenever she wanted, was about to burst. Still clinging to Kai, Ami watched in shock from afar.
Ami (startled): What is she doing?! She has to realize by now that guy is a stalker!
Upon getting closer, Taiga deadly fixated her eyes on the man.
Taiga (accusingly): Oh you're that weirdo I saw yesterday! Why the hell are you taking pictures of people without permission?! You're really disgusting!
Stalker (nervously): T-There's nothing wrong with it. It's not like I'm hurting anyone by doing it.
Taiga (hostile): Of course it's wrong! So I'm going to crush that camera along with its owner! With all this rain, there won't even be any evidence left behind!
At the same time she spit that out, she firmly gripped her full trash bag and violently charged forward. She then raised it above her head and struck the stalker with it.
Stalker (petrified): Eh? Wa, uwa!
With Taiga grasping her bag like a sword, moving with remarkable speed, making a face like the devil, and charging forward full of killing intent, it wasn't all that wrong to call her a monster.
Stalker (frightened): Wh-What the heck is this?!
The man screamed before turning his back on Taiga and made a run for it but she immediately threw the bag and he stumbled a bit when it hit him.
Taiga (angry): Why the heck are you running away, huh?!
Maybe cause you're assaulting him. I'll give you a pass on this one since he's a creep. But you already won Tiger, so there's no need for you to go chasing after-
Taiga: You think I'll let you get away so easily, you pervert!
Taiga went to chase the stalker down and Kai just shook his head disapprovingly.
You reckless girl...
Minori ran after Taiga like a concerned mother.
Minori: H-Hey! Wait Taiga! Be careful not to trip~!
Now Kai and Ami were the only ones who were left near the scene. Kai still had his eyes on Taiga as she pursued the unknown man.
Kai (sighs): She's absolutely helpless; I don't even know why I try.
Kai seemed to be speaking to himself because Ami was in a trance after witnessing what had just happened; she was amazed by Taiga's fearlessness.
Ami (stunned): Why?!
Kai turned and gazed at Ami curiously.
Ami (angrily): Why isn't she scared of him?!
Kai (concerned): Are you alright, Kawashima?
Ami (intensely): Because of that bastard, I had to move away from my home and quit my job! It's his fault I had to transfer schools. He's even gotten me so stressed out that I've been binging on tons of junk food. I can't believe this! I totally let that worthless scumbag beat me, didn't I? And this also means that I'm losing to Aisaka Taiga too, right?
She abruptly stood up with a serious expression on her face and Kai just watched her with a sense that something big was going to happen.
Ami (sternly): Arito-kun!
He was startled a bit by being addressed so suddenly and with such a severe tone.
Kai: Hm?
Ami: Earlier you said: "Quit hiding yourself ". You told me I should do that, didn't you?
Kai (reluctantly): Uh…yeah.
Ami's lips curled into a devilish smile.
Ami: I get it now. I definitely get it. I'm quitting the "Ami-chan act"! No more of that "innocent air-head" crap!
She closed her eyes and started chanting as if trying to persuade herself.
Ami: I'll quit it… I'll quit, I'll quit, I'll quit! And then…
Kai (cautiously): K-Kawashima?
Ami (determined): I'll live on showing everyone my twisted personality because that's who I am! I refuse to lie down and take this any longer!
While twisting her face to resemble that of a demon, she dashed off with a battle cry off into the direction the stalker ran. It was like her fierceness had even scared the rain because at that exact moment it had stopped coming down. After that, Kawashima Ami was amazing. She ran through the town with a form that would've put even the track club to shame and effortlessly bypassed Taiga and Minori.
Kai briefly watched her in awe and then he instinctively followed her; he could barely keep up with her himself. Chasing after the stalker who was desperate to get away, Ami showed no signs of letting up. Eventually the man fell and dropped his camera, allowing her to catch up to him, still looking like a demon while catching her breath. Without saying a word, she walked directly to the camera and forcefully brought her foot down on it. The stalker was shocked and tried to interfere but Ami delivered a swift kick to his stomach which knocked him down to the ground again.
Ami returned her attention to camera and continued bashing it. It finally made a clear cracking sound as she subjected it to treatment that it wasn't made to endure. She had probably been building up a lot of stress due to that camera so this was the perfect way to relieve her tension. Sitting frighteningly next to a wall, the stalker was quietly crying; he was completely terrified by the extreme change in Ami. Faced with such a scene, even Kai was speechless. Continuously stomping all over the remains of the wrecked digital camera with her feet, Ami cruelly smirked and laughed. Her transformation scared the hell out the stalker; becoming unusually child-like, the man's wailing voice cried out-
Stalker (repulsed): You're nothing like the Ami-chan I know; you're completely black on the inside! You're such a fraud! I don't want anything to do with you anymore! The "pure angelic Ami-chan", never really existed, did she?!
It seemed like rather than having his camera broken, it was more difficult for him to bear having his perception of "Ami-chan" crushed. Without putting up any sort of fight, he just kept crying out shamefully-
Stalker (distraught): Your personality is horrible!
"What are you talking about?"
With a cold reply, Ami flicked back her hair, struck a cutesy pose, and in the sweetest voice said-
Ami: Ami-chan is just so beautiful that her personality doesn't even matter, just like your opinion.
After hearing that, the stalker ran away as fast as possible. As soon as he was out of sight, all the bravado was deflated out of Ami and she dropped down to her knees.
Kai (concerned): Kawashima!
Kai dashed to her side and bent down to check on her. While looking at the ground, she faintly replied-
Ami: I did it, Arito-kun.
There was a brief pause as he smirked and shook his head in agreement.
Kai (encouraging): Yeah, you did.
She finally looked up at him with tears in her eyes.
Ami: But…I was so scared.
Kai gave her a comforting smile while helping her stand up; her body was trembling and her eyes had become watery. Her nerves made her completely stiffen up and she couldn't even stand on her own so she had to hold onto Kai as she walked. She was in a sorry state that she couldn't handle alone, even her lips had started to quiver. Considering her condition and the fact that his house was nearby, he decided to escort her there so she could recuperate.
When Kai and Ami made it to his house that was being lit by the setting sun, he guided her to the living room and helped her sit down on the tatami mat. All the way through, Ami was desperately concentrating on calming her breathing while closing her eyes. Then Kai slid open the fusuma to Michiko's room but she was nowhere to be found.
Kai (muttering): Where the heck is Michiko?
Now standing in the kitchen, Kai looked troubled as he scanned the silent household. He seriously hadn't considered that there would be no one around.
If I had known that it would be this way, I would have called a taxi and sent Kawashima home. It's just not like me to bring a crying girl to my empty house.
Even if the girl wasn't crying, this outcome would still be impossible. Anyways, in an attempt to calm Ami down, he decided to put a little honey into some milk and heat it up for her. He began to talk to her from the kitchen-
Kai: Sorry, Kawashima. I thought my Sensei would be here but I have no idea where she is.
Ami: You live with your Sensei?
Kai: Yeah, my parents are in China due to my mother's job and my Sensei agreed to be my guardian so I could stay here to finish school and train with my clan.
Ami: I see.
Kai: Since she's not here, do you want me to call you a cab or something?
A smirk briefly crossed Ami's face, she knew what Kai was hinting at but she wanted to hear him explain it in detail so she acted clueless.
Ami: For what?
The question threw him off.
Kai: Well you know… Just in case you feel… uncomfortable being here alone with a guy…
Ami: There's no need for me to feel that way with you.
Kai: Why's that?
Ami: Well, I could instantly tell you were harmless from the moment we met. I mean, I know you go by the name "Okami", but to me you've always been a little puppy.
Kai wouldn't let such a jab at his manhood go ignored so he poked his head out of the kitchen and fiercely pointed at Ami.
Kai (sternly): Don't insult people while you're in their home. That's a surefire way to get kicked out.
Am (mutters): Oh how adorable, the puppy's barking.
Kai didn't hear her clearly.
Kai: What'd you say?
Ami (smiling): Nothing.
He gave her an irritated look before walking back into the kitchen, then Ami quietly laughed.
Ami: Could it be that you're the one who feels uncomfortable in this situation?
Kai: It's not a matter of whether I'm uncomfortable or not. I'm just not the kind of guy who brings girls to my house.
Ami (sarcastically): I have a feeling that Aisaka has been here before.
Kai (reflexively): She's not a girl!
He thought about what he just said-
Kai: Well, not in that sense anyway.
Ami (mutters): What an interesting response.
Ami was really intrigued by Kai's answer. From the beginning, it was obvious to her that he and Taiga were close and she figured that there had to be some sort of romantic attraction between them. But Kai's reply negated all of that; it was clear that he didn't think of Taiga in that manner at all. Then Ami thought of every instant she tried to provoke Taiga by bringing up Kai and it hadn't worked a single time so perhaps that meant Taiga also didn't think of him that way. Ami just couldn't pinpoint the type of relationship the two shared and it slightly bothered her. After the milk had finally heated up, Kai brought it over to Ami and sat down at the side of the table.
Kai: Here, this will warm you up.
Ami: Thank you.
Kai: No problem, there's plenty more if you want seconds. But if you don't like sweet things, then I can make you some tea or coffee…
Ami: No, this is fine.
After taking a sip, she finally gave one long sigh.
Ami: It's delicious…Hey, can I add some more sugar?
Kai: I've only got honey, if that's okay?
She nodded and waited for him to pass her the honey but instead he carefully poured some of it into the cup she was holding. As he was stirring the milk with a spoon, Ami's lips finally shifted into a faint smile. Even though Kai's typical demeanor was perceived as cold by other people, he was actually a very caring person. It meant a lot to her that he chose to show this side to her, despite what he saw earlier.
Ami: How unexpected. Arito-kun, do you drink this kind of stuff?
Kai: No, not really. But Tiger does.
Ami (teasing): Ahh, so lunchboxes are not the only thing you make for her?
Kai: Hey, don't get the wrong idea. I help her out sometimes since she lives nearby all alone, that's all…Kind of…like…siblings…
Ami had finally gotten an answer to what type of relationship Kai and Taiga had, but it seemed so bizarre to her.
Ami (skeptically): Siblings?
Kai: Well my Sensei calls her my "little sister" but that just can't be...-(jokingly)- because if I had a little sister she would dote on me all the time, there's no doubt about it. But I guess I can see how Tiger could fit into that category; I'd think it would be more appropriate to label her as a "step sister" though …aren't they usually evil?
Ami quietly laughed. While holding the cup of hot milk flavored with honey in both hands, she continued to take her time drinking it in small sips.
Ami: "Tiger". You always call Aisaka that, don't you?
Kai: Yeah only because she insists on calling me "Okami" all the time. But someone at school came up with "The Palmtop Tiger" moniker.
Ami: Is that so? "The Palmtop Tiger"... Hmph, that nickname is so perfect for her. Maybe if I compete with the Palmtop Tiger, I could strengthen myself a bit.
Kai: I wouldn't advise anyone to do that because I don't even like going head-to-head with Tiger myself, she's just too wild. Besides, it seems like you're already a tough girl to begin with.
Ami: Me, tough? Ha ha, no, I'm… I'm just twisted. I know it's strange to say it myself, but Ami-chan is a seriously twisted person. I'm mean and really bad-tempered. Perhaps you think so too, especially after what happened today…Maybe even before that... I probably can't change your opinion anymore.
Ami shrugged her shoulders while smiling but it wasn't the same as the facade she would usually put on. Her eyes were lively with a hint of arrogance, her lips were slightly twisted and there was no trace of that angelic purity. Suddenly her smiling face began to stiffen and she held her breath; it seemed like she was dealing with an indistinct pain.
Ami: That girl is so lucky, isn't she?
Kai: Do you mean Tiger?
Without answering him, Ami hung her head.
Ami: In my case, it's easy to be adored by someone like that stalker. I'm made out to be appealing in magazines and on television, so most people would end up liking me…Because, come on, Ami-chan is super cute…
She said the last part jokingly but Kai didn't laugh. After seeing the sadness in her face as she stopped speaking, he just couldn't bring himself to laugh.
Ami: In the same way, it's just as easy to be hated, especially in a line of work where a nasty rumor can be the end of your career. Before most people even talk to me, they already have a certain expectation of what I'm supposed to be like. They sculpt a perfect image for me to fit into and if I fall an inch short of that then that's no good at all...And when you take into account my real personality, it's almost like I've been cursed.
Kai immediately felt bad because he was guilty of being one of those people. When he first saw Ami walk through the doors of that family restaurant, he had automatically assumed she was "charmingly pure in every way".
Kai: Kawashima, that stuff I said to you earlier, right before it started raining... It was insensitive of me to say that without knowing anything about your situation. I'm sorry.
Ami: Oh you mean when you said that if I saw my facade for myself then I wouldn't feel good about it.
Kai nodded in an ashamed manner.
Ami: There's no need for you to apologize for that because you were right. I'm not very fond of it, in fact, if I ever met someone who behaved like that, I would probably want to punch them.
They both chuckled lightly and then her face became stiff again.
Ami: Honestly, that act is very wearisome at times and it feels like I'm drowning on the inside. I wish I could be myself but if I did that, everyone's bound to despise me.
Reflexively, Kai had looked away from her eyes that were full of self-contempt; she looked so sad that he couldn't bear to watch.
Kai: Come on, don't think that way. It just seems too…excessive.
Ami: It may seem that way but it's true; just look at how that stalker reacted when he saw how I really am. It's difficult for people to like me when I'm being myself so I decided to pretend to be a girl that everyone can't help but to adore…However, I'm slowly realizing that doesn't fully work either. My "friends" at my last school all made a big fuss about me moving away but none of them have even called or text'd me since I've been here...I get it though; it's only logical that a fake girl would end up with fake friends... It seems like poetic justice...
She briefly paused.
Ami: That's why I think Aisaka is lucky. She may be self-centered and a total mess but she doesn't try to hide anything; she doesn't conceal who she is even a little. And despite her recklessness, she has real friends and even Arito-kun who looks out for her. That's kind of…no, that's really vexing for me…I guess that's why I lashed out at her…I'm jealous.
It turned out that both Ami and Taiga coveted what the other one possessed, it was probably because of this they felt that they couldn't get along with one another. Their feelings would always be in conflict, so it would be impossible for them to have a cuddly relationship like the one Taiga shared with Minori. There was really no helping that.
Ami finally turned around and placed the now empty cup onto the dining table. Her face was tinted orange by light from the setting sun.
Kai: You have Kitamura, don't you?
Ami: Yusaku?
Kai: Yeah, he's a big nerd but I don't think it's possible for anyone to be a better friend than him. Plus, that guy has really been worrying about you so it's obvious he cares. I definitely know he accepts you for who you are.
Ami: You're right but that philanthropist would accept anybody.
Kai nodded his head in agreement.
That's true. Kitamura never has a harsh word for anyone.
A bit of Ami's hair shifted, hiding her face from him.
Kai: Well, I'm not sure how it works for others but personally, I'm more comfortable being around you now that I know how you really are. I actually think perfect people are hard to breathe around; people are much more interesting when they have flaws. And yours don't seem all that bad, especially if you learned how to balance yourself out a little more.
Ami knew that some people said certain things in order to make others feel better but it was obvious Kai was just saying what he honestly thought. The fact that it actually did make her feel better was just a by-product. She then looked at him in an interested manner and decided to test how genuine he really was.
Ami: Could we be friends?
Kai: Who knows? I'm beginning to see that there is no rhyme or reason to that process because if someone would've told me that I'd be friends with the people I am today, I would've said they were crazy. All the way from Tiger to Kitamura even...But if you're telling the truth about completely dropping that "airhead "routine … it'd be possible.
Ami smirked at the response because she was sure any other guy would have just said 'yes'. She then tilted her head thoughtfully.
Ami: I'm still undecided as to whether I want to be your friend or not.
Kai appeared to be insulted.
How could she propose such a thing and then say she's unsure about whether she wants to go through with it or not? This is like a verbal smack in the face. What if I did offer her my friendship? She probably would have said the same thing!
Just thinking about it made him irritated.
Kai (annoyed): On second thought, I'm not a guy who needs a lot of friends and it's not like I want another princess hanging around me either.
Ami couldn't help but laugh at him being offended.
Ami: Did my statement only have one meaning to you?
He looked at her like she was crazy.
Kai (sternly): Every statement should have one meaning! Who do you think you are, huh? Nishida Kitaro? Sun Tzu? Confucius? Don't speak to me using riddles and puzzles. Just say what you mean in the first place.
Ami continued to smile and watched him in an entertained manner.
Ami: Just like I expected. You're such a straightforward guy that you expect everyone else to be that way also.
She phrased this in a way that made Kai feel childish for having such a belief but he immediately shrugged it off.
Kai (defensively): There's nothing wrong with wanting people to say what they mean and mean what they say.
Ami (pensively): Hmmm… Your way of thinking could be very troublesome for me… actually for us both. Perhaps I should be your friend then.
Now he really looked confused because Ami's statement made no sense to him at all, in fact, he thought it was strangely contradicting. He figured she was still talking in riddles.
Kai (sarcastically): Are you a foreigner? It seems you don't have a complete grasp of the Japanese language yet because you're still not making any sense.
Ami quietly laughed at his quip.
Ami: I suppose it's not far-fetched to say that we're speaking different languages…But it's similar to what I said earlier… You use the language that's designed for people who speak their minds. So in regards to fluency for that particular language …I guess I can admit that ... I'm not quite there yet.
Kai took a brief moment to consider what she said and then he thought about everything that happened that day. He already heard how hard it was for her to be her true self in public, therefore it also had to be difficult for her to speak her mind. Talking in riddles was probably like a defense mechanism for her, just another way of masking her feelings.
Kai: I'll wait for you then… When you finally master the language, we can have this conversation again.
Ami looked at him earnestly, she was touched by just hearing the words "I'll wait for you".
Ami: Arito-kun…
Bending down like a cat, Ami suddenly had brought her face very close to his. Kai was so startled that his heart jumped and he tried moving backwards but his back immediately ran into the wall. Instead of getting closer, she seemed to be slowly drawing him in with her violet eyes.
Ami: Arito-kun, if I showed you the real me…what would you do?
Kai (stunned): Um...I...
Ami: Would you fall for me?
Kai could feel his face redden as he stared into her hypnotic eyes, then his leg inadvertently hit the dining table and her empty cup rolled onto the tatami mat. Suddenly she moved in even closer and said-
Ami: Just kidding! It was just a joke! Did I make your heart race?
Leaving it as a prank at the last moment, Ami's lips finally upturned into a smile. To consider it all a joke, it seemed like only the two who were directly involved would accept that. At the abrupt sound of several filled plastic bags being dropped onto the ground, Kai nearly jumped and he looked towards the person who just entered the room.
"…No way…"
From the doorway, Taiga opened her eyes wide and took in the sight; her baffled face showed her mind processing the situation. Taiga and Ami were natural enemies, so the combination of that and the "prank" automatically caused them to look bad. Kai was still shell-shocked from what Ami had just done to him and he hadn't moved an inch away from her. Of course, rather than thinking up a good explanation to clear up this misunderstanding-
Ami (deviously): Oh, does this not look good? Is Ami-chan's timing bad?
Ami challenged Taiga with her eyes.
Ami: Are you surprised that he let another woman into his house?
Kai (sternly): Hey, don't say it in such a weird way!
Ami (innocently): But-
Kai: No buts! Hurry up and tell the truth!
Ami: The truth? You're so bold, Arito-kun!
While intentionally misconstruing the situation, Ami continued to smile; she was loving every second of this but then-
"Arito Kai is mine! Don't touch him without my permission!"
Taiga's unbelievable outcry took everyone's breath away. However, it was only for a second then Taiga fiercely stared at Ami.
Taiga (sarcastically): Did you really think I was going to say something like that?
Ami: Hmm? You mean you don't want to say that? How interesting.
Ami pouted cutely while looking genuinely unafraid.
Taiga: There's no reason for me to say anything like that. Sorry to disappoint you, Kawashima Ami but I really don't care who that dog tries to get it on with.
She gave a bitter smile to Ami but wasn't willing to turn her contemptuous glance towards Kai. Then Taiga turned around to leave.
Taiga: By all means proceed at your own leisure, I'm going back home.
Taiga briskly headed out of the door and all of a sudden, Kai heard a voice that turned him into stone.
"Thanks for helping me with the groceries, Tiger. That good-for-nothing apprentice of mine is never around when I need him- Oh you're leaving… so soon?"
Kai anxiously listened as Michiko's footsteps came closer to the scene, then he finally came back to his senses and gently moved Ami's body away from his. Once he was completely detached, he quickly crawled to the other side of the table. However, Michiko had made it to the room in time to witness his scurrying and of course it was awkward to her but then she noticed the girl in the room and for the first time in her life she was speechless. The same could be said for Kai; he didn't do anything but he knew from experience that whenever he tried to explain that to Michiko, she would only insist that he HAD done something, so he just grasped at anything to say.
Kai: ...
He opened his mouth but nothing came out. Kai's face must have been flushed red because Michiko deviously chuckled.
Michiko: Not even a " Well...um " this time? I get the feeling that I'm interrupting something here. I can come back later if you want.
Kai became even more flustered but someone saved him from answering.
Ami: Ah! You must be Arito-kun's Sensei. I'm Kawashima Ami. How nice to finally meet you!
Michiko: Oh it's definitely a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I'm Suzuki Michiko.
Ami: Sorry for the intrusion. It was just raining so hard outside that Arito-kun insisted we use his house for shelter. He's been the perfect host. Just a second ago, my contact lens came out but Arito-kun found it, he even looked at it closely and made sure nothing was wrong it.
Michiko: Okami can be pretty helpful when he wants to.
Ami shook her head in agreement and stood up.
Ami: Well, please excuse me as I was just on my way out. It's almost dinner time and my aunt is so picky about being punctual for that kind of stuff.
Michiko: I see. Take care and don't be a stranger.
Ami nodded politely then she headed to the door and looked back at Kai.
Ami (cheerfully): Thanks for all your help today, Arito-kun! See you later!
When Ami left, Michiko looked at Kai suggestively.
Michiko: Contacts? I wonder why she told a lie like that…
Kai was so stupefied it was almost like his brain had melted. This slick talker couldn't come up with any words to say and he could barely even move. The combination of what Ami did to him and Michiko's presence left him absolutely traumatized.
Kai: *_*
Michiko: Cat still got your tongue, huh? That must mean that there's something "special" about this Kawashima Ami. Then there's the fact that she's a girl who got into our house without having to break in through the veranda... That's quite significant , isn't it Okami?
Kai: *_*
Michiko: You better say something or else I'm going to be forced to draw my own conclusions.
Kai: Uh...
She patiently waited for him to say something but he still couldn't do it.
Michiko: Let's see, a boy and a girl alone in a house... Teenage hormones...-(unenthusiastic)- Oh god, please tell me your parents had "The Talk" with you already because I'm definitely not going there.
Kai (anxiously): I'm g-going to my room. I'm...tired.
Michiko (smirks): I'm sure you are.
Kai quickly went to his room and stuffed his head into his pillow; he felt so humiliated from being teased by Ami. After playing with the Wolf's feelings like that, there had to be some type of consequence but he was at a lost of what to do. He had never encountered a girl with Ami's "tactics" before so he was ill-equipped to fight any kind of battle with her.
The worst part is that I actually thought we were getting along pretty well, so why did she have to go and do something like that?! She's gonna pay for this!
No matter how many times he thought that, he still couldn't come up with anything to get her back.
A few hours passed and Kai finally went to the kitchen and started to cook dinner while avoiding making eye contact with Michiko. Taiga showed up at her usual time and gave him an irritated look when she passed by him. Then they all sat at the table with the food laid out before them. No one said anything for the first few minutes and they all ate in silence; but eventually Michiko decided that she had to fulfill her guardian duties.
Michiko: Okami, you know how much I hate awkward silences.
Kai: Tiger, say something! You already know how much Michiko hates awkward silences.
Taiga just stared at him in an annoyed manner while she ate her food. Michiko knew he was trying to squirm his way out of talking about this but she wasn't going to let him.
Michiko: I think it would be better for you to talk about what happened today.
Kai (clueless): What happened today? Something happened?
Kai was determined to play dumb about the whole thing but-
Taiga: Yes, Okami! Something happened today, remember? You were acting all horny with that repugnant female!
Kai (irate): Hey, you listen up right now! The "Way of the Warrior" is deeply embedded in me so "Honor" and "Self-Control" are my top priorities in life. Therefore what you're claiming is impossible, I'm just too chivalrous for something like that.
Taiga (annoyed): Oh get over yourself! "Way of the Warrior"? That's some kind of Samurai code isn't it? Well how about you act like one now and go commit seppuku.
Kai glared at Taiga. Meanwhile, Michiko came up with another way to prod him into talking.
Michiko: Ah Tiger, so you're familiar with Kawashima Ami? Who is she?
Taiga: The bane of my existence. You'd think this perverted mongrel would be more considerate in choosing a girl to fool around with. What's the point in being clan members when he's trying to sleep with the enemy?
Kai (outraged): It wasn't like that and don't insult my honor by calling me a pervert!
Michiko ignored him and kept talking to Taiga.
Michiko: Oh so that's what he was doing? Now that just shocks me because Okami usually claims he doesn't have time for girls; he even makes fun of his friends when they fall for someone.
This made Taiga gaze at Kai meanly.
Taiga (mutters angrily): I know the feeling.
Now he was trying hard to completely ignore them. He was adamant about not divulging any info.
Michiko: I guess I just held Okami to a higher standard since he's always talking about how he has so much willpower and that he doesn't give into temptation, especially from women. But it appears he's just like any other guy falling for a pretty face.
Taiga: Not just any pretty face, Michi-chan. She's a model.
Michiko (surprised): Oh my goodness! Wait till Kaze hears about this! Once that lothario knows you were getting it on with a model, he is going to be so jealous of you, Okami.
Kai fretfully glanced up at Michiko.
Kai (anxiously): NO! Absolutely not! You can't tell Kaze or anyone else in the clan about this! They would heckle me relentlessly!
Michiko (deviously smirks): But they are like your brothers so they need to know what's going on with you.
Taiga: Camaraderie obviously means nothing to Okami.
Kai disregarded Taiga again and responded to Michiko.
Kai: But you don't even know what went on!
Michiko: Enlighten me then.
Kai looked at her stubbornly and sighed.
Kai: I-It's nothing like what you think. Kawashima was just…playing around, that's all. She wasn't even serious… That's just how she is.
Michiko (clarifying): So she was teasing you?!
He didn't want to admit it but once he scowled, Michiko knew she was right.
Michiko (impressed): What a bold girl!
Kai (appalled): Are you seriously complimenting her?!
Michiko: Of course I am. I'll be a fan of any person who's able to make you shut up like that.
Kai: I couldn't say anything because I was mortified.
Michiko: Or perhaps you were disappointed.
Disappointed?
Kai hadn't considered it that way before.
Did I actually want to kiss Kawas-
Taiga (accusingly): Look! Your face is turning red right now! See! You really are a perverted dog, Okami. You fell for it.
Kai (defensively): I didn't fall for anything! I was just caught off guard, that's all. Even if it wasn't a joke, I would've stopped her anyway.
Taiga (unconvinced): Whoever you choose to wag your tail at doesn't concern me one bit.
Michiko (unconvinced): Next time just leave a tie on the door so we can know beforehand.
Kai (frustrated): There's really no point in talking to either of you!
Kai grabbed his plate and stormed off to his room. When the girls heard his fusuma slam, they busted out in laughter.