CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Letting All Out
"What will you do if someone will hurt you?"
"Hurt them back a thousand folds." A girl, having a face of an angel, replied in a monotonous tone. Her eyes were big and beautiful, but it had no shine. It was bleak and dark. Her features were flawless, yet there was no life in it.
A rare smile formed in the man's lips. "Very good, my dear Yumi. You must bear in mind that you cannot trust anyone but yourself. People will hurt you, one way or another, and so you have to hurt them back, a thousand folds."
The air in the room suddenly changed. It made the girl looked at him straight in the eye. She felt her heart pound for the very first time at what she was seeing: Evil was in the man's eyes.
His smile vanished, making his appearance more dreadful. "Remember, you are a Sekamitomi. Don't let anyone touch you." His voice was as cold as his eyes.
"I always bear that in mind, grandfather." She just made a promise to the devil. A promise she knew she could never break.
Yumi woke up at the sound of her relentless alarm. She groaned as she threw the poor device out of the window and buried her face back in the pillow.
"Yumi-chan!" She heard her mother called from the front yard. She covered her ears straightaway. She knew what was coming next. "This is the fifth time you did that! Don't you know how to turn off the alarm? Then, don't set the alarm for crying out loud!"
She sighed. She could already hear the irritation in her mother's voice, which didn't happen very often. "I'm sorry, mom! It'll never happen again!" She slumped down a bit when she didn't get a response. "I don't think mother heard me." She muttered in her pillow.
"Yumi-chan!" Her mother called again, but this time her voice was suspiciously different. She could imagine her mother wearing a huge grin on her face. "Someone's looking for you!" She giggled.
Her eyes snapped open. Did mother just giggle? She pushed herself up, bending her legs under her. It's like they're having a pretty good conversation down there, Yumi thought curiously as the voices grew louder. She was concentrating too much on the voices below that she did not hear heavy footsteps drawing nearer to her room. Her eyes squinted at the sound of a man laughing. Before her mind could register the voice, the door in her room flew open. She immediately stood on her bed, shrieking in surprise.
"Yumi-sama," Touko said with an incredulous huff as she went inside the room. "We are all waiting for you to get your butt . . ." Her voice trailed off when she had finally laid eyes on the other brunette. Her eyes were shamelessly roaming up and down Yumi's body. She turned around instantly after realizing she was brazenly checking her out. "Wha—what are you doing wearing only that?" She stuttered horribly, feeling her face heating up. The image was burning a hole in her brain.
Yumi was wearing a pale blue lace underwear and very light, almost see-through, white crop top, which exposed almost, well, everything. The taut stomach, the sexy curve of the hips, the delicious-looking navel, and as she imagined, the pink erected nipples . . .
If only Touko saw the mischievous smirk on Yumi's lips, her soul would probably jump out of her body and dance its way to heaven.
She gulped as she heard Yumi hop off the bed and walk to her direction. A shaky breath escaped her mouth when she felt cool breath fanning her neck up to her ear, not to mention, Yumi's nearly uncovered breasts against her back. She shivered at the feeling with an idiotic grin on her face.
"I couldn't sleep. This room is too hot during this time of the year." Yumi's voice was deep and husky.
It was just too sexy in Touko's ears! She was trying so damn hard not to moan. It took all of her willpower to compose herself and face the other brunette. However, what she did was so wrong. It only made the situation painfully worse for her.
As their eyes locked, time had automatically stopped in Touko's own little world. Their faces were centimeters apart. She could practically feel Yumi's pleasant heartbeat—her body was actually feeling the two soft fronts—against her own frantic one. Her eyes flickered from Yumi's gentle eyes down to her smiling lips. It lingered there for a moment then back to the beautiful hazel orbs. Then to her lips again. She just loved those irresistible, pink lips. She couldn't stop staring at it. Oh, how Touko wished she could taste it right now.
"Touko-chan," Yumi called softly. There was definitely a hint of playfulness in her tone, but Touko was too distracted to notice it.
Touko breathed in, inadvertently welcoming the sweet, fresh breath in her nostrils. "Yes, Yumi-sama?" She responded thoughtlessly with a dreamy smile. She was already daydreaming about not so innocent things with a certain brunette.
Yumi's brow furrowed at the far-out look on the girl's face. She felt a little weird inside. Sure, she loved teasing the girl, but she did not expect Touko's reaction to be this way. She expected her to lash out harsher words to her face. This side of Touko was creeping her out. "Er, Touko-chan?" She called tentatively, uncertain of what she was doing. "I'm gonna go and change now, okay? You can stay here if you like." She said before hurrying out of the room as quick as she could.
Touko was out of her reverie, gradually. She blinked thrice, having no idea what had just happened. Then, it dawned on her.
Ooo
Miki and Suguru were conversing animatedly when they heard a loud squeal from the third floor. They looked at each other briefly then took a glance at the open window above.
"Seems like Touko-chan is having a good time." Suguru said with a rather charming smile, which made the woman nod abstractedly.
Miki grinned. "Yes, I think you're right, Suguru-kun."
They laughed again.
Suguru thought this would be the best time to act on his plan. "Ah, by the way, Miki-Obasama, how's your husband, Yuuichiro-san? I heard his company is doing great." His words came out pleasantly, and innocently.
"Thank you for asking. He is fine. He's been very busy lately." Her smile melted. "He's a very hardworking man. He is really working hard for his family."
Suguru hesitated to continue, but he also didn't want this opportunity to pass. "I can see you care for your husband dearly." His voice was sympathetic. "No worries, Obasama. Soon Yumi-chan, being the successor, will take over what her father is working so hard."
She looked doubtful, but nodded her head otherwise.
There was a long pause before Suguru decided to change the course of their conversation. "Sa-chan had mentioned that she met Yuuichiro-san on Yumi-chan's birthday and had called her 'Sayako-san'." He chuckled lightheartedly. "Well, she does look like a splitting image of her mother." He made sure to take note of her reaction. "Does our family know each other?"
There was a shimmer of emotion in her eyes as she said quietly, "I'm afraid not, but I know Sayako. She was a senior and I was a freshman back in the day." A warm, wistful smile graced her face. "She was the first person I saw when I first stepped foot on the Lillian ground. She looked so divine, so breathtaking. She was my angel then." She said the latter barely above a whisper.
Suguru had to clear her throat to snap her out of her daze. "You and Sayako-Obasama are good friends?"
Miki shook her head with a sad smile. "She has no idea I exist." That greatly surprised Suguru. Miki must have seen the shock look on his face as she gave him a small smile and said, "She was this highly admired lady at Lillian and I was just an ordinary teenager. Her petite soeur and all of her friends were from the highest class of the society. My family was very poor. They could hardly afford buying me a pen. I was merely one of her fans." She laughed dryly then was once again lost in her own thought. "The last time I saw her was on her wedding day. She looked incredibly happy. That's all that mattered to me, seeing her smile like that."
Suguru understood. "Not meaning to pry, Miki-Obasama, but how were you able to—"
Miki giggled, cutting his question short. "How was I able to study in a very expensive school when my family couldn't even buy me a pen?"
Suguru chuckled uncertainly. "Ah, yes."
"I was an academic scholar." She responded proudly. "I was given financial support by, um, this company until I got married. That was soon after graduation."
This was the matter he had been wanting to hear. Suguru smirked deep down. "Yuuichiro-san must be so in love with you to propose that early. Well, who wouldn't be? Look at you now, Miki-Obasama. You are absolutely gorgeous."
Miki giggled like a shy, little girl. "Oh, please stop that, Suguru-kun. We know it's not true."
"You know I can't lie to you, Obasama. If I were Yuuichiro-san, I would have done the same thing." Suguru flashed his winning smile. "So, Yuuichiro-san and Sayako-Obasama know each other, then?"
Miki thought about it before responding, "I am not sure. He did not say anything when Sachiko-san was here."
"Probably they met before you were married." The words just came out of his mouth. He stopped himself before he could say something more stupid and ruin his plan.
"Hmm . . ." Miki was scrunching her face as though in a really deep thought. "Well, I remember him telling me something about a very wealthy Japanese couple he met while working in New York when he was still single. He said they helped him financed his company, but I never met them and he had never mentioned their names. Maybe, who knows?"
Suguru eyes quirked suspiciously. "Yes, who knows . . ."
"Gosh!" Touko exclaimed in feign irritation. "If I hadn't known any better, I would think you did this on purpose." She rumbled on, yanking random clothes—and undergarments—from Yumi's closet and shoved it in a duffel bag. Her face was beet red. Yumi thought it was from too much unnecessary ranting.
Yumi was standing by the door, leaning her side against the door frame. Her expression was beyond amused. "Touko-chan, can you tell me why you're here again?"
"Isn't it obvious? I'm helping you pack." Touko answered curtly, deliberately avoiding her gaze.
Yumi sighed. "Did Onee-sama send you here to make my life a living hell?"
Touko laughed mockingly. "Very funny." She scoffed as she stopped fumbling around, seemingly searching for something in the room. "I am here on my own. Sachiko-Oneesama doesn't know that I'm picking you up." She said, still not looking at her. "I want to make sure you're not going to get us late. Everyone's so excited about this trip." She turned around, finally facing the older brunette. "I think these are all you need." She said, lifting the duffel bag. "So, can we go now, Ojou-sama?"
Ooo
Touko was sitting next to Yumi in the passenger seat. Suguru could practically taste the awkwardness in the air. He kept an eye on the road, but was glancing at the rear-view mirror from time to time. He shook his head in amusement after catching his cousin stealing another glance at the silent brunette, for the nth time.
"Yumi-chan," He said, hoping to start a conversation. "How are you? I haven't seen you for ages."
"I'm fine." Yumi responded briefly, not wanting to say more. She kept her gaze out the window.
Suguru smirked while Touko looked at her with an eyebrow raised.
"Woke up at the wrong side of the bed? I'm sure Touko-chan can help you with that." Suguru said, winking at Touko in the rear-view mirror.
Touko blushed, turning away from the brunette as a certain memory popped in her mind:
Suguru stepped in the Matsudaira library, looking for his favorite cousin. He smiled when he spotted her sitting at the table by the window.
Touko put her book down and pleasantly smiled at the very handsome man. "Gokigenyou."
Suguru greeted back and sat across her. "I heard you're going to Shizuoka with the Yamayurikai?"
"Sachiko-Oneesama invited me." She said glumly. "I can't say no to her even if I don't want to."
"You don't want to?" Suguru's brow arched in surprise. "I remember not so long ago you would jump in excitement when Sa-chan would ask you out."
Touko snatched her book and hid her face from Suguru's inquisitive eyes. "That was because I would be spending time with Sachiko-Oneesama alone. But now, it'll be different. I'll be with people I am not comfortable with." She was trying to sound bored. "And that was a very long time ago, Suguru-kun."
There was a gap before Suguru spoke up, "Ways how to woo complicated women." He read the title of the book, absolute amusement in his voice. "That's an interesting read."
In an instant, Touko slammed the book on the table. Her eyes were wide as her mouth. "It's not really what you think. I—I can explain . . ."
Suguru chuckled. "Explain what? That you're not trying to win a complicated brunette's heart?" His directness flustered her, making him chuckle even more. "I know you adore her, Touko-chan." Suguru purposely chose the word 'adore' so not to agitate her cousin any further.
Touko fidgeted on her seat. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Suguru-kun." Her voice was low, almost inaudible.
Suguru looked disappointed as he said, "I know you do. And I understand why you can't express your feelings out in the open. I am just glad you finally accepted it. I was worried that you'd keep this from me forever." He stood and sat beside her. "I am your partner in everything, remember? You can always talk to me about it."
Touko looked up at him, shaking her head with a shy smile. "Honestly, she is the reason why I accepted Sachiko-Oneesama's invitation; I want to see her."
Suguru only smiled; unknown to Touko, he felt sorry for the girl.
"Touko-chan?" Yumi called, gently tapping the girl's shoulder. When Touko was finally snapped out of her thoughts and looked at her, she gave her a small smile and said, "We're here." Without waiting for any response, she got off the car and nodded her thanks at Suguru who was already at the Lillian gate with their bags.
After shutting the car door, Touko heard Suguru say to Yumi, "I'll leave Sa-chan and Touko-chan in your care." She went to her cousin's side and gave him a warm embrace. "Thank you, Suguru-kun, for everything." She whispered with a smile.
Rei was the last one to get onto the minibus. She made a pause at the aisle, glancing over the familiar faces. "Okay, since everyone is already here. I suggest that you just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride." She went to her seat where Yoshino was at. She sat beside her. There was a soft, contented sigh after she closed her eyes.
Yoshino nudged her. "Hey, what are you thinking?"
Rei smiled. "Me and you at the beach, doing what we usually do, well, except . . ." She opened her eyes and looked at Yoshino slyly. "This time, I'll let you scream my name—"
Yoshino immediately covered Rei's mouth, cutting her off. She hushed her, glancing around to see if anyone was listening. "Rei-chan, we are not talking about it now." She grumbled nervously. "Let's talk about it later."
Oblivious to the couple, Yumi was secretly chuckling behind them, having to hear everything that had been said.
Sachiko glanced at the brunette for a split second then back on the book she was pretending to be reading. After the incident in the meeting room two weeks ago, a part of her badly wanted to confront Yumi about it, but the biggest part of her was afraid to face that side of her fiancée again.
"Onee-sama?"
Yumi's cheery voice jerked her out of her musing. Reluctantly, she closed her book and looked into her eyes. Yumi's eyes were gazing at her own with tenderness. This was the Yumi she loved and cared so much. Not the one that was on her mind.
Yumi giggled quietly. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
Yumi was acting as though that day had never happened while Sachiko had a hard time looking at her in the eye without flinching or hesitating. It was as if Yumi wasn't aware of it. But that was just preposterous, wasn't it? How could she not be aware? Or was she that good at pretending or acting her feelings? Sachiko wondered depressingly.
"Onee-sama, are you alright?" Yumi's worried voice echoed in her head, breaking her thoughts.
Her mind focused back on the big brown eyes. It was sparkling with life and love and a tiny glint of concern. She found herself smiling at the sight. "I'm fine, Yumi. I have—I have a lot of things in my mind right now."
Yumi frowned. Sachiko hardly ever stammered and if she did, it wasalways because of stress. This time, she was the stress. "Are you still concerned about me?" Sachiko's reaction answered her question. She grabbed Sachiko's hand and brushed it with such gentleness. "I know. You need not to tell me. I've been so horrible to you." She said, looking so sorry. "I promise to tell you once we arrive."
Sachiko shook her head lightly. "You don't have to if you're not ready. You can—"
"No." Yumi said firmly, breaking her off. "It should be now, or rather, later when we arrive."
Sachiko considered it first then nodded her approval. "Okay. Let's talk after dinner."
Exactly after two hours and forty-eight minutes, seven teenagers arrived at the Ogasawara beach house in Shizuoka, conveniently located along the famous coast of Izu peninsula. The house, to say the least, showed luxury and elegance—the sophisticated Ogasawaran lifestyle, to name it.
Four teenagers dropped their jaws in awe, taking in the beauty of the place.
Before they got inside, the group were welcomed by a butler and four housemaids. Sachiko, being the good host, showed them around the house. It had eight bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and three powder rooms. Each room was complete with furniture: a king-sized bed; flat screen TV; small fridge; couch; etc. The three-story house was constructed superbly and artistically. The walls were made of stones and glass, which had a stunning view of the ocean. There was a giant pool with mini waterfalls adjacent to the living room and a spa next to it. The pool and the spa were divided by rocks that made the setting look natural. The dining area had two mahogany tables, which would seat ten people on each. Unlike the rest of the house, the dining and the kitchen area were located fronting a beautiful garden.
"Wow." Noriko breathed out. "I'm glad I'm here. This place is paradise!"
Touko chuckled. "You have seen nothing yet." Her eyes wandered over to the brunette with pigtails as the beauty of the Sekamitomi estate flashed her mind. She shook her head, tossing the thought away. It can't be. She said to herself. Suguru-kun said I was wrong and I trust him. He will never lie to me.
"Don't make it too obvious. Wipe that drool off your mouth, will you?" Noriko teased her.
Touko glared at her. "I can't believe you."
Noriko smirked. "Hey, even the blind could see it. Be a little more discreet once in a while."
Touko huffed, ignoring her friend, and walked toward her Onee-sama, who was talking to the butler. When the butler left, she approached the older woman and embraced her.
Sachiko smiled and embraced her back. Her cousin was so affectionate to her ever since they were little, always giving her kisses and hugs and showing concern. "Why am I the only one cherishing the sweet side of Matsudaira Touko, huh?"
Touko snuggled more closely. "Because you are special."
"And the rest of humanity aren't?"
Touko could hear the amusement in her voice. "Only you." She released Sachiko and looked at her with puppy eyes. "Can we share a room, Sachiko-Oneesama? I want to be in the same room with you."
Sachiko's brows creased. "Yumi and I will be sharing a room, Touko." She said softly, almost apologetic. "But you can have the room next to ours, if you like."
Touko shook her head. "It's okay, Onee-sama. I'll just have my usual room."
Sachiko was about to say her reply when the butler came up to her.
"Excuse me, Ojou-sama." The butler said politely. "The other guests are already here."
Sachiko nodded and thanked him.
Other guests? Touko was confused. The Yamayurikai was complete and Sachiko didn't mention that there would be more people coming. She followed her Onee-sama out of the house with the rest of the Yamayurikai. Her mouth fell open when she saw the charming blonde from that time. She tried to hide behind Noriko and Shimako, not knowing it was a wrong move.
"Onee-sama, you're here!" Touko heard Shimako say, making the blonde look at her direction. She instinctively bent down, petrified that the woman would see her.
"Of course!" Sei exclaimed happily. "Wow, I thought I saw the goddess Aphrodite climbed down from mount Olympus. You've grown beautifully, Shimako!" She said, regarding her petite soeur heedfully.
Shimako and Sei chuckled. Youko sighed. "Sei and her lame jokes. Endless."
Sei pouted at her dark-haired friend. "You're just jealous because I called you fat while we were in the car."
Surprisingly, Sachiko laughed cheerfully. All astonished eyes fell on her. "I just thought you gained weight, Onee-sama. Well, just a little."
Though Youko was irked by the blonde for popping a sensitive subject—her weight, every woman's problem—she couldn't bring herself to get mad at her younger sister, especially after seeing her laugh. It warmed her heart instead. "I'm glad." She said with a small smile.
Shimako took Noriko's hand and said, "Onee-sama, I would like you to meet my petite soeur, Nijou Noriko." She said proudly.
"Ah," Noriko bowed deep down. "It's an honor to finally meet you, Sei-sama." Meeting the one and only Sato Sei made her jittery. She knew how important and special she was to Shimako and she wanted to make a good first impression to her grand seour.
Sei grinned. "Easy, Noriko-chan. I'm not Shimako's father, you know. You don't have to be so edgy around me."
Noriko laughed nervously. "Right."
Sei tilted her head to the side. "Who's that behind you, Noriko-chan?"
Noriko and Shimako moved apart so the crouching Touko was in view.
Touko gasped as Sei's eyes went wide. Everyone looked at them in wonder. There was an awkward silence before Eriko cleared her throat out loud.
"You have a nice place here, Sachiko." Eriko noted. "Thanks for inviting us."
"You're welcome, Eriko-sama." Sachiko replied with an uncertain smile. "Why don't we go inside and I'll show you around the house?"
Lunch came and everyone was enjoying the beach soon after. Everyone seemed to have a great time, seeing the happy and contented smiles on their faces. Hours later, the butler announced that supper was ready. Once dinner was over, everyone began heading to their respective rooms. On the third floor, Sachiko decided that she and Yumi would be on the master's bedroom. The next room was occupied by Sei and Youko. The room adjacent to it would be Shimako and Noriko's. Touko was in her usual room on the second floor. And on the same floor, Yoshino and Rei were sharing the same room with Eriko, to the youngest girl's horror.
"Everybody's having their own room! Why can't you find one and give us the privacy we need!?" Yoshino hollered, waving her hands in frustration as if to emphasize her point.
"Yoshino, I think that's enough." Rei warned softly. "Onee-sama can stay wherever she wants. You're overreacting again."
"Overreacting? Again?" Yoshino looked at her in disbelief. She glared at them both. "Great! Now, my stay is perfect! So perfect!" She huffed and stormed off angrily out of the room.
"That went well." Eriko said sarcastically. She turned to the tall woman who sat on the bed by the balcony door. "So Rei, when are you going to tell her?" Her voice sounded amused and intrigued.
Rei dropped her head. "I'm planning to tell her tonight, Onee-sama. But I'm not too sure anymore. She's violent and hot-tempered. She might take this the bad way."
Eriko walked over to her sister's side and sat beside her. With a reassuring smile, she responded, "She'll get over it. She can't be mad at you forever." She patted Rei's shoulder lightly. "And by the way, Rei, what did Yoshino-chan mean by the 'privacy' you two need?"
Rei scratched her head nervously. "Should I call Yoshino to explain, Onee-sama?"
"Hey," Noriko bumped Shimako's shoulder. "Something's bothering you?" They were at the balcony, taking the pleasure of the cool breeze and romantic ambience the hefty moon offered. Shimako softly chuckled all of a sudden, which greatly baffled her. Her face scrunched. "What's so funny, Shimako-san?"
Shimako stopped herself from laughing. "If you only saw your face when you met Onee-sama, Noriko-san," She laughed again. This time, a little louder. "You looked like you were about to be eaten alive."
Noriko crossed her arms with an adorable pout. She grumbled something incoherent, which made Shimako stop laughing and look at her. She smiled sweetly, gazing lovingly at the dark haired girl. It took Noriko a long while to feel Shimako's intent stare. Before she could ask the older girl what was wrong, Shimako swiftly connected their lips together. Noriko's eyes widened in surprise, but she closed them when she felt Shimako's lips move. Instinctively, she opened her mouth and, on the dot, a cool tongue entered and fought for dominance. This was so new to her, but she never felt so happy in her life. She smiled in the kiss, letting Shimako do her magic. She would definitely cherish the night away, with the love of her life. I love you so much, Shimako-san. Her heart was crying to tell her that, but she knew she couldn't.
Inside the biggest room in the house, a beautiful brunette and raven-haired goddess sat on each side of the bed, backs stiffly facing each other. Deafening silence filled the huge room. Even Sachiko could clearly hear Sei's faint laughter the next door. Oh, this is outrageous! Sachiko thought irately. She was about to open her mouth and express her annoyance when Yumi's uneasy voice echoed the room.
"This is kind of long, and . . ." She trailed off. Sachiko could tell Yumi was having a hard time expressing her feelings. Hearing her taking a deep breath, she turned around and face the brunette. Yumi followed suit with a nervous smile. "I don't know where to start."
"You can start by telling me about your past." Sachiko said resolutely. "Just tell me what I need to know, Yumi."
Yumi swallowed hard. "Are you ready to know my story?"
Without thinking of her response, Sachiko answered instantly. "Never ready my whole life."
to be continued.
