Chapter Thirty-Six: A Friendly Talk
Happy New Year guys! I hope you had fun with your New Years festivities.
So, we have reached that '10 chapters left mark'...
I do hope none of you have become too discouraged because there is a lot of drama and romance to be told before this story ends! So don't worry!
A fresh new chapter just for you guys!
Have fun reading!
Ichigo stared at Ryuuji with shocked eyes, Kisshu's eyes narrowed at his opponent.
Takuma swallowed, "Maid-chan, you-"
"Ryuuji!" came Tsubaki's strict call, her dark eyes narrowed at her partner. "Stop speaking to Miss Pigtails! We have work to do!"
Ryuuji sighed, his shoulders slumped as he grabbed the bags off the ground. He locked eyes with a surprised Ichigo, but Kisshu had pulled Ichigo close to his chest. An act made by a jealous partner.
Ryuuji smiled lightly before waving goodbye to them before making his way onto the stage and behind the curtains to change.
Ichigo blinked as she registered all that had happened in her mind.
Takuma-san is Tsubaki's partner...?!
*After both training sessions*
Ichigo let out a deep breath she had been holding in. It was now mid-afternoon and she had been released from the theatre, with Kisshu beside her.
He had changed back into his uniform and had his black duffle bag on his shoulder. "Ne, Ichigo?"
The redhead looked up from the stone path they were walking on, she looked into Kisshu's eyes as they stopped. "Hmm?"
"What is Takuma-san to you?"
His question was blunt and it caught Ichigo off guard, utter surprise made itself known on her face. "E-Eh?"
"He knew you the moment he saw you on stage. He even called you 'maid-chan'." he said slowly, a creepy look in his eyes. "Did he see you in your maid costume at the festival?"
Ichigo blushed as she grabbed the hem of her dress. "N-No! I w-was walking around the festival and he gave me a souvenir. I-I only know him from the festival." the redhead said.
Though she was nervous at Kisshu's tone, she knew that he was jealous. His eyes glowed an eery gold as he stared at the redhead, "Did he touch you?"
"N-No! We jus talked! Nothing more!"
Kisshu narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "Ichigo, I don't trust him. He's partners with Tsubaki, I think he's up to something-"
His words were cut off by Ichigo cupping his face between her delicate hands and placing a soft kiss on his mouth.
His eyes widened as she shut her eyes, keeping her lips on his gently.
I-Ichigo...
The redhead released him and stared into his golden eyes, his cheeks were a light red and he had a surprised look on his face. Ichigo blushed herself but stroked his cheeks, "You have nothing to worry about, ok? Takuma-san is merely an acquaintance."
Kisshu was still surprised and swallowed, "I-Ichigo, you-"
"Oh no!" she cried, something immediately catching her eye. Kisshu lost his shock and looked at the girl, "What? What is it?!"
"I left my bag in the auditorium! It has my dorm key and my clothing! I-I need to go get it!"
Kisshu sighed as he closed his eyes. "You're lucky you're so cute, I was about to throw you over my shoulder and take you to my dorm..."
Ichigo blushed as she gasped, "You wouldn't dare-!"
"Why not? I've been to your dorm, now it's your turn to come to mine!"
"N-No way! I-I'm going to go get my bag!"
Before he could reply, the redhead had rushed off towards the auditorium. Her skirt and hair were flowing behind her delicately, like a princess running to her castle...
In a matter of seconds, Ichigo had reached the doors of the auditorium. Wasting no time opening one of the large doors and stepping inside.
The auditorium was barely lit and the others could not be seen. Ichigo sighed as she walked down the aisle towards the stage. Searching the rows and the ground for her pink bag, she narrowed her eyes in the faint darkness. She groaned as her search became fruitless, each row she looked carefully but she found nothing.
Where did I put it...?
She was searching the front row in front when she heard someone.
"Looking for something?"
Ichigo jumped about three feet in the air as she squeaked like a mouse. She looked to see Ryuuji smiling at her with her bag hanging from his fingers. "Is this yours?" he asked calmly, his eyes locking with hers.
Ichigo regained her composure as she nodded, brushing off her skirt and standing straight. Ryuuji chuckled as he walked over to her and handed the strap to Ichigo. She took it and smiled, gripping it tightly. "Thanks so much. I thought I lost it."
Ryuuji grinned, "Well now you've got it, Momomiya-san."
Ichigo giggled as she placed her knuckles at her lips, Ryuuji laughed too.
"You're so sweet, Takuma-san. It makes me wonder why you're partners with someone like Aono Tsubaki..."
After mentioning that name, Ryuuji stopped laughing, a strange look on his face. Ichigo immediately cupped a hand over her mouth, "Oh! I'm sorry! I-"
"No, no it's alright..." he said as he waved his hand. "I-I'm surprised I'm with her too... And in this contest no less..."
Ichigo blinked as she lowered her hand, "What do you mean?"
Ryuuji sighed as he moved past Ichigo towards the stage, which was lit lightly. He placed his own bag down and hopped up on the edge.
"Tsubaki was my childhood friend, and I had strong feelings for her. But-"
Ichigo placed her bag down in a seat and then hopped up next to Ryuuji, "You grew up with her?" He nodded and looked down at his hands in his lap, "She and I were the best of friends. I loved her but she began to change..."
"What do you mean?" Though Ichigo was curious as to what his story was, she was very surprised to hear that he had strong feelings for Tsubaki.
Ryuuji looked to the cieling as he leaned on his arms. "Tsubaki was a sweet girl but she began to change in personality. She grew more self-centered and became an unappealing person... Yet I still wanted to stay by her side... I wanted to ensure her safety and happiness."
Ichigo placed her hands in her lap, "You really care for her that much...?"
Ryuuji blushed and looked at her with astonishment, "Of course! I-I've know her for so long! Even when she has shut me out and ignored me for years, I still stand by her side!"
Ichigo smiled, "You're very devoted, I'll give you that... But what about your happiness?"
Ryuuji blinked at the question, "W-What-"
"You devote yourself to Tsubaki even when she acts cruelly by shutting you out. That is either a sign of love or just plain submission. You also seem to be unsure of your entry into Hana..."
Ryuuji swallowed and the redhead knew that she had hit something. "Are you happy with your position as her partner for the contest?"
Ryuuji was silent, his face showed the conflict rising in his mind. "W-Well, she demanded many boys to run with her but they blew her off... So I-"
"Don't evade the question, Takuma-san. Answer my question." the redhead said sternly, her brown eyes hard in the faint light.
Ryuuji flinched at the tone, his actions reminding Ichigo of an innocent lamb.
"W-Well... If Tsubaki ends up happy then I'll be happy... I would love to be her Prince Charming and I think entering Hana will be a great opportunity."
Ichigo pushed a stray hair behind her ear, "Even if she were to win, how would you be sure that she would finally acknowledge you?"
Ryuuji swallowed, his eyes hidden under his bangs. "S-She has to- I mean, I entered the competition with her."
Ichigo placed her hand on his shoulder, "Just think about it. I don't mean to impose, bu it seems to me that you deserve some form of happiness and satisfaction as well."
Getting down and grabbing her bag, she turned towards him. "I'll see you at the elections, Takuma-san." she said with a smile.
Turning, she walked out of the auditorium. Ryuuji's eyes never left her retreating figure.
"Momomiya-san..."
*In the Office*
Tsubaki held the phone to her ear carefully, her eyes flashing. The other end of the line was picked up and a familiar voice answered.
"Hello?"
Tsubaki grinned, "Hey sis, I have something to ask of you."
Oooohh!
I hope you guys know who Tsubaki's talking to...
Anyway, I had a little trouble writing this chapter but I hope you guys liked it anyway!
Review please!
Sayonara!