A/N: And so, here's the latest chapter for Change fic. Didn't know the new chapter would turn out longer. Not that I'm complaining or something. I enjoy writing longer chapter than short.
To be honest, I was expecting I'm going to update this fic around December or November as the time in this fic is taking in around christmas event-ish. But since I was having a terrible writing's block right there, I eventually couldn't able update it orz
Also, in this fic, Sen has a haphephobia, in which, she'll get frightened/anxious when random men touch her except some men she finally accepts.
Disclaimer: Don't own Hakuouki and the characters.
Warnings: OOC-ness, typos, grammar error, AU
Chapter 14
When the rain continuedly poured on them, once the brunette realized what she's been doing just now, she started to struggle herself to stop their kisses but the Oni President's hold was too strong for her. No matter how many times she tried to push Kazama's broad chested away from her, she was too weak to struggle away from his hold as if she was a rabbit who couldn't able to escape from the hawk's powerful hold.
But, no…
She can't do that…
She can't do something like that…!
Not to her best friend…!
The thought of betraying her best friend by stealing the man Sen was suppose to be love brings Chizuru's heart shattered pieces by pieces. Sen was the very first friend she ever had. She didn't want to break their friendship by now…
But how..?
How could Kazama do that to the brunette? How could Kazama do that to his own childhood friend whom once to be close as if they were meant to be? Wasn't he cared Sen more than the brunette? If so, then why would he do this..?
As her thought about her best friend slowly disappeared, finally focusing on their kisses, Chizuru never expected she eventually gives up her first kiss to Kazama. …Well, to be honest, Chizuru had always wants to kiss the President so much if her feelings has been reciprocated. But receiving a surprise kiss..? Heck no! Of course not. Even if she wanted it, Chizuru actually prefer to have a best kiss on her first one. She wants to make sure the first kiss could remember last forever like a memento.
As their lips finally parted away, the brunette realized she was almost out of breathed already. Their forehead touched each other as they both tried to catch some more air while ignored the rain that pouring them.
Either of them didn't break the silent moment between them until Kazama finally speak by gritting his teeth tighter first. Was he.. angry?
"Does this show you?"
Eh…?
"Does this show you that I love Sen?! Does this show you that I have a feeling for her? Even if I had a feeling for her, I wouldn't have done this to you by now?!"
What…?
What.. what does he mean?
Is.. is he trying to tell her that he had never had a romantic feeling for Sen? Is he trying to tell her that the woman he's been eyed on was Chizuru, and Chizuru only…? Even so, there's a higher chance that Sen might have a feeling for…
Before Kazama could leaned closer to Chizuru's face to give another kiss, a random car passed on them, in which a puddle that the car had passed were showering on the couple in wet.
At that, there was an awkward silent moment between them.
Either of them didn't do anything nor spoke a word.
"Y-You can borrow my father's clothes."
Chizuru said timidly after she finally finished on taking a shower. As they both of them were wet, they eventually had to stay the brunette's house.
Kazama nodded in slightly as he entered the bathroom then.
As the brunette tried to dry her long and beautiful hair with a towel, she started to replay her memory of the President's words a moment ago.
Does this show you that I love Sen?
Does this show you that I have a feeling for her?
Even if I had a feeling for her, I wouldn't have do this to you by now?!
Is it true that the President never had a feeling for Sen all this time? She wanted to ask him so badly, but some other parts of her telling her that it's useless to have a feeling for the President. For someone rich such as Kazama Chikage, would he likes to someone likes her? After all, ever since her parents died, she didn't have a grand and pleasant life like Kazama anymore. She was living like a commoner where she has to take a part time job to have enough money for the bill and some school fees. Her father hadn't returned back to Kyoto yet, so…
It didn't take a long time then Kazama has finally gone out from the bathroom.
As the brunette curiously took a glanced on the blonde-haired President's figure, Chizuru couldn't helped but flushed her cheeks and ears deepening in red upon of seeing Kazama in half naked for the second times. Thankfully he wore one of her father's clothes, a grey-colored pant with darker straight stripes. She couldn't imagined herself to see him in full-naked. Never would have would've thought she eventually able to see him in half-naked once again.
"You're living alone?" Kazama spoke as he still drying his gorgeous hair with a towel.
"Ah.. y-yes." Chizuru replied without looking at the President's crimson eyes. "My father is still in overseas because of his job."
Kazama replied with a nod then, and there was a silent moment between them.
As several minutes had passed, she finds herself feeling awkward being alone with the President. She has to do something. She has to finds a way to avoid the President a little further away from her. Without thinking no more, Chizuru finally turned on her heels then, intending to leave from the living room to reach to the kitchen.
"I-I'll go and make some tea for you, Kazama-senpai."
Before Chizuru could disappeared herself from the living room, her body getting enwrapped by Kazama's strong arms in which, brings her stopped moving as if she's been paralyzed.
The President's chin rested on the brunette's shoulder. She could felt shivered in all over spine upon of feeling the blonde-haired man purred under his throat.
"U-Um.. Kazama-senpai, what are you—"
"Chizuru." Kazama called her in unknown tone. "Is it true that you like me?"
"Eh…?"
"Is it true that you fall in love with me?"
"T-That is…"
She wanted so much to hide this from the President. But she knew that she couldn't kept it longer than ever just as how she hid her identity from him. It could've been turned worse if she hid this kind of feeling toward him then…
Bracing herself for the worst, Chizuru gripped her hands tighter as if that could give her an energy to confess her true feelings toward him.
Finally, she did;
"Y-Yes…" The brunette spoke a little hesitantly. When Kazama has no bother to interrupt her, Chizuru continued then, "I've told myself that I would rather seeing you just a friend only, nothing's more. But ever since I found you and Sen closer, I couldn't helped but envy of your relationship. It was as if my feeling for you was no match for her. So…" Biting her lower lip tighter to keep her away from crying or sniffling. "I—I thought avoiding you would help you from falling in love with me stronger and stronger. I've realized that I've already fall in love with you because of generosity toward me. Whether I'm from the Yukimura family or not. That's why.."
Couldn't take it anymore, Chizuru finally stopped speaking, letting her head dropped down as she lets him embraced her tighter. Didn't cared how long would she get embraced by him. If this would be the very last she'll get closed to him, the brunette would always cherish this.
She was expecting that the President would finally lets her go, and leaves. But instead, she received a deep chuckled from the blonde-haired man.
Gazing into the crimson orbs in perplexed, there was a sarcastic smirk on his gorgeous face.
"Oh, I see." Kazama began. "You do realized what you're doing just now was the opposite."
"Eh?"
"Instead of making me falling in love with you less, you're making me of wanting you more and stronger. Where did you get that idea of trying to avoiding me?"
"W-Well…" It was Sen, of course…! She wanted so much mentioning of her best friend to him, but some parts of her hated when anyone(including her) mentioning of the older Suzuka in front of the President.
"So, the President spoke. "Now's that our feelings eventually reciprocate, don't you think it's about time to start dating?"
.
.
.
.
At those words there was a very awkward silent moment between them until Chizuru exclaimed with 'EHHHHHH?!'
"B-By meaning start a dating.. d-does it mean.. like a c-couple? B-boyfriend and girlfriend?" Chizuru stuttered ever word. She can't believed what she heard from the President. Despite how she was happy that Kazama eventually had a feeling for her, what about Sen? Who will Sen ended up with?
"Of course it is. What it would be?" Kazama raised his eyebrow.
"W-Well…" She murmured softly, not knowing what to answer.
"…Why are you being hesitated? I thought you love me?"
Ack! How could the President says love or stuff like that so freely?! …He must've truly loves her as well, huh…?
"I-I really am!" She said, her cheeks began to flush in red from embarrassment. "But…"
"But…?"
"Wh-what about Sen?"
"What about her?" Kazama raised his eyebrow in perplexed.
"What's gonna happened to Sen if we're dating?"
"Let her be alone then." He replied straightforwardly.
"K-Kazama…!"
The President gazed into her eyes before spoke:
"Why would you worried of Sen's feelings more?"
"Th-that's because you and Sen were pretty close. I thought you'll eventually likes her sooner…" Chizuru said, poking her fingers together nervously.
"Me and Sen?" Kazama spat in disgustingly. "Haven't I told you before, I never like Sen. She's more like a sister to me."
"E-Even so, you're the only one that Sen ever opened up to man. You do realized she hates men, and the only person she's close so far is you."
"I know."
"Eh..?"
"Despite that, neither the two of us had a romantic feeling for each other. Like me, Sen has never likes me just the way you thought of. Just because we're childhood friends, that doesn't mean we eventually ended up together."
At that, Chizuru remained quiet and let the other man continued on speaking:
"What about that Toudou boy? I've heard you two are childhood friends. And yet, I never seen either of you had a romantic feeling. How's that it?"
"That's because… Heisuke-kun has moved to other place. So it's hard for us to visit each a lot lately.." the brunette mumbled at that.
"And so am I."
"Eh?"
"My parents have moved to other place before I was in middle school. Which is, makes us barely see each other little by little."
With that, the brunette girl remained quiet only, not knowing what to say.
"Now's that this settle already, are you willing to date with me?"
"But…"
Again with Sen, huh…? Kazama felt an urged to dig up his fingers on his scalp.
"Like I said, screw to her," before his soon-to-be-wife could scream in anger, the President continued, "there are many men she can always find and choose. In fact, whether she hates men or no, she eventually have…"
At those words, Kazama wandered on elsewhere, as he was in a deep thought.
Tilting her head curiously, Chizuru tried to bring him back to reality, "She eventually what..?"
"No.. it's nothing."
"Oh… okay."
It seems that the President was hiding her from something. As much as she really wanted to know what thought he's thinking of, it best to be slide it away…
"Well.." Chizuru began with a little hesitatedly. "E-Even though it's too early to dating but… alright. I agree to go out with you!"
Upon of hearing the brunette answer, the President couldn't helped but felt an urged to wide his crimson orbs opened in surprised. Never thought she wouldn't hesitated to go out with him. Of course he was very delighted. But as stubborn as his-soon-to-be-wife is, he was expected he would get her answer tomorrow or later.
With that, Kazama replied with a wide smug on his face, holding the brunette's hand softly and gave a chaste kiss in which, brings the Yukimura flushed in red from embarrassment.
"Rest to be assured my love, I won't make you disappointing."
And thus, this is how they're starting dating… sort of?
After it's been an officially that the brunette and the President are a couple, things were back to normal now; her feelings for the President has reciprocated, her intending to avoid Kazama is over, Amagiri and Shiranui won't be an over-protective-ish parents toward the President. Every once in a while, the brunette would eat in the Student Council office.
But there's one problem.
"U-Um.. Kazama-senpai?"
"Hm? What's wrong, waga yome?"
"Y-Your hand…"
"And what's wrong with my hand?" There was a playful smug on his face.
Couldn't take it anymore, Chizuru finally exploded.
"Y-You're holding my hands, that's the problem!" She whined loudly as she could felt some dark stares from other students whom turned out to be feeling jealous. "
"What's wrong with that?" Kazama questioned confusedly. "Aren't we dating? This is how most couple should do."
"I-I know that..! But-but it's too early for this..!"
"Oh..?" The President smirked wider. "I suppose you're right. However, you do realized when the time has come, we eventually kissing each other often."
"K-K-Kissing?!" Chizuru exclaimed at that word, finds herself flushed in red once again.
Smirking in amusingly; Kazama enjoyed the brunette's adorable side.
"Yes," gripping her chin tenderly, "..kissing."
Moving his face closer to his new lover, Chizuru braced herself to whatever gonna happened between them, closing her eyes so that she wouldn't see other male students were giving another some dark glared and stare between them.
…Until.
There's a sound of whistle a little distant away from them.
It turned out to be Saitou.
"Rule 236, page 450, and line 9; do not flirt, seduce or kiss in school" the indigo man said. "Kazama, I suppose I've already warning you not to break the rules. It looked like you never learn your lesson. Your punishment should be awaits in the laboratory. Hijikata-sensei would be there as well."
With that, Saitou left between them. Kazama replied with a smirk of disappointment.
"Well, so much for cockblocking." He sighed. "Well, we can continue this later then." Looking at the brunette for the last time, he takes a leave, "I'll be waiting for you in recess, waga yome."
At that, Chizuru's face was red as ever. She could felt her heart was beating swiftly in happiness. She might've been melted away if Saitou hadn't stopped them.
Trying to forget whatever happened just now, the brunette went to the locker room as she tried to get some things before going to her classroom
"Chizuru!"
Heisuke exclaimed his childhood friend's name while running toward her as if he was being chased by a group of wild dogs.
"Oh, Heisuke-kun. Good morning."
The younger boy had no time to greet her back. Instead, he gripped her shoulders tighter and moved closer to the brunette girl.
"I-I've heard from everyone that you and that Kazama bastard are an officially couple! Are you sure?! Please don't tell me it's the truth?!"
Wow. Rumors can be quite fast to spread huh?
"I-In truth, yes. We're really starting.. d-datng." Chizuru mumbled at that, feeling slightly embarrassed to admit it, especially toward her childhood friend.
"H-How do you guys hook up each other? I mean.. weren't you been avoiding him several days ago?"
"A-A lot of things happened between us but everything has finally settle." Chizuru answered. "It's because our feelings are eventually reciprocate, Kazama-senpai decided to start a date." She couldn't helped but the thought of dating the President is almost like a dream somehow.
At that, Heisuke eventually sighed out loud while falling his head down in depression. So much for unrequited love… He would've expected he had a chance to have her when his childhood friend was avoiding that damn bastard several days ago…
"Don't be sad just because your feeling is one-sided, Heisuke-kun."
Heisuke faced to a familiar senior male quickly upon of hearing his true feeling about the brunette, there was his usual sadistic smug on his face.
"S-Souji! Shuush!" The younger boy put his finger on his lips, gesturing the prankster to stop talking, especially in front of his childhood friend.
Souji, however, continued gave his usual smirk, enjoying watching the younger boy getting torture by him.
"Good morning, Souji-senpai." Chizuru said with her usual naïve smile on her face.
Okita nodded in reply.
"Good morning, Chizuru-chan. As usual, you're naïve as ever, no wonder your big bro often being an over-protective, yandere big brother mode."
"Well…" Chizuru gave an awkward laughed while scratching her cheek softly to cover her embarrassed from the prankster senior. "I've realized that you're pretty cheerful today. Did something happened?"
"You think so?" Souji widen his smile. "No, nothing's happened… yet. Ja ne." The older man taking a leave while waving his arm off to the couple.
Watching Souji's broad back, Chizuru couldn't helped herself but feeling curious as to what made the older man look so happy like an exciting boy.
"D-Don't worry. I'm sure you'll find out soon." Heisuke grinned widely.
"Eh? You can tell?"
"Of course. We've been in the same class since the first time we enroll school together. So pretty much I've known Souji better than anyone. …W-Well, not as better as Hajime, Hijikata-sensei or Kondou-sensei in truth." Heisuke said in sheepishly.
Nodded in understanding they both started their usual conversation then.
When the first bell has finally ring, the Principal of Hakuou Academy gave an announcement for a whole students of Hakuou to come at the field, in which they had finally arrived, standing in front of Kondou, along with other teachers, including Itou and the President of Student Council.
When Chizuru's eyes let her eyes laid into Kazama's, the President seduced her by winking of his left eye in which, brings the brunette's face flushed in embarrassed as she realized she's been gazing on him longer than she thought she be. Noticing whatever the President doing just now, Hijikata gave a cold glared on the President, punching his back lightly, gesturing him to focus of whatever Kondou is about to announce of.
"Greetings to Hakuou. Today is such a lovely day isn't it? I hope all of you have a great..' "
"As expected from Kondou-sensei," Souji said, taking a snapped of photo of the Principal while starting a speech. "He is an amazing teacher as always, compared to a certain bastard though…" Souji finds himself growled as he noticed Hijikata was there in Kondou's speech photo. The older senior felt an urged to grip his cellphone tighter in anger by now.
"Th-that's because you're admiring Kondou-sensei so highly, Souji." Heisuke commented, sweat-droppings.
"Anyway, today, I would like to announce to everyone that as you may all know, Christmas is around the corner by now. Which means, there'll be a Christmas party at the Hakuou Academy."
At that part, the students chirped in happiness, while the others were clapping for the Principal of Hakuou Academy.
"See? There's definitely a Christmas party in Hakuou Academy." Heisuke said with a grin.
"So this is what Okita-senpai is happy all about," Chizuru joined on clapping as well.
"Exactly." Souji's smile began wider and wider. But not the usual sadistic one of course. Instead, it was more as exciting and happy one.
"Finally there'll be free food…" Ibuki said like a zombie as if his life was starting to end at this rate. Putting his hand on his stomach, he could hears they were making a growl sound like a werewolf.
She couldn't helped herself, but feeling a little excited when the Christmas party is about to come. She could hardly wait to see Kondou wears a Santa suit. The thought of it must've make Souji really, really happy by now.
Before Kondou could ended this, Itou stood up from his place and started to speech;
"While all of you are having excited for the Christmas party, I want all of you to come to my office to make sure whatever clothes you're wearing it would be perfect on you. That's all."
Some male students were gapped like a fish upon of hearing this from Itou.
"Ahh.. lost in words because of exciting to see what suits you would wear for the Christmas party, eh? I like this." As Itou said that, he returned on his seat.
Several of teachers and workers didn't like an idea of course.
"Dismissed."
Sannan said as either of other teachers were too loss in words as well from Itou's idea.
When recess has come, the brunette has been decided to have lunch in the Student Council office this time. It's been a while since she last ate her food in the President's office. She was also miss eating together with Shiranui and Amagiri as well. Having them as a companion was really great and fun, despite Kazama preferred eating lunch with all alone like a romantic date.
"I think I should get going to Kazama-senpai's office by now."
Upon of walking all the way to the Student Council office, there was a commotion at the field.
"What is the meaning of this, Inu?!"
An unfamiliar male spoke with an angry tone.
Curiously, Chizuru took a peek on whatever going on at the field. Upon of seeing a familiar blue-haired boy, she recognized him truly.
It's Ibuki.
"Ow, ow, ow…! It's hurt, Serizawa-san!" Ibuki said in pain while the man named Serizawa was pulling the blunette's ears as if he intended to pull it off on purpose.
I-I've gotta save him…!
Determined to rescue her friend, Chizuru moved closer to an unknown man but soon stopped by a certain teacher.
"Better don't get involved in this business, Yukimura."
He whispered with the softest he ever used as if he didn't want the other hear him.
Hijikata-sensei
Sensing a few presences in the field, Serizawa faced to Hijikata, along with Kondou.
"Hm? Well if it isn't Hijikata. Never expected finding this school has gotten lively."
"Many freshman students had enrolled here for this year. It can't be helped."
"Hmm… I suppose you're right." Serizawa mumbled then. "I've heard that there are a few students dared breaking the rules of Hakuou. Is it true?"
"Ah.. yeah… about that," Kondou muttered nervously. "several of them have been taken care by the Student Council and the Discipline Committee."
"Is that so? They've done pretty well." The older man said in amusing. Pushing the blunette away from his sight, Ibuki fell down on the ground.
"Ryuunosuke-kun, are you alright?" Chizuru asked worriedly, as she watching him endured the pain that he's been received from Serizawa.
"Yeah… somehow.." he muttered under his breathed. His ears were starting to turn red like a numb.
As the brunette could felt an unfamiliar presence moving closer to her, Chizuru gazed above him, whom giving her a dark glared as if he was intending to pierce her chest using several knives now.
"And who's this?"
"Ah, right. Serizawa," Kondou began. "this is Yukimura Chizuru. She's the very first female student in Hakuou Academy for this year."
"Oh? So this is the girl you've been talking about, Kondou"
"Th-that's right."
"Yukimura Chizuru, huh?" Serizawa mumbled, gazing back to the nervous brunette.
"Y-Yes. I am Yukimura Chizuru. It's pleasure to meet you, Serizawa-sensei." The almond-brown orbs woman bowed in a polite way.
"So how's the school?"
"Eh…? Ah.. it-it's great." The brunette replied with a smile. "I had a lot of fun here."
"Even you're the only girl here." Serizawa mumbled lowly, in which, brings the brunette tilted her head in confusing and innocently. "Well, guess it wouldn't hurt to have a female student here."
At those words, Chizuru couldn't helped but finds herself felt an urged to smile inwardly. By the way how Serizawa spoke, it looked like he's approving her to study here, even if she's the only girl here. Despite how she'd heard terrible rumors about Serizawa, it looked like the founder of Hakuou wasn't actually a half bad person… right?
"Kondou," Serizawa called him. "better take good care of this school."
"Of-of course, Serizawa-san."
The older man nodded then, taking a leave but soon stop as if he was remembering something.
"Ah.. that's right." He began. "I've heard that there'll be a Christmas party here, isn't that right?"
"Ah… yes, Serizawa-san." Kondou answered. "What's wrong? Would you like to join a party as well?"
Serizawa's eyes wandered on elsewhere as he was in a deep thought for a moment. It took a short time after then he returned back to reality with a creepy grin(in Hijikata's perspective).
"I'll think about that."
With that, the founder of the Hakuou Academy was no longer in the field anymore. The only left were Chizuru, Hijikata, Kondou and Ibuki.
"I really hate that fuckin smile." Hijikata hissed darkly.
Taking a glanced on the raven, by the looking of it, it looked like Hijikata was truly despised of the founder. He must've a good reason why he hated Serizawa so much…
"Yukimura-kun, you might as well go to the cafeteria already."
Ahhh! She almost forgot about eating her lunch at the Student Council office! Kazama and the others must've waiting for her by now.
"I-I'll be taking a leave then," Chizuru bowed in politely, taking a leave as she hurried all the way to the Student Council.
When the brunette's presence was no longer there, Hijikata began:
"Oi Ibuki. Is your ears still hurt? You should go to the infirmary and let Sannan check up on you."
Upon of mentioning of that creepy teacher, Ibuki crossed his arms in front of him, gesturing he won't, and he meant, never go there.
"I would rather die than drinking that weird, red medicine!"
"E-Excuse me," the brunette spoke very politely and entered the Student Council office.
Upon of entering the room, she could see Kazama's-so-called-slaves were a bit shock to see the almond-haired girl entered the office.
The President replied with a smirk, moving closer to the young brunette's personal space.
"It's been a while since you've last come here. Have fun eating lunch with those commoners?" Kazama said, gripping the brunette's chin with his long and callous fingers.
"They're my friends…" She mumbled.
"Well, whatever…"
Tilting his forehead to Chizuru's, the brunette could see how the two slaves were readying themselves to grab the President once more to keep him away doing whatever she's against of. However, when Chizuru gestured them by shaking her head, they both knew her answer finally; in which they moved back to where they've been stood of.
"Amagiri, Shiranui," the President called his slaves. "you might as well go and eat elsewhere." At that, there was an amusing smirk on his face. "I would like to eat with her… alone without any interruptions."
Disagreed of the other man's idea, Shiranui eventually leaves them with a sigh of frustrated. And soon, the red-headed man joined as well, but stopped at the door to look at the brunette back, hoping whatever the brunette doing is the right thing;
"I-It's alright, Amagiri-senpai. I'll be fine with him."
Satisfied hearing an answer from the brunette's lips, Amagiri understood, respected her answer and finally taking a leave after showing a respect manner toward the Yukimura girl and the President.
Once the atmosphere in the Student Council office has finally remained quiet and relax, Chizuru squeak when the blonde-haired man pulled her closer to him in which, lets her hands put on the President's broad-chested. Raised her head to gaze into her lover's crimson orbs in admiringly, there was a playful smug on his face.
"Now then, should we begin?"
"Eh…? A-Ahh—!"
Chizuru exclaimed as the President pulled her arm, and ended up on falling each other on the couch.
"K-Kazama-senpai..!" Chizuru squeaked in a slight embarrassingly. "Wh-what are you doing..?!"
"What am I doing, you say?" Kazama smirked widely. "It's obviously you can tell here by now."
"W-Well.. I—" oh yes, she definitely knew it. The thought of what's gonna happened then brings her cheeks and ears flushed in a deepen red by now.
"So, should we continue before Saitou interrupt us?" Kazama said, caressed her cheek tenderly in which, brings her flustered more and more.
She wanted so much to let the President do.. whatever he's intending to do, kissing, hugging, doing almost like other couple do. But some parts of her feeling a little embarrassing to do such a thing. It's been a while since she last felt a skinship with someone.
When Kazama has finally got the brunette's answer, he continuedly smirk, letting his other hand stroke on her beautiful brown hair. Slowly, the President began with kissing Chizuru's eyelashes, her body was began to shake up in nervous and embarrassing. Then, he kissed her ear, nose, forehead…
As his lips was about to reach to hers..
The door opened aggressively, the Nagumo boy entered the office without a permission, and pulled his useless sister's arm and being a yandere siscon as ever.
"Get away from my sister, you creep!"
…Yup. So much for cockblocking.
Ever since the first time meeting Serizawa, her school days was turned out to be normal as ever. Nothing's suspicious that she needed to worry about it and all. Her relationship with Kazama continued to grow and grow. There are times the President also asks her a date, which is, mostly he's taking her a very expensive restaurant. She couldn't helped but finds herself feeling foreign whenever she's a grand food such as that. However, there are also some times some students would interrupt their moment such as, her twin brother, Hijikata, Saitou and even Souji as well.
Not that it was annoying or something. She could understand that they were all worried of her especially when it comes to related with the President. Hijikata known the President more than anyone else, so there's a possibility that there are times the brunette wouldn't know Kazama's other side.
A few days had passed however…
When the first bell started to ring, the Principal gave an announcement for a whole students including workers and teachers come to the field, in which, they finally arrived; students standing in a row in front of teachers just as several days ago.
But instead of Kondou gave a speech, it was Serizawa.
"Looks like everyone's here. Good."
"Pssst." Heisuke called his friend. "What's going on anyway? Why Serizawa called us here?"
"Who knows.." Souji murmured quietly.
As more whisper and murmur started to form all over the male students, Serizawa finally spoke with a clear throat:
"As you may already know, it looked like there'll be a Christmas party, yes." He paused for a moment, and his smirk began to grow into wider and… cruel. "Unfortunately, the Christmas party should be cancelled in Hakuou Academy."
After bringing a horrible news, several students were gasping and mumbling to his other friends. Couldn't believed hearing whatever Serizawa spoke about, the brunette's eyes laid into Souji, whom looked shock in horror as well. His emerald orbs were widen as ever and soon turned into furious and anger toward the founder Hakuou Academy.
Enjoying on watching everyone's reaction, Serizawa continued:
"However, instead a party in Hakuou Academy, there'll be a Christmas party in my manor. Only a talented student can be invited."
With that, Serizawa ended his speech with a bark of laughter.
Kondou groaned in a little disappointing, neither had a power or courage to speak anything. While the other teachers joined the feeling of disappointing and depressing as well, didn't expected Serizawa could ruin the Principal's joyous moment.
"Yo, there you are Amagiri."
Amagiri turned around as the tan-skinned man called him with his usual playful grin on his face.
As busy as bees, the red-headed man was carrying some pile of papers and folders to bring them all in the Student Council Office. Knowing that he couldn't spends together with Shiranui longer, he prayed to Kami that Shiranui's jokes and pranks wouldn't last forever.
"What brings you here, Shirnaui?"
"Hmm… nothing in particular, to be honest." The tan-skinned man said with a whistle as he crossed his muscular arms behind his head while following the red-headed man's back. "It looked like you're letting my daughter getting touched by that Kazama bastard now."
"You should already know by now that Yukimura-dono has finally had a permission for Kazama-sama to do whatever he likes now. And… it's been officially that they're couple by now."
"Wow, so soon." Shiranui spat with a half disgusted. He was hoping the President wouldn't getting closer to her for a half year. Guess the blonde-haired man wasn't that clueless as Shiranui thought of him…
"Ah that's right. I remember that there's something important announcement I need to tell ya."
"Important?"
Amagiri blinked at that part.
Shiranui rarely used 'important'. Whatever reason he said those words, it must've been urgent already.
"Serizawa-sensei is calling you."
"Serizawa-dono?"
"Yea." Shiranui nodded while leaning against the wall as they both finally arrived in the Student Council office. "Don't know what reason he wants to looking for you. …or you must've doing something terrible that you need to receive a punishment from Serizawa-sensei."
At that, Shiranui replied with a sadistic laughter then.
The red-headed man didn't spoke anymore except gave a hidden groan of the tan-skinned man's sadistic side. Despite how they've been a member of student council for longer by now, and yet, there are times, Amagiri getting a little offended of Shiranui's sadistic/sarcastic side. Including Kazama as well.
"I'll be on my way then." After putting the folders and papers on Kazama's grand desk, Amagiri began to leave from the office and walked into the hallway to search Serizawa's office room. Yes, despite Serizawa had retire before the Yukimura girl taking an enrollment of this academy, Serizawa still has his own office room.
Walking at the long hallway, Amagiri's eyes caught an interesting attention of the familiar couple; Kazama and Chizuru. It was recess, instead of spending themselves eating in the office like they usually do, they both eating lunch together in the garden instead.
There, Kazama enwrapped his broad arm around Chizuru's shoulder as he gestured her to feed her like most couple do. At that, the brunette could do nothing except flushed her cheeks in a deepen scarlet.
Upon of seeing that, Amagiri noticed there was a Chizuru's cheeks were a deepen red colored one however, instead of feeling uncomfortable like several past of weeks, it was more like her feeling for him is eventually reciprocated. It doesn't matter whatever Kazama's scheming of is childish and crazy, but as long as it doesn't hurt the brunette's feeling or if it doesn't against her will, the red-headed man will let whatever the President to do.
Unless if the circumstance is getting too far, he and Shiranui will have no choice but to stop him.
Once he finally arrived to Serizawa's office room, he gave a knocked to make sure the ex-principal knew his presence;
"Serizawa-dono, it's me; Amagiri Kyuuju."
"…Oh. Come in."
"Excuse me then." With that answer, Amagiri entered the room and closed the door back. When the red-headed man stood in front of the ex-principal, he found Serizawa was smoking. To think, a founder of Hakuou Academy could break one of a school rule. …Well of course, even Hijikata got himself a trouble when Saitou found him smoking. "I've heard you were looking for me. Is there anything I can do?"
"Yes, that's right." Serizawa replied. "I've heard that you were working very hard as a member of Student Council. I'm quite admired these kind of students."
"…Thank you." Amagiri said, not knowing what to say anymore.
"You must've already know by now that there'll be a Christmas party in my manor instead of this school, yes?"
"Yes, sir."
Serizawa widen his smile at that. If Souji ever finds that kind of smile, he would have punch his face by now knowing how much the prankster despises this man after he gave an announcement that the Christmas party won't be held in this school this time.
"It's because you've done your job really well, I would like you to do a favor."
"A favor?"
"Although there'll be a students, teachers, including workers of Hakuou Academy, I also invite some other rich families to come to my manor."
Amagiri didn't spoke anything, replying with a nod instead.
"Since you've been a hardworking, I decided to give you an exceptional for inviting one guest in my manor."
"Eh…?" Amagiri raised his eyebrow in perplexed.
"It doesn't matter whether it'll be man or woman."
"Wh-why me?"
"Like I said, I admired a hardworking student such as you are. In fact, I believed you will invite someone who has a higher title like Kazama family."
"I'm not sure whether I like the idea…" Amagiri murmured at that part. Despite there are times the red-headed man disagreed of Kazama's stupid plan, but choosing him of all people to invite a guest for his party? Can't he just.. inviting some random rich family?
"Take some times." Serizawa said as if he didn't heard the red-headed man's words a few moments ago. "I'm sure I'll be very gladly to see whoever person you're inviting of."
Knowing that fighting him back is useless, Amagiri eventually bow very politely before taking a leave from Serizawa's office room.
He gave a soft sigh as he let his eyes wandered elsewhere to the clear, blue sky.
Honestly, who will the red-headed man inviting for Serizawa's Christmas party then…?
"So you're finally dating someone?" Kosuzu said with a hidden of disbelief.
After school, as usual, the brunette and the younger Suzuka went to their usual date spot. Their conversation was the usual girls' gossiping. There are times Kosuzu would talk about a Christmas party at the Suzuka manor. As well as curiously of Ibuki's life. Of course, having a secret crush on the blunette boy, Kosuzu couldn't helped but have an urged to know how's Ibuki and all.
"Y-Yes.. something like that." The brunette said, gave an awkward giggled. She finds herself feeling embarrassed when someone mentioning her of 'dating'. Despite she and Kazama have been an officially dating, yet, she'd still couldn't believed herself what she's been doing.
"I envy for you, Chizuru-chan…" Kosuzu murmured in melancholy.
When the bun-haired girl finds out the Hakuou Academy has been officially to be a boy and girl school, she had a desired to enroll that school so that she could spent times with Ibuki more than ever. Is it possible for her to enroll that school though…
"Why would you say that way, Kosuzu-chan?" Chizuru tilted her head as she was searching something behind on that sorrow, chestnut brown orbs.
"You looked like you're having some fun at the Hakuou Academy." Kosuzu smiled sweetly at that part. As she laid her eyes into elsewhere, she didn't know she was thinking out loud. "If I've been accepted on taking an enroll on Hakuou Academy, I really want to be with Ibuki-kun.."
As the bun-haired girl returned back to see her childhood friend, by the looking of how flabbergasted the brunette is, she can tell that she was speaking without realizing at the part of Ibuki.
"Ahhh! I-I don't mean it that way of course..!" Kosuzu started exclaimed, her cheeks and ears were burnt in red from embarrassment. "I really am worried about Ibuki-kun, but I'm more worried of his health since I've heard he doesn't usually buy something to eat, so…"
As she started to mumble nonsensely, soon, the brunette replied with a soft laughter, didn't expected the bun-haired girl was feeling slightly embarrassed whenever the subject Ibuki is come.
"Y-You're so cruel, Chizuru-chan." Kosuzu pouted as there was still tinted red colored on her cheeks.
Once Chizuru has satisfied on having a good laughed, they were returning their usual girls' conversations until…
"Ah that's right." Chizuru began. "It looked like Osen-chan is not here. Do you think you knew where she's gone to?"
"Oh, Osen-neesan couldn't able to go with us as she was helping one of her friend's part time job"
"Helping?"
Kosuzu nodded. "The workers in one of her friend's part time job had made too much Christmas cake, so her friend asked Osen-neesan for a help to give Christmas cake to customers before night's coming."
"So.. so that's how it is."
Some part of her really like to see the older Suzuka again. But other parts of her really quite relieved knowing that Sen can be quite over-protective; she might ask too much questions about whoever person she's dating with.
Especially Kazama.
Meanwhile…
"Christmas cakes! Get your Christmas cakes!" Sen exclaimed cheerfully and happily to attract the customers to get Christmas cakes.
Helping one of her friend from Shimabara Girls' School, the older Suzuka wears a santa suit along with a hat and red mitten. Most men often getting attracted by Sen's beauty, but knowing that she hates men for a certain reason, one of her friend protected her from them and served the men instead.
"I'm so sorry for relying you in this, Sen. I really am!" Sen's friend said, feeling a little terrible somehow.
"It's fine, it's fine." Sen waved her hands away. "It won't take that long since there's only few boxes left, right?"
"Ah.. y-yes..!"
With that, both girls were continuing attract the customers once again until evening's coming.
It didn't take long for Sen changing herself into her usual Shimabara uniform. Once she wore a white coat around her body she returned back to her friend and her manager.
"Thank you for helping us giving Christmas cakes. We hope you're having a great day when Christmas coming."
Sen nodded and bowed to the manager and her friend in politely.
"Thank you. And you too, merry Christmas."
With that, Sen began to turn on her heels to return back to her mansion. Walking on the street, she pulled the sleeve slightly as she's trying to check on the watch.
"Ahh… it's already 5:38.. Chizuru-chan must've gone home by now," the older Suzuka said with a disappointing sigh. "Well, it can't be helped.. but I sure hope Chizuru is fine, that's what matter.." One of her reason why she would like to see her best friend is because after finding out the brunette girl falls in love with someone, whether it eventually be unrequited or one-sided, no matter what, Sen would always support her whether it take some times to find a perfect man for the young brunette.
"There's still some times to go home.. maybe I should take a walk around the shops." She said, stretching her arms as if she was having aerobic.
Upon of laying her eyes to a familiar broad-back, she didn't know why but her world soon suddenly stopped upon of watching a certain person's back getting smaller and smaller into the crowd.
Isn't that…
Couldn't wait no more, Sen started to turn on her heels to catch on that person.
No..
It couldn't be…
She—
She can't leave this chance away…!
Wait…!
At this rate, it's possible that she won't be able see him again.
That person…
That person is…!
"Please wait!"
Sen finally exclaimed on the top of her lung, enwrapping her arms around the male's body unexpectedly. Despite how it frightened her that she wrapped the man's body for the first time. But she didn't want to lose sight of him this time.
It's been a while..
It's been a while since she last saw him.
She had been waiting for him for such a long time; to give him back his coat.
But no matter how many days and weeks she has waited at the entrance of shopping complex, he never comes neither he intended to retrieve his coat from her. She doesn't had a chance to get his phone number nor his name.
Upon of feeling someone grabbing his body from the back all of a sudden, Amagiri couldn't helped but to wide his eyes open to receive an embrace from someone else. Took a glanced on whoever the person that holding him, recognized a very short petite girl, the red-headed man realized it's Suzuka Sen.
What brings her here..?
"What are you…?"
Before Amagiri could completed his question, he soon heard a familiar bark of laughter. That beautiful laugh was belonging to none other than Sen's lips. She was beautiful as ever like a princess whenever there was a smile on her face. He wondered how come a lovely woman such as her could smile that way to someone like him…?
"I-I'm sorry for laughing all of a sudden." Sen tried her best to stop laughing but in the end, she'd failed. "But I couldn't helped, whenever I think about you, I just remembered just how pathetic you were back then."
Amagiri watched down on the young lady as she continued to giggle in happy. By looking of it, it looked like she was really happy to meet him again. From what he'd heard from Shiranui, Sen is quite aggressive and very unlady-like towards men. But upon of meeting her for the second, she doesn't looks to be aggressive or unlady before. She was more like a goddess.
Before Amagiri could speaks a word…
GROWWWWWL
There was a strange groan sounds coming from Sen's stomach.
At that, there was a very long quiet, awkward moment between them. Gazing down on the young woman, Sen's cheeks began to tint in deepen scarlet like a ripe tomato in embarrassed.
Crap.. I almost forgot to eat lunch before helping my friends giving Christmas cakes to customers…!
Sen bit her lower lip tighter as she felt an urged to lay her eyes on elsewhere to avoid from looking whatever the red-headed man's expression made. Oh but she knew what's he's gonna do. He's probably going to laugh at her for sure.
Definitely, for sure—
"Would you like to eat somewhere?"
…
That.. that was an unexpecting one.
She was expecting something better than that. But inviting her to eat somewhere else…? Really, can men always this… kind? No wonder Chizuru finds herself enjoy studying with male students in Hakuou Academy. Not all men were bad, just as she once described of. But still..
Finally raising her head to gaze into the red-headed man's ocean-orbs, Sen has to make sure there's no lies behind on it. But so far, all she could see nothing except… kindness, honest, and… gentle.
He has no intention of malice or bad toward her. But…
Should she trust him?
"Wh-why are you being kind to me?" first, he's letting her borrow his coat. And now, inviting her to eat…? Has he always had a… very polite attitude even toward to a stranger such as her?
"Well, it looked like you're very hungry. I suppose it would be very unhealthy for letting lovely women such as you are skipping eat food."
"Lovely woman, huh?" Sen finds herself to smirk. Enwrapping her arms under her chest as she acted her usual self, "For a polite gentleman like you, I didn't know that you would think someone like me as a lovely."
At those words, the red-headed man replied with a small smile on his lips, continued: "No other woman can ever surpasses your beauty I have to say."
"Yeah… most of my friends say that as well.." Sen gave an awkward laughed while scratching her cheeks at the same time. "So," the older Suzuka clapped her hands in one time, "Mr. Gentleman, if you kindly, take me to the café then."
The red-headed man replied with a respective bow as if Sen was his new master.
"As you wish, Miss Sen."
It didn't take long between them then they're finally arrived one of Sen's favourite café to hang out.
"Ah yes… strawberry parfait. How much I loves them." Sen said after ordering the food and beverage for the couple. Putting her palm of hands on her cheeks together, starting to daydream the thought of strawberry parfait.
"It look like you're enjoying sweet things." The red-headed man's voice brings Sen returned back to the reality.
Usually, whenever men tried to return her back, she often gives them a very hard punch on his face. But when it comes to the red-headed man.. it's totally… different. She couldn't brings herself to punch him or hit him in brutally somehow. Those gentle and calm aura was too strong for her from hitting him.
"Well yeah. Of course most women likes sweet things. No other female could ever dislikes sweet stuff… unless they're into strange taste." Sen smirked at that part.
The other person could only curled his lips upward upon of watching the lovely woman was being sarcastic.
"Here's a cup of coffee."
A random waitress putting a hot cup of coffee on the table for the other man. As polite as the red-headed man is, he bowed slightly and thanking the waitress as she left the couple then. Watching the other man took a sip a black coffee, by looking on his gesture, he looks to be around 30 and above years old. …Or, is it?
"I've been wondering to know for a while now…" Sen began. "How old.. are you?"
"Me? I'm 17." The other man replied simply.
So he's not really that old… Strange how he had a vibe of being elder man. Sen thought suspiciously as she took a quiet sip of her tea.
"What do you think of me?"
"Excuse me?"
Sen blinked in confused.
"Do you think of me as an old man as well?" The red-headed man said with an… innocent(?) smile on his face. "Because somehow, almost all people believing that I'm around 30 years old."
"Wh-what?!" Sen couldn't helped but to exclaim at that part. Without realizing it, she stood up, in which, giving a few people gave an attention on her. "Y-You're still 17, yet, you're letting other people thought of you as 30-year-old-man…?! How could you think that way to yourself?!"
"I suppose, I do believing myself that I'm suitable as an old man." The red-headed man said in melancholy one. "Many people had always lie to me because of my kindness and polite attitude. Of course I do often believe every people's words, whether those are lies and truth. You could say that I can be quite naïve despite being mature."
At those words, Sen couldn't helped but feeling a little disbelief about the red-headed man. To think, someone kind and gentle such as this man could let himself getting fooled by a terrible people. Despite he knew he's being fooled of him, and yet, he lets it that way like an old man just as he described of himself.
For someone like him…
How could it exists a place like this..?
"What's wrong?" The red-headed man's words brings her dark thought of him disappeared instantly. "…Does that bother you?"
In truth, she wanted to confess how much that bothered her truly. It was aslo stupid of him of thinking himself this way. Especially letting everyone tricked him just because of his kind and polite side. It's frustrating how all he could do nothing except being softy man as ever.
Those words however couldn't able to reveal it on her lips. Sitting down on her place back, Sen used one of her most soft tone she'd ever spoke to anyone.
"I'm sorry for being a little exaggerated."
"It's fine." The other person replied. "I do hope this conversation didn't ruined your tea time."
"It won't be." Sen gave a sad-smile, giving her best to be her usual self
…until her strawberry parfait finally comes.
Taking a bite of her dessert, her eyes flashed in exciting and happily, she finds her mind starting to dance like an idiot.
"This. Is. So. GOOOOOD!" Sen exclaimed as she took some more scopes of parfait. She gobbled them up like an adorable child, couldn't careless to show this kind of side to some random man she met just second times.
The red-headed man remaining silent as he continuing watching every moves and reaction she made. Each and every reaction finds him smile gently. Never in his entire of his life time he had ever spending someone alone such as this before, exceptional for Kazama and Shiranui, however.
When her honey-brown orbs laid into the ocean ones, Sen realized that the other man had been watching him, in which, smiling at him back and moved a spoon of strawberry parfait closer to him.
"Would you like to try it?"
"Eh?" the red-headed man blinked at that part. "Is it alright?"
"It's fine, it's fine. It tastes quite good after all." Sen replied back with her usual biggest grin on her face.
Gazing on Sen's beautiful face, then to the spoon of strawberry parfait, without thinking no more, the other man finally took a bite of a scoop of parfait, returned her with a gentle smile.
"It's really good."
"Isn't that right—" Before Sen could completed her sentences, she shot her eyes opened in shocked upon of what she's doing just now.
Slowly, her world suddenly turned into grey colored, and the other man's voice couldn't reached her ears anymore.
Wh-what was… she's thinking?
Why did she shared her food to someone like him—a man, of all the people!
As her minds starting to turn messy, Sen quickly get up from her seat and grabbed her school bag.
"I-I'm sorry but I have to go!"
Leaving the restaurant without the bill, Sen ran as fast as she could, to make sure she'll lose sight of him.
How embarrassed..!
How embarrassed of her…!
What did she thinking she's doing..?!
She can tell the parfait was good and all, but there's no need to let the other man tasted it on her spoon!
At this rate, it'll eventually made them having an—
Indirect kiss.
Argh!
This is so frustrating! How could it ended this way toward her?! This kind of thing between man and woman really drivin' her crazy! How come all couple could stand all this romance and stuff like that!
As she finally realized she's been far away from the café, Sen lets her eyes gazed into a clear, light-blue sky, finding herself relaxed after all doing some embarrassed thing toward the red-headed man.
She wondered what's he's doing by now?
Just thinking about it, Sen felt an urged to give a forehead-slapped as she remembered that she was suppose to retrieve him back his coat.
"I guess I should give him next time…"
Sen sighed; the thought of meeting him again brings her cheeks flushed in red from embarrassment. Praying to Kami that he won't ever talks any subject about feeding him a parfait.
Before she could turned on her heels to return back to her manor, some disgusting voices spoke to her in which, giving an urged to kick them some asses.
"Hello there, cute lady. What are you doing in a place like this?" A random man said between hiccup. Probably those men are in a drunkard state; his arm was enwrapped on the other of his partner's shoulder, waving a bottle of sake up and down over and over.
Uwaah… she knew what's gonna happened after this once she's getting closer to these disgusting men. If she stayed here longer, there's a higher chance that something terrible happen to her after then.
Showed her aggressive side in front of the disgusting men, Sen turned her head away as she intended to leave them while ignoring their presences.
"Hey, hey. Don't ignore us like that." Second random drunkard said while grabbing Sen's arm tighter like a steel.
Feeling disgusted upon of feeling other stranger holding her, Sen pried her arm away and glared at them with one of the coldest gazed she had ever used.
"Get your filthy hands off from me you per—"
Splash!
Before she could complete her sentences, a cold water began to drench on her. Lost in words, Sen lets her eyes widen bigger, neither she could moved her body as if she's been paralyzed from some kind of spell those men.
"Well, well look at that. It looked like you're all wet as well. That's makes us together." The drunkard 1 said with a smirk. Grabbing Sen's wrist as they started to walk. "Don't worry, don't worry. It won't take long for us to take care of.. you."
Following them without objected, fear and anxious started to form on her face. She wanted so much to raise her voice calling someone to help. But her lips was too stubborn to make while her body walked on their own as if those men used some kind of marionette to control her body like a puppet.
She wondered this could the end of her horrible fate. The thought of whatever gonna happened to her sooner or later, she wondered what's gonna happened when she disappeared like that person. Will Kosuzu takes a role as the next heir of Suzuka clan instead of herself? Will Kazama ever be a mature man without her?
And Chizuru—
Chizuru—
Sooner or later, a hand that's been gripped on her wrist was no longer there anymore. All she could hear a sound of punching men and groaning in pain. The hold of those disgusting men were no longer there anymore. Luck was there all along, her knight in shining armor has finally come to rescue her.
"Oww… what the hell was that for you bastard—"
The drunkard wouldn't dare to speak anymore as he realized the man that he encountered is a very tall one. His dark and serious glared pierced deep into the drunkards' chest that they felt an urged to get away from him as soon as possible. How come a tall man such as the red-headed man could exist here..?
"I suggest you to leave and never show your face to her, got that?"
The other man's voice was so cold that he felt like that longer the drunkards stayed here with him longer, the nearer the Death coming to him.
"We-we're sorry!"
The red-headed man sighed and put his hand on his forehead. Guess being the tallest in Hakuou Academy(beside Harada) is quite worthy after all. But more importantly, to think those horrible men did something terrible to the older Suzuka.
Speaking of Suzuka—
Amagiri gazed to the lovely woman who's been stood there like a statue as if she could see a ghost in front of her. Her hair and clothes were still drenched from the sake that those men threw on her.
"A-Are you alright, Miss Sen? You're not hurt are you?" Amagiri said, tried to take closer on her to make sure she wasn't injured and all.
The red-headed gave a soft sigh of relief as she's uninjured.
However, something's not right; for several minutes now, Sen has been stood there wordlessly like a doll, not even a single word she spoke yet. Until…
—Tears starting to form on her eyes like a waterfall. She started to cry like an innocent child.
"W-What's wrong?!" Amagiri exclaimed guiltily. Not knowing what to do as he watched the older Suzuka continued to cry.
"You're late! You should've come here sooner. That was so scary!" Sen cried and sniffle at the same time, in which, the red-headed man felt an urged to gap like a fish upon of seeing this side of her. To think, a headed-strong girl such as Sen could even shows her weak side to someone like him.
Meanwhile in Chizuru 's room, the brunette girl spent her times studying in her room after returning back from having a date with Kosuzu. Since she's the only one that lives here, the house was pretty quiet. However, there are times Heisuke would visits her whenever he was bored and all.
Continued on studying her subjects back, her cellphone was vibrating, receiving a message.
Taking a peek on it, praying to herself it's not the President. Don't get a wrong idea. It's not that she dislikes being his lover. She absolutely loves it. However, each date spot he's taking her, it would be someplace that was meant for almost rich people. She actually preferred the normal dating spot such as, café, amusement park, and so on.
As she checked on the message, it was none other than her father.
How many days had passed since she last received his letter.
Curling up her small lips on her face, she started to read;
Dear Chizuru,
How are you? I hope you're fine in Kyoto. I'm sorry for not able texting you a lot these days. It seems that there are many patients come lately.
Chizuru couldn't helped but feeling terrible for herself. Her last message must've noticed him that she's been very lonely little by little. Maybe she should've pretended that she's fine and her friends often visit her or something… shaking her head slightly, the young brunette continued on reading her father's message.
…Ahh, that's right. It's almost Christmas, isn't it? How about the two of us celebrate the party with Kaoru like a family? We don't usually celebrate like this. It might be fun just the three of us.
At that, Chizuru couldn't helped but to blink at her father's new message. Re-reading her father's message over and over, oh she knew what does it meant. She wanted so much believing this is just a dream but no matter how many times she slapped her face or pinched her cheek for several times, she knew this is reality.
Feeling herself smile in joyous, without hesitated, the brunette replied back as soon as possible that she would gladly celebrate the Christmas party with her father and so as her twin. Once she sent it to her father, she continued smile as if that was one of the bestest Christmas gift she had ever received. Closing her book that she recently studied then, she prepared herself to decorate her house.
This would be the greatest Christmas party she ever imagined!
Back to Sen and Amagiri; also known as in the red-headed man's apartment,
—No way!
Sen exclaimed inwardly while taking a shower in the red-headed man's place. Not to mention, a man's bathroom. She could felt tears of childish of falling down on her cheeks once again. She could understand she needs to clean herself after all what happened to her a while ago. But she didn't want to take a shower on some random man's house…!
This is the worst!
This is completely the worst!
As much as Sen was really grateful of the red-headed man's kindness, he doesn't have to let her borrow his bathroom to shower or something.
Sen sighed after she had finally finishing on taking a bath. She dried her silky brown hair with a towel while she could felt her cheeks were flushing in a deepen scarlet from embarrassment.
Why when it comes to this red-headed man, she eventually has to show her embarrass side all the time?
Shaking her head to leave those thoughts out of her head, she quickly wore one of the other man's clothes which is, kinda… big for her, in which, she has to fold up the sleeves until it reaches to her wrists.
Once finishing wearing the red-headed man's clothes, Sen took a glanced around the room to search the other man. When his presence wasn't in the bedroom, she tip-toed as quietly as she could to reach to the living room. Upon reaching at the exit of the other man's bedroom, something caught her from attention.
Gazing on the photo frame on the small table next to the man's bed, Sen took a closer looked to see at the photo even better; she recognized the photo so well. There, the photo showed possible a red-headed man when he was a teenager with an innocent and gentle smile on his face. Instead of having a long pony-tailed, he has a short hair that reached to his nape. He was wearing a black, male uniform school, in which, it's possibly the picture has been taken before he's been enroll to a high school. Sen couldn't helped but finds his teenage figure quite attractive compare now.
Next to the red-headed man in the photo, there was a familiar lovely woman with a beautiful giggle. She has a black as charcoal, long, silky pony-tailed that rested on her right shoulder, it was none other than Kimigiku. Of course Sen recognized Kimigiku so well. Despite she has a strict mother that taken a role as the heir of Suzuka clan, to Sen, Kimigiku is more suitable to call as a mother as she's always been her side when she's in trouble or having a difficulty. She has always had a desired to call Kimigiku 'mother' when the time has come…
Glancing on the photo frame once again, there are more people in it. Two children. One girl is sitting on the top of the young boy with a not very amusing expression.
Yes..
That's right.
She remembered.
Those children were her and Chikage.
Despite they bickered quite a lot, both of them were eventually getting along well. People always described their relationship as an old married couple, knowing that they never stopped arguing and quarreling each other whenever one of them encountered coincidence.
The thing she wondered for a while now—
How did the red-headed man joined in that photo before…?
When she thought about her childhood little by little, she does remembered that there's a young man who also has to babysit of Sen and Kazama.
Could it be…
That red-headed man known her all this time. Why hadn't she realized it all this time? It was very rude of her for ignoring his existence despite they eventually finally met each other eye to eye. She wondered this is one of the other man's reason why he doesn't want to show his existence to her all the time; to not let himself getting involve into the older Suzuka's life.
That was.. horrible.
She wanted so much to apologize him for not recognize him back when she was a child. But.. would that man remembers her…?
Finally returned back to the living room, she found the other man was reading a newspaper like a typical old man who's prefer living in a quiet place than crowded.
Sen couldn't helped but finds herself smiling at this side of the red-headed man.
When the other man could felt a gentle gaze behind him, Amagiri turned around and found Sen was smiling all of a sudden. When the older Suzuka realized he was gazing her back, she turned her head away in flustered, hiding her flush from him.
"Would you like to have tea, Sen?"
"Sure." Sen chirped happily, finding herself feeling confident talking to the red-headed man little by little.
Amagiri nodded in understand, went to the kitchen to start on making tea. It didn't take long after then he brought a tray of teapot, two cups and some sweet food for the older Suzuka.
"Thank you for this. I don't usually become a guest actually. So it's kinda feeling a little nervous watching you serving me some food and tea." Sen said with a giggle as she took a bit of biscuit.
"It's fine." The red-headed man said, folded his knees in politely like a seiza styled. "I don't usually get a lot of guest so you can say that you're the very first guest that comes to my house."
"Well you should be proud of yourself then." Sen said while slapped her chest in cocky.
Continuing on munching the biscuit, Sen took a looked around of the apartment. It's quite clean she has to say. And there isn't a lot of furniture or stuff such as that around of his room. She wondered if he rented this room for several months only..
"You're living alone?"
"Yes," Amagiri took a sip of his tea. "However, I don't usually went home everyday as I often sleep in my Master's manor in the guest room."
"So you're some kind of this-so-called-master's… personal servant?" In truth, she wanted to say a personal guard dog but that would be rude especially when he had shown a lot of kindness to her.
"You can say that." Amagiri replied at that.
And once again, silent moment started to form between them. It doesn't feels quite awkward Sen has to say. Being with him is very peaceful. Usually, she couldn't stand on the silent moment as she has to say something to break some quiet moment right there.
The couple remaining silent without starting any conversation except maybe sipping their tea and eating biscuits and sweet food. There are times Sen seduced him by giving the most lovely smile on her face whenever she gets bored. And the red-headed man could only reply nothing except amazed of the older Suzuka's beauty.
As they realized they've been spending times each other for quite longer than they imagined of, it was about time Sen to leave. It sadden to leave him so early, yes. But somehow, she had a great fun being with him. He was one of a companion that she could stays longer.
"Well, I think it's about time for me to leave." Sen said with a hidden of sorrow and a little disappointing tone. But she tried her best to give a very wide grin to keep those thought of sadness from her face. Wouldn't want to make the red-headed man worry her.
"World's can be quite cruel to us."
"That maybe so. But it's great that it's our fate to see each other for the second times." Sen replied back, hitting him playfully.
The other man smiled back then, no word should he expressed to her.
"Ah, that's right. I almost forgot." Sen said, digging something into her bag as the red-headed man took a glanced on her as to wonder what is she searching. When her eyes flashed in happily, she took out a familiar coat and moved it closer to him. "Here."
Amagiri blinked.
It's his coat.
He remembered how he lets her keep it when she was cold after they both bought something for Christmas presents. Never expected he would eventually retrieve his coat at a time like this.
"I've been trying to give your coat back. But knowing that neither I knew your address or your phone number, I eventually waited for you at the entrance of the shopping complex for every. fuckin. evening!"" Sen said those words every single of it in a little of anger.
But her anger was not meant by annoying. It was more like she was so frustrating that she couldn't able to meet him often.
"O-Oh.. were you?" Amagiri said, feeling a little terrible for letting the older Suzuka waited for him for almost every evening by now. He didn't know she would wait for him just to retrieve his coat.
"Heck yea." Sen snorted while enwrapping her arms under her chest. "It's because of you, I was having a fever for a few weeks ago."
"I-I'm terribly sorry for this, Sen." Amagiri said in honest and yet, guilty at the same time. "Do you really think there's a way to apologize to you?"
"Hmm… I don't know.." Sen murmured softly, tabbed her finger on her lips as she was in a deep thought. I wanted to see you more…! That's her thought was. But of course, words were too stubborn to take out from her lips, in which, she continuedly pretended thinking deeper and deeper.
As the red-headed man watched her thinking, his past event starting to replay back in his mind.
I want you to invite another guest from different school. Doesn't matter whether it'll be man or woman.
Would Serizawa accept her once he invited Sen to the Christmas party. He finds himself more worry of Sen's safety. What might happened when the older Suzuka finds herself feeling uncomfortable spending a whole night in Serizawa's Christmas party? The thought of seeing the lovely Suzuka feeling anxious brings his heart shattered by now.
But.. it might be a little worth to give it a try…
"Would you like to go to a Christmas party?"
"Eh?" Sen blinked at that part. "C-Come again?"
"Christmas party." Amagiri stated. "There'll be a Christmas party in my founder academy's mansion. Do you think you can come?"
As meaning by that, the red-headed man must've intended to ask her a date right now.
…Wait.
Ah… of course not. How silly of her. He was only invited her to a party to show his way of apologizing after all she took an effort on waiting for him days by days. Nothing more.
"Are you sure?" Sen said. "Don't you think you should invite someone else beside me?"
Amagiri gave a very confident smile as if, he was really meant to invite the older Suzuka the party.
"Rest to be assured that, you're the only person that I could think of to invite the party."
"Oh really?" Sen raised her eyebrow in a half-disbelief. "Alright then. Apologize accepted… If, you're escorting me all the way to your principal's mansion and brings me back to my place in safety like a knight in shining armor." She smirked at that.
"Then, it's a promise."
Sen nodded excitingly. When she bids farewell to the red-headed man and left the his apartment, once again, the older Suzuka gave another forehead-slapped as she forgot something once again.
"Damn… I forgot to ask his name." …again!
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