Hi there everyone! I had this idea one morning and started to write it down. It's a bit short though. This is my first time trying out to post a fic so, I'm really sorry if you'll find this least interesting.

/WORDS/ - thoughts

So close

by Soranatsukiai

Chapter I –Expectations

It was 7:00 in the morning and a 19 year old Shizuru woke up with a bright smile on her face. Today is her birthday and like every year, there would be a party tonight arranged by her parents. Though it's not the reason why she's giddy. She was used to these kinds of parties but she never seems to enjoy herself in anyone of them. There would always be her closest friends but mostly, it was her father's associates who would be invited.

"Shizuru, you know I don't like wearing gowns and going to formal parties full of perverted old men!"

It was always Natsuki's reason for not attending Shizuru's parties. Despite that, Natsuki would always make it up to her by spending the afternoon together and giving her a simple gift before her party.

But not this year! Shizuru thought merrily. I finally got to convince her!

-FLASHBACK-

"Mou Natsuki! Just this once. Pleeeaassseee~"

"Shizuru, I told you, NO!" The brunette had been conving her best friend for the past hour and it doesn't seem to be working well.

"If you'll come tomorrow then I swear I'll never ask of anything or embarrass you ever again."

"NO. And besides, you not asking anything or not embarrassing me is highly unbelievable!"

"Ikezu! Is Natsuki saying I'm a liar?"

"Shizuru…"

"And who cares about those perverted old men?"

"Shizu…"

"I'm just asking Natsuki to be there with me!" Shizuru started to hide her face behind her palms and turned away from the other girl.

"Shi…" The poor girl couldn't even finish her best friend's name without getting interrupted.

"Just say it! Does Natsuki hate me?"

"Shizuru stop! You know I... uhh... never mind!" Immediately stopping her train of thought as she was about to blurt out her secret.

"What am I supposed to know?" Her eyes, I felt like she was about to say she loves me but it might just be foolish thinking...

"Alright. I'm gonna come. Just... just don't ever think that I'd hate you, alright?"

"YEY!" Shizuru jumped over to Natsuki and gave her a big hug. I hate it when you say things like that, Natsuki. You're giving me false hope.

"Zuru! Are you alright? You're spacing out."

"I'm just imagining how my Natsuki would look in her gown." At least it's half truth, she almost caught me.

"Shizuru! See, you're turning into those perverted old men!"

"And who says I'm thinking of perverted things? Natsuki's only giving me ideas. Maybe Natsuki should wear a backless gown with a high slit and a matching plunging neckline to show off her...!" Hmmm... I sound like I'm voicing out my fantasies.

"Baka! Who says I'll be wearing such revealing clothes!"

-End of flashback-

Since she's coming tonight then I guess I wouldn't receive my present early this year. Though it isn't as expensive as the other gifts I receive, I treasure everything she gives me. I know how Natsuki bothers herself thinking about my presents. She even saves for it with her small salary from her job at the garage. The one she gave last year, a beautiful music box with a dancing ballerina that plays her favorite piano piece, is definitely one of my favorites.