*12/28/2021
I swear to you, this is one of the longest things that I have written in my life...
Karaoke Neighbor
Chapter 30
ChOOSe mE or Die
With a heavy heart, the young lady sat in silence, staring straight ahead. There was only one thing on her mind, and it stirred strong, undesirable feelings of grief. The beginning of March was fast approaching, and it brought many implications with it. At this moment in time, the most important one of all was that she would have to depart with her rented electronics in the coming days.
Her time with them was short, and they would be missed.
Briefly. They would be missed briefly. She had better things back home in California. And if she wanted to do karaoke, there were plenty of places she could go with her friends if they were up for a break from college life.
Still, it was saddening. They brought her much joy throughout the preceding months. Watching TV helped her listening skills for Japanese, the karaoke machine got her in trouble with her hot neighbor, and the game console…
She didn't actually use that, did she…?
Standing up, she made up her mind to have one last big shebang before she would have to return everything. To hell with getting bitten to death! She would welcome it! In more ways than one.
Suddenly, she remembered the rest of her responsibilities and sat back down on her couch. There was still time to give a weeks' notice to Yamaguchi Ryo, her manager, though that was probably not enough time. He'd manage somehow, she was sure. She wanted to cut most things off at the end of February versus March. Her job, rental items, cable. And she should get her packing done sooner than later. She would also need to give the Hana-Kura notice to terminate her lease by the end of March.
She sighed then. She would have preferred to stay at least until close of May, but in the end, it would be a waste. Why prolong the inevitable?
She would have to apologize to Kyoya for possibly getting his hopes up. Although, he did say he didn't care. But was she to truly trust those words?
It had only been a few days since then, but besides a few times at school, she really hadn't seen much of him. She figured things would feel awkward after that Valentine's day, so she avoided his office during study period (something Takahiro immediately noticed and always commented on. "Are you having a lovers spat, Estell-san?"the cheeky young man would ask.)
The chime of her phone brought her out of her thoughts then.
'what's up, Kiseki? Not that you probably care, but finals are in a little over a week. Make sure to study or something.'
Estell stared at the message and blinked. Since when did Tsubaki care about studying? Although, just like Estell, Tsubaki was trying to properly graduate this time. They had both made an unspoken promise to each other to at least try. Throughout the months, they had become more well-rounded young women and less delinquent.
Estell was doing this mainly for her mom. She had sent her here specifically with reform in mind, and that's exactly how she would return as. Or appear to have returned as: a proper, reformed lady who no longer got into fights, smoked, or broke the law.
She smiled to herself and looked back at the message the other girl had sent. Maybe a big study session could be fun, and then after they could party one last time. Switching over to group chat, she made sure Q was invited. Did he care about school? Kinda. And just for the heck of it, she added Hibari. He was going to hate this. Miles had no need to study since he graduated already, but maybe he'd enjoy it too. He could always help out. He was pretty smart.
'I've just been reminded of something very important. Finals week. Let's all study together this Sunday and then have a pre-going away party! (and I have to take back all my stuff soon TT_TT)'
A few minutes later, the messages started to pop in.
'Do I need to study too...?'
'I mean… u could…'
'Knowledge is always useful, Hanes-san.'
'Kim's right, babe'
'uwu'
Estell laughed then. They were so cute.
'Would you care to explain why you've added me to this chat, Kiseki?'
There it was. Hibari was gonna be pissed.
'Yo, it's Hibari!'
'am I studying too, esteru?'
'Because I believe in the benefits of group study sessions, Hibari-kun.
And yeah, Q. Your school has finals too, right?'
'I don't know why you made the effort to invite me. You know I won't go to your crowding event.
And whatever party you're planning better not be loud or else I'll bite you all to death.'
He then proceeded to leave the group chat.
'Welp.'
'I mean…it was worth a try, Estell.'
'i didn't want him going anyway, esteru. don't like that guy…'
'lmao'
'Will this be another low-volume mission, Estell-san?'
'Taka. Dear. You can do it. I believe in you. Drop the -san.'
'pfft. U know that's not gonna happen, Kiseki'
'And you! You can call me my first name now! I'm leaving next month. Some friends you are. You guys suck!'
'Oh crap. You're not staying longer, Estell? Thought it was at least a few more months :( '
'i didn't know either, esteru'
'I'll drop it once you leave :]'
'lmfao kim you're hilarious. And no Kiseki, I'm not switching now. Ur names kinda weird anyway. Both of them, really'
'That's it, Tsubaki. We're fighting. Meet me in the school yard at 4pm tomorrow.'
'Oh, damn.'
'lololol right? Don't get butthurt, girl.'
'Hmph!'
And with that, she set her phone down and started looking for things to pack up early.
One more week of shifts. Mr. Yamaguchi was all but pleased about the foreign girl's sudden resignation, and he only had a week to find a replacement. It shouldn't be too hard, though. He'd just ask his other employees if they had friends or family that were looking for work.
And she also had the nerve to take this Sunday off, so here she was on a Friday, one of her off days. She was sharing a shift with one of her co-workers, which she didn't mind. Less work for her.
She was in the back restocking magazines when the chime rang throughout the store. Since she wasn't at the front this time, she ignored it and withheld a greeting. It was weird not being at the register. She was on restock duty for a little bit before she would go back to the register with her coworker.
"Ah! Senpai! What are you doing over here?"
She turned to face two of her favorite kohai who gave her bewildered looks.
"I've never seen you on a Friday before…" Gokudera Hayato trailed off.
"Yeah! And you're not at the register either," SawadaTsunayoshi chimed in.
"Hey, sweeties. I'm doing this shift instead of my Sunday one. I took that day off for something. Oh. Make sure you study for finals…"
"Don't worry, senpai! We've been studying."
"Yeah, we're not dumb."
"Coulda fooled me," the woman muttered under her breath.
"What was that!?"
She only laughed and continued restocking the magazines. They didn't move, so she assumed they were here for some of them. She glanced over to them and saw them browsing some of the manga. She smiled. They were really cute kids. She'd miss them.
"Next week is my last working here. And then after graduation, I go back home to my country. I'm really glad I met you two. I'll miss ya." She smiled sadly at them.
Tsuna opened his mouth and just kept it like that, while Hayato's eyes widened.
"Huh?"
"You're leaving us, senpai? Aww…"
She nodded and made a split second decision to give them both a hug.
"Be good, you hear? Stay out of trouble and when the time comes, be sure to graduate and become fine adults. Maybe I'll make a return to see that, haha." She winked at the young Gokudera. His face flushed many shades of red.
After tutoring with Misa in the morning, she was left with a few hours of free time before she had to start a shift again. She was in front of her door when a thought popped into her head. Taking a few steps, she knocked on the door on the left. Moments went by and she didn't hear a sound from the other side. It was a Saturday, after all. Maybe he had plans. She pouted until she heard the elevator down the hall. And who appeared other than the sexy-sworn enemy-neighbor-crush-lover(tentative title) himself?
After exiting, the young man paused and stared at the red-head in front of his door and sighed. He continued walking. "Can I help you, Kiseki?"
"Of course you can, silly. You always can…" she said and smirked.
He stopped in front of her and rolled his eyes. "Is that so? And what is it that you need help with? And if you say some kind of innuendo, I swear…" He narrowed his eyes at her.
The foreign girl raised an eyebrow at that but answered, "Umm. Okay. No, I was going to ask if you wanted to study together for finals for a few hours before I go to work. Since you won't go to our session tomorrow."
"Who says I even need to study? You do know that I'm one of the top students in our year, right?"
She blinked. She did not in fact know that. She wasn't even aware that he went to classes. She did often see him doing paperwork, though. Maybe he was always doing his homework.
"That's great. But a little extra studying won't hurt you."
"Maybe not. Studying with you? That probably will," he gave her what she would describe as 'a very sexy smirk wtf', and scooted her aside so he could open his door. He eyed her school bag she had with her. "Come on, then."
The two ended up studying for a few hours. Hibari's best subject was Japanese History, and Estell struggled with remembering dates of certain major events, and names of notable people. By the end of it, he was annoyed, but honestly didn't mind spending time with and helping his neighbor out. If anything, he wished there was more time.
But sadly, it was all coming to an end soon.
"The hell, Q? Why does my boyfriend know more kanji than you? He's not even from here!"
Q looked down at the table and grumbled.
The squad were an hour into their group study session. They started with history, which Estell was feeling more comfortable with, and went to Japanese. They decided that they'd tackle physics last.
"Um, I too know a lot of kanji?"
"But are you the boyfriend that I want to boast about, Kiseki?"
"I could be," she said and wiggled her eyebrows.
Everyone laughed at that.
"You guys know what my school is like. We're considered trash. I don't even know half the stuff you guys are studying at Namimori High. You're far ahead of us."
"Fair enough."
"Are you on track to graduate, Q-san?" Taka asked.
"Maybe?" he said and grinned nervously.
"Let's hope so…" Estell said.
After a few more boring hours, the friends put aside their school stuff and started their party. Q had once again volunteered his services to help Estell take back her rentals when the time came, so that box could be checked off her list.
They ate and talked animatedly about future plans and the like. They watched Q play the one game that Estell forgot she even had that came with the console that she forgot to even use. When Estell turned on the karaoke machine, they looked at each other nervously.
"Anyone up for one last risking of our lives?"
"Eh. What the hell. Go for it. Miles will protect me."
"I'm pretty sure you can protect yourself but yeah, okay, babe."
"Will you protect me, Estell-san?"
"No."
"I'll protect you, Esteru!"
"Great! Our bases are all covered."
"No, they aren't…"
"Shut up, Taka."
Said boy smirked and put a hand to his forehead.
Half an hour in and everyone got a chance to sing one song.
"If you don't say you love me, I'll kill you! Tell me your answer; choose me or die!" Estell was on her second song when a loud bang could be heard from the wall. She looked at it, grinned and continued her song.
Using his better judgement, Taka turned the volume down to low.
"Actually, I don't in fact want to risk my life, Estell-san. Let's not anger him further."
The girl deadpanned at him and adjusted her volume to match the low music. When the song was over, she huffed. "Some fun you are…"
He shrugged.
They ended their evening some time after, with their karaoke session being almost whisper-singing.
Leading them out to walk them all to the elevator, Estell felt a sense of déjà vu as she once again came face to face with her neighbor leaning against the opposite wall. He must have heard that they were getting ready to leave.
"Hi…nice young man. How are you doing this fine evening? I hope you're doing swell. I know I am…"
He jerked his head to the elevator, indicating for her friends to leave them.
They muttered their goodbyes before shuffling down the hall. All except Q who stood his ground.
The two guys stared each other down. Estell could do nothing but look between the both of them with a nervous smile on her face. Q had become very protective of his friend, especially when a certain Hibari Kyoya was involved.
After a while, Hibari broke eye contact, rolling his eyes and sighing. "Relax. I'm not going to do anything. So you can go on your way now."
Q narrowed his eyes but backed off in the end. He didn't know if the other boy was a liar or not, but he decided to trust him. But if Estell says that he did anything different when he asks her tomorrow, there would be hell to pay.
Reluctantly, the boy walked to the elevator where everyone was waiting. They seemed to have collectively let out a breath that they were all holding.
Estell watched the elevator doors close and looked back at her neighbor who had been staring at her.
"Hey, you can't get mad. I already informed you of my plans in that group chat. I gotta take all my stuff back soon. So of course, I had to use it again for one last festivity."
He shrugged. "Whatever."
She looked at him with a tilted head. He didn't actually seem mad. She didn't sense any hostility. Maybe he was telling Q the truth. She walked closer to him and leaned against the wall as he was doing.
"Hmm.. So are you here for the party of two, then?" she asked, smiling mischievously at her crush. Interesting things seemed to happen in this hallway when she opened her mouth. It made her wonder: what could happen tonight?
He just stared at her unamused.
"Oh, come on! Get riled up and flustered or something! That's my favorite look on you."
The corners of his lips twitched upwards for a second as he continued to gaze at her.
"So, are you going to…talk or something?" When she received no answer, her spontaneity kicked in and she grabbed his hand, dragging him into her apartment.
Locking the door, she led him over to the couch and they sat down. Finally, another expression was shown on his face; one of weariness.
"Eh? Are you nervous? What's wrong? Are you scared of me now? Does this couch give you nightmares?"
He chuckled then and broke eye contact, folding his arms. "Why should I be scared of you?"
"Because girls have cooties, don't they? I could pass them on to you. I may have done it already. And I'd do it again."
He turned his head back to her. "Oh? Is that so? Then go ahead. Do it."
The look on her face faded and she blinked rapidly.
'Did he just… Is that flirting? I feel like it's flirting. And an invitation. It's a flirty invitation. Watch I go to do it and he socks me in the face. Pppft. It might have been a threat, actually…'
Conjuring all of her courage, she scooted closer until their knees were touching. Reaching out to touch his face, she softly caressed it, moving up to remove some of his hair that fell in his eyes as well. They stared at each other; eyes locked. The boy waitingin anticipation to see if she would accept his challenge. The girl now feeling weary of any repercussions.
She lowered her hand and eyes to his lips, her thumb lightly touching his bottom one.
And that was it. The courage was gone. She jerked her hand back and looked away. "Yeah, I don't think I'm up for being punched in the face tonight…"
Hibari huffed and leaned back. "Why the hell would you think I'd punch you in the face? I told you to do it, didn't I?"
"Yeah, but that sounded like you issued me a challenge!"
"I did, but-"
"See!? It was a threat after all. You were gonna 'bite me to death' or something if I went ahead and kissed you."
"I really wasn't… I already told your overprotective friend that. I didn't bring my tonfas. Besides, when was the last time I even did that to you?"
She thought back. It had been some months. She was let off the hook for a lot of the things that she did lately.
"But still, it seemed-"
He didn't let her finish. He leaned down and grabbed her chin, setting his lips on hers. It was a relatively short kiss, more of a peck, but it was their first where he was the initiator. And that meant a lot.
The older teen felt the blood rushing to her face as she watched the younger one stand up.
"That's all I came for. See you tomorrow," he said and closed her door behind him, leaving her on the verge of passing out.
The first week of March, aka Finals Week, came and went like the wind. Estell felt confident that she would pass all her subjects. Maybe not with a high grade, but a passing one, nonetheless.
A few days before, she and Q returned all of her rented electronics to the store in a taxi. She also gave the BB gun back to him. She would no longer need it. Plus, getting that past customs? How would she answer for that? She also gave the knife that he gifted her to Tsubaki. Maybe she'd need it for something.
She had also left her job. Luckily, Ryo had found someone in desperate need of a job to replace her. Estell had met her replacement. She seemed…nice. Kind of jumpy and scared easily. Estell hoped that she would be okay.
Now, the young woman stood next to Takahiro and Tsubaki in the hall as they waited for a chance to look at their scores.
"How do you feel, Yamane-san? Confident?"
"Yeah, I probably passed."
"Same."
"Same."
When there was room to get in front, they scooted closer. Most of Estell's grades were in the 70's and 80's. English was a 99. Surprisingly, she got a 90 in Japanese History. She smiled and silently thanked Hibari.
Taka's grades were all in the 80's, except English, which was a 95. Tsubaki's grades were similar to Estell's. Her English score was a 91.
The faded burgundy-head looked towards the top of the list. There, she saw the name of her crush/no longer sworn enemy/maybe lover at the number 2 spot. In first place was someone from his same class, 3-A, that she didn't recognize. She wondered if they had some kind of rivalry. Their scores were so close.
She quite literally got yanked out of thought as Tsubaki grabbed her arm and pulled her away, Taka trailing behind. "We did it, girly! Graduation ceremony in 2 weeks! Freedom, here we come!"
Estell smiled at her friends. "Yup."
They walked upstairs to the 3rd year hallway.
"Oh yeah, next week is White Day. I wonder what you'll get." Tsubaki grinned.
"I forgot about that."
"Do I have to participate in this?"
Tsubaki shrugged at the boy, while Estell narrowed her eyes.
"Hey! I got you something on Valentine's Day. You better get me something…"
"Fine…" he mumbled, remembering the Pepero that his friend had gotten him. He could just grab her something from the konbini. It's not like his gift was the one she was waiting for anyway.
"Well, I have high hopes for you. I've never seen Hibari treat a girl the way he's been treating you lately, and I've known him for years, so…"
"Maybe he'll give you a matching pair of purple tonfas, Estell-san."
"Taka, you little…" she ruffled his hair playfully.
"You're still here? Don't you have somewhere to be, Estell-san?" Taka asked his seatmate as he read a book, this one a thriller. It was really engrossing.
"Yeah…" She trailed off. It was their free period, which she normally spent in the Student Discipline Council Advisor Office (when they weren't avoiding each other.) "See ya."
She watched the boy wave her away as she collected her things and left the classroom. She dragged her feet down the hall as she made her way to the office. Why was she less than enthusiastic to visit the man of her dreams? She was nervous. Today was the 14th of March, a Monday. White Day - and this would be the first time that she saw him in a few days. She had spent her weekend packing and taking care of miscellaneous things, like gifting things she no longer needed and spending hours on the phone.
Finally in front of his office, she sighed and quietly opened the door, entering and then closing it behind her. She met eyes with the only other person in the room, who had his glasses on while, like always, doing paperwork.
He glanced at the clock on the wall. "You're later than usual."
"Yeah. I was just in a..whimsy."
He raised his eyebrow at her but continued writing soon after.
Estell took that as a cue to go over to the couch, sit and shut up. While there was not much need to study anymore, she wanted to at least be reading something, so she grabbed one of the books from the shelf and made herself comfortable.
A few minutes later, she saw movement in her peripherals and looked up to see Hibari walking to the door. Assuming he was going for a pee break, she paid it no mind until she heard the soft 'click' of the lock. He then nonchalantly went back to his desk and started rummaging around in it. The girl looked from the door to him and back to the door before going back to her book, gaining a bit of confusion in the process. Did he not want to be interrupted for some reason?
"Oi."
She looked back up.
"Come here."
Blinking once, she sat the book that she was pretending to read down on the couch before making her way to his side. "Yes?"
He took a large book from the bottom drawer of his desk and dropped it on the table, sliding it in her direction. "Here."
She looked down at it. The large 'tome' was rather lengthy collection of Japanese short stories. Looking back up at him, she asked, "Did you want me to put this on one of the shelves, or…?"
He shook his head. "Nope. A gift for you. For White Day."
She looked back at the book. "Is there chocolate in there?"
"No, why would there be chocolate in a book?"
She pouted. "Because it's White Day. You bought me a book for White Day? Really?" she whined.
"If you don't want it, I can just keep it for myself," he said and removed his glasses, placing them on the desk.
"No, I'll take it…" she continued to whine and reach for the giant book that was not going to fit nicely in her school bag at all.
Before she could do so though, he grabbed her arm. "One more thing," he said and pulled her towards himself. The girl stumbled and fell into his lap, but he wasn't fazed by it. He had his eyes locked on her while he continued to bring her closer, all while getting pleasure from the bewildered look that the girl made.
"Um…"
He shook his head and leaned in close, tackling her lips with his, all while bring her as close as he could so that she was straddling him as he sat in his office chair.
Estell's widened eyes began to close as his fingers gently stroked her hips and slid up and down her back. One of them made their way to her head and remained there, locking into her hair.
His kiss was deep, and she wasn't sure if passionate was the word to describe it. If anything, she sensed pent up frustration in it. Or as though any feelings that he had for her that had been locked up were suddenly bursting out. It felt lustful.
She liked it.
She smirked to herself as his hand moved to her chin and their tongues collided with one another. Hibari Kyoya wasn't one to lose in a battle of dominance, and so she let him do as he pleased with her mouth.
He broke off soon after and placed light kisses down her neck before seductively licking right underneath her collarbone. Whatever moans she had been trying to hold in spilled out and she looked away embarrassed. He only smirked and continued what he was doing before making his way back to her lips, where he sucked on the bottom one. Then, with one last peck, he abruptly ceased what he was doing and looked up at her with hazy eyes. "We'll stop there, 'cause this could get really dangerous. Anyway, I figured you wouldn't be satisfied with just a book, so…
Also to pay you back for Valentine's Day," he smirked after the last bit.
She had no words, so she just stared at him, mouth agape and lips slightly starting to swell. Did this actually happen, or was this a cruel dream that she would wake up from and yell about? It had to be real, right? She had pictured doing something like this in this same exact spot for so long. How could she not have perverted thoughts when she was constantly alone in a room with her extraordinarily attractive love interest?
A pity he stopped. They could have made the rest of her fantasies a reality…
Her hands made their way to his locks and she absentmindedly started to play with them. He had gotten a few hair cuts through the past year, but he tended to keep his hair at around this same length. She wondered what he would look like with a ponytail. She quite liked ponytails.
"Best present ever," she grinned. "Can I stay here like this for a while?"
"Nope. You're heavy," he replied and matched her grin with one of his own. It was a rather refreshing expression.
"I feel like you would take pleasure in doing this, so I asked you over. If not, I could always ask Tsubaki."
Looking at the towel draped around her shoulders, he had a slight idea of what she wanted. Something to do with hair.
"Hmm…."
She grabbed his hand and led him into her bathroom. After spotting the box, he knew exactly what she wanted. Taking it in his hands, he looked it over. He then brought it close to her face.
"I never did see you with this color, huh? You just constantly defied my rules and kept that," he pointed to the burgundy that was fading, "didn't you? I have half a mind to bite you to death one last time for keeping that as long as you did."
Estell groaned. "Can it be with your mouth? And, like, not to death?"
He shrugged and gave her a lazy grin. "Maybe."
"Like, right now?"
"Nah."
"Ugh."
He snickered and looked back at the box. "So, I'm assuming…" he opened up the flaps and found the instructions, "I just follow these." He looked over them quickly and nodded, bringing his eyes back down to hers. "Yeah, I'll do it."
Estell sat on her toilet seat as Hibari followed the steps that he had memorized for the black hair dye. As he did so, they chatted to fill any awkward silence.
"Ya know, believe it or not, my hair was actually green a couple years ago."
"If I saw you at the gate, I would have turned you away immediately."
"Haha! Back home, this stuff is normal. Well, I went to a bunch of private schools so not really there, but… City schools it's normal. We're just expressing ourselves. So many rules and regulations are so oppressing."
"I don't mind rules and regulations."
"Yeah, that's 'cause you're the one enforcing them!" she laughed.
"That's true," he said and smirked.
She laughed again. A minute passed before she broke it. "Hey, do me a favor?"
He was checking to make sure the dye was distributed properly in her hair. He combed his gloved fingers through. "Depends."
"Call me Estell?"
He looked at her. "Why?"
She pouted and scrunched her eyes closed. "Because it's literally my name?"
She was startled when she opened her eyes. The black-haired male had moved his face right in front of hers. He gave her a quick peck before continuing on with his task.
"No."
"So, what you're saying is, you actually like calling me 'Miracle'?" The literal translation of her surname.
He shrugged. "I have never met someone with that last name before you, so I was immediately intrigued by it. Don't move. I'm going to roll this up," he was referring to her hair. He rolled it up to the top, so it looked like she had a top knot. He then leaned against the wall, careful not to touch anything with his gloves.
"So, if I changed my last name to also be my first name, would you finally say it?"
He snorted. "Why the hell would you want to do that? You're such an idiot."
"Yeah, but I'm your idiot."
"I suppose…"
She grinned at that. He shook his head and turned away, smiling nonetheless.
Changing the subject, she asked something that she was curious about for a while. "You're going to college, right?" When he nodded, she asked, "Which one did you get accepted to? What will you study?"
"I didn't apply to anything. I'll go the semester after. Probably study business. I need to visit my parents anyway."
Right. His parents who were always overseas. He never really talked about them, and Estell didn't want to pry. She just knew that deep down he was lonely.
"Where are they now?"
"They were in China up until a little while ago. Last I heard they were in Singapore."
"That sounds kinda cool. I wish I could be an international business traveler."
"Yeah, I guess…" He checked his watch. "Okay, you. Let's wash this stuff out of your hair."
After a wash, a condition and another wash and condition, they moved on to the drying process.
Estell had already packed up her hair dryer with everything else that didn't fit in her suitcases and shipped those things back home. Her apartment, while not actually empty since it was already furnished, was once again bare. Hibari had to grab his own hair dryer from his apartment.
"You can do this part yourself."
"I want Kyoya to do it."
He rolled his eyes at that. "Whatever." He then proceeded to do what was requested of him.
Estell combed through her hair while staring at herself in the mirror. Her hair the color she was born with. She shook it around a bit. He watched her in amusement.
Looking at him through the mirror, she smirked. "I'm still hot, right?"
"I don't know."
She laughed and turned to face him, wrapping her arms around his neck.
"Right…?"
He sighed and looked down at her. "I guess…"
"Good enough for me." And she leaned up to meet his lips.
The young woman walks nervously with her peers to the tune of a classical song as she tries to ignore the hundreds of other people in the now crowded gym. They sat near the front row, and the principal as well as many other people that she had never met gave speeches. She zoned out a quarter of the way through, and it seemed her body had been set to autopilot, as she would stand and bow with the other students when the time came. And the time came many, many times.
Over an hour later and she was back in class 3-D, getting her diploma and taking one last class picture.
She huffed when it was all over and dragged her feet to Takahiro, launching herself on him.
"We're done, Taka. We're finally done. We're free!" she cried out dramatically. Her classmates giggled at her. She looked at them and smiled. "I really enjoyed my time here. I'll miss you all," she lied. She barely interacted with any of them. Just some of the girls. And Taka was the only male classmate that she deemed worthy of her time from the very beginning. She wondered what life would be like if she fell for him instead.
"You can release me now, Estell-san."
She looked back at the young man. "Oh. Yeah." She let go. "Anyway, time to depart. I know yours and Tsubaki's families are here, so I'll see ya'll for Q's party tomorrow. Bye bye~"
"You won't walk me to the front?"
"No, I'm gonna hang back for a little bit."
"Ditching me for your boyfriend. I see how it is."
"Boyfriend? I have one of those? News to me."
"Aren't you dating him by now, Estell-san?"
"We never made anything official, so…
Besides, I'm literally leaving this week. If anything, I temporarily have a boytoy." She leaned in close to him and whispered, "But between you and me, I call him my boyfriend in my head." She winked.
"That really just made you sound delusional, but okay. See you again tomorrow, Estell."
"Yeah, se- Wait, what? Taka, did you just…? You did the thing? Wait, Taka! Come back! Kim Takahiro, you get back here! You said it! You finally said it!"
But he walked out of the classroom anyway. The ebony haired young woman Cheshire grinned after him.
"If that box is too heavy, just let me know."
"No, it's fine."
After leaving the classroom, she had first gone to visit Misa to give her one last farewell and thank her for everything. She was a really weird, inappropriate woman in the beginning, but Hayate Misa was great at her job and because of her, Estell learned so much in the short amount of time that she was in Japan. She was grateful.
After, she had made her way to the SDCAO, where Hibari was finishing up packing the rest of his things. He had brought most of it back home last week and left the rest for today.
"Need help, Hibari-san?"
He had raised an eyebrow at her and shook his head.
"You sure? I can carry a box."
And now, they were making their way back to the Hana-Kura.
"That ceremony must have sucked for you, huh? There were hundreds of people there!"
"I was thinking of skipping it, but I just decided to grin and bear it after all. Wasn't the worst thing ever, I guess."
"Wow. You've grown so much. I'm so proud."
"Shut up."
"I want to make a toast to all of us! For graduating, to following our dreams and going on our own paths. To this pretty girl who I barely recognize who's leaving us all. And to me, 'cuz it's my birthday. To us!"
"To us!"
The teens touched their glasses of juice, water, and soda together as they toasted to all the things Q had said.
The friend group was at Q's favorite diner celebrating his birthday and their graduation. It was also one last farewell party for Estell, who's new look shocked 2 of the males at the table. But one of the 2 had already seen her original hair color on their plane to Namimori, so the shock turned immediately to recognition.
They all had a fun time, and they tried not to think about the departure of the friend who inevitably brought them all together.
Estell leaned against the shoulder of an attractive man as they sat on his couch, watching a thriller movie, his arm wrapped comfortably around her waist. This was it. The 29th. The night before she would get on her plane and fly back home. She decided to spend it with her next-door neighbor. Her only neighbor. As well as lover, ex-sworn enemy, and a bunch of other things she called him in her head.
"You're not falling asleep, are you?"
"Nooo. I'm just comfy." She smiled up at him.
"Mm." He replied and continued watching the movie. It was very interesting. He figured he could predict the plot, but there were so many twists and turns, he gave up trying.
By the time the credits rolled, Estell really was on the verge of falling asleep, but she snapped herself out of it when an idea entered her head.
"Hey, Kyoya?"
"What?"
"Can I serve one last detention with you?"
He sputtered and looked at the black-haired woman. He knew exactly what she meant by that. It was one of the first things she said to him. He remembered. 'But I'd be happy to serve detention with you…in your bedroom.'
"That's… um. No. Nope. Not happening."
"Why not?"
"Because, I…
We just can't, okay? Unless you were talking about sleeping. And only sleeping. Then that's fine."
"You really won't?" She asked and smirked at his red face. She truly loved getting under his skin. She would miss these kinds of interactions dearly.
"No, it's dangerous. Besides, I don't have the- those… you understand what I'm trying to say here?"
"Why do you always refer to it as being dangerous. Why is it dangerous?"
"Because I don't know how much I can control myself with you, okay!?"
"Oooh. So that plus the no condom situation. Got it." She gave him a thumbs up and he facepalmed.
"Let's just go to sleep soon. Your flight isn't til evening, right? We can get breakfast tomorrow morning. And I'll do your room inspection since I'm authorized to."
"You're the coolest person ever."
"I know."
After that, they headed off to bed.
"Hey, you won't get mad if I cling to you like this, right?"
She laid her head down on his chest and wrapped an arm around his waist.
He didn't answer. Instead, he stroked her hair gently.
Even though her heart was beating rapidly because of the situation, she was still able to be lulled to sleep by his touch. The last thing she thought before she fell asleep was that she hoped she didn't end up drooling all over him.
She was really glad that she didn't put on any mascara, waterproof or not. With her luck, the black substance would have streaked her face along with her tears anyway.
"Text me all the time. I don't care what about," Tsubaki said and gave the other girl a big hug.
Miles was next. "Really gonna miss you, bestie. Make sure to keep studying. And cooking. Be good from now on. Never pick up a cigarette ever again. Don't get arrested. And make sure to come back to visit us one day." They shared a short hug before he released her.
"Okay, mom," she joked.
"I'm really glad you stopped me on the street that one day, Esteru. Meeting you was an honor."
"Aww, Q!"
He gave her a big hug, which was soon interrupted by the clearing of a throat. Q turned to look at Hibari, who was standing not far away, arms crossed, and eyes narrowed.
Hibari was always weary of Q. He knew from the beginning that Q wanted his girl. He had come into the equation a bit too late, though.
"Don't worry, Hibari-kun. Haha!" Q said and moved away for the next person.
Estell cocked her head to the side and smiled warmly. "My lil Taka. You little brat. I'm gonna miss you purposely trying to get under my skin."
He smirked, and when his friend opened her arms wide, he walked into them. "I'll miss you too. Estell," he said this in Korean, but she understood it.
"Awww. Taka~" She hugged him tighter. And once again the deep hug was interrupted by Hibari clearing his throat. "No one's trying to get in on your territory, Kyoya."
"Says you." He replied.
She let go of Takahiro and looked at all her friends. "You guys are the best. We're gonna group chat all the time and talk about adulting and shit."
"Sounds like a plan, Kiseki."
"Tsubaki~ Please~"
"Oh my God, fine. Estell. Ya happy?"
"Yes!" she yelled and jumped up and down.
Everyone laughed and they shared a group hug, before wishing her safe travels and leaving the airport.
Estell turned her attentions to her ex-sworn enemy/ex-neighbor/head cannon boyfriend. "Just you and me, huh?"
"Mm."
"Ya gonna cry?"
"And why would I do that?"
"Because you'll miss me."
"Says you."
"Sir!"
He laughed and pulled her into a hug. "You're right. I will."
"You finally admitting that is everything."
"Uh huh." He released her from the hug and kissed her with so much passion, she felt like she was going to legitimately pass out. "That's why I'm not going to do the selfish thing and ask you to wait for me. Or even to continue whatever this is via distance. Just do whatever you want. Just know that I don't see myself wanting anyone else, and that you can always come back to me."
Tears rolled down her face as she stared at him, speechless. "Wait, no. You can't-
You can't say that. I…you. I don't want to go anywhere."
"You have to. Your parents paid for this flight. You better get on it."
"No! I'm not going now. I'll stay-"
"Estell."
She cradled her head as the tears streamed down harder and a loud cry escaped her lips.
He was saying this now? Why now? And why did the sound of her name from his mouth make her ugly cry?
After a minute or so, she wiped her tears and whatever snot was there with her sleeves.
"You should go soon. You still have to check in and going through TSA is probably gonna be hell," he then wiped away a few stray tears. Looking away, he smirked. "In the end, I really did fall for this delinquent, huh?" he muttered loud enough for her to hear.
She smiled up at him. "I guess you did. And I fell for the Student Council President."
"I was not the-!"
She burst out laughing. It felt better to laugh and make jokes about the situation than to cry. Today was the most she had cried in a long, long while.
"Text me whenever you want. About whatever. I don't care. Even if it's something like 'I stubbed my toe' I'll reply. And Skype exists, just saying. Take lots of pictures when you go to Singapore. Tell your parents about me. I'm the best thing that's entered your life. And don't…don't forget me."
He gritted his teeth at that last part. The way she said it almost made him choke up. Almost.
"I can't forget you. Believe me. I've tried to no avail. So you're just stuck here living rent free in my head. The least you could do is pay rent."
She laughed again and grabbed her luggage. "Okay. I'm gonna-"she jerked her head to the departures sign.
He nodded. "Right."
"Yeah. So…" She awkwardly shuffled away backwards.
"Uh huh."
"Yup."
"Mm."
She was trying very hard not to cry again. Because she realized something. She realized it a while ago. "OkayIloveyougoodbye." She said and quickly walked away.
"What? Wait, you can't… You can't just do that! Hello?" he called after her, but she ignored him.
What he couldn't see was the idiotic grin on her face.
"And here we go again."
She was on a packed plane headed to California, USA. The person in the seat behind her was once again a child. And once again, the back of her seat had been kicked multiple times.
"Mi-chan, stop it. What do we do in public? We act proper."
"No!"
"Mi-chan, please…" the tired mother looked around. "I'm so sorry," she said to everyone around and slightly bowed her head.
Estell heard her from in front and hoped that her apology was also directed towards her. She looked past her seatmate and out the window, where the night sky was brilliant, and everything was so small and insignificant. She sighed.
Comically and without warning, a toy snake had landed into her lap. "What in the déjà vu?"
She had spent the whole day in bed. Her parents picked her up from the airport and immediately engulfed her in a hug. There was a lot of, "Lemme get a look at you," and, "Aww, look at you. My baby. I missed my baby." There was plenty of that. Unbeknownst to them, she just got off a flight from hell. She kept it to herself, though.
When she got home, she collapsed into her bed. It was early morning and she felt like crap. She made sure to text in the group chat that she made it safely before passing out.
The next few days was basically her just getting babied by her mom, who seemed to miss her the most out of the 2 parents, and having long talks in her mother's native tongue. She was so proud of how much her daughter learned in just one year. How well she applied herself. The fact that she graduated this time.
Sam, Chris and the others popped in a few times to see their friend after so long, but their dynamic just wasn't the same. Still, she was really glad to see them all.
She currently sat on the couch, snuggled up to her mother.
"So fashion design? I can see it. You sure you don't want to be a lawyer?"
"Mom, when did I ever want to be a lawyer?"
"Well, you're so smart now…"
The younger Kiseki laughed. "I am pretty smart, aren't I? But I'm thinking fashion design or something like it, and minor in Japanese studies?"
"Okay, I'll stand behind your plan. Your father will… well, it doesn't matter. He'll come to accept it if he disagrees."
"Mm."
"So, tell me more about that boy!"
END
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Shout out to Finland! Thanks for reading.
Song:
ChOOSe mE or Die - Tommy february6