"I'm sorry..."

The moment I felt his warm embrace my body suddenly moved on its own and before I knew it I pushed him hard making him stumbled on his feet a little. His wide brown eyes stared at me and my hand met his cheek hard.

The sting in my hand remained as my eyes didn't fluttered. He was too surprised for a moment as he touched his red and obviously painful cheek. I was satisfied to see that it's starting to swell and damn, it was really feel good.

"Does it hurt right? Just imagine that sting was a hundred times painful of what I felt the moment you hurt me. Actually it was far from it, it was like, I was being stab by hundreds of invisible knives..." I said with conviction.

"..."

His eyes met mine and even though his cheek hurts he didn't seem to be affected. I don't really want to be violent, but all my frustrations and anger seemed to vanish after I slapped him.

I sighed exasperatedly while tucking some strands of my hair. "I'm not lying when I said I have forgiven you. But that doesn't mean I didn't want to hurt you for what you did, contrary to that I really wanted to inflict something more painful, but instead of being too violent I decided to slapped you to release these all grudges in my heart. Which kind of works... a little." I shrugged.

Ichino blinked his eyes in shock before he closed his eyes in defeat while his lips showed a light smile and gently touched his sore cheek. "I was hoping you will punch me..." His serious yet soft tone.

I scoffed. "Well lucky you if Menori wasn't watching us, like I said inflicting a more painful way and giving you a more deserving lesson like kicking your face or giving you hard blow between your legs or break your nose and when I say I mean it I will really do it, you know how good I am at kicking your ass. You never win against me after I learned Judo. Since it's the only sport I'm good at."

Menori panic at the corner before hiding her obvious head at the nearest pillar of the building. Though I found it amusing I was not really pleased to know she was listening. I inwardly sighed in disappointment because honestly I wanted to do what I said.

Ichino who was silent for few minutes started laughing.

Hard.

"What's funny?" I frowned.

"S-Sorry, it's just that it was very anticlimactic, you know after embracing you it never crossed my mind this will happen. I was hoping you will return it..." He managed to say between laughs.

I cocked my brows before puffing my cheeks in irritation.

"Tch, I was once in love with you and that's the truth Ichino."

He gradually ceased from laughing and his eyes bore into mine.

"..but that was before, after Menori told me you're still in love with me-"

"Which is the truth."

My cheeks reddened at his interruption and cleared my throat before shooting him a warning glare. "Anyways, I don't want to lie, you are still my first friend in Itada and I don't want to loose that after the whole thing happened between us. I was really annoyed yet glad about the letter but please...

...

...

...

...

...

Stop holding onto the past. I don't want to see Menori get sad or you not being the same anymore. After all... the two of you are still my friends." I finished and didn't move my eyes away from his brown one, the hurt hidden in those orbs didn't miss by mine but this is the only way to snap him.

"..so you really don't love me anymore huh" His feature turned sad for few seconds before a genuine smile cast on his mouth. "..crap I never knew this would hurt that much." My feature softened, his right hand kept fisting and a regret look settled afterwards covering his eyes using his other one. The scene may be pathetic but what made not look like it is because he was still calm, serene and compose...

I let him be for a while, letting him think and decide. I pressed the bridge of my nose and sighed, damn somehow I feel like I'm in some kind of drama show or fictional story. So much stress and problems are always coming and it annoys me because obviously this is how life works.

This is reality.

I watched how his hand move away from his face, his gaze landed back at me with determination, the look in his eyes startled me but stopped myself from saying anything and waited. "If you are telling the truth, let's have a date this coming Saturday."

My eyes widened at his words. "W-What? Have you lost your mind?"

His expression became gentle again.

"As far as I know I just lost it recently that's why I'm asking this favor."

My lips pursed in tight line.

"Stop saying some stupid cheesy line."

"...it's the truth."

"You're insufferable."

"I know."

"You are two-face douche bag."

"Yeah."

"Fucking bastard."

"So I've heard."

I groaned again and gave him a sharp glare before closing my eyes and calm myself. "Why you are so adamant?"

"You heard me Rin, let's go out this Saturday and then I will decide after..."

I twitched, inwardly surprised at his stupid request, but if this is the only way to prove to him that I was telling the truth then fine, I don't know what came to his mind for thinking such stupid solution to prove to me that I was lying.

I sighed in irritation. "Fine. You never changed, you think stupidly as always."

"Well... Some habits are hard to break."

The air between us somehow alleviated and I'm glad for that, him trying to bring back those time how we used to interact with each other. Back then when we were friends.

"...I'm sorry for everything, I really am."

"I know."


"Congratulations!"

Everyone greeted Subaru after our group entered the living area. Well not everyone since I can't see Futo and Louis. Once they saw him, Tsubaki and Yuusuke tackled him and saying about how he's gonna be popular especially with girls.

"Now now you two he just got back you don't to be so hard on Suba-chan." Kaname said, fascinated at the scene. They let him go immediately still grinning.

"Maybe we should settle first since Ukyo-nii prepared something delicious for this celebration." Hikaru muttered beside me, making me jump a little at his sudden voice. I gave him a side glance and didn't miss his amused smile.

Ema gently tugged me to follow her in the dining room as everyone following behind us. The next thing I knew we are eating and chatting with some random topics. Surprisingly I found myself enjoying this moment, it was a rare chance to experience this kind of atmosphere where they just talking about what they did today or telling some unforgettable stories, it was a familiar scene though and somehow made me smile in content...

I snapped from thinking when I felt my phone vibrated. I took it out and read the message, unexpectedly Subaru's name flash in the screen considering his sudden aloofness.

Can we talk alone? If that's okay?

I moved my gaze where he was sitting but he was gone. I didn't even notice he exited and left.

Sure but I would like to talk to you at the park later.

I clicked the send button and waited.

Okay. I hope I'm not that bothersome.

That's the last thing I would thought Subaru.

"Ehh~~ who are you texting Rina?"

Tsubaki jerked my attention and of course the rest of his brothers. I swiftly put back my phone in my pocket. "Just a friend Tsubaki-san. " I muttered before a smile gracing my lips and started to eat again. I chuckled mentally when he mumbled something and kept his brooding look, the others didn't budge to question my vague answer but still giving me a look. That moment Subaru came back and seated beside Yusuke trying to avoid my eyes and cocked my brow in confusion.

Ever since I came back after talking to Ichino, Subaru became quiet and distant. When I was coming back to where I left Ema and Juli I saw Subaru's form coming towards my direction, my first reaction was to greet him about the championship but died down when he avoided my stares and just nodded his head in acknowledgement and thanking me, after that he just gave me a quick statement to follow him because the others have been waiting for so long. His action confused me so much...

"Rin-chan?"

I felt a gentle touch on my hand and looked at my friend's face. Concern radiating her feature. "You seem distracted?" She whispered but I know Hikaru who is sitting beside me and Natsume who is sitting beside him heard it and of course the basketball player in front of me tilted his head a little, listening in my opinion.

I gave her a reassuring smile and whispered back at her. "Just forgot to do my homework in Math would you mind if I borrow your notes, I'll give it back tomorrow."

Her light chuckled heard after that before she bobbed her head in agreement. I grinned in returned and started to eat in silence while hearing the siblings conversing again. Sometimes I'll answer their questions and then my mind become occupied with some things... Ema somehow got distracted with their questions to her, it was unusual but I was not really in the mood to talk, perhaps talking to my ex-boyfriend drain so much energy from me, okay that was a little exaggerating but maann can you blame me? physically and emotionally it was absolutely tiring.

"A penny for your thought?" I blinked my eyes when I heard the quiet question of Hikaru, as usual he was holding the glass of wine as if observing the content with perfection. "..you are too distracted today in my opinion and I wonder why...or rather who?"

'Oh crap. Why was he so observant? And why do I even ask myself about it?'

"I don't know what are you talking about Hikaru-san, I was just not in the mood today..." My almost whispered reply, since it was useless to lie because Hikaru can see beyond things.

"hm... Very unusual of you. It was really...disappointing."

Somehow that little statement snapped something inside me but I tried to remain unperturbed. "Sorry to disappoint you then."

I didn't dare to look at him and continued with listening to his brothers talking, Ema beside me was too busy to notice our little exchanged but it doesn't matter, Hikaru was just trying to tease me again. Deciding to ignore his presence but didn't last long when I felt something wet on my lap and to my utter surprise I saw the empty glass that Hikaru was holding was the culprit.

"Ops... It slipped."

I glared at him while gritting my teeth inwardly. His amused smile irritates me because the sly fox did it on fucking purpose!

"Oh my Rin-chan." Ema gasped and quickly took the napkin and wiped the stain.

"What happened? Hikaru that was really careless of you."

Ukyo suspisciously asked, eyeing the long haired beside me with narrowed eyes. "..it was an accident, I got suddenly... distracted."

Distracted! You sly sneaky beautiful jerk!

Okay forget the beautiful part!

"I can lend you something Rin-chan, let's go to my room..."

She excused both of us and grab my hand, I silently followed her form until we reached her room.

"..what happened chi? Did one of the scumbags do something?"

Juli asked immediately after seeing us entered the room. "Nothing serious, just Rin-chan got a little stain on her jeans."

"Yeah, thanks to Hikaru-san." I muttered annoyingly and crossed my arms on my chest.

"What?! That look a like lady jerk did this! I will avenge you Mi-chi!"

"Oh come Rin-chan it was just an accident. Here you can use this, change now and I'll wash that dirty jeans of yours."

I grumbled instead and followed her instruction. I smirked when I heard Juli's shriek and catching some words of 'indecent woman' and 'not giving warning' I think before his voice slowly vanishing which means he exited the room and went out to wherever he wanted to go. Ema's light chuckled heard afterwards, I winked and gave my jeans to her.

"I'll be back immediately."

"Wait Ema-chi, can we talk for a moment?"

She flickered her eyes and nodded, I patted the space beside me asking silently to take a seat which she complied swiftly.

"What's the matter Rin-chan?"

The apprehension behind her query didn't miss by me even the sudden tense of her jaw and worry written in her eyes but I still gave her a placid look.

"Well... You noticed also why I came back too long just to buy the drinks right?"

"Hm, did something happened?"

"...yeah, I saw him again Ema-chi. Ichino, I saw him there and talked to him." Her doe brown eyes got bigger. "Technically another friend of mine in the named of Menori Anakawa planned to meet us together, I never asked her how did she know I was there but anyways, she seemed to know I was there and texted Ichino to come over and well we got a talk... Unexpectedly."

"..how do you feel about seeing him again Rin-chan?" I looked at my friend and her fine features distorted in an deep utterly concern. She hesitated, then with so much tenderness she squeezed my hand and asked again. "Do you still love him?"

My lips sealed hearing the same question all over again.


"What was that all about Hika-nii?"

Tsubaki asked his brother and giving him a suspicious glance. His older brother ignore him and smirked instead. "..aah, who knows. I was just drinking quietly as you see."

"Still you should at least apologize Hikaru."

Masaomi gently stated but his hidden command as the eldest son was noticed by everyone. Hikaru silently sipped some content in the glass he was holding until it was empty before pouring it with wine again. The glint in Masaomi's eyes made everyone shuddered because as far as they know their eldest brother was rarely seen so displease, actually they never saw him like this. Wataru tugged his eldest brother's arm. "Ne ne Masao-nii is Rin-nee mad about what happened?"

The tension somehow vanished thanks to Wataru.

"Don't worry Wata-chan, she was just a little angry but I know Rina will forgive your Hika-nii."

Kaname softly smiled at the youngest and saw how he bobbed his head in understanding. Hikaru's light laugh caught everyone's attention.

"Oh well if this will make you happy I'll go and apologize for my action."

Natsume who saw the whole incident frowned at him but decided to be quiet, he was not really used to Hikaru's behavior sometimes but he never saw Hikaru so fascinated with someone except with Rina, which really ticks him because he was also in the same boat like him. He wanted to ignore it but the longer he observed the harder to resist this nagging feeling.

Hikaru stood up and left them. Following the hall where the two females went. After few minutes Lori also left to go to the comfort room.

"So while waiting for them can you tell us how you win the champioship game Subaru."

Ukyo looked at his brother who had been so quiet the whole time.

"Ah.. I just did my best and the whole team support me that's why we won. After all team work is the secret."

"Ehhh... I bet a lot of girls are screaming for you Suba-chan, including imouto-chan and Rina."

Tsubaki teased and poking his cheek. Azusa sighed and nudge his twin brother as a warning. "But really Subaru, that was a huge achievement it was no doubt." He said.

The said guy bobbed his head in appreciation. "Thanks Azu-nii..."

"I want to be like Suba-nii!"

Wataru exclaimed making everyone in the table look at him. "Oh, why is that Wataru? Is it because you also like playing basketball?"

Masaomi asked him and an amused smile cast on his mouth. "...hmm not really but I want to learn so that onee-chan and Rin-nee will watch and support me everytime I have a game." His adorable smile made the eldest smile and patted his head affectionately.

"Dang, I should have join the soccer club before."

Yuusuke muttered to himself and frowned.

"Ehhh~~I heard that Yuu-chan~~"

Yuusuke flared in embarrassment and glared at Tsubaki who wiggled his brows.


Hikaru's soft footsteps were heard at the silent hallway which is the direction where his sister's room was. The incident awhile ago was really intentional, to say that Rina was unsual to herself was kind of distracting him. Perhaps even him was acting not himself also, this is not his style. A smirk gradually form on his mouth at this fact, who would have thought someone like her would made him do some childish act. It actually nerves him...

Hikaru reaches his destination and stops in front of Ema's door. His hand extends for the handle but pause. The voices, it seems the two are talking about something... Gently he moved and leaned on the wall instead, deciding to listen or technically he was being nosy.

Again.

"...can't help it though."

He muttered to himself as a knowing smile grace on his mouth this time.

"So what do you feel Rin-chan? Do you still love him?"

His smile dropped.

"Well... What do I feel..."

'Are they talking about Rina's ex?'

"At first I was sad but the longer we talked I wanted to punch him... Technically I did slap him but-"

"What? You slapped him?"

The disbelief tone in Ema's voice made Hikaru smirk again. He doesn't know what happened to Rina and this certain boy but he think the guy deserved more than just a slap. Based on Rina's look when he asked her about this guy Hikaru could tell that he left a bad impression to her.

"...yeah, he was still lucky I didn't punch him since Menori was there I don't want to make her upset."

There was a quitness before Ema broke it with her previous question.

"You still didn't answer my question. Do you still love him?"

Hikaru stilled, his brows furrowed. The question somehow leave a tingling feeling, an annoying one, but what made it more annoying is the answer he was waiting to hear. He was... uneasy, antsy, edgy... He was not yet used to this kind of emotion.

"Honestly. I don't know."

Now that's not a good answer, saying those phrase means she was still doubting or denying her true feelings. Hikaru's mouth formed a thin line.

"Maybe I already knew the answer but..."

"You're scared that maybe just maybe there's still left...right?

"No, I'm not scared Ema-chi... It's just it still irritates me how I become so foolish. It was so ugh I can't explain. I don't know... But I can assure you I don't love him anymore..."

A silence emitted the room. Hikaru on the other hand place his hand on his lips trying to cover a slight smile.

"..Rin-chan, I'm glad you finally moved on."

"Thank you Ema-chi... I just really wanted to talk about this. You know before we part ways he requested something stupid..."

"Request?"

"Yeah... A date Ema-chi, he wanted to have a date with me this coming Saturday."

"and did you..."

"..hm, he just wanted answer."

"I see..."

Hikaru decided to finally stop from listening and interrupt their talk by softly knocking the door. There was a pause then the door slightly ajar revealing his sister. "Hikaru-san?"

He smiled. "I wanted to apologize to Rina about the incident awhile ago and I hope I'm not interrupting you."

Hikaru heard Rina's scoff and glared at him.

Ema open her door widely and beam. "Not at all Hikaru-san." she turned her head to the side and gave her friend a quick look and excused herself to both of them. It took maybe five minutes after Ema left them before Hikaru took the initiative to do the first move.

"I apologize for my action awhile ago."

Rina gave him a look, trying to study his feature. As much as she hate his sly nature he was being sincere this time.

"Apology accepted." she muttered and avoided his gaze. Hikaru smirk inwardly.

"I'm glad."

Another silence concealed them which made the indigo eyed girl look back at Hikaru. A thoughtful look planted on his face while he place his hand on his chin. His eyes were staring at her but not entirely focus, as if thinking a proper words to tell. "So...do you mind if I can use some alone time with you?"

"uhh technically we are alone in this room already."

"Of course."

His tone changed, came back the teasing and annoying playful attitude of him. "..do you want to tell something?" She cocked her eyebrow.

"Do you still remember the time when we first met? You still owe me some questions to answer~"

"But I didn't agree to that remember?"

A frown cascading her feature. His lips twitch and slowly approach her form before kneeling down in front of her since Rina was still seating her best friend's bed. "You don't have to because you will eventually."

'The nerve.'

Rina's scowled deepened. "I don't know if you find this little game of yours entertaining Hikaru but I'm not in the mood right now to satisfy your silly fascination towards me."

"Oh so you want to play another time? Fair enough." He gave her a closed eyes smile. A mocking expression in her opinion.

"You are so imposssible." Rina groaned.

She got startled when he slam his both arms on each side of her body entrapping her but manage to have a decent space between them. His face was serious.

"Do you really think I'm just doing all of this because of my silly fascination towards you Rina? Have you forgotten what I've told you at the resort?"

His expression was so serious and almost giving her a heart attack. Shades of pink drowning her cheeks remembering that day, she doesn't want to think about that especially after his uhh confession that day. Honestly she doesn't want to believe him because Hikaru was cunning, cheeky and sly. She knew it was unfair for him to think that way but can't you blame her for being too cautious around people like him. She doesn't want to be played again.

'Wait, I don't even like him? Why am I thinking of him that way?'

Because he interests you.

'Holy sh*t! Whose voice is that?'

Your conscience idiot.

'Really? Is that even possible? I thought this only works in fiction.'

Silly stupid myself. Considering you are having a conversation with me it was. Now about your previous questions, you didn't realize it yet but you like him in a way. Perhaps prone between admiration and romantic.

'Nah, I think more in admiration.'

Oh really? Then why are you..well having these dirty tho-

'Okay enough! That is not true and for your info he was the one who keeps doing weird actions.'

*cough* Liar *cough*

Silence.

'Sooooo... Am I developing a crush to him?'

Guess so.

'Well... Iwon't deny it, he...he entertained me.'

My goddd... I knew it you are a Masochist after all.

'W-What the! Did you just.. No I am not! You...ugh you..'

His sigh snapped her from fighting her inner self as he move his arms away and stood up. "Come. My brothers are waiting for us, my questions can wait." she looked up to him and his loop sided smile adorn his mouth. Though she got confused at his sudden changed of action she was kind of glad. There was understanding in the depths of his eyes, a silent message that he was being considerate...

For now.

"You are so... Annoying." Unpredictable.

"Then bare with it. It was one of my charms."

"How come being annoying is a charm?"

The glint in his eyes become impish. "Because most people told me I'm quietly charming especially when I made them annoy."

"Pft, those people have problems in my opinion. Mental problemmm..." she drawled in bored manner.

"Then perhaps my brothers have problems."

"..yeah couldn't fool me, your brothers would never find that side of you charming. Besides, who would think that way?"

His grin widened and gave her a knowing look. "You."

She rolled her eyes.

"Arrogant." She scoffed and walk ahead of him.

"You didn't deny it."

A quiet laugh escaped from his mouth while Rina's side lips tilted upward. His perception irked her but couldn't find herself hating it.

'Maybe I really have problem, associating myself with people like him.'


I bid my goodbye to them before the sky reach its twilight. I declined their offer to drive me home since taking a bus is more convenience, in a sense of solitary, in the end I felt relieved that I pacified their insistence. Before I could leave I looked at the certain person who was suddenly became distant after his game but I just decided to give him a small smile and texted Subaru to wait at the park around seven in the evening as a promise that we will talk about what happened in New Year's eve.

So yeah, here I am now waiting for him to show up while I'm sitting on the usual bench. The area was comfortingly quiet, I lean even more and gaze upward to watch the dark sky filled with dotted lights, I don't know how long I've been doing it, staring the sky but a sound of footsteps snapped my attention towards its direction and there I saw Subaru standing not far away from my position.

"evening Subaru-san..."

"good evening."

He muttered as he gradually approached and took a sit beside me. I'm not naive not to notice his odd behavior even the silence between us which I found calming before has somehow changed.

"Is there a problem Subaru?"

I asked without looking at him. I felt his eyes on me but remained my stares ahead.

"..I'm just nervous that's all."

"You're lying." This time I pinned his gaze. "You just became distant, quiet, detach? You name it, I don't know, you became like that after the game or more likely after you found me when I bought beverages."

He was the first one to look away. "I..I didn't mean..." His visage look troubled, something akin between confusion and regret. "I never meant to act that way after..."

"You heard us talking aren't you?"

His handsome features wore surprise as it slowly turned into astonishment. He carefully glance on my face. "..I'm sorry, I didn't mean to listen."

His regretful eyes made my blank face faltered, I shifted my eyes before releasing a huge sigh. Honestly he was so predictable, I've been having a suspicion but that only occured to me after leaving their residence. I landed my eyes back at him and relieved to see his gaze still lingered on me.

"Guess you've heard enough to act so distant. I can't blame you though."

He was quiet then look away again and keep fisting his hand which is resting on his thigh.

"Can I ask you a question?"

His body was too stiff in my opinion, his jaw tightened and his eyes even though were looking at me were not entirely on me.

"Sure."

"Do...do you still love him?"

My eye twitch, ugh how many times do I have to hear the same thing all over again. Love love love love it's so annoying!

"I do NOT love him anymore." I snapped.

I don't know how much he heard but I'm guessing he didn't hear all of it. I saw him flinched before moving his gaze away. "I won't repeat it anymore but I didn't came here to talk about him Subaru..." This time my soothing tone made him relax.

"I'm sorry."

"There is nothing to apologize Subaru." my lips curled in a tight line. "I should be the one saying sorry..."

It became silent again. He was so still that I thought he stopped breathing, my face twisted into a sad expression because he finally realized what I am trying to apologize.

"It's not him right?"

I shook my head.

'No it's not him why I am rejecting you.'

My silent answer. I saw how he slowly run his finger through the mane of his hair and then sighing loudly in the end.

"..I'm glad though" His quiet words. "It will be hard in my part Rina but... I will wait."

I shook my head again. "Don't Subaru. There is no assurance that I will return you feelings and I don't want you to get hurt in the end. As a friend I advise you this, do not wait... please."

The visible pain in his eyes made me cringed. My eyes avoided his face and silence emitted us. I don't have any idea how long we've stayed quiet, the sound of crickets nearby and the slow gush of wind filled the background.

"I guess you already made a decision."

His sudden words made me close my eyes before I felt him shifted and heard his light footsteps moving away from me. I didn't stop him, I didn't even watch his silhouette form walking away or said anything. I just remained silent... Deep in thought. Because he also made his decision, with his quiet words I managed to hear it without problem...

"Giving up is not my forte. I'm sorry."


Author's Note:

Nothing to say... Just hope you enjoy it~~ Thanks to the new followers of this story! I love you guys...

Onto the reviews!

Savage Kill: You just predicted the hit part except for the scary one hehehe. But! That was awesome. I actually thought of that thing but I can't seem to portray Rina to be soooo uhm violent? Too violent? She was too soft to do that haha, yeah she has strong character and that but in truth she has this gentle side even though she keeps getting hurt by the people she love. Anyways thank you for the review and stay put!

Dark Rose Charm: So sorry! I didn't mean to made this hard for you hehehe (evil laugh). But thank you so much that you found the drama so far nice. I was not really good in this thing but hey you just boosted my confidence because of your comment so thanks. Do not worry Subaru will not going to give up like he said... Anticipate more drama for the next chapters. (wink)

Saniah-san: oh my thank you google translate! I panic when I saw your comment but I'm so glad you enjoy my story so far! And yep obviously you are rooting for Hikaru hehehe I do hope you certainly love this chapter since he had showed some of his playful side. I really appreciated your reviews! And I will be more happy to see more in the future! Thanks again.

R and R

-azaleah