Wow!

Thanks to all the people who e-mailed me saying that they want an insert… well, I'm really, really sorry if I can't include you all. As much as I really want to accommodate everyone, I really can't because the story would just twist and twist and twist… and it might never end… and Rukawa might never get married, nor would he get the 750 million smackers. Maybe I can insert 2 or 3… and they will come later on. Thanks to all who responded though!

Also, thanks to those who r/r-ed my story… sinful ai, you were a big, big hit! Don't you enjoy being in the limelight (even if you served as Rukawa's punching bag, heheheh. Be happy! And I'm sorry also… -_-;;)? This chapter is entirely dedicated to you, watashi no tomodachi…

Hallejuhah! Our finals are history! It's summer! Natsu ka! Yokatta ne! Natsu wa aishite mo!

Sorry for the extended vacation my fic took. Right now, I'm finalizing my travel papers… and I hope I get to finish this before my trip. Gomen na, minna-san!

Standard disclaimers apply.

Please do not take this fic.

The Bachelor… Rukawa's Story

Chapter 5: What Happened To sinful ai (chan)

I shifted in my seat, desperately trying to erase the dreadful events that took place some hours ago. Seated across me in the emergency room waiting lounge, was a chuckling Sendoh.

I could tell what was running in that nasty head of his.

"Punched her, eh, Kaede-kun?" he sniggered. "Do you realize you've created the most original urban legend in the history of dating mishaps?"

"Shut up."

Don't remind me. I know I shouldn't have hit her. Besides, her intentions could have been harmless, just trying to show me a good time. But… that's the problem. I'm just no good at handling girls. A basketball, maybe.

But issues with the opposite sex?

Which got me wondering, why isn't there a "DATING FOR DUMMIES" book series out yet? I'd most probably snatch away a copy of that.

Sendoh looked at his watch. "Whoa, it's been, like, three hours since Aoino's left us?" He looked suspiciously at me. "Did you hit her THAT hard?" he asked incredulously.

"… I don't know…"

But why is it taking so long?

"For all we know, she might have to undergo plastic surgery. Or maybe amputate her lips… or maybe she can't talk anymore… what do you think, Kaede-kun? Let's have a contest! A contest to see what would happen to sinful ai-chan!" Sendoh chirped excitedly.

Sweatdrop.

I mentally pictured having punched Sendoh instead of the girl.

*-*-*

I stirred at the sound of someone sitting beside me. I looked up. It was Aoino, looking a little pale – probably exhausted.

I sat up straight in hopes of comforting the grim man.

"How is she?" I asked awkwardly. I was, after all, the one who hit his niece – the reason why she's confined in the hospital. I just wish Aoino doesn't go on a killing rampage or anything.

He glowered briefly, telling me that I wasn't off the hook yet. But he gave me a resigned sigh.

"She's okay – apparently, you really didn't do anything that drastic to her… just a mild bruise that's all…"

I raised my eyebrow in confusion. "But you had to stay in the emergency room… what, for three hours???"

Aoino gave me this weird look -- unreadable expression.

"Well, everything was pretty much okay already. But she saw her herself in the hallway mirror and freaked out. All these three hours were spent in there trying to convince the physician to grant her permission for a plastic surgery."

I nearly face-faulted and almost fell off my chair.

He pointed towards the emergency ward, his face still downcast. "She's still in there… I'd rather leave her alone, you know?

She's caused too much trouble for a day…"

I nodded sullenly.

"Hmmm… so, Kaede, how about giving it one more shot?"

I looked at Sendoh. Apparently he had been awake already and heard our conversation.

"…"

Honestly, I'm tired of all of this. If I don't get dad's fortune, so be it. I'm not willing to risk my sanity any longer. But my "friend", Sendoh, has utmost difficulty picking up hints. And he is not one to give up that easily. After all, if he does manage to pair me up successfully, he gets a promise of fortune too… at my expense, of course.

"Do you promise not to punch her?"

"… Whatever…"

*-*-*

A.N.:

- I started with this chapter about 3 weeks ago, and it's just now I'm finishing it. See how slow my brain works? Or maybe see how lazy this girl is? If you're still interested and have managed to wait up for this, you have no idea how grateful I am! Thank you everyone… it's from all of you I get motivation and inspiration (when it hits me, that is) to actually continue crapping like this.

- Extra special thanks to all who review! I thrive on reviews! And to everyone from ff.net who I get to correspond and chat with these past few days, I love you all! You know who you are! Geez, kill this girl – too lazy to mention them all… ^^