::Between Love and Hate::
Himura Kawaii
Chapter Seven
*** Disclaimers apply... Blah blah. RK's not mine. Hail the Great Watsuki- sama. I'm now a college stud, but still poor!!.... Don't sue me! ^_^
The next day, Kaori stood waiting for Kenji in front of his locker. She had come to school early, hoping to clear everything with him and make a fresh start. She was really nervous, and she kept crossing her fingers, hoping that Kenji wouldn't reject her.
She looked at her watch. It was almost time for the first bell to ring. She had been waiting for him for an hour.
"What's keeping him?" Kaori angrily muttered to herself.
Kenji walked towards an empty room in school and dialed numbers on his cellphone.
"Kenji?" A feminine voice answered on the fourth ring.
"Umm.. Hey, Tomoe-kun. what's up?"
"Hmmm. what's up Kenji?.."
"Ano. are you free this Saturday?" Kenji asked, almost pleading.
"Why?"
"You see Tomoe, it's like this."
Kaori looked up to see Kenji come in to class late. He paused to hand their teacher his hall pass and went over to take his seat. Kaori's eyes followed him.
There's something about him. Something has changed.
Kenji glanced up and caught Kaori staring at him. He looked away and pretended not to notice her. Instead, he peered inside his duffel bag, pretending to look for something.
Something's wrong.
Kaori felt uneasy during the whole period. She wasn't listening to her teacher's interesting lecture on Japanese philosophy. Instead, she was having doubts on whether she should still ask Kenji out. Kenji seemed to be happier today, he seemed to not care for Kaori at all.
"Damn." Kaori muttered under her breath.
Kaori glanced at Meimi's way. Meimi's face seemed to ask her if she's asked him yet. Kaori mouthed the words 'not yet' and slumped in her chair. Meimi frowned at Kaori as if to say, 'you better not chicken out.' Kaori glanced away, pretending not to understand.
After what seemed like an entire year to Kaori, their class was finally over. The next professor hadn't come in yet. Kaori gathered all the courage she could muster and went over to where Kenji was seated. She could feel Meimi and Misao's eyes on her back, watching her, supporting her.
Kaori took a deep breath. "Kenji?"
Kenji looked up from his paper, then looked down again.
This is not good Kaori thought.
"Yeah?" Kenji asked rather a bit coldly.
"Um, I just, uh, wanted to apologize for making us leave so early last Saturday." Kaori babbled. "I feel better, if that makes any difference."
Kenji smiled a fake smile at Kaori. "Well, good for you. I guess RESTING and STAYING INDOORS did the trick, ne?" Kenji stared at Kaori in the eye.
Kaori could feel herself blushing hotly. Shit.
"Aa." She smiled weakly. "I sure followed your advice!"
Kenji kept on writing his paper, acting as though Kaori wasn't there and the conversation had ended.
Kaori leaned closer, ignoring the questioning look coming from Soujirou who was sitting beside Kenji.
"Um, Kenji.?" She tried again.
"What is it this time, Kaori?" He answered without looking up.
Kaori automatically winced as if she had been slapped. She took a deep breath, swallowed all of her pride and asked,
"Are you going to the, uh, dance thingie?"
Aw man.
Kenji's attention was piqued and he looked at her. "Yeah, why?"
Here goes.
"Doyouwanttocometothedancewithme?
"Nani?!" Kenji frowned in confusion. To Kaori it seemed like he was thinking that she was wasting his time.
But Kenji had heard her alright, and 'nani' was all he can do to buy time. She was asking him. this was what he had waited for all along. She was ASKING him!!!
What do I do?! Kenji frantically thought.
Do I swallow my pride again?
Do I stick to my word?
Help!
Kaori reddened even more and started speaking slower this time. "Do you, uh, want to come to the dance with, er, me?" She looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with hope and pleading for a second chance.
Kenji looked away, it was all he could do to stop himself from making the same mistake again.
To Kaori, it was a sign that she had lost something. Someone.
"I'm sorry Kaori, I'm already taking someone else." Kenji pretended to be concentrating on his paper again.
"Oh." Kaori's eyes dimmed, her smile faltered and her voice almost cracked. "Oh."
Soujirou, hearing some of the conversation, couldn't help but butt in.
"Ne, Himura, you just wasted an opportunity! Bad for you!" He turned to Kaori, smiling his usual cheerful smile. "But, good for me! I've been meaning to ask you to the dance Kaori! Now that I've got the chance, what do you say? Would you do me the honor?"
Kaori looked up, she was really grateful for Soujirou's interference, and for saving her from total humiliation.
She smiled, a genuine smile this time. "Why, I'd love to, Sou!" She turned to Kenji, "Have fun at the dance! We'll see you and your date too!"
Sou turned to Kenji and teasingly bragged. "Sorry man, I've got the girl. Maybe you could do better next time."
Kenji grinned and looked down again.
Kaori inwardly sucked her breath at the thought of Kenji with someone else.
She walked away, faster and faster, away from the prying eyes of Meimi and Misao. Away from Kenji, who had hurt her far more than he could imagine.
She felt even worse, because she knew, she deserved everything that was happening to her.
Kaori didn't cry. She didn't dare shed a single tear for what she had lost.
She wasn't about to cry now, either. But seeing Yoshi with Tsubame outside in the snow made her feel sad. Tonight was also the night of the dance. Arashi and Misao had been getting along very well lately, too. Shino and Meimi were the same, sweet and sour.
She actually had no right to complain. Sou had been really sweet. He really bought them tickets to the dance end made arrangements with Kaori. It's going to be fun, Sou had said, they were going to spend the whole night laughing and drinking and dancing. Kaori had to agree. It was better to go with someone you're really comfortable with, anyway.
It's just that she couldn't help but think how things would've turned out if she hadn't been so stupid to push Kenji away.
She sighed and started to get ready. Since the dance was a formal one, with tuxedos required and ball gowns, Kaori decided to wear a white tube- style dress with a ball-gown type of skirt. Near the hemline were embroidered gold cherry blossoms. She had her hair held up. A pair of white arm-length gloves and a diamond necklace from her mom completed the ensemble.
When Soujirou came to pick her up later, the first thing he said was, "Wow! You look like a snow princess!"
Kaori laughed at this. Soujirou looked stunning himself. She made sure to tell him that. The ride had been pleasant and comfortable as predicted.
When they arrived at the ballroom, students were already milling around, some were dancing and some were sampling the buffet.
Sou and Kaori immediately spotted Meimi, who was dressed in a cleavage revealing, hot-red halter dress with sequins and beads strewn on the hem and the skirt area. No wonder she was the center of attention. Misao also looked stunning, her eyes shone brightly as she talked to Arashi. Misao was wearing a silvery-blue corset that almost matched Arashi's eyes with a royal blue ball gown.
Soujirou and Kaori approached everyone and said hellos and compliments. Everyone was looking gorgeous.
Kaori looked around, Kenji and his date hadn't arrived yet.
Soujirou took her hand and grinned. "Wanna dance?"
Kaori nodded. "Sure."
As they made their way to the dance floor, a hush fell over the ballroom as everyone turned to look at the persons approaching the dance floor.
Kaori held her breath as she spotted Kenji, looking glamorous in his tux.
And there she was.
Kaori felt her heart constrict as she saw her. Kenji was holding her hand, leading her to the dance floor.
She looked. what could Kaori say?
She looked utterly divine. Beautiful. Graceful. Sophisticated.
Kaori felt the whole ballroom spinning and felt Sou's strong hands steady her.
"Are you okay, Kaori?" Sou peered at her paling face.
Kaori managed a weak smile. "Oh, I'm fine Sou. Let's continue dancing."
On the corner of her eye, Kaori observed this girl. She looked divine in her one-shoulder black ball dress. Except for the silver beads at the side of her skirt, her dress was simple. Her hair was done in a way that one half was held up and the other half cascading down her back.
Even her hair is graceful, Kaori noticed.
In contrast to Kaori's white gloves, the beautiful girl had on black gloves and a diamond bracelet.
Kaori concentrated on her face. No, it was an insult to call her a girl. She was a woman. A woman in every way.
Her eyes looked mysterious, her beautiful features expressing a certain enigma about her. Her aura breathed sophistication beyond Kaori's level, even if they walk on the same circles.
It was really fine with Kaori even if she looked a thousand times prettier than her, or she has everything.
If she has everything but Kenji.
It would be okay. It wouldn't matter.
But the woman had Kenji.
It did matter. It wasn't okay.
She wasn't okay.
They looked so natural together. Like they fit each other perfectly.
Soujirou's hands tightened around her, giving her more comfort, comfort she needed so badly. "Don't look Kaori, it'll only make you feel worse."
Kaori tried to hide her pain. "Whatever made you say that? I'm fine, Sou. Don't worry about me."
Soujirou looked at Kaori in the eye. Kaori looked away, not being able to hold his stare.
"See?" Soujirou squeezed Kaori's hands. "I'm your friend Kaori, I know when you hurt. And I want to be there to comfort you."
"Thanks Sou." Kaori whispered, leaning her head on his shoulders. "Thank you."
"Hey, stop pushing!" Misao grunted at Shino.
They were having their pictures taken and everyone was trying to squeeze inside the couple-sized booth. Everyone was laughing while trying to push each other.
Only Kaori and Kenji felt awkward. Kenji hadn't introduced his girl to the gang yet, and Kaori felt that he couldn't escape what was yet to come.
After the picture taking, Kenji introduced his date to the gang.
Everyone suddenly felt awkward. Their eyes shifted from Kaori to the girl beside Kenji then to Kenji.
"Minna, this is Yukishiro Tomoe." Kenji proceeded to announce everyone's names, putting Kaori on the last of the list.
Everyone bowed and waved their hands at her and smiled. They still felt uncomfortable, though.
Tomoe smiled mysteriously and nodded to all of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She bowed gracefully.
"So, Tomoe, how are you related to Kenji?" Shino asked.
Meimi instantly kicked Shino's leg at his stupid question. Shino let out a yelp and looked at Meimi questioningly. Obviously, Shino had forgotten that Tomoe was Kenji's girlfriend. Everyone else knew that except for Kaori.
"Uh," Tomoe began, sensing the uneasiness of the gang. She looked at Kenji for help.
Kenji saw no point in getting worked up over this detail. Kaori didn't like him. she surely didn't care if he had brought his past here.
"She was my girlfriend back in Kyoto."
Kaori stiffened. Soujirou squeezed her hand.
"Oh." Shino barely whispered, feeling extremely guilty for his carelessness. Everyone became quiet for a while.
Arashi went up to Sou and asked him if they could switch partners. Sou nods and Arashi leads Kaori away from the table.
"Thanks." Kaori whispered to Arashi as soon as they were in a safe distance.
"No prob." Arashi smiled as he and Kaori swayed to the music. "You look beautiful, like a snow princess."
Kaori pulled away and laughed. "You're the second person who told me that!" She could feel the tension slipping away from her body and finally relaxing as she held onto Arashi's strong arms.
"You know what? You shouldn't give him up that easily." Arashi murmured.
Kaori bit her lip, trying to stop the tears from flowing. "I can't. It's too late."
"It's never too late. Never, Kaori. You should know that." Arashi shook his head firmly.
Kaori sighed. She changed the subject. "Misao looks really beautiful tonight."
"Yeah, she is beautiful."
Arashi closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of Kaori's hair. He spoke again.
"Just try again, okay, Kaori? Give it another try."
With that, he led her to Soujirou and danced off with Misao.
"So, who is she?"
Kenji looked at Tomoe, confused. "Huh?"
"Her? The beautiful one in the white dress. She's very pretty," Tomoe stated.
"Yeah, she IS pretty." Kenji agreed.
"So. what about her?" Tomoe urged Kenji.
"Nothing."
"I know you too well." Tomoe smiled. "C'mon, tell me. I could feel the tension between you too. I know everyone felt it too."
Kenji kept his mouth shut.
"Hmmm. you don't want to tell me, so I'll be the one to tell you. You like her, don't you Kenji?" Tomoe almost smiled at the sight of Kenji squirming. "Don't squirm, it gives you away." She added jokingly.
"Since when are you the greatest teacher on love, Tomoe?" Kenji kidded. "When I left Kyoto, you were as serious as hell. You didn't even want to say good bye to me."
"Since you left Kyoto, things have been hard-" Tomoe corrected him, stopping herself almost immediately.
Kenji nodded. "Gomen nasai. Gomen nasai for hurting you."
Tomoe smiled at him. "Iie. If anything, you've made me stronger. To be honest, when you called me just this week, I had a tiny bit of hope in me that we could pick up where we left off." She paused and smiled. "But when I saw you looking at her when she wasn't looking at you. And the way she was looking at you when she thought you weren't, I don't know. I think I saw love there."
Kenji shook his head. "She doesn't care for me, Tomoe."
"And you thought you could show her that couldn't care less either by bringing me here?"
"No! That's not true." Kenji vehemently denied.
Tomoe smiled again. Her beautiful face looked like that of an angel's.
"Take me back to my hotel, Kenji. After you do that, come back for Kaori. She cares for you Kenji." She put a shushing finger on Kenji's mouth before he could interrupt. "And don't ever let her go, okay? "
"Because once you do, you can never get them back." She whispered to herself, almost regretfully.
Kenji looked at Tomoe's kind and understanding eyes. She was something else. He leaned across the table to kiss her one last time.
"Ken-"
Kaori stopped herself as she saw Tomoe and Kenji were staring at each other intently. Then suddenly, right before Kaori's eyes, he kissed Tomoe, softly at first and then deeper...
"-ji."
Don't it always seems to go
That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?
Janet Jackson
Got 'Til It's Gone
*** Why do I keep writing looooooooong chapters? Is it because Between Love and Hate is ending soon.? ::hint hint:: I hope you guys liked this one..
I tried to give justice to Tomoe, I really did. But this is the first time I've included her in my fics and I'm really not used to using her. Eh?! And as for the dress, No, Black and White don't signify Bad and Good.
I used black for Tomoe because she is sophisticated, a classic. She's a woman.
I used white for Kaori to signify innocence and coming out into the real world.
Meimi is in red cuz she's HOT!
Misao is in silvery-blue. because. of Arashi, of course! :)
I've been analyzing too many poems, I suppose. I'm using symbolism already! ^_*
Till chapter nine/ten minna!! Wait for the sequel of Twisted!! ^_^ Please reaview! I love you guys! :)
Erm.. to Elaine. nope.. not based on my life anymore. hehe. but I guess Kenji was mean to Kaori b/c Yoshi is being mean to me now. I dunno.. :)
To Kenta Divina. If you like a Kaoru/Aoshi pairing.. you could read my other fic, Mirai. it's a love triangle. ^_^
Himura Kawaii
Chapter Seven
*** Disclaimers apply... Blah blah. RK's not mine. Hail the Great Watsuki- sama. I'm now a college stud, but still poor!!.... Don't sue me! ^_^
The next day, Kaori stood waiting for Kenji in front of his locker. She had come to school early, hoping to clear everything with him and make a fresh start. She was really nervous, and she kept crossing her fingers, hoping that Kenji wouldn't reject her.
She looked at her watch. It was almost time for the first bell to ring. She had been waiting for him for an hour.
"What's keeping him?" Kaori angrily muttered to herself.
Kenji walked towards an empty room in school and dialed numbers on his cellphone.
"Kenji?" A feminine voice answered on the fourth ring.
"Umm.. Hey, Tomoe-kun. what's up?"
"Hmmm. what's up Kenji?.."
"Ano. are you free this Saturday?" Kenji asked, almost pleading.
"Why?"
"You see Tomoe, it's like this."
Kaori looked up to see Kenji come in to class late. He paused to hand their teacher his hall pass and went over to take his seat. Kaori's eyes followed him.
There's something about him. Something has changed.
Kenji glanced up and caught Kaori staring at him. He looked away and pretended not to notice her. Instead, he peered inside his duffel bag, pretending to look for something.
Something's wrong.
Kaori felt uneasy during the whole period. She wasn't listening to her teacher's interesting lecture on Japanese philosophy. Instead, she was having doubts on whether she should still ask Kenji out. Kenji seemed to be happier today, he seemed to not care for Kaori at all.
"Damn." Kaori muttered under her breath.
Kaori glanced at Meimi's way. Meimi's face seemed to ask her if she's asked him yet. Kaori mouthed the words 'not yet' and slumped in her chair. Meimi frowned at Kaori as if to say, 'you better not chicken out.' Kaori glanced away, pretending not to understand.
After what seemed like an entire year to Kaori, their class was finally over. The next professor hadn't come in yet. Kaori gathered all the courage she could muster and went over to where Kenji was seated. She could feel Meimi and Misao's eyes on her back, watching her, supporting her.
Kaori took a deep breath. "Kenji?"
Kenji looked up from his paper, then looked down again.
This is not good Kaori thought.
"Yeah?" Kenji asked rather a bit coldly.
"Um, I just, uh, wanted to apologize for making us leave so early last Saturday." Kaori babbled. "I feel better, if that makes any difference."
Kenji smiled a fake smile at Kaori. "Well, good for you. I guess RESTING and STAYING INDOORS did the trick, ne?" Kenji stared at Kaori in the eye.
Kaori could feel herself blushing hotly. Shit.
"Aa." She smiled weakly. "I sure followed your advice!"
Kenji kept on writing his paper, acting as though Kaori wasn't there and the conversation had ended.
Kaori leaned closer, ignoring the questioning look coming from Soujirou who was sitting beside Kenji.
"Um, Kenji.?" She tried again.
"What is it this time, Kaori?" He answered without looking up.
Kaori automatically winced as if she had been slapped. She took a deep breath, swallowed all of her pride and asked,
"Are you going to the, uh, dance thingie?"
Aw man.
Kenji's attention was piqued and he looked at her. "Yeah, why?"
Here goes.
"Doyouwanttocometothedancewithme?
"Nani?!" Kenji frowned in confusion. To Kaori it seemed like he was thinking that she was wasting his time.
But Kenji had heard her alright, and 'nani' was all he can do to buy time. She was asking him. this was what he had waited for all along. She was ASKING him!!!
What do I do?! Kenji frantically thought.
Do I swallow my pride again?
Do I stick to my word?
Help!
Kaori reddened even more and started speaking slower this time. "Do you, uh, want to come to the dance with, er, me?" She looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with hope and pleading for a second chance.
Kenji looked away, it was all he could do to stop himself from making the same mistake again.
To Kaori, it was a sign that she had lost something. Someone.
"I'm sorry Kaori, I'm already taking someone else." Kenji pretended to be concentrating on his paper again.
"Oh." Kaori's eyes dimmed, her smile faltered and her voice almost cracked. "Oh."
Soujirou, hearing some of the conversation, couldn't help but butt in.
"Ne, Himura, you just wasted an opportunity! Bad for you!" He turned to Kaori, smiling his usual cheerful smile. "But, good for me! I've been meaning to ask you to the dance Kaori! Now that I've got the chance, what do you say? Would you do me the honor?"
Kaori looked up, she was really grateful for Soujirou's interference, and for saving her from total humiliation.
She smiled, a genuine smile this time. "Why, I'd love to, Sou!" She turned to Kenji, "Have fun at the dance! We'll see you and your date too!"
Sou turned to Kenji and teasingly bragged. "Sorry man, I've got the girl. Maybe you could do better next time."
Kenji grinned and looked down again.
Kaori inwardly sucked her breath at the thought of Kenji with someone else.
She walked away, faster and faster, away from the prying eyes of Meimi and Misao. Away from Kenji, who had hurt her far more than he could imagine.
She felt even worse, because she knew, she deserved everything that was happening to her.
Kaori didn't cry. She didn't dare shed a single tear for what she had lost.
She wasn't about to cry now, either. But seeing Yoshi with Tsubame outside in the snow made her feel sad. Tonight was also the night of the dance. Arashi and Misao had been getting along very well lately, too. Shino and Meimi were the same, sweet and sour.
She actually had no right to complain. Sou had been really sweet. He really bought them tickets to the dance end made arrangements with Kaori. It's going to be fun, Sou had said, they were going to spend the whole night laughing and drinking and dancing. Kaori had to agree. It was better to go with someone you're really comfortable with, anyway.
It's just that she couldn't help but think how things would've turned out if she hadn't been so stupid to push Kenji away.
She sighed and started to get ready. Since the dance was a formal one, with tuxedos required and ball gowns, Kaori decided to wear a white tube- style dress with a ball-gown type of skirt. Near the hemline were embroidered gold cherry blossoms. She had her hair held up. A pair of white arm-length gloves and a diamond necklace from her mom completed the ensemble.
When Soujirou came to pick her up later, the first thing he said was, "Wow! You look like a snow princess!"
Kaori laughed at this. Soujirou looked stunning himself. She made sure to tell him that. The ride had been pleasant and comfortable as predicted.
When they arrived at the ballroom, students were already milling around, some were dancing and some were sampling the buffet.
Sou and Kaori immediately spotted Meimi, who was dressed in a cleavage revealing, hot-red halter dress with sequins and beads strewn on the hem and the skirt area. No wonder she was the center of attention. Misao also looked stunning, her eyes shone brightly as she talked to Arashi. Misao was wearing a silvery-blue corset that almost matched Arashi's eyes with a royal blue ball gown.
Soujirou and Kaori approached everyone and said hellos and compliments. Everyone was looking gorgeous.
Kaori looked around, Kenji and his date hadn't arrived yet.
Soujirou took her hand and grinned. "Wanna dance?"
Kaori nodded. "Sure."
As they made their way to the dance floor, a hush fell over the ballroom as everyone turned to look at the persons approaching the dance floor.
Kaori held her breath as she spotted Kenji, looking glamorous in his tux.
And there she was.
Kaori felt her heart constrict as she saw her. Kenji was holding her hand, leading her to the dance floor.
She looked. what could Kaori say?
She looked utterly divine. Beautiful. Graceful. Sophisticated.
Kaori felt the whole ballroom spinning and felt Sou's strong hands steady her.
"Are you okay, Kaori?" Sou peered at her paling face.
Kaori managed a weak smile. "Oh, I'm fine Sou. Let's continue dancing."
On the corner of her eye, Kaori observed this girl. She looked divine in her one-shoulder black ball dress. Except for the silver beads at the side of her skirt, her dress was simple. Her hair was done in a way that one half was held up and the other half cascading down her back.
Even her hair is graceful, Kaori noticed.
In contrast to Kaori's white gloves, the beautiful girl had on black gloves and a diamond bracelet.
Kaori concentrated on her face. No, it was an insult to call her a girl. She was a woman. A woman in every way.
Her eyes looked mysterious, her beautiful features expressing a certain enigma about her. Her aura breathed sophistication beyond Kaori's level, even if they walk on the same circles.
It was really fine with Kaori even if she looked a thousand times prettier than her, or she has everything.
If she has everything but Kenji.
It would be okay. It wouldn't matter.
But the woman had Kenji.
It did matter. It wasn't okay.
She wasn't okay.
They looked so natural together. Like they fit each other perfectly.
Soujirou's hands tightened around her, giving her more comfort, comfort she needed so badly. "Don't look Kaori, it'll only make you feel worse."
Kaori tried to hide her pain. "Whatever made you say that? I'm fine, Sou. Don't worry about me."
Soujirou looked at Kaori in the eye. Kaori looked away, not being able to hold his stare.
"See?" Soujirou squeezed Kaori's hands. "I'm your friend Kaori, I know when you hurt. And I want to be there to comfort you."
"Thanks Sou." Kaori whispered, leaning her head on his shoulders. "Thank you."
"Hey, stop pushing!" Misao grunted at Shino.
They were having their pictures taken and everyone was trying to squeeze inside the couple-sized booth. Everyone was laughing while trying to push each other.
Only Kaori and Kenji felt awkward. Kenji hadn't introduced his girl to the gang yet, and Kaori felt that he couldn't escape what was yet to come.
After the picture taking, Kenji introduced his date to the gang.
Everyone suddenly felt awkward. Their eyes shifted from Kaori to the girl beside Kenji then to Kenji.
"Minna, this is Yukishiro Tomoe." Kenji proceeded to announce everyone's names, putting Kaori on the last of the list.
Everyone bowed and waved their hands at her and smiled. They still felt uncomfortable, though.
Tomoe smiled mysteriously and nodded to all of them. "It's a pleasure to meet you all." She bowed gracefully.
"So, Tomoe, how are you related to Kenji?" Shino asked.
Meimi instantly kicked Shino's leg at his stupid question. Shino let out a yelp and looked at Meimi questioningly. Obviously, Shino had forgotten that Tomoe was Kenji's girlfriend. Everyone else knew that except for Kaori.
"Uh," Tomoe began, sensing the uneasiness of the gang. She looked at Kenji for help.
Kenji saw no point in getting worked up over this detail. Kaori didn't like him. she surely didn't care if he had brought his past here.
"She was my girlfriend back in Kyoto."
Kaori stiffened. Soujirou squeezed her hand.
"Oh." Shino barely whispered, feeling extremely guilty for his carelessness. Everyone became quiet for a while.
Arashi went up to Sou and asked him if they could switch partners. Sou nods and Arashi leads Kaori away from the table.
"Thanks." Kaori whispered to Arashi as soon as they were in a safe distance.
"No prob." Arashi smiled as he and Kaori swayed to the music. "You look beautiful, like a snow princess."
Kaori pulled away and laughed. "You're the second person who told me that!" She could feel the tension slipping away from her body and finally relaxing as she held onto Arashi's strong arms.
"You know what? You shouldn't give him up that easily." Arashi murmured.
Kaori bit her lip, trying to stop the tears from flowing. "I can't. It's too late."
"It's never too late. Never, Kaori. You should know that." Arashi shook his head firmly.
Kaori sighed. She changed the subject. "Misao looks really beautiful tonight."
"Yeah, she is beautiful."
Arashi closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of Kaori's hair. He spoke again.
"Just try again, okay, Kaori? Give it another try."
With that, he led her to Soujirou and danced off with Misao.
"So, who is she?"
Kenji looked at Tomoe, confused. "Huh?"
"Her? The beautiful one in the white dress. She's very pretty," Tomoe stated.
"Yeah, she IS pretty." Kenji agreed.
"So. what about her?" Tomoe urged Kenji.
"Nothing."
"I know you too well." Tomoe smiled. "C'mon, tell me. I could feel the tension between you too. I know everyone felt it too."
Kenji kept his mouth shut.
"Hmmm. you don't want to tell me, so I'll be the one to tell you. You like her, don't you Kenji?" Tomoe almost smiled at the sight of Kenji squirming. "Don't squirm, it gives you away." She added jokingly.
"Since when are you the greatest teacher on love, Tomoe?" Kenji kidded. "When I left Kyoto, you were as serious as hell. You didn't even want to say good bye to me."
"Since you left Kyoto, things have been hard-" Tomoe corrected him, stopping herself almost immediately.
Kenji nodded. "Gomen nasai. Gomen nasai for hurting you."
Tomoe smiled at him. "Iie. If anything, you've made me stronger. To be honest, when you called me just this week, I had a tiny bit of hope in me that we could pick up where we left off." She paused and smiled. "But when I saw you looking at her when she wasn't looking at you. And the way she was looking at you when she thought you weren't, I don't know. I think I saw love there."
Kenji shook his head. "She doesn't care for me, Tomoe."
"And you thought you could show her that couldn't care less either by bringing me here?"
"No! That's not true." Kenji vehemently denied.
Tomoe smiled again. Her beautiful face looked like that of an angel's.
"Take me back to my hotel, Kenji. After you do that, come back for Kaori. She cares for you Kenji." She put a shushing finger on Kenji's mouth before he could interrupt. "And don't ever let her go, okay? "
"Because once you do, you can never get them back." She whispered to herself, almost regretfully.
Kenji looked at Tomoe's kind and understanding eyes. She was something else. He leaned across the table to kiss her one last time.
"Ken-"
Kaori stopped herself as she saw Tomoe and Kenji were staring at each other intently. Then suddenly, right before Kaori's eyes, he kissed Tomoe, softly at first and then deeper...
"-ji."
Don't it always seems to go
That you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone?
Janet Jackson
Got 'Til It's Gone
*** Why do I keep writing looooooooong chapters? Is it because Between Love and Hate is ending soon.? ::hint hint:: I hope you guys liked this one..
I tried to give justice to Tomoe, I really did. But this is the first time I've included her in my fics and I'm really not used to using her. Eh?! And as for the dress, No, Black and White don't signify Bad and Good.
I used black for Tomoe because she is sophisticated, a classic. She's a woman.
I used white for Kaori to signify innocence and coming out into the real world.
Meimi is in red cuz she's HOT!
Misao is in silvery-blue. because. of Arashi, of course! :)
I've been analyzing too many poems, I suppose. I'm using symbolism already! ^_*
Till chapter nine/ten minna!! Wait for the sequel of Twisted!! ^_^ Please reaview! I love you guys! :)
Erm.. to Elaine. nope.. not based on my life anymore. hehe. but I guess Kenji was mean to Kaori b/c Yoshi is being mean to me now. I dunno.. :)
To Kenta Divina. If you like a Kaoru/Aoshi pairing.. you could read my other fic, Mirai. it's a love triangle. ^_^