Okay, so I broke my promise. I am dead sorry for that. But the inspiration's gone, you know? *Sigh* I'm not feeling so hyped up to type. But I do want to see this story finished. So I'm working hard on it. I finished this chapter in two days - isn't that nice? ^_^ So how exactly did I do that? Well folks, it's my summer already! Hee. Now I have all the time in the world, and I'll be typing daily, with the exception of weekends and out-of-towns. I won't be making any more excuses for me being late, since I don't really have any, except for lack of time, patience and creativity. I've decided that I'm only going to really write in the summer, and I'll concentrate on working during schooldays. I'll type when I can, but I won't push myself to. It's just too hard, since I give up a lot of energy to my stories, and if I do that during the school year my academic works will suffer. Phew! ^_~ Anyway this story won't be going as smoothly this time. I've lost the original blueprint for it, so I'll have to make things up as I go along. Wonder where this love triangle will take me?
Anyhow I think I'm going to be an honor student this year, since I devoted my time to schoolwork. Yay!
But now I can put all my effort into writing! Yay again!
And…um…I still don't have KTMS in this computer~! Jeez. Call me inefficient, but it's just hard. I think I'll have to copy the internet file before I can get my hands on the original. Pooh. By the way, I'll be editing every chapter of that story before I continue. So…sorry! For more information on that do look at my bio. +_+ Es un payaso!
I hope you still read this story, despite my lack of punctuality! You can clobber me for not writing earlier.
Now I'd better stop making excuses and let you enjoy the story. Bye!
~ BK0011, Staying Alive~!
Chapter 5. Another Face in the Same Crowd
Plip. Plip. Yui shivered inside her parents' car, listening to the repetitive drumming of the raindrops on the windowsill. "I'm sorry, mother. I should've called earlier, so that your convertible wouldn't have gotten drenched." Her mother sighed from where she was steering the wheel. "It's okay, honey. My only concern is you..." She gave a quick, worried glance at her daughter. "You've just been so...I don't know, preoccupied lately." The blonde student propped up her chin, leaning her elbow on the armrest of the car. "I guess so, mom. A lot's been happening lately." Of course, that's an understatement. Mom doesn't even KNOW about the four gods, much less my star warriors. Duh.
"Your father will be home late, so don't look for him. Weren't you lucky that my meeting finished the same time you called? Besides, that particular office was near the library. I got there just five minutes later." A pause. They had run after me, Shun and Tetsuya. But I walked a bit of a way off from them. And then mom appeared. I'm good at avoiding people. "Yes. I'm in debt to you, aren't I?" Yui smiled, happy that her mom was in a gracious mood. "Not at all." The mini pulled into the driveway, and Yui stepped out, wringing her skirt. The rain was gradually slowing. Thank goodness. Rainy days are so not my thing. Well, not after today. "I'll be visiting Mrs. Mihata, okay? She's been needing some papers regarding her new art store, and I finally have them. I'll just be here on the first floor if you ever need me. Expect me after ten o'clock."
"All right. I'll go up ahead, okay?"
"Sure, darling. You desperately need a bath. Oh, and Yui?"
She turned to face her mother, who smoothed her long hair down lovingly.
"Take it easy. Please." "I...I'll try, mother."
****
Yui alighted the third flight of stairs with some dread in her heart. Suppose Shun's there, having walked out on his job early, waiting for me? Wanting an apology - or worse, apologizing instead? Oh, Yui, why are you always getting yourself into trouble? She reached the last step, standing on it for quite some time. Darn! You've summoned a god and been eaten by it too! You are NOT going to back away from one lousy boy! The ex-priestess of Seiryuu straightened her shoulders and adjusted the strap on her leather book bag. Then she walked jauntily to her apartment. No one was waiting in front of the door. Yui burned with relief, and then let herself in. The house was dark and empty and cool. She kicked off her shoes, pulling off her socks and setting down her bag at the same time. She checked the doors leading to the neighboring quarters, making sure both were bolted, as one was in the kitchen, the other in her room. Her screaming neighbors (their last name was Shichisa, and, according to her father, who told her all this, they were brother and sister, not husband and wife, so all chances of them calling a divorce was gone) were quiet for once, and there was no sound from the Takada's apartment, except for the occasional squeak of rats, indicating that they were still not fully exterminated.
The blonde rubbed her neck, and headed for the bathroom, tying up her hair as she did so. She got the bath started, and began removing her soaked clothing. When the tub was 4/5 full, she stepped inside, letting the warmth of the water envelope her. She stared at her mirror image in the water, then dipped her finger into it so that ripples came out and distorted her reflection. "Yui. You look so bad right now, I can't stand to see your face," She muttered to herself. "Hey," She said to her image, once the water grew still again. "Do you remember when your hair was still short? You had it cut that way, so that boys wouldn't be attracted to you, and distract you from your schoolwork. And it was around that time that you..." ...entered the book of the four gods. She massaged her legs with some force. What kind of a loony am I, anyway? Talking to myself. I've always been a fool, in that sense. And in some others too. She rubbed her green tea soap over her body. But it is true. This long hair is some bother. I only grew it because Tetsuya said I looked more beautiful that way. But I just don't think it suits me. It makes me look soft and gentle. Which I SO am NOT.
She dragged her finger through the water again, which was starting to grow cold.
Her reflection blurred, and she glared at the hazy image.
"I hate you."
****
"Sorry again about the trouble I caused, Mrs. Futori. Are you sure you want me to keep this job?" The good-natured, slightly overweight librarian smiled. "Of course, Mr. Takada. You're a very good library clerk." "Thanks!" He answered, looking back at her with a grin.. Kotou looked at her too, and nodded. "Yes, thank you, Mrs. Futori." They waved at her one last time, then left. A chime sounded as the door closed. Mrs. Futori grinned after them, wiping her glasses on her shirt so that her vision was marred. When at last she put them back on, a tall, blonde gentleman was standing before her, shades over his eyes, holding a book on science (force and motion). She blushed. Cool it. You're a married woman, she reprimanded herself. But even so...she patted her hair as she took the book. "Name?" She said, trying not to giggle. "Mr. Kagami Fines." The lady raised an eyebrow at the odd name, but looked through her stack of cards anyhow. The blonde stopped her. "Pardon me, I'm new here. I'm a foreigner. I don't have a membership here yet. Please, let me fill out a library card." Mrs. Futori took a blank cardboard slip from her desk and passed it on to him, trying to be very graceful, and gasping a bit when his hand brushed hers. He's so handsome. Mr. Fines spoke to her as he filled out the form.
"Those two that just left seemed like very fine boys." "Oh, they are! Shun's a bit loud but he's very friendly. And pretty cute too. Quite a number of high-school girls checked out romance novels today, all because of him. And Kotou is very efficient. They're a big help around here." The man looked up suddenly. "What are their names again?" He asked, his tone alarmingly astonished. She blinked. "Er...Shunkaku and Kotouku Takada. Do you know them?" Mr. Fines suddenly regained his poise, and looked down on his paper again. "No. I just thought I did." Mrs. Futori immediately began making conversation again. "Yes, so they are good boys. But Shun caused quite a commotion here earlier - a squabble with one of our regulars, Miss Yui. I wonder what's going on between them. She was always very keen on observing the rules of the library - but then, her good-for-nothing-boyfriend was here too. Perhaps -" She looked over at the newcomer, and saw that his mouth was hanging open. "Oh Mr. Fines! What's wrong? What did I say?"
He gripped her shoulders, and she turned crimson.
"Tell me, Miss - was that Yui's last name Hongou? Was she Yui Hongou?" "Er...yes."
"Ah! I must go. I'll take the book, if you please. I'll finish the form some other time. Goodbye." He hurried away, removing his shades as he passed the double doors of the library. Outside, the sky was dark yet clear. The foreigner cupped one hand on his left ear, where a dark blue earring twinkled. A sapphire blue earring, one that matched his eyes. He unfastened it, and closed his hand around it. "So...Suboshi and Amiboshi have found their way into this world too. Hmph. I guess there isn't any harm in that, but truly. This will mess up the plan of the four gods." He stared up at the heavens, where the moon was peeping out from behind a cloud. "I'm sorry. I'll work harder," He muttered to no one in particular. But another voice replied, from inside him. The voice of Seiryuu, the south god. This is dangerous...Yui must get rid of that earring. The tall man looked down at his open palm. "I will not fail you." Three other voices rang through him. We know you won't.
Get rid of it. Soon
. ****
Yui turned over in her bed, the wall clock ticking loudly. I don't want to go to school. She rubbed her eyes. I wish I still felt sick. She stretched luxuriously, then got up, slipping her feet into her fuzzy blue slippers. I must look a sight. I didn't sleep well at all last night. She looked at her silver-framed mirror across the room. And nearly fainted. "My hair!" She yelled incredulously. "It's gone!" It was, but not completely. It was short, cropped and clean, as it was two months earlier. "What ha-" She cut herself short, as she spied her scissors, open, on her desk. With the light blonde locks surrounding them. I did it myself. I cut my hair. She slumped down onto the floor, in shock. WHY DID I DO THAT?! The blue-eyed student patted the uneven bristles on the back of her head, trying to calm herself. Then she remembered.
I cut it because of Tetsuya...I guess things are over between him and me.
He had called yesterday, right after her bath. Asking her what was wrong. Why she had slapped him. Demanding it, even. "Yui, you're being unfair!" He had shouted. "Shut up!" She had replied. "You don't know what I'm going through! You don't understand! Get off my case for once, will you?! You don't own me!" "Maybe I don't own you, but I love you!" His voice was wracked with hurt. Yui's heart was breaking. Dammit! Why can't things go right for me, just this once? She had sighed. "I'm sorry, Tetsuya. I have to go." "Wait - Yui - No!" Click. Beep. She had hung up.
Yui bopped herself on the head (literally for once), the very memory of the scene tormenting her. "How can I ever face him now?" She groaned. Things were hard enough for her already without the additional worry of Mr. Kawajiri. And what would Taka, Keisuke and Miaka think of it? Surely they wouldn't accept just a simple fight as reason. She would have to eat alone today. Fate was cruel. A Hongou can take anything, Yui thought, trying to convince herself. She picked herself up, running a brisk hand through her newly cut hair. "I can do this." She said aloud, letting sheer courage empower her. "I can."
***
"Yui-san!" Miaka waved at her cheerily. They had somehow reached the school gates at the same time.
"Miaka - you're...early, for once." Yui raised an eyebrow at her friend. "Did a teacher ask to see you before classes?" "No," The pudgier girl shook her head. "I was accompanying Taka to - omigosh! Yui! What did you do?! What happened?!" Yui noticed, with some discomfort, that Miaka had suddenly started pointing at her hair and shrieking. Taka was staring too. And so were any other students around them. "Yui, have you got cancer? Are you undergoing chemotherapy?! You should have told me! I would have been there for you in your time of need!" The top student stared warily at her best friend, who was growing more and more hysterical by the minute. "Come of it, you dunderhead. I just needed a change, that's all." "Oh," Miaka said, her face pink from squealing. "Oh. I get it. Hee. I guess I overreacted." Yui smirked at her. "That's an understatement. Well, let's go in, hmm? Can't stay at the entrance forever." Yui linked her arm with Miaka's, who in turn slipped hers into the crook of Taka's. "Ah! Hey, Tetsuya!" Miaka had spotted the shades-wearing guy parking his car not too far away. Yui froze. She heard his footsteps as they slowly made their way up the stairs. Suddenly she defrosted, slipping her arm out from her bond with Miaka. Without any explanation, she dashed up the steps leading to the school. Taka and Miaka looked after her.
"That was odd." Tamahome's reincarnation scratched his head thoughtfully. Miaka bit her lip. What's wrong, Yui? Why aren't you telling me what's bothering you? I'm your best friend. You can tell me anything. I just want to help. Is it because of that new student...the one who resembles...one of your star warriors? A grunt from behind them made them look back. "Tetsuya-san. What's up? And what's gotten into Yui?" Taka's voice was concerned as he patted his friend on the shoulder in a form of greeting. "Don't ask me," Tetsuya mumbled hotly. "She's been so disagreeable these days. And you know what? I think she doesn't like me anymore. Now isn't that weird?" His tone was icy. Miaka frowned at him, ready to defend her genius of a friend. "Yui has been pretty upsetting these days but I bet it's only because she has a lot on her mind. It's a tough time for her, so the least you can do is be supportive." Her brother's buddy sighed, and ruffled her hair. "I know, Miaka. I'm trying. But it's so hard. And she's just so difficult when she's in a bad mood. You're the only one who can find out why exactly she's been such a...well, female dog. If you know what I mean." The brunette nodded. "I do. Don't worry, anyhow. I'll find out. I assure you."
Inside the building, Yui was leaning against her locker. I should totally try out for track and field. Huff, huff. Panting, she spared a few seconds to regain her breath. Her book bag thumped against her leg, reminding her to get moving. Remembering it, she brought it up and started unpacking quickly, shoving the books hastily into the locker. If I can make it to class just when the bell rings, Miaka will have no time to confront me. It's to the comfort room for me, I guess. She entered the musty place and found an empty cubicle, where she sat on the lid of the toilet for some time, staring at the dirty words written all over the door. She heard two teachers enter and quickly lifted up her feet, so that they wouldn't know she was hiding. Her silver watch told her it was five minutes to class. Just wait a little more.
"Have you seen the new teacher yet?" "Yeah. My god, he is so handsome. Totally to-die-for." They were the younger teachers, handling the first level. Her level. She recognized their voices as Ms. Kairin and Mrs. Yuuji. "Hey! You're married already. That guy's mine." "No way! I'm thinking of divorce, actually." They both giggled. "Seriously, though. His blue eyes and blonde hair are perfect. And that one blue earring he wears is so...oh, I can't describe it." More giggles. Yui's heart thudded. Blue eyes? Blonde hair? And an earring...no way. "Do you know what's even cuter?" "What?" "His name. It's Kagami Fines, but he said to just call him Nakkie. According to him, an old friend would always call him that." "Nakkie? That is so adorable!" Yui clutched at her throat, suddenly finding that she couldn't breathe properly. It can't be! There's only one guy I know with that name...and I was the one that gave it! She pushed the door open and ran out, not looking at the two teachers who were gaping at her.
She reached her classroom, but couldn't enter, because a giant figure was blocking the door.
A tall, blonde one. He turned around. With blue eyes. And a calm smile. Wearing an earring identical to hers.
Yui clapped two hands to her mouth. "I don't believe it. It's you...
....Nakago!"
****
There's much to take in,
So much that I can't win,
Nor begin to understand
'Cause so much is happening.
So much that I can't breathe.
Surpassing my belief
That I've been through the worst
That I've been through hell
But another familiar face is here
Now isn't that just swell?
(Author's note: Bad rhyming. Urk!!)