Chapter 10-Hot chocolate
" Ohayo Onii-chan!" Maki heard his sister's cheerful voice as he walked down the stairs the next morning.
" A-Acturus? You're awake? You should get more rest!" Maki hurriedly ran to the kitchen where she was standing.
"I'm fine now." She just gave a hearty smile. Maki felt a huge wave of relief as he saw that she WAS fine, she was as cheerful as normal.
" I didn't know you were so popular though...he..he..." Maki teased her. Acturus gave him a puzzled look.
" Popular? Me? What makes you think that?" she asked as she spread the marmalade on the piece of toast. Maki looked at her, grinning his head of.
" Don't play innocent with me miss. Kiyoto and Rukawa did come didn't they?" He gave his little sister a pinch on the cheek.
" They did?" Acturus asked him, her eyes full of surprise and her face was innocent, it was impossible that she was lying about that. Maki looked a bit concerned.
" Don't you remember?" he asked. Acturus placed one hand on her hips.
" Was I supposed to? Anyway I was probably asleep so how should I know?" she demanded. Maki placed one hand on her forehead.
" Strange...there's nothing wrong with you but you don't remember? Kiyota's yelling woke you up remember?" Maki asked her once again but Acturus just shook her head.
" Umm...Onii-chan? Does that mean I have amnesia?" Acturus asked him, putting on a worried face. Maki laughed and kissed his sister on the forehead.
" What a drama Queen. Don't worry about it...I guess you were just over tired." He ate the breakfast that was served on the table. Acturus glanced at her wristwatch and gave a surprised look.
" I'm going to be late!"
" LATE?" Maki almost swallowed his toast, " It's five for heaven's sake!" Acturus grabbed her bag and ran out without even explaining anything, " *sigh* Sisters..." Maki shook his head.
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Rukawa wheeled his bike, for some strange reason he couldn't ride it today...because he was not sleepy. (Usually he rides it while sleeping remember?) He kept on wondering why he even visited Acturus the day before.
" Ru-ka-wa!" He spun around to see Acturus running towards him. As much as his brains told him to ignore her he stopped and waited for her to catch up.
" Good Morning!" She walked next to him with a bright grin on her face.
" You're early today..." Rukawa muttered. The energetic girl just smiled at him.
" Hanamichi wanted to practice basketball with me in the park." She told him. Rukawa stopped walking, Acturus faced him with a questioning look.
" Anything wrong? Or perhaps you want to join us? Please?" she asked.
" Can I join you guys?" Rukawa asked, surprised.
" Of course! Definitely!" She hugged his free arm and dragged him to the park. (Not physically drag) Rukawa was surprised at this but he didn't complain.
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The bright orange basketball bounced back and Acturus caught it, releasing Rukawa's hand.
" Hanamichi! I'm here! Rukawa can join in too can't he?" Acturus threw the ball back and waved to him.
" Rukawa? Why is he here?" Hanamichi asked. Rukawa blushed a bit crimson but Acturus didn't see it.
" He CAN join can't he? Please?" Acturus's large persuading eyes made Sakuragi shake his head.
" No one can say NO to you." He sighed, " But of course Rukawa can join." He grinned to Rukawa but Rukawa didn't grin back. Hanamichi didn't mind though because he knows that Rukawa doesn't smile very often." Acturus gave Sakuragi a huge hug.
" Thanks, by the way I'll change first okay?" she ran into a public changing room, leaving Sakuragi speechless.
" You sure you don't fancy her?" Sakuragi placed one hand on Rukawa's shoulders.
" Baka! (I didn't say do'aho this time) Of course not! It's just that she asked me and how can I say no? Her eyes get really persuasive and expressive! It's almost impossible to say no! But I was going to come to practise anyway. " Rukawa explained. Sakuragi gave his trademark laugh again.
" She's probably going to tag along you after this. When she makes friends with someone she never leaves them alone!" Sakuragi warned Rukawa but Rukawa didn't actually think that will happen.
" Well she's going to have lots of friends anyway." He argued but he was wrong.
***********
" Ru-ka-wa!" Acturus bounded to Rukawa as soon as the lunch bell goes off. (I know she sits next to him but he was already at the door) Rukawa heaved a huge sigh.
" Tee hee hee! Where are you going?" she asked as she hugged his arm again, Rukawa was getting used to her open personality.
" Just going to tell my fan club off. I hate them." Rukawa tried to release his arm from the ever-so annoying girl.
" Eh? Why?" she tagged along behind him, eating her lunch. (she was holding her lunchbox in her left hand and the chopsticks in her left hand.)
" STOP ASKING SO MANY QUESTIONS!" Rukawa yelled at her, he was getting pretty annoyed by her tagging along everywhere he goes. Acturus stopped talking right away.
" Sumimasen..." she apologized in a quiet voice. Rukawa walked straight into a room marked 'Rukawa Fan Club Official Office'. At once what sounded like one thousand girls yelling attacked his ears.
" It's HIM! He's here! I think I'm going to faint! Aaah!" a girl fainted. Another one with gorgeous golden curls held up her hands for silence.
" Yes Rukawa...*blush* what do you want with us?" she asked. Rukawa banged his fist on the table.
" I WANT THIS CLUB TO BE DESTROYED! IT IS SUCH A STUPID CLUB! GO WORSHIP SOMEONE ELSE LIKE MITSUI OR RYOTA OR SENDOH! ANYONE APART FROM ME!" he shouted, all the girls looked shocked, even Acturus.
" Rukawa? I don't want to butt in but..." Acturus placed a hand on his shoulders to calm him down but was interrupted.
" I get it! It's her! She was the one who told Rukawa to go against us! Get her!" A Blue-haired girl pointed at Acturus and at once the whole lot of girls charged towards Acturus.
" Eh? Nani?!" She looked startled.
" Dammit! Leave her out of this! She has nothing to do with this!" Rukawa stepped in between them, putting an arm around Acturus to protect her from them. The girls stopped.
" See? He's protecting her! He's even hugging her!" another girl cried. Rukawa gritted his teeth and pushed Acturus out of the room.
" Just leave her out of this! I don't ever want to see a RUKAWA FAN CLUB ever again! Understood?" he asked as he coolly walked out of the room of heart-broken girls. Acturus was waiting, leaning against the back wall, looking very down.
" What are you doing there? Honestly if I hadn't stopped them you would be a pancake now. So stop bothering me and tagging behind me! Go find someone else to tag behind! Just because I visited you once don't mean that I'm a friend you can always cling onto!" Rukawa yelled at the surprised girl. Her large, innocent blue eyes widened.
" Oh...sorry..." She turned away, feeling somehow hurt by his harsh words. Rukawa watched as she slowly walked out of his sight.
*************
As soon as Acturus thought that she was out of Rukawa's sight she ran all the way to the rooftop, tears formed at the edges of her eyes. She stopped as she pushed the heavy door open and felt the warm breeze and the golden sunrays. She thought it would help her recover from shock but it didn't. Why? Who does he think he is? Ordering me around? What did I do wrong? All I did was walk with him...perhaps he finds that annoying...or perhaps he just hates me for being me. But that doesn't give him the right to yell at me! She staggered to there the railing were and clutched onto them until her knuckles turned white. The wind blew her tears as they fell but it didn't help her at all. I...I thought he was my friend...apparently not...apparently he hates me...She fell onto her knees and leaned on the railings. Was I really that annoying?? Acturus stayed there until the breeze died down a little and until she calmed herself down. Since she loves school normally she won't give anything to miss maths...her favourite subject but today was different. She didn't feel like doing anything except for staying there with the wind blowing into her face. Acturus was a strong girl at heart but still she can't believe what had just happened. As energetic as she is she just can't stand being yelled at...especially by someone who she thought was a friend. More tears fell but she didn't wipe it away. She stayed in that position, and soon she fell asleep after wearing herself out by crying.
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" Does anyone know where Acturus is?" Hiraki sensei asked the class, she was her favourite student and she knows it is not like her to skip class. No one knew. Rukawa (for once NOT asleep) glanced at the empty seat nest to him rather uneasily. Hey I didn't do anything wrong...all I did was tell her off for tagging behind me. He tried to assure himself but he still felt very guilty. Hiraki sensei noticed Rukawa standing up and heading towards the door.
" What do you want?" she asked.
" Please sensei...don't ask...It's something I must put right..." Rukawa didn't shout at her or glare at her but instead he pleaded. Hiraki sensei felt that he was sincere and let him go. Rukawa searched everywhere for Acturus but he couldn't find her so guiltily he went up to the rooftop (his favourite place to sleep) to relieve some of the guilt. To his surprise he saw Acturus sleeping near the railings.
" Acturus!" he bent down and embraced her warmly. Acturus opened one eye and noticed Rukawa was there.
" Rukawa?" she pulled away from him and stood up immediately, " What are YOU doing here?" she asked angrily. She was still hurt from the incident before. Rukawa (as stubborn as ever) stood up to face her.
" What am I doing here? I was looking for you!" he shouted back at her angrily.
" I don't need YOU looking for me! Did I ever ask you to look for me? NO so there!" She turned and stomped away from him.
" FINE! Go away then!" Rukawa glared at her figure as she walked down the stairs.
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" Acturus! Care to play today?" Ryota asked the somewhat depressed girl. Why did I have to be so mean to Rukawa? She asked herself, she didn't even notice Ryota offering her to play.
" Hel-lo? Acturus?" Ryota waved his hand in front of her face.
" Oh! Sorry Mitsui senpai...I mean Ryota. Sumimasen!" she bowed apologetically. Ryota shook his head.
" Are you all right?" he asked. Acturus nodded vigorously.
" Of course! Do I look ill?" she forced a realistic bright smile.
" Not ill...but just...not quite right..." he told her but Acturus was such a great actress that he dropped the subject immediately. Acturus was waiting impatiently for Rukawa to come so all the shots she attempted missed it's target. A few minutes later Rukawa walked in, rather soaked in rain. (It was raining cats and dogs outside)
" Rukawa!" Acturus quickly looked for a towel for him but he refused it.
" I don't need it from you." He replied coldly. Acturus looked sad.
" I'm sorry...I take everything back...you'll be friends with me again won't you?" she watched him hopefully.
" Friends? We were NEVER friends." Rukawa walked away, leaving Acturus frozen.
" N-never? Y-you are not worth my time!" she croaked as a beady tear slid down her cheek, she walked up to Rukawa and punched him with all her strength. Rukawa was stunned to have her punch him but even more stunned to see her cry. He was going to say something when he was interrupted.
" Ryota-senpai? I'm sorry...I'm starting to feel a bit ill right now so I think I will go home now." She turned away so they couldn't see her tears. Carrying her bag on her shoulders she ran out of the gym. Sakuragi entered a few seconds later.
" What's up with Acturus?" he asked.
" Said she didn't feel too well." Ryota told him helplessly, " I was going to lend her my umbrella but she ran out before we can say anything."
" WHAT?" Sakuragi ran towards the gym door.
" SAKURAGI HANAMICHI! Practice session starts now." Akagi told him.
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Fine! So we were never friends! I HATE RUKAWA KAEDE! Acturus walked aimlessly in the rain, she was soaked through. I can't go back home...Onii-chan will get so worried about me...where can I go? She asked herself until she made up her mind to go to Kiyota's house. She was still unsure when she reached the door but she pressed the doorbell anyway. What will his people say when she sees me soaked like this? The door opened and Kiyota came out.
" Acturus? Is that you? What happened?" Kiyota hurriedly pulled her into the house. Acturus clung onto Kiyota, still crying. Kiyota didn't mind even though she was wet, " Acturus whatever it is, it's okay now..." Kiyota placed a protective arm around her shoulders.
" Nubonaga? Who's at the door?" his sister appeared from the living room and she seemed pretty shocked at seeing a wet girl clinging to her brother.
" Er... sis...this is my friend Acturus...please don't ask anything right now...she's in shock." Kiyota explained but to his surprise Acturus pulled away and gave a bow to his sister.
" I-I'm very sorry to come here at this hour and as wet as this. I know this doesn't give a very good impression of me but Kiyota is the only one I can rely on right now...I'm sorry..." she apologized again.
" It's okay...you must dry yourself or you might catch a cold, Kiyota bring her up to your room, I'll make some hot chocolate and some towels for her." His sister said, taking a liking to the honest girl straight away. Kiyota lead her to his room and tried to calm her down a little.
" What happened?" he asked.
" K-Kiyota? How would you feel if someone you thought was a friend...a friend that you really treasured suddenly tell you that he's not your friend and never was?" Her naïve eyes stared up to him. She was still crying but it was a lot better now. Kiyota gave her a huge hug.
" I'll give him a punch and tell him that he's not worth my time. Don't worry about it Acturus...anyone who says that to you is a very stupid idiot." Kiyota told her.
" That's exactly what I did." Acturus gave a weak smile. Kiyota just hugged her even tighter. He knows that she is just trying to smile, and to stop crying.
" Here is some spare clothes and some towels, go get a shower downstairs and the hot chocolate will be ready when you are done." Kiyota's sister smiled warmly, she had really liked this girl.
" Thank you very much." Acturus bowed and headed to the bathroom. Kiyota's sister gave him a playful smile.
" She's a very nice girl Nobunaga...Is she your girlfriend?" she asked him, making him blush deep crimson.
" Sis! Of course not! She's just a friend! She's Maki's little sister!" Kiyota denied.
" Maki? Oh! Shinichi! Him! The handsome basketball captain that has beautiful manners right?" she remembered him, blushing furiously and then sighed, " Well wouldn't it be wonderful if we have someone like him or his sister around the house to help out. You never do! All you ever do is stay locked up in your room!" His sister criticized him. The door opened and a fresh, dry Acturus walked in wearing some of Kiyota's sister's outfit.
" These are so huge!" she told them, meaning the clothes but the other two just laughed.
" Here is your hot chocolate." Kiyota's sister handed her a warm mug.
" Thank you." She beamed, she felt a lot better now, " Umm...are you Kiyota's sister? What about your parents? Where are they?" she asked.
" They are in France, they have some business to do and I have to take care of Kiyota while they are gone." His sister laughed, " I'm Yumi, nice to meet you." She shook Acturus hand.
" Are you feeling better now?" Kiyota asked worriedly. Acturus gave a happy nod.
" Yes, I'm fine now, sorry to make you worry." She sat down next to him. Kiyota just smiled back.
" Why did you come here instead of going back home? Maki is home you know." Kiyota asked her.
" I...didn't want to make him worry...anyway if I told him what I have told you he would've gone straight to the person and demand an explanation. I would be so embarrassed if that happens." Acturus blushed a little.
" What a thoughtful person!" Yumi laughed giving Acturus a sisterly hug, " you know what, every time you have a problem you're welcome here." She told her.
" Thank you Yumi. I don't know how to thank you enough." Acturus returned the hug.
" By visiting us frequently and bringing Maki here. My sister has a crush on him." Kiyota told her playfully.
" NOBUNAGA!" A bright pink paper fan flew down to hit his head, " IDIOT!" Yumi scolded him but she was blushing.
" Ha...ha...ha...really Yumi? Ha...ha...ha...don't worry I'll bring him over sometimes." Acturus teased even more.
" Oh, I get it! You two are teaming up against me right?" Yumi pretended to pout. Acturus just laughed. Suddenly the doorbell rang, " I'll get it! Don't worry just enjoy your stay." Yumi got out of the room.
" Does she really fancy my brother?" Acturus asked Kiyota.
" Yup! Since he first came here she had been asking me when he is going to come again." Kiyota shook his head; " She even has a picture of him in her diary!" Acturus laughed at this. Kiyota leaned over to reach for a bright purple diary.
" Here let me show you...she left it in my room again!" he stretched his hand but at the same instant his sister bounded up the stairs, blushing even more madly than before.
" A-Acturus! He's here" She practically squealed. Maki stepped up.
" Acturus? What are YOU doing here? You're supposed to be practicing basketball!" Then he noticed a pile of wet clothes on the table, " You came without an umbrella? What happened?" He bent down a bit, " Anything wrong?" he asked.
" Umm...she had a few problems..." Kiyota told Maki the full story. Maki looked rather unpleased.
" Who is it? Who said that?" he asked Acturus.
" O-onii-chan...please don't. Even if he said he is not my friend I'm still his so please don't! I'm not going to tell you his name anyway!" Acurus pleaded. Maki still looked stern.
" Kiyota...who is it?" he demanded.
" Sorry Captain but she didn't tell me." Kiyota gave an apologetic look.
" I know who it is now...if Acturus cared so much for the person it probably one of the basketball players." Maki decided.
" Onii-chan! Please!" Acturus clung onto him to prevent him from taking any more steps.
" Umm...sumimasen...I don't mean to butt in but I think you should listen to your sister, she is responsible enough to know how to deal with her own problems...don't see her as a baby anymore, she is old enough now." Yumi shyly told Maki. Maki stopped.
" All right...just tell me the name...I won't go sue him for hurting my little sister, I promise." Maki sat down next to Yumi making her go stiff and nervous. Acturus looked a bit uneasy.
" Umm...it's...Ru...ka...wa..." she looked unwilling.
" NANI? RUKAWA? I KNOW HE IS EVIL FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM!" Kiyota got angry and stood up to go to find him, everyone sweatdropped, but Acturus stopped him.
" Please Kiyota...don't" Acturus literally begged him.
" Why are still so nice to him? He's evil! Let me beat him up! Why do you care for him so much?" Kiyota sounded a bit jealous but he sat back down.
" I sense a hint of jealousy..." Yumi and Maki whispered to each other at the same time, teasing Kiyota. They ended up having dinner at Kiyota's house. (Yumi and Acturus cooked of course) They also played cards and watched a few movies until really late at night.
" Let's watch this horror movie!" Maki held up a cassette.
" Now? [Yawn] It's 11 o'clock! Shouldn't we be heading home?" Acturus asked.
" Oh come on! Tomorrow is a day off anyway! You can always stay over here for the night." Yumi suggested. Maki nodded in approval.
" Come on!" Maki persuaded his sister and they ended up watching the movie. Kiyota and Acturus were sitting on huge cushions on the floor and Maki and Yumi were sitting on the couch. They were all eating home made popcorn. Acturus got through all of the popcorn and fell asleep during the first quarter of the movie.
" Acturus?" Kiyota felt her head against his shoulders.
" She's asleep." Maki told him, " Don't worry just watch the movie." He continued. After the second half of the movie, the screaming and yelling from the TV woke Acturus up.
"[Yawn] Is it morning?" she stretched and saw that everyone was still watching the movie. Then she noticed that her popcorn was finished (she didn't remember eating all of it because of her sleepiness), " Kiyota! Did you steal my popcorn?" she demanded. Kiyota looked at her, not knowing whether to laugh or to sigh.
" Acturus!" Maki warned her. Acturus looked at the four of them with large, deep blue, innocent eyes.
" Or did I eat it up and forgot I did?" she inquired, she got three heads nodding, " Perhaps I really do have Amnesia." She shook her head. They all laughed.
" You can have mine if you want." Kiyota handed her his popcorn and they all fell asleep two hours later in the living room. So much for a sleepover eh?
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This is a long chapter I know. I had trouble finding ideas on what to write about. I'm watching the TV, playstation (my brother is playing it) and the computer at the same time. Talk about tiring days. Please send in reviews, I beg all of you! By the way Yumi is someone I made up and I just realized the guy who was looking for sakuragi has the same name as Sendoh if you have any problem with that just drop me a note and I will change his name. Thanks for reading the story. Sorry for the bad paragraphing. I'm trying my best to fix them.
" Ohayo Onii-chan!" Maki heard his sister's cheerful voice as he walked down the stairs the next morning.
" A-Acturus? You're awake? You should get more rest!" Maki hurriedly ran to the kitchen where she was standing.
"I'm fine now." She just gave a hearty smile. Maki felt a huge wave of relief as he saw that she WAS fine, she was as cheerful as normal.
" I didn't know you were so popular though...he..he..." Maki teased her. Acturus gave him a puzzled look.
" Popular? Me? What makes you think that?" she asked as she spread the marmalade on the piece of toast. Maki looked at her, grinning his head of.
" Don't play innocent with me miss. Kiyoto and Rukawa did come didn't they?" He gave his little sister a pinch on the cheek.
" They did?" Acturus asked him, her eyes full of surprise and her face was innocent, it was impossible that she was lying about that. Maki looked a bit concerned.
" Don't you remember?" he asked. Acturus placed one hand on her hips.
" Was I supposed to? Anyway I was probably asleep so how should I know?" she demanded. Maki placed one hand on her forehead.
" Strange...there's nothing wrong with you but you don't remember? Kiyota's yelling woke you up remember?" Maki asked her once again but Acturus just shook her head.
" Umm...Onii-chan? Does that mean I have amnesia?" Acturus asked him, putting on a worried face. Maki laughed and kissed his sister on the forehead.
" What a drama Queen. Don't worry about it...I guess you were just over tired." He ate the breakfast that was served on the table. Acturus glanced at her wristwatch and gave a surprised look.
" I'm going to be late!"
" LATE?" Maki almost swallowed his toast, " It's five for heaven's sake!" Acturus grabbed her bag and ran out without even explaining anything, " *sigh* Sisters..." Maki shook his head.
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Rukawa wheeled his bike, for some strange reason he couldn't ride it today...because he was not sleepy. (Usually he rides it while sleeping remember?) He kept on wondering why he even visited Acturus the day before.
" Ru-ka-wa!" He spun around to see Acturus running towards him. As much as his brains told him to ignore her he stopped and waited for her to catch up.
" Good Morning!" She walked next to him with a bright grin on her face.
" You're early today..." Rukawa muttered. The energetic girl just smiled at him.
" Hanamichi wanted to practice basketball with me in the park." She told him. Rukawa stopped walking, Acturus faced him with a questioning look.
" Anything wrong? Or perhaps you want to join us? Please?" she asked.
" Can I join you guys?" Rukawa asked, surprised.
" Of course! Definitely!" She hugged his free arm and dragged him to the park. (Not physically drag) Rukawa was surprised at this but he didn't complain.
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The bright orange basketball bounced back and Acturus caught it, releasing Rukawa's hand.
" Hanamichi! I'm here! Rukawa can join in too can't he?" Acturus threw the ball back and waved to him.
" Rukawa? Why is he here?" Hanamichi asked. Rukawa blushed a bit crimson but Acturus didn't see it.
" He CAN join can't he? Please?" Acturus's large persuading eyes made Sakuragi shake his head.
" No one can say NO to you." He sighed, " But of course Rukawa can join." He grinned to Rukawa but Rukawa didn't grin back. Hanamichi didn't mind though because he knows that Rukawa doesn't smile very often." Acturus gave Sakuragi a huge hug.
" Thanks, by the way I'll change first okay?" she ran into a public changing room, leaving Sakuragi speechless.
" You sure you don't fancy her?" Sakuragi placed one hand on Rukawa's shoulders.
" Baka! (I didn't say do'aho this time) Of course not! It's just that she asked me and how can I say no? Her eyes get really persuasive and expressive! It's almost impossible to say no! But I was going to come to practise anyway. " Rukawa explained. Sakuragi gave his trademark laugh again.
" She's probably going to tag along you after this. When she makes friends with someone she never leaves them alone!" Sakuragi warned Rukawa but Rukawa didn't actually think that will happen.
" Well she's going to have lots of friends anyway." He argued but he was wrong.
***********
" Ru-ka-wa!" Acturus bounded to Rukawa as soon as the lunch bell goes off. (I know she sits next to him but he was already at the door) Rukawa heaved a huge sigh.
" Tee hee hee! Where are you going?" she asked as she hugged his arm again, Rukawa was getting used to her open personality.
" Just going to tell my fan club off. I hate them." Rukawa tried to release his arm from the ever-so annoying girl.
" Eh? Why?" she tagged along behind him, eating her lunch. (she was holding her lunchbox in her left hand and the chopsticks in her left hand.)
" STOP ASKING SO MANY QUESTIONS!" Rukawa yelled at her, he was getting pretty annoyed by her tagging along everywhere he goes. Acturus stopped talking right away.
" Sumimasen..." she apologized in a quiet voice. Rukawa walked straight into a room marked 'Rukawa Fan Club Official Office'. At once what sounded like one thousand girls yelling attacked his ears.
" It's HIM! He's here! I think I'm going to faint! Aaah!" a girl fainted. Another one with gorgeous golden curls held up her hands for silence.
" Yes Rukawa...*blush* what do you want with us?" she asked. Rukawa banged his fist on the table.
" I WANT THIS CLUB TO BE DESTROYED! IT IS SUCH A STUPID CLUB! GO WORSHIP SOMEONE ELSE LIKE MITSUI OR RYOTA OR SENDOH! ANYONE APART FROM ME!" he shouted, all the girls looked shocked, even Acturus.
" Rukawa? I don't want to butt in but..." Acturus placed a hand on his shoulders to calm him down but was interrupted.
" I get it! It's her! She was the one who told Rukawa to go against us! Get her!" A Blue-haired girl pointed at Acturus and at once the whole lot of girls charged towards Acturus.
" Eh? Nani?!" She looked startled.
" Dammit! Leave her out of this! She has nothing to do with this!" Rukawa stepped in between them, putting an arm around Acturus to protect her from them. The girls stopped.
" See? He's protecting her! He's even hugging her!" another girl cried. Rukawa gritted his teeth and pushed Acturus out of the room.
" Just leave her out of this! I don't ever want to see a RUKAWA FAN CLUB ever again! Understood?" he asked as he coolly walked out of the room of heart-broken girls. Acturus was waiting, leaning against the back wall, looking very down.
" What are you doing there? Honestly if I hadn't stopped them you would be a pancake now. So stop bothering me and tagging behind me! Go find someone else to tag behind! Just because I visited you once don't mean that I'm a friend you can always cling onto!" Rukawa yelled at the surprised girl. Her large, innocent blue eyes widened.
" Oh...sorry..." She turned away, feeling somehow hurt by his harsh words. Rukawa watched as she slowly walked out of his sight.
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As soon as Acturus thought that she was out of Rukawa's sight she ran all the way to the rooftop, tears formed at the edges of her eyes. She stopped as she pushed the heavy door open and felt the warm breeze and the golden sunrays. She thought it would help her recover from shock but it didn't. Why? Who does he think he is? Ordering me around? What did I do wrong? All I did was walk with him...perhaps he finds that annoying...or perhaps he just hates me for being me. But that doesn't give him the right to yell at me! She staggered to there the railing were and clutched onto them until her knuckles turned white. The wind blew her tears as they fell but it didn't help her at all. I...I thought he was my friend...apparently not...apparently he hates me...She fell onto her knees and leaned on the railings. Was I really that annoying?? Acturus stayed there until the breeze died down a little and until she calmed herself down. Since she loves school normally she won't give anything to miss maths...her favourite subject but today was different. She didn't feel like doing anything except for staying there with the wind blowing into her face. Acturus was a strong girl at heart but still she can't believe what had just happened. As energetic as she is she just can't stand being yelled at...especially by someone who she thought was a friend. More tears fell but she didn't wipe it away. She stayed in that position, and soon she fell asleep after wearing herself out by crying.
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" Does anyone know where Acturus is?" Hiraki sensei asked the class, she was her favourite student and she knows it is not like her to skip class. No one knew. Rukawa (for once NOT asleep) glanced at the empty seat nest to him rather uneasily. Hey I didn't do anything wrong...all I did was tell her off for tagging behind me. He tried to assure himself but he still felt very guilty. Hiraki sensei noticed Rukawa standing up and heading towards the door.
" What do you want?" she asked.
" Please sensei...don't ask...It's something I must put right..." Rukawa didn't shout at her or glare at her but instead he pleaded. Hiraki sensei felt that he was sincere and let him go. Rukawa searched everywhere for Acturus but he couldn't find her so guiltily he went up to the rooftop (his favourite place to sleep) to relieve some of the guilt. To his surprise he saw Acturus sleeping near the railings.
" Acturus!" he bent down and embraced her warmly. Acturus opened one eye and noticed Rukawa was there.
" Rukawa?" she pulled away from him and stood up immediately, " What are YOU doing here?" she asked angrily. She was still hurt from the incident before. Rukawa (as stubborn as ever) stood up to face her.
" What am I doing here? I was looking for you!" he shouted back at her angrily.
" I don't need YOU looking for me! Did I ever ask you to look for me? NO so there!" She turned and stomped away from him.
" FINE! Go away then!" Rukawa glared at her figure as she walked down the stairs.
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" Acturus! Care to play today?" Ryota asked the somewhat depressed girl. Why did I have to be so mean to Rukawa? She asked herself, she didn't even notice Ryota offering her to play.
" Hel-lo? Acturus?" Ryota waved his hand in front of her face.
" Oh! Sorry Mitsui senpai...I mean Ryota. Sumimasen!" she bowed apologetically. Ryota shook his head.
" Are you all right?" he asked. Acturus nodded vigorously.
" Of course! Do I look ill?" she forced a realistic bright smile.
" Not ill...but just...not quite right..." he told her but Acturus was such a great actress that he dropped the subject immediately. Acturus was waiting impatiently for Rukawa to come so all the shots she attempted missed it's target. A few minutes later Rukawa walked in, rather soaked in rain. (It was raining cats and dogs outside)
" Rukawa!" Acturus quickly looked for a towel for him but he refused it.
" I don't need it from you." He replied coldly. Acturus looked sad.
" I'm sorry...I take everything back...you'll be friends with me again won't you?" she watched him hopefully.
" Friends? We were NEVER friends." Rukawa walked away, leaving Acturus frozen.
" N-never? Y-you are not worth my time!" she croaked as a beady tear slid down her cheek, she walked up to Rukawa and punched him with all her strength. Rukawa was stunned to have her punch him but even more stunned to see her cry. He was going to say something when he was interrupted.
" Ryota-senpai? I'm sorry...I'm starting to feel a bit ill right now so I think I will go home now." She turned away so they couldn't see her tears. Carrying her bag on her shoulders she ran out of the gym. Sakuragi entered a few seconds later.
" What's up with Acturus?" he asked.
" Said she didn't feel too well." Ryota told him helplessly, " I was going to lend her my umbrella but she ran out before we can say anything."
" WHAT?" Sakuragi ran towards the gym door.
" SAKURAGI HANAMICHI! Practice session starts now." Akagi told him.
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Fine! So we were never friends! I HATE RUKAWA KAEDE! Acturus walked aimlessly in the rain, she was soaked through. I can't go back home...Onii-chan will get so worried about me...where can I go? She asked herself until she made up her mind to go to Kiyota's house. She was still unsure when she reached the door but she pressed the doorbell anyway. What will his people say when she sees me soaked like this? The door opened and Kiyota came out.
" Acturus? Is that you? What happened?" Kiyota hurriedly pulled her into the house. Acturus clung onto Kiyota, still crying. Kiyota didn't mind even though she was wet, " Acturus whatever it is, it's okay now..." Kiyota placed a protective arm around her shoulders.
" Nubonaga? Who's at the door?" his sister appeared from the living room and she seemed pretty shocked at seeing a wet girl clinging to her brother.
" Er... sis...this is my friend Acturus...please don't ask anything right now...she's in shock." Kiyota explained but to his surprise Acturus pulled away and gave a bow to his sister.
" I-I'm very sorry to come here at this hour and as wet as this. I know this doesn't give a very good impression of me but Kiyota is the only one I can rely on right now...I'm sorry..." she apologized again.
" It's okay...you must dry yourself or you might catch a cold, Kiyota bring her up to your room, I'll make some hot chocolate and some towels for her." His sister said, taking a liking to the honest girl straight away. Kiyota lead her to his room and tried to calm her down a little.
" What happened?" he asked.
" K-Kiyota? How would you feel if someone you thought was a friend...a friend that you really treasured suddenly tell you that he's not your friend and never was?" Her naïve eyes stared up to him. She was still crying but it was a lot better now. Kiyota gave her a huge hug.
" I'll give him a punch and tell him that he's not worth my time. Don't worry about it Acturus...anyone who says that to you is a very stupid idiot." Kiyota told her.
" That's exactly what I did." Acturus gave a weak smile. Kiyota just hugged her even tighter. He knows that she is just trying to smile, and to stop crying.
" Here is some spare clothes and some towels, go get a shower downstairs and the hot chocolate will be ready when you are done." Kiyota's sister smiled warmly, she had really liked this girl.
" Thank you very much." Acturus bowed and headed to the bathroom. Kiyota's sister gave him a playful smile.
" She's a very nice girl Nobunaga...Is she your girlfriend?" she asked him, making him blush deep crimson.
" Sis! Of course not! She's just a friend! She's Maki's little sister!" Kiyota denied.
" Maki? Oh! Shinichi! Him! The handsome basketball captain that has beautiful manners right?" she remembered him, blushing furiously and then sighed, " Well wouldn't it be wonderful if we have someone like him or his sister around the house to help out. You never do! All you ever do is stay locked up in your room!" His sister criticized him. The door opened and a fresh, dry Acturus walked in wearing some of Kiyota's sister's outfit.
" These are so huge!" she told them, meaning the clothes but the other two just laughed.
" Here is your hot chocolate." Kiyota's sister handed her a warm mug.
" Thank you." She beamed, she felt a lot better now, " Umm...are you Kiyota's sister? What about your parents? Where are they?" she asked.
" They are in France, they have some business to do and I have to take care of Kiyota while they are gone." His sister laughed, " I'm Yumi, nice to meet you." She shook Acturus hand.
" Are you feeling better now?" Kiyota asked worriedly. Acturus gave a happy nod.
" Yes, I'm fine now, sorry to make you worry." She sat down next to him. Kiyota just smiled back.
" Why did you come here instead of going back home? Maki is home you know." Kiyota asked her.
" I...didn't want to make him worry...anyway if I told him what I have told you he would've gone straight to the person and demand an explanation. I would be so embarrassed if that happens." Acturus blushed a little.
" What a thoughtful person!" Yumi laughed giving Acturus a sisterly hug, " you know what, every time you have a problem you're welcome here." She told her.
" Thank you Yumi. I don't know how to thank you enough." Acturus returned the hug.
" By visiting us frequently and bringing Maki here. My sister has a crush on him." Kiyota told her playfully.
" NOBUNAGA!" A bright pink paper fan flew down to hit his head, " IDIOT!" Yumi scolded him but she was blushing.
" Ha...ha...ha...really Yumi? Ha...ha...ha...don't worry I'll bring him over sometimes." Acturus teased even more.
" Oh, I get it! You two are teaming up against me right?" Yumi pretended to pout. Acturus just laughed. Suddenly the doorbell rang, " I'll get it! Don't worry just enjoy your stay." Yumi got out of the room.
" Does she really fancy my brother?" Acturus asked Kiyota.
" Yup! Since he first came here she had been asking me when he is going to come again." Kiyota shook his head; " She even has a picture of him in her diary!" Acturus laughed at this. Kiyota leaned over to reach for a bright purple diary.
" Here let me show you...she left it in my room again!" he stretched his hand but at the same instant his sister bounded up the stairs, blushing even more madly than before.
" A-Acturus! He's here" She practically squealed. Maki stepped up.
" Acturus? What are YOU doing here? You're supposed to be practicing basketball!" Then he noticed a pile of wet clothes on the table, " You came without an umbrella? What happened?" He bent down a bit, " Anything wrong?" he asked.
" Umm...she had a few problems..." Kiyota told Maki the full story. Maki looked rather unpleased.
" Who is it? Who said that?" he asked Acturus.
" O-onii-chan...please don't. Even if he said he is not my friend I'm still his so please don't! I'm not going to tell you his name anyway!" Acurus pleaded. Maki still looked stern.
" Kiyota...who is it?" he demanded.
" Sorry Captain but she didn't tell me." Kiyota gave an apologetic look.
" I know who it is now...if Acturus cared so much for the person it probably one of the basketball players." Maki decided.
" Onii-chan! Please!" Acturus clung onto him to prevent him from taking any more steps.
" Umm...sumimasen...I don't mean to butt in but I think you should listen to your sister, she is responsible enough to know how to deal with her own problems...don't see her as a baby anymore, she is old enough now." Yumi shyly told Maki. Maki stopped.
" All right...just tell me the name...I won't go sue him for hurting my little sister, I promise." Maki sat down next to Yumi making her go stiff and nervous. Acturus looked a bit uneasy.
" Umm...it's...Ru...ka...wa..." she looked unwilling.
" NANI? RUKAWA? I KNOW HE IS EVIL FROM THE FIRST TIME I SAW HIM!" Kiyota got angry and stood up to go to find him, everyone sweatdropped, but Acturus stopped him.
" Please Kiyota...don't" Acturus literally begged him.
" Why are still so nice to him? He's evil! Let me beat him up! Why do you care for him so much?" Kiyota sounded a bit jealous but he sat back down.
" I sense a hint of jealousy..." Yumi and Maki whispered to each other at the same time, teasing Kiyota. They ended up having dinner at Kiyota's house. (Yumi and Acturus cooked of course) They also played cards and watched a few movies until really late at night.
" Let's watch this horror movie!" Maki held up a cassette.
" Now? [Yawn] It's 11 o'clock! Shouldn't we be heading home?" Acturus asked.
" Oh come on! Tomorrow is a day off anyway! You can always stay over here for the night." Yumi suggested. Maki nodded in approval.
" Come on!" Maki persuaded his sister and they ended up watching the movie. Kiyota and Acturus were sitting on huge cushions on the floor and Maki and Yumi were sitting on the couch. They were all eating home made popcorn. Acturus got through all of the popcorn and fell asleep during the first quarter of the movie.
" Acturus?" Kiyota felt her head against his shoulders.
" She's asleep." Maki told him, " Don't worry just watch the movie." He continued. After the second half of the movie, the screaming and yelling from the TV woke Acturus up.
"[Yawn] Is it morning?" she stretched and saw that everyone was still watching the movie. Then she noticed that her popcorn was finished (she didn't remember eating all of it because of her sleepiness), " Kiyota! Did you steal my popcorn?" she demanded. Kiyota looked at her, not knowing whether to laugh or to sigh.
" Acturus!" Maki warned her. Acturus looked at the four of them with large, deep blue, innocent eyes.
" Or did I eat it up and forgot I did?" she inquired, she got three heads nodding, " Perhaps I really do have Amnesia." She shook her head. They all laughed.
" You can have mine if you want." Kiyota handed her his popcorn and they all fell asleep two hours later in the living room. So much for a sleepover eh?
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This is a long chapter I know. I had trouble finding ideas on what to write about. I'm watching the TV, playstation (my brother is playing it) and the computer at the same time. Talk about tiring days. Please send in reviews, I beg all of you! By the way Yumi is someone I made up and I just realized the guy who was looking for sakuragi has the same name as Sendoh if you have any problem with that just drop me a note and I will change his name. Thanks for reading the story. Sorry for the bad paragraphing. I'm trying my best to fix them.