Of Winter and Spring

            by: Eniar (nsmx_01@yahoo.com)

      Standard disclaimers apply.

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Act 04  –  Like

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Today was hot as usual, the scorching heat of summer was moving away very slowly and there was barely an air circulating through the room. There was no air conditioner to cool the temperature inside for it broke down due to extreme usage of its owner.

Hatori was fanning himself as he does his usual duty, while his assistant, Haruka was checking Akito's health. Hatori was watching her check Akito's weight, height, past case of sickness, blood pressure, everything, even her conversations with Akito. Hatori was looking at her eyes. She seemed to be enjoying Akito's company. She was smiling, laughing, listening to him. Him. To Akito. He felt a bit…jealous? He wasn't sure.

            Haruka seemed to notice that Hatori was staring at her. She paused and smiled warmly.

            "She smiled just like Kana…" Hatori thought.

            Hatori was startled. It was when she smiled at him was the only time that he realized that he was staring at her for a long time. Hatori quickly pretended to be doing something. But he was watching her at the corner of his eye.

            "Wow." Haruka said as she looked Akito's medical record. "You're getting healthier."

            "It's because of you."

            There was a rush of annoyance that passed through Hatori's blood.

            Haruka laughed softly as she returned the file at the cabinet.

            "Haruka, can I ask you a question?" Akito asked, with a slight grin in his face.

            "What is it?" She replied while closing the cabinet.

            "Do you like Hatori?" His question was enough to be heard by everyone inside the room. Especially Hatori.

            Haruka walked towards the window as she pondered deeply. "Hmmm…" she said while looking outside the window as if the answer to the question was there.

            Hatori stood up as the pen in his table dropped and rolled down the floor. "There's no point in asking her that." Hatori said sternly.

"Awww come on, let her answer. There is no problem with that…right?" Akito grinned.

            "Yes…" Haruka turned and smiled sweetly. "I do like Hatori…"

            Somehow, Haruka's answer made Hatori'a heart beat rapidly, he could almost hear it beat louder and louder. "That's nonsense." He said flatly.

            Haruka shook her head. "I'm not lying…but, I also like Akito-san very much!" she said smiling.

            Akito stopped grinning at Hatori and realized that he was blushing. He quickly looked away in order for them not notice it.

            "Because…" she continued. "If  I haven't met you, I'd probably be out in the streets still looking for a job. I wouldn't met Hatori and the rest of the Souma…and…I'd still be alone…Thank you…Akito-san." She smiled softly.

            Akito looked at her and smiled back.

            It was, if Hatori remembered correctly,  for the first time that Akito smiled from the bottom of his heart.

Author's notes:

            Akito's questions seemed like truth or dare game. The main intention of Akito as you've read the story, was to embarrass Hatori, nothing more. He never expected Haruka's answer, but somehow, he was happy about her answer because even though he was a mean, sadistic, manipulative guy, he's still a person and he has an emotion. What about Hatori? Well, I'll let you guess what will happen next! Anyway, I agree that nobody cares for Hatori (the fanfics about Hatori) huhu…it's so sad!!! T_T