A Night To Remember
Amidst a bed of flowers, Miwa drew Kitsune into his arms and declared, "Kitsune, you
look exquisite."
She blushed at the intense gaze that swept over her. "Oh, Miwa."
He drew her nearer, his eyes closing slowly. "Kitsune, how many times do I have to
repeat myself?"
She was jerked back to reality at the last remark, the traces of her daydream
disappearing as she looked up to see Ms. Serrao glaring at her, a vein
threatening to pop out of her forehead. Kitsune could almost see the lightning
bolts flashing behind her teacher's back as her voice thundered over the room. "Your
mind is obviously somewhere else, Kitsune, and I will not tolerate such behavior
in my class!"
But before she could open her mouth to apologize, the bell rang. Ms. Serrao shook
a finger in the air. "We're not done yet, young lady." But the warning was drowned
by the rush of students that filed out of the classroom. Kitsune heaved a sigh
of relief. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the object of her affection
walking away.
Her best friend Kirara joined her. "Don't tell me you were daydreaming about your
Prince Charming again," her friend teased.
Kitsune flashed a guilty smile. Ever since she met Miwa at the start of the
year, he was all she could think about. At first, she was drawn by his attractive
features -- his sparkling amber eyes, his striking silver hair. She felt
so warm inside when he first smiled at her, and she could swear that the world was
brightened by the twinkle in his eyes. But when they were recently paired as
Chemistry lab partners, she fell even more in love with his gentle, thoughtful
side. Once when she was sick, Miwa visited her house and brought her their
homework. Another time when she accidentally broke her beaker, he slid it over
to his side, just in time to catch the ire of their lab teacher about damaging
school property. When Kitsune tried to speak up, he discreetly placed a hand
on her arm and stopped her. His mere touch was enough to silence her.
But even though Kirara knew that she was in love, Kitsune didn't dare
tell her friend with whom. She was a bit reluctant that her friend would tease her
to death, or worse, do something like deliver him to her bound and gagged.
"So, has this mystery guy asked you to the prom yet?" Kirara asked.
Kitsune shook her head. "No, and I don't think that he's taking anyone else."
Kirara scowled. "What is he, gay?" At the murderous look that Kitsune gave her,
she backed off. "Okay, okay. But what are you going to do? The prom's tomorrow
night! You can't wait for him to take action, you have to invite him yourself!"
Kitsune paled at the thought. "I couldn't do that! He might think I was too forward.
Besides, you're one to talk. I don't hear you telling me that you have a date for
tomorrow."
Her friend placed a hand over her mouth and laughed. Kirara had a very disturbing
laugh, the sound echoing through the halls. "Ohohohohoho!" Then she winked. "You've
been so secretive lately that I decided to teach you a lesson. So my date is for me
to know and for you to find out."
By this time, they had reached the cafeteria. Kirara, who always brought lunch from
home, went to look for a table while Kitsune got in line to buy her food. As she
debated on getting what appeared to be baked macaroni, she felt someone standing
close to her. Too close. Kitsune turned to discover Miwa there, holding a lunch tray
in his hands.
"Hi," he greeted her with a smile. Kitsune could feel the blush coloring her cheeks
as she returned the greeting.
Complete silence. As the line moved on, they both got the macaroni and a drink. But
Kitsune was nervous. Inwardly, she cursed herself for being so flustered when he was
around. Then she remembered what Kirara told her, that unless she took matters
into her own hands, she might end up alone on prom night. "Uh, Miwa," she began.
Then stopped and took a deep breath. "Uhm, are you going? Uh, tomorrow night? To
the prom, I mean?"
He nodded, a slight blush on his face.
They were near the counter now. This was it. She had to find out. "Uhm, so who are
you taking?"
Miwa opened his mouth to reply, but the entire basketball team chose that exact
moment to cut through the line on their way to the gym. Kitsune sweatdropped. A
moment later, she gasped when she saw Miwa lying on the ground, his macaroni
on the ground, his eyes swirling around in confusion. He looked well, semi-deformed.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
He was up in a second. "Yes, I'm fine. But I think I'd better go and have this mess
cleaned up." He refused to look her in the eyes. "I guess I'll catch you later."
Then without another word or a backward glance, he walked away. It was only when he
was gone from sight did Kitsune realize that he didn't answer her question.
The rest of her day was uneventful. In Chemistry class, they had an exam so there
was no way that she could continue their conversation. But it was after school when
she had the shock of her life. She was fixing her blouse in one of the bathroom
stalls when a pair of girls walked in and started talking. "That new guy Miwa
is so hot," one of them said.
Kitsune perked up at the remark, feeling her fox ears popping out of her head
as she strained to hear what they were saying.
"I know," the other girl agreed. "It's a shame he's taking someone to the prom."
"Really?" the first girl asked, and Kitsune nearly spoke the same word at loud.
"Who?"
"Didn't you hear? He's taking Kirara!"
Kitsune's life was over as she felt an anvil drop on her.
***
Of course she was still alive, but Kitsune really felt like dying. Miwa and
Kirara? It wasn't fair! As she tossed and turned in her sleep, she couldn't help
but glance at the dress she was supposed to wear for tomorrow. It was in her
favorite shade of purple and Kirara had even helped her pick it out. They had
planned on going together in case they didn't find dates, but Kitsune was
sure that hanging out with her friends was a fun way to spend the night. But now,
how can she go? How can she even face them?
Needless to say, her sleepless state didn't go unnoticed. Kirara shot her a
worried glance when they met during homeroom. "Are you okay? You don't seem to be
too excited about tonight."
Kitsune managed a small smile. Technically, she wasn't allowed to feel jealous --
after all, Kirara never knew that she was deeply in love with Miwa.
There was no reason to worry her friend. "Just a little under the weather. It's
nothing," she assured her.
From across the room, she felt someone eyes on them. Kitsune raised her head
to see Miwa looking at her with a concerned expression. Maybe he saw Kirara
looking worried so he was curious. In any case, Kitsune didn't think that she
could stand looking at his beautiful amber eyes a moment longer. She tore her
gaze away. "Listen, about tonight..."
But her friend was already chatting away. "I'm still going to go over to your place to
dress up, remember? I'll have my mom drop off my dress later. We're going to have so
much fun, I promise! I've already taken care of our ride and all, so you don't have to
worry about anything."
"What about your date?" Kitsune asked bluntly. She wanted to ask her about
Miwa, but she couldn't just find the words. She wanted Kirara to be the one to
volunteer the information.
Kirara casually waved her question away. "Don't you worry about that, I've already
fixed my plans. Hey, I'm bringing a whole bunch of nail polish for you to try on. I
think I have just the right color to match your dress. And Mom lent me her pearl
necklace to wear--"
Kitsune tuned her friend out, not caring anymore. It was nice to see Kirara
excited but in truth, it hurt her that she was the one that Miwa liked.
And yet she couldn't stay away. If she did, her friend might suspect something. And
more importantly, Kitsune realized that she couldn't walk away from him. If he only
saw her as a friend then that was enough for her.
***
"You look beautiful!" Kirara exclaimed as Kitsune twirled around in her gown.
Even if she felt depressed, putting the dress on lifted her spirits a little bit.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Was that really her? The smooth satin
clung to whatever curves she had before pooling into soft folds at her feet. It
was designed to look like a dress from ancient Greece, the one goddesses were often
depicted as wearing. One shoulder held a curtain of chiffon while the other was left
bare, emphasizing her glowing skin. What would Miwa say if he saw her in this?
But Kitsune had no time to worry as Kirara began applying makeup on her. "Thanks
for the compliment, but don't fuss over me, please. I can do this by myself. Besides,"
here she swallowed the lump in her throat, "your date might be here any moment now
and you haven't even fixed your hair."
Then the doorbell rang. Kirara let out a short shriek. "He's here! Kitsune,
would you mind letting him in while I fix myself up. You're already good to go.
I promise I won't take long." Before Kitsune could protest, Kirara had
already pushed her out of her own room.
Kitsune felt her chest tighten. He was going to see her now, of all times, but
she didn't think her heart could stand the pain. Still, she squared her shoulders
and went down to open the door.
Miwa stood at her doorstep, looking so breathtakingly handsome in a black tux.
He gave her a shy smile. "I've come to pick up my date."
"Kirara's still upstairs, you'll have to wait--" Kitsune made a move to get
her friend but she stopped when Miwa suddenly grabbed her wrist and held on to
it firmly. With his free hand he handed her a corsage of one pure white orchid.
Kitsune looked confused. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was afraid he
could hear. "What's going on?"
"I'm taking you to the prom, Kitsune," he replied.
"But I thought you and Kirara--"
He shook his head. "She was just kind enough to help me set up this date. I didn't
have the guts to ask you to your face because I was afraid you would reject
me. Which is funny, because before you, I was never afraid of rejection at all.
But Kirara kept assuring me that it would work out in the end, but I guess I
didn't believe her. I hope you're not mad that we went through this."
She could only stare at him in surprise at each word. She couldn't believe what
she was hearing. "Of course I'm not mad."
Miwa took a step closer. "I really like you, Kitsune, and I think you like
me too?" He turned the statement into a question, standing there like a shy
little boy.
Kitsune closed the distance between them. "Yes, I guess I do," she murmured.
He took her into his arms. "Have I ever told you that you look exquisite?"
She smiled. Yes, she wanted to tell him. But this time, it was no longer a dream.
Amidst a bed of flowers, Miwa drew Kitsune into his arms and declared, "Kitsune, you
look exquisite."
She blushed at the intense gaze that swept over her. "Oh, Miwa."
He drew her nearer, his eyes closing slowly. "Kitsune, how many times do I have to
repeat myself?"
She was jerked back to reality at the last remark, the traces of her daydream
disappearing as she looked up to see Ms. Serrao glaring at her, a vein
threatening to pop out of her forehead. Kitsune could almost see the lightning
bolts flashing behind her teacher's back as her voice thundered over the room. "Your
mind is obviously somewhere else, Kitsune, and I will not tolerate such behavior
in my class!"
But before she could open her mouth to apologize, the bell rang. Ms. Serrao shook
a finger in the air. "We're not done yet, young lady." But the warning was drowned
by the rush of students that filed out of the classroom. Kitsune heaved a sigh
of relief. From the corner of her eye, she noticed the object of her affection
walking away.
Her best friend Kirara joined her. "Don't tell me you were daydreaming about your
Prince Charming again," her friend teased.
Kitsune flashed a guilty smile. Ever since she met Miwa at the start of the
year, he was all she could think about. At first, she was drawn by his attractive
features -- his sparkling amber eyes, his striking silver hair. She felt
so warm inside when he first smiled at her, and she could swear that the world was
brightened by the twinkle in his eyes. But when they were recently paired as
Chemistry lab partners, she fell even more in love with his gentle, thoughtful
side. Once when she was sick, Miwa visited her house and brought her their
homework. Another time when she accidentally broke her beaker, he slid it over
to his side, just in time to catch the ire of their lab teacher about damaging
school property. When Kitsune tried to speak up, he discreetly placed a hand
on her arm and stopped her. His mere touch was enough to silence her.
But even though Kirara knew that she was in love, Kitsune didn't dare
tell her friend with whom. She was a bit reluctant that her friend would tease her
to death, or worse, do something like deliver him to her bound and gagged.
"So, has this mystery guy asked you to the prom yet?" Kirara asked.
Kitsune shook her head. "No, and I don't think that he's taking anyone else."
Kirara scowled. "What is he, gay?" At the murderous look that Kitsune gave her,
she backed off. "Okay, okay. But what are you going to do? The prom's tomorrow
night! You can't wait for him to take action, you have to invite him yourself!"
Kitsune paled at the thought. "I couldn't do that! He might think I was too forward.
Besides, you're one to talk. I don't hear you telling me that you have a date for
tomorrow."
Her friend placed a hand over her mouth and laughed. Kirara had a very disturbing
laugh, the sound echoing through the halls. "Ohohohohoho!" Then she winked. "You've
been so secretive lately that I decided to teach you a lesson. So my date is for me
to know and for you to find out."
By this time, they had reached the cafeteria. Kirara, who always brought lunch from
home, went to look for a table while Kitsune got in line to buy her food. As she
debated on getting what appeared to be baked macaroni, she felt someone standing
close to her. Too close. Kitsune turned to discover Miwa there, holding a lunch tray
in his hands.
"Hi," he greeted her with a smile. Kitsune could feel the blush coloring her cheeks
as she returned the greeting.
Complete silence. As the line moved on, they both got the macaroni and a drink. But
Kitsune was nervous. Inwardly, she cursed herself for being so flustered when he was
around. Then she remembered what Kirara told her, that unless she took matters
into her own hands, she might end up alone on prom night. "Uh, Miwa," she began.
Then stopped and took a deep breath. "Uhm, are you going? Uh, tomorrow night? To
the prom, I mean?"
He nodded, a slight blush on his face.
They were near the counter now. This was it. She had to find out. "Uhm, so who are
you taking?"
Miwa opened his mouth to reply, but the entire basketball team chose that exact
moment to cut through the line on their way to the gym. Kitsune sweatdropped. A
moment later, she gasped when she saw Miwa lying on the ground, his macaroni
on the ground, his eyes swirling around in confusion. He looked well, semi-deformed.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
He was up in a second. "Yes, I'm fine. But I think I'd better go and have this mess
cleaned up." He refused to look her in the eyes. "I guess I'll catch you later."
Then without another word or a backward glance, he walked away. It was only when he
was gone from sight did Kitsune realize that he didn't answer her question.
The rest of her day was uneventful. In Chemistry class, they had an exam so there
was no way that she could continue their conversation. But it was after school when
she had the shock of her life. She was fixing her blouse in one of the bathroom
stalls when a pair of girls walked in and started talking. "That new guy Miwa
is so hot," one of them said.
Kitsune perked up at the remark, feeling her fox ears popping out of her head
as she strained to hear what they were saying.
"I know," the other girl agreed. "It's a shame he's taking someone to the prom."
"Really?" the first girl asked, and Kitsune nearly spoke the same word at loud.
"Who?"
"Didn't you hear? He's taking Kirara!"
Kitsune's life was over as she felt an anvil drop on her.
***
Of course she was still alive, but Kitsune really felt like dying. Miwa and
Kirara? It wasn't fair! As she tossed and turned in her sleep, she couldn't help
but glance at the dress she was supposed to wear for tomorrow. It was in her
favorite shade of purple and Kirara had even helped her pick it out. They had
planned on going together in case they didn't find dates, but Kitsune was
sure that hanging out with her friends was a fun way to spend the night. But now,
how can she go? How can she even face them?
Needless to say, her sleepless state didn't go unnoticed. Kirara shot her a
worried glance when they met during homeroom. "Are you okay? You don't seem to be
too excited about tonight."
Kitsune managed a small smile. Technically, she wasn't allowed to feel jealous --
after all, Kirara never knew that she was deeply in love with Miwa.
There was no reason to worry her friend. "Just a little under the weather. It's
nothing," she assured her.
From across the room, she felt someone eyes on them. Kitsune raised her head
to see Miwa looking at her with a concerned expression. Maybe he saw Kirara
looking worried so he was curious. In any case, Kitsune didn't think that she
could stand looking at his beautiful amber eyes a moment longer. She tore her
gaze away. "Listen, about tonight..."
But her friend was already chatting away. "I'm still going to go over to your place to
dress up, remember? I'll have my mom drop off my dress later. We're going to have so
much fun, I promise! I've already taken care of our ride and all, so you don't have to
worry about anything."
"What about your date?" Kitsune asked bluntly. She wanted to ask her about
Miwa, but she couldn't just find the words. She wanted Kirara to be the one to
volunteer the information.
Kirara casually waved her question away. "Don't you worry about that, I've already
fixed my plans. Hey, I'm bringing a whole bunch of nail polish for you to try on. I
think I have just the right color to match your dress. And Mom lent me her pearl
necklace to wear--"
Kitsune tuned her friend out, not caring anymore. It was nice to see Kirara
excited but in truth, it hurt her that she was the one that Miwa liked.
And yet she couldn't stay away. If she did, her friend might suspect something. And
more importantly, Kitsune realized that she couldn't walk away from him. If he only
saw her as a friend then that was enough for her.
***
"You look beautiful!" Kirara exclaimed as Kitsune twirled around in her gown.
Even if she felt depressed, putting the dress on lifted her spirits a little bit.
She stared at her reflection in the mirror. Was that really her? The smooth satin
clung to whatever curves she had before pooling into soft folds at her feet. It
was designed to look like a dress from ancient Greece, the one goddesses were often
depicted as wearing. One shoulder held a curtain of chiffon while the other was left
bare, emphasizing her glowing skin. What would Miwa say if he saw her in this?
But Kitsune had no time to worry as Kirara began applying makeup on her. "Thanks
for the compliment, but don't fuss over me, please. I can do this by myself. Besides,"
here she swallowed the lump in her throat, "your date might be here any moment now
and you haven't even fixed your hair."
Then the doorbell rang. Kirara let out a short shriek. "He's here! Kitsune,
would you mind letting him in while I fix myself up. You're already good to go.
I promise I won't take long." Before Kitsune could protest, Kirara had
already pushed her out of her own room.
Kitsune felt her chest tighten. He was going to see her now, of all times, but
she didn't think her heart could stand the pain. Still, she squared her shoulders
and went down to open the door.
Miwa stood at her doorstep, looking so breathtakingly handsome in a black tux.
He gave her a shy smile. "I've come to pick up my date."
"Kirara's still upstairs, you'll have to wait--" Kitsune made a move to get
her friend but she stopped when Miwa suddenly grabbed her wrist and held on to
it firmly. With his free hand he handed her a corsage of one pure white orchid.
Kitsune looked confused. Her heart was pounding so loudly she was afraid he
could hear. "What's going on?"
"I'm taking you to the prom, Kitsune," he replied.
"But I thought you and Kirara--"
He shook his head. "She was just kind enough to help me set up this date. I didn't
have the guts to ask you to your face because I was afraid you would reject
me. Which is funny, because before you, I was never afraid of rejection at all.
But Kirara kept assuring me that it would work out in the end, but I guess I
didn't believe her. I hope you're not mad that we went through this."
She could only stare at him in surprise at each word. She couldn't believe what
she was hearing. "Of course I'm not mad."
Miwa took a step closer. "I really like you, Kitsune, and I think you like
me too?" He turned the statement into a question, standing there like a shy
little boy.
Kitsune closed the distance between them. "Yes, I guess I do," she murmured.
He took her into his arms. "Have I ever told you that you look exquisite?"
She smiled. Yes, she wanted to tell him. But this time, it was no longer a dream.