Author's Note: Hi guys!!! First of all, I'M VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY SOOOOORRRRRRYYYYYYYYY!!!!!! I know I've promised to a lot of you people that I'll be updating soon but it took me months. I've been through lot of troubles including school forcing me to stop. I hope you won't get mad at me. But there's one thing I'll promise, I'll finish this fic for sure. About my reply to the reviews, I just emailed you personally. For those who I don't know you're email ads, I'll reply to you on the next chapter. Btw, FF.net has revised rules regarding names. My name now has a 2 beside it making me so annoyed. That is why; I've decided to change my name. I'll be changing it to Lil V. I hope you guys still would recognize me. Anyweiz, after la long wait, here's Chapter 7!!!

Standard Disclaimers Applied

Chapter 7: Misunderstood

Deep and captivating blue eyes looked out absently into the depths of this small river located in the heart of Kanagawa. Its surface glimmering from the sun's rays. Yes, such gorgeous eyes filled with so much warmth despite the cold personality within. But that was long before. That warmth and love that arrived as unexpectedly a few months ago also disappeared in a blink of an eye. Now, those same eyes are filled with a cold absentness and hidden loneliness, pain and regret. The reason? This person never knew and at the same time, he had a feeling he knew it. It was weird. He never knew that these feelings now actually existed in him. These same feelings that created a big void in his heart. A void that was filled by someone special before. And now, he lost him…

'Nothing can be the same again…'

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"Hey Kaede? Hello?! Are you still here?" Ania said waving a hand in front of the absent-minded ace.

"Huh?! Oh. Sorry." Rukawa replied not even turning to look at Ania. It was as if he never noticed her. He knew all along that ever since they met here near the river, he never spoke a word. He just kept on thinking and pondering about events especially the event two days ago…

*Flashback*

"Kaede. I've wanted to tell you this for the past few weeks or should I say months but I didn't find the courage to. Actually, at first it was hard to admit but then I realized it was true."

"Kaede, for the past few months we were together, I realized one thing. I've fallen for you… I love you… I love you Kaede…"

"Akira! This is wrong! This is TOTALLY wrong!"

"No Kaede, this isn't wrong! I'm sure of my feelings. That's the truth Kaede. I LOVE YOU! Kaede, please, believe me!"

"No, no, NO!"

"Kaede… I love you. Please…this love isn't wrong. I know what I feel for you is right. Please Kaede…all I need is an answer. D'you love me? Please answer me. This is my only wish."

'I DON'T LOVE YOU'

*End of Flashback*

~Rukawa's POV~

Why can't I erase that moment in my mind? I turned Akira down. So what? That was the right thing to do right? Or…not…

Why am I feeling so much regret, pain and emptiness? It feels like I totally lost something that's a big part of me. Why? I can't explain this feeling and it's blowing up my mind.

The truth is I feel so much anger for myself. Right now, all I want to do is kick myself. I made Akira cry again. It was my entire fault. It pained me a lot seeing him break down in his house already and seeing him in that condition once more really broke my heart. I saw it right before my very eyes and I feel so sorry. I ran away because I don't want to see it anymore. If only I could turn back time…

Wait! Why am I thinking this?! Am I? Am I? No…way…

"Kaede! Kaede! Mou…Kaede! Stop daydreaming!" I snapped out of my thoughts when I felt someone shaking my arm. I turn my head to the direction of my arm where a hand was resting. The person connected to that hand was Ania.

"At LAST!" she said. "I thought you were kinda lost or something. I was worried…you…Oh look! It's Akira!"

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~ Sendoh's POV ~

            The night two days ago was like the end of the world for me. I never imagined in my entire life that I would be hurt that badly. Kosh told me that the moment I tell him what I truly feel and he rejects me; it wouldn't hurt as bad as not telling him at all. But I guess, they're both the same. I feel so wounded now. My heart's bleeding to the point I'll die deep inside. Death? Is there no other solution?

            I laugh sadly. Why am I thinking of death? If I do it, will I be free? No…But why? I just don't know…

            I rise from bed slowly to take a peaceful ride outside. Maybe, just maybe, I could forget my problems even just today. I swiftly grab my coat, wear it on, and ride my waiting bike outside. I strolled silently around town not even daring to greet nor smile at people like I used to cause I just don't feel in the mood. Who wouldn't? After experiencing such sad moments in my life, I just can't force even a simple smile.

            I wander around further nearing a small river. I slowed down my bike a little to enjoy the fantasizing view before me. The river was gleaming a bright shade of sapphire blue. Its reflection reminding me of HIM who has the same color of eyes as the river's reflection. HIM, who I loved most but turned me down…

            I stop short beside the end of the bridge connecting Shohoku's side to Ryonan's side [1]. The wind blew past me ruffling the leaves of the trees and my hair. The wind. It was carrying a sad melody today. A melody similar to the hymn my heart sings. It feels so soothing to find something that could relate to my loneliness. At least, I have someone with me. I release the brakes on my bike and was about to leave when I heard someone call my name. That voice, it was so familiar. I turn my head to the source of the voice and lo and behold, I see…

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~ Rukawa's POV ~

            …HIM. Of all the people I didn't wish to see today, he was first on the list. And now what? He's here, right in front of me. Of all people, and of all places. I slightly turn my head to the side trying to avoid his gaze. In the corner of my eye, I see him do the same. I guess we just can't afford to see each other especially when fresh wounds aren't yet healed.

            Ania looks at me then to Sendoh, then to me again and back to him before producing a confused expression on her delicate face. She cocks her head to the side seeing that both of us just don't appreciate each other's presence. She sighs heavily and proceeds in pulling my arm. "Ne Kaede, didn't you hear me? Akira's here. Don't you want to greet him?"

            I tried to ignore Ania which I was successful with and fully turned back my attention to the river. I didn't want to hear nor pay attention to any of her words. Maybe if I did, I wont' be able to… control…

            Giving up on me, Ania runs to Sendoh's direction. "Konnichiwa Akira! How're you doing? I really don't know what's up with Kaede. Why don't you just come over so all three of us could enjoy the view?" she said cheerfully.

            I saw Sendoh's grip on the handle tightened. "Uh, you see Ania I can't. I really got some important matters to attend to. See ya." he said leaving the confused Ania behind.

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~ Normal POV ~

            Ania walked back towards Rukawa silently to perch at the railing and watch the river's gentle flow too. She was deep in thought. For about 10 minutes or so, silence filled the air. None of them dared to speak. None of them tore their eyes from the view. The silence was pure and disturbing. Only the wind's silent voices, the ruffling of the leaves, the river's gentle flow, the bird's serenade and the people's whispers could be heard. No more, no less. The silence clung to the air for about 5 more minutes before Ania decided to break the glass.

"Something's wrong. You're not your usual self these past few days." she started in a conversational tone.

            Rukawa never paid attention to her instead he just silently stared at the river. Staring there, like there was no tomorrow. Silence ensued once more for about 1 minute to be followed by another phrase from Ania.

"You don't have to tell me anything. I noticed it from the beginning. I knew I was just a burden. Am I right?" she said turning slightly to face Rukawa as she smiled sadly. But still, he never looked back and all in all, he was still silent.

"Alright, I won't force you to talk but please just listen to me. At least that would do." She stole a glance at the ice prince before going on. "Akira…is not just a good friend. He's someone special to you, although you don't recognize it… and you take it for granted. For you, it seems that I am the perfect someone…which makes me happy to realize. But then that is not what's in your heart. Am I right?" she pauses allowing Rukawa to absorb every truth she brought out. After a minute of pondering and silence she continued.

"Kaede, if you love someone, don't push that person away. Just because of others' influence, you take it for granted? It will hurt you if you do… and so is the person you love. You…and Akira… are the perfect examples for that. Kaede, Akira loves you more than he loves anybody in the world. He is willing to give up everything just for you. I may have been both of your friends for just a short time but I'm not insensitive. Kaede, I know deep inside that you love him too, so why can't you just be true to yourself. Why can't you let both of you be happy?" she pauses as tears are threatening to fall. She takes a glance at Kaede noticing the single and silent tear that fell from his eyes. Ania smiled sadly knowing that somehow, her words are penetrating him.

Wiping her wet eyes, she continued. "Kaede, it's not yet too late. If you're thinking that Akira has thrown his love for you because you turned him down, you're wrong. He loves you till the ends of the earth. So, if you have the courage, go to him and tell him how you feel. I want to see you happy even though that means I'm losing my happiness. I love you Kaede, and I'm glad that I was given the opportunity to feel your love and care for me but knowing that I'm not the person your heart is calling out hurts me so. So Kaede, I'm letting our love and you go. Please don't waste this." Ania finished as she turned to Rukawa who had wiped his tears dry already.

            Finally, after a long moment of talking, Rukawa turned to face her and smiled slightly. "Thank you." He said as he gave her a final and long hug. Ania smiled. "Just remember not to forget me when the two of you get together okay?" she said laughing heartily. Rukawa nodded.

            At this point, Ania pulled away. "Since I'm no longer you're girlfriend, I think I should return this to you." she said referring to the ring. Rukawa held her hand to stop her. "No. Keep that as a memory. Treat it as a present. Thank you." he said giving her a kiss on the cheek before running away from her site.

            Ania smiled sadly as she watched Kaede Rukawa, the ice prince, and the beholder of her heart's retreating back. Then at that very moment, the tears that she kept fell heavily from her eyes. "I love you so much Kaede, that's why I'm letting you go. Our love means so much to me. Thank you." she said tightening her hold on the only memory of him she had, that beautiful band of silver called a ring.

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~Rukawa's POV~

            I never thought that of all the people who would help me sort out my feelings, it would be Ania. She was a very good person. I don't know how to thank her. Right now, I must find Akira first. I want to tell him everything now, before it's too late and while I have the courage too.

            I spot his house from the other side of the street and quickly run to that direction. I stopped short to take a breath and to calm down my racing heartbeat. After a few ragged breaths, I rang the doorbell. No answer. I rang it the second time. Still, no answer. For the third time, there was still no answer. I was getting impatient that I switched to knocking. But even though I was knocking in loud bangs already, still no one opened the door. I got worried so I decided to call on his best friend, Koshino.

"Hello, this is Koshino. Who's this?" Koshino answered from the other line.

"Kaede. Akira?" a simple reply.

"Oh it's you Kaede. Akira? He's not in city today, he's at his family's vacation house in Kyoto."

"Kyoto? Address?"

            And, after getting, all the information needed. I switched off the phone and hurriedly took a train to Kyoto. I'll do everything to see him now. I don't want to waste time…

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~Sendoh's POV~

            After the cold treatment from Kaede and the fact that I can't bear such pain, I decided to take a vacation to Kyoto. Our family has a rest house there and good thing my sister's there for a vacation as well. Usually, when my sister's around she stays at our rest house since she knows that I'm not in good terms with his husband. The good news is that she came home alone and her husband is busy with his work.

            I sigh heavily as I down the filled glass of beer before me. Yes, I've arrived in Kyoto, and upon arriving; I strolled around and ended in this bar. I couldn't help but drink. Now, I understand why some people drink themselves to sleep when they have problems, it makes someone feel better.

            I continued drinking until I was totally drunk and really unconscious of what I was already doing. I walked myself home vomiting occasionally in the street and singing this stupid and drunken song. My head hurts so much that I can't afford to keep in a conscious state. But despite this, I was able to reach home.

            Unconscious of what I was doing, I walked into my sister's room instead of my room. I fell on her bed, which made her jump in surprise. Still in a dazed state, I reach for her and pin her on the bed. My shirt was already thrown in the floor and I was kissing her nonstop while mouthing Kaede's name. I really am not aware of what I'm doing when suddenly I heard the door of the room bang. I snapped out of my reverie and even my sister stopped struggling. I turn to the direction of the door to see who it was and… the person surprised me to the ends of my hair…the person was…Kaede…

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*-Tsuzuku-*

Author's Note: Well, I hope you guys like the continuation. I really promise to update as soon as possible. I don't want to make any promises cause I'm afraid to disappoint you people. Anyway, please review so that I would be inspired to write again. Please I beg you. I want to hear your suggestions and comments. Ja!

~Lil V~ (formerly known as RaVe)