Face the Music
Author: Erenoll
Author's notes: Thanks for the review everyone! Here's chapter 4. As usual, although I'd like to keep Nokoru to myself, disclaimers still apply! ::sob::
Chapter IV: The Blue Dress
Reina winced as she felt another one of those stinging pain on her right arm. Then she shook her head. She decided to ignore the ache as she quickly made her way towards the Highschool Student Council's office late that afternoon. She was already half-running, thinking how unpleasant it would be if Suoh got to the office first to find her not there. Nokoru was scheduled to take an exam and he won't be in till four and that meant Suoh would be there first. She couldn't blame him though since everybody's temper was on a high this past two days. With the ball three days away, Reina could feel Akira and Suoh's tension rising full force, their manners always in high work mode. It seemed to her that Nokoru was the only one who looked like he didn't give a damn about everything. But with the cool exterior, Reina was sure that Nokoru was doing his part of the job. Spending almost a month with him made her realize that.
She stopped and leaned against the wall of the hallway, wheezing slightly. Unconsciously, her left hand let go of her book bag as it clutched her right arm rather carefully. She shut her eyes closed momentarily as the pain came again, this time sharply. She opened her eyes and with care, unrolled the long sleeve of her white blouse only to reveal an already big and nasty bruise turning into a sickening shade of blue and black beneath her uniform. She bit her lip, remembering the "good" one she got that night.
As usual, she came home to find her father gone, probably staying once again in the bars after work. And she immediately got into action. She cleaned the house, throwing away all the clutter of bottles and liquors her father left sitting on the tatami floor the night before. After the cleaning, she prepared dinner, making all of her father's favorite meal of miso soup, rice and curry. She made tongkatsu as well. She went all through the trouble preparing the dishes and cleaning the house spotless because she was about to ask something of importance, something that involved money.
Actually, late that afternoon, after her two hour practice, she received word from one of her music teachers that she was one of the lucky chosen ones to play in a presentation prepared by the school because of the coming visit of the head of the Imonoyama Conglomerate. The visits were done every three months and Clamp school would always prepare those kind of presentations to boast the best 'produce' they had. It was a big step for her. Playing for recitals like that would mean big opportunities for her music. And so with enthusiasm, she accepted the offer and immediately made plans for her chosen piece.
But then again, there was one thing.
She needed a new uniform.
She couldn't possibly play in front of the most important man in campus wearing her faded, second-hand uniforms, right?
And so with that, she made up her mind to ask for her father's help. Just thinking about that made her apprehensive and afraid, so unsure. But then, it would be only time she would be asking something from him, right? All of the months after her mother died, she supported herself and her school needs, surely asking for just one measly uniform wouldn't be too much. "And besides he's your father. It's his obligation," her brain reasoned out. With those thoughts, she felt convinced
And so that night, afraid but trying her best to be brave, she waited for her father. Eventually, he got home, drunk and sloshed as usual from too much sake and whatever it was that he took. Reina hurriedly prepared his meal as his father sat before their little table, one of the valuable things they managed to keep after the bank took everything away. He was silent, watching her with cold cruel eyes as she busily placed the little lacquer bowls of food before him. She motioned him to eat as she took her rightful place across from him, her bowl half full. She was feeling nervous that she could hardly eat. She just decided to just watch him silently wolf down his food, lifting her chopsticks then and again, shoving bits of rice into her mouth, pretending to eat. When she was sure he already had his fill, she began to utter the carefully composed words to him. And due to his drunkenness, he stood up and walked towards her.
She didn't know what happened next.
She just woke up that morning with the nasty bruise on her arm.
Snapping out, she pulled her sleeve down to hide the horrible discoloration, her eyes stinging with unshed tears. Why was her father like that? Yeah, she admitted that her father never did pay her much attention before, even before her mother was alive. There was no closeness or bond between them ever since she was a little girl. But it suited her just fine. At least before, he didn't beat her. It was just that he treated her as if she didn't exist, ignored her most likely. But things started to change when her mother died. It was as if she had done something to anger her father so much. What it was, she had no clue.
She shook her head, refusing to cry. She forced such thoughts out of her head and started walking down the hall. She turned left and walked straight on until she reached the closed double doors of the office. Heaving a sigh and fixing an almost cheerful and smiling face, she raised her left arm, clutching the brass knob of the wooden door. She opened it and entered quietly. She was expecting Suoh's pissed remark when suddenly her eyes landed on the most surprising and unpredicted sight she had ever seen.
Standing by the window, their arms around each other were Akira and Utako, all alone. They were kissing, their lips locked in a most intimate manner that surprised her. It never did occur to her that Akira could do something like that. After all, he was so naïve and innocent at times. She swallowed hard as she found herself not knowing what to do or say. Apparently, the two were so engrossed in their lip-locking session that they hadn't heard her enter. She was about to back away slowly when suddenly Akira looked up, as if sensing another presence inside the room, his dark shining eyes landing on her.
"A—anou," Reina began, color rising to her cheeks. She looked down and decided not to say anything for fear of saying something wrong or embarrassing. It was humiliating enough that he saw her standing there as if watching them. Akira let go of Utako and managed to smile sheepishly at her, his cheeks already flushed, not knowing what to do or say as well. Utako reluctantly let her arms down and turned to the distraction. When she saw her standing there, her eyes wide with surprise, she smiled.
"Konnichiwa, Reina-chan," Utako greeted. Apparently, she was the only sensible person inside the room who decided to break the awkward silence by speaking up. "Long time, no see," she continued as if nothing bizarre happened. She walked towards Akira's desk and picked a single folder from the pile. Akira just stood there, still speechless.
"Uh— hai," Reina answered, stuttering a bit. She refused to look at Akira, still feeling embarrassed. She looked at Utako instead and was not really surprised to see her face glowing with unexplained happiness. Due to that, she became lovelier.
Utako was considered pretty even before during her kindergarten and elementary days but staying so in love with Akira brought her a radiance that nobody could even explain. Standing 5' and 5 inches with dark shining, shoulder-length hair and sparkling eyes, Okawa Utako was considered one of the most beautiful women in their own batch. Looking at her perfect, blemish-free skin, a normal but unexpected feeling of envy washed over her. An overwhelming insecurity coursed through her. But putting those aside and looking at them together, Reina couldn't help but think how well-suited they were for each other. Not just physically but emotionally as well. Utako had this "spunk" that was a complete and delightful match for Akira's sweet and oftentimes bashful disposition.
"I just came to pick this up," the other girl said, oblivious of the thoughts going on inside her head. She waved the folder of paperwork in the air to show her. Then walking towards Akira, she smiled and tipped her toes, giving him a light parting smack on his cheek. Akira's right arm automatically went around her small waist. "I'll see you later?"
"Yes," Akira managed to reply warmly. Reina could tell how reluctant Akira was letting her go.
Chuckling, Utako turned away from him and walked towards the door. She smiled at Reina, who was still standing near the doorway. "I'll see you too, Reina-chan," she said, winking. Reina just nodded and gave her one of her occasional smiles. Waving goodbye one last time to Akira, Utako opened the door and stepped outside leaving them alone.
Reina cleared her throat as another one of those uncomfortable silence dawned on them. "Anou," she began, walking towards her desk. She settled her book bag on top of her cluttered table. "Gomen."
Akira shook his head, "Daijobu, daijobu" he said, this time smiling. He walked towards his own desk and sat down, intending to finish his paperwork. It was a sign that the affair she had unwittingly seen a while ago should be erased and forgotten.
Reina nodded and sat down, decided to treat the matter as if it didn't happen. She was about to start sorting out the new pile of papers when suddenly, a black envelope caught her eyes. Frowning she picked it up. Reading it closely, she could tell that it was the invitation to the Junior's Ball. Confused, she looked at Akira who was now busy scribbling something on a sheet of paper.
"I never knew I'm invited," she began, holding the invitation up for him to see.
"Hmm?" Akira asked, turning to her. Then seeing the envelope dangling in the air, he nodded. "Oh yes, you're invited. All the members of the Student Council are to go of course. It's imperative," he replied, settling his eyes back on his paperwork. Reina was about say something again, when he looked up again. "Did I give you the correct envelope with your name on it by the way?" he asked.
"Yes," she replied, looking at the elaborate and exquisite writing on the back of the envelope, the silver ink making her name stand out quite strikingly against the jet black envelope. She decided to open it and upon doing so, a mild scent of roses and cherries wafted to her, teasing her senses.
"Oh good," the boy answered, bringing his eyes back on the paper. "I was so tired and busy that I hadn't had the time to double check the invitations."
"Why?" she asked.
"What do you mean by why?" Akira asked, not looking up.
"I mean why invite—" she stooped abruptly and placed the invitation on the desk. Oh what's the use, she thought. She wouldn't be going anyway. Even before working here, she never did have the chance to go and participate in their batch's balls and parties sponsored and organized by the Student Council. Now that she didn't want to but there were compelling forces that wouldn't just let her. One, she didn't have one decent dress or an elegant gown, as most of the ladies in her batch would call it, for lack of money. She couldn't afford to buy one. Two, she didn't like dressing up and three; nobody did ask her out anyway. She was afraid of being alone in a vast ballroom surrounded by her rich and sophisticated classmates who would undoubtedly bring their own respective dates. With those thoughts, she opened her drawer and shoved the envelope inside, determined not to take it out again.
A comfortable silence dawned on the two as they minded their own work. She was half-way through her papers when suddenly the door opened. Akira and Reina both looked up only to see Suoh walking inside carrying with him several stacks of what looked like picture albums. His eyes traveled from Akira to Reina and seeing her there so busy, he nodded as a sign of acknowledgement. Akira immediately stood up to help him.
"Have you called the caterer?" Suoh asked as Akira took half of the albums from him. He heaved a sigh as his burden lightened. He walked towards his own desk and placed the stack on it.
"Hai," replied Akira as he too placed his own stack on Suoh's desk. "They will be here the day before the ball, to set things up, I suppose." Frowning, he then turned to the stoic youth. "What are those anyway?" he asked, looking at the albums curiously.
"Cakes," was Suoh's only reply, taking his seat. He took one from the pile and began leafing through the pages. Seeing Akira's still confused expression, Suoh decided to elaborate further. "Apparently, the President decided to have a huge cake on the last minute. Now, I wonder how on earth we could get this cake just in time. I don't have the faintest idea on what design or flavor he would like," he continued, sighing tiredly.
Upon hearing that, Akira dragged his seat across from him and decided to help. He took one album and began leafing through the pages as well. "Knowing Kaichou, something elaborate and sweet will do fine," he answered, his eyes not leaving the cake pictures. "And tall! Really high ones," he exclaimed looking at a picture of a very elaborate, towering cake. "How about this?"
Suoh peered at the album he was holding. Then he shook his head. "That's a cake for weddings," he answered, going back to his own album. He was on his second album when he heard a soft voice beside him. He looked up only to see Reina approaching him with several papers in her hands.
"Ready for his signature," she said, handing them to Suoh.
Suoh nodded, taking the papers from her. "Domou," he murmured, placing them carelessly on top of his desk. "He won't be here till four so why don't you grab a seat choose as well?" he suggested.
Reina nodded. "Okay," she said as she dragged her seat towards his table. Taking her place between the two, she took one album and began flipping through the pages. She also took a pen and a paper and started writing the names and codes of the cakes she liked the most, ignoring yet again the pain in her arm.
"So," Akira began as he finished his second album, not liking a single one from the lot. "I assume you will be going with Reiko-chan?" he asked Suoh. Suoh merely nodded as his answer. "Typical of him," thought Akira who was so used to Suoh's clipped and curt answers. He turned to Reina. "How about you, Reina-chan? Who are you going with?" he asked cheerfully. This time, Suoh stopped momentarily. He looked at Reina as well, his curiosity getting the best out of him.
"I—" she stuttered. She shook her head. "I'm not going," she finally answered.
"Nani?" Akira asked, frowning at her. "Doushite, Reina-chan?" he asked. He couldn't really picture out someone not wanting to go to the ball considering that everywhere he looked and anywhere he went people were bursting with excitement at the mere mention of the Junior's Ball. This was the first time he heard someone openly telling them that she' won't go. And this coming from a female!
"Well, its just that—" Reina started thinking of a better and more convincing reason other than the three causes she was thinking of a while ago. This time Suoh brought his eyes to the album once again, seeming to lose interest. But what the two didn't know, his keen ears stayed fixedly on them. She took a deep breath. "I have to practice more," she finally replied.
"Practice more?" Akira echoed. "Isn't that what you've been doing this past couple of months?" he asked, frowning. "Surely you've been practicing enough." He couldn't help but feel disappointed. It would much more fun if Reina would be there. Although for a very short period of time, still Reina's presence made the Highschool Student Council complete. It just wouldn't be the same without her there.
"Well, its different now," she replied, smiling patiently. Akira could be a little stubborn if he wanted to. "And it's good news by the way." With that, Suoh looked up. Then bursting with happiness she told them about the recital, completely choosing to ignore the present dilemma that that recital brought.
Upon hearing that, Akira clapped enthusiastically. "Sugoi, Reina-chan!" he exclaimed. Reina, in spite of herself, laughed at Akira's excitement. "I'm so happy for you!" He gave her a pat on the back. Reina unconsciously winced at the touch. Unconsciously, her body began to move a little away from him, the smile slowly dying from her lips. Akira noted the subtle reaction but he decided to ignore it. "Your dreams are finally coming true. Gambatte ne, Reina-chan!"
"Arigato," said Reina simply. Her purple eyes unwillingly landed on Suoh. When there eyes met, Suoh did the polite thing to do. He nodded once, a flicker of a smile on his lips.
"Congratulations," he murmured rather warmly, which was quite a surprise to Akira. Could it be that the two were in good terms already?
"Arigato," Reina replied. Just then, the door opened. The three looked up only to see Nokoru, his book bag in hand, entering the office. Seeing the President, the three stood up. Akira was the first to speak.
"Konnichiwa, Kaichou," he greeted cheerfully. "How was the exam?" he asked although it was quite clear that Nokoru aced it again.
"Akira," Nokoru said simply, nodding at his direction. He looked at Suoh and Reina and flashed them a smile, as usual. He placed his bag inside one of his drawers and sat down before his desk, clearly ready to work. He looked at Reina who refused to meet his eyes. "Have you finished the new batch, Yamato-san?" he asked as Akira took a seat and started leafing through the album once more.
"Uh, h— hai," she replied, looking away. She felt like hitting herself. Why, in the name of God, would she always feel awkward every time Nokoru would look at her, ever time he was around? She just hated it! Reina was fully aware that it had something to do with what happened between the two of them inside the conservatory a month ago but still it was a long time ago, wasn't it? She took her seat once again as she decided to busy herself with the picture albums, her mind now floating somewhere else, oblivious to the groans of Nokoru's displeasure when Suoh handed him the newly sorted paperwork all ready for his review and signature.
Judging from how Nokoru handled the situation, Reina was sure that he had already forgotten about it. In fact, looking at him now, easily reading, signing and stamping papers while arguing a bit with Suoh, she surmised that he didn't even make a big deal out of it unlike her. Although she didn't see him inside the conservatory again after that, still Nokoru had been so at ease and comfortable around her as if nothing happened. It got her thinking as to why she would even feel awkward around him. With that, she vowed to rid herself of these disturbing feelings. It's not like she was beautiful to even make Nokoru give a rat's ass about her, right? And for goodness sake! It was a month ago!
"Uh— Reina-chan?"
She blinked, her thoughts interrupted. She looked up only to see Akira looking at her wonderingly and uncertainly. Her eyes traveled to Suoh and Nokoru and was surprised to see the two of them looking at her as well with the same wondering expression Akira had on his handsome face. She frowned questioningly. "Nani?" she asked, her eyes going back to Akira's once again.
"Kaichou just asked you a question," Akira replied, raising his eyebrows. With that, Reina turned to Nokoru expectantly.
Nokoru laughed. "Your head seems to be in the clouds lately, Yamato-san," he noted, a hint of amused laughter in his voice. "Tell me, who's the lucky guy? Will you be taking him to the ball?" he asked.
Reina shook her head and rolled her eyes. "I'm not even going," she replied.
"So I've heard," Nokoru answered as Akira took his seat. "And why, may I ask?"
"I know you know," she replied, smiling cynically at him. "You're the biggest busy body here, Imonoyama-kun, if you must know." With that, she went back to work.
"Indeed I don't really know," Nokoru denied. Of course he had an idea as to what the reason was. He just wanted it to come from her.
Reina looked up. "I don't have time to go partying especially now," she replied as Suoh took his usual seat beside her. "I was chosen to play for THE visit, if you know what I mean."
Nokoru leaned back against his leather chair, forgetting the paperwork for just a second. "Ah yes, THE visit," he murmured as he settled his fingers against his chin thoughtfully. Reina secretly wondered if Nokoru was deliberately trying to vex her. Then he turned to her. "Well I would say that I couldn't wait to see you perform."
This time, Reina frowned wonderingly at him. "What do you mean?" she asked.
Nokoru raised his eyebrows and gave her an I-don't-believe-you-don't-know look. "Well, of course the Imonoyama family will be there, down to the last child," he replied.
"His older brother is now the head of the clan," Suoh said helpfully. Reina turned to him then at Nokoru who was now grinning at her.
"Oh, sou ka," was all she could think of saying. She brought her head down and was about to continue working when Nokoru cleared his throat
"So what piece will you be playing?" Nokoru asked curiously. Then he leaned against his desk. "Will you be playing the piece you showed me a month ago?"
This time, she chuckled. "Goodness no! I haven't mastered it yet," she answered. "I will not be playing something new but it would be new to everybody's ears. I've chosen to play something I'm more familiar with," she continued.
"So desu ne," Nokoru murmured. He looked at her then after the brief pause, he spoke again. "Surely, that's not the reason why you wouldn't be able to go to the ball," he said looking expectantly at her. Reina brought her eyes back to him, her face emotionless.
"As a matter of fact, that's the reason why," she replied with a straight face. Nokoru, instead of answering, looked at her, just looked at her. Reina felt herself becoming uneasy with the look. It was as if Nokoru was trying to read her mind, studying her. He was looking straight at her, his blue eyes unblinking. With that, she turned away. "Surely you do understand why I need the time—"
"I will be there but I will be able to attend the ball," Nokoru said suddenly.
"I know but you're not the one who is going to give a performance," Reina countered back.
Akira and Suoh both looked up upon feeling the heated tension in the air. Akira looked at Reina then at Nokoru then back at Reina again. Seeing her purple eyes turning into a flashing shade of dark violet, he looked at Suoh and silently implored for his help. Suoh, although disturbed, decided not to take in any part of it. He shook his head and continued on with his work.
"What does that have to do with your going to the ball?"
"I have to practice so as not to fall flat on my face on stage."
"You just told me that you'll be playing something you're very familiar with. Why need more practice then?"
At that, Reina found herself shutting up. She looked at Nokoru darkly, not knowing the proper retort to that statement. Instead, she looked away. "Why should you care if I go to the ball or not anyway?" she asked heatedly.
"Oh don't get me wrong, Yamato-san," Nokoru replied, his voice still cool and unaffected. "It's not me who cares but someone, someone who was dying to go out with you and—"
"That's it!" Reina declared standing up. How could Nokoru be so cruel? Everybody perfectly knew that nobody would even think of asking her out. She was a pimple factory and unpopular to boot. How could he even say something like that? Was he being deliberate? With that, she strongly wished she could retreat to the conservatory. It was just bad timing that she was not scheduled to use it today. Instead, she looked at Akira and finding no escape, she decided to create a diversion. "I'll help you with tea, Akira-kun," she began instead, her voice surprisingly bossy and forceful. "It's already four-thirty."
Seeing the look Reina gave him, Akira could do nothing but give in. "H— hai," he stuttered standing up. Reina nodded and together, they made their way towards the tiny refreshment table where Akira kept the delicate cups and saucers and teapots in an orderly manner.
Nokoru followed her with his eyes and he knew he had hit a delicate nerve. He sighed, his eyes traveling heavenwards. He knew he was being mean, taking advantage of her insecurity, and now he felt sorry for it. He stood up and walked towards them. Reaching Reina, he lightly placed his hand on top of her left shoulder and was about to apologize when suddenly Reina gave a surprised yelp. Before Nokoru could react, he saw her right sleeve already drenched with the water, her skirt having those little splotches of liquid on them. Apparently, she was carrying the pot full of warm water when she felt something 'alien' against her shoulders.
Then the pain sipped in. The teapot accidentally landed on her bruised arm before it tumbled on the floor with a loud cluttering noise, creating a puddle of water. Akira jumped out of the way as Reina bent down with the pain, her left hand clutching her right arm.
"What's that?" Suoh asked, standing abruptly. He hurriedly made his way to the three. "What was that noise?"
"Oh my God, I'm sorry," Nokoru gasped. Reina shut her eyes as the she willed the pain to ebb away. "What happened to your arm? Let me see," he asked frantically. He was afraid that the water was too hot that it burned her skin. Without thinking, he pulled her right arm to his, resulting to another cry of pain from her.
"Ittai!" Reina hissed and before she could do anything Nokoru was already carefully lifting the wet sleeve off of her arm only to reveal the ugly discoloration on it. He looked at her wonderingly. "Reina—"
"What's that?" Akira asked, looking at the nasty bruise. "Where did you get that?"
"Can't you see it's a bruise," she snapped, her emotional defenses shooting up, barricading her vulnerability. She forcefully took her arm away from his touch. "I'm fine, it's nothing."
This time Akira decided to be unyielding." What do you mean by it's nothing?" he asked, annoyed and concerned at the same time. "Look at it, its swollen!" he exclaimed stubbornly. The tone of his voice caught Reina by surprise.
"I know! I'm not blind," she retorted crossly. "And I'm not deaf either!"
"Where did you get that?" Suoh asked, taking her arm gently from Nokoru's hand. He brought his face close to it, examining the awful discoloration. Reina, this time, decided to submit meekly. Being defensive at this time would just raise questions.
"It was an accident at home," replied Reina. "I was cleaning the drawer yesterday when everything fell on me, hitting my arm the most," she lied.
Nokoru straightened up. "You should've told us about this earlier," he said. "Look, it's already swollen. For crying out loud Reina, you're a pianist! You should be more careful when it comes to that particular part of your anatomy," he said, sarcasm dripping from his lips. He couldn't help being sarcastic. After the mixed emotions of guilt, worry and fear and concern, the only outlet for him is to be sarcastic. When Reina gave him a daggered look, he sighed. "I'm sorry that was uncalled for," he said softly. Then turning to Akira he said, "Take her to the doctor's office, Akira. I think that it would already require medical attention. Looking at it, a simple hot compress won't do good anymore."
Akira didn't need to be told twice. Taking the now uncomplaining Reina gently by the shoulder, his right hand cradling her injured arm, he led her to the door. When the two already left, Nokoru turned to Suoh and he could tell that something's going on inside the ninja's head. Gingerly, he picked the empty teapot up and placed it on the table.
"What are you thinking?" he finally asked Suoh.
"That bruise," he replied thoughtfully. He turned to Nokoru's awaiting expression. "It's too swollen to be caused by her so-called accident."
"What do you mean?" Nokoru asked frowning.
Suoh shook his head. "You don't get that kind of discoloration by merely having things dropped on your arm like what she told us," he replied.
"Where do you get those then?" the blond asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Well, based on my experience, I often get those when something goes wrong in my Judo classes," Suoh indirectly replied. "You do of course know what I mean?" he asked looking at Nokoru expectantly. Then without waiting for an answer, he turned around and made his way towards his desk.
"I see," Nokoru murmured, looking at the closed door. A nagging feeling settled deep in the pit of his stomach. Could it be— he frowned. "Masaka," he thought, shaking his head.
"So is it true then?" Suoh asked. Nokoru blinked, his thoughts interrupted. He turned to Suoh, their tea already forgotten.
"True about what?" he asked, returning back to his own desk. He sat on his chair but was not eager to start working again.
"That someone wants to ask her out," Suoh continued. With that, Nokoru grinned at him. Since when did the aloof Suoh care about someone else's love life other than his and Reiko-chan's? Suoh noted the meaning of Nokoru's knowing grin. He turned away quite disgustedly. "Well considering that this is the first time you snapped and sarcastically answered a lady," he countered back. When Nokoru gave him a wordless but flabbergasted look, it was his turn to grin at him knowingly. "Normally, Kaichou, you have the patience of a saint especially on a damsel. So what brought you to suddenly snap at her like that?" Then his raised his eyebrows, waiting for Nokoru's 'excuse'.
"Well, you heard her answers," Nokoru replied, looking away. "Who wouldn't even snap at those answers?" But then, Suoh was right. It was not his habit to snap at girls like that, no matter how bitchy they could get once in a while. Not arriving to any concrete answers to that, he decided to change the subject. "And yes, there's someone who was about to ask her out. Do you know Takana Kisho?"
"Yes, who wouldn't?" Suoh asked. Takana Kisho was one of the best traditional Japanese drum players Clamp had. Thinking about it, he could somehow understand his interest on Reina considering that both of them are musicians, both renowned on their chosen fields.
"It would be a disappointment for Takana-kun," Nokoru said with pity. Actually, Nokoru had this certain feeling as to what was stopping Reina from attending the ball. He decided to keep the matter to himself. It wouldn't do any good if he told Suoh and Akira about his hunches. After all, they were just hunches anyway. He looked at Suoh. "That woman has some security issues," he said after a moment. Suoh decided to be silent about the matter. Then seconds later, when Nokoru was about to bury his head in his paperwork, Suoh spoke.
"Why on earth send Akira with her?" he murmured to no one in particular as he got another album from the pile on his desk. "He was helping me finish this," he continued, looking at the extra work in store for him. He heaved a tired sigh.
In an answer to that, Nokoru just leaned against his soft leather chair, his face growing thoughtful. Actually, he was about to volunteer to bring her to the doctor's office himself but sending Akira instead was done on impulse. He knew Suoh wouldn't be pleased by that decision. He shook his head, snorting softly. Since when did he give a care about Suoh's temper when it comes to doing his work? He was used to it, right?
Honestly, the reason why he decided to send Akira with her was because of her uniform.
Her faded, short and out-grown second-hand skirt was just too distracting.
~*~*~*~*~*~*
It was already six in the evening when the doctor finally decided to let Reina go. Akira was kind enough to stay with her while the doctor carefully put ointment and bandaged her swollen arm. It took quite a while because the doctor, for some reason, decided to play a stupid question and answer game with her by asking her from time and time again how she got the bruise. Reina had a feeling that the doctor didn't buy her story about the drawer. Akira, although doubtful as well, decided to remain quiet and passive about the matter.
And now here she was, walking all alone towards the office. Giving her an apologetic smile, Akira told her that he was to see Utako, Reina dismissed him with a wave of her hand, saying how silly he was apologizing to her. Then waving goodbye to him, Reina made her way alone, determined to just get her things and not speak to Nokoru and Suoh about this. She was tired and she just wanted to get home as quickly as possible. She wanted to be asleep when her father arrives.
Seconds later, she reached the enormous doors. She opened it with her left arm and entered quietly. Nobody was in sight. A relieved sigh escaped her lips upon realizing that Nokoru and Suoh vacated the premises already. She marched straight to her desk and was about to bend over to get her book bag from her lower drawer when suddenly something caught her eyes. Stopping midway, she straightened up only to see a box on top of her cluttered desk. Frowning, she took it with her good arm and opened it slowly.
Her eyes widened. Inside was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen. She could've sworn it was a long dress with a flowing skirt by just merely looking at it. Her eyes shown as she let her fingers caress the smooth fabric. The top was a simple corset followed surely by a long, elegant skirt. She couldn't help but think that the dress was made for her since its dark blue hue would really do wonders complimenting her purple eyes. And the material! It was made with a mouth-watering silk that was so fine and soft to the touch. Who would even— she looked to her left and as if an answer to her question, she found a note sitting idly under her paper weight. Frowning, she picked it up and opened it. Against the light, she descried Nokoru's neat handwriting against the paper.
"I'm sure my sister wouldn't mind lending this dress to a very talented lady. Please don't disappoint her."
She frowned and hurriedly closed the box. So he was able to find out my reasons, she thought. Taking the box with her, she gathered her things and left the office.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Nokoru entered the office the next morning. It was two days before the ball and he was on high spirits. The food would be great, the music too and the venue, the cake, everything was prepared right on time… he could really say that the Student Council outdid themselves again. He whistled a happy tune as he made his way to the office, the first place that he would always go to every morning. He opened the door only to find nobody there. He shrugged. He was early anyway. He made his way to his desk and was about to place his things inside his drawers when something unexpected greeted his eyes.
Sitting on top of his desk quite idly was a most familiar box he had ever seen. Looking closely, he was able to determine that this was the box containing the dress of her sister. He frowned as he found a folded note laying on top it. Gingerly, he reached for it and opened it.
"Please tell your sister I'm sorry. It's a beautiful dress but I won't be needing it, thank you."
The letter was in Reina's handwriting.
Shaking his head with disbelief, Nokoru sat down on his chair. He placed the unfolded note on top of his desk and found himself just staring at it, not knowing what to make of it. For the first time in his life, he was turned down, turned down in a sense that for the first time in his life, a lady refused his help and threw his kindness at him.
It was like a slap in the face.
With the confusion, came the anger. Unconsciously, her action hurt his pride and his ego. He wanted to wring her stubborn pride till she admitted that she clearly needed help. His help. With that, Nokoru did something he never did in his life. Crumpling the note in his hand, he threw it into his waste basket and shoved the box inside his drawer quite gruffly, swearing something vile to himself.
End of Part IV
Author's notes: Is it me or is it just that the chapters are getting longer and longer? ^_^ Anyway, I'm sorry for the long chapter… again after re-reading it, gomen if Nokoru seemed to be a little off here… well, I was just thinking that he's just human… ::shrugs::
It seemed a little boring, I admit it, but I promise there will be the twists at the next or later chapters.
Domou minna! Please review!