Chapter 4 World Cultural Fair

"And so the day finally comes." Aki commented as he stood next to his twin sister as they both viewed the work they had achieved. Aya was a little taken aback with the sudden comment. Her brother was silent as they walked to school that day and hadn't mentioned anything about the fair so she was shocked when he finally said something. She opted not to show him this. "Excited, brother?" She finally replied.

Aki smiled and replied, "Of course! Finally, I'm through with the work my twin sister forced me into. I want to see what my hard work has brought us. If it wasn't for me, you wouldn't have finished this on time." He liked to tease her because he really didn't want anything to do with the project in the first place. "Baka!" Aya commented as she slapped Aki's shoulder as hard as she could. Aki almost stumbled forward. "Hey!" Aki expressed. Aya just crossed her arms and replied, "How should I have known that you didn't want to help? And besides, hard work? That wasn't even 'hard'. I was the one who went to see that guy and looked at their art exhibit for the fair. I was even the one who dragged you to a museum to at least spark an idea. Not to mention, I had to kick your butt every now and then just to get you to work."

Aki grinned and responded, "You're over exaggerating it. For one, you may have pushed me a couple of times to get a move on but I did stuff as much as you. You were just too busy to notice. Besides, even if I didn't like the idea, it doesn't mean I didn't want to help." Aya just let out a breath and intertwined her arm with her brother's and started to drag him inside. "Haya! Let's get going! We'll be late for the opening ceremony." Aya said as they went along. Aki just shook his head and allowed himself to be dragged along to the main hall for the opening ceremony.

But they had indeed made a wonderful job. Together with other representatives of the different classes and batches, they were able to come up with a magnificent display of art, culture and variety of the different histories of the world. It wasn't like it wasn't to b expected of them but it was the first time they ever did such a thing and at first glance, it could be said that they have indeed succeeded.

Students, teachers, staff and guests gathered at the main hall where a big stage was put up with all the necessary sound systems for the opening ceremony. Different flags were also put up around the school. The different classrooms had their own motif depending on the country that was assigned to them.

After the opening speech of the school director, it was the start of the festivities. Students then rushed back to their classrooms and quickly changed into different costumes of their countries and started opening their doors to accommodate visitors from different classes, schools, teachers and even parents.

The visitors felt that they had entered another world, a miniature world. Aya, Aki and the others had painted wonderful backgrounds and backdrops and hung them at the corridors leading to the different rooms of the different floors and buildings of the school campus.

Aya and Aki walked and for the first time really got the time to appreciate the hard work that they and the other students had done. As they walked, they met up with a few of their friends.

"I've never seen this many people before in our school fairs. I'd say this is a 'big' success. Literally!" One commented. "What are you saying? The day is just beginning and who knows what are still yet to come?" Aki replied. "He's right you know. This is the first time this school has held a World Cultural Fair so I guess people just got curious. Who knows? Maybe when the school held its very first fair, there were as many people as there are now." Aya said.

"Yeah well anyway, where do you guys want to go? I hear the grade 7 class made a very spooky haunted castle? You guys want to check that out?" Another said. When they all agreed to go, they headed to the gym where the grade 7 class had made the haunted castle. Romania was the country assigned to them. This was the country where the myth about Dracula started so they decided to make it an attraction. When you first enter, it was really spooky but once you go further, you can see the changes.

The class really out done itself. They were really able to replicate the amazing scenery and culture that Romania has. They were able to show how the country came to be and how it was doing at the present. Everything about Romania was there to be seen. Before long, the group decided to see what the other classes had put up. But Aya excused herself, saying that she would like to look around herself to make sure that everything was in order.

As she went along, she thought she saw Toya. She then decided to make sure. Toya was by himself, silently looking at what was done to the school. He was deep in his thoughts that he didn't exactly notice Aya coming beside him. "So, you like what we did?" Aya suddenly said. Toya, brought back to reality, just looked at her. "It's not exactly what we expected to turn out but we gave it a shot and gave our best." She just added.

"I can hardly call this amazing." He commented. Aya just looked at him and said, "Oh arrogant are we? Ok...still want to live in a life of hypocrisy well that's your problem. I now know why your work, even if it's beautiful, has no life. You could never create something with a heart if you're so conceited." Aya then turned to leave. "How can you say this work of yours has what you call heart?" Toya then said. Aya stopped in her tracts, not turning around, replied, "There are things you cannot see with your eyes alone. True art does not need explanations." She then left.

Toya then followed her and grabbed her arm. "Can we talk?" He quickly said. Aya looked a little shocked at his quickness. As Toya let her arm go, Aya thought about it. "It depends. What do you want to talk about?" She said, not sure whether to give him the chance. "I want to know what you mean." He just said. Aya looked at him. He seemed to be determined. "The answer you are looking for is not with me but within yourself." Aya just answered.

As she turned away again, Toya then said, "No...if I did...I wouldn't be asking you, would I?" "That's the first thing you should change, you know...your attitude. Come back when you know what I mean by that. By then, maybe we could already talk." Aya said before going away. She didn't stop walking or even turned back. She just wanted to get away from him. So she quickly looked for her brother and the others.

As Toya watched her go, he told himself, "How...how could she see right pass through me? No one has ever done that...how could she?" It has been years since his mother died and his father had forced him to work and work on his paintings. He had also forced him to forget his mother in order for him to create wonderful depictions of images of the different worlds. No one knew him because he had withdrawn himself from the world for so long. He had completely reinvented himself.

Aya, on the other hand, kept to her thoughts after a while. She didn't mind any more about looking for the others. She just entertained thoughts in her mind as she went along. "What's up with that guy? What's his name again? Oh yeah...Toya...how can such a great painter end up heartless? The nerve of that guy call all our hard work less than amazing. We may not be as talented as he but at least we gave it everything we had and we poured every ounce of ourselves for it. He'll never get that as long as he insists on being a bone-head."

"Aya!" Someone suddenly called. It was Aki. He was already standing in front of her. Aya was startled and looked up. When she saw Aki, he said, "Hey what's wrong with you? I've been calling you for quite some time but you act as if you're deaf." "Sorry. I was just thinking about some things." Aya just replied. She was in no mood explaining to her twin about her encounter with Toya.

"So what are you thinking about? It must be something because it got you to think about it." Aki said. "Baka! Why do you always have to be such an airhead? I can't believe I have a brother like you!" Aya just replied. Aki couldn't help himself but laugh. "Come on...really...what were you thinking?" Aki then said. "Just forget it. It's none of your business anyway." Aya just said, waving the subject away.

Aki then got serious. He knew that it was bothering Aya for some reason. "Come on, sis. I may be an 'air head' but I'm still your brother...not to mention your twin...I know when something is bothering you. Why don't you tell me? It helps to talk, you know." He persisted. Aya then let out a breath. She then answered, "The almighty Aki finally admitted that he's an air head. But really, I don't want to talk about it because it's something not worth wasting time on." "Not worth wasting time on? Aya, you already got lost in that head of yours. You can't even hear me. Now what the problem?"

"Fine, fine. I just can't understand why someone so talented be so heartless? He's an amazing painter-""He? Now it gets interesting...go on..." Aki said, cutting Aya off. "What are you thinking?" "Nothing." "Aki, this has nothing to do with the feelings you're thinking about. Do you really want to listen or are you more interested in getting some scoop to tease me?" "Ok, ok...I'm sorry...go on, sis."

Aya then told him all about what had happened when they visited Toya's school and what had happened earlier. "That bone-head!" Aki exclaimed after Aya finished relating everything. "Tell me about it..." Aya just replied. "Wait! We're worrying about this because...? You didn't offer to help him did you?" Aya just smiled. "Aya! What were you thinking?" "I know, I know." "I know I tease you a lot and stuff but I don't want you to get involved with a guy like that." "Who said I'm really getting involved with him? Besides, I didn't exactly offer to help him I mean...tell me, how in the world could you help a guy like that?"

"You've got a point." "Of course I've got a point...I'm living with one now." Aya teased. "Not funny Aya." "Sorry, sorry...why are you so serious all of a sudden anyway?" "Just because..." "Because?" "Because..." "Anyway, let's just drop the subject and get going. Let's buy some food. I'm hungry." Aya said, finally changing the subject. Aki then realized how hungry he was. "Good idea. Let's check out Italy. I passed their booth a while ago and their pasta looked really good." Aki then said. "Sound good to me. Who's buying?" "You are of course." Some brother you turned out to be." "What would you have done without me?" Aki just replied. "Whatever..." Aya said under her breath.

During lunch, a friend of theirs joined them. "Hey Yuhi! Where have you been? We haven't seen you all day." Aya said. Yuhi just let out a sigh. "How could you? I've been cooking the entire time. I'm glad my shift is over. So what's good to eat? I'm craving for something I don't cook at home and at school." Yuhi then said. As Aki took another bite at his pasta, he said, "Why don't you try Mexico or Vietnam or China or Italy or India. Dude, there are a lot of countries to choose from. I'm sure they're all good if you're looking for something away from home." "I guess you're right. Be right back." Yuhi answered as he went to buy.

"Was that Yuhi?" Chidori said as she came back with tacos in her hand. Aya and Aki just nodded. "About time he showed up..." Chidori said as she sat down beside Aya. "So Aya I heard from some people that you were this very cute guy earlier today?" Chidori said as she took a bite. Aya almost chocked. "Try obnoxious..." Aki then commented. "Oh so you know...why don't you guys tell me? Come on." Chidori persisted.

"I'd rather not talk about it." Aya then said before taking another bite. "Come on Aya. I want to know too. I've been hearing a lot of things too. I think it better if we ask it straight from you because news like this spreads fast, you know." Yuhi said, coming back.

"Let them talk." Aki said. "Yeah, let them talk. Me, I'd really prefer not talking about it. He's a little...arrogant, conceited, hypocrite, and talented all at the same time. There...satisfied?" Aya added. "But he's cute...right?" Chidori asked. "Yeah I guess if you like the mysterious type." Aya replied. "Don't tell me you're interested on him now?" Aki said. "Oh that's cute my brother's jealous."

"Funny." "Oh is it? I'm not interested if that's what you're asking. Oh and just for the record, my love life is none of your business just like yours is not mine." Aya replied. "Just don't come to me crying if you get hurt. I already warned you about him." Aki just said. "Aki I'm not getting married or getting into a relationship. Lighten up will you." Aya replied. Yuhi and Chidori just laughed at them.

"Ha! I don't know why I'm getting all worked up with you. However falls in love with someone like you sure needs to get his head checked." Aki just said. "Hey! I don't see you courting yourself. Maybe it's good that way because it will spare you the humiliation when a girl dumps you." Aya just replied.

"Ouch...I'm hurt..." Aki just answered. Aya just shook her head. "Boy, it's enjoyable watching these two, don't you think, Chidori?" Yuhi suddenly commented. Chidori just giggled. Suddenly a student came up to them. "Sorry to bother you but Aya, someone asked me to give this to you." She said as she handed a letter to Aya. Aya was a little hesitant. "Um, thanks." She finally said when she got the letter.

Aya just looked at the letter for a moment. She didn't know whether she should open it or not. Aki then looked over her shoulder and said, "Why don't you open it? Letters are supposed to be opened to be read. It won't tell you what's written you know." "Duh? I know that...mind your own business will you?" Aya just said as she put the letter on her pocket.

"Well, I guess we better get back you guys." Chidori said as she stood. The others just followed. "So, aren't you going to open it?" Chidori whispered to Aya when they were walking back towards the building. "Huh?" Aya just said. "Well, aren't you going to open it?" Chidori persisted. Aya just took the letter out of her pocket and looked at it. She then opened it.

It read:

Aya,
I thought about what you said. You know you're the first to have
seen it. I'm leaving you my number. Text or call me anytime. I'm
sorry for the way I've treated you. Thank you.

Toya
1816-8456795

At first, Aya just stared at the letter. Chidori just smiled beside Aya. "Now tell me you don't like him...it sure looks that he likes you...look he left you his number. Mr. Mysterious is making a move." Chidori commented. Aya just blushed which made Chidori giggle. Aki and Yuhi then noticed and turned back to see what's going on. Aya then quickly replaced the letter back into her pocket.

"What's going on? Did we miss something?" Aki asked as he and Yuhi walked towards them. "Nothing...nothing..." Aya replied. Chidori just continued to giggle. "Oh!" Yuhi said as he stepped towards Aya and looked at her close in the face. Aya blushed some more. "What?!" Aya said. "It sure doesn't look like it's nothing." He replied. Aya then pushed Yuhi backwards.

"Boys are so annoying. Come on Chidori." Aya said as she walked along. Chidori just followed laughing. "What's with her?" Yuhi said. "Well, if you weren't so annoying as coming too close to her face maybe we would have found out?" Aki replied. He then slapped Yuhi at the back. "Now it's my fault?" Yuhi then said. "Quit it Yuhi. Something is up. I've never seen my sister blush like that." Aki just said as he glanced over to Aya as she walked away.

"You mean I have a chance? Ah! What a dream come true?" Yuhi just said. "In your dreams man. My sister wouldn't go for you." Aki replied. Yuhi's face fell. "Aya's right you know. You are mean." "And I told you to quit it." "Ok, ok...I guess the over protective brother is on the job huh?" "I'm just going to make sure that she's not going to be hurt. I've seen her hurt once and I'd vowed that I won't allow that to happen again." Aya just said. He then started to follow Aya's path.

Yuhi then got serious. He could remember the time when Aya almost fell in love and got really hurt when she found out that the only reason why the guy courted her was because he and a friend of his had made a bet. The bet was to make her fall in love with him and then later court another girl and dump her. Aya cried in secret for days. Yuhi knew that Aki saw all these and had vowed to protect her. So he understood why Aki was acting the way he was.

He then started to follow. He had caught up with Aki. "You know you should let her fight her own battles. What if you're not there one day, she won't be able face it." Yuhi commented. Aki just looked at him and said, "I know that. I just can't help it." Yuhi just grinned. "That's understandable Aki. With a sister as pretty as her, stuff like that are always trouble." He said. "You've got that right. But if you ever tell her that I said that, I'll completely deny it. Got that?" "Loud and clear. Besides, I've got a sister-in-law. She's like a real sister to me. I won't admit stuff like that as openly just like you."

"Aya is a tough girl and I'm sure you know that. I'm sure she won't fall that easily the second time around." Aki said. "But just in case she does, I'll be there." He added. Yuhi just grinned. "I'm sure that's the same with her too when it comes to you. The only problem is that you two just don't like to admit it." Yuhi then said. Aki then grinned and said nothing.

(To be continued...)

Sorry for the late update. A lot of things happened so I wasn't able to write and update. Anyway, I've finished the fic but I won't update unless I read your reviews first. (of course I'd like to know what you think first) I really appreciate all the reviews that you guys had sent in for the last chapters. I hope that you enjoy this chapter just as much. If there are any errors, grammatic or typographical, please just excuse them. Hey I'm no perfect writer and would still have a lot of room for improvement so just please bear with me. Thank you so much!

Michiko