Chapter Seven: Changes and Feelings
At the table the next morning the guys lined up once again. Kakeru now had a small box of red roses. Yuki and Nao stood by watching the whole process.
"Okay boys" Kakeru replied, "Each of you take a rose. The roses are for your dates. You have to by the end of the day reveal the lucky girl."
Each of the boys took a rose excitedly. Some of them went up to the girls that had been on their slip. Others decided to wait. Kyo was one of the ones who merely shrugged, gave Yuki a dirty look and walked into the school towards his locker.
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The whole school buzzed with excitement during the day as the many boys held their roses out to the surprised and elated girls. The Prince Yuki Fan Club were some of the first approached. One of Kyo's friends came up to Hana around lunchtime. His short dark hair was shining in the sun.
"Saki Hanajima today's your lucky day" he replied.
"Why's that?" she asked stunned as she sat next to Tohru and Uo.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he said holding up the rose.
"I suppose" she nodded taking the rose in the process.
"Great. I'll pick you up Saturday" he winked as he walked away.
"Wow Hana. You got your date" Uo replied.
"Yea" Hana agreed.
"Congratulations" Tohru said with a smile.
*******************************************************
After lunch Kyo was strolling on the grounds with his hands in his pockets. Uo was outside sweeping up since it was her turn. Kyo walked up to her.
"Hey Orange top" she replied, "So who's name did you pick out of the box."
"That's none of your damn business" he huffed.
He felt around in his pocket. The rose was nestled at the bottom. He fingered it a bit and was about to say something else when another student approached them.
"Arisa Uotani" the boy replied.
"Yes?" she said curiously.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he held up the rose.
"Oh. Uh sure" she said taking the rose.
The boy smiled nervously took one glance at Kyo's frown then took off running.
"That's funny" Uo replied, "For a moment there I thought you were the one who was going to give me the rose."
"Yea right" Kyo grumbled stuffing his hands in his pockets once more and trudging away.
********************************************************
Before classes began that afternoon Momiji and Hatsuharu were at their lockers exchanging their books. Kakeru Manabe walked over.
"Which one of you is Hatsuharu Sohma?" he asked.
"That's me" Haru replied.
"Great. Listen do you think that you can come by the Student Council office this afternoon? I have a favor to ask."
"Sure" Haru nodded.
"Thanks! See you later" Kakeru replied taking off.
"What was that all about I wonder?" Momiji said.
"I don't know" Hatsuharu replied.
**********************************************************
Nao and Kakeru walked down the halls, Nao with a notepad in hand.
"So Shorty. How many more do we have to go?" Kakeru asked.
"It looks like Kyo Sohma is the only one who hasn't told her yet. And don't call me Shorty."
"But you are short. It's a compliment."
"That doesn't matter!" Nao shouted.
"All right. I'll handle Sohma since he's in my class. I'll talk to him before he takes off" Kakeru replied.
*********************************************************
When the last bell rang Kakeru confronted Kyo at his locker.
"Kyo Sohma."
"Yea?" Kyo eyed the boy suspiciously.
"We have it under confirmation that you have yet to tell the girl you're taking to the dance that she's your date."
"Uh" Kyo's face turned red as some of the students listened in.
"So. I'm here to make sure you do it."
"But" Kyo stuttered.
"Now now. Don't be shy. Everyone is leaving now. You can go tell her. Go on."
"Okay. Fine!" Kyo snapped, "I'm going already."
He snatched the rose out of his locker, grabbed his backpack, and stomped into the hall. At the end everyone was leaving the building. Tohru was saying goodbye to Uo and Hana. Kyo walked up and pulled the somewhat crushed rose from his pocket.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he spat out to a stunned Tohru.
"Huh?" she replied.
"I'm sorry about this" he said through gritted teeth, "Here" he handed her the rose.
"Well how about that" Uo replied, "So Tohru is your date?"
Kyo nodded and grabbed her hand, his face completely red.
"Come on. Let's go home," he said in a hurry pulling her out the door.
"Oh okay" she replied.
Kakeru walked over to Yuki who had just seen the whole thing.
"Well that's the last one" Kakeru grinned, "Now all you have to do is find a date for yourself."
"Yea" Yuki nodded sadly as he watched Kyo and Tohru depart the school grounds.
******************************************************
Yuki walked back to the Student Council office with Kakeru and found Machi still there.
"Miss Kuragi. You can go home now" Yuki replied.
"Oh no she can't" Kakeru spoke up, "President Takei wants her to clean out the office. You know the mess she made?"
"Uh. I guess that means we'll both be staying late," Yuki said.
"Guess so. See you guys tomorrow" Kakeru replied with a smile as he left the office.
"Can I help you with anything Miss Kuragi?" Yuki asked her as she pulled some files out of the cabinet, that she was placing in new folders.
"No thanks. I can handle it," she replied with her back turned.
"Okay" Yuki said as he sat back at his desk.
He sighed, picked up his ballpoint, and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"This is going to be a long night," he thought.
********************************************************
On the way home Kyo walked ahead while Tohru walked behind as always. He stopped for a moment and turned to her.
"Listen um. This isn't my idea you know" he replied, "It's just the way things turned out. I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" she said.
"Huh?"
"I mean isn't this a good thing? Now you won't have to worry about some girl bumping in to you. Because I already know about your secret."
"Uh. I guess that's true, but I mean I thought that."
"What?"
"Never mind" Kyo sighed, "Let's go home. Where's the damn rat anyway."
"I think he's working really late tonight. I have to hurry any way. I got work."
"Oh yea" Kyo replied with a nod.
*********************************************************
The clock went off. Yuki looked up and noticed that it was now eight o'clock.
"Miss Kuragi. It's getting real late. We should call it a day" he called out.
She came out of the files room and nodded.
"You're right and I'm finished anyway. See you tomorrow Mr. President."
She picked up her bag and headed towards the door. Yuki watched her for a moment as she exited then stood up from his chair and ran after her.
"Miss Kuragi!"
She turned around.
"It's awful dark out there" Yuki replied, "Please allow me to escort you home."
"That's not necessary," she said.
"I insist. It's not safe walking on your own."
"Very well."
"Let me just grab my backpack" Yuki said running back into the office.
A few minutes later the two of them said goodnight to the janitor and were on their way down the street. The streetlights had just turned on and the moon was almost in the center of the sky. They were quiet most of the way. Machi was ahead keeping her eyes front. There were not many people on the street that night. Yuki suddenly stopped.
"Miss Kuragi!"
She stopped walking.
"I have to ask. Do you really think that I'm not like a prince?"
She turned to him and looked at him with a serious look.
"Yes. I meant what I said."
"What makes you think that?"
"Well for starters, you're too perfect. It's obvious to anyone with eyes that you conceal much about yourself Yuki Sohma."
He looked at her in surprise as she continued.
"It's almost as if you play at it because you're afraid for the world to see the real you. A real prince wouldn't hide things. That's just my opinion."
She began walking and Yuki followed her.
"And what about you Miss Kuragi? You don't reveal much about yourself either? What does that make you?"
"I choose not to. Does it bother you that I don't worship you like all the others? That I'm not one of those fan club girls who hangs onto your every word?"
"Actually" Yuki replied, "I find it refreshing. You have no idea what is like to be admired all the time. It gets very demanding, time consuming, and not only that but it's lonely too."
"Lonely? You have all those friends. How can that be lonely?"
"It just is. You see no one sees me for me. Only one person does. And now apparently two do."
"Hmm?"
"Miss Kuragi, tell me has any one asked you to the dance yet?"
"No. I'm a first year."
"I know that. But everyone in the cabinet is going. Even Nao was invited by one of President Takei's people. So it seems fair that you go to."
"Are you asking me to the dance?" she looked at him confused as she stopped in front of a house on the corner.
Yuki pulled his backpack off and pulled a small rose out of it.
"There was one left" he explained, "Miss Machi Kuragi it would give me great pleasure if you would accompany me to the dance this Saturday" he held up the rose.
"You're only inviting me because I'm the only one not going" she said bewildered.
"No" he shook his head, "I'm inviting you because I want to. Will you?"
"This is my stop" she replied pointing the door.
"Oh" he said in disappointment.
She walked up to the door and then stopped. Then she turned around, walked back down to the sidewalk and gently took the rose from Yuki's hand.
"Okay. I'll go with you" she nodded running back up to the door.
He watched then smiled briefly.
"Good night Miss Kuragi" he replied as he turned to head home.
"Good night Prince Yuki Sohma" she said with a smile.
Then she walked inside leaving Yuki speechless and a little pink. He shook it off then began to walk home.
"I think," he thought, "That is the first time I've ever seen her smile."
********************************************************
When Yuki arrived home he found Shigure in the sitting room reading the paper.
"Oh Yuki you're back. Late night?"
"Where's Miss Honda?" Yuki asked.
"Tohru's at work" Shigure answered.
"Is Kyo going to get her?" Yuki said angrily, "I mean he is her date."
"Oh you don't say. No I don't think so. Ever since he got home Kyo shut himself up in his room. Of course that could have something to do with my teasing. Any way. Are you gonna get her Yuki?"
"I suppose I'll have to" Yuki replied walking to the stairs.
*********************************************************
"Goodnight. See you next time" Tohru replied.
She walked down the street and spotted Yuki coming her way.
"Yuki? Didn't you have to work late tonight?" she asked as she came over.
"I finished early. You ready to go home?" he replied.
"Mhm."
They walked in silence. Tohru watched Yuki as they walked and smiled.
"So. You excited about the dance?"
"Hmm? I guess so. It is a bit of an awkward thing for a Sohma to go through though."
"Yea" she agreed.
"I uh, heard you and Kyo are going together."
"Um yea. He pulled my name from the box. Which is a good thing."
He turned to her in confusion.
"A good thing?"
"Yea. Now he won't transform in front of anyone right?"
"I suppose that's true. But still."
"What's wrong Yuki? You're not upset that I'll be going with Kyo are you?"
"Oh no Miss Honda. Of course not."
"Yuki."
"Hmm?"
"I want you to know that I care about you. Very much. So there's nothing to worry about."
"Worry?"
"Uh huh. You, Shigure, and Kyo are so special to me. Don't ever forget that okay."
"Okay" he nodded with a smile, "It'll be all right," he told himself, "From now on I know what I have to do."
They walked home and Yuki enjoyed the company of the pretty young girl at his side. Confident that he was making the right choice.
"Soon" he thought, "I know. It will be soon."
**********************************************************
Authors Note: That's it for today! A real nice long one for ya!
Next Chapter: Final Request
Kawaii High prepares for the big dance and Tohru is asked another question by Hatsuharu. Find out what happens next time!
At the table the next morning the guys lined up once again. Kakeru now had a small box of red roses. Yuki and Nao stood by watching the whole process.
"Okay boys" Kakeru replied, "Each of you take a rose. The roses are for your dates. You have to by the end of the day reveal the lucky girl."
Each of the boys took a rose excitedly. Some of them went up to the girls that had been on their slip. Others decided to wait. Kyo was one of the ones who merely shrugged, gave Yuki a dirty look and walked into the school towards his locker.
********************************************************
The whole school buzzed with excitement during the day as the many boys held their roses out to the surprised and elated girls. The Prince Yuki Fan Club were some of the first approached. One of Kyo's friends came up to Hana around lunchtime. His short dark hair was shining in the sun.
"Saki Hanajima today's your lucky day" he replied.
"Why's that?" she asked stunned as she sat next to Tohru and Uo.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he said holding up the rose.
"I suppose" she nodded taking the rose in the process.
"Great. I'll pick you up Saturday" he winked as he walked away.
"Wow Hana. You got your date" Uo replied.
"Yea" Hana agreed.
"Congratulations" Tohru said with a smile.
*******************************************************
After lunch Kyo was strolling on the grounds with his hands in his pockets. Uo was outside sweeping up since it was her turn. Kyo walked up to her.
"Hey Orange top" she replied, "So who's name did you pick out of the box."
"That's none of your damn business" he huffed.
He felt around in his pocket. The rose was nestled at the bottom. He fingered it a bit and was about to say something else when another student approached them.
"Arisa Uotani" the boy replied.
"Yes?" she said curiously.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he held up the rose.
"Oh. Uh sure" she said taking the rose.
The boy smiled nervously took one glance at Kyo's frown then took off running.
"That's funny" Uo replied, "For a moment there I thought you were the one who was going to give me the rose."
"Yea right" Kyo grumbled stuffing his hands in his pockets once more and trudging away.
********************************************************
Before classes began that afternoon Momiji and Hatsuharu were at their lockers exchanging their books. Kakeru Manabe walked over.
"Which one of you is Hatsuharu Sohma?" he asked.
"That's me" Haru replied.
"Great. Listen do you think that you can come by the Student Council office this afternoon? I have a favor to ask."
"Sure" Haru nodded.
"Thanks! See you later" Kakeru replied taking off.
"What was that all about I wonder?" Momiji said.
"I don't know" Hatsuharu replied.
**********************************************************
Nao and Kakeru walked down the halls, Nao with a notepad in hand.
"So Shorty. How many more do we have to go?" Kakeru asked.
"It looks like Kyo Sohma is the only one who hasn't told her yet. And don't call me Shorty."
"But you are short. It's a compliment."
"That doesn't matter!" Nao shouted.
"All right. I'll handle Sohma since he's in my class. I'll talk to him before he takes off" Kakeru replied.
*********************************************************
When the last bell rang Kakeru confronted Kyo at his locker.
"Kyo Sohma."
"Yea?" Kyo eyed the boy suspiciously.
"We have it under confirmation that you have yet to tell the girl you're taking to the dance that she's your date."
"Uh" Kyo's face turned red as some of the students listened in.
"So. I'm here to make sure you do it."
"But" Kyo stuttered.
"Now now. Don't be shy. Everyone is leaving now. You can go tell her. Go on."
"Okay. Fine!" Kyo snapped, "I'm going already."
He snatched the rose out of his locker, grabbed his backpack, and stomped into the hall. At the end everyone was leaving the building. Tohru was saying goodbye to Uo and Hana. Kyo walked up and pulled the somewhat crushed rose from his pocket.
"Will you go to the dance with me?" he spat out to a stunned Tohru.
"Huh?" she replied.
"I'm sorry about this" he said through gritted teeth, "Here" he handed her the rose.
"Well how about that" Uo replied, "So Tohru is your date?"
Kyo nodded and grabbed her hand, his face completely red.
"Come on. Let's go home," he said in a hurry pulling her out the door.
"Oh okay" she replied.
Kakeru walked over to Yuki who had just seen the whole thing.
"Well that's the last one" Kakeru grinned, "Now all you have to do is find a date for yourself."
"Yea" Yuki nodded sadly as he watched Kyo and Tohru depart the school grounds.
******************************************************
Yuki walked back to the Student Council office with Kakeru and found Machi still there.
"Miss Kuragi. You can go home now" Yuki replied.
"Oh no she can't" Kakeru spoke up, "President Takei wants her to clean out the office. You know the mess she made?"
"Uh. I guess that means we'll both be staying late," Yuki said.
"Guess so. See you guys tomorrow" Kakeru replied with a smile as he left the office.
"Can I help you with anything Miss Kuragi?" Yuki asked her as she pulled some files out of the cabinet, that she was placing in new folders.
"No thanks. I can handle it," she replied with her back turned.
"Okay" Yuki said as he sat back at his desk.
He sighed, picked up his ballpoint, and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"This is going to be a long night," he thought.
********************************************************
On the way home Kyo walked ahead while Tohru walked behind as always. He stopped for a moment and turned to her.
"Listen um. This isn't my idea you know" he replied, "It's just the way things turned out. I'm sorry."
"What are you sorry for?" she said.
"Huh?"
"I mean isn't this a good thing? Now you won't have to worry about some girl bumping in to you. Because I already know about your secret."
"Uh. I guess that's true, but I mean I thought that."
"What?"
"Never mind" Kyo sighed, "Let's go home. Where's the damn rat anyway."
"I think he's working really late tonight. I have to hurry any way. I got work."
"Oh yea" Kyo replied with a nod.
*********************************************************
The clock went off. Yuki looked up and noticed that it was now eight o'clock.
"Miss Kuragi. It's getting real late. We should call it a day" he called out.
She came out of the files room and nodded.
"You're right and I'm finished anyway. See you tomorrow Mr. President."
She picked up her bag and headed towards the door. Yuki watched her for a moment as she exited then stood up from his chair and ran after her.
"Miss Kuragi!"
She turned around.
"It's awful dark out there" Yuki replied, "Please allow me to escort you home."
"That's not necessary," she said.
"I insist. It's not safe walking on your own."
"Very well."
"Let me just grab my backpack" Yuki said running back into the office.
A few minutes later the two of them said goodnight to the janitor and were on their way down the street. The streetlights had just turned on and the moon was almost in the center of the sky. They were quiet most of the way. Machi was ahead keeping her eyes front. There were not many people on the street that night. Yuki suddenly stopped.
"Miss Kuragi!"
She stopped walking.
"I have to ask. Do you really think that I'm not like a prince?"
She turned to him and looked at him with a serious look.
"Yes. I meant what I said."
"What makes you think that?"
"Well for starters, you're too perfect. It's obvious to anyone with eyes that you conceal much about yourself Yuki Sohma."
He looked at her in surprise as she continued.
"It's almost as if you play at it because you're afraid for the world to see the real you. A real prince wouldn't hide things. That's just my opinion."
She began walking and Yuki followed her.
"And what about you Miss Kuragi? You don't reveal much about yourself either? What does that make you?"
"I choose not to. Does it bother you that I don't worship you like all the others? That I'm not one of those fan club girls who hangs onto your every word?"
"Actually" Yuki replied, "I find it refreshing. You have no idea what is like to be admired all the time. It gets very demanding, time consuming, and not only that but it's lonely too."
"Lonely? You have all those friends. How can that be lonely?"
"It just is. You see no one sees me for me. Only one person does. And now apparently two do."
"Hmm?"
"Miss Kuragi, tell me has any one asked you to the dance yet?"
"No. I'm a first year."
"I know that. But everyone in the cabinet is going. Even Nao was invited by one of President Takei's people. So it seems fair that you go to."
"Are you asking me to the dance?" she looked at him confused as she stopped in front of a house on the corner.
Yuki pulled his backpack off and pulled a small rose out of it.
"There was one left" he explained, "Miss Machi Kuragi it would give me great pleasure if you would accompany me to the dance this Saturday" he held up the rose.
"You're only inviting me because I'm the only one not going" she said bewildered.
"No" he shook his head, "I'm inviting you because I want to. Will you?"
"This is my stop" she replied pointing the door.
"Oh" he said in disappointment.
She walked up to the door and then stopped. Then she turned around, walked back down to the sidewalk and gently took the rose from Yuki's hand.
"Okay. I'll go with you" she nodded running back up to the door.
He watched then smiled briefly.
"Good night Miss Kuragi" he replied as he turned to head home.
"Good night Prince Yuki Sohma" she said with a smile.
Then she walked inside leaving Yuki speechless and a little pink. He shook it off then began to walk home.
"I think," he thought, "That is the first time I've ever seen her smile."
********************************************************
When Yuki arrived home he found Shigure in the sitting room reading the paper.
"Oh Yuki you're back. Late night?"
"Where's Miss Honda?" Yuki asked.
"Tohru's at work" Shigure answered.
"Is Kyo going to get her?" Yuki said angrily, "I mean he is her date."
"Oh you don't say. No I don't think so. Ever since he got home Kyo shut himself up in his room. Of course that could have something to do with my teasing. Any way. Are you gonna get her Yuki?"
"I suppose I'll have to" Yuki replied walking to the stairs.
*********************************************************
"Goodnight. See you next time" Tohru replied.
She walked down the street and spotted Yuki coming her way.
"Yuki? Didn't you have to work late tonight?" she asked as she came over.
"I finished early. You ready to go home?" he replied.
"Mhm."
They walked in silence. Tohru watched Yuki as they walked and smiled.
"So. You excited about the dance?"
"Hmm? I guess so. It is a bit of an awkward thing for a Sohma to go through though."
"Yea" she agreed.
"I uh, heard you and Kyo are going together."
"Um yea. He pulled my name from the box. Which is a good thing."
He turned to her in confusion.
"A good thing?"
"Yea. Now he won't transform in front of anyone right?"
"I suppose that's true. But still."
"What's wrong Yuki? You're not upset that I'll be going with Kyo are you?"
"Oh no Miss Honda. Of course not."
"Yuki."
"Hmm?"
"I want you to know that I care about you. Very much. So there's nothing to worry about."
"Worry?"
"Uh huh. You, Shigure, and Kyo are so special to me. Don't ever forget that okay."
"Okay" he nodded with a smile, "It'll be all right," he told himself, "From now on I know what I have to do."
They walked home and Yuki enjoyed the company of the pretty young girl at his side. Confident that he was making the right choice.
"Soon" he thought, "I know. It will be soon."
**********************************************************
Authors Note: That's it for today! A real nice long one for ya!
Next Chapter: Final Request
Kawaii High prepares for the big dance and Tohru is asked another question by Hatsuharu. Find out what happens next time!