Chapter 19 - To Have And To Hold
Shigeru paced around her room, wondering if she should go to school. "I don't think I should go today. The whole school's going to know about it," she muttered, "What am I to do?" She threw herself onto the bed and sighed loudly as she stared at the ceiling. A knock on her bedroom door startled her. "Shigeru-sama," called the maid, outside the door, "Can I come in?" Shigeru got up and opened the door. "Ohayo," greeted the maid. Shigeru smiled and returned the greeting.
"Breakfast is ready," informed the maid, straightening out the sheets and arranging the pillows. Shigeru nodded as she changed into her school uniform. "Looks like I have to go to school," Shigeru muttered softly. "Huh? Did you say something, Shigeru-sama?" asked the maid. Shigeru shook her head. "I'm going down for breakfast now," she said and head towards the door. "Oh, Shigeru-sama," said the maid, "Congratulations." Shigeru smiled sheepishly and left the room.
As she descended the stairs to the breakfast table, Shigeru wondered what made the Minamis suggest the engagement. She was after all previously engaged to Tsukasa and it has not been made official that their engagement was off. What made her parents agree to the engagement was also a mystery. She was flabbergasted to find the Minamis at the restaurant that night:
"What are you doing here?!" she exclaimed, recovering from the shock. Tomoya smiled and said nothing. Yumiko frowned at her daughter's rudeness and apologised as she took her seat next to her husband. Minami Etsuko smiled at Shigeru and replied, "You must be very surprised to find us here." Shigeru nodded and then, shook her head. "I don't mean to be rude..." she began but Yumiko tugged at her daughter's hand to prevent her from uttering further. Shigeru closed her mouth and hung her head down.
"Well, would you like to order first or shall we speak on the subject?" asked Minami Kenji. "I think my daughter would be eager to know what's going on," replied Reiji as he took a sip of the tea and looking over at Shigeru. "Right," agreed Kenji, "I would think so too." Shigeru felt her face burnt bright red and thought angrily, "Of course, I would like to know what's going on! But, why distinctively me alone? What about him?" Her eyes shifted to Tomoya. Sensing her eyeing, Tomoya gave a quick shrug to indicate that he has no idea what this was all about.
"Right! Like as if you don't know," she mouthed. "Shigeru," said Kenji, turning to face her, "We have discussed this issue with your parents and they have agreed to it in principle." Shigeru's eyes widen and croaked, "Agree on what?" Yumiko pinched her daughter and hissed, "Mind your manners." Shigeru frowned as she rubbed the sore area that has been pinched. "Well, we've brought up the subject of marriage with your parents," began Kenji, "And basically, it's agreeable between the two parties, that is, us. However, the major decision still lies with you."
Shigeru looked over at Tomoya, whose surprised face spoke of his ignorance on the subject matter. "I know that it's not officially off between Doumyoji Tsukasa and yourself," continued Kenji, "But I would like you to seriously consider my son as a candidate for your life partner." Tomoya stood up suddenly, surprising everyone including Shigeru. "Father," he said firmly, "I thought you said that my marriage was of my own concern and that the both of you would not interfere! Why this sudden change?"
"Tomoya," cajoled his mother, "Sit down and listen." Tomoya refused and retorted, "I hoped this is not some business deal that you want badly and I am the sacrificial lamb!" Shigeru was surprised at his attitude. "I thought my life was my own," he said, "I'm sure Shigeru will not agree to this! Besides, it has to be officially off between them before you can bring up this subject!"
"I'm agreeable to it," said Shigeru softly but loud enough to be heard by all in the room. "Huh?!" exclaimed Tomoya, eyes dotted. Shigeru looked up as all eyes fell on her. "It's technically off between Tsukasa and myself," she continued, "I don't see anything wrong with your father's suggestion." Tomoya could not believe his ears and choked, "Do you know what you're talking about?!"
Truth be told, Shigeru was not sure what made her voiced her agreement and she did wonder if it had been a hasty decision on her part. However, she knew inside her that she liked Tomoya and she believe life would be different with him. Maybe it's that gut feel that made her spoke her mind that night. Well, there's no turning back now although she can't help but wonder how this is going to affect her father. "If father is agreeable to it," she muttered, "I'm sure all's well." With that thought, she entered the breakfast room, greeting her parents with a smile.
************
Sojiro and Akira entered the school gate of Eitoku and were immediately greeted by its excitement as students hurried past them, whispering excitedly. "What's going on?" asked Sojiro. Akira shrugged and replied absentmindedly, "I don't know. The only person who could caused such major excitement is Tsukasa." Sojiro turned and stared at him. "What did you just say?" he blinked. "I said that the only person who could caused such major excitement..." Akira trailed off as it suddenly dawned on him that it could be that person after all. "Tsukasa!" both exclaimed, with eyes widen.
"Ohayo!" greeted Kazuya before the duo could hurry off, "Have you heard?" Sojiro grabbed hold of his shirt, catching Kazuya off-guard. "Wh..." stammered Kazuya, struggling to be freed. "Shut up and don't move!" ordered Sojiro, "What have you heard? Has this got to do with Tsukasa? Has something happened to the both of them?" Kazuya gave a bewildered look. "Sojiro," cajoled Akira, "Let him go. You're choking him."
"All right," said Sojiro, letting go of Kazuya, "Tell us what's going on?" Kazuya choked and coughed as the duo waited. "Gosh..." choked Kazuya, "Do you have to be so rough?" Akira and Sojiro glared at him. "All right, all right," said Kazuya, straightening his shirt, "This has nothing to do with Doumyoji. It's Shigeru."
"Shigeru?" both exclaimed. Kazuya nodded. "She's getting engaged," continued Kazuya. "To whom?" both asked with shock written all over their faces. "Hey," said Kazuya, "The both of you are the F2 and you should know better!" Sojiro and Akira frowned at that comment and stared hard at Kazuya. "Er...Sorry," apologised a retreating Kazuya, "Forget I said that...If you must know, he's your classmate - Minami Tomoya."
"Minami?" exclaimed a surprised Akira. "Why am I not surprised," commented Sojiro. "You knew about it?" asked Akira as the duo head towards their classroom, ignoring the informant. Sojiro shook his head. "Hey! Wait up!" called Kazuya. Sojiro and Akira were already out of earshot. A disappointed Kazuya sighed and headed miserably to his class. "So much for thinking I'm one of them," he muttered.
************
Tsukushi tossed around in her bed. An uneasy feeling bugged her but she was unable to pinpoint what or where. "Gosh!" she sighed, sitting up, "It must be the dinner. I wonder if he's asleep yet..." Slipping on her bedroom slippers, Tsukushi tiptoed through the bathroom and into his room.
Tsukasa lay soundly asleep on his front with his hands tugged under his pillow. His face resting on its side was illuminated by the moonlight shining through the window. "Such a baby and yet, a man," she uttered softly, walking towards him, "His many faces seen alone by me." Sitting gently on his bed, Tsukushi gazed gently at him and smiled.
She's still in awe over her lesson with Tsukasa in economics. This guy whom she had thought was completely hopeless in his studies, actually had hidden knowledge. This guy whom she had thought was brainless, was actually, well, not as brainless as she thought he was. Tsukushi watched him stirred and then turned away.
Their Saturday's outing at the library was an amazement to Tsukushi. He had explained every model with such clarity that Tsukushi thought she looked really stupid for not understanding it in class:
"Let's look at the Keynesian model," said Tsukasa, picking up a piece of paper. Tsukushi watched him as he drew on it, explaining every curve as it's drawn. "A piece of cake, isn't it?" commented Tsukasa when he was done. Tsukushi stared at him bewildered. "That's all to it?!" she asked with widened eyes. He nodded. "Now, let's look at the crowding-out effect," he said and drew on the same piece of paper. Tsukushi was completely gob smacked and stared hard at him. Tsukasa stopped. "Are you listening?" he asked firmly.
Tsukushi snapped out of her reverie and nodded sheepishly. "Don't blame me later if you can't hand the essay up on time," he snapped. Tsukushi frowned and retorted, "Just when I'm beginning to see a light in you, you had to spoil it." Tsukasa's eyes narrowed before grinning. "Well, it doesn't matter, you're still very much in love with me," he teased. Tsukushi redden and looked away. "All right," wheedled Tsukasa, "We'd better hurry and finish this up. I would like to go for lunch and take a walk with you rather than spend the rest of the day in the library."
Tsukushi managed to put her essay together before lunch and they spend the rest of the day in town. Tsukasa took her to CambridgeSide Galleria, one of the largest malls in the Boston area, and then, later to Harvard Square which boasts internationally recognized educational institutions, ethnically diverse restaurants, unique shops, historic sites, and a wide variety of services, all in an environment that mixes European flavour, American history, and international cultures.
"Try this on," said Tsukasa as he shoved the winter waistcoat into her hands. "Doumyoji," she said uncertainly, "I think we've bought enough." Tsukasa frowned and replied, "You haven't got enough of winter clothes and I don't want you freezing when winter comes. Go on." Tsukushi sighed and tried on the waistcoat as Tsukasa looked on.
"He did picked a nice colour," thought Tsukushi, looking into the full-length mirror. The sales lady smiled. "You look really nice," she commented. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi. "All right, we'll take this and that pink one as well," instructed Tsukasa. The sales lady nodded and disappeared into the store to bring out new pieces in Tsukushi's size. "Doumyoji," said Tsukushi, removing the waistcoat, "One would be enough. I don't need two of the same pattern." Tsukasa ignored her, proceeded to the counter and pulled out his credit card for the purchase. Tsuskushi sigh exasperatedly.
"Let's go," gestured Tsukasa, "They'll deliver to the dormitory like the rest." Tsukushi followed him meekly. "Hurry up," he said and reached out for her hand. "Where are we going now?" asked Tsukushi. "To get you a gown," replied Tsukasa. "For?" a puzzled Tsukushi asked, "It's winter and there's no need for a gown."
Totally oblivion to her comment, Tsukasa dragged her into a boutique. "Welcome," greeted the manager, "Can I help you?" Tsukasa smiled and replied, "Do you have something for her?" The manager looked over at Tsukushi. "Why, yes," she replied with a smile, "This way please." Resigning to her fate, Tsukushi followed the lady.
It did not take long for manager to pick out a few gowns with the necessary accessories for Tsukushi. The first was a full-length two-toned thai silk bustier. Its bluish-purple colour complemented her fair skin and the length heightened her. "Are you ready?" asked the attendant. Tsukushi walked out, lifting the dress a little lest she trips and fall over it. "My, you look beautiful," commented the attendant, "Here, try these shoes on."
Tsukushi slipped on the matching high-heeled shoes. Looking into the mirror, she saw a lady much taller than herself and admired the figure. "Come on out," said the manager as she held the curtain that separated the fitting room from the boutique. Tsukasa stared in awe at the gorgeous creature.
"Does it look that bad?" asked Tsukushi uncertainly when he made no comment. Breaking out of his reverie, he shook his head. "No...no..." he choked, "You look absolutely gorgeous." Tsukushi's face turned red. "You think so?" she asked. Tsukasa nodded. "You want to try on the rest," offered the manager. Tsukushi shook her head. She had to put her foot down on this for she knew he would buy all of it if she tried every piece. "No, thanks," she said, "This one would be fine." The manager nodded.
"You'll need more than one piece," protested Tsukasa. "Why do I need more than one?" demanded Tsukushi, "In fact, I don't need any at all!" Tsukasa frowned as the bewildered manager looked on. "Don't expect me to attend gatherings with you in your...your..." he searched hard for a word to describe the dresses that she used to wear. "Those dresses of mine are simple and easy to manoeuvre as compared to these gowns," she retorted angrily and stormed off before she could hear another word from him.
Tsukushi sniggered as she remembers the manager's face when they both stomped out of the shop without purchasing the gown. "I pity her," she mumbled. "Who do you pity?" asked a husky voice. Tsukushi jumped and looked towards where Tsukasa lay. "Do you have to scare me like that?" she cried out. "Look who's scaring who," replied Tsukasa, "Sitting by my bed in the dark and in the middle of the night, not uttering a word."
Tsukushi felt her face burn. "All right, I'm sorry," she replied, "I'm going back to my room." Tsukasa caught hold of her. "Not so fast," he said, "I want to know why you're here." Tsukushi made no reply and neither did she struggle to be freed of his grip. "Hey, what's wrong?" asked Tsukasa gently.
"Nothing," she said finally. Under the moonlight, Tsukushi saw the darkened face of Tsukasa. "Fine," he said, "If you're done with whatever you came for, go back to your room." She felt guilty for putting that hurt in him and it tugged at her heart. He was concerned about her and yet, she refuse to open up.
"Doumyoji," she said softly, "Can you...can you hold me for a while?" Tsukasa's eyes widen with surprise. "Do you know what you're saying?" asked a bewildered Tsukasa. Tsukushi glared at him and replied, "I just want you to hold me. Nothing more!"
"If you don't want to," she added softly, freeing herself from his grip, "It's all right." His eyes soften. "Sorry," he apologised and got up. He seated himself behind her and encircled his arms around her. "I have you now and will hold you till the end of time if I have to," he whispered. The comfort and warmth were unspeakable as the duo sat silently in the darkness.
************
Shigeru stood at the gate and hesitated. Students bypassing, whispered and giggled. Some congratulated her. Shigeru sighed. "Is it so bad to be engaged?" asked a voice behind her. Shigeru turned around and glared angrily at him. "Could you make some noise when making an entrance?" she asked sarcastically, "You could scare the hell out of people!" Tomoya shrugged.
"Hey, look!" said one of the girls, "The two of them are here together. So loving!" Shigeru turned bright red as Tomoya smiled. "Psst," whispered a student to her friend as they walked past, "I thought she was engaged to Doumyoji." Shigeru wished she was an ostrich - she could then put her head in the ground. Tomoya sensed her uneasiness and placed his hand onto her shoulders.
"Come on, love," he said pretty loudly, "We should be getting you to class. I don't want you to be late." Giving her shoulders a squeeze, he led her into the school grounds. When they got to her class, Tomoya stole a kiss and whispered before he left, "It's just the two of us from now on." She stood rooted, shocked by his display of affection and yet, basked in a happiness indescribable. "See you later at lunch," winked Tomoya. Shigeru smiled as she watched her fiancé disappear around the corner.
Shigeru paced around her room, wondering if she should go to school. "I don't think I should go today. The whole school's going to know about it," she muttered, "What am I to do?" She threw herself onto the bed and sighed loudly as she stared at the ceiling. A knock on her bedroom door startled her. "Shigeru-sama," called the maid, outside the door, "Can I come in?" Shigeru got up and opened the door. "Ohayo," greeted the maid. Shigeru smiled and returned the greeting.
"Breakfast is ready," informed the maid, straightening out the sheets and arranging the pillows. Shigeru nodded as she changed into her school uniform. "Looks like I have to go to school," Shigeru muttered softly. "Huh? Did you say something, Shigeru-sama?" asked the maid. Shigeru shook her head. "I'm going down for breakfast now," she said and head towards the door. "Oh, Shigeru-sama," said the maid, "Congratulations." Shigeru smiled sheepishly and left the room.
As she descended the stairs to the breakfast table, Shigeru wondered what made the Minamis suggest the engagement. She was after all previously engaged to Tsukasa and it has not been made official that their engagement was off. What made her parents agree to the engagement was also a mystery. She was flabbergasted to find the Minamis at the restaurant that night:
"What are you doing here?!" she exclaimed, recovering from the shock. Tomoya smiled and said nothing. Yumiko frowned at her daughter's rudeness and apologised as she took her seat next to her husband. Minami Etsuko smiled at Shigeru and replied, "You must be very surprised to find us here." Shigeru nodded and then, shook her head. "I don't mean to be rude..." she began but Yumiko tugged at her daughter's hand to prevent her from uttering further. Shigeru closed her mouth and hung her head down.
"Well, would you like to order first or shall we speak on the subject?" asked Minami Kenji. "I think my daughter would be eager to know what's going on," replied Reiji as he took a sip of the tea and looking over at Shigeru. "Right," agreed Kenji, "I would think so too." Shigeru felt her face burnt bright red and thought angrily, "Of course, I would like to know what's going on! But, why distinctively me alone? What about him?" Her eyes shifted to Tomoya. Sensing her eyeing, Tomoya gave a quick shrug to indicate that he has no idea what this was all about.
"Right! Like as if you don't know," she mouthed. "Shigeru," said Kenji, turning to face her, "We have discussed this issue with your parents and they have agreed to it in principle." Shigeru's eyes widen and croaked, "Agree on what?" Yumiko pinched her daughter and hissed, "Mind your manners." Shigeru frowned as she rubbed the sore area that has been pinched. "Well, we've brought up the subject of marriage with your parents," began Kenji, "And basically, it's agreeable between the two parties, that is, us. However, the major decision still lies with you."
Shigeru looked over at Tomoya, whose surprised face spoke of his ignorance on the subject matter. "I know that it's not officially off between Doumyoji Tsukasa and yourself," continued Kenji, "But I would like you to seriously consider my son as a candidate for your life partner." Tomoya stood up suddenly, surprising everyone including Shigeru. "Father," he said firmly, "I thought you said that my marriage was of my own concern and that the both of you would not interfere! Why this sudden change?"
"Tomoya," cajoled his mother, "Sit down and listen." Tomoya refused and retorted, "I hoped this is not some business deal that you want badly and I am the sacrificial lamb!" Shigeru was surprised at his attitude. "I thought my life was my own," he said, "I'm sure Shigeru will not agree to this! Besides, it has to be officially off between them before you can bring up this subject!"
"I'm agreeable to it," said Shigeru softly but loud enough to be heard by all in the room. "Huh?!" exclaimed Tomoya, eyes dotted. Shigeru looked up as all eyes fell on her. "It's technically off between Tsukasa and myself," she continued, "I don't see anything wrong with your father's suggestion." Tomoya could not believe his ears and choked, "Do you know what you're talking about?!"
Truth be told, Shigeru was not sure what made her voiced her agreement and she did wonder if it had been a hasty decision on her part. However, she knew inside her that she liked Tomoya and she believe life would be different with him. Maybe it's that gut feel that made her spoke her mind that night. Well, there's no turning back now although she can't help but wonder how this is going to affect her father. "If father is agreeable to it," she muttered, "I'm sure all's well." With that thought, she entered the breakfast room, greeting her parents with a smile.
************
Sojiro and Akira entered the school gate of Eitoku and were immediately greeted by its excitement as students hurried past them, whispering excitedly. "What's going on?" asked Sojiro. Akira shrugged and replied absentmindedly, "I don't know. The only person who could caused such major excitement is Tsukasa." Sojiro turned and stared at him. "What did you just say?" he blinked. "I said that the only person who could caused such major excitement..." Akira trailed off as it suddenly dawned on him that it could be that person after all. "Tsukasa!" both exclaimed, with eyes widen.
"Ohayo!" greeted Kazuya before the duo could hurry off, "Have you heard?" Sojiro grabbed hold of his shirt, catching Kazuya off-guard. "Wh..." stammered Kazuya, struggling to be freed. "Shut up and don't move!" ordered Sojiro, "What have you heard? Has this got to do with Tsukasa? Has something happened to the both of them?" Kazuya gave a bewildered look. "Sojiro," cajoled Akira, "Let him go. You're choking him."
"All right," said Sojiro, letting go of Kazuya, "Tell us what's going on?" Kazuya choked and coughed as the duo waited. "Gosh..." choked Kazuya, "Do you have to be so rough?" Akira and Sojiro glared at him. "All right, all right," said Kazuya, straightening his shirt, "This has nothing to do with Doumyoji. It's Shigeru."
"Shigeru?" both exclaimed. Kazuya nodded. "She's getting engaged," continued Kazuya. "To whom?" both asked with shock written all over their faces. "Hey," said Kazuya, "The both of you are the F2 and you should know better!" Sojiro and Akira frowned at that comment and stared hard at Kazuya. "Er...Sorry," apologised a retreating Kazuya, "Forget I said that...If you must know, he's your classmate - Minami Tomoya."
"Minami?" exclaimed a surprised Akira. "Why am I not surprised," commented Sojiro. "You knew about it?" asked Akira as the duo head towards their classroom, ignoring the informant. Sojiro shook his head. "Hey! Wait up!" called Kazuya. Sojiro and Akira were already out of earshot. A disappointed Kazuya sighed and headed miserably to his class. "So much for thinking I'm one of them," he muttered.
************
Tsukushi tossed around in her bed. An uneasy feeling bugged her but she was unable to pinpoint what or where. "Gosh!" she sighed, sitting up, "It must be the dinner. I wonder if he's asleep yet..." Slipping on her bedroom slippers, Tsukushi tiptoed through the bathroom and into his room.
Tsukasa lay soundly asleep on his front with his hands tugged under his pillow. His face resting on its side was illuminated by the moonlight shining through the window. "Such a baby and yet, a man," she uttered softly, walking towards him, "His many faces seen alone by me." Sitting gently on his bed, Tsukushi gazed gently at him and smiled.
She's still in awe over her lesson with Tsukasa in economics. This guy whom she had thought was completely hopeless in his studies, actually had hidden knowledge. This guy whom she had thought was brainless, was actually, well, not as brainless as she thought he was. Tsukushi watched him stirred and then turned away.
Their Saturday's outing at the library was an amazement to Tsukushi. He had explained every model with such clarity that Tsukushi thought she looked really stupid for not understanding it in class:
"Let's look at the Keynesian model," said Tsukasa, picking up a piece of paper. Tsukushi watched him as he drew on it, explaining every curve as it's drawn. "A piece of cake, isn't it?" commented Tsukasa when he was done. Tsukushi stared at him bewildered. "That's all to it?!" she asked with widened eyes. He nodded. "Now, let's look at the crowding-out effect," he said and drew on the same piece of paper. Tsukushi was completely gob smacked and stared hard at him. Tsukasa stopped. "Are you listening?" he asked firmly.
Tsukushi snapped out of her reverie and nodded sheepishly. "Don't blame me later if you can't hand the essay up on time," he snapped. Tsukushi frowned and retorted, "Just when I'm beginning to see a light in you, you had to spoil it." Tsukasa's eyes narrowed before grinning. "Well, it doesn't matter, you're still very much in love with me," he teased. Tsukushi redden and looked away. "All right," wheedled Tsukasa, "We'd better hurry and finish this up. I would like to go for lunch and take a walk with you rather than spend the rest of the day in the library."
Tsukushi managed to put her essay together before lunch and they spend the rest of the day in town. Tsukasa took her to CambridgeSide Galleria, one of the largest malls in the Boston area, and then, later to Harvard Square which boasts internationally recognized educational institutions, ethnically diverse restaurants, unique shops, historic sites, and a wide variety of services, all in an environment that mixes European flavour, American history, and international cultures.
"Try this on," said Tsukasa as he shoved the winter waistcoat into her hands. "Doumyoji," she said uncertainly, "I think we've bought enough." Tsukasa frowned and replied, "You haven't got enough of winter clothes and I don't want you freezing when winter comes. Go on." Tsukushi sighed and tried on the waistcoat as Tsukasa looked on.
"He did picked a nice colour," thought Tsukushi, looking into the full-length mirror. The sales lady smiled. "You look really nice," she commented. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi. "All right, we'll take this and that pink one as well," instructed Tsukasa. The sales lady nodded and disappeared into the store to bring out new pieces in Tsukushi's size. "Doumyoji," said Tsukushi, removing the waistcoat, "One would be enough. I don't need two of the same pattern." Tsukasa ignored her, proceeded to the counter and pulled out his credit card for the purchase. Tsuskushi sigh exasperatedly.
"Let's go," gestured Tsukasa, "They'll deliver to the dormitory like the rest." Tsukushi followed him meekly. "Hurry up," he said and reached out for her hand. "Where are we going now?" asked Tsukushi. "To get you a gown," replied Tsukasa. "For?" a puzzled Tsukushi asked, "It's winter and there's no need for a gown."
Totally oblivion to her comment, Tsukasa dragged her into a boutique. "Welcome," greeted the manager, "Can I help you?" Tsukasa smiled and replied, "Do you have something for her?" The manager looked over at Tsukushi. "Why, yes," she replied with a smile, "This way please." Resigning to her fate, Tsukushi followed the lady.
It did not take long for manager to pick out a few gowns with the necessary accessories for Tsukushi. The first was a full-length two-toned thai silk bustier. Its bluish-purple colour complemented her fair skin and the length heightened her. "Are you ready?" asked the attendant. Tsukushi walked out, lifting the dress a little lest she trips and fall over it. "My, you look beautiful," commented the attendant, "Here, try these shoes on."
Tsukushi slipped on the matching high-heeled shoes. Looking into the mirror, she saw a lady much taller than herself and admired the figure. "Come on out," said the manager as she held the curtain that separated the fitting room from the boutique. Tsukasa stared in awe at the gorgeous creature.
"Does it look that bad?" asked Tsukushi uncertainly when he made no comment. Breaking out of his reverie, he shook his head. "No...no..." he choked, "You look absolutely gorgeous." Tsukushi's face turned red. "You think so?" she asked. Tsukasa nodded. "You want to try on the rest," offered the manager. Tsukushi shook her head. She had to put her foot down on this for she knew he would buy all of it if she tried every piece. "No, thanks," she said, "This one would be fine." The manager nodded.
"You'll need more than one piece," protested Tsukasa. "Why do I need more than one?" demanded Tsukushi, "In fact, I don't need any at all!" Tsukasa frowned as the bewildered manager looked on. "Don't expect me to attend gatherings with you in your...your..." he searched hard for a word to describe the dresses that she used to wear. "Those dresses of mine are simple and easy to manoeuvre as compared to these gowns," she retorted angrily and stormed off before she could hear another word from him.
Tsukushi sniggered as she remembers the manager's face when they both stomped out of the shop without purchasing the gown. "I pity her," she mumbled. "Who do you pity?" asked a husky voice. Tsukushi jumped and looked towards where Tsukasa lay. "Do you have to scare me like that?" she cried out. "Look who's scaring who," replied Tsukasa, "Sitting by my bed in the dark and in the middle of the night, not uttering a word."
Tsukushi felt her face burn. "All right, I'm sorry," she replied, "I'm going back to my room." Tsukasa caught hold of her. "Not so fast," he said, "I want to know why you're here." Tsukushi made no reply and neither did she struggle to be freed of his grip. "Hey, what's wrong?" asked Tsukasa gently.
"Nothing," she said finally. Under the moonlight, Tsukushi saw the darkened face of Tsukasa. "Fine," he said, "If you're done with whatever you came for, go back to your room." She felt guilty for putting that hurt in him and it tugged at her heart. He was concerned about her and yet, she refuse to open up.
"Doumyoji," she said softly, "Can you...can you hold me for a while?" Tsukasa's eyes widen with surprise. "Do you know what you're saying?" asked a bewildered Tsukasa. Tsukushi glared at him and replied, "I just want you to hold me. Nothing more!"
"If you don't want to," she added softly, freeing herself from his grip, "It's all right." His eyes soften. "Sorry," he apologised and got up. He seated himself behind her and encircled his arms around her. "I have you now and will hold you till the end of time if I have to," he whispered. The comfort and warmth were unspeakable as the duo sat silently in the darkness.
************
Shigeru stood at the gate and hesitated. Students bypassing, whispered and giggled. Some congratulated her. Shigeru sighed. "Is it so bad to be engaged?" asked a voice behind her. Shigeru turned around and glared angrily at him. "Could you make some noise when making an entrance?" she asked sarcastically, "You could scare the hell out of people!" Tomoya shrugged.
"Hey, look!" said one of the girls, "The two of them are here together. So loving!" Shigeru turned bright red as Tomoya smiled. "Psst," whispered a student to her friend as they walked past, "I thought she was engaged to Doumyoji." Shigeru wished she was an ostrich - she could then put her head in the ground. Tomoya sensed her uneasiness and placed his hand onto her shoulders.
"Come on, love," he said pretty loudly, "We should be getting you to class. I don't want you to be late." Giving her shoulders a squeeze, he led her into the school grounds. When they got to her class, Tomoya stole a kiss and whispered before he left, "It's just the two of us from now on." She stood rooted, shocked by his display of affection and yet, basked in a happiness indescribable. "See you later at lunch," winked Tomoya. Shigeru smiled as she watched her fiancé disappear around the corner.