Chapter 26 - I Love You
"Onee-san, what are you doing here?" asked Tsukasa in shock. Tsubaki frowned and wondered if her brother is really as stupid as he looks. "What do you mean by what am I doing here?!" replied Tsubaki annoyingly, "This is a Doumyoji event." Tsukasa laughed. "But you are no longer one," he replied, almost choking. "Tsukasa!" growled Tsubaki. Tsukasa retreated cowardly. He knew that tone and if he were to push it a little further, his sister would use violence on him. Tsubaki sighed and mumbled inaudibly, "I wonder what Tsukushi sees in you?!"
"Don't mumble in front of me," Tsukasa hissed, "I hate people doing that!" Tsubaki brushed her brother aside and turned her attention to the others. "I'm glad to see all of you here," she said and turning to Rui, "Where's Shizuka?" Rui smiled and replied, "She's busy with school, but sends her regards."
"I see," smiled Tsubaki, "Well, enjoy yourselves tonight. I'll see you later." Tsubaki excused herself to join Hiroshi at the other end of the hall. "I'm sure Onee-san knows that we're up to something," said Shigeru, her eyes still on Tsubaki, "But how is it that she's not enquiring about our plan?" She turned to look at the six. They shrugged. "Let's get back to where we've left off," replied Tsukasa impatiently, "I need to know your plans and do some co-ordination on my part."
************
The maid secured her hair on each side with diamond-studded hairpins as she looked on through the mirror. "Takemura-san," began Tsukushi, "I've never had those. Where did you get it?" Hitomi smiled and replied, "It came with the gown you're wearing, Makino-san." Tsukushi stared at herself through the mirror as Hitomi brushed her hair one last time. "Do you know what's the occasion?" asked Tsukushi as nonchalantly as possible for she was hoping Hitomi could give her some lead. Hitomi shook her head before replying, "You're ready."
Tsukushi thanked her and got up from her dressing table. "Your shoes," said Hitomi, handing a pair of satin high-heeled pumps to Tsukushi. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi, frowning, "I don't think I can last a night with these!" Hitomi laughed but caught herself. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "There's nothing to apologise for," smiled Tsukushi, "Well, I'd better get going...although I really don't want to be down there...I don't know anyone there..." Hitomi sympathised with the child and wanted very much to comfort her but the wall of master and maid stood in the way.
"Why do I have to attend this party?" thought Tsukushi quietly, staring at the floor, "Just what is she up to? She wouldn't be embarrassing me at such an important event, would she?" Tsukushi hated the thought of Kaede's motives but she hoped and kept her fingers crossed that just maybe Tsukasa would be there tonight too. It could probably be her only chance to see him - a promise that Kaede made.
The silence of the room was interrupted by a knock on the door. A male dressed in a black suit entered. "Makino-san," he said in an almost commanding voice, "Are your ready?" Tsukushi looked over to Hitomi and back at the stranger in the room before she nodded. He opened the door wider and stood aside to allow Tsukushi to pass. "See you later," said Tsukushi to the maid as she stepped out of her room and the door closed behind her.
************
The hall filled gradually as guests continued to stream into the mansion. Males in tuxedo stood among females dressed in their various coloured evening gowns. The girl, dressed in a diamond-studded ivory evening gown, stood and watched the on-goings below her. Her eyes moved till it settled on a group at the far corner of the entrance to the main hall. She smiled and began her descent down the stairs. No one noticed her, not even the huddled group.
"All right, Tsukasa," said Sojiro, "Just leave everything to us tonight. Meet us at the entrance when it's time." Tsukasa nodded and turned to Rui. "I guess we have to put up with you and Shizuka for a while," he said to his best friend. Rui smiled and replied, "Anything for both of you." Shigeru's eyes wandered around and widened when they settled at the grand stairs of the mansion. She tapped Tomoya who brushed it aside as he was in a conversation with the rest. Shigeru, with her eyes still at the girl, whined and then, tapped Rui on her right. Like Tomoya, Rui ignored the interruption.
Frustrated at being ignored, Shigeru turned away from the girl and yelled, "Tsukushi!" Silence fell as the group stared at her in surprise. "Where is she?" asked an anxious Tsukasa, breaking the silence as he grabbed Shigeru. "There!" pointed Shigeru and all turned in that direction but the girl was nowhere in sight. "Did your eyes play a trick on you?" asked Akira. "She was there...I saw her! I swear!" protested Shigeru.
"Looking for me?" quipped a voice behind the group. The girl who was at the grand stairway was now standing in front of them. Tsukasa frowned. Shigeru's eyes widen with astonishment and so did Yuki's. "You...You look so much like her from afar!" exclaimed Shigeru unbelievingly, "Who are you? And why did you impersonate Tsukushi?" The girl eyed Shigeru before happily attaching herself to Tsukasa. Akira was amused and burst laughing. "Told you so," he choked, "She's got to get a pair of glasses soon."
"I agree," laughed Sojiro and turning to Tomoya, "It had better be soon or she might mistake some other guy for you." Shigeru retorted, "But she did looked like her! Who is she anyway?!" Sojiro shook his head and replied, "Kashiwagi Midori. Onee-san's sister-in-law. Tsukasa's nemesis." Akira chuckled, just as Rui smiled.
Kashiwagi Midori, the only daughter of the Kashiwagi household, was as active and lively as Shigeru. Midori, still clinging onto Tsukasa, beamed her princess smile at the group. "Will you let go of me?" scowled Tsukasa, yanking his arm away from her, "Shouldn't you behave more like an adult now?" Midori chirped, "I should, shouldn't I? But I just can't helped it when I'm with you." Amusement laid the faces of the rest as they watched Midori slipping her hand through Tsukasa's arm and Tsukasa yanking it away from her.
************
Tsukushi followed the stranger blindly down the hallway as her mind wandered. "Wait here," instructed the stranger as he turned away from Tsukushi and spoke softly into the walkie-talkie. Tsukushi took the opportunity to look around and she noticed that she was standing a few feet away from the grand stairway of the mansion. "I understand," said the stranger as he looked over his shoulders, "We'll wait here till you're ready." These were the only words that she could hear.
************
"The party's about to start," said Rui, noticing the dwindling crowd, "They'll be suspicious if we hang around the entrance." Tomoya agreed and escorted Shigeru into the hall, followed by Sojiro and Yuki. Akira and Rui were next in line with the struggling couple behind them. "Will you let go?!" hissed Tsukasa, heard only by the duo in front as they entered the grand hall.
Seiryo and Kaede took the front on a makeshift platform as the guests applauded. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," began Seiryo, "Thank you for taking precious time off to come to this evening's event." Seiryo paused, smiled and looked over to his wife. "This evening's event is not just a Christmas' Eve dinner party," continued Seiryo, "My wife and I thought it would also be fitting for us to formally introduce our successor - that is, my son, Doumyoji Tsukasa." The crowd applauded again, as they turned to face Tsukasa.
Still struggling with Midori, an embarrassed Tsukasa could only nod. "Let go!" he hissed but Midori clung on. F3, Tomoya, Shigeru and Yuki tried to muffle their laughter. "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year," said Seiryo as the applause faded away, "And what could be more appropriate than to formally announce tonight of my son's engagement too." There was silence as the groundbreaking news sunk in, and then, applause rung through the entire hall as they turned again to focus on Tsukasa and Midori.
"Engagement?!" exclaimed Akira, Sojiro and Shigeru. Rui and Yuki stared wide-eyed while Tomoya grasped. Tsukasa froze as guests near the group congratulated him. "What's..." began Tomoya but before he could continue, Seiryo's voice came back onto the system. "Please don't be mistaken," said Seiryo almost apologetically, realising that the guests must have thought Midori was his son's fiancée, "I will now introduce my future daughter-in-law."
The door to the entrance of the main hall opened and a lady dressed in pure white shyly emerged. "Ma...Makino!" "Tsukushi!" exclaimed Tsukasa, F3, Shigeru and Yuki simultaneously.
************
Tsukushi stared at the moon as she hummed to the tune of Pachebel's "Cannon in D Major" of which she had heard over the party. She had just returned to the room after catching up with the group while Tsukasa was with his father. It had been such a strange and surprising night. Everything had swept past - the party, the engagement, the guests. Her mind was still in a swirl. Looking at the diamond solitaire on her left hand, she smiled.
The party had ended. The only guests who were staying the night were Akira, Rui, Sojiro, Tomoya, Shigeru and Yuki. The boys were almost drunk, mainly Akira and Sojiro. Tsukushi shook her head. She was glad to see Shigeru and Yuki, and to be finally introduced to Shigeru's fiancé, Tomoya.
Tsubaki had explained to them the things that have been happening over the week - why Tsukushi had to attend the classes that were organised, why the two were not allowed to interact, how Kaede saw the change in Tsukasa (the credit, of course, goes to Tsukushi), how she had to play along in order for her parents to assess her brother's innate strength (he's after all the successor) and what it took to keep this engagement a secret.
"Are you going to be standing there for the rest of the night?" asked an annoyed voice behind her. She had not heard the door open and definitely had not expected Tsukasa. Tsukushi frowned. "You know," she said, turning to face him, "The night would have been better without you and your annoyance." Tsukasa scowled before retorting, "I'm sure it's more beautiful without you in the scene."
"Why...you..." Tsukushi hissed before it dawned on her that Tsukasa was in her room, "What...What are you doing in my room?!" Tsukasa shrugged and moved towards the bed, taking out his coat and bow tie as he did so. Tsukushi stared in horror. "Shouldn't...Ain't...Shouldn't you be in your room?" she stammered. "What are you talking about?" replied Tsukasa, "This is my room as well." Her eyes widen as she retreated away from the window.
"Er...Then...I'm...I'm in the wrong room," she said quickly and bolted for the door. The door refused to budge as she tried to open it. "Don't bother," said Tsukasa, "Akira, Sojiro and Rui have already cosseted it from outside." Tsukushi spun around. "What!?" she exclaimed, "How could they?!...Wait a minute...They were in their room when I came back here...How did..."
"Got intercepted by them on my way back to my room," interrupted Tsukasa, "The rest is history." The horrified face on Tsukushi tells it all. Tsukasa watched her as she swaggered around the room nervously. He grinned as he stood up from the bed. "Stay...stay where you are!" stuttered Tsukushi, her palm raised to indicate a 'stop' sign. "Mind you, we're engaged," teased Tsukasa, moving closer, "It should be all right."
"We're engaged," retorted Tsukushi weakly, "Not married..." Tsukasa ignored her and continued his advance. She backed up against the wall, then slide along it as Tsukasa moved nearer till she hit the cupboard and stumble away quickly before he could get hold of her. "Doumyoji...please," she pleaded and before she knew, Tsukushi crashed onto the bed.
"Just where I want you," said Tsukasa. She scrambled to sit up but he had already pinned her down. "Doumyoji!" she yelled, shutting her eyes at the same time. Tsukasa was not going to let her go. It was not easy to catch hold of her and when he did, it was not easy to keep her by his side. He stared intently at his lovely girl.
Tsukushi opened her eyes slowly. His eyes met hers and it spoke of tenderness. Tsukasa's eyes always spoke words and it had always melted her heart. She opened her mouth but Tsukasa prevented her to speak as he kissed her gently. "I love you," he whispered when they parted. He had not expected her to return it but she did. "Doumyoji," she said softly, "I love you too." He smiled and kissed her again, this time with more passion as his arms encircled her and they sunk further into the bed...
"Onee-san, what are you doing here?" asked Tsukasa in shock. Tsubaki frowned and wondered if her brother is really as stupid as he looks. "What do you mean by what am I doing here?!" replied Tsubaki annoyingly, "This is a Doumyoji event." Tsukasa laughed. "But you are no longer one," he replied, almost choking. "Tsukasa!" growled Tsubaki. Tsukasa retreated cowardly. He knew that tone and if he were to push it a little further, his sister would use violence on him. Tsubaki sighed and mumbled inaudibly, "I wonder what Tsukushi sees in you?!"
"Don't mumble in front of me," Tsukasa hissed, "I hate people doing that!" Tsubaki brushed her brother aside and turned her attention to the others. "I'm glad to see all of you here," she said and turning to Rui, "Where's Shizuka?" Rui smiled and replied, "She's busy with school, but sends her regards."
"I see," smiled Tsubaki, "Well, enjoy yourselves tonight. I'll see you later." Tsubaki excused herself to join Hiroshi at the other end of the hall. "I'm sure Onee-san knows that we're up to something," said Shigeru, her eyes still on Tsubaki, "But how is it that she's not enquiring about our plan?" She turned to look at the six. They shrugged. "Let's get back to where we've left off," replied Tsukasa impatiently, "I need to know your plans and do some co-ordination on my part."
************
The maid secured her hair on each side with diamond-studded hairpins as she looked on through the mirror. "Takemura-san," began Tsukushi, "I've never had those. Where did you get it?" Hitomi smiled and replied, "It came with the gown you're wearing, Makino-san." Tsukushi stared at herself through the mirror as Hitomi brushed her hair one last time. "Do you know what's the occasion?" asked Tsukushi as nonchalantly as possible for she was hoping Hitomi could give her some lead. Hitomi shook her head before replying, "You're ready."
Tsukushi thanked her and got up from her dressing table. "Your shoes," said Hitomi, handing a pair of satin high-heeled pumps to Tsukushi. "Thank you," replied Tsukushi, frowning, "I don't think I can last a night with these!" Hitomi laughed but caught herself. "I'm sorry," she apologised. "There's nothing to apologise for," smiled Tsukushi, "Well, I'd better get going...although I really don't want to be down there...I don't know anyone there..." Hitomi sympathised with the child and wanted very much to comfort her but the wall of master and maid stood in the way.
"Why do I have to attend this party?" thought Tsukushi quietly, staring at the floor, "Just what is she up to? She wouldn't be embarrassing me at such an important event, would she?" Tsukushi hated the thought of Kaede's motives but she hoped and kept her fingers crossed that just maybe Tsukasa would be there tonight too. It could probably be her only chance to see him - a promise that Kaede made.
The silence of the room was interrupted by a knock on the door. A male dressed in a black suit entered. "Makino-san," he said in an almost commanding voice, "Are your ready?" Tsukushi looked over to Hitomi and back at the stranger in the room before she nodded. He opened the door wider and stood aside to allow Tsukushi to pass. "See you later," said Tsukushi to the maid as she stepped out of her room and the door closed behind her.
************
The hall filled gradually as guests continued to stream into the mansion. Males in tuxedo stood among females dressed in their various coloured evening gowns. The girl, dressed in a diamond-studded ivory evening gown, stood and watched the on-goings below her. Her eyes moved till it settled on a group at the far corner of the entrance to the main hall. She smiled and began her descent down the stairs. No one noticed her, not even the huddled group.
"All right, Tsukasa," said Sojiro, "Just leave everything to us tonight. Meet us at the entrance when it's time." Tsukasa nodded and turned to Rui. "I guess we have to put up with you and Shizuka for a while," he said to his best friend. Rui smiled and replied, "Anything for both of you." Shigeru's eyes wandered around and widened when they settled at the grand stairs of the mansion. She tapped Tomoya who brushed it aside as he was in a conversation with the rest. Shigeru, with her eyes still at the girl, whined and then, tapped Rui on her right. Like Tomoya, Rui ignored the interruption.
Frustrated at being ignored, Shigeru turned away from the girl and yelled, "Tsukushi!" Silence fell as the group stared at her in surprise. "Where is she?" asked an anxious Tsukasa, breaking the silence as he grabbed Shigeru. "There!" pointed Shigeru and all turned in that direction but the girl was nowhere in sight. "Did your eyes play a trick on you?" asked Akira. "She was there...I saw her! I swear!" protested Shigeru.
"Looking for me?" quipped a voice behind the group. The girl who was at the grand stairway was now standing in front of them. Tsukasa frowned. Shigeru's eyes widen with astonishment and so did Yuki's. "You...You look so much like her from afar!" exclaimed Shigeru unbelievingly, "Who are you? And why did you impersonate Tsukushi?" The girl eyed Shigeru before happily attaching herself to Tsukasa. Akira was amused and burst laughing. "Told you so," he choked, "She's got to get a pair of glasses soon."
"I agree," laughed Sojiro and turning to Tomoya, "It had better be soon or she might mistake some other guy for you." Shigeru retorted, "But she did looked like her! Who is she anyway?!" Sojiro shook his head and replied, "Kashiwagi Midori. Onee-san's sister-in-law. Tsukasa's nemesis." Akira chuckled, just as Rui smiled.
Kashiwagi Midori, the only daughter of the Kashiwagi household, was as active and lively as Shigeru. Midori, still clinging onto Tsukasa, beamed her princess smile at the group. "Will you let go of me?" scowled Tsukasa, yanking his arm away from her, "Shouldn't you behave more like an adult now?" Midori chirped, "I should, shouldn't I? But I just can't helped it when I'm with you." Amusement laid the faces of the rest as they watched Midori slipping her hand through Tsukasa's arm and Tsukasa yanking it away from her.
************
Tsukushi followed the stranger blindly down the hallway as her mind wandered. "Wait here," instructed the stranger as he turned away from Tsukushi and spoke softly into the walkie-talkie. Tsukushi took the opportunity to look around and she noticed that she was standing a few feet away from the grand stairway of the mansion. "I understand," said the stranger as he looked over his shoulders, "We'll wait here till you're ready." These were the only words that she could hear.
************
"The party's about to start," said Rui, noticing the dwindling crowd, "They'll be suspicious if we hang around the entrance." Tomoya agreed and escorted Shigeru into the hall, followed by Sojiro and Yuki. Akira and Rui were next in line with the struggling couple behind them. "Will you let go?!" hissed Tsukasa, heard only by the duo in front as they entered the grand hall.
Seiryo and Kaede took the front on a makeshift platform as the guests applauded. "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," began Seiryo, "Thank you for taking precious time off to come to this evening's event." Seiryo paused, smiled and looked over to his wife. "This evening's event is not just a Christmas' Eve dinner party," continued Seiryo, "My wife and I thought it would also be fitting for us to formally introduce our successor - that is, my son, Doumyoji Tsukasa." The crowd applauded again, as they turned to face Tsukasa.
Still struggling with Midori, an embarrassed Tsukasa could only nod. "Let go!" he hissed but Midori clung on. F3, Tomoya, Shigeru and Yuki tried to muffle their laughter. "Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year," said Seiryo as the applause faded away, "And what could be more appropriate than to formally announce tonight of my son's engagement too." There was silence as the groundbreaking news sunk in, and then, applause rung through the entire hall as they turned again to focus on Tsukasa and Midori.
"Engagement?!" exclaimed Akira, Sojiro and Shigeru. Rui and Yuki stared wide-eyed while Tomoya grasped. Tsukasa froze as guests near the group congratulated him. "What's..." began Tomoya but before he could continue, Seiryo's voice came back onto the system. "Please don't be mistaken," said Seiryo almost apologetically, realising that the guests must have thought Midori was his son's fiancée, "I will now introduce my future daughter-in-law."
The door to the entrance of the main hall opened and a lady dressed in pure white shyly emerged. "Ma...Makino!" "Tsukushi!" exclaimed Tsukasa, F3, Shigeru and Yuki simultaneously.
************
Tsukushi stared at the moon as she hummed to the tune of Pachebel's "Cannon in D Major" of which she had heard over the party. She had just returned to the room after catching up with the group while Tsukasa was with his father. It had been such a strange and surprising night. Everything had swept past - the party, the engagement, the guests. Her mind was still in a swirl. Looking at the diamond solitaire on her left hand, she smiled.
The party had ended. The only guests who were staying the night were Akira, Rui, Sojiro, Tomoya, Shigeru and Yuki. The boys were almost drunk, mainly Akira and Sojiro. Tsukushi shook her head. She was glad to see Shigeru and Yuki, and to be finally introduced to Shigeru's fiancé, Tomoya.
Tsubaki had explained to them the things that have been happening over the week - why Tsukushi had to attend the classes that were organised, why the two were not allowed to interact, how Kaede saw the change in Tsukasa (the credit, of course, goes to Tsukushi), how she had to play along in order for her parents to assess her brother's innate strength (he's after all the successor) and what it took to keep this engagement a secret.
"Are you going to be standing there for the rest of the night?" asked an annoyed voice behind her. She had not heard the door open and definitely had not expected Tsukasa. Tsukushi frowned. "You know," she said, turning to face him, "The night would have been better without you and your annoyance." Tsukasa scowled before retorting, "I'm sure it's more beautiful without you in the scene."
"Why...you..." Tsukushi hissed before it dawned on her that Tsukasa was in her room, "What...What are you doing in my room?!" Tsukasa shrugged and moved towards the bed, taking out his coat and bow tie as he did so. Tsukushi stared in horror. "Shouldn't...Ain't...Shouldn't you be in your room?" she stammered. "What are you talking about?" replied Tsukasa, "This is my room as well." Her eyes widen as she retreated away from the window.
"Er...Then...I'm...I'm in the wrong room," she said quickly and bolted for the door. The door refused to budge as she tried to open it. "Don't bother," said Tsukasa, "Akira, Sojiro and Rui have already cosseted it from outside." Tsukushi spun around. "What!?" she exclaimed, "How could they?!...Wait a minute...They were in their room when I came back here...How did..."
"Got intercepted by them on my way back to my room," interrupted Tsukasa, "The rest is history." The horrified face on Tsukushi tells it all. Tsukasa watched her as she swaggered around the room nervously. He grinned as he stood up from the bed. "Stay...stay where you are!" stuttered Tsukushi, her palm raised to indicate a 'stop' sign. "Mind you, we're engaged," teased Tsukasa, moving closer, "It should be all right."
"We're engaged," retorted Tsukushi weakly, "Not married..." Tsukasa ignored her and continued his advance. She backed up against the wall, then slide along it as Tsukasa moved nearer till she hit the cupboard and stumble away quickly before he could get hold of her. "Doumyoji...please," she pleaded and before she knew, Tsukushi crashed onto the bed.
"Just where I want you," said Tsukasa. She scrambled to sit up but he had already pinned her down. "Doumyoji!" she yelled, shutting her eyes at the same time. Tsukasa was not going to let her go. It was not easy to catch hold of her and when he did, it was not easy to keep her by his side. He stared intently at his lovely girl.
Tsukushi opened her eyes slowly. His eyes met hers and it spoke of tenderness. Tsukasa's eyes always spoke words and it had always melted her heart. She opened her mouth but Tsukasa prevented her to speak as he kissed her gently. "I love you," he whispered when they parted. He had not expected her to return it but she did. "Doumyoji," she said softly, "I love you too." He smiled and kissed her again, this time with more passion as his arms encircled her and they sunk further into the bed...