The next morning, Tuesday, breakfast was served at normal time. Kamiko
grabbed her usual Cheerios(™) drown in milk and ate it rather quickly and
anxiously, though nobody seemed to notice. After breakfast, "Enrique? I
need to tell you something."
"Oh man, not this early in the morning." Johnny moaned, rubbing his forehead.
"Shut up!" Kamiko ordered, abnormally irritable.
"What is it?" Enrique asked, sweetly.
"We... have a problem." Kamiko sighed.
"What?" Enrique paused for his answer.
"I... have... to... dump you." Kamiko winced.
Enrique's face turned pale, "Wh...what..?"
"I met somebody else and I just don't think it'll work out. Sorry. Bye." Kamiko quickly got up with her things and ran off.
Ruki blinked, "Uh wait!" She stumbled from her place, having nothing to take with her, and following after Kamiko.
Enrique sat in silence and disbelief at this abrupt outburst.
Meanwhile Kamiko rushed toward the school building, Ruki struggling to catch up, "Kamiko! Wait!!"
Kamiko sat on the bricks outlining a garden with her face in her hands.
Ruki stopped in front of her, panting, "What's... wrong?" She inquired inbetween breaths.
"I can't go out with Enrique anymore." Kamiko sobbed.
Ruki rolled her eyes up, "Well yeah we all know that now... But why?"
"I... don't know... The feeling... it's gone." Kamiko removed her hands and looked at Ruki.
Ruki tilted her head oddly, "The what?"
Kamiko stood up and wiped her face, "You know... the feeling when you like somebody.. when you love somebody..."
"It's gone..." Ruki blinked.
Kamiko nodded and sniffed.
Ruki looked down, not sure what to say.
"It's for somebody else now..." Kamiko confessed, her voice even again.
Ruki looked up at her, "Somebody... else?"
Kamiko nodded, "Yes. I can't help it..."
Ruki stood up straight, "Then who?"
Kamiko looked around uneasily, checking the scenery for any evesdroppers then got closer to Ruki's face, "Johnny."
Ruki raised an eyebrow, "What about Johnny?"
Kamiko repeated herself with a bit of a sigh, "I like... Johnny." She managed once again.
Ruki blinked and paused a moment, "Uh... you... wanna run that by me again?"
Kamiko sighed once more, "I like Johnny." She looked down as if ashamed.
Ruki's eyes shifted around, unable to find the words to say.
"I know it seems irrational... But it's .. true." Kamiko confirmed.
She looked over her shoulder a saw Oliver trying to comfort Enrique as they walked toward the school building and Johnny tagging along behind them, his hands in his pockets as usual but he was quiet for a change. "Speak of the devil ..."
Kamiko looked up and noticed them as well. The three boys exchanged their gazes with the girls in the distant, but didn't make an attempt to approach them and were on their way again soon. The bell then rang, calling all students to the school building and to their classroom.
That day Kamiko shared the front row with Ruki, feeling awkward to sit in the back with the guys. She wrote notes attempting to explain the situation to Enrique, but trashed every one of them, finding them not good enough. Her attention to classwork was less than usual today and Ruki had no doubt noticed her friend was severaly troubled.
At the end of the day, Ruki and Kamiko walked back to the boarding house together. Ruki gave her a few pats on the back, "Did you write that note?"
"I must've written hundreds... but none of them explained well enough what went wrong." Kamiko put her hand to her head as if it hurt. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"
"Why does she have to be so complicated?" Enrique sighed as he sat at the table with Oliver and a snack before him.
Johnny looked from the TV over to Enrique, "Hey, you knew it was bound to happen. You never were good with keeping women anyway."
Oliver looked sternly at Johnny, "You're not helping any Johnny!"
"Hey, I'm just telling the truth." Johnny shrugged. "Maybe you should find another bimbo like you used to have back in Italy. What were their names? Bosetta and Rianco or something?"
Enrique's face turned sour, "Rosetta and Bianca."
"Ah, that's right." Johnny smirked, showing no sign of sympathy for his friend.
"Enrique, what you need is someone who's sweet and caring, but someone loyal and truth worthy too. Not someone so wild, someone calm but conversational and active." Oliver said as he looked back at Enrique.
"Tch, I'm not gonna find anyone like that." Enrique replied, somewhat bitterly as he played with the food on his plate.
"Why not look outside the school?" Oliver suggested.
"Or why not stop looking all together?" Johnny added.
"Johnny, can't you be atleast a little supportive right now?" Oliver snapped.
"Why should I? He got what he deserved." Johnny smirked, matter of factly.
"What did he do to deserve this?" Oliver demanded.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Cheaters never prosper? Is that a-ringin' a bell?" He yawned after he had finished and a silence covered the room.
Enrique blinked then suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table, "CHEATER?! I NEVER CHEATED ON ANYBODY!!!"
"Ah, whatever. I saw you talking with that stupid blonde the other day." Johnny said calmly.
"For YOUR information MISTER!! She wanted to talk to me about YOU." Enrique growled.
"Hmm, about me, eh?" Johnny said without interest.
Enrique crossed his arms and peered at him from the corner of his eyes, "Yeah.. she said something about... being interested in going with you to the dance next month."
Johnny's eyes rolled over to Enrique, he was silent for a moment, then finally replied, "Oh really..."
Enrique looked up at the ceiling, "Yeah but of course you wouldn't care about that. I'm cheating with her, remember?"
Johnny scrambled to a sit on the bed, "I NEVER SAID THAT!!" He objected.
"AH YEAH YOU DID!!" Enrique yelled back at him.
"You guys, CHILL OUT!!" Oliver interrupted. "I hate to interrupt this argument but we still have to find out what happened to Kamiko and Ruki you know!"
Johnny looked in another direction, "Who cares what happened to them? Ruki was getting on my nerves anyway."
Enrique put his fist up, "I'd much sooner kick you out of our group before I kick her out you big whiney baby!"
Johnny's face turned red with anger as he shot back, "WHINEY BABY!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WAS MOPING ALL DAY CAUSE YOU'RE GIRLFRIEND DUMPED YOU!!"
"YEAH?! Well atleast unlike YOU I've atleast HAD a girlfriend!" Enrique snarled.
"Yeah and they ALL DUMPED you!!"
"You haven't had any TO dump you!" Johnny and Enrique goin at it.
"Because I haven't even WANTED one!"
"You're the worst liar I've ever met!!"
"You're the biggest whiney I've ever met!"
"That's funny cause I'm probably the only person you've ever met ANYWAY!!"
"ARE YOU CALLING ME GAY?!"
"YOU PROBABLY ARE!!"
"YOU GUYS!!!" Oliver screamed at them.
Enrique and Johnny didn't say another word, but glared at eachother growling as if ready to tackle on another to the ground and exchange flying fists.
"We have to find Kamiko and Ruki! Whether or not she broke up with Enrique, she's still our friend!" Oliver sighed, exhausted from watching the two go like that, "Now, we're gonna walk up to their room and talk this out like civilized people."
"Not that Enrique would know anything about being civilized." Johnny crossed his arms.
"WHY YOU..." Suddenly an almost visible light bulb appeared over Enrique's head, "Hm. Is that so. Well then.. I have a challenge for you Mr. I'm So Civil." Enrique had his arms crossed now, knowing Johnny could never refuse a challenge.
Johnny glanced at him skeptically, "A challenge eh?"
"I'd like to see you get a girlfriend just to see whether it's true that you can if you want." Enrique smirked.
Johnny glowered at him, but his frown soon became a smirk, "By next week. Whoever has a girlfriend first is the better man, eh?"
Enrique nodded, "Fine!"
Johnny grinned widely, "Tch, fine."
Oliver smacked his forehead with his hand, knowing it was useless to try and talk sense into them.
Kamiko closed the door as Ruki walked into their room, "It's nice to be back in here. I feel like its been forever since I last laid on my bed." Ruki let herself drop onto the mattress, leaving prints in the formely perfectly made bed.
Kamiko wandered over to her own bed and sat down, facing Ruki, "Ruki ... you have to help me."
Ruki eyed Kamiko from where she lay, "Help you? ...With what?"
"Getting.... well... Johnny to like me." Kamiko chuckled, a bit embarrassed.
Ruki blinked, "Well I--" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Kamiko looked at the door. It was silent until there was another knock. "I wonder.. who could that be?" Kamiko looked at Ruki who shrugged, then got to her feet and walked to the door. She slowly opened it.
"Hi!" Oliver smiled, Enrique and Johnny behind him.
Kamiko quickly shut the door, her eyes wide with fear.
Ruki sat up, "Who was that?"
Kamiko looked at Ruki but didn't answer and ran to the other room.
Ruki raised an eyebrow and forced herself off the bed and opened the door.
"Uh, hi." Oliver blinked.
A massive sweatdrop slid down Ruki's face as she became nervous for Kamiko's sake, "Oh uh... Hey, how are ya?"
"We just came by to--"
"Chat! We wanna chat!" Enrique finished as he pushed past Oliver and Ruki and into the room.
"Ch-chat??" Ruki repeated almost with fright as Oliver strolled in, Johnny following behind.
"Of course!" Enrique dropped on Ruki's bed. ::
Ruki nearly panicked, "Uh.. uh well since you're here, how about I go get some drinks for you? Just stay right here!" Ruki rushed off.
Enrique looked at Johnny, who sat unamused at the small table for two across from Oliver.
Kamiko approached the hurrying Ruki, "Are they gone?"
"No--"
"YOU LET THEM IN?!"
"No I didn't let them in, they just sort've... Enrique let himself in and the others just followed.." Ruki corrected.
"Oh great! Crap... Johnny is here too! This is horrible! ....No.. wait!" Kamiko suddenly turned back to Ruki.
Ruki study innocently clueless.
"You... heheh... you..." Kamiko chuckled evilly.
Ruki took a few steps back, frightened, "Uh...?"
"YOU!"
Ruki jumped, "Me??"
"You can be a distraction for Enrique!"
"Huh??"
"If Enrique finds somebody else, everything will be better and I'll be able to get Johnny." Kamiko smirked to herself, "It's perfect."
"Wha-what?? Me??"
Kamiko glared at her, "You're the only one around."
"But why??"
Kamiko's glare turned colder, "Because you're small and insignificant and because I'll pummel you if you don't!"
Ruki blinked, "...Why else?"
"NOW! RUKI!!"
"AHH! Ok Ok!" Ruki ran off the retrieve the drinks she had promised.
Kamiko turned around and rubbed her hands together, "Better watch out, Johnny-boy, cause I'm coming to get you..."
Ruki sighed as she fixed the drinks, "Tea for Oliver, Mountain Dew for Johnny and Dr. Pepper for Enrique... what a crew." She came back into the room with a tray and offered the first drink to Enrique.
"Thank you, you're too kind." Enrique said as he took the glass off the tray.
Ruki went over to Johnny and Oliver, offering the last two drinks.
"Many thanks, Ruki." Oliver smiled as he took the tea cup.
"I just made it this morning, I tried the recipe you gave me. I hope it tastes alright."
Johnny grabbed his drink, "Probably tastes worse than store tea!"
Ruki blinked, not sure how to react.
"Johnny, you're never gonna win that way." Enrique reminded him.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "What're you talking about?"
Enrique sat up, setting his glass on the nightstand and motioned Ruki to come over and explained quietly, "I challenged Johnny to get a girl by next week, but he's never gonna make it. I just know it."
"You left out one last detail, Enrique or have you forgotten you're in for one too?" Johnny sneered, obviously having heard.
Enrique frowned, "Yeah yeah, I haven't forgotten."
Ruki stood up straight again, "I see. Well give me a second, I'm gonna put this back in the kitchen." She walked off somewhat in a hurry, replacing the tray where it had been and going over to Kamiko, "Kamiko!!"
Kamiko quickly twisted around, "What?"
"He's looking!"
"Huh? Who? For what?" Kamiko appeared confused.
"Enrique challenged Johnny to get a girlfriend before next week!" Ruki explained.
Kamiko's face brightened, "Is that so? ...And Johnny didn't return a challenge?"
Ruki blinked, "Uhm.. well.... yeah, Enrique has the same challenge but--"
"That's perfect! You're more eligible than anyone else! And if Johnny needs a girlfriend he'll settle for who's easiest to get!" Kamiko exclaimed.
"Hey now I don't like--" Ruki watched Kamiko skip off to the other room, "..that...idea.." Ruki frowned.
Kamiko came into the room and stopped suddenly, having grabbed everyone's attention from the room. Ruki walked up behind her, looking over her shoulder.
"Well well, where've you been hiding?" Enrique asked, somewhat fliratiously.
Kamiko looked at Ruki, "You help me out this one time and I'll be indebted to you for life."
Ruki sighed, feeling obligated to help her friend, "Yeah Ok..."
Kamiko turned to her friends and walked into the room, "Hey guys, what's up?"
Oliver blinked, "Nothing, we just... came to see how you were doing. You seemed sort've upset earlier."
"Ah naw, I'm fine. Just needed some time to myself to think, yannow?" Kamiko replied.
Enrique studied Kamiko, seeing she was not the least bit upset anymore and suddenly missed getting her attention all the time. "So Kamiko, um.. if you don't mind me asking... What.. went wrong?"
Kamiko turned around and saw Ruki still standing there and waved her away, then looked at Enrique with a sigh, "My friend... I'm really sorry but, you see.. Things seemed rough and then my friend... she.." Kamiko rolled her eyes, trying to make it seem like it was complicated, "Let me just lay it out for you: she likes you Ok?"
Ruki was against the wall just outside of the doorframe and hit herself in the head.
Enrique raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Johnny's face turned bitter, seeing as he had the upper hand now in their little bet.
"So we had to break up?" Enrique asked, sadly.
"Like I said, things were rough between us..." Kamiko repeated, "And it's just better this way."
Enrique's shoulders dropped, not fully understanding what exactly it was she was saying.
"Anyway, you guys got anything planned? I was thinking maybe tomorrow after school we could go mini-golfing."
"That sounds like fun!" Oliver smiled.
"Yeah, so you guys in?" Kamiko eyed Johnny specifically, trying to throw hints of interest.
"Pfft, mini-golfing?!" Johnny crossed his arms.
"Yes, Johnny, mini-golfing." Kamiko smiled and spoke flirtatiously to him, batting her eyelashes.
Johnny raised an eyebrow, catching a hint, then looked at Enrique who seemed to grow more angry once he had caught his eye, "Yeah. Mini-golfing sounds fun." Johnny looked back at Kamiko, pleased with his sudden progress.
"Great!" Kamiko cheered as Ruki came in and stood next to her. She looked down at her friend, "We're going mini-golfing tomorrow after school, Ruki."
Ruki blinked, "Oh.. woo..hoo..."
Kamiko's face turned grave and she elbowed Ruki in the side.
"OW!! Oh I mean YEAH!! Great! Finally!" Ruki rolled her eyes.
Oliver stood, "So mini-golfing it is then. How great." He smiled, seeming very happy.
"Yeah, it'll be just like old times." Kamiko pulled Ruki over and said just loud enough for the others to hear, "And you'll get to spend some quality time with the man of your dreams."
Ruki blushed and looked at her, embarrassed, "Oh goody..."
Enrique stood in a thinking position, pondering over his current choices, "Win Ruki over and at least not lose... or find somebody else more suited for me..."
"Hey Romeo, it's time to go!" Johnny hollard from the doorway.
Enrique looked up, "Yeah yeah I'm coming." He walked past Ruki and Kamiko and waved to them, "See you at dinner." With that he was out of site, having followed Johnny down the hall.
Kamiko skipped to the door and shut it, "THANK YOU SO MUCH RUKI!! Johnny will be mine before next week." She felt a tingle of excitement go through her bones.
"Was it Ok to lie to Enrique like that though?" Ruki frowned.
Kamiko blinked a moment as if thinking it over, "Mmm.. yeah! Besides, you'll learn to like him I'm sure."
"I do like him but--"
Kamiko gasped, "You do?!"
"Only as a friend!"
Kamiko laughed, "You're bad at covering things up once they're figured out."
"No, you don't get it--"
"I'd have to be pretty gullible to go for that." Kamiko laughed as she walked into the kitchen area.
Ruki hit her forehead again with the heel of her hand.
That evening before dinner, Johnny approached Enrique with his usual cocky smile, "Seems I have my work cut out for me."
Enrique glared at him, "Appears so..."
"I'll work my charm this evening and have her by Thursday." Johnny replied, confidentally.
Enrique's glare narrowed.
"Looks like you've already losed, Enrique-poo." Johnny snickered and went out the door to go to the cafeteria.
Oliver walked over to Enrique, "Are you coming?"
Enrique stood up, "Yeah I'm coming. It's time to play fire with fire, and Johnny's about to get burnt." The flames of rage could be see flaring in Enrique's eyes as he stood there, then followed Johnny out the door.
Oliver blinked, surprised at how serious this competition has become.
Downstairs in the cafeteria, Kamiko and Ruki were already looking at the nights menu.
"Coldslaw? Who eats that?" Kamiko shuddered.
Ruki chuckled at Kamiko, "That's like saying who eats pizza."
"Least pizza tastes good." Kamiko mumbled, "There's nothing good to eat on this stupid menu!"
"Calm down Kamiko, there's plenty good to eat here, see here's--" Ruki suddenly stopped.
Kamiko looked up to see what had grabbed her attention, "Oh oh, here come the guys!" She quickly straightened her posture.
Ruki watched Kamiko reparing, thinking it seemed almost ridiculous.
"Good evening, ladies."
Ruki looked over and up at Enrique who had just greeted them.
"I'm so glad to see you came so soon." Kamiko said, her eyes on Johnny.
Ruki glanced over at Kamiko, and watched as Johnny sat down next to her, "Didn't wanna miss any time I could spend with you, ya know." Johnny winked.
Ruki noticed Kamiko got very excited about this and even more flirtatious. She rubbed her forehead, "Find anything yet, Kamiko?"
"Uh hmm? What?" Kamiko looked at Ruki, not having paid any attention.
"Food. We're here to... eat." Ruki pretended to spoon something into her mouth.
"Oh yeah. Right. Food." Kamiko picked her menu back up and skimmed it over a moment, then looked at Johnny again who seemed to be intently finding something that suited his taste.
Ruki watched for a moment then looked at Enrique who was standing and watching as well, "Hey Enrique, you wanna sit down?" She slightly smiled.
Enrique continued to watch, paying close attention as he took a seat between Ruki and Oliver.
Ruki frowned and looked at Kamiko, who was flirting probably more than she realized with Johnny who seemed to actually enjoy it. Her gaze went back to Enrique, who seemed both angered by this and saddened at the same time. Ruki dropped her shoulders as well as her eyes, which landed back on the page of her menu. Which landed back on the page of her menu. Ignoring the outside noises of everyone else, she finally decided on what to eat then looked at Kamiko and Johnny, "So have we decided what we're gonna have?"
Kamiko bounced a bit in her seat, "Me and Johnny are gonna have some of the chicken!"
Ruki looked at Oliver and Enrique for an answer.
"Ready to order when you are." Oliver nodded.
Ruki looked at Enrique specifically, who was staring hard onto the menu but didn't seem to be really reading it. Ruki moved, trying to get into his view a little, "Enrique...?"
Enrique suddenly looked up as if startled, "Hm? What?" He looked at Ruki.
Ruki raised both eyebrows, "Are you ready to order ...?"
"Oh yeah. Yeah I'm ready." Enrique nodded, surely.
Johnny grinned and did the honors of ringing the bell in the center of the table. A waiter reported to their table immidiately and Johnny was the first to speak, "We're having the chicken. She and I." Johnny gestured at Kamiko.
The waiter nodded and looked at Oliver.
"I'd like your dinner omelette, please." Oliver said politely.
The waiter nodded again, a sign that he had gotten what was said. He skipped Enrique, who stared at his menu, thinking he hadn't made up his mind yet and looked at Ruki.
"I'd like the rice with the mash potatoes, please." Ruki smiled as best she could manage.
The waiter bobbed his head again and looked at Enrique, who hadn't noticed.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "Psst. Enrique. You're on."
Enrique slowly looked at Ruki, then slowly turned to the waiter, "I'll have the dinner omelette to go."
"To go? You're not staying with us?" Oliver inquired.
"No I need to go up to my room." Enrique said as he lay the menu down and the waiter left to retrieve the orders.
"Are you Ok? Should I come with you?" Oliver asked, worriedly.
"No. No, no, I'm fine." Enrique assured him.
"Should I come with you then?" Ruki asked, gaining Enrique's attention, well aware he needed company and couldn't turn down a girl's offer no matter who she was.
Enrique looked uneasy and unwilling, "If you really want I guess." He finally said.
Ruki smiled, pleased, "Great."
Kamiko caught Ruki's attention and gave her a thumbs up with a sneaky smirk.
Ruki glared at her and waved her cruel gesture away.
When the waiter returned he gave Enrique his food to go, "Thank you, sir."
"Oh please make mine to go too." Ruki said before the waiter left.
"Very well, miss." Was his reply before he bowed and went on his way once more.
Ruki sat patiently, watching the others while Enrique fidgetted as he stood behind his seat.
"Oh Johnny, you're just the cutest thing!" Kamiko giggled, clinging to his arm.
Johnny eyed Enrique, knowing this bugged him, "I know."
Enrique narrowed his view but only turned away. The waiter soon arrived and handed Ruki her food.
"Thank you very much." Ruki said as she took it and stood up, letting her seat slide out behind her.
"You two love birds have fun now, ya hear?" Kamiko winked at Ruki.
Ruki's friendly smile soon turned into a deadly stare, which only made Kamiko snicker with delight.
"Alright, let's go Ruki." Enrique said and began to leave.
Ruki pushed her seat in and ran to catch up with him, "Are you sure you're Ok?"
Enrique stopped, suddenly having an idea. He turned around to face Ruki and looked past her to see if Kamiko was still watching. He smiled to himself when Kamiko gave him the 'Ok' sign, wishing him luck apparently, then turned around to face his path again, "Fine, I assure you. Let's go now, we have a lot to talk about." He said as he slipped an arm around her back and continued to lead her.
Ruki blushed, a bit shocked, "Uh, Ok..."
Enrique looked over his shoulder to see if Kamiko was still watching and saw she was all over Johnny again, then frowned when he realized his plan to make her jealous hadn't worked "Hm. Guess it's over..." He muttered as he continued to lead her.
Ruki looked up at Enrique, "What's over?"
Enrique sighed, "My futile attempts."
Ruki looked over her shoulder and saw he meant Kamiko, then looked back at him, "I'm sorry about Kamiko ... I just wish there was something I could do. All I can offer is ... If you ever need me, I'll be here.."
Enrique glimpsed down at her, managing a smile, "Thanks. You're a good friend."
Ruki returned a warm smile as well, glad to see it had helped even a little.
Meanwhile Kamiko rushed toward the school building, Ruki struggling to catch up, "Kamiko! Wait!!"
Kamiko sat on the bricks outlining a garden with her face in her hands.
Ruki stopped in front of her, panting, "What's... wrong?" She inquired inbetween breaths.
"I can't go out with Enrique anymore." Kamiko sobbed.
Ruki rolled her eyes up, "Well yeah we all know that now... But why?"
"I... don't know... The feeling... it's gone." Kamiko removed her hands and looked at Ruki.
Ruki tilted her head oddly, "The what?"
Kamiko stood up and wiped her face, "You know... the feeling when you like somebody.. when you love somebody..."
"It's gone..." Ruki blinked.
Kamiko nodded and sniffed.
Ruki looked down, not sure what to say.
"It's for somebody else now..." Kamiko confessed, her voice even again.
Ruki looked up at her, "Somebody... else?"
Kamiko nodded, "Yes. I can't help it..."
Ruki stood up straight, "Then who?"
Kamiko looked around uneasily, checking the scenery for any evesdroppers then got closer to Ruki's face, "Johnny."
Ruki raised an eyebrow, "What about Johnny?"
Kamiko repeated herself with a bit of a sigh, "I like... Johnny." She managed once again.
Ruki blinked and paused a moment, "Uh... you... wanna run that by me again?"
Kamiko sighed once more, "I like Johnny." She looked down as if ashamed.
Ruki's eyes shifted around, unable to find the words to say.
"I know it seems irrational... But it's .. true." Kamiko confirmed.
She looked over her shoulder a saw Oliver trying to comfort Enrique as they walked toward the school building and Johnny tagging along behind them, his hands in his pockets as usual but he was quiet for a change. "Speak of the devil ..."
Kamiko looked up and noticed them as well. The three boys exchanged their gazes with the girls in the distant, but didn't make an attempt to approach them and were on their way again soon. The bell then rang, calling all students to the school building and to their classroom.
That day Kamiko shared the front row with Ruki, feeling awkward to sit in the back with the guys. She wrote notes attempting to explain the situation to Enrique, but trashed every one of them, finding them not good enough. Her attention to classwork was less than usual today and Ruki had no doubt noticed her friend was severaly troubled.
At the end of the day, Ruki and Kamiko walked back to the boarding house together. Ruki gave her a few pats on the back, "Did you write that note?"
"I must've written hundreds... but none of them explained well enough what went wrong." Kamiko put her hand to her head as if it hurt. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"
"Why does she have to be so complicated?" Enrique sighed as he sat at the table with Oliver and a snack before him.
Johnny looked from the TV over to Enrique, "Hey, you knew it was bound to happen. You never were good with keeping women anyway."
Oliver looked sternly at Johnny, "You're not helping any Johnny!"
"Hey, I'm just telling the truth." Johnny shrugged. "Maybe you should find another bimbo like you used to have back in Italy. What were their names? Bosetta and Rianco or something?"
Enrique's face turned sour, "Rosetta and Bianca."
"Ah, that's right." Johnny smirked, showing no sign of sympathy for his friend.
"Enrique, what you need is someone who's sweet and caring, but someone loyal and truth worthy too. Not someone so wild, someone calm but conversational and active." Oliver said as he looked back at Enrique.
"Tch, I'm not gonna find anyone like that." Enrique replied, somewhat bitterly as he played with the food on his plate.
"Why not look outside the school?" Oliver suggested.
"Or why not stop looking all together?" Johnny added.
"Johnny, can't you be atleast a little supportive right now?" Oliver snapped.
"Why should I? He got what he deserved." Johnny smirked, matter of factly.
"What did he do to deserve this?" Oliver demanded.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Cheaters never prosper? Is that a-ringin' a bell?" He yawned after he had finished and a silence covered the room.
Enrique blinked then suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table, "CHEATER?! I NEVER CHEATED ON ANYBODY!!!"
"Ah, whatever. I saw you talking with that stupid blonde the other day." Johnny said calmly.
"For YOUR information MISTER!! She wanted to talk to me about YOU." Enrique growled.
"Hmm, about me, eh?" Johnny said without interest.
Enrique crossed his arms and peered at him from the corner of his eyes, "Yeah.. she said something about... being interested in going with you to the dance next month."
Johnny's eyes rolled over to Enrique, he was silent for a moment, then finally replied, "Oh really..."
Enrique looked up at the ceiling, "Yeah but of course you wouldn't care about that. I'm cheating with her, remember?"
Johnny scrambled to a sit on the bed, "I NEVER SAID THAT!!" He objected.
"AH YEAH YOU DID!!" Enrique yelled back at him.
"You guys, CHILL OUT!!" Oliver interrupted. "I hate to interrupt this argument but we still have to find out what happened to Kamiko and Ruki you know!"
Johnny looked in another direction, "Who cares what happened to them? Ruki was getting on my nerves anyway."
Enrique put his fist up, "I'd much sooner kick you out of our group before I kick her out you big whiney baby!"
Johnny's face turned red with anger as he shot back, "WHINEY BABY!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WAS MOPING ALL DAY CAUSE YOU'RE GIRLFRIEND DUMPED YOU!!"
"YEAH?! Well atleast unlike YOU I've atleast HAD a girlfriend!" Enrique snarled.
"Yeah and they ALL DUMPED you!!"
"You haven't had any TO dump you!" Johnny and Enrique goin at it.
"Because I haven't even WANTED one!"
"You're the worst liar I've ever met!!"
"You're the biggest whiney I've ever met!"
"That's funny cause I'm probably the only person you've ever met ANYWAY!!"
"ARE YOU CALLING ME GAY?!"
"YOU PROBABLY ARE!!"
"YOU GUYS!!!" Oliver screamed at them.
Enrique and Johnny didn't say another word, but glared at eachother growling as if ready to tackle on another to the ground and exchange flying fists.
"We have to find Kamiko and Ruki! Whether or not she broke up with Enrique, she's still our friend!" Oliver sighed, exhausted from watching the two go like that, "Now, we're gonna walk up to their room and talk this out like civilized people."
"Not that Enrique would know anything about being civilized." Johnny crossed his arms.
"WHY YOU..." Suddenly an almost visible light bulb appeared over Enrique's head, "Hm. Is that so. Well then.. I have a challenge for you Mr. I'm So Civil." Enrique had his arms crossed now, knowing Johnny could never refuse a challenge.
Johnny glanced at him skeptically, "A challenge eh?"
"I'd like to see you get a girlfriend just to see whether it's true that you can if you want." Enrique smirked.
Johnny glowered at him, but his frown soon became a smirk, "By next week. Whoever has a girlfriend first is the better man, eh?"
Enrique nodded, "Fine!"
Johnny grinned widely, "Tch, fine."
Oliver smacked his forehead with his hand, knowing it was useless to try and talk sense into them.
Kamiko closed the door as Ruki walked into their room, "It's nice to be back in here. I feel like its been forever since I last laid on my bed." Ruki let herself drop onto the mattress, leaving prints in the formely perfectly made bed.
Kamiko wandered over to her own bed and sat down, facing Ruki, "Ruki ... you have to help me."
Ruki eyed Kamiko from where she lay, "Help you? ...With what?"
"Getting.... well... Johnny to like me." Kamiko chuckled, a bit embarrassed.
Ruki blinked, "Well I--" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Kamiko looked at the door. It was silent until there was another knock. "I wonder.. who could that be?" Kamiko looked at Ruki who shrugged, then got to her feet and walked to the door. She slowly opened it.
"Hi!" Oliver smiled, Enrique and Johnny behind him.
Kamiko quickly shut the door, her eyes wide with fear.
Ruki sat up, "Who was that?"
Kamiko looked at Ruki but didn't answer and ran to the other room.
Ruki raised an eyebrow and forced herself off the bed and opened the door.
"Uh, hi." Oliver blinked.
A massive sweatdrop slid down Ruki's face as she became nervous for Kamiko's sake, "Oh uh... Hey, how are ya?"
"We just came by to--"
"Chat! We wanna chat!" Enrique finished as he pushed past Oliver and Ruki and into the room.
"Ch-chat??" Ruki repeated almost with fright as Oliver strolled in, Johnny following behind.
"Of course!" Enrique dropped on Ruki's bed. ::
Ruki nearly panicked, "Uh.. uh well since you're here, how about I go get some drinks for you? Just stay right here!" Ruki rushed off.
Enrique looked at Johnny, who sat unamused at the small table for two across from Oliver.
Kamiko approached the hurrying Ruki, "Are they gone?"
"No--"
"YOU LET THEM IN?!"
"No I didn't let them in, they just sort've... Enrique let himself in and the others just followed.." Ruki corrected.
"Oh great! Crap... Johnny is here too! This is horrible! ....No.. wait!" Kamiko suddenly turned back to Ruki.
Ruki study innocently clueless.
"You... heheh... you..." Kamiko chuckled evilly.
Ruki took a few steps back, frightened, "Uh...?"
"YOU!"
Ruki jumped, "Me??"
"You can be a distraction for Enrique!"
"Huh??"
"If Enrique finds somebody else, everything will be better and I'll be able to get Johnny." Kamiko smirked to herself, "It's perfect."
"Wha-what?? Me??"
Kamiko glared at her, "You're the only one around."
"But why??"
Kamiko's glare turned colder, "Because you're small and insignificant and because I'll pummel you if you don't!"
Ruki blinked, "...Why else?"
"NOW! RUKI!!"
"AHH! Ok Ok!" Ruki ran off the retrieve the drinks she had promised.
Kamiko turned around and rubbed her hands together, "Better watch out, Johnny-boy, cause I'm coming to get you..."
Ruki sighed as she fixed the drinks, "Tea for Oliver, Mountain Dew for Johnny and Dr. Pepper for Enrique... what a crew." She came back into the room with a tray and offered the first drink to Enrique.
"Thank you, you're too kind." Enrique said as he took the glass off the tray.
Ruki went over to Johnny and Oliver, offering the last two drinks.
"Many thanks, Ruki." Oliver smiled as he took the tea cup.
"I just made it this morning, I tried the recipe you gave me. I hope it tastes alright."
Johnny grabbed his drink, "Probably tastes worse than store tea!"
Ruki blinked, not sure how to react.
"Johnny, you're never gonna win that way." Enrique reminded him.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "What're you talking about?"
Enrique sat up, setting his glass on the nightstand and motioned Ruki to come over and explained quietly, "I challenged Johnny to get a girl by next week, but he's never gonna make it. I just know it."
"You left out one last detail, Enrique or have you forgotten you're in for one too?" Johnny sneered, obviously having heard.
Enrique frowned, "Yeah yeah, I haven't forgotten."
Ruki stood up straight again, "I see. Well give me a second, I'm gonna put this back in the kitchen." She walked off somewhat in a hurry, replacing the tray where it had been and going over to Kamiko, "Kamiko!!"
Kamiko quickly twisted around, "What?"
"He's looking!"
"Huh? Who? For what?" Kamiko appeared confused.
"Enrique challenged Johnny to get a girlfriend before next week!" Ruki explained.
Kamiko's face brightened, "Is that so? ...And Johnny didn't return a challenge?"
Ruki blinked, "Uhm.. well.... yeah, Enrique has the same challenge but--"
"That's perfect! You're more eligible than anyone else! And if Johnny needs a girlfriend he'll settle for who's easiest to get!" Kamiko exclaimed.
"Hey now I don't like--" Ruki watched Kamiko skip off to the other room, "..that...idea.." Ruki frowned.
Kamiko came into the room and stopped suddenly, having grabbed everyone's attention from the room. Ruki walked up behind her, looking over her shoulder.
"Well well, where've you been hiding?" Enrique asked, somewhat fliratiously.
Kamiko looked at Ruki, "You help me out this one time and I'll be indebted to you for life."
Ruki sighed, feeling obligated to help her friend, "Yeah Ok..."
Kamiko turned to her friends and walked into the room, "Hey guys, what's up?"
Oliver blinked, "Nothing, we just... came to see how you were doing. You seemed sort've upset earlier."
"Ah naw, I'm fine. Just needed some time to myself to think, yannow?" Kamiko replied.
Enrique studied Kamiko, seeing she was not the least bit upset anymore and suddenly missed getting her attention all the time. "So Kamiko, um.. if you don't mind me asking... What.. went wrong?"
Kamiko turned around and saw Ruki still standing there and waved her away, then looked at Enrique with a sigh, "My friend... I'm really sorry but, you see.. Things seemed rough and then my friend... she.." Kamiko rolled her eyes, trying to make it seem like it was complicated, "Let me just lay it out for you: she likes you Ok?"
Ruki was against the wall just outside of the doorframe and hit herself in the head.
Enrique raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Johnny's face turned bitter, seeing as he had the upper hand now in their little bet.
"So we had to break up?" Enrique asked, sadly.
"Like I said, things were rough between us..." Kamiko repeated, "And it's just better this way."
Enrique's shoulders dropped, not fully understanding what exactly it was she was saying.
"Anyway, you guys got anything planned? I was thinking maybe tomorrow after school we could go mini-golfing."
"That sounds like fun!" Oliver smiled.
"Yeah, so you guys in?" Kamiko eyed Johnny specifically, trying to throw hints of interest.
"Pfft, mini-golfing?!" Johnny crossed his arms.
"Yes, Johnny, mini-golfing." Kamiko smiled and spoke flirtatiously to him, batting her eyelashes.
Johnny raised an eyebrow, catching a hint, then looked at Enrique who seemed to grow more angry once he had caught his eye, "Yeah. Mini-golfing sounds fun." Johnny looked back at Kamiko, pleased with his sudden progress.
"Great!" Kamiko cheered as Ruki came in and stood next to her. She looked down at her friend, "We're going mini-golfing tomorrow after school, Ruki."
Ruki blinked, "Oh.. woo..hoo..."
Kamiko's face turned grave and she elbowed Ruki in the side.
"OW!! Oh I mean YEAH!! Great! Finally!" Ruki rolled her eyes.
Oliver stood, "So mini-golfing it is then. How great." He smiled, seeming very happy.
"Yeah, it'll be just like old times." Kamiko pulled Ruki over and said just loud enough for the others to hear, "And you'll get to spend some quality time with the man of your dreams."
Ruki blushed and looked at her, embarrassed, "Oh goody..."
Enrique stood in a thinking position, pondering over his current choices, "Win Ruki over and at least not lose... or find somebody else more suited for me..."
"Hey Romeo, it's time to go!" Johnny hollard from the doorway.
Enrique looked up, "Yeah yeah I'm coming." He walked past Ruki and Kamiko and waved to them, "See you at dinner." With that he was out of site, having followed Johnny down the hall.
Kamiko skipped to the door and shut it, "THANK YOU SO MUCH RUKI!! Johnny will be mine before next week." She felt a tingle of excitement go through her bones.
"Was it Ok to lie to Enrique like that though?" Ruki frowned.
Kamiko blinked a moment as if thinking it over, "Mmm.. yeah! Besides, you'll learn to like him I'm sure."
"I do like him but--"
Kamiko gasped, "You do?!"
"Only as a friend!"
Kamiko laughed, "You're bad at covering things up once they're figured out."
"No, you don't get it--"
"I'd have to be pretty gullible to go for that." Kamiko laughed as she walked into the kitchen area.
Ruki hit her forehead again with the heel of her hand.
That evening before dinner, Johnny approached Enrique with his usual cocky smile, "Seems I have my work cut out for me."
Enrique glared at him, "Appears so..."
"I'll work my charm this evening and have her by Thursday." Johnny replied, confidentally.
Enrique's glare narrowed.
"Looks like you've already losed, Enrique-poo." Johnny snickered and went out the door to go to the cafeteria.
Oliver walked over to Enrique, "Are you coming?"
Enrique stood up, "Yeah I'm coming. It's time to play fire with fire, and Johnny's about to get burnt." The flames of rage could be see flaring in Enrique's eyes as he stood there, then followed Johnny out the door.
Oliver blinked, surprised at how serious this competition has become.
Downstairs in the cafeteria, Kamiko and Ruki were already looking at the nights menu.
"Coldslaw? Who eats that?" Kamiko shuddered.
Ruki chuckled at Kamiko, "That's like saying who eats pizza."
"Least pizza tastes good." Kamiko mumbled, "There's nothing good to eat on this stupid menu!"
"Calm down Kamiko, there's plenty good to eat here, see here's--" Ruki suddenly stopped.
Kamiko looked up to see what had grabbed her attention, "Oh oh, here come the guys!" She quickly straightened her posture.
Ruki watched Kamiko reparing, thinking it seemed almost ridiculous.
"Good evening, ladies."
Ruki looked over and up at Enrique who had just greeted them.
"I'm so glad to see you came so soon." Kamiko said, her eyes on Johnny.
Ruki glanced over at Kamiko, and watched as Johnny sat down next to her, "Didn't wanna miss any time I could spend with you, ya know." Johnny winked.
Ruki noticed Kamiko got very excited about this and even more flirtatious. She rubbed her forehead, "Find anything yet, Kamiko?"
"Uh hmm? What?" Kamiko looked at Ruki, not having paid any attention.
"Food. We're here to... eat." Ruki pretended to spoon something into her mouth.
"Oh yeah. Right. Food." Kamiko picked her menu back up and skimmed it over a moment, then looked at Johnny again who seemed to be intently finding something that suited his taste.
Ruki watched for a moment then looked at Enrique who was standing and watching as well, "Hey Enrique, you wanna sit down?" She slightly smiled.
Enrique continued to watch, paying close attention as he took a seat between Ruki and Oliver.
Ruki frowned and looked at Kamiko, who was flirting probably more than she realized with Johnny who seemed to actually enjoy it. Her gaze went back to Enrique, who seemed both angered by this and saddened at the same time. Ruki dropped her shoulders as well as her eyes, which landed back on the page of her menu. Which landed back on the page of her menu. Ignoring the outside noises of everyone else, she finally decided on what to eat then looked at Kamiko and Johnny, "So have we decided what we're gonna have?"
Kamiko bounced a bit in her seat, "Me and Johnny are gonna have some of the chicken!"
Ruki looked at Oliver and Enrique for an answer.
"Ready to order when you are." Oliver nodded.
Ruki looked at Enrique specifically, who was staring hard onto the menu but didn't seem to be really reading it. Ruki moved, trying to get into his view a little, "Enrique...?"
Enrique suddenly looked up as if startled, "Hm? What?" He looked at Ruki.
Ruki raised both eyebrows, "Are you ready to order ...?"
"Oh yeah. Yeah I'm ready." Enrique nodded, surely.
Johnny grinned and did the honors of ringing the bell in the center of the table. A waiter reported to their table immidiately and Johnny was the first to speak, "We're having the chicken. She and I." Johnny gestured at Kamiko.
The waiter nodded and looked at Oliver.
"I'd like your dinner omelette, please." Oliver said politely.
The waiter nodded again, a sign that he had gotten what was said. He skipped Enrique, who stared at his menu, thinking he hadn't made up his mind yet and looked at Ruki.
"I'd like the rice with the mash potatoes, please." Ruki smiled as best she could manage.
The waiter bobbed his head again and looked at Enrique, who hadn't noticed.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "Psst. Enrique. You're on."
Enrique slowly looked at Ruki, then slowly turned to the waiter, "I'll have the dinner omelette to go."
"To go? You're not staying with us?" Oliver inquired.
"No I need to go up to my room." Enrique said as he lay the menu down and the waiter left to retrieve the orders.
"Are you Ok? Should I come with you?" Oliver asked, worriedly.
"No. No, no, I'm fine." Enrique assured him.
"Should I come with you then?" Ruki asked, gaining Enrique's attention, well aware he needed company and couldn't turn down a girl's offer no matter who she was.
Enrique looked uneasy and unwilling, "If you really want I guess." He finally said.
Ruki smiled, pleased, "Great."
Kamiko caught Ruki's attention and gave her a thumbs up with a sneaky smirk.
Ruki glared at her and waved her cruel gesture away.
When the waiter returned he gave Enrique his food to go, "Thank you, sir."
"Oh please make mine to go too." Ruki said before the waiter left.
"Very well, miss." Was his reply before he bowed and went on his way once more.
Ruki sat patiently, watching the others while Enrique fidgetted as he stood behind his seat.
"Oh Johnny, you're just the cutest thing!" Kamiko giggled, clinging to his arm.
Johnny eyed Enrique, knowing this bugged him, "I know."
Enrique narrowed his view but only turned away. The waiter soon arrived and handed Ruki her food.
"Thank you very much." Ruki said as she took it and stood up, letting her seat slide out behind her.
"You two love birds have fun now, ya hear?" Kamiko winked at Ruki.
Ruki's friendly smile soon turned into a deadly stare, which only made Kamiko snicker with delight.
"Alright, let's go Ruki." Enrique said and began to leave.
Ruki pushed her seat in and ran to catch up with him, "Are you sure you're Ok?"
Enrique stopped, suddenly having an idea. He turned around to face Ruki and looked past her to see if Kamiko was still watching. He smiled to himself when Kamiko gave him the 'Ok' sign, wishing him luck apparently, then turned around to face his path again, "Fine, I assure you. Let's go now, we have a lot to talk about." He said as he slipped an arm around her back and continued to lead her.
Ruki blushed, a bit shocked, "Uh, Ok..."
Enrique looked over his shoulder to see if Kamiko was still watching and saw she was all over Johnny again, then frowned when he realized his plan to make her jealous hadn't worked "Hm. Guess it's over..." He muttered as he continued to lead her.
Ruki looked up at Enrique, "What's over?"
Enrique sighed, "My futile attempts."
Ruki looked over her shoulder and saw he meant Kamiko, then looked back at him, "I'm sorry about Kamiko ... I just wish there was something I could do. All I can offer is ... If you ever need me, I'll be here.."
Enrique glimpsed down at her, managing a smile, "Thanks. You're a good friend."
Ruki returned a warm smile as well, glad to see it had helped even a little.
"Oh man, not this early in the morning." Johnny moaned, rubbing his forehead.
"Shut up!" Kamiko ordered, abnormally irritable.
"What is it?" Enrique asked, sweetly.
"We... have a problem." Kamiko sighed.
"What?" Enrique paused for his answer.
"I... have... to... dump you." Kamiko winced.
Enrique's face turned pale, "Wh...what..?"
"I met somebody else and I just don't think it'll work out. Sorry. Bye." Kamiko quickly got up with her things and ran off.
Ruki blinked, "Uh wait!" She stumbled from her place, having nothing to take with her, and following after Kamiko.
Enrique sat in silence and disbelief at this abrupt outburst.
Meanwhile Kamiko rushed toward the school building, Ruki struggling to catch up, "Kamiko! Wait!!"
Kamiko sat on the bricks outlining a garden with her face in her hands.
Ruki stopped in front of her, panting, "What's... wrong?" She inquired inbetween breaths.
"I can't go out with Enrique anymore." Kamiko sobbed.
Ruki rolled her eyes up, "Well yeah we all know that now... But why?"
"I... don't know... The feeling... it's gone." Kamiko removed her hands and looked at Ruki.
Ruki tilted her head oddly, "The what?"
Kamiko stood up and wiped her face, "You know... the feeling when you like somebody.. when you love somebody..."
"It's gone..." Ruki blinked.
Kamiko nodded and sniffed.
Ruki looked down, not sure what to say.
"It's for somebody else now..." Kamiko confessed, her voice even again.
Ruki looked up at her, "Somebody... else?"
Kamiko nodded, "Yes. I can't help it..."
Ruki stood up straight, "Then who?"
Kamiko looked around uneasily, checking the scenery for any evesdroppers then got closer to Ruki's face, "Johnny."
Ruki raised an eyebrow, "What about Johnny?"
Kamiko repeated herself with a bit of a sigh, "I like... Johnny." She managed once again.
Ruki blinked and paused a moment, "Uh... you... wanna run that by me again?"
Kamiko sighed once more, "I like Johnny." She looked down as if ashamed.
Ruki's eyes shifted around, unable to find the words to say.
"I know it seems irrational... But it's .. true." Kamiko confirmed.
She looked over her shoulder a saw Oliver trying to comfort Enrique as they walked toward the school building and Johnny tagging along behind them, his hands in his pockets as usual but he was quiet for a change. "Speak of the devil ..."
Kamiko looked up and noticed them as well. The three boys exchanged their gazes with the girls in the distant, but didn't make an attempt to approach them and were on their way again soon. The bell then rang, calling all students to the school building and to their classroom.
That day Kamiko shared the front row with Ruki, feeling awkward to sit in the back with the guys. She wrote notes attempting to explain the situation to Enrique, but trashed every one of them, finding them not good enough. Her attention to classwork was less than usual today and Ruki had no doubt noticed her friend was severaly troubled.
At the end of the day, Ruki and Kamiko walked back to the boarding house together. Ruki gave her a few pats on the back, "Did you write that note?"
"I must've written hundreds... but none of them explained well enough what went wrong." Kamiko put her hand to her head as if it hurt. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"
"Why does she have to be so complicated?" Enrique sighed as he sat at the table with Oliver and a snack before him.
Johnny looked from the TV over to Enrique, "Hey, you knew it was bound to happen. You never were good with keeping women anyway."
Oliver looked sternly at Johnny, "You're not helping any Johnny!"
"Hey, I'm just telling the truth." Johnny shrugged. "Maybe you should find another bimbo like you used to have back in Italy. What were their names? Bosetta and Rianco or something?"
Enrique's face turned sour, "Rosetta and Bianca."
"Ah, that's right." Johnny smirked, showing no sign of sympathy for his friend.
"Enrique, what you need is someone who's sweet and caring, but someone loyal and truth worthy too. Not someone so wild, someone calm but conversational and active." Oliver said as he looked back at Enrique.
"Tch, I'm not gonna find anyone like that." Enrique replied, somewhat bitterly as he played with the food on his plate.
"Why not look outside the school?" Oliver suggested.
"Or why not stop looking all together?" Johnny added.
"Johnny, can't you be atleast a little supportive right now?" Oliver snapped.
"Why should I? He got what he deserved." Johnny smirked, matter of factly.
"What did he do to deserve this?" Oliver demanded.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Cheaters never prosper? Is that a-ringin' a bell?" He yawned after he had finished and a silence covered the room.
Enrique blinked then suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table, "CHEATER?! I NEVER CHEATED ON ANYBODY!!!"
"Ah, whatever. I saw you talking with that stupid blonde the other day." Johnny said calmly.
"For YOUR information MISTER!! She wanted to talk to me about YOU." Enrique growled.
"Hmm, about me, eh?" Johnny said without interest.
Enrique crossed his arms and peered at him from the corner of his eyes, "Yeah.. she said something about... being interested in going with you to the dance next month."
Johnny's eyes rolled over to Enrique, he was silent for a moment, then finally replied, "Oh really..."
Enrique looked up at the ceiling, "Yeah but of course you wouldn't care about that. I'm cheating with her, remember?"
Johnny scrambled to a sit on the bed, "I NEVER SAID THAT!!" He objected.
"AH YEAH YOU DID!!" Enrique yelled back at him.
"You guys, CHILL OUT!!" Oliver interrupted. "I hate to interrupt this argument but we still have to find out what happened to Kamiko and Ruki you know!"
Johnny looked in another direction, "Who cares what happened to them? Ruki was getting on my nerves anyway."
Enrique put his fist up, "I'd much sooner kick you out of our group before I kick her out you big whiney baby!"
Johnny's face turned red with anger as he shot back, "WHINEY BABY!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WAS MOPING ALL DAY CAUSE YOU'RE GIRLFRIEND DUMPED YOU!!"
"YEAH?! Well atleast unlike YOU I've atleast HAD a girlfriend!" Enrique snarled.
"Yeah and they ALL DUMPED you!!"
"You haven't had any TO dump you!" Johnny and Enrique goin at it.
"Because I haven't even WANTED one!"
"You're the worst liar I've ever met!!"
"You're the biggest whiney I've ever met!"
"That's funny cause I'm probably the only person you've ever met ANYWAY!!"
"ARE YOU CALLING ME GAY?!"
"YOU PROBABLY ARE!!"
"YOU GUYS!!!" Oliver screamed at them.
Enrique and Johnny didn't say another word, but glared at eachother growling as if ready to tackle on another to the ground and exchange flying fists.
"We have to find Kamiko and Ruki! Whether or not she broke up with Enrique, she's still our friend!" Oliver sighed, exhausted from watching the two go like that, "Now, we're gonna walk up to their room and talk this out like civilized people."
"Not that Enrique would know anything about being civilized." Johnny crossed his arms.
"WHY YOU..." Suddenly an almost visible light bulb appeared over Enrique's head, "Hm. Is that so. Well then.. I have a challenge for you Mr. I'm So Civil." Enrique had his arms crossed now, knowing Johnny could never refuse a challenge.
Johnny glanced at him skeptically, "A challenge eh?"
"I'd like to see you get a girlfriend just to see whether it's true that you can if you want." Enrique smirked.
Johnny glowered at him, but his frown soon became a smirk, "By next week. Whoever has a girlfriend first is the better man, eh?"
Enrique nodded, "Fine!"
Johnny grinned widely, "Tch, fine."
Oliver smacked his forehead with his hand, knowing it was useless to try and talk sense into them.
Kamiko closed the door as Ruki walked into their room, "It's nice to be back in here. I feel like its been forever since I last laid on my bed." Ruki let herself drop onto the mattress, leaving prints in the formely perfectly made bed.
Kamiko wandered over to her own bed and sat down, facing Ruki, "Ruki ... you have to help me."
Ruki eyed Kamiko from where she lay, "Help you? ...With what?"
"Getting.... well... Johnny to like me." Kamiko chuckled, a bit embarrassed.
Ruki blinked, "Well I--" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Kamiko looked at the door. It was silent until there was another knock. "I wonder.. who could that be?" Kamiko looked at Ruki who shrugged, then got to her feet and walked to the door. She slowly opened it.
"Hi!" Oliver smiled, Enrique and Johnny behind him.
Kamiko quickly shut the door, her eyes wide with fear.
Ruki sat up, "Who was that?"
Kamiko looked at Ruki but didn't answer and ran to the other room.
Ruki raised an eyebrow and forced herself off the bed and opened the door.
"Uh, hi." Oliver blinked.
A massive sweatdrop slid down Ruki's face as she became nervous for Kamiko's sake, "Oh uh... Hey, how are ya?"
"We just came by to--"
"Chat! We wanna chat!" Enrique finished as he pushed past Oliver and Ruki and into the room.
"Ch-chat??" Ruki repeated almost with fright as Oliver strolled in, Johnny following behind.
"Of course!" Enrique dropped on Ruki's bed. ::
Ruki nearly panicked, "Uh.. uh well since you're here, how about I go get some drinks for you? Just stay right here!" Ruki rushed off.
Enrique looked at Johnny, who sat unamused at the small table for two across from Oliver.
Kamiko approached the hurrying Ruki, "Are they gone?"
"No--"
"YOU LET THEM IN?!"
"No I didn't let them in, they just sort've... Enrique let himself in and the others just followed.." Ruki corrected.
"Oh great! Crap... Johnny is here too! This is horrible! ....No.. wait!" Kamiko suddenly turned back to Ruki.
Ruki study innocently clueless.
"You... heheh... you..." Kamiko chuckled evilly.
Ruki took a few steps back, frightened, "Uh...?"
"YOU!"
Ruki jumped, "Me??"
"You can be a distraction for Enrique!"
"Huh??"
"If Enrique finds somebody else, everything will be better and I'll be able to get Johnny." Kamiko smirked to herself, "It's perfect."
"Wha-what?? Me??"
Kamiko glared at her, "You're the only one around."
"But why??"
Kamiko's glare turned colder, "Because you're small and insignificant and because I'll pummel you if you don't!"
Ruki blinked, "...Why else?"
"NOW! RUKI!!"
"AHH! Ok Ok!" Ruki ran off the retrieve the drinks she had promised.
Kamiko turned around and rubbed her hands together, "Better watch out, Johnny-boy, cause I'm coming to get you..."
Ruki sighed as she fixed the drinks, "Tea for Oliver, Mountain Dew for Johnny and Dr. Pepper for Enrique... what a crew." She came back into the room with a tray and offered the first drink to Enrique.
"Thank you, you're too kind." Enrique said as he took the glass off the tray.
Ruki went over to Johnny and Oliver, offering the last two drinks.
"Many thanks, Ruki." Oliver smiled as he took the tea cup.
"I just made it this morning, I tried the recipe you gave me. I hope it tastes alright."
Johnny grabbed his drink, "Probably tastes worse than store tea!"
Ruki blinked, not sure how to react.
"Johnny, you're never gonna win that way." Enrique reminded him.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "What're you talking about?"
Enrique sat up, setting his glass on the nightstand and motioned Ruki to come over and explained quietly, "I challenged Johnny to get a girl by next week, but he's never gonna make it. I just know it."
"You left out one last detail, Enrique or have you forgotten you're in for one too?" Johnny sneered, obviously having heard.
Enrique frowned, "Yeah yeah, I haven't forgotten."
Ruki stood up straight again, "I see. Well give me a second, I'm gonna put this back in the kitchen." She walked off somewhat in a hurry, replacing the tray where it had been and going over to Kamiko, "Kamiko!!"
Kamiko quickly twisted around, "What?"
"He's looking!"
"Huh? Who? For what?" Kamiko appeared confused.
"Enrique challenged Johnny to get a girlfriend before next week!" Ruki explained.
Kamiko's face brightened, "Is that so? ...And Johnny didn't return a challenge?"
Ruki blinked, "Uhm.. well.... yeah, Enrique has the same challenge but--"
"That's perfect! You're more eligible than anyone else! And if Johnny needs a girlfriend he'll settle for who's easiest to get!" Kamiko exclaimed.
"Hey now I don't like--" Ruki watched Kamiko skip off to the other room, "..that...idea.." Ruki frowned.
Kamiko came into the room and stopped suddenly, having grabbed everyone's attention from the room. Ruki walked up behind her, looking over her shoulder.
"Well well, where've you been hiding?" Enrique asked, somewhat fliratiously.
Kamiko looked at Ruki, "You help me out this one time and I'll be indebted to you for life."
Ruki sighed, feeling obligated to help her friend, "Yeah Ok..."
Kamiko turned to her friends and walked into the room, "Hey guys, what's up?"
Oliver blinked, "Nothing, we just... came to see how you were doing. You seemed sort've upset earlier."
"Ah naw, I'm fine. Just needed some time to myself to think, yannow?" Kamiko replied.
Enrique studied Kamiko, seeing she was not the least bit upset anymore and suddenly missed getting her attention all the time. "So Kamiko, um.. if you don't mind me asking... What.. went wrong?"
Kamiko turned around and saw Ruki still standing there and waved her away, then looked at Enrique with a sigh, "My friend... I'm really sorry but, you see.. Things seemed rough and then my friend... she.." Kamiko rolled her eyes, trying to make it seem like it was complicated, "Let me just lay it out for you: she likes you Ok?"
Ruki was against the wall just outside of the doorframe and hit herself in the head.
Enrique raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Johnny's face turned bitter, seeing as he had the upper hand now in their little bet.
"So we had to break up?" Enrique asked, sadly.
"Like I said, things were rough between us..." Kamiko repeated, "And it's just better this way."
Enrique's shoulders dropped, not fully understanding what exactly it was she was saying.
"Anyway, you guys got anything planned? I was thinking maybe tomorrow after school we could go mini-golfing."
"That sounds like fun!" Oliver smiled.
"Yeah, so you guys in?" Kamiko eyed Johnny specifically, trying to throw hints of interest.
"Pfft, mini-golfing?!" Johnny crossed his arms.
"Yes, Johnny, mini-golfing." Kamiko smiled and spoke flirtatiously to him, batting her eyelashes.
Johnny raised an eyebrow, catching a hint, then looked at Enrique who seemed to grow more angry once he had caught his eye, "Yeah. Mini-golfing sounds fun." Johnny looked back at Kamiko, pleased with his sudden progress.
"Great!" Kamiko cheered as Ruki came in and stood next to her. She looked down at her friend, "We're going mini-golfing tomorrow after school, Ruki."
Ruki blinked, "Oh.. woo..hoo..."
Kamiko's face turned grave and she elbowed Ruki in the side.
"OW!! Oh I mean YEAH!! Great! Finally!" Ruki rolled her eyes.
Oliver stood, "So mini-golfing it is then. How great." He smiled, seeming very happy.
"Yeah, it'll be just like old times." Kamiko pulled Ruki over and said just loud enough for the others to hear, "And you'll get to spend some quality time with the man of your dreams."
Ruki blushed and looked at her, embarrassed, "Oh goody..."
Enrique stood in a thinking position, pondering over his current choices, "Win Ruki over and at least not lose... or find somebody else more suited for me..."
"Hey Romeo, it's time to go!" Johnny hollard from the doorway.
Enrique looked up, "Yeah yeah I'm coming." He walked past Ruki and Kamiko and waved to them, "See you at dinner." With that he was out of site, having followed Johnny down the hall.
Kamiko skipped to the door and shut it, "THANK YOU SO MUCH RUKI!! Johnny will be mine before next week." She felt a tingle of excitement go through her bones.
"Was it Ok to lie to Enrique like that though?" Ruki frowned.
Kamiko blinked a moment as if thinking it over, "Mmm.. yeah! Besides, you'll learn to like him I'm sure."
"I do like him but--"
Kamiko gasped, "You do?!"
"Only as a friend!"
Kamiko laughed, "You're bad at covering things up once they're figured out."
"No, you don't get it--"
"I'd have to be pretty gullible to go for that." Kamiko laughed as she walked into the kitchen area.
Ruki hit her forehead again with the heel of her hand.
That evening before dinner, Johnny approached Enrique with his usual cocky smile, "Seems I have my work cut out for me."
Enrique glared at him, "Appears so..."
"I'll work my charm this evening and have her by Thursday." Johnny replied, confidentally.
Enrique's glare narrowed.
"Looks like you've already losed, Enrique-poo." Johnny snickered and went out the door to go to the cafeteria.
Oliver walked over to Enrique, "Are you coming?"
Enrique stood up, "Yeah I'm coming. It's time to play fire with fire, and Johnny's about to get burnt." The flames of rage could be see flaring in Enrique's eyes as he stood there, then followed Johnny out the door.
Oliver blinked, surprised at how serious this competition has become.
Downstairs in the cafeteria, Kamiko and Ruki were already looking at the nights menu.
"Coldslaw? Who eats that?" Kamiko shuddered.
Ruki chuckled at Kamiko, "That's like saying who eats pizza."
"Least pizza tastes good." Kamiko mumbled, "There's nothing good to eat on this stupid menu!"
"Calm down Kamiko, there's plenty good to eat here, see here's--" Ruki suddenly stopped.
Kamiko looked up to see what had grabbed her attention, "Oh oh, here come the guys!" She quickly straightened her posture.
Ruki watched Kamiko reparing, thinking it seemed almost ridiculous.
"Good evening, ladies."
Ruki looked over and up at Enrique who had just greeted them.
"I'm so glad to see you came so soon." Kamiko said, her eyes on Johnny.
Ruki glanced over at Kamiko, and watched as Johnny sat down next to her, "Didn't wanna miss any time I could spend with you, ya know." Johnny winked.
Ruki noticed Kamiko got very excited about this and even more flirtatious. She rubbed her forehead, "Find anything yet, Kamiko?"
"Uh hmm? What?" Kamiko looked at Ruki, not having paid any attention.
"Food. We're here to... eat." Ruki pretended to spoon something into her mouth.
"Oh yeah. Right. Food." Kamiko picked her menu back up and skimmed it over a moment, then looked at Johnny again who seemed to be intently finding something that suited his taste.
Ruki watched for a moment then looked at Enrique who was standing and watching as well, "Hey Enrique, you wanna sit down?" She slightly smiled.
Enrique continued to watch, paying close attention as he took a seat between Ruki and Oliver.
Ruki frowned and looked at Kamiko, who was flirting probably more than she realized with Johnny who seemed to actually enjoy it. Her gaze went back to Enrique, who seemed both angered by this and saddened at the same time. Ruki dropped her shoulders as well as her eyes, which landed back on the page of her menu. Which landed back on the page of her menu. Ignoring the outside noises of everyone else, she finally decided on what to eat then looked at Kamiko and Johnny, "So have we decided what we're gonna have?"
Kamiko bounced a bit in her seat, "Me and Johnny are gonna have some of the chicken!"
Ruki looked at Oliver and Enrique for an answer.
"Ready to order when you are." Oliver nodded.
Ruki looked at Enrique specifically, who was staring hard onto the menu but didn't seem to be really reading it. Ruki moved, trying to get into his view a little, "Enrique...?"
Enrique suddenly looked up as if startled, "Hm? What?" He looked at Ruki.
Ruki raised both eyebrows, "Are you ready to order ...?"
"Oh yeah. Yeah I'm ready." Enrique nodded, surely.
Johnny grinned and did the honors of ringing the bell in the center of the table. A waiter reported to their table immidiately and Johnny was the first to speak, "We're having the chicken. She and I." Johnny gestured at Kamiko.
The waiter nodded and looked at Oliver.
"I'd like your dinner omelette, please." Oliver said politely.
The waiter nodded again, a sign that he had gotten what was said. He skipped Enrique, who stared at his menu, thinking he hadn't made up his mind yet and looked at Ruki.
"I'd like the rice with the mash potatoes, please." Ruki smiled as best she could manage.
The waiter bobbed his head again and looked at Enrique, who hadn't noticed.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "Psst. Enrique. You're on."
Enrique slowly looked at Ruki, then slowly turned to the waiter, "I'll have the dinner omelette to go."
"To go? You're not staying with us?" Oliver inquired.
"No I need to go up to my room." Enrique said as he lay the menu down and the waiter left to retrieve the orders.
"Are you Ok? Should I come with you?" Oliver asked, worriedly.
"No. No, no, I'm fine." Enrique assured him.
"Should I come with you then?" Ruki asked, gaining Enrique's attention, well aware he needed company and couldn't turn down a girl's offer no matter who she was.
Enrique looked uneasy and unwilling, "If you really want I guess." He finally said.
Ruki smiled, pleased, "Great."
Kamiko caught Ruki's attention and gave her a thumbs up with a sneaky smirk.
Ruki glared at her and waved her cruel gesture away.
When the waiter returned he gave Enrique his food to go, "Thank you, sir."
"Oh please make mine to go too." Ruki said before the waiter left.
"Very well, miss." Was his reply before he bowed and went on his way once more.
Ruki sat patiently, watching the others while Enrique fidgetted as he stood behind his seat.
"Oh Johnny, you're just the cutest thing!" Kamiko giggled, clinging to his arm.
Johnny eyed Enrique, knowing this bugged him, "I know."
Enrique narrowed his view but only turned away. The waiter soon arrived and handed Ruki her food.
"Thank you very much." Ruki said as she took it and stood up, letting her seat slide out behind her.
"You two love birds have fun now, ya hear?" Kamiko winked at Ruki.
Ruki's friendly smile soon turned into a deadly stare, which only made Kamiko snicker with delight.
"Alright, let's go Ruki." Enrique said and began to leave.
Ruki pushed her seat in and ran to catch up with him, "Are you sure you're Ok?"
Enrique stopped, suddenly having an idea. He turned around to face Ruki and looked past her to see if Kamiko was still watching. He smiled to himself when Kamiko gave him the 'Ok' sign, wishing him luck apparently, then turned around to face his path again, "Fine, I assure you. Let's go now, we have a lot to talk about." He said as he slipped an arm around her back and continued to lead her.
Ruki blushed, a bit shocked, "Uh, Ok..."
Enrique looked over his shoulder to see if Kamiko was still watching and saw she was all over Johnny again, then frowned when he realized his plan to make her jealous hadn't worked "Hm. Guess it's over..." He muttered as he continued to lead her.
Ruki looked up at Enrique, "What's over?"
Enrique sighed, "My futile attempts."
Ruki looked over her shoulder and saw he meant Kamiko, then looked back at him, "I'm sorry about Kamiko ... I just wish there was something I could do. All I can offer is ... If you ever need me, I'll be here.."
Enrique glimpsed down at her, managing a smile, "Thanks. You're a good friend."
Ruki returned a warm smile as well, glad to see it had helped even a little.
Meanwhile Kamiko rushed toward the school building, Ruki struggling to catch up, "Kamiko! Wait!!"
Kamiko sat on the bricks outlining a garden with her face in her hands.
Ruki stopped in front of her, panting, "What's... wrong?" She inquired inbetween breaths.
"I can't go out with Enrique anymore." Kamiko sobbed.
Ruki rolled her eyes up, "Well yeah we all know that now... But why?"
"I... don't know... The feeling... it's gone." Kamiko removed her hands and looked at Ruki.
Ruki tilted her head oddly, "The what?"
Kamiko stood up and wiped her face, "You know... the feeling when you like somebody.. when you love somebody..."
"It's gone..." Ruki blinked.
Kamiko nodded and sniffed.
Ruki looked down, not sure what to say.
"It's for somebody else now..." Kamiko confessed, her voice even again.
Ruki looked up at her, "Somebody... else?"
Kamiko nodded, "Yes. I can't help it..."
Ruki stood up straight, "Then who?"
Kamiko looked around uneasily, checking the scenery for any evesdroppers then got closer to Ruki's face, "Johnny."
Ruki raised an eyebrow, "What about Johnny?"
Kamiko repeated herself with a bit of a sigh, "I like... Johnny." She managed once again.
Ruki blinked and paused a moment, "Uh... you... wanna run that by me again?"
Kamiko sighed once more, "I like Johnny." She looked down as if ashamed.
Ruki's eyes shifted around, unable to find the words to say.
"I know it seems irrational... But it's .. true." Kamiko confirmed.
She looked over her shoulder a saw Oliver trying to comfort Enrique as they walked toward the school building and Johnny tagging along behind them, his hands in his pockets as usual but he was quiet for a change. "Speak of the devil ..."
Kamiko looked up and noticed them as well. The three boys exchanged their gazes with the girls in the distant, but didn't make an attempt to approach them and were on their way again soon. The bell then rang, calling all students to the school building and to their classroom.
That day Kamiko shared the front row with Ruki, feeling awkward to sit in the back with the guys. She wrote notes attempting to explain the situation to Enrique, but trashed every one of them, finding them not good enough. Her attention to classwork was less than usual today and Ruki had no doubt noticed her friend was severaly troubled.
At the end of the day, Ruki and Kamiko walked back to the boarding house together. Ruki gave her a few pats on the back, "Did you write that note?"
"I must've written hundreds... but none of them explained well enough what went wrong." Kamiko put her hand to her head as if it hurt. "Why does this have to be so complicated?"
"Why does she have to be so complicated?" Enrique sighed as he sat at the table with Oliver and a snack before him.
Johnny looked from the TV over to Enrique, "Hey, you knew it was bound to happen. You never were good with keeping women anyway."
Oliver looked sternly at Johnny, "You're not helping any Johnny!"
"Hey, I'm just telling the truth." Johnny shrugged. "Maybe you should find another bimbo like you used to have back in Italy. What were their names? Bosetta and Rianco or something?"
Enrique's face turned sour, "Rosetta and Bianca."
"Ah, that's right." Johnny smirked, showing no sign of sympathy for his friend.
"Enrique, what you need is someone who's sweet and caring, but someone loyal and truth worthy too. Not someone so wild, someone calm but conversational and active." Oliver said as he looked back at Enrique.
"Tch, I'm not gonna find anyone like that." Enrique replied, somewhat bitterly as he played with the food on his plate.
"Why not look outside the school?" Oliver suggested.
"Or why not stop looking all together?" Johnny added.
"Johnny, can't you be atleast a little supportive right now?" Oliver snapped.
"Why should I? He got what he deserved." Johnny smirked, matter of factly.
"What did he do to deserve this?" Oliver demanded.
Johnny rolled his eyes, "Cheaters never prosper? Is that a-ringin' a bell?" He yawned after he had finished and a silence covered the room.
Enrique blinked then suddenly stood up, slamming his hands on the table, "CHEATER?! I NEVER CHEATED ON ANYBODY!!!"
"Ah, whatever. I saw you talking with that stupid blonde the other day." Johnny said calmly.
"For YOUR information MISTER!! She wanted to talk to me about YOU." Enrique growled.
"Hmm, about me, eh?" Johnny said without interest.
Enrique crossed his arms and peered at him from the corner of his eyes, "Yeah.. she said something about... being interested in going with you to the dance next month."
Johnny's eyes rolled over to Enrique, he was silent for a moment, then finally replied, "Oh really..."
Enrique looked up at the ceiling, "Yeah but of course you wouldn't care about that. I'm cheating with her, remember?"
Johnny scrambled to a sit on the bed, "I NEVER SAID THAT!!" He objected.
"AH YEAH YOU DID!!" Enrique yelled back at him.
"You guys, CHILL OUT!!" Oliver interrupted. "I hate to interrupt this argument but we still have to find out what happened to Kamiko and Ruki you know!"
Johnny looked in another direction, "Who cares what happened to them? Ruki was getting on my nerves anyway."
Enrique put his fist up, "I'd much sooner kick you out of our group before I kick her out you big whiney baby!"
Johnny's face turned red with anger as he shot back, "WHINEY BABY!? YOU'RE THE ONE WHO WAS MOPING ALL DAY CAUSE YOU'RE GIRLFRIEND DUMPED YOU!!"
"YEAH?! Well atleast unlike YOU I've atleast HAD a girlfriend!" Enrique snarled.
"Yeah and they ALL DUMPED you!!"
"You haven't had any TO dump you!" Johnny and Enrique goin at it.
"Because I haven't even WANTED one!"
"You're the worst liar I've ever met!!"
"You're the biggest whiney I've ever met!"
"That's funny cause I'm probably the only person you've ever met ANYWAY!!"
"ARE YOU CALLING ME GAY?!"
"YOU PROBABLY ARE!!"
"YOU GUYS!!!" Oliver screamed at them.
Enrique and Johnny didn't say another word, but glared at eachother growling as if ready to tackle on another to the ground and exchange flying fists.
"We have to find Kamiko and Ruki! Whether or not she broke up with Enrique, she's still our friend!" Oliver sighed, exhausted from watching the two go like that, "Now, we're gonna walk up to their room and talk this out like civilized people."
"Not that Enrique would know anything about being civilized." Johnny crossed his arms.
"WHY YOU..." Suddenly an almost visible light bulb appeared over Enrique's head, "Hm. Is that so. Well then.. I have a challenge for you Mr. I'm So Civil." Enrique had his arms crossed now, knowing Johnny could never refuse a challenge.
Johnny glanced at him skeptically, "A challenge eh?"
"I'd like to see you get a girlfriend just to see whether it's true that you can if you want." Enrique smirked.
Johnny glowered at him, but his frown soon became a smirk, "By next week. Whoever has a girlfriend first is the better man, eh?"
Enrique nodded, "Fine!"
Johnny grinned widely, "Tch, fine."
Oliver smacked his forehead with his hand, knowing it was useless to try and talk sense into them.
Kamiko closed the door as Ruki walked into their room, "It's nice to be back in here. I feel like its been forever since I last laid on my bed." Ruki let herself drop onto the mattress, leaving prints in the formely perfectly made bed.
Kamiko wandered over to her own bed and sat down, facing Ruki, "Ruki ... you have to help me."
Ruki eyed Kamiko from where she lay, "Help you? ...With what?"
"Getting.... well... Johnny to like me." Kamiko chuckled, a bit embarrassed.
Ruki blinked, "Well I--" She was interrupted by a knock on the door.
Kamiko looked at the door. It was silent until there was another knock. "I wonder.. who could that be?" Kamiko looked at Ruki who shrugged, then got to her feet and walked to the door. She slowly opened it.
"Hi!" Oliver smiled, Enrique and Johnny behind him.
Kamiko quickly shut the door, her eyes wide with fear.
Ruki sat up, "Who was that?"
Kamiko looked at Ruki but didn't answer and ran to the other room.
Ruki raised an eyebrow and forced herself off the bed and opened the door.
"Uh, hi." Oliver blinked.
A massive sweatdrop slid down Ruki's face as she became nervous for Kamiko's sake, "Oh uh... Hey, how are ya?"
"We just came by to--"
"Chat! We wanna chat!" Enrique finished as he pushed past Oliver and Ruki and into the room.
"Ch-chat??" Ruki repeated almost with fright as Oliver strolled in, Johnny following behind.
"Of course!" Enrique dropped on Ruki's bed. ::
Ruki nearly panicked, "Uh.. uh well since you're here, how about I go get some drinks for you? Just stay right here!" Ruki rushed off.
Enrique looked at Johnny, who sat unamused at the small table for two across from Oliver.
Kamiko approached the hurrying Ruki, "Are they gone?"
"No--"
"YOU LET THEM IN?!"
"No I didn't let them in, they just sort've... Enrique let himself in and the others just followed.." Ruki corrected.
"Oh great! Crap... Johnny is here too! This is horrible! ....No.. wait!" Kamiko suddenly turned back to Ruki.
Ruki study innocently clueless.
"You... heheh... you..." Kamiko chuckled evilly.
Ruki took a few steps back, frightened, "Uh...?"
"YOU!"
Ruki jumped, "Me??"
"You can be a distraction for Enrique!"
"Huh??"
"If Enrique finds somebody else, everything will be better and I'll be able to get Johnny." Kamiko smirked to herself, "It's perfect."
"Wha-what?? Me??"
Kamiko glared at her, "You're the only one around."
"But why??"
Kamiko's glare turned colder, "Because you're small and insignificant and because I'll pummel you if you don't!"
Ruki blinked, "...Why else?"
"NOW! RUKI!!"
"AHH! Ok Ok!" Ruki ran off the retrieve the drinks she had promised.
Kamiko turned around and rubbed her hands together, "Better watch out, Johnny-boy, cause I'm coming to get you..."
Ruki sighed as she fixed the drinks, "Tea for Oliver, Mountain Dew for Johnny and Dr. Pepper for Enrique... what a crew." She came back into the room with a tray and offered the first drink to Enrique.
"Thank you, you're too kind." Enrique said as he took the glass off the tray.
Ruki went over to Johnny and Oliver, offering the last two drinks.
"Many thanks, Ruki." Oliver smiled as he took the tea cup.
"I just made it this morning, I tried the recipe you gave me. I hope it tastes alright."
Johnny grabbed his drink, "Probably tastes worse than store tea!"
Ruki blinked, not sure how to react.
"Johnny, you're never gonna win that way." Enrique reminded him.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "What're you talking about?"
Enrique sat up, setting his glass on the nightstand and motioned Ruki to come over and explained quietly, "I challenged Johnny to get a girl by next week, but he's never gonna make it. I just know it."
"You left out one last detail, Enrique or have you forgotten you're in for one too?" Johnny sneered, obviously having heard.
Enrique frowned, "Yeah yeah, I haven't forgotten."
Ruki stood up straight again, "I see. Well give me a second, I'm gonna put this back in the kitchen." She walked off somewhat in a hurry, replacing the tray where it had been and going over to Kamiko, "Kamiko!!"
Kamiko quickly twisted around, "What?"
"He's looking!"
"Huh? Who? For what?" Kamiko appeared confused.
"Enrique challenged Johnny to get a girlfriend before next week!" Ruki explained.
Kamiko's face brightened, "Is that so? ...And Johnny didn't return a challenge?"
Ruki blinked, "Uhm.. well.... yeah, Enrique has the same challenge but--"
"That's perfect! You're more eligible than anyone else! And if Johnny needs a girlfriend he'll settle for who's easiest to get!" Kamiko exclaimed.
"Hey now I don't like--" Ruki watched Kamiko skip off to the other room, "..that...idea.." Ruki frowned.
Kamiko came into the room and stopped suddenly, having grabbed everyone's attention from the room. Ruki walked up behind her, looking over her shoulder.
"Well well, where've you been hiding?" Enrique asked, somewhat fliratiously.
Kamiko looked at Ruki, "You help me out this one time and I'll be indebted to you for life."
Ruki sighed, feeling obligated to help her friend, "Yeah Ok..."
Kamiko turned to her friends and walked into the room, "Hey guys, what's up?"
Oliver blinked, "Nothing, we just... came to see how you were doing. You seemed sort've upset earlier."
"Ah naw, I'm fine. Just needed some time to myself to think, yannow?" Kamiko replied.
Enrique studied Kamiko, seeing she was not the least bit upset anymore and suddenly missed getting her attention all the time. "So Kamiko, um.. if you don't mind me asking... What.. went wrong?"
Kamiko turned around and saw Ruki still standing there and waved her away, then looked at Enrique with a sigh, "My friend... I'm really sorry but, you see.. Things seemed rough and then my friend... she.." Kamiko rolled her eyes, trying to make it seem like it was complicated, "Let me just lay it out for you: she likes you Ok?"
Ruki was against the wall just outside of the doorframe and hit herself in the head.
Enrique raised an eyebrow, "What?"
Johnny's face turned bitter, seeing as he had the upper hand now in their little bet.
"So we had to break up?" Enrique asked, sadly.
"Like I said, things were rough between us..." Kamiko repeated, "And it's just better this way."
Enrique's shoulders dropped, not fully understanding what exactly it was she was saying.
"Anyway, you guys got anything planned? I was thinking maybe tomorrow after school we could go mini-golfing."
"That sounds like fun!" Oliver smiled.
"Yeah, so you guys in?" Kamiko eyed Johnny specifically, trying to throw hints of interest.
"Pfft, mini-golfing?!" Johnny crossed his arms.
"Yes, Johnny, mini-golfing." Kamiko smiled and spoke flirtatiously to him, batting her eyelashes.
Johnny raised an eyebrow, catching a hint, then looked at Enrique who seemed to grow more angry once he had caught his eye, "Yeah. Mini-golfing sounds fun." Johnny looked back at Kamiko, pleased with his sudden progress.
"Great!" Kamiko cheered as Ruki came in and stood next to her. She looked down at her friend, "We're going mini-golfing tomorrow after school, Ruki."
Ruki blinked, "Oh.. woo..hoo..."
Kamiko's face turned grave and she elbowed Ruki in the side.
"OW!! Oh I mean YEAH!! Great! Finally!" Ruki rolled her eyes.
Oliver stood, "So mini-golfing it is then. How great." He smiled, seeming very happy.
"Yeah, it'll be just like old times." Kamiko pulled Ruki over and said just loud enough for the others to hear, "And you'll get to spend some quality time with the man of your dreams."
Ruki blushed and looked at her, embarrassed, "Oh goody..."
Enrique stood in a thinking position, pondering over his current choices, "Win Ruki over and at least not lose... or find somebody else more suited for me..."
"Hey Romeo, it's time to go!" Johnny hollard from the doorway.
Enrique looked up, "Yeah yeah I'm coming." He walked past Ruki and Kamiko and waved to them, "See you at dinner." With that he was out of site, having followed Johnny down the hall.
Kamiko skipped to the door and shut it, "THANK YOU SO MUCH RUKI!! Johnny will be mine before next week." She felt a tingle of excitement go through her bones.
"Was it Ok to lie to Enrique like that though?" Ruki frowned.
Kamiko blinked a moment as if thinking it over, "Mmm.. yeah! Besides, you'll learn to like him I'm sure."
"I do like him but--"
Kamiko gasped, "You do?!"
"Only as a friend!"
Kamiko laughed, "You're bad at covering things up once they're figured out."
"No, you don't get it--"
"I'd have to be pretty gullible to go for that." Kamiko laughed as she walked into the kitchen area.
Ruki hit her forehead again with the heel of her hand.
That evening before dinner, Johnny approached Enrique with his usual cocky smile, "Seems I have my work cut out for me."
Enrique glared at him, "Appears so..."
"I'll work my charm this evening and have her by Thursday." Johnny replied, confidentally.
Enrique's glare narrowed.
"Looks like you've already losed, Enrique-poo." Johnny snickered and went out the door to go to the cafeteria.
Oliver walked over to Enrique, "Are you coming?"
Enrique stood up, "Yeah I'm coming. It's time to play fire with fire, and Johnny's about to get burnt." The flames of rage could be see flaring in Enrique's eyes as he stood there, then followed Johnny out the door.
Oliver blinked, surprised at how serious this competition has become.
Downstairs in the cafeteria, Kamiko and Ruki were already looking at the nights menu.
"Coldslaw? Who eats that?" Kamiko shuddered.
Ruki chuckled at Kamiko, "That's like saying who eats pizza."
"Least pizza tastes good." Kamiko mumbled, "There's nothing good to eat on this stupid menu!"
"Calm down Kamiko, there's plenty good to eat here, see here's--" Ruki suddenly stopped.
Kamiko looked up to see what had grabbed her attention, "Oh oh, here come the guys!" She quickly straightened her posture.
Ruki watched Kamiko reparing, thinking it seemed almost ridiculous.
"Good evening, ladies."
Ruki looked over and up at Enrique who had just greeted them.
"I'm so glad to see you came so soon." Kamiko said, her eyes on Johnny.
Ruki glanced over at Kamiko, and watched as Johnny sat down next to her, "Didn't wanna miss any time I could spend with you, ya know." Johnny winked.
Ruki noticed Kamiko got very excited about this and even more flirtatious. She rubbed her forehead, "Find anything yet, Kamiko?"
"Uh hmm? What?" Kamiko looked at Ruki, not having paid any attention.
"Food. We're here to... eat." Ruki pretended to spoon something into her mouth.
"Oh yeah. Right. Food." Kamiko picked her menu back up and skimmed it over a moment, then looked at Johnny again who seemed to be intently finding something that suited his taste.
Ruki watched for a moment then looked at Enrique who was standing and watching as well, "Hey Enrique, you wanna sit down?" She slightly smiled.
Enrique continued to watch, paying close attention as he took a seat between Ruki and Oliver.
Ruki frowned and looked at Kamiko, who was flirting probably more than she realized with Johnny who seemed to actually enjoy it. Her gaze went back to Enrique, who seemed both angered by this and saddened at the same time. Ruki dropped her shoulders as well as her eyes, which landed back on the page of her menu. Which landed back on the page of her menu. Ignoring the outside noises of everyone else, she finally decided on what to eat then looked at Kamiko and Johnny, "So have we decided what we're gonna have?"
Kamiko bounced a bit in her seat, "Me and Johnny are gonna have some of the chicken!"
Ruki looked at Oliver and Enrique for an answer.
"Ready to order when you are." Oliver nodded.
Ruki looked at Enrique specifically, who was staring hard onto the menu but didn't seem to be really reading it. Ruki moved, trying to get into his view a little, "Enrique...?"
Enrique suddenly looked up as if startled, "Hm? What?" He looked at Ruki.
Ruki raised both eyebrows, "Are you ready to order ...?"
"Oh yeah. Yeah I'm ready." Enrique nodded, surely.
Johnny grinned and did the honors of ringing the bell in the center of the table. A waiter reported to their table immidiately and Johnny was the first to speak, "We're having the chicken. She and I." Johnny gestured at Kamiko.
The waiter nodded and looked at Oliver.
"I'd like your dinner omelette, please." Oliver said politely.
The waiter nodded again, a sign that he had gotten what was said. He skipped Enrique, who stared at his menu, thinking he hadn't made up his mind yet and looked at Ruki.
"I'd like the rice with the mash potatoes, please." Ruki smiled as best she could manage.
The waiter bobbed his head again and looked at Enrique, who hadn't noticed.
Ruki looked at Enrique, "Psst. Enrique. You're on."
Enrique slowly looked at Ruki, then slowly turned to the waiter, "I'll have the dinner omelette to go."
"To go? You're not staying with us?" Oliver inquired.
"No I need to go up to my room." Enrique said as he lay the menu down and the waiter left to retrieve the orders.
"Are you Ok? Should I come with you?" Oliver asked, worriedly.
"No. No, no, I'm fine." Enrique assured him.
"Should I come with you then?" Ruki asked, gaining Enrique's attention, well aware he needed company and couldn't turn down a girl's offer no matter who she was.
Enrique looked uneasy and unwilling, "If you really want I guess." He finally said.
Ruki smiled, pleased, "Great."
Kamiko caught Ruki's attention and gave her a thumbs up with a sneaky smirk.
Ruki glared at her and waved her cruel gesture away.
When the waiter returned he gave Enrique his food to go, "Thank you, sir."
"Oh please make mine to go too." Ruki said before the waiter left.
"Very well, miss." Was his reply before he bowed and went on his way once more.
Ruki sat patiently, watching the others while Enrique fidgetted as he stood behind his seat.
"Oh Johnny, you're just the cutest thing!" Kamiko giggled, clinging to his arm.
Johnny eyed Enrique, knowing this bugged him, "I know."
Enrique narrowed his view but only turned away. The waiter soon arrived and handed Ruki her food.
"Thank you very much." Ruki said as she took it and stood up, letting her seat slide out behind her.
"You two love birds have fun now, ya hear?" Kamiko winked at Ruki.
Ruki's friendly smile soon turned into a deadly stare, which only made Kamiko snicker with delight.
"Alright, let's go Ruki." Enrique said and began to leave.
Ruki pushed her seat in and ran to catch up with him, "Are you sure you're Ok?"
Enrique stopped, suddenly having an idea. He turned around to face Ruki and looked past her to see if Kamiko was still watching. He smiled to himself when Kamiko gave him the 'Ok' sign, wishing him luck apparently, then turned around to face his path again, "Fine, I assure you. Let's go now, we have a lot to talk about." He said as he slipped an arm around her back and continued to lead her.
Ruki blushed, a bit shocked, "Uh, Ok..."
Enrique looked over his shoulder to see if Kamiko was still watching and saw she was all over Johnny again, then frowned when he realized his plan to make her jealous hadn't worked "Hm. Guess it's over..." He muttered as he continued to lead her.
Ruki looked up at Enrique, "What's over?"
Enrique sighed, "My futile attempts."
Ruki looked over her shoulder and saw he meant Kamiko, then looked back at him, "I'm sorry about Kamiko ... I just wish there was something I could do. All I can offer is ... If you ever need me, I'll be here.."
Enrique glimpsed down at her, managing a smile, "Thanks. You're a good friend."
Ruki returned a warm smile as well, glad to see it had helped even a little.