Chapter 7

Raiha

I sort of just stood there, my mind not really thinking, not really taking in what had happened. One moment I was kissing Fuuko, the next well…

I gazed at her retreating figure, realising that I've been seeing a lot of Fuuko's back moving away from me very often. What did she mean by saying she needed to think? For that one moment when I felt her lips on mine, it was heaven. When she wrapped her arms around me, I felt as though we were meant for each other.

I think I'm still a little dazed… I don't know whether to be angry, hurt or amused.

Still, I think hurt would be a better word to describe how I felt.

* * * * * *

Fuuko

I ran blindly, not really caring where the hell I was going. All I could think of was the warmth of Raiha's body when we were body to body, and how sweet and gentle his kiss was. Despite myself, I could feel my ears going hot… I was blushing. Then, the image of Raiha's puzzled face came into my mind and a hideous sense of guilt and regret flooded through me.

Raiha's my friend… I should not have been kissing him! That changes EVERYTHING!

Suddenly, I felt a strong hand grip my shoulder.

"I'm sorry Raiha! I really need to be alone," I cried, wriggling myself out from the grip.

"I'm not Raiha, you idiot," a familiar voice snapped impatiently. Then in a gentler tone, "Fuuko, you're crying. What happened? Did Raiha do anything to you?"

I whirled around to see Tokiya gazing at me sternly with that piercing stare of his. I refused to meet his gaze, desperately trying to wipe away any trace of moisture on my face. Shit, I didn't realize I was crying! How embarrassing!

He frowned slightly and gave an audible sigh.

"Fine, I'll leave you alone then," he called out as he turned to walk away.

"No wait," I blurted, surprising even myself. Tokiya stopped and came towards me, a tiny, understanding smile on his face. It was strange, but up till now, I had never realized how much Tokiya had changed after SODOM. He was less well… distant, to put it in a nicer way. But he was also beginning to exhibit something a bit more - friendship.

"Yes, I'm still waiting," he drawled, "take your time to think of what to say."

Despite my current mood, I instantly flared up again. Just when I was thinking of his virtues…

 "You arrogant, pig-headed jerk!! I changed my mind! Go! Shoo! Leave me alone!" I yelled, waving my arms threateningly.

However, he simply laughed.

He held out his hands in a sign of peace. "I was kidding! Reall- Ow! Stop whacking me, you crazy woman!" Finally, he sobered down. "Look, I saw you running through the park, knocking over little kids and trampling on flowers. Although I know that's your usual hooligan behavior, it's not usual to see you cry."

"I… I dunno… I just feel so confused. About him."

Just then, something wet plopped onto my arm. I looked up to the sky, only to be hit in the eye by another large raindrop. Great, just the weather I needed to match my mood.

"I see… how bout going back up to my place? It's probably going to pour soon. Tell it to me over some tea," he offered.

I nodded my head and followed him back to his house. Confiding to Tokiya was still better than keeping everything to myself.

* * * * * *

Tokiya

Fuuko sat opposite me, quietly sipping her tea while gazing at a spot somewhere behind me. Occasionally her eyes would seem to mist over and she would start blinking rapidly as if to hold back tears. She was seriously scaring me. I couldn't stand it anymore.

"Ok, that's it. Enough of silent companionship. What did Raiha do to you?" I asked.

Fuuko looked away as her whole face began turning a lovely shade of scarlet.

"Oh… THAT huh?" I nodded knowingly. "Was it good?"

"What the hell do you mean by that?!" she started getting worked up again. I had to stop myself from smiling. Finally, she calmed herself down and told me what I supposed was everything.

I stared at her incredulously when she finished her tale of woe.

"You were so upset because the guy you like kissed you??!!"

"NO! I didn't say I like him, did I?"

"But it's pretty damn obvious, my dear."

"That's not the freakin' point!"

"Then what is?"

"Argh!! I DON'T KNOW!!" she yelled slamming her cup down violently on the table just as a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a loud burst of thunder.

"Well, that was certainly impressive," I commented.

"Oh shut up. Can't you be a bit more understanding?" she growled.

"Look, all I understand is that you're pissed of because some guy you like kissed you but you're too afraid to admit you like him. And in the process, you ended up running away and hurting him. Your excuse? That you're confused… like, how lame is that?" I rattled on without realising that maybe I was going a little too far. I could practically feel the large whack I was very likely going to get from her.

To my surprise, she burst into tears. I was horrified. I fumbled around for some tissue and held it out to her, feeling silly. Think of something comforting to say!!

"Uh… there, there Fuuko. I've got more tissue if you want some," I said, mentally slapping myself when I realised how corny that sounded.

"It's ok, Mi-chan. It's just that you were so right. I really hurt Raiha. I could see it from his expression. God, I feel so… so guilty! Why did I have to be so afraid? He'll probably not want to talk to me anymore… and I don't blame him. I blame myself," she sobbed, blowing her nose noisily.

"Look Fuuko, it really isn't your fault. Everyone gets scared. Even the strongest fighters get scared too. Trust me, Raiha would still talk to you. He loves you too much. Just sleep on it, ok?"

"Yeah, I'll try," she replied as she hurriedly dried her eyes. She stood up and wiped her face. "I'll be off then. Thanks, Mi-chan, for listening. Oh, and for the tea. What is it anyway? Strawberry?"

"No, it's wild-berry," I replied smiling. I glanced out of the window. It was really pouring out there. I could barely make out the trees.

"Hey Fuuko, how about staying over? It's pretty late and the weather's not fit for travelling around in. I've got a room to spare," I offered. Fuuko looked surprised and frankly, so was I but she seemed to be thinking about it.

"Ok Mi-chan," she agreed. "Better than home anyway."

I wondered what she meant by that but before I could ask her, she broke into her trademark grin.

"So which room do I take?"

* * * * * *

Raiha

I lay awake in bed again, with thoughts of Fuuko drifting into my mind. As usual. I replayed the kiss over and over again. I should have felt happy, yet I felt like crying. I just didn't get it. What did she mean by saying that she needed to think? Was it true than, that she just wanted to be friends? If so, why did she kiss me back? For the first time, I actually felt angry at Fuuko. Angry that for one brief moment, I actually thought that my dreams were coming true, that she would return my affections… only to realise that that wasn't happening. It felt better to be angry than to stay hurt, that's for sure.

* * * * * *

Tokiya

Something weird is happening. Last time, I couldn't care less about other people's problems. After all, it's their problem, not mine. So I was kinda shocked with myself for being patient enough to listen to Fuuko and advise her. Heck, I even let her stay over! Mifuyu… I think I'm beginning to change…

I walked over to the guest room and took a peek. Fuuko was already fast asleep, cuddling the comforter close to her. Her mouth hung opened slightly as her chest rose and fell. Seeing how contented she seemed to be now made me feel even sleepier.  I closed the door, trying not to make too much noise.  It felt good to help a friend.

* * * * * *

A/N: Hey everyone! It's been a reeeeally long time since I updated, thanks to my exams. For a while, I was just too lazy to write anyway! ;) Well, this chapter is pretty long by my standards coz I suddenly found lotsa things to write… heheh…  As you've probably guessed, yup, Tokiya's gonna play a bigger part in the story now, hence his POV. Anyway, I hope you have enjoyed the story so far and feel free to comment on it!