Review replies…

Reviewer: Oh well, if you say so… But there are others who like it! Thanks for reviewing and sharing!

Daydreamer: Can I say that I love you? (I guess not.) You always reviewed! I'm so thankful for that… Do you have a lot of time? You seem always to be the first to review my new updated chapters! Oh, and I apologize for being so fast… I'm still a beginner, see? Tee hee!

So the 8th book (Haru) is coming out there? Wow! Actually, here, the sixteenth book (Arisa Uotani) is already out! But I can't buy it until I have saved enough money! Haha! I'm short of money! I just love Fruits Basket! Oh yeah, thanks for helping me blame the computer! It listens to visitors but not to its master!

Suriana Amaya: I'm glad to cheer you up! Thanks loads for reviewing! Oh, and best of luck with your boy troubles! There's a lot more 'work outs' for the couples!

Annie: Hello! LOVE U SO MUCH FOR UR REVIEWS FOR ALL MY CHAPTERS! Join the group! I'm really sorry that I couldn't update earlier, I was really lazy these days…. FORGIVE, and continue reading! I love all ur reviews!

Chapter 19 – Surprise, surprise

Knock knock.

"Who is it?"

"It's me, Shigure. Let me in."

"Go away. I don't want to talk to you, or anybody."

"But I want to talk to you. Please."

"… Fine, but only a little while. Come in."

The door was opened and Shigure walked in. He took his time, taking in his surroundings. Or Mingzashi's room.

"Well, what is it? It's quite early in the morning, you know," Mingzashi yawned. "And I know you are not a rooster," She added.

"I heard that last night Akito practically begged Toyoko to be by his side. So it's working, then?"

"None of your business. So if that's all you want to say, please leave. It's 6 am, you know." She opened the door for him leave. Shigure walked to the door and closed it.

"We might stand a chance, you know."

"You're telling me this – why?"

"You don't believe me?"

"50 percent."

"And why don't you believe me? I'm serious. I've never been so serious in my life."

"Oh yeah? Then show me you're serious. Your attitude is not right, for starters."

Shigure closed in on her.

(Akito's room)

"Want to go for breakfast?"

"Ok."

"Get up then, you can't expect me to carry you there."

Akito laughed. And it wasn't a cold or mean laugh, it was a happy laugh. Toyoko had just spent one night beside him, and he felt extremely happy.

"Thank you," he said smiling.

"You know, you should smile more often," Toyoko replied. "Quick, I'm hungry."

Akito got up and went into the bathroom. Toyoko flopped down onto the bed. She and Akito had just been together all night, neither saying anything much or sleeping, just enjoying each other's company.

Akito's not bad. I'm ready to bet the hatred might have left him already. I thought it would take very long, I never knew it was so fast!

"Can we go now or do you want to sleep?" came Akito's voice.

Toyoko immediately sat up. "Let's go."

As they walked past Hatori's room, Akito knocked on his door and it immediately opened. And wasn't Hatori surprised to see Akito smiling!

"Me and Toyoko are going for breakfast, perhaps you'd like to join us?"

Hatori agreed dazedly. Toyoko and Akito are having breakfast together. Akito is smiling. And not an evil smile. A happy smile. World coming to an end? Maybe.

(Back to Mingzashi's room)

Shigure slowly removed his lips from Mingzashi's. He grinned at Mingzashi, who was breathing heavily.

"Need anymore proof?"

Mingzashi shook her head. Then she pointed to the door.

"I just made you so happy and now you're pushing me out of the door? How ungrateful can you get?" Shigure said, mocking a sad expression.

"Funny, but I'm not laughing," Mingzashi grinned back. "I need to think, and with you around, I'm always dizzy. Go."

Shigure smirked and bowed. "As you wish, miss."

After Shigure closed the door, Mingzashi did not bother to lock it. She flopped down onto her bed and glanced at her bedside clock. It read 6.50 am. Still time to catch up with more sleep. But I doubt I can even fall asleep.

(In dining room)

As Akito reached out for more things to eat, Hatori could not stop himself from smiling. If he eats this much everyday, he'd be very fat very soon. He has a healthier look in his face, a bit of apple red, not as pale as he was before.

Toyoko, who sat beside Akito, was also quite enjoying herself. She felt happy. Well, more than just happy. She felt as if she was floating. Like she was…how does she put that word? Oh yeah. In love.

All right, I know I was so darn late, but I was really lazy this month or so… So I didn't write much, and well, no inspiration… So I'm really extremely sorry! Forgive and forget!