+ Into the Façade +

In the world where the boundaries between acting and living fade, life becomes confused… unreal… and almost as if imagination had taken over reality… The façade goes into place and life then becomes a living stage.

"Oya oya… Okaasan? Have you seen my folder that I left on the nightstand last night?"

"Iie, Yuudai. Are you sure it didn't fall under your bed as it did last time?"

Yamato Yuudai reached under his bed and his fingers came into contact with the smooth hard surface of the folder.

"Ahh… so here it is… Arigatou Okaa-san." Swinging his sweater across his shoulders, he tied them into a firm knot before grabbing his folder and suitcase. Then, finally straightening his dark-tinted glasses, he walked down the stairs and grasped the doorknob of the front door.

"Itekimasu."

His mother, frail yet surprisingly in the pink of health smiled at her son before turning towards the kitchen.

"Hai. Iterashai."

Chapter 010 – Amidst the stars and midnight sky

By fannychan

"Kabaji." A fine snap of the fingers

"Osu."

"Must you always do that Atobe? It's of no rhyme nor reason."

"Is it now?" Atobe Keigo ran one finely manicured hand through his silky violet grey hair, smirking at his long time friend. "Sometimes it is better to exert some pressure on the little people. That's the way of life isn't it Kabaji?"

"Osu."

Oshitari Yuushi shook his head. Some things just never change.

"But come to think of it, how is the proposal for changing that building to 'Atobe' coming along? It should be the best substitute for excluding me from the play on the upcoming Monday."

"It's… still under consideration…" Oshitari straightened his spectacles, eyes averting themselves from his friend. He would never tell his friend that he had lost the proposal… well, until he had no other choice that is. Plan B, switch the topic.

"Have you heard of the new kid in Class 2A? A Echizen Ryoma I think. He took over Mizuki's role?"

Atobe eyes narrowed. "Don't ever mention that play to me. It's infuriating to know that an unknown took over a role that ought to be mine."

"You mean Yakuto? Who is acting as Tensuke?"

"I told you NOT to mention the play to me!"

Oshitari glanced at his friend before remaining silent, realizing that it was better if he just went along. The rest of the journey down the long entranceway was peaceful enough, only broken when they rounded the corner into the grand hall.

"Hmph. Kabaji, remember to tell the cafeteria lady that she cannot make such oily meals for someone as pristine as ore-sama. Otherwise ore-sama would not flatter her with my patronage."

"Osu."

Oshitari watched as Kabaji headed towards the cafeteria before following his friend up the stairs.

"Ouch!"

"Itai…"

Atobe was the first to get to his feet with as much dignity as someone who landed on the floor could have. "Who dares bump into ore-sama?"

Ryoma, rubbing his head, too got to his feet unsteadily before brushing past Atobe without an apology.

"Chotto, who do you think you are?" Atobe, indignant, used a hand to wrap around the other's arm.

Ryoma, irritated, ignored the voice. "Hanase(Let go). I'm in a hurry, whoever you are."

"Whoever I am?" The fury present in Atobe's tone was comparable to that of an erupting volcano. "Atobe Keigo. And don't you forget that name you insolent brat. Nobody treats me this way."

"Well, you've just met the first person who would treat you this way."

Without a word, Ryoma proceeded down the stairs, leaving Atobe fuming with rage.

"Oshitari, who was that?"

"Echizen Ryoma, the person I was telling you about."

Atobe spoke no further, eyes flashing furiously.

Then, with a flair that only Atobe could have, he straightened his uniform and continued his walk to class 3A, with Oshitari trailing behind him.

As he closed the door behind him and headed to his desk, he heard the familiar light footsteps of the acrobatic red-head as Gakuto made his way across the classroom.

"How's your day so far Yuushi? Managed to keep Atobe at bay?"

"Barely. He's still asking about that proposal which you lost when I asked you to pass it to Echizen-sensei."

"Ahh…" Gakuto laughed sheepishly. "No worries Yuushi. Sooner or later Atobe would forget about that… Hmm? What's the matter? I told you not to worry already didn't I?"

Oshitari stared apprehensively at Atobe for a while before speaking. "It's not that. Echizen Ryoma offended Atobe this morning. And now Atobe is really mad. I hope that…"

"Ahh? Echizen Ryoma? The one Fuji favours? No way. Everyone knows better than to meddle with things that belong to Fuji Syuusuke. That incident back in year 2 is as clear as if it had happened yesterday- the one concerning Yuuta."

"I know. That's why I'm worried." With a sideway glance towards Atobe, Oshitari lowered his head, sighing. Really, some things just never change…

Ryoma yawned as he knocked on the door to the principal office. It was bad enough that he had to meet his father first thing in the morning but with the added displeasure coming from his earlier encounter… well, it sure wasn't making his day any better.

Almost simultaneously, he heard the cue to enter.

"Echizen-sensei," He bowed slightly in respect, as all other students should do.

"Yes. Please have a seat Ryoma. Kikumaru-kun has submitted the report for your extra-curriculum activities. Just for clarification, which science would you be attending?"

"Chemistry."

"I see. And your other activities would be Astronomy and Drama. Aside from Astronomy, your clubs will take place in the extra-curriculum block."

"Ricky."

Nanjiroh blinked twice before looking at his son, whose eyes were wandering around his office, focusing on anything but his father.

"Yes. Okay, here is a schedule for your clubs. Please attend your activities regularly and punctually. One more thing, the clubs commence today after school."

"Hai, wakarimasuta, Echizen-sensei," Ryoma bowed again before leaving the room.

Sinking deep into his chair, Nanjiroh stared at the form Eiji gave him, and could not help but smile as he saw "Astronomy club". Ironic isn't it, he thought to himself, allowing himself to reminisce the time where it had all been perfect, when they were still living under one roof, contented and happy.

"Aren't the stars like little twinkling tennis balls… such a pretty yellow. And the moon is just like the big love scores that my opponents usually get!" Ryoma giggled at his own joke, smiling at his coach.

Tezuka ruffled the little boy's head, still innocent and adorable. "Don't be too careless now. We don't want them breaking the love games now do we?"

"I won't. As long as you are the one who teaches me. Even if you become a pro one day and can no longer come here, I would be a pro too and face you on the courts." Ryoma beamed widely.

Tezuka chuckled and from behind the pair, a fleeting shadow passed as quickly as he came.

Nanjiroh tucked his hands under his sleeves and smiled to himself. "Stars like tennis balls eh? Such a vivid imagination. He should just join an astronomy club. Heh."

Never did he expect what he casually said as a joke to become reality. But maybe that was why he had started the astronomy club even though he didn't really believe that it would be as popular as it was now. He started it because he hoped that one day Ryoma would come to attend this school he had set up… and he had…

"Nya Ochibi! I can't wait for tonight! Oh and did I tell you that lessons finish early today?"

"Don't use that nickname!"

Ryoma sighed for what seemed like the umpteenth time and slumped down on his seat. Once again, he wondered what had short-circuited Eiji's mind to be so energetic on such an unpleasant morning and why on earth did he have a new nickname? But at least Eiji used it most and not all the time.

"Oh yes, have you seen Atobe Keigo? He is fuming mad. Oishi told me about it when I went up to see him just now. Anyone from 3A who dared to cross his private territory would have his or her head snapped off so quickly that they didn't know what decapitated them." Eiji bent over in laughter. "Ouch, my stomach really hurts from this laughing. But really, the sight is too hilarious to be missed!"

"Atobe?" Ryoma lifted his head slightly. "I think there was this guy who I had bumped into that had the same name. Now that I recall he was saying something about how could I not know who he is or something like that… but I don't care." Ryoma buried his head into his arms. "So tired…" Whatever possessed me to go through those photo albums of Karupin?

"Then maybe it was your doings that made him so mad!" Eiji wiped the tears of joy that spilled out of his eyelids. "Though that might also mean trouble for you Echizen-kun. Haha."

"Whatever," was the muffled reply as Ryoma decided to take some winks before noon when classes started.

Eiji smiled at the dozing boy. "At least he is not as loud as his bite. Well, maybe I go and check out how Oishi is doing. There is still fifteen minutes to spare after all…"

With a huge grin, he scooted out of class and down the hallway, heading towards class 3A to see his long time friend… who just also happens to be his secret crush.

Though filled with extreme fatigue, classes were a breeze as it had been physics and biology in the morning. Before Ryoma knew it, it was lunch break and he unpacked the lunch that Nanako prepared for him. Eiji had left to go to lunch with Oishi.

"Itadakimasu."

"Echizen! Is it really true that you had been the one who got under Atobe's skin?"

Before the poor boy knew what was going on, he was straggled across the neck by a burly arm.

"Ack!" Peering through one eyelid to see who his attacker was, he managed to choke out a quick "Momoshirou-senpai!" before the death grip was released.

"Yo! Long time no see! And just call me Momo! Oh and Eiji told me about the Atobe incident. And you have a nickname haha. Ochibi."

Ryoma chose to ignore his noisy senpai and proceeded on with his meal. However, as the sushi was hovering just above his lips, an outburst caused the food to slip out of the chopsticks and fall back into the container.

"Wow! Lucky! So much delicious food! Ah, I know. You have a pretty girlfriend who cooks your meals!"

"Momo-senpai. I'm trying to eat here."

Momoshirou laughed. "Hai hai. I understand. I'll leave you in peace for now." Suddenly his stomach growled loudly and he stared at the clock. "No! The curry buns will be sold out! So long for now Echizen! I'll look forward to your performance!"

Ryoma stared but was interrupted by another cheerful voice.

"Do you mind if I join you, Echizen-kun?"

Ryoma glanced up to see the familiar face of Ootori Choutaro and nodded before turning his attention back to the door.

"I wonder if all senpais were like that."

"Nah, Momoshirou-senpai is an exception. But he does have a thing for Tachibana Ann of 3A so he only acts differently around her."

"Oh?"

"Yes, he would become so subdued that all his classmates would tease him." Ootori laughed lightly. "But well, let's eat shall we?"

Ryoma nodded and the rest of lunch break proceeded more or less uneventfully.

"Echizen didn't come down ne aniki?"

Fuji Syuusuke smiled as he gently stroked Kiki.

"It doesn't matter Yuuta."

Yuuta was standing over his brother, nonchalantly munching on the bun he bought.

"You're no longer interested in him? That's fast."

Setting Kiki back into her basket, he stood up and dusted his pants.

"Intrigue has nothing for the eye to see but only for the mind to wonder." Laughing at his brother's bemused expression, he patted his head.

"You're just too cute. Well, if you want, just ask Mizuki what I mean when he gets back on Monday."

Seeing the automatic blush that stained his speechless brother's cheeks at the mention of his crush, Fuji giggled again.

"Really Yuuta… Just too cute."

Just as the bell was about to ring, Eiji finally decide to bound in.

"It's Theatre Studies next which means Tezuka-sensei lesson again! Let's be the first ones there!" Eiji said, hurriedly gathering his notes from yesterday's lesson.

Ryoma had his ready and was waiting for Eiji. As he watched the over-enthusiastic boy bound here and there, he wondered if the breathless quality in his voice was a result of his running or something else. It certainly didn't feel like it was running though. His voice was hitched and soft, nothing like the heavy panting that would result from running just a tad too quickly than one can manage.

After a minute, Eiji finally found his belongings before stopping and inhaling a deep breath.

"Ah, much better. Let's go Ochibi!"

Yes… the breathless quality was still there. But nevertheless, he quickly wiped that thought from his mind and followed Eiji, used to Eiji's chatter as they headed down the corridor and up the stairs, the bell blaring loudly in the background along with the scrapping of desks and chairs from the various classrooms as everyone got ready for lessons once again after a period of rest…

"Have you read these notes yet?" Eiji whispered as they were sat on the floor around their number.

Ryoma nodded and Eiji had practically fell on his knees and begged Ryoma to help him should Tezuka call on him, to which everyone laughed and Ryoma had no choice but to agree.

It wasn't long before Tezuka came in with a score chart. After the usual greetings, Tezuka brought the board into clear view of everyone.

"This is a chart that would record the scores that each group would receive for each exercise that would be carried out this year. The group with the highest total score at the end of the year would be the one chosen to participate in a performance that would end off the annual concert of Erinnerungen. This chosen group would be working with the other chosen groups of all the 8 classes and it would be the highlight of the performance, other than practicing for the class performance that would involve all of you. So work hard. Today, we will commence the first exercise. Each group would be called out and each one would read out the words from the list I have gave you yesterday. I will judge each group as a whole so even if there is one outstanding member, the group might still get a low mark."

Somehow, Ryoma knew that Tezuka-sensei was pointedly referring to his group.

"Hence we shall start from Group 1. Please begin."

"Everyone do your best. Let's try to aim to be the best group."

Kirihara glanced at Yuuta before shrugging, "Who else could be better than us?"

Yuuta glanced around group 3. Ibu Shinji, Akutsu Jin, Hiyoshi Wakashi, Kirihara Akaya and himself along with the absent Mizuki Hajime. They were indeed a formidable team though there is always group 4 to worry about.

"It's only Echizen Ryoma who worries me."

"That brat?" Akutsu finally spoke up. "He is no more than someone who Fuji set his eyes on. Are you influenced by your brother's thinking?"

Yuuta shrugged, not wanting to mention the excellent skit Echizen performed on the first lesson of Theatre Studies to Akutsu lest it gets him on the wrong side of the silver-haired boy. "Well, it's our turn. Let's go."

Theatre Studies passed rather quickly that day since everyone was having fun, laughing at the errors made, clapping at some of those particularly good ones and the day ended with group 4 attaining the highest mark with group 3 only a point behind. More homework was given out as well, this time on both pronunciation and facial expression.
"And the highlight was when Tezuka-sensei told Echizen-kun that 'helping Kikumaru like this would not help him get anywhere' when Echizen-kun least expected it and the whole class was roaring with laughter." Ootori told Oishi who stood at the door, waiting for Eiji to get ready.

"It's not my fault. He begged me." Ryoma grumbled.

Eiji laughed. "But it was just too hilarious though they were laughing about me too."

"And it's your fault that you didn't learn isn't it Eiji?"

Oishi's teasing voice seemed to put a spell on Eiji as he smiled dreamily, picking up his bag and grabbing Oishi's arms.

"Hai hai, I'll promise to learn this time. Ja ne Ochibi! Remember, Astronomy is at 10pm tonight! Let's go Oishi!"

Ryoma nodded. "I'll be at school till then since I have club activities at 5:30pm. Ja."

And the class seemed much quieter after the bubbly boy left.

"So what do you have on now? I'm in the Arts Club. You?"

"Science club, under the chemistry course."

"Oh! Your teacher would be Hanamura-sensei." Ootori paused. "But I guess it would be okay. Just beware of her… ermm… relentless pursuit? It seems she has set her sights on you after hearing about you. That's what she tells Class 2B. Shishido-san told me." Ootori laughed self-consciously. "But I have to go now Echizen-kun. It's been nice talking to you. Sayonara."

Ryoma nodded noncommittally. Given the way things have been in his life, such infatuation can be considered to be mundane to him in some sense. But he would see how thing goes. After all, Chemistry is still his favourite subject and it would be very hard to change that fact.

Suddenly gathering his bag, he jogged towards Ootori's retreating figure, deciding that maybe it would be better if he went with someone so that he can at least find his way to the class, even if it means being a full twenty minutes early.

"Well, it's better to have a companion to talk with anyway," was Ootori's good-natured response.

"Fuji! Are you going to eat something before you go to the choir room?" Ann called out as she was exiting the classroom. Not far from her stood her brother, Tachibana Kippei from class 4-A.

"Thanks for the offer Ann-chan but I would be going directly to the choir room. There are a few notes that I need to practice on."

"Oh sure. See you later then. Let's go oniichan!"

After thanking Ootori, Ryoma proceeded inside only to stare at the chemistry laboratory that was at least twice the size of the one at his old school. Taking a seat near the front, he looked around and noticed one or two others there, either studying or dozing off. And without another thought, Ryoma did the latter, laying his head on the table before closing his eyes from the stress of the world.

It wasn't until a few minutes later when he heard a soft melody drift past his ears, and his eyes fluttered open. The voice was one that is uncannily familiar yet unusually refreshing at the same time. Listening to Hijiri playing on the violin during his old school days has indeed fine-tuned his ear for music, and unknowingly, his feet led him out of the room, walking on its own accord.

Pushing open the door, Ryoma peered inside, seeing a solitary figure in front of a stand, singing softly.

"…Fuji…senpai?"

Fuji stopped, looking up as if he had expected Ryoma to come all along. "Ryoma-kun, what led you here?"

"Your voice…" The answer was completely involuntary and Ryoma did not even register it until two seconds after his voice left his lips. Immediately, he bowed his head, the tips of his soft hair brushing against his pink-stained cheeks.

"I mean…"

"Thank you, Ryoma-kun."

Ryoma glanced up to see the bright smile on his senpai's face, much unlike his usual smile.

"I'll see you tonight then? Kikumaru-kun told me you have joined the astronomy club. It'll be great fun. Want to meet after our extra-curriculum activities at your classroom?"

Ryoma simply nodded before bidding Fuji goodbye and exiting the room. On the journey back to the chemistry lab with five minutes to spare, Ryoma smiled to himself, oblivious to the curious stares along the way...

"Awww… That was so adorable Fuji-kun!" Ann jumped up from her seat which had been out of view from where Ryoma was to glomp Fuji while a few others that had paused in their task when Ryoma came in continued from where they had stopped.

Ann was still gushing. "You have a little admirer. Mou… I should have joined the astronomy club too! Then I'll get to see more cute action!"

"Really Ann-chan? I'm glad I'm in the Astronomy club then." Another member remarked playfully as she walked over to the shelf located at the far end of the room

Fuji smiled good-naturedly. "Shouldn't we continue practice? It's your turn Ann-chan."

"Yes. Please point out my faults. It is always embarrassing for Ayami-sensei to keep correcting me on those high notes."

Fuji nodded in response as he sat down on the chair which Ann had vacated and watched as finally the other remaining choir members came strolling in, some taking the seats around him to watch the practice session while others went about their chores to mark attendance and the likes.

Overall, it would have been a day like any other day until he remembered his meeting with Ryoma later… and that was what made all the difference.

Well, on the whole his first club activity had been fun. They made paperweights… but the only thing that irritated him to no end was the fact that his teacher had been all over him. Literally. As he was pouring the polyester, she had appeared on his right and asked if she could help and when he declined, she remarked on his superb pouring skills. When he had been arranging the design, she suggested if he wanted a green flower in the design to match with his hair.

But at least his paperweight had turned out well enough. It was a simple affair with an assortment of flowers and shells which had been what they were provided with. However, with some skilful manipulation of one of the long stems of the flowers, he made it into a miniature of karupin's favourite toy.

Satisfied, he set his beaker on the table to let the contents to dry as Hanamura-sensei finally left him to begin teaching the theory part of what they were actually doing.

Well, as he said, it had been fun.

Soon, the time finally ticked to 8pm and slowly, the students of the different clubs streamed out of their respective club rooms in twos or threes towards the darkened sky outside. Lamps similar to those of streetlamps lined the pathway towards the main gate as well as another path towards the school building itself.

Ryoma yawned as he headed towards his classroom, walking through the long passageway amidst the handful of people that were most likely members of the astronomy club as well. Surprisingly, or not, the lights in the school had made it no different in terms of brightness to how the school had looked in the afternoon.

"Ryoma-kun."

Turning around, he saw Fuji Syuusuke walking towards him but not far behind, he saw another familiar face which he did not think he would like to see.

Atobe Keigo glanced haughtily in his direction upon hearing Fuji, his lips curved into a sinister grin.

"Well, well… look who it is - the snide little brat who I met in the morning." Brushing past Fuji, he stopped before Ryoma, bending low with his lips carefully positioned right beside his ear.

"This year, you will have hell. In ways beyond your wildest imagination." Then straightening up, he walked up the stairs, his heels clicking smartly at each step. Lagging behind was Oishitari Yuushi, whom Ryoma vaguely recognized from the morning.

Quickly, he reached up to rub his ear, where he almost could feel goosebumps, as Fuji walked over.

"What did he say?"

"That he will give me hell," Ryoma murmured nonchalantly.

"Sou ka? Hmm… I wonder in what way."

"Beyond my wildest imagination."

Fuji could almost hear the rebellious note in the younger boy's voice. Now this could get interesting… though if Atobe was ever to try anything funny, well let's just keep it that things would get possessive…

Ryoma sensed a strange dangerous vibe from where Fuji stood and glanced up to see the deep blue orbs looking at him.

Immediately, he glanced away, not understanding why he could not hold the other's gaze.

"Why don't we come here instead. It's nearer."

Ryoma looked up, tentatively peeking at Fuji's face and relieved to find those intense irises closed from the world.

Next he realized that they were outside of class 3A, the corner class that was said to have a magnificent overview of the school grounds. Without answering, something in Ryoma dragged him into the classroom. It was empty but Ryoma merely moved, weaving through the tables to look out of the large pane of glass.

The view was indeed as beautiful as the Eiji had told him once and his breath caught in his throat.

"Grand isn't it?"

The low, husky tone beside his ear startled him and he turned towards the voice only to find Fuji's face inches from his own.

"Ah gomen," was the older boy's response.

Ryoma watched as Fuji stood beside him instead.

Below them were small lamps, hung proudly on their posts, and the few stranglers still walking around campus. And high above them, there was a large black blanket with beautiful twinkling stars embedded within its folds.

"Ne, Fuji-senpai. How do you find the astronomy club?"

Fuji turned and studied Ryoma's profile, the sharp nose, gold-green eyes and the way the stars were reflected within those orbs.

"It is an experience that will leave you wanting for more," Fuji turned towards the stars. "Our teacher is Yamato-sensei. Ironically, he was my tennis coach at my old school. Though it is unfortunate that Echizen-sensei don't let any sports clubs to be set up here, choir still suits me just fine."

"You once played tennis?"

"Yes I did."

There was silence for a while before finally, Ryoma let out the breath that he had been unconsciously holding.

"I did too. Though I was under a private coach."

Ryoma glanced towards Fuji who had tilted his head to listen.

"My coach was Tezuka-sensei."

Fuji did not exclaim like how he knew Eiji would should he hear it and for that, Ryoma was grateful. But what left a deep impression on him were the words that Fuji said after that.

"Thank you for sharing this with me. I will treasure this secret."

Ryoma knew he was blushing, only glad that the darkness around them concealed his blush.

"Ara? It's nine already? Kikumaru-kun should have already come. Want to go to meet him?"

Ryoma studied Fuji's face. "I guess so."

Suddenly, Fuji turned to face Ryoma, smiling unnaturally big, or so it seems with to Ryoma as the dim lights from the surroundings outside played around with the contours of the older boy's face.

"Ryoma-kun, what if I tell you I'm interested in you?"

"I've told you the feeling is mutual."

"What if I said I like you?"

Ryoma blinked. "That tells me you don't hate me. I feel the same as well Fuji-senpai."

"Hmm…?" Fuji smiled. "Then what if I do this to you?"

With a long graceful finger, he slid it under Ryoma's chin and tilted it, pressing his lips unto his.

For a long while they remained as they were, behind the close door of the classroom that belonged to 3A in lip-lock, the magnificent scene beyond the window only serving to further enhance atmosphere.

Ryoma felt waves of unfamiliar emotions rise from within his chest as unconsciously, he leaned deeper into the kiss. It was chaste, merely the touch of lips. However, the tides of overwhelming sensations from the simple kiss were incredible.

Finally, when they separated, Fuji smiled, a hand cupping the younger boy's cheeks.

"Now, we should get going ne?"

For a while, Ryoma was confused and dazed, his emotions still in a disarray. But just as sudden, realization hit him like a block of stone and he placed the back of his hand across his lips, shocked.

Fuji had already opened the door and was walking towards the stairs among a few others whom Ryoma assumed were heading to the astronomy room too.

Quickly, he gathered himself and followed, wondering what on earth was going on…

"Echizen-kun!" Eiji cried as he clinged unto Ryoma the moment he got in.

At the very front of the room was a bespectacled man, with a sweater across his shoulders, who smiled and nodded to the duo when they entered. Fuji waved a goodbye at Ryoma before heading towards a group of third year students. Ryoma, not knowing how to respond, merely nodded back. He was still wondering why Fuji did what he did…

Well, maybe he will know tomorrow… but now…

Ryoma glanced at Yamato-sensei, taking in his calm demeanour.

"How do you find him?" Eiji asked, releasing his neck.

Ryoma glanced at his friend, before turning back to continue to study his teacher.

"All I know is this would definitely not be boring," Ryoma murmured thoughtfully, unaware of the deep blue eyes staring at him from across the room before eyelids hid it from the world…

DISCLAIMER: I do not own Ryoma, Fuji or anyone from POT . … sniff No matter how much I wanted to… hehe… but I do have plushies haha… huggles Ryoma and Fuji plushies

Fannychan: Sigh… so I guess I can say finally this chapter is done? I can't believe I tried to compress the entire day into one chapter. And let's see… with trebuchet ms, font size 9, it is 11 pages O.o. But so sorry for the delay. Life had been a mess and though I finished this chappy quite some time ago, I had never gone to editing it until now. GOMEN NASAI! I know it has been five… or was it six month T.T… Next month would be the only month I have left to write the next chapter as after that, it would be from one major exam to the next. Sigh… why is studying so tedious? Though I know I'm not the only one /sweatdrops/

Anyway, I hope you like this chapter. Coz' I finally added a major(?) Fujiryo scene. /sweatdrops/ dunno what had possessed me to do so. Haha. Ah well, after I had written it, I was seriously considering deleting it. Thought it was moving too fast. But I left it there anyway. Haha. But as I was saying, I was trying to compress the entire day into one chapter but I realised that the scene in the astronomy club would go to waste if I just summed it all up in one paragraph. Hehe. I hope I would be able to update next month! Well, just as a small preview, next chappy would most likely be the astronomy club and I was planning to put in the long-awaited Saturday. Got plans from them… kekeke… and maybe you might even find out what happened five years ago ne? But thank you for reviewing and being there for me despite my long breaks. /sweatdrops/ Love ya all!

Oh and on a side note, I might say that though I love Fujiryo, however, I like Atobexryoma too. hehe. So well, maybe a little rivalry eh? But in the end, it would definitely be fujiryo so no worries.

Well, this is a long author's note. Hehe… And I would…

Chibifanny: Hold on a minute sister. What are you doing ignoring me all of a sudden! suddenly turns to the readers and smile sweetly Please R&R! Thankews! continues berating fannychan But as I was saying…

Fannychan/sweatdrops/ But please R&R! Your reviews never fail to inspire me /smiles/ P/S: Sorrie for my grammar errors /sheepish/ hehe. + I'm still working on that oneshot… grrr… and on another fujiryo oneshot which I had also started. Though both still has its knots to work out. Sigh.

Oh yah, and anyone knows what is Atobe's eye colour?

Completed & Edited: May 19, 2005