This is the continuation of Around the World. If you haven't read it
already please do so! Hmmm, it seems like Ryoko is going to be with
Soujiro. He's leading by five votes. And I thought Rui was going to win.
Now I don't know what to do with him. Should I include him into the story?
But he won't be with Shizuka. I don't like her. Don't ask me why, I just
don't. Besides I don't think she and Rui makes a good couple. ::Shrugs::
I'll see what happens along the way.
SAT word of the chapter: Simper - (v) to smile foolishly
************************************************************************
Part II: The Morning After
Chapter 1: Back to Japan
************************************************************************
Tsukushi had taken the whole morning to pack. She came on the boat with nothing, now she was leaving with three suitcases. Two for clothes, they were all from Shigeru except for a gray jacket. When Tsukushi had packed, the in memories of how she had acquired it flooded her mind.
They had been walking down the streets of Manhattan when she saw a beautiful gray jacket. It was sleek and professional. She had always wanted to have one. She gave it another glance then continued walking. She knew she wouldn't be able to afford it. But Tsukasa had pulled her into the department store, and told the saleswoman he wanted the gray jacket outside for her. The saleswoman looked her over and moved immediately. Tsukasa always had the ability to command people to do something. Maybe it was his no nonsense tone, so full of confidence and authority. But then again he's been ordering people since he could talk.
She had tried on the jacket. It had fit perfectly. Then she looked at the sleeve where the price tag was, $155! That was 15,500 yen. She barely made that much in a month. Tsukasa was ready to buy it for her when she protested. Tsukasa relented after she said she wouldn't go anywhere with him if he kept buying things for her. So they left the store empty- handed. It wasn't until the next day when she went to pick her outfit did she notice there was a new gray jacket mixed into her winter section of clothes. She wanted to be angry at Tsukasa but she couldn't work up the steam. The jacket was so beautiful.
The last suitcase contained souvenirs. The wind chimes took up most of the space. And Tsukasa, of course, didn't have to pack. When Tsukushi had asked him if he packed yet, he looked at her in puzzlement. Pack what? He had asked. Tsukushi simply shook her head and replied 'never mind.' She should've known better than to ask him that. He never had to lift a finger so it goes without saying that somebody had packed for him, or he simply left the clothes there. After all he had more at home.
It was just before noon when they docked. Tsukushi hadn't expected anyone to pick them up. She didn't call any of her friends, which made her feel guilty for keeping them out of the loop. But when they step foot in Japan she was instantly attacked by Shigeru.
"Welcome back!!! I've missed you so much." Shigeru exclaimed. Tsukushi was too dazed to answer her. She looked past Shigeru and saw Yuuki, Kazuya, Sakurako, Soujiro, Akira, and RUI?
"How'd you guys know we'd be back today?"
It was Shigeru who answered her. She looked at Tsukushi. "Of course I'd know! I planned the cruise."
Right, Tsukushi thought. She had forgotten the cruise was originally meant for Tsukasa and Shigeru. She suddenly felt very foolish for asking. But she didn't dwell in it long, because Shigeru and Sakurako were both talking to her at the same time, asking her how the trip was and to tell them every single detail. To say the least, Tsukushi was overwhelmed.
Soujiro and Akira had walked over to Tsukasa.
"So how was it? Spending 5 months on a boat with the girl you love?" Akira asked.
Tsukasa simpered. "Wonderful."
Both Soujiro and Akira had a mischievous smile and they each swung an arm around Tsukasa's shoulder.
Soujiro whispered, "You're not a virgin anymore right?"
Tsukasa turned red and tried to cover his embarrassment by boasting. "Of course not! Nobody could resist my harm."
Soujiro and Akira looked at each other, harm? they both thought. Soujiro was the first to understand what Tsukasa wanted to say. "You mean charm?" He bopped Tsukasa on the head. "If you're going to use foreign words, use it correctly!"
Tsukasa shrugged. Not even his usual slip-ups could get him in a bad mood. Tsukushi was finally his. This time nobody would get between them.
********
Ryoko saw a group of people running to greet Tsukushi and Tsukasa. She decided not to intrude. It would be rather awkward. All these people are probably heirs and heiresses. She didn't belong. She wasn't Tsukushi who could break through social barriers and still be herself. Ryoko had a feeling that if she joined them she'd change.
She looked at everyone in the group, the girls on one side and the boys on the other. Everyone was dressed in casual clothing but Ryoko knew that these clothes would cost a small fortune.
Her attention was drawn to the man with black hair who had a shoulder over Tsukasa. She could see they were very close. And she envied that close bond. The man she was looking at had an easy carefree grin. She could tell he was probably one of those men who always drew attention wherever he goes. He was probably some pompous bastard who knew he was good looking and made use of it, just a player. So why was it that she couldn't tear her gaze away? She looked at him up and down, absorbing everything about him.
She wasn't prepared when the man suddenly looked up and saw her. Their eyes met for a brief second when Ryoko suddenly turned her head and walked away. Her face was red, embarrassed to be caught staring.
********
Soujiro paused in teasing Tsukasa. He took his arm off Tsukasa's shoulder and looked up. He felt someone looking at him. Usually it was no big deal and he'd always ignored it since people have been looking at him since he was a kid. At first it was because he was the son of one of the richest families in Japan. Then when he reached junior high school, he attracted attention with his looks. He's learned to live with it. After all, what could one do about looks? It was a gift.
This time he felt like someone was looking deep into him. He looked around to see who it was. He paused when he saw a girl in a dark blue dress. It was plain with no designs but the girl still stood out to him like a diamond. Her light blue eyes matched her dress. Her hair was swaying with the breeze. It was a beautiful shade of brown. There was a gold tinge in her hair that made Soujiro think she looked like an angel.
When their eyes met, the girl instantly turned her head and began walking away. The seductive sway of her hips as she walked stirred Soujiro. He felt excited and repulsed. She barely did anything and he was already turned on. But Soujiro couldn't look away. His eyes followed her body until she disappeared from his view.
He felt disappointed. If he were by himself, he would've approached her, but since this was Tsukasa's Welcome Home Party, it seemed inconsiderate to go after her. He turned and went back to his friends.
********
There was a welcome home party in a hotel that the F3 booked. They didn't invite anyone else so it was just a party between a close circle of friends. They ate and talked. For the most part Tsukushi and Tsukasa were talking about their vacation. And that's when Tsukushi remembered Ryoko.
Tsukushi gasped, "I totally forgot about Ryoko."
"Who's Ryoko?" Yuuki asked.
"She's our age. I met her on the ship. She was right behind us when we got off the ship."
Everyone exchanged glances, "We didn't see her," Shigeru said.
"Wait, does she have waist length brown hair? Wearing a dark blue dress? Blue eyes?"
Tsukushi nodded.
"Yeah, I saw her. She was looking at us then she left." Soujiro left out the part where he made a brief eye contact with her. He was still unnerved about how she easily upset his balance. He took pride in being an easygoing person. Not much got to him, especially not girls, who comes and goes in his life.
"I should call her," Tsukushi said, breaking Soujiro from his ponderings. Tsukushi excused herself to talk to Ryoko. She didn't want Ryoko to think that she forgot about her, even though it was true, Tsukushi thought guiltily.
Tsukushi took out her cell phone and dialed Ryoko's number.
"Hi, Tsukushi-chan!"
"I'm sorry about this morning."
"What's there to be sorry about? It's perfectly normal to be with your friends."
"You should've come with us."
Ryoko started to shake her head when she realized Tsukushi couldn't see her. "Iie. They're your friends. Besides I don't want you to feel that you have to keep me company."
"Demo."
"It's okay Tsukushi-chan. We're still friends right?"
"Of course! And I want you to meet my other friends. They're all good people. Do you want to hang out with us during the summer?"
"I'll think about it."
Knowing that was the only thing Tsukushi was going to get out of Ryoko she didn't push. "Okay then. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
"Bye." Tsukushi walked back to the party. Tsukasa was the first to approach her.
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah, she didn't seem sad that I forgot about her. I want to invite her to our hangouts."
Unbeknownst to them, Soujiro was listening in on their conversation about Ryoko. He didn't know why he was so interested in her. He could have any girl he wanted. Lately it was very rare for him to actively pursue a girl. They all flocked towards him. But he knew he shouldn't be interested in Tsukushi's friend. They didn't play around like him.
He looked at Yuuki who was talking to Kazuya. She was a special girl but he wasn't ready for serious relationship much less one that leads to marriage. So he had broken it off with Yuuki before it became anymore serious. She was surprisingly strong about it. She didn't whine or do anything to force him to stay with her. He admired that. Strong women always captured his attention, as well as the sultry ones. But the sultry ones were usually looking for fun, and he quickly got tired of them.
But his experience with Yuuki taught him to not approach Tsukushi's friends, who were all so innocent in the ways of the rich. They didn't play around, especially when it comes to relationships. He knew he wasn't ready to be tied down to one girl yet so why couldn't he stop thinking about Ryoko?
Soujiro shook his head, in a vain attempt to disperse his thoughts. Maybe it's just been too long since he had a girl that he saw more of than just a romp in bed.
********
Tsukushi was talking to Sakurako and Shigeru about her trip, the final days when she remembered the windchimes that she bought for everyone. She ran to her suitcases by the wall and opened the red one, where all her souvenirs were.
"I bought gifts for everyone in China. They're all wind chimes, but I hope you like it."
All of them except Kazuya and Yuuki were surprised at receiving gifts. Yuuki and Kazuya always received souvenirs whenever Tsukushi went on vacation, no matter where it was. But Shigeru, Sakurako, and the F4 never bought souvenirs for each other. After all they were all rich. Most of them have been all over the world since they were 12. Where ever they wanted to go they went. It was as simple as that. So why buy things when that person could get it themselves?
The wind chimes Tsukushi bought each had special meaning for each person. Although it wasn't personalized, she spent a long time choosing the right quote for each person.
She was about to hand Yuuki the one she got her when... [BANG!!] The slamming of doors echoed through out the room. Everyone turned, and froze at the sight of the person by the door.
"Doumyouji Kaede."
************************************************************************
Yay, I finally got chapter 1 out! I forgot to include a description of Ryoko when I first introduced her in chapter three. If you go back you'll see it there, but it's nothing new, the same description I have in this chapter in the voice of Soujiro.
Sorry it's going slow as I'm still thinking about what to incorporate into this part. I have most of the events planned out but the details are eluding me. But maybe reviews would clear some of the obstacles in my head. ^_^
SAT word of the chapter: Simper - (v) to smile foolishly
************************************************************************
Part II: The Morning After
Chapter 1: Back to Japan
************************************************************************
Tsukushi had taken the whole morning to pack. She came on the boat with nothing, now she was leaving with three suitcases. Two for clothes, they were all from Shigeru except for a gray jacket. When Tsukushi had packed, the in memories of how she had acquired it flooded her mind.
They had been walking down the streets of Manhattan when she saw a beautiful gray jacket. It was sleek and professional. She had always wanted to have one. She gave it another glance then continued walking. She knew she wouldn't be able to afford it. But Tsukasa had pulled her into the department store, and told the saleswoman he wanted the gray jacket outside for her. The saleswoman looked her over and moved immediately. Tsukasa always had the ability to command people to do something. Maybe it was his no nonsense tone, so full of confidence and authority. But then again he's been ordering people since he could talk.
She had tried on the jacket. It had fit perfectly. Then she looked at the sleeve where the price tag was, $155! That was 15,500 yen. She barely made that much in a month. Tsukasa was ready to buy it for her when she protested. Tsukasa relented after she said she wouldn't go anywhere with him if he kept buying things for her. So they left the store empty- handed. It wasn't until the next day when she went to pick her outfit did she notice there was a new gray jacket mixed into her winter section of clothes. She wanted to be angry at Tsukasa but she couldn't work up the steam. The jacket was so beautiful.
The last suitcase contained souvenirs. The wind chimes took up most of the space. And Tsukasa, of course, didn't have to pack. When Tsukushi had asked him if he packed yet, he looked at her in puzzlement. Pack what? He had asked. Tsukushi simply shook her head and replied 'never mind.' She should've known better than to ask him that. He never had to lift a finger so it goes without saying that somebody had packed for him, or he simply left the clothes there. After all he had more at home.
It was just before noon when they docked. Tsukushi hadn't expected anyone to pick them up. She didn't call any of her friends, which made her feel guilty for keeping them out of the loop. But when they step foot in Japan she was instantly attacked by Shigeru.
"Welcome back!!! I've missed you so much." Shigeru exclaimed. Tsukushi was too dazed to answer her. She looked past Shigeru and saw Yuuki, Kazuya, Sakurako, Soujiro, Akira, and RUI?
"How'd you guys know we'd be back today?"
It was Shigeru who answered her. She looked at Tsukushi. "Of course I'd know! I planned the cruise."
Right, Tsukushi thought. She had forgotten the cruise was originally meant for Tsukasa and Shigeru. She suddenly felt very foolish for asking. But she didn't dwell in it long, because Shigeru and Sakurako were both talking to her at the same time, asking her how the trip was and to tell them every single detail. To say the least, Tsukushi was overwhelmed.
Soujiro and Akira had walked over to Tsukasa.
"So how was it? Spending 5 months on a boat with the girl you love?" Akira asked.
Tsukasa simpered. "Wonderful."
Both Soujiro and Akira had a mischievous smile and they each swung an arm around Tsukasa's shoulder.
Soujiro whispered, "You're not a virgin anymore right?"
Tsukasa turned red and tried to cover his embarrassment by boasting. "Of course not! Nobody could resist my harm."
Soujiro and Akira looked at each other, harm? they both thought. Soujiro was the first to understand what Tsukasa wanted to say. "You mean charm?" He bopped Tsukasa on the head. "If you're going to use foreign words, use it correctly!"
Tsukasa shrugged. Not even his usual slip-ups could get him in a bad mood. Tsukushi was finally his. This time nobody would get between them.
********
Ryoko saw a group of people running to greet Tsukushi and Tsukasa. She decided not to intrude. It would be rather awkward. All these people are probably heirs and heiresses. She didn't belong. She wasn't Tsukushi who could break through social barriers and still be herself. Ryoko had a feeling that if she joined them she'd change.
She looked at everyone in the group, the girls on one side and the boys on the other. Everyone was dressed in casual clothing but Ryoko knew that these clothes would cost a small fortune.
Her attention was drawn to the man with black hair who had a shoulder over Tsukasa. She could see they were very close. And she envied that close bond. The man she was looking at had an easy carefree grin. She could tell he was probably one of those men who always drew attention wherever he goes. He was probably some pompous bastard who knew he was good looking and made use of it, just a player. So why was it that she couldn't tear her gaze away? She looked at him up and down, absorbing everything about him.
She wasn't prepared when the man suddenly looked up and saw her. Their eyes met for a brief second when Ryoko suddenly turned her head and walked away. Her face was red, embarrassed to be caught staring.
********
Soujiro paused in teasing Tsukasa. He took his arm off Tsukasa's shoulder and looked up. He felt someone looking at him. Usually it was no big deal and he'd always ignored it since people have been looking at him since he was a kid. At first it was because he was the son of one of the richest families in Japan. Then when he reached junior high school, he attracted attention with his looks. He's learned to live with it. After all, what could one do about looks? It was a gift.
This time he felt like someone was looking deep into him. He looked around to see who it was. He paused when he saw a girl in a dark blue dress. It was plain with no designs but the girl still stood out to him like a diamond. Her light blue eyes matched her dress. Her hair was swaying with the breeze. It was a beautiful shade of brown. There was a gold tinge in her hair that made Soujiro think she looked like an angel.
When their eyes met, the girl instantly turned her head and began walking away. The seductive sway of her hips as she walked stirred Soujiro. He felt excited and repulsed. She barely did anything and he was already turned on. But Soujiro couldn't look away. His eyes followed her body until she disappeared from his view.
He felt disappointed. If he were by himself, he would've approached her, but since this was Tsukasa's Welcome Home Party, it seemed inconsiderate to go after her. He turned and went back to his friends.
********
There was a welcome home party in a hotel that the F3 booked. They didn't invite anyone else so it was just a party between a close circle of friends. They ate and talked. For the most part Tsukushi and Tsukasa were talking about their vacation. And that's when Tsukushi remembered Ryoko.
Tsukushi gasped, "I totally forgot about Ryoko."
"Who's Ryoko?" Yuuki asked.
"She's our age. I met her on the ship. She was right behind us when we got off the ship."
Everyone exchanged glances, "We didn't see her," Shigeru said.
"Wait, does she have waist length brown hair? Wearing a dark blue dress? Blue eyes?"
Tsukushi nodded.
"Yeah, I saw her. She was looking at us then she left." Soujiro left out the part where he made a brief eye contact with her. He was still unnerved about how she easily upset his balance. He took pride in being an easygoing person. Not much got to him, especially not girls, who comes and goes in his life.
"I should call her," Tsukushi said, breaking Soujiro from his ponderings. Tsukushi excused herself to talk to Ryoko. She didn't want Ryoko to think that she forgot about her, even though it was true, Tsukushi thought guiltily.
Tsukushi took out her cell phone and dialed Ryoko's number.
"Hi, Tsukushi-chan!"
"I'm sorry about this morning."
"What's there to be sorry about? It's perfectly normal to be with your friends."
"You should've come with us."
Ryoko started to shake her head when she realized Tsukushi couldn't see her. "Iie. They're your friends. Besides I don't want you to feel that you have to keep me company."
"Demo."
"It's okay Tsukushi-chan. We're still friends right?"
"Of course! And I want you to meet my other friends. They're all good people. Do you want to hang out with us during the summer?"
"I'll think about it."
Knowing that was the only thing Tsukushi was going to get out of Ryoko she didn't push. "Okay then. I'll talk to you later."
"Bye."
"Bye." Tsukushi walked back to the party. Tsukasa was the first to approach her.
"Is she okay?"
"Yeah, she didn't seem sad that I forgot about her. I want to invite her to our hangouts."
Unbeknownst to them, Soujiro was listening in on their conversation about Ryoko. He didn't know why he was so interested in her. He could have any girl he wanted. Lately it was very rare for him to actively pursue a girl. They all flocked towards him. But he knew he shouldn't be interested in Tsukushi's friend. They didn't play around like him.
He looked at Yuuki who was talking to Kazuya. She was a special girl but he wasn't ready for serious relationship much less one that leads to marriage. So he had broken it off with Yuuki before it became anymore serious. She was surprisingly strong about it. She didn't whine or do anything to force him to stay with her. He admired that. Strong women always captured his attention, as well as the sultry ones. But the sultry ones were usually looking for fun, and he quickly got tired of them.
But his experience with Yuuki taught him to not approach Tsukushi's friends, who were all so innocent in the ways of the rich. They didn't play around, especially when it comes to relationships. He knew he wasn't ready to be tied down to one girl yet so why couldn't he stop thinking about Ryoko?
Soujiro shook his head, in a vain attempt to disperse his thoughts. Maybe it's just been too long since he had a girl that he saw more of than just a romp in bed.
********
Tsukushi was talking to Sakurako and Shigeru about her trip, the final days when she remembered the windchimes that she bought for everyone. She ran to her suitcases by the wall and opened the red one, where all her souvenirs were.
"I bought gifts for everyone in China. They're all wind chimes, but I hope you like it."
All of them except Kazuya and Yuuki were surprised at receiving gifts. Yuuki and Kazuya always received souvenirs whenever Tsukushi went on vacation, no matter where it was. But Shigeru, Sakurako, and the F4 never bought souvenirs for each other. After all they were all rich. Most of them have been all over the world since they were 12. Where ever they wanted to go they went. It was as simple as that. So why buy things when that person could get it themselves?
The wind chimes Tsukushi bought each had special meaning for each person. Although it wasn't personalized, she spent a long time choosing the right quote for each person.
She was about to hand Yuuki the one she got her when... [BANG!!] The slamming of doors echoed through out the room. Everyone turned, and froze at the sight of the person by the door.
"Doumyouji Kaede."
************************************************************************
Yay, I finally got chapter 1 out! I forgot to include a description of Ryoko when I first introduced her in chapter three. If you go back you'll see it there, but it's nothing new, the same description I have in this chapter in the voice of Soujiro.
Sorry it's going slow as I'm still thinking about what to incorporate into this part. I have most of the events planned out but the details are eluding me. But maybe reviews would clear some of the obstacles in my head. ^_^