- Chapter Four: My moment with Kenshin-

Ever since that afternoon, Tomoe and I spent more time together. Yumi and Kamatari were angry at what happened but they soon stopped bothering me when Tomoe told them that she wants to be friends with me; that they should stop bullying me and just respect her decision. Tomoe really had the respect of both girls because they eventually stopped their teasing and somewhat acted 'civil' towards me, still cold but civil.

Two weeks are left before the end of classes and almost everyone is now concerned with the upcoming finals week. Misao was complaining that it is so hard to study for her right now because she is too busy with her work at the Aoiya. I feel kind of guilty because I wasn't able to study with her as often as I should have because I've been hanging out with Hitomi too.

"Shinpai shinai de kudasai (Don't worry) Kaoru-chan. I'm happy for you though. Your life isn't as tough anymore." Misao told me.

Actually that was true. For the past week, my school life was finally at peace. Nobody is making fun of me anymore and aside from that I have gained new friends; Kenshin and Tomoe. The two of them are really great people. Even though I like Kenshin, I'm happy for him. He has found the right girl in Tomoe.

It was Friday afternoon around 6pm, and I was planning to head straight home after studying with Misao for a while when I stopped by the comfort room in the faraway second floor. I was inside a cubicle when I heard the comfort room door open and then there were noises from the outside. Suddenly I heard a bang on my cubicle door that made me jump in surprise.

"Kaoru you bitch! You think you can stop us from ruining your life after having Tomoe at your side! Fat chance!" Yumi screamed from the outside. After that I heard the comfort room door slammed close once again.

I immediately went out and found the bag that I left besides the sink missing. I usually don't leave that there but it was 6pm already and not many people are left in the school so I figured I would be the only one using the cr. I shouldn't have done that.

I raced towards the door when I realized upon turning the knob that it is locked. I rotated the knob several times but the door did not budge. I banged my fist at the door. "Let me out! Let me out! Please! Help me!"

A very terrible panicky feeling rose inside my chest as I realized that no one would probably be hearing me because almost everyone left the school by now, even the maintenance staff. Besides this area is one of the least populated sites around school, even during daytime. Worst of all, school gates closed exactly at 6:30pm and students are prohibited from staying until that time in school. The principal would sanction anyone who is caught around the school grounds after 7pm. It is already 6:15pm.

I continued to bang my fist on the door but after about ten minutes of pleading and screaming, no help came. I usually have my mobile phone with me but it is inside the bag that those two took away from me. I have no way of contacting my parents and I might stay here a long time. They will absolutely get worried. I sank down to the floor and buried my head on my arms. What should I do now?

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Three hours has passed by and no one still came. Even though the light is on, it is useless because no one would see the light outside. There are no windows in this comfort room, only an exhaust fan. This is ridiculous. Comfort rooms are supposed to have windows, how come this one doesn't have one?

I looked at my watch, it is already 9:30pm, I'm sure my parents are worried by now. I looked around the room and felt a chill run down towards my body as I remembered the ghost stories around our school that some students were talking about. Some of them were about ghosts lingering inside bathroom stalls ready to scare anyone who stays there until midnight. My heart started pounding triple time, as I suddenly felt very scared.

I hugged myself tighter and buried my face on my arms, as tears that I was holding back started to fall down from my eyes. I felt angry, scared, lonely and very helpless at the same time. Why do they have to do this to me? I have done nothing wrong to them. How can they be so cruel?

I don't want to look up anymore because I'm scared that I might see something scary. I just want everything to fade away. I wish this were just a dream; but it isn't. I wish I could just fall asleep; but I can't. I feel so awake and I'm hungry for I haven't eaten anything since lunch. I just want to go home; but I can't.

Who will come to rescue me? Probably no one, I will just stay inside here until tomorrow when a maintenance staff would find me. I can almost imagine the gossips that would spread. I will become a loser again…

Suddenly I heard footsteps from the outside. I immediately stood up and was about to pound my fist in the door when a scary thought flashed through my mind. What if the person on the other side is a ghost? Or worst a killer? What if instead of being saved I will lead myself to further danger? I don't know what to do anymore…

To my utter delight, a voice that was very familiar spoke from the other side. "Kaoru, are you in here?"

I was really crying when I answered him. "Kenshin? Is that you?"

"Yes, it's me. I was able to force out from Kamatari what happened when I saw her holding your mobile phone. I have it with me by the way. Now please, I will try to break through this door to let you out. Please stay back."

I stood back when I heard a sound coming from the doorknob; as if a thief was tampering it. Then I heard his body slamming against the door, attempting to open it by force now. After several tries, the door broke open and I saw him panting heavily from the effort he just exerted.

I was so relieved to see him that without thinking, I went to him, threw my arms around the neck of my savior, and gave him a tight hug. I was still crying and my body was still trembling when I told him over and over. "Arigatou Kenshin, arigatou."

"It's okay. Daijoubu (You're fine now)," he assured me lightly with his gentle voice, running his hand over my back, giving me all the comfort that he can give.

As I realized what I've been doing, I immediately pulled away feeling embarrassed. I stepped back almost one meter away from him and into the shadows, not wanting him to see the blush I'm sure is tainting my cheeks at this very moment. It is not everyday that a girl would just throw herself at you. I cleared my throat and asked him. "Kenshin, how did you find me?"

He placed finger over his lips, motioning me to keep silent. He looked around before answering me in a whisper. "Let's talk later, we should get out of here first. Even though this area is not part of the patrolling routine of the guards, we can't let our guard down. They might have heard the banging I made earlier. We don't want to get caught now, do we?"

Yes, now that there are two of us and we are of the opposite sex, they might accuse us of fooling around with each other inside the school building, if ever we get caught. I shivered at the thought. I gave him a nod not saying another word.

"Just stay close behind me," he whispered softly. Then we tiptoed across the very eerie and silent hallway, making the least sounds possible.

Following Kenshin in the deserted school hallways is really surreal. I have never thought that of all the people I have been thinking about earlier, he would be the person who would save me. He even risked getting caught, and is still risking right now, just to help me. I am very touched by what he is doing and I don't know how to thank him.

I feel like a foolish spy, as we stayed close by the walls and peeked at the corners first before we venture further to get out of the building. My heart is beating faster not just because I'm still afraid but due more to the fact that Kenshin is so close to me. I looked at his face and saw his expression full of focus and determination.

We went straight as we reached the stairs that would lead us to the first floor. I was about to head for the stairs when Kenshin held out his arm in front of me to stop me from walking. I looked at him confused but he stayed silent as if he is straining to listen to something that is hard to catch. That was when I heard some footsteps echoing followed by distant voices.

"Boy I can't wait to have a drink tonight."

"Oh yeah, I can practically taste them in my mouth." His companion answered.

Stopping for a moment, we listened to the conversation of two men. Then, there were flashes of light across the stairs and more footsteps signaled that the men started ascending the stairs, heading towards us. They must be the patrollers!

Kenshin and I looked at each other in fright. Then he grabbed my hand and we ran back to where we came from not wanting them to spot us. As soon as they reach the second floor, they would be able to see us clearly because this is just a long straight hallway where you would be able to see everything straight ahead. One flash of their flashlights and we're dead. We need to hide somewhere, fast!

As if reading my mind, he pulled me inside a room and quietly closed the door behind us. Seeing the grand piano inside the room, I realized that we just entered the music room. I wiped the sweat that has been forming on my forehead and glanced at Kenshin who is still watching the semi-translucent part of the door.

The footsteps outside became louder and louder. Kenshin grabbed my hand again as he pulled me to a nearby closet to hide. He pushed me inside first then he followed suit, quietly closing the door behind him to avoid drawing the attention of the two men. It was really dark in the closet and my eyes can barely see anything. The space is also very small and there are several cleaning materials inside making our position very uncomfortable. It was very hard to move without bumping into anything.

After a few moments, the door of the music room slid open making me jump slightly from the bang it made.

"Is anyone inside?" one of the men asked loudly and firmly.

My heart sped up as soon as I heard what he said. He might have seen us! All of a sudden, two arms wrapped themselves around my body, pulling me tightly to a warm chest, holding me to a more comfortable position. In the darkness, the boy I liked suddenly reached out to hold me.

My eyes widened at Kenshin's unexpected movement. Despite the panic I am feeling at that moment, I suddenly felt a sense of safety. I could hear the fast beating of his heart as I pressed my ear against where his heart is. Then I knew how much afraid he was as I am at that moment for our hearts are almost beating the same rhythm.

However, my heart is beating for two reasons instead of one; one is because of fear and the other is because of the embrace that I'm sharing with the person I like.

"What are you saying? There is no one here," the other man answered, and there were the sounds of footsteps again.

But his companion insisted. "No, I saw shadows in here. I swear I saw something. They must be hiding here somewhere."

Unconsciously, my hand went to Kenshin's back as I held him tighter. What if they open this closet and find us here? I found myself holding my breath, afraid that those men would hear my breathings. 'Please go away already.' My hands tightened their hold on Kenshin's back.

For a few seconds, but they seemed hours to me and Kenshin, silenced enveloped the room and the patrollers are probably scanning the room to see if there are any intruders indeed.

"Well… looks like there is no one here. You must be seeing things."

"You're probably right. Guess we're through here. Why don't we go down to our quarters now and drink some sake," the suspicious man finally said.

"Yeah, that'd be great. Sake here I come!"

There were footsteps again followed by the sound of a sliding door closing. They left… finally.

Kenshin and I left out the breath we are both holding at the same time. I let out a small chuckle as he removed his arms from me and opened the closet door to take a peek outside. Seeing that there is no one outside, he stepped out first then held out his hand to help me get out of our hiding place. My hands were still slightly trembling as I touched his hand but there is now a smile of relief on my face.

"That was a close call," Kenshin uttered in relief a smile also forming on his face.

I let go of his hand immediately, feeling uncomfortable with what happened and I moved away from his as far as possible. That was twice this evening that I was able to hold Kenshin for so close.

I went to the grand piano and traced the wood with my fingers then I watched Kenshin as he moved towards the door and took a peek outside to see if there is anyone outside.

"Coast is clear. Looks like they returned to their quarters already. I guess we are safe now." He leaned back against the wall beside the door and looked at me. "Damn, I really thought we were goners. You owe me a lot, Kaoru-chan."

"I guess I do," I replied, sitting down on the piano chair and raised the cover that hides the piano keys. I lightly run my fingers on the keys, not pushing enough to make any loud sound. I raised my eyes to meet Kenshin's amused ones. "Kenshin. Arigatou Gozaimasu. I'm really really grateful. If you need anything, please just ask me; I would do it for you if I can." I would never forget this night forever. This situation made me realize how much kind Kenshin is.

"I want you to play the piano and sing then. I've been intrigued ever since I heard you knew how to play. I voted for Tomoe that day because I haven't heard you play yet. Now, let me hear how good you are." He said crossing his arms over his chest.

Play the piano? I gave him a peculiar look. "Eh? But the patrollers might hear me…"

He shook his head as he looked outside again, checking if there is anyone out there. "No they won't. This room is soundproofed. Come on just one piece would do."

But I haven't played in front of anyone except my relatives, my piano teacher and Misao… "Demo, I can't." Shyness took over me once again. The feeling of making a mistake defeated my desire to "show off" to Kenshin. Looks like Yumi is right, I'm refusing to play for Kenshin now, what more a whole bunch of people. I closed the piano cover and stood up. "Besides I'm really not that good."

A word wasn't uttered for a moment then he sighed. "Okay, I won't force you if you don't want to. Let's just go then. You're parents might be getting worried." He pushed himself against the wall to straighten himself out.

His voice sounded a little bit disappointed and I immediately felt guilty. A few minutes ago, I told him that I would do anything for him yet he is requesting something for the first time and I refuse to do it.

No, I won't let him down by refusing.

I sat down again and pulled open the piano cover. Then I ran my fingers along the keys and began playing.

Ki ni naru noni kikenai

Oyogitsukarete kimi made mukuchi ni naru

(Although there's this feeling, I can't ask

I'm tired of swimming to you, becoming stoic)

Suddenly, I wasn't as shy anymore and I'm lost in my own world of music. I expertly pushed one keys from another, playing the right chords and the right melody at the right time. Playing piano and singing has always been one of my passions that I hide from the world. It is a part of me that I rarely show anyone.

That is why playing for Kenshin like this is synonymous to revealing a hidden part of my being.

Aetai noni ienai nami ni osarete

Mata sukoshi tooku naru

(Although I wanted to see you, I didn't see you;

waves pushing us apart. We move a little further again)

Tokirenai you ni keep it going baby

Onaji kimochi janai nara tell me

Muri wa shinai shuugi dem

Sukoshi nara shite mite mo ii yo

(Keep it going baby, like we can't break up

Tell me if it's not the same feeling

Even when it seems impossible

It's ok to keep trying)

I glanced at Kenshin and he seemed shocked to see me like this. His mouth was slightly open as he looked at me with astounded eyes. I guess he did not realize that a loser like me might be keeping talents that nobody can see. That made me smile a little.

I wanna be with you now

Futaru de distance shijimete

Ima nara maniau kara

We can start over

Hitotsu ni wa narenai

I wanna be with you now

Itsu no hi ka distance mo

Dakishimerareru you ni nareru yo

We can start sooner

Yappari I wanna be with you

(I wanna be with you now

As a couple, shaking in the distance, and

If that's how it is now, it's enough, so

We can start over

I can't be alone

I wanna be with you now

One day in the distance

It will be like you're holding me

We can start sooner

I wanna be with you in the end)

Yes. If there is one person whom I wanna be with in the end, it would be this amazing person who helped me this evening, selflessly risking himself being caught and punished just to help me.

I like Kenshin before, but I like him more now as I get to know him once again for the past few days. My feelings go deeper and deeper each moment and it's scaring me sometimes because I know that I'm headed for nothingness.

But let me pretend for a while, just like this moment, inside an empty music room with no one else but the two of us. That while I play, I'm pouring my heart out to the boy I like and he is silent, just listening from a distance. Let me pretend that he is listening earnestly and while he is doing that, he completely accepts and understands my feelings.

That is exactly how I feel right now. I feel like I'm revealing my feelings to him yet in reality, he can't hear what I'm saying.

I stopped playing and stood up. "So how did I do?"

Yappari I wanna be with you

Kenshin gave me a smile. "That was perfect."


AN: Arigatou Gozaimasu to all those who reviewed! Thank you very much!

The song that Kaoru played is titled "Final Distance" by Utada Hikaru. Is it getting obvious that I like Hikki? Hehe. I've been using her songs twice now.

As for the names switching, I'm sorry! You see, this really was a story with original characters and then I suddenly thought, what if I make this an RK fanfic! Sorry… Some names slipped by me.

So what do you guys think so far? Please leave your review and tell me your opinions! Thanks!

Happy Valentines by the way. I'll try to update next week or earlier.

Next Chapter: The Calm Before the Storm