AN: I'm back! Sorry it took me long to update. College is definitely stressing me out. But I promise I would be able to update more since it's vacation already.

By the way thank you to all of those who reviewed my story! Arigatou Gozaimasu… Sorry it took me long to update

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Chapter 5: The Calm Before the Storm

Rrrrriiiiiinnnngggggg!

"Okay everyone, please stop writing and pass your papers," Hashimoto-sensei, our Calculus teacher ordered walking in front to collect our papers.

I placed down my pencil and turned to my back to take the papers of my classmates. My eyes met Kenshin's for a while then he smiled and gave me a peace sign, indicating that the test was a piece of cake for him. I rolled my eyes at him in return. That's the way it's supposed to be, the two of us stayed up all night in our house to study for this test.

As soon as I handed the papers to the person in front of me, I stretched out my arms in delight. That was the last test for the finals; school is now over and spring vacation has officially begun.

Two weeks has passed since that dreadful yet memorable experience with Kenshin. Fortunately, nobody caught us and we were able to get out of school in one piece. After getting out of school, we went to a noodle house to eat for a while because hiding from school patrollers really made us hungry. We went home at around 11pm and my parents were not actually angry nor worried because Kenshin called them earlier, right after he learned my predicament, and told my folks that he's with me and we might be late because we are studying together. Knowing my parents' trust on Kenshin, they did not mind at all.

After that incident, Kenshin and became closer. He always came over our house during nighttime to study with Misao and me. I asked him why he is not studying with his girlfriend; he told us that Tomoe prefers to study alone. So Misao and I had no choice but to include him in our study session. Fortunately, he was able to contribute much and showed a thorough knowledge with Math and Physics, two of my least favorite subjects. Kenshin really is an intelligent person.

Misao hurried to my seat and gave me a hug. "It's school break!"

I laughed at her enthusiasm. "You must be excited for your internship at Tokyo."

"You bet!" She raised her fist in the air. "Tokyo here I come!"

My very genki friend was able to get a 3-week internship at a big hospital in Tokyo courtesy of the endorsement of our school. Misao is really excited because she wants to learn many things about medicine.

As for my spring break, it would still be the same. Nothing exciting is going to happen and I would be stuck here in Kyoto for 4 whole weeks wasting my time bumming around. Spring has always been uninteresting for me, although it has always been my favorite season.

Or that's what I thought…

0------------------------

"Kaoru-chan! We have a good news for you!"

I placed down the Harry Potter book I was reading and looked up at my mom. "Good news?"

"We're going to Okinawa next week!" She exclaimed sitting down beside me at the living room couch looking really happy. "Your father was able to reserve a big cottage for all of us and we are going to stay there for two weeks."

I didn't know they are really trying to make our Okinawa trip a reality. "Really? What do we need a big cottage for?" Actually I have a vague idea why, I just to confirm it.

"We need a big cottage because the Himuras are coming with us." Mother stood up and gave my head a small pat. "I'm sure it would be a very fun trip. You'll be able to spend more time with Kenshin. You've been enjoying each other's company for a while now." She eyed me suspiciously. "Is there something that I need to know Kaoru-chan?"

I could feel my cheeks reddened as I turned away from her. I don't want my mother to notice that I adore Kenshin because she might pull some stunts to get the two of us together. Any mother would like her daughter to end up with her best friend's son. That would be really embarrassing. "Of course not! Kenshin is just a friend; besides he already has a girlfriend."

"He already has a girlfriend?"

I looked at my mother again. She seems surprised by what I just revealed. "Yes and she's the perfect girl. They look really good together."

"I didn't know Kenshin has a girlfriend," Mother continued to ponder. "How come I didn't know?"

'Uh oh. Maybe Kenshini hasn't told his parents yet! Oh God! I shouldn't have told my mother.' I gave Mother the most pleading look that I can ever conceive. "Okaasan, please don't tell anyone. I don't know if Kenshin has told his parents about his girlfriend. Onegai (Please), I don't want to cause trouble to him. Promise me you won't tell a soul…"

Me and my big mouth. It did not occur to me that their relationship might have been a secret. But why? He can't be ashamed of Tomoe, can he? She is the perfect girl anyone can ever find. It doesn't matter anyway; I should not cause them trouble. After what Kenshin has done for me, this is the least I can do.

Mother looked hesitant for a moment but eventually nodded her head in agreement to my relief. "Fine. I'll pretend I did not hear it. Anyway Kaoru-chan, you have to tell your French tutor this weekend that you won't be able to attend class for two weeks."

"Ok Okaasan, I'll tell him tomorrow." I just wish that she would keep her promise and not blab anything. If ever Kenshin's parents don't approve of Tomoe, I don't want to be the cause of their problems…

0------------------

"You mean I won't see you for two weeks?" Enishi repeated what I told him.

I nodded. "We're going on a vacation."

He frowned slightly as he looked up the sky and leaned back against the grass, stretched out his arms and rested his head on his hands. "That is so sad. I was going to invite you to go to the movies and have dinner with me sometime this week to celebrate the end of your finals. I'm going to miss you tremendously then."

Right after our French lessons, Enishi decided to linger around for a bit to talk so we went out to the garden and sat on the grass. I turned my head to his side and looked at him questioningly. "But we can always celebrate here. What to we need to go out for?" In fact that has happened a number of times already and we had so much fun each time, watching movies and indulging ourselves to tons of junk food.

Aside from Misao, I have always considered Enishi as my close friend, more like the oniichan (brother) type. He was always there whenever I need someone to talk to and has been supporting me in all that I wish to do. I always enjoy my time talking to him because he always has this mature perspective of things, maybe because he is a few years older than me.

"But I don't want to celebrate here. I want to ask you out. You know, a date…"

My mouth gaped open as I looked at Enishi in disbelief. Did I hear him correctly? "Pardon?"

He straightened up and placed his clasped hands in front of him and bended his head a little as if he is pleading for something that he wants tremendously. "A date. Yes Kaoru, I'm asking you out. So will you say yes?"

I was shocked and can only stare at him speechless. This is my first time to be asked out by someone, a guy no less, for a date. And to be asked by Enishi? He is a perfectly intelligent, good-looking, rich, and almost bordering on perfect, why would he like to ask someone like me out for a date? "Why are you asking me out for a date?"

"Why should I not ask you out for a date?" He raised his head a little to peer at me then threw back his own question. "Why is it wrong to ask a nice a pretty girl like you for dinner?"

Pretty? Nice? Where did that come from? This is getting really weird. One minute we're talking about nonsense things and then we are talking about dates the next. This is the last thing that would have occurred in my mind. I shifted from my position, suddenly feeling uncomfortable. "Yes, it's wrong to ask me out because I'm not the date-type of girl and we are friends, we're not supposed to go out."

"Why not?"

I looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Are you really serious?"

Under the bright sun on a fine day before the period of spring time, Enishi said the words that I never realized I would never hear from him.

"I like you Kamiya Kaoru… I like you"

0-------------

One week passed by and I have not heard a word from Enishi ever since that day when he told me that he likes me. I was really placed in an uneasy spot but Enishi immediately changed the topic and did not mention anything about his feelings again for the rest of our conversation. He left with the same smile that he always has and told me to have fun on our trip. Although he tried to make it as comfortable for me as possible, something has changed. I can't look at him directly in the eyes anymore and I feel shy around him.

It's not that I don't like Enishi because I do like him there is absolutely nothing that I can dislike about him, but as of this moment I only think of him as friend. There are chances wherein I can try to like him too but there will always be an obstacle to that… because I like Kenshin.

Since I won't be seeing Enishi for a while, he might realize during our time spent apart that he doesn't really like me. After three weeks of not seeing each other, he would tell me that it was all a mistake. I really hope that would happen.

As for now, I would no dwell on that issue and instead just focus on our family trip with the Himuras. I smiled at the scene in front of me as I see my father and Kenshin's father busy loading up bags on our cars. My mother is checking her list to see if there is nothing important we have left behind while Kenshin's mother is talking with Akira.

"Our flight to Okinawa is scheduled at 9:30. Actually we are on our way to the airport," Kenshin said to whomever he is talking to on his mobile phone. I watched as he paced back and forth on our driveway, gripping his messenger bag on his free hand looking very absorbed in their conversation. "I know Tomoe… Yes… Of course… Is there really no way to contact you while you're away? Oh I see…"

I saw my father signaled us to get in the car for we are about to leave. I nodded at him and approached Kenshin. "Kenshin, we're leaving now."

He nodded at me as he continued his conversation. "I have to go now. I'll miss you… Yes…" He turned his back towards me as he finished off his conversation. Although he whispered softly, I was still able to hear what he said… 'Aishiteru' I love you. Switching off the phone, he turned to me with a smile. "Let's go?"

'Tomoe does make you happy, doesn't she,' His face seems glowing and his eyes are sparkling.

So why do I keep holding on to you when I have every reason to let go? I don't know. My heart just doesn't want to stop. "Yes let's go."

0------------------

"You want to window seat?" Kenshin asked me as we stopped on the aisle where we are supposed to sit.

"Yes please."

He moved back a little giving me space to get to the window seat. I sat down and thanked Kenshin as he sat down beside me on my left. Our parents and Akira are seated somewhere else inside the plane and they let Kenshin and I sit together.

The stewardess stopped beside us and said in a cheerful tone, "Konnichi wa I'm Keiko. The plane is about to take off please secure your seatbelts. If ever you need anything, please don't hesitate to call anyone of us."

"Hai, arigatou" I replied nodding at her briefly.

Kenshin secured his own seatbelt and turned to me, checking if I have my seatbelt on. Seeing that I don't, he reached out and secured my seatbelt for me.

I was surprised at his act and my heart beat faster for his shoulder touched mine briefly and our faces coming closer for several seconds. "Ano… Arigatou."

He just smiled as he leaned back on his seat and closed his eyes, probably wanting to sleep for we had to wake up early this morning to prepare for our trip.

Deciding not to disturb him, I leaned back on my own seat and looked around the plane. Stewards and stewardess are busy roaming the airplane, attending to every need of the passengers. An old man seated across our aisle is busy reading the newspapers. Two teenage girls in front of the old man are busy looking at Kenshin's direction, giggling slightly as they whispered softly to each other. I looked at my companion who is oblivious to the attention he is getting. He never fails to stand out and be admired by others, even though he will just sit in a corner and not do anything. Who wouldn't be intrigued with this gorgeous guy with red hair and violet eyes that seem to make girls like me feel weak under his gaze.

"Good morning to all our passengers. The plane would take off in exactly five minutes. Please fasten your seatbelts properly and refrain from leaving your seats until the plane has taken off. Thank you."

I took a deep breath as the nerves suddenly caught up with me. I'm not really comfortable with planes taking off and have always been afraid for as long as I can remember. I stayed frigid in my seat wanting this to end as quickly as possible.

Kenshin opened his eyes and looked at me. "Hey, are you okay? You look like you're gonna get sick or something."

I smiled at him uneasily. "Um, I really don't like riding in planes, especially when it's taking off. But I'll be fine in a while. I won't barf on you or anything." After going out of the country for several times already with my parents, I have gotten used to it eventually. However, the feeling of dread still occurs at the beginning.

He reached out his hand and grasped mine, giving it a gentle squeeze. "It'll all be over in a while."

And just like that, I suddenly felt better.

0----------------------

"Itadakimasu!"

Everyone held out their chopsticks and dug in to whichever food they liked. Then there were a series of conversations as everyone tried to eat and talk simultaneously. I helped myself on a bunch of sushi and maki as I laughed with Kenshin at the funny story Akira is telling us about his friends in law school.

"You know Kaoru-chan, there is something different about you now," Aunt Okon who is sitting at my side suddenly told me.

I blinked several times in confusion. "What do you mean Aunt Okon?"

She flipped my hair over my back as she gave me a smile. "I don't know. You seem brighter and happier than before. It's like you're glowing."

I'm glowing? I'm different? Does it really show that much? All I know is that I felt better now than I felt in years. It's probably because I'm opening up more now and I have more friends…. and that I'm closer to Kenshin and am really happy with his companionship. Honestly, the reason is more of the latter than anything else.

"Actually that's right, at home Kaoru is more cheerful and talkative," Mother said as she took a sip from her tea. Father, who is right beside her, nodded in agreement. "Tell me Kaoru, what caused this sudden transformation? Are you in love?"

I choked at the maki I was eating and looked at my mother in disbelief. "What! Where on earth did you get that kind of idea?"

"I don't know, you act like you are…"

Does she know my feelings for Kenshin? I was very careful not to let my feelings show… especially at home to avoid complications. You know how my parents would react, they would think it's so cute and romantic that they would do everything they can to bring the two of us together. "And to whom would I be in love with pray tell? I'm not even comfortable around boys…" 'Yes that is right Yumiko, try not to let anything slip' I made it a point not to glance at Kenshin because that might give it away.

"Then how come you are comfortable around me?" Kenshin inquired nonchalantly.

My parents and his parents stopped eating and focused their attention to us.

"Ha! It's because you're not any different to me Ken-kun, I've known you since forever!" I retorted, trying to keep a straight face. "I don't treat you as a boy boy… ano… ah, you know what I mean." So much for making sense.

"So you are not in love?" my father asked.

"Of course not!" Not to any other boy except for the one beside me anyway.

At the corner of my eye, I saw my parents sigh with relief.

0-----------------

Walking by the beach at night can really calm your thoughts. The gentle breeze and the sound of waves dancing along the shore have some soothing effects on my senses that makes me think of nothing but the sensation of floating in the air. I let my bare feet glide smoothly across the white sand, leaving a trail of my footsteps behind me.

My parents and their friends are left behind in the cottage and are reminiscing about the good old days while drinking some sake. Akira and Kenshin on the other hand, I don't know where they have gone off to. So basically, I'm all alone right now. Not that I mind, because I really want to be by myself tonight.

I crossed my arms over my chest and I rubbed my hands over my bare shoulders to give warm to my cold skin. It is quite a cold evening; I should have dressed more warmly instead of wearing this sleeveless white dress that my mother insisted that I wear today. I tried to fend off her request but she was persistent about it that I had no choice but to do as she says.

I really don't get my mother nowadays, for the past few days; she is extremely trying to make me look more feminine. She was constantly giving me dresses and hair accessories telling me to bring down my hair often. I only complied with her wishes today when I set my hair in a half ponytail. Not that I looked any better… I don't think I can ever look beautiful.

I stopped walking as I noticed a lone figure sitting on the sand. "Kenshin! Is that you?"

The figure looked up and glanced my way then gave me a wave. "Hey, Kaoru-chan."

A smile crept up to my lips as I approached him. "Do you mind if I join you?"

He shook his head and patted the spot beside him.

"So what are you doing here all alone? Where is Akira?" I asked as soon as I flopped down beside him.

"He was here with me a while ago, but he left to jog." He turned his head to look at me. "I'm here to think, what about you?"

"More or less the same thing." I looked down at my feet as I dig some holes on the sand with my toes.

Kenshin held out a sake bottle in front of me. "You want some?"

In all of my 17 years of living, I have never ever tried to drink any alcoholic beverage. " I have never drunk sake before."

He poured some on his small cup and handed it to me. "I know, now why don't you have your first drink with me?"

I looked at the cup uneasily as I took it from him. "Does it taste bad?"

"Try it."

What the hell… I'm curious anyway. I raised the cup to my lips and drank the sake in one swig. I felt the liquid draw a line in my throat and the taste is not exactly that appealing… but it is not at all bad. I handed back the cup to Kenshin as I placed my fingers on my lips.

He poured sake on the cup again. "Another one?"

I shook my head. "I think one shot is enough for now."

The shot did not go wasted because he drank it anyway. For a few minutes, silence enveloped us and neither one said a word. I was a little hesitant to say anything because he looked like he did not want to be disturbed in his thoughts. He has this faraway look in his face as if he is not sitting beside me at all and is in another place.

How come he always seem unreachable

I was about to stand up and leave him alone when he clutched my arm to stop me from leaving. "Don't go. It's nicer to have someone to talk to."

Don't go

What choice do I have? I am always here to comply with whatever he wants or ask me to do. I moved back to my previous position. "So tell me what's on your mind."

"I'm thinking about Tomoe." There was a gentle smile on his face as he told me this

Kenshin, why do you seem so near yet you're so far…

"I see. So where is Tomoe-san spending her vacation?" I asked politely trying my hardest to sound indifferent, yet my heart is feeling very heavy inside.

"She went to China with her family. That is why I won't be able to talk to her for a while. It would be three long weeks…" There is a hint of sadness in his voice that clearly states that he will miss her.

What do you need her for Kenshin? When I'm right here beside you…

"You really love her don't you?" It seems like I was spitting dust as I asked him that question for I know that my heart would break with his answer.

"Yes I do. I love her with my heart and soul."

But I love you with my heart and soul too…

Suddenly I felt the need to lose control of any rational thought or control over my being. I forced myself to smile at the redhead beside me. "Can I share the rest of your sake?"

I need to get drunk

0-----------------

"Kaoru! Kaoru!"

I groaned and buried my head deeper on the pillows, refusing to acknowledge the person who is calling me. I don't want to get up yet.

"Kaoru-chan, wake up. It's 8 am already."

Why can't my mother leave me in peace and let me sleep a little longer? I'm in the middle of a very good dream and Kenshin was about to propose to me. I want nothing more than to get back and continue that dream… All of sudden, I felt an immense pain in my head. I placed both of my hands on my forehead. "Ooohhh, my head aches."

An arm guided my back to sit me up then I felt a glass placed beside my lips. "Here drink this."

With out opening my eyes, I swallowed the drink being offered to me and my eyes immediately snapped open at the very disgusting taste. "Yuck, what's that?"

My mother glared at me. "Something I have fixed to help you ease your hangover."

Hangover? Oh right, Kenshin and I drank the night away with sake last night. In fact, I don't really remember what happened clearly… "How did I get here?"

"Kenshin carried you on his back. He said you passed out while the two of you are drinking," Mother explained. "I didn't know you drink. What's with all the drinking all of a sudden?"

Yes I do. I love her with my heart and soul.

I let myself sink down on the bed as I remembered our conversation about Tomoe. I tried to forget the pain by getting drunk. I felt better and thought about it less as I drink more… but here I am once again, thinking about it and have an additional hangover with it. 'I'm never going to drink again.' "Okaasan, I'm sorry. I will never do that again."

My mother sat down beside me and ran her fingers through my hair. "Kaoru, I will ask you a question. Please be honest with me."

Surprised at her sudden seriousness, I opened one eye and looked at her. "Okay. What is it?

"Are you in love with Kenshin?"

I sat up immediately as soon as I heard her question, my headache forgotten. Mother is looking at me intently as if she is trying to read through my thoughts and my emotions. Does she know? I chose not to answer her question and threw one of my own. "Why are you asking me this?"

She looked down at her hands and took a deep breath. She looks kind of tense as if she is contemplating whether she will answer or not.

"Okaasan?" I called her.

Finally she looked at me, tear forming in her eyes. "I'm asking you because… you're engaged Kaoru."

'Engaged?' My eyes widened at her revelation. What the- I'm only 17! I don't know what to feel. The information hasn't sunk in yet; a feeling of disbelief is still crowding my emotions. "B-but to whom?"

"You're engaged to Kenshin."


AN: Hello guys! Yup! Kaoru is engaged to Kenshin! I hoped you like how the story is progressing so far. Are you guys disappointed? Or are you excited to see what happens next? Please tell me what you think! If you have any comments or suggestions, please feel free to tell them.

Please leave me a review! That would definitely encourage me more to write!