Disclaimer: RK is not mine!

Minna-san! Konnichi wa! I'm sorry for the long update. This is harder than I thought. Anyway, gomen, I don't think I can put up the edited versions along with this chapter because I'm still reviewing everything. That is why I decided to go on and post Chapter 8 so as not to leave you guys hanging.

There are some changes that I made already and these are:

I made Aoshi one year older than the rest. Therefore, he has already graduated.

I changed Megumi and Nahoko into Yumi and Kamatari. I think they fit the roles perfectly. Megumi will appear in later chapters.

Kenshin, as it should be, is the captain of the school kendo club.

I'm naming Kenshin's group as the Juppongatana! The group is composed of Kenshin, Tomoe, Aoshi, Yumi, Kamatari, Shishio, Cho, Anji and Usui.

Still no luck with Enishi….The candidates are Enishi, Soujiro and Katsu. Can you help me decide guys? If I choose Enishi, then I need to make a link between him and Tomoe and that is driving me crazy!

Anyway, Gomen ne guys, no individual responses to reviews in this chapter! I promise I'll make up for it in the next chapters.

Thank you for all those who reviewed and those who continue to read my story! Thanks for all your support. You guys are the best! I love you guys! Please continue to support me.


--- Chapter 8: A Turn For the Worse ---

"Beep beep beep beep!"

A moment later, my hand reached out to cease the beeping of the alarm clock before it can wake up the other occupants of the house.

I slowly opened my eyes and stared up at the ceiling for a few minutes, savoring the last moments of sleep that that I wanted so much to get back to. As much as I wish to crawl back into slumber, I have to get up and face another day.

A new day of misery.

But an important day at that.

Stretching my arms, I lifted myself from the bed and got up to prepare for the day. For about 30 minutes, I went to and fro my bedroom and bathroom going through all of my morning rituals after finally exiting my new room that I am slowly getting used to.

Stopping for a while, I looked back and at gazed at a translucent blue-colored sliding door that is leading to a bedroom right next to mine.

Kenshin's bedroom.

It has been five months since Kenshin and I got married. As a present, our parents bought a house for the two of us, which is right beside the Himura house. We moved in here right before our senior year started.

"Ohayou gozaimasu Kaoru-san," Yamada-san, our elderly house-helper who is living with us, greeted me.

"Ohayou Yamada-san. Were you able to sleep well?" I asked politely steering my eyes away from the door.

"Hai. I believe I had a pleasant sleep. I hope that you did too. By the way, your breakfast is already served at the dining table," she informed me. "It's the college entrance exams today, right? You would not want to take an exam with an empty stomach."

Suddenly, the nerves came back once again. That's right, it the standardized college entrance exam today and I've been spending many sleepless nights getting ready for it. "I just hope my mind does not go blank while I'm answering the exam. I have to eat a lot then so I'll have lots of energy for the test!"

I was about to head towards the direction of the dining area when I turned again to look at Kenshin's room. "Did he come home last night?"

Yamada-san shook her head. "I did not see him last night or this morning too."

"I see." I forced a smile on my face. "Well, he must have studied over Shishio's or Anji's house. He and his friends are really getting ready for the exam. They have been doing all nighters for a few weeks now."

However I doubt if he really was with his male friends all those time.

I sat on my usual chair at the dining table and ate silently as my mind wandered to the events of the past five months.

Right after the wedding Kenshin barely talked to our parents and me. He completely closed off to his own world that did not include us. He stayed inside his room for hours or he is outside, leaving really early and arriving late at night. Due to that, we were not really given the chance to talk to each other to set things straight or to at least come up with terms regarding our situation that we would both agree on.

We were like strangers inside the same house treating each other as if we are invisible to each other.

And then soon, classes started and everything returned to normal. Defining normal in my own condition, things went back to the way they were before Kenshin and I became friends again a few months ago— I returned to being the "loser girl", the nobody who is constantly being bullied by Kenshin's crowd. This time, they are more aggressive.

And it hurts more after having a taste of having a peaceful life with Kenshin and Tomoe as friends for almost two months.

As for Tomoe, she returned from her trip one day before classes began so she only learned about the wedding at the first day thanks to her friends Yumi and Kamatari.

I was there when Kenshin and Tomoe met for the first time after spring break. I just arrived alone in school right after my father dropped me off. Kenshin left really early for school and I had the feeling that he does not want to go to school with me. I was walking along the school walkway when I saw him running across the school gardens. I trailed my gaze to see where he is heading to and saw that he is running to a certain beautiful black-haired girl who is being comforted by two of her best friends.

I saw with my own eyes as he pulled her to him and wrapped her in his embrace while she cried her heart out holding on to him for dear life. Tears of hurt and sadness immediately sprang out from my eyes as I looked at them feeling my already broken heart breaking yet again.

Suddenly, I felt very conscious of the curious glances of the students as they busily murmured against one another. Not wanting to break down on that spot, I ran inside the building and went to the nearest comfort room right after stopping by the shoe lockers.

Inside, I splashed some water on my face, trying hard to compose myself and not cry. I took several deep breaths and cleared my thoughts reminding myself not to be too affected and treat this day as an ordinary school day like before. Nothing changed… forget the events that happened during spring break.

Unfortunately, circumstances won't let me forget even for a while because as I exited the comfort room, I found Yumi and Kamatari waiting for me at the hallway. As soon as I stepped out, Yumi charged and slapped me hard on the face, making some of the students passing by to stop and watched the scene we are creating.

"You're such a bitch, you know?" Yumi snarled at me, crossing her arms over her chest in an imposing manner.

Kamatari stepped forward and threw a cup of water on my face making me jump backwards. "And because of that we are going to make your life miserable, honey."

I wiped the water from my face using my hands. I have been so gloomy and stressed out all month that is why my temper is not as controllable as before. My sight darkened with anger as I pushed Kamatari causing her to slightly lose her balance. "What the hell is your problem!"

The two were taken by surprise by my retaliation. Kamatari pushed me hard in return, her eyes flaring. "You are my problem bitch!"

I was about to push her again when someone hold onto my arm to hold me back. "Kaoru, don't fight them like this. These bitches are not worth it." Misao whispered as she glared at the two.

My best friend led me to a small secluded corner as she took out her handkerchief and wiped my face and uniform. "Kaoru, I heard about your marriage to Kenshin… Are you okay? Why did you do it?"

"We have to, our parents forced us into it," I replied, not revealing the fact that they used her to blackmail me.

"How do you feel about all of this?" she asked concerned.

For a very long time, I have kept all of my feelings inside and I feel like I'm drowning from all the things that I have bottled up within my heart. Now is the chance to unload them. "I love him Misao. But now, he hates me."

My friend hugged me tightly and I was surprised when she suddenly suggested, "Let's do something crazy today Kaoru-chan. Let's cut classes."

And that was what we did.

I told Misao everything that happened while she was away. I also told her about my long time feelings for my husband. She did not say anything the whole time I talked but just sat there beside me and listened. After I have told her everything, I felt a little bit lighter like a load was removed from my shoulders.

It is really good to have a friend like Misao.

Then she helped me clear my mind by telling me what happened to her in Tokyo. It was really hard to work in a hospital but the people there were really friendly to her. She also managed to tour around Toudai and was quite surprised when she bumped into someone she least expected to see there— Kenshin's very stoic and quiet best friend Shinomori Aoshi. He graduated from high school last school year and it seemed like is going to Toudai to pursue a degree on Biology. Like my best friend, Aoshi wants to become a doctor someday. Misao said that when they parted, he told her that he would be expecting to see her next year.

We had fun that day. We went to a nearby amusement park and released our minds from all the problems and the worries. We rode several rides and tried out many games. For the first time in weeks, I was able to smile and laugh genuinely. If my parents learned about what I did, they would have lectured me until I go insane but at that time, I did not care. I never thought I would actually say this, but it felt good to defy them. After all that they had put me through…

During these past few months, I'm not only thankful for Misao, but also for my very good friend Enishi. Despite my rejection to his more-than-friends feelings towards me, he remains as my very loyal and dependable friend whom I can always count on. We never stopped our French lessons together; though, ever since Kenshin and I got married, I opted to study at Enishi's house instead of ours. I'm thinking of it as a break from the mess my life has become.

I placed my chopsticks on the now empty plate signaling to Yamada-san that I have finished breakfast. I picked up my bag and said my farewell to our helper as I went outside to meet the driver who will bring me to our school where we will take the entrance exam.

Leaning back on my seat, I looked at the sight outside as the car passed by the familiar route going to school. Will I do well in the exam? Will I make it to Kyoto University where my parents want me to study? During some of our family dinners, both our parents are stressing that they want the two of us to study together in Kyoto University.

I really don't think that is what Kenshin wants.

One night when I went to the kitchen to drink a glass of water, I overheard Kenshin talking on his mobile phone. From what I heard briefly, it seems like the1y are talking about how life will be like if they will go to Tokyo University with each other and away from here.

I was assuming that the person on the end of the line is Tomoe.

Kenshin, being married, never stopped them from seeing each other. They never bothered to hide from me either because they are acting all lovey-dovey with each other even when I'm around. I never confronted him about it not wanting to show him that I'm affected and bothered about what he is doing. Besides, I really don't have the right; I'm just his wife in paper, nothing more. What he does with his life is none of my business.

He made that very clear to me when he talked to me the day after our marriage.

"Getting married to you doesn't make you a part of my life. Please stay out it for I will stay out of yours," he said.

So that is what I did. I never said anything when he continued his relationship with Tomoe. I never reprimand him whenever he goes home late or sometimes does not come home at all. I never talk to him unless its necessary and I tried so hard to act invisible around him. But acting like this doesn't mean that I'm not affected.

I'm so hurt that I might as well cut my heart out and removed it from my chest to stop the aching.

But what hurts the most is that I don't have the right to get affected… none at all.

It was already 8:30am when I arrived at school and most of the seniors are already there, forming in groups to do some last minute reviews. The tests will start at exactly 9am and I had promised Misao that we would meet each other right before the exams. I saw her waiting for me at my shoe locker, her nose buried in her notebook. I hurried over to her putting up a smile on my face. "Misao, stop reviewing already! It will do no good if you cram."

She looked at me looking very tense. "Argh! I'm so nervous! What if they included the part that I skipped? I would get a low grade! I will never get into Toudai!"

"Don't be a pessimistic! Come on, you have studied harder than anyone else. You will definitely get into Toudai if you stop acting like that and just focus on answering the exam," I reassured her but deep inside I can't help but feel nervous as well. What if my mind goes blank during the test? I don't want all of my sleepless nights studying and months of attending cram school to be put into waste.

On the contrary, if that happens, I always have a fall back. I can always go to Paris a study culinary just like what I've always wanted to do. If the school accepted me that is…

Right after learning Kenshin's plans to study in Tokyo together with Tomoe, I had the sudden urge to do the same; make my own decision regarding where I want to go and what I want to be without the interference of my parents. So what I did is to get the application forms Enishi gave me last spring and filled them all out. The next day, I mailed them.

The results are not out yet; however, I did my best to answer all of the questions. Except, I really don't know if I have a chance of getting in…

I might as well think that I don't have an option and pass this examination.

"Let's do our best then Kaoru-chan! Ganbatte ne!" Misao cheered in a very enthusiastic manner.

"Hai! Ganbatte!" I cheered her on too.

"Look, it's the two little bitches," Kamatari piped up as she entered the shoe locker room with her friends. "Did you two sleep well last night?"

"We would really appreciate it if you just don't talk to us, okay?" Misao answered her feeling irritated. She took my arm and dragged me towards the door. "Let's go Kaoru-chan."

Misao ranted her annoyance as she hauled me across the halls to the rooms where we are assigned. When we got there, I saw Kenshin and Tomoe lingering in the halls talking to each other quietly. I took a deep breath as we passed by them, not a single word exchanged between the two of us— not even a good luck.

Damn, I hate feeling like this. Why can't I just go on with my life like before after this marriage? Why can't I teach myself to be unaffected by the whole situation?

Now I don't think I can concentrate on the test as much as I like to.


"So how were your exams? Were they difficult?" Father asked.

It's Friday night and the whole family (both the Himuras and Kamiyas) is eating at my parent's residence. It is customary for us that during weekends, we will eat dinner together. These are the times when Kenshin and I are forced to talk to each other.

"I had difficulty with Science and Math but overall, I think I did fairly," I answered him. I was not able to concentrate on the test at first but after a few minutes and pep talk to myself, I finally managed to block out everything and focus my attention on the test.

"That's good news," he replied before he turned to Kenshin. "What about you Kenshin?"

"It was okay."

Our parents are unaware of the real condition of my relationship with Kenshin. I never told them that we are not talking with each other and that Kenshin is still going steady with Yukishiro Tomoe. If they learned that, I don't think they would be too happy about it. Then Kenshin will once again accuse me of ruining his life.

I don't want to become a villain in his eyes once again.

"I'm sure you two will do fine. The both of you are brilliant students. I'm sure you will pass with flying colors." Aunt Okon said.

"Thank you Okaasan," I responded.

"Oh before I forgot, I heard that your classmate Kamatari Honjou will hold a huge formal party for her eighteenth birthday two months from now. I talked to her mom yesterday and as early as now, they are already preparing for it." Mother related to us.

Suddenly I have a very bad feeling about the birthday of one of my archenemies.

"The Kamataris always hold the grandest parties and they always make sure to create it extra special for their only daughter," Aunt Okon exclaimed.

Mother looked at me with a scary gleam in her eyes. "We should prepare for your dress then Kaoru-chan."

"Okaasan! The party is still two months away. Besides I'm not even sure if Kamatari-san will invite me on her birthday," I was quick to protest. Well with our history together, I extremely doubt it if I'm going to be invited. Especially now when they were indeed true to their words during the first day of senior year when they said that they will make my life miserable. During these past few months, I always find myself in a spot where I wish I could just disappear from humiliation.

"But Honjou Kamatari is Kenshin's good friend right? Then the two of you will be invited for sure," Kenshin's mother reasoned out.

Now that's what I'm afraid of.


"Don't you get tired of this?" I suddenly blurted out one night while Kenshin and I are having dinner. It was Yamada-san's day off so the two of us are all alone in the house. "We've been like this for six months already, aren't you getting tired of hating me?"

He did not answer but just sat there and continued to eat as if no one has spoken. I guess he just answered my question.

"Are you going to be like this forever?" I asked more demanding this time. Everything is taking its toll on me now and I want some answers to my questions.

"No, this will end eventually," he answered. "When we grow up, get jobs and earn some money; we will be able to hire lawyers without our parent's money and get a divorce— an annulment even. Once that happens, you won't have to bear with my hatred any longer and we will go our separate ways."

Divorce. Of course, that is his goal as early as now. He knows that our parents will not support that idea so it is up to the two of us to file that on our own in the future. 'As soon as he has the chance, he will do the first thing to get away from me.' "I see that you have planned out our future perfectly for us. I won't say no or get in the way of your plans."

He placed down his chopsticks and wiped his mouth with a napkin. "Even if you do that won't stop me anyway."

"Can't you get over your anger and at least act cordial towards me until that time? As far as I'm concerned I'm not interfering in your life and I'm not blabbing at our parents either. Can't we go back to being friends like we used to be before this marriage thing?" I must sound pathetic begging him like this, but I don't know how long I would be able to tolerate his behavior towards me.

He stood up and marched towards the stairs to go up to his room not bothering to answer my question.

Not wanting to be left alone without a response, I followed him my temper reaching its limit. My feet pounded loudly against the floor as I stomped angrily as I climbed the stairs. "Why are you being such an immature jerk!"

He swiveled his head towards my direction. "I'm happy being like this ok? So just leave me alone!" He entered his room and slammed his door shut.

I wanted to tear down his door and beat him into a bloody pulp but all I did is sank down on the floor and sighed in despair and frustration.


One month after, nothing changed as I have expected. Honestly, I'm getting used to my life already. I'm still hoping that eventually, I will become numb to the pain that Kenshin is causing me and get over the humiliation his friends are throwing at me constantly.

I flipped through my chemistry textbook, studying hard for an upcoming exam that will happen on Monday. I skipped my French classed with Enishi this weekend to concentrate on this test. For my senior year, I have kept myself busy with academics, using it as another channel to get my mind off things. Studying really keeps one very self-preoccupied.

"Atomic radius is one-half the distance between the two nuclei in two adjacent atoms of the same element in a metal. For elements that—" I was interrupted from my studying by several knocks on my door.

"Kaoru-san, there are some letters that came for you," Yamada-san called out. After my consent, she entered my room and handed the letters to me.

I flopped down on my bed, my hands busy browsing through all the letters. The first one is a bank statement and is not at all important. The other one is as worthless as the first so I did not even bother to open it. However, the third letter is the one that caught my attention.

As soon as I saw the emblem on the upper right side corner and how my name is written in romaji, my hands trembled slightly and I immediately tore open the envelope.

My eyes widened as I absorbed the words written in the letter. I read once, twice, three times to confirm if I have read it right. Then I lay back on my bed feeling really shocked and exhilarated at the same time.

I got in.


"Himura Kenshin and Himura Kaoru from class 3-1, please proceed to the Principal's office immediately. Himura Kenshin and Himura Kaoru from class 3-1, please proceed to the Principal's office immediately. Thank you."

I looked at the intercom over the blackboard in confusion. Principal's office? Why? I don't remember doing anything bad…

"Ei, Kaoru-chan, why are you being called to the principal's office? Did you and Kenshin do something bad?" Misao asked looking confused like me.

"Misao!" I exclaimed. They are also calling Kenshin. What do they need the two of us for? I was about to turn around to look at him when he went past by me and exited the room.

I stood up and followed him.

"It seems like marriage is good for the two of you," Principal Kawashita said as the two of us, Kenshin and I, stood before him in front of his desk.

What in the world is he talking about? The last time I checked this is the worst thing that happened to the both of us.

"Principal, what do you mean by that?" Kenshin asked.

He cleared his throat then he leaned forward clasping his hands together on the table. "We were a bit apprehensive when we learned that the two of you are getting married. We feared that you would give less priority to your studies thus be unable to meet our expectations for the two of you. However, as we study the current standings of all the senior students in this school, it seems like the two of you have exceeded our expectations."

He stood up and gave the two of us each a handshake. "Congratulations! You two are currently battling for the position of valedictorian."


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So how was it guys? Please leave your comments and suggestions! Arigatou gozaimasu! Till next time!

By the way guys, do you know Kamatari's last name?

Thanks!