Disclaimer: RK is not mine
Hello guys! Sorry for the long update and I'm sorry I was not able to post the updated chapters 1-8…..
ANYWAY I finally decided! I'm going to replace Keisuke with Yukishiro Enishi! Although I'm still having trouble about Enishi's relationship with Tomoe. I'm thinking whether I should make them siblings, cousins or what… Suggestions anyone? I'm really having trouble with that…
To all those who wanted Soujiro… Gomen ne… I wanted him too but I just can't imagine him being older than Kenshin… And I think a Kenshin-Kaoru-Enishi love triangle is more effective…
Individual responses to reviews is placed after the story. You can find it down there!
Anyway, on with the story!
As I Watch You from a Distance
---Chapter 9: The Breaking Point---
"Nani (What)! You are a candidate for the valedictorian spot?" Misao exclaimed as she stopped eating form her bento box and stared at me with huge eyes. It is lunchtime that very same day Principal Kawashita called Kenshin and I to his office. We are sitting on our usual spot under the sakura tree, which is now devoid of its beautiful pink flowers and will not appear until spring.
I nodded still unable to believe what the principal told us. "That is the reason why they called Kenshin and me to the Principal office. To tell us that."
Misao jumped to my side and gave me a huge and warm hug. "Sugoi (Wow)! That's great! In less than 2 months, you will be leading our class during graduation! Not only that you will be able to get a scholarship for college too!"
At the mention of scholarship, I remembered that Misao is also vying for the valedictorian spot mainly because of the study grant. "Misao, gomen, the scholarship…"
My friend just smiled at me as she pounded me on the back reassuringly. "Don't worry about it Kaoru. If I'm not a candidate, then that means I really don't deserve to be the valedictorian. Besides I'm sure my English, Home Economics and History killed my grades. You know how impatient I am with those subjects!" Then she fell silent and looked down on her feet, looking very mysterious all of a sudden. "Kaoru-chan, there is something I haven't told you yet…"
It is quite strange for Misao to keep things hidden from me.
"You see, someone offered to pay for my college fees…" Misao's voice trailed off with a hint of happiness on her voice.
"Eh? That's great! May I know who the good person is?"
"Shinomori Aoshi's parents went to Okina and offered their help. It seems like the Aoshis are very good friends with my parents when they were still alive and Aoshi mentioned to his parents that I wanted to study medicine," Misao related to me. "They said they are doing this to help the daughter of a very good friend and to return the kindness that my parents did for them."
"Really? So Aoshi-san's parents and your parents were friends?" I asked surprised. It's funny how things suddenly spring up on someone when they least expect it.
"Enough about me! Since you are going to be the valedictorian, we should prepare for your speech! You need to mention me in that speech of course!" Misao ranted on, listing the things I needed to say on my so-called speech.
I put up my hand in a halt sign. "Misao-chan, the term is not over yet so it's not yet sure. Besides, I'm not the only one. Kenshin is also a candidate and the two of us has equal chances."
"Kenshin? Your husband Himura Kenshin?"
I nodded glancing at the window of our classroom. I can make out Kenshin and Tomoe's profiles, sitting by the window quietly eating lunch together. "Yeah, it seems like the two of us are pouring out all of our frustration and energy into studying."
"So what are you planning to do? Are you going for the win?"
If I become the valedictorian, then I will beat him. I can already sense that he is planning to use this opportunity to achieve what he wants to happen in his life. With the scholarship that goes along with the award, he can go to Toudai without our family's support and he can get away from here, with Tomoe. It does not really solve his predicament, but at least it is a start.
Deep inside of me, I want to burst his bubble.
"I'm going to do my best Misao. For all the pain he caused me, I want to win this one."
0---------
For the next few days, I doubled my efforts in studying. I recited in class more; I triple checked all of my assignments and did some serious advanced readings. With motivation, studying suddenly became real easy and fun.
It's not only me that is motivated; however, because Kenshin became a very worthy opponent. Like me, he took his studying into a higher level and he rarely goes out during nights anymore, opting to go home right after his kendo practice and study in his room.
It was a normal Saturday afternoon and I planned to stay at home the whole day to brush up on my History and Economics subjects when my mother barged into my room with a gown and make-up kit in both hands.
"Kao-chan, what are you doing? You need to prepare for Kamatari's party!" She placed down the gown on the bed and pulled up a chair so that she can sit beside me.
"Okaasan, I don't want to go to that party. I really need to study," I muttered as I continue to read the book that is in front of me.
She snatched the book from me and placed it somewhere else where I can't reach it. "No, you will take a break from all of this studying and go to the party with Kenshin. All of your classmates are going to be there."
I want to say that I couldn't care less if the whole world was there but my mother is really persistent and I don't think I can get away from this. So I let her arrange my hair and fix my make up and wore the black velvet sleeveless dress that she picked out for me.
Kenshin was already waiting downstairs and we silently went outside to get in the car that would take us the party venue. Kamatari is going to hold the formal prom-like party at a prestigious country club where all the invited guests are only her friends and classmates. No adults (except for the party organizers and waiters of course) are allowed in the party and she wanted it to be like formal school dance that are very popular in the western countries.
I really did not want to attend this party because I have a very bad feeling on what is going to happen tonight.
We arrived at the place at around 8:30pm in the evening and the driver went ahead to go home because Kenshin said that the others would give us a ride home.
It was snowing heavily that night and there are no stars in the evening sky.
Kenshin and I went inside the ballroom area and saw that many people are already partying inside. Several couples are already dancing in the middle of the dancing area and a slightly slow music is already playing in the background. An attendant took my coat and my purse from me saying that she will keep it in a safe place and return it to me later just before we leave this party.
Some of the people from school gave us their hellos and stopped to chat with us for a while. While we were talking with a few people from our class, Kenshin excused himself politely and left me alone to talk to our classmates.
From the corner of my eye, I saw Tomoe moved towards Kenshin's side and gave him a sweet smile.
It was a few moments after when Kamatari, along with Yumi spotted me lingering alone beside the windows.
"Look who's here," Yumi said as soon as the two came right in front of me.
I forced a smile on my face as I bowed at Kamatari. "Kamatari-san, Tanjoubi Omedetou Gozaimasu (Happy Birthday)."
Kamatari smiled back. "Arigatou. However, I think we have a small problem in here."
Yumi moved forward her arms crossed over her chest. "I don't remember seeing you on the guest list bitch."
I felt myself go cold with dread as I watched the two girls smile at me menacingly.
I knew it. I knew something like this would happen.
"You don't mind if we send you out, do you? This party is exclusive for friends and their companions only. I really don't think Kenshin brought you here willingly because he is so busy accompanying Tomoe right now," Kamatari asked with the arrogant smug etched out in her beautiful face. A number of people are already piling around us and we are starting to become the center of attention. "I really don't like you to be here right now."
I looked around consciously and then looked down at my feet, doing my best to avoid looking at the two girls who are smiling menacingly towards my direction. This is the worst situation for someone who is being bullied because as much as I want to fight back, this is Kamatari's territory. "Sumimasen, I will just get my purse and—"
"No! We want you out of here now!" Yumi demanded as she grabbed my arm forcefully and hurled me towards the entrance.
"Yumi, let me go!" I struggled to free my arm from her grip but it was no use. She clenched onto my arm more forcefully as Kamatari opened the front door for her.
She pushed me outside onto the pouring snow. "Now get out! I don't want you to stay here during my birthday!"
Many onlookers are watching us; some of them are looking at me through the window. I shivered as I felt the cold drops of snow hit my skin. Shishio and Usui snickered loudly as they went behind the two girls and threw me my coat and purse.
I glared daggers at them as I said, "Happy Birthday Kamatari." Then I bent down and threw snow at the two girls. I grinned inwardly as I hit Yumi and Kamatari right on their faces. To hell with her birthday, it doesn't change the fact that they deserved that.
Before they had the chance to do or say something, I turned my back on them and walked away, treading the snow with my high-heeled sandals. I shouldn't have let my mother talk me into wearing these killer shoes. It's going to be a very long walk from here to the entrance of this country club where I can hail a taxi.
Why do these things happen to me?
0--------
I looked at my watch. 9:00pm it read. It has been a long 30-minute walk under the snow until I reached the entrance where I waited for a few minutes to hail an empty taxi. But to my very unfortunate and rotten luck, none came. It seemed like this country club is situated where public transports are passing by in very rare chances so I wrapped my coat around myself tighter and decided to walk to the nearest bus stop. I thought it's quicker to get home this way than to wait for a taxi that can go on for hours. Besides, I don't think I can stand the coldness of the night any longer.
I rubbed my hands together then exhaled on them, hoping to feel warmth even for a short while. It truly is a freezing night. It's during times like these when I will give anything just to get a cup of hot chocolate or coffee. That asshole Kenshin; I knew that he intended that something like this to happen will happen. He could have at least warned me. Probably it was his ideas to begin with. I'm sure that he saw what happened because Yumi, Kamatari and I made such a huge scene back at the party.
Am I really that worthless to him?
I slapped my hands on my face as if trying to bring me back to my senses. 'Stop thinking about him Kaoru! Now is not the time to feel sorry for yourself. You should only think about how to survive and go home alive,' I thought looking around to see if there are any public transportations nearby. Sadly, there are none yet.
My feet hurt and I'm really worried about sliding down the very slippery sidewalk. Snow is continuously pouring down the city of Kyoto; however, this time, the downpour is not as heavy compared to when we arrived at the country club an hour ago. However, it still doesn't improve my condition for I'm feeling colder and colder as each minute passes. The dress and coat I'm wearing is not exactly fit for walking under the open winter night as a result, I wrapped my arms around myself to stop my body from shivering due to the cold. 'Kaoru, think only of warm places.'
A few minutes later, while I was trying to think of all the hot places that I have ever been to, I finally saw a bus stop. As fast as my feet and my killer shoes can take me, I head towards the schedule of bus routes to see it will take a long time before the next bus drops by this stop. My heart dropped in disappointment as I read the schedules. Unluckily, it will still take 20 minutes before the next bus comes.
I sat down and hugged myself tighter trying to conserve the warmth that I still have. I really didn't know if I could still manage to hold myself together for another 20 minutes. I'm cold, I'm tired, I'm hungry and my heart is aching. Suddenly, the sadness took over my being and the tears that I have been holding back started to fall from my eyes.
As I cry my heart out, I did not notice a black BMW pulled up in front of me. I only became aware of my surroundings when I heard a male voice call out my name. "Kaoru, is that you?"
I looked up, automatically brushing away the tears from my face. I was so relieved and happy when I find myself face to face with Yukishiro Enishi. "Enishi-kun!" I stood up and ran to him hugging him close as I cried. My mind wandered to a distant memory that is very much like this. However instead of Enishi, it was Kenshin whom I'm holding onto like this. How ironic the situation was. Almost one year ago, I ran to the arms of my knight in shining armor. A year later, I ran into the arms of another savior in the same fashion… running away hurt from that very knight who saved me not too long ago…
0---------
"Arigatou Gozaimasu Enishi-kun for bringing me home last night. You don't know how grateful I am when you suddenly appeared out of nowhere and pulled me out of that hellish situation," I thanked him as we sat across each other on a nearby coffee shop that is just a few minutes away from his house. We decided to ditch our French lessons for today and just met on the coffee shop to talk about the things that happened the night before.
I was not able to say anything but just continued crying as Enishi led me inside his car. He did not ask any questions nor did he say anything. All he did was focus his attention on the road and gave me his silent support as he drove the car towards the direction of our house.
The only time he spoke up was when he pulled over in front of our house and stopped the car's engine from running. He turned to my direction and said, "I'm not going to say anything for tonight but tomorrow, I want some answers."
Now here we are sitting face to face the next morning with Enishi yearning for some answers and explanations.
"Are you alright now? I really thought you were going to faint from the cold last night? Did you get sick?" He asked studying me with observant eyes.
I smiled at him. "I have a flu but other than that, I'm really okay." Then I sneezed loudly, contradicting what I just told him a heartbeat ago. Good thing I was able to turn away from him quickly. I don't want him to catch whatever sickness I have.
"You know, you really don't look good. Maybe you should have just stayed at home…" He stood up and pulled me up from my seat.
I wove his hand away and returned to my seat forcing a huge smile on my face. "No, no. Let's stay here and chat. This is just a simple cold. Besides I already took some medicine this morning. I will feel better in the morning."
Actually, I feel really awful. My head aches and I think I will come up with a fever any minute now but I'd rather stay here than go home where Kenshin is right now.
In fairness to Kenshin, he approached me while I was having breakfast earlier this morning. He apologized for what his friends did and that I had to go home all by myself when it was freezing last night. He told me that he looked for me at the party but he was told about what happened and I was already sent out.
But what can his apology do? I was humiliated already and am sick too because of something that he did not stop. He did not at least try to make things easier for me.
He could have stayed by my side so that there will be no question that I was with him for that party.
He could have diverted his full attention from Tomoe and sense that his friends were bullying me.
He could have done a lot of things… but he didn't.
Enishi sat back on his seat and looked at me with much concern. "What really happened last night Kaoru? Why were you out there all alone in a formal dress crying your heart out?"
I hesitated whether I should tell him or not.
But the sincerity and gentleness that are reflected told me to trust him.
And that is what I did.
0---------
I coughed uncontrollably several times, trying to wrap my blanket tighter to myself to stop my shivering. I feel so cold yet my skin and my insides feel so hot. I'm feeling really dizzy and my head is hurting truly bad. Contrary to what I told Enishi this morning, I'm feeling worse and am feeling sicker even though I already took all of the medicines that Yamada-san gave me this afternoon. Right after Enishi brought me home at around 1pm, I went straight to my room intending to rest fully so that I can recover just in time for classes tomorrow.
Nonetheless, it did not help me the slightest but in fact, my condition took a turn for the worse.
'I have to tell Yamada-san,' I thought. I stood up, get off the bed and carefully walked my way slowly out of the room to go to our helper's room. I have never thought that getting out of bed can be so stressful and requires so much energy.
The world was spinning as I stepped out of my room and I steadied myself by leaning against the wall. I don't think I have enough strength to go downstairs and call Yamada-san.
Now what is the person who is occupying the room beside me for? In situations like these, it doesn't matter if we are not in good terms with each other.
I looked at my left and saw that Kenshin is already sleeping soundly for the lights in his room are already out. I debated whether I should rap on his door to wake him up or to continue on, when suddenly the world swayed and everything went black…
0-------------
It was only a week after, which includes a four-day confinement in the hospital, did I finally got better.
After I collapsed outside Kenshin's room that night, my parents who were quickly notified by Yamada-san immediately rushed me to the hospital. My fever almost reached 41 degrees Celsius and the doctors diagnosed that I had an acute pneumonia. That is why they made me stay at the hospital for four days to help my body to fully recover.
That means one week of absence in school.
One week of missing important lessons, quizzes, tests, recitations and experiments.
One week of giving Kenshin the lead-time that he needs to beat me in becoming the valedictorian.
"Are you sure you want to go to classes tomorrow? The doctor said to take it easy because you might become sick again," Mother asked in a worried voice as she fussed over the kitchen to prepare my dinner and my medicines.
"Okaasan, finals are less than a month away. I don't want to miss our lessons anymore," I answered firmly. I don't want to give my opponent any more chance to beat me.
For the past few weeks, especially now, I'm using this fight as a channel to redirect all of my frustrations and anger towards my husband. I'm making this my personal battle. He may have crushed my heart but he will not win in this one because I will do my best to prevail.
This is the only thing that I have left against him.
0-------------
"So were you able to set a make-up final experiment for Physics lab?" Misao asked me as we huddle on our usual corner at the library during lunch.
"Yes. Though I almost had to drill it out of sensei," I answered remembering the incident during Physics. Our teacher, Sena-sensei, is the female counterpart of our chemistry teacher last year, Kusonoki-sensei. She told me when I approached her earlier that I got a zero score on the final experiment that they did last week while I was absent, which unfortunately is 20 of my final physics grade. She said that no matter what my excuse was, she would not give me a make-up experiment.
"But Sena-sensei, I cannot miss that experiment. Please sensei, I have a valid excuse why I got absent for a week. I even have a medical certificate that proves what I'm saying. If you want, I can ask permission from the principal first and approach you again."
That settled it because she can't win against the principal and will be left with no choice but to give me the make-up final exam. I figured that she is just feeling lazy to prepare the experiment again plus the fact that she is not exactly fond of me.
I almost forgot to mention that she is Yumi's aunt.
"So when are you going to repeat the experiment? Actually it is just an easy one." Misao commented while she flipped through the pages of the magazine she is reading.
"The week after next week. She set it on a Saturday and told me that it is my last chance." I can't believe she is acting like that. It is not as if I got sick on purpose. Her niece, along with her friends, is largely to blame for that.
Well I should be grateful that I got a chance and not dwell on other irrelevant things. Our finals are a week after that week and if I miss that one, my physics grade is dead. My chance at being the valedictorian will be out of my reach.
0-------------
"Are you sure that you don't want me to drop you to your school?" Enishi asked me as we walked towards his black BMW. We just had our lunch on one of the restaurants at the mall where we decided to hold our French lessons, combined with Science and Math review, for today.
"Don't be silly Enishi, you might be late for your kendo practice. I can go there by myself just fine." I assured him, pushing him towards the door of his car.
"Okay, I'll go ahead then." He went inside and started the engine. Opening the window, he asked once again. "Are you really sure?"
I laughed. "Yes! Go now!"
I waved at him as he drove away.
Looking down at my watch, I saw that I still have 40 minutes left because I'm not expected at school until 1:30pm. However, I have to make sure that I arrive at least 10 minutes early because Sena-sensei is really particular about tardiness. If I don't arrive on time, I don't think it will be very good for me.
But that doesn't stop me from making a stop at my favorite bookstore and pick up a book that I have been eyeing for weeks now. I am looking forward to reading that during the break.
I immediately headed towards the direction of the bookstore and scanned through the aisles to search for that particular book. After I found it, I went straight towards the cashier and paid for it in haste because I don't want to be held up just in case a long queue will be formed.
I was humming softly as I walked towards the direction of the bus stop when suddenly, someone bumped into me and I practically fell forward— face flat on the ground. I looked up and saw a young man, wearing a blue sweatshirt and a red baseball cap running madly away from my direction. It was then that I realized that my bag is missing and is in the hands of that running thief.
"Hey! Stop!" I yelled and sprinted forward, going after the man to try to recover my bag. "Stop him! He's a thief!"
I followed his lead as he ran past the people and turned towards a corner to an alley. As soon as I entered the alley, I saw him there, standing still with his back faced towards me. It was a dead end. There is no way out for him except through me. I picked up a wooden stick that is lying on the ground and posed in a kendo stance.
A lot of people might not know it but my father, whose hobby is to fence, taught me the family style Kamiya Kasshin Ryu when I was still young; therefore, I am quite skilled with self-defense. I am not exactly the weakling that most people think I am; I just don't show this side of me to others. "Mister, I suggest that you return my bag to me because I will not hesitate to hurt you. I really don't have time for this because I have to get to school within 30 minutes."
"And that is the reason why you are here right now, Himura-san." The guy muttered. He turned around and I was surprised because he is my classmate Shishio.
"What the?" I turned around as I felt a presence behind me but I was greeted by a liquid spray and within a span of a few seconds, I fainted.
0-------------
I was running fast, as fast as my feet can carry me, my legs already aching from the enormous effort I am straining on them. But I did not care for I have to get there right now.
I slowly opened my eyes as my mind registered the loud voices that are coming from several people who are right beside me.
"Ei, she's waking up." A familiar female voice said.
I gasped as I saw Yumi, Shishio and Cho who are peering at me. I looked around and saw that I am inside a car, more specifically sitting at the backseat of a car. "Where am I?"
"Still in the mall darling," Yumi answered as reached out towards Shishio and lit a cigarette for him.
"What am I doing here with you guys?" Then I remembered the incident with the thief/Shishio earier. I pointed at Shishio, who is sitting on the driver's seat, with an accusing finger. "It was you! You are the thief! Give me back my bag! Why did you do that!"
"To delay you. We can't let you become the valedictorian now, can we?" Cho answered simply as he leaned back on his seat beside me looking extremely bored.
Delay me? Suddenly everything fell into place and I looked at my watch. Shit! It's 2:40pm already! I'm late for the make-up experiment!
Without any second thought, I pulled my bag from Yumi's grip and went out of the car, hearing the trio's laughter behind me.
I arrived at school at exactly 3:00. I was running through the halls and was panting heavily as I stopped in front of the Physics laboratory. I knocked several times and waited for someone to answer at the other side. No reply came.
I took a deep breath and opened the door. There was no one inside. Sena-sensei already left.
I opened the front door forcefully and hurriedly removed my shoes as I marched towards the stairs. It took me only 4 seconds to go up to the second floor of our house and I slammed the sliding door of Kenshin's room open.
He jumped from his seat, as he looked at me angry and irritated. "Damn! Don't you know how to knock?"
I ignored his remark as I entered his room and headed straight towards him. As soon as I am directly in front of him, I slammed my fists on his chest repeatedly. "Damn you! You are despicable!"
He was surprised and did not do anything for a moment but he stood up and held my arms forcefully to stop me from pounding him. "What are you doing? Have you gone mad! Stop this! Yumi—"
I did not stop and struggled against his grip. "How can you stoop so low! You cheater!" All of my anger, all of my repressed hatred came surfacing at once and all I want to do now is to inflict pain to this person, physically.
His amber eyes blazed with anger as he pushed me against the wall and locked my body with mine. Our heads are only a few inches away from each other and my eyes are directly looking at his and I can feel the brush of his red bangs on my cheeks."What right do you have to suddenly come barging in here and call me a cheater?"
I can't help but shiver at the coldness of his voice and the intense look in his eyes. But my will to explode is stronger than my fear of him. "Do you really want to get the valedictorian spot to get away from here huh? Do you really want it that much that you are willing to ruin me for it? Are you really willing to make my life hell so that you can be happy? You are a monster!"
"Stop accusing me! I did not do anything lowly to snatch that stupid award from you!" He pressed on me tighter that I'm having a hard time to breathe properly.
"Ask your fucking friends! I hate you! I hate all of you! You won't be able to deny the fact that you are willing to do anything to get that scholarship so that you can run away from here with that girl!" I screamed at his face.
"Yes! I want that scholarship! I want to get away from here!" He bit back, still not releasing his grip from me. "I want to get away from you, I want to get away from everybody!"
"Why are you treating me like this? Why are you hurting me?" I asked my voice suddenly falling as I stopped struggling and looked at him feeling vulnerable and tired.
"Because whenever I see you, I can see my bondage to a life that I never wanted. I feel caged; I feel my loss of freedom. With you I see the life that I don't want to lead," he answered, his grip finally loosening but our positions still the same. I feel his breath against my face as he continues looking at me with those eyes.
I freed one hand and slapped him across the cheek, hard.
He gripped my hand again and pushed it against the wall, right beside my head.
"Well I don't deserve this," I muttered as I felt the familiar burning sensation in my eyes. "Why can't you see beyond your hatred and distinguish the real me. Why can't you see that I this is not my fault and that I'm hurting as well."
The tears dropped from my eyes and landed on his arm. "I loved you Kenshin. I loved you with all my heart and I'd rather suffer than see you unhappy. I wasn't going to interfere between you and Tomoe but everything changed because of the wedding. I loved you, and all I want is to make you happy, yet you blocked me off and treated me like trash. I could have done anything for you but you hurt me and made me feel bitter towards everything… even you."
He stared at me with wide eyes as he gently pulled away and took a step backward. He did not expect this coming, actually, I did not either but the words kept coming out of my mouth.
"I'm not asking you to love me. All I'm asking is for your friendship." I slid down the wall and curled into a ball, my arms wrapped around my knees, hugging them to my chest tightly. "Can't you see that you are hurting me? If you are hurting, then I am hurting as well and the pain is doubled. I am hurting because of you and I am hurting because of the fact that you are hurting."
Then I sobbed in front of him.
He sat on the edge of his bed, looking down on the floor thinking, pondering on what just happened.
I cried my heart out for the hatred he has towards me and for the love that he cannot give me. I cried for myself because I feel so weak and pathetic in front of him. How come I always give him the power to hurt me like this?
It doesn't matter because all I know is that this will be the last time that I will willingly show such vulnerability and weakness in front of him. I'm tired and I can't take this any longer.
This will be the last time.
0----------------
It was three days after the finals, and the results are out.
Himura Kenshin is the valedictorian for this year.
I stood impassively as everyone around me leaned closer towards the bulletin board to see the results better.
The name Himura Kaoru is written just below the valedictorian's name indicating that I got the second place.
No matter how hard I studied for the finals, it can't pull up the zero score I got from that final experiment in Physics. I could have perfected those exams yet that cannot do anything.
"Kenshin look! You are the valedictorian!" Tomoe's voice rang out through the noisy crowd as she pushed her way towards the bulletin board. The students parted slightly to give the valedictorian space to see his name at the number one spot. At the corner of my eye, I saw Tomoe gave him a warm hug.
The crowd stopped moving as they felt me move towards the direction of the couple. I did not mind their gazes as I stood directly in front of my husband and his girlfriend. I offered him a smile. "Himura-san, omedetou (congratulations)."
Kenshin just looked at me and did not say anything.
Without another word, I turned my back on them and left.
0------------------
"Kaoru-chan, cheer up!" Misao encouraged me as we walked our way towards the place where the results for the College Entrance Examinations are posted. School finished more than 30 minutes ago and an agitated and nervous Misao dragged me out of school to look at the results. "Come on, we both know that you deserve that award better than him!"
"It doesn't matter Misao. I'm not thinking about it anymore," I told her as I flashed her a grin. "See? Let's just concentrate on learning the test results."
Misao rubbed her hands together nervously. "Gosh! What if I didn't make it?"
"Have faith in yourself okay?" I said as we stopped in front of a huge crowd piling around several boards that are consisting of hundreds of names.
The two of separated for a while to search for our names. I scanned my eyes towards the surnames that start with each and my eyes rested on a name. Himura Kenshin.
He got into Toudai.
I lingered at his name for a bit as I realized that he got what he wanted. He will get away from here. Get away from me.
Then my eyes caught another name. Himura Kaoru.
I got in as well.
Suddenly, someone pulled at my arm and gave me a tight hug. "I got in Kaoru! I got in!" Misao chanted repeatedly as she bounced up and down with excitement.
"That's great Misao-chan," I told her, though the enthusiasm in my voice is not exactly at the level that I want. My mind kept on thinking about our situation and what can happen in the future now that I am in as well.
Misao looked at the board and shrieked. "Kaoru! You got in as well!"
Now what should I do?
0----------------
"Kaoru-chan, what are you doing here?" Enishi asked in a surprised voice as he opened their front door.
"Enishi, can I talk to you?"
He did not decline as he led me inside their house and we made ourselves comfortable in their living room.
"What is it that you want to talk to me about?" He asked seriously, his eyes studying my face intently.
I bit my lip as I played with my hands for a while, deciding whether I should go ahead with it or not. Then I looked straight at him as I made my decision. "Enishi, I need your help."
0----------------
It was a Monday night and both Kenshin and my families' decided to have dinner together at our house.
"Your final exams and college entrance exams are now out right? How did you two do?" Kenshin's mother asked.
I did not say anything and continued to eat, eyeing Kenshin to see if he will tell them already.
"I am the class valedictorian." He said it simple and straight.
Kenshin's mom stood up and gave him a hug. "That's great! I will call Akira later and tell your older brother the good news."
He was rewarded with congratulations and praises and I sat there not saying anything.
"What about you Kaoru?" my mother asked.
"I landed in the second spot," I announced as if I'm just telling them the weather update. Just like Kenshin, I was rewarded with several congratulations and praises; some comments saying that the two of us are brilliant together.
"I also have something to say," Kenshin interrupted our parents as he clenched his fist into a tight ball.
I eyed him indifferently and quietly, knowing exactly what he is planning to say.
"I'm going to Toudai for college."
As expected, his parents did not take it lightly as they protested and convinced him to study here. They got into a heated discussion as they argued about where Kenshin will go to college.
I looked at my parents and told them, "I got in as well."
His parents looked at each other and sighed with relief. Just as I thought, they wanted him and me to go to the same college together.
Kenshin looked at me angrily as he stood up. "I'm not going to Toudai with you!"
"Don't speak to your wife like that!" His father reprimanded.
I stood up as well as I matched Kenshin's anger. In the past I would have just kept quiet and let my parents talk for me. But it's different now.
I want to change.
"Don't assume that I will follow you anywhere! I don't want to stay at the same place, mush less the same university with you!" I looked at my parents to give them my side of the story. I have been preparing for this moment all afternoon.
I will not back down now. This is for my own good, for my own sanity.
"Otousan, Okaasan. I'm sorry but I'm going to France to study culinary there. No matter what anyone says, I will go."
And no one can stop me.
Author's notes: I'm baaaccckkk! So how is this chapter? Please tell me what you think! In other words, please leave me a review! )
Ginny-cry, Fallen Shadow, EbonyArchAngel666, kenshin's grl, silver wings, L1Ldumie TK, kawaii meeh, TearsOfInfinity, 1kenshinlover, albaloo, Shinta-fan, LitoKyomi, kaede11, MoonShineSilver, Alex Ikari, Sou-chans' gurl 4-ever, pinx916, bravedragon, Clemen, Heiying, Mizz-Clumsy, Green-Fey, kpxiceboi, cheri, are-en1, Battousai-chan, Goddess –Princess-Serenity, kaede11, gin, Some1, Blue.Haro, anonymous, spirit of the wind, Microburst#16, animechick001, Queeney, sprout-angel, Alderine, inuyashasama1, Crazed.T.V. Girl, Moon&Stars,are-en1, Xkawaiigirl12X, Neko-Yuff16, KFG24, guardian forever, XkenKao12X: THANK YOU VERY MUCH GUYS! I loved all of your reviews! I'm so touch with joy! I hope you liked this chapter and please continue to support me! I love you guys!
S.J. Kidd, Tameka-tanuki-jouchan: Thank you so much for the review. I hope this chapter was able to satisfy you. )
Kean: Thank you very much for your comment. I will try my best to edit the chapters and will ask someone to review them over for me. Thank you! Your suggestions are really really helpful.
Royalbluekitsune: Gomen ne if I am a bit delayed. School is really killing me! I hope you liked this chapter… I'm happy that my fic is touching you… By the way, I have already read Blind Marriage. It's a nice fic. ) Thank you for the songs you have dedicated for my fic! I'm wondering if you'll dedicate something for this chapter… SO how was your trip? I hope it went well.
Dark-bitch: Thank you so much! Kenshin really is an asshole ne? I hope you are happy with the events that took place in this chapter!
Hitoshi-kid: Don't worry! This is definitely a KK story. Things are just starting to brew up. I enjoyed reading your short review in chapter 10.
Britannie Love: Thank you for the review! I hope you loved Chapter 9 as well.
Jing-jing: Thank you for loving my story even if it is sad… I hope you'll like it more!
Minmay: I'm so honored that I provoked your emotions with my story. I hope you enjoyed this chapter!
Cryingoro: Thank you! Once again I enjoyed your review! I hope you liked this chapter as well and will leave me a looonngg review. Hehe. Seriously, it's your reviews that is keeping me inspired! Thank you! I'm so happy that you are my ichiban fan! Thank you! Xie xie ni! Arigatou! And all the thank yous in different languages… hehe. I'll be looking forward to chatting with you soon! I'll send you an email if I'm free.
Nette JP: I'm so glad you liked my story! I feel really really happy upon reading how much you like it. Thank you very much!
Prettyshinomori: Nope it's not going to be as angsty until the end! Especially now with the turn of events! Thank you for your support!
Nighty: Thank you so much for your review. I really appreciate what you said there. I will do my best to make this story better. I'm thinking over what you wrote and I will continue to ponder on it. Thank you…
Peavine85: I'm sorry that I'm not yet able to upload the edited chapters… I'm just so busy with school lately. But don't worry I'm doing my best to furnish everything and make it better.
Raiden no onna: I hope you liked the switch of Keisuke to Enishi!
Shintachi: I hope you liked this chapter and my switching Keisuke with Enishi…
Serlgee: Thank you for your reviews! I hope you like Kaoru more in my story now that she's getting stronger!
Raijuteinomougenjou: Hi girl! Do you mind if you review my story and read through them starting from the next chapter onwards? I would really really appreciate your help… Please say yes! Text me okay? I love you girl!
Wooven Bamboo Pattern: Thank you so much for your reviews! I enjoyed reading them. I hope you enjoyed reading this chapter! Looking forward to hearing from you soon!
Tasha: Thank you so much for the review. I really appreciate you listing down what you liked about my story( and the errors I have committed as well). Thank you so much. A thousand thank yous! I hope to hear from you soon!
TO ALL THOSE WHO ARE READING MY STORY: THANK YOU!
To all those who research or replied to my question about Kamatari, Thank you. Anyway, I know that Kamatari is a guy but then I decided to make him a 'her' in my story because I can't let Yumi be the only female bitch. I might as well grant Kamatari's wishes of being a girl.
To all those who wanted Kaoru to be the valedictorian: I'm sorry… But I really have to make Kenshin win…If not, then things will not go the way I want them to go. But she did not lose without a fight ne?
IMPORTANT! READ THIS!By the way, I will be shifting point of views from the next chapter onwards. We will now see what the others, especially Kenshin, are thinking.
I hope you are not disappointed with the chapter… Until next time!
Nadachi-chan
