No, I am not dead ^_^; I just like taking naps :3

I DO NOT OWN POKEMON OR ITS CHARACTERS. ALL OCS BELONG TO ME.


"Look, mommy! Aren't I pretty?"

I think, without realizing it at the time, my heart always was set on looking pretty. Even when I was little girl.

"Oh my, Hikari-chan! When did you get into my closet?"

There was just something about clothes, particularly my mother's. The way they smelled, the way they fit...I felt completely new whenever I tried them on.

"Now I am a grown-up too! See? I'm just like you now!"

It was as if I could transform into someone else. Forget about all the worries and simply start anew. I felt like I could do anything...

"Sweetie, you forgot some lipstick. Here, let me help you. Hold still."

And my mother from the start encouraged me. I aspired to be like her growing up; I dreamed of having a smile as beautiful as her own. In fact, despite the absence of my father, she never failed to conceal her emotions.

"That's it! That's it! Do a little turn for me, darling! Aww! My sweet little girl is such a glamorous model!"

She was my first and perhaps my only true best friend. The day I left for my Pokemon journey was rough...yet I didn't dare show it. I remember still how she chided me for bringing too many clothes for my adventures and how she took most of them away. Indirectly, I think, she was telling me to stop hiding behind fashion and discover who I am.

"Mom! My dress ripped for my next contest and Takeshi won't be able to sew it in time! Can I have some poke yen for a new one? I promise I'll buy it on sale!"

Yet she never failed to help me look my best. Out of all the people I have ever met, she had understood that the most. She was there when I lost that first contest and she was there for my very last. I don't think, at least I hope, she had ever judged me.

"It is your choice if you want to quit, Hikari-chan. Don't let what me or anyone else influence you on what you wish to do with your life."

After she said that, I found myself standing in her closet once more. The same old clothes, as well as a few new articles, were still there. I tried them on again as I did when I was just a little girl. The fabric, once loose and baggy, now fit snug around my figure. Times really have changed. And I found myself jolted into the real world.

"Mom...what do you mean by "sick"?"

Everything was different. The rules of life as I knew it...changed.

"What do you mean...cancer?"


The elevator ride this time around didn't take as long. By the time I managed to clear my head of Takeo and my mother, I was already at the doors to the studio. Now wasn't the time to linger on such things, to relive the past, or to brood over ex-boyfriends.

'Take a deep breath, Hikari. This is your element. This is where you belong." I reassured myself as I opened the doors, immersing myself back into the modeling world that I loved. That I was comfortable in.

"Good morning, everyone!" I cheerfully said with a smile on my face as I entered the complex. However, as soon as the words escaped my lips, I froze.

Why was...everyone packing up?

"What is going on?" My voice was barely audible as I examined all around me, slowly stepping aside from busy assistants and moving supplies.

"Oh, Hikari-chan! There you are!" I found Nozomi in the midst of the buzz along with Keiko. The two were obviously in a discussion before I walked up towards them, and by the looks of it, everyone in the studio seemed to notice me at that moment.

"Hey, um..." I scratched my head, "Are we moving locations or something?" Looking around, most of the equipment was already packed away. The computers, the backdrops, cameras, even the racks of clothing were being wheeled out as we speak!

Darn, I really wanted to coax Keiko into letting me keep that black bikini...

"Good news, Hikari-san!" My creative director clapped her tiny hands together, "But looks like you don't have to do the topless shots after all!"

"Topless shots?" Nozomi cringed slightly as she gaped at me. She obviously didn't do a good job hiding the blush on her cheeks. Poor Nozomi-chan...my profession seems to shock her almost every day..

I nervously laughed, "Don't worry about it." Turning my attention back to Keiko-san, "Eh? What did you have in mind then?"

Keiko-san tried her best to bite back a gigantic smile but the excitement in her voice completely gave it away. "I managed to get the perfect shot!" She threw her arms around me in glee, "We're done! We're done, we're done, we're done, WE'RE DONE~!"

"D-Done?" I stammered. Now it was my turn to suppress a smile! "You have all the shots you need of Shinji and I?"

"Yeah, she does. No thanks to you, I might add." Speak of the devil, I heard his voice.

Directing my focus away from Keiko's embrace, I turned towards the man.

He must have been doing some sexy solo shots with water.

His hair was damp as water droplets dripped onto his bare chest. The towel around his neck wasn't doing such a hot job preventing water from dripping between the crevices of his muscles...

My cheeks turned pink. Who would of thought a sex dream could make facing Shinji 10x more difficult? A heavy blush crept from my chest to my cheeks. Damn, I really hate myself right now.

"U-Um..." I stuttered, pulling away from Keiko's hug and keeping my eyes on Shinji. Despite the witty comeback I had ready, despite the nasty retorts I say, nothing escaped from me at that moment. All my eyes could see was just his typical, brooding stare...and his body.

Fuck.

"What the hell are you talking about?" Nozomi came to my rescue at that very moment as she took a step between me and the man. Thank Arceus!

"Just because you and Hikari-chan didn't cooperate at timesdoesn't mean that you guys didn't work together as a team!" My best friend argued as she glowered at Shinji. The man did nothing but scowl.

"Whatever." He gruffed, turning his head the other way in annoyance.

"I-It's true, Shinji-sama!" Keiko pepped up, "In fact it may sound strange but the thick tension between you two really was a lot of fun to work with! I think it gave the photos some edge!"

Edge? Had Keiko gone nuts? If anything, the tension between us was pure suicidal! Perhaps I'm just not creative enough to see the edge in our bickering...

Shinji just nodded his head. "If we are done here then I'll take my pay and leave." Absentmindedly, I watched as he ran a hand through his tresses to shake out any excess water. My heart skipped a beat. So this was it, wasn't it? I'm really going to be rid of Shinji once and for all. Exactly what I wanted, right?

...Right?

It's strange. My chest feels...heavy somewhat.

"Oh, absolutely!" Keiko smiled, "Instead of sending you to the bank to collect your dues, however, our sponsor is stopping in today. He will give you your check upfront."

The sponsor. The business professional whose cologne we helped promote. In most cases, it is a company who hires agencies to select models for their products. In other, yet less frequent cases, it is a sole contributor (such as a celebrity or entrepreneur) looking to further popularize their name.

Oddly enough, it never came across to me who I was exactly working for. My agents, managers, and publicists never doubted Poise Perfect! and the jobs they offered so of course there was never any real concern. Because, after all, I only work with the best. Yet, it seems strange that this one photo shoot I must have completely overlooked exactly whose cologne I was advertising...

"Speaking of which, I think this is him coming in right now!" Keiko pointed towards the entrance of the room. We all turned to where her finger was pointing, each set of our eyes eager to find out who exactly this person was. The one who was responsible with this lovely reunion Shinji and I have shared for the past week.

However, my sponsor was concealed by a mass mob of crew members asking him all sorts of questions. It was impossible to get a good look at the man!

"Ah," Shinji began, his voice sincere and professional as he walked away from the group and headed towards the sponsor. He obviously didn't show any concern for the bustling group of workers surrounding his employer...then again, the workers seemed to disperse once Shinji approached them. "It is good to see you again." He reached out his hand towards the man in such a friendly way that I almost didn't recognize it was Shinji. It was shocking. Nothing could beat the sight of Shinji being friendly...nothing at all...

"It is wonderful to see you again as well, Shinji-kun." The sponsor spoke, his accent suave and rich.

My heart stopped.

That accent...that accent is one of a kind. I have heard it before. I have heard it at movie premieres, at fashion shows, at photo shoots, and at every social benefit known to man. I have heard it at fancy restaurants, on the beach, and on vacations. I have heard it in my bed, in his bed, in the backseat of the limo, in the elevator, in the shower.

Eyes wide, I shuffled a few steps away from an equally shocked Nozomi and oblivious Keiko.

No...No...No, No. No, NO!

"Why Hikari-chan," Takeo smiled as he looked over Shinji's shoulder and upon my distraught appearance, "Don't you look ravishing. As always."


If there ever was a time that I couldn't breathe in my lifetime and actually physically feel it, now was that moment! A hand flew to my mouth as my face reddened in shock. I tried shaking my head, as if to deny what I was seeing or what this meant for me, but it was inevitable. Slowly taking a step back, my lips started to quiver and at that moment I was thankful for the hand covering my mouth.

"H-Hikari-san?" Keiko, completely clueless, grabbed my shoulders and steadied my body. But even then...I just kept staring at him.

"What is your problem now, troublesome?" Shinji scoffed in annoyance as he spoke in his normally pissed off tone. This was a nightmare. The two men I hate...both putting me down in their own special, sick, twisted way...

"You..."

A menacing growl broke the wavering silence as I turned towards Nozomi. Her teeth were clenched and her fists in tight balls. She was angry. No, not angry. My friend was beyond enraged.

She took a threatening step towards Takeo who in return smiled his suave, trademark grin once more. "Oh, Nozomi-chan. I haven't seen you in such a long time." He smirked, "This day really is interesting, isn't it?"

"YOU LITTLE SICK-!" She screamed as she went to lunge at him but I snapped to my senses and grabbed at her. "N-Nozomi-chan! Don't! You are going to make a scene!"

"I don't care! Unlike you, I don't have to worry about my picture going into some stupid magazine or have my face end up in the news! This bastard needs his face rearranged after what he did to you!" Oh no, Nozomi was seething now!

"This is my fight! My mistake! J-Just calm down!" I tried to reason with her but it was no use. My friend kept screaming obscenities at my ex-boyfriend as he calmly stood there, smirking.

By now, the hustle and bustle of crew clean up ceased in order to witness this little showdown. I sweat-dropped, doing the best a girl can do in high heels when she has to hold back her pissed off friend...

"Still as feisty as ever." He chuckled, which further pissed Nozomi off.

"Hikari-chan, let me go! I'll kill him!" She was screaming now, "I'll kill him for what he did!"

"Oi," Shinji glared at me, "Tell you friend to stop making death threats to my employer." At that moment, I felt physically sick. Of course, Takeo and Shinji would work together under such sick terms. Just looking at both of them made me so angry!

"Stay out of this," I whispered underneath my breath, "Please Shinji, just this once. Make this easier for me."

The man seemed to be taken back by my honest sincerity. He must have been expecting a snippy comment and he probably had a comeback all ready. I'm sorry, but this is serious now. Now that Takeo is involved...

"Nozomi, leave." I sternly said as I tightened my hold onto my friend's arms. She turned around to face me, "What? Why? Don't you remember-?"

I glowered at her, " Of course I do! But if you do anything, it'll make this matter worse! I don't need you right now stirring up trouble!" By the look she gave me, I swear she thought I went insane.

"Hikari-chan is right. Why don't you run along and play with your pokemon?" Takeo chided. Nozomi turned back towards him in aggression and for a split second, I thought she was going to say something. However, she bit her tongue, flashed him the finger, and walk towards the exit.

"Call me when your done here. I'll be in the lobby. " She huffed, not even giving a glance in my direction as she slammed the door. I winced at the sound as it echoed throughout the room.

"Hmm, her attitude was always so refreshing." Takeo ran a hand through his auburn bangs before smiling his way towards me. However, he wasn't so fortunate to have the favor returned.

"You are...the sponsor for this cologne?" I stated, my brow furrowing towards the man. My ex's response was a charming smirk and a nod.

"I wouldn't have dropped by so suddenly but Shinji-kun insisted that I come by." He grinned, patting Shinji's muscular shoulder. My eyes widened. A sudden memory seemed to flash before my eyes as I turned to Shinji's smirking face.

-You want to mess with me? Well fine. No one will get in my way of Champion, not even a troublesome slut like you. So game on bitch, game on.

He knew. Shinji knew all along. And it painfully wanted to make it clear that he was capable of putting me down. No...

I won't have it!

"Keiko-san!" I barked towards my creative director, she jumped. I wanted to scream. I wanted to shout and curse just like Nozomi did. But I can't. I had to maintain my cool. "Why wasn't I informed that Takeo was sponsoring this photo shoot?"

"Well..." She started off nervously, "The sponsorship wasn't exactly in his name but the company's. When I was given the job, his name wasn't brought up directly..."

"Because I bought the company that is promoting the fragrance." Takeo chuckled, taking a step towards me. He had the gall to lift my chin with his finger, "It must have slipped my mind that a celebrity such as yourself would be drawn to this project." He smiled, "Now aren't we both in an uncomfortable position?"

I slapped his hand away. "Uncomfortable maybe for you. I refuse to be a part of this."

"Oh, you do?"

"Don't give me that bull, Takeo." I sneered, pulling out my phone. "I'm calling my lawyers and putting an end to this right now."

"H-Hikari-san! What are you talking about?" Keiko was worried as she bit her lip. I ignored her concerns.

"I'm denying the rights to my image on any photo taken at this shoot. Unless you want a major lawsuit, I'm pulling myself out of this production. I quit."

I think everyone in the studio at that moment went silent...except for Keiko's gasp.

It was then Shinji broke into the conversation, "Excuse me? You're what?" He was pissed. Of course, he would be pissed. Why wouldn't he if he wasted a week of "stupid" modeling just for the publicity he in the end would never get. Which he needs.

I glared at him, "You knew about this too and thought that I would want to go through with working for him?" I motioned towards Takeo who scowled..

"If you ruin this for me..." Shinji's tone was threatening as he approached me, I couldn't help but scowl in return.

"What's the matter, Shinji? Does it suck to know that you won't receive half as much publicity as a Champion competitor if I am not included in the picture? That you actually maybe, just maybe, need me?" My scornful tone seemed to reach him loud and clear. He clenched his teeth, seemingly defeated.

"I don't need anyone." He harshly whispered so that only I could hear, "Not even a little slut like you."

I smirked, "It's funny, Shinji." He just stared at me, waiting. My eyes skimmed over to Takeo and I couldn't even look at the smug smile still plastered on his lips. I went back to Shinji and even his frustrated scowl didn't seem half as bad compared to him. That sick bastard deserves to have his ego deflated.

Swiftly yet gently, my hand wrapped around Shinji's neck as I pulled him close to me. Out of the corner of my eye there was Takeo...shocked. Bringing my lips to the trainer's ear, I whispered softly,"But I actually think you do need me and you know it."

Pushing him away, I grinned sweetly before flashing a hateful glare towards Takeo.

"I'm done." Was all I said as I left for the exit. Takeo's voice stopped me in my tracks.

"Don't tell me The Hikari is giving up?"

The door was already in my hand as he spoke those words. I turned back and gave him the smuggest smile I could muster.

"Only when it's not worth her time." And then, I slammed the doors behind me and left that studio.

For good.


I kept my head high as my boots clicked down the marble corridors of the hallway. However, with each step my feet took, it was getting more and more difficult to hold back the tears.

It seemed that no matter what I did, Takeo will always be in my shadow. Haunting me. Chiding me. Every single damn thing I try to do! And look what happened. I fucking worked for him. I put all my efforts into...promoting him! And Shinji? He was just another one. He knew from the start and purposefully put me down! Never, never in my life had I felt so humiliated...

Not since I was a coordinator...

Something inside my stomach churned at that moment. It was uncomfortable, painful almost, as I took in a slight gasp.

No...not this feeling...

The feeling of your intestines intertwining with one another and making dozens of knots. The feeling of pent up anxiety dwelling from within your system. The feeling of something nasty inside of you that you just want out.

Tears by this point where getting harder and harder to control as I made my way to the nearest bathroom.

Please don't do this Hikari...

I slammed the door behind me into the tiny room, my eyes frantic and hysteric to the brink of tears. It was one of those solo potties made just for one individual and at that moment, it couldn't be more perfect. Suddenly, at the mere thought, my stomach churned with the alarming sense of disgust and repulsion. My hands right away gripped my abdominal area.

The area on my body was very smooth and perfectly flat-the standard physique for any model of my stature. However, my mind just didn't register what was really there. All I could think about was how foolish I was and how humiliated Takeo left me...

Falling back against the bathroom door, my fingers found the lock and pushed it. Slowly, my eyes filled to the brim with tears, my body trembled as it sunk down to the floor.

"You are nothing."

It happened so quickly.

My brain just snapped. My conscience no longer in control. My hands e frantically digging through my purse for something, anything long and slender. I couldn't stop myself! I was trembling, shaking, crying.

Finally, my hand grabbed hold of the travel toothbrush I always carried in my purse... just in case. With the slender object in my hand, I crawled over towards the porcelain white toilet. I looked at the woman in the reflection of the water before shutting my eyes tight, the droplets from my tears making little ploop noises into the pool.

"It's too late for what you want!"

I couldn't speak. I couldn't hear anything. My sense of touch was wracked to shambles and I was slowly losing it...

The Hikari, the elite supermodel, fearless and fierce, was vanishing and forever becoming lost into the back of my core.

And Hikari , the confused, lost coordinator who failed at everything, whom failed at life! Was resurfacing, regaining her presence inside me that I had occupied from her!

"No!" I found myself crying as I plunged the toothbrush down my throat, trying to gag myself. Right away, I swallowed a gag.

I didn't want to do this...I don't like this.

"NO!" I croaked as I tried it again, the agonizing pain in my stomach churning, my tears burning, my body shaking…

I kept at it until I finally heaved forward. The toothbrush clattered onto the tile flooring as I placed both hands on the rim of the toilet. Violently, all the sick feelings in my stomach just poured out...

I promised myself I would never do this again...

I cried as the burning acid finally settled into the once clear waters. Was I really so low? Please tell me I didn't just resort to this...just to feel better...

Scooting away from the toilet, I trembled as the back of my hand gently wiped whatever excess was left on my mouth. I should feel satisfied. I should feel relieved. But I didn't...

I felt disgusted.

Because I still heard his voice.

"Hikari, my love. You are so beautiful..."


"Oh...wow..." A moan escaped my lips. Slowly, I felt the inevitable blush creep upon my cheeks...

Chocolate cake and a skim latte never tasted So. Good!

The fork dropped and clattered onto my plate as I finished the last bite, moaning as the sweet decadent substance melted on my tongue.

Nozomi giggled, "You needed that." She took a sip of her coffee and I smiled. Yes, this was exactly what I needed. A well-deserved lunch break at one of the best cafes in Yosuga City. With my lovely best friend, of course!

"I always need my fix. I'm a chocoholic." I sighed, taking a sip of my latte. "It's a real problem that needs to be recognized." My friend across the small table chuckled.

Moments like these I felt completely free. Not because this cafe is known for its security so people like me don't have to worry about photographers but because I really enjoy Nozomi's company when I don't have work on the back of my mind. Plus, okay, the lack of paparazzi is kinda reassuring too.

"Heh, what doesn't hurt you makes you ten times stronger!" Nozomi said, "Let's make this a day of celebration." She raised her coffee in the air for a toast. I stared at her, dumbfounded.

"Celebrate what?"

"For finally telling off Takeo and standing up for yourself!" She chimed. I laughed, raising my cup to meet hers.

"Don't you mean celebrating the fact that I prevented you from committing murder?"

Nozomi suddenly turned serious. "I really wish you wouldn't of interfered, Hikari-chan. That bastard would of deserved it, if not more."

My eyes softened as I traced my fingers alongside my cup's rim. "You know that would of made everything worse. It would of drawn attention."

"The whole freaking world knows you guys broke up and they even know you had to take a year off because of it." She countered, I hushed her. It'd be bad if I was caught talking about Takeo. Really bad.

"Listen Nozomi-chan," I started, "The less I deal with Takeo, the better."

She slammed her coffee down on the table, causing a loud clak!

"Why don't you just press charges?" She whispered hastily in annoyance. I bit my lip.

"I can't...Nozomi-chan..." I sighed, eyes softening at the truth. "Then it will all just reach the public and...my reputation will be ruined."

Nozomi didn't buy it.

"Please don't tell me you still have feelings for the bastard."

I took another sip of my drink, slowly shaking my head. "Not like I used to. Nothing like that at all." I smiled, "I'm beyond that."

"Good." She smiled too. Thank goodness. It was so easy to reassure Nozomi sometimes. If only she knew that sometimes I catch myself thinking about Takeo or even wishing he was with me at night...despite what he did to me.

She would kill me.

"However," Nozomi began, "You're not off the hook yet. You still have to tell me why you were so off this morning. About this dream."

The latte fell from my hands as I shrieked. Oh crap! I completely forgot about that!

"Relieving our tension." He murmured seductively into my ear...

I found myself advancing on him, gripping him, touching him, and ravishing him.

I unzipped his zipper.

His hand ripped my skirt.

I-!

WE-!

!

"Wow Hikari-chan," Nozomi giggled, "What shade of red is that?" She pointed to my face.

"N-Nothing!" I squealed, shaking my head to rid my face of the color. "I-It's nothing."

"It doesn't look like nothing, Hikari-chan." Her grin turned sly and one of her eyebrows rose, "Was it a wet dream?"

I looked up at her, flushed pink. My fingers twiddled with the hem of my skirt as I shifted my legs. Right over left. Left over right. Right over left again. Then I nodded.

"Ooh hot damn!" Nozomi squealed as she leaned back in her seat. I gaped at her in embarrassment as she casually chuckled to herself. I really hope no one was listening to our conversation...

"N-Nozomi-chan!" I hastily tried to quiet down my friend however she just laughed at me efforts.

"Look at you. Miss Hikari, the fashionable elite supermodel, the woman dubbed the sexiest woman on earth, who isn't lacking in experience, gets shy talking about sex!" She threw back her head in laughter. I just sat there with my head in my head, burning up. Why?

Because all of those things she said were true.

"It's a very personal thing, Nozomi-chan." I smiled, still red as I giggled softly. "So of course I'm a little shy..."

Nozomi grinned, "That's what I like about you. Despite the," She coughed, "experience you have in that department, you're still very modest."

Okay, I couldn't help but laugh along with her this time around. Nozomi-chan really did know how to lighten up an awkward conversation.

"So who was it with?" I froze.

And make it awkward all over again.

"Um..." I scratched the back of my head sheepishly. What do I tell her? Do I tell her it was Shinji? How would she react? Perhaps I can tell her it was about Takeo. Wait no. That would set her even farther off the wall. Maybe I should lie and say it was some strange guy...No. She won't believe that. Ugh!

"If I tell you," I blushed, "You are going to mock me."

"No, I won't."

"Yes, you will."

"Is it juicy?"

"Mhmm."

"Was he juicy?"

"Nozomi-chan!"

The red-head laughed out loud, throwing her head back. "Come on, just spit it out. I promise I won't tell anyone." She then flashed me a reassuring smile, "And I won't make fun of you."

Seeing her finally calming down and acting mature really did make it easier for me to gather up my courage. However, it really was hard to admit to your friend that you had a sexual fantasy about a guy you declared you hated.

"'Fine," I sighed, "It was with Shinji." As soon as his name spilled from my lips, my forehead fell into my palm. I can't believe I just admitted that...

"Wow," Nozomi blinked. "Shinji?" I nodded. "The same Shinji from back in the day? " I nodded again. "The same one who was Satoshi's rival?" And again. "The one you had to pose half-naked with?"

"For the love of Arceus, Nozomi-chan!" I looked up from my palm, bright red. "Yes!"

Silence.

"Wow," Was all Nozomi said as she blinked at me once more. She then took in a deep breath, and once again she was her mature self. "Alright. I can see why."

"Huh? You do?" I went to take just one more sip of my latte however I paused when I realized my cup was empty. Sadness.

"Well..." My friend began, "The two of you knew each other since practically childhood so of course there is history. Not sexual history or anything, but a connection. Now, since the years past and you have established yourself in this world, you see him again and realize the years have done wonders to his body."

I was about to make a comeback but she just cut me off, "C'mon Hikari. Even you can't deny that the man is good-looking."

She had a point, he was. Arceus, he really was.

"Plus, Hikari, when was the last time you had sex?"

I raised an eyebrow, "What does that have to do with anything?"

She sighed, "Well it would make sense. Wet dreams are more common when you are sexually deprived. It's like a wake up call to your body that you want something and if that is the case with you, then that's probably why you had a dream like that. And Shinji was probably in it because he was the last attractive man you had contact with."

Well, that makes sense.

"When did you become the sex expert, Nozomi-chan?" I slyly asked. My friend sheepishly laughed.

"I guess both of us aren't the innocent girls from our traveling days." She grinned, "You still haven't answered the question."

"Hmm?"

"When was the last time you had sex?"

I sweat-dropped. I really didn't want this lunch break to be a huge sex discussion. Don't get me wrong, I like gossiping with my friends as much as the next girl but...a girl can only take so much before all the blood sent to her head explodes!

"Um..." I tried to think, "About four months ago."

"See." Nozomi waved her hand, "That's exactly why you had that dream. You are deprived."

"I'm not deprived!" I huffed, "I just don't like to throw myself around every single time I have the urge. It's...I don't know, not ladylike."

Okay, that probably didn't come out right since Nozomi burst into giggles. I couldn't help but join her.

"I think he likes you...actually." She stopped her laughing just enough to squeeze in that statement. I looked at her in the midst of my giggles, not taking her seriously at all.

"Who likes me?" I still was laughing. Nozomi wasn't.

"Shinji."

"Ha!" I laughed even harder, "That's funny!" Leaning back against the chair, however, I could tell Nozomi was being serious. I stopped my laughter and gave her a serious, unamused leer.

"He willingly worked for Takeo. He brought him to the studio." I firmly stated with a glare. Nozomi just shrugged! What?

"Like he could know what Takeo did to you. No one knows that so naturally a lot of people like him and therefore want to associate with him. As much as we both hate it, Takeo is very influential in the world." She grimaced in disgust, "But seriously. Just trust me when I tell you what I saw. If not, then I'm going to tell you something. He looked at you when you walked in this morning like a man seeing the sun for the first time. Cliché? I know but I could tell because he quickly tried to hide it."

Wait. Huh? Shinji, giving me looks? Nozomi must be mistaking those looks for death glares because I am pretty sure that man hates me. With a burning passion. Just like the sun!

Because isn't "slut" such an affectionate pet name?

"Oh great" I scoffed, then added sarcastically as I casually glanced out the cafe's window, "Any more lovely advice?" Really, there wasn't a part of this conversation that could interest me.

"Make him fall in love with you."

I froze.

Make Shinji...fall in love with me?

"W-What. Why?" My narrowed eyes met her concerned orbs. She shrugged, taking a final sip of her coffee.

"I don't like how Takeo showed up today. We both know him, he's sneaky. He probably planned this from the beginning. You're going to need someone to ward him off."

"I am fully capable of defending myself." I sternly said, "I wouldn't have made it this far if I was weak." This whole conversation was now starting to piss me off. Nozomi was pretty much insinuating that I needed a man in my life! Ugh! She should know me better than that!

"Hikari-chan! You don't get it. You left Takeo. This can be your final revenge for what he did to you. Show him that you moved on. If not have a relationship with Shinji, then maybe fake one? The sooner Takeo is distanced from you, the better.

"This isn't a pretender's fairytale, Nozomi-chan! I can't just fake a relationship with Shinji!" I put my hands on the table, making my points clear. Honestly, I don't see her logic at all! "The media would have a field day and both of our reputations would be ruined if we were found out!"

She sighed, "Then make him fall in love with you. For real. Like I said before, he is showing interest whether he knows it or not."

My brow furrowed. "I'm not using Shinji. No matter how much he deserves being used for once in his life, it's not right." And that was true. No one, not even someone as heartless as him, deserved to have their heart played with. If there was anything I learned from my experiences as an adult, it's that love still is that sensitive feeling from adolescence. No matter how old or experienced you become, the pain of heartbreak will always hurt. Sometimes to the point where you can't even breathe.

"I'm not saying that to use him. C'mon Hikari, you'd be kidding yourself if you say you weren't thinking about it too."

"I' never thought about it-!"

"Sex dreams, Hikari-chan, sex dreams say a lot."

I turned bright pink. I really hated her sometimes. I really did...

"If it doesn't work out, then you could always break it off and move on. Just show Takeo that you have found something better. Trust me, the look on his face will be so satisfying."

Something inside me fizzled at the thought of Takeo jealous. Every memory I have of him...he was always so self-assured. So confident. So smug.

I shut my eyes. All I could see was that trademark smirk of his and I desperately wanted to be rid of it. I'd do anything...

"And lucky day. Right now is your chance." Nozomi-chan smirked as she gently kicked my leg from underneath the table. Opening my eyes, I look at Nozomi who gestured towards the door.

Turning my gaze, my eyes widened. Because right there, at that moment, Shinji and Reiji walked into the cafe!

"Oi, Shinji-kun! Reiji-kun! Over here!" Nozomi called towards them, waving her hand. I squeaked, kicking her from underneath the chair not so gently as she did before.

"W-What are you doing?" I harshly whispered. She stuck her tongue out at me in return.

"Giving you a little push because I love you." The redhead giggled. That's it. I couldn't take this anymore! With a heavy huff, I got out of my seat but as soon as I stood up to leave...

OOF!

Curse my heels! My body fell forward onto something warm and soft. Something that smelled actually really nice. I expected to feel the hard floor afterward but my eyes widened as I felt two strong arms wrap around my waist.

I didn't want to look up. I didn't want my eyes to equal the one's who caught me.

"Why are you so damn clumsy?" The voice that held me scowled. My forehead fell in defeat against his chest as I groaned in annoyance. I knew right away with my luck who this was.

Shinji.


If there is one thing I can't stand in this world, it's a liar. Didn't our innocent Hikari tell us she would never purge? Well, I guess that was just a little tidbit of her past she didn't quite feel like mentioning. Hmm, I wonder what other dirty secrets that girl is hiding? And what is going on with Shinji? Could Nozomi be right about his secret feelings for Hikari? Or maybe, just maybe...nah. Never mind. I don't think he is quite capable of that. My oh My oh My~ Our little vixen is slowly losing her charms. I wonder what she will do to get her back on top? Or rather I should say, who?

Mwah!-HG10


Soooo, I guess most of you are wondering why it took me ages to update again. Well, I don't have many excuses but I'm just going to say that I had many things going on in my life. A major one being applying to universities Dx Oh my god! I can't believe how fast I grew up! I started this story in 8th grade! EIGHTH GRADE! And here I am a senior soon to be college freshmen. ( I turned 18 last month :D) I think this is a serious wake up call for me to finish this story as well as Lady Marmalade. It's not right what I do to you guys...but I've just been so busy ;-;

Anyways, about this chapter. A lot of things go down here! And yes, I decided to end the whole photo shoot scheme. After awhile you can only write so much "awkward" scenes between Shinji and Hikari without it getting dull. I've decided to expand the plot more than what I originally planned. Trust me, it'll all be worth it you will see ;)!

And yes hehe, I snuck in a little shout out to a friend's popular ikari-fanfiction Pretender's Fairytale. It's one of my favorites! If you haven't read it then go read it now! :D

I hope you guys all look forward to the next chapter!

Until next time!