A/N: Thanks to everyone who followed, favourited and reviewed. And special thanks to my beta reader! Thank you!
Enjoy!
I think if I've learned anything about friendship, it's to hang in, stay connected, fight for them, and let them fight for you. Don't walk away, don't be distracted, don't be too busy or tired, don't take them for granted. Friends are part of the glue that holds life and faith together. Powerful stuff. ― Jon Katz
Count your age by friends, not years. Count your life by smiles, not tears. ―John Lennon
I don't know who invented high heels, but all women owe him a lot. – Marilyn Monroe
When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile. – Regina Brett
Being jealous of a beautiful woman is not going to make you more beautiful. – Zsa Zsa Gabor
Red is the great clarifier - bright and revealing. I can't imagine becoming bored with red - it would be like becoming bored with the person you love. – Diana Vreeland
Aya was ready to leave for the goukon Kise had planned, when she received an e-mail.
It was on her work phone, which she wanted to leave at home. She sighed and grabbed the phone. Maybe she wouldn't be able to go after all.
To: Aya Kagami
From: Shiranui Hikaru
Subject: HELP!
Aya dear, pleeeeaase help me out! I'm organizing a Latino party tonight – mainly for dancers. It starts at eight PM, but I need to prepare the place and all. Could you come around 6PM? Of course you are invited! I know you have plans for today, but… take whoever you want with you? Please? Pretty please?
I love you!
– Hikaru ^.^
Aya had to read it twice to take the message in. There was an invitation with an address attached too. Hikaru was basically announcing her to be there at six. No previous warnings… Preparing the place was the least she was afraid of, it was 'and all' that scared her. She sighed and noticed that the same mail arrived at her private mail address too.
That bastard, he wanted to be sure I'll read it no matter what! And he knew she'd probably react to her work phone quicker. And wouldn't ignore it, like she might on her private phone.
Either way, she was ready to help him. It'd been half a year since she had last seen him. Because their schedules didn't match at all, they had only exchanged messages and several phone calls. The goukon shouldn't take that long, and anyways, the additional plan could help her run away if it turned out to be a disaster. She replied to Hikaru.
Then she shrugged and headed out, leaving a message: 'Don't wait for me, I'll be late.' for Taiga, who was out with his team.
######
Aomine and Kise were at their meeting place 20 minutes before the agreed time. For some reason, Kise decided they should be there earlier. Aomine was awkwardly standing next to Kise, or shuffling from one foot to another. He didn't feel comfortable in his clothes; he wasn't used to being dressed up like this. His mother praised him to the heavens, but it just wasn't his style.
Why the hell am I here? He thought desperately. At that point, it was already too late to hightail.
A taxi stopped next to them.
Kise's eyebrow went up and he glanced at Aominecchi, who was as grumpy as ever. He barely noticed the taxi. And the person who was – unusually – sitting next to the driver.
It was still around 15 minutes until the set meeting time.
Aya thanked the driver with a kind smile and gracefully exited the car. She had had a nice conversation with him, despite his original scepticism – taxi drivers usually didn't chat with their clients, nor did their clients insist on sitting in the front.
At first she didn't notice them. Only after she took several steps she noticed Kise's bright yellow hair and then Aomine standing next to him. Aomine's presence shocked her. This was one thing she'd never expected. What's he doing here? She bit into her tongue to remain outwardly calm, but she was freaking out. Handling Aomine, who ignored her almost the entire week wasn't something she wanted to deal with today.
She smiled, as per usual, and her eyes looked both of them up and down. She had to admit, it was a very pleasant sight. Both boys were dressed up, but it looked casual enough, and she was glad she didn't overdo it with her clothes or make-up.
Good. She thought. She decided to wear a rather simple black A-dress, which reached about a palm above her knees. That simplicity was enlivened by a denim jacket with leisurely rolled up sleeves and several silver bracelets with crafted beads. The beads were made from coin silver, or murano glass in black and white colours. She wore high-heels matching the dress that made her a lot taller, but she could walk in them with an unbelievable confidence. Her make-up was light and decent, just enough to cover her still yellowish bruise and highlight her eyes. Her long red locks were left free, cascading down her back, but the top part was pinned back, so it wasn't in her face.
For a moment, both boys were left speechless. They stared at the girl in front of them and couldn't believe that she was, indeed, their age. It wasn't her outfit that made them think so. No. It was the feeling she gave off. The air around her was vibrating with something they couldn't quite name. It was very lively and mischievous, yet seductive and dangerous at the same time.
"Ayacchi! Hello! I'm glad you arrived earlier! You look awesome." Kise said smoothly after the initial shock, which lasted only for a second. His smile was bright and welcoming.
And he dragged Aya's attention from Aomine, because she'd been staring. Thank you! She turned to the blonde.
Kise was dressed in a similar style to Aomine, but he chose sand coloured trousers and a black shirt, with first two buttons opened. Unlike Aomine, he wore a necklace and a hat. Aya had to admit that he sure knew how to dress well. But her eyes roamed over Aominecchi slightly longer than over him, and the blonde noticed this detail. Yes, she was surprised by his presence, but it was barely visible and Kise wondered what was going on inside her head.
"Model-kun." She pronounced carefully, and Aomine snickered at the nickname. "Long time no see. You look handsome." She complimented and added; "Of course you too, Aomine. I haven't expected you here… ?" She wasn't asking, but there was a hidden question mark in her words. I didn't think you were friends?
"Ahaha!" Kise laughed, before Aominecchi could bark something. "Aominecchi is too antisocial! I dragged him out. I thought a goukon might do him good."
"A hook-up with someone, you mean?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and a teasing sparkle in her eyes, but somewhere deep inside she didn't like this idea.
Aomine averted his eyes from Aya. Then he shot an angry glare at Kise. What did you tell her, idiot?
Of course she had to remember that… Kise made a mental note to choose his words more carefully next time. Once again, he had the feeling she could see right through him, just like that one time they had met.
"In a very friendly way, Ayacchi. I sure didn't mean it like that!" Even though I did. "You don't think we would… Ayacchi!" He whined in pretence.
Aya chuckled at his antics. "Of course I don't." She said, still chuckling, so no one took it seriously. "Anyways. Model-kun, before we chat some more, I have a question."
"Yes?" He tilted his head in interest.
"How long do you plan this goukon to last?"
"For as long as we feel good. Why do you ask?" He asked carefully. There was the party he wanted to take her to, but he didn't want to come out with his plan just yet.
"I have something to do later on." She said with a shrug.
" ? " With a raised eyebrow he was waiting for her to expand the answer.
His waiting soon turned into intense staring. Aya stubbornly stared back.
That caused Aomine to feel like he was the third wheel. They didn't pay any attention to him. Like he wasn't even there. Tch. Not that he cared. Kise was always like this.
With a sigh, she yielded their staring contest first. "There is a dance party I want to go to. My childhood friend organizes it and he asked me to help him."
After hearing this, she could almost see the cogs in Kise's head spinning. It didn't surprise her, Kise knew, he didn't bat an eye when she spoke about dancing. He must have known.
"Ah!" He said and fished out his phone. He searched for something and then showed her an invitation. "Could it be this one?" He asked expectantly.
"Eh?" Aya blinked at the invitation Kise was showing her. She'd seen it before she'd left her home. "You know Hikaru?" Surprise in her voice was genuine; Hikaru had never mentioned Kise, at least not his name.
"You mean Shiracchi? He is a clothes designer, who works as a stylist in the –"
" – modelling agency you happen to work at too." Aya finished for him. "I should have guessed it." She sighed. "World sure is small."
"You know Shiracchi?" Now it was his turn to be surprised, and there weren't many things that surprised him.
"Yeah. I've known Hikaru my whole life. All three Shiranui brothers, actually. We're basically family. Uhm... Why 'Shiracchi'?" She was sure he had already explained himself before, but maaan, she was confused at how exactly he shortened the name.
"Errrr." Kise scratched his cheek and chuckled sheepishly.
"He respects him." Aomine grumbled in response. It was getting on his nerves that he was left out and barely noticed by Aya. It was his own fault for ignoring her the past week, but still…
Now she turned her eyes at him. He could almost read 'Not-ignoring-me-anymore-?' there.
"Interesting way to show respect. So… Are you two going to the party too?"
"Yes!"
"No!"
They said at the same time.
Aya was about to say something, when her phone rang. The ringtone was set for Taiga only, so she knew when he called her. She rummaged through her middle-sized bag and fished out the phone. She didn't even look at it as she picked up.
"What's up Tai?" She asked immediately and turned her back to the boys, while she was listening to Taiga's rant about the party.
"You should come to the party too, Aominecchi. She wants you to go." Kise whispered and elbowed him. Aya might have been preoccupied with the phone call, but he wasn't sure, she wasn't paying any attention to them.
"As if." He snorted.
"She asked both of us! She wants you to go." Kise hissed.
"But I don't want to."
"Do you know who's 'Tai'?" Kise asked curiously, changing the topic.
"How would I know?" Aomine shrugged. He had no idea about all Aya's friends and acquaintances, and definitely no reason to remember their names. He barely remembered some of his teammates' names, not to mention someone he'd never met.
"Taiga!" Aya's suddenly sharp voice dragged their attention from their little banter back to her. "You don't have to be there, okay? No one is forcing you to. Or do you want to go?"
Kise would give anything so he could hear the person on the other side. But he could only hear Aya's answers.
"No! I've had enough dancing in the past month! I just… You shouldn't go alone. And I haven't seen Hikaru in a long time too, and…" Taiga was ranting again. Aya rested her hand on her hip as if Taiga could see her. She wasn't angry, but Taiga was getting overprotective again.
"So do you want to go?" She asked.
"NO!" Taiga shouted immediately. "But…"
"See? You don't. So stop looking for excuses why you have to attend, and look for some why you don't."
"Errr… Can Hikaru keep you safe?"
She sighed and then blurted out: "Kise will go with me, so don't worry."
"WHO?! What is Kise doing there? You went for a goukon no?" Taiga was confused and spoke English mixed in with Japanese.
"Oh. I'd swear I've told you that Kise is the one who is organising the goukon. Or… Haven't I?" She asked, pretending innocence.
Aomine and Kise exchanged glances. This was so like Aya.
"AYAAA?! You did it again!" Taiga's desperate voice made Aya chuckle. She got him again.
"Sorry, sorry. My bad, Tai. But don't worry about me, really. I can take care of myself. Hikaru's gonna be there. It's his party after all and I want to see him. And it's Hiroto's bar. You remember the man, right? I'll be safe, and careful, promise."
"Hand that Kise-bastard over." Taiga demanded.
Oooh… But she shrugged, this could be fun. "Sure." She turned to Kise.
" ? " His expression said.
Aya was handing him the phone. "Taiga feels like he has to tell you something." She shrugged.
"Taiga?" He asked wordlessly.
"My brother, yes." She hissed.
Oh. Kise had forgotten Kagamicchi's given name; a huge mistake. He took the phone. "Hello Kagamicchi! Long time no see!" He greeted him cheerfully. "Wanna join us?" He asked out of habit.
"If something happens to Aya, you are dead." Taiga's dangerous voice growled into Kise's ear.
Shivers ran down his spine and he paled. He didn't think that the brash Kagamicchi he knew could have such a scary voice in his arsenal. It was the scariest threat he'd ever heard in his life. Not even Aominecchi scared him like that, but then again, Aominecchi had never seriously threatened him.
Kise handed the phone back to Aya without another word.
Her eyebrow went up and she asked her brother: "Satisfied now?"
"Yeah. Be safe." And he hung up.
Several seconds passed when the three only stared at each other. "Did he threaten you somehow, Kise-kun?"
"Eh?" Kise blinked at her. He wasn't 'Model-kun'! But he couldn't understand the amusement in her eyes.
"Don't worry 'bout it. Taiga is overprotective when it comes to me... going to parties..." She shrugged. "He wouldn't really harm you, 'kay?"
Kise nodded. He was stunned.
"Kise-kuuuun!" A girly voice was carried towards them.
It was about time. Aya thought, when she checked the time.
"Hana-chan! Welcome!" He greeted her with a bright smile. "Nice dress."
"Oh, thank you, Kise-kun!" She blushed and spun around, showing off the flowery pattern on her dress. "I thought you might like it." She said and giggled.
Aya was staring at the girl with interest and scepticism too. She noticed the sudden difference in Kise's behaviour towards the girl. It was like he complimented her out of politeness and he didn't really like the dress. He put on his mask… Aya thought. And the girl couldn't feel it at all.
"You came sooner than usual!" The girl scolded him and pouted. "If I had known…"
Oh? Aya quickly glanced at Aomine, who shrugged and turned away from her, which made her sigh. She was surprised that the girls weren't there earlier, waiting for Kise. It lead her into suspicion that Kise was usually late and so his early arrival that day was an exception, not a convention.
"Sorry. I wasn't sure if Ayacchi would be earlier or if she would find the place easily, that's why." He apologised smoothly, yet flatly.
And you just made me an enemy, Model-kun~ Aya thought bitterly.
The girl turned her judging eyes towards Aya and Aomine. It was the first time she acknowledged their presence. She made a sour grimace when she noticed the redhead and the nickname Kise used. Then she flashed them a fake smile and scanned Aomine from head to toe.
"Hello. I'm Hattori Hana. Nice to meet you." She said but she was looking only at Aomine, trying to evaluate him. He looked hot, but his eyes had something unapproachable in them. Not worth trying.
Aomine just nodded, that was about all the attention he was willing to pay to this girl. "Aomine Daiki."
"Kagami Aya, nice to meet you too." Aya was smiling, but she was already aware of the hostility the girl greeted her with.
Hana finally looked at Aya and felt the thorn of envy and jealousy pricking her. Unlike Aya, she was short, flat-chested and her figure wasn't shaped; she looked like a wooden board – no refined waist, no curvy hips. At least she had a pretty face and didn't shy from hook-ups.
The dress Hana picked looked really good on her and even if Aya avoided the majority of flowery patterns, she had to admit it suited the shorter girl. One thing that bothered her were the high-heels Hana wore; they were definitely too high for her. The girl wasn't confident in them and she swayed on her feet often.
"So?" She turned back to Kise with expectant expression. "Where are we going?"
"We still have to wait for four the others, Hana-chan. It's a goukon not a double date." Kise reminded her politely and fought an eye-roll. He knew Hana-chan, but it didn't mean he liked her. Still… when it came to inviting other boys, it was better when Hana did it. If Kise asked them, they'd turn him down, because girls would be interested only in Kise.
"Of course!" She huffed. "I'm just curious what kind of place you've picked, Kise-kun. I want to know whether I'm dressed properly."
"You're dressed well. It's the shoes that worry me." Kise echoed Aya's thoughts in a whiny manner, and he suddenly seemed so caring. "It looks painful to wear them."
"It's not that painful, when you are used to it." Aya muttered under her nose, so the girl wouldn't hear her. And hearing the girl's next comment she had to hold back a face-palm.
"Not at all!" Hana chuckled. "They are really comfortable; I bought them yesterday, just to match my outfit!" She took a few steps to show how 'easy' it was to walk in those shoes. But her ankle twisted to the side and she wobbled, falling down.
Kise's arm shot forward reflexively and he caught her. "Careful, Hana-chan."
The girl blushed and straightened up. She knew why she'd decided to wear those shoes.
"Why wear shoes you can't walk in?" Aomine asked, with a frown. The question escaped his lips before he could think about it. (Not that he would think about it.) He's been annoyed about Aya and Kise chatting so familiarly when they had seen each other only once before, and somehow, he felt like provoking someone. And because Hattori claimed the shoes were comfortable, well… It wouldn't be Aomine if he kept his mouth shut.
Hana glared at him.
"What?" He asked.
Kise almost facepalmed and Aya chuckled quietly. Aomine just buried all the chances he may have had with this girl.
"So she could do exactly what she did a second ago, and get guys to hover over her." Aya whispered to Aomine, the moment Hana's attention was fully directed to Kise.
He frowned in thought and looked at Aya's shoes. "Why would you do that?"
"We?" Her eyebrows went up. "Unlike Hattori-san, I can walk in the shoes I choose to wear. Dance in them too." She said with her chin up. "No offence though... She has guts to wear that."
Aomine grumbled something incoherent. He once again looked at Hattori's high-heels; they were probably an inch higher than Kagami's.
The other four arrived shortly after.
Both boys looked rather handsome with raven black hair and eyes, and Aya thought it wasn't Kise's pick, because he saw them for the first time in his life as well. The same went for the other two girls. One of them was chubby, with large breasts, but her striped black and yellow dress, unfortunately, made her look like a bumblebee, and another was athletic, with long legs and figure similar to Aya's. Those girls looked friendlier than Hattori, but both were too interested in Kise to notice anyone else.
"Okay. Since everyone is here, let's head out to our destination! Aomi's chocolate shop!" Kise exclaimed happily.
He was leading them and all the girls, except Aya, were hanging all over him. He sighed inwardly; he'd hoped they would pay at least some attention to the other three.
"Right… The model status." One of the boys sighed.
"You think we can disappear in the middle? I don't think anyone would notice."
They seemed to be friends, and they walked next to each other, watching the girls from behind.
"I would." Aya spoke up from behind them. She and Aomine ended up at the tail of the group, neither of them protested but they still didn't talk. If the main point of this was to get some contacts, and talk with the others, she wanted to do that; find new friends, maybe a boyfriend, but that was not really her intention…
"Oh." They turned around and started walking backwards. "I thought all the girls were flying around Kise."
"And look. There is one who isn't." The other, skinnier one, echoed.
"Apparently." She said with a smile and ignored the stare he shot at her boobs. They were there to hunt for girlfriends after all… She wasn't sure about those two, and so, she was glad Hikaru had created the back-up plan, a.k.a. escape plan. "Are you two friends?"
"Yes. Hmm… What was your name again?" He asked curiously. It was a shame he had forgotten, but his main interest was Hattori Hana. Aya seemed too flamboyant for either of the two boys, so they conveniently didn't pay much attention to her.
Aya raised an eyebrow at this. "My name's Kagami. Thank you for remembering it the first time I told you." She said cheerfully, so the boy didn't realise what exactly she told him. "And what were your names? My memory seems to fail me recently."
"Eh? But we've just been introduced!"
She gave them a You-don't-say expression at which both of them blushed realising their mistake.
"Ah, right." The one who had spoken to Aya first scratched the back of his neck. "Sorry. Talk about lame… I'm Kida Natsu. And my friend here is Tada Ken." He introduced them again, even though he was sure the girl remembered and was enjoying their embarrassment.
"Tada?" Aya asked curiously. "Are you somehow related to Tada Shun from Touou?"
"Nope. Never heard of 'im." He said with a shrug. "Why?
"Nah, I just thought you might've…" She smiled at them, not really expecting their conversation to continue. She was conflicted about this kind of situation.
"Do you know each other?" Kida stared at Aomine and Aya with mild interest. The boy looked like he didn't want to be there, but he didn't seem to mind Kagami walking by his side and she looked too comfortable with his silence for them to be strangers.
"Do we?" She repeated the question with a half smile as if thinking deeply about the answer she was about to give. "I suppose. We are in the same class and club."
"Oh? What's the club?"
She glanced at Aomine to see if he was going to answer, or not, but when he remained silent, she said: "Basketball." She wouldn't deny she enjoyed the stunned silence that followed.
Both boys were looking at them. Really looking at them this time. The tall dude looked too tall and too muscular for a high-schooler; he was intimidating. If they had to face this on a court, they'd probably run away without a second thought. And Kagami-chan, well, standing next to him, she sort of fitted the impression Aomine had set. She was, however, much friendlier and talkative. It was easy to talk to her, yet there was something wild in her eyes. Wild and raw and mischievous: dangerous and a little bit scary.
"Are you two in some club?" She asked to break the momentary silence.
"Yeah. Go home club." Tada said humorously. "And it's the best."
"Sure is. No responsibilities and free afternoons. I might envy that. What are your interests then?"
They weren't sure whether she was making fun of them or not, but she'd already voiced a question and it would be rude not to answer. "We are in a band. I play guitar and Natsu sings."
"That's awesome! Do you have some gigs or something?"
"Nah, it's just a small band. We practise in a garage." Tada shrugged. "We are only first years, but maybe we'll get to play for some school events, who knows? It's just a hobby."
"I'd love to see that then! I love music, though probably in a different way." Her eyes sparkled and it caught the boys by surprise. Maybe they had wrongly assumed her personality.
Before they could ask her more, they arrived at the Aomi's chocolate shop. A staff member that seemed to be familiar with Kise guided them to their reserved table. It made Aya think about how many times the blonde had visited or gone for goukons organized in here. The three girls sat around Kise. They fought for the best spot like vultures, although outwardly they acted nice and polite, but if you looked into their eyes you could see venom and daggers. The rest sat around the other corner of a table in a more relaxed manner.
"What kind of music do you play?" She asked with a genuine curiosity, after they were finally seated and had their orders taken.
"Rock mostly, and some Indie here and there." Kida answered, and then tilted his head in curiosity, "Do you play any instrument?"
"Oh no, I don't play music, I tried drums together with my brother at some point, but it just wasn't my thing, I suppose." She chuckled.
"Why not?"
"It was fun, but... I prefer going out for a run than beating into poor drums. Though, I can handle cajon quite well, I think." She shrugged. "So, what is the best song you have in your repertoire?" She was once again, averting attention off of her. Aomine noticed it, since she was always doing that – giving scrapes she was okay with and then changing the topic, but the boys didn't seem to mind.
A vivid conversation started. The boys were shy and didn't want to brag about their skills, but they loved to talk about music and Kagami seemed to understand what they were talking about. She was even interested in things they had thought would bore the girls to no ends. Even Aomine joined in from time to time. He didn't feel very talkative, but there were some things he needed to set straight.
Every time he spoke up Aya glanced at him and he wasn't sure if she was curious or surprised, or both. Their small exchanges weren't overlooked by the model though.
They, namely Aya, Tada and Kida, tried to talk to the girls and Kise several times. If Kise wanted to chat with the others, the girls wouldn't let him; they'd always brush them off with some (not at all kind) comment. Aya refused to have her afternoon ruined by hormonally unstable bitches, who might have actually been quite nice girls, if it weren't for the model status they were after.
They ate several chocolate desserts during their talks and Aya decided to have a melted dark chocolate as the last, which was not sweet at all, but she loved the bitter, full and slightly mysterious taste it offered. Chocolate was her weakness, but she usually avoided overly sweet kinds with lots of added sugar. This was a type of chocolate she'd never tried before, made from 75% pure cocoa with matcha tea (powdered green tea) added. It was different, original, and she wanted to taste it.
Oh God! She thought after eating the first spoon. Sooo good!
Her expression while eating it was pure bliss. Aomine smirked at it, but withheld his comment – he feared the chocolate might end up on his shirt, and his mom would kill him for it. Though he doubted Aya would waste the chocolate when she enjoyed it so much.
"Uhm…" Tada tried to get her attention after she'd finished it. He was staring at Aya's lips.
"What?" She asked, and he blushed. His quiet implication was understood. "Oh… Don't tell me I have the chocolate on my face!"
He looked away.
"Where?" She wiped her mouth with a napkin. "Good or not?"
He shook his head 'no', but he didn't want to point out his finger, and he definitely didn't have guts to lean over the table and wipe it off for her as he'd seen in movies… or as Kise had demonstrated minutes earlier.
With annoyed grunt she turned to Aomine who was sitting beside her. "Where?" She repeated her question. Aomine with his attitude and teasing would probably not have a problem telling her – and make fun of her too… Still… much better than walking around with chocolate smudged on her face.
He raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Was it that good, kiddo?"
"Making fun of me…" She grumbled. "So? Where is it smudged?"
"Who knows?" He asked teasingly.
"Aomineee." She whined.
"Not telling."
"Come on! Don't be a jerk."
It was the first time Aomine saw her behaving childishly like that. Was it because of the other boys, or was she in a good mood? He didn't know.
Taking out a small mirror she carried around could save her from this situation, but she enjoyed it in a way. Teasing with Aomine again, and because he hadn't brushed her off, she knew she could also piss him off a little. Well, why not?
"Kise!" She turned to the blonde, who jumped in surprise when Ayacchi called out to him and without an honorific or nickname.
For some time now, Kise wasn't listening to those three girls. They were so obviously interested more in his status than him. They were all like 'Look at me. Look at me. Look at me. Choose me. Choose me. I'll do anything to date a model.' It was getting so boring, he started hearing wind. At least Ayacchi could manage the rest. So when she called out to him, it frightened him just like when Kurokocchi had appeared out of nowhere.
"They won't tell me where my face is dirty!" She complained. "Would you mind?"
Kise blinked at her. She truly did have a small chocolate smudge above the left corner of her lips. He shot a quick glance at Aominecchi who was staring at Aya in disbelief and he understood what had happened. A mischievous smirk appeared on his face, as he got up and took those few steps that separated him from the group. Aominecchi would probably get back at him for this, but it was so worth it.
"You might make it worse, so let me, Ayacchi." Before she could react he quickly licked his thumb and wiped her cheek. Then he licked the chocolate off of his thumb. "It would have been such a waste of the great chocolate, don't you think?"
All three girls were now staring at Aya with openly hostile glares. What did she have that they didn't? That red hair of hers was atrocious in their opinion, and she was overly friendly with three guys at once! And after all this, she had guts to steal Kise from them! Unforgivable.
"OI!" All three boys protested, because Kise was using his charm on Aya; Aomine's voice coming out louder than the others.
Aya's eyes widened in surprise, and she blushed at the intimate touch that was. She wasn't into Kise, but his action caught her by surprise. They weren't such good friends yet. What the… Her fingers traced the spot where he'd touched. She looked lost for a moment; as if someone took the ground from beneath her feet.
Kagami: 0, Kise: 1. Aomine thought when he saw Aya's expression – once again he saw it for the first time. The only thing that bothered him was that she was flustered because of Kise. Kagami flustered… Strangely beautiful.
And then, in a moment she was back to herself. Frowning at Kise.
"We might be friends, Kise Ryouta-kun." Her voice came out icier than she had intended, but it served its purpose – Kise paled and his teasing smile was wiped from his face. "But I suggest you don't test my boundaries."
He gulped, but he couldn't lose his face after this. "I thought you wouldn't mind, Ayacchi. You returned from America not so long ago, right?"
Oh? She got the game Kise was playing. How easy it was for him to change faces and come out innocent. This was why she could never date him. She could be the same. "And what do you imply by that?" She asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Shouldn't you be used to physical contact?"
"Hugs? Definitely. Greeting pecks on cheeks. Fine by me. Someone wiping my face with their spit?" She made a grimace. "Not so much."
Kagami: 1, Kise: 1. Serves you right, Kise. Aomine thought and smirked under his nose.
Kise couldn't find a suitable remark for this. He crossed the line and he was aware he couldn't use his status with Ayacchi. She didn't care one bit whether he was a model or an alien or whatever, to her he was Kise. And even though they didn't know each other much, they had this vibe from the start and knew they could be good friends, and in a way trust each other, nothing more and nothing less.
He sighed in defeat. This would hurt his pride, but a proud man also knew when to admit his mistakes. "I've crossed the line. I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable, Ayacchi."
Almost everyone's jaw dropped to the ground. Kise wasn't an apologising type. With Ayacchi, however, he didn't have much of a choice if he wanted to really befriend her.
Kagami: 2, Kise:1. Her exchange with Kise reminded Aomine of their exchanges, which could be quite similar, and it stung. What the hell?
She smiled contently and nodded – she was enjoying this. "Apology accepted. Don't do it again, Model-kun. Next time, use a napkin, or I'll punch you."
"I've been warned." He said with a smile and headed back to his seat.
It took several awkward moments until the boys got over Kagami's icy side. It had really surprised them.
"So you lived in America?" Kida asked. So far, she hadn't spoken about herself much. And even though it was clear she wasn't looking for a boyfriend, but rather friends, it was strange.
"Yep. For almost 10 years."
When she wasn't telling more, Tada decided to help his friend: "Why come back?"
"Situation asked for it. I needed to change my pace and environment and everything. I needed the change and it was either France or Japan. I chose to come here with my brother." She shrugged. "Or maybe I just ran away." She said and Aomine felt like she was saying this to him only. "I certainly don't regret my choice, though."
"Where in America did you live?" "What do you miss the most?" "How was it there?" Both boys flooded her with questions. It usually didn't happen; people just shrugged it off, like an information they got and didn't need much.
"New York City and L.A., California. It's very different there and it's hard to explain. The whole mentality is different. You just have to go there and experience it. And even if I'm born Japanese, I'm also American. We'd moved there when we were just little kids, so we naturally adapted to language and everything." She had a kind and nostalgic look on her face. "I miss lots of things; friends, food, clothes shops, people – the good ones – because you have jerks everywhere. Yeah…" She nodded thoughtfully. "I miss talking to random strangers. And the beach, just 10 minutes from our house. I miss our house too in a way. Ah… That doesn't mean I'm not happy here. I have a wonderful team and childhood friends here too – I missed them in America so much. ... It's great to be an international kid, but it also sucks, when you don't own a teleport."
It was the longest speech Aomine had ever heard her tell about herself. It'd never occurred to him, that she might miss her old life. She always seemed so cheerful and content that when he'd heard it, it was hard to believe. And he'd dared to say she was running away. His meaning was different, but… What sort of an idiot would run away from their home? Because that was America to Kagami – home. Or maybe he was totally wrong. She was a strange woman after all. And this date only proved it. He was glad Kise dragged him out even though it was thanks to an incentive…
She was talking a bit about her favourite American foods and comparing it, or rather explaining to the boys that it was impossible to fully compare it with Japanese foods. She loved both. And even more. They were lost in their chat that naturally turned into exchanging adventures from vacations they'd been to. This time, Aya preferred to ask questions, and she only stuck to stories from America, filtering them a lot. She always picked her words carefully.
Hana ordered another cup of hot chocolate she craved despite her 'dieting'.
No one had really noticed it.
Her feet hurt, the shoes were impossible to walk in, she was aware of blisters she already had, and it was all for Kise. And her Kise went and touched Kagami-bitch so casually. She knew what she wanted to do with the chocolate. And eating it was the last thing on her list.
"I'll go to the bathroom." She abruptly stood up when the waiter was just behind her and Kagami.
Out of the corner of her eye, Aya noticed the position of both the waiter and Hana. "Don't!" She tried to stop her, but it was too late.
Hana hit the tray the waiter was carrying. And it wasn't only her chocolate he had there. There was a commotion and a huge clatter of falling objects and shattering glass.
Aya tried to catch some of it, but it was so unexpected, she only made it worse.
Most of the contents of the tray the waiter had been carrying ended up on Aya. A little bit of it ended up on Hana – but she didn't mind it was her plan after all, and a little bit on the floor. Some lemonade splashed over to Aomine too.
There was a moment of complete silence.
"Fuck…" Aya muttered.
Aomine was furious. "What the –" He started with a dangerous voice sounding almost like a snarl, but Kagami squeezed his forearm to shut him up – ignoring the electricity that shot through her when she touched his skin.
Then she got up and looked at the poor waiter, who looked like he was about to start crying. "Are you okay? You haven't hurt yourself, have you?" Aya knew that this was a huge problem for the waiter and it might end up with him losing his job.
"Ah!" He immediately bowed down deeply. "I'm so, so, so sorry ma'am. I'm really sorry for ruining your dress, and mood. I'll clean up the mess right away!"
"Hurt himself?!" Hana asked incredulously. Her acting sure was good. "He ruined your dress! And mine too! He should quit his job, for this incompetence!" Her voice was loud, and it got a lot of attention.
"Don't make a scene, Hattori. It's just a dress." Aya said firmly and her stare was piercing the girl, not at all friendly. High quality, tailor-made dress worth a few hundred dollars… She thought sadly, but it didn't display on her face. "If I remember correctly; it was you who ordered a chocolate and then bumped into him when he was about to serve you."
"Are you blaming me?!" The girl turned her anger at Aya now.
Aya smirked. "Maybe." I-see-through-you-and-I'm-not-afraid-Chibi-chan her eyes were saying and a shiver ran down Hana's spine. No. She wouldn't go against this.
"What's going on here?" A manager of the store showed up almost immediately.
"I'm sorry, manager! It's my fault!" The waiter bowed to the manager as well. "I've dropped the tray."
Aya sighed. "It's not entirely his fault. My friend here," she pointed at Hana with the back of her hand, "bumped into him while getting up from her chair, which resulted in this." She threw her arms around. "We are sorry, for causing a commotion."
"Oh, no. Don't apologise. It's definitely not your fault, customer-san. We will pay for the cleaning bill, and everything." The manager bowed to Aya. It felt so strange that he had to bow to a teenager, but the girl didn't seem to have any ill intentions, and she was trying to be fair.
"You don't have to do that. Well, some discount for when I come here next time would be nice." She smiled at him. "And I want this particular waiter to serve me too."
The manager narrowed his eyes on the girl. What a businesswoman. It was so out of place and out of everything he knew, that he only nodded. "A-a-as you wish."
Aya fished for something in her wallet. "Where did I put it…" She mumbled. "Ah… Here it is…" she handed the manager a business card she had. "Keep it. I'll definitely come here again. Your chocolates are amazing!"
Both, manager and waiter, were blinking at her in disbelief. Everyone was.
"Now if you'll excuse me. I'm going to the restroom to clean myself."
She disappeared behind the door and looked at herself in a mirror. Parts of her hair and denim jacket were damp with some lemonade; the chocolate had landed on her laps, so her thighs and the front of the dress were completely dirty.
What a fucking bitch! She thought furiously when she kicked off her shoes before the chocolate would trickle down to them. She knew the reason behind Hana's behaviour, but it was plainly atrocious. So if you don't have anything interesting about yourself, you'd spill something on others… Great wooing strategy! Real great.
Argh! Fuck!
Aya coped with the situation, because of the poor waiter and all the attention they'd gotten. Otherwise, if it had been private, she would probably splash something into Hana's face. Yeah, she wanted to do that.
She opened her bag, where she packed black shorts and tight red sleeveless turtleneck top. She thought she might wear it for the party, or she might change into it during the party. Well, she had to change earlier than she had expected. She put it on the toilet seat and quickly washed the lemonade soaked ends of her hair. If she let it dry like that, it would end up glued together. Then she cleaned her legs and got dressed again. She cleaned what she could from her jacket and dress.
When she looked presentable again she went out to join the others. It was only five, but she already felt like leaving. The atmosphere they'd had was broken.
Hattori was already gone, and Kise was talking with Aomine – it looked like some serious scolding.
"Oh. Ayacchi! You look stunning once again!" Kise exclaimed when he saw her outfit, and mostly the messy bun she made from her mane. "I'd never expect you to have a change of clothes..."
"Let's say I had a similar experience couple of times before." She said with a crooked smile. "And I wasn't sure I wanted to spend the whole night in that dress anyway."
Aomine was once again staring at her boobs. They were perfectly covered, no cleavage at all, but still…
"Evaluating my cup size again?" She asked him with a teasing smile. She needed distraction.
His eyes widened for a split second, and then he smirked. "Can't I?"
"I don't know, can you?"
"Sure."
The boys were staring at this exchange, they noticed the two had some vibe, but they'd never expect them to tease each other like this. Or Kagami in a red, sleeveless top. After the incident, they managed to exchange a few words with the other girls – when Kise was scolding Aomine for yelling at Hattori, who ran away crying. But Aya didn't need to know any of that.
Aomine quietly vanished from the group. He didn't want to be there any longer. To think it was actually fun and then it ended with such a fiasco... He needed fresh air to get Aya in red out of his head. It was too disturbing. Seeing her in red. As if her hair was not enough. She shouldn't be allowed to wear something so stunning and daring and dangerous.
"I think I should head to my next destination."
"Didn't you say you are expected at six?" Kise asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I know Hikaru. Any help will be great."
She exchanged emails and phone numbers with the boys in case she wanted to hear their music, or chat with them some more. It was nice meeting them. Kise was held up by the girls as usual, so she left. He'd catch up later.
When Aya found Aomine leaning against the wall, he had his eyes closed and wasn't paying attention to anything. She could finally have a good look. His crossed arms made his forearm muscles stand out. Two opened buttons showed part of his collarbones. She appreciated the sight.
When his eye cracked open to look at her she asked: "Are you coming?"
"You shouldn't go alone wearing this." He pointed at her top.
"Too revealing?" She asked, but she knew it didn't show much.
"No." He said. "And yes." He added. "Dangerous."
"Do you like it?" She asked and took a step closer to him.
Dangerous and daring, that's what red made her. And he couldn't lie. "Very much." Shit… She is so…
"I thought you might."
Eh? He blinked. Did he hear her right?
She chuckled. It was so easy to tease him. And she only did so, because she knew he wouldn't hurt her, at least not physically. Not really.
"Well then." She straightened up and took several steps away from him – she hadn't realized how close she got. "Let's go. Model-kun will catch up with us."
She threw the still wet jacket over her shoulders and started walking in the direction of the party; sure he would follow her.
A/N: This is about it. I should post the 15th chapter soon enough (tomorrow-ish, or so) and it'll be much much longer than this one...
Let me know what you think and remember, reviews are appreciated but never necessary.
/sentence structure, grammar minor wording changed on 19.4.2021/
S.