Chapter 7
Only two days into the relationship, Nio had been pestering Isuke about her relationship with the queen bee. Both of them were walking to the cafeteria when Nio decided to express how happy she was in her own Nio way.
"You have no idea how happy I am for you, Isuke!" Nio was saying while clutching her heart dramatically. "Finally you're back in the dating game! And it's with Sumireko, the top of the top! Just imagine! Both of you will be a power couple! How and when did it start? I must admit, it came out of the blue!"
"You're just happy that you get to be accepted into her circle again," Isuke said bluntly.
"Oh no! How could you think that?!" Nio mock-gasped. "I was also worried about you not having a love life anymore!"
"Why would you be worried," Isuke drawled indifferently.
"Well, for one, I was beginning to suspect that you have feelings for that Sagae!" Nio exclaimed dramatically.
Isuke stopped walking. Nio could either be testing her or she just pulled nothing out of thin air. She decided to play along.
"How long have you known me, Nio?" Isuke asked sweetly.
"Um… for as long as I can remember?"
"Then you should know by now that Isuke doesn't have that low of a standard," she smiled as she flicked Nio's forehead again and again.
"Hey, babe," Sumireko said as she planted a kiss on Isuke's cheek, taking the pinkette by surprise. The heiress seemed to materialize out of nowhere.
"Hi, sweety," Isuke forced a sweet smile and kissed Sumireko back on the cheek. Before she knew it, Sumireko suddenly forced herself on her and kissed her on the mouth forcibly.
When they parted, Sumireko whispered threateningly in Isuke's ear, "Don't forget about my tea party after school later. Stay back after."
Plastering on a sickeningly sweet smile, she let go of Isuke and said to Nio, "Come join us for lunch." She dragged Isuke by the hand and pulled her along, with Nio following ecstatically behind.
Isuke let herself be pulled by Sumireko, all the while plastering on a fake smile. All the other students parted ways for the new couple, while looking at them in awe. She could do this. She had to do this. She had done this numerous times before when some of her girlfriends only dated her because they needed her for something, be it a popularity or social status boost. This should be a piece of cake for her. However, when she saw Haruki looking at her from her table with Tokaku and Haru, her resolve crumbled a little.
In the next few weeks, Haruki had been busier than ever after she expanded her services. She really took Isuke's advice to heart, which really surprised the pink-haired girl. Isuke even told her that she didn't even know what she was saying that time as she was high as a kite and that she didn't expect Haruki to take it seriously.
But Haruki did. It wasn't that difficult to introduce her new services to her existing clients, and through word of mouth, she got more new clients. Turned out, there were lots of wealthy students who don't like to do their own homework and assignments.
Because of her busy schedule, she rarely got time to hang out with Isuke. At most, she could only give two hours of her time for Isuke at their usual hangout spot, and that was after she had met all her clients. Then off she goes again to take care of her other businesses. During night time, she would do her clients' homework, on top of her own homework and Isuke's homework.
It wasn't like Isuke had lots of time either. Ever since she and Sumireko started dating, the pink-haired girl had been going to the heiress' house almost every night for dinner. Sometimes, she would skip their meeting in the afternoon because she started joining Sumireko's tea party again.
While Haruki was happy that Isuke didn't treat her new girlfriend like how she treated her last one, she missed talking to and texting Isuke every night. Because they seldom talk to each other at night, their breakfast together every morning had been few and far between. Needless to say, the redhead missed their breakfast together every morning but she understood why Isuke couldn't make the time for her anymore.
"No homework for me to do today?" Haruki asked one day while they were hanging out at their usual spot.
"With how busy you are, Isuke decided that you should stop doing hers," Isuke said nonchalantly. Haruki had been working non-stop and at this rate, it's going to take a toll on her one day. But Isuke being Isuke, she was too proud to admit that she was concerned for the redhead.
"Then who will be doing your homework?" Haruki had a pretty good idea who, but she didn't feel like saying it, because saying it would make it a reality. And Haruki wasn't ready to face that reality yet.
"Isuke's not handicapped. Isuke can do it on her own." She left it at that, but somehow, Haruki had her doubts.
"Sumireko's minions could help with the homework," Haruki thought bitterly.
"But you're still making us breakfast. Don't think you're off the hook yet. Also, you shouldn't be doing your fangirls any favours anymore now that you have less free time left."
There's that word again. Haruki thought the pink-haired girl was being ridiculous because the favours she did for her 'fangirls', as Isuke called it, are very minimal, like helping them carrying heavy objects for their club's activities, which didn't even take much of her time. Nevertheless, she decided not to explain any further because for some unknown reason, this seemed like a sensitive issue for Isuke every time the topic was brought up.
However, the bigger question Haruki had was their breakfast time together. She wanted to say that Isuke is the one who has no time for breakfast ever since she started dating the heiress. She wanted to say that she isn't the only one who has less free time. But she refrained herself for saying all these because she didn't want to piss Isuke off.
"… And carrying all these burdens all by yourself just to provide for your pesky family. You could ask one of your siblings to earn money too. Be more selfish, and free, like Isuke," Isuke finished with a huff.
Halfway through Isuke's lecture, Haruki was lost in her own thoughts and only heard the last part. "Being free from all my burdens is a pipe dream of mine," Haruki said with a humble smile. "But it's my responsibility as the eldest child. Don't worry though, Isuke-sama. I'm strong and tough. Nothing will ever wear me down."
Isuke snorted and flipped her hair. "I have far better things to do than worrying about you."
That was two weeks ago. Today though, as they were having a rare moment of eating breakfast together, Haruki decided to bring up the elephant in the room. Since Isuke's relationship with Sumireko had lasted more than two weeks, Haruki couldn't hold back her curiosity anymore. It was time for her to face this reality.
"So… you and Sumireko, huh?" Haruki asked, trying to sound as apathetic as possible. In reality, she was feeling all kinds of weird emotions in the pit of her stomach. She had half expected that the playgirl won't be staying single for long, but she never expected that her new girlfriend would be the queen bee heiress. Weren't they both on a cold war or something?
And furthermore, she expected Isuke would end things with Sumireko after the two weeks expiration date. Or, she expected Isuke to change and start dating someone of a lower status. Someone like her, perhaps.
"Wait, where did that come from?" Haruki mentally slapped herself. "She's your friend. You shouldn't be thinking about her this way. You should be happy for her. Besides, she will never think that way about you. Look at yourself. You two don't even match. Since when did I like girls this way, anyway?"
"Yeah, what about it?" Isuke asked, dread filling her stomach. She was hoping Haruki would never ask her about it.
"Nothing… I was completely surprised, that's all," Haruki said. After a pause, she continued, "I mean… everyone thought both of you were at war. And now, this is the longest relationship you've ever been in."
"That's why never believe any rumours you heard, Haruki," Isuke said flippantly.
"I'm curious as to how both of you started, but I guess it doesn't matter," Haruki said flatly. "I'm just happy for you."
"Thanks," Isuke replied. An awkward silence fell between them. Isuke didn't know why, but Haruki's last statement sounded so dejected that it broke her heart a little.
"Don't think you'd be getting rid of me that easily, though." Isuke broke the silence, a playful smile on her face as she tried to lighten up the atmosphere. "I told Sumireko that I need my free space and time and I'm not some sort of clingy girlfriend. You won't see the last of me yet."
That somehow soothed Haruki's unsettling feelings in her stomach. Smiling, she said, "I'll hold you onto that, Isuke-sama."
Isuke could see that Haruki still had lots of questions swimming in her head, but one of the conditions set by Sumireko is not to talk to people about their newfound relationship. Not like Isuke is the type to kiss and tell, but Sumireko felt the need to tell her that. Besides, she never shared her private life with Haruki, so there wasn't any reason for her to start now. Especially now. Isuke smiled wistfully to herself as she finished her breakfast in silence. She still needed to keep up with whatever charade Sumireko had gotten her into until she could get her hands on those documents and pictures. She was relieved that Haruki didn't ask her any further questions after that.
To fill in the time that she used to spend with Isuke, Haruki kept herself busy by accepting more and more assignments and clients. Surprisingly, Isuke still made time for her when she wasn't spending it with Sumireko, which the redhead appreciates. In return, Haruki would cancel her appointment every time she received a text from Isuke telling her that she is free to hang out. Every time when they hung out, Isuke would never talk about Sumireko, which Haruki felt that it was odd at first because the two of them seemed to be so in love (Isuke was never seen without Sumireko by her arms, which was very different from how she treated her last girlfriend). However, she came to appreciate it because she didn't want to hear anything that is related to the queen bee.
A month had passed since Isuke and Sumireko started dating. They were still as popular as ever to the students, with everyone idolizing them.
It was a Friday afternoon as Isuke arrived at her usual hangout spot with Haruki. The redhead was already sprawled on the couch. Isuke thought she looked really deadbeat.
"Tough day?" Isuke asked.
"Rough day, more like," Haruki answered solemnly as she sat up to make space for the other girl. There was something somber about the way she spoke the words, that Isuke immediately sat down by her side. She didn't ask further. Haruki didn't need her to ask further as having the pink-haired girl by her side comforted her tremendously.
"How's your day, though?" Haruki asked, after a moment of silence. "Wait, lemme guess. You're gonna answer with 'we're not that kind of friends', so forget that I asked."
Isuke tilted her head to one side and stared at Haruki, trying to decipher her. She had never seen Haruki in such a mood before. "Well, someone's a little moody today," she quipped.
"Yeah, sorry I snapped at you, Isuke-sama. I haven't really been myself lately."
"I'm not mad at you," Isuke sighed. "If you really wanna know about my day, it isn't as interesting as yours. And you know how I get bored easily talking about and listening to boring stuff."
"If you think receiving news about my mom needing an operation tomorrow is interesting. The bill's gonna blow up through the roof again."
Of course the only thing that can damper this carefree girl's mood is her family.
"You know, you could always increase your fees," Isuke suggested flippantly. "Your fees are too low. Charge them double or triple the price for your services. Haven't you learned to be more selfish by now?"
"Yeah, I guess I could do that," Haruki said tiredly.
"So, anyway, I brought a little something to school today," Isuke said as she took a pink coloured bottle of nail polish out from her bag and showed it to Haruki. "Sorry to disappoint you that it's not Pocky, though."
Without waiting for a response from the redhead, Isuke took Haruki's hand and examined her fingers. "As expected, your nail polish had cracked. This one Isuke bought will last longer." She uncapped the bottle and started to paint Haruki's nail. When she was done with it, she marvelled at her work. "I didn't think pink really suits you at first, but the more I look at it, the more it suits you. Now hold still while I do the rest."
Haruki felt her heart hammering in her chest as she stared dumbly at Isuke painting her nails with such great care and attention. Isuke didn't do much, but just by doing that, her mood had improved tremendously. A feeling of warmth washed over her and she quickly fought it down. She shouldn't be feeling this way because Isuke has a girlfriend and there is no way she would ever stand a chance with the popular wealthy playgirl.
"Thanks, Isuke-sama," she said as Isuke finished painting all her nails one her right hand and she reached for her other hand to start painting.
"There you go. All done," Isuke said with a smile. "Now, take a look."
"Wow, you're right. They're amazing. Thanks again. I really like it," Haruki said, a smile forming on her lips.
"It's yours," Isuke said as she handed the nail polish to Haruki.
"Oh no… I can't afford to pay you back."
"Who said anything about paying me back? Consider it a gift," Isuke said nonchalantly. When she saw that Haruki was about to reject, she quickly added, "Isuke doesn't normally give people expensive gifts, so you'd better accept it, otherwise Isuke will be really pissed."
"You gave me a really expensive gift. Won't your girlfriend be jealous?" Haruki asked carefully.
"Haruki, Sumireko could afford more than a simple nail polish. And besides," Isuke averted her eyes away from Haruki's piercing ones, a light tint of blush on her face. "It's not a big deal. This gift doesn't mean anything, alright?"
"Ok, thanks!" Haruki took the bottle from Isuke and put in into her bag. Suddenly, she yawned loudly and stretched on the couch.
"So, are we gonna get high today? Isuke's bored," the pink-haired girl said deliberately to change the subject.
When there was no answer from the other girl, she turned to find that the redhead had fallen asleep in a sitting position. "That was fast. She must have been really exhausted taking care of her family and juggling between work and studies," Isuke thought.
As gently as possible, she placed her hand over Haruki's head and guided her to lie down on her laps.
"If only I can find the solution to your problem," Isuke murmured quietly while gently stroking Haruki's hair. The redhead was still fast asleep. This is the first time Isuke saw Haruki's sleeping face this up close. While sleeping, all the creases on her face were gone, like as if all the burdens on her shoulders were lifted.
"If things had been different with my parents, I could ask them to help, but…" she trailed off and shook her head. Who was she kidding? Things will never be the same again between her and her dads. "I wish I have your family… at least your relationship with them is not strained. I haven't spoken to my dads in ages ever since…"
Shit. She could feel a lump forming in her throat and her eyes begin to well up in tears. The pink-haired girl had never shared her private life to anyone, and the first time she shared it with someone, the person was fast asleep on her laps. Nevertheless, it felt good for her to finally unload part of her burdens onto someone. Still, she hated this feeling of weakness, so she took a deep breath and straightened her back in an effort to stop herself from turning into a sobbing mess.
When Haruki woke up, Isuke was nowhere to be found.
Over the weekend, Haruki and her siblings were at the hospital, waiting for her mom's operation outcome. After enduring hours of waiting, the doctor finally emerged from the operation theatre and told them the good news. The operation was a success and her mom could go back home with them soon. However, proper care was still needed as her mom's underlying condition was still present.
Bursting with happiness that her mom could finally come home, Haruki couldn't wait to tell Isuke the good news, so she texted her. She knew it wasn't the norm for them the be talking on the weekends but she couldn't wait until next Monday. She waited for Isuke's reply, but none came.
The following Monday, they did not have breakfast together, so Haruki hasn't had the chance to talk to the pink-haired girl yet. She decided to cancel all her appointments for the day in order to make time for Isuke, in case Isuke texted her that she is free to hang out after school.
She was early today, so there were quite a lot of students at the school courtyard filing into the school's main entrance. As she was approaching the main entrance, she heard two students yelling loudly at each other. She could recognize one of the students' voice. It was unmistakably Isuke's.
"Hey, Isuke!" Sumireko shouted after the pink-haired girl as she just stepped out of her limousine.
Turning around, Isuke replied vehemently, "Save it, Sumireko. I've made up my mind."
"Whatever happened last Friday night…"
"Is real and I do not want any part of it. I did not sign up for that shit," she said through clenched teeth. "So, please leave me alone right now before I make a scene."
"Is that a threat, Isuke? Don't forget who you're talking to and what I have against you. You are nothing but a fraud," Sumireko crossed her arms and said with an air of superiority and dominance. She raised an eyebrow, challenging Isuke. Under any circumstances, Isuke would not accept the heiress' challenge. However, this time she had the upper hand.
"Oh, is that so?" Isuke quirked an eyebrow, one hand on her hip as she leveled her gaze with the queen bee in a challenging pose. "Don't forget that I have something against you too, now. I have already made lots of copies of that picture I've shown you and kept it somewhere safe, for now. But I can't promise you that it will stay safe forever, because once I feel threatened, who knows which part of the internet those pictures will end up at?"
Isuke could see that the heiress was trying hard to hold back her tears. "Look, Sumireko," she sighed and relaxed her posture. "I don't wanna fight you, so just let me go and I'll forget about what happened last Friday night."
"You know I won't let you go that easily without those pictures," the heiress retorted.
"So, you'd rather have your little secret exposed? I can see the headlines now: 'Daddy's little princess is not what she seemed to be'. If I have to make a guess, that's the whole reason why you asked me to be your fake girlfriend, isn't it? To cover your secret. To build an image for your father to see. Don't we all have our own little secret? The only difference is, you have an image to uphold for your family name. So, new conditions, sweety. I don't expose your secret to anyone, you don't expose mine and as of today, my contract with you ends."
With a smirk and a flip of her hair, the playgirl started to strut away, but was stopped by Sumireko's strong grip on her arm.
"Geez, I get it that I'm irresistible, but are you really that thirsty for me?" Isuke swung around and pushed Sumireko away. She had started to lose her patience and raised her voice. "I said we're over and that's final! Learn to take no for an answer!"
Sumireko stumbled a few steps back and fell onto the ground. She quickly stood up and looked at her surrounding. By now, everyone had gathered around her and Isuke to see what the commotion was all about. Embarrassed by how she was treated, as no one had ever dared to treat her this way, she ran away with tears spilling down her face.
Shaken by the whole ordeal after going up against the school's queen bee, Isuke suddenly realized that everyone had gathered around her and started gossiping among themselves. In the sea of people, she spotted the unmistakable red mane of wild hair. Haruki was looking at her with a bewildered expression on her face. Next to her was Tokaku, her eyes narrowed judgmentally. Haru was standing next to Tokaku, her eyes wide in alarm.
Isuke knew the gossip would start very soon. Something along the lines of: 'Isuke the promiscuous playgirl, that's to be expected. Isuke the bitch. How could she break the angel's heart? How could she be so cruel? She was so lucky to have Sumireko as a girlfriend.'
With her head held high, she walked towards the main entrance of the building.
Yeah... I needed to post this chapter way ahead of my schedule as I'll be busier than usual in the upcoming days. And to answer a guest's question, yes, of course I'll continue with this story! This is my pet project, and I've in fact completed it! It just needs some minor tweaking and some changes here and there. I'll never abandon this fic!
And Robin, I couldn't PM you cause you set your PM function off, but yeah. Haruki's strong but gentle and it's just so Haruki, I love it too! And Isuke's just a big ol' tsundere, and I've always thought her bitchy persona is just a facade she put up to show to the whole world. That girl had gone through some hardships in the past!
And also, I know in canon, Isuke's parents are very loving and caring towards Isuke, even though. But this is AU and I'm gonna explore a little 'what-if' situation on her.
