Chapter Thirty One

Letting it Out

Atobe Keigo woke up feeling really groggy. I shouldn't have stayed up so late, he thought. He was wearing trunks, and had a towel around his neck. Maybe a quick swim can wake me up properly. I've also been slacking off. I have no idea what my friends have been up to. Who would've thought being at University would kill your social life.

He walked to the indoor people, and admired the view. It was built outside with glass windows, but the water was heated. He found Fay lounging on the bench, reading a book.

He threw a towel on the lounger next to her, put on his goggles, and jumped into the pool. He was swimming laps, and did around fifteen when he decided to stop and take a breather. He was surprised to see Fay still on the lounge reading. She's still reading? He thought.

As Atobe got out of the pool one of the maids ran over, and offered him a mint cooler. Atobe took it and began sipping it. He walked over to Fay's lounge and sat down next to her.

"Are you alright?"

Fay blinked in surprise, and lowered her sunglasses. "Not really. The fact that you bothered asking me how I am just gave me a heart attack," she said sarcastically.

Atobe glared at her. "It's because I'm normally used to your snippy retorts."

Fay put her book down, and sat up. "I don't know what's wrong with me," she admitted.

Atobe crossed his arms and looked at their surroundings. They were in a heated indoors area, but it was obvious that the air outside was cool and chilly. It was also windy. "It's probably a guy then. You've been cooped up inside since dinner a few nights back, and you haven't been biting back."

Fay's cheeks heated. "It's not important," she muttered, standing up. "I'm just tired from the exams."

Atobe sat down on the lounge that she just stood up from and exhaled. It's obvious on her face that she's depressed. "Why don't you just admit it?" I don't like Atobe's that don't fight back.

"Admit what?" she almost snapped.

Atobe glared at her tone. "Why don't you just admit that you like Takeda Ren and give us all break? With you depressed, everyone's worried and not doing anything fun."

Do you seriously care? She thought surprised.

"Not admitting it…" he began.

"Keigo…" she interrupted in a serious tone. "You don't know what happened, so please don't make assumptions."

Atobe placed the towel on his head, and sipped his juice. "So something did happen," he muttered. "Hey, I may not mingle or interfere a lot, but father's actually worried so you either cheer up or do something about it."

Do something? Fay thought… and exactly what am I supposed to do? She sat down next to him, and looked at him. "I think…" she began. "I think sometimes I just need to talk someone." This is where girlfriends come in, but I really don't have one. It's weird, I thought An was getting closer to me but she just disappeared. She thought because she did spend a few times with her.

Atobe remained silent, and then spoke up. "Why don't you talk to aunt Akari? She might give you insights."

She frowned at the thought. It's too embarrassing, but… "Why don't you listen to me?" she asked out of the blue.

Atobe lied down on the lounger, putting on his sunglasses."Sorry. I don't do guy talks with women, especially with you."

Fay rolled her eyes. "You know it's bothersome that we don't talk to each other. You're always around but I feel that you're an empty shell. Sometimes it helps to talk, you know. I'm sure even YOU have issues."

"I don't discuss my issues with anyone," he said flatly.

Fay wanted to push the subject further, but she knew it was pointless to discuss this with him. She sat on the lounger he was lying on and hugged her knees. "Hey, Keigo…"

"What?" he muttered. Is she not going to let me relax?!

"Have you ever rejected a woman?" Fay asked quietly.

The question did surprise him, but he didn't comment to why she asked. "I have done it many times."

"Reasons?" she asked curiously. Maybe this will make me understand a bit more.

Atobe thought about his answer for a second. "It's always different. Sometimes I simply didn't like her, or the timing was off. Just stupid stuff I guess." Was she by any chance rejected? He thought to himself. Maybe that's why she's down. I don't care. I'm not going to ask.

Fay went quiet after that. She just lulled by his side until she spotted her aunt walking towards them. She had a cigarette in one hand, and a bottle of diet coke in the other. "How's the water?" she asked.

Fay looked at her, "it's not bad."

Akari was amused. It's good to see the two of them sitting next to each other without any bickering. That's another reason Mitsuru invited me here. He wanted me to bring them closer together. "Are you feeling better, dear?"

"Yes, thank you." She swayed her knees playfully while hugging them. "I'm alright."

"That's good. Anyway, I'm looking forward to tonight's ball. There will be a lot of people, and it's been a long time since I've dressed up." Akari was saying happily.

I just hope I don't see him… Fay thought.