Chapter 7
I am back with the next update of APOF. I had written around 20 chapters of this fic a few months ago, and now that I read it again while updating, I wasn't satisfied with the original version of the fic, where each chapter contained 2K words or so. Thus, I rewrote this chapter again, I'll appreciate if you guys told me how this came out—better or worse than the previous chapters.
Summer went by in the blink of an eye and now stood at its apex, Misaki's work was going exceptionally well, and she had easily mended with the flow. She worked hard happily, and continued to skip her routine check-ups that her doctor, Ayame, had strictly told her to attend. But since Misaki had self-declared to herself that she was doing just fine and didn't feel the need to spend time and money in placed she loathed i.e. the hospital, she didn't go.
And over the course of time that she spent with her boss and friend, Tora Igarashi, she became more than aware of his feelings towards her, painstakingly so. She wasn't a teenager who wouldn't know if someone sent heated looks her way, she was a grown up. She understood these things, not being a stranger to love and lust herself. She would often catch Tora glancing her way when he supposed she wasn't looking. She would understand his body language and gestures, especially around her. And it bothered her. Even though the blond never voiced his feelings out loud to her, which made it easy to ignore. She knew why he did so, since he still presumed that the girl was in a serious long distance relationship with her high school sweetheart, Takumi Usui. The thought almost made her scoff sarcastically. If only he knew.
If only he knew how Usui Takumi had left her via a thirty second phone call, just like a toy he had no reasons to play with anymore. If only he knew that she was broken inside because of one boy she had decided to trust after her father left the family. If only he knew that she was emotionally damaged for life. If only he knew how the said girl spent majority of her free time living in Usui Takumi's memories, crying for nights, hoping that this self-imposed torture would someday come to an end. Hell, he thought the tired and weary look in her eyes wasn't because of what she told him as "Monday effect". If only!
Anyway,
She knew that it wasn't a childish crush, which could be shrugged off easily. It was the look of lust in his eyes that made her go blank. It was so awkward for her! She didn't know what to do about it.
While on the other hand, Tora never dared to speak up his feelings, because he was positive that it would only sabotage their relationship. But he still didn't understand why she would go eerily silent on the mere mention of Usui's name. Even as a friend, he was curious about their relationship, but if he would even mention his name, forget about asking questions, she would be tight lipped. Hence, it would result in him changing the topic abruptly.
About Takumi Usui, Tora couldn't care less. He knew Takumi more as Takumi Walker, the heir of Walker fortune, the illegitimate son of Patricia Walker, daughter of Richard, the Duke of Raven Castle. The Walkers were an acquaintance of the Igarashi Foundation, but Takumi and Tora never were, and never would be. The only relation Tora would ever describe with Takumi would be rivalry.
And besides, his absence in Japan only favored him. He would never be as close to Misaki as he was now, Takumi would make sure of that. He wouldn't even let Tora within a five mile radius of Ayuzawa Misaki. After all, he had been a wretched jerk when he tried to obtain Misaki as he did with other girls. But what could he even do? He thought of her as a challenge back then but now…now he found himself unable to stay away from the raven haired girl. She was alluring—that Misaki Ayuzawa, the only girl to ever deny, reject, and disregard THE Igarashi Tora without batting an eyelash.
Nevertheless, Tora knew that he had to find out the reason behind her silence. He had to know, otherwise he'd be restless. He wanted to find out. So he had set a plan in mind. He was a man on a mission.
Which was exactly how the blond found himself on the doorstep of his legal advisor. He ran a hand through his hair and knocked.
"Hey! What brings you here?" stood Misaki in a loose off shoulder top with faded denim shorts. Her hair were clipped up and she had the TV remote in hand. Tora thought she never looked any better.
"I was just seeking for my advisor's help" he replied, deep in thought.
"What happened? You could have pinged me" she opened the door completely and let him in. Tora walked inside with his hands in the pockets of his pants. He sat down on the couch next to Misaki "I'm bored, let's go shopping"
"That's what you need my help in?" Misaki raised an eyebrow.
Tora smirked, thinking about an excuse "I want new cufflinks"
"You own a thousand, just put one on" she spoke dryly as she sat down next to him—one leg under the other as she changed the channels—as if looking for something to watch.
"But I want new ones" he said "I like to keep my wardrobe updated"
"So you're here to seek my help in choosing cufflinks" her jaw dropped. Unbelievable.
"Sure" he grinned.
Misaki sighed, she let a smile come on her lips "So when did Tora Igarashi start shopping from a lowly place such as Tokyo? Shouldn't his highness go to a fancy city like Paris?" she snickered.
"I'm tired of designers tailing me like dogs, I want to check out the Japanese markets this time" he spoke whimsically, like a bored king.
Misaki fake laughed and pretended to bow down "As you please, your highness"
In twenty minutes, they were out of Misaki's apartment, who had changed into a simple baby blue top with dark jeans, Tora walked next to her—in a dark charcoal shirt and denims. The duo made their way to the market place silently.
"So what do you think about this?" Tora showed her a pair of cufflinks which were black with a platinum base. Misaki averted her gaze from a gray tie she was checking out and picked up the small box from his hand and she examined the pair skeptically "Classy and bold, but you already have a similar pair, Tora" she said with a frown "Don't waste money"
"I'm just looking for something…unique. Something that I don't have. Something that's hard to get" he spoke thoughtfully as he looked at Misaki's reflection in the glass mirror walls. Misaki eyed him cynically—unaware—as she examined other cuff links placed in small boxes for them to check out. "What is with you?"
"I just like unattainable things, makes the victory sweet" he said as he placed the box on the glass counter and looked at the salesman in formals "I have this entire collection. Do you have anything else?"
"I'm afraid this is our newest collection, Sir. Can I show you any other accessories?" he inquired, very attentively "Sarah! Get some drinks for Mr. Igarashi and the lovely lady" the manager said in a panic, not wanting their customers to go.
"Right away sir!"
"Why don't you get something for Takumi while we're here?" Tora said nonchalantly as he looked at ties. As expected, Misaki stiffened. She removed her hand from the tie she was checking out and laughed "Oh, I can't find anything here"
Why did that laughter sound forced?
"But there's a lot to choose from, just pick anything you like"
After getting weird looks from Tora, Misaki sighed as she picked up the tie she was looking at moments ago and went to the cash counter. She got back with a small bag. "Are you happy now?" She would have to gift the tie away, soon. Not that Tora would know.
"Let's go" she added quickly and turned away, walking towards the next store "Do you want to check out other stores?"
"Sure" Tora walked slowly behind her, with his hands in pocket.
"Let's get coffee" Misaki said as she disappeared inside Starbucks, only to come out ten minutes later with two coffee cups. Tora smiled gratefully "Thanks, I couldn't find you inside so I came out"
"It's okay, it was quite crowded inside anyway" she spoke as they walked together on the sidewalk. The way how she dodged the topic was surely commendable, it was as if she was used to doing it. He made these observations quietly as he sipped his coffee and Misaki looked inside the window panes of stores and boutiques, not quite meeting his eyes.
"Let's get something for you" Tora spoke up after minutes of silence. They stood in front of a vintage store. Misaki looked up at the store board. The store name was in French.
"It means Life with roses" he filled her in.
"Tora I'm sure I don't want anything right now. I just shopped last week, and I hated it" she grumbled as he pulled her by the wrist and ushered them inside. She glared at him as they got surrounded by the manager.
"Hi! How can I help you today?"
"We're just looking" Misaki cut in, Tora merely laughed and the manager stiffened as she recognized Tora Igarashi.
"Mr. Igarashi, we can show your lovely girlfriend around. Please have a seat" she gestured towards the large plush couches where a number of butlers stood, ready to fulfill any of his wishes. Before Misaki could interject, Tora sent her a smirk and turned towards the manager. "I'll leave it up to you then"
"Yes! Don't worry a bit!" and she scurried towards Misaki and swept her into large racks of clothing before she could utter any more words.
"He's not my boyfriend" she mumbled, but it didn't reach the nervous manager who was showing her different dresses and accessories now. Misaki grumbled under her breath as she politely looked around for a few dresses.
"I'll take this" she pointed towards a sea green dress with pretty flowers on it. It would definitely look good on Suzuna. Misaki sighed, she bought two things today that were of no use. She went to the cash counter and dropped the item.
"No-No! It's on us" the store manager stood up and packed the items.
"I can't just have it!" Misaki said, even if it was for free and it made her happy, her pride would never let her take it. "Here" she presented her credit card to the lady, Tora stood behind with a hand on her shoulder "I've got this"
"I insist! It's on the house" the manager spoke and gave her a coupon "I'll give you 20% off discount coupons for the next purchase"
Misaki's lips curled up into a smile as she accepted the coupons "My sister will love these"
"Make sure you visit again with her" the lady encouraged and Misaki smiled with a nod. Suzuna loved coupons!
"Well that turned out fine, didn't it?" Tora asked with a smirk.
"Yeah, but" she smacked his shoulder "Let's head home already. You don't really wanna buy cufflinks, do you?" she looked at him with a sarcastic question. Of course he didn't.
"Not really" he grinned as he pocketed his hands. He didn't mention how he had the latest collection from Paris directly delivered at his doorstep.
"Great, I'm tired. Food, my place?" she offered with a smile as they headed towards the car parking.
"Sure"
Tora observed her profile as they drove home, Misaki was looking outside at the shining lights and Tora was looking at her, who shone brighter than anyone else, in his opinion. He laughed inwardly, what the fuck was up with him? More importantly, what the fuck was up with her? His lips thinned out in firm line as he looked in front. She had grown quiet at the mention of Takumi's name. Again. So he knew that it wasn't just another coincidence. He was more than ready for answers now.
They walked up her unit in silence. Misaki looked unusually distant. Tora sent a quick text as they walked in the hallway and reached her apartment.
"Can I get you a glass of water?" Misaki inquired as she unlocked the doors and invited him in.
"No water tonight" he grinned as he motioned towards her front door. A man clad in formals came in with a small trolley containing a mini fridge.
"What's in that?" Misaki said as she poured herself a glass of water and drank.
"Let's get drunk" he grinned ear to ear. Misaki sighed "You know that I don't drink"
"Just because you haven't tried alcohol before doesn't mean it's any bad" he said as he took out two beer cans and tossed one towards her. Misaki being Misaki with fast reflexes, easily caught it and looked at it contemplatively.
"This doesn't sound good to me"
"Of course it doesn't, since you're such a nun" he laughed "Don't tell me you can't down a drink"
"You underestimate me" she said with a glare as she opened the can.
"Let's see how tough you are, Ayuzawa" he challenged with a devious laugh.
"You bastard" she smirked as she brought the can to her lips.
"Don't worry, I'm not going to rape you while you're drunk" He teased her, reminding her of high school when he had pinned her to his desk—like the bastard he was. But he had changed, somehow when he was around this girl, he changed.
"As if!" she huffed. Misaki looked at him in disbelief. She had never touched the subject ever since they had become friends, but she didn't react, since Tora's tone was light. She let it pass.
"Hors d'oeuvres" He mouthed.
"Last one standing wins"
"Let's get this thing done already" Misaki said.
"Easy there", Tora only smirked as he saw Misaki drink the entire thing in ten seconds. She was so fired up that her energy was contagious, Tora couldn't wipe a grin from his face!
"Wooooooooooooowwwwwww" Misaki moaned as she clinked glasses with Tora, it was vodka's turn, finally "Started from the bottom—hic" she laughed "Now we're hic—here!"
"Not surprising at all" Tora grinned as he downed his drink. He was used to drinking, ever since he was a teenager. But Misaki on the other hand—
"You're such a lil hic-bitch Igarashi" she giggled as she smacked him on the arm.
"Sure" he said with an amused face "Tired of alcohol Ayu-za-wA?" he spoke as he poured her more vodka. "This is the light stuff"
"Who said I'm doneeE? You're done Tora, like dundundundundun!" She laughed more, fist in the air, glass in another. "Pour me your best" she grinned, like a cat.
Beer was soon replaced by vodka, vodka was taken over by whiskey, and whiskey was replaced by Tequila. Misaki was obliterated. Tora discovered that out of the various categories of drunks, Misaki was a crazy drunk. Tora, on the other hand, was a silent drunk. He was used to drinking since he was a teenager. Booze was one of the requirements of business. He laughed as he watched Misaki dance on top of the couch and yell something incoherent like "The night is still young" and "We're dopey"
Misaki hollered. She felt so full of energy but her movements were getting uncoordinated. She saw a blur of blond rolling on the floor. She recognized it as Tora. Misaki's face was red from all the alcohol, she started rolling next to Tora, they looked like two chocolate rolls on the floor. Quite a hilarious sight it was!
Tora kept laughing at Misaki's antics, booze would never get him as high as this girl did. After some pretense of being obliterated, Misaki joined him. He grinned at her, she was so out of it! It was safe to say that both of them were drunk, but Misaki was worse as it had been her first time drinking too much. Tora quickly opened his front camera and pulled Misaki.
They made a video in which Misaki was being crazy and Tora could only laugh. He tried to take the bottle from her hands but failed as Misaki caught a handful of his front hair.
"Oy! My hair!" Tora complained as Misaki took out the hair tie from her hair and tied his front hair using it.
"All better now! Tora-Chan! ~" Misaki kept laughing. Tora pretended to cry loudly when he couldn't get the hair tie out.
Misaki clicked a few photos of Tora when he wasn't looking and laughed. Tora was happy to see Misaki live freely. She was always so constrained when she was with him. He never saw her like this before. He smiled, maybe…just maybe, she would trust him more now. Maybe he could make up for the bad things he had done in his rebellious phase of teenage.
"Ne, Ne Tora-Chan! We should get drunk more often!" Misaki hollered, raising one arm and making a fist.
"Hai, Hai! Here's to drunk buddies" Tora put an arm around Misaki's shoulder and they both paraded in the apartment.
After an hour and two of loud bickering, they both slowed down. Misaki kept giggling as she looked at Tora's ponytail in adoration. Slurred words like "Tora-Chan Kawaii" still came out of her mouth. Tora face palmed. Misaki was in senseless mode.
They both sat in the small corridor which led to Misaki's bedroom. Apparently, it had been a long time since Misaki had sat on the wooden floor and ate. So they ordered pizza and kept it between the corridors. Misaki sat on one side of the wall while Tora took the second. They ate as Misaki still giggled.
Tora decided to put his plan into action. This was the right moment. When Misaki was busy eating. He gingerly said, "Misaki-Chan should slow down. Takumi is going to kill me if he finds out I got his girl drunk" he chuckled (bitterly!) as he looked up at the ceiling, a bottle of beer in his hand.
As he expected, Misaki went silent. She kept the pizza slice in a napkin and placed it next to the pizza. She pulled her legs up and folded her legs. She wrapped her hands around her knees and went quiet.
Tora was right, something was wrong.
But before Tora could say something to change the topic. Misaki mumbled in a low, almost inaudible voice, "Why should he care? What am I to him?"
Tora looked at her disbelief. Maybe they were in the middle of a couple fight. Still not satisfied with her answer, he decided to inquire more. Maybe he could get her to speak now that she was drunk.
"What do you mean?"
"You don't know anything, Tora" Misaki looked at him. She never looked so vulnerable before.
"Then enlighten me"
"He left me"
"Well, just because he left Japan, doesn't mean he left you" he said in a light tone in hopes of cheering the girl, but nothing of the sort happened.
"No, he left-left me"
It was Tora's turn to be shocked. As far as he knew, Takumi was in love with Misaki since the very beginning. He had expected himself to be happy upon hearing the news, but he wasn't. What happened? He placed the beer bottle down and looked at her as if she had grown three heads. What all took place?!
Misaki told him everything. She brought a brown envelope. It contained the magazine which Aoi had shown her.
"What if it's a fake?" Tora asked, in reply Misaki merely threw her flip phone towards him. He caught it easily and stared at the screen. The recordings were opened. He went silent as soon as he hit the play button.
To say that Igarashi Tora was shocked would be the understatement of the year. Sure he could understand that the magazine cover could be a hoax. It must have been a publicity stunt courtesy of The Walkers. But he still didn't understand. The last he had heard from his father. The Duke, Takumi's grandfather was sick and about to die. Gerald was having a terminal illness which was why Takumi had to leave for England to finally become from Takumi Usui to Takumi Walker.
But
Things didn't add up.
True that he couldn't care any less about Takumi, and his absence only made his way to Misa's heart simpler, but he felt unsettled. It didn't feel right.
Tora looked at Misaki, who was tried to control her tears. He felt bad for her. It was no secret that Misaki had given her heart to Usui. She trusted him more than anything. It must have been hard for her. Even if Takumi had to break up with Misaki because of his family, it had been six years now. Why didn't he try to come back to her? Was Misaki right? It still felt impossible for Takumi to leave her like that.
He didn't like seeing Misaki so sad. She had been so strong for the past six years. No wonder she didn't let anyone in easily—including him. It had taken him so long to even become friends with her. If it was some other normal girl, she would have been in love with him already.
Tora sighed. This was wrong. He couldn't see her like this. He pulled Misaki to his side and held her face in both of his hands.
"Look at me"
Misaki looked at him anxiously. It was hard to look at him in the eye. She felt so stupid for still crying over something that happened six years ago.
"I want you to know", he wiped her tear, "That you deserve the best Misaki. It's his loss. And there's no harm in crying. Sometimes, a good cry is what you need" He patted her head. "I also want you to know that I'm always here for you. Always. As a friend or more than that. Whatever you want" He looked straight into her eyes.
Misaki's face heated up. Did he just confess? He didn't confess to her, he's just being a good friend, pitying her. She felt so bad, burdening him with her sorrows. She could only nod, feeling drained of energy all of a sudden.
Tora pulled her into his embrace and rubbed her back soothingly. This girl, Ayuzawa Misaki, made him discover parts of him that he would never think he was capable of. But anyway, this was so unsettling. He had work to do. It was around two in the morning and that was too late to go home. He stayed put and waited for her to fall asleep. Allowing himself a moment of tomfoolery and foolishness, he cradled her in his arms and pushed her hair back.
As expected, Misaki fell asleep sometime later. He took her to her bedroom and planted a small peck on her forehead as he pulled the covers. He decided to get comfortable on the couch with sleep far-far away from his mind. There was a lot to be done.
A.N: So, Tora has found out about Misaki's breakup with Takumi. What will he do next? Will he hit on her and try to make her his own or will he be a good friend and help her heal or will he do something entirely unexpected?! The next chapter sits on my laptop and I await your answers. Tell me all about it Review section.
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