Chapter 15: His Deception
His Fame, Her Self
Genre: Drama/Romance
Summary- Rima Touya is a lower class girl with a scholarship in a rich elite high school called Knight Academy, filled with rich kids, who hate her! She just wants to finish her schoolwork to graduate high school and become an artist! Unfortunately, Senri Shiki, the most popular boy in the elite academy of snobby rich kids and the known world that has his face on a magazine cover, is interested in the outcast Rima Touya and kinda stalking her...for some reason. Could it be her oversized clothing attire, or her messy hair, or her thickly framed goggles? As she tries to be distant with Senri Shiki, her family and friends push her toward him. Could something start? Or just make the Touya female hate the rich society even more?
Thankz to Readers and Reviewers: Chocolateaddictx3, ChainedHs2rt, kawaii hime-sama, Vampire-ShikixRima, eelgirl, chinesemidget, sangoyasha, Kawaii-Le, animefangurlcraz, Delightful Panda, Misery Lotus, Yasmine, , D3L1L4H, EmiriEmiko, I spell apple as appol, Amai Nigai
I hope you like this chapter; I've been really thinking over this since I started this fanfic chapter!
Here is chapter 15!
To define my relationship to Shiki, it would be close friends. Dare I say, even close to how I am with Kazou and Sachiko. Already two weeks have passed without me being irritated or truly annoyed by the male aristocrat. Sometimes he would be close by listening to my music player or sleeping.
The Knight and Princess Dance is this week, making everyone on campus rushing about the place; I managed to find a quiet, peaceful place for myself.
My book was more important than the buttons stating who to vote, the bribes of food and the new promotions made between possible president elects; I don't think they realize how this is only a school wide vote not a country vote?
With my eyes bored into the novel, I ignored the chaos of the popularity contest. I sighed.
,"Why so lonely?" My heart jolted at the voice, raising my head to see a grinning Shiki above in the branches of the tree. I grasped my hand over my heart, trying to make it calm down, "I scared you, didn't I?"
I nodded, "Kinda." After glancing what page I left off, I gently shut my book closed and placed it beside me. In a quick motion, the male model sat beside me, grinning as my ear buds stayed precisely on his lobes comfortably while listening to my playlist.
The bark of the wood tangled my hair but I didn't care at the moment; my eyelids were slowly folding and the entire scene just looked so inviting to sleep to. My nodding head made me lay my messy tresses against the surface of the tree. With quick fingers, I removed my frames from my nose and folded them and placed them on top of my book.
Something tucked my hair behind my ear and my eyes were too tired to bother opening, "You didn't get any sleep last night again?"
,"Yeah." I breathed, "Tried to finish three paintings in one night while trying to study for two pre-exams next week. I managed to finish around 3:27am."
,"Lunch ends in thirty minutes. You won't catch much sleep." I noted the familiar concern in his voice as I heard him eating.
Keeping my eyes shut, I gently sighed, "I don't care." My ears perked up at Shiki shifting his body and suddenly felt my head turned to my other shoulder, or at least, what I thought was my shoulder. Peeking, I stared up at Shiki's closed eyes and slowly inhaling and exhaling. My eyebrows furrowed, "What are you doing?"
,"I thought leaving you here to sleep alone would catch unwanted attention." His silver-blue eyes looked down at me, "Plus I don't want you to get in trouble with the administrators. I don't want my friend to lose her crown at the Knight and Princess Dance." I lightly punched his shoulder making him laugh.
,"Shut up." I closed my eyes, "I don't care. Just let me sleep."
,"Why do you bother studying so hard when you'll end up becoming exhausted during class time?" I heard his light chuckle breeze against my hair.
,"First…" I elbowed him and heard him yelp in pain as we laughed, "I always stay up in class and always performed well despite lack of sleep. Second, I can't flawlessly fail my classes and still expect myself to attend this school. I'm not the ninety-eight percent of the school."
He laughed as always. I began to drift asleep, "Rima…"
,"Hmmm" There was a long pause of silence until my ears perked at the wind and some neighborhood birds chirping, "Shiki?"
,"Sorry...can you call me Senri?" Fluttering my eyes, I slowly opened my eyes to see his azure-grey orbs starting down at me. For a brief moment it didn't feel like we were on school grounds, dozing off to sleep but in a time stand of an endless and permanent stare.
My head shot up, "Whaa?"
,"I mean, you don't mind me calling you by your first name. Even though I told you to call me Senri, you don't. Since we are friends, I was just confused to why you still call me Shiki when you call Kazou and Sachiko by their names?"
,"I'm used to calling you Shiki. But I'll start saying Senri." Lightly breathing, I placed my head back comfortably and drifted to sleep.
,"I don't have a boyfriend." Directing my glare to my giggling brunette co-worker. Rolling my eyes, I focused on clearing the changing rooms of disposed expensive clothes by hands finding it unsuitable of their taste and air.
Sachiko's sing-song voice mildly echoed in the dressing room next to me, "Really? Because that's how everyone else sees it!" I imagined a smile brimming on her face as I heard her collecting the wooden hangers clanking against each other.
Despite the mutual companionship Shiki and I have, others such as Sachiko, Kazou and Masaru view it as a romantic relationship. Blowing my hair out of my face, I grabbed the long-forgotten jeans, dresses, heels and cardigans shoved into the infamous dressing room number one, "Well, everyone is delusional." My feet backed away as I opened the dressing room door and prepared to see the clothing items and accessories scatter across the polished wooden floor. Picking up the items, I felt as though I had a part-time job assisting pigs and not socialites.
With my arms filled the many pairs of jeans, I slowly made my way to the women's section of Kokoro. Placing the denim on a table, I began to fold them gently and neatly into their respected piles they belonged in.
Sighing, I continued my work as Sachiko started placing the remainder jeans back in their usual places. Her smile was broad; revealing her glimmering pearls, "Well, everyone sees you being close to your guy friend, that they assume it's something more!" She released a sugar-like giggle as her thoughts became humorous to her while she was placing the clothes on their designated locations on the displays.
Rolling my eyes, I moved from the jeans to the tangled ball of jewelry, which caught rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets into its mess. As much as my legs were in pain from walking all day, I stood where I was and slowly tried to find the end and beginning of a necklace, "And I don't see why anyone would think of such a ridiculous idea as that. I see Shiki just as I see you and Kazou, but in a school filled with selfish, wealthy jerks." Exhaling, I finally found the pendant to the necklace, "Besides, what about you and Kazou? I haven't seen you guys come over my house lately."
It was my turn to smirk as my peripheral vision caught a vermilion shade of powder dust across Sachiko's cinnamon skin. Despite lack of romance in my life, I could see a field of flowers bloom underneath Kazou and Sachiko. They have been out almost every weekend together, from dinners paid by none other than Kazou's chivalry and Sachiko's gifts of kindness.
Her chocolate eyes widen and slightly melted, as she knew exactly whom I was referring to. But quickly turned away from me, "Who are you talking about? Kazou?" She laughed nervously as she always did when she was bashful, "We are just hanging out with each other more since you transferred schools."
Sachiko's hands were lightly trembling while placing the clothes away. Stifling my laughter only made the poor love struck girl turn an even brighter shade of ruby; it was cute to tease her, "Uh-huh. Sure."
Victoriously, I freed a pair of necklaces, a bracelet and a few mismatched earrings, "Finally! Damn snobby rich girls! I did not take a part-time job in retail to be a custodian to platinum card-holding materialistic wenches!"
Sachiko's melodic laughter was intertwined with another familiar one but was too focused on the accessory mess in my hands to pin a name to the laughter. Tired fingers slowly unraveled tangled necklace chains, making various colors of bracelets; armbands and rings clank to the polished wooden floor. Suddenly a pair of sneakers appeared close to a fallen pair of armbands lying against the wooden surface. Glancing up, Senri stood an arms distance from me as he grinned happily at me with his hands nonchalantly placed in his pockets.
Picking up the armbands, he glanced between them and me, "So, I see you're still working. And here I was thinking of being a gentleman and walking you home."
My eyebrows furrowed, "How did you get in here?" Shiki only grinned and I chose not to ask any further. I can only guess Sachiko. He caught my attention by holding the bands in my direction, I retrieved them, "Thanks. I get out in about half an hour."
While nonchalantly replacing his hands in his pockets and grinning he announced, "Then, I'll wait until you're done."
"Well, aren't you a cavalier?" Sachiko's red face disappeared as her smile appeared in-between some racks of clothing before the both of us. There was a slight mischievous glint in her mahogany orbs as she smiled between the male model and myself.
,"Get back to work." I pulled the clothes on the rack to where her face was and turned away when I heard her squeal, "Hey!" Returning to untangling the ball of jewelry, which diminished to the size of a baseball compared to a basketball it was previously. Taking a few rings out, I glanced at Shiki as he stared intently at me, "What?
Shaking his head, as though he was in a trance, "Nothing. I was just thinking."
,"About?" Freeing a few necklaces, I mentally sighed in exhaustion as I began wishing there were only a couple jewelry pieces left.
A small tint of scarlet appeared at the bridge of his nose and his eyes became intrigued with the shoe displays against the wall, "Why you agreed to marry Hashimoto?"
I dropped the ball of jewelry, which separated all the tangled accessories as it made contact to the wooden floor, "Marry?!" For a moment, I believed I heard a gleeful squeal from Sachiko speaking in unison with me, but chose to ignore it. "Who EVER said I agreed to marry anyone?! I don't even want to begin dating! Yet, you assume I would accept a marriage proposal?!"
The reddish-brown haired male appeared more beet red and immediately placed his hands up, defensively, "What?! Wait?! You weren't being proposed? You didn't accept?"
,"No!" I firmly spoke as I attempted to conceal a bit of embarrassment in my voice. While picking up the jewelry, I glanced at him, "Who told you that?"
His face scrunched slightly as he thought about it, "Yumiko told me the other day."
Rolling my eyes and frustratingly sighing, I moved to place the jewelry in their designated areas and turned to the only male. His eyes were wide like a child's; it was filled with confusion, a bit of curiosity and a tint of relief. I tied my hair back into a ponytail, while speaking aloud, "Well, that explains everything. Why does she always have to exaggerate — let alone lie — about everything?"
," Huh?"
,"She lied. Besides, I have things to accomplish before I make any rash decisions." Bluntly stating it, I began to busy myself to hide my blush due to Yumiko's delusions between me and her cousin and Shiki's slightly disappointed visage. In the corner of my eye, I noticed Sachiko with her usual sour look on her face as she was fixing a wig on a pasty looking mannequin in front of the glass doors of Kokoro, "What are you so upset about?"
Sachiko and Senri jumped at my voice. Her hair twirled as she spun her head in my direction and gave a sheepish grin, "Nothing."
Raising an eyebrow, I wasn't convinced but continued to finish up placing some last pieces of jewelry in their designated areas and displays. With a quick motion, I headed to the door while bellowing over my shoulder, "I'm done." Pushing the doors closed, I headed to my locker and quickly changed out of my uniform. With agile fingers, I slipped on my sneakers and tied the laces before getting my backpack from my locker while shutting it behind me.
As I returned, Shiki was waiting in the front entrance, awaiting for me, while lightly conversing with Sachiko.
,"Don't you think she should wear dresses more often?" My ears perked up on her sugary voice.
Shiki opened his mouth, though I intervened before he could respond, "Don't answer. You'll only encourage her." Walking to the glass entrance of Kokoro, I took one last look at Sachiko, "I'm heading home. See you later!" Shiki walked a foot or two away behind me. I noticed a impish glimmer in Sachiko's chocolate eyes.
,"Oooooh, Rima and her — gah!" I threw a handful of shirts into her face from the nearest display I was at before she finished her elementary singing.
"And I hope you walk home safely with Kazou." With a slight smirk on my face, I only felt more victorious as her cinnamon skin turned a light burnt shade of burgundy.
Walking down the dark street where the only source of light was by the streetlights of green, white and orange meters away from each other. Not even the moon was out to give us any more light; only the cricket calls and hooting owls were our company as we silently strolled down the street.
,"So, you didn't say yes to Hashimoto?"
My face felt warm, "I told you I never agreed to go with him to the dance- let alone to his nonexistent marriage proposal."
,"Ohh..." His voice held a tint of content and slight embarrassment.
Slightly glancing over, his eyes were shyly peeking towards me from the corner of his eyes- we noticed each other. We laughed until our eyes met again. Neither of us broke away; we just stood there, gazing at each other. My throat felt dry.
Finally blinking a few times, I broke away our gaze and stared into the dark streets that was mildly illuminated by street lights, lights from inside the homes, stores and the headlights of passing cars.
"So..." He stretched it out enough to catch my attention and return to look into his silver-blue eyes, " What did he ask you?"
Hopefully the dark evening didn't make him notice my scarlet blush across my face. Though I placed a good effort to speak with a shaking voice, "He asked me to The Princess and Knight dance. I declined his offer."
He raised his eyebrows, "Why?"
,"I don't want to go with him. I don't want to go at all -or even be Knight Academy's Princess." I sighed, collecting my thoughts, "I just don't want to go."
,"Don't you just want to come and hang out with us?" His silver-gray eyes glistened in a child-like curiosity under the florescent street lights. I was tempted to say, possibly scream 'yes,' but my personality is based on my sarcasm and not in confidence; I kept my mouth sealed unless my opinions get the best of me, to which I am inclined to speak rather than keep it to myself. This was one of those moments.
My home was only a few houses away and my heart palpated at the thought of Masaru or Dad seeing me walking home with Senri," I want to go with you and Big Sister, but I just hate the showcasing of the Princess and Knight."
With a few steps close to the front of my house, I quickly turned my heel towards Shiki, "Thanks for walking me home, though I could have gotten here on my own."
,"And risk you being attacked?" He shook his head with great determination, "I don't think so. Besides, I like walking you home. I almost feel like your boyfriend escorting you home."
Silence.
We both erupted in a unison laughter, "Please don't say that. Sachiko and Kazou would not let me live that down!"
I stared at him for a moment and noticed a little tinge of pain in his eyes. Why? He probably didn't want to walk me home, but felt obliged to since I was walking alone. Sighing, "Thanks again for walking me home. Have a good night and a safe walk home."
,"Goodnight." Smiling at each other, I was the first to depart from the sidewalk. Walking down the walkway and to my front door felt like a journey, and the feeling of his silver-azure eyes set on my every motion felt like an eternity. Once I placed my house key's teeth into the lock and gently turned it to a soft click, I looked over my shoulder. Senri stood there, awaiting for me to enter the safety of my abode before he returned to his mansion. A wide grin appeared on his face as her waved at me and within ear-shot said a polite 'good night' once again.
,"Goodnight," I gently grinned and waved back at him. I pushed the door and entered the house; while closing the door, I locked it behind me.
I stood in the hallway for a while, staring at the wooden floor that desperately needed to be polished. After a few minutes, I grasped the courage to look through the curtains outside. Senri had already disappeared from my street and what stood there was air. Blinking, I believe my ears were playing tricks on me. For a moment, I thought he said 'I wish,' a little while after he commented on being my boyfriend. I bet it was just my imagination. I bet I just heard him wrong. I bet I just didn't even hear him say anything.
Leaning against the wall, I observed how the producers and stage technicians set up the scene before Masaru and myself. I noticed how well they collaborated despite all of us being behind schedule; the producers were stuck in traffic for over an hour though everyone was very understanding and accepting. Except Umeki.
,"Because of the schedule delayed, I have to enter a meeting late." Umeki started complaining as he readjusted his suit jacket and nervously placed the buttons in the wrong places. He began sweating as his azure eyes filled with anxiety and his hair disheveled in every direction, "I will pick you guys up as soon as my meeting ends."
He attempted to fix his messy mane with a quick brush of his hand over the top of his head. I rolled my eyes for the fact that he could have just taken my advice and left a half hour ago. Though he stubbornly stated it would be "unprofessional" and "careless" to do so - which I believe is a lie, in hopes of even catching a glimpse or whisper of Senri Shiki.
Speaking casually, I hid my personal detest of the clothes Umeki had forced me to wear for the photo shoot. It was a blue neon dress that was too short for my taste and greatly blinded my vision more than once - I slipped multiple times going up the stairs because of the light reflected from the dress., "Don't worry, I told Dad to pick us up after this shoot."
,"Very well. I'll see both of you next week." His nervousness changed from panic to awkward; something very familiar to me as the mention of my father could cause natural disasters. Once he left, I began to question why Umeki held much discomfort and nervousness around my father, but I never could put the pieces together; it was always a big mystery to me. I stared at Masaru as I began to lose interest in the relationship between Umeki and Dad.
The fan aimed in an attractive manner, blew towards his mane and tousled it slightly and his eyes gleamed against the fluorescent lights. He shifted his personalities as much as Doctor Jekyll and Mister Hyde, but not in a negative connotation but more of showing the different sides of his personality; the Doctor Jekyll as the shy, quiet boy I grew up with and the Mister Hyde as the outgoing, charismatic young man he is becoming. Masaru turned out to enjoy the photo shoot than what I expected as I noted how he began smirking often when he felt that he was doing exactly what the photographer wanted as well. I mildly joked to myself that he was hanging out with Senri too much.
A light tap on my shoulder caught my attention, and as I looked over my shoulder I saw a row of pearly teeth and a pair of bright silver-azure eyes; he reminded me much of the first appearance of the Cheshire cat. I smiled back at Senri, "Hey! Finally out of your hiding spot?"
,"You're right he is obsessed!" He lightly chucked as we both placed our attention to my younger brother modeling almost effortlessly, "He's doing a good job!"
,"I think he's trying to emulate you in some way." Masaru's body language changed into a very casual manner as he sat down on a chair, leaning against it while placing his hands behind his messy hair, with his shoes propped against the desk, and an all-knowing smirk painted across his face.
Senri cleared his throat in a dramatic manner resulting in myself seeing him standing in a rather proud and accomplished way, "Well, he did learn from the best model!"
,"He certainly doesn't have your arrogance, but that is something that no one will be able to master." I jokingly commented as he suddenly widen his eyes in bewilderment.
His performance continued as he slightly slouched forward and held his hands over his heart and gave a agonized grimace, "Ouch! That hurts!"
We both laughed together, though continued to be focused on Masaru's modeling. A few times our hands lightly touched each other, and I felt his hand twitch towards me once in a while; the instant of contact made me blush lightly but concealed any form of expression. We just barely touched each other, it wasn't on purpose, right?
Despite the photo shoot starting later than expected, the photo shoot went quickly and smoothly on schedule due to Masaru placing a effort to change quickly and be attentive to the directions give by the producers and photographers. Thanks were exchanged for a good well done as well as apologizes from the producers and stage technicians, though everyone was quite understanding — unlike Umeki.
As everyone departed, Masaru and I awaited for Dad to come pick us up in the front of the studio. Senri decided to stay with us, despite the fact that Yasu and his limo was there. He offered to take us home but I insisted that my dad really wanted to pick us up from the modeling studio; thus, he keep us company until my father's car came into view.
Senri joked and conversed with Masaru quickly before doing a quick testosterone-made handshake. Once he turned to me, he held his arms out to me and we both embraced each other for a while.
His cologne mixed with his vanilla shampoo held a very interesting fragrance; something very comfortable and nostalgic. I felt compelled to hold him for a long time but decided against it.
Once we released from our hug, he opened the passenger's door and closed it once I entered the vehicle and buckled my seat belt. Dad thanked Senri for waiting with us until he arrived and once he drove off, we waved goodbye to Senri.
For a moment, I thought I had glimpsed his eyes change from cheerful to sorrowful. My eyes might be playing tricks on me.
Laying on my bed, I stare at my plain white ceiling daydreaming about a scenario between Senri and myself:
We are walking together through an empty neighborhood park. My stomach whirled a bit at the contact of our skin grazing each others. My body reacted too quickly for me to process until it was too late.
My lips were gently placed on his cheek. I had given Senri Shiki a quick, caste kiss. My heart stopped as I slowly pulled away and we were in a silent stare-off with each other. Surprised by my actions, his mouth was suddenly agape. I was unable to determine his feelings as his eyes were wide and slightly misty; a sense of confusion and surprise but something else that I could not identify.
He didn't want me to kiss him? Everything in my body collapsed as I realized it was something he didn't expect. All my emotions came flooding: guilt from kissing him unexpectedly, pain from my feelings unreciprocated, and embarrassment from my bold actions. Overall, I felt like a complete idiot - I was not able to think and control myself. Not only did I embarrass myself on my first kiss but also for kissing Senri!
It wasn't even on the lips but I still felt so stupid! I am such an idiot! I steadily stepped a few steps aback from Senri despite my inner turmoil.
My heart dropped painfully into an abyss, "I'm so sorry! I sincerely apologize for my actions! Senri, I am so-so-so-so-so sorry!" He stood silent for a moment, which felt like an eternity for myself, "Forget that happened. Let's just pretend that never happened. Just forget that it ever happened, okay?"
As I was turning around to continue walking, I felt a force turn me around and a pair of lips graze against mine. Blinking, I noticed a pair of closed eyelids, a few messy brown-red stands of hair, and a pair of dry - yet warm - lips were on my lips. Closing my eyes, I felt a pair of rough hands gently wrap around my waist and pull me closer to their body. The butterflies in my stomach were released at the warm touch of his hand moved from my waist to my chin. He gently tilted my face toward him and separated from my lips once he placed a barely-there peck on my cheek.
My entire body felt warm, my head felt a little light and my legs were hysterically trembling.
I forcefully shook my head and awoke from my trance. A bittersweet feeling envelopes me as I quickly shot my torso up from my bed sheets. Blinking, I felt very warm and happy at the thought of Senri seeing more than a friend but I fear being rejected, or worse, heartbreak. Though, the thought of being in a gentle embrace in his warm arms eased my fear and doubt for a short moment. Everything about him — his eyes, his smile, his laugh, his dislikes, his interests, his accomplishments, his failures, his family, his warmth, his aroma, his hair, his happiness — were all that I could think about. Everything about him filled my every though and I wanted to be with him. I had never felt this way towards anyone like I am feeling right now towards Senri, it frightens me a little. It makes me feel so vulnerable when I am so used to have such tight reinforcements on the walls I put in front of others.
A series of light taps interrupted my train of thoughts. I looked up to discover a grinning Senri at my window tapping nervously against the glass. I noticed he was sitting on a tree branch, the one that grew close to my window. For a moment, my heart fluttered a little from his appearance. Though I quickly pushed that feeling aside as I walked over to my window and opened it., "What are you doing?! Are you crazy?"
"Please move away a bit." Oddly, I did as he asked and saw him tumble to my carpeted floor while letting out a huge sigh of relief. My confused expression was unnoticed by him as he turned back to peek through my window but was lowly crouching.
,"Excuse me!" His mane of reddish brown hair lightly swayed to look at me, "Can you explain to me why you decided to come through my bedroom window unannounced and unexpectedly?!"
He was breathing very quickly, as though he was running a marathon from here to Timbuktu in five minutes. Inhaling, he finally glanced at me with relief eyes and spoke in-between breaths, "Run-ning...aw-ay...from...pap-a-raz-zi..."
My eyes widen; I glanced out my window to see a small crowd of people scattered across the street wearing the same attire of a professional camera in their hands with the strap around their necks. Some were men and others were women, both dressed in a mixture of business and casual attire. All were looking desperately up and down the street for — what I assume to be — Senri Shiki.
My eyes widen even more as I swiftly shut my window and closed my curtains, "They followed you into my street?!"
The male model gave an apology in the form of a nervous, boyish grin and a sheepish, "Oops..." I scowled at his playful manner at the situation, " I didn't think they would come searching for me on your street!" His stammered as I raised my brow, "I-I didn't mean it that way, I-I ju-just meant that it was they wouldn't think to f-find me here."
Heading to my door, the male model suddenly gained enough energy to go past me and block me from the doorknob. With worried eyes, "Please, don't open the door! Don't make me go out there! Will you please let me stay here for a little bit?"
Contemplating the situation in my head, I sternly said, "No"
"Why?" His silver-grey orbs pleaded for me to change my answer.
Sighing, I held out my index finger, "First Reason —"
"You mean there's a second reason?!" His tone held a bit of nervousness and bewilderment.
Despite being interrupted, I continued with my monologue, "First Reason, is with you being here draws unwanted attention to me and my family. We do not need paparazzi swarming all over our house different hours as well as them crazily and possibly breaking into our home. Second, the last thing I want is anyone knowing that I'm a model and even dare to assume we are together."
A dark eye brow and smirk arose, "Together?"
"As friends, the tabloids would use any opportunity to dramatize us as having more than a mere friendship." My voice was calm and matter-of-factly, though for a moment I believe my voice was a bit shaky and unstable. Was my voice actually shaky because of Senri?
His large silver-grey orbs looked into mine; there was a child-like plea, as though he didn't want to be found out from his great hiding spot in a game of tag and hide-and-seek.
,"Fine, you can stay." Before he could cheer and celebrate, I quickly added, "But only until the photographers are not in front of my house!"
The reddish-brown haired model replied with a defeated sigh, "Okay."
Sighing, I felt a sudden feeling to oblige to his child-like behavior, "I'll be back. Don't leave this room. Umeki might come to the house at any time." I spoke warningly as I closed the door behind me.
Though not entirely a lie, it wasn't the truth either. But I didn't want to risk certain scolding from Dad and teasing from Masaru because I happen to have a boy in my bedroom — and not just any boy, Senri Shiki.
Descending down the stairs, I felt complete relief once I realized I was the only person in my house, besides Senri. I walked to the kitchen and opened the pantry overhead the clean dishes on the dish rack. Though, I couldn't help but notice Masaru's small pile of dirty dishes in the sink; I'll make a mental note to remind him. My hands grabbed a blue medium size food container from the bottom shelf and closed the door to the pantry. With lethargic steps, I walked back up the stairs and entered my room to find a bored Senri staring at my bookcase.
His eyes focused on the intricate and multiple book covers as well as the authors and titles of every book. I froze, watching his hands move across one spine of a book to another while his face held such seriousness. I almost felt as though his piercing blue-gray eyes were criticizing and judging me based on my taste of books. Suddenly, he realized my reappearance in the room, "I didn't know you read Italian." He pointed to a used book in good condition with its edges a bit damaged and the cover a few shades faded from its previous emerald vibrant color.
,"I don't." I took a few steps toward him and pointed to the author's name —Publius Ovidius Naso — printed on the cover, "It's Latin."
,"Latin?" His seriousness turned to confusion then amazement, "You know Latin? But aren't you taking a different foreign language class?"
,"Yes, but I passed the foreign language exam on Latin and was eligible to take an advanced language class derived from Latin." His eyes widen to the size of dinner plates as I spoke while looking at the books, particularly the ones in Latin.
,"How did you learn Latin?" The blue eyes stretched across my shelf, searching for the Latin titles, as though connecting them all would create a diagram or picture to answer his question.
, "I taught myself Latin when I became interested in epic poems in middle school." My eyes lingered on the book in his hands, " The one you're holding is actually the first one I was interested in."
,"Why?" He glanced at the title, "What made you interested?"
"I felt like we were the same. Ovid was exiled at one point in his life and so was I. That was enough of an interest to me." His eyes were vacant, unable to comprehend; I decided to change the subject, "But my true passion is art. Mainly painting and drawing, as well as a little bit of writing and some music. Especially when I felt reading was just me interpreting others, whereas, I felt painting was a way for me to express myself."
He smiled and looked down, "What's that?"
Following his gaze, it lead me to the blue container in my hand, "Oh, I had a feeling you'll be here a while so I brought you some homemade cookies."
,"You bake, too?" He grinned widely as though the cookies weren't the only treasure he had. Senri's blue-silver eyes sparkled as I nodded, though unexpectedly dimmed as he looked between myself, the book in his hands and the food container.
The silence and sudden rollercoaster mood swings were enticing my curiosity, "What?"
Placing the book back on the shelf, he hesitantly looked at me, "You're a really great, interesting person, Rima. Do you think we can go to the Dance, together just to have fun?"
,"Sure." I spoke very softly, "We're friends, so of course we can go to the Dance together." Even though we were friends, why did it cause a pain in my chest when I said that?
By some miraculous force, I was compelled to help set up for the Knight and Princess Dance, though it was more from Big Sister Yumiko's begging and pleading me persistently.
While clearing the gym which appeared more like a gala, I noticed Osamu request a group of males to bring in the tables and chairs, along with the exquisite furniture of the elite.
With Big Sister Yumiko balancing the wobbling ladder, I was able to place dark blue, silver and black streamers along the entrances of the large hall. It was the only time I wasn't afraid of destroying the decorations or sending someone in an ambulance truck. Slowly descending down the ladder, I made cautious steps one after the other and I alternated in looking behind my shoulder to ensure I was close to the ground.
Once I was on the surface of the floor, I glanced between the streamers and Big Sister Yumiko, "Do these look okay?"
"They look amazing!" Her silver eyes shone in the light as she tucked her chocolate hair behind her ear, "Are you sure you were banned from a school dance because you were klutzy?"
,"Trust me. It's true." The memory of the sudden chaos I evoked in my previous school's made me mortified with embarrassment and yet some-what proud of the turmoil I created.
She spoke with a hint of joy as she walked away in order to help some other students, "I'll be back, I need to get more streamers for the students to put on the other side."
I nodded, as I returned to the flashback of my previous high school horrors due to my lack of coordination and proper stability.
,"Hey! Need some help?" I nearly out of my skin in fear of the voice breaking me from my trance. Turning around, the visage of Hashimoto came into view with his violet orbs shining behind his gold mane.
He held his hand out to help take the strap I held over my shoulder. It was a duffle bag containing the shiny decorations meant to be positioned on the ceiling of the room; the bag's weight was talking an immense toll on my left shoulder, "Thanks. The bag is really heavy."
His voice was very casual as he easily and effortlessly swung the bag over his shoulder, "No problem." I laughed when he jokingly winked, "It's my pleasure."
"Hashimoto!" A voice echoed throughout the gymnasium. Turning my head toward the entrance, I caught a glimpse of a pair of angry silver-blue eyes and a mane of messy reddish-chestnut coming towards me and Hashimoto, "Get away from her!"
Before Senri could confront Hashimoto, I stepped forward a couple steps to prevent the situation from escalating, "Relax, Senri. He was just helping me."
His eyes were in a deadlock stare with Hashimoto's violet eyes, "You shouldn't trust him."
,"You're the one to talk!" The violet-eyed male bellowed back to Senri, slightly making an echo as well as nearly catching every student's attention.
The male model's eyes widen and he took a quick step forward, "Shut up!"
I stood my ground between both aristocratic males, "Stop arguing!" I didn't want either of them to be bruised or bloodied in any way, and I certainly didn't want to be beaten up in the process of breaking up their fight.
"Shiki isn't the guy you think he is." Hashimoto returned a fierce glare to Senri before placing the duffle bag of decorations on the polished wooden gymnasium surface
,"What are you talking about?" My eyes became focused on the aristocratic male with blond hair.
,"Hashimoto" Senri's voice was stern, "Not another word."
"He lied to you Rima." My heart dropped at his words.
,"What?" Blinking, I glanced between Senri and Hashimoto. I couldn't decipher between Senri's statue-like anger and Hashimoto's orator-like confidence, "Lied about what?
,"Everything." My heart dropped again but I was the only one to hear it shatter.
So, I am completely, utterly, and entirely sorry for making everyone wait for me to update this story. I never meant to do so but a lot of things came up. I never expected to be on a year and a half hiatus; so I am very sorry to everyone!
First, I've been trying to get over writer's block and find some inspiration to write this chapter and of course future chapters of this fanfic. Second, I've been very busy and nervous about attending college as well as adjusting to my first year of college. But now I'm in my second year in college (yay! \(O^O)/ )and will hopefully be able to update more often!
Again, I am sorry for making you wait but I will work really hard to update sooner! I have not given up!
Because of so much messages I've been unable to reply to personally, I've decided to place them here:
RYNO: I was personally taken aback at your message though I was very gratefully you wrote it to me. I'm fresh out of high school and jumped into the college pool miles away from home so I can empathize on being on your own. I've also dealt with a speech impediment early in my childhood and the only way for me to communicate any of my many feelings and thoughts into writing. I am a very shy and complex person who was not the most popular and outgoing one in the crowd. Thus making me assume this fanfic would not get much attention or readers. XDD My writing is pretty vague and broad but at times I am unable to be as creative as other writers; so I must apologize on my personal lack of detail. But I was truly and deeply touched by your message, it gave me a reason to continue my passion of writing and improving it. Thank you for your words and I hope to hear more from you!
eelgirl13: I'm glad you enjoy my writing style (I'm actually improving! =D). And about the mystery guy, you and everyone will find out next chapter!
ShimaVK: I'm glad you like the story and characters! I actually based Rima's friends based on some of my friends that I have had in my life. I love it when Rima wears glasses too; I personally think because it brings a change of identity- a face isn't only skin and eyes but also a pair of glasses. Just wait until you read the ending for Rima and Shiki's fate! =D
Misery Lotus: I'm sorry I updated very late but I still hope you enjoy the new chapter! I'm glad you had that floating feeling since that was the kind of effect I was hoping for. I kinda wanted to make it seem like a real light sensation almost close to enjoying the idea of liking someone.
Yasmine: I'm sorry for the delay in updating but I really appreciate the support in this fanfic!
iheartmyiPod: I'm so glad you really enjoy the fanfic! I welcome new readers at any time! Rima is a very stubborn person so it might take some time for her to realize it herself XDD I'm sorry for not updating sooner but hopefully you enjoy reading the new chapter!
D3L1L4H: I'm glad you are enjoying the fanfic but I'm sorry to say that it does not contain anything pertaining to vampires. I decided to set it where there was no vampires just to get a different feeling to it.
EmiriEmiko: I'm really glad you enjoyed the fanfic so much! I'm sorry I didn't update sooner but I hope you both enjoy this new chapter!
I spell apple as appol: And you shall receive more! XDDD I'm really grateful for the support!
Amai Nigai: Some of those questions will be answered in the new chapter and upcoming chapters too!=D
Sagatsu Rijinshai: Thanks! I know I have a bad sense of grammar and spelling but I'm still glad you enjoy the story and characters!
Chinacat123: Don't worry, I haven't stopped. I just really had a long period of writer's block. I'm really glad you enjoy the story, characters and plot (and could enjoyably read it amid my horrible grammar! XDDD) I greatly appreciate the support! =)
AngelofAgony51213: Thank you for reading and reviewing! I'm sorry but no one is a vampire in this fanfic; I thought it would be interesting if this story was set where everyone is human.
Patientlywaiting: I appreciate your patience and support of this fanfic! I am sorry I was unable to update sooner T.T But I hope you enjoy this chapter and future chapters! =D
