A/N:

Last part of the mini-arc. I hope you guys like it.

Do check out this manga if you happen to just stumble upon my work. I may be putting some spoilers here, so be warned!

Disclaimer: I own nothing but my ramblings here.

Midwinter Dance Party: Slow Dance, Dark Corners and Something Wonderfully Painful

[Part 4/4]

I seized my chance. God knows how much I tried so hard to stay away from her, but tonight, fate seems to have reserved a slot for me to dream a little.

It's rotten of me to abuse my power as a teacher, but I decided there would be no rules for me- for us.

Promising one of my lazy senior high student that I'd give him a chance to submit an extra credit report, I instructed him to "accidentally" spill a cup of punch down Mamura Daiki's pants.

I waited until the very moment it happened. It was all very quick; the deed was done, and as predicted, Mamura went off to the nearest men's toilet, brushing aside Suzume's offer of accompanying him outside with a casual wave and a smile.

My heart pinched when I saw Suzume return it with a smile of her own.

Determined, I made my way towards the dance floor where she was left to her own devices.

I reached her side, grabbing her right hand securely with my own and a brusque command of, "Dance with me."

I thank the fates that no one will easily recognize me in my formal tie and coat. Whatever compelled me to don the velvet mask I found in the coat pockets, I have absolutely no idea. I was only banking on the fact that I only have roughly five to ten minutes of heaven after enduring months of hell.

Suzume Yosano knew instantly that it was me the moment I whispered against her ear. I was half-afraid she would put up a protest. Imagine my relief when she slowly slid her hand at the back of neck, softly, surely, eyes gazing up to meet mine.

Her green eyes looked like crushed leaves, huge and questioning. Her lips looked dewy, inviting a man to taste them. Would they taste like raspberries, I wonder?

The small, tiny plastic headband with rhinestones nestled among the curls of her head winked against blinking lights and I began to lead her into a slow dance.

Pride can stand
A thousand trials
The strong will never fall

My hands, which I placed earlier on her slender waist travelled gently up on the small of her back, my heart pounding with each piano key tinkered by the part-time singer hired for tonight. Brushing my lips against the back of her knuckle, I placed her hand securely on my shoulder.

I pulled her closer, her body taut and tense as it made contact against my full length and breadth. Her heartbeat is erratic, and I felt glad that I can still make her insides stir up like so.

But watching stars without You
My soul cried

"You look so beautiful." I whispered against her carefully made up hair, all loose and flowing in gentle waves and ringlets. I can finally bury my fingers in them.

She nodded in acknowledgement. The air from my mouth stirred a few strands on top of her head, breathing in her strawberry scent, all luscious and ripe, ready for the picking. But whose?

"What if someone recognizes you? A teacher is not supposed to cavort with a student."

I felt my heart ache, a lump forming in my throat. I wish. I wish this would last forever.

"For tonight, maybe even for the next couple of minutes, I would like to pretend I am not your teacher, nor are you my student." I said gruffly. "Tonight, I am a man who wants to reach for a shooting star."

I felt her hands tighten their hold on me. I felt like weeping with need.

Heaving heart is full of pain
Oh, oh, the aching

We found ourselves into one dark corner of the gym, right near the storage for cleaning supplies, hidden from view by the bleachers. All students are busily paired up and dancing to the slow music being played to pay any attention to us; while the teachers are busy patrolling and keeping an eye on most of the students who attended. But with the throng of the attendees, it would be hard to keep track of everyone.

And as the song was nearing its end, and I am pretty sure that Mamura Daiki could appear any second and might start looking for her. It's now or never.

I tore the velvet mask away from my face and peered into her eyes.

Suzume Yosano, looking all grown up and ready to break more hearts tonight. So very beautiful. How many times will I endure getting my heart split into two myself?

Cupping her face with my shaking hands, I leaned down, sealing my lips on hers. I felt an absolutely sensational feeling chart a course through my veins, making me shiver with wonder.

Touch me deep
Pure and true
Gift to me forever

Her lips, so soft, so very, very sweet. I savored the taste of her- of what she would become in the future, given more time. I poured in all the feelings I felt for her, all the hopes, all the regrets on that kiss.

And somehow, she took it from me, pure and simple, without hesitation, without rejection, only acceptance.

Prying her mouth open, I let my tongue slip in and drank from her as deeply as I could, feeling my desire grew, and my hatred on myself for letting her go without much thought, and for tormenting her with my inability to decide and protect.

I'm sorry. I am so, so sorry. My heart bled.

'Cos I'm kissing you, oh
I'm kissing you

And all too soon, she broke the kiss. Pulling away suddenly, I caught a glimpse of her flushed face, her moist mouth, panting a little from the force and depth of our kiss. I saw her purple lipstick was smudge at the edges, making her look younger now, a nostalgic picture of her old self: the lanky, gauche Suzume Yosano that I first met.

"You." She took a step back.

I felt almost sorry that I took advantage of her yet again. Oh foolish, selfish bastard, what have you done?

I reached out to grab hold of her shoulders, but she fled away from my presence. But not before leaving behind one sentence with her pleading voice.

"Stay away from me…"

Where are you now?
Where are you now?

I clenched my fists, unable to run after her lest I call attention to us. I am powerless to do anything about our situation. Cruel, cruel fate. To gift me with a love that is young and pure, and so very inappropriate in the eyes of normal people. How will I expect to win?

I couldn't leave yet.

Heart still reeling from our exchange, my insides are raging. I knew all along she still felt something for me! Why else would she respond with my kiss?

I sat on the bleachers, a little higher so I can see all the students crowding the center of the gym where the dancefloor was constructed. Amidst the sea of highschool boys in their ill-fitting coats and ties, and girls trying to look mature in their tight, revealing gowns and evening dresses, I spotted my beloved in the center, looking tall and regal.

Mamura Daiki has found her and they were together again in each other's arms.

I continued to watch them long until the dance have ended. Wishing, lamenting, frustrated; the song playing in a loop inside my head.

'Cos I'm kissing you
I'm kissing you, ohh

A/N: Song was taken from Baz Luhrmann's Romeo + Juliet soundtrack entitled Kissing You by Des'ree.

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