Hi everyone, sorry it's been so long. School happened and I wasn't able to write, then when I finally had time to write I just... couldn't. Ran into a brick wall of writer's block and it sucked. :( I was actually ready to drop this story when I went back and read my unfinished ch 28. I had like 1/3 of it done, and I started thinking about it. And voila! I finished it! Yay! :D
It feels so good to be writing again. :)
I don't know if anyone is even reading this anymore... ;_; If you are, thank you so much & huge shout out to you for being patient with me. Thanks as well to anyone who's followed, faved, and reviewed. Your support really helped pull me through. ^_^
Neon Wish Likes Pine Trees: Thank you so much! I know you've been with this story since the early chapters and your reviews are always great. :))) Also your profile pic hehehehe I love it (ʃƪˆ▿ˆ) Thanks!
BizzyLizy: Thanks so much for always reviewing! :D I hope you don't find the drama in the story bad or annoying. (✿˵•́ ‸ •̀˵) If you do, please tell me so I can edit and improve! Thanks for reading and the lovely feedback!
AquilonIII: Thank you sooooo much you sweet cinnamon roll. You've read live everything I post and you always say such nice things that I don't deserve. T^T And you even noticed about the characters! I personally think Ryuu & Emi are deeper/more complex characters than Rika. (And that this story is slightly less cliche than the other one). I've been trying my best to develop them and make them even better without encroaching on MarySue/GaryStu territory. Thank you x1000 for all your support and kind words! ⊂((・▽・))⊃ Here's a virtual hug as thanks.
If you remember what was going on, I applaud you! Cause I forgot hahaha. Quick catchup: Emi & Ryuu fought when Ryuu said that the two had grown distant when she dated Kei. Then he jumped out a window. For more details, please reread.
Michi sat on the same swing as last time. Her eyes were closed and her head rested against the chain of the swing.
That can't be very comfortable. Ryuu took the swing next to her and stared up at the cloudy sky. I'm gonna get scolded when I get back. He sighed. His chest ached, and his throat stung. It was like thousands of pins and needles were stabbing his insides.
"Ryuu-kun?" Michi glanced at him, while covering her yawn.
"Oh sorry," he said. "What are you doing here?"
She smiled. "Didn't I tell you that if I'm not at my apartment, the university, or the convenience store, I'm here?"
He chuckled and turned to the sandbox in front of them. "Yeah. It's almost like you live here."
She leaned forward. "Are you crying?"
"What?" He jerked away and hastily rubbed his eyes. "No. Why would you-"
"Your eyes are just glistening more than usual," she said with a shrug. "It's okay to cry, Ryuu-kun."
"I'm not," he said, blinking the feeling away.
"What happened?" she said.
"Nothing much," he said. "What about you? I'm always the one talking."
"Well nothing interesting ever happens in my life." She smiled. "I like listening."
He gave her a weird look. "Doesn't everyone like talking about themselves to some sort of degree?"
She giggled. "Not everyone is a narcissist, Ryuu-kun."
"So I'm a narcissist?" He tilted his head in thought.
Her smile froze. "Everyone's a narcissist, Ryuu-kun. It just varies in degree."
"But you just said-"
She smiled. "Did I? Silly me. So, what happened?"
He looked at her then he faced the play structure again. "I figured out how I felt - how I feel - when Emi's dating."
"Emi?"
Shit I just said her name. Oh well, who gives a damn? She already knows my first name.
"My sis," he said.
She nodded. "How do you feel then?"
"Lonely. That's why I'm out here. I hate fighting with her, but for some reason we're always fighting. And a lot of it is my fault. I'm stubborn and short-tempered. I don't know when to stop. It's like the only thing I'm good at is fighting."
"That's not true," Michi said.
Ryuu glanced over at her and shook his head. "What do you know?"
She didn't say anything then.
They sat in silence with the wind gently swinging with them. After a moment, he reached into his pocket but found that he'd forgotten to snatch his phone. He turned to Michi. She was staring at her shoes. Her legs were extended in front of her.
Her gaze was dull, and her eyes were glistening more than usual.
Ryuu cleared his throat. Did I do something wrong? Am I just a master at screwing up? She didn't react to the sound.
"Um, Michi-san," he said.
She glanced up, blinking. "What?" She smiled and it looked normal. It looked like all the others before it.
"What time is it?"
She checked her watch. "It's almost eleven-thirty."
"I should head back," he said, standing.
"You just got here though." She stood too.
"Yeah, and they'll start a man hunt if I don't return soon."
Her lips twitched. "You should make up with her, Ryuu-kun. If you don't want to fight with her, try compromising."
He nodded. "Okay. And, just call me Ryuu."
"Just Michi then." She smiled. He stared at her. She looked too young to be spending all her time at convenience stores and universities and a dark park with an angsty teenage boy.
He sighed with a small smile. "Fine. Bye Michi."
"Bye Ryuu." She waved.
"Where did you go?"
"Just a walk," Ryuu said.
"Will you please stop these late night walks, Ryuu-kun?" Akimi said, following him up the stairs. "Or if you are going to go on them, at least don't jump out the window."
"I'll try. I can't promise anything though." He entered his room, tossing his jacket off.
She sighed, running a hand through her hair. It was down. Her brown curls framed her long face and the bags under her eyes. Akimi was ready for bed, while Ryuu was rummaging through his closet for his pajamas. "Are you alright, Ryuu-kun?"
"I'm fine." He shut his closet and stepped into the bathroom. "You can go to sleep, Akimi-nee-chan."
Akimi watched the door shut with dark eyes and a creased brow. Then she turned and entered Emi's room.
"You have to talk to him, Emi-chan," she said. The other Mazawa twin was laying on her bed, tapping away on her phone.
"Talk to him about what?" Emi said with a brief glance up. Her phone buzzed and a smile lit up on her face.
"Are you texting right now, Emi-chan? Goodness, go to sleep already. And talk to your brother sometime soon. You two need to make up."
"Why do we need to make up?" Emi sat up, dropping her phone. "He's always the one getting mad and upset."
Akimi sighed, rubbing her temple. "Emi-chan, please."
She pouted. "Fine. I'll try, but I can't guarantee anything."
"Okay, thank you." Akimi nodded, stepping out. "Good-night, Emi-chan."
"Night."
Emi didn't have to go talk to Ryuu. She was washing her face when he came into her room with a towel on his wet hair.
"Sorry," he said, leaning against the bathroom doorframe.
She glanced up at him from the mirror. "For what?"
He sighed and pulled the towel down to wrap around his neck. "For getting mad so easily and for… I don't know. I'll stop calling that dude a bastard."
Emi stared at him, and a silent second passed. Ryuu inspected the white tiles, scratching his head and fidgeting under her gaze. Then she said, "Did something happen, Ryuu?"
"No," he said, eyebrows furrowing. "I-I got some advice though."
"From a god? Did you go pray at a shrine or something?" she said.
"What? No," he said. When she continued staring at him like he'd grown an extra head, he rolled his eyes. "I've been talking to this girl at the park."
Her jaw dropped. "A girl?" She tossed her towel on the hanger and pushed him out of the bathroom. "Who? When did this happen?"
"I just ran into her one day. Her name's Michi."
"First name basis already?" Emi's eyes widened, then she smiled. "Do you like her?"
"No. Emi, come on! I hardly know her," he said and they sat down on the bed. "Why do want me to fall in love so much?"
Her gaze softened. "Cause then you'd understand why I could forgive Kei-kun," she said, looking him in the eye.
He swallowed and nodded. "Okay."
She smiled. "I'm sorry for what happened with Kei-kun, Ryuu. This time really will be different."
"Okay," he said.
Emi reached over and wrapped her arms around him. "Tell me if you feel lonely," she whispered. The knot in his stomach was unwinding, and Ryuu closed his eyes, leaning into her. He wanted to believe her.
"Okay."
Ryuu and Emi attended the Sunday event with their father. They were given a tour of the new building and all its glossy walls, tiled floors, and bright lights. They saw potential renters, business associates, and even a few reporters.
"This is crazy," Ryuu said while munching on some dangos. His hair was sticking up in every direction because he'd fallen asleep with his hair wet last night. No amount of gel that he slathered in was able to tame it.
"I know," she said. They were in the huge ballroom on the second floor. There was a table with snacks and refreshments, and everyone here was dressed in crisp suits or glamorous dresses. The third floor included a gym, a pool and spa, and several ball courts. The remaining floors were apartments.
Emi watched their dad greet several people with a smile. He looked like he was talking to old friends. Then she glanced at the elevator, which kept spilling people in and out. Realtors were taking people on tours of the apartments.
"So what do you think?" their dad said, joining their side.
"It's cool," Ryuu said with a shrug. Emi nodded.
"Seiichi-san," a voice said from behind their dad. The three turned to face a woman with short auburn hair, red lipstick, and a leopard-print jacket.
"Yuzuha-san," Mr. Mazawa said. They shook hands, exchanging smiles.
"Doesn't she look familiar?" Ryuu whispered to Emi, cupping a hand over his mouth.
She nodded and mirrored his actions. "It's the hair."
"Are these your children?" Yuzuha said glancing behind their dad. She grinned and took Emi's hands. "You must be Emi-chan. My, you are as cute as Kaoru says you are."
"Eh?" Emi's eyes widened and her face burned. Yuzuha dropped Emi's hands, turning to Ryuu next.
"And you must be Ryuu." She nodded, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "I've heard a lot about you."
"Eh?" Ryuu frowned and glanced away. "You can't believe what they say."
Yuzuha smiled. "I hope you'll continue to take care of my twins. I'm sure they're troublesome, so thanks for putting up with them."
"No, not at all." Emi said as she shook her head. "They're very fun to be with."
"For you maybe," Ryuu said under his breath.
"You seemed to be having fun playing video games with Hikaru the other day," she said, looking him in the eye.
Yuzuha chuckled and said, "That's great."
"Yuzuha-san introduced me to Yoshida-san who was the interior designer for the entire building," their dad said. "So how have you been, Yuzuha-san? It's been a while." The two strolled off to chat.
"How do they know each other?" Ryuu said.
Emi shrugged. "I didn't think we'd meet the Hitachiin twins' mom so soon."
"You mean, you didn't think you'd meet Kaoru's mom so soon."
"Maybe," she said with a smile. He rolled his eyes, so she bumped her shoulder against his. "Oh stop it."
He stared at his shoes, at Emi's bandaged foot. She was off the crutches, keeping her weight on her left foot.
"What is it?" she said, following his gaze.
"Just don't forget me." He breathed the words out. She wouldn't hear them that way.
He felt her cool fingers wrap around his. "I won't," she said. She smiled as their eyes met. "There's no way I would."
"How's your ankle?"
Emi glanced up to see Hikaru. She blinked.
"What?" he said with a small frown.
She blinked again. When she was sure she hadn't heard or seen wrong, she said, "It's good." Then she smiled. "Thanks for asking, Hikaru-kun."
"Whatever," he said, crossing his arms behind his head. They were walking down the hallway to class. Ryuu was in the bathroom, and Kaoru was nowhere to be found.
"Ryuu told me what he'd told you," she said. "I don't think you should worry. You'll always be Kaoru-kun's number one."
"I'm not worried," Hikaru said, staring straight ahead. Emi nodded and watched her feet carry her along. They were nearing the classroom when he said, "Who would you pick between the two?"
They stopped by the doorway. "Pick as in what?" she said.
"As in if you could only keep one by your side," he said.
"I wouldn't want to have to pick," she said, looking into his eyes.
He sighed and turned towards the door. "I know."
She followed after him, lowering her voice so only he could hear, "But if it really came down to it, family comes first." Hikaru's eyes widened and she smiled. "I'll make sure I never have to pick though." Then she hurried to her seat. Kaoru was already there with a wide grin on his face.
"Sorry if he's a bit grumpy," he said as Hikaru took his seat.
Emi chuckled. "Not at all. Ryuu's ten times grumpier."
"What am I?" Ryuu said, pulling his chair out.
"I said Ryuu," Emi said.
"Oh," he said, "well what is he?"
"Not as grumpy as before," she said, smiling at him. "Right?"
He glanced at Kaoru. "Right."
It was the last week for the Ouran game. November was coming to an end. The start of December also meant that winter break and finals would be upon them soon.
"So has this game been helpful?" Kyoya asked Ryuu after the Host Club had finished on Thursday. One more day left.
Ryuu shrugged, collapsed on a nearby couch. "Sure. At least I don't feel like I'm gonna pass out every time a girl touches me."
"That's wonderful!" Tamaki twirled and sprang over towards Ryuu. "I'm so proud of you, my Lost Son. You're overcoming your fear!"
Ryuu avoided Tamaki's bright, shining eyes. "Not really…"
Haruhi slung her school bag over her shoulder with a smile. "That's great, Ryuu."
"Thanks," he said. Honey and Mori began clapping; one with a huge grin while the other maintained his stoic expression. "Okay, it's not that big of a deal."
"Ryuu can stop quaking in his shoes every time he meets a girl?" Hikaru said with a smirk. Kaoru giggled.
"I didn't do that to begin with, you jerk," Ryuu said, rolling his eyes. "Besides I'm still wary around girls."
"It's progress," Emi said. She ruffled his hair from where she stood behind him on the couch.
"Perhaps we should celebrate!" Tamaki said, holding a finger up in the air.
"With cake?" Honey said, though his cheeks were already stuffed with the dessert.
"Tomorrow will be our last day with this game," Tamaki said, "so we ought to do something to end it with a bang!"
"Hm, that's not a bad idea," Kyoya said. He stroked his chin and stared at his open black notebook.
"How about a theme?" Kaoru said.
"A prince theme?" Hikaru said.
"Do we have such outfits prepared?" Kyoya asked, now writing in his notebook.
The twins shrugged. "Won't be hard to get."
"It's true we haven't done a prince theme yet," Tamaki said. "Then we should pass out crowns or tiaras for our guests! They can be princesses along with us."
"Sounds great, Tama-chan!" Honey said. Mori nodded.
"What do you think Haruhi?" Tamaki whirled towards the girl with sparkling eyes and a wide grin. "Isn't it brilliant?"
She nodded. "Sure, senpai. I need to go, so I'll see you all tomorrow." They waved at her and watched her head for the double doors.
"Leaving so soon?" Tamaki followed the girl out into the hallway. A moment later he returned, slouching and all the sparkliness gone from his face.
"I'll order the crowns," Kyoya said. "Hikaru, Kaoru, you two will handle the outfits?"
"Of course!" the twins said, saluting Kyoya.
He snapped his notebook shut with one hand. "Alright, I think we're ready for tomorrow then." And he too left the music room.
"Let's go," Emi said and poked Ryuu's shoulder.
"Okay." He stood up. They waved goodbye and headed out.
Later that day, Emi found herself at her desk, unable to concentrate on the math problem in front of her. She wondered what the outfits would look like and how amazingly hot Kaoru would be in one.
Oh God I can't study like this. She dropped her head down on the table. A moment later, after basking in a visual of Kaoru's smile, she sprang back up. I need to study. Finals are in a few weeks, and I need to do well. So she shut off the thoughts about Kaoru, no matter how hard they tried to creep back in.
The next day, Emi skipped into school.
"Okay, why are you so happy?" Ryuu said during lunch, after watching his sister wear a silly grin all morning.
"Me?" She giggled. "I'm not happy at all."
"Sure," Ryuu said, "cause your face totally says otherwise."
"Really?" Her expression didn't waver though.
"Really."
It didn't help that Kaoru seemed to be as happy. Ryuu watched the two exchange smiles during class and wanted to barf. But he didn't. He didn't say a word either. When the Host Club was open, Emi skipped right on in along with her friends and all the other guests.
"Welcome!"
Tamaki was wearing a white suit with gold tassels and cords on the shoulders, very similar to Prince Charming's outfit from Cinderella. There was a red robe over his shoulders, and a crown on his head. Kyoya had a dark blue suit with a white collared shirt and tie underneath. The Hitachiin twins were sporting forest green suits and matching captain hats. Honey had a pink suit, Mori a black one, and Ryuu a red one. Haruhi was in a beige suit with the same golden shoulder guard as Tamaki and the others.
The Hosts placed tiaras on each guests' heads, one by one.
"May I?" Kaoru said, approaching Emi with a silver crown decorated with orange gems in his hands.
She smiled. "Please."
He set it atop of her head and then stepped back to take a look. He smiled. "It suits you."
"Thanks," she said, trying not to cackle like a brainless fool.
"Kaoru, me too, me too!" a guest said, tugging on his sleeve, and he turned away.
"Don't tell me this is why you were so giggly all day," Sumiko said.
Emi couldn't contain the giggles any longer. "Maybe."
The atmosphere was charged with energy. Guests were swooning, squealing, and blushing left and right. Everyone was excited for the end of the game. Kyoya had organized a lottery, and the person drawn would receive a lucky kiss on the lips.
Before the game began, Kaoru slipped over to Emi's side near the back of the room. "You haven't answered a question this week," he said.
She smiled. "I don't need to."
"Are you in the lottery?"
She shook her head. "It's ten thousand yen per name in the lottery. Besides, I heard Tamaki-senpai's giving out the kiss."
"Oh good," Kaoru said, then glanced at her with a sheepish smile.
Her smile widened, and she pushed him towards the front of the room. "Might want to go before people notice you're missing."
"Okay," he said but his gaze lingered. Their eyes remained locked together. A moment later he nodded. "I gotta go."
"See ya." She waved and watched him disappear into the crowd.
"Now, time for the lottery!" Renge said and flourished a hand at Kyoya. "Take it away, Kyoya-senpai!"
Kyoya had a box in his hands. He gave the box a shake and held it in front of Tamaki, who put his hand in and, after some wiggling, pulled a slip of paper out. Tamaki held the folded sheet in the air. The room fell silent, and not a single person moved.
Tamaki cleared his throat. "And the lucky winner is…" There was a drum roll as the twins, Honey, and Mori beat on drums. Tamaki unfolded the paper, and the drum roll died out.
The room remained as still and silent as before.
Tamaki squinted at the paper. He flipped it upside down. "This can't be right, Kyoya," he said, and showed the paper to the other second year.
Kyoya took a glance at the paper and nodded. "It's correct."
"But-" Tamaki said. His prince-like face was beginning to crumble into his depressed one.
"Just announce the name," Kyoya said.
"Who is it?" a guest yelled out.
Tamaki looked at the girls in front of him and cleared his throat again. "The winner is… Ritsu Kasanoda!"
"Eh?!" The whole room turned towards the said person: a red-headed gangster who'd recently become a regular guest of Haruhi's. His face was turning as red as his hair and he was shaking his head.
The Hitachiin twins burst into laughter, slapping their legs while saying, "Tono's kissing Bossa nova! Tono's kissing Bossa nova!"
"You bought a lottery ticket?" a nearby guest said.
"I-I did," he said, avoiding their gazes, "bu-but I thought - I thought Fujioka-"
The girls began to scream. Kasanoda had been rejected by Haruhi just the other day, before he'd even confessed. Now all the guests were his friends.
"He wanted to kiss Fujioka."
"Oh the poor thing."
"He bought a ticket for Fujioka?"
"That's so cute!"
"Co-Could you guys do a redraw?" Kasanoda said, glaring at the ground.
"Of course!" Tamaki said. Kyoya brought the box back up, and he drew out another name. This time it was a girl.
The lucky kiss turned out to be a quick one, though Tamaki had a lot of cheesy things to say before it, like, "They may say you're the lucky one, but the truth is that I'm the luckiest, because I get to share a kiss with you."
But everyone knew he'd have said that no matter who it was.
I'm starting college in a week, so no guarantees on updating, but I will do my best to write & update. :) I don't think there's that many chapters left anyway.
Thanks for reading! Have some love cause you deserve it. ෆ〜٩(^▿^)۶〜ෆ (Fanfiction-net does not like heart emoticons it would seem...)
Any feedback is greatly appreciated! :)