I'm late again. I'm so sorry guys. I've actually been caught up with a tv series. I've been watching a lot of that. So sorry! My bad. I'll try to speed things up. I didn't really plan the story properly. Chapter 1-5 was all one day, the first day of school. I could have shorten all that. Chapter 6-8 is also one day. I'll try to make the chapters longer. Also thanks to those who review, followed and favourite. I really appreciate it. Your reviews (positive ones!) always makes my day. Thank you! :)
Anyways, I did a little research about the seasons in Japan, when the school year starts and ends and also the school holiday dates. I live in a place where its summer all year long. So I never experience spring, autumn and winter before. Sad. So over here, my school year starts January to November. First term is from January to March. Then we have one week of holiday. Second term is from after the March holiday to June. We have the whole June as a mid-year holiday. Third term is from July to September. We have one week of holiday. Then the fourth term starts after that one week of holiday to November. Then it starts back from January where we go to the next level. Ok, back to Japan. I'm following the info I got from Wikipedia and Yahoo answer. The school year starts April. 3 months passed already. So it's now around end of June. Their summer holiday will start at the end of July to the end of August. So I'll tell you more when the story gets there.
READ THIS! IMPORTANT!
I've thinking of changing the title of my story. When I started this story, I just put a random title up. Should I change? I don't know what to put as a title. So review or PM me, telling me whether you want me to change the title or not and suggest a title for me. :)
I don't own Shugo Chara!
Chapter 9: Hanging out with Ikuto
1 month later (To those who are lazy to read my author's note on top, it's about the end of June now.)
Amu's POV
Vibrate. Message ring tone.
A message? I took out my phone and looked at the message. It was from Ikuto.
'I'm all alone, water everywhere. You should know where I am. Wanna come?'
I message him back.
'Stop being so poetic. Well... I don't know.'
'You're not working today right?'
I wasn't working today. Yep, I got a job. I couldn't just be studying and having fun, relying on my parent's money. So, I got a job. It's a great way to pass time sometimes. But I get lazy too. I work at a café near school as a waitress or cashier. My colleagues and I take turns, but I usually work as a waitress.
'Nope.'
'Then come here. The sunset is beautiful. You're gonna miss it.'
I sigh. I love sunsets. That totally make me want to go there.
'Fine. I'm coming.'
'Great. See you!'
I walked to my car, got in and started driving to the lake. Yep, the lake. It's one of Ikuto's special alone time place, where nobody goes. Well, now that I'm going, he's not really alone anymore. He always ask me to go there. He took me there for the first time a few weeks ago, after the trip to the amusement park. The sunrise and sunset there was always amazing.
Flashback
"Hey Amu," I turn around to see Ikuto walking towards me. "You wanna go somewhere?"
"Where?"
"My alone time place."
"Your alone time place?" I asked to make sure I heard correctly. It sounded weird. But I guess people want alone time especially people like Ikuto.
"Yep."
"Your alone time place," I repeated. "Well, if I go, aren't you not alone anymore?"
"I guess," Ikuto replied. "Then just call it 'our alone time place'."
I smiled a little.
"Hmm... Thinking perverted stuff we can do alone huh?"
"W-what?! No! Idiot! You're the pervert."
Ikuto just laughed at me. I looked away, blushing with embarrassment.
"Come on. The sunset there is amazing."
I fought with myself. I always love the sunsets. Finally I gave in.
"Fine."
We went into Ikuto's car. The ride wasn't long. Soon enough, we reached Ikuto's so called 'alone time place'. I got out of the car.
There were trees everywhere. This probably wasn't the place. Ikuto said there was a sunset but the trees covered the view. I was right.
"This isn't the place."
"Ok. Lead the way then."
"Close your eyes."
"Why?" I looked at him with a confused looked.
"It's a surprise."
"Are you going to play a prank on me?"
"No," he said, quite seriously. "Just close your eyes. I'll bring you that place."
"If I close my eyes, how am I suppose to walk?"
"I'll carry you." Now he's smirking.
I blushed a little. "N-no way!"
He sighed. "I'll hold your hand." He reached out his hand for me to take.
"Fine." I gave in. I took his hand and closed my eyes. "You better not make bang a pole."
He chuckled. "Don't worry. I won't."
He started walking, pulling my hand. His hand was so warm. I liked the feeling. I blushed. Did I just think that? I hope Ikuto didn't see that.
Throughout the walk, I just followed Ikuto. He was constantly telling me to be careful.
"Move here a little. There's a pole."
"Stop there. Lift your leg up. There's a step."
Be careful. There's a puddle of water. Jump over."
I don't get why I have to close my eyes. It's so troublesome.
We finally reached the place. Ikuto told me to open my eyes and did.
I opened my eyes to see a lake. And just like what Ikuto told me, sunset. It was very beautiful. The different shades of orange and the glistering waters.
I stared at the scenery in awe. "It's so beautiful."
The wind blowing in my face, making my hair sway one side. Ikuto was standing behind.
We decided to sit on a rock. I took out my shoes and dip my legs in the lake. The water was cold. I felt nice. Ikuto was sitting next to me looking ahead.
"Hey, let's take a picture."
"You want to take a picture with me?" Ikuto looked at me and smirked. "Why?"
"N-no particular reason..." I looked away, trying to hide my blush. He always had to tease me. And never fails to make me blush. "It's just to remember today."
I turn back to him, to see him actually smiling at me.
I took that as a yes and took out my phone. I opened my camera and changed it to the front camera. I held it out but my hand was too short so it cut off half of Ikuto's face.
I was trying to adjust the phone in an angle that could see both our faces but I only ended up cutting half my face. Ikuto then took my phone and held it out. His hands were much longer than mine so it was able to get both of us.
"Smile," he whispered. I smiled and he press the button to take the picture.
He gave me back my phone and I looked at the picture. It was nice. Though we kinda look like a couple. I blushed. I can't believe I thought that! Ikuto and I a couple?! Sure Ikuto is perverted. But he can be sweet at times. Anyways, even if I actually like Ikuto, it's not like he would choose me. There is so many other girls he can choose. So many girls throw themselves at him. I'm just another girl in the world. No way he would like me.
"Why you blushing?"
My eyes widened a little. He saw me blush? "N-nothing..."
"Hmm... Sure," he smirked.
"What? I said nothing!"
"I didn't say anything."
We didn't say anything after that. We just sat there in silence until the sun fully sets. Ikuto suggested we head back and that's what we did.
End of flashback
Ikuto's POV
I was sitting on the same rock I always sit. I was staring at the sunset. It was beautiful as usual. If Amu doesn't come quick, she's going to miss it. I was waiting for Amu to come, remembering the first time I brought her here.
Flashback
I was going to the lake again. I always go there when I want to be alone. But somehow, I wanted someone's company. Not just anyone, I wanted Amu's company. I decided to ask her to come.
I found Amu and asked her to come with me. After some teasing, she finally decided to come. I told her the sunsets there were beautiful and she gave in. I guess she likes sunsets.
We reached the place and I parked my car. Though we still had to walk to reach the spot I always go to. I decided to surprise her so I told her to close her eyes. She unwillingly gave in. I led her to the spot I always go to.
We reached the spot I always go to. The scenery was as beautiful as always. I told Amu to open her eyes.
She stared at it. "It's so beautiful."
I agree with her. The sunset had many different shades of orange and the water was glistering. Sometimes I come early in the morning to see the sunrise. But most of the time I come to see the sunset.
I was standing behind Amu. The wind blowing her hair, making it sway. Her standing there just makes the scenery even more beautiful. I smiled. She was really beautiful.
Am I falling for her? I don't know. I'm so confused with my feelings.
She's different than other girls. She's special. I used to play with girls feelings. I have so many ex, you can't even count. Some only last a few days.
(A/N: It's possible for relationships to last for a few days only right? One of my friend had an ex that last less than 24 hours. I don't know how that is even possible. Haha...)
I feel different around her. Sure she's fun to tease. But I feel like I want to protect her. I don't want to hurt her.
Arg... The more I think about it, the more confuse I get.
We decided to sit on the rock and watch the sun set. Suddenly Amu asked if I wanted to take a picture. I was going to agree but I just had to tease her first.
I said something that make her blush. She was looking away but I knew she was blushing. She's so cute when she blushes. I smiled.
She turned back to me and took out her phone. She tried getting the both of us in the picture but failed. I took the phone from her. Since my hand was longer, it was able to get both of us.
"Smile," I whispered. She smiled and I press the button, taking the picture.
She took back her phone and looked at the picture. Suddenly, she blushed.
Naturally, I teased her. She defended herself, saying it was nothing but is knew she was thinking something. I didn't pester her anymore and we both sat there in silence.
We sun fully set and I suggested going home. Amu agreed and we went back.
End of flashback
(A/N: Ikuto's POV is much shorter. I didn't want to write the conversations. I think you guys won't want to read it again too.)
"Hey," I turn around to see Amu walking towards me. She sat on the rock I was on.
"You came on time," I said. "Or you'll miss it."
"Yeah..." She looked at the sunset. "It's beautiful as usual."
We sat there in silence, watching the sun set. But Amu broke that silence.
"Hey, can you play your violin?" She must have seen my violin that was place next to me.
"Why?" She looked at me, a little confused. "I play in class, you get to listen then."
"Yeah... But you always play half way or go the other music room to practice. Besides that, the people in class are always too noisy."
"Hmm... I'll consider."
"Please."
"Ok..."
"Great!" She was smiling widely.
"Tonight."
"Tonight?"
Seeing the sun already set and it was getting dark, I decided to head back. I got up and took my violin. I looked at Amu. She had a confused look again.
"Yeah... Meet me at the rooftop tonight."
With that, I left.
Amu's POV
Ikuto just left. Should I go tonight? The rooftop huh?
The rooftop was also one the places Ikuto goes alone. But Utau, Rima, Yaya and the guys knew this place. It's wasn't a secret place like the lake. Only him and I know this place. Sometimes, we would hang out at the rooftop for lunch or star gaze at night. The view there is amazing, just like the sunset. The stars twinkling in the sky. Ikuto goes up there the most.
I was thinking whether to go up there tonight. I bet the stars are going to be the amazing. I love the twinkling stars in the sky just as much as I love sunsets. I wasn't doing anything tonight so I decided to go.
I took my car to a café to have dinner. I thought of calling the girls for dinner but I remembered that Yaya had a project she needed to finish. Utau was going another date with Kukai. Rima was probably hiding inside the dorm reading the new gag manga she just bought today. I didn't want to disturb her.
After dinner, I went back to the dorm. Rima really was hiding in the dorm, her head buried in the gag manga.
"Hey Rima!"
She glanced up and said a little 'hi'. Deciding not to disturb her, I took my clothes and towel to bathe.
I took my time. Shampooing and conditioning my hair, soaping my body.
I got out. Rima was still sitting on the end reading that manga.
"Hey, don't you need to eat or something," I said while I got my phone, which was charging when I went to bathe.
"Nah... I'm not really hungry. And I want to read."
"Well, ok. But don't let that book stop you from eating."
"I'm not..."
"Ok ok... I'm going out."
"Oh ok... Where you going?"
"Rooftop."
"Rooftop? Why would you go there?"
"Ikuto asked me to meet him there. And I like to star gaze. You should know how beautiful the stars are now."
"Hmm... Going out with Ikuto huh?"
"I didn't say that."
"He said he will play the violin for me."
"Ok... Bye."
"Bye!"
I slowly walk up to the rooftop. Once I reached the top, I opened the door and saw Ikuto already sitting there.
The wind was blowing his hair. He kinda looked handsome... I have to admit that he does looked handsome. I blushed.
Ignoring that thought, I walked over to Ikuto.
"Hey," I called.
"Hey," he muttered back.
I looked up and saw all the stars. They were really beautiful.
"The stars are beautiful."
Ikuto looked up. "Yeah..."
I turned my head back down. I tilt my head a little and saw his violin at his side.
"So you going to play the violin?"
"Maybe..."
"You promised!"
"I didn't."
"But you said you will play when I meet you here."
"I'll make you a deal."
I stayed silent, waiting for him to say something.
He turned to looked at me. He was kinda of creeping me out.
"I play the violin for you, you sing for me."
I stared at him. Sing for him? That's ok. I guess... But my voice isn't exactly great or anything.
"Why?"
"Well, I play the violin, you should sing."
"Fine."
"So deal?"
"Deal."
"You want to song first."
I shook my head. "You play the violin first."
"Any specific song?"
"Nah. Just play a song you're most familiar with."
He didn't say anything else and took out his violin. He placed the violin on his shoulder and his chin on the violin. He took out his bow and started playing.
The song gave me a sad feeling but was really beautiful. I closed my eyes, carefully listening to the music. Ikuto was really a good player.
The music soon came to an end. I was a little sad it ended. I slowly opened my eyes. Once I opened them, I was staring straight into Ikuto's midnight blue eyes. They were so mesmerizing.
"So how was it?" I snapped out of my own world when Ikuto said that.
"It was sad yet really beautiful. I guess that's what makes it special."
"Thanks," he paused for a while. "I never played it in class before."
"Well, I never hear you play that before."
"You're the only one who heard it and my family. My dad taught me how to play."
"That's nice," I smiled.
There was silence for a moment until Ikuto spoke up. "We made a deal. You going to sing?"
"Yeah..." I looked up. "Can we watch the stars first?"
"Ok... But you owe me that song."
"Ok ok. We made a deal, right? I won't break it."
He didn't say anything else. He laid down so did I. We watched the stars sparkling in the sky.
My eyes were moving around, looking at all the stars. Then, I spotted it. Orion's Belt. It always seems to be the easier to spot.
"Look! Orion's Belt. That 3 stars in one straight line," I said while pointing to the direction of where the 3 stars were.
Ikuto looked to where I was pointing at.
"I never knew much about this stuff. They're all just stars to me."
"Haha... Yeah. Me too. I only knew those 3 stars always in a straight line is Orion's Belt." I paused. "Other than that, they're all just beautiful stars, sparkling in the sky."
Ikuto stayed silent.
"Anyways, you want me to sing?"
He looked at me and smirked. "So eager to sing for me?"
I blushed. That guy! "N-no! You wanted to me to sing. I can don't sing."
He chuckled. "I was just kidding. I want to hear you sing."
"What song you want me to sing?"
"Anything."
"Uh ok..."
I was thinking of what song to sing. Suddenly, it just struck me. It was the perfect song.
I took a deep breath and started singing.
Counting Stars by OneRepublic
(A/N: I really love this song! There is 2 versions I really like. One is by Christina Grimme and another one is by Chrissy Costanza & Alex Goot. Go search then on YouTube. It's really nice.)
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars, yeah we'll be counting stars
I see this life like a swinging vine
Swing my heart across the line
And my face is flashing signs
Seek it out and you shall find
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
I feel something so right
Doing the wrong thing
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, coudn't I, could lie
Everything that kills me makes me feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
I feel the love and I feel it burn
Down this river, every turn
Hope is a four-letter word
Make that money, watch it burn
Old, but I'm not that old
Young, but I'm not that bold
I don't think the world is sold
I'm just doing what we're told
I feel something so wrong
Doing the right thing
I could lie, could lie, could lie
Everything that drowns me makes me wanna fly
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be counting stars
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Everything that kills me makes feel alive
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be counting stars
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
But baby, I've been, I've been praying hard,
Said, no more counting dollars
We'll be, we'll be, counting stars
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
Take that money
Watch it burn
Sink in the river
The lessons are learnt
I finished the song. Ikuto was just looking at me.
I asked the same question he asked when he finish playing his violin, "so how was it?"
"Your voice is beautiful."
I blushed. No one really told me that before. "Thanks."
"Beautiful. Just like you."
I blush got darker. I didn't say anything and tried to look away.
I felt a hand went under my chin. Ikuto's hand. He tilted my head up. I was once again looking straight into his mesmerizing eyes. His hand rage was under my chin made its way to my right cheek and touched it gently. His hand was so big and warm.
"Heh... You're blushing." He said with a teasing tone but he was smiling. I couldn't help but blush even more. I also tried to break eye contact but his eyes were really mesmerizing.
"No one really said that to me before." I decided to say.
He took his hand away from cheek. The warmth was gone and the wind blew on my cheek. It was pretty chilly up here.
"Say what?"
"My voice is beautiful and I'm beautiful." I mumbled softly. But Ikuto managed to hear it.
"Then they're all idiots," my eyes widened a little when he said that. "And I said you're beautiful before."
"I thought you were just teasing me."
"So you think I'm not teasing you now?"
"I don't know. You sound sincere."
"Well, I am sincere," he put his hand under my chin and tilted my head up again. Making me look into his eyes. "You are very beautiful, Hinamori Amu."
My eyes widened. My blush just got worst. Why does he have this effect on me? Somehow, he made me feel special.
His hand left my chin. I stayed silent for awhile then I mumbled, "Thank you." I said it really softly, I don't know whether he heard it.
We didn't say anything else and just continued to star gaze. Suddenly, I yawned and Ikuto checked his phone.
"Hey, it's midnight. You want to go back. You looked tired."
"Yeah."
"Come on."
We started walking back to our dorms.
"You know, you're really cute when you blush."
That made me blush.
"Heh... You're blushing again," he smirked. "You should blush more. It's cute."
I touched my cheek. "Shut up!" He chuckled.
We reached our dorms. We said goodnight and went in.
I went in and saw Yaya already sleeping. She must be tired after all that project work. Utau was about to go to bed. Rima was still reading her manga.
"Amu's back. So, where did you go?" She smirked.
"I have a feeling you know."
"Rooftop with Ikuto?"
"Yep."
"Rima told me. So..." Dragging the 'so'. "What were you doing with my brother?"
"Nothing. Why does everyone say I'm doing something with Ikuto? It's nothing."
"There no such thing as nothing, Amu."
"We were just star gazing. He played the violin for me and I sang for him. That's all."
"Yeah. That's all," she said sarcastically.
"I'm serious."
"Yeah ok. Just go change to your pajamas."
"Ok..."
I took my pajamas and went in the toilet.
Utau's POV
Amu went in the toilet and Rima finally puts down her manga.
"There is definitely something going on." I said, as soft as possible. I didn't want Amu to hear.
"Yeah... That's what I thought too."
"Then why didn't you say anything just now?"
"What is there to say? Besides, you can do all the talking."
"Fine..." I went over to Rima's bed. "Ikuto is changing."
"Hmm... What do you mean?"
"Oh come on Rima! You know what I mean. Ikuto's not hanging out with other girls anymore. Those sluts."
"He hangs out with Amu and us."
"Besides Amu and us. He's been hanging out with Amu a lot."
"Yeah..."
"Do you think it's possible?"
"Hmm... What?"
"That act stupid, Rima."
"You mean you want me to think that Ikuto maybe falling for Amu?"
"Yeah... If you're not thinking that, then you must be living under a rock. Or maybe your manga."
"Hey! I'm not stupid ok?!"
"Yeah yeah... I know... And that shouted so loud. Amu might hear you."
"Sorry..." She grumbled.
"Anyways, Ikuto is definitely falling for her."
"Yep. Ikuto the player, falling in love."
"Yeah... Hard to believe. And he was like all 'I'll never fall in love'," I said, mimicking his voice.
Rima rolled her eyes. Just then, Amu came out of the bathroom.
"So..." Amu said while walking around to our bed and sitting on it. "Time for bed?"
"Yep," I replied.
"I see you finally put down your book, Rima, " Amu said to Rima.
"Yeah... I can't be reading with the lights on while you guys sleep right?"
"I guess..."
"And the exciting part is over, for now," Amu rolled her eyes when Rima said this.
"Ok, bed time!"
Amu and Rima got in bed while I turned off the lights.
"Goodnight guys," I called out.
"Nights."
"Nights."
With that, we fell asleep. Well, I fell asleep. I don't know about the other two.
Ikuto's POV
Over at Ikuto's dorm
I got ready for bed. The rest were already sleeping except for Kukai. That guy is really too hyper sometimes. But he was also lying in bed already, trying to sleep. I'm sure he'll sleep soon.
I laid down on my bed. I closed my eyes.
Amu.
My eyes shot open. Amu. Why do I keep thinking about her? She's like taking over my mind.
She's the most amazing girl I ever met. Hot, sexy, cute, pretty, stunning, beautiful. Kind, caring, cheerful, stubborn at times, a great friend. A great friend? Do I want us just to be friends? Or is there something more?
The song. The song she sang just now for me.
Lately, I've been, I've been losing sleep
Dreaming about the things that we could be
Did she meant it? I doubt it. But what could we be?
I squeezed my eyes shut. All this thinking is giving me a headache.
I decided to sleep. It was hard. All those thoughts still in my mind. But eventually, sleep took over.
Amu's POV
Back to Amu's Dorm
Utau and Rima already fell asleep. I couldn't really sleep. I keep thinking about Ikuto. Why is he always on my mind? I had great time at the lake and star gazing up on the roof.
His voice still stuck in my head. He said I was beautiful. He sounded sincere. Really sincere.
He teases me a lot and he can be really nice to me. I admit that he is good looking. Handsome. He's a good friend. But do I want us to be just friend? I don't know. What is he to me? And what am I to him?
Arg... It's so confusing. I've never been this confuse about my feelings before. I really need to sleep. I've been losing sleep thinking about all this stuff.
I closed my eyes and after awhile sleep took over.
Ok, that's chapter 9! Hope you liked it. Sry for any mistakes. This chapter is longer than my usual ones. I'm trying to make them longer. I'm sure you guys want that. I'm having exams soon. I don't know when I can write and update. I'll try my best. Review! :) Till next time~