"Fine Line"

"Courage doesnt always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow." - Mary Anne Radmacher

Chapter 17: Tying Up Ends

My eyes blinked open, and I laid there unmoving in my bed. The air-conditioned room air caressed over my bare arms, and the soft blankets beckoned me to just curl up again and sleep, letting the overwhelming scent of azalea lure me into slumber.

But I can't go back to sleep.

Not with that racket going on outside my room.

"GOOOD MOORNING~!!!"

Eyes squeezing shut, I winced and pulled the pillow over my head, the voice resonating from the other side of the door penetrating its thick wood and piercing my ears.

I'm so glad I was smart this time and locked the door before sleeping.

"Kumiko-CHAAAAN! WAKE UPPP!!"

I groaned. "Go away…Aya-chan…."

I don't think she heard me.

"WAKE UP! OR WE'LL MISS BREAKFAST!!"

Just as I was about to throw my pillow at the door, a loud slam was heard.

"E-eh?! A-Asuka-chan, h-"

"GET THE *BEEEEP* OUT OF HERE! PEOPLE ARE *BEEP* TRYING TO *BEEP BEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP* SLEEP!"

"Okaaay!!!!"

Another slam was heard, and moments later, the sound of another door clicking shut was heard.

A soft sigh floated from me, and I relaxed my body back into the sinfully soft bed. I closed my eyes, but opened them again two minutes later.

I couldn't sleep anymore.

"Damnit Aya!" I muttered, sitting up but my body jerked. "Oww…"

My muscles were sore all over from yesterday- it was that retarded Empedocles race's fault! Glancing to the side, I saw the prize paper on the bedside table, and next to it was the butterfly Marui gave me.

Gently, I fingered the wings of it, nearly fooling myself into thinking that it was a real butterfly again. Rinko had freaked when she saw it on my head yesterday, and swatted at my head, thinking it was a real butterfly. Luckily, Oshitari had stopped her and explained to her that it was a clip before I could get a concussion.

Wincing as I slid myself out of bed, I walked over to the dresser with slow and jolty steps. "Morning, Nipoi-kun~" I lightly tapped the glass bowl the goldfish was swimming in, before dropping little bits of fish food in. I named him 'Nipoi', since he was won by Marui with only two pois! ….retarded, I know.

A nice maid had given me the bowl and a container of fish food when we were returning to our rooms yesterday. She had instantly stopped me and asked for my room number, delivering the bowl and fish food later. She was so nice…I should have asked for her name and praised her to Atobe.

Watching the little creature, I later headed off to shower. It might help my sore muscles…

Today was the second day of the Prisma Festival. And although I wasn't much of a sport yesterday, and I was at first reluctant to come at Aya's behest, I had fun yesterday, surprisingly. I won't deny it that I did.

I'm actually glad I came.

Now that it was the second day, I was surprised to find that I was slightly upset that the festival will end soon. That meant no more wondrous surprises, no more beautiful gardens and icy crystals, no more luxurious food and bed, no more of those hosts.

No more Marui.

I'll have to say thank you to him later, for all his help here, and for all the fun he had forced me into. If he hadn't, I probably would still hate Aya for bringing me here, as I will most likely not have taken part in anything and experienced the life of the festival.

I also had to thank him for Nipoi….and the butterfly, properly.

"Lavender flavor toothpaste….?" I questioned dubiously at my toothbrush, staring at the foreign substance that lay across it. I didn't even bother to take out my toothpaste from my bag, as I spotted they provided them. But I didn't expect lavender flavor….

Hm. These things taste pretty good…if I didn't know better, I would have swallowed it.

The group of us was directed to the dining hall as soon as we reached the end of our hallway (which was pretty long by the way). And we were treated to one of the most extravagant breakfast I ever had in my life.

I shall not describe it to you, because I want to spent my time eating as much as I could, rather than nitpicking out the details which I always do….due to my artsy habit.

I finished earlier than the others, excluding Yura. The girl didn't have much of a large appetite. Already full to the brim, I waited with Yura as the other three continue scourging down the food. Then again, even if I didn't want to wait for them, no one else in the hall seems to be leaving.

As if they were waiting for something else to happen.

And something did happen. That something happening to be Atobe.

A round of cheers came from majority of the female horde (much to the displeasure of some of their male escorts) as the charismatic man entered from one of the doorways, and made his way to the center of the dining hall, where everyone had a good view of him.

There wasn't much that he said. He made short work of the morning greetings- at least, it seemed short to me.

"And I do hope that everyone of you has brought a dress for a very special occasion." His velveteen voice drifted across the room, and instantly every head turned and paid close attention to him, not that they weren't paying attention before. Safe for the rare male, and the occasional female, Yura for example. The girl was poking at the remains of her meringue sundae, having not much interest for hosts.

But another special occasion? Wasn't the Hime-sama Douchu already a special occasion? Did they really need another one?

"God…I hope this isn't too bad…" I muttered somberly, and Rinko pushed my guts.

Wincing, I returned my attention to Atobe.

"To celebrate the second and final night of the Prisma Festival, we'll be having a party tonight."

Murmurs erupted around the room as many of the femmes got excited at the prospect of a grand party- much, much different from the Hime-sama Douchu, which was more simple and traditional. Although I didn't find it really simple…

"It'll be a masked party tonight."

My head came up from my propped arm, and I turned to Yura for confirmation. "Did he say masked?"

"He did…" Yura tilted her head at me. "Why?"

"Nothing…" Why would he have a masked party? They're host clubs; it didn't really make sense to me. I mean, after all, host clubs are all about their pretty and aneurysm inducing looks as well as their charming personalities. So why would they mask themselves, and hide from the world one of their best-selling points?

Finishing up on the details of the party tonight, he left the room and we were now free to go wherever we wanted. Aya of course, wanted to get a mask first. "Let's go, let's go!"

A butler directed us to a room where they kept various types and sizes of masks, and already a whole lot of girls were there choosing. Maids were around, helping the guests pick out masks, try them on, and getting it for them from areas they do not want to reach up to, or bend down to.

Everyone had split to go find their own and I wandered about aimlessly, deciding to wait for the crowd to disperse before choosing.

We probably spent about 2 hours in there, before Asuka finally picked one. That left Aya and Rinko. Yura picked one in the first 20 minutes. I continued to wait, although it did not seem like the crowd was getting any smaller, since when two went out, another three came in.

At the peak of our 5th hour in there, most of the people were finally gone. And so were the masks. Needless to say, we spent most of the day away here.

"Really, you should have picked a mask rather than wait!" Aya cried, picking and dropping a mask that lay on a table. "The good ones are all gone!"

I shrugged my shoulders. "I don't mind…doesn't really matter anyway. Its not like we're keeping them." I glanced at Yura's mask. "Besides, Yura's mask isn't as fancy either, so I see no problems."

Aya rolled her eyes. "That's because simplicity suits Yura!"

My lips turned into a frown. "Doesn't mean I can't utilize simplicity…" Sometimes, I wonder about the childishness of my friend.

Aya sighed and went around the room, searching for a mask that suited me. I didn't really mind if mine was the prettiest or not, I'll just pick whatever resonated to me- or the prettiest available. Heheh~

I picked up a mask from a shelf, but as I lifted it to my face, one of the feathers broke off. "Oops…"

I stared dully at the mask whose feather I broke for several moments.

"Hey, Kumiko-chan! How about this one?" I looked at the mask Aya showed me. Then I looked back at the mask in my hand.

"I'll take this one."

~***~

Our day was mostly spent exploring the festival some more, and running into the hosts once in awhile. Majority of the inside was closed off from the guests today, as they were busy preparing for the party, so we lingered outside.

Night rolled around all too fast, and I found myself heading towards the area where the party was to be held, fingers constantly fidgeting with the mask on me. Aya was fidgeting with hers too, although for completely different reasons.

"It's so uncomfortable wearing these!!" She grumbled, threatening to pull the mask off and break it in half.

I didn't find it uncomfortable at all. In fact, I liked it.

I liked the fact this hid my face away from the world; it gave me…a sense of security. And I do not have to worry about my face flooding red again either and embarrassing myself. It just made me more secure when people can't see my face, or recognize me.

When we arrived at the hall, large numbers of people were already there- everyone with a mask, and no one I can recognize due to that.

I stepped closer to Aya, not feeling up to losing her in this crowd of unidentifiable faces.

Asuka wanted to ravish the bar and its supplies first, so that was where we headed. The girl got herself several glasses of bourbon in one go! I think might, or might not, mourn the loss of that.

Alcohol not being my type of thing, I wandered off to the nearest table with desserts on it. This time, I ditched all worries of calories and whatnot out the window. This is a one in a lifetime chance to eat these glorious desserts prepared by some of the best chefs out there! As if I will worry about calories right now.

Yura had found a table by the time I returned, and I placed my plate of confectioneries on the silkened table surface, finishing whatever I had and returned for another round of desserts. I probably made 3 trips to the dessert table in less than an hour.

I furrowed my brow, as someone took the last slice of Dobos cake. My eyes trained on the plate where the cake now laid, and then shifted up to the face of the person- but it was masked.

Masked it maybe however, I could recognize that glaring mop of red hair anywhere…

I couldn't see his face, but he tiled his head at me and pointed to the Dobos cake. "You wanted this?"

I glanced down at the cake, and usually I would have said no, but for some reason, I said yes tonight. Maybe it was because of the mask.

I could see him biting his lips in hesitance. Clearly, he wanted that cake badly as well.

He finally sighed, and handed his plate to me. I took it and smiled, albeit guiltily. "Thank you."

The both of us stood there, and he finally turned back to the dessert table and started filling another plate. Can he…not recognize me with the mask on?

Glancing back down at the Dobos cake, the guilt finally eating away at me, I grabbed a fork and sliced it in half, depositing one half of it onto another plate. I tapped him on the shoulder, and he glanced back at me.

"Hm?" He was chewing something.

"Here." He looked down at the cake, and I couldn't tell what his expression was, but he looked back up at me and shook his head. "The wants of the lady comes first~ I can live without the cake." He really did not recognize me, and- psh, about him living without the cake. From the time I knew him, he was a cake God.

"No really, take it. It's too much calories anyway…" In all honesty, it wasn't a matter about calories. It was just me feeling bad.

He rolled his tongue about in his mouth, before taking the plate. "I don't really believe you-since you cant fool a genius like me- but if you insist~"

Slightly annoyed, I wondered if he was like this all the time, whether he knew the person or not. It made me confused as to what his customers saw in him. Sure, even I can't deny his adorably cute face, but he was just so annoying sometimes!

Like a little kid! In fact, he is a kid!

My eyes widened beneath my mask when he stepped closer and leaned down to my eye level, bright lavender eyes peeking at me through his mask. I gulped, and wondered if he could recognize me now.

"For some reason, you're awfully familiar…" I suppose a lot of girls here had brown eyes…

"Can you take your mask off?" Lavender eyes lit up and he grinned at me.

A hand landed on his shoulder. "Marui! It's a masked party. We're not supposed to take your mask off." A slightly taller man came up next to him. I recognized light hair, though I was deciding whether it was Shiraishi, or Kenya. I was hoping it was Kenya. I still haven't exactly figured out how I would talk with Shiraishi.

"Ah-! You just gave my identity away!" Marui pouted, crossing his arms.

I could tell the other male was rolling his eyes. "With your hair color and style, it's obvious who you are. Doesn't take a genius to find out."

Marui huffed, and then smirked. "Well, I am pretty famous after all~"

Does this guy ever gets tired of praising himself? ….probably not.

"Umm…I'll go back to my table now…" I started to turn but the other man stopped me.

"Would you care to dance with me, milady?"

My body stiffened considerably. "I can't dance."

He gave a light laugh. And my stomach twisted at that familiar laugh. "Just follow my lead."

I gulped as he lead me to the center of the room, where other pairs are also dancing to the music. I peeked out of the corner of my eye to see Asuka still at the bar, and Rinko conversing with Yuushi. Aya was engrossed in a mind match of some sort Yura was engaging in with Yukimura.

I turned back to my impromptu dance partner when I felt his hand on my waist, and my throat tightened when he placed one of my hand on his shoulder, and grasped the other in his.

He started to lead.

I kept my head down most of the time, trying not to step on his feet. He chuckled at this after a few minutes into the song. "You're going to hurt your neck if you keep doing that."

Biting my lip, I warily took my eyes away from our feet. "Well, I don't want to stub your toe…"

"Ishimaru-san, definitely." He laughed.

I was startled. "H-how did you know?"

I may not be able to see his eyes, but he was grinning, his lips pulled to the sides in mirth. "I get around a lot, being a host, and I know almost every lady here in this room. Not one speaks like you do- cause most customers to host clubs would not be like you; they'd be like Chiyoko-san."

I grimaced, finding certain evidence in that. Customers to host clubs would be more like Asuka I suppose….I could not imagine other people who were like me going to host clubs. I did not even have the idea of me being at one before. "But then again, there are a few like you out there of course. But I'm confident I can tell between all of you, just based on your way of speech." He chuckled, twirling me once before bringing me back in.

"Are you…Shiraishi-san?" I asked, nervousness coursing my veins.

That current of nerves exploded when he gave a nod of his head. Oh…

I fell silent after that. I knew I wanted to talk to him. Thank him for saving me, and confirm with him Rinko's claims. But I didn't have the guts to. It was such a…weird subject for me.

I know it clearly myself that I should just be grateful that I'm still even breathing right now, rather than worry whether my first kiss was actually gone or not. And I was grateful. But I was also…also….

I couldn't place a name on that emotion.

It's just something that nagged at me. You know how some girls find their first kisses wholly important, while others don't? Well, I was one of those who fretted over my first kiss.

Steeling myself, I pulled my eyes away from our moving feet. "Shiraishi-san, did you really save me back then?"

Shiraishi seemed to be silent for a moment, just merely looking down at me. But I couldn't really tell, whether he was looking at a spot behind me, at the floor, or me. His mask denied me that.

"Yea, I did."

"I see…thank you…"

The two of us just swayed slowly to the soft melody drifting from the musicians at the corner of the room. He was silent, and so was I. But it wasn't quite as uncomfortable as I thought it would be, talking to Shiraishi again.

He saved me.

And I guess that should be all that mattered.

I was a hypocrite, for calling Marui a kid and childish. Because I was as well.

Childish for making such a big matter over a lost kiss; especially when it saved my life.

Over Shiraishi's shoulder, I could see the redhead standing by a couple of other girls, eating away at the half slice of Dobos cake I gave him.

…..wait, isn't that my slice?

I was certain I gave him the tip part of the cake, not the end part.

He seemed to have felt my eyes on him, and turned to investigate. Catching my eyes, he smirked, purposefully forking another mouthful of cake and swallowing it.

I felt my eyebrow tick in annoyance.

My gaze was torn from him however, and did not catch his pondering look, when Shiraishi called my name. I looked up at him in question.

He shot me a curious and dubious glance, and I thought I caught traces of hesitance in his eyes. "That time when I saved you…"

My shoulders stiffened, and he seemed to notice but continued anyway. "It wasn't your first kiss, right?"

"………………"

He took my silent as a yes, and glanced away to the side guiltily. "Sorry."

At that word, my feet stopped moving and I stared up at him, appalled. "Why?"

He ran a bandaged hand through his ash locks, and I might have blushed or swoon (mentally, mind you) at that action, but the situation right now did not call for it or allow me to think about it.

"Well, I know how first kisses are important to girls sometimes…." He trailed off, and I found it a strange sight to see the ever confident and collected Shiraishi baffled and hesitant.

I shook my head in disbelief. "Shiraishi-san, you saved my life. I think that's more important than losing a first kiss…" I giggled nervously. Now that I think about it, it's kinda silly and sad, that a girl at my age still hasn't gotten her first kiss. And now that I did, I got it in the weirdest of situations; drowning. "I owe you my life, Shiraishi-san." I smiled up at the man in genuine appreciation.

His shoulders seemed to relax at my words, and he smiled back at me. I blushed this time, as he took up my hand again and placed one on my waist.

As we continued the waltz, I could not help but take in the scent of this man. He had this tropical smell to him, or rather, a musky scent that was akin to that of a forest after a refreshing rain-wash.

It was calming.

I closed my eyes as relaxation set into me, and I could not help but idly compare him to Marui in the subconscious of my mind.

Marui's scent was…not calming. It set me off edge. It was innocent, and alluring. Something beautiful and something dangerous.

As if by some sort of magic, my eyes opened to see Marui dancing with a girl about my age nearby us. They stopped suddenly and the girl spoke a few words, and the two headed towards me and Shiraishi.

"Ne, Shiraishi. May I cut in~?" He asked cheekily to my dance partner.

Shiraishi smiled lazily at him before passing my hand to Marui, and then taking up the hand of Marui's ex-dance partner. I watched the girl giggle shyly into one well-kept hand, as Shiraishi started her off onto the next song.

I turned back to Marui and tiled my head in confusion. "Why?"

The redhead shrugged nonchalantly. "She wanted to try dancing with Shirashi. And the princess gets what she wants, of course~"

For some reason, I felt a small twinge in my heart when he called someone else 'princess.' I didn't want to call it jealousy, because I know that I did not see Marui like that, but that undeniable and bitter feeling was there, plucking at a small corner of my heart.

"Oh, okay…" I hoped my voice didn't sound bitter.

He bowed suddenly, and extended his hand to me. "May I have this dance, Kumiko-hime?"

I blinked, startled at the reference of my name. He knew it was me?

He noticed my shock from the small jolt of my body, and smirked, pushing up his mask on one side to wink at me before sliding it back down. "Cant fool a genius like me~"

I grimaced, before hesitantly placing my hand on his shoulder. He hummed idly as we just moved along, and I glanced around to see what my friends were up to.

As I expected, Rinko was dancing with Yuushi, and Aya with Yagyuu. Yura was at the bar with Jackal- and Kirihara was with them, watching them mix various cocktails with great interest. Asuka was downing the cocktails they made one by one, and by her side was Ootori watching worriedly, ready to act if the girl collapsed from alcohol overdose.

My eyes suddenly widened when the slow orchestra suddenly drifted to something with a faster beat. I turned to Marui in horror. "I-I can't dance!"

I can see his lips pull into a pout of confusion. "You were dancing just fine just now."

"T-that was a slow song. I-I can't do faster ones-!" The stutters I usually get when I'm nervous are back. I stuttered always when I first met Marui; but it was gone with the time I spent with him. But its back now.

He pushed his mask up, and lavender eyes rolled heavenwards. "You're not going to die from just dancing."

I wanted to scream at him that I look like a fool dancing. And the last thing I wanted to do was make a fool of myself and be a fool. It was the sole reason I avoided outings!

"W-well, you can't make me dance!" I grounded, removing my arms and crossing them. "The princess gets what she wants, right?" I hoped she does.

"Hime-sama Douchu is over." He grinned. "Besides, its not that fast."

The musicians playing previously had left to take a break; hence the stereo songs now. Marui gripped my hand as Niou leapt onto the stage at the other end of the hall, and grabbed a mic.

"Let's see who can dance to this fantastical –literally- music, puri~" He then went off and started urging the girls who weren't already dancing earlier to find a partner and dance, picking up Aya from Yagyuu at the end to dance with her. Yagyuu merely pushed his glasses up from his stolen partner before kindly offering to dance with a girl who had been standing off to the side.

A woman's voice came lulled into my ear, singing tenors with an unbelievable voice.

"H-how are we supposed to dance to this?!" I squeaked, not understanding how we could dance to this sort of tune.

"That's the whole point of Niou's challenge just now!" Marui grinned. He pulled on my hand, and I was sent twirling into him. If he hadn't caught me at the end, I would have stumbled. "Just dance. Think later." He breathed before sliding an arm around my waist and lifting me off the ground.

I bit down a squeal and instinctively wrapped my arm around his neck and shoulder, as I was spun around, one leg slipping out to the side to allow momentum, and another gripped around Marui's hip- and I was surprised to realize that I did all this without even thinking it through. It was just the spur of the moment.

The music certainly was fantastical. And I believe Niou meant it in a fantasy themed sort of way, rather than quality. The lyrics and the voices of the singers had a way of enrapturing your mind and logic, bringing you into the world their voices created. But then, the song itself was beautiful- not in the calm and serene sense; it was magical, like listening to playful nymphs singing.

"Like a dream of midday shadows, we shall fall towards the light~"

I don't know if Marui was just trying to make me have a heart attack, or just dancing according to the song- but he suddenly dipped me down low and one of my leg came up in pure instinct to secure myself; this he gripped, dropping me lower before I was pulled back up.

My eyes closed as I was spun out, hand sliding out of Marui's. Taking his advice, I didn't think at all.

Just danced.

"And who said they can't dance?" He chuckled, and I frowned, turning my head away from him in embarrassment.

The song had ended- putting a stop to the fantasy spell it had casted over the room and me. When it did however, I didn't think through my words (curse Marui's advice) before I spoke. "Will they play the song again?" I had asked.

He poked fun at me for it.

I dropped onto a chair tiredly, 4 songs already draining me of my energy. 2 and a half song with Shiraishi, and 1 and a half with Marui. The last song being the most draining, despite it being the one I enjoyed the most.

A soft thud on the silk surface brought my gaze forward, to find a plate of Dobos cake.

I looked up to Marui in bafflement. Weren't they out?

"I got the waiter to scrounge one out from the stores. Atobe wont miss one cake~" H winked cheekily at me, and red creeped up again under my mask. But of course, I thanked him gratefully nonetheless, before shamelessly eating the cake. I had always loved Dobos cake~! But they were widely unavailable in Japan-good ones anyway- and I missed the first time I sunk my teeth through one on a short trip to Hungary with my parents' years ago.

I found more to talk to Marui about with that night. The both of us shared a common interest in sweets, although mine stayed around the area of cakes, whilst his went all the way to lollipops, gum, candy and the sort. Actually, he just liked all kinds of good food, according to him. But sweets are his main choice, since he eats them to keep him awake and going everyday.

I looked at him in surprise. "So you chew bubblegum everyday to keep your energy up?"

He nodded his head, mouth filled with the tiramisu he just swallowed.

"But you were so amazing back during the Empedocles race!!" I exclaimed, not believing his claims.

He rolled his eyes. "I'm just amazing that way, Kumiko-chan."

"………" Can I not ever get an honest answer out of this man? Or are these egoistic replies truly his style of honest answers? Cause if it was, I underestimated how much confidence he had in himself then.

He finished another slice of blueberry cheesecake just as I started on a strawberry shortcake, and then spoke up. "Ne, after this, you still going to visit Club Prism?"

The fork froze in its trip to my lips. My doe-eyes blinked at him.

"Umm…." I had no answer. I saw no reason as to why I would go again, when I didn't like these sorts of things. But then, it would be a waste of that prize paper…Its unfortunate that I could not sell it to one of the wealthy ladies here.

The fork of strawberry cheese entered my mouth, and I slurred it around.

I did say I'd bring Aya to a host club…but I hadn't actually thought about which host club. She's a regular enough at Club Prism, so there wasn't much point in going there.

Marui focused on his share of cakes as he awaited my answer. He probably figured out I didn't have an answer at the moment.

I sneaked a peek at him, and then looked around, spotting Shiraishi and then Niou. Turning my gaze the other way, I saw Kajimoto and Kenya, and then Ootori and Shishido joined the scene.

Do I really want to go back to the host clubs though?

I met some really great people there…and I didn't want our friendship to end just like that. But then, my heart always felt heavy at the thought of stepping through those pristine doors…

My cake was falling apart, losing balance with all the holes I poked into it. My appetite was gone.

It was like going to school for me. I enjoyed school, because I get to see Aya, and the teachers I admired. But then, I despaired every waking day of it, because I would just flit through the halls and disappear in the classroom. I'd watch people gather at my table, asking Aya to go with them afterschool, before leaving after convincing her to come.

Aya would turn to me and frown, wondering why they didn't invite me.

And I would tell her the same thing every time.

"Because I wasn't you."

I could only think of the dark years of my life. One in which, without Aya, I would undoubtedly have collapsed and given up.

I didn't realize the small beads of perspiration gathering on my neck, one sliding down my cheek. I hadn't felt my eyes quiver, and so did my lips. I hardly registered the small stinging in my eyes, as I felt them get wetter.

But the redhead besides me did.

"You don't have to answer."

My gaze slid to him, not understanding. His chin was propped on his palm, fingers curled in and resting against the smooth expanse of his cheek. His lavender eyes which I always seemed to take note of, wasn't looking at me; they were looking off to the side, soft red locks falling over them as he titled his head further away.

And it reminded me of how many times people had done that to me too; leaning away from me, staying away from me.

~***~

Rinko cried as our bags were put away into Asuka's car by the butlers, and Yura comforted her.

Around us, most of the guests were preparing to leave, bidding goodbye to newfound friends and their favorite hosts.

Our group was the same. Aya was currently waiting for her chance to pounce on Atobe and thank him, and Rinko scampered off to find any hosts she had connected with during her time here and bawl to them.

Yura exchanged friendly words of farewell with Jackal whilst Asuka wasn't too affected by the thought of leaving. She could visit them anytime anyways, as she had said.

I stood by her car, playing with my fingers. I had already given a quick bid of goodbye to Kajimoto and Kenya, and even Niou, but Akutagawa had seen it fit to pull me into a bear hug similar to the one he gave me on our first day here. I chatted with Shiraishi for awhile, before he had to leave to go attend to other girls who were also eagerly waiting his attention. Tentatively, I had given him a loose hug as thanks. He just smiled and patted my head.

I had yet to say anything to Marui.

Making up my mind, I gulped and lifted my head to look around for the redhead.

But minutes passed, and I still have yet to see him. Turning to Yura, I told her that I would be back.

I searched for him throughout the spacious parking area, but could not find any mop of bright pink-red hair that belonged only to him. I had searched for half an hour now, to no avail.

Trudging back to the car, where the others were already done with their farewells, I dejectedly slid into the backseat of the car by the window. Aya sat in the center once again, and Rinko next to her.

As soon as Yura closed her door, Asuka backed out of the car park, driving down the lane that lead us to the gates.

Moodily, I gazed out the window as the still-decorated bushes passed by us.

Aya poked my shoulder worriedly. "What's wrong, Kumiko-chan?"

I shook my head, eyes not once leaving the window. "Nothing."

I felt her shift beside me, and heard her speak to me again, but a blur of red outside caught my attention.

My body jolted upright, and I pressed my hands against the window, peering out intensely to get a better view.

It was Marui- walking out of the entrance door of the palace, looking like he just woke up.

Before I knew it, I had rolled the window down and stuck my head out.

"Eh?! Kumiko-chan!! That's dangerous!!" Aya shrieked, tugging at my shirt.

With all my might, I called out to the annoying redhead.

"Marui-saaaaan!!!"

He perked up at the call of his name, and wide eyes looked around before spotting me, going by in Asuka's car, head stuck out of the window, hair going everywhere and looking like a madwoman.

"I'll go again!" My hands cupped my mouth, hoping it would propel my voice far enough to him.

He titled his head, and blinked at me in confusion, eyes still wide in shock.

"I'll go to Club Prism again!! Definitely!!"

The confusion and shock cleared from his eyes, and a smirk fell into place on his undeniably beautiful face.

Asuka turned a corner on the lane then, and his figure was lost to me behind the hedges.

I backed up into the safety of the car again, and Yura quickly had my window brought up. Aya slapped me on the head. "What do you think you were doing?!!"

Rinko laughed, patting Aya on the back. "Calm down, Aya-chan. She was just declaring her love~ No harm in that."

I turned red, but bit back any denies and comment. Arguing against Rinko is futile and redundant. It only drains our energy.

Leaning back into my seat, I closed my eyes, allowing myself to finally relax and get the sleep I lost last night.

"I was just giving what I owed."

I did after all, owe him an answer.

The song is Oblivious by Kalafina, live version. Try dancing to that song! =D Its super addictive and magical~ lul If possible, try getting their live performance; which I love better since they do their own adlibs and all =)

whee my Genki (Tenimyu Kirihara Akaya actor) and Hamao (4th Gen Eiji Kikumaru) DVD/CD are arriving soon ^w^ *is excited*

Sorry this chapter too longer guys; but I'm failing physics and maths D:

Reviews are appreciated as usual =D and thanks for reviewing!! *huggles all*

Resonance Breaks Glass- *scratches head* umm, sorry? X_x; I guess Kumiko turned out that way cause…I dunnoe. She's my OC, and you know…we usually base our OC's off us(sometimes). I guess I can relate to Kumiko more, and that's why I use her often and as my main, not the others like Aya or Asuka. Well…yea, she's basically a fragment of me x_X; I…don't do well with crowds and lots of people (hence, I go to no parties and have little social life). And the thing about your cousin's girlfriend, for some reason, most parents now don't think art as a really good skill to have. I originally wanted to be an illustrator, but now I'm looking at civil engineering in my future *sigh*. That's life I guess lul cant always have it the way we want; and sorry my OC isn't to your liking x_X; But thanks for taking a look and bearing through all the chapters which must have been horrible for you! X_X

Juunin-I didnt exactly describe butterflies as love, but then they usually do symbolize love XD Its kinda sad to catch butterflies sometimes though. I'm always scared their wings might break =(

Lady Ladington- Haha I actually disliked the last chapter a bit; found Marui a bit OOC x_X And yesh, I think Marui is more of a genius than Oshitari ;D and I COMPLETELY understand how you feel! I just kept screaming and squealing as I was watching the PV XXD I think my household thought I was being stabbed to death or something haha and I keep grinning like an idiot at school when I watch it on my PSP XD my friends says I'm nuts haha nuts for loving an anime character this much; but Marui is just too wonderful not to love T_T And yes, I'm hoping to get the fan disc =D Saving my commission money to buy it haha since I just spent all my money on Tenimyu items x_X Partically Genki lol

elusivemelody- haha ever heard of the dance Jumpstyle? I tried doing that once xD really hard to do, since we need lots of leg power and speed x_X But I was considering making a fic of Marui a Jumpstyle dancer, after you brought up the dance thing XD and grats on the end of your exams =D ahaha I'm surprised and happy to know my writing actually evoked some sort of emotion in you lol since I cant seem to feel anything when I read them x_X I always thought they were bland cause of that D:

PhoenixRage92- Neither did I know he was, until I wrote this rofl. But then again, he is a genius, and he has grown up somewhat since middle school (hopefully) in this fic, so I imagine him to at least have some wisdom in him, rather than being a brat all the way ;D