Konnichiwa, minna-san! Sorry, sorry about the long wait! It's hard to find time to write, with the new job and all. Plus, I was on a major writer's block! Ah! However, I am finally finished with this one! Enjoy! Oh yeah, thank you all who reviewed. I will acknowledge youallat the end of this epic!

CHAPTER 6

"The Grass is Greener on the Other Side"

I remember a meadow one morning in May.

With a sky full of dreams that sailed in that day.

I was dancing through green waves of grass like the sea

For a moment in time I could feel I was free.

There are waves of forgiveness and waves of regret.

And the first waves of true love I'll never forget.

In the meadow that morning as I wandered alone

There were green waves of yearning for life

still unknown.

- From Greenwaves By Secret Garden

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"Your kindness is like a like a small candle, Sohma-kun.

I could feel it light up…

… and I just want to smile.

It's that of kindness…"

She gave me those words and I created strength and a brighter light…

For someone who still seeks hers…

The luminosity in the skies of dawn beamed through a window, slowly waking its dweller. His covers slid from his body as he arose from his sleeping place. He walked to the window while shielding his eyes from the strong rays. He viewed the scene of a lake, mountains and a meadow miles from the lake site. The light streamed through clouds along the horizon at they drifted above the scene below.

This day… the hour of dawn… is the first time I want to wake up…

…into this dream.

After his morning routine, he joined the other three occupants of the household in the kitchen for a more brightening breakfast.

"Morn'in Yun-Yun!," greeted Manabe. He was sitting at the table with a manga he was reading. He smiled and returned to his manga.

It was like he was never angry.

The two females hustled around the kitchen to quickly prepared the morning meal. One of them said a quick "Good Morning" to the young man who just joined them while the other had her back turned to prepare the meals.

"Hey, Yun-Yun! You are bright and early! We are still fixing breakfast! You don't usually get up until later, ne?"

"I guess I just one of those days when I do want to get up," he said with a soft smile.

"Huh? Oh…oh, heh-heh, Kimi sees why!" she glanced over the other girl. She flashed a smile at the boy and went back to preparing the meal. The boy behind her sat with his elbow resting on the table, staring at the dark-brown haired girl by the stove.

When was the last time I felt like this? Like the rest of my life has become complete. Was it because I never experienced it before? No. I had…just when I thought I had. Not again will I lose…lose to my own weakness.

"Ohayo, Yuki," the girl greeted as she placed a dish on the table.

"Ohayo, Machi," the boy replied with a gentle smile. The two stood with a shade of red on their faces as they faced each other.

"Kawaii!" beamed the other girl as she placed the remaining dishes on the table. "You two are still blushing! How kawaii is that!"

"Kawaii!" the other boy repeated."You two should get a picture together! I have a pic of me and my Sume-chan at home! What about it, Yun-Yun? A picture?"

The gray-haired boy seamed into embarrassment as well as the girl next to him. "How about one of those print club stickers as the mall?"

"KNOCK IT OFF!" the couple snapped with burning red faces.

"Heh, heh. It's just a suggestion!" Manabe said. "But…seriously you should have a picture together."

"Ne, ne, Yun-Yun," Kimi called to Yuki while holding her chopsticks between her fingers. "What are your plans today? Kimi wants to go back to the beach! Can we Yun-Yun?"

The responding boy shook his head, "Gomen, Kimi. I have other plans."

"It's alright. Kimi understand," she beamed.

After breakfast, Yuki went by the lake to view the art of nature: The mountain's reflection on the steady waters; birds flying back and forth from their nests to gather food for their young; the soft breeze blowing softly agains the blossoms. Manabe came and join him in the viewing of the natural spectacle. He streached his arms and shifted into a more relaxed posture after he seated himself next to the other boy on the green lawn.

"Arigato, Yun-Yun." A soft smile grew as he spoke.

"Arigato?" Yuki questioned.

"Ever since you came to our lives, she became more happier with you, although she has yet to smile. I was quite envious that I couldn't do that as a older brother should."

"I understand." The boys exchanged smiles as tranquility arose between the two in an environment of peace.

"I still think you two should take a picture together."

When the boys returned they left their separate ways to do their own leisures. Yuki has his first date, while Manabe had a certain phone call to make. As his friend left to make that call, Yuki searched for his date. He looked around the first floor rooms for the girl. She was no where to be seen.

Where could've she went? Maybe I should check her room.

In her bedroom, her presence was absent. However, when Yuki viewed her window, he could see her sitting under her favorite spot under the sakura tree. A smile formed on his face as he discovered where his missing date was at.

"Machi."

Her head lifted at the instant sound of her name to face her new love. He walked closer and held out his hand. She stared at his hand as if she don't know what she was suppose to do next.

"Come and let's run," Yuki said with his hand held out. His eyes were gleaming with anticipation. "Run from it all…all the things weighing us down. Now, we are in a world where no one could reach us. No one."

Machi immediately took his hand after his words. The boy lead her into the direction of the meadow, going north along the bank of the lake, with the mountain in the east. She could feel her heartbeat racing as they headed into a field of wildflowers.

Waves of colored petals swayed by the northerly winds, radiating their vibrant colors of lavender, purple, yellow, pink and different shades of green surrounding them. The pair walked near the sea of wildflowers. Yuki spotted a lone white daisy near a huge, old willow tree. He let go of his love's hand, reached for it and picked it. The flower was placed in her hair, behind her ears. He smiled softly as he placed it.

"It suits you well."

"Arigato," she replied. The blush on her face was less than normal due to the fact that she was getting used to the sweetness of her beloved. She wrapped her arms around his and laid her head on his shoulder. He laid his head on top hers as they savored the scenic view of flowers before them.

Moments later, Yuki lead her by the hand to the field of flowers. He pointed out the different kinds to her.

"These are yanagi-run (willow-orchid) ," he said as he pointed to a huge group of purple and lavander flowers. He ducked down to observe one of them.

"You like flowers, Yuki?" the girl next to him asked.

"Actually, I like gardening," he said, still looking at the orchid. "I have a small vegetable garden at home."

She ducked beside him and looked his direction. "I hope I could see it someday."

He turned to her and smiled, "That's a promise."

The exploration of the meadow continues as Yuki gave Machi a nice botany lesson. Deep in his mind, he still thinks that he was dreaming. A scene in a meadow with the girl he loves sounds like a fairytale.

I don't want to wake up from this dream. Please don't wake me up.

In the mid-afternoon, about one o'clock, the couple returned to the house to face a mouthful from a certain vice-president.

"Okaeri, lovers of the meadows! How was it?" he joked.

"Lovers in the meadows?! Don't be so crude!" Yuki fumed with a red face along with Machi, whose equally furious.

"Still in denial? Ehh?" he continued. Yuki growled in silence as Kimi walked in with a plate full of onigiri and set it on the coffee table in the living room.

"Okaeri, Yun-Yun. Machi. Did you enjoy your date?" she asked.

"It's was fine, until I have to run into his idiocy!" He looked away from the culprit and crossed his arms.

"Aww, Manabe, are you being mean again?" She punched him sofly on the arm.

"I think he's in denial of his illicit love-making!" he pointed to the backside of Yuki.

WAM! WHACK!

"Nothing was going on!" Machi snapped as her brother rubbed the painful spots on his head.

"Next time I'll aim for your face!" Yuki fumed. An image of Manabe along side Shigure appeared in his mind.

I don't know who is worse, him or him.

As the afternoon slowly shifts into the sunset of the evening, Kimi ordered bento boxes for everyone (paying out of their own pockets, of course) and set up for dinner.

Yuki was in the study with Manabe and Machi, talking about who will replace Yuki as the student council president. There was an election earlier that past spring, but everyone refused to reelect their new president. So, Yuki made a statement that he have to end his term for others, but still there was no prevail. The old council still in the run for the new year, but Yuki planned to have someone replace him for the fall semester, whether the other students like it or not.

"How about Nao?" Yuki asked his two subordinates. "He's already had experience with us as secretary and he knows my duties as well as I do."

"Shorty?" Manabe lifted his eyebrows. "That's a laugh. How would everyone feel about that?"

"Do I really have a choice? I don't know anyone else who could take the job. Besides, even though, he's quite short-tempered, Nao always knows what needs to be done and done quickly. I want someone with a sense of responsibility to replace me."

"Hmm. You're right, but…you have to understand that the majority of the student body would have to accept him as their president, you know?"

"Then, I will annouce it when we return. If they wanted another canidate, they could bring forth another. Therefore, we could finally have a smooth re-election. What do you think of that, Machi?"

"I agree. It's not fair that you have to serve another year…when you got number of other things to consider."

"True."

There are many things to consider. My future. Graduating. Going away to college. Starting a new career. Marriage…wait…I am thinking way to far! I need to graduate first.

When the bento boxes arrive, Yuki and Machi joined Kimi, while Manabe stayed in the study to answer his ringing cell phone.

"He'll join us soon," Yuki told Kimi as he sat himself across from her and next to Machi. Everyone opened their boxes and said their "idakimas". As they began to eat, Manabe seated next to Kimi and opened his box. A goofy smile seamed from his lips.

"Don't you know? Don't you know?" he sang. "We are going to the summer festival tomorrow!"

"Eh?!" Yuki reacted. "D-Demo…I thought we are not going! I asked you if we were!"

"Well, now I say we are! If you came unprepared, we could hop by the clothing shop tomorrow!"

"I-It's not that…"

"Then, what's wrong? It's alright to go, ne, Machi, Kimi?"

"Kimi's happy that Kimi brought Kimi's kimono!" she chimed. "If Manabe never asked, Kimi would!"

"What's the matter, Yun-Yun?" Manabe asked again.

"N-Nothing. I just was surprised…that's all."

No. That' s not it.

Machi watched Yuki fretting over about this surprise. She doesn't know what's gotten in to him. However, she knew he didn't want to go.

"I don't have a kimono," she said, "I don't even own one."

Manabe smirked, "No fear! My love has brought an extra one, my dear!"

Yuki's eyes widen at his words. His love? Is this the reason why he wanted to go all of the sudden?

"Mizua-san's going to be there too?" he blurted.

"Asume-chan?" Kimi questioned.

"Ah…ha…ha. You figured me out!" Manabe sweated.

No, you gave it away.Why didn't you just say so in the first place?

"If you want to go because of her, then I'll go," Yuki gave in. "It's not fair that you have to spend the summer away from her."

"Huh? Oh. Arigato, Yun-Yun!" he beamed, "I knew you'll understand! She's coming by tomorrow to let Machi borrow one of her kimonos."

"Yay! Asume-chan's returning!" Kimi cheered.

Machi looked over at Yuki who had his eyes lowered and head bent.

Why are you unhappy?

In the late hour, Yuki sat in the kitchen, staring at the midnight sky and its overcast of light grey clouds with the moon hiding behind it. The shadows of the clouds projected on his face as he watched. Soft footsteps tapped on the tiled floor behind him.

"Yuki."

He looked from the side of his eye to see that she came to comfort him. She sat in the chair next to him and frowned.

"What's worrying you?" she asked.

"Facing them."

"Who?"

"My family."

Machi stared at the space in front of her. "Her too?"

"Everyone."

Our relationship is still too young to be seen by our families. I know that she will accept us, but I don't want to run into that person, if he decided to go too. What will he do once he finds out about us? I won't let him near us. I won't let him!

"Yuki," she placed her hand on his arm. "I just want to let you know that I will stay beside you, no matter the circumstances. If they reject us, then let them. I won't leave you alone to be taunted."

"Arigato, Machi." He placed his hand on her head and mover closer. "I won't let anyone get in our way. I definitely I won't." He gently brushed a kiss on her forehead.

Not again. I won't.

AN: Oh no, a run in with him? What will happen at the festival? Stay tuned to find out. Happy Holidays to all my beloved reader! (Gives away Christmas-tree shaped cookies to readers).