CHAPTER TEN: JEALOUSY
Ten months ago
It was weird. Too weird. Here Misaki had gone out with Makoto on what could be classified as a date. And she had fun. The girl hadn't thought that was possible. How could she possibly get butterflies when looking up at Makoto? How was it possible for her to think so fondly of him when he wasn't even who she truly wanted?
Misaki let out a sigh through her nose as she pushed her hands further into her jacket pocket, "This is weird."
"Huh?" Makoto looked down at his date and noticed how pensive she seemed. The pair had just finished eating dinner and they were now walking through the dark streets back to Misaki's house/
"Not bad weird," Misaki quickly corrected, looking up and giving Makoto a smile, "It's just I didn't think we'd ever be going on a date."
"If it's too weird we don't have to do this again we can-"
"No," Misaki shook her head, "No I really had fun and well we can definitely do this again."
"Really!?"
The way Makoto's face lit up made Misaki giggle. She had never thought Makoto liked her that much, not that she ever paid attention to any guy's feelings towards her. "Yeah," Misaki grinned.
"That's great," Makoto breathed, a silly smile still on his face, "You know I'm really surprised you said 'yes' in the first place. I mean after Rin left you-"
Makoto immediately stopped talking as he looked down to see Misaki's eyebrows furrowed and her top teeth nibbling on her bottom lip. "I'm sorry," Makoto whispered, "I know you don't like to talk about Rin."
"Why would you say that?" Misaki muttered, trying to force her thoughts away from how just by being here with Makoto she was breaking her promise to Rin.
"You became really distant after he left," Makoto explained, "You used to hang out with Haru and me when Rin was around, after that well you kind of disappeared. I mean you really liked Rin right?"
Hazel eyes widened as Misaki's mouth dropped open, "W-What?"
"You were always around him in elementary school; it was easy to see that you liked him."
"Easy?" Misaki raised one eyebrow thinking back to how all the kids in class used to tease her and Rin, "I guess I can see that," she mumbled, running her fingers through her hair.
"And you've never had a boyfriend. I've always wondered why because well someone as pretty and nice as you could easily date someone. I thought maybe you didn't go on any dates because of Rin."
Misaki was stuck between being flattered at being called 'pretty and nice' and wondering when Makoto had the time to come up with that hypothesis. "I," Misaki paused to take in a deep breath, "I did really like Rin, a lot actually."
Misaki had to pause again as she felt tears beginning to well up, "But I was just a stupid girl with stupid hopes and those hopes aren't going to come true," the words came out without any thought and Misaki began to feel embarrassed for being so open with Makoto, "I'm sorry, it's just-"
"You're not really over Rin are you?"
The question both surprised Misaki and hurt her because she could see the disappointment in Makoto's eyes, "I am," she lied as she rolled her shoulders back and said it again with more force, "I'm over him."
Being just friends with Rin was like trying to force your way into skinny jeans that were a size too small- difficult, uncomfortable, but possible with a lot of hard work. The next week seemed to float by now that Misaki's immense guilt over what had happened with Rin was beginning to dissipate. Sure the girl had no clue what she wanted but she felt that time was erasing that scarlet A on her chest. Over the past week Misaki had the best of both worlds. Makoto took her to a movie on Tuesday and out to dinner on Thursday. Rin stopped by Monday after school to play Xbox with her and on Wednesday they ate takeout at her place.
Although Misaki told herself she was doing nothing wrong by hanging out with Rin she still tried to keep their time together a secret. She wouldn't allow them to do anything outside of her house for fear of being spotted. She also had become pretty good at lying to Makoto about what she was doing when she was with Rin. Misaki knew that Makoto would say he didn't mind her spending time with Rin but that would be a lie.
Makoto had never been oblivious to her feelings towards Rin. That's why when Rin came back Makoto tried his best to keep Misaki away from him. It's the same reason why he took it upon himself to tell Rin about their relationship. Makoto knew from the moment that Rin came back that things between him and Misaki could change. Misaki hated that she fell into that trap, that she proved Makoto right. Things had changed, but she wasn't about to tell Makoto that. Her relationship with Makoto was fine; there was no evidence of Misaki's inner turmoil over what to do about Rin. If Misaki told Makoto about her time spent with Rin she knew that it would worry him. It would cause the change in their relationship to become visible and that was the last thing Misaki wanted.
Makoto wasn't the only one who got lied to over the past week. Misaki had also become a pro at lying to Azami. The blonde had desperately wanted to hang out with Misaki over the break but the latter was too busy living her double life. Every time Azami would text Misaki and ask to hang out a lie would be born. Mostly Misaki would say she was hanging out with Makoto or she just wouldn't respond for five hours and then tell Azami that she had left her phone at home and didn't get her text until then. Azami was not happy with Misaki's lack of communication and often threatened to barge into her house and force some quality time. In order to pacify Azami and keep her from randomly showing up Misaki invited her to an end of summer pool party the boys (aka Nagisa) had decided to throw on Sunday.
The party would be at the Iwatobi High School pool and as far as faculty was concerned it was just another swim practice. With guests. And pizza. And no practicing. So yeah basically what they were doing was not sanctioned by the school but Nagisa managed to spin a convincing tale of how they wouldn't get caught and how much fun it would be.
Well at least if I get in trouble so will Azami, Misaki thought sourly as she looked over towards her friend who was walking next to her. Azami noticed her friends gaze and gave her a large smile as she hooked their arms together.
"So we're in agreement right?" Azami asked as she matched her steps with Misaki's. "No swimming just looking hot."
Misaki almost wanted to laugh because it wasn't like she even had a choice in this so called agreement. Azami had showed up at her house with her blonde locks curled and makeup fully done and then began to whine to Misaki how she didn't want to be the only one not swimming. Misaki had in fact been planning on swimming but after thirty minutes of Azami's high pitched whining she was forced into this agreement.
"Yeah," Misaki muttered, feeling ridiculous going to a pool party with her hair perfectly straightened and makeup caked on her face.
"So how are things with you and Makoto?"
Azami's tone of voice let Misaki know exactly what the girl was hinting at. "Good."
"Anything I dunno exciting happen over the past few weeks?"
"We saw a movie Tuesday, it was pretty darn exciting."
Misaki's fake smile caused Azami to scowl as she clucked her tongue against the roof of her mouth. "Seriously any other girl with a boyfriend as hot as Makoto and an empty house would do more than just go see a movie."
"Why are you so interested in my sex life?"
"I'm not. It's impossible to be interested in something that doesn't exist."
All Misaki could do was mutter a 'shut up' and listen to her friend begin to cackle. "Yeah well what about you?" Misaki finally snapped after hearing enough of Azami's witch laugh, "How's your sex life Ms. Single?"
Azami quickly stopped the cackling and instead let out one loud 'ha!' as she flipped her blonde locks off of her shoulder, "I'm more like Ms. Single and Ready to Mingle. Sure I may not have a boyfriend but I'm always on the lookout plus I'm prepared if anything should happen. You're still on birth control too right?"
"Oh my god don't talk so loud!" Misaki hissed as she looked around to make sure no one just heard Azami basically yell out the 'b' word. "And yes I am but not for the same horny reasons as you!"
"My reasons are the same as yours- regulate the good ol' period and clear up the skin!"
Misaki rolled her eyes. Azami had been first to get on birth control after complaining to her parents about bad cramps which didn't even exist. The real reason the girl wanted to be on the pill was for when she got a boyfriend which back then she figured she'd have one in no time. Azami had always been the dirty minded one. She had piles of magazines in her room and always read the articles related to sex and then relayed the information to Misaki. It was actually Azami who convinced Misaki to also get on birth control and Misaki's parents being the free birds they are decided that it was an excellent idea.
"Okay can we stop talking about menstrual cycles already," Misaki groaned as her and Azami walked through the Iwatobi High campus.
"Aw but it's fun! So who's gonna be at this shindig?"
"Makoto, Haru, Nagisa, Rei, and Gou."
"And uh who's that stud then?"
Misaki turned to see that Azami had stopped walking and was instead creepily peering through the bushes. "What stud?" the girl asked as she joined her friend and noticed an all too familiar figure standing near the pool.
"He's hot," Azami whispered, pulling her head out of the shrubbery, "Do you know him?"
Misaki swallowed down a lump that had formed in her throat as she slowly nodded her head yes, "His name's Rin."
"I like that name," Azami swooned, latching onto Misaki's hand and tugging her along, "You better introduce me okay?"
Misaki didn't even have time to respond because soon she found herself standing in full view of all the party guests with a cheerful Azami at her side. The girl should have figured Rin would be invited, which made her feel utterly stupid for not planning on seeing him here. As her gaze went to meet Rin's she heard a soothing voice from in front of her.
"You look nice," Makoto complimented as he placed his hands on his hips and gave his girlfriend a smile.
"You too," Misaki said without much thought. Her eyes had been torn away from Rin and were now focused on her shirtless boyfriend who looked way too good in a swimsuit.
"You brought Azami," Haru noted, not really a fan of the girl. He already had to deal with one energetic blonde leaving him with no patience for the female counterpart.
"Yup," Azami popped the 'p' before leaning into Misaki and whispering in her ear, "Introduce me to Rin already."
"Uh," Misaki shifted her gaze back to Rin, "Rin, this is my best friend Azami. Azami, this is Rin."
"Nice to meet you," Azami put on her best smile and strutted towards Rin where she extended her hand.
The only response Azami got was a curt 'yeah' and a weak handshake from the male who had his eyes on someone else. Azami didn't even notice seeing as she was too busy staring at Rin's abdominals. Misaki watched as Azami moved closer to Rin and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy.
"You okay?"
"Huh?" Misaki turned to see Makoto eyeing her suspiciously, "Yeah yeah I'm good."
Although the lie was weak Makoto bought it just like Misaki thought he would. What Misaki didn't think he'd do is close the gap between them and place a gentle kiss on her lips. Azami was quick to see and began letting out loud 'ohhs' and 'ahhhs'.
As Makoto pulled away Misaki brought one hand up to her lips. Sure the two always held hands in public but kissing in public was not their thing. In fact it was so out of the ordinary that this counted as the first time any of their friends had seen them kiss. It also counted as the first time Rin had seen them kiss.
Rin. Misaki turned to see Rin staring down at the concrete, his hands balled into fists and his eyebrows furrowed. For the past week the two of them had been living a lie. They had been acting as if Misaki was single, as if Makoto wasn't around but that one simple kiss brought Rin and Misaki back into an all too painful reality.
As Misaki looked back at Makoto she saw how his gaze had also turned towards the maroon haired male. His green eyes were serious and if Misaki swore she saw a hint of sadness in them. "Rin looks upset," Makoto whispered before turning and giving Misaki a small smile, "Now I know not to kiss you in front of him."
"Misaki! We need to go change into our swimsuits my dear!"
Before Misaki could respond to Makoto she felt herself being drug off by Azami. "You and Makoto are so cute!" The blonde gushed as she pulled Misaki into the locker room, shutting the door behind them, "Oh and why didn't you tell me you had a hottie friend like Rin? Is he single? Hey? Earth to Misaki!"
The daze Misaki had been put into began to vanish as she noticed Azami frantically waving her hand right in her life of vision, "Yeah," Misaki muttered, clearing her throat as she began to change into her swimsuit, "He's single."
Any confusion or remorse Misaki had for Rin having to see her and Makoto kiss was quickly thrown out the window as soon as she saw him staring at Azami's breasts. Azami's stupid, perky, C cup boobs that were obviously much more appealing than Misaki's A cup since they managed to hold Rin's attention for a pretty long period of time. Maybe Misaki could get over Rin oogling her best friend, maybe but once Rin actually started flirting with Azami the noirette was 110% done. For the past half hour the two little love birds had been sitting near the snack table and just having a fantastic time and for the past half hour all Misaki could do was sit on a fold out chair and glare at them.
"Misaki. Misaki. Misaki-chan. Saki-chan."
"Don't call me that," Misaki replied looking over towards Nagisa who had a hot pink inflatable ring around his waist.
"He's been trying to get your attention for the past two minutes," Rei chimed in, his arms crossed over his chest, "Are you going to swim or not?"
"Yeah! You should swim!" Gou called from the pool where she had been laying on a yellow inflatable lounger.
"You're not even swimming," Haru stated as he resurfaced for air.
"At least I'm on the water," Gou huffed, readjusting her sunglasses.
"Guys Misaki doesn't have to swim if she doesn't want to," Makoto's gentle voice of reason called from where he stood in the pool.
Misaki flicked her eyes back over to Rin and Azami to see the latter in her fiery red bikini taking a sip from Rin's soda. "Oh I'm swimming," Misaki muttered to herself earning her a 'huh?' from Nagisa.
Misaki could have easily just slipped into the water quietly, but she was so frustrated she couldn't just do that. Instead she walked over towards the desolate end of the pool and without any hesitation cannonballed in. As her body hit the water Misaki forced all of her breath out of her nose. Hazel eyes looked up to see the small bubbles reaching for the surface, distancing themselves from her as her body drifted downwards. Soon her ears began to ring from the pressure and her chest burned from lack of oxygen but she didn't care. Instead she pushed herself even further down, deeper and deeper until the water rejected her and set her back up towards the surface.
She broke the surface with a loud intake of air and a few small coughs. Misaki reached for the edge of the pool to help hold herself up but instead of the concrete her hand landed on a foot. "I thought we had an agreement," a female voice barked softly as Misaki moved her hand to latch onto the edge.
"Changed my mind," Misaki sputtered looking up to see Azami squatting in front of her, her knees touching and a pout on her made up face. Her eyes then noticed Rin who had followed Azami like some sort of lost puppy and that thought alone was enough to make Misaki scowl.
"You look like a pissed off raccoon," Rin said referring the smeared makeup that was now under Misaki's eyes rather than on them.
Misaki nearly said 'fuck off' but bit her tongue, literally. A metallic taste began to fill her mouth but Misaki could care less. "Doesn't look like Rin's going to swim so he can stay land locked with you." Eyes turned away from Rin to give Azami a fake closed lipped smile.
"Hey Azami can you go see if there are any more water bottles?"
The way Rin said her name made Azami swoon and Misaki want to vomit. "Yeah!" Azami beamed, standing up and beginning to bounce over towards the cooler.
"The fuck is your problem?" Rin whispered as he squatted down in front of Misaki.
"Problem? There's no problem," Misaki lied as she continued glaring up at him.
Rin paused for a moment, looking beyond Misaki to see a pair of green eyes watching them, "Look just meet me in the locker room okay?" a moment of silence as Rin waited for a response that didn't come. "Okay?" He repeated, much more forceful this time.
"Fine," the girl muttered as she tried to wipe away the makeup from under her eyes.
Before another word could be said a loud 'got it!' erupted from the busty blonde who was running towards Rin with a water bottle in hand. Misaki let out an audible growl before sinking beneath the water once more and wishing that she would never have to resurface.
Author's Note: I feel like things are moving too slow. Sigh. Starting next chapter I'm gonna try to speed it up.
HellOnTheEngine: I hope the beginning of this chapter helped clear things up. So yeah basically Makoto knew that Misaki had feelings for Rin and that Rin had feelings for Misaki. The two of them were pretty much inseparable in elementary school and there is another reason Makoto knew but that will be revealed later. But Makoto doesn't know about the letters or the promise (though he does know Rin gave her that bracelet). Also thanks for your thoughts on the chapter! Your reviews always bring up good questions and new ideas and give me good insight into how I'm doing with the story so thank you so much!