CHAPTER ELEVEN: UNCERTAINTY
The longer Misaki soaked in the pool the more ridiculous she found Rin's request to be. How in the world were both of them supposed to get in the locker room without someone asking questions? More specifically, without Makoto asking questions. Hazel eyes looked to her right to see Makoto with his arms on the deck of the pool and his eyes closed as he seemed to be relaxing.
"Hey you," Misaki whispered as she poked Makoto's cheek.
His eyes opened slowly arms dropping back into the water to see Misaki treading water right in front of him, "Are you having fun?"
"Mmm yeah," Misaki shrugged, beginning to tire from keeping herself afloat, "I kinda want a floatie thing but Haru said I can't have one."
"Why would he say that?"
Hazel eyes rolled counterclockwise as she recalled the conversation she had with the dolphin boy, "Because the water will respect me more if I float on it by myself or something weird like that."
Makoto couldn't help but laugh as he turned to see Haruka floating on his back on the opposite end of the pool. His gaze then rose to see Azami and Rin sitting next to each other, their feet dangling in the water.
"Haru's gonna look like a nasty old prune whenever he gets out of the water," Misaki mumbled, referring to Haru who had been the first in the water and would certainly be the last out.
"Come here," Makoto reached both hands out, latching onto Misaki's hips and pulling her towards him, "You looked like you were getting tired," the boy explained as Misaki wrapped her legs around his waist.
"Thanks," Misaki whispered, grateful for not having to tread water anymore but feeling embarrassed to be latched onto Makoto like this right in front of Rin though she shouldn't give a damn considering Rin seemed to be content with the busty blonde at his side.
"Rin and Azami seem to be hitting it off."
Misaki hated how Makoto did that, how he seemed to read her thoughts. He did the same thing with Haruka though the blue eyed male didn't seem to mind as much as Misaki did. Sometimes it was sweet to have a boyfriend who could read you like an open book, but most of the time it was aggravating because it forced her to talk about things she would have rather left locked away in her mind.
"Yeah," the word came out sour as Misaki looked to see Azami swinging her legs in the water, a smile plastered on her made up face.
"Maybe we could go on a double date."
Misaki nearly gagged as she looked back towards Makoto only to realize that he was completely serious. "Don't say that to Azami," the girl warned already knowing that the blonde would simply love the idea of a double date.
"Heh okay," Makoto smiled, his hands moving from Misaki's hips to her bare waist, "And we don't have to go on a double date if you don't want to. I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."
Underneath his kind demeanor Misaki knew what Makoto was hinting at. He didn't want her to have to see Rin going out with another girl because Makoto figured that sight would make Misaki uncomfortable. Was Makoto's thinking right? Of course. Was Misaki going to let him think he was right? No way.
"I think it'd be fun," Misaki chirped, a toothy grin coming to her face as she poked the tip of Makoto's nose.
"Really?"
Misaki felt her stomach tingle at seeing that absolutely adorable shocked face Makoto tended to make. "Yup," she giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck and placing her chin on his left shoulder, "You smell like chlorine," she whispered, pressing her nose into his neck.
The couple stayed like that for a while. Instead of talking they listened to the chattering and laughter of their friends. Misaki wished she could stay with Makoto holding her like this longer but with a huff she wiggled out of his grasp. "Do you think I could get to the vending machines?"
"Um, yeah if you go through the locker room. Do you want me to come with you?"
"Nah I'm good," Misaki stated as she pulled herself out of the pool.
A cool breeze blew past her, causing small goose bumps to form on her skin. Quickly Misaki went and grabbed her towel and tried to dry herself off. She also took a moment to rub the towel on her eyes, noticing just how much makeup she still had caked on there. No one else was at the school so Misaki didn't see the need to get fully dressed just to go to the vending machine/talk to Rin. Instead she wrapped the towel around her bust, dug some dollar bills out of her purse, and began moving towards the locker room.
"Misaki! Where'r you goin!?"
Misaki nearly let out a curse word as she debated to pretend that she didn't just hear Nagisa trying to foil her plans. If she ignored him though the boy would probably run after her, which would not be good. So with a muted sigh Misaki turned around and wave the dollar bills in the air, "Vending machine."
"I wanna come!"
Another curse word ran through Misaki's mind as she flicked her gaze towards Rin to notice him glaring at the pink eyed boy. "If you want something I can just get it for you," Misaki offered, noticing how Nagisa was making his way towards the edge of the pool in order to drag himself out.
"Yeah!?" Nagisa's eyes twinkled as he backed away from the edge of the pool, "I want Cheetos!"
"Misaki can you get me some Fritos?" Azami called.
"I want licorice," Gou said, not bothering to take her eyes off the magazine she had brought.
"Bring me some mackerel."
"Okay one, I didn't say I would bring everyone food," Misaki huffed as she held up one finger, "Two! Haru they don't sell mackerel from a vending machine."
"Then go to the grocery store."
Makoto must have seen that Misaki was about to dive in the pool and hold Haru under until he wanted air more than mackerel because the green eyed boy quickly began to try to pacify the situation, "Misaki you can get some money from my wallet to pay for everyone's snacks. Haru, on the way home I'll go with you to buy mackerel."
"Yay Makoto!" Nagisa cheered, which drowned out Rei's protests to Makoto having to pay for everyone.
"If Makoto is paying then get me some-"
"No," Misaki snapped, cutting off Rin and sending the boy a glare before turning her gaze to Nagisa, "I'll get you Cheetos."
"Woo!" Nagisa threw his arms into the air before looking back at Rin, "And Rinrin gets nothing!"
"Azami I'll get you Fritos, Kou I'll get you licorice, and Rei do you want anything?"
"He wants Cheetos too!" Nagisa shouted before Rei could say a word.
"So four eyes gets something but I don't?" Rin growled, earning some protests from Rei who wasn't a fan of the nickname.
Instead of giving into Rin's pettiness Misaki turned on her heels and began walking towards the pile of clothes that belonged to Makoto. As she dug through Makoto's wallet for some dollar bills she heard Nagisa's cackle mixed with the sound of Rin and Rei arguing.
"Fine!" Rin nearly shouted, pushing himself up from his seated position, "I'll just get my own god damn snacks."
Here Misaki thought Rin was going to be secretive. That he'd wait a few minutes after Misaki had left and then stealthily make his way into the locker room. But instead Rin was angrily pulling a dollar bill from his wallet and making a scene as he went into the locker room. All Misaki could do was stare at Rin's back as he walked right past her and into the locker room, pausing for a second to look at her with a glance that said 'are you coming or not?'. For a moment Misaki thought about not going but her legs had a mind of their own and had her chasing after Rin before her mind could process what was happening.
"I can't believe I got roped into getting everyone snacks," Misaki mumbled to herself as the locker room door closed behind her, "Technically this is all your fault."
"Huh?"
Misaki crossed her arms over her chest as Rin turned to face her, "If you hadn't needed to call a pow wow I wouldn't have turned into the snack mule. So….what you want to talk about?"
"What was your problem out there?"
"I have no idea what you're referring to."
Misaki's comment made Rin growl as he took a step towards her and pointed his index finger in her direction, "Don't play dumb!"
"Don't yell!" Misaki hissed, smacking Rin's finger that was pointing at her, "And the only dumb one here is you since apparently you're not smart enough to know not to eye my best friend right in front of me."
Misaki had an idea what Rin's reaction would be. Shame. Shame for being caught being a dirty perverted dog, but instead the male threw his head back and let out an arrogant laugh. His arms crossed in front of him as he raised an eyebrow at Misaki, who was confused as to why he found this situation funny.
"Sorry to disappoint but your best friend is not my type."
"Then why were you…." Misaki trailed off, lowering her gaze for a moment before a loud gasp left her mouth, "Were you trying to make me jealous!?"
"Don't yell," Rin growled, "And don't flatter yourself."
"So," Misaki's voice fell into a soft whisper as she readjusted the towel she had wrapped around herself, "You were checking her out because you wanted to?"
Rin let out a loud sigh, his arms still crossed over his chest and his head dropping, "You have the most annoying sad face."
Misaki had no idea what to say to that because she was too busy being horribly depressed. Of course Rin would want to check out Azami! The girl was a bombshell! Azami was curvy and busty and outgoing and for the first time in their friendship Misaki found herself completely jealous of her best friend.
"Stop being upset," Rin ordered, as if getting angry would make Misaki be happy, "If it makes you feel better you were right."
The end of Rin's sentence had been mumbled but Misaki still managed to hear it, "About?"
"Trying to make you, you know…jealous."
"You jerk!"
Misaki's hands slammed into Rin's chest with a loud smack. Her towel and money fell down to her feet as she raised her hands and tried to hit Rin again. This hit didn't make contact as Rin grabbed her wrists and held her at bay. "Why are you mad!?" Rin asked, bewilderment on his face.
"Because," Misaki groaned as she tried to pull her wrists out of Rin's grasp, "You used my best friend to make me jealous! Why would you even do that!?"
At her question Rin's expression turned serious. He released her wrists and turned to look over at the lockers. "Hello!?" Misaki nearly shouted, roughly pushing Rin's shoulder though it didn't even cause him to flinch.
"Just drop it already," Rin breathed, taking a step back before Misaki could shove him again.
"No, I'm not gonna drop it. What you did was wrong so why did you do it!?"
Misaki took a step forward and poked Rin's bare chest. "I said," at feeling her finger on his skin Rin grabbed her wrist and held it up in the air, "Drop it. Why did it make you so jealous anyway? You seemed pretty happy with Makoto."
The force Rin used to pull her arm into the air caused Misaki to stumble forward. Her free hand landed on Rin's chest in an attempt to keep her balance. With a tug Misaki tried to free her arm but Rin wouldn't let go. "What's that supposed to mean?" Misaki glowered but Rin avoided her gaze in favor of the lockers.
"I'm not your boyfriend Misaki," Rin said softly, "I can do whatever I want with whoever I want just like you can do whatever you want with Makoto."
His words were true, which only made them hurt more. No, Rin wasn't her boyfriend so of course he could do whatever he wanted. Misaki had no right to be jealous or protective of him, but she couldn't help it. "I don't know what you want from me," she whispered, dropping her head to hide the tears that were forming in her eyes.
"I want you to make up your mind. I don't like watching you with him. I don't like you kissing him," the last two words came out as an angry growl that made Misaki flinch.
"Is that why you did it?"
Rin's silence was all the answer Misaki needed. Her heart ached as she realized that Rin had used Azami as a way to get back at Misaki for kissing Makoto. For kissing her boyfriend. "I told you I needed time," she breathed as she felt Rin release her wrist.
"This is stupid," Rin pinched the bridge of his nose while he took a deep breath, "They're probably wondering where we are."
"Probably." Misaki stayed staring down, tears still brimming her eyes. Her stomach was aching from anxiety over what had just transpired and all she wanted to do was go home and sleep.
"I'm gonna come over tonight okay?"
Misaki looked up, a single tear escaping and sliding down her cheek. At seeing the tear Rin sighed and quickly wiped it away. "I'm not mad at you," he explained, bending down and picking up her fallen towel, "So don't act like such a cry baby."
"You still want to hang out with me?"
"What kind of stupid question is that?"
"I know it can't be easy," Misaki said, taking the towel and hanging it off her forearm, "Having to watch me with him."
"Yeah but that's not even the hardest part," Rin nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "Can you cover up already?"
Misaki's eyes fell down to her small bust, which was not as impressive as Azami's. The thought made her face scrunch though it softened as she looked back up at Rin. He seemed nervous as he tried to keep his eyes away from her, as if found her stick like figure attractive. With an inward smile Misaki wrapped the towel around herself and began picking up the fallen dollar bills.
"So where are the vending machines?" Rin asked as the pair moved out of the locker room and down an empty hallway.
"I'll show you," Misaki said, her bare feet padding over the cool tile floor, "And just so you know once Azami gets a guy in her sites she doesn't back off."
"Great," Rin said sarcastically.
Misaki stayed silent for a moment, biting her bottom lip as she mulled over her thoughts. The girl really wanted to ask Rin to avoid Azami or at least not act like such a flirt but she couldn't. What Rin said earlier was right and it had stung Misaki more than she wanted to admit. He wasn't her boyfriend meaning she had zero claim to him. As long as she was stuck deciding between Makoto and Rin the latter was free to do as he pleased. Misaki felt stupid for thinking she could have the best of both worlds. She couldn't expect to be kissing Makoto and having Rin abstaining from all other girls though the thought of Rin being with someone else made Misaki feel nauseous. She wouldn't be able to deal with him moving on, but she knew that unless she made a decision it could happen.
"Oi!"
Shoulders reached for ears as Misaki turned to see Rin staring at her. Misaki lightly bit the inside of her cheek as she tried to hide what she was thinking and act normally. The last thing she needed was Rin calling her out on her thoughts, especially when her thoughts revolved around him.
"Stop spacing out," the male scolded then looked forward once more.
A smile came to Misaki's face as she was reminded how good it felt to not be hanging out with a mind reader like Makoto. Rin had no clue what Misaki was thinking, and in all honestly he probably didn't care which actually made Misaki happy. "Yes sir," her voice lowered an octave as she gave Rin a mock salute. In return the male rolled his eyes.
"Are you still not gonna buy me something from the vending machine?" The shark toothed boy asked as the machine came into view.
"Maybe if you beg," Misaki teased as she rubbed the bills against the edge of the machine in order to get any creases out.
"Never mind then."
The pair stood side by side as Misaki pulled the snacks from the machine, "Hold these," she ordered, tossing the licorice at Rin. His quick reflexes allowed him to catch it, but he still wasn't happy about having to carry some of the snacks back to the pool. Misaki walked back slowly, not excited to have to be around everyone again. Her mind was still racing with thoughts of what to do about Rin, plus her fight with him had given her a headache.
As soon as the two walked out of the locker room they were accosted by two bubbly blondes. The male was snatching Cheetos out of Misaki's arms while the female was standing way too close to Rin. After Azami let out her stream of laughs (though nothing funny had even happened) she took the Fritos from Rin and began walking back towards the pool. Misaki was too busy glaring at the girl to notice the blue eyed boy who had crept up to her side.
"You didn't get mackerel."
Misaki slowly turned her head, her eyebrow twitching as she noticed just how serious Haru was. "Excuse me?"
"You didn't get mackerel," he repeated, which he really shouldn't have.
"I'm going to kill you," Misaki said, her voice high and sweet and a toothy smile on her face.
Haru didn't move. Instead he looked over at Rin, then Makoto (who was quickly coming to Haru's aide), then back at Misaki. "I'm serious," Misaki said noticing how Haru was just staring at her.
"No she's not," Makoto said before letting out a nervous laugh.
"No," Misaki turned to see Makoto coming towards her, "I am."
"I'm gonna help Misaki kill Haru-chan!" Nagisa shouted.
"You can't murder Haruka-senpai!" Rei shrieked, not sure if Misaki was serious or not though based on the look in her eyes she did look capable of killing.
"I'd have to agree with Rei on that one," Gou chimed in from her seat near the pool.
"You better run Haru before we kill you!" Nagisa said before letting out his best evil laugh.
"I'm not going to run," Haru deadpanned.
Without warning Nagisa lunged at Haru, who true to his word didn't run. Instead he let Nagisa hang off of him while simultaneously ordering the boy to get off. That's when Misaki struck. With both arms outstretched she ran at Haru and Nagisa. Considering Haru was already off balance because of Nagisa hanging off him it didn't take much effort to push them both into the pool. Misaki was about to let out her victory lap when she suddenly found herself falling into the water.
The girl was a thousand percent sure it was Rin, but when she resurfaced she was surprised to see Makoto staring down at her. She was about to grab his ankle and pull him in but before she could move forward she was drug under water momentarily. A strong kick brought her back to the surface where she managed to get in a good breath before she was pulled under again.
When she came up she heard Nagisa's laughter, and Misaki turned to see the blonde boy with a devilish smirk on his face. Misaki was about to yell at the boy but once more she felt herself being pulled underwater. By the time air filled her lungs she was beyond done with this little game. Hazel eyes widened slightly as she saw Nagisa give Haru a high five.
"You're right," Haru said as his hand hit Nagisa's, "This is fun."
"Haru I'm going to-" this time she saw Haru reach out and grab her ankle to pull her under, when she came back up she wasted no time in lunging for the boy.
She didn't reach him though because a pair of strong arms wrapped around her waist and held her back, "Calm down Misaki," Makoto said, "And Haru maybe you should run."
"I'm going to kill you!" Misaki growled as she pushed wet hair out of her face.
"If you got me mackerel none of this would have happened."
"I swear to god Haru I'm going to kill you then go out and kill every single mackerel then bring you back to life only for you to die from mackerel withdrawals."
"That's not even possible," Haru said, his gaze still blank even though there was a seventeen year old girl threatening to murder everything he loved.
"You're not helping yourself," Rin said from where he stood on the pool deck, "You really shouldn't taunt her like that."
"I'm good, I'm good," Misaki said as she stopped struggling and took a deep breath, "I'm calm."
Makoto slowly let Misaki go, but as soon as she was free she latched onto Haru's shoulders and pushed him underwater. Too bad the boy was much stronger than her and easily pushed himself back up despite her best efforts to hold him down. "Are you done now?" Haru asked, flipping his hair out of his eyes.
"Yeah," Misaki's shoulders slumped as she glanced behind her to see Azami trying to hook her arm through Rin's, "I'm so done."
Author's Note: I had no clue how to end this chapter, so I'm not necessarily happy with the ending. But on the brighter side this update came out faster than usual! A lot of people favorited/added the story to their alert system after last chapter and that added in with the reviews really motivated me to get this chapter out!
Also, just a heads up but the rating of this story will soon go from Teen to Mature. Reasons as to why will be seen later, but yes just a heads up that possibly by the next chapter the rating will go up.
AmIValid: You're much too kind! I'm so happy you like the story and you're review was just so nice and sweet and thank you so so much! Thanks for your comment about the pacing, I was unsure about it so your feedback really helped.
HellOnTheEngine: Your jabber helps me out so much! Seriously I love when reviewers give me ideas because they help motivate me to write and give me more ideas for the story (so keep em comin!). All the ideas you give me get logged away and you may just see them in upcoming chapters. Also thanks for your feedback on the pacing. Apparently I was the only one being paranoid about moving at the speed of a snail so thanks for letting me know that as far as pacing is concerned it's all good.