At the café
The girl was sipping on her miso soup. Something felt very odd that day. All morning, she had noticed that people were whispering to one another so mutedly while giving her that look of curiosity. It was as if what they were talking about… it had something to do with her. But…. How could that be?
"Rinnnnnnnnnnnn!" The girl turned spotting her best friend as she scrambled toward her corner table. Rin waited while Kagome heaved endless exhausted pants.
"What?" The girl asked, looking at her watch. "Kags, you're late. I'm so hungry I started first."
"It's…okay…" Her friend was still breathless. "Rin, something has happened! Look!"
Kagome threw a colored notice in front of Rin.
"What's this?" The girl's eyes squinted as she briefly examined what was on it and with a loud shriek, her eyes blew up so wide till it hurt. "It's…it's…"
It was a newsletter by the editorial board and … she was in the headlines! "The newest happy family in the school" Not only her, there were uncle, Sesshy and mom! The picture was taken while they were having dinner two nights ago.
Who did this? Who could be so nosy… so insensitive?
The girl noted… There was a name in small prints right at the bottom of the page….Mass media 1st year… Kagura.
"Rin, this is all over the school, on all the notice boards and even sent to the whole school in a chain mail!"
With that, Rin dashed off, not heeding the calls of her best friend. She needed to find out who this Kagura was. But the name… it had sounded familiar… It was as though she had heard it before… but from where… she couldn't remember. Her mind was a jumble.
Mass Media Faculty
Rin tried her very best to ignore all the pointed fingers as she hurried toward her desired destination.
"Isn't that the girl in the notice? The one called… Rin…It's no wonder I kept seeing her with the chairman's son….."
The girl pushed through the crowd as she reached the door. With force she couldn't contain, she swung it open.
"Who is Kagura? I want to see her!" She blurted in frustration, peering around. Instantly catching her eye was a figure dressed in full black. That back view… it's so familiar…
As the heinous girl slowly turned her head, Rin let out a gasp!
Kagura! So, she's Kagura!
Sensing the intensity of the situation between the two, the classroom was emptied in less than a second and there was the two of them.
"Oh I see… So you're Kagura. Did you write this?"
The girl in cobalt blue highlights sniggered, raising her brows like a challenge.
"Is there anything wrong with my report? Is there anything that wasn't the truth?"
Rin was dumbfounded. Well, she was technically right about everything. But… but… this Kagura… She had other motives obviously.
"And how does this concern you? Why are you so enthusiastic about our private affairs? And you even sent emails to everyone!" The girl argued back.
Kagura chuckled fiendishly. "Why shouldn't I? Do not think I'm unaware of what's on your little mind. You'll have no chance with Prince now…. now that everyone knows you're going to be siblings soon."
What? She knows I like Sesshy? The girl mused as anxiety rose in her.
"You…." Before someone who's so forceful and oppressive, Rin realized she hadn't a clue how to fight back.
Just then, another familiar person appeared at the door. It was … Naraku!
"Kagura… Sesshy wants to see you in the café … now."
Kagura passed a smug grin at Rin as if gloating. "Prince wants my company. I should not keep him waiting." Letting off an eerie trail of laughter, she went along with Naraku leaving the girl fretting as she tore the notice into as many bits as she possibly could.
At the café
Naraku and Hojo watched the two as they sat for at least 15 minutes without a single word spoken. Still, no matter what, anyone with sharp eyes could tell that Sesshoumaru was definitely not in the best of moods.
"Why did you do this?" He swung a piece of notice he'd seen in his hand.
"Prince… you know I care about you. That's why. You know you have lots of fans. If they know the Rin's your ne-san, they wouldn't go bug her. If not, they might think you're lovers and they might confront her. I-I was merely protecting you and her."
"Don't call me Prince. I hate that." He took a sip of his decaf. "You can explain all you want. But I don't see eye to eye with you on this matter and you can't convince me."
"But…But…" Kagura feigned the most innocent look she could. She pretended to heave a disappointed sigh. "I know. Perhaps, I've chosen a way of caring for you that you'll never appreciate."
Watching from one corner of the café, Naraku was getting more and more nervous by the second. Sesshoumaru's expressions indicated that he was becoming increasingly displeased. Will he….
"Erm… hey, cool it you fellows. It's not a big thing anyway, Sessh. In time, everyone will come to find out anyway." He intelligently turned to the fretful girl. "Hey Kagura, do you know we've joined the basketball team?"
The girl seemed not the least surprised nor impressed. "Of course I do. That's why I've signed up as the new basketball manager."
A loud thud was heard instantly. Sesshoumaru had flung off the chair he was sitting on in his rage. All in the café gulped as their leader stormed out. He was DEFINITELY not pleased with this new piece of news.
Along the school corridor
Rin's dampened pace clearly indicated she was affected by the little debate with Kagura just a moment back. For the first time, she took time to think on a more serious node about this new budding emotion she was feeling, for none other than her soon-to-be brother. Have she even made the correct decision of choosing Sesshoumaru over Inuyasha? Or was she simply too naïve to think that a forbidden relationship between them could ever work? The girl herself knew that despite the two times they'd kissed and how Sesshoumaru had made it known that he wanted her, well, he hadn't exactly ever said that he loved her. Neither had she told him that she had a change of hearts.
And as if it wasn't already complicated enough, there were still other contenders in the picture, other girls who were equally interested in the charming boy… most of all… that witch Kagura!
Rin's narration
looks out of the window
The clouds are gathering. The sky is overcast. Looks like a storm's brewing. sigh How I wish it could rain in my heart too. Perhaps, it can wash away all the doubts and the unknowns.
If I continue to have these feelings for Sesshy, will I one day become the culprit who'll ruin mom's happiness?
At the basketball Courts
Kagome pulled her best friend as the girl tried to struggle off. Rin has got to buck up. If not, Sesshoumaru might just fall for Kagura. Rin, she's just too passive sometimes.
"Rin, hurry up! I've already told Inuyasha to reinstate you as the basketball manager. You can't lose to that, that witch of a girl!" She tugged her hard and Rin almost tripped over.
"Kagome…" the girl shook herself loose. "I-I was the one who was inconsistent in attendance. I-I feel so embarrassed to go back."
"But you've got to!" Her best friend argued instantly. "This is the most crucial moments of your love life. If you continue to be so cowardly, Sesshoumaru's not gonna wait forever!"
Rin was reminded again of her dilemma. She began mumbling to herself. "Yes, it's the most crucial moments of my love life. If it's an earthquake, it's comparable to 8.5 on the Richter scale. If you see it as a storm, it'll be like HURRICANE KATRINA! WHAT AM I GONNA DO?" Unknown to even herself, her voice had risen so loud that it invited some stares from the people around them.
"CALM DOWN!" Kagome grabbed her by the shoulder, giving her a firm shake. "I've got it all planned out. You'll just have to follow what I say and everything will be fine."
Rin pursed her lips, nodding her head obediently. "Kay"
Just then, the boys entered and the girl's heart skipped a beat the moment Sesshoumaru set his eyes on her. She lowered her head but not before she picked up another person in the group… Kagura.
"Inuyasha," Kagome waved enthusiastically. "I brought Rin. You said you wanted her to return as the manager?" She gave a wink. Well, she had spoken to the captain the night before and through her cleverly formed words, she had convinced him to help her friend.
"Yes, erm… everyone, I've gotten Rin-san back as our manager."
Kagome pushed the girl to the front and Rin immediately gave her most apologetic bow. "I'm sorry. I promise I'll do a better job this time."
"NO WAY!" That voice came from someone who wasn't that pleased with this new change. It was Kagura. "I'm the manager now, not her. She has quit, has she?"
Kagome flashed her fiercest stare at those words of challenge and both girls exchanged so much unworded resentment that Rin had to pull her friend to the side to prevent a possible fight.
"Rin! What're you doing? I'm trying to help you here!"
"But Kagome… she's right. She's the manager now. I don't want trouble. Let's go."
From the corner of his eyes, Sesshoumaru caught every single gesture of the girl. Rin, she was about to take leave. Is she going to give up on the post… again if he doesn't do something fast? Beside the boy, the other team members were beginning to individually debate on the issue as well, having varied views.
"Wait!" Sesshoumaru raised his hand and there was total silence. "There's no rule that says there cannot be two managers in the club. Why not let them both be managers?"
Inuyasha couldn't agree more. Well, not that he had changed his opinion about the boy; he merely wished to settle the issue as soon as he possibly could.
"I was thinking of that too." He announced rather stately. "So, it's settled then. Rin and Kagura, good luck and arigato."
The few days that passed was nothing but a pure torture for the girl. Well, she was back in the basketball team that was the good news. But with Kagura as her partner?
Rin flashed an obvious pout as she picked up the balls, occasionally ran for some strayed away ones. She gave her partner her strongest most piercing stare of dissatisfaction. As yet, Kagura hadn't done a thing, not a single chore for the team. The mopping, sweeping, gathering of jerseys, balls, buying of snacks for the team members, SHE was doing all these things alone! And what was the witch doing? HA!
Kagura, she was merely standing casually at a corner, watching as Sesshoumaru trained, cheering and clapping as he scored points. She was… tending to him only, bringing him towels, drinks… in clear view of everyone. Worse of all, she would just ignore the needs of every other person in the team.
Just yesterday, the girl recalled she overheard a brief conversation….
"Kagura-san, we've finished practice. Would you like to mop the courts now?" One of the team members had put up that request but what he received was nothing more than a smirk.
"Hey pal…get this into that little head of yours." She pressed a finger on his nose, rolling her eyes. "I became the manager so that I can be with Sesshoumaru, to tend to his needs, ONLY."
"B-But that's too…" He shut up after noting a heinous stare.
"Well, if you need a servant, there's always Rin-san. She's such a sweet girl." With that ever pretentious voice, Kagura threw the girl a smug grin. "I'm sure she has no other motives being the manager. All she wants to do is to serve. Isn't it, NE-SAN?"
Rin hid herself, making a repulsed face at that overly sarcastic remark. She inhaled a deep breath, then turned to fake the most sincere all-toothy smile she could give.
WHY THAT WITCH….
The girl threw her mop and the pail spitefully to the ground as she returned to the present. Again, Kagura was watching Sesshoumaru so openly without fear or restrain. Well, to some extent, the girl did admire her partner. Kagura was never afraid to say how she feels about Sesshy. She was so sure, so undaunted, so undefeatable.
Will Sesshoumaru be attracted to this kind of openness?
"Rin!" That voice… the girl instantly stood up with a start. It was Sesshoumaru. He was calling for her. "Towel!"
With a slight glance, the girl herself noticed how agitated her other partner had become. Kagura, Sesshoumaru was observantly ignoring her, preferring to direct his request toward Rin instead.
Taking in a quick decided breath, Rin picked up a towel from the rack and marched valiantly toward her Otooto. At the same time, she tried her best to avoid the cold fiendish stares from her opponent.
Well, perhaps not quite the same as Kagura, I too have my own way of showing Sesshoumaru that I care about him. Finally, Rin was pleased with herself for that conclusion she had just made.
"You're so obediently today…" The boy's remarks sent an immediate rush of red up Rin's cheeks. "You've decided to be nicer to me?" That tone, it was too victorious and proud.
"Sessh…" She was embarrassed. "Was I that mean to you before?"
He rainbowed his most charming smile. "Well, if I say yes, how're you gonna make it up to me?" He shifted in closer, completely disregarding that someone' watching them from the side. But Rin saw, Kagura seemed like she was going to explode any minute.
"Sessh… not here…"
"I see. So, tonight, is it gonna be your room or mine?" He was teasing her again. The girl remembered her last encounter with him in her room. He was acting exactly like that.
"I want you…" He had hinted so amorously, misleading her and totally threw her off the scale.
"I-I need to buy some snacks for the guys." Rin tried to change the subject. "I-I'd better get going."
No matter how she had attempted to conceal her anxieties, scurrying off too quickly from him, Sesshoumaru had recorded down everything, from the twitch in her brows to how she reacted when Kagura was near. Rin, has she changed her mind about him? From what he had observed in the last couple of days with the girl, he'd say he had won over Inuyasha. The girl, she's showing some interest in him now… at long last.
On the way to the super mart
Rin was busy hurrying back to the court, half having difficulties managing all the stuff that kept her hands full. If only Kagura was a nice helpful girl, what a difference it would have made to this seemingly tedious task. What? The girl stopped in her tracks as her eyes picked out someone from the afar. Kagura? What's she doing here?
Her heart rate was building as her opponent closed in as Kagura reached right before her, Rin swallowed hard. Is she going to go something to me again?
"I want to talk to you." Kagura's first words were unfeeling, straight to the point.
Rin sighed. "Sure." It wasn't as if she had a choice or something.
"If you think that Prince could ever take an interest in you, oh boy you're wrong, NE-SAN!" That was really all that friendly either. But, well, the girl was getting used to such cruelty from her opponent. "To him, you're nothing but a toy, just like all the rest of the girls he had dated. Sooner than you think, he's gonna get tired of you."
"Why are you saying such things?" Though trying to sound calm, Rin's mind was in fact in mess, deciphering the fresh information that she had just received. Sesshoumaru, is he truly like what she'd said… a play boy? Still, perhaps, Kagura was merely trying to get her out of her way. No way, she's not gonna fall for that kind of shallow trick. She ain't giving way! "No matter what you say or do, you cannot stop me. I-I like him and it's not gonna change just because of what you say."
What? How dare she? Flaring internally, Kagura remained as composed as she possibly could. She let off a smirk. "HA! I don't have to do anything. Prince and I, we've been together since high school. No matter what tricks you play, NE-SAN, in the end, Prince, he'll still choose me."
All of a sudden, Kagura was being pushed forcefully onto the ground. Rin cried out. A bunch of girls… they were beating her up?
"You with the funny hair, you think you wanna be queen in your first year…" A burly girl shot Kagura a hard punch on her left cheek, instantly throwing the girl off balance and she landed hitting the corner of a side bench. "You wanna be cocky and throw you weight around…." Another girl kicked while her friends hurled huge rocks. "This will show you!"
"Hey, what are you doing? Stop!" Forgetting her vendetta with Kagura, Rin rushed ahead, pushing one girl aside and another away.
"Stop being a busybody. Get lost before we beat you up too." The seeming leader pointed an accusing finger at Rin. "You're not our target. Now, scram!"
Rin considered her options rather swiftly. Well, alone, she hadn't the power nor the strength to fight them. So…. Without a second thought, she raced back to the courts…
"Sesshy… Naraku…" The girl spotted the boys but couldn't relate to them what happened just yet. She needed a moment to catch her breath. "K-Kag…ura…Some girls… they're beating her up!" She finally finished, half squatted for a break.
Before she could say a second word, Sesshoumaru took off, followed by Naraku.
When Rin made her way back to the spot she'd left Kagura, Sesshoumaru had already chased off the crowd of bullies. She even heard him yell a threat to kill them off if they'd ever tried that again. The girl stood speechless as the one she loved carried her opponent away, simultaneously enquiring if she was hurting.
She had never seen Sesshoumaru behaving like that before, so protective, almost valiant. H-He cares for Kagura. The girl could tell.
"Rin." It was Sesshoumaru. The girl looked up. "I'll have to bring Kagura to the first aid room. Why don't you go home first?" With that, he was off. And Rin saw. Peeking over his shoulders in his arms, that, that witch was … she was flashing the smug grin… as though she'd won.
What just happened back there? Rin was totally confused. Prince, he'll choose me in the end… Kagura's recent words rang in the girl's head.
But… there was someone else who was left behind. It wasn't only her. Naraku… he was looking at the diminishing silhouette of Sesshoumaru. Those eyes, such longings, Naraku, does he like Kagura?
"Naraku? Do you know what's with Kagura?"
The boy gave a rather resigned chuckle. "We were from the same high school, Hojo, Sessh and Kagura. Well, those days, that stubborn girl can never get along with anyone. She was always the outcast and Sesshy, he was always protecting her from sessions like this, where people gang up to beat her up. And every time Kagura was in trouble, Sesshy would always be there to fend off whoever was against her. In her eyes, he was her Prince."
"But you…." Rin felt instantly sorry for Naraku. "Don't you like her too?"
The boy laughed. "Kah, that's nothing. I'm not the one she loves. Love isn't about possessing. Whatever it is, as long as she's happy, I'm happy too."
Rin's home
The girl peered impatiently at the clock. Eight and mom's not home yet. She must have gone dating again. Rin pouted. Can't she just call back or something? She went back into the kitchen as she noted that the soup was boiling. Still, the words of whom she had spoken to just a while back echoed in her mind.
As long as she's happy, I'm happy….
Rin's narration
Comparing between the four of us, Kagura's openness to express how she feels about Sesshy, my dilemma of whether Sesshy and I should even be together, Sesshy's half-hearted, luke-warm attitude toward me, Naraku's love for Kagura… proves definitely much stronger.
Being so deep in thought, she had missed the sound of opening doors and someone was creeping up behind her.
"You're cooking dinner? Don't add onions. I hate onions." Startled and almost dropping the ladle, Rin turned only to find the one she was thinking about all the day.
"Sessh... What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for dinner. Dad's on a business trip. He gave me the keys."
"WELL, YOU SHOULD AT LEAST PRESS THE DOORBELL!" The girl blurted out loud. Gosh… he's always like this.
"I did…but you didn't answer. So, I came in." He replied in that nonchalant tone. "And pay attention to your cooking. Remember dad said that through the efforts of cooking, one can bring warmth to others. Don't serve me with some awful tasting food."
Rin's eyes narrowed as she made a monkey face. How dare he? Walking into my house and ordering me around like that? He's not even noticing that what happened today is affecting me? Can't he tell I'm upset? He's so insensitive.
But unknown to the girl, Sesshoumaru was observing her from the couch though he was pretending to be totally engrossed in an entertainment program. Rin, today, she's a little edgy and out of sorts.
"Dinner's ready!"
Sesshoumaru settled down in front of his bowl of Ramen, wanting to start on it immediately but he was stopped by the girl.
"Sessh… it's very hot. You'll burn yourself. Wait a while for it to cool down." That was a genuine concern raised by Rin but she was brushed aside coarsely.
"You're ne-san, not Oba-san. Stop being such a nag." Rin pouted as the boy continued on with his meal, not even once looking in her direction.
"Sessh… How's Kagura?" Yes, that was the issue the girl was most concerned about.
"Just some minor injuries, a sprained ankle." He sounded so indifferent as ever. "She'll live."
Rin took a while to decide to pursue on. "Does she always get beaten up like this?"
At that, Sesshoumaru paused and put down his chopsticks. He rolled his eyes. "Naraku is such a big-mouth." Then, he let off a soft sigh, as if talking to himself. "She makes me nervous every time she gets in trouble like this. It's as if I'm looking at a mirror image of myself, when I was frequently in trouble at high school."
A smile finally appeared on the girl's face. She understood what he was getting at.
"So, that's the reason you couldn't just let her be. That's why you just got to help her." He's merely acting out of empathy, the girl mused, significantly relieved and comforted.
Instantly, a cheeky smile flashed across the boy's cheeks. He saw the instant change in the girl, correctly guessing what was on her mind. Rin shrieked as a strong arm circled behind her waist. Sesshoumaru was pulling her to him, so closely that she felt even his heart beat.
"Why do you ask?" His gaze seemed as if it could see right into her heart. Rin gulped, her eyes wide opened matching his. "Are you… perhaps… jealous?"
The girl's heart skipped a beat. "I-I'm not. Who says I'm jealous?" She feigned a leisure chuckle. But Sesshoumaru tightened his embrace round her, staring into her huge brown eyes. He wasn't going to let her off that easy. He was now just barely an inch away and Rin could feel intermittently his lips upon hers, his breath into her as he spoke.
"I really have to take a good look at this jealous face of yours." To the girl's shock, he gave her a clipped peck on her lips. "You look so adorable when you're jealous. I wish to remember this forever."
Rin stifled a gasp. He was about to kiss her again! Greatly embarrassed by his words, she shoved him away, picking up the tray beside her and slamming it on his head.
"Who says I'm jealous? I said already, I'm NOT!" She hit him again, this time, Sesshoumaru gave out a loud yelp of pain.
"Hey! Are you mad? That is made of metal you know. IT HURTS!" He rubbed on it desperately. "You're so rough for a girl. Girls aren't supposed to be like that. Girls are sweet and gentle and …" He stopped, noticing that the girl was showing a clownish face of total disagreement.
Ignoring him, Rin dashed for the safety of her bedroom, slamming the door shut with such an enormous force it shook the room. She sat cross-legged on her bed, picking up her phone and calling her best friend right away.
"Kags… he's sooooo irritating. He's always teasing me and his eyes, it looks as if they can see into my heart. AHHHHH! I'm going mad!" Rin exclaimed in a rush to sooth her own overblown anger.
"Rin, you're like this because you're not sure how he feels about you." Kagome knew what the girl's real problem was. "Why don't you just ask him and get it over with? The two of you should just stop playing games and be serious for once."
Rin swallowed, considering the possibility of it. "B-But, I-I just can't do it."
"You have to, Rin. Go! Ask him!"
Putting down her phone, she summoned all her courage, marching out to the dining room…. But to her immense disappointment…. Sesshoumaru….
He had left!
Rin's eyes fell on a little piece of paper right beside his empty bowl. She picked it up. It was a note by Sesshoumaru.
"This is the worst tasting noodle I've ever eaten. But, strangely, there was something else in it… a sense of warmth…."
The girl smiled as she shook her head. Sesshoumaru… he's so overbearing at times but… he can be so adorable…. Which then is the real him?