Yukihime211 here! Thanks everyone for reading, favoriting, alerting, and reviewing. You have no idea how much that means to me. ^_^ Part three is up now. The final part of this arch. Merry Christmas/ Happy Holidays everyone! Here's a little present from me to you! Blame my delay over the fact that I tend to write long chapters. ^^; Sorry if this chapter isn't up to par. It is pretty late.
Disclaimer: I own nothing except my own OC's. Ouran belongs to Bisco. Sorry if the characters are a bit OOC.
Chapter 19
The Setup
A cold breeze billowed into my room from my window, scattering a few stray papers. My room door was locked. Well for obvious reasons. One of them being that I was extremely upset. Why hadn't she told me sooner? Why now of all times...Who was I going to turn to now? Well, there was always Kaoru...But I hated burdening him with drama that no one deserves to sit through. I flopped onto my bed, squeezing my pillow tight.
"Mom...I really need you right now..." I said softly.
The breeze suddenly got violent, rattling my room harshly. I sat up quickly, running to shut the window. Finally securing the lock, I was smacked on the head with a palm sized white box.
"Ow," I muttered under my breath.
I grabbed the box, and walked to my dresser. That's where it had originally been placed after all. I opened it, slipping in the box when my hand brushed across something silky. Curiosity getting the best of me, I retrieved the silky object and stared in awe.
"I can't believe I almost forgot about this..." I said softly.
The silken handkerchief with the initials K.H. sewn on it. (If you don't get the reference, read Butterflies and Inscribed Initials.) How long had it been since I last pulled this trinket out? Ah, yes! Just after meeting the twins. That seemed like ages ago now...In that time, so much had changed. Both good and bad. I sat on my bed, clutching the handkerchief to my chest. The texture between my hands managed to calm me down somewhat.
"Maybe it's a sign..." I said softly.
Kyoya sat in the limousine and sighed heavily.
"That girl has no idea how much trouble she's causing for being so vulnerable..."
He pushed up the bridge of his glasses and then strode out of the car. He had finally arrived to his destination and saw no reason to ponder such things for such a long time. Afterall...he already knew the outcome. He entered the rather vast mansion and headed directly to his room. Closing the door behind him, he set down his laptop on his desk and booted it up. The norm for the forever dubbed Dark Lord. Opening his email, he came across several e-mails from the "Crown Prince" better known as Tamaki Suoh. Kyoya rubbed his temples.
"What does the idiot want now?" he muttered.
He actually took the time to read the mail, yet all were pretty much the same. After clicking the final box, he was bombarded by an annoying request to Video Chat. He ignored it for a while, deciding to finish the project he was working on. He figured after five minutes Tamaki would stop, but he was wrong...Kyoya held a pencil in hand and a tick mark appeared on the base of his head.
This went on for almost ten minutes and that's when he literally snapped. The pencil he held was now broken in two and just because he couldn't take it any longer, he answered.
"What?" he asked with annoyance.
On the panel, the Drama King burst into tears.
"Mother! How could you be so cruel?" he wailed.
Kyoya was not in the mood to banter with Tamaki.
"Exactly what did I do?" he asked.
Tamaki gasped, eyes wide.
"How could you just abandon me like that? We were supposed to have a meeting today..."
Kyoya almost face palmed. How could he have forgotten? His stress level was pretty high these past couple of days...Maybe that was it. He kept on a straight face and looked nonchalant.
"I know...I said I was sorry, didn't I?"
Tamaki wanted to argue, but then remembered that one time with that football player who was also Kyoya's 'childhood friend' and shut up. But still, he was appalled that someone as organized as Kyoya would forget something so important. He crossed his arms, back turned away from the camera.
"So...make it up to me."
Kyoya raised a brow in curiosity. Well...this was a first one, that's for sure. For his own amusement, he decided to respond.
"How so?" he questioned.
Tamaki glanced back at the screen, eyes still watery.
"Break up with Sakuya-chan..."
Kyoya's lips contoured into a small frown. He blinked in surprise, not expecting such a request from his best friend.
"No," he answered simply.
Tamaki turned back fully with concern.
"Why not? You know things won't end well...they never do. It could get dangerous."
Kyoya stared back at Tamaki firmly.
"You don't think I already know that? I knew the stakes, but that's why I'm making sure no harm comes her way."
Tamaki looked at him helplessly.
"But...do you honestly think that this will work?"
Kyoya glared at him in annoyance.
"Are you saying you doubt me? If that's how it is, that's fine by me."
Tamaki shook his head.
"That's not what I meant! It's just...I don't want to see the two of you get hurt."
Kyoya exhaled softly. Sometimes Tamaki could be such a pain, but he knew that he meant well.
"Don't worry. We'll be fine. After all, this is only temporary. After the Ackerman kid is out of our hair, we'll go back to how we were before."
Tamaki still retained the worried expression and he observed Kyoya silently for a moment.
"Will we? Or would you just like to think it will?" he asked.
Kyoya sat in his chair speechless. Sometimes that blonde idiot could say some wise words. Maybe he wasn't as stupid as he led on...
"I need to get back to my project, Tamaki. I'll talk to you at school, alright?" he said finally.
Tamaki looked like he wanted to say more, but he just nodded his head.
"Okay...And hey. You better not skip out on the club tomorrow okay? Or I'll throw a fit," he said lightly.
Kyoya chuckled.
"Of course not, daddy. I wouldn't even think of missing such an important date," Kyoya responded.
He clicked on the exit box and exhaled softly.
"Things are getting more and more complicated..."
111
The next morning...
The chilly air billowed outside, making Kaoru shiver. He was currently standing outside mansion doors, waiting for the Benz to pull up. Hikaru stood impatiently beside him, pacing. He threw up his hands in the air.
"I can't believe it's getting so cold when summer just ended..." groaned Hikaru.
The two of them were wrapped in matching warm scarfs. Kaoru nodded, breathing warm air into his cold hands. Finally, their ride to school pulled up and he sighed in relief.
"I know, huh? Anyway, let's get into the car. I'm freezing," he replied.
Hikaru wrapped an arm around his little brother and he snickered lightly. He held him close, not letting him pass, just because he enjoyed annoying Kaoru sometimes. Kaoru in turn, crossed his arms in annoyance, shivering once more.
"Don't be such a baby," he teased. That is, until he shivered as well. "Let's go."
Kaoru couldn't help but chuckle.
"See how it feels now?"
Hikaru didn't answer and the two entered, shutting the doors behind them. They rode off to Ouran Academy, where Tamaki and co. would be waiting for them. Once the Benz pulled up to the front, the two walked directly into the school. No way were they going to stay outside to freeze their butts off. But that was just an exaggeration.
There was a knock upon my door the next morning. Fully dressed, I already knew who was at the door. I sighed softly.
Two months from now...that's when the wedding was to take place. Yoneko was already packing up her things too. Maybe I could convince her somehow...I shook my head. I couldn't do that to her. Not now when she had finally found happiness and a way to escape this place for good...
"Sakuya-sama? Sakuya-sammma?"
I looked up abruptly once I saw a hand in front of my face. Yoneko gazed at me with concern and I looked up to see Kyoya waiting expectantly.
"Oh! Um...hello Kyoya-senpai," I greeted.
Kyoya smiled his usual calculating smile.
"Morning," he greeted back.
Yoneko had a nervous smile on her face and she waved as I walked out the door with my bag in hand. The door shut behind me and Kyoya's smile loosened.
"What seems to be on your mind?" he asked curiously.
I blinked a couple of times and looked up at him.
"Huh? Oh...it's nothing..."
He groaned, slightly annoyed. I gazed at him quietly, trying to figure out if I was going to be lectured or not. But what came next was far more confusing. We continued our walk to the car.
"You realize keeping in all those emotions bottled up isn't such a good thing. One day, you're going to snap and then what will happen? If you keep pushing people away, you'll just end up all alone again. And that would surely break Kaoru's heart..."
I was no longer in step with Kyoya and instead froze on the spot. He studied me closely, either waiting for my reply or just wondering about my actions. I looked to the ground for a moment before I grabbed his hand, pulling him into the car and closing the door.
"It's stupid really...she's quitting, that's all I'm saying."
Kyoya raised a brow, seeming to understand.
"I see...So your maid is quitting? Judging by your reaction, she means a lot to you."
I nodded; slightly surprised he could read me so well only after saying one sentence. I buckled my seatbelt, and then glanced up at him.
"She's like a second mom..." I explained, slightly embarrassed I was having this conversation with someone I don't exactly always get along with.
Throughout the car ride, I was only accompanied with silence. Which was perfectly okay with me. Not like I wanted to be interviewed about my life. The facade of being a couple would have to keep up once we exited the door, so I took the time to prepare myself. Though...how was I supposed to accomplish that?
We finally pulled up to the drop off area for Ouran and the two of us exited the car. At that moment, Kyoya took a hold of my hand and pulled me along to class. Just as the day before...I wondered silently how long we would have to keep this up?
111
Eyes scanned the computer; heavily guarded information was slowly being leaked to those that would use it to their own benefit. Just as they were promised. Pouty pink lips slowly formed into a simple smirk.
"Perfect...Say goodbye to your happiness..."
Tamaki waited impatiently in Sakuya's seat, several first years looked at him oddly
"Uh...Tamaki-senpai...What brings you here?" asked a girl curiously.
He stood up from the seat smiling.
"Well, I could never stay away from this room for long. Not when there are so many pretty young ladies sitting here, waiting for their prince," he explained.
The girl blushed and several others squealed. Though from the looks of things there was another reason why he was there and she didn't have to wait long to find out. Sakuya walked in, a brief goodbye was exchanged between the two. (Her and Kyoya)
"Sakuyaaa~"
Tamaki charged towards her, but Kyoya intercepted by tugging her out of the way and ended up the one being hugged tightly. At the moment, Haruhi entered the classroom and gazed at the two curiously.
"Affectionate as ever, I see," she stated.
The fangirls squealed. Tamaki removed his grasp of Kyoya, eyes widening. Hikaru and Kaoru, still in their seats, watched the ordeal play out with amusement.
"Haruhi! It's not what it looks like!"
She rolled her eyes, sitting in her usual spot. The twins were unable to control their laughter.
"What's this? Now the shipping will increase tenfold!" they exclaimed, tears brimming near their eyes from laughing so much.
Sakuya traveled to her seat, not in the mood for anything to start up first thing in the morning.
"Looks like you've got competition..." teased Hikaru.
She merely shrugged making sure to talk softly while the others were preoccupied with Tamaki and Kyoya.
"Fine by me..."
Kaoru couldn't help but crack a smile.
111
After the little incident everything went back to normal...well not exactly. I sat at my desk both my hands covered in band aids. Haruhi winced, staring in awe.
"You sure you're alright? I may not be the most observant person, but even I can tell something isn't right," she replied.
I sighed softly. Great...another thing to worry about now.
"I...I'm fine. They're just a few simple cuts," I assured, though deep down I didn't know what to think.
Grabbing my things, I headed to Music Room 3 where everyone was waiting. It was kind of nice going back to our daily routine. Though I wouldn't admit it out loud, the host club business was growing on me. That gave me a chance to hang out with the others and make me feel...well happy. Haruhi trailed beside me, still in a pensive mood.
"Hey, wait up!" called after the twins.
I turned to the two and stopped patiently. They jogged over to the two of, wearing identical frowns. I sighed heavily, waiting for the expected words to spill from their lips.
"What is it? Something you'd like to say to me?" I questioned.
They reached for my hands, examining them carefully. Haruhi gazed at them quietly, but tapped her foot a bit from impatience.
"Well...Should have seen this coming a mile away..." muttered Hikaru.
Kaoru nodded his head in agreement. I stared at them blankly. What were they getting at?
"It was pretty obvious. Though these kind of things are a little out of hand, don't you think?"
My brows furrowed, confusion etched onto my face.
"What are you getting at?"
They stared at me with genuine surprise.
"You honestly don't get it...do you?"
Just as about he was about to answer, Kyoya walked into the classroom expectantly. The twins backed off, dropping the subject.
"Oh, I get it...I just choose to ignore..." I thought to myself.
The five of us heading towards the host club. People were chattering around us, several heading home, others to their daily club activities. There was silence between us...and it was a little awkward. Kyoya adjusted his glasses, glancing at us curiously.
"Something the matter?"
No response was voiced...Haruhi shifted uneasily.
"Er...Hey, look. Tamaki's waiting for us," she pointed out awkwardly.
Sure enough, there he was. He waved with a silly grin on his face. The tension soon washed away and the twins jogged over to the Prince, ready for teasing.
Ryan winced, checking the calendar on the table in his cousin's guest room. Only a few more days...That's all the time he had left.
He stood from the bed, trying to think of a way to make things go quicker...He would talk to Yuichi later that afternoon when he returned back to the house... Pacing...that's all that he could do for now...
There was a knock on his bedroom door and he slowly opened it with annoyance.
"What do you want?"
The young woman outside his door held out the receiver.
"It's your father..."
Spread out along a table were two suspicious items. One being gardening gloves with remnants of glass along the grooves. The other was a torn picture...that she really didn't want to get too much into detail. Seiphorah sighed.
"It doesn't make any sense..." she muttered.
"What's the matter with him?"
I glanced at Kyoya curiously. He merely adjusted his glasses, and walked off, avoiding the question and pretending he didn't hear me. Some boyfriend...
So, Tamaki was still acting all dramatic and kept on giving Kyoya meaningful looks. Which was kind of weird... I decided to drop the case and lounged around on the couch. Not like I had much of a right to be here anymore...Seeing as I wasn't hosting anymore. Well for the time being anyway.
"Hey...can I go home?" I asked out of the blue.
The others stared at me for the first time since I entered the room.
"Why do you want to go home? Family troubles again?" asked Hikaru.
Haruhi sighed as the others just looked on with confusion.
"Well, you know. I don't see why she shouldn't be able to go. It's not like she'll get any more customers anyway," she said with a shrug.
I couldn't help but wince at the bluntness. Though it was true. Now that I was 'going out' with Kyoya, I doubted they would try getting even a few meters near me anymore. Hunny and Mori looked at me curiously.
"Ne, Saa-chan. What's the matter?" asked Hunny.
I couldn't help but smile as he tilted his head slightly.
"It's nothing. I'm just bored is all," I replied.
We went about our daily activities and thankfully ended in a rather peaceful manner.
Days went by slowly and foreplay was becoming more and more evident. No one would be able to say otherwise. Yet the ever secretive girl made no sign of acknowledging it. At least, not in public. That morning, Kyoya was unable to attend school due to some family event, so she was on her own. Sakuya was cutting it close, only having a few minutes before school started. Car troubles again...As she entered the deserted hallways, she was blocked by several scowling girls.
"Uh...can I help you?"
The leader towered over Sakuya's small stature and she crossed her arms, looking at her with scrutiny.
"I'd figured by now you'd break. Guess I was wrong..."
Sakuya simply blinked.
"What do you mean?"
Another girl rolled her eyes and several snickered quietly.
"God, are you really that thick?"
The leader was a girl that was tall and somewhat bony. Her dark hair was styled in a short bob and her coal colored eyes flashed sharply.
"What? You really want us to spell it out for you?" she asked harshly.
Sakuya felt her cheeks flame with embarrassment. She didn't meet their gaze and was silent for a moment.
"I don't have time for these silly games. Now could you please move aside? I don't want to be late for class," she insisted with confidence.
Her blue eyes met their gazes steadily. Caught off guard for a moment, the girls chattered nervously. The leader stood her ground, whipping out a golden yellow manila from out of nowhere.
"We'll see if that confidence holds once this gets around!"
Sakuya's eyes narrowed slightly.
"What? I don't see how a piece of paper will do you any good."
One of the girls snickered.
"Show her, Ami," she insisted.
Ami, aka the leader of the group, was smug and waved the folder around teasingly.
"You reeeally want to know?"
Sakuya didn't like the tone in her voice, and sighed.
"I honestly could care less, but since I've got no choice, just come out with it."
Hey, she wasn't going to be nice to them if they weren't to her. Ami frowned.
"Fine, I will!"
She opened the manila, taking out several papers out and shuffling them angrily. Sakuya stared at her.
"I'm waiting..."
One of Ami's followers groaned in annoyance.
"Oh for Pete's sake! This is taking way too long! Sakuya Mazaki, you're just a common little girl that brought on your mother's demise! You never belonged here in the first place. So take a hint and know your place."
Her stomach almost dropped once those words were uttered. She clenched her fists, voice wavering.
"My mother's demise? Your sources must be faulty."
Ami sent a glare at the blabber and then scanned the paper slowly.
"Right...It says here it was a hit and run, correct? Oh, but it might as well be your fault anyway. Little miss run away."
Sakuya trembled violently.
"No! I..."
The girls giggled cruelly.
"What? Cat got your tongue? Of course you can't say anything. Seeing as its true. How long has it been since your mom's been in a coma? Five, six years? Why don't you just pull the plug now and end it all?"
A choked gasp escaped Sakuya's lips. Ami's cruel smile grew. She took a step forward, shuffling through more papers. There. That was the reaction she was hoping for. Sakuya looked for an exit but was blocked.
"Oh, we're not done here just yet. I wonder what your precious friends would say after they were to find out about this? Better yet, the entire school! Sweet little Saki-chan isn't anything like they pictured. You think you can fool me with those looks? Well think again!"
The girls chorused an affirmation.
"And that rag to riches story makes me sick! You're not worthy enough to be called Kyoya's girlfriend!"
Sakuya shut her eyes and covered her ears, trying to block them out. Insult after insult was thrown at her like sharp rocks that was tearing her apart inside.
Seiphorah walked along the hallway with sheets of music in hand, rounding the corner, she spotted a group of girls verbally attacking the girl from the host club. What was her name? Saku-something... Her shoes clicked softly against the floor.
Seiphorah decided to play dumb for the time being.
"What are you girls doing out? Shouldn't you be in class?" she asked curiously.
Several girls turned to look at the new girl, shifting uncomfortably. I took off, taking the minor distraction as a way out. Small droplets hit the ground one after another. I must have looked awful, but at the moment, I could no longer contain myself. I just kept running, unaware of my surroundings.
"How could they say such cruel things...?" I thought to myself.
My body felt as if I were on autopilot and somehow ended up crashing into an unsuspecting passerby. I didn't stop to apologize. I had no idea how far I traveled or which way I was going until I stopped to catch my breath.
Scanning the floor beneath me, I gasped in surprise. But I didn't have time to do anything else as a speeding car's horn blared, heading in my direction and didn't look like it would stop for anything or anyone.
111
Mori sat in class and restlessly tapped his pencil. He had a dreading feeling that something was really off.
"Morinozuka-kun..."
Mori looked up abruptly to see a timid girl with glasses looking at him with concern. Ah, it was one of his valued customers from the club. He nodded slightly in acknowledgement.
She whispered the page number they were supposed to be reading as they were in their English class. He gave her a brief thanks before turning to said page. This went unnoticed by Hunny. He would ask the stoic 3rd year what was the matter once study period rolled along.
000
In the Second year classroom, Tamaki was idly flirting with the girls, but as he did, he heard faint chattering just outside in the hallway. Which was strange, since students should have been in class a long time ago. The teacher had left to get a few things from the faculty room, so Tamaki took it as a chance to investigate.
"Excuse me ladies...Sorry to cut our time short. We'll talk more at the club, okay?"
The girls giggled, a few disappointed but nodded. His soled shoes clicked softly against the floor. He continued walking, following the noise until he saw the group of girls talking to a girl with notes in hand.
"This doesn't concern you," replied the taller girl.
Upon closer inspection, he remembered seeing her once at the club as one of Kyoya's customers. The lighter haired girl smiled passively.
"It may be true. But its best you headed out. Wouldn't want the teachers finding out, hm?" she replied sweetly, but there was a hint of...something underneath.
The little group dispersed and headed to their designated areas. All but one.
"Hello, ladies. Is there something I might assist you with?" Tamaki asked charmingly.
Ami scowled lightly.
"Oh, Suoh-san. No..."
He wasn't oblivious of the tension that was running through the two girls.
"Are you sure?" he asked gently.
Ami snapped, scowl still present on her face.
"Can't you just mind your own business? This is why I prefer Kyoya-kun more than anyone."
He took a step back, feeling a little hurt. Seiphorah stared at him curiously.
"Ah, I remember you. Suoh Tamaki-san correct? Excuse me, but I think our conversation has ended," she said to Ami smiling and walked over to him.
This was her chance to finally set this mystery to rest. Ami stared in shock, not use to being brushed off like a simple piece of dust before. But she turned away, nose up in the air as she headed to class. Tamaki smiled slightly.
"Ah, you're the girl that played the violin back at the beach, correct? Your playing was quite lovely."
Seiphorah gave a brief thanks.
"There is something I'd like to discuss with you. If memory serves me, there is a girl in your...host club?"
Tamaki nodded slightly.
"Yes. Sakuya-chan, right?"
Seiphorah nodded.
"Of course...She-"
The sound of desperate steps traveled into the school.
"Someone call an ambulance! There's been an accident!"
Seiphorah froze for a moment.
"It couldn't be...could it?" she muttered softly.
Tamaki leaned in curiously.
"Is something the matter?"
Seiphorah nodded, wringing her hands together, hoping that her prediction was wrong.
"That girl ran out of the school almost in tears..."
Tamaki blinked in shock. Shakily looking back at Seiphorah.
"No...You can't mean..."
Before she could say anything else, Tamaki took off towards 1-A...Hoping...Praying that she was okay and really in class talking with the twins and Haruhi.
He slammed the door open, breathing heavily and frantically scanned the room. Haruhi stared at Tamaki with awe.
"What's the matter senpai?"
He continued sifting through the students until he could no longer stay so optimistic.
She wasn't there.
000
Kyoya sat in the meeting room, listening attentively. It was something his father always expected of all his sons. Today was no different and to be honest, Kyoya saw this as a sort of test. He surveyed the client's confidence and noted that this guy meant business. Not a wrinkle in his suit and the need for everyone to be right on schedule.
An annoying buzz shook Kyoya's pocket. Several of the people present at the meeting continued talking, unaware of the disturbance. Kyoya decided to ignore it for the time being. He had a feeling that it was Tamaki. He inconspicuously glanced at his wrist watch.
"Strange. Why would he be calling me at this hour. Classes are still in session..."
His minor distraction did not go unnoticed by his father who scrutinized at the sound. Kyoya assessed the fact that this had to be important and excused himself for a brief moment. After exiting the meeting room, he speed dialed Tamaki's number. He picked up the first ring and before Tamaki had a chance to answer, Kyoya took the liberty to go first.
"This better be important..."
There was silence on the other line and Kyoya wondered if it was due to bad reception or something.
"You need to get back to school. Immediately," said a grave voice.
When Tamaki was serious, something was definitely wrong.
"I'll be there as soon as I can."
Darkness. It was pitch black all around me, faint voices filtered my ears. The faint sound of beeps monitoring a heartbeat was also in the background. It was all too familiar. The scent of disinfectant all too strong. Slowly, I opened my eyes and everything was a blinding white and I couldn't help but wince.
"She's come to," said an unfamiliar voice.
There was some more whispering which I couldn't really hear. I slowly sat up, wincing. Gingerly, I touched a gauze placed on my upper right part of the forehead.
"The hospital..."
The door burst open just as my vision was clearing up.
"Sakuya-chan!"
I saw the familiar outline of a certain tall blonde followed by several others.
"Hm?" I said softly.
I was suddenly pulled into a tight embrace.
"We were so worried about you!" he wailed.
Finally, there was clarity and I saw the worried expression written on Tamaki's face. Trailing behind him was the rest of the host club members.
"What happened?" I asked, still a little out of it.
He fell silent and Haruhi walked over tentatively.
"You mean...you don't remember?"
I shut my eyes for a moment, trying to recall how I ended up in the hospital.
Kyoya stepped forward.
"It's quite simple why you're here, actually. You were carelessly walking in the middle of the street and ended up colliding with an oncoming car."
My breath hitched with surprise.
"W-what? But then...how did I manage..." I trailed.
The others shifted quietly.
"If it wasn't for him, you probably wouldn't be here right now..." said Hunny softly.
Who? Who were they talking about? I shut my eyes for a brief moment, trying to recall what had happened and then...it hit me.
"Where is he?" I asked softly.
/
I walked up to the room tentatively, until I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"Are you sure you don't want one of us to come with you?" asked Haruhi.
I nodded, trying to look confident, when really I wasn't. But it had to be done.
"Yes. I need to do this on my own. That way, we can end this once and for all."
Haruhi nodded, respecting my answer. She hesitated or a moment and I looked at her skeptically. She looked she was trying to say something to me. I waited anxiously for her reply.
"Just...if things get out of hand...make sure to call. Okay?"
I was shocked. Was she that worried? I couldn't help but smile as I nodded.
"Don't worry! I will. Well...here I go!"
I attempted to sound pumped. She chuckled softly and waved as she turned to leave. Once she was out of sight, I sighed heavily, gingerly touching my injury. It was now or never. I knocked on the door softly, yet got no response. Was he asleep? I knocked a little louder. There was some movement coming from inside and a groan.
"What now?" asked an annoyed voice.
So abrupt...I shook my head and took a deep breath.
"It's me. Can I come in?"
There was a few minutes of silence. For a moment, I thought maybe he decided to ignore me.
"Come in."
I twisted the knob and the door creaked open. The first thing I noticed was the state he was in. His torso was bandaged and on his arm was a sling. Several purplish blue bruises littered his body.
"Um...hi," I said softly.
Ryan nodded slightly, though his face was contoured a bit with pain. I also detected a bit of guiltiness in his eyes.
"Uh, hey."
I bit my lip and glanced at the chair beside him.
"Can I...sit down?"
He nodded and I quickly sat down, only to stand up again after a long silence.
"There's something I need to tell you!" the two of us chorused.
Well...this was awkward. Ryan sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"You go first," he said softly.
Here it was. The moment of truth.
"I'm sorry!"
He looked on with confusion.
"For what? You haven't done anything wrong."
I flushed slightly.
"What I mean is...thanks for saving me."
He nodded awkwardly.
"Um...No problem. But what's up with these weird signals?"
I sighed heavily.
"Okay...well, it's ah...kind of hard to say this but..."
He looked at me expectantly.
"...The whole relationship thing was a lie. Kyoya and I were never going out. It was just a...a ploy."
He looked on blankly for a moment and then he looked at his lap.
"I...see."
I knew he was hurt. No doubt about that. He looked like he was going to say something but I stopped him.
"Um. Before you say anything, I still have a few things to discuss with you."
He stayed silent, and I was glad that he was cooperating. I looked out the window and then back at him. His attentiveness was starting to get to me. Here he was looking at me with maybe a flicker of hope and I was about to crush it.
"I remember when we were kids we would always play pretend and have so many 'adventures'...we always had fun, right? And how we were like glue until...well you know. You changed so much back then. I was scared...And then when I reject you, you still don't let up. You even follow me to Japan. Well, all this 'courting' or whatever you're trying to accomplish is all in vain. You see, there's someone I truly care about right now. And sadly...that isn't you. I'm sorry you wasted your time on me...And it probably won't make you feel better to know I want the both of us to return to becoming friends again."
I shut my eyes, unable to truly look at him. There was a light chuckle released into the silence. I opened my eyes with surprise. Was he...laughing? Ryan's face was downcast. I inched closer to take a better look at his face.
"R...Ryan?"
Little droplets fell across his lap.
"So that's how it is, huh? Damn. I must look like an idiot right now. I shoulda seen this coming a mile away, huh?" he whispered.
I felt my chest tighten as I stood and watched the tears fall across his face. I wrapped my arms around him, unable to bear his hurt expression.
"I'm sorry..."
The tears silently fell upon my shoulder as he tightened the grip upon me.
"I'm going back home..."
I pulled away to look at him face to face.
"What? Why?" I questioned.
His icy colored eyes seemed to soften some.
"My dad. He wants me to come back. Something about missing me."
The certain relief I thought I would feel once he uttered those words didn't exactly come. It was a bit of a mixture. But I knew this was the right choice. That's where he belonged. Beside his family.
"I see."
He nodded and the scrubbed at his face.
"Anyway...I wanna apologize too. It's partly my fault those girls were bullying you. I just couldn't stand seeing the two of you together!"
Though I wouldn't say it out loud, I suspected as much. But...the whole fiasco would be over once we made an 'official announcement' of breaking up. (with Kyoya that is)
"Does that mean...you've finally given up?"
He averted my gaze for the longest moment, as if mulling it over and finally he sighed. He stared back at me with sadness.
"Yes. After this almost death experience, I've come to realized what I was doing was wrong. You could have been killed and all over my jealousy. I guess it was just never meant to be."
That's when relief flooded over me. Finally! After five years, this had finally been resolved. A genuine smile fell across my face.
"I'm glad."
He hesitated for a moment.
"Can you do me this one favor?"
The smile fell from my face.
"And what would that be?"
He shut his eyes and gazed back with a light blush.
"A kiss."
I frowned slightly.
"But I though-" I began.
He cut me off.
"Just this once and I'll never ask anything from you again. No tricks! I promise. That way I can find closure..."
I sighed softly and weighed the pros and cons. I resigned myself to his request.
"Fine."
I drew my face closer to his and I planted a gentle kiss on his cheek. I gave him a quick hug and pulled away. There was a gentle knock on the door before a nurse walked in.
"Excuse me...But visiting hours will be over in a few minutes."
I took that as a sign to take my leave. Ryan groaned softly. I laughed softly.
"Take care of yourself, okay?" I said softly.
He nodded with a light smile.
"You too okay."
I turned to leave and made it to the door before I heard my name again.
"Yes?"
A serious expression fell across Ryan's face.
"About this special guy...Do I know him?"
I giggle softly.
"Yeah."
That's the only hint I gave him before I left feeling a heavy weight lifted off my shoulders.
12/24/11 11:30 pm
Phew! Finally, the chapter is complete. This chapter drained me...but it had to be done! As you can tell, things are winding down and coming to a conclusion! Maybe two chapters at the most. (I thought I could finish it in one...but still a few things things that need to be resolved. Thanks for being patient with me! Sakuya's boy problems have subsided, but the hot topic now is her parents and a few surprises will come along the way. Stay tuned!