A/N: Personally... this is my favourite chapter in this series. Hope you all enjoy it as much as I do!
Natsuki's Pride
I found myself straightening my back and puffing out my chest as we walked together side by side - like a proud lion showing off his mane or a bird spreading and displaying it feathers.
With every fan girl that made their usual greeting - their adoring smile directed to Shizuru and their hidden hatred for me was instantly replaced with utter shock and a look of loss as Shizuru greeted in return.
"Good morning, Fujino-senpai." Another one greeted, her eyes brightened the moment she laid eyes on my Shizuru and soon flickered to me in hate and disgust the moment she noticed my place at her idol's side.
"Good morning." Shizuru replied with a polite smile.
The shine in the girl's eye returned instantly but soon replaced with horror. She looked like she was about to cry in despair before she turned at her heel and stalked off in haste.
All the while I could not help but widen my triumphant grin. There was a certain… malice in my pleasure – finding joy in the pain of others – but quite frankly I'm just pleased that they were finally getting a hint.
I glanced towards Shizuru – a hint of confusion was registered in her gaze as yet another one of her admirer ran off with tears in their eyes.
"Natsuki? Would you excuse me for a moment, I'll be right back." Shizuru said softly.
I knew she would realise soon enough - the odd looks and reactions, and my boastful air.
I gave her an affirmative grunt and she was off to the nearby restroom with her usual grace.
We've been together for a little while now, in that time we've discussed how open we'd be with our relationship – that we can tell our friends and family when we're both ready – but I've always hated the fact she's swarmed by those fanatics of her, pawing and love-struck over her; always looking at me like I wasn't even worthy of even being her friend.
Today? Today, I showed them.
"Kuga Natsuki. You have some explaining to do!" My girlfriend said in an angry hush, as she stormed over to me - never once breaking her graceful strides.
Her hand was firmly grasping the spot on her collarbone; her face a faint red.
It was childish and if there wasn't this feeling of triumph and pride, I would almost feel guilty for marring that beautiful ivory skin of hers with a hickey.
A/N: Hehehehe I got to say, when I was writing Natsuki's cheekiness in this instalment I was quite giddy myself! I'm attributing her little mischievous stunt to her anonymity - that none of the fan girls can rightfully conclude she was the one that gave Shizuru the love bite, hence her recklessness!
P.S FYI Natsuki got a scolding from Shizuru but she is too soft hearted with Natsuki to be mad for long.