So I thought that I was gonna update this a week after my last update (around the end of the March). It's June right now LOL. I fail.
But oh my goodness gracious, school's almost out! :O That means more time to finish my stories hopefully! (: And I'm exempt from a lot of my finals! So flippin' happy. [:
Thank you to these reviewers:
Foxgrl18, xyueuchihax, XxAmutoLoversxX, , Kurai Tenshi-1214, xAmuIkuto, TsukiyoTenshi, Megane Becky-chan, Sukiya62, Jen567, sweettara10, alyssaangel15, lilpopsplash, pancake LOL, DarkFaerie0, casie200
Hope you enjoy this chapter! [:
X-x-Flashback of Chapter 16-x-X
"So I'm not just some kind of toy?"
"Of course not." He pulled Amu towards his chest and lightly grabbed her chin. "You arefun to tease but that's my way of showing affection towards you." He gave her a chaste kiss and said, "This, too."
Amu couldn't help the wide smile reaching her face as she looked down.
"Hey, you still didn't answer to my confession." She looked up and his face was literally a centimeter away. She squeaked and backed away but Ikuto's hands pulled her even closer. "I think it's your turn to answer me. Do you accept my feelings?"
She gave him a timid smile as she wrapped her arms around his neck. "Yes, I do. I love you, Ikuto." She stood up on her tippy toes and gave him a peck on the lips.
He smirked. "That's not gonna satisfy me." His lips crashed onto hers as he pressed his body against hers. Amu smiled into the kiss as she kissed him back, showing just as much passion.
X-x-End of Flashback-x-X
X-x-X
Breaking Down Barriers
"Ikuto, can you come with me to the cafeteria?" Utau asked, already walking to the right.
"Ikuto, come here," Amu said simultaneously, walking to the left.
The two girls gave each other an icy glare. They let out a 'hmph,' turned around, and stalked off.
Kukai burst out laughing. "Sucks for you, Tsukiyomi. You have to pick between your sister and girlfriend!"
Ikuto shot him a surprised look. "You know I'm Utau's brother?"
"I found out from Utau."
"She told you we were siblings?" he asked skeptically.
"No, I saw a picture of you and her with your family."
"Oh. Yeah, sorry for not telling you earlier. She wanted to keep it a secret. Hey, I'll be with Amu. I'll see you later."
"And leave behind your sister? Some brother you are," Kukai scoffed, teasing Ikuto.
"If you want your head on your shoulders, I suggest you shut up and go with Utau." As Ikuto passed Kukai, he gripped Kukai's shoulder and said, "Here's another opportunity to get together with my sister. Good luck, man."
"W-What are you—" Kukai sputtered but Ikuto was already gone. Groaning, he headed for the cafeteria.
Ikuto found Amu walking (stomping, really) through the breezeway. He chuckled at her sulking behavior and easily caught up with her.
"Amu-koi, don't be mad. How can you blame me? She's close to me too," he pointed out.
"But I'm your girlfriend," she grumbled.
"And she's my sister." He stood in front of her, stopping her from continuing her rampage. "Forgive me?"
She placed her pointer finger upon her chin, pretending to contemplate whether to forgive him or not. "Hmm…nah." She walked around him, only to be pulled back against Ikuto. His arms embraced her as he nuzzled his face in her neck with his hair tickling her.
She giggled at the feeling and said, "Stop, Ikuto." She then noticed female students passing by giggle and whisper rapidly amongst themselves. Growing red in the face, she nudged Ikuto. "Ikuto, people are watching."
"I don't care." He childishly pouted and nibbled her skin.
The day after Amu and Ikuto officially became a couple, everyone noticed their sudden intimacy. Gossip spread like wildfire and their faces were on the cover of almost every magazine. Both managers chatted with the couple and chided them for not being discreet about it. Ikuto, on the other hand, reassured them that it'll be alright and that it may even be beneficial to their bands' popularity.
"Ikuto," Amu scolded, "behave yourself. I'm serious."
He sighed and pulled away, giving her a pout. "Party pooper. I just wanted to give you a kiss. Is that so bad?" He mustered up a puppy-eyed look, causing Amu to hesitate and ultimately give in. Knowing he had won, Ikuto smirked and captured her lips.
"Mm, I love you," Ikuto whispered against Amu's lips, making her blush a bright red.
"You say that constantly and it's embarrassing," she admitted.
"But I do love you. And I know you like it when I tell you that," he said, smirking as he give her a kiss on her nose.
She blushed. "Shut up."
X-x-X
"Hoshina, wait up!"
"Go away. I want to be by myself."
Kukai sprinted through the cafeteria after the pop princess. He grabbed onto her shoulder upon reaching her and turned her around. She slapped his hand away and glared. "I'm not in the mood, Souma. Go away."
He sighed, took her hand, and dragged her to the buffet table. She blushed and attempted to yank her hand away but he held her hand firmly.
"Souma, we're in public!" she hissed under her breath.
"I'm not doing anything intimate," he said, "I'm just dragging you to get food." He winked at her and got a plate for him and another for Utau. "They won't suspect anything."
"Rumors will spread."
The brunette shrugged. "It won't be horrible rumors, for sure."
Utau narrowed her eyes. "Souma, you have to be more careful about these things. You don't know how a simple rumor can evolve to some really nasty lie."
He handed the plate to her. "Don't be such a worrywart. Let's eat, ok?" He gave her a smile. "You know, you didn't care much about what the public said before."
She scoffed and snatched the plate from his hand as she piled food on her plate. "I was just worried since you're involved." Realizing what she said a second too late, she stuttered, "I-I mean—"
"You're worried about me?" Kukai asked, showing her one of his rare, sly smirks. "Who would've thought you would be worried about moi?" He inched closer to his face as she backed away.
With her face red, she growled and flicked a crouton at him. "Jerk, I don't mean it that way." She stalked off and began gathering food unto her plate. Kukai laughed and followed suit.
They chose a table and sat down. While they were eating, some guys passed Utau and greeted her but she just gave them a blank look. One thing she liked was that the President issued a rule that the students must refrain from harassing the two pop groups. Thankfully, the students had the decency to respect that and not bombard the idols with questions, confessions, hugs, and whatnot. That's the only reason the two groups are still able to attend this school.
"Hey, how are you?" Kukai suddenly questioned, eyeing Utau carefully as he slowing chewed the meat from his chicken wing.
"I'm fine," she curtly responded, stabbing at her salad.
Ever since Utau's emotional meltdown, the two have gotten much closer. They've been spending more time together and this didn't go unnoticed by the gang. Utau's friends would giggle incessantly whenever the two shared a word or look with each other. Now that annoyed Utau to no end because they're blowing everything out of proportion! Subconsciously, however, her stomach never failed to get butterflies once she was in the vicinity of the handsome brunette.
"You mean, 'I've been better,' right?"
This broke Utau out of her daze and she saw Kukai watching her with an intense stare.
"What are you looking at?" she said, feeling slightly uncomfortable under his gaze.
"You can't fool me. 'I'm fine'? Biggest lie ever."
Utau sighed. One negative thing in their close relationship was that he could see through her every lie. She hated that. It made her so frustrated that he could easily see through her cold, hard mask which she had so carefully constructed over the years.
"You know, it might not be so bad," Kukai reasoned, his voice unusually quiet.
"What's not so bad?" She swallowed a piece of her salad nervously, already guessing what he was hinting at.
"Talking to Hinamori, I mean."
She didn't reply as she finished her lunch quietly.
X-x-X
"Where are you dragging me, you stupid cat?" Amu whined, "I have lots of homework to do!"
"Homework can wait. Our first date can't." Ikuto tilted his head and winked—which sent Amu's heart racing—as he led her to his car.
"Date?" she cried in disbelief, "But I'm not dressed appropriately!"
"You look stunning," Ikuto reassured.
"An outfit consisting of jeans and a top I randomly threw on this morning is not stunning and appealing." She pouted and crossed her arms. Ikuto opened the car door for her but she wouldn't climb in. He sighed and picked her up, bridal style. She let out a squeak and found herself forcefully being placed in the car. "Geez, Ikuto!"
"You look beautiful." Ikuto kissed her on the lips, causing Amu's cheeks to redden. "Always have and always will. The clothing you're wearing won't ever change that."
Amu mumbled something quietly—probably random words because she's extremely embarrassed right now—as Ikuto got into the driver's seat. They buckled up and he sped away to his destination.
X-x-X
"Tonight."
"Hmm?" Kukai flipped through a magazine as he lounged around in Utau's home. "Hey, you're in this article, Hoshina!"
"I'll go talk to Amu."
Kukai snapped his head towards the blonde. She was looking at something with a faraway look in her eyes. He closed the magazine and stood up from the couch. He plopped down next to the spaced out blonde and gave her a pat (a slap, actually) on the back, jolting her from her reverie.
"That's great, Hoshina! That's one step towards bringing back the old Utau," he exclaimed, grinning stupidly and still hitting her back.
Her eyebrow twitched as she whirled her head towards him, fully ready to retort back with an insult. The only problem, however, was that their faces were almost touching. Her comment died in her throat as she gazed into his eyes.
'This position is becoming way too familiar…' Utau thought.
"Hoshina," Kukai began, taking her left hand in his right hand. She blushed at his bold action but didn't resist. "No. Utau. There's been something I've been meaning to tell you…"
X-x-X
"Wow, this is a really nice place," Amu remarked as she looked at the interior of the restaurant. The theme of it was dark colors—mostly blue and purple—giving it a midnight glow, hence its name "Midnight Stars." There were stars on the ceiling, painted in a sparkling gold. To top it off, there were candles at each table, making this restaurant perfect for couples.
"I've been going here since forever." He nodded at the waitress as she led them to their table. "It's quiet here and my friend works here too so it's perfect to eat dinner here."
"This is more suited for couples. Did you come here all by yourself in the past?" Amu joked, sitting down in a booth.
"I'm not a loner, Amu." He winked at her as she rolled her eyes. She was looking at the menu when she was interrupted by a waiter.
"Hey, Ikuto, what's up? You haven't been coming lately."
"Yeah, sorry, I've been really busy with music, school, and everything."
"Oh yeah, I forgot you were a big star now," his friend teased, punching him in the arm.
Amu looked up at the waiter and smiled. "Hello, how are you?"
You could see the blush and shock painted on his face. "Are you Hinamori Amu-san?"
"Oh, shoot." Ikuto slapped his forehead. "I forgot to tell you something, Amu."
She sent him a questioning look. Before she could ask, the waiter—Ikuto's friend, she presumed—grasped her hands and gave her a look full of admiration. Amu blushed a bit, which made Ikuto a little ticked off.
"I've been listening to your music since forever! I'm a huge fan of yours! And—"
"Hey, stop making my girlfriend uncomfortable. And just so you know, she's mine." He gave his friend a glare before sipping his drink.
Ikuto's friend erected himself and smirked at Ikuto. "Sorry, Mr. Jealous. Do you want the usual order?"
Still a bit aggravated, he answered, "Yes. Amu, what do you want?"
"Doesn't matter by me. I like all the food on this menu."
"Fine, make that two orders of what I usually get."
"Right away, man. It'll be ready in 10-15 minutes. I'll see you in a bit, Amu-san!" He gave her a wave before heading to the kitchen.
Amu looked down, flustered at his friend's actions. Ikuto sighed and said, "Sorry, I forgot to tell you that my friend that works here absolutely loves your band, specifically you. Sorry he made you so uncomfortable."
She shook her head. "It's fine…" After a few seconds, she added, "Mr. Jealous." She giggled and took a swig of her beverage.
"I was just annoyed since he touched what's mine and only mine." He winked at his girlfriend and held her hand.
Her blush increased tenfold as she muttered some random comments under her breath.
He chuckled and commented, "You're just so adorable."
X-x-X
"There's been something I've been meaning to tell you…"
"What is it?" she whispered unintentionally.
"I…since just recently, I've realized…well," Kukai said, stumbling with his words. He groaned and used his free hand to mess up his hair in frustration. "I'm no good in this kind of situation. Probably because this is the first time I've done this." He let out a short laugh before taking both her hands in his.
Utau's heart pumped faster by the second. She remembered when she was like Kukai (though less fidgety) a few years ago when she still believed her relationships would work out. She didn't even have to let Kukai finish—she knew what the end result would be if she said yes. One way or another, her heart or his, even, would be broken…shattered into a million pieces.
Wouldn't it be better to just say "no" to save them both the pain that will eventually come?
His hold on her hands tightened. He let out a huge breath and yelled, "Utau, I like you!" His face was bright pink as he stared apprehensively at her.
She opened her mouth, fully prepared to say "no." Except that one word wouldn't form.
Why?
Utau let out a sigh, her mind in total chaos. What should she say? "Listen, Kukai, I like you. A lot. But I—"
Kukai unexpectedly stood up, laughing cheerfully…or at least that's what Utau wanted to believe. But from his laugh, she knew she hurt his feelings.
"I knew you wouldn't feel the same way," he said with a smile. Her heart ached as she stared at his face and took in his words. The "smile" on his face was simply a frown in disguise. Any fool could hear the hurt in that sentence—and that made Utau's heart clench.
"No, Kukai, just hear me out." She stood up and reached her hand out but his back was facing her.
"Sorry if I was pressuring you to say the same thing to me. Listen, I gotta go. I'll catch you later, Hoshina!"
Her mouth open but again, she was speechless. The door slammed shut, its sound resonating throughout the room like how the pain coursed through her heart and soul.
"I knew you wouldn't feel the same way."
"You're wrong. I do like you…" Her knees gave way and she collapsed, her fists squeezed shut. Her fists pounded the ground without mercy as salty tears trekked down her face and dripped onto the floor. "But I just can't forget the past. What's worse is that you're so much like him…"
X-x-X
"I think this is the first time I've ever been in your apartment."
"Really?" Amu questioned, handing him a glass of milk, and sat down next to him on the sofa.
He nodded. "It's nice and cozy though." He took a sip of his water and put the cup. "Just like you." He smirked and pulled Amu into his lap, nuzzling his face in her neck.
She giggled and said, "Stop, you're tickling me."
"I think I'll continue."
Her giggles soon turned to full blown laughter as he tickled her sides. She soon escaped from her torture and sat up, regaining her breath. She snuggled against Ikuto's warm chest and played with a button on his shirt.
"Ikuto."
"Yeah?"
She scooted her body up so her head was right next to Ikuto. She looked at him intently, not saying anything.
"W-What?" he said, letting a stutter slip, but Amu didn't notice or she just didn't say anything about it. His face was slowly turning pink at the close proximity. This was different from the other times they kissed. This time, Amu is the one bringing her face closer to his and all he can look at is her golden orbs, long eyelashes, petite nose…
Her luscious, plump lips.
"I'll do it."
"What?" he said, snapping himself out of his daze, "Could you repeat that?"
"I'll do it," she reiterated with more confidence this time.
"I'm not following."
She let out a long sigh, her breath fanning his face. His fingers itched to just touch her body. The littlest things she did drove him crazy.
"I'll go talk to Utau."
He stopped as he processed her words. He stared at her, wondering if she'll stay true to her word. She looked back with a new fire alight in her eyes. He smiled and said, "I'm glad."
Amu kissed his nose. "I can't always put it off to a later date. I had to talk to her sooner or later. Let's just hope everything goes well."
"I know it will," he assured, capturing her lips in a chaste kiss.
X-x-X
Utau buried her face in her hands as she sat on her couch. Everything was just going downhill for her. Will she ever make it right again?
Ding dong!
"Leave me alone," she muttered to herself, "I don't want to talk to anyone now."
The doorbell continued to ring.
Angry, she stomped over to the door and thrust the door open. She was so ready to give the person a piece of her mind but all her thoughts stopped when she noticed who was visiting her.
"Hey, do you mind if I come in?"
"Uh…sure."
The blonde let Amu in and she sat down on the couch. Utau headed to the kitchen and thought she should at least be polite.
"What would you like to drink?" she asked, inwardly cringing at the awkward politeness.
"Water, please."
"Be right back."
As Utau grabbed a water bottle, she smiled sadly.
When did things get so awkward between them? It's like they're complete strangers.
"Here." Utau handed her the bottle as she sat across from Amu.
"Thanks." The pinkette removed the cap and drank some of her drink, trying to think about how she was going to approach this.
But the eerie silence was causing her thoughts to muddle ironically.
Just when Amu was about to say something, her best friend blurted out, "I'm sorry!"
"What?" Amu said, taken aback.
"I'm sorry for everything. I'm sorry I was the cause of your parents' deaths; I'm sorry I haven't said anything all these years; I'm sorry that I've ruined our friendship; I'm sorry—"
"Utau. Utau! Stop apologizing. It's not your fault. At all," she said quietly. "When you told me about my parents' deaths, I was shocked of course. I left you standing there that night, not because I blamed you for their death but because you kept this a secret from me and the overwhelming grief I felt."
"Really?" Utau asked.
Amu nodded. Sighing, she stood up and sat down next to Utau on the same couch.
"The reason I came here today was to listen to your story. I was acting irrational these past few days and I'm sorry. I was just really upset but now, I'm willing to hear you out."
"Amu…"
"So please. I'm all ears." Amu sent her a warm smile that gave Utau hope.
"That night, three years ago, Mom, Ami, you, and I were heading to the grocery store," she began as she took a walk down memory lane. "We were all waiting for you and Ami in the car. You came back but not with Ami. We waited. And waited. But she never showed up. We called the police but there were no results. Remember?"
Amu quietly nodded, urging her to continue her story.
"A week after her disappearance, I received a call from an anonymous man. He ordered me to meet him at this abandoned building. At first, I was going to just ignore him but I heard Ami in the background. Immediately, I rushed over and saw him waiting for me with Ami beside him.
"I knew who he was. I remember vaguely that day that he was one of the many men I turned down when confessed to. He was only after my money after all. He threatened me that horrible things would happen to me if I didn't go to him like a nice girl," she said in disgust as she still remembered his exact words. "I, of course, spat in his face, completely revolted by his cowardice.
"But once again, that was my downfall. I was too cocky, arrogant, and I didn't even notice the frightened look of the girl sitting right beside him. But then I heard Ami whimper. I looked at her and finally noticed the details. Her clothes and hair were a mess. She was tied to a chair and she looked so scared but lifeless. I've never seen her like that before.
"I tried to distract him while I punched numbers into my phone that'll call the police. Unfortunately, he noticed. He stormed towards me and tried to attack but I quickly dodged it. I ran towards Ami but the man simply tackled me to the floor. I tried and tried to fight but couldn't.
"He gave me an ultimatum—I can go with him and Ami will be set free or Ami stays and I leave. I glanced over at Ami and she was shaking her head fervently. I gave her a small smile before facing the man I most despise, even to this day. Before I was could say anything, sirens could be heard. It seems as if my plan worked. But I was too late." Utau gave Ami's sister a rueful smile, her eyes brimming to the top with tears.
"The kidnapper had quickly gotten off me and grabbed your sister. He wasted no time in getting away. I chased after him but he had thrown the chair that was previously attached to Ami at me. The police arrived at the scene but it was too late. They were gone. And I couldn't save her." Utau faced Amu and gave her an apologetic smile. "I'm really really sorry, Amu. I had a second chance to save your family member and I blew it…all because of my selfishness."
"Oh my god, Utau," Amu whispered, embracing her best friend.
"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," the blonde repeated, like she was a broken record.
Amu rubbed her friend's back soothingly before she felt her own tears stinging her eyes.
"Ha ha, look Utau, you're making me cry too." Amu giggled as she wiped away the tears but more just replaced it.
It's not her fault…but I can't help but hate her for not saving Ami.
Amu began weeping upon Utau's shoulders. The best friends hugged each other, letting their tears flow freely down their cheeks.
X-x-X
There ya go. I was originally gonna make this longer. But then I realized, it would've been really rushed and unrealistic (not that this story is realistic xD). So instead, I'm stopping it here. Sorry. ): Next chapter is Kutau-based though. I'll add an Amuto scene in there too though so no worries. ;D
This story is almost ending. ; ^ ;
Hope you enjoyed this chapter! Sorry I rushed the end :/ I really wanted to get this chapter before the night ended but that's a lame excuse.
Please review? (: