Chapter Five: Apparent Feelings and Confusion

I blinked opened my eyes as the alarm clock rang like mad. I yawned and shoved Sasayan slightly. "Onii-chan, turn off the alarm…"

He grunted and moved sleepily. I heard a crash and a evil grin appeared on my lips. Good for that darn alarm clock

I stretched and cuddled into the pillow.

I felt Sasayan rolled over and hugged me like a bolster. I ignored him and continued sleeping.

The curtains beside me begin to blow open from the wind and blasted into my face, earning a scowl from me. I grabbed a small pillow and covered my eyes but the curtains kept smacking me in the face.

Finally giving up, I growled and pulled open the curtains. Onii-chan grunted and turns away from the bright light. I yawned and scratched my head. "Unbelievable. First day of the summer break and I get such an annoying wake-up call. By the curtains. Ugh. I blinked and walked up to the window.

Mom and Dad are still in the States. Their work always require them to travel so we don't get much time together but the good thing is that they always make up for the time they were absent with rich family quality time. I know they love us a lot so I'm not really worried or mad at them.

I heard a loud meow and chuckled. Kurosaki's hungry and I guess the one who wakes up last is going to feed him. Without bothering my elder brother, I went to the bathroom to get ready.

When I got out, Sasayan was busy with the cat food in the kitchen. I beamed brightly at him, "Ohayou, onii-chan~~" He looked up at me and smiled, "Oh, Sayuki. Ohayou~" I gave my hair one last wipe with my towel and hang it over a chair. "Anna is coming over to clean right?" I asked Sasayan as he place the food bowl down for the fat black cat.

Anna was a part time maid who works for us. She always comes on the weekends. She's a pretty nice lady but she sometimes slack off but she's the best help we can get.

Sasayan nodded and looked back to me. "Yup. And I'm going for an outing with Haru and the others."

I cocked my head, "Really? Where?"

He shrugged, "Dunno. Mitsuyoshi-san is planning to bring us to the mountains, I think." My mouth form an 'O' and I nodded. "Well then… Good for you~" He blinked, "You don't want to come along?" I shook my head. "Nah, Miyu-chan invited me for a sleepover with the girls." He grinned, "Aw, how cute. My sister is going to a sleepover." I pouted, "Don't tease me, nii-chan."

He laughed and I followed him and then both of us started cracking up. I wiped my eyes and said happily, "Okay, okay. Let's go pack up. I want to go to the library to borrow some books before I go. They're gonna make me play truth or dare or something or another since I think she invited some boys over too."

Sasayan grinned, "Are you going to play seven minutes in heaven?" I rolled my eyes, "Pervert. No. I'm not going to play with them if that's the last thing I do."

Who knew that later on, I really wished I should've kept my mouth shut.

I got my bag with me and went over to the library, leaving Sasayan to pack up for his trip and send Kurosaki to the neighbors for the day.

Going into the library, I went over to the fiction corner quickly and tried to look for a particular book.

I need to get it quickly or Miyu's gonna kill me for being late… again.

So, I grab two books from a series I loved and got out of the aisle. Suddenly, someone rammed into me.

I fell on my butt and whimpered, "Itai…" When I looked up to curse at the meddler but no one was there. I scowled and cursed softly. "What a jerk. A hit-and-run asshole. And they didn't even apologize." And a whole lot of complains rambled out of my mouth.

I moved slowly and rubbed my back, "I hope I didn't break anything.. Ugh, it's going to be a pain if I missed the championship."

I moved to grab my bag and the contents that were spilled out on the floor. Suddenly, I heard footsteps of a passerby who stopped beside me.

I didn't bother look up because it was probably someone who just came over to get a book or something.

I continued picking up a brush and a pencil and stuffing into my back. I turned and reached over to take my sketchbook when someone knelt down and took it.

I blinked and looked up.

"B-blondie?"

He blinked in astonishment. "Oh, it's you." I frowned slightly and looked away quickly. "Tch. Thanks."

"The way you say thanks is like you're asking me to drop dead." I bit back a laugh. Who knew that this arrogant blonde could have a sense of humor?

"Here."

The books that had fallen out of my hand were in Blondie's. I took them and sling the bag over my shoulder. Without looking in to his eyes, I said softly, "Thank you."

Suddenly, he stood up and reached a hand towards me. I look up curiously.

"Huh?"

He beckoned again and I slowly reached my hand to his. Just as I was about to take his hand, it moved away and beckoned again.

"Give me your bag."

I felt red crept into my face as I was overwhelmed by embarrassment. I looked away and give a small "Tch." I stood up myself, "No thanks. I can take it by myself." I snapped.

I heard him gave a small chuckle and I glared at him but his face was a blank. Only his eyes gave away his amusement.

I sling my bag again and walked away from him quickly. I bit my lip. Well, that was embarrassing.

It didn't matter that it was Blondie, who I wouldn't bother what he thought of me, but that exchange just now was just embarrassing on so many levels.

I walked over to the receptionist and quickly borrowed the books. Stuffing them into my sling bag, I walked out quickly, fearing to even see Blondie's face again for the whole day.

It's not like my luck's gonna be that bad to meet him twice.

Yamaken's P.O.V

I watched Sayuki walked swiftly out of the library doors. I smirked at her back.

I never saw this side of her. Not for so many weeks I have "visited" the basketball court with the others. She was always so boyish and always laughing off any pick up lines the boys give her.

But, this… this is new. I looked down and smiled. She's really pretty when she dumped the tomboy profile. Her hair tied stylishly to one side with a girlish top and jeans. Even her stud earrings look great on her.

I blinked and shook my head.

No.

Liking Mizutani is already headache enough. Liking Sayuki would be a death wish emotionally. I shook my head again to clear my thoughts and went to the receptionist to return some borrowed books and went out of the library.

I looked to my left and right.

Now, where is that sleepover Mabo told me to go with him?

Sayuki's P.O.V

I grinned at Hyosun and wrapped an arm around his neck. "Well then~ I've got to congratulate you, huh?" I drew closer to him, "Hyosun~"

He blushed hotly and gripped his thighs tightly, "D-don't tease me, Sayuki!"

I laughed and settled back down to the couch. "Who knows? Maybe you and Miyu could get along…" I looked over my shoulder, winked, and grinned, "Right, Miyu-chan?"

She blushed and looked away and all of us laughed.

I look over at the clock and frowned, "Hey, how many haven't turned up yet?" Miyu check the list and lifted four fingers.

I sighed and pouted, "If they don't turn up in ten minutes, we're starting."

Miyu had invited plenty of people over since her parents aren't at home. And she was a very rich girl, despite her down-to-earth personality. And when I mean rich, I mean rich as in a triple storey bungalow.

Yup. You heard that right. She has so many guest rooms in her house for us to sleep in. And her sleepovers are the best. So far there are ten of us here. Seven girls and three boys, not counting the late comers.

Suddenly, the door bell rang. Miyu got up quickly. "Oh, that must be them." I flung myself over the couch.

"Finally."

I groaned and Hyosun patted my back, "There, there, Sayu-chan." I huffed at him, "I can't believe she didn't even invite Sohma. God, it's going to be boring without him." I dropped my chin to the back of the couch and grunted.

"Hai, minna-san~! Let me introduce them to you!" I heard Miyu's perky adorable voice float into the gigantic living room.

"Great… Can't wait to meet 'em." I muttered and looked up.

And I will forever regret it.

I mean, of all people Miyu could invite, she invited the three stooges. And the arrogant blonde back up actor.

Why, oh why, oh why? Is my luck that bad? I didn't do anything wrong. I'm a good girl…A good girl… Do bad things always happen to good people? These thoughts ran through my entire head when Blondie's eyes met mine.

We just stared at each other for one whole minute.

Thank goodness that whole minute was used to introduce the other three to the others.

I was the first one to break away from the stare down. "And this is Yamaguchi Kenji." He nodded numbly to the others.

My eyes met Miyu and I gave her a 'I need to talk to you' kind of stare. She gulped and walked into the kitchen nearby, saying that she need to get the drinks for everyone. I got up and casually stated that I would help her and walked over to follow her.

When we were safely in the kitchen and the others were busy talking to the newcomers, I folded my arms and glared at her. "Explain. Now."

She gripped her hands in front of her tightly, something she does when she was nervous. "Well…I..I, uh…"

I sighed and removed my arms from a folding position and moved behind the counter. Resting my arms on the counter, I cocked my head at her, "Just tell me. Why did you invite them, of all people?"

She turned towards me and without looking into my eyes, "It.. It was Hyosun's idea. He wanted the boys to come over since there were so little guys…" I sighed and pinched the bridge of my nose.

Hyosun. I'm soooo going to kill him. That guy.

"But… Sayuki-chan…"

"Yes?" I muttered. I felt a soft hand over mine. "Please… Don't get angry.."

I look up and saw her sweet worried face. I shook my head and smiled. "Nah, don't worry about it."

I patted her head, "Silly girl. I'm just a little surprised, that's all." She blinked slowly at me and I grinned, "I'm fine. Honest." I lowered my eyes at her, "You know me since we were kids, Miyu. You should know that." She sighed and walked over to the fridge to take out the carton of soft drinks.

Yeah, even we know each other since we were kids; we were never really that close. Both of us know that but no one said a thing about it.

I walked over and helped her take it, nodding at the few cans. "I'll take this. Take the leftovers." And with that, I walked out of the room.

Heaving the cartons to the coffee table in the living room, I said jokingly, "Hey, this cans are only for you guys. And no date rape drugs or I'll kick all your asses."

They cracked up and begin giving out the drinks.

I took a can and opened it. Sipping the drink slightly, I caught Blondie watching me. I blinked at him and he looked away quickly. I hid a smirk in my can. Why so shy in public? Tsk, tsk, such a wuss.

I sighed and sat down on the couch. Mabo sat beside me and grinned, "How about we play spin the bottle?" I laughed and pushed his face away from, "Nice try, boy. How about…no?"

Miyu came in and smiled brightly, "Hey, that's a good idea. It would be kinda boring if we girls talked and the guys just sat there."

I gave her a withering look and she just shrugged cutely and smiled. I sighed as everyone looked my way, more or less.

I'm the boss, I call the shots.

I gave a defeated shrug, "Fine, Someone go get a bottle. Let's play. Just don't complain if you have to kiss someone you don't like."

They all cheered and started laughing when Mabo tripped from getting up too fast to get one. I shook my head and laughed, "That excited, Mabo-kun?" He grinned sheepishly and went over to his bag.

The boys moved the table to a side and all of us settled into a circle. I sat next to Miyu and another girl. I got the bottle from Mabo and smiled my thanks.

I look around and noticed Blondie was dragged to the game by Tomio and Joji. I bit down a laugh at his annoyed face.

Well, you must admit. He does look adorable when he looks angry.

I lifted the bottle and waved, "Sooo…Who first?" They all looked at each other and someone shouted, "Hey, let's spin the bottle to find out then."

I beamed, "Okie dokie!" I set it in the middle and spin it like a top.

Round, and round, and round it goes…

And stops at Miyu.

I grinned at her, "Well, then, Miyu-chan~~" I said it as creepily as I can. She gulped and took the bottle. I lifted my hands and pumped it in front of me, "Get Hyosun! Get Hyosun! Get Hyosun!" And sooner or later, the entire gang joined in the call except Miyu and Hyosun.

Miyu spins the bottle and within five turns in lands on Hyosun (due to some peoples blowing on it), we cheered. Both of them blushed so hotly, you'd think they were on fire or something.

Miyu walked over to Hyosun and muttered something like, "Excuse me." and gave him a small peck on the lips. All of us ooh-ed and aww-ed and ahh-ed. "Now that was just adorable~" I said and laughed like a mischievous kid.

Another boy grins and get the bottle to give it to Hyosun. "Your turn, man!" And Hyosun gives it a spin. It landed on a guy and we laughed like crazy.

A few rounds later (A few die-hard laughing, nerve-wracking, rounds later), a girl spin the bottle and it landed on me. I laughed, "Well, guess I can't run from this." They laughed and I took the bottle.

Before I spin it, there was a strange silence. I sweat dropped, "Uh…Guys? Why the sudden tension?" The girls laughed nervously and the boys deftly looked away.

I sighed and spin it with all my might.

While everyone was watching the bottle quietly, I had thoughts rushing into my brain.

Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not Blondie. Not…

The bottle stops and I looked up.

Blondie.

I sighed wearily at him. Yeesh, how much bad luck will go on today?

I heard the boys groaned and the girls sighed. I look around me with a raised eyebrow and they stayed quiet and quickly averted their gaze. I shook my head and got up. "Well then…"

I walked over to Blondie as he stiffens. I squatted in front of him and peered into his face. He had a slight blush on his cheekbones and he was biting his lip slightly.

I felt gazes on me and raised my eyebrows at Mabo, Tomio and Joji on his right. They were watching intently and I gave a small smirk.

I turned back to Blondie and gave him a gentle but quick peck to his lips. I drew back and grinned at him.

Standing up, I took the bottle and gave it to him, "Well then~ it's your turn, Blondie~" He took the bottle silently and I went back to my seat, smiling back at Miyu who was giving me a sly smile.

He spins the bottle numbly. I watch as the bottle started to turn round and round to his next kisser. I smiled to myself. I guess I won't be so unlucky twice.

I continued watching the tip of the bottle spins around slowly and I watch the top stops. I can see the inside of the bottle. The opening of the bottle gaped at me like a black hole.

Seriously? Twice? In a row? WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH MY LUCK?!

I sighed and looked up at him, "Well, I don't suppose we can skip this time… Can we?"

"I think we can skip this time." A boy said and picked up a bottle, "Can't have the both of you to have all the fun."

I smiled gratefully at the interrupter. "Go on ahead, then~" He grins and spins the bottle instead.

Miyu leaned over to me and whispered as the others began to taunt the bottle. "Why did you want skip?" I look at her sideways. "You want me to kiss him twice in a row? I thought you liked him in the first place."

She frowned at me and I grinned, "I guess you prefer Hyosun now." She sighed and drew away from me. I blinked up at spotted Blondie watching me.

But this time when I cocked my head, he continued watching me with an unreadable expression.

I just smiled and leaned forward at the bottle, mocking it to get the guy to kiss someone.

Yamaken's P.O.V

I watch Sayuki's calm and cheerful reaction. The girl from the library and the girl sitting opposite of me have two entirely different personalities.

And I don't know which one I would prefer.

I shook my head and watched the bottle spins.

I've got to stop thinking of Sayuki like this. What is it about her I even like anyway?

I watched the bottle spin and spin around. And then, it dawns on me.

She has no exact characteristic in particular that I find in Shizuku, or any other girls I find even worth of my attention.

She is loud, outgoing and tomboyish. Smart, yes, but I don't see why my thoughts just drift to her unconsciously.

It's like… I just like her for nothing.

Suddenly, I heard someone called my name. I looked up and Mabo was looking at me curiously, "Oi, Yamaken. You wanna play seven minutes in the closet?" I watched him in a disgusted and annoyed way. "No."

I heard a laugh, "Well, that makes the two of us, huh?"

I looked over and Sayuki was smirking at me, "I'm going to watch a movie instead. Care to join me, Blondie?"

I just watched her indifferently, "It would be better than getting myself stuck into a closet with someone I don't like." She laughed and nodded, "I got ya." And she walked over to the television and went over the movie discs.

The host girl, Miyu, jumped up and announced, "Okay, then! Let's go to my room! I have a walk in closet there we can use." And everyone got up and followed her, leaving me and Sayuki in the living room.

I got up and sat down on the couch and watched her choose the movie.

"Hey, Blondie."

I looked up at her, "What?"

She smiled at me, "You wanna watch an action show or a scary one?" I just blinked at her.

I didn't want to watch a ghost show but I didn't want to look like a coward so I just replied, "You choose."

And hoping in my heart she didn't choose a haunting movie.

She laughed and took a disc. "Alright then. I'll watch the action one. Don't wanna get nightmares in this house. Next thing you know you hear me screaming at night and I'd be a laughing stock."

I smiled slightly at her comment as I watch her turn on the TV after setting the disc in place. She sat beside me even though there was a lot of space on the couch.

Before I could even question her, she explained quickly, "I don't like sitting alone on a sofa. It feels weird." And I shut up.

She shifted slightly to be more comfortable and we were just inches apart. I swallowed slightly at her nearness.

It didn't really matter who sat beside me before because there are many girls who tried to be really close to me.

But this… this is different. With Sayuki, I feel nervous like a sinner in a church.

The show starts and I push away the uneasiness to watch it more comfortably.

~~~ XXxxXX ~~~

Sayuki's P.O.V

I stretched and smiled, "Woah~ It's a good show, neh~" I looked towards Blondie and grinned, "Right?" He nodded with a small grunt of approval.

I laughed and went to remove the disc, when suddenly a hand grabbed mine. I blinked and looked back.

"B-Blondie?"

He didn't look up at me. In fact, his bangs were covering his eyes completely so only a shadow covered the upper part of his face. I blinked again as he pulled me back to the seat. "Wh- what's wrong?" I stuttered but he kept his mouth shut, his hand still gripping mine. I leaned closer to him and looked at his face. He still didn't reply. I went down lower and looked up instead into his eyes. "Blondie? You okay?" I asked with my voice filled with pure concern.

This isn't how Blondie used to act. I mean, hanging out with his buddies for more than half a year gives me that much.

Right?

"Don't say anything, Sayuki." He growled and I stopped moving entirely, just staring into his eyes. His eyes were so filled with emotions; it made me feel so miserable.

Slowly, I removed my hand from his. Then I wrapped my arms around his neck gently, pulling him into a hug. He stiffened immediately but as I kept patting the back of his back rhythmically, he settled down and allowed himself to be embraced.

"I don't know why you are like this… But a hug always helps…" I whispered as I ran my hand into his hair and hold on some strands of his hair lightly.

We stayed like that for awhile before I let go and looked back into his eyes, "Better?" He nodded slightly and I smiled, "Hmm…" I stood and he looked up at me. I gave him a soft smile, "Wait here." And I turn around towards the kitchen.

Filling a glass of warm tea, I went back to him. "Here." He took it gratefully, muttering a small 'thanks'. I sat beside him and watched him take a sip of the tea. "Mind telling me what happened to you?" I cocked my head at him.

"Yamaken-kun."

Yamaken's P.O.V

My eyes widened slightly at the concern in her voice. She called me by my name for the first time. I took another sip of the tea to calm myself.

I felt her scoot closer to me until we were shoulders were against each other.

"Well? I asked nicely, Yamaken."

I sat back on the couch and shook my head, "Nothing. I was just a bit… emotional, I guess."

She leaned back with me and watched my face thoughtfully, even though I pretended not to notice, I can't help the blush creeping up to my cheeks. Finally, she sighed and shrugged a little, "Fine then."

And before I could recover from the shock of her calling me by my name, she gave me another emotional heart attack, by resting her head on the crook of my neck.

I tried to protest but she looked up at me seriously, "Don't even try it, Yamaken."

I stopped talking as she shifted her head again and her gaze fell away from me.

"If you won't say anything, I'll just lie down on you. For comfort." She faltered before continuing again, in a softer voice this time. "I always do this for my brother when he gets troubled. I hope it will work for you."

But it is you that I'm troubled with, Sayuki.

I nodded and put the tea on the coffee table beside me. "Do what you want." And I rest my head on the couch.

Before I knew it, I drifted into a dreamless sleep.

Miyu's P.O.V

I walked into the living room, "Really, the both of you. You should really join us for the.." I stopped talking when my eyes fell on the two people on the couch. I smiled tenderly at them. Both Yamaguchi and Sayuki have fallen asleep.

Sayuki's head was resting on the crook of his neck while his head rested on the top of hers.

I would have been jealous out of my mind a year ago, but I've gotten over him. In fact, I think that the two of them would be a great couple. I walked out of the living room and went back to where the others were.

"Well? Are they coming?" Hyosun asked and I shook my head. "No… They're asleep." Mabo frowned, "That fast?"

I nodded and smiled, "Since we're all so active, why don't we play another game?"

HHAAAIII! This chapter will end here, desu~ I hope you darling readers like it~ Review, review, review, pleeeaaassseee~~~~ w