I did some minor changes in the chapters. Uhm, please do check Chapter12, I added a little scene at the end. Here's the previous chapter12, now the season-ender chappie. Sorry for the little mix-up. Will explain everything next chapter. :D
Disclaimer: I do not own FY.
Chapter 13: It's Nice to See You Tonight
By Slavedriver2008
"What are you doing here?" I blurted out when Hotohori appeared on the table. Miaka and Taka looked at me questioningly but there was a glint of knowing in their eyes.
"It's nice to see you tonight, Yui," Hotohori stated casually and my cheeks reddened. Oh man, why do I always have to lose my cool in front of him? I cleared my throat and civilly gave him my attention.
"It's nice to see you too, Heiki-sama," I answered back and he raised an eyebrow. "So what brought you to this…humble dinner?" It was my turn to raise an eyebrow. When Miaka said important dinner at class earlier, I didn't expect him to be invited. I thought it was just between me and the couple. Bad thing I forgot he's also a member of the gang.
Miaka let out a laugh. "I invited him Yui-chan. He actually chose this restaurant. Hotohori's friend owns this place," I nodded with raised eyebrow. My eyes looked around. It was a high-end restaurant serving bottomless wine, both red and white. I mean, what kind of restaurant serves wine for free? Or maybe they were serving it solely on our table. I took the glass and drank the contents. Citrusy white wine rolled through my taste buds.
"Hmmm…Nice wine…" I complimented and Miaka smiled sheepishly. "French Riesling, a favorite…"
"Hotohori chose it," Taka stated and I choked on my drink. "Funny…he said that's his favorite too." Hotohori cleared his throat.
Why was I sitting beside him again? Right, I arrived late because of practice and our little show at the lockers. My cheeks burned remembering what we did. I pulled my jacket tighter to hide my ruined shirt. I didn't know he was in the washroom when I arrived so I took the available seat, which happened to be his chair. I mean Miaka and Taka didn't tell me he was coming. Heck, I wouldn't have come! The Highness then returned from the washroom, sat beside me and that was it.
I'm stuck beside him.
Had I not cried my heart out to Ayama-sensei earlier, I would have stomped out of the restaurant. Then again, that was the old Yui who was willing to give everything for him. Well…I guess his hurting me made me stronger. After what happened at the lockers, I know I can look at him and stand being in the same place. I just can't…be nice to him. Not yet. When I get annoyed at him, I somehow feel better. Like another emotion overpowers another emotion.
No, I don't think I'm still in love with him. No, Yes. Yes, I still love him. Damn.
I placed the glass down and our fingers brushed against each other. The tingling sensation ran through my body and my heart beat like it was escaping from my chest. No Yui, don't think about Hotohori, even though he's just beside you. Act normal. Act casual. You don't feel anything for him. You said so yourself. Calm down. He's a normal guy, prince, whatever.
"What would you have?" His voice brought me back to the reality. I turned to him, my skin still prickling from the warmth of his breath. His eyes met mine, our faces inches from each other. For a while, nothing mattered. God, I missed looking at him. I missed him. I…wanted to kiss him again, like earlier. "What do you want?" he asked softly, like a whisper.
"You…" Miaka choked and I blinked, warmth spread like fire over my cheeks. "I mean—you…what—what do you suggest? I mean—its—it's your…f-friend's place right?" I asked, trying to regain my lost composure. Hotohori's eyes danced in the light and he smiled, a gestured that brightened his face. He was looking somewhat stressed when I saw him earlier.
"Let's see…" he pointed out each food clearly, looking back to check my reaction then choosing a good one and recommending it again. I looked at him and all the feelings I tried to hide returned to me. Bless Seiryuu, I missed him so much. Our situation reminded me of the time when he held my hand—embraced me, actually—at the doctor. My thoughts lingered on what our date could have been had I said yes. I smiled sadly. What would have happened if we took things slowly? Would he stay with me? Would I be hurting now?
I missed that chance. And there's no turning back.
"Salmon…" He looked up and I looked down. "Salmon sounds nice…" he gave my order to the maitre d' and awkwardness filled the table again. I sighed and turned to Miaka and Taka. She was leaning on his shoulder, smiling at me. "So…what are you supposed to tell us?" Miaka giggled. She placed her head on top of her left hand and smiled sweetly, as if trying to tell me something. "Huh?"
Miaka sighed and rolled her eyes. "You're impossible Yui! You're probably the densest woman I've ever met!" She turned to Hotohori. "See what I mean? You have to spell everything out for her or else she wouldn't notice or worse, misunderstand everything." Hotohori smiled again, a surprise that he found it easy to smile in their situation. Or maybe because Miaka was in the same table. His mood always seemed to change when the brunette's around.
"What do you mean? I'm not dense! I'm just…" I sighed. I'm not winning the argument, though there was none. I was still clueless and bitching around won't give me the answers. "Fine. Can you rewind everything, please? Slower…?" Miaka giggled and leaned closer.
"Yui…" she smiled sheepishly, happiness evident in her brown eyes. "Taka and I—" my phone rang and I pulled it from my bag. I winced when I saw who it was.
"Sorry, had to take this call." Miaka gave me questioning looks and I sighed. "Dad."
--
"Yes Dad, I'm perfectly fine. No dating, whatsoever. I'm having dinner with Miaka, though," I gushed at my Dad. He suddenly called from Berlin and asked how I'm coping. I wonder why.
"Yui dear, your grandmother is still asking me about a possible match-making date. She kept on insisting this guy is perfect for you. Should you visit her in Kyoto one of these days?" Dad insisted and I sighed. So, that was the reason why he called. Grandma was getting on his nerves and he wanted me to solve it. Argh.
"For the hundredth time Dad, I don't want to get married yet! I don't even know him..." Dad sighed at the other end.
"I know, I know. But this person was your childhood playmate. You probably don't remember him much. He's—"
"Dad..."
"Okay honey, I won't force you into anything. The more you focus on your studies, the better for me. We'll be home in a month's time. Let's go to Kyoto to finish your grandmother's pairing addiction." I giggled and Dad laughed. I suddenly missed them.
"Okay. I'll see you soon...I guess. Say hi to Mom for me." After a few goodbyes, Dad placed down the phone and I sighed. I sat on the couch of the room and closed my eyes. This place was very cozy. I never thought some restaurants have 'phone rooms' for well, receiving calls in the middle of dinner. Anyway, the place was nice. I had to hand it to Hotohori, he knows how to choose a good spot. Being royalty has its perks, I guess.
"Family matters stressing you out?" I immediately opened by eyes and was surprised to see Hotohori standing on the doorway. I stood up suddenly, earning a laugh from him. The room felt crowded even though we're only the souls inside.
"You were eavesdropping. Again." I raised an eyebrow and he walked slowly towards me. My heart skipped a beat as he came closer.
"Well...I thought I'd check out on you. Food's served already," he said casually, smile painted on his lips. What happened to him? He looked less grumpy... Hotohori stood before me and gazed down on my eyes. He raised his hand to brush my cheek. I blushed instantly at the contact. "I miss you." Before I could react, he leaned down and kissed me softly, lips grazing mine slowly. I closed my eyes and savored the feel of his mouth. His kiss was less demanding than at the lockers. It was more…slow and tender.
He moved away and I instinctively followed his mouth. He laughed as we parted. My face burned and when I looked up, amusement played in his eyes. His beautiful hazel eyes. The other emotion I tried to overpower took hold of me and I pulled his coat, his lips crashing down on mine again. This time, I was the one who kissed him. I stood on my toes for the kiss and I felt so wonderful, so happy, so right. I lost balance and we parted. He caught me and leaned down to continue the kiss. It was sublime.
There was no hurry, we were taking our time exploring each other's mouths. I treasured every movement, every taste, afraid this might be our last. It was a sad kiss filled with longing and pain but there was hope and joy and something more. Just like a song, the kiss ended. We parted ever so slowly, our breathings unstable, chest heaving but not out of breath. It was perfect. I would have traded my soul for this moment.
"Yui Hongo," Hotohori called, our noses brushing, eyes intently looking at me. "...I love you..."
A/N: Finally! Finally! Finally! Sorry for the cliffhanger...eh, there will be a continuation of this in the next chapter so don't hate me for writing this chappie! ^_^ Do leave reviews and tell me what you think! :)
