Please bear with it. It's a long one.

Thanks to ja for beta reading this!

THREE DAYS

-Michiru-

(Lunch: Day 1)

Getting that lecherous wolf's horny ass out of the house was surprisingly easy. I didn't hear her whine nor hear any complaints raised. She simply exited my house with her usual self-confident smile as she bid her goodbyes to my mother and to my little sister.

It was astoundingly surprising but as long as Haruka won't be able to see me in this outfit, this horrendously skimpy, male-magnet bunny outfit, I don't even mind if she left my house carrying my mother along with her.

"Hey." I turned around and saw Mikoto approaching me. "Are you okay? You seemed out of it."

"I'm okay…" I responded. I took a step back and carefully analyzed what Mikoto was wearing. I sighed and furrowed my eyebrows. "I still can't believe he changed the theme!"

"Ahh…" she blushed and rubbed her nape. "Well, manager-san thinks it would be a waste if he didn't let you wear the bunny outfit."

"And you didn't even tell me about that!"

"Well, I kind of agree with him."

"Miko!"

"You look cute, Michiru." She smiled taking a step closer. "Really cute."

We were only an inch away from kissing but sadly enough, the manager's impatient voice broke our lovely interaction.

"Kaioh, table 8!"

So instead, Mikoto gave me a quick peck on the cheek and then pushed me out of the kitchen. I grunted and held my order slip out. With a really forced but sweet smile on my face, I walked towards the said table.

But…

Getting closer and closer to the table, my smile seemed to crack and change into a form completely the opposite of it.

I grimaced.

She had her chin resting on her palm as her teal eyes looked straight at me. Something familiar was hanging around her neck. Something I solely feared off one would be bringing. I glared but a charming and impeccable, somewhat devious, smile formed around her lips instead. And it grew only wider and cheekier with every step taken.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, gritting my teeth while smiling forcefully out.

"Lunch." She simply replied, with a very wide and innocent child-like smile. Annoyingly innocent.

"Lunch?"

"Yes, lunch." She tilted her head as she looked at me rather seriously.

"I was walking around the corner and my stomach suddenly grumbled. I saw this place across the street and I said to myself, 'hey, why not try eating there? The food seems to be decent. It's not like I'm going in there just because the crew are dressed in santa outfits and…" she paused as she carefully eyed me from head to toe.

She grinned impishly. "…bunny outfits. It's only because I'm hungry. That's all."

I felt my nerves snapping. 'Hungry, yeah right!'

I wanted to launch a few verbal jabs at her and wipe that annoying grin off her face but I wasn't in the right place to do so. I sighed deeply and cocked an eyebrow in her direction instead.

"You said about not coming. Remember?"

She sat up straight then leaned her back comfortably on the seat.

"You've mistaken me, my dear playboy playmate." She remarked, moving her point finger from left to right. "As I remember correctly, I just said I won't. It doesn't mean I won't come. It could mean as something like 'I won't miss it for the world' or 'I won't hesitate in coming' or 'I won't forget to-…'"

"I get it. I get it." I waved, burying my head into my other palm. I sighed and looked back at her. And with the best clown smile impression, I said heartily, "Would you kindly leave?"

"Hmmm…" she murmured quite amusingly. "I'd rather stay."

"Seriously, Haruka-…"

"A glass of orange juice and… Burger or calzone? Which do you prefer Michiru?"

"How about a plate of 'you're not welcome here so please leave'?" I faked a smile. She looked at me nonchalantly for a second then back at the menu.

"That wasn't witty at all." She murmured disappointedly.

I cringed at the comment but held my temper back. I wasn't trying to be funny you dumbass blonde.

She closed the menu and handed it over. "I'll have calzone instead."

"One orange juice and one calzone, anything else?" I smiled politely, taking the menu from her. She shook her head as she smiled. I decided that any remarks I say won't drive this cretin out of the café, so I should just act like a responsible waitress instead. Besides, having a senseless bickering with her won't help get my salary any higher.

I spun around and peacefully left her. But apparently, Haruka had other plans.

"Michiru…" she called out. I cringed at the sweetness of her voice but sucked all the frustration inside. Holding back my anger, I turned around with a very polite yet forced smile.

"Hai?"

Instead of a voice responding, a sound of clicking was heard. My brows quickly furrowed at the sound and instantly my eyes bulged to look at her. Beneath the black camera covering half of her face, a devilish grin was splattered across her lips. I glared. She sneered.

"You really like getting on my nerves?"

"I prefer something different." She naughtily retorted back, with a seductive, or what she taught it was, grin.

I was ready to launch a multitude of retorts against Haruka, but as I said, winning against this cretin is impossible. If I do say something back, this day wouldn't end at all. And just the thought of it, already upsets me to an ultimate extent.

So I held it all back and walked away from her instead, with the sound of Haruka chuckling echoing inside my eardrums.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

I love it!

Messing with Michiru, that is.

She just doesn't give in easily. And even though she didn't say anything back, the expression on her face was enough for me to understand what she wanted to say. I like it. The mere fact that she doesn't run out of witty remarks is really amusing. And the fact that she's not falling for my charms is somewhat fascinating.

Yes, I tried flirting with her. Michiru's rather cute, attractive to the majority, decent for the most part, predominantly smart, witty all in all. Michiru was surely an eye for flirtations. But somehow it won't work. Something like a big impenetrable wall was built against me.

In retrospect, I can't blame her. She thinks of me as a big womanizing pervert. Which of course, I am, but I didn't want her to have a clear justification for it, which I'm sure she has already.

I wanted to be nice. But I can't stop acting like this when I'm around her. Being with Michiru is really fun and entertaining. Being around her feels different… strangely different yet engaging.

CLATTER… CLATTER… CLATTER…

RUSTLE… RUSTLE… RUSTLE...

I stood up from the pavement as soon as I heard the back door creaking. After eating, I stayed outside the café and waited at the back for Michiru. I spun around and started walking towards the back door. My foot froze when my eyes met with Michiru cuddling close to another woman. I know sneaking isn't a good thing, but it's also not the worst thing. I hid behind the trash and watched the two interact.

There was less action than I anticipated. They were touching alright, but not as much I thought there would be. It was gentle, yet intimate. It was some sort of sweet and loving kind of touch. It was nice. Looking at them, somehow I felt uncertain.

Mikoto, I guess and who looks awfully familiar, who's cupping Michiru's cheeks leaned forward. Michiru on the other hand, had her eyes closed while anticipating Mikoto's lips.

"HEY THERE!" I burst out, joyfully jumping into the scene. Michiru shrieked and impulsively pushed Mikoto away from her. Mikoto only looked at me in surprise while her lover, of course, glared at me.

I don't know why I did what I did. But apparently, it seems like I enjoy teasing Michiru way too much. Yes, it was just a form of teasing… but back there, seeing them like that, somehow a part of me ached. What the hell was that?

I walked towards them and waved.

"What are you still doing here?"

"I waited for you." I replied. I gazed over Mikoto and held my smile up. "Tenoh Haruka. Michiru's subject of interest…." I paused and waited for Michiru's unparalleled reaction.

She gasped and was about to launch herself into a whole litany of words.

I cracked a smile and added, "…in math that is."

Mikoto somewhat forced a smile as she held her hand towards me. "Aoza -…"

"You're a member of the track and field team before, right? Aozawa was it?" I cut her off. She nodded.

Mikoto and I were having a delightful conversation about middle school not until I felt a hard tug on my shirt.

"What are you still doing here?" she earnestly asked, though a bit angrily.

"I waited for you. We still have a project to finish, remember."

"Ahh yes… we do have to finish that." She muttered, somewhat disappointed at the fact that we will be spending the rest of the day together.

She turned back and looked at Mikoto. She smiled sweetly, far from what I used to see from her. "I'll see you some other time then."

I stood there once again, ignored by the two women who apparently like to cuddle with each other in front of other people.

Michiru was about to drop a kiss on Mikoto's lips not until I pulled her away. She stumbled but kept her balance. Michiru disappointedly and at the same time angrily looked at me.

"We should really get going." I explained as I gave my outmost innocent smile up.

"Should I accompany you two home?" Mikoto suggested.

"Iie. Iie." I waved as I threw my other arm around Michiru's shoulder. I leaned closer to Mikoto and winked. "Don't worry. I'll be okay, Mi-ko-chan! I won't let Michiru harass me." I grinned raising my other hand in a V sign.

-x0x-

-Michiru-

The walk home was….

How should I say this…?

Somewhat normal. Not that I didn't like it but it's just surprising to find that Haruka could act normally. Not her usual impudent, smartass self. I kind of like it, this side of hers.

Not that I didn't like her attitude before. Surprisingly, I did like it even though I find it annoying. I like her self-absorbed, impudent, somewhat witty, self. I could have walked away from her, protested to the very extent that I won't walk home with her, or simply ignore her but somehow, our childish bickering, silly banters, and endless mockery, fascinates me. Just like a kid playing his very first toy, it's always fun, never tiring or dull. Haruka is sort of like that in one way or another. Like the toy you'll never get tired of playing with.

DINGDONG

I snapped out of my reverie and looked at the woman standing beside me.

"Sorry. You were just spacing out so I thought I'd ring the door bell for you."

"Iie. It's okay…" I waved dismissively and looked back at the door in front of us.

After waiting for a couple of seconds, the door slowly swung open revealing a little girl standing two and half feet tall. She smiled wider than usual then joyfully hoped her way towards us.

"HAWUKA!" She burst out joyfully as she jumped herself onto Haruka's leg. Haruka knelt down, lifted my sister up and swung her around. My sister laughed terribly hard.

Haruka placed her safely back on the ground and petted my sister's head. "Tadaima, Kokoro-chin." She flashed my sister a very impeccable smile. My sister hugged her once more and pulled her inside.

'Great. My mother likes her. And now my sister is in love with her.' I sighed, closing the door behind me. 'Haruka sure is a lady killer. That blonde really doesn't choose where to emit her pheromones out.'

As I walked inside, I saw Haruka lying on the ground tickling my little sister. My mother on the other hand smiled at the scene.

"Tadaima…"

My mother spun around and greeted me with a smile. "Okairi."

"I'll just put my things upstairs then I'll prepare din-…"

"Wait Michiru…"

"Hai?"

She walked closer and patted me on the shoulder. She leaned in and smiled, somewhat different. "I invited Haruka for dinner."

My eyes quickly widened. "You what?"

"And I also invited her to stay for the night, since it's dangerous to walk home this late."

I was, really, ready to spurt out endless protests against my mother but when she gripped my shoulder a bit tighter and smiled wickedly, I was left with nothing to do but to shrug and comply with her will.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Staying for the night at Michiru's place was the best way to end this day. I wonder what Michiru looked like when she heard it, what she said, and how she managed to accept it. I'm sure the scene was priceless… which right now, I want to see.

Speaking of Michiru, she's right there, across from where I stood cooking dinner.

I walked closer, and her disappointed grunt welcomed me.

"Not happy?"

"Is it showing?" Michiru sarcastically remarked.

I chuckled and walked closer. "You should follow in your family's footsteps. They adore me." I remarked as I leaned my back on the counter table. I looked at Kokoro then to her mother then back at Michiru and flashed my outmost charming smile. "Your family sure has excellent taste."

Michiru sneered, as expected. "Demented taste, you mean."

"Touché, Michiru. Touché." I applauded.

Michiru scowled in return and continued dicing the carrots. I heartily smiled before moving closer to her. I grabbed a knife from the drawer and sliced the remaining carrots beside her.

She looked up, then suspiciously and unhappily asked, "What are you doing?"

"Just doing what I love to do, dicing carrots. Yep, sure is fun!" I joked. She cocked her eyebrow even further. "You see Michiru, they usually call these 'helping out' if you didn't notice. Two heads are better than one, so they say."

"You've done enough damage for today." She spat. "Besides, that only applies to someone who uses their head."

"Awww… You don't have to be shy!" I teased then laughed "You can kiss me after we're done or better yet-..."

Michiru instantly threw a table cloth onto my face before even letting me finish my sentence then rolled her eyes as she moved a few steps to her side.

I went back to slicing the carrots while catching a glimpse of Michiru from time to time. She had her hair tied up into a pony tail, which looks rather cute on her. An apron tied around her waist which flaunted her curves even more. She hummed softly under her breath, it was out of tune but at some point or another, the sound of her voice was still enchanting. I smiled. Somehow just by looking at her, I felt at ease.

I guess I was too indulged at looking Michiru that I forgot to look at what I was doing until I felt a stinging feeling on my finger. I instantly yelped,

"Ite.. te.. te.. te!"

I looked down and saw a red liquid vastly spreading all over my point finger. Honestly, I didn't care much about my wound or that I had carelessly cut myself, but when I saw Michiru rushing to my aid, I can't help but act as if I'm in deep pain.

I cried out again.

"Are you okay?" she asked worriedly, basically more frantic about the situation than I was.

I could feel a big grin spreading over my face like bad acne. I pretended to wince as her hand tried to touch my finger. "It hurts…"

I have never seen Michiru this worried before, more over when it comes to me. So having her act this way was pretty much enjoyable.

But,

I never thought my plan would backfire. With one quick swoosh, she grabbed my finger and slowly lifted it up near her mouth.

I panicked. "Ano… Michiru.. I'm okay… It doesn't hurt!" I smiled for reassurance.

"You're not okay! You're bleeding, you idiot!" Sadly, when Michiru's worried, she's worried. She couldn't care less whatever you say.

"Koko, get my first aid in my room!" She called out. Koko, her sister, ran as fast as she can to Michiru's room.

Suddenly, I felt a pair of warm soft lips burning in my finger. As I looked down, I saw Michiru sipping the blood out.

That's when I lost it.

I could feel heat quickly rising into my face.

If it weren't for the sound of Kokoro frantically running around and screaming 'Here's the first aid! Here's the first aid!' I would have been doing what I do best with Michiru already.

But, I had to maintain my sanity. I stood there not moving, blushing more heavily than I ever thought could possibly happen to me at this age. Michiru slowly removed her lips and replaced it with cotton.

"You're really clumsy, Haruka." Michiru remarked, while brushing my wound with cotton-filled-alcohol.

I hissed. "Ite.. te… Sorry…"

"You should look at where you're cutting." She chided.

"Gomen…"

"Just be careful next time, okay?"

I wanted to say something different, more on teasing and retort side. But with the softness of her hands and gentleness of her touches, it felt like I was a schoolboy who luckily was able to touch her first crush. Withdrawn and at the same time nervous. I murmured instead,

"Mmm…"

There was a feeling of heaviness in my chest as I watched her treating me. I'd only known Michiru for just a short while, but my heart was going out to her in a way I never thought possible. I wanted to reach out and touch her or simply brush the hair falling off from her face but there's this thick boundary between us. Besides, she might think I'm taking this opportunity to molest her.

So I stood there and watched, while breathing in the sweet smell of Michiru's scent.

-Michiru-

(Day 2)

When I woke up, I was all alone inside my house. My mother, my sister and Haruka were all nowhere in sight. It's kind of scary though. It's like waking up in one of those twilight zone episodes wherein everyone you know is gone and you're all alone standing in your kitchen staring at a white paper placed on the table.

This day, I get to live that episode. But not as sci-fi as twilight zone is.

I opened the note and noticed my mother's hand writing. Apparently, Haruka was rushing to leave early this morning, while my mother and my sister went out to do some groceries. Not that it bothers me that they're gone. I actually find it very… how should I say this… relieving. I could finally get some peace and quiet time for myself.

I'm not rushing anything for the meantime. Haruka and I are almost done in our project. She was all silent and very much involved last night that it was shocking that she even was. We were able to finish more than half of the problems. I really don't know what happened to her after dinner, but if getting herself cut could make her this cooperative, then there's still nine remaining fingers left to last us till we're done with the project.

Now to get another well-deserved…

DINGDONG… DINGDONG… DINGDONG…

I sighed at the sound of the door bell ringing. The peace and quiet time that I was about to enjoy, was completely and instantly disturbed.

I walked, unwillingly and grudgingly, to the door and exasperatingly swung it open.

"YO!" She grinned, energetically waving her hand.

I growled, before asking indifferently, "Why are you here?"

"Project."

"We can finish it tomorrow."

She sighed and let herself in. "Tsk. Tsk. Tsk. Unlike you, Michiru, I do have a special assignment other than the project given to us."

"And what is this special assignment if I may ask, Haruka?" I mimicked.

"That's…" she paused then inched closer to my face. I could feel her breath around my face that I instantly panicked. I quickly inched away.

Haruka smiled and whispered, "… a secret."

"A secret?" I made a face.

"Hai, a secret."

"And what's this secret all about that includes me in it?"

"If I tell you then it wouldn't be a secret anymore, would it?" She retorted, giving off a cheeky smirk.

I sighed then waved. "All right all right..." arguing with her would be pointless. She's as stubborn as I am. If I won't give in, we won't be able to stop. "Ah, since you're here, you want to have some breakfast?" I added.

Haruka's face lit up, "Uso? Did I hear you just right? Are you really inviting me to sit in with you? Without your mother's consent?"

I walked pass her, then grumbled "Fine. If you don't want it, then leave."

She laughed and ran after me, "Joudan! Joudan!" Haruka paused then pondered. "You know, I could get used to this."

"You make it sound like were dating." I murmured.

I could just imagine a big grin spreading across Haruka's lips at the comment. Which not long after was quickly proven.

"We could do that!" She ran after me and circled her arm over my shoulder. "Or we could actually skip breakfast and move on to the more—…" she coughs then blushes. "… ah important things."

I pushed her away and walked ahead of her. "No thank you."

"Ah well, the offer is still open, so feel free to come to me."

"I'll keep that in mind." I replied sarcastically.

Haruka smiled all knowingly and walked over to a vacant chair near the fridge. "Ne Michiru… Why are you having your breakfast at this very late hour?"

"It's only 11 am."

"Precisely why I'm asking."

"Nobody woke me up. Besides, I always call first meal of the day breakfast."

"That's a good way to explain it." She applauds as she leaned her back on the chair. Haruka hummed after a while as she waited for the food to be served.

I, on the other hand, began searching the shelves for food to be cooked. There was only a can of corn soup and liver spread left inside. I walked over to the fridge and unluckily found an opened box of milk left.

Crap.

That's why my mom is out to do the grocery. I forgot we don't have anything left.

I turned to look at Haruka who only had her brows arched. I smiled shyly and said, "Sorry. We don't have anything left. Unless you want some-…"

"Great!" She said, smirking. Haruka stood up and grabbed my hand. "I saw this place down the street. It seemed cozy and the food looks nice. I always wanted to try eating there."

"But I thought-…"

"If we hurry now, we could get nice and comfortable seats."

"Wait! Let me change my clothes first."

"Don't worry. You look fine the way you are." Haruka complimented with a smile which soon turned somewhat into a sly grin. "But if you're too worried about the way you look, you could always go naked." She stopped, rubbing her chin with her other hand. "Yes, naked. Naked seems perfect."

"I-ya-yo!" pulling my hand away. I stomped my way to my room and once again with Haruka's chuckling voice echoing in the background.

-x0x-

-Haruka-

Okay.

I'm actually happy that Michiru didn't complain about coming with me. It made me even happier when she walked out of the house wearing a navy blue dress on top of a white knitted long-sleeve shirt with a few touches of lipstick and blush on. She was looking incredibly sharp while wearing something that's supposed to be casual. It was simple, to be perfectly honest, but… How should I put it… She looked flawless and breath-taking. It's like even if she wore a rag, it'll still look perfect.

I'm not complaining about that, though. I love it. It gave me the idea that we were on a date.

But, my daydream doesn't really get me that far.

As soon as we took our seats and had our orders taken, she held out pieces of paper, a book and pens.

It was none other than, our project.

That's why her bag seemed awfully big…

"Have you finished answering it?" she asked, quickly pulling me back to reality.

I leaned my back and yawned, "It's a bit complicated. You see they have different variables so it's impossible to integrate them."

"Hmm.." She murmured, fondling the pen with her mouth. She inched in closer "there are different properties that we can use for different cases but this one's simple. You just have to-…"

I wasn't really listening to Michiru anymore. I could barely make out any word from what she's saying. The proximity that we were in was making it hard for me to keep my concentration, more when you can smell her or feel the heat from her body. The only thing I was able to do was gaze at her while blushing heavily once again. Somehow this scene reminded me of last night.

"Do you understand now?"

I snapped and stared at her. She smiled waiting for a reply.

"Ah, hai." I managed to blurt out properly.

Michiru went back to answering some problems while I did the same thing. I took the liberty of getting a glimpse of Michiru from time to time. I think that it's becoming a habit of mine, getting a glimpse of her that is. It feels like… It's like—a kid rushing to get at least a sight of his/her first crush. That sort of feeling. She had her eyebrows furrowed, biting her lips from time to time, toying with the pen when she got tired of her lips then soon a smile would play on her lips whenever she's able to solve a problem. And just like a kid, I'll always get that tingling feeling when I look at her.

I didn't even put into consideration that I'll get caught in this little rendezvous I'm having with her face not until Michiru saw me looking at her.

She frowned and placed her pen down. "What?"

"What?" I returned, pretending as if I knew nothing.

"Nothing." She waved. "I just thought you-…"

"Thought what?"

"Nothing. It's nothing." She shook her head. I stared and noticed the sudden change in Michiru's cheeks. Uso… Is she really—blushing?

I wanted to deepen the blush on her face by teasing her or make any smartass remarks but I think I was just too taken by Michiru's cuteness that I simply stopped talking.

Michiru went back to answering while I happily indulged myself with what I have come to notice, may it be some illusion or not.

I chuckled at the thought once again. I can't answer the problem properly anymore. My mind just kept rewinding Michiru's reaction over and over again. Now it's harder to concentrate than before. What can I say? She's definitely cute. Michiru is.

Finally, I gave sensei a mental pat on the back for grouping me with her. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't be able to meet Michiru aside from our first meeting at the library. But that not's not the point. The point is the mere fact that I'm able to talk to her like this was enough to thank sensei. Why? Because I'm fascinated by Michiru, truth to be told. I don't know what, how and when it happened but a part of me started thinking… that if Michiru and I were in a relationship,

That if we were…

perhaps, it may not be as bad as I thought relationships would be..

And that's something, especially coming from someone who doesn't like to be tied down to only one girl. Somehow, Michiru redefines every rule I had set for myself.

But, that was just a thought. She's obviously in a happy relationship, which brings me to wonder how they met.

"Ne," I muttered, quickly disengaging my eyes from the notebook to her. She looked at me and I continued. "How did you and Mikoto meet?"

Her brows furrowed, "That's a sudden question."

"I was just wondering. You don't have to answer if you-…"

"Let's see." Leaning her back on the chair. "We were in the same committee. We talked and she helped me find a part time job. I spent more than half of my day with her and it seemed logical to go out with her."

"Logical?"

"No. I didn't mean it that way. I love Mikoto. We like the same things, we're both dedicated and I like the fact that we're on the same path."

"Hmmm." I murmured amusingly. "I think it's nice."

"What is?"

"This thing you and Mikoto have."

"You mean love."

"Yes, that."

She laughed, "You made it seemed hard to say." I pouted then shrugged. "Don't you have a lot of those?"

"Love?" I sneered. "You mean love-making. Sure I get a lot of those." She rolled her eyes "But that's different, right."

"Then why don't you try getting into something serious."

"I'm not really relationship material as you could notice from my background." I enlightened, smirking.

"Past is not really what's in question here. You could start now. Try dating women seriously from now on. In no time, you'll soon have what Mikoto and I share."

"You mean love?"

"Yes, that." She mimicked. She smiled and playfully ruffled my hair. Michiru then looked at me straight in the eyes still holding up that sweet smile on her face. At that moment, it felt like she brought me in this little world of hers—like bringing you into a place she solely built by herself with so much pride and satisfaction.

That place… wherever it was that she took me,

… felt undeniably warm.

"Be serious from now on, kaette ne?"

And for some odd reasons, I can't put my voice out on the open.

But I had to respond somehow.

"I'm going to the comfort room!" That's—really not a good reply. I mentally slapped myself for my stupidity. Even though I'm not really in need to go to the restroom, now I have to.

She nodded as I excused myself.

I started laughing at my own lameness. I couldn't quite grasp what made me say what I said but I just had to back it up. The restroom sure is far from where we sat.

As I neared the restroom, I saw a familiar face rushing off to the door dragging another woman along with her.

'Isn't that Suzumi?' I narrowed my gaze and soon recognized the woman she was dragging along with her. 'This… Suzumi and—'

-x0x-

-Michiru-

Haruka quickly got back from the restroom and was looking somewhat different. She kept avoiding my gaze whenever I tried to look at her. I wonder why, though?

In any case, it was my turn to go to the restroom. "I'll be back. It's my turn to use the restroom." I stood up but was quickly blocked by Haruka.

"Don't! the restroom here is—dirty! That's right, it's dirty." Haruka drastically explained.

I laughed. "Silly. I don't mind if it's dirty. I really need to use it." I escaped her hold and started walking.

"Michiru, you won't like it!" She pressed further, running after me.

Haruka's really starting to bug me. It was cute at how she thought I would mind using a dirty restroom, but going to this extent, and even pulling me down was somehow irritating. She grabbed my arm once again, turning me around to look at her.

"Trust me Michiru, it's not really a comfort room." Emphasizing the word comfort. "We can use other restrooms near here."

I smiled and removed her hand, "Haruka, I told you it's okay. I just badly need to use it now."

I spun around, and that's when I realized why Haruka's been pressing me not to go to the restroom. Why she kept bothering herself in stopping me. Now I know what she didn't want me to see.

I could feel a huge painful feeling stuck in my throat. I swore I could feel tears streaming down my face. I wanted to scream, shout or do anything to let this anger out but I was feeling helpless. So I stood there and watched not until she uttered my name in surprise.

"Michiru!"

I quickly turned around and rushed out of the scene. She followed behind me, shouting my name out. There was something different in Mikoto's voice, something I never thought I could feel in her voice, something I never wanted to feel.

"Wait! Please wait! I'm sorry!"

I stopped and chuckled bitterly. 'Sorry?'

"I'm sorry." She muttered as she reached out to hold me. I flinched and smacked her hand away.

"Why?"

"I… I don't know. But you've got to trust me when I say that I didn't mean to hurt you, Michiru."

"You did. So what's there left to trust?" I said apathetically, my eyes gleaming with anger. Mikoto tried to touch me once again but I was quick enough to step farther away. "Don't touch me! I don't want you to touch me."

I quickly spun around and ran farther away from her. The last thing I heard was Mikoto's constant muttering of 'Sorry… Sorry… Sorry...'

-x0x-

-Haruka-

"Aren't you happy?"

"Happy? Why should I be happy?"

"Michiru's single again. Isn't that what you wanted?"

"It's—that's not the point, Suzumi…"

I wanted to say something more than what I said, but somehow, there was difficulty in doing so. Was I happy? Was that really what I wanted? I couldn't quite put it out properly but I know there was more to it than that.

Maybe, I do like her. I like her decent, elegant, and refined side. But I also like her simple, honest, straightforward, though a bit rude, self. I like her pouting lips; her angry glare, her annoyed grumble, this cute hair flip that she does, but what I like the most is the sight of her smiling face.

If I do like her… If I truly like her…

I want it on equal grounds. Not like this.

Crap.

I think I've already drank a gallon of coffee.

I sighed.

Ever since Michiru left, I stayed inside the place where we had our lunch hoping she'll return to get her things. I tried to follow her, I really did. But when I got outside, all I saw was Mikoto standing alone on the street. So instead, I waited for her here. It's not a smart move but a part of me did hope that maybe she'll call me.

RING… RING… RING…

That was incredibly fast.

I quickly rummaged through my pocket for my phone and flipped it open, "Michiru?"

"Ah…" came the short reply. "It's Akane, Michiru's friend."

"Ah.. Hai hai.. I remember. You're with Michiru right?"

"Hai. I used her phone to call you. You see Michiru is-…"

"What happened to her?"

"You dumbass blonde!" I could hear Michiru's voice shouting at the background followed by a loud hiccup. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

"She's drunk." I assumed.

"Ah well obviously. I tried stopping her but she kept ignoring me and I thought she could handle alcohol very well but I never knew she would be this-…"

I sighed burying my forehead on my palm. I shook my head in disappointment, "Where are you two now?"

"We're at this Yakuyaku house three blocks from the station."

"Yeah I know that place." I told her.

"Sorry." She uttered out of the blue. "I didn't know who to call. I don't think her mom would like to see this and Mi-…"

"It's okay. I'm happy that it was me you called." I said, honestly. "Just take care of Michiru till I get there."

"Hai. Thank you."

I shut my phone and began arranging Michiru's things. I don't know what's gotten into her mind or what she was thinking at that time but it's absolutely stupid. It's always not a good idea to drink to retaliate or to make yourself feel better. Michiru should know better than that.

After a few minutes, I was out of my car and inside the Yaku house, searching impatiently for Akane and Michiru. Akane smiled as she waved at me. She looked like she couldn't be any happier to see me. "Tenoh-san!"

I rushed inside and finally saw her indulging in another round of beer.

"I tried to stop her but-…"

I waved. "It's okay. You can leave now. I'll take care of this."

Akane hesitatingly stared at me for couple of seconds before stepping aside. I walked pass her and knelt beside Michiru. She was far drunker than I had imagined her to be. She wasn't self-conscious anymore. She kept raising her hand up, shouting or just simply looked out of her normal self. It was saddening and disappointing to see her this way. But in an odd way, I felt a bit happy that somehow, during this sort of moment in her life, I'd be able to do something to help her.

I gently reached out for her hand but she quickly managed to pull it away. I tried again but she instantly threw a punch onto my chest. I cringed a little but kept on reaching for her and was finally able to catch her arms. She did put up a great fight, but luckily I managed to carry her up from the floor and onto my shoulder.

We left the yaku house with Akane profusely thanking me. I placed Michiru inside the car and fastened her up. She kept whining and whining, slamming her balled fist onto me. It was becoming exceedingly annoying but then again, a part of me just couldn't give up. I closed the door and ran to the driver's seat. And while driving her home, I just couldn't stop thinking what her mother would say about this. I knew it wouldn't be something good, but at the very least, I hope she would understand.

But as soon as I knocked on their door, her mother didn't even uttered a single word. She just gave me a warm smile and led me inside the house..

Carrying Michiru was easy, she was really really light, but somehow she managed to make it a difficult task. She kept wriggling herself out of my arms, slamming (though light) her fists onto my chest and kept screaming on and on. And all I could do was to keep my composure and have her safely lying on her bed.

I opened the door to her room and placed her gently on the bed.

"You should definitely DEFINITELY stay away from beers." I advised, wholeheartedly and seriously.

She hiccupped then tried to give another well round of slamming onto my body. "Shut up."

I easily caught her hand.

"Omaesan…" I frowned then shook my head. "Just take a rest… you've caused a lot of trouble for one night already."

"I didn't ask" She spat pausing for another hiccup, "for your help."

"Hai. Hai." I waved my hand dismissively.

"If you're so angry," hiccup "why did you come after me?"

I looked down and stared at her. She was lying in her bed with her eyes half closed.

"You're really daft at times Michiru." I remarked as I turned my back on her. Why else would I come after you? I started laughing half-heartedly before continuing.

"I like you. It's as simple as that." I blurted out without even thinking. It did surprise me but now that I think about it, maybe it's true. I really do like Michiru after all.

I smiled then continued. "I like you Michiru. And when you like somebody, proximity is a good thing, regardless of how they feel about you... or don't, as the case may be."

I could tell that my face was in deep shade of red at this point. I could feel my lips quiver then form a lopsided smile. I was finally able to admit it. And now, I only have to hear what Michiru's reply is.

But, not every first confession end very well.

My smile quickly died when I heard Michiru snoring. I turned around and saw her sleeping quite peacefully with a trouble free expression on her face. I smiled and thought that maybe it wasn't really the right time to confess to her. Fate wasn't really at my side this night after all. But I did get to realize my own feelings, and I guess that's something.

I walked closer and pulled the blanket over her body. As I walked away from her, I felt a hand clasped strongly on the hem of my dress shirt.

"Oi.." I whined as I struggled my way free, but Michiru kept her strong grip intact. And as soon as I thought it wouldn't get any worse than this, Michiru then pulled me down while murmuring in her sleep. I stumbled but did manage to land on the bed.

"Hey… Michiru…" I tried once again but my protest was interrupted when Michiru snuggled close to my leg. A smile finally crept across her lips. And as much as I wanted to get out of this sweet tempting grasp of Michiru, seeing her smile, I suddenly felt helpless.

I sat there and watched Michiru as she sleeps. I watched how her chest moves as she breathes in and out, how her brows creased from dreaming, how her hair fell carelessly down her face. From her eyes, nose, cheeks, then finally to her mouth. I gulped and felt a sudden urge within me as I stared intently at those pulpy pink lips of hers.

On a momentary impulse, I suddenly leaned down. It was only an inch short when I finally got a hold of myself and pulled away. I growled long but not loud enough to wake Michiru up then rested my back on the headboard.

"You know Michiru, you can't be like this around me. You can't keep your guard down. I'm a womanizing pervert remember? I can't control myself if you keep looking the way you look right now…"

I mumbled randomly.

"You're so vulnerable Michiru…" I continued as I brushed the hair off her face "How could I possibly leave you… This isn't good you know... especially for me… you're really unfair, you know that…"

l stared at the softly snoring Michiru. I stifled a few laughs before staring at the white ceiling once again.

I could be dancing with a woman right now… I could be kissing someone right now… I could be in bed with someone right now… yet I'm here, staring at some cheap fluorescent stars stuck on your ceiling, doing practically nothing with you…

but somehow…

Listening to the sound of your slow steady breathing, and feeling at least a bit of your body's warmth… lying right next to you… I'm just happy.

I'm happy, that even for just this night…

for just one night…

it felt like you were mine…

-Michiru-

(Day 4)

I walked inside the park and saw Haruka sitting comfortably in one of the benches there. Somehow, I started smiling as soon as I saw a glimpse of her. It's funny to think that I'm acting this way, because when you think about it, I hated Haruka's guts ever since we met but now it feels like I'm a kid again, happy at seeing her very first crush. Not that I like Haruka that way, I couldn't quite explain it but it does have some faint similarity to it.

Maybe, it was all because of what she had done to help me yesterday.

"Hey…" I greeted as I walked in front of her. She looked up and moved to her side, offering a space for me to sit on. "What happened earlier was a shock to everyone, wasn't it?"

She threw her head back then laughed. "Yeah yeah. It was. Sensei sure was full of surprises."

We continued laughing then stopped and stared at the sky quietly. The atmosphere became silent. It was a bit different, though. So I started arranging everything and tell her at once before the lull in our conversation became awkward.

"Mikoto wants to get back together with me…" I told her. She quickly propped herself from her seat and looked at me.

"Do you want to?" She cut off, her green orbs looking straight into mine.

I sighed as I turned away from her gaze. "I don't know… I really don't."

"Were you happy hearing it?"

"I think so… maybe… I don't know…"

"What do you want to do?"

"I'm confused. I was thinking, after I vented my anger and frustrations out, I just became terribly lonely… and I guess a part of me does miss her…" I explained then asked "What do you think I should do?"

Haruka chuckled. "You're seriously asking for my opinion?"

"Yes."

"From someone you once describe as a self-absorbed, selfish, insensitive narcissist, are you sure about that?"

"I get it. I get it." I said, pouting. "I told you I'm sorry about all of that. Besides, you were there when it happened, remember? I guess your opinion matters at some point."

"I did remember you getting drunk." Haruka teased, grinning from ear to ear. I playfully slapped her across her shoulder as I gave her another pout. She faked a hurt expression before throwing her head back and laughing.

She stopped and suddenly her face seemed serious. For some odd reason, I felt agitated.

"Ano sa Michiru, why did you call me?" Haruka suddenly mused.

I looked up and our gaze connected in an instant. Haruka repeated the same question "Why did you call me?"

What should I say? Was she angry? There was a mental battle going in my head, but I had to answer Haruka quickly. I turned away from her intense gaze and averted it instead on my hands. "I'm sorry that I called. I didn't know you were doing something. I just thought that you were free and…"

"It's not that…" I could her soft chuckling. "I'm not mad that you called. I just want to know why me? You could've called Akane, but why me?"

"I don't know." I said softly, not looking straight into her eyes. "You were the first person I thought of, Haruka…"

"Why is that, Michiru?"

"I don't know... maybe… it means that I can talk to you… Maybe bec-…"

Haruka sneered quietly, "Don't you ever get tired of always talking?"

"I don't. I don't get tired of ta-…"

"Cause I do get tired of it."

"If you hate it that much then why did you accept my call? Why then are you here?" I spat, now looking straight into her eyes. Her responses and her attitude were all riling me up. I kept my intense gaze on her

Haruka chuckles softly as she turned away from my gaze, "Just… do what you want to do…" she waved.

"Baka! I don't know what to do! That's why I called you out here."

"And now I'm an idiot." She laughed. She looked back at me then smiled, "Trust me Michiru, you wouldn't like to hear what I'm going to say." She said, an earnest look in her eyes.

"Try me." I dared her.

"What good will come out of hearing my opinion anyway?" She pressed, still keeping her stand on not speaking up.

"I don't know, but conversely… what harm could possibly come out of it?"

"Harm?" she sneered, covering her mouth with her hand. I frowned. She stopped and smiled tenderly. "I may be biased. That's not a good thing, isn't it?"

"Biased?"

"Yes. Certainly biased." Holding her affectionate smile up.

"Why?" I asked confused.

Haruka stared deeply, her smile never wavering. Then it suddenly happened. Haruka leaned down and placed a soft kiss on my lips. It happened so fast, that I didn't have time to react.

She pulled away still with that sweet gentle smile across her lips.

"That's why."

Thanks for reading!