Hello again! Here's chapter 9 and sorry for the late update. I made this a long one. I hope you'll enjoy reading it! ^_^

Thanks for the review by the way!

Chapter 9

Youko

I stood at the doorway of the waiting area, surprised by the sudden visit of a certain person standing before me.

"Sachiko, you don't usually come to visit. What brought you here?"

"Good afternoon and sorry for the sudden visit, Onee-sama." She apologized and bowed to me. "I came here to ask you to please accompany me to buy a swimsuit for our trip in Osaka. If only you don't mind."

"I don't really mind, but why didn't you ask Yumi-chan to go with you?" I asked. I got intrigued because it's the first time she asked me to go shopping with her. As far as I know, she normally goes out with her petit seour or asks her father's assistant to shop for her things.

"Well, she can't make it."

"Okay. Let me just get my car keys. Tell your driver that I'll take you home after we're done shopping." I agreed even though I'm still skeptic of her reason.

"I will. Thank you, Onee-sama."

I nodded, and then proceeded to get my car keys.

"Come on, get in."

She opened the car door then sat on the passenger seat. Her face is stern and unyielding. It seems that something's bothering her. Even though I've gone to college, we still treat each other as seours. And as her grand seour, it is my duty to talk to her about her problems and help her with it.

"Say Sachiko, you didn't just invited me to go shopping, did you?"

"You haven't changed at all, Onee-sama. You still know me well."

"And you're still my prim and classy little sister." I chuckled "But I've noticed, ever since I've graduated, you've changed so much, and I'm pleased that you did. I'll have to thank Yumi-chan when I see her."

"But you've also changed me as much as Yumi did."

"But all I did is to make you quit your afterschool lessons. Likewise, you're still stubborn." I grinned.

"Sorry for causing you so much trouble, Onee-sama." She giggled. "But I also thank you for your advices, it helped me a lot."

"That's what I'm here for. So, let's have a tea first, okay? I know a café that serves good tea and cakes."

"Sure Onee-sama."

"After that, you still want to go shopping?"

"Yes please. After all, this is the first time we'll go out together."

"Let's call it a date then." I glanced at her and smiled. In return, she nodded and blushed lightly.

I parked the car in front of a small café surrounded with few boutiques and pastry shops. The café is made of red bricks but more contemporary than the neighboring establishments. A tall sakura tree with weeping branches sat in front of it, nearly blocking the view. A huge pile of pastries and cakes are displayed in the window. This cozy place houses eight small tables.

Momentarily, we were sitting in front of two cups of tea and two slices of fancy cakes. Scent of fresh organic tea lingered the whole cafe.

"How's your almond tea and cheesecake?"

"This is surprisingly good, Onee-sama. Do you come here often?"

"Yes. Every so often when I need to study for a test or when I need to relax. I really love it here, very comforting and quiet, and it's near my university." I replied then took a sip on my warm earl grey tea. "What do you want to talk about, Sachiko? You look upset. Are your parents well?"

"Yes they're fine. Thanks for asking, Onee-sama" She responded with her head bent down.

"Then what is it that's been troubling you?"

"It's Yumi."

"Did you two have a misunderstanding again?" I asked and looked at her with concern.

"I wouldn't call it a misunderstanding. She has her own petit seour now."

"Oh, Touko-chan accepted her rosary?"

She nodded as a reply.

"Then why do you look unhappy? Aren't you glad that Yumi-chan has a little sister now?"

"Please don't get me wrong, Onee-sama. I'm really grateful that Touko accepted her rosary, but…"

"What is it, Sachiko?"

"I just graduated and…" she paused for a while. "I don't know, I…I suddenly feel depressed."

"That's just normal. I felt that once before."

She shook her head then uttered, "But it's different, Onee-sama. I'm not sad because I graduated and left Yamayurikai. I'm sad because I don't get to spend more time with Yumi like before. The more I think about it, the more I want to be with Yumi. I think…no, I mean it, I love her but I'm really confused right now, Onee-sama."

"Sachiko," I gently placed my hand on hers then smiled, "you have to be honest with what you truly feel about Yumi. I'm sure she feels the same way too."

"Really?"

"Of course she does. It's written all over her face when she looks at you." We laughed. "Don't waste your time hiding it because that won't do well for both of you. Oh! Look at me talking about other people's affection. I can't even sort things out myself."

"Do you have a problem, Onee-sama?" she looks at me with concerned eyes.

"Not really. Let's just say I stopped causing problems to a certain person."

"What do you mean, Onee-sama?"

"Sachiko, I apologize for not telling you about myself. I've been unfair to everyone because I'm always interfering with people's affairs but I don't let anyone pry with my issues and problems."

"I would like to know more about you if you would allow me." She smiled. Her eyes are gentler as ever. I'm delighted that she wants to know me better. We've been seours for three years but I don't open up to her often.

"Okay, here it goes." I took a deep breath before I told her about my personal life, about Naru and about Sei.

"You mean you were in love with Sei-sama? And you had a boyfriend?" Her eyes widen in disbelief.

"Yes." I simply answered.

"But, Onee-sama, you shouldn't have given up loving Sei-sama."

"I didn't, I just set her free." I smiled.

"But why did you set her free when you love her?"

"Sachiko," I placed my hand on hers, "sometimes a person has to learn to let go if she knows that she is already hurting the person she loves. Even if it hurts so much, I have to let her go because it's much more painful when I see her suffering."

"Onee-sama…" she muttered. I can see it in her eyes that she sympathize me.

I shook my head and said, "Don't, Sachiko. It will only make me pity myself. Don't worry, I'll be alright." I gave her an assuring yet sad smile. It surprised me that she suddenly gave me a tight hug. I feel much better, now that I released my grief. "Thank you, Sachiko" I whispered, she let go.

"No. I should be the one thanking you."

"As I said, that's what I'm here for. But really, thank you for listening. So, shall we go now?"

"Yes Onee-sama."

"I'll pay the bill and you head back to the car first." I said as I handed her my car keys.

"Oh, here's my share." She handed me over her money but I refused to take it.

"I already told you that this is date. I should be the one paying up." I beamed at her.

"Thank you. I'll just wait for you inside the car."

After I got out of the café, I went to the parking space, opened the car door and found Sachiko sitting on the passenger seat. "Thank you for waiting. Where do you want to go?"

"I'm not familiar with shopping districts so, I'll leave that to you, Onee-sama."

"Okay, I'll take you to my favorite boutique in Shibuya. I'm sure you'll find nice clothes there."

Just then, I drove the car to our next destination. I'll just enjoy this day with Sachiko and try to forget my problems, since shopping is my only refuge when I'm depressed.

Sei

No answer. I hang up my phone for the umpteenth time now. I've been standing in front of their house for five infernal hours and more than 25 unanswered calls. One of the servants said that she went out with someone. I'm extremely aggravated. Did I really go that far for her to disregard me like this?

Night falls and it began to drizzle. Not long after, the rain starts to pour heavily. I flinched at the contact of rain on my skin. I crouched and hugged myself. It's so damn cold, but I'll surely endure it. I'll wait for her a little longer, much, much longer if I needed to. I closed my eyes and rubbed my hands together. A light peeked through my eyelids and I heard a loud honk from a car. My eyes shot open as I reflexively stood up. A certain person stood beside the open car door, the person who I yearned to set my eyes on. Anger died out as I smiled at her sweetly, as if I had seen an angel descended from heaven.

"Sei, what are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you." My voice weakened as I approached her.

"You could have waited for me inside the house or at least in your car. Let's go inside before we catch cold." She turned her back at me, about to get in her car. I impulsively ran to embrace her. It's now or never.

"Wait."

"What are you-" she wriggled her body but I tightened my hug.

"Please Youko, hear me out first. Please." I whispered to her ear. She stopped squirming and that means she agrees to listen. "I don't want to lose you."

"Why?" she hissed as if cursing me for what I said.

The rain still pours heavily. This is just like those cliché scenes that I have watched in movies. Well, I hope this works like it did when the protagonist tries to get the affection of the leading lady.

"Because I'm scared of losing you of all people."

"Why are you saying this now, Sei?" I felt water drops on my arms. And I know it's not the rain because it's warm. Seeing her like this made my heart break to million pieces.

"Because I was too stupid back then to realize that what I'm longing for is the person who's always beside me. I'm sorry for giving you the cold shoulder every time, and I'm sorry for not showing my appreciation for every little thing you do for me. I have no intentions of hurting you. Please give me another chance, a chance to show how much I really care."

"Sei, do you know the consequences of those words you said?"

"Yes."

"This is your last chance to change your mind. You…never fancied a meddler like me to be tied down to you. It would be better if I stay away from you." She sobbed. I spun her around, facing me.

"But I don't want to back out. If it's you, it'll be alright. Please Youko, don't give up on me. I'll keep begging even if it means that I need to get down on my knees." I pleaded as I knelt down with one knee. "Mizuno Youko, I need you, I want you, and most of all I am madly in love with you."

"Sei…" She had a surprised look on her face. She held up her hand as I ready myself to what she'll do. But what I expected never came as she cupped her hands on my cheeks then smiled. "I love you too."

I sighed in relief just by hearing those words come out from her mouth. "I know."

"But ho-" I cut her words with a peck.

"It doesn't matter."

I gave her another kiss. Her lips are wet yet warm and soft. She broke the kiss before I attempted to deepen it.

"We have to go inside before we really catch cold. We don't want to cancel my upcoming birthday getaway, do we?" she gave me a shy smile before getting inside our own cars.

This is the second time that I went to her house. The first time was when she got drunk. Her house is smaller than Sachiko's and has a modern contemporary style with a long driveway and a garden full of salmon pink roses. After parking the cars, we went inside as two maids greeted us.

"My goodness! Ojou-sama what happened?" the older maid cried. "Misaki, get them dry towels." She ordered the other maid as she vanished from our sight. Soon enough, she rushed to hand us the towels.

"Thank you." We both acknowledged her as we dried ourselves.

"We'll be in my room. Kanade-san, can you please get us something warm to eat. We'll be down in a few." Youko asked the maid nicely while grabbing me on the wrist.

"Of course Ojou-sama. Oh, Ojou-sama, Sachiko-sama called a while ago."

"Thank you. I'll call her right away." She remarked. "Come on, Sei." She said while dragging me.

"Eager are we, Ojou-sama?" I whispered and grinned while we made our way to her room upstairs.

"What are you thinking? I just wanted to change into a nice warm dress, don't you?" She smirked playfully.

We ascended on the spiral staircase which seems to be rather long, or is it just that I'm exhausted and wearing rain-soaked clothes. Even so, I'm like on cloud nine now that I've resolved my problems with Youko.

Finally, we reached the second floor. The hallway was wide and well-lit and in the end of it is another staircase. We walked along the hallway and stopped in front of a wooden door which is similar to the other doors. I believe that this is her bedroom. She opened the door, turned the lights and let me in. She went inside the walk-in closet while I just stood, exploring the room using my eyes.

Her room was spacious and it doesn't look like an ordinary girl's room which is decorated with girly stuff and girly painted walls, not that mine looks like one. The walls are painted vanilla yellow. Her queen-sized bed has white and tan pillowcase and light green comforter. On each side of the bed, there's a pair of bedside table where stylish lampshades are placed, on the right side, a picture frame stood. A cream-colored sofa and a flat screen TV can be seen near the window. On the ceiling, dim lights are uniformly aligned which give a romantic feel to the room. All things considered, the room reflects her personality which is calm, sophisticated and neat.

"You go shower first. Here's a dry towel and night clothes. The bathroom's there." She pointed her finger on a door next to her walk-in closet.

"How about you?"

"I'll take a shower after you're done. I should call Sachiko first." She replied while reaching for the wireless phone.

"Aw, I was thinking we should bath together." I pouted to show my frustration.

She raised an eyebrow while she gave me a sexy smirk. Then, she remarked, "You know that we aren't alone in this house right?"

"You're parents are not home." I reasoned.

She walked across my direction then turned me around, pushing me inside the bathroom, "Come on Sei. Don't be stubborn and take your shower."

"Fine, I will take a shower by myself. Geez…" I said to her acting upset. "I was hoping we could…" I grinned at her knowingly. I saw that she blushed lightly before avoiding my eyes. "Hey. No peeking, okay?" I teased and then closed the door.

Youko

I can't take the cold much longer. After I persuaded Sei to take a shower, I went to the other bathroom to take a warm shower.

Then, I went back to my room and I can see that Sei still hasn't come back from the bathroom so, I phoned Sachiko. Often, the maid picks up the phone, while rarely did Sachiko answer it first. Tonight is one of those rare times.

"Onee-sama, I called a while ago but your maid said that you haven't arrived yet."

"Yes, I just arrived. I brought home a stray cat too."

"Stray cat? But you're not that fond of cats."

"Technically, yes. But this one is different." I laughed mentally.

"How so?"

"Well, this one is not furry and it's tamed." I gave away.

I felt that my body suddenly became heavy, long arms wrapped around my waist and I can feel warm breath on my neck, it tickles a little bit. Her ear pressed on the back of the phone.

"Is that Sachiko?" whispered a certain short haired blonde clinging behind me.

"By the way Onee-sama, thank you again for accompanying me. It was really fun. I'm looking forward to spending some time with you again."

"Oh, you want another date?"

"You went on a date with Sachiko? You're cheating on me already, baby?" purred Sei who, now, has her cheek pressed to mine. My cheeks and ears heated up by her sudden intimacy.

"Onee-sama, is that Sei-sama who talked just now?" she gasped. "And did she rub some of her personality on you? You suddenly became…"

Before I could answer, Sei snatched the phone on my hand as I watch her talk to Sachiko.

"Yes, it's me. And no, I'm not letting my Youko to take you on a date. I'm keeping her to myself. Go and have a date with your cute Yumi-chan." She argued like a kid. I blushed at her unexpected possessiveness towards me.

"Don't worry. I won't hurt your precious older sister. I can't do that to her, can I?" she talked then listened. "…Yes, mother."

I'm guessing that Sachiko's giving her a lecture again.

"Ehh? I can't promise you that, Sa-chan. But I'll try not to pounce on Yumi-chan again, 'cause you know…someone might get jealous." She winked at me while she grinned.

"…Wait I'll ask her…" she looked at me then inquired, "She's asking what time we should meet at Haneda Airport on the next day?" she passed the phone to me.

"I forgot to tell all of you. Thank goodness you asked. The departure's at 6:45 am, so we should meet at around 4:45 am to be sure. Can you please tell Yumi-chan. I'll tell the others."

"Sure Onee-sama. I gotta go now. And by the way, I'm happy for the two of you."

"Thank you Sachiko. Bye."

"Bye."

As soon as I set the phone down the bedside table, Sei walked to me and encircled her long slender arms on my waist. I raised an eyebrow at her as she gave me an impish grin. In return, I snaked my arms on her neck. She kissed my forehead lightly.

"Sei?"

"Hm?" she hummed and still continued to give me butterfly kisses.

"What would you do if I said I don't love you?" she stopped at what she is doing then looked at me worriedly. I chuckled then snuggled close to her chest. "Hey, don't look at me like that. I said 'if'."

"I thought for a second that you don't love me. Well, let's see…" She looked up while tapping her finger on her chin. "I'd probably drown myself to alcohol while I stay outside your gate every single day begging like a hobo until I convince you to take me back. Yes, I would definitely do that." She nodded as I chuckled to her antics.

"Sounds like a pain in the neck."

"Yeah. At least I don't have to do that now. And you just saved me from liver cirrhosis." She pulled me back to her arms.

"I love you." I whispered.

"I love you more." she replied before she brought her lips to mine. And I know through those words and sweet kiss that she meant it.

Out of the blue, a knock can be heard on the door. We pulled away from our tight hug then I went to open the door.

"Ojou-sama, dinner is served." The maid announced.

"Yes, thank you. We'll be down in a minute."

If you are wondering if this is the last chapter, nope, it isn't. Youko's birthday coming up!