…I know I should update the story first, not the one-shot. But the idea rushed into my head and stayed there. That's why I have to write this and get it out of my mind first!
Ehehehe… I have no idea what I'm going to portray him as so I'm very sorry if he appears OOC or not as you readers want him to be…
Ohoho, I won't ruin the surprise of who's going to appear in this one! XD
Enough talk! I'm going to start the one-shot now! Set 3 years after High School so they're in University and around 21-ish… He should be around 24? I'm not sure. Someone tell me later please?
Well, let's see… My first relationship was disastrous. I'll be frank about that.
How did it end? He told me "You're not what I thought you'd be!" Dammit! Can't he give me a better reason!?
…I thought if I date someone else who isn't originally from Rikkai High School, it won't be that bad. Apparently, I was wrong. VERY wrong.
Am I upset over it? Hell no, there's no way I'm going to hang up over that stupid jerk. But it sure pissed me off like nothing else when he came prancing into the campus four days later with a bimbo hanging off his arm!
I want my revenge. I want to crush him into pieces, that's for sure!
…I will show him why they say 'hell hath no fury like a woman's scorn'! RAWR!
Tuesday, Rikkai Dai University section, 1PM…
I repeatedly stab the innocent meatball in my plate and scowl furiously. My appetite is now ruined because my ex-boyfriend, Amasaki Shinsuke, has pranced into the cafeteria with his new girlfriend!
…And that makes me the target of all the annoying sympathetic stares! Dammit, what the hell are you looking at!?
Of all the reasons he can give me, that stupid idiot Amasaki had to say "you're not who I thought you'd be"! How lame can he get?!
We'll show him what we are! CHA!
The pretty ex-buchou of Rikkai tennis club sitting in front of me sighs. "Honey, you need to stop frowning if you don't want early wrinkles." Seiichi reaches out and gently pries my eyebrows apart from each other. He merely smiles sweetly at my scowl. "Well, I'm glad you guys broke up, though. Seriously, sweetie, you need to stop plotting his demise."
Masaharu snickers from beside me. "Well, buchou, if she's going to stop plotting that idiot's demise, can I do it instead?" He drawls and pats my head when I turn to glare at him. "Whoa, love, don't kill me yet. I'm just doing what you'd love to do for you. Killing that Amasaki, that is." He grins wolfishly.
Genichirou, who sits beside Seiichi, sighs tiredly. "Kasumi, you know it's not good to be so obsessed with revenge." He reprimands me with his deep voice, making a few ladies near our table swoon with his deep timbre.
I roll my eyes at Gen-chan. "Look who's talking, Gen-chan. This is coming from the one who insisted on beating Tezuka after he has beaten you during Middle School." I ignore Masaharu and Seiichi's snickers at Genichirou's twitch.
…To Kami-sama and all the deities up above, what on earth possessed Yukimura Seiichi, Niou Masaharu and Sanada Genichirou to continue their university level education in Rikkai University like me!?
If it's only Masaharu then I'd be happy. Masaharu and Genichirou together are fine, but add Seiichi to the mix and I get another déjà vu of High School! NO!
Somebody saves me from the EBIL buchou! WAH!
Suddenly Seiichi grins widely, giving three of us chills down our spines as he turns to smile at us. "Well, since we haven't had so much fun for a long time, why don't we do something about Amasaki?" He chirps softly.
I blink at him. "Seiichi, you don't mean…" I breach the topic carefully as Seiichi grins wider.
"Yes, since he called it off with you to be with someone not nearly as bright as you, just more gifted in certain area…" Masaharu and I snicker at Seiichi's wording. "Anyway, why don't we show him that you can also have someone better than him to attend to Rikkai's winter ball with you?"
…For one of the very few times, I agree with Yukimura Seiichi! Let's do it! HELL YEAH! I'll show Amasaki my power! CHA!
…But who's going to fulfill that role of the 'certain someone'?
"So one of you is going to play my boyfriend?" I frown. "No offense, but even though Amasaki is an idiot, I don't think he's that stupid, Seiichi."
The trickster beside me feigns a gasp. "I'm hurt, love! You think I'm not good enough to be in that role?" He leans forward and stares me in the eyes, his silver-blue eyes sparkling with mischief.
I grin sweetly. "I love you, Haru, but I really can't see you as my lover." I gently push him away so I can look at Seiichi. "So what?"
Seiichi smiles at me. "I know why Masaharu is not good enough for you. But why isn't Gen good enough for you, honey?"
I blink. "If I want to date someone and end up with a super high blood pressure, then I'll date someone like Gen. No offense, Gen-chan." I pat the scowling guy next to Seiichi.
"What about me, hm?" The pretty ex-buchou smiles brightly.
"Do I look like I'm suicidal to you, Seiichi?" I ask sarcastically.
…Hell must have frozen over on the day that I agree on a date with Yukimura Seiichi! Mark my words on that!
Seiichi snickers lightly. "I got you, Mi-hime." He pulls out his cellphone and presses a few buttons. "Well, fortunately I've got someone in mind for this job…" He smiles mysteriously and presses the phone against his ear.
"Who?" Masaharu and I ask together in unison.
However, Seiichi merely holds up a finger to prevent us from talking. "Ah hello, it's me. Yes, we haven't spoken for quite a while, haven't we?" He chuckles lightly. "Are you in Tokyo? Ah, that's really good news! Listen, you owe me a favor and I'm calling in for that. Can we meet at 5PM today at the café near Rikkai campus? Great, I look forward on meeting you then." He hangs up and grins at me. "You're coming with me after classes today, Mi-hime."
Masaharu gives me a sympathetic look and pats my shoulder. "Good luck, darling. You're going to need it."
NO! Somebody saves me from this devil in disguise!
Later that day, café near Rikkai Dai campus…
"Seiichi," I sigh for the nth time. "You know Kenta Nii-san is home today, and he won't like it if I'm home later than 6PM." I sip my iced latte slowly.
Seiichi grins. "You don't have to wait long, sweetie. Here comes our knight." He waves to someone behind me. "Over here!" He beckons the person over.
I turn around to look at the person and almost faint. Oh. My. Kami… He's a walking and breathing embodiment of pheromones all right!
The new comer has dark, shortly layered green hair that accentuated his handsome face and captivating dark gold eyes. He's also tall and damn, he has a really sexy body too!
HOTTIE ALERT! THIS GUY IS BURNING HOT! CALL FIRE DEPARTMENT! I'M ON FIRE! HE'S TOO HOT! KYAAAA!
I shove my conscience away just in time Seiichi stands up and shakes hand with the new comer. "Thanks for coming. It's great to see you again, Ryouga-kun." He smiles at the sexy male.
The dark-haired male smirks back. "Same here, Seiichi. Glad to see you're doing well." He looks at me before turning back to the pretty ex-buchou. "Am I interrupting something?" He asks amusedly as he sits down into an empty chair at our table.
I twitch at the reference and Seiichi's snicker. "No, I'm not his girlfriend." I extend my hand to him. "Kisaki Kasumi, Seiichi's friend, nice to meet you." I smile politely. "Please call me Kasumi. I share the name Kisaki with two people and I don't want to get mixed up."
Ryouga smirks at me, and it takes a lot of effort to keep reign on my conscience. "The pleasure is all mine, Kisaki-chan. I'm Echizen Ryouga, you can call me Ryouga, then." His dark gold pools sparkle in slight mischief before turning back to Seiichi. "Well, not that I don't want to be here or anything, but I have to go home for dinner with my old man tonight. What's up?"
…Hold on a second… I think I'm kinda getting a drift of this meeting…
I look up to give my friend a warning look. However, he ignores me! "Well, since you owed me a favor. I'd like to ask you to help Kasumi out a little bit." He grins, quickly explains the situation before dropping the bomb. "Be her boyfriend for about a while until Rikkai's ball is over, can you do that?"
…I want to rip Seiichi's throat out some times. I swear I do.
Could he make me sound any more pathetic than that!?
"Seiichi, you're the craziest person I'm unfortunate enough to meet." I groan and rub the bridge of my nose. "Ryouga-san, please ignore what he said." I say firmly and feel myself getting annoyed at the telltale sparkles in those dark gold eyes. "You know what? This whole thing is getting idiotic. I'm sorry, guys, but I think I have to leave." I say with slight exasperation coating my voice and prepare to get up.
Seiichi looks at me with a small frown. "Sweetie, you know I'm doing this for you." He tries to reason with me while reaching out and stopping me from getting up.
I sigh in exasperation. "Seiichi, I know you want the best for me, and I'm grateful. But I'm not about to drag a random stranger into this mess. Even if that stranger is your friend." I turn to Ryouga. "I'm sorry if it sounds like I was about to drag you into something you don't want to do." I apologize.
…Damn these Rikkai boys and their over-protectiveness! I know they love me, and I love them too. But hell, they need to stop pulling these stunts on me!
A smooth, masculine laugh grabs Seiichi and my attention. We both turn to the golden-eye male. "Well, this is really interesting. I just got back from USA and now this… Heh, very interesting, indeed!" He grins wider. "I'll do this favor for you two, Kasumi, Seiichi!"
I snort and turn to my friend. "See, I told you so! No one in his right mind is going to accept that… WHAT!?" I almost yelp when I turn to the other male at the table.
Ryouga grins sexily at me. "I guess I'm going to be your boyfriend from today onwards. Please take care of me, Kasumi-koi." He sings out happily and winks at me. "I'll pick you up tomorrow and then we can go for a date to get to know each other better tomorrow, ok?"
NO! What the hell have we just gotten ourselves into!? This is a nightmare! SOMEONE PLEASE WAKE ME UP FROM THIS NIGHTMARE!
The next day, Rikkai Dai, 4.30PM…
Unfortunately, my last class of the day is with no other than the devil in disguise, Yukimura Seiichi himself… As soon as the professor dismisses us, I almost dash out the room and down the corridor, ignoring the stares I'm receiving from other people.
Who cares about them? I need to get away from campus pronto because yesterday Echizen Ryouga said he's going to come and pick me up after class for a date today! There's no way in hell I'm going to sit still and let that happens!
Damn right! We ain't going to sit around and just drool over him like we don't have brains, sexy body or not! CHA!
I blink at the commotion at the campus' entrance… Seems like all the girls are gathering, staring and giggling at someone… Oh well, not like I care…
…Wait a minute, is it just me or now they're turning at me?
…Uh-oh… Is that who I think he is? HELL NO!
Echizen Ryouga approaches me with a pleased grin on his face. "Kasumi, baby, did I keep you waiting for long?" He bends down to nuzzle my hair gently before drawing back. "I'm so sorry, love, but my old man wanted me to run some errands, you see." He slides my bag off my shoulder and swings it on his shoulder instead. "Well, shall we go? Let's go on a date I promised you yesterday, shall we?" He grins sexily while taking my hand into his bigger one, and my conscience shut down instantly.
ARGH! This guy is too sexy, and to make it worst he knows how to use his sexiness! I'm losing! I'm losing!
…Hehehe, I wish that Amasaki would be here to see this hottie taking care of us! It'd be a slap in his face!
"Kisaki?" Ooh, seems like heaven is on our side! There is Amasaki with his new girlfriend! I frown when I notice him glancing at Ryouga and pales slightly. Che, I dated a coward?
"Amasaki," I nod in greeting.
Amasaki quickly schools his expression. "Heh, you aren't so bad yourself, Kisaki. You found yourself a new boyfriend already, huh? Quite a playgirl too, aren't you?" He raises an eyebrow at me.
I open my mouth to fire back at him. However, I find myself getting pull into a protective but slightly possessive embrace by Ryouga. I feel my cheeks heat up in embarrassment when his citrus cologne wafts through my nose… Smells like orange or grapefruit… Probably orange…
Get a grip of yourself, Kisaki Kasumi!!!
"Yo, thanks for breaking up with Kasumi, dude. Because of you, now I'm her new boyfriend. I was damn happy when you broke up with her since I like her since I've first met her. I'm still thinking what kind of guy would be 'stupid' enough to let a person like her go. But oh well, we've gotta go now. I promised her a date, you see." Ryouga grins and ushers me towards a car.
…HOLY COW! Are you telling me that sleek black sports car parking in front of the entrance is his car!? WHO THE HELL IS THIS GUY!?
I gawk and almost drool over the sleek black vehicle. "Is this a Lamborghini Gallardo I'm seeing?" I ask dreamily and run a hand over the cool metal frame. "Where on earth did you get this darling?" I ask Ryouga as he ushers me into the car.
He raises an amused eyebrow at me. "I didn't know you're into cars." He slides into the driver's seat and revs up the engine. "I saved up money from the tournaments I won in USA and got this badass imported." He says as we pulls off from in front of Rikkai. "Tell me, are you into cars?"
I snort and roll my eyes at him. "My brother is crazy over Lamborghini and Ford Mustang all right. I love Lamborghini, but my brother won't let me touch his cars, though." I sulk. "I thought you'd be more of a Ferrari kind of guy."
"Well, now you know another fact about me, baby." Ryouga grins boyishly. "Now, what do you say if we hit the mall?" He glances at me.
I give him a wide-eye stare. "Shopping? Both of us?" I ask unintelligently.
He laughs. "Well, yeah, let's walk around and maybe we can grab a bite later. You don't have to be home early today, right?" He asks hopefully.
…Home early equals dinner with Father and Kenta nii-san and my brother's daily fuss and rant over me. Home later equals a meal with this sexy hot hunk and a lot of jealous looks from the females in radius. The latter option way outweighs the first option!
I grin brightly. "As long as you don't mind shopping with a blunt person like me then I'd love to go and 'grab a bite' with you later, Ryouga-san."
"Drop the 'san'. It makes us sound like strangers." He tells me as he pulls into an empty parking lot.
I snort. "We ARE strangers, may I remind you that? We just knew each other yesterday!" I get out of the car.
The tall male laughs genuinely. "You're a really interesting person, you know that?" He gives me his hand and grins. "Come on, let's put other couples to shame." Ryouga winks, and I can only smile at his action.
Bloody hell, his upbeat and confident personalities will be the death of me… I have to constantly remind myself that this is just an act… We'll both part ways when this 'act' is over…
Ryouga drags me into a rather fashionable boutique once we enter the mall. He ignores the giggles and the stares of the shop attendants as he pulls dresses from the racks and dumps them into my arms. "Try these on," He ushers me towards the fitting room. "You have rather light skin tone and this shop has a lot of dark colors. You'll love it!"
I gawk at the pile in my arms and try to resist. "Too many dresses!" I protest in vain since his strength is way greater than mine.
I try on the clothes Ryouga hands me; I have to say that Echizen Ryouga is one very fashionable guy. Every dress he selected is pretty and adds a subtle touch of confidence to the wearer. Not that I'm complaining, I like this style!
A middle-age lady who seems to be the manager of the store approaches me with a smile as Ryouga takes care of the purchase. (As soon as I changed back into my clothes he had the attendant take it away with his card. He also told her to get me a pair of heels to go with the dress… DAMN HIM!) "Is that your boyfriend, miss? He has a good taste." I blush at her comment. "You two look really great with each other."
…If only she knows that we're not really a couple…
Oh, but you can't deny that you want him to be your guy, huh?
After shopping, we both decide to grab something to eat in a cozy café inside the mall. I learn things about Echizen Ryouga… His younger brother is no other than the Seigaku's prodigy Echizen Ryouma and he is a professional tennis player! He tells me stories of his life abroad and he also tells me about how he met Seiichi, too.
I laugh so hard after he finishes telling me how he met Seiichi. "My, I thought I was unfortunate enough to meet Seiichi in high school. Your meeting with him was worse than mine!" I laugh more at his pout.
Hmm… He's like a child some times. But he is too confident to be a child. Also, the way he carries himself is practically screaming 'I'm-a-sexy-man-and-you-know-it'!
Ryouga pouts sulkily. "Hey, Seiichi is one scary mastermind, all right? You probably wouldn't know what he's thinking under that scary smile either!" He shots back.
I grin back playfully. "Oh, Seiichi sure taught me how to smile like that, too, you know?" I pull a Seiichi-worthy smile on to my face and smile wider when I notice Ryouga slightly shivers. "Did I scare you? Poor Ryouga," I sigh sympathetically.
He shoots me a playful glare. "Don't get too cocky, babe, or I'd have to get you back." Golden orbs shimmer mischievously.
I feel my heart thumping madly inside my chest. I quickly avert my eyes from him to lessen my embarrassment… Bloody hell, his eyes sure can kill!
I'm pretty much surrounded by males all these years, and trust me when I say no one has been able to make my heart race with just a single look like Echizen Ryouga just did… It's not a bad feeling… It's just…kind of pleasant and strange to say at least…
"What's that you're reading?" I quickly change the topic and look at the magazine in his hands.
Ryouga looks at me, amused. "It's US' sports magazine." He sips his drink. "Here, have a look at it if you want." He puts the magazine down in front of me.
I flip through the content and gasp in awe. "Wow, they interviewed you? You must be really good!" I look up at the male in front of me. He shrugs uncaringly. I read the interview briefly. "'The eldest son of the Samurai Nanjirou who took World's tennis by a storm. Following his father's legacy'…" I frown at the title and flip the magazine shut before putting it away. "Baboso…" I mutter unhappily.
A big, slightly rough hand grasps mine gently. "Hey, what's wrong, Kasumi?" Ryouga asks with a slight frown. "Are you unhappy with the fact that I'm too famous, love?" He asks teasingly as he rubs circles on the back of my hand.
…Sweet, sexy and funny: what more can you ask for from a guy?
I reward him with a forced smile at his effort to make me feel better. "No, not with that." I murmur quietly. Raising my eyes to meet him in a stare, I continue. "I'm unhappy with how that stupid journalist wrote it. It's not fair how he made it sounds like you are your father's shadow when you are you." I almost scream after I realize what I've said. NO! "No, what I mean is that the person who wrote it should have thought about how you would feel… ARGH!"
GAH! Damn me and my big mouth! I can't stop myself from saying what I want to say!
After a long pause, he chuckles gently. "You're very sweet, babe." Ryouga squeezes my hand gently. "I'm used to it, so please don't be unhappy about that trivial thing, yeah? You look much prettier when you smile." He grins.
I mock-glare at him. "Are you calling me ugly now, honey?" I grin sweetly. "I'm sure you said that to every girl you hit on before, didn't you?"
Ryouga smiles warily. "Ehehe… I didn't say that, Kasumi." But his weary smile turns into a handsome grin. "C'mon, I'll drop you home." He signals for the check.
I reach for my wallet but a big hand stops me. "No, I'm paying." He gives me an appeasing smile. "A man should pay for a woman and not the other way round." Ryouga puts down a couple of bills onto the check tray before pulling me out from the café towards the parking lot.
I pout unhappily. "Surely you're familiar with the idea of American share? You've been living in USA, right?" I whine.
He laughs and holds the car's door open for me. "Well, when it comes to the girl that I find interesting, I'd like to be a gentleman in her eyes." He winks at me and closes the door.
…Thank Kami for that because if he didn't, he'd see me with a really fierce blush on my face!
Ryouga pulls the car to stop at my house's gate. He gets out, holds the door open for me before hands me the shopping bag. "Good night, Kasumi. I hope you'll dream about me tonight." He purrs out the last sentence with a sexy smile.
I glare at him with a blush. "No way, playboy." I swipe the card at the gate and enter. Once I'm behind the front gate, I turn around and give him a sweet smile. "Good night, Ryouga." I can't help but smile at his grin.
"I'll pick you up again tomorrow!" He waves, jumps into his car and drives off as soon as I reach the front door.
…I must be lying if I say I didn't enjoy the day with Ryouga… He's full of surprises. He's also a fun person to be around with. When I close my eyes, the images of his smiling face and the sparkling dark gold eyes flash into my mind…
It's going to be hard just to tell myself not to think of him when he's like this… Oh well… Only time will tell…
A few days later…
I've gotten used to Ryouga waiting for me in front of the campus again next to his car. (After determinedly ignoring Seiichi and Masaharu's teases and some hopeful girls' questions.) I don't know, it makes me feel…wanted. I like the feeling, though.
…But is he doing this because of the fact that he owes Seiichi a favor?
"Hey, what's wrong?" Ryouga asks me when the car stops at the red light. I turn to him with a confused look. He smiles slightly. "You were frowning." He explains.
I shake my head. "No, I'm just tired… I've been getting a lot of work from classes and home lately." I smile lightly. "Where are we going today?"
The dark hair male offers me a nervous smile. "I was thinking… Ifyoudon'tmindwouldyouliketocometodinneratmyhousetonight?" He says quickly.
I blink at him. "What? I'm sorry, Ryouga, you need to slow down." I tell him with an amused smile. Heh, he's cute when he's nervous!
He continues to drive when the light turns green. "Well… We've been hanging out for almost a week… And my mother asks me if I can bring whomever I was hanging out with for the past few days home for dinner. You don't have to if you don't want to, though." He adds quickly. "I mean, my little brother would probably annoyed you and my father would probably try to hit on you." He rants on.
Hmm… He's sexy. He's sweet. He's funny. AND he's a family man. What more can I ask for, really?
I giggle. "I'd love to have dinner with your family, Ryouga." I say sweetly.
Ryouga grins happily. "All right, let's go!" He focuses himself on the road once more.
The Echizen household is… different. They are very interesting in terms of individuals. But I finally notice whom the Echizen siblings got their hypnotizing eyes from… their perverted father, Echizen Nanjirou the ex-world tennis champion!
"I didn't know you know Kasumi-senpai." Ryouma eyes his brother with slight curiosity during Japanese-style dinner. "How did you know each other?"
I merely grin back at the young prodigy. "Why, Ryouma, is that curiosity I hear?" I tease him and snicker when he huffs at me. "Seiichi introduced us, that's all." I shrug slightly. I turn to glare at Ryouga when he reaches for the fish I intend to save for the last. "Don't touch my fish!" I bare my teeth at him, and the older Echizen brother chuckles with his hands raises in defeat.
Sexy or not, no one touches our food and gets away with it! NO ONE! CHA!
"Don't need to be so mad, babe. Though you still look cute when you're mad." He winks with a flirty smirk. I scoff around a blush and turn back to my food.
Hanging around Echizen Ryouga is definitely not good for a weak heart, mind you!
Nanjirou-san approaches me with a silly grin after meal, making his two sons eye him wearily. "You up for a little tennis game, Kasumi-chan?" He asks sweetly and tries to move closer to me.
Ryouga growls at his father and shoves him away from me. "Hands off, perverted old man." He scowls, using himself to block me from the oldest Echizen male. "If you want to play a game of tennis ask me or the brat, dammit."
Ryouma scowls at his older brother. "Don't drag me into this, aniki."
I giggle as the Echizen men battle out on their egos. It's quite amusing to watch two adults and one soon-to-be adult battle out on their pride!
Especially the sexy males with overwhelming pheromones! I can't wait to see him shirtless! KYA!
…Go rot in hell, conscience!
I clap my hands together to get their attentions. "Now, now, since there are four of us, why don't we play doubles?" I ask with an amused smile.
"You're such a genius, Kasumi-chan!" Nanjirou-san pounces at me eagerly. "I want to pair with you too!"
CRASH! "Back off, old man!" Ryouga whisks me away just in time his father crashes into the spot I sat a second ago. "C'mon, Kasumi, I'll lend you my racket." He says loudly and pulls me after him. "I'm sorry about my old man. He can be quite a pervert." He grunts in annoyance as he leads me down the hallway.
I snicker at his put-off look. "You sure are close to your father, aren't you?" I tease him. "It's as they say, 'like father, like son', isn't it?"
He flushes. "Kasumi, you're so mean!" He whines with a pout. I laugh at his pout.
…He's never boring to be with, this Echizen Ryouga!
A 'friendly' game of tennis turns out to be an all-out war. Hey, what do you expect? They are all professional players, and they are males with a hell lot of ego. Even in a friendly match, losing is considered unacceptable for them.
"Thank you for having me over, Nanjirou-san, Rinko-san." I bow politely to the Echizen couple as I get ready to leave after the friendly tennis game.
Nanjirou-san beams at me. "You're welcome, Kasumi-chan! Come back here again, it's been a while since I've played a good game with a pretty lady. OUCH!" I stifle a snicker when Rinko-san smacks him.
Rinko-san gives me a motherly smile. "Please come back again, Kasumi-chan. You're always welcome back here." She says kindly and looks over my shoulder. "Ryouga, make sure she gets home safe, ok? Take care, Kasumi-chan." She smiles at her son and me. "Now off you go, you two."
"Until next time, then, Rinko-san, Nanjirou-san." I bow before walking towards Ryouga's car.
The ride home is uneventful saves for light chat between us… After we reaches the front of my house, Ryouga gets out to hold the door open for me again. "Thanks for coming over." He tells me with a grin. "It's been a while since my mother has cooked for guests. She looked pretty happy."
I smile back at him. "I'm happy, too. Your mother is a really good cook." I look him in the eyes. "Thank you for inviting me over, I had a really great time." I smile sweetly.
Dark gold orbs darken slightly. Before I know what's going on, I find myself in the arms of the male in front of me with his lips crashing down on mine.
KYAAA! He's kissing us! This sexy helluva hottie is kissing us! YEAH BABY!
My heart starts to race and my mind fogs over… My knees feel like they'll give out under me so I desperately cling onto the front of his shirt. I've never been kissed like this, mind you. Hell, even my first kiss was nothing compared to what Ryouga is doing right now! His kiss is full of passion, promises and holds a sense of thrill under it…
He smells like orange and he tastes like one…
I squirm in his embrace after I feel the need of oxygen is becoming urgent. I whine slightly when he still holds on tight. Ryouga seems to understand because he draws back, panting. I gasp for air and clings on to the front of his shirt. "Oh God, I'm sorry about that… I didn't mean to force myself on you." He panics.
I shake my head, dazed. "No, it's ok." I take a deep breath and look him in the eyes. "Why did you kiss me?" I ask softly.
He looks at me in surprise, and then his gaze softens. "You are attractive and funny. You made me feel damn lucky with that smile just now so I wanted to kiss you, that's all." He gently strokes my cheek with his knuckles. Bending forward, he presses a kiss on my forehead. "I'll pick you up tomorrow for the ball at 6PM ok? Good night, Kasumi." He smiles and lets me go.
I return his smile. "Good night, Ryouga."
…It's a little too late for me not to get attach with Echizen Ryouga… Why? He already has my heart in his hand… And it seems I wouldn't be able to take it back so easily…
…What surprised me the most would be the fact that I don't really mind at all…
The next day, 5.50PM…
"Kasumi-san, a person called Echizen Ryouga is here for you." Sakano-san, our old butler, informs me. He gives me a grandfatherly smile. "May I say you look very beautiful, Kasumi-san?"
The dress that Ryouga bought me is beaded straps dress with scoop neckline made of floor-length, flowing black silk. It's a very pretty dress and goes well with the black, jeweled heels that he bought along with it.
I get up from the couch. "Thank you, Sakano-san." I smile and make my way towards the front porch. I smile wider as I notice the familiar black vehicle in front of my house. "Ryouga, you're early." I say brightly.
Ooh, Echizen Ryouga looks handsome in his casual and sports clothing, but he's absolutely dashing in a suit all right! MWAHAHA! I SHALL BE ENVY BY MANY GIRLS TONIGHT!
He stares at me intensely, dark gold pools darken to the point they become almost brown. I blush at the look in his eyes. "Do I look weird?" I ask shyly.
The professional tennis player grins. "No, you're very beautiful." He pulls out a large bouquet of red and white roses. "Here, this is for you."
I smile. "Thank you. They're beautiful." I ask a maid to put the flowers in my room for me; only to turn back and have my hand kisses by Ryouga.
"Not as much as you, babe." He winks and holds the car's door open for me.
The Rikkai's winter ball is held at an Atobe's branch hotel. However, the price of the ticket for the ball isn't too expensive. (Thanks to Seiichi who went to…urm…'negotiate' with Atobe Keigo. For once I pity Atobe!)
Ryouga, being the playful gentleman as ever, gets out from the car and opens the door for me. He offers me his arm with a smile. "Allow me to escort you tonight, Kasumi-hime." He winks.
I laugh and link my arm with his. "I'm all yours tonight, Ryouga." I wink back.
We can be yours forever too if you'd like, Ryouga-kun!
When we get inside the ballroom, Seiichi and Masaharu approach both of us with big grins on their faces. "Ooh, honey, there are rumors going around that you're the one who did the dumping, not that idiot Amasaki." The silver-blue hair male snickers. "Mission accomplished, dude." Haru and Ryouga high-five each other.
I roll my eyes at them playfully. "Macho idiots," I mumble quietly so only I can hear it. I blink when Ryouga hands me a drink. "Thank you." I smile.
The pro tennis player grins. "It's the boyfriend's job, isn't it?" He says warmly. I blush at the tone of his voice. I turn to glare at the snickering Seiichi and Masaharu to disguise my embarrassment.
Before I can say anything to my friends, a hand grasps my arm roughly. The owner of the hand spins me around and tightens his grasp on my arm, making me cry out in pain. "You think you can just waltz around with your new guy and make me look bad in front of everyone, bitch?" Amasaki snarls at me.
"Stop it, Shin-kun!" His new girlfriend shakes his arm, scared by his rage. He pushes her away roughly with a snarl.
…If he thinks we're going to cower at his ugly face and cry a river, HE'S SO FREAKING BLOODY WRONG! WE'LL SHOW HIM WHO'S THE BOSS! RAWR! PUPPY POWER!
"Unhand me this instant, Amasaki." I give him a frigid glare. "You are hurting me and I don't appreciate that." I move to push him away, but someone else beats me to it…
Ryouga shoves Amasaki away from me roughly before pulling me into his protective embrace. "Are you all right?" Dark gold orbs look at me with genuine concern as he leans down to touch my forehead with his.
I lean into his embrace. "I'm all right, thank you, Ryouga." I murmur against his suit.
He nuzzles my cheek gently. "Good," he whispers. However, as soon as he shifts his gaze to the pathetic form of my ex-boyfriend, I can see dark golden eyes darkening to the point they become pure black with rage. "How dare you hurt a lady?" He starts with a low voice. Narrowing his eyes, Ryouga continues fiercely. "It's good that Kasumi has broken up with you, selfish bastard, because a guy like you doesn't deserve anyone at all. You deserve to be alone forever!" The pro tennis player roars over the silence inside the ballroom.
"We'll take it from here." Masaharu murmurs loud enough for Ryouga and me to hear as my silver-blue hair friend steps forward. "You two go ahead."
…I simply love Masaharu. He knows I'm not in the mood to party or do anything any more with Amasaki in the area.
Simply put, being within two-mile radius of Amasaki Shinsuke just disgusts me.
"I'll take you home, babe." Ryouga gently ushers me towards the exit.
But instead of going home, we take a stop at the fountain in front of a train station in the same area as my house. He buys me a cup of hot tea, and then he sits down beside me with his drink in his hand. "…Why did you date him?" He asks conversationally.
I sigh and stare at the cup in my hands. "I was stupid." I smile an ironic smile. "I thought that if I dated someone who wasn't from Rikkai High, it'd be ok… Well, you saw what happened." I chuckle humorlessly.
He leans back against the bench we're sitting on. "I think it's great that you won't have to be around him any more." He says softly.
I turn around to stare at him. "I think so, too. I guess I'm just unlucky when it comes to relationship." I smile slightly before looking up towards the starry night sky. "The stars are bright tonight." I sigh contently.
…I hope the stars will grant me this simple wish for once… I wish I could stay beside Ryouga like this for a while…
A strong arm wraps itself around my shoulders and gently pulls me against the warm, strong body of Echizen Ryouga. "Kasumi, he's not the one you're looking for. He's not the one that you'll be happy with. Many people want to see you happy, they don't want to see you sad. Your family, your friends, and hell, I want to see you happy." Ryouga says gently. "I told you that you look prettier with a smile on your face, didn't I?"
I stare him in the eyes. "You're very nice," I murmur softly. Moving away slightly from him, I continue without looking at him. "I've had really nice time with you, Ryouga… But the ball is over so you won't have to do what you've promised Seiichi anymore."
…I know I'm being really harsh, but I don't want him to keep my hopes up if he's just seeing me as some obligation. I don't want him to be nice to me only because he owes my friend a favor. After all, why hold him back if he doesn't want to be here at all? It'd hurt both side if the feelings are not mutual.
"You're wrong." Ryouga says determinedly. "I know it sounds too stupid, but I feel really attracted to you the first time we met." I turn around in surprise. "You're beautiful, smart but you don't let people walk over you. You also say what you think and you're reasonable even though you can be quite stubborn some times." He smiles gently and holds my hand gently with his bigger one.
…He sure knows how to persuade a girl, doesn't he? I'd like to believe him too… But there is still some doubt lingering in me…
I look at our entwined hands. "You're going to be traveling back to US again, aren't you? I don't want to prevent you from meeting other ladies who would be better than me." I squeak when Ryouga pulls me onto his lap. "Ryouga, what are you-!?"
GAH! I can die in peace now that I know you've finally gotten into an intimate position with a guy, boss!
SHUT UP YOU STUPID CONSCIENCE!
Ryouga's arms wrap themselves around my waist as he stares up at me. "I know I have to travel around a lot for tournaments… But Japan is my home country, and I'll always come back one way or another no matter what." He says firmly. "All I'm asking is that would you please give me a reason to come back?" Dark golden eyes shimmer softly as they stare into mine.
I feel heat rising up my cheeks. "I never did any long distance relationship before…" I mumble shyly.
Ryouga gives me an appeasing smile. "I'll call you every day. I'll send you emails and messages. You'll be the first to know what I'm doing." He grins handsomely.
I manage to smile back at him slightly. "I won't change myself, you know that, right?"
"Of course I won't expect you to change, baby! As much as I hate to admit, fan girls do scared me to death!" He shudders, and I laugh.
You know… I think I'll give it another try. After all, I'm already having some kind of crush on this sexy tennis pro Echizen Ryouga already, haven't I?
Ryouga looks at me hopefully. "So… Does this mean you'll give us a try? C'mon, babe, we've been on dates and my family like you. Hell, Ryouma asked about you! You can ask him, I've never brought a girl home. You're first!" He presses on.
I merely smirk at his hopeful look. "Uh-huh, your family like me, but what I really would like to know, Ryouga, is the fact that do you like me?" I drop my voice into a purr. I smirk wider as he flushes slightly.
Note to self: must thanks Seiichi for dragging me to see the rerun of Moulin Rouge with him! It's because that movie that I know how to do this kind of stuff! CHA!
He gives me a bashful grin. "Frankly put, I do like you, Kasumi." He smirks at my blush. "I can tell you like me too, so is that a yes? Will you go out with me?" He pushes on.
I laugh and put my arms around his neck. "I will go out with you, but I only have one condition," I smile slyly. "You have to meet my family for dinner tomorrow." I lean my forehead against his.
Ryouga's eyes sparkle in delight. "Yes!" He whoops in joy. Leaning forward, he kisses me softly. "I sure am lucky to owes Seiichi that favor." He sighs contently. "He was the one who got us together."
I agree with him! For once Seiichi has done something good to the mankind! HELL YEAH!
I snicker. "Don't be so hopeful yet, I think now we owe him one." I giggle harder at his groan. I smile as I lean forward to kiss his cheek. "But yes, I'm grateful that he called you to help. I can't imagine any one else who I'd be this natural with." I snuggle closer.
He chuckles. "We still have a long time to get to know each other." Ryouga grins his sexy grin. "If this is a fairy tale then I'll be a knight in shining armor, isn't it?"
I grin back. "Nope, I'd rather you be a fiercely protective dragon." I kiss him affectionately. "Simply because a dragon is stronger and fiercer than a knight when it comes to protecting whatever is precious to them." I put my hands on his arms.
He nuzzles my cheek gently. "Then I'll be your dragon, Kasumi-hime." Dark gold orbs shimmer tenderly as he lifts my hand to kiss. "I'll protect you until the end, I promise that." His eyes show his sincerity, and that's all I need.
It takes a lifetime to find someone, but only a moment to fall in love… I've never feel this way before, simply because I was afraid to fall in love. But then I've met Echizen Ryouga…
I guess love is like water; we can fall in it. We can drown in it. But we can't live without it… But hey, there's one thing certain!
You can't help where your heart leads you, but you sure as hell can help if you follow it! GO GIRL POWER! CHA!
Two days later…
Smiles sweetly. "So, Ryouga-kun, you're now Kasumi-hime's official boyfriend, no?"
Sheepish grins. "Yeah… I owe you another one this time, Seiichi."
"Ohoho, don't worry, Ryouga. You don't owe me anything." Smiles wider. "After all, now I'll have the full pleasure of testing you to see if you're suitable for Rikkai's princess."
Groans. "Aw, come on! Not you too! I've already got threatening calls from Kasumi's friends in Osaka! Her brother looked like he wanted to castrate me last night!"
Smiles. "Oh, so does this mean you'll give up?"
"Hell no! I mean-!"
"Good, brace yourself, Ryouga." Grins. "Because my test is going to start now." Snickers evilly.
…GAH! This lasts me 18 pages!
I can't believe how long this one-shot is… But now it's done and out of the way…
I was inspired to write this before updating the story. I don't know why… Oh well…
I think I did okay in this one… I don't know? You tell me how you think!
Again, please review! XD