Hello again! It's been a while huh? Well, I hope that you haven't given up on me and this story, I'm really trying my best to keep writing the best I can. Thanks for the PM's and reviews (Jenny Lie [thanks for still being here!], Caryn, -chan, ZuzuPeng and Areej.A.A)
Remember girls! Reviews are writers food! Thank you very much for reading! ^^
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Shigeru's mansion was as impressive as any of the F4, filled with halls, stairs, servants and luxuries.
A butler led them to a large room that looked like a first-class karaoke. Ryounosuke, Tsukushi and Yuuki had been before in karaokes, more Yuuki than Tsukushi, but this was another level: Ergonomic seats, carpet, acoustic walls, a white wardrobe, microphones, 42" plasma screen, in short, everything one wouldn't think of for ordinary karaoke, all that was there.
—I can't believe she has a karaoke inside her house.
—Yuuki, let's face it, our own homes fit here and there's still space to spare
—Come on girls, it's not a big deal, I just told my parents I would have people coming and decided to transform the recording studio into a karaoke, besides, I already left the singing lessons.
Both Yuuki and Tsukushi were speechless when they realized that that place had been erected in less than a week. Ryounosuke was just stunned, he had never seen so much luxury together, obviously, the rest of the F4 and Nanami were right at home.
—Young Masters and Misses, you are asked to please enjoy your stay and ask whatever you need to make your time here more enjoyable.
Three of the people present sat together to avoid feeling lost in that limbo the rest called "karaoke"
—Well then, we are 5 boys and 5 girls: Yuuki, Sakurako, Tsukushi, Nanami and I, then are Akira, Soujiro, Hanazawa, Domyouji and Narumiya. This will be great! We have couples for everything. How about if we start with some Taboo?
—What is that?—Yuuki asked
—It's very simple, is a game where you have to make your team guess the word designated without mentioning the forbidden words in the rest of the card, it will be fun. Moreover, I think it would be better if the girls played against guys. What do you think?
The only ones excited in the room seemed to be Shigeru, Akira and Nanami, the rest still was not sure of what was happening but started playing. Soon it was shown that the strength of the men team was Soujiro, he had an incredible ability to remind the rest situations where there was no other way out than the designated word, however, he was not too happy since it was Ryounosuke the one guessing most of the words.
—Yes! Another point for us! Ja!— exclaimed Tsukasa
—Calm down cauliflower head, the game hasn't end yet—refuted Tsukushi
—Did you say something commoner? Admit defeat now and stop making a fool of yourself.
—What did you say Doumyouji?
Both forgot for a moment about the game to throw an insult after another and no one seemed to have the urge to interrupt. Shigeru, meanwhile, was happy with the development of the afternoon: they had scarcely begun to play and these two were already excited and fighting, that was something that characterized them, they were more honest the more they discussed.
Finally, the boys ended up winning and Tsukushi had to eat his words while watching a stupid victory dance from Akira and Domyouji.
—Well, but the winning team must always give a punishment to the loser. Right, Shigeru? —asked Akira
—Huh?
—I think it's fair— Soujiro intervened—there should be a reward for having done so well.
—Then... Hey you, commoner! Come and serve me a drink!
—What did you say!?
—Quiet, Tsukasa. How about we make the girls we serve during...mmm...10 minutes?
—Urgh…well, okay
Shigeru stood up along with the rest of the girls to take any drink. Tsukushi glanced toward Rui, he too was watching, she knew if she had to serve someone, it would be much easier and less humiliating to do it with him, but the gesture did not go unnoticed by Tsukasa who again demanded that Tsukushi went to serve him something to drink. Finally, they ended up like this: Nanami/Soujiro, Sakurako/Akira, Tsukushi/Tsukasa, Shigeru/Rui and Yuuki/Ryounosuke.
While most of the boys were gloating and taking advantage of the situation, another was the case with the last couple
—Mmm...Yuuki-chan, you don't have do all this, just serve me a glass and go—Ryounosuke quietly told her
—No, it's fine, we lost, you will see that we'll win the next game and make you cry—Yuuki said with a challenging smile. He didn't know she was so competitive and that made him happy because he was discovering a new side of her personality. From afar, Soujiro tried to focus solely on Nanami, but could not avoid occasionally divert his gaze. Rui and Shigeru were diplomats with each other, while Akira and Sakurako exchanged some comments in two ways. However, no one could not see Tsukasa and Tsukushi like two angry dogs fighting with each other, in a way it was funny because it seemed that everything was back to normal as they communicated, even if that communication was shouting.
—You never learned how to serve a drink?
—Why should I know!? I don't drink!
—Oh, yes, every time you do, you end up vomiting in the people's Armani
—...You...! That was an accident! If you want to drink so much, help yourself!—And saying that, she threw him a bottle and got up to go sit again, but when she did, her feet got stuck to a part of the carpet, causing her body to lose the balance to go to en up directly on the glasses that were on the table.
—Watch out!—Yuuki shouted. Rui had already stretched his body to hold her but Tsukasa was closer and took her in his arms to grab her. Tsukushi ended against Tsukasa's chest without being quite sure what had just happened.
—Be more careful—she felt he whispered in her ear—You have a cut on your cheek. Do you want more?
Tsukushi blushed and pulled away from him with a firm push. Tsukasa had changed the expression of mockery he had until a few seconds before and she very well knew the look he wore now, he always looked her like that when he was serious, when he was worried about her.
—Thank you...—she said before separating definitively and returned to her seat. Shigeru was thrilled inside and turned to see Rui's face, but he was sitting again and it was really impossible to tell what he was thinking.
—Well, I think it's been 10 minutes. Girls, we can go back to our places—said Shigeru—What should we do now?
—Isn't it obvious? We are in a karaoke… we sing! —said Ryounosuke
—Well said! That's the spirit I was looking for. Would you like to start?
—Sure, no problem. Do you have songs in other languages, Okawahara-san?
—Of course, just search for it with the remote
—What are you singing? —Asked Nanami
—Do you know TANK? He's a Taiwanese singer
—Are you going to sing in Taiwanese?
—Well, the truth is that I know some other languages thanks to my mom, and a friend of mine showed me this song and told me that she liked it but didn't know it meant. I handed her the letter, I hope she know what it means when she listens to it again—Ryounosuke exchanged a glance with Yuuki and smiled slightly.
—How exciting!—Said Shigeru
—Found it! Well, here it goes...
(A.N.: If you wish to listen to the song, go to my profile and find tha link. Thank you!)
Personal Angel – TANK (OST of Hana Kimi Taiwanese version)
I will not blame you for hiding it from me.
When an angel comes to the Earth, she should hide her wings.
People are stupid and abrupt, but you are delicate and kind.
How can I let you be hurt because of me?
Small hands, but with thick warmth.
You can always calm down my uneasy nights.
The dream that I dare not to dream, pass through your eyes,
I then see it is just in front of me
No one can grab you away from my side.
You are my personal angel,
only I can own you.
No one else can replace you in my heart.
I own a personal angel,
I don't need any other wish
Small hands, but with great power.
I too can definitely soar high like you.
The place you want to go is my direction.
You have my protection so you just focus on smiling brightly.
No one can grab you away from my side.
You are my personal angel,
only I can own you.
No one else can replace you in my heart.
I own a personal angel,
I don't need any other wish
If it weren't for you, I'd still be sleeping.
Despairingly thinking that there is only darkness in life.
No one can grab you away from my side.
You are my personal angel,
only I can own you.
No one else can replace you in my heart.
I own a personal angel,
I don't need any other wish
Ryounosuke barely mentioned the first words and all went silent...His voice was calm and melodious, and the song sounded very romantic, although most didn't know what he was saying, they could deduce the feeling.
Tsukushi noticed that her friend watched the boy intently with a slight blush on her cheeks; she realized that Yuuki didn't disliked spending time with him and, indeed, knew that this song was one of her favorites and one day in the store she had taken a sheet with the translation of the song, now she knew who had done it. Ryounosuke was singing for her.
When the song ended everyone clapped, but Soujiro did so without much encouragement.
—You sing very well! —Shigeru told him
—I'm an amateur, my regular public is my shower soap and my mom's reconditioners—Everyone laughed with him and the meeting became more enjoyable.
—Very well, very well...who's next?
Akira was next to the microphone with a rock song in English, Tsukushi didn't know but Akira liked them a lot, Shigeru and Nanami duo sang a song of Utada Hikaru "Flavor of Life", very pretty, both girls had a good voice but Nanami was simply angelic. Tsukasa sang something everyone had trouble recognizing until they learned that he was sullying a song from Bon Jovi with his poor English. Tsukushi didn't want to sing because she had no aptitude for it, but nobody wanted to let her pass no matter how bad she sang so she had to get up and do it. When she was trying to decide a simple song, she saw Rui was secretly moving his hands as if he had a puppet.
Sure! That should not be too difficult.
And to the surprise of all, she sang Succesful Mission, the opening of Saber Marionette J; along with Rui they had played all the days they spent in Hawaii, he knew she didn't sing, but somehow the openings and endings of animes were what she was best at, and that was one of her favorites.
—Waaaaaaaaa, Tsukushi I didn't know you sang so well!—Shigeru said
—It is only with the songs of the anime I like
—Oh, do you still see anime at your age?—Tsukasa asked
—Do you want me to tell everyone of a certain collection of DVD?—The days she had spent being a servant in the Domyouji's house, she had discovered a whole collection of anime, but the old ones: Cobra, Lupin, Ōgon Batto, Kōtetsu Jīgu and many others.
—What are you…?
—Ohh… you really want me to talk?
Tsukasa remained sulking in place while the rest were dying of curiosity, but Tsukushi said nothing, while sitting down she gave a silent "thank you" to Rui, he replied with a smile. He was next and passed the test with flying colors, he had a deep voice that left all the girls enraptured. The next to come forward was Yuuki, and she was really nervous.
—Come on you can do it, your voice is beautiful—said Ryounosuke
—Have you already heard her? —asked Akira
—Yuuki-chan participates in school ceremonies and occasionally helps the choir...
—Wow
—It's true, I've also heard her and she is not bad at all—Tsukushi said in defense of her friend
—Please...it's no big deal, it's just a hobby... —Yuuki was blushing while trying to locate a song and Ryounosuke stood up to give a suggestion in private. It seemed they were discussing something and then he took her by the shoulders and gave him a slight nod, Yuuki replied and he returned to his seat.
—Who the hell does he think he is?
—Did you say something?—Akira asked his friend
—No, nothing—Soujiro was uncomfortable with himself.
The music started, a warm piano notes and suddenly, the entire room was flooded with Yuuki's voice...
(A.N.: If you wish to listen to the song, go to my profile and find tha link. Thank you!)
Kimi ni Todoke (Reaching You) – May (Ending de la 2da Temporada del Anime Kimi ni Todoke)
Please, just for now, don't turn around
It's evening and the wind rustles, we're close enough to touch
I'm looking at you, forever
I'm reaching for you. I'm reaching for you
It's fine if my love isn't returned. It's fine if I get hurt
No matter how many times, I want to tell you
I love you. I love you
It's fine if I can't sleep at night. It's fine if morning doesn't come
I just want to express it over and over, I'm reaching you
Today too, I create a new memory of you
I cherish even your sigh, your hesitation
I've always been waiting for you
I'm reaching for you. I'm reaching for you
It's fine if my love isn't returned. It's fine if I get hurt
No matter how many times, I want to tell you
I love you. I love you
It's fine if I can't sleep at night. It's fine if morning doesn't come
I just want to express it over and over, I'm reaching you
The song was beautiful, everyone liked it, it was a melodious and romantic voice, but, for some reason, Soujiro felt every word weighed on his mind when he heard it. Had not she done exactly that? Fight against all reason to love a guy like him? He could never reciprocate her feelings, he knew that, then why this annoyance?
Yuuki finished completely red amid cheers and applause, Akira even stood to applaud, she received words of congratulations by everyone, even Soujiro, but Yuuki noticed he was wearing the mask he wore when he spoke with all the other girls, which upset her very much, but said nothing.
Finally Sakurako and Soujiro sang, everyone was having a great time. The food and drinks arrived as if by magic, the music and the conversation kept flowing in all directions. Tsukushi liked Nanami a lot, she was a rich girl, but through it all she was humble, a rare quality among people of her status.
—Well, well—Shigeru interrupted at one point of the night—as we are in a karaoke, there's a game I've always wanted to try
—And what is it?
—"King's game"
Those who knew the game looked at each other, but there were those who knew nothing at all
—What is that?—Nanami asked
—The game goes like this, in a container we will put nine Popsicle sticks, at the end of each one of them there will be a number, the king's position rotates clockwise, all take one but nobody should see what number they got. When everyone has a stick, the king gives an order "Number six has to hold hand with number 1" and then all verify if they happen to have those numbers. As you can imagine, the king or queen has all the power and their orders are irrefutable, so I don't care if the order is between two guys or two girls, you must comply!
—Sounds interesting—said Nanami
—We haven't played this in a while Soujiro, huh?
—Right.
—Did you know this game, Tsukasa, Rui?
—No—answered both
—Well then, let's play!
Suddenly, a maid entered with the specified container and sticks. By drawing out the first king would be Akira, all took one stick and waited for the order
—Well then, the number 4 will...mmm...will have to dance like a ballet dancer, how's that?
Everyone looked at their numbers and Ryounosuke was elected. The girls almost died from laughter to see him pirouetting here and there.
—Ok, ok, mix it all over again, now it's up to Hanazawa-san.
—Number two has to dande Oppa Gangnam Style—it was Nanami's turn and it was quite fun to see her flushed and giggly.
The orders remained for one person, until it was Shigeru's turn.
—Number 7 will have to embrace number 8 until the end of fulfilling the challenge of the next king—all were silent, but immediately checked their numbers; Sakurako was 7 and Rui was 8. She stood up quickly and went to his side
—Can I have your seat, Akira-senpai?
—Sure.
Rui face showed he didn't like that one bit and remained completely indifferent to the sweet embrace of Sakurako.
The rounds continued and this time it was increasingly common penalties were for two people. When Tsukasa came to be King, he gave the order that was, perhaps, the most obvious in this kind of game.
—Number 9 should kiss number 5—Again all quickly checked their numbers.
—I am 5—said Yuuki
—And I'm 9—said Ryounosuke
Nanami and Shigeru burst into accomplices giggles and Tsukushi joined them.
—Come on man, kiss her—egged Akira
Ryounosuke stood and offered his hand to Yuuki, both were completely embarrassed. She stood up and he looked indecisive. He stared at her and noticed that Yuuki was shaking. He looked down and to the surprise of all, bowed, took her hand and placed a kiss on the back of it.
Sighs escaped from the throats of the girls, whistling from Akira and Tsukasa's lips, Rui laughed at the situation and Soujiro's face.
—That's not what I said—Tsukasa claimed with a smile
—You said to give her a kiss, you didn't specify where
—Thanks—said Yuuki
—Anytime
The girls hugged Yuuki when she returned to her seat and Akira gave a few friendly punches to Ryounokuse when he approach him.
—Let's take a break to cool certain faces— said Shigeru—Tsukasa, would you come with me for a few more snacks?
—Why me?
—Just come!
Both left the room and Shigeru took him to an empty room
—What do you want monkey?
—Listen up, fool, I have a plan for you to be alone for a while with Tsukushi.
—With all those people?
—Have you ever heard of the game "Seven minutes in Paradise"?
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Everyone was still in the karaoke lounge talking and debating when a maid came back to change the plates of food and drinks, while he was doing it, she stumbled, dropped her tray on the table and she fell on Akira.
—Young master! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!
—No problem—he replied with a charming smile
—What happened? —Shigeru and Tsukasa had come with potatoes and candies
—Miss, I'm so sorry, I dipped the table trying to put new drinks
—Don't worry, you just have to clean it
—Yes, Miss, thank you very much
—Oh no, the sticks got wet... Could you please ask them to prepare new ones?
—Right away, Miss
In less than 10 minutes everything was as before and the game could continue, Shigeru only had to wait a turn to carry out her plan
Flashback
—Listen, Tsukasa, two sticks have a colored dot on them, very small, I don't think anyone else will notice. The one with the blue dot is for you, is number 8, the red dot will be for Tsukushi, is number 3. Just be sure to take your number and I will take care of the rest.
—How do you think Tsukushi will choose specially that one?
—I told you, let me do the rest.
End of Flashback
—My turn? —Shigeru asked when Soujiro released Akira's hand after Ryounosuke's order—Well, nobody touches their sticks until my order
—Why?
—To make it more interesting, also Akira and Tsukasa are looking ahead of time and that doesn't count.
—Fine, fine...What is the order, monkey?
—Before giving my order, I'll give you a little suspense, do you how to play "Seven minutes in Paradise"? —Some laughed, but Tsukushi and Yuuki didn't
—You see girls, I explain quickly, 7 minutes in paradise is a game in which two people are locked up together for 7 minutes, obviously
—And why is that? —Yuuki asked innocently
—Usually it is to give two people some time "alone"—she said marking the word "alone"
—But there are boys and girls...I don't think the guys would like to be locked in a room. In the end, they'd only had to wait until the time run out, right? —Tsukukshi asked.
—Not exactly, you all see this closet? Two of you will be locked here
—What!?
Shigeru opened the white closet doors and everyone could see that in there only two people will fit and quite close to each other with almost no room to move.
—The combination is electronic and will not open for any reason until time passes. I thought it best to round the time to 10 minutes and let it go, how about it?
—This is getting good! —said Akira
—I have never played it, what will we do if we have to do it, Tsukushi?
—Hopefully not, and if so, let us hope we get the punishement with a girl.
—OK, now that everyone knows what will happen, this is my order, the number 8 and the number 3 must play "10 minutes in paradise" Yes!
All hands went to take a stick, but Shigeru made a happiness pirouette and threw the sticks to the ground.
—Oh! Sorry—she sought the stick of red dot and offered to Tsukushi—Here
—Thank you—she said keeping the stick behind her back
Tsukasa was doing the same with his stick and found it, the blue dot, he took it and smiled, if this resulted, he could talk to Tsukushi even if she didn't want it. While thinking about this, he felt something in his nose bothering him, first a little, then a lot and before you know it, he gave a loud sneeze that made him collide with Rui and drop his stick.
—Are you okay?
—Of course! Where's my number?
Rui had already picked up one from floor. Tsukasa took that one from him and said no more.
—Is everybody ready? Well, check your numbers!
—No way... —Tsukushi watched her stick in terror to find the number 3. Yuuki noticed and looked around to see who was the person who had obtained the number 8.
—it seems that you can't get away from me, commoner.
—You have number eight!?
—No, I have it—all turned to see Rui holding a stick with an undisputed number 8.
—But how...!?
—Did you already know what your number was?—Nanami asked
—Surely, you saw it before time as always—intervened Shigeru, clearly surprised by this result
—Yes, I did, problem? What I want to know is how you stole my number!
—It was not on purpose, when you sneezed you hit me and both your number and mine fell to the ground, I picked up the further one as I had seen that was mine, but when I did you just you took it without asking. I didn't care much because, in the end, everything is a matter of chance, it seems that it was there that you and I changed our number.
—You're a...!
—Come on, Tsukasa, he didn't do it on purpose—said Akira sensing a prompt fight—let Shigeru's order be fulfilled.
—Well, we can redo the draw—said Shigeru
—But why do it? It was luck, besides, you told us that the orders were absolute—Nanami said
—I agree with you, Shigeru —said Soujiro
—I think she's right—said Ryounosuke addressing Nanami.
—Wouldn't it be easier if we vote? —asked Yuuki—All those in favor of redoing the draw, raise your hand—Soujiro, Shigeru, Sakurako and Tsukasa raised their hands—Those are 4 in favor, all those opposed to redo the draw? —This time it was Nanami, Ryounosuke, Akira, Rui and Yuuki that raised their hands—That gives five to four. What do we do Shigeru?
—You don't vote, commoner? Or do you want to go in there so much?
—There shouldn't even be a need to vote, the king's orders can't be refuted—she hissed
—If this had gone the other way you would have protested right?
Tsukasa froze at the look Tsukushi gave him, her eyes were fixed on the number 3 and the number 8 and a veil of understanding had fallen on her.
—I would have gone in there with you if you had had the number. I do not play dirty.
—Tsukasa! It was luck, so stop talking like that. Tsukushi, Rui, come and get this over with—Shigeru opened the closet doors and everyone saw as both of them were face to face with just about 10 centimeters of space between them.
—See you in 10 minutes—was the last they heard before the doors closed.
The tension was evident on both sides of the hall when Shigeru turned around, even Ryounosuke and Nanami that were not aware of the whole thing felt a knife could cut the atmosphere.
—Can we ask for more to drink?
—Yes, I think that would be best
Comments began to circle among them, Tsukasa had broken his stick in two and had gone out of the room; Shigeru followed him while the rest tried to return the meeting to normal.
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Within the small closet everything was dark, Tsukushi could hear the conversation outside like a whisper. If she moved to one of its sides, she would end up against a soft lining board except forward...there she would crash into Rui.
—Did you notice?
—I noticed it at the last moment—she answered—the numbers were marked...
—You have good eyesight
—I cannot believe he tried to do something as ridiculous as this...Lock me up? What did he expect? What in ten minutes...? I don't even know what he imagined he could say or do in ten minutes...Did you know about this?
—No, I just figured it out when you said you didn't play dirty, I noticed you wouldn't make a comment like that so lightly. But I don't think it was just Tsukasa, Okawahara also must have helped a bit...
—And now we are here...
—And now we are here...
Suddenly that fact was more real, they were alone (somehow), together, close, so much that their breaths would mingle if they gave one more step. Tsukushi felt a shudder and almost jumped when Rui sighed.
—This is not fair...
—Huh?
—I tried to stay as far away from you as I can, I haven't look up for you or called you, I turned to text messaging as because it was more impersonal and after all my efforts...They decide to lock me up here? With you?
Rui had closed the short distance between him and Tsukushi putting an arm on each side of her face, leaning against the wall that crashed into the back of her.
—Forgive me...but it really is unbearable to be at such short distance and not being close. I will not do anything, I promise, just… let me feel you a few minutes.
Rui knew that somehow he was taking advantage of the situation and that was not his nature, it was not he who pushed someone to do or not do something he wanted, but this scenario plus the fact that he had been drinking a little during the meeting, made his judgment somewhat cloudy.
He waited for an answer, a cry, a push, even a slap, but he only noted that Tsukushi had lowered her face; it was as if she was giving a silent approval.
—If you feel uncomfortable, tell me...Clearly I'm just taking advantage of all this...
—...I'm fine...
Tsukushi knew she was also taking advantage, on one hand she said to her and the rest of the world she mustn't give advantage to any of the two boys, but it was clear that she was also enjoying sharing some time alone, as unusual as it was, with Rui.
The boy turned his face to the right and could inhale the perfume given off by her hair, he had always liked the Tsukushi's scent, it was special.
—Is your wound really better? —He asked gently stroking her cheek
—Yes, it is, but I doubt you can see it in this darkness.
—At least with the passing of the days I noticed that the swelling is gone, that calms me a lot...
Was there air conditioning in the closet? Tsukushi felt like it, because the environment seemed warmer. She wanted to say something, but the words didn't seem to want to come together in a coherent sentence, however, she was a weed, she would come up with something, voluntarily or involuntarily. In this case, it was the latest.
Tsukushi moved her shoulders slightly, then again, and again.
—Are you uncomfortable?
—No, is not that, is just...Aish!
—What?
—My…My back itches...
Rui couldn't help laughing loudly and turned away from her to give her space so she could scratch. Tsukushi tried to reach bending the arm down, but failed, then tried to do bend it up, but she failed again, she tried more than 10 ways to reach that point that was starting to desperate her, but she couldn't!
—Not even rubbing against the wall can I do something because they are lined. Arghh! Is very itchy!
—Can I try?
Tsukushi thought for a few seconds and then gave him permission. Rui approach her again but did not let her turn around to give him her back, on the contrary, it was like he was hugging her as she directed. Tsukushi blushed and was grateful it was dark for Rui to notice.
Rui tried to scratch slightly, but the fabric of the Tsukushi's blouse prevented the relief arrived in full, on the contrary, it caused some pain.
—I think this is not working.
—Why did something like this happen right now?
—Tsukushi...Do you trust me?—Rui took her by the shoulders as he asked this
—Huh?
—Do you trust me?
—Yes—the question seemed absurd, Tsukushi knew that the trust between them was as natural as breathing, but soon she'd understand the reason for the question.
Rui pulled her to him again.
—I'll be fast
Before Tsukushi noticed, Rui had loosened the back of her blouse that was inside her skirt and touched her back directly, rising to hit her bra, following to the point of discomfort between her shoulder blades.
If she had blushed before, this was nothing in comparison...feeling again Rui's hands on her skin was something for which, definitely, she was not prepared. Amid all her confused thoughts, she felt a great relief to feel gently fingernails on the surface of her back, she could even say that it felt good...it felt so good.
Rui, meanwhile, was enjoying the little time he had as an excuse to touch her, but when he tried to take his hand, he felt Tsukushi had leaned more against his chest and her hands were pressed against his arms. When he tried to turn around to see her, he saw that she had hidden her face.
—Don't do that...
He received no reply. Rui then abruptly moved away, grabbed her wrists and pushed her against the nearest wall.
—Do you know where we are? Do you know that this door will not open in at least 7 to 6 minutes? Do you know that here you have no chance of escape? Tsukushi, don't test me... I don't think I could…restrain myself...
Tsukushi said nothing, but Rui felt a pair of lips giving a kiss on the hand holding one of her wrists. With a gesture much smaller than that, he would've exploded.
All those days, every hour had seemed an eternity, unable to see each other, unable to speak directly; somehow both knew how hard it had been to be apart. Tsukushi didn't want to admit she was forgetting and relegating the space Tsukasa usually occupied in her heart, but right now, feeling Rui so close, there was no way of saying "no".
Strong but loving arms embraced her waist, and she did the same by holding Rui's shoulders. He stuck his face in her neck and became intoxicated with the aroma that her body emitted, time was short, the clock was running, he didn't wait more and kissed Tsukushi. A familiar feeling of nostalgia seized them as their lips and breaths crashed. Any thought was meaningless.
oº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºoº°˚˚°ºo
—Tsukasa!
—I told you it wouldn't work, monkey! I told you!
—And it was my fault? How was I supposed to know that you would drop the stick so that someone else could pick it up?
Tsukasa knew it was true, that Shigeru had only tried to help with a plan quite fetched, but she had tried, but he could not accept that at the time, not when he knew that the girl he loved was locked in a space of 1x1 with the guy who wanted to steal her away.
—Damn it! —He said after kicking a table and make a beautiful vase broke into pieces
—Are you going to keep breaking my house? Let me know, so I can pass you the things, look, here—and Shigeru handed him a glass ornament.
Tsukasa turned to see her with pure pain in the eyes, he was going crazy, he didn't know what to do.
—This is not over yet ...
—Tsukasa...listen, I'm on your side and support you in whatever you decide...But Tsukushi will come back, you'll see. Now we need to return, there's just four minutes left, plus the 10 minutes I thought to give you were so you could shout, discuss or converse, I imagine she and Hanazawa will stand staring into space waiting time ends. Don't worry about it. What can happen in 10 minutes?
Tsukasa tried to calm down a bit, and then decided to break the ornament that Shigeru had offered him to finish releasing tension. Taking a deep breath, turned around and returned to the living room. It would all end soon.
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There were no words in between, something like that was unnecesary when minds are connected, when the skins are sought. Rui again stroked her back and undid two buttons of her blouse, and he received as an answer a female hand unbuttoning his. They both knew that the minutes passed, there were more people on the other side, that maybe doing this after having reached an agreement with Tsukasa was wrong, but those few seconds that were running only made the desire more intense. Rui's kisses went from being tender and gentle to more urgent and demanding, they gradually had ended sitting on the floor, still caressing and trying to take off the juice to all the remained time in that little closet. For once, Rui was the one taking full control of the situation, while he pleasantly received the caresses of Tsukushi's little hands, he preferred to have her captive, defenseless against his attack...That was some of what himself was surprised, he was discovering a new side of him. He delighted tasting again the skin that was within reach keeping Tsukushi's arms up against the wall, his hands were handcuffs against her wrists, the situation was more exciting for being where they were. Tsukushi could feel the Rui's lips wandering softly down her neck, his tongue along the lace of her bra, his warm breath leaving traces on her cheeks. In the midst of all the caresses, she panted heavily as she felt teeth sink into her shoulder and after that she was surprised to notice Rui was accommodating her clothes.
—No…
—Tsukushi…—He called giving her one last kiss, tender and pleasant—…there is no time, this will open soon and I don't want to have to explain what happened here, also, if I don't separate myself from you right now, I really won't be responsible for my actions...
She understood, but her head and her body had different opinions. Both got up and fixed their clothes quickly.
—Rui ...I want...
—There will be time to talk. Now we must go out
—But...
Tsukushi couldn't finish saying what she wanted since the doors opened. She was greeted by much light (or so it seemed after spending 10 minutes in the dark), music and laughter.
—So? How was it? —Asked Akira—You seem somewhat flushed.
And the truth was that both had rosy cheeks.
—What did you expect? I stood 10 minutes in an enclosed space, I felt like I was suffocating, really, I don't understand the appeal of this game—Tsukushi said sitting next to Yuuki and taking some soda.
—And you, Rui?
—Hmm? —He looked at him for a few seconds and then with an impassive face he answered—I'm sleepy…
—You are amazing! I cannot believe that you spent your time looking at the shrews.
Akira kept talking and Yuuki also wanted to get information from her friend, everyone was interested to know if something had happened in that closet, but there was a person sitting with a black mood carefully observing the facial expressions of the respondents. Rui seemed like always not even looking at Tsukushi, stating only that he was sleepy and wanted to go home to bed, she on the other hand, drank soda and excused the flush of her cheeks saying enclosed spaces were the worst. Tsukasa was infuriated for being unable to discern whether or not something happened.
Finally the King's game continued, but no one again gave a punishment like Shigeru to avoid a similar tension. They laughed, played, drank, ate, in short all had a good time, or...almost everyone.
—I think I better take you home—Ryounosuke said after seeing Yuuki yawn for the third time
—I'm not that sleepy, but you're right, there is school tomorrow...
—Me too—said Tsukushi
—Awww…really? —asked Shigeru
—Yeah, we're not all like you who already know all through college courses. I appreciate this, Shigeru, I had a blast.
—Seriously?
—Yes, seriously.
—I also had a great time
Tsukushi and Yuuki were suffocated by Shigeru's bear hug
—I think this puts an end to the night then. Are we all going or someone is staying?—Akira asked
Everyone decided it best to go and once outside decide the groups that would go together.
—Nanami-san, I think your house is on the way to mine, if you want I can take you.
—Thank you, Akira-san, actually that would be great. Soujiro, thank you very much for all your help today, I hope we can meet again soon.
—Don't doubt it—he said fixing a lock of hair behind her ear, a gesture that he took care everyone noticed.
—Shigeru-san, thank you so much for an amazing evening, we should do this.
—Of course! We'll see what comes to mind for next time.
While Akira and Nanami were saying goodbye, Yuuki had moved away from the group to talk to her mother by phone.
—...yes, yes mom, yes...it ended. I was just about to take a taxi to go home...yes, all very calm and very funny. Tsukushi is also with me...yes, I'll tell her...I see you in a while.
—You all right?—Tsukushi asked
—Yes, she just worries because it's a little late.
Soujiro couldn't help overhearing the conversation as much as he didn't want to and moved a little closer to the girls.
—Yuuki, I have my car here, I can take you if you want.
—Ah...thanks Soujiro-san, but...
—Are you ready, Yuuki-chan?
—Ryou-kun, yes. Sorry Soujiro-san, he offered to drop me off at home.
—And how are you going to take her? By bike?
—No, Okawahara-san did me the favor of giving me the number of a reliable taxi service.
—And I'm sure she offered to pay. I imagine you accepted?
Yuuki thought that was going too far, Soujiro had always been the kind of mocking some people, but always of the ones who weren't worth it, amid all she knew what his true personality was and this was beyond rude.
—Yes, she did
—I see
—But I declined. After all it's my first date with Yuuki-chan, what would become of me if I couldn't take her to the door of her home safe and sound in a trusted vehicle?
Soujiro was dumbfounded, he didn't think this guy was going to answer or that he was going to do it with such aplomb. It was obvious that he had realized that he was provoking him, but his blue and clean eyes showed a challenge he had failed to notice before.
—So, I appreciate your concern for her, Nishikado-san, but is I who is taking care of her now.
—Ryou-kun!
—Good night, Nishikado-san, today I had a great time, I hope I get invited to a next time. Shall we go?
—Y-Yes ... Good night.
Soujiro couldn't say or do anything, he just kept feeling that impotence inside him of not being able to take that guy and beat him over and over again, and the worst of it was that he shouldn't be feeling like that and he knew it…It was incomprehensible.
Meanwhile, Rui had offered Tsukushi to take her home, but Shigeru had ensured this wouldn't be by availing her driver to her friend to take her home. Tsukushi knew Shigeru and Tsukasa were together in some kind of weird plan to make her stop avoiding him and talk to him again, and knew that at some point she would have to do it whether she like it or not. The matter was she still needed to talk to Rui, at least to know what would happen after that encounter in the closet and she couldn't get a single second of privacy with Shigeru and Tsukasa being at her side at all times.
This is ridiculous, I don't have to endure things like this.
-Rui, can I talk to you for a minute?
Three pairs of eyes looked at her surprised.
—Sure
—Hey, do you have to tell him a secret or something? You can speak with us here—Tsukasa rebuked seeing that she intended to move away from the group.
—What I have to tell him is not of your business, Domyouji.
Shigeru was clearly surprised with the attitude of her friend. She had always tried to carry the party in peace, but now she seemed to be taking charge of her heart without being willing to let anyone stop her.
—This is new—Rui told her
—What is?
—For you to do things so publicly when everyone knows we're in a somewhat strange situation. It is more common in me actually, but no one is surprised for the way I am.
—There was no other way, they wouldn't leave us alone until I that car arrived.
—I'm not complaining.
They both smiled.
—Rui...I, what happened now...
—It happened. There's no need for you to feel pressured by what happened in the closet.
—It's not pressure, it's just, it's like something is splitting me in half by what I want to do and what I have to do...
—Tsukushi, your time haven't run out yet, I will not ask you anything at all and especially by the fact that I know that you haven't had enough time with Tsukasa.
—Rui…
—Let me finish. The time we spent apart was hard for me, today I learned that for you it was too, but through it all you have to consider that you and I have almost always been together. This for us is rare. But with Tsukasa, it hasn't been like this, you fought whether you were together or not, but your link is also strong and you haven't yet had a chance to talk about what you feel and want.
—You know what he did, I had intentions to talk to him at some point but after his little tantrum...
—Yes, and he has always been like that and will remain so, but I hope him to mature in a few years. What I say is that you should give equal time to both, because you must leave your head out of the equation a bit and follow your heart. There was a time when I thought that no matter what, your smile would always be what would make me happier. Now I know that's a lie, it will be a diminished happiness, but I will not stop thanking that the man next to you makes you keep that radiant and strong countenance—he stared at her and sighed. He thought not speak so soon, but Rui had discovered so much in so little time that he couldn't remain silent— I love you(*), and that will not change even if you choose another.
(*) This is Ai Shiteru, the strongest way of saying "I love you" in Japan.
Tsukushi opened her eyes and felt his heart tremble under the weight of his words.
—Now, go and do what you need to do, just know that I will continue with you whatever happens.
Rui messed her hair and then went to the parking lot to pick up his car, it was necessary to give her that push, he wanted Tsukushi to choose him, it was the most selfish thing he had wanted in his life, but he knew if she was going to choose, she should do so with a clear mind and by her own hand, not because a moment of passion.
I'm an idiot, a true idiot. Any other man would take her away and make her forget everything and everyone with kisses. But I cannot keep her with me if she is not 100% sure...I'm an idiot.
Shigeru and Tsukasa had observed the short scene and were not sure what it was that had happened. They only knew that after Rui left, Tsukushi had stood there staring anywhere with a puzzled expression. After a few seconds, they saw her approaching them again.
—Doumyouji
—What?
—I know you've been going every day to pick me up after school. Please don't do it, I'm still very busy with homework and the exams I'll take tomorrow. I cannot let you kidnap me for hours again.
—He kidnapped you?
—Long story. The thing is, I'm free on Thursday and there I will be able to see you after school. If you want us to talk about something we can do it on that day. What do you think? All I ask in return is that you leave aside the harassment—she said smiling
—I think I'm free on Thursday.
—Very well, then, I'm leaving. Shigeru, thank you again very much for everything, I hope to see you soon.
—Sooner than you know.
Tsukushi got into the car and went toward home.
—I told you, I told you this event would serve to bring you two together again.
—It was obvious that at some point she would come to me.
—All you have to do is try not to act like a baby and spy on her in every corner of the school.
—I didn't move a finger, she came to me alone
—Yeah...Well, don't you dare to ruin this opportunity cauliflower head. I wish you well, good night.
—Good night.
Tsukasa couldn't stop thinking about Tsukushi's words that day. She wanted to talk to him, surely to make things right, and he was convinced that all that time until Thursday was to take courage and correct her reasons.
Okay Makino, soon you'll see exactly what you are losing if you keep up this stupid little game.
Tsukasa accelerated and laughed thinking about the next victory he would enjoy when he win back his girlfriend.