Next day, Yosuke's studio
"I hope that you don't mind the mess," Yosuke told Aya as he studied the blueprints on his desk.
"Don't mind the mess?!" Aya exclaimed, looking around the much disorganized office. There were files everywhere, on desks, top of cupboards, and on the floor. "Are you kidding me? I'm in heaven," she said, dumping her books on a table. "This is organized mess."
Yosuke grinned, still looking at the blueprint, "then I'm glad that we agree on that one."
Aya nodded and pulled a chair. She moved it so she could sit next him, "reporting to duty, boss," she said, raising her hand to her head as a salute.
He chuckled and then continued reading. "Please give me a minute," he said.
"Fine. Fine," she said, turning in her chair. It's funny how someone like Yosuke can act so serious when he wants to be. She looked again around the office and compared it to her old office, this is so much nicer then that hole! She laughed mentally before turning her attention to Yosuke.
"Good to know you heard me," Yosuke said sitting on the chair looking at her.
Aya pulled her tongue out smiling sheepishly. "Sorry, could you repeat once more what you said?" she asked softly.
Yosuke smiled. "I asked you of your plans for the day," he answered crossing his hands behind his head.
"Oh, Fay will come over around lunchtime to check the apartment opposite yours. I want us to move and she needs to look at the new apartment before she agrees."
"Interesting!" Yosuke whistled excited. "I guess it's going to be fun to have you girls live so close!" he grinned looking at Aya mischievously.
Later that day, new apartment building
"I hate it!'
Aya glared at Fay, "You're just arguing because you don't want to move."
"It shabby and there aren't enough windows," Fay said, ignoring her comment.
Aya looked at her in disbelief, "excuse me? Since when do you care about windows?! Your curtains are always closed."
"I just don't want to go through the trouble, Aya. I already have enough shit to deal with and the last thing I need is to move."
"I think moving is a great idea for a change," Aya argued. "You and I have been through a lot, Fay, don't you think it's about time we change our environment and be more cheery about it."
"No," Fay said firmly.
Aya rolled her eyes. "And we have entered brat-mode now!" She turned around and left the room.
Fay just glanced at her departing friend and then turned her focus on the man who was showing them the apartment. "Thank you for the tour, we will think about it and tell you our decision." Fay bowed politely, "and I'm sorry that you had to witness that little scene."
"Oh no dear, don't worry about it, I am glad you like it though you complained about the windows." The man laughed and gestured for Fay to walk out of the room. "As you can see, it's new and affordable. We will be expecting your answer," he said smiling following behind her.
Leaving the apartment Fay's eyes fell on the figure of a tall man who walking to Aya, "Aya I' m leaving. I have to go back to work, come over when you finish." She walked to the elevator and pushed the button to summon it to her floor.
I like the apartment to be honest, but I don't want to move, she thought while waiting for the elevator to ascend. She gave another look around the corridor marveling the decoration. I really do like it… Oh, what to do, damn it! She sighed dropping her head tiredly, and it's close to work too! She looked up when she heard the elevator doors open.
Back in Yosuke's apartment
"So, did you girls get the apartment?" Yosuke asked the moment Aya plopped on the couch sighing deeply.
"No… Because miss 'I have a problem with moving' doesn't like it," she said sarcastically. "Argh… I want to strangle her sometimes. She didn't even notice you talking to me in the corridor!" she ruffled her hair frustrated.
Yosuke laughed and placed a cup of tea on the coffee table for her. "No worries. I'm sure she doesn't know that it is me you're working with right?" he asked amused.
Aya looked at him sheepishly. "No… she doesn't!" she smiled. "I haven't told her yet and she never asked me!" she pulled her tongue out.
"I see…" Yosuke chuckled and leaned in the sofa next to Aya. "So… are you still eager to go through with the party?" he asked walking towards the studio.
Aya nodded. "Yes. When will it be?" she said following him.
"Saturday," Yosuke answered. 'I called his secretary, I know for a fact he's free that day."
Aya looked at him confused, that's weird, "why would she know that he's free on a Saturday? It's a weekend." I know for a fact that he loves his job, but he would never kill himself working on a weekend.
"She brought it up in a casual conversation," he answered, moving some papers into a blue folder. He pulled out a puncher, and placed the papers one by one into another file.
Aya grabbed a notepad from the nearest desk and placed it in front of her. She picked up a pen from the pen holder and looked at him 'clicking' the pen open, "so who's on the guest list?" she asked.
Yosuke was still going through his papers, "well, obviously you, his friends from work, Yukimura, Yagyuu, Fay…"
"You know she won't come," Aya said with a grin. She placed her hands on her hips and mimicked Fay, "No, I'm busy, plus it will be too awkward…"
Yosuke chuckled while shaking his head. He leaned on his stool and looked at Aya devilishly, "You're her best friend, Aya, so convince her to come. It won't be fun if Fay and Genichirou are not there acting all awkward."
Aya looked at him with wide eyes, "My, my… You're evil."
He raised an eyebrow.
"I like how you think," she returned his gaze with a smile of her own.
Later that Night
"You're joking, right?" Fay said, placing two plates on their dining table. It was one of those rare evenings where both girls could actually find some time to cook and eat together.
Aya stirred the soup and shook her head, "I'm not kidding," she answered. "There is an invitation in my bag. I want you to come."
Fay mixed the salad with the dressing and looked at Aya who was busy with the soup. "Aya, you know me better than that, why the hell do you want me to go to Sanada's birthday? Do you want him to die of shock on his birthday?"
Aya chuckled as she placed the soup in a bowl. It smells wonderful, she thought inhaling the scent. "No, Fay, we don't want to kill him just yet. I want you there because it's about time you two meet, you can't ignore each other forever."
"Yes, we can," Fay said, checking on the pasta that was heating on the stove, "we've been good at it and we'll continue it."
"Fay…" Aya said disappointingly.
"Don't ruin this dinner, Aya," Fay interrupted. "We haven't sat down together in weeks, I don't want to argue with you," she said, sitting on the table. "Now sit, eat and tell me what's new with you."
Aya stirred her soup slowly. "All is good, I like my new job and I want us to move to the apartment I found," she said and looked up smiling at Fay.
Fay sighed swallowing. "You have too many demands Aya." She left her fork on the plate. "Anyway… I will agree to the new apartment," she said avoiding looking at Aya. "It is conveniently close to work."
Aya laughed. "I knew you liked it and you argued with me out of habit. I already signed the contract," she said and whipped her mouth with her napkin. "I even told Yosuke that you liked the apartment but you were too stuck up to admit it."
"Yosuke?" Fay asked looking curiously at her friend. She left her glass on the table and picked her fork. "I didn't know you and Yosuke where close?" she asked munching on her pasta.
"He is my boss!"
Fay chocked and glanced at Aya wide eyed. "What?" she asked shocked.
Aya laughed again. "He is my boss," she repeated between laughs.
"And I was going to know when exactly?" Fay inquired a bit annoyed. I can't believe she didn't tell me, she thought glaring at Aya. "No wonder you're so into throwing Sanada a birthday party. Mr Mischief is helping you," she mumbled getting up from her chair to bring a bottle of water.
"Not true. Anyway, I didn't tell you because you wouldn't have come to see the apartment if you knew that it was opposite Yosuke's. I know the way you think," Aya said pushing her plate away. I'm stuffed, she thought closing her eyes.
"Meh…" Fay grumbled pushing her own plate away. "I am still not going to the party whether you like it or not!" she crossed her hands and remained silent at Aya's complaints.
Aya sighed, leaning back into the chair disappointed. Well, I tried.
Two Days Later, Atobe Industry Corporation
"You look stressed, boss, why don't you go home?" Kirihara said, walking in Fay's office with a couple of files in his hands.
Fay looked up from her computer screen with a frown on her face. "Go home? So you can ditch work like every time I leave early?" she asked sarcastically and averted her gaze back on the screen where she was reading an email.
Kirihara actually turned red at his boss's comment but said nothing more. He left the files on her desk and waited for her to notice him.
Fay sighed, closing her emails and looked sideways to the young boy waiting patiently for her attention. "What do you want?" she asked bored.
"These files need a signature from you before I can send them to the economic department," he said looking around the room but Fay.
"No, you could have left the files here and go. What do you want?" she asked again turning her chair to face her young junior.
Kirihara swallowed and sat down opposite her crossing his arms. "I…"
"Spit it out, Akaya!" she snapped, getting impatient. Why am I so tense, she thought looking at the boy jump at the tone of her voice. I know why… stupid Aya!
"Are you good with buying gifts?' he asked sheepishly feeling bad about asking his boss that sort of question.
Fay looked at him in surprise, "Gifts?" she asked and laughed.
Kirihara nodded, rubbing his face a bit embarrassed, "what do you buy a senpai who is so successful and literally can buy whatever he wants?"
"Oh…" Fay said with a small smile, moving her hair behind her ear, "good question," she muttered. She pulled out a notepad and took a pen, "Let's jot some things down and see how to work it out, okay?" he actually made me relax.
"Okay."
"What does he do?"
"He's a lawyer."
"Okay," Fay said as she wrote down lawyer. "What else? Hobbies?" she thought out loud. "How old is he? She asked again trying to think what kind of gift a lawyer would like, I guess something practical for him to use…
"He likes tennis and occasional reading and he's 20-something…." He responded, "And…"
This sounds creepily familiar, Fay thought with a chuckle, "it's weird how you reminded me of someone who's so hard to get a gift for, but thankfully it's not Sanada or then we would really be in trouble."
"Sanada senpai?" Kirihara asked.
Oh man… Someone's mocking me.
At Yukimura's apartment
"Do you think I'm happy about this?" Niou snapped irritated, "stop scolding me! It was an accident." Damn Hiroshi, he thought as he glared at the two men who were sitting in front of him.
Yagyuu had gone by Niou's apartment to take him out to visit their old captain. "That woman was an accident since the day you met her, Masaharu," Yukimura remarked disapprovingly.
Yukimura and Yagyuu had arranged this meeting when they heard about Niou's accident and needed to talk to him about his current 'walking, talking disaster'. The later took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes, "even that ex of yours was better. I'll have to agree with Seiichi on this one, Masaharu," he said with a sigh.
Did they team up against me? Niou thought glaring from one to the other angrily, "I'm not a child, and will you people stop interfering in my life," he almost yelled his annoyance out but a silent glare from Yukimura made him lower his head.
"We will stop interfering when she stops hurting you," Yukimura said annoyed. "Who broke your hand? And frankly, your temper has been uncontrollable; you've been drinking twice as much as well."
Niou was about to snap but didn't dare in the presence of his former captain; he cursed his best friend mentally and was about to voice something out but Yagyuu interrupted.
"We care for your welfare Masaharu and we certainly don't want some weak, stupid woman to ruin you!" Yagyuu added injury to insult.
Niou stood up and glared at both of them, "don't you want me to be happy?!" he demanded, finally letting go of the buildup frustration inside.
Yukimura stood up and challenged him, "but are you happy, Masaharu?" he looked straight into Niou's eyes and waiting for his answer.
What am I doing? Niou argued inwardly. Am I fighting with my friends over someone I don't even like? "I don't know," he finally said pulling away from Yukimura's eyes. "I really don't know anything anymore." He sat back down and hung his head, resting his forehead on his free hand.
Yagyuu looked at Yukimura and the later returned it with a frown. "Masaharu…" he started but paused for his former captain to ask the question that both had wanted to ask for some time.
"Did you really love Fay that much that you're screwing your own life over her?"
Niou lifted his head and looked at both his friends wide-eyed.
Moving Day
"Why do you two have so much crap?!" Yosuke muttered, lifting a box.
Aya chuckled, "because we're girls," she said and pointed behind her, "well, Fay has more clothes than I do." She lifted a small box and placed it on a pile of other boxes that had the inscription 'Aya' on the side.
"I heard that," Fay said, walking out with a pile of purses. "You two sprung this on me so suddenly! Why did we even have to move?" she asked looking thru her purses, I really need to sort them out and keep what I need!
Yosuke hugged Aya, "its love! We'll be closer." He grinned.
Fay rolled her eyes and separated his arm from Aya, "Hands off my babe!" she claimed and pulled Aya to help her lift a box. Love… pfft, she thought secretly taking a glance at Yosuke. It will be pure torture living in the same building with him, she sighed in inwardly.
Yosuke laughed looking at both girls struggling with a huge box, and then went serious, "Is this the last of your things?" he asked whipping his forehead with his shirt.
"Yes," Fay answered, looking at Aya, "Aya?" who nodded in return. They both turned to look at Yosuke and found him with his shirt lifted showing off his well built body.
"Heeeyyy…" Fay called out, "pull down your shirt, no striping in this or the new house." She turned away from him and looked at Aya with a desperate lustful look.
Aya blushed and looked away. Oh Gosh… he is so sexy! She screamed inwardly and glanced to see Fay's reaction. She smiled at her friend and walked to the kitchen to avoid more embarrassment.
Yosuke let go of his shirt and looked at both girls. He chuckled rubbing the back of his head before he packed the last box and walked out, "Say your goodbye's then," he shouted.
Fay sighed looking around the empty by now apartment. I have so many memories in here, she thought and hugged Aya's arm who came back into the living room the moment she heard Yosuke leave, "Why are we moving? I love this place." She rested her head on her friend's shoulder.
"Think of it as a new start, babe. We both need it." Aya patted Fay's hair, "next will be an appearance change," she chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah…"
Four days Later – Girl's New Apartment
"By the way, I forgot to tell you that she said no to the birthday invitation last week, and not only that, but she refused that I even open the subject with her again," Aya said, crossing her arms in displeasure.
Yosuke grinned, "that bad, huh?"
"Don't make fun of me! I hate it when she gets like this," Aya snapped. "I don't like any negativity between us and apparently Sanada is still not something we can talk about."
"Why don't you leave Fay to me, I'm sure that she will come."
Aya raised an eyebrow suspiciously. She uncrossed her arms and studied the glinting twinkle in his eyes, he is up to something, I can tell the minute his eyes sparkle like that, "you probably know something that I don't," she said knowingly.
"Yep," he agreed, going over the rest of the guest list with her.
"Then why did you let me go through it when you already had something to make her come?!" she exclaimed annoyed.
Yosuke just grinned.
Aya knew that she was never going to get the answer out of him. Men! They always have to act all mysterious, she thought annoyed.
Atobe Industry Corporation, Fay's office
Fay looked up from her computer when she heard a knock on her door. Now what? She thought sighing. "If its Akaya or Yuuta you better not bother me!" she shouted in order to be heard through the closed door.
The door opened slightly and a head popped in. "So it is okay for me to visit?"
Fay looked up again and chuckled the moment her eyes saw the familiar face of Sanada's brother. "Yosuke," she said getting up from her desk, "what are you doing here?" she asked smiling, happy to see him.
Yosuke entered her office and closed the door behind him. "I came to see how my favorite girl is doing!" he grinned mischievously as he hugged her. "It's been a while since I last saw you neighbor."
Favorite girl? She thought walking back to her desk. I seriously hate the idea of him working with Aya! "So… I wonder why all the flattery?" she smiled evilly as she sat down in her chair and eyed the man across her.
Yosuke grinned and pulled out an envelope from his jacket's pocket. "It's about this." He left the white envelope addressed to her on the desk in front of her.
Fay looked at the envelope wryly, cheeky monkey… she had to pull him along in this; she thought drumming her fingers on the hard surface of the desk. Oh, how much I want to punch her! "I'm not interested." She pushed the envelope towards Yosuke.
"I never said you had a choice Fay!"
"Excuse me?" Fay asked not believing her ears.
Yosuke chuckled and pushed the envelope towards Fay again. "You're going to attend whether you like it or not!" he said amused at her reaction.
Fay huffed irate at his audacity. "I beg your pardon?" she asked again trying to think of something smarter to say. "You have no right to barge in my office and demand I attend a party I clearly don't what to go to." She pushed the envelope towards his side again.
"First, my dear, I didn't barge into your office, you let me in," he winked, "and second, I have every right to demand such a harmless task of you when obviously you're the reason of my brother's restlessness," he said pushing the envelope back to her once more.
I will kill her first and then kill him! She thought aggravated. "Yosuke, you know that I cannot possibly come to the party you and that monkey of a friend of mine, are planning." She leaned in her chair trying to think of a way to get out of that mess.
Yosuke looked at his watch. "I'd love to stay and chit-chat with you but I have a meeting with a client. So, I'll see you on Saturday at my place." He got up from his chair and straightened his attire. "I believe you know where it is," he laughed and left bidding Fay goodbye.
"Yosuke…" Fay called and ran after him. "Wait…"
Yosuke turned around. "What?" he asked with tease. "Forgot to kiss me goodbye?"
Fay actually glared at him. "You're an idiot Yosuke," she muttered. "All I wanted to say is that I won't come so don't wait for me." She turned around with grace after finishing her phrase and started walking back towards her office.
"If you don't come, I'll tell Genichirou about your affair with… Ahem… I believe you know who I'm talking about."
Fay froze and spun around to look at Yosuke wide eyed.
"Take care," he smiled innocently and walked away.
Fay blinked in disbelief and it took a minute for her shock to resolve. She rushed out after him, "YOSUKE!" Her voice thundered, shocking Kirihara and Yuuta in their seats. Even Yosuke froze in his steps. Fay walked towards him and grabbed his collar, "don't you dare walk away after making such a remark, how the hell did YOU find out?!" she demanded.
Yosuke grinned and held her wrists that were choking him, "You should know by now my dear that I'm spoilt and rather fond of onsens, especially the ones…" he leaned forward, "in Izu," he whispered in her ear.
Fay glared at him but the blush was unmistakable on her cheeks, "I hate you."
He laughed and pried her hands away, "not as much as I love you," he said, waving. "I'll see you on Saturday, neighbor." He winked.
Fay stood there fuming after he left.
A couple of days before Sanada's Surprise Birthday Party - At the girl's apartment
"He blackmailed you?!" Aya laughed as she plopped herself on Fay's bed. "I never thought that you would give way to blackmail," she said laughing hysterically.
"Shut up," Fay muttered, sitting on the bed with only a towel wrapped around her figure. I can't believe he would even know about that, she thought fuming at the memory of Yosuke's visit to her office. "Can you stop laughing now?" she demanded annoyed.
Aya grinned covering her face on the blanket that was on Fay's bed, way to go to the idiot, but I wonder with what he blackmailed her into going, "so what are you wearing for the party?" she asked excitedly sitting up next to her friend.
"A potato sack!" Fay snapped angrily, getting up and putting on a pair of jeans.
Aya pouted, "Well that can't do," she murmured, "You should get a sexy long dress so that he won't be able to keep his eyes off of you." She flopped on the bed again and hugged Fay's pillow.
Fay pulled the pillow away from Aya's clutching grasp and hit her with it. "Look, just leave!" she said annoyed, picking a top and put it on, "I'll find something, but I need to go buy a gift first! I'm extremely pissed off!"
"You want to get him a gift?!" Aya exclaimed, and then she grinned. It feels like High School all over again! She thought lying on the bed looking at Fay brushing her hair.
"It's a birthday party," Fay muttered, rolling her eyes, "You want me to go empty handed?" she said, picking up her purse.
"I'll come with you," Aya said joyfully jumping from Fay's bed.
"No, I'd rather you didn't," Fay said, walking out. I need to do this on my own, she thought. I haven't seen him in months! How the hell am I supposed to act normal?! And what the hell am I going to buy him?!
An hour later
I wonder what to get, Fay thought as she touched the silky lilac lacy lingerie. This is so… sexy! She pulled the hanger out and looked at the item in her hand. I must admit that it covers nothing but I like it… she smiled searching for the price tag, Lacy Flyaway babydoll… it sure flies away… and it costs… 5,162 Yen (48.00 Dollars).
Fay placed the lingerie in her shopping basket and looked around for something else. I might get something for Aya, she thought going through some items; it will be priceless to see her reaction! She stifled her laughter not wanting to be noticed by everyone around her.
Oh my Gosh! This is perfect… WOW! Aya would flip with something like this, she laughed aloud at the thought. She pulled the hanger and took a closer look at the lingerie she chose. I think I will keep this one for myself! Peek a boo Bra and V-string? Hehe… the name is so perfect for it!
Fay placed the item in her basket but then pulled it out again and checked the price. Did I see the price right? 3,230 Yen (30.00 Dollars)… WOW… cheaper than the lilac! She took a stroll down the pajama section and had a look for silk pajamas.
"May I help you?" a young girl asked with a bright smile.
Fay lifted her head and looked at the youth. "Umm… I'm just looking around. I don't know what I want though," she smiled back politely.
"What do you have in mind? I might be able to help you find what you're looking for!"
What to do, Fay contemplated on the girl's offer and sighed. "I was thinking of getting a pajama for a man," she said trying to look cool.
The girl smiled. "Friend, boyfriend or relative?" she asked walking past Fay motioning for her to follow.
"It's complicated."
"Well, in that case…" the girl stopped at the men's section. "If he is a friend then you could get him a cotton pajama with a funny theme, like this." She pulled a white top with green clovers on it and pants at the same green color of the clovers.
Fay looked at the pajama; Gosh… the color is awful… I can never imagine Genichirou wearing something like that! She shook her head. "No… I want something more subtle."
"Okay… I believe we can move on to the boyfriend pajamas," the youth smiled. "This is a bit expensive, designer sleepwear but it has a very sexy yet sophisticated look. It consists of a Modal/LYCRA long sleep crew and pants. It comes out in two colors, black and white." She pulled the pajama box from the pile and opened it for Fay to see the content.
Fay touched the fabric; it has a nice feel… I think the black one would look gorgeous on him… She left the basket on the floor and picked the shirt. "You mentioned its designer sleepwear. What brand?"
"Calvin Klein!"
CK? Well it will be expensive but I'm sure it will look good on him… Fay left the shirt in the box. Oh! Just get the damn thing and stop torturing yourself! "I will take it, but could you please tell me the cost?"
"Of course. One moment please," the youth looked at the price tags. "The cost is 8,112 Yen (75.50 Dollars)."
"Okay, I'll take it!" Fay followed the girl back to the counter. She handed her basket to the cashier and waited for the bill. Well, I did a good job coming here; she thought the moment she left the shop. I like the ribbons! She commented looking at the bags.
At the girl's new apartment
"Wow, this place was a mess a few days ago," Yosuke said, impressed. "I came to check if you're both settled in, but looks like you're fine." He chuckled and sat on the comfy couch in the living room.
"Well, Fay did most of the work," Aya admitted sitting across Yosuke who was looking around the room, "that's why she was pissed off about the move; I'm not exactly tidy…" she smiled sheepishly.
He chuckled crossing his legs and making himself more comfortable on the couch, "so where is my brother's princess?" he asked while Aya pored some juice in a glass for him.
Aya rolled her eyes at the comment, "She went to buy him a gift," she laughed, "sorry but I already had the juice here, I'm too lazy to get up!"
"No worries. Interesting… what kind of gift?" he asked and drank from his glass of orange juice.
Aya chuckled, "you're dying to set them up, no?" she lifted her feet on the armchair she was sitting. "As for the gift I have no idea what she will get him." She shrugged.
He rubbed his jaw, "is it that obvious?"
"Only to me." She winked.
Yosuke dropped his head to rest on the back of the couch and gazed at the pale pink ceiling. Pink? "Don't get me wrong, Aya-chan," he said cheerfully straitening himself. "I don't like to interfere in people's personal lives…"
"You could've fooled me," she muttered with a grin interrupting him.
Yosuke smiled a bit but then he cleared his throat, "as I said… I don't like to butt in, but when I see two people in love with each other and pretending not to care then I take matters into my own hands."
Aya nodded, "amen."
"So, are you going to help me?" he asked joyfully.
"Of course," she replied gleefully.
Yosuke laughed. "Aya, why did u guys paint the ceiling pink?" he asked yielding to his own curiosity.
Aya looked at him surprised at his bizarre inquiry but laughed shortly after. "Fay likes the color pink but she will deny it if you ask her!" she replied knowing that Yosuke would somehow, sometime, use that piece of information to make Fay do whatever he wanted.
Two days later - Birthday Day
"Will you marry me?"
Fay and Aya blinked. They both looked down and saw a rather young, yet creepy looking boy watching them. "Eh?" Fay said surprised.
Aya giggled, "Which one of us are you proposing to?" she asked.
The young boy pushed his glasses up and rubbed his jaw. "I was merely admiring your unique postures and confidence. I wanted to ensure that my proposal to you would not subdue it. It is rather interesting, for my calculations were actually erroneous. I was almost sure that this sad looking lady," he said, pointing at Fay, "would say yes. She looks uneasy and is rather…"
Sad looking? Fay thought annoyed.
Aya giggled.
"Yoshiro," Yukimura said, picking up the boy by his shirt from the back, "You're creeping the ladies out. We said we'll bring you if you don't make any calculations."
Aya chuckled.
Yukimura placed him aside and walked back to Aya and Fay, "Ladies, how are we tonight?" he asked bowing his head slightly in courtesy.
"Very good, thank you," Aya said cheerfully.
"Jolly," Fay muttered sarcastically.
Yukimura raised an eyebrow and then looked at Fay mischievously; "still ignoring Genichirou?" he asked taking Fay's hand and tucking it under his arm. "Excuse us Sawada-san," he said politely and walked away with Fay.
Fay followed Yukimura silently, trying to think of an excuse if he insisted for an answer to his question. That's why I didn't want to come here, she thought pouting. He is the one I fear the most.
Yukimura chuckled and stopped close to the buffet table. "I'm sorry, Fay-chan." He poured some red wine in a glass and some champagne in another. "Here," he gave Fay the glass of champagne.
"You really like to tease me," Fay mumbled, "You should go find a woman and stop bothering me."
"But, you're single, no?" he winked.
She took a sip from her champagne ignoring the comment. "By the way, where is Sanada?" she asked looking around at the full of people living room.
"I was wondering the same thing!"
Aya walked around looking at the people that had come to celebrate Sanada's birthday. She had spoken to Yagyuu and his fiancé earlier and was introduced to Yanagi Renji and his wife. What a weird kid they have, she thought amused looking at the poor kid sitting on a chair looking at around and then scribbling in a notebook.
"What a creepy kid," she muttered staring at the boy, until she felt an arm wrap around her shoulder and a man whispering in her ear. 'Who is creepy love?' she pulled away and looked at the man who was chuckling. "Haru!" she exclaimed glaring at him.
Niou laughed and pulled her for a hug as best he could with his hand in the cast held over his chest. "Where you talking about Yoshiro?" he asked placing a small kiss on her forehead.
"Yeah…" she nodded, hugging his waist as she averted her eyes to the boy. "What is he doing?" she inquired.
"He is collecting data!" said another man.
"Data?" Aya asked and looked towards the direction of the new voice she heard. "Who are you?" she asked again before anyone could answer her previous question.
Niou chuckled as Kirihara blushed looking away. "This is Kirihara Akaya; he was my junior in school." He removed his arm from around Aya, "I need to talk to someone babe, excuse me for a bit." He left before anyone present could say something.
Kirihara coughed. "Well that's Niou-sempai!" he said and looked at Aya sheepishly, "nice to meet you Sawada-san!" he said bowing politely.
"I know you…" she said point her finger at Kirihara. "You work at Fay's department!" she smiled and bowed to the younger man. "I didn't know that you were acquainted to Gen-chan or Haru!" she laughed.
"Yeah…" Kirihara smiled nervously rubbing the back of his head. "I was in the tennis team!" he said trying to hide his awkwardness.
Aya covered her mouth as she laughed but stopped a couple of minutes later. "Kirihara-kun I will see you around but now I have to go help Yosuke in the kitchen. Please excuse me."
Kirihara nodded and watched Aya's back as she walked away from where he was standing. I really… really like her! He thought still glancing over the way she left.
In the kitchen,
"Yosuke, when is Sanada arriving?" Yukimura asked him when he walked into the kitchen. He noticed that Aya was there as well, talking quietly to him.
"Oh, Aya knows," Yosuke responded, looking at her, "Aya?"
Aya blinked, "eh? Why are you looking at me? You said you were going to invite him!" she said, drying a glass with a towel.
Yosuke scratched his head and watched her amused, "so are you saying that you didn't invite him?" he asked almost at the verge of breaking down in laughter.
"And I'm obviously guessing that you didn't either?" Yukimura added dryly glancing from one to another.
Aya looked at Yosuke surprised, "Sanada Yosuke, are you telling me that Gen-chan is not even invited to his own surprise birthday party?!" she exclaimed in shock.
Yosuke looked at her trying hard to act serious and then sighed, "With all that we just said then I'm guessing no." he finally burst out laughing.
"Oh my Gosh!" she yelled.
Yukimura chuckled and put his hands on Aya's shoulders to calm her down, "don't dramatize or announce it yet, I know he has no plans tonight so I'll go and get him," he said calmly.
"But it's this idiot's job!" Aya pointed at Yosuke, awarding him with a death glare.
"Don't get me started," Yosuke said regaining his posture, "Seiichi, we would appreciate it if you could go and get him," he said and put his arm around Aya. "You… will get punished at work on Monday!" he teased pinching her nose.
"Done," he said, walking out so the two could finish arguing all they wanted.
At Sanada & Niou's apartment
"It's your birthday, why are you at your apartment?" Yukimura asked as Sanada let him in.
Sanada rubbed his temple and sat down, "I have a headache, a severe one," he admitted, leaning on the couch.
"You have turned yourself into a hermit," Yukimura said absentmindedly, "not that you never were!" he teased as he watched his best friend and felt a bit bad, because he really did look out of it, "I can't take you out for your birthday?"
Sanada smiled – forcefully, "thank you, Seiichi, but not tonight."
Yukimura stayed quiet for little while looking at his friend knowing that there was no messing with him tonight. If he was to bring Sanada with him and let him be surprised, then Sanada would kill him, I do not have a death wish on my list. It was moments like this that he knew he needed to be honest. "Genichirou, I'd love to let you stay at home and bore yourself to death, but I have to take you to Yosuke's apartment."
Sanada looked at him, "excuse me?"
Yukimura cleared his throat, "All your close friends are waiting for you there for your surprise birthday party tonight."
"You're kidding?" Sanada said, sitting up straight.
Yukimura sighed, "Genichirou, does any part of my face indicate to you that I'm joking?" he asked wryly.
Sanada groaned, rubbing his face wearily. "No… Please don't do this to me. Whose stupid idea was this?" I am so not in the mood for a party, let alone a lot of people.
Yukimura recognized the agony depicted on Sanada's face and tried to stifle a chuckle. "Apparently, it was your Aya-chan's idea?"
Sanada looked at him again surprised, "Aya? My ex-girlfriend Aya?" he asked doubting what he had just heard.
"Yup."
Sanada stood up, pacing around the room. "How did Aya know when my birthday is?" he muttered scratching the back of his head tiredly trying to make his brain function.
"Well, I assume it's because she's working with your brother now and they're living next door to each other," Yukimura answered, cheerfully.
Sanada stopped in his tracks, eh? He thought as his brain blanked out. He turned and looked at Yukimura blinking like an idiot.
Yukimura got up from were he sat and walked over to his confused friend; he patted his shoulder, "Go get dressed, Genichirou. Aya worked very hard with Yosuke to make this special for you so don't ruin it for them. She even made them get you presents. Everyone is going to be there, including the woman you've been avoiding for the past few months."
Sanada didn't say anything.
An Hour Later
[SURPRISE]
Sanada looked wide eyed and tried hard to act as surprised as possible. He nodded to everyone and thanked them at the same time as they shook his hands. When he reached Aya, she hugged him tightly. "He told you, didn't he?" she whispered in his ear.
Sanada just smiled slightly. "Thank you."
"You're me special huggable boy!" she giggled, "When I knew that it was your birthday, I had to do something to make you feel uncomfortable," she teased with a wink.
He smiled weakly and turned to the next person for him to greet. He stopped half way when he realized that it was Fay, "hey…" he said feeling the beat of his heart increasing with every second that ticked away. He saw her dressed cutely, but at the same time he realized that she looked tired.
Fay shook his hand as cold as she could act, "happy birthday, Sanada," she said looking at him and then averted her eyes.
"Thank you for coming," he said, rubbing his hair lightly. Why is she acting like we are strangers, he thought, his gaze settling upon her beautiful yet cold features. He was going to say more, but was interrupted…
"Where's the birthday boy?!" Junko exclaimed loudly, holding a glass of whiskey in her hand. She spotted Sanada and trotted over to him. Flinging one arm around his shoulder, "what do you wish for, birthday boy?" she asked seductively, pushing her breasts against his arm.
Yukimura glared at Niou and moved closer towards Junko in case Sanada needed help detaching her from him. How ridiculously lame this woman can be? He thought disgusted looking at the woman who was acting like a cheap whore.
Sanada pushed her away gently and tried to cough his embarrassment. He noticed that even Aya and Fay were raising their eyebrows at him. Great, he sighed inwardly, that's all I needed!
"Let's go sit somewhere Aya," Fay said feeling as disgusted as Yukimura looking at Junko. "I can't believe how low that man fell in order to go out with the likes of her." She commented as she made her way to the back of the room.
Aya stopped in her tracks upon hearing her friend's comment. "Hey," she shouted, making Fay turn around to look at her. "You better take that back," she glared at her friend. "Haru is my friend and it's your fault he got involved with the likes of her!" she accused knowingly.
Fay stood silent for a few minutes and then smiled. "I really can't believe that you would defend him so much maybe you should have dated him in the first place!" she turned around and continued towards the chair next to one of the tables.
Aya stared surprised at Fay's back and trudged behind her only to sit next to her. She placed her elbows on the table and rested her chin on her entwined fingers. She stared at the Sanada, Junko, Yukimura trio for a bit and then took a glance at Niou.
"May I sit with you?"
Fay and Aya both turned to the sound of a male voice. "Of course," Aya smiled but Fay turned her head without saying a word. She felt a surge of pain stinging her leg and glared at her friend. "Say 'hello' don't be such a wench," Aya whispered nodding towards Yagyuu and his fiancé.
"Hello," she smiled turning her attention towards Yagyuu's fiancé. "Please jo…" she started but was distracted by the scene playing in front of her.
"Aww, come on, are we shy?" Junko said, rubbing his arm sensually.
Sanada pushed her away none too gently, "I think we're fine," he said, walking towards Niou. "If you don't throw her out I will," he whispered in a dangerous tone of voice. Kirihara who was standing next to Niou actually shivered.
Junko sulked for less than a minute but then started to dance provocatively to the music that was playing in the background. Fay went to the kitchen before Junko started dancing and was sitting on a stool leaning her upper body over the counter.
"Why are you in the kitchen?" Aya asked Fay, walking towards her friend as she entered the kitchen.
Fay looked up and smiled, "I have a headache to be honest," she admitted, "and I'm trying not to show my discomfort around that woman. She is an annoying… ARGH."
"Bitch is the word," Aya muttered, "Disgusting how she threw herself at Gen-chan." She shook her head playing with Fay's hair. "You should see the way she is dancing now!"
"Meh," Fay muttered, leaning her chin on the cold hard surface of the counter.
Aya looked at her friend and felt there was more to Fay being here than Junko, "is it hard being around him?" she asked without hesitation.
Fay smiled, leaning her head towards Aya's fingers. "As much as I'd love to tell you 'no' and prove you wrong, I'm going to say yes, it's harder than I thought." She admitted sighing deeply. It's so hard to see him and not being able to touch him.
Aya wanted to say something, but stopped when Yukimura walked in, "can one of you please throw that woman out?! She's putting on a strip show."
Aya and Fay gasped. "Where's Haru?" Aya demanded, "Why is he not saying anything?" she asked walking to the door peeking out. "Oh my Gosh!" she exclaimed shocked.
Yukimura sighed, "He doesn't care. Look, I'd do it myself but I'll end up punching her and I don't hit women, plus, you're one of the hosts so do something." He looked at Fay and pulled her by the hand in order to follow him.
They all walked out of the kitchen and sat in their previous seats next to Yagyuu. "I can't even look at her," Aya said looking around trying to find Yoshiro. "I hope the little creepy kid isn't watching," she muttered.
"I will put an end to this charade," Yagyuu said, as he was about to from his chair; he stopped midway when he heard a loud thud and looked to his side.
Fay had slapped her hand on the table, glaring over at the scene that was unfolding itself in front of her eyes. "What the f*** does she think she is doing?" she hissed and got up from her chair. She walked over to Sanada who was shocked by Junko's audacity as she rubbed her behind on him.
When Fay reached them she grabbed Junko's arm and pulled her away from Sanada. She started walking towards the door and she threw Junko out of the apartment. She closed the door behind her and glared at the indecent woman. "What the hell are you trying to pull off here?" she demanded angrily.
"I'm only having fun dear," Junko responded amused as she combed her hair. "Isn't that what you're supposed to do at a party?" she asked eyeing Fay.
"Being or acting like a bitch isn't fun and you better watch the way you address me. I'm not your friend," Fay retorted to Junko's provocative attitude. "Why don't you go back to the hole you crawled out off and leave as alone."
Junko laughed and leaned on the wall facing Fay. "I believe the rumors I heard about you don't do you justice," she said crossing her arms. "My boy said you were feisty, but I always thought he was exaggerating."
Fay eyed her carefully, boy? Is she referring to Niou? She thought while trying to judge how to answer back, how insulting! "I guess it takes one to know one!" she said smiling smugly. "Two bitches in the same circle is always bad news, so you better back off!" she threatened narrowing her eyes.
"Well, I must admit that I'm very amused at the moment," she laughed, "but I have no intention to leave my boy." She straightened herself and looked Fay right in the eyes. "I can do anything I want with him, and you can't stop me. You lost that right the minute you dumped him!"
Fay shifted her weight from one leg to the other to better look at the woman who was so smugly toying with her. "I do not care about Niou anymore but because he is my best friend's friend, I advise you to get out of his life or else there will be consequences." She threatened calmly with a smile gracing her lips.
Junko actually took a step back. "As long as I stay away from your new boy you have no right to intervene in my life," she said referring to Sanada.
"You don't get it do you?" Fay said walking towards the door. She knocked and Aya opened. "Sweetie, fetch me her stuff." She said to her best friend. She waited until Aya returned and took Junko's jacket and purse from her friend's hands. "Here," she said throwing everything she held at its owner. "Better leave before I re-arrange your ugly face. No one threatens me or dictates to me what I will do or say."
Junko picked her stuff and looked at Fay stuned.
"I don't care what Niou thinks of me but I will never let a bitch like get her filthy hands all over him. The ONLY bitch that has the RIGHT to be around him is ME." She smiled coldly walking towards Junko. "Did I make myself clear, my dear?" she said sarcastically.
Junko said nothing; she just turned around and left, walking to the elevator.
Fay laughed and touched her cheeks that were on flames. That felt really good, she thought trying to fight the heat she was feeling before she entered Yosuke's apartment. I really miss my bitchy personality! She smiled walking to the door.
"Can I presume you're my bitch to?"
Fay froze with her hand almost touching the surface of the door as she was ready to knock. What the…? She turned around and saw Yukimura smiling mischievously. "You have a knack for being in wrong place at the wrong time," she sighed slumping feeling the weight of his gaze on her back.
Yukimura chuckled. "I'm fan of cat-fights but I do enjoy watching my bitch winning conversation-fights just as well." He laughed and leaned against the doorframe.
"Seiichi, if you weren't a good friend of everyone I would hit you so hard you'd definitely forget your name." she knocked on the door and waited for someone to open. "Where the hell were you anyway?" she asked.
"I went to get something from my car," he said with a smile that made Fay shiver. "As for the beating, I wouldn't mind being spanked once in a while from my bitch." He winked and entered the apartment as the door opened before he finished his sentence.
As the party progressed Fay and Aya mingled with the people invited. Aya danced with Akaya and Niou most of the night, while Fay had a very interesting conversation with Yagyuu's fiancé. Time had flown away and thus only a few people had remained at Yosuke's apartment.
"Okay… since it's only us who are left…" Yosuke said filling his glass with some more wine. "I think Genichirou should open his presents."
The people present clapped their hands in approval so Yosuke brought the gifts in the living room.
"Do we have to do this?" Sanada asked feeling embarrassed that he had to open his gifts in the presence of other especially his brother's. I'm so screwed if I get anything weird, he sighed inwardly.
Yosuke came back after a few minutes with five gift-bags in his hand. "Okay… I only brought our gifts!" he placed the bags in front of his younger brother with a grinned. "Here you go Gen-chan…" he winked and passed him a black bag with red ribbon on it. "I believe this is Fay's!"
Fay looked over at Sanada and smiled before quickly looking away.
"I wonder what you got him!" Yukimura whispered teasingly.
Fay chuckled and whispered back. "Just a pair of pj's!" she took a sip from her drink not looking at Sanada opening his gift.
"Hmm… I like how you call that pj's Fay!" Yukimura tried hard not to laugh but couldn't help it.
"What…? They are perfectly nooooooooooooo…" Fay froze. "Oh my Gosh!" she whispered with her eyes wide while she stared at Sanada holding out the slutty lingerie that she had bought. Now is a good time for the earth to swallow me!
Sanada was holding the hanger with the lingerie on it staring shocked at the item. He could feel his cheeks heat up realizing he was blushing. I… I… Wha… his mind couldn't even process any thoughts.
Everyone in the room was shocked except for Yosuke and Yukimura, who were laughing their heads off. "I must admit that…" Niou whispered in Aya's ear but stopped when he couldn't find the words to continue.
Aya turned and looked at Fay. "Fay?"
"Well…" Fay began getting up from the couch she was sitting. "…I believe I mixed the gifts up," she laughed nervously. "You see…" she walked closer to Sanada who was still staring at the lingerie. "…I got this for Aya!"
"WHAT?" Aya screeched.
"So…" Fay completely ignored Aya's outburst and took the lingerie from Sanada's hand. "I will give this to its owner and go get you your gift…" she smiled and threw the hanger at Aya. "Okay?" she nodded without waiting for a response and left the room hurriedly. That did not happen!?
Aya jolted from her seat and run after Fay. "Wait a minute…" she entered their apartment behind her friend and followed her to her room. "What the hell is this? Some sick joke?" Aya asked still shocked about everything.
Fay turned around and looked at her friend with an apologetic look on her face. "No… it was supposed to be funny," she explained quickly. "I wanted to shock you by buying something really slutty that you would never wear only to see the expression on your face," she laughed nervously.
"I don't believe you Mishima Fay…" Aya shouted furious. "You embarrassed me in front of everyone."
"I am sorry…" Fay said and picked the black bag with the pink ribbon. "How was I supposed to know they would put a pink ribbon for a guy!" she defended herself. "Besides…" she started laughing. "Did you see Genichirou's expression? I think he was blushing!"
Aya laughed too at that throwing the lingerie on Fay's bed. "I guess that was priceless no?" she hugged Fay still laughing. "I will kill you if anything like that crosses your mind again." She pulled away and dried her tears. "Now… let's go back and give Gen-chan your gift!"
They returned to the room and found Yosuke grinning. "If the previous gift was for Aya, then is this lace flyaway babydoll, Genichirou's?"
Fay froze in her place while Aya grinned.
Sanada went even redder while everyone else burst out laughing.
Fay snatched it from Yosuke's hands, "Give me that," she snapped, stuffing it in the bag. "These are…" she started, then stopped when she was about to say 'mine'. 'Never mind," she muttered. "Sanada, this is yours," she said, placing the right bag in front of him. "I'm sorry for all this."
Sanada looked at the bag, I'm almost afraid to open it.
"So who is the babydoll for?" Yosuke asked curiously.
"YOSUKE!" Fay and Aya snapped.
He chuckled and went to pour another drink.
Aya sat next to Sanada and grinned, "Don't worry, we made sure that it's the right gift," she teased.
Sanada's blush had finally subdued, he opened it and pulled out the pajamas. He looked them over and noticed the brand. He was actually impressed, "they look very comfortable," he remarked.
"Damn, you got him a CK PJ?" Aya whispered.
Yukimura coughed.
Fay glared at him.
Sanada looked at her and smiled, "Thank you, Fay."
"You're welcome," she said with a smile. In a few seconds, she looked away, feeling her heart skip a beat. She excused herself and went to the kitchen to get a glass of water.
Niou plopped on the couch next to Aya and exhaled tiredly. I am exhausted… he thought rubbing his face with his free hand. He looked to his left and smiled. "You're at a party, should you be reading a magazine?" he asked picking a packet of cigarettes from the table.
Aya flipped another page boringly. "I am tired and bored at the moment, besides no one is around," she said lifting her eyes from the magazine to Niou who was fighting to light a cigarette. "What are you doing?"
"What does it look like?" he replied with cigarette in his mouth. "I'm trying to light the damn thing." The cigarette fell from his mouth and he swore loudly.
"Hey, watch your manners when you're in the company of a woman." Aya scolded half seriously. "Stop it Haru," she said taking the cigarette away from him. "It's not good for your health."
Niou laughed with Aya's last sentence. "That is not the only thing bad for my health Aya!" he winked. "I'm tired!" he whispered and leaned his body to lie on the couch. I'm emotionally drained; he thought as he rested his head on Aya's lap.
Aya closed the magazine and placed it on the side table next to the couch they were sitting. "Haru, why do you date her?" she asked caressing his soft hair with her fingers.
"Because she doesn't care," he answered with his eyes closed. He folded his hands on his chest as best he could and enjoyed the feel of Aya's fingers through his hair.
"Eh?" she said, stopping.
"Don't stop," he whispered and then opened his eyes to look into her green ones. "It's easier for me to date someone who doesn't care. I can't be bothered with emotional and useless drama anymore. Junko is a selfish woman who only cares about herself."
Aya frowned upon hearing his reason, "and what do you get out of this relationship Haru? Sexual satisfaction?" she asked feeling a bit disappointed. "I thought you were better than other men."
"Hey," he started by stopped when he realized he had nothing smart to retort unlike his usual behavior. "I'm just tired of always hoping and getting nothing in return," he muttered closing his eyes.
"I know how you feel," Aya whispered softly averting her eyes towards the kitchen. "Anyway, you should just dump her!" she pulled her tongue out to lighten up the conversation.
Niou smiled and took a peek at Aya who was once again distracted. "Have you found someone to replace Genichirou?" he asked making her turn her focus on him. "Not answering my question?" he teased.
Aya's stomach filled with butterflies the moment she saw that teasing grin on Niou's face and a small blush made its way on her cheeks. "Umm… No, I haven't! I wasn't looking to be honest," she said with a smile to hide her nervousness. What's going on? Why am I feeling so flustered all of a sudden? She thought still caressing his hair.
"You really don't need to look around Aya… I'm sure there are tons of men who would throw themselves at your feet!" Niou said as his grin grew. "I know one person who is heads over heels for you!"
"Bullocks Haru! I don't believe you and this is something I don't want to discuss with you!" Aya said as her blush deepened.
Niou looked a bit startled by her reaction but said nothing; instead he looked carefully at her as she was looking away from him. Hmm… I wonder if… he thought lifting his hand to touch her cheek with his finger.
Aya jumped at the feel of his finger on her skin and looked at him surprised. "Wha… what do you want now Haru?" she asked looking down at him.
"Are you drunk?" Niou asked ignoring what Aya had asked. "I thought you didn't drink Aya-chan," he smiled and traced a line from her cheek to her nose with the tip off his finger. "The redness of your face makes you even cuter…" he stopped and looked straight into her eyes.
SILENCE
Niou jolted from where he laid and Aya looked away. That's new… he thought feeling his heart thumping in his chest. Am I…? Nooooo… he thought rubbing his hair as he stood up from the couch. He turned and looked at Aya who was looking away still blushing furiously. Nooooo… It's just my Aya-chan… I was emotional, that's all…
I feel so awkward being around him, Fay thought as she sat by the glass door in the kitchen gazing outside at the scenery that was displaying in front her. What a nice view… she opened the door slowly and walked outside to the large balcony. "Beautiful view," she muttered placing her hands on the iron railing.
"I agree."
Fay froze when she heard the deep voice of the man she was thinking about a few moments ago. She turned around hesitantly and looked at the man who was leaning against the doorframe watching her. "Sanada," she said softly with a small smile making its way on her lips.
"Why are you here, alone?" Sanada asked placing his hands in the pockets of his pants.
Fay looked away and returned her gaze to the city that was glowing with the evening lights of the streets and shops. "I just needed some air," she replied, "what are you doing out here Sanada?" she asked in return without looking at him.
Sanada straightened himself and walked up to Fay. He stood close to her gazing at the vast colors of the city. "I missed you," he said calmly.
"That really wasn't the answer I was expecting," Fay commented feeling her cheeks heat up.
Sanada turned and looked at Fay. She is so beautiful… he thought lifting one hand and touched her hair lightly. "I can't pretend not to love you Fay," he whispered leaning closer to her ear, "because I do!" he placed his hand on the back of her neck and turned her head around so he could look at her face.
Fay trembled feeling his fingers play with her hair. No… Don't say these words, she thought tensing at the familiar closeness she had missed so much. "Sana…" she felt her head turn not by its own volition.
Sanada leaned closer to Fay lifting her head a bit. I want to feel… he thought closing his eyes when his lips touched hers in a very tender kiss.
Fay let Sanada touch her lips. She didn't want to move away. She wanted to feel the contact, to savor this moment. She leaned into his body and raised her hand to cup his jaw just beneath the cheek. She let her hand trail to the back of his head and pulled him into the kiss they shared. She felt her body being pulled closer to his, as butterflies danced wildly in the pit of her stomach.
Sanada's heartbeat was increasing rapidly; he opened his eyes to look at her and circled one hand around her waist pulling her closer to him. With his other hand he placed Fay's head in his arms.
Oh… This is not happening… Fay pulled away from Sanada blushing as she felt the beat of heart increase drumming a very familiar tune; the "love tune" as Aya liked to call it. "Don't…" she uttered, "don't do this… we agreed not to…" she started but was cut off.
"We did not agree Fay; you demanded I leave you alone." Sanada took a step closer as she took a step backwards. "Listen to me…"
Fay shook her head. "No, Genichirou… it wasn't meant to be…" she crossed her arms looking away. It wasn't meant to be… right?
Sanada scratched the back of his head in frustration. "I seriously don't see any reason why you would think that it wasn't meant to be?" he asked trying to understand what she was thinking. "I really can't understand why you're hesitating? You always kiss me back," he continued calmly.
"I'm not hesitating…" she replied looking at him straight in the eyes. "I decided long ago that nothing will ever happen between us in atonement for what I did to my best friend," she said passionately. "I'm sorry that it didn't work out but that's just how it is. And… If I kissed you back now… It's because… I don't know…"
"Are you serious?" he asked shocked upon hearing her lame excuse. "Are you even listening to yourself?" He shook his head and rubbed his hair trying to ease the building anger rising inside him. "God damn it Fay, I love you, what else to do you want from me to prove to you that I'm being honest?"
Fay shook her head saying nothing.
Sanada stuffed his hands in his pockets trying to keep his cool and not strangle her. "I'm seriously starting to believe that you used my feelings as an excuse to breakup with Masaharu."
WHAT? Fay's head jolted up in shock. "What did you say?" she asked still shocked.
"I'm sorry but I can't find any other possible explanation for your rejection," he replied with a serious tone in his voice. "I will leave you to your thoughts," he turned to leave, "but remember this Fay, this was my last attempt to convey my feelings to you… if you really love me …" he paused for a second, "then you will have to take the step forward next time." He walked away without saying another word.