AN: Aaaaand as they say, "Strike while the iron is hot!" Three more chapters to go before the finale! Yay! I was supposed to write only up to the 15th chapter but this one would go over 7k words if I don't cut it. Holy moly. Anyway, fingers crossed I get everything done before this fic's anniversary. It's my holiday gift to y'all. Enjoy! =)

CHAPTER 13: REALITY

"Kampai!" Mashima hollered happily as he raised his bottle. It was the day of the National High-School Karuta Championship, and as expected, the Mizusawa High School Karuta team bagged the most coveted title of being the best High School Karuta Club in Japan.

"Kampai!" the team hollered back, as Chihaya wailed in joy beside him. They were in a small restaurant near Omi Jingu, but it became even smaller with all of them in it. Taichi wasn't supposed to accompany them, but because he was bullied into it by the team and Chihaya, he had no choice but to go.

"Minna, I'm so proud of you!" Chihaya wailed once more, her tears and snot overflowing in her face.

Sooooo not pretty. Taichi thought glumly. He had to give her credit though, if it wasn't for Chihaya's continuous (harassment) motivation, they would never have made it. Fujisaki played them for the finals, and it was a tough game. Their opponents were trained not just mentally but physically by a mentor even crazier than Chihaya, and Sakurazawa-sensei really chose her players well. It all boiled down to skills and focus, of which Chihaya and Taichi made sure their players had before their game.

"Great job guys!" Taichi cheered, as he clapped Arizawa on his shoulder. The boy was a first year, but he saw that he had incredible potential when he defeated a Class B player during the first game.

"Arigato, sensei!" The boy smiled proudly.

"The fight's not yet over, guys." Chihaya hollered, as she addressed the team with a serious expression on her face. It wasn't the first time Taichi saw Chihaya like this. He'd seen her like this when they were on their first genpai match at 12, when they first entered the Inter-High Championships with only 3 players who knew the game well, and when they first entered Omi Jingu as the rookies. It was funny how fired up she was in winning games even after more than a decade of playing Karuta. Taichi smiled.

"Those who want to advance their ranks must do their best to score at least 2nd place for those vying for Class B – D, and a first place for those who want to get in Class A. I expect all of you to exhaust every energy, skill, and heart that you have to win all your games. Is that understood?" Chihaya asked, as her team gave her a resounding "Hai!"

"It's a good thing Mashima-sensei was here with us. Hooray for Mashima-sensei!" Sakura, a red-haired sophomore ranked Class B piped as she hugged his arm. And just like that, the girls in the club began fighting over who gets to touch Taichi. Chihaya looked on in amusement as dark clouds loomed over the boys of the club.

"But really, Ayase-sensei and Mashima-sensei make a really good match! Don't you guys think so?" Sakura, the sophomore who reminded Taichi of Komano, piped up. All eyes then locked in on the two who were blushing like a tomato.

"If only she's not with Meijin Wataya-sama… tsk tsk" Eika commented. Chihaya stiffened. It was a good thing Taichi was quick on his feet.

"Oi. Stop it you guys. We'll go back in a few minutes, finish your feast so we can rest for the night." Taichi instructed as the team went back to partying. Taichi looked worriedly at Chihaya who caught his eye. She smiled timidly at him, and he knew he was only staring back at a mask.

After an hour or so, the team finally decided to go back to their inn. Chihaya and Taichi stayed at the park near the shrine to watch the stars.

"You did a great job sensei." Taichi mocked, as he settled on a seat.

"So did you, sensei." She mocked back.

"Well, my internship ends tomorrow I believe. You sure you're ok?" Taichi asked worriedly. It had only been a month since the cheating fiasco, and he knew that heartbreaks don't really fade so soon.

"Yea. I can't leave them for long. There's still so much to do." Chihaya said, as her thoughts drifted to her team. Almost half of them will be graduating next year, and she knew she had to focus on the ones who'll be left behind if she wants them to retain their title.

She leaned her head on Taichi's shoulder as the silence stretched on, both of them lost in their own thoughts. Taichi in turn, laced his fingers with hers as they watched the stars. This has become their habit now. He couldn't tell how it started, but even though he knew it wasn't normal for them as friends, he could care less.

"When do you plan to tell them?" He asked again, wondering how the team would react if they knew Arata cheated on her. She wouldn't be able to keep it for long, he knew, them being the top Karuta players in Japan and all. Not to mention that Chihaya isn't really just a queen but a celebrity.

"That's a personal matter Taichi. Besides, I don't really want them to worry about me." She replied, not taking her eyes off the beautiful scenery in front of them. Silence passed between them before Chihaya spoke again.

"I can't believe it's been 8 years since our last High-School match. Time really flies, doesn't it?" she reminisced. More than 8 years ago, they were here, fighting for a chance to be recognized as the greatest High-School Karuta Club in Japan. And even though they didn't win it the first time, their second and last year was the sweetest, most memorable experience they ever had.

"Yeah. Though you're still the same as ever." Taichi replied, laughing, as he remembered Chihaya from back then.

"Same what?" she asked with a glare in her eye.

"Same stuck-up and greedy airhead of a -." He taunted, but wasn't able to continue because of a strong smack on his head.

"You violent witch.." Taichi glared, as she stood up to stretch. She'd lost a few pounds, but she was still as gorgeous as ever.

Just don't let her talk. The Empress used to say.

Everyone's eyes were on her when she entered Omi Jingu that morning donned in her kimono. And even when she was devoid of her make-up now that they're retiring for the night, she still looked pristine.

"Taichi…" Chihaya suddenly called, breaking Taichi out of his trance.

"Na-nani?" he coughed up a reply, trying to hide his embarrassment.

"Thank you." She smiled, as she turned towards him. He could tell that even when she's not entirely okay, she was back to her old self.

"Your welcome." He smiled back. Chihaya went to stand in front of him, and to his surprise, she reached down his face with both of her hands.

"We wouldn't have made it without you." She said, as she caressed his face. A blush crept up his face as he felt her warm hands on his cheek.

"You guys would have made it fine. " He replied, as he squeezed one of her hands. He had always known that as long as there are people willing to learn Karuta, she'll never give up on it.

"I won't. It was hard… Picking myself up from that. If it weren't for you and them, I may not have gone back." She said truthfully, her eyes glazed. He sighed.

"Come here." He said, as he stood up to envelop her in his embrace.

"I will always be here for you. And even if I'm not around, as long as you have Karuta, you will be fine." He said tenderly, as his hand stroked her hair. She remembered her mom saying the same thing to her, but it was different hearing it from Taichi. It was now Chihaya's turn to blush.

There were moments like this when she hated herself for being blind to everything but Karuta. She had always been indebted to Taichi, and she knew that she will never be able to repay all the good things he has done for her. She couldn't help but wonder what would happen if she had chosen him instead of Arata 3 years ago…

"Okay. That's enough for a night. Good night sensei." Chihaya said in haste, as she broke off from his embrace.

"Right. You too, sensei." He replied softly as he watched her retreating back.

"Is everyone here already?" Chihaya asked as she gathered her team in front of the Omi Jingu Center. It was only 6 o' clock in the morning.

"Where's Mashima-sensei?" Sakura asked as she looked around. Chihaya sighed. She'd been calling him this morning but he never answered any of her calls. He had always been punctual, she wondered if he overslept.

"He'll be here any moment now, " Chihaya answered tentatively, wondering where the hell he was.

"I'm here." Taichi replied, as she strode towards them with a raven-haired woman. Chihaya stared in surprise.

"Sorry I'm late. You guys ready?" He said, as he beamed at them. The team answered energetically though the girls in the team weren't as enthusiastic. Chihaya could tell Taichi was avoiding eye contact, so she turned towards Satoko instead while he talked to the team.

"Hirashi-san, it's great to see you." Chihaya greeted stiffly. She'd met the woman at Kanade's wedding, and even though she was jovial, there was something about her that she didn't like. Sure, she was beautiful, a typical Japanese beauty but with the body of a deity. But there was something about her that made Chihaya tick.

That or she was jealous because she was reminded that her best friend is no longer exclusive to her.

"Great to see you too, Chihaya-chan. I just came in to surprise Taichi. He'd been busy the past few weeks, I barely get to see him." She replied. Chihaya felt a sudden dose of guilt, as she remembered all the times they were together. She had wondered if Satoko knew that she was with him almost all the time during and after practices, but it seemed like the woman had a vague idea what Taichi's been up to.

"Oh. He's been helping out with the Dojo and with our High School Karuta Team. It's great you're here though, you'll get to see our team play in the Nationals." She explained hastily, as Taichi lead the team inside the hall.

"Well I'm not really a Karuta person. It's too toilsome for me. I honestly just came here for Taichi." She said cheerfully, not noticing the annoyance that registered in some of the people who heard her.

"Ah. Haha. Well, the games may take a while. You can probably tour the Shrine if you find the match boring." She replied, as she feigned annoyance.

"Oh, I might. The scenery is gorgeous! I might take a few photos to add in my portfolio. Did Taichi ever tell you I loved photography? Oh and…" Satoko chattered, as Chihaya listened painstakingly. She breathed a small sigh of relief when Taichi finished debriefing the team.

"What are you guys talking about?" Taichi asked as he went towards them. Their team had already gone to their respective matches.

"Oh, it's nothing really babe. I hope we can go home soon though. We have a meeting with Shiori, remember?" Satoko whined, as she glanced at her watch for effect. She somehow reminded Chihaya of Taichi's mom, and every minute she stays in her presence had a stifling effect on her.

"Satoko, that's tomorrow. If you don't have the patience to wait you could have just gone home." Taichi countered.

"I knooow. But I don't want to look sleep-deprived in front of her if we go home late tonight." She whined, as she put her arms around Taichi's neck. Chihaya could sense a vein popping out of her head. Taichi sighed.

"I can't promise that we'll be leaving early," Taichi argued, and Chihaya secretly rejoiced.

"Fine. Just go with me for an hour to tour the Shrine. Pleasee?" Satoko pouted, and at this point, Chihaya wanted to tear her hair. Taichi sighed.

"Fine. I'll be gone for a while Chihaya," Taichi replied in surrender.

"It's okay, take your time. Enjoy your stay Satoko-chan." Chihaya smiled forcibly as the couple exited the hall.

They were on their 3rd match that day, and most of Mizusawa's Karuta players were still in the race. Eika could feel the pressure on her shoulders. She was one of Mizusawa Karuta Club's Class A students, but even if she was so, her turf wasn't easy. There were a lot of formidable opponents in the Class A match, a lot of which came from either Hokuo or Fujisaki; but even those that had no teams were putting up a decent fight.

She could tell that something was wrong with their adviser, though. Chihaya had been spacing out a lot and she wasn't smiling ever since the games began this morning. She couldn't find Taichi anywhere either.

Maybe because he left? With that girl? She thought to herself, as she ate her lunch with Sakura. Chihaya had been giving instructions to some of the members who were scouting when Taichi arrived with the raven-haired woman. Eika then saw Chihaya's change of expression.

So she likes him? But she's engaged to Wataya-san, isn't she? Eika wondered, as she observed her sensei.

"Psst. Eika-chan!" Sakura hissed at her.

"What?" She replied quietly.

"Did you know that they broke up?" She asked.

"Who?"

"Meijin-sama and Chihaya-sensei!" Sakura answered with a distraught look.

"What?! How did you know?" Eika probed suspiciously.

"I saw Wataya-sama with another woman earlier. I heard them talking to the advisers. He was handing out wedding invitations! I think she was the former queen. She looked like she was pregnant!" She divulged, as they saw Chihaya exiting the hall hurriedly with Taichi on her tail.

"So that's why she's been looking so sullen since this morning." Eika-chan observed. But even though it might have been the obvious reason, she felt something was amiss.

"Poor sensei…" Sakura sighed sadly, as she stood up from her seat to tell their teammates.

"Chihaya!" Taichi called out, holding her arm when he finally caught up with her at the nearby park. He just came back from their mini-excursion, and lo and behold; who would surprise him more than the appearance of Arata, with the pregnant Shinobu in tow. Shinobu was looking plumper than ever; and though he refused to talk to Arata when the latter approached him, he stared accusingly at Shinobu as she shied away guiltily from his gaze. He had heard from Sakurazawa-sensei what they came there for, making his blood boil.

He hurriedly went to find Chihaya at the mess hall, just as she was leaving.

"I'm okay Taichi. I'm just… a little suffocated." Chihaya said wearily, as she snatched the arm he was holding.

She had seen them alright, her ex-boyfriend with her ex-rival, now known as her ex-friend.

As if seeing that wench sidling up to Taichi wasn't enough. She thought bitterly as she remembered Satoko and Taichi. She was already pissed that morning for some reason, but what she didn't expect was the appearance of her ex with her soon-to-be bride. A flashback of their meeting crept up to her consciousness.

"Chihaya… I.." Shinobu started, as Chihaya stood frozen in her spot at the lounge from which she was about to make a phone call to Taichi. She had seen them approaching, and though she didn't want to see them, she knew she couldn't avoid them forever.

"Don't apologize. Please. I'm not in a state where I could forgive you for what you did. And you're in no state to feel remorse." She interrupted coldly, as she turned her back from them.

She could hear the whispers as she went back to the mess hall. Most of them were wondering, but what she hated was the pity they took on her. She was about to leave again when she saw Taichi with Satoko at the corner of her eye.

/This day couldn't get any better, huh?/ She thought despondently, as her tears threatened to fall, prompting her to turn back to where she came.

"You can go back to the inn if you want. I'll take care of the team." Taichi suggested, bringing Chihaya back to the present.

"It's alright. I'll be back. I just need some air." She smiled forcibly, though she knew Taichi never bought her façade.

"Are you sure?" He asked, as he reached out to touch her face. To his surprise, she turned her back to avoid his touch. Kami-sama knew how much she wanted to touch him right now, but she knew that'd only leave her wanting for more.

"I'll be fine. Just go. Satoko-chan might get worried." She pleaded, as she felt pangs of jealousy.

"Okay, I'll wait for you at the Center, alright?" He said finally as he hugged her from behind. They stayed like that for a moment, and with a final squeeze, he left her alone. She could still smell his perfume and she suddenly wished he hadn't left so soon.

She couldn't understand why she was feeling that way. Here she was, faced with an ex who cheated on her with a friend, and all she could think of was her friend's hug, who had a fiancée.

Why did it have to be like this? She thought miserably as the tears she'd been welling up broke like a dam.

AN: Not the greatest cliff-hanger there, though as I've said, it's half of a whole. Gomen-ne if it felt incomplete. The next one will be up soon, I promise =) Please review! Your reviews mean a whole lot to me. =) See you at the next chap! =)