AN: Happy Early Christmas to ALL and I say this while listening to Desiigner's "Timmy Turner" because that's my holiday dose of happy!
I'm not 100% on the turnout of this chapter, but Imma be busy for a while this time of year so I hope you still enjoy!
Chapter 16: Quite Luxurious You Are
Okay so…
My home, back in LA. Admittedly it's quite expensive. Both my parents work high wage jobs, you already know.
But it's no luxurious mansion with acres of land cut off from society. On one hand, why wealthy people (such as celebs) do this is understandable. It's much safer, you know from fans and many threats, such as buglers, deranged fans, and anti-fans. No normie puts up what they go through.
Other wealthy people do it simply because they can and they have the money for it.
My dad's band, Raining in Space, is a pretty popular group within their music genre. But they're not mainstream (Pop will always dominate), which is actually an upside the way my dad sees it. He loves fame, but not when it jeopardizes his family from living normal lives.
So, from the day I was born, l lived in the suburbs among the upper-middle class, went to public schools (my mom wanted me to go private, but thankfully my dad also didn't believe in strict policies and uniforms to get an education) and mostly relied on public transport to get around.
I can count a few times where I've experienced the rich and lavish life. Example, when Tia and I graduated middle school. My dad booked an entire arcade place to ourselves and told us not to worry about wasting money on him for more tokens. Best graduation ever.
One of my birthdays involved VIP tickets to live shows and meeting my favorite stars back stage. I nearly pissed myself when I got to shake Heather Bon-Gracie's hand and talk with her a bit. It was cool learning she too got inspiration from her dad in learning the guitar.
There was this one time where my mother's parents hired an A-list dance instructor for me while visiting them for the month in London. This was way before I had any interest in dancing and at the time, I didn't fully understand their obscure disapproval of my dad and his influence he built on me. When private lessons turned into pushing me into a ballet school, their excuse being I should get exposed to more 'tasteful' art and music… let's just say I make effort to avoid visiting them again.
And though I was provided with everything I needed and anything I could ask for, I was never brought up spoiled. My parents could have spoiled me, but my grandmother shackled them and always berated me on the importance of responsible spending.
She even went as far as to have me go on volunteer work with her, like she'd done with her sons back when she had raised them. Obviously I didn't like it at the time, but I doubt I would have become a selfless person had I not had the experience of witnessing those who live with little to nothing to their name.
So, point is, though my family is wealthy and rich, I lived life as a normal kid. And also, now you have a better understanding as to why I absolutely despise being called a spoiled rich kid though I easily could've been.
Needless to say, my life could have been similar to Masami's. And BOY are her parents stacked.
I'm talking a big ass mansion; a front yard with a fucking fountain behind high security gates. It felt like we were miles out of town to accommodate the acres of land probably owned by this place!
Sorry. Correction, acres of land filled with horses. White, black, and cream colored stallions that sped beside us between a wooden fence as the chauffeur drove us through the open gates, around the massive yard and to the just as massive elegant steps of Masami's home. Very western, with accents that made me think we were in Europe.
If our mouths were agape at the exterior design, we were fucking floored once we were escorted inside. As I was expecting from the Europe-esque exterior, the foyer had a classical take. The soft browns and whites that decorated the walls and furniture gave a surprisingly calm and inviting atmosphere. You know, for a place so huge and intimidating and very very expensive.
It's like we unknowingly teleported into a fantasy novel. I can see that. Masami is secretly a magical princess. She brought average humans to her palace in order to fulfill this prophecy involving us defeating a heckling beast, controlled by an evil warlock bent to steal her throne. It is up to us to protect her kingdom and her people. And our journey will involve blood, sacrifices, death, and romance so tragic it will make Shakespeare weep.
I'll actually prefer that fantasy over studying to be completely honest-
"Yip!" I yelped and rubbed my arm. "The fuck?"
Who pinched me? Who dares to force a rather embarrassing high-pitched squeak out of me?
"What could be occupying that head space for you not to hear your name be called twice?" It had to be him. Why could it not be Jun or Masami or even Hinata? Though I must say, this is the first time Tsukishima has laid any sort of physical contact on my person.
…
I don't know how to feel about that.
Ugh! What am I getting so worked up for? It's just a stupid pinch! It's the same stuff elementary school kids do to annoy each other! No big deal.
That boy hasn't stopped starring at you since the exchange.
No. Big. Deal! Now shut up Takeo!
Shit shit shit. Quick! Deploy defensive maneuvers!
I smirked up at him. "Do you really want to know?"
I was expecting him to reel back and look disturbed. Instead, his cheeks redden. And fuck. That's cute. But why?
It took everything to steel my expression, because that shouldn't be happening. And sure, maybe those words could be taken as a bit flirty and insinuate some naughty stuff, but it brings back the question why? Why would he think like that with ME?
Oh god. Brain? Brain please don't betray me. Please? I can only put a front up for so long before I faint! I don't need scenarios of him taking me roughly by the hair so he could have a better angle to kiss-
"That's a good point." He turns away abruptly and never had I thought I would ever feel grateful for this asshole. But Tsukishima has saved me from and internal meltdown that would've broken my façade. Even though it's his fault.
"You are too easy Debbie-chan~"
"Shut up Vulture."
Someone clears their throat and we find only Jun and Yamaguchi in the foyer with us, both of them wearing knowing smiles. And I wanted to throw them both out the nearest window. Who cares if the broken windows cost a fortune? Meanwhile, sweet Miki only bites at her leash, solidly proving that she will never turn on me.
"How about we follow Masami-san so we don't end up getting lost? This is a pretty big place." Yamaguchi suggests with politeness resembling a sheet concealing something obvious.
Four eyes grunts something under his breath while immediately sticking to his friend's side. I in turn stay close to Jun and he leads the way, catching up with the others who are ahead.
We pass by numerous housekeepers and Masami takes us to a room that resembles a mini library, with a stairway to shelves of more books in the upper floor and tall windows that look out to her yard of prancing horses.
"I shall return with some snacks and refreshments Miss Orabella," Al announces.
"Can you also bring Sofi?" she asks.
"Of course Madam." He bows and he leaves.
"This is almost too much for me to process…" Kageyama's plight is understandable. I think most of us feel the same. Even my mother's parent's place isn't this massive.
"I know! Your house is so cool Masami-san!" Hinata exclaims, eyes sparkling in awe as he bounds from one interesting thing to another. "Mine barely has enough space to run around in!"
"You shouldn't be running indoors at all." Tsukishima comments like an aggravated babysitter not feeling he's been payed enough. "And remember, whatever you break is what your parents will have to pay for."
Hinata's face turns a shocking purple and he suctions his arms to his sides. He travels back to the group in slow overly cautious steps, making him look ridiculously silly.
From the short time I've known Masami, this is the first I've heard her laugh. And she sounds adorable doing it, like tittering chimes. I see Yachi look at her like she's seeing her for the first time too. "If we have anything valuable, they won't be displayed so carelessly. So please behave like you would at any other place. Make yourselves as comfortable as you need to."
Her smile is warm and for a moment, she's like a regular kid rather than a pretty doll.
… .. …
We split into two groups. Jun, Masami, and Yachi are tutoring Hinata and Kageyama at a wooden table. Ways away opposite of them sat me, Yamaguchi, and Tsukishima. We sat on a rug around the coffee table with our backs against some extremely comfortable couches. Miki lay curled at my side.
Eventually, freshly handmade snacks would arrive along with Sofi, Masami's ferret, and leash-free Miki would run to greet her friend, bouncing with energy full of excitement around the smaller animal.
As the two play, we continue to study. It's… really nice actually. Yamaguchi does his best to help and I'm able to keep up with Tsukishima with little fuss. It's also hard, because Tsukishima's voice is nice to listen to when he's not trying to be a dickhead. He's got this low and rough drawl that is so…
DAMMIT!
And just to add more ammunition to my suffering, my traitorous brain makes me super aware of how very close he is sitting next to me. Like if I just lean a little, our shoulders would touch.
His hands, calloused 'cause he's a freaking athlete, are all over my stuff, my textbooks and notebook papers. And I'm trying to write what he's instructing, but his hands are everywhere! I lost focus and almost dropped my lead pencil because of how close they were to brush against mine.
And is it just me or is his voice much louder? Closer? So much that I can feel his warmth, like he's inches from face? What if I turn my head…
I stand up.
I don't look at Tsukishima nor do I look at Yamaguchi as I quickly jumbled words in which I hoped sounded like 'I'll be back' and with stiff limbs, fled the coffee table to other first-years at their table.
"Masami, may I please use your bathroom?" I try to ask as evenly as possible.
"Certainly." For someone who sees through a person like the sun can reflect through paper, she doesn't voice her suspicions. I dutifully follow her out the mini library, ignoring the eyes I could feel behind me.
Masami thankfully says nothing as takes me to the guest restroom and leaves me when assured that I could find my way back when I'm done.
I locked myself inside, closed the toilet seat (this toilet has an array of buttons wtf) sat myself down and pulled out my cellphone. I needed to talk to someone. I don't know what's wrong with me or why these feelings are suddenly growing beyond my control. All I know is Tsukishima is not acting like a douche and I like it a lot.
There are so many things wrong with that sentence. And yet, despite that I'm not bothered?
God. I hope Carmela is not busy right now. Can really use some of her epic wisdom.
.. … ..
"What did you do?" Hinata gives Tsukishima and accusatory look.
"What makes you think I did anything other than tutor her?" The blonde shoots at him. He actually looks offended. "I have no idea why she walked out like that."
"You can hurt someone's feelings without knowing," Kageyama says.
"Unlike you, I think before I say what comes out my mouth. I'm telling you did nothing wrong."
"Um, sorry if it sounds like I'm siding against you Tsukki, but I wouldn't say that so easily, considering the situation you're in now," Yamaguchi points out with a leveled smile. Tsukishima seals his lips at that and aims his glare at the sheets of notes in front of him. "But I can vouch. He's telling the truth."
Kenta nods. "I believe you. She's been a bit out of it, but I'm sure she'll be fine."
"Out of it? What do you mean?" Yachi asks. The setter and decoy send curious glances as well.
"It's nothing serious. Don't worry." He simply answers.
Masami soon returns and everyone continues where they left off. Tsukishima and Yamaguchi do their homework while they wait on Harriet.
"You know," Yamaguchi breaks the silence. "Thompson did look a little flustered as we were tutoring her."
"Great. Should I be responsible for her health too?"
"I'm just saying." He could tell Tsukishima was still sore from what he said earlier. "Don't you find it a bit odd?"
"Not really." The blonde says immediately.
"You've been acting a bit odd too."
"Alright," Tsukishima stops everything and eyes the freckled boy across from him in a heated stare. "Is there a point you're trying to make here?"
To his dismay, Yamaguchi doesn't backpedal or lay off the subject. He has grown so much balls that he is just unaffected. His response is filled with so much certainty, it makes the blonde nervous. "Something happened last night. For some reason you don't want to tell me what it is. But now, after everything that's happened today, I am more than sure it has something to do with Thompson."
The middle blocker chooses not to look him, but at the puppy and ferret chasing each other close by.
"She was in Tokyo yesterday," Yamaguchi continues after a bit of his silence. "What on earth happened that's making you behave like you've found someone hot for the first time and you don't know what to do about it?"
"What the- okay first off, that's a wild assumption. Just because you're dating Yachi doesn't make you an expert on relationships. In no way do I find that corrosive female 'hot' at any capacity, so you can shove that in your research," the blonde argues. "And second, you're choosing now to discuss this? The last thing I want is for those idiots over there to listen in and make more baseless assumptions."
"To clarify," Yamaguchi says, trying hard not smile like a cat that has trapped a mouse between their paws. "I never referred to Thompson as the person you found hot. That is all you. But thanks for confirming my suspicions man."
Tsukishima had the look on his face like he really wanted to throttle him. Whether he's red from anger or embarrassment is a game that'll likely make everyone winners no matter what they choose.
"I have no interest in her."
"It's gonna take a little more than that to convince me at this point."
"Please be reasonable Yamaguchi. Why would I subject myself to- FUCK!" He yells when he feels something crawling up his back. "What is that? Oh god it's on my neck! Get it off!"
The blonde's entire body is stiff, his muscles not responding to his urge to frantically remove whatever it is that's on him. To make matters worse, Yamaguchi does nothing to help him.
"Oh my god," the other says with a hand over his mouth to suppress a laugh from escaping. "That is adorable. Hold on I need my phone."
"I hate you so much right now." Tsukishima is able to calm himself some, realizing with utter humiliation and displeasure that the ferret is the thing currently invading his space. Her long body perches snug around his shoulders like a soft scarf that breathes. And Miki, wanting in on climbing up Mount Tsukki, sets herself on his lap like she has every right to be there. Once comfortable, she and Sofi boop noses affectionately.
"This. This is going on Instagram and you can't talk me out of it!"
"Why do you enjoy watching me suffer?" he asks somberly.
Yamaguchi shrugs. "Call it an awakening. I now see why you and Thompson enjoy teasing people so much. It's euphoric. So bad yet so good."
Harriet makes her return, not looking so skittish anymore, and the first thing that greets her is Tsukishima, looking like he's undergoing the worst form of torture ever by cute animals giving him love.
Her laughter draws attention to the other first-years and suddenly, all cellphones are out as they take photos and snapchats and twitter posts. The whole entire volleyball team and then some will have another reason to pester poor Tsukishima Kei.
If there is any upside to this, at least all focus is momentarily drawn away from the subject of his supposed 'feelings' for Thompson.
There is nothing about her he likes. Nothing. Not even as the ruckus finally dies and everyone is back to their business. There is nothing cute or hot or anything endearing about someone not taking study time seriously and is instead playing with their dog's front paws, singing mindless nonsense in a baby voice.
Nothing. Until your rival team captain from Tokyo shows you just how legit her singing can get; how very expressive and powerful she is on stage. How there is more to her than a troublesome foreigner with a foul mouth and aggressive attitude. There is a complexity to her that's unraveling slowly the more and more he interacts with her, he's unfortunate to realize.
Tsukishima didn't ask for any this and he sure as hell isn't ready for it.
.. … ..
Each day, the group makes plans to study together after club hours, most times it's done in Masami's house. Once, they were invited to sleep over for the weekend, and the first-years got to experience what it's like to live like royalty.
On Friday, after a few hours of studying came dinner. The setting took place at a grand table with candles, bowls of fruit and silverware that come in many sizes that serve different purposes no average person was ever taught how to use. All of this was topped with a glimmering crystal chandelier over them.
"I feel so out of place. Like I need to wear a suit or something." Yamaguchi looks down at his club uniform, damp patches of sweat in places due to practice. "Or at least be cleaner."
"There's no one here you need to impress though." Masami sips her champagne glass full of cider with casual elegance engrained into her. "Only me and I say you are all fine."
"Oh yeah, I was wondering about that," Yachi says while smoothing a napkin on her lap. "Are you're parents not eating with us?"
There was an odd air around her, but her face gives nothing away as she answers, "No. Business trips."
The arrival of food drops the subject entirely.
…
"Goddamn."
"Oooooooh."
Harriet and Yachi were in their towels staring in amazement at the bathroom. One of six. While most of the mansion's architecture was a heady mix of western classical and modern, all of the bathrooms were Japanese. And like everything else, the room was huge, but it's not the biggest one. Her parent's master bedroom has an extensive bathroom and that's hard to imagine when you look at this room. The steam emanating from the filled wooden tub dampens their skin quickly.
At first, Harriet didn't know what to say about sharing a bath together. It's not that she's uncomfortable with exposing her body to other girls. What she's worried about is either Masami or Yachi noticing her scar and asking about it. Her fear is, if they do ask and she tells them what's basically the reason why she moved in the first place, there's a chance the bullet wound bit will spread to Junichi and he'll freak and tell his parents and Scott. And their parents will have a back-and-forth with her parents and that's just something that doesn't need to happen.
So as the three were removing their clothes, Harriet has planned that if anyone asks, she'll say it's a birthmark. If they don't look closely they'll believe it.
Thankfully, after a wash, rinse, and dip in the tub, it wasn't mentioned and her fears have melted away.
"This is really amazing Masami-chan." Harriet wonders when Yachi started calling her name with 'chan' but then feels it isn't important. The blonde is in bliss, sinking into the soothing mineral water with only her head protruding the surface. "To think you get to come home to this every day, it must be nice."
"I'm glad you all get to enjoy it," the girl smiles, her longer hair tied up in a large bun. "For me, it sort of loses its shine after a while."
"Hmm. I get what you mean, when you put that way."
"But I am surprised Hari-chan." The violet jumps when emerald eyes shift to her, showing confusion. "Considering your parent's occupations I thought you'd be living a similar life like mine."
"Huh? Really?" Yachi's wide eyes were on her next. "I'm friends with two wealthy kids? H-How did it wind up like this?" She sinks further into the water, her mouth creating bubbles.
"W-While it's technically true that my parent's make a lot, we don't live in a mansion," Harriet explains, rubbing her neck. "My dad didn't want that, for me anyway."
The look of awe and envy on Masami's face throws her in a loop until she comes to the realization that her upbringing is very similar to her mother's. Busy parents, rarely any time is spent with their daughter. The child is instead kept busy with material things and a lifestyle that is more than what is necessary for them. Expectations come next, to a point where you just don't feel like a kid anymore and making friends is hard.
Lily was lucky to have someone like Alix in her life. He gave her the courage to make her own decisions and to do what makes her happy. Consequences be damned, he says, he'll be there for her every step of the way. Her parents disapproved the relationship and soon the marriage, but she did it anyway. Because Alix, who at the time worked serving alcohol while still in high school, lived with little money and a near impossible dream, he made her happy.
Maybe Masami's life is like that. Maybe she's trying to find her own source of happiness. Perhaps she's found it through music, through Jun and his club.
"Both of my parents mean well," Masami would say to Harriet later in the night, the two donned in night clothes and slippers while walking Miki around the mansion's courtyard. Sofi helps keep her owner warm by curling around her shoulders.
The others were inside watching movies in what was a family room. But since it was hardly used with rarely any family time to use it, the place was simply named the theatre room. It had a massive flat screen and multiple systems plugged into it, though admittedly Masami wasn't so huge on videogames until recently, when her club began visiting.
Masami gently pets her ferret as she continues. "They both love me very much. It's just that one of the many things they say is, 'If neither of us work, you won't have any of these nice things.'"
The taller girl hums at that. "Are they the types that assume they know what you want?"
"I didn't really know what I wanted either growing up," Masami admits. "I studied at home during elementary. In middle school, I chose to be in the student council because my parents were leaders in businesses and I wanted to set a good example to them in the public. They would ask me what I would like on birthdays and such, but I could never give an answer so I would just say 'Surprise me'."
She maneuvers Sofi to nestle in her arms. "Some gifts turn out to be worthwhile." She giggles when the animal attempts to snuggle closer. Her smile then shifts and becomes somber. "But more than anything I aimed to make my parents proud, so they could pay attention to me more. Sadly, they took it as me being mature enough to look after myself. And as I grew lonelier, I began to hate everything I was doing. I never liked doing boring leadership work. I don't want to be obedient all the time. So when I entered high school, I made a solid vow that things would be different."
Miki tugs insistently towards a certain direction which brings them back indoors and she's strong for a small pup. Confused, Harriet unwillingly follows while Masami calmly tails behind.
"There's a place Miki likes that's close buy," she says with amusement. "It one of few rooms I frequent myself."
"Is it an indoor ball park?" Her half-serious question makes Masami smile brighter.
"No. But out of everything here, I think you'll like this place most too."
The room Miki leads them too is a white circular room with a dome ceiling made of stained glass. Large windows with plush seats built in reveal the beautiful courtyard and on either side are shelves of books. Masami turns on the lights and at the center of the room, white and polished, sits a grand piano.
"Woah." Harriet steps further into the room, admiring the space.
"Before I met Kenta-kun, Al suggested I try out a hobby. When I got this and tried it out, I found myself refusing to stop." She sets Sofi onto the bay window sofa and Miki hops up to join her. As the girl stands before the grand piano, she tenderly strokes over the black and white keys of the instrument. The look Harriet could see on Masami's face was hard to read again. "The sounds it makes would express how I feel. It didn't matter if the melody is off or if it isn't right. What mattered to me were three things: vent, let loose, and simply not care."
At a set of keys in each hand, Masami presses down, and the note that echoes had Harriet's insides sinking. Masami's posture looked belligerent and the note played amplified the anger contained within her. The room felt like it shook with strength coming from a small body.
Masami then relaxes her muscles and the atmosphere changes when fingers lightly dance over the keys and the notes meld together to a tone that's serene and blissful. Harriet's rapid heart from the startling drone earlier, relaxes normally again.
"I wasn't sure what club I wanted to join this year. The orchestra was an option. But then, Kenta-kun's club and his talents were very enticing. His ideas were bold and daring and it was something I needed. I wasn't expecting to love music as much as I do now, but it's helped me break free from the cage I created. It was thanks to him and to you as well Hari-chan."
Harriet steps closer until she was next to the smaller girl. She watches her fingers play, but her words make her look to Masami in confusion. "Why me? I mean I just got here."
"Your cousins talk about you a lot, I'm sure you know by now. You're the type of person I aspire to be. Alive, full of energy and with no restraints. No fear of consequences or of how the world looks at you. You just decided to be you and that's what I want to."
"W-Well…" Harriet shifts her foot, awkwardly staring at the windows. Her face grows pink as she now understands why Masami keeps admiring her from the beginning. "It's not without a few drawbacks. I've only pushed people away from me, because of how I am…"
"And you still have people that stick by you," Masami pointedly says. "Your cousins, me, Takeo and Hiroki. Yachi and the volleyball boys, Tsukishima-"
"I wouldn't really count him in that."
"Why not? The way I see it, no matter how many times you two keep bumping heads, you still wind up crossing paths more and more."
Harriet only responds by grunting irritably.
"It'll be much heathier for you if you just accept that you like him."
The violet blows a strand of hair from her face. Carmela pretty much told her the same thing. Still.
She groans, rubbing her face, instantly feeling tired because of the subject of this conversation. "Why him of all people?"
Masami shrugs her shoulders. "We don't really get to choose how we feel when it comes to these things."
Carmela did say that too.
[But just because you feel this way doesn't mean you have to act upon it. Only when you're sure you want to.] That was her final message before Harriet had to hurry and return to her group.
Harriet sighs.
"Is it because you don't think he feels the same?" Masami asks.
"You weren't there, but he made his stance clear with me. Pretty sure I'm not his type anyway."
Masami looks up at the other briefly and after a beat, shifts back to the keys of the piano. "He apologized. And besides, both of you are putting up fronts in your denial. It's frustratingly sad to watch honestly. But if you don't believe me, I'll prove it to you."
"…How?" Harriet wonders if she should be worried about what the small girl apparently has planned.
"You can trust me on this. It works all the time in films and novels."
The sparkly look she gives that's filled with all seriousness, it's dorky and adorable and it has Harriet shaking her head. "That doesn't assure me at all."
"You're really cute when you blush Hari-chan."
"Excuse me? You calling me cute?" Masami squeaks in alarm as she's lifted up off the ground, abruptly stopping the music which ends with no grace. She scrambles and clutches onto Harriet like a vice, afraid of possibly falling.
Harriet smirks confidently even as Masami's cheek presses hard into hers. "Compared to me, you may as well be wrapped in a box and be shipped to little girls as a gift!"
At Masami's pout she could feel manifest against her cheek, Harriet bursts out laughing. The two hardly notice the double doors to the music room open during their ruckus.
"Ah, so you were in here!" The girls pause when they see Junichi at the door. "We were all wondering what was taking so long. So," His brow rises in intrigue. "What's this all about?"
"I'm trying to assert dominance here Junichi," Harriet answers with a straight face while still carrying Masami bridal style. "Obviously."
"Dominance?" the boy laughs in astonishment. "Why?"
"Because apparently I've turned soft and mushy hanging around with you people! I have a reputation of darkness and evil in case you've forgotten!"
"You don't have to worry about that anymore," Masami says, nuzzling in the crook of her neck. Harriet tenses at the action. "You've proven yourself very well. Too bad we had to be so rudely interrupted. I was really enjoying our alone time together."
The violet's face burns up. "W-What?"
All of a sudden, a sound of someone choking startles her and Jun. It follows with a concerned shriek that sounded like it came from Yachi.
And at the doorway is where she stood, trying to reach Tsukishima's back and attempt to sooth his coughing fit. Harriet blinks at his hunched form, wondering why he's here too.
"Tsukishima! Are you okay? Do you need water?" Jun also worries over him as he approaches the middle blocker.
The blonde manages to breathe and waves the two of them off.
"Are you sure you don't need something? It'd be a shame if you catch a cold," Masami chimes next.
"I'm fine." His words were made of ice and were directed at Masami of all people. Harriet didn't what to make of this change as he stares at her crush (god it's gonna take a while to get used to saying that) across the room and at Masami, who remains looking neutral in her arms.
Jun eyes her, looking just as dumbfounded at Masami's behavior as well as Tsukishima's, and mentally asks what's going on. Harriet wishes she could give an answer, but to her, none of this makes sense.
"I-I-I-It's getting late!" Yachi bravely swoops in to disrupt the intensive silence, meanwhile shaking like someone has told her to diffuse a bomb in less than thirty seconds. "Everyone else is asleep, s-so we should we should get some sleep t-too."
"Already? Hm, I sometimes forget the concept of time flying fast when you have fun," Masami mutters this mostly to herself and says to Harriet, her voice purposely louder. "I've enjoyed you being my knight in shining armor for today, but you'll have to set me down. Unless you wish to carry me to our room?"
"You know, my arms are getting kind of tired anyway." That was a lie but to hell with whatever mess this has become. Besides, her, Masami and Yachi are sharing a bedroom and doing that will just be levels of awkward.
Masami doesn't help the situation as she openly pouts and as everyone scales the steps to the upper floors of her mansion, Tsukishima stomps straight to the guestroom the boys were residing in for the weekend. No words other than heated glares at Masami were made during the walk. Junichi slowly follows him with an apology and a goodnight.
And though Harriet should be troubled by all that's happened this late in the night, her thoughts were consumed by how good the blonde boy looked in his red check-plaid pants and black slightly fading graphic tee of her father's band.
AN: Hope you enjoyed and let me know if there are mistakes that need fixing. And once again, have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of you!