Chapter 12

"Why are you doing this?" Shizuru spat with anger. Natsuki had gone to the bathroom because she could not bear the pressure. She used the excuse to bring them their orders, even if there was a waitress. But was it a great idea to leave the rivals alone together?

"Doing what? Eating? Because I'm hungry. It's only natural for a human being. You are also eating." Mai answered simply.

"No, don't play dumb with me, you know what I mean, why are you here with Natsuki?"

"Because I'm in love with Natsuki. It's only natural that I want to spend all my time with her when I'm not busy with school or other activities. I don't think it's wrong. But you, why are you here?" Mai honestly said.

Shizuru was speechless. She never imagined the red-headed woman would say that so naturally. The chestnut-haired teenager sipped her tea and tried to remain calm, even if she was boiling inside. She tried to hide her shaking hand.

"What? No, why?"

Tokiha looked at Fujino and asked, "What? Why? What do you mean? I don't understand you. I always thought you were a straightforward person, but I was wrong, I'm so disappointed. I never imagined that you were such a coward."

"WHAT! How dare you! I'm not like you, I won't insult you. No, I'm not a coward. I won't hide that I dislike you. Are you happy?" Shizuru growled. She glared at her rival, who remained composed.

"Happy? Not really, I must bear with a child who always complains and throws fists. It's such a bother. I don't understand why Natsuki is in…" The seito-kaichou could not finish her sentence, and she simply winced.

"Is…what?"

"I won't tell you. Don't play dumb. It was your own words, so I want to play fair with you, but it could be nice for me."

Shizuru frowned. She was completely lost. "What do you mean? Nevermind, I don't really care about what you are thinking… but why Natsuki? There are a bunch of girls in our school."

"Because my heart chose her. She is an attractive woman. She is very nice, with a golden heart. I love the way she blushes and she gets angry for nothing. She works hard for her future, she never complains. Can you deny any of that?"

"Of course not. I know Natsuki is perfect: nice, pretty and everything."

"Are you in love with her?" Fujino choked on her drink, and she attempted to catch her breath.

"Is this a game or something like that? I won't play with you. You are wasting my time."

"No, I'm trying to be honest, unlike someone. I love Natsuki, why are you upset? If you are jealous or you have some feelings for your best friend, I won't back off just because you are pissed. I have the right to fight for what I want and it's Natsuki. Do you love her?"

"It's none of your business, Tokiha. Leave me alone!"

"You are a bitch. I really want to slap you."

"Do it, and I will punch you."

"You are not the perfect student, as others say. You are a liar, a coward, jealous and nasty. There is only one thing we have in common. Natsuki and our love for her."

"I'm nothing like you." The tea-drinker sneered from between her perfect teeth.

"Are you in love with Natsuki? The answer is simple, it's yes or no. I will only leave you alone when I have my answer."

"Do you really want the truth? No, I don't like her that way, she is only a good friend, no… she is more, she is my family, my sister. There is no way I will look at her as a lover. It's disgusting."

Mai threw her drink at Shizuru's face. Shizuru was so shocked that she couldn't say anything. She felt angry with herself. Why she could not say that she was in love with Natsuki? She was afraid… if her best friend hated her… She imagined Kuga saying these horrid words… her heart was in pieces. She preferred to have a best friend or a sister rather than nothing.

"You are worse than I imagined. I'm Disgusting? It's you who is disgusting. Natsuki deserves someone better than you! Did you hear what you just said?"

"Yes. And I won't apologize." Shizuru threw her tea, but she realized too late that it was hot, and she could burn her enemy. She already regretted her action, but Mai was safe. Something had protected her. It was Natsuki's arm, and the bluenette grimaced in pain.

"Oh my gosh! Kannin na, Natsuki. I did not want to hurt you… kannin na… let's go to the hospital." Shizuru cried when she noticed the redness. She felt guilty and she wanted to help her friend. She grabbed Natsuki's burning hand but the bluenette removed her.

"Are you out of your mind, Shizuru? You could have severely burned Mai! You should apologize to her and not to me!"

The chestnut beauty closed her eyes and said, "I'm sorry I'm such a bother. I did not mean to do that. I'm really sorry. I did not think clearly." Shizuru left, and Kuga sighed.

"Shit…"

"Are you all right?"

"I'm fine, it's nothing."

"No, I'm not only talking about your injury, but what Shizuru said… you heard it, right?"

Kuga hid her sad face, yes, she had heard everything. Why her heart was so broken? Yes, that was true, Shizuru was her best friend…a sister…

"Choose me Natsuki. I won't hurt you. I won't make you cry." Natsuki had a lone tear rolling down her cheek. Tokiha caressed Natsuki's jaw and approached her for a kiss…