Chapter Summary: It took a while for both of them to get to this point of no return, but some things are just plain inevitable. Only one thing's for sure… the universe is just getting started.
A/N: I may have some surprises for you in this chapter. This is an intense one. You have been warned. Huehuehue.
WARNING: Romantic, sensual themes.
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AN APPLE A DAY – Chapter 10: The Inevitable
"WHAT!?"
If Tamao's shriek went any higher, only dogs would've been able to hear it. She immediately covered her face in shame after realising that her actions attracted several onlookers around them in the hospital cafeteria.
Anna, who was sitting across her now madly flushed friend, seemed like she wanted to throw her mug at someone after she finished her coffee.
"I'm sorry, could you say that again?" Jeanne joined in the conversation with less enthusiasm.
Doctor Kyoyama heaved a sigh.
"Yes, but all I saw in every single one of them was you." Anna articulated the words imitating Yoh's voice while she tried her best to appear nonchalant.
"And this was after you asked him about the women he recently dated?" Doctor Lasso asked, still half disinterested.
Anna only nodded with eyes closed, still hiding her face behind her cup, hoping it would do a great job in concealing her expressions.
. . . . . . . . . . .
"It means she's still interested in you."
HoroHoro almost stumbled in his tracks after hearing Ren's statement. Gossiping while walking with his colleagues across the hospital hallways wasn't his strong suit. Plus, Ren and Yoh were striding as if a tiger was off for their throats.
"Hm, I'm not quite sure if that's the case." Yoh pondered with a thoughtful look as he adjusted the stethoscope that hung around his neck.
"W-w-wait. You just told us that she looked upset when she confirmed that you slept with the women you recently went out with." Horo Horo spoke as if he was speaking facts.
"Aaand it sounded as if she was prying by half-asking if they looked like supermodels." Ren added casually with arms crossed in front of his chest.
Yoh bit his lower lip as a sign of anxiety. "Well yeah, but… I think that isn't the problem."
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"It can't be that bad, right?" Jeanne remarked casually.
There was a moment of silence among the three women.
"Really, Jeanne?" Tamao called her out with an exasperated tone.
"What? I don't see any reason why we should be panicking just because Yoh said that." Jeanne countered.
The pink-haired woman gasped. "You do know we're talking about Anna's ex, right?"
"And also your brother whom you once claimed to be the purest man to ever walk this planet, yes."
"Yes, but he's also the idiot who suddenly disappeared from everybody's lives including his ex-fiancée's, in exchange of obtaining a prestigious career." Tamao's face turned dead serious.
Jeanne's mouth was left half-opened for a hushed retort when someone arrived to place a tray of food on their table.
"Three freshly grilled ham and cheese sandwiches for three lovely ladies, on the go!"
Anna, Jeanne, and Tamao raised their heads up to see Ryu standing near them.
"Thanks, Ryu." Anna acknowledged the cook with a small smile and Ryu replied with a wink and a thumbs up. His cheeks also pinked as he threw secret glances at Tamao which didn't go unnoticed by Anna. She just didn't have the energy to say anything about it because she had her mind preoccupied with other things.
For example, there were countless times when Anna reminded Ryu that he didn't have to go all the way from the kitchen just to serve the meals personally to her every single time, but he would always be adamant about honouring his word that he gave the person he refers to a 'boss'; and that was to ensure that Anna ate proper meals whenever she was working. Thus the service with an extra mile.
Anna wouldn't complain about it today, though, for it seemingly halted a conversation between her friends that was about to turn into a heated argument.
She glanced at her watch. At the same time, she felt her mobile phone vibrate in her coat, so she pulled it out to peek at the notification's preview:
Touch down. See you soon.
She quickly pocketed her device and grabbed her food while simultaneously springing-up from her seat. "We can continue talking on our way back or we're going to be late before you two even start killing each other." She addressed Tamao and Jeanne who were throwing bitching squints at each other, oblivious to her added agitation.
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"BUT WHY WOULD YOU TELL HER THAT!?" Amongst Horo Horo, Ren and Yoh, it was most normal for the blue-haired doctor to react in such a way. Even the other health workers whom they've come across along the way didn't look too surprised with the Intern's rambunctious attitude.
All three of them were still on their feet towards a common destination within the hospital, their own drinks of choice in their hands.
"Well, I don't know. I panicked, okay?" Yoh didn't know how to form his words properly.
"Are you saying that she completely ignored what you said?" Ren seconded the barrage of inquiries but in a calmer tone.
"It's not that she ignored it. Our conversation got interrupted by the fireworks." The Asakura reasoned out.
At this point, they were only a couple of corridors away from the doctor's lounge.
"And what did you do after?" Ren followed-up, as Horo Horo seemed to be having an existential crisis just by hearing about Yoh's exasperating encounters with Anna.
Yoh bit his lip for the nth time. He contemplated hard whether he should be completely honest with his friends, which means he should be telling them his wishful thoughts about kissing Anna and asking her to get back with him while they were in the Ferris Wheel, or if he should just play it cool and deny all the baffling feelings that have been recently plaguing his self.
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"Of course, it was awkward." Anna's voice had a tinge of sarcasm to it. "I tried to distract myself with the fireworks display as much as possible, but I thought I saw from the corner of my eye that he was slowly leaning towards me, so I was kind of panicking inside. Thank goodness for that call, he got side-tracked and just ended up watching me talking on the phone.
"He watched you talking to who?" A suspicious Jeanne caught Anna off-guard, and Anna mentally slapped herself for that. She didn't feel ready to divulge that information just yet. The walls in that hospital had sharp ears, after all. Heading to the doctor's lounge to conclude their short-lived breaks, Anna also noticed Tamao who seemed eager to hear her answer as she matched her pace.
She had to think of an alibi fast.
"That's what I tried to figure out the whole time." Anna lied. "I guess the fireworks were interrupting the signal so I couldn't hear much of what they were saying. It came from an unknown number."
Jeanne narrowed her eyes at her friend as they turned to the last corner.
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"I knew it! I told you she has a boyfriend! Or worse, she's married!" Of course, Horo Horo had to point that out while almost colliding with some nurses who were frantically sprinting through the corridors due to an emergency at the nearby ward.
"How is Anna being married worse?" Ren challenged with a raise eyebrow.
Horo Horo produced a mischievous smirk while side-eyeing Ren. "You're only saying that 'cause if she was married, then that means your dad won't be able to keep on bothering you about dating her."
The mention of his father made Ren's mood turn sour immediately, so he ignored his friend's jeering and diverted his attention back to a despairing Yoh. "Did you figure out who she was talking to?"
Surely, Yoh had his suspicions as to who Anna's mysterious caller could be. He just needed to gather an insurmountable amount of courage to admit it to himself.
"Not really sure. All I heard was that she addressed the caller as 'dear'." Yoh mumbled almost to himself.
"And how did that make you feel?" Horo Horo's unexpected question confirmed that he has somewhat not kidding this time. He and Ren watched how Yoh appeared to struggle answering.
Ren suddenly stopped walking and faced his brunette friend with a poker face. This made his other two companions follow suit as they were practically a meter away from the entrance to the doctors' lounge.
"I got a better question for you…"
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"Can't help but to wonder, though. In case Yoh really did try to kiss you… would you have returned it?" Tamao's face turned bright as a tomato by asking, but she stood her ground.
Anna had the most scandalised reaction. "What are you— of course not! Why would you even think that?"
"Okay, okay!" Tamao defenced while feverishly waving her hands up. "It was a simple 'yes or no' question. No need to get all worked up. Geez." She threw naughty smirk towards Jeanne to silently ask her ash-haired friend to take her side.
However, Jeanne was busy studying Anna's questionable reactions. She abruptly blocked her two friends' from entering the doctors' lounge. Her sharp gaze was directed at Anna.
"Girl, I need you to be honest with us…"
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"Do you still have feelings for her?" Ren asked Yoh straightforwardly.
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"Do you still have feelings for him?" Jeanne asked Anna without hesitation.
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The air turned uncomfortably thick when all the six doctors, three men and three women, bumped into one another at the hallway leading to the doctors' lounge exactly at the same time. It was like the universe was planning for it to happen.
Yoh stood there mouth agape upon seeing Anna.
Anna had her eyes shot open after meeting Yoh's gaze.
Only the door to the room stood before them, and despite a few other doctors entering and exiting the room passing by between them, their eye contact never broke.
"Hey…" Yoh mumbled.
"Hey…" Anna mumbled back.
Nothing else was said in between as they continued to be immersed in each other's presence.
Their friends stood behind them, throwing meaningful glances at each other after witnessing how the two exes seemed to have forgotten the world that revolved around them.
Something told Ren and Jeanne that their questions will be left unanswered.
However, when Horo Horo motioned to speak, some random noises broke out from inside the doctors' lounge. "Goodbye, suckers!" someone yelled.
It didn't take long before a person bolted out of the door with a box in hand, that appeared to be containing their personal belongings. The guy's face turned livid after seeing Yoh and Anna outside the room.
"Ah! The fair lady has come to throw me a farewell party! How sweet." Doctor Chan regarded Anna who threw him back a disgusted scoff. "Oh sweetheart, we could be having so much fun right now…" The cretin purposely dropped the box onto the ground which startled most of the other health workers who stopped by just to witness the commotion. In a swift move, Doctor Chan grabbed the neckline of Yoh's shirt to yank him close. Yoh was surprised with the outburst, but he didn't flinch at all. He maintained a docile countenance with both hands shoved in his pockets, then casted his gaze downwards to match the intensity if Doctor Chan's stare. He was much taller than the aggressor, after all, so he wasn't the least bit intimidated. "If only your little boyfriend didn't run to mommy and daddy to meddle and fight his battles for him." Doctor Chan continued his insults addressing Anna, but everybody knew he was pertaining to Yoh and his family, who technically owned the hospital.
Anna's brow knitted as she threw Yoh an inquisitive look.
Doctor Chan's accusation made it sound as if Yoh pulled some strings just to terminate Doctor Chan instantly for bad conduct without further investigation done by the Human Resources.
Yoh kept a calm demeanour when he gripped his attacker's hand to urge him to release his hold. "Doctor Chan, I'm afraid your allegations are—"
"Shut up!" Doctor Chan interjected as he harshly released Yoh' shirt with a spiteful grin. "I will continue living just to see the day when you Asakuras fall out of power," he scoffed. "Pretty sure I'm not the only one who'd be happy to see you and your family grovel on the dirt someday." His eyes briefly brushed towards a frowning Ren, then went back to Yoh, before collecting his things and storming out of the scene.
None of the people present in the vicinity made any movements. Everybody was too stunned to react.
"I can't believe you." It was Anna who gathered the courage to speak first. Everyone saw that she was addressing Yoh with a look of disbelief.
Of course, Yoh would intervene for her. He used to be so overprotective of her in the past, it all made sense. She just couldn't believe he would still intervene with her struggles this time around and it just didn't feel right for her.
"Anna, I didn't—" Yoh wasn't able to finish what he wanted to say when Anna marched away from the group. He motioned to follow her, but Tamao stepped in the way and told him it's best to let Anna be for now. Yoh wasn't convinced until Tamao reassured him that she'll talk to Anna first.
The crowd gradually dispersed when the drama died down.
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A group of men watched from the other end of the same corridor where Doctor Chan caused his trashy uproar. The group was conducting an environmental survey within the hospital when the 'action' took place. Surrounded by his four faithful bodyguards a.k.a. the Dong Family, Oyamada Mansumi and his lackeys were hardly noticed by the hospital employees because they were focused with the tension that involved Yoh's group.
"Shame. I kinda liked that guy." Mansumi had a wicked smirk on the entire time while he spoke to his companions. "What do you think, Dehon?"
A chuckle was heard from a tall young man with pitch dark hair who was standing next to Mansumi.
"Agree, sir. In fact, I think it would've been nice to have him in our team." Dehon remarked which made all his three siblings—Dong Shahon, Dong Keihon and Dong Yonhon— approve.
"He came from the same hometown from China, as we do. I'm sure he'll be able to identify with our goals quickly." Yonhon pointed out casually which earned chuckles from his brothers and sister.
"Sounds like a plan…" Mansumi clasped his hands together and turned his head towards the person patiently standing next to him, "doesn't it, Yosuke?"
A teenager with dark, messy hair, dressed in a fine white suit and tie, and had a lazy smirk on his face acknowledged Mansumi with an air of arrogance.
"Of course, uncle. I'll schedule a small chitchat right away." The young man named Kamogawa bowed before walking off.
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"This is bed 4, Miss Kim. A twenty-eight-year-old female, presented to the ED with high-grade fever and chills, fourteen days post—" Horo Horo cleared his throat uncomfortably as he was handing over to his team by the patient's bedside while she was asleep, "post-breast augmentation surgery."
Some young male doctors of the group had giggled upon hearing the medical issue, but it took one glare from Anna to shut their indecent reactions. Faust watched this with amusement. "Main diagnosis is sepsis, secondary to silicone rejection. She will be admitted shortly for removal of implants and has been given Morphine for temporary relief of a nine out of ten pain."
Doctor Faust nodded earnestly. "Well then, please prepare for transfer to acute admissions ward."
"Yes, professor," the Interns chorused.
A knock was heard right outside the patient's room and a newcomer cleared his throat. Everyone was surprised to see Doctor Asakura Yoh patiently leaning by the door frame.
"I assume Doctor Kyoyama is here?" He still inquired the obvious despite clearly seeing Anna from where he stood.
Anna rolled her eyes, and the other health professionals present—doctors and nurses alike—immediately felt the tension between the two. "As you can see, Doctor Asakura, I'm still in the middle of my rounds." She put an emphasis on Yoh's surname to express her irritation.
Yoh was perfectly aware of the situation. Anna was still doing doctors' rounds with their colleagues and at the same time, trying to avoid him. In fact, she's been avoiding him all afternoon. He wasn't going to waste this chance after literally spending almost half a day roaming his family's humongous hospital just to get a hold of her. He was lucky he didn't have many appointments with his patients today, and he wasn't called for any surgeries either.
"Professor Faust, may I?" Yoh gestured if he could enter the room. He knew the ways to the winning side.
"Oh yes, of course, by all means." Faust replied without second thoughts which earned him a scathing stare from Anna.
Doctor Asakura join the team and stood by the patient's bedside with a smirk of victory geared towards Doctor Kyoyama.
"Hi." He even dared to greet her.
"Seriously, Yoh? We're at work." It was the only thing Anna could say.
"Oh, but you're the one calling me by my first name now, Anna." The brunette became bolder every second that passed, and all Anna wanted to do was to introduce her palm to his cheek. "Anyway, I am willing to wait here until you finish your shift, we can go out to the garden or the café for a talk. That way we'll be out of work." Hi stupid grin never left his mouth.
Anna quietly mouthed the words, "you've lost your mind," to Yoh with the sternest glare.
By this time, all their other colleagues were turning their heads back and forth between the male surgeon and the female senior resident, anticipating every word they'd throw towards each other. The other female professionals in the room were sighing dreamily at Yoh and were growing jealous of Anna. Their male colleagues' eyes were glowing with admiration for Anna's fiery attitude and Yoh's unwavering courage.
Faust and HoroHoro just stood there as if the scene was the most common thing to happen in their pitiful daily lives.
"Which reminds me!" Doctor Faust clasped his hands. "I heard a number of our juniors have been talking non-stop about this newly opened place somewhere at the Central Business District…" The people around him looked at him in anticipation. "So, seeing this as a good opportunity for our team members to talk amongst each other and to further build our professional or personal relations… I am encouraging all off-duty colleagues from Emergency and Pediatrics Department to join us with dinner and drinks tonight." He announced with a proud puppy face.
Everyone cheered, including Horo Horo, who was delighted to be invited by their department head.
Anna was definitely fuming at Faust's not-so-subtle way of hinting about 'talking,' and maybe, sorting things out with Yoh. She was sure that they really shouldn't be discussing things like that at a patient's bedside.
"Oh! Professor Faust! Can we also drop by at that Christmas fair before dinner? We heard they're doing lion dances and fireworks for the Lunar New Year," one of the residents quipped.
"Yeah! And tonight's their last night, too!" another one seconded.
Faust massaged chin in deep thought. "Have any of you been?"
"Yes."
"Yes."
Both Yoh and Anna replied absentmindedly while the rest of the group said "no."
A pause of awkwardness breezed through.
"Err, uhm…" Yoh panicked. "What we mean to say was that yes, I have been… and uhh, yes, maybe Doctor Kyoyama has been—by herself—!" he quickly added when he saw some of his colleagues widened their eyes, "and uhh, well, we've b-both been, just not like in a date or something because that would be weird. Hahahahaha! Right?" Yoh laughed nervously, but to his surprise, Anna also nodded with a fake smile to join him in his futile attempt to make everyone believe his 'white lie'.
Horo Horo and Faust's faces of disbelief spoke for everyone else in the room.
"AAHHH!" A nurse screamed, with one hand over her mouth, and another pointing at something behind Yoh.
All members of the team inside the room except Yoh, were horrified to see their patient, Miss Kim, now sitting up in bed with half-lidded eyes and dishevelled hair that almost covered her whole face. The patient's eyes widened with a specific glow when Yoh turned around to face her.
Everyone's shock were fuelled even further when the patient flung her arms around Yoh's neck to pull him into a hug in one swift movement. The Pediatric Surgeon was too stunned to even speak, but kept his hands raised away from the lady to avoid touching her with his hands as much as possible.
"Are you, my doctor?" the patient asked, teary-eyed. No one dared to speak, especially Yoh who wanted to say 'no' but was too dumbstruck to get the word out of his mouth. "Oh! My hero!" Miss Kim continued to squeal, assuming that the brunette whom she had almost buried in her bosom was the one who treated her.
"Err, it's Miss Kim, right? Sorry, but actually—" Yoh tried to orient the patient while engaged in a suffocating embrace. His face tried to avoid contact with any part of her body with all his might. His words were cut short when the lady unexpectedly released him, grabbed both his hands, and pressed them firmly against her breasts.
If Yoh's eyes almost popped out from their sockets, then it was even worse for his colleagues who witnessed the whole scene. Horo Horo had to pinch his nose to stop it from bleeding, and Faust nearly fainted.
"Do you feel it, doctor?" Miss Kim nestled her palms atop Yoh's and motioned to squeeze her mammary glands harder. "Do you feel my pain?" She was weeping without tears, and with her lips moulded into a pout.
Anna unknowingly rolled her eyes from the patient's childish but indecent display, and this did not escape Faust's watchful eyes.
"Y-yes! I can feel it just right— I mean, NO! No, I don't feel a thing!" Yoh blurted out in panic but changed his words immediately after seeing Anna's distasteful expression. He whispered, "please help me," to his colleagues with waterfall tears in his eyes.
"Say…" Anna leaned sideways to whisper to HoroHoro, "how much Morphine has this patient had again?"
"Hmm, let's see…" the blue-haired Intern checked the records on the tablet device that he was holding. "Since arrival to E.D., she was prescribed with a 2.5-mg stat dose, then followed by a 2-mg hourly dose. Thart was 4 hours ago so—oh." He glanced at Anna who sighed in refute. "OH."
"Tell the nurses to withhold the next Morphine doses until review by the next M.O. on duty."
"Yes, doc." Horo Horo made a mental note from Anna's instructions.
A mobile phone rang, and everyone glanced at Anna who pulled her device out of her white coat to view the screen. "It's an important personal call. Permission to step out, professor?" She addressed Faust who simply nodded back. Miss Kim was their last patient on the rounds list, so technically speaking, she's finished work for the day.
"Anna…" The blonde stopped walking towards the door without looking back. She perfectly knew it was Yoh who called her. "Will you join us later for dinner?"
Heaving a sigh before turning her head back to face her colleagues, Anna observed Yoh, who was now free from their confused patient's grasps, the said patient being tackled by some nurses in the background, and the hopeful faces of everyone in their team whilst waiting for her answer.
Anna unconsciously drew a small smile.
"I have something for tonight, but I'll see my schedule." She walked out of the room as graceful as ever.
Unbeknownst to her, a smile of relief also found its way onto Yoh's lips.
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She tilted her head down as her little feet reached the establishment before her.
'Great Spirits,' were the words formed by the huge LED light signage displayed atop the entrance.
Painted in immaculate white that stood up against the darkness of the night, the building in front of her was a skyscraper compared to the other ones surrounding it. A distinct Art Deco style of architecture was used for its exteriors, showcased by carvings of leaves, flowers and big cats on its columns. Its upper part was made out of dark tinted glass windows giving the impression that a luxurious penthouse was built inside. The most eye-catching of it all, however, was its towering double doors consisted of detailed sculptures. It featured a bunch of people who appeared to be in some form of suffering—on the left door pane, two lovers who were desperately reaching for each other, and a man and a woman embracing on the top of a rock were displayed on the right pane. There were three figures of men that all seemed to be looking down on anyone who was about to enter. Then there was another statue of a nude man in the middle, who is seen sitting on a rock below the other three men. He was leaning over, right elbow placed on his right thigh, holding the weight of his chin on the back of his same hand, as if he was in deep contemplation.
The sculptures were quite realistic and seemed like the idea was taken out of a famous work of art. Something that almost looked like…
"The Gates of Hell." Anna grumbled sarcastically. "How original."
She raised her head to study the skies with prominent heavy-looking clouds.
It was about to rain, but she paid no interest in it as she stepped inside the nightclub.
Knowing that it will be a long night, Anna knew it was best not to waste more time by delaying the inevitable.
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The place was even more jaw-dropping from the inside.
There were dark wooden floors that were adorned with blood red carpets. Seatings comprised of brown and gold-lined barstools, and tufted leather sofas. Modern chandeliers hung across the high ceilings. Not to mention, the multiple liquor bars that surrounded the dancefloor were to die for with its sophisticated interiors and wide array of beverages.
"Wow. This place definitely looks like one of those classic speakeasies in America."
"What's a 'speakeasy', Doctor Asakura?" One of the ladies in their group spoke.
"Rutherfor-san, I thought I already told you that you may call me by my name when we're out of work?" Yoh spoke casually which made the nurse blush in return. "Anyway, how shall I put it? A 'speakeasy' is like a usual bar or a nightclub, only that some of them are illegal."
"You've been to illegal nightclubs in America?" Ren inquired out of the blue.
"Were there strippers, too?" Horo Horo seconded, which made everybody throw him judgemental stares. He cleared his throat uncomfortably. "Never mind that. What I really want to know is… why is this guy here?" He gestured his thumb towards Ren who was sitting nonchalantly beside him. "Oh, but of course I don't mind that you're here, Jeanne-san." He whispered to the lady was situated next to her fiancée.
"What? Am I not a staff of Shimane Medical?" The Tao replied without flinching.
"Yes, but last time I checked, only Emergency and Pediatrics staff were invited. So you're still party crashing." Horo dissed.
"How about I crash the sole of my foot onto your face, huh?"
"Why you-!"
The two tackled each other in front of their bewildered colleagues like mad teenagers.
"I wonder if Anna-sempai is coming." A male nurse started which definitely caught Yoh's attention.
"If I heard it right, I think she said she'll check her schedule. She didn't say yes up straight, but she didn't say no either," another recalled.
The shift in Yoh's mood made Doctors Tao and Usui pause mid-track from choking each other.
Sitting closely to her husband, Eliza, chuckled at the young ones. "Don't worry, guys. I'm sure our dear Anna-chan will—"
"Will what?" a female's voice came out of nowhere.
"Doctor Kyoyama!"
"Anna!"
People screamed at the same time after Anna's sudden appearance, but Yoh's voice went most audible of all.
He didn't care if he looked overexcited to see her. Yoh couldn't help but notice how gorgeous his ex-fiancée looked with her white long-sleeved, mini-skirted dress shirt. It had a slightly loose fit, and the fabric was gathered at her tiny waist with a thin belt. Her long golden mane that complimented her tiny frame was let loose and set in large waves.
Anna, too, didn't escape the urge to check the brunette's physique that was well visible through his plain white long-sleeved polo, tucked in his fitted black chino pants. His hair was tied in a low bun behind his head, and his plain white sneakers completed his smart casual look.
"Hey." He greeted first.
"Hey." She greeted back.
"Y-you came," was all Yoh could mutter.
"I was originally going to meet someone here but there were change of plans so, might as well join you guys." Anna's voice had a tinge of apprehension, and she didn't miss Yoh's faltering smile after hearing that she was seeing another. She still tried her best to play it cool by greeting Eliza with a peck on the cheek, and reaching for the only seat that hasn't been taken across their long table. The one that happened to be propped in front of Yoh.
The blonde noticed Ren's presence and she arched a brow. "What's are you doing here?"
"Exactly what I was saying!" Ren opened his mouth to speak but was disrupted when Horo Horo exclaimed.
Anna ignored the two and acknowledged her girl friend. "Jeanne? How come you didn't tell me that you were coming?"
The woman in question gasped and feigned her surprise. "I didn't? I swear I sent you a text!" She held her phone to pretend that she was checking something in it. "Oh. I'm so sorry, Anna, dear. I didn't notice that it wasn't sent successfully. Must be the awful reception earlier." She chuckled uneasily.
Ren and Anna noticed that Jeanne was acting quite different lately, but they shrugged it off. It wasn't the right time or place to pry.
Doctor Johann Faust clapped his hands to gain his colleagues' attention. "Alright! I'm glad that everyone we're expecting are now here…" Faust raised his glass of beer, "let's make a toast… for our team and everlasting friendships!"
Everyone raised their drinks.
"CHEERS!"
After a couple of hours of eating and consuming alcohol, almost everyone from the group were now hyperactive and acting silly, except for the ones who were driving home. They probably got carried away with the alcohol along with the club's soothing ambiance and music.
"What's wrong?" Yoh murmured almost against Anna's ear upon noticing her anxious state. Due to their workmates being all tipsy and switching seats, he has successfully occupied the one next to her which gave them the illusion of having their own little world.
"What makes you think something's wrong?" It was Anna's effort of putting-up a tough front. Her chuckling also gave away that she, too, was starting to feel funny because of the drinks she's had in an attempt to drown her anxiety.
"For starters, you stayed quiet the whole time we're here."
"I am always quiet."
"No, you look somewhat… I dunno… anxious? Yeah. Especially whenever you read the messages on your phone."
"Oh ho ho! So you're my personal stalker now, are you?" Sarcasm was always her strong trait.
"Anna, I'm just saying—"
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Thank you for joining us tonight!" A female host walked the stage after the acoustic band's last performance. "But before we give up the stage to start the 'wild hour'…" some people whistled and cheered, "we'd like to play a mini game to celebrate our opening night, so listen carefully. After electronically picking a table number via our screen…" she pointed at the sophisticated LED screen that served as backdrop for the stage, "two customers occupying that table will be nominated to sing the song which will also be picked randomly by us. But here's the catch…" Everyone continued to listen attentively. "After singing, the audience shall decide whether the singers nailed the performance, and when they do… all the orders of food and drinks under that selected table's tab shall be on the house!" The audience went crazy upon learning about the prize.
"So, are you ready?" the announcer asked.
"Ready!" The game was warmly welcomed by the customers.
"Drum roll please…" the suspense was agonizing until a number was showed on the screen. "Oh, we got table number 22!"
The crowd continuously cheered as the spotlight focused directly on the table being occupied by Faust and company. Everyone included in the group froze.
"Alright, table 22! It looks like we've got a group of fine gentlemen and women over there! Who will be your singing champions?"
"Guys, I love singing, but singing doesn't love me. We need someone who can win that jackpot so we can leave this place with our wallets still full." Horo Horo muttered, then leaned to whisper to the group, "this place looks expensive," while chuckling nervously. "Ren, why don't you and Jeanne—"
"Over my dead body. If you pick us, I'll just pay for the entire bill so you could leave me alone." Ren retorted while crossing his arms in front of his chest, making Jeanne giggle on the side. He opened an eye to address Anna. "Why not Kyoyama? From what I can remember, she can—"
"Do you wanna die?" Anna's eyes sent daggers towards Ren and the man only smirked. Jeanne didn't like how Ren and Anna were acting all familiar with each other.
"That's right! Our Anna-chan use to sing in—"
"Don't you dare!" It was Faust's turn to receive the death glare.
Anna was meaning to throw out more protests when she suddenly felt a hand grab her wrist to raise her arm up high.
"We volunteer as tributes!" Yoh declared jokingly in reference to a popular movie line and the crowd went nuts, applauding his antics.
"WHAT? NO!" Anna protested adamantly, trying to wriggle her wrist out of Yoh's clutches.
"YES! She said yes!" The brunette faced the audience and completely ignored Anna's complaints. "Shh, Anna. Just say yes. I know you'll be able to sing whatever song they pick for us."
"I don't care!"
"Come on, are you going to let the team down like this?" She hated it whenever Yoh uses the guilt trap. His convincing powers were too much. Anna looked at her colleagues' faces that were full of anticipation and support.
"Why don't you guys—" her statement was cut off when Jeanne helped Yoh pull her towards the stage. "Jeanne, I thought you're my friend?"
"Not tonight, no." Jeanne laughed hysterically after successfully fulfilling her mission.
The club host approached Yoh and Anna and shoved the microphones to their faces. "Okay! That was quite a drama out there. I love it! Please introduce yourselves."
"Hi, uhm, I'm Yoh… and she's Anna. Don't worry, she just shy but she's a really good singer." The brunette teased to ease the tension between him and his muse for the night, which earned them several reactions from the audience.
"What a lovely couple!" said the host.
"Oh, we're not a—" Anna wanted to oppose the idea of Yoh and her being a couple, but Yoh intercepted and gestured for her to sit on the high stool propped on stage. He then adjusted the height of the microphone stand in front of her, to suit her needs.
"Just play along," he murmured against her ear.
"I, am, so, going to kill you." She made sure to show him her gritted teeth as she whispered.
"And tell us, Yoh and Anna. What do you guys do?" The lady host continued the mini interview.
"We're doctors." Yoh stated simply.
With glinting wide eyes, the host faced the audience to whisper the word 'fancy,' which earned them a few chuckles and whistles.
"Let's go, 'hospital musical'!" There was an obviously drunk man who yelled from the crowd that made the audience laugh further. Yoh and Anna knew that it was Horo Horo and Ren was quick enough to tackle him to the ground.
"Okay, lovebirds. I'm sure we're all eager to witness your talent, so here's the song chosen for you!" The LED screen once again flashed a bunch of song titles in a roulette fashion, then stopped at a particular title under the Pop genre. "Ooh, this is going to be great! Good luck!" The host left the stage in a flash.
Both Yoh and Anna's eyes went wide as saucers upon seeing the title of the song. They didn't have the time to react though, for it started abruptly.
It was a good thing that Yoh had impeccable timing and began with his calming husky voice.
"You know I want you…"
He stared directly into Anna's eyes to gauge her reaction.
"It's not a secret I ty to hide…
I know you want me…"
His gazed was welcomed with reluctance.
"So don't keep saying our hands are tied…"
It was hard to read her mind.
"You claim it's not in the cards
And fate is pulling you miles away
And out of reach from me.
But you're here in my heart
So who can stop me if I decide that you're my destiny?"
Yoh saw Anna exhale as she avoided his stare while he continued to serenade everyone with his soothing tone.
"What if we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine.
Nothing could keep us apart,
You'd be the one I was meant to find…"
He didn't think twice when he touched her chin to tilt her face towards him.
"It's up to you, and it's up to me,
No one can say what we get to be.
So why don't we rewrite the stars?
Maybe the world could be ours, tonight..."
Finally having more courage, Yoh moved his hand to reach for Anna's. For a moment, he thought she already accepted his sweet gesture, but she slipped her hand away just when she started her verse.
"You think it's easy…
You think I don't want to run to you…"
She looked away once more.
"But there are mountains…
And there are doors that we can't walk through…"
Unconsciously, her grip on the microphone tightened as she gathered bravery.
"I know you're wondering why
Because we're able to be just you and me, within these walls.
But when we go outside
You're gonna wake up and see that it was hopeless after all…"
Anna gradually showcased her ability to manipulate her voice as if it contained frost that reached everyone's hearts, and all the audience could do was to be mesmerized with her.
"No one can rewrite the stars.
How can you say you'll be mine?
Everything keeps us apart,
And I'm not the one you were meant to find…"
She returned Yoh's hopeful gaze while gently shaking her head, as if she wanted to convey a message.
"It's not up to you, it's not up to me,
When everyone tells us what we can be.
How can we rewrite the stars?
Say that the world can be ours, tonight…"
They joined their voices in perfect sync and harmony. And due to being carried away by the emotions brought by the music, the two unconsciously joined their hands while sharing only one microphone.
"All I want is to fly with you.
All I want is to fall with you.
So just give me all of you.
It feels impossible (it's not impossible)
Is it impossible? Say that it's possible!"
At this point, several members of the audiences, including their colleagues, already sprung up from their seats to give them a standing ovation as they continued to duet.
"How do we rewrite the stars?
Say you were made to be mine.
Nothing can keep us apart,
'Cause you are the one I was meant to find.
It's up to you, and it's up to me,
No one can say what we get to be.
Why don't we rewrite the stars?
Changing the world to be ours..."
The crowd went absolutely crazy after witnessing such a marvellous performance from the two. No one probably expected them to be so in-tune with each other be it with words or with their actions. But amidst the untamed reactions from the people around them, Yoh and Anna continued to focus on each other, as if the world stopped revovling. The brunette felt a sharp pain in his heart and his countenance became laced with worry and confusion when he thought he saw the blonde shed a tear as she sang her last part.
"You know I want you,
It's not a secret I try to hide.
But I can't have you,
We're bound to break, and my hands are tied."
Yoh called out to Anna when she ran off the stage. The tension between them was left unnoticed by the audience who continued with their thunderous applause and cheer, more so when the host announced the performers' undeniable win.
The pair's confused colleagues followed Yoh with their eyes as he chased Anna through the building's exit.
Ren and Jeanne glanced at Faust and Eliza with worry, and the seniors tried to reassure everyone that Anna was okay, and that she was just totally shy after performing in front of a large crowd.
. . . . . . . . . . .
Asakura Yoh heaved his breath as he stood in front of Great Spirits nightclub after desperately searching around for his Anna. Even through crisis, he found time to admire how someone as tiny as her could outrun someone as athletic as him.
He didn't know where to look further, for she could be anywhere. The roads across were hectic because of the people scattered around the vicinity. He almost forgot that the Christmas Fair was situated just nearby, and as if on cue, the last round of fireworks lit up the dark sky. It was also when a familiar red Ferrari roared from a distance, and he knew exactly who was driving it.
"Anna! Wait!" His knew his attempt to catch her was futile but he motioned to run for her anyway, only to be stopped by a hand that clutched his shoulder. He saw Johann and Eliza Faust standing behind him.
"Son, let her clear her mind first." Eliza pleaded with much encouragement.
Yoh turned to his side and saw Ren and Jeanne staring at him. Their eyes seem to be communicating that they agree with what Eliza said. Their other colleagues caught-up with them outside. They continued to be baffled about the whole scenario, but none of them dared to question or confirm what it was all about. To disperse the uneasiness, some juniors thanked Yoh for his awesome performance that saved them from paying for their meals, before bidding goodbye.
Pirika also appeared out of nowhere, and Yoh guessed either Ren or Jeanne informed her about her brother's drunken state. He bowed at her, and she returned the gesture bashfully.
Everyone decided to call it a night after paying their respects and saying their goodbyes with one another.
The only choice Yoh had was to go home with a heavy heart.
. . . . . . . . . . .
She kept driving without a destination.
Once her focus returned, she realised that she really hasn't gotten that far and that she probably drove in circles around the Central Business District while her thoughts were in disarray. She figured it out because even though she was currently on some desolate street, she could still view part of the Christmas Fair's Ferris wheel from a distance.
Questioning herself why she reacted the way she did back in the nightclub, the burden of uncertainty continued to weigh her down.
There was something overwhelming that affected her emotions while performing on stage with Yoh.
Was it exhaustion?
Was it the song?
Or was it… just… him?
Yoh's face flashed in her mind and all she could do was to momentarily park on the side of the road to gather herself together.
No matter how she forced herself to believe that she was now strong enough, kept denying that she still care, she knew deep down that there was something lacking, that she still had regrets, and that she was still hurting. And this myriad of feelings awakened from within her every time she was reminded of Yoh and their past.
Anna rested her forehead on the steering wheel and produced a thick sigh.
Even the car's logo displayed in front of her reminded her of her ex because it was technically his car.
"Ughh! Stop being stupid, Anna!" She reprimanded herself, taking advantage of her solitary company.
She didn't notice that it started raining, and the pitter-pattering sounds against her vehicle went from soft to loud in no time.
Anna lifted her head away from the steering wheel to study the sudden change of the weather. She didn't have enough time to react as an onslaught of thunder and lightning played across the dismal skies. She stayed rooted to her seat as panic took over her whole being.
Over the years, she strived to get over her trauma from heavy rains and thunderstorms, but tonight was an eventful night, and being trapped inside a car while chaos struck around her wasn't helping. Thus, she couldn't assume proper control over her feelings.
Her first instinct was to blast the car wipers to their maximum speed, but after still having zero visibility of the outside, she reached for her phone and rang the first number shown on her inbox. When no one answered, she sent a text asking for help from the same person, by sharing her exact Real-Time location via Google Maps then set her phone aside to hope for the best.
It was getting harder to breathe, and her vision blurred from all the tears that threatened to fall. She tried her best to ignore her fears, but nothing was working. She couldn't tell how long she stayed immobilized now, and she was seriously contemplating of finally calling the police, fire department or ambulance just to get her out of there.
Anna was about to reach for her phone once more when the sound of hard knocking against her car window startled her.
Thinking that the help she asked for finally arrived, she flung the door open and exited her car, only to come face-to-face with a completely drenched Asakura Yoh.
"Anna? Go back inside!" He was literally yelling so that she could hear him through the noise around them.
She stared at him for a few more seconds, not understanding what was happening. All she could do was to lean back on her car to help her legs support her weight as they continued to shake.
"B-but how?" Anna was perplexed to see Yoh but she let him move closer to her to help her maintain her balance. They were now helplessly soaked by the rain, but it was the least of her worries.
How did he know that she needed help? That she needed someone?
"The storm." His answer said it all.
Of course. Only a few people knew about her phobia, and he was surely one of them.
Did this mean he never gave up searching for her after she ran away?
Was he following her the whole time?
She wanted—no, she needed answers, but instead of tossing him more trivial questions while she struggled to stare into his chestnut orbs that emitted so much care and concern, her brain commanded her to do the most unexpected thing.
Kyoyama Anna wrapped her arms around Asakura Yoh's neck to draw him in a soulful lip-lock.
That night, she let herself go.
That same night, he didn't hold back.
And as the two deepened their kiss while the storm persisted, time seemed to stop, and they remained oblivious to everything around them…
Including the man with long brown hair standing from the far corner of the street, an umbrella in hand.
. . . . . . . . . . .
A/N: What? It's the love month. Suck it up. Hehe. Now tell me how you feel.;)
Have you noticed the new story summary and the *cough cough* new pairings? Hehe. I didn't expect that I'd be able to follow my little mental timeline of writing the last scene for chapter 10.
Credits:
To our friend, Allie Mcclure, for giving me the prompt about the "confused drugged patient suddenly hugging Yoh in front of Anna."
Song Lyrics - Rewrite the Stars by: Zac Efron and Zendaya
I may have read somewhere that one of the S.K. characters in their fiction/ art owned a bar/ pub named "Great Spirits," hence the idea I used here; but I couldn't remember where and when. If anyone of you encountered the same somewhere, please let me know so I can give due credit. Thanks.
The artwork featured in this chapter (only available on AO3) is by: Sechartpechart (from IG and TWT). Isn't she so talented? She accepts commissions, too.
Italics: thoughts/ media representation/ song lyrics/ puns/ hints.
Bold text: words/ dialogue spoken with emphasis.
Medical Terminologies/ Abbreviations:
Breast augmentation - sometimes referred to as a "breast aug" or "boob job" by patients, involves using breast implants or fat transfer to increase the size of breasts.
Sepsis - the life-threatening condition that arises when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues and organs.
Morphine – an opioid pain medication used to treat moderate to severe pain. May come in various forms such as oral medication or injectables. (Fun fact: This is where Takei-sensei got the name for Lyserg's spirit guardian. Whereas, Lyserg Diethyl's name was also derived from a substance called "Lysergic Acid Diethylamide," also a drug.)
Mammary glands – Medical term for boobs/ breasts.
Stat dose – a medication order aimed to administer immediately as a single dose.
DISCLAIMER: The procedures, interventions and other medical-related stuff mentioned in this work of fiction is based on professional medical knowledge but does not necessarily reflect all medical practices everywhere. Certain circumstances and facts may vary in different settings.