Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, nor do I own Taemin's song.
"Forbidden apples are sweet..."
Kurenai watched the handful of seniors with her bright crimson eyes, checking for any mishaps as they ran through the second part of their newest piece. But she couldn't do it all alone, which was why the martial arts club was also scrutinizing the girls' execution.
While the others didn't seem to mind, Kyori did. It felt kind of strange to have Shisui judging her. Even if it was constructive, she couldn't get used to him criticizing her or giving her pointers. Her uneasiness had nothing to do with him watching her dance… it wasn't like she was dancing for him anyways.
"…I'll burn you up even more slowly ..."
So far, Kurenai could already see a vast difference between the seniors and freshman Hedges. Anko, Yugao, Rin and Kyori worked well together and were completely in sync with every sway of their hips down to the foot work.
But Kurenai also saw the need for improvements mainly in the facial area. The song was sexy and they weren't portraying that at all with their silly grins and daunting expressions.
"Awful…" the woman grumbled, though the crowd of boys would have to disagree.
Itachi thought their song selection wasn't very age appropriate after really listening to the lyrics. But otherwise, just by watching, he had thought their gestures went well with the song and it looked very fun too. He really liked the hip rocking they did before turning counter clock-wise.
"Come on girls, finish strong!" The raven-haired choreographer shouted.
"I'm your eyes, I'll help you see a new world."
"I'm your eyes!" Rin sung with a smirk and Kyori looked like she was withholding a grin.
"I'm your toy, I'll make you innocent."
Anko rolled her body, snickering when Yugao sung, "I'm your toy!"
"Trust your self-control. Move by your body and soul."
"Stop joking off!" Kurenai yelled.
Shisui was close to snickering at how playful the girls were to Kurenai's dismay. But he also thought that the song was too sexual compared to the dance, which was softer and more sensual. As a whole, it made him a little uncomfortable, especially when it came to watching Kyori whenever she led the girls. Though there was nothing different from the way they moved, the Shimura made something deep within him stir; something he wanted to avoid, something he wasn't ready for and felt uncertain about.
"... What do you want? I'll make you realize what you never knew Oooh~"
The four seniors dramatically sauntered forward, finally catching onto the tone of the song, some quicker than others as they fix their faces and intent during the more vigorous visuals before falling into the familiar steps to the chorus.
"That last part was beautiful, perfectly executed!" Kurenai clapped happily while her red lips pulled into a smile. "Now do it once more with feeling ladies! Take it from the top!" the coach demanded, earning loud protests from the captain.
Kyori felt boneless, and parched by the time they got it right. Even though they haven't started participating in competitions, Kurenai made sure they were worked to the bone. They were tasked with memorizing sooner than later, leaving Kyori sweaty and her body was aching all over due to exertion. She groaned, wondering how could Risu do this for three years as she dragged her feet towards the water fountain. And if only to make things worse, her stomach let out a murderous cry.
Maybe it was a bad idea to skip out on lunch. But after having that talk with her mom, the younger burgundette wasn't too keen on spending so much time with Shisui. She didn't want to consider that there may be something promising between them though it was getting harder to ignore. Considering that several people, including some of his family saw their potential, she could hardly ignore it. Kyori could acknowledge that they have good chemistry and seem to enjoy being in each other's company.
But never did she thought that there was an underlying reason for anyone to assume that they were, or was meant to be, more than friends. And while it left her baffled, she felt that she should at least figure out her stance on the matter. Did she like Shisui? As a friend, yes but did she somehow have a crush on him?...
'I don't like him like that, do I?' the Shimura asked herself while bending forward, bring her lips to the filter where she leisurely sipped. There was no way she was capable of liking Shisui romantically even though she loves him as a friend, right?
'Do I like him?'
Kyori straighten herself up, cursing when she saw Shisui's dark eyes leveling on hers as his lips stretched into a bright smile. Does she have a crush on Shisui of all people? The question rung in the back of her mind as she felt a violent flutter in her stomach, making her brows pinch together. The burgundy haired Shimura tensely waved at him before heading out of the gym. She should just go home and forget about this nonsense. She didn't think much of Shisui before her mom questioned her so it couldn't be real. This was all in her head.
'Liar.'
She was a victim of her mind and her heart. Both of which were very indecisive, making her all the more doubtful as she slipped into the passenger side of her mom's car. There was no reason to rush it and analyze how she felt. And yet, here she was thinking over their every interaction anyways.
Hizume frowned at her brooding daughter as she pulled into their garage. The girl didn't even seem to be blinking or aware of them making it home, which worried her.
"Kyori are you even listening?!" Kyori jumped at the sound of her mom's voice, registering that she must have been staring at her for a bit.
The teen's brown eyes fell to her fishnet adorned legs as she traced patterns onto her thighs. "Nope…I didn't catch any of that."
"Shin and Sai are excited to contribute to your Miss Bijin performance. Isn't that great sweetie?!" Hizume beamed with a dream-like expression, softening her features. "It'll be like the old times, don't you think?"
Kyori smiled too, though it wasn't as bright as her mother's, but she was just glad that they wanted to take time out of their day to do things with her. It's not that she was a horrible older sister or anything like that, but she did feel that there was some distance between them when she came back.
If they were willing to help, then she would be honored to share the stage with them. With them by her side, winning Miss Bijin became an afterthought, she wouldn't let their time go to waste and they were going to have fun.
"Old times, huh?" Kyori snorted. Removing her seat belt, the burgundy haired teen raised a brow at her mother that didn't look so eager to enter their home. There was a sullen glint in her light brown eyes that had Kyori frowning.
"Have you heard from him?" the teen hesitantly chirped, earning a weak but knowing smile.
Hizume knew with just one look that her daughter was worried about her and Danzo's relationship after all of the fighting. The mornings were painted thick with tension and the nights were spent cold and lonely as there was no compromising or alleviating the animosity between them. It had gotten so bad that Danzo stopped coming home at night. If Hizume known anything about her husband it would be that his job was his second wife, which would provide many things he needed when she wouldn't. But not everything.
"No. But I'm sure I will soon," Hizume breathed out lowly.
Kyori felt doubtful of those words as she stared at the garage door that led to their living room. It was as if she was waiting for her father to come out and make an appearance; Something he's always done whenever they made it home safe. But he didn't.
"How do you know for sure…?" she asked.
"Because you're father's stubborn, not stupid."
Never had Kyori felt like she wanted to be an only child until now.
Shutting her booklet harshly, she shoved it into her bag immediately when Shin requested to see it. She was working on ideas for her Miss Bijin performance and she wasn't satisfied with the thought of showing off her unique beauty or sex appeal in some skimpy ass bikini. Like, who the hell wore bikinis during the fall anyways?
"Kyori," Shin whined, slipping his arm in hers as she continued to ignore him. "Kyori!"
"What?" She snapped with slightly hardened features and her little brother pouted at her, glaring at her messenger bag.
"I wanna see what you were working on!" Kyori began scowling at the boy's whiny tone, wondering how was he older than Sai? Then he leans his head on her small shoulder, his pale tresses pricking at her cheek. "We're partners, aren't we? So you should get over yourself and show me."
Kyori rolled her eyes at his reasoning, but reluctantly complied as she hands him the booklet. They were partners after all.
"Just don't laugh at me!" she grumbled, looking away in hopes of hiding any trace of her being embarrassed. "I've been working on it all morning and, it's very personal."
"You have my word." Shin smiled at his older sister, pinching her cheek like he always had whenever he was in the mood to tease her. "I won't laugh, unless it's horrible. A total shit-show."
The burgundette's scowl seemingly deepens as he skims through the black booklet, his eyes focusing on the bold blue of her pin and her italic cursive font. He was intruding on her personal thoughts, at least that's how Kyori felt until the unease swallowed her whole and had her turning the damn page for him.
"Sorry?" Shin sheepishly shrugged, flinching when she continues to pin her glare on him.
"Just hurry up before Kinoto or Shisui comes. I don't want them seeing it."
Shin had half the brain to ask about the Uchiha that she has been entertaining as of late to their father's dismay. But when he caught the fretful look in her eyes, he had chosen to read his sister's color coordinated thoughts instead.
Kyori watched as all the color from Shin's fair face began to fade, and every time his eyes ran across her words, his playful smirk dampened until all that was left was a thin line. It was depressing to read despite the vague and repetitive elements. But it was also very telling on its own. Had she really felt this way? All the time?
The thought only made Shin grimace as he shuts the booklet. "Kyori, what made you write this?"
Looking away for a second, the burgundy haired Shimura brings her attention on Kinoto walking towards her with Shisui before looking back at her younger brother. "Experience…? Invasive thoughts." She shrugged blandly, snatching her booklet into the safety of her arms. "Is it that bad?"
He shook his head. "It's sad, but easy to understand and relate to..." The grey haired boy grinned softly.
"I can live with it since it's just a draft." Kyori smiled, copying Shin's actions from earlier, she placed her head onto his slender shoulder and began laughing when he hissed. "Do you think you and Sai can come up with something?"
The male Shimura feigned deep contemplation, inwardly snickering at the concern in those fudge brown eyes. "Duh! Have you seen that kid?" another hiss escaped him as she thumps him on the cheek.
"Don't make fun of Sai."
"Right, he's your precious wittle baby." Shin rolled his eyes, smirking when she growled at him. "Fine! I'm just messing around Kyo-baka."
"Who's this?" a familiar voice has the Shimura siblings straightening up before Kyori laxed herself with an eye roll, snickering as Shin stared with hints of astonishment.
"Which one is your wittle boyfriend?" he whispered in her ear, almost receiving a smack. Instead she ignored his question and gave the Uchiha trio a polite smile.
"This is my idiot little brother, Shin." Kyori pinched the boy's cheek, snapping him out of his thoughts. "Shin, these are my friends, Shisui, Itachi, and Izumi."
Shisui was the first to shake his hand, not surprising Kyori at all when he does. "I'm Shisui, it's nice to finally meet you."
Shin eyed the eldest Uchiha pointedly, smirking. "Likewise, you caused quite the commotion boyfriend."
"Shin, do you want to die?!" Kyori growled in warning, glaring holes into her little brother. Shisui on the other hand, frowned softly in confusion. He was obviously curious as to what Shin was talking about.
"Ow. Ow. OW! What did I do?!" the pale haired boy shrieked as his sister pinched him.
"For one, he is not my boyfriend." Kyori gritted out.
"Might as well be… since you're all embarrassed."
The Uchiha raised a dark brow at Kyori, smiling wide at the interaction. Seeing her be a grumpy little sass machine with someone else was just amusing. And it was quite reassuring for him to see that she played mean often and didn't reserve that just for him.
"What?" Kyori frowned, nudging him when he snickers at her. "What's so funny?"
"Nothing!" He exclaimed, and puffed his cheeks while rubbing the spot on his arm, where her elbow dug into. "I just noticed none of you look alike. Well, you look like Hizume-san."
"He's met mom?" The younger Shimura gaped shortly, eyes widening in shock too before he masked his surprise and turned to Shisui. "You've met mom?"
The question had gathered the attention of Izumi, Itachi and Kinoto and Kyori was a tad mortified by being put on the spot, but Shisui was burning as red as a fire truck. He couldn't believe he told on himself like this; he wouldn't hear the last of it once school has ended.
"He's met everyone on accident except you." The burgundette shrugged and cackled when her brother grumbled about being left out.
"It's okay, you saved the best for last." Shin murmured as he found that being at a table full of Uchihas was kind of weird, but at least there was no animosity between them.
Then it dawned upon him that Shisui had met their father and came out unscathed.
"Wait how are you still alive?!"
Kinoto hummed lowly, leaning into the table with new found respect for the flirty Uchiha. "Knowing Danzo-sama, he would've preferred getting physical especially if you were flirting it up in his face."
Shisui snorted, glancing at Kyori who agreed.
"I don't always flirt with you, do I?" He seemed to flat out ask her, feigning his shock when she huffed in disbelief.
Itachi grinned. "You flirt more than you greet her."
"Izumi?" Shisui batted his lashes and all he got was a dark grin.
"Told you, you're a big fat flirt." Kyori shook her head with amusement as she flicks a few kinky clumps out of her face. Then she softly frowned. "Usually you're in the mood to flirt now, what's bothering you stupid?"
Shin raised a brow as Shisui bashfully shrugged, the Uchiha was looking at him. "I'm not going to do that in front of your brother! It would make him uncomfortable..."
"Oh but you can do it in front of Izumi-chan?" Kyori smirked at the blush tinting his ears and snickers to herself. "You're such a dork."
"T-that's different because she doesn't mind."
"As long as it's PG you two can go at it." The brunette shrugged. "But let's not pretend that you have the decency to control yourself when it comes to Kyori-chan~"
"Izumi!" Shisui screeched.
Kyori stared at Shisui.
"What's she talking about?" When he failed to answer her, she brought her chocolate gaze on the long-haired boy. "Itachi-san, you know don't you?"
"It's confidential. And I swore not to tell," Itachi started with a devious glint in his dark eyes. "But Izumi can fill you in just fine."
Shin smiled at the small grin that crept onto his sister's face and had to admit the Uchiha trio had a good sense of humor and were nice people. He could sense that Kyori was closest to Shisui by how affectionate she was towards him and he was the only one she mainly addressed, letting him know that everyone was right to assume she fancied him.
But he didn't care much about prying as long as Kyori was happy with their relationship, he didn't have to impose at all. It was definitely an upgrade from whoever the hell she's been seeing in the past. Uchiha or not, Shisui had a good impact on Kyori and that was all that mattered.
The day was practically over, but Kyori was busier than ever.
She had to ask the jashinist for a favor. Surprisingly, he was more than willing to contribute to her display set in motion for winning Miss Bijin even though they hardly spoke. Still, it was nice to catch up with Deva, Guren and the others too. It made her glad when they offered their help as well. And despite this, she still wasn't on good terms with Zetsu. So he truly surprised her by asking to speak in private.
Trailing down the naked hallways, Kyori settled her skeptical yet cool gaze on the pale boy. There was a frown already decorating her lips. "So what did you want to talk about?"
Zetsu heaved heavily before shoving his fist into his jean pockets. "I want to apologize for all the mean things I've said to you that day. I was just startled to see you at our table and was afraid that you'd hurt my friends."
With every word he spoke, Kyori felt sick to her stomach; the bile was eagerly rising to meet the outside. Figuratively and literally.
"I appreciate this but maybe I should be the one apologizing. I don't know if I did anything to hurt you specifically but I'm not proud of it." Kyori thought of what she should say as she lowered her gaze, bowing. "I'm very sorry for my past actions and I hope we can be cordial."
Kyori flashed a small smile and had even shook her head in amusement as Zetsu stood beside her with an uneasy smile. She wasn't sure if it was because the boy was on edge or feeling a little embarrassed. But the more they talked, the more the Shimura wondered what compelled him to be so bold and crude on her first day back? It was like he was a different person. But she could understand and respect that he was just trying to protect his friends.
"You're surprisingly soft-spoken and shyer than I remember you being." Kyori pointed out and a grin crept onto her face when he blushed profusely. Surely this wasn't an act?
Zetsu looked up at the ceiling lights, avoiding the girl's gaze entirely before opening his mouth to speak. "Well, that's because I have-"
Plop.
Zetsu grew still, rooted to the floor by his humility as he felt Kyori's and several eyes upon him. His breath was caught in his throat, which began to ache as his eyes gained moisture, losing their gentleness. Then his fists formed tightly as the cool treat slowly dribbled down his face, its thickness taking a little more time to seep into his shirt.
"Zetsu-san are you okay?" Kyori blinked, guiding him towards the boy's bathroom and frowned deeply as he scampered away, giving her an accusing weary glare.
Did he seriously think she had anything to do with this? A familiar and sickeningly sweet giggle caught her attention and the Shimura could practically feel her woodsy eyes narrowing into sharp slits as she approached the girl.
"What the fuck is your deal?" She questioned the dark haired girl, her tone rough and appalled.
Maki rolled her eyes at the burgundy haired girl, looking disinterested. "Nothing, I'm perfectly fine. Can't say the same about that freak and his whore."
Letting out an incredulous scoff, Kyori scowled at the taller girl. "You humiliated that boy and for what? A petty grudge you have against me? Makes total sense."
"It doesn't matter. I got your attention, didn't I?" The dark haired shrugged, towering over the Shimura's shorter frame. "So let me cut to the chase, I saw you talking to my boyfriend and I want to know why."
She had to be kidding. Seriously, why attack an innocent person just to confront someone else over nothing? Kyori would never understand Maki's logic. The girl was awfully pathetic, rude and had issues a mile long. She couldn't remotely see what Fu saw in her.
"If you're so concerned then why didn't you ask him?" Kyori crossed her arms over her chest, rolling her eyes in the face of a glowering Maki.
"Look, I warned you to stay away. So now I'm confronting you," The brunette snarled, balling her fist at the sight of a smirk on the Shimura's lips. "Leave him alone."
"You're so damn dramatic," And if only to add more fuel to the fire, the Shimura goaded, "I mean, what are you so afraid of Maki? It was just a little talk."
Maki fumed as she felt her temper was being blown to the roof when Kyori held a smug grin. "You're such a fucking bitch!" The Shimura rolled her eyes at this since Maki always resulted to throwing weak insults.
Huffing, Kyori challenged her with a cold gaze. "At least I'm not the bitch, antagonizing innocent people because her boyfriend can't put his dick away."
"Like you haven't done the same!" Maki scoffed. "You're fucked in the head if you think everything has been completely forgotten because you cleaned up your act."
Actually, Kyori never felt that she should be exonerated for something so small, being a better person was the least she could be after everything she's done and the karma she's gained. Of course it would never excuse the hurt she caused Risu and Hiruzen, her family, Fu, and even Maki. But what the brunette had to say on the matter made it very clear to Kyori that she needed to be held accountable. So she would stand there and let the girl get the negativity off her chest; she could do that if it helped Maki feel any better about herself.
"You'll always be the skank that didn't deserve Fu at all." Maki pointed an accusing finger in her face and the Shimura backed up, looking unimpressed. "The same skank that will fuck anything that breathes near her."
Yawning, Kyori brought her brown eyes on an angry jade pair.
"Is that all?" she asked despite feeling that Maki was far from done and it was fine.
The girl was never satisfied and the Shimura almost rolled her eyes when Maki continued to put her hand in her face. If she was going to disrespect Kyori's space, then she definitely could handle any response the Shimura would throw at her.
"No and I'll tell you why." Maki stood tall, looking down on the burgundy haired teen as she sneered, "You're nothing but a slimy, drunk and drugged up bitch that fed him crocodile tears and lies. And that's the honest truth."
Kyori laughed in disbelief but opted to dismiss the blows as she repeatedly smack the girl's hand away from her face. She didn't think she could take any more of this nonsense the girl was blabbing about. But of course, this only infuriated Maki.
"What the fuck is so funny?"
"Despite the honest truth, he still wants my slimy ass." She shrugged. A snort escaped her lips at the shock painting Maki's face as she begins to walk off.
Kyori then paused near the exit and her lips parted to say something inconsiderate and crude, but she felt the girl needed to hear it.
"I think that you're wasting your time because truthfully, if he wants to commit then he would. Isn't that what you told me?" Kyori huffed at her silence.
The brunette's fist trembled dangerously as she watched the Shimura leave the building and frustrated growl escaped her lips. She didn't want to believe any of Kyori's words, but she knew they held some truth in them. If Kyori couldn't change Fu, how could she?
"Fucking stupid whore," Maki grumbled, stomping off.
Ochaaa here!
I'm trying my best to spit these chappies out. There was hardly any interacting with Shisui and Kyori, but what do you all think? I think there's something worth peeking at. And gosh, writing for Shin is fun because there's no limits... still, I wish he had more screen time.
Anyways, a lot went down in this chappie. Maki is fuming over Fū, Zetsu was the bigger person and Kyori is questioning her friendship with Shisui and for what?
May we all find out later on, so make sure to favorite it, flame it, book it or keep it in your history (mobile users).