Mad About You Chapter 5
-666-
Makoto knew this was a bad idea the moment they pulled up on the driveway. The loud bass booming through the air was causing the ground underneath his shoes to shake and vibrate in an electro dance rhythm. In front of him, Nagisa 'ooh-ed' in interest, trailing after Rin and Haru. Reaching the front door, they could all hear the muffled laughs and cheering inside.
"So this is what a college party is like…" Nagisa commented, earning a snort from Rin. "Too bad Rei isn't here."
Makoto inwardly sighed. He should've followed Gou, and Rei's lead in not going. They just got there, and already it seemed like things were getting out of control. "Oh.. Wow… This seems…" Makoto trailed off weakly. Rin looked so ready to bust out of here, but he ultimately resolved to his fate, turning back to look at his friends.
"I'm only here to save face with Mikoshiba. Otherwise I'd never be caught dead in one of these." Rin stated.
"I heard the owner of the house has an Olympic pool with water jets." Haru commented.
Makoto cracked a smile at that. "Is that so?"
Nagisa shook with excitement. "Oh, we're entering the big boy's domain, guys! I'm going to get sooooo wasted!"
"YOU ARE NOT GOING TO BE DRINKING." Rin immediately countered, grabbing Nagisa's collar when he tried to go towards the drinks. "Actually, none of us are going to be drinking. For one: We're underage." Nagisa stuck out his tongue. "And you shouldn't accept any weird stuff to eat if someone comes up to you. Trust me, you do not want to wake up roofied." Rin said under his breath, narrowing his eyes.
"I heard the last time they threw a party, a bunch had to be rushed to the ER with alcohol poisoning and overdoses." Makoto's apprehension grew. "So everybody just drink water or something- heck I don't think I even trust the bottled water."
"W-what..?" Makoto stammered, starting to become a nervous wreck. Was this how college life was? It was so different. It made him uncomfortable, especially after all the 'Say No To Drugs' PSA's from Coach Sasabe engraved in his head as a kid…
"Don't drink the water." Haru repeated before they ringed the door, and a blank faced black haired guy opened the door.
"Who are you?" He said, his voice deep and full of no emotion. "You friend's of Sammy?"
"Mikoshiba." Rin answered, giving him a small nod. "I'm Rin. These are my friends Haru, Makoto, and shorty."
"Nagisa." Shorty happily corrected without pause.
The guy's blank eyes twinkled with something akin to recognition for a small moment, before he nodded back. "I've heard of you, you used to be Seijuuro's old swim team member. I retired once I started senior year, so that's why we haven't met. You have my old spot. Well, come in, Seijuuro's somewhere by the pool in the back." He let them pass by him.
"Oh man." Nagisa whistled, looking around him in awe.
As they walked through the huge crowd, many party goers laughed and huddled in their groups. Some drank away, jovial and laughing, while every so often they spotted a couple showing a bit too much pda.
Makoto ignored the mess, trying his hardest not to bump into anyone as they exited the living room, walking out into a large backyard with a huge Olympic sized pool. Several party goer's straggled along the edge of the pool, some of chairs, while others were fooling around in the pool, playing some sort of game with a beach ball. "…"
"Heeeeey!" The group looked up to see a very excited Seijuuro waving at them, jumping up and down in a much not needed effort to be seen… Even though the man was definitely the tallest one there.
The group walked over, each with smiles and happy greetings to their old friend- well, besides Haru. That boy smiles for nothing.
"It's been a while!" Seijuuro yelled with a shit eating grin, glomping the boys in a tight bear hug. "I'm glad to see you all again!" Makoto laughed, still a bit embarrassed at the display of affection from the tall swimmer.
"It's nice to see you too, Captain."
Seijuuro waved the title off. "Just Seijuuro is fine! I'm not the captain of Same anymore! Besides, you guy's are here as my friends so we're all good!"
"How are things in your uni?" Rin asked after all the formalities were met. Nagisa had wondered off under the watchful eye of Haru towards the drinks area, just in case the short shouta blondie wanted to smuggle a drink. Only Makoto remained with them, politely to the side as he causally listened on to their conversation.
Seijuuro looked over at the two boys. "Things have been a bit rocky as some of the guys seem to have a problem with 'teamwork'." Seijuuro did air quotes. "Buuut that's nothing I'm unfamiliar with and can't fix!"
Rin snorted. "Are you using me as experience..?" Rin joked. The tall redhead only laughed.
"Same old as usual!" Sei chuckled. "I'm still surprised you turned down Tokyo Uni! The scholarship they were offering you was killer man, why did you decide not to go?
Rin shrugged. "Dunno, but it seemed like a bummer. Besides, this uni's not so bad either with their swim programs. Not as well known as yours, but they have a good rep in the Olympics."
"Alright! That's real good to hear." Seijuuro patted his shoulder, looking like a proud dad. "What's this uni's name again? Hakaka? Hayako? Fukoka- something?"
"Rokkueh. Hakkoyida is the all girls uni we merged with." Makoto's eyes widened.
Had he heard right? Hakkoyida Uni- wasn't that where Cyril's school pin is from? Makoto tried to ignore the butterflies in his stomach start to flutter, looking around for said girl. She didn't seem like the type. No, there was no way she would be at a party like this. Right?
"Ah. How about you Makoto?"
Makoto looked back at them, smiling lightly. "Oh, everything's been going fine." He nodded.
Seijuuro watched him quietly, his smile dropping off his face before slowly returning. "Oh, That's real good then! Hey Rin!" He turned to the other redhead. "Get some drinks for us will ya? Also, I think Haru isn't doing a good job in keeping Nagisa away from the alcohol, hahaha." Rin facepalmed, jogging quickly towards the other two. Seijuuro turned back to Makoto. "So now that it's just the two of us, are you gunna tell me what's really going on, because while your face and smile might say one thing, your eyes say something else…"
Makoto opened his mouth, surprised. After a short while he sighed. "Actually you're right…"
"Talk to me." Seijuuro said, hands on his hips. "What's bothering ya?"
"… I'm- worried." Makoto admitted. Looking at the ground with a grimace. "I'm worried about us in Nationals as we didn't do so good last time, but also- I'm worried about what Haru's plans are for the future…"
"okay, so what are Haru's plans?"
"Well that's just it- it doesn't seem like he has one!" Makoto blurted out. "… I tried to ask him what uni's he was thinking of applying to, but he just told me not to waste my time! And then I submitted his letter to Tokyo, and he was rejected. I don't know what Haru is going to do after we graduate and it scares me… Especially since I got in Tokyo and he didn't…"
Seijurro was quiet for a while, before he placed a strong hand on Makoto's shoulder. "It's okay to be scared and worried about the future and those you hold dear to you…" Makoto's eyes started to well up with tears. "I understand it's scary, especially since you guys have been friends since like, forever, but you have to understand that distance in no way means you guys are gunna stop being friends… No matter how far you guy might end up physically. Also, Nationals are hella scary, so use that fear and worry into training as hard as you can, and you'll see how good you will be when the time comes, so you better give it all you've got!"
Seijuuro raised his fists, making a funny face. Makoto laughed at this. "As for Haru, that's something only he can decide upon… It might seem like he doesn't have any aspirations for the future, but I'm sure Haru just needs to find himself and realize a couple of things. Maybe he just needs to decide things for himself for once. Maybe the whole traditional route isn't for him."
Makoto burrowed his brows. "What do you mean?" 'Have… Have we've been forcing Haru do to things he doesn't like...?'
"Well, for starts, Haru is very good at what he does… But it doesn't seem like it's what he wants."
"Eh?"
Seijuuro smiled. "I noticed it the last time we went up against each other. The skills were there, but his eyes- they were empty. Yet that time we went on the beach as a group… His eyes were alive!" Seijuuro's eyes twinkled. "Man, I've never seen so much emotion in the kid! I thought I was going crazy! I think what Haru loves, is to be free- nah, SWIM FREE!"
"Swim free…" Makoto repeated.
-222999222-
"For the last time, FUCK off!" Cyril yelled as she shoved a stupid ass frattie boy away from her waist, glaring venomously. People nearby watched, while the frat boy's homie's seemed to egg the behavior on, yelling things about how much of a pussy he was being to some broad. Cyril's eye twitched.
'Calm down, they're just the lowest of sea urchins… Plus, I can't be making any scene, or bring attention to myself.' Cyril thought to herself, sighing.
"You denying some grade-A cock, you stupid bitch?!"
Cyril froze, her lips rolling upwards into a smirk. On another note, fuck laying low.
The frat boy's screams came out before he even registered the pain, hands flying up to hold in the sudden rush of blood that was now gushing out of his face like a geyser. "WHAT THE FUCK?!" His eyes went wide when he felt her suddenly knee him with such force, he actually had the air leave forcefully out of his lungs before doubling over.
"No one wants to be in that, dickless." Cyril said, before looking at dickless's frat boy's posse. "You three."
They stood up straight at her gaze. "Next time you try to edge on some lame ass advances to a girl who's obviously not interested, think about how much it would suck to live without a dick for the rest of your lives." She spat out, before stalking off in search of her friend.
"… Where the hell is this girl…" Cyril scowled. Her knee was throbbing. "Fuck." In a force of habit, she used her knee with the injury, forgetting about how sensitive it has become. Even though she regained some of her fighting strength, it wasn't the same. The injury had long since healed and closed up, but would occasionally hurt like a bitch and make life living hell. "Stupid ass knee. Fuck, I probably shouldn't have kneed him." She rubbed circles into her knee. "Now this bitch is gunna hurt all night."
888WWW_
Seijuuro's ears perked up at the sudden commotion nearby, He craned his neck to look over the windo of the balcony, noting a group of guys around a girl. He frowned.
He knew full well the level of scum guys like them tended to be in parties like this… And judging by their frat branded jumpers, he could tell they were the standard fuck boy starter pack.
'I should go down there before things get out of hand.' He thought quickly before making his way over… but paused when he saw her hand their asses to them. Seijuuro let out an impressed whistle, going her way.
… She knew it was a bad idea to come here. Sighing once more, Cyril opted to sit down on a nearby couch. Plopping down hard as she crossed her legs and arms, daring any straggler fuck boy's who eyed around the room for their next prey. They all gulped when they saw her intense stare, opting to walk away. Cyril smirked, scoffing. 'Heh, pussies.' She resisted the urge to audibly growl when she felt the couch shift, and someone sit beside her. Cyril ignored her new couch comrade, pretending to be looking around.
"Hey." Her obligated couch comrade said to her, and Cyril inwardly groaned, looking back briefly to the newcomer. To her surprise a grinning redhead looked back, a red cup held in front of her like an offering of peace.
"Hi." Cyril said dryly, eyeing between the cup and him. She raised a brow. "You expect me to take that? I don't know you."
The stranger laughed at this, taking a small gulp of the cup before offering it to her again. "Well, now we'll both know if it's okay or not. It's just water anyways."
Cyril scoffed, before slowly taking the cup, and drinking the whole thing. "… Touche."
"I'd introduce myself properly, but I'm a little worried." The man started off, leaning back on the couch. "Do you normally greet guys like that?" The mischievous twinkle in his eyes made her smirk.
"Depends. And those asswipes had it coming for harassing me."
He laughed. "Well, let's hope it's not my lucky day then!"
"…"
"I'm Seijuuro. I hope those guys weren't bothering you too much." The tall redhead offered a hand, and Cyril couldn't help but notice how big his hands were. She opted not to shake his, though, staring at him straight in the eye. The way the purple and blue lights caught his gold eyes made them shimmer. "You look like you're looking for someone."
"Is that your lame excuse for a pickup line?"
Seijuuro laughed. "Not at all. You look like you lost your friend or something."
After a pause, Cyril looked away, sipping her drink. "Cyril. And yes, I lost my friend in the crowd."
"I can help you find her if you want…" Through the neon glim of the lights around them, she could see the highlighted edges of a strong jawline, and a killer smile. Neck muscles shifted every time he spoke, and underneath the track suit he wore, she could see the prominent lines of chiseled pecs and shoulders, an aura of confidence and playful mischief. Cyril brought the cup to her lips…
… He was just her type…
Seijuuro's eyes widened with interest, a mischievous grin etched on his face as he leaned his palm on his cheek. "Well, unless you already found what you're looking for?" Cyril met his gaze.
He knew she found him attractive.
"Oh? And what's that?" She leaned closer, raising a brow. "You?" Cyril raised a brow.
Seijuuro shrugged. "Maaaybe." He took the cup out of her hands, getting up. "Save my seat for me Siri-chan? I'm going to go fill up your cup."
"How gallant of you." Cyril quoted, amused when he stuck out his tongue at her, and left to the drinks area. 'Siri-chan…' Once he was out of sight, she scoffed. "Cocky little bitch…" A small smile graced her lips. Maybe it wasn't such a bad idea to go with Aya after all…
…
In no time Seijuuro returned, handing her a now filled cup, while he had his own. "So Siri-chan, tell me what brings you to a place like this. You don't seem like the type."
"I'm not." She answered. "My friend. Her boyfriend is on the team. She dragged me here to 'get over some guy'. Honestly, I could be sleeping comfortably in my bed than here…"
"Hahaha, true that! But then again, we wouldn't have met. My uni's team is actually hosting this party, and I know some of the people here from the other uni's, so I was kind of obligated to come- hence being the captain and all."
"… you seemed like you belong here though."
Seijuuro faked being hit in the heart. "Damn, you are a cold one! I'm actually not into parties like this. I'm more of a small get together at home type, haha. You know, like board games and children's cards games. I'm also a beast at Jenga, just so you know." Sei gave her a cheeky grin, fluffing up his collar in a showy way.
Cyril laughed. "Oh really?"
At this, Seijuuro's smile widened. "And she laughs! It's really cute, Siri-chan! For a second I thought you couldn't do more than this." He imitated her scowl and scoff. "You should smile more often. It's really a sight to see."
Cyril stared at him.
['Your smile always brights up my days, lil' sis…']
His words made her sad suddenly, eerily reminiscent of her late brother's words whenever he tried to get her to laugh.
… Hisei used to say cheesy things like that all the time to her… Cyril grabbed at her school pin gently. It felt like her heart was suddenly twice as heavy. "…"
…
"…" Seijuuro frowned, noting the look. "… Did I say something bad..?"
Cyril seemed to snap out of her haze. She was shocked at the alien feel of calloused hands stroke her cheek, wiping a stray tear. "… No. It just reminded me of someone I knew. Used to say corny shit like that all the time."
"Oh." Seijurro searched her eyes. "Whoever that guy is must be some type of crazy." He said suddenly, taking a sip.
Cyril looked at him. "What do you mean?"
"Well, you're super cute, for starters- he'd have to be crazy to let you go!"
Cyril scoffed. "It's not like that." She paused before smiling softly. "… My brother used to tell me to how seeing me smile always made him feel better before he died… "
"Ah." Seijuuro's looked turned to one of empathy. "I'm sorry, that must've been so insensitive of me…" He said softly, bowing slightly. "I'm really sorry, Siri-chan."
Cyril shook her head."It's okay, you didn't know." Her lips settled into a tight frown. "It's like if it just happened sometimes. But it's already been a year… Yet it still feels like some kind of nightmare I can't wake up from." She trailed off, loosing herself as her dull feelings started to surface little by little…
Maybe it was the alcohol. She had drunk a bit in her room with Aya before heading over to the party. Or maybe it was something about the happy go lucky redhead beside her that made her talk about that. She had just blurted it out.
"Still, I'm sorry for your loss…" Seijuuro slung an arm over her shoulders, bringing her in for a warm, brief hug.
"… So what about you- Seijuuro, right?" He nodded. "Got any sob story? I already told you half of mines, so it's only fair."
He shook his head. He noted the strange look in her eyes was missing. Not completely, though."I'm single as a pringle, ma'am."
"Pshh, bullshit."
"It's true!" Seijuuro said. "I'm not really good when it comes to that. I blame it on my busy schedule of being a swim captain, sighhhh."
Cyril chuckled. "Uhuh. Right, like you're not tryna smooth talk your way into my pants, Sei-kun."
"No. Well, Unless there's an invitation!" Seijuuro wriggled his eyebrows, playfully bumping his shoulders against hers. "Kidding, hahaha, you should see your face! And Sei-kun- I haven't heard that one. It's cute, thanks!" The two of them burst out laughing, Cyril taking a few moments to gather her breath before she answered back. She leaned in closer, noses practically touching each other as she smirked.
"Too bad you're not my type, Sei-kun." She quipped, pulling back.
Seijuuro's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Okaaaay, now I'm calling bullshit." Chuckling deeply under his breath.
It was there.
… He could feel it as they both stared at each other intently, unmoving yet eager for the other one to be the first to take action. He had the sudden urge to kiss her…
Seijuuro made move forward, but pulled back with a bit of hesitation as they locked eyes. "May I?"
"Oh? You're asking for consent?" Cyril joked with a smirk, a teasing glint in her eyes and words as Seijuuro merely stuck out his tongue playfully at her.
"… You have consent…" Cyril nodded before he leaned in to give a chaste peck, pulling back after a bit with a big grin.
"Too bad you are my type, Siri-chan."
Cyril blinked back at him owlishly. She was stunned. Her lips still tingled slightly where they had met, and she found herself grinning back at the playful man. It was such a simple kiss. Like one a person would give to their high school crush, yet one that made her feel something.
… Something almost like she had with the Doctor…
She leaned in for another chaste kiss. Another. And another. Peering back at him, Cyril wrapped her arms around his neck.
…
…- 0000000====++_
…
Cyril woke up as the sun shone through a crack in the curtains. She burrowed her brows, turning to hide from the annoying rays hitting her face when she finally realized something.
Her eyes shot open.
Immediately seeing the spiky tufts of red tickling her face. Her mind flashed the encounter with the handsome redhead she had called Sei-kun, and she chuckled a bit to herself.
Hearing her laugh, Seijuuro let out a yawn, cracking open one eye before he closed them again. Soon enough, a heavy bicep was dragged over her waist, pulling her closer.
Seijuuro nuzzled his chin on the crook of her neck, intent on going back to sleep, and taking her with him.
"I slept like a baby." She muttered, trying not to directly have her probable morning breath ghost over his face. "I'm pretty sure your bed is made up of clouds or something."
Seijuuro's eyes shot open. "It's orthopedic. Nice to know you like my bed, haha."
"Are you hungry?"
"Don't worry about it." Cyril assured. "I should get going soon." She started to stand.
"Oh." Seijuuro sat up. "You're not going to stay for breakfast?"
Cyril paused. ".. Umm, no?"
"Aww, c'mon- I make a mean breakfast burrito. With bacoooon~" Sei wriggled his eyebrows. Cyril bit her lip, rolling her eyes.
"…"
Cyril thought about it… This wasn't really supposed to happen, yet one thing led to another and she ended up sleeping with a random stranger. Didn't one night stands have some kind of rule against this? "I dunno if that's a good idea."
Seijuuro's eyes dimmed a little. "If it's about the bacon, I don't have to add it. I can make anything you want- just stay for a bit…"
Cyril looked at him. She could feel her inner girly self immediately fall for his look. "No it's not abou-" Sigh. " Okay. But I do want bacon. Lot's of it."
"Okay!" Seijuuro grinned widely. "Let's go! I'll show you what's in the pantry." The redhead pulled her close for a smooch.
Cyril snickered, pulling away. "I gotta shower and brush my teeth first, haha."
Seijuuro stuck out his tongue.
…
Cyril watched in amusement as Seijuuro downed two burrito's like it was nothing. She had finished her own black pepper, egg, gouda cheese and ham with pickled jalapeno breakfast burrito, and was merely checking the tall built redhead out. Now that she was (mildly) sober, she could see and appreciate just how gorgeous this man was. He was walking around with no shirt on and just a pair of light colored boxers that did not hide what lurked underneath at all.
He definitely was her type. Yet she couldn't help but feel a bit guilty.
Why had she gone home with him?
It's not like she was super drunk. Sure, they had flirted a bit, and she did find him attractive, but it wasn't the first time she fancied someone who flirted with her. The only exception was that this time, the flirting did get in her pants.
Here she was after spending a wild night with a handsome hunk, while she supposedly had her heart still broken over the Doc… The very Doc who had told her it was never going to be, and he was arranged to marry someone else…
999T_
… Seijuuro watched his guest with mild interest, noting her dazed look.
He wasn't gunna lie, but he had immediately taken to her when he first saw her last night.
She was short and cute like a button, but now that he could take a closer look, he realized she had that look in her eyes. Like Haru… Like Rin.
… The look of someone who was lost in the world…
He couldn't help but feel drawn to her.
Maybe it was his instinct of naturally doing his best to help people, that made him talk to her. He had never done something like that before, but something about this girl made him want to know more.
Seijuuro got up, filling her now empty cup with more green tea. "I'm glad you stayed." He said with a soft smile.
Cyril stopped eating, looking up at him, saying nothing. "…"
"If it's not a bother, I'd like to do this again sometime." The redhead added, scratching his nose bashfully as he kept looking away from her.
"… The sex? Or the morning after breakfast?" Her answer made him chuckle.
"Seeing you, I mean." He answered smoothly. "Not that the sex part isn't bad too, but I want to get to know you more. I'm not used to doing, a hookup, if you can call it that." He leaned his chin of his palm. "But I really want to see you again, Siri-chan."
"Like FWB's? Not thanks, I don't do those."
"Not that."
"… Like a date."
Seijuuro winked. "Preferably. Well, if you'd like."
"You don't know me." Cyril claimed, abandoning any idea of finishing her food. "What's to say that this isn't going to work out? If you didn't know by now, the only thing we have in common is that we had a one night stand that was supposed to stay just that. Yet you invited me to stay past that for breakfast."
"So then why did you stay?" Seijuuro countered. Cyril said nothing to that- she couldn't answer even if she wanted to.
"… Why do you want to get to know me…" She looked away.
"I think you're cute." Cyril looked at him, deadpanned. Regardless the face, all men still cared about the same thing in the end, it seemed.
"That's not enough of a reason. You said it yourself last night, you were afraid to approach me at first after you saw what I did to those two sleeze balls."
Seijuuro nodded in agreement. "That's true."
"Why don't we just leave it at that."
"Because I think you're interesting." Seijuuro answered, grinning once more. "I don't ignore interesting."
"Interesting?" Cyril repeated.
"And cute!"
After a moment, she sighed heavily, pursing her lips. "Don't call me cute…" She mumbled angrily under her breath, plopping down hard on her seat. Seijuuro's eyes glowed with happiness, laughing heartily at the realization that she was going to stay.
"… I'll give it a try…" She said softly, frowning. "But if you try anything funny, don't think I won't kick your ass. You're lucky I'm a sucker for kicked puppy looks and a nice smile." Seijuuro laughed harder.
999T_
(Later That Day, On Campus:)
"Cyril baby!~" Aya cooed as she approached the girl, glomping her. "Where in the world did you go last night. I looked all over for you so that Ben and me could give you a ride or sleep over, but I couldn't find you! And why are you glowing?" She blinked slowly, before a grin creeped on her face at her friend's blank look.
"Oh my god- YOU GOT DICK LAST NIGHT, DIDN'T YOU?!" Aya whisper yelled, gushing with bright pink cheeks.
"… Maybe…" Sly smirk.
Aya girly screamed, latching unto her friend's neck. "Atta girl! I knew you'd get over him!" The blonde gushed, proud of her friend's recent conquest. "It's about time! Now give me the deetz, girl. Was it Quality Dick?"
"Yup."
"Oooh, good for you, niiice." Aya, the ever closet perv. It was a wonder how Ben could keep up with her. The girl had stamina like a demon. "Your place or his?"
"His."
"Risky. He could be a serial killer for all we know. Well, not like you wouldn't rip him a new one though." Aya laughed. "Omg, tell me more, Cyril! What's his name, how does he look, does he go to Ben's school- did you get his number?!"
Cyril laughed at her friend's antics. "Yes I got his number. Yes he's smocking hot, I think he goes to Ben's Uni too, his name is Seijuuro, and he's the captain of the Swim team."
Aya gasped. "No way, I've seen him before! The tall redheaded hunk with the speedos- I can't believe you hooked up with him!"
Cyril rolled her eyes. "It's no big deal. Apparently he wanted to see me again. Even invited me for breakfast."
"Omg! Girl, guys who stay only in hookups don't do that. Did you say yes?! I hope you freaking said yes- he's totally boyfriend material!" Aya chastised, pouting. "Girl!"
"Relax. I said I'd give it a try, but don't get your hopes up. Guys like him only care about one thing."
Aya looked sad at her words. "That's not always true, Cyril… Not every guy is like him." At the thought of him, Cyril's eyes went dark for a moment, before she shook it away.
"Whatever. Let's go, we're gunna be late to pick up Yuri after her shift."
"Okay, Okay, but this is all so exciting!" Aya cheered as they left.
99987_
"Nagisa- pick up your speed! Why are you just swimming in place with a goofy smile?! Rei, please snap this buffoon out of whatever lala land blondie's in?" Gou sighed for the umpteenth time through her megaphone. Makoto and Haru both emerged from under water, staring off at the sight of Nagisa.
"He's looking at you strange." Haru commented, peering up at Makoto. "Is he on you again?"
Makoto sighed, brows knitting slightly in worry. "Yeah. He keeps saying he's going to find out whatever I'm hiding."
"Why don't you just tell him what happened? It's not like he's going to drop it if you keep acting like you're hiding something."
Makoto closed his eyes. Haru had a point, but then again, he really didn't want to bring his strange situation more attention. Plus, there could be the tiiniest, prooooobable instance that he may like her, and he really wouldn't want for Nagisa to make a whole huge deal about it and go overboard like he usually did.
That was a headache he would like to avoid, thank you very much.
"I'd rather not." Makoto said, flashing Haru a small weary smile that let the water loving boy he really didn't want to keep talking about this.
Haru merely blinked owlishly, swimming away.
"Ugh." Gou sat near him, legs dangling in the water. "That dunderhead…" he said, before looking over to Makoto. "You alright?"
"Yes, sorry." He smiled back. "Maybe we should stop for now."
"Ugh, fine." Gou sighed again.
"How about we train tomorrow? I'll talk with Nagisa."
"Actually, I'm busy tomorrow. Nii-san is taking me out shopping."
"Oh, okay. I'm glad things between you two are better."
Gou smiled brightly, blushing a bit. "Yeah, me too." They both smiled brightly. "I'm really glad. You guys can come too if you'd like! I don't mind."
"Oh it's okay, I wouldn't want to come between your sibling bonding time." They both laughed.
"Hahaha, no, I really don't mind! You guys should come! Brother's been asking about you guys, you should come!" Gou turned to look to the rest of the boy. "'Hey guys!" They all turned towards her.
"Tomorrow I'm going with nii-san shopping at Tokyo, we should all go together!"
"Tokyo?!" Nagisa's eyes lit up. Even Rei seemed to be enthusiastic at the mention.
"Yeah, we should use it as a sort of excursion break or something. I kinda feel like I've been working you guys too hard. I don't want you all to burn out or something. Plus, we'll get to spend it together."
Nagisa started to tear up. "Family bonding time?! You're the best mom ever!"
Gou looked at him, deadpanned. "I am not your mother."
"Mommy dearest!" he clung to her like a koala.
"Don't make me reconsider!"
9879-
Gou and the rest watched Nagisa drag Rei and Haru around, oogling at the windows of several swanky looking shops. Rei looked annoyed beside his younger sister. "This is why I don't like inviting Nagisa to stuff outside."
Gou huffed. "Same. I didn't think it well through when I decided. Well, I guess we can try out that store first."
… Haru watched blankly as Rin looked at his outfit in the mirror, trying to see if it looked good. "…"
After a while, Rin sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I dunno about this one." He said, earning a remark from Makoto who sat next to Haru on the waiting lounge.
"I think it suits you well. What do you think Haru?" the boys turned to the water loving boy, expectantly waiting for his answer. After a short while, Haru answered.
"It's fine." Rin suddenly looked annoyed.
"Just fine? Does it look tacky or not?"
Makoto, sensing Rin's growing annoyance, interjected. "NO, it really does look good! Not tacky at all- As a matter of fact, the yellow stripes bring it all together!" Makoto smiled.
"Hmph." Rin grumbled. Again, they all looked expectantly at Haru.
Haru blinked owlishly, not saying a word. Raising a brow, Gou looked between the two boys, unsure if they were having some sort of male rivalry thing. She didn't understand what was going on, but it was starting to get weird.
"Since when does Rin-chan care about how his trousers look?" Nagisa whispered beside her.
"Right?" Gou whispered back.
Having had enough, Rin huffed in annoyance, grumbling under his breath. "Whatever…"
"Aaaawkaard." Nagisa whistled. "Hey Haru, why don't you try these on?" Nagisa said, pointing to a mannequin with dark cerulean sweats, and a baggy cashmere sweater on display. "I think this is totally you."
Haru blinked. "It looks itchy."
"What, no way, it's cashmere! It's super soft, see?"
"I'd rather not."
"What? C'mon, just try it on Haru!" Nagisa insisted.
"Nagisa stop being pushy." Gou interjected.
"It does look pretty warm." Makoto encouraged, smiling at the water loving boy. Finally, that seemed to do the trick. Haru took the items off the rack and headed into the dressing room. After a while of convincing from the guys, they all left the store with some new clothes and swimming apparel.
Makoto straggled on behind, enjoying the chilly breeze as the rest talked about animatedly amongst themselves. He let himself think back to the quaint little café. He could imagine Cyril was inside, in her usual spot with her green tea ice cream and cruller donut, reading a book.
What was she studying in Uni? The last time they had spoken, she briefly mentioned about her studies, but Makoto found himself curious to know more.
He really liked talking to her last time, if only he had more excuses to frequent the café. Unfortunately, his allowance was running dry, and he really didn't want her to get the wrong idea. He just thought she was cool, that's all. It's not like his heart beat ten times faster, in a 'doki-doki' Shoujo type fashion whenever he saw her or something!
… Makoto sighed. At least he had invited her to watch them train on Friday. He'd get to talk to her then. That gave him more than enough time to think of stuff to talk with her. Now the only problem was Nagisa. He would immediately put things together, and realized she was the owner of the pin he had found. And in true Nagisa fashion, the short shouta would wreck hell.
Makoto had to figure out a way to not get Nagisa to be too crazy. Maybe Rei could help?
… Then again, Rei could barely calm him. Troubling.
"Hey Gou?" Makoto called out to her. Said girl slowed down.
"Whatsup?"
"On friday I invited a friend over to watch us train. I hope that doesn't make things weird or something."
Gou blinked, mildly surprised. "Oh? Well, that's totally fine." She said. Gou was curious. What other friends besides Haru and the boys did Makoto know? He was a super introvert. "Who's your friend?"
"Oh, um she's from-"
"-SHE..?" A sly smirk etched on her lips. "Makotoooo."
Said boy blushed immediately, understanding her tone. "I-I'ts not like that, r-really!"
"Uhuh, I was under the assumption I was the only girl you'd be around consistently. Are you secretly a Casanova under that shy boy look?"
"N-no, not at all!" Makoto fervently shook his head. "I don't know her that well like you."
"Ooooh, interesting." Gou covered her mouth as if she just heard the most salacious gossip. "What school's she from? I'm assuming she's not from ours."
"No, she's from Hakkoyida University."
"Oh? Wait, isn't that the school that Nagisa found th-" Makoto immediately made sign to lower her voice, fearful of the short blondie hearing.
"- Not so loud! Yes, it was her pin, and it's a long story!"
Gou raised a brow. She briefly looked towards Nagisa, who was still harassing Rin. "… You're going to tell me sometime later, right?" Makoto nodded.
"Yes."
"Good, you better. Is she cute?"
"G-Gou!"
"What, I'm curious. You're the last person I'd expect to get a girlfriend first from you guys." Gou shrugged. "I was beginning to think you all 'swung the other way', if you know what I mean…"
"…" Makoto didn't know why he felt sort of offended. "… Uhm, it's really not like that…"
Gou raised a brow. "Uhuh sure. Can't blame me for thinking that when you guys embrace half naked all the time in a flashy way. But anyways- is she cute though?"
"… Yes…"
"And you do like her. I bet."
"!" Makoto fumbled with his fingers. "I-Um…" Gou smiled lightly. "No comment…"
"Well, whatever it is, good luck. Even if it's not 'that way' like you say, Mako-chan. Well, good luck." Gou said, going back to stop Nagisa from nearly getting mauled by an irritated Rin. Makoto sighed, looking to his side. He screamed.
"Oh my gosh- Haru, how long have you been standing there?!"
Haru blinked. "…"
"…" Shaking his head, Makoto let it go.
87978_
"Hime-sama, start over. You did not hit the marks during your stance." Her Kendo teacher said, shaking his head. A tired looking Cyril groaned, wanting more than anything for the ground to suddenly open up and swallow her whole or something.
To the side, her bodyguards bowed, seeing the eldest son enter the dojo.
"Ouji-sama." They all chorused.
"My apologies for my delay." Kazuma said, adjusting his kendo uniform as he grabbed his own practice sword. Cyril looked away when he turned to her briefly, readying his stance. "I'm ready."
"…" Cyril did the same after a short pause. "… Ready."
The teacher nodded. "Alright, begin!"
Cyril was the first to move forward. Pressing her foot hard to the floor as she brought down her practice sword, only for it to be opposed swiftly. Again, Cyril shifted to re-attack, but Kazuma didn't even let her get close. A loud smack resonated through the dojo as Cyril's hand was hit, knocking the sword out of her grasp. "Ngh!" Cyril immediately pulled back, holding her now red hand to her chest.
"Hime-sama, are you alright?!" Her bodyguards made rush to aid her, but was stopped by Kazuma's order.
"Our practice is still in session." Kazuma said, looking towards at his sister. "Let's continue."
"I'm sorry Ouji-sama, but I don't think hime-sama can continue with that injury."
"I'm fine." Cyril gritted.
"If she can still hold her sword, then she can still fight." Kazuma said coldly, throwing her the practice sword. Cyril bit her lip, ignoring the sharp pain in her wrist…
…
"… You shouldn't have to put up with that sort of treatment." Eijiro said, wrapping up Cyril's wrist.
It hurt like a bitch. The practice session had gone on for an hour, and the entire time she was having her ass handed to her. Kazuma was always the better swordsman, only having earned the title of head swordsman after Hisei's…
Cyril shoved the thought away.
… As much as she hated kendo, it was only made worse when she had to train with her brother. Ever since the incident, A rift between her and Kazuma had been erected. He became cold, reserved, eerily similar to Father. It was almost scary how much he had changed since then.
"He's just training, Doc." Cyril muttered, looking at her feet. Even though they were in somewhat speaking terms, she still felt some sort of way after finding out he was arranged to marry… To marry someone that wasn't her. Ever since then, she hasn't called him by his name.
"He's abusing you." Eijiro pressed. "Why do you let him harm you?"
"He's not abusing me." Cyril interjected.
"How many times do you come here injured?" Eijiro countered.
"It's not like that…"
Eijiro sighed. "Then how is it like? Because from my point of view-"
"- Just butt out of it already." Cyril said firmly.
"…"
Cyril pulled away from him, standing. "Thank you for treating me, Doc."
"… Can we talk..?" Eijiro said suddenly.
"Talk." Cyril stared at him, poker faced. "About what?"
"Us."
"US?" Cyril said in disbelief. "What us? There is no us? Aren't you engaged?"
"Cyril-"
"- I don't know why you're trying to talk about this now, after what you did." Cyril hissed, glaring at him. "… You never came for me that night… I waited for you all night, only to find out you were having dinner with your soon to be wife! You never said anything about my old man arranging a marriage for you! I could've done something about it!"
"There is nothing you could have done to stop it, Cyril…" Eijiro said sadly, a remorseful smile on his lips. "… You know full well no one goes against your Father's orders and lives to tell about it."
"I could have done something!" Cyril screamed. Hot tears were threatening to spill down her cheeks. "I could have left- I WOULD LEAVE FOR YOU-"
"- DON'T SAY THAT." Eijiro covered her mouth suddenly, eyes wide. "If your Father hears word that you would TREASON the family…."
Cyril slapped his hand away. "… Why didn't you tell me about the arrangement, Eiji-kun..?"
Cyril's voice was so small, frail. She no longer looked like the proud, strong daughter of the Ryuuka-gumi; Japan's most feared Yakuza family…
… Right now, she was a heartbroken young woman who was about to lose the love of her life…
Eijiro touched her cheek tenderly, rubbing away the hot tears. It wasn't fair. Cyril didn't deserve all of this.
He had hoped she would have moved on by now- given the coldness she had received from him as of late. She didn't deserve to be treated like this. Cyril had given him her heart sightlessly, only to have it be returned broken and in shatters. Her love was pure, real…
… But it just wasn't meant to be. He had fooled himself far too long in holding her heart. They could never be together; her Father had made sure of it…
"You've grown to be such an amazing young woman, Cyril…" Eijiro whispered, kissing her forehead tenderly. "… I know you will find happiness. It's just not with me. You will find someone better than me, someone who can love you freely and be able to show it without fear. One day, you will find a man who's worthy of loving you… I'm sorry that I can't be that person for you, Cyril. I'm sorry for all the pain I have caused you. I don't deserve your forgiveness. I'd like you to know you're very dear to me, but we can't be together Cyril- you know why…"
"!" Cyril choked up, she was unable to control herself. Eijiro comforted her, rubbing the top of her head as she cried her broken heart out further.
...989-
The first thing Cyril did when she got out of class was to text Aya. They had a brunch date set up at a bubble tea spot the blondie had found, but she really wasn't in the mood. In fact, the whole week she wasn't in the mood for anything. She had to practically force herself to go to her Saturday morning class.
Just on cue, Aya's questioning text made her look down. She said it was okay, but Cyril knew full well she would go on full detective mode and realize something was up.
Cyril let out a sigh. "… What am I doing..?" She whispered, shaking her head. "I could really go for something sweet right now."
The bakery! Cyril's eyes lit up. Might as well go there. It wasn't too far off anyways. With a new spring in her step, Cyril made her way to her favorite café.
…
"Welcome- oh hey girl!" Yurie said cheerily, going straight to make her usual order. In surprise, she paused when Cyril corrected her.
"Actually, I'll try something different."
"Oh?" Yurie blinked. "You sure? You're a picky eater!"
Not wanting to prove her right, Cyril looked around the café, trying to spot a customer with something at least a bit interesting looking to her, when her eyes settled on a familiar tall figure who seemed to be doing the best impression of a praying mantis in mid bite.
'Tree man!' Her eyes lit up. "I'll have what he's having."
Yurie looked over her shoulders to see Makoto pretend not to notice them. It was only when Yurie called over to him with a kiss and a enthusiastic 'hola', did he actually look over.
"H-Hello!" Makoto called out, waving back with a nervous smile.
"So cute." Yurie quipped, leaning on her palm.
"You have a boyfriend." Cyril reminded her bubblegum pink friend. "Who's rather jealous and works with you."
"Uhuh." Yurie waved her hand ogling the boy. "Your food will take a bit."
"Uhuh." Cyril chuckled, heading on over to Makoto.
"Hey Mak-chan."
"Cyril- san." Makoto bowed politely.
"Are you always this nervous?"
"Ah." Makoto cleared his throat, unsure of how to answer.
"Jeez, how are you going to get a girlfriend if you can't even talk to girls, haha. I'm joking."
"I have girlfriends-" He panicked at Cyril's eyes widening in amusement "F-friends! Girls who are friends! I-I'm not- don't have a girlfriend!" The green haired teen spluttered out, red faced.
"Bwahahahaha- relax, Mako-chan!" Cyril wiped a tear from her eye. "I'm just messing with you. You got so flustered, I couldn't help it."
"Ah."
… They ate their food in comfortable silence, occasionally going on random topics. She learned a lot about this boy- he was really determined to be an Olympic swimmer. He was the Captain of his school's swim team, and even though they hadn't won the national's, she could tell he was working really hard to win for the next time. Plus, he seemed to like animals just as much as she did.
Makoto was a nice kid.
"Makoto, where did you say you were applying to for Uni?"
"Oh, actually, I got accepted at Tokyo University."
"Oooh." Cyril let out an impressed whistle. "Well, look at you, mr. smarty pants! Congratulations. Where is your friend going? The one with the shaggy black hair and deadpanned look."
"Oh Haru? Uhm, I don't know… I don't think he wants to go to Uni…"
Sensing the shift in his voice, Cyril changed the subject. "So about that training you want me to go to? Was it this Friday?"
"Yes."
"oh, sorry about that! I totally forgot! I've had a lot of things going on lately." Cyril apologized.
Makoto shook his head. "It's okay! No worries."
87970—
Seijuuro blinked, a piece of waffle hanging out of his mouth at the sight of the short raven in front of him. "Siri-chan…"
Said girl waved awkwardly. "… Hi."
A wide grin spread on his face, pulling her inside of his apartment. "Hey!" he sounded really happy. "Sorry for the mess, I would've cleaned up a bit if I had known you were coming."
"Nah, I should've texted you. Or something."
Seijuuro led her to his living room. "You sure are a sight for sore eyes, gorgeous."
She snorted. "And you look like death walking. What's with the stubble?"
"It's midterms next week." Seijuuro laughed, rubbing his scratchy chin. He leaned in closer to give her a peck, only to have a hand shoved shove his chin away.
"Not with that thing on your face." Seijuuro laughed.
"I'll go shave in a bit, haha. So what's up?"
"Nothing much." Cyril shrugged.
"Did you wanna see my face that badly?"
"Pssh!" Cyril guffawed. "I'm holding you up on your offer from last time."
"?" Seijuuro tilted his head cutely, resting it on her neck. His stubble made her shoulder itchy, but she tried to ignore it.
"You said you wanted to get to know me." Cyril eyed him from the corner of her vision. "… So why don't we start from today?"
"!" Seijuuro suddenly let out a happy yell, hugging her so tight and lifting her up from her waist that Cyril nearly barfed at the sudden pressure.
Seijuuro grinned up at her in his grasp, setting her down only to plant a kiss on her lips…
… Suddenly the week seemed a little more better…
987-