"Uhmmmmm!!" Kumiko moaned as she stretched her arms. She stood and looked through the window. She opened it and sniffed the ambiance of the morning. "What a beautiful day it is…" She smiled and raised a fist towards the sun and yelled "Okay…let's make the day more beautiful…"
"Good morning boss…" Tetsu and Minoru greeted as Kumiko approached the dining room. Kumiko smiled at them "Good morning…" she said. Tetsu noticed her unexplainable happiness "Wow Boss… you're in a great spirit today…"
"Yeah boss, even if it happen everyday…" Minoru asked.
"Well, thanks…" she said after she swallowed the food inside her mouth. "… A beautiful dream will definitely bring a wonderful day…" she beamed at them and started reminiscing last night. "Hmmm…" she moaned. Minoru and Tetsu watched her. "So that means you had a great dream last night?" Minoru asked.
"Yes! Yes!" she agreed and turned to her wristwatch "Oooops!! Gotta go… I'm gonna be late… Tell Grandpa that I'm in a hurry… See you later…" then she went off.
"I think the Big Boss will be happy if he sees her like that…" Minoru stated as he clean the table. On the other hand, even though Tetsu like to see his boss happy everyday, this time, his heart is making a fuss. And it feels very awkward to him '… Is it because of him…?' he looked down and touched his chest. '… I hate it when I feel something like this…'
Hayato stood in front of the mirror. He examined his anxious face.
"Go for it…" he remembered what his friends told him yesterday.
"Go for it huh?" he murmured. "Yes… I can do it… I can do this… and it'll all be fine…" he said as he encouraged his self "Go Hayato Yabuki…"
The morning came and everyone had a busy day. And as expected, Kumiko still feels happy…
Ukyo blinked and blinked, as she watched the happy Kumiko. She leaned closer "Hey Ms. Kumiko?"
"Yes…?" she asked. She noticed her closeness.
Ukyo cackled "… You're in a good mood today… You're full of energy today… WOW… hmmm…" Ukyo examined her face. "Wanna talk about it? Is there something that I need to know?" she said.
Kumiko smiled. "What are you talking about? You know that I'm a cheerful person so it's natural for me to be happy." then she continued her work.
"Wow!! I hope that I can smile like that someday…" she said as she daydreamed.
"Huh? Why?"
"Nothing… because… until now… I'm still searching for my knight in shining armor …" Ukyo said as she wandered around.
"You don't have any boyfriend? I thought--"
"Yeah… I don't have any…" Ukyo replied. "… None since I was born…" she said when Ryu's face popped on her mind suddenly. "What?" she shrieked. Everyone turned to her.
"Ms. Ukyo? Is there something that matters?" Kumiko asked worryingly. "And why the sudden blush?"
"N—no—noth—ing…" she said as she waved her hands, saying no.
"Okay!" She was about to start working when she realized what just Ukyo said a while ago. "Hey!! What do you mean about that knight in shining armor?"
"Huh? Isn't that the reason that you are happy today?" Ukyo asked.
Kumiko's eyes open widely "Bu—but I never said that it's because of a man…" then out of the blue, she remembered what happened last night between her and Shin. She blushed.
She heard Ukyo jeered. "You don't have to deny it Ms. Kumiko… you see… your red face can tell me that you're lying." She said. Kumiko touched her cheek and face the mirror. "No way!!" she yelled.
At the same time, Ukyo turned her back to Kumiko and tapped her forehead 'Why am I thinking about him? Oh please… get out…' she cried.
Suddenly, V.P. came out of nowhere. "Hello everyone…" he greeted. He marched and stopped at Yabuki's desk. "Hey, where's the stubborn student?" he asked.
Kumiko stopped arguing to the mirror and faced V.P. "Good morning V.P." she greeted and stood straight. "And correction V.P., Yabuki is now a teacher, not a student." she corrected.
V.P. cleared his throat and stood straight. "Well, even so… it is not a good habit for a teacher to be la--" He was silenced when a file of papers was thrown into Yabuki's desk. Kumiko and V.P. gulped.
"Yabuki!!" she said.
Yabuki ignored her and turned to V.P. "Good morning sir! And sorry to dissapoint you but I came here early before you…" he said blankly. He sat on his table without any word and continued his work.
"Good morning Yabuki! We thought that you're late again…" she said but there's no word came for a response. Kumiko stared at him. Usually, he'll greet her with so much excitement, but now, why the sudden change of mood.
"What's up with him?" Ukyo whispered.
"I don't know either…" she replied. 'Why does it happen every now and then?' she said to herself.
"Yabuki?" she muttered. Hayato turned to her. Kumiko forced a smile "Is something that matters?"
Hayato leaned his back on the swivel chair and faced her. "What makes you say that?" he asked.
"Well… I think this day is not a good one for you… Usually, you'll greet everyone and--" she was cut off when Hayato rubbed her hair and forced her to look straightly into his eyes. Kumiko's heart suddenly pumped fast. Hayato grinned at her. "Well… it's because your late and it's not appropriate to greet someone whose late." And he laughed.
Kumiko smacked his hand off. "Hey, I'm not late!!" she yelled at him. And they both laughed.
She watched him. 'That laugh is what I like most about him. When he laughed with me, I feel comfortable and… happy too. I think I'm starting to like him in a different way…'
Then she gasped in the middle of her daydreaming. 'What? What did I just said?'
Hayato stopped laughing when he noticed Kumiko struggling to herself. "What?" he interrupted her thoughts. She grinned and said "N--no--nothing! Le--le--t's get back to work."
"You sure? You're doing crazy things again… you're very stupid…" he replied and cackled.
Kumiko covered her mouth. 'Why am I tattering like this?' she took a glance at Hayato. 'There is something about him…' She tried to fight the feeling of confusion and turned her attention to her work.
On the other hand, 'I just hope… this will be my lucky day…' Hayato said in the back of his mind as he watched Kumiko work. He clenched his fist '… just give me the right timing for this… please…'
Kumiko is walking along the hallway. She already finished her class in section 3A and it's time for lunch. "Hmmm… what am I going to eat today? I'm very hungry…" she said. She saw Yabuki walking towards her. "Hi Yabuki…" she waved at him. And at that moment, time slows down as Yabuki get closer and closer.
'Oh! I never noticed this before… but he is indeed… very handsome…'
She stayed like that until Hayato is already in front of her. She didn't even notice it. "What's up?" he asked but there's no response. She's staring deeply into his face. He waved his hands in front of her face. "Hey?"
This made Kumiko's attention back to reality. "Wa--wah--what?"
"What's the matter with you?" he asked.
"No--no—thing…" she answered. "I ju--just want to ask i—if you want to eat wi--th me…" She hid his shaking hands. 'What's this feeling? This feeling is very familiar…' then Mr. Shinohara's face and Mr. Kyujou popped inside her mind. 'What? What about them? Oh! Why do I feel strange when I saw him… it never happen in the past… even if we're together…'
"Of course especially when it is your treat…" he beamed.
"What?" Those words take her daydreaming away, for the reason that she has no money. "Sorry, but not this time, I don't have enough money for a treat…"
Hayato gave a fake disappointed face. Kumiko grinned and pinched his cheek, she suddenly forgot about her thoughts a while ago. "I found it cute when you make face like that…" she said.
Hayato touched her hands and said straightly into her eyes. "That's why I'm fond of making things that will make you laugh…"
Kumiko startled. "What?"
Hayato chuckled and freed her hands. "Ok… if that's the case… then I guess it'll be my treat…" he said and turned his back to her.
Kumiko touched her chest. 'What's with those words he said that makes my heart beat fast?' She shook her head several times. 'No No… this is nothing.' She smiled. 'This is just because of hunger… yeah… hunger… because I'm very hungry… you know bad things happen when your stomach is not full… yeah… that's it…'
They were about to go when someone called from behind. "Wait!!" They turned to where the voice came from and saw that it Ukyo.
"Ms. Ukyo…?"
"Sorry to disturb you two… but can I eat with you? Just for today… my mom baked something and I think I can't finish this at once… so? Wanna try?" she said and opened the box. It's a chocolate cake.
"Of course…" Hayato and Kumiko said in chorus.
Hayato faced her "In fact, there are many questions that I wanted to ask…" Hayato added.
She shrieked. 'Oh my goodness… Don't tell me that it's because of that...' she said to herself. She feels nervous all of a sudden. She dropped the box of cake because of her shaking hands; fortunately, Kumiko grabbed it before it hit the floor. "Oh My,…"
Ukyo is back to reality "Ooops sorry…"
"Is something wrong?" he asked.
"Nothing… nothing… and that… of course… I'll tell you everything… but is it okay if we invite him also?"
"Oh! That's a great idea… Let's invite Ryu for lunch…" Kumiko said.
"Wait I'll call Ryu…" Hayato said.
"Wait!!" Ukyo stopped him. "I'll be the one to call him… Just wait here ok?" she said and distanced herself. She dialed his number.
"Hello? Odagiri speaking…" Ryu answered on the other line.
"Hey! Mr. Odagiri…"
"Yes! What do you want?" Ryu asked in an expressionless tone.
"AAhhh... Want to have lunch with us…? With Kumiko and Hayato?"
"Sorry… but not this time… I have too many things to do…"
"You can't? No… you have to come! They ask me to tell something about our childhood relationship thing… and I don't know what to say…" she said irritably.
"Ms. Hibiki, I have too many things to do right now… I don't have time for that… and besides whom do you think is responsible for that stupid lie?"
"Oh you jerk…" she said aloud. Kumiko and Hayato turned to her. She looked at them over her shoulder and smiled. She turned to her cell again. "Listen, you have to help me here… and--"
"Sorry… don't have much time…" then he cut off the line.
"Oh this stupid…" she whispered angrily as she choked her cell phone because of anger.
"Ms. Ukyo is everything alright?" Kumiko asked. She turned and said. "No it's nothing… Oda-- I mean Ryu has no time. He's busy and he can't come…"
"Oh that's bad…" Kumiko pouted. "But if that's the case… we can't do anything about it… so let's go and eat…." And they went off.
At the same time…
Ryu turned his cell off.
"Too many things to do sir?" his secretary said. He heard their conversation "But you cancelled all of them…"
Ryu smirked. "Don't mind it…"
In the middle of their lunch, Ukyo felt like sitting in a very hot seat. She was asked too many questions. And of course, she lied. She tells stories that didn't happen in reality. They asked and asked up to the very last minute. But even so, she can consider herself a good liar because the fact that she was asked too many questions she can come up with a reasonable story. Well, that's how Ukyo works.
At the faculty, Ukyo smacked her head on her desk. "It's very tiring… especially lying…" she murmured.
"What did you say?" Kumiko asked.
She shivered. "No!! Nothing…"
Hayato and everyone have classes so the two of them are left in the faculty.
Ukyo observed Kumiko. "Ms. Kumiko, I've been meaning to ask this for a very long time… and I hope you don't mind…"
"Eh!! What is it?" Kumiko turned to her. She saw Ukyo's serious eyes.
"What's your relationship with the principal?"
At that moment, Hayato is sneaking at the door. He forgot something and went back to the faculty. And when he heard Ukyo's question, he stopped.
Kumiko, surprised at first, thought for a second and reminisced what happen last night. "Shin…" she said softly. She remembered the kiss they had and, without realizing, she touched her lips.
Ukyo gulped. "What do you mean by that?"
Kumiko, back to reality, is in shock "What did I do?"
"You touched your lips when you said the principal's name… is that because he kissed you? You have been kissed by the Principal?"
Kumiko is stunned. She can't say anything. She can't come up for a reason. "I--I--"
"And you're blushing too?" Ukyo added.
"Oh!" Kumiko tapped her forehead and nodded. "Guess it can't be helped." She looked down and murmured "Yes… we kissed…"
Hayato, who's at the door, clenched his fist. His blood boils after hearing those words from her.
"So that means… you two have a serious relationship?" Ukyo asked.
"What do you mean by serious relationship?"
"Eh? You kissed… but you aren't in a good relationship? What's going on?"
"Ah that? It's nothing serious really." Kumiko frowned. "Well you know... he liked kissing girls."
"What?"
"I've seen him several times kissing a girl… even though he likes it or not… he doesn't mind. He said that it's actually a man's need. So I guess there's nothing about that kiss." She frowned. Ukyo noticed her anxious face. "Oh Kumiko…"
"But still when I'm with him…" she smiled "… I feel contented… and happy…"
Suddenly, they were interrupted when the door slammed. "Whoa!!" they said in chorus. "Hey! What's that?"
"A ghost maybe?" Kumiko said.
"Hey! Don't be like that…" Ukyo pleaded.
Kumiko laughed.
"But Kumiko… what about Mr. Yabuki?"
"Huh? What about him?"
"I know that there is something special about you two and I already know that he likes--" but she was interrupted when her cell beeps.
"Wait a minute…" she said and answered her phone. "Hello?"
"It's Ryu… I'm in front of the school and I want you to be here in 60 seconds…"
"What? Who do you think you are to tell me what to do?
"Stop talking and hurry up… your time is running out…"
"Don't be stupid… what makes you think that I'd fall for that trick…"
"60… 59… 58… 57…"
"Stop counting, darn it…" she yelled. Kumiko watched her angry face. "Uk--"
"56… 55…"
"Oh you stupid jerk…" she faced Yankumi and said "Sorry… but I have to go… see you later…" and she hurried. She didn't even notice that she bumped the V.P.
"What's with the hurry Ms. Ukyo? You know that you are not allowed to run in the hallway…" he shouted but she didn't hear it. "That's odd…" He stepped inside the room and saw Kumiko. He beamed at her.
"Ms. Yamaguchi… there's something that I want you to do…" he said.
"Yes! What is it V.P.?"
V.P. handed a file of papers on her. "Can you give this to the principal and--"
But before he finished what he'll say, Kumiko grabbed the file of papers and nodded. "Yes! Yes! Yes! Gotta go!" and she left without any other word.
"What's with those people? Is it really fun to run?" he said in confusion.
Ukyo reached the gate. She paused and catch for her breath.
"You're 15 minutes late… You see… you waste your time talking…"
"Shut up!! What do you want?" she said between her pants.
"I want to check on you…." he said. This make Ukyo stood straight and stopped panting. Her heart beats faster. "Uh… you--you don—don't have to che--"
"Don't get me wrong?"
"What?"
"I'm here to ask about what happen during lunch?"
"Huh?" she feels disappointed. She looked down.
"What's with the face? I was just asking here!"
"Yeah! I know… As e—expected… I lied. I tell lies." she murmured.
"Ok!" Ryu marched towards the driver's door and opened it. "Hop in…"
"HUH?"
"I said hop in…" he repeated irritably.
"… But why?" she asked. "
"What do you mean by 'But why'? You have to tell me everything… so I know what to say to them when they ask…"
"But I can tell it to you here…"
"I'm starving… I need to fill my stomach…" he said.
Ukyo suddenly giggled. "You know… If you wanted to ask me on a date you don't have to be cruel… you should just tell me to go on a date with you… that's fine with me…"
"Think what you want… just hop in…"
"Okay!!" and she hopped on the other side.
Ryu can't help but smile. When she run towards him, he can feel his heart beat pump. What's with this woman that makes him feel excited, just to see her?
Hayato is sitting beside the window… inside the music room. He wanted to be alone for a moment. He's still thinking what he just heard at the faculty a while ago.
"Yeah… we've kissed."
He sighed and clenched his fist. 'What's gonna happen to me now? Is it necessary to do this or not?' he said to himself. 'And the worst part is…'
"But still when I'm with him…" she smiled "… I feel contented… and happy…"
'Oh darn it!!' he brushed his hair and closed his eyes. He stayed like that for a moment, and then he opened his eyes. "I guess… I should just… keep these feelings… hidden…"
He let out a big sigh and stood. "I can't tell her… and I won't…" He left the music room. While walking he saw a woman, actually, a sexy woman walking towards him. She is sexy but aggressive in the way she dresses. She passed on him.
Hayato watched her. "Who's that? How sexy… but aggressive woman are not my type…" Then he realized something "Wait a minute isn't that the way to the principal's office?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Anyway… it isn't my concern anyway…" then he remembered Kumiko's words…
"I've seen him several times kissing a girl… even though he likes it or not… he doesn't mind."
"So that means… that girl is one of those girls Yankumi's talking about…"
Kumiko is hugging the file of papers as she run towards the hallway. She feels excited. She wants to see him so badly at this moment. She can't wait to meet him again. Suddenly, out of the blue, she bumped into someone.
"Ouch…" the file of papers scattered on the floor. It is actually Hayato.
"Ooops sorry… I didn't mean to…"
"It's okay… oh! The papers are scattered. Help me please."
"Okay!" they picked up every pieces of paper.
"Alright… these are all of it… thanks Hayato…" she said and carry the file of papers.
Hayato smiled and said "If you want I can carry that for you…"
"No it's okay…" she refused but Hayato insisted. He placed his hands under Kumiko's hand. Kumiko shrieked and look at Hayato's eyes. He pressed his hands further and smiled at her. Kumiko feels confused. Her heart is beating fast.
"Let me do it…" he said.
Kumiko nodded and freed her hands on his. She touched her hand and placed it in her chest. 'This feeling… is the same feeling I had… when I saw Mr. Shinohara and Mr. Kyujou' she said in the back of his mind. '… Does it mean… that I like Hayato… in that special way too…? The way I feel for Mr. Shinohara and Mr. Kyujou?'
"Hey!!" he screamed. "Are you sick or something?"
Kumiko gulped "What?"
"I've been talking here and you aren't listening…"
"Sorry… what is it?"
"Where will you take this? I'll carry them for you…"
"Uhhmmm… at the principal's office…" she looked down. Hayato silenced. They stayed quiet for a moment when Hayato broke it.
"If you want I'll be the one who'll take these papers there…"
"No… I'll do it… I can handle it…"
"Seems like you're excited huh?" he murmured.
She looked up and faced him. Now, she is really confused. "What?" 'What does he mean by that?'
Hayato looked on the other side. "I can see it in your face. You're excited to see him, right?"
Kumiko forced a chuckle "What are you talking about? I'm just going to give these papers to him." She grabbed the papers from Hayato's hands. He didn't even move to stopped her. "I have to go now. The principal is waiting for these papers." She started walking.
'I shouldn't go with her… It'll just make me sick… but…'
"I'll go with you…"
Kumiko stopped and turned to him. "I'll go with you…" he repeated.
"And that's it!! Anything you want to say? Any reactions?" Ukyo said when she finished the story she told to Kumiko and Hayato. They are eating hamburger at a park.
Ryu smirked. "That sucks."
"I knew that you're going to say that… you don't have much appreciation, do you?"
"I have… but I don't have the guts to lie…"
"Yeah… but you did… remember? The childhood relationship thing?" Ukyo made a smiled sarcastically.
Ryu looked on the other side. "But still… it's stupid…"
Ukyo chuckled and took a bite on her hamburger. "Say, Ryu…"
"Don't call me Ryu… I'm not allowing you…"
"I don't care… anyway… Do you know something about Kumiko and the principal?"
Ryu's eyebrows met "What do you mean by that?"
Ukyo pouted "Well… I'm just curious… I thought that Mr. Yabuki and Ms. Kumiko have something between them… but when I talked to Ms. Kumiko this morning… I got confuse… do you know anything?"
"Does it bother you that much?" he said cruelly. He crumpled the plastic where the hamburger was and threw it to the trash can. He stood and started walking.
"Hey, I'm asking nicely here…" She hurried and followed Ryu. "Come on tell me…"
He ignored her.
Ukyo bumped his arm. "Come on… don't be so mean…"
Ryu stopped and faced her. "Why are you fond in getting into other's business…? You know that it won't affect your life…" he started walking again.
This time, she grabbed Ryu's arm and forced him to face her. "But I want to know… please… tell me?" she pleaded and made her cutest smile.
Ryu swallowed. He looked to the other side and sighed. He can't help but to do what she ask "Okay… I'll tell you everything… but you have to give something in return… and this will be the second time that I'll do something for you… got that?"
Ukyo pouted. "You know… you really are a business man… you're always negotiating… but for my curiosity… I'll do it… I'll treat you on a date…"
"Hey… I didn't say it's a da--"
But Ukyo pulled him back to the bench where they are sitting a while ago.
Hayato and Kumiko walked in silence. They aren't talking to one another and it's very odd for someone like Kumiko. Silence surrounds them until they reach the principal's office.
Kumiko faced Hayato and forced a beam on her face "Thanks Yabuki… thanks for accompanying me. I'm okay now… I can handle everything."
But Hayato didn't speak. He still has his anxious face.
"Hey cheered up… why the awkward face? I'm not used to it… Smile!!" she said and chuckled.
Hayato rubbed her head and said "I'll go with you inside ok? I'll still insist even if you don't want me too…"
"I guess it can't be help…" and they laughed.
"Let's go…" Hayato said as he opened the door. Kumiko still feels the excitement but when Hayato opened the door the papers fell on the ground. His and her eyes opened wide. They saw Haruka kissing Shin. (Shin's eyes are wide open too but they didn't notice it.) Haruka's arms are encircling Shin's neck while Shin is holding files which were about to fell on the ground. Haruka broke the kiss when she realized that someone stepped inside the door.
Shin felt shock at that moment. He pushed Haruka. "Kumiko?" he whispered when he saw her wide eyes and opened mouth.
Kumiko saw this scene several times but this time she felt stupid. She's hurt. She wants to close her eyes but she can't. She wanted to say something but what will it be? And how can she speak? No words are coming out.
Hayato saw her stiffened body. He wanted to say something but how? In what way?
"Ah…" Shin started to break the silence "… Kumiko… I…" but nothing came.
Haruka puffed on her cigarette. "Oh! The tomboy teacher is silenced! Why? Are you jealous?"
Kumiko can't help it.
'I've seen him several times kissing a girl… even though he likes it or not… he doesn't mind.' she remembered what she just said to Ukyo. Actually, she just said it for a reason. But when she saw the awkward scene, it might be true. He kissed her last night because she was treated like any other girl.
She wanted to run… to run away from there… and she did it. She ran without leaving any word.
Hayato turned to Shin, still flabbergasted. He vowed for respect and run for Kumiko.
The papers are still scattered on the floor. Shin brushed his hair and sighed. He sat on the swivel chair and relaxed for a minute.
On the other hand, Haruka made a devilish smile, saying that she did something great at that point in time.
"Wait!! You're telling me that Hayato is in love with Kumiko… but Kumiko has special feelings for the principal… and it seems like the principal has something for her too? Am I right?"
Ryu nodded.
"I knew it…" she sighed. "Does Hayato already know that?"
Ryu nodded.
"Did Kumiko tell the principal about her feelings?"
Ryu shook his head. "I think she didn't realize up to now…"
"Is that so?" she paused for a second. "What's Hayato's plan?"
Ryu limbered his shoulder and stood. "I don't know yet… He's loosing his courage to tell her when he found out Kumiko's feelings for the principal…"
"Oh! How I pity him…" she sighed. She marched beside Ryu.
"Don't pity him… When Hayato like something… He'll so something about it for sure…"
Ukyo nodded. "Okay… I won't… just don't talk like that… it makes me shiver…"
"Stupid…" he said. Ukyo laughed and laughed. "You know… you're so funny…" but Ryu covered her mouth and pulled her towards a big tree…
"What's the big idea?" she said when he released her mouth.
"Shhh… they'll hear us…" he whispered.
"Who?" she asked and followed Ryu's eyes. She saw Kumiko and Hayato walking along the seashore. She tapped Ryu's shoulder "But why are we hiding…?"
"Because I have the feeling that something will happen…"
Ukyo, still confused, just nod and watched the two persons at the seashore.
They walked in silence. Hayato can't find a word to talk to her. He distanced his self from her so that she can be alone for a while.
She is watching the sea as she walks, still thinking what she saw inside Shin's office. "I've seen him several times kissing a girl… even though he likes it or not… he doesn't mind."
She faced the sea, stretched her arms and yelled. "AAAAHHHH!!"
Hayato stopped. It's a sudden change of atmosphere. She is now limbering and stretching her arms. She turned to Hayato "Huh? Yabuki, I didn't notice that you're here also…"
"What? You didn't notice me?" he asked. She shook her head. "Nope!" she said.
Hayato chuckled, "You're stupid, really." He walked closer to her and knocked her forehead. "Hello? I followed you stupid… I thought that you might need someone to comfort you…" he faced the sea.
"Why is that?" she cackled.
Hayato smiled. "Because I know that you're stupid…"
A moment of silence surrounds them.
"It's nothing. I'm just surprised that my student can actually kiss a girl…" she laughed. "… You know, back in high school days… he doesn't like girls or anything… he's a silent type… he doesn't--"
"I heard it…"
"What?"
"I heard your conversation with Ms. Hibiki this morning… You and the principal kissed. Am I right?"
Kumiko can't react. Her face flushed. She saw Hayato's serious face. "Ah… oh that? That's not true… and if it is… it's nothing serious…"
"I know that you haven't realized it… but I can tell on your actions… " He cackled lightly. "…You'll realize it soon enough…" his face frowned.
Even if she can't understand, she has to change the topic. "Hey! Don't be so dramatic!! It isn't serious anyway… come on let's go…" She turned around and started walking. She can't let him see her anxious face. She wanted to be comforted but it shouldn't be with Hayato. She doesn't want him to worry.
"I LOVE YOU KUMIKO YAMAGUCHI!!" Hayato shouted, facing the sea.
Kumiko paused.
"I CAN'T STOP THINKING ABOUT YOU," still yelling, without facing her. "… EVEN IF YOU'RE THE MOST STUPID PERSON I'VE MET… I STILL LOVE YOU…"
She slowly turned around. She's too flabbergasted to speak.
Hayato paused for a minute to catch for breath and courage to face her. When he feels confident enough, he saw a stunned Kumiko.
He started walking slowly towards her. "I never imagine that I'll fall for someone like you… very unsexy… old style… tomboyish… and very childish…" he stopped when he get closer enough. "… but I fell for you… and I can't do anything about it…" he looked straightly into her eyes and said "… I love you Kumiko Yamaguchi…" He took her hands and kissed it. "I love you…" he whispered.
Kumiko took her hands and laughed "Huh? What are you talking about? Don't joke like that? It isn't funny…"
"I am not…" he said.
"Yabu--"
Hayato distanced his self and watch the sea. "I may not be as good as him… I may not be rich like him… and I can't be like him… I know that…" then he turned around to face him "But I won't let you cry… I will never hurt you… You'll never feel lonely when you let me love you for eternity… that's what I can promise you… because I love you so much…"
Kumiko can't find words to speak… to reply. This was the first time that someone actually confesses his feelings towards her. And she doesn't know how to react and respond.
Hayato is an inch away from her. He cupped her cheek. "Awkward isn't it?"
Kumiko tried to speak but Hayato covered it with his index finger. "… I'll be waiting… I will just take yes for an answer and nothing else… think about everything… I'm not forcing you to answer for now…" he smiled. "… I'll be waiting… even if it takes forever…"
Kumiko can't say anything. She feels confused right now. She doesn't know what she'd say to him. She can't find a word. She knew that she has something for him, something special… Does she really like him? "Yabu--"
"Hayato, call me Hayato…" He touched her cheek. "… please, Kumiko…"
Kumiko didn't realize that she agreed. Hayato smiled. "Thank you…"
"Kumiko, do you remember the deal we made in the school's rooftop?"
'Rooftop?' She tried to remember.
"That you want a kiss… if I fell for you…"
She remembered and blushed. "Hey--" but it's too late. He sealed her words by his lips. He kissed her. Kumiko, at first want to resist, but she lose control. She kissed him back. She doesn't know why, but her mind is telling her to do it.
'Maybe… I do like him… he's special to me… Hayato is special to me…'
By now, she has an intuition that with Hayato by her side, no one can harm her. But still, in some corner of her heart, something is telling her that… somehow… it isn't right…
After, hearing Hayato's confession, Ryu and Ukyo left. They are now walking in silence. Ukyo sighed. Ryu turned to her "What is it?"
Ukyo pouted. "I just envy Kumiko…"
"Why is that?" he asked without thinking. Usually, he isn't a curious-type guy. He won't speak if it isn't necessary. But now, he feels curious? And it's odd.
"Well, because she has two lovers… torn between two lovers…"
"And so?" He can't stop his mouth in speaking. 'Stupid mouth!!' he said to himself.
"And so, I envy her…"
"Girls…" he sighed. 'Stop talking, darn it…'
"You're so mean…" she said. He faced him.
"Are you talking to me?" he said sarcastically.
"And who else I would talk to? You know… I think that's the reason that you don't have somebody up to now… because you're so mean… Why don't you take Hayato as a model… be like him… sweet… loving… and--"
"Enough…" he said. "… I won't be someone… I have my own way of living… and for your information; I have 55+ ex girlfriends? Now, who do you think is meaner? One who has ex-somebodies or someone who doesn't have any up to now?"
Ukyo smeared "But still, it isn't serious… And correction, they are not somebody; you know… they are just like wind passing by…"
"Okay…" he said sarcastically.
"What? Are you mocking me?"
"If that's what you think…" he turned his back onto Ukyo and started walking, a smile escaped on his lips. Somehow when he's with this woman, he feels relief, excited and happy, even if they fight like cats and dogs. He feels comfortable. He likes teasing her.
"Hey Ryu…" she called. He looked back "I told you, don't call me…" but a flash of camera surprised him. "What the?"
"Aaah… how cute…" Ukyo said as she looked at her digital camera. "Hey, that's stealing?"
"What? How can taking a picture of someone become stealing?"
Ryu walked towards her but Ukyo run. "Hey delete that thing…"
"I won't, even if you catch me…" and she ran. He smiled and shook his head. He has no choice but to chase her. "You'll be sorry for this…"
Girl I've been searching so long in this world
trying to find someone who could be
what my picture of love was to me
and you came along
They stopped chasing each other. Ryu gave up. He just gave her the picture.
When I saw you I knew you were the one
the love that I've been dreaming of
('cause..)
They passed by on Tetsu's small food store (I don't know how to call it…). "Oh Ryu… It's been a long time…"
Ryu smiled.
"You knew each other?" Ukyo asked.
"She's Yankumi's…"
Tetsu and Minoru reacted, telling him to tell a lie. "… Ah… brothers… right! Yankumi's brothers…" they sighed in relief. They offered a hand. Ukyo greeted them "Nice meeting you too… Wow that looks delicious…"
"Yeah… It really is delicious… wanna try?"
"Of course!!" She turned to Ryu. "How about you?" she said. Ryu shrugged his shoulders.
"Don't worry, I'll treat you… its payback time right?" she said and smiled. Ryu looked on the other side. When she smiles, his heartbeat pumped fast. "I'll take that as a yes… Ok Mr. Kumiko's brother… serve for two persons…"
Minoru grabbed Ryu and distanced their selves…
"Wow Ryu… She's a beautiful girlfriend… very sexy and very unlike of you…"
"Aaahhh… we're not--"
"You see… when two different persons collided… they are compatible to each other… why? Because they complete each other…" and Minoru left. Ryu thought for a second as he watched the happy Ukyo. "They complete each other?" he repeated.
I've been waiting for you (waiting for you)
all my life for somebody who (somebody who)
makes me feel the way I feel when I'm with you, baby
have you been waiting too
cuz I've been waiting for you
Ukyo smiled and waved on him. She's holding the foods. He smiled "I think so…" he whispered and walked towards her girlfriend.
Girl I've been saving my love all this time
cuz I knew someday I would find
the one that i've loved for so long in my mind
From the moment that I looked in your eyes
I saw the girl I've loved all my life cause...
After they ate, they left and went to a park. Ukyo insisted on going there, even if Ryu doesn't want too.
"Hey let's take a picture there." She pointed on a booth where teenagers like to take pictures (you know… the flower borders and everything…)
"Huh? That's just for stupid and immature… I don't want to…" he started to get away.
"Who told you?" Ukyo grabbed his arms and pulled him towards the booth. "Hey, I said I don't want to…" but they are already in front of the booth. He can't say no now. Ukyo is very stubborn.
"Now come on Ryu… smile…" she posed with a victory sign.
I've been waiting for you (waiting for you)
all my life for somebody who (somebody who)
But Ryu looked on the other way. "Hey you're wasting the film…"
"I told you… this is just for idiots…"
makes me feel the way I feel when I'm with you, baby
have you been waiting too
cause I've been waiting for you
"And so… let's just say that were both idiot." She said. She marched behind Ryu and pinched his cheeks to force him to smile. The booth's camera clicked. Ryu smacked her hands. "Why do you have to do that?"
"Because you won't smile…" she yelled back. "Come on Ryu, Just smile okay? Please!!" she pleaded again. Ryu sighed. When she pleaded like that, he can't refuse. "Just once okay?" he said and they pose.
Now that I've found you I just can't let u go (can't let you go)
no no no ohhh
oh there's just one thing I want you to know
Spoken: girl I love you so...
They did bunch of crazy things. Even if Ryu didn't want to, he can't refuse. He was forced to do anything she asked. And he can't help but to do it. Just one smile and his pride are over. Funny isn't it?
Ryu kept watching her. When she laugh… when she frowned… when she smiles… when she pouted… everything… For once in his life, he felt excited and contented. Just by looking at Ukyo, he feels complete. He felt something different. He thought at first that this is just for stupid persons. But when he met this woman… he realized that he is actually looking for that somebody all this time.
I've been waitin for you
all my life waitin for you
I've been waitin for you
all my life waitin for you
when I saw you I knew you were the one
the love that I've been dreaming of
They are now inside the car. Ukyo is sleeping at the other seat while Ryu drives. It is red light. He stopped the car. He took a glance on the sleeping Ukyo. Her head is not in the right position. He leaned closer to fix her but instead, she moved. And he's very close to her. So, when she moved her head in his way, their lips touched. Ryu stiffened. Ukyo's still sleeping. It's almost like a kiss. He glanced at her inviting red lips, he was mesmerized.
I've been waiting for you (waiting for you)
This is the lips of the girl that makes my heart leap with just one smile…
All my life for somebody who (somebody who)
This is the lips of the girl that makes me feel what I haven't felt for a very long time…
Makes me feel the way I feel when I'm with you, baby
This is the lips of the girl that makes me do what I haven't done for years…
Have you been waiting too
This is the lips of the girl who told me that having somebody is not bad after all…
Cause I've been waiting for you
And this is the lips of the woman who makes me fall in love for the first time…
I've been waitin for you
all my life waitin for you
He was about to do what his heart says when a loud sound from another car was heard. It's time to move the car now, it's green light already. He fixed his self and started moving. Ukyo woke up. "Am I already home?" then she moaned. After a second, she heard a laugh from the stoic man on the driver's seat.
I've been waitin for you
all my life waitin for you
Ukyo watched him laugh. This is the first time that she saw him laugh like that. He looks happy, contented and handsome. She found out Ryu's real personality on in just one day. So that is the real Ryu Odagiri that she hated the most.
She wished for a person that is very opposite of Ryu's. But then she realized… it isn't bad after all.
She then… already found her somebody in this man… in this man she thought as the worst of all… in this man named Odagiri Ryu…
The person she hated the most… and the person she loved of all…
I've been waitin for you
all my life waitin for you
Yes… she loved him…
OOOPSS!! Let me explain first…
Do you find this boring??... I hope not… like on the other chapter… I'm not ready to post another chapter… but I know that I let you wait for a very very long time… and I feel sorry about it… heheheh…
If you don't like Ryu's story… it's fine with me… I just need to make a story for him because he is one of the main characters… just skip those lines if you don't want his story…
If you want to picture out Ukyo's image… think about the real Ukyo… in Ranma ½… that's the image of my Ukyo… but make her look more feminine… ok? But still… you can have yours… if you like Ryu… you can imagine yourself as Ukyo… heheheh… Decide for yourself… I don't mind at all…
Sorry for the wrong grammars… I know that I'm still not good at it… and I don't have time to check,… because I'm sleepy… and I need to sleep… but don't worry I'm working on my grammars… little by little,… ehehhe…
onigiri18: You think so…heheheh… mwuakxz…
Megumi: You're jealous of Yankumi… well I envy her, she has two cute lovers… heheheh… mwuackz..
Napnap: sorry to keep you waiting… I hope you'll like this one…
Sorry again for making you wait… and by the way… the title of the song is I've been waiting for you by Guy's next door…
Bye then… til next chapter… don't be shy to leave a comment… it's fine… whatever you put into your review… I'll appreciate it….