I swear I'll take a nice, long nap after I'm done with this ending!

Yes, I've been typing furiously like crazy and all these ideas in my head are fighting each other and trying to get out. So I have to get this done or else it'll keep running in my head. And trust me when I say I've gotten insomnia since high school because of all the things going on with family, school and life in general.

Ranting aside, this is Atobe's little push! He's one of the characters I have the most fun writing since I've started writing prince of tennis fics!

Well, I have fun torturing him too… (Grinning mischievously)

Let's see what Atobe has got in store for his cousin! XD

Finale three: Atobe's little push

A week after the tournament, Atobe's mansion's tennis courts, Sunday, 10am…

Oh my Kami, why are these sub-Regulars lining up for the next year's tennis team such wimps? That's right, you heard me! They're a bloody wimpy lot!

I glare at them and stop the ball machine. "If you cannot hit a ball from where you are standing, then you have to run and get it! Stop dragging your feet! The balls are not coming to you from where you are standing!" I shout and pick the other three players from the side of the courts. "You three! Up on the court, now!"

A smooth chuckle that can only belong to Yuushi makes me turn around. The Kansai genius smirks at my scowl. "Kasumi-hime, you'll get wrinkles if you keep scowling." He purrs and shifts to rest his weight onto his right leg.

Damn you, Oshitari Yuushi! Damn you and Keigo to hell for dragging the sub-Regulars here to train along with the Regulars! "There are only six more people for you to train," my arse!

I poke his ribs. "Oshitari Yuushi, I will freaking sky-kick you right now if you say anything else about my face right now." I growl threateningly. "Where is Keigo, by the way?"

"Ah, you see, Atobe has actually sent me here to relieve you from training the sub-Regulars. He asked me to tell you to go watch Shishido and Gakuto play against Ootori and Hiyoshi." He smirks wider as I sigh in relief.

Thank you, Kami-sama, for changing Keigo's mind and sending Yuushi here to tell me that!

"Who is going to watch over their training, then? You?" I ask him with a less moody tone.

Yuushi continues to smirk. "I'll be more than happy to do that for you, princess." He executes an exaggerated bow with flourish. "This lowly servant lives to serve."

I laugh at his antic. "Oh, you spoil me, Yuushi. I'll leave it to you then." I pat his shoulder and walk over to the court where Ryoh, Choutarou, Gakuto and Hiyoshi are playing.

It's been a week since the tournament, and so far the new training course I've invented is really working everyone to the limits! Keigo, of course, seems to be doing just a little better than anyone else. But Auntie Elizabeth told me that he has been taking a long, hot bath every night after the practice!

…Hehehe, I guess Keigo isn't all tough and strong as he wants to appear now, is he? WAHAHA! WE ROCK, YEAH!

Other than the fact that the Regulars and the sub-Regulars are introduced to more vigorous trainings, I've also let Kenya and Niou down as gentle as I could… I did sleep on the thought for a couple of days after the tournament and I came to the conclusion that no matter what, I can't choose either of them.

What exactly is the reason that I can't choose between two of them? Hmm, Kenya is a nice guy and I've known him for so long. We are close, but I'd rather be his friend than his girlfriend. Besides, if I date Kenya, I won't lose only one friend if we break up. I may lose nine friends. And can you imagine how awkward that will be?

Yeah, we like him, but at this age, it's nothing serious! Close friends turn couples can unexpectedly hurt every one around them when they break up!

Also, there is Niou Masaharu… The reason I couldn't choose him is because even if I had fun when he was around, I really was not sure how long I could keep him interested… Heck, I even went to Rikkai Dai and practically demanded Genichirou to tell me about Niou's personalities around his teammates. I also got to hear about him from Akaya, and the way he messed around with people's minds screamed a big, fat NO at me!

…I REFUSE TO LET YOU BE PLAYED BY A GUY, BOSS! ONLY I GET TO CHOOSE WHOM YOU'LL PLAY WITH!

Ahem, please give me five seconds to murder this nuisance here, would you? Thank you!

I sigh to myself and look at the four Regulars who are playing against each other… I don't know why, but Ryoh seems to be struggling with something since the day of the tournament. He wasn't like this before so it makes me worry about him…

I mean, come on! He's Shishido Ryoh! The tough, cool guy of the Hyoutei's tennis team who dash away or yell at his fan girls every time they stalk him!

When I asked Yuushi about it, the damn Kansai genius of our team just smirked at me and said nothing but changed the topic! Then I asked Keigo and my bloody cousin just did the exact same thing as Yuushi!

ARGH! I HATE BEING LEFT IN THE DARK! DAMN YOU BOTH!

I blink as Gakkun's voice cuts through my muse. "Hey, Shishido! You're supposed to get that! What's wrong with you!" He yells at Ryoh.

The dash specialist of our team glares at him irritably. "Shut up! I didn't see that, okay!" He scowls and turns away.

"That was an easy ball! If you couldn't get to it then just yell so I can, dammit!"

…Honestly, I think it's my cue to stop both of them before a real fistfight breaks out. From the look on Ryoh's face, I don't think he will hesitate to hit Gakkun's right now!

I clap to get their attention. "Gakkun, Hiyoshi, Choutarou, take a break." I tell the trio. Turning to Ryoh, I point to the bleacher under the shade. "Come sit with me for a bit, Ryoh." I give him a puppy pout for a good measure as he opens his mouth.

He sighs but drags his feet towards the bleacher. "Fine," He plops down onto the bleacher unceremoniously.

Usually, it's Keigo's job to tell the Regulars to keep up with their game. But I think if Keigo is to talk to Ryoh right now, I will have a huge mess to clean up later…

Why? Well, Keigo would probably go on his 'Ore-sama's mode and Ryoh would be pissed. Then the two of them will duke it out with their tennis, and the dash specialist will lose and it will piss him off further to the point that he's going to do something stupid.

…Sigh, men and their pride, really!

I sit down next to Ryoh and hand him his towel. "Ryoh… I'm worried about you." I state bluntly. Ignoring his surprised look, I plunder on. "You have been off your games since last week, Ryoh. I've seen how you've been struggling with this last week's practice too."

He scowls and refuses to look me in the eyes. Okay, now something is really wrong. He never refuses to look anyone in the eyes! "It's nothing. Don't worry about it." He mutters and wipes his face with the towel vigorously.

I really want to wring this macho idiot's neck sometimes! "You don't have to tell me what's bothering you, Ryoh." I reach out to touch his elbow. "I just-."

Slap! "I said it's nothing, woman! You're really annoying! Just worry about your own Niou and Oshitari's problem!" He snarls at me.

…Right now I don't know what hurt more between the hand he just slapped away and my feelings…

I retract my hand as graceful as I can. Lifting my chin up, I stare at Ryoh's sienna eyes coldly. "Excuse me for worrying, then. Good day, Shishido." I say frostily and get up, ignoring the look of regret and more, flashing through my friend's eyes. I take a sure but steady step towards the Atobe's mansion without looking back.

…Hmph, when you're worried about them, they walk all over you. When you're not interested, they are. Men, I say!

It's not the first time Ryoh and I fought, mind you. It's just what he's implying that pissed me off! I'm worried about him, and this is what I get? Sorry for worrying, then!

"Kasumi, wait!" Ryoh moves to follow me. "I'm sorry. Just-."

"Just what, Shishido?" I ask frigidly. "You're right, it's none of my business. As for my problem, rest assured, it has been taken care of. Don't let it bother you." I keep walking. "But if you must know, I've turned down both of them. If that would be all, excuse me."

"I didn't-."

"You didn't what, Shishido, arn?" The familiar voice of my cousin almost makes me sigh with relief. "Shouldn't you be practicing, Shishido?" Keigo asks before turning to me. "Kasumi, Mother is looking for you. She wants to know if you want anything else to be prepared for the fall break's trip in two weeks. She should be in the dining hall." He tells me. "Go take a break, brat." He smirks at the pout on my face.

"If you say so, you prat." I stick my tongue out at him and scurry towards the dining hall. Maybe if I'm lucky I'll get some kind of dessert from Auntie Elizabeth too. Hmm…

…I guess anything to be away from Ryoh right now would be good for me…

(No one's POV)

Atobe turns his frosty stare to the dash specialist of the team as soon as Kasumi's lithe form disappears into the building. "You better fix whatever is bothering you, Shishido. Ore-sama doesn't appreciate you hurting his cousin, especially when she's concerned about you." He says coldly.

Shishido sighs irritably and rakes a hand through his hair. "Nothing is bothering me, dammit."

The Hyoutei's tennis captain scoffs. "Ore-sama isn't blind, Shishido. The look on your face when you found out Kasumi has two options to consider didn't escape ore-sama's eyes. The relieved look on your face just now when she told you that she didn't choose either told ore-sama that much. Ore-sama has also seen how you look at her when you think no one is looking." He smirks at his teammate. "Time doesn't wait for anyone, Shishido. By the time the fall break comes about, you may be too late." The diva captain turns on his heels.

"What do you mean, Atobe?"

"Ore-sama is going to England for university next fall. Where do you think Kasumi will be going? Without something to keep her here, she will be free like the breeze. And with her choice in career, England may have something better to offer. But that is up to you, Shishido. You are off your game and you better fix that soon. If you want her here then it's up to you to tell her so." Atobe leaves the dash specialist of the team behind.

Shishido grits his teeth in frustration. Dammit, what is this annoying feeling? "Dammit!" He curses loudly.

Kasumi is my friend. Then why does it bother me so much to hear that she will be away in England and that I may not see her on her own again? Why did that hurt look in her eyes bother me much more than it used to be?

Then something clicks in his mind. "Don't tell me… Is it possible?" He stares off into space.

…Can it be that I like her more than I thought I do? Could it be that because we are friends it took me this long to realize it?

The next day, Hyoutei Gakuen, Class 3-A, 12pm…

After a morning full of awkwardness around Ryoh, it's lunchtime! WOOHOO! FOOD!

"Come on, brat." Keigo motions me to follow him to the student council's president's office. Yes, that's where Keigo and I usually have lunch… And some times the Regulars join us there too…

Trust Keigo to completely abuse his privilege! But what do you expect from the guy with an ego bigger than the Milky Way?

I grab my lunchbox and walk beside my cousin towards our destination. He takes the lunchbox from me, and I give him a grateful smile. "Only a few more days then we'll be in England, huh?" I smile happily as I think about the Atobe's mansion in England.

That place has a stable with so many gorgeous horses! It has a private gym and a wide-open field for riding! Heck, I can't wait!

My cousin smiles slightly. "Are you excited?" He smirks teasingly at me.

I grin back. "You bet! I want to go horseback riding again!" I bounce excitedly. "That Friesian horse was so handsome!"

Keigo laughs, opens the door for me and then follows me into the room. "Ore-sama believes that you were gawking at his new cremello Thoroughbred first last time." He smirks as I pout at him.

We can't help it! That horse was straight out from Gandalf's horse from the Lord of the Rings!

While I set out to arrange our lunch onto the desk, Keigo seems to be contemplating something. "You said you want to work with your family's company, correct?" My cousin's eyes look at me as he reaches out to grab a roast beef sandwich. "Itadakimasu." He mutters and bites into the food.

I blink bemusedly as I grab my tuna sandwich. "Itadakimasu. Well yeah, Keiji nii-san has the dojo under his grip and Kenji nii-san is helping Father running the company so I want to do something useful…" I shrug nonchalantly. "Why do you ask, Keigo?" I bite into my food.

Keigo hums lightly. "I'm considering the universities in UK with business program and I want you there with me. I want to visit some universities while we are there this time." He tells me bluntly.

I munch on my food silently. I like it in England. The only two things I don't like are food and the weather there. But if Keigo is going to be there then we will push each other to work harder to reach our goals…

Yeah, and it's not like there is any reason for us to stay here, you know? We do have friends here, but after High School it's more than likely that we are all going our separate ways…

…Then why is it that a pair of sienna eyes keeps haunting me nowadays?

"I'll think about it." I say thoughtfully. "It'll be a nice change in environment, after all."

"Good," we pause as someone knocks on the door. "Enter." Keigo tells whoever knocked outside.

The door swings open and Ryoh pokes his head in. "Hey, uh," he scratches his cheek awkwardly. "If you don't mind, can I talk to you for a sec, Kasumi?" He asks nervously.

HMPH! IT'S ABOUT TIME YOU APOLOGISE, SHISHIDO RYOH! RAWR!

"Sure," I finish off my sandwich. Getting up to leave, I turn and jab Keigo's reaching hand with my finger. "There better be one roast beef sandwich left for me when I get back!" I warn my cousin.

The damn guy smirks at me! "Well, you better hurry up then, arn?" He drawls amusedly.

I'll kill you if you touch my food, Atobe Keigo! CHA!

I follow Ryoh out to the stairs nearby. Since it is lunchtime, other students are all over the campus and the stairs are left desert until the bell ring. "So, do you need something from me?" I ask him directly.

The dash specialist sighs and looks at me. "I'm sorry for snapping at you yesterday… It was uncalled for of me." Ryoh apologizes sincerely.

See? Was that too hard? You men and your egos, I say!

I give him a friendly smile and pat his shoulder. "I forgive you, Ryoh. I always did when we fought before, didn't I?" I grin teasingly.

He grins slightly. "Yeah, you did. Hey, I heard something from Atobe about you…"

I don't even bother to groan at that. "What crap about me did Keigo tell you now?" I ask in almost a whine.

Ryoh laughs but sobers into a smile as I glare at him. "Well, he told me that you are going to go to UK for university. Is that true?"

Aww, is that worry I see in his eyes? I think he has a crush on you, boss!

…Shut UP, you idiotic inner self!

I shrug unenthusiastically. "I'm thinking about it, actually." I tell Ryoh as we head back to the student council's room. "Since I want to be able to help my family, going to university over there seems to be the best choice. I'll learn more from being there." I say wistfully.

"But what about Hyoutei? Can't you study what you want here?" I blink at the urgency in Ryoh's voice. Is it just me or he looks desperate? "You can study here and then do a study abroad program, right?"

"The experience won't be the same, Ryoh. I want to do something for me so I need to breakaway from Hyoutei's shell. I need to pull my own weight. I can't let Keigo or my brothers cover up for me forever so going there will let me do that." I tell him seriously.

He sighs but holds the door open for me. "All right, but let me know when you come up with the final decision, yeah?" He smiles gently.

Thump. What's this feeling…? That's the first time I've ever seen him smiling that way…

I reluctantly look away from him with a nod. However, I feel my killing aura spike as soon as I notice what's going on inside the student council's room…

That damn Atobe Keigo! You're trying to eat that last roast beef sandwich when we're not around! DIE!

"You wanker! That's mine!" I pounce on my smirking cousin. "Give it back!"

"What ore-sama wants, ore-sama gets! It's mine now, brat!" He has the nerve to laugh at me!

ARGH! This damn guy needs to get himself a girlfriend and stop bothering me! Arrogant, egotistic jerk of a cousin I've got here!

Shishido's POV

I watch as Kasumi tries to get her sandwich back from Atobe half-heartedly. Dammit, Atobe isn't making it any easier for me to have a chance to really tell her what I want to say.

…A part of me wants to yell it out to her, but another part tells me to let her go. After all, there is nothing for her here…isn't it?

"If I were you, I'll make sure she has something to come back to, Shishido." Oshitari's low voice makes me turn around to glare at him. He smirks craftily. "Oh, Atobe isn't the only one who knows about your little trouble. Isn't it funny how Kasumi-hime can be oblivious to something right in front of her?"

I grit my teeth in annoyance. "It's none of your business, Oshitari." I push pass him to leave.

The bastard follows me! "Hmm, so you are still unsure about your own feelings, Shishido? Let me help you out then." He chuckles amusedly at my glare. "You have a chance, and I'm telling you this seriously. She is close to you in a way that can be considered different from the way she is close to the other Regulars. If you don't tell her now, by the time she comes back from her trip next week it will be too late."

…I hate it when that bastard is right! Goddammit!

Friday, 6pm, Atobe's mansion… (Kasumi's POV)

Father, Uncle Kirie and Auntie Elizabeth watch Keigo and I load our luggages into the trunk of the car. Stepping forward to pull me into a hug, Father turns to Keigo. "Please take care of her for me," he tells my cousin. Father then gives me a small smile. "Call me when you get there, Kasumi."

I smile back happily. "I'll bring back souvenirs for you and Kenji and Keiji nii-san, Father." I give my father another hug before stepping away. "I love you."

My father's amethyst eyes look at me affectionately. "I love you too, dearest."

Keigo steps forward. "I will take care of her, Ryujin ji-sama." My cousin says to my father. Turning to his own parents, he inclines his head politely. "We will be going now, Father, Mother, Ryujin ji-sama."

I give Father, my uncle and my aunt a small smile. "We will call as soon as we get there!"

The ride to the airport is uneventful save for our bickering, as usual. I sigh and look out the window, watching the scenery around me changing as we are approaching the airport…

…I wonder if Ryoh is coming to see us off. What do you think, boss?

To say I'm taken aback by my conscience's question would be an understatement. Why on earth would she ask me this kind of question? Ryoh's my friend, so if he's coming then other Regulars should be coming too…

God, you are slow! Haven't you felt anyone looking at you when he thought you're not looking lately, huh? Also, what is it with Ryoh dropping you off home everyday for the last week even though he knew that Keigo's the one who usually drops you off?

…Are you saying I like Ryoh? That's ridiculous!

"Brat," Keigo's voice snaps me out of arguing with my inner self. My cousin's eyes hold some trace of amusement in them as he looks at me. "Are you thinking about something?" He smirks as I put up an innocent façade. "Or rather, a certain someone? Hyoutei's dash specialist, perhaps, arn?" He smirks wider at my flustered look.

Damn you, Atobe Keigo! You're making fun of me again!

I pout sulkily. "Stop making it like Ryoh has something for me, you prat. We're just friends, that's all. Besides, I just got out of Kenya and Niou's thing, remember?"

He gives me a bland stare. "Are you afraid of something? Ore-sama approves of Shishido, unlike Oshitari or Niou, you know that." He smirks at my glare.

…He's such an insufferable git, I swear! If he's not my cousin and not because I love him so much, I'd have him in hospital before anyone can say 'Hyoutei'!

"How well do you know Shishido, arn? You guys may have fought, but in the end you know each other better than anyone else. You are tuned to each other's feelings and behaviors. You may not think of him more than a friend right now but given time I think you'll be happy, Kasumi." Keigo's sapphire eyes look at me seriously. "There are two types of attraction at the base of relationships. The first one is from strong attraction and the other is from getting to know each other. However, the first one may die out faster because you may find out your partner is not what you thought he is. Shishido and you has been friends for three years and ore-sama won't be surprised if he has a special feeling for you. He can be more than your friend but it's up to you. If you want to give him a chance, then let him know so."

I ponder over Keigo's words silently… As much as I hate to admit it, my cousin is right. However, there is something still nagging me in the back of my mind… "Hey, Keigo, then let me ask you something… How would you explain my attraction to Kenya and Niou?"

My cousin smirks amusedly. "Let ore-sama enlighten you, arn?" He chuckles as I glare at him. "With Oshitari's cousin, you think you are attracted to him because he gave you special attention compare to the other guys from Shitenhouji. It felt good, wasn't it? As for Niou, you had never interacted with someone like that before. It was something new to you. But in the end when you didn't pick both of them, it didn't hurt you as much as you thought, wasn't it? It certainly didn't hurt them much either."

…Yeah…I guess he's right… I guess it was just a temporary thing…

Then think about Ryoh! Wasn't he always there when you needed to talk to someone and Keigo wasn't the choice? No, you talked to Yuushi too but who was the one who always try to cheer you up and was willing to do things you'd never think he would?

"Yeah, it didn't hurt me much." I sigh and lean back. "When Ryoh asked me about going to UK for university, I thought he looked…desperate. I don't know, Keigo. We have less than a year and what are we going to do when the time comes for me to go abroad?"

Keigo reaches out to pat my head. "Then make it work. Long distance relationship isn't impossible, but you have to give both him and yourself a chance at this." He looks out the window as the car pulls to a stop. "We're here."

We get out of the car and then proceed to check in at the first class counter. Of course, my cousin will rather be shot than fly coach so checking in is super easy. Also, the attendant recognizes my cousin as the Atobe Keigo so go figure…

"Let's go to the lounge." Keigo suggests after we finished with checking in.

I move to follow my cousin but a hand firmly grasping my arm makes me turn around. "Ryoh?" I exclaim when I notice who is grasping my arm.

What is he doing here? Why now? When did he get here? How did he know when we're leaving?

YES! GOOD JOB FOR COMING SHISHIDO! BROWNIE POINT FOR YOU!

Ryoh appears to be trying to catch his breath. "Hey," He gives me a small grin before letting go. "I'm glad I made it in time. Can I, ah, talk to you for a bit?" He asks nervously.

I blink bemusedly. "Sure, Ryoh. You go ahead, Keigo." I turn to my cousin who simply gives me an amused smirk before sauntering off.

Ryoh and I end up at the airport's food court. I give the dash specialist in front of me a small smile, as he seems to be more nervous than even before. "It's not that I'm not glad about you coming to see me off, but what's up, Ryoh?" I ask him.

To say I'm taken aback at the determination burning in his eyes when he looks up would be an understatement. Ryoh's dark sienna eyes burn with resolve as he speaks. "I'm not good with words, Kasumi. But just listen to me for now, okay?" He grins as I nod and continues. "I've known you for three years, and you know, I'd never ask for a better friend. You were always there for us, and it was so easy to not look beyond being more than friends with you." He inhales deeply. "Call me crazy, but you have no idea how relieved I was when Atobe told me you chose neither Oshitari's cousin or Niou."

I chuckle lightly. "That's nice to hear, Ryoh. Being your friend is something that keeps me sane in Hyoutei, mind you." We share a small laugh at this.

Ryoh smiles genuinely at me, and I feel something within me grows a little bigger. But what can this feeling be? "When I heard from Atobe that you considered UK for university, I was really uncomfortable even though I didn't know why. But then I thought about it and then I realized that if I don't ask you this, I'd probably regret it for a long time. So I'll ask you this," Dark, expressive sienna eyes look at me, and my breath hitches at the emotions Ryoh has laid bare in front of me. "Are you willing to give me a chance to be something more than a friend to you? I can say I do like you more than a friend, Kasumi. And if you'd give me a chance, I want to walk together with you and see wherever it may take us. You don't have to tell me you like me more than a friend, but just tell me you'll give us a try."

SAY YES! You know you want to try! Heck, I know you want to try! SAY YES GODDAMMIT!

Well then, I guess there is only one answer I can give him…

I smile brightly at Ryoh. "Yes, I'd love to give us a try, Ryoh." I smile wider as he grins.

Ryoh always has that boyish charm around him when he smiles…

"I'm glad I'm in time to tell you." He reaches out to grasp my hand gently. "Let me walk you to the lounge?" He asks softly.

"Please do, Ryoh. I don't think I can take Keigo's 'ore-sama is right and you know it' speech right now by myself." I smile as he chuckles amusedly.

…Sometimes, the last place you'd look for love is right beside you. However, I'm willing to give Ryoh a try, but not because I'm desperate for love.

We are both still young and there may be other relationships. But I don't want to look back when I'm older and think 'what if's, so I'm willing to take this step forward and hope for all the best…

Yosh! I shall do my best in this new kind of relationship with Ryoh! Fight-o!

OMAKE…

(Shishido's POV) Five years after Hyoutei's High School…

Hyoutei's High School, 12pm, Front yard…

I walk around the campus and try to find a quiet spot where I can be alone for lunch, returning the greetings coming from the students around me at the same time. Maybe that spot at the baseball field is empty… Hmm, I should go check it out… I have to finish lunch by 12:30pm since the principal has told us this morning that we'll be having a special assembly at 1pm. I wonder what for…

A lot has happened during the last five years. For your information, Kasumi and I are still dating, much to Atobe and Oshitari's amusement and others' bemusement. When she came back to Japan from that fall break's trip to the UK with Atobe, we stepped forward and told everyone that we started dating. My fan girls' numbers dropped rapidly after that announcement.

…One thing I'll say to that – THANK GOD!

Thanks to Kasumi and Atobe's new Sparta training menu, Hyoutei's tennis team made it to the Nationals. After all the blood, sweat and tears shed, Atobe faced off with Echizen again in the final match and miraculously came out a winner. To celebrate our victory, Hyoutei High School had a big party for a whole week…

It was also the week that all of us made a name for ourselves in the school's history. Atobe was literally called a King, and us his 'knights'. As our manager, Kasumi also made a name for herself. I remember it took all of us to drag her up onto the stage that day, but she was undeniably 'The Queen' as her cousin is the Atobe Keigo… I still have a lot of fun poking fun at her for that nickname.

When we graduated from high school, Atobe and Kasumi went abroad to England. Thankfully, Kasumi and I managed to maintain a long distance relationship through emails, phone calls and her trip back to Japan during Christmas once every year. Jirou went to Germany for engineering, Oshitari went to Kyoto for literature, Choutarou went to Italy to pursue a music career, Mukahi and Hiyoshi went to Australia for Economics and Kabaji went to Waseda University for Physics. As for me, I got accepted into Hyoutei University, majoring in History and Geography.

As I graduated, I was lucky enough to be offered a teaching position at Hyoutei High School because an old History teacher was retiring and had recommended me for the position. I accepted it happily, knowing that I want nothing more than to teach my fellow juniors from the same school.

…However, something is making me regret that decision. Or rather, someone…

"Shishido-sensei!" Speak of the devil and she shall appear… "Shishido-sensei, I'm talking to you!"

Apparently, this girl needs a crash course at giving respect to her elders. And to think her father is a prominent businessman! Heck, I'd say he fails as a father!

I heave a sigh and turn around to frown at a blonde girl with two brunettes flanking her side. "What do you want, Nishikawa?" I ask grumpily.

…The more time I use to deal with this girl, the less time I have to eat my lunch, dammit!

"I want you to invite me to lunch, sensei." Her attempt at purring makes me recoil in disgust. Man, where is my girlfriend when I need her? At least Kasumi doesn't do something repulsive like trying to seduce someone in public!

…Damn Atobe for dragging my girlfriend off to some 'business trip' abroad!

"I suggest you use your time to study for next History test, Nishikawa. Your grade in my class is below acceptable. I won't hesitate to fail you if you keep this up." I deadpan and don't even bother to hide another sigh at her pouting. "And for the millionth time, I have a girlfriend. Go find someone your own age." I wave my right hand where a plain, silver ring adorns my ring finger in her face.

She huffs at me. "You should be glad I'm paying attention to you, Shishido-sensei. My father has a say in this school and I can easily have him kick you out from the teaching position, you know? So you should do as I say. You should be flattered that I, Nishikawa Satoko, the Hyoutei's princess, am interested in you." She smirks, but falters when I don't even look threatened. "I bet you don't even have a girlfriend!"

I twitch furiously. Is this girl for real? "I'm not going to bother arguing with you, Nishikawa." I turn to walk away from her.

…However, the sight of two imported cars pulling up at the school's front yard have all students and teachers alike stare in awe. I grin amusedly at the two cars. Who wouldn't stare at a silver Audi TT RS and a blue BMW M3 Coupe together?

Besides, there is only one person I know with a blue BMW M3 Coupe…

I ignore Nishikawa and her lackeys and start walking towards the blue BMW. The passenger side opens and the familiar, arrogant, sapphire eyes male I've known since middle school steps out with a frown on his face. But the person that follows him out from the driver's side of the car makes me smile contentedly…

Yep, she has the auburn red hair and sapphire eyes, all right! My girlfriend Kasumi is back!

"Why did Ore-sama get you this car again, arn?" Atobe asks her irritably. "Next time, ore-sama will show you how to drive this thing properly."

Kasumi glares at him. "You were the one who got me this car because, according to you, 'Ore-sama's cousin will never drive a plain car that doesn't stand out'. You bought it for me so it's mine. Next time drive your own car here, dammit!" She snaps back at him. "If you hate my driving so much then you can go back with Yuushi!"

…Yeah, that's typical interaction between these two, all right. Although it's quite funny to watch, but I want her to give me attention, dammit!

I stop in front of the bickering cousins and clear my throat to catch their attention. "Not that I don't find that amusing, but are you forgetting something?" I ask with my best 'strict sensei's voice.

Two pairs of sapphire eyes look at me instantly. "Ryoh!" Kasumi laughs brightly as she flings herself at me. I grin back and catch her in my arms. "Miss me?" She asks with a dazzling smile.

"Always," I lean forward and give her a kiss, ignoring the whispers from people around us. "I'm glad you're back." I tell her honestly.

"I'm glad to be back too. Keigo's such a prat dragging me off to England just like that." She turns to give Atobe a glare. I just chuckle at their antics.

Atobe merely smirks and flips his hair. "You should be grateful ore-sama lavishes you with attention, isn't that right, Oshitari?" He turns to the dark hair Kansai male that approaches us.

Oshitari smirks craftily. "I have to say, Kasumi, I envy Shishido when you wear those shorts." He smirks wider as I give him a warning glare.

…Dammit, why does she have to wear an oversized tee with cuffed shorts and boots and those eye catching accessories when that damn Kansai pervert is around? I like Kasumi's boyish style all right, but everyone can see her legs!

Oh trust me, when we were on a date back when she just recently came back from England, I had to glare at every guy in the vicinity. You can say that England had been good to her in terms of helping her sense of fashion and confidence, but it certainly didn't help me when other guys were ogling my girlfriend! The couple ring on her finger that is similar to mine didn't get them to back off either!

I pull Kasumi closer to my side. "What are you guys doing here anyway?" I lean down to whisper in her ear.

"It's a careers week so since we're ex-Hyoutei students the director asked us to come in." She smiles playfully. "I wouldn't miss seeing you in your 'sensei' mode, you know that."

I smile back and try to hear what the students around us are saying. What I can hear makes me smirk proudly, though. You know what I'm hearing? Let me tell you…

"Oh my gosh, Shishido-sensei really does have a girlfriend!"

"Shishido-sense is acquainted with Atobe-sama and the famous novelist Oshitari-sensei?"

"Duh! They went to Hyoutei together! They were in tennis team and won the Nationals!"

"Shishido-sensei's girlfriend is Atobe-sama's cousin! She's the Kutsuryuu Kasumi!"

"Atobe-sama was called 'the King' and she was 'the Queen'! They look so regal together!"

"So is this your girlfriend, Shishido-sensei?" I tense and turn around to frown at Nishikawa's voice. This damn girl just doesn't know when to quit, doesn't she? "She's so plain without makeup!"

That's it! I can't take this annoying brat anymore!

I open my mouth to give her a piece of my mind but a hand on my arm stops me. "Kasumi?" I blink at my girlfriend bemusedly as she simply smiles at me.

She grins mischievously. "Let me show you how 'the Queen' deals with annoying people." She shifts her eyes to Oshitari. "Yuushi, who is she?" She asks the Kansai male with a glint in her eyes.

Oshitari smirks back gleefully. "Nishikawa Satoko, 17 years old. She's the heiress to the Nishikawa's Design Company and self-proclaimed Hyoutei's 'princess'." He drawls smoothly.

Ooh, this is about to get really interesting…

Kasumi nods at the information. Turning to face Nishikawa with a deceptively pleasant smile that would've send a smarter person running for the hills, my girlfriend walks right up to the annoying female. "Hyoutei's standards must have fallen so low if the students are calling you princess." Kasumi begins lightly as if talking about weather. Ignoring Nishikawa's reddening face, she plunders on. "Not to mention that your father's company standard is below acceptable if you, his heiress, are behaving like this. Don't you know, little girl, that how the heiress behaves in public reflects the company's image? Also, the works coming from Nishikawa's Design have been absolutely unpleasant to look at lately. Tell your father to expect a visit from Keigo and I soon, about his less than desirable contracted works." She elegantly turns away from the red-face, stunned and publicly embarrassed Nishikawa.

WOOHOO! Call me being biased, but my girlfriend absolutely rocks in her 'devil' mode!

"Atobe-san, Kutsuryuu-san, Oshitari-san, how nice to see you all!" The principal approaches us four. "Oh, I see Shishido-sensei has gotten to you first. Would you mind showing them where the guestroom is and keep them company for a while, Shishido-sensei?" He turns to ask me.

Ah, I forgot that this principal is new… He doesn't know that four of us attended Hyoutei together, huh…

Atobe steps forward. "Ore-sama would prefer to have Shishido showing us around. After all, he may become related to Ore-sama in the future, arn?" He gives me a sly look and smirks at the principal's flabbergasted face.

I glare at him. Tugging Kasumi's hand gently, I gesture towards the building. "Follow me then." I turn to give my girlfriend a wide grin. "You were definitely a queen back there. I love it."

She laughs softly. "I just don't like how she paraded herself around like that. I can forgive her being annoying and ignorantly arrogant. But I despised the fact that she really bothered you so I wasn't about to let her off unscathed."

I simply smirk at her reply. While walking to where the guestroom is, I realize that I couldn't have possibly been more grateful to having her with me like this. Imagine what could have happened if she said 'no' that five years ago…

…But no matter, I'm not about to look back to what I can't change and wondering 'what if's. It's just not me. Life is all about moving forward, after all.

And as long as I have Kutsuryuu Kasumi with me, I believe we will walk forward and enjoy our time together…

Shh, don't tell her that I plan on proposing to her later tonight!

IT'S DONE! (Dance a little jig)

Thank you, Davina dear, for proofreading this for me! And I'm glad you like this 'special' finale. XD

Now I'm going to go get my much-needed sleep before I start another PoT story.

Thanks to the influence of watching TV Series like 'Supernatural', the movie 'Onmyoji', reading Japanese' folklores and going through my Japanese history's class notes, the next story is going to be Alternate Universe! Yes, it'll be set in historical Japan!

I've found out that for me, Rikkai is the easiest team to write so it will mainly focus around Rikkai members with some Hyoutei members and some Seigaku members. Be prepare for a lot of twists!

I'm SO going to have a lot of fun torturing characters. Hehehe…

This story is finally completed! YAY! Thanks so much for reading this!

And please review and leave your comment! See you in the next story!

Cers.