A/N: This is my first ever published fic so if you have comments about anything feel free to post it. =) I really love Chihayafuru (I mean, who freakin' doesn't?!) and sorry to all Arata x Chihaya fans but I totally 'ship the Taichi x Chihaya pairing. Although logically Chihaya might choose Arata over Taichi, I'll never stop dreaming of a happy ending for these two sooooooooo, if you're a ChihayArata fan, this might break you a bit =) BTW, if you don't read the manga, some plot points are derived from the actual soooooo if you don't plan to be spoiled…you might want to reconsider reading this. So, enjoy! ^^

CHAPTER 1: DENIAL

"Matsuge-kun, a luck of draw…isn't down to luck at all."

Harada-sensei's advice rang in Mashima's ear as he went to school that morning. The air was cold and crisp, signalling the beginning of winter, and they were in their final year in High School.

He had been on the finals at last night's Karuta tournament and he would've won over Tsuboguchi-san if not for the ill-fated luck-of-draw he was famously known for losing. He knows he doesn't have the game sense that Chihaya or any of the strongest players have, but he knows that he can definitely put up a decent fight because of his skills. Except… for that freakin' luck of draw. No matter how hard he wishes for his card to be drawn, it always wasn't the case.

"Dame… Why won't it be me…?" He mused to himself as he took another corner towards the train station. Though Harada-sensei's advice gave him a boost, manoeuvring it was another story. His good memory allows him to remember vividly every card that are yet to be summoned, but developing the instinct to know which card won't be called is yet to progress.

Their year so far had been eventful. Chihaya won the Eastern qualifiers against Inokuma-san, and she won the Challenger game against Megumu, making her a contender for the Queen match in a few weeks time. Taichi on the other hand had won the qualifiers, but failed to win against Arata in the Challenger match. Arata would be facing Harada-sensei again in the Meijin match because Suo-Meijin decided to retire after winning against Harada.

Their club was getting stronger than ever too. They finally managed to attract more members so they now have 12 first-years and 4 second years (majority of which are girls), though less than half is in danger of quitting due to Chihaya's tenacious teaching methods. But it was promising, because out of 16, 4 of the new ones have ranks, so it wouldn't be hard teaching them as it was for the rest of the team when they were just starting. And the legacy of their win wouldn't stop with them leaving the school.

They won in the Team Division in the National Championship against Fukui East, who, as first timers, beat Fujisaki Highschool on their first encounter. It was a tough fight because Arata was pitted against Taichi, and Chihaya was having a hard time concentrating on her match because she wanted to play him previously, but in the end, their efforts as team made them win the cup for the second time.

Everyone under Class A moved another notch in the individual tournament. Kana-chan won the Class C finals with Tsukuba-kun as a runner-up, making them Class B. Sumire-chan won Class D so she's now Class C. Komano-kun could've won the Class B finals if not for Yoro-kun. Mashima couldn't be depressed though. He doesn't want to admit it, but he definitely wanted Yoro-kun to finally make it to Class A. About time anyway.

If there's anyone who made a lot of improvement aside from him though, it was Komano-kun. He jumped 4 levels in less than a year… and beat him (and everyone else in the club) in the relationship department. He remembered how nervous Komano looked as he snuck out with Kana-chan after last month's tournament, and how awkward they looked at the club meeting the next day. Sumire-chan was the first to ask why they were acting all-shy around each other and it was Kana-chan (surprisingly) who told everyone they were dating.

"HUH?!" was the only expression they had and it took Chihaya, Mashima, Tsukuba, and Sumire to stop Nishida from socking the poor guy. It was funny though, he never knew that both of the boys fancied Oe-san, though he must admit the short girl is quite a catch. But he thought everyone had their sights on advancing in Karuta, especially now that everyone is addicted to the sport.

And seeeeeeriously. Mashima thought. He's not one to judge but, he never knew Kana-chan would feel the same about Komano.

Guess, it does pay to come offensive, huh. He mused.

And now that they're dating, he can't help but be jealous of them. If only the girl of his dreams wasn't so complicated…

"Taichi!" a chestnut-haired called out from the corner of his eye.

Speaking of the devil… he mused to himself. He'd been going to school with Chihaya for quite some time now, due to the fact that she ends up getting late if she doesn't go with him and though he doesn't admit it, he hates the fact that there are men who tries to sneak up to her during her transit to school.

"Chihaya," he greeted as his childhood friend runs up to him.

"Ano… can we talk later at lunch?" she asked as they walked through the crowd at the train station.

"What about?" He wondered as his gaze dropped towards her hands covered with the mufflers she used to wear when they were children.

"Uhmm…I'll tell you at lunch, ok?" she said uncomfortably. His eyebrow raised as he wondered what the commotion was all about.

"Why not now?" he quipped.

"Because! It's… it's…"

"It's what?"

"It's kind of awkward…" she blushed. An awkward talk and Chihaya blushing. He doesn't feel good about this.

"What difference does it make whether you tell it to me now or later at lunch? It's still gonna be awkward for you" he said matter-of-factly.

"You're being pesky," she snapped as they entered the train.

"And you don't make sense," he countered as he plopped down on an empty seat.

It's probably another request concerning that guy, He thought irritably. He's not stupid not to notice his childhood friend's reaction whenever Arata comes into the topic. She tends to stutter and blush a lot like a school girl with a crush. Ok, she is a school girl, but her having a crush on his childhood friend doesn't really sit that well on him. He's been her friend for God knows how long. He'd been there for her anytime she needs him that he probably just lost the opportunity to date other girls. He had always been half-hearted about everything, even Karuta, but she was the reason why he became loyal to the sport. He knows he needs to thank Arata too, because if it wasn't for him, Chihaya wouldn't be pesky enough to convince him to advance in the sport. He was the reason why they found a sport they all love.

But damn, I like her more than Karuta, can't she ever tell?! The admission in his mind made him blush like mad.

"What's wrong?" Chihaya asked, as she peered at his blushing face.

Argh. Dammit. He cursed at himself for being so obvious. Seriously, almost all of the members in their club know he's harbouring feelings towards this girl and yet she's been sooo dense about everything.

"It's… Arata." She muttered softly. And though he knew this was about him he couldn't help but be frustrated.

"What about him?" he asked coldly as stared blankly at the changing scenery outside.

"It's his birthday next week so…so..I wanted to give him a gift!" She finally said, as she fidgeted with her hands.

"Oh. I see." Lucky bastard. He thought to himself.

Honestly, Chihaya was the nicest friend he ever had, because despite her clumsiness and obliviousness towards other things, she never forgets any birthdays, anniversaries, or any important dates. Plus the fact that she's honest, earnest, and innocent, and she never gives up. He could go on and on all day about the things that he likes about her but it would definitely hurt his head, and his heart…

"What do guys usually like? What do you think would he like best?"

A kiss. And a nice¬ wait, what the hell am I thinking? He mentally kicked himself after semi-naughty thoughts began pouring in his mind. He blushed even more, luckily his face was turned from the oblivious girl.

"Dunno. Why don't you ask him?" he offered calmly, though his feelings were anything but.

"I wanted it to be a surprise! What do I give him?" She piped, smiling at him brightly and innocently like her childlike self.

Somehow, he felt a pang of jealousy coursing through his heart. It was just a sincere thought for a friend, he knows that. But he knows it might be different for her. She just doesn't know it herself.

He doesn't want to end up like a third wheel. Like a card left hanging in a luck of draw…

"Anything would do. He doesn't have a lot does he?" he answered mindlessly. It was too late when he realized it was a pretty nasty thing to say.

"Taichi! That's mean of you!" Chihaya snapped as he she glared at him. It's hard for him to believe that this tall, beautiful young woman is actually 16, when the way she behaves is like she's 10 most of the time. But he felt kind of guilty for saying that, because though Arata was indeed poor, his personality doesn't have anything to do with his wealth.

"He's in Fukui, how do you plan to give it to him?" he said, opting to change the subject instead.

"We'll go there of course!" she answered brightly.

They were on their last stop, and as they went outside the train, he remembered the first time they ever went to Fukui. Arata had been such a waste back then, and it was really amazing how he got out of his stupor and went back to playing. And excelling, in less than a year, that is.

"So you already planned this out without asking me?" he asked nonchalantly as he realized that Chihaya would always make plans without ever asking him. It's like she was always confident that he'd go whenever she asks him, and he never really had any reason to decline.

"Well, I know you'd come anyway because… I plan on challenging him to a game so you might want to play against him too!" she said excitedly. There were times like this when he doesn't know whether he likes Arata the person, or Arata the Class A-would be Meijin player. It's like being Class A is a requirement if she were to choose a boyfriend.

Karuta freak. He cursed her solemnly.

"Idiot. You plan to play him on his birthday. Don't you think he might want to celebrate it other than playing Karuta?" They were almost at the gates of the school now. Since they get up pretty earlier than usual, there were only a few students loitering the grounds.

"Well, he might want to play too. Ne?" she wondered aloud. True. Knowing Arata, he might pass a party for a Karuta game. He was the never the party type anyway. Taichi mused. Sigh.

There's no helping this girl. Mashima thought to himself. Though it irritates him to be seeing his Arata's face sooner than expected, he sure does want to play against him after all these years... Arata, after all, was the reason he was stuck on the game.

"Fine. I'll go." He finally said as they climbed the steps towards their floor.

"Yaaay! I kneeeeeeeew you'd come. Hehe." Chihaya cheered as she hugged his arm. These were moments that make it hard to believe that they're not dating yet. Anyone who has eyes would probably see the chemistry they have.

"Shut up." He pouted as he flicked her forehead.

"Chihaya," he said, looking at his friend's beautiful face devoid of make-up.

"Nani?" she stared at him curiously.

"Do you like Arata?" he asked bluntly. He didn't want to ask it because he might not like what he'll hear, but he really does want to know how she feels. For her, it had always been Karuta, Karuta, and more Karuta. But now, he hates it when he himself is not sure whether it still is the case for her.

"Why… why do you ask?!" she asked, surprised, a blush creeping into her face once more.

"Because… nevermind. Forget about it." Somehow, even though he thought he was brave enough to ask, he just wanted to punch himself in the gut for bringing it up.

Talk about being a masochist, he thought bitterly.

"I…" she started, but before she could actually answer, he caught sight of his two short club mates in the hallway.

"Chihaya-chan! Mashima-Kaichou! Ohayo!" Kana-chan greeted with a wave.

"Ohayo, Kana-chan! Tsukue-kun!" Chihaya greeted back as she went to greet them. It's a good thing they came before Chihaya ever had the time to answer his question. He'd rather not hear, he decided.

"Ayase, there are some things I need to discuss to you regarding your match. Based from my analysis…" Komano discussed as Chihaya listened intently.

"Prez, can you accompany for a bit, I need help in arranging our club room for the new members." Kana-chan asked as she left Komano-kun's side. It was still quite early to fix the club room but Kana-chan rarely requests something from him.

"Oh. Alright." He agreed.

As they went to the clubroom, Mashima noticed Kana-chan's pointed silence, as if there were things on her mind that she wants to say to him.

"What is it, Kana-chan?" he offered, knowing that of all the club members, Kana-chan knew him best. Kanade gaped, surprised at his straightforward question. They proceeded to sit at a bench near their clubroom.

"Mashima-Kaichou… Chihaya-chan… will become Queen right?" Kana-chan asked out-of-the-blue.

"Well, I suppose so. She'll outwork herself, but she'll definitely play at her best. Why?" he answered, knowing full well that she will. Bias it may seem, but Chihaya had been steadily improving, and he knows no one who works as hard as her in practice.

"And Wataya-kun… he'll become Meijin… I suppose?" she asked distractedly. It was unusual for her to bring Arata into the topic knowing she doesn't know him that much, and the way she's questioning him makes it feel worrisome.

"I don't know Kana-chan. They're both good, but it's too early to speculate who'll win." He answered honestly, as he gazed at her, willing her to just spill whatever it is that she needs to say.

"What will you do… if… if… Chihaya-chan and Wataya-kun becomes a couple Mashima-Kaichou?" she asked, looking down at her hands. He was surprised at the question, not because he hasn't thought of it, but because he doesn't know the answer himself.

"What will I¬" he repeated blankly. He had that thought before, but since he became focused on Karuta, he shut all thoughts that would distract him of his game. He hates to admit it, but he'd rather deny reality than confront it head on.

"I mean… I know you like her, it's not really surprising, and Wataya-kun may have liked her too…so…what will you do if he confesses, Prez?" she explained, though she looked like she was on the verge of tears. Ever since they visited Chihaya in the hospital last year, Kana-chan had been going out of her way to help him confess to Chihaya. Embarassing it may seem but he didn't make so much of an effort, frustrating her in the process because he knew she always rooting for him.

"I don't know. Seriously, I haven't thought about it…yet. Knowing him, it might take a while because his dream of becoming a Meijin is more urgent…I think." He answered, looking at the early morning sky. Their classes will start in 10 minutes, they must go back to class soon. As soon as the suggestion formed in his head, he stopped dead at Kanade's next statement.

"Prez…he already confessed…" she muttered softly, a guilty look forming in her face. He knew it would happen. And he knew it would hurt. He just didn't how much. And he wasn't prepared.

A/N: I wasn't supposed to end with the cliffhanger but I realized that if I didn't cut the chapter it be more than 3,000 words so. O_o Yeah. Feel free to comment!