Moving

I moved my stories to a new blog, though I haven’t deleted my posts here. Well, I don’t know if I still will. We’ll see.

Here:

The Windmill of the Sun

Fanfiction Challenges

Shuffle Challenge
Rules:
1. Pick a character, fandom, pairing, friendship, whatever.
2. Put iTunes or your music program on shuffle and start playing songs.
3. For each song, write something inspired by the song related to the theme you chose earlier. You only have the song length. No pre-planning and no writing after the song is over. No skipping songs either.
4. Do this for ten songs

100 Themes Challenge

1. Introduction
2. Love.
3. Light.
4. Dark.
5. Seeking Solace.
6. Break Away.
7. Heaven.
8. Innocence.
9. Hell.
10. Breathe Again.
11. Memory.
12. Insanity.
13. Misfortune.
14. Smile.
15. Silence.
16. Questioning.
17. Blood.
18. Rainbow.
19. Grey.
20. Fortitude.
21. Vacation.
22. Mother Nature.
23. Crazy.
24. No Time.
25. Trouble Lurking.
26. Tears.
27. Foreign.
28. Sorrow.
29. Happiness.
30. Under the Rain.
31. Flowers.
32. Night.
33. Expectations.
34. Stars.
35. Hold My Hand.
36. Precious Treasure.
37. Eyes.
38. Abandoned.
39. Dreams.
40. Rated.
41. Teamwork.
42. Standing Still.
43. Dying.
44. Two Roads.
45. Illusion.
46. Family.
47. Creation.
48. Childhood.
49. Stripes.
50. Breaking the Rules
51. Sport.
52. Deep in Thought.
53. Keeping a Secret.
54. Tower.
55. Waiting.
56. Danger Ahead.
57. Sacrifice.
58. Kick in the Head.
59. No Way Out.
60. Rejection.
61. Fairy Tale.
62. Magic.
63. Do Not Disturb.
64. Multitasking.
65. Horror.
66. Traps.
67. Playing the Melody.
68. Hero.
69. Annoyance.
70. 67.
71. Obsession.
72. Mischief Managed.
73. I Can’t.
74. Are You Challenging Me?
75. Mirror.
76. Broken Pieces.
77. Test.
78. Drink.
79. Starvation.
80. Words.
81. Pen and Paper.
82. Can You Hear Me?
83. Heal.
84. Out Cold.
85. Spiral.
86. Seeing Red.
87. Food
88. Pain.
89. Through the Fire.
90. Triangle.
91. Drowning.
92. All That I Have.
93. Give Up.
94. Last Hope.
95. Advertisement.
96. In the Storm.
97. Safety First.
98. Puzzle.
99. Loner.
100. Relaxation.

Will edit when I find more. Or make one myself.

ILY – An SLH fanfiction.

Ren X OC basically. Feel free to critique.

I Love You.

Ichikawa Ren and Sawada Ruriko. Lived close to one another and played together since they were very young.

What’s more, at present, they’re attending the same high school. Their academic ups and downs always coincide.

To oversimplify, Ren and I are childhood friends.

Maybe.

-o-o-o-o-

“Why don’t you just confess already?” I threw the shoujo manga I was reading aside and lied down on the floor. We were at our usual hang out spot, S Dorm’s rooftop.

“Ruri, didn’t I tell you to stop yelling out things like that?” Ren snorted. I can’t help it; the main character annoyed the heck out of me. If she loves him, then she should just tell him! “Also, will you stop reading what other people have thrown out already?”

I sat up and poked his cheek. “No,” I answered simply. “Besides, it’s such a waste! People shouldn’t throw out their money just like that, don’t you agree, Ren-kun?” I smiled at him sheepishly.

He cringed. “People should be more responsible in handling their money!”

I know of his financial problems, of course. Our school doesn’t allow it, but Ren works part time secretly at many shops on campus. He’s never told me where he worked, so I’ve been trying to sniff him out. I’ve no luck so far though.

I giggled as I watched him go on about the importance of saving. It’s actually the first time I’ve seen him so passionate about something.

“Are you listening, Ruri?” He asked, folding his arms above his chest.

I laughed. “Hai, sensei!”

-o-o-o-o-

“Hey, have any of you seen Ren?” I asked one of his classmates.

“Oh, Sawada-san, he left as soon as homeroom was over,” Someone replied.

Weird. Ren and I always head back to the dorms together, not unless something comes up. He always tells me beforehand if something does come up… Today though he was supposed to come with me to the bookstore since there was a book I wanted to buy. Oh well, I guess I’ll go by myself then.

“I see, thanks,” I bowed and went my way. I’ll beat him up later for this.

It’s a mystery to me as to how St. Nazareth Academy has everything inside the campus. From cafes, to clothing stores, from groceries to hardware stores. As I arrived at the bookstore, I immediately went to the arts section. An illustration book by one of my favourite artists was going to be released today. Now, where is it? Hmm… yokoyan… yokoyan… Ah, here it is!

‘The Fairytale of Light and Darkness.’

Yay, Märchen and Elise! I can’t wait to see her artworks! But before I forget, I’m going to pay first. I checked the back cover for the price. Two thousand yen. I guess that’s reasonable. I’ve been saving up for this for weeks anyway.

On my way to the counter, I glanced at the store window. A familiar face caught my attention. I blinked my golden eyes once more to make sure. It was Ren and a girl with pigtails.

I dropped the book absentmindedly. Who the heck was that? I don’t think I’ve seen her before…

-o-o-o-o-

“She’s my girlfriend,” Ren said simply after I tried to confront him. I’ve never heard of this!

“We live in the same dorm and we’ve shared the same room for a few days now,” He beamed. “She also works at the same place I do! Feels like spring has finally come into my life, ya know?”

“How is it that you, Ichikawa Ren, someone like you, can land a girlfriend at all?” I asked sarcastically.

“Well sorry for being me.”

My gaze went down to my lap. “Since when?”

“Since the term started,” He answered nonchalantly.

“Oh, I see…”

“By the way Ruri, I’ll be working overtime for a few days, so you head back without me.” He said taking a bite of his sandwich.

“…Right,” I answered hesitantly. That and he’s got a girlfriend.

“Oh, and keep it a secret from other people too, alright?” He added.

“Eh? Why?”

“Cause I’m embarrassed.”

So the day I’ve been dreading most has finally come. I’m lonely… and I’ve got a bad feeling in my chest.

As the days went on, Ren and I haven’t been spending that much time with each other after we talked about… his girlfriend.

“Hey Sawada.”

Ren’s got a girl.

“Ruriko-san!”

Ren’s got a girl.

“Sawada-kun?”

Ren’s got a girl.

Ren’s got a girl, huh…?

I’m jealous and I’m lonely. I’m also ticked off for some reason. The way things are going with the other kids in the neighbourhood; they’ve probably kissed and stuff…

-o-o-o-o-

Finally, PE. Playing volleyball lets me take my mind off things, but no matter what I do today, I just can’t stay focused.

Ren always tells me everything. Why didn’t he tell me he was in love? We’ve known each other forever, and—

“Sawada-san!”

“Oh, mine!” A perfect dig pass, if I do say so myself.

I sighed. First his job, now this. When did he become so secretive about stuff? I can’t deny that I’m hurt.

“Sawada!”

Of course I’m hurt…

“Oi, Sawada!”

Ren, I…

“Ruriko!”

BAM.

Ah, if only I could disappear like this…

-o-o-o-o-

Later I found myself at the school infirmary. I blinked my eyes a few times to clear my vision. I tried to sit up but I fell backwards as I felt a sharp pang. I could feel my head throbbing. That’s right; I got hit by a ball earlier and…

“Mmm…”

I froze. There was someone at my bedside. I sat up slowly to check who it was. Dark golden brown hair… Ren? I reached out my hand and touched his brown locks. I then laced his hand with mine. I wonder if he has…

I withdrew my hand as his eyes fluttered open. He yawned, sitting up and running a hand through his hair. Golden eyes stared into red ones.

“What happened…?” I asked breaking the awkward silence.

“You got hit by a ball?” He answered sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes. “I mean after that?”

“You passed out. You wouldn’t wake up, so I carried you here.”

“Th-then who dressed me up?” I asked nervously since I was already in my uniform.

“Sensei did,” Phew… I thought he did and saw my body…

“You didn’t think I did now, did you?” He asked with a brow raised.

I blushed furiously. “No!”

“Geez, no need to fuss about it. Can you walk?”

“Yeah, I guess…” I stood up slowly and tried to regain my balance. We exited the nurse’s office.

“Oh yeah, how about this… we go get something eat tomorrow after classes and walk home together. We haven’t done that in a while.”

“Tomorrow?” I asked tilting my head to the side.

“ I don’t have work tomorrow, so I’ll treat you,” Ren smiled. “C’mon, it’ll be fun.”

All right, dinner with Ren! Dinner with Ren after so long! I can’t wait~

-o-o-o-o-

“You can’t?!” I said devastated.

“Sorry, something came up at work today,“ Ren was with that girl again.

“Can’t you skip or something? Leaving me out in the cold here…”

“Now listen, I can’t skip work! My family’s counting on me and—!“

I turned and ran away before he could even finish his sentence. And I was looking forward to it, too…
“Sawada-san!” I heard the girl call out. I kept running. I didn’t care about hitting anyone along the way; I just had to get away from here.

Idiot.

“Ruri!”

Ren, you idiot!

“Ruriko!”

I felt tears flood down my cheeks as he grabbed my arm. “You cry baby, it can’t be helped, can it? Something came up.“

I hate him.

“I’ll make it up to you, I swear.”

I can’t stand him.

“But it can be helped…” I turned to face him.

“Make me your priority… Look only at me…” His grip loosened and his eyes widened.

“I… I love you more than I do anyone else, Ren…” He let go of me. I continued running, hoping he would come after me. But he didn’t.

If I can’t have him, then I might as well stay away and hate him.

-o-o-o-o-

“Hey, Ruri-chan, you’re going to be late if you don’t wake up now,” My roommate said shaking my body gently as I lay in bed.

“I suppose… I won’t be coming to school today…” I answered from my position, still not facing her.

“Okay… You should go see the nurse if you’re not feeling well,” She said patting my head. “I’ll see you later then.”

I don’t want to go to school today… I’d see Ren if I did. I just can’t face him after that…

I’ve already been dumped, at least ten times in my dreams.

-o-o-o-o-

And I ended up here at the rooftop anyway. I guess it’s almost time for the test to start… Come to think of it, a long time ago Ren and I just used to hang out here and talk, maybe play a game or something. What was important was we enjoyed each other’s company. Yeah, all my memories are flashing before my eyes…

“I… I love you more than I do anyone else, Ren…”

I lied down on the floor and closed my eyes. I shouldn’t have said it. I think I really did mean it when I said I loved Ren, but if it’s going to hurt this much, I’d rather just die and get it over with.

Wait… no, I don’t want to die, I want to disappear… I want to try to disappear entirely… or maybe I should leave this academy, go back home and transfer to somewhere far away…

“So, you were here,” A familiar voice said.

I froze. I didn’t move from my position on the floor. I heard him come closer and sit next to me. That’s odd… It got dark all of the sudden.

My heart skipped a beat as I felt something touch my lips. I opened one eye slowly to check what it was. It isn’t what I think it is now… is it?

My eyes shot open. Ren’s kissing me. Wait, what?

“Mmmff!” Ren’s kissing me?! No way!

He pulled away and smirked. “You’re really bad at pretending, you know?”

I blushed and looked away. “Shut up.”

He chuckled. “Whenever something happens, you head straight here.”

“W-what about school?”

“Can’t you tell? I’m here aren’t I?” He answered sarcastically. I rolled my eyes in response.

“Anyway, I had to find you,” What? “There’s something I need to apologize for.”

My heart beat so fast, I could hear in throbbing in my ears. What’s he going to say? ‘I’m sorry for kissing you?’ It doesn’t matter. He’s said it over and over in my dreams. If he’s going to say it, then he should just be brutal and quick about it! I can hardly breathe!

“Ruri…” He started slowly. “That thing about me having a girlfriend…” Here it comes… “…was a lie.”

“…huh?”

“That girl really was from my dorm, and we did share a room, but only for a few days because there weren’t any vacant rooms left, so Kousetsu-san had her spend a few nights in one room then move to another,” He explained rubbing his temples. “That time you saw us when you were out shopping, chances are whatever you thought was going on between us , was a lot more interesting than it actually was.”

A lie…

“What I told was a little white lie, but I didn’t mean for it to chase you off like that, Ruri…”

A lie… So it was all my misunderstanding?

“Ruri?”

But it’s his entire fault for making me think like this! If he hadn’t lied, I wouldn’t have—

My thoughts were interrupted when he held me by my chin and closed the gap between us once more. My eyes widened. I felt myself melt into the kiss.

“I’m sorry,” He said as he pulled away. “And these,” He inched in again. “Are my true feelings…”

-o-o-o-o-

“By the way, the girl, Hiyoki-chan, is actually Kumoide Cain’s girlfriend…”

“Really? I didn’t know the student council president had a girlfriend with all those fangirls of his…”

Silence.

“I can’t say I agree with your methods though,” I said as I leaned on him, our hands laced.

“What?”

“Could it be that you lied about having a girlfriend just to make me jealous?”

He stayed silent.
“And that you actually enjoyed seeing me get jealous over you?” I added.

“…well, could be.”

I withdrew my hand and pounded my fist on his. Hard.

“Ow! What was that for?!”

“That was for lying to me,” I pulled him by his shirt and pressed my lips on his.

“…that’s for everything else.”

Too Much

I NEED A PROMPT.

I mean, well, I have too much ideas in my head. Problem is, I don’t know where to start. I don’t know which one I should write.

I guess I should list it down then:

-Miyuki meets Miharu’s little sister, Mizu. (I just like names starting with ‘Mi’ so much, I didn’t realize I put them all in the same storyline)
-Miharu goes to Miyuki’s hometown to meet her parents.
-Harumi side of the first story.
-A girl with an older brother that is cursed to be wolf forever.(This was from an old RP with some friends in a group I made in imeem. Ah, how I missed that)
-Digimon fanfic starting from where the second series ended. Y’know when they all have kids and jobs.
-Something similar to Barajou no Kiss, but using the heavenly bodies instead of roses. Stars in particular.
-HarumixHiromu lemon -///- (High school setting)
-Twincest? AioniaxIenzo? Maybe one-sided love.
-Kaoru(OHHC)xOC. Hotaru needs attention.
-Midori needs attention too. I also made an adult!Sei that’s straight D:
-Something similar to Papa to Kiss in the Dark only with a proper hetero couple this time.
-A story about moving on maybe?
-Boy breaks up with girl, girl is fine and tries to move on, but instead helps boy to hook up with other girl
-Girl with a serious killing intent-like disorder tries to make an effort not to kill everyone in sight… or something like that.

I’ll edit this later on when I remember the others >_>

Warmth: A Dancing in the Rain Side Story

A/N: This was inspired by a animated image I saw in Danbooru the other night. It was so fluffy I just had to put it in side story form. There are notes at the bottom so read them before commenting. On with the story~

Ah, another nice day in Sol Ciel. The priests thought it would be good to let their partner Reyvateil unwind and relax even just for a little while.

“Cannonball!”

“Whoa! Be careful Janus!”

“Haha, sorry Violette!”

A new resort had just opened in Karulu Village so they decided to stay for the rest of the day.

“I’m surprised they built a resort here at this small village,” A man with raven black hair, wearing only blue swimming shorts said to his companion.

“Maybe it’s for tourism,” The other replied, also wearing the same thing, only black in color. They sat at the edge of the pool, dipping only their legs. Ienzo and Flynn watched as the others enjoyed themselves. The former smiled, seeing his sister happy once again.

“Hey Ai!” A girl with dark brown hair called out.

“Yup?” Aionia turned to face her.

“Since when were Ienzo and the Cardinal so close?”

Aionia glanced at the persons in question. She giggled. “Beats me!” She then swam over swiftly to the men, splashing them in the process.

“Ai!” Her twin shouted. She grinned sheepishly in reply.

“Come on, you two! Why so serious?” She splashed them with water once more.

Ienzo smirked at his sister and dived into the water as she tried to escape.

“Cardinal Flynn! Catch!” Someone yelled as a ball came to the man’s direction. He caught it and smiled. Maybe this trip wasn’t a bad idea after all.

“Heads up!”
_____________________________

“Hey girls! I hear there’s a festival at the shrine of Tilia today!” Said Violette as she dried her long blonde hair.

“Really? Let’s go there! I haven’t gone to any shrine festivals for two years!” Replied Eve enthusiastically. “What do you say, Ai?”

“Oh, I haven’t been to a shrine festival before,” Aionia answered as she brushed her auburn hair.

“No way! You poor thing!” Eve ran over to her and enveloped the girl in a tight hug.

“U-uh… C-can’t breathe…”

“Oh! Sorry!” The brunette let go and let her fall on the bed. Aionia sat up and caught her breath.

“Are you serious, Ai?” Violette asked in disbelief, sitting next to her.

“Yeah. Our father never let us go out of the house when we were litte,” She explained.

“I see. Then we should really go!” Eve beamed at the two. “Oh, but I don’t have anything to wear…”

“Me too,” Violette said before going deep in thought.

“Um… I think there was a shop we passed by earlier that sells clothes,” Aionia said as she put on a Funbun shirt.

“That’s right! Let’s go there in a bit.”

“Okay! We should go tell the guys!”
_____________________________

“What’s taking them so long?” Lance whined. The four men stood at the entrance of the shrine, waiting for their female companions.

“Shut up already, Lance,” Janus shook his head. “So, Ienzo, I heard you haven’t been to a shrine festival before.”

“…yeah,” The auburn haired boy answered hesitantly.

“No need to worry about anything, Let’s just have fun later.”

“We’re here!” Eve announced, wearing a blue yukata with white floral prints all over and a matching red obi. Violette wore a purple yukata with crescent moon prints and a dark violet obi.

“Ai… you look great,” Ienzo finally said after gaping at his sister for about thirty seconds. Aionia wore a black yukata with red floral prints and a yellow obi. She blushed furiously, looking away to avoid his gaze. “Th-thanks…”

Flynn cleared his throat to break the awkwardness. “Shall we be going then?”

“Let’s go!”
_____________________________

There were numerous booths at the shrine, selling souvenirs and food, and games.

“Cute Funbun mask you have there Lance,” Violette complimented.

“Eve wouldn’t stop bugging me,” He replied, wearing it on the left side of his head.

“Hey Lance! Let’s do that next!” Eve pointed to the goldfish scooping booth.

“Okay, okay! Slow down!”

The blonde Reyvateil giggled at the two. She then watched her partner teach his subordinate how to play the shooting game.

Aionia looked at the booths in awe, it being her first time at a festival after all. A booth selling yo-yo balloons caught her eye. She found herself staring at the green balloon with four-leaf clover print design.

“Excuse me sir, I’d like to try getting one please,” Someone said from behind. She turned and blinked as she saw who it was. He then fished the balloon without difficulty and offered it to her.

“Th-thank you, Cardinal Flynn,” She took the string and held the balloon up to her face.

“It matches your eyes,” Flynn said as he remembered staring into her emerald green orbs.

Aionia watched the man curiously. He seemed different than usual.

“Serena used to love going to festivals like this,” He said as he started walking.

“I… see…” She trailed off, looking for words to cheer him up.

“Ai!” Ienzo called out to her whilst holding a medium sized stuffed Pom in his arms.

“I’ll be right there!” She shouted back, and turned back to Flynn. “Cardinal, I…”

“It’s okay. Sorry for being sentimental all of a sudden. Go to them. I’ll catch up.”

“I… okay.”

The raven haired man watched as the girl went to her brother’s side and was given the toy he had won from the game. Flynn lifted his head to look at the stars. As if on cue, different colored lights shone in the sky.

“Fireworks! Look!”

‘Look Flynn! Fireworks!’ The Cardinal smiled and bowed his head at the memory.

“Pretty!”

Aionia watched as the fireworks blazed in the sky. Ienzo glanced at his sister and took notice of her free hand on her side. She smiled and closed her eyes as she felt something grab her hand and held it tighter.

‘We’ll always be together, right Enzo?’

‘Yeah…’

‘It’s a promise!’
_____________________________

After the fireworks ended, the group decided to go back to the inn to get some rest and get ready for the next day.

“Alright then, the guys will be taking the room on left and we’ll be taking the one further back and… Ai, why did you book three rooms?” Violette asked sheepishly.

“O-oh… W-well, I didn’t want to get separated from Ienzo…” Aionia received skeptical looks from the others. “Don’t worry! We wont do anything suspicious!” She reassured them blushing.

“Oh really…”

“Yeah, really. Well, then good night everyone!” Ienzo said pulling his twin into the room across and shutting the door. The group stared at where the two were just then.

“U-um… good night then!” Eve broke the silence.

“Good night! Oh and good night Cardinal Flynn!”

“Yeah, you too.”
_____________________________

There was only one king size bed in the room, so the twins had to share, but it wasn’t as if they weren’t used to it.

Ienzo turned to his side to avoid facing his sister as she slept. He felt her toss and turn for a few minutes. Aionia huffed abruptly as she stopped.

“Enzo, are you still awake?” She asked, shaking his shoulder gently. “Ienzo?”

Unfortunately for her, he decided to ignore her whining. She pouted and got off the bed gently and went over to his side of the bed. The boy felt her squeeze herself into his arms as he pretended to sleep.

Contented with herself, Aionia lifted her head a bit and pecked her brother’s lips. “Good night, big brother.”

It’s a good thing it was dark or else she would have seen him blushing. He shook off the thought and pulled the blanket up to her shoulder as she closed her eyes and moved his head lower so his lips were touching her forehead.

‘Good night… little sister..’

Fin

Notes:
Shrine of Tilia – partly made up since the people of Sol Ciel did worship that fake Tilia Mir made.
Serena – Flynn’s Reyvateil partner before he became Cardinal.
The shrine festival was inspired by the real ones held in Japan and so I decided to let the girls wear yukatas. Remember Shurelia had one in her Binary Field?

Filler

Next story in mind:

A teenage girl having an affair with her adoptive father. Hah, brilliant. Cliche, I know. Of course you could say that I kind of got the idea from Papa to Kiss in the Dark…

By my Side Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

“The cookies you made were delicious Miyuki-chan! Do come visit us again when you have time,” Sayuri-san said as she and Hiromu-kun saw me off.

“I will!” I answered smiling.

“Now Hiro-chan, be a darling and escort Miyuki-chan to the bus stop since it’s already dark.”

“Hai hai,” Hiromu-kun complied, putting on his shoes.

“Thank you for the tea Sayuri-san! I’ll see you later!” I waved at her before the door closed.

“Sayuri-san’s personality really seems refreshing!” I said absentmindedly as we walked on the sidewalk.

I notice Hiromu-kun almost stumbled. “Well, if you put it that way then, you really shouldn’t see her when she’s angry…” He trailed off.

Oh my goodness, talk about a bipolar personality…

-Normal POV-

The boy took notice of the swaying hand next to him and tried reaching out for it.

“Ne, Hiromu-kun, you’re an only child, right?” The girl’s voice startled him. He withdrew his hand and shoved it in his pocket.

“Yup, why?”

“Nothing really. I’m an only child too, so I always wondered how having a sibling was like. Sorry for the sudden question,” She laughed nervously, hopelessly trying to make conversation with him.

Hiromu looked up at the sky and wished this moment with Miyuki would last forever. He would do everything just to have her all to himself, but he didn’t want to look obsessive and selfish.

“Hiromu-kun…” Miyuki trailed off as they reached the bus stop. “Thank you for everything. Thank you for being there for me always. I just wish that someday, you will finally find that person who will love you for who you are.”

The boy blinked. A gust of wind blew. After a few seconds, her words registered in his mind. He lost. Miharu had already proven that by confronting the people who had attacked her. It felt as if his pride had been stepped on, his hope crashing down in front of him. He sighed and forced a smile. The bus had arrived. “Don’t mention it Hanamoto-san…” He trailed off.

Miyuki smiled and kissed his cheek and turned around upon hearing the doors of the bus open. She hopped on and waved a last time at him before the doors closed.

As the bus left, Hiromu stood there emotionless. “You’re probably laughing at me right now, Kasumi…” He looked up at the sky once more, suppressing his tears. “You told me boys don’t cry. That’s why… I’m trying hard to keep it all in…”
________________________________

The brunette hummed happily as she got off the bus and made her way to her apartment. She thought something strange was going on with Hiromu. He wasn’t acting like his usual self. Miyuki wasn’t really sensitive when it came to guys’ feelings so she always wondered how Miharu took it when she decided to avoid him.

She rummaged through her bag and got her keys to her unit. She opened the door and flicked the lights open. After closing the door and taking her shoes off, she felt strong arms grab her and cover her eyes.
The girl froze. She felt her heart beat fast and her mind quickly told her to panic.

“Boo,” The figure wrapped around her said. This voice belongs to…!

“Miharu-kun?!” She blurted out, struggling to break free of his hold. He pulled away after she guessed right on the first try.

“You’re pretty late,” He said running a hand through his golden locks.

“Wh-wha—How’d you get in here?! I don’t remember giving you a key!”

“The landlady let me in,” He explained bluntly.

Figures. That woman always fell for his types. She mused and shook her head. Miyuki placed her bag on her desk, went over to the low table and sat down.

“You came home late,” Miharu said, sitting across her.

“I just went to say thank you to Takahashi-kun’s mother. She took care of me during that… time…” She explained trailing off at her last word.

Miharu noticed that she paled after her last sentence. He immediately went over to her and took her in his arms. “Miyuki, it’s over now…” He said in an attempt to soothe her mood. “Don’t worry anymore. I’ll protect you… always…”

“R-really…?” The girl asked, burying her head in his chest.

“Really,” He tilted her head up gently so he could look into her ash gray eyes. She stared back at his ice blue ones. Miharu lowered his head slowly, taking her lips. Miyuki’s eyes drifted shut as their lips locked. Her arms went around his neck and shoulders. Her heart was pounding in her ears. When he released her mouth, she seemed to have lost the ability to string two words together. She blushed furiously after realizing what had just happened.

Miharu let out a chuckle and reached out to tuck her hair behind her ear. “You’ll have to get used to it since we’ll be doing it a lot more often now.”

Miyuki blushed harder if that was even possible. She sighed in defeat and let herself sink in the boy’s embrace. “I love you… Miharu…”

“I love you too, Miyuki…” He pecked her forehead.

________________________________

I’m not asking for any more. I was the one who broke through the barrier. I made a hole and settled inside, that’s why the fact that it came to this…

By my Side Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

“I’m sorry!” The brunette bowed low as she apologized to the black haired boy in front of her.

Hiromu blinked and raised a brow. It registered in his mind about what she was apologizing for, but played dumb. “What is this all about, Miyuki?”

Miyuki bowed again, lower this time around. “I’m sorry Hiromu-kun, I can’t return your feelings.”

“ I… see…” The words he feared to hear. They came.

The girl felt awful she had to tell him this. “Hiromu-kun, I—“

“No, it’s not too late yet. I won’t give up,” He declared, grinning. “Tell Miyamoto that if he ever hurts you, I will not hesitate to kill him.”

“W-wha…” She paled, eyes widening as the words he said registered in her mind. “B-but Hiromu-kun I–”

“I’m serious Hanamoto-san,” Hiromu took her hand and kissed the back of her palm. “No matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you, alright?”

She blushed furiously and looked down, withdrawing her hand gently. “Th-thank you Takahashi-kun…” Miyuki smiled her best smile for the boy.

POV Shift –Miyuki-

“Oh, I almost forgot!” I rummaged through my bag and got a medium sized, pink colored container. “Please give these to your mother as thanks for helping me… that time,” I stuttered, still unsure of what to refer to it. I just hope nothing like that ever happens to me again… I opened it to show him the contents of the container. “They’re milk cookies. I made them myself.”

I then felt him shove it back to me as I was just about to give it to him. “You know what, give it to her yourself.”

“Eh…? What do you mean?” I blinked. He chuckled at my reaction. I raised my brow in reply.

“We don’t get any visitors very often, so mom would love to have you over,” He explained. I gape at him for a few seconds.

I sigh mentally, defeated. “I guess it can’t be helped,” I giggle nervously. “Is later okay?”
“Yeah, sure. I’ll wait for you at the gate then.”

“Alright!”
__________________________________________________

“Tadaima!” Hiromu-kun called out as he entered his house.

“Please excuse the intrusion!” I followed suit.

“Okaeri Hiro-chan,” Sayuri-san greeted as she came out from the kitchen. She smiled as she noticed me next to him. “Hello Miyuki-chan, what brings you here?”

“Hello ma’am!” I beamed. I pulled out the container from my bag and presented it to her. “Please accept these as a token of my gratitude from the other day when you took care of me. They’re milk cookies I made myself.”

“Ah, how thoughtful! It’s alright my dear, don’t mention it,” She said taking the plastic from my hands. “Stay for a little while. I’ll make some tea.”

“Ah, no, I didn’t really plan on staying too long…”

“Its fine, I insist,” She insisted, disappearing into the kitchen again.

“Oh… um, okay…”

“Come on, let’s go to the living room,” The boy said as he took off his shoes. I took off my shoes as well and followed him like a little duckling would his mother.

I never really got to fully explore the house during my stay and I didn’t want to be rude. I observed my surroundings. Yellow colored wallpaper, a small chandelier, a wide-screen TV, a coffee table and a comfy couch. Looks like a typical setting for a ‘warm family’. A shelf near the television set caught my attention. There were picture frames. One had a happily married couple posing under the church’s arch. Must be Hiromu-kun’s parents. Another had Sayuri-san holding what looked like a newborn baby. Aww, how cute… I smiled and giggled gently. The one on the far left had a boy and a girl playing in a sandbox.

“That’s Harumi,” I jumped at his voice. “You know her from your club, right?” He said, suddenly appearing behind me.

I thought for a little while. Shimamura Harumi? That Harumi? “I see. I didn’t know you had a history,” I teased.

“Nah, she’s just my childhood friend,” He shrugged it off and plopped down on the couch.

I looked at him in a questioning way. How can he just say it like that? Oh well, boys will be boys…

“Miyuki-chan! Can you help me in here?” The woman’s voice interrupted my thoughts.

“Ah, hai Sayuri-san!” I placed my bag on the table gently and scurried off to the kitchen.
The older woman was next to the kitchen counters, pouring hot water into the tea pot.

“So, Miyuki-chan, I leave Hiro-chan in your hands,” She said suddenly after placing the thermos down. Leave him in my hands? Oh no… misunderstandings… I hate it.

“Um… Ma’am… I’m sorry, but…” I paused. She turned around to face me. “I can’t go out with your son. I have… someone else already…” I trailed off. I prepared myself for any oral and physical violence to be inflicted on me any moment now.

“Ah, I see. What a shame. You two looked good together too.” Uh… what?

I stared at her questioningly. She gave me a warm smile. “I won’t force you to love my son, Miyuki-chan. It’s just that this was the first time Hiromu’s been serious about someone,” She explained, placing small cups on a tray. “Don’t worry about anything dear. Whoever that guy is, he’s very lucky to have you.”

I blushed and smiled at her words. “Thank you ma’am. Ah, please let me carry that for you!”

By my Side Chapter 6

Chapter Six

Sayuri hummed as she washed the vegetables in time for dinner. As the middle aged woman finished, she dried her hands with her apron and went over to the living room. She sat down and turned on the television.

“And here’s tomorrow’s weather forecast. Tokyo will have isolated rain showers—“

A loud thud came from upstairs. She rushed off to her son’s bedroom. “Miyuki-chan, are you alright?” She asked opening the door. The brunette was on the floor, rubbing the back of her head.

“I think so…” She answered from her position on the floor. Her eyes shot open as she realized she was not in her own house. “U-uh, hello ma’am. M-may I know where I am?” Miyuki stuttered as she got up.

“It’s alright dear, no need to be alarmed. Go take a bath first and I’ll explain to you later,” The older woman went over to the desk. “Here are your clothes. I’ve washed them for you.”

“Th-thank you very much!” She bowed as the lady exited and closed the door. Miyuki walked over to the desk to find any clues as to where she was. She found a picture of a little boy with raven black hair and golden eyes. The only person she knew with those features was Hiromu, she thought. The boy was on a swing with his mother at the back to push him. He looked really happy. “Cute~” She giggled.

The brunette got her clothes and prepared to go to the bathroom as another photo fell off the table. Her eyes widened. It was a picture of her in Mitsuhashi’s cultural festival last year. She stared at it for a while before snapping back to reality when she heard footsteps.

“Miyuki! Are you alright?” A voice asked from outside. It was Hiromu. Miyuki put the photo back to its place before the boy entered the room. Hiromu took the girl into his arms as soon as he got in. “I’m glad you’re alright Miyuki.”

She blushed in his embrace but didn’t know how else to react. She felt her heart torn between him and Miharu.

“Um… Thank you for helping me, Hiromu-kun…” Miyuki said as he pulled away.

He shook his head and smiled. “I’m just happy to see you awake.”

“Yeah…” She trailed off. A small tear on his shirt caught her eye. She looked away immediately. “Um… err… May I borrow your bathroom?”

“Oh, right. Downstairs, second door to the left.”

“Thanks,” She bowed and scurried off to take a bath.

-Miyuki POV-

I went over to the bathroom as Mrs. Takahashi suggested after Hiromu arrived. Why did he have a tear on his shirt? Could it be that…? No way. I hope I’m just overanalyzing things… I stripped off my last piece of clothing and went to the wash area. There was hot water in the tub already. I should really repay their kindness later on. With what though. Hmm… I let my mind wander as I scrubbed my body. The soap had a nice floral scent. After soaping, I got the small pail to rinse. I then stood up and sat in the tub. Ah, this feels so good. It’s been a while since I had a nice bath.

‘Miyuki, I like you…’ His voice resounded in my head. I slid down the tub with only my head up so I could still breathe. Hiromu’s been really nice to me. I just… don’t know what how to respond to his feelings. I have a hunch that they might make me choose between them later on. Ah, look at me. Why am I thinking about these things? I sighed and sunk in more, but made sure my nose was still up.

How am I going to set things straight?
__________________________________________________

It’s been a week since that incident. The girls stopped bothering me, but then I still didn’t know how to approach Miharu. All I did was avoiding him. I haven’t thanked Hiromu properly too, so till then, I told him I needed some space to think…

Ah, Sunday. What a nice day to laze around and not think about homework. I wonder what I should do later. Maybe I’ll just go out for a stroll in the park. It’s been a while since I had a peaceful day to myself. I got up from my position on the couch and proceeded to shower. After refreshing myself, I dressed up in a white one piece and the silver stilettos I just recently bought.

After dressing up and getting ready, I got my keys and purse and headed out. As I opened the door of my unit, I was greeted by a figure with messy blond hair and piercing blue eyes. My chestnut ones widened as I realized who it was.

“Miharu…kun?” I managed to utter. From his position, I think he was just about to knock when I opened the door. No way, how did he know where I lived?

“Miyuki…” He trailed off. “You look so beautiful.”

I blushed furiously. Unable to say anything, I tried to push the door closed frantically. “Miyuki, wait!” He struggled and pushed the door open. He forced himself in and locked the door. I found myself under him, overcome by his strength. “Miyuki, please… just hear me out…” He pleaded. I looked at his blue eyes. They were filled with sadness. I averted my gaze to avoid his pained expression.

“Miyuki, I’m sorry for making you suffer. I was so stupid, I didn’t know that you were going through such an ordeal…” I felt tears well up in my eyes. “I want you to know that I’m not taking advantage of you. I treasure every moment I spend with you because I…” He paused. I looked at his visage once more. “I love you.”

My eyes widened. Tears started streaming down my cheeks. I grabbed his shirt and buried my face onto his chest and started sobbing quietly. “You idiot! I was always willing to endure the pain because it was for you! I didn’t want to get separated from you!” I cried out, his shirt wet with the warm dampness of my tears. “But why… why is it so bad to spend time with the person I like?” I screamed, burying my face further in.

POV Shift

Miharu placed his hands on her shoulders and pushed her back gently. He cupped her left cheek and rubbed a tear away with his thumb. Miyuki stopped sobbing as she felt rough lips press against her own soft ones. Her eyes widened in shock but closed not soon after, and kissed back. He reached for her hand and linked it with his. They pulled away, gasping for air. He held her hand and embraced her small frame tightly with his free arm.

“I love you, you idiot…” The girl trailed off. He leaned in once more but kissed only her forehead and rested his chin on her head gently, inhaling her scent.

“I love you Miyuki… I will never let you go…”
__________________________________________________

“Err, so how did you find out where I lived?” The auburn haired girl asked nervously, walking next to the boy. Miyuki’s plans to go to the park pulled through, but with extra luggage.

“I asked Professor Miyagi,” He grinned. “I had to beat it out from him since he wouldn’t tell.”

She blinked in disbelief. “You wouldn’t!”

“I would, but I’m just kidding,” His grin widened. “If it means finally getting to spend time with you, then yes I would.”

“Oh…” She bowed her head, looking at her feet while walking to avoid his gaze. Miyuki glanced at Miharu. He was as good-looking as ever. She blushed at the thought. Feeling pleased with herself, she smiled contentedly, finally realizing her true feelings for the boy beside her. His right hand swaying caught her attention.

Miharu stopped walking as he felt something heavy latch on to his side. Miyuki held his hand tightly while looking away and blushing. He smiled and squeezed her hand back gently.

“I didn’t know you were this daring,” He chuckled.

She blushed harder and tried detaching her hand from his. “Then let go…”

“No. I will never let go of this hand because I know the owner of it is the one.”

The girl almost tripped at what he said. She tried hard not to laugh and just squeezed his hand tighter. “I didn’t know you were this cheesy,” She retorted, giggling.

“People get cheesy when they’re in love,” His grin came back.

Miyuki giggled once more and looked up at the sky.

I wish time would stop…

By my Side Chapter 5

Chapter Five

Hiromu watched Miyuki as she slept in his bed. He took her to his house after he found the girl half dead in the club room. He had asked his mother to clean her up and let her borrow clothes.

‘Mi…har…u…’ It resounded in his head. That bastard. How dare he hurt Miyuki…! He’s going to pay!

A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “Hiro-chan!” A shrill voice called him. The door opened to reveal a middle aged woman.
“Get some rest, you have school tomorrow,” She scolded him.

“But mother I—“

“Shush, no buts. I’ll take care of Miyuki-chan while you’re away, so don’t worry.”

“Alright,” He finally said, defeated. He got up from his position and leaned forward to kiss the bedridden girl’s forehead.

The middle aged woman smiled. “I laid out the futon in the living room for you.”

“Thanks…”

__________________________________________________

“Hiro-kun!” A girl with short auburn hair waved a hand in front of the boy’s face.

“What?” He asked, annoyed.

“You weren’t listening again!” She pouted.

“Sorry Harumi, I got a lot on my mind,” Hiromu slouched on his seat and rested his jaw on the back of his right hand.

“Hmph! Anyway, just to recap, my club is performing on the second day of the cultural festival. I just wanted to remind you that!” The girl went back to her seat as the professor entered.

The raven haired boy rolled his eyes and looked out the window. His gaze went down and saw a familiar blond walking about. He smirked.
__________________________________________________

‘I wonder where Miyuki-chan is…’ Miharu thought, running a hand through his hair while walking in the corridors. He passed by the glee club’s room and peeked inside. It was empty. ‘Guess she’s not here.’

He heard loud footsteps behind him. Before he could turn, he felt someone grab him by his collar and throw him to the room he was checking just then. The blond clutched his head and tried to open his blue eyes.

“You bastard–!” The boy with golden eyes grabbed him by the collar once more and held him up so they were face to face.

“Takahashi?”

“Because of you, Miyuki had to suffer so much!” He shouted.

“What? Calm down Takahashi, I don’t even know what you—“

“Shut up!” Hiromu threw him to the floor, almost hitting the piano.

Miharu fixed his collar to breathe more easily. “Is that why she isn’t here?”

The other boy glared at him. “Don’t you know? Those girls you hang out with, they torture Miyuki whenever they see you with her.”

“What? They just force themselves on to me. I don’t even know their names,” He explained, getting up.

“Then tell me, why do you spend time with her? Just for fun?”

Snap. He hit a land mine. Miharu pushed the raven haired boy on the wall. “You don’t have the right to judge me like that. You don’t even know me. Miyuki… she was the only girl who treated me like a normal person. She’s… she’s everything to me.”

Hiromu’s eyes widened. “Then tell me, why did you let her get hurt?” He smirked.

“What do you mean?” Miharu asked once more.

“You make me so angry!” Hiromu growled.

“Miyuki called me yesterday, pleading me to help her,” Miharu listened, with a brow raised in disbelief. “I found her almost half dead under the piano.” Blue eyes widened. “There were rope marks on her wrists and there was… blood…”

“Where is she?!” The blond demanded.

“At my house. Don’t worry, she’s safe.”

Angry with himself, Miharu burst out of the room. Hiromu stood there and watched as he stormed off.
__________________________________________________

“B-but Miharu-kun, she’s just another insect!”

Miyamoto Miharu felt nothing but fury fill his chest. After leaving Hiromu in the club room, he proceeded to confront the girls in question.

“You have no right to dictate whom I befriend. Besides, you’re the real insects here!” He shouted as he threw a thug that was charging at him. He had beaten all the males who were present to protect the girls.

“Why… why do you like her so much?!”

“Why? Because she’s different, and more worthy than any of you will ever be,” He glared sapphire eyes filled with rage.

The girls froze. “If you lay another finger on her, I swear, I will not think twice about killing you.”

Hiromu smirked as he watched Miharu take on all the men. He clenched his fists, unable to do anything. He wanted to avenge Miyuki, of course, but in respect, he didn’t interfere. This was Miharu’s fight. He then sighed and went back to get his things and go home to see how Miyuki was doing.