Title: Just One Moment
Author: HaruHarokuHana
Rating: 13 +
Genre: Drama, Romance, Anti - Yaoi XD
Chapter: Seven
Disclaimer: The whole story is pure fiction. I do not own alice nine. what-so-ever.
I wished I did and i wished that I'm Shou's wife but that wouldn't be fair wouldn't it? XD I also wished Tora was my brother. Why? Iono i just feel like he would be the greatest brother to have. =^__^=
Summary: “I’m not asking for too much from you. I like you the way you are that’s why I’ve fallen in love with you.”

"Our meeting should had been just one moment"
------------

I didn’t know what I was thinking.

That night I felt like I was reliving my nightmare. It was unpleasant.

I felt dirty.

When I went back to my apartment at six in the morning, I couldn’t sleep. I rushed into the showers quickly and started to scrub myself until my skin turned red. My mind started to scramble as I thought about everything that he did and said to me that night. Everything went by so quickly.

What was going on?

As the shower heads sprayed water over me, I stood there holding myself, crying hysterically.

I thought I was going crazy.

To take advantage of me when I was unconscious was a cheap move. I thought it was unforgivable but the way he reacted afterwards…

I was unsure at first.

Should I believe his words? Are those tears even real?

Those were the thoughts that ran through my mind when he held me with tears running down his cheeks. The way he held me was different from Tora’s warm and reassuring hug. The way he held me, I felt his heart beating fast against mine as both of them were in sync.

The way he held me was affectionate.

I felt his love.

Even though I hated the feeling, the way he kissed me was something else that words cannot explain. It was gentle. It wasn’t aggressive and it wasn’t disgusting. That’s all I can describe it, but hell I did not like the fact that I got violated.

Why did I decide to be his girlfriend? I don’t know why. At first I thought it was out of pity. But then I realize it was because I heard Shou’s angry voice over the phone.

“I don’t care, I don’t give a damn.”

After those short moments with him, I thought he cared. Now, hearing those words, I misjudged him.

Maybe being with someone like Hiroto would be good for me. Maybe I can love again with his help.

The whole moment was awkward, confusing, but as I started my morning routine, it felt that all of it never really happen.

Another boring day…

~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~ Chapter VII ~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~

As Hiroto and I walk down the street hand in hand, he talks about his past bands and how he met the rest of the guys in alice nine. On top of all that, he tells me his reasons for being in a band.

“Not only I can enjoy playing music and performing for millions of fans, but I also like the fact that I can travel to other places.”

“Travel to other places?” I asked.

“Yeah, I’m not all for fame you know.”

He took a deep sigh and looked up at the chilly blue sky with a smile.

“Every time I look at the sky, I wonder how much time has past by and how much society has evolved while the sky still remains the same.”

At the moment I heard those words, It gave me a sudden eerie feeling but at the same time, it made me think about the many lives that are living at this very moment.

Such words can make a person contemplate about life in an instant.

My pace started to slow down as I continue to absorb those words. I was unaware of a sudden yank when I stopped in place. We where standing in the middle of a crosswalk.

Hiroto, who walked ahead of me, turned around and faced me.

“Yu-chan, is there something wrong?” He asked.

“Um… Not really.” I answered.

I stared at his expression. He was perplexed about the situation.

“Are you sure?” He asked me again.

“Yeah…”

“Hmm… Well let’s get off this intersection before we get run over.” He laughed.

We soon walked side to side again with hands holding each other’s firmly.

“Are you hungry?” He suddenly asked me as we walked along the sidewalk.

“I don’t know… I guess I am.”

He gave me a blank stare for a while and then a reassuring smile.

“Okay… let’s see… where shall we go?” He playfully asked as he took a look around the streets of Tokyo.

“Starbucks.” I suddenly answered.

“Starbucks? Again?”

“Well since we’re heading to the studio might as well get something little to bite on. Plus we can bring Nao and the other’s something too.” I smiled.

“Good idea.” He replied.

We entered the same Starbucks that was close by to the studio and the park. While I was looking at the pastries through the window at the register, Hiroto decided to call Nao and the others to take their orders.

“Hey, Nao. It’s Hiro.”

“Hey, Pon! What’s up?”

“I’m at Starbucks with Yu-chan. Do you and the guys want anything?”

I notice there was a sudden silence through the phone.

“Nao?”

“Yu-chan?”

“Oh! I mean Kitani. Sorry about that. Anyways, anything you want?”

“Ah~ Crème Brulee Latte for me and… uh… Saga what do you want?”

“I want Caffe Mocha!”

“I asked Saga first Tora! Hey get Tora his Caffe Mocha.”

“Okay.”

“Uh, Hey Saga... What are you-“

“White Chocolate Mocha for me puppy boy.”

I suddenly heard Saga’s voice.

“Uh….Oh…Kay…” I could tell Hiroto was weirded out.

“How about Shou?

Hearing that name again, my heart suddenly skipped. I looked at Hiroto to get a closer understanding of the conversation over the phone.

“Shou? He isn’t here yet.”

“Really?”

My eyes returned to the window stealing a glance at a creamy white cheesecake.

“Yeah… Well just get him the Caramel Macchiato.” Nao replied.

“Okay. I’ll see you guys later then. Bye”

Hiroto suddenly hung up and looked back at me.

“So anything you want now?” He smiled.

Smiling back I answered him.

“I’ll get whatever drink you’re getting and cheesecake.”

It was winter, so there was a very good reason why the guys all ordered warm drinks. Hiroto placed the orders to the girl at the registered and ordered both of us a new seasonal special.

Peppermint Eggnog Latte; the name sounds as interesting as its sweet taste.

Exiting out of the building, I held the bag of cheesecake in one hand with my dink overlapping it and Hiroto’s drink in the other, while he held a four cup holder dish with both of his hands.

“Do you need any help?” He asked me.

“Oh no, I’m fine.” I smiled at him.

“Are you sure? I mean, I can hold my own drink. I’m just afraid that the cake is gonna get smooshed.”

“Oh it won’t don’t worry about it.”

By the time he was about to take his drink from my hand, we were already at the studio. I rushed up to the door and told him my hands were full.

“I see what you where planning Yu.” He gave me a sneaky stare.

“Well, you’re a gentleman,” I playfully smiled. “Gentlemen should open doors for ladies.”

We both laughed.

Thinking back at what happen so far, I wonder if this is how a relationship should be like. Him being concern about me when I was feeling out of place for a moment, treating me out, joking with me once in a while, me trying my best not to concern him. Is this it? Is this relationship going to work out till the end?

I was worried about how I should act in front of him.

“You should relax and just be yourself.” He suddenly said while we were walking through the hallway.

“What?” I replied shyly.

“I know you’re worried about how you should be like around me. Don’t worry. Just be yourself.”

“Um… Okay…”

“Sigh…” He took a step in front of me and stopped.

“I’m not asking for too much from you. I like you the way you are that’s why I’ve fallen in love with you.”

Without notice, he suddenly gave me a kiss on my lips. My face started to feel hot as I began to blush. My lips felt a bit numb from the kiss.

He smiled at me at then opened the door to the practice room.

“Yosh!~” he suddenly shout on the top of his lungs while holding the drinks above his head.

“Yo Hiro. Just in time. We were getting chilly here.” Tora rushed over.

“Alright! Starbucks!” Nao went ahead of Tora.

“Mmm, finally some coffee.” Saga yawned.

Hiroto passed out their coffees and then turned back at me who was still standing out the door, dazed.

“Yu, c’mon. You’re not restricted or anything.” He laughed.

“Huh? Oh!” I rushed in.

“Here.” I handed Hiroto his drink.

“Yu-chan!” Nao gave me a sudden hug. He was warm and with his comfy attire, it felt like I was hugging a giant teddy bear that you would win in theme parks.

“Ah~ so princess came along too.” Pushing Nao aside, Saga placed his arms around my shoulders.

“Uh yeah I did. After all I do have something to tell you guys.” I responded.

I suddenly felt a pat on the head.

“So you’ve made your decision.” I looked up to see Tora’s smiling down at me.

Smiling back, gave him a nod.

That’s when the door swung open.

It was Shou.

“Hey Hiroshi brought you coffee.” Tora called out across the room.

Without saying anything he quickly walked to the back of the room getting stuff set up.

“Sigh… I’ll see what I can do to cheer him up.” Saga volunteered and walked to the back with Shou’s coffee.

“Jeeze, who peed in his Cheerios?” Hiroto pouted as he remembered their little argument over the phone.

“Don’t worry about him Pon-kun,” Nao reassured him. “He just encountered some family issue last night.”

“Oh, what happen?” I asked.

“Don’t stick your nose into other people’s problems Yu.” Tora warned me. He was standing behind me and as he said this he placed his arms over my shoulders pulling me toward his slim body, which became that warm hug that I loved.

I notice Hiroto’s expression.

“Um… Tora,” I spoke up. “Before anything, I just want to let you and the others know. Hiroto and I are going out.”

Tora, with a sudden jerk, pulled me away and turned me around to face him.

“What?!” He was shocked.

“Woh, woh, woh, woh!” Saga rushed over as he overheard the news over the distance.

“Hey I knew Hiroto asked you but he never said anything about you agreeing. Why did you hide this from me?” He turned to Hiroto.

“Well….” Hiroto ruffled the back of his head.

“I… kinda agreed to be with him, this morning.”

“Listen princess, there’s no such thing as ‘Kind of.’ You can’t have a ‘kind of’ relationship.”

“Yes you’re the one to know Saga.” Nao patted Saga’s back. “Now, I believe you have some business over there.” He suddenly whispered while he pointed to Shou’s direction.

Saga left again.

“Well anyways, as long as the both of you are happy we won’t have any problems right Tora?”

“What? What does this has to do with me?”

“Well,” Nao leaned against his shoulder and whispered in his ear, “Because you’re the ‘so-called’ guardian of little Yu-chan, right?”

“Err…. Yeah… Whatever.” Tora responded.

Just hearing Tora agreeing with Nao made me feel all warm. For once, I finally felt that there are people who do care for me.

Tora suddenly took a step forward to Hiroto.

“Listen buddy,” He placed his hand on Hiroto’s shoulder. “Please, do take great care of her.”

“Tora, please - “

I was getting a bit embarrassed.

“No buts Yu. You have all the reason in the world to be happy and I want Hiroto here to give it to you. Hiroto,” He turned back to him. “I’m placing all my trust on you to watch over her.”

“Jeeze Tora, you make it sound like we’re getting married. Don’t worry I’ll never let anything happen to her.”

He walked over to me and held my hand.

I was touched, so touched that I felt like crying. My eyes became watery.

“Eh? Kitani what’s wrong?” Nao asked with concern.

“Sniff… Oh it’s nothing.” I smiled while wiping the tears from my eyes. “I just got something in my eye that’s all.”

The three of them chuckle and Hiroto wrapped his arm around my waist.

A sudden crash was heard from the back, breaking up the happy moment. We all look back. Looking at the floor, I saw a hot cup of coffee that Hiroto and I bought for Shou.

With both hands flat out on the table top and face looking down at it, Shou let out a frustrating sigh.

Saga was standing at a distance from him with a bit of a shock because some of the equipments that were on the table were broken.

“Typical.” Shou suddenly spoke through the dead silence. The tone of his deep voice suddenly sounded harsh.

We all remain frozen silent.

“Tsk… So typical of teenage girls.” He raised his head up and let out another sigh.

“I just don’t get what goes on in those pretty heads of their’s.”

“Listen Shou, just let it go already.” Nao said calmly.

He slammed on the table making all of us jolt.

“Let it go?” He turned around. “How can I?! For Christ sake I had nothing to do with her life and she goes through all that shit!”

Her life?

She?

Who is he talking about?

“I did nothing and I get blamed for her fucking troubles! I’m telling you, I have never once had a great connection with my family! This is what they do! They place all the fucking blame on me!”

Placing all the puzzles together I figured that he was talking about his younger sister.

“Of course you’ll get blamed.” Saga cut in. “You’re her older brother.”

“Like you would know! You’re in the middle!”

“Even if I am in the middle I understand what my older sister had gone through in her life.”

“You guys are fucking kidding me!” He kicked one of the broken equipments across the room hitting the wall.

“Dude! Fucking calm down!” Hiroto suddenly jumped in. “I don’t know what’s going on but it’s your little sister and your little problem, so don’t take it out on us.”

“Oh, here comes Hiroshi acting all high and mighty in front of his new girlfriend.” He spoke sarcastically. Then he looked straight at me. My chest began to ach as my eyes met up with his angry glare.

“I bet she’s just like them. Eighteen and they think they can do whatever they want whenever they want. Not with any care in the world they just cause more trouble for the people close to them.”

“Hey leave her out of this Shou!” Hiroto stepped in front of me.

“Why? So she can trample all over you? Take a friend’s advice Hiroto; get rid of her while you can because she’s just going to hurt you.”

“What?!”

“Woh! Hiro.” Tora held him back.

“Listen, Shou.” Nao came back in. “What your little sister did was irresponsible. Let alone a disgrace, but please not all girls are like that, so don’t pick on Kitani. She has no knowledge of what is going on right now.”

“What the heck are you saying Nao? Can’t you see what’s going on? She’s only a part time worker that is eighteen! She gets picked on at work. Can’t you see it? She’s with Hiroto so that she could get some respect from the others! Hiroto is only getting used!

This is exactly the same situation as my little sister! She is being played by these guys at school just because she get’s the respect because of my fame. She is using my fame to gain popularity but all she is doing is getting her self in trouble! Getting bullied by other girls in the school and coming home with tattered uniform and bruises. She hangs out with a group of wrong people that does drugs and vandalizes public property. Who knows what is going to happen to her next!

I get blamed on because I’m considered an irresponsible brother because I decided to be in a band other than following my parents’ footsteps to become a doctor. This is my dream and now it’s getting all screwed up because my mother is suddenly telling me to give it all up for my younger sister sake! I did everything for Shiori! I taught her from right to wrong and this is how she repays me? It’s like I said to you before Nao, we can entertain them and show our gratitude to them but hell going out with them?”

He pointed at me.

“That is something we cannot do!”

I couldn’t stand it anymore.

“We gave up everything for this chance!”

Facing down, I clutched onto Hiroto’s jacket with my head leaning against his back.

“But now Hiroto here goes off picking up a girl?!”

I didn’t ask for any of this.

“Shou! Lay off Yu already! She suffered enough!”

Hearing that, I suddenly had some flashbacks.

“Gosh, Tora why the change of heart? You hated her remember?!”

Tora…

“Shou stop it already!”

Saga…

“This is fucking gay! You’re all against me now?!”

My memories started to become more violent. My grip tightens.

“We’re not against you Shou! You just don’t understand!”

Nao…

“Understand? It’s you guys that don’t understand! Aren’t you even concern about Hiroto’s sake?!”

Tears started forming from my tightly shut eyes.

“Look Shou, I can take care of myself fine! So fucking leave Yu alone!”

Hiroto…

“Oh sure! Fine!”

Please don’t say it…

“Leave you with a girl with horrible issues.”

No!

“God knows what disease she has already.”

That’s not true!

“That’s just going to far Shou!”

Tora please don’t hurt him!

I could sense them getting at each others face with hands locked onto each other’s shirts.

“What! Defending a girl that is tainted?”

Don’t say it! I know you’re going to say it…

“Defending a girl that got -”

NO!!

“Raped!”

 Flashbacks of that time suddenly appear like a fast forwarding video tape. With both hands holding tightly on the sides of my head, my whole body dropped onto the floor. Tears running violently. I didn’t know what was happening to me. My body, my emotions, my sanity, I lost all control of them....

“IIIYAAAAAAA!!!”

[She was screaming like crazy.]

 “Kitani!”

 “Yu!”

[Tora and Hiroto rushed to her and tired to help her. Shou stood there in complete shock, while Saga and Nao were completely in panic, not knowing what to do.]

“IIIIIIYAAA!!!

“Kitani what’s wrong!”

[Tora asked franticly.]

“IIIIYAAA!!!”

[Grabbing hold of a tripod stand, she violently swung it at Tora.]

“Holy shit!”

 [Tora cursed as he quickly evaded the attack.]

“Yu!”

[Hiroto, coming from behind her, was able to restrain her by holding on to her tightly as she struggled to break free.]

“Calm down Yu!”

[She dropped the tripod but still struggled to break free.]

“LET GO!!!!”

[She started clawing her nails into Hiroto’s arm.]

“AHH SHIT!!”

“Hiroto!”

[Saga yelled in panic.]

 “Whatever you do, don’t let her go! Just take in the pain!”

“Gawd dammit Saga I’m not painless like you!”

“Kitani!”

[Tora rushed in and grabbed a hold of her hands.

Getting constantly kicked, Tora took in all the pain just to get to her.]

“Kitani! Kitani!”

[Tora took a hold of her in his arms.]

[Hiroto backed off as he put pressure onto his bleeding arms.]

“Hiro!”

[Saga ran to him with paper towels and a water bottle to treat his wounds.]

“LET GO!”

[She screamed and squirmed as Tora still fights back to calm her.]

“Kitani! Calm down! It’s me Tora!”

“Let go!”

[She started to pound Tora’s chest with her fists but her screaming started to die down.

Declining her plea, Tora brought her closer to him and held her tightly.]

“Shh, shh. Calm down Yu. Everything is going to be alright.”

[Tora softly reassured her as he caressed her head.]

It was that warm feeling again.

I regained consciousness and found myself in Tora’s arms. I was breathing heavily and my head felt like it was going to explode.

What happen to me? Why did I suddenly snap like that?

I wonder. This never occurred to me before.

But in that flashback I saw something that I didn’t recall being there to see it.

Did it really happen?

If it did, then…

Mom…

My eyes were closed shut as I buried my face in Tora’s chest. I couldn’t care less about whatever I saw at the moment. Just being held into such warmth was all I needed at the moment.

“Yu?” I heard a voice.

“Yu.”

Tora…

“Hey, are you okay?”

“I…..” I couldn’t speak.

“What’s wrong?”

“…….” I opened my mouth to speak but the words wouldn’t come out.

“Yu… Don’t tell me you just lost your voice.”

“What?” I heard Hiroto.

“Yu, Yu-chan,” gently placing his hand on my cheek and the other hold onto mine, he called out to me.

“Yu-chan, can you talk?”

“ug… I…”

I saw blood seeping through the paper towels on Hiroto’s arms.

“Hi…ro…” I reached out and placed my hand on his wounds but that’s when I saw my finger nails stained in blood.

I gasped and my eyes started to tear up again.

“No, it’s okay Yu-chan.” Taking me away from Tora’s hold he held me tightly in his warmth.

“I’m okay Yu-chan. Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.” He kissed me on the forehead a couple of times.

“It’s okay…”

With those caring and loving words, he caressed me. Running his fingers through my hair and rubbing my back.

I was exhausted. The air around me felt heavy which made me feel sleepy.

My eyes became heavy as I rested my head on his shoulder.

Before I fell completely asleep the last thing I saw behind Hiroto’s back was a man scar with guilt and regret sitting against the wall with his head cast down onto the floor.

He was alone and I wanted to be there for him.

Shou…

>>To Be Continue<<

Title: Just One Moment
Author: HaruHarokuHana
Rating: 13 +
Genre: Drama, Romance, Anti - Yaoi XD
Chapter: Six
Disclaimer: The whole story is pure fiction. I do not own alice nine. what-so-ever.
I wished I did and i wished that I'm Shou's wife but that wouldn't be fair wouldn't it? XD I also wished Tora was my brother. Why? Iono i just feel like he would be the greatest brother to have. =^__^=
Summary so far: After being forced to ditch her work, Yuyako Kitani spent some time at Starbucks with bassist Saga and guitarist Tora. She was told to quit her job in order to take Tora's offer. Not knowing what the job was, Tora and Saga bluntly left her absent minded leaving Hiroto to do all the explanation. Taking a stroll in the park Hiroto explained the situation to Yuyako but also gain interest in her in the process. Because of Hiroto's strange act, Yuyako fainted and now has woken up in an unknown room in which she is in a sudden distress.

"Our meeting should had been just one moment"
------------

Men, the world that they live in is totally different from us women. Since "then I've cursed the heavens for creating us and questioned humanity's existence. Why do we exist? What is our purpose in life? Questions like these made me the person who i am today. 
Hope and faith.
I've lost all hope and have no faith. I can only believe in myself.
I fear them but i also have to face them.
You can never run away from your problems. If you do they'll just come after you.
That's what my mother once told me before she left me. But now that I've ran away from "him" I've created my own phobia. Can i ever lave a man? Can I ever embrace their love for me? I pity myself as I am cornered by my fears and desires. I start loosing myself as I allow these issues linger around me.
Tora you said that there's always hope. Is there hope for me to love again even though I fear being touched by the opposite sex? To be embraced with soft kisses and caresses on the skin?

~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~ Chapter VI ~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~*.~
As I sat up clenching onto the bed sheet in the dark, I've become dizzy because of my fear. What if there is a man next to me? What did he do to me while I was unconscious? I was sweating like crazy. the air in the dark room made me feel nauseous as i continue to breathe in the smoke from the essence candle. It smelled familiar. I know it from somewhere but i couldn't get my mine straight to remember.
"Mm..." No doubt. The person lying next to me is a man as I heard his moan.
The little orange glow from the burning essence candle was the only light I saw.
I felt a hard whack against my side. I figure that the person next to me flung his arm at me in his sleep.
At the moment of the impact, he began to awaken.
"Oh~ hey... you're up... um... sorry about that."
NO FREAKEN WAY!
I was shocked to see who it was. Not only that I was hopping that it wasn't him.
"H - H - Hiroto!"
"Umm...Yeah... What is it?" He responded as he reached over for the switch to the lamp.
I heard a click and the light illuminated through the dark room.
"Damn... What time is it?" He asked while sitting up.

Dizzy, nauseous, sweaty, and freaked out to death. I couldn't hold myself together any longer. My eyes began to waver and my body became week. My surroundings became dark again as I breathed heavily. the scent of the candle still lingers around me...

=> Hiroto's Room <=

Unexpectedly, she fainted when I turned to her.
"HEY! Kitani-chan!" I shook her to get her back up.
"Oh~ gawd~" she mumbled.
It was humorous in a way since she fainted a couple of times already. She was at the edge of the twin size bed. The upper half of her body was starting to drag her whole body onto the floor. I took the initiative to carry her back up. Putting one arm behind her and the other on her shoulder, I pulled her back up. Doing this, her head turned onto my chest.

My hot heart began to beat rapidly as I continue holding her in my arms. I slowly took a glance at her unconscious face. Suddenly, the dark and meek world in which i've been living in started to light up. She was sleeping peacefully (at least I thought she was). Her pale skin, her pink moisten lips, and her sleek and shinny black hair struck head on to my hot heart.
"Dear God, she is like an angel sent from heaven!" I thought.
I slowly let go of her shoulder and caress her cheek against my thumb. Not only her skin was pale, but it was soft and smooth like a baby's bottom. I ran my fingers slowly through her hair. Black like a raven's feathers but soft as silk.

I placed my hand back on her cheek and softly caress her smooth skin once again. Her eyebrows twitched as she cringed. I figured that I was starting to disturb her from her sleep.
My feelings were uncontrollable. I can feel that my mouth was starting to water as my lips were tight shut. I swallowed my saliva and open my mouth to breath. Still staring at her, I coldn't hold myself back. My lips started to reach to hers. That's when her lips moved and let out a soft moan, which made me pull back a bit. High pitched, the sound of her moan tingled my senses.

I can't take advantage of her like this! Not when she's unconscious!
But I can't resist! Oh God, why are you doing this to me!

I continued from where I left off. Slowly descending down toward her, I gently placed a kiss on her peachy lips.
My first kiss.
Like sleeping beauty, she slowly open her eyes and softly spoke to me.
"Hiroto~ did you just-"
"Shh..."
I kissed her again.
This feeling was unexplainable. I placed her gently back on the bed as I continued embracing her. I could tell that she was still a bit drowsy since she didn't return any of my kisses. Her lips didn't move but I didn't care as I continue giving her repetitive pecks on her lips. Then her cheeks, to her neck, descending toward her collar. Each Kiss was a burst of momment as my lips touches her skin.

My mind became blank as my body took over my mind. Without any realization, my hand slowly sliped under her shirt and slyly moved upward. I couldn't resist the softness of her skin as I continue kissing her neck and shoulder.
"Stop..." She said under her breath as she started to fidget. She was fully awake and aware of the situation now but still in a weak daze.
"It's okay Yu..." I responded as I head back to her lips.
"No please... Stop..." Her lips tighten but my emotions refused her plea.
"Don't worry..." I continue placing kisses on her lips, cheeks, and neck here and there.
"Hiroto please." Her voice grew and she struggled to push me away.
As much as she tried to resist my body held her down. I felt and heard her whines as they vibrated under my lips. My hand manage to peek through under another layer as it continue moving upwards. Firm, smooth, and round, I cupped my hands around it and pressed against it.
"STOP IT!"

I suddenly landed hard onto the floor. Waking up from a deep trance, I sat up and looked up at the figure sitting on my bed. She was breathing heavily as she held the blanket tightly against her chest and her eyes were filled with tears.
What should I do?
She started to curl up into ball. Still clenching onto the blanket, she hid her head between her knees and chest. Her arms wrapped tightly around her legs.
A surge of guilt ran through my veins. I had forgotten about what she went through in the past before. I had realized it now.
I stood back up on my feet and slowly walk toward her. I reached my hand out to her.
"Yu... I'm -"
"Don't touch me..." She flinched and my hand drew back.
"Tora..." I heard her say under her shelter.
I felt a slight stab in my chest. Tora? Why Tora? What the heck is he to her? I was jealous. I barely know her and I'm already jealous of my dear friend because she called out his name.

"Where's Tora?" Her voice was shaky as she asked me.
"He... Isn't here." I responded guiltfully.
I stood in silence as I watched her sob. Hearing her cry made my heart ach as the guilt rushed into me more and more. It made me want to cry as well.
"I'm sorry." I drew closer to her. "I'm sorry." and gently placed both hands on her shoulders.
"I'm sorry." I repeated again as I warped her in my arms.
"I'm sorry Yu." I brought her closer to my body and she slowly got out of her shell. 
"I really am. I'm sorry." My voice started to tremble and my guilt made me teary. I felt horrible.
"Yu I'm sorry." All I can do was repeat myself over and over.
"I'm sorry."
"Hiroto..."

I continue to hold her tightly in my arms. I still heard some sobbing but it didn't came from her.
"I'm sorry... I just...*sniff*... I don't know... What I did...*sniff*... Yu I'm sorry."
I dropped on my knees and buried my face against her body. Holding her tightly and clenching onto her shirt. I felt a gentle touch on my sides and it slowly wrapped around my back.
"Hiroto..." Bringing herself closer to me, she held me tightly. 
We both held each other for a while in silence. The only thing that came between our silence were repetitive sniffs from the both of us.

I let go of her and sat down on the bed next to her. Looking down I wiped my tears away. We were still quite. What else can I say? It's not like we can laugh about it. What I did was uncalled for, yet she still sat there. I wanted her to rush out the door like how she did back at the studio but she still sat there. I buried my face into my hands. Feeling horrible as if I had committed a serious crime. With many thoughts flowing through my head, I suddenly felt a soft touch on my arm.
"Hiroto..." I took a peek between my fingers.
She was starring straight at me.
"I'm sorry Yu, I don't know what else to say... You should just go home."
She slowly drew back her hand and looked out the window.
"Even if I do," She finally spoke. "It wouldn't matter if I went home. My apartment is just right across the street."
Removing my hands from my face I looked up and out the window as she pointed to the direction. I gave a slight chuckle.
We were silent again. I wanted to tell her how I felt. That time when Shou introduce us to her, I've fallen for her but I continue to shy away from my true feelings for her. I acted silly and stupid in front of her all this time and now...
Now I wasn't able to control myself.

"Is there something you want to tell me Hiroto?"
Snapped out of my own little world, I took a glance at her and looked back down.
"Well... Not really." I nervously fumbled around with my fingers.
"Then... I guess I should really be going since you asked me to." She got up and grabbed her bag from the side of the bed. She then took a step forward.
"Wait!" I called out as I grabbed her hand. She turned around.
"I... I..."
"It's okay." She suddenly said. "I forgiven you so you don't need to apologize anymore."
"That's not it." I replied. "I understand that you've already forgiven me, but... I... What is Tora to you?"
Her eyes became wide and I let go of her hand. She stared at me as if she was examining me.
"Well..." I explained myself. "I heard you called out his name. I just thought... Well, you have something going on with him."
"Oh..." She relaxed a bit and started to think about it.
"There's nothing between us." She said. "He just seems more... I don't know how to say it but... he just seems more safe to be with."
"Safe?"
"Yeah, safe. I don't know really, but that's how I feel about him."

How she felt about him. Just hearing that made me feel jealous all over again.
"Uh... Well... Do you like him? I mean, it's not like it's a problem or he asked me to tell you this question. It's that... I was just wondering."
She gave me an awkward stare and then a small hysterical smile.
"Baka." She punched-shoved me on my shoulder. "Like hell I would have a thing for him. He's a total jerk. Almost like a big brother jerk."
Great!
But the big question is, how am i gonna confess to her? I was nervous. Plus this was all such an awkward moment. 
Sweat was pouring out of me. 
I got to tell her! I got to tell her!
"Is that all you need?" She asked.
"Uh... Well... I... Um... I guess."
Stupid idiot!
"Okay..." She gave me another awkward stare.
"Oyasuminasai."

"O-Oyasumi..."
Damn! Damn! Damn!
She turned around and walked toward the door. I got up.
"Wait!"
"Yes?"
"Uh... Nevermind." I went to the door and with my head casting down, I turned the knob.
She gave me another awkward stare.
"Laters."
"Umm... Yeah... Laters." Opening the door she took a step out. 
"Ah! Hold on!"
"What?! If you want me to stay I'm not gong to you sneaky pervert!" She was pissed and annoyed.
"W-Wait a minute! That's not-"
"I'm gonna kick your a-"
"I like you!"
There I said it!
"Eh?" She was shocked and confused.
"I like you! Please, go out with me!" I gave a sudden bow.
"Eh?! What? This... This is all too sudden."
"Kitani!" I raised my head and grabbed both of her hands. "From the moment I saw you, I fell for you."
"Huh?!"
"Please! Go out with me!" I gave another bow.
"I-I-" She suddenly fell forward.
"Kitani!" I caught her. Fainted again.
"Take me home~" She mumbled.

Even though she requested it, I didn't accept. Like hell I would carry her all the way to the other side of the street at this hour. I slid on arm behind her knees and the other holding her shoulder tightly. I lifted her.
Unlike the time I carried Shou backstage of the Peace and Smile Tour, she was incredibly light. Taking her back to my bead, I placed her down and tucked her in.
"Just stay for the night." I whispered to myself as I stand by the bed and watched her sleep peacefully. 
The essence candle went out. I decided to join her in bed. With my back against her's, I stare at the time. Two-twenty-five. I sighed an turned off the light from the lamp.

The sound of the alarm went out. For the first time I was annoyed by the vulgar buzzing. I slammed on the snooze button and looked at the time. Nine o'clock in the morning. I rolled over on my back and lie on the bed with my arms and legs spread out, taking over the bed.
Suddenly I remembered. I jolt back up and looked to my side.
She's gone...
I look back at the time but that's when I notice a note on the table.
Picking it up, I read it.
I have class at eight and wont be out until eleven. Thanks for letting me stay but no thanks for almost giving me a heart attack  you pervert. 

She called me a pervert again...
I regretted over my actions from last night since now I've made a bad reputation for myself. In the process of contemplating on how I can redeem myself, my phone suddenly rang. Unable to find it, I threw my blanket at the end of the bed and tossed my pillows on the floor. That's when I finally found it. I flipped it open and placed is against my ear.
"Good morning Hiroshi." It was Saga.
"Saga? It's nine in the morning.  What are you doing up?"
"Couldn't sleep." He answered. "I has this strange feeling last night. Almost like a dark aura."
"You and your spiritual senses Saga. Anyways, why did you call me?"
"I figure that you'll be up since you're an early bird. I need someone to talk to."
"Why don't you sleep for an hour or so before we meet up in the studio?"
"Not until you tell me about the situation between you and the princess."

For some reason I knew he was going to ask me that in the beginning. I started to become nervous.
"Uhh... S-Situation?"
"You know... business."
"Uh... um... Oh! Business! Well I didn't really get an answer."
"What?! You loser waht did you say to her?"
"The whole thing what else! But then she fainted on me."
"Fainted?! What the hell?"
I decided to tell him the whole story about the walk in the park and the bedroom moment.
"Jeez Hiroto telling her to go out with you wasn't part of the plan especially fondling her. Tora is going to kill you if he knew about this."
Again with Tora. I couldn't stand it.
"What does all of this has to do with Tora! What is the connection between the both of them?!"
"Calm down Hiro. Listen, I'll tell you what Tora said to me when I had the same thought."
I was curious.
"What did he say?" I asked calmly.
"Hmm... It went something like this:
I'd be in hell if I went out with her. But to me, after that night I spent with her, I feel like I have a responsibility over her. Someone as strong spirited and smart like her shouldn't suffer so much. I know deep down in side of her that there is that happy and free willed girl that she once was. I decided to take her under my wings and make her dreams even bigger. I want to protect her as long as I can and as much as possible."

I lit a cigarette and thought about those words. I also thought about how Yu stated that Tora felt like an older brother to her. Is it time for alice nine. to become heroes for the less fortunate? Just hearing those words made me relize how much "I" wanted to help Yuyako.
"Saga."
"Wussup?"
"Thanks for clearing things out for me. It means a lot."
"Really? Well, no problem man. What are friends for anyways?"
I chuckled a little.
"Saga."
"Yeah?"
"I'll talk to you later. You should get some rest too."
"Eh?"
"I gotta give Shou a wake up call."
"Oh okay. Night."
"Dude, it's 10:30 in the morning."
"Shut up. It's night whenever I say it is."
"You're not God Saga."
"Well there are some people who thinks I am. For instance, Shou."
"Go to sleep." I hung up on him.

I couldn't believe I talked to that weirdo for almost two hours. Remembering the time, I decided to pick Yu up from her school. At first I debated on whether or not I should take a step into the school campus. What if people notice me? What if she see's me and runs away? In the end, my conclusion was to take the risk since she didn't give me any answer last night. I was eager to know.
After washing up and dressing, I grabbed my sunglasses and left my apartment. It only took me a couple of minutes to arrive at the school. Sitting on a bench outside the quad, I waited for her but at the same time I try not to gain any attention by reading a magazine that I grabbed on the way.
That's when I saw her exiting one of the buildings. She looked exhausted and it made me feel worst because I kept her up.
I got up.
"Kitani!" I called out her name.
She stopped and looked up. I quickly walked up to her.
"Hiroto," She quietly spoke. "What are you doing here?"
As she said this, she looked around making sure no one was watching us and looked down again just to hide herself.

"About yesterday," I started. "I'm sorry about everything."
"I already forgiven you so can you please stop apologizing?"
"But still!" I was hesitating. "What I did was wrong and I feel very awful about it."
She was silent for a while.
"Well, at least you feel that way."
"Excuse me?" I was confused.
"That man never apologize for his actions nor felt a single drop of guilt. Someone like him I will never forgive."
A strong grudge.
Her voice shot out with anger like a stray bullet.
I saw a raging fire burning within her eyes but at the same time she was traumatized. Her feelings were mixed that it was complicated to understand her.
We were quiet for a while.

"Well," I scratched the back of my head. "I was also wondering about your answer."
"Answer?"
"Tora's proposal?" I laughed.
"Oh... well... I don't know still. After all, that is a big offer. I don't even know how I'll be able to repay you guys."
"You can pay us back by just doing your job." I smiled.
She was quiet as she thought it through again.
"Hmm... I guess I can try it. If I like it then I'll take it. BUT! I'm still keeping my part-time job until I make my final decision."

It was good news. As the sun shined brightly through the cloudy blue sky. I felt I was in a video game accomplishing my first task. The victory tune of the Final Fantasy series ran through my mind.
"Hiroto." she called.
"Yeah?"
"Let's go to the studio. I want to tell the other guys myself." She smiled.
For the first time I saw a real smile on her face. Tora, my dear friend, I now understand what your motive is.
"Okay Ki-chan."
"Don't call me that!" she paused and spoke quietly. "For now... you can call me Yuyako."
The day was getting brighter in this winter afternoon.
Afternoon? That's when I remember.
"Oh shit!"
"What? What is it?" she asked.
"I forgot to call Shou!"
"Shou?" Her voice suddenly hesitated for a while. "What for?"
"It's not much. Just a wake-up call."
"You give him wake-up calls?" she laughed.
"Yeah... When that guy sleeps, he sleeps."
I explained to her how I always wake him up in the past while I was scrolling down on my contact list of my cell phone.
Finding his name, I pressed the call button and placed the phone to my ear. The phone rang three times.
"Hello~"
"Yo Shou! Wake-up."
"Oh... Hiroshi...*sigh*... man... I  had a bad night..." He was quiet for a while. Suddenly...
"What the fuck Hiro! It's 12 noon!"
"Eh... Sorry Shou! My hands were full this morning!"
"Ugh~ Whatevers man. I'm getting up."

"Hey Shou when you head to the studio make sure the place is clean."
I looked over at Yuyako. Putting her hands on her hips, she gave me a funny look.
"Why?" Shou asked in a grumpy tone.
"Kitani is coming by."
"So?"
"What do you mean 'so?' She has something to tell us all. Plus, at least we can show some decency."
"Well, at this moment I don't care."
"Don't care?!"
I knew something was wrong with Shou. He wasn't his usual self.
"Shou! What the fuck is wrong with you?! This is not like you man!"
"I just don't give a damn okay Hiro."
I looked over at Yuyako again. Her smiled died and her head was faced to the ground. 
"Look Shou, if you're pissed about waking up late, I'm sorry okay."
"That's not the problem dammit!"
"Dude, Shou, your acting like you're PMSing. What are you a girl?"
"Fuck you!"
Those were his last words before he hung up on me.

I sighed while flipping my phone shut.
"Anyways, lets just head to the studio." I said without looking back at Yuyako.
Suddenly, I felt a slight hold on my hand. Looking at it, there was a pale slender hand. My eyes follow along the arm bringing me to the girl that I hoped to be with all this time.
"Yu..."
She looked to the side, trying to hide her expression.
"There was another question that you asked me that night that I haven't answered." She said quietly.
"Yu, I..."
"This is my first time... at least... I can try..." She blushed.
My heart beat with excitement but at the same time I know her reaction was because of Shou's jackass attitude. Thinking about it made me feel uneasy. I knew from the beginning that Yuyako was interested in him. The way she glanced over him the last time she came to the studio and how her expression changes when she heard his name. All of this, I knew but I decided to avoid it.
As I held her hand, I feel that it's necessary for me to make her life more enjoyable and free. To love her and give her the respect and care that she didn't had before. Someone like her deserve more than just pain.
I tighten my grip of her hand. This hand of mine, I vowed, that I'll never let her go. Even if our relationship doesn't work out at the end, I'll always be there for her.

I smiled at her.
"Let's go Yu."
Looking up at me, she smiled back and gave me a nod.

>>To Be Continue<<

Title: Just One Moment
Author: HaruHarokuHana
Rating: 13+, 18+ [sexual content is involve in later chapters]
Genre: Drama, Romance and a little violence.
Chapter: Five
Disclamer: I do not own alice nine. what-so-ever. On top of that all events in the story are not true but the guys and a few of their characteristics are.
Summary: Yuyako Kitani is just a regular japanese 18 year old girl (that's what most people think) living in Tokyo that goes through typical everyday life difficulties. Working part time for a photoshoot company, she bumps into five young rockstars known as alice nine. and ends up spending most of her time with them. As she continues living her life in their presance, her life begins to change as Shou, Hiroto, Tora, Saga, and Nao unravels her tramatizing past. 
"Our meeting should've stayed as just one moment."
Author's Note: That's right, this is not a yaoi! But its going to be one heck of a story! plus drawings are included [if i feel like it] and don't hate me for creating a bad character trait for one of the guys. It's how the story can flow perfectly to the end.


I had the same dream again. Every night I’ve been waking up I the middle of the night terrified and sweaty but this time, when I woke up, I looked to the wall across my bed where the graffiti painting of inspiring words had been hung.

There is always hope.

Those words put me at ease as I thought about those guys and their kindness. Our meetings may have been short but those short timing made a great impact on me. They all touched my soul especially Tora.

~*~*~CHAPTER V ~*~*~

Waking up at six ‘o clock on a Monday morning, I did my morning routine. Brush my teeth, shower, pick out my cloths, fix the bed, made breakfast, get ready for class, and lastly lock the door behind me once I leave. Although he said there was hope, my day was the same as any other days in the past. Like always, my peers in my art class asked me for advices and barrows things without saying “thank you” or “I owe you.”

They don’t even bother complementing my work or even criticize it when they ask me how I think about theirs. The only complement I got was from my professor for my finish piece today.

This is really something! He said. You’ve improved a lot. Keep up the good work Kitani.

I left school with a sigh but I felt a bit of happiness with those words since that painting was due to my inspiration on the wall.

Eleven is when I got to get to work. The dreaded mountains of papers that are needed to be filed, copied, and delivered are waiting for me.

Damn I thought.

“Hey part-timer, file these please.”

“Yo, part-timer, give these to Eriko would ya?”

“Kitani, pick up that pace, we need things to get done around here!”

There’s always hope. There’s always hope.

Those words kept repeating over and over in my head. I wanted to believe that good would come out of all this torture.

“Coffee is low part-timer.”

“These need to be copied.”

I CAN’T STAND THIS ANYMORE!! My head was screaming as I sat at my table pulling my hair. That’s when I notice a crowd of people standing out in the hallway.

“Oh my goodness, what is he doing here?”

“Is it a request?”

“I hope it’s not a complaint.”

People were making a huge fuss.

“What’s going on Eriko?” I asked.

“Hmm,” standing beside my table she stared down at me. “I don’t think you’re in a position to be asking that question.”

She pointed to the pile of papers. “Look at these piles of paper work to be filed and copied. Oh, and file these while you’re at it.”

She added another stack of paper onto my table. Starring at them, I cringed in misery and rested my head face down on the pile.

“Man~ they could at least do some of their own work for themselves.” I mumbled to myself as I stare at a few of my co-workers slacking off.

“Ah~ poor lil’ kitten, must be hard for you.”

Huh? I know that voice.

The younger female workers were screaming like fan girls at the office place.

“Kyaa! Saga - sama!”

“Oh my god! Saga!”

“Saga – sama, a – an auto - graph please?”

How disgusting I thought as I put my head back down.

“Tsk, tsk. Sorry ladies I have business with Cinderella over there.” He pointed at me.

“WHAAAT!” With a sudden shock, they were crushed.

Without hesitation, he walked coolly passed the chaotic crowd and continue toward me.

“Such a harsh treatment you get here.” He said while petting my head.

“Err ~ what are you doing here?” I was still devastated over the workload.

“Taking you out,” He smiled.

“Uh… It’s Saga, right?”

“That's the name. Don't forget.” Giving me a wink, He clicked his toung and made a hand gesture of a gun at me.

“Well I’m sorry Saga-sama. I appreciate the offer but I don’t think I have the time at this moment.”

He sighed. “Still talking formally…” he mumbled to himself as he slicked his hair back.

He then closed in on me like the time we first met. With his arm around my shoulder, and his face even closer to mine this time, he whispered into my ear.

“As long as you’re with me you do.”

“Huh?”

Blushing, I sat up. Feeling how his voiced tickled through my ear caught me off guard. For sure, I thought he was going to kiss me this time, but again, he didn’t.

I can tell that the girls, who were still dazzled by Saga’s appearance, were jealous of me.

“This is going to cost me” I thought.

Because of him, my job would be in jeopardy. Worst will come to worst once he leaves the place, I’ll be interrogated as if I was a criminal trying to steal a celebrity’s heart.

A player like him? Not in a life time.

His hands were still on my shoulder as he was examining the room while I was still deep in thought trying to make an excuse for all of this. Looking to his side, he notice Eriko and stopped her before she passes by.

“Excuse me miss,” he said abruptly. “I’m going to take Cinderella here out if you don’t mind.”

He unexpectedly grabbed my hand and pulled me off the seat.

“What?” Eriko was confused. “I’m sorry to disappoint you Saga-sama but she still have –“

“Well time for us to go!”

He quickly cut her off as he dragged me pass the crowed of perplexed people. I manage to grab my belongings off my desk before we got close to the opened door.

“Wha – what, hold on, you can’t do that!”

“I’m sorry lady, but I got business with this beautiful young girl.”

Passing through the door, I heard Eriko screaming at the top of her lungs as she was struck by Saga’s slander.

“Lady? Lady!! I’m only two years older than that – that plain ordinary girl! Sayako! Do I even look that old?!”

“Uh… N- No ma’am!”

“Hahaha.” Saga was laughing as we continue hurrying out the building.

Seeing Eriko’s pissed expression for the first time made me kind of happy. No one dared to humiliate her since she was one of the executives. But what just happen a moment ago was priceless that it made me smile. For the first time I felt free from her torturous grasp and it was all thanks to Saga’s recklessness.

It made me smile but it didn’t make me laugh since I was concerned about what was going to happen to me once I return.

In the lobby, people stared at us shockingly as we rushed to the building's exit.

“W-wait a minute,” I stuttered.

“No time to wait.” Saga replied.

“At least explain to me what’s going on!” We stopped at a corner street light. His hand was still gripping around my wrist.

“Saga’s ‘Sexy Man Service’ is being asked for.” He laughed.

“What?” The crosswalk light lit up.

“Tora is paying me to get you.”

 “Tora? What for? WAIT! PAID YOU?!” I was furious. “I’m not an object!”

“No, no silly. He said that he would pay for my drink to get you.”

“Even so, that still makes me an object in a deal!”

“Alright, alright I get it. I’m sorry okay.”

With those word said we were already walking on a familiar street. It was the same street that I was taken by Nao to the studio. Our pace slowed down as we were already at a far distance from my workplace and Eriko.

“Relax Cinderella this is for your benefit.” He smiled.

“My benefit? What do you mean by that? And stop calling me Cinderella!”

“Why not? With your issues, you’re somewhat like Cinderella.”

“My issues? What did Tora actually tell you about me?”
“Pretty much everything.”

We stopped at another corner light.

“Everything!”

“Yeah such sorrow... that’s why I’m taking you to Tora right now,” he smiled calmly at me. “Think of us like your fairy godmothers or something along those lines.”

The lights turned green.

Once again I felt the urge to kill Tora but what is he trying to do to me? What is he trying to gain by humiliating me again?

Crossing onto the next street, I notice that we passed the studio.

“Um… Saga – sama, isn’t the studio back there?”

“We’re not meeting Tora there.”

“Oh… then where?”

Just shortly, we stopped in front of a Starbucks.

“Here we are.” He smiled back at me again.

Looking through the wall of windows, I saw Tora sitting alone at a table sipping his ice blended coffee beverage through a green straw while reading the latest issue of Smart style magazine with sunglasses on.

We entered the shop.

“Okay Tora I want my Venti Café Vanilla Latté.” Saga demanded as we walked up to his table.

Tora stare at Saga for a couple of seconds. He then put down the magazine, took off his sunglasses and stood up.

“You want anything?” He asked me.

“Uh… well…” I hesitated.

“Don’t worry. Asked for anything it’s on him.” Saga assured me with a nudge.

“Well then…um… may I please have a Grande Passion Iced Tea with sweetening?”

Without a word he walked up to the cashier to make his order. Saga finally let go of my hand and pulled out a chair for me.

“Milady, please take a seat.” He teased.

I sighed and took his offer. “Can you quite the charade already?”

I wanted to bitch at Tora at the moment I came up to him. I wanted to yell at his face for telling all of the guys about my past. Doesn’t he know how much pain I had went through then? I was mentally furious but my heart didn’t allow me to lash out at him.

Why?

While I was still deep in thought, Tora returned to the table with our drinks.

“Here.” Without any notice, he handed me the clear plastic cup filled with ice cold red liquid. I stared at it blankly admiring its color.

“Uh… Hey.”

The drink’s name suits it well as the sun’s ray passes through the windowed walls to the plastic cup.

“Yuyako?”

Red, the color of rage, anger, blood yet if it is put into a different meaning it can be seen quite beautiful.

“Earth to the princess.”

Passion and love.

“Man she’s out of it. Did you say something to her?”

The coldness from the drink created dew drops outside the cup. I watched them slid down like jewels as they are being reflected by the sunlight.

“Nah man, I think she has a serious case of A.D.D.”

Just thinking about it his image suddenly appeared in my mind. His smile, his eyes, they both glimmered like jewels.

“This is taking longer than before. She’s like a robot that needs to be recharged or something.”

Like the color red, his image was deteriorated with a sudden nightmare. I wished HE would go away.

“She’s gripping her fist.”

“Is she angry already? I didn’t even do anything!”

“Idiots…” I said under my breath.

“Dude, we should run Tora.”

“I can hear you guys perfectly! AND I DON’T HAVE A.D.D!!!”

“Hehe... listen princess, I think you’re being a bit too tense. Drink some of your tea okay?”

Saying this, Saga slowly slid his seat away from me.

“The only reason why I’m tense is because of you!” I pointed at Tora.

“Explain yourself Tora!”

“W-what? What are you talking about?” he was surprise by the sudden commotion.

“I trusted you and you went off telling them everything!”

I trusted him. I thought he understood how I felt about my situation. How can he say all those things that night and just go off blabbing everything the next day?

For the first time I felt at ease and safe when he was with me. The way he held me in his arms that night almost felt like he wanted to protect me from all the pain. All of my nightmares were drained out by his warmth in that cold night.

“Calm down Yuyako,” he whispered at me.

I looked at my surrounding. Everyone was starring and I took a deep sigh to calm down…

Wait, did he just call me by my first name?

“Hey, we’re not close so you don’t have the rights to call me by my first name.” I complained in a low tone angry voice.

“I believe we’re close enough considering what happen last night, Yuyako” He lifted a smirk on his face.

“Woh hey, what did you two did last night?” Saga laughed.

My face was burning hot with embarrassment.

“Would you two stop messing with my head?” I demanded shyly.

“Okay, okay let’s get down to business.” Tora stated suddenly.

“Business?” what the heck he means by that? I thought.

That’s when I saw two mischievous smirks looking straight at me. I knew they were up to something. It was either something stupidly daring or perverted. After all they are men. But I can’t assume that now can I? I had no choice but to listen to them.

“We want you to quit your job.” Tora demanded.

“What!” I slammed the table with the palms of my hands as I jumped out of seat.

“You got to be joking!” I was shocked and furious at the same time. “As bad as my job is, there is no way I’m quitting that hell hole! It was hard just to get in there other than working!”

Saga sighed.

“Trust me Yu,” Tora said coolly. “You’ll like our offer.”

“Offer?” What the heck is he trying to tell me? And now he has shortened my name to Yu!

“You should take the offer princess,” Saga reassured me. “This next job would be worth your time if you just say ‘okay.”

The both of them gave me a Cheshire smiled.

“Next job?” I was still confused. All of this is just too suspicious.

The shop’s door open and a gust of cold wind blew in.

“Damn it’s getting windy out there guys.” It was Hiroto.

“Well, I guess that’s all for today.” Tora and Saga stood up from there seats. “Think about it Yu. C’mon Saga, lets get going.”

“Hey you guys leaving already?” Hiroto questioned.

They were already walking toward the door.

“Wait a minute,” I called out. “What is this ‘job’ you guys are offering me?”

As they stood by the door, they turned to each other and then looked back at me. Tora slapped his hand onto Hiroto’s shoulder and responded.

“Hiroto will tell you.” In saying so, the both of them exited through the door.

I watched the both of them walk toward the direction of the studio through the massive wall of windows. I don’t get people these days. They say things yet they don’t finish. It is what we all should expect out of this new age of technology and language barrier.

“Are you okay?”

I jolted as a hand touched my shoulder. I turned and saw that it was only Hiroto.

“Oh, I’m okay. Just a bit puzzled of what is going on here.”

“I see…” He took a long pause and stared at me for couple of seconds.

“Let’s take a walk.” He took me by the arm and the both of us walked out.

“Ahh~” Hiroto let out a big sigh as he stretched his arms out to the sky. We were walking through the central park. It was the same park where Shou and I fell into the fountain.

“The weather is nice don’cha think?” Hiroto was embracing the cool weather as the season was getting close to winter.

I took a deep breath “Mmm… Yes it is.”

I looked up at the vast blue sky. White puffy clouds were floating across it as the chilly wind blew. The sun was bright but it didn’t radiate enough heat to warm all of the people that were outside their shelters wearing thick layers of cloths. The cherry blossoms’ foliage began to wither.

Shop workers began their preparations for the holidays.

“Are you excited for the holidays?” Hiroto bluntly asked.

“Hm… Kind of.”

“Eh? What do you mean kind of? You’re a student right? You’ll get the holiday off.”

I smiled “That’s what I met by ‘kind of.”

“Oh!” He ruffled the back of his head.

“So what college do you go to?” He continued.

“It’s a trade school” I corrected him.

“It’s still the same.”

“Well, it’s the one down by Ryukyo-sho and Iwase-shi.” I pointed out the direction to him. “It’s called Tayotomori Arts Trade.”

“Eh! Are you serious? I live close by there!” He exclaimed.

“Oh, you do.” Sadly, I wasn’t really interested.

“Yep… Man, being an artist… You must have a lot of talent. That’s so cool.”

“You sounded like Tora just now.”

“Hahaha, do I? I would be heading home and leaving you here by now if I were him.”

He laughed and I just lifted a small smile.

We were still walking around the park and for a while, we were quite. I took a glance at him. He was smiling as he was enjoying the feel of his surroundings. His expression was blissful and because of that I felt clam and at peace. My worries were drained out of me.

“Anyways, about the situation back there,” The subject suddenly change as he broke the silence. “Yeah, Tora suddenly had some great idea because of this talent of yours.”

“My talent, what does that has to do with me quitting my recent job?”

“Stage setting.” He abruptly stated.

“What?” I was confused.

“Stage setting,” He smiled. “Because of your talent, Tora wants you to produce our stages for most of our performances.”

“Well, I don’t have any knowledge on stage production so I think this offer is way out of my legue.”

He laughed.

“No silly, you don’t have to set things up. All you have to do is design our stage.”

“You can at least say ‘stage design’ other than setting.”

“I just thought stage setting sounded more professional.”

Not aware of it, I giggled.

“Eh~ you laughed. That means you’re in a good mood.”

“I didn’t laugh and I’m not in a good mood.”

“Then what was that earlier?” He jumped in front of me with his face close to mine, smiling.

I suddenly felt hot.

“Um… uh… it was… a giggle!” I said proudly.

“Ha! Look at you. You’re blushing.”

“No I’m not!” I tried looking away but he followed my direction.

My eyes averted downward but suddenly his stare came closer to my face. I jerked my head back up and he followed. He quietly stared straight into my eyes for a while as I froze in place.

“W-what?” I felt even hotter.

“Even though they are dark, I’ve never noticed how beautiful your eyes were until now.” He responded passionately.

I couldn’t stand those words as they struck my heart. I still stood in place as if the hands of time had cease.

Was that just a pick-up line just now?

“Ki-chan, are you okay?”

My Heart was racing and my body was on fire. I could feel the surge of steam bursting out of my body. He was still staring at me with those confused puppy eyes.

One thing after another, I couldn’t stand the throbbing of my heart. My head was spinning and I suddenly felt week.

“Ki-chan? Kitani? Hey!”

I-I-I~

“KITANI!!”

I can’t believe I’ve fainted for the second time. What is wrong with me these days? I usually don’t give in to these situations. Am I loosing myself or is it something that these guys possess?

I woke up in a strange room. No, it wasn’t the same one from before. Even though I couldn’t tell anything since it was dark, I knew for sure that this room was different. There wasn’t a single light beaming through the blinded window. The only lights I saw were a speck of orange glow on the other side of the room and the numbers of an alarm clock.

Eleven fifty. It was night already. How long was I unconscious? How did I get here? I couldn’t remember what happen to me. I tried scanning the darken room with my eyes. Still I couldn’t see much. All I detected was the smell of smoke in which was coming from the orange spark. The smoke had an elegant scent.

I figure that it was an essence candle.

“Where am I?” I whispered to myself.

Suddenly, I felt something moving next to me. It was fumbling under the sheet. What could it be? I started to get worried. Hoping that it isn’t something threatening, I sat up with my hands clenching the sheet close to my chest.

Is it a dog? A cat?

Anything but a man or a monster.

Whatever it is, I only hoped that nothing had happen to me when I was out cold.

>>To be Continue<<