Showered by the Stars

33. Shake it off

The previous days were really tiresome. I think I lost some weight. After practices, I was too tired to eat everything on my plate. The only good thing is, I was getting good at dancing.

I wanted to try to slack off for once, sleep during classes or maybe even cut class. But I’m always reminded every time Eri-kun is around that I now have a duty as the Young Miss to uphold the Minami household’s honor.

No matter how I try to stay awake during classes, my eyes just close helplessly. It was a good thing Ran kept on giving me notes after every discussion. I was still able to cope up.

“Let’s go?” Ran asked. I nodded.

It’s a Friday; I finally get to have a rest from school. But the training is preventing me from having the rest I need.

“Ah! He’s here.” Kana said, dryly.

I know. I’m still going to be busy on Saturdays and Sundays.

Chou stepped out from the car.

“Shall we go, Young Miss?” Chou asked. I nodded.

Another car pulled over. The driver stepped out.

“Young Master. I’ve come to pick you up.” The driver said.

We looked at Eri-kun all at once. So he’s not riding with me today?

“Haruki. Can you wait in the car? I’ll follow in a bit.” Eri-kun said.

“Yes, Young Master.” He went back inside the car.

“Mizuki-chan, I have a plane to catch. I’ll be leaving for New York later. I’ll just see you on Sunday night.” He said.

“Ah! Yes. Of course.” I said. Well, it’s not like we’ll be practicing together anyway. I have swordsmanship classes staring today. The dance instructress told us that we’ve finished the dance course sooner than expected.

“Well, I’ll be going now.” He said. I nodded.

“Kyaaa!” the girls squealed. I was startled.

“It’s him! Takeshima-sama! It’s been a long time!” the girls shouted.

I felt a lump on my throat. Why is he here? Didn’t I tell him that it’s over?

“Minami-san!” Takeshima shouted. I pretended not to notice.

“Eh? Did you see that? She just ignored him. Isn’t she full of herself.” Some girl said.

Eri-kun pulled me to his side, as if to protect me.

“Eh? What’s with that? So the rumor about her was true? She really is a two-timer.” Another girl said.

“Now, let’s see who wins.” Some boys said. They’re making bets? Damn!

“Minami-san, listen to me.” Takeshima pleaded. Ran and Kana were right behind me. I clung to them.

“Takeshima, quit it already.” Ran said.

“Minami-san! Just give me a moment to explain. 10 minutes is enough, or 5--even 3! Just listen to me.” He said, Chou was holding him back.

I summoned my courage. I knew he wouldn’t stop if I won’t say a thing.

“Takeshima. There’s no need for you to explain. If you’re doing this because you feel bad about what happened then you can make it up to me by not bothering me ever again. It’s alright if you changed your mind. It’s not like you’re the first to ever give up. Your’e the 18th, remember? These things, I’m used to it.” I said. Well, yeah. I don’t even want to like anyone ever again.

“If you’ll just listen to me—“ he started saying. I smiled.

“It won’t change a thing. The fact that you did those things even after what happened before that; to me you are someone who is easily swayed.” I went to him and touched his face. My lips near his. “My breath is the last time you will ever feel from me. Those kisses, though warm, I will throw all those memories away. The minute you succumbed to your desires for her, I decided I won’t give myself to the likes of you. Horrible bastard!” I said those words out of anger. I pushed him away. “Ciao! Take care of Ai! She seems rather cute.”

I turned away. He grabbed my hand. He kissed me hard. It felt like my lips will be bruised. I hated it! I tried to free myself from his grasp but his grip was strong I couldn’t break free.

It was but a second when I finally got separated from him. Eri-kun has pushed him aside, embracing me. I clung to him. I felt distaste at what Takeshima did. I will never forgive him for doing that. Who am I? Just to be freely kissed by him. Does my existence for him serve only that purpose? For kissing? I fought back tears.

“You! How dare you force yourself on her in my presence?!” Eri-kun yelled. His heartbeat was fast. “Don’t even try doing that to her again!”

“What the hell! Who are you to talk that way? A by-stander like you should just watch.” Takeshima retorted.

Fury welled up inside me. I gritted my teeth. “Hateful.”

“I don’t have time for this. Mizuki-chan, please get inside the car.” Eri-kun said, his palms on my cheeks.

“Okay.” I said. He led me to the car as Chou opened the door for me. I got inside.

“Oi! What the hell! Who are you? Why are you interfering?” Takeshima shouted. Eri-kun slammed the car door.

“You’ll find out soon enough.” He said, getting inside his car.

We left.