Falling


“Love is just love, it can never be explained.”


It was that time of year again with love (or bitterness depends on how you look at it) in the air. Yes, St. Valentine’s Day was near. It was a week until that holiday where girls and women alike would give gifts to the special men in their lives. However, it was also a time profit for sweet and cake shops. Valentine’s Day was most likely the busiest time of year (right next to Christmas). Busy meaning stores jam packed with females ordering something sweet for their sweetheart (and male friends) to make before hand and picked up on Valentine’s Day. That was especially true for Chronos’ Sweets and Cakes Shop, a small business that had funds from the ever famous and rich Atobe family.

So that is one of the reasons why Atobe Keigo, future leader and only son of the Atobe name, finds himself at this quaint shop on a Sunday that could have been for tennis or some reading. Keigo was with his father, Atobe Sr. He was with his father to visit the shop to see how it was doing. They had to push their way through the crowd of females to get to the front counter.

“Atobe-sama, I’ll be with you in moment,” said the girl working at the counter. She has medium blonde hair and green eyes. She wore the uniform of a Fudomine student with an apron that said the name of the shop on it. Atobe Sr. nodded his head and waited for the girl to take all the orders and money. Eventually the store was empty except for the two Atobes and the girl.

“ -san,” said Atobe Sr. “You are running this place quite well. Where’s your sister?”

“She’s in the kitchen working on some orders for our regular customers,” said .

“Oh this is my son Keigo,” said his father, introducing him to the girl.

“Ore-sama is pleased to meet you,” said Atobe, sticking out his hand for her to shake. She shook his hand.

“I’m , the manager here,” said .

“I see that,” said Atobe.

“’Nee-chan, I didn’t know Atobe-sama was coming today,” said a girl coming out from the kitchen. This girl has brown hair and eyes.

“That’s my younger sister ,” said .

“I see you two attend Fudomine,” said Atobe, recalling the member of the Fudomine tennis team, especially Tachibana.

“Don’t be rude,” said his father.

“Yes we attend Fudomine High,” said , with a glare.

“High? You both look too short to be in high school,” said Atobe, stating the obvious. That resulted in both older girls glaring at him.

“Keigo, go sit down while I’ll talk with them,” said Atobe Sr. Keigo shrugged and found a chair. He watched his father talk with the girls. Atobe really didn’t want to spend his time here.

“Keigo, don’t you think that is a good idea,” said his father. Atobe had no idea what they were talking about so he just agreed with him.

“Sure,” said Keigo.

“Really? You wouldn’t be too busy to help then Atobe-san,” said .

“Help,” asked Keigo, puzzled.

“Son, I ask you if you wouldn’t mind helping them out here at the shop for this week. It is terribly busy for just the two of them to handle right now,” said his father, with a look that said he better help the two older girls out.

“Ore-sama will help as long as it doesn’t interfere with tennis practice,” said Keigo.

“You have no school practice anymore for this year remember. It’s winter time,” said Atobe Sr.

“Ore-sama knows this, but Ore-sama and his teammates still play tennis despite not having any school practice. Ore-sama will inform my teammates that they will not be graced by Ore-sama for a week after school,” said Atobe. He didn’t see Atobe Sr. twitch every time he referred to himself as ‘Ore-sama.’

“Well, Atobe-san,” said , with a grin. “You can come by tomorrow at 4 pm. I have to tutor some kids but I’m sure wouldn’t mind showing you the ropes, until I show up at 4:15.” Atobe looked at the girl, who had a smirk on her face. Oh how Keigo was going to regret this decision tomorrow.

The following day, Atobe had avoided his teammates for fear of them finding out that he was actually working at a commoner’s place. He was Atobe Keigo; he was not supposed to work for some small shop. He was supposed to have people work for him. had greeted him with an apron that was pink.

“Ore-sama refuses to wear this,” said Atobe.

“It’s the last one we have,” snapped . “Hurry up, because I have to start working on some of the cakes soon.” Atobe glared at her, but put the pink apron on. He wore royal purple not pink.

“So, what do I have to do,” asked Atobe.

“For now sweep, until Nee-chan shows up. She’ll teach you how to use the cash register and take orders,” said . She handed him a broom. “ -nee-chan should be here in a few minutes.”

“Sweep,” asked Atobe, incredulously.

“Yeah, have fun pretty boy,” said , going into the kitchen. Luckily for Atobe no one came in. When showed up a while later, she began teaching him how to use a cash register.

“Okay, this is one of the old ones. So you have to type the prices in and if you mess up you have to start all over again,” said . “The lists of prices are right here.” She showed him a piece of paper. She showed him how to use the register, but she acted as if she was talking to a child.

“Ore-sama does not like the way you speak to me,” said Atobe, voice got louder.

“Oh, sorry,” said , like she really didn’t care. “Anyway you get it right? I have to help in the back or we’ll never get all the orders filled.”

“Ore-sama understands,” said Atobe. Let’s just hope no one he knows comes to this shop. Girls came in and out of the shop ordering these big fancy things. Atobe could not wait to go home.

“Well, thanks for your help today Atobe-san,” said . “You can go home now.”

“Oh good evening then,” said Atobe, taking off that horrid pink apron and leaving the shop.

Three days past and nothing when wrong happened. No one Atobe knew came to the shop. Atobe was actually getting along with and , more though. was a little spit fire at the dangerous age of sixteen, while is more calm, reserved at seventeen.

“You speak German, interesting,” commented Atobe. The two of them mostly talked about what they liked to learn or know already.

“My father is half German,” said . “My mother is the one who created the idea for the shop.”

“I see,” said Atobe. “And she’s in the hospital correct?”

“Yeah, so it’s and my responsibility to care for the shop until she gets better,” said . The door opened and in stepped his two teammates Jiroh and Gakuto. Atobe cursed the heaven above.

“ -chan,” said Jiroh, who was energetic when not sleeping. “Do you have my order?”

“And mine,” said Gakuto.

“Oh hey Jiroh-kun, Gakuto-kun,” said . “I think just finished them. I’ll go get them for you.” went in the back leaving Jiroh and Gakuto to finally realize that their buchou, Atobe Keigo, was working there and wearing a pink apron.

“Atobe, what the hell are you doing here,” asked Gakuto.

“Ore-sama does not have to answer,” said Atobe, glaring at the two of them.

“Ohhh, I got to tell Oshitari and the rest of the team for sure,” said Jiroh.

“It’s a favor. This is one of Ore-sama’s father’s sponsored shops,” said Atobe.

“Here you go,” said , carrying two boxes, coming out of the back.

“Thank you,” said Jiroh and Gakuto.

“See you tomorrow Atobe,” said Jiroh, with a grin on his face. Atobe resisted the urge to groan.

“So, you know Jiroh-kun and Gakuto-kun,” said . “I should have guessed since you all go to the same school.”

“They are on the tennis team with me,” said Atobe.

“You’re embarrassed,” teased the seventeen-year old.

“What are you talking about?”

“Those are your teammate’s right? They look up to you and you are Atobe Keigo. You are supposed to be the one to make people work for you, not work for someone else,” said .

“NEE-CHAN WE RAN OUT OF FLOUR,” yelled .

“Oh no,” said , running into the back. Atobe followed.

“We need more flour,” said .

“Alright we will have to order some more,” said .

“It’ll arrive tomorrow. I need it now,” said . “Or I can finish all these orders in time for Valentine’s Day.”

“Okay, okay,” said . “Let’s think.”

“Ore-sama will call someone to get the flour you need for today and order enough for what you need for the following days,” said Atobe.

“Are you sure about this? We can’t really ask anymore of you or your family,” said .

“Many people are looking forward to your treats and it would be bad to make the customers unhappy a~n,” said Atobe, taking pity on the girls but of course not showing it as not to make them feel bad. He dialed the number on one of his cell phones and ordered the flour to be brought there soon.

“You’re right,” said . “Thank you Atobe-san.” She smiled at him, sweetly.

“Ore-sama is happy to help,” said Atobe, with an oncoming need to blush. “Ore-sama will go man the register.” He walked somewhat fast to the front of the store. What was that? Ore-sama never blushes when praised or thanked. Maybe it was the smile. But girls all the time smile at Ore-sama so why would now be different?

“Oi, Atobe-san,” said , poking him in the stomach. “Don’t space out. It looks unbecoming of you.”

“Ore-sama was not spacing out,” said Atobe. “And don’t poke me.”

“Sure, sure,” said . “When’s the flour coming?”

“In due time,” said Atobe. shrugged, he was weird.

It was the following day, when Atobe realized something important. He had a crush on . He had no idea where he came up with this and he was determined to make it go away.

“Atobe-san we need you to carry some things to the front,” commanded , as soon as he walked in the door.

“Eh? As you wish,” replied Atobe, going in the back. dumped two big boxes into his arms.

“Hurry, man. This is for Marui-kun,” said . “He’s out second best customer.” Atobe recalled the tensai of Rikkai Dai and remembered how he needed to eat lots of sweets.

“Yo, -chan. You have my order,” said Marui Bunta of Rikkai Dai. “Wah Atobe you work here? Unbelievable, wait until I tell the others.” He paid for his sweets and left laughing. Oh dear Kami-sama, the news that Atobe Keigo is working for some sweet shop will be all over tomorrow.

“It’s not so bad,” commented .

“Huh? What are you talking about,” asked Atobe.

“Oh, nothing,” said . “I’m just thinking out loud again.”

“Geez, Chronos I didn’t know you did that all the time,” said a male voice coming into the shop, followed by a girl.

“Hey, -chan,” said the girl.

“What’s up Amaya-san,” replied , ignoring the guy.

“Chronos, I need help with my homework. Give me yours,” said the guy.

“Don’t be rude, love,” said Amaya. “I need my order.”

“Sure thing,” said , “Atobe-san would you tell to get out order twenty-one ready?” Atobe nodded and walked into the back. He told , who merely scowled.

“Ore-sama is curious to why you scowl,” asked Atobe.

“The girl I can stand, but that Seth guy pisses me off the way he treats my sister,” hissed .

“Eh,” asked Atobe.

“He treats her like she’s some walking answer guide just because she’s smart,” said . “Here’s the order.” She handed Atobe the package. Atobe walked back to the front to give the order, only to find and that boy---Seth---- arguing. Amaya simply watched in amusement.

“Come on, don’t be a stickler,” complained the guy.

“Do you own damn work for once,” hissed . Yep that confirmed that and were related (both had horrible tempers) for Atobe.

“But it’s easier to get it from a smart person,” said Seth. Atobe was now getting annoyed with him.

“Ore-sama wishes to know why you must annoy -san over such a trivial matter. She has work to do,” said Atobe.

“Hey who are you,” asked the guy, getting angry.

“Don’t be mean to him. That’s Atobe Keigo,” said Amaya, realizing who he was. “Why are you working here?”

“Frankly,” said Atobe, typing in the price of the package on the cashier, “It’s none of your business.” Amaya just shrugged. “You have your package Amaya-san so Ore-sama suggests that you two leave.”

“That might be best,” said , glaring at Seth. The two of them left, all was peaceful for about two seconds. “What the hell?” That statement directed at Atobe.

“Ore-sama wants to know why you are so mad at Ore-sama,” said Atobe, confused.

“I don’t care if you are rude to that guy, but be nice to Amaya-san. She’s my friend,” said . “And don’t go trying to help me with my arguments with that guy. OKAY?” As she put the emphasis on that last word, came out to save Atobe from ’s wrath.

“Oi, Atobe-san go and clean the bathroom,” said . “It hasn’t been cleaned in a while.” Did the author save to Atobe’s rescue? It’s more like helping with his demise. Atobe twitched internally. (He would never twitch on the outside). Those girls will be the death of him, maybe someday. Two more days until Valentines Day…

“Atobe now this is the night before Valentine’s Day. I must warn you people who waited to the last minute will be rushing in and the crowds get big like the day you showed up,” explained . “So be prepared.” Atobe nodded. How hard could this be? Thought Atobe. Yeah, he should have never thought that. It was bad enough that it was all females coming in, but some of them were in his fan club and nearly went crazy for seeing him. Luckily for him, they had listened to when she told them to hurry so Atobe wouldn’t see their gifts for him.

“Okay, you just need to come in tomorrow for about an hour in the morning,” said .

“What time,” asked Atobe.

“Four in the morning,” said .

“Ore-sama will be there,” said Atobe. He better get home early to get some more sleep then. The following day, Atobe was there earlier than 4. Even then there was a line of females waiting for the shop to open. Atobe had to push his way through the crowd and some crazy fans.

“Good you are here,” said . “Beware is not a morning person.”

“Let’s go Atobe-san. You need to be at the register. in the back now,” ordered . Yeah, not a morning person. Atobe figured he better do what she said and not complain. He just hoped this would not make him late for school. As soon as put up the OPEN sign, a mad rush of women and girls ran in. He was going to have a headache by the end of the morning.

It was now seven in the morning and he had to get to school in a half hour. Luckily he told his driver to pick him up around this time. So as the last of the ladies bought their items and closed up shop, it was time for him to leave.

“Ah, Atobe-san. Before you go,” said . “ and I have something to give.”

“Ore-sama will wait,” said Atobe, curious to what the two shop girls would give him.

“It’s a Valentine’s gift. One from each of us. made hers, and I made mine. Even though you’ll get so many at school, we figured that you wouldn’t mind gifts for us. Oh and don’t worry about White Day. Think of it as more of a thank you for helping this past week,” said , shoving two boxes of candy into the rich brat’s hands.

“Arigato,” said Atobe. “I must go to school.”

“Bye, Atobe-san,” said , grinning. “Come by anytime you want! Right nee-chan?”

“But of course,” said , absentmindedly. Atobe then left the petite shop and went to school. In his limo, the driver went off. He looked at the candy given to him by the two high school girls, more specifically of ’s. Despite that it was just a gift, it made Atobe feel happy. Most girls would buy the most expensive chocolate and roses they could get their hands on, but (and ) made this chocolate from scratch for him.

“Atobe would you get out of your limo,” shouted the familiar voice of Shishido. “Your fans are making a big ruckus and pissing off the teachers.” Atobe snapped out of his thoughts and stepped out of the limo. But just before he put the chocolate he received earlier in his bag. And he made a decision.

“Ore-sama is thrilled that so many of you wish to give Ore-sama chocolate, but this year I will accepted no chocolate this year,” said Atobe, with his loud, proud voice. He could hear all the girls start crying or whining. Shishido rolled his eyes at Atobe; the guy never changed.

At lunchtime, Oshitari ever wanting to get involved with Atobe’s life and make him miserable and wondering why he just waved off his fans this morning. Something must have happened. He didn’t act like that since the Nationals.

“Okay, Atobe spill,” said Oshitari. “What’s up with you?”

“Ore-sama has no idea what you are talking about,” said Atobe, with a glare telling him to back off.

“Oh something good must have happened,” said Oshitari. “Eh, Gakuto didn’t you say that you and Jiroh saw Atobe at that sweet shop you like to go to, working under two high school girls?”

“Yeah, I did. There -chan and -chan. They go to Fudomine’s high school,” said Gakuto. “They are real nice and sweet!” Atobe glared at Gakuto.

“What? That means Atobe here has a crush on one of them,” said Shishido.

“Oooo, I was just about to say that,” said the Kansai boy. “So which one?”

“Ore-sama wonders why he evens bothers being near you people,” said Atobe. “Ore-sama will not answer you.”

“Then you wouldn’t mind if I asked out -chan,” said Jiroh, waking up with his boundless energy. “I don’t think she’ll say yes, but it never hurts to try.” Jiroh was so baiting Atobe. And Atobe took the bait.

“Do not even think that again you hear me Jiroh,” snapped Atobe. Shishido, Oshitari, Gakuto, and Jiroh all grinned evilly. Atobe internally cursed.

“Atobe likes -chan,” said Jiroh, with a laugh.

“Interesting. I wonder how a certain Seigaku member would think about you,” said Oshitari with a grin. He was about ready to take out his cell phone and call Fuji, who would most definitely tell the rest of the team and that means Tezuka. And we all know how much Atobe loves his rivalry with Tezuka.

“Oshitari you dial that number and I will hurt you,” said Atobe with a growl. Good Kami-sama they are out to get me I swear. After that his friends backed off. A mad Atobe was not good. Later in class, Atobe’s mind began to wander. is older than me, so I’m sure that she wouldn’t want to be with some younger than her, even if it is me. Now, what I’m I going to do about White Day? said not to bother, but it’s how I was raised. Plus my father will not pleased if I am rude to the people of his favorite shop.

About a month later, Atobe could not even make it to their shop. He felt bad, a little bit. But his father was giving him more responsibilities and teaching him about the business. And he was sure they probably were busy with school and all, because Fudomine had a big festival recently. He heard from Oshitari, who heard it from Fuji, who got it from Tachibana Kippei. Oshitari thought he would be interested in going, but of course Atobe didn’t. Right now Atobe was walking, yes you read that right, because on the way to that sweet shop was Seigaku. He wanted to see if they were practicing or something. It’s actually really just to see if Tezuka was around.

“Well if it isn’t the Monkey King,” said the cocky voice of Ryoma. “What are you doing around here alone and not being driven around?” He was drinking a Ponta, looking about ready to leave.

“Ah, Echizen. You are the same as ever,” said Atobe, not wanted to speak to the little ‘Prince’.

“Aa.”

“Echizen don’t be rude,” said the commanding voice of Tezuka, walking up to the two.

“Tezuka,” said Atobe.

“Atobe, what are you doing here,” asked Tezuka. He gave little Echizen a look that said leave now. He, Tezuka, knew exactly why Atobe is here. Fuji told him, who got it from Oshitari. Fuji and Oshitari need lives desperately. (In Tezuka’s opinion, they should just let Atobe do what he wants. It’s his life).

“I was walking to somewhere,” said Atobe.

“Hm.”

“I take it you know.”

“Tensai have nothing better to do.”

“So true.”

“You want my advice, right? Do what you think. Just don’t be careless. If you like her tell her. And if she rejects you, then so be it. You’ll just have to get over it,” said Tezuka, saying way more than he normally does. He walked away from Atobe.

Atobe Keigo knew what he had to do now. He walked away from Seigaku in the direction he wanted to go.

“Tezuka that was good advice,” said Fuji. Tezuka just glared at Fuji. “You should write an advice column.”

“Be quiet.”

“Sure.”

Atobe reached his destination and he entered. looked up from the book she was reading. Low and behold it was Atobe Keigo. She smiled at him.

“Thought you got scared to come back or something,” smiled . “Oi, , guess whose here.” poked her head out of the kitchen.

“Humph, took you long enough,” grumbled . Atobe raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t mind her,” said . “She’s just mad that she has fangirls!”

“Bite me, nee-chan,” said .

“Ore-sama sees,” said Atobe. “Here -san, your White Day gift.”

“Che, you didn’t have to but I’m always ready to accept free stuff,” said , taking her gift and going back in the kitchen. “THANKS!”

“Ore-sama sees that like free things,” said Atobe, amused.

“Yesh,” said . “So you got me a gift didn’t you?”

“Yes,” said Atobe. “But if you don’t want it…”

“I’ll take it. You are very sweet,” said , taking the gift. She would open it later. “But you know Jiroh-kun and Gakuto-kun came in an hour before you and they told me something interesting.” Oh Kami-sama those didn’t do what I think they did! Thought Atobe, angrily.

“What would that be,” asked Atobe.

“They said that Atobe had a crush on me,” said . “But I told them that why would he like me? So are you going to tell me that they were right or I was right?”

I will kill them. “Uh, well…” I’m stuttering. I sound so stupid.

“So they were telling the truth,” said , with a smile.

“Yea,” Atobe sighed, defeated. Not how he wanted to do this…

“You are cute, rich, popular, smart not mention that you have a big ego and other things,” said . “Why would you like me, hmm?”

“Does Ore-sama have to answer,” asked Atobe.

“Not if you don’t want to,” said .

“Then Ore-sama will not answer,” said Atobe.

“Okay,” said , walking over to Atobe. “You are taller than me.” That was stating the obvious.

“Yes and?”

“Nothing, talking out loud again,” said , smiling. “Hey Atobe-san! Thank you for the gift.” Then she kissed him on the cheek. This time Atobe blushed. “Ne, you are so cute!”

“Nee-chan would you knock it off and tell him,” said , who was eavesdropping.

“I’m going to college in April…to Cambridge in England. Your father helped me get the scholarship and paid for some other things,” said . “I probably won’t be in Japan for the next four years, except for holidays. So when I come back and you still like me, I’ll be your girlfriend. I just can’t now.”

“Ore-sama understands,” said Atobe. “Then I will wait.”

“Sure you will,” said . He did not know if she was being sarcastic or not. After that, Marui Bunta barged in the shop.

“OH hey, I need to talk to ,” said Marui, hyper. Atobe and sweat dropped. came out.

“What,” said .

“I like you! Be my girlfriend,” said Marui. stared at him.

“First it’s Atobe-san, then you coming,” grumbled on and on. Bunta and Atobe looked confused.

“She means yes, Marui-kun,” said .

“NEE-CHAN!”

“What? You always love having Marui-kun around,” said , with a grin. stalked off in the back while Bunta got to let him go in the back.

“That was weird,” said Atobe.

“Very, so any who I’ll see you around Atobe-kun,” said . “I’m sure you have to go.”

“Yes, Ore-sama must go see Ore-sama’s father,” said Atobe, before he left he kissed on the head and left the girl with a blush on her face.

Four years later you can guess what happens.



-CrazyGirlOfManyNames © 03.25.2007