Confessions


Glittering sunlight bounces like sparkling drops in Kikumaru's lively violet eyes. One rather hot Saturday. And he's sweating furiously.
'Aren't you feeling kinda hot, ha ?'

She glances at his direction and shakes her head. Kikumaru shifts his eyes to another direction, leaving her free to access every angle of his face. They are best of friends. Treats each other as family. And trusting each other like comrades. But she loves him. But he always goofs off. Rarely serious about other things. And he's unaware of her fond feelings. That very truth hurts her.

'Nyah, you girls love tracking down memory lane am I right?'

blushed furiously seeing his cute face staring back at her while doing her very best to avoid his eyes.

'And what could you possibly know about girls, ha Eiji?'

From her back, Kikumaru encircles her in a gentle embrace. The warm air from his breathing fans her nape, sending little shivers down her spine. He sensed it too but pretends that he didn't. He loves her scent, even on hot days like this.

'Aren't you through yet? We're suppose to meet Fuji and Ryoma today.'

He let go of her and rest an arm around her shoulder. He noticed how she became even more pretty since the last time he saw. Which is actually only two days ago. He finds something very attracting about her. She is a bit tomboyish, for a girl. He can't say he doesn't like it. Funny thing about it is it attracts him in return. Her rare, infectious smiles whenever he shares a joke or two with her whenever they find the time to spend it alone, with no single interruptions from anyone. All this attraction seems to be so foreign to him. The loud thud in his chest whenever she is around. The warm feeling on his cheeks whenever she do all the things they used to do when they were a lot younger. Most of all, the rising of anger in his mind whenever she was on a date with Shishido of Hyoutei.

'Hello, earth calling Kikumaru Eiji!'

'Nyah, gomen! I was thinking of something.'

'And to think you just said that we, girls love tracking down memory lane.'

Out of gesture, he ruffled her hair and walks ahead. who is irritated at that kind of gesture runs fast and rides like a child on his back. He was caught in surprise as her well built body rubs gently against his back. He blushed and puts her down without even looking at her.

'Oi, is there something wrong Eiji? You're not seem to be you usual bouncy self today. What's wrong?'

You, you're my problem.

'Nothing. Come on slow poke! We'll be late!'

'Hey watch your words! I'm not a slowpoke!'

'You are if you don't catch up!'

'Not fair!'

She runs up to him, embracing his right arm. He knows that after meeting their friends, she will go for a date. With that Shishido. It makes him quite jealous. For a reason he thinks he knows why. He used to make fun of others. So that's why he is very careful of not letting anyone know of this rather unexplainable feeling. Especially Momoshiro and Fuji. Loudmouth paired with a keen observation.

She let out a sigh. She is not really dating Shishido Ryou of Hyoutei, as they accused her of doing so. He is her ice skating partner, thus those meetings justifies nothing romantic...as they claimed it is. If they're not only her close friends, she might think that they are all nothing but jealous suitors. Especially Fuji and Kikumaru. Funny though, she's having fun seeing them like that. Knowing that she owns most of their attentions. Even Tezuka's. Most of all, Kikumaru.

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After a brief exchange of greetings, disappeared before their eyes. Kikumaru was left looking somewhat dreadful and sad. Fuji, being the keen observer he is, noticed his best friend's gloomy face. Except for Ryoma who has nothing in mind but to get his self a can of Ponta or two...so like he always does, he excused his self to get something to drink...and to pave his boredom away. And with this opportunity, Fuji engage his self in a mode where he would squeeze every little detail out from Kikumaru. While Kikumaru knows that kind of look in Fuji's face and could only swallow a lump on his throat. Of course, this made the tensai smile.

'Would you stop giving me that kind of look Fuji? You are scaring the hell out of me.'

'Then tell me, are you jealous of that guy our is dating?'

Fuji has always been like this. Frank and straight to the point. He holds every word like a torture. Badly enough, Kikumaru is not really that good when hiding something from the likes of Seigaku's tensai.

'Nyah~! What are you saying? I am not jealous! Absolutely not! Especially not of that Shishido!'

'You sound defensive Eiji.'

'I am not!'

The tensai only gave him a knowing nod and takes a drink from his cup of tea. Kikumaru pouts unintentionally.

'Will you stop that Fuji? Its unnerving.'

'Then start confessing Eiji, its that easy.'

'But what am I going to confess?'

'You know what I mean.'

'You love this torture do you?'

'Of course, its my speciality and forte.'

They were interrupted by Ryoma's sudden appearance, of course with a can of Ponta in his hand. Kikumaru let out a sigh and snaps silently at Fuji who is obviously has a plan running inside his undetectable mind.

'Hey Echizen, do you know whose the guy your cousin is dating now?'

Kikumaru almost feel like dying when Fuji asked Ryoma very straight to the point. His jaw feels like having a super glue pasted all over it.

'No clue.'

'Are you sure?'

'Of course.'

'It seems I have to squeeze the details out from you Eiji.'

'Stop that. You'll get nothing!'

He spats defensively. Fuji involuntarily laughed with Ryoma staring at him like he is an idiot running naked.

'Nyah! Stop it already Fuji!'

Now he is hissing whispers.

'You're in love with nee-chan, Kikumaru-sempai?'

Ryoma asked innocently. That one, simple question left Fuji giggling like a ten year old girl and him ready to run as fast and as far as he could.

'H-how could you say that O'Chibi?'

'You're blushing.'
The young prodigy flatly points at his flushed face. This is more worse than he had imagine. Worse than the scenario he had expected. Luckily, Inui is not here to scribble down this latest gossip about him and their . They would definitely tease him to death.

'You see Eiji? Even our little prodigy is aware of the obvious details. So spill it out.'

'You really love torturing people ne?'

'Just like what I said, it is my speciality.'

'You'll see! One day they'll gonna see how bad you really are Fuji!'

Fuji only smile, pointing a finger on the chair for him to sit down, to start the confession. He gave up with the most defeated face he has in his life.

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Afternoon came and was finally reunited with him. The three of them agreed to walk her home to her apartment...with Fuji smiling knowingly at Kikumaru who is secretly throwing glances at who is walking ahead with Ryoma.

'Don't worry Eiji. Echizen is not like Momo who always spills every details.'

'Who says I'm worried?'

'You are blushing.'

'Will you stop it already?'

Fuji just shrugs his shoulder and shifts his eyes into the pair walking ahead of them. She is their . Every member likes actually. She is like an older sister, like Oishi's being mother. There are always people who speculates that she is either Tezuka's someone or Fuji's or Oishi's or Inui's. She, in return would shrug it off like it doesn't matter. More like of what Echizen would always do. Indeed, they are kindred.

' -chan, why are you living alone in an apartment?'

She turns around, smiling at Fuji. And that made Kikumaru's heart skip a mile leap, his cheeks painted with a million shades of red and pink.

'A whim Fuji-kun.'

'So you wouldn't mind if I'll have a sleepover sometime?'

Both Kikumaru and Ryoma threw a dagger look towards the smiling tensai. Of course, he ignored it all the same.

'Sure, its no biggie for me Fuji-kun. At least, I could have someone to stay with me sometimes.'

'But why should you Fuji? You have your own room ne?'

Kikumaru barges in, making both Ryoma and glance at him with surprise. Fuji's phone suddenly rings, leaving Kikumaru explaining sky high about his recent reaction. After the conversation, Fuji placed a hand at Ryoma's shoulder and smiles at the two.

'We have to go -chan.'

'But we are going to walk her home Fuji-sempai.'

Fuji's fingers digs lightly at Ryoma's shoulder, implying that he shouldn't argue. The young prodigy shut his mouth off and play along to whatever his sempai has in mind. As long it doesn't harm his cousin. His very own . Then there would be no argument to start with.

'We'll leave Eiji to you. Kick him when he do something nasty.'

'Nyah! Will you stop that?'

and Fuji exchanged laughs at the frustrated Kikumaru. As they waved goodbye, Ryoma glared at Fuji who is has the same as always smile on his pretty face.

'Don't worry, this is the right time he confess.'

'...'

'Come on, don't tell me your jealous of Eiji?'

'Am I giving you that impression?'

'Obviously, yes.'

'Will you stop that already?'

Ryoma walks ahead leaving Fuji behind with a grin of satisfaction. He himself is having this eccentric admiration towards their . She has this pretty fingers he always prefer about a girl. And she can stand his torturing how ever hard it is. Now that Kikumaru is about to confess, he couldn't help but to feel a bit protective...just like what Ryoma is currently hiding. To any boys, even if it is his own best friend.

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On their way back, Kikumaru gave the usual piggy back he gives her since they were little. She didn't decline and climbed gently on his back.

'How many times do you eat in a day?'

'Three times a day...what do you suppose to mean by that?'

Her arms slowly tightens around his neck that sends him chuckling very hard.

'Man, you're heavy! I could break my back if you are my load. Thinking that you are not practically this heavy the last time I gave you a piggy back.'

She gave his shoulder a slap and hugs him even more tighter on the neck.

'That was about ages ago silly. Of course I became heavier its because I grew up!'

'Really? But monsters don't grow up right?

'Zip it Eiji!'

Kikumaru lost his balance and land the both of them at the sidewalk floor. Luckily, he manages to land on his back with atop of him. They both blushed seeing their position. Both of them quickly stood up. Awkwardness follows until they reached her apartment. While trying to put her keys in, Kikumaru is staring at her back, enjoying hearing her cursing aloud.

'You're not planning of breaking that poor door down ne ?'

'I am about to. But I suddenly remember that I got the wrong keys this morning. Worst, my landlord won't be back until tomorrow.'

'Why didn't you tell O'Chibi about it?'

She frustratedly let out a sigh and tuck a hair behind her left ear. Kikumaru is tempted to do it but pulled his hand away rapidly.

'And what? I am not in the mood to argue with Nanoji jii-san and end up kicking him. He will obviously crack my nerves out.'

'So, what are you planning now?'

Her hand suddenly lunges inside her bag and pulled out her mobile. He knows what she's going to do and immediately snatched the thing away from her hand.

'What are you doing Eiji?'

'You're going to call Fuji?'

'Yeah, maybe he could let me sleep there for awhile until my landlord comes back.'

Now is the right time Eiji!

His knuckles almost turned pale as his grip on her mobile tightened.
'You can sleep at my place tonight.'

'Are you sure?'

'Kibun desu. Don't you want to?'

'Well, nope. Its great. At least I wouldn't bother Fuji-kun anymore.'

Kikumaru picked up her bag as she followed him without a word. But where would he let her sleep? They couldn't possibly share one bed, right? He couldn't even let her sleep on the floor...but he couldn't sleep there either. It would be too much of a burden if he'll ask his sisters, they'll just tease him. Not even his brothers. They'll just do the same. Nope, not the couch. He wouldn't let their sleep in the couch. If they found out, they'll definitely kill him in an instant. And Fuji would have that torture of his. While he is busy thinking of where to let her sleep, smiles, slowly finding out what confusing the boy ahead of her.

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At the Kikumaru residence.
'Wow, Eiji-chan! You finally brought your girlfriend home with you.'
He spun a dagger look at his eldest sister who laughs back. only blushed being acknowledge as Kikumaru's girlfriend. Outside is different from his family. Here she is, dining with his family. Its like she's doing this for an important ocassion. Like it is a date. Only, with his family around. Kikumaru would only shoot an apologetic glance at her while his siblings are busy interrogating her. She doesn't mind really. Fuji's and Tezuka's interrogations are more dreaded to be compared to this one. This is more light.

After the dinner, they both help out with the dishes. Kikumaru kaa-san is very grateful and even gave her tips on how to make her youngest very happy. Kikumaru growled that made his mother laugh hard. After finishing the dishes, they head straight to his room. She wander her eyes around to see the exact picture of Kikumaru's exurbance. She smiles seeing his large teddy bear. Very childlike of her Eiji.

'You'll sleep on the bed. I'll sleep on the floor.'

'But you're not used on sleeping on the floor, ne Eiji?'

'Well, yeah. But you go sleep on the bed, I'll be fine.'

sat on the floor, facing him with the exasparated smug on her face.

'Why the awkward? We are best of friends Eiji, sharing a bed would not be a major issue ne?'

Kikumaru's face blushes furiously. He suddenly stood on his feet, leaving her following him with a stare. Of course, it is a big issue. Sleeping together in one bed is a big, major issue. How come she is so calm about it? Is it because she already slept in one bed with Fuji?

'There's a load of clothes you can wear for tonight. I'll be outside for awhile.'

'Your thinking why am I so calm about this sleeping matter?'

'Since when did you inherit Fuji's ability to read minds?'

'Just now, since you're so obvious about it.'

He spun on his heel and faced her with an embarrassing smile. A finger scratch on his face, hiding the embarrassment under his cheery grin. She couldn't help but to let out a cute giggle. Clutching her tummy in no end.

'Its alright. No worries, I won't rape you, I'm a good girl you know.'

'Nyah! I didn't mean that way ..its just...'

Kikumaru was cut off when gently brushes his cheek with her lips. He stood stiff, still reeling on what's happening between the two of them. When done, she only remain standing infront of him like a little girl posing an innocent face after doing something naughty. Then she stifles a yawn and rubs her eyes involuntarily. He was cut off his trance when she sat down on the floor, half sleepy.

' ?'

'Hn?'

'I'm in love with you...'

She only nods and shuts her eyes in exhaustion. Her head fell on the bed, leaving a picture of a sleeping amazon in her most tranquil state. Kikumaru smiles, seeing their for the first time in her most unguarded moment. He nervously brushed a hair away from her face and gazed at her pretty face with such cautiousness.

'Eiji...'

She's talking in her sleep...

'Ne ...'

'You said, you're in love with me...is it true? Or am I just dreaming?'

He planted a butterfly kiss on her hair and lifts her up to the bed. Carefully placing her on the soft bed.

'Of course I am. Seriously.'

'I don't believe you...you only love tennis...and Daigoro...and your favorite toothbrush and your favorite toothpaste...'

Kikumaru forced his self not to laugh as he placed the blanket over her.

'No, of course I am serious about you too...and I'm jealous whenever you go out on a date with that Shishido...'

A smile plastered on her lips, making his heart skip another mile leap.

'Because you are an insensitive idiot Eiji...'

Nyah! Me, insensitive? Not you too!

Then she fell deep in slumber. He took a sit on the floor and kept his eyes fixed on her sleeping face. He knows he has been so secretly jealous about her number of dates with that dude from Hyoutei. And to other possible hopefuls she might have kept to herself. He can't slightly take it. He could no longer goof it off like he always do. Maybe he shouldn't.

His phone suddenly vibrates on the table. He took a peek on it and the caller ID says 'Fuji'. He then gaze at the clock. Nine o'clock. He picked it up with a sigh.

'Ne Fuji.'

Is with you?

'Hai, she got the wrong key this morning and her landlord will not be back until tomorrow.'

She's sleeping with you?

'Hai, can't let her sleep in other places. Where are you?'

Home, watching TV. So, any progress?

'I got a fifty percent chance that even though she was almost sleepy, she heard me when I told her that I'm in love to her.'

Starting to sound like Inui.

'Anyways, erh Fuji...'

What is it Eiji?

'...did, you sleep with...her, I mean with in, one bed before?'

An irritating chuckle responds at the other line. His brows furrows hearing Fuji's torturing laughters.

And what in heavens made you ask that kind of question?

'Can you just answer me Fuji?'

No, I didn't...even though I am tempted to.

Fuji answered with an imaginable smirk. While Kikumaru let out a sigh of relief, making the person on the other line laugh with that same torturing voice of his. The conversation ends soon. He lay down at Daigoro's lap and closed his eyes. Tomorrow is a new day.

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'Ohayou ne Eiji! Wake up you sleepy head!'

He lazily opens his eyes, seeing her face in a blur. He sleepily swings his arms around her, pulling her on top of him.

'Don't wake me up this early Daigoro. Its Sunday, don't torture me like Fuji ne?'

who clearly remembers everything that happen the night before has a very brilliant idea on her mind.

'Ne Daigoro...I didn't know you went on a diet plan, you tone down.'

Sensing that he is still half asleep, she starts to plant light butterfly kisses on his cheeks, painting a set of frowns from him. She stifle a giggle to see his brows arching.

'Will you stop that Daigoro?'

She just continue giving him nippets on the cheeks then she softly rubs her nose against his. He frowns even more, slightly unabling her to stifle her giggles anymore. He sets her beside him, with his arms still around her waist. Her nippets and pecks continues, leaving him still half asleep.

'Wake up my Eiji...'

'Five minutes Daigoro...just give me another five minutes...'

'Wake up my Eiji...'

He opened his eyes half awake, seeing a girl's face staring back at him, giggling. When his senses come through in a full blast, he blushes seeing not Daigoro, but infront of him. He suddenly pull his arms out of her waist and pull the blanket all over him.

'Ohayou ne Eiji...had a good night sleep?'

Kikumaru lowered the blanket half on his face and gave out a childish nod.

'Ah, did I said anything while I'm asleep?'

'Nothing that I could remember...only, you thought that I'm Daigoro.'

'Nyah? So you mean all those nippets and pecks are not...!'

She couldn't help it anymore. She let out a hysterical laugh that made him blush crimson red. He could only lower his eyes while hiding his own embarrassment.

'Of course not Eiji, those nippets and pecks are all mine. And you seem to enjoy it my dear.'

'Hoi hoi! I am not.'

'But you are! Stop being so defensive Eiji!'

'But seriously, could you remember anything from last night? I mean before you slept?'

sits close in front of him, taking his hands on her face. Her eyes lowered, eyelashes completely shading her chestnut brown eyes. Her hands are slightly trembling, and so as his. A minute of silence. A minute of rumbling heart. A minute of nervousness. Then she let out a sigh, making him frown unintentionally.

'Kibun desu, Eiji. Would I possibly forget about it?'

Her head gently rest on his shoulder, letting him intoxicate the scent he always loves about her. His hands, although trembling, slides on her back, pulling her to him to close the gap between them. He bury his face on her shoulder, gaining full warmth from her.

' ?'

'Hn?'

'Did you know that I always love giving you this kind of embrace? That aside from Daigoro, you are my next favorite person to hug?'

'Now that I know.'

' ?'

'Hn Eiji?'

'I love you.'

She gently push him away, surprised. Then a slap lands across his face. It was his turn to get the surprise.

'What did you say?'

'What? Where?'

'What you said, before I slapped your face.'

Kikumaru stare straight to her face, wondering why she hits him in the face. Smoothing his cheek with a tinge of disappoinment on his face.

'I said I love you, didn't you hear me?'

It was her turn then to give him a hearty hug.

'I'm sorry if I did hit you in the face, I thought you are messing with me again.'

'Would I do that to the girl I love?'

She shakes her head and softly tightens her embrace. Kikumaru whispers every adjective that describes everything he likes about her. It rings a good decibel of laughters in his ears. Then he again whispers all the things he loves about her. It won a soft kiss on his cheek.

'I love you too Eiji. More than Fuji. More than Tezuka. More than Inui. More than Oishi. More that Taka. More than Momo. More than Kaidoh. Even more than my Ryoma.'

'Nyah! You love them too?'

'Of course I do Eiji. They are my friends. Don't tell me you are jealous of someone in particular?'

'How about that Shishido...you're not in love with him...aren't you?'

'Shishido-kun? My, Eiji, he is my ice skating partner. I'm not in love with him. Not unless that's what you're all thinking?'

'Well, yeah...in a way.'

'Then don't be. We are just friends. And those after practice meetings are nothing but business.'

'Ok.'

granted his cheek a butterly kiss. He let go of her and cooked breakfast for theirselves since the family is out of town on Sundays. And while busy watching him do all the culinary stuffs, couldn't help but to wonder what would happen next now that they are officially an 'us'.

'I bet Inui would be flabbergasted hearing about this. Don't you think Eiji?'

'I bet its more on Momo. And Fuji too.'

'Fuji? But why?'

'He's been interrogating me to death. Trying to squeeze every bit of oil in my body if I don't answer him the way he wanted to.'

She shakes her head and snatch the cooking fork away from his hand. She takes charge of cooking since he is so distracted of her presence.

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EPILOGUE:

'Guys! Didn't you know that our ohime-sama has now been snatched away from us'

Momoshiro announced across the court with the overdramatic and theatrical voice. Of course, everyone snaps their head at her direction, as well as Tezuka-buchou. She gives them her 'don't-look-at-me-because-I-don't-care' look and shrugs her shoulder while trying to get herself a can of Ponta. Seeing her nonchalance, Momoshiro discreetly put a tennis racket on Kawamura's hand. Of course, you know what happens to the poor Taka ^^.

'Burning! Who is that unlucky guy who takes away our ?!'

glares at Momoshiro who only gives her a huge grin.

'Man, this is one reason why I shouldn't had entered the tennis club, particularly the boys tennis club.'

'And why is that so?'

Fuji barges in from behind. Joining her under the shady tree. She frowns seeing the rest of the team trying to pacify Kawamura down. Except for Ryoma who is maybe somewhere within the school ground and getting all lazy.

'Not to let those idiots know who am I dating or that poor guy will end up crippled even before the day ends.'

Kikumaru appeared, slinging an arm on her shoulder and to Fuji's as well.

'But they won't do that to Eiji, I guess.'
'Do what?'

'Cripple you.'

Both and Fuji barked in unison. Kikumaru shivers seeing the team's attention suddenly shooting right straight at him. They are obviously thinking whether its Fuji or Kikumaru. But since they knew that Kikumaru is more closer to their , their minds solidly sets at Kikumaru alone.

'I think they know who the guy is -chan.'

'I think so too Fuji-kun.'

'Will you two stop scaring me?!'

And so another regular Seigaku ends with Kikumaru panting heavily just to catch his breath. At least, no one would ever call her their , well not at least everyday. Because from now on, she is his . That is if they practice hard to remind theirselves that is now Kikumaru's . The one of the two amazons* in their lives.



| end |



//© 2007 by kitayuki rei



*the other one is none other than Ryuzaki-sensei ^^