“She is perfect - beautiful, smart, confident. But what hides behind the mask. She shields herself from everyone. Who has the strength to knock down her walls? When will her prince come in his shinning armor on his white horse and res…?” A woman closed the book she’d been reading and threw it onto her desk. Sighing, she looked up at nothing. ‘There is no prince, no white horse. There is no heart pounding, face flushed, can’t get enough of his touch love. Just lust, then nothing.’ She stood, putting her best smile on her beautiful face and was on her way. That’s just life…
Approved Flattery
“Absolutely gorgeous.” The twenty-two year old girl smiled. “Perfect!” She blew herself a kiss in the small handheld mirror before snapping it shut. “Are we home yet?” She nearly growled out to her driver.
“Almost -san.” He glanced back at the woman in the rearview mirror. “How was the visit to your parents in Sydney?”
She rolled her eyes and leaned against the door frame. “As good as can be expected.” She waved her hand at the driver. “I no longer want to talk.”
He nodded and they drove the rest of the way in silence.
·········
Her head hurt and she was extremely worked up from her visit with her parents. It never went well, she already lived the life they dreamt up for her, what more did they want! She’d have to call Renn up and demand the girl come over and drink her sorrows away with her. God forbid anyone knows that had family troubles and was anything but happy. needed something to take her mind off of things, for the night, and always gets what she wants.
‘And my day seems to be looking up.’ She thought as she strolled down the hallway of her apartment complex, eyes never leaving her poor target. When she reached her door she put her key in and turned it, allowing the men to start bringing her luggage in. She had other plans.
A man walked into his new apartment, boxes in hand. Setting the boxes in the center of the room he let out a deep breath. Thank god his friends had helped him with most of the things earlier; he’d have to thank them somehow. He opened his fridge to get a drink. ‘Water, water, oh, and water.’
“Hmm, looks like a lot of work you have on your hands.” quickly looked around as she stepped into her neighboring apartment.
The man lifted his head from the fridge, eyes landing on a very attractive woman. He watched as she pushed her long brown hair out of her face, only to be pulled in by the most beautiful blue eyes he’d ever seen. Closing his fridge, he leaned on the counter top and smirked. “Yeah, though I believe I will call it a day.” He took a drink of his water bottle and sighed. “It’s too hot to be doing this.”
smiled devilishly. “A break you say? It is quite hot in here. My apartment is rather comfortable, and I’m sure I have something better than water to quench your thirst.” She let her eyes drift downward coyly, when the invitation was anything but.
The man's smirk grew. “You would invite a male stranger into your apartment for drinks? You haven‘t even asked my name.”
fluttered her eye lashes before turning to leave. Glancing back she smiled suggestively. “It’s okay. I know where you live.”
·········
groaned lightly and stretched. The sheet that covered her on her very unclothed body dipping low. She closed her eyes hopping she’d fall back into her lovely sleep. That was until she felt it. Yes, it! The dreaded one-night-stand, but this was far worse. It was the new neighbor, what was his name? She glanced over at the very naked, still sleeping man.
‘Yami…no…Yagy…no…it was Yumi or Yuki something.’ She rubbed her forehead, sighing. ‘AH! Yukimura Seiichi. That was it.’ She smirked; proud that she had finally remembered the man's name.
She was going about ways to avoid the awkwardness of ‘that was nice, let’s not meet again.’ Her eyes landed on the clock beside her bed and she nearly screamed. She forgot to set it, she was late!
“Shit!” She jumped out her bed pulling the sheet with her, leaving the man even more naked. “Get up!” She yelled out as she threw his clothes at him. “Damnit! I’m late!” Keeping the sheet wrapped firmly around her nude body she ran around franticly.
Yukimura sat up as the woman screamed, still dazed as his clothes were thrown at him. “Ummm…okay.” He started putting his pants on, still trying to figure out where he was. And even more so trying to figure out why this beautiful woman was in nothing but a sheet.
As said woman started pushing him towards the door he started to remember, his new apartment neighbor and his very warm welcome.
“I’m so damn late.” mumbled as she opened the door and pushed him out, before he could say a word the door was slammed in his face.
Rubbing his chin he turned towards his apartment door. “Well, that was interesting…” Was the only thing he could bring himself to say?
ran around her apartment quickly getting ready, not letting it even enter her mind that she had just slept with her new neighbor, a man that she would likely be seeing again soon. Being late should have been the least of her problems.
·········
listened as the professor went on and on about something she couldn’t even fathom herself ever referring too again in life. She rolled her eyes, she wouldn’t even be going to this stupid Medical school if it wasn’t for her father, but Daddies little girl had to be perfect.
She rolled the end of her pen cap on her lips, off in her own little world. Throwing a wink and a shy smile to the boy she knew was checking her out. She went back into her own world, finally, slightly appreciating the form that was in her bed that morning. She had to admit he was a very, very, nice looking man.
‘Too bad.’ The class ended soon enough and she made her way home, getting ready to get back into her normal routine.
·········
A full week passed since her little fling and she just happened to run into one, Yukimura Seiichi, every time she left or came home to her apartment. He’d smile that all knowing smile, and say hello in that extremely soft, lovely, voice. Then finally Renn had called and had plans, but couldn’t let her know she’d been waiting.
“You want me to what?” questioned through her cell phone to her best, and only, friend Osakada Renn.
The girl on the other end let out a sheepish laugh. “Well, come out to dinner with me and a few friends from when I was younger.”
popped her gum as she studied herself in the mirror. Leaning in to fix her eye make-up she continued the debate in her mind - to go or not to go. “Why? They are your old friends.”
Renn just rolled her eyes on the other end. Why she was friends with this girl she’d never know. After thinking that she scolded herself, she knew that was rude sometimes but she never really meant it. In her own way was just craving attention, wanting to be noticed, secretly, if that made any sense.
“I want you to come because all of these friends are males and it would be odd for me to go alone.” It was true, as much as out going that was, Renn was the complete opposite. “You will have fun. Come on.” If Renn knew anything it was how to pull ’s strings. If there was one thing liked more than herself, it was guys and talking to guys.
snarled inwardly. ‘Damn Renn knows me to well.’ That fact made her happy and peeved at the same time. “When, where and you‘re driving.”
Renn did her little happy dance before she told her the time and place, saying she’d pick her up in an hour.
“Fine, but you owe me!”
Renn grinned. “You mean like you owe me for the horrible blind date fiasco.”
laughed, not her fake-perfect laugh, but a full out joyful laugh. One that few people ever heard. Hearing her best friend happy made Renn smile before bidding her a farewell and both going to get ready.
·········
“You have GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!” nearly fell into the seat at the table.
Yukimura smirked, crossing his arms over his chest. “Well, if it isn’t my lovely new neighbor.”
Glaring turned to Renn. Really she shouldn’t blame Renn, she didn’t know. But was seething and someone needed to be blamed, besides her of course.
“, you know Seiichi?” Renn looked confused; she hadn’t even introduced them yet. “He‘s your neighbor?” Realization came to her face, ’s neighbor, the new one. “Oh…” Seems Renn was told of her friend's little fling, never asking the man’s name. probably couldn’t remember it anyway.
The others around the table seemed to be lost looking between their old friends. After a simple explanation, leaving out the morning after of course, introductions where made and things seemed to settle. That is for everyone besides . Seiichi kept glancing at her and smiling that smile that made her want to physically detach his head from his body.
She acted as civil as was normal for her, but suddenly just the sound of his voice drove her insane and she couldn’t figure out why. She couldn’t even properly flirt with the other males at the table. Taking a deep breath she stood, excusing herself for some fresh air and briskly walked away.
“Renn-chan, you said that that’s you best friend?” One of the other males enquired. “I mean she’s…nice I suppose but just don’t seem like a good person to depend on.”
Renn’s eyes flared, “Yes, she is and I’d suggest keeping such opinions to yourself.” She knew her old friend was just looking out for her but what did he know of .
Yukimura stared at the seat his new infatuation was just sitting in, before getting up and excusing himself as well.
sat on the bench outside of the bar rubbing her temples. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’ It was times like this she wished she smoked; a cigarette right at this moment seemed to fit.
“You don’t seem to be having much fun.” Yukimura smiled down at the woman. “Can I be bold enough to assume it’s my presence that throws you so off track?”
rolled her eyes. “Don’t flatter yourself; maybe I just had a headache.” Yukimura kept smiling and sat down next to the girl. “Sure, why don’t you join me?” She added sarcastically.
“You know we could try starting over if you wanted.” He leaned back, watching her from half lidded eyes. “You’re rather interesting; I’d like to get to know you.”
nearly laughed at that, nearly. “I’m far better than just ‘interesting’ but no. I know enough people; I don’t need more to know me.” She stood and made her way back into the bar.
Seiichi sighed, this was harder then he thought. Maybe that was why he avoided real relationships. Shaking his head, he smiled walking back into the bar, ‘she’s well worth it.’
·········
Three Days Later
pulled her gym bag over her shoulder as she jumped out of her car. She shook her head and chuckled at the stunned looks she got as she passed people. ‘You don’t keep this body by luck.’ She thought opening the door to her gym and making her way to start her routine. She put her headphones in, passing the time and ending up on the treadmill, her last stop. She smiled sweetly at the cute man on the treadmill next to her, before doing a double take. “You!”
Seiichi smirked as the girl double took and the shocked look on her face. “Fancy meeting you here, Neighbor-san.”
wasn’t about to give him the satisfaction of her walking away, letting him know he pushed her buttons. “I have a name.” She rolled his eyes.
Seiichi’s smirk just grew. “Oh, I remember your name, -san. I remember it rather well.”
turned her icy glare to the man. Then her lips turned into a cocky grin, ‘of course he’d remember who’d forget me.’ She thought as she continued her work out, doing her best to ignore the man stealing glances beside her.
“Do you come here every week?” Seiichi smiled as he watched that beautiful body beside him.
glanced over, resisting the urge to roll her eyes. “Use too. Seems I’m going to have to find a new place.”
Seiichi laughed. “Ouch, and here I thought I’d at least get to steal glances here and there.” just shook her head.
“How do you know Renn-chan?” He knew it was a lame thing to bring up but he wanted to hear her voice. It was like music to his ears. Seiichi seemed to have picked a decent topic because actually smiled at the memory.
“We met in high school; Renn’s my guardian, my keeper, and the other half of my soul…” ’s face seemed to soften and brighten all at the same time. Renn was the one that stopped her from becoming too wild, too lost, and too far gone. “Without Osakada Renn there could be no …”
After a few minutes of silence looked over to a slightly stunned looking Seiichi. Realizing she had just said all of that to him she nearly fell off her machine.
Seiichi smiled. It seems their other friend had nothing to worry about. was more than see seemed, even when it came to Renn. But before he could voice his opinions the woman turned off her machine and stepped off. He did the same turning towards her with that slightly creepy smile in place.
“Would you like to have lunch with me?”
took her towel and quickly wiped the sweat from her arms and face. “No, I have plans.” She walked away to get cleaned up and leave. She had to get herself under control. It would do her no good to allow someone to get in to deep.
Seiichi smirked thinking his new interest was proving to be quite the challenge.
·········
Two Days Later
walked through the new art gallery she had heard about. It was the art of students from a local university. A few classmates had told her about it. ‘The art’s amazing but the artists there are just as interesting.’ brushed it off as nothing; it was a little secret that she loved art. Just the thought of being able to paint, draw, and sculpt (or anything like that) amazed her. How she’d loathed that she couldn’t even draw a stick figure. She wandered around hallways filled with colored pieces, silently taking in their beauty. This was one part of her life she enjoyed, one thing she felt she decided for herself.
“You could always model for me sometime.” Came the sweet low voice.
She nearly groaned as her perfect peacefulness came to a screeching, almost painful, halt. “I’ve heard better pick up lines, Yukimura-san.” She didn’t even glance back at him.
“Maybe it wasn’t a pick up line, but an offer.” He took a step forward, standing to the left of the girl. “Do you like this one?” He was referring to the painting she seemed to be stuck staring at.
Sighing, decided she’d grace him with a civil conversation, this time. “Yes, I believe it’s my favorite from this gallery. Though, I feel for the artist.” A bit of sadness filtered in her eyes.
Yukimura studied the girl as she pegged his interest even more. “How so?”
“He, or she, seems extremely lonely. The colors and feel of it, just seems so…” Her lips fell, and if anyone looked closely they’d see it. The lonely and miserable woman below the make-up and smiles. “…so depressing.”
Yukimura saw it alright, suddenly having the urge to reassure the woman that she was beautiful and perfect. To tell her that it’s alright to be sad sometimes, that she looked better when she was smiling a real smile. He was impressed though, she saw what was meant to be seen in the painting. No one had ever depicted the emotions in the beautiful swirls.
“You have amazing insight, -san.” For once the creepy smile on the man's face was gone. Replaced with a slight frown.
It was at this point that remembered she wasn’t alone, and that she was speaking aloud. This man always seemed to do this to her. Make her speak about things she intended to keep quiet about.
“I…I…” A blush appeared on her face as she scrambled, in her mind, to get everything back under control. “I’m sure that’s what the artist was thinking. Isn’t that what everything and everyone is on about these days? Depression and self pity.” She tried desperately to cover up her earlier babble.
Yukimura frowned further as he watched the woman struggle to make herself seem cold and unaffected. “You know -san if you ever feel like letting that other part of you out,” he smiled knowingly at her. “I’m always around to help you feel it out.”
’s eyes widened before she looked away from that knowing smile. “I…I don’t have the slightest idea what you’re talking about. I have to go.” She started to walk away but stopped and glanced back. “You painted that didn’t you?” Yukimura nodded and smiled. “You are very good at what you do, Yukimura-san.” With that she turned and continued her way out of the gallery, leaving him grinning like an idiot.
·········
A few days after the art gallery ‘coincidence’, which was wonder if these really were coincidental, she sat on her couch brooding. With that silly man popping up all the time, the poor girl had been thrown into a whirlwind. Even if he wasn’t there she’d be looking for him. Waiting for him to come out of, seemingly, no where. Even if she was secretly waiting every time he did show up somewhere it surprised her.
‘Shouldn’t I be use to it by now?’ She thought grimly. If it wasn’t the gym, it was the music store she went to or the park she took a walk in sometime. And every time he’d ask her out somehow, of course she’d deny but why did he keep asking. She bit her bottom lip and groaned. “I’m doing it again! Stop thinking about him, damn!” She yelled at herself, banging her head on the soft cushions of the couch.
As she threw her little tantrum on the couch there was a knock at her door. Taking a few deep breaths she calmed herself before getting up and throwing the door open. “Yes?” Her fake cheery smile dropped. “I should have looked through the peep hole.” She muttered.
Yukimura smiled and laughed at the girls comment. “Have you eaten yet?”
She shook her head and crossed her arms over her chest. ‘Why didn’t I just say yes, and send him on his way?’
“Good, you are going to come out to eat with me.” He smiled, this time he wouldn’t take no for an answer. “I made reservations but my company cannot make it. So, it would be a waste to not go.” He had this plan set it stone, it would work.
rolled her eyes. “You come asking me to be a back up for you when you’ve been stood up.” She went to close the door. “That’s the biggest insult I’ve ever gotten.”
Yukimura stopped the door with his hand. “Actually, I lied. Renn said your favorite restaurant was Cecilia’s, that’s where I am going, and I want you to come with me.”
nearly drooled, ‘Mmm, Cecilia’s, the best food in the world.’ Then she pouted, if she ever found out how utterly adorable she looked pouting she’d likely never do it again. “Renn, that trader.”
Yukimura eyes lit up. “So, you will go with me?”
bit her lip, still pouting. She hadn’t been to her favorite restaurant since before she went to her parents. Yukimura wasn’t that bad to be around and she’d get to eat the heavenly food. “Fine, but don’t think it will happen again.” She moved away from the door. “Come in. Sit down, I have to get dressed.”
If Seiichi was any less of the man he was he would have jumped up and whooped at his head way. Instead he smiled, made his way into her apartment and took a seat on the couch.
After about thirty minutes emerged from her bed room. The little black dress she wore hugged her slender form perfectly. Seiichi couldn’t take his eyes off of her. Beautiful was all that came to his mind, but he didn’t say it. No, it would do him no good to just feed lines to the already vain woman.
“You look nice, let’s go.” He had to stop looking at her or he’d be tempted to make her head even bigger.
‘Nice….NICE!’ was steaming. She had looked over herself about thirty times before she left her room and she knew for a fact she looked a hell of a lot better than nice. Eyebrows frowned, arms crossed over her chest and glare sent to the empty door way. She refused to move.
Seiichi groaned before he poked his head back into her apartment, smile in place. “Come on. You said you’d come.” He tried to keep his eyes from roaming over that beautiful form. Those smooth legs taunting him from the bottom of the dress.
“Nice…” Her voice was soft and sweet, the attitude anything but. “Out of all the compliments in the world you pick nice.” Her heel tapping on the hardwood floor. Making the knee length dress sway slightly.
Seiichi nearly keeled over, the woman was demanding a better compliment. Licking his lips he couldn’t help but let a small chuckle leave his throat. Without another thought he walked back into the apartment smirking at her. Before she could even process his movements his one hand was firmly on the back of her neck, the other on her hip. His lips planted on hers in a passion searing kiss. Only when she felt she’d pass out from losing oxygen did he pull away. His hands leaving her body, but not before running it over the soft fabric on her side.
“You look nice.” He took her hand in his, walking out of the apartment, she followed dumbfounded behind him.
·········
“I mean the nerve of him! I was stunning that night. He even said…”
“, do you like Seiichi?” Renn’s eyes were wide and surprised, like she had just found out her friend was an alien or something.
whole face lit up in a pretty shade of pink. “No!” But it was too late; Renn knew her too well, better than she knew herself really. “Why would you say such nonsense?”
“We’ve been out to lunch for an hour and you haven’t talked about anything but him.” Renn grinned and took a sip of her drink. “And you got so angry when he didn’t pay you the proper praise.”
took a long minute, so she wouldn’t start stuttering like a fool. “I always get riled when someone doesn’t notice beauty when it is so readily laid before them.”
Renn laughed and shook her head. “Yes, that’s true but you never stood and waited for the comment to be fixed. And surely you would have slammed the door in the face of any other man that did what he did.”
wanted to whine. She wanted her friend to stop pointing out things she had successfully ignored. “You had to tell him about Cecilia’s! I should temporally ban you from my presents.” She mumbled to herself, as she distracted herself with her lunch.
Renn just giggled as she watched her friend. needed someone to break her shell, someone to share her secrets with. Surprisingly she couldn’t picture her friend finding a better partner than the sweet, yet cunning, Yukimura Seiichi.
·········
“You look lovely tonight.”
felt a shiver run down her spine as the voice whispered into her ear, from behind her. Covering her ear and turning around she frowned. ‘Lovely is better than nice but no where near what he should be saying.’ However, the small step from nice to lovely made her heart skip a beat but she ignored it.
Seiichi smiled and secretly looked the woman over. With any other girl that looked so good he would of poured compliments out. This one though, he’d make her flustered, make her work harder then ever to get them from him. He found it enjoyable. It would mean nothing to her if he called her gorgeous (which she was) like ever other man did. He wanted to make her heart flutter when he called her beautiful, not just cause her ego to grow. But damn was she making it hard. Did every outfit she owned seem to be perfectly made for her? Seiichi had decided that had every right to be as cocky as she was. Not that he’d ever really tell her that. “I’m glad you came.”
“You cheated.” She looked around at the beautiful art gallery they stood in. She had wanted to go to the opening of this particular show since she’d heard about it. “You are using my loves against me. It’s not really fair.” Her voice was low as she pouted.
“Isn’t that how a man courts a woman?” Seiichi’s smile grew at the delight flush that found its way to ’s face. “Let me show you around, I can introduce you to the artist if you wish. He’s an old friend.” He held out his arm which, surprisingly, she took without much hassle.
was there but she wasn’t. Her mind was trying to wrap itself around something; even she didn’t know what it was. This wasn’t how it was suppose to be. She wasn’t supposed to turn into a blushing, shy, idiot whenever he told her she was ‘pretty’. She wasn’t supposed to get flushed when he said he was ‘courting’ her.
‘Who says courting nowadays anyway?’ It was then that she realized that not only Seiichi but two other men about their age were waiting for her. Shaking her head she blushed again, ‘stupid stupid girl.’ “I’m sorry; I seemed to have been lost in my own mind.”
Yukimura just smiled at the girl as he reintroduced her to his friends.
·········
looked like a dejected puppy in the passenger seat of Seiichi’s car.
“You didn’t have fun?” There was a bit of worry in the tone of this voice. The way she looked at the art at the university’s gallery, he’d thought she’d enjoy this one. Plus, Renn had accidentally mentioned that had been dying to go to the very opening.
sighed and looked out the window, leaning on the door. “No, I did. It was very delightful.” She turned her eyes to the man driving, studying him. “Why?”
Seiichi looked over at her confused, before turning his attention back to the road. “Why, what?”
“Why do you try so hard? I’m…” actually fidgeted in her seat, looking at her trembling fingers. Her voice going as low as a whisper. “Most everyone thinks I’m beautiful, yet you seem to think I’m hardly even pretty. But you still try to see me more than just that one time. Why? Half the time I want to kick you. It‘s too confusing not to know why.”
Seiichi nearly drove the car off the road, so he pulled over and put the car in park. Getting out of the car, walking to her side and opening her door, he smiled. Offering his hand, she took it; he pulled her gently out of the car. “Why, huh?” He closed the door and leaned her up against the car.
was a bit confused as to how this all would answer her question, but she allowed him to push her lightly up against the car door. Her heart was already pounding before she suddenly felt feathery light kisses on her cheek and lips.
Seiichi rubbed his fingers down her cheek, settling his hand on the side of her neck. “Is it really so odd?” Leaning his forehead on hers he opened his eyes, staring straight into hers. “For a guy to be interested in a girl, to want to spend time with her, to want her to like him in return?” He ran his thumb over her bottom lip, which she worried between her teeth. “To want her to have fun and be happy with him?” He smiled a small smile before he kissed her lips, pulling away and smoothing out her hair. “And you’re right I don’t find you even remotely pretty.”
flinched and stared wide-eyed at the man that had successfully confused her even more. She found herself frowning and on the verge of tears. Why did she care so much what this man thought of her? Why did she try so hard to get him to be attracted to her? It didn’t matter he wasn’t, why did that thought hurt?
Seiichi opened her door and gestured for her to get back in; when she did he leaned on the roof of the car looking in at her. “Pretty, beautiful, gorgeous - these words don’t come close to describe what I feel when I look at you.” He nearly whispered as he closed the door and made his way to the driver’s side.
’s heart fluttered in her ears as her face grew ten different shades of red…
·········
One Year Later
sighed as she sat at the bar stool. Tapping her fingers on the counter she glanced to the left, to the guy that had been ogling at her since she got there. Rolling her eyes, she cringed as the man stood to make his way to her.
“You look bored beautiful, can I buy you a drink?” Came the deep, trying to be seductive, voice. “Maybe give you something to occupy your time.”
groaned and laid her head on her arms, on top of the bar. “No, you can go away.”
The man was taken back but he wasn’t giving up. “C’mon, what harm can one drink have?” He reached his hand out to wrap around her waist. Only to stop when he saw another pair of arms wrap around it first.
didn’t even flinch, nor did she look back at the offending hands. “You’re late.”
“There was traffic.” Seiichi smiled over at the man next to his beautiful girlfriend. “Your friend, ?”
She shook her head finally sitting back up, leaning her back against the man behind her. “Nope, don’t know ‘em. At least he thinks I’m beautiful though.”
Seiichi chuckled, the stranger all but forgotten. “Mmm, is that so?” She nodded as he took her hand, gently pulling her off the stool and leading her to the exit. ‘Too bad, this stunning creature is mine.’ He thought as he kissed her cheek. “Perfect as always, lovely”
shook her head, wrapping her arms around his. “You’re a dork.” She mumbled, but smiled as she felt her heart flutter. The same as it did that day…
…’s heart fluttered in her ears as her face grew ten different shades of red. She watched as Seiichi got back into the car, it was only then that she realized.
‘This feeling…’ She tightened her now folded hands in her lap. Seiichi smiled at her as he started the car and continued to drive her home. She looked back down at her hands, scared witless of her new discovery. Her eyes widening as another hand found its way on the top of her two. She turned her attention back to the man driving, who had his attention on the road. She allowed him to wrap his hand in hers.
“Don’t let go…” She whispered so low that if the wind had blown the words would have been lost. The only answer she got was the tightening of his hand in hers.
©Wanna.Be