YOU’RE MINE (Arranged Marriage of the Two Genius)

9. THINKING ABOUT YOU

Yuki got inside of the conference with his poker face like nothing happened while, Momoko is sitting right next to him quietly, staring at the speaker in front.

“Why it took you so long?" Nathan asked.

“I just met someone along the hallway that's why it took me so long," Yuki explained himself half in truth.

“If that so." And Nathan shrugged off his shoulders.

“Yeah, someone along the hallway," Momoko murmured that no one hears even Nathan at her side who was peacefully listening then she recalled, She saw Yuki and how he kissed Kyoko into the lips. “That's why it took you so long." She reminisced tranquility at the side whereas, She also saw how Yuki react while talking at Kyoko. “He is changing every time he is in front of Kyoko,” she muttered.

Going back home to Japan, Kyoko just got home.

“Where have you been?" Natsumi appeared as she's waiting for her.

“I got into the practice,” Kyoko blankly answered while removing her shoes.

“Save that for later."

Yuta got in between Natsumi and Kyoko's conversation who both look at him.

“Kyoko, you go up and change quickly. You take your dinner here, Natsumi,” he recommended them both and he walks through the dining area.

“Thank you, Uncle!" Natsumi cheerfully yelled then, she turned to Kyoko who is now walking upstairs. “Change quickly and we have something to talk about. Okay?"

“Silence is a virtue," Kyoko muttered under her breath.

All were at the dining area for dinner and around the table are Yuta, Akari, Natsumi, and Kyoko.

“Auntie said that she's not been able to go home for now because of meetings,” Akari notified everyone.

But her attention is on Kyoko only who's wearing an unidentified facial expression.

“Is that so? Okay. Let's eat. Itadakimasu,” Yuta answered.

So, all started to eat.

“Onee-chan, I heard about the news of you and Kevin. I can’t believe that you two are getting married. I mean, the Royal Wedding of King and Queen of television. Congratulations!" Natsumi cheerfully acknowledged.

“Thank you, Natsumi." Akari giggles.

“Wedding?" Kyoko questioned and stopped eating to look at Akari.

Natsumi and Akari's smile faded away and they glanced at each other before turning their heads to Kyoko.

“Don't tell me Kyoko you didn't hear the news? I mean, the latest news?" Natsumi put a confused look on Kyoko who just sent her a facial expression as 'No' for an answer. “What the heck, Kyoko!" she squealed surprisingly. "Maybe it's only you who didn't know or not yet informed about this but to tell you honestly, it's onee-chan and Kevin's Wedding. Everyone knows it except for you but now, you know." She grinned. “I do not expect that onee-chan will be getting married most of all to Kevin that is so hot, hunk and boy next door." She chuckles.

“Either is I." Akari chuckles, too. "I'm very excited to get married soon."

“Congratulations, Akari to your upcoming wedding,” Yuta greeted.

“Thank you, Uncle." Akari smiled.

“By the way Natsumi, when will be the Graduation Ball set up?" Yuta changed the topic while staring at Natsumi.

“On Thursday, Uncle. The day before graduation. Didn't Kyoko inform you?" Natsumi innocently told.

“No, she didn't," Yuta answered while looking at Kyoko who is quietly eating. "I just knew that there will be a Graduation Ball when principal Kamato called me this morning to have my consent if Kyoko can be their highly representative and speaker but unfortunately Kyoko, my daughter, already rejected them,” he told the story emphasizing Kyoko's issue.

“We all know Kyoko. She doesn't have any interest in those kinds of parties or social communication so, what do you expect from her?" Akari assured as she knows Kyoko's attitude.

“That's exactly our problem, Uncle. And that's why I am here because I want to greatly summoned you to induce Kyoko to come in a Grad. Ball. It will be a pleasure for all of us,” Natsumi assumed.

“I won't come. I'm not interested,” Kyoko briefly disagreed and went back to eating.

“See, I told you. Her words will not exceed up to ten if she doesn't like it or she's not interested." Akari wiggles her eyebrows.

“Kyoko, please,” Natsumi pleaded to Kyoko then, she looks in Yuta's direction.

“Uncle, will you talk to your beautiful daughter and say to her to come in a Grad. Ball? Because this is only once a lifetime event so, she should come and enjoy life!" shr yelled in the ear of Kyoko, provoking her.

“Kyoko, my daughter..." Yuta called the attention of his daughter. "Natsumi was right. This is only once in a lifetime experience so, you should come and enjoy your life as a teenager and if you'll going to ignore it or miss it you'll not be able to feel that you will Graduate soon,” he influenced Kyoko.

“Father, not all parties can be attended or mandatory be attended..."

While Kyoko is talking and defending herself, Yuta is defending himself too.

“This is the family Yamashita, one of the richest families here in Tokyo, Japan because of the Hospital buildings with outstanding services. Here is onee-chan Akari, Uncle Yuta, Auntie Rina, onii-Chan Ryota that is now destined in New York and the most significant of all in the family, Kyoko,” Natsumi told while glancing at Akari, Yuta, and Kyoko. She smiled to herself without the knowledge of everyone because of the ideas inside of her mind. “For the knowledge of everyone, Kyoko has three important persons in her life as I knew her since birth because we're cousins and at the same time, we're best friend. The most significant for Kyoko was her grandmother or mother of Uncle Yuta that really appreciated the existence of Kyoko until 3rd grade but unfortunately, she died because of a car accident nine years ago and that's the reason why Kyoko and Auntie Rina were not close to each other. While the second spotlight goes to her father of course, and because only her father can manipulate her and nothing else,” she recalled at the back of her mind.

“I have nothing to do. Okay, fine. I'll go,” Kyoko said in defeat and resumed eating.

“I told you,” Natsumi grinned at the back of her mind again. "Then, the third person is her elder brother, Ryota. They're close to each other to the point that I do not yet see them fighting or arguing, or shouting to each other and they are the only siblings that I know kissing each other in the lips. Well, if you'll going to ask me why not be Auntie Rina my only answer is because Kyoko hates her mother since the accident happened while me if you'll ask me why am I not belong my answer is, I don't know too." She shrugged her shoulders while eating quietly.

Yuta, Akari, and Kyoko anyways are staring weirdly at Natsumi because she's smiling, smirking, and cackling on her own while eating.

“As I said a while ago, I am her cousin s***h's best friend since we were a toddler or since we were a little. Honestly, it's fine with me even though I do not belong as long as we're together. I and Kyoko were always jointly together whereas we always exchanging secrets with each other although she doesn't have any secrets to hide from me even hates and talking about Yuki, favorites and so many to mention. Because of our closeness, many people organized us like twin sisters. Am I too beautiful to compare to a Goddess like Kyoko? That will be so much pleasure for me. Wait, I forgot to tell you that if there is a problem we are both present on each other side and ready to listen no matter what it is. We're really like sisters. I'm the only child of my parents and that's why I am spoiled to them, and I always get what I want to but honestly, that is an exhausting thing to do. I and Kyoko are mostly the same in-state but the only difference between us? She? She still has her parents especially her father to take care of her unlike me who always alone because my parents are always busy with their works. We have a family business too. We're the owner of one of the largest shipping ventures in the country together with the Yamashita Empire." Natsumi grinned that everyone around afraid to.

“Natsumi? Natsumi?" Akari called.

“Oh?" Natsumi tilted her head to look at Akari and smiled.

“What's wrong with you and you keep on grinning without any reason? What do you have in mind?" Kyoko coolly asked for Natsumi to go back into her conscious.

“Um..." Natsumi hesitated to tell everyone so, she just laughs. "Nothing. Don't worry about me because I'm okay. Just ignore me, like a ghost,” denied.

Morning, all senior year are at the gym and preparing for their grand ball tonight. All are helping each other and at the same time excited because they will all graduate tomorrow. Natsumi is walking while carrying a box of decorations when Yusuke took it into her arms.

“Boys should be the ones to do the carrying stuff and not girls," Yusuke informed.

“Thank you, Yusuke," Natsumi responds with a grin.

“You’re welcome." He also grinned back at her. "Anyway, do you a-"

He stopped because Natsumi raised her index finger symbolizing for him to shut up.

“I know what you will ask,” she assumed. "I have good news for you and you're not going to believe this,” she teased.

“What do you mean?" he asked wondering with his curly eyebrows.

“What I mean is...Kyoko already agreed!!! She will come tonight!" shr boisterous-ly announced.

He stopped from walking and gaped with her eyes wide open because of the element of surprise.

“Really? How d-" He was cut again by Natsumi.

“Of course, because I am good,” she declared triumphantly. "I have a strong appeal when it comes to that matter." She then laughed hysterically.

“Thank you, Natsumi. Thank you,” he thankfully said grinning victoriously reaching his ears.

“Be thankful and you're handsome with your nerdy eyeglasses,” she told in the back of her mind. Normal voice, "Just be sure that you take good care of Kyoko because she's my cousin and I love her so much or else I'll rip you,” she threatened.

“I will don't worry,” he assured. "You did your part so, it's time for me now to do my part,” he declared.

It's already lunch when they finished the preparation. Everyone left the gym to get ready for the night except Natsumi who glanced in the venue and she grinned and then, she shut the door in her back. She got inside of her car with her driver in front while she put the phone beside her ear.

“Hello? Yes, this is Washio Natsumi. Bring the food at exactly six o'clock in the evening to my school gym, you understand? And, you take good care of the effects of a party, okay? I want this day to be the most unforgettable day for all of us. Be the best out of it,” she appointed the people through the phone in the other line and after that, she smiled.

Nightfall, senior year students are arriving with their formal dresses. Kyoko and Natsumi both bid goodbye to Akari and Yuta before getting inside the car. Natsumi is wearing a red tube heart shape, sleeveless and glimmering glitters in skirt balloon style while Kyoko is wearing a blue dress sleeveless with a belt on her small waist. It’s a very simple dress but elegant that she's not wearing any make-up but she is still gorgeous while Natsumi has pop red lipstick and cheeks with extended eyelashes. Afterward, they went to the quadrangle of their school and Natsumi bring out her camera in her slim bag whilst Kyoko has her beautiful poker face, indeed.

“I'll be right here,” Mngr. Kawashi informed to Natsumi and Kyoko.

“Thank you, Manager Kawashi,” Kyoko greeted and slightly bowed her head to him.

“Don't worry Manager Kawashi, I'll take care of this Ms. Genius for this night. Thank you,” Natsumi assured and sweetly smiled slightly bowing her head, too. “Let's go inside, Kyoko."

And she grabbed Kyoko's left arm and they walked going through the gym. She opened the door of the gym and her head began to bang along the rhythm of the music while Kyoko at the side wandered her eyes around to saw the lights blinking with the random colors dancing that makes you dizzy, the catering with wine, pastries, and all students are dancing wildly. It's more likely a party than a Graduation Ball together with the loud music.

“This is what I'm talking about! What a party! I was the one who prepared this!" Natsumi proudly declared giggling.

“Is this a Graduation Ball? This is a party and not a Graduation Ball. I expected a gathering. This is why I don't like to go. I should've known,” Kyoko disappointingly murmured under her breath.

“Why a ball is also a party and you can't complain anymore because you're already here!" Natsumi yelled at Kyoko because of loud music.

“I can go home,” Kyoko countered back.

“Sorry, Kyoko but you can't go home without me and that was authority said by your Dad!" Natsumi reminded happily.

“I know that. You don't need to shriek in my ear. I can hear you,” Kyoko whispered irritatingly.

Then, she took a step into her left side to began to walk away from Natsumi or to everyone when her cousin stopped her by holding her left arm.

“And where do you think you're going?"

“I'll be around. Don't worry, I won't leave without you,” Kyoko answered seriously and she walked away.

“Okay, enjoy! Let's see each other later!" Natsumi shouted together with the music then, she stepped forward wiggling her waist simultaneously with the music.

On the other hand, Kyoko got outside of the gym because of the noise and crowd so, she went to the top of the building, and there, the wind blows very quietly that you can watch the beautiful view of city lights in Tokyo. She stood in the middle and feels the breeze of the wind when suddenly her mind conceived in the thought whereas Yuki kissed her on the lips. She woke herself up in the daydream and she touched her lips.

“I can still feel his lips to mine,” she thought.

Yuki at the moment is at the library in the middle of the night and he's wearing a formal suit, too.

Later then, Yusuke is looking for Kyoko that he already asked many people where she could go but no one knows even Natsumi.

“Where is Kyoko?" Yusuke asked himself while seeking around to look for the very unique face he knew. “Is she alone? Think Yusuke. Where would Kyoko go in this situation? In a situation like this...right! On the quiet place for sure but where is that place would be? Where is the quiet place here? Available place..."

His eyes are wandering when suddenly he saw the exit signage going to the rooftop of the building.

“I knew it!" he shouted into himself and jogged through it.

Natsumi quit drinking anyways when she noticed Yusuke and she chased after him.

“I think he knows where Kyoko is. This is it,” she whispered to herself.

At the rooftop of the building, Kyoko was standing firmly while staring at the skyscraper with her calm eyes or expressionless face, meanwhile, Yusuke reached the rooftop and he grinned when his eyes landed on her. He knew that is Kyoko even he only saw her backside. He stood at her back.

“Kyoko,” called.

Natsumi opened the door from the rooftop and she can saw Yusuke and Kyoko so, she instantly brings out her camera and started videoing them secretly.

“What do you need?" Kyoko didn't turn back asking him and just stayed on her posture.

“Kyoko,” called once again.

And he went in front of her that he blocked the view while his eyes were desperate to confess to her. She anyways is just staring at him blankly.

“Kyoko, this is a very nice opportunity for me to confess my feelings for you. I know you have a lot of admirers all around the world but they don't have the temerity to confess to you and I am lucky because I have you although there's a big gap between us." He then grabbed her both shoulders. "I am here to prove to everyone that gap between perfectionists and normal people when it comes to love will not be a hindrance. Although we're not the same when it comes to abilities I will try to reach to you. Yamashita Kyoko, I like you. Many people say that before graduation will come you need to confess to the person you love so, that at the right time you two will be the ones to get married or live together for your whole life. I want you to be in my life Kyoko because I love you,” he confessed with all of his heart.

Unfortunately, sheremoved his hands from her shoulders.

“Stop it, Yusuke. I don't have any interest in you,” she answered and turned back.

His world broke into pieces hearing her refusal but before she left he stops her by grabbing her wrist and he kissed her to the lips that she immediately pushed him away from her. On the other side, Natsumi stops the video because of shock.

“What do you think are you doing?" Kyoko said annoyingly towards him.

“I like you Kyoko since when I met you but your attention is not on me,” hr blurted.

“I don't have time to listen to you. Forget it." She glared at him and she left.

The moment Kyoko left, Yusuke feels hurt and busted to the girl he loves secretly in his whole life while Natsumi pities him.

To be continued...

It's midnight but still, she's awake because she can't sleep and because she cannot stop thinking about what happened to her and Yuki. Looks like it's a kiss she will never forget since it's her first kiss.

“He stole my first kiss,” she mumbled and she pursed her lips after that.

She then turns around and faces the window as she calms down slowly that out of the corner of her lips, she smiled remembering it. On the other side, Yuki too is still awake while laying down on his bed and he keeps on recalling what happened between them that he can't help to smile again and again.