The forgotten princess chapters 16 & 17

[miya_april]

Chapter 16

I don't know how long we were just lying down in the bed together, but I  bit eard my phone go off in the other room. We both got up and started dressing ourselves once again. Though, my legs were bit wobbly when I tried standing up, the inside of my thighs felt a bit bruised. 
After getting my clothes on, I hurried to my phone. The time on the front said it was just past 8 at night, and that I had several missed texts. One was from my sister, and the other two were from Subaru-kun. It wasn't until I saw his name, that I remembered about him.
Like a bolt of lightening, my body froze as I felt terrible for what I had just done. Even if he already knew I didn't feel the same way about him, we were still together, yet I just had sex with Taa-kun. I squeezed my phone in my hand, guilt washing over me. 
Taa-kun put his hand on my arm, "What's wrong? Are you ok?"
"Subaru-kun..."
He wasn't worried any more, but felt a jealous, "What about him?"
"He was waiting for me, and I... while he waited, I cheated on him." Saying it out loud was even worse.
He put both hands on my shoulders, "Don't tell me you love him?!"
"Well, no I don't love him... not in that way... But- But that doesn't change the fact that we're still together!"
"Does that mean... you regret what we just did?"
He sounded so disappointed, I threw my arms around him, "No of course not! It was the happiest moment of my life!" I felt better as he hugged me back, "It's just that... I'm a terrible girl."
"I'm sorry, I should have asked you about him before we did anything."
I wispered, "It's ok..."
"No, it's not."
"Taa-kun?"
He unwrapped my arms and leaned down a bit, "You need to be honest with him, he deserves that."
I was unsure about it, but trusted in him, "Alright."
"Okay, well, let's get you home."
On the way there, I couldn't think about anything but Subaru-kun. What was I going to say? That time in my room he told me it didn't matter if I loved Taa-kun, he'd still wanted to be with me. What if he doesn't want to break up? What would I do then?
I wasn't ready to see my house just yet. But it didn't look like Subaru-kun was there; I felt relieved. I looked at Taa-kun, he gave me an encouraging smile, and it seemed to help. I knew that after I'd talk with Subaru-kun, I'd still have Taa-kun to hold me.
"I'll see you tomorrow," he said as he lightly kissed the top of my head.
"Ok, bye bye."
"Oh yeah, and you're bike will be here for you too."
I laughed, "Ok, thank you."
I got out of his car and watched as he drove away. There was nothing left to do but face Subaru-kun. I decided to call him to see where he was. But he didn't answer me. Maybe Maru would know.
"Hello?"
"Is Subaru-kun with you?"
"Oh, um, no he's not. I think he's at his apartment."
I sighed, "Ok, thank you Maru.
"Is something wrong Aya-chan?"
"Um.. well I'm sure you'll find out... Anyways, thank you."
I hung up and quickly headed for Subaru-kun's apartment. I've only been there a few times, and this would be the first time I'd be there alone with him. Other times Maru was always with us. I wouldn't have him now.
I nervously walked up the stairs to the third floor, and waited outside for him to answer. It took several minutes of waiting, I was almost worried he wasn't going to answer. But as he opened the door, he looked surprised to see me.
"Aya... I was actually going to come see you at your house." He moved aside to let me in.
I anxiously walked past him and looked around his place. Everything looked the same as it was the last time I was here; his acoustic guitar on the couch, papers and books everywhere, and random speakers and other music equipment scattered around. 
"Do you want a drink?"
"No thank you, but I need to speak with you. It's important."
He ran his hand through his hair nervously, "Alright..."
I sat down on his couch, but not before he moved some stuff so it was clear for the both of us. I gripped by bag, hugging it tight, heart pounding. He noticed I was uncomfortable so rubbed my back. I could feel his hand shaking; my eyes darted to look at him, my heart sank. He looked like he was trying to be strong, but his eyes looked scared.
"Subaru-kun, I think..."
"Listen to my new song first."
I was flustered, "What?"
He reached over me to grab his acoustic, "Close your eyes."
I looked at him carefully before slowly closing my eyes as he told me. He started singing, and it melted my heart. I've heard him sing a lot, but this time, it was very strong; depressing. 
"The me that you made blossom
Was I beautiful?
Even now, my heart and body long for you
Ah
Even when you held me
Even when we were connected
I was freezing
Still, it looks like it has to be you…"
I opened my eyes, I was crying as he finished playing. Before I knew it, I was reaching over and hugging him, I felt like he was going to break into pieces if I didn't. I hadn't realised how lonely he was, how much he was suffering.
He moved the guitar to the stand next to him and hugged me, "I know what you want to say."
"...how?"
"Your eyes say it." He kissed me on the forehead, but then pulled away to take a good look at my whole body, "And besides, you look different... more... mature."
I bit my lip as I looked down at myself. I tightened my legs feeling embarrassed. Had I changed? "I see..."
I looked up into his eyes, and he looked back into mine, "I'm sorry for everything."
"I'm not." He rubbed the back of his hand on my cheek, "Before you leave, can I ask you for a favor?"
I think I'd do almost anything he'd ask me too, "What is it?"
"Close your eyes..."
I didn't hesitate to do as he requested. My heart was beating so hard in my chest, it was unbearable. I felt him touch my neck with his fingers,  which made me twitch a bit. His fingers lingered for a moment, until slowly he untied my bow and started unbottoning my blouse. I was about to open my eyes, but gulped and decided to keep them closed.
"S-su-"
He whisperd, "Trust me."
I bit my lip and stayed still. The top buttons came undone easily enough, and I could feel my chest getting exposed. I inhaled, holding my breath, knowing he was looking at me. My mind in a mess.
But he put his fingers again on my skin, just at the base of my neck, slowly tracing his finger down and stopping in the middle. He replaced his finger with his whole hand, his palm in the middle of my chest. It felt like he was feeling my heart beat under his hand. 
I let my breath out slowly as he leaned foward and kissed my chest lightly, right where my heart was beating rapidly. Slowly, I raised my hands up his back and rested one on his shoulder, the other on hid for a moment, until slowly he untied my bow and started unbottoning my blouse. I was about to open my eyes, but gulps head.
His lips moved on my skin, "I don't know if I want to let you go..."
He pulled away from me and stood up, I opened my eyes to look at him. He just stood with his hands in his pockets, quiet, and lost in his own world. I blinked a bit, wiping the stray tears falling; hurrying to button my shirt again and tie my bow. I stood up wanting to say something, but remained silent.
"Aya..."
"Yes?"
His voice seemed so empty, "As soon as you leave through that door, don't expect to be friends with me."
That same heart that was beating rapidly just seconds ago, seemed to stop. I grabbing my things to leave, and walked to the door, "By the way, what was the title of the song you sang?"
He continued staring off in the distance, but turned one last time to smile at me, "Greedy."
I softly smiled back, "Thank you for everything... Subaru."
We stared at each other for what seemed like an eternity, before I turned away and left his apartment. I stood just on the other side of his door, crying. While I heard him on the other side, yelling and thrashing around, the sounds of paper tearing; his cries echoing.
The next day at school my 
eyes were so red and swollen that I applied extra make up to try and hide it, though it failed. But it didn't matter what I looked like, because I knew I had Taa-kun to rely on. I quickly tried to seek him out, but he wasn't in class.
In between classes, I grabbed Yasu and pulled him to the side, "Do you know where Taa-kun is?" I had noticed that Yuki wasn't there either.
He frowned, "I was going to ask you the same thing." He looked around to make sure no one was close enough to hear, just in case he lowered his voice, "Did yesterday go ok?"
I nodded, "It was perfect, but that's the last time I saw him."
"I see..."
We were both lost, he wasn't answering his phone either. I managed to make it through the rest of the day, but I was constantly looking up and staring at his desk, constantly thinking about the previous evening we had together.
As I was walking out to leave, Hinata hurried to me and pulled me with her.
"What's wrong?"
"Come this way! Something amazing just happened!"
I couldn't help but get excited, "W-what?"
She walked with me to the staff's office, and all the way inside the Principals office. I looked around and saw Junji-Sensei and the Principal smiling as they saw me walk in.
"The school is yours!"
My eyes got big and my smile widened, "Are you sure?!"
Junji-sensei laughed, "Yes, yes! I got the paper work this morning! Everything should be finalized by next week; there shouldn't be any problems! Congratulations!"
I walked over to him and shaked his hand over and over, "Thank you so much Sensei!"
"Good for you Saotome-chan! I'm sure your parents are smiling down right now," the principal said with a big smile on his face, giving him more wrinkles.
"Thank you so much! Thank you!"
"Once everything has been finalized I'll give the papers to the Principal, is that alright?"
"Yes, thank you!"
Hinata hugged me tight, happy for me, "Will you be making any changes>My eyes got big and my smile widened, "Are you sure?!"
Junji-sensei laughed, "Yes, yes! I got the paper work this morning! Everything should be finalized by next week; there shouldn't be any problems! Congratulations!"
I walked over to him and shaked his hand over and over, "Thank you so much Sensei!"
"Good for you Saotome-chan! I'm sure your parents are smiling down right now," the principal said with a big smile on his face, giving him more wrinkles.
"Thank you so much! Thank you!"
"Once everything has been f3F"
"For starters, changing that portrait in the main hall!" 
She laughed, "I figured you'd say that! Anyways, I'm sure you'll want to tell your family, so hurry up and get home!"
"Yes, ok! Thank you for helping me!"
I waved goodbye to her as I exited the school and hurried to my bike. Before setting off towards home, I quickly dialed Taa-kun's number, giving it another shot. 
My heart stopped as I heard someone pick up, "H-Hello? Taa-kun?"
"Yes," he sounded uninterested.
"Um, where we're you today? I missed seeing you in cass...And besides, I have some really great news to tell you, I-"
"Can you hurry this up?"
I choked on my words, but managed to squeak something out, "Um, ok..."
"I still have plans you know."
He sounded so cold, I was hesitant in responding, "Plans?"
"Yeah, plans."
"...with who?" Yuki popped up in my mind.
"Who else? Yuki."
My mind went completely blank. What was happening? This wasn't the same Taa-kun as yesterday. I wanted that Taa-kun back!
"Are you home?"
"Yeah-" 
I hung up before he could tell me any more lies, and started pedaling as fast as I could to get to his house. I had to talk to him in person, there was no way I'd take this over the phone! I didn't want to belive it, I couldn't believe it! Something was terriably wrong.
I managed to make it to his house in 10 minutes. I breathed in heavily, gasping for air, my legs really worn out. I looked inside of the gate and managed to see his house. 
"Taa-kun!!!!" I pressed the doorbell over and over and glared into the small camera, "Answer me! Taa-Kun!"
After several minutes of my yelling, the gates finally started opening and I saw Taa-kun walking towards me, Yuki standing on the porch waiting. I looked at her, and then to him. I was very worried, the look in his eyes were different, something I've never seen before; at least not on him, but his father, that short time I saw him at the sports festival. He looked cold and malicious.
I met him past the gates, my hand on my chest, trying to calm myself down, "Taa-kun..." 
He put his hands in his pockets, and looked sideways, "You're really troubling me by being here. Hurry up and say what you need to and leave."
"What- What's wrong with you!? Why are you saying this?!" I ran up to him and grabbed his t-shirt, clenching it in my hands and shaking him.
He pulled his hands out of his pockets and pushed me away, brushing his shirt, "Stop acting like a child. Can't you understand that I just used you?"
"... I- I don't believe you!"
He inhaled getting frustrated, "You're so... stupid! Really! Why would I choose- choose you, over Yuki?!" He started laughing, "I mean, really! She's got the money, the status... the looks... and you? You've got nothing."
I felt my jaw starting to tremble as I did my best to hold in my sobbing, "I-I've got the school! It's mine now you know!"
"... that isn't much."
I was loosing my will to fight on, "Please... stop this... Don't you love me? What about yesterday? What about our childhood? Did any of it mean anything to you?"
He clenched his jaw and creased his forehead, "...I only worked you up this whole time to get some. And frankly, I've had better."
"But I- I still- Taa-kun I LOVE YOU!" I was on the verge of being hysterical. I ran to him and hugged him tight. "Don't do this!"
He pushed me off, grabbing my arm tight and pulling me towards the gate. I struggled so much, trying to stick to him, but of course he was much stronger than me. I thrashed around too much, that when he pulled me I lost my footing and fell hard on the ground, scraping my elbow and my arm. 
He paused for a second to look down at me, like he was wondering if I hurt myself too bad. But he just clenched his jaw and walked to the other side of the gate. He waved his hand a bit to signal the gates to close, leaving me hurt on the ground.
"Hurry up and leave, I don't want our neighbors to see you."
I looked up, crying, seeing Yuki run to him and wrap her arm around his back as they returned to the house together. 
No longer did I have Subaru... 
No longer did I have Taa-kun...
I was now completely alone.

Chapter 17

Subaru answered his phone, half asleep, sprawled out on his bed, "Yes?"
"Hey! You have some explaining to do!"
He moaned, "What did I do?"
"My sister locked herself in her room, and all I keep hearing is her whine about that Taa-kun guy. Aren't you her boyfriend?! What are you doing?!"
His eyes shot open, he sat up in bed, "What else did she say?"
Tara was a bit shocked by the change in his tone, "Um well, something like 'Why did you do that?' and 'How could you' Listen I'm worried about her. Will you please come over and comfort her?"
All he could do was rub his drag his hand through his long hair, "I can't right now. I'm sorry. But..." He let out a frustrated sigh, "Just leave it to me."
"Ok."
"And make sure to keep this a secret."
"What? Why?"
"Just, please."
"Alright alright."
He hung up and threw his body back down on his bed. Even after everything that's happened between them, he was still worried about her, he couldn't deny this. 
"Fuck"
With a sense of purpose, he got out of bed, quickly dressed himself and headed out.
It only took him a small amount of time to look up where Okura lived and drive over to his house. There was no way they'd let him inside, not the way he looked. But he planned to stake out the house, and see if he could catch him leaving or arriving. 
But it wasn't easy. He remained parked just down a little ways from the house, and waited for hours for something to happen. But his patience paid off when, just before sun down, he saw Okura drive past him.
He quickly jumped out of his car and ran after Okura, who was unaware and waiting inside the car at the gate to his house. 
"OKURA!!!!"
Okura swung his head around to look through the window at Subaru approaching the car. He frowned, not expecting to see him here.
His driver spoke up, "Should I call security?"
"No that's not necessary. Go ahead and park, I'll be in shortly."
He stepped out of the car and watched as the car pulled in through the gate, leaving only him and Subaru staring at each other.
"Why are you here?"
"Aya. What did you do to her?" Subaru was doing all he could to hold back his anger.
"I'm guessing you've been there with her as she cried away?"
Subaru was confused, he sounded like he was jealous, this cooled him down a bit more, "...and what if I was? Why would you care?"
"You're right... I don't care."
"You're terrible at lying."
Okura really tried putting up a fight, "Someone like you doesn't even-"
"Just stop." He clenched his fist, "I don't know what the fuck you did to her, and frankly I just want to beat the shit out of you."
"Why don't you then?"
"Because that would hurt her even more, and I'm not so much of an ass to do that... not when I've hurt her already."
All of Okura's tough-guy act was gone, "What are you talking about?"
Subaru clearly noticed this change. He felt compeled to be honest, "She dumped my ass, for you. And here you are acting like a tool and breaking her heart, for what I'm sure is a stupid decision on your part."
Okura let out a deep breath, "You're definitely a better man than I am."
"That's for sure."
They both stared at each other, both of them seeing what the other would do. In the end they both smiled and finished their conversation.
"Hurry up and get back to her before I have half a mind to steal her away for good."
Subaru shook his head as he turned to walk back to his car, leaving Okura standing outside of his house impressed and envious. Even with all his money and privledges, Subaru was still a better man than he was.
"Princess...I'm sorry..."
"He wouldn't really say that would he?"
I crossed my arms and pouted, "Yasu! Don't you believe me? I told you exactly what happened."
He crossed his arms as well, "Listen, I've never known Okura to do or say something like that. He's obviously protecting you somehow."
After thinking about what happened for days, never did it occur to me that he was actually protecting me. Could it really have been that simple? I frowned, it sure didn't seem like that...
He notice me frown, and put his hand on my shoulder, "Look, you told me that just before you and him... well, before the incident, that your lawyer got papers for the school right?"
"Yes that's right."
"From what I know about Daisuke, he isn't one to give up something so easily."
It clicked, "So you're saying Taa-kun made some deal with him?!"
"I'm saying it's possible..."
"If Taa-kun really made a deal like that, he probably agreed to get the school back for me, and agree to marry..." I said her name with such despise, "Yuki..."
"It's hard to imagine that you're related to them."
I rolled my eyes, "Don't remind me." 
I inhaled slowly then let it out. I need to be calm and try and think rationally. If I really want things to end like this, all I have to do is nothing. Let things do as they please. But do I really want to leave it like this?
I still love him...
I was determined, "Yasu, do you mind helping me one last time?"
His interest was peeked, "Oooh what is it?"
"I'm putting everything on the line!"
"There's no better way."
I winked at Yasu, taking notice that Yuki was glancing over my way as I left the classroom for lunch. She turned her attention back to her "fiance."
"You know what, Yasuda and Ririchiyo have gotten close, haven't they?" She crossed her leg over the other and leaned forward trying to feed him. "Now say Ah~"
He kept his distance, refusing to eat as he quickly glanced over at Yasu leaving the class after me, "Yeah, well... good for them."
Shthis?
I still love him...
I was determined, "Yasu, do you mind helping me one last time?"
His interest was peeked, "Oooh what is it?"
"I'm putting everything on the line!"
"There's no better way."
I winked at Yasu, taking notice that Yuki was glancing over my way as I left the classroom for lunch. She turned her attention back to her "fiance."
"You know what, Yasuda and Ririchiyo have gotten close, haven't they?" She crossed her leg over the other and leaned forward trying to feed him. "Now say Ah~"
He kept his distancee dropped her hands and pouted, "Why are you so interested?"
"You're the one who brought it up just now."
She continued to pout, "If I didn't know any better, you still loved her." Yuki put her chopsticks down and sat back, "If you do, I can just talk to Daddy and take back this sch-"
He quickly leaned forward and picked up the food to pop into his mouth, "Don't misunderstand me Yuki, I'm just worried, you know, for my best friend. He could do better than her."
She seemed satisfied enough, and once again tried to feed him, "That's true! Hehehe, now, say Ah~~"
I bowed down, begging the Principal, "I know this isn't the right way to deal with things, but it has to be now!"
He sighed, "Are you positive about this? You could lose it all again."
I looked up at him, "Sir, I'd regret this more than anything else; I'm sure my parents understand."
In the end he smiled, "Alright, I'll leave you to it." 
He left me alone in his room, my nerves a bit shaken, but I was determined at all costs to settle this once and for all. I wasn't going to let Subaru's love for me go to waste; no matter what. 
"Courage... have courage Ririchiyo."
I cleared my throat as I sat down in the Principal's chair and grabbed the mic on his desk. As I switched it on, a loud noise rang out; I winced back from the noise. Then it was silent, you could hear a pin drop.
I gulped and slowed my breathing. 
"Attention, students of Saotome Academy, this is Saotome Ririchiyo." I paused, feeling a sudden rush go through my body, "Do you like this school? Because I love this school very much. In fact, my parents loved this school.They even fell in love with each other here in the same halls you walk through. I'd like to think a magic runs through these halls. Can you feel it?" I chuckled a bit, "I know it sounds silly, but I believe it."
I bit my lip, "In fact I fell in love with someone at this school, just as they had. He easily get's jealous, he's over protective, too clever for his own good, stubborn, a complete fool, and has the stupidest smile I've ever seen!" I gulped, "And I just want him to know that... I want him to know.... I love you. And nothing else matters to me but you."
Yuki dropped her chopsticks as Taa-kun quickly stood up and bolted towards the door, "TACCHON! IF YOU LEAVE THROUGH THAT DOOR RIGHT NOW-"
"What?!" He just shook his head, "I'm sorry, but what she said was right, I'm a complete fool to think I could try and let her go over something like this school. I love her, and she's the one I'm going to marry. You can go tell your Father the engagement and our deal is off, or you can wait for me to do it; either way we're through."
Her mouth just hung opened as she was speechless. He left her in the room as he ran down the hall way. A sudden anger built up as she tried running after him. As she got to the doorway Hinata-chan was there waiting for her; Yasu behind her with a smile across his face.
"What is this!? I demand you take her off of the speakers right now!"
Hinata-chan smiled, "I'm sorry Daisuke-san, but Yasuda-kun has informed me that you weren't feeling so well."
"Are you kidding me?! Let me pass!"
"Oh, I can't let you do that! Please come with me to my office, Sensei would you please help me?"
"What?! No!"
The teacher and Hinata-chan grabbed hold of Yuki as she started struggling to get free.
"I'm lucky to have fallen in love with him, and I think my parents would be happy for me, to have found happiness here in the same school, just like they did." I let out a deep breath, "WELL! That's the end of my announcement. I'm sorry to have taken up your time, please continue enjoying your lunch. Thank you." I chuckled a bit as I switched off the mic, feeling really relieved and stress-free. I hadn't felt this good in a while, it was almost like a high of sorts.  
Suddenly I couldn't stop myself from laughing, really I felt like such an idiot; but it felt good to be an idiot. 
The door slammed opened and shut as Taa-kun came crashing in; out of breath and flustered.
"Taa-kun..."
He took a moment to catch his breath. He wasn't really one to suddenly use all of his energy in one go, so wasn't used to it. I couldn't help but laugh at him, he was always like that.
"You really are foolish."
"You're not one to talk Riri."
"No?"
He just smiled that same irrisistable smile; sending my heart into overdrive.
I looked away from him, gazing down at the floor towards my feet, "I didn't think you'd come running to me."
He bit his lip, mumbling, "Well, you can thank Subaru... he made it easier for me..."
"What?"
He cleared his throat and smiled, "You know, ever since we were children, I've always been running to you. Just this time, there was... a big hill in my way, that I had to climb over first to get back to you."
I smiled at how cheesy he sounded, "A big hill, you say?"
He walked up to me and put his arms around my waist, locking his hands behind my back, "But it doesn't matter to me any more. so long as I can keep chasing after you."
My cheeks were hot, suddenly very red, "Why keep chasing me? I'm right here you know..."
He smiled, "You're right..."
His hands slid up my body and found themselves on my shoulder and on my face. He leaned foward slowly to kiss me, but I stuck my finger out, poking him on the forehead. His eyes blinked opened, surprised.
"You didn't forget how mean you were, did you? You are being punished."
He pouted, &quo