Only Obsession - Prince of Tennis - Series [Chapter 08]

Why did my heart have to waver? It’s impossible. I would never waver. Izumu, you made a resolution, remember? Atobe Keigo is out of your life now. You didn’t want him to come back and now he never will. 

“Izumu-chan?” My head whipped around to face Yuushi who was walking a little bit behind me. 

“Yes?” 

He merely smiled at me and picked up his pace. I can tell he knows how I am feeling. He’s that kind of guy. I am grateful he did not broach that subject with me though. Instead, he left me to my own thoughts. 

I felt bad that I left Mukahi-kun’s party without telling him, and brought Yuushi along with me. Even if Mukahi-kun doesn’t notice me gone, he will definitely look for Yuushi sooner or later. Great, now I feel really guilty. Maybe we should get back to the party. But the thought of having to face Keigo-kun is just… stifling. No, Mukahi-kun doesn’t deserve this. He needs Yuushi there at his party and I can’t be selfish and monopolize him all to myself. 

“Yuushi…” I said and turned to him. 

“No, we are not going back,” he said. “You are in no state for it. Gakuto will understand. He’s a pretty understanding guy despite how he acts and looks most of the time.” 

“But…” 

“It’s okay, there are more important things to care about right now,” he stopped walking, so I did too and then he turned to look at me. I tried to hold his gaze, but I faltered as I remembered the accident in the storage room. 

It didn’t take long for him to bring me home. Without even realizing, we were already in front of my house gates. 

“Yuushi…?” 

“Hm?” 

“Thank you,” I told him. He just nodded without saying a word and left. I watched his retreating back until he was out of sight before walking into the house. Ignoring the cries of worries from the maids and butlers, I instantly made my way into my room, locking the door behind me and opening my closet. I picked up Keigo-kun’s blazer and umbrella. I’ve decided what to do with them. Stuffing them into a paper bag, I asked the maids where Izumi’s new room was and placed the paper bag on her bed. She’ll know what to do with them. Keigo-kun’s name was clearly sewn into the blazer in gold thread. 

Back at my room, I dug out an old and dusty box and went over to my bed and sat on it, spilling the contents of the box on the bed. I stared at them and remembered what I told Yuushi that night in his room. That I still miss him but I didn’t want history to repeat itself. Maybe what I told Yuushi back then was something that I truly realized only now. 

I picked up the album on the bed and flipped it open. Those were the good times when the four of us were still friends. When we still too young to understand what pain and hate are. Pages after pages are filled with memory I treasured and wished would come back. Of course that is an empty wish, but still… 

I can feel tears flowing down my cheeks and I hastily wipe them away and discarded the album somewhere on the bed. There are lots of things here that concerns Keigo-kun. The torn up piece of paper I drew as a child. The letters we used to exchange even though we live next to each other. The uncategorized musty old photos that I never find time to put into the album. 

I stuffed everything back into the box and walked to the backyard. It didn’t matter if the tears are already flowing uncontrollably. I have to put an end to this. I don’t want to be tied to the past and be hurt anymore. Locating the incinerator wasn’t hard. Having to throw the box into it was hard. The heat of the flames licks against my face and I can feel my tears drying. 

This is it. Closing my eyes and taking a deep breath, I dumped everything into the waiting fire and ran, not even looking back to see if the flames successfully engulf the box and turn my memories into nothing more than charred remains. 

====

“I can’t believe it’s raining again,” Izumi sighed as she wiped the raindrops off her face with the sleeve of her school blazer. Keigo quickly shut the car door behind him and leaned back against the leather seat, not saying a word even when Izumi complain non-stop about the continuous rain. 

“I thought moving here would mean that I am finally able to escape the rain in England, but even here…” Izumi stopped when she realized Keigo wasn’t paying attention anymore and only watched the raindrops fell against the window and roll away with a blank look. 

“Keigo-kun… Are you okay?” 

Keigo blinked at her and nodded before going back to staring what is outside the window. Izumi sighed again and wrapped her hand around Keigo’s, trying to let him know that she is there. Keigo only held on tighter, not saying a word. 

====

Keigo never felt so lonely before. Well, he had once when he knew that Izumu had left him without telling him all those years ago. But that was it. He didn’t know why he felt like a teenage girl with unbalanced hormones right now. He needed to calm down. The great Atobe Keigo never panics or gets flustered by anything. 

That thought helped him cool his head as he paced around his bedroom. There was no reason for him to be overly worried about Izumu and Yuushi. It’s true that he now knew that Yuushi had feelings for Izumu, but for years, Yuushi never acted on them. There was no reason why he should start now. 

And Keigo was pretty confident that Izumu didn’t feel the same way towards Yuushi. Even though she said she hated him, Keigo still refused to fully believe in that. He knew that in the end, Izumu will end up being his again. 

He was also pretty confident of that. 

====

I can feel the awkwardness in the air as Izumi cut her own piece of steak from her plate across from me. Daddy looked happy beside me as he downed his own glass of wine. But no one had said a thing. I poked at a broccoli and played with it. 

“How was your day?” Daddy asked Izumi after he finished wiping his mouth with a napkin. 

“Splendid,” Izumi said and Daddy nodded at her encouragingly. “I love it here in Tokyo. And I get to see Keigo-kun again.” 

“At least someone’s happy about seeing him again,” I muttered under my breath. 

“What was that, Izumu?” Izumi asked me and I quickly shook my head. 

“I said I am glad you are enjoying yourself,” I lied and went back to poking a carrot. 

“Don’t play with your food,” Daddy reprimanded me and I shove the carrot into my mouth. 

“I am done. Thank you for the meal,” I said and pushed myself off the chair and walked away despite Daddy’s calls. I locked myself in my room with a book and ignored the maids who greeted me. A few minutes later, someone knocked on the door. 

“Go away,” I said. 

“Izumu, it’s me.” 

“Onee-san?” I asked and went to open the door for her. “What do you want?” 

“May I come in?” 

“If you’re going to talk about Keigo-kun, you can leave now,” I said, not batting an eyelid. 

“It’s not about him,” she said and pushed past me and into the room much to my annoyance. 

“Nee, when are you going to call him ‘Kei-chan’ again?” Izumi said and sat on my bed. 

“Unless you didn’t notice he didn’t like being called that,” I replied and closed the door, settling on sitting on the chair away from her. 

“Hmm…” 

“I thought you said we’re not talking about him?” 

“Ah, that’s right!” 

“So…?” 

Izumi bit her bottom lip and actually looked nervous as she approached me and grab my shoulders. I raised an eyebrow carefully at her. 

“I wanted to ask about… Shishido-kun.” 

I can feel my eyes going wide in surprise. Did Izumi just said what she just said? 

“I heard that since you sat in front of him in class that you must be close to him and all that. Do you think you can help me?” 

“Help you with what..?” I asked. It was pretty obvious, but I still wanted to make sure that this is actually happening and not some stupid illusion. 

A small blush spreads throughout Izumi’s face. “You know with what,” she said. 

I frowned and thought back to what Shishido had said earlier about how Izumi and Jirou seemed to be on close terms with one another. What is with this sudden plot twist? 

I decided to ask her anyway, “Neesan… What do you think of Jirou-kun?” 

“Well… He is nice,” she said briefly, “But our current topic is Shishido-kun, isn’t it?” 

“Right…” 

“Can you give me his phone number?” 

“Can I ask him about it first?” 

She frowned and stared at me. I knew I had no other choice. I took out my phone and gave her my contacts list. 

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Playing the Secret's Game - Original - Series [Chapter 09]

Aaralynn never felt happier than today. She secretly wished she could link arms or hold hands with Asche when they were walking out in the streets. Asche told her he's going to a coffee shop and Aaralynn decides to follow him.

Asche brought them to a cafe that looks deserted and dirty. When they went in there, the bartender looked up for a brief second before going back to cleaning mugs with dirty rags. The only people in there were the balding tattooed bartender and a lanky pink haired waitress who smokes. Aaralynn gulped nervously, but all Asche did was walk up to the corner of the shop and sat in one of the tables that has a dark violet curtain that can be pulled around it. The table was circular and comfortable-looking, worn out couches encircled the table. Aaralynn followed suit and sat across Asche, who pulled the curtain across their table to give them privacy.

A moment later, the waitress slipped a cup of coffee on the table and looked at Aaralynn, waiting for an order.

"Orange Juice, please," she squeaked. The waitress left and came back with a glass of juice and set it on the table. She left them alone again.

"So..." Aaralynn said, mind whirling in hope of finding a topic to talk about. She sipped her Orange Juice mindlessly and spat it out a second later, gagging and spluttering, "Ugh, that's horrible..."

"I know," Asche said not really caring. He lied down on the comforters and folded his arms on his head for pillow. For a few minutes, they stayed in silence, Asche lying down, Aaralynn fidgeting, dying for a conversation. She looked at her wristwatch and her eyes bulged.

10:58? Her mother is going to kill her! She didn't even realize she's been out that long.

"Asche?"

"What?"

"Can we go home now? It's late... Your parents are probably worrying."

"My dad won't worry. You can go home if you like," he said his eyes still close.

"But, it's late and dark," she whined.

"So?"

"Bring me home?" She asked, hoping for a yes. Instead, Asche sighed and said, "Go home by yourself, I need my rest."

She begged and asked and plead for a few more minutes but Asche won't budge.

"Alright," she said, finally giving in, "Good night, Asche."

She reluctantly gets up and waited for a good night or good bye from Asche, but none came. Disappointed, she left. The moment she opened the door, the chilly October air hits her face. The neighbourhood was disturbingly quiet and still. Goosebumps appeared on her skin. Crossing her arms in front of her, she made her way home.

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Asche heard the girl said good night and left. He wanted to say something to her, but he's not used to this kind of situations. He was Asche Faber after all. He did not know that a cute girl like Aaralynn who walks alone in the middle of the night is a target for perverts, rapists and lechers who lurks the night in dark alleyways looking for suitable targets like Aaralynn. He didn't know danger exists, because he's danger itself. He heard the bell hung on top of the cafe's doors tingle and was sure that she has left. A cold unsettling lonely feeling settled in his heart. It troubled him. It also troubles him how needy he is of Aaralynn's presence.

He craves for her. He craves for her smile, her smell, her touch, her caress. He craves to see those eyes, those lips, that face, the way her fingers laces each other and how much he wish it's his that it laces with. He craves for her soft and warm hands. He craves for her voice, the sound of her breathing. The way she looks when she's asleep and the way her hair dance in the wind. He craves for those eyes that look kindly at him without any fear and the way she cares for him. The way her eyes twinkle whenever she saw him. He craves for the warm and fuzzy feelings she gave him. He craves everything about her. It's driving him mad and it scares him, and that's saying something. Because Asche Faber never gets scared of anything, ever.

He leapt up from his seat and slipped some money on the table. He left the cafe in a hurry looking for Aaralynn. His Aaralynn.

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Aaralynn had to cross a dark alley to get to her side of town. Either that or the cemetery that she was even more reluctant to cross. The alley was so dark, that she can only see the tiny speck of light at the other end of the alley. She hesitantly stepped into the darkness when she heard a noise and froze.

Meow.

She defreezes, thankful it's only a cat. She puts another foot in front of the other one and continued walking in a brisk pace, focusing only on that speck of light on the other end. She stumbled on cardboard boxes or a trash cans a couple of times, but her steps are undeterred. Fear is puncturing her brain. Something flashed in front of her blocking the light at the other end.

"Hello, cutie pie," warm breaths shot at Aaralynn's face. It was the smell of alcohol and smoke, mingled with other nasty smelling odors.

Aaralynn started to shake. She willed her body to move in any other way than shaking, but her mind went numb. She felt her hands grabbed and her body shoved against the wall. Instinctively, she screamed as loud as she could, hoping someone would hear.

"Scream all you want, bitch. No one can listen to you," the warm breath trickles down her neck again.

The darkness in the alley made it hard for Aaralynn to identify or see her perpetrator. She fought when he lifted her hands above her and pin her to the wall. Her screams are muffled by the piece of cloth he shoved in her mouth. She can feel his free hand moving... Moving downwards and wandering into her sweater... She kicked and struggled, but he's still stronger. Her brain screamed for Asche to come and save her all the while.

"Allie?" The all familiar voice of Asche rang throughout the alley.

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Asche couldn't find his Aaralynn anywhere when he heard a high-pitched scream. What are the chances of it being Aaralynn? He thought. But the mere thought of someone hurting Aaralynn filled him up with so much hate he didn't think twice when he ran towards the source of the noise. He heard a struggle and muffled screams from within the alley, but it was too dark to see.

"Allie?" He tried to call out into the darkness hoping to get some confirmation. The struggles and screams intensify and all doubt of the girl who screamed was someone other than Aaralynn disappeared. He lit up his hand phone and use it as a torchlight to show him his way around the alley.

The sound of the struggles becomes louder and Asche quickens his pace, the light from his phone not bright enough to show much. He came closer and eventually came face to face with something that boils him with so much anger and hate.

Aaralynn's eyes are both relieved and pleading from seeing Asche with tinges of fear. Her sweater torn at some parts. The hands of the perpetrator roaming her body freely. He flashed his light at the perpetrator and couldn't believe who it was.

"Father?" He asked. The perpetrator looked up from Aaralynn and into Asche's face. Shock was clearly shown in his face for a brief moment. He lets his hand go but still pins Aaralynn's arms against the wall with the other.

"Asche, my boy," he says, clearly drunk by Asche's judgment. But his voice still trembled a little when he talks to Asche. In fear, "Want to share?" He motioned towards Aaralynn. Asche's eyes follow his father's hand and landed on Aaralynn's eyes.

Aaralynn looked at Asche in... Betrayal? And hate? Asche couldn't stand the pain in Aaralynn's eyes. He looked away and towards his own father.

"Let her go," Asche spat in disgust. His father laughed cruelly.

"And what are you going to do if I am not going to? Hurt me?" He mocked his son, feeling a bit more confident with his argument, "Remember, the only reason you aren't locked up right now is because of me, and you owe me one. Seems like you know this girl. Let me have her and I'll consider this debt settled."

Asche didn't take long to decide when he launched himself against his father's stronger built, dropping his phone somewhere. His father let's go of Aaralynn's arms who slid down the wall and trembled at the foot of the wall, hugging herself as if to ward off the trouble after spitting the piece of cloth out of her mouth.

Asche bashed his fist against his father's jaw and a second one to his nose. He didn't stop even as his father starts losing consciousness in the inability to fight as he was pinned down on the alley floor by Asche. Asche only stops after he was sure his father was lost in unconsciousness.

Asche leapt off his father and ran to Aaralynn's side.

"Allie?" He asked softly, begging for a reaction. None came, "Allie, I am so sorry," he said again softly. He never thought he could feel or act this way before. But now, it all seems so natural and right. It's as if his heart had taken over his brain and act as it likes regardless of consequences.

Aaralynn just kept trembling, her mind racing with a lot of things. That pervert who just tried to rape her was Asche's father! She knew it wasn't Asche's fault and Asche wasn't his father, but the thought of that person being Asche's father already felt like a betrayal to her. She couldn't help but feel disgusted with herself and Asche. She just kept trembling.

Her body only reacted after Asche tried wrapping his jacket around her. The contact on their skins shock Aaralynn, she shoved Asche away. A look of hurt flickered across Asche's eyes. Asche didn't try to touch her or get close to her after that. He stood a good distance away from Aaralynn, but still holds up his jacket for Aaralynn to take. Aaralynn did and wrapped herself in it before slowly getting up and stifle her sobs. She made her way home dazedly and Asche followed from behind, abandoning his phone in the darkness. It's no use looking for it now in the dark.

His mind raced with vengeance and fury at his father and what he tried to do to Aaralynn. He knew Aaralynn will hate him now after knowing what his father was like and yet, he could not bring himself to hate her as he had easily done to others.

They came to Aaralynn's front door, but Aaralynn made no move to enter her house.

"Aaralynn?" Asche asked. Aaralynn stayed quiet.

"I can't go in at this hour, looking like this. My parents will freak..." Aaralynn said, dazedly. Asche understood. He went to the side of the house and spotted Aaralynn's bedroom window. He climbed the tree that grew alongside the house like he did that time when Aaralynn was home alone and a burglar broke into the house.

He tried to push the window open, but it was locked from the inside. He tapped at it a few times. Unable to think of any way to enter the house from the window, he jumped down to the ground floor and walk back towards the front of the house. But to his shock, Aaralynn disappeared. Panicking, he ran to the streets, turning his head this way and there and saw Aaralynn walking down the street.

"Aaralynn?" Aaralynn didn't reply. Asche grew even more worried.

"Aaralynn?" He called her name again, hoping for some reply or recognition. He walked a few feet away from her, still keeping his distance, not wanting to hurt her.

"Where are you going?" He asked again. Still no reply. It didn't take long for Asche to figure it out. An old hotel. Aaralynn had paid the front desk and was walking up the stairs when Asche caught up. Asche followed up the stairs but not into the hotel room. Aaralynn closed the door on his face silently when she saw that Asche made no move to enter the room with her. Asche slid down the door and sat in front of it until morning.

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Aaralynn didn't know what to think. She was still so shaken by what happened. She undressed the moment she entered the room and sat underneath the showers for three hours trying to wash away the disgusted feelings she had for herself, for Asche, and for his asshole of a father. The warm waters slowly relaxed her muscles and she let the tears flow down her cheeks.

Soon, sleepiness and tiredness slips in and she decided to get into bed. She put on the hotel robes and tied it tightly around her. She gropes for her bed in the dark and felt her torn clothes and Asche's jacket. She dumps them all on the floor and slip under the covers. But no matter how much she tried to shut it out, the memories of what happened in the alley haunts her when she closed her eyes. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes again.

She sat up in bed, when she spotted Asche's jacket on the floor. She went and picks it up, gazing at the door wondering if Asche is still there. Probably not, she decided. She pressed her face into the jacket. It still smells like Asche. Like the smell of light nicotine and the fresh morning dew. Crying silently, she hugged the jacket and savour Asche's smell before finally plunging into a deep and dreamless sleep.

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Aaralynn woke up that morning to the memories of last night. She felt much better now that she's slept and her head felt much clearer. She figures she needed to settle with her parents, so she called Karista.

Ring. Ring.

"Hey, Ari!" Karista greeted happily from the other side.

"Morning, Karista," Aaralynn said trying to keep her voice as casual as possible, "Listen, I need a favour from you."

"Sure, what is it?"

"If my parents call, can you tell them I am staying over at your place?"

"Why? Aren't you home?" Karista asked suspiciously.

"No, I am at a hotel. I came home too late last night and didn't want to freak my parents out. So I am staying here at a hotel," Aaralynn explained leaving the other details out.

"Oh, sure," Karista said, sounding a little bit unsure.

"Thank you, Karista. I love you, girlfriend!"

"I love you too! Bye!"

Aaralynn hung up and she decided she needed to get ready for the morning when she saw her torn clothes. She wondered what to wear that day and how to get clothes when the door was knocked.

Aaralynn went and open it, wondering who it would be when she saw Asche holding a shopping bag.

"Morning, Allie. Here," he said and pushed the bag towards Aaralynn. It seems like Asche had not slept at all. Seeing Asche made last night's nightmare come back. Asche's father tried to rape her! Asche's father!

Her brain screamed for her thoughts to stop. That it wasn't Asche's fault and that he saved her. That his father wasn't him and that he had nothing to do with it. But her whole body told her to stay away from Asche. She couldn't help but feel disgusted. She stepped back instinctively, not missing the hurt look on Asche's face. Asche looked down on to the floor and put the bag there. Then he stepped away from Aaralynn, giving her her space. He gave one last longing look at Aaralynn before departing.

Aaralynn took the bag off the floor and saw clothes. She gave a sweeping look at the direction Asche left, the 'thank you' lingering at the tips of her tongue, but he was nowhere in sight. Sighing, Aaralynn closed the door and headed for the bathroom.

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She checked out of the hotel not long after, dressed in the clothes Asche bought her; an oversized t-shirt and jeans that were held together by the belt of the bath robe. She decided to chuck her old clothes and put on Asche's jacket. After all, that jacket was not hers to throw away.

She was not really sure of where to go now. But when she saw the time on the clock above the receptionist's desk, she knew her house would be empty as her parents would most likely be out for lunch.

She heads home and was glad to find her house empty. She doesn't want to be caught snooping after disappearing for a whole night and wearing boys' clothing.

The first thing she did when she gets home was getting properly dressed. She puts on a summer dress and white stockings underneath and a warm jacket and some shawl. Although only October, the air was colder than it's supposed to be and many people had already put on winter clothing.

She stared at the clothes on the bed, not sure if Asche bought it or brought it from home. She took a new bag from her closet drawer and stuffs the clothes in, planning to return it to Asche either way. Her hands met his jacket and stopped. She hesitated for a moment before stuffing the jacket in with the rest of the clothes.

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Asche returned to the hotel that noon with lunch in hand and learned that Aaralynn had left the hotel. He wondered if she's home and decided to drop a visit. Once again, he decided to enter the house through the window. When he reached, the curtains were drawn and he tried knocking on the glass. He waited. Nothing.

He knocked again and heard a stir from inside. Encouraged, he knocked some more. A moment later, a tired looking Aaralynn was staring back at him. When she saw him, she just draws the curtains back. Asche felt like she had slapped him. He left her lunch on a tree branch just within her reach if she stretches her arms a little and jumped to the ground.

Staring at the window, he left, wondering if she will ever care for him the same way ever again.

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The next day, Aaralynn woke up, not really feeling up for school. But she knows she needs to go today for her Physics and World History exams. If she misses those, it will be a sure fail on her report cards.

She got dressed and got to school, grabbing the clothes with Asche's clothes in it on the way out.

"Aaralynn!" Aaralynn swiveled her head around while she was walking towards the school's front doors.

"Hello, Noel," Aaralynn greeted. Noel grinned back happily. Karista joined them not long after, wiggling her eyebrows with a knowing look at both of them. Aaralynn rolled her eyes and pulled Karista towards the school with Noel following behind.

Upon getting closer to her locker, Aaralynn notice Asche leaning against her locker door.

"What's he doing here?" Karista whispered to Aaralynn under her breath. Aaralynn shrugged.

"Hello, Aaralynn," he greeted.

Aaralynn gave him a curt, "Good morning. Here are your clothes. Please excuse me, Asche, I need to get to class," she said sternly.

"Yeah," Asche said sadly and took the bag, "See you..." He walked away from Aaralynn, giving her one last pleading chance to forgive him, before disappearing among the crowd of students.

"Why do you have-" Karista couldn't finish the question when she saw the hurt look on Aaralynn's face, she decided not to ask.

"What happened between you two?" Noel asked, who was feeling surprised at what he just saw compared to last Saturday night.

"Nothing," Aaralynn said coldly, "Nothing..." She turned to her locker and started to take out her books for today.

Noel gave her a long hard scrutinizing look before shrugging. Then he left for his own locker further away. The first class for the day is Physics. Her class is having their quantum mechanics exams today, and she was glad of the distraction. She doesn't want to think about last Saturday night anymore.

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Playing the Secret's Game - Original - Series [Chapter 08]

It was a cold night. The wind was strong and no clouds covered the starless sky. Asche decided to take a walk through the streets and escape the confines of home.

Home was not a happy place for him, and he's always glad to leave. Most of the time, he would stay out till dawn, sitting in a corner in a 24/7 cafe accompanied by a cup of coffee he never touched.

The next morning, he would leave for school leaving the cold untouched cup on the table. 

That's what Asche was planning on doing right now. Cutting through a dark alley, he turned the corner on the left towards Phillip's Magic Shop heading towards Rose's Diner. The cafe was two blocks away from where he was and it took around 10 minutes to walk. He checked his watched. 6 45 pm. 

Walking past Rose's Diner, he could see a flash of familiar long brown hair. Aaralynn. Asche stopped in his tracks and looked in at a safe distance. 

The girl was obviously Aaralynn. She looked so cute! Asche commented in his head. But wait. Something's amiss. She's with someone else. A guy. And they're laughing and having fun!

Anger shot throughout Asche's whole body. Anger and... Jealousy?

Jealousy? No way. Asche thought to himself. How could he feel jealous? He was Asche Faber for God's sake! Asche Faber didn't feel, much less a delicate caring feeling like jealousy. It was impossible. He decided to leave, but somehow, something made him keep watching. He couldn't tear his eyes away from the scene in front of him. 

The guy moved his hand towards her face and brushes a strand of hair away from her eyes. Aaralynn blushed a little and said something. She raised her hand to touch his that was still on her face.

Asche's body was starting to shake and a familiar feeling of the need to hurt someone appeared. He focused on the guy sitting across Aaralynn and somehow, his smiling face washed Asche with the feeling of anger and hate. He felt more comfortable with these feelings and decided to focus on it.

Without thinking, he walked over to Rose's Diner in angry stomps. When he opened the door in a slam, many faces turned to him and contorted in fear.

He walked over to the table Aaralynn and Noel was sitting at and suppressed his feelings so he would feel and look calmer.

"Hey," he said. Noel looked up to meet with a punch across his jaw from Asche. Asche could hear Aaralynn scream as blood shot out from Noel's mouth.

"Noel!" She screamed and ran over to his side, "Are you okay?"

Noel gave a groan and got up. He pushed Aaralynn behind him and faces his attacker.

"Stay behind me, Ari. He won't hurt you, I promise. I won't let him," Noel told Aaralynn. Asche saw a flicker of fear across Noel's eyes when he met his eyes.

But Aaralynn wouldn't listen, she ran from behind Noel and towards Asche who's ready to punch Noel again. Aaralynn holds Asche's lifted hand with both of her own.

"That's okay, Noel. Asche won't hurt me," she told Noel, "Right, Asche?"

Noel look baffled when Asche dropped his hand to his side and looked at Aaralynn softly.

"Hi, Allie," Asche said. Aaralynn smiled at his greeting.

"Join me and Noel for dinner, please?" Aaralynn begged putting on her best puppy eyes look. Asche sighed and nodded, feeling defeated. He gave Noel a look.

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Noel's face was of pure shock when he saw how close Aaralynn and Asche are. She was smiling at him all the time and her eyes twinkles. Noel also saw something in Asche he never thought possible. Asche was being so... So... Nice... To Aaralynn. He was still baffled when Aaralynn said goodbye and left with Asche he never gave it much thought.

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Playing the Secret's Game - Original - Series [Chapter 07]

Aaralynn's phone beeped, indicating that a message has been received. Picking up her cell phone and reading a message, she sighed in relief. Noel has finally texted her! He didn't stand her up! Quickly, she skimmed through the text message.

'Saturday, 6 pm

Kelly's Diner

Do u want to be picked up? :)

Xoxo, Noel.'

Aaralynn texted back, declining the ride. Saturday is tomorrow. Aaralynn felt a need to tell Karista that Noel texted her at last and that's what she did. A moment later, a reply came. 

'Seeeee???? Isn't that great????? I am so happy and excited for you!! I am coming over 2moro to help u with a makeover <3'

Makeover? Aaralynn scrunched her face up feeling confused. Is that necessary?

'Is a makeover really necessary?'

'Yes! Of course!!"

Aaralynn just sighed, feeling dejected. When Karista sets her mind on something, she'll get it. It's how nature works. 

'Ok'

She set her phone down on her bed and begin to think. Although her date with Noel is tomorrow, her head is filled with Asche. Her heart was leaping for joy when memories of that day in the lake flashed by. She had caught a minor cold afterwards, but it's totally worth it. But the thought of Asche not being able to hear her confession of love brought regret to her. She had not dare to repeat it in fear of rejection.

Depressed. It's too depressing. When you love a person in secret and see him not knowing, it's too depressing. It's the worst kind of love. Unrequited love that is. You are left to wonder what he thinks. Does he love you too? Does he not? It's like plucking off petals from flowers all over again. Something Aaralynn thought was always absurd. She never thought the day would come when she would do the same. Sighing, she spent a sleepless night, tossing and turning in anticipation of the next time she would meet Asche.

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Asche knew it was not possible. He knew there's no way a kind, loving girl like Aaralynn would ever like a creep like him, let alone love him. Love. It was an alien feeling to him. What does it feel like to love and be loved? Does he even know? If he doesn't, how will he know its love when the time comes? But Aaralynn said she loved him. Does she mean it? Or did she mistake her own feelings? Or was it Asche who mistook what she said? After all, the idea of someone loving him seems like a tall tale to him. Like it was something that only existed in fairy tales. True, he watched people from school go on dates and kiss. He watched parents and newlywed couples. But they all seem surreal. Like it was never meant to be there, but it did anyway. And maybe, just maybe, he might, just a little, a very little portion of himself felt for Aaralynn in a way that is totally new to him. He evolved this kind of protective feeling towards her, but at the same time, he wanted to hurt her so badly. Since the latter was something he was familiar with, it scared him how he can feel something so familiar with something so alien at the same time. Yes, mighty fearless Asche Faber was scared of what he feels towards a girl who is harmless to him.

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Saturday evening rolled around. The sky was still pale pink from dusk. The sun is setting in the sky and people from all over town are busy getting home from work to dinner. 

Aaralynn studied herself at the mirror with Karista standing behind her. Aaralynn had on a short red tartan skirt and black thighs, crème coloured knee length boots, a light brown sweater, and a red scarf and beret. Karista then applied natural coloured make up on her and nodded approvingly after she's done.

Aaralynn agreed that Karista did a fine job and she hope it pleases Noel.

"Aaralynn," Karista said, "it's almost six-fifteen. It's time for you to go."

"Six-fifteen!!??" Aaralynn yelled, "He said to meet him at six! I can't believe I am late! It takes 20 minutes to travel to Kelly's!!" Aaralynn started to hyperventilate. "No! I need to call Noel and tell him I am sorry." She began looking for her phone.

"No!" Karista said, "You need to be late on your first date so you'll know if the guy is sincere in asking you out. If he is, he'll wait and won't get mad."

Aaralynn didn't get Karista's logic and she told her so.

"Look, Ari. First dates are really important and they are usually what lead to dates after. So you wouldn't want to end up dating the wrong guy. Let Noel wait and see what's his reaction is."

Aaralynn just agreed.

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"I am sorry I am late," Aaralynn said apologetically. Noel looked up from his couch. His mouth dropped. 

"A-A-Aaralynn! Whoa! You look pretty! I mean, I must have sounded materialistic when I said that! But... But... I really think you're pretty no matter what anyways! Oh, what am I saying? Hi! Have a seat! You must be tired standing up!" Noel said in one go and then he hastily got up and lead Aaralynn to the couch opposite his.

Aaralynn chuckled. Noel sat back down feeling red and flushed in the face. He began to rub his hands together feeling nervous. Here is one of the popular kind girls in his school going out on a date with him and he has no idea what to say! Feeling like he can't be more embarrassed, he waved the closest waitress over. 

"Ready to order?" 

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Playing the Secret's Game - Original - Series [Chapter 06]

After an unceremonious Sunday, Monday rolled around. The bell rang and clusters of students crowd the school building, trying to get to class.

Aaralynn stood by her locker and waited for Karista to arrive. 

"Aaralynn!" 

Aaralynn turned around instinctively after hearing her name called out. It was Noel. Aaralynn's seat mate during art class.

"Noel, what's up?" Aaralynn asked.

"Um..." Noel started and started rubbing the back of his neck. 

Aaralynn waited patiently.

"Doyouwanttogoforadate?" Noel asked quickly and turned crimson red.

"What?" Aaralynn asked. Noel started stammering. Aaralynn giggled and waited for Noel to repeat himself. Noel took a deep breath and asked again, slowly.

"Aaralynn," Noel looked at Aaralynn seriously, "Do you want to go for a date?" 

"Oh... Um..." Aaralynn was taken aback, not knowing what to say and afraid to hurt Noel's feelings by rejecting.

"YESS!"

Both Aaralynn and Noel faced the source of the voice. Karista was standing behind them, eyes gleaming and hands clasped together.

"Yes, of course she will!" 

"Karista?" Aaralynn asked and motioned Karista for a private talk. Karista got it and they turned away from Noel and spoke in hushed whispers.

"I don't want to," Aaralynn told Karista straight to the point.

"Why? Is it because you still have feelings for the Faber creep?" Karista said accusingly.

"Don't call him the Faber creep! He's a nice guy!" Aaralynn said defensively, raising her voice a little. Karista shushed her.

"I knew it!" Karista said. "Aaralynn, go out with Noel, he's a perfectly nice guy and he's normal! Plus, he'll help you forget Faber. It's better for you that way. Trust me?"

Aaralynn looked hesitant.

"Okay," Karista said, "what if I put it this way? I've said yes to Noel for you and he looked really happy and is very excited about going out with you, that you don't want to crush his spirits do you?"

Aaralynn just looked at Karista. Karista stared back.

"You know I can't say no when you put it that way."

"I know; that's why I did it. Your kindness is your weakness, Ari."

Aaralynn sighed and nodded and they turned back to face a confuse-looking Noel. 

"Yes, Noel. I'd like to go out with you on a date," Aaralynn told Noel. Noel beamed.

"Great! I'll text you the time and place!" Noel said cheerfully. Aaralynn just nodded. Not noticing her discomfort, Noel bounded away with a huge grin.

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It was a Wednesday and halfway through the week, and Aaralynn still hadn't heard from Noel or even seen him. Secretly, she hoped Noel didn't really mean to ask her out because it would be awkward because she like Asche. Not Noel, Asche!

But on the other hand, she felt kind of glum by being stood up. Maybe Noel didn't mean to stand her up and was busy, but she can't help but think that way. After all, it's halfway through the week and Noel hadn't even contacted her like he promised.

She also hasn’t seen Asche either. Not since that last weekend during the burglary. The picture she painted of Asche was hanging on her bedroom wall. Fortunately, since it was Wednesday, she would spend two hours at Boring Hudson's Advanced Algebra class with Asche sitting next to her.

This thought quickly cheered her up and she quickly makes her way to the Advanced Algebra class skipping a little along the way.

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"Asche..."

Asche could hear a distant sweet voice calling out his name in a soft whisper.

"Asche..." The voice called again, still softly. He was sleeping underneath a tree by the lake again, enjoying the soft breeze and the gentle warm caress of the sunlight. The voice called out again, never losing patience at his non-responsive attitude.

It reminded him of his dead mother that always accepted him and smile at him no matter how hard it is. The voice keeps calling and Asche found it harder to stay awake. Slowly, he drifts off to the sleep just as a soft warm hand started stroking his hair.

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Aaralynn sat next to Asche and caresses his head lovingly. When she found out Asche ditched Advance Algebra, she quickly excused herself from class to visit the nurse. But instead of turning the corner to the nurse's office, she turned the corner before that to the back exit door. She knew it lead to the lake that Asche always sleep at and for some reason; she knew he would be there.

True enough, Asche was there, head against the tree trunk lolling to the side, asleep.

"Asche," she had called out and no reply came. "Asche," she called again and again, softly as if scared to wake him up.

Then she sat next to him and strokes his hair and slowly her hands began to caress his sleeping face. Her fingers trailed to his lips and stayed there. Aaralynn stared at his lips longingly. She thought about kissing him, but decided against it. If it's a kiss, it should be mutual. She said to herself and laid her head on his shoulder instead. Not long after, she fell asleep too.

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RIIINNNGGGGG!!!!!! The lunch bell yelled and a flurry of activity followed after. Rubbing his forehead, Asche woke up because of the loud noises. Then he yawned. A heavy weight was set on his left shoulder and Asche looked down to find out what it could be. His heart nearly stopped.

There was Aaralynn sleeping on his shoulder and gleamed in sunlight that Asche can't tear his eyes away from the beautiful sight. He reached his hand out towards her face and using the back of his fingers, stroke Aaralynn's cheek.

"Allie..." He breathed. Then he casually brushed a strand of hair and tucks it behind her ear. His hands stayed there, cupping her cheeks. Closing his eyes, he slowly leaned down to Aaralynn, totally forgetting he's supposed to stay away and stifle his feelings for her. 

"Asche?"

Asche quickly pulled back and landed a meter away. He looked at Aaralynn and she was rubbing sleep from her eyes.

"Asche?" She asked again, and yawns.

"Y-yes?" Flustered, embarrassed and looking red in the face, Asche quickly stood up and was ready to leave anytime.

Aaralynn tried to stand up too, but apparently, the sleepiness is not totally gone. She stumbled a little and trip. 

"Aaarrrgghhh!" Aaralynn screamed. Thump! She hit the floor and brought Asche down with her. Her fall was comforted by his body, as she fell down face first into his chest. But Asche wasn't so lucky. He fell ass first into the hard floor and hit his head against a root.

"Ouch..." Aaralynn grumbled and tried to stand up.

"Don't move!!" Asche ordered, but it was too late. Before they knew it, both of them has fallen into the lake, drenched wet.

Asche picked himself up from the muddy bottom. Thank goodness it's shallow. When he is finally able to sit up and wash the mud off his face, Aaralynn playfully splashed him. She giggled happily. 

Asche grumbled and look at Aaralynn annoyingly. Then, for revenge, Asche splashed Aaralynn back. Aaralynn screamed, giggled and splashed Asche back. Shielding himself from the incoming splash, Asche wasn't prepared when Aaralynn launched herself, arms wide open on Asche.

"Wha..?" Asche was about to say when Aaralynn brought both of them down on the cold water. Asche used his arms to stop both of them to hit the bottom again. Giggling uncontrollably, Aaralynn hugged Asche tight.

"I love you, Asche..." Aaralynn whispered quietly, but loud enough that Asche heard. Asche couldn't believe his ears. 

"W-what?" Asche muttered.

"What what?" Aaralynn asked innocently. Asche shook his head and then pushed Aaralynn away from him. He stood up and walks away, leaving Aaralynn staring longingly at his retreating back.

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Playing the Secret's Game - Original - Series [Chapter 04]

"No way! I can't believe it!" Aaralynn gushed on the phone with her best friend. "He asked you out? How!?"

Karista just got a date with one of the basketball boys. Aaralynn couldn't remember which one, but she was pretty sure Karista have been crushing on this dude for a long time. All Aaralynn could remember was his name. Liam.

Listening tentatively to her friend's story, Aaralynn couldn't help but wonder if Asche would ever ask her out. Karista got the same thought cause she said, "I wish someone could ask you out, Ari. Maybe then you could forget a certain someone."

Karista said 'someone' like she's spitting out evil poison not worthy of her life. 

"Don't change the subject. You haven't told me everything yet!" Aaralynn tried to steer the conversation away from Asche. Thankfully, it worked. Karista immediately jumped into another episode she had with Liam. 

Suddenly, a huge crash was heard. Aaralynn jumped on her bed in surprise. "What was that?" Karista inquired through the phone.

"I don't know...” Aaralynn trailed off really frightened now. The sound came from somewhere close. That much Aaralynn could tell. Not to mention she was alone at home. Her parents are out on their office's welcoming party or something and won't be back until tomorrow, and her older brother was away at college at another state.

"Talk to you later," Aaralynn hung up her phone before Karista could say anything else. Looking around her room, she found her brother's old baseball bat and she took it, grasping it tightly in her hands. What could it be?

Aaralynn thought of calling the police. But what if it isn't something major? Aaralynn never liked ruckus and the like. What's the point if it's only a loose rat scuttling around the house anyway? Hoping that it is only a rat, Aaralynn reached out for the door when she thought of a better idea.

Locking her room's door, she reached for her cell phone and press call on a contact's name. Waiting for the other end to pick up, she pressed her ears on the door trying to pick up a noise. Sure enough, she heard a little bit of sound through the door.

"Yes?" Someone answered through Aaralynn's cellphone.

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"Asche!" Aaralynn whispered frantically. "Can you come here quickly?" 

"What is it?" Asche asked in a bored tone. 

"I think someone broke into my house. No one's home. Please come!" 

"Call the police," came the short reply.

"But what if it isn't really a burglar?"

"Then go check it out."

"But what if it is!"

"Then call the police."

"What if the burglar killed me first before I can reach for a phone? Please come!" 

Asche sighed. 

"All right. All right. I am on my way. Just stop making those stupid reasons. Hang on." The phone line went dead.

Relieved yet anticipating, Aaralynn paced her room back and forth. After five minutes and still no sign of Asche, Aaralynn try to listen through the door again. Sure enough, there are still sounds coming from outside. 

Knock, knock.

Aaralynn jumped. She spun around and there on the window sill, knelt a silhouette of a figure visible through the curtains. Holding her baseball bat, Aaralynn moved to the window and in one quick sweeping motion pulled the curtains aside, raising her baseball bat high in the air.

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"Asche!" Aaralynn cried in relief throwing her baseball bat away. She quickly undid the window locks and Asche jumped into the room. Relieved, Aaralynn hugged him tight. Asche pried Aaralynn away from him. 

Casually and unarmed, Asche stride to the door and unlock it like there's no danger lurking behind the door. Before Asche could open the door, Aaralynn pulled on his out stretch arm.

"Asche! It's dangerous! Don't do things so hastily!" Aaralynn chided quietly. Asche pulled away and opened the door anyway.

Sticking a head out of the room and into the dark hallway, Asche could hear noises from the first floor. Not bothering to be quite, Asche walked towards the staircase, Aaralynn following behind quietly.

Walking down the staircase, Aaralynn could make out a figure lurking in the dark of the family room. It was a burglar after all! Grateful she didn't try to act on her own, she looked at Asche. Asche just went into the family room and switch on the lights.

"Hey," Asche casually greeted the burglar. The burglar dropped all of the things he's carrying. Mostly electronic goods and little bits of jewelry. 

"Asche Faber!" The burglar cried astonished and ran out of the house looking like he just saw a ghost.

Relieved didn't even begin to describe how Aaralynn felt at the moment. Dropping to the floor, Aaralynn started sobbing. 

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"No, I am okay. Yup, not hurt at all."

Aaralynn was explaining to Karista what just happened through the phone, leaving Asche out of the picture of course. Instead, she said a neighbour heard the noise and came over causing the burglar to flee. 

"No, you don't need to come. I'll be okay. I got company."

A pause as Aaralynn listened to Karista on the line.

"Who you ask?" Aaralynn glanced uneasily at Asche who was lounging on the couch in her room watching TV while snacking on potato chips. "Just a neighbour!" 

Another pause.

"Okay. Night Karista!"

Hanging up her phone and sighing, Aaralynn managed to convince Asche to accompany her until tomorrow morning after cleaning the house up. Asche just agreed readily, happy at the chance to stay away from home and his drunken father.

Aaralynn curl next to Asche at the couch and made a grab for the chips. But Asche was fast and pulled the chips away.

"Not in your lifetime," Asche said coldly. 

In response, Aaralynn stuck a tongue out at Asche. Asche just gave a little humorless smile. It disappeared as quickly as it came. Aaralynn focused on the TV instead. 

"Catdog?" Aaralynn asked unbelieving. "Asche, you're watching Catdog?"

"So?" Asche asked shrugging.

"Nothing. Never mind." Aaralynn said quickly. Sleep was taking over her entire body, and before she knew it, her head fell to Asche's shoulder. This time, Asche just shrugged it off and continue watching.

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Asche picked the sleeping Aaralynn up and gently places her on the bed. Then he pulled a blanket over her body and sat in the foot of her bed, contemplating.

Asche never remembered feeling so caring towards someone. Usually, he never answered pleas of help. But today, he readily came to Aaralynn's rescue. Not to mention tucking her in bed. It's all so weird for Asche, but he felt natural doing it to Aaralynn. 

Maybe it's because she's different. Asche thought. Maybe it's the way she didn't show fear or the way she said she likes me. Maybe it's the way she looked cute sleeping or the way she's actually making an effort to care for me. 

All night, these thoughts troubled him. No. He won't allow himself to care for someone. He won't love. Love is for the weak and the insecure. He's neither weak nor insecure. He doesn't need these feelings.

Morning dawned and he felt like he has completed his promise to stay by Aaralynn's side. Then he left. 

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