The night was young, hot, and humid. But no one seemed to mind as they went about their own business…. 

‘Wait a minute... Business?’ the young man thought, smirking. Scratch that.

He meant monkey business… but not literally, of course. 

He casually surveyed the crowd, smoothly cocking his head to the left and right. No use straining because amid the sea of color and sound, he saw one common thing….

Gorgeous bodies.

Man, they were everywhere!

He never knew the Shohoku high crowd could get so…. hot—

The young man stopped in mid-thought as a group of giggling girls from the swimming club sauntered right by him. ‘Was it him or were they doing some hypnotic dance move?’ he thought as he stared, mesmerized, at their backsides swaying gracefully despite the music’s fast beat. 

And did that one with the long hair just winked at him?

Well, true enough, the object of his thoughts looked back just in time to catch his eye and lock them in an engaging match with her own. He felt a growl escaping at the back of his throat as he suddenly had a strong urge to go after that hot chick… but a vicious tug on his arm abruptly dragged him back into place.

“And where do you think you’re going?” the high-pitched voice beside him snapped. “Stay.”

He groaned.

‘I can’t believe you had been so dense to agree to be your cousin’s date!’ his conscience scolded him for the fiftieth time. ‘I mean, there are lots of gorgeous women out there who are just dying to get their hands on you… but nooooo…. You just had to let your ass get dragged by your deranged relative!’

The young man rolled his eyes at the persistent reminder. As if he could decline…

‘And if you hadn’t been so dumb, you should’ve been already enjoying the night with hot babes like that!’ the small voice continued to rant, utterly disappointed at his lack of freedom to mingle with fine specimens like that one in the red hot bikini.

He sighed, shutting off the pestering inside his head. Well, despite the slight drawback of being stuck with his scheming cousin, he really should just enjoy the night. If he couldn’t get his hands on all those gorgeous bodies, he should probably just enjoy feasting his eyes on them. And who knows maybe later, after he had successfully accomplished his mission, he might have the chance to exercise his magnetic charms on all these women.

He smirked.

‘Well, actually, by just standing here, I’m already drawing lots of attention,’ he thought smugly as he subtly watched numerous girls throw longing-filled glances at him. His scheming cousin wanted to be the center of attention tonight, didn’t she?

Well, she sure made the right decision.  By dragging him here, she was indeed getting all the attention she wanted. He couldn’t blame his relative. He was simply oozing with sex appeal.

“Hey, don’t get yourself all worked up,” his cousin Mizuki snapped, giving him a disapproving look for his relaxed countenance. “I told you to watch out for them,” she scolded him, casting an irritated look at her watch. “They should be arriving any minute now and you’re not doing your job!” she accused pointedly.

He rolled his eyes. “Cousin, relax, will ya? What makes you think that the object of your desire will show up tonight? And with a date no less?” he mocked, looking grim. “I’ve only known him for a couple of years and I could tell that his social skills are no better than an iceberg in the middle of the Caribbean—”

“Its not his social skills that’s the problem here,” Mizuki retorted. “It’s his date. I have a strong feeling the bitch is the one who’s orchestrating everything…. And he’s just the poor victim,” she cooed, looking starry-eyed.

“I doubt that my dear rival will let anyone manipulate him,” he stated matter-of-factly. “…much less a girl.”

Mizuki’s eyes narrowed. “Are you implying that he’s a…. willing victim?”

“Quite possibly,” the young man said, releasing an exasperated sigh. His cousin should really stop degrading their family by hounding after a guy who so obviously doesn’t wanna have anything to do with anyone.

Mizuki huffed. “I absolutely refuse to believe that nonsense! How in the world could that happ—?”

But the sudden commotion by the entry of the pool premises had stopped her in mid-rant. Collective gasps can be heard everywhere. Jaws-dropping and  a few nosebleeds had been inevitable. And finally, the deafening silence fell over the crowd like a heavy blanket.

The bottom of Mizuki’s stomach dropped.

They were here.

They young man instantly felt the drastic change in the crowd’s mood. It felt like the tides had completely turned as everyone turned to look at the newest couple that had stepped into the dance floor, arm-in-arm.

‘What was all this fuss about?’ he thought in irritation as the center of attention got drawn away from him. It was just another crappy couple, for cryin’ out loud! The streets of Kanagawa were riddled with them. What’s the big deal with this one?

He instantly regretted his words when the bright, gleaming flash of orange caught his eye.

He did a double take to verify if his eyes weren’t really deceiving him.

Well, well…. Will you look at that….

Kiss marks and tiger stripes.

He didn’t know neon tangerine was the latest trend in swimwear nowadays. The new arrivals seemed to have the same taste…. And despite the minimal illumination the flashing disco lights provided, he had managed to make out the faces of the young couple who was brave enough to showcase the hot, funky apparel.

It took his brain a few minutes of convincing to make it register who the guy was.

The stud.

He didn’t know his rival could get so… brazen.

And the girl, his main target… her outfit sure left little to the imagination…. Not bad.

The new couple tensed as they sensed the great undercurrents that had formed upon their arrival. The brown-haired girl shifted uncomfortably on her feet and clutched the arm of her date tighter. The raven-head beside her sensed her discomfort and reacted instinctively, sending the crowd a murderous look.

The students of Shohoku high knew better than to openly stare and earn Kaede Rukawa’s wrath so they hurriedly averted their gaze away, but all the while, kept their peripheral visions in full alert.

They had to.

Things were definitely getting hotter in Kanagawa.

His cousin Mizuki’s growl broke through the young man’s reverie. She turned to him subtly with that sour smile on her lips. “It’s them,” she told him, smirking. “So you up to the challenge?”

Shamelessly scrutinizing the brown-haired girl not far away, a cool, confident smile spread across his young handsome face. “Are you kidding?” he addressed Mizuki as if she had suggested the stupidest idea in the world.

He held his chin, deep in thought, as he sized up the big hindrance….

The big hindrance named Kaede Rukawa.

This is a piece of cake.

He turned to Mizuki with that bright, winning smile. “So I start tonight, right?”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her pulse was racing like mad…. And if they only had wings, they would’ve long broken the sound barrier. Meanwhile, her pounding heart felt like it was breaking a hole right through her chest.

Why was she so nervous?

Not good…. She didn’t wanna die of heart attack right then and there. It was too mortifying.

She was tense—

No, that was an understatement.

‘Stop it! You must be all nerve and guts tonight,’ she reprimanded herself.

She wringed her clammy wet hands as she kept on shifting her weight from one foot to the other.

Not good again…. This whole acting business wasn’t convincing enough and she was afraid she looked guilty as hell—

The warmth that had encircled her shoulders broke through her mental ramblings.

Marina Akagi stiffened as she glared up at the source of all her discomfort. Balling her hands into tight fists, she braced herself for the powerful blow she was about to land on the blockhead’s slightly dislocated, but still amazingly handsome jaw. “What do you think you’re doin—?”

The pressure around her shoulders tightened. “From what I understood, this was your plan, remember?” he subtly addressed her, not bothering to look down on her puzzled eyes. “Don’t tell me you’re chickening out,” he taunted though his face looked expressionless as ever.

Marina frowned. ‘She definitely wasn’t a coward! And she wasn’t going to blow her own plan!’ she mentally fumed. But—

She stiffened as her date absent-mindedly traced the smooth path from her shoulder down to the bare skin of her waist. There his hand stopped, momentarily providing her with time to recover her jumbled nerves. But her heart skipped a beat as she sensed the rough calloused feel of his thumb as it traced hypnotic circles of fire around her—HEY!

She gritted her teeth, trying to block out the sensations clouding all logical and rational thought.

Too much touching wasn’t part of the plan!

She tugged viciously on his arm, forcing him to look down on her. And so he did. Slowly. Like she was a 5-year old wanting some attention.

The dull expressionless look on his face made Marina’s blood boil all the more.

“Yes?”

“We’re not supposed to be… sweet when no one’s looking,” she hissed through gritted teeth.

Kaede Rukawa raised an eyebrow. Obviously, his scheming little boss here was falling for his cute little trap. “And how can you tell that no one’s looking,” he asked coolly. “You should know by now that people here have 360-degree vision.”

Marina bit the insides of her cheek to keep the angry retort at bay. As much as she hated admitting it, hentai blockhead here was right.

She released a defeated sigh before slumping against him. “Whatever.”

Rukawa’s strong arm wrapped around her, secure and steadying. The amusement that flashed in his eyes was very brief and subtle but she saw it, alright. And it made her heart flutter.

“Better be on your guard now,” he whispered against her ear, gently brushing the stray locks of hair from her eyes. “They’re coming.”

Marina looked up, frowning. “Who—?”

“Rukawa, you stud!” a loud jolly voice boomed at them.

Marina and Kaede groaned in unison underneath their breaths.

Not far away, Mitsui Hisashi and all of the members of the basketball club, minus Akagi who was studying for that physics exam next week, were already making their way towards them.

‘How dandy could things get?’ Kaede thought acidly, rolling his eyes. How were they supposed to fool all these people?

These people who are witnesses to their senseless fighting everyday?

Kaede concentrated, summoning all the confidence and indifference he’d learned to conjure up from all his 17-year experience.

This was definitely going to be one tough helluva night.

He sent Marina a warning look. And sure enough, the girl gave him the signal. He took a deep breath before taking the plunge.

“Yo, sempai.”

Mitsui slapped him hard on the back. “Is that all you can say, loverboy?” he asked Rukawa mischievously, wiggling his eyebrows.

‘Loverboy!’ Kaede mentally fumed. If they didn’t have a game coming, he would’ve strangled the living daylights out of the ex-gangster.

As of now, he couldn’t think of anything to say. And he must keep his end of this stupid bargain. So he decided to shut up. “Hmmm.”

“And nice touch with the tiger stripes,” Mitsui teased, giving out a hearty laugh. “It’s a sure knock-out.”

Kaede and Marina flinched.

 “Soooo, when did you guys decide to make it official?” the managress, Ayako, asked as she stepped out from behind Mitsui, Miyagi in tow. She was wearing a green lycra two-piece swimwear which showed off much of her voluptuous figure. Much to Riyota’s delight. And like everyone who had surrounded the new couple, she also had a mischievous smile on her face. Her eyebrows raised a notch higher as she eyed Rukawa’s arm which was draped possessively around Marina’s shoulders.

“When?” Marina asked nervously. Oh no. She’d forgotten to discuss details with the blockhead… “Errr—”

“Feb 14,” Kaede responded automatically, maintaining that perfectly confident exterior as he drew his… girlfriend closer. “Valentines Day.”

Marina rolled her eyes as she suppressed the urge to elbow the lecherous basketball star. ‘Valentines Day? Oh crap…What was he talking about? They had a major fight last Valentines Day,’ she thought sarcastically.

‘Oh Marina…. You’re just pissed off because the blockhead could handle this situation better than you,’ her annoying little conscience butted in. ‘What with you losing your mind with his mere presence….’

Marina stiffened. Not now you little twit. Our asses are already getting fried, toasted, and grilled as of the moment—

“Well, I knew it was only a matter of days before you two would finally admit your feelings,” Kogure said matter-of-factly. “The big question was… if the gym could still take the beating,” he teased, mentally counting the number of times he had found the place in a state of calamity after one of their fights.

Marina chuckled nervously as Kaede privately sent her a reproachful look. Both knew well enough whose fault that was….

“Well, since you two have long denied your relationship and fooled us…” Riyota said in his authoritative, I’ll-be-the-next-basketball-captain voice. “We demand to see some action.”

The bottom of Marina’s stomach dropped.

“Action? What do you mean action?” she asked in confusion as she tried gulping down the humungous lump which had formed inside her throat. She had a strong feeling she wouldn’t like this one bit….

Meanwhile, Kaede looked grim. He’d already seen this coming….

“Action… you know,” Mitsui teased, nudging Kaede on the ribs, a typical male-bonding gesture.

“Yeah. Action,” Riyota confirmed, wiggling his eyebrows and sending Ayako a suggestive look. Well, if he wasn’t getting some action with Aya-chan, he was making sure a fellow teammate was gonna get some…

But still Kaede looked grim, refusing even to breath. He knew what they were talking about. But he wouldn’t dare make a positive or negative reaction… because either way he’ll get some beating from Marina. So to be safe, he better stand in neutral grounds…

Kogure coughed for emphasis. “Ummm, I’d like to see some action too.”

“What on earth are you guys talking about?!” Marina finally exploded in frustration.

“Err… I think you better turn to your boyfriend for some instructions,” Ayako interjected, gesturing towards Rukawa.

Kaede’s lip thinned as Marina turned towards him. Well, they better get this thing done and over with…. He released a defeated sigh before, turning and bending his head towards his mock girlfriend. When the side of his face was inline with hers, he pointed towards his cheek as if egging her on.

“Oh you meant that action,” the girl exclaimed as an enlightened smile instantly spread across her face. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?” Marina said, chuckling mischievously as she started cracking her knuckles. “It’s been a long time since I last punched Rukawa—”

Kaede instantly drew away. He didn’t want his guts spilling out tonight. “Do aho.”

“What did you say?!” Marina fumed before managing to recover from her blunder. They were supposed to be girlfriend and boyfriend, right? So that meant they were supposed to be sweet.

“Ok, so what does action suppose to mean….” Marina asked through gritted teeth, “…sweetheart?”

Kaede cringed.

Ayako, finally realizing the discomfort the whole situation was bringing the new couple, decided to speak up. “Uhm, Marina, your lecherous sempai’s here just wanna see you and your new boyfriend kiss.”

“What?!” was the ear-splitting scream that reverberated all over the pool area.

The foreheads of the people around them instantly wrinkled in a deep frown. This made Marina hastily explain. “Umm, well, we don’t kiss in public, right… honey?”

Kaede grimaced but managed to nod in agreement.

“Aww, cmon…. You two are such a wuss,” Mitsui complained. “Are you sure you’re really boyfriend and girlfriend?”

Riyota was getting that suspicious look too. “Maybe they’re just pretending…”

Determination flashed in Marina’s eyes. Ok, that does it. The plan’s gonna be blown….. Drastic moments like these call for extreme measures…..

Marina turned towards Kaede who had already grasped the severity of the situation and was already bracing his cheek for its contact with her fungus-infected lips….. ok so maybe it wasn’t that bad….

It took Marina a full minute before she hesitantly stood on the tip of her toes, brought her lips to the side of his face…. then kissed him.

The feel of her soft lips on his cheek lasted for a few seconds. Stars didn’t fly or anything…. And too bad it was only on the cheeks…

‘But it sure feels good…’ Kaede thought as he wrapped his arms around Marina’s back to steady her. His first real kiss….

When it was over, she stood there in front of him looking dazed and mesmerized. He didn’t know what possessed him but he suddenly had the strong urge to return her sweet gesture.

Marina stiffened when Kaede drew her close, bent down  and pressed his lips on the side of her neck. He lightly nipped at her skin as the feel of his breath created havoc in every fiber and sinew of her body. Why he had to kiss her on a particularly ticklish spot, she didn’t know…maybe he was indeed possessed …

But she couldn’t help it… The little giggle escaped from her lips before she could even suppress it.

‘Damn.’ Marina thought as she watched the play of emotions in his eyes, from hesitation to fear, surprise, then happiness. “…. Now he thinks I’m enjoying this—”

‘Didn’t you?’ her conscience asked.

‘Bug off, you pest,’ she lightly scolded the voice, refusing to be ruffled by such a petty annoyance. She clutched Kaede’s forearm, lightly running her fingers from his arm up to his shoulders, then to his bare chest where he gently gathered her small hands in his.

He sure was one good acting partner…

Her overstressed brain cells also absent-mindedly took note of how smooth his flawless skin was and how wonderfully developed his firm biceps were. Such a perfect work of art—

“Ehem,” Riyota cleared his throat, interrupting them. “Just in case, you’re forgetting… there are still people here,” he said in a sing-song voice, breaking through Kaede and Marina’s momentary loss of sanity. The couple instantly jumped apart.

“I think we better leave these two alone now,” Kogure said, hoarding everyone away from the couple. “You’ve already seen some action, haven’t you?”

“Aww, Kogure! I wanna see some more,” Mitsui complained.

‘More action?’ Marina thought panicking, refusing to look into her accomplice’s eye and betraying that confused look on her own. She just had to get away for a minute! Now!

“Marina?”

Relief suddenly flooded her whole system. She’d never felt so glad to hear that voice. She whirled around to find Hanamichi Sakuragi gritting his teeth and turning positively green with envy after witnessing his rival’s good fortune. ‘How I wish Haruko and I could be as sweet as them,’ he thought with a deep frustrated sigh.

Beside the redhead, Haruko stood frozen and stiff like she was momentarily brain-dead. Obviously, she had seen some of the action too. ‘Please tell me I’m just dreaming,’ she silently pleaded. Rukawa and Marina didn’t just… kiss each other, did they—?

“Please excuse us for a minute,” Marina said, grabbing Haruko’s hand and hastily dragging her away from the team, despite both their dates’ disapproving looks.

Marina pulled her all the way to the other side of the dance floor where the refreshments stood. When they reached some seats, Marina’s wobbly knees buckled beneath her. “My god! What did I do to deserve this?!” she whined remorsefully, covering her face with her hands. “Why did I do that? Why did I let him do that—?!”

“I only have one question,” Haruko interrupted, her voice completely devoid of emotion. If Marina answered yes, though it’ll hurt, she’d gladly give way…..

“I can’t believe I—!”

“Do you love him?”

“Do I what?” Marina exploded, her forehead creased with a deep frown. Was their acting that good? Good enough to fool her own relative? She looked over towards Haruko to whom she had been oblivious to. Oh yeah, she’d forgotten to brief her cousin about her and Rukawa’s sudden change in relations….

From her previously depressed stupor, Haruko was surprised to hear Marina exploding into a laughing fit. “Is that a yes?”

“What? Yes. I mean no!” she managed to say in between bouts of laughter. “I can’t believe we fooled you too!”

“Fooled me…?”

Marina managed to swallow her next round of laughter before continuing and grabbing Haruko’s shoulders, giving them a light squeeze. “Yes, cousin. We’re just pretending.”

“Pretending…?”

“You know… acting… feigning… make-believe…” she patiently explained, hoping to earn back her clean reputation.

Haruko had to blink several times before her brain could process the whole idea. She chuckled nervously when it finally did. “Oh I see. You got me there… that sure was some superb acting.”

“You think so?” Marina asked proudly, smiling wistfully. “I should then think of joining the drama club too,” she said, beaming towards her cousin. “And quit looking like the world’s just come to an end… You remind me of those lowbrows whom I want to take revenge at—”

It took Marina a few seconds to realize the heavy meaning behind that careless observation she decided to voice out. Wait a minute….

She slowly turned towards her cousin, eyeing her suspiciously. And it was then that the color on Haruko’s face escalated from pink to red. After a few seconds, it was already on its way to vermilion.

Amusement and excitement made Marina’s brain work in overdrive as she expertly interpreted the clues. This was definitely it… The prized discovery of the century…. Even better than Einstein discovering the theory of relativity….

“You LIKE him!” Marina exclaimed, pointing an accusing finger at Haruko.

“I what?” Haruko said, trying to muster her most innocent look. To no avail.

“I’m repeating that, but I wont have you denying it,” she playfully threatened her cousin. “You like Kaede Rukawa, don’t you?”

“I… I…”

Marina feigned a smirk, crossing her arms in front of her chest. “I knew it. Your mystery guy…. It was him all along. And here I was ranting and raving about wanting to murder him…. I’m sorry if I had to put you through all that,” she apologized.

“Errr…. Cousin, you’ve completely misunderstood—”

“Not to worry Haruko-chan. There’s definitely nothing between us,” Marina stated, dead serious. Nothing?! Who’re you kidding? Did you just forget how he kissed you?

“Come to think of it, you two would look great together…” Marina said suggestively, holding her chin. She raised an eyebrow as another heavenly brilliant plan came to mind. Marina laughed deviously inside her head…. though some hidden part of her soul, was screaming out in protest.

She instantly shut it out.

“Haruko-san!!!” Sakuragi hollered from the other side of the dance floor. “Where are you?!”

Both girls sweatdropped at the redhead’s utter shamelessness.

“Well, you better be off to your date,” Marina instructed Haruko, “… before he decides to call the police and have this place searched.”

But before she could even take a step, Haruko cast her cousin a pleading look. “Mari-chan…?”

“Don’t worry. Your secret’s safe with me,” she said, waving her hand indifferently.

But Haruko’s look turned accusing.

Marina pretended to sigh in defeat. “Ok, ok…. And I promise not to do anything… drastic,” she said crossing her fingers behind her back. ‘…like playing match-maker,’ she added silently.

Contented with her cousin’s words, Haruko disappeared into the crowd in order to pacify the worried redhead that was her date.

‘I know what you’re getting at you cunning, scheming girl…’ her conscience told her in a disapproving tone. ‘I’m telling you… Don’t do it! You’ll just hurt yourself. And him.’

‘Quit bugging me, wil ya?’ she thought in annoyance. This was probably for the best. She hated him and he hated her. They were both repulsed by each other’s guts. And all they did was bicker. He was a brute caveman when he was around her. And she was equally brute and violent around him. Therefore, by obvious facts, there was nothing between them but anger.

‘Whatever happened to the phrase ‘the more you hate, the more you love’?’ the little voice inside her head asked grimly.

Screw that,’ Marina mentally snapped then continued on with her musings…

Haruko on the other hand was kind and polite towards him. He didn’t talk that much around her but nevertheless he gave her the courtesy and respect a true woman is worth. In short, he was a gentleman around her. Therefore, using the deductive method, Kaede Rukawa liked Haruko Akagi better.

Marina’s heart constricted painfully but she completely ignored it.

It was a matter of choosing between blood ties and friendship. And she had already decided that the former weighed more.

They were continuing with the plan tonight so that she could still take revenge at those pathetic lowbrows. Then she was going to wake up tomorrow and execute an entirely different one.

She absent-mindedly held her hand over the little red spot on her neck where he last… touched her.

For the first time in her life, Marina Akagi will be having a hard time putting a scheme in action.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The target was alone so now’s the perfect chance….

The young man confidently sauntered towards the silent brunette by the refreshment table, two glasses of spiked drinks in hand. And as he drew closer, his excitement escalated. This Akagi girl sure was an eyeful. Specially up close.

“And what’s a lovely lady like you doing alone at a party like this?” the cool, suave voice interrupted her musings.

“I’m sorry but I already have a date—” Marina looked up to find herself face-to-face with one of the sexiest men she’d seen.

‘Sexier than the blockhead?’ the small voice teased.

She did a double take. Definitely.

Though his hair looked weird, his eyes had been of the most beautiful shade of blue. And the perfect way his lips upturned to display those perfect set of pearly whites was enough to make any woman’s heart melt. Good thing the dance floor had already been dark, else, she wouldn’t know how to explain that deep red blush that had spread across her face after taking in his full form. Tall, slim body… perfect washboard abs—

‘I dunno why you’re getting so awestruck over this jerk here,’ her conscience said, lightly scolding her. ‘I tell you, blockhead is better looking…but you never commented on it did you?’

Marina gritted her teeth. I say shut your trap, you afterthought! I’m ridding my system of the Blockhead Syndrome! Right now!

And the first step was meeting other men.

Marina turned to the stranger, summoning her most flirtatious voice. “Hi. So how come you’re alone yourself?”

“I’ve been watching you all night,” he drawled, giving her a seductive wink. Well, there was definitely some truth to that…. “Mind if I offer you a drink?”

“Sure, why not,” she graciously answered, taking the tall glass of punch he was offering. She tentatively took a sip then felt the burning trail the liquid left in her dry throat. “Hey, this is some kinda punch,” she said, her forehead wrinkling in a frown. It tasted more like liquor than lime. But it sure was delicious.

“You don’t like it?” he frowned, pretending to be hurt. “I’m sorry. So what they said about you was true… Too bad.”

Marina raised an eyebrow. “And what did they say about me?”

“That you’re a goody-two-shoe.”

The brown-haired girl gritted her teeth. She was no Miss Priss! She’ll show him!

She emptied the heavy drink in one gulp, offering back the empty glass to him. “Could I have another round?” she asked, her head slightly spinning.

A smooth seductive smile spread across the stranger’s handsome face.

“That’s more like it.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

‘Was it her or are there really two moons in the sky tonight?’ Marina thought in confusion as her stomach gave a nasty lurch. She tentatively took a wobbly step towards her dark-haired companion.

“Hey, princess. I think you’ve already had too much to drink,” he said, his forehead wrinkling in concern. He instantly regretted provoking the girl. She didn’t look too gutsy at first glance. And obviously her alcohol tolerance could no longer take on some beating.

“I think we should take a break from this,” he said, catching her in time to break her fall. “Wanna dance?”

“Dance?” Marina asked, hiccupping. “Yeah, dancing would seem nice. Cmon!” she exclaimed enthusiastically, dragging Mr. Charmer along.

It was a good thing a slow, sweet music had started playing in the background. And everyone instantly concentrated on their partners, oblivious to who was dancing with whom.

Just perfect.

The young man’s strong arm went around the small of her back and the other around her back, smoothening out her dark tousled locks before encircling her shoulders. If her mind was only free from the dizzy spell, Marina would’ve realized how intimate their position seemed and would’ve murder him right then and there. But the blinding haze the alcohol had created around her, prevented her from thinking straight.

The cool night wind blew and, instead of pushing the stranger away, she welcomed the warmth he offered. She burrowed deeper in his arms, resting her head on his smooth shoulder.

“You’re beautiful, you know that?” he whispered gently. ‘And I’m sorry I had to take advantage of you….’ he added silently.

“And you’re the typical Casanova, you know that?” Marina retorted back, giggling.

“So many have said,” he said, chuckling, lightly toying with a smooth stray lock of her hair. “But I mean what I say,” he whispered, lightly pinching her nose.

Through half-lidded eyes, Marina looked up as she scrutinized his face. “You know, you look familiar… Where have I seen you?” Marina’s eyebrows met as she tried recalling where she had first seen Mr. Charmer here.

“Oh yes! I remember now!” she exclaimed all too loudly, making a few heads turn towards their direction. “You once played against Rukawa!”

That was it.

A few curious souls had now completely turned towards their direction… towards the brown-eyed girl from Section I Class 10 and that strange young man from another school.

And from the corner of his eyes, he could see the tall raven-head, who had long been searching for his date, purposely striding to where they stood.

Not good.

Must execute the quick getaway now.

He held Marina at arms length. “Listen princess, I have to go now.”

“What?” Marina pouted. “Now? But I’m just starting to remember you!”

“I’ll be seeing you some other time. Soon,” he said, winking. “Promise.”

“But—!”

Her throaty protest was cut short when his lips came down on hers in a brief but hard, wet kiss. Marina’s mind went blank and she felt like the power plug had been pulled out from her system.

What the—?!

And in an instant, he was gone.

Marina was left in the middle of the dance floor, all drunk, dizzy, and dazed. And it was then when she realized what had happened.

Someone had just kissed her….? On the lips!!!!

Damn it!

That was a foul!

No one was allowed to do that!!! No one!…except—

“Hey, dimwit, are you all right?” Rukawa said in an irritated voice as he came up beside her. “Been looking all over the place for you.”

Her brown eyes flashed.

Damn it. Doesn’t blockhead here have any idea what had just happened to her because of his stupidity and cowardice?!

Some other guy had just kissed her!

On the lips! Where he should’ve been the first to—!

Marina shook her head when she realized where her own thoughts were heading. She balled her hands into tight fists. She was definitely going to teach him a lesson tonight. Momentarily forgetting the unspoken oath to her cousin, she whirled around to face her date.

“Kaede-chan….” she drawled.

‘Oh no…’ Kaede thought, cringing. There was something definitely wrong. He could still vividly remember the last time she called him that….

He shivered… but not because of the cold.

Marina slowly advanced towards him with that evil gleam in her eye… completely oblivious to the people around them.

“Kaede-chan, do you find me attractive?”

Kaede paled audibly. What kind of a question was that? Of course, dammit! But he wasn’t making a fool out of himself by admitting that. “Absolutely not, you cow.”

Marina bristled. “Really? That’s too bad….” she continued, taking another step closer. “Because I find you sooo…. hot,” she whispered playfully against his ear.

Kaede instantly detected the presence of alcohol in her breath so he hastily grabbed her shoulders and held the girl at arms length, steadying her. “Stop it, witch. You’re drunk. And you don’t know what you’re doing.”

“Oh I assure you that I know 100% what I’m doing,” she retorted, slapping his hand away and grabbing the back of his neck. “And I’m gonna prove it to you right now!”

Kaede raised an eyebrow. “Then I’d like to see you try.”

Marina bristled. Before doing anything drastic, she subtly looked around her to make sure that the whole Rukawa Brigade was watching the stunt she was about to stage. After taking note that everything was in place, she turned back towards her rebellious accomplice, the burning feel of the alcohol in her system heightening the rush of adrenaline.

Time for the real action.

Before Kaede could protest, she pulled his head down towards her for a deep passionate kiss.

The sound of several bodies hitting the ground can be heard all over the dance floor. Some girls had fainted—all of them, members of the Rukawa Brigade.

‘Alas! Revenge at its finest…’ Marina thought, almost forgetting the fact that her reputation was already ruined after being seen like this with the blockhead—who himself was oblivious to the world. Now to put a stop to this scandalous display….

She was about to push Rukawa away, but his arms had already tightly encircled her, forcefully crushing her to him. Marina’s eyes widened at the insistent pressure of his lips on hers. The mesmerizing hum inside her slowly grew to a loud pounding as Kaede tilted his head slightly, taking the passion a notch higher and completely melting her resolve like ice cream in the middle of a hot desert.

Marina whimpered softly before starting to kiss him back. She could feel electricity flowing through every part of her body where they touched…. Well, that was basically everywhere since they were wearing next to nothing…

Oh dear god, please don’t make it stop… They had waited so long for this…

But the sudden thought of her cousin broke through the waves of heady sensation.

Haruko.

If Haruko could see what her dear treacherous cousin was doing right now, she’ll be crushed…

Remember, Marina…. Blood is thicker than water….

Summoning all the will power she could muster, Marina viciously pushed against Kaede, abruptly putting some distance between them. Kaede staggered a few feet back at the sudden force on his chest.  But because his brain had been reduced to a jumbled heap, he had completely forgotten the fact that there was a 20-feet deep pool waiting behind him.

The gigantic splash was inevitable when he slipped.

…and the apologetic look in Marina’s eyes was the last thing he saw before the enormous volume of water engulfed him.

To be continued….