A LITTLE TOUCH OF ROSE - EPISODE 9

Zedekiah’s standpoint

I tried to control the churn in my stomach as he made his way to me, watching Rosita from the corner of his eyes. I could already see them getting married in the name of frustrating me.

“Zedekiah,” he called my name mockingly, swinging on his feet with hands in his pockets, “I’ll always say your name is stupid,”

“Bold words, Fueki, bold words.”

“You do realise that Fueki is my last name, not my first, right? Tegoshi is a really nice name–if I do say so myself.”

Ignore him, Zed, don’t let him bait you.

As the main face of Gempire, he knew it was against my contract to get into any verbal or physical fight with anyone, especially a fellow idol under Gempire. I was to serve as an example, one of the many rules. I swallowed saliva and just breathe. I’d successfully ignored him for years, I could do it until either of our contract expires. He wouldn’t get in trouble that much, he knew that.

“So, heard there is an actual girl among the swamp of whores who actually don’t like you, painful, isn’t it?” I continued to ignore him as I walked to a bench.

“Did he just call me a whore?” I think Rosita said that, or could be anyone else.

“Tell me, why does she hate you? Didn’t satisfy her well in bed like Kanna and Ema always complain? Isn’t that why they left you for me?” My nostrils flared. Of course he would mention the two girls that actually made me hate girls. I trusted them, I liked them, yet they stabbed me in the back and ended up in his arms like I wasn’t good enough. I still don’t know where I went wrong with them. Was it showing them too much care and attention when I showed others none?

“Ouch, right? It stills hurts because I know you liked Thalia more. That bitch still comes to me. She’s a little bit of a tight squeeze, but I’m sure you wouldn’t know that since you never got to try her,” he taunted me. The first girl I liked, he took her before I had the chance. I inhaled and exhaled, clenching the bench since I was sitting now.

“What? Still not going to say anything?” He chuckled darkly, “what was I expecting from a pussy like you.” Everyone was used to it, so no one really talked except Odin who would lose it sometimes and yell. Oh, and Cedric, that guy always do the punching for me. Unfortunately, he was warned not to hit anyone ever again. Their hands had been tied to avoid any scandal.

“Fueki Tegoshi, get back to your position!” Coach shouted. Tego-fucking-shi laughed as he walked away. I looked towards Rosita to see her satisfying smirk, but surprisingly, she was narrowing her eyes at him. The way she looked, it seemed as though she was about to snap.

I was shocked.

The coach blew the whistle for the next round to begin. I watched him wink at her. She smiled mischievously and winked back. It made him laugh. He didn’t see it coming, Rosita gave a ball her ultimate kick and it went straight between his legs. She didn’t wait, she threw the one in her hand and knocked him out.

“Asshole, nobody gets to make him feel bad except me. Motherfucking twat…” She continued to curse under her breath as stupid girls cried while the guys laughed. When our eyes met, she frowned at me as if asking why I tolerated his rubbish.

“Rules,” I mouthed.

“Don’t take it personally, I still hate you, Grimshaw, but I still can’t stand you been humiliated when I didn’t do it. Only I get to enjoy the glorious feeling of watching you suffer, no one else. So if that asshole insults you again, leave him to me. I’ll make sure I squeeze his balls until there is nothing left for him to call one.” She said angrily, like said it out loud. From her tone, you will know she hates me, but clearly didn’t like the idea of someone picking on me. Other than her that is.

Fueki was taken to the hospital. I knew a lawsuit wouldn’t be filed to avoid a scandal and we were playing “dodge ball”. Odin wiggled his brows at me, followed by Cedric and Alvin laughing and Darra singing something about her being my superman.

I did what I did best, ignore them until they went back to playing. Odin got Meena and Sakura out, Darra got the other girls and Rosita eliminated Odin and Willy Willy? The final battle was between her and Darra but Darra knew he couldn’t win so he gave her his irresistible pouting face.

“Oneesan,” he called childishly. Rosita smiled and held still. He gladly hit her gently and started jubilating. He was calling her older sister when he was older than her by a month. I won’t blame him, he calls everyone he thinks is cool older.

“Darra wins, again,” coach said chucklingly, clearly seeing how he cute his way to victory.

“I get to pick the next game for gym class. Sensei, can we play soccer?” Darra as with excitement.

“You don’t know how to play soccer, Darra,” Cedric said with an eye roll. Darra smirked mischievously.

“Yes, but I also know you are a miserable humiliating failure with a ball. Payback for not letting me eat your foreign cupcakes.” Cedric’s eyes widened with horror.

“No, please, no ball, I beg you, sensei,” he pleaded.

“Sorry, Cedric, Darra gets to choose.” Cedric’s face fell and Alvin and their other friend, Jake, leader of the third group that made it out of the competition, started laughing. He was a nice guy, but I normally don’t associate.

“Cedric, I’m sure the girls would only love you seventy nine percent less once they see you play,” Odin said with a wide grin, throwing his hand hard on his shoulder. Cedric pushed his hand away as he began to grumble.

“Then after soccer, can we play rugby?” Darra asked with his mischievous smirk. Alvin’s face fell and that made Odin and Jake laugh harder.

“I’m pretty sure that’s the job of your sport activity coach,” sensei chuckled. Darra pouted cutely.

“Sensei, he is always making us play only baseball because that’s his favourite sport. We never get to play any other fun thing…” He trailed off as he put his hand over her shoulders. “But let’s say a certain woman he is madly in love with swings her behind on our behalf and promise him at least a date, I’m sure he will listen in a heartbeat.” Everyone laughed. I glanced to where Rosita was standing, she was no longer there, as well as Sakura.

I looked around for Isaac, he was gone to cry. I sighed and turned to leave but screamed and stagger back when I saw Rosita standing there with her hands on her hips and a frown on her face.

“Do you always have to be a witch?” She nodded. “What do you want?”

“Our project, we need to talk and get started,” I rolled my eyes over to Odin who was grinning at us, “he is not the problem and you know that. The problem is you,”

“You mean you. If you didn’t come here, my life would have been easier,” she narrowed her eyes at me and then smirk.

“Your mom called,” an automatic groan left my mouth, my body almost bending back to throw my head.

“Please tell me she didn’t say anything humiliating,”

“Except for the fact that she said I quote, ‘Rosita honey, why don’t you try to get Zed to date you now? He is more of a man than he was years ago? He grew bigger balls and his cock extended to a satisfying length so if you two eventually want to get at it, he will satisfy you’. Then I told her I didn’t want to hear but she then said again, ‘I’m advertising my son’s goods so you will see him as good enough. You have to see him now, his muscles grew more and his chest broader. You have to see him in his swimsuits, he is actually as yummy as his father. Come on Rosita, give him a thought and I know you won’t regret it’.” She finished with a smirk.

I would have argued that my mother never said that, but I knew she did. She was one of those mothers that embarrass their children and not even know what she is doing. And even when she does know, she don’t care.

My neck to my face and ears were flushed deep red. I literally turn red whenever I blush in embarrassment, reasons why I avoid it. Unfortunately, Odin who had gotten closer and Cedric who was there already choke on their saliva before they burst into laughter. Rosita looked at me as though she was pitying me too much to laugh.

Alvin leaned closer and ask for the gist along with Darra who was with them now. Odin whispered to Alvin and Cedric to Darra. Their faces scrunch up before they burst into laughter. They fell on the floor as they laughed like it was funny. Rosita couldn’t hold it in anymore, she exploded. She doubled over as she laughed along with them while I stared at them with red face both of anger and embarrassment.

I’m going to kill my mother!

“Will you Zodiac and Rosita stop laughing and making everyone curious?” Coach shouted. Meena came over to hear the gist but they didn’t tell her which made her pout.

“I’m out of here,” I hissed. I turned to leave and was almost at the door when Rosita called after me. I turned around to see her waving her phone. And when I peered at the caller, my blood went cold.

“Don’t answer it,” I said with dismay. She laughed and ran out through the other door and the guys followed her while laughing. “Rosita! Come back here!” I shouted and ran after her. I chased them to an empty classroom just as the phone vibrated again. The guys blocked my way while she answered it.

“Good afternoon, Captain Hezzy,” she called with her nickname for my father.

“Roe Roe, my darling,” she rolled her eyes at the name, “I saw what you did, thank you so much, honey, I don’t know what I will do without you and your father. I’m very grateful, the whole case has been cleared…” Rosita cleared her throat while I raised a brow.

What did she help father do?

“I’m kind of in the middle of something, in a public place so… Erm…”

“Oh, I understand. What about the other part?”

“Trust me, it’ll be handled soon,” she said evasively. Dad laughed.

“That’s my girl! This is why I want you for my precious Zeddy,” the guys muffled their laughs. “Hey, since you are in Japan, why not pay him a visit?” Dad suggested like it was a good idea.

“Okay, what cemetery is he buried?” She asked seriously. Darra buried his mouth in his palms to keep himself from laughing out.

“Very funny, Roe Roe, just give him a chance already. I know Zedekiah isn’t the greatest guy in attitude and brains…”

Seriously!

“But he is a good guy, and last year, he started wearing men boxers, not his usual frozen and teddy bear. I can swear on that because I followed him to buy them.” Rosita looked at me with mouth parted with shock while I tried not to collapse.

That was our fucking secret! I opened up to my father about my insane obsession and love for Elsa from frozen. As crazy as it sounded, I had a huge crush on her and hench always wearing her collection. It was mom’s fault! She loved the movie to madness and made me sit with her and watch it over and over again for nineteen straight days! I told him and he promised to help me get over it, and he did. And then I also got over my teddy bear obsession. Some father he is.

“Backstabber! You promised not to tell anyone!” I screamed.

“Zed? Oh shit.”

“I’ll never forgive you, ever!”

“Wait, what are you doing with Rosita? Oh my God! You two are finally in love!”

“Wait, what the what?” Rosita said, snapping out of her shock.

“Did I call at the wrong time? Is that why you didn’t answer at first? Oh my… I am so sorry, kids, I’ll hang up now…”

“That’s not…” Rosita tried to explain.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell your father yet or your mother, you two enjoy your time and make sure you use the condoms I sent to your mother to give to you. Are you still size seven? I’m not sure… Or was it five…”

“Dad!!!”

“Bye.” He hung up. The guys immediately burst into laughter while Rosita grinned.

“Five?” She asked with a strangled laugh.

“Seven! Seven!” I shouted frantically.

“Frozen boxers?” Cedric asked between his laugh.

“That’s it, I’m going to the janitor to get a shovel to bury myself,” I turned to leave but almost to the door, Odin said something that made me turn around and launch at him with full intention to kill him. Somehow, he succeeded in pushing me forward. I crashed on Rosita and we both went down to the floor.

They started laughing again. I opened my eyes and raised myself up, then I realised I was unconsciously squeezing something very soft. My eyes widened when I realised what I was squeezing and the fact that she wasn’t wearing any bra. She screamed when she realised it too and the next thing I saw was golden stars spinning around my head.

Sakura’s standpoint

I hurried out of the school clinic with the first aid kit. I didn’t mean to hit him, but I was angry at the new development and so I lost it. That wasn’t me at all, not one bit. But I guess there’s always a first for me whenever it comes to Isaac.

I knew where he would be, he hadn’t changed his hiding spot. It wasn’t the classroom, he found another place where he stayed after he heartlessly ripped out my heart. I knew the place because I shamefully admit I stalked him for the first week after our breakup. I still had hope that maybe he didn’t do it on purpose, maybe something was up. And so after stalking him for one week, seeing how he found the spot, I came out and tried to talk to him.

I begged him like a girl desperate for love and attention. He didn’t pity me, didn’t show any sign that what he said was a mistake. Isaac broke my heart even harder when he said I was the worse thing he had ever slept with and I was a complete mistake; the biggest mistake he has ever made and will ever make in his entire life.

Somehow, I knew he never left his hiding spot, I just knew. I was shocked to see him seated on the dirry ground in the artificial dark woods in the school, knees propped up and head bowed between his knees. Loud music was coming from his phone and he was silent.

I inhaled deeply to control my beating heart. It didn’t matter, he didn’t and shouldn’t matter. I walked closer to him and threw the box on the ground. His shoulders tensed and I can swear I heard him gasp.

“Sit straight so I can look at the wound, see if you have one,” I said coldly. He didn’t move. “Isaac, I don’t have all day so better raise your head.”

“There is no injury, just a little cut on my lip but I can take care of it,”

“Isaac Fukushima,” I growled lowly and warningly. He surprisingly chuckle.

“You were always so hot tempered whenever I got hurt, that’s how I know you are worried. And the way you call my name with no fear of who I am or what I can do. That’s one of the reason why I…” He went silent. I scoffed irritably.

“Isaac, let me treat you already!” He moved his legs and turned his back to me. I growled with frustration. “Fine! Suit yourself! You can die for all I care!” I screamed to myself, not him. I did care and him dying wasn’t part of the plan. The thought of that made my stupid traitorous heart clench.

I turned to stomp off when he spoke. “The project, let’s start tomorrow. We can meet at the Pāpururōtasu if that will make you comfortable.” Pāpururōtasu was the name of the popular café close to school where Rosita worked. There was no way I was going to be there.

“No, I don’t want to be seen with you in public, you know, because I’m a plebeian. I wouldn’t want to ruin His Majesty’s reputation,” I said sarcastically. I heard him sigh over the music.

“Alright, where would you like to meet?”

“I have to work so if you like, you can disguise yourself and meet me where I work at Peach Blossom, or you can wait until after school to do it in the library. Your choice.” With that, I walked out. My heart was heavy as I left him because I was worried he was hurt.

But, I shouldn’t care.

Rosita’s standpoint

Music class, an unforgettable period for me that I had to endure. I was sitting close to Meena who was sighing dreamily as Odin sang a note with Zed. Not just her, all the girls in the class. I was rolling my eyes and scoffing continuously.

When they were done, everyone clapped and applaud for them. Many students were videotaping the whole thing. Maia-sensei clapped for them and then started talking while they returned to their seats.

“So, I want you all to do something for me. This year, Gempire came up with something to make it fun. We’ll be holding a competition between our school and the other music schools of other choosen countries. Gempire is representing Japan. This would take place at the annual school get-together fun-days. The competition will be between Japan, Korea, Russia, China, Australia, Italy, Spain and so on. It’s just for fun, really just for fun. But first, we’ll see who would represent Gempire, a guy and a girl…” Everyone’s eyes turned to Zed and Sora immediately.

Sora smirked while he scoffed. “No.” He said immediately.

“Yes.” Sora said.

“Sorry, I have been given permission to make sure you sing, I’m surprise they haven’t told you. However, I don’t support Sora singing with Zed because the last time that happened on stage, it didn’t end well. Also, there are other girls with better voice than Sora, even if she is the female face of…”

“Yuki is the female face, not Sora.” Darra cut in immediately.

“Her group is just the top in Gempire, but Yuki is the female angel, Gempire’s heart.” Meena said as she smirked at red face Sora.

“Only because Yuki is the daughter of the president,” Sora hissed.

“Everyone knows Yuki won fair and square, she beat you both in elegance, beauty and talent.” Odin said with a wink. Sora huffed with irritation. I leaned closer to Meena.

“Who’s Yuki? She sounds very cool.”

“Odin’s younger sister, a sweetheart and very talented. She might not be a singer, but she sure has talent. Yuki is an actress and voice actor.” Hime explained instead.

“Wow, where is she?”

“Scotland, shooting a movie,” I nodded just as the teacher mentioned that Zedekiah would have to randomly pick up a girl from the choosen list. Zed stood up, walked to the bowl and picked a paper. All the girls tensed as he opened it.

“Is this a conspiracy?” He shouted. I rolled my eyes and brought out my phone to just type to Romi instead of talking and looking like a creep. “How did she end up in the list? She isn’t even a singer! You don’t know her!”

“As a matter of fact, I do. Her sister recorded her voice and played it for me so I’d know she has talent. Listen,” then she played a record.

“Why am I doing this again, My Flower?” I heard my voice ask. Wait, what?

“Neesan, you promised. I want to show off to my friends that I have a big sister that can sing, come on. They are already falling in love with your beauty, this is a big opportunity.” My eyes widened as I flew out of the chair.

“Turn it off!” I shouted desperately.

“Play, I want to hear,” Darra said with a grin. That day, I just sang what came into my mind and that was me half asleep.

“You woke me up in the middle of the night to sing for your friends? Bloom, get out of my room,” I said tiredly.

“Neesan!” Bloom shouted.

“Fine. I’ve been working on the railway
All the live long day
I’ve been working on the railway
Just to pass the time away
Don’t you know that I want to sleep
Leave me the fucking hell alone
In my dreams I was getting married
To a fucking Simba head baboon

I think I ate too much cake
I think I ate too much cake
And now I can’t seem to think
All I see is cake
And somehow me wedding Simba
God, Sakura what have you done to me?!”

If everyone wasn’t fascinated by my boring voice, they would have laughed. Did I really sing that? I thought I was singing well. No wonder they were laughing.

“And that was her half asleep, imagine when she is awake,” Sensei said smugly. It’s a good thing you accidentally chose her, Rosita would be singing with you then.”

“No! That wasn’t me, that was Sakura singing.” I argued. Zed rolled his eyes.

“Rosita, you…”

“Not singing, please choose someone else, I beg you.” Dad would fucking see me! Not yet, not yet.

“Fine, choose another one then,” Zed quickly picked another person, some girl named Alyssa. Zed gave up and said he would die instead so Odin stepped up and said he would represent the school. And he chose Meena.

I sighed with relief, that was a narrow escape.

“Sakura, I’ll kill her,” I growled. However, when she stuck her head into the class with sad eyes, I knew I couldn’t. I stood up immediately and went to her.

“Neesan,” she said shakily.

“Wanna see something cool?” I asked with a smirk.

“What? Don’t you wanna know why I am sad?”

“No, don’t really care. Do you wanna build a snowman?” I sang, glancing at Zed over my shoulder. Darra and Alvin burst into laughter immediately while Cedric choked on his saliva when he wanted to laugh.

“Seriously?” Zed shouted. Sakura stared at us confusedly while Odin and I chuckled.

“Come on see, sis, let’s go,” I said still chuckling. As I was about to leave, I turned and smirk at Zed.

“Happy five inches day,” that made Odin explode with laughter. Zed stood up immediately and charged at me. I screamed and ram away, pulling Sakura along with me. I laughed as I ran, even as Sakura got on the bike and drive off with me. She started laughing too, even though it was because of the bike.

“What was that about?” She shouted.

“Oh, nothing,” I said a little bit melodiously. His parents just gave me a good tease point. Maybe I should take her offer and pay him a visit. Oh, I will.