Bisou

[pippichan]

This is a fanfic of an anime called Maria-sama ga Miteru, or in short, Marimite. English title will be Maria Watches Over Us. It's shoujo ai so, if you're disturbed by the issue, stop reading now

BISOU

Yumi opens the oven lid and peeks inside, protruding her gloved hands to take out her masterpiece. The caramel cupcakes are in perfect shape and smell so seductively fragrant. Never has shee been more proud and satisfied with herself than now. I'll give these to Sachiko, Yumi thinks as she puts the cupcakes tray on table. She will be so happy and maybe she will... hehehe... Yumi can't help smiling to herself, her brown eyes shine brightly imagining Sachiko's reaction and comment about her cupcakes.

"Oh, Yumi, your cupcakes look so perfect!" Yumi is taken back to reality, finding her classmates gathering around her table, admiring her cupcakes. "And they smell soooo good too!" Yumi smiles shyly, blushing a bit. "Thanks, guys. Why don't you have some?" she says.

"Really, Yumi? We can have some?"

"Of course."

"Wow, thanks, Yumi."

Yumi smiles sweetly.

"Ne, your cupcake is really as yummy as it looks, Yumi! What's your secret?"

The secret is Yumi was thinking about Sachiko all the time while making and baking the cupcakes. She really wants them to be super perfect so that she can give them to Sachiko. But of course she doesn't tell her friends about it. Instead, she just smiles, sticking out tongue and says, "Beginner's luck, I guess... hehehe..."

Yup, Sachiko-sama will be so happy and proud of me! Can't stop giggling and smiling excitedly, Yumi saves two cupcakes inside a paper bag. One for Sachiko and one for herself. She folds the top part of the bag and seals it with pink heart sticker. "Hehehe!" Yumi wishes the school was over so that she could run right away to Rose Chateau to give Sachiko her present. But it's still two hours more until the bell rings. Aah... It will be so much fun enjoying the cupcakes together with Sachiko-sama... Yumi sighs in longing, hugging the paper bag close to her chest.


Yumi climbs up the steps of Rose Chateau with heart beating fast, hands clutching the paper bag contains her precious cupcakes. She wants to run up, actually, but she knows Sachiko won't like that, and she doesn't wanna upset her. As she's reaching the meeting room on second floor, Yumi feels more and more excited, her heart thumping faster. She has to stop before the door for a while, taking a deep breath, calming herself down.

I hope there's only Sachiko-sama inside so that we can enjoy the cupcakes just the two of us... With that thought, Yumi's little hand curls around the doorknob and opens the door.

"Oneesama... AH??"

Yumi is stunned as soon as she enters the meeting room. There's no Sachiko to greet her, instead it's Sei who lifts up her head from papers she's been reading. "Oh, hi, Yumi-chan!" Sei greets, smiling friendly at the younger girl who stands before her, looking quite lost. "Um... hi, Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi finally finds her voice, her brown eyes searching the whole room, hoping to find a trace of Sachiko somewhere. Where is she??! Why she isn't here?! Yumi wonders.

"I see you're hoping to see Sachiko," Sei says, curling her lips with hands folded beneath her chin, her gaze is fixed at the younger girl. She finds Yumi so cute and adorable with her sweet innocent face and pigtails that she can't help herself teasing her everytime.

Yumi nods. "Yes. I thought she would be here. Do you know where she is, Rosa Gigantea?" Yumi asks, looking at Sei in great expectation.

"Hmm..." Sei pretends to consider for a moment. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't tell you," she says, winking at Yumi teasingly.

"AAh?! But why, Rosa Gigantea?!!" Yumi's brown eyes grow bigger.

"Because finally I got chance to be with Yumi-chan alone."

Yumi blinks puzzledly at the third year girl who is the head of white rose family.

Sei chuckles seeing Yumi's confused face. "I was just joking with you, Yumi-chan. I don't know where Sachiko is. When I got here, there's nobody around," she utters lightly.

"I see..." Yumi's eyes turn dim.

"What's so important, anyway?" Sei asks curiously.

"Oh, nothing," Yumi replies quickly, squeezing the paper bag in her clutch.

Sei examines the first year girl carefully then she notices the paper bag with heart sticker the little girl has been squeezing until it crinkles. "I assume that's for Sachiko."

"Um?"

Sei nods towards the paper bag in Yumi's hands.

"Ah, yeah... well, she's not here, isn't she..." Yumi smiles bitterly.

"Well, you can always give her tomorrow or another day, right?" Sei tries to cheer Yumi up.

Yumi shakes her pigtailed head slowly. "Unfortunately, cannot. I made caramel cupcakes in cooking class today and for the first time I can do something right and edible..." She hangs her sentence, big disappointment is written all over her face.

Sei gets to her feet and walks around the long table towards Yumi. "I'd love to taste Yumi-chan's caramel cupcakes," Sei says, stroking Yumi's pigtail gently, "I happen to be hungry, you came in the right time. Anyway, you don't want the cupcakes to be wasted, right?"

Yumi looks up at Sei. "You really want my cupcake, Rosa Gigantea?"

Sei smiles, touching tip of Yumi's nose teasingly. "I'm sure it's as sweet as you!"

Yumi can't help blushing, she quickly looks down. "Well, if you want, then I'll prepare tea to accompany the cupcake..." Yumi mumbles, putting the paper bag on the long table. But when she wants to turn around, she finds herself being seated down in chair. "Rosa Gigantea?" Yumi looks up at Sei perplexedly.

Sei's smile widens as she bends down, levelling her face with Yumi's. "Just sit here like a good girl, Yumi-chan. You've baked the cake, now I'll make the tea."

"O...ok..." Yumi says nervously, blushing more because of the closeness of their faces.


Yumi watches Sei making tea from where she sits. Rosa Gigantea, her real name is Sei Satou, is a slim and quite tall girl. Her shaggy sandy brown hair slightly reaches her shoulders and frames her face nicely. She has good face, maybe not outstandingly pretty but attractive. She also has a pair of grey eyes that always shine warmly, if not playfully, and has a friendly smile. Yumi secretly thinks that Rosa Gigantea will make a great bishounen too, though most girls consider Rei as the 'bishounen' one among the roses. Well, Rosa Gigantea looks enchanting too when she puts on male costume in Cinderella drama at the previous school festival.

"Are you daydreaming?" Sei puts a white porcelain cup of tea with its coaster on table in front of Yumi. Yumi is startled, smiling sheepishly. Sei smirks. "You really like Sachiko, don't you? You think of her all the time. Well, drink your tea." Yumi nods and lifts her cup. Holding the cup in both hands, Yumi sips slowly, careful not to make any impolite sound. "It's a very nice tea, Rosa Gigantea," Yumi comments, managing a grateful smile. Sei smirks more from above the rim of her cup. "See, I've even already known Yumi-chan's favourite tea." "I don't expect Rosa Gigantea to pay so much attention to me," Yumi admits, moving the tea cup in her hands awkwardly.

Sei reaches out her hand to help herself with Yumi's cupcake. "Why? Because you're not my petite soeur?" She looks at the cupcake in her hand, her eyes gleaming with admiration. "Your cupcake shape is perfect, Yumi-chan. Mmm... smells nice too!" Sei takes a bite out of the cupcake. "MM! Tastes delicious too! Sweet as I guessed." She smiles broadly as she takes another bite. "Good job, Yumi-chan!"

Yumi smiles faintly. "I'm glad you like it, Rosa Gigantea..." She looks down at her lap, squeezing her hands in vain. It's so kind of Rosa Gigantea to compliment me but she's not Sachiko... The cupcake was meant for Sachiko... Yumi feels her eyes glazing with tears. She quickly blinks back the tears before they got chance to escape.

Feeling her hands are touched gently, Yumi lifts up her head. "Here, Yumi-chan, you should taste your own cupcake." Softly Sei opens Yumi's hands and places the other caramel cupcake on her palms. Yumi just stares at the nice light brown baked cupcake before her mutely. She no longer has desire to eat it.

"I know that you'd rather enjoying these with Sachiko," Sei utters in a-matter-of-fact tone. "Rosa Gigantea!" Yumi shoots her head up fast, looking at Sei with look as if she's just being struck by lightning. Sei chuckles. "It's ok, Yumi-chan. I'm not offended or anything. I understand how you feel," Sei assures Yumi, finishing her cupcake.

"I'm sorry, Rosa Gigantea," Yumi mumbles, burying her teeth in the soft and sweet layer of the cupcake. Yumi can't tell whether her cupcake really as nice as people say. She's also numb to the rich sweetness of the caramel melting in her mouth. She just bites and chews mechanically. She's not even aware of Sei's watchful eyes on her. All she knows is suddenly her tears rolling down her cheeks uncontrollably.

"Why she didn't say that she's going to go somewhere? I thought she'd be here. She's always here, isn't she? Where did she go? Why not tell me?! Is she mad at me??" Yumi is rambling with hoarse, choked voice while tears keep tumbling down, wetting the cupcake in her hands and the table.

"Yumi-chan..." Sei's already standing beside Yumi suddenly. She removes the half eaten cupcake from Yumi's hands then touches her chin, lifting Yumi's wet cupcake face up towards her. Looking into Yumi's teary eyes, Sei speaks softly, "Yumi-chan, look how messy you are. Sachiko won't like you looking like this." Yumi just continues sobbing. Sei bends forward, drawing her face closer to Yumi's and gently kissing away bits of cupcake stuck around Yumi's mouth.

Yumi's eyes big, feeling Sei's soft warm lips against her skin. She can't help getting goosebumps. "Rosa Gigantea?!" Her eyes even bigger when Sei places her lips on her own, kissing tenderly yet not hesitating. Yumi can only scream Sei's name silently in her mind during the kiss, her body trembling all over.

After what seems forever to Yumi, Sei lifts up her face, breaking the kiss. leaving Yumi with bewildered face and gaping mouth. Sei chuckles. "Why? You want more kiss?" Playfully, she bends her head again. "Aa...Aah..." The poor confused Yumi is speechless, clueless what to do.

Chuckling more, Sei produces a handkerchief and gently dabbing Yumi's wet teary cheeks. "Yumi-chan, you're a sweet girl. You should smile not cry." Yumi stares up at Sei while the older girl wiping and cleaning her face. Sei looks back at her, smiling warmly. "Rosa Gigantea?"

"What, Yumi-chan?"

"Why did you kiss me?"

"Why not?"

"Um... ummm..." Yumi tries to find a good reason to say.

"Because you're not my petite soeur? So I can't kiss you? Is that it?" Sei keeps back her handkerchief.

"Umm... I guess..." Yumi hears her own voice sound uncertain.

"Well, nobody says I must only kiss my petite soeur," Sei utters, winking her playful grey eye at Yumi.

"Oh... umm..." Yumi looks at her tea cup and her abandoned cupcake on table before her. She's confused; she doesn't know how to define her feelings right now. It's not that Rosa Gigantea's kiss not nice... it's just that it feels like she's cheating Sachiko. But like Rosa Gigantea's saying, no rule stating that kissing is only for grande soeur and her petite soeur. But still... Argh, what to do now?! I'm so confused!

Sei touches Yumi's shoulder gently and the little girl jumps in her chair. "I think we better go home now. It's late, anyway." "Oh? Ok... I'll just wash the cups first..." Yumi gets to her feet, collecting the cups and coaster and brings them to sink.

"I'll help you." Sei picks up Yumi's cupcake on table on her way to sink.

"Thanks, Rosa Gigantea. AH?!! That's..." Yumi's eyes bulging seeing Sei eating the rest of her cupcake.

"What? It'll be a great waste to just throw away such yummy cupcake, you know," Sei says lightly, pushing the cupcake into her mouth then grabs a clean cloth.

"Umm..." Yumi keeps her eyes down, pretending to concentrate on washing the cup. But several times, she steals glances at Sei beside her. How can she eat the cupcake half eaten by me!? And it got wet with my tears too!??

"Is there something on my face, Yumi-chan?"

"Um? Oh, nothing," Yumi answers quickly, hurrying to finish her washing.


They walk together past the school yard guarded by trees on both sides towards the gate. Yumi walks slowly, a few steps behind Sei. She keeps quiet, partly because doesn't know what to say and the other part is because she's still troubled by what Rosa Gigantea has done to her earlier at Rose Chateau. Staring at her towering back, Yumi wonders how come Rosa Gigantea can be that carefree, as if there's nothing happened. Well, I guess this isn't the first time she kisses a girl... unlike me, it was my first kiss... Yumi thinks. And that disturbing feeling of cheating Sachiko...

"Yumi-chan..." Sei suddenly stops walking. Yumi is slightly slow in reacting, so she bumps against Sei's back. "Ouch, oh, I'm sorry, Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi quickly resumes herself.

"No, sorry is mine." Sei turns around to face Yumi. "I'm sorry for halting so sudden. Are you still thinking about the kiss?"

Yumi looks at her own shoes. "Well, I can't help it. It was..." Her voice is trailing off. I wonder if I should tell her it's my first kiss... It maybe awkward since for her the kiss maybe not important. Yumi bites her lower lip,

"Silly girl." Sei reaches out her hand to touch Yumi's pigtail. "Just think of it as a consolation kiss, ne. You shouldn't let yourself be bothered by it." Softly she rubs Yumi's head.

"So, it was just a consolation kiss?" Yumi looks at Sei, her brown eyes are enquiring.

Sei nods her head.

"Nothing more?"

Sei shakes her head.

Yumi lets out a relief sigh. "For a moment, you scared me, Rosa Gigantea!" Playfully Yumi hits Sei's arm. "Hidoi!"

Sei laughs, dodging Yumi's next punch. "Who told you to take it so seriously!" She turns around and walks again, still laughing.

Yumi pouts and sticks out her tongue behind Sei, following her.

"Wah, it's already spring but the weather is still quite cold," Sei comments as they pass the Mary statue. Suddenly she stops again and turns to Yumi. "Don't you feel cold, Yumi-chan?"

"EH?!" For the first time Yumi realizes that the air is indeed cold and her body has been slightly shivering from the chill. "Um, I guess I forgot to bring my muffler this morning, ahahaha..." Yumi tries to laugh at her own stupidity.

"That cupcake thing must have preoccupied your mind a lot," Sei utters, looking at Yumi with her grey eyes shining softly, Then she unwraps her white muffler and puts it around Yumi's neck.

"Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi is speechless, looking down at the thick white muffler flowing warmth to her.

Sei smiles gently. "Feeling better now?"

Yumi nods. "But, how about you, Rosa Gigantea? You'll be cold," Yumi says, feeling badly uncomfortable.

Sei chuckles. "I'll be fine. I have thicker skin than you. Hmmm..." She's eyeing Yumi for a while then winking with teasing smile she says, "Yumi-chan looks cuter with my muffler."

Yumi blushes hearing that, dares not to see Sei directly. She's startled and blushes more when her little hands are wrapped with Sei's. Rosa Gigantea's hands feel warm, Yumi thinks, bringing her head up to meet Sei's eyes. But what she sees in those grey eyes the next minutes, chases away her relieved feeling earlier.

"Yumi-chan..." Sei gives Yumi's hands a tender squeeze.

"Rosa Gigantea...?" Yumi feels her body trembling in anticipation. Is it going to be like what she thinks it's going to be??!

As if being under some spell that makes her can't move, Yumi watches Sei's face coming closer, her eyes closed, her mouth slightly parted. Next moment Yumi feels Sei's soft warm lips again over her own, kissing deeper than before. Every now and then Sei will squeeze Yumi's hands as her lips caress Yumi's gently yet strongly. It's really not a bad feeling, being kissed, in fact it feels magical and beautiful.

Slowly, Yumi closes her eyes too.

And the time stands still...

When Sei's done, Yumi opens her eyes, blinking at Sei's smiling face before her. "Rosa Gigantea, was it a consolation kiss too?" Yumi asks timidly, even though she thinks she can guess the answer.

Sei's smile grows broader, she strokes Yumi's cheek softly. "I believe you've known the answer, Yumi-chan." Winking and still smiling, she turns around.

Standing still on her spot in front of the Mary statue, Yumi watches Sei's back going farther and farther away. "Rosa Gigantea..."

In the chill breeze of the early spring, in that late afternoon, all Yumi can remember and feel is Sei's smell stuck in her white muffler and the warmth of her lips on hers.

[Teahouse Keeper]

Very nice I can see it before my eyes, as if the anime is playing, although I haven't watched it yet I've downloaded the OAV and sequel but still waiting for the tv series to finish.

As always, your characters are very real and close-up I like the chemistry between Sei and Yumi I wonder what Sachiko is like, for a comparison between her and Sei

I can see Sei clearly in my mind, more clearly than Yumi actually Sei looks quite cool and sexy. Has a gentle masculine feel.

I like Bisou Since it's a fanfic, I guess this scene does not actually happen in the anime? It sure looks as if it did

[pippichan]

Thanks, teahouse keeper ^__________^

Sachiko of course is typical pretty feminine girl and stuff. Of course in anime they pair Yumi and Sachiko. But I'd rather see Yumi and Sei, so, that's why there's this fanfic xp Somehow I see Yumi and Sei relationship will be more alive, more happy than Yumi and Sachiko.... Yumi and Sachiko look not so 'close' but dunno if in later episodes they will be closer. But still, I prefer Yumi and Sei!

Plus, Sei is my fav character from the anime! ^______________^ She's so cool and fun ^_____________^

Well, this fanfic still not finish yet.

[Teahouse Keeper]

Sachiko is feminine? And Yumi is feminine. Two feminines together would seem uncool and mismatched, I guess Which would agree with your feeling that Sei and Yumi are a better pair A cute match of masculine and feminine

In your fanfic, Sei understands Yumi very well and can read her thoughts well They look well matched and I can feel Sei's love and affection for Yumi.

Yeah Sei does sound cool and fun

Not finished yet? Well, I look forward to more *crooked smile*

[pippichan]

A.N. : Sei actually is quite pretty, you know. In flash back when she was in second year, she had long hair. And it's stated that the former Rosa Gigantea, Sei's big sister, chose her to be her little sister coz of her pretty face. But of course Sei's more than a beauty. In the past, Sei's not like now, she was depressed and fed up and lost and immature. But whatever Sei is or was, I don't think she's a feminine.... *thinking* Yeah, even seeing her with long hair doesn't give me impression that she's feminine. *thinking again* Or is it just my imagination? Anyway, in my fanfic the characters are like what I want them to be Yeah, the story still way long from finish. Read on, if you're not bored with it


"Good morning, Yumi!"

"Good morning."

Yumi enters the school ground, sighing long. It's a beautiful morning with sunshine but she feels tired. Last night was Yumi's first sleepless night in her fifteen years of life. How to expect her to sleep while her mind and emotion are mixed up? All along she believes that she has big deep crush towards Sachiko but how big and deep is it if can be easily wavered by Rosa Gigantea's kiss?!

Speaking of the devil, Yumi's eyes catch the figure of Sei walking in black school coat some meters away from her. Sei's posture and the way she walks look graceful and of course she looks outstanding among the ordinary students filling up the yard. Yumi notices that Sei's face is quite serious if not joking or teasing but not fierce or intimidating, still there're traces of frendliness and serenity there. Yumi's eyes fall Sei's light pink coloured lips and she instinctively touches her own lips with her hand. Yumi blushes, she still can feel the kiss - it's stuck in her heart, mind and lips. With hand covering her mouth, Yumi briskly sneaks away before Sei got chance to spot her.

Yumi stops before the Mary statue, where some girls are praying in front of it. She received Sachiko's rosary here... she got kissed by Rosa Gigantea - the second time - here too. Maybe I should pray so that Mary can help me out of my trouble, Yumi thinks. She closes her eyes, claps both hands in front of her chest and prays in her heart. Dear Mary, please give me calmness and please show me the way to solve the problem I'm having now. Amen. Yumi opens her eyes, staring at the peaceful pretty face of Mary for a while, then turns around. "AH...!"

"Good morning, Yumi," Sachiko greets briefly, standing face to face to Yumi, her pretty face looks sour. Oh, no! She seems unhappy! Yumi's mind screams in panic. "Um... good morning, Oneesama," Yumi replies nervously. "You're heading to class, right? Let's walk together." Sachiko turns around, long black hair flowing in midair, and starts to walk. "O...ok..." Yumi obediently follows.

"I heard you had a little party with Rosa Gigantea yesterday," Sachiko states without turning to look at Yumi, her tone sounds accusing.

"AH?! Where did you hear it?!" Yumi can't conceal her surprised feeling.

"Doesn't matter from where I heard, it's true, isn't it?" Sachiko turns to Yumi, her blue eyes burning.

Yumi shrinks. "It's not like you think, Oneesama..." She wants to explain so that Sachiko doens't misunderstand. But Sachiko cuts in. "Did you have fun?" Her pretty face becomes sourer.

"Um... umm..." Yumi doesn't know what to say - if she says no, she will be lying, if she says yes, it will be like pouring oil to flame.

Sachiko slants her eyes. "I knew it!" She turns around and walks fast in rage.

"AH?! Oneesama!" Yumi runs to catch up with her.


Yumi is in charge of preparing and serving tea for the roses today. She carefully puts the cup and the coaster in front of Sachiko, trying her best not to make any mistake now that Sachiko's mood isn't good. "Oneesama, your tea," Yumi says sweetly, hoping that somehow it can melt Sachiko. But she's like an ice berg, tough and cold. "Thank you," Sachiko replies in icy politeness.

Yumi retreats with troubled face, holding the tray in her chest. Sachiko has been like that towards her the whole day. Yumi was hoping that at the end of the day her rage would subside but seems it's only a wishful thinking. Well, look at the bright side, Yumi. At least she doesn't know about the kiss, Yumi tries to console herself. I can't imagine is Sachiko knows... Yumi shuts her eyes tightly, shivering in horror.

When she opens her eyes, she finds Sei's face in front of hers, looking at her intently. Yumi binks. Sei tilts her head sideways, still examining Yumi's face, frowning a bit. Yumi blinks again. Sei looks at her closer and Yumi jumps away, squealing.

"Did I scare you, Yumi-chan?" Sei asks, grinning from ear to ear.

"Ro...Rosa Gigantea...!" Yumi glances towards Sachiko's direction with caution. Sachiko is observing them now, she looks heavily displeased.

"I was wondering, Yumi-chan," Sei continues, clearly insensitive to the critical situation. "Is that a new trend?"

"Eh? What?" Yumi doesn't understand what Sei's saying. She glances at Sachiko again, who's still observing sternly.

Sei points at Yumi's eyes. "That. Making your eyes look like panda eyes. New trend, ah? Panda eyes?" Sei's chuckling.

Yumi can't help feeling annoyed hearing that. Because of whom she can't sleep last night?! Because of whom her feeling now is upside down?! Because of whom Sachiko is angry with her now?! Don't tell me she's already forgotten what she did to me yesterday!?

"Eh? Why your face is all bunched up like that?" Sei teases, pulling both Yumi's cheeks with her hands. "Rosa Gigantea!" Yumi's voice comes out funny and Sei laughs loudly.

"Stop it, you two. We should get the meeting started," Youko, the Rosa Chinesis, speaks up from her seat. "Hai, hai..." Sei releases Yumi's cheeks, winks at her then goes to her seat beside Youko. Yumi takes her seat too, glancing at Sachiko who purposely turns away. Yumi sighs sadly. I don't make the situation better... Yumi lifts up her eyes and bumps into Sei's gaze. Quickly she lowers her sight.

"Hmm..." Sei purses her lips, paying attention to the meeting, though every now and then her eyes darting back at the pig-tailed head hanging low in front of her.


"Yumi!" Sachiko's call stops Yumi's stride.

"Hai, Oneesama?" Yumi replies timidly, slowly turning around.

"I want to have a word with you, if you don't mind," Sachiko says dryly.

"Of course I don't mind, Oneesama," Yumi answers immediately, putting her bag on table again.

Sachiko waits until the other roses have left - Sei closes the door softly after casting a concern look at Yumi - then she begins, "Yumi..." "Oneesama. about yesterday with Rosa Gigantea," Yumi cuts in, taking a step forward closer to Sachiko's seat. Sachiko folds her arms before her chest. "What about it, Yumi?"

Yumi clears her throat, swallowing a bit. This is my chance to explain to her. Don't blow it up, Yumi! Strengthening herself, Yumi starts her explanation. "Yesterday I searched for you, Oneesama. I wanted to give you caramel cupcake I made at cooking class. But you're nowhere to find. I was so disappointed and sad. Rosa Gigantea happened to be around and she cheered me up. It's true that Rosa Gigantea finally ate the cupcake, it's too bad but what to do? I can't save and give it to you today..." Yumi takes a breath, eyeing Sachiko's expression, guessing what her reaction will be.

Sachiko's face softens a bit. "Is that all?" she asks. Yumi automatically nods. It's a lie, yeah she knows that, but how she's supposed to tell Sachiko about the kiss?! Argh, I'm lying to Oneesama! Yumi's heart is screaming inside. She bites her lower lip nervously. Will Sachiko-sama believe me? Or whoever her informan is, already told her about the kiss??

Sachiko lets out a long sigh. Her blue eyes are looking at Yumi gently now. "Yumi, you don't know how relieved I am!"

"Ah?" Yumi blinks at her big sister puzzledly.

"Come here, Yumi." Sachiko bids Yumi to get closer to her. Yumi obeys, taking few more steps forward. Sachiko stretches out her arms and grabs Yumi, hugging the younger girl's waist towards her. "Oneesama??" Yumi can feel Sachiko's smooth cheek against her ribs, her heart jumps instantly.

"Yumi, I'm so afraid..." Sachiko utters with eyes closed.

"Afraid?" Yumi stares down at Sachiko clinging to her with perplexed face.

"I don't want to lose you, Yumi! You're my petite soeur!" Sachiko says, tightening her arms around Yumi. "What will I do without you?? Who will be my support if you leave my side?!"

"But I'm not going anywhere, Oneesama," Yumi speaks slowly, still clueless with Sachiko's odd behaviour.

"Rosa Gigantea may steal you from me!" Sachiko snaps, looking up at Yumi, jealousy and insecurity are clearly reflected in those blue eyes of hers. "I can't help feeling angry seeing her around you, laying her hands on you, teasing you every way she pleases!"

"Oneesama...!" Yumi is surprised to see this other side of Sachiko, frail and vulnerable, desperately in need to be loved. She also feels quite guilty that for a while she lets herself thinking about Rosa Gigantea, and even enjoying her kiss! Deliberately, tears escape Yumi's eyes.

"Yumi? Why are you crying?" Sachiko asks, pulling away from the little girl. "Does my saying make you sad? You want to leave me for real, is it?!" Sachiko's eyes are filled up with tears too.

"No, no, Oneesama!" Yumi shakes her pigtailed head, her tears flying around. "I don't want to leave you, Oneesama!" Yumi states soberly, looking determinedly at Sachiko behind her curtain of tears.

"Oh, Yumi!!" Sachiko is smiling and crying, hugging Yumi again so tightly. "I'm so glad hearing it!"

"Oneesama..." Yumi slowly encircles her arms around her big sister, touching Sachiko's velvety hair gently. "How can I leave you, Oneesama. I'm your petite soeur and you're my grande soeur. We belong to each other..." Yumi leans her head against Sachiko's and closes her eyes, freezeframing that precious moment in her mind and saving it deep in her heart.

Thanks, Virgin Mary, for helping me. Now I know what I must do.


"Oneesama?"

"Yes?"

"Can I ask where did you go yesterday?" Yumi looks up at Sachiko walking beside her through the deserted school yard.

Sachiko's face automatically lights off.

Baka Yumi! You shouldn't have asked! Yumi scolds herself. "Um... you don't have to answer if you don't want," Yumi says quickly.

"I got a call asking me to come home." Sachiko's face now becomes stony. "I really don't want to talk about it, Yumi." Her tone sounds annoyed.

"Oh, ok," Yumi tries to sound cheerful. Family matter, ah. It must have something to do with Sachiko's prearranged engangement and marriage... Yumi glances at her big sister as they keep walking side by side towards the school gate. Sachiko's fair face looks cold, her beautiful long hair is played around by naughty breeze. Even so, she still looks amazingly pretty.

Poor Sachiko-sama... I wish I could help her. But even she, herself, can't do anything about it. Let alone me... Yumi stares down at her hands and feet, feeling sad and useless that she can't do anything to make things better for Sachiko.

"Yumi," Sachiko suddenly calls, her voice already sounds normal again. "Hai, Oneesama." Yumi looks at Sachiko with enquiring eyes. "Next time, make me another caramel cupcake, ne?"

"Aahhh...!" Yumi's eyes become bright, smile blossoms in her face. She nods her head so hard, her pigtails shake back and forth.

Sachiko smiles. "And make sure I get it this time," she adds.

Yumi nods. "I'll inform Oneesama beforehand," Yumi promises.

"Good, tanoshimi then."

"Hai!!"

Yumi is smiling happily all the way to school gate where she must say goodbye to Sachiko who is picked up by her private chauffeur. She waves and waits until Sachiko's car turns and out of sight then she heads to her bus stop, smiling and humming cheerfully.

Sei walks out from behind a tree and out of the gate. She stops for a while, watching Yumi reading her pink fluffy cloud of happiness. Sei smiles to herself. "Yokatta, ne, Yumi-chan," she mutters softly. Inserting one hand inside coat pocket while other hand carrying her bag, Sei turns around and walks to another direction.


"Shimako-san!"

The brown wavy haired girl stops and turns, waiting for the approaching Yumi. "What is it, Yumi-san?" Shimako asks when Yumi reaches her side.

Yumi catches her breath first then produces a white envelope from inside her bag. "Shimako-san, can I ask you a favour?"

"Sure..." Shimako stares at the envelope with curious eyes.

"Please give this to Rosa Gigantea?" Yumi asks, handing the envelope to Shimako.

"Oh..." Shimako accepts it. still staring.

"Umm... it's not a love letter or something," Yumi assures Shimako immediately.

Shimako lifts up her head. "Yumi-san, do you have a minute?"

"Eh?" Yumi blinks.

Shimako leads to a quiet corner where they can talk without being disturbed by other students. Yumi follows, wondering what Shimako want to talk about. Masaka, she knows about the kiss?!

Shimako stands close to the big long window, looking out to the yard below. Yumi stands beside her, preparing explanation in her mind.

"Yumi-san," Shimako breaks the silence. "Do you know what kind of person Rosa Gigantea is?" she asks, her eyes continue looking out of window.

"Um... I'm sure Shimako-san knows her better since you're her petite soeur," Yumi replies, guessing where it goes to. Then she adds, "Shimako-san, if this is about..."

Shimako shakes her head and Yumi shuts her mouth. Maybe I should listen to her first...

"Rosa Gigantea is a kind and gentle person. She's friendly to everyone, as you know. But it's not that easy for people to get inside her heart," Shimako utters, placing one hand against window glass. "I always think that as long as there's place for me in her heart, even though just a small space, I will be very happy." She's running her palm down the window pane.

"Shimako-san, why are you telling me this?" Yumi asks in bewilderment, looking at the sweet-faced girl for answer.

Shimako finally turns towards Yumi. "But you know, Yumi-san, sometimes I can't help feeling envy at you."

"AH?!!" Yumi's brown eyes are bulging in shock. "But, but... Shimako-san... what to envy about me??" Yumi doesn't understand - Shimako is sweet and smart, calm and has good manner, she's still a first year but already become Rosa Gigantea en bouton and will be the next Rosa Gigantea in the new coming semester. What could she possibly envy from me?! Yumi really really doesn't understand.

"Don't you realize it, Yumi-san?" Shimako asks calmly.

Yumi shakes her head. Realize what??

Shimako smiles faintly. "Yumi-san, you're special to Rosa Gigantea."

"Special?!!" Yumi shouts out the word, blinking and blinking, while her brains are trying to process the information. Is Shimako telling me that... Does that mean Rosa Gigantea kissed me because...

The bell rings loudly, ordering students to go their classes because school will start shortly. "Well, I must go to my classroom," Shimako says, moving away from the window. "You'd better go to yours too, Yumi-san."

"Ah?" Yumi is like being awakened, looking at Shimako with confused face.

Shimako smiles. "Don't worry, I'll give your envelope to Rosa Gigantea." With that she turns around and heads to her classroom.

Yumi walks to her own classroom with deep frown across her face, her mind is crowded with questions. Is what I'm going to do is the right thing? It should be the right thing, ne, why would it be not the right thing?! But what if Shimako's words are true... that Rosa Gigantea... to me..... So what if it's true? I don't feel that way! Do I...??


Yumi is waiting at the greenhouse, clutching a medium-sized paper bag in her hands, her eyes staring blankly at the rosa chinesis rosebud plant before her. Shimako's words this morning still constantly resounds in her ears and mind. And she's still wondering what to do best. I know I like Sachiko, but why now things become complicated?! I wish... Yumi hears the greenhouse door being opened and closed again, then footsteps entering. Slowly, she turns around.

"You want to see me, Yumi-chan?" Sei asks, approaching Yumi with smile across her face.

Yumi just nods dumbfoundedly.

"I wonder why you choose this place instead of Rose Chateau... are you up to something?" Sei teases, stopping in front of Yumi.

"Um..." Yumi tries to avoid Sei's eyes, right away holding up the paper bag high between them.

"Hm?" Sei's blinking at the paper bag blocking her view.

"Here..." Yumi motions the paper bag towards Sei.

"Oh? For me? What is it?" Sei takes the bag and peeks inside. "Ah, my muffler, " she states lightly, taking it ouf of the bag.

"Yes, I thought I should return it to you before I forget," Yumi says, beseiged by nervousness all over. "Thanks for lending me your muffler, Rosa Gigantea." She has to dare herself to take quick glances at Sei while doing the talking.

"Hmm..." Sei's frowning at the white muffler in her hand.

Yumi blinks. "Rosa Gigantea? What's wrong?" She also looks at the muffler. Did I spoil it accidentally!?

"You know, Yumi-chan, I wonder..." Sei brings the muffler to her nose and frowns more.

"Um... yes?" Yumi waits nervously.

Sei takes her eyes off the muffler and looks at Yumi. "I wonder... if you cuddle my muffler to sleep and maybe... drool on it?"

"AAH?!!" Yumi's eyes almost pop out of their sockets hearing it. "I,,, I didn't...!" Yumi shakes her pigtails frantically.

Sei laughs loudly. "See how cute your face is, Yumi-chan! HAHAHAHA!!!" she says in between her laughter.

Yumi pouts, realizing she has been made fun of. "Rosa Gigantea!"

"Well, I don't mind if you really did, Yumi-chan," Sei utters, winking teasingly at Yumi, keeping the muffler inside paper bag again. "Though yeah, my muffler will smell of Yumi-chan's drool..." Casually Sei encircles one arm around Yumi's shoulders. Yumi freezes at once, feeling Sei's body slightly touching hers. Rosa Gigantea's body feels warm ... and what a nice smell she has... Cannot! Cannot think of her! Pull away, Yumi! Pull away right now! But why my body can't move? It used to be not like this... WHY??! Yumi trembles.

"Yumi-chan?" Feeling Yumi trembling against her, Sei looks at Yumi. "Are you ok?"

Yumi struggles to say, her voices comes out tiny and low. "Please, don't..."

"Yumi-chan?" Sei asks again, looking at Yumi's bending head.

"Please don't make me feel like this!" Yumi shuts her eyes tightly. Next moment she realizes that she has spilled out her words a bit too loud and a bit too harsh.

"Yumi-chan...?" Slowly Sei lifts and withdraws her arm from Yumi's shoulders. Her grey eyes are still on Yumi, waiting for explanation.

Yumi doesn't want to cry but apparently her tears have mind of their own. First droplet of tears touches ground, follows by the second. "Yumi-chan, you're crying?" Sei asks with concerned tone, more and more confused by Yumi's strange actions. "Here..." Sei steps forward, coming closer to Yumi, with handkerchief in her hand. But Yumi steps back, shaking her pigtailed head while sobbing.

"Hmm..." Sei steps forward again, arms stretch out, reaching for Yumi.

"Don't...!" Yumi steps back again, avoiding Sei's embrace.

Sei sighs. "Yumi-chan, don't you want to tell me what happened? Why you're so... afraid of me?"

Yumi just keeps sobbing for a while but then she manages to speak. "I used to know how I feel, what I feel, to whom I feel. But since that kiss you gave me, I don't know anything anymore. I don't like being in this kind of mess. I can't handle it well. I just want something simple, something that doesn't play with my heart and my peace of mind..."

Yumi looks up at Sei with her teary eyes. "Why must you be so kind to me? Why must you treat me specially?? Why must you kiss me?!" Yumi covers her face with her hands, sobbing with whole body shaking hard.

"I see..." Sei purses her lips, curling up her hands into fists on both sides of her body. "I don't know that my kiss causes you so much pain, Yumi-chan," Sei continues, her eyes closed. "I'm sorry for that."

Yumi brings down her hands, sniffling. "Rosa Gigantea..." When Sei opens her eyes again, looking back at her, Yumi feels like being stung. Never before she sees those grey eyes fading and liveless like now. Bulging her wet eyes, Yumi covers her mouth with her hands. What have I done?!

"Rosa Gigantea..."

Sei shakes her head. "It's totally my fault, Yumi-chan, for putting you in confusion," she says calmly. "I only want you to smile all the time, not crying."

"Rosa Gigantea... I..."

Sei gives Yumi an assuring smile. "It's ok, Yumi-chan. I understand."

But her eyes..... her eyes...!

Yumi dumbfoundedly watches Sei turning away from her and walking out of the greenhouse. "Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi mumbles, reaching out her hand but immediately withdraws it again. "It's the right thing to do, right?" Yumi speaks out her troubled mind to the silent greenhouse, holding both hands before her chest. "It's the right thing to do..." She repeats.

But why don't I feel that way? If it's the right thing to do, why does my heart ache? Why these tears won't stop falling??

Yumi drops herself to her feet, squatting with face buried on her folded arms over her lap, crying her heart out.

[Teahouse Keeper]

*chuckles* It's very nice I really enjoyed reading this second part It's deeper and Yumi's confusion is very clear.

It seems there's some established bonding or pairing which seems official but unfair. I guess they would be happier loving the people they really wanted to love

I particularly like the part where Sei surprises Yumi at the meeting Sei can be very funny and playful. It's comical and cute the way Sei puts her face close to the blinking Yumi who then jumps back squealing when she realises who she is looking at. And then Sei asking with a grin if she had scared the girl

[Teahouse Keeper]

I just finished watching Maria-sama ga Miteru OVA. There are 5 episodes but I watched the 1st one called Lambs' Vacation where Sachiko invites Yumi to her villa to spend their Summer vacation.

I think you're right about Sachiko being unsuitable for Yumi in a way.

Sachiko behaves much too old for Yumi, too formal. She's not demonstrative in her affections, even though she seems to like Yumi and seems considerate. I wouldn't call it love. More like a mother looking after her child. And Yumi is the child needing the mother

Frankly, I think Sachiko is very boring and stiffles the beauty of Yumi's youthful feelings and sense of fun. In the trailer of the second episode, it says that she has a hatred of men. I guess it's because her grandfather and father had mistresses and they were never around for her.

In Lambs' Vacation, there is no Sei even though I was looking out for her. But there is a handsome-looking older girl called Rei She's part of Yumi's group of friends who come to the villa.

During the summer holiday, instead of going out exploring or having fun with Yumi, Sachiko sits and reads, causing Yumi to be bored. Sachiko then encourages Yumi to do her holiday homework. To Yumi's credit, she didn't bring along homework, but then Sachiko lends her a book to read.

I think I'd run away with such boring company. Yet Yumi is such a dear, she doesn't even mind. In between, they get disturbed by other school girls who are jealous of Yumi for having become Sachiko's pet.

I don't see why they should be jealous. What a waste of 7 days. Yumi should be with me

[Teahouse Keeper]

Hahahaha!! Your avatar looks so cute!!

[pippichan]

Yumi should be with teahouse keeper? Sei should be with me Why the title is Lamb's Vacation? Well, this is part 3


The last subject for the day is over. Yumi lets out a sigh and packs her books. She glances at window, seeing the school yard starts to be crowded with students heading home. Yumi sighs again and gets back to her packing. It's been a week since that afternoon at greenhouse. Yumi hasn't seen Sei since that time. Third year students are busy now preparing themselves for exam.

I guess it's better like this, not seeing her, because I don't know what will I do if I have to face to face with her. That's what Yumi has been thinking for the whole week but still every now and then when walking down the school corridor and yard, or looking out of her classroom window, even at Rose Chateau, her eyes search around just the same.

What's wrong with me... Yumi sighs, finding herself glancing out of window again, hoping for... Hoping for what exactly? To see her? And what will I do if I see her??

No sign of Sei out there on school yard.

Yumi sighs again, closing her eyes and turns away from window. It's just that it feels weird not seeing her... like there's something missing...

"Yumi-san!"

Yumi looks up to find Yoshino standing beside her desk. "Yoshino-san," Yumi greets.

"Ne, Rei and I are going to go to ice cream shop. You want to come along?" The braided girl asks.

"Thanks, Yoshino, but I can't. I'm on duty today so I have to clean up classroom before I can go home. Anyway, I don't want to disturb you and Rei," Yumi replies. "Thanks for asking, though." Yumi smiles.

"Well, ok then..." But Yoshino still sticks around. "It's just that I notice you've been kinda quiet and dispirited these days... Is everything ok between you and Sachiko-sama?" Yoshino speaks up her concern.

Yumi sustains her smile. "Yeah, of course, everything is fine between me and Sachiko-sama."

Yoshino stares at Yumi for a while then finally says, "I don't want to be nosy. But if you feel like talking, you can talk to me. I'll listen."

Yumi gives her a grateful sincere smile. "Thanks, Yoshino-san. I really appreciate it."

Yoshino nods. "Jaa, I'm going now. I'll have the biggest chocolate parfait for you, Yumi-san!" Yoshino flies across the classroom to door.

"Have fun!" Yumi shouts. After Yoshino left, Yumi stares down at her table. Yoshino is so kind, offering her listening ear. But I don't think I can talk about this thing to anybody in yamayurikai or anybody in this school... Yumi sighs again, casting her gaze at the window again, this time seeing her own reflection looking back at her. Am I a bad and cruel person? I keep seeing that look in Rosa Gigantea's eyes that day... that deep sorrow... Yumi sighs for the hundredth time today. Ah, no use regretting now. What's done is done... still, if only... but I can't... Yumi dismisses that thought and replaces with thought about doing her duty. Yosh! I should start cleaning! She gets to her feet and goes to storage room to get the stuffs she needs.

She is passing teacher's room on her way back to her classroom with broom and mop in her hands, when her teacher spots her. "Fukuzawa-san!"

"Hai, Sensei." Yumi bows before her teacher approaching her.

"Can you bring this to Rose Chateau on your way home later?"

"Oh? Ok, Sensei." Yumi holds both broom and mop in one hand while her free hand is accepting the folder her teacher gives her.

"Well, keep up your good work, Fukuzawa-san!"

Yumi bows at her teacher turning back inside teacher's room. Yumi then stares at the folder in her hand with head tilted. There's a label stuck at the front of the folder. Yumi reads slowly, "Proposal for spring activities." Yumi wonders what kind of activities yamayurikai proposes for this spring. Well, I can find out more later when I'm less busy, Yumi decides, heading to her classroom.


Sei is standing by a window at Rose Chateau with arms crossed over stomach and eyes wandering absent-mindedly outside the window. She's startled a bit when her arm is touched gently and turns her head. Youko smiles, handing a cup of warm tea. "Thanks, Youko," Sei says, accepting the cup then sips slowly.

"So, you're rejected," Youko starts, standing at the other side of the same window, opposite from Sei.

"Yeah, pathetic, isn't it?"

"After Shiori I thought you won't want to fall in love again," Youko comments, watching Sei with her green eyes. "Turns out you've been eyeing the Rosa Chinesis en bouton petite soeur. I've always thought if you ever feel the spark again, it would be with your own petite soeur."

"Our feelings are out of our control, unfortunately," Sei utters bitterly, taking another sip of her tea.

Youko folds her arms before her chest. "Shiori and Yumi... they are quite different, don't you think?"

Sei looks out of window again. "I'm a different person since that time," she replies briefly. But her dim grey eyes tell of her pain, recalling the past.

"Hmm..." Youko looks outside of window too. She doesn't want to say anything that may upset Sei more.

Silence for a while then Sei speaks up, "I don't understand why they say time will heal everything. There are things that time can't mend or erase." Heavy cloud hangs over her face. "The wound never heals - it's just asleep until the day it will be awakened again... just to bleed..." Sei's voice is thick with despair. Her eyes reflect her misery.

Youko takes some steps towards Sei. "You choose the wrong red rose," she uttters, taking the tea cup from Sei's hands and puts it on table.

"Hm?" Sei casts an enquiring look at Youko.

The short, black haired girl smiles, moving closer to Sei. "You know I've always had a crush on you, Sei..." Youko says, looking at Sei's mouth then up to her grey eyes. "If only you let me heal you..." Youko leans closer, pressing her body against Sei's. Their faces are so close, their nose tips are touching each other.

"Youko..." Sei lifts both hands and places them on Youko's cheeks. "I can't..." Sei's eyes speaking of her apology.

Youko smirks, her green eyes are sparkling. "But I can."

"Youko?"

"I should've done this long time ago..."


Yumi enters Rose Chateau with proposal folder held against her chest. Yumi scans the first floor with her brown eyes then glances up to the second floor. Noboy's seen... no sound's audible. So quiet... I wonder if there's anybody here... Yumi walks to the stairs and begins to climb up. If there's nobody around, I'll just put this on table, Yumi thinks. Should be ok, ne. Yumi passes the last step. But I hope there's someone, I'll feel more secured once handing this folder to someone...

Yumi stops in front of the meeting room, staring at the closed door and listening. No sound... guess it's true nobody's here... Sighing a bit, Yumi reaches for the doorknob and opens the door. Hope nobody steals the folder if I leave it... AH?!!

Yumi is stunned right where she's standing in the middle of doorway, seeing the scene before her eyes. The folder slips from her hands without she's aware of it, and falls to the floor with soft thud. For no apparent reason she can comprehend, her eyes suddenly feel melting.

Youko lifts up her lips from Sei's and turns her head around. "Yumi?" She's surprised to find the first year girl standing in doorway immobile like a statue. "Yumi, what are you doing here?" Youko approaches the younger girl.

Yumi doesn't answer right away, her glazing eyes are fixed on Sei leaning against wall next to the window. Did they just kiss?! I think I saw they kissed. How could they kiss...!? Yumi asks those silently with her eyes. Sei catches her gaze, looking at her for a moment - her grey eyes are indescribable, then closes her eyes and looks away, out of the window. Yumi mutely speaks Sei's name with her gaping mouth and trembling lips.

"Yumi, are you fine?" Youko is standing in front of Yumi now, looking at her intently.

"Oh? Ah..." Yumi has to shift her eyes from Sei to Youko. "Rosa Chinesis... I..." What was I here for??

Youko notices a folder lying on floor next to Yumi's feet. She bends down to pick it up. Seeing the folder in Youko's hands, Yumi starts to remember. "Ah... Sensei told me to bring it to Rose Chateau," she says, glancing at Sei who is still staring out of the window motionlessly, speechlessly.

"Oh, the proposal for this spring events. They approved it." Yumi hears Youko saying that but she is no longer curious about the proposal or spring events. Her mind is filled with thoughts about Sei. She still looks sad... meaning, I hurt her really bad... She even doesn't want to look at me...

Yumi feels her shoulders being touched, shifts her eyes to find Youko's face before her. "Thank you, Yumi, for bringing this folder here."

"Um.." Yumi nods dumbfoundedly.

"Is there something else, Yumi?" Youko asks, examining Yumi's face with her green eyes.

"Ah? Um... no, I guess..." Yumi lowers her head, staring at her shoes.

"Then, you'd better be going home now before it's too late," Youko suggests.

"Yeah, I guess so... See you tomorrow, Rosa Chinesis." Yumi agrees weakly, bowing at Youko.

"See you tomorrow, Yumi," Youko replies.

Yumi looks at Sei's direction again. "Rosa Gigantea..." she addresses in low voice and quickly bows at Sei then hurriedly out of the meeting room, closing the door behind her back.

Youko walks to a chair nearby and sits. "She saw me kissing you," she states in a-matter-of-fact tone.

"Yeah, you complicate things more," Sei comments from her sanctuary at window.

"Oh? I don't think so," Youko says, curling her lips. "You should've noticed her expression and reaction just now."

Sei looks sideways at Youko's face. Understanding settles in her mind. Sei leaves the window, rushing across the room towards the door.

"Sei!" Youko calls.

Sei stops and turns at her.

"Thanks for the kiss," Youko says, smiling. "It was beautiful."

Sei manages a smile. "No, I thank you, Youko."

Youko nods.


Sei finds Yumi sitting on the step, her small shoulders moving up and down, her little back shaking. She can hear muffled sobs from the younger girl. "Yumi-chan," Sei calls softly.

Yumi jumps to her feet right away like a scared mouse. She frantically wipes her face and eyes with her uniform sleeves then turns her pigtailed head. "Rosa Gigantea..."

"Yumi-chan..." Sei walks towards the top of the stairs.

Yumi feels ridiculously panic, all of a sudden, seeing Sei approaching her. "I'm... I'm sorry..." Yumi bows quickly then rushes down the rest of the steps.

"Yumi-chan, wait!" Sei runs down the steps, chasing Yumi.

But the little girl has already flown out of the Rose Chateau.

Why am I running? I don't know. Why am I crying? I don't know either. Somehow my heart feels hurt so much seeing Rosa Gigantea and Rosa Chinesis kissed. But why do I feel hurt? I don't know, I don't know!

Yumi doesn't know exactly where she's running to. Her tears are blinding her. She just runs where her little feet take her. Doesn't really matter where. Just run. Suddenly she feels her hand being seized then she's being pulled and next moment she finds herself already in Sei's arms. Warm... Rosa Gigantea is warm... If only I can just plunge myself in that warmth and just forget everything else...

"Let me go..." Yumi pleads with weak voice but she doesn't make any effort to struggle.

"Don't want," Sei whispers next to Yumi's ear. "Not this time." And she tightens her embrace on Yumi. Yumi is sobbing against her chest. "You can keep crying, Yumi-chan, but I'm not letting go - will not, no matter what," Sei says firmly, hugging even tighter.

"Why?" Yumi asks with hoarse voice, sniffling. She feels afraid hearing the answer, but she wants to know just the same.

"Why? Because I love you, Yumi-chan." Sei smiles tenderly and closes her eyes. "That's why."

Yumi feels Sei's head leaning gently against hers. Doesn't know what to say or do, Yumi buries her face against Sei's chest, her tears are still flowing, but funny thing is, her heart feels much much better.


Yumi sits on bench, her puffy eyes are staring at her hands on her lap. So, she loves me... do I love her too? Actually what's the reason I've been acting weird these days? Is it because I feel love too towards Rosa Gigantea - that I search and miss her when she's not around and feel like dying when I saw her and Rosa Chinesis today? Yumi hears a drink can being opened and lifts up her head.

"Here, Yumi-chan! Choco drink to make you feel better," Sei says, handing the can to Yumi. Yumi just stares. Sei smiles and gently puts the can in Yumi's hands. Then she sits herself down beside Yumi. "Thanks..." Yumi mutters in low voice. Sei reaches out her hand to stroke Yumi's head.

"Did I..." Yumi starts and stops.

"Did you what, Yumi-chan?" Sei asks, still running her fingers through Yumi's pigtail.

"Did I..." Yumi repeats, eyes staring at the choco drink can in her trembling clutch. "... hurt you badly that day?" Yumi squeezes shut her eyes. Before Sei can answer, she already adds, "I'm very sorry... I truly am..."

"Well, you were a bit naughty," Sei replies, chuckling softly. "But I'll forgive you if..."

Yumi looks up at Sei. "If?" She blinks.

Sei's grey eyes are dancing playfully. "If... you give me a kiss."

"AH?!" Yumi's eyes big. Then lowering her head again, she mumbles, "How come the condition is like that..."

"So, Yumi-chan, you owe me a kiss," Sei says cheerfully. "And I'll remind you everyday until I collect it!" Sei chuckles more.

"But!" Yumi starts, protesting.

"You want to be forgiven or not?"

Yumi pouts. "Little peck on cheek, can?" she asks, looking hopefully at Sei.

Sei shakes her head firmly. "Cannot! Must french kiss on the lips," she answers joyfully, clearly enjoying teasing Yumi.

"F...French kiss!??" Yumi's eyes bigger, staring at the older girl in shock.

Sei nods. "Yup, french kiss. I'm looking forward to it, Yumi-chan!" Sei winks at Yumi.

Yumi sticks out tongue at Sei and drinks her choco drink.

Sei leans forward and whispers, "Drink slowly, Yumi-chan or you may choke on the sleeping pill I put inside."

"AAH?!!" Eyes bulging, Yumi spurts out the choco drink she's gulping. Sei laughs while Yumi's coughing. Yumi shoots annoyed look at Sei. "Hidoi, ne, Rosa Gigantea!"

"Silly girl, if I put sleeping pill inside, it'd dissolve and you wouldn't choke on it!" Sei keeps on laughing.

"I know that!" Yumi protests. "It's the sleeping pill thing that makes me shock..."

"Well, do you feel sleepy now?" Sei asks.

"Um..." Yumi thinks for a while, frowning a little. "I don't think so..."

"But I do," Sei says, lying herself down on the bench. "Lend me your lap, ne, Yumi-chan."

"Ah?" Yumi blinks, seeing and feeling Sei's head on her lap. She keeps her arms high above, doesn't know what to do with them, just clutching her choco drink can tensely.

"Aahhh..." Sei smiles with eyes closed. "Your lap feels like heaven, Yumi-chan," she comments delightedly.

"Is it?" Yumi asks nervously. She doesn't dare to make any movement.

Sei lets out a long sigh. "Been a tirsome week - exam preparation and stuff..."

The stuff part.... is that me? Yumi wonders. Yumi watches Sei's calm face, she wants to say something but has second thought.

"Is there something you want to tell me, Yumi-chan?" Sei asks suddenly, her eyes still closed.

Yumi is startled. "How you know, Rosa Gigantea??"

Sei smirks.

"Well, I... I don't know how I feel towards you, Rosa Gigantea. I mean, how exactly I feel... towards you... Since earlier you told me that..." Yumi's voice is trailing off. It's still hard for her to believe that Sei loves her. It's still even harder for her to define and decide her feelings.

"I know." Sei opens her eyes, looking straight into Yumi's eyes. "And I'm sorry that I put you in such situation. But I don't want to give up on you, Yumi-chan." Sei lifts her hand to touch Yumi's cheek. "I've lost love once. I don't want to lose twice."

Yumi knows Sei is referring to Shiori, her running away lover. "But..." Yumi hesitates to continue, afraid if she will hurt Sei again with her words.

"I don't know whether this time will end up good or like the last time," Sei utters calmly. "But I'm willing to believe in my heart once again." Sei stares into Yumi's eyes, her grey eyes look determined. "And I'm willing to believe in you, Yumi-chan."

"But I've hurt you..." Yumi hangs her sentence.

Sei nods, looking up at the sky above. "At first I thought it's like with Shiori that time all over again, when she told me that she wouldn't change her mind about becoming a nun - that she loves God more than me..." Sei slants her eyes a bit then blinks.

Yumi thinks for a split second she saw Sei's eyes glazing. "Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi mutters, reaching out her hand to touch Sei's head but it hovers in midair for a moment and Yumi hurriedly withdraws her hand back.

"But today I realize that you didn't mean to hurt me, Yumi-chan," Sei continues, fixing her gaze back at Yumi. "I'm glad that Youko kissed me and you popped by to feel jealous."

Yumi's face turns red at once. "I... I wasn't jealous...!" she tries to flinch.

"Oh, really?" Sei shifts her head on Yumi's lap so that she can have a better look at the younger girl. "Then why your eyes are puffy like mochi cake now?"

"Well, I wasn't and am not jealous!" Yumi states, turning her head sideways, her mouth pouting.

"Hmm..." Curling her lips to a smug smile, Sei lifts up her hand to poke the little girl's cheek with her finger. "Hai, hai. Sweet Yumi-chan is not jealous." Chuckling, Sei closes her eyes again.

Yumi purses her lips, her mind is busy wondering. Am I really jealous? Is my aching heart the sign of my jealousy? Wait... if I'm jealous seeing Rosa Gigantea and Rosa Chinesis kissed then it means... I want Rosa Gigantea to only kiss me?!! ARGH!! Yumi is freaked out with her own thinking. She looks down at Sei's face on her lap. I wonder how many girls she has ever kissed... Argh! Don't tell me, I feel jealous again?!!

"Yumi-chan..."

"Y..yes?"

"I'm feeling so happy," Sei states, smiling broadly.

Rosa Gigantea, you really do look very happy... Yumi's brown eyes soften, looking at Sei gently. Somehow, seeing her this way makes me feel light-hearted too... strange...

Yumi notices Sei has been dozed off on her lap. Very carefully, not to awake her, Yumi puts the empty drink can on bench beside her. Yumi examines Sei closely - her sandy brown hair, forehead concealed by her fringe, eyebrows, closed eyes, nose, cheeks and mouth. Rosa Gigantea's face looks peaceful and pretty... Yumi continues staring with admiration in her eyes. Yumi then lifts one hand, hesitating for a while but finally, very gently, touches Sei's head. So soft... Rosa Gigantea's hair feels so soft in my hand... Very gently too, Yumi starts to run her fingers through Sei's hair, stroking up and down lightly.

Since when actually I began to be absorbed to her... since that day she kissed me? I think... long before that. I just never realize it. She's always there to help me and cheer me... she's the one who takes time to care... she sees through me and understands me better than anyone else or even myself. I can be who I really am with her, no need pretences, no need manner whatsoever...

At that very moment, sitting on the school yard hard bench with Sei sleeping on her lap, as the sun setting in the far horizon - the early spring sky is dyed with sad colour of orange and red, Yumi comes to realize where her heart really belongs.

Slowly Yumi bends down her head. Very faintly, she whispers above the sleeping white rose. "Rosa Gigantea... I think... maybe... I love you too..." She closes her eyes, slightly parting her mouth as she draws her face closer to Sei's. Yumi quivers, feeling their lips touching each other softly. Rosa Gigantea... Yumi doesn't really know how to kiss, she just lets her lips linger over Sei's for a while.

When she's about to lift her head, Sei's arm suddenly encircles around the nape of her neck. Yumi opens her eyes in surprised, finding herself looking into Sei's strong powerful eyes. "I... I..." She wasn't asleep all this time??! Yumi tries to break away but Sei holds the little girl down firmly towards her. "Rosa Gigantea..." Sei touches Yumi's trembling lips with her own and starts kissing, deep but gentle. Sei's free hand finds Yumi's, entangling their fingers together. Closing eyes, Yumi surrenders, letting herself become the prisoner of Sei's warm and tender kiss.

[pippichan]

"Yumi isn't here?" Sachiko frowns curiously. Yumi's classmate, a girl with short hair, nods. "She disappeared once the break time bell rang." "And you don't know where she might go?" Sachiko asks. The girl shakes her head. "I'm sorry, Sachiko-sama." "It's ok. Thank you."

When Sachiko turns around, she finds the girl from photography club, Sadako, who carries around her camera wherever she goes, standing in her way. "I saw Yumi heading to the greenhouse," she informs, eyeing Sachiko's face. "I wonder whom she meets there..." Sadako smirks crookedly, the lens of her glasses flashing in excitement.

Sachiko purses her lips. "Thank you for telling me," she says politely then starts to walk.

"I think we both can guess who it is," Sadako implies, still smirking.

Sachiko halts right beside Sadako, her blue eyes burning at the cameragirl. "I better not find you snooping around there." Sachiko's tone is threateningly polite. "Understand?" Then she walks again, long black hair flowing from side to side.

"Ohh... Kowai!!" Sadako grins mischievously.


"Rosa Gigantea, how is it? Is it nice??" Yumi is nervously watching Sei eating her bento.

Sei grins. "Hehehe... not bad, Yumi-chan! I like your bento!" she replies, winking at Yumi while helping herself with the sweet tamago.

"Yokatta!" Yumi lets out a relieved sigh. "I'm not used to cooking so I don't have idea what it will taste like..."

"Why you suddenly make bento for me, Yumi-chan?" Sei asks curiously, looking at Yumi sitting beside her.

Yumi blushes, staring at her own hands on her lap. "Well... I just want to make something for you..." she answers shyly, squeezing her hands.

Sei encircles her arm around Yumi. "I'm glad you did, Yumi-chan. It's the best bento I've ever eaten!"

"Really??"

Sei nods, smiling heartily at Yumi.

"Hehehe..." Blushing more, Yumi smiles too.

"If you feed me like this everyday, I'll be fat soon," Sei utters, continues eating.

"Alright, then! I'll make bento for you everyday!" Yumi decides, nodding her pigtailed head.

Sei's grey eyes big. "Ah? You want me to look chubby and round?" Sei blinks and blinks at Yumi in shock.

Yumi laughs at the imagination of Sei being chubby and round.

"Yumi-chan hidoi ne!" Sei pretends to sulk.

Yumi can't stop giggling.

After a short while, Yumi's laughter subsides. "Ah, for a moment I forgot my problem," she says, sighing a bit.

Sei looks sideways at her. She puts down her chopsticks and bento box on the brick bench where they're sitting on. "A moment of happiness is still better than none," Sei comments, fixing eyes on Yumi.

"Yeah, I guess..." Yumi agrees then adds, "I still haven't figured out how to tell Sachiko-sama about us..."

Sei places her hand on Yumi's head, stroking gently. "But you can't not tell her, Yumi-chan. You can't keep this secret from her forever. It's not fair for her and you will always feel insecured - haunted by it," Sei advises calmly. "And I think it will be pretty ugly if Sachiko knows from someone else instead of you."

"I know! But I'm afraid...!" Yumi flies to Sei, burying her face against Sei's chest. I'm afraid of Sachiko-sama's reaction... her face... her eyes... her words... if she finds out..." Yumi shuts her eyes tightly, feeling Sei's arms wrapping around her shaking body, transferring comfort and strength. "Everything is going to be ok, Yumi-chan," Sei assures her. "If you really want, I'll accompany you telling Sachiko. How about that?"

Yumi looks up at Sei. "Really, Rosa Gigantea? You'll do that?"

Sei smiles. "Yeah, really. Anyway, I'm responsible in this matter too so I won't leave you carry the burden alone," she utters.

"Rosa Gigantea..." Yumi feels warm, blushing.

Sei takes Yumi's hands in hers and leans her forehead against Yumi's. "We're going to face Sachiko and others together. So, you don't have to feel alone and afraid. Ne?" Her grey eyes are looking deeply into Yumi's brown eyes.

"Hai..." Yumi replies faintly, as her eyes are locked with Sei's, blushing even more.

Sei lips find Yumi's and kisses her. Yumi closes her eyes and timidly returns Sei's kiss, groping slowly uncertainly. Sei chuckles softly then kisses her deeper. "Mm..." Yumi obediently opens her mouth to let Sei's tongue slip in, entwining with hers. "MMm..." Yumi squeezes her closed eyes tightly, consumed by Sei's demanding lips and tongue, feeling weird sensation all over her body - warm then slowly rising to hot. She's feeling like she's being lifted up, flying in midair and melting in the same time. It's weird but not a not nice feeling.

If this is a sweet dream world, I don't want to leave from here...

But then she feels Sei's lips gone. "Rosa Gigantea...?" Slowly, Yumi opens her eyes and sees Sei's looking towards the greenhouse door. Sei's face looks so serious, her lips pursed, her grey eyes show willfulness. Curious, Yumi follows Sei's gaze and stiffens at once, gasping in shock, her face turns pale. It can't be... it can't be! Her mind is screaming in panic. Yumi swallows hard before finally can speak with wavering tiny voice.

"Oneesama..."

[pippichan]

I had to cut my story into 2 coz proboards apparently have maximum character for posting one post.

[pippichan]

Hehehehehe, cute avatar for cute pippichan! ^_____________^

Teahouse keeper is actually a sheep?? ^_____________~

Oh, yeah, I agree that Sachiko is boring. Her relationship with Yumi should be just sisterhood. As for Rei, I know she has bishounen face. But I'm not impressed with her. Despite her tomboy look, she's into cooking and knitting.

[Teahouse Keeper]

Mm hm. Naughty Pippichan, you mean.

Rei is into cooking and knitting?!! Whoa!! It can't be!! Truly amazing. Her behaviour is masculine from the way she sits to the way she stands. It's too bad her voice is not good. Too hard and artificial. I guess her seiyuu tried too hard to make her voice masculine.

Yeah, Teahouse keeper is a sheep. You finally knew. I couldn't hide it any longer.

Yeah, Proboards has a thing about very long posts. Word limit. Something like 3000 words, I think. But splitting it up is good as a break when reading long writing, like books need chapters.

I really enjoyed reading it this time It's very good Finally, they kissed I had wondered if they would. (If only they'd do more. Hehehehehe!!!! *crooked smile*)

I can see the reactions of the characters very clearly as if they were right before me, and I can even see the sparkle and life in their eyes They're people I'd like to be with

I love Sei and Yumi together It's great that Sei pursued Yumi out the door, was brave in her love for Yumi and was true to her feelings. Sei is a warm, kind and loving person She also has this peculiar tendency of being able to read Yumi's mind Now, why is that? ;D

Like in anime, the episode has paused at an exciting moment. Tanoshimi the next episode

I've been meaning to ask: In the second part, Yumi and Sachiko walk towards the school gate after school, but Sachiko has her private chauffeur whereas Yumi heads towards the bus stop. I was wondering why Sachiko didn't offer to send Yumi home.

Bisou means kiss? Or The kiss?

[Teahouse Keeper]

Mm. Yeah, I guessed you would want Sei. I want to squeeze her too.

The first episode of the OVA is called Lambs' Vacation because it is a Summer vacation at Sachiko's villa when she and Yumi become like lambs for sacrifice when they get caught in the jealousy and schemes of the other girls who want to humiliate Yumi and destroy their relationship during their stay at the villa.

[pippichan]

You really enjoyed reading it this time? Meaning, what you said for first part and second part is a lie? You only really enjoyed reading the third part?! *punch teahouse keeper*

Dunno, as far as I know, bisou is french for kiss

In anime so far I haven't seen Sachiko offers to take Yumi home in her car.

The OVA sounds lame.

[Teahouse Keeper]

*escapes the punch* I really enjoyed reading all the parts and each of them led to the wonderful 3rd part which naturally was more in depth than the others

Kiss. Mm hm. I guess it means the kiss that Sei gave Yumi at the start that changed everything.

Oh? Sachiko never gives Yumi a lift in the anime? That's odd. Even if their homes were far apart, surely Sachiko wouldn't mind, considering how she feels for Yumi. If Sachiko has no time, she could instruct her chauffeur to send her home first and then send Yumi. Surely, Sachiko is rich enough to send both of them home?

If Sachiko loves Yumi, then it's odd that Sachiko lets Yumi take the bus while she gets chauffeured home. I'd think Sachiko would prefer to have Yumi with her, to talk in the car and be together during the drive. Even good friends do that.

Yeah, the OVA episode is not that great but maybe the next one will be better. But then again, I wonder how comical it'd be with Sachiko.

Actually, I expected Yumi to look cuter than in the OVA