Love Triangle

Chapter Two

Morning After

I felt light when I woke up in the morning. My body was still tingling as I stirred slightly, but only to be stopped by the warmth of another body next to me. As a soft sigh escaped my lips my mind started wondering to the night before. I felt a flush creep up my body as I recalled the events of the night before. I touched my cheeks and realized they were heated from my thoughts. I was too embarrassed to turn around to see if Atobe was still awake or not, but a light smile placed itself on my lips. I stirred, shivering as I felt the cold air swoosh against my skin, it was as if my whole body was on alert and every small sensation was felt to the maximum. I sat up as I folded the sheets securely around me and looked at Atobe. “I know you’re awake.”

To that comment, he opened his eyes and looked at me.

“Pretending to be asleep?” I asked softly.

He smirked, “I wanted to see what your reaction would be.” He admitted, “Will you flee? Will you shout ‘oh my god’? Or would you burst out crying at what happened?”

I scowled at that. “You don’t have that much faith in me, do you?”

Atobe let out a soft chuckle as he turned on his back and crossed his arms behind his head. “I do.” He said softy, “But there was a tiny hint of doubt.” He remarked softly looking at the ceiling.

“Hmph.” I muttered looking away, “Well if you must know, I do not regret what we did last night.”

He sat up as he lightly scratched his hair, he turned to look at me and I caught a mischievous glare in his eyes. “And will you regret what we will do now?” he asked as he leaned towards me whispering in my ears.

“You still have that much energy left?” I teased, “Must I remind you that we didn’t get to bed until after 6 am.” I pointed out as he began nibbling softly on my shoulders.

“You were the one who said don’t stop.” He murmured trailing his lips to my collarbone.

As things began heating up yet, the sound of my cell phone interrupted us. “Don’t answer it.” Atobe muttered against my lips as he lay down on top of me. I rolled my eyes, “It might be important.” I said pushing him lightly away as I turned to pick up the ringing phone. “Hello?” I spoke into the phone ignoring Atobe’s glares. As I heard the voice on the other side my heart froze, “Seiichi?” I whispered.

“I’m sorry, .” The silky voice of my friend sounded, “Am I disturbing you?” He asked.

I looked wryly at my situation. I was naked in bed with Atobe almost on top of me. And the one person I didn’t expect to be talking to while I was in this situation was Yukimura Seiichi. “No.” I said sitting up ignoring Atobe’s swearing. “Tell me what’s up?”

At that tone I saw Atobe flip to the side and he stood up. I was so busy admiring his fine body as he walked to the bathroom that I almost forgot that Seiichi was on the phone with me. “I’m sorry.” I apologized sincerely, “I got distracted.”

He laughed slightly.

“So tell me what’s up? You sound like something’s wrong?” I asked noticing that his voice had a slight change to it.

“I broke up with .”

~~~

My heart was beating fast.

I did not hear that. I did not hear that. I did not hear that.

Why was life so ironic? Is god punishing me because I slept with Keigo? Why can’t I breathe? I have to be happy now? I’m with Keigo? Why can’t I unclench my hands from the phone then?

“?”

I was startled as I realized that Seiichi was still on the phone. “I’m sorry.” I breathed, ignoring the quivering in my voice. “Wh…” I began, but stopped. I couldn’t even bring myself to ask him. “Why?” I finally asked. Somehow I knew I might regret asking, but curiosity got the best out of me.

“Meet me for lunch?”

I hesitated. I could hear Keigo was still in the shower, but I didn’t know what he had planned for the day. I thought about it and knew it was a bad idea, but Seiichi was a friend and he obviously needed someone to talk to. That’s how I convinced myself when I told him yes. Just as I hung up the phone; he walked out of the bathroom clad only in a towel around his waist. “I didn’t know you got morning calls.”

“It’s fine.” I spoke standing up. “He just had some issues.” I explained wrapping the blanket around me. “And….” I began to say, but now it was his cell phone that started to ring.

“Atobe here.” He said firmly picking it up. To my surprise, I saw Atobe smile. It was a genuine one. “Aaah, …” he smiled turning around to look at himself in the mirror. “I thought you said you’d never call Ore-sama as long as you lived?”

I was curious. Who was he taking to so casually? And I was a bit surprised that I could hear the person on other end of the phone. She was apparently giving him an earful while he just stood there and smirked.

“Calm down, love.” Atobe said gently. “Meet me for lunch?” he asked while he towel dried his hair with his free hand.

Love? Lunch? My mouth went dry at those words, but I ignored it and walked to the bathroom making sure he gets a good view of me just in the blanket. It was sometime later that I finally came out of the bathroom. I found Keigo still in my room fully dressed. He was fixing his tie and saw me as I walked out dressed as well. “Any plans today?” he asked me.

I wasn’t going to say it, but I was still edged about that phone call. “Seiichi asked me to lunch.”

If that remark annoyed or vexed him in any way he was good at not showing it. I saw him put his suit jacket on. “Good.” He said kissing my lips lightly. “You enjoy and I’ll see you tonight.”

“Who…” I almost snapped, but I held to all my self restrain. “I’ll see you tonight.” I said sweetly, but what on my mind was who the hell that woman was?!

He nodded and walked out.

Now I was annoyed.

~~~

“Is something bothering you, ?” Yukimura asked. He was watching me quietly. I knew it. I could feel his gaze on me. As usual he was treating me, but I was a bit surprised to find myself sitting with him in one of the finer restaurants that we don’t occasionally go to.

“No.” I replied quietly. “Nothing is bothering me.” I said not even able to believe the words coming out my mouth myself. I sighed as I slowly picked up the glass of fresh juice and twirled it slightly between my hands. I was beginning to feel guilty as well. He had obviously brought me here for something, but I was making him feel like it was more about me than him. “I didn’t come here so you could worry about me.”

He smiled. That gentle smile I so liked and fell in love with over and over again. He reached slightly and put his hand over the palm of my own slowly. “I just wanted to see someone I was familiar with after I broke up with .”

Which again brought the curiosity out in me; I wanted to know why they broke up. “What happ…” I started to ask, but froze. And not only did I freeze, but my mouth went dry and my eyes widened in shock. No matter what self composure I had in me that I learned to master in years went all down the drain.

Even Yukimura noticed the sudden change in me. He trailed my line of sight and sighed lightly. He could see why I was now looking like that. I was a woman that did not get perplexed easily, but the sight did risen my curiosity and unfortunately also my jealousy.

Atobe Keigo. Atobe Keigo who had spent all last night with me and all morning by my side had just walked into the same restaurant that I was occupying with Yukimura and not only that, but he was with a woman. I knew he made plans to meet someone for lunch, but not a WOMAN like that. I eyed the woman standing next to him. I could tell that she was the same as my height. She had long dark hair that was in layers till her shoulders. Her pale complexion was so illuminating that I wondered if the woman had ever seen daylight, but it annoyed me that she did not look sickening pale in any way. Just one look at her and I knew she was the same as Keigo. She had that aura of haughtiness in her and I sighed thinking oh my god there’s another him.

“I wouldn’t worry if I were you.” Yukimura told me trying to assure me.

I almost snapped at him glaring at him, my eyes furiously dark now at his comment. “I am not worried.”

I could’ve sworn I saw him smirk with that comment, but he didn’t dare show it to me. He just smiled sweetly and nodded. “We’re done anyway.” He told me. “Why don’t we go get dessert somewhere else?”

I opened the menu ignoring him, “We’re staying here.” I said firmly.

“Okay.” He replied knowingly as he picked up his own menu.

I tried to concentrate on the menu, but matters had turned from good to worse when Atobe and the woman sat in a corner in the room, which was a good view from where I was sitting.

I will not let it bother me, I repeated.

I will not let it bother me.

I will not let it bother me.

My eyes went to them and I was agitated. They were talking the whole time and none of them had touched anything from the table. I wondered how long they were planning to stay there. And to make matters worse when Keigo had walked in, he didn’t even look left or right to see if anyone had been there.

“?”

“Yes.” I replied meekly.

Yukimura stood up. “Come on.” He told me taking my upper arm. “We’re going to have dessert with them.” He said pulling me towards their table.

“They haven’t even eaten yet.” I hissed at him as we stood before them. “Smile.” Seiichi said softly in my ears when we reached their table.

It took just a second for me to force a smile.

Atobe looked up and smiled. “Why hello?’

I looked at him and then directed my eyes at that moment to the woman sitting opposite him. My brown eyes looked into her gray ones and it was like I was challenging her. She was beautiful, but I knew I was not lacking in that department either.

“Join us?” Atobe asked us.

I was a bit surprised. Why wasn’t he annoyed that we interrupted? They had been obviously talking about something private.

Atobe stood up, “Yukimura Seiichi and .” He started. “This is .” He introduced. “Oshitari .”

I felt my heart leap into my throat. The name was very familiar and I got the tiniest feeling that I had overreacted.

“Oshitari Yuushi’s wife?” Yukimura Seiichi asked.

nodded. “Yes, he’s the only Yuushi I know.” She said smiling as she stood up. “Are you the that Keigo keeps talking about?”

Although I was determined to be furious at myself for jumping to conclusions I blushed. I could feel the heat seep through my cheeks as I looked at her. Before I could say anything I heard Seiichi speak. “Atobe, I am going to leave with you two.”

“That is fine.” Atobe nodded.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow .” Seiichi told me, and then he looked at and bowed. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Oshitari-san.”

smiled back and nodded.

“I’m sorry for taking him away from you today, .” said softly sitting down on the chair.

I looked at her speechless.

“Nonsense.” Atobe muttered. “No one owns Ore-sama.”

“And no one will want to if you keep that attitude up.” I found myself snapping suddenly. I was annoyed. Not at him, but more at myself. I also felt like I was intruding at something private. “I’m sorry to intrude.” I finally apologized.

“Nonsense.” Atobe repeated again. “Maybe you can help here more than me?” he told me as he placed a hand gently on my back and sat me down on the chair.

“Help?” I asked quite unsure of the predicament.

looked down embarrassed. I looked at her and felt the woman who was all about composure and self control, was going to break. “Yuushi’s changed.” She said finally after almost a whole minute of silence. “I don’t see him anymore Keigo and I….” she whispered twirling her hair on one finger. “I don’t want to even think there is someone else.”

Atobe frowned. He had known it was bad for her when she had called him, but he didn’t know it was that bad. Atobe reached his hand and placed it over hers gently. “Come on …” he said softly. “You know Yuushi loves and adores you.”

She remained silent.

I looked at the woman and felt my heart ache for her. To think or feel that your husband is cheating on you is somewhat of a predicament. “What makes you say that?” I found myself asking. I had heard about Oshitari Yuushi many times from Keigo, but I had never actually met him.

“I don’t know….” She admitted surprising me. “Keigo…” she whispered as a single tear managed to slip through. “You know Yuushi, how he is…” she began. “Well he’s changed. He’s never home, he’s always out, and he comes back really late at night.”

“You know he has a deadline coming up.” Atobe explained. “And you know Yuushi can’t work when you’re around.” He added knowing how well Yuushi adored her that he was never able to concentrate when his wife was around.

“That is no excuse to leave your wife for more than two months.” She said angrily, but then took a deep breath and calmed down. She was going to speak when her phone rang. She looked at the caller ID and threw it away. Atobe caught the phone before it smashed into pieces. “Pick it up.” He ordered .

“No.”

“Pick it up, .” Atobe repeated.

“No.” she said stubbornly.

I looked from Keigo to and sensed the stubbornness in both of them. Neither of them was going to back down. I was beginning to understand a bit about this woman and why Atobe put up with her. She seemed like a little sister to him. And it was ironic that she indeed was quite like him. It was interesting to learn more about him each day.

“Fine then.” Atobe smirked as he picked it up, for the blasted phone would not stop ringing. “Atobe here.”

She went to snatch the phone from him, but he didn’t let her as he held her wrist a bit tight.

“Why yes Yuushi, she is here in my bed.” Atobe smirked. “Did you want something from her?”

I groaned inwardly. He always did have a bad sense of joking and looking at I could clearly tell that she was not amused. sighed inwardly mouthing a sorry to me and stood up. Atobe directed for her to sit down as he spoke to Oshitari, but she ignored him. He stood up, “Yuushi, do come meet us.” Atobe spoke on the phone. “We’ll wait for you for our dessert.” He invited as he hung up.

“Well enjoy.” replied. “And thanks for the company.” She said kissing his cheek.

“You’re not going anywhere.” Atobe told her. “Sit down.” He ordered placing a hand on her shoulder and forcing her to sit down. “We’re meeting your husband here and then I will decide what’s going on.”

I looked at and saw something flicker in her eyes. It was as if she was battling with herself to either stay or leave. She finally sighed and sat down. I wondered what Atobe meant about ‘I will decide what’s going on?’ Was it the insight ability that he had when he played tennis? Can he actually see through people as well? I looked around with these questions in my mind, and then I sighed a bit. It was time for me to leave; I felt like I was intruding. “I’m going to go.”

“You’re staying .” Atobe told me. “This will officially be a double date.”

looked at us. “Can I at least go to the restroom and re-freshen up?” she asked somewhat annoyed.

“I’ll be watching.”

She hmphed; picking up her bag and walked to the restroom.

I sighed, “Are you sure it’s okay for me to be here?” I asked Keigo. I still felt like I was interfering.

“You’re a part of my life now.” Atobe told me. The way he said it with a gentle tone surprised me. I felt my face heat up again.  “You will see a lot of .” He told me. “She is like a little sister to me.”

“She seems nice.” I remarked genuinely. “How long has she been married to Oshitari Yuushi?”

“A little less than a year.” He said smiling. “I introduced them.”

“How nice? My Keigo is a matchmaker now?” I teased moving a strand of hair off his eyes. “I have to admit I was jealous when I saw you walk in with her.” I said looking at him.

“I know.” He laughed making me glare at him.

“Well….~!” a strange voice spoke behind me before I could comment on his cocky answer. It was a new one to me, but it had that distinctive smoothness to it. And I was sure I heard a slight accent in that voice. “Is this Atobe’s woman?”

I turned around and was a bit surprised. The Oshitari Yuushi that I had imagined was completely different from who stood in front of me. I saw with my eyes a tall man; he was well built but leaning more towards the thin side. His hair was a bit long with a tousled look to it and he was watching me with amethyst purple eyes. They glittered dangerously as he looked at me. I felt like my soul was on display.

“Yes, this is , Yuushi.” Atobe introduced.

I smiled at him, “Hello.”

He smiled a bit and walked closer towards us. He was clad in normal black pants and a white shirt with the first few buttons unbuttoned and his tie was hung loose. Hands in his pockets he bowed lightly, “I am Oshitari Yuushi.”

“You’re the famous novelist, right?” I asked suddenly remembering how popular his books were with young readers. I knew he was a dedicated writer that expressed his views on public articles, but I also knew he wrote novels as well from what Keigo had told me.

“Not quite famous yet.” He smiled still standing. He looked around as a frown settled on his lips.

“She’s right behind you.” Atobe answered his unasked question.

I felt my stomach tighten. Although I had nothing to do with this situation; I still felt like I didn’t belong and it was none of my business. I watched as Oshitari turned around to greet his wife. I saw the light exchange between the two. Oshitari leaned down to kiss her lips lightly, but she had moved away making it land on her cheeks instead. I shuddered a bit, the woman was bitter and he was going to pay for the consequences.

took her seat back on the table while he sat down next to her. We made light conversation throughout dessert. Oshitari Yuushi was quite a character. Although he might come out as a smooth talker and ladies man; he was also a very serious man. And one glance at him; I knew that he could never cheat on his wife. The little looks he gave her while she tried ignoring him and the gentle touches and pats was more than enough to tell me that Oshitari Yuushi adored his wife. I smiled at the thought; they were perfect for each other. While she was the infuriating storm in a sea at night; he was the calm aftermath of the storm.

I turned to Keigo and found it quite surprising. I would normally see him in formal gatherings or dinners. But he was quite relaxed and informal. Something told me that the two most important people were in front of him and I knew how serious he was when he cared about someone. As I started a conversation with Oshitari, I noted looking rather paler than usual. “Are you…” I began, but I noticed she shook her head and held it lightly.

“Yuushi…” whispered.

Oshitari held her hand lightly, “It’s alright.” He said softly kissing her cheeks, “Just close your eyes and relax.” He assured softly putting his arm around her and letting her lean on his shoulder.

I blinked in surprise. “Wh….”

“ is five months pregnant, .” Atobe explained. “She’s just tired because she was shopping all morning and then with me the rest of the day.”

I looked stunned! That woman was pregnant? I thought horrified. She did not even look pregnant one bit.

Oshitari sighed. “She needs to rest more.” He complained.

“Maybe when you’re home she’ll stay at home, Yuushi.” Atobe pointed out looking at his best friend.

Oshitari sighed as he tightened his arm around his wife. “She has been neglected lately.” He murmured softly looking at her with her head on his shoulder. “I’ve been trying to get this story done so I’m free when the baby comes.” He explained lightly. “My brat is not being pampered.”

“Shut up …” murmured cupping his jaw lightly. “You’re such an idiot, Yuushi.” She repeated softly.

“And that’s why you love me.”

Her glare softened as she moved her hand away. She turned her head away and sighed.

I watched her slightly and knew immediately that she was feeling vulnerable. Being pregnant and alone at home must not be a happy hour for her.

Atobe smirked. “Now, now…” He began. “Yuushi, you try to finish that damn story.” He told his best friend. “ and I will spend some time with so she won’t break from boredom.”

They were both going to interrupt.

“No buts!” He said raising his hand slightly. “Now let’s eat. I promised lunch after all.” He said picking up his menu.

‘Then why did we have dessert?’ I thought wryly to myself.

~~~

After lunch I felt overwhelmed. I walked with Keigo to his car and looked surprised at his features. Atobe Keigo looked tired. “You look beat.” I remarked as I moved into the fine leather of his sports car.

“Those two always exhaust me.” He muttered as he loosened his tie while he switched on his car.

“So that was normal?” I found myself asking as he shifted gear and reversed the car from where it was parked.

He looked at me wryly. “Unfortunately yes.” He replied. “She has become more impatient within each month of her pregnancy.” He explained. “Yuushi better finish that book before she delivers.” He threatened more to himself than anyone else.

“So where are we going?” I asked as I looked at my watch. I noticed that it was already 6 PM and sighed when I realized that I still had to call Seiichi and try meeting him again so he could tell me what was on his mind.

“I’m dropping you home.” Atobe told me. “Then I have three more meetings.” He announced as he fished for his sunglasses from the compartment above some switches and put it on.

 I was starting to worry. “Keigo you’re exhausted.” I told him. “Are you sure you can last through three meetings?” I asked.

“She spends one night with me and now acts like my mother.” He joked lightly glancing at me.

I crossed my arms at his comments and turned to look at the window observing the streets as he dashed through. “Fine, be that way.”

“I like the fact that you worry about me.” He admitted softly, “But I do own a company and it needs a fair amount of my time as well.”

“I know.” I replied not looking at him.

~~~

It was late at night that I lay in my bed thinking of the things I went through today. It was scary and exciting at the same time. I never realized that my involvement with Keigo would be this big. He said I was now a part of his life. A part of his friends lives. I liked seeing him this way with his friends. He portrays a whole different Keigo to me when he’s not surrounded by stiff business men.

Rolling over, I looked at the empty side of the bed and sighed. I am an idiot. I miss him already. “One…” I murmured as an image of a sheep appeared in my mind. “Two. Three. Four.” I counted to myself trying to fall asleep, just as I had almost drifted off the blasted sound of my mobile echoed through my quiet room. I swore softly rolling to the edge of the bed and reaching out for my mobile that sat innocently on the bed table. “Hello…” I muttered uncaringly.

“Asleep?’ asked the deep voice I so loved to hear over and over.

I smiled to myself. “Almost.” I answered. “Are you done with your meetings?”

“Almost.” He replied tiredly. “They’re in the middle arguing about something, so I thought I’d give you a call.”

That surprised me. Keigo checking up on me? Did he care that much about me? “That is….” I began. “Rather surprising.” I laughed. “I didn’t think you’d be the type to show that you’re worried.”

He chuckled lightly. “No.” he admitted. “But Yuushi and told me to make sure and keep this one.”

“So I’ve been approved?” I joked lightly. “And since when do you listen to anyone?”

“I could care less for what Yuushi says, but at the moment even the great Ore-sama fears the wrath of a certain pregnant woman.”

I smiled at him. “Keigo?”

“Yes?”

“I like this Keigo.” I smiled. “You’re joking and much more relaxed than the other Keigo that I know.” I admitted. “When will I see you again?”

He hesitated, “In a week.”

That surprised me, “A week?”

“Yes.” He replied. “I’m going to the airport after this meeting.” He explained. “I have a meeting in Singapore.”

“Oh.” I said softly trying not to show that I was disappointed. “Have a safe trip.”

“, will you…”

“Don’t worry Keigo.” I interrupted. “I will give a call and make sure she doesn’t kill her husband.” I replied quickly already knowing what he was going to ask of me.

“That’s why I love you.” He said softly. “Take care.” He said hanging up.

My mouth went dry as I stared at the phone dumbfounded.

That’s why I love you.

“Did he just tell me he loved me?” I asked out loud.

That’s why I love you.

I shook my head trying to rationalize the situation. “It’s just a figure of speech.” I told myself softly as I lay my head back onto the pillow.

If it was just a figure of speech then why is my heart pounding…..

~~~

~*~ For Kaho ~*~

~Who loves Atobe and Yukimura~

DeVeliCious

Edited by Kashii