Kundiman

Here is Greenwood is the property of its creators. No copyright infringement is intended. This story is the property of the author. Well, due to popular demand, here is the sequel to Young Love’s Flame. People have been telling me that I left the story hanging by adding the ending which, BTW, was never present in the original draft of the story. So, now we are into next year and let’s see what happens between Mitsuru and Maia. Comments go to bukiminatenshi@mailcity.com and if you have suggestions for other stories, please send them! I give this a PG-13.

Kundiman

by Lady Aria

He heard the musical sound of her laughter. He would never ever tire of that sound. He knew that nothing in this world would ever take her place in his heart. He still remembered that night they had spent together.

...the scent of lilacs in her hair....

...the taste of her warm lips when they kissed...

...the silky softness of her skin...

...the expression on her face when they made love...

Yes, he would remember that night. She had accepted him. She had made love with him. It was also the night he had said those words. The words he never thought he would ever say...

I think I’ve fallen in love with you.

Eight short words. Not one more than six letters. But he knew the weight of those words. That was why he never said them. Until now...

She was so different from the others. She had an understanding heart, a willingness to accept someone unconditionally. He remembered stealing glances at her when they had been children. He remembered the pain he had felt when she left...

*-*-*-*-*-*

Three days into summer break, and everything was nice and quiet in Greenwood. Sixteen students had opted to stay in the dorm and, surprisingly enough, one of them was Shun. Apparently, Shun had wanted to keep Kazuya company and decided to stay in. It promised to be a really great summer with the teachers opting not to give any homework for once, saying that the students should be allowed total freedom for a change.

Mitsuru turned in bed and snuggled against the warm body next to him. Both he and Shinobu had been waiting for summer break when not too many ears were present in the dorm and they could..., well, do things without worrying that someone will suddenly hear them. He had thought that summer break would never get here, especially since it had started a week late due to numerous class days that were canceled for one reason or another.

He put his arms around Shinobu and hugged him close. They had made love well into the night and even into the morning and that accounted for his lover’s sound sleep. Nothing could quite compare with the intense feelings he felt whenever he made love to Shinobu, except....

Images of him and Maia flashed through his mind and filled him with an all too-familiar feeling of longing. He loved her, that much he knew, but there was always something that would eventually drive them apart. He had dreamt of Maia that night, when sleep finally claimed him in its feathery embrace. What had happened between them was still fresh in his mind.

He smiled. That was something that he would never admit to Shinobu in a million years. He could just imagine the look Shinobu would start giving him if he ever found out.

Mitsuru turned again and looked at the clock on top of Shinobu’s desk.

6:30 A.M.

It was way too early to get up, but he couldn’t sleep. He wiggled out of Shinobu’s embrace and put on his jogging suit. All the while, Shinobu hadn’t moved a muscle, content to stay in bed.

<Man, he must have really been worn out from last night,> Mitsuru thought, amused.

He opened and shut the door to their room and started down the stairs. Jogging was his way of getting his thoughts organized, feeling that he thought better when he was moving. At the ground floor, he passed by some staff members who were busily preparing the day’s breakfast. He had just finished putting on his sneakers when the dorm lady passed him by.

"Ikeda-kun," she said looking at Mitsuru, "I’m glad that you’re already awake. I was just about to go to your room and call you."

<Thank goodness, you didn’t,> Mitsuru thought, imagining the shock she would have been in had she walked in and seen him and Shinobu both naked and in each other’s arms. "Is something wrong?"

"No, not that," the dorm lady said, waving her hand at him, "it’s just that, you have a visitor, and I don’t want to wake up the other boys by using the P.A. system."

<A visitor? At this hour?> Mitsuru thought incredulously. No one in their right mind would be out at this hour unless it was to go jogging or to get ready for work. Mitsuru let himself be led to the visitor’s room and he peered in.

There was a woman inside and she was looking out the window. Her dark brown hair cascaded down her back and she was dressed in a pair of blue jeans and a loose white shirt. Mitsuru looked questioningly at the dorm lady. She nodded and ushered him in. She closed the door and left him with his visitor, apparently going to tend to something or probably to get some more sleep.

Mitsuru cleared his throat and greeted his visitor.

"Ohayou gozaimasu," he said quietly, unsure of this early morning visitor.

"Ohayou gozaimasu, Mitsuru."

Mitsuru nearly fell over in shock. He knew that voice and he felt his heart beat faster when she turned to face him. She was still as beautiful as ever and her emerald eyes sparkled as they met his lavender ones. He wanted to just go up to her and hold her tight in his arms, but then, someone might see them.

"Maia," he said, past the lump in his throat. "Maia, is that really you?"

She bit her lip and gave him a shy smile. "I guess so."

He ushered her into a seat at the table in the center of the room and clutched her hand in his. His heart raced at a hundred miles and hour, but he didn’t care. Maybe his unconscious prayers have been answered, maybe life was now more willing to let things go his way. It didn’t matter. What does matter is that she is here right now, with him.

"So," he said, taking a deep breath, "what brings you here to Greenwood?"

"Isn’t it obvious?" Maia asked him, a wistful look in her eyes, "I came to see you."

Mitsuru was at a loss for words. She had traveled all the way from Osaka just to see him. It seemed too good to be true.

"Pack some stuff."

"Nani?" Mitsuru said, a bit confused by what he heard. Pack some stuff?

"You," Maia said, standing up, "are going with me on a day cruise which will be leaving in a hour. I’m giving you a half hour to finish packing some stuff."

Maia pulled out the tickets from her purse and laid them on the table. Mitsuru inspected the tickets. They had their names on it and the luxury day cruise promised fun in the sun as well as dinner and dancing in the evening. He remembered Shun saying something about a day cruise which leaves Tokyo harbor each day and he distinctly remembered Shun say that the tickets were almost impossible to get.

"Daddy, got them for me," she said, seeing the question in his eyes. She pulled him out of his seat and ushered him out the door. "Now start packing before the ship leaves without us." She hazarded a quick kiss on his lips and said, "I’ll be waiting for you at the lobby."

*-*-*-*-*-*

"What are you doing?"

Mitsuru looked up from his packing and looked at a groggy Shinobu propped up in his bed. His hair was delightfully mussed that he resisted the urge to jump back into bed with him. He noticed that Shinobu gained full consciousness upon noticing the duffel bag that Mitsuru had stuffed with clothes and toiletries.

Seeing no way of getting out of this without giving Shinobu an explanation, or at least, half of one, he gave it his best shot.

"Do you remember the day cruise that Shun had been dying to go to?"

"The one that’s always sold out?" Shinobu asked.

"Yeah, that’s the one," Mitsuru said, stuffing a pair of socks into the bag and zipping it shut.

"Don’t tell me that you’re going to go on that cruise," Shinobu said, an amused smile on his face. "Where would you get the tickets?"

"Well, mine’s right here," he said, tossing his ticket to Shinobu, and looking at his watch. He still had fifteen minutes. "A family friend decided to let me tag along at the cruise." Well, at least it wasn’t a total lie.

"I see," Shinobu said, as he got up and put on a pair of briefs. "Have fun."

Mitsuru was about to comment on his nonchalance when Shinobu grabbed his polo shirt and kissed him hard on the lips, sending them both plopping back on the bed. At last, he released Mitsuru, who was by then gasping for air.

Shinobu gave him a seductive smile and said in a low voice, "that’s just a sample of what you’ll be coming back to tonight."

Mitsuru watched Shinobu turn over on the bed and go back to sleep. A red flush had started to creep onto his face and he picked up his bag and left before Shinobu tried something else.

*-*-*-*-*-*

The ride to the harbor had been uneventful with Mitsuru and Maia exchanging jokes and stories about what had happened to them since they last saw each other. He couldn’t help but notice a melancholic expression come to Maia eyes once or twice, but he dismissed it as a product of his imagination.

She maneuvered the car into a parking space at the harbor and cut the engine. Despite the heavy traffic, they had been able to get to the harbor in fifteen minutes. He offered to carry her bag for her but she wouldn’t hear it. Giving him a playful punch on the shoulder, she slung her knapsack over her shoulder and they started for the ship.

Mitsuru had her hand in his as they walked to the docks. She gave him a smile, but her eyes betrayed a hint of sadness. He was just about to ask her what was wrong when they reached the docks. He nearly dropped his bag when he saw the ship.

<This thing’s huge!> Mitsuru thought as he looked at the ship.

The ship was named the Sea Siren. It had been originally built as a luxury cruise liner which would go on cruises lasting from two to four weeks. The owner decided against using the ship for that purpose since the bulk of Tokyo natives led very hectic lives that they would not be able to enjoy a cruise that lasted for that long. It was then that the idea of a day cruise came to him. It would offer what all luxury cruises did -- luxury accommodations, buffet meals, swimming, whale watching, a disco, a bar, conference packages and a host of other services that would be provided by the ship’s staff. So far, every day since the start of the ship’s operations have been booked solid. Apparently a lot of people thought that this was a great idea and every member of the ship’s staff made sure that none of their clients were disappointed.

Maia brought him back to earth by blowing into his ear. Mitsuru practically jumped and rubbed the goosebumps off his arms. He hated it when she did that, but seeing her with a sunny smile on her face and the sparkle back in her eyes, he knew that he would be able to forgive her almost anything.

They were greeted at the ship’s entrance steps by the first mate. Maia and Mitsuru gave him their tickets. He inspected the authenticity of the tickets and double checked them on a master list.

He gave them both a warm smile and said, "welcome to the Sea Siren!" handing them both back their tickets and giving their room card keys. "It seems as though a number of lovebirds are going to be on this cruise."

Mitsuru felt his face reddening and saw that Maia’s own complexion had turned a chaste shade of pink. The first mate gave a hearty laugh and waved them both up the steps, moving to the people next in line.

On their way to their rooms, Mitsuru noted that Maia’s face was still red.

<She must have been really embarrassed,> he thought as they passed by the pool and a parlor.

Maia stopped in front a door. She looked at her ticket to confirm that this was indeed her room and inserted her card key in the slot. The door clicked open and she entered, followed by Mitsuru who closed the door behind him. Maia dropped her bag on the floor and took off her shoes. Mitsuru on the other hand was looking at the room.

Shun hadn’t been kidding when he said that the rooms in the ship were supposed to be really nice. This place was unbelievable. A large bed was at the left side of the room with down pillows and a very soft-looking set of satin sheets. A gilded dresser table was placed to the right of the bed complete with an antique mirror and an ornate brass seat. Wine red wall to wall carpeting covered the floor except for the part directly before the door where shoes were supposed to be left. A hand crafted oak lounge set had been set up at the right side of the room with a small table at its center. People in the room had the option of using the fluorescent center light or the incandescent lights which were currently on and could be turned down by a knob located on a table beside the bed. A small closet was located on the left wall, practically beside the door, with crystal knobs that sparkled under the yellow light. The room itself had been painted a shade of rose and projected a feeling of warmth to the room’s occupants. A door at the far side of the room, opened to the bathroom. The overall effect was a feeling of being transported to a place of timeless elegance accented by personal touches like the crystal vase with its bouquet of lilies and roses and the painting of the seashore at sunset on the wall.

Maia had been sitting on the floor all the while, hugging her knees to her chest. She had her back to him and she had draped her hair over her right shoulder exposing her the pale flesh of her neck. Mitsuru grinned mischievously and knelt behind her. Silently, he crept towards her and touched his lips to that bare flesh. He felt Maia stiffen and he put his arms around her waist. She had been so surprised by his actions that they both fell over on the carpet and Mitsuru now had her in a deep kiss, savoring the fact that they were alone in this beautiful place.

Mitsuru ended the kiss and looked at the girl lying beneath him. He could tell that her heart was racing from the red flush on her face and she was trying to make her breathing more even. He ran a hand through her hair, which was now longer than it had ever been before.

He was about to kiss her again when she put a finger to his lips and spoke.

"Aren’t you in the wrong room?"

Mitsuru glanced at her quizzically and she showed him their tickets. He looked at the room numbers and saw that what she had said was true. His room was the one next door. Sheepishly, he helped her off the carpet and onto her feet. Apparently, she hadn’t even been aware that he had followed her into the room which would account for her surprise when he had kissed her. He picked up his bag which he had left on the floor as she ushered him to the door.

"You had better start getting settled," Maia said as he stepped out. "I’ll meet you at the dining hall in a few minutes for breakfast."

*-*-*-*-*-*

Maia closed the door as soon as she saw Mitsuru enter his room. She leaned on it and closed her eyes. She had arranged for this trip so that she and Mitsuru could be alone. Maybe this way she would have the courage to tell him....

A solitary tear rolled down her cheek. When she decided to personally come to Tokyo and talk to him, she thought that the words would come easily. It has, after all, been a year. She never realized that she still felt for him. Still loved him.

She wiped the tear from her cheek. She had to be strong. All the wishing in the world would not be able to send her back in time to change what has already been done.

Maia opened her bag and hung the clothes she had brought with her in the closet. She had planned to go swimming with him and maybe participate in some of the activities that the crew had planned for their clients. She would think of a way to tell him, she just had too. Whatever happens, he would have to know. She had arranged for this trip in particular. She wanted it to be perfect. A picture, a memory to be cherished. Something that she would be able to carry with her. This was, after all, the last time they will spend together.

*-*-*-*-*-*

As promised, Maia met him at the dining hall. The place was very elegant with chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and the sides were open to let the fresh ocean air in. Several tables of food were set up and a line was starting to form. They had breakfast together and many eyes both male and female turned to gaze upon them.

Mitsuru once again fell prey to Maia’s teasing him about his tremendous appetite which he countered by saying that he needed a high caloric intake to maintain his face. Throughout breakfast, one or two girls tried to make a pass at Mitsuru while the boys tried to do the same with Maia but gave up when they saw that their efforts are hardly meeting with success.

After breakfast, they decided to go on a guided tour of the ship. The tour took about an hour with them seeing that the ship really had it all. The sun had been bright that day and cooling off had become a priority. Mitsuru changed into a pair of trunks and had put on a shirt and a pair of shorts over them. Right now, he stood outside Maia’s room waiting for her to finish changing into her suit.

<This day couldn’t be more perfect,> Mitsuru thought as he leaned on the wall next to the door, the bright sunshine warm upon his face.

The door clicked open and Maia stepped out wearing a short white robe with a towel hanging on her arm. She shut the door and locked it and turned to gaze at him.

"Shall we?" Mitsuru said giving a comic bow as he offered her his arm.

Maia had to laugh at that. She took the offered arm and they walked in the direction of the pool.

The place was already bustling when they got there with people either soaking up the sun, lying on towels or sunbathing chairs, or just cooling off in the water. Maia guided Mitsuru to two unoccupied chairs where they could lie down and sunbathe or just leave their stuff as they go for a dip in the pool. There were a lot of teenage girls at the pool and Maia watched with more than just passing interest at the way their eyes got all dreamy when Mitsuru disrobed.

Maia shook her head as she put her stuff down on the chair and pulled at the belt of her robe. A fair number of eyes watched her closely as she put her robe down and sat on the bench. She began putting on suntan lotion on her skin and had to hide an amused smile when a guy who had apparently been watching her fell off the diving board after receiving a slap from what looked like his girlfriend. A number of guys started to move to her to ask if she needed to have oil rubbed her back and immediately lost interest when Mitsuru sat beside her.

She was wearing a black high-cut one-piece suit that perfectly accented her figure. She had thought of wearing a bikini, but, given what she had to tell Mitsuru later, there would be no point in encouraging him. He, on the other hand, was wearing trunks. The type of trunks that, according to some people, felt like a second skin.

"Would you like some oil on your back?" Mitsuru asked her, smiling with the wind blowing his auburn hair into his eyes.

Maia brushed away the stray strands and felt her resolve starting to melt. He looked so adorable and his lavender eyes sparkled as they met hers. Taking a banana clip from a small pouch she had brought, she pinned her hair up and Mitsuru started massaging the oil onto her back. She could feel the envious stares of some of the girls on the deck as well as some of the boys.

<God, it feels so good,> she thought as Mitsuru’s hands rubbed the oil onto her back.

Being trained in the martial art, he knew exactly which points to press when he wanted someone to relax and which points to hit when he needed to defend himself. Maia hadn’t even noticed how knotted her shoulders had become until Mitsuru started putting the oil on. Maia was starting to feel drowsy when Mitsuru handed her back the bottle.

"Your turn," he said to her with a last pat on her shoulder.

He laid down on the chair and closed his eyes. Maia poured a dollop of oil on his back and started rubbing it in. His back and shoulders were hard from all the practice he has done in the school dojo and she could feel them rippling under her touch. Though she was not trained in the martial arts like Mitsuru, she also knew which pressure points to press from her studies in anatomy. She could feel him staring to fall asleep when a feminine voice rang in the air.

"MITSURU-SEMPAI!!!!"

<Oh, no,> Mitsuru thought, as he came fully awake. He could REALLY do without this right now especially since this was one of the rare moments when he and Maia could actually be alone.

"Mitsuru-sempai," a red-haired girl said, kneeling before his chair, "I can’t believe that you are also on this cruise!"

Mitsuru could hear Maia snickering above him and thought, <what does she think is so funny? We’re BOTH being interrupted here, after all.>

"It seems as though your fans are everywhere, Mitsuru," Maia said, standing up. "I’ll just leave you two alone and test the water. Ja," she said, striding towards the pool with more than a few males also deciding to go for a dip.

"Maia, I’m coming with you," Mitsuru said, jumping to his feet, glad to have an excuse to leave the redhead. It was bad enough that she’s been hounding him in Greenwood.

Maia had settled down at the pool’s edge and had her feet in the water. She had left the banana clip on the chair and let her hair loose. She loved dangling her feet in the water before going in. The feel of the water lapping on her legs made her think of some of the vacations she took at small lake with her family. Her recollections were disrupted by a splash that sent a shower of water on her. She was trying to shake the water from her eyes when a strong pair of hands pulled her into the water.

Under the surface, away from prying eyes, she looked into a pair of mischievous lavender orbs belonging to the same person that had pulled her in.

She kicked her feet and came up gasping for air. Mitsuru surfaced beside her and gave her an amused grin. She pushed the hair out of her face and glared at him which he matched with a very wicked smile.

"What’s the point of using waterproof oil when you don’t plan to go in?" Mitsuru said, splashing water on her face.

"I was thinking, okay," Maia said, giving him a solid shove. "I was going to go in when I was ready."

"Well, it certainly looked like you were ready," he said, floating on his back.

Maia gulped down some air and dove down. She righted herself underwater and used the pool’s floor like a springboard and rocketed back up. Mitsuru was still floating on his back when Maia came up and using her added spring, pushed him under.

Mitsuru came up sputtering and looked accusingly at Maia.

"That’s for pulling me in," and without another word, she swam for the other side of the pool.

Mitsuru was shaking his head at Maia’s nerve and was about to join her when a throng of girls surrounded him in the water led by the redhead.

"So, your name is Mitsuru, eh?"

"I see your friend left you alone."

"Maybe we could be alone too, hmmm?"

Mitsuru looked for an avenue of escape and saw that he was surrounded.

<This would take a while,> he thought, as he surrendered to his fate. <I hope that no one tries to make a pass at Maia while I’m trying to get out of this.>

At the other side of the pool, Maia was enjoying the sudden increase of the amount of space for her to swim in. Most of the people in the pool were girls and they had moved in on Mitsuru as soon as she was gone. Like sharks on a feeding frenzy.