::Chapter 2::

=Knock on Sai's door, he answers to see Ayuna=

Ayuna: "Dinner's ready!"

Sai: "What-?"

Ayuna: "Don't you remember? I cooked dinner tonight in repayment for last night."

Sai: "..."

Ayuna: "Oh, come on! Food's getting cold!"

=She grabs his arm and takes him next door. He is impressed with the state of the apartment=

=At dinner=

Sai: "So... what do you do for a living?"

Ayuna: "I told you, I'm an artist."

Sai: "But you didn't do those paintings on the walls..."

Ayuna: "You're very astute."

=She shrugs=

"A few of my old friends did them for me."

Sai: "Why old?"

=She remains quiet and says nothing=

"The food really is delicious."

=She smiles=

Ayuna: "Thank you."

Sai: "If you are an artist, may I see any of your works?"

=She blushes, grimaces, and falters=

"Never mind..."

Ayuna: "No-no... I... "

Sai: "Don't worry about it."

=He takes another bite=



=A few days later, she barges into his living room carrying a large picture frame=

Ayuna: "I thought you might like some nice art to liven your place up!"

=Hands him the frame=

"Tada! So, I've brought thee a gift!"

=He stares at it, expressionlessly, not commenting=

=Ayuna blushes deeply and takes it back from him=

"Umm... I'm sorry, I didn't think to ask first... Didn't even ask what you would like, if you wanted anything. I... You probably hate it."

=She clutches the frame and high-tails it from Sai's apartment=

=Sai is a bit confused. He follows her into her apartment before the door closes=

=As she sets the painting down, she bumps into Sai. She looks to him expectantly=

Sai: "I never said I didn't like it. I was just a bit... shocked. And I do like it. It's amazing."

=He smiles warmly=

"Thank you."

=She blushes=



=The picture is hanging above the sofa. Ayuna is standing on the balcony. Sai joins her=

Sai: "Listen, I know we're still fairly strangers. We've only known each other for a few weeks now, but, I was wondering... I'd like to invite you to a party. An old acquaintance of mine is throwing a novel release party and has invited me. I don't like attending these, and most especially alone. If you would like to go, just let me know."

Ayuna: "And there's no one else you'd rather invite?"

=He smiles=

Sai: "No. And I rather enjoy your company. Truly."

Ayuna: "All right! Then I'll go. But I have no idea of what to wear."

Sai: "I could get something for you."

Ayuna: "Or you could come with me to find something!"

=He inclines his head=

Sai: "Okay."

Ayuna: "YAY! We're going shopping!"

=Grabs his hand and tugs him out the door=



=They visit a few stores, she finally chooses an outfit. Sai offers to pay=

Ayuna: "But you can't always pay for everything for me. You may be a well-paid, prestigious reviewer, but you're hardly filthy rich!"

=She pays and they leave=

=Sai remains mostly quiet on the walk home. He grabs Ayuna's hand and hauls her into a nearby restaurant. He grins at her=

Sai: "You know, we do have to eat!"

=He winks. She tries to grumble and pout, but finally breaks out into a smile=



=Ayuna's door bell rings=

=A young man stands holding a bouquet of flowers=

Ayuna: "Wai! Flowers!"

=She grabs them from him and leaves him standing in the doorway=

Tayin: "What?! No, 'Tayin!' No, 'Tayin, I love you!' No, kiss?"

=He looks dejected=

Ayuna: "Aww... my poor Tayin... But he won't wilt on the doorstep and he knows the way in."

=She winks=

Tayin: "So how you been, doll?"

Ayuna: "Quite well."

=A toilet flushes. Sai steps out and he and Tayin confront each other=

Tayin: "Ayuna? Who is this?"

Ayuna: "Oh! This is Sai. He's my next door neighbor, and a dear friend."

Tayin: "Ah."

Ayuna: "Tayin brought me flowers! Isn't that absolutely sweet?"

Tayin: "What about the kiss?"

=He pouts=

Ayuna: "Tayin!"

=She kisses him on the cheek=

"You're just in time, dear, we were just about to eat dinner. Sai cooked tonight."

Tayin: "Ah."

Ayuna: "Come on, his place is next door."

=She leads the way via balcony entrance=



=After dinner=

Sai: //Why do I feel this way?

=Looks at Ayuna=

//I haven't felt this way in so long... my heart beats fast... And jealous. I'm jealous...

"Well, Tayin... what do you do for work?"

Tayin: "I'm a stripper."

= Sai blinks=

"Or, if you prefer a more politically correct term, an exotic dancer, of sorts."

=He winks=

Ayuna: "Quit teasing him, Tayin!"

Tayin: "Sorry, dear."

=He shrugs=

"Couldn't resist."

Sai: "So, he's not a stripper?"

Ayuna: "Oh, he is."

Sai: "Oh."

Ayuna: "I'm sure the two of you will get along fine."

=The two guys sweat and cringe=

"Oh! And I almost forgot to mention! Tayin will be staying with me for the next few weeks. So, if you see him around for awhile, don't be too alarmed."

=Even more uncomfortable atmosphere=

Sai: "I don't know Tayin very well, but I hope the two of you are happy together."

Ayuna: "But of course we will be..."

=Tayin finally gets a clue=

"After all, this isn't the first time he's stayed w-"

Tayin: "Uh, er... Ayuna..."

Ayuna: "What?"

Tayin: "We're not all on the same wave-length."

Ayuna: "Huh?"

Tayin: "He thinks I'm your boyfriend."

=She looks surprised=

"Tayin?"

=Sai is confused=

"Oh dear... Sai... Tayin isn't my boyfriend... He's my brother."

=Very surprised=

Sai: "You're brother?!"

=He laughs=

"Well, why didn't you say so? And here I thought..."

=They all cringe=

"It's nice to meet you, Tayin."

Tayin: "Likewise."

Ayuna: "Well, we should be off to bed. I've lots of work tomorrow."

Sai: "Yes."

//And now my heart is so relieved...

=Sai looks at Ayuna=

//And still does it beat...

=She turns back before exiting=

Ayuna: "Besides, you're more a possible candidate for Tayin than I ever would be."

=She winks and waves, exciting=

Sai: "I'm more.."

=Cringes=

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Chapter 1 :: Chapter 3
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