Chapter 37: Christmas Gala
*Part 2*

~Byakuya's POV~ Soon, June and I were on the dance floor with the couples who were getting ready to slow dance.

I'm surprised I acted and sounded as cool as I did when I asked June to dance; I thought for sure I'd faint.

But, I hadn't by some miracle, and now I was getting to dance with the girl I've been in love with since my childhood.

I'd call it a good moment for Byakuya Togami.

I felt heat creep up my neck and cheeks as I tried as casually as possible to slip my arms around June's waist, the first time they've been there since the whole incident in the cafeteria. Even then, it wasn't like this. This was special, in a way.

I saw June turn red as she wrapped her arms around my neck. I'd be lying if I said I didn't like them there, as well as for my arms around her waist.

I saw that Naegi was with Kyouko, watching June and me.

Oh joy.

Also, Erin and Ishimaru had taken the dance floor and were right next to Naegi and Kyouko. I also spotted Leon and his date, also watching us.

I shifted June and I's position to face away from them.

June had looked more beautiful than I'd ever imagined she'd look; her light blue dress complimented her body figure and hugged her curves perfectly, and there was no doubt in my mind that she was the most beautiful girl here by far. She didn't even have to wear much makeup; all she had was faint eyeshadow and eyeliner, yet she looked like she was ready for the cover of a magazine with her beautiful, vibrant green eyes and full pink lips (she wasn't even wearing lipstick either).

I tried desperately to keep myself from blushing any harder than I already was, and I could tell June was trying to do the same.

Some of the lights dimmed and I saw Sayaka on the stage holding the microphone.

Then, the music started.

It started with a piano solo, and I noticed for the first time there was actually a piano on the stage with someone playing it. Sayaka was standing right next to it when she started singing.

"What would I do without your smart mouth, drawing me in and you kicking me out?

You got my head spinning, no kidding, I can't pin you down.

What's goin' on in that beautiful mind?

I'm on your magical, mystery ride.

And I'm so dizzy, don't know what hit me, but I'll be alright.

My head's underwater, but I'm breathing fine.

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind.

'Cause all of me loves all of you.

Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections.

Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you.

You're my end and my beginning.

Even when I lose I'm winning.

'Cause I give you all of me.

And you give me all of you, oh.

How many times do I have to tell you? Even when you're crying, you're beautiful too.

The world is beating you down, I'm around through every mood.

You're my downfall, you're my muse. My worst distraction, my rhythm and blues.

I can't stop singing, it's ringing in my head for you.

My head's underwater, but I'm breathing fine.

You're crazy and I'm out of my mind.

'Cause all of me loves all of you.

Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections.

Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you.

You're my end and my beginning.

Even when I lose I'm winning.

'Cause I give you all of me.

And you give me all of you.

Give me all of you.

Cards on the table, we're both showing hearts.

Risking it all, though it's hard.

'Cause all of me loves all of you.

Love your curves and all your edges, all your perfect imperfections.

Give your all to me, I'll give my all to you.

You're my end and my beginning.

Even when I lose I'm winning.

'Cause I give you all of me (all of me).

And you give me all of you.

I give you all of me.

And you give me all of you, oh."

The song ended with immediate applause and cheering from the crowd.

However, I myself was too busy to cheer.

My gaze was locked heavily on June, whose gaze was locked heavily on me.

In that moment, there was no one else. Just us. Together.

This would have been the perfect time to go in for a kiss, but something stopped me short.

What if she's still reeling over Leo? Although she said she's over it, it's possible she couldn't mean it.

Would kissing her make her I think I was a jerk for not giving her enough time? Would kissing her jeopardize our friendship?

I found myself leaning in anyway, the temptation of her lips against mine almost impossible to refuse.

"Byakuya," June whispered. "what are you doing?"

That seemed to pull me out of my trance and push me back into reality.

I can't kiss her, it would probably ruin everything.

I pulled away just shy of my lips meeting hers. "N-Nothing... of course," I said before I pulled away from her. "Excuse me, but I need a minute. I'll be back."

Then I got out of there as soon as possible.

I needed to go somewhere that wasn't a romantic setting with June to think.

After wandering around for a bit, I spotted the perfect place.

The sound room.

I immediately opened the door and went in before I closed the door behind me.

Unfortunately, I found I wasn't in there alone.

Teruteru Hanamura, the guy in charge of catering the Christmas Gala, was in there as well, looking like he was searching for something.

"Teruteru?" I said.

Teruteru stopped what he was doing and turned to look at me. "Byakuya? What are you doing in here?" he asked.

"I could ask you the same thing."

"I'm just looking for an extra mic in here, that's all," Teruteru explained. "Now, what are you doing in here? Shouldn't you be out there with everyone else?"

I stuck my hands in my pockets. "Yeah, I should. But I'm not."

"Any chance you'll tell me why?"

Now, I would have usually turned him down, but for some reason I feel like I need this. "I can't believe this, but I actually need to talk to someone other than who this is about." I said.

Teruteru nodded. "Sure. I'm all ears." he said.

I nodded and took a deep breath. "Okay. Well... where do I start...? Uh... you know June, right? June Takahashi?"

"Yes, we've talked from time to time. She's very attractive, maybe you should go for her." Teruteru said.

"That's just it--I really want to go for her. Really badly," I sighed. "But, I can't."

"And why not?"

"Because, she doesn't feel the same and... you've heard about what happened with Leo, correct?"

Teruteru snorted. "Oh please, Byakuya; everyone in school has heard about what happened with Leo. It was the talk of the week when it happened."

"Exactly. Anyway, if I told her how I feel, it would possibly cause her to think I'm selfish and only thinking of myself or it could potentially ruin our friendship. However, I'm overcome with the undeniable urge to just confess my feelings to her because of how much I care about her. So, as you can see, I'm at a loss here." I explained.

"Ah. I see. I can see why you don't know what to do," Teruteru said. "However, I need to make sure of something--did June ever actually tell you or make it one hundred percent clear she doesn't feel the same?"

My eyes widened a bit. Well, now that I think about it... no. She hasn't.

"No..." I said.

"See? Exactly. How do you know she doesn't feel the same if you haven't even heard her say it or see her clearly imply it? She hasn't even told you. So, how can you know for sure?"

Well, if it's said like that, then I think he might actually be right.

June's never confirmed nor denied mutual feelings for me, I just always assumed she didn't like me the same way. I never actually asked her or heard her say it or anything like that...

"Tell me, why do you like June so much? What's special about her to you? Why do you want her?" Teruteru asked.

That's easy.

"Because she's everything, that's why; she's smart, sweet, kind, caring, bright, beautiful... and so much more. She has the most beautiful and amazing green eyes and red hair and I... I just kind of go crazy whenever I look at her." I said.

"So... what you're saying is you want a girl like June?" Teruteru asked.

I immediately shook my head. "No. Not at all. I don't want a girl like June-- I want June. Just June. Only June. I've been in love with her since the fifth grade and I only have eyes for her and her alone. No one else can possibly satisfy me like June can. She's my whole world; she's my everything. She's the only one--June's always been the only one. And she always will be. Even if she never feels the same way, it will always, always be June." I said honestly and I really meant it. In fact, this is probably the most honest and heartfelt thing I've ever said or meant in my entire life.

Teruteru stood there for a second before he smiled at me. "Now, I'm no love expert, but if you really feel that way about her, then I suggest you tell her no matter what and seize the day. That's my opinion."

I sighed. "I don't know, Teruteru... I really want to, but I just don't know..." I muttered. This is probably the most frustrated I've ever been.

"Well, you got my advice and opinion. Take them if you want," Teruteru said before he grabbed a random microphone. "Well, I better head back to the Gala. Sayaka and the DJ need this." And without another word, he exited the sound room and left.

And I just stood there, not knowing what the hell I should do.

~June's POV~ After Byakuya suddenly just left me on the dance floor after our slow dance (which, I'll admit, I thoroughly enjoyed and never wanted it to end), I just stood there in confusion.

What happened? Why did he leave so suddenly? Did I do or say anything wrong?

These questions and more raced through my head.

I blushed at the almost-kiss we shared; it was after the dance and Byakuya had suddenly leaned in and for some intense, blissful seconds I was sure he was going to kiss me, so I had tilted my head up slightly, hoping he would get the hint that I was more than ready to be kissed.

But, naturally, I had to go and ruin it by asking him what he was doing.

What was he doing? WHAT WAS HE DOING? He was getting ready to KISS YOU, you idiot! And you RUINED IT! What is WRONG with you?!

After that I just stood there, not really knowing what else to do. Erin and Kyouko had approached me.

"June, are you okay?" Erin asked.

"Yes, we saw you with Byakuya and he just suddenly walked off. Did something happen?" Kyouko said.

"No," I grumbled. "But something almost did happen..."

Of course you had to ruin it with your big mouth that won't KEEP SHUT... but, what-freaking-ever...!

"What's that mean?" Kyouko asked, but before I could answer her, there was a commotion on the stage.

"Hey!" the DJ said, tugging on a cord. "This isn't plugged into the audio and music!"

Sayaka was also on stage, leaning down and inspecting the cord along with the DJ. "Huh... you're right," she said. "It actually looks like it's plugged into... one of the sound room's speakers...?"

Kyouko and I squinted up at the stage and I realized Sayaka was right; the cord that was supposed to be plugged into the music and audio was plugged into one of the speakers for the sound room that was linked to one of the microphones.

"I must have plugged it in the wrong one and didn't realize it...," the DJ mumbled. "Well, it's an easy fix. Just let me--"

He reached forward to press a button.

Chihiro Fujisaki jumped up from somewhere in the crowd. "No! Don't push--"

It was too late, the DJ had pushed the button.

"... that one." Chihiro finished, sighing.

Suddenly, there was a fizzling, cracking sound before sound was projected throughout the entire gymnasium.

It was two voices.

And not just any two voices either.

"Because she's EVERYTHING, that's why; she's smart, sweet, kind, caring, bright, beautiful... and so much more. She has the most beautiful and amazing green eyes and red hair and I... I just kind of go CRAZY whenever I look at her."

My eyes widened.

Byakuya.

"So... what you're saying is you want a girl LIKE June?"

Teruteru.

Byakuya's voice rang loud and clear through the whole room. "No. Not at all. I don't want a girl LIKE June--I want JUNE. Just June. Only June. I've been in love with her since the fifth grade and I only have eyes for HER and her ALONE. No one else can possibly satisfy me like June can. She's my whole world; she's my EVERYTHING. She's the only one--June's always been the only one. And she always WILL be. Even if she never feels the same way, it will always, ALWAYS be June."

There wasn't a single person in the room who didn't gasp after that, myself included.

Everyone immediately looked at me.

Teruteru spoke again. "Now, I'm no love expert, but if you really feel that way about her, then I suggest you tell her no matter WHAT and seize the day. That's MY opinion."

Sayaka immediately stopped it after that by unplugging the cord from the speaker. The room fell silent.

Everyone was staring at me. Heat raised up my neck and to my cheeks.

I blinked rapidly several times before I turned to Kyouko. "Did you... did you hear that too, or am I going crazy...?" I mumbled.

"I definitely heard it, June--we all did." Kyouko replied.

Oh.

My.

God.

This isn't happening... I'm DREAMING... I must be dreaming...

But no matter how much I blinked over and over again, everything was the exact same, and it certainly didn't feel like any dream I've had.

That means it must be... real...

No one else said a word as I immediately scrambled out of the gymnasium faster than I've ever gone before. I had to get out of there.

And I had to find Byakuya.

~Byakuya's POV~ I stayed sitting in the sound room, staring at the wall, trying to decide whether or not I should do as Teruteru said.

I don't know how long I've been in here, I just hope June isn't worried about how long I've been gone.

Can I really go back there and face June after that intense moment we shared? I almost KISSED HER for God's sake... There's no way THAT'S going unnoticed or unsaid.

I was considering just getting up and leaving the Gala altogether to give myself space to think, when I suddenly heard knocking on the door.

More like banging, actually.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

"Go away!" I snapped. "It's occupied."

"Byakuya...! It's me!"

My eyes widened.

June.

"Byakuya, let me in! I know you're in there...!" June said.

BANG, BANG, BANG!

"Alright, alright, I'm coming...!" I said, getting up and making my way to the sound room's door. "Take a massive chill pill..."

Then I unlocked the door and opened it to reveal June, still looking stunningly beautiful in her dress.

"We need to talk." she said before she entered the room and I closed the door behind her.

I raised one my eyebrows in a teasing manner. "What is it? Oh, June, don't tell me--are you breaking up with me?" I said dramatically.

Even I surprised myself some times; I can't believe I can still act completely normal around her as if nothing's happened.

June, however, gave me a look that plainly said it wasn't funny. "Byakuya, seriously." she said.

"Alright. Fine. What is it?" I said.

June stood in a spot, firmly planting her feet and began twiddling with her thumbs nervously. "Well... Um... While you were gone, I heard... Uh... Something interesting..."

Okay?

"While you were gone, we realized the cord that was supposed to be plugged into the audio and music was actually... It was actually plugged into one of the sound room's speakers, which is linked to a microphone..." June said, her voice wavering slightly.

I have a feeling about this...

"Well... the microphone must've been turned on because...," June licked her lips and pressed them together. "I heard everything you said, Byakuya--the entire school heard it. The microphone must've been recording your conversation with Teruteru, because we all heard it through the speaker..."

I began to swallow, but choked on my own spit when June finished. "W-What...?" I gasped.

She heard. They ALL heard...

It's out now. For real. There's literally no going back. It's too late.

I just confessed my love to June in front of the entire school.

I felt myself pale over.

June took a step closer to me. "Byakuya... I have to know; did you actually, really mean what you said just then...? Or was it some kind of cruel joke? Because, if it was, it's NOT FUNNY..." she said.

I stood there for a second, still not believing she actually knew now, before I rapidly shook my head. "No. Of course not. I would never joke about something like that." I said honestly.

June went silent before she slowly nodded. "Okay... Um... I really don't know how to react to this..."

I cringed. She's probably preparing to shoot me down in the least cruel way possible.

I swallowed hard.

"I... Uh... Considering what you said, I kind of have a confession of my own to make..." June said.

Here it is...

June gulped before she took a deep breath. "Byakuya, I--"

She was cut off by the sound room door suddenly opening, revealing two people standing outside.

It was Leon and his date, Leon's lips teasingly against her ear, whispering God knows what to her. She giggled as they prepared to walk inside the sound room, but stopped short when they saw June and me.

"Oh. Togami, you sly dog...!" Leon said to me, wiggling his eyebrows before he turned back to his date. "Apparently this room is already taken...," He smirked before he gave June and me a nod. "Well, don't let us stop you. We'll just be on our way, then. Have fun, you two."

Then they were gone.

I must have been blushing fifty shades of red when I immediately closed the door again, this time making sure to lock it.

When I turned back to face June, she was red in the face as well. "Alrighty then..." she mumbled.

I shook my head. "So... what was it you were saying...?" I asked, changing the subject.

June looked grateful for that. "Well, uh... I was just about to say that... Byakuya, I..."

Don't feel the same way? Think you just screwed up and made our friendship awkward?

"I... I'm in love with you!" June blurted out, her eyes then widening.

My heart leapt.

I replayed what she just said over and over in my head.

No, it can't be true. It's too good to be true. She's probably just saying that to pity you.

Well, Byakuya Togami doesn't get pitied.

I shook my head again. "June, please, don't lie. It's okay. You don't feel the same, it's fine. Just pretend I didn't say anything." I said.

"B-Byakuya... I wasn't lying...," June muttered. "I wouldn't lie to you about something like that...!"

"June, seriously, stop. Just don't. Stop lying." I said, more serious. I really didn't want to hear June lie to me about her feelings, that just seemed to be rubbing salt in the wound.

This time, June glared at me. "God damn it, Byakuya, I'm NOT LYING TO YOU! I've had an insanely huge crush on you since I was in third grade, that's two years longer than..." Her voice trailed off.

Than you've been in love with me, she didn't say.

"Really, June, STOP. This isn't a game, you know." I snapped back.

"I'm fully aware it ISN'T. I'm NOT STUPID, BYAKUYA. I swear to God, I swear on my life, I'm one hundred percent NOT lying to you in any way, shape, or form!" June practically shouted now.

"Oh yeah?" I said. "Well, then prove it."

Prove it? Wow, genius, Togami... How exactly is she supposed to "prove it"?

I've really got to think before I open my big mouth.

June's eyebrows raised slightly before she took another step closer to me, our chests were now touching. I almost shivered at her body against mine. She sucked in a breath, as if swallowing all her pride and fear, before she suddenly leaned forward, her lips about a centimeter from mine...

No. This isn't right, she's just confused. It wouldn't be right to take advantage of her. She's in a fragile state...!

Right?

I pulled away. "What are you doing? You can't do this." I told June.

June's eyes went over mine in... disbelief? She pulled away too.

She sneered. "God! What the hell is it, Byakuya? What? Did I say something?"

I drew back from her sudden outburst. "No, of course not. It's just... You're just confused because... because of the whole... Leo thing..."

"You think that's what this is about? Seriously?" June asked. "Come on, Byakuya! That was--"

"Literally two weeks ago, June! Leo took you and he almost...," I swallowed the word before it would exit my mouth. "Two weeks. That's it. That's a short amount of time to move on..."

"Yeah, well, I did. I moved on. I didn't let Leo rule over my life." June said firmly.

"June, what he almost did to you--"

June cut me off. "Was horrible, believe me, I know--I was there. I was really scared and horrified but that was then and this is now and I'm not letting Leo get me down. I've moved on, and so should you. I'm over it, Byakuya. Life goes on." she said.

Life goes on.

"June, you're not ready--" I started once again before I was cut off once again.

"Bullshit, Byakuya. I decide when I'm ready for something, NOT you," June snapped. "Seriously, what am I to you, now? A China doll? Are you afraid I'll break if you so much as look at me the wrong way? Am I really just a fragile weakling to you? Well, sorry to disappoint you, but I'm a hell of a lot tougher than you give me credit for, Togami, and I sure as hell won't let someone like Leo knock me down--June Takahashi doesn't go down that easily."

I stood there in silence, just blinking.

"Really, Byakuya, what are you afraid of?" June demanded.

Then, without another word from her, she turned around and started for the sound room door.

Before I knew what was happening, I grabbed her wrist and yanked her into me.

She looked up at me, her innocent green eyes boring into my blue ones.

"Absolutely nothing." I growled, a feeling creeping up inside me, a need.

A need for her lips against mine.

NO. Do not kiss, DO NOT KISS...!

However, I knew I was going to kiss her before it even happened.

Come on, Byakuya, you've been wanting this for YEARS now; the wait is OVER. You've EARNED THIS.

"I've wanted to do this since the fifth grade." I said before my arm snaked around June's waist and I pulled her closer, so I could now feel her breath against my lips.

Then, with no hesitation whatsoever, I gently brushed my lips against hers.

The second our lips touched, I felt a jolt of electricity travel through my entire body, and it was so intense it almost made my knees buckle.

June seemed utterly surprised by what I'd just done, but she seemed to get over it quickly as she began to kiss me back. An involuntary moan erupted in back of my throat when she kissed me.

God she makes me crazy.

Her arms went around my neck and mine went possessively around her waist, holding her even closer to me if that was even possible.

Our kiss lasted for hours, it seemed, and I never wanted it to end, but I needed to come up for some much needed air and June seemed to need to too.

When we came up for air, June gasped and we released each other, leaning against each other.

"You've wanted to do that since the fifth grade...?" June panted. "Well, God damn..."

I smiled as I panted as well. "Well, forget about the fifth grade," I said before I wrapped my arms around her again and held her against me. "I can name a list of things I want to do to you now."

This time, I wasn't as gentle as before--June and I's lips crashed together and I savored every taste I got from her lips.

I kissed her harder, and she did the same to me. Suddenly, June surprised me with the bold move of swiping her tongue across my lips playfully.

Another low moan escaped from me, and I opened my mouth, granting her access as I let my tongue explore her mouth.

We're french kissing.

I've certainly never french kissed before, and I never imagined it'd feel this good.

Our kisses were growing more possessive, hungry. Eventually, I had June's back against the wall as my hands traveled up and down her curves.

I eventually broke away from her mouth, allowing her to get air, while my lips traveled down to her neck. I left a trail of hot kisses there and down to her collar bone.

I heard June's breath catch in her throat as I kept trailing kissing all over her, from her collar bone and back up again.

I felt June's fingers comb through my hair just as my lips found hers again.

Eventually, after several minutes of this, we reluctantly broke apart and sat down against the wall, in each other's embrace.

June was leaning against me and I had my arm around her waist, holding her close.

"Byakuya--" June started with a whisper. She was probably going to say we've been gone from the Gala for awhile.

"Shh," I silenced her, placing a brief kiss on her cheek. "Let them wait. Just enjoy the moment, you and me."

June nodded before she snuggled up against me even more. I smiled as I leaned my head on top of hers.

Best. Gala. Ever.