Oooo... this is getting interesting...
This chapter will be a longie...
More info on the 'song' at the finishing comment, kay?

---- FIN INTRO -----

Chapter 4
Eyes on Me

The news of Hikaru becoming Tokiya's girlfriend ran into the school grounds as fast as a bush fire as days gone by. Unexplainable stories which was outrageously untrue began to fill the grounds. Hikaru didn't seem to be affected by the gossips. In fact, she quite enjoyed being the limelight with Tokiya, one of the most handsome, eligible men in the university. Tokiya, however, was uneasy when students whispered things as he past them. In Hikaru's presence, he plastered a face that showed jubliation. But deep down, he felt uncomfortable, especially when the rumours were going on and Hikaru seemed to be more 'affectionate' than usual. Numerous of times she tried to hug him infront of the students during dismissal times as they met. As Tokiya approached her from a distance, the brunette sprinted towards him and gave a small peck on his cheek, earning much attention from the crowd. Blushing furiously, he just pulled her wraist and walked her back to her hostel.

Fuuko's brillant marine eyes looked at the couple attentively as they walked further away from her view. Sighing, she slouched back on the stone bench.

Their usual stone bench.

Her slim fingers ran over the rough surface of the seat as she fixed her eyes which was devoid of happiness onto the dancing fountain. Past memories spending with Tokiya reminisced into her mind as clear as a mirror. With a slight curl from her lips, her gaze returned back to the stone floor.

Now Mikagami is truly happy... That, i'm happy too.

'No, you are not.'

The haunting voice returned to her mind, shattering her other sea of thoughts. Fuuko's face began to be drained off-colour.

'Can't you feel your heart? Feel it. Reach for it. It's acheing. It's shattering with sorrow, hopelessness and despair. You feel weak, cold and helpless in the lonely world... for the man you've truly loved left you...'

"NO!!" Fuuko yelled, as she clasped her tightned fists onto her ears, trying to block the ringing voice away. Tears began to flow as she stammered,

"I'm happy... truly i am..."

"Fuuko? Why are you crying?" A familar voice boomed above her. Fuuko raised her tear-streaked face and met Tokiya's. His eyes gave no sign of emotion, but somehow, Fuuko sensed concern in his blue almonds.

"Er... nothing. I... err... I'm going back now." Fuuko's voice cracked, as she wiped furiously across her eyes as, stood up with her wobbly legs, and walked briskly past the lanky man. Her heart skipped her beat when Tokiya called out,

"Fuuko, get back here. I want to talk to you." Fuuko faked a bored smile and gave a vague shrugged, as she sat down. With a nod of her head, she gestured Tokiya to start as he sat down beside her.

"You heard the news, about me and Hikaru..."

Fuuko's heart sank all in the sudden. She shoved the ache that wrench her stomach and forced a smile.

"Yes, i've heard. Isn't that great? Now, you're no longer lonely." However, with his downcast eyes, Fuuko's eyelid twitched as her eyes looked at him with concern. He gave her a questionable look as he added with uncertainity,

"But Fuuko... Hikaru... i don't know, but i don't seem to recieve her warmth and tenderness. She hardly listens to my feelings." Tokiya said in low-spiritly. Fuuko's heart want to lung out her true feelings but restrained it with much strength. She waved her hands slightly in the air, cutting his sentence.

"It takes time, you Ice Head!" Tokiya sighed inaudiably as he leaned forward, with his fingers clenched in his pale palms. He gave a tiny smile and sat back straight, and leaned slightly to her.

"So, how were you? Haven't been together much, don't we?" Fuuko closed her eyes and shrugged, with a wide grin.

"Why? Miss me?" Fuuko chided as her cheerful eyes flashed open, nudging forcefully onto his firm arms with her sharp elbow. Seeing his blank expression, she laughed in a merry manner, while slapping his back. Tokiya, however, his face was still as unreadable the clear waters.

"Well... sort of. Kind of miss the old days."

Fuuko's laughter stopped abruptly. She turned her dubious gaze onto his. His eyes showed unconcealed warmth and gentleness. His hair with the softest hue of grey was tinted with the golden rays of the sun. As he stood up, he jerked his head slightly, saying,

"Let's eat, shall we? I'm famished."

----

"So, what's new?" Tokiya asked, as he placed the spoonful of vanilla ice cream into his mouth dianty. He frowned with disturbance but soon eased as he looked at Fuuko. Unlike Tokiya, who was eating refinely, Fuuko was slurping her chocolate ice cream away noisily, commenting with brief words like 'Delicious' 'Heavenly' and occasional 'Mmms'. Tokiya snorted and rolled his blue eyes.

"I believe this chocolate ice cream is your favourite?" Tokiya said rather sarcastically, as he dipped the plastic spoon into the cup. They were in the same food centre, at the very same seat. After their scrumptous meal, they settled down for some dessert. Fuuko's purple head bobbed enthusiastically, without even looking at him as she fed herself continously with the creamy cool dessert.

At last, Fuuko placed down the very empty cup as she finished scrapping the tiny remainings of the ice cream. Licking her lips, a wide grin appeared between her rosy cheeks.

"That's the greatest ice cream i've ever ate in history!! I could just rob that stall and finish those heavenly stuffs within seconds!" The impish girl gushed. Tokiya returned her with a small smile.

"And soon, you'll be fat, chubby, and not-so-lithe Fuuko anymore. Come to think of it, prehaps you'll look much more adoreable. For an oversized boar." Tokiya smirked, with razor like gaze from Fuuko as she scowled.

"Ha ha ha. Very funny, Eskimo boy."

"Hey, tornado, you haven't answered my question." The sword master pressed on, as he brushed away the strands of fine hair from his sharp face. Fuuko returned an innocent brillance that sparkled in her eyes.

"You asked a question? Really?" Tokiya gave another blank, exasperated look as he knocked playfully onto her head with the side of his palm.

"I've asked 'what's new'."

"Oh! What's new eh? Guess what? There's a concert comming up!" Fuuko shouted gleefully, as she slumped back into the crimson plastic seat. Tokiya pouted his lips slightly with a pensive expression on his face.

"Concert?" Tokiya inquired. Fuuko nodded her head slowly as she held an expression full of pride in her cheerful face. She held a victory sign with her fingers as she explained. A 'Valentine Concert Night' would be held in the school auditorium on Valentine's Day itself, to celebrate this romantic event with the students in the university. Tokiya merely uttered an 'oh' as he slowly finished the last bit of his vanilla flavoured dessert. Fuuko's eyebrows raised a little higher on her forehead as she continued,

"And yah... I'll be singing for that night."

Tokiya's gawked and was so shocked that he almost fell from his seat. Stifling his muffled laughter, he questioned in disbelief,

"You... you can actually sing?"

Fuuko huffed and held her head haughtily with contempt in the air as she closed her wondrous eyes.=20

"Of course! Didn't i tell you i was in the choir?" Fuuko's eyes fluttered open when she heard an outburst of mad laughter. Her calm, solemn friend had turned into a laughing maniac! Tokiya was slamming his fists on the rectangular plastic table, with his hearty laughter consisting sentences like 'You can sing' 'Shattering', which cut above the noisy background of the food court. The purple haired girl gritted her teeth as she drummed her fingers on the table. She knew that she would receive a startled or a sneer from him... but not a wave of uncontrollable laughter!

"Shaddup, Mikagami." But somehow, Fuuko was startled to see her former teammate laughing off like a normal person. In the exterior self, she might look enraged with his comment, but deep within her heart, she was glad to be with him, and felt honored to see him laughing loudly for the first time.

Tokiya stifled his laughter and sat up straight, with his fingers on his chin. Though he had stopped laughing, his marine eyes were sparkling with laughter, as if they were still laughing at Fuuko.

"So, what song are you going to sing? Miss Opera? Are you going to wear that Viking cap with feathers and tie pigtails?" Tokiya snorted, tidying off the wrinkles on his white tee shirt. Fuuko threatened him with her
fist and scowled with much irritation.

"Mrs. Takashi told me i could pick any song. Guess i would pick a song with much meaning within. This song will surely move you, rockface." Fuuko resumed, as she wrapped her jeans covered legs, with left foot =
dangling in the midair underneath the table.

"So, have you decided which song yet?"

"You bet. BUT i ain't gonna tell you yet, Antarctica!" Fuuko gave a sly grin as she stood up and dash towards the exit, with her body squeezing through a tide of people coming in. Tokiya, surprised, gotten up from =
his seat and chased after the wind welder.

"Petty coward!" Tokiya screeched steely, as he ran after her, with his heavy boots stomping loudly on the paveway next to the road. Fuuko was laughing loudly, with her capacious, loose black clothing and featherly hair dancing together in the breeze.

On his way, unknowingly, he smiled. He had never felt so... open in his heart before. He felt as if he was on wings, flying freely in the skies, with his heart lunging out with supreme happiness and freedom. The hurt and pains of the turmoil he had went through had become fainter and fainter, replaced by the emotions he had once lost. The bitter and sullen Tokiya was stripped away slowly, bit by bit... revealing the true self within, which he always used the dull emotion as a facade. Curiously, he only felt this way when he talked to Fuuko.

Strange... i wonder why? Tokiya's mind asked, but soon exiled that thought and caught up with the young lass, as she groaned continuously, complaining why couldn't she run faster than him. Tokiya felt a loopsided grin between his cheek, as he rumpled Fuuko's already unkempt hair, turning it into a mass of purple hairball. Fuuko flung her hands in the air, giving a message that she had surrendered. Tokiya folded his =
arms and asked in a playful tone,

"So, what's the title?"

"Eyes on me."

----

Tokiya was frustrated. Roughly, he literally threw back the CDs into their respective places, he breathed a huge sigh and stomped out of the shop, with angry glares from the young shopkeeper. For over many music shops, he searched fanatically over the column 'E' but couldn't find the song Fuuko was going to sing for that night. Thanks to his friend, who didn't reveal the artist's name, Tokiya had a hard time finding this unknown song.

'A song rich with meaning that will weave gently in everyone's mind...' Fuuko's voice dawned into his mind. Tokiya shrugged, and wended his way out of the shopping complex, buying a can of soft drink on his way.

I wonder what hidden messages the song held... and who is it for...Tokiya thought as he fingered the cold and moist surface of the can, and he sauntered away, with his mind full of thoughts.

Eyes on me...

----

"Oh God... i can't go on..." Fuuko grimaced, as she gingerly touches the painful lump in her throat. She recoiled in pain and winced.

Fuuko's throat was itching and was sore from the intensive training in her apartment. Reaching of the high notes in the song didn't look as simple as she presumed. She shrugged and played the CD in the ebony hi-fi once more. The magical melody filled her whole apartment, starting slowly with the strings, and in no time, the entire orchestra sounded majestically, and softened dramatically, as the singer started to sing with tenderness:

'Whenever sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they would be heard'

Meanwhile, the dynamic girl with luxurious violet hair, held with a plain headband with a single centre stone, she slumped into the leather sofa and sighed as the song went on gracefully.

'I saw you smiling at me
Was it real? Or just my fantasy
You'll always be there in that corner
Of this tiny little bar'

Bar? What bar? School, perhaps! Fuuko smiled gaily as she ran her fingers through her silken hair. As if the song was leading a movie picture, the events of her with Tokiya floated into her mind dreamily.

'My last night for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you
Maybe yes, maybe no'

Fuuko snorted with a lopsided smile as she placed her hands over her chin.

'I kind of like it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me'

There, Fuuko imagined his icy, yet beautiful, tender marine eyes gazing onto hers secretly when they chatted during lunches, where they met most often.

'Did you ever know
That i have mine on you'

The song stopped abruptly before it could continue. Fuuko had switched off the hi-fi with the rectangular remote control. On her dour face, streaks of silvery tears were present. She shook her head furiously and =
inhaled the cool air of the living room deeply, with a faint scent of her lavender perfume.

Oh Mikagami... if only i have the courage to tell you...

----

"Oh Mikagami-kun! I've heard Fuuko-san will be performing!" Hikaru commented gaily, as she read the program of the night, pointing at Fuuko's item. Tokiya nodded as he smoothed the crinkles off the thin booklet.

The concert held by the school had finally arrived. Couples and students of the university piled into the broad, open auditorium furnished with grand crimson curtains on the polished stage. The auditorium was busy with frequent movement of bodies, with rumbles of noise echoing the whole place.

Tokiya tugged his pale blue, capacious long sleeve turtleneck shirt that blended perfectly well in his black jeans. Even the most immature male students were wearing formal clothing, like long-sleeved shirt with a 
suitable tie on it or with a bow. However, the mature Tokiya couldn't be bothered to put up with such formality. His flowing glossy hair was untied, which fell silkily onto his shoulders, capturing the soft, dim
lights of the air-conditioned auditorium.

Hikaru, with her headlying on his broad and firm shoulders, closed her eyes and kept still, as if trying to hear her boyfriend's heartbeats.

Tokiya's face was wiped clean of emotions.

Even though Hikaru, his beautiful girlfriend, who talked to him consequently, Tokiya only nodded blankly, as his head was full of thoughts as he read the pale pink booklet, with curly fonts that gave a connotation of romance as the borders were decorated with tiny hearts. The finale was Fuuko's item, and true enough, is the song the Wind handler said, 'Eyes on me'.

His brilliant eyes raced over the short description with the speed of the rocket. It read:

'Eyes on Me', a melodious love song based on the successful RPG created by SQAURE of the year, FINAL FANTASY VIII, is indeed a massive creation of the trio, the composer, Nobuo Uematsu, the lyricist, Kako Someya, and the orchestrate, Shiro Hamaguchi. Sang by a popular singer in China, Faye Wong, she depicts the serenity and tenderness from Julia to Laguna in the story. It's a song about unconcealment of heart, as the song goes, :'Just reach me out then, you will know that you are not dreaming' The hero of the song unlocked the strings of fear of rejection in his heart, and embraced the love from Julia. Listen to our student in Meteorology, Fuuko Kirisawa, an outstanding soprano in the choir, as she expresses the importance of love with the song, accompanied by our symphonic orchestra, which will lead us to the end of the magical night.

Tokiya's cerulean eyes dilated with interest.

She might be at the dressing room now... i guess there's still time. Tokiya thought, as he stood up from the maroon cushions. Hikaru expressed a puzzled look, as she began to open her mouth.

"I'll look for my friends to chat with for a while. Be back later."

----

A slick movement with the colour of deep cherries glided onto her lips smoothly, showing its brillant hue of red under the bright lights in the dressing room. Smoothening the crinkles off her ravishing sile purplish gown that swept gracefully at her feet, she beamed pleasingly, showing the inner radiance she haboured. Her hair was still as the same before, but it was tidy and finer, not the usual untidy mass of hair she once had. Her headband was taken off, revealing her forehead. Her eyes dazzled with the soft tinge of azure eyeshadow that fitted ideally on her.

While she was applying small amounts of rogue on her cheeks, a knock was heard at the door.

"Who's there... oh? Mikagami?" Her voice heightened with a surprise, as she slid the door open, revealing the tall man.

Tokiya's soft, azure eyes fell onto her, and he felt a hot, flaming sensation within his heart. With the gorgeous, precious looking gown, her short hair reflecting the dim, warm lights of the room, her dazzling smile with a sparkle in her eyes, Fuuko had took his breathe away.

Not only Tokiya, Fuuko too shared the same, warm sensation. Actually, Fuuko felt Tokiya was handsome and dashing every single day. She blushed with into a hue of red as she smiled delicately, revealing her set of
pure white teeth.

"Yes? Mikagami?" She started, putting her hands behind her. Tokiya broke from the trance immediately and fumbled with his words.

"I... er... just came to see how are you doing."

"That's sweet of you... but you better get back. The show's starting soon."

"I'm just wondering... that song you are about to sing... What's the significance enclosed within the words? Why do you choose this song?? Who... who is it for?" Tokiya blurted the last question uncontrollably. The latter question had probed in his mind numerous of times. Fuuko chuckled gently and smirked.

"You are such a busybody! You'll know shortly later, fridge man!"

"But..."

"Kirisawa! Quick, you better get to the backstage! The show is starting soon!" One of the female preformers interrupted his sentence as she popped her head through the open door. Fuuko gave a sure nod and brushed the fine strands of blackcurrant hair away from her face.

"Well, Mikagami, wish me good luck. Just hope i won't shatter the glass panels later!" She joked jovially, as she turned towards the door. Then, she felt a warm hand grasping onto hers. She spun around, meeting her widen eyes with his placid, gentle ones. She saw a ray of red racing through his face as he uttered silently, slowly his hand glided away and back to his side.

"Fuuko... just want to tell you... you look ravishing tonight."

A petite, but lovely smile appeared between her redden cheeks. She spun around and headed towards the door. Tokiya's eyes followed her, with a sign of disappointment.

Thought she'll comment something... He sighed. He then frowned. A string of thoughts raced into him. Why did i just do that? Why did i hold her hand out of the sudden? What... is this fluttering feeling within me? Why...

"And Mikagami?" Fuuko clear voice called out as her head popped from the door. Tokiya banished all his thoughts and focused onto her unexpected return. With a shy smile, Fuuko whispered,

"You look dashing... not only tonight... but everyday."

Cerulean eyes dilated with utmost surprise and amazement. Before he could call out, Fuuko had already zipped away to the backstage. Tokiya chuckled quietly as he walked briskly back to the auditorium, with his heavy boots echoing the empty corridors. He felt a sentiment that was so foreign to him... but it felt good... Very good.

Really? Fuuko? You meant it in your heart?

----

The show had finally started. The first part of the show was a play of the famous love tragedy, Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet'. The students in the show intimated their roles so well that they brought the entire audience into the story.

Finally, the most emotional scene had came... the death of the two star-crossed lovers. As Romeo drank the poison, thinking his beloved was dead, the audience gasped and moaned, as Romeo fell onto the ground, 
motionless.

Juliet, at that very moment, had awaken from her long sleep due to the potion. When she saw her loved one lying motionless on the floor, tears trickled down from her delicate face. Juliet, in the end, too died with him, as she took his dagger and stabbed into her abdomen, lying face to face with Romeo.

As the thick curtains swept across the stage, a thunderous applause was heard. Hikaru sniffed and beamed with happiness.

Tokiya just yawned sleepily.

After the lengty drama, the orchestra played a number of love songs that earned the same hearty applause. Tokiya couldn't be bothered. Unknown to Hikaru, he closed his eyes and fell asleep throughout the remaining of the concert.

----

"Yes students and teachers of Tokyo University, this night had come to the concluding end..."

Tokiya's eyelids fluttered open. A shocking realization dawned into him as the host spoke through the mike. He kicked himself mentally.

"The concert had ended?" Tokiya pressed worriedly to Hikaru. Hikaru smirked and shook her head. Before she could say anymore, the host boomed from the speakers.

"So, before we end this magical night, let's invite Fuuko Kirisawa, bringing us the song of FINAL FANTASY VIII... Eyes on Me!!"

Suddenly, the lethargic feeling before had vanished into thin air as Tokiya sat up straight. Like him, the other students too were excited, cheering for her as the curtains slowly drew open.

And there, behold, was Fuuko standing in the centre of the stage, with her eyes closed, the bright lights shining onto flowing pale purple gown, showing off her slender shoulders. The orchestra looked smartly behind her, with their instruments on their thighs, holding a sullen but proud expression in their faces. Tokiya's heart almost leapt out with happiness as the conductor with a smart tuxedo bowed towards the
audience, and raised the baton. In unison, everybody lifted their instruments, with the brasses reflecting the brilliant light with their silvery polished surfaces.

Gently, the violins played... then soon, the entire orchestra roared with much power and strength, but dropped dramatically, allowing the soft, gentle flute to lead the away as Fuuko parted her lips and brought
the mike closer to her lips. Melodious, she sang, with her eyes twinkled brightly under the lights that shone like stars:

'Whenever sang my songs
On the stage, on my own
Whenever said my words
Wishing they, would be heard'

Tokiya held his breath... both in amazement and in anxiousness. Fuuko sounded like an angel... a hark... Slowly, the song revealed to him... and soon he would know the answers.

'I saw you smiling at me
Was it real? Or just my fantasy
You'll always be there in the corner
Of this tiny little bar'

Tokiya's ears twitched as he squinted harder at the purplish figure. Fuuko continued gracefully.

'My last night here for you
Same old songs, just once more
My last night here with you?
Maybe yes, maybe no'

Suddenly, Tokiya felt her azure eyes on his. His eyes dilated as he saw her smiling slightly at him as she sang

'I kind of liked it your way
How you shyly placed your eyes on me
Did you ever know
That i have mine on you'

His heart halted as he placed his hands over his chins. Is Fuuko's message within the lyrics? Fuuko shut her eyes, and fluttered open as she smiled broadly, leading into the chorus.

'Darling so there you are
With that look on your face'

Fuuko, once again, spun her head towards Tokiya, with her eyes showing pure sadness and sorrow. Tokiya felt it too.

'As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down'

Fuuko... Tokiya's heart raced. Why? Why am i feeling sorrowful? Why do i have this wrench in my stomach? This is only a song!! Tokiya gritted his teeth and tried to reason with his feelings.

'But the song is for you. It portrayed you inner feelings for her.'

"Huh?" Tokiya gasped, as the inner voice vanished.

'Shall i be the one for you
Who pinches you softly, but sure
If frown is shown then, i'll know that you are no dreamer'

Fuuko stopped briefly, as the piccolo and the violins wove, leaving everybody in awe. Slowly, Fuuko raised her mike again, and sang, with her hand outstretched towards the audience:

'So let me come to you
Close as i wanted to be
Close enough for me
To feel your heart, beating fast
And stay there as i whisper,
How i loved your peaceful eyes on me
Did you ever know i had mine on you'

Tokiya inhaled the air deeply, with the scent of rose perfume from Hikaru. His eyes focused onto her, and softly, she turned her eyes onto him, meeting his gentle blue eyes. Tokiya didn't pull away. He felt...secure. Fuuko smiled naturally as she sang with many emotions.

'Darling so share with me
Your love if you had enough
Your tears if you're holding back
Or pain, if that's what it is'

Tokiya felt tears welling up. It trickled down softly, with is eyes wide with amazement. What... Tokiya thought. Is my heart longing to tell Fuuko? To share with Fuuko? To... be with her??

'How can i let you know'

With that, Fuuko frowned slightly, reaching out.

'I'm more than the dress and the voice
Just reach me out then
You will know that you are not dreaming'

Tokiya's heart wrenched with emotions. He smiled, with tears streaking down. He wasn't sad... he was touched. His heart shuddered with rich emotions once he had concealed. He finally knew... what his heart was telling him. For years, he shut his ears away form the words meant in his heart. But now... he decided to unconceal the words he wanted to say. Fuuko, as if knowing what was he thinking about, smiled broadly towards him as she sang the refrain.

'Darling so there you are
With that look on your face
As if you're never hurt
As if you're never down
Shall i be the one for you
Who pinches you softly but sure
If frown is shown then
I will know that you are no dreamer'

She ended the song with a tender whisper, as the orchestra wove gently alongside with Fuuko, bringing the magical song to an end.

The students uproar with cheers and claps. Fuuko bowed politely, with the smile that revealed her opaline teeth. Tokiya clapped vigorously, and wiped the lukewarm tears away. As the curtains closed, he literally
sprang form his seat, and dashed towards the door that led to the dressing rooms, with his silky hair following him.

"Mikagami-kun? Where are you going?" Hikaru asked, with her hands outstretched.

"Somewhere... i'm suppose to be. Go home first, Hikaru. I'll be there... for quite sometime."

=3D=3D=3D=3D credits =3D=3D=3D=3D
EYES ON ME
Taken from FINAL FANTASY VIII OST
Composed by: Nobuo Uematsu
Words by: Kako Someya
Arranged by: Shiro Hamaguichi
Sang by: Faye Wong

Midi available! You can get it from me at haowteo@singnet.com.sg