Are you for REAL?
Chapter 1: Princess and the Pauper
The prospect of finding love is something that humans love to tamper with. Want proof? Well then there's dating sites, the social media, blind dates and of course the random giving away of numbers to seemingly gorgeous people. Why if you ask me, it seems that whenever humans say that they leave it all up to Fate, deep down inside they have a blueprint they want Fate to draw up for them. In the end they end up acting on their own having done all the work for themselves.
Humans are funny that way, I'm not saying that I belong to the majority of the population practicing said "tampering". The funny thing is, I'm part of the minority that doesn't really care. Not that I don't want to be loved or anything, I just think of it as a plug-in for life. I can live with or without it.
"Are you sure I have to do this?" I asked, irritated.
"Positive." Sakura said giving me a good shove towards the coffee shop.
"I don't even know the guy!" I retorted.
"That's why it's called a blind date. Get in Misaki!" With one final push I was in the front steps of the coffee shop.
I tried to stall as much as I can. I took in the whole feel of the shop. I looked inside, not much people in there. Good. If I suddenly have the urge to throw my drinks at the guy it wouldn't be much of a problem. Then what? Oh yeah the sign. It says "The Little Princess Café" well then that's a queer name and for a date, seriously? Who chose this spot anyway? I take a deep breath and look down on what I'm wearing. Skinny jeans and a plain red v neck shirt. Like I said I can live with or without love. So I don't mind if my prospective suitors are not impressed with the way I dress.
"Mi-sa-ki. What's taking you so long? Don't make him wait." Sakura said. I gave out a sigh, guess that's all the stalling I can do.
When I opened that door to the café… I was… what was I expecting exactly? It was a cozy little shop in the corner of the shopping district. I suppose I shouldn't expect anything from it. Although the smell of freshly brewed coffee and chocolate wafts in the air. There's a few couples here I notice. They all seem to be having a fun time. Alright, that's it, I want no part in this!
I looked around, then looked behind me. Crap, Sakura's gone! My only escape is blocked. Alright then no backing out now so, how am I supposed to know what he looks like? It would be so embarrassing to walk up to the wrong guy. As if sensing my distress a waiter suddenly approached me. He looks nice enough, I like their uniform too, very cute.
"Excuse me miss, are you Ayuzawa-san?" He asked with a nice smile. I nodded too weak to talk.
"Follow me please." I didn't ask questions I kept my head low. I feel like I was being escorted to my prison cell. . As we walk past the tables I can hear bits of the conversation everyone else is having. Why are they all talking about kinky stuff? That is so disgusting. Then I saw a man beam at me. That can't be him right? The man with the brown hair, sweatshirt and slacks. And wait is that loafers I see? Way to dress up for the occasion Misaki, really smart.
"Hi there." He said, he stood up to pull my chair for me. A gentleman, I guess that's good.
"Hello" was all I could manage to say.
He gave me a bouquet of flowers and a box of chocolates. Thoughtful, okay then, two points.
"Um thanks."
"No problem." He said flashing me his dazzling white teeth. Good set of dentures… I don't give a damn I suppose.
"So shall we order?" He asks me.
"Yeah. That would be nice." Finally some food. I can keep quiet while we're eating. He raises his hand and signals for the waiter to take our order.
"So Misaki right?"
"Yes, and you are?"
"Shintani Hinata, nice to meet you." He said his hands outstretched. Are you even supposed to shake hands on a blind date? I don't know!
"Y-yeah, nice to meet you too." I say shaking his hand.
"What would it be sir?" The waiter approaches us. Shintani orders a glass of wine and baked cheese salmon with chestnut salad. I looked down at the menu. Crap! I didn't bring enough money to order anything on their main course. Ah what to do? What to do? I guess I'll just have to order that.
"And for the lady-" I cut him off before he orders a huge meal for me, which I cannot pay for. "Just the clubhouse sandwich and a glass of water."
"That's all?" Why did he have to ask that, am I obliged to eat plenty? Ah damn it, I scan the menu again and looked for the cheapest drink.
"Make that a glass of orange juice." Okay maybe if I manage to convince myself that I won't go hungry for the next few hours with the food I'm about to eat then it wouldn't be so bad.
"Of course. Your food will be ready in a short while." The waiter said and turned to leave.
Okay, this is definitely awkward. I don't even know what you're supposed to talk about on a date. I am hating every second of this. Why can't this guy just initiate the conversation? I'm not exactly the talkative type. I mean come on, would it hurt to talk about yourself just a little? And so I look at the couples on their dates, they look so… alive. They're conversations are so animated like talking to a guy on a date is the easiest thing in the world.
"So, Misaki is this your first blind date?" he asks with an innocent smile. Well that was embarrassing, he must've noticed my mind drifted elsewhere.
"Yes" I replied curtly.
"Well then what would you like to talk about?" What would I like to talk about? Well then how about where's the nearest bus station to Shelterlight district? Because you know, I want to go home! But I know better than to ask that and so the show must go on.
"What do you usually talk about during these…things?" I say with an involuntary gesture from my hand. He chuckles, well at least he isn't offended.
"I suppose occupation, family, funny stories… those sort of things?" Oh is that it? Sounds easy enough.
"Oh well uhm, why don't you start."
"Alright here I go." He takes a deep breath before beginning "I'm currently employed as a sous chef in The Urban Kitchen I work round the clock. Today's my day off as it happens. Then…"
I have to say this guy's cool The Urban Kitchen is one of the most popular restaurants in the city often visited by celebrities and millionaires. They say that their lemon and strawberry sorbet is already worth a month's worth of minimum wage. What the hell right?
"We should have just eaten there then." I said jokingly. Thankfully he laughs a little.
"I don't want my co-workers meddling in on my affairs."
Right on cue our food arrives and the waiter sets the plate down on the table. "Would there be anything else?"
"No, we've got everything we need." With a polite bow the waiter leaves.
"What about you Misaki, what do you do?" He eyes me playfully, which only makes me want to gag.
"Well it's not as prestigious as yours but I have fun with it. I'm a freelance writer and photographer." I didn't want to look at him directly so I busy myself with my sandwich.
"What's not prestigious about that? At least you don't have a boss."
Hmmm good point. I get to do whatever I want and I get to pick the jobs. Though things seem to be really tight right now. I have nothing to say to him so I stay quiet and focus on my enormous three-piece sandwich. They really ought to decrease the size of these. Guess I won't go hungry after all.
"Enjoying your food?" He asks politely, though I think it's more of an icebreaker.
I nod having my mouth full. I'd rather go on a date with these sandwiches thank you very much.
Not much conversation had passed between us and really we don't seem to be hitting it off. I don't mind like I said plug-in. Then suddenly my phone rings. Thank heavens they sent this distraction for me. And so I take out my phone with a flourish only to gaze at the screen and be greeted by my alarm. I press the snooze button and pretend it was a phone call.
"I'm so sorry, please excuse me for a sec." And so I made a pretend appointment with a client for the evening. It would have passed off really when my phone suddenly rang again, this time right on my ear. I forgot I set the alarm in a two minute interval. The loudness made me jump and I dropped my phone. Smooth move Misaki. Naturally I bent down to retrieve it. What was not so natural was the way the table tipped the other way spilling all the food to Shintani's side.
"Oh my goodness. I am so sorry." I say rather shocked with my clumsiness. I can see he was holding back his annoyance.
"It's alright. Although you ruined my suit." He said, his voice flat.
"I am really sorry. Maybe we should just get the bill and get out of here?" People were starting to stare. Ah this is so embarrassing!
"Maybe we should." And so we went out of the café head held high, back straight, not minding the stares of the other customers.
"So I guess that's it?" He asks a little disappointed. He smells of orange juice now.
"Yeah this is it. Thanks for today." I say as politely as I can, I even put on a bright smile to match. Although it might seem inappropriate to smile at a time like this.
"You want me to drive you home?" He asks, seriously if I didn't know any better this guy just wants a consolation prize and a one night stand. And have me do his laundry.
"No thanks, I have a few more errands to run." I say declining the offer and keeping my temper in check.
"Ah yes, you're evening appointment with your client." Yes which happens to be my bed.
"Yes, well I can't pass on the opportunity." To have a good night's rest of course.
"Alright then, so I guess this is goodbye." He looks expectant. Does he want a kiss or something? No thank you.
Can't this guy just walk away already? "Yeah, goodbye then."
I didn't wait for him to say another word. He might make me pay for his clothes. I turned my back at him and headed north only to remember that the supermarket was the other way. Well looks like I'll be eating take-out tonight.
I think we are all entitled to pave a path for ourselves. I think that we have the right to choose what kind of life we choose to live. So now I think I am so screwed. Being chased around the shopping district by men in black is definitely not the way I chose to live my life. It's definitely Fate messing with me. I also think it is very unfair. Why won't they let me be? It's not like smashing the car doors open is something to be alarmed about. Okay, fine so maybe it is but when you're whole life depended on it, it's not so bad. So now here I am running for my life in a crowded shopping district. At least they couldn't pull out their guns. Could be worse right?
"There he is. After him, don't let him escape!" Shit, they found me already? That was fast I thought these goons were good for nothing. I ran and ran and ran. Through the endless streets through the alleyways and even hiding in stores just to have them off my track. Still they manage to find me. This is getting beyond intolerable, I need to find some place they'll least suspect me to go into.
"Usui-sama, your grandfather will not be pleased about this." I hear one of the goons shout behind my back. Yeah I know. But I don't care, it's my life and I will get to do what I want. I ran faster turning at random corners, sometimes bumping into random people. Some swore behind my back, one even threw me an apple, which I thankfully caught. I was hungry. And so I ate it and threw the core to the goons. I didn't expect them to trip or fall over, but one did. Well that was fun.
Oh crap I'm reaching the end of the shopping district I need to find someplace quick! Crap, crap, crap store I need some kind of store. And like a divine blessing I saw it. Valentine's Secret. I suppose a lingerie shop would work just fine. So I went in swallowing at least half my dignity. The women were looking at me as if I was some deranged lunatic. Maybe I did look like one after running for so long. I strolled to the brassiere corner, trying to look interested. I have to blend in. Then I saw myself in the mirror, I guess I stand out too much. My blond hair is too recognizable. Well then, I guess I have to swallow half of my remaining dignity. I took a bikini from the racks and placed it over my head. There that's better.
"Um, sir, would y-you need some assistance?" The saleslady looked at me as if I was some weird extraterrestrial being.
"Hmmm not really. I'd like to buy this though, the one over my head." I say pointing at it. Her expression is funny.
"Y-yes, of course. Is that all?" I looked around, I don't seem to need anything else.
"Yes that's all. Though do you think I can try this on first?" I ask, I can see the goons approaching near the shop.
"Yes, the fitting rooms are right that way." She said pointing to a corner of the shop near the cash register. I can see she was really trying to keep her poker face on. I really need to hide, this is my last chance to get away from them.
As I approached the dressing room a long line stretched before me. I looked behind, they're getting closer. A man's got to do what a man's got to do. I see one of the women about to close the door to the fitting room, I stuck my foot on the door jamb and forced my way in.
"Excuse me? Why are you here?" She shouts at me and hits me with the hanger.
"Please be quiet for just a minute. Some men are after me."
"If this is some new scam to rape girls then-" I clamp her mouth shut with my hand. I do a quiet sign with my finger. She won't stop squirming. She's a feisty one. I look at my watch, for how long do I have to stay here. I need some place for the night. "Please." I say.
She stops squirming and bit my finger. I release her mouth and glared at her. "Pervert. I couldn't breathe for goodness' sake!" She said and she glared back at me. I have to say, the intensity of that stare really got to me. She was cute, like a little child trying to terrify her playmates. And her eyes, like glistening amber, definitely something. I smiled then I laughed.
"What's so funny?" She asked, almost whining.
"You. You're very cute." I say, then she blushed. Ah not used to compliments I see. She was quiet.
"I suppose you're wondering why I'm here." She nods not bothering to look at me. Too bad I won't have to see her again. She's really cute. I opened the door and bolted out of the store, leaving the bikini I took from the rack in her hands.
"Hey wait!" I hear her call from behind me.
That was very tiring. Getting chased around all day is frickin tiring. Now I really need to find a place to stay. It's getting dark, and I can't stay in a hotel. They'll trace my credit card back to me. Well it's not like strangers would suddenly fall from the sky and offer you free lodging. This is the city after all. As if on cue I see the woman from the lingerie store strolling beside a Chinese restaurant. That's definitely her, the one with the raven black hair. She looks nice enough, when she's not glaring at me and imagining ripping my head off. I have to get to her place somehow, someone that plain must live in some plain neighborhood right? I'm not being judgmental here, I'm just being practical. A plain neighborhood, where nobody knows me. I have to get her on my side.
"Hey you!" I hear someone called out to me. Damn it, have they found me already? I slowly looked behind to see a street sweeper glaring at me.
"Are you blind lad? The sign says 'keep off the grass'" Oh so that was it.
"Sorry. I'll keep off it then." I said as I walked over to the Chinese restaurant. I sit by the sidewalk and wait for raven hair to come out. Turns out I didn't have to wait very long.
"It's you!" She says pointing at me. I don't know why relief washed over me when I saw her. I just stared at her waiting for what happens next.
"Aren't you going to say something?" What would I say? 'Let me stay with you because I ran away from my grandfather and his gang?' I don't think so.
"Are you alright?" She asks. She sits beside me looking at my face. Her company feels nice. She looks like the only sane person left in this world.
"Not really." Which is true. I'm lost, I'm utterly lost and I don't know my way back. I have no home, a stupid dream and a bounty on my head, probably.
"You can talk to me if you'd like." I wonder why she'd want to listen to the problems of a stranger like me…wait. This might be it, my ticket to a free stay for the night. I have to come up with the biggest sob story of all if I'm ever going to ace this. Well here goes nothing.
"You see, I-I had a little trouble with my family." Which is true. Absolutely.
"We had a falling out." If escaping from their grasps can be considered a falling out.
"They wanted me to marry this girl and well I don't love her." I can see her looking at me intently, she was really listening. I feel bad that I have to lie to her.
"And well, they wanted me to have this job and I don't want it. Then they made me breakup with my boyfriend." Shit. What kind of story is that? Did I just say I'm gay? Why did I say boyfriend?
"O-oh. Is that why you were, uhm you know shopping for this?" She holds up the bag of lingerie. What the hell did I just do? I just nodded I was speechless.
"You were shopping for stress relief." I nod. "But you said men were chasing you." Ah what to say about that?
"My family is after me. I ran away and I don't have anywhere to go." Which is also true.
"Does your family know that you're…" She trails off, know that I'm what? Oh, oh crap.
"Y-yeah I think they do. That's why they're extra mad." What am I doing with my life?
"Y-you know if you'd like you can stay with me. I live alone in my apartment." This is it!
"You won't mind?" I can feel the guilt creeping in. No not now, I can't let my grandfather have me.
"Yep. It's definitely fine, I mean I have to help out a fellow sister right?" She totally buys it, I can't believe it.
"Thanks. I owe you."
"No problem. Though I think I should buy extra food, I only bought enough for myself." She said heading back to the restaurant.
"N-no it's fine I'll pay for it. It's the least I can do."
She stopped halfway as if remembering something important. "Oh yeah, Ayuzawa Misaki." She said, stretching her hand towards me.
"Usui Takumi. Nice to meet you." I say taking it. Her hand is warm and soft like that of a rose bud. She smiles at me for the first time today, a beautiful smile illuminated by the moonlight. I think something just bubbled up in my heart.
"You know, at first glance, you don't look gay at all." She said laughing. I stare at her dumfounded. I can't wait to get home.
Author's Random Ramble:
Yo! What'd you guys think? I don't know what came over me to have this kind of plot. So uhm reviews I suppose? Tell me what you think, I don't know if it's good or bad. Anyway, if you've reached this part it's probably safe to say that you've read through the chapter. Thank you so much I appreciate it. I really stepped out of my safe zone here and didn't include the usual fluff I have. That would be for the latter chapters. To those who are planning to follow this story through and through thanks. I'm really at a loss for words here. Like "What the hell just happened?" so well uhm, I guess I'll go clear my head for a while.
Ja mata! ^_^v