Note: MSGT is not mine. This might bore you. You are fairly warned. I hold no responsibility if I bore your mind out. Please do correct my grammar as you see fit. Thank you.

CHAPTER I YUMI

It's been six years since I set foot in a school and its co-ed. When I was in Elementary School I attended a girls' school. Pretending as a boy is not much a challenge anymore though I would like to wear a dress or… okay Yumi, stop going in that direction.

I looked outside the windshield once the car stopped. Well this is basically a castle. No surprise. I stepped out and met a couple of students. The boy has that handsome blonde bishonen look going on and the petite brunette girl with two braided hair look very elegant as well. They look like a striking couple and they must be.

"Good day, I'm Yoshino Shimazu and my companion here is Rei Hasekura. You must be Yuki Fukuzawa?" the brunette asked.

"Good day to you too. Yes, I am Yuki Fukuzawa," I said with my practiced deep voice. I am an inch or two shorter than Hasekura, who seems like a six or so, but my face still look feminine so I got used to people staring at me wondering whether I'm a boy or a girl. It was not a surprise when Shimazu stared at me a little longer. I did my best with a more masculine expression but really I'm an open book when it comes to my facial expressions.

"May we lead you to the principal's office Yuki? May we call you Yuki?" Hasekura asked extending his hand.

"Yes if you will. And yes, you may call me Yuki. Rei-sama?"

"You can call me Yoshino-san as well."

"Thank you for welcoming me."

"It's our pleasure."

We entered the school/castle. Yoshino-san and Rei-sama told me a brief overview of the school.

"This is basically a replica of the Nijo Castle. Have you been there?" Rei-sama asked.

"Yes, I have. I know the basic layout but I don't know which is which here. I can find the exit that's for sure." I said looking pensive.

"Well, I do hope you don't get lost Yuki. The castle is divided into three the two palaces and the gardens. The outer palace is where classes are held as well as the offices of the faculty and the club rooms as well. The inner palace is the dormitory, which is divided into two. The left wing is the boys' dormitory and the right wing is the girls' dormitory."

"Make sure that you don't go anywhere near the girls' dormitory. Once a male student enters the girls' dormitory it's a given that you will have to pack your bags the next second," Yoshino-san added.

The look on my face must have been amusing because the couple laughed at my reaction. What can I do? That's pretty scary. Getting kicked out from an elite school is no good news. What would those elitist think of my family if I get kicked out? They're going to look down on the Fukuzawas.

"Relax Yuki. As long as you follow the rules you won't get expelled. You wouldn't want to get in trouble right?" Rei-sama looked amused.

"Y-yes, of course not. I probably should have read the hand book before coming here," I said, quivering a little.

"That's good. We're here."

The principal welcomed me and talk about the school, its history, rules, etc. it was pretty much the usual stuff Rei-sama and Yoshino-san said. Later Yoshino-san and Rei-sama led me to my room. Once settled in, my thing unpacked, I read the handbook.

#

"Well, I expected as much from this school," I said after putting down the book on my night stand. "Good night Yuki, father, mother," I whispered, drifting to sleep.

#

I looked at my reflection in the mirror, not really seeing me, but my brother. Even with the fact that my brother and I used to look like twins, all I can see is Yuki. I wonder where Yumi is. Is Yumi what I am looking right now or is it who Yumi is pretending to be? Sigh. I shouldn't be thinking this way anymore. Okay, shake the thought away. Hmmm.

I studied my uniform. I wore a dark-almost-black green suit, which is the uniform. My inner shirt is a white polo and a tie the same color as the suit, which I can alter as I wish. "Wow, Yuki," I whistled. "You look dashing," I said to my reflection, lifting my right brow. "Oh God! Yuki would look pathetic being a narcissist." I laughed at my own expense.

At breakfast I talked to few schoolmates. Boys and girls can interact here as well. Only in the dormitories are there a clear separation between boys and girls. They are very strict with that as well.

I was lifting my spoon when a flash blinded me for a second.

"Good day, Tsutako Takeshima, official school photographer," the glasses girl said.

"Mami Yamaguchi, member of the newspaper club. Mind if we ask a few questions?"

My smart reply was a nod with my spoon still in mid-air to my mouth. I was taken off guard with the two. I composed myself as both sat down in front of me.

"So, it's rare for a student to transfer at this time of year. What got you in here Yuki-kun?" Mami-san started asking right away. They know me already huh?

I smiled before answering. "I was abroad with my father for a while. Once I came back I came here right away. I was already enrolled at the start of the semester by the way."

"Would you mind to elaborate more why you came back late?" Mami-san said with sparkles in her eyes. I don't know what she's expecting. It must have been a while since she got some scoop or maybe she's just this enthusiastic all the time to get some news or gossip. I answered her truthfully anyway.

"My father brought me along with him on a business trip. It just took a while than we expected."

"Yes, okay. So~ next question. Girlfriend?" she asked. Tsutako-san instantly flashed her camera. Man, it must have been my expression huh? I'm too much of an open book. Mami-san's smile widened. "So?" she prompted.

"Um, no I don't have one." Well, how can I? I'm a girl for goodness sake! Even if a try to have one just for publicity what would happen if she finds out? Sigh! I don't have any romantic experience at all. I don't think I'll ever have one. I'm still young anyway my family will find someone to succeed me by the time I'm old enough to retire.

"Okay, heads up!" Tsutako-san said and flashed her camera again. At least I was able to smile this time which I hope wasn't awkward.

I'm pretty much average in a lot of things. I try to be average in a lot of things. Average means less attention and that's what I just need. In a week I got used to the school already, with the long walk and all. Since most of the students are from the high society they value their privacy a lot and so do I. I didn't have much problem changing clothes during P.E. I still haven't found a way how I can skip medical examinations though. That would be tough but father told me not to worry, that he got it covered. I sure hope so.

"Yuki-kun do you have a club yet?" Katsura-san asked. From what I remember she's in the tennis club.

"Sorry Katsura-san, I don't have good reflexes for tennis," I said sincerely.

"Geez, Yuki-kun, I was just asking if you have a club already."

"We both know where you were leading to that anyway," I laughed.

"Fine~ bye, I'm going to be late."

The next day I was suddenly called to the principal's office. It turned out of all the student here but me is in a club or in the Yamayurikai/Student Council. Since I was not in a club and the Roses (the title they gave to the student in the Student Council) needed some help I was to report to the Yamayurikai.

"Well, this is it." I said as I open the door to a separate building between the outer palace and the inner palace. Basically it's surrounded by the gardens. It's a two story building as old as the castle itself. "Ackkk!" I shouted as I felt someone touch my shoulders. I must have zoned out after I entered because Shimako-san from my class was behind me. I didn't even hear her open the door. She chuckled and ask what I was doing in the building.

"Oh, yes they did say they asked the faculty to recommend a student to help us. Welcome Yuki-kun," Shimako-san said. If I'm truly a boy I would fall for her. She's just beautiful and elegant. She's like Virgin Mary! "Shall we go?" I must have been staring at her too long because she looked amused.

"Wait," I paused. "Us? You're in the Student Council Shimako-san?"

"Yes,"

"But aren't you still a freshman? How did you get elected?"

"Oh! I see. You're new. You see, only three students get elected each year, the roses. They select a student below their year as an en bouton. Though it's democratic it sometimes seem more like a monarchy because usually only the en bouton run for the council. The en bouton themselves also finds someone to train. That's how the Yamayurikai works. All in all there should be nine students in the council. But we only have seven for now. The Rosa Chinesis en bouton, Sachiko-sama, has not taken someone under her wing yet and my brother, Sei-oniisan has skipped the second years and chose me instead."

"Why do they call a male student a rose?" I puzzled really. Shimako-san seemed amused as well.

"It's been that way ever since. Don't they have those people call flower boys as well? I remember some girls in our class call you one?"

"Wha-what? M-me?" I asked, highly not believing.

She chuckled and nodded. "Yes, and I agree." I must have turned red because she laughed. "You certainly are a good company Yuki-kun. Let's go upstairs?"

I followed Shimako-san and composed myself. Once we got to the door on the second floor we heard someone shouting.

"I guess the meeting is going on already." How can Shimako-san look compose? Is it normal for the "Roses" to shout like that? It's very unladylike. "Surprise, pensive, disappointed," Shimako-san mumbled. "You have a very expressive face Yuki-kun. The others were right," she said smiling at me. I could feel my cheeks turning pink and she chuckled again. "Come," she said and opened the door after she knocked.

"Ow, hello there. You introducing me your boyfriend now young sis?" The blonde-mischievous looking asked.

"No, onii-sama," Shimako-san said and left to sit beside her brother after giving me a nod.

"I'm Yuki Fukuzawa. I was sent here to help the Yamayurikai. A pleasure to meet you. Please take care of me," I said and bowed.

"Welcome Yuki," Rei-sama said. Yoshino-san is here as well. "Yoshino and I are in the Foetida Family."

"Eriko Torii, Rosa Foetida," the one with headbands said.

"Hey brother-in-law, Sei, Rosa Gigantea," Shimako's brother said with a smirk on his face.

"I'm Youko, Rosa Chinesis. I am relieved to have you here Yuki. We really need a hand since some of us here refuse to do their duty," the smart-cool-and-refined lady said pointedly at the most beautiful girl in the room.

The girl slammed her hand on the table. She must be the one making the ruckus earlier as well. I'm a bit disappointed. It must have shown on my face because I saw Sei-sama smirk at me. "This is tyranny oneesama! You decided it without me. I cannot accept this!"

"I don't know what's going on here," I whispered to Yoshino-san who was beside me. My voice must have been louder than I intended because Youko-sama answered me instead.

"Sorry for my petite sour's conduct Yuki. Sachiko, introduce yourself," she said sternly to the girl. The girl looks like she's going to blow up but then in a second she looks like nothing happened at all.

"Sachiko Ogasawara," she said with a slight nodded in my direction. "Now, oneesama as we discussed, I'm not leading the Cinderella play."

"Sachiko," Yoko-sama said in a warning voice. "We cannot adjust everything just because of you. You skipped the meeting on purpose and that is your own fault. You have to take your responsibility like the lady you are."

"Onee-"

"Wh-"

Sachiko-sama and I said at the same time. I was going to back-off when Eriko-sama said, "You go on Yuki. Don't mind our princess. She had enough talking. She needs to rest."

I didn't know what got into me but I said, "Can she really play the Cinderella? I mean looking at her, she's a princess through and through. I mean, tho in the beginning Cinderella was treated like a princess and at the end she truly did become one but in the middle of the play she was mostly a servant. I can't imagine Sachiko-sama being able to portray a servant girl." I knew I was rumbly but I still continued. I thought about it more. She really can't be Cinderella. "I bet Sachiko-sama never even cleaned her room or washed the dishes at home. How can she BECOME Cinderella when she doesn't even know who Cinderella is, how Cinderella felt, and what she went through? Have she ever in her life scrubbed a floor until her hands bled? I don't think so." After that I looked up and everyone was looking at me. Some looked amused, some shocked and one looked at me blankly, Sachiko-sama. I fought the urge to gulp.

"Oneesama," Sachiko-sama broke the silence herself. "Where is the script?"

"Here," Yoko-sama smirked and gave her the script. Sei-sama laughed loudly once Sachiko-sama left the room. Eriko-sama was holding herself back from laughing. The others either smiled or look conflicted. "My sister isn't one to back down from a challenge Yuki."

"But I didn't mean to-"

"Uh-uh, that was great Yuki," Sei-sama said giving me a thumbs-up.

I was already walking back to the dormitories when I crossed path with Sachiko-sama. God, she looks breath taking, a goddess. Her hair danced with the wind and her eyes that seem to only look at you. Well, were the only ones here but still.

"I will make sure you take your words back Yuki Fukuzawa," she suddenly said taking me back to reality. I only stared at her as she left and didn't say a word.

The next morning people where whispering around me and looking at me weirdly. My question was answered when Tsutako-san said, "Hey, they said you insulted THE Rosa Chinesis en bouton and challenged her to do the Cinderella. True?"

The panic must have shown on my face and Tsutako-san being Tsutako-san took a picture but she's a friend as well so she said, "Want some help?" By the time we got to the Rose Mansion we were able to lose the newspaper club.

"It seems my brother couldn't shut his mouth Yuki-kun. I apologize on his behalf," Shimako-san said apologetically.

"No it's okay really. Besides I think I need my exercise as well. Running around avoiding the newspaper club isn't that bad," I said unconvincingly.

Once all the Yamayurikai and a few student who volunteered to help with the play for the school festival arrived we started practicing. One guy who stand out a lot seems to be the prince. I don't know but when I met his eyes he smirked at me. It irked me a little.

The whole two weeks will be hectic for the Yamayurikai. Aside from the play they also have paper works to do since they are also the festival organizers and that's where I come in. I didn't have a role in the play and whenever there's no paper works I watch them practice. Every time Sachiko-sama is near the prince, Kashiwagi-san, she doesn't look good. She looks like she's going faint any minute.

"She hates men," Sei-sama said.

"Who?"

Seir-sama smirked and said, "Sachiko."

"Then why are you forcing her to play Cinderella?"

"Well, Yuki she needs to get over that hate sometime soon. And as her sister I'm worried about her," Yoko-sama suddenly said standing beside Sei-sama.

I looked back as Sachiko-sama and Kashiwagi-san danced. I wish I was the man she's dancing with- what the heck Yumi? Sigh. Well this is just admiration. Who wouldn't admire her? She's beautiful, graceful, intelligent and talented. She just has some issues though.

"Someone's falling for our princess," Sei-sama teased.

"I'm not," I said dismissively.

"You don't like my sister?" Yoko-sama asked.

"I do! I mean, not that way. I admire her I guess. But not that way!" I panicked.

"What way?" Sei-sama chuckled.

"You know. That way," I mumbled and I'm pretty sure I'm blushing already.

"So~ cute. I approve," Yoko-sama said.

"I would like him for my sister so that I can toy with him more but I guess it would be just the same if he gets our princess," Sei-sama laughed.

"Sorry to inform you but I'm not available," I said indignantly.

"Oh? You're married?" Yoko-sama smirked.

"No. I'm engaged," Lie. A total lie. But this is what I thought would get me out of their teasing.

"But I heard you don't even have a girlfriend Yuki."

"They asked if I have a girlfriend they didn't ask if I have a fiancée." I just hope they don't see through my lie.

"Hahahaha," and the two just broke out laughing.

"Wha-what?"

"Yuki, you do know you're so obvious when you lie?" Yoko-sama said between her laughter.

I could already feel the heat rising throughout my body. We were getting a lot of attention as well because of the two roses. When I locked eyes with Sachiko-sama I turned redder, if it was possible.

After a week of practices I knew already that Sachiko-sama was going to give a spectacular performance. She's no actress good but she had the emotions down. I can see Cinderella in her already. I guess I'm going to have to apologize to her after the play.

As the festivities got nearer my work load got bigger so I wasn't able to watch the practices for the play anymore.

I was going to the science club when I passed by the hall where the Yamayurikai practices. "What's going on?" I approached when the whole Yamayurikai sans Sachiko-sama went out the hall with their costumes on. They look worried for some reason.

"Sachiko is missing," Yoko-sama said, worry written on her face.

"We should split-up," Sei-sama said and told me come with him. I didn't really know what's going on. Why would they be worried like that? Sachiko-sama could have just went to the comfort room or something.

"Let go!"

Once Sei-sama and I heard the voice we ran faster. "Bastard! Let go of Sachiko this instant!" Sei-sama was fuming. I saw the others came as well.

"Let go of Sachiko," Yoko-sama said stepping forward ahead of us.

"Come on Yoko-san. You know I can do anything with Sachan. She's my fiancée after all," Kashiwagi-san said like Sachiko-sama was a thing he can own. "I can kiss her whenever I want." The closer he got to kissing Sachiko I wanted to pound him but I didn't need to do that though since Sachiko-sama slapped him good.

"Sachiko!" Yoko-sama yelled as Sachiko-sama run away. Kashiwagi-sama started to follow her but Sei-sama stopped him and pushed me instead to follow her.

I knocked on the small green house and entered on my own. Sachiko-sama was there. I knew she hates men but I sat down beside her without thinking. We didn't say anything for a while. I knew she was crying. I wanted to hold her but I didn't.

"When I was a kid I thought I liked him."

Kashiwagi huh?

"I was fond of him and our parents thought we would make a good couple so our parents got us engaged. Later on he told me he was gay. That he couldn't love me. That we could get married but only in papers. That I can go out with other men if I like. Pathetic right? Now, I hate men," she said looking at me. I stared back at her but remained quiet. "My grandfather and father has mistresses. That's where my hate for men started. Tell me Yuki, why do men seek such kind of things?"

She was opening up to me and I couldn't help but give her some of my truths as well. "To be honest Sachiko-sama, I do not know…" I said and stood up. I looked at the roses, the red chinesis. "…because I cannot allow myself to fall for someone. I'm sorry I cannot answer your question. I have no interest in such things."

She stared at me for a while. It should have made me conscious but it didn't. I stared back at her. She smiled when she found I was telling her the truth. "Shall we go?" I asked and extended my hand to her for support. Once she got up I let go of her soft hand, missing it already. I don't think I'll ever have the chance to hold her hand again. It was just for a couple of seconds but the tingly sensation of holding her hand remained for quite a while.

#

"Yuki hurry," Rei-sama said from outside the Rose Mansion. "What took you so long?"

"I had to fix a few things," I said walking fast ahead of him to the hall. I know he thinks I'm up to something but he didn't probe further. He is just like that. If it was Sei-sama he wouldn't let me go until I spill it out.

"Well, we only have to check on the costumes, the props and the stage lighting for the play."

"How about the stalls?"

"Someone got it covered already. So we only need to worry about the play."

"Okay."

Once everything got settled down, I went out the hall and back to the Rose Mansion fifteen minutes before the play. By the time I got back the play was just starting.

"Where have you been?" Yoshino-san asked as she waited for her part behind the curtains.

"I needed a drink." She looked at me inquisitively but didn't say anything. I knew she was gonna ask later tho. She's a bit like Sei-sama, surprisingly, since people see her as a fragile, sweet, and soft. I discovered that inside the Yamayurikai she's much more of a tomboy and Rei-sama was actually the soft and sweet kind. They act like their personality switches then they are around other people.

As expected Sachiko-sama got the most attention during the play. She was beautiful. Once she got back backstage I gave her the bouquet I've been hiding since this morning and bowed. "I apologize for judging your abilities Sachiko-sama. You were great as Cinderella," I said hurriedly and didn't look up until she said, "Yuri-kun, please stand up straight." She smiled at me. I felt like melting. She's just so beautiful. I knew I shouldn't be feeling this excited but I indulged myself a bit anyway. Sachiko-sama took the flowers and said thank you. There were a lot of people so we weren't able to talk but it was okay and I think it was for the best. I'm already at that line of liking and falling for her. I acknowledge that now, despite the fact that I'm a girl as well. I know that I can't let myself fall for her that's why I already submitted an application to join the music club and stay away from Yamayurikai as possible.

I thought that little exchange we had after the play didn't get much attention but boy was I wrong. Some guys in my class asked if I was pursuing "The" Sachiko Ogasawara.

"You got guts for an average guy!" the guys laughed. I didn't bother with them though. Even when I already told them I wasn't they still kept asking me stuff which I did not appreciate at all. Shimako-san and Tsutako-san helped me out getting away a lot of times.

"You know, Sachiko-sama isn't really the type to accept flowers from a boy," Shimako-san said meaningfully.

"Stop it please," I mumbled.

"Are you not going to change your mind about the club application? You can continue at the Yamayurikai Yuki-kun."

"I'm not doing this to get away. I actually love playing the violin Shimako-san," the first was a lie but the second I meant it. Since I was a kid I played the violin and Yuki would play the piano and we'd held concert in our own living room. The house helpers would be our guest then. I chuckled at the memory.

"I see. Then I support you," Shimako-san said with a smile. "Tsutako-san really enjoy taking picture doesn't she."

I looked at Tsutako-san who was a hundred feet away from us, taking pictures of a white fluffy cat. "She does."