Its summer already, and I've made it through second year without much problems. I sat on the chair watching the sunrise from my window, the sun rays almost looked like golden fingers stretching out to embrace the world, I chuckled at my own analogy as I made my way to the common bathroom. I was working at Io san 's inn for the summer break to earn enough money for next term's expenses. My parents paid for school but my dorm life funding came from my own pocket, it was their way of making me realize the importance of money. Sigh. I wish I could be like my other classmates enjoying in some fancy summer home playing on the beach, instead here I am washing dishes and scrubbing the floor. I shook my head to shake off the dreary thoughts and started to brush my teeth, I rolled my eyes as I realized that Io san had switched all the toothpastes to strawberry this month, I made a mental note to buy a more neutral flavour on my next trip to the mart. I took a quick shower and made my way to the kitchen to help Io san with the breakfast. I mentally counted the weeks in my head, "It is the second week, so it's a western breakfast" That meant pancakes, ah! Finally something to look forward to!

I skipped to the kitchen whistling my favorite song but just as I was walking down the corridor two pair of hands caught me from behind. "Good morning, Sakura-chan" said a raspy voice in my ear. I rolled my eyes as I elbowed the 'assailant' careful not to hurt him too much. I turned to see Minami Nanba nursing his now injured stomach. He smiled widely and said, "Feisty as always Sakura-chan! How about we go out today?" he said flashing me his model smile. I shook my head in annoyance and turned to head back to the kitchen. "Oi, atleast give me an answer!" he called out. I just stuck out one finger in reply and kept walking. I could still hear him chuckling and saying something that sounded like 31st time.

Minami was a charming guy, handsome and smart – the typical playboy, he had recently become a model and had even made it to the list of ten models to watch out for. He was permanently hounded by women and yet he just had to pester me every single day! I have known him for almost a year now and I have noticed that the more the girl refuses him the more interested he gets. Hmm… maybe I should just go out with him so he'll leave me alone. What am I thinking! There is no way I was going to spend my first date with a playboy! I ran a hand through my long black hair as I tended to the pancakes. My mother had insisted that I grow my hair, ever since I was a kid it has always been till my waist. I find it rather irritating but I keep it long to avoid getting nagged! God, how mothers nag! I looked at the mirror nearby to see if I had to trim my hair. I was starting to get a few split ends so I better trim them before they got worse. I looked at my reflection for a bit longer. Now, don't go labeling me a narcissist. I was just doing what any girl near a mirror would do! I wasn't beautiful, but I had good bone structure and was above average in the looks department. My dad used to always say that he liked my chestnut brown eyes and the way they become big when I didn't understand something. I was thin but not anorexic because eating was something I took much pleasure in, and since I was blessed with a rather high metabolic rate I could eat quite a lot without putting on weight The smell of pancakes brought my attention back to the stove. I made five pancakes before the kitchen door opened and in came Io san. Now, there was a beautiful woman. She had lovely black hair and was very fit for her age. I guess Minami owed his good looks to her. She gave me a wide smile as she started to make scrambled eggs. "There is my diligent worker! (patting me on the back) How many pancakes have you finished?". "Five" I said flatly. She chuckled slightly, I looked up cocking an inquiring eyebrow. "Oh, sorry I didn't mean to laugh its just that you were concentrating so hard on the pancakes." She said still chuckling. I just rolled my eyes and went back to making the pancakes. I wasn't much of the social type and preferred to keep my conversations short. Io san tried to cajole me into talking more but gave up after a week. She was very hyper and exceptionally bossy but she was an excellent inn keeper and I appreciated that. We both got along pretty well, and she made it a point to drag me to the mall every Thursday. Gah, shopping! It was something I dreaded. The only things I liked shopping for were shoes, and after three pairs you just run out of money for anymore. So I tried to buy them only when I really liked them. Io san had switched on the radio and a Japanese pop song started filling the kitchen, it was one of those new catchy songs which were totally non sensical but catchy nonetheless. We were both humming along when the doors opened and in stepped his highness Minami. I just platted the pancakes and poured the maple syrup on it ,adding two strawberries on the top and wordlessly slid it towards him. "Ah, just the way I like it! Sakura-chan knows how to keep me happy!" he said looking at me. I just ignored him as I grabbed a few pancakes for myself and walked towards the porch. Just as I was about to reach my sanctuary Io san caught my elbow and yanked me back. I almost dropped the plate and my lovely pan cakes. I glowered at her, she just patted me on the head and said, "We should eat together maybe you and minami could learn to get along that way." Minami was glowing and smiling sheepishly. "Wolf in sheeps clothing" I muttered under my breath as I sat as far away from minami as I could, hoping that my request for space will get through that thick head of his. But unfortunately it didn't. He gracefully stood up grabbed his plate and sat right next to me. And started making conversations. At first I tried ignoring it, but then he nailed the topic…. "Did you hear that they were selling converses at 50% off in the mall today" My ears practically perked up at the mention of converse. I had been hunting for a pair since the beginning of second year, but I didn't have money to buy one. But if they were fifty percent off I could surely manage a pair! "Where is it?" I asked feigning boredom. He smiled triumphantly sliding back his chair and standing up with one arm stretched towards me. "Why don't I just take you there"

So here we are one hour later in the mall together. Mind you, I didn't take his hand but I did hitch a ride. Grit and bear grit and bear honey, you are almost in shoe haven! (I reminded myself)