How to Be a Heartbreaker
Sora X Kairi
Prologue:
"The first day of grade 8. You're new, nobody knows you here. You can start fresh, make friends, and learn new things. Maybe even fall in love..."
Kairi Shinra was giving herself a pep talk in front of a mirror in her ridiculously large room. Her parents being Scarlet and Rufus Shinra, known all over the world for their up and coming Shinra Company; currently being built up from simple weapons development. Her parents could tell the company would become something much greater. Axel and Kairi were the only heirs to the company, Kairi 13 and Axel 15. They were different from other siblings, they never fought. Too afraid to anger their parents, who were always cranky and busy with their work. They had moved 3 times in the last month. Luckily this was during the summer. Destiny Islands was the last stop on their exhausting journey. Her parents had told her that they wouldn't be moving anywhere else as long as their company grew. To protect their children, they had their last name changed to Leonhart after their dad's closest friend.
Kairi would be attending the most expensive, private school that money could buy. Kairi had always had problems being around people she didn't know, even minor cases of anthropophobia. Focusing more on her school and reading than the latest trends or gossip. For this very reason she was always made fun of and called "nerd" or "brain". Her looks were very plain and subtle. Chin length, wine red hair that was always up in a ponytail or bun, bright lavender eyes framed by thick black glasses, purple bands decorated her braces that would be coming off soon and a pale slender body. She was always inside reading or studying, never with the other kids. Maybe living on a tropical island would change that.
"Kai! Get your ass down here! Reno is leaving in 10 seconds, with or without you!" Axel yelled from downstairs, being impatient as usual. Kairi grabbed her simple pink book bag, glasses case, and her books; throwing it all in her bag while jogging down a flight of stairs. The house they were living in now was the largest and most confusing of all. Seven floors, 35 bedrooms, 40 bathrooms, a ballroom, 8 entertainment rooms, 2 pools, tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball and football areas, a movie theater, a gym and of course, lots and lots of halls. Luckily Kairi's bedroom was on the second floor, second hall on the right and the large double doors on the left.
"Jeez Axel, we have 20 minutes until school. We only live 10 minutes away, what's the rush?" Kairi asked while slinging her bag over her shoulder. Axel was standing by the door wearing his school uniform, his bright, cherry red hair spiked back and ended between his shoulder blades. With teenage rebellion kicking in, he started drawing purple, upside down triangles beneath his emerald eyes.
"I wanted to get coffee at this cool café by the beach, it's the best on the island, that and breakfast." he explained, slipping out the door. Kairi followed closely behind. Reno was waiting by their Rolls Royce Phantom, a casual suit on and a grin.
"Good morning, I see you two are ready for school" Reno said with slight sarcasm. Reno had always worked for their family, before as a test subject for their weapons, but now he was their chauffer. He grew quite close with the younger Shinra's, almost like big brother. Axel and Reno always played sports together, always competing and trying to beat one another. Reno used to read bed time stories to Kairi, and help her with her studies. Sometimes the 3 of them would go camping, with 1 or 2 body guards of course, but it was always fun.
"Yeah yeah, let's just go. I'm hungry, and I need coffee." Axel waved him off and scuffed into the car, flopping into his seat.
Kairi rolled her eyes and followed in after him. Trying to get comfortable was a difficult task; Kairi's uniform was itchy and felt like beetles crawling under her skin. Eventually her skin grew numb from the constant scratching and she had a chance to look at the scenery. Tall palm trees lined the streets; the sun was just above the horizon, casting a warm glow on the island. A warm, salty breeze made its way in through the windows, soothing Kairi's nerves.
Maybe living here isn't as bad as I though. Kairi was already in love, taking mental images of everything rushing past her window.
Lost in thought she ate her breakfast while Axel inhaled his muffins and caffeine. Before she knew it they were at her school. Kairi wiped the crumbs off her uniform before thanking Reno and stepping out of the car. All of the kids had grown up together and a new kid was a rare thing. Everyone stared as she hurried to reach the entrance; she kept her head down with her bangs covering her face. Making it to the office before anyone could speak to her. She received all the things she needed and began her search for her locker. Kairi shoved all her text books into her bag and counted the numbers on the metal doors.
413, ok let's see…409, 410, 411, 412, a tie. A tie? Kairi's gaze flew to the person's face, a petite blonde stood in front of her locker with a large smile on her face. Kairi flinched and took a step back.
"Kairi Leonhart, right?" the girl asked in a light feminine voice.
"Uh…y-yeah?" Kairi stuttered, looking the girl up and down. She was wearing the exact same uniform but the top two buttons were undone, her tie loosened, and her skirt a little too high for Kairi's liking. Her icy blue eyes shimmered, and choppy platinum bangs framed her face. The rest of her blonde locks were pulled over her right shoulder in a braid with a tiny red bow on the end.
"I'm Naminé Leonhart, you know. Your 'cousin'" she whispered to her with a wink. She must be Squall's daughter. Squall Leonhart was a close family friend and practically family. When she was little Kairi called him Uncle Squawk and he would laugh and make bird calls. He was the only one who ever came to visit, his wife and kids always stayed home because it was such a far distance. Kairi knew he had a daughter her age but she didn't think that she would be at her new school.
"Oh! U-um, hello." Kairi awkwardly greeted.
Naminé giggled, and held out her hand. Kairi was slightly scared but shook her hand.
"I can tell we're going to be great friends, come on. I'll show you to your classes." Naminé took her hand and towed her down the hall. Telling her everything she needed to know about her new school.
-5 months later-
Just like Naminé had said, the two became good friends. Inseparable even. Kairi was still the shy little book worm and Naminé was the gossipy girly girl but their differences brought them closer. Kairi told her everything and was more open; she was her true self around her. Slightly loud, sarcastic, funny, and witty. Around others she would stutter, shake, and not say much.
It was now February, the time for love. Naminé had, had many boyfriends and had a date already, but Kairi had never dated before. She was always by herself or with Naminé, never speaking to any boys, let alone flirting. There was this one boy that Kairi liked a bit…his name was Tidus; he had shaggy blond hair, tan skin and a bright smile. He always stood up for Kairi whenever someone would say something about her. He was sweet, kind and caring. Kairi just couldn't find the strength to talk to him; she would have a breakdown and hyperventilate. With Valentine's around the corner Naminé was pressuring her to talk to him five times more than usual.
"Nam, you know how I get around other people. There's no way it's going to happen, you're gonna have to do it for me." Kairi sighed flopping onto her king sized bed.
"Come on, you can't live like this forever. You know you're going to have to face your fears someday. Just do it now, call him!" Naminé pushed. She was clicking away on her phone, texting people that Kairi didn't even know.
"Itsh nopt dath shimpl" Kairi mumble into her pillow.
"Sit up. I can't hear you when you're smothering yourself." Naminé said while throwing a nearby book at her.
"It's not that simple, I've never even talked to him before! How am I supposed to just call him and ask him out?!" Kairi whined while rubbing her sore head.
"Listen to me, I can tell he'll say yes. So just do it already!" Naminé complained. She tossed Kairi her cell and stared at her patiently waiting.
"B-but I don't have his number!" Kairi stuttered, nervously pulling at her hair.
"Well lucky for you I programed it into your phone." Naminé smirked while nudging towards the phone.
Kairi glared at the phone, wanting to smash it into pieces. She took a deep breath and picked up the phone. Quickly dialing his number before her brain could tell her how big of a mistake she was making. On the second ring he picked up.
"Hello?" Tidus answered
"Um, hey Tidus, It's Kairi." Adrenaline rushed through Kairi's body giving her the courage to speak.
"Oh! Hey Kairi, how's it going?"
"Great, uh, I wanted to ask you something..."
"Okay, shoot!" She took another breath to steady her voice.
"Do you want to go on a date with me?" She blurted. Her face instantly darkening to a deep red. Naminé gave her the thumbs up. A couple seconds went by before he replied.
"U-uh, sure. Why not? How about I pick you up at 7 on Friday? We could see a movie."
"O-okay, sounds great. I-I'll see you then"
"Alright bye." He hung up and Kairi squealed jumping on her bed.
"O-m-g! This is great! I'm so happy for you Kai!" Naminé exclaimed running over to the redhead and tackling her in a hug.
"I can't believe it! This is great!"
"Let's go shopping; we need to get you an outfit!" Naminé said jumping to her feet with excitement for her friend.
-Friday-
Naminé and Kairi rushed home after school that day so they had extra time to get ready. First they had manicures, pedicure, facials, etc. Then they had Kairi's hair waved and light natural make up. Naminé had also bought contacts just for the occasion. Kairi didn't feel like any of it was necessary but Naminé convinced her that it was needed. The outfit that they had bought was light, ripped denim shorts, a gray, embroidered tank, and a pair of purple high-tops. A chunky metallic necklace and a few rope bracelets and she was done.
"Who knew shy little Kairi could look so good?" Naminé teased. Kairi was focused on her reflection, poking her face and twirling. She was too in awe that she didn't even hear the doorbell ring. Tidus was picking her up at Naminé's for security reasons and Naminé jumped up.
"Looks like lover boy is here!" Naminé pulled her out of her room and to the front door, her house as equally confusing as Kairi's. Naminé opened the door, gave Kairi a wink and retreated back to her room; leaving Kairi and Tidus on the porch.
"You look great" Tidus complimented, he looked down to his feet, slightly embarrassed.
"Thanks" Kairi blushed. They walked to the movie theater, occasionally speaking. Both of them caught up in their own thoughts to realize the awkward silence.
"So what movie do you want to see?" Snapping out of her daze, Kairi looked up at him. Immediately regretting it as a furious blush engulfed her cheeks.
"Um, what about Tokyo Drift?"
"You're into those types of movies?" He asked shocked.
"Well, I'm not really much of a girly girl."
"Noted." He smiled at her and went to go buy the tickets. Kairi just looked around, feeling the warm ocean breeze and the sun's rays on her face. Calming and relaxing. Tidus is taking his time…where did he go? She walked around the area and checked the theater but still couldn't find him anywhere. She sat down on one of the benches by the entrance and decided she would just wait.
She kept hearing these giggles coming from somewhere, at first she thought she was hearing things; but then it grew a bit louder. Kairi looked around and saw no one; she got up and checked in the alley between the theater and the tourist center. She could see a couple pressed up against a wall, the girl giggling with glee as the boy kissed her neck. Kairi had seen this girl before, maybe she went to her school. Yuna, that was her name. She's Tidus' ex-girlfriend, how could she not recognize the annoying, high-pitched squeal. Just as she was about to walk away and leave the two alone, Kairi realized who the boy was. Shaggy blonde hair, dark tan, it was Tidus.
The world came to a halt. Kairi felt the blood drain from her face, and she could feel her heart shattering. Tidus didn't like her, he never did. He probably only agreed because he pitied her, but then decided to ditch her and get back with Yuna.
Her personal bubble burst, she stomped over to them and with her newfound strength; tore Tidus away from Yuna and smacked her. The sound echoed out onto the street. The force sent her head into the nearest dumpster and knocked her out cold. Kairi whipped around and glared at Tidus. His eyes wide with shock and horror.
"You sicken me. If you didn't want to go out with me you could have said no. You didn't have to drag me here just to break my heart and rub it in my face. I hope you get what you deserve." Kairi fumed. Just like her mother, her anger came fast and strong, like a tiger pouncing on its prey. She looked over to Yuna, her forehead bleeding and her body twisted at an odd angle. Vomit threatened to come up, but Kairi swallowed it down. Her senses rushing back to her all at once. Heartbreak, guilt, shyness, despair. Kairi stumbled backwards, shaking her head at what she had done. Tidus was holding the unconscious girl in his arms, trying to stop the bleeding. Kairi turn and ran, tears flowing down her face. She didn't stop running until she felt warm water around her feet.
She was at a beach. Looking around she realized she was lost; there were no people, buildings or anything. Not far from the shore was an island. Kairi sat in the water and stared at the island until the sun had set. She walked back to town, and trudged her way home. Her parents never noticed she was gone; she left a note with Marie, her maid, to give to them when they had the chance. Her bed was warm, soft, inviting. Letting slumber take her Kairi dreamed of a boy who would love her, with chocolate brown hair and ocean blue eyes.
-3 Weeks Later-
A lot had happened in three weeks. Kairi and Naminé had switched schools, one that was on the other side of the island. Their 10 minute drive to school was now 30 and they had to make new friends. Kairi was no longer shy, she never spoke to anyone but she wasn't afraid anymore. Naminé had fit right in with the popular crowd making a lot of new friends. She sometimes left Kairi for them and she was hurt by it. There was one girl who was very curious about the new girl. Selphie Tilmitt.
Being one of Naminé's friends she wanted to know more about the isolated red head. During lunch the brunette walked over and sat with the mysterious girl. At first she never realized she was there. Selphie grew impatient and spoke up.
"Hiya, I'm Selphie. What's your name?" she asked with a tilt of her head. Kairi looked up at the strange girl. She wore her school uniform, which was the same as the other schools but different colors. Her short brown hair flipped up at the ends and her deep green eyes looked at her intently.
"Kairi Leonhart" she said with no emotion. Quizzically looking at the brunette.
"So you're Naminé's cousin?"
"Yup."
"Huh. Well I was wondering if it would be ok if I sat here with you from now on."
Kairi was cautious at first but when she could see the girl meant no harm she loosened up.
"Sure, why not." She smiled.
Over the next few days they grew closer and Kairi became happy again. Naminé and Selphie would sit with her at lunch and they were all joined at the hip. During a sleepover Selphie realized something; Kairi never talked about boys and became quiet when they did.
"Hey Kai, any boys catch your eye?"
"No, they're vile pigs." She spat.
"Why's that?" she asked very curious as to what made her friend so angry towards the other sex. Kairi huffed and blew her bangs out of her eyes.
"Let's just say it's a long story, but in the end I had my heart broken and I'm completely done with boys. I'll just become a nun or something." Naminé stifled a giggle while Selphie sat there for a moment thinking.
"I know what you need." She stood up and grabbed a mini white board from her closet. She wrote something on it in big, pink, swirly letters.
How to Be a Heartbreaker.