"My Pretentious Crybaby, My Love"

by: Nikoli-chan

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Chapter 1

"True Feelings"

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Dismissal Time.

The last period has finally ended. Every student was glad to go through another lazy afternoon. Everyone was getting ready to go home -- Except for me.

"Maron-chan! Maron-chan! Wake up! Classes have already ended." My seatmate shook my body to wake me up.

Slowly, I fluttered my eyes open.

A sweet smile greeted my sleepy mind. "Thank goodness, you're up."

I lifted my head from the table and gave a wide yawn. "What happened?" I asked, rubbung my eyes in the process.

"You fell asleep... AGAIN!" she answered, emphasizing the word again meaning I didn't fall asleep in class for the first time.

"I did?!" I gasped, quite shocked of myself.

"Yes! Pakkyamlamao-sensei was really mad when you slept in the middle of her lesson. She said she'll deal with you first thing in the morning."

"Is that so?" I felt a cold chill running through my spine. 'I think I should get ready with those ear plugs just in case sensei blows on that dreaded recorder.' I made a wrote inside my mind.

"KKKKKKKKKYYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!" I heard a couple of girls screaming outside the corridors of my classroom.

I was preparing myself to get home when a few number of my girl classmates suddenly surrounded me. "W-What do you want?!" I asked.

"Student Council Chiaki Nagoya is coming!" a girl announced.

"So?"

"Aww... Maron-chan is so lucky to be friends with Nagoya-kun." the other girl said.

"Uh... no, I don't think so." I humbly said. 'What's with these girls?'

"Ne, Maron-chan!" another classmate called for my attention. "You've known Nagoya-kun since you were kids, right? Is it possible that you've grown to like him as well?"

"My mind was blank for a moment but I ended up laughing at her question. "Oh please... Me? Falling for that guy? Are you serious?"

"Then Maron-chan doesn't like Nagoya-kun?"

"Well, I do like him but not in a romantic way." I confirmed.

'TOINK!'

I lifted my head only to find out that Miyako was the one who hit me. "What did you do that for?"

Toudaiji Miyako A.K.A my girl best friend.

"If you really like Nagoya-kun. then I'll consider you as my rival." Miyako placed her hand on her hips as the other one pointed at me. "Let's have a duel!"

"Nah... I'll pass for a guy like him. He's not even my type." I waved a hand at her.

"In that case, it's alright with you if I get friendly with Nagoya-kun."

"Yeah, sure. Enjoy yourself." I shrugged. "Why do you even go crazy for a guy like him?"

"He's handsome a girl answered.

"He's smart." another girl stated.

"He's gentle."

"He's cool."

"He's popular."

"And most of all..." Miyako was the on to answer. "He's the Student Council President."

'He's not the guy you actually think he is.' I kept to myself.

'THUD!' the door opened and in came the famous Nagoya Chiaki.

"Maron! Come on! Let's go!" the school heart throb said.

"Yeah, yeah." I grabbed my bag and walked beside him.

But then, Miyako suddenly appeared and grabbed Chiaki's arm. "Ne, can we walk home together?"

"Sure!" Chiaki cupped her chin and gazed deeply in her eyes. "Anything else you want to ask from me?"

"KKKKKKKKYYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!" the students screamed...well, the girls did all the screaming while the boys just sighed in defeat.

"It seems to me that you're the only girl who's not squealing." a deep manly voice said.

I looked at my side only to find Noin Claude standing beside me. "Noin-senpai! What are you doing here?!"

"Im' not sure myself. I guess I just wanted to see you." he smiled.

I remained speechless as I dazed over him.

"Noin-senpai! Sensei wants to see you." a student came running towards us and pulled Noin away.

"See you again tomorrow, Kusakabe-san!"Noin waved a hand before disappearing through the crowd.

"Who's that?" Chiaki inquired. His voice slightly changed.

"My senpai..." I flatly answered his question. "And would you please remove your dirty hands off me!" I said as I pinched his hand which was comfortably lying on my shoulder.

Chiaki gave me a stern look before leaving. "Let's go!"

"Ah... Chiaki! Wait for me!" Miyako ran to catch up with him.

"Geez... what's his problem?" I said as I followed.

---------- My House ----------

"What?!" I gasped.

"You heard me right. We're going to Okinawa for our annversary." My father informed me suddenly.

"We've been planning to go there for quite awhile now." my mom added.

"But... but... but..." I wanted to complain.

"Don't worry, Maron-chan. Chiaki here will be staying with you during our absence." Father said as he patted Chiaki's back.

"W-What?!" Chiaki was as confused as I am. "But I..."

"Oh... your father haven't told you yet?" Mon stated with a sweet smile on her face.

"Nope. He didn't mention anything about this."

"Well... as you already know, you're father will be leaving for a business trip in Osaka so we have decided that the both of you should stay together to make sure nothing bad happens."

"But mom!" I whined.

"Don't worry, Maron-chan. We'll only be away for a week." My father said. "And Chiaki would be here for you."

"By the way, Chiaki-kun. Your father just snet for your luggages. It's in the room beside Maron's bedrom." My mother reminded him. "Please take care of our precious daughter."

"Uh... s-sure!" Chiaki wasn't able to protest.

"That's settled then." Father huffed as he lifted their luggages. "Goodbye!"

"Take care you two."

And finally, they left.

---------- My Room ----------

I buried my face on my pillow as I sulked in bed. "How could they just decide without me? And to think that I'll be living alone with..."

"Maron! It's time to eat." I heard Chiaki's voice from the hallway.

"I'm not hungry."

"But I brought this up for you." Chiaki entered my room carrying a tray of food.

"Sigh... Just place it on the table then." I said.

"Alright."

'CRASH! THUD! SPLASH!' unfortunately, he slipped.

"I-I'm sorry! I'll clean it up!" he said as he rushed out to get a broom and quickly cleaned the mess he caused.

'This is the reason that I can't possibly fall in love with Chiaki-kun. For in reality, when nobody's looking, he's a clumsy hopeless crybaby.'

Chiaki knelt down infront of me and apologized."I'm really sorry, Maron-chan. I promise this won't happen again." he said as tears started to form at the corners of his eyes.

"Sigh..." I took the effort of lifting my head up from the pillow to look at him. "You're crying again?"

"I'm sorry. I always make Maron-san angry." More tears filled his eyes.

"No! No! No! I-It's alright. I'm not angry. Just stop crying." I said as I quickly grabbed my handkerchief to wipe his tears.'This isn't fair. Every time he does this, I get all soft inside.'

"You're not angry anymore?"

"Yes! Yes! I'm not."

"I'm glad to hear that." Chiaki finally smiled.

as for me, I sat at the edge of the bed and sighed. I crossed my legs and folded my arms as I gave him a slight scolding. "Boys shouldn't be crying. How many times have I told you that?"

Just then, my phone started ringing. I reached for my bag and took it out. "Oh... It's a message from Noin-senpai!"

The message was as follows:

Maron-chan,

Tomorrow. Let's have lunch together. Can we?

Noin

"Kyaa! Noin-kun just asked me out to have a lunch date tomorrow!" I squealed in excitement. "What do you think, Chia...?"

But unexpectedly, the usually gentle Chiaki pounced at me. His eyes were dead serious and a frown curved his lips. His words and actions changed as well.

"W-What are you doing?!" I was shocked at him.

He pressed me down on the bed as he whispered on my ear. "I won't let him have you."

I tried struggling but he wouldn't even budge. "Chiaki! Get off me!"

"No!" he sternly said as he forcefully pressed his lips on mine. He grabbed my wrists to prevent me from resisting. "I'll let you remember that you're only mine." I heard him say as he parted his lips.

"Chiaki, please stop this." I pleaded bit it didn't do much help.

"Don't worry. I'll only leave my mark on you." Chiaki softly said as his face hovered on my face. He went lower. He allowed his tongue to travel on my neck. I bit my lip so as not to let out a moan.

But then, he got a little bit aggressive. I couldn't help to gasp when he left a hickey on my nape.

He then moved back into kissing me again. His lips gently caressed mine. His tongue explored the insides of my mouth satisfied with the bliss he boldly received.

After a long hot lingering kiss, he stopped. His eyes deeply gazing at my own as he slowly released my wrists. Both of us were panting for air. Our faces flushed with a rich hue of red. Chiaki buried his head on my shoulder. The warmth of his breath touched my skin making me utter his name. "Chia..."

"I love you."

The sudden confession left me in deep silence.

"I love you." He repeated.

My mind was still confused. "Sorry but..."

"Don't answer me right now. Think about it."

"Chiaki..." I called his out his name again. "Do you smell that?"

"You're not taking me seriously!" he frowned at me.

"No, really. I smell something burning." I informed him.

Chiaki tried smelling the air and finally... "I forgot about the chicken on the oven!" He quickly jumped off me and dashed out of the room.

"I knew it. He'll never change." I sighed. "But still..." My fingers touched my trembling lips. "He's a lot different from the Chiaki I knew before."

---------- Downstairs ----------

"Aw... This sucks!" Chiaki coughed his way through the kitchen.

The fire alarm beeped as the smoke started to fill the ceiling. Chiaki reached the oven and took out the over-baked chicken.

I came running down to look at the situation. I held a gasp as I saw a black cloud rising out the kitchen. I hastily opened all the windows downstairs so as the smoke to get out in the open air. I then groped my way inside the kitchen and turned off the alarm.

As my surroundings started to clear up, I saw a devastated Chiaki poking the chicken with a fork. He turned his head towards me and stuck a silly look on his face. "It doesn't look good but it's still edible though."

I closely examined the chicken and thought otherwise. "It's totally burnt. Are you sure it wouldn't taste deadly?"

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing. Why don't we order some pizza instead?"

"Are you trying to say you don't want to eat my cooking." he suddenly made that pouting face which looked like he was about to cry.

"N-N-No!" I stuttered as my hand reached for the apron to wipe his wet eyes. "It's not that I don't want to eat your cooking. I just feel like eating pizza for dinner." I placed a hand upon his cheeks as I told him gently. "Stop crying now, okay?"

"Okay." he answered, his tone changed. The expression on his face wasn't that of a childish crybaby anymore rather it was that of a handsome young heart throb.

I was held captive by his charm for a mystical moment. I found myself staring at his mesmerizing eyes that I didn't even noticed he placed his hands on my shoulders nearing me for another luscious kiss.

As I felt another dab on my lower lip, I quickly backed myself from him. "E-Eto... I'll call Pizza Castle to make our orders. What do you prefer? -- Bacon, olives or pepperoni?"

"All of the above." He shrugged.

"Uh... okay, sure!" With that said, I trotted out into the hallway.

I stood before the phone panting. I pressed a hand on my chest, feeling my heart pound abnormally fast. 'What should I do? If this continues, I don't think I would be capable of stopping him from doing something really stupid. I should inform my parents about this... but would they even believe me if I told them how weird Chiaki has been acting since they left? They've known him for as long as I have and they know him as a cowardly crybaby who seemed to be hopeless in having a good relationship. They would just laugh at me when I told them that he's a potentially dangerous person.' I thought for another ten minutes and finally decided. 'But then again, it's better to be cautious.'

I was about to dial my dad's phone number when suddenly...

"What's taking you?"

"Chiaki!" I exclaimed.

He snatched the phone from my hand. "Why do you look surprised?"

"Surprised? I'm not surprised." I became jumpy when he started asking questions. "What are you doing here?"

"I was wondering what was keeping you so long." he answered. "Anyway, have you called Pizza Castle already?"

"Uhm... not yet. But that's what I'm gonna do right about now." I lied. 'I would have called my parents if Chiaki didn't interfere.'

He eyed me suspiciously. "Yeah, right. It even takes you 10 minutes just to dial their number."

"Well, that's because I ... uh... it's because I honestly forgot their number... hehe." My mind couldn't grasp for any believable reason so I tried to excuse myself. "Hey! Why don't you make the call since you're already holding the phone? I still have a lot of homeworks to do. Gotta go!" I trotted away -- up inside the confinement of my room.

I locked the door closed as I fell to my knees, sighing, "That was a close one. Did he suspect me? But the he's one of the less skeptic people I know... or is he? I'm not sure anymore. It seems that I don't know him at all. Who are you? Whatever have you become Chiaki?" I asked myself questions that led me to confusion. "What am I supposed to do know?"

I dragged myself across the room and flopped myself on the chair fronting the study table. I propped my head on my elbow as I scanned the things on top of the table. "I guess I'll just have to do my homework as I told him I would." I reached for my notebooks and kept myself busy for almost 30 minutes until...

'DING! DONG!' the doorbell rang.

"Who might that be?" I asked the obvious. My curiosity led me to go downstairs to see who the unexpected guest was. But as I reached the front door, the only person I saw was... "Chiaki, who was at the door?"

"A delivery boy. And look at what he brought for us." he said, opening the box he was holding.

"Pizza!" I squealed.

"Let's eat."

---------- Dining Room ----------

"Uwah! I'm so hungry. Getting those homeworks done is tiring." I said, taking a slice of pizza inside my mouth."

Chiaki sat at the other side of the table. He remained staring at me as he ate his piece.

I caught his eyes.

He smiled.

"What?" I raised a brow.

"You've already consumed five slices."

"So?"

"Aren't you on a diet?"

I suddenly blushed at his statement as I swallowed the food inside my mouth.

"I'm not saying you're getting fat. I just wanted to know." he clarrified.

I licked my fingers and answered a -- "No."

"That's good to hear." he huffed a sigh. "I still have a chance with you if that's the case."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well..." he suddenly walked towards the refrigerator and opened it. "Have you ever wondered why some girls put themselves on a diet?"

"Yeah... because they wanted to become slimmer so that their crushes would notice them." I answered out of my female knowledge.

"Exactly..." he agreed, taking a milk carton out of the fridge.

"But what does that have to do with me not having a diet?" I wanted to know.

"Haven't you figured out yet?" he started to drink all the milk inside the carton.

"Obviously." I said flatly. "And also... would you please a glass?!" I took the chance of scolding him.

"I see." he wiped that milky mustache around his lips with the back of his hand and eventually, tossed the carton inside the trash can. His attention then went back to me. With some reason, he frowned. "I didn't expect Maron-chan to be this slow." he mumbled.

"Hey!" I could still hear you from here." I glared.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know Maron-chan can be an idiot sometimes." he smirked, leaning his back on the refrigerator.

'How dare he insult my intelligence!' I pouted. "It's not my fault I'm dense. Why don't you just go straight to the point, genius?"

"Alright then. You don't have to get mad at me." he paused for awhile as he folded his arms. "What I'm trying to say now is that -- since you're not on a diet, then, it must mean that you still haven't found someone you really really like -- which also means I still have a shot with you."

I looked away after hearing his explanation. My finger fiddled with the strands of my hair. It's like a habit I developed from when I was young. I usually play with my hair if I wasn't sure what to say.

We fell silent for a moment but it didn't last that long... not until...

"That's just a theory, right?" I finally organized my thoughts. "Not all girls want to be slim for their beloved to notice them. Let's just say... most or majority of the female population today thinks that going under diet can make them prettier thus getting the attention of the one they love, while the minority thinks that you can attract one's heart if you stay being yourself. I'm at the minority's side. It would really be nice if the person you admire most likes you back because of who you are and not because of how you look on the outside. Whether you're ugly or pretty, fat or thin, you'll know that his love is true. That's why I don't go for any kind of diet just to capture Noin-senpai's heart. I'll act naturally. And if he ever disapprove of my personality then he isn't Mr. Right for me. But if he does then I'll be the happiest girl in the entire world . . !!!" I squealed.

"So you already have someone who holds your heart." Chiaki smiled bitterly.

"Yup! And you know what? He's a really great person. Not only is he handsome, he's kind and gentle too. I first met him a year ago but I still remember like it just happened yesterday." I clasped my hands and began my narration. "It was a Friday afternoon. Everyone was so excited to go home but the teacher asked me to stay behind after class since I fell asleep during his lecture. As punishment, he instructed me to move a couple of boxes to the Reference Room. I wanted to go home early so I carried them all at once! They were pretty heavy though... but I didn't care. I climbed up the stairs leading to the floor where the Reference Room was located. The steps were wt so I slipped. I fell down with the boxes about to crush me... but I'm really thankful that senpai was there when the accident happened. He caught me just in time. He even used his body to protect me from the falling boxes. As I opened my eyes and saw his worried face, my heart skipped. It's as if it was Love at first sight! 'Are you alright?' he asked me. I was too occupied to even say a word so I only gave him a slight nod. After that, he offered to help me with the boxes and walked me home at the end of the day." I stopped for a few seconds, remembering to breathe. "He's like a prince who suddenly came out of a fairytale! Oh, I can't wait for our lunch date tomorrow! What do you say, Chi --" I left my sentence hanging when I saw a scowl on his face. I had both hands to cover lips as I realized everything I just said. 'I didn't even consider Chiaki's feelings. I'm awful!'

"Are you done talking now?" he uttered with a low tone.

"Chiaki, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to --"

"I'm fine with it. You don't have to apologize." a smirk suddenly graced his lips. "Go ahead and pursue your so-called senpai. But this I assure you that one day, you'll find yourself falling madly inlove with me. And when that day comes, I'll never let you escape me again."

My eyes widened at that statement. He sounded serious and aggressively possessive. I can hear the endless rhythm of my heartbeat. I can feel it throbbing uncontrollably. Was it fera? Or was it something else?

He then glanced at his wristwatch. "8:35. It's still a bit early to sleep." He suddenly flashed one of his carefree smiles and said. "Let's TV until we doze off."

I felt another skip in my heart as I said to myself. "Please don't look at me with that innocent face of yours... It makes me feel uncertain."

---------- End of Chapter 1 ------

* Phew! the first chappie is done!