Disclaimer- This is a story I wrote a long time ago under my old name: Maria Vu.
Hana Yori Misao
Misao practically flew to school, tripping over her own feet as she ran. "I have got to make it. God, I can't believe how late I am! Damn Jiya for not waking me up earlier." She complained to herself as she rounded the corner of the school. She noticed the gates still open and heaved a sigh of relief. "I made it!" She exclaimed happily, as she climbed the stairs. Her happiness was short lived as a voice behind her caused her to stop dead in her tracks.
"Are we late again, Makimachi-san?" A deep, masculine voice mocked.
Misao's face flushed red from anger. She turned around ready to fight. "And 'Ohayo' to you too, Shinomori-san!" She said sarcastically.
Aoshi threw her an amused glance. "You'd better hurry up. I don't know how, but I believe something may have happened to your gym clothes." He said with wicked eyes.
"My gym clothes?" Misao asked suspiciously.
Aoshi pointed to the windows of the school, across the courtyard. Inside, Misao barely made out a large crowd gathered around what looked like her locker. "Oh god. What did you do...Shinomori!?" She cried out, bolting for the school entrance. A million thoughts rushed through her mind as she ran. 'What did he do this time?' Misao asked herself. She was unprepared for what awaited her at her locker. Her books were left untouched, thankfully. But her pictures, especially ones she had taken with her guy friends were torn to shreds and tossed carelessly onto the floor. Her stuffed bear that Kaoru had given her during their Christmas break was lying face down in a puddle of ink. And her gym clothes...her only pair of gym clothes...were dyed with some type of coloring. So now the once blue gym uniform, which represented their school colors, was now a very loud color of orange. Misao felt the blood vessel in her forehead contract. She was pissed.
"SHINOMORI!" She said in a demonic voice. All of the students who were gathered around, amused by the situation, now starting to back away from Misao, and with good reason. Her face was so red, you'd have thought it was on fire and her eyes had taken on a translucent coloring.
-The Stairs-
Aoshi smirked at Misao. He had gotten her good this time. He brought his hand up to his mouth, suppressing a yawn. He was tired. His carefully calculated plan had made it necessary for him to arrive an hour earlier than he normally would. Since school started at 7am, he had to set his alarm for 5. This gave him enough time to shower, eat and get to school before everyone else. 'I guess I will just have to skip Biology today.' It's not like Aoshi ever needed to go to class. He had a guaranteed position as head of his father's software company. Added to that was the fact that his father was on the board of education, which meant his son never had to worry about grades or wearing a uniform. Though today he did, just to blend in with everyone else. And he could also get anyone he deemed unworthy expelled. He'd pondered getting Makimachi expelled but for some reason, he could never bring himself to do it. 'I have to stop being so soft on that girl or she is going to be my downfall.' He decided.
"Ohayo gozaimasu, Shinomori-san." A girl from the senior class greeted with a glossy smile.
"Ohayo, Megumi-san." Aoshi answered in a detached and uninterested voice.
"I heard about Makimachi-san's locker. I must say that it doesn't surprise me. I mean the girl has no class at all and should be grateful that we would allow such a degenerate to even attend the same school as us. It is only natural that she rub a few of the students the wrong way. Don't you agree, Shinomori-san?" Megumi asked slyly.
"Hai." Aoshi said, while yawning. Aoshi paused, taking a moment to look Megumi over. She was the most popular girl in school and very wealthy. Both of her parents died, leaving her with a very large sum of money. Besides that, she was the President of practically every club, had the highest grades in class and was overly beautiful. Unfortunately, she was way too aware of the fact. This was a quality that Aoshi found a tad bit annoying. "If you don't mind, I have somewhere to be." Aoshi said bluntly.
"I understand. Someone as popular as you must have a very busy schedule. But may I request something from you, Shinomori-san?" Megumi asked in a seductively sweet voice.
"Nani?" Aoshi said, beginning to lose patience.
"I am having a party this Saturday. Everyone worth anything will be attending. Its sort of a status check. You know, the "future society" type get together. It would be an honor if you would be in attendance." Megumi said while running a hand down the caller of Aoshi's uniform.
"I will see what I can do." Aoshi replied, grabbing her hand and tossing it down roughly.
"Good." Megumi said as Aoshi walked past her. 'Shinomori Aoshi... I will get you before the year is over.
Mark my words.'
-Later in Class-
"Misao-chan, I am so sorry about what happened." Kaoru said, taking her seat beside Misao.
"Naze? It isn't your fault. It's that jerk Shinomori's fault! He's always doing childish things like this!"
"I know." Kaoru sighed, "I wish I knew why he picked on you so much?" She pondered.
"I just told you why! It's because he's a jerk!" Misao snapped.
"All right, all right." Kaoru said defensively.
"Gomen. I don't mean to take it out on you. It's just that...he makes me so mad!" Misao said apologetically.
"I know. I wish there was something I could do to help you." Kaoru says.
"Iie. Its better that you not get involved at all. Its bad enough he is torturing me. I don't want you to become a target too. Don't worry, I will deal with Shinomori!" Misao said reassuringly.
"All right. But Misao-chan?"
"Nani?"
"What are you going to tell Sensei when it's time for P.E.?" Kaoru asked, concerned.
"Ano...I don't know. Oh...why didn't I stay in bed?" Misao asked, dropping her head into her hands.
-Gym-
"Sumimasen Inoue-sensei. I don't have my uniform today." Misao stated nervously.
Yukiko Inoue was a large set woman who was, at least to the girls in her class, a bit of a sadist. She frowned at Misao and folded her arms. "Makimachi-san. Do you really expect me to believe that pathetic excuse?"
Misao let her eyes trail the lining on the floor. "Well...I hoped...I mean I guess..."
"Save it. Let me put these in simple terms. You either "A" get your uniform from your locker or "B" go to the principle's office!" The teacher said harshly.
Misao knew it was hopeless. She was just going to have to take her punishment. With the bills her grandfather was facing, there was no way he could afford to get her a new uniform. "Hai" Misao said softly. She started towards the exit, accepting her inevitable fate when she heard her name. She recognized the voice immediately. It belonged to Sangara Sanosuke, the most arrogant member of the F4. He was about three years older and, like Aoshi, who was in his twenties, he attended the University section of Eitoku Gakuen. So it was very rare that she would see them in one of her classes.
"What do you want? Haven't you done enough?" Misao said angrily.
"I come in peace. Actually, Aoshi sent me to give you something."
"Oh really? Well, I don't want anything he has to offer. So you can just take whatever it is he told you to give me and tell him to stick it up his..."
"All right. If you don't want this new gym suit, I'll take it back." Sano gestured to the box in his hands.
Misao looked from Sano to the box he was holding. "I don't understand."
"Me either. I mean...it was a great plan, destroying your uniform. It surely would have gotten you kicked out of school." Sano complained.
Misao frowned at Sano's eagerness to get her thrown out of school. "Thanks a lot." She griped.
"Gomen, gomen. But you have to admit, you don't really belong here." He stated matter-of-factly.
"Whatever you say." Misao repiled, losing patience.
"Anyway, do you want this or not. Unlike you, I have better places to be." Sano said annoyingly.
"I still don't understand. Did he say anything about it?" Misao asked.
"Just that I should make sure to get this to you before your gym class started." Sano answered. Misao raised an eyebrow. "So I'm late. I was playing poker in the teacher's lounge. Sue me."
Misao sighed. "Is that it?"
"Yea. Now can I go?" Sano asked impatiently.
"Ano...hai." Misao said as Sano handed her the box. "I guess I should say thank you, so arigatou."
"Yea, yea." Sano said as he rushed out of the gym.
Misao walked back to her Sensei and informed her that she found her uniform. She went to put it on and noticed and slip of paper at the bottom of the box. She picked it up and unfolded it.
Makimachi,
How did you like my little prank this morning? Daijoubu, I only did it because you have been wearing the same uniform since last semester and I felt it was my civic duty to provide you with some type of charity. Enjoy the new uniform. I hope that every time you wear it, you'll think of me!
Ja matane,
Shinomori Aoshi
Misao crumbled the letter up in her hand. Her right eyebrow twitched with anger. "He has some nerve!" She begrudgingly put on the uniform and laced up her shoes. She decided that she would deal with the humiliation that came with knowing Shinomori had purchased her gym clothes. And she would overcome the countless teasing she received from the other girls, having witnessed the morning locker catastrophe and Sano's dramatic entrance. But she vowed that one day... One glorious day, she would get revenge.
-Cafeteria-
Lunchtime went by without any problems. Misao heaved a sigh of relief. She wasn't sure she could handle another gloating session from Shinomori.
"So Misao-chan. Want to go swimming at my house after school?" Kaoru asked, taking a bite of her sandwich.
"I can't. I have to work today." Misao moaned.
"But I thought today was your off day?"
"It usually is. But with all the bills, I have to work overtime to help out."
"Oh." Kaoru said in a disappointed voice.
"How about Saturday?" Misao suggested.
"Saturday? Oh I can't." Kaoru said regretfully.
"Why? Do you have a heavy date?" Misao teased.
"Not exactly. But I was invited to Megumi-san's party Saturday night."
"Party? What party?" Misao asked. This was the first she had heard of a party.
"You mean you haven't heard of the huge party Megumi-san is throwing. She went around school inviting everyone." Kaoru explained.
"Not everyone." Misao said simply.
"Maybe she forgot? You don't really make yourself noticeable to people." Kaoru lectured.
"I do too. I have loads of friends." Misao said in defense.
"Yea, but none of them attend this school." Kaoru pointed out.
"You're right." Misao said defeatedly.
"Why don't I call Megumi-san tonight and see if you can come to the party?" Kaoru asked.
"Don't bother. I should probably get a head start on my history report." Misao said.
"But it isn't due for three weeks!" Kaoru argued.
"I know. But I want to get a good head start." Misao explained. Kaoru gave her a suspicious look and than went back to eating her sandwich.
"So, I understand about the party Saturday night, but why can't we go swimming in the morning?" Misao asked.
Kaoru almost choked on her sandwich, "Ano...Well...I have a beauty appointment."
"NANI?!" Misao choked out.
"Shhhhhhh... Keep your voice down." Kaoru snapped.
"Gomen, but Kaoru-san...Why do you have a beauty appointment?" Misao asked, bewildered.
"No reason, I just want to look my best." Kaoru stated.
"For Megumi?"
"Of course not!" Kaoru says in a mock-offended voice.
"Okay, than who?" Misao probed.
"Promise you won't laugh?" Misao nodded. "Okay. You know the guy in our trigonometry class with the long red hair?"
"The one with the cross scar? What is up with that anyway?" Misao asked.
"I don't know. I heard though that he was injured during a fight with an ex-girlfriend's brother, I think." Kaoru whispered.
"Whoa... Okay, so what about him?"
"Well, I heard that he may be there." Kaoru said shyly.
"I see." Misao said, grinning.
"Now remember, you promised." Kaoru reminded her sternly.
"I know." Misao confirmed.
"Good. I have to go to study hall now. I'll see you in English. Ja ne." Kaoru called over her shoulder to Misao.
Misao finished her lunch and left the cafeteria. She stepped outside and glanced at her watch to check the time. "I have a whole hour to kill" She sighed.
"Great. So where are we going?" Someone said from behind her.
Misao spun around only to find Aoshi before her. "What do you mean, 'we'? 'WE' aren't going anywhere!"
"You aren't still upset about earlier are you?" Aoshi asked with mock concern.
"What do you think?!" Misao spat out.
"I thought the uniform would be sort of a peace offering?" Aoshi said.
"And the note?"
"What note?" Aoshi asked innocently.
"You know, you're a real jerk!" Misao said turning to walk away from him.
"And I bet that's why you like me, ne?" Aoshi stated.
Misao turned to face him. Her face once again took on an all too familiar shade of red. "What did you say?"
"You heard me!" Aoshi said confidently.
"Why you conceited little toad! There is no way I could ever like someone as stupid and slimy as you." Misao cried out.
"Oh really? Then why are you always blushing whenever I'm around?" Aoshi said arrogantly.
"B-blushing? Because of you...I...you...Ahhhhh."
"See what I mean? You can't even speak when I'm around." He stated smugly.
"I hate you!" Misao said, attempting to compose herself.
"They say that love is the closest thing to hate!" Aoshi quoted.
"I'm leaving!" Misao stated flatly.
"Matte. I need to ask you something", Aoshi said.
"Yea...and what would that be?" Misao snapped.
"Who are you going to Megumi's party with?" Aoshi asked.
Misao noticed an air of seriousness in him all of the sudden. "I'm not going."
"You're not going?" Aoshi asked confused.
"I wasn't invited. And even if I was, I wouldn't go!"
"Why not?"
"Because I don't have anything to wear." Misao replied, unsure of why she was telling him this.
"Than buy something!"
"That is so easy for you to say, you're rich! But I, on the other hand, am not! Now if you will excuse me, I am going to enjoy the rest of my free period in peace." Misao said, walking away from him. Aoshi watched her disappearing form. "You are feisty one, Makimachi." He thought out loud, forming a plan in his head. "Looks like I'll have to work fast if I want to make it before Saturday." He said rushing off.
-After School-
Misao placed her books in Kaoru's locker. Since Aoshi had decided to tamper with hers, she was hesitant to leave anything important in it again.
"Are you off to the restaurant?" Kaoru asked, changing her school shoes.
"Hai. I'll see you Sunday, ne?" Misao asked as she placed her new gym clothes in Kaoru's locker.
"You bet. I'll rent some movies. By the way, Misao-chan, where did you get the new uniform?"
"Long story. I'll call you tonight." Misao said as she grabbed her bag. She ran towards the door and waved over her shoulder to Kaoru. "I'll ring you at 9, ne?"
"Hai." Misao heard Kaoru call as she turned the corner. She skipped down the steps two at a time and almost ran smack into Megumi.
"Ah... Gomen nasai." Misao said hurriedly.
Megumi gave Misao a hard stare and handed her a card. "I don't know how you did it, but Shinomori-san refuses to come to my party unless I invite you!" She stated angrily. Misao looked at the card Megumi handed her. Sure enough it was an invitation. "Ara...ano...I don't get it?"
"Humph." was all that Megumi replied.
Misao watched her walk towards a group of girls near the exit. "What is going on?"
-Outside-
Misao walked still holding the invitation she had just received with her hand. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out the reasoning behind her getting an invitation. As she walked, a black limo pulled up beside her.
"Makimachi Misao?" A man dressed in black asked, as he got out of the car.
"Hai"
"Come with us, please." Another man wearing a similar black suit ordered.
"N-Naze?" Misao stuttered out. 'Who are these guys? What do they want with me?'
Misao began to fight, kicking and biting at her kidnappers. Unfortunately, there were four of them and only one of her. They dragged her, kicking and screaming to the car. Inside, she searched frantically for a way out as they tried to hold her down. It was then that she noticed Aoshi in the front passenger seat.
"Shinomori?"
"Just relax. It will all be over in a little while." Aoshi said with mischievous eyes.
"What will?!" Misao demanded.
"It's a surprise!" Aoshi replied enigmatically.
"I don't think I like the sound of that!" Misao said before she wents back to biting and kicking her captors. One of the guys cried out as Misao bit him too hard. He turned back his hand to hit her, but quickly withdrew upon noticing Aoshi's warning glance.
"Give her this." Aoshi ordered, handing the man a small bottle and handkerchief.
The man nodded and poured some of the clear, liquid content of the bottle onto the handkerchief. He then placed it over the struggling Misao's nose, holding it there as she began to feel herself losing consciousness. 'I'm dying. Oh my god, I'm really dying.' Her surroundings become darker and darker. The last image she saw was Aoshi brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Then the world went black.
TBC