·٠• ƸӜƷ •·٠

My Cinderella


Ever since I was a child I dream of a prince.. a prince that will rescue me from loneliness and solitude. I grew up in a world where family isn't complete, where love is out of reach...I am an illegitimate child, born from my father's affair with a family maid. Right after my birth my mother who I never met left me with my father's care. He gave me all the material things a child wants from a parent...everything! But his presence and love. It continued on until he married my step mother...

Emiko is the name of my step mother, she always treats me like I'm nothing... to her I am invisible. Everyday she never fail to show me how much she hated me...but despite all of that I never hated my step mother not even a bit. True I was lonely and I cried a lot but not even once I held a grudge against her. Because I believe that Cinderella wouldn't do such thing she will never keep grudge or even think of ill things about anybody...

Just like what Prince Charming did for his Cinderella I hope that a prince would come into my life and rescue me from this eternal loneliness. …


New York

"Hey what's wrong Ryoma?" Kevin asked in irritation he's been watching his friend pacing for who knows how long while holding his phone calling someone who obviously he can't contact.

"Betsuni.." Ryoma said trying to sound calm as possible but the truth is he is totally pissed off.

"Something happen I know you Ryoma you're pissed about something..." the blond said while sitting beside the pissed off teen. "You wanna play me before your game this night. What about it?" Kevin offered.

"No thanks.." Ryoma said while picking up his tennis bag.

Kevin frown, "Hey where you going Ryoma!"

"Anywhere.."

"I'd come with you.."

"No.." Ryoma said thriftily.

"Oh come on Ryoma don't be so stingy!"

"Urusai.."

"Stingy!"

"Whatever..." Ryoma shrug his shoulders as he continue walking ignoring Kevin's complains. As the duo turn to the corner someone bumped into Ryoma's chest..

"Ouch that hurts you ass!" The girl said while massaging her sore butt.

"You okay?" Kevin asked kneeling down the girl's level.

"NO! Do I look like I'm okay?!" the girl said angrily.

"If you can still bark like a dog then your just alright...let's go Kevin.." Ryoma said unsparingly walking away from the scene.

"Wait we're just going to leave her here?" Kevin asked unsure if he is going to follow his friend this time.

"Hey you just wait a minute!" the girl fumed, she absolutely won't tolerate this attitude.

"Wait just a minute! Stop there!" She said tapping the boy's shoulder when he glanced back, she saw him give her a glare, making her step back. 'Why does he have that look on his eyes...' she thought to herself as she watched the boy's back walk away.

"Hey wait Ryoma wait for me!"

Once the two boys is out of her sight her lips turned into smirk..

"What an interesting guy... Ryoma huh..."


At Hyoutei Gakuen,

students were wandering around the school premises, everyone are so excited for the first term of the year since the Christmas vacation.

"Hey Cassie! I heard you went to Europe with Atobe. You fox! Why didn't you invite us too!" Miyabe pouted wrapping his arm over her chest to emphasize her point. It was so unfair that she wasn't able to come since she was with her brother at their family resort. Its boring there compare on going abroad with friends. Obviously...

"Yeah! You just went out of the country with Atobe without telling us why's that?!" Hikari nodded in agreement. Cassie sweatdropped as the two of her friends Miyabe and Hikari sulk in the corner complete of a gloomy cloud surrounding the two girls.

"Hey you guys, Miyabe, Hikari its not as if I went out of the country alone with Keigo that will never happen! Besides we were with Ryo-chi, Miharu and the Seigaku regulars and you know how that walking ego works, he just flew us out of the country in pronto." Cassie said trying to explain everything to her friends.

"Still you should've brought us along!" The two sulking girls said in unison.


Miharu smiled to herself, this was the first day of the class since Christmas vacation, and she's really excited to meet up with her friends, especially with her Cassie-senpai. She's also looking forward on exchanging holiday stories with her as well. Cassie and her did all things together shopping and talking about things they like while watching Ryoma's game in New York. She could say to herself that she was very fond of Cassie since the older girl is the first one to become her friend...

She's happy to be friends with a girl like her and she's grateful to her that even though she was Atobe's ex-fiancee they still became friends.

Yes, she was his fiancee and that's why she transferred to Hyoutei just a few months ago...she can still vividly remember how she met Cassie.

It was the first time that she stepped into the grounds of Hyoutei Gakuen. Keigo just helped her enroll earlier and now she's alone in his office waiting for his return because he still has a meeting in the student council.

She still can't believe that he asked her parents to be his fiancee again. Yes, again, because when they were younger they were already engage by their grandparents but he decline, he said that he doesn't want anyone to dictate his life.

Of course she was sad back then because she's in love with him ever since she first met him and he is the prince charming that she always dreamed of...but she respected his decision.

Just a few days ago, she was surprise when she saw him again asking her and her parents to be her fiancee again. She was so happy and of course, she said yes.

She was originally studying on a all girls school now, she transferred to Hyoutei just to be always be with him.

Miharu had been alone in Atobe's office for almost two hours but she's still patiently waiting and decided to go to the washroom when she suddenly bump into someone sending her flat on the floor.

"I-I'm sorry," she said and stood up.

"A-Are you okay?" she asked. The girl stood up and dusted her skirt. She looked up at her, obviously angry.

"Of course I'm NOT! Next time look at your way!" the girl snapped.

She was suddenly frighten because the girl before her seems really angry. But her anger didn't lessen how beautiful she looks, she a long wavy jet black hair with soft big curls at the end. Her pair of eyes are unique color of gray and looks sharp as she looks at her then she saw that her eyes softened and the girl sighed deeply.

"I-I'm sorry," the stuttered. "I wasn't looking on my way-" she paused when she felt someone tap her shoulder.

"Ah~ you're just here Ore-sama has been looking for you..." Atobe said to her with Kabaji behind him as usual.

"Come on, Ore-sama's father is waiting for us." He continued as he try to guide her out with him.

She halted and looked back at her. "Um, Anou..Hontou ni Gomenasai... I was not looking at my way and I bumped into you.. I know its unladylike so please forgive me..." She said bowing at girl while apologizing.

"Ah- its fine..." the girl smiled at her, a bright smile that seems to creep into her heart. She seems so nice and even shook her hand telling her its fine and turned her head towards Atobe. "So, she's your fiancee...Congratulations, Atobe and..." the girl trailed off, "Sorry what's your name?" she asked her making her blush.

"I'm Aikawa Miharu..." she answered and bowed her head.

"I'm Minami Cassandra, but you can call me Cassie, I'm Atobe's classmate. I'm really glad to finally meet you," she said with a smile.

"Thank you senpai." Cassie gasped as the girl grasped her hands to hers, "Its nice to meet you Cassie-senpai...please take care of me from now on..." Miharu said with a smile on her face.

Cassie faced Atobe, "Atobe, take care of this girl and don't make her cry," she spoke sternly.

"Of course, ore-sama will do that, you don't have to remind ore-sama," he answered and put his arms around Miharu's shoulder, "Haru come on Ore-sama is very impatient to go home and change..its been a long day."

"See you tomorrow,Cassie-senpai"

Ever since that day she became friends with her. If not because of Cassie maybe she will not be able to cope up with her new school and she will not have any friends. Despite being Atobe's fiancee, Cassie still befriended her and kind to her though she's in love with him. She also knew that Atobe is in love with Cassie so she decided to let him go eventually. And now, they are happily together and she's happy with her decision.

She never regretted being Atobe's fiancee, she was hurt yes, but it was her fate because there is someone destined to be with her...and she met him because of them.

Echizen Ryoma, he rescued her with some bullies when she got lost. That day was when she realized that Keigo is in love with Cassie, she was like a lost kitten and she didn't know where she's going.

Miharu sneak out of their house and went to train station alone she was suppose to get off by Hyoutei district but she end up lost at Seishun station. "Now where should I go? No face it Miharu your lost..." Miharu said afraid and don't know what to do. She's been calling Atobe but he didn't answer her calls.

"No..." Miharu shook her head, "I need to be brave I should find my way home.." Miharu thought she turned around but she bumped into someone because of the sudden movement they both fell to the floor. With Miharu on top of him. Realizing their position, Miharu blushed and moves to stand up.

"AAHH! I'm so sorry!" She said and keep apologizing but the boy looks calm and stoic despite of what happened even though she watch him as he pick up his white cap. The boy has raven hair and golden brown eyes she stared at him without even knowing that she was doing it. She watch him as he brushed the dirt on his clothes.

"Um, I'm sorry.. If you want I'll buy you another pair of shirt but the problem is I don't know where to find a shop-" Miharu stuttered as she started to panic this was the most embarrassing moment of her life. If only she didn't sneak out of their house if only her fiance answered her phone calls.

"Its fine It'll comes off after washing it." The dark green haired boy said his face straight and shows no emotion. As if he don't mind being splashed and his shirt stained by his favorite drink. With that he turned around to go the other way but Miharu grabbed his arm.

"What..." He said with hint of annoyance of his voice.

"Um well I need your help.." She said while her hands gripping on his jersey sleeve.

"Go find someone else.." He said dismissively.

"I- I'm missing and I don't know how to go home.." Miharu said swallowing a huge amount of saliva down her throat there she said it even its embarrassing to admit that a 16 years old girl like her was missing and doesn't know the way back home. The boy looks at her like she grown another head

"You're lost?" He repeated.

Miharu nodded. "I'll buy you another drink in exchange of the drink you've lost.." She offered as she look up to the boy who's a few inches taller than her. Considering the offer the boy cocked his head.

"Alright-" He answered but was cut off by Miharu who let out a happy sigh.

"Thank you! Thank you! I'll go and get your drink.." Miharu said as she skip towards the vending machine a few feet away from their position.

The boy only could watch her as she walk away

"Weird girl.." he muttered.

"What to get..what to get..." Miharu muttered as she having a hard time picking up a drink inside the machine. "Its hard to decide um thinking of it maybe I'll get the same brand of soda he's drinking earlier." Miharu's hand found the button underneath the white can of grape ponta when she presses it nothing happen. She cocked her head at the side, "Huh, nothing happen? What's wrong with this uh maybe it needs money.." Miharu said to herself as she opened her purse and bring out her credit card. "Where should I put this in? It doesn't fit on this hole.." Miharu moaned out helplessly.

"If you want we could help you Miss."

"Really?" Miharu turned around thankful that someone is gonna help her figure out how to use the vending machine. But when she came face to face with the figure he's not the only one there. They're five of them circling around her, eying her like they want to eat her. Miharu internally started to panic. But she can't let them know that she's afraid of them.

"Keigo..." She said to herself calling out Atobe's name but no matter what happens she know he will never gonna show up to save her.

"What are you whispering about little girl? You said you want us to help you right? What about you go with us after we help you?" The older guy said with devilish grin on his face.

"What do I do what do I do? I don't want this please someone save me!"Miharu said closing her eyes tightly praying in all her might that someone will come and save her. "How low picking up an unprotected girl." A voice said, the dark green haired boy said as she look up turns her head only to see the boy before. His cold golden brown orbs shows hostility towards the five college boys.

"And who the hell are you? Her boyfriend? No offense chibi she's coming with us. So lend your girlfriend for awhile or else you'll get hurt." One of the guy said mocking him. The dark green haired teen looks at them silently before he sees them carrying a tennis bag. He smirk became visible at this. As he help Miharu on her feet. For a moment their eyes met. Miharu looks up to him when she feels that he gave her a squeeze in her hand like as if telling her its going be okay. She felt secured and protected even though they we're still surrounded by the other men.

"Let's just finish this with Tennis..teach me how to play tennis senpai if you lose you'll back off.. and if you win you could do whatever you want with her."

"ARE YOU MOCKING ME YOU BRAT?" The leader of the group shouted with an angry snarl.

"Why.. is senpai afraid a high school boy will beat him." He said with an obvious intent on provoking the older man.

"You damn brat you'll regret this!"

"Then make me.." He said smugly.

"What are you trying to do?"Miharu thought worriedly to the other teen.

The next day…

Miharu groaned her head aching shifting opening her amethyst orbs sleepily only to be greeted by the glaring sunlight outside the window. After a few minutes her eyes widen as she realized that this not her room. Her room is not a mess like this, most importantly its a guy's room judging by the clothes hanging on the hamper. She sat up and look down to herself, her face paled as she noticed that she was not wearing her clothes the night before instead she was wearing someone else's shirt.

"Meow.." Miharu was startled as the hairy brown and white cat jump onto the bed settling itself on her lap.

"Meow.."

"Hello there.. what's your name?" Miharu said as she pet the cat.

The cat purred loving the way Miharu pets her.

"Oh your awake." Miharu turned up only to see the beautiful blue haired woman entered the room with laundry basket on her hands. "Thank goodness I'll tell my cousin that your awake.." the older woman said turning around to reach out for the door.

"W-Wait.." Miharu stopped her.

"Hmm?" The woman turned around to face her.

"W-Where am I? I- I didn't trouble everyone here right?" Miharu asked looking down. Even though Miharu knew the answer to her question she still needs to confirm it. Ever since her childhood she was nothing but a bother to everyone even though people don't tell her exactly that but she could feel it.

Instead of angry outburst she's expecting from her the woman smile and shook her head.

"Of course not but well this is the first time my cousin brought a girl in the house so Its kindda new to us but no worries Ojiisama and Obaasama doesn't mind in fact they're downstairs and waiting for you to wake up." the blue haired woman answered.

For the first time in her life Miharu felt warm she's not used to this feeling, her father never gave her this feelings or her step-mother even her siblings from her father's side and yet.. "I-I thank you.." Miharu stuttered her tears threatening to fall.

"Ah ah! Seshounen your girlfriend is awake!" The goofy older guy said as he barged into the room.

"Shut up Oyaji she's not my girlfriend." The very pissed voice responded from outside the room. "Then why did you brought her home if she's not your girlfriend? At first I thought your gay but then I'm proven wrong.." He added in with a teasing chuckle.

"Ojiisama don't scare off our visitor!" the blue haired girl reprimanded.

"Its about time you wake up." Miharu's eyes widen in recognition.

"Ah! Your the boy last night.."

"Come on here seat with us.." The brown haired woman said to Miharu who comply obediently to her and seats beside the boy who saved her last night. Miharu watched him as he eat silently. "Um, thank you for the food.." Miharu said uncertainly she felt embarrassed and at the same time couldn't describe her feelings as this is her first time eating with other people. Its not that she eats with her family, the wife of her father never join her to any breakfast, lunch or dinner even her half-siblings never dine in with her. Her father is never home. So this feeling is heartwarming for her.

"Oh, why are you crying?" The brown haired woman asked Miharu worriedly.

Miharu shook her head, "I-I was just happy I'm sorry for crying.." Miharu said while wiping her tears.

"Or maybe oi Seshounen did you broke up with her! How cruel of you." The childish man said his finger pointed accusingly to his son who gave him a glare.

"I told you she is not my girlfriend engrave it to your head baka oyaji!" The dark green haired teen said as he was royally pissed off at his father. He stood up and walk away.

"Anata stop doing that.."

"Oh by the way gomen ne we haven't introduce ourselves to you..my name is Nanako Meino yoroshiku!" Nanako said as she smile to Miharu.

"I am Rinko and this is my husband Nanjirou."

"Yoroshiku!" Nanjirou said waving to Miharu.

Miharu blushed.

"Um thank you for letting me in my name is Aikawa Miharu.."

After helping Rinko on the dishes that end up tragic as Miharu broke two plates and a glass. After that embarrassing incident Miharu find herself at the backyard of the traditional Japanese household. From the left side of the lot Miharu saw a tennis court where Miharu saw the boy who saved her holding a tennis ball and a racket.

"So, you play tennis as well.." Miharu said to the dark haired teen.

"Obviously." He shrugged his shoulders.

Miharu sweatdropped, "Ah yes..um so I...last night thank you sorry for all the trouble I caused you.."

"You should be.." He said bluntly.

"Last night I don't know what happened after the match.." Miharu started awkwardly.

"He lose but as usual they are spoil sport and they try to mob us down but we escaped somehow..but you have low stamina so you pass out on me." The green haired teen said with the as the matter of factly tone on his voice.

Miharu blushed in embarrassment, "I-I'm sorry! Its embarrassing.."

"Its fine." He said while swinging his racket.

"Ne Seishounen buy me some okonomiyaki outside."

"Do it yourself.." The green haired teen said dismissively.

"Trying to act cool in front of your girl friend ne Seshounen?" He said teasingly to his son.

"For the last time Oyaji she's not my girlfriend." The teen said glaring at his childish father.

"What do you want to do more? Clean up the yard or buy me okonomiyaki and yeah do bring your girlfriend show her around Seishun."

The green haired teen sighed.

"Fine.." Clearly he doesn't want to clean the yard.

That's how she met him and they've met again several times. She was glad to have him as a...friend.

"Good morning Cassie-senpai!" Miharu greeted the older female once she was in her sight.

"Good morning Miharu...you're early today.."

"Yes, I would like to meet up with you before the class start. And umm..." Miharu pause as she noticed the two sulking females beside Cassie, "Umm what's wrong with Hikari-senpai and Miyabe-senpai?" Miharu asked worriedly.

Cassie shook her hands away, "Oh..don't mind them they're just sulking...they'd get over it soon..." she said nervously. "Anyway how's your morning? Did Ryo-chi called you already? Did he give you updates with his game.."

Now its Miharu's turn to shook her head, "Oh no.. Ryoma-kun is very busy and I know he needs all rest he could get so I don't want to bother him anymore..." she said quietly. Cassie knotted her forehead at this, "Huh? Correct me if I'm wrong but Ryo-chi and you are together right.." its not a question but a statement.

Miharu's face turned bright red, "N-No, Cassie-senpai we're not..." she stuttered.

Cassie looks at her with 'I'm not buying your story look' on her face.

"Seriously?!"

Miharu nodded timidly.

"But back in the New Years eve party you guys are so sweeeet!" Hikari butted in making Cassie jump back a bit.

"Hikari, don't creep on my back so suddenly!" Cassie reprimanded her friend who looks like a wet puppy who got scolded by its owner.

"Sowy Cassie..." Hikari said cutely.

"Puppy dog eyes won't work on me!" Cassie said stubbornly.

"Anyway back to the topic.. you and Echizen aren't really together?" Miyabe said wrapping her arm around the younger girl playfully.

"N-No...we're j-just r-really f-friends..."

"That's totally a showbiz answer Miharu come on... you can tell us! Don't be like Aya she said Fuji is just a friend to her but I saw them kiss!" Miyabe piped up.

"WHAT?!" Hikari and Cassie said in unison.

"My sweet little sister and Fuji of Seigaku kissed?! Aya and Fuji together? I can't believe it!" Cassie is obviously angered by the information.

"I will definitely interrogate her, where is she anyways? Miharu do you know?" Cassie asked her.

She shook her head. "I'm not sure, senpai."

The bell rang signaling the start of the class.

"Save that for later girl," Hikari suggested.


"Hey, Miharu." Aya approached her as she fix her things inside her bag. "We don't have tennis practice. Want to come with us, we will go shopping with Cassie-nee-chan, she texted me and she wants to invite you."

Miharu beamed at the two girls and nodded. "I would love to!"

"Hikari and Miyabe senpai are also coming as well as Christine." Aya giggled childishly.

"Because you forced me." the punked girl walked towards them. "I'm not fond of shopping you know." Christine shrugged.

"But its fun! Right, Miharu?"

"Yes, indeed," she agreed with a smile.

Christine roll her eyes. "Whatever."


The three other girls were already waiting for them outside of their school building.

"Glad you two will join!" Miyabe gleefully remarked.

"Of course senpai, it's always fun being with you all." She smiled at them.

"I don't like shopping, Aya just forced me," Christine answered nonchalantly.

"Don't be shy, I know you also love to shop! Every girls do, you just dont wanna admit it." Hikari while playfully encircling her arms around the younger teen.

"Shut up." They just laugh at her reaction.

"And Aya you have to tell us your 'thing' with Fuji." Cassie looked at her intently.

Aya sweatdropped and they just giggled.

"Okay, let's go now. Let's just walk our way to the mall, it's fun that way than riding a car," Cassie suggested and everyone agreed.

When they reach the gate of their Academy, a familiar built of a boy caught her attention that made her heart leap out of happiness. It's none other than Ryoma, he was leaning his back against the wall. She suddenly stopped on her tracks.

"Hey, Miharu why did you suddenly st-" Cassie smiled when she notice who the reason is.

"Ryoma-kun..." Miharu called him softly. When he looked her way, her heart beat faster. It race faster when he stride towards them.

"Hey, Ryo-chi! How's the tournament?" Cassie asked him.

"As you can see I'm already here-"

"Were you eliminated?" Miyabe teased.

"No, I forfeited." He answered with a shrug.

"You what?!"

"I forfeited." he reiterated pulling his cap lower.

"But why did you do that, Ryoma-kun?" Miharu asked worriedly. "Did you have serious injury?" She touched his left arm inspecting if it was injured.

"I'm fine." He assured her.

"Then why did you forfeit? The US open is a very prestigous tournament, I know you wouldn't drop it if its not something important...did something happen?"

Ryoma pulled his cap even lower and looked away. "Nothing happened."

Cassie smiled knowingly. "Gotcha! I know Ryo-chi! It's because you miss Miharu so much that's why you went back right away!"

"Kyah!" the girls squealed excluding Christine who just suppressed her smile.

"That's so sweet, Echizen-kun!" Miyabe commented.

Miharu blushed brightly and waved her hands in the air dismissing what her senpai just said. "I believe its not that, Ryoma-kun wouldn't go home because of that!" She faced Ryoma again. "It's not that right?" she asked but the boy didn't respond.

"Silence means no!" Cassie teased and the other girls just squealed again making her blush further.

"I think its better if we give them privacy," says Hikari.

"Right!" Cassie agreed. "Let's go girls and leave them alone time together. So, Ryo-chi and Miharu, we'll go ahead, bye!" she smiled widely at the two younger teens.

"Bye!" they said in unison.

"Gambatte, Echizen,kun," Aya said. Then the five girls storm off leaving the two of them.

"Ryoma-kun..." she was speechless and her heart is still beating fast. She was so overwhelm that he forfeit because of her meaning that she is really important for him.

"Let's go." Ryoma grabbed her wrist and drag her away.

"Ahm, where are we going, Ryoma-kun?" she asked him as they walk, his hand holding hers tightly.

"Anywhere you want," he answered in a low voice.

She blushed. "I'm fine with anywhere you bring me as long as I'm with Ryoma-kun..." She saw that he blushed but he look away to hide it.

"Alright, I know a place that you will surely love," he said while lowering his cap to his face hiding his obviously blushing cheeks.


"Ah, it's so beautiful here!" Miharu can't help but squeal childishly because of the beautiful sight right before her eyes. They are in the famous Tokyo Tower overseeing the whole city.

It's already twilight making the scenery more breathtaking beautiful as if she's looking at a painting. The sky is a mix of dark violet, Orange and yellowish color with some visible stars twinkling like diamonds and the crescent shape moon looks like smiling at her.

From up there she can see the people as small as ants in her eyes walking down the streets and the cars look like matchbox cars like her brothers collection.

"It's much better if you use this," Ryoma pointed at the big binoculars beside them.

She smiled and peep through the lens. "Ah, that's Hyoutei!" she excitedly said then she move the binoculars and focus on other direction. "Seigaku! Take a look Ryoma-kun, come on!"

He did peep through the lens. "I think I saw Momo-senpai."

"Seriously where?" she move closer to him wanting to take a look through but he just snickered.

"It was a joke," he said with a smirk plastered on his handsome face.

She pouted childishly at him making him laugh. Then, she flush hard, their faces are just too close to each other making her heart race rapidly but none of them move away.

She really missed him and she miss staring at his face, especially his beautiful and sharp cat-like eyes that never fails to mesmerize her every time he looks at her just like now.

Ryoma broke the spell, he look away rummage for something in his bag. He took out a music notebook and gave it her.

"Arigatou..." she said and open it. Her eyes widen when she saw that there is an autograph sign by Joshua Bell one of the famous violinist of this generation. "I can't believe that you have his autograph!"

Ryoma shrugs." I just happen to see him watching my match. Afterward I went to him and ask him to sign that then he also ask me to sign his tennis ball. He said that he is my fan," he said matter-of-factly.

"Really?! That's great! Thank you for this, Ryoma-kun, I really appreciate this." She smiled widely and embrace her tightly.

He smiled and hugged her back. He is just so happy to her happy...that is enough for him than winning the US Open. After a couple of minutes reality suddenly hit Miharu hard she just suddenly hug the younger boy. She slowly let go and look away at the other direction.

"Umm.. I'm sorry..."

"Its fine..." Ryoma said while fixing his cap.

"So what about dinner Ryoma-kun? My treat!" Miharu said with her usual smile on her face.

"No way..."

"Eh but why?" She said crest fallen all of the sudden.

"I don't let girls pay for my food..."

"Just this once since you've done too much for me I mean we're friends right Ryoma-kun?" her words made Ryoma pause his back facing her.

"Ryoma-kun?" Miharu called the boy the second time.

"Whatever..." he said sharply as he walk away

Seeing the younger boy's action Miharu quickly followed him.


"Why...would Ryoma-kun suddenly change his mood...just earlier he looks happy but now it seems like he's angry about something.." Miharu thought while watching his back. Ryoma is walking fast for her face but not far ahead she thought that maybe he's trying to match her pace.

"W-Wait Ryoma-kun wait a second!"

"What..." Ryoma said with a hint of annoyance on his voice.

"A-Are you angry..." She asked slowly she doesn't know the reason why would the boy would suddenly get angry at her. She didn't do anything just a moment ago before this happen they're both enjoying their time together but now the atmosphere between them is deteriorating.

"No.." Ryoma said dismissively. "Let's go I'll take you home follow me.." he said as he was about to turn away she hug his arm back down preventing him to move any further.

"Wha-"

"I'm sorry! Whatever I did wrong I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to upset you whatever it is I hope you forgive me.." she said without catching her breath still hugging the younger boy's arm tightly against her chest both of her eyes shut tightly she doesn't know why but the thought of him getting angry at her making her heartache.

"Look up..." Miharu did as he told her only to be flicked in the forehead.

"Ouch that hurts..." she said rubbing her sore forehead.

"Silly it wasn't your fault..."

"Then why would Ryoma-kun suddenly-" she trailed off.

"Nothing, its my fault anyway.." Ryoma said looking away.

"Ryoma-kun?" She frowned its clear as the blue sky that the boy is still pissed about something and he wouldn't tell her the truth. "Ryoma-kun I-"

"JUST SHUT UP!" Ryoma snapped.

Miharu was startled, this was the first time he shouted at her and she's hurt by it. She was been shoved, shouted at, humiliated before but it didn't hurt as much as him getting angry at her.

"Ryoma-kun..."

"Let's just go..."

Miharu look down to her shoes sadly.

"Okay.."

"Why does this have to happen?"


Aikawa Mansion

"Good evening Ojousama.."

"Good evening Tanaka-san.." Miharu greeted their butler back with her usual smile but it didn't reach her eyes.

"Finally your home I'm surprise to even see you home this late Miharu-neechan..." The girl said mockingly.

Miharu look up only to see her step sister, "Eri.. I thought you're in France with oniisama.."

Eri huffed as she twirled her strawberry blonde hair through her fingers, "Well as you could see I'm back and I'm staying for good.." she said as she circled around her older sister scrutinizing her appearance.

"B-But why.."

"I don't have to explain to you Miharu just mind your own business and I'd mind mine.." Eri snapped angrily but then after a brief moment her lips curl up flashing her a crocodile smile. "But please don't mind what I said just now please take care of me from now oneechan..." Eri said sweetly before climbing back up stairs. "Anyway before I forget...I'm going to study at Seigaku tomorrow so..why don't we go to school together? Good night nee-chan.." She said once again with a giggle as she completely went upstairs but as she turned her back on Miharu her smile immediately fade away and her facial expression turned sour


At Seigaku

Ryoma sighed as he remembered what happened he was so childish last night he lash his anger out on Miharu, he didn't mean to shout at her like that but hearing her say they're 'friends' pissed him off. She didn't even think of what he was going to feel when she said that.. "Did she forget that I confessed to her last year at the Christmas vacation? How naive can she possibly be to realize that I like her!"

"Yes, they always argue all the time..." Her voice is lower than the usual. "Like cats and dogs but...more like husband and wife...they are perfect for each other." She closed her eyes tightly to stop the tears to fall but she failed, when she open them again it stream down like waterfall. "I know that they are in love with each other. Despite their arguments and petty fights I know deep inside their hearts that they truly love each other."She cried out loud, she didn't even care what Ryoma was thinking now, she just wanted to let it out."I'm so selfish although I know their true feelings I wouldn't let him go because I love him so much. I'm the worst."

Ryoma moved closer and suddenly his lips covered hers. It was just a short kiss but enough to shake her whole being. Her eyes were wide as she looks at him, his face was serious and then he stood up.

"W-Why?" Miharu asked quietly her amethyst orbs widen in surprise.

Instead of answering he dropped down his back facing her offering her a back ride.

"Come on let's go..." With trembling hands, she hesitantly ride on his back.

"Aishiteru..."

Ryoma snapped out of his thoughts when their homeroom teacher walked in the class then, and they stood up greeting the man in unison. Then the class all turned to the girl who just entered the classroom and stood beside their sensei.

"Wow she's sooo pretty ne Echizen!" Horio said from his back.

"Whatever..." Clearly uninterested Ryoma's eyes lazily looks up past the transfer student's face.

"This is your new classmate she's transferring all the way from France." Their homeroom sensei announced, and the girl bowed.

"I'm Aikawa Eri, please take good care of me." She said with a smile.


Disclaimer: I do not own Prince of Tennis, I only own the Aikawa family (Mainly, Miharu and Eri) the plot is inspired by the classical disney movie Cinderella with a twist!

Authors Note: This story is a spin off of Hate That I Love You, with a Go signal of my very dear friend xXKutsarahXx I'm able to use her characters (Cassie and co.) Hope you'd like this story guys! Please support this like you did in HTILY! [ Obviously this story focus on Ryoma and Miharu ] And yeah one more thing if ever you can't understand what's happening here read Hate that I Love You by xXKutsarahXx check her stories too! You'd love it guys!

Please Read and Review!