A little note:
This is an AU fiction. Mei Aihara and Yuzu Okogi are in their third year at a CoEd high school. I wanted to give Citrus a different twist (no pun intended).
I hope you enjoy this. :)
Just a little guide, ITALICS are Yuzu's inner dialogues.
Alright, everyone! I have an announcement to make. We are going to hold a business plan competition and it's sponsored by one of the largest companies in Japan. We will have several teams of senior high school students. Each team will work in pair. We have written down all your names and picked your partners randomly. The purpose of this arrangement is to give you the opportunity to get to know other students before you graduate from high school," announced Uchida-sensei.
"Yuzucchi, I hope we'll be partners for this competition. I don't think I'll be able to work well with anyone else," Harumin said in the midst of a chaotic afternoon class. Most students were anxious and agonizing over whom they were going to be paired with.
"Yeah, Harumin. I can't think of a better partner for this competition. I don't even know about business but we can figure it out. Ah Gyarus don't need to learn a thing about business. Why does this have to happen?" Yuzu agonizingly said.
"There, there, Yuzucchi. I also don't agree with this," Harumin said consoling the blonde.
"What's the prize, anyway?" asked Yuzu.
"Well, if you win the first place, I heard that you can get a university scholarship grant. They'll pay for everything. Also, they will give our school some new gadgets," Harumin answered, "I don't think I have a chance in winning, besides, grandma has been generous enough to pledge to pay for my university."
"You're very lucky, Harumin." Yuzu looked out the window.
What a beautiful day. The sky looks really great.
"Yuzuchi, since your mom is an architect so you won't have any financial trouble for your education. Don't give me that sad face," Harumin tried to cheer her best friend.
"Yeah, you're right. It would be great to be able to support myself, too, but I don't think I can win this either," Yuzu sighed deeply.
"We're not meant for these kinds of things, Yuzucchi," Both Yuzu and Harumin sighed, "I wish there's a way we can escape from this."
"Do something, Harumin," Yuzu feigned cries, "Save us from all of this."
"OKOGI YUZUKO, you will be Aihara Mei's project partner from Class A!" Uchida-sensei shouted.
"What?!" shouted Yuzu out of astonishment.
"Is there a problem, Okogi-san?" the teacher stared at the astonished blonde.
"Uhmm, nothing really. I thought our partners will be from this class. Not that I'm complaining," Yuzu bowed her head in embarrassment.
"The faculty decided that it would be better to mix the classes to promote good bonding among seniors," the teacher explained still looking at Yuzu.
"Yuzucchi! You're in big trouble! Best of luck!" Harumin teased and patted Yuzu's shoulder.
"Don't say that, Harumin," Yuzu wiping a fake tear.
"How will you manage to work with Aihara Mei, Yuzucchi? She's the number one in our batch and she doesn't seem approachable," Harumin just adding salt to the injury.
"I don't know. Maybe, I'll visit a shrine and offer prayers to the gods," blurted Yuzu, "Save me, Harumin!"
"Come to think of it, you're going to learn a lot from the smartest and most beautiful senior in our batch, Yuzucchi," Harumin was patting Yuzu's head this time.
"What do you mean by that, Harumin?" asked Yuzu angrily.
"I mean, Aihara Mei is from a wealthy family and they have several businesses and investments, so you have a chance to win in this competition given that she has more experience than you," reasoned Harumin trying to ease Yuzu's dilemma.
"No! She's the ice queen. I haven't even talked to her from the first day I transferred here. Why is this happening, Harumin?" cried Yuzu.
"It's your karma, Yuzucchi! Remember you ditched me yesterday? We were supposed to go Karaoke. The universe is making you pay for that," teased Harumin.
"Oh well. I'm sorry for that, Harumin. Let's grab some ice cream after our class. Maybe the universe will forgive me for that," Yuzu tidied up her desk.
"Your treat, Yuzucchi!" shouted Harumin.
At the locker room...
"That was horrible, Harumin! Who ever came up with this competition idea must be out of their minds!" Yuzu blurted out angrily.
"Yeah, good thing I can tolerate my partner. She seems kind and easy to work with," Harumin chuckled.
"About that, how am I gonna deal with Aihara-san? I have no idea what she's like aside from the fact that she's a cold-blooded b..." said Yuzu before she was interrupted.
"Okogi-san," someone shouted from afar.
Both Yuzu and Harumin turned to the girl.
"Oh, it's the VP, Yuzucchi! Are you in trouble?" Harumin gave Yuzu a concerned look.
"I don't even know her, Harumin! How can I be in trouble?" Yuzu raised her voice.
"A pleasant afternoon, Okogi-san. My name is Himeko Momokino," the girl introduced herself and extended a hand towards Yuzu.
"Uhhm, nice to meet you, Momokino-san," answered Yuzu and shook Himeko's hand.
"I heard about you pairing up with Aihara Mei for the business plan competition. You know, Aihara Mei is the number one student in our batch and the president of the student council. Losing is an unfamiliar concept to her. When I heard that Uchida-sensei picked your name as Aihara Mei's partner, I got worried for you, Okogi-san," Himeko raised her head to make eye contact with the taller girl.
What is Himeko trying to say that I'm not capable to be Aihara-san's partner for this competition?
"That said, Aihara Mei is a perfectionist and she needs someone who understands this side of her," Himeko continued.
Someone who understands this side of Aihara Mei? What is this girl talking about?
"So, Okogi-san, you still have a chance to withdraw from being Aihara Mei's partner. This will free you from all the worries you'd potentially have to go through with the competition," Himeko gave her a devious smile.
I see what she's trying to do. Although this sounds like a really good proposal. Then I wouldn't have to deal with someone I don't have anything in common with.
"What can you say, Okogi-san? I will gladly take your place," Himeko looked at Yuzu.
"Yuzucchi, this is your chance to back out. You'll have more free time and you don't have to worry dealing with the ice queen," Harumin whispered.
"Hmmm, you have a point, Momokino-san. I mean I really don't know Aihara-san. I don't know how to even talk to her," Yuzu said, "but as a partner, I think she has the right to know about this, out of respect."
"What are you talking about, Yuzucchi?! She doesn't have to know about this," Harumin growled.
"I see. Let me know if you changed your mind. We still have 48 hours to finalize the partnerships for this competition. Save my number on your phone. Rather, let's exchange contact details," Himeko searched for her phone.
Yuzu grabbed her phone from her bag and hesitantly added Himeko's mobile number, "Okay. Got it!"
"I'll see you around and do give me a call or text me," Himeko turned away and waved at Yuzu and Harumin.
Yuzu sighed deeply, "That was intense, Harumin."
"Looks like the Prez is a hot item," Harumin said, "That was a really good proposal, Yuzucchi."
"I know. I wanted to say 'yes' to Momokino-san but something held me back," Yuzu reasoned out.
"You know what, you're right, Yuzucchi. The Prez also needs to know about this, out of respect and courtesy," Harumin nodded, 'Good call, Yuzucchi. Now let's grab some ice cream."
As Yuzu and Harumin made their way out of the school premises, someone approached them by the gate. "Okogi-san, hey, wait up!" a handsome guy shouted as he spotted the girls.
Oh my gosh! It's the soccer team captain. He's so cute! I hope he's going to confess his feelings for me.
"Yes?" Yuzu said as she and Harumin turned to the handsome young man.
"Hi, I'm Ryusuke Taro," he gave them a nice smile.
His eyes are so beautiful and his hair is styled really well.
"I'm Okogi.." Yuzu said as she was interrupted by Taro.
"I know. You're Okogi Yuzuko. It's nice to meet you, Okogi-san," Taro gave her a devilish smile and a wink.
I think my heart just melted.
"Please call me Yuzu. It's nice to meet you too," Yuzu played coy.
How does he know my name? What does he want?
"Okay, Yuzu. You may call me Taro. Yeah, from what I heard you're Aihara Mei's project partner for the business plan competition, right?" Taro asked.
That's what this is all about! Great! Another one of Aihara Mei's fans.
"Uhmmm, yes. I suppose that's true," said Yuzu as she finally realized Taro's intention.
"Say, do you want to switch partners with me, Yuzu? My current project partner is a really nice girl whom you can get along with easily," Taro looked straight at Yuzu's green eyes.
"So, you want to be Aihara Mei's project partner?" Yuzu arched her left brow.
"Look, I really like Aihara Mei. And since this is going to be a 6-week project, this will give me a chance to get to know her and be with her. Don't worry, I'll do anything that you want, in exchange," Taro pleaded.
The ice queen is really something.
"Ryusuke-san, thank you for the offer but isn't this something that you have to confess to Aihara-san? It would be easier if you just confess your true feelings without going though this kind of trouble, don't you think?" Yuzu said as sternly as she could.
"You're right, Yuzu. In case you changed your mind, I'll be at the soccer field tomorrow afternoon. Meet me there or just save my number," Taro grabbed Yuzu's phone by her hand and typed his contact number.
This guy is so persistent.
"There's no need to give me your number because I got it from one of your classmates earlier," Taro said as he saved his number and returned the phone, "Take care and I'll see you around," shouted Taro as he was heading back to the soccer field."
Both girls waved him goodbye.
"Yuzucchi, he's very cute. I was speechless," sighed Harumin admiring Taro's good looks.
"He is but he likes my project partner, Harumin"
"This is starting to get annoying. Prez is getting all the attention. How about us, ordinary humans? How can we get such attention?" Harumin simply nodded her head.
"Come on, Harumin. Let's get going! There's plenty of fish in the sea," Yuzu laughed and grabbed Harumin's arm.
Well, I can't blame people being attracted to Aihara-san. Come to think of it, she's very beautiful even if she appears to be cold.
The following morning...
"Yuzucchi, I'm finally glad you're here! What took you so long? Harumin raised her voice.
What is wrong with Harumin? I'm not even late.
"Stop that! I'm not even late for class, Harumin," Yuzu retorted.
"Good morning, Okogi-san," a voice emerged from one of the girls in the room.
What is she doing here?
The girl who greeted Yuzu approached her.
"I'm Aihara Mei. I'll be your project partner for the business plan competition. It's a pleasure to meet you," she said giving Yuzu a slight bow.
"Ahh, yeah," Yuzu was dumbfounded as she almost forgot about the project, "Nice to meet you, Aihara-san. My name is Okogi Yuzuko. Please call me, Yuzu," she continued and also gave a slight bow.
"Alright, Yuzu. It's a pleasure to meet you. I decided to greet you in person and to let you know that I'm looking forward to working with you for this competition," the raven-haired said as she raised her head and made eye contact with Yuzu.
"Hey, there's no need to be too formal, Aihara-san," Yuzu responded, "I'm pleased to be your project partner."
"Please call me Mei," she gave Yuzu a smile.
"Okay, Mei," Yuzu smiled back.
I also want to give you my contact information. I have written it down earlier," Mei leaned over to Yuzu and whispered as she handed Yuzu a piece of folded paper, "Please keep this confidential."
"Thank you, Mei. I'll save it on my phone. I won't spread your number," Yuzu pulled away gently.
"Let me have your number as well so I can keep you updated with the details of the competition," Mei still making eye contact.
"Oh yeah, sure. Do you have your phone with you? I can just type it, you know," Yuzu opened her palm gesturing Mei to give her phone.
"I left it in the student council room. I try to avoid using it on school hours so I won't get distracted," Mei replied.
Harumin handed Yuzu her notebook and a pen.
"I'll write down my number and my email address," Yuzu wrote her contact details, tore the page of the notebook after and gave it to Mei.
"Thank you. I'll head back to my homeroom. Our classes are about to start. I apologize for the unexpected visit," Mei took the paper.
"There's no need to apologize. Just give me a call or send me a text if you need anything," Yuzu blurted out as Mei was getting out of their homeroom.
What was that? Why do I feel nervous? That was unexpected. She smelled really nice. I wonder what perfume she is using.
"Yuzucchi, thank goodness, you came just in the right time. I didn't know how to talk to her," Harumin said wiping a fake sweat on her forehead.
"Why is everyone staring at us, Harumin? Our classmates can be so strange," Yuzu scanned the room only to be met by prying eyes.
"Well, Yuzucchi, you've only been visited by the most talked-about person in our campus. Everyone seems jealous of the attention you got from the Prez," whispered Harumin.
"Huh?" Yuzu raised her left brow.
"I must admit, Yuzucchi, the Prez looks really gorgeous up close, doesn't she? I noticed how pretty and long her lashes were. Uggh. I hate her. She's so perfect!" Harumin said clenching both of her fists.
"There, there, Harumin. You're beautiful in your own way," Yuzu chuckled.
"Hey Yuz," Toshi shouted from the back.
She watched him approach with a big grin on his face.
"Yeah, Toshi?" Yuzu raised her left brow.
"I thought I saw an angel earlier. So, wanna swap partners with me? I can be Aihara Mei's project partner," Toshi gave Yuzu his usual smug look.
"Sure, you'd have to ask her first," retorted Yuzu.
"You know I can never do that. I can't even think straight when she's around," Toshi admitted defeat while looking on the ground.
"Toshi, you can try. But you'd have to wait in line. I think she has a long list of admirers," Yuzu giggled.
"That's why, I came to you. Dammit! I want the easy way out," Toshi blurted.
"Hey Toshi, give it up already! You're no match with the soccer team captain. He's on the list as well, you know," Harumin interrupted.
"Yeah, right. I'll just try harder," Toshi turned away and went back to his seat waving his right hand.
"Class dismissed. That's all for today. Please take care on your way home!' Uchida-sensei announced.
"Harumin, wanna go hang out with me at the manga cafe later? I need to de-stress my mind before the project starts," Yuzu stood up.
"Kayy, sure," Harumin hurriedly put all her belongings in her bag.
Yuzu checked her phone for a new message.
From: 090-1790-xxxx
Okogi-san, can we talk? I want to discuss our project with you?
I have a few ideas that I want to share. Is that okay with you?
Aihara Mei
This was sent an hour ago. I'm in trouble!
"Harumin, I'm afraid I'd have to cancel our trip to the manga cafe. I got a message from Mei. She sent it an hour ago. She wants to meet with me to discuss some ideas about our project," Yuzu scratched her head.
"Really? This early?" I haven't even given a thought about it yet!" blurted Harumin.
"I'm very sorry, Harumin. I'll make it up to you next time," Yuzu hurriedly fixed her desk and placed all her stuff in the bag.
"You're working with a perfectionist, Yuzucchi! At this rate, I think you'll both win the scholarship grants," Harumin smiled at Yuzu.
Scholarship grants? It would be great to win a scholarship grant and not let Mama worry about money for my education for a change.
"See you, Harumin!" Yuzu ran out the room.
Out of nowhere, she bumped into Mei and lost her balance.
"Yuzu, are you okay?" Mei held Yuzu's shoulders.
"I'm sorry, Mei. Are you hurt?" Yuzu bent down to pick some of the stuff she dropped.
"Of course, I'm not. As I didn't get a reply from you, I decided to go to your classroom and talk to you in person," Mei bent down to help Yuzu.
"Oh, sorry! I forgot to reply. I was about to run to meet you at the student council. I should have replied first. Sorry," Yuzu explained as she placed some notebooks in her bag.
"It's okay. I understand. You know, it feels strange to see your classmates staring at us," Mei was subtly scanning the classroom.
"I'm sorry. They're just your starstruck fans," Yuzu joked, as both of them were now standing up.
"Starstruck fans?" Mei raised a brow.
"They just don't expect to get get a visit from the most popular girl in the campus, so uhmmm...," Yuzu continued.
"I see," Mei tried to hide the small blush forming on her cheeks.
Oh my gosh! Mei is probably not aware of that. Doesn't she know that she's the most popular person in school?
"I'm kidding, Mei. I'm sorry for making you feel uncomfortable," Yuzu apologized as she noticed Mei simply looking on the ground.
"There's no need to apologize. It's probably me who needs to say sorry for dropping by unannounced," Mei raised her head to be face-to-face with Yuzu.
Oh wow! Harumin is right. Mei has beautiful eyelashes. Perhaps, I should get an eyelash extension to match Aihara-san's. And she's slightly taller than me.
"No worries, Mei. About your text message. I'm curious to know the ideas you've come up with," Yuzu said looking straight at Mei's lavender eyes.
"Uhm, you see, Yuzu. I have learned this from my father. Before he works with a business partner or hires someone to work for his company, he makes them answer 20 Getting-to-know-you questions," Mei explained.
"Getting to know you questions?" Yuzu tilted her head.
"Yes. He says that these questions help build trust between business partners or people at work. But... you don't have to do this if you don't want to," Mei gave Yuzu a pleading look.
"Hey, I want to do that, Mei! That sounds like a great idea!" exclaimed Yuzu.
What am I talking about? What kind of questions am I going to answer?
"Thank you, Yuzu. There's a newly open Crepe House two blocks away from our school. If you're free tomorrow after class, we can both answer these questions there. Are you alright with this?" Mei smiled at Yuzu.
"Of course, I'm totally free tomorrow, Mei! I know that place. Been there once and I loved their strawberry ice cream crepe," declared Yuzu.
"That's very nice to hear! I'll be there at 5:30PM after my last meeting. Is that okay?" Mei looked at Yuzu unconsciously batting her lashes.
"President!" a voice was hear outside their classroom.
"Good afternoon, Himeko," Mei answered back politely.
"It's a pleasure seeing you here, President. We've done all our patrolling duties and completed the tasks for today," Himeko replied proudly.
"Thank you very much for your hard work, Himeko. I completely appreciate it," Mei said in a soft-spoken way.
"There's no need to thank me, President. I'm glad to do all those things for you," Himeko retorted glancing at Yuzu, "What brought you here, President?"
"I just decided to share my ideas with my project partner, Okogi Yuzuko. Also, I wanted to introduce myself formally. Oh, by the way, Himeko, This is Okogi Yuzuko,"
Both Yuzu and Himeko were speechless for a full minute.
"It's nice to meet you, Okogi-san," Himeko said with a slight bow pretending it was her first time to meet Yuzu.
Why is Momokino pretending like it's our first time to meet each other?
"Yeah, nice to meet you too, Mo..," Yuzu said before she was interrupted by Himeko.
"It's Momokino Himeko," Himeko glared at Yuzu.
"Momokino-san, please call me Yuzu," Yuzu just played along
Okay, I can have fun with this. Besides, I have some acting skills.
"Yuzu and I are going to discuss our ideas further tomorrow at the newly opened Crepe House," Mei interrupted to explain her intention.
"What?!" Himeko blurted out.
"Is there a problem, Himeko?" Mei looked at Himeko with a strange expression.
"Oh, nothing. I think it's a great idea," Himeko lied brimming with jealousy and confusion. Mei has never invited her anywhere.
"Did you agree to go, Okogi-san?" Himeko still glaring at Yuzu.
"Y...yes. Mei shared wonderful ideas and I would like to get to know her more," Yuzu tried to hide her fear.
"Get to know her?" asked Himeko with a confused look.
"Yuzu and I are going to get to know each other better before planning our project. It's one of my father's techniques to build trust and good relationship with his business partners and to elicit loyalty from his employees," Mei looked at Himeko and gave her a formal explanation.
"That's a good idea!" shouted Himeko concealing her burning anger. Her jealousy is taking on a whole new level knowing the fact that Mei has never had this type of getting-to-know-each-other activity with her.
"Thank you, Himeko."
"Not a problem, President," Himeko clenched a fist.
I'll get going now. Thank you for your time, Yuzu. I'm looking forward to our meeting tomorrow. I'll see you around," Mei gracefully made her way outside Yuzu's classroom.