Chapter1-A Girl's Confession

Akari Hana stood behind some bushes next to a tree in the grounds with her two friends. She could see Usui Takumi, the coolest guy in Seika High, walking in her general direction. She clenched her fists in determination. She had to tell him today. She nodded in acknowledgement to her friends' encouragements. She came out from behind the bushes and stood where usui would also stop in a minute; they stood face to face. A deep blush crept into her cheeks.

"You were looking for me," Usui said in his usual carefree manner. He was well aware that after his looks it was his manneres that made him popular.

"Y-yes!"

As she started speaking he turned his head to look into the building. They were standing at the spot just outside the school library, and he could see the student council president, Misaki standing inside, ordering her subordinates to clean all the shelves perfectly or something of that sort. He was still aware of Akari speaking.

"I'm sorry to call you to come all the way here. Umm… I have something to tell you." Though she did not look up in embarrassment she was aware that Usui was lookin at something else. "Actually, I was interested in you even before I entered here," she continued, "Will you go out with me?"

Usui had kept his gaze fixed on Misaki. She was telling Yuukimaru, who was standing on a ladder, something. Just then the ladder somehow lost balance and tumbled. Misaki rushed to prevent the ladder falling on someone else. She had succeeded but he could tell that she had acquired a bad bruise. He was shocked at Misaki's selflessness; moreover it was a boy she saved. Maybe she wasn't completely resentful toward all boys after all.

"Usui…?" Akari sounded uncertain. She was wondering if he had heard what she had just said and hoped that he had. Because if he hadn't, she didn't think she had the guts to say it again.

Usui turned when he heard his last name. Of course, that is what most of the transfer girls (and most of the girls were transfers) did when they saw him for more than a day. They thought they were worth his attention with all their glitters and girl talk. And this one was no different. She confessed and thought he would except. But he wouldn't, because he knew all these girls were the same. And saying a plain "No" was just as boring. So, he started off in a different manner.

"I'm actually a hardcore otaku who likes maids more than having three meals a day. And I only read books related to maids. Also, I only go to maid cafes. Of course, I also collect maid figurines. I play games which feature maids and it turns me on so much that I'll wear maid uniforms and jump in joy. I'll take my leave now." Without pausing even once in his entire reply he politely but indirectly refused her.

Akari stood motionless as Usui turned and started to walk away. She could not believe her own ears. If he had said a simple "No" she would have felt as much a loser as the biggest loser on this planet. But the reply that he had given her confused her so much that for a moment all she could do was stare at his retreating figure. And when she finally found her words she called out, "I don't mind! I'll try hard t become the girl you like!" Now she was even more determined. She had always gotten whatever she wanted; and she intended to keep it that way. It was her pride and self respect that drove her now.

Usui stopped in mid-stride and turned around."That… won't work," he said. He pitied her situation. Why didn't these girls ever understand that he didn't like them, that he didn't care? Thye always kept coming running after him. But it didn't matter right now because he had something more important to divert his attention to. Misaki's bruise needed to be tended to or else, he was sure she would keep suffering from it for at least the next couple of weeks. He turned and walked on toward the entrance to the building.

Akari would've seen that pitying smile of his and even would've heard his last reply if she hadn't been so completely engrossed in her determination to get him to like her. She would've paid more attention if she had been just a bit different. But she wasn't. she didn't care if he didn't like her now, he would have to someday. And it was this confidence that made her decide that she had to find out what it was that he truly liked.