Chapter 4 is up! this chapter really used up my brain..
yurianimeotaku: Ask Natsuki if she is willing to share Shizuru with you.
rainee-chan: you will find out.. soon
wakamama: you will know on the upcoming chapters when I explain certain things.
wakamama and kiangs: Natsuki not knowing who is on the student council is not impossible for I myself don't know our student council officers. hehehe
silverstri, EisWulf and Swarm012: thanks for the review!
It Pains Me
Summer vacation went by too quickly. After 4 weeks of working for Mr. Nakamura, she finally had her paycheck. Natsuki couldn't be happier, she even treated Mai, Mikoto and even Nao to a theme park. Everything was an accomplishment for Natsuki and Mai was proud of her. The day after tomorrow is the start of the new term, everybody was back to school mode but Natsuki felt there was something missing. She had been happy because of what she had accomplished over the summer (which is new) but something at the back of her mind made her feel that she was disappointed over a thing. Something she couldn't put her finger on.
Natsuki was on the couch, staring at the ceiling for quite sometime now. Mai who was cleaning the kitchen, was disturbed by this. It's not everyday that she gets to see Natsuki pondering on something and it's not everyday she gets to see her stay in one place for more than a minute either. Something is bothering her friend and she needs to find out.
"Natsuki, is there something bothering you?"
"Hmm.. nothing"
She's definitely not herself today
"You want some mayo-filled sandwich?"
"I'm not hungry Mai but thanks anyway"
Mai nearly fell over when Natsuki actually refused her offer. OMG! Did I hear it right!Is the world gonna end?! I thought I'd never see the day!! Mai quickly went to where Natsuki was (who was now busy twirling her hair on her fingers) and pointed her cleaning brush at her roommate.
"Who are you and what have you done to my roommate?!!!"
Natsuki who was surprised with Mai's action, bolted up and held up one of the throw pillows.
"Will you be careful at where you point that thing! What are you talking about anyway?"
"Natsuki, did you just realize that you refuse to eat a mayo-filled sandwich?"
"Yeah so?"
"We are talking about your MAYO here! A white creamy not to mention disgusting condiment that you'd risk your life for. Does that ring a bell?!"
Natsuki who seem to be still stuck in Lala land and didn't get what her friend is trying to say.
"What about it?"
Geez, this must be something really big for her to totally forget about her mayo addiction
"You know what, just spill. Just tell me what's bothering you."
"Oh. Okay." -pause to think-
"Sooo?"
"You see, I'm happy that I have done something useful over the summer but…."
"but what?"
"why am I feeling disappointed and irritated?"
"So you are upset over something you don't know and that's what is bothering you?"
"Uhh yeah."
Mai felt that this was going to be a serious conversation so she decided to clean her hands, return all her cleaning stuff at the cabinet and sat beside Natsuki. This is the first time Natsuki really had something bother her that it made her refuse to eat mayo. As Mai settled herself on the couch, she started her what she calls "advice giving session"
"Has something happened at the shop during the summer?"
"hmm.. nothing exciting"
"Did you and your Boss fight?"
"If we did then I wouldn't have received my paycheck now would I"
"Okay okay sorry. Hmmm...Did you meet someone?"
Natsuki froze at the question. Her thoughts immediately went back to the time when she had met the beautiful brunette. Her red eyes that could make even the bravest man squirm on his seat but could so mesmerizing as well. Those creamy skin that would make any woman look filled with envy. That woman whom she thought would come back to let her car fixed or maintained, did not show up at the garage the whole summer. Wait a minute?! Am I upset over her not showing up at the garage?!!
Mai was now staring at her waiting for her answer.
"Natsuki?"
What's going on inside Natsuki's mind:
--There is no way that she's the reason why I am upset! She's just a common customer.. okay not so common but still a customer.. and annoying too. Yeah she's too damn annoying. What's with her anyway, sneaking up on me like that.. she should mind her business really! And that cute pose! Arghh!! Did I just say CUTE?!! Noooo! And that.. that smile! I thought she was going to come again but noooo.. maybe she found a better mechanic shop! What do you expect from a rich brat!--
Natsuki was still in her "brain fight" when Mai tapped her on the shoulder making her jerk all the way to the end of the couch.
"I am sooo Not upset over some pretty rich brat whom I thought would comeback at the shop after she had her car fixed on the first day of my work!!!!!!"
Mai was startle at Natsuki's sudden outburst. She wasn't expecting it but found it interesting.
"Riigghhtt" Mai said with a glint in her eyes. Soo there's SOMEONE involved and here I thought our Natsuki is unfriendly.
Seeing Mai reaction, Natsuki suddenly realized what she had said. "That's not what I meant, ahehehe.. what I mean to say is that..that.. I'm not upset at the customers who did not comeback again after they had their car fixed.. yeah that's it. I'm not really-" her word faltering as she goes on. She was now blushing and was finding a way out of the conversation when.
Ring.. Ring.. (Saved by the bell!)
Mai's phone was ringing so she stood up went to her room. Natsuki was so relieved, the phone call really saved her. She was about to bolt out of the door when Mai called out.
"Natsuki"
"Yeah?"
"Phone"
Mai handed her the phone and went back to the kitchen to continue her cleaning and to prepare dinner for the three of them. (Mikoto was sleeping in her room the whole time).
"Who's this?"
"Is that the way you talk to your father Natsuki?"
"I'm pretty sure the person you are talking about is long gone"
"Natsuki please, I'm making an effort here"
There are things that could really piss Natsuki off, and this is one of it. She hated her father since her mother passed away. He was a good man before really; they were a happy family when her mother was still alive. They would go watch movies together, visit theme parks during the weekends. During summer, they would spend their vacation on their summerhouse, or they would visit other countries instead. Her birthday was always fun, they would hold a wonderful party for her, give her beautiful presents and all her friends where invited and having fun (yeah she had friends before). With all her loved ones present on the said occasion, what else could she ask for? However, all those things were suddenly shattered when her mom got sick and eventually died. Her father buried himself with his work trying to keep his mind off the sadness he felt, taking his daughter for granted, who needed him at that time. Theme park visits stopped, no more summerhouse vacation, even birthdays where forgotten. They have grown further apart from each other as time passes. Eventually, Natsuki had to attend junior high and she decided it is best to have her own apartment rather than going home, if she still calls it home. That is when she met Mai. Mai was also looking for an apartment to stay, was happy to room with her since the apartment was expensive for her to pay alone. For the next few months, her father would call her, to tell her that he had sent her her allowance. Natsuki was still too young to work and her father knows it. By her third year at junior high, her father went to visit her. What her father forgot to tell her was that he had an extra guest in tow, thus, her first meeting with Rena Sayers, her future mother and the cause of her fight with her father.
"Oh really, how come I can't feel it dad"
"Natsuki please, can't we just talk without us fighting"
"You made me like this, what do you expect.. So what do you want, you certainly did not call me just have a little chitchat. So?"
"Okay, I'll be straight forward with you Natsuki."
"Fire away"
"You are my only daughter and the only heir to our company. Since you are now in high school, I think it is time for you to be exposed to the world of business. I have arranged for you to take a special class at one of the best Business school abroad. It's only gonna be a year because it's just a preparatory course and so you can still finish you high school here if you want to."
"WHAT!! You just called me out of nowhere then you decided to have me study some crap that you know I'm not interested in?!!
"Natsuki it's for your own good and the company's future"
"Why don't you send your wife of yours or her kid instead of me!" I'm sorry Arika if I drag you into this.
"You are my only child and it is only you whom I wanted to entrust our company!"
Somewhere in the background, Natsuki could hear a girl's voice begging her father something. She distinctly could hear her father saying something like " I'm sorry dear let me finish talking to her.."
"Dad is that Arika?"
"Ah yes, this kid missed you and wants to talk to you"
Arika is her 13-year-old stepsister (turning 14 by September 7th). She has nothing against this kid, in fact, she's very fond of her. Arika even sneaks out of the house so she could visit her and after a few hours her stepmother would come pick her up.
She heard someone grabbing the phone from her father.
"Natsuki onee-chan!!!!"
"Oi, give the phone back to Dad"
"Mou.. I missed you and that's the reply I get"
"You were just here yesterday.. Baka!"
" But.. onee-chan meany!!" crying over the phone.
"Okay okay, I miss you too now give the phone to Dad!"
"Yehey! Kiwotsukete!(take care)"
Having this kind of conversation with her stepsister can sometimes be annoying but she really likes it at the same time. After a few seconds, her father was the one on the line again.
"So Natsuki, Have you thought about what I have proposed to you?"
"Give me one reason why I should go to this school"
There was a moment of silence. What her father said next was not something she was expecting.
"Coz your mother wished for it"
----------------------
After almost 15 minutes of conversation, Natsuki settled the phone down. By that time, Mai was also done with her cleaning and was preparing the table for dinner. Natsuki went to the dinner table, pulled a chair and sat herself down. She looked like the whole world just collapsed on her and now buried her face on her hands. Mai sat next to her and gave a long sigh.
"Soo.. this sucks"
"Mai"
"Yeah?"
"Would you miss me if I were gone for a year?"
The next day:
"NA-TSU-KI!! Get your lazy behind off the bed now and prepare for school! We don't want be late today" Mai shouted from the kitchen.
It was the first day of class of the second term. They don't want to be late this time because Miss Maria would be there to remind them of their tardiness and they don't want that to happen. Mikoto was now jumping up and down her bed trying to wake her up.
"okay okay im getting up"
"Mai is cooking breakfast. Mai wants you to be quick because Mai doesn't want to be late"
"yeah I know.. geez."
After Mikoto was sure Natsuki is awake and getting ready, she ran back downstairs to eat breakfast. Natsuki opened her closet and changed to her uniform, she then went downstairs to eat.
The day was great. The three of them walked to school talking about random stuff, Mai and Natsuki forgetting about the event that happened the other day. They first dropped Mikoto. Nao was waiting for her at the entrance of the building. Nao and Mikoto are classmates and buddies too. It still makes Mai and Natsuki wonder how the two get along well.
After a few minutes of walking and chatting, the two arrived at their respective rooms. Both of them are in the same year but different classes. Natsuki entered her room and sat on her chair near the window. She was staring outside when something caught her attention. Near the school gates, a small crowd was gathering around a certain person. She cannot see who it was but assumed that the person must be a school idol of some sort to attract that kind of crowd. Natsuki couldn't care less, she instead decided to take a quick nap before class starts.
Unknown to Natsuki, a pair of crimson eyes were watching her from below, only her and nothing else.
Shizuru wanted to be early for her first class but as soon as she entered the school gates, she was surrounded by her fan girls.
"Good morning Shizuru-sama!" screamed one of her fan girls.
"Good morning" she replied while keeping her polite smile on. Honestly people, don't you have lives. Buzz off will ya!!
"Would you eat lunch with me Kaichou-sama?" screamed the other
-smiles-Not in a million years kid.
This is a normal day for Shizuru, she has gotten used to the attention her fellow students have given her but at some days, she hated it. Today was a perfect example of that day, she just wanted to go to her class peacefully get on with the day like a normal student would. Amidst the chaos around her, she spotted something that would make her day complete. Not even her screaming fan girls would ruin it for her. At the second floor of the build, sitting near the window was the person that makes her high school life worthwhile. As she looked carefully, she noticed that the girl was staring right at her! Shizuru was surprised at what she saw. Her heart skipped a beat. Oh God! Is she staring at me?..Oh my God, she is actually looking at me.She tried to compose herself and put on her best smile. As she faced her object of affection, she was startled when the person just looked away and rested her head on the desk ready to take a nap. Great! And here I though she actually saw me. But what she did only made her fan girls swoon over her.
"Ahh!! SHIZURU-SAMA!!" Screamed her fan girls.
Ughhhh Leave me alone!
Still smiling, Shizuru weeded her way out of the crowd. She quickened her pace until she reached the student council room. After what happened earlier, she needed some green tea.
When she opened the door to the room, she was greeted by Haruka's ranting, Yukino trying to calm her down and Reito at the corner, happily sipping tea.
Back at the classroom:
Her classmates were busy chatting with each other, talking about stuff they have done during the vacation. She overheard one talking about how she found her true love at one of the beaches she went to during the vacation. She animatedly told her friends on how they fell in love at first sight. After hearing this, Natsuki just scoffed and tried to get a decent nap before class starts. Love at first sigh, someone stupid would really believe that.
She was about to slip into dreamland when someone sitting behind her shrieked.
"Ahh It's Fujino kaichou!!!!" squealed the girl.
Natsuki was now debating if she would go back to her nap or smack this girl for disturbing her. She whirled around to face the said student and slammed her hands on her desk.
"Would you tell me what in the Lord's name made you scream like that?!" her classmate could almost see steam coming from Natsuki's ears.
"Cc..calm down Natsuki, it's just we saw Miss Fujino and we couldn't help it"
"Fujino? Fujino who?"
"Omg you don't know our student council president?!! She's practically the coolest smartest and prettiest girl in school or probably in the whole world!"
"Hmm.. Fujino… fujino….. "
"…"
"Nope, doesn't ring a bell"
"…" –shocked-
"Whoever she is I really don't care, so if you ever see her again, please shout at somebody else's ear for Christ sake"
Seeing no reaction from her classmate, she went back to her desk and started dozing off. In a matter of minutes, the homeroom teacher went in and was about to start the class when she found Natsuki drooling over her desk. She took one chalk from her table and aimed it at her.
"ITTAI!!"
"Pay attention Miss Kuga, that chalk wont be the only thing that would hit you if I ever caught you sleeping again"
"hmmp"
"Well class, let's begin our day with our lesson outline."
It's the first day of school and Natsuki has gotten into trouble already. The class went by with the teacher giving out handouts and explaining what they will have to discuss throughout the new term. She was so bored and couldn't wait for the said class to be over. After what seemed to be an eternity, the bell rang and its time for lunch.
Rummaging through her bag, Natsuki found a startling discovery. She has forgotten to bring her lunch. Mai even made some extra mayo dip for her tempura and she will not have the chance to eat it. The growling of her stomach didn't help either. Looking around her classroom, her mouth watered at her classmate's bento. The enticing smell of the omelet, the crispiness of fried chicken even the negi looks delicious now. Everything starts to swirl around her, she suddenly feels lightheaded and her stomach growls even more. She is beginning to see tempura dancing and some barbeque waving at her. She wanted to snatch one of it but the "food" seems to be running further and further away.
"w..w.wwaait" she slurred. Trying to reach the now distant food.
Her daydreaming or shall we say hallucinations were interrupted when someone was calling out her name.
"Natsuki"
"…"
"Natsuki"
"ww..who's t.tthere?"
"It's me you baka! Now stop daydreaming and let's go eat lunch!"
"Mai?"
"…"
"Mai! –finally coming to her senses- " What are you doing here?!!"
"I brought your lunch! I saw this on the kitchen table when I went to get the keys!"
"OMG!! My Tempura and MAYO dip!!!!! Thank you Mai, you really saved me!!!"
"Okay, shall we now eat lunch together, let's go somewhere quiet"
"Uhmm okay, you lead the way"
Lunch went by quickly and the two where heading back to their respective classrooms. Mai suddenly decided to drop by Mikoto's classroom leaving Natsuki to go on by herself.
As Natsuki was about to turn around the corridor leading to the school hallway, something caught her eyes. A certain brunette was sitting on a bench, staring off into space while listening on her ipod. Oppss! That girl! It's her!. She was frozen on her spot. Everything seem to disappear around her except for the brunette. Her eyes were only focused on her. Her heartbeat suddenly quickened as she tried to approach the girl. Her palms became sweaty and her breathing became short and shallow. What's happening to me, I'm just gonna say hi.. what am I so nervous about. She tried to take a step but each step weighs like a million tons. Come on! She's just a few yards away.. don't chicken out now! Inching forward with all her willpower, she shortens the distance between them. Just a little more.Merely 3 feet away, she tried to tap the girls shoulders when..
-PA system sound- ( we all know how it sounds)
"Natsuki Kuga of first year sakura class, please report to the principal's office immediately. I repeat, Natsuki Kuga of first year sakura class. please report to the principal's office immediately"
The PA system echoed throughout the school, everyone seemed to pause and listen at the announcement for a second. This jolted the raven-haired girl from her inner turmoil and listen to it as well. As soon as she heard her name being called, she immediately retracted her outstretch hand and ran to the direction of the principal's office.
As she arrived outside the office, Mai was already there looking like a worried mother.
"What's going on Natsuki?"
"I don't know"
"Did you do something stupid to have them call you here?"
"Err no Mai.. I haven't done anything"
"Oh well, go on, if anything happens, I'll be right here ok?"
"Thanks"
With hands shaking, Natsuki reached for the doorknob and opened it. As she stepped inside the room, she saw Miss Maria standing by the principal's desk. She had never seen the principal before and now was her chance. She heard stories about her being stricter than Miss Maria is and much scarier. She of course did not believe it because in her opinion, no one is scarier that Miss Maria herself. Behind the desk was another door. Natsuki was slightly startled when the door opened revealing a purple haired girl, around 11 years old sitting on a wheelchair and being pushed by a woman with red hair. The girl on wheelchair seemed to be kind in Natsuki's opinion. She must be the principal's daughter. Both stopped behind the desk and Miss Maria bowed down then took her leave.
"Ms Kuga, you can come sit near the desk if you want" the voice of the girl was calm and smooth, much like shizuru's without the accent.
"Thank you uhmmm?"
"Oh how rude of me forgetting to introduce myself. I'm Mashiro Kazahana, the principal of this school and this is Fumi Himeno, my assistant."
"Ahhhhh"An 11 year old looking girl is the principal of this school?.. wicked!
"Miss Kuga I have called you here for some very important reason."
"What is it miss Kazahana? Err miss principal"
"I have received a call from you father this morning, stating that you were to leave school for a year to study abroad. I believe you already know this."
"Yes"
"I have also already arranged your papers for it. You are expected to transfer at the said business school by next week. Your father wishes for you to start as soon as possible since their term also just started."
"I guess there's no helping it then"
"It's only gonna be a year miss Kuga, you'll be back before you know it."
"Okay then. Thank you Miss principal "
She left the office in a rush. Mai had to run after her as soon as she saw her leave the room.
"Natsuki wait!"
Natsuki stops and whirled to face Mai.
"I guess you'll be missing me after all"
Somewhere inside the building, a person was sitting on a leather chair staring blankly at the closed wooden door.
"Natsuki"
Omake:
Natsuki: I can't wait to ride an airplane! -excited-
Shizuru: Would Natsuki take me for the ride?
Natsuki: Errr no.. when you say "ride", it's meaning suddenly becomes perverted -pouts-
Mai: Natsuki, be careful on your flight and hey don't forget Chichuru (thats how my neighbor's kid pronounce the name Shizuru). I know you can't sleep without it. -hands Natsuki a doll-
Shizuru: Chichuru?? -eyes twinkles-
Mai: Oh! Other kids have their blankie, on Natsuki case she has her Chichuru. It's your name only made sound childish.
Natsuki: MAI!! -smoke coming out of her nose-
-Mai runs for her life followed by a fuming Natsuki-
-Shizuru is off to Lala Land-
Shizuru: Ahh chichuru.. so she does think about me... wonder what she does with her doll when she sleeps -drools-
Mai: Kaichou! HELP!!!!
Ayou: -sweat-
Swarm012: Hey! whats up?!
Ayou: besides having characters who wanna kill each other and a character who's too damn pervert? nothing much really.
Swarm012: Have you seen Nao anywhere?
Ayou: Nao-sempai? ahh yeah I saw her a while ago, with Nao TFP.
Swarm012: Really?!!! -panics-
Ayou: Have you done something wrong?
Swarm012: Uhh Nn..noo, I Havent done anything! -looking for an escape-
Ayou: Then why are you acting like that?
Swarm012: I'm acting normal.. I'm not nervous or anything..By the way i need to go. See you later -bolts out of the room-
Ayou holding a walkie talkie
Ayou: This is Nao-spy-one, Target is on the move. I repeat, Target is on the move OVER
Bad One: Is the tracker planted Nao-spy-one? OVER
Ayou: Affirmative Nao-spy-two OVER
Bad One: Nao-spy-two is now proceeding on pursuit. OVER
Ayou:Roger that! OVER and OUT -puts walkie talkie away-
Ayou: -evil smile- you are not gonna get away that easily...
pls dont be mad at me for the sudden turn of events. peace!