Hi there, my readers! Sorry for another weird chapter title. Hehehe! Couldn't think of anything better. In fact, this is much more lame than the last one. Also, I have to thank Brisken for the big help! Although, I'm not sure if you're reading this. Nyehehe. f('_';)

Important Note from Yours Truly: This is about chapter 9. What Yuzuki meant by being watched, he meant he's used to their schoolmates' eyes always following them. That comes with being popular, right? Sorry about that. It's really nothing mysterious or special.

YOUR WAIT FOR AN UPDATE HAS COME TO AN END!

Disclaimer: I do not own Gakuen Alice.

Chess Pieces On A Chessboard

Chapter X (十): One Swee—Troublesome Day!

Luckily, Nami didn't get any major injuries but due to the grabbing and those who has long nails, there were scratches on her arms. The nurse disinfected the scratches so there won't be any problem. The nurse also took care of Yuzuki's hand. For someone so young and small, the boy sure has some strength in him. She advised them to go home but the two refused and insisted that they're fine.

Weird children, she thought. She's sure that any children their age would beg to go home after sustaining such injuries.

Nami calmed down when the nurse gave her a lollipop and Yuzuki was offered one as well but he coldly refused. He never talked again after his outburst at the classroom unless to answer the nurse's question that he deemed necessary to answer. It was obvious that he's still angry but Nami didn't make a move or even show a hint that she noticed. This was very frustrating for Kei. He knew that the only one who can calm Yuzuki down is none other than Nami but the girl seemed clueless about it.

Kei stayed with them for hours while the two girls went back to the classroom to check in on what happened after they left. After their first period ended, the two girls came back and told them what they saw in the classroom.

"It's like magic!" Exclaimed one of the girls who played the evil Queen, Mari.

"Magic?"

The other girl who played the magic mirror, Mizuki, answered this time. "Everyone was so behaved but at the same time they were all distracted. They might be guilty of what they've done."

Kei nodded in understanding.

"How are they?" they asked.

"He's still angry and Yukihara-san is doing nothing about it," he said as his frustration and worry displayed itself on his face.

"Well, give them time. They will return to normal for sure," Mizuki said.

That might work but if the boy doesn't calm down soon, he might scare away everyone. "Wait. What did the teacher say?" He asked.

Both girls looked at each other. "She doesn't get it and nobody was willing to talk so we did. She was really mad!"

"And worried," Mari added.

"Anything else she said? Announcement?"

Mari became overly excited and Mizuki as well though she tried to be more calm about it. "Our play was chosen!"

Kei's eyes widened. "Eh?"

"We're going to show our play to the whole school!"

Another voice joined, greatly surprising the three. Nami went out of the infirmary room and exclaimed. Her whole face was of shock and disbelief. "Eh?"

"Hey, Nami. How are your wounds?" Mizuki asked.

Nami shrugged. "It's fine, it's fine! Nothing big. Just scratches. That aside, our play was chosen?"

Mari nodded excitedly. "Yes!"

Nami shrieked and jumped up and down with Mari joining her while the other two just shook their heads and tried to hide a smile. The door to the infirmary slammed open again and this time, it revealed a very startled and bothered Yuzuki.

"What happened?!"

The girls stopped jumping and all four stared at him in confusion. "Eh?"

"I heard screaming," he stated.

"Oh! That was because our play was chosen! Sorry, Yuki. Got too excited," Nami bit her lip as she looked at him sheepishly. Yuzuki growled and hit her on the head, his face clearly showing his irritation.

"You. Stupid. Idiot." His words were like a poisoned knife as he gritted them out. He really thought something happened to her again.

Nami pouted and rubbed the part where she was hit. She made a face and stuck her tongue out at him, "You're a meanie!"

The people watching them could only sweat drop. How can you even say that to him when he just got angry for your sake?

"That's why I told you, meanie is not a word," he let out an air through his nose and with the look on his face that says, "An idiot would never be anything but an idiot". A look that greatly irritated the girl.

Kei could only sigh as their bickering had started again but he was also relieved. With them fighting over such trivial things like usual means that they are finally back to normal.

"By the way, have you already decided on who will be play the characters?" Kei asked after remembering their previous discussion.

Mizuki shook her head. "We are supposed to decide today but teacher said that we should all be present. Well, it's not like there's much to be decided on. You three definitely suit your roles so it just leaves mine and Mari's roles. Mari isn't a very good evil queen," she giggled as she remembered how her friend played the evil queen.

"Eh? I can understand the mismatch of Mari's role but you played yours quite well!" Kei protested.

"The whole class would be the judge of that," she said with a smile to reassure him that it's no big deal.

Kei sighed in defeat. He can't say anything anymore. Mizuki had just ended the topic in a clear but polite manner. Kei glanced at Yuzuki and Nami with the latter being scolded and former doing the scolding. Mari was on the side, looking at them back and forth.

"You two, aren't you his fans?" He asked out of the blue.

"E-eh?" Mizuki stuttered, surprised by his sudden question.

"I heard you call him Yuzuki-sama before," he stated. Remembering when they were arguing on who will be the leader. That time, they weren't that close yet.

Mizuki blushed.

"That was... um... I... thought that he was cool and cute... and I just...," her voice turned lower at each word.

Kei watched her stutter and twitch uncomfortably from where she stood. He chuckled causing everyone's attention even the bickering pair. They all watched him laugh while Mizuki felt like melting in embarrassment. After a good laugh, Kei wiped the tears from his eyes and held up one hand. "Sorry, sorry! Don't mind me."

The three who don't know a thing reluctantly went back to their own businesses. Kei then faced Mizuki and smiled. "You don't have to explain, Mizuki-san. How about now? You don't admire him now?"

Mizuki shook her head rapidly. "No! It's not... that. It's just that Mari and I, we realized that no matter how showy we are of our admiration for him, he would never acknowledge us any more than just his classmates. That's why..."

His eyes softened. "Yeah. I can understand that."

"Be-besides, I think Yuzuki-kun would never pay attention to anyone else besides Nami." That's the main reason why we gave up on trying to catch his attention, she wanted to add but decided to just keep it to herself. "How about you, Koizumi-kun? Don't you have a crush on Nami?"

This time, it was his turn to blush. "Y-yeah."

"Are you...?" She was reluctant to ask him because they weren't that close in the beginning and she only has that play to thank for to be able to talk with him like this. After all, he was the school's charming prince.

Kei glanced at Nami and thought deeply. "I don't know. If I continue, I'm sure I would have to pass a very tall and indestructible wall."

She followed his gaze and quickly got what he meant. Mizuki giggled. "Haha! I get what you mean. That really is a very tall and indestructible wall. But well, we're still kids so don't think too much about it, Koizumi-kun."

"It's only been a week since Yuzuki came right?" Yet it feels like it's been more than that.

Mizuki absent-mindedly nodded her head before she looked at him with wide eyes. "Yuzuki? First name basis?" She asked, shocked.

Kei blinked. He hadn't noticed the lack of honorifics and it just slipped. But... it kind of feels great. He spoke the name like he had been calling him like that for years. Kei mentally hit himself. What is with that thoughts. It sounds so gay!

"Oi. That blushing idiot over there. We're going back," a harsh voice snapped him back to reality. He looked up to see Yuzuki standing just a few feet away from him and looking at him weirdly while Nami and the two girls were already walking ahead.

He pushed himself away from the wall he was leaning into and followed the girls with Yuzuki walking beside him. "You can call me Kei, you know?"

Yuzuki shrugged. "Guess I'd do that."

Kei stopped in his tracks and his face was of shock. Yuzuki stopped too and looked back at him. "What?" He spat with a frown.

He shook his head and continued walking. With a sheepish look he replied, "I thought you wouldn't agree."

Yuzuki 'tched' and his eyes narrowed. "Your surname reminds me of your annoying sister. I'd rather address you by your first name."

Kei sweat dropped. He had expected that. "Oh no. What did she do to make you hate her?"

Yuzuki growled at the images on his head when he remembered the ugly witch. "Everything! Every single thing she does makes me hate her!"

Kei bit his lips. Feeling a bit responsible. "I'll apologize for her. I'm really sorry, Yuzuki."

Yuzuki's irritated expression changed. His eyebrows met together. "Don't apologize. You're not your spoiled sister."

"But I—" his words were cut of by himself when he saw Yuzuki's glare directed at him.

"Whatever stupidity your sister did, it's her fault. Not yours. So don't apologize for something you didn't even do, idiot." Yuzuki let out a 'humph' before inserting his hands on his pocket and continued walking.

Meanwhile, Nami secretly glanced back at the two and couldn't be any happier. "Looks like Yuki found another friend," she muttered to herself with a smile.

"You're a devil."

An elegant stance, short dark hair that almost reached the shoulder and a set of purple eyes which seemed to be able to see through everything even under pretense. All that and paired with the usual emotionless expression, equals to a woman with the name of Hotaru Imai.

And the person responsible for the earlier line was none other than her best friend, Mikan Yukihara who was evidently frustrated with her best friend. That line of hers, however, was never said out loud.

"Come again?"

And yet the purple-eyed devil managed to hear it. As always.

With a sweat drop, Mikan gestured her hand as if to dismiss the topic. "Nothing, nothing!"

Hotaru rolled her eyes and continued typing on her laptop. Mikan went on to do the mountain of work Hotaru gave her, muttering incoherent words while she's on it. A few minutes later, the phone on Mikan's table rang.

She answered it, already in business mode. With one hand on the phone and the other holding a pen, not wasting any time. "Hotaru Imai's office. This is her secretary speaking, how may I help you?"

"May I speak with Mikan Yukihara-san regarding her daughter Natsumi Yukihara?"

Mikan's heart raced at the name. "This is she. May I know who I am speaking to?"

"Ah, yes. This is Nami's homeroom teacher at Alice Academy, Tanaka Ann."

"Konnichiwa, Tanaka-sensei. Is something the matter? Did Nami do something?" She asked, worried. It's the first time the school called her, much less at work.

Hearing Mikan's response and the small change in her voice, Hotaru looked away from her laptop to see Mikan who turned to look at her at the same time she did with a worried expression on her face. Hotaru signalled her turn on the speaker which she did.

"Your daughter was sent to the infirmary after she was caught up in the class's fight —"

Mikan almost drop the phone. The pen that was previously in her hand was now rolling from the table and down to the floor. Interrupting the teacher, Mikan gasped and soundly stood up from her seat. Even Hotaru let out a quiet "Eh?"

"She... WHAT?!"

The person from the other line started panicking as well. Wondering whether she phrased her words wrong. "Don't worry, Yukihara-san! She didn't get any major wounds but she did sustain a few scratches on both arm."

Mikan let out a deep breath before dropping back to her swivel chair. She thought Nami got herself into some big trouble and terribly hurt herself in the process. Still, the fact that her daughter was hurt was enough to flare her worry through the roof.

"I see. Is she okay now? Is she there? Can I talk to her?"

"I'm sorry but she and her classmates returned to class before I called. You don't have to worry, Yukihara-san. The nurse already disinfected and dressed her wounds and all you have to do is to remove the bandage at home."

Mikan sighed, still troubled. "I should be the one apologizing. I'm sorry to trouble you. This has never happened before. I don't know why Nami—"

The teacher interrupter her before she even managed to complete her sentence. "Oh! Please don't misunderstand! The fight happened right before classes started and in my absence so I asked the students what happened. It seems they had some misunderstanding and when Nami entered the classroom, they dragged her in it."

"Oh. I thought she was directly involved. She never get herself into trouble, that child." Or at least let anyone caught her in one, she thought.

"Yes. Nami is a really bright and kind child so I can't imagine her as a troublesome kid who starts trouble," the teacher laughed while Mikan found it hard to laugh as genuinely as her and ended up sounding awkward.

Rolling her eyes, Hotaru stood up from her seat and went to Mikan's table. Without beating around the bush like usual, Hotaru straight out asked a question. "What did the kids fight about?"

The teacher became evidently confused when she heard a different voice. "Eh? W-who is this?"

"Natsumi's aunt. What did they fight about?" She repeated while Mikan sweat dropped at the side. Typical, Hotaru. Very typical.

"A-ano... T-they said that they were arguing about who suits Nami the most between two of her classmates," the teacher sounded like she was almost embarrassed at the behaviour of her students.

Mikan gasped, her face was painted with disbelief. "Just for something like that?"

Mikan couldn't believe it. She never witnessed such an argument until high school started yet kids that age already have? Time have really changed so much. For the better? For worse? That, she can't comprehend yet but she's starting to think it was for the worse.

Hotaru's phone rang. Shaking her head, she went out of the room to answer the call.

The teacher sigh from the other line. "Yes. I never thought they would argue over such a thing. Well, I wasn't that surprised when I first heard the people they were fighting over. Yuzuki-kun and Kei-kun as well as Nami are really popular here so it's no wonder."

Mikan's eyes widened. "Eh? Yuzuki-kun?"

The teacher sounded surprised, "Ah, yes. So you know him, Yukihara-san?"

"Yes. Nami introduced him to me last week. That surprised me! He seemed responsible enough to be involve in fights." At least, he didn't seem to be the type who would carelessly involve himself to such troubles, she thought.

"He was the one who pulled Nami away from the fight, Yukihara-san. I was also told that he got angry for her sake, ending the fight instantly. The kids are feeling guilty now. Oh my! It seems I became too talkative again, I'm sorry!"

"Ah, no! It's alright, Tanaka-sensei. Thank you for telling me," she quickly said while turning off the speaker.

"It's my job so you don't have to worry about it! I just called to tell you about the circumstances myself," the teacher said.

"I see. Then I'll leave Nami to you, Tanaka-sensei."

Hotaru returned to see Mikan working again but the tiny and almost unnoticeable crease on her forehead indicated that she was still worried. Hotaru sighed and went back to her table and resumed typing on her laptop. "I'll go with you later to fetch Nami."

Mikan felt tearing up. Once again, her best friend saw through her. "Thank you, Hotaru!"

"Mr. Hyuuga, there's a call for you," Nonoko spoke through the intercom.

"Who is it?" He asked her while working on the documents that needed to be reviewed and signed.

"It's Tanaka Ann from Alice Academy. She said she's Yuzuki-kun's homeroom teacher."

Natsume stopped. Why would someone from the academy call him? Unless...

"I'll take it," he told her.

"Yes," she replied and after just one minute, his phone rang.

Without skipping a beat or even bothering with introductions or whatsoever, Natsume immediately shot to the point. "What did he do now?"

The teacher, although heard the same phrase from other parents was still weirded out no matter how many times she heard it. But it was especially strange to hear it from Yuzuki's father. Yuzuki who was quiet and likes to keep to himself. Well, most of the time.

"H-he didn't do anything bad! If anything, he did something really commendable, Hyuuga-san!"

Natsume blinked. "Huh?"

"Ah well, except for the mark on the board. But I'm still thankful that because of him, Nami was saved from angry fans. Who knew what could have happened if he didn't pull Nami out from the fight. She could have gotten more serious wounds if that ever happened," the teacher continued on and on while Natsume remained confused on what the hell this woman—who was claiming to be his son's teacher—is talking about.

"Wait. What fight? And how is Natsumi and Yuzuki involve in all this?"

The woman on the other line stopped. "Ah! I'm sorry! It was never in my intention to confuse you or anything, Hyuuga-san."

Natsume sighed. "Never mind that. Why did you call and what is this fight you're talking about?"

She took a deep breath and started explaining to him everything that happened. Natsume remained silent throughout the explanation and when she finished, that's where he started questioning the teacher. "You're telling me that Natsumi got hurt because the class was arguing on who suits her the most between my son and their other classmate?"

"Yes."

This is one comment he just wanted to say after hearing what happened. Something he wanted and has all intention to share. "Unbelievable."

He could almost see the woman nodding her head from the other line. "So? How are they?"

"They?" the teacher asked, confused on who he might be referring to.

"My son and Natsumi," he answered while pinching the bridge of his nose.

"Oh! Don't worry, Hyuuga-san. They're fine! They were immediately sent to the infirmary by their classmates. In fact, they have already returned back to class."

"I see. That's all?" No more addition to the headache?

"Yes. That's it, Hyuuga-san. I just called to inform you of what happened. I'm sorry for going off track at the beginning," she apologized.

"Whatever. I'm hanging up," he said and after she replied, he ended the call.

He stood up from his seat and faced the window. He messed up his hair and thought of the conversation with Yuzuki's teacher just now. He wasn't worried that much about his son. He knew he's tough and it's his choice to mess up his own hand when he blew up and got angry. It was the girl he was more concerned about. If he wasn't mistaken, she's the type to cry too easily. And if he really isn't mistaken, this is probably the reason why Yuzuki got mad to the point of hurting himself like an idiot.

He saw it. For the first time, Yuzuki got attached to a girl as much as she got attached to him. It's rare for Yuzuki to be that attached to someone else besides him and to two more people.

His thoughts were interrupted when Nonoko entered the room. "It's time for the meeting Hyuuga-san."

Work. As soon as he gets distracted, work would immediately force him back. Sighing, he grabbed his laptop and went out of his office followed by Nonoko.

End of Chapter

So? How is it? Any reactions? Questions? Anything? :) Pm me or just leave a review. I will very much appriciate—grateful if you share your thoughts to me. It really helps a lot for writers like me.

Reply to the Reviews:

xMikanNatsumex: Hahaha! Ikr? But don't hate/dislike him too much, 'kay? Haha! Anyway, thank you! :)

AiramEnayle: Yeah, about that. I'm sure someone asked this before but I'll answer anyway. I'm not sure myself and since I still have many revelations to do, we're far from the last chapter. Well, I don't intend to make Yuzuki to be too much like Natsume. I want his character to be the same as Natsume but at the same time he's not. So, while Natsume is literally a man of few words, Yuzuki would be a little more talkative than him. Just a few degrees more talkative. ;) And yeah, Yuzuki and Kei would. :)

kechii: Ahhhhhh. That really made me happy. I'm glad you liked my stories! :) But I have to correct you on something. The kids as well as the parents are the main characters. I'm just focusing on the kids first before the parents. Gotta build up bonds and getting to know the kids first. Regarding the drama, hahaha! Yes. I'm toning down the drama with a little comedy here and there. I'm not that fond of heavy dramas', you see. XD

Liyan: Oh wow! You're right! Hahaha! That song really suits that scene. Like, "Stupid Natsume. Why did you push her away if you're just going to be all emo?" Hahaha! And that person? Mmn, sorry but it's nothing important.

Chiyoko-san: Nah. Nothing about the past here. Hmmmm... You did? Well, we'll see if your guess is correct. ;) Being grounded sucks so I'll forgive you. Nyahahahah! The heck?

Madoka: Breakfast in bed? Wow. Ain't that cool. I often do that too. Hahaha! And sequel? What sequel? I don't think I'm making any sequel of Chess Pieces On A Chessboard. Sorry but when I finish this, then finish. Dont worry, though. We're still too far from the last chapter. :)

BlackMaskedBeauty: Nyahahahaha! That really made me laugh! XD And yes, you're right!

Asterai: And I'm dying to write their reunion! Super excited! Hahaha!

FrozenCrimsonCroissant: Well, they are both Natsume and Mikan's kids so... Hahaha! That's to be expected, right? Ruka was only mentioned once and it's just lines from the past. Hotaru appeared! Yay! Hahaha! Lol. I'm also grateful that you're going out of your way to review. Just sharing your thoughts are enough to thank me actually. :)

distan33: Hahaha! Like father, like son, eh? XD

Kimmytrainer: Ohhh! Thanks so much! :D Though, I want to say that the main story doesn't have any connection whatsoever with chess. Just the characters' representation. Hahahaha! Now, I'm really proud to have come up with that kind of title and summary. Haha! Many told me how they were 'reeled' into the story by the title and the summary. :D

spica14: Of course he has! I'll personally beat his god-given beautiful face if he just tossed them aside for no reason and then years later go all emo about pushing her away. Hahahaha! XD Yes, all stories has got to have an ending. It's just that, we're still giving our backs to the end and facing the beginning. Okay, what weird things am I saying, anyway? Haha!

AND NOW, YOUR WAIT FOR AN UPDATE CONTINUES...

–MitsukaiYuki.