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Disclaimer: I don't own Kaichou wa Maid-sama
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~Chapter 9 - I Will Be Selfish~
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Misaki pushed herself away from him. It took every ounce of strength she had to do it since she wanted to remain there, resting on his hard chest, listening to his heartbeat. "Please, leave." Misaki said.
"Let's leave this place." he said in a soft voice.
"I can't."
"Why?"
"You're already the heir to the Walker family...I already said that before, why can't you get that through your head?"
"I—"
"You can't abandon your duty for me," Misaki whispered, a teardrops escaping, "This is wrong. I'm sure you've already heard about what happened to your brother..."
"Misaki."
"I'm sorry."
Then suddenly the lights turned on again.
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She felt Usui letting her go at the same time the lights came back.
Misaki turned around in a panic, but she stopped as she looked at the masked man who brought his finger to his lips. Misaki glared at him. "Leave," She murmured.
He brought his wide brimmed black hat further to his eyes as Misaki's grandfather suddenly approached them.
"Child, are you alright?" He asked worriedly as he twisted his granddaughter towards him.
The power outage wasn't something normal, and he had already suspected that the Walker's might be up to something since they were intent on getting to his granddaughter. He looked up and his eyes narrowed instantly as he saw a masked person behind his granddaughter.
"You," He said in a suspicious tone, "Might I know who you are?"
Misaki stiffened as her grandfather left her side and approached him.
"Grandfather," Misaki said, trying to calm her voice as she felt herself rising to a panic.
Grandfather raised a hand, signaling Misaki to keep silent. Misaki bit her lower lip as her grandfather indirectly signaled the bodyguards who stood close to the doors. Misaki suddenly had the urge to take down those bodyguards whoever dare to touch Usui.
"You haven't answered me, boy." Grandfather said in a cold voice.
When he still remained silent, Grandfather cocked his head as a signal. The bodyguards instantly surrounded him.
"Grandfather," Misaki said half-pleadingly, "Please stop it Grandfather. This is my party." She clenched her hands to her side as she suppressed the urge to release her old self, instead, she tried reason.
"I'm disappointed Misaki." Grandfather looked at Misaki, "I made it clear that you should avoid any member of the Walker group. I already warned you—"
"Sir, I'm sorry, but there must be a misunderstanding."
Misaki and her grandfather looked at the masked boy in surprise as he chuckled, he slowly took off his mask. Golden eyes were revealed, along with locks of loose maroon hair spilt from the hat.
"R-Ryuu..." Misaki said in shock.
Ryuu bowed sincerely at Misaki's grandfather. "I know that I'm her escort for tonight and yet I was unable to attend at the proper time. I'm sorry."
Grandfather looked at Ryuu speechlessly. He gave a small wave of his hand, signaling the bodyguards to return to their positions.
He cleared his throat as he looked at Ryuu meaningfully, "Yes. I am quite disappointed. You two are already engaged—"
"Sir, that was merely the media's speculation, they have mis—"
"Honestly, I do prefer you to be the one for my granddaughter. You seem capable." Grandfather said.
"I am honored sir." Ryuu finally answered, knowing he won't get anywhere trying to convince him that there was nothing between himself and Misaki.
Grandfather nodded, he patted Ryuu's shoulder, and as if to hug him, he leaned in, "Don't plan anything stupid boy. I'm aware of how much my granddaughter means to you. And her place in your heart. Consider yourself warned." He looked at Ryuu one more time before he left to mingle with the other guests.
Ryuu let out a sigh as soon as Misaki's grandfather was out of sight.
Misaki continued to look at him in surprise, Ryuu composed his slightly shaken expression, which was from her Grandfather's revelation, and chuckled at her reaction. "You look like you've seen a ghost."
"He— I... I was sure—" Misaki wasn't able to find the right words as she just stared at him speechlessly.
"We switched at the last minute." Ryuu murmured. He stepped on the floor beneath him.
Misaki followed his foot, and she instantly noticed a slightly misplaced tiled floor.
"Gerard-sama calls it the Ceddie method." He chuckled.
Misaki glared at him, "How can you find the time to joke?"
"Ryuu-kun."
Misaki and Ryuu both looked up and saw Misaki's father walking towards them. He nodded to Ryuu, which in turn Ryuu nodded too. Misaki looked at the both of them suspiciously.
Ryuu grinned, noticing the look Misaki gave, "Oh no, it's the devil glare." Ryuu chuckled, "I haven't seen that ever since we got separated as kids."
Misaki payed no attention to Ryuu's joke, instead she turned to her father, "Father, you're part of this aren't you?" She said in a small voice.
"I promised. I'd set you free." Her father said earnestly.
"But, the risk—"
"For once, stop worrying about others." He said gently, "All you've done is worry about others. I've watched you grow up from afar Misaki, and all I've seen is you filling the gap I've left. You've worked hard. It's my turn to fulfill the role I was meant to do from the start."
"Father..."
Her father reached a hand out on top of her head. He hesitated for a while, but resumed to stroke Misaki's hair gently, "My sweet sweet daughter. Grew up into a lady in no time at all. And now you've reached 18, it's time for you to choose your own path."
Misaki could feel fresh hot tears threatening at the corners of her eyes as she heard her father's words. The words of a father which she could only dream of most of the time...
"This is enough," He said softly, "Create the path you want. Don't follow the path just to reach others. Takumi-kun, isn't it? I'm sure, he loves you just the way you are. Noble or not."
"Father..."
"Go, go with him. He's waiting. The guards outside are my men. They'd allow you to go through."
"Excuse me Miss, it's time to change your clothes." A maid suddenly interrupted, her head kept down.
Misaki's father nodded, "Grab this opportunity Misaki." He murmured softly.
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Misaki's father watched as the maid escorted Misaki out of the room.
"She grew up so fast," He murmured.
Ryuu, who was still standing by his side, chuckled. "Nobility is in her blood, it's only natural for her to learn so quickly."
Father looked at Ryuu with a soft smile, "You too, Ryuu-kun, you've grown up along with her."
"I don't think so." Ryuu laughed, shaking his head.
"I'm proud of you." Father said with a smile as Ryuu looked at him curiously. "It doesn't take much to see it, but you're willing to let her go. It's clear as day Ryuu-kun. The way you're willing to be used as a pawn. The way you want her happiness more than anything. You love her."
Ryuu chuckled as he scratched the back of his head, "I thought I've hidden it well..."
"Only from Misaki. You haven't fooled anybody else. It had been obvious when we had to let her go, the drastic change in you when you couldn't even see her. The hurt you feel when you cross path with her on an ordinary day and she doesn't even recognize you..."
"So you were also watching me?"
Father shook his head, "I was watching Misaki. From time to time, I can see you trying to see her. Standing in front of her house, watching her from a feet away at the train station..." Father sighed, "Don't you think you've done enough to have the right to tell her how you feel?"
"It won't do any good sir," Ryuu said politely, "She already has her heart—"
"I'm not asking you to steal her heart," Father chuckled, "I'm asking you to relieve your heart. You've been wanting to tell her how you feel for almost a decade. At least lighten the burden of your heart. This may be the last time you'll see her."
"Sir..."
"If only things were different Ryuu-kun...I'd be glad to hand her over to you."
Ryuu looked at Misaki's father with gratitude. Her father shook his head and chuckled, "Go. At least be the one to see her off. I'd be infinitely relieved. I still have to keep an eye on my father."
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"Misaki?" Ryuu said, knocking onto Misaki's bedroom door.
"Misaki-sama is in the bathroom Ryuu-sama, she'll be done any minute now, but she's allowing you to enter." Misaki's personal maid said, from inside Misaki's room.
Ryuu slowly opened the door and his jeans was instantly being chewed on by a puppy. Ryuu chuckled as he closed the door behind him, he leaned down and picked up the white puppy.
The pup, as if sensing Ryuu's harmlessness to its master, calmed down as Ryuu stroke its head with a finger.
"You've been a good companion to her," Ryuu murmured.
"Misaki-sama is almost done, I shall take my leave." The maid said, bowing as she went out the door.
Ryuu placed the puppy down as he stood up, it instantly ran. He assumed that it had gone to where Misaki was. Ryuu comfortably sat at the couch which was directly in front of Misaki's bed as he waited.
This opportunity gave him the time to think.
Should he tell her how he feels just as her father had suggested?
But he knew knew that it'd only hurt more upon receiving the full rejection from her directly.
He shook his head. He won't tell her his feelings...
Until.
Until he's sure she's safe.
Until all this political craziness is settled.
"Sorry to have kept you waiting."
Ryuu was pulled out of his reverie as Misaki's voice broke it. He immediately stood up as an automatic response. Misaki walked in front of him, her mask was off, her hair was already down, soft curls were present at the end of her hair. Her face was already make-up free. She wore a seemingly shorter version of her earlier dress.
"It's easier to go around in this," She said, pulling the ends of her short dress consciously.
Ryuu chuckled at her obvious discomfort. Effectively hiding the breathlessness he felt upon seeing her. "You've got every detail as a lady perfected, and yet, you can't carry a dress."
Misaki blushed, "I am not used to wearing this—"
"How do you expect me to hold back?"
Misaki looked at Ryuu questioningly as he placed a hand over his eyes.
"I-Is anything wrong?" Misaki asked worriedly, walking closer to him.
Her eyes widen as Ryuu suddenly pulled her hand toward him, forcefully wrapping her into a hug.
"Ryuu," Misaki struggled, unsure as to what he was thinking.
"Did you know how much I wanted to see you ever since Onee-sama died? Ever since Sara died, I didn't have anyone to turn to anymore. Did you know how much it hurt seeing you smile so freely from across the street? Knowing that I'm merely a stranger to you if I approach you? Did you know—"
Ryuu abruptly stopped talking as he felt himself choking with the upcoming tears.
Misaki still stood frozen in Ryuu's arms. But she came to her senses when she felt him shaking, holding back his voice from trembling. She unconsciously lifted her arms from her side and stroke Ryuu's back like he was a child.
As Ryuu felt her warm hands stroking his back, he only clutched onto her tightly, "You're not going to say anything?"
Misaki shook her head, knowing full well that Ryuu could feel it.
"You're cruel Misaki." He said, "You should be pushing me away, like I feel you would've done if you were the known Demon President in your school." Ryuu closed his eyes, "You should call me pathetic for being unable to let go of the past—"
"I knew you were watching over me..." Misaki said softly.
"Lie. That's impossible. You didn't even recognize me when you came back."
"I didn't." Misaki said honestly. "But I'm not unobservant. I always see you. At first I thought you were my school mate before I became the student council president. You were wearing the school uniform after all... You were always there... I kind of thought you were a stalker too." Misaki laughed softly. "When I came here, I saw you. And everything seemed to click into place..."
Ryuu pulled her away from the hug as he looked at her intensely. "I never stopped thinking about you."
Misaki drew her eyes down, "I'm sorry I didn't immediately recognize you. I know it was unreasonable. Forgetting about you and Shintani, and my life here...but—" Misaki paused as if remembering something, "It's also not my fault since your looks have changed."
Ryuu chuckled. "Do you know the reason why I did that? Why I had my nerdy look, as Hinata described it, changed?" He said softly, staring into her eyes.
"I—"
Ryuu shook his head, "Well, it's not your fault—"
"I thought you're blaming me?" Misaki suddenly said angrily, even to the point that she punched Ryuu's stomach. Ryuu took a few steps back in pain. "First you say I'm cruel and now you're telling me it's not my fault? Why is everyone so confusing?"
Ryuu was about to complain at her sucker punch when he lifted his head. He swallowed whatever he was about to say, seeing as Misaki had beat him into the crying part. His eyes softened for her.
"Let's go." He said softly.
Misaki still glared at him as wiped away her tears, "Where are you taking me?"
Ryuu forced out a grin, "You'll see."
It's better this way. I don't want to see you hurt. So I won't tell you how I feel. I won't let your heart be tormented with thoughts of leaving a broken heart behind...
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Meanwhile, at the courtyard where the cars had been parked. Usui paced while Gerard stood calmly, leaning onto the hood of their car.
"Quit pacing little brother," Gerard chuckled, "I had been the one who was tense a while ago, now it's you."
"Are you sure he's going to take her here? Isn't he on their side?"
"Are you being jealous Takumi?" Gerard asked, obviously amused. It wasn't everyday that he can see him like this, composure-less. "He didn't bother hiding how much he's in love with her during our trip coming here."
Usui stopped pacing and took a deep breath. He was already anxious enough when Misaki didn't take his hand when he suggested running away together. Now, it was nerve-wrecking knowing that someone who is in love with her will be the one to bring her to them. What if he didn't go according to the plan?
"It's not everyday I see you freaking out." Gerard finally pointed out.
Usui half glared at his brother. "How can you completely trust him?"
Gerard shrugged. "Sara and I practically raised him." He said nonchalantly.
Usui was rendered silent as Gerard mentions his deceased lover. He was able to put all the pieces together now. The reason why Gerard was so protective of him and of his love for Misaki...
"He understands the situation very well Takumi," Gerard said in a soft voice, "You can't hesitate, not for a second. Ryuu cares for Misaki...maybe more than you do, he already told you how lost he felt when Misaki never went back. If he sees a split second of hesitation in you, he'd immediately grab it."
"I won't hesitate." Usui said determinedly.
"I'll take your word for it."
Gerard stood up straight as he saw Misaki and Ryuu come out from the back door, and Cedric was just a feet behind them, keeping watch of the surrounding.
"Ayuzawa," Usui's voice was full with relief when he saw her.
"Let's take a hike, supposedly-brother-in-law." Gerard grinned, signaling Ryuu to go with him someplace else.
Ryuu gave Misaki's shoulder a squeeze before he left with Gerard.
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"Why didn't you want to leave?" Usui immediately ask.
Misaki kept her gaze on the grassy floor as she spoke, "Are you even aware of the risks?"
"I am. And I'm willing to risk everything."
"Don't talk about risking everything so lightly. What if something happens to your brother? Would you allow it?"
"My family would be more than happy knowing I ran away with you in tow. They wouldn't do anything to Gerard."
"Then you're doing this because of what your family wants?" Misaki said, louder than normal, as she glared up at him.
"You know that's not it."
"Why can you still stay calm? Don't you know that my grandparents hold more power than your family? Don't you know how much worse they can do than what your family had done to Sara-onee-sama?" Misaki snapped.
"I'll protect you." Usui said seriously.
Misaki looked at him speechlessly. How could he sound so sure? There was bound to be collateral damage whether they want it or not.
As she was thinking, she didn't notice that Usui's hand had moved. She jumped slightly when she felt a cold hand held hers.
"What—"
"Are you really going to push me away?"
Misaki tried to shake his hand away but it was futile, she looked up at him with a glare. Her glare instantly disappeared when she saw Usui's face. It was full of hurt. She looked away. She had never seen that expression on his face before...
She shook her head.
She had already decided when she and Ryuu were walking towards here.
She had already made a choice.
She has to stand by that choice.
"I am not going to risk everything just to be with you." Misaki said in a cold voice. "Love isn't something worth fighting for if there are people who will get hurt."
Usui's eyes flashed, "Then are you admitting it finally? That you feel the same way I do? Are you finally done denying it?"
Misaki looked at Usui, her eyes pleading. "Yes, I'm in love with you. It's the whole reason why I'm willing to jump into this world which I have no idea about at all! You are the reason why—"
"Ayuzawa."
Misaki's eyes widen as she realized what she had just said. She brought her hand towards her mouth as she gauged Usui's expression. Usui was shocked. Did he just heard her right? He was the reason why she went back to her father? The reason why she entered into a world which she never had an interest in?
"But that's no longer the reason why I want to stay." Misaki quickly added.
Usui just looked at her, unable to say anything more.
"I can't go with you Usui." Misaki said, walking backwards slowly.
Usui's expression changed to disbelief. "You just admitted that you are in love with me. You are aware that if you stay here, we can never happen."
"There's something more important to me right now, and I can't let it go."
"Are you being threatened?" Usui immediately suspected.
Misaki shook her head, her back hitting the wall behind her. "I'm enjoying my life right now. I won't give it all up. Wanting to match up to you... it was just fate leading me to the right path. Leading me to the right person."
"The right person..."
"I've fallen in love with Ryuu."
Usui's eyes widen and Misaki suddenly pressed a switched behind her. Sirens were suddenly activated, and in no time at all, guards were approaching them. Usui still couldn't believe what Misaki had just said. He couldn't believe what she had just done.
"Takumi-sama, we have to go," Cedric suddenly appeared beside Usui.
Usui stood his ground. Cedric, seeing as Usui wouldn't move an inch, forcefully pulled him back into the car. Usui's eyes wouldn't leave Misaki's. Everything seemed surreal. "You're lying!" Usui finally said out loud.
Sorry...
Sorry...
That's all I can tell you...
I'm sorry...
Misaki watched as the black car sped out of the parking lot. She watched as she was suddenly surrounded by bodyguards, asking about her well-being. She saw everything without really seeing them as she felt tears springing from her eyes.
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"I heard you asked for me Grandfather," Misaki said, entering her Grandfather's study after she knocked.
Grandfather turned his swivel chair to face her. "Yes, I did. Come closer child." He said, leaning forward on his table.
As Misaki walked towards his Grandfather, she saw the papers on his table. She saw the headline about her and Ryuu. She gulped, worried about whatever her grandfather wanted to talk to her about.
Grandfather sighed seeing Misaki tense. "I think I need an explanation, at least."
"I'm sorry." Misaki apologized earnestly, "I wasn't aware that we were being followed. I was too careless..."
Grandfather glanced at the newspaper once again as Misaki bowed her head. "You two look great together."
"Pardon?" Misaki asked in surprise as she looked at her grandfather.
"At first I would never choose him as your potential fiancé because of his family's background. But if I reconsider things, and thinking about how his family and ours come a long way back, I think he'd be right for you."
"Grandfather," Misaki started. But her grandfather didn't let her have a say.
"I think you should let this rumor go on around. We can hold the real event when the fire is striking hot."
"Grandfather, it isn't like that between Ryuu and—"
"That boy cares about you a lot Misaki, don't tell me that you've turned a blind eye on that. He is the best choice you have as a partner for life."
"Grandfather," Misaki said pleadingly, "Please. At least let me decide on this matter, it involves a great deal of my personal feelings."
"Your personal feelings?" Grandfather looked at her suspiciously, "Shall I confirm that it's your personal feelings for the illegitimate Walker boy?"
Misaki's eyes widen at her grandfather's discovery. Seeing as he had hit the mark, Grandfather leaned back on his chair. He folded his hands in front of him.
"You know how much I disapprove of him, Misaki."
"But this is how I feel Grandfather!" Misaki suddenly said indignantly, "I... My heart can't be forced to love someone else. I know that both groups are not getting along, but this matter doesn't concern—"
"Doesn't concern the both of you?" Grandfather finished. "That is where you are wrong Misaki. You might as well consider yourself the next heir after your father. If you end up with that boy, he will be the other to take over this group in the future. The Walker group will broaden their power by a thousandfold!" Grandfather said angrily.
Misaki flinched as her grandfather hit the table with his fist.
"There is nothing you—"
"Have you forgotten what I told you when you came here child?" Grandfather asked calmly. "You are suppose to do everything as you are told."
"But you can't force me to do everything you want."
"Have you also forgotten that I hold everything? You must be aware of the reason why your father didn't even try defying me when he holds his family so dear."
Misaki froze.
"I know how important your part time job is to you. Maid latte was it? I know how much you worked hard to improve the state of your school right now, Seika Gakuen. And I know how much you cherish your mother and your sister."
"Don't touch them!" Misaki said angrily.
"Then," Grandfather smiled, "We have an agreement. Mikeru might think that he is able to handle everything, that in due time he will have enough power to defy me, but he is wrong. I'm sure you also don't want to see you father suffering."
Misaki looked away, clenching her hands to her side.
It was a dead end.
She was cornered.
There was no other way to run.
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A bright light. . .
Where am I?. . .
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Ryuu looked around his surroundings as color suddenly started forming. He turned around again, slowly recognizing the surrounding forming around him.
The park.
The park he used to love as a child. . .
The park he used to visit with his sister often. . .
"Ryuu-chan,"
Ryuu's eyes widen as he turned around, recognizing the voice instantly. His breath stopped as he was face to face with the person who he had treasured the most.
"Onee-sama."
The girl who had a scarlet colored hair, which was lighter than her brother's, smiled. Her identical golden eyes sparkled as she did.
"Am I dead?" Ryuu decided to ask, not wanting to keep up the silence that was forming between them.
The delicate girl brought the back of her hand towards her lips as she giggled. She shook her head. "But you're dreaming."
"Right." Ryuu grinned. "What brought you here?" He asked normally, as if it wasn't a surprise to get a visit.
"You're unhappy," She said softly.
Ryuu shook his head, "You're dead Sara, no offense, so you can't actually know how I really feel."
"I can only watch," Sara said gently, "Don't you think you deserve your happiness too? Don't be too hard on yourself. She deserves to know how you feel."
"She deserves to know?" Ryuu said, clearly disagreeing.
"Maybe she won't be able to return your feelings...but watching her, getting to know her... she won't push you away."
"Are you really that bored on the other side? Shouldn't you go visit Gerard-sama?"
Sara shook her head sadly. "If I do, Gerard will only have his wounds reopened. He'd torment himself again..." Sara slowly walked towards her younger brother, "You are capable of protecting her..."
"Ryuu!"
Ryuu groaned.
It's still early in the morning. Whose voice is it that dares to wake him up? He was even having the most rarest dream of his life... He had begun to forget his sister's smile, his sister's voice, his sister's kindness... Everything was being refreshed by the dream, so damn it whoever is trying to wake him up.
"Ryuu!"
"What!" Ryuu asked irritatingly, immediately sitting up. As he sat up, he felt his world spinning as a massive headache came. He groaned again as he clutched his head.
What happened?
"I thought so," A person chuckled.
Ryuu looked up as he recognized the familiar chuckle. "Hinata," He said. As he looked at him, he realized that he wasn't in his bedroom at all. He was surrounded by white.
Everything suddenly came rushing into his head. The evening. Misaki's birthday party...
"What happened?" Ryuu asked.
"You were found unconscious," Shintani answered worriedly. "There had been intruders at the party. Misaki-chan saw you being surrounded by them, she immediately called for help."
Ryuu looked at his cousin in disbelief. Misaki had what?
"What crazy thought did you have? Why did you suddenly go out alone? You should've asked one of your bodyguards to accompany you."
"What happened to Misaki?" Ryuu asked.
"She's fine. Don't worry," Shintani reassured him. "You're the one who we're worried about. Heard you had a minor concussion."
Ryuu nodded in understanding. That explains the headache he suddenly had. He closed his eyes briefly trying to remember what had taken place to let him be in this state...
He remembered taking a walk with Gerard somewhere not far from Misaki and Usui. . .
They had talked about their memories of Sara. . .
It had been a peaceful conversation. . .
Until. . .
An alarm was pulled. . .
Cedric had immediately arrived beside Gerard, he had shaken his head in dismay. . .
Gerard 'tsk-ed'. He looked at me and said, "The plan failed.". . .
Then he looked at Cedric, Gerard looked at him meaningfully and Cedric had immediately understood. "Not too hard," Gerard had said. . .
The last thing he remembered was Cedric coming at him so quickly. . .
Gerard must've ordered Cedric to render me unconscious so that Misaki's grandfather won't suspect me for anything.
"Is he awake?" A small voice suddenly filled the room.
Shintani immediately stood up from the sofa he said near his cousin's bed. "Misaki-chan!" Shintani said cheerfully. "Yeah, he's awake, I forgot to call you."
"It's alright," Misaki giggled at Shintani's bright personality.
When she looked at Ryuu, her smile immediately disappeared. He had a suspicious glint in his eyes as he stared at her, waiting for answers. Misaki sighed as she pulled a chair beside his bed.
"I made my choice." Misaki said softly.
Ryuu's brows furrowed, he looked at Shintani, signaling him to leave to two of them alone for a while. Shintani frowned. Not liking the idea at all.
"I'd like to have a moment with my fiancée," Ryuu said a cheerfully as possible, he no longer cared when he saw the hurt that flashed in his cousin's face. He needed to talk to Misaki. Alone.
As soon as Shintani closed the door behind him, Ryuu straightened as he looked at Misaki meaningfully. "I heard..." He started.
"I'm sorry that your plans went to waste, you must've all planned it carefully. My escape and all..." Misaki said, not looking at Ryuu right in the eyes.
Ryuu sighed. It was no point in trying to make her guilty. "What did you tell him?" He decided to ask. After all, how could she have triggered the alarm without Usui first noticing it? As far as he knew, that boy's eyes were sharp.
Misaki stayed silent.
Ryuu switched to an unconscious glare as Misaki kept on being silent. "Misaki." He said in a hard voice, "What. Did. You. Tell. Him."
"I'm in love with you." Misaki said quickly.
Ryuu sucked in his breath as he looked at her incredulously.
If the situation was different. . . He would be able to feel his heart soar. He would've been the happiest person there ever existed.
But. .
Right now, he could feel his heart burning.
"Do you know what kind of mess this is?"
"I'm sorry," Misaki mumbled. Still keeping her eyes hidden.
"What in the world made you think that way? I thought this is what you had wanted! Aren't you in love with that. . .that person!" Ryuu said angrily, he could feel his head throbbing in pain again, but this emotion was too much for him to control.
"I..."
Ryuu froze when Misaki looked up at him. Her eyes were filled with tears.
"I had no choice!" Misaki also spoke angrily. But she wasn't angry at Ryuu, she was angry at herself. Angry that she was too weak to make her own choice. Angry that she had let herself become a pawn...
Without thinking about anything anymore, Misaki stood up and threw herself at Ryuu.
Ryuu instantly softened at Misaki's shaking form.
He brought his arms around her waist gently.
"I had no choice! I had to send him away. There's so much at stake!" Misaki cried.
"Hey..." Ryuu said gently.
"I'm so sorry for using you, but I had no choice."
"Misaki..." He murmured softly, "I already told you back then... you can used me..."
"Why do you have to be so kind?" Misaki said half-angrily.
Ryuu was about to stroke her hair when he stopped mid-way. Misaki's grandfather's words suddenly entered his mind. The words the old man had said when he was at Misaki's party. . .
I'm aware of how much my granddaughter means to you. And her place in your heart. Consider yourself warned.
Her father's words. . .
It's clear as day Ryuu-kun. The way you're willing to be used as a pawn. The way you want her happiness more than anything. You love her.
His cousin's innocent, yet penetrating words in the past. . .
It's clear as day on your face even if you hide it. You're really in love with her.
And lastly, the dream he had of his sister. . .
Maybe she won't be able to return your feelings...but watching her, getting to know her... she won't push you away.
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He clenched his eyes close as he hugged the crying girl in his arms tighter, "I'm going to become selfish now..." Ryuu murmured.
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A/N: Review please! I'm hoping to push the review past 210 before I update again. I hope you guys will help me make it possible :)
Thank you very much!
Comments and suggestions are always welcome!
Review please, if not, Aya-chan will go on strike! *.* (laughs) Kidding! How can I resist you guys? :D