This chapter is kinda meh and all over the place if you ask me but it's longer than the previous one so that's a good thing i guess? Haha idk

YUMI ISHIYAMA

Yumi Ishiyama remembers being twelve maybe even a bit too well. Wearing black crop tops and combat boots, having red highlights on her shoulder-length black hair and getting up early every day to do her eyeliner. Despite her style being pretty intense back then, she was a cheerful but introverted girl that once you get to know well, you realise first impressions aren't everything.

But six years later, she feels as though those are the memories of another person, and not hers.

Shortly after her turning 13, her father had lost the job because of which they came all the way from Japan to France in the first place. Her family was very short on money, since her mother didn't work either. After a while her father had found a new job that allowed them to live comfortably again, but Yumi didn't wait.

She decided to go into modeling. Yeah, the money wasn't that big for part-time models and models her age, but it was the only thing that she could think of. After hating being taller than all of her classmates her entire life this time she was grateful for it. Her long neck and legs where the main reason why she got so many offers and jobs in the first place, despite not being an example of a traditional beauty.

The years were more than kind to her and made her blossom into a beautiful flower. Her red highlights and shoulder length hair that she used to iron every single day were long gone. Instead they were replaced with naturally wavy hair whose ends reached her waistline. Since entering the model industry, she grew another 10 centimeters that gave her body a slim but healthy and atheltic look.

Even after her father getting a new job, Yumi didn't want to put an end on her modeling career. She was just starting to get offers from stronger companies and thought it would be a waste not to use her potential. Every time she would do another shooting, she would say: "Just this one, and then I'll put an end to this." But of course, she didn't listen to herself and modeling became her obsession. She was a workaholic and would always push herself beyond her limit, not just in modeling, but also in doing tests and assignments for school.

Her parents didn't really approve her career choice. But they knew it was something that she wanted and made her happy, so they didn't have the heart to take it away from her. Hiroki, her brother, supported her from the beginning and was actually the person that encouraged her to accept bigger offers. She called him an idiot all the time and disliked how he mercifully teased her about the boys in her school, but was still very grateful for him.

The things her parents were concerned about the most was the boys hurting her. When she was young she was just a tomboy goth-ish girl that most of the boys only saw as their friend or sister. But, her new profession changed that and made her a very desirable girl for all the boys her age. Yumi loved getting her makeup and hair done, wearing pretty dresses and heels, even for something as simple as regular day at school. She was girly but she despised anything that was kitsch; she loved wearing simple clothes that would accent her figure and have an effect.

Yumi was the most famous person to attend Kadic so far, but as a friend she wasn't popular at all. Many girls admired her, and guys asked her out, but she new it was only because of her reputation in media instead of them appreciating her as a person. She had only three friends that she considered anything more than people she would have small talk with once in a while.

William was the first person she befriended when her family came to France. She used to be uncomfortable around him a few years ago, because of him constantly flirting with her and asking her out. Thankfully, after a while he realised it was just a childish crush and nothing more so they continued hanging out like nothing happened. It was very interesting how they were similar to each other. Not just both of them being models, but also having a similar goth-ish style past. Parts of William's goth past still remained; they were just not as strong as before. They liked similar books, shows, music and even sat together in all classes. She was glad that he became her colleague, even if that meant they hanged out less.

Jeremy and Aelita were one grade below her. Aelita was a DJ, while Jeremie was one of those super smart kids that knew what to do with computers. Most of Kadic's students were involved in showbiz, but there was also a special class for kids that were good at maths, physics, chemistry... They had a special class because they didn't have careers and their main focus was school.

Jeremie had short blonde hair and wore glasses that he would very rarely replace with contacts. Although he was your typical nerd, many people (even Yumi) considered him attractive at least at one point. But, he was taken and in a relationship with his childhood sweetheart Aelita. Him and Aelita had met when both of them were at the lowest points of their lives. Aelita was adopted, and when people somehow found out that information they teased her and bullied her because of it all the time. Jeremie was the first person to defend her, not because he liked her at that time but because it was the right thing to do. He fell for her later anyway. They've been in a relationship for three years, and will probably attend college together.

Aelita used to be in the same "special" class like Jeremie, but accidentally discovered that being a DJ was her passion. It was all thanks to a Subdigitals' audition, to which she came hurriedly and out of pure curiosity. The band thought that they wasted their day off because they couldn't find anyone who fascinated them until Aelita came. Now, Aelita performed with them occasionally, because she planned to have her own club when she graduated from college and perform independently there.

Many people thought that her pink hair was natural, even though they knew that was impossible. But the thing is that, on most of her photos, she had pink hair and only the closest people could see her older photos when she was a blonde. She dyed her hair pink when she was very young, as early as 11 years old. Her adoptive parents thought it was just a short phase, but six years later it is still going strong. She was a shy and timid girl when she first came to school, but when she discovered her fashion for DJing everything changed. It helped her become much more open to everyone and also get together with Jeremie. It also lead her to dressing different. She adored the Japanese lolita style and was fascinated by the scene.

Yumi's parents didn't have to worry about boys hurting her. They really didn't. She had full hands with her job and school so she barely had any time for them. Even if she did have time, she wouldn't accept any of their offers. She knew they were just looking for a girl to have an adventure with and get laid. She valued stable relationships, understanding, loyalty and being there for each other, like she was for her friends. Even as a model, she knew looks weren't everything - yes, they were what gets you in, but personality is what makes you stay.

Even after all these years, there was only one person that would make her stay. Sadly, Ulrich Stern wasn't one of her secret admirers...

It's been a few months since Yumi joined the model industry. People were constantly looking at her and whispering behind her back. Her getting rid of trademark red highlights and not ironing hair anymore was the talk of the month, or so it seemed.

She finished with all of her classes for the day and figured out she would fancy a short pencak silat match before going home. She would usually go to the school gym and find someone that would be willing to do it with her.

Running, she got into the gym building and quickly dressed in some lighter and sporty robe. Doing a few stretching exercises, she noticed someone going in. It was a guy, a bit shorter than her, with messy brown hair and green eyes. She could admit that he was kinda cute.

"Hey," Yumi said a bit hesitantly.

The guy didn't say anything.

"I'm talking to you!'' she said, half yelling, not hesitating anymore.

"Oh, so Kadic's star student wants to speak to me? Wow, I'm so privileged," he was sarcastic and wasn't trying to hide it.

"I am not a 'star' student. What are you talking about?"

"You didn't notice? Ever since you started doing that modeling thing, everybody has the hots for you. Two of the boys even got in an argument because they both liked you at the same time."

"No, I really didn't..." she wasn't lying. She lowered her gaze on the floor. Was she really that stupid not to notice? Now, when she thinks about it, it could be true... In the past few months, classmates barely even talked to her or didn't talk at all. She thought it was maybe because they were busy or something, the exams were coming up after all. But still, it was weird.

"Don't make me stupid. We don't have the time for this. You want that Pencak silat match, or not? Or did you come here just to exercise so you could maintain your weight, doll?"

Yumi didn't even think twice about it. She reacted impulsively, and thanks to just one kick, Ulrich was on the ground with Yumi basically sitting on him.

Ulrich got furious, but his face expression quickly softened. He realised the position they were in, and blushed. He hated how he blushed even for the smallest things.

"What's the matter now, pretty boy? A girl beat you, what are you going to to about that?" she was much more confident.

The brunette kicked her off him and quickly got up.

"That hurt!" Yumi said, holding onto the hand she fell on.

"So what if it hurt? You feel sorry for yourself because you can't model with an injury?" he smirked devilishly.

"Why are you acting like this? What's gotten into you, we barely even talk?"

"I just don't like girls that think the world revolves around them," he was talking his stuff, "they make me wanna puke."

He quickly got up and ran out of the gym building, not even bothering to say goodbye.

Did people really think of her that way? Yumi couldn't believe it, but tears were gathering in her eyes. She quickly got up, wiped her tears off, and told herself that she will be strong. She needs money for her family, and couldn't allow herself to be weak.

A year later, Ulrich and her weren't on any better terms. Apparently, he entered modeling recently. People were talking behind both of their backs, how they thought they would be an amazing couple. Yumi couldn't stand it, and she was pretty sure the brunette couldn't either.

Then, he appeared. He grew few centimeters, and had a more defined body dye to exercising more than ever. He just glared at her, and said, "Guess we're rivals now, Ishiyama? "

Yumi smirked, "Guess we are."

She doesn't know why, but that memory suddenly popped into her mind. She blushed really hard. Why does she even like Ulrich? They are supposed to hate each other, right? Or to be rivals? Rivals don't always have to hate each other, but that wasn't the case with her and Ulrich.

When she thought really hard about it, she realised they were very similar. Ulrich entered the modeling industry at the same age as her, both of them liked pencak silat, both of them were really popular and had many secret admirers but never gave in. Did he also want a long-term relationship like her? It was rare for boys his age to think like that, so she shook her head.

She was just finishing her makeup for CME, and all that was left was to pick what she was going to wear. Many people chose what they will wear a few days in advance for such important events. But not Yumi. She always liked to choose her clothes the last minute, because that way they would reflect her current mood.

Finally, she decided to wear a black suit. It was really rare of her to wear anything than dresses or skirts to these kind of events, but why not experiment a bit? After all, life was short and she has a great figure on which anything looks good.

Her outfit consisted of black suit jacket with a black satin t-shirt underneath and tight black pants. She decorated the pants with a silver belt, making it the only detail to stand out. Around her neck she put a plain black choker. On her feet she had a pair of her favorite black heels that gave her luck, so she wore them often.

Checking her makeup and hair one last time, she grabbed her bag and went downstairs to the living room. Her whole family was there, which was unusual since it was around 8 o'clock and her father would usually still work at that time.

"A suit? Where did that come from? I thought you'll wear a dress as always," her mother commented, surprised, but still smiling.

"Wanted something different for once, I guess," Yumi replied a bit coldly.

"They really grow up so fast," her father commented, "come on, let's take a few pictures."

"I can't wait to come to school and see how everyone's faces will look like once they realise how cool of a sister I have," Hiroki, as always, had to say something like that.

After taking a few pictures with her parents and Hiroki, Yumi decided to text her manager Maria and Aelita. Maria was supposed to drive them there. She was just a few years older than Yumi, but has been her manager for almost four years. She looked like she was some kind of model, Yumi could even admit that she found her prettier than herself. She always wondered why Maria didn't pursue the modeling career.

After seeing Maria's car in front of the house a few minutes later, she quickly said goodbye to her family and exited the house.

She wondered what was Ulrich was up to? What wll he wear? How will his hair look? Who will he be coming with? Yumi knew he would be with William. William had told her that a few days before. She wasn't mad at him at all, even though William knew about their dislikes for each other and still hanged out with him. It was his choice, and she shouldn't be the one being angry over it.

Yumi took a deep breath and sat on the backseat of Maria's car.

I know Yumi is OOC but since she is a model, she had to be at least a little bit. The idea of her letting her hair grow and it being wavy came from Melanie Tran (the actress of Yumi in CL:E). I saw one of Melanie's pictures where her hair was wavy and thought: wow, Yumi would be so cute with her hair like that! I love Yumi's original design too, but i felt like she needed some change because she is a model in this AU...