BECOMING POPULAR

*CHAPTER FIVE*

~High School Night~

Author's Notes: It's 11:26 and I'm still here, isn't it obvious? I thought of finishing this story this day because I planned to write an original novel tomorrow (wish me luck!). Then after that I'll write a Ryota/Ayako fiction. But I can't feel the sense of urgency yet so it might be a month after this day. 'Cause you know, it's not that often when you feel like writing something. You must wait for the magical feeling first so that your story will be a success. Take it from me!

Chapter Advertisement: Ever read a fiction wherein you can't forget it because of its funny ending? I recommend you "Hearts Aflame". It's about Sakuragi falling in love with the Super Rookie's sister. I really love the ending when Sendoh was watching the game. Cool! Read it and you'll be impressed.

Disclaimer: This is not mine…

~%~%~%~ VALENTINES DAY ~%~%~%~

The next day, was Friday and there were no classes since the whole day would be dedicated for the decorations and cleaning up of the school and Valentines Day. The prom will start at 6pm. The Student Council Officers promised a catering service, cool DJs and more. The prom was well planned.

Kaede opened his eyes at a time that seemed to be morning for him—11:30am. He stretched and got up. He fixed his untamable hair, grabbed a spaghetti meal, placed it in the microwave and heated it up.

It was so late so he just thought of having brunch (breakfast + lunch = brunch). He went into his room and opened his closet. He saw the coat and tie that his father gave him last year to wear in their Always Special Anniversary. He pulled it and went upstairs to the attic. He ironed and laid it on his bed.

He ate lunch at 2:30pm and watched a 30-minute show on TV. At 3pm, he decided to soak himself in the tub. He stayed there for long that he hadn't realized that it was getting late already. It was already 4pm. He rushed and arrived at 5:30pm. It was too early but just right.

He walked in the classrooms and discovered that it was closed. Everything that day is really meant for the Prom. He went in the court and saw Sakuragi Hanamichi dressed formally, holding Haruko's hand. He listened and heard him singing his famous "tensai" song. As usual, Kaede ignored him and walked passed to the exit.

By the time of the High School Night was already starting, he was hesitating on doing his "plan" that he had in mind from the moment he woke up. But he got over it and at 7:30pm, he proceeded on stage and held the microphone. Everyone in the campus looked at him, not to mention drooled and stared at him.

"Konban Wa everybody! As you can see, it's very rare for you people to see me on stage or even talking. But I'm doing this for someone who is having fun right now," he said and paused when he heard Mire Sutaka shrieked, "I think he's talking about me," while a bit crying and was patted by her friends on her shoulder.

"Gomen nasai! But it's not you," he said coldly.

"How dare you say that!" she yelled while looking red with anger and humiliation.

Kaede ignored her and continued, "A pretty girl once told me that she wished to be courted by the suitor doing his least thing. And that's what makes me walk up on stage and do my least thing—talking with more than three words. The girl that I'm talking about is none other than Yume Renaka. I know that you might think that this is one of our 'it' but no—it's very far from the idea of our 'it'. I went up the stage just to say these five precious words. Yume Renaka, will you be my girlfriend?"

"Oh my God!!!" the Rukawa Boosters exclaimed in chorus.

"This couldn't be. This isn't happening. This is just a dream. A nightmare!!!!" Mire Sutaka yelled to herself.

"Are you insane?" Sarah, an exchange student from California and the editor-in-chief of G's asked Rukawa but surely, not expecting an answer.

Kaede received many reactions from the girls but he didn't mind them. He was looking seriously from the girl of his dreams—Yume Renaka. Renaka, who was filled with tears, bit her lip in disbelief. She nodded and walked on her way on the stage to meet her (a/n: I cant think of a better word… wait… love? nah! it's too much mush. boy friend? it'll make the story look like an idiot… bingo! I got it!) best guy friend on stage who now courted her not for being popular but for being who she is—regardless of her unpopular past.

She ran through the stairs and embraced Kaede. "Aishiteru!" she mumbled over and over again.

"Be sure that this is not a part of the plan, or else… or else… I'll kiss you on the lips!!" she warned while laughing.

"Then, I'd rather say that it's a part of the plan," he said.

Renaka pushed him and asked, "It is?"

"I'm just kidding!" he said and held Renaka's hand tightly.

At the end of the High School Night, guess who won the Ms. King and Queen of High School Night? It's none other than Rukawa Kaede and Yume Renaka. Who else? Even the jealous Rukawa Boosters and G's voted them for the night.

It probably was the most special day for Kaede and Renaka. February 14, Friday, 7:30pm. The best night ever!

Author's Notes: Hey people! It's 11:37PM and I'm having a hard time keeping my eyes open. Actually, I sleep late during vacations. But this vacation is different than ever. I'm trying my best to gain weight and add an inch to my waist (can you believe it's still 23''?). I'm having a hard time looking for funky pants. Everything in cool department stores got 26 & up waistline. Ugh! Well, this would be the last time that I'll make a review 'cause the next chapter is the Epilogue and I decided not to write anything but the content of the last chapter. Please review!!! I really appreciate those people who press the button over there (the one below my writings) and writes a review. I LOVE YOU… SAYS WHO? Says me, you bastard! Got to go…