PART 1 - The Encounter

Kyoko was floating on the pink fluffy clouds - it looked like cotton candy and smelled so sweet. She turned around and saw a guy standing behind her. He was very good
looking, tall, dark and handsome. He had dark brown curlish hair and Kyoko noticed the dimples as he smiled down at her. He lifted his hands and in them was a chunk of that pink fluffy cloud. "Here," He offered, smiling again, "Have a bite." Kyoko couldn't help but grin back as she leaned forward, closed her eyes and opened her mouth.........


"EHHHHH! KY0KO!" Kyoko groaned as she put her pillow over her face. It was such a nice dream - why did she have to be woken up? And she hasn't even tasted the cotton candy yet!

"Come on! We're late!" The voice continued briskly. Kyoko could hear the person nosily walking around her room. She got up slowly and peered at the figure next to her bed. "Rie-chan, you're so bossy," Kyoko commented dryly as she shielded the morning sun from her eyes with her left hand.

Rie Yamada rolled her eyes at her best friend. "Today's the first day of high school remember?"

Kyoko bolted straight up. "Oh my god!! You're right!" She jumped up and ran across her room, rummaging through her wardrobe, "Urgh! Where is my uniform?!"

Rie smiled warily as she tapped her friend gently on the back. "Everything's here, Kyoko. Just get dressed quickly - I'm sure we can make it on time."

Kyoko gave her friend a grateful smile, "Arigatou!"


* * * * *

"Ohayo-gozaimasu!" Kyoko greeted cheerfully as she sat down with Rie on the dining room table.

Shinji Fujiwara glanced up from the paper he was reading and smiled at his daughter , "You two look happy today."

Kyoko beamed and exchanged a knowing glance with Rie, "Of course Papa, it's the first day of high school!"

Tsukushi Fujiwara walked into the dining room with her cup of coffee. "Eitoku Gakuen…brings back memories."

Kyoko looked up at her mother and noticed there was somewhat an unreadable expression on her face. Her mother's usually sparkly brown eyes were now clouded over.

"Mama, are you alright?" Kyoko asked, her brows creasing.

Tsukushi seemed to shake herself out of the trance and gave her daughter a reassuring grin, "Yes, I'm fine." She replied softly as she sat down and sipped her coffee.

"Your mother is an Eitoku graduate - as for me, well I was studying overseas then." Shinji Fujiwara gave his wife a gentle smile, adjusting his glasses.

Rie smiled dreamily and turned to Kyoko's mother, "Ohhh how did you meet?"

Tsukushi looked a little uncomfortable, but just as she was about to reply something, Kyoko jumped abruptly out of her seat.

"Ehh! Gotta run!" She cried, looking at her watch.

" Thank you for the -…" Rie was in mid-sentence, but Kyoko was already pulling her halfway down the hall.

"Ja, Mama, Papa!" Kyoko called out, not bothering to turn around.

" Hey, I didn't even say bye to your parents." Rie protested, finding it hard to keep up with Kyoko's pace.

" Don't worry about that! We're going to be late for school!"


* * * * *


Ando stood outside the big gates of Eitoku Gakuen - with a lazy expression on his face.
He glanced at the excited students who were scurrying past him - showering each other with `hellos'.

"Eh, Ando - what do you think of the new girls in the sophomore class?" Tatsuya Ito piped up - giving his friend a mischievous smile.

"I don't care - no one takes my fancy anyway." Ando replied, shrugging carelessly. It was first day of Senior year, and classes haven't even started, but Ando was already wishing he was at home lounging by the swimming pool.

"Wow - look at her." Hayato Nakamura, Ando's other good friend commented, looking appreciatively at a tall girl with model good looks and long gleaming black hair.

" Hey ladies," Hayato spoke up, flashing them his usual charming smile.

The group started to giggle and turn red, except for the girl. She looked up and a shy smile spread across her graceful face. Her eyes slowly moved onto Ando and she held his gaze. He noticed she had the most piercing blue eyes he has ever seen.

" You're very pretty," Hayato continued flirtatiously, moving next to the girl, "What's your name?"

She looked away rather uncomfortably and flashed a quick glance in Ando's direction, "Gomen ne, but I'm late…" and without another word she walked off quickly. Hayato stood there - his expression a mixture of shock and humiliation.

Ando and Tatsuya stood there and watched, finding it hard to keep their laughter in.

"So Romeo - end up woo-ing the Juliet?" Tatsuya called out teasingly, with a smirk on his face.

Hayato regained his composure and threw them a cool look, "Didn't you hear the girl? She had to get to class."

Ando exchanged a knowing glance with Tatsuya, "Are you sure she didn't just reject you?"

Hayato turned to them and put on his designer sunglasses, "Reject me?" He snorted incredulously, "Are you sure you're not just jealous?"

The two boys bursted out laughing, leaving Hayato standing there with a seriously annoyed expression.


"DINGDINGDING!!" The school bell echoed loudly through the courtyard.

"Let's go to the assembly." Hayato suggested indicating to the school auditorium.

Tatsuya raised his eyebrows, "When did you become so academic? You never even turn out to classes let alone assemblies."

Hayato rolled his eyes and tsk-ed tsk-ed, "Have you learnt nothing, my friends?" He began, shaking his head sadly, "Start of the year assemblies, means welcoming new students. New students means new girls. New girls mean -…"

"Okay, okay - we get the point," Ando cut in.

The three guys walked into the auditorium filled with bubbly students.

When they entered, the whole left side of the room hushed and all the junior and senior year kids looked in awe at the three. Even the teachers stopped talking - their mouths were practically gapping open.

"So tell me why this was a good idea again?" Ando muttered exasperatingly to his friends.


* * * * *

Kyoko and Rie reached the main entrance of the hall - panting loudly and their faces red from all the running.

"We-..we made it…" Kyoko puffed, feeling relieved.

"Uh-uh.." Rie nodded, her hair everywhere.

"Let's go..," Kyoko suggested as she opened the door slowly.

The two entered quietly - hopefully they wouldn't be noticed. There were so many people in there. The whole auditorium was filled.

"Hey we'll sit there…" Kyoko whispered to Rie, when she noticed two available seats in the second last row. The only problem was, the spare seats were in the middle of the row and they had to get past those three guys sitting on the outside.

As they made their way there, Kyoko realized some people were already turning around and looking at them. All she knew was that she and Rie had to sit down fast before being told off by the teachers.

"Gomen ne," She whispered to the good-looking guy with the sunglasses, "But, we need to get through."

The guy looked up and gave her a appreciative look, "You can always sit on my lap, if you like." He wriggled his eye-brows up and down suggestively.

Kyoko shot him a dark look feeling the colour drain from her face. "PERVERT!" She snapped - a little bit too loudly. The whole auditorium turned and looked at her.

Kyoko glanced up slowly and noticed all the weird stares she was getting.

"Eh…. Gomen…," she managed to choke out giving a little bow - her whole entire face
burning up.

The teacher on stage gave Kyoko and Rie a disapproving frown, "You're late! Be quiet, quickly find a seat and sit down."

Kyoko moved into the row, totally ignoring the guy with the sunglasses - who was chuckling softly behind her.

How dare he! That nerve of that stupid guy! Kyoko thought angrily to herself but just as she was about to get to her seat, she tripped over someone's foot.

Everything seemed to move in slow motion. Kyoko lost her balance and tried to grab on to Rie, but it was already too late. Kyoko fell backwards and awkwardly landed on the person next to her.

Everyone turned and a loud hush echoed amongst the students.

Kyoko felt dizzy and held onto the person for dear life. She slowly looked up. "I'm sorry - I…" Kyoko stopped mid-way as her breath caught her throat. In front of her - was the most gorgeous guy she has ever seen. He had dark brown curlish hair and the most intense eyes. He is so perfect, Kyoko thought in awe as she stared at his perfectly chiseled face.

And why does he look so strangely familiar? She asked herself.

"Are you okay?!" Rie asked, a concerned look etched on her face.

Kyoko shook herself out of the dream-like trance and glanced up at her friend.

"Yeah…yeah I think so," She managed to mutter out. She turned her attention back to the guy - only to realize he had an annoyed and angry expression.

"Can you get off me now?" He said, looking anything but amused.

Kyoko nodded and blushed when she realized she was basically lying on him.

She got up and quickly settled herself down to the seat next to Mr. Handsome, hoping she would shrink away in her chair and disappear.

"I'm sorry…" She turned and smiled apologetically to him - but the guy didn't even glance at her let alone give her a reaction.

Kyoko ceased her brows, her embarrassment quickly overcome by anger. What's up with this guy? He had an attitude bigger than this auditorium.

But all during assembly, Kyoko couldn't concentrate. She couldn't stop replaying the scene in her mind. Several times she sneaked glances at the guy next to her, but he was looking straight ahead with a totally bored expression on his face. His perverted friend
with sunglasses and the other guy in the blue top kept leaning forward and flirting with the girls in the row in front of them. Kyoko rolled her eyes. Typical rich playboy-type of guys. That's the last thing she needed…although the guy next to her was awfully cute
and seemed somewhat different to his friends.


* * * * *


When assembly was over, Kyoko and Rie made their way up to class.

"Are you okay?" Rie asked, looking at her friend attentively.

Kyoko nodded, "Yeah, but how embarrassing was that fall?"

Rie smiled and put an arm around her, "Don't worry. Look on the bright side - you fell on such a cute guy!"

Kyoko put her hands on her face, "Ugh! That's even worse! And he told me to get off! Am I really that heavy?"

Rie chuckled, "Well you were all over him!"

Kyoko wrinkled her nose distastefully, "It wasn't that bad right?"

Her best friend gave her a hug, "It's alright Kyoko! I'm sure everyone's forgotten about it by now. It wasn't even a big deal!"

Kyoko smiled slowly, "Thanks," she replied softly, giving Rie a grateful glance.

"Hey, are you okay?" An unfamiliar voice spoke up from behind them.

Kyoko turned around, surprised.

Behind them, stood a beautiful girl with long black hair.

"Yeah, I am…thanks." Kyoko replied, shooting Rie a look that said, 'I told you so'.

The girl nodded, "The fall seemed pretty bad." She commented gently.

Kyoko bit her lip and practically cringed on the spot.

"But I'm glad you're alright."

Who was this girl? Kyoko asked herself.

" And you fell on the most good-looking guy at Eitoku Gakuen." The girl added, her blue eyes lighting up.

Thanks for reminding me, Kyoko thought sourly.

"What's his name anyway?" Kyoko asked impulsively. Straight away, she mentally berated herself for sounding so interested.

"Ando Doumyouji - he is a senior and very popular."

Kyoko nearly bursted out laughing. She wasn't being mean or anything, but she couldn't help it - the girl made him sound like God or something. Which of course, that guy was definitely not.

"He's a rude, arrogant snob! And his friends, don't get me started on those two!" Kyoko babbled on.

The girl looked up, her eyes clouding over with an unreadable expression, "Ando is different from his friends." She replied firmly.

Kyoko glanced at the girl. Was she imagining it or had the girl's voice suddenly become cold?

There was an awkward silence.

"Well, we got to go to class." Kyoko replied, swallowing hard and exchanging a glance with Rie.

The girl nodded, "So am I. What class are you in?"

"Class C."

"Me too," she said softly. "Well, see you in class."

Before Kyoko and Rie could even react, the pretty girl spun around and walked away from them.

"She's a bit weird." Kyoko commented, still looking at the girl.

Rie nodded, "You've just met Kobayashi Nanami - the most beautiful and richest girl at Eitoku."


* * * * *


Ando sat on the edge of the balcony. He liked being here by himself. The balcony had a clear and beautiful overview of Eitoku Gakuen and Ando could see everything.

The school bell rang and Ando looked down to see that all the students were getting ready to go home.

He saw a group of girls surrounding Hayato, all looking up at him admiringly.

Ando smirked. It was only the first day of school and Hayato had managed to make the whole sophomore class girls fall in love him.

He also knew that Hayato had been busily promoting the exclusive party that he is going to have at his mansion that weekend. It was Eitoku tradition after all. Everyone at the school knew that Hayato Nakamura throws the biggest not to mention the best parties ever. So it wasn't surprising that a large group had formed around him.

Suddenly, something caught Ando's eyes. It was that girl in the morning that Hayato was trying to flirt with. The beautiful yet mysterious girl with the long back hair.

Ando watched as the girl walked out of the school gates by herself and got into a black Mercedes parked outside.

"You like her don't you?" A familiar voice piped up.

Ando turned and saw Tatsuya watching the girl also. He had a little grimace on his face.

"What are you smiling about?" Ando asked, feeling annoyed.

Tatsuya shrugged, "Just admit it Ando, you're interested in that girl aren't you?" He turned and looked at his friend, "And a very good choice I must say."

Tatsuya gave Ando a slap on the back, "Her name is Nanami Kobayashi. A sophomore."

Ando rolled his eyes, "And why would I care who she is?"

Tatsuya smirked, "You tell me."

A short moment of silence was soon broken by Tatsuya's loud chuckle.

Ando looked up his friend, totally puzzled.

"Look, there's that clumsy girl from this morning." Tatsuya said, peering over the balcony.

Ando followed his friend's gaze and spotted the girl who fell on him earlier on. She was with her friend and both of them were standing outside the big crowd who had gathered around Hayato.

"You know, she's kinda cute." Tatsuya commented, grinning - his eyes still on the girl.

Ando turned and stared at his friend incredulously. There was something about the way Tatsuya said those words and how he looked at her that made Ando feel anything but comfortable.

He looked back down and studied the girl. She had dark chestnut brown hair, medium height - rather skinny. And a big klutz, Ando added dryly, so why would Tatsuya go for a ditzy girl like that?


* * * * *

"Ohhh..he is so dreamy!" Rie gushed quietly. Kyoko rolled her eyes. Why would Rie fall for such a perverted and flirty playboy like this guy?

"Let's go," Kyoko suggested, losing her patience. They've already stood there for around 10 minutes listening to this guy, Hayato or something, talking non-stop about himself and some party he is having. There was a big group of admiring girls around them, who were practically hanging off every single word he was saying.

Kyoko couldn't help but feel somewhat pathetic standing there.

"I only invite the cutest girls at Eitoku - so of course you are all invited." The guy continued, flashing a smile at the crowd. All the girls squealed.

Kyoko nearly bursted out laughing. This guy had to be the lamest ever! And also all those lines he was feeding to those girls, they were the corniest lines Kyoko has ever heard.

"It's a masked costume party. So remember to dress pretty girls." He put on his sunglasses and lazily sauntered off. The crowd of gushing girls immediately followed him.

"Can you believe that guy?" Kyoko replied, laughing out aloud, "I can't believe all those girls fell for it too!"

She turned and looked at her friend. Rie still had the same dreamy expression on her face.

"He is ...so.....cute," She sighed, her eyes all starry.

Kyoko shook her friend, totally flabbergasted, "Are you okay? Rie, are you unwell?"

How could anyone think a guy like him as cute? Especially a nice, sweet girl like Rie?

"I want to go to the party," Rie said firmly, looking up at Kyoko in determination. "We've got to go."

Kyoko nearly choked. "W-what?! Rie you want to go to THAT guy's party?" She exclaimed, not believing her ears, "Let me remind you what he said to me this morning! The guy and his friends are totally obnoxious."

Rie put her hand on Kyoko's arm. "Please, come with me this Saturday? For me, Kyoko?" Her eyes looked up at Kyoko's pleadingly.

Kyoko's expression softened. She took a deep breath, "I can't believe I'm actually saying this, but.... alright. I'll go."

Rie broke into a big grin and hugged her friend. "Thank you so much! We're going to have so fun, trust me!"

Kyoko hugged her back, finding it hard to match her best friend's enthusiasm. She just hoped Rie didn't see her wince.


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