Disclaimer I don't own any of the HYD characters nor the original plotline of HYD, but I certainly own this particular plot and all the characters I created for it...

Note here's a little Akira chapter : apparently, he lost some of his confidence in the library confrontation... :D

Thanks to my second kind reviewer Jata... Hope the 'witty' feeling will hold ! At least, that's what I'm trying to pull out... ;o) And hope you'll continue to enjoy the story !

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4-Preparing for battle...

Akira had managed to get a hold of a copy of the new girl's file – the perks of being the eldest son of one of the main financial supports of Eitoku Academy. He felt quite proud of himself to have thought of this. This was nothing short of brilliant.

So, Sophie Dessay was her name. Strange, but cute, he decided. Suited her perfectly.

She was French, apparently – that could explain the accent. Apparently she had won the right to attend Eitoku because of her good school results as well as the personal recommendation of her Japanese teacher, a certain Mizuki Eiri. Highly exotic ! Since when did people come here because of their school results ?

He smiled, and looked at the next page.

So her family had moved to Tokyo only two weeks before – that was probably why he never spotted her before at Eitoku. And her father was trying to develop a new branch of this biotechnology company in Japan ? Interesting... Maybe his own father would know something about that.

He put the file down on the desk, and lazily ran both his hands in his soft shiny hair.

Since when did he need this kind of information to feel safe enough to talk to a girl ? That was just ridiculous! Akira Mimasaka didn't need any of this to seduce a lady – he only needed his natural charm and his fabulous self.

He leaned back in his chair, stroking his cheek in recollection of the slap.

"Save your lame lines for those who care. A small hint : I don't !"

He grinned again at the recollection, feeling puzzled at the whole situation all over again. Why had she been so enraged about this ? That was the real question, after all. The rage had completely taken him off guard. Mild annoyance he could have understood – eventually. A nice blush on her face would have been much more appropriate. But a slap... Where did that come from ? And in front of all those people in the library... He closed his eyes. Thank God there were only first year students, but even so...

It would not happen again. He wouldn't let it. Next time he'd meet her, he'd know what to say, and he'd react smoothly and swiftly, like he always did. Yes, he was sure of it. Akira Mimasaka was not a man to refuse a challenge, and he was definitely not a man that could be intimidated by a woman – or a girl. He would not lose, he could not let himself lose, not ever.

And this girl was going to be swept away. It was only a question of time. Soon, she'd be taking back her words, begging him for a smile, rejoicing in a mere word from him. Yes, she would.

He leaned in again and grabbed the file, looking for her schedule inside.

Today was Friday. And on Friday afternoons... Apparently she finished by a Japanese literature class. That would make her weak enough not to attempt another slap, he surmised. Well, the class ended at four. That left him with plenty of time to think of something impressive and smart.

Suddenly, breaking the surrounding silence and his chain of 'thoughts', his cell phone rang loudly. He opened it and took a look at the screen before taking the call. It was Soujiro.

"Hey, pal!... Of course, you know me... Tonight ? No, I don't have any specific plan for the moment, I just thought we'd hang out with the others... How pretty are they, anyway ?... Really? Then I'll be there... Definitely. Yes, I'll see you later."

He hung up. This was definitely going to be a good day. A day when he got to date some new hot married chicks, could only be a day of triumph... Or so he thought.

He grabbed his car keys and got up.

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I hope you enjoy reading this story as much as I'm enjoying writing it... Don't hesitate to tell me if something is amiss!