Disclaimers: I don't own Kaichou-wa Maid-sama!

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When the lights fade out, all the sinners crawl

All family has its secrets

Death is only the beginning.
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No one was able to know how much pain Ayuzawa Misaki has seen, how much torture she had undergone and how many deaths she had witnessed.
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The Grim Reaper
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The Grim Reaper
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The Grim Reaper

Six:

After the nightmarish soccer tryouts, Sakura, Shizuko and I met up at Central Town to do the grocery together. It was harmless fun, might I add. I didn't know doing something like this could be this fun. Truth be told, ever since we left Sapporo and started making a living on the outskirts of Tokyo, I never really get out much. It was like I was compelled to live within the boundaries of my bedroom. That was how I began to like books. What started out as a collection of short bedtime stories, turned into a huge collection of alien-inspired novels. Harry Potter series came in next and some crime related stuff. But what I really couldn't get over from are the witchcraft related stories. It was weird, and sometimes, since I was often labeled a witch, I dreamed of having to ride a broomstick and tour the skies the entire night.

It wasn't a crime—liking a lot of stuff, I mean. Usually, I rarely ever like some things. Thus, when I do, it means something. And besides, reading makes me relieve boredom. I was always stuck at home, looking after my sickly mother while my Dad was busy teaching in the University. Our lives became pretty normal after years of running away from people who are chasing after us. And it just became so normal that I thought I really wanted to do something about what we carry.

Like a curse, I wanted it to be lifted. I wanted our entire clan to be free from it.

Once again, it wasn't a crime. There is no crime wanting to obtain freedom, right? Thus, when I told Mom about it, she was pretty furious. She didn't want to understand why I have to leave. She wanted to come with me. But I don't want something like that. I wanted something like, when I return again, there would be someone who would welcome me. Or when I failed to lift the curse and couldn't return anymore, I would want someone to light the candles in my grave and mourn for me. It was selfish, but it wasn't a crime.

I rarely wish for things to happen and since things hasn't been going my way ever since I turned five, at least, when I die, I want it to finally go how I planned it.

"Hello, Earth-to-Misaki, now that you're back from whatever planet you came from, do you mind getting us some baskets now so we could finish whatever business we'll have here?"

I snapped back to reality and frowned at Sakura when she wordlessly shove a basket to my chest and started dumping Quaker meals into it—all wheat flavored. Boring—before she pushed past girls who are doing their groceries, too, and snarled at anyone who would dare block her way. Shizuko's tray was being carried by Hideki-kun who smiled good naturedly at me. And while our girlfriends are busy bickering over peanut and wheat, we started making light conversations. I really feel easy around Hideki-kun. He was just so naturally good natured I bet I wouldn't have any problem with him in the future.

"So, how's the soccer tryout?" he asked me while smiling, scanning a pack of sushi Shizuko so loves eating. "Did you enjoy it?"

I paused at that, and remembered how Usui Takumi look when he's naked and quickly looked away, pretending as though I was interested with some particular bag of chips, to make sure my guilty expression would be hidden. Since when did I become a pervert?! "It was… good. I never thought you could play so well. Have you been playing for long?"

"Yeah." He smiled fondly at me. Obviously, he loves soccer. "Yukimura, Takumi and I have been playing that ever since we're in third grade. It was harmless fun at first—just passing the time. But some brutes started picking on us and showing off. Man, I've never seen Takumi play so well before despite his age. He must have been really mad when he saw Yuki being made fun off like that."

"Oh. I see. He must really love violence, huh?" What a punk.

Hideki laughed at that and reached out for my shoulders to pat it in a friendly way. "If you spend more time with Takumi, you'd realized he only likes to protect all the people that matters to him. I hope you'd forgive him whenever he's rude to you."

Well, when he says it like that… God, I'm really weak when it comes to Prince-like characters. I nodded at him, and he obviously beamed positively. And when Shizuko called us out to pay for everything we've bought, we hurried to the cashier, ignoring Sakura who volunteered to pay for everything because she was trying to flaunt her money.

When we're done with the grocery, we stopped by an ice cream shop that sells out different kinds of yoghurts, ice creams and gelatos. And just like when I'm with Dad, I had a battle against wits to try out that peppermint flavored ice cream he likes so much. Peppermint tasted ugly but he seemed like he was enjoying it so much so I decided to try it out. But I need a back-up plan so I ask the lady to add some cheese scoop on top of the peppermint so I would have to be wasteful and throw it out once I regretted the awful taste of the ice cream.

Sakura thought I was ridiculous and pretended she didn't know me. She has a thing for diet and stuff like that so she extremely dislikes people who had less care about their figure. I pretended I didn't hear that. She's always been so… obnoxious.

"…and when you left the Gym, everyone was like, ohmigosh! How are you feeling Um-ek-o-ji-sen! It was freak annoying! You know what; she deserved being hit by a ball! You should have spiked it harder to make sure her brains would be thrown out of her head because she's just a disgusting little whore who likes to cling like some ugly barnacle to popular guys and act like she's some damned damsel in distress and…" she paused, and I thought she was choking because her mouth suddenly dropped and she looked like she was having some difficulty in breathing until her usual hundred-watt smile graced her face and waved at someone coming our way. "—hey boys!" she greeted with obvious enthusiasm as she fixed out her hair and started batting her eyelashes like an idiot.

But then, a frown appeared on her face and she began to furiously eat her ice cream.

I had to laugh at her. She really is a ridiculous woman sometimes.

But still, I snapped my head to the direction of the people she was waving at and nearly frowned when I spotted the Usui Takumi's mess of a blonde hair, slightly damped and deliciously—no, disgustingly disheveled! Where the hell did that come from?! He was making small discussion with Aoi—again—and their group was being lead by Yuki who waved upon seeing me and quickly pointed out the menu to Kanou-kun who nodded slightly and walked past our table to head to the counters. I saw Kuuga-kun, too, and laughed upon realizing the sudden sour mood of Sakura.

What a weird woman.

"Enjoying your ice cream, Ayuzawa?" Yuki asked enthusiastically as he jumped on the open spot between Hideki and I and grinned at me. He really was a friendly one. "Any recommendations?"

I grinned at him. "Cheese. Oh, and peppermint."

"Hm, that looks quite about right." He disappeared within seconds after excusing himself and reappeared next to Kanou and started pointing out desserts.

"Suzuki, the list will come out after a week, you heard that already, right?" I glanced up at Takumi who occupied the seat Yuki had abandoned and started making light conversations with Hideki-kun. Aoi, however, upon seeing me, suddenly snickered as though he remembered something funny. I frowned at him. Creep. "So, I heard you were enjoying the soccer tryouts awhile ago." I paused, and quickly snapped my attention to Takumi and realized he was already facing me, there was an amused look on his eyes and I don't know why I was suddenly fascinated by that wicked glint in them. "Why did you leave in the middle of the game?"

I scowled at him. "Why do you care if I leave? Are you paying me to watch you play?"

He snorted at that. "Says someone who watch the game under the bleacher seats."

"What—I did not—" I glanced at Shizuko who grinned at me. That traitor! I decided to stay quiet and eat my ice cream and ignored Usui Takumi's antagonistic presence because there's just no way I could be at peace whenever he's around when the bells by the entrance started clinking again, signifying the entrance of another customer. I quickly abandoned my table to get some napkin by the counters since my ice cream is beginning to melt and was surprise to see Igarashi Tora by our table, along with a few of his friends.

At the sight of me, he abandoned all conversations with Takumi and grinned at me. "Oi, Misaki." he greeted me with that too sunny grin of his.

I wiped the sticky traces of ice cream on my hand and dumped my napkin on the bin before grinning back at him. "Don't oi me, Igarashi. I want a proper hello."

But then, he suddenly appeared before me, got my free hand and placed a kiss on it. I started to get paranoid again as I took one alarmed step away from him. "Hello there, my Princess."

I punched him on the chest. "I don't want it that way. Stay away from me, please, before this ice cream finds its way up on your head." I quickly stepped aside for fear he stares too much in my eyes and retrieve my spot next to Takumi to get my things arranged.

He was still grinning at me until it fell off his lips and stared past my shoulders. "Ah, I see that Usui Takumi is here to taint the air we breathe in with his nasty presence." A chorus of laughter and snickers followed that statement of his while Usui Takumi and his gang remained unexpressive and… was that annoyance painted in Hideki's face? Wow, I've never seen him look like that before.

Beside me, Takumi shrugged and says casually, "At least I'm not a loser in soccer."

"And a second runner up." Yuki finished smoothly with a smug grin plastered on his face. He chuckled at that elbowed Kanou on his ribs who remained still unexpressive even if their other friends were already laughing.

Huh? What in the world is happening?

Igarashi looked pretty pissed off but he just casually squared his shoulders and smiled at me again. "See you around, Misaki."

"Yeah."

"And be careful around Usui. He bites hard despite being a virgin."

I blushed at that, although I was pretty miffed by the innuendo. I glared at Igarashi who simply laughed at me and waved his hand over his shoulders before he stride out of the shop with his friends who're still laughing hard about what he said. I risked a glance at Takumi who's already engaged in a conversation with Hideki and notice the faint tinge of pink that colored his nape up to the tips of his ears and wondered if he was either embarrassed or angry by what Igarashi said.

I couldn't help but blush again. Why do I have to be informed that the guy I least like is still a virgin? Not like I care right?

"Come on, let's go." Takumi said and shouldered Yuki. "I'm heading back to the Study Hall."

Yuki jumped up his seat too and winked at me and I watched as they left along with Hideki who whispered something to Shizuko first before he kissed her on the cheek and waved goodbye to me and Sakura and finally followed after Yuki and the others who stand by their own cars and waited for Takumi who was still seated on the spot beside me. He got up but I paused when he started walking towards me and slowly leaned forward.

I leaned away within split seconds. "What the hell are you doing?" I hissed through a vague whisper.

"You know, I wouldn't really mind if you would come to our bench and watch us up close tryout for soccer." He told me, his voice was low enough for me to only hear. "It's better that way instead of you looking at me from a distance."

I gaped at that. "Who the hell is looking at you from—"

He leaned closer, stared down at my ice cream and took a huge bite from it before he winced. "Peppermint is disgusting." But he took another huge bite anyway and swallowed it before giving me an annoyed grin. "For someone who seems so insignificant, stay away from everyone connected to me." that and he gave a curt nod at Shizuko and got into his car, too, and sped off.

I was left there, shocked and confused, as I stared at his retreating figure and wondered vaguely what in the world just happened for him to say something as… rude as that. I mean, did he really dislike me that much for him to say those kinds of things?

Sakura stood flabbergasted next to me. "What the hell—"

"Just happened?" Shizuko finished lamely.

"I… I don't…" I stared down at my ice cream and tried to figure out the enigma that was Usui Takumi. And when I couldn't find any answer, I decided to simply dump my ice cream to the nearest bin and smiled at Shizuko and Sakura. "Well, it's official."

"What's official?" Sakura nearly shrieked. "Are you two dating?!"

I had to snort at that because if there was one thing I would dare not do, that's probably go out with Usui Takumi. "Stupid. Of course not. He isn't my type."

Shizuko arched an eyebrow at me. "He's not your type? Super."

"We can't be normal friends. That's what's official." I got the grocery plastics and head off to the bus stop ahead of them.

.

I stood underneath the showerhead, gently massaging my scalp and absorbing the warmth the hot shower bath offered me to rid myself from the sweat and scent of smoke that stuck with me during my stay at the Central Town and soccer field to watch something as worthless as an exchange of balls and battle of words between men. For one, I didn't quite expect that Miyabigaoka students had far worse attitudes than the ones they are showing at school during daytime. Because I didn't know that they are much… worse than that. Of course, it was so obvious that everything is a façade, a lie to make sure they look prim and proper to people who sees them as outstanding people. I just didn't quite expect that it was that worse.

Especially Usui Takumi. He just has to emphasize his dislike of me, didn't he? Poor Hideki trying to lift up my spirits.

The water cascaded down my heated skin since I didn't know I could sweat out that much and it actually felt good—bathing, I mean. But I must admit the trip to the ice cream parlor could be fun if only that annoying Usui Takumi didn't come in and ruin my fun. I mean, come on! It was so rare I would enjoy my days. Why does he always have to come to the picture? It was bad enough that I'm not on good terms with that Aoi guy. I don't want to lose a lot of friends I made just because he wanted me to stay away. And Shizuko, what would she think? Was she really the type to listen to what the friend of her cousin says? I mean, we are roommates, right? That would have sucked if we don't get along. Because as impossible and hilarious as it may sound—and even if Shizuko is somewhat a bit freaky—I get along with them well.

And I must say I would have the confidence now to call them my friends—my… first real friends who don't get sort of lunatic whenever they'd see me on my… charming appearance.

But hell yeah, it was a mystery. And it wasn't like I dislike it either. In fact, I was happy that they don't get affected by me. I'm happy they don't turn into those kinds of monster that attacks me and scares the shit out of me as though they are more rabid dogs than humans. And I'm very pleased that they have strong mental protection because they could resist what I am… despite not knowing that, of course. But the problem lies with Shizuko Kaga. I mean, why does she have to be so smart? I don't like smart people. They sort of become my weakness because they start to notice things they shouldn't notice and do further investigations and it wasn't before long that they get to find out something that they shouldn't even know in the first place. I mean, what the hell was that? I admit I wasn't one to be place on the Brainiacs department but really, does she have an extra brain hidden inside her head to actually know that I was hiding something?

Sometimes, I'm beginning to really wonder if Shizuko, herself, is normal. She just exudes too much of this and too much of that that, well, doesn't seem to be no longer normal.

There could be no way really smart people exist these days.

Why can't she be like Sakura? No, I am not underestimating Sakura. The fact that she was able to enter Miyabigaok is already a given that she was far beyond… smart. But Shizuko? She was far beyond intelligent. Sometimes, I've been wondering if she could even go beyond intelligent. Calling her smart would be the understatement of the year. She was just so… so much more. And she seemed to be running on the same crowd with that Usui Takumi bastard, because, as one can see, he's also doing investigations about me. And I totally and still hate it, of course. He just doesn't have the right to dig into my life.

It's like he's asking to get killed—like he's digging his own grave. Of course, I care if he dies. He was sort of an acquaintance—even if we're not close enough to be considered as friends—but still, he already became an acquaintance. I do not want him to die. He may not be the first person—you know, those very handful of people who could resist—to ever resist my charm but still, he was sort of important. He was friends with Hideki and Hideki is a dear and good friend of mine. And those people who are important to my friends are important to me too—even if he acts like a bastard like Usui Takumi would.

Maybe, it would have been better if he was a lot nicer. But no, he just have to be stinking rich, friggin' handsome, abnormally smart, ridiculously popular and—according to Sakura—scorching hot and if it wasn't that enough for his luck, he also happened to be the Academy's "Authority". He had everything and then some but he didn't have even the smallest pinch of "niceness"—if that was such a word—into his system. He was already close to perfection if only he wasn't too much of a jerk who likes to act superficial, steal ice creams, peek into bras and push around injured people—take note: it was ME. And it just have to be me that he picks on.

Maybe, I was really in for more bad luck when I get to meet him. If he was the black cat that happened to cross my path, I wouldn't be surprised if I'd end up getting hit-and-run.

But yeah, that would have been awful—

"Misaki, can I come in?"

Shizuko? What was she doing in my room? Hello? Privacy invasion? If there was someone I don't really want to speak with today, that would be her. I filled the bathtub with water and made sure there were enough bubbles to cover me before I sank on it and stared at my unlocked door. "Even if I say no, knowing you, you'd certainly still force your way in. I'm in the bathroom. You don't mind, right?"

"I don't mind anything as long as I could get to speak with you."

Oh, great. That was really awful. The way she said that makes me feel as though I'm a prey cornered by my predator. "Do I have other choices?"

"No. not really. May I come in now?" with my sigh, she finally entered.

Up until now, I still couldn't get over the fact that Shizuko was astoundingly beautiful. Her eyes had too much depth in them and she gives out an expression that she doesn't let anyone easily in to her heart—or to her mind, in the least. And I envy her eyelashes too because it was unbelievably thick that she almost looked like a doll having them. And the way it was arrayed into her eyes, it casted shadows that gave really and well defined sharpness into her prominent cheekbones. And her nose, it suited her doll face well and was paired with lips that utters nothing but heartless requests—and nasty comments—but is quick on uttering words that would either save me from devils like Usui and make me feel better next. And her skin was like porcelain sometimes I'm tempted to touch it if only she wouldn't hesitate to hit me like what she did to Hideki when he dared touch her cheek in public during that one time we were at Central Town—

"Will you please stop staring through me?" she cut off my thoughts, and I was instantly back to the world. "It's really bothersome—your eyes, I mean. They are distracting."

I sighed. "What did you come here for, Shizuko? Surely, you didn't come here to ask me weird things again, did you not? I'm not going to answer anything now."

"You did it again."

I paused for a moment, my hands that were playing with the bubbles halted into a complete stop as I bore my eyes into her. Honestly, I wanted to try using my charm against Shizuko but I fear about betraying her. I don't want her—someone as intelligent as her—to be made look like a fool by me. I don't want that. She was my friend—

I watched her as she got a wad of napkin and threw it on my face. "What did I say about not staring through me?" she almost hissed. "Do I have to repeat myself? Your big naïve eyes are disgustingly distracting."

"Thanks." I mumbled and resumed playing with the bubbles again. "So, what is it that you are accusing me of doing again?"

"Charming people." Those two loathing words completely had me immobile as I stared at her in disbelief. And as if she reciprocated with my reaction—as though she expected it—she pulled out a folder from behind her and showed it to me. I read the title in horror: Ayuzawa Misaki.

I couldn't help but growl at her. "You didn't."

But she didn't seem the least bit deterred by my anger. "Trust me, I did. I told you, did I not? It is either we do it your way or I'll be doing it my way. You choose the latter by not telling me the truth. You suffer the consequences—"

"Why did you want to know things you shouldn't even bother knowing?!" I yelled at her. I do not care anymore if somebody hears us. She crossed another one of my uncrossable lines and she had obviously incurred my wrath. "Shizuko Kaga if a person told you it was a secret, you should better be off not knowing it because it was so obvious that person didn't want to tell you things!"

"You didn't want to tell me things when people in the Academy are starting to notice that there's something dark about you? We're the law here, Misaki. We can't just let it go when it was clearly obvious you have a hand to their deaths."

My forehead creased, and the anger was suddenly changed into fear. "What did you say?"

Defeated, Shizuko sighed. "Yes. Some people seems to think so. They keep on noticing that you're way too… noticeable for your own good. It was the bad kind. Some people don't feel at ease around you."

"Fuck." I mumbled thoughtlessly, and I thought I heard Shizuko cringed away from my offensive sacrilege. I run a hand through my dripping hair, gently massaging my head before exhaling through my nose. "So, you want the truth no matter how ugly it is?"

"You weren't the first person to ever confess ugly secrets on me."

"It would be best if you'd still stay away from the truth."

She glared. "Once again, it is either your way, or my way."

Dammit. I hate it so much whenever I'm being cornered. "I really, really, really don't like you right now." I told her truthfully as I started playing out with the bubbles again. "And I'm not ever going to forgive you easily for forcing this out on me. But first, tell me the research."

Her forehead creased the slightest as she looked down on the purple folder and back to me. "You wiped away an entire town overnight."

The word wipe away brought back memories of that day but I did well on concealing my expression from the said nightmare. But through Shizuko Kaga's eyes, it felt as though she easily saw through everything. And I panicked that I was giving away too much knowing that I'd be immediately thrown off into the police later on. In the end, I decided to laugh. "Are you going to record this?"

"I came here to find things out on my own. I don't work for the school as of the moment."

"Hm, as of the moment." I laughed again. "And you're certain that after I tell you things, you'd really get out of my room alive?" I watched her expressionless eyes and when I still see nothing but nothing—but an expanse of beautiful poker face—I decided to drop the threat. "That town was where I was born. I really loved that place you know, Sapporo, I mean? But I had fun doing that thing—wiping it off the map, I mean."

She adjusted on the toilet and I really wanted to grab a cam and take a picture of her because seeing the Shizuko Kaga seated on the toilet was just… something. But I couldn't move. She had me cornered and now, I was spilling my secret into her. I've trusted her despite knowing I'd be rejected soon.

I went on ahead. "So, you're right. I wiped it off. I killed every single people in that town and those who were lucky enough to survive either killed themselves or turned themselves over into a mental institution. I heard from connections that they were screaming at night, yelling out the name of the demon, yelling out curses, screaming out blasphemies… and endlessly screaming out my name. That was how the investigation occurred. Our family was investigated but since there weren't any concrete evidences, they couldn't press charges. We were the only family who survive that gruesome arson… or whatever it was—a curse—that was strong enough to wipe away an entire village."

"So you really did it?" she pressed.

I shrugged. "I wouldn't deny that. After all, in your language, I could charm people."

"You charmed them to death?"

"Don't be ridiculous, Shizuko. I wouldn't do something as stupid as that." I blow off one bubble and it flew right straight towards her. She blow it away. "And I never wanted to kill them either. I don't kill people. Our family is averse to that. And we wouldn't want this—we did not want this… this curse that lingers into our eyes. So you were right when you said my eyes were really distracting. But you weren't affected, of course—and I'm thankful that you have… whatever protection it was you set in your brain to be able to resist me."

She placed away the folder and eyed me sternly. "I don't understand you. Just what are you?"

I grinned, and I was certain it was a bitter grin because even I hated that question. I dreaded questions that points out my nature—my curse. I hated everything that describes me. "It's not 'what are you?' but rather 'what I have in me that makes people lunatic'."

Shizuko went on to rephrasing her question. "So, what's with you that makes people lunatic? Because I just don't understand any of it. You do things… some things that makes people go crazy and act like rabid mongrels. And I wouldn't say that I'm immune either because I get affected by you too—sometimes. It was—"

"Freaky, I know." I laughed again. "But you wouldn't be able to understand it even if I say it to you. You would understand it more if I show it. Hideki is pretty vulnerable, don't you think?"

Her eyes suddenly became sharp as she stared right back into my eyes. "Don't touch him."

"Don't worry, I won't. He's a… very important… friend. I never really had friends before, you know. It actually feels nice to have good guy friends—I didn't have that before. Mostly, my friends would be too free with their hands and too hard whenever they'd touch me. It was painful." I cleared my throat since I was straying too far from the subject. And I do not want to risk exposing myself—my feelings—in front of her. She was far too… important to see the ugly side of me. "As I've said before, I have a pretty ugly childhood. The earliest memories I've had were that of my Mom putting my bracelet on me and constantly checking out whether I have them. She'd scold me if I removed them or forgot to put them on. She repeatedly advice me to never ever take them off or I'd be severely punished."

I remembered that memory. And I'd always remember my Mom's expression whenever she'd see the marks of the bracelet on my wrist. She was always heartbroken after having me. And sometimes, I'd wished she didn't just have me so she wouldn't suffer. But then again, if she didn't conceive me, she wouldn't be free from the binds of the familial curse that binds all of us together. And I hated every single day of seeing her crying inside my Dad's arms as they talk about my future. It was all my fault… my fault.

"Everything change though when I met that guy—you probably felt that, too, with Hideki. He was not scared of me even if people continued to stray away from my path. He befriended me and at first, I was suspicious of him. It was just not natural, you know? I mean, who would accept me? I was… I was a monster to everyone's eyes. But he did not see me that way. He accepted me. He did not mind." I put emphasis on the last four words, and I clearly saw how her beautiful grey eyes darkened as though she felt guilty over something. "I did not tell him about my curse. Like you, he found it out on his own. I wanted him to forget but he had such strong mental protection that hypnotizing him into forgetting what he found out was futile effort. It was not long after that that I realized I love him."

She smirked at that. "So, it's a love story."

I couldn't help but laugh too. Typical of Shizuko to throw in jokes like that in the middle of a serious conversation. "In fact, it's a horrible story. So we fell in love. And I thought I finally found a way out of… this. But then, the changes started to appear. He became violent… acquisitive. He became… possessive that it was literally choking me. He started to hurt me as well, but I did not mind even for a bit. The fact that he accepted what I was—and what's going to become of me—is already a fact that he'd seen me as a… human… no matter how not normal I was."

"If I were you I would have kicked him already where the sun don't shine." She grumbled under her breath.

I laughed again. "Trust me. I already did that."

"You do?"

"Yes, it was one of our biggest fights ever." I washed myself with the bathwater, remembering the reason that triggered it all. Me standing amidst the crowd, people dead in front of me, the scent of blood emanating off my skin, my parents looking as horrified as ever as they watch me amidst the sea of blood and fire. "I was talking with my cousin—he was a guy. And well, he knows my secret—he was one of those very few people who know about us: the curse. And of course, my boyfriend happened to be there too. He didn't know that I was talking with my cousin. He thought he was some other guy. My cousin and I were talking about my current relationship. He was trying to make me see reason—that there was someone out there who would love me, that there was someone who would never be affected by my… my eyes… no matter how much time passed by. And then he hugged me. I didn't know he was carrying a gun—my boyfriend, I mean. And I wanted to protect my cousin. He couldn't shoot me—he was too… consumed by his desire to acquire that he couldn't have the heart to shoot me. So he aimed for my cousin. He was shot in the heart and died right on the spot. And then, before he wither away, he said, 'Misaki, there was this Institution where you'll be safer. They have different facilities that only allow women in. Please be safe and happy. I love you.'

"I equally love my cousin, you know. There were so many people around us but no one dared to help us out. And I ended up screaming."

I glanced up at Shizuko and I notice the look of fear in her eyes. She feared what had happened—not me to be exact—and I was quite thankful that she did not bolt out of the room even after hearing my admission to my crime.

Instead, she arched an eyebrow at me. "So you screamed… and then what?"

I shrugged. "I didn't exactly know what happened. All I was seeing was that there was fire suddenly. And the people nearby—and even distant ones—suddenly fell down the ground like dead flies. Their brains exploded at my scream and I was covered with their blood. And it was… overwhelming. I've never felt so happy my entire life." I smirked again, remembering the blood on my hands and face and mouth. "But my Mom was unhappy. She was… afraid of me. And I became unhappy… and I thought I wanted to kill her for feeling that way. I'm quite horrible, don't you think?"

Without any delay, she nodded. "You are horrible, indeed."

I agreed with her. "You guessed it. But then again, she was my Mom and I couldn't really hate her just because she felt repulsion from me. Anyone would have felt the same had they seen me bathing in the blood of people I've killed. Even if it was my own daughter, I would have felt the same too. I'd feel repugnance and disgust. I mean, come on, my daughter didn't simply kill a person. She killed nearly all of the village people. Disgusting, isn't it? I didn't want her to be anywhere near me. I fear the rejection most. But she did come anyway and hugged me. And once again, I felt accepted—that's the only thing I wanted in the world: acceptance. If there were probably people who would accept me, it would be my Mom and Dad."

"What about your father? Wasn't he… you know, affected by you, too?"

"What happened now with the investigation about the village?"

"I was merely curious by your relationship with your Dad."

I laughed at her. "Don't worry, my father never saw me that way—there weren't any sexual abuses, either. Dad loved my Mom and he was the one who break her curse by having me. When you found that person who would love you, there was a connection that only the two of you shares. This makes the other party—the one who doesn't hold the curse—unaffected by the charm. It's like they've got immunity. All the females in our family have people who love them—they have their men who had immunity. Mom called it fate. But I was repulsed by the idea of fate… of serendipity—whatever one may call it. She was only saved because they conceived me. Even if Mom had Dad, if she didn't conceive me, she would not be freed by the curse. She would be eternally… bounded. It was like a chain, you know. It keeps all the women in our family who held the curse previously connected. It's like we're all connected in some weird and painful way."

Her forehead creased as curiosity engulfed her. And I've never seen a curious Shizuko Kaga before. I didn't know she could be this lovely. "What do you mean by some weird and painful way?"

I thought about that, wondering how I'd be able to explain that to her without making things complicated and difficult. "Um, it's like seeing everything from the past. Like, in a form of a dream. There were nights when I'd see those women as they get either chased out of their towns because of the curse or get stoned to death. Luckily they survived, that's why the curse was able to continue."

"So where did it originated? Was there a source? Or has it always been in your family?""

"I didn't really know the real story. My mother, she didn't want me to know the deeper and darker secrets of our family. She said I've seen enough ugliness and that I shouldn't see any more than what I've already seen. But from what I heard, it was from my great, great, great, great grandmother. Her name was Hiimemiya—like the Princess, you know. I've seen pictures of her and well, she was really something. If ever I survive this, and we are still friends, I'd invite you out to where I live and show you her pictures. She was really beautiful—like a doll, like a royal princess from the age of antiquity."

"So it started from this Hiimemiya grandmother of yours."

I nodded. "Yes. The curse started from her. They said she fell in love with the person that was my grandpa who died the day after their wedding. And there was another woman who was also in love with my grandpa. She was so in love with him that she committed suicide after realizing that my grandpa married Hii. And her mother, who was told to be a witch, drained her daughter's body and placed her blood in a jar. She went to our estate and bathes the front yard of our mansion with her daughter's blood and uttered a curse to our family—forever bounded by the curse, never moving forward, never changing. I don't exactly know what the curse was. What I know is that it materializes and shows itself into our eyes."

She stared at my eyes and I gleefully stared back at her, accepting her challenge for a staring contest before laughing. She frowned at me. "So why am I not affected? Why is Usui not affected either, and Hanazono as well?"

"I don't really know." I shrugged again. "I'm not sure either why you're not affected. Maybe it's because your mental states are… strong."

"Strong like… shield?"

"I guess so." I smiled at her and without preamble, I pulled the curtains to hide my nudity before I stepped under the showerhead again to wash away bubbles off my skin. "It was a mystery. But whatever it was that was protecting your… system from me, I hope it would stay long until I was here. I don't want to get any of you in trouble."

"Hey, you're not going away, right?"

I paused showering and slowly peek at her through the curtains. "What, don't tell me you're getting attached on me now?"

She got a ball of paper again and threw it on my face with such speed I wasn't able to avoid it. "You've told me a lot of things meaning you trust me."

"I trusted you because you coerce me."

"So you don't trust me?"

I grinned at her and continued showering again before I dried myself and swiftly got dressed. "So, dropping the topic about me since I think you know enough, how are you and Sakura? You know, she still dislike you for telling her about her basis of perfection."

The poker expression immediately warped into something more akin to disgust and irritation as she walked beside me out of the bathroom. "Well, maybe if you'd hypnotized her, she'll snap out of her craziness again and go back to her, well, usually lunatic attitude." I stared at her in disbelief and for the first time that I was with her, she actually had laughed out loud as though she really had fun. "You know that was funny."

I glared at her. "That was so not funny, Shizuko. I can't believe you actually said hypnotized her."

"Well, don't play innocent now. You love hypnotizing people. I see you do that a lot of times, unintentional or not"

"But I didn't hypnotize Sakura. And usually, I would charm them into submission."

"And that, ladies and gentlemen, is also another definition of hypnosis." She elbowed me and walked straight to my bedside table to drop the folder on it. "I knew coercing you would work. So I guess I wouldn't have a need for this anymore since you're going to tell me… some things."

"Some things." I repeated thoughtlessly. "I don't really want to scare you with those some things."

She rolled her eyes. "Please, had I known you're going to kill me after telling me your story, I would have readied a gun and shoot you dead to end you misery. I can handle them… I think."

"Well, thanks for listening. I didn't know I could actually feel… better telling someone outside of our family this kind of story."

She smiled again, waved goodbye before striding out of my room. I stared at the closed door for another lingering minute before I pulled out my clothes from the dresser and started packing them all in my travelling bag.

Hm, I guess its early goodbye, my friend.

.

I didn't know if Sakura really had a multiple personality disorder but I swear the changes on her attitude is starting to bother me. I mean, come on, what could the woman's reasons be for getting mad at Shizuko and end up talking with her again as though nothing major happened. She was really one weird woman, you know. She was extremely peeved at hr during the night with Kuuga, right? So why are they talking now as though they have such a good relationship? But although Sakura freaky Hanazono was beginning to freak me out, I'm quite thankful they are talking again.

Because again, that would have sucked if they weren't on good terms when we are roommates and all.

"Why are you so quiet, Stupid?" and by God, Sakura made it look like I was really named Stupid.

I frowned at her. "Could you not call me that? People might think that that was really my name. I'm gonna hate you if people starts calling me Stupid when it was nowhere near my real name."

She laughed at me—a cruel one—and despite her cruelty, I still felt happy that I was able to amused her. She had enough problems already with regards to her family and fiancé and I wanted to make her happy when she was at school since it was the only place where she could take a break from all that familial business shit. We walked towards the bus stop where the service vehicle frequents to drive students to the main campus but since I was nowhere near lucky, I ended up slipping due to the piling snow and planted my butt on the ground.

People—girls in particular—laughed at me due to my stupidity. Traitor Sakura pretended as though she didn't know me. I was already planning to stand but then a flash of white flickered out of nowhere and when I look up, I was already staring at some guy with the same familiar shade of harsh gold green that doesn't belong to Usui Takumi. I really wondered if he was anywhere near being a relative of that bastard.

Igarashi smiled at me as he helped me out. "Wow, you really ought to be careful, Misaki. You live up to Shizuko's description of you."

I dusted my pants from snow. "I hope it isn't about anything ridiculous. I didn't know you talk with Shizuko."

He smiled and that smile instantly reminded me of someone. "We may not be on good terms but I was never picky about people I would speak of."

I forced out a laugh at that. "Yeah. Of course."

"Oh, my God, Igarashi Tora, right?!" I was literally thrown off the ground when Sakura shove me off to shake hands with Igarashi Tora. I glared at her, too tempted to stretch out my foot to trip her so she could suffer humiliation too, but then again, my other foot was already injured and I don't really want to add injury on my healthy foot so I set aside the plan of tripping that jerk Sakura. Cold hands enveloped my forearms and when I look up, it was Hideki helping me off the damn ground.

I smiled at him. "Thanks Hideki. I really wish Sakura is as kind as you are." I proceeded on with dusting off my pants from snow again while he removed snow off my hair and laughs at me.

"Hanazono-san really has that hobby of being enthusiastic once he sees boys." He told me. "I've witnessed a few times of that whenever she and Shizuko hangs out at CT."

"I see. That must have been awful. Where's your Ice Queen?"

"She just bought something from the coffee shop. You know her when she's starving. She turns into a beast." I laughed with him before eyeing Sakura again who was still flirting endlessly with Igarashi. I sighed. "I don't really want to get late but I can't leave her either. Should I pull her by the hair?"

Hideki winced. "Seriously, don't do that. Hanazono-san loves her hair more than anything."

"Hm, no wonder she had it dyed red."

"That was really funny."

When the service shuttle finally arrived, I was able to snag Sakura and save Igarashi from my roommate's claws. But I was literally petrified when girls started screaming and when I snapped my eyes to the direction of the source of the sudden frenzy, I found no one but Usui Takumi. I don't really have that much luck on mornings, huh? Make it a whole day already since bad luck seems to be really trailing after me.

I squeezed past the girls who were screaming their throats and tonsils out and tried to get to the bus to snag in a good chair for Sakura and I since it was so obvious that Hideki-kun would be driving Ice Queen to the school. I suddenly felt envious—I wish I own a car so I wouldn't have to push past crazy lunatics and fan girls.

"Sakura, come on. I don't want to get late." I mumbled and made my way to the bus. Good thing I was able to save myself from planting my face on the ground because I was able to hold on the hood to keep myself from falling. Damn, snow doesn't really help my coordination at all. This is why I hate snowy and wet places. It threatens my life because I end up falling down a lot.

Sakura was right behind me and we both entered the bus and took in our seats—the really nice ones close to the entrance/exit. "God, that was really awful. I can't believe I didn't recognize Igarashi-sama."

I snorted at her. "So now it's Igarashi-sama for you, huh, when you clearly abandoned me after I nearly cracked my skull open after tripping on the ground."

"That was the point. I can't be anywhere near a crime scene. People might accuse me that I pushed you on purpose. God knows how many people hated me here because I was so pretty and they couldn't get into my level."

Typical of Sakura spouting nonsense every now and then. I was about to make a snide remark when my phone started ringing along the lines of SID's Monochrome no Kiss and hurriedly, I fished it out of my pocket and answered it. "Yo, Ice Queen, what's the matter?"

"Why are you and that seaweed woman taking the bus?" she hissed. "Weren't we all supposed to go to school together? Ditching me much?"

"Oh, sorry. I was thinking of giving you and Hideki some privacy—you know, love-love moment."

"You're disgusting. Get your asses in here so we could all go to school now." That and the line went dead.

Hm, typical of Shizuko to act irritatingly cruel. I turned to Sakura. "Hey, Shizuko wanted to give us a ride. Wanna come?" she stared at me for a brief three seconds before she slung her bag over her shoulder and forced out a haughty grin. "Well, come on now before the Ice Queen freezes up lover boy."

"Hey, you're fine now with hanging out with Shizuko, right?"

She snorted at me. "Come on, just because she's given me a piece of her mind about perfection doesn't make me that bitter. I am not mad at her. We've been together since fourth grade so I guess I couldn't simply get mad at her just because of some trivial matter. Don't concern yourself anymore in this." She reached forward to softly flick me on the forehead and walks off ahead of me.

I could only sigh. Well, at least she's on better mood now unlike the past few days. She looks as though she was so ready to murder a lot of people. Hideki waved at us as soon as he saw Sakura's tall stature while Shizuko was quietly leaning by the driver's side sipping on some latte whatever she was so fond of eating. We walked towards them but then, I felt someone tugged on the hem of my shirt and when I look up, it was none other than Usui Takumi.

I frowned. "What?"

He smirked at my sour expression. Seriously, this person doesn't really know anything but annoy injured people. "What a nice reaction. You're starting to make me feel like you're allergic to me."

"I'm really allergic to you so stay away, will you?"

"You're right. I should really stay away." And yet, he still continued walking beside me. And I have to walk a bit faster even if I was limping because his fan girls were already burning holes on my face. And I definitely did not like attention. I wondered if I still look the same as when I left home. Because back in that place, I was so certain people cringed away from me because I was some kind of freak. But in this place, I could very much see the difference of how people treat me. I decided to simply conclude things as because of my curse. "But I find it hard to stay away from you."

I paused walking and stared at him in utter disbelief. And when I finally recovered from the shock, I shake my head, feigning irritation. "I mean it, Usui. Stay away. We don't like each other."

"And that fact won't change." He grinned in a really irritating way and I took it as a cue to start walking again.

"So stay away." I pressed. "I don't like you and you don't like me. There aren't any further reasons for us to… hang out. It annoys me having to breathe the same air you're breathing." I was brutally annoyed that my words didn't put him off. It would have been better if he was mad too but nooo, he just wasn't that easy to annoy and the more I think about him, the more I'm starting to get used by our usual bickering. It shouldn't be like this because I know I was beginning to feel attachment.

And I don't like attachments. It makes me… vulnerable.

"It's good that you already know we can't be friends. Because as you can see, I don't feel comfortable breathing the same air too with people who hides skeletons in their closets." That totally hit a vein and I ended up glaring at him because he was able to put me off as easily as that. He smirked at me in a way I find more annoying than amusing before he put his helmet on and walked off to his bike.

God, I really hope that guy plants his face on the ground.

But even God isn't on my side because Usui Takumi walked with such grace not typical for a man towards his car before speeding off. I tried to calm my breathing before I walked off to Hideki's car and face Shizuko's hauntingly poker face.

"What was that about?" she inquired, and as I look at the other two—Hideki and Sakura—they were throwing amused and interested gazes on me too.

I sighed. "Well, Usui Takumi just formally announced that we can't be friends."

"Wow." Sakura whistled, baffled. "Super. That must have felt awful hearing that from the person who was named as the hottest guy of the Academy."

I rolled my eyes. "I don't particularly care. He could be friends with an alien and I could care less. In fact, I'm happy he'd stay away from me from now on. He bugs me to much I'm starting to consider kicking him where the sun don't shine."

Hideki's face puckered into something akin to wincing before he smiled hesitantly at me. "Well, I say that would have sucked."

"Well, you should be happy now." It was Shizuko. "You're finally free from a hardly stalker."

Of course I should be happy, but there was this part of me that felt extremely bothered by it. Well, I'm sorry for hiding secrets and being a problem student at school. It wasn't like I wanted those men to kill themselves because of me. We entered Hideki's car and I was quiet along the way, Takumi's familiar line of rejection echoing inside my head.

I sighed. Must really stay away from too much temptation.

.

"What's with the tiger plushy?"

I smiled at Sakura and placed the plushy inside the box along with a few pictures of me and two thick books before sealing the flap with a masking tape. "I'm going to send it to my folks as my advance gift for Christmas. I fear that I'd be so busy that I wouldn't have the time to send them gifts so I'm gonna send it, like, right now."

"So I say, what's with the tiger plushy?"

"Mom has this weird fetish on anything tiger related so I when saw this at Central Town, I was instantly reminded of her so I bought it. It was too expensive though."

"Central Town doesn't sell out cheap items."

"Whatever." I bid farewell to her since I'm going back to CT again to send it to DeliverExpress and to buy out some personal stuff too since I'm running out of toothpaste and shampoo and other bathroom necessities. The trip was very short and trivial. And sometimes—sometimes only—it was fun doing trips on my own without the constant noisiness of Sakura and indifferentness of Shizuko—if ever there was such a word. See that? In order to describe those two, I have to constantly make up words that would fit their personalities. After I was done with my chores for the day, I decided to hang around the open lounge for awhile despite the coldness of the November wind. Well yeah, November has already come around and that dance looming over come December was already the talk of the students. I think it was something about inviting the most popular guys at school.

Popular guys, my ass.

I sulk around the open lounge along with the company of Miss Peregrine's Home for the Peculiar Children and a hot chocolate drink while mentally singing along the lines of Pop Etc's Speak Up. I was a Twilight addict back then too and I really love the themes of that song so I had them all downloaded on my iPod and listens to them whenever I was too stressed out and was finding a way to calm myself. I maximized the volume, no longer able to read since my head focused on the song when, despite the loud music, I thought I heard something whimpered.

I swiftly hit the Stop button and look around. It was a Saturday afternoon and there weren't many people around the area so there's just no way would someone be whimpering around here. I stared at my surroundings again since I was seated on the far corner of the lounge near the entrance to the Northern Woods and my spot overlooks the entirety of the place. Only a few people occupied the place. I generalized that maybe I was imagining things again and played the music and this time, the volume isn't on its full blast. I was about to sing once more when I heard someone whimper again and I nearly jumped off my seat because, by God, the noise was coming from behind me.

I didn't hesitate as I stand and jumped past the shrubs that separates the lounge from the forbidden forest and made my way into the labyrinth of trees, searching for that muffled noise, ignoring that person who called me since I already entered the forest. I wasn't really a pro-violence person and I didn't know what to expect either because I was uncertain of the sound. Maybe it was nothing but a small animal but then again, it was curiosity that definitely kills the cat. I walked a little further when I heard that sound again and this time, I was certain the sound was made by a girl. Instantly, I rounded the corner where I know the sound was strongest and—

Blood rushed up my entire face at the sight of her—her—as she got herded by them—men. The girl was obviously a few years younger than myself but the situation made my she-demon emerged out of its cocoon because I recognized the circumstance well… and I remembered that in a way far worse than hers, I was put up on that kind of situation, too—helpless, scared and searching for help. My fingers shook and I probably looked ugly now because I could feel blood running rampant all over my veins and my entire system and without thinking, I used my hard bounded Miss Peregrine's and smashed it against the head of that bastard nearest me.

The three remaining boys were obviously surprised as their comrade fell down on the ground unconscious before they all snapped their heads on me. But I was nowhere near fearful. I was just so… so mad because no matter how I look at the situation, they were touching her—her, that girl who looked no more than fifteen years old to be experiencing something as cruel and pigsty as this.

"Come here." I snarled at the girl as I glared heatedly at the boys who all seemed too startled to do anything. The girl, still terrified, dashed to me and hugged me tightly as though I was her redemption or something and without thinking, I started unbuckling my bracelet. The wind blew on us and I could care less of the repercussions now because I know I could be expelled anytime sooner but I just have to do this. My hands shook as I glared at the boys who started to back away now. I shut my eyes close, trying to contain all my anger, but it just went out of control that when I opened my eyes, the terrifying words slip out of my sinful mouth.

"Kill yourselves."

"Misaki, no!" I didn't know where Shizuko came from but it was too late to take back what I've said. I was too consumed by my anger as I watched the men before me beat themselves to their deaths. The girl behind me shrieked as she also watch them murder each other and once again, her grip on me tightened as though she was afraid of what's unfolding before her. I felt someone shake me up but I couldn't be deterred. I was just so mad. "Misaki, I said stop it! You're going to kill them!"

I experience that kind of thing from other people and I couldn't stomach the fact that it was also done to someone younger than I when it happened to me. I was shaking, there was just too much red and black and there was that swirling void of anger and resentment and extreme hatred and vile disgust. My hands continued to shake as I glare at them, the men with their faces already swollen, their lips, noses and eyelids broken. But it wasn't enough. It was not enough. I need to punished them more—

I let out a strained gasp when I felt something sharp and hard hit my left cheek. And it was so hard and forceful that it sent me crashing down the ground along with the girl. I blinked, startled by the unexpected force before I look up and focused my eyes on Shizuko and Hideki who was standing before me, their eyes bewildered and definitely distracted—Hideki, I mean. I stared at them, still confused, before I stared at the girl next to me who was trying to protect my head from the fall, her lips and eyes and nose are swollen.

What have I done?

I stared at the brawling men first, knowing that that was the answer to my question before a shaky exhale escape my lips and I whispered a low, "Stop." Eventually, they stop before they collapsed on the ground unconscious.

Shizuko eyed Hideki sharply. "Get someone to bring them to the hospital. Tell them you've caught them about to harm an Academy personnel."

Hideki was obviously bewildered. "What? Shizuko, I can't do something—"

"Trust me on this, please. And don't ever tell Usui about this." She rushed to me, grabbing my bracelet on the ground before pulling me up along with the girl. "Maria, Misaki, come with me. We're going back to the dorm."

"But… but—"

She hissed at me. "You don't really want to disobey me right now. Not when you've been seen." The last five words were but a bare whisper. "Maria, you're fine, right? You weren't harmed, right?"

The Maria merely shakes her head. "No, she came just in time to save me from them."

"I see. Let's go back to our dorm. Hideki, do as I say and follow us back at Hino. Don't tell anyone anything that you've seen." Shizuko pulled me up with too much force and I realized I was still limping, and the sudden possession took too much toll on my system because I could barely move my fingers. But Shizuko was patient as she drag me around and into the main exit of the forest. "Get your thoughts together, Misaki. People would be suspicious."

I hesitated when I felt my temperature dropping again. "No… don't touch me. It's dang—" I snapped my eyes at Hideki who looked obviously worried and decided to stop the word from slipping out of my mouth. "Don't let anybody touch me." I finished and tried to shrug both women off to assure them that I'm fine—that it was nothing. "Don't get too close." I whispered weakly. "I don't want any of you that… close."

"Okay." But Shizuko still kept a firm hold on me as we made our way back to the dormitory. I kept my eyes down, my hoodie covering almost half of my face as I walked inside the establishment and into the elevator. I could feel gazes on me but I ignored it anyway knowing that Shizuko was hissing at every people who probably gives us odd looks.

Back to our room, Sakura was even horrified to see me at such… blank state. "Oh, my God—the fuck happened to you?!" she all but said gently. "Get on the damn couch, weirdo. And who's this girl?"

Maria shifted uncomfortably next to me. "I'm Usui Maria."

Damn, why do I have to encounter a lot of Usuis every stinking day of my life? I removed my hood, running a hand through my hair before shutting my eyes close and leaned my head by the backrest of the couch. "Damn tired. Sakura, please don't pick on Maria-chan, she… she just recently got into trouble."

I felt her eyes shift to Shizuko. "Care to explain, Kaga? I don't really want to treat a roommate who got into another fight again without any explanation. Who throw the first punch?"

"Um, I was being… chased—"

Instead, Maria was cut off by Sakura. "Oh, don't worry. You're an Usui. I like you already more than I like these two who seems to be hiding something creepy. Please rest assured that you'd be safe here. I'll go make you, three, something." She gave me one last lingering look and rolls her eyes. "Damn, you look like you've been through Hell and back."

"I was Hell."

Her forehead creased. "Pardon?"

"Just go make something while I handle these two, dammit!" I've never seen Shizuko that annoyed before and it had me amused that she was actually capable of expressing other emotions aside from her all time favorite neutral and poker expressions. Sakura mumbled something incoherent and heads off to the dining while Shizuko pulled out the medicine box from the drawer and started disinfecting Maria's wounds. "Are you sure you're okay? You're not going into shock?"

"I'm perfectly fine, onee-sama. I'm more worried about…" she trailed off but I was certain her eyes—as green as the first male of the Usui family I met—landed on me.

Shizuko sighed. "Don't mind Misaki. She'd be fine after a few seconds."

"Misaki-sama, I just want to tell you how grateful I am that you saved me from those boys—"

"You mean, hoodlums, right?" I cut off sharply. "You don't call… hooligans like that boys. You call them monsters… pigs… bastard—"

"That's her translation for 'It's nothing'." Shizuko intervened since I better keep my words under rated PG since she looks no more than sixteen. "Don't mind her. She'd be fine soon. She was just… in shock because she's a feminist."

That, thankfully, caught her attention. "She's like Mother."

"Yes. So don't speak with her for a moment because she's currently busy remembering charges she could press against those men." I glared at her but she ignored me and proceeded on to treating Maria again.

I massage my temples. "You shouldn't be loitering around places like that, Usui-san. It's dangerous. Didn't you know that the Northern Woods is a place where students are forbidden to enter?" damn, it really was a good thing that I was there. Had I ignored those whimpers—which actually came from her—something would have happened to her already.

I felt heat inched up my nape again as anger rose on my system, rearing up its ugly head.

Next to me, Maria sighed. "I know that rule. But I was told that that dog we were taking care of by the Academy barn ran off to the woods and since I was responsible for her safety, I went inside the forest—I'm so stupid." She, too, massaged her temple, and eyed me again. "I'm really thankful for what you've done for today. I owe you my life."

I shake my head. "Please, don't. I'm done with people's lives on my hand. I don't want to take any anymore."

Her forehead creased, a clear sign she didn't understood the meaning behind my words. "Excuse me? You lost me there."

"It's nothing. Just be careful next time." I smiled at her so she wouldn't think I was arrogant and gently traced the outline of her bruised right cheekbone. "It's a good thing you're okay—I really mean it." I gasped when she suddenly hugged me, because nobody ever reacted to me that way and somehow, it warmed my cold heart. I stared up at Shizuko and she kept that poker expression she always had on and closes the medicine box shut.

On cue, Sakura appeared from kitchen carrying a tray of milk teas. "Should I call your brother?"

Damn, I don't want Usui in here. "Don't tell anyone what happened, okay? Tell them those boys are picking a fight or something and they tried to hit a constabulary. Don't drag my name in this mess." I'm tired of all these.

Next to Maria, Shizuko nodded. "The excuse is already well ironed and thought of."

"Thanks. I guess I'm going to hit the sack."

"We're not yet finished talking." She told me.

I sighed in defeat. "Let me rest for an hour or two first, please."

.

"Now you've seen it. It's ugly, don't you think so too?"

Shizuko shifted all of her height on her left foot and when she can't seem to settle down completely standing next to my bed, she walked towards me and sat next to me before exhaling. "I could clearly see that you've done it to protect Maria. She told me what happened—how you found her. She was just confused on the part where her assailants started to act… odd."

"It was beyond odd. It's murderous." I corrected her, staring straight to her eyes and when she stared back at me as though my bizarre eyes were nothing, I simply exhaled and rested my head on the headboard of my bed. "It was scary. Even I gets scared of my own… curse sometimes. I don't want to become a monster."

"You're not a monster."

"Thanks." I frowned. "What about Hideki? He's seen… right?"

She merely wave one hand in dismiss as though Suzuki Hideki—her boyfriend—isn't some sort of a problem. "Don't get your panties wet because of that guy. He would pose you no problem. He gets scared easily and well, he wouldn't tell anyone your secret."

"I would have to leave soon if it spills out." I laughed over the irony of it and casually kicks the blanket off me. "Better idea, don't you think? I shouldn't wait for Usui to kick me out, huh?"

She glared at me, and before I could even realized what hit me, Shizuko Kaga had already hit me on the face with a pillow. "He would never kick you out, idiot."

"What—that hurts!"

But she was already out of the bed and walking towards the door and before she could leave completely, she looks over her shoulders and said, "You're not going to leave this place. Not when I already know your secret, now when it had nearly killed three students and not when I am well aware that you are never safe outside the school premises."

I watched her strong back as she walked off and when she was finally gone; I slumped down on the bed and ran a hand through the messy chaos that was my hair. Damn, who would have ever thought that Shizuko Kaga would side with me on this kind of insane situation? Because there was only one reason that was getting into my head as her reason for siding with me: she was getting obsessed with me, herself.

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Fast update, isn't it? Haha. Well, keep reading on!

And do tell me what you think. :D

AndyBunny