Disclaimers: I don't own anything.
Inspiration: This chapter is inspired from Journey's Faithfully. Yeah, I'm still listening to old ballads like that. I'm feeling mushy today.
-;-
When the lights fade out, all the sinners crawl
All family has its secrets
Death is only the beginning.
-;-
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.
-;-
The Grim Reaper
.
The Grim Reaper
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The Grim Reaper
Nine:
The rush of bad luck was something I didn't quite expected these past few days. And as I lay awake on my bed—waiting for the police to wordlessly barge into my room with Aoi cackling like a witch on their wake—I did a double take of what happened on my first month here in Miyabigaoka and wondered vaguely if coming here is actually the best decision I've ever made my entire life.
The first string of bad luck was during that time near the food court. Up until now, I still couldn't forget that fact because it had me shaken not only because I was publicly assaulted but also because the guy murdered himself while still inside the Academy. It was unnerving—another reason of gossip—and I hated every single minute being stared upon with those kind of condescending and disgusted gazes. Second is being falsely acquainted with Usui Takumi. Oh hell yeah, he's one of the biggest problems I've ever encountered. He dislikes me then goes saying I was trouble before he breaks out saying he couldn't seem to stay away from me. Let's leave that talk for some other time, okay? The third was making enemies of Kaon Umekoji. Well, technically, that wasn't really my fault. She was mad at me for superficial reasons and it is no longer my problem anymore if she would hold that shallow grudge of me for the rest of her life. Fourth was the accident with Maria. That, ladies and gentlemen, is really a huge problem. Because after saving her from hooligans, the fifteen year old Usui—or so I thought because she was actually twenty—goes confessing her love for me and wants me to go out with her. And now, not only had I topped the hit list of people who hated the Usuis but I also became the laughingstock of every students—and probably, teachers, too—in the Academy. The last was that accident with Aoi.
And Shizuko had to be involved with it, too, because along with Aoi, she had discovered my secret earlier than necessary. It was annoying to be discovered, of course, especially if it was something I really don't want anybody to found out. But cat's out of the bag now and the only thing I could do is either hypnotized them into submission and have them forget the curse so I could lead a normal life—or so—or, well, when worse comes to worst, charm my escape out of this place.
The latter option seemed to be the best options I've ever made. But then again, I've always been escaping my entire life. What's new? I have never done anything productive but escape and run away because on most moments, either I was stoned to death or they wanted me in prison or in the loony bin. And I most definitely do not want to end up in both institutions because that way, I would be securely guarded or apprehended and there would be no way for me to lift the curse.
But is there really a way? Could I really lift the curse on my own?
And for some reasons, I felt absolutely hopeless. I couldn't lift the curse on my own. I haven't even been doing anything productive until now but get in endless forms of trouble that seems to be following me wherever I go.
I am the Grim Reaper, after all.
Well, why don't you just use your curse as a gift and kill everyone again… like what you did back in Sapporo?
I shivered at the memory and quickly shove it into the deepest and darkest corner of my brain, locked it away and threw the key to the nearest cliff. I couldn't do something like that. Not anymore. This place has begun to matter to me now. This is the place where I found unique people who was able to resist my… curse even after first sight. This is where I met true friends who accepted me despite being a freak. I couldn't destroy it just because I was… mentally disturbed. I couldn't destroy the place where, for the first time, I could belong—be the normal kid that I was supposed to be.
"Misaki, open up!"
Five more minutes… I stared at the cut on my wrist—slowly regenerating—and learned again and again how utterly… inhuman I am. I am a monster. I don't deserve this. I know I don't. Just because I was born in the same clan, does that mean I carry the same mistake Hii had done hundreds of years ago? Just because the same blood is flowing in my veins, does that mean I should shoulder the curse, too? Why did we have the curse anyway? What did Hii do to anger such a dangerous person?
The rap on my door became utterly persistent. I hope Shizuko would find it in her heart to give me a few more minutes of peace before I get hauled to the jail—or a padded cell room. "Misaki, I am going to destroy this door if you don't open up within three seconds. Aoi is here. He wants to talk with you."
Another glance on my bleeding wrist. Damn, I knew I shouldn't have cut it too deep. And the blood on the bed sheet doesn't look so promising to anyone's eyes. Either they'd haul me to the nearest hospital or Aoi would jump off my window because he was freaked out by me. The police… they would instantly see through my human façade and shot me in the head since I was indeed dangerous to the prim and proper students of Miyabigaoka.
I grabbed the eye mask on the table and quickly placed it over my eye and feigned asleep just in time the hinges of my door gave up after Shizuko delivered a violent blow against the expensive wood. I didn't twitch nor jump. I need a few more minutes before the cut completely heals and if they see that once they force me to sit up, I'm pretty certain Shizuko would knock me off dead since her temperament varies from neutral to negative and negative to violent.
"Ayuza—" Aoi paused talking and I heard their footsteps stepped into the confines of my bedroom and the switch being flipped on. No lights. I did a good job on destroying that awhile ago. "Is she asleep?"
A sarcastic scoff. "What do you think?" I fought the urge to scoff too. Typical of Shizuko.
"Is she dangerous?" No answer. Either Shizuko agreed with that or she thinks Aoi needs some bad beating. "What? You know her secret for some time now. Either she's dangerous or not."
"Stupid. If she is, do you think she'd keep me alive after cornering her into spilling her secrets?"
"Well, I don't know. Is it safe to touch her?"
I sighed. Time to wake up from my death like sleep. "Will you please stop talking about her as if her is not here?" I didn't get up. I could still feel abnormal warmth on my left wrist meaning, my wound is still healing. Another minute more, I guess. "Am I going to be hauled to the police cruiser?"
A snort came off Aoi's direction. "What are you doing?"
"Meditating."
"Look, this isn't going to work if you'll be sarcastic with me all day. Will you get up and have a decent conversation with me?" his tone was condescending.
I have to think about that for a few seconds. But my eyes haven't returned to normal yet so I gave him the best answer. "I can't do that."
Shizuko sighed at that. "Very helpful, Ayuzawa."
"You will freak. My eyes aren't back to normal yet."
"Is it contagious?"
I paused, and slightly tilted my head to their direction. My skin began to prick. "What?"
"The curse." He said, and I thought there were traces of ridicule in them—as though he couldn't believe himself he believed my crap. "Is it contagious?"
I swear I would hang this guy on the ceiling one day. "No."
He sighed in relief, but I was pretty certain he couldn't relax yet. "Look, the least of my problems is your… eyes. We need to talk."
"We are talking."
"Eye to eye."
"Give me thirty seconds."
"Why?"
"You'd freak if I'd tell you."
He snorted at that. "I think I've seen enough freaky things for the day to freak out even more. Want to surprise me?"
"You might jump off the window."
"I would throw you out of the window if you still didn't take me seriously."I had to rethink about that. After all, Aoi seemed capable of murder and could get away with it due to his family connections. Carefully, I got up the bed and stared at him—the mask still on—and carelessly pulled up the sleeve of my shirt and showed him my regenerating wound. "Here. Have a good look." I lolled in careless abandon.
I could almost hear the sound the foot of Aoi made as he took alarmed steps out of my room and started running somewhere. "I'm going to hurl!" he exclaimed in panic.
There was a loud sound of hurling, indeed, and some door being shut—the bathroom, probably—and the sound of running water. I was pretty certain Shizuko was still there because the scent of her annoyance was just so strong I could almost see it.
"He really threw up?" I mumbled thoughtlessly as I slowly lifted up my eye mask, the light from the hallways blinding me temporarily.
From the door, she rolled her sharp grey eyes although the look of anxiety was still etched on her pretty face. "He has phobia of blood."
"Oh. Sorry."
"Too late, though." She gestured for my wound. "Is that okay?"
"I'll bandage it up. The wound regenerates quickly but leaves a scar." I arched an eyebrow at her critically. "Should I show my face to Aoi after this?"
She shrugged. "He might really throw you out of the window."
I groaned. Bad move, Ayuzawa.
.
I served Aoi and Shizuko tea because this was the least thing I could do for them after scaring the shit out of them with my little stunts. Aoi eyed me critically, a disturbed expression in his eyes, as he returned his glassy eyes to the tea before taking a good look on it.
So much for being not trusted. Even so, I still smiled at him. "There's no cyanide in it. Please don't get all paranoid."
He'd snorted at me. "I don't really know why Shizuko trust you."
"Because she felt the same with me." Shizuko mumbled lowly and takes a small sip from the tea. "Now, let's get on with the discussion." She turned emotionless eyes to Aoi. "Well? What brings you here to our room?"
He paused at that, something akin to dark pink started coloring his cheeks to the tips of his ears as he shrugged, placed one arm over the backrest of the couch he was sitting at before squaring his shoulders. "I want to know more."
This time, I was the one that went all still as my black eyes—only the irises now are dyed black—narrowed at him. "What?"
"I want to know more." He repeated frostily. "Frankly, when you first told me you were cursed, I didn't believe you. We are in the Computer age, there's no such thing as curses anymore. But after I remembered what you did to those boys, how your eyes seemed to be indeed distracting, your very presence a dangerous mystery and how every single student in this Academy seemed to be suspicious of your existence, I realized that you're everything but human. That's why I wanted to know more. What can I do to… prevent something like that happen again." he placed his elbows on his knees and stared at me directly. "What are you?"
"A shinigami."
His expression was almost comical. "What?"
"A Grim Reaper." I repeated stringently. "Haven't you asked Shizuko about it? She's done a lot of research about me." I didn't know why I suddenly sounded bitter. "That's what they call bane existence such as me: Death bringer, harbinger of Death, a pest… an irritation, cursed, nuisance… freak of the nature, abomination, the Grim Reaper—that's what I am." I narrowed my eyes at Aoi and when I notice that he seemed taken aback of my unintentional outburst, I quickly looked away and decided to put on the sunglasses by the table even if the sun couldn't really enter the living room with the closed and curtained windows. "Sorry." I muttered. "I was just… confused. I never had anyone to talk this one with—this is a forbidden topic, after all. You must be feeling perplexed but so I am. I didn't even know what I did wrong to be… treated like this."
The awkward silence stretched on for a couple of seconds before Aoi nodded and rested back on the couch again. "I'm sorry… I shouldn't be too… stringent with you."
I nodded. "It's fine." I'm actually used to sadism more than you know.
"You can take off the sunglasses now."
"I can't. My eyes are still—" I shake my head. "You'd be bothered with it."
"Hardly. You're not the first freaky person I met." He made a gesture with his hand. "I want to see your eyes so, please, kindly remove the sunglasses?"
I didn't know why I was suddenly swayed by his words but I did as Aoi said and slowly pulled off my sunglasses—well, it wasn't really mine. It was Sakura's, to be specific. I met his red eyes straightly and my forehead creased when he suddenly smiled at me. I flushed, annoyed at my sudden childish tantrum, and decided to completely avoid eyes.
He started with the questions again. "Okay. So what you are is actually what those who couldn't really grasp what you are think. But what about you? For you? What do you think you are?"
The answer came out automatic. "A monster."
"Are you a human once?"
I nodded. "Before I hit five, I was human—but Mom isn't because she still had the curse. When the curse was finally transferred to me… that's when I became… this—a monster."
His forehead creased. "And your Mom?"
"She eventually turned human again after finally being relieved of the curse she carried for almost the rest of her life. She was never able to charm people again, or touch their minds and control them. She couldn't heal swiftly like before and people would ignore her even if she walks in broad daylight without a hood to cover her face. She became… normal. But I couldn't anymore." Again, the bitterness erupted in my voice.
"The curse… it was passed down to you?" he pressed. I don't know where he was going at but he seems to be deciphering something.
I nodded again. "Yes. It was passed down to the first child of the first child and onwards. If I had a sister—or a brother—they wouldn't possess the same curse."
"Is Hii a first child?" Shizuko asked out of the blue.
Aoi snapped his head up. "Who's he?"
"Hii not he, stupid." Shizuko eyed me again. I nodded. "Then, that must be the reason why you were cursed—because you are the first child." she kicked Aoi none too subtly when he whispered something akin with obviously. She went again. "But it could be lifted… right?" she eyed me critically. "You told me once you don't want me to search of a way to lift the curse so, does that mean there's a way?"
In front of me, Aoi nodded eagerly. "Is there a way?"
"I… I'm not sure." I blurted out thoughtlessly. "The… the witch who gave this to us… she's the mother of that person Hii made enemies of. She's probably long dead by now. She's the one who cursed us so all the magic to lift the curse has been buried along with her." and now that light has been shed about the way to lift the curse, I suddenly felt hopeless. Now that I think about it, there is indeed no way to lift the curse. My heart started to sink.
"But you're Mom became normal again, right?"
"Only because it was passed down to me." I answered. "That's one way for the curse to be lifted. You need to find someone who would accept us despite our curse—someone with the natural immunity and wouldn't be affected no matter how long the time may pass—and bear that person's child. Once the child was born, once she hits five would only then the curse be lifted. But then, the curse has already been transferred to the offspring."
"It was a cycle." Shizuko concluded. "They're in a cycle. And the only way for that cycle not to be repeated on the next generation is to break the curse now." She eyed me again, her grey eyes still sharp. "We need to break the curse before you bear the next generation."
"That's not going to happen anytime sooner." I reminded her sourly. "If the curse doesn't break by then, I will be the last Ayuzawa of our clan that will hold this."
They stared at me for a good couple of seconds before shrugging and started talking about the curse again. Aoi stared at me for a moment. "Well, is there any way for you to, I don't know, stop the curse from affecting people? Because you see, it's dangerous, Misaki. If this goes on, people would notice and it is only a matter of time before they sent you to the… to the…" both Shizuko and I stared at him, waiting for him to say where someone like me will be sent. Aoi squared his shoulders again. "Well, it's probably the—"
"Loony bin."
"Correct—no!" he glared at me. "Look, we could contain this, right? You could, in some way, can't affect others, right? I mean, I am not affected. Shizuko isn't, too. Then, there's Hanazono and the others. Can't you do that to the others?"
I shake my head. "The effect is based on the, let's say, mental stability of the person. You are not affected because you have… strong mental capacities. But if I do this," I stared at him straight in the eyes, stretching out the fog past my brain and touching his mind, willing him to stand and come forward me. Aoi blinked as his eyes turned blank and his fingers started twitching. And before I could even do something harmful like take over him completely, I released him from my spell.
In front of me, Aoi blinked. "What just happened? I feel… light headed."
I sighed in defeat. "No matter how strong the mental capacity is of a person, if I forced myself into them, they would have no defense against me. There is no way I could control the curse except when I would voluntarily used it."
"Well, let's try not using it again, okay?" Shizuko narrowed her grey eyes at me. Obviously, she still couldn't get used with the way I was using my curse against other people. She must have not like that. "So, what can we do? There's no way to—"
"There's a way."
"Huh?"
I extracted my bracelet from the pockets of the jogging pants I was wearing and showed it to them. The red stones glistened like red diamonds against the light and they stared at it with equal curiosity in their eyes. "This is the bracelet that helps me repel the curse from spiraling out of my control. Without this, the curse will continually spread out and affect everybody."
"No wonder you always wear that lousy bracelet." I glared at Aoi upon he said that. He cleared his throat and tries to shrug off again. "Okay. So, it kind of repels the bracelet but it doesn't work out the way you want it, right? The curse is still… on and spreading." He darted a glance at Shizuko's direction. "We should guard her thoroughly. We can't… endanger both the students and her."
I thought about it for a moment and paused at the reminder of someone who was capable of stopping the curse. My forehead creased at the two incidents and my own experiment and wondered about the possibilities. But no, I couldn't possibly drag him in this kind of mess. If he gets caught up in a casualty because of my own bad luck, it would be terrible. And if he was drag as my curse repellant, then it means I should let him into the secret, too.
I shake my head. "No, I can't possibly drag him here. Not him."
A pair of sharp grey eyes snapped towards my direction. "Him who?"
"Huh?"
"Who are you talking about?" Shizuko inquired curiously. Clearly, my habit of unintentionally blurting out what's in my head is spiraling out of my control, too.
I sighed. "Usui Takumi." I mumbled gingerly. "He… he could repel my curse."
"What?!" both cousins snapped at me.
I jumped off my seat in surprise because I haven't expected that kind of reaction but even so, it was still kind of exaggerated. I raised both hands in surrender before the two cousins ripped my head off violently. "Okay, okay. You asked me that's why I answered. I don't have any plans of dragging him here, too, okay? And besides, we don't like each other. I'm not going to—"
"How?"
I paused. "What?"
I was pretty certain Aoi was just stopping himself from throwing himself at me with the way he was glaring at me due to my slowness and delays. His fingers dug against the soft blue leather of the single-person couch he was seating at. "How was he able to repel your curse? And kindly answer the question swiftly because your slowness is really starting to annoy me."
I considered saying my apology but he looked really annoyed at me as of the moment so I decided to finally say it. "Well, it happened about thrice. The first one was during my trip to the Library. We were walking back to the food court when this group of guys appeared out of nowhere and started approaching me—Usui didn't notice that though because he isn't aware of my curse. But I accidentally touch his arm and next thing I know, those students that are about to approach me walk past us and completely ignored me."
Aoi arched an eyebrow at me next. "And? What else?"
"The second one is during our trip to the Greenhouse of the Horticultural Club—you were there too, Aoi. The same thing happened and since it was really getting me confused, I decided to experiment if the same thing would happen. I voluntarily used the curse and tried to attract the attention of some students around the area. But before they could close in to the critical parameter I usually set around me, I reached out for Usui's arm again and just like before, the curse disappeared and they looked at each other in confusion."
"Usui Takumi?" Shizuko mumbled to herself while musing about something. She glanced at Aoi. "Should we?"
Furiously, I shake my head. "No! No, no, no, anybody but him. I don't want him to know this. He already thought of me enough as trouble. If he finds out that I have something like this, he might kick me out of the school before I could even finish this semester and I don't want that."
"But you are trouble." Aoi was grinning when he said that. I shot him a glare but he merely dismissed it. "Look, I don't want to involve Takumi in this, too, okay? But if he's the only way for you to stop… spreading danger, then I say we should—"
"No, Ayuzawa is right. We shouldn't involve him in this kind of thing unless he finds out about it on his own." Her eyes impeccably became narrower. "Like what happened with you. This kind of thing is no laughing matter, right, Misaki?"
I nodded frantically. Just the thought of another guy knowing my secret is enough to send chills down my spine. Mom didn't have anybody to confide her secrets into but my grandparents. This is already unfair for her because I have someone to tell when I'm feeling disheartened. I feel like I'm already betraying her by spilling our secrets when it would only bring bad luck to others.
Aoi sighed in defeat and from his backpack, I was startled when he suddenly spilled out a lot of books and printed papers about some random research about witchcraft and curses and demons. I fought the urge to laugh. "What the hell is that?"
"Research papers." He answered me with a roll of his eyes. I had a pretty good guess he was fighting against the urge to scoff at me, too, seeing he was so sarcastic and all. "If we're going to dig deep into this kind of mess, we might as well be prepared with research and all. I'm not going to charge in a war carrying nothing but spoon and fork, you know?"
"This is not a war." I emphasized the last word for Aoi to hear clearly. "Look, I appreciate all of you helping me but you need to stay out of this. I will try to stay out of trouble, too, but I wouldn't be able to guarantee that I would be… bad-luck free because that's just it for me. I came in this place because I thought it was safe. But now that you two learned of my secret and there is a risk for more to find out, I would have to leave this place as soon as I can." I stared at Shizuko when she suddenly narrowed her eyes at me. "I'm sorry. I can't stay. Not when… not when you're already exposed. You don't know what kind of danger… and misfortune I've put you all into just by telling and showing you the curse. I can't do this to the people… who were the first to not get affected."
The two stared at me as though I've grown out my second head before Aoi sighed and started gathering the books again and placed them into his bag. "Well, if that is what you want, then we'll stay out. But make sure you wouldn't get in any more trouble after this and end up using this… curse. I don't know what kind of excuse I would make again to get you out of the mess you created."
He nodded at Shizuko who gave him a curt nod too before he darted one last glance at me and stride out of our room.
I exhaled. I didn't know it was that hard trying to push away people you've already considered friends. I fiddled with the sunglasses on the table while Shizuko remained by the couch while browsing through some books. A pregnant silence erupted between us before she shut the book close and eyed me. "You crushed him."
I pause upon hearing that and slowly glanced up to meet her grey eyes. "He doesn't have to get involved in this. He's a guy. As much as women are affected, the opposite gender seemed to be suffering more than females. I can't have him play this kind of game."
"How did it start anyway? Why was Hii cursed? Why was it passed down to the next generation? And when you said you weren't human, does that mean… you know, you're not… like us? Like immortal?"
"Shizuko Kaga your imagination is spiraling out of your control." I said, a laugh was hidden behind the words. "I am human. I said I am a monster because I am cursed. I couldn't act like any proper human would, but human I am. And that concludes the fact that I am mortal. There's no such thing as forever. One way or another, some things are all bound to end."
"Like your curse."
I stared gingerly at her. "Except that. My Mom told me that the entire clan tried their best to release us from the curse but it was all futile effort. She told me it was irrevocable and that the only person that could release us is the same person who cursed us. But it happened many years ago. Clearly, that… despicable woman has long died. There is no way out. I was a fool to believe there is."
"I'm pretty certain there is a way out." She insisted before she picked up her book again and started mindlessly scanning through the pages. "After all, if you're trapped inside a room, it is almost impossible to think there aren't any doorways leading to the outside world."
I frowned at her. "Well, what if there aren't any?"
Shizuko shrugged at that. "Well, we just have to make one, right?"
.
The more I look at Kaon Umekoji, the more I'm beginning to think I have really seen her somewhere before. Those brown eyes and hair, I was pretty certain someone look exactly like her, too. I just don't know who or when I have seen that person. I stared at her from across the table and through the spaces of my thin fringes while she smiled and leaned forward Usui Takumi and whispered something in his ear.
She was wearing a V-neck white and fitted knitted sweater and if Takumi darts his eyes further downwards, I was pretty certain he would have a great view of her chest. Well, he's a pervert. I'm sure he's done something like that then and now before I fell as his current victim for peeking through my blouse. The thought just makes me angrier. She leaned closer again but to my surprise, Takumi leaned back on the backrest of the plastic chairs of the Study Hall and said something in response.
She was furious. He look pissed off.
I reached out for my iPod and minimized the volume of the song I was currently listening in to and since there weren't many people in the Study Hall, I could almost hear what they were talking about. I stretched my arms across the table and move closer. Sure, I was being a horrible eavesdropper but what can I do? If they look like they're about to set the room in fire, the least thing I could do is listen to their conversation and report them to the teachers if the Study Hall wordlessly crumbles. I pretended as though I was scanning through the page of the Math homework I was doing when in truth, I was trying to angle my ear to their direction to get a better scoop of what they are arguing about.
"…it's just a dance, for goodness sake!" came out Kaon's low hissed. She was probably afraid that nearby students would hear the Queen Bee being rejected by the Alpha male of the Academy. "Why can't you say yes even for just a harmless school dance? Everybody thinks we're going together, why can't you just go with the flow of the wind and come with me as my partner? Everybody keeps on inviting me out to the dance and here I am inviting you. Don't you feel honored about it?"
Takumi gave out one cold and cruel answer. "I don't."
Kaon's eyes narrowed at that. "Why can't you like me, Takumi? I have liked you ever since we're in prep school and not once have you even thrown a glance on my direction. You treat me coldly more than you treat others. You don't allow me to get close but others can! Are you being sexist? Everybody likes me, why can't you? Everybody thinks I'm beautiful and they all want to be my friends but you don't. What have I done to receive this kind of treatment? Why are you mean only to me?!"
I paled with the way she threw her accusation at Takumi and for some reasons, I suddenly felt guilty for eavesdropping on such a conversation as personal as this. Wow, I didn't know—nor expected—Kaon Umekoji was actually head over heels on Usui Takumi. Seriously, what's up with that guy anyway? She was right when she said she was beautiful because she really was. So, why can't Usui Takumi like her? Is it because he's gay?
I knew it.
I keep my eyes down though I was pretty certain of the sound Takumi's book made when he wordlessly shut it close and dropped it on his table before darting an irritated glance on Kaon. His green eyes were narrowed and smoldering and it was so obvious with the way his back was hunch that he was pissed off.
Kaon seemed startled by the unmet attention as she straightened her back and back off a little. But she still looked undaunted as she met Takumi's eyes. She arched one perfectly trimmed eyebrow. "Well? Are you finally in your right mind and agrees to go to the dance with me?"
Wow. What a persistent person. I swear to God I haven't seen one before.
"Unfortunately, I wasn't in my right mind yet." Takumi answered, and despite his voice being alluring, it was icy cold. She must have really pissed him off big time. "Whatever the entire Academy is thinking about you has nothing to do with me, Umekoji-san. And my answer stays the same: I am not going to the dance with you."
"What—you—why—" she shake her head and had I been in a different situation, I would have laugh at her because her expression was just so comical for someone looking so… prim and proper in school. Well, she's not really decent. Everybody knows she has a rotten personality. I just don't know why they are being tolerant of her. She clashed angry brown eyes at Takumi. "I demand an explanation." She hissed. It was so obvious she wanted to scream but we're in Study Hall. If she dares create a noise, she'd be thrown out. And besides, acting mad in front of the guy you like won't guarantee you any points.
Usui Takumi must really be gay for not seeing how beautiful she was. But well, attitude wise… I must admit she has a really ugly personality.
"I offer nothing since I'm not required to answer something so childish." His tone was definitely miffed.
"Why can't you like me?!" Kaon snapped. "I like you so much—no! I'm way past liking you. I love you! Why can't you spare even a single look at me? I tried to be like this because of you. I've been loving you for so long but your eyes are always set to that woman! I tried to obtain perfection for you—"
I flinched when Takumi suddenly bolted up his feet making Kaon back away and for a second, I thought he would snap and hit her. But no, he was much more decent than that. He started shoving his stuff inside his messenger bag before he glared down at Kaon's small figure. "I don't care what you do to be as perfect as me. The fact remains that I don't like you and a day will never come that the crowd will see us going to some party together. I don't like you, Umekoji. I hope you'd keep that in your head."
I quickly pretended as though I was browsing through my textbooks again because he was going to exit the Study Hall and he needs to walk past my table to get to the door. But to my surprise, he suddenly stopped right beside me and placed one hand on the table.
I glanced up at him, startled. "W-What?"
"You sure have a nice hobby, Ayuzawa." He said in a voice so menacing and dangerous I nearly considered running away. He lifted the same hand from the table and unlatched the earpiece off my ear before he let it dropped on the table. "I don't think you need to put that on anymore seeing you weren't listening on anything." that and he wordlessly walked away.
I was astounded. Bull's eye. I'm really in for misfortunes.
In the previous table, I could almost taste the animosity coming off Kaon's skin. She looked so hurt and angry as she got her things too and walked out of the Hall while irritation almost looked like second skin to her. She must be really pissed off with the rejection.
When the two are finally gone, I heaved out a sigh of relief. Wow, that was a nice drama. But then, I paused. How did Usui Takumi knew I was listening? Was he paying attention on me, too?
.
"Sakura, I haven't been seeing you around. Where have you been?"
Sakura stride inside our dorm sluggishly before she started unzipping her fur coat and throwing her boots somewhere and wordlessly slumped down the couch with a heavy sigh. "I feel so… TIRED!" she screamed loudly it rendered me deaf. "Life is really trying to ruin me! The dance is only two weeks away and I still haven't got the courage to ask Usui Takumi out!"
I remembered the casualty at the Study Hall and quickly jumped on the couch and beside her before smiling. "Don't invite him! I swear, it's best if you wouldn't."
She frowned at me. "Are you two dating?!" was her immediate accusation.
I had to roll my eyes at that. She really is a Drama Queen. I can't believe I was able to stand her attitude. "Of course not, you idiot. You didn't hear it from me but Kaon Umekoji got rejected awhile ago at the Study Hall."
Her eyes turned into dangerous slits. "No way!"
I nodded eagerly. Deluding her like this is better than her going down the path of destruction. I don't really want Usui Takumi rejecting Sakura the way he had ruthlessly rejected Kaon. "Yes way. I was at the Hall awhile ago and overheard everything. She was really pissed off. He sounded like he's in a bad mood so you should stay away from him for the rest of… of, uh, two weeks! I don't want you to end up like Umekoji-san." God, I hope this works on her.
Sakura paused thoughtfully before she sniffed, unimpressed. "I would never end up like that loser Kaon."
I beamed. "Really? You'd stay away from him then?"
"Of course not! Are you an idiot?" she rolled her eyes at me. "I am Hanazono Sakura and am no way in the same level as that ugly skank. I could definitely get Usui Takumi with my, uh, feminine wiles."
I arched an eyebrow at her. "You're so hopeless. Well, don't come bawling your eyes on me if he rejected you the way he had rejected Umekoji. I'd say I told you so and I swear I'd be so sarcastic about it."
I matched it up with looking another direction and busying myself with the magazine on the table before secretly glancing at her direction to see if she was swayed by the threats. Thank God she's somewhat of a simpleton.
She grabbed me by the elbow, her bloody sharp fingers digging into the exposed skin of my arm as anxiety etched on her face. "Was it really terrible?"
I beamed again. "Yes. And if I had only video-ed it, I was pretty certain you'd pity Kaon, too. Man, she was bawling her eyes out her mascara colored her tears. Everybody tried comforting her but she was busy wailing her eyes out about how she was so beautiful even when crying yet, Usui Takumi seemed too blind and not see that." I shrugged, but my eyes were focused on Sakura. "Well, Usui must be really blind. She said he's gay."
"She what?!"
I nodded eagerly. Wow, I didn't know it was actually this fun fabricating stories like this. Well, it was for Sakura's sake anyway. She looks so down I wanted to cheer her up. "Yes. She told everyone she caught Usui having a twosome with Aoi Hyoudo and just when she was about to faint, uh, Kanou-kaichou jumped into the bushes and joined the two—making it a threesome! Oh, my God, poor woman. She must be feeling so bad to spread things like that against the Authority of the Academy. I feel so bad about her. Should we give her some bouquets?"
"No way!" she screamed against my ear before she pulled out her blackberry and started typing something in it. "That is going to the Academy site—"
"No!" I screamed and dove for her phone before I landed on the carpeted floor. "Do you want yourself to get killed?! Don't spread it! I thought you love Usui Takumi?" now I felt really ridiculous saying all these.
"But he's having a threesome!" she shrieked.
I rolled my eyes, fixed myself before smiling at her. "Look, Sakura, baby," I cringed at the endearment. "—if you truly love him, you wouldn't help Umekoji spread, uh, bad news about him. What if she just fabricated that to avenge her broken heart? The more she does that, the more Usui won't attend the party with her. And if she loses all her chance, that is when you'll enter the picture."
I handed her the blackberry and she seemed to have contemplated about it for a second until finally, she nodded and abandoned the poor phone on the couch again. "You're right." She cackled after that. "Hah, stupid Kaon Umekoji. She really is a dumb bitch. Hahaha!"
What a simpleton. "Stop laughing so much. You might get a stomachache."
"Whatever." She snorted at me. "But well, I couldn't believe that happened in the Study Hall. I wonder why they weren't thrown out."
Oh, crap. "Y-Yeah, I wonder why, too? I heard that Hall had the strictest teachers."
"I know, right?" another cackle. "Well, whatever. I don't care. She's probably lost all of her chance to snag Usui Takumi by now."
"You have no idea." I muttered under my breath, remembering the conversation between Kaon and Takumi. Well, I couldn't help but pity her, of course. She must be really in it for love. But the way she said she's been in love for Takumi for so long… was she exaggerating about that? Because in truth, she sounded like she's been in love with him for years—for thousands of years. And that woman, whom Usui Takumi had set his eyes into, was she here in that Academy, too? Does he actually have a secret girlfriend here of some sort? Wow, what a tragic love triangle. Good thing I don't involve myself in such casualties. It looks pretty terrible to me.
But then again, it was the girl who had a dead boyfriend was talking. Obviously, my love life is more tragic than them. I killed my boyfriend who killed the cousin I love the most—now that is what you will call tragic, right?
Well, whatever.
The door bolted open and Shizuko stepped in to the dormitory with Hideki trailing after her. She nodded at us while Hideki smiled politely at Sakura and I. "Good evening, Hanazono-san, Misaki."
"Hello, Hideki." I greeted back with a smile. "Want something to drink?"
"I'll make!" Sakura beamed loudly and bounced towards Hideki. "I will make you my most special milk tea." She said this in a flirty way after winking at him. Hideki smiled uncomfortably at her since Shizuko had gone straight to her room and abandoned her adorable boyfriend to the hands of a wolf.
I rolled my eyes. "I thought you have a crush on Usui Takumi?"
"I have! But if there's grace before me, I don't have a choice but to eat it."
"Well, Hanazono, he isn't typically food." Shizuko said after getting out of her room, her huge bag now replaced with a small pouch. She arched one critical at us. "Well, aren't you two coming? Suzuki's paying for dinner."
Hideki smiled at me. "It's really cold outside. I'd give you all a ride."
"Oh. Okay." I jumped out of the couch while Sakura nearly throw me off the way to get into her room. I could only roll my eyes. She was a sadist I wanted to hang her on the ceiling sometimes, too. I quickly changed into casual pants and some sweater since it was absolutely cold tonight and grabbed my wallet to pay for my own meal because it was really embarrassing having someone pay for what I ate. I'm sure Hideki doesn't mind since he could give me a run with his money and he was voluntary about it but, it was still embarrassing. I don't want him to think I'm taking advantage of him just because he was my friend's boyfriend.
When I got out, I was mortified because Sakura had the guts to wear something so thin just to look fashionable when it was so clear she was shivering due to the cold. I arched an eyebrow at her. "Aren't you cold wearing only that?"
In front of me, Shizuko scoffed. "Apparently, Hanazono had really thick skin so she doesn't get affected by the cold easily."
Hideki laughed at that and very softly elbowed Shizuko on the ribs. He smiled at us. "Don't mind her. She's just starving."
"Bet she is." Sakura grumbled irritably. "Her lips are becoming fat due to starvation—"
"Okay, okay, cut it out. Ceasefire, ceasefire. No fighting." I pushed Sakura out of the dorms and locked it with my keycard before I smiled at all of them. "We should all get going before the blizzard blocks the road. Come on."
The drive to the Central Town isn't so quiet anymore with Sakura and Shizuko's often scrimmage. It was so obvious they couldn't stand each other with the way they engaged into their rebuttal and the words they are using can make a passing nun make the sign of the cross and a nearby mother clapped her hands to cover the ears of her child. Hideki could only laugh at the two of them.
We were down with BK since I'm not really into rice today—as well as the others—so; we ordered a huge and juicy burger complete with coleslaw and some other stuff. Sakura was a picky eater because she doesn't eat vegetables so her veggies were thrown into my plate and however Hideki managed to do it, I was rather surprise when plates of seafood were suddenly served to our table when it wasn't clearly on the menu.
I arched an eyebrow at Shizuko who merely shrug and started eating her own food, threatening us to never touch the seafood. Well, I clearly didn't peg her to be a seafood enthusiast so I followed her orders and focused my mind on my own food. After all, it was so rare that I could eat in this kind of establishment with people I could call friends. We were in the middle of discussion about Kaon and her little demons when someone suddenly came up our table and patted me on the shoulder.
My forehead creased as I instantly recognized Igarashi Tora. "Uh… hi?" I greeted in confusion. I didn't expect to see him here.
"What are you doing here?" Shizuko asked stiffly as she put down her napkin and frowned at Igarashi.
Igarashi laughed at that but merely waves off her question. "What? I just came to greet Misaki. Is it already a crime for you, Shizu-chan?"
"Igarashi." Hideki grumbled frostily. "We are having a peaceful dinner here so will you please stop tainting the air with your nasty presence? The weather outside is bothersome already."
"Butt out." He hissed sharply before smiling back to me and placed one elbow on the table to stare at me in the eye.
I blinked, confused. "What?"
"Nothing. I just think you're really beautiful." He emphasized the last word and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "I heard you don't have a date to the dance yet. Are you considering me to be your partner?"
Beside me, Sakura coughed. Shizuko and Hideki merely rolled their eyes. I couldn't help but blush because I was never this taken aback before. Clearly, dancing is glaringly outside my range of capabilities because I never really considered being that close with the opposite gender before. I cleared my throat, trying to contain my shock before I smiled at him. "Sorry, but I'm not attending."
He paused, he seemed completely shock himself but if he were really, he was good on concealing it. "Oh, really? Why? I'm sure a lot of people would want to dance with you. Inviting you to the dance is on every guys list, you know?"
I wanted to scoff at that. Not really. They wanted to invite me because they probably wanted to have a feel of my ass. Even so, I tried to be diplomatic. "Thanks. But I don't really think I'd be able to attend the dance. Uh," my mind made quick calculations for that specific weekend. I can't be seen all by myself in the dorms. "—anyway, I have plans to go back to Tokyo that Saturday. I already got my permission to leave the school since it's sort of an emergency."
"Hmm, that's really sad. You can't go another weekend?"
"I can't. I already got the tickets for the trains. They are really expensive."
"Well, how about I drive you to Tokyo myself the other weekend?" he volunteered chirpily. "We're friends, right? I really want you to attend that dance."
"I don't know." I glanced at Shizuko for help but she was still busy glaring holes at Igarashi's elbow near her plate. "Um, I couldn't really go another weekend. My Mom is sick. I need to visit her."
He sighed—he looked really depressed about it but I knew better than to fall for that—before he bolted up his feet and smiled at me again. "Well, if it can't be helped, I wish your Mom well. But if you suddenly changed your mind," Igarashi winked at me. "—feel free to approach me. I'll make sure you'd have lots of fun if you date me."
"Sure." I clicked my tongue, trying to hide my irritation. "Thank you. I'm sure you'll find a date that would suit you. Have fun at the dance." I added conveniently.
"Sure thing, honey." I mentally cringed at the endearment. I didn't know it was a lot creepier being called honey by Igarashi than me calling Sakura baby. He winked at me again and I nearly kicked him on the knee when he reached out for my hand and started writing something on my palms. "Call me if you need someone to talk to." Another wink.
I really wanted to punch him if he didn't stop that winking thing. "I'll keep it in mind."
"Bye Misaki… Hanazono-san, Suzuki," and then he sneered at Shizuko. "—Shizu-chan." He was about to walk off but when he spun around, he was obviously startled to bump against Takumi's shoulder. I was startled too because it almost look like a smooth exit if Takumi hadn't appeared out of nowhere with Aoi and the others trailing behind him. Igarashi frowned. "Ah, you're here again."
"So are you." Takumi grumbled icily and walks towards our table, bumping Igarashi again while his eyes narrowed at me. I flinched away from his gaze. Why does he look like he wanted to wring my neck?
Igarashi merely rolled his eyes and finally disappeared.
"Is he bothering you?" Takumi asked as he took the spot next to Sakura since it was the only available spot on our table. After greeting me, Aoi, Yuki and the others took the nearby table next to us.
Sakura looked like she was possessed when she shook her head in response to Takumi's question. "N-No."
Shizuko rolled her eyes at that. "Not you, stupid."
I winced when she kicked me underneath the table. I glanced up at Shizuko, startled, but she ignored me thus, I ended up staring at Takumi who seemed expectant of my answer. I shake my head. "No. He's not bothering me."
"He invited her to the dance." Hideki offered kindly and smiles at me. "You're a smart girl, Misaki. I'm pretty certain you wouldn't fall for his charm. If you get to know him, you'd know he's not really a charming person. Personally, I don't really like him."
I nodded at that. "Yeah. I guess I have a penchant for… un-charming people." That and I risked a quick glance at Takumi's direction who narrowed his green eyes on me. I shrugged. "I know a lot of people who aren't, well, charming."
"Well, so much for charming people, don't you think?" he retorted casually and grabbed a fry from Hideki's plate. Hideki frowned at him. Takumi ignored the poor guy. "Are you going to dance with him?" he asked anyway.
I wanted to frown at him. Why the hell is he asking me that? It's totally none of his business. I shrugged. "Who knows?"
"She's not." Shizuko answered irritably. "She's going out of the Academy that weekend to visit her sick Mom." I frowned at her. This traitor. But Shizuko merely ignored me. "She already got the permission settled. She'd return Sunday afternoon, right?"
I scowled at her. "I'm surprise you know the schedule. Did you rummage through my bag again?"
"I know everything."
"Stalker." I whispered and started nibbling on my burger again.
Usui leaned on the backrest of the soft cushion seat of BK before he looked around, his arms crossed over his chest, showcasing his muscles that just seem to be flexing whenever he'd move or flail his arms. "Don't go out with Igarashi." He said all of a sudden that made me paused eating again. "He's up to no good. He's probably just doing that to annoy me."
"The world doesn't revolve around you, Usui." I said sharply because he was being nosy and that is so unlike him. I don't like him that way. He was irritating me. "And so what if I go out with him? It isn't like it's any of your business. Is it another job of an Authority again?"
He glared at me. "Why are you always bringing that up?"
"Why are you being so nosy about my business?" I glared back. "Butt out, you understand that? I don't care what you think or if Igarashi's just doing that to annoy you but whatever I do, all consequences are mine to deal with."
"That's enough." Shizuko said, her grip on the fork was tight as she glared at me and at Takumi. "Usui, why don't you return to your table now? We'll talk later."
"Sure. Make sure you don't get your penchant of trouble in trouble." He glared at my direction again before he pushed his chair backwards and strolled towards the next table. Thankfully, the others didn't seem to notice the hostility between us.
What a child.
"What's that all about?" Shizuko asked me with one eyebrow arched. "You two sure exude something akin to sexual tension."
"What—bloody no!" I hissed at her under my breath. I ignored the way Sakura rolled her eyes while Hideki casually laughed. I glared at Shizuko. "You know that that guy is annoying. He was being nosy and I don't like it when he, of all people, acts that way."
"Because he repels you?"
I fell stiff and slowly glared at Shizuko. She is certainly not talking about the curse right now. "Stop that." I hissed under my breath.
She shrugged, and thankfully, resumes eating.
I could only roll my eyes and forced myself to eat the leftovers of my burger even if I have already lost my appetite. Well, I don't want to waste something worth 20$.
.
"Ah, there goes the penchant."
I didn't know how much stuck in Takumi's head but approaching me after our heated exchange awhile ago isn't really a good thing especially if I was still feeling annoyed at him. I sat frostily under the shed since Hideki and the others drop by the market for a moment to get some food supplies and since I was currently suffering from a terrible case of stomachache, I decided to wait for them on the bus stop since it seemed to be the safest place as of the moment.
I glared at Takumi as he got out of his car after parking it somewhere and occupied the vacant spot next to me. "What do you want?"
"Giving you company."
"Thank you but I don't need your company. The air was perfectly fine awhile ago until you arrived."
He dodged that away. I was surprise myself he didn't return with his own sarcastic comments. "So, your Mom is sick, huh?"
My forehead creased suspiciously. I don't know where he's going with the questions about Mom but that is enough to keep me suspicious. "Yes… why?"
He shrugged. "Nothing. So, your plans are concrete, huh? You're not attending the dance?"
"I'm not." I answered stiffly. "Dancing is glaringly outside my range of skills." And I'd rather eat blades than dance with someone. "What about you?" I dared to ask. "Are you… attending?"
He shot me a dull and bored look. "Well, I'm surprise you didn't know, considering that you've been eavesdropping on my conversation with Umekoji at the Study Hall." His tone was disdainful. "That's a bad habit you have."
"I was merely a curious bystander." What's the use of denying it now when I've already been caught? "But she was right when she said she was beautiful and you couldn't see it. Are you gay? DO you prefer men than women?"
He gave me, this time, a condescending stare. "Are you stupid?"
"Point taken." I mumbled with a grin. He was glaring at me again. "Look, don't bite my head off. I was merely asking. Anybody would ask you that same question if you've been ignoring someone as beautiful as Kaon Umekoji. She's practically devoted her life trying to get a chance to smell your feet," he snorted at that. I laughed. "I wasn't kidding. She looks like that type of woman."
"So, you've been paying attention about my fan girls, huh?" he smirked at me.
I resisted the urge to punch him. "Because I was wondering why they… glorify someone like you. It's just… disturbing, you know? Is that really their normal behavior?"
Takumi shrugged his shoulders. "Who knows? I'm being glorified because girls want me. There's no questioning that."
My jaw dropped over his level of arrogance. This guy's a narcissistic pig! "You do realize you sound so irritating, right? It's a good thing I don't want you. I'd rather jump in an active volcano or boil live puppies than glorify you. You're a jerk."
"You weren't the first person to say that."
"Well, it's a good thing you're aware of it. But then again, your ego's probably bigger than your head and you're too thick-skinned to change your attitude."
"Which head?"
My eyes narrowed. "PERVERT!" I screamed at his ears. God, I can't believe we really couldn't have any decent conversation. This guy has the biggest stick up his ass to ever converse decently with me. I frowned at him. "What the hell are you doing here anyway? Aren't you supposed to be returning to the dormitories now?"
He shrugged again. "Well, what can I say? I've seen the Academy's stupidest girl who's too bitter about me being the Authority. Even if I don't like her, because she had a penchant for bad luck, I've got no other choices but to accompany her." he darted green eyes on me again and if this is what he calls acting funny, I swear I'd shut his eyes with one punch right now. "I'm such a good person, am I not?"
"Hardly." I grumbled gingerly and glances back at the mart and noticed Sakura and the others finally getting out. "Well, time to stop your Good Samaritan duties. My friends are back and I don't need your company anymore."
"Stay away from Igarashi Tora."
I coughed. "Where the hell did that come from? I thought that's left behind now because I don't want you strutting into my business?" I scowled at him. "If you hate him, leave me out of it. I don't want to get involve in your petty childish scrimmage."
He'd snorted at me. "Hardly a scrimmage. I just don't want him around you, is that a bad thing now?"
"What's the problem with us being buddy-buddy? You're not my father. Don't tell me what to do—"
"Well, maybe because I don't like it." I flinched at the hardness in his voice and for a moment, I was at loss for words. I could already hear Hideki honking his horns at me and swiftly, I jumped off the stool and away from Takumi before we fell into one of those incredibly awkward situations. He bolted up his feet too and I froze when I felt him touch my shoulder blade before he turned to the parking lot and walked away, waving over his shoulders.
"Is that Takumi?" Hideki asked as soon as I get inside the car. "What's he up to now?"
I put my seatbelt on and shrugged. "Nothing. Just being weird again."
He laughed at that. "Well, despite his popularity, Takumi is really a weird person. I'm sorry if he annoys you often. He's usually like that to his friends." He stepped on the gas pedal and the car move forward smoothly. I took one last glance on the bus stop and buried the earlier situation into the darkest corner of my brain, locked it away and throw the key underneath a pile of snow.
.
MUST READ NOTE!
You might be wondering if Misaki is mentally… incapable here or suicidal but since there's a huge chance that this story would be deleted because FFN doesn't usually allow stories that deals with the mental capacity of a person, I am trying to play on the safe zone to avoid the story from being completely deleted and my account from being terminated. Misaki's mental capacity will be discussed lightly as the story progresses so please, refrain from asking whether she's mental or not. :D.
No, I am not paranoid. But I remembered reading from someone's story that genre's like this isn't normally accepted for children to read. I don't really want people reporting me due to the violence in my stories.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This is nothing but a fan fiction. All characters, situation and places had no connection whatsoever to real life people, situations or organizations. I don't own anything and if you think this is too atrocious or illusory or not readable for children below fifteen or whatsoever, kindly click on the exit button and never visit the story again.
This is an M-ratedstory. This is not suitable for kids with really young minds. I don't want to be reported because of this story, okay? If you think this doesn't befit your minds, please do me the honor of not visiting the story anymore.
I don't want trouble, people. :D. I am merely trying to express my ideas for other people to read—people who are of the same age as mine and has a wider range of understanding.
AndyBunny
No, I am not paranoid. Nope, I am not mental either. I don't usually curse until needed be. And yes, the update of the story varies from time to time. I don't like being pressured. I hope you understand how difficult it is for wannabe writers like me to write and thought of stories for hours.
And if there are grammatical errors, don't kill me. I don't proofread the story anymore—well, sometimes—because I've been typing it for more than five hours—depends on the length—and I'm too tired to go back from the start (more like lazy).
Anyway, do tell me what you think! :)
Time Check: 10:17 PM (Philippine Time) June 13, 2014
I'm really tired now. I'm gonna go sleep. Good night, people. And, oh, enjoy reading. And kindly leave a review! :D