Disclaimers: I don't own anything.
Inspiration: I was listening to Maroon 5's Daylight while typing this. It took me a long while to understand the meaning of the song (I feel really stupid right now. Haha. I know, it's not funny. You probably think I'm stupid, too) but anyway, time check is 8:38 PM and June 17, 2014. I wanted to post the previous chapters I've finished but couldn't because there's something wrong with our internet connection. Bear with me, please? I'm really going to sue our provider for this. Dang.

Anyhow, read on. :D

AndyBunny

-;-

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
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The Grim Reaper
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The Grim Reaper

Ten:

I stared in disbelief at the piece of card inside my locker—and wondered vaguely how this little annoying thing found its way inside my personal vault before I grabbed it gingerly and read the contents as fast as I could. And as expected, it was an invitation to the dance. Great. Love letters. Just great. I stuffed some of my books that I wouldn't use anymore for the rest of the day inside the locker and sourly shove the card in my bag before I slammed it shut—ignoring people who glanced my direction—and walked as fast as I could to the Gym where I had class with Sakura and the others. It was a good thing I share that class with Sakura. Because if I don't, I'd probably end up failing that one because Kaon Umekoji was present and she looked like she was always about to start a fight every time she'd see me.

Another good reason to leave this place.

I went straight into the lockers and change into my gym clothes—some medium sized shirt and jogging pants—and headed out straight to the gym while tossing my water bottle from left hand to my right before waving at Shizuko.

I grinned at her. "Yo, yo, Ice Queen. You look pissed off."

Shizuko glowered at me, automatically wiping off the grin off my face before she stared pointedly at another direction again past my shoulders. "You better drag Hanazono back here before she goes into one of those cat fights with Umekoji."

My forehead creased. "Huh? What?"

She narrowed her eyes at me. "Get Hanazono before she gets in trouble."

I snapped my head to the direction she was staring at, searching for a certain auburn-haired woman and quickly spotted Sakura having some kind of heated argument already with Kaon Umekoji. "What is she doing there?" I quickly abandoned my post and walked across the gym to get to that spot where most students are gathering up to get Sakura when I heard Kaon's high pitched voice, and her tone is definitely mocking.

"…my, Hanazono-san, why you didn't told us you have such a good-looking fiancée?" was what I heard her say. Her tone was mocking and far from disappointed. In fact, it was so obvious she was trying to annoy her. "Where did you get someone like him? Did your mother pluck him out from some trash can? He seemed to really like wearing tattered clothes. But well, Sakurai-kun befits someone like you. You two looked like… hand me downs."

I gaped. Oh hell no, she didn't say hand me downs!

Sakura was absolutely furious as she glared at Kaon and her throng of followers. "Well, at least even if he looked like trash, I still have someone to fit me. Unlike some other bitch out there, I don't get rejected at all. If I ask someone for a favor, he doesn't say no to me and I don't look pitiful bawling my eyes out because I was rejected by the guy I have liked for so long."

This time, it was Kaon's turn to gasped. Her eyes sharpened and I just knew a fight is about to break out. She stepped forward her followers who were laughing and cheering for her and glowered at Sakura. "What do you mean by that?" she hissed at Sakura.

I quickly pushed past cheering students before Sakura makes the mistake of saying something like false rumor I created. Crap, this is what I get for having too much fun.

Sakura sneered at Kaon. "My sources said something about you being rejected at Study Hall by none other than Usui Takumi-sama who everybody thinks as your date for the dance. It seems like you weren't the Queen Bee after all since the Alpha male wouldn't be taking you as his date. Pitiful, isn't it? I heard you were crying your eyes out and your lady bitches are trying to comfort you. It must have been so embarrassing."

Arr, Sakura, you big, big idiot! When I finally got through the horde of students, I tugged hard against Sakura's elbow and tried to pry her away. "Sakura, what the hell are you doing? I didn't tell that info to you to use it against her!" of course, the last twelve words were nothing but a low hiss. "Come on! If you continued fighting with Umekoji, you're just putting yourself in her level!"

But Sakura was all war-freak now. And when she's in that mode, not even Shizuko could stop her. "Whatever! That bitch deserves that! She called Kuuga trash! Nobody calls my best friend trash!"

Oh… so it's about Kuuga-kun's welfare. But even so! "Look, she was just saying that because she's, uh, insecure of you! Don't bite into her trap."

"Who the hell is insecure?!" Kaon shrieked as her sharp glare directed at me. "And why would I be insecure of that ugly woman with the ugly red hair? You know what, Hanazono, if you were more decent than what you are and if you actually had brown hair instead of red, maybe I'd try to like you more. But since you're ugly and you look like a dog with your tongue wagging out while following around your loser friends, I will never learn to like you. Not even for a bit."

"Oh, and you think I was supposed to care about that? And for your information, your brown hair doesn't suit you at all. Your strands looked like dried ropes!"

"Bitch, take that back! My hair isn't dried rope!"

Sakura laughed exaggeratedly loud. "Oh, hell yeah, it is. Maybe that's the reason why Takumi-sama rejected your invitation—no, my source said you sounded like BEGGING—to the dance. He must be so disgusted of your rope hair that he couldn't bear be seen with you on the dance."

I would have laughed at their childishness had I been in another situation but Kaon looked like she was so ready to ripped Sakura's head off while my friend seemed very willing for a fight. I glanced at my wristwatch and realized our coach is about to come around that quickly, I grabbed Sakura's arm again and tugged her away.

"Look, it isn't worth it, okay?" I said to her again. "You've already said what you're supposed to say. Come on! Kaon is not worth your anger. I thought you're much better than this? Being the Alpha female doesn't mean you have to win every fight some loser would instigate. Just because you're not fighting back doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're level-headed enough to not bite into the trap of other people. Come on!"

Sakura stared at me for a moment, dissecting what I've said while Kaon looked utterly humiliated by everything Sakura had revealed since whispers are finally beginning to rise around the horde of students. Finally, Sakura beamed and nodded at me. "Okay. Fine. I am not a loser like Umekoji so, I'll go. She looked like she's been a loser for years. I'd let her win today."

I rolled my eyes at that and quickly tugged her away before Kaon exploded but next thing I know, a ball came flying out of nowhere and struck Sakura right straight on the back of her head. I gaped like a fish and watch as Sakura touch her head before slowly staring back at Kaon in menace.

Kaon smiled sardonically at us. "Strike." She said in enthusiasm.

"Sakura—"

"Don't stop me, Ayuzawa."

Well, I would be mad too if I was hit deliberately with a ball. I decided to drop my hands. "I was actually about to say good luck."

"Oh hell yeah, she would need that." and next thing I knew, the line of fire started.

.

What I don't really understand is what possessed me to allow Sakura engaged into a fight—and worst is I have to be involved with it, too. When the Gym coaches saw the cat fight between girls in their court—with Hideki, Yuki and Kanou-kun trying their best to separate the girls—all involved were immediately sent into the Guidance Office where we all receive our own punishments. My punishment wasn't so bad since I was tasked to do the cleaning of the Gym every after Gym class for three weeks while Sakura and Kaon were subjected to attended a five-hour detention for three weeks and a cleaning duty of the male and female comfort room.

The other girls were punished to squat in the soccer field for three weeks too every after Gym class.

I was actually thankful I wasn't sent into detention or the CR or the soccer field. I owe it all to Kanou-kun who relayed everything to the coach that I was actually trying to stop the fight until I got unintentionally dragged. But since I still participated, of course, they couldn't let me off easily.

Well, I'd rather clean the Gym forever than receive those other heavy punishments.

Really, next time Sakura would engage into another fight with Umekoji, I'd learn better than listen to Shizuko and defend her. But then again, it wasn't so bad fighting alongside with friends.

Thoughtlessly, I laughed. I'm not going to deny it anymore—it was fun.

"For someone who's been punished after a fight, you sure looked happy."

I snapped my head up, startled, and immediately saw Takumi seated on one of the bleachers of the gym with a basketball on hand. He jumped off the seats and threw the ball to the ball basket and started picking up another balls too. He stood next to the baskets and eyed me from head to toe.

"How's the cat fight?" he asked sarcastically.

But even so, I was still feeling fulfilled so I ended up laughing. "I don't know, fun? I've never been into a fight before with friends. Now that I experienced it, I'd admit it was actually funny. The scratches were painful though."

He grimaced at that and starts fiddling with a ball. "I can't believe you fabricated what you've eavesdrop at the Hall and relayed it to Hanazono. I guess you weren't so secretive after all."

I snorted at that, and continued mopping the court to perfection. "Look, I was actually doing you a favor by doing that. She said she wanted to invite you for the dance. You look like you don't want to bring anyone at all. And besides, I don't want her to be rejected the way you did with Kaon. She's my friend. I don't want something like that for her."

"Just how much did you hear?" he asked me irritably.

I bit my lip sheepishly. "Um… about the part of why you don't want to go to the dance with her."

His frown deepened. "Eavesdropper."

"Curious bystander." I corrected him and continuous mopping again. "Anyway, what are you doing here? Its lunch period already, isn't it? Aren't you supposed to be hanging out with your friends and trying to be cool?"

"I don't need to try to be cool. I already am."

"Narcissistic bastard." I grumbled icily under my breath. "Well, you didn't answer the question: what are you doing here?"

"It's the quietest place next to the library." He answered and sits back on the court again. "I can relax easily on quiet places unlike when I am in noisy places. So, if you don't mind, will you shut up?"

I frowned at him. "Well, for your information, you're the first person who opened a conversation with me." I narrowed my eyes at him. "So, if you don't mind, will you shut up then?" Takumi grunted at me and I frowned at him as he leaned back on the ball basket and shut his eyes closed. My forehead creased. Is he planning to sleep here? "Hey, if you're sleepy, why don't you head off to the infirmary instead? I'm cleaning here."

No response.

"Or just sit on the bleachers, if you don't mind. I haven't mopped that spot yet."

No further movements. I thought he even snored.

"Hey, are you asleep already?" I tried to glance at his face but since some of his thick blonde strands are covering his face, I couldn't see much. I shrugged and continued mopping but there was just something about a sleeping Usui Takumi that made me unfocused. I slowly tiptoed towards his direction and tried to steal glances on his face, but I still couldn't see anything. I frowned. What's with this guy? And what's with his hair covering his face? Does he look ugly once he's asleep?

I snorted at my own stupidity. Usui Takumi? Ugly? That's far from happening when it was so obvious he was beautiful even if he didn't take a bath for three days. I set aside the mop, my curiosity piquing as I sat in front of him as quietly as I could to have a good look at his face.

I lifted out one hand to shove away strands of his hair off his face before I inclined my head lower to check out his face. The other side of his face was dark and his thick lashes casted shadows across his face that made his cheek more prominent and sharper than necessary. He was really beautiful, I must say and there was just something about Usui Takumi and his mysterious aura that makes anyone who would see him give him the second—and even third—glance. His lips were thin and slightly reddish and his cheeks, although it was very faint, are actually a bit pinkish—probably due to the cold weather. His skin seemed smooth to the touch and I fought against the strong urge to actually touch his cheek because I fear he might suddenly wake and get mad at me for checking out his face when he's asleep. His eyes were green—smoldering green—and whenever he'd stare at me, there was something about the intensity of his stare that makes me feel like I was about to melt… like how he was staring at me now—

I paused and it didn't took me long to realized Takumi was staring at me with his smoldering green eyes and that our faces were actually only inches apart from each other.

"S-Sorry!" I spluttered in horror before I jumped away from him and crawled away until there's a safe distance in between us. "Sorry! There's, uh, there's something in your face! I was about to wake you up because I haven't mopped that part yet but—"

"Must be enough to cover my entire face, huh?" he cut off before he bolted up his feet too and dusted his pants from invisible dirt. He turned to me again and arched an eyebrow at me. "So my stare is smoldering, huh?"

Crap! Just how much did he overhear?! "I… I-I… I never said anything like that!"

"Then it must be my imagination."

Furiously, I nodded. "Yes, yes! Imagination—your imagination—"

"Except that it wasn't." he folded the sleeves of his knitted sweater and I gaped shamelessly at the newly exposed flesh before me. But when Takumi started walking towards me, the only thing I could do is swallow the imaginary lump in my throat because I was so embarrassed after being caught checking him out. I keep on saying I don't like him and now he caught me staring at his face! What's worst is I blurted out that his stare is frickin' smoldering! I will be labeled a hypocrite forever!

I glanced up when Takumi leveled his face at me before lifting up one hand to flick me on the forehead. I winced. "What the hell—"

"Stop acting cute." He said and starts walking towards the exit of the gym. He paused momentarily before he craned his neck to stare at me with those really smoldering eyes that just makes the entire world stop spinning before he gave me a crooked grin that was far from being mocking or condescending. In fact, he looked like he was enjoying what just happened. "Or I might end up attacking you. I bite hard, you know."

I flushed at the innuendo because the last two sentences don't sound right to me. And just when I recovered from the shock and embarrassment of being caught and had plans to retort, I realized I was already alone in the Gym, and all signs of Usui Takumi being in the same court with me previously disappeared along with him.

I slumped back on the floor and sighed heavily. What's wrong with my heart?

.

"I can't believe I cleaned the female comfort room! I will forever carry this kind of embarrassment for the rest of my miserable life and I swear I will curse Kaon Umekoji along with her demon descendants and followers!"

Shizuko had the nerve to chuckle at the familiar words Sakura had wailed and I tried to shut her up with a glare. The woman shrugged and continued eating her roes while browsing through the magazine while we are on the lounge.

I frowned at Sakura. "Stop that. It was your fault that you were placed in that situation. Now, everyone would think of you as the cleaning lady Hanazono." I laughed at that while Shizuko looked like she's having trouble containing her amusement too. "Anyway, you managed to remove a huge clump of her hair so, that settles it. Just be happy you didn't clean the male's comfort room and that job was force on her. Because if that happens, I swear that is more embarrassing than cleaning the other CR."

"Shut up!" she screamed at me and starts sulking again. "Damn, that stupid bitch is really annoying! If I get my hands around her neck, I swear she's dead meat."

Shizuko snorted at that. "If Kaon Umekoji dies suddenly, I'd immediately point you out as the primary suspect."

Sakura glared heatedly at Shizuko but I quickly blocked her view of the Ice Queen and grinned chirpily at her. "Come on, you know she's kidding. Of course she wouldn't do that because you wouldn't kill Umekoji." I smiled again. "Just forget it ever happened. She started it and she had the worst punishment. For someone who's been called the Queen Bee, that's a very painful strike against her female pride. Forget her already."

But Sakura was still terrifyingly annoyed. She was obviously bristling whenever I'd mention Kaon's name. "How dare she call Kuuga some trash? God knows it wasn't true! He could probably give her a run of his money. Damn, I could really kill her for that! She doesn't have the right to spread nasty lies about other people when she's the meanest girl in this entire world! Why was she born anyway? I bet when she dies, she'd head off straight to Hell!"

Shizuko snorted again. "And you'll have wings and a halo and fly straight to Heaven? Charming."

"Pick a team!" Sakura screeched irritably.

"It's a petty childish fight." She answered coolly. "And I could care less who wins."

"Don't mind her. She's just starving." I quickly said because Sakura just looks like she's about to throw herself across the table to kill Shizuko. And I definitely do not like to be involved in another fight again with, this time, my weird roommates. "So, you care about Kuuga-kun, huh?"

"Of course I do!" but then, she paused as though what she said is a slip of the tongue. Sakura cleared her throat and took small sips from her Chai tea. "I don't, stupid. But he's a former friend. I just don't like people spouting shit about former friends."

Right. "Bad liar." I whispered under my breath. It was so obvious she still cared about the guy. I don't really know what's wrong with Sakura. It's not like she's going to die if she admit that she cares about Kuuga-kun even if he had already changed his charming ways into a rebellious one. "You don't have to lie, you know? I know you. You wouldn't engage in an all-out war with someone unless you think people you care about are being mistreated."

She growled at me. "Shut it."

I raised both hands in defeat. "Fine. I didn't hear anything." I decided to change the subject before her mood turns completely sour. "So, how does it feel after getting a strike against the head?"

To that, Sakura groaned. "I feel terrible! It felt as though I was going to lose my head!"

"Don't exaggerate." I laughed at her. "The truth?"

"It was the truth! I feel like my head's going to get knocked off! Damn, I read some trivia about losing massive hair or something once you head your head against something hard."

I rolled my eyes at that. "You mean massive brain cells, right? Seriously, pay attention, will you? Who would lose hair if they hit their heads against concrete walls?"

Shizuko chuckled sardonically at us. "Probably Hanazono."

"Will you cut it out already?" I mumbled at Shizuko since Sakura looks really pissed off now. I eyed Sakura again. "Anyway, I'll prepare you some cold compress to lessen the pain on your head. It seemed as though you're growing an anthill on your head. We should treat that before it gets worst."

Sakura groaned, before she pressed her forehead against the table. I winced when it created a loud thud. But she seemed like she was having fun banging her head against the table because she repeated the act thrice.

I had to force myself not to laugh or she might bite my head off. "Stop that. You're really going to lose a lot of brain cells if you continue that… banging your head thing."

"It's not like she have so much left." Shizuko grumbled while continually browsing on the magazine she was holding.

I scowled at her. So much for being brutally frank, Shizuko Kaga. I tried to ignore her and watch Sakura make a fool out of herself when I caught on Takumi and his friends passing by our table. The wind was blowing against his hair and I thought he just looked so handsome in sweaters that without thinking, I continued staring at him. But he must have a feeling I was staring at him because he suddenly snapped his eyes on our direction that quickly, I dropped my gaze down and pretended as though I was reaching out for my book. But I was so startled that I knocked over my coffee and winced when the entire contents spill out on the leg of my pants.

I jumped off my seat, startled. "Ow—shit!"

"Hey, careful—oh, what an idiot."

I glowered at Sakura while Shizuko merely rolled her eyes and handed me a tissue before she picked up the cup and throw it to the nearby bin.

And just in luck, Takumi and his gang had to come to our table after I was finished making a fool out of myself. A day really can't go by that I wouldn't get struck with misfortune. I focused my eyes on my drenched leg and tried to dry it up with the napkin. Hideki grinned at Shizuko and leaned forward to kiss her cheek but she quickly ducked away and elbowed him on the ribs. Yuki greeted at Shizuko—they were buddies after all—and I inwardly scowled when I felt Takumi's eyes on me.

"Pulling a new stunt, Misaki-chi?" Aoi asked with a sarcastic grin on his face. He leaned forward to check out the drench leg before laughing. "You really are the Queen of Misfortune."

"Thanks." I said gingerly before I got off my chair and fished my bag out of the ground. I eyed Shizuko who stared at me inquiringly. "I'll just have a change of pants. I certainly can't go to Central Town looking like this."

"You wet yourself?" Yuki teased.

I chuckled under my breath and punched him on his forearm. "I guess I did. See you all later."

"Well, hurry up." Sakura told me while groaning. "We need to get that recipe for your plan next weekend. Your Mom would feel nice if you bring her my infamous self-made recipe."

"It's probably poisonous." Yuki said while laughing. "Misaki, you shouldn't trust Sakura about making food for your parents. Either they are poisonous or not palatable."

"Why you wimp—"

I rolled my eyes, waving my hand in dismiss as I turned my back on them and prepared to enter Hino. Yukimura and Sakura really make out a great team. Had I not realized that Kuuga-kun suits Sakura better, I would really root for Yuki if he tries wooing her. Those two fit together it's almost weird. I kicked the unfortunate snow that I would find blocking my way and suddenly missed the crunchy gravel back in Tokyo. And since Mom loves the beach so much, I remembered Dad making a provisional beach in our backyard. But it look ghastly since Dad was never really good with labor work. Even so, it was still fun making sandcastles with the sand he gathered from God knows where so despite the terrible appearance (it doesn't really look like any beach would) we're still enjoying ourselves.

"So, you wet yourself, huh?"

I jump in surprise when Takumi's voice suddenly appeared beside me. I frowned at him, trying to focus since his appearance ruined my train of thoughts. And dang, I'm really beginning to get annoyed with myself because it felt as though whenever he'd appear or approach me, it feels as though I couldn't focus. "Why do you keep doing that?"

He paused thoughtfully, and once again, gave me the chance to check him out. Why does he look so beautiful up close? "Doing what?"

"Appearing out of nowhere." I hissed and continue walking briskly. "And stop jumping out of suspicious places, too. Are you really a stalker?"

His laughter was musical. "Hardly a stalker. I was merely curious about your sudden departure. Are you mad at me?"

"Why would I? And I thought I clearly made myself clear that I was going back up to our room to change my pants since I spilled coffee on it?" I rolled my eyes, another week of this and I'd really get used now with the sarcasm. I was never really sarcastic before. But Usui Takumi just brings out the beast in me and it's not a very good thing. "Will you just go back to the table? Or probably do whatever you've been doing before you came to our table? Stop following me."

He chuckled again. "Why not?"

I paused by the elevators and hit the up button. While waiting for the lift, I turned to him and frowned. "Well, I don't know, maybe it's because I'm going back up to our room and I don't want the so-called Academy icon following me." I said the words with obvious sarcasm. "I don't want rumors, Takumi, so, if you would please—"

"I haven't been into a girl's room before." he cut off before whistling. "And you're probably the last person my fan girls would create rumors from. They probably think I have high standards and I wouldn't even dream about dating you."

"The feeling is mutual." I hissed sardonically, quickly bolting into the lift as soon as the doors skidded open and hit the 5th button. Takumi fell into the spot beside me as some other girls rode the cart and I was wondering why he was so close when there was actually quite a huge space inside the elevator. I resisted the urge to push him away because the proximity… bothers me.

I could notice the girls inside whispering to one another until finally, one had build up the guts to speak with him. "U-Um, Usui-sama, uh, can we ask if you already have a date to dance?" both Takumi and I snapped our heads to the direction of the girl who immediately blush a deep shade of red due to embarrassment. "U-Uh, if you're already taking Ayuzawa-san, then don't bother asking the question!" she said quickly and when the elevator doors pinged open, I was startled when she suddenly jumped off along with her flustered friends.

She faced us again and lowered her head politely. "H-Have a good… time!" she said and scampers away, nearly tripping over the carpet since she looked like she was in extreme hurry.

My mouth fell as the doors closed on us. "You have got to be kidding me." I whispered in disbelief.

Beside me, Takumi merely shrugged. "Well, I guess staring at them that way scares them, too."

"Are you kidding me?!" I nearly screamed at him. "Those girls thinks you're taking me to the dance!"

He arched an eyebrow at me. "So?"

"SO?!" I shrieked. "Stop so-ing me! I know those girls! They like spreading baseless rumors! God, if they start thinking we're going out—" I gasped in horror at the woman's parting words. "Did you hear what she said before they left? They said… they said… they told us to—"

"Have a good time." He finished lamely. "I get that a lot. You should learn not to mind them—"

"Why would I not mind them?! Your fan girls will devour any woman who would try getting close to you! God, you're so—arg! Forget it! My dream of becoming invisible forever is now off the bucket list thanks to you!" I stomped off the elevator when it finally opened on my floor because I was just so… bothered with the idea of me going out with Usui Takumi. I know I shouldn't be bothered but I don't like this… new emotion spiraling inside my stomach whenever his name would be mentioned or even if I'm seeing him in the flesh.

It was all so… stupid! And Usui Takumi is dangerous! I couldn't be linked with him that way.

He quickly kept pace with me because his strides were too huge and yet, he still moves as graceful as ever—that was really enviable. "What are you so mad about? It isn't like we'd really do something in your room. And besides, I thought you don't care what other people think about you?"

"Well, of course I could not care. But I am still human and I would feel bad if rumors spread about me and you. And my friend likes you! What would she think?"

"You think too much." He grumbled with a roll of his eyes. And I thought he just looked so annoying sometimes I wanted to trip him so he would know how it would feel to be embarrassed intentionally. "What they say… it shouldn't matter to you because you're the only person who knows yourself well. People like talking. You should have learned already never to mind them—especially if you know they are unsubstantiated."

I stared at him for a couple of seconds, realizing he was right and when he met my gaze, I felt like I was burning again. I quickly looked away, trying to calm my suddenly furious heartbeat, before I slide the keycard in and the loud beeping sound signified I've gained access and unlocked our room. I stepped in, switching the lights on because it really looked improper being seen in a room with a guy especially if he wasn't even your friend. Takumi stepped in, too, and when I darted a quick glance at him, I thought his presence gave the dull room some radiance.

Focus, Ayuzawa! What the hell are you thinking now?! Stop being idiotic!

Takumi walked towards the couch and slumped in there, grabbing my thick Jane Austen Laid Bare from the lamp table before glancing at me. "You read things like this?"

I was suddenly defensive. "Yeah. What about it?"

"Even 50 shades of Gray?"

I blushed. "Y-Yes… why?"

"I didn't know you like Erotic Romance—"

"P-PERVERT!"

"What? You're the perverted one. I wasn't even saying anything. I was just stating a fact." He laughed at me—and I was pretty certain he was enjoying this more than he should with the way his green eyes are sparkling. And I thought I was easily bedazzled. He scanned through the pages, stopping on lines he found interesting before he'd scan again and repeat the cycle. And if I were being honest, it was actually kind of cute.

Takumi glance my direction again. "I thought you're going to change your pants… or do you need my help with that?" he squared his shoulders. "I don't mind."

"Pervert." I grumbled frostily and hanged my coat up the hook along with my bag before walking right straight into my room. I grabbed a new set of dry and comfortable pants and decided to open the television to drown out the sound of me changing clothes and when I was done, I threw the pants into the laundry basket and jumped out of my room again. Takumi was still on the couch and scanning another book again.

I wondered what Dad and Mom would think if they realized someone like Usui Takumi is in the same room with me with my roommates in the lounge. They would probably suffer from heart attack if I didn't explain this out well.

"I didn't know you like books. Do you have more of this in your room?"

"Yeah. Why?"

He shrugged. "Nothing. This just points out how much of a weirdo you are."

"Very nice, Usui." I mumbled icily and grab my bag from the hook again. He got up, too, to get his coat next to mine but I didn't know what possessed me to suddenly cringe away from him when I felt his chest against my back. He arched an eyebrow at me—probably thinking how weird I am—and I sighed in relief when he squared his shoulders to dismiss it and went out ahead.

I frowned. What the hell is wrong with me now?

.

"Are you okay?"

"No. I'm starting to think I'm a big idiot."

Sakura rolled her eyes at that and I decided to focus my eyes on anything colorful that would caught my attention while we weave through the corridors of Miyabigaoka in search of that bulletin board where schedules for the preliminaries are posted. The teachers here are lazy bums. I mean, it isn't like they'd lost their tongues if they orally announced us the dates of the exams.

I quickly halted walking when we entered the Male section and tugged uncomfortably on Sakura's shirt. "Hey. What are we doing in the Male Department?"

"I don't know, probably searching for the bulletin?" she snorted at me. "Ayuzawa, do you have a phobia of men or something?"

"What—no. Why would you think that way?"

"Well, you seemed as though you panic at the sight of guys clustering around." She blurted out with a roll of her eyes, stopping on every bulletin and scanning through colored flyers. "I mean, I know it's personal but if you are afraid of men when they are in huge numbers, you can always tell them to me and well," she shrugged. "—I may not be able to do much about lessening the fear but I can protect you." she was avoiding my eyes when she said that.

And in order to not put us in such an awkward situation, I tried to laugh it off. "Are you possessed or something?"

"No, you idiot."

I laughed again. "Well, thanks—and I'd count on you on that—but sorry to tell you, I don't have phobia of men. I'm just… not used to being surrounded by guys. I do feel uncomfortable but definitely not psychotic. Because that would be really ugly."

"Yeah. It would be bad if you're afraid of them. The sex is good, you know?"

I gaped at her in disbelief. "Sakura Hanazono!"

Sakura started laughing and surprises me when she suddenly linked our arms together and winked at me. "I was just kidding, you idiot. I'm not like Umekoji. I'm not a slut."

I rolled my eyes. It's really very typical of Sakura to start spouting the names of the people she hate. Sometimes, I couldn't help but pity Umekoji-san. We continued scanning through bulletins when some colored flyer caught my attention. I strayed not too far from Sakura for fear that someone might start reacting with my appearance and browse through the details of the dance that would be held less than two weeks from now. And I wondered why people like them likes attending parties like that that includes being touchy-feely with the opposite sex. I frowned at the reminder of being held that way and quickly set the bad memories aside.

On times like this, I don't have time to spare to be reminded of ugly things like that.

"Had a change of heart?"

I jumped, startled of Igarashi's sudden appearance next to me before I took two cautious steps away from him and forced out a smile. "No. Not really. The color of the flyer reminded me of something." Well, it wasn't completely a lie. The color of the flyer is green, and that reminds me certainly of someone's eyes…

I frowned again. What the hell?

Igarashi grinned at me. "I notice that you seem to always be cringing away from me whenever you'd see me. I hope Shizuko and the others weren't badmouthing me." he smiled at me and it was so obvious he wasn't faking that hurt expression.

I blinked. Well, what he said wasn't completely true. But there are times that Shizuko couldn't help talking. "Don't worry. It isn't like I get influenced easily. Shizuko and the others knew better than badmouthing people like you… unless there really is something sinister you're hiding."

Igarashi laughed and lend his hand out to me as though this would be the first time we'd met. "Igarashi Tora, one of the Academy's Authority."

My eyes automatically narrowed. I mean, dang, must all the beautiful people be part of that Authority system of Miyabigaoka? If Umekoji belongs to that, too, I swear I'm really going to frickin' kill someone. I sighed, turns my eyes to the flyers again and tried to look not disappointed. "Oh, you're an Authority, too. Great."

"Wow, is that disappointment I'm hearing?"

"Did you befriend me because you thought I was some trouble student, too?"

"What—of course not!" he looked genuinely surprise I nearly believe it. And somehow, I was secretly pleased that there were actually few men here who thought I wasn't trouble. "I mean, why would I do that? I heard from fellow Authorities that one of the students here died because of you but it isn't like you killed them. The guy's obviously, I don't know, he must be pretty obsessive." He shrugged casually. "I get pretty obsessed with something too but I never really considered the idea of dying for someone—unless she's worth it, of course."

"Like Mom and Dad…" I mumbled thoughtlessly, my eyes focused on the green flyer that seemed to be begging for my attention.

Igarashi grinned. "Yeah, so… how's your Mom? Is she really that sick?"

"Not really." Talking about her makes me suddenly sad. "But Daddy said she wanted to see me. I left home without consulting it with them—I guess that took some toll on her health. The least thing I could do is see her again before I engaged in an all-out war against superstition."

He paused at my answer and slowly turned to me. "What?"

Crap… stupid move Ayuzawa. "I was kidding."

"Oh. Haha." I chuckled at his forced chuckle. "So, about the dance, your mind's not really going to ever change?"

I shake my head. "Not really." I smiled at him. "I don't really like the idea of dancing—and I'm not good with dancing." He rolled his eyes at that. "I've only been dancing with my Dad and a few… friends ever since I was a kid. I guess I wasn't trained." I quickly tried to lean away when he suddenly leaned forward me and smiled at me in a really mischievous way but since he was a lot faster than me, I've got no other choices but to press myself against the wall. "W-What?"

"I don't mind teaching you."

"E-Er… no, thanks—" I ducked away from him, planning to bolt to the nearest exit, but as soon as I was able to step away from him, I slammed next to something hard that I hadn't expected to be in the hallway. I look up, astonished, and met another pair of obviously annoyed green eyes. Do I really have to meet Usui Takumi in every place I'd visit?

I straightened myself because I don't want him to think I'm doing something stupid with someone and tried to hide my face behind my hair. "S-Sorry."

He ignored me; his eyes were firm on Igarashi. "What are you doing to her?"

In front of me, Igarashi laughed. "Wow, that's really a nice question. You seem to care a lot today? Are you jealous?"

Holy frick… Igarashi Tora didn't honestly say that!

But Takumi jut rolled his green eyes. "Why would I?" Yeah, why would he? Stupid Igarashi. I'm never ever going to talk to him anymore. "And you, what are you doing here? This is the male section, isn't it? Have you lost your way again?"

Just what the hell is this guy's problem? "Well, obviously, I was reading something on the bulletin, isn't it?" he quirked an eyebrow at him and I was just feeling so annoyed that I decided to ignore him and turned my eyes on Igarashi instead because even if I was absolutely irked by what he said about jealousy, right now, I'd rather choose him than talk with Usui Takumi. "I'll see you around, Igarashi-kun."

Igarashi beamed at me and lowers his head like any gentlemen would. "Okay. But if there's ever a chance you would change your mind about the dance, be reminded that I'm more than willing to escort you, okay?"

"Okay. See you around."

"Yep."

I didn't pay attention on Usui Takumi anymore and started to walk towards Sakura who was still busy listing something on her notepad when the very man I least wanted to see fell into the spot next to me and shouldered me I nearly slammed against the wall. I bristled at Takumi. "What?!" God, forgive me if I suddenly bite this guy's head off!

But Takumi was the least bit deterred. In fact, the idiot just grinned at me as though he had not done something major to me awhile ago. "What are you so mad about?"

"What do you think? And will you please stay away from me? I don't want to be seen around with you."

"That's really rude."

"Do you have an, I don't know, multiple personality disorder?" I bit out sharply because he was really and thoroughly being annoying. The least thing I want is to be convicted by murder and is still be proud of it. "I thought we don't like each other?"

He shrugged. "When did I say that?" I whirled around and face him in disbelief. Takumi shove his hands in the pockets of his dark-washed jeans and suddenly focused his smoldering green eyes on me that I nearly thought I'd be burned. I didn't know why I was rooted in the ground by his mere stare but I was pretty certain his eyes held me immobile. "About your Mom."

I swallowed. "What about her?"

"Do you really have plans to ditch the dance to go back to your hometown? I check the list of students going out of the school and I notice your destination isn't to Tokyo."

My eyes narrowed. "You… you stalk—"

"Well, what's the lie all about?"

"Why do you care?" I hissed.

Takumi ignored that. "Do you want to come with me instead?"

I paused (more like I thought I swallowed my tongue!) "W-What?"

"I'd give you a ride." He repeated. "You were going out hiking despite the biting coldness to get to this sort of shrine. And since I don't have plans to attend the dance myself, I don't mind giving you a ride to that place." He squared his shoulders. "And personally, I don't think the bus will you give a ride to such a remotely place."

I was flabbergasted because honestly speaking; I hadn't expected the arrival of this. Is the world really going to a shithole? "U-Uhm… I—"

He arched an eyebrow at me, and I thought I could see the faint tinge of pink covering a fair amount of his pale skin starting from his cheeks to his ears. Did the ever famous Usui Takumi just blush?! "Well?"

Wow, how am I supposed to answer that? I notice Sakura already approaching me and I know I have to give him an answer because he was waiting. Thus, the only thing I could do is nod.

He stared past my shoulders, sensing Sakura is already charging towards us, before he shrugged again and adjusted his bag on his shoulders. "Well, I'll tell you the details next week once all schedules are clear. See you around." He nodded at me, then at Sakura who finally reach us, before he walked past us and walked off ahead.

Sakura was practically jumping beside me. "What is it? What is it?!" she screamed against my ear. "Oh, my God! Did he, like, ask you out for the dance?! Oh, my God, oh, my God—"

I waved her off. "Quiet, you. He didn't ask me out, okay?"

"Then what did you two talk about?" still, she was still screaming like a banshee.

I rolled my eyes, wondering if it was really safe telling Sakura that the Usui Takumi she admired so much actually offered me a drive to the place I was planning to head off to. "It's nothing, okay? He was just asking about his… uh, English assignment."

She looked at me as though I grow out another head. "No way."

"It's nothing, okay?" I repeated. "And it's definitely not the dance. Look, it's not safe talking about him here. Someone might overhear us. Let's go somewhere safe, come on."

She seemed like she was really doubting me, but I tugged her anyway and dragged her towards no particular place while thinking about excuses that would keep her from finding out I have a sort of date with Usui Takumi.

Ugh. I really hate problems.

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MUST READ NOTE:

This would be the last time I'd say this, okay? But if you people—whoever you all are—continued on flooding my account with your PMs about updating fast and bashing my stories, I swear I would either delay this story further or worst, stop updating it.

THE GRIM REAPER IS NOT PLAGIARIZED, okay? This is my own idea. God, how many times must I say that I have an original manuscript of this and that I've hand-written it? I don't have to prove anything but if you continued PM-ing me about this story being copied, I swear all of your accounts will be terminated from this site. For LYRICSANDGUITAR, she did not copy my Grim Reaper nor did I copy hers. LYRICSANDGUITAR is my SISTER. I gave her the GA version of The Grim Reaper because it's having popularity problems in my page and opted for a KWMS version instead.

Geez, give me a break.

In fact, why don't you all bashers just shut the hell up and be like the other readers here who can understand if there are grammar errors or updating problems with my stories? Clearly, some of you aren't as contented as my other readers.

If you have a problem with this story, then don't read it anymore.

AndyBunny