Disclaimer: I do not own anything but this chapter is mine.

A/N: So, I returned to TGR as soon as I've uploaded Wicked. If you haven't read that yet, I recommend you do so. It's a breath of fresh air from the heavy genre of The Grim Reaper. Anyway, enough about my shameless plugging, I truly hope you like the previous update for TGR so, here's the next one.

Read on!

-A

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No one was able to know how much pain Ayuzawa Misaki has seen, how much torture she had undergone and how many deaths she had witnessed.

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Seventeen:

I was beyond myself when nighttime came.

Just like Takumi's instructions, I found myself wearing a blue dress tossed by Sakura. She also did my hair and makeup which I insisted to be as minimal as possible since I've never worn any unless during really special occasions. Though meeting his family is supposedly a special occasion, for me it felt as though it was a horror movie waiting to happen—or it was as though I was being taken to a slaughter house to be flayed alive.

Taking Takumi's instructions by heart, I opted to not make myself as presentable as possible. Minimal to almost nonexistent makeup and my hair left on its usual style since I preferred it covering my face (for strictly safety reasons). Sakura was obviously disappointed by my decision but respected it nonetheless. But while she was doing my face, she kept on complaining and cursing me to the fiery pits of Hades.

Shizuko was more elegant than I when she stepped out of her room; which made me rethink if this was truly just a simple dinner. After all, dinners held by my family is nothing but a simple shared meal while wearing whatever it is we prefer or are comfortable to wear. She ignored me when I asked her if we're attending a party and proceeded on calling Hideki who will also be coming with us as her escort.

Gah! Why do we need escorts for family dinners?! Are they kidding me?!

"You guys have fun." Sakura says while smiling pitifully at me; knowing all too well that I will be entering the lion's den since we both did our research early in the morning so I can mentally prepare on what is to come.

I smiled at her dryly and steps out of our room; clutching my purse tightly as I followed Shizuko to the elevator. When we are warm inside the lift, I couldn't help the sigh that escapes my throat. "I feel like I'm going to shit myself."

"Disgusting." She says with a roll of her eyes. "Just be you. If Gerard grills you, I'll do something about it. And I'm quite sure that Usui wouldn't allow his ass of a brother to grill you as well—not in front of him, at least."

"Hey, I don't want to get you guys in trouble for coming to my rescue. I'm pretty sure I can answer all of his questions—unless it's about my relationship with Usui."

"If worse comes to worst, just charm his ass off so he'd lay off."

I snorted at her. When the elevator doors slid open, we carefully stepped out and into the front exit where Hideki was waiting. He smiled at the sight of her before nodding at my direction; smiling apologetically. "I really feel sorry for getting you in trouble with Takumi's brother, Misaki-san. But he's a professional. I'm certain he won't do anything to humiliate you."

Now, that's really comforting. I decided not to dwell on that and starts looking around. "Where's your roommate?"

"Oh. I thought he told you. I'll be driving you and Shizuko to their mansion since his brother's bodyguards appeared in our doorstep this morning to give him the order that he was being called home. He really didn't want to go but it might cause some trouble if he refused Gerard."

"Well, shit."

Hideki laughs again and ushers us to his car to prevent us from freezing to death. I was silent during the drive and Shizuko's silence made me all the more disconcerted. She must have notice that I was bothered since she sighed and turns to me from the front seat. "Stop looking like a terrified rabbit, Ayuzawa. They won't flay you alive in there."

I smiled dryly at her. "I'm actually more disturbed by the fact that you know what a terrified rabbit looks like. What about you? You look like you're shitting on your seat."

She rolled her eyes at me and turns to the road again. "Don't mind me. I just don't really like being involved in dinners with Usui's family—even if it was an order from my mother. Those people can't seem to mind their own businesses."

From the driver's seat, Hideki laughs quietly, reaches out to squeeze Shizuko's hand—which, to my surprise, she didn't shake off as though it was a very much needed gesture—and drives off to the darkness of the night.

The Walker household was located in a prestigious and upscale subdivision that requires an ID before admission. But upon recognizing Hideki's car, the guard on duty quickly opened the gates for us and bid us good evening. I was on the edge of my seat and unintentionally whispered loudly that tonight is far from being a good night. Hideki laughed at me and proceeded on driving smoothly towards the well-lit road decorated by trees and well-maintained bushes.

The houses were classy as well and I couldn't imagine Takumi living in such a place since he seemed like a condominium type of guy.

As if she heard my thoughts, Shizuko says, "Takumi lived here when he was a baby with his paternal grandparents. Eventually, the Walkers took him in at age five and brought him to England. He came down here when he was thirteen to study and his family from the maternal side bought him a house here."

I was flabbergasted. "They bought him a house at aged thirteen?"

It was Hideki-kun who nodded. "Though it was said that they bought a house here for Takumi, it was actually an extension of the main house of the Walker family. It is to arrange and monitor Takumi's living conditions."

"Are we dining to that house?"

Shizuko shakes her head in response. "No. we're going to the main house—where Takumi's grandfather and Gerard resides. He's never visited Takumi's place and I don't think he'd start now. Formal dinners like this are always held at the main house."

"You'll also meet more members of the Walker household in the main house since all legitimate members of the family lives there." Hideki added as an afterthought. "Not all of them are nice but still, I suggest you greet all people you'd meet in the house."

Again, it felt like a horror movie waiting to happen.

When we reached the massive driveway of the Walker household, I was flabbergasted at the number of expensive cars and men clad in black (bodyguards, I guess) scattered all over the expansive parking lot. One guard opened the door for us as soon as Hideki pulled over. He gave his keys to the guard who, in return, handed it over to the valet and escorted us to the entrance of the mansion… with massive wooden doors and raven-head knockers.

Leaning towards Shizuko, I whispered, "What's up with the knockers? This is like a cursed place."

She snorted at me while Hideki-kun laughed secretly. "I don't want to hear that from someone who can hypnotize people."

I resisted the urge to kick her while Hideki-kun laughed some more. He lent his arms to both Shizuko and I so we can cling to him as we walked the carpeted hallway and in strained silence, we made our way to the lavish-looking dining area.

The dining area was covered in bright colors of red from the floors to the walls. The ceiling was lavishly styled with ivory and the entire place was so massive it could probably accommodate almost a hundred guests—though who would invite a hundred guests for a simple dinner beats me. The floor was covered with a massive dark red carpet with engraved designs. On the walls—also covered in expensive red wallpapers—hung several paintings of probably ancestors that lived in the place. The curtains were in shades of expensive and classic ivory and all utensils were polished silver and brass. I was astounded by the place that I couldn't help but pause for a while to appreciate it.

"Ayuzawa, stop looking like a child on a tour and keep walking." Shizuko hisses at me and secretly glances behind us where several other guests are also in attendance and waiting to enter the dining area.

I cringed at the realization that a line is forming behind us. "Didn't know we have to enter this place in order."

Hideki turns to Shizuko. "Where's Takumi? He should be here to escort Misaki-san."

"We aren't even sure where she'd sit." She whispers as we entered the dining. "If Gerard didn't prepare a seat for her I swear I'd walk out."

"I need a ride to go back to school as well." I couldn't help but say as I glanced nervously around us in search of Usui. Just where the hell is that prick?! "You guys aren't expecting me to walk back, aren't you?"

"Who's walking back?"

Startled, I whirled around to face the owner of the voice in time to see Takumi standing right behind us; an arrogant smirk gracing his lips as he stared down at me. I was about to tell him to wipe off the damn grin on his face when my eyes slid down to his attire: a dark blue—almost black—frock coat uniform. The long sleeves emphasizing the well-muscled arms hidden underneath. Under his coat, he wore black pants and leather shoes with sharp tips. He looked like a Prince in his attire that I was instantly rendered speechless. By the end of the night, I should have agreed with Sakura on making me look extra pretty tonight.

"The hell…?" I couldn't help but say as I stared at him like an idiot. "Your attire doesn't look like we'll be having normal dinner."

Takumi had rolled his eyes at me before actually snorting. Despite the Princely attire, this man is still, truly, manifesting the characteristics of a frickin' frog. "What about this place and the people in here scream normal? Use your head, Ayuzawa."

He seemed agitated and irritated and when my eyes went past his shoulders, I quickly straightened my back at the sight of Gerard talking with an elderly man supported by a silky, black cane. On my peripheral view, I notice Shizuko elbowed Hideki-kun who quickly straightened his back as well in preparation to Takumi's brother and grandfather's arrival. Takumi sighs, turns his back on me as if he was trying to hide me and faces his family.

"Ah, there he is." I heard Gerard say as they approach us. His eyes quickly locked in on me upon seeing me peeking over Takumi's shoulders. He grinned meaningfully—which could only spell out trouble—before leaning towards his grandfather as if to whisper something. His grandfather, in return, eyes our direction as well and harrumphs loudly before actually walking past us and towards the table—not even greeting his adopted grandson.

"For a royal, he's really frickin' rude." Shizuko says beside me; still frowning but still unable to relax. When Gerard finally reaches us, it looked as though she was eating nails as she acknowledged his presence. "When can we start eating?"

Gerard laughs at her. "Still a fan of food, Shizuko, I see." And then he turns to me. "Good evening, Ayuzawa-san. It is so nice of you to grace us with your presence today."

More like I was forced to grace them with my presence today. Regardless, I did my best to smile even if it felt as though I was shitting bricks. Gah! I hate formal family events! "Thanks for having me."

"You'll be sitting next to Takumi. He'll guide you around since I'm pretty sure you'll be escorting him for the night. I look forward to speaking with you some more."

Ugh, how badly I wanted to go home. It wasn't a lie. I really and honestly wanted to go back to the dorm. It was a mistake coming here—a very dangerous mistake. That and the fact that I'm quite certain I don't fit in here. These people are all beyond me. I shouldn't even be here in the first place.

I've looked up at Takumi when his grip on my elbow tightened. Staring into his bluish green eyes, I was aware that he could probably feel that I'm currently in turmoil. He nodded at Gerard as response to what he said—something I'd probably missed because my mind was elsewhere—before dragging me gently away from curious eyes.

"We'll give you and Ayuzawa a headstart." Shizuko says and starts dragging Hideki elsewhere in order to give Takumi and myself some privacy. When we are finally alone, he starts looking around before dragging me to an area with less people.

I was to reality and was confused for a moment. The anxiety of meeting—and talking—with Gerard and the rest of his family finally gone. Quickly, I turned to him. "I want to go home."

"Me too." He says sardonically. "I was never comfortable around this people. And I'm sorry for dragging you here. It's just with Gerard, less is always more."

"Brothers alike."

He glared at me for what seemed to be like an eternity before averting his eyes back to the stretching garden before us. "Yeah, I guess on that part, we're truly brothers." He looked solemn for a bit as though he was remembering a memory he didn't want to remember before returning his eyes on me—gazing at me from head to toe—and actually had the nerve to smirk despite the disaster situation we've got ourselves into. "You're wearing blue. That's lovely."

I wanted to hit him where the sun doesn't shine but I can't do that in the presence of his family so I did my best to restrain myself. "Well, you said I should wear blue."

"My favorite color."

"Jerk."

He laughed at that. And I swear to God it felt as though I could hear bells ringing in my ear. I must be going crazy. My feelings for this guy definitely have a devastating effect on me and it's not good for my heart. Looking at me from under his lashes, he says, "I guess I am."

My heartbeat skyrocketed and I fought against the dizzying urge to faint as I gazed at him. This man is truly unbelievable. Am I the only one experiencing this type of reaction from him? Remembering Sakura and the other girls from school, I deduced that I wasn't the only one. But I also refused to believe that he's cursed like me since, if he truly was, there should be some type of violent reaction from other people.

But instead, they're beguiled by him.

Like me.

Ugh. This is the worst day ever.

My gaze refocused on him and only him when he pushed aside a stray hair off my face. It felt weird being touch without getting hurt so I couldn't help but lean away slightly. And he must have noticed that because his bluish green eyes turned fifty shades darker. And instead of putting his hands down—or where it should be—he rested it on my shoulder as softly and lightly as possible. Again, there was this strong urge to lean away from his touch—from any other touch—but I fought against it. The idea of hurting him made my stomach churn violently.

"I'm not going to hurt you, Ayuzawa."

"I know." Of course, I do. But I have heard those words before and I'm afraid that a day will come when he won't be able to handle it anymore. And I'm afraid that if he can't handle it anymore, I've no choice but to hurt him before he ends up hurting us.

"But you still don't trust me."

Quickly, I shake my head. He should have known better by now that it will never be the opposite party I don't trust. "It's me I don't trust around you, Usui. We don't know how long this immunity will last and, honestly, I don't want to push it around you." Never around you, my love.

But I didn't let him hear that. Because I'm afraid that the more he hears, the more it will be harder for him to break away from me should the time comes. And it felt as though it would be difficult for me to let go of him as well. I did my best not to think of that anymore because it brings such a bad taste in my mouth and stomach.

Instead, I decided to change the topic. "Maybe we should get inside now. Your family might be looking for you."

"I'm not the star of the night. Gerard's the heir so it's his presence they'd look out for the most."

I stared at him from head to toe, taking note of the frock coat attire before actually laughing. "Yeah, you're right. You're not the star of the night, sure."

He rolled his eyes before lending his arm to me; ushering me inside the manor. "I don't like that tone."

I decided to simply laugh it off. "Hey, if there's more than one spoon and fork on the table, I'm out of here."

He let out a small smirk that melted my heart once again. "Just use them inside out."

It was a good thing that it was a Sunday because by the time I woke up, it was already noon.

I was quick to jump out of my bed; nearly stumbling on the floor dizzily when blood started rushing from my head to my toe. Gathering my bathroom necessities, I dashed out of my room and to the bathroom, nearly missing Sakura who was also exiting her bedroom.

Seems like I wasn't the only one who got up late today.

When I was done taking a quick shower—and feeling more refreshed than the usual—I headed straight to the dining area and started hunting for breakfast. I got a bowl of cereal and the milk carton from the fridge and occupied my usual spot on the table when Shizuko appeared from the corner of the room.

She stared at my food before checking her wristwatch. "Isn't it lunch time already?"

I scoop a spoonful of cereal and pops it into my mouth. "It is. But I just got up so my body is still setup for breakfast." Gazing at her get up, I said, "Where've you been?"

She dropped her bag on the counter and occupies the seat before me. "Hideki had swimming practice today and asked me to drop a few things by the pool area so I went there first thing in the morning. They have a mock competition later this afternoon as preparation for the swimming competition next month."

My hand was frozen midair. Surely, I didn't hear it wrong. "There's a swimming pool here?"

Sakura, who just got out of the bathroom after probably showering as well, said, "You didn't know that there's a swimming pool here? Funny. I guess leaflets are useless against you."

I ignored the jibe. "I didn't know that."

"Obviously." She says and gazes at me from head to toe. "Is that what you're going to wear on the mock competition? I mean, I don't really care if you want to embarrass yourself by wearing PJs outside but I hope you'd cut us some slack."

I was confused once again. "I didn't know that we're going out today. Besides, come on! It's a weekend and my feet are still aching from last night's heels."

"Usui is expecting you'd come." Shizuko says before grabbing her bag from the counter and making her way towards her bedroom. "And frankly, I've no time to deal with his mood swings once he realizes that you know about the mock competition but chose to stay here in the dorm. As per Sakura's words, cut us some slack."

It wasn't because my feet still hurt from last night's heels or because it's a weekend. The reason why I didn't want to go is because it's a swimming competition. A swimming competition. If I can't bear the sight of Usui Takumi wearing only soccer shorts, what are the chances that I won't faint at the sight of him wearing nothing but swimming trunks?

My mind starting going towards areas where they shouldn't be and, violently, I shake my head. And Sakura must have noticed that because she was quick to let out a knowing laugh before turning her back on me and back to her room.

I finished my cereal before I could even lose my appetite and dashed to my room. You can do this, Ayuzawa. It's just Usui Takumi. Besides, it isn't like he's the only person in that cramped space wearing trunks. Surely, there are others.

But of course, I know that my stupid eyes would only be planted on him the whole day.

Ugh, what a beautiful start of my Sunday.

It was hard to find a space to occupy when we got to the pool area. Majority of the audience were from the female population and most of them had their cameras ready. It was a good thing that Aoi, Yukimura and Kanou-kun had gone ahead and saved us some seats so when they saw us enter the pool area, they were quick to get out attention by waving a huge red flag from where they are at.

"What's up with the flag?" Sakura says while laughing.

"This means war." Yukimura told her while folding the flag and placing it on his side. "We're preparing for the swimming competition next month and I got the approval from the teachers that we can use this."

"Huh." I said and starts looking around.

But honestly, I was afraid to look around. I was afraid to see Usui Takumi and get caught off guard once again just because he looked too dazzling in my eyes. I've noticed how the other female students seemed to look like they're in a frickin' hunt and I can't help but laugh it off. That's what you get when your boyfriend is the most popular male at school. I cringed at the word boyfriend. Who would have thought that Usui Takumi—the person I hate the most ever since I first saw him—would end up becoming my boyfriend… and unaffected by what I am; by what I can do.

I did my best not to ruin my day by thinking about the negative stuff and starts looking around the pool area in search of Usui when Sakura—who was seated beside me—hissed. I was quick to turn to her. "What?"

Her eyes were narrowed into dangerous slits—like that of a cat's—as she stared towards something specifically. "What the heck is that Umekoji doing down the pool area?!"

"She's the Manager of the swimming team, Hanazono-san." Kanou-kun says good-naturedly. "She's been the Manager of this team ever since it was established and, well, she's pretty good about what she does to motivate the team so you don't have to worry about her. Did you come here to cheer for Sakurai-kun?"

That snapped her out of her misplaced anger. "Excuse me? He's part of the swimming team?"

"I'm surprised you didn't know. Ah, there he is."

Both Sakura and I turned to the direction he was pointing out and, indeed, saw Kuuga Sakurai wearing a white and red Miyabigaoka sweat shirt and dark blue swimming trunks. And as if on cue, who else steps out of the bleacher but none other than Usui Takumi.

I held my breath instantly and quickly turned away; distracting myself by looking elsewhere when I realized that Usui actually appeared with Kaon on his side at the same time. Quickly now, I snapped my gaze back to their direction and indeed saw the two together. They were standing side-by-side each other while Kaon was holding a small brown board as though she was discussing something with him. My instincts instantly started going off and the strong urge to approach them—and yank her off him—was enough to render me immobile.

Ugh! This is what I hate when it comes to relationships. I didn't want to feel the jealousy that comes with the pleasure.

"That bitch Umekoji has latched herself to Takumi-sama again." Sakura says with enough venom to even poison me. I did my best to ignore that and decided to just watch the mock competition and go straight to the dorms once it's over. After all, it's a Sunday and I have a lot of things that I need to accomplish before the weekend ends—like maybe watch a movie with my friends back at the dorm or something.

When the Gym coach blew on his whistle, I was startled when the students—majority of them females—went haywire that I had to cover my ears to block out the noise. Even Sakura and the others were screaming at the top of their lungs for reasons I don't know about—with the exception of course of myself and Shizuko who is currently busy snapping photo after photos from her camera.

There were three teams competing in the mock competition today after noticing the different bands wrapped around their arms: blue, red and green. I took a very quick glance at Usui's arm and took note of his green armband; instantly being reminded of his emerald eyes. Shaking my head, I watch as members of each team took their spots on the platform, preparing for their diving stance. When the Gym coach blew on his whistle, students screamed once more as each player jumped into the pool to begin the race.

But my eyes weren't fixed on them. My eyes were fixed on Usui Takumi as he removed his varsity jacket and basically threw it to an empty spot on the bleachers. Students screamed once more and I had to clamped my mouth shut to prevent myself from looking like an absolute idiot as I stared at him.

Nobody could be that perfect!

Around me, I could hear camera snapping and when something flashed on my side, I quickly—if not almost aggressively—turned towards the direction only to see Shizuko staring at her camera that was focused on me a few minutes ago. I was stunned. "What the hell was that for?"

She grinned at me. "Sorry. I had to document that. I knew that you'd look like an idiot once again while looking at your boyfriend's nude body."

"And you're not?"

She rolled her eyes at me. "He's not my type. And you do know that he's my cousin, right? Disgusting."

I had to roll my eyes as well because I was talking about Hideki but decided not to push it anymore. Instead, I turned my gaze back to the pool area and watches as Usui Takumi stood by the platform waiting for his turn. For someone who's still on his teens, he's really taking good care of his shape. No wonder the females around him are vying for his attention. There is no way no one wouldn't want this man. He's such an eye candy, dammit.

I watched him as he put on his goggles and cap and made a few stretches; my eyes narrowing at the sight of bluish-green veins stretching from the back of his hands up to his arm.

Ugh. Weakness.

The coach blew on his whistle again and when he made a dive to the pool, females started screaming again. Dammit, why must they do that? They're definitely going to break someone's eardrums off!

"You must feel annoyed by these banshees screaming at your boyfriend."

I ignored Sakura's jibe as she giggled like an idiot beside me and watches Usui's swimming form. I don't know much about swimming but darn the guy. He surely made it look seductive. The way his arms sliced through the wave made it look like he's one with the water. Dammit, I can't believe I'm involve with such a guy. I must be really crazy agreeing to go out with him.

My eyes refocused on Usui when he resurfaced from the water and climbed back up to the surface. One of the students quickly handed him a huge towel while he wrapped it around himself and stared at the board above us; probably checking how long it took him to do two laps. I rolled my eyes when he shrugged and started walking back to the bleachers—with Kaon on his wake.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes again. But then, I decided to ignore it. After all, he's clearly someone who wants nothing from anyone except me.

The mock competition went on for another hour and Usui did two more laps before the coach blew on his whistle to finalized the end of the game. Glancing at my wristwatch, I've decided that it's probably time to head back to the dorms since it's almost three in the afternoon.

I turned to the others. "Aren't we supposed to be heading home by now?"

"I think they guys are still planning to go out and eat. They're probably starving with all that swimming going on."

Sakura didn't give me a chance to complain anymore as she latched her arm around mine and started dragging me out of the bleachers with Shizuko and the others trailing behind us.

Kanou-kun walked ahead of us and towards the pool area to meet up with the others while the rest of us remained behind him. I was busy checking out the stats board behind me when I felt a tap on my shoulders and saw Umekoji-san standing right beside me with the obviously annoyed smile on her face.

"What now, Umekoji?!" Sakura hissed before I could even ask what she needs from me.

Kaon ignored her and maintained her eyes on me. "Out on a hunt again, Ayuzawa?"

"Excuse me?"

"You guys are not even supposed to be here after the competition. You are really a stalker, aren't you? I bet you're here trying to get Usui-sama's attention."

Ugh, this woman… Trying to be as pro and calm as possible, I said, "No, Umekoji. I'm here with my friends as you can see."

Staring at Sakura from head to toe, she says, "Birds of a feather, I guess."

The hell's wrong with this woman? Before I could even retaliate, I was stunned when her irises narrowed into dangerous slits as she glared at me. For a moment, I was rooted on the ground. And staring at her felt like I was being dragged into some unknown place that I had to check myself if I was still standing. I watch her in silence as she closed the distance before us and stared right up at me; eyes dangerously dark and angry.

"Even in this life, you're really set on ruining my chance with him, aren't you, Ayuzawa?"

I didn't get what she was trying to say. "What are you talking about?"

"We've been at it for so many years but you still wouldn't give me a chance with him. I wish you'd die right now. But if you won't, maybe I should just change the story and kill you so he'd be mine."

I wasn't hearing anymore what she was saying. In fact, nothing was registering in my head right now except for the fact that it felt like the ground was spinning under me and that I'm going to fall. I tried to hold on to something and remembered Sakura. Where was Sakura? But the pool area felt quiet and empty and it took me seconds to realize that I was alone in that place with Umekoji.

"Where are the others?" I asked despite the dizzying spell I've been placed under. "What's happening to me?"

"They're gone. It's just you and me now in this place… in this time." For a moment, she looked solemn—sad, even. But the sadness was instantly replaced with anger. In fact, it was as though she was trying to hide a vulnerable side that she didn't want anybody to see—not especially by me. "I wish you'd just die, Ayuzawa. I wish you'd just stop existing the same time I do so I can have all of him without worrying that he'd meet you. I wish you'd just die."

"Why? Who are you talking about?"

"You've stolen him from me. You have always, always stolen him from me."

"What have I done for you to hate me this much? I don't even know you."

"Of course, you know me. I'm sure you do. And it's unfair that my memories are always intact while you take your time to remember yours. But I would like to take that as an advantage, too. That way, I'd see him first. I always see him first. I'm always the first one to meet him. But you always come later in his life and takes him away in a heartbeat. I wish you'd just die."

The silent anger in her voice was very apparent. It felt like I was idiotically walking in the middle of a snowstorm wearing summer clothes. But despite the anger, the danger in her voice… I can very much feel her sadness—the pain. It felt exactly like what I've been feeling ever since I found out about my circumstance. For a moment, I wanted to touch her. But the moment the thought crossed my mind, Kaon's eyes became fifty shades sharper and colder.

"Don't you dare, Himemiya." Her voice felt as though they're coming from six feet under the ground.

But it wasn't the reason why I was caught off guard. It was the fact that she called me using a different name—a very familiar name. The name that started it all. The name that I despised the most. Stunned, I said, "That's not my name."

"Of course, it's not. We all came here bearing different names. But it's the only name that matters—it's the name of the person that started it all. The name that brings us all back on that time."

It took me a few minutes to realize what she was talking about—what she was really on about. And I wasn't able to find the exact words to show her how shocked I was… that she knew about the curse—about Himemiya. But it all came down to the only question that I know—the only question I can think about.

"Who are you?"

"You'll find out soon."

"What's happening here, Umekoji?"

As soon as Takumi spoke, it felt as though the glass cage I've been trapped into shattered; the broken crystal pieces dropping on me that I needed a minute to compose myself. Takumi was quick to grip my elbow tightly as though he was trying to maintain me on my feet which I gladly appreciated. Because if he hadn't hold on to me like he did now, I would surely end up falling on the pool like the idiot I am.

Kaon simply smiled at him before eyeing me threateningly. "Ayuzawa-san doesn't look like she's doing fine so I was asking her if she was okay." There was a short pause and I noticed several pairs of eyes on my direction before Kaon spoke again. "Oh, she's turning green."

Sakura, who I haven't noticed to be already standing beside me, said, "You're going to puke, aren't you? That's gross."

And the moment she said it, my stomach betrayed what I've been dying to not do in public. I could feel this afternoon's breakfast climbing up my throat in a matter of seconds. I was quick to cover my mouth with my hands and dashes out of the pool area and into an area with bushes while doing my best mentally and physically to swallow the build up inside my throat.

But the thought of swallowing it made it worst. I couldn't no matter how much I try and as soon as I reach the bushes, I let it all out. I was having a hard time puking, gagging, heaving my guts out and keeping my hair out of the way when I felt Takumi's presence behind me as he gathered my hair and held it at the back of my head. Embarrassedly, I tried pushing him away. "Go away." I still managed to say in between heaving and throwing up.

"Shut up, Ayuzawa. Just vomit."

"I don't want you to see this."

He chuckled darkly at that. "I think I've seen enough of your stupidity to get disgusted by this." He paused for a moment and, thoughtfully, he said, "Hey, for better or for worst, right?"

I tried to ignore the buildup of unwanted warmth pooling in my chest and further downward and when I was done puking my soul out, Takumi gave me a bottle of water with its cap already off. He ushered me to drink and I did as he signaled, gargling the first batch and spitting it to the ground to clear my mouth from the bile taste. I drank another mouthful again and used it to wash my mouth and when the taste was clear enough, I swallowed the water; allowing the cold liquid to clear a path inside my throat.

I cringed when it tasted sour all the way down.

Sakura, who was busy watching us along with the others, also cringed. "I pity the person that would need to clean that shit."

"Shut up, Hanazono." Shizuko turns to me next, handing me a wad of tissue. "Wipe your sweat away. You're disgusting enough to look at."

What amazing friends. I accepted the wad of napkin anyway and started wiping myself dry. I even soaked it with water from Takumi's water bottle and pressed it on my forehead. At least, the dizziness has started to dissipate.

"What the hell happened to you?" Shizuko asked as soon as I'm probably back to my usual color. "You were fine before the game started."

"I know, I know." I didn't want them to worry anymore and, worst, I didn't want to let them know that I started feeling off after speaking with Kaon, hence, I decided to come up with another excuse. "Actually, I wasn't really. I've been feeling a bit off lately."

"Well, since you let out so much of that icky stuff, I hope you're feeling much better now." It was Sakura and her snarky remark again which had me rolling my eyes. "If you're still feeling sick, we can just go back to the dorm and get some takeout."

"No, I'm fine." But I badly needed to brush my teeth. But I wasn't about to tell them that. It's a good thing I always have my travel pack handy with me, ugh! "We can go. But I need to use the restroom first."

"Come with me."

I was startled when Takumi grabbed me by the hand and dragged me back to the pool area and into the restroom which is separated from the shower room. I followed him like a lost animal and watched him in silence as he opened the door for me. For a moment, I was confused and I had to asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Leave the door open."

I did what he asked me to do and quickly brushed my teeth as quickly as I can. I dumped everything in my handy pack and shove it in my bag before returning to him; automatically slipping my hands into his when he reached out for mine. It felt weird—how we got to this point where everything became so automatic for us to do. And at the same time, it was scary knowing that if I get too used to this pattern, the consequences are too big for me to pay for.

"What if the consequences proved to be too fatal for both of us?"

He paused walking, just a few feet away from the others who are waiting for us, and faces me; his face grave and dark. I knew he knew what I was talking about. But I had higher hopes that he would understand what I really mean—and what I want him to see. He pinched the bridge of his nose before nodding. "Then we start over."

"What?"

"We start over." He repeated. "If the ending is the same as the previous endings—like what I've seen in your memories—if there is no other way for this to end, then, in another lifetime… probably in another form, the next time, I will come to you."

I wasn't expecting that. I didn't know he's way too into what I've shown him that he was able to say things like that. For a moment, I wanted to cry—and at the same time, to cursed the world for putting me in such a situation; in such a loop.

But then again, if it didn't, maybe, I wouldn't have to meet Usui Takumi.

"I remember you now." He says after a moment of silence. The others were already looking at us; probably wondering what we are doing and talking about so seriously. But I didn't pay them any attention. Every single fiber in my body is focused solely on Takumi.

Shaking my head, I asked, "What do you mean?"

"I'm sorry I have forgotten." He took another step closer to me and gently holds the side of my face. "It's been so long. I'm sorry for leaving you for too long. I don't know why I keep on forgetting but I think I remember it now. Your face keeps appearing in my dreams when I was a child. And I had this inkling that I need to find someone. It must be you. Your voice, your scent… I remember it all now—how it all began. I think I'm still missing a few bits and pieces of those memories but some of them are crystal clear—especially how I first called you."

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't believe that this is happening. For a moment I couldn't breathe. I don't know what we both remember but all I know is he does. He's seen what I've seen and remembers it. He's just like Dad—and the man before Dad… and the other men involved with the person who currently holds the curse.

They remember and so does Takumi.

Does that mean…?

Shaking my head violently, I tried to refocus on him and him alone. It felt like so many souls merging into one body and different memories from different lifetimes were overlapping the present.

"It always ends the same."

He didn't agree with me on that. "No, this time, it will be different. I will make sure it is."

"We can't break the curse, Takumi. I have long accepted that now." This my fate—our fate. The future me and the future Takumis. We are not going to escape this. "I am only alive to pass this to the next of kin. The only way that I know to break this if I became the last generation to hold this curse."

Grabbing my hand again, he started walking back to the others. "We'll figure it out. Trust me."

I want to. I do. I honestly and wholeheartedly trust him. But it's myself I don't trust. And worst, if I trust too much and allow them to get submerged in this deeper, I'm afraid the only consequence they have to face is certain death.

He paused walking again and turns to me. "What's up with you and Umekoji? I know you're not in good terms with her but I don't like you around her. She spells trouble."

"She is trouble." I agreed while trying to keep my voice light. I don't want to scare him anymore than necessary but something is totally off with that woman. I smell nothing but darkness and death in her. "I'll stay away from that fan girl of yours."

Rolling his eyes, he continued walking back to the others. "Whatever."

"What took you guys so long?" Hideki asks while looking at Usui and I alternately. "You feeling better now, Misaki?"

I smiled at him. "Yes. So sorry about that mess." I cringed again when I remembered the nightmare hidden behind the bushes. "I better call maintenance."

"Already did. Don't worry, we didn't name you." Shizuko says after flipping her phone close. "Anyways, if you're feeling better now, shall we go? I'm starving."

"Same here!" said Yukimura and drags Kanou and the others with him.

I tried to express the same level of enthusiasm they are displaying since I totally don't want to ruin their day. They showed amazing sportsmanship and support for their friends today and I know it's time for them to celebrate and I'm not planning to damp it down with my personal issues.

But one thing I'm sure of is I'm going to get to the bottom of this. Because definitely, Kaon Umekoji is not your typical teenager.

The weekend went by as usual.

I stared solemnly at the windows and watched as the dark clouds loomed over the huge space in front of our dormitory. It was still the middle of winter and the snowfall doesn't seem to be stopping anytime soon. I was beyond annoyed.

I don't like the snow season primarily because of the thought that I've got two left feet and my coordination only gets even worse when walking over slippery asphalt.

I could almost imagine my day and was on the verge of skipping school when Sakura's door opened. She came out—fully covered but still obviously and visibly shaking. She huffed at the sight of me. "I know that look because I have it when I woke up a while ago. You're not skipping today."

"No one's skipping today." Shizuko, who appeared from the corner of the room, says as a final confirmation. "It's just snow. You're got even serious problems, Ayuzawa."

I rolled my eyes at her and grabs my bag from the floor and slides it over my shoulder. "Very funny, Shizuko. Besides, I wasn't planning to. I've had enough having a hard time in Math. Midterms is almost upon us and I'm scared that I will flunk the exam."

"I'll tutor you." She says and, after a thoughtful pause, adds, "For a reasonable price, of course."

I couldn't help but roll my eyes again and walks behind Sakura to the door. It was literally freezing outside that I have to hug myself to brace my shaking body from the coldness of the freezing hallway. Even Shizuko seemed to have had a hard time maintaining her usual dead expression as her lips started shaking due to the extreme frostiness. We were practically running towards the elevator—which is a lot warmer since students seemed fine with the cramped space for now. We got to the lobby on time and when Shizuko saw Hideki, she was quick to wave at him.

"Ask him to turn the heater on." Sakura says through her chattering teeth. It was almost too comical to watch if I wasn't cold myself. And knowing Sakura, she'd probably lash out a nasty remark or act violent despite shaking like a tiny leaf.

"Morning, ladies! Quite a cold morning today, isn't it?" Hideki greets, all warm and sunny.

I agreed with him. "Even your ice cold girlfriend seemed to be affected by the weather, too, Hideki-kun. It's probably going to rain."

"I heard that." Shizuko says coldly and turns to Hideki. "I'm cold, Suzuki. Get the car and turn the heater on. I don't want to freeze here to death with these two losers."

What a nice friend.

Hideki led us to the area where he parked his car (bless him because it wasn't too far from the dormitory entrance) and opened the doors for us. The engine was already running and it was toasty warm inside. But it only seemed to worsen our shaking that it actually made us all laughed. Even Shizuko cracked a small smile before her face returned to its usual poker expression.

"I hate this season." She says under her breath.

"It'll pass." Hideki says good-naturedly and starts the smooth drive to the school.

Everything that we pass by is white I've almost considered it as a white torture. But at the same time, I can't help but get hypnotized by the purity of everything. The others were talking nonstop in the car (except for Shizuko who was obviously just listening and not talking much) but their voices were fading into inaudible chatter inside my head.

Instead, my mind started flying towards Kaon Umekoji.

There is something wrong about her—I can feel that. I've felt that ever since I first met her but decided to just shrug off the bad feeling because I didn't want to start off in the wrong foot. But certainly, she's not a normal teenager—not human.

Something evil is coming off her skin I could almost taste it. And worst, she talks in a language I could almost recognize—as though she has known me for a long time… as though I was the bane to her existence.

As if I stole something from her.

"Don't you dare, Himemiya!"

I froze upon remembering that—Himemiya. She called me Himemiya—my great, great grandmother's name; the person where the curse originated. No, the one who was cursed by someone.

My body stiffened some more as realizations came to me one by one. "Oh shit."

All eyes were on me instantly but Shizuko was the first to react. "What is it, Ayuzawa?"

"She cursed me." I said almost robotically. "She was the reincarnation of the person who cursed me. That's why she hates me so much! That's why she wanted me to die!"

Hideki, sensing my rising panic and being worried himself with what I've said, was quick to maneuver his car and parks it at the side of the road. "Misaki, what are you saying? Who cursed you?"

"Kaon Umekoji." I whispered; too afraid to even utter her name. "Her name cannot be uttered. I'm not sure yet but I can feel it."

"How did you know it was her?" it was Shizuko again; her face dark and grave. "No wonder I feel something off about that woman."

Despite the visible shaking of my body—which I'm not sure anymore if caused by the weather—I still managed to respond to her question. "At the poolside yesterday, she called me Himemiya."

"Your great, great grandmother—the first person who was cursed." Sakura says in shock. "What the hell?!"

"Calm down, Hanazono." Shizuko hisses and throws her phone to Hideki. "Call Usui and Aoi. Classes will start in half an hour and I don't want to skip any of them—unless we don't have much choice. We have to reconvene and talk about this. If Kaon is really the person who cursed you—or the reincarnation of the person who cursed you—then she probably knows how to retract it… if she will."

"She's dangerous! You shouldn't get anywhere near her! You don't know what she can do—"

"Calm down, Ayuzawa." Shizuko narrowed her eyes at me, shutting me up with her icy look while Hideki was murmuring quietly on her phone—probably speaking with Usui or Aoi. "We will not approach her—and so are you. No one will. We're not sure yet if she's really the person you're claiming her to be so we have to be careful."

"She cursed me." I repeated as I stared at my shaking hands. "She cursed my entire family. I'm like this because of her—"

I wasn't able to finish my sentence anymore because I realized too late how swiftly Sakura's ungloved hand reconnected with my left cheek for what looks like an absolutely soul-ripping slap. Shizuko gasped; her usually stone face now colored with plain surprise and shock. Hideki, on the other hand, drop the phone on his lap as he stared at me and Sakura in obvious astonishment.

With my hand touching my cheek—a failed attempt to ease the stinging pain—I slowly turned to Sakura. My eyes were no longer hazy and the words they are saying are now clearly registering in my head. But still, "What the hell was that for?" I growled at her.

Shizuko looked ready to jump in between us just in case the worst happens. Hideki had that careful look in his face but that he'd rather get out than deal with a possible cat fight inside his own car but won't leave his girlfriend behind.

"I had to do it!" Sakura says almost defensively; but I could sense that she really didn't want to. "I mean, your eyes are becoming blank and it feels like you were slipping away! I did it to get you back! If you have a problem with that, then fight me!"

For someone who's apologizing, I can't believe that she's still the one getting defensive. I wanted to slap her back but thought better of it. After all, she did it in good faith—I hope. Still rubbing my face, I leaned back on the back rest and massaged my forehead; trying to ease away the buildup of a headache.

"Let's just go." I told them.

I could still feel their eyes on me but decided to pay them no heed. Shizuko still look worried although her facial expression already diverted back to its natural stone appearance. She turned to Hideki who looked at each of us worriedly and signaled him to get moving.

"I don't want to be late. Let's go." She told him.

I felt the soft movement of the car but kept my eyes shut. After all, nobody knows that regardless if my eyes are closed, I can still see and feel everything around. What a curse—and Kaon Umekoji is the only one to blame.

I wasn't surprise anymore when Takumi appeared outside of my classroom just in time for Lunch period.

I didn't even know how he could enter the women's building but decided not to ask about it anymore. After all, it seemed as though he's got more authority than anybody else combined in this God-forsaken place. I strapped my bag over my shoulder and walked out of the class—ignoring the eyes that were suddenly on me—and walked over Takumi. There is no sense ignoring him now since, surely, he's well aware of what happened in Hideki-s car this morning.

I could sense the agitation under the calm demeanor of his stone expression. God, this guy and Shizuko are really cousins. I smiled tightly at him. "Hey."

"Thought I'd wait for you after class." He says while staring down at me. "How are you?"

"I'm good. Hungry."

"They're waiting for us at the cafeteria." We walked side by side in silence; ignoring the other students who seemed to be trying to get too close to us to hear whatever we maybe we are talking about. "Hideki told me what happened a while ago." He says quietly.

"I'm not sure of that yet. I've been thinking about it during class." I whispered back. "Maybe I got it wrong—"

"Doesn't matter. Stay away from her. Ever since I met Umekoji, I've always thought something off about her—and her misplaced obsession of me."

I had to laugh at that. "You're just saying that because you don't like her ogling at you."

"Disgusting." He says with a roll of his eyes. "But that's part of it. Something is really off about her."

"Well, she cursed me—I mean, her previous generation did."

"Shizuko thinks that if she was the one who put the curse on you, then she probably knows how to retract it."

"If she will." I said. "Which I doubt she would. We've had this for generations. I don't think I can change the future easily just because I was able to find the one who caused it all."

"Does that mean she's a witch?"

To that I have no response. If she cursed me, then it means that she's a witch. But is it really her that was the witch—or does she also carry the same unwanted fate like the ones I was carrying? Did she hate me and wanted me dead because that was the fate that she was saddled in? Or was she also trying to find a way to get out of it like me?

But I know I wouldn't be able to get the answer to those questions by asking myself.

I stole a quick glance at Takumi who was silently walking beside me; his eyes dark and sharp and hostile as he focused on his path to the cafeteria—even though he looks like he's on the way to the warpath.

I care about this man too much to the point of destruction. And there is no way I would wittingly—and unwittingly—put him in the path of danger… even if it meant he would hate me.

There's only one person who can answer my questions and that is Kaon Umekoji herself. And there is no way I would get those answers by playing in Takumi's rules.

-;-

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To be continued.

Hi everyone! I know! It's been a year since I last updated and I'm terribly sorry! Even if I'm not updating, rest assured that I will finish this story no matter what—and that I'm still reading your reviews and PMs which I'm quite thankful for. Thanks so much for patiently waiting to every chapter update.

Philippines is currently in a lockdown due to Covid-19 but it doesn't mean work stops there. The company I'm working for have enforced the work from home setup (thank God!) but it also means that we're busier than ever. :(

But still, it's not an excuse! I will make sure to get to the bottom of this story even if it takes me a long time and, I hope, I'd still see you guys in the end.

Thank you!

-Andy