Author's note: Hey! Good to see you again! As always thank you for staying with me, I really appreciate that. I believe that the plot will now finally concern on the relationship between those two subborn people. I leave you to Chiara and Akashi, let them know what you think! See you soon, probably next week, if everything goes well.
Quite intensive period of time had started in my life. Each high schooler appreciates presence of exams. Until now I've never had a problem with learning - I find acquiring knowledge extremely interesting and curious. That is why I could never get along with slackers. As a President I was searching for the best ways, having in mind not only school's position. I wanted everyone to derive pleasure from learning, alongside decreasing stress.
I was in classroom, eating my lunch on my own, when someone abruptly came inside. I turned the page of a read book lazily and only then I looked at the intruder. I could expect Lena's behavior. She sat down and started talking, still red from excitement. I had to put down the book; I'd simply lose the plot.
"Chiara, how was your first part of exams?" she asked.
"Good, I guess." I answered.
"You always say so, and later you get only hundreds! You never gave your position in ranking to someone, did you?" blonde was definitely flushed. I knew my friend; she could do better. But she preferred to sneak out for dates with Matt. What do I have with that girl? When the exams are over, everything will go back to normal.
"That's right. I'm not giving it away to anyone."
"I can see someone stepped on your toes!" Lena laughed, noticing my clenched fists under the table. "Do you always have to compete? If I remember well, you treated each other in junior high school differently."
"Teikou is a closed book to me." I muttered, praying for my cheeks to stay calm. I couldn't give the blonde more reasons to laugh. Since her first confrontation with new Rakuzan's President she didn't get off my back. She needed to know everything about our relationship. I didn't make a clean breast of my fatal crush on Akashi back then, at least not directly. But Lena wasn't stupid, she surely figured something out. She had enough tact not to mention about it. Maybe I looked like a broken-hearted girl? If yes, it was high time to change that. As if I needed more gossips. I've enough after debate.
"Any plans for today?" she asked me.
"Practice, shift and library. I don't have power for anything else." I've never told Lena about the amount of work I had to do for my governesses. If she knew, I'd probably listen to quite a long lecture about my foolishness. The blonde didn't accept overextending yourself. I didn't want to make her aware of the fact, that when she went to sleep, I was only half way through my homework.
We finished the meal, sweetening it with a conversation, until I got up and with new energy I made my way to the gym. Trainings turned out to be a perfect haven for my battered nerves. Even my contact with Akashi went quiet; he also had to study. Thanks to that, the atmosphere in the office wasn't so fraught. Each of us were minding our own business. Maybe I could stand him?
I managed to wave at my chauffeur when someone's stretched arms wrapped me in a breathtaking embrace. Lena was squealling with happiness, not able to speak properly. I raised my eyebrows surprised, but in a moment I understood the reason. They had to post results of exams. I fixed my bag, took care of my friend, and with a confidence I entered school's building. Students around me smiled joyfully, greeting me and congratulating. But in their eyes were fear and uncertainity, that I immediately sensed. Something was wrong. Even Lena, after she put her mind at ease was walking beside me subdued, watching me carefully.
Finally we got to the board. The crowd dispersed instantly, letting me come to the papers. I found my surname at the top of the list. I smiled slightly; few pulled all-nighters were worth it. I was admiring this beautiful view, when something disturbed me. One element seemed out of the place. Only after a moment I noticed that my name wasn't alone there. Next to it I saw two killer words: Akashi Seijuurou.
My blood boiled. Once again he interfered into my plans! It looked differently in Teikou; we were studying together, exchanging notes. We cared for another's score. Then why, since he took over my position, all I wanted to do was destroy him?
Furious, I escaped from the board, trying to calm my breath. No worries, Chiara, you could expect that. Akashi is intelligent and he doesn't lack ambition. All you have to do is just become better than him. It shouldn't be that hard.
I entered the office, throwing my bag next to the desk.
"Congratulations on your first place in ranking." I heard. Akashi was sitting in his place, scanning through some papers. I knitted my eyebrows, looking for mockery in his voice. Somehow it seemed, he was completely honest. I nodded my head.
"You deserve them too." I answered.
"Just like the old times, don't you think?" he asked. His look was feisty, as if he was waiting for me to blow up. Not this time. I'll defeat him with his own weapon.
"Oh yeah, totally." I said, preparing my stuff for classes. But before I left the classroom I turned around and looked at the redhead. I grinned, almost one hundred percent genuinely. "I miss them sometimes. See ya later!"
And I was gone. I could only imagine his disorientated expression.
"Damn! Don't tell me..." I murmured, looking at the weather outside. It was raining cats and dogs and I just had to forget that stupid umbrella! Not to mention discharged phone. Guess I have to cover my books somehow and run. If only I didn't have to stay for Council's meeting... I grabbed everything under my blazer and went straight into the rain. I couldn't walk fast, I totally forgot how heavy my bag is. If those documents get wet, I'm screwed.
My hair stuck to my face and back, while my shirt became see-through. Fortunately Japanese people don't really mind - those perverted pigs. But I have to admit that I also had an accidental bleeding from my nose.
It's been only five minutes of my unplanned walk when I had to stop. I could barely move my frozen body. Stupid Kyoto and its stupid stormy season! The sun was hidden behind the clouds, not even daring to shower us with its rays. The streets were empty - no one wanted to be soaking wet. Besides, it was late, perfect time for a family dinner. I guess father won't show up until next week...
Suddenly, I heard car's door slamming loudly. I didn't even look around, well, the only thing I cared about were my papers. So you can imagine my shock when someone hid me under an umbrella. I immediately turned back and almost hit the man in the face.
"Need a ride?" Akashi asked, looking at me with interest. His hand was wrapped around my waist. How abruptly the temperature got higher! I stood still, not really understanding the situation. He was so close, with eyes locked on my wet face. His full lips were so tempting, maybe if I lean closer... No, stop!
"What? No!" I tried to push him away. Damn, his grip is so tight. Akashi managed to pull my arm and with no words took me inside his limo. Redhead also carried my bag. He gave the instructions to the driver and turned to me.
"Stop being stubborn, Chiara. You needed that. Those documents have to survive, don't they? Did you really think it's because of your poor position?" he smirked. His eyes never left mine. I blushed madly and with quiet moan of disguise looked out of the window. I didn't want to talk to him. Maybe if I close my eyes this ride will go faster? I folded my arms, feeling wet clothes brushing against my skin even more. Somehow I felt guilty for that. Marianna will have hand full of work with bringing my uniform to its previous state.
"Porca miseria!" I mumbled.
Akashi smoothly closed the gap between us. His fingers lightly touched my hair, removing the strands from the forehead. I've missed this contact for so long! Unconsciously I pressed my cheek to his palm. He chuckled a little, watching as my face went red again. I was loosing my composure when he was near, how do I stop that?!
"Here, you'll be warmer." he noted, covering my back with his blazer. I didn't even notice I was trembling. I squeezed the sleeves and smiled a little.
"Thanks."
The rest of the road went silent, only with some classical pieces coming from the radio. My eyelids felt heavy and after few minutes I was sleeping with my head buried in Akashi's blazer. His perfumes weren't really helpful. My mind finally had some time to rest, without expectations, weird dreams and overambitious plans. It felt so good I wished it would last forever. Soft whisper next to my ear brought me back. His warm breath tickled my neck, so I groaned, trying to stay at my new haven.
"It's time to wake up, Chiara. Come on, I'll take your books. Here, have some tea." he handed me a paper mug with brown liquid. When did we stop for a tea? How long did I sleep?! I carefully took a sip gathering concentration. We left the car together. It's been a long time since I felt so... safely next to him. We stood there, looking at each other as the rain was pouring down.
"I should be going, Akashi. Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it." redhead only snorted. His reaction shocked me a little bit so I raised my eyebrow. What was wrong with him? Akashi just turned around but before he left, he looked back at me.
"I was joking."
"What are you talking about?" I asked confused. He patted my head carefully. He wasn't that tall in Teikou, it was easier to meet his eyes then.
"It's not like I did it only for papers. Actually, I quite enjoyed our little ride. I'd like you to rely on me more, cause we'll be working together again. I'm looking forward to it. See you tomorrow. Wanna go with me?"
"Just shut up and leave, Akashi." I growled. The temperature got even higher than earlier. Akashi chuckled and sticked out his tongue at me.
"No goodbye kiss?"
I only sighed and entered the house, trying to calm myself down. What the hell was he thinking?! If Marianna heard it, I would have no life. Questions everywhere, calls to my father... I leaned on the door and with hesitation looked outside. Akashi and his driver had left the driveway.
The smell of fresh tomatoes and cheese filled the air. We will probably have lasagne for dinner. That was my father's idea - to still feel this Italian atmosphere our food is supposed to be Italian, Not to mention speaking in my native language. Probably only the rest of maids and my governesses can speak their respective languages. But it means I still have to learn English, Russian, French and Latin. I'm glad my parents let me pick Spanish and German too. Sounds tough, but I like it. Beside history and literature, languages have a special place in my heart.
I met Marianna in the kitchen; she was putting pasta into the oven. She smiled sweetly to me.
"What happened, Miss? I thought you'd come back with chauffeur! And is it your blazer?" After hearing her I immediately took off this piece of clothing. Damn, she was right! I left Akashi's limo wearing his school uniform. Well, I guess the level of my stupidity just reached its maximum. Where was my blazer then?! I hid my face in hands. "Are you alright?"
"Yes, don't worry. I'll just go change those wasted clothes. Could you please take care of them?"
"As you wish, Miss." she nodded, smiling to herself. I can bet her mind came up with some creepy scenario. I sighed heavily and headed toward my bedroom. I put wet clothes in the bathroom, hanging Akashi's blazer on the back of my chair previously. Since he came to Rakuzan I behave like some kind of a freak. This needs to stop, right not. Gather up, Chiara. You left your Akashi in Teikou. This one is just a cheap fake. He messed up your stable life and takes everything you crave for. Behave, Attaviano!
"Then why do I feel so confused about him?" I muttered, asking this quiet voice in my head, but it didn't dare to answer. I found a hoodie and pants inside my wardrobe. As I turned on the laptop the room filled with upcoming messages. People definitely like to bother me a lot, don't they? I'll have to spend another evening answering them.
With a growing headache I went down to accompany Marianna on the dinner. She's the only person who eats with me excluding my father. Whenever my mum comes to visit us we go to some fancy restaurant. If I have to be honest, I prefer Marianna's cooking. It tastes like home.
There she was, putting fresh flowers in the vase. She didn't notice me, so when she turned around she squeaked. I smiled as brightly as I could and took my place.
"Tatiana, Elisabeth and Francesca will not join us today?" I asked. I just remembered that I still haven't seen my governesses. They usually bustled about the piano in the living room. Marianna only shook her head. "Guess it can't be helped. Buon appetito!" the first bite of lasagne was like entering the heaven. It melted in my mouth leaving me this wonderful mix of flavours. At least the dish would cheer me up after this exhausting day. Crap, there's also homework to do. Can't wait for the weekend.
"Chiara, please do not throw the pasta off of the plate." Marianna scolded me a little bit. She rarely uses my name, even though I tried to convince her to stop calling me Miss, but I failed miserably. After her comment I blushed automatically. I do not make mistakes, I was raised like a real noble should be. But everything seems to be a nightmare lately.
"Scusi, Marianna. Not feeling well, if I have to be honest. May I leave now?"
I felt this weird pressing in my stomach. I need a break, but how am I supposed to get it? Even that new novel I bought didn't seem interesting. I'm too tired to bring up any concentration, just let me sleep. I threw myself on the sheets, wondering if I had done everything. My cat decided to sleep with me this time. He curled next to my chest, purring quietly. His presence calmed me down a little bit, letting my thoughts go away. Those who don't own a cat - I highly recommend it.
"Gatto, why can't you become a man? You're not troublesome, you're comfy, sweet and also incredibly lovely. Will you become my prince charming?" I muttered, feeling that my consciousness was drifting away. The day was finally over.