Chapter 10: Her Heart
His Fame, Her Self
Genre: Drama/Romance
Summary- Rima Touya is a lower class girl with a scholarship in a rich elite high school called Knight Academy, filled with rich kids, who hate her! She just wants to finish her schoolwork to graduate high school and become an artist! Unfortunately, Senri Shiki, the most popular boy in the elite academy of snobby rich kids and the known world that has his face on a magazine cover, is interested in the outcast Rima Touya and kinda stalking her...for some reason. Could it be her oversized clothing attire, or her messy hair, or her thickly framed goggles? As she tries to be distant with Senri Shiki, her family and friends push her toward him. Could something start? Or just make the Touya female hate the rich society even more?
,"Is this necessary?" I glared at Dad and Masaru in the driver and passenger seat; they insisted to take me to one of the best clothing store for the gala. I grumbled to myself as I placed my chin on my hand, "Besides, I hate dresses."
His slanted smile, almost made me wonder how we managed to be related; we were almost complete opposites. His youthful optimistic views now and then clashed with my almost all-knowing pessimism outlooks.
Blowing a strand of my orange hair out of my visage, I slightly glanced at the envelope Shiki handed to me in such a haughty manner. I scowled at his arrogance as though he precisely knew my family's actions to my invitation to the gala. They seem off today, why? Maybe since Dad is here more often. He obtained a new job at some big company that doesn't involve any sort of travel or late hours, so he goes to work and comes back home like he used to. We don't usually go out and Umeki didn't really whine or retort on us missing three photo shoots today?
The vehicle came to a sudden stop to a store with an elegant sign stating the company name: HANA, meaning flower; the exact lovely, delicate-like appearance opposite to mine.
Before I knew it, I was pushed out of my seat and into the sidewalk, "Hey!" My hand grabbed for the car door handle and pulled it, only to have it not budge. I pulled it again and again but to no avail I couldn't swing the car door open. I gave up, now I couldn't care less about the locked door.
,"We'll pick you up in a couple of hours." My dad smiled gently as I saw Masaru slightly smirked at my annoyed sigh.
,"Don't worry, I'm meeting up with Sachiko once I'm done with this." Getting out of the car, I heard the vehicle dive away from behind me. I walked through the clear glass doors similar toKokoro and was greeted by smiling employees.
A young lady in her early-twenties approached me and bowed. Her dark hair was darker than the evening sky but her eyes glinted a bright shade a light blue, "Welcome to HANA! I'm the manager, Miyako Kawasaki. How might I be of any service to you?" I blinked at disbelief at the sudden attention to me and came out of my trance as the woman spoke again, "What is that in you have there?" I trailed her eyes to the white envelope in my hand that I forgot was in my hand; it was upside down and its contents spilled on the clean, white tile floor. Three papers fell, two of them being the color of gold and mahogany.
,"I'm sorry…" Leaning down to pick it up, it was snatched away by the lady who scanned the small piece of paper that looked like a golden ticket in a movie I couldn't seem to put my finger on.
Her eyes scanned the piece of parchment and widen once she was done. She turned bow faced and hollered, "Ladies! Escort all the customers out of the store, immediately! Place the shades over the glass windows to avoid any prying eyes of the paparazzi!" I slightly cowered as she turned back to me only to be surprised to see a large grin on her expensive lips, "Sorry for being informal with you, Miss. We will escort everyone out of the store! Please, wait momentarily as we prepare your necessities!" She deeply bowed to me before returning the parchment to me and telling a nearby customer to make her final purchase.
Standing completely stunned I glanced at the golden piece of paper to have a message:
Please accommodate to Miss Rima Touya. She is attending an important gala where many famous names and companies will be there; I appreciate it if you give her the suitable line of clothing to appear at the important occasion. I will pay for any purchase she makes as long as you tend to her needs and make her a beautiful young model that she is.
Many thanks and great regards,
Senri Shiki
I would have burnt and ripped that piece of paper if three employees didn't pull me into a V.I.P dressing room section, well hidden from customers which seem quite ionic since there wasn't a customer in sight.
The manager-Miyako Kawasaki- led me to a pure white seat foreign to my eyes and encouraged me to sit in it. Comfortably setting myself in the furniture, plates of colorful, exquisite looking finger foods, hors d'oeuvres, and appetizers were placed in my field of vision and almost swallowed my entire appearance. My eyes widen as a hundred racks of dresses were presented to me with a few happy employees standing by each side, speaking in unison, "Which one would you like to try, Lady Touya?"
Confusedly and bashfully replied, "Lady Touya?"
Sighing, I looked within the curtained dressing room to my dismay. I closed my eyes lightly and counted backwards from ten to one then opened my eyes slowly only to see the large, dressing area I am in to fade into my vision. The carpet felt extremely soft around the empty spaces between my fingers; my appendages gently glided over the satin-like surface. Staring up at the dark ceiling, I began to question if this was reality or a horrible nightmare I'll be able to awaken from. I feel as though I'm dreaming. I placed my index finger and thumb on my arm and tightly pressed them, only to pull my hand away and rub my redden arm, "Ow…"Maybe harder, "Ow. Ow." Okay, this will definitely make me fall off my bed, "Ow!"
,"Is something wrong, Lady Touya? Would you like some employees to come and assist you?" A sweet voice with a hint of concern came from the curtain door.
,"N-no thank you." I stuttered, quickly shooting up from the soft expensive-looking floor.Dang it! It's real! If I ever meet Senri Shiki again, I'll make sure to step on-or rather smash-his expensive shoes and key his limo on my way home! Masaru and Dad well get there's too!
,"Would you mind coming out and showing us how the dress looks on you?" The manager's voice held a tint of excitement and happiness as though she was determined that the dress around me was the one I was going to buy.
I shyly revealed myself to the thousand female employees. They all smiled with glee and made sweet comments on the emerald dress and me that fitted my figure. Turning my eyes to the mirror to see myself in tenth dress I have tried on. It wasn't ugly in fact it was beautiful. The previous nine dresses were extremely lovely made in privileged fabric of satin, silk and velvet and were ornately detailed with extreme care but none didn't seem to catch my eye. Honestly, they just weren't my style.
,"Lady Touya?" My head rose up at the manager's voice, who held her hand out to an elegant peach colored gown another employee was displaying toward me, "If you are unsatisfied with the dress, here is another one if you wish to try."
My bored, azure eyes glanced at the rack of clothes in front of me and were caught by the attention of strapless, empire waist dark blue dress with a black bow on the back. With a quick movement I managed to have the dress in my fingers without the need of the million hands of the helpful HANAemployees.
I turned the dress to see it in many points of views. The fabric of the dress felt soft between my fingers to what I assume to be satin. With my fingernail, I trace the details within the bottom corner piece of clothing connected the bejeweled dots on the fabric to created a butterfly. My azure eyes were completely lost in the black-blue fabric in a mesmerized state.
,"Lady Touya?" I jerked at the sound that interrupted my trance. Manager Kawasaki looked up at me, "Would you like to try on this item?" I nodded, "Very well. Show us once you have it on."
With small steps I walked to the dressing room and took my time placing it on me. Consumed by the beauty of the dress, I made careful movements when placing the dress around my waist, not bother to even glance at it in the mirror's reflection. Too absorbed in the natural, simple beauty of the dress I subconsciously revealed myself to the employees. I scared myself once I saw my feet in the mirror's reflection; slowly raising my vision on my legs and how the hem of the dress fell on them, how snug the dress fit against my waist and how my torso felt against the satin.
,"She's so pretty!"
,"No wonder Senri Shiki chose her!"
,"My goodness! She's a swan hidden in a duckling's feathers!"
,"She's very stunning!"
,"Quite lovely!"
,"It suits you very well, Lady Touya." Brushing my yellow-orange locks, Manager Kawasaki stood with a pleasant smile on her face, "You seem to like it, as well. Do you wish to purchase it?"
,"Y-yes, please." I returned to my normal attire of faded jeans, a white shirt, and a pair of dirty sneakers. Her manicured fingers gently held the dress while she held out her other hand, "Come, Lady Touya. We must find you suitable footwear and accessories?"
Placing my hands in front of me, I hesitated, "O-oh. N-no thank you. I-I feel very content with just purchasing the dress."
Her smile widen as she placed her hand over her mouth and gently laughed, "He was right. You are quite modest, Lady Touya. Do not worry, Senri Shiki ordered me to accommodate your needs. By which, he means a complete fashion attire of, not only, a dress but shoes, bracelets, earrings, and even more. He will pay for everything you like."
,"I understand, but-" Her smile slightly faltered, making her open her blue orbs in confusion, "b-but I really am comfortable with only a limit amount of material possessions especially if it means I would only be using it for one evening or event." By the way her facial features changed, I could tell she was taken aback by my reply.
,"Very well." Her pearly smiled glistened with her lips, "Though, just to satisfy Senri Shiki's desire and order we shall try on some footwear." She placed her index finger to her mouth and winked.
Wow…I followed her into another section in the store…I never thought the aristocracy would turn against their own…
Sachiko stood walking with me, glancing inside the large bag that easily concealed the large logo of HANA. She shuffled items within the bag, "You are so lucky, Rima! You were able to shop atHANA! The mother store of KOKORO!"
I huffed at the brunette's reply, "Don't remind me! I don't even understand why he insists on giving me such materialistic luxuries. Giving me such things as though I was born with my hands cupped together, begging for spare change. I think it's kind of superficial." Lowering my breath toward Sachiko, "And don't sound so excited! Girls from around the globe would hunt me down and mount my head on their fireplaces."
Sachiko's laughter made me scowl. She calmed down her giggles, wiping a tiny tear from the end of her eye, "Rima, you make him sound like a criminal. He is more like your personal hero. Senri Shiki is a combination of that one guy whose last name is Hood and has a bird's name and another guy who met that one girl named Juliet, but…"
She smiled and peeked at me at the corner of her eye, "But?"
,"But only for you." She lightly danced ahead of my footing and made a happy twirl before stopping in front of me, "Senri Shiki seems to be really interested in you."
Scratching the back of my head, I distantly stared at the cloud filled sky, "I don't know why." It was a nice sunny day but the clouds allow me to look toward the light blue ocean without the fearful possibility of losing my sight, "He really gets on my nerves sometimes, acting completely cocky and arrogant." I sighed and closed my eyes, only reopening them as I look in front of where I was going.
,"But he becomes different when he's around you." The brunette held onto a lamppost in order to pull herself into a ballet twirl and stop a few moments later.
,"Different?"
The graceful dancer stepped a few paces ahead of me before turning around to face me,"Yeah. Kazou says he sees him change, too. I think both were just hanging out one day- I think at a movie or somewhere else- and when Kazou mentioned you, Shiki suddenly wanted to talk about anything that involved you."
,"He is a stalker!" My scowl deflected Sachiko's raised eyebrow, "I see him almost every day; we don't have all the same classes and he puts my family, you and Kazou into his plans! Every move I make I don't know who else will go against me!"
,"We're not betraying you Rima." Her brown eyes glanced at the hidden bag with my purchase inside. There was a small glint within her eyes, "Such a pretty dress!" Looking up her eyes glimmered like two bright constellations, "How about wearing a pink dress?"
,"I don't think so."
The sour look on her face appeared on her soft face as though she was denied a cookie from the cookie jar before dinner. I laughed making someone sudden scream- or rather squeal. Opening my eyes, I saw Sachiko's brown hair flowing in a wave-like pattern as she jumped up and down like a chocolate-colored bunny that found a large pile of carrots for herself, "Rima! You laughed!" I raised a confused eyebrow, "I never heard you laugh! Not as cute as that!"
,"Yeah, so?" I sighed continuing to walk.
Sachiko trailed behind me with an unsatisfied look on her delicate visage, "What do you mean 'so'? Before, you never so much as twitched your mouth to smile, let alone, laugh. You would always put on a stone-like look on your face, as though you never felt any emotion in your life." My diverted eyes gave her a questioning look, "Well, other than utter anger and annoyance."
Her smile grew as I curtly smiled, "You're crazy."
,"Hey!" My eyes turned to the street to see a sleek, black limo driving slowly beside Sachiko and I. There was a pair of violet orbs peeking behind a pair of exquisitely difficultly pronounced pair of shades. There was a sudden feeling of de já vu that's somehow involved with that male model, "Thought I say hello to my classmate."
,"Rima!" Sachiko's anxious voice whispered into my ear, "Let's go. You have to get ready for the Gala." I looked between her and the male in the limo, "C'mon Rima! Senri Shiki is waiting…" My mind automatically thought of many ways to make not only my life miserable.
The passenger seat of the limo flew open and closed with the Hashimoto male quickly placing his hand to push his blonde hair out of his violet eyes. His clothes were almost like the taste of aristocracy foreign from my knowledge beside the fact that he purchased them in town strolling toward me, "What's wrong Rima?" His shades were moved from his eyes to his blond roots by his hand, "Want a ride?"
,"Sorry, Hashimoto," I bowed apologetically, "I appreciate your offer but I have to be somewhere right now." As I was about to leave, something held its grip on my wrist forcing me to look into a pair of amethyst orbs dangerously close to me, "H-Hashimoto?"
His face moved to my left ear, "I'm still expecting my answer at the Gala. I won't give you up, so easily." His hot breath brushed against my neck; I felt his cool fingers tuck my orange hair behind my hair as something grazed against my pale throat. His face returned to my pale visage, "See you soon, My Rima." With a fast motion, Hashimoto's held my hand and tenderly placed his aristocratic lips on my knuckles with a sudden twinkle in his eyes. My Rima?
He walked back to his limo and placed his shades back on his nose. I had a feeling that he winked at me behind the dark windows of his limo.
,"Rima! Senri Shiki's waiting!" Sachiko's arm forced me down the street as I attempted to walk or rather jog at the same pace as her. As I began to protest she childishly pouted at me, "But I want you to try on this dress."
Without realizing, my brunette friend led me down a few blocks in front of a frilly women's clothing store. All the mannequins wore bright colors that reminded me of neon colored candy and the false make-up on their faces made me assumed someone shouldn't have graduated from cosmetology school.
Sachiko's perfectly manicured oval fingernail pointed to a bright neon dress with numerous ruffles at the hem and with colorful pok-a-dots that seemed to pop out an unnatural shade for human eyes. A wide smile revealed her big, white teeth; "I want to see to see you as a large doll!"
,"Don't even think about it!"
,"I'm glad you decided to come, Rima." Umeki glanced at me from his rear view mirror. Crossing my arms in an immature manner, he smiled and laughed at my actions.
Umeki was driving his brand new sports car that managed not to be scratched and dented in the past couple of hours. He came to the house with a newly bought business suit and appeared somewhat enthusiastic about the gala like a teenage girl going to prom with her boyfriend; you don't want to ruin their occasion. Picking Masaru and I, he was giddy with happiness- I think it's because we're his cash cows.
,"Where did you get the dress, Rima?" I jumped inside my skin, as I noticed his attention was towards me as the car was at a red light.
Playing with the hem of my dress, I hesitated to respond, "It was a gift."
,"Secret admirer?" Scowling at him, he retreated his focus on the road just in time when the traffic light glowed green. He chuckled, "I don't know about your father but I don't like romantic relationships to interfere with work."
Exhaling a breath, shutting my eyes, "Shut up." My fingers outlined my headphones and curled around them as I brought them to my eardrums to one of my songs from SCANDAL blasting on high volume. Before placing my earphones in my ears, I caught some of Umeki's retorts of damaging my eardrums and going deaf. Don't encourage me!
In a few minutes, I obeyed Umeki by lowering the volume as I changed the song I was listening to for the upbeat rhythms of NiCO Touches The Wall. Masaru came close to me, attempting to catch the lyrics to his favorite band, though gave up, as he was unable to decipher which song I was listening to.
The silence was peaceful until I mentally reminded myself that Senri Shiki was going to be there as well as Osamu Hashimoto. Two males that seem to have a bad taste in girls…scratch that, very bad taste in girls. Both are very interested in me, and I know it, but I'm oblivious to understand why. Senri Shiki talked to me the first day I came to Knight Academy but Osamu was the only person to attempt to befriend me…in a way. Pressing my cheek on my hand, I blew away a few strands of my bangs away from my sight. I hate rich guys…
My mind flashed everything that involved Senri Shiki and Osamu Hashimoto. The kisses and advances Hashimoto is giving to me made my cheeks burn. My heart rapidly palpated at the numerous times Shiki has stood dangerously close to me and the couple of kisses that made me paralyze. WAIT! I received kisses from both of them! They both kissed me? What the heck? I'm no free kissing booth! I shouldn't be a kissing booth at all!
It was quite in the car for couple hours until Umeki spoke.
,"We'll be at the Gala in a few minutes, so once we're in just socialize and relax. And if either of you see Senri Shiki, find me quickly."
His car pulled up in front of the large, upscale hotel where it is suppose to be held. The old architecture was intact from modern society as I took in the details of the sculptures and pillars of the building; I felt as though I was in the streets of Milan or Athens- a lovely location full of history and culture blended together.
I opened my door despite Umeki's protests of acting like an improper lady. Pulling off my headphones and turning off my music player, I placed them in my small purse. Managing to balance on two inch heels were difficult but I was able to stand properly and miraculously walk through the entrance without clinging to Masaru's arm. I couldn't help but stare at the enormous chandelier that sent light in every direction within the large room.
Despite the chandelier brightening the entire room, there were a few candles lit on some dinner tables that were covered with bright, crimson and white tablecloths. The aristocracy was dinning with one another, drinking with one another and conversing with one another; I felt like a fish out of water.
Masaru walked with me to a table with our names on them. Looking up at Masaru, forced his eyes to temporarily glanced down at me, "What?" Pressing my fingers against his skin, he yelped, "Ow! What was that for?"
A frown dug deep into my lips. I sat myself down on a chair quickly to avoid falling, "You're getting taller than me."
He grinned as though the source of pressure was lifted off his shoulders. Once he sat down across from me he lightly laughed, "I know you hate being short Rima, but don't get angry at me because you can't grow an inch or two." His grin turned into a Shiki-like smirk.
His face popped out and scrunched in an awkward manner as I crashed my heel against his shin in a fast motion. My hand reached over nonchalantly to my glass of water and sipped it, "I'm sorry, Little Brother. What was it you were speaking to me about?"
,"N-Nothing." He managed to whimper, "Guys don't like violent girls, you know that?" I brushed off his comment. A scowl formed on his face for a moment. I turned around my seat to see what Masaru was glaring at- rather who he was glaring at- a masquerade figure walking toward our table.
Masaru glared his jaded daggers into the masked being walking near our table. The masked figure politely bowed to my seated brother and I then continued his stroll. Without another word Masaru grabbed my hand, "Umeki told us to socialize. Let's dance." He led me to the dance floor, where an orchestra filled with black dressed musicians provided the classical music.
My hand was practically glued to Masaru since gravity wasn't really fond high heels affiliating with a klutzy girl as me. With slow movements, I glided against the wooden polished dance floor and suddenly felt graceful; for a moment I thought I wasn't even dancing at all but actually standing on Masaru's shoes. I managed not to fall and Masaru provided the protection against males who wanted to dance with me. As he spun me around, I somehow managed to be in someone else's arms. The masked figure! I looked up for the protection of Masaru, only to see the back of his tuxedo as he made his way to the buffet table.
,"I'm sorry, did I frighten you?" His voice was slightly husky and his grip onto me felt like lead.
,"More like startled." I prevented myself from stuttering, "I wasn't expecting my dance partner to hand me over without telling me. Sorry."
,"For what?" We were placed in the correct dancing position as he led me around the dance floor.
,"I'm not such a very good dancer." Avoiding eye contact, I attempted to focus whatever was around me instead of the masked male, "It's best not to dance with me. Go ask the young lady in the green gown." I released myself from the masked figure's grip and walked toward my table, not thinking of looking back.
The young lady in the green dress managed to stop me mid-step, as she looked me right in the face. Her visage was hidden behind a black fan while her emerald eyes pierce into my very entity.
, "Nice to see you again, Touya." Minako's bleached teeth were revealed as she folded her fan against her palm. Gold bangles chimed against one another on her other hand as she placed it against her hip, "I didn't know you were a maid as well."
,"Excuse me." I attempted to move away from her but her outstretched arm prevented me. She was wearing a green dress in the exact shade of her eyes above the length of her knees, black stiletto heels, and her usual gold bracelets making their own tune from the orchestra. Her hair was placed in a half ponytail with a few strands of her dark lengthy hair slightly covering her gold necklaces around her collarbone.
,"We have unfinished business, Touya." I could feel her murdering me with her green eyes; "You disrespected me as a host. Making me feel as a lowly life form as you. For allowing me to experience such a atrocious feeling, I expect an apology from you."
I sighed, "What do I need to apologize for exactly? Shiki's affiliation with me? Or about Shiki, in general?"
I thought she was ready to attack me- again - but she held in a composed look on her face. But I could clearly see her mouth twitch as though she was a growling pitbull unable to maul the kitten across the street, "Why you filthy little-"
My arm was tugged toward another direction as I glanced up at the person who saved me. The masked man! He gave a small smile at me, "How about you repay me with a few dances?"
I involuntarily nodded at his request making him grin a little wider at me, until I realized what I did. What was I thinking?
,"I enjoy dancing with you, Miss Rima."
I was taken aback, "How do you know my name?"
,"I have my ways." His grin widen as we swayed against the soft humming of the cluster of saxophones and violins, "And as for my name, doesn't worry too much about it. As a model myself, I find your work very amazing and beautiful for a up-and-coming young model."
Is this guy blind or delirious? As I began to stare at his face and noticed his eyes were a slightly dark shade of blue. He began staring back at me, "Are you starting to fall for me, Miss Rima?" He spoke casually, without his husky voice. I gently pushed him a few inches away from me.
,"Don't be so hopeful. I'm not into relationships, especially on the job." He chuckled lightly and pulled me closer to him, "Whom do you model for? I don't think I've seen you before?"
His mask completely covered his head and half his face, with the only exposed feature being his mouth, "I work with many different companies, so I don't have a specific agency." His grin quirked into a small frown, "I'm kinda disappointed you don't recognize me. Don't worry, we'll be working with each other." He winked at me.
I blinked a few times, "Shiki? What are you doing? I'm going to get in trouble with my manager." I searched desperately for the disheveled bleached blonde-haired male around the room.
He pointed to his mask as though he found the secret entrance to the Fountain of Youth or the Lost City and Treasures of Atlantis, "That's what this mask is for! Aren't you happy to see me, Rima?"
,"I'm going to get in trouble." While trying not to make sure Umeki wasn't within my peripheral vision as I placed my entire strength to slip away from Shiki's hands. My attempts to free myself from his arms were futile, "Shiki, please, I can't be seen with you."
His voice became stern and almost angered,"Why?" My body became closely held in his forearms as though he was afraid I would escape into another country or world where he will never see me.
,"Umeki's life long goal is to meet you and become your modeling agent. He was just using Masaru and me as a way to meet you and launch off his business career." I sighed pushing him away and be surprised at his attempts to have me in his physical reach of human contact.
His long silence forced me to look up at me, "And you're okay with him doing this?" Averting my eyes from his intense gaze made his grip on my shoulders heavier and tighter than lead, "Answer me, Rima. You never talk to me."
,"I don't really care what Umeki does. He helped Masaru and I with what we need and wanted-" Shiki's large hand squeezed my arm cutting me off. His eyes were filled with an odd mixture of worry, anger, and confusion; I noticed anything I said or did he would always give me those eyes. I didn't know if it was because he hated me or because he didn't know how to deal with the situation that he was suppose to feel complete outrage and bewilderment.
His arm began to lead my body into another direction,"Come with me." I slightly stumbled on my own heels but miraculously didn't fall on the wooden dance floor. His footsteps advanced at a different pace from mine and into another corridor, the luminous room filled with lively music and talk began to diminish as we moved further into the shadows of the dark and silent hallways.
After turning on a couple of corners, I was nearly out of breath. Before I knew it I was in an open area where I can see the stars glinting in the evening star and the glowing moon as the source of light for the both of us. I began to take in the surrounding I was in; we were on a bandstand in the hotel's courtyard. The cool breeze sent a shiver down my spine and urged me to go back to the warmth of the hotel's lively dance hall.
I began to walk down the steps of the bandstand until Shiki grabbed my wrist, "Where are you going?"
,"Inside." I bluntly pointed out as I rubbed my hand against my arm, "It's cold outside. I'm going to end up getting sick in this cold weather."
My breath hitched, "You should have brought my coat." Senri Shiki had pulled me into his chest as he rubbed my bare arms, hoping the friction of his hands would prevent me from becoming a human ice sculpture, "It'll keep you in warm when I'm away." My heart began to race; I tried to pull him away from me to calm my beating heart but he embraced me tighter, "Why do you push me away?"
I sensed his azure-gray eyes staring down at me as I avoided him.
,"Is it because of Hashimoto?" I jerked my head up; his eyes filled with wrath and discouragement, "You like him, don't you?"
Moving a few clicking steps away from him; I turned my back towards him,"No. How do you come up with these ridiculous ideas?" I was cold –in character and physical sensation- but I didn't care at the moment. I hated drama. My breath exhaled in complete vexation towards the male model, "I don't care. I'm getting colder so I'm going inside."
I sighed, walking into the upcoming chilly evening air forming goosebumps on my bare skin. I spoke too soon since I felt some force prevent me from further moving a step, and as I turned around to scowl at the person felt their flesh press against my cold cheek. Blink. Blink. His mask was in-between his fingers, unveiling his reddish brown disheveled mane along with his closed eyelids. I was entirely paralyzed by Shiki's kiss, making my heart start to beat crazily as before. He secured his grip on my hand as I began to struggle to break away from him, but he was strong and his lips were lingered against my now warm cheeks.
He pulled away from my cheek and stared at me apologetically, "I know you don't like to be touched but I just had too…" Slowly he released my arm, "I just…don't…want you to be around Hashimoto. " It was his turn to turn his back to me and sheepishly rub the back of his neck, "I heard…he had contact with you…and…you know…kissed you." He said the word kissed, as though it was a sinful word- or rather a taboo word and action that Hashimoto should do, "He didn't try anything else on you, right?"
Even with his spine toward me I noticed the light hue of red was spread across his nose. For some odd reason, I held in a giggle in my throat. This nervous moving and flushing faced Shiki tangling his already messy hair was different from the nonchalant, mysterious Shiki with a pair of shades on his hair.
I tapped my pencil against my binder and made an annoying beat that was completely ignored by aristocratic ears. I sighed, waiting for Big Sister Yumiko in the half-empty Archery field. I sat on a bench with my cheek boringly placed on my hand as I waited for Big Sister Yumiko to come.
A new Monday filled with gossip over the Gala and the upcoming dance with even more advertisement to choose this year's next Knight and Princess. I ignored the newfound energy of the students who advertised themselves in this popularity contest where only the ones who bribed or blackmailed will be the victors. I half-feared and half-ignored the possibility of a giant parade in the streets of the neighborhood just for the promoting of a single person to be the Academy's Knight or –even worse- the Academy's Princess! I've heard females are quite brutal when it came to having the title 'Princess' in front of their name. Further proving my point of the materialistic and greedy nature of the prosperous and fortunate Bourgeois of males and females populating Knight Academy.
The Gala passed and came with Umeki whining incessantly on the way home about not being able to meet with Senri Shiki. Apparently, only his manager was at the Gala since he was incapable to attend since he had an important businessto attend to. Personally, I was grateful at Shiki but I began to wonder why he questioned my interaction with Hashimoto.
I discreetly flipped open my sketch book to a blank page and started drawing. I began an outline filled with shapes in different angles and sides. A long crooked line was made after an interruption of a group of snobby rich girls screeched in complete happiness for some reason. As I glanced at them, they giggled while not so secretly pointing at me. With their freshly coated painted fingers out of the most popular beauty parlor. Minako's dark hair was noticeable in the crowd of howling aristocratic females.
Minako has tried to mess with my mind on several occasions including putting hate notes in my locker, trying to glue me on my seat and in the continuation of throwing crumbled balls of notebook paper at the back of my head in Physics class. What a wasteful way to kill trees!
Within a second, I placed my earphones into my lobes and played the current song on my music player on high volume. A very unscholarship student move, but I didn't want to be in Knight Academy, right now. After placing my attention back on my sketchbook, the group of obnoxious girls left when their growling laughter didn't faze me. Sighing, I drank in the lyrics:
I'm Falling Down Into My Shadow
iki wo hisomete matte iru Deadly Night
Dont scare me majo ga egaita KABOCHA no basha mo
sono me ni utsuseru kara
See you in your dreams Yeah baby
kowai yume dato shite mo
,"Hey!" I jumped at the sudden voice that was able to break through my concentration and the high volume blasting into my ear lobes. I quickly pulled my earphones out of my head for the possibility of being caught by a teacher or school official. Looking over my shoulder, Senri Shiki's brown mane slightly covered his blue-gray eyes as he titled his smile and sat next to me, "Yumiko, told me you'd be here. She's going to be coming a little late and thought I'd give you some company."
,"You don't have to." My eyes fell back to my drawing as I started where I left off, "Besides aren't you going to hang out with your friends."
,"No. I rather prefer being with you." My vision averted to him, "What was it you were listening to?" He helped himself to place my earphone into his ear, and jerked slightly over the loud volume. He placed it back in his ear and began to listen to the lyrics, "Tommy heavenly 6?"
I blinked, "Yeah, You like them?"
,"Sort of. I hear their songs on the radio from time to time but never had the ability to remember any of their songs, unfortunately. What other recording artists do you have in here?" He smiled and started to browse my playlist and listening to the songs of my music player with much curiosity as a toddler seeing the green grass, blue sky and white clouds of nature. Again I returned to my drawing while momentarily glancing at Shiki toying with the buttons of my music player, "You did it again?"
My red-yellow mane jerked up as I stared into the all knowing bluish-gray eyes of the famous model, "What?"
,"You're smiling." His infamous smirk appeared and grew as I avoided his stare, "It's not something bad. I like seeing you smile, especially when you don't realize you're doing it. It's kinda fun."
I ignored his comment and tried to focus on my drawing, "Whatever. I don't smile."
,"How about this?" He scooted closer towards me, much to the distaste of some females within a three-yard radius of us, "We already have a planned photo shoot in a few days. If you can smile in just a few shots with me or without me than I'll stop talking about your smile or laugh. And I'll stop dragging you everywhere I go, okay?" I nodded and his smirked turned into a small frown, "Though it'll be a shame to lose such a radiant smile and musical laughter." His hand moved to my cheek, his thumb caressed my skin.
I sighed, ignoring his actions as the usual arrogant nature of Senri Shiki. My focus was fixed on my paper filled with many lines and shapes curved by my sketching pencil as I began to move fluidly along the page, "What if I only smile in a couple of shots?" His hand released its position from my face.
,"Then you go on a date with me." His hand held his flawless cheek gently. The sun's rays gleamed against his silver-cobalt eyes as though he held some secret the world didn't know and apparently neither did I.
,"What?" He laughed.
,"Just kidding. You can teach me about art in your art studio at home." His smirk widen as my eyes did. No one knew about my art studio. Only Masaru. My own Dad didn't know. Umeki, my manager never really cared about my passion of art so there was no point in telling him about it. Sachiko and Kazou are my best friends, who know my love of art and yet didn't know about the existence of my art studio.
I slowly placed my pencil against the surface of my paper, "How did you know?"
,"Masaru," I mentally glared at my little brother and reminded myself to plan revenge against my sibling, "But if it's not too much to request from you…" My eyes noticed he held my music player out for me to return as he scooted even closer to me, "…Can you draw a picture of me?"
As usual, his arrogance astounds me more than the crystals craved into delicate teardrop shapes for his chandeliers drilled into every room in his ceiling, until he said the last request.
,"Or can you draw yourself…for me?"
I was surprised at his strange request and change of attitude. I began to place my sketchbook away, "Why?"
,"My birthday is coming up soon." He started whispering, " I forgot I didn't tell you sooner, and I didn't want you spending any money on me. It's not really important to me. Plus I want something special from you, something I'll easily remember to cherish."
My heart started beating hard against my ribcage, again.
I'M BAAAAAAAAAAACCCCCK! So please excuse any possible grammar/spelling errors! It's been a long time!
I'm super, super, SUPER SORRY for not updating for an EXTREMELY LONG TIME! I've been really busy with school and extracurricular activities and events at my school! I'm SO sorry for the super long wait! I hope you guys aren't as angry and upset at me as I am with myself! I curse the AP classes!
Honestly, I did NOT stop writing this!
I (stupidly) lost my flash drive, which had my completed chapter of His Fame, Her Self, at school. My sister misplaced my second flash drive, so it's somewhere hidden in the mountain of mess in my bedroom.
Luckily, my older sister is my lifesaver for graciously buying me a new one! Another struck of good luck; I managed to have my lost flash drive returned to me! My teacher- thank goodness I've known her for three years- had it in her possession and managed to save it for me, but since I come late to school on an almost daily basis she forgot!
I wholeheartedly apologize to all readers and reviewers!
I'm grateful for all your patience and continuing support!
20 pages just for you! Hope you like it!
Rima's ring tone when Masaru called in chapter 9 is D-Techno Life by UVERworld
For any of you wondering which song Rima is listening to NiCO Touches The Wall, it's Hologram.
Song in Rima's music player is Paper moon by Tommy heavenly 6
Also, I decided to add in Shiki's upcoming birthday. I honestly don't know his exact birthday, so please don't hurt me
