Hello again world of fanfiction! I've finally posted the next chapter, yay!
I want to thank Katsura tree for reviewing, following, and favoriting my story. You're Awesome! (just thought somebody should tell you that)
Now read on dear readers!
"Madoka, it's time to get up for school," I heard Kairi tentatively call through my door.
"I'm up," I answered emotionlessly. After fighting with my dad I didn't sleep well, resulting in me being up for the past two hours.
I dragged myself out of bed, pulled on my school uniform, grabbed my school bag, and trudged out my bedroom door. From my bedroom I made a beeline for the front door.
As I opened the front door, I heard a stern male voice say, "where do you think you're going?"
I turned my head just enough to see the speaker; it was dad, no surprise there. "School," I deadpanned, answering dad's question as I started to leave again.
"What about breakfast? And how are Sakura and Hiroki supposed to get to school?"
"I'm not hungry. Have one of the other drivers take them to school," I said before leaving the house, slamming the door behind me.
The whole drive to school I fumed over what to do about Mr. Ohtori's business proposition. I knew for certain that I wanted my dad to accept it, regardless of the fact that I will have to marry Kyoya.
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about marrying Kyoya; he's one of the most popular and handsome boys in the whole school and he's also wealthy. But on the flip side, he's manipulating, calculating, and cold. What I do know for sure though is that I can't stand the idea of Sakura leaving.
That's when it hit me, I'll go straight to Mr. Ohtori and tell him that I accept his offer on behalf of my family.
'I don't like going behind dad's back but I don't see any other way,' I thought as I entered Ouran Academy's school building.
"Hey Madoka! What's up?" I looked up to see Yuka happily pushing through the throngs of students as she made her way over to me.
"Hi Yuka," I said, my voice betraying my depression.
"What's wrong?" Yuka asked with concern.
"Nothing's wrong," I answered while I fiddled with my bangs. Yuka shot me a look that said, 'I don't believe you,' while I sighed and said, "I'll explain at lunch."
"You'll explain what at lunch?" Kiyomi asked as she joined Yuka and I.
I rolled my eyes then said, "like I said before, I'll explain at lunch... Let's go, see ya Yuka," I said grabbing Kiyomi's arm, dragging her to class while I waved goodbye to Yuka.
XXXXXXX
Lunch break, the one time during school hours where friends can freely chat or where lazy students try to learn enough material for any tests they have to take in the afternoon.
For once in my life, I was dreading lunch break because I know that my friends won't stop nagging me until I tell them what's wrong. That's why I took my sweet time in getting my lunch before sitting down by my friends.
The second my tray touched the table Kiyomi asked, "what's wrong?"
I sighed and took a bite of my food, trying to decide how much I should tell them.
"Come on! tell us. We're your friends," Yuka prompted.
I took a deep breath before saying, "my dad and I got into a fight last night. We still haven't made up."
"Oh," my friends said sympathetically.
After this we ate in silence, until I felt a hand on my shoulder. I looked up to see Kyoya Ohtori standing next to me. "Can I help you?" I asked politely, knowing that this boy could possibly be my future husband.
"Yes," Kyoya answered, smirking. "I was wondering if your dad informed you about the business proposal my dad came up with?"
"Yes, my dad told me about it last night," I said, gesturing to Kyoya to take the empty seat that was next to mine.
As he sat down, Kyoya asked, "has your family made a decision yet?"
"No, we're split. My parents want to reject it while I think they should accept it."
"I'm surprised that you support it, especially considering your contribution to the deal."
"What about you?" I retorted. "You're sacrificing the same thing as me, how do you feel about it?"
"I'm in support of whatever benefits my family," Kyoya responded simply before giving me one more calculated smile and excusing himself from the conversation.
"I suppose there's no point in asking what you and your dad were fighting about," Kiyomi commented once Kyoya had left.
I nodded my head then Yuka said, "what part do you have in this business deal?"
"I'm not allowed to tell you," I said quietly.
Kiyomi and Yuka nodded their heads in understanding before turning the conversation to the hot topic of the host club's ball which was to happen next week.
XXXXXXX
Class had ended an half hour ago and Kiyomi, Yuka, and I were sitting under our favorite pavillion in the rose garden and we were talking about potential dates for the host club's upcoming ball. Unlike most balls thrown by the host club, this one was open to all students because it was a back to school ball.
It can't be said that we were all totally enthralled in the conversation, only Kiyomi and Yuka were talking; I was totally spaced out.
"Katsu from our class is cute, maybe I'll ask him. What do you think Madoka?... Madoka? MADOKA!"
"Hmm, what?!" I asked snapping out of my thoughts.
Yuka rolled her eyes at me while Kiyomi frustratedly said, "I asked you a question but you weren't paying attention."
"I'm sorry," I said standing up from my seat. "I need to go do something."
"Go!" Yuka said angrily, pushing me away from the pavillion. "Go do what ever it is that you need to do and be back to your normal, cheerful, level-headed self tomorrow."
"Thanks guys," I said before running out of the rose garden. Then I ran through the school to the front driveway where I jumped into my limo which I had asked to pick me up a while ago.
As I buckled up I told the driver to take me to the Ohtori estate. The driver simply nodded before driving away.
Ten minutes later, I was pulling up to the Ohtori's estate; a large modern mansion, one that made my house seem small be comparison. I pulled the curtains of the limousine's windows together and grabbed a change of clothing from my bag.
Within a minute I had changed into a cream button-up blouse with ruffles on the front and sleeves, a knee length navy blue skirt, and a pair of navy blue sandles.
I opened the door and hopped out of the limo. I resisted the urge I had to run to the front door and instead I walked calmly to the door and rang the doorbell. A maid opened the door and I informed her that I wanted to speak with Mr. Ohtori. I was then led into the parlor where I had waited for Kyoya the last time I was here.
I clenched and unclenched my hands nervously as I waited for Mr. Ohtori. I had met him at parties before and I find him twice as intimidating as Kyoya.
Then I heard foot steps coming down the hall and I looked up just in time to see Mr. Ohtori enter the room.
"Welcome, Miss Yamada. I've been expecting you," he said in greeting.
'You have?' I thought. Instead of saying this, I said, "Thank you, Mr. Ohtori. I wanted to speak with you about your business proposal."
"Oh you do? What do you think about it?"
"I think it would be best to accept it," I said timidly.
Mr. Ohtori smirked at my response and sat down, gesturing for me to take the seat opposite of him. As I sat down, Ohtori said, "I'm glad you think so. This plan will be very beneficial to both companies, don't you agree?"
"Yes," I answered while slowly nodding my head.
"Good. Now as soon as your father signs the papers we will be set."
"Um, about my father," I started hesitantly.
Ohtori looked up from the papers he was holding and looked straight into my eyes. I felt like he could read my every thought and decipher my every movement.
I gulped before continuing. "Mr. Ohtori, my father hasn't made up his mind about whether or not to accept your offer or decline it. He feels guilty about putting me into an arranged marriage even though I told him I was fine with it."
Mr. Ohtori smiled at me, a smile filled with a deeper meaning that I could not comprehend. Then he said, "well that's only a natural response. All fathers have a hard time letting their daughters go, his reaction simply means that he is a good father. Don't worry about him, I'm sure I'll be able to convince him to accept this offer."
"Thank you, Mr. Ohtori!" I said flashing a smile full of gratitude before standing up and bowing.
As I straightened up, I heard a soft and timid voice say, "Mr. Ohtori, Mr. Yamada is here to see you."
Immediately I heard heavy foot steps echoing down the hall and I looked up to see my dad enter the room. His black hair was neatly combed, he was wearing a dark grey business suit, and he was holding a brief case; his overall appearance said he meant business.
"Mr. Ohtori, I have considered your proposal and I have finally decided..." Dad trailed off as he saw me standing in the room. He looked confused for a second but then he realized what I was doing.
A brief look of anger crossed my dad's features while I stared defiantly back at him with a look that said, 'what cha gonna do about it?' Although it felt like minutes, dad and I only stared at each other for five seconds before turning away. I believe Mr. Ohtori saw the whole exchange because a smile very similar to Kyoya's was dancing on his lips.
My dad cleared his throat and walked across the room and sat in the chair that I had been sitting in. "Mr. Ohtori, I've come here to tell you that I am grateful for and willing to accept your offer."
"Excellent, Mr. Yamada. This is a great day for both of our companies. I have the papers right here so we can work out the last few details and get them signed."
Dad leaned back in his chair and said, "very good. And Madoka, you are no longer needed, you may go home now."
"Yes father. Goodbye Mr. Ohtori," I said while bowing and exiting the room.
As the maid led me to the front door, I couldn't help but to smile slyly as I thought, 'I did it!'
Sneaky, sneaky, Madoka. To bad you didn't think about what you're doing to yourself to much but if you had there wouldn't be a very good story line, so I guess it's okay. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter.
Next time: Problems.
See you next chapter.
-Karolyn Grace.