Previously…

She continues to amaze him by showing so many cute facets of her personality. He never would have imagined that the Seika High Demon President could possibly harbor such insecurities. Then he suddenly comprehends the possible reason…her father's rejection.

Offering her a patient smile, "You must realize by now that no matter what you give me I will always cherish it is as the most valuable, priceless treasure in the world…for that is how I see you, Misaki."

Chapter 3: Gift

3:11 a.m.

Speechless by his poignant declaration, Misaki stares blankly as Takumi carefully unties the bow and ribbon and lays each one reverently on the table. While he slowly peels away each piece of tape that held the wrapping paper together so as not to damage it, she impatiently interrupts him. "Why are you unwrapping it so slowly? It's just ribbons and paper. It would be quicker if you tear it off."

He looks at her in disbelief. "Why would I want to do that? Didn't I just say that no matter what you give me I will cherish it…even if it is 'just ribbons and paper'? Besides, this is the first time that Misaki wrapped a gift for me with her own cute little hands so I want to savor this moment."

Although his curiosity to unveil his gift is great, his desire to tease Misaki is even greater. Mischievously, he slows his progress even further knowing that it would only increase her annoyance. Trying to hide her irritation, she turns her gaze out at the view from the massive window. As he unseals the last piece of tape, a random question enters his mind. "I am suddenly curious as to why Misaki picked these particular colors to wrap my gift?"

At hearing his question, she quickly bows her head down hiding her face as she clenches her fists tightly atop her lap. Unable to decipher the mumbling sounds that is suddenly coming from her mouth, he decides to move closer. Quickly and quietly he stands and kneels in front of her. He places his fingers underneath her chin and with strong but gentle pressure tilts her face up to meet his.

"Would you care to repeat that but more clearly this time?"

Flustered by his sudden close proximity, she impulsively screams out, "THEY REMINDED ME OF THE SHADES OF YOUR EYES!"

She hastily slaps both of her hands to her mouth in disbelief at her rash outburst. Uncomfortable silence descends the room. Even though she's clearly embarrassed, she finds the resolve to answer his question properly. With her hands still covering her mouth, she speaks, "I have noticed that the color of your eyes sometime changes. It's usually an olive shade of green, but on rare occasions it shines to an emerald green…like right now."

His eyes widen in surprise, but he slightly smiles at her while he strokes the top of her head reassuringly. "I am honored that Misaki notices such trivial details about me such as the shades of my eyes. Misaki is so cute when she is honest with me."

"Idiot, I'm not a pet." Although her hands muffle her words, he just chuckles at hearing such a Misaki response.

Returning his attention back to his gift, he pulls away the paper to finally uncover a wooden box made of oak. He sets the paper delicately on the table beside the bow and ribbon. Before opening it, he glances over at Misaki to see the look of embarrassment gone and now replaced by a look of anticipation as well as a hint of apprehension. Seeing such vulnerability on her face warms but at the same time burdens his heart.

After pulling the lid open, his eyes cast down to find laying elegantly atop of black velvet, a gold pocket watch with an intricately engraved depiction of a dragon encircled around what appears to be a crescent moon gazing at a phoenix that is rising from the flames of the sun. A small emerald gem represents the eye of the dragon as a small amber gem represents the eye of the phoenix. Although he could tell that it was recently polished, he recognizes the antiquity of this timepiece. Instantly recalling his vast knowledge of all information about pocket watches, he discerns and appreciates the exceptionally rare English design with such a beautifully detailed craftsmanship that amazes him. He brings the watch to his ear as he listens carefully to the melodic tick tock of the rhythmic mechanical movements confirming that this is indeed a very well crafted masterpiece. Knowing the value of the precious gift in his hand, he speculates on what reason Misaki would have at giving him such a gift.

As if reading his thoughts, Misaki finally explains, "I wasn't sure what to get an outer-space alien such as yourself who seems to have everything. My mom came across this during our spring housecleaning. She said that she had forgotten about it but she had meant to give this to me some time ago. It belonged to my grandfather who is one of the few men in my life whom I can truly say has earned my respect. As I still didn't have any ideas for a gift, it seemed appropriate to offer this to you as you have earned in such a short period of time my respect by your countless acts of self-sacrifice."

Understanding the difficulty for her to voice this honest admission aloud, Takumi solemnly replies, "Although I'm unworthy, I consider this an honor to be placed in such high esteem along with Ayuzawa's grandfather." He didn't realize until that moment that he could fall even more in love with her.

A/N: I wish to express my regret for the delay in updating as well as the shortness of this chapter. I hope this story is not too slow paced as I'm trying to build up to the climax. Have any of my readers caught on to some of my subtle hints? I really like to know your reaction to the gift. Please review whether it is good, bad or indifferent. I sincerely apologize in advance if it does not meet any one's expectations as I feel that I may have rushed this chapter.

I want to thank all readers and reviewers for such positive feedbacks. Each review gives me the strength to persevere as each chapter becomes even more difficult to pen. Please continue your support for this lowly novice writer.

To answer MaidSamaFanGirl: Raws for chapter 58 were released on the net around February 26. I am still awaiting the release of the English translation. Certain aspects from chapter 58 will be revealed in a future chapter.

Completion Date: March 5, 2011