ch 5

"I am her boyfriend after all."

The moment I heard those words, I felt frozen. Boyfriend..? I fell asleep the night before while those words echoing in my head and woke up similarly.

Not sure whether it was the words he said or the cut on my forehead, I downed two pills the morning after because of a massive headache.

I felt like my like my life was quickly evolving into someone else's. Never had I lied to my parents about something this serious especially the part where "Hikaru" was apparently my boyfriend. I mean what the hell was that all about? I never really had a boyfriend before. A few crushes, maybe; but a boyfriend? I didn't know much about relationships, but I was positive that you'd have to know the person for more than a couple days. I spent the majority of the morning laying in bed with the lights off, just staring at my ceiling bug-eyed. Boyfriend..BOYFRIEND..BOYFRIEND!

Eventually my mother entered my room and as I expected she had tears in her eyes. "Oh Mayu..my daughter.." She placed her hand on my knee and sat down on the edge of my bed. My mom had always been a really emotional person. She must have been worried sick yesterday because of me disappearing for so long.

"Mom,–"

"..HAS A BOYFRIEND! OHMYGOSH I NEVER WOULD HAVE EVER THOUGHT THIS DAY WOULD COME BECAUSE WELL YOU KNOW YOUR SO QUIET AND I NEVER EVEN KNEW YOU HAD FRIENDS THAT WERE BOYS! GOSH, MAYU, AND HE'S SO HANDSOME!," she gushed. What? I was hurt and all my mother could think about was the fact that I had a "boyfriend". (I still couldnt get use to calling him that..) I guess I shouldn't have been so surprised. My mom would be more emotional over the fact that I had boyfriend. It's pretty much her dream. Yup. Her dram. The thing is mother always wanted a girl. Correction: my mother always wanted a girly girl, something I was definitely not. She expected me to dress cute, be outgoing, and attract plenty of boys. Basically she wanted me to be like her. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but that wasn't who I was. Instead she got a plain shy girl.. something she still has trouble accepting.

"Ma–"

"HOW'D YOU MEET HIM? WHY DIDN'T YOU–"

"Mom!" she quieted down but she still had an enormous grin and excitement in her eyes.

"I'm sorry, honey... I'm just so happy," she pulled me into a soft hug, "for you".

We stayed like that for a while but the longer we hugged, the more guilt rose up in my chest. I finally had to pull away.

"Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah, I just have a headache. The swelling in my ankle went down, too." My ankle, in fact, hadn't been broken or sprained, just twisted. Now that the swelling went down I could walk with a limp.

"Alright," my mother said putting both her hands on her lap. "I suppose you want to rest,right? I'll check on you later and don't leave the house." She got up and left leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I sat around for the rest of the weekend on my bed reading manga, playing and watching cheesy movies. Luckily I didn't have to miss school. But at the same time I felt anxious. After having two whole days to think the initial shock was gone and I was kind of annoyed. How could Hikaru just lie to my parents that way? He doesn't even know me. The only reason I even agreed to him handleing it was because apparently I wouldn't have to owe him, but what does being his girlfriend have to do with it? I didn't even want to be his girlfriend. Sure he was good looking, that was undisputable. But from what I figured out, he's kind of rude and crafty, and thinks I'm an idiot yet he barely knows me. The thought of him irked me and being his real girlfriend would be unimaginable.

So on Monday morning while I put makeup over my black eye, I felt anxious. Not only because I would have to confront Hikaru, but because of the girls. What if they saw me again? Would they do the same thing they did last time? And what if my friends heard about me being his girlfriend? What if the whole school knows? I sighed putting away my mom's make up and went to school, deciding to pass on breakfast. My stomach was doing flips.

As the limo pulled up in front of the school, I walked in eyes downcast, expecting chitter-chatter and gossip. But instead, like always, no one turned to give me a second look. Confused, I speedwalked down the halls and walked into class. Sure enough Hikaru and his brother were chatting in a corner with some students. Nisa was one of them. I quietly took my seat on the opposite side of the room, a little nervous. Homeroom was fifteen minuets long and every so often I would sneak a glance over to Hikaru. Lunch... I have to get a hold of him right before lun–

"Whatcha looking at?" I jumped at the loud voice in my ear and turned around to see a smirking Matsu.

"You scared the crap out of me!"

"Awsome", she said with a satisfied grin, sitting in the desk right in front of me. "Anyways what's wrong? You didn't pick up your phone all weekend. And what's with this gunk?", she said taking a finger and touching the cover up on my eye.

"Ouch!", I flinched. When I said that she froze, looking at the residue on her finger. Her dark green eyes widened with a combination of understanding and rage.

"Mayu who did this?", she said slowly as if on the verge of exploding. The calm before the storm. Matsu was actually quite protective of her friends. She was always looking out for Nisa and I because we were some of the only people who weren't afraid of her. Suddenly, the bell rang at that moment.

"I'll tell you at break."

And I did. I told Matsu absolutely everything. "I swear, Mayu, I'll rip apart each and every one of those–"

"We'll see. First I have to deal with him." I said eyes squinting over at Hikaru.

At that she scoffed. "Good luck. I doubt you'll get a moment alone with your hubby."

"Hubby!? Matsu I am not dating him, much less am his wife! I didn't even agree so it doesn't count and I don't want a boyfriend, no not him! I don't even–"

"I love pushing you're buttons..you're so cute", she grinned pinching my cheek. She knew that I rambled when I get worked up by something, much like my mom did when she was excited.

"Ugh", I said putting my head on my desk. My anxiety was killing me.

Lunch came sooner than expected and I still hadn't figured out what exactly I was goning to say and how I was going to get to him. Either way I got up from my desk and watched him carefully while grabbing lunch from my bag. Matsu tapped my shoulder from behind and gave me a supporting thumbs up before walking out of the classroom, probably to our spot under the cherry tree. While everyone else was getting their lunch at the cafeteria or eating at their desk, I followed as Hikaru, Kaoru, and Haruhi who walked out to the hallway. I followed closely, behind not sure how to approach him as they walked nearer and nearer to the cafeteria. I swallowed the lump in my throat and opened my mouth as the trio was about to enter.

"Hik–"

"I'll catch up with you guys later". I immediately closed my mouth and saw as Hikaru turned around and walked a few steps toward me. His tall figure loomed above me. From behind me I could see his twin and Haruhi eyeing me. They looked at me with suspicion at first, but then Haruhi offered me small smile and left with Kaoru, who was eyeing me carefully, at her heels.

"Hikaru we need to talk." I said seriously, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Then talk." He said, mimicking my stance. The way he spoke to me, as if he didn't even care aggravated me even further.

"Well.. first off I'm not your girlfriend." I said feeling a bit uneasy, but still annoyance was evident in my tone.

"Yup." I looked at him incredulously.

"Yup? Then why'd you tell my parents that?! How exactly is this paying you back? You should of told me before you went and–" He cut me short by clamping his hand over my mouth. I narrowed my eyes as he chuckled a soft chuckle, my hands falling to my sides.

"You're not so quiet..", Annoyed, I pulled his wrist to get his hand off my face, but it wouldn't budge!

"Mmm-m!" I tried to speak but his hand muffled my voice and his chuckle soon turned into a full-on laugh, as I tugged on his wrist harder and he held on tighter. Oh it's on!, I thought and went full force on him. Using both my hands I grasped his arm and tried to pull away. I struggled to get his strong arm with my small, weak hands, staggering back.

I could feel a rebllious giggle wanting to escape my mouth as I pushed and shoved, trying to get out of his hold. I went to my last resort: tickling. We were like that for a few minuets in the empty hallway. His thunderous laugh echoing while occasional giggles from my part escaped Hikaru's hand as we stumbled about. However as we were in the midst of our playfully little fight, his smile suddenly dropped from his lips. I hadn't realized his serious face as I freely giggled and huffing and puffing. Bending down and holding my stomach, I realized that I hadn't laughed so hard in such a long time.

"I win!" I gasped between breaths finally looking up at him with a wide grin.

"Wait for me after school," he mumbled with a somewhat cross and distant look on his face. With that he turned around and walked down into the cafeteria, leaving me bewildered. Eyebrows sunken in confusion, I snaked down leaning against someone's locker. What was that about? He was laughing with me just a few seconds ago and then he just...left? I swear that guy has more mood swings than my mom... But then again he also said to wait for him after school. I wondered what that was about. Then it suddenly hit me. I had gotten so caught up in our little "game" that I didn't even get to confront him!

"Uh!", I yelled in frustration and put my face in my hands. That guy was just too clever.

I hopped up with my lunch and walked the opposite way down the corridors toward the cherry blossom tree, outside. Although I felt played, I couldn't help the smile that crept up on my lips.

The rest of the day went by just as quick as the first half. I got up from my desk and packed my stuff feeling a bit excited. It was two 'o' clock and at three thirty, after club hours were over, I'd get to see why Hikaru asked me to wait. I watched from my seat as the twins and Haruhi walked to the club side by side. I followed along, but when they entered Music Room 3, I stopped in my tracks. No way I'm going in there..Instead I opted to wait in the closest (noisy) library and get a head start on homework.

As soon as I heard the bell ring and the clock read three thirty I repacked all my books and waited on the steps of the main entrance outside. At first a large flow of students, mostly girls all left giggling through the wide doors. They probably just got back from the host club. After them were scattered sets of students, some alone, some with friends. It wasn't until I saw Mori with Hunny sitting in his broad shoulders that I started paying attention. After them came Kyouya with a sour face as Tamaki seemed to be ecstatic explaining about some new costume idea. Finally, a meek Haruhi came out and hurriedly climbed down the steps. He casually turned around, but when he saw me, I think he recognized me from earlier.

"You're in our class right?" A little caught off guard I realized he was talking to me so I nodded.

"What's your name?" He asked in a friendly tone.

"Uh Katayama Mayumi.."

"Well, Katayama-chan, if your waiting for the twins, they said they were leaving through the entrance in the library near the club."

"Oh, um, thank you very much," I said trying to half smile. Haruhi seemed like a really nice boy. I guess I could understand why Nisa likes him so much.

I hurried around the school and saw as one of them was entering the limo.

"Hey!" I called a few feet away from them, a little startled at how much I'd thrown my voice. The twin that was getting into the limo looked at me oddly and then looked away. Not that I was good at reading people, but the boy obviously looked confused. That must have been Kaoru then.

I made it to the limo just in time, but a out of breath from running, though it wasn't even that long of a distance. I nervously lifted up my fist and knocked on the tinted window. Knocking on their window, felt as if I were invading their property. I knew that Hikaru and Kaoru have been living in their own little world ever since they were young and rarely let anyone in which made me feel uncomfortable. But, even though I knew I was no exception to the rule, I kind of understood where they were coming from. I had never had a lot of friends either and knew what it felt like to have trouble trusting people. The only difference was that they didn't want anyone in their world and I would have killed to have the courage to let people in.

The window slowly scrolled downward after I knocked and I saw two identical faces looking up at me.

"Uhmm, uh Hikaru?", I asked looking down, not wanting to face their judging eyes.

"Hmm?" two voices simultaneously hummed.

This time I looked up. "You're Hikaru." I said pointing at the twin at left side of the car. "He", I said pointing at the other "was surprised when he saw me. You told me to come." The twins looked at each other for a second and then faced me.

"Come on in", they said with equally mischievous grins. I awkwardly stepped back into the grass as Kaoru opened the door and offered me the seat in between them. When I sat down and Kaoru readjusted himself in his seat, the car lurched forward.

"So at first I thought you were going to be our new toy," started Kaoru.Toy? My initial anxious started turning into dread. This wasn't going to be good.. "But then Hikaru told me you owed us."

"Us..?"

"Yeah," he said.

"Us." The twins said in unison.

"So instead you're gonna be our slave." finished Hikaru.

"Which should still be pretty fun."

"What?", I asked, baffled.

"Slave. Or servant. Whichever you prefer but you'll be working at our house to pay off our debt."

"Wh-?! But, I.. That's not fair!?" I stammered. Turning my to face Hikaru who was smiling that annoying smile as if nothing had happened.

"Yeah it is. Unless you want me to tell your parents you lied." I was suddenly shocked at his proposition.

"Are youblackmailing me?"

"No. Your paying off your debt.", he smiled. I sat back in my seat speechless. Slave? Slavery is illegal! How the hell was I supposed to explain this to my parents? I swear Hikaru Hitachiin–

"Tell your parents you got a job." I looked at Kaoru who was looking at me with a slight grin. I cringed a little taken aback at how he knew what I was thinking.

"You were mumbling your thoughts out loud, idiot," Hikaru said rolling his eyes as Kaoru started giggling out loud.

"You're funny, quiet girl. Kaoru said still giggling while Hikaru just looked annoyed.

"Kaoru, you have to start calling her slave girl."

"Alright." Kaoru answered. All the while I sat their mortified.

XxX

We got to their house rather quickly and I followed closely behind, as the two chatted about who knows what. As we walked into to the familiar house, I started looking around a little. I didn't really get a good look last time so I hadn't really noticed how huge it was. The marble floors were squeaky clean enough for me to see my own reflection. Various chandeliers hung at different points on the ceiling. Maids in cute black and white uniforms were casually walking around everywhere as if they were right at home. But what caught my eye the most was how spacious it was. I could imagine mini little Hitachiin twins running around everywhere causing mischief..

Instead of going up the fancy stairwell, we went straight into a large almost empty corridor that I recognized as the one Hikaru carried me slung over his shoulder. Blushing at the memory, I looked over at the twins. One had their long arm slung over the other's shoulder. They sure looked similar but I knew that they couldn't be exactly same. It had to be in their personality but so far I only knew a few things about Hikaru. He was mischievous, sarcastic, kind of mean, sometimes playful, and always a bit aloof. Kaoru seemed similar seeing that he agreed with his brother on most things. The only thing is that he doesn't seem as.. jerk-ish..?

The brother's made a sudden stop and turned to face me. The one who had slung his arm over his brother talked.

"Here are the rules, slave girl: First of all, no one can know about this. So nothing changes at school, got it?" I nodded. "Second, you come here after school everyday and do whatever we ask you to. You can't leave until you finish. And no complaints."

"What about homework? And my own chores at home? Sometimes I tutor my friend and I have stuff to do and–"

"Well then I hope you work fast," he said with a that unbearable grin. I locked my jaw feeling annoyed and frustrated. I couldn't exactly say this was unfair however it was definitely annoying. The other twin who was just listening quietly, suddenly giggled again while his brother shot him a look.

"Hikaru, I'm sorry but I can't help it. She's just.. adorable!"

Adorable? I guess he was referring to my angry babbling, but I didn't understand how that was cute at all. Embarrassing, yes but not really cute. Nevertheless, I took the compliment and my cheeks went pink.

"See, she's blushing!" Kaoru said between giggles. Hikaru refused to look at me and instead went in what I suppose was his room.

"Um.."

Kaoru stopped laughing and turned around to look at him a little worried.

"I'll go check in him. Stay here." He said but as he was about to enter out came Hikaru with a large basket overflowing with clothes that reeked. I crinkled my nose a little when Hikaru handed it over to me.

"Slave girl, here's your first assignment." He said and then waking away. I looked around the large pile that almost made me lose balance at Kaoru. He shrugged and pointed me in the direction of a washroom.

"Good luck," he said. I nodded in thanks and walked off to work. And work I did. For I stayed there for four whole hours sorting, washing, and folding their clothes, that might I add, stunk! I felt bad for whoever had to deal with their laundry before I did. By the time I folded the last pair of jeans into the basket I realized it was almost curfew. I had to be home soon..

I tiptoed back to the twin's room with the heavy basket of fresh clothes in tow. I knocked once, twice and no answer. At this point I was pretty much done with my patience, and politeness for that matter. I walked right into the room. I'm not really sure if I thought it was heartwarming or weird, but when I walked in, I saw the two boys huddled together in the same bed fast asleep. I looked away feeling intrusive and awkward. Quietly, I left the basket in their room, closing the door behind me. I half ran down the corridor in a rush. I realized just how hectic today had been for me and now I had to race home.

As I made a beeline from the corridor entrance to the door, I almost bumped into someone who was just coming into the house. She was a tall woman with spiky auburn hair. She looked down at me with confused eyes that looked familiar.

She smiled down at me, "Ah- Hello..?"

"Oh I'm sorry," I mumbled. "I'm a friend of Hikaru and Kaoru", I said somewhat begrudgingly. Suddenly the woman's eyes brightened and the smile in her lips grew wider.

"Oh really? I'm their mother. It's nice to meet you my name is Yuzuha Hitachiin." She said in a friendly tone. Oh.

"Katayama Mayumi. It's a pleasure to meet you." I said quietly.

"Haha, you're so cute!" Third time today. And counting. "You should stop by one day and model for me." She said while studying my face.

"Um, yes. Thank you." I said as she moved aside from the door and waved as I stepped out. As soon as I couldn't see her, I picked up my pace and started running to not miss curfew. So many different thoughts were passing through my head when I got home. After telling my parents about my "job" , I went right to my room to lie down, gratefully letting sleep consume me.