Thanks to those who reviewed, I hope I was able to PM you guys. O.o actually I wasn't sure who I replied to and who I didn't...sorry . but thanks!

And to those anonymous reviewers...

Christabell - Haha, Thank you for the nice compliment. I hope you enjoy the next chapters! ^^

watebur, hs, PervertXPrez, Cruelkamika - Please continue reading this fic ^^ Hope to hear from you guys again.

Dedication:

This chapter is for Sakaragi Ayumi (from your review in chapter 3) and Sora Nadeshiko (for your review in chapter 2)

A/N: Sorry for the late update. I updated my other fics first, plus when I was writing this, I had to erase a lot of scenes and change them again since it wasn't going so well. Anyway, thank you for your patience, I hope you guys review ^^ .

Disclaimer: I don't own Kaichou wa Maid-sama

~Chapter 4 - Enemies~

"Ayuzawa!"

Misaki jumped when someone suddenly shut her locker in front of her. She immediately switched to a glare and faced the person who dared to do that. But when she turned, that was when the voice registered into her head, and right now, she was looking into a pair of worried emerald eyes. And the conversation she heard the other night came crashing into her mind again.

"Usui." she acknowledged, but didn't bother meeting his eyes.

Usui noticed her slight uncomfortable gesture and immediately knew that something was wrong. "Did something happen yesterday?" he asked. He was anxious the whole time after Gerard's visit. He knew they wouldn't do anything rash, but still, for the sake of making him do what they want...

Misaki flinched and her eyes widen, but she immediately brought out her cool facade, her eyebrows crunched up as she finally met his eyes, "What are you talking about, of course nothing happened, I'm still here. Idiot." she said, turning around and slinging her bag over her shoulder.

"Ayuzawa." Usui said in a serious voice, he held her arm to stop her.

Misaki froze on her spot. "Don't. Worry. About me." Misaki said, twisting her arm free.

"Ayuzawa, is there something you're not telling me?" Usui asked, he can tell. There's something really wrong going on and she's not telling him. Was she threatened? Did Gerard really speak to her?

Misaki turned halfway around, Usui's hand was still on her arm. Her eyes were hidden by her bangs as she stared at the floor, "Instead, is there something you're not telling me?"

This time, it was Usui who froze. His hand slowly fell back to his side. What she said made him confused. Did she know something or did she just want the truth personally from himself, or she sensed that something is wrong? He couldn't tell what she was thinking right now. He had to be careful about what he's going to say next, because he might say something that she shouldn't know about.

His silence had a heavy toll on Misaki's mind. She began to think things over. He wasn't like any of the students in Seika. He had such a loose, carefree and luxurious lifestyle. Those kind of thoughts had entered her mind a lot of times already. She couldn't have misheard the name her grandfather mentioned. It was said clearly. "Especially that illegitimate child of theirs. Usui Takumi." Illegitimate. That word caught her whole attention. Usui is an illegitimate child of the Walker family...

The Walker family is the enemy of the Ashford family. The family where she belongs...

Once again, they are far apart. Were things really meant to be this way. Misaki unconsciously clenched her fists when Usui still hadn't said a word. Just answer me with your usual stupid attitude. Just brush my question. Misaki closed her eyes tightly. I hate this...

"Misaki-chan?"

Misaki and Usui both looked up at the sound of somebody calling her name. A brown haired, country bumpkin looking boy stood before them. Misaki's eyes widen. "Shintani."

Usui immediately looked at Misaki as she acknowledged the newcomer.

"Hey, is everything alright?" Shintani asked worriedly. He had seen Misaki from afar, he saw her talking to someone. He wasn't going to disturb them, but he sensed a certain kind of tension when he approached.

"E-everything is fine." Misaki said, as she changed into a calm smile, "Are your papers finished? I'll handle the rest."

"Ah, yeah, it's all here." Shintani rummaged into his bag, a slight blush on his face. He felt the full impact of her smile and it made his heart race. Soon, he brought out an envelope and gave it to Misaki. "Here. Please take care of me, Kaichou." he said, going through the formalities.

Misaki brought her fingers on her lips, suppressing a laughter. "You don't have to be so formal Shintani." then the first bell rang. "Ah, just go to the council room, I'll hand your class schedule to you." Misaki said, smiling at him. "Come on." she said, and Shintani happily followed her.

Usui stared in shock. He couldn't move from his spot at all. What had just happened? Was he just ignored by Misaki? And who was that new boy? It seems like they were close. What is going on? Then his thoughts shifted to the earlier conversation. Did Misaki really know something? Why isn't she speaking up? Usui sighed frustratedly. What's going on?

"Ah, that's the second bell. You should proceed to class already." Misaki said, handing Shintani a map of the school campus and his class schedule. "We have the same classes after break times so you won't be having a hard time."

They were both in the council room at the moment, the rest of the council members had already proceeded to their respective classrooms. Misaki was sitting on her desk, still looking over some of Shintani's files. During that time, Shintani could only stare at her with amazement. She did her job rather quickly and accurately, no wonder she's the president for two years already. He continued to watch her admiringly.

Misaki looked up when she realized that Shintani still hadn't left the council room. "It's your first day, you shouldn't be late." Misaki said in a strict tone.

Shintani laughed in a carefree way, "Well," he scratched the back of his head, "If I'm with the president, I don't think they'd put much thought into it. You could say that I was helping you."

Misaki instantly glared at him, "Don't use my authority to get away with things." she said, switching to demon president mode.

Shintani immediately raised both hands, "Sorry, sorry." he laughed, then he brightened up when he remembered something, "Mom said that we're going to eat dinner at your place later on."

"Eh? Why is that?" she asked, as she began to clear her things before she left the room, Misaki slowly stood up.

"I'm not sure, it's just that they had something formal to discuss." Misaki suddenly froze when Shintani said that, and she remembered about her grandparents' decision for her. So, they were planning on telling her tonight, when things were more or less official. "Is something wrong?" Shintani asked worriedly as Misaki pushed her chair into her desk.

"No." she said, trying to brush off the incoming sadness in her chest. She got herself into this political craziness, she should just accept it. But it seems, it's like, because of her selfish reason, she and Usui are getting pulled apart more and more...

Suddenly Misaki was pulled into a hug. "Wh-what? Shintani." Misaki tried to struggle free, but she was surprised at how strong his hold was.

"Just get it out."

Misaki stopped struggling. She was surprised at his words. Shintani brought his hand to the back of her head and pressed it on his chest. He clenched his eyes shut, all of his cheerfulness from earlier were wiped away.

"Wh-what are you talking about?"

"I don't know what's making you so sad, but we're alike," Shintani murmured, "Getting involved in this world isn't easy. We let others see our smile, we don't let others in on our pain because we don't want them to have an opening, to see our weakness. You're strong, I can see that, but you're still a girl. A girl has to cry sometimes. I heard you haven't cried your heart out since your father left. There must be a lot bottled in there."

Misaki slowly clutched onto Shintani's school shirt. She was still trying to hold the stinging tears in. Even if Shintani is encouraging her to pour out what's hurting inside, she just can't start now.

"It's just me." he said softly, "We're childhood friends, so it's okay to show your weakness to me. Remember what I promised you before you left our house? The last time I saw you?" Misaki slowly nodded. "Yeah, that's right. I promised to protect you. And this is the best I can do. I'll protect you from breaking apart, so let it out, and start fresh."

"Shintani." Misaki said in a monotone.

"Hm?"

A tear escaped, "Baka." then a few more followed, "Since when did you learn to say things like that?" this time, she was full on crying. She clutched harder onto him as she cried. All the pain she was feeling suddenly came out. The unfairness she felt of not having her own decision. The pain and frustration she felt, the tiredness of everything. Balancing her normal daily routines with her new life. Truly, she was about to fall apart. Especially when she heard what she heard last night. How could it be that the one she loves is suppose to be her enemy? Why was it all so unfair?

"I'm better now, aren't I?" Shintani said with a grin, as he started to pat her head gently.

"You used to be such a wimp." Misaki said, still crying.

"No need to be embarrassed."

"Who's embarrassed?"

"You're making small talks." Shintani smiled, even though he knew Misaki couldn't see his face, he knew she could hear his smile on his voice.

"Baka," but after that, they just stayed silent. Misaki's quiet sobs filled the room.

Usui took a deep breath as he stepped into the Walker vacation house. He hadn't taken a step inside the place in years, yet he still had the place memorized. Going straight to his purpose for today, he trudged into the dining hall of the large mansion. He stood calmly as everyone in the room turned to look at him. With a quick eye contact with them, Usui bowed low.

"Ara, who do we have here." A tall blond haired man with similar emerald eyes chuckled as he leaned into his seat.

Usui stood up straight and nodded at the man in acknowledgement, "Father." then he looked at the person across his father on the long rectangular table. An old man, despite his age, still maintained his dark black hair and strict emerald eyes and straight posture. "Grandfather."

"What brings you here this late?" His father asked, as if he had know idea at all.

"I've received the invitation from Gerard." Usui said, raising the invitation.

"Oh, so you've decided." His father said.

"May I know what this is all about. About getting engaged with the Ashford heir's daughter." Usui said, direct to the point. He looked at both father and son.

His Grandfather had been silent the whole time, but this time he looked at Usui sharply, "Just do as you are told."

"You've already tried to cover up my existence, wouldn't this just let them have a chance to dig up some dirt?" Usui said in a monotone. His face showed no emotion at all.

Grandfather's face flushed. He was about to say something when his son cut him off. "I think this engagement will be in your best interest."

"I don't think so." Usui replied surely, "And I am certain that the Ashford family didn't accept your proposal." Usui caught his father stiffening and his grandfather clenching his fists on top of the table. Then that means that he was right on the mark. "There's nothing to push." he said finally.

"Alright," his father sighed, "I guess you've seen through everything, huh. Well, the Ashford did refuse, in fact, they're inviting us to a party tonight. It seems like a formal one. I have a feeling that they're announcing the engagement of the heir's daughter to another then."

"Then why do you still need me?"

"Because you can change everything."

Usui's eyes narrowed, "Are you asking me to steal her?" he said in a careful voice, "I will not be engaged—"

"Your best interest Takumi," his father reminded him. He threw a folder across the table towards Usui. "You have such instincts. Maybe it wasn't intentional, but you know how to choose."

Usui looked at them suspiciously. His grandfather had a smile that spelled out victory all over. Usui took the folder and opened it. The first thing he saw shocked him. It was a stolen shot of him and Misaki in school. This was on the rooftop when she was trying to get the picture of the both of them from him. It looked like they were horsing around, which implied a lot of things. There were several others which had similar atmospheres. But what struck him the most was the purpose of these.

"Don't touch her." Usui said, voice still monotonous. This was only conclusion that he could draw out.

His grandfather chuckled, which only peaked Usui's hidden anger. His father cleared his throat, "It's not blackmail Takumi."

Usui's brows furrowed. His father outstretched a hand, gesturing him to go on and look at the folder's contents. Usui immediately skipped to the last page. He froze halfway. Misaki's name was written and a recent photo of hers was also there. But what struck him the most was that Ayuzawa wasn't her surname.

Her full name, as written, was...

Misaki Ayuzawa Ashford...

Misaki momentarily shivered. She stared at her reflection in the full length mirror, wondering. She wasn't cold, but why did she shiver? She felt as if someone was talking about her. Of course, whoever in the mansion wouldn't be talking about her.

She studied her reflection. This wasn't her style at all. As soon as she got home, her grandmother had asked her to immediately prepare herself, she had ordered Misaki's chambermaids to help her. They've picked out a black short dress for her, it was all frills and lace and didn't suit Misaki's taste at all, it looked like something Aoi-chan would wear. But as soon as she tied the strings of the dress around her neck, she assessed how the dress transformed her shape. It made her look thinner, and her legs looked longer.

She sighed once again. She looked like a doll.

Why did she have to go along with this? She obviously didn't want to be engaged to Shintani, she only saw him as a childhood friend and nothing more. Then something flashed into her mind, and she blushed slightly. She pressed her forehead onto the mirror and groaned. What happened in the morning was so embarrassing. She had actually cried till her eyes were all swollen that she had to miss the whole morning classes just to avoid others seeing her teary eyes.

But today, she really felt the difference. Her heart was lighter. She really felt that a burden had been lifted from her shoulders.

As she was thinking, someone gently knocked on her door. Misaki's attention snapped back into the present. She smoothed her dress for the last time and went to the door in her silver stilettos. When she opened the door, she met a familiarly cheerful face.

"Shintani." Misaki smiled.

Shintani stood frozen as he took Misaki's appearance all in. She was strikingly beautiful, he had no idea what to say or do at all. All he could do at that moment was stare at her with amazement. Misaki blushed when Shintani kept on staring at her for a while.

"A-are the guests there already?" she asked, slightly looking away, then he gave room for him to enter her room.

Shintani blinked a few times and cleared his throat, he had began to blush too. He quickly scurried into her room. "Ah, well, your Grandmother told me to come here and get you. Yeah, the ballroom is packed with people already. I thought we were just having a simple dinner. I had no idea this was a formal party." he said, scratching the back of his head.

Misaki bit her lower lip, so it seems that Shintani still wasn't informed. Well, even she wasn't. Were they planning to have it as a surprise? They're making a scene where she can't outright refuse.

"Misaki-chan?"

Misaki jumped when she realized she had been spacing out already. "I-I'm sorry." then she suddenly heard a small bark. She looked at Shintani and found him grinning happily. "Did I just...?"

"Here." he said, raising a carrier. Misaki had just noticed that he was carrying something. Shintani placed the carrier gently on her carpeted floor.

"What..." Misaki was speechless as Shintani slowly opened the cage. A small fluffy fur ball suddenly walked out the cage awkwardly. Misaki couldn't help but coon, she quickly went near it and brought it to her arms, "A puppy!" she tried to contain the excitement in her voice, but she couldn't suppress everything in. She actually squealed.

Shintani chuckled as he saw Misaki's happy face. "Well, I was thinking since Ryuu and I can't be here all the time, and you might get lonely sometimes, I thought of bringing you a friend."

"A shi tzu." Misaki said, as she carefully raised the fur ball to meet its eyes. She felt drawn to the cute dark black eyes of the puppy, she laughed when the puppy suddenly licked her nose. "Thank you." she said, looking briefly at Shintani before giving her attention back to her new friend.

"That little pup's only 4 months old. You should give it a name." he said, leaning on Misaki door. He silently pouted, he was getting jealous that the puppy was getting more attention than him.

Misaki gave it a thought. She studied the little puppy and saw that it was over all white, with a few brown and gold fur. She smiled. "Is it a girl?" she asked.

"Yeah,"

"Yuki, then." she said, using one finger to rub its head gently.

Shintani smiled, "Snow, is it?" He chuckled to himself. Actually the pet idea was Ryuu's. His intention wasn't for company, Ryuu had slyly told him that something as cute as a little puppy can bring out the feminine side of a rough girl. Of course, Shintani already thought that Misaki was perfect, with the addition that she'd been taking etiquette lessons, but he couldn't help but see the outcome of a scenario like this. Now, the answer was in front of him, Misaki was a lot cuter at the moment.

Suddenly a voice spoke from outside Misaki's room, "Misaki-sama, the Master is already asking for you."

"Coming!" Misaki answered. She carefully placed the little fellow on her carpeted floor and rubbed its head one more time. "I'll be back Yuki." Misaki smiled, then she turned to Shintani and sighed, "Let's go?"

"Nn." Shintani nodded.

"Thank you for inviting us." Usui's grandfather said, shaking hand with Misaki's grandfather.

"No problem," he smiled back, and the two, as if on cue, looked at the flashing cameras, still shaking their hands.

Usui's grandfather leaned in for a hug, but they both knew what was really ahead. Usui'd grandfather whispered, "You think you've seen the end of this?"

Misaki's grandfather chuckled, "I don't think so, but I'll have you know, have the whole world know, that my granddaughter is already taken. So keep your grandson away from her."

Then they pulled apart, both faces were smiling. A butler suddenly stood beside Misaki's grandfather and whispered something, he nodded and smiled. He cleared his throat loudly and whole room fell silent. Usui's grandfather's eyes narrowed, and he slowly stood back until he reached his family.

"Stay put," He said, to no one in particular, yet at the same time it was directed to one of his family members.

"Tonight," Misaki's grandfather said in a large voice, "We are gathered here to celebrate something very important." then he paused for effect as several cameras flashed furiously. "And that is the engagement of my favorite granddaughter."

The doors suddenly opened and Misaki stood there in shock. She took in the large crowd, she was momentarily blinded by the bright flashing cameras. But she found her way into the center of the room where her grandfather motioned her towards. She stood beside him.

Shintani peeked into the room. He, himself was shock. Did he just hear it right? Misaki was getting engaged. To who?

"Her engagement will be with," Misaki's grandfather turned around. He scanned the room, then he spotted Shintani standing at the room's entrance. He motioned the surprised boy forward. Misaki looked away. "With this young man." Grandfather continued when Shintani was already beside him, "The next heir to the Shintani corporation."

The room was suddenly filled with applause. Shintani stood there frozen. He couldn't believe what he just heard. He was getting engaged. What's more, he's getting engaged to the girl that he's been in love with.

Misaki stared at the floor, not bothering to smile up at the people who started congratulating her. She doesn't want this. Where's her life? She wanted to run away. She was tempted to leave the room already, but she felt her Grandfather's heavy hand on her shoulder which prevented her from leaving.

"Misaki." Misaki looked beside her as her grandfather spoke her name. He gestured his head toward a particular direction, Misaki couldn't quite follow though. "There is something you have to be aware of."

"What is it?" she asked, still unsure what her grandfather was trying to say. She tried to see whatever her grandfather was trying to point out. Then she froze. Their eyes had met and she wasn't sure she could pull away.

Her grandfather felt Misaki stiffened, he looked at the direction he had gestured to, and surely, Misaki had seen what he wanted her to see. "Look closely Misaki." he said carefully, "And remember. That is the face of your enemy."

Misaki couldn't move.

She didn't want Grandfather's words to register into her mind.

She didn't want this kind of path at all.

She didn't want those pair of eyes to look at her with hatred in the future.

Slowly, her voice quivering, she murmured his name.

The name of her enemy.

"Usui Takumi."

A/N: Uwaa, review please! A very long chapter. Longer than my previous ones.

I hope you guys review! This was the hardest chapter I had to write yet...I'm not even sure if the ending of this chap is satisfactory, or if the flow of the story was good. Please give me your thoughts. Thank you.