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~Chapter 7 - Plans~
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It was a normal Monday morning, except for those in Seika Academy. The students were all buzzing around about the morning's newspaper. Even the school personnel were going crazy about it. Disbelief and surprise colored everyone's tone.
Two of their top students are actually from an elite family.
Their school's Usui Takumi is from the Walker family, a distinguished English family.
Their school's student council president is from the Ashford family, a well-known Japanese-English family.
The school's in an uproar.
Misaki clutched her head and groaned. The news came out faster than she expected.
"Are you going to be alright?" Shintani asked worriedly, he stood in front of Misaki's desk in the student council room.
"I'll be fine. It's a good thing we came to school early. We were able to escape the craziness." she sighed.
"It is the media after all, they don't waste time, especially when they see dirt." Shintani said, picking up the newspaper on top of Misaki's desk.
Misaki looked at Shintani with slight surprise. She'd never seen him get angry, not even in the slightest. "Hey," she said softly.
"Are you sure you're alright? They're making up quite a story." Shintani said, showing her the newspaper again.
Misaki nodded. "It's going to be alright." she read the newspaper again.
Two shocking revelations.
Secrets we have never imagined or heard.
Two distinguished families. Two rivals. Their secrets finally surfaced.
Walker vs. Ashford.
The Ashford family is composed of only one male heir. We've heard that he was married, but his wife and children suddenly disappeared. But now, it appears that they were hidden, for the sake of privacy in their lives and normalcy for the children. The heir, in fact, has two lovely daughters, the eldest one recently returned to the household. It seems like they are training her already to be the next Lady when her father takes the role of president in the company.
As for the Walker family, there is a much more shocking news. It seems the current head of the household has an illegitimate child from his deceased wife. It seems she had an affair with a Japanese man. So the famous Gerard-sama actually has a half younger brother. He stayed in America with his aunt for quite some time and came back to start high school in Japan. For some reasons unknown, the Walker family is also training him to become an heir along side Gerard-sama.
Fate seems to be at work with this incident. Imagine, these secrets surfaced at the same time.
Two hidden heirs being trained just about the same time.
What could be the reason?
What's more, it seems like the two heirs have a connection. They are both studying in a school that doesn't catch too much of the media's attention, with their lineage, they could be studying in Miyabigaoka, a prestigious school where most heirs of big companies or children of politicians study. But instead, they chose another school, what's surprising is that they are attending it together!
Sources from the school say that the two seems to be close, always together, mostly bickering, but what can we say? There could be more than what meets the eye.
Could this be a start of a new friendship between the Walker and the Ashford? For generations, those two families are rivals. Will the two potential heirs be the way for them to patch things up?
A modern day Romeo and Juliet, don't you think?
"Crap." was all Misaki said as she tossed the newspaper aside.
"Yeah, well it seems like the media has no intention of revealing the fake engagement party." Shintani said, a trace of hurt in his voice.
"Shintani..." Misaki said softly, trying to think of words to say to him.
Shintani shook his head, "It's alright. I have to admit something though," Shintani said, his cheeks slightly turning pink.
"Eh?" Misaki asked, suddenly curious.
"I- I kind of misunderstood something." he stuttered, embarrassed for the misunderstanding. "I thought you were in love with Ryuu." as soon as he said it, he couldn't look at her in the eyes anymore.
Misaki stared at him in shock for a few seconds before she tired suppressing her laughter. She held it in vain as a giggle managed its way out of her mouth.
"Don't laugh at me!" Shintani said, obviously embarrassed.
"What made you think of that?" she said.
"Well, its because you disappeared from the party, Ryuu and I were looking for you. I searched for you in the library, just as Ryuu suggested, but you weren't there, so I kept on searching for you. Someone told me that you were seen entering the garden, so I ran that way. And then, I saw you and Ryuu. It looked intimate." he said everything in one breath.
Misaki froze for a while, but she was relieved that Shintani didn't see her encounter with Usui. That would've been a bigger mess. Knowing Shintani's personality, he would've told her grandparents about it and in his own way, 'fight' for her happiness. That would just make things worst. Her grandparents can never know that she's in love with Usui, or that they've encountered each other since she re-joined the Ashford household.
"And I'm so sorry," Shintani immediately added when she didn't respond.
Misaki shook her head, "It's—"
The door to the council room suddenly opened and interrupted them, both Shintani and Misaki raised their heads at the same time. Misaki froze. Shintani immediately switched to a glare.
"What are you doing here?" Misaki demanded.
"I need to have a word with you. We got interrupted the last time." Usui said in a monotone.
"Interrupted?" Shintani asked, looking at Misaki. Did he miss something?
"I suggest you leave, this has nothing to do with you." Usui said, it was obvious that he wasn't in the mood to be all cheery and annoying like his usual.
"I won't." Shintani said stubbornly.
"Does she need supervision from her fiancé? I'm sorry, I didn't know about that." he said mockingly.
Misaki and Shintani shared a look for a brief moment. They have already forgotten that they were supposed to be engaged, according to Usui's knowledge. Misaki sighed frustratedly.
"Just go Shintani," she said softly.
"Misaki-chan," Shintani looked at her worriedly then glared as he looked at Usui.
"It's okay Shintani, I can handle myself." she said determinedly.
Shintani studied her carefully and then nodded. "Text." was all he said before he left the room, not sparing Usui another glance.
As soon as Shintani closed the door behind him, Usui stood at Shintani's spot before he left.
"What do you want?" Misaki asked, glaring at him.
"Like I said, I need to have a word with you."
"About?"
Usui leaned on her table, he stared right into her eyes, "Do you love him?" He went straight to the point.
Misaki pushed her chair away from the table, "This question again? I thought we settled this already on the night of the party." Misaki's heart started beating faster. This isn't what she wants to discuss right now. No. Ryuu isn't here, no one can save her anymore.
"We were interrupted."
"I don't need to answer you."
"Why?"
Misaki just stared back at him, stubborn was written all over her face. Usui sighed, knowing she wouldn't give in. "Why do you have to do this?"
"Do what?" Anger suddenly ignited inside of her at the heavy accusation implied in his tone.
"Why do you have make this more complicated?" he asked softly, his hard eyes turned soft.
Misaki could feel her anger disappearing, but when she realized that, she forced herself to be angry. Being angry helps her, it overrides the feelings she has for him. The feelings which will make her goal of becoming a real lady even more complicated.
But.
Weren't those feelings the ones that made her want to become a real lady?
"I'm sorry." the apology suddenly slipped from her lips, she bit her tongue when she realized what she had just said.
Usui looked at her in surprise.
Misaki saw his expression. She immediately stood up and walked towards the window, "Don't misunderstand." Misaki defended as she looked at him.
"Misunderstand what?"
"That."
"Misunderstand your apology? Misunderstand that you don't really want what you are doing right now? Misunderstand that you've realized what you've chosen is the wrong choice? Misunderstand that you're not really in love with your current fiancé?" As he spoke, he was slowly walking towards Misaki. Soon enough, he was directly in front of her. "Misunderstand that you feel something for me?" he finally said softly.
Misaki's face instantly turned red, "W-what? Where did that thought come from? That's ridiculous!" Misaki almost shouted at him.
"Then why are you so defensive?" Usui asked.
"Because it's hilarious and ridiculous!" Misaki said, "Only an alien with your mind can think of those thoughts!"
"Then tell me I'm wrong. Look at me right in the eye and tell me what I'm thinking is ridiculous."
"I already said that."
"But you're not looking at me right in the eye."
"Why do I have to?" Unconsciously Misaki was already staring at the floor.
"Because your eyes don't lie." Usui said softly.
Misaki flinched and looked at him in the eye, "It's ridiculous." she said, no strength in her voice. She hated lying. She hates dishonesty the most, but what can she do? Things will be harder if she tells the truth. For all she knows, he's toying with her feelings. He's somewhat officially the heir of the Walker family already. Her enemy...
"Why do you have to be my enemy," she murmured, but it was enough for Usui to hear.
"Why did you have to approach the Ashford's?"
"I had no choice!"
"My situation." Usui said patiently, "I had no choice. You went to them willingly."
"How do you know these things? Have you been spying on me?" Misaki asked angrily.
Usui chose to ignore her accusations, "Go back to the life you once knew. You don't belong in our world."
Misaki was hurt as he said those words. She doesn't belong in their world... His world. He's trying to push her away, is that it? Misaki felt stinging tears threatening to fall, but she held it in. She glared at him, "You have no right to say that to me. I'm the next in line when father takes the lead. Are you trying to rid the Ashford's of an heir?"
"That doesn't concern me."
"Then get out. My life is mine, and you have no say in it!"
"Ayuzawa."
Misaki froze for a few second. She ached inside as she heard that name again. She ached to go back in time again, when things were easier for the both of them, but it seems impossible now. She already crossed to bridge of no return. If she tried backing out, she might endanger her mother and Suzuna.
"Stop it, I already told you that I'm no longer that." she said, trying to be hard and stubborn, "Why do you want me to go back? Is it to your advantage? To your family's—"
Misaki's eyes widen as Usui suddenly neared her and his lips touched hers. It wasn't a deep kiss, but there was enough feelings to let Misaki know how he really felt. When he pulled away, Misaki was in shock.
"I don't care about my family, they've abandoned me when I was young, so why should I help them? All I care about is you." Usui said softly.
As his words registered, Misaki slowly unfroze, emotions rushed inside of her. Tears started spilling. "Idiot." she said softly, hitting his chest once. "Idiot perverted space-alien." she cried, hitting his chest repeatedly.
Usui looked like he wanted to cry himself as he held her by her wrists to stop her from hitting him again. "Ayuzawa."
"Why are you doing this to me?" she cried, trying to break free of his hold.
"Ayuzawa," he called her again.
"Let. Me. Go." she said, she felt him let go, but in exchange, she felt his strong arms wrap around her.
"I'm sorry." he murmured.
Misaki closed her eyes as leaned onto him, crying all the while, "Idiot." she gripped his shirt, not caring if it got wrinkled.
"I'm sorry." he repeated.
"We can't be like this." Misaki said, her feelings were all messed up already. She knows that this can never be, but she doesn't want to let go of him. She's in love with him.
"I'll find a way." Usui said confidently.
"No!" Misaki gently pushed him away. "We can't!"
"Ayuzawa," he sighed.
"This is wrong." she said, hastily wiping her tears, "You should leave."
"I won't." he could see it, her eyes hardening, she's trying to be stubborn again.
"Just leave! Don't confuse me anymore." This was wrong. For all she knows, he could still be toying with her. She regretted letting him see her weakness. It was wrong.
"Confuse you?" he wanted to laugh mockingly, but he held it in, he wasn't here to fight with her. But he couldn't help sarcasm slip from his lips, "Confuse you of your feelings for your fiancé?"
Misaki flinched.
"There was nothing to be confused from the start. You just made things more complicated by yourself." Usui said, suppressing his anger.
"What do you know? You don't know how I really feel."
"Oh really?" he said, trying to challenge her, "Alright then, but here's one thing I'm sure of. What I feel for you. I'm in love with you."
Misaki stopped breathing for a few seconds. She couldn't believe the words he said. Slowly, she slid down to the floor. What now? She can't lie to herself anymore. She can't pretend not to see that he really means it. She can't come up with an excuse when he said it loud and clear, his eyes were transparent and confident of the truth.
"We can't be together." she murmured.
"Because you decided it or because theydecided it?" Usui asked.
Misaki looked at him, helplessness evident in her eyes, "I just can't. It's selfish."
Usui clenched his hands, "Ayu—" Usui suddenly stopped, his face which was full of emotion suddenly became blank. "Alright then, I give up." He said, back to his usual uncaring self. He gave Misaki one last look before leaving the room.
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"Did anything happen?"
"A lot sir, but it seems like the young master has gotten into argument with the Ashford's princess." A guy in all green and brown answered on the phone. He craned his neck, trying to get a look at the princess who had been hidden from his view since she slipped down to the floor by her window.
"Did Takumi see you? That boy has keen senses."
"No, I don't think so." But the guy shivered. Because for a brief moment back there, he thought Usui had seen him. Could that be the reason why the conversation suddenly ended? No, it can't be. He was hidden too well.
"Good. Did you get any good shots?"
"In fact sir, I did." he said, looking at his professional camera. He had caught a picture of Usui kissing Misaki, though he only got the back view of Misaki, the atmosphere was already evident, with his hands on the window just beside her face. And a shot of him hugging Misaki. These pictures will surely sell. He could get a fortune if he sells this to the media.
"Good work. Drop by the residence, I'm about to attend a meeting, but I'll be there in three hours' time. We'll discuss your pay."
"Yes sir." But of course, he could get more money from the head of the Walker family.
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"You weren't picking up my calls. I thought the lioness ate you." Gerard said cheerfully on the other end of the line.
"Gerard, what is it?" Usui asked, he laid on the floor of the rooftop, studying the clouds. It was peaceful up here compared to the uproar happening inside the school.
"I just wanted to tell you about the monkey that was set loose recently. Have you spotted it?"
"Are you taking care of a zoo Gerard?"
Gerard chuckled at the other end, "You could say that. So?"
"I spotted it running along. It seems like it's about to return back to the zoo. Why?"
"Well, I'm curious if it took anything valuable. You know monkeys, they have very fast and naughty hands," Gerard chuckled.
Usui paused for a while before answering, "The monkey seems to be a fan of mine."
"Oh? Well, thank you." Immediately getting Usui's answer.
"Why are you telling me this?" Usui asked suspiciously.
"Eh? Well I care for my pets. Recently, all my pets seem to have taken a liking to you."
"Are you suppose to be scheming already? How's your health?" Usui suddenly asked.
"Why suddenly bring that up? It's not of your business." Gerard suddenly said in a serious tone.
"Alright." Usui immediately hung up.
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"What a mean little brother." Gerard grumbled, then winced when he realized he moved his hand which had a needle in it.
"Gerard-sama," Cedric said, immediately walking beside his hospital bed.
"I'm fine." Gerard said, letting his head rest back to his pillow.
"You really do worry about Takumi-sama, but he doesn't want your help."
Gerard chuckled, "Yeah, nobody seems to want me around anymore. I'm just a weak link. Father's doing everything to hide my situation from the media."
"I didn't mean it that way,"
"Yeah yeah, I know." Gerard said dismissively, "Well, I just want Takumi to have a better life than this. Rather than being chained to the Walker's—" then he suddenly started coughing again.
"Gerard-sama!" Cedric said worriedly.
"I'm fine," Gerard panted, he waved his hand to move him away, "Just do something productive today."
"Do you want me to dispose the pictures?" Cedric asked.
"Yes please, but I'd rather do it myself."
"You're in no condition—"
"I know Ceddie, I know." Gerard said, taking a deep breath to regulate his breathing. "But I'll just be out of the action until I get out of this hospital."
"Do you want me to continue watching Master's plans?"
"Yes. I'm sure Father has a lot more in store. Just make sure that the monkey won't be able to recognize you."
"Of course." Cedric bowed to Gerard before he disappeared.
As Cedric left, Gerard sighed. "Reckless little brother. I guess I need to watch over him a little more longer." he chuckled.
"Ryuu!" Shintani said in surprise as he saw his cousin entering the campus.
He felt a slight jolt of envy, because as soon as Ryuu stepped foot in the Seika campus, everyone started admiring him. It was like salt in his wound, thinking that Ryuu and Misaki seem to be a perfect match.
"Hinata," Ryuu acknowledged.
"Why are you here?" despite it all, Shintani's still delighted to see his cousin.
"I came to pick up the princess."
"Eh? Did Misaki-chan call you?"
"Yeah, she has to get away for now." he said, noting he riot going on in the school, "Heard she encountered the illegitimate heir again."
"She did..."
"Why didn't you get rid of him?" Ryuu asked, his tone implying that his cousin is insane.
"She told me that she'd be fine!" Shintani immediately defended.
"Well, hell of a fine she is right now." Ryuu said in a serious tone.
Shintani stayed silent. He's never seen Ryuu this angry before. Instead of saying anything else, he led Ryuu to the student council room. When he opened the door, he was expecting Usui to still be there, but surprisingly he was already gone.
"Misaki." Ryuu said in worry.
Shintani jolted out of his thoughts of Usui and focused on what was more important at the moment. Then he saw Misaki, she was sitting on her table, both hands on either side of her head like she had a massive headache.
"Hey," Misaki said softly as she looked up when Ryuu called her name.
"Let's go." Ryuu said equally soft.
Misaki nodded, she suddenly looked drained. Like her energy was sucked out of her. Shintani couldn't really understand why this is taking such a big toll on her. When he first saw Misaki and Usui encountering each other, it didn't seem friendly at all... so does this have to affect her so much?
What was he missing?
But what he was sure of at the moment is Ryuu's feelings for Misaki. It's clear as day even though Ryuu doesn't realize it. The obvious relief his face displayed when he saw that Misaki was more or less fine. He briefly debated whether he should point it out to Ryuu again, but thought twice about it. The guy will realize it by himself.
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"This is the reason why I advised you to transfer!" Grandmother scolded strictly.
"I'm sorry." Misaki humbly apologized.
"Oh, now your sorry?"
Misaki clenched her fists. As soon as she got home, her Grandmother summoned her into the Study Hall. Her grandfather was silently going over a few papers as Grandmother began her lecture. It was practically the same things. Telling her to transfer. Telling her how irresponsible she was. What's more, Grandmother was enraged to know that the media got ahold of Misaki and Usui's relationship.
"We may not have warned you about that boy, but you should've known how to choose your friends!" Grandmother said, "This is a problem! The Walker's will take this as a window of opportunity. They could spread that you and their rubbish are engaged! No one will even question of it!"
Misaki couldn't hold her anger in anymore, she answered back. "He is not rubbish! He worked hard to be where he is at the moment! He doesn't care about where his lineage came from! He's one of the best, smartest students of our school! He—"
She abruptly stopped when she realized what she was going on about. She remembered her father's words. About her grandparents not suppose to know of her feelings for Usui.
"What..." Grandmother said speechlessly.
Misaki didn't notice, but Grandfather had suddenly looked up from his papers during her outburst. Now, he was looking at her intently like she was something to study.
"I'm sorry," she immediately amended.
"No no, proceed," Grandfather said encouragingly, "there must be a lot more from where that came from young lady."
"There's nothing more at all sir," Misaki answered, just like an English Lady.
"Why do I have a feeling that you're hiding something?" Grandfather interrogated.
Misaki held her breath.
"Tell me, what is your real relationship with that boy? You seem to defend him with much...defense? Was there something else aside from what's being shown on the surface? During the last party, I saw that he was looking at you with much hatred or should I say it lightly—dislike. Was that just an act then?"
"There's nothing going on. He's just a student in my school. We've encountered each other frequently because we are both vying for the first rank. I seem to have a competitive nature, inherited, most probably." Misaki said, a slight playfulness in her tone.
Grandfather chuckled. "You know how to flatter well. Well then, go do what you want."
"I'm not done yet." Grandmother said strictly.
"Let the child be. You've said enough." then he looked at Misaki, "though I advice you to think about transferring, it not, then maybe home schooling with a private tutor, that would do well."
"I'll think about it," Misaki said softly, then she bowed, "I'll excuse myself now."
"Wait, I almost forgot," Grandfather said, he brought a small invitation card from his drawer onto the table. He motioned Misaki to come nearer.
Misaki went near his table, curiosity filling her head.
"We'll hold a party a month from now."
"What for?" Misaki asked.
Grandfather chuckled, "For your birthday of course. Don't tell me you've forgotten, child."
"Oh." was all Misaki said.
Grandfather chuckled again seeing her puzzled expression, "Yes, I'm holding it a week earlier than your original date of birth, I'm sure you'd want to spend the actual day with your sibling and mother."
Misaki's eyes widen. "I can see them?"
"Of course. It's your special day." Grandfather smiled.
"Thank you." Misaki said humbly, successfully controlling her excitement. She bowed again as she left the room.
As she left, Grandmother went up to Grandfather's table. She took the invitation, "Shall I have this copied?" she asked coldly.
"Yes." Grandfather answered, leaning on the back of his chair, "Dear, don't be too angry,"
"How can I not be angry? You let her off easily. How can we discipline her if you're spoiling her too much? That boy will soil her reputation for sure!"
Grandfather chuckled. "Don't worry too much. The plans have changed."
"Changed?" Grandmother asked in surprise.
Grandfather only chuckled at her expression. His head already filled with several possibilities. Of course, the news on the papers for today bothered him. Especially the implication that the two rival groups will be united by the third generation. It was almost funny, that sheer impossibility. As if he will allow his granddaughter into that side. He has a big plan in store...
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"Plan."
Usui looked at up from where he sat on his couch when Cedric suddenly appeared and spoke out of the blue. He cocked his head to the side, looking at his door which was perfectly closed and still locked. He looked at the only window in his apartment, which was sealed tight and impossible to have it opened. He looked up and realized there was a misplaced ceiling tile.
"Ah." was all Usui said.
"Gerard-sama has plans in store for you." Cedric supplied.
"Ah."
"That's all." Cedric was about to go back up again when he suddenly felt himself being stopped.
He looked behind him and saw that Usui finally stood up and held the fabric of his coat. Usui's face was all serious this time.
"What's going on? What's wrong with Gerard?"
"Nothing. It's not something you should be concerned about." Cedric said shortly. "I was only ordered to inform you of what's to come so that you will be prepared."
"Why is he doing this? Why does he want Ayuzawa—"
"Because you're the next heir."
Usui was about to ask Cedric what he meant by that, but for some reason, Cedric immediately disappeared, as if out of thin air. Usui sighed in frustrations.
"Plans." he repeated to himself. He was about to seat back on his couch when he realized something white and small was on it. A letter? He reached for it and read the details on it.
Misaki Ayuzawa Ashoford's 18th Birthday
You are hereby invited the birthday party of the Ashford's lovely future heiress as she hold her 18th birthday.
Witness as the lovely child turns into a full bloom lady.
Time: xxxxx
Venue: Ashford Mansion
Theme: Masked Ball
I hope that you will be able to make it to the party.
Usui looked at the back of the invitation and saw Gerard's familiar handwriting.
P.S. "Borrowed" this draft. I'll get ahold of the formal and official one next time. Meanwhile, start planning what to do. This time, you should take the Princess away with you.
He wondered what his brother might've meant by "this time", it wasn't like he was trying to run away in the first place—well maybe from the Walker family, who abandoned him when he was young...
Would it be wise to make a move?
A/N: Review please.
You may all be wondering where the preview of the last chapter went. Well it seems I have to adjust it into the next few chapters. . I'm so sorry. I'm really sorry for the delay. I hope you guys will be satisfied with this chapter for now .