Okay...so i have a lot of problems...so i needed time to think thats why this chapter is really long. I used this story to do some thinking.

Thanks for the reviews people.

Love you all.

Enjoy!

I dedicate this chapter to my friend who is celebrating her birthday today:

May 6, 2009

Happy Birthday, Dana!

Chapter 9

Sumire's Past, Five Pairs in a Crisis

"Running away doesn't always mean you're weak, sometimes, it means you were brave enough to actually step on your own pride and walk away."

Kokoro Yome

Koko was putting on his tie when Sumire went out of the bathroom fully dressed.

"You done?" Koko asked.

Sumire looked at him and nodded. Koko then placed his coat on and grabbed her hand before saying, "Then let's go."

"Go where?" Sumire said in an anxious voice.

"Private Island, my private island."

"You have a private island?!" Sumire asked.

"Yes." Koko answered as he pushed her in the limousine. They drove away from the house and to the airport.

"You also have a private jet!?" Sumire said as her eyes widen.

"Yes. Come on." Koko said as he pushed her yet again in the jet.

It was a 3hour flight. So, Koko being Koko started a conversation with Sumire. "Are you gonna explain it to me now?"

Sumire not getting what he meant looked at him and raised a brow. Koko then said, "You know, why you ran away."

"Oh that!" Sumire exclaimed finally getting it. She took a deep breath then said, "I have to start from the very beginning."

"Go ahead. You have 3hours to explain every detail to me." Koko joked.

Sumire giggled and then said, "Okay. When my mom was a fourth year high school, graduating, she met my dad, Tsukasa Imurata; she said it was love at first sight. So, they started to date a couple of weeks after meeting each other and you know, fell in love. My grandmamma was totally against them but my mom when it comes to love, she can move mountains. Then, my mom suddenly became pregnant with my father's child, Tsubaki. She's my older sister. Anyway, so my grandmamma knowing that it will totally wreck our rep. sent my mom to Los Angeles. My grandmamma went with my mom and she gave birth there.

In order to hide the truth about my sister's birth. My grandmamma said that Tsubaki was found in front of our mansion in Los Angeles and that they pitied my sister so they took her in. After that, my grandmamma realized that my mom is totally in love with my father. So, she told my mom that she will engage them as long as she finishes college.

4 years later, my mom was graduating college…that's when I came. After the graduation, my grandmamma told my mom and my father that she will held that engagement party a month from that day…and that they will be married 3 months from that day. My mom was happy. But then…a woman came to my father's house saying that she was carrying his daughter. She threatened my dad that if he doesn't marry her, she will shred his rep. until nothing was left. So, my dad married that woman…leaving my mom with all the responsibility.

A week later my grandmamma found my 'dad', Alexander, he married my mom even though he knew that I wasn't his daughter…he loved my mom." Sumire said she was trying to stop her tears. She paused for a while before continuing, "3 years later, when I was 3, we received an invitation…from Tsukasa, a wedding invitation. You know, it wasn't the part where my mom was crying out that was painful for me to see on that wedding day, but it was the fact that I let my dad say 'I do' in front of that altar with the wrong woman. It was painful and up to now, it still hunts me." And with that Sumire cried. It was her mom that was suppose to be saying 'I do' in that altar not that woman. She was supposed to be the one with the complete and real family not that half sister of hers. And her sister was supposed to be an heiress and not that half brother of theirs.

Koko went near her and hugged her tight, comforting her. She was rubbing her back as if saying 'take it all out. I'm here.' He never knew that she had this kind of past. Heck, he never knew anyone could have this painful past. He just wished he could do something for her…right here, right now.

Sunday:

Five girls are currently in bed in Japan turning from left to right. All didn't have any sleep at all. You wonder why?

Nonoko:

"I can't believe I let my guard down! God, I'm an idiot!" Nonoko said to herself as she hit herself with her pillow.

Anna:

"What am I gonna do!? I can never go out of this house again! Why does he have to be after me!? WHY!??!?!?!!!?!!?!?!?" Anna shouted as she slumped on her bed for the umpteenth time.

Misaki:

"Stupid kiss. Stupid Tsubasa. Stupid date. Stupid me. Stupid, stupid, Stupid! Argh!!! Go to hell Tsubasa Andou!!!!" Misaki said as she punched her pillow again and again.

Hotaru:

"Why am I afraid of thunder?" She said as she heaved another sigh, "Why did I even go and had a date with him? And I thought I was really smart." She said as she covered herself with her blanket.

Mikan:

She just stared on the ceiling. She hasn't moved a finger ever since she woke up. "Why didn't I tell him that I really like him? I am such an idiot!" She shouted at herself as she placed her pillow on her face hard.

Five girls all whining about what happened during the rain. They all got up and shouted, "I blame that stupid rain! Why do you have to be so mean and pour on my date!? Arghhh!!!!" after that they jump on their bed and started whining again and again.

If the girls are in a terrible mood, how about the boys? They all decided to meet up in Natsume's place. It was already after lunch.

Natsume was staring outside the window and was deeply in thought. Yuu had a laptop on his lap and tried his best to do something productive and forget about what happened with Nonoko but failed miserably. Kitsuname was on the couch as he throws the pillow up and every time he remembers what happened with Anna, he hits himself and says, "Stupid!" Ruka was playing with his PSP. You think he was fine? Think again. Ruka Nogi has lost for the umpteenth time today. He just can't stop thinking of how the hell can a girl not smile, not even once, for a whole damn day!? Tsubasa was playing a song in his guitar but always lost his tune when he thought about Kendra or Misaki.

When everyone had enough of the silence, Kitsuname sat instead of lying down, Ruka threw the PSP, Yuu shut his laptop harshly, Tsubasa slammed his guitar on the floor, and Natsume stomped to get himself a beer from his ref.

"How the hell could I let myself do that to my dad's best friend's daughter?!" Yuu shouted.

"That girl is a robot! She doesn't smile, laugh or even giggle for damn's sake! I never met anyone like her, she's so damn frustrating!" Ruka shouted as he pulled his hair out.

"You think you had a hard time? How can they be so alike!? I mean, could they be twins? Or long lost sisters?! I know this is wrong but…argh! I don't know what to do; I just can't stay away from her!" Tsubasa said as he stood up and punched the wall.

Kitsuname stood up and got himself a beer too. He opened it and gulped all of it. "Why can't she just say she likes me too!? I don't get it, I'm perfect and yet I can't make that one girl fall in love with me!" Kitsuname said as he crushed the can on his hand.

Natsume looked at his friends as he went back to his usual position, the window. The rest of the guys looked at Natsume as if waiting for him to say something too. "What!?" He said irritated.

"How was your date yesterday?" Ruka asked first.

"Terrible." Natsume said as he drank from his beer.

"Just like the rest of us. Figures." Kitsuname said.

"Why can't they be normal girls and just fall madly in love with us?" Tsubasa said.

"They are so frustrating. They distract us even if they're not here." Yuu said as he rested back.

"She won't say she likes me." Natsume admitted as he crushed the can on his hand. The boys looked at him as he continued, "The worst part is…I can't get her. She says she likes my kisses but then says later on when I become serious, she says that a kiss is just kiss nothing more. She's so complicated." Natsume shoot the can in the trash can.

"Girls are always complicated." Tsubasa said as he picked up his ruined guitar.

"And they're always frustrating." Ruka admitted as he picked up his now broken PSP from the floor

Natsume looked out of the window again and heaved a sigh before saying, "But we never felt this way with a girl before."

Everybody made sound as if agreeing to what Natsume just said. I guess, every playboy is meant for an extraordinary girl. Good luck guys.

"Where's Koko?" Kitsuname asked when he finally realized that they were lacking one guy.

With Koko and Sumire:

Sumire was lost. She was lost in a big villa. She went up and down the stairs, left and right, opened rooms and yet no sign of Koko. She was tired. She went down slowly only to be greeted by maids all lined up to greet her.

"Goodmorning Ms. Shouda." They all said with a bow.

She forced a smile before asking, "Where's Koko?"

"Young Master is currently cooking." One maid said as she pointed to the kitchen. Sumire went to the kitchen as she smelled a delicious scent.

'Who knew It boy here can cook?' She thought. She entered the kitchen and said, "Wow, never knew you could actually cook."

Koko turned around to look at her and smirked.

Breakfast:

"So how was it?" Koko asked as Sumire took a bite from her plate. Koko just made them breakfast and he never made anybody any food before.

"Good. I'm impressed. I mean, for a boy you can really cook." Sumire complimented.

"Great!" Koko beamed. They ate their breakfast in peace. But of course, nothing lasts forever.

"Hey, I have a favour to ask you." Koko started.

"Sure, what is it?"

"I need you to escort me to a party later." Koko said.

Sumire, who was currently drinking juice, spat it all out. "You say what, say what!?"

To say Koko was shock is an understatement. "I'm asking you to help me."

"No, you are asking me to be your date for that party of yours."

"So? It's not official. It's just that I can't go on my own." Koko explained.

"No. you have to go on your own. You see, I don't go to business parties. I'll be risking my name." Sumire explained.

"I never told you it was a business party, how'd you know?" Koko asked.

Sumire rolled her eyes, "Well, unlike my dense cousin, Mikan, it was pretty obvious. You were following orders from your daddy dear." Sumire said as she stood up and was ready to leave the villa. But of course, Koko won't allow that. He blocked her way and said, "Oh come on! It's just a party!"

"No, parties like that are not just parties. They have standards and rules to be followed. And whoever you bring is a total statement of who you are and where you totally stand."

"You are comparing business parties with social teenage parties." Koko said as he moved not a single finger from blocking her path.

Sumire shoved Koko away and said, "Precisely! Business parties are bigger and more important! And I am not to risk my name to be in a newspaper tomorrow saying that I went with someone like you!"

"Are you saying I'm not worth dating?!" Koko assumed.

"No, I'm saying you are a total playboy and I don't want to be listed on your unwritten list of used to be girls." Sumire explained as she kept on walking fast.

Koko was having a headache. Who doesn't want to date him, Japan's It boy? He was wealthy, handsome, and witty and most of all…wanted. Why the hell would someone decline such a great offer? Anyone in their right mind would accept this. But then again who said Sumire was in her right mind? I mean, she ran away in the middle of the rain without thinking that she has no place to go, right?

Koko stopped her by grabbing her elbow and turning her around, "I don't get you."

Sumire heaved a frustrating sigh before actually saying, "Which part of I don't want to be like those girls with the title former girl of Japan's it boy, don't you get?"

So that's it…she never wanted to be yesterday's news nor did she ever wanted to be having a bad title such as 'former girl of it boy'.

Sumire has always been the type of person who earns titles not because she was dating someone who had the same title of the opposite sex but because she deserves it, because she was seen to be fitting with that title as a whole. Sumire may not be as smart as Hotaru but when it comes to social standings her mind registers even before you could say 'Sumire is the new hottie.' She knew what will be the outcome of this. If she says yes, she will be crowned it girl because they will think she is dating It boy. But the moment they saw it boy with another girl, the title will be passed on. And of course, she wouldn't want that. If she's gonna be entitled by something like that it will take more than just making the it boy date another to take it away from her.

"Okay? So gossip can easily be created, but who cares?" Koko said as he tried to stop her again.

Sumire was loosing her temper, "I care! My name is everything to me!" Sumire shouted.

"Okay, fine. How about this…I make you a deal?"

"Would it stop gossip from ever being made?" Sumire asked as she placed her hand on her hip.

Koko smiled and then said, "No."

"Then no, I'm not interested." Sumire said.

"But it could get you the Valentino dress you never had." Koko said temptingly.

"How'd you know about me never having that dress?" Sumire said as she eyed him suspiciously.

"I have my ways. Now, here's the deal, I'll get you that dress, you'll be my date for this evening's party. And after that we'll go home like nothing happened. You keep the dress and I have a face to present." Koko said as he raised a brow waiting for her answer.

Sumire took a deep breath and thought about it. This is the Valentino we are talking about. And she could always just say they were best friends.

"Okay. But…when gossip starts I will say you are my best friend. Just to cover it up." Sumire said agreeing.

"Oh. You don't need to use that as a cover…we're officially best friends." Koko said as he presented his hand to shake.

Sumire took it with a smile. This was going to be easy but not everything that's easy is short. This is gonna be a long day.

Mikan's house:

Mikan finally went down from her room only to be greeted by 5 boys and 4 girls. What's going on!? She looked at each and everyone and, to say she was shock will be a total understatement.

"What are you doing all in my house!?!!!?!?!?!" Mikan shouted at the top of her lungs. Looks like, someone's not happy to see them.

"Hey, cuz, we just dropped by?" Misaki started, not even sure of what she should really reason out.

"You have a wrong timing! I am in a bad mood!" Mikan shouted again.

"Sadly we all are, Mimi." Anna said as she felt uncomfortable.

"We need to talk and when I mean talk as in Ice cream and tissue talk." Nonoko said as she showed the ice cream and tissue box to her.

Mikan showed an irritated face knowing what this meant and said, "Go to my room and make yourself comfortable, I think I need that moment too."

The girls all smiled and hurried upstairs. Next were the boys. "What's up?" Mikan said as she took a sit.

No one seemed to want to say anything. So, Natsume said, "They need help."

"With what? If its algebra, go ask Nonoko. I suck at that subject." Mikan said as she tried to make this as fast as she can.

"No, it's not about that…it's about your cousins." Yuu said.

"What about them?" Mikan said as she acted dumb. She knew very well what they meant; they needed help on how to get closer to them.

"I don't know what Anna thinks of me of why she kept on running away every time I show my affection." Kitsuname said in a frustrated tone.

"Okay. Anna is a shy girl. She had suitors before and of course, some of them, sadly, are just like you, playboys. She never liked any of them. She doesn't play hard to get because she is hard to get. If you wanna get her, take her out of that shell of hers first." Mikan explained. She knew he needed help, especially when it comes to Anna, every boy needed help.

"Hotaru never smiles, is that normal? I mean, it's so weird and very, very frustrating!" Ruka said.

"Hotaru only smiles when it's necessary. For example, when I needed an older to sister to actually comfort me, she smiles and boosts me up. But in your case, that's different. She hates fairytales and…you are a Prince Charming, makes sense? She also hates the fact that girls fall head over heels for people like you when they know exactly what will happen to them: thrown out. She thinks it's pathetic. For your case, all I can really advice you is try something different, something that a Prince Charming won't do…something extraordinary." Mikan said as she kept her eyes on Ruka.

"My turn, what happened to Nonoko? Why did she become such a pain in the butt?" Yuu asked. It's been bugging him for a while now, remembering the time when Nonoko said she used to be a goodie goodie.

"Whatever happened to her is for us to know and for you to find out. But here's an advice so that you going here won't be totally wasted, she's the total opposite of Anna. If Anna likes sweet things, she likes stuff that shows her what the real world is all about behind the walls of her mansion." Mikan said seriously. She looked at Natsume then Tsubasa before saying, "How about you? What's your problem with Misaki?"

Tsubasa can't tell Mikan that he's dating Misaki because he sees another girl in her, she'll be mad. So Tsubasa asked, "Is Misaki mad at me?"

Mikan chuckled at his question, "I don't know…yet, but, by the looks of it, she seemed distracted…and I will know the reason why later."

Mikan stood up and turned. She headed for the staircase but before she could even take as step a voice said, "I was wondering if you feel the same way for me? Do you love me too?" It was Natsume.

Mikan halted but never turned and said, "Love? Love's a strong word, playboy. Be careful; because the moment I say I love you…and the moment you played with my heart, you are gonna regret it."

So that's why, she thinks he will just play with her.

"I don't get you." Natsume said in stern tone.

"You don't have to. I changed, you did too." With that Mikan ascended the stairs. Natsume was left there dumbfounded and more clueless than he thought he'll ever be, while the others where far more desperate than before. Was it a mistake to come and ask help from Mikan? Maybe for Natsume but for the rest, somehow at least they now know how they could actually start getting those girls that distract them…even if they're not there.

Mikan's room:

They were starting already. Misaki talked about their date.

"He was a complete gentleman and he never stops sweet talking. He took me to great places but…"Misaki said in a desperate tone.

"But!?" The twins said.

"But…he always stops and then spaces out. I don't get it…and then when he kissed me…."

"He kissed you!?" Mikan said in shock.

"You let him kiss you?" Hotaru said as she ate the ice cream.

"Yes! When he kissed me…it was different. But I don't know if it was different because I think I saw something in him or because I wanted him to kiss me or its different because when he kissed me..i felt that he was spacing out on me again. I don't get him!" Misaki explained as she grabbed the ice cream from Hotaru.

"You wanted him to kiss you!?" Mikan exclaimed.

"Yes? No? Maybe? I don't really know. But at that moment, when he kissed me, I felt happy." Misaki said in a low voice.

Anna was shocked, so was Mikan, while Hotaru has that 'I give up' look. Nonoko then started and trailed off with her problem.

"Yuu's a great guy and all but…" Nonoko started.

"But?" Hotaru said.

"But…he seemed to be too perfect. You know what I mean? He's everything a girl could wish for but not me. I hate perfection…and the more I try to figure out what's wrong about him the more he makes me feel so free. That I could do anything I want with him. He makes me feel different." Nonoko muttered. She took the spoon from Misaki and ate.

"The weird thing is…I let my guard down on him like it was alright to do at that moment." Nonoko explained.

"Moment?" Misaki asked.

"Yah…he…he danced with me…in the middle of the rain." Nonoko said sheepishly.

"You let him dance with you?!" Anna said in shock.

"And kiss me…on the forehead." Nonoko said.

Misaki slapped her forehead and Mikan looked as if saying 'you did what!?'

Anna took the ice cream from Misaki and the spoon from Nonoko before saying, "He's after me!!!!" Anna whined.

Misaki raised a brow then said, "That's it?"

"You don't get it…he's…he's…serious!" Anna exclaimed.

All the girls' eyes widen and they all said, "A playboy's serious!?"

"I know right!!! The hard thing about it is that…I can't escape him!" Anna said as she scooped an ice cream.

"You need help. But…maybe escape was never really your option." Hotaru said nonchalantly.

"So what am I suppose to do, fall for his damn trap!?" Anna said as she waved the spoon around.

"No, you moronic sister of mine, you are gonna make it hard for him!" Nonoko said as she smacked her with a pillow.

Mikan took the ice cream and scooped a spoon full before shoving it into her mouth and saying, "He likes me."

"Natsume?" Anna said.

"The biggest playboy of all time?" Nonoko continued.

"Your childhood friend?" Misaki said.

"The guy who made you two a cover of this magazine?" Hotaru said as she showed them the magazine. Mikan grabbed it and had wide eyes.

"He said we were just modelling!" Mikan shouted.

"Based on my sources, the magazine's owner loved the picture so much he made it front cover." Hotaru informed them.

"What!?" Mikan said in shock.

"Wow, you look good together!" The twins beamed.

"That's not the point! I will be a major gossip bee." Mikan exclaimed.

"Gossip bee?" Misaki asked as she looked at the twins for answers.

"Yes, Gossip bee! As in the topic of all gossips!" Mikan said. The twins mad an 'oh' sound and Misaki nodded her head.

"Anyway," Misaki said as the twins took the magazine away from Mikan, "Why didn't you say you like him too? You do, don't you? That's why you searched for him, right?

"Yes, but..he changed… I never thought he'll become a playboy. And I'm afraid to actually be played with." Mikan explained in a sad tone.

Hotaru sigh then said, "Why don't you give him a chance?"

"Yah, Mimi!" The twins said enthusiastically.

"But keep in mind he's still a playboy. He might just play a trick on you, Mimi." Misaki said. The twins glared at her for…

"Not helping, M!" They said.

"That's what I'm afraid of. I'm afraid that instead of playing together…I might be the one being played with…to be just a mere toy." Mikan said near to tears.

"Don't worry, Mimi. We'll be there for you." Nonoko said as she comforted Mikan.

"I know that..but can I really injure the pain?" Mikan asked in a low tone.

"Who knows? Is it worth the shot?" Hotaru asked.

"Yes and no. Yes, because its her childhood friend and no, because Natsume's her childhood friend." Misaki answered for Mikan.

"And that makes sense how?!" The twins asked.

"She should give him shot because they're childhood friends but that's the main point. Is it really worth risking all those years for this? For love?" Misaki explained to all of them.

"I don't really know." Mikan answered and heaved another deep sigh.

"So how was your date with Ruka?" Anna said trying to change the topic.

Hotaru looked at them and said, "We made a deal…that he will try to make me fall for him but in exchange will be his faithfulness."

"Don't expect too much, H. He's Japan's Prince Charming, just like those goons he's a playboy." Nonoko said.

"I know. And unlike you who get affected easily by charms and sweet stuff, I don't. He wants me; he has to get through hell first." Hotaru said in a stern voice. And then everybody, except Hotaru, started to whine and cry fake tears. Looks like these girls are in a situation that reality trapped them. Good luck girls.

With Koko and Sumire:

Sumire was now out at the balcony, getting some fresh air when Koko found him. She rubbed her shoulders to keep her warm. Koko, being a gentleman, went near her and place his coat on her. Sumire looked behind her to see him and smiled.

"Thanks." She said.

"I called your mom. I told her you are perfectly fine. She was worried about you." Koko said as he stared in the sky.

Sumire took her eyes from him and unto the mountains. She looked far away then said, "She always is."

"You're lucky you still have her, you know." Koko said.

"I know. But some times she just doesn't get it. She can't get the fact that I can't face my father."

"Do you hate him?" Koko suddenly asked.

"I always said, I do but the truth is…I don't. I just can't face him…its not hate but I'm sure its not having forgiven him either. I never did neither did I forget."

"Then why don't you just see him and tell him what you really feel?" Koko said as he looked at her.

Sumire turned around to face him then said, "Because…I don't want to hurt him."

Koko wrinkled his forehead as if noting he didn't get it. "I'm not ready to see him because I know I'll end up hurting him. I know I'll end up asking him the most difficult question that even my mom can't answer: If love can move mountains, why did you leave her?" Sumire said as hugged herself, trying to warm herself up.

Koko looked up at the sky then at Sumire. He grabbed her and hugged her tight, comforting her. It was the only thing he could do for her right now…it was the only thing he knows he can do for her right now. Then he whispered against her hair, "Running away doesn't always mean you're weak, sometimes, it means you were brave enough to actually step on your own pride and walk away."

Hello!

Reviews please:D

13ismynumber:D