Hey! Here is another chapter.:)

Ninastylee: Thank you for all the recap. Reo and lil, Yoichi and Aoi, Nonoko and Yuu, and Misaki and Tsubasa would be here. I hope your questions would be answered! HAHAHA. Thank you for continuing to love this story despite the delayed updates.

As for the others who reviewed! THANK YOU! They mean soooo much to me!:D

High School Sweethearts

Written by:

13ISMYNUMBER

Ch apter 23

Card Game

"I've been disappointed so many times; not giving a fuck is almost a reflex."

Nonoko Ogasawara

Today was the day their grandmother was coming home. She just hoped that everything will go well especially since she is now the successor to Ogasawara companies. She knew deep inside her that her grandmamma won't just let this slip so easily. She fears that she would probably end up leaving a little too soon than she wanted.

But of course she knew that when her grandmamma decided on it, she has no choice but to follow.

She placed her brush on the table and looked at herself once more on the mirror. She looked perfect as always. No flaw. Just like how every grandchild of her grandmamma should be—perfect.

She heard a knock on her door and heard it open. She looked at its way and saw Anna slowly entering. "Hey." Anna said softly.

Nonoko placed a few things inside her Gucci bag and headed for the closet to get her shoes. "Good Morning." Nonoko replied.

"Misaki's home." Anna said with a little happiness in her voice. Nonoko stepped out of her closet and looked at Anna. "You don't seem so happy about it. Why?" Nonoko asked.

"She brought someone with her." Anna said. Nonoko knew who it was. It was Kendra Tsukiyomi. The only thing bugging her mind is…'why?'

Nonoko sat down on a chair and placed her heels on. She flipped her hair and grabbed her cell phone and said to Anna, "Sumire would be here soon. We better go down."

As they were descending the stairs, Anna tried to talk to Nonoko once more. "Aren't you bothered about this, Noko? I mean, I know I am."

Nonoko stopped on her tracks and looked at Anna. Anna was caught by surprised. Nonoko heaved a sigh and said, "It's something that can't be helped, Anna. We should've seen this coming somehow. Oh well. Come on. We'll be late."

Nonoko grabbed Anna's hand and walked a little bit faster. Somehow, Misaki is the last thing she wants to think about. She has a lot more things to worry about…especially the trick up on their grandmamma's sleeves.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Misaki knocked on the door and waited for Kendra to open it for her. Kendra, on the other hand, was very much surprised to see her at this hour of the day. "Aren't you a little too early?"

"Actually, I'm just in time. This—" Misaki said as a maid handed her a Junior High Alice Academy uniform. "will be your uniform. You'll be attending Alice Academy starting today. And these are your schedule and map." Misaki handed her a white envelope that has Alice Academy's seal on it.

Kendra stared at the envelope and saw her name. "Kendra Tsukiyomi? I thought you said I would be a Harada."

Misaki smirked and placed a hand on her hip. "I also said that you have to earn it, dear."

Kendra turned her back at Misaki and placed her uniform on her bed. "How about the textbooks?" Kendra asked as she tried to find her shoes inside her bag.

"What are you doing?" Misaki said as Kendra pulled out her shoes. "You better tell me that those shoes are at least branded somehow."

"I don't live like you. I don't have anything branded." Kendra said as she placed her shoes on the floor. "Anyway, about those textbooks."

"Textbooks would be given to you at every class. Your locker number is also inside the envelope." Misaki said with her annoyed voice. "Here. Its one of my credit cards. Go shopping after school. Buy a Gucci bag and some branded shoes, okay? You won't survive in those." Misaki placed a gold card on one of the tables in the room.

"Ella? Can you bring me my last season bags and shoes?" Misaki shouted behind her. She then looked back at Kendra and said, "Last season is better than those."

As Ella entered the room with boxes, Misaki was about to take her leave until Kendra said, "I thought you wanted to make my life miserable."

"I don't need to. Bringing you to my world is already enough misery. You can mess yourself up without my help." Misaki said with a chuckle. "Oh by the way, you want to see dad, right? He's downstairs, eating breakfast with my mother."

And with that said, Misaki slowly closed the door behind her. She walked the silent halls of the Harada mansion with only her Jimmy Choo heels clicking on the tiled floor as the only sound heard through out these halls. Now all she has to worry about is Kendra's grand entrance back to Tsubasa Andou's life.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Kendra fixed her hair and dusted off her uniform before entering the dining hall. After all these years, she can finally see her father. FINALLY. She was so happy and nervous at the same time but she can't wait any longer. She grab hold of the knob and turned and pushed the oak doors open.

A long table with many chairs was what welcomed her. At both ends of the table there sat a person. One was holding a newspaper up to his face and the other was a woman, whom she guessed was Mrs. Harada. Misaki was already eating beside her mother. A chair was pulled out beside the man behind the newspaper.

Kendra took a sit happily beside him. The man placed the newspaper down and she saw face to face her father. "Dad." Kendra said softly with a smile on her face.

The man smiled a small smile and said, "Hello, Kendra."

Even if those were the only words he could utter to her, she was so happy. There were so many things she wanted to know about him. But she knew that there would be time for that. She ate her breakfast in silence with the smile never leaving her face.

Misaki coughed to call all of their attention and stood up. "I have to get going. Hotaru's picking me up."

"Misaki, how about your sister? Take her with you." Mr. Harada said as he stood up and placed a hand on Kendra's shoulders. Misaki's eyes instantly caught this scene and she smirked, 'I knew it. You would always and prefer her over me. Oh well. I would always have something she can never have. I'm the heir, the real daughter and the one accepted by society.'

Misaki looked at her father then said, "Can't. I'm going to ride with Hotaru and Mikan. Car's too full." She started heading for the door again when her mother spoke, "How about Sumire?"

"Picking up the twins." Misaki said. She looked again at her father and made an annoyed face. "Can't you at least fix a ride for your daughter? I mean, I already enrolled her and all that shit. The least you could do is bring her to school. Unless, you can't show her off because she's not a Harada." Misaki said with so much venom.

Yuki stood up and said, "Misaki."

"What? Look. Hotaru's waiting for me. I have to go. Fix this problem yourselves." Misaki said as she placed her shades on and started walking out of dining hall.

But before the door could close fully she peeked and said, "Oh and dad. She's not my sister. She's my half-sister. She's a sin."

And the doors closed aloud and once again only the clicking of Misaki's Jimmy Choo shoes on the tile floor could be heard inside the Harada Mansion.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

It was lunch already and Tsubasa hasn't showed up for his morning classes. The boys noticed that Misaki is back and that the girls decided to sit on a different table than theirs.

Natsume stood from his seat and started walking towards Mikan. When Mikan felt his presence, she looked at him and smiled. "Why aren't you sitting with us?" Natsume said to her.

Mikan stood up and tried to whisper, "Because we're trying to make sure that Misaki won't break down in front of you-know-who."

Natsume looked behind Mikan and saw Misaki. He nodded in understanding. Mikan kissed his cheek and sat down again. Misaki saw him and said, "Just the guy I needed to see. Can you tell my cousin Mimi here that I am perfectly fine even if you sit with us."

"Oh. And by the way, Tsubasa didn't come to school today." Natsume said with small smile. Mikan looked up at him and said, "Oh fine. You win. You guys can come over and sit with us."

Misaki's face lit up and a smirk was seen. "Great. Come on over."

Natsume started walking towards his table and to his surprise, there was Tsubasa Andou. His head on his arms, he was sleeping. Natsume ran a frustrated hand through his hair and sighed. His lunch with Mikan would have to be wait. God.

"What are you doing here?" Natsume said. Tsubasa looked up knowing Natsume was addressing his question to him. "I had a hangover this morning. Since I'm a little bit better, I decided to go to school."

Natsume looked behind him and Misaki was still looking at him. Natsume showed an apologetic face and pointed at Tsubasa. Misaki started walking towards them. She stopped in front of Natsume and said, "I told you, I'm okay with it. Besides, I want you to meet someone."

Misaki started going back to her table as Natsume turned around to see that Tsubasa was sleeping again. "Okay, we're moving to Mikan's table. Come on. Tsubasa get up."

Koko and Yuu helped Tsubasa get up. Ruka got his bag and started walking towards Mikan's table. When they arrived, they saw that Misaki wasn't there. Tsubasa sat down and returned sleeping again. Although the girls hated the idea of having Tsubasa around, they knew that this was Misaki's doing. So they just decided to go with her flow. Besides, when Misaki's hurt, she tends to be hard-headed.

Everybody was starting to enjoy lunch when Misaki returned. When she placed her hand on the table, everybody looked at her expectantly. "I want you all to meet somebody."

Hotaru and Mikan's eyes met and they knew this was not going to end well.

Misaki slightly turned and pushed someone from her back. A girl who is from Junior High of Alice Academy appeared before them. She looked a lot like...Misaki.

"This is my half-sister, Kendra Tsukiyomi." Misaki said a little louder. Tsubasa's head rose and he slowly looked at Misaki then at Kendra. He can't believe this. Kendra is really here. Kendra, the girl he thought he would never see again, is standing right in front of him.

Misaki faced Tsubasa and smirked, "Surprised?"

Tsubasa glared at Misaki and said, "What are you trying to do?"

"A little reunion won't hurt." Misaki said. She placed an arm around Kendra and pushed her forward to Tsubasa and said, "Besides, I think somehow you had nightmare of us three meeting."

Tsubasa stood up. Misaki and Kendra just looked at him. Kendra could not believe her eyes, Tsubasa changed...a lot. And yet she feels like he is still the same Tsubasa she knew and loved.

Tsubasa grabbed Kendra and out of the cafeteria they went. Misaki took a sit and placed her hands on top of the table. Everyone was still speechless. But Misaki wasn't. "I told you, Mimi. I got it covered."

Mikan looked at Misaki and she just can't believe that she would really go through a lot just to make cure Tsubasa would know that he messed with the wrong girl.

Anna then spoke up, "Don't you think Kendra might get hurt about all of this? I mean, she seemed pretty surprised and all that."

"Yeah, maybe you went a little too far, don't you think so, Misaki?" Nonoko said trying to side on Anna.

Misaki chuckled and then said, "Oh this? This is nothing. Just watch her mess it up. Anyway, Fate's game has only begun."

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Yoichi saw Reo on the roof top smoking. "Hey. You wanna share a lighter?" Yoichi said.

Reo looked at him and smirked, handing over the lighter. Yoichi took out a cigar and lit it. They stood there in silence until Reo broke it. "Since when did you start smoking? Aoi hate smokers."

Yoichi chuckled and said, "And Lil doesn't?"

Reo looked afar and kept his mouth shut again. Most of the time, between him and Yoichi, it's better that they use their mouths for smoking or joking or messing each other's lives. They were never really good at talking to each other about feelings.

"I'm leaving for Russia next week." Reo finally said.

Yoichi coughed on his smoke and said, "What the hell?"

Reo threw his smoke on the floor and stepped on it. He looked at Yoichi straight in the eyes and said, "I need to fix myself. I'm a mess."

"Yeah, but how about Lil?" Yoichi asked as he did the same to his cigar. "I texted her to meet me up later in front of our gates. I'll give her the best time of her life and then tell her about the news."

"So, in short you'll give her something to remember you by. Just that? Wouldn't you tell her about what you really feel?" Yoichi said.

"Maybe, I will. I mean, I love her. I want to keep her but first, I have to fix myself. You know, clear my head and start anew." Reo looked away again and into the view. He chuckled softly and then said, "I want her to know that I'll be back. I just need to be a better man for her."

Yoichi smiled at this and placed a hand on his shoulders. "That's great, Reo. You're finally growing up."

Reo laughed and said, "Yeah. Anyway, enough about me, when do you plan on telling Aoi what you really feel about her?"

Yoichi's hand slowly fell to his sides and it was now his turn to look away. "I guess, not now. I don't want to mess it up for her. I still have things to fix. I want everything to be perfect when I tell her."

"But maybe waiting for the perfect time isn't the right thing to do." Reo said.

"We'll just have to see." Yoichi said. He turned around and started heading for the door. Once he reached it, he looked back at Reo and said, "For now, you go be a better man for Lil. And I'll continue being Aoi's knight in shining armor."

And they both knew that no matter how much they hate each other, they would always be friends. It may seem ironic but the hate they have is what really binds their brotherhood together. They both know in their hearts, they'll see each other again because their fate always intertwines.Always.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

A woman around her 70's walked as if she owned the world. She wore branded clothes signifying that she's a very rich woman. Her flight from Paris made her tired but not tired enough to plan her next moves.

Amanda, Yuki, Yuka, and Isabella were all anxious to see their mother. They were sitting quietly until they heard someone spoke. "My dear daughters do not fit to be waiting here in such a public place. You should all know better."

They all looked up and said, "Mother." They smiled and Yuka was the first one to give their mother a hug. Yuki and Isabella followed after. "Well, Amanda, do I get a welcome hug or not?"

Amanda hugged her mother tightly and said, "I missed you, mother. I'm so glad you visited us."

Eleanor took a step back and said, "Now, I want to get a good look at all of you first." Her daughters stood straight and smiled. 'Some things never changed.'

"You still all look so wonderful just like how I raised you." She said and hugged them again. "Shall we continue this reunion at home?"

"I prepared dinner for us in my mansion, mother." Yuka said as they started walking. "That is just wonderful."

"And you'll be staying with me, mother." Amanda said as she happily walked with her sisters and mother.

"That is also wonderful. By the way, where are the girls?" Eleanor asked.

"Still at school but they'll be home soon." Yuki answered. "I heard your daughter met her half-sister? I wish to see this girl at dinner, Yuki."

Yuki's face turned sour and she asked, "Why, mother? She is not family."

"Of course she's not. But I need to make sure that your husband knows that she can never be a Harada." Eleanor said with venom. Yuki nodded quietly.

They reached the outside of the airport and there a limousine waited for them. A chauffer opened the door for them and Eleanor said, "It's utterly magnificent to be back here in Japan."

First was Misaki finding out about her half-sister. Second was Misaki finding out the love connection between Kendra and Tsubasa. Third was Kendra and Tsubasa meeting once again. The fourth card of fate has been revealed.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Everyone was silently eating the dinner prepared by Yuka. All the girls, Yoichi, Isabella, Yuki, Yuka, Zeno (Mr. Harada), Amanda and Kendra were all there. Dressed in formal attire as if it was a party in need to please everyone but in this case, the only one needed to be please was Eleanor Uchiha.

"I am so glad to be able to eat with family again." Eleanor said after wiping her mouth with a napkin. Mikan smiled and said, "It's great to have you back, gradmamma."

"It had been awhile, hasn't it? We missed having you with us." Hotaru said with a small rare smile on her lips. Eleanor returned her smile and said, "Well. Yes. But I'm sure you all know that I came here for important matters."

And the silence was back again. Eleanor Uchiha was never known for not getting down to business especially when it concerns her family.

"Shall I begin?" Eleanor asked looking around the table. Yuka held her mother's hand and said, "Maybe during tea, mother? I'm sure that can wait."

"Why prolong the inevitable, sweetie?" Eleanor said. "I heard that Misaki has already known of the secret, Zeno?"

Zeno cleared his throat and said, "Yes, mother."

"Well. I ask you one thing then. Do you plan on changing the girl's last name?" Eleanor said looking sharply at Zeno.

"I haven't thought of it." Zeno said playing safe. Eleanor chuckled and said, "Good save, Zeno. Well then, I shall decide for you. You cannot change her last name. Misaki would be the only daughter known to everyone for she would only be the only heir to your company."

Misaki smirked at this and looked at Kendra. Kendra continued eating quietly. Now, she knows why she was here in the first place. For her to know that she can only be a secret daughter...never a Harada.

Everyone waited for Zeno to say something especially Kendra. She waited for him to say no. She waited for him to defend her...but nothing came. Of course, Misaki knew this. She knew her father can never go against her grandmother's wishes. After all, the Harada companies would be nothing without her grandmother.

Eleanor clapped her hands together and said, "Great to know that one matter is already out of the way."

The cousins looked at each other knowing that a lot more would be thrown their way. To lighten the mood Isabella said, "Tsubaki would be home soon. She promised to visit."

"Really?" Sumire was so happy to hear this. She missed her sister so much.

"That is great to hear. How is her child?" Eleanor said. Everyone knew that Tsubaki lived a fairytale life in Los Angeles. She met someone that Eleanor approved of and they were in love. They were now married and they have a one year old child.

"She sent me pictured through mail. I'll show you sometime, mother." Isabella said with smile.

"She really is lucky. That husband of her had been nothing but helpful to me and our company." Eleanor said. It was now time for desserts. Plates were switched and the twins happily said, "Grandmamma, we baked this cake!"

Eleanor forked the cake and tasted it and said, "You are getting better. The last cake that you made that I tasted was good but this one is better."

The twins squealed, happy to make their grandmother happy and proud of them since those times were rare moments.

"Sumire." Eleanor said. Sumire stopped eating and looked at her. "Yes, grandmamma?"

"What do you say about engagements?" Eleanor said as she drank some water.

Sumire was really surprised. Her sister just got married two years ago, and she was 25. Sumire was 17 years old. Engagements were the last thing on her mind. But of course, she cannot tell that to her grandmother. She must please her at all costs.

"I'm too young to think about it but of course, it would have to come someday." Sumire answered slowly.

"Oh. Then, I guess you would be pleased to know that I found a pleasing young man. He is newly transferred at your school." Eleanor explained. "He is the son of one of our biggest investors. He is utterly wonderful, you would love him."

"Oh." Was all Sumire could say. She looked at her cake as if losing her appetite to continue eating.

"Maybe you've heard of the Hitachiins?" Eleanor pushed a little. "I haven't made any final decisions yet until you meet him. And that is one of the things I want to focus on while I am here."

"Hitachiin?" Mikan repeated. "Hey, S. Isn't the guy from the library named..."

"Quin Hitachiin." Sumire said slowly. The name rolled on her togue like fire. Her eyes landed on her grandmother, hoping that she was right.

"Oh so, you've met? Then this might be really going well for me." Eleanor said smiling at Sumire. Sumire smiled a little and said, "He is good looking."

"Then it is settled, I'll talk to his father to arrange a meeting with you." Eleanor said clapping her hands once more. "But of course, engagements are just too sudden for you age. But I still want you to look forward to it, alright?"

Sumire just nodded her head. Although, Quin seemed really nice, she can't help but hope that the guy she would end up with would be Koko...at least they were best friends. 'Yeah, at least I would know who I end up with.' She thought.

The Fifth and sixth card are out of the deck.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Nonoko hugged herself tightly as another wind blew. It was now tea time and everybody was inside except her. She needed some air, especially since her grandmother hasn't talked about her leaving for New York.

She closed her eyes for a few seconds until someone called her, "Nonoko."

She swiftly turned around and saw her grandmother. "Grandmamma, it's cold here. We should head inside." Nonoko said as she walked towards her.

Eleanor stepped further outside and said, "I've been meaning to talk to you, Nonoko."

Nonoko halted and looked at her straight in the eyes and said, "I know."

"I'm sure your father has told you about our plans of letting you study in New York?" Eleanor paused and saw Nonoko nodding. "I'm giving you a choice. You could stay here until graduation or be off now."

Nonoko's eyes widened. She felt happy that she had a choice about this. She smiled and said, "I choose to stay until after graduation."

"As expected. Although, I do have one question."

"Yes?" Nonoko said softly.

"Is it because of a boy?" Eleanor said with a straight face. Nonoko's smile went into a thin line and she swallowed. "Pardon?"

"If its because of that Tobita heir, I suggest you think twice about your decision." Eleanor said handing a black folder to Nonoko.

Nonoko opened it and saw a deal between her father's and, if she guess right, Yuu's father. "What am I looking at?"

"A deal between the Ogasawara's and the Tobita's." Eleanor stated. "Yes. I know. But what does this have to do with Yuu and me?"

"Knowing that you would be the chosen successor, you needed to be tamed. A wild girl could never be easily trusted. So your father decided to seek help from the Tobita's.

"At first, it was a favour between best friends but then it became a deal between Mr. Tobita and his son, Yuu." Eleanor said as she took a sit on a bench.

"A deal between them?" Nonoko said silently. She gripped the folder until her knuckles turned white.

"A deal that if Yuu Tobita can tame you, he can have his freedom to choose whatever he wants to do in his college life." Eleanor finished. She stood up and walked to Nonoko and said, "Now, if you don't believe me, ask him yourself. I'm sure he can never hide the truth."

The seventh card had been revealed. And the chaos had begun.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Yuu was just reading his book until he got a call from Nonoko saying that they should meet up. At first, he wondered why would Nonoko want to meet up at this hour but thinking that her grandmother is back, she probably just needed someone. Yuu sat on one of the tables in the cafe Nonoko specifically said to meet her up.

Nonoko entered and refused to meet Yuu's eyes. There was silence. "What happened? Do you want to order anything?" Yuu asked with a small smile.

Nonoko looked at him with calmness on her face and said, "Was I really just part of the deal between you and your father? Was I really just a price needed to be paid for your freedom?"

Yuu cannot believe what he was hearing. She knows. But how? Why? Oh shit. First, Tsubasa and now he was next. Everything was getting messier for them.

"Okay. Let's make the question simpler." Nonoko said as she swallowed. "Would you ever look at me twice if that deal didn't exist?"

"Nonoko. I can explain." Yuu tried, although he knew it was helpless. He was helpless.

"No need. I think I perfectly understand now." Nonoko said as she fisted her hands. She took a deep breath and looked away from Yuu. "I thought we had something. I guess, that something was just a plan to make sure you got your freedom.

"Well, congratulations. You won. I'm tamed, you're free. But we're through." Nonoko said with so much calmness Yuu was getting frustrated.

"Why do you look so calm? Get mad at me. Slap me. Kick me. Or something! Anything! I would take them all. But please, don't act as if you're so tough when I know you're breaking inside. Don't do this to me, Nonoko." Yuu begged as he tried to touch her.

Nonoko looked at him with an icy stare that Yuu had to back down. "Why would I? The old Nonoko would do that. But since you did such a great job of taming me, I don't think I should disgrace my name and do that."

Nonoko stood up but was stopped by Yuu. He stood up as well and held her arm. "Don't do this, please. Hurt me, that I can accept but for you to act like this...I can't let you go like this." Yuu begged once more.

Nonoko removed her arm by force from Yuu's grip and started walking out of the cafe. Yuu started running after her. Once they reached outside, Yuu grabbed her again and said, "Why are you acting as if all this doesn't affect you? As if you don't care? As if what we had was nothing? As if a wind just passed us by and everything was forgotten? Why, Nonoko? Why!"

Nonoko looked at him and chuckled. She removed her arm from his grip and formed the perfect words in her head. She looked at him straight in the eyes and said, "I've been disappointed so many times; not giving a fuck is almost a reflex."

Thank you! I am dooone with the 23rd chapter! Hooooray!:D

Please do review! I love them.:)

Stay Safe.

Love,

13ismynumber