Hello! I have updated again. I started this chapter by 12 a.m. and finished about 9 pages by 4 in the morning. I slept until 1 in the afternoon...or 2?:)) And then woke up and started again. I finished by 4 p.m. I am soooo proud! Hihi. 12 pages of art!

This chapter is for my loyal fans(?) especially to:

Chattkikat

-Thank you for your support! I appreciate it. Here is another chapter for you. Btw, I only write like this here. Im not a good writer at my class.:)) HAHAHA.

and

Ninastylee

-I hope that you won't be disappointed at the outcome of events. I decided to really stick with my writer instinct and just go with it.:)

High School Sweethearts

Written by:

13ISMYNUMBER

Chapter 24

Love Story Gone Wrong

"Maybe it's time for you to grow up. Just because you want something so badly it always means you should go after it. Sometimes, it won't hurt to use your head instead of your heart."

Tsubaki Shouda

Tsubaki looked outside the window of plane. It had been such a long time since she last seen her sister and mother. She missed them so much. She knew that they want to see her child but she has to take this flight alone. After hearing of her grandmother's plans of engagement for Sumire, she just had this reflex of calling her agency and booking a flight back in Japan.

It had been well for her. Although, she was known as an adopted child of the Shouda's, it had never been that hard for her because of that. But for her younger sister, Sumire, it's as if the whole world was on her shoulders. It's as if every single decision she would make would not only affect hers but other people's lives as well.

She may not be able to prevent her grandmother's plans but at least she could help Sumire get through it. Sumire needed her right now. She knows it. She feels it in her veins.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Sumire looked at herself in the mirror as she adjusted her vest. Everything that happened during dinner at Mikan's placed were now a blurry memory to her that it's as if they didn't really happen. But she knows it did.

The worst thing was…she somehow hoped it was Koko that her grandmother approved of. Sure, she met Quin but she doesn't know him more than a mere name. Sometimes, she just hoped that the universe would, for once, agree to her heart's wants because it's as if every decision she makes would not only be for her alone. It would also be for other people too.

She grabbed her Chanel bag and headed downstairs. Another day in Alice Academy, the only thing is…she needed to tell something to Koko. Some people would probably think that she shouldn't tell Koko what happened but from what she had seen for the past days, keeping secrets is not the greatest idea.

So she decided to be clean and clear about it. And besides, it's not as if Koko likes her. Although deep down, she knows she's just convincing herself so that if ever she meets Quin, she would not feel guilty about it.

"Sumire?" Her mother called to her as she was heading for the front foor. "Aren't you going to eat breakfast with me?"

Sumire looked at her mother apologetically. "Sorry. I wasn't hungry."

"Oh. Are you going to pick up the twins?" Amanda said as she slowly walked towards Sumire.

"Uhm. No. I'm actually heading to school on my own. Nonoko and Anna decided to have their chauffer drive them to school today. Why?" Sumire asked. She felt her mother fixing her and making sure her Alice Academy vest has no dusts or whatsoever.

Amanda smiled and said, "Nothing." Sumire just nodded at this and kissed her mother on the cheek and said, "I'll be off then. Tata."

"You're sister is on her way here."

Sumire halted and a smile crept up her face. "Really? Oh my gosh. What time?"

"In a few minutes. I asked the chauffer to pick her up an hour ago." Amanda said knowing that her daughter really wanted to see her sister so badly.

Sumire checked her watch and said, "Oh. Gosh. I'll be late. Just tell her, I'll be home as early as I can, okay? Bye, mom!"

And with that Sumire closed the front door behind her and headed to Alice Academy.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Misaki drove quietly with Kendra on her passenger sit. Since Hotaru can't drive her to school today because their grandmother decided that she should be brought to school by the chauffer like how a real lady should be treated.

"Why did you do that?" Kendra asked quietly.

"Did what? If you're thinking about dinner last night, that was grandmamma's idea. Not mine." Misaki said defensively, her eyes never leaving the road.

"No, not that." Kendra said. Her eyes looked at Misaki's face and she softly said, "Why did you make me and Tsubasa meet again? I thought you guys were together."

"Not anymore. And besides, aren't you happy you're reunited with your first love?" Misaki teased a little.

Kendra looked away and said, "We talked."

"After he took off with you?" Misaki asked stealing a glance at Kendra's face.

"Yes." Kendra said while nodding.

Flashback

Tsubasa halted and loosened his grip on Kendra's arm. He thought that maybe they could talk at the school's garden since no one really goes there often. Tsubasa walked a few steps ahead with his hands in his pockets, his back to her.

"You're supposed to be in Hokkaido." Tsubasa said in a matter-of-fact tone.

"Aren't you happy to see me?" Kendra said a little bit hurt at the tone of Tsubasa's voice.

Tsubasa removed his hat and ruffled his hair. "I don't know. Maybe I would be if we're not in a messy situation."

"You mean, if I'm not Misaki's half sister?" Kendra cleared out. She stayed on the same position.

Tsubasa turned and looked at her and said, "There are times when I think that you probably never survived, that you were probably dead. It pained me. I didn't know what to do after leaving Hokkaido."

Kendra walked towards him and touched his arm. "Whatever happened in the past…I don't care anymore. I'm just happy that I saw you again. I thought I would never see you again. I waited every single summer for you to come back but you never did." Kendra said as she looked down to hold her tears back.

Tsubasa slowly pushed Kendra's hand down until it slipped away from his arm. Kendra looked at him with tears threatening to run down any minute. "Kendra. I know you probably think this is the perfect time to be together again but…" Tsubasa heaved a sigh, "I need to clear things up with Misaki."

Tsubasa walked pass her and started heading for the exit of the garden. Kendra hugged him from behind with tears running down her face. Her voice was cracked but Tsubasa was able to understand her words. "Do you love her? Did she replace me in your heart now?"

Tsubasa carefully but forcefully removed her arms that are wrapped around him. With his back still facing her he said, "I think everything's making sense to me now." He slowly let go of her hands and silently walked away from her, leaving her there crying her eyes out…alone.

End of Flashback

"'I think everything's making sense to me now'? That's all he said?" Misaki said as she turned off the engine of the car. She rolled her eyes. Kendra was now about to go down but Misaki held her hand and said, "A sisterly advice, if you love him, go after him. One more try won't hurt."

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Koko closed his locker with a slam and pushed his backpack over his shoulder. 'Another day in Alice Academy' he thought silently to himself.

"Koko!" Someone shouted from behind him. He heard heels clicking endlessly and he knew who it was. A smile made its way to his lips as he spun around and leaned on the lockers.

"Wassup, S?" Koko said with energy.

Sumire caught her breath and fanned herself with her hand, tired from running. "These shoes were not made for running." Sumire said as she pointed to her heels. Koko just laughed at her.

"Anyway, I need to tell you something." Sumire said as they both started to walk towards their first class together.

"Okay. Go ahead. You have my full attention." Koko said as he waved to some people he knows.

Sumire rolled her eyes and said, "No, I don't. Look I really need to tell you this. So listen." Sumire halted before the door to their next class. Koko looked at her intently to show her that he really is listening.

"Grandmother wants me to meet someone." Sumire said looking at Koko's face for any reaction. Koko's brows knitted together in confusion and asked, "Why and who?"

"Because she wants me to be engaged soon." This got Koko surprised. "Engaged? At this age? You're like what, 17? God, Sumire." Koko voiced out his thoughts aloud to her.

Sumire bit her lip and said, "I know but it's just meeting someone. And besides, if I don't like that guy. I could always say no."

"So, you don't know who it is." Koko said as a given fact.

"I do." Sumire said she tried not to meet his eyes. "Who?" Koko asked trying to act as if he was just surprised and not hurt form all these news.

Sumire pointed behind Koko. He followed her finger and saw a guy, he had never seen in Alice Academy before. "Who is he?" Koko asked while still looking at the guy.

"Quin Hitachiin, new student, his family is a huge investor to my grandmother's company so, yeah, she thinks his family is great." Sumire said in a softer voice trying to look as if they weren't talking about him.

"Wait. He's the guy from the library." Koko pointed out.

"Yeah…wait! How did you know that?" Sumire said as she looked at Koko with utter disbelief.

"I saw him. Anyway, seems like a nice guy." Koko said trying to end their conversation.

And the bell rang, saving Koko from discussing further about this Quin Hitachiin guy. He couldn't take it. He can't believe he is losing Sumire when he hadn't even begun winning her over.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Nonoko pressed call on her cell phone and waited for her grandmother to answer. She was going to skip class just to talk to her grandmother about what she said last night.

"Hello, Nonoko?" Eleanor answered.

"Grandmamma." Nonoko said.

"Aren't you supposed to be in class?"

"Yeah. It's a free time. Anyway, I called just to say, I changed my mind. I want to leave for New York as soon as possible." Nonoko said trying to make sure she didn't sound so nervous.

"How does tomorrow night, sound?"

"Perfect. Tomorrow night it is." Nonoko said. And the call ended.

The moment she turned around, Yuu stood there looking intensely at her. "You never were one to skip classes."

"The tamed Nonoko doesn't." Nonoko answered back.

"You're leaving? You're going to just walk away?" Yuu said as he walked towards her. Nonoko held her ground and said, "I'm doing this for myself and my company. I am the successor."

Yuu was a bit thrown at the edge by her words. She was the successor. It only sunk in to him now. He swallowed and pushed his glasses up and stared at her. "Tomorrow night, New York?"

"That is none of your business now, is it?" Nonoko said as she passed him by. Nonoko had turned cold as cold a wind that could care less about what other people would feel.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

The girls sat together without the boys today at lunch. Nonoko took a deep breath and was ready to give her big news out. As Sumire sat down and just when Nonoko was ready, she spoke, "My sister's here!"

But before everyone could ask Sumire about Tsubaki, Nonoko finally spoke, "I'm leaving for New York tomorrow night."

Anna knew it. Nonoko told her before they left the house. And although it breaks he heart to be separated from her twin for the first time, she knew it was something they couldn't avoid. She just silently sat there and held Nonoko's hand.

"WHAT!" Sumire was the first one to react.

"WHY?" Misaki was next.

"Because…Yuu used me to get his freedom and I think that I should just take grandmamma's offer." Nonoko explained. She took a deep breath and said, "I've never felt so broken in my entire life that I think I need to get away…really soon."

Hotaru closed her laptop and stood up, "Very well. Since you're all making these decisions…how about the rest of us make ours too?"

"What do you mean, Hotaru?" Mikan looked up at her.

"First, Tsubasa and then Yuu. I'm not going to wait around for Ruka to hit me with something behind my back. I need to see him and ask him if he's hiding anything from me." Hotaru explained with so much determination in her voice.

Anna's face lit up and said, "Yeah, I should do the same with Kitsuname."

Mikan faced Sumire and said, "and maybe you should get a backbone and ask Koko if he likes you."

Sumire rolled her eyes and said, "Nope. Never. I will not step on my pride just to ask something that I don't have a sure answer."

Mikan gave up and started eating her lunch. Hotaru already left to look for Ruka and Anna did the same. Misaki was quietly eating.

"How about you, Misaki, what do you plan to do now?" Nonoko finally asked her.

"I guess, I need to fix myself too. But maybe after graduation. I'll talk to grandmother about it." Misaki said as she continued eating quietly once more.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Classes had ended and Sumire received a message from her sister.

From: Tsuki

Message: Sis. Imma pick u up, ok?:)

A smile slowly crept into Sumire's face. She really missed her sister a lot. She headed for the front doors of the school. But before she could get so far from the door, someone grabbed her arm. She looked at who it was and was relieved to see Koko. "Don't do that! You scared the shit out of me." Sumire exclaimed.

Sumire expected him to laugh but he didn't instead he just kept dragging her. He stopped once they were a little far away from the people heading out of the front door.

"I need to tell you something before it's too late." Koko said sounding to serious. Sumire breathed in and out and waited for him to continue.

"I know you probably don't feel the same way and you probably think it's wrong since we're best friends and all that shit but…you have to know." Koko started. Sumire just nodded silently.

Koko looked at her and he finally said the words he never thought he would have the courage to utter to Sumire, "I'm in love with you."

Sumire opened her mouth to say something but no sound came out. So she closed it. Koko was waiting for her to say something until a honk of a car and someone calling Sumire caught their attention.

Sumire turned to see her sister waving at her. Sumire turned back to Koko and blinked a few times. She swallowed hard and said, "I…I…I'm sorry, Koko. I need to go."

Sumire quickly walked away from him and didn't even glance back at him. She just entered the car and all Koko could do was just stand there and watch her walk away from him. He doesn't know right now if he's wrong for telling her or right for finally telling her.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

The moment Sumire entered the car Tsubaki asked, "Who's that boy?"

"Kokoro Yome." Sumire said as if Tsubaki would know about him. Tsubaki started heading out of the Academy and stole glances at Sumire. She looked pale.

"Okay. Kokoro, right? What happened?" Tsubaki pressed further.

"He told me he loves me." Sumire said. And then she repeated it again and again and finally she said, "He told me he loves me but we're best friends!" Sumire shouted as if trying to convince herself that what happened awhile ago really did happen.

Tsubaki just nodded and chuckled at Sumire's reaction. "And that's wrong because?"

"I don't know." Sumire said in a calm tone this time.

Tsubaki parked their car all of a sudden on the side of the road and said, "Is it because of that Hitachiin boy?"

Sumire looked at her and laughed. "Oh hell no! It's just that all this time I knew that Koko probably felt something for me, it's just that I don't know what I feel for him."

Tsubaki faced her sister and said, "You wouldn't be confused if you don't feel the same way and if you're not in denial at the same time, sweetie."

Sumire's brows knitted together as she tried to understand what Tsubaki's words meant. She pointed at herself and said, "Me? In love with him? TOO? I don't even believe in such a thing! At least not at this age."

"Then maybe it's time for you to learn. Love taps you at the most unlikely time, at the most unbelievably places." Tsubaki reasoned out as she started the engine again.

Sumire just stared at her sister. 'She would know. I mean, she's in love right now, anyway.' Sumire thought silently to herself.

But for her to fall in love without her knowing that she already is? To be caught off guard and to actually let it happen is not like her. Not like her at all. And somehow, she would think that she would probably laugh at the idea of falling in love but right now, all she could think of is how wonderful her fall has been especially since she fell for her best friend.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Sumire and Tsubaki arrived at their home. Sumire was still feeling a little light after everything that happened to her today. Tsubaki was humming a tune while playing with her keys. But the moment they entered their home, their grandmother greeted them.

"Sumire, Tsubaki, I would like you to meet Mrs. Asoka Hitachiin and her son, Quin Hitachiin." Eleanor said as she gestured for the two to come and take their seat.

Sumire cannot believe that this is happening. 'Oh gosh. Why today? I thought this was like going to be my fairytale day? Oh god.' She thought but she tried to pull a smile in front of their guests.

"The girl from the library." Quin said in a joking manner.

Sumire can't help but grin at this. "So you've met. That is just great, Quin." Asoka said as she placed a hand on her son's arm.

To say that Quin is handsome would be an understatement. Brown locks, neat eyebrow, long lashes, perfect teeth and nose… he could be a model. He seemed so perfect. Perfect height and seemed to be working out from time to time. He was tan. But what Sumire really loved was his smile. Perfect teeth…perfect smile.

Sumire caught herself before she continued to ogle at Quin. She looked at Tsubaki then at her grandmother who was talking lightly with Mrs. Hitachiin. "Grandmother. How about Quin and Sumire go out into the garden to have a walk." Tsubaki suggested.

"That is a wonderful idea! While they do that, I can finally show Asoka the wonderful China teasets that Isabella had been collecting." Eleanor said as she stood up and started guiding Asoka into the dining hall.

Tsubaki headed for the stairs and said, "Enjoy, kids."

Sumire rolled her eyes and just sat there. Quin sat beside her and said, "How about that tour in the garden, Sumire?"

Her name rolled on his tongue quite nicely. She liked it. She liked it very much.

Sumire stood up upon being offered a hand by Quin. Her arm was around his arm as they walked. 'A true gentleman, I see. Not bad.' Sumire thought.

Sumire just started pointing from one flower to another. Her mother loves to garden and to know about different flowers was something her mother insisted ever since they were young.

They were now walking silently by the fountain. Sumire was still on her Alice Academy uniform and her feet hurt from walking around too much in heels. She sat down and Quin squatted in fron of her and started removing her heels. "What are you doing?" Sumire asked, surprised.

"Trying to help you ease the pain." Quin said as he tried to remove the other shoe.

Sumire laughed and grabbed her shoes from Quin and said, "I could do that myself later."

"I'll just carry you back inside then." Quin insisted. "That won't be necessary." Sumire said as she tried to put her heels back on. When she got them back on, Quin just offered his hand and arm to help her back inside the house.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

"So, what do you think of him?" Eleanor said as she ate dinner with Isabella and the girls. Sumire looked at her grandmother and said, "He is really wonderful. A pure gentleman and has a perfect smile."

"I am glad that he fits your liking." Eleanor said.

"Grandmother." Tsubaki said calling Eleanor's full attention, "Are there any other suitors in line for my sister?"

"Actually, I have my eyes set on the Hitachiin heir." Eleanor explained. "Not only will he be able to close a lot of deals between us and the Hitachiins but that boy is very smart and he knows what he is doing in the business world. He is great for Sumire."

"And what if she decides she does not wish to marry him?" Tsubaki said in a flat tone.

"You need to understand that the Hitachiins want this as much as I do. Declining would mean, pulling out investments. Although nothing is final until both agrees, I need you, Sumire, to understand that being an heir means a lot." Eleanor explained not only to Tsubaki but specifically to Sumire.

Sumire drank some water and said, "So that means, even if Quin agrees and I don't…investments would be pulled out?"

"Oh no, dear. It would just mean that everything would go back to normal, just investments. But sealing a deal with them would be a great help especially the ones working in Asia since their company mostly centers there." Eleanor said as tried to explain it as simple as possible.

"Meaning, deals could be easily made with your engagement to him, Sumire. It also means, helping a lot of people." Tsubaki said to the confused Sumire.

Sumire drank water and continued to eat in silence. She never wanted to disappoint her grandmother. If she follows her heart and be with Koko, her grandmother will surely disown her but if she stays and follows her grandmother's will, would she be happy?

Even if she asked Tsubaki's help, she would know what to say to her…and he only person she knows who had gone through the same situation is the last person she wanted to see—her father.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Misaki paced her room back and forth, phone in her hands. 'Should I make a call? Am I sure about this?' Misaki thought to herself.

'Rome would be a good place to start anew. Its far away and I can see different beautiful places.' Misaki said to herself, trying to convince herself to make the call.

She dialed her grandmother's number and placed it on her ear, waiting for someone to answer at the other end. "Hello?" Misaki said.

"Misaki dear? What's wrong?" Eleanor said with worry in her voice.

"Nothing, grandmamma. What made you say that?" Misaki said as she sat down on her bed.

"I just feel it. You seem bothered. Does this concern that girl? Do you need me to get rid of her? I can do that, you know that." Eleanor said.

Misaki chuckled and said, "There's no need for that. Anyway, grandmamma, I want to take a flight to Rome after graduation."

"Your graduation would be in three months time, correct?"

"Yes." Misaki said as she pulled her legs to her chest. "I want to stop studying for a year; I just want to go soul searching for awhile."

"A year?" Eleanor said, shocked.

"Yes. Please allow me. This means a lot to me, please." Misaki begged.

There was a pause and Misaki knew that her grandmother was weighing the consequences of allowing her. She heard her sigh and said, "Very well. A trip to Rome after your graduation and a year of rest is really what you need after everything that you found out."

Misaki grinned and jumped. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"

"Anytime, dear, anytime." Eleanor said as she ended the call.

Her grandmother might seem so hard and rough on the edges but if only it concerns business and money. Deep down, Misaki knew that she loves them very much and that everything she is doing is for their future to make sure that their families can afford to pay for their needs and wants.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Sumire sat in a café with shades, and scarf to prevent people from recognizing her. Today, she decided to skip school and meet with her father. For the first time, she would meet him personally after 17 years of not seeing or talking to each other. She was nervous, yes, but she need to know why her father chose that whore over her a mother—over an Uchiha.

She drank from her cup and looked at her watch. She told her father to meet up with her by 8 a.m. It was already 8:15 in her watch. She heaved a sigh. '15 minutes late. Gosh. Maybe this is a wrong idea.'

"Sumire?" A man said. "Sumire is that you?" He said a little louder.

Sumire looked up a bit frantic and grabbed the man by the arm and sat him down. She removed her glasses and moved a little bit closer. "Don't say my name aloud. I'm skipping class and people know me. I might end up in trouble." Sumire whispered.

Tsukasa's face had a smile upon hearing this. He straightened his back and order coffee for himself. Upon waiting he said, "Its great that you finally decided to meet me."

"I'm in trouble." Sumire said as she looked away. She placed her shades back on to make sure no one notices her.

"Money trouble? You should ask you grandmother, I heard she's back in the country. She could help you. I mean, she won't hesitate at all." Tsukasa explained as a waitress came with his coffee. He drank from it.

"I know that. I'm not one to ever go on money trouble." Sumire explained in an irritated tone. "Grandmother wants me to be engaged."

Tsukasa placed his coffee down and looked a little bit surprised.

"The man is the son of one of her biggest investors. I met him yesterday." Sumire continued to explain.

"Do you like him?" Tsukasa asked.

"He's nice, good looking and a complete gentleman." Sumire said as she looked down on her cup of coffee.

"Then what's the problem?" Tsukasa said as he moved a little closer to hear Sumire better.

"I'm in love with someone else." Sumire said as she looked up at her father. She looked away again, feeling uncomfortable at his gaze and continued, "But he doesn't know. He told me loves me yesterday too right before I met with the man grandmother wants me to be engaged to."

Tsukasa backed away once more and drank from his coffee. He heaved a sigh and said, "You really are in trouble."

Sumire looked irritated once more and said, "That's all you could say?" She removed her shades and looked to see if anyone was looking at her. "I'll cut the crap. You were probably in a situation the same as me before. So, why did you choose your 'wife' over my mother?

"I know that you love her…you still do. But why would you choose some random woman over her? Over the person you love?"

"It wasn't a choice over a 'random woman' and you mother, Sumire. It was a choice between my family and your mother. A choice between following my heart or my head.

"If I chose your mother, then not only will I be putting my family's wealth and well-being in bankruptcy but also put your mother into being disowned by your grandmother. Your grandmother never wanted me to be with your mother. So she did everything she could.

"And I made my decision of following my head for my family. I do love your mother. And yes, I still do. But it seems to me that not only was I replaced by Alexander in her life…but also in yours." Tsukasa explained with outmost sincerity in his voice and eyes.

Sumire looked away and said, "If you really loved her, you would know she was willing to risk anything for you…you should've done the same."

"But it's not that easy, I love her so much that I can't afford to break her away from her family. I love you and your sister so much that I knew you're better off in your grandmother's side rather than in mines." Tsukasa said as he grab hold of her hand. Sumire looked at it and then removed her hand from his.

"You need to understand that just because you love someone, it doesn't always necessarily mean you should choose them. Because, sometimes, not choosing them is for their own good and for the good of everyone…even if you're suffering every single time you see him or her happy with someone else." Tsukasa said as he too looked away from his daughter.

It was Sumire's turn to look at him. She spoke, "So what do I do now?"

Tsukasa looked back at her and smiled. "I can't suggest that you follow your heart so that you can take the risk I didn't take. But right now, just give yourself time…you're too young. If you reall love each other, then the feeling will never go away."

"If you could change everything, would you change your decision back then?" Sumire said in a soft voice.

"I wouldn't because that's one decision that I did right no matter how much it hurts." Tsukasa said with a firmness visible in his voice.

Sumire placed her shades back on and grabbed her bag. She placed some cash on the table and said, "It's on me."

She stood up and headed for the door but not before stopping beside her father and saying, "Maybe you really did the right thing. We'll see if I make the right one too."

With those words out of her mouth, she too went out of the café and in to her car. Time…that was exactly what she needed. And she can't have that here in Japan, no, she can't.

She started her engine and drove off. She grabbed her cell phone and started dialing her grandmother number. At the first ring, her grandmother answered.

"Grandmamma, when is Tsubaki leaving for Los Angeles." Sumire asked.

"In a week? Why, what's the matter, Sumire?" Eleanor asked.

Sumire paused as she made a turn to the right and then said, "I want to go with her."

"Why are you and your cousins suddenly making rush decisions like this? Don't you wish to stay in Japan anymore?"

"I do. But I need some time off and being with my sister in L.A. might be the perfect opportunity. And besides, I can take a business course there." Sumire pushed, hoping her grandmother would agree with her.

"I cannot stop you, can I?" Eleanor said. But before Sumire could answer she said, "Very well. I shall get your plane ticket."

Sumire smiled and said, "Thank you."

And the call ended.

Time…that was what she needed. And she can't have that here, no, she can't…but she can have it in Los Angeles. Away from Koko, Quin and all the other things.

High School Sweethearts by 13 is my number

Sumire decided on not going to school at all. Although, her mother found out about her skipping and this made her angry, Sumire didn't admit that she met up with her father. Sumire thought that she didn't need to know…at least not now.

Her grandmother already told her mother about her decision, so she knows that Tsubaki probably knows about it too. 'Now, all I have to worry about is how to tell the girls. Maybe later while we're seeing Nonoko off.'

She looked at her watch and saw 5:30. Nonoko's flight was at 9 p.m. Sumire still had time to loiter around. She brought her suitcase out of her closet and started packing for her leave for Los Angeles in a week's time.

Tsubaki slowly entered the room after knocking, not waiting for Sumire to let her in. "So you're packing. Why this soon?"

"I don't want to go on panic mode. So, better start early." Sumire said as she continued putting her clothes inside the suitcase.

"No. Why this soon to decide to leave?" Tsubaksa said as he walked towards her. Sumire was still continuing to put her clothes in the bag. Tsubaki held her shoulders and made her look at her. Sumire's tears poured down continuously down her cheeks.

Sumire wiped them away harshly and said, "Because I love Koko too much it hurts. I need to get away from all of this…I need time."

Tsubaki hugged her sister tightly as she pushed them both to take a sit on the bed. Tsubaki just ran a hand through Sumire's hair down to her back and up again.

"I know I should tell him…but I might end up hurting him. I'm so confused, Tsuki. I'm so confused that its hurting me. I can't even face Koko. I'm such a coward. I ended up meeting up with dad instead of going to school." Sumire confessed as her tears continue to roll down her cheeks.

"You met with father?" Tsubaki said as she just continued comforting her sister. She felt Sumire nod. Tsubaki said, "Then time you should get, Sumire. Your heart is taking in too much. Just rest it for awhile."

"But I feel such a coward walking away like this." Sumire said as she fisted her hands until her knuckles turned white. "You're just using your head and resting your heart, sweetie." Tsubaki said.

Tsubaki pushed Sumire to look at her in the eyes. Tsubaki wiped Sumire's tears away. She held Sumire's hand in hers and rubbed her knuckes. Sumire still continued to cry as Tsubaki said, "Maybe it's time for you to grow up. Just because you want something so badly it always means you should go after it. Sometimes, it won't hurt to use your head instead of your heart."

And I am...DONE!

Please do review.:) I miss those many reviews of yours.:D hihi.

I love you all!

Stay safe.

Love,

13ismynumber