AUTHOR'S NOTES:
I'm terribly sorry about the delay. Hopefully, I will be able to update more since I'm beginning to get a hang of writing Shoujo-ai genre stories. ^^
Anyway, here's CHAPTER SIX of She is my Master… enjoy
CHAPTER SIX
Tsutako: "Ah… that's right"
Lately, I'm having a hard time finding a better subject for my photographs and that's just not me. Oh and if your wondering who am I, my name is Tsutako Takeshima, a photography loving first year student here at Lillian Academy and YES I do love photography. I love it so much that it made me frustrated for the past few days.
And now, here I am looking at my alarm clock which says "4:05 AM", I couldn't simply go to sleep since my mind would simply wander about the presentation I'll have to give for the upcoming School Festival. 'What am I to do?' I said to myself as I placed back my alarm clock to its previous place. This wasn't the first that I woke up earlier than usual. 'This is so tiring…' I sighed and contemplated whether to take a short nap or head straight to the bathroom and get prepared for school.
Anyway my mother will wake up soon and cook breakfast and my lunch for school just like the usual. But I hope today won't be the usual… maybe… just maybe… I'm just lacking something that's why I can't seem to find a better subject. 'Argh…' I better stop thinking about this or else I'll get myself frustrated again.
'…Just like the usual…' I sighed as I continue to watch the scene outside the window of the bus. It was just like what I thought. There wasn't that much number of people around the streets since it was still early. Not to mention, I'm the only passenger inside the bus right now. So now I'm thinking whether to pass time in a nearby convenience store but I guess I'll pass after seeing two Lillian students enter the premises of the school.
"Wait a second… Isn't that Rosa Chinensis en bouton?" I almost said that out loud.
'ACK, why am I hiding myself?' I nearly cursed myself as I hid myself not too faraway from both of my subjects. Subject… Isn't that what I'm looking for? - A good… no a BETTER subject for the upcoming school festival. -
"They're still talking… I wonder what they're talking about…" I whispered as I continued to watch both students and at the same time I readied my 'trusty' camera just in-case something miraculous might happen…
#click#
And there it was…
After several minutes later, I went straight to my classroom and at the same time some of my classmates were already inside the classroom. Some were talking with their fellow classmates while others greeted their fellow classmates a polite Gokigenyo as they enter the classroom. And now, here I am thinking about what had happened earlier this morning…
"I wonder who that was." Without thinking I said it out loud and unfortunately someone heard me. "Who was who?" That someone asked. It was Katsura, one of my classmates who asked me. I simply shook my head as a reply and tried to return to my usual self. It started when I saw that encounter at Maria-sama's statue. I've been wondering who could the other girl Rosa Chinensis en bouton was talking to. Even though I haven't told anyone about this or even showed the picture I secretly took. I still couldn't help but wonder… was the girl earlier… was she Sachiko-sama's petite soeur? I mean, I don't even know who the girl is.
'What a complete mystery…' Once again I said one of my thoughts out loud.
"Speaking of 'mystery', have you heard that there's a new transfer student?" This time, it was Mami who spoke.
'A transfer student… That must be it! No wonder I wasn't able to recognize that girl awhile ago!' I thought as I continued to listen to the flow of the conversation they were having. 'Now, all I have to do is to find this transfer student.'
"Wow… she must be pretty amazing to be able to enter our school in such a short notice. I mean… she's already six months late. (4)" Katsura said with a look of anticipation on her face, obviously, wanting to take a glance or even possible meet this new transfer student.
"I guess the news about this transfer student is on the rage right now." I said with a little chuckle which earned me a few nods from my friends.
"But you know… knowing you," said Mami with a slight glint in her eyes. I could say she sensed some rather 'interesting' scoop, "you've probably seen this transfer student, or better yet, you've probably took a photo of this new transfer student didn't you, Tsutako-san?"
With Mami's questions, we seem to take everybody's attention. I just hope that some miracle would happen and thank Maria-sama it did.
"Okay, everyone settle down to your seats. Today, we have a new addition in our class. She came all the way from London. But, do not worry her Japanese is good… too good to be exact. Hmn… what else should I add…" Misato-sensei said forgetting that she said the last part loud for every student to hear.
"Sensei, is she cute?" One of my classmates asked.
"Yup, she is." Misato-sensei said as she called out for the said transfer student.
Slowly, the said transfer student entered the room and obviously scanned the new faces in front of her. I could tell some of them were watching with anticipation. Poor girl… she must be feeling like a gold fish in a fish tank. I saw the girl faked a cough with her right hand, covering her mouth just to make everyone stop from staring at her and with that she started to introduce herself.
"Thank you for the introduction, Ms. Misato. But, really, some of it is just plain exaggeration. So, please don't bother with it. Let me introduce myself, my name is Yumi Fukuzawa." Instead of a bow, Yumi curt in front of everybody and gave us all a 'friendly' smile. When Yumi looked back at us, there was silence in the room and some of my classmates were staring at her.
"Okay now, Fukuzawa-san will sit over there…" Misato-sensei said, pointing at the empty seat near the window.
The said transfer student was about to walk to her seat but suddenly she stopped near a familiar student… too familiar indeed.
"Fancy meeting you again, Milady," Yumi greeted in her usual English accent.
"Ah, yes, nice to meet you too, Fukuzawa-san. And, thank you also for your help." Shimako said.
"It was nothing. And, please, call me Yumi." Once again, Yumi offered a 'friendly' smile.
"Then, please, call me 'Shimako'…"
Wait a second? Does that mean Fukuzawa-san and Shimako-san already met? Then, could my assumptions could possibly be true? 'Maybe later I could talk to her about that picture.'
Yumi was about to say something when suddenly a familiar voice faked a cough just behind her. "It's nice to know that you're making friends, Fukuzawa-san, but, can you please do it after class?" the familiar voice said.
"Yes – yes – yes… I understand, Professor." Once again, Yumi used her English accent as she sat on her seat.
"Just one 'yes' is enough, Fukuzawa-san. And, please, refrain from speaking in English from time to time. You're in Japan after all." Misato-sensei said. From there, she turned and walked back to her desk. "Okay everyone… Open your textbook to page 21." Misato-sensei continued as she unofficially started our first period class - History.
After hours of listening, finally it was already Lunch Break. I had to admit that transfer student really is popular probably as popular as the members of the Yamayurikai. Just seeing her getting bombarded with questions mostly about London, her old school, and other personal related stuff. My classmates only stopped with their questions when suddenly two students arrived. Apparently, both of them were not from the first year level.
"Hello there…" greeted the student from the right while the other remained silent but with a grin on her lips. "Are you perhaps, Fukuzawa Yumi?" continued the said girl from the right.
"Yes" Yumi answered.
I noticed most of my classmates were silent as if listening to the conversation. I could even hear some of them murmuring about something like… 'What are Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Gigantea doing in here?' But their murmuring stopped when Misato-sensei came in the classroom.
"Looks like the Yamayurikai got here first before me… Hehe~" Misato-sensei said with a laugh that ended with a sigh. "A-anyway… come here and bring your things as I explain everything to you…" Misato-sensei paused then turned to both Third year students. "Mizuno-san and Satou-san please come with us as well." Misato-sensei said as she led the three students away from the classroom and away from the prying eyes of the other students.
"I wonder what that was about." Katsura said, wondering out loud.
"Who knows… but I'll bet it's a BIG SCOOP that I have to report to my Onee-sama." Mami said as she gathered her pen and small notebook for her information gathering. "Well then, see ya later guys." said Mami as she left the classroom.
"Someone's on fire…" I heard Katsura said as if she was talking to herself.
"That, she is." I said back while Katsura and I watch Mami walk pass through several students.
"But, don't you think it's weird for two of the three Roses to suddenly appear and ask for Fukuzawa-san? Not to mention, Misato-sensei appeared as well. Why do you think is that, Tsutako-san?"
"You know…" I said, adding a dramatic pause to our conversation just to make sure Katsura was really listening to me. And when I got what I wanted… I said, "You ask a lot." Then, with a click from my camera I managed to take a shot of Katsura's pouting face.
"T-TSUTAKO-SAN..!" Katsura yelled at me, acting a little angry which I may add cute as well. And, before she could hit me for what I did earlier, I immediately walked out of the classroom and head directly to the Photography Club Room. On my way, I saw the transfer student along with Rosa Chinensis, Rosa Gigantea, and Misato-sensei.
"Looks like they're going to the Rose Mansion," I said to no one in particular. It was also during this time that I decided to finally head to the Photography Club Room to print the miraculous photo I just took this morning and by the time I was done I headed straight back to my classroom. Surprised to say, I wasn't expecting to see Fukuzawa-san and Shimako-san inside the classroom. 'That was fast… and, wasn't Fukuzawa-san with Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Gigantea?' I asked myself as I stared at the said girl. And without notice, I was caught off-guard by Fukuzawa-san, herself.
"Hello," said Fukuzawa-san and here I was thinking what I should say to her because right now I'm wondering whether this girl found out what I did earlier this morning.
"Hey, Fukuzawa-san," I greeted back as I tried to read what she might be thinking about. Although Fukuzawa-san looks friendly and approachable, I still need to be cautious just to be safe.
"Please… you can just call me "Yumi", Takeshima-san."
'She knows me?' I immediately thought to myself. Then, suddenly, I just heard her laugh for an unknown reason.
Thinking that she might have offended me, she apologized quickly. "Sorry about that… Shimako was just giving me a brief intro about everyone in our classroom. So, I decided to greet you." Fukuzawa-san or rather Yumi-san explained with a smile.
"I see… Ah, then, I'm Tsutako… Takeshima Tsutako." I said as I was about to give a slight bow but instead, I decided not to since Yumi-san already extended her hand for what it seems like a handshake. 'That's right; it's one of those customs in the west.'
"Then, will 'Tsutako' be fine?" Yumi-san asked me and here I was thinking, 'Is she asking my permission so she can call me by my first name?' "Sure. No problem." I said but then I thought, 'Why just Tsutako? Ah… that's right; it's one of those customs in the west.' (5)
"That's so great," she said, almost a little too enthusiastically that gave me an impression that Yumi-san can be read as a book with her one and a million faces and, of course, Yumi-san's innocent eyes. I was about to say something but unfortunately Lunch Break was already finished. She bid me her thanks once again as she was about to go to her seat since our Music Teacher, Shizuru-sensei (6) arrived just on time.
Seeing that everyone has finally settled on their seats, Shizuru-sensei (6) immediately caught sight of Yumi-san. And knowing Shizuru-sensei, she'll definitely do something. "Ah, you must be the transfer student from London, am I right?" Shizuru-sensei asked with a smile that can almost pass as alluring. I know I've seen those kinds of smiles.
"Yes, Ma'am," answered Yumi-san.
"Care to introduce yourself once again. I would really love to hear anything about you," said Shizuru-sensei. 'What did she just say? Is she flirting with Yumi-san or is she teasing Yumi-san?' I wondered as I watched our new classmate and our Teacher.
And so, Yumi-san was about to introduce herself but then Shizuru-sensei stopped her for awhile and said, "I want you to introduce yourself to us briefly. Let's say, I'm going to ask you a question one by one and of course it's about small personal details."
"Are you ready?" asked Shizuru-sensei.
"Yes"
"That's good to hear. First question, 'What is your Full name?'"
"Fukuzawa, Yumi"
"What do you prefer to be called?"
"Yumi"
"Do you have an 'Onee-sama'?"
"A what?" asked Yumi with an obviously confused face, that's right; she just came here today so she wouldn't know about the Soeur System.
"I almost forgot today is your first day of school so I guess you can be excused with that question," said Shizuru-sensei with a chuckle. After that she continued again, "Next question, 'What is your favorite color?'"
"Um, is this really necessary?" asked Yumi-san.
"Of course it is, Yumi-san. Don't you know that you're already doing a lot of service for your classmates and soon-to-be fans?" said Shizuru-sensei. "So, what's your favorite color?" Shizuru-sensei asked again.
"It's… Blue… (6)" said Yumi-san and from where I was seating I know I saw something flashed in Yumi-san's eyes as if she suddenly remembered something. But I didn't pay it anymore attention since I wanted to listen to both women.
"Blue huh… I wonder why," said Shizuru-sensei. Even I was wondering why blue of all colors. Then Shizuru-sensei continued once again. "Okay, so, when is your birthday?"
At this point, everybody was silent and obviously anticipating for Yumi-san's answer.
"Honestly, do I really have to answer that? (7)" asked Yumi-san. Although she keeps on asking the same question, she still answers the question anyway. And doesn't she realize that Shizuru-sensei is obviously teasing her.
"Okay, how about this question… have you met someone who's breathtakingly beautiful here in Lillian? And if you did, who is she?" asked Shizuru-sensei.
"W-what kind of question is that?" asked, more like exclaimed Yumi-san.
After seeing Yumi-san's reaction, Shizuru-sensei laughed. "Judging from your reaction, I'd say you've already met someone. Come on, Yumi-san. It either you tell us your birthday or you tell us who this girl is." Shizuru-sensei said. Everybody and I mean everybody was waiting for Yumi-san's answer but before that Yumi said, "So, it's really either my birthday or this beautiful girl."
"Yes. So, what's it going to be, Yumi-san?"
"I guess it's… the beautiful girl I've met."
"You really don't want to tell your birthday do you," said Shizuru-sensei. When Yumi-san shook her head, Shizuru-sensei didn't ask more anything related to Yumi-san's birthday. "So, who's this girl that caught your eyes, Yumi-san?" asked Shizuru-sensei.
"It's… Shimako," said Yumi-san.
I know Shimako-san is beautiful inside and out but, but I really never expected Yumi-san to answer that. I, for once, actually thought that Yumi-san will say Sachiko-sama's name but it didn't happen. 'Why did you do that, Yumi-san?' I asked myself as I remembered what had happened earlier this morning. "Oh my, Yumi-san; how bold of you to say it in front of Shimako-san." I heard Shizuru-sensei say which, of course, made all of the students inside the classroom squeal with unbelievable excitement. 'Oh boy… looks like you've just prepared your own grave, Yumi-san.' I thought to myself as I continued to watch the ever-so excitement that's been happening inside the classroom.
'Is she a natural or what?' I just sighed while I tried to dismiss my thoughts and try to listen back again to the last period lesson which should have started awhile ago.
After an hour or so, our last period has finally ended. But before I went home; I had one thing in mind for the mean time and that is to get Yumi-san's and Sachiko-sama's permission for the photo to be posted at the upcoming school festival.
First things first, I need to get Yumi-san's permission. But, at this point, how do I do such a thing? From what I can see; Yumi-san looks friendly, there were times that she looks shy, embarrassed and everything that you could see in a normal high school girl. But, there were also some times that I could not understand her at all. So, at times like this I just need to suck it up and just go for it!
I waited for a couple of seconds before I approached the said girl. And after what it seemed like an eternity, for me that is, I slowly walked towards to the pigtailed girl. "Yumi-san," I said.
Yumi-san, who was packing her things, acknowledged me with a smile. "Tsutako, what can I do for you?" she asked, still with her polite smile on her lips. I wonder will she be smiling after this…
Without warning, I asked her to follow me. At first, she why but then she just complied. Now that we were alone, I showed her the photo I took this morning. The moment she saw the picture, I couldn't help myself but to think did Yumi-san's mood change after looking at the picture… and so on and so forth.
"The picture's beautiful… you can see the emotions in it… although, if you fix the lighting I guess it should be fine."
I definitely could not believe that she said that. It's as if Yumi-san is hiding something. I looked at her with seriousness in my eyes. "Yumi-san, I came to you to ask about that photo."
"What about it?"
Did her voice change or was it just my imagination? Anyway, "You see there's this upcoming festival in our school and I want to post this photo in my club's exhibit, but before I post it, I always ask for my subjects' permission, meaning yours and Sachiko-sama's permission."
"You want my permission?" I nodded at the question and hoping that she'll agree to my favor. But what made me surprised was her answer, "I don't know, Tsutako. Maybe you should ask Ogasawara-sama's permission first. If she says yes I'll agree to it as well. And if no then I guess it's a no."
"B-but that's the problem." I said with a stuttering voice while Yumi-san waited for me to continue. "I don't know how…" Yumi-san sighed. She wasn't probably expecting something like this to happen.
"It's alright, Yumi-san. I'll just go and ask her directly. But, maybe, just maybe… can you give me the support I need to do this task?" I asked the pigtailed girl and with an unwavering eyes I said, "Please Yumi-san, I really need your help on this."
Yumi-san sighed once again, judging from the looks of her face, I guess she agreed to help me.
This was it.
Here I am facing the Rose Mansion with, of course, my newly acquired friend, Yumi-san. During our walk awhile ago, I was thinking how in Maria-sama's name I will approach Sachiko-sama, also known as, Rosa Chinensis en bouton, the star of Lillian.
I faced Yumi-san again, "I think we should do this some other time. What do you think, Yumi-san?" I said, almost pleading not to go inside the said small building. Unfortunately for me, Yumi-san didn't get it.
"I think we should go in and get this over with."
Yet, another encounter happened just before we entered the said premises. "Do you need something from the Yamayurikai?" We both turned and saw our classmate, Todou Shimako also known as Rosa Gigantea en bouton.
"Yumi-san and I need to speak with Rosa Chinensis en bouton about something. Could you convey that message to her?"
"If that's all you need then please come in. I think Sachiko-sama is on the second floor. Please come in." Shimako-san said as she opened the door for us.
On our way to the staircase, I saw or more like thought that Yumi-san wanted to say something to Shimako-san as she, Yumi-san, kept on glancing at Shimako-san. Was this because of what had happened during last period?
"You're being tyrannical and mean!" I heard someone shout.
"Oh good, you're lucky… Sachiko-sama is here," said Yumi-san to me.
"That's Sachiko-sama?" I almost shouted at disbelief after hearing what Yumi-san had said.
"I'm surprised to hear you were able to tell it was Sachiko-sama's voice." Shimako-san said to Yumi-san. Even I was surprised to it as well but I just let it slip since right now I'm almost standing in front of the door connecting to where the members of the Yamayurikai.
Shimako san was about to open the door but suddenly a furious looking Rosa Chinensis en bouton came rushing saying, "I understand. All I have to do is find one right now, right?" Sachiko-sama ran past Shimako-san, but unfortunately for Yumi-san, the said pigtailed girl had to carry Sachiko-sama (and probably herself too) to prevent themselves from falling on the floor.
"Are you alright, Rosa Chinensis en bouton?" Yumi-san asked Sachiko-sama who looked frozen from her feet. Slowly, Sachiko-sama stood straight but not too far from Yumi-san. From there, everyone inside the Rose Mansion did not expect what Rosa Chinensis en bouton, Star of Lillian, announced.
"Here and now, I am proclaiming Fukuzawa Yumi as my petite soeur."
It took us several minutes to recover from the shocking news. So, by now, Yumi-san, the Members of the Yamayurikai, and me were having tea and biscuits just to change the mood in the atmosphere.
"Yumi-chan?" called Rosa Chinensis. Immediately, Yumi-san answered, "Yes?" a little immediate if you asked me.
"Please don't be so nervous. Try to relax, here have some black tea," said Rosa Chinensis.
Yumi-san seemed to relax a little and so did I. "Don't mind if I do," said Yumi-san. 'Ah… that's right. She doesn't even know how to say itadakimasu (8)'
"You must be surprised, Yumi-san. I'll explain things in order," said Youko-sama with know-it-all grin on her lips.
"There's no need for an explanation! I'm taking Yumi as my petite-" Sachiko-sama started with a retort but she was amazingly ignored by none other than her Onee-sama, "The Yamayurikai is doing Cinderella for this year's school festival."
Yumi who looked satisfied with her biscuits asked, "Who's playing the lead?"
"Sachiko, of course," said Youko-sama.
And as expected, Sachiko-sama retorted. "No, I found a petite soeur. As per our promise, I'm dropping the role."
"We'll talk about that later, Sachiko," said the other head Rose, Satou Sei.
Being the curios being I am, I asked, "Excuse me, so Rei-sama is playing the prince?"
"No, this year the President of the Hanadera Academy Student Council is going to play the Prince," answered Rei-sama.
"But Sachiko hates most men, so she was opposed to that."
"I-I what? I'm not opposed in bringing in guest. You didn't have to make the President of the Hanadera Academy Student Council the Prince..."
That was the first time I've seen Sachiko-sama act that way. And probably, Yumi-san too, from the way she looked at Sachiko-sama, I could guess that Sachiko-sama is the only person inside her head.
"I'm sorry, but it's too late to change the roles for the Prince or Cinderella," said Eriko-sama.
"No! You promised-" Once again Sachiko-sama was cut off by her Onee-sama saying, "We did say that someone who can't find a petite soeur shouldn't have the right to speak in meetings. We didn't say that you could drop the role if you found a petite soeur."
I never thought I could hear nor even experience a verbal battle between Youko-sama and Sachiko-sama. And to think that Sachiko-sama made Yumi-san her petite soeur so that she, Sachiko-sama could drop the lead role. And apparently, Yumi-san was just a first-year who happens to be there.
"We can't change it, Sachiko. And first of all, didn't you just meet Yumi-chan for the first time today?"
With that statement Sachiko-sama went quiet. But before the Head Roses gave their conclusion, Shimako-san spoke up, "Um, please wait. I don't think that was the first time they met," said Shimako-san.
"Why do you think that?" asked Sei-sama.
"Because Yumi-san and Tsutako-san came looking for Sachiko-sama," said Shimako-san and of course to season things up. "Oh, we also have proof," I said as I passed the photo or photos I took earlier this morning. Both Rosa Chinensis and Rosa Gigantea examined the photos at the same time Sachiko-sama took some of the photos to examined it even Yumi-san took a few. And surprised to say, the twinkle in Yumi-san's eyes left briefly.
"I understand. I will recognize her as your petite soeur. But, I won't allow you to drop the role," said Youko-sama.
"Onee-sama…!"
There was it again, another argument between Rosa Chinensis and her petite soeur. But the next question Rosa Chinensis shot at Sachiko-sama made the atmosphere of the room heavy once again.
"Even though you can't drop the role, do you still plan to take Yumi-chan as your soeur?" asked Youko-sama.
"Of course, Yumi is my soeur!" said Sachiko-sama
'Sachiko-sama is still saying that… she's incredible.'
"But if you'd like to see it, shall I perform the ceremony in front of you?"
"That sounds good," said Eriko-sama while Youko-sama agreed in excitement. "It's been a long time. I'm getting excited," said Youko-sama.
"P-please wait a moment…!" said Yumi-san, or more like, still flabbergasted as she talked.
"What's wrong? You don't want to do it here?" asked Youko-sama.
"You should do it someplace where you can be alone together. Such a romantic!" teased Sei-sama.
"Yumi…"
This was it.
"Don't move…" said Sachiko-sama as she took of her rosary. The said silver jewelry dangled in front of Yumi-san. We all watched the ceremony, but before the ceremony could even start…
"I can't become Ogasawara-sama's soeur."
And it was Yumi-san's voice who took us by surprised.
CHAPTER SIX
CAMEO/S:
(6) Shizuru Viola – from Mai-Otome; in this story, however, she will play as a Music Teacher at Lillian academy
TRIVIA/S:
(4) Katsura refers to Yumi being a late enrollee (six months late).
(5) Tsutako refers to the usual customs at the West like the handshakes, calling the person by his/her first name and without using –san and other Japanese honorifics.
(6) Blue – Yumi's favorite color
(7) There's a particular reason why Yumi didn't want to say her birthday to everyone and the reason to that will be revealed in the upcoming chapters
(8) Itadakimasu - ritual expression said before eating
REFERENCE/S:
n/a
DISCLAIMER:
Maria-sama ga Miteru is not mine.