This chapter has not been proofread because I rushed to update due to my PM to my reviewer. I told him/her that this was supposed to come out yesterday. Unfortunately, something urgent happened. My grandmother got sick so we had to visit and stay there overnight. I had to endure the fact that I could not update T-T But thankfully, she's okay now so here I am, bothering your time by forcing you to read hahahaha. This chapter is dedicated to zairaswift because I failed to update during the time I promised.
I kind of forgot to put a disclaimer on the previous chapters so this one's for those as well.
I do not and never will own Maid-sam 'cause if I do then you'd see another chapter of the manga after their wedding and you'd be surprised to see twins. Hahahaha. I wanted them to have twins. Unlucky for me, I could only dream on.
Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Six
"Is there something the matter, Misaki?" Sakura asked, curious as to why Misaki looked as if she's planning a murder in her mind. She rarely sees her friend this agitated. In high school, even when the boys started acting all wild and goofy in the corridors, she never bore this look. She'd just let out that deadly aura but not once did she give them this expression. Heck, the only time Sakura can remember seeing Misaki like this was when she heard Suzuna was being bullied at school about being an orphan. Sakura chuckled to herself while picturing the face Misaki had during that time. If she wasn't that fond of her, she'd probably think Misaki was a demon from hell like how the others thought of her. Of course, she taught those guys some students that they even skipped school for a whole week. That memory was priceless. She can't believe how Misaki never showed mercy to those junior high students even when Suzuna seemed like she wasn't affected by the teasing at all. But of course, Misaki being Misaki, she never lets anyone criticize them about their family.
"What are you smiling about?" The brunette broke from her reverie and looked at Misaki again. She had a frown on her face as she narrowed her eyes making Sakura feel a trickle of sweat roll down her forehead. Now is definitely not the time to involve herself with Misaki's sour mood. She decided she'd just talk to her smoothly. She knows all too well Misaki can't resist it when she gives her the talk.
"Nothing. So back to you, you're home early. I thought you'd stay at the Walker Estate 'til afternoon. Did something happen?" Sakura managed to say in the gentlest and calming way possible as not to add up to the growing tension between her cheery self and Misaki's lethal one.
Misaki shrugged causing a sigh of relief from Sakura. And there she thought she'd receive it from Misaki.
"Oh, you know, things…" Misaki clearly doesn't want to talk about that jerk. Doing so would only make her blood boil again. She feels like a volcano's erupting inside her whenever she remembers his exact words-how she called him a bitch. Misaki scowled which made her friend back away a little by pure instincts.
"Things like?" Of course, Sakura being curious as a cat even when she's already on the verge of pissing Misaki off won't stop until she gets her friend to spit out whatever thing is troubling her. She knows all Misaki needed is an ear that's ready to listen. All along after their parents' death and before she met her, she knew she suffered loneliness. Even ith Suzuna by her side, Sakura perfectly understood that that wasn't enough. Misaki once told her about how rarely she got the time to talk to Suzuna mainly due to her part time jobs in order to sustain their daily needs. That in turn, increased all the sorrows for Misaki-having her sister around yet feeling as though they were a thousand miles apart because of the reason that they have to survive. That's why when Sakura knew of Misaki's whole story which she found hard to make her to say, she knew she had to do the right thing and that is to be her support. Even if she knows she isn't much since she, herself, has no idea of such sorrows, she still tried her best to make Misaki open up to her. She was rewarded. All her efforts never went down the drain.
"Stuffs…" Misaki spoke, breaking Sakura from the thoughts she was engaged in.
The brunette pretended not to feel the sadness of the thought she had a while ago and answered in an almost sarcastic way, "Things like stuffs? Really, Misaki? And there I thought you were never an idiot."
"It's nothing. Just don't mind me." Sakura was surprised by Misaki's response. Never as in never did she imagine it. She pictured more of Misaki yelling about how she's not an idiot and junks like that. Though she got to admit, she liked the wilder Misaki.
"You do know I know when something is considered nothing to you. And my mind tells me what your problem is not just a simple nothing. You look disturbed, Misaki," Sakura explained as she occupied the vacant seat beside Misaki on the couch. "Well, let me correct that last part. You look like you're going to kill someone anytime soon. So, mind telling me who that someone is?"
Misaki groaned and rolled her eyes all the while sliding her back against the backrest of the couch hugging the throw pillow tighter to her chest. Sometimes, she just hates Sakura for knowing her too well and for being too concerned about her that it's already getting irritating. There are times when Misaki just wants to be alone. But of course, she'll succumb to Sakura's kindness in the end and tell her everything just like now. She knows what Sakura's giving her. Of course what else? The talk.
"That stupid Walker..." Misaki mumbled as if she wasn't talking to anyone in particular. She hates it when she gets Sakura to make her talk even when it's purely against her will to do so.
"Patricia-san?" Misaki quickly gave Sakura a repulsed look. Really, she's this stupid? How can she think Misaki would want to kill the only person who gave her and Suzuna a chance to improve their future? God, she wonders how she managed to live with Sakura for years now.
"What? Don't look at me like that. She's by far the only Walker I can think of immediately."
"You're stupid," Misaki remarked as she gave Sakura a light whack on the head. "I was talking about her son. You know, the one I told you about yesterday."
"Oh! That guy! The one you said was hot," Sakura replied as she nodded her head in accord before squealing her guts out all the while kicking and slapping the air which made her look like some mad woman in rehab. Misaki sighed at how childish Sakura is. Sure, Misaki told her and Suzuna during dinner yesterday about the promise she had with Patrcia-san although she never mentioned the reason why she made such a promise and she NEVER remembered calling that jerk hot. She'd rather die than admit that. Wait, admit? Misaki mentally slapped herself and corrected her previous statement replacing 'admit' with 'say'. To her, that jerk wasn't worthy of such praises. What's more suited for him are some words used for badmouthing someone so hard that it's almost illegal.
Misaki made a disgusted look over to Sakura as if she's about to throw up any moment from now. Seriously, who would think Takumi's hot? When she looks at him, all she can picture is an alien. Yes, a really hideous alien with horns and slimes. "I never said he was hot, Sakura."
"Oh? But didn't you say he had the looks?" Misaki flinched. She can't believe she complimented that jerk yesterday. She reminded herself never to do the same thing ever again.
"I just said he had the looks. That is so far from saying he's hot."
"Eh? It looks the same to me. You also said he had a well-built physique along with the other compliment so when added together that just equals as though you're saying he's hot, right?" Sakura asked as she swirled a few strands of her hair between her fingers, playing with them before elbowing her friend who looked as though she's about to puke from what she's hearing with a mix of horror.
Misaki couldn't believe she said that. Did she? Misaki groaned in frustration and messed her hair. How she regretted saying those things. Now she felt like the couch should just swallow her right here and now. "I did not say that," Misaki stated, desperately trying to save herself from more regrets.
"Of course you did. Let's ask Suzuna."
"What? No! Just…ugghh! Whatever. Let's just drop the topic already. You see, I'm fine now. There's no need to be concerned. Uhmm, so how about lunch?"
"Suzuna's at the supermarket and I'm tired after our weekend club activities this morning. Unless you want to burn this whole building down then go ahead, help yourself with the kitchen," Sakura said almost mockingly earning her a glare from Misaki which she just shrugged off with a smile.
. . . . .
"Yo, Takumi!" a guy with blonde hair that's a few shades lighter than Takumi approached the man sitting by the bed staring blankly at a book. He entered the bedroom as though it was his. Takumi didn't bother to look up to see who it was. Only one person would have the guts to barge in on his private space in that manner and Takumi was all too familiar with his voice anyway-the one that ticked him off so much yet he wonders 'til now why they're the best of friends.
"Haven't you ever been taught in prep school about the common courtesy of knocking first before entering?" Takumi sarcastically asked in which his visitor only snickered before giving an expected reply.
"You do know we never attended prep school. We're home-schooled, remember? Or did you whack your head against the tub that you forgot about that?"
Takumi removed his spectacles as he was just finished reading when this not-too-welcome guest arrived. He looked up and produced a smirk. "You said that as if I'm the forgetful one."
"Aren't you?" the other replied, matching his friends smirk. Takumi simply scoffed and cleared his throat.
"So, what brings you here…Kuuga?"
"Wow, you said my name as though I'm some crappy show's antagonist."
"Aren't you?"
Kuuga chuckled at his friend's remarks and took a seat at the end of the bed, making his self all too comfortable for Takumi's liking.
"So, I'd like to repeat. What brings you here?"
"Oh nothing. I just got bored at home and thought maybe you could use some little company and also to make sure you don't kill yourself."
Takumi's lips formed into a thin line not because he was unsatisfied with Kuuga's answer but rather because he wanted to hide the fact that he somehow felt happy of his friend's concern for his well-being. "No more worries for you then. I already stopped it with those suicide attempts," he said nonchalantly, still not showing his real emotions. That is what he's known for-being cold.
"Well glad to hear that some senses finally kicked in to you and made you value your life."
The other rolled his eyes and replied, "Actually, I still wanted to commit suicide if only fate would let me do so. Unfortunately, fate and me aren't that much of in good terms."
Kuuga raised a brow, not really getting what Takumi's blabbering about. In his mind, since when did Takumi started believing about fate and the like? Takumi realized his friend was stupid so he proceeded with explaining, "Every time I plan on killing myself, a certain girl would stop me. I don't know how that's possible but she's always the one who gets in my way. So I decided, all my suicidal attempts were futile as long as she's around."
Kuuga blew out a whistle and gave a mocking grin over to his friend who still bore that bored expression as if he doesn't want him in here. But Kuuga knew better. He knows Takumi enjoys being with him even when he doesn't show it that much. "Must be destiny you have there with that girl."
On contrary to Kuuga's words, Takumi snickered. To be destined with that barbaric woman-whom he just offended not long ago-is the last thing he wanted. "That, my friend, is not possible. We're fire and ice, oil and water, yin and yang, and whatever opposites you can think of."
"Opposites attract."
Takumi frowned at how persistent Kuuga is with his opinion. Honestly, he'd like to throw him out of the room. Takumi's pissed at the fact that his friend can't see how he doesn't like the woman. Well, he really does not hate her. He just doesn't think of her as someone considered to be worthy as an acquaintance. She's too contradictory to his cold self which he finds somehow displeasing if ever they'll start some friendship. If they ever will after what he called her. Just remembering that moment deepened the frown on his face.
"No need to give me that frown. I was just joking. I know no one can replace that place in your heart, lover boy," Kuuga teased as he expected Takumi to like it which he utterly did not. He wondered if it was because Chiyo died or because something else was troubling Takumi. "What's wrong? I'm sorry if I reminded you of her," Kuuga said though he had this feeling it wasn't about that. There's something else. He just couldn't fathom what it is.
"It's not about that," the other replied catching Kuuga off guard with the sudden honesty. That's when he concluded that the something that's bothering Takumi might be a little too much for him to handle or he just doesn't know what else to do.
"Okay, speak up. What's wrong? Maybe I can help though don't expect much from me. I'm not good at solving problems."
"That I know much of," Takumi said before taking a deep breath. "I wronged someone."
"Oh."
"It wasn't my intention though. It was supposed to be a joke which she took seriously," Again, Takumi inhaled deeply. "I don't know but I feel bad doing it to her."
Kuuga nodded as if catching on to the details. "So you wronged a girl. You did something. What did you do? Did you harass her?"
Takumi shot Kuuga a sickening look as if mentally telling him why in the world he would harass a girl when he's damn freaking engaged. Kuuga, in turn, raised his arms in defeat.
"Woah. I was just kidding with you. So, what did you do?"
"I called her a bitch," Takumi answered still not bearing any emotions despite the fact that he's troubled by what he'd done to some girl.
"Woo! And I reckon she got mad at you."
Takumi nodded. Out of the blue, realization dawned on Kuuga. He help up his face and placed his index finger on his chin, thinking before he gazed back at Takumi with a confused look.
"By chance, does this girl have jet-black hair and chestnut eyes?"
Takumi contemplated at first but nodded otherwise.
"Aha! So that's why she was cursing you nonstop down by the hallway."
"She wasn't crying?"
"Well she looked more like some psychotic criminal ready to kill than a helpless weeping girl. She even scared me with that glare she had."
Deep inside, Takumi somehow felt a little relieved knowing Misaki didn't cry. It felt like a single thorn was removed from his pricked finger leaving only a few left which he wonders why there were still any. Isn't his only concern as to whether she cried or not? He got the answer yet he still felt something's not right. An apology. Yes, he needed to apologize. It's the right thing but the oh-so-conceited Takumi never apologizes. He never favored that kind of stuff.
"Yo, you're spacing out," Kuuga reverts Takumi back from his thoughts as he continuously waved a hand over his friend's face.
Takumi instantly shook his head a little and looked at Kuuga again. "I was just thinking."
A snort was given by Kuuga before he patted Takumi by the shoulders. "You look so troubled. Honestly, I think you should let that egotism of yours die down a little and just apologize."
. . . . .
It was the next day when Takumi decided to get up from bed early. His tutors won't be around 'til afternoon but he had the urge to roll out of bed when he heard some maids talking last night about returning the book they borrowed from Ayuzawa-san who'll probably pay a visit the next day which was today. And if he was not mistaken, Ayuzawa-san is none other than Misaki.
After preparing himself, Takumi walked his way to the dining area and had breakfast by himself. He presumes his brother who just arrived last night was still sleeping soundly in bed while his mother was probably out in the garden, admiring the autumn leaves falling.
Takumi helped himself with the food in silence before he thought of something. He motioned for Cedric to come over which the butler did so obediently.
"Cedric, did mother's usual visitor arrive?"
"Ayuzawa-san?"
"Yes."
"Not yet but she'll be here any moment, I guess. It's not in my position to ask but why are you asking me this, young master?"
"Nothing really."
Although he wasn't quite satisfied, Cedric left it be since it was what his master wishes. Quietly, he made his way back to the corner of the room right after giving a bow of respect. Takumi only nodded and proceeded to eat again when the gigantic double doors of the mansion creaks open which can be clearly heard from the dining area. Abruptly, Takumi stood up and left without a word.
Cedric only made a puzzled look at his young master's odd actions knowing he really wasn't that fond of Ayuzawa-san after he saw them bicker by the garden a few days ago.
Takumi hurriedly dashed though the hallway, reaching the staircase only to stop mid-track at the sight before him. What's standing by the door obviously wasn't Misaki but rather a smaller version of her. But even though they have the same hair and eye color, the thing that makes them distinguishable was the cheeriness in their eyes. This girl in front of him bore a cold and carefree demeanor just like his.
Suzuna noticed the blonde guy that just appeared from nowhere and was staring at her as if analyzing her ever features which she really doesn't mind at all. He was probably wondering who she is. Her sister only asked this morning her to deliver some peaches to Patricia-san saying she wasn't feeling well which Suzuna knew better. Her sister was clearly avoiding someone which she guesses is this blonde guy staring at her. Slowly, Suzuna made her way over to the guy so that she was standing about a meter away from him. "Good day, sir," she greeted, emotionless.
Takumi shook his head and snapped his attention back to the girl who was now in front of him. Gathering his courage and lightly cursing himself for his lack of socializing skills, he cleared his throat and asked, "Good day too. Are you by chance Misaki's sister?"
Suzuna surprised Takumi by answering his question with a question, "Are you by chance the blonde guy my sister kept cursing to in her sleep?"
Takumi chuckled at how straightforward Misaki's sister was. "Maybe I was. So, what brought you here? Don't you have class?"
"Onee-chan asked me to deliver these peaches to Patricia-san saying she isn't feeling well and today's a holiday, mind you."
"She isn't feeling well?" Takumi asked uncaring about what holiday today might be. He was more concerned about knowing Misaki fell sick.
"Yeah I believe that's what I said. No need to repeat myself, right?"
Takumi couldn't believe the bluntness of this girl making him have the impression that she hated him. Takumi swallowed the lump accumulating in his throat. "I heard you. I was just making sure."
"So, would you care to tell me where Patricia-san is?"
"Mom's probably in the garden."
"Thank you," Suzuna replied before turning to head to the garden only to be stopped by Takumi's grip on her elbows.
"Wait."
Suzuna looked back at the blonde again now with a questioning look. Takumi hesitated for a moment before mustering the right words to say. "Uhmm, do you mind giving something for your sister and tell her it's from me?"
"Sure." Relief shot through the man as he heard Suzuna's reply.
"Great. I'll just hand it over to you once you come back from the garden."
Suzuna just nodded lightly and walked away leaving Takumi with a small smile graced on his lips. For all his life, he never did something as stepping down from his pride like this until now. Misaki should feel special for that. Right after, Misaki's sister's figure disappeared from his sight, Takumi, too, stepped on his heels and made his way to his room to retrieve the gift which Kuuga insisted on giving as a token for an apology.
Sixth chapter, done and many more to go. I honestly don't know yet how long this will go but I'm sure of one thing though and that is that there will be more TakuMisa moments in the later chapters. Hope you guys stay tune for it. Also, I'd like to inform my readers that classes start next week for us so my updates would probably come seldom. But I assure you guys that I will not leave this story hanging. I'll finish this and hopefully, I can write another one. Anyway, on to my special segment…
Interview Corner!
Me: Once again, dear audience, I welcome you to our always present Interview Corner!
*Audience doesn't cheer. They're tired of doing the same thing all over again in every chapter.*
Me: Oh well, I don't care if you guys are interested or not so let me introduce to you our guest for tonight, Suzuna Ayuzawa!
*Still quiet*
Me: And Misaki with Usui!
*Crowd suddenly felt energetic*
Me: *smiles evilly* I knew that would work. Anyway, let's give the three a round of applause.
*Finally claps and cheers*
Me: Good evening, morning, or afternoon to you guys. Misaki and Usui, welcome back to the show and Suzuna, welcome. It's your first time being with me, right?
Suzuna: No, I actually had an interview with you during your other story. If I remember correctly it was titled Girl Meets Boy (A/N: Major plugging!). I was with Aoi that time.
Me: Oh right. How silly of me to forget. As for you, Misaki, how are you coping with your role in this story?
Misaki: I'm doing fine though I would like it if I get to kill Takumi in this one.
Me: Sorry to burst your bubble but this IS a dramatic and romantic comedy so there would be no such things like killing that would happen especially when you're the main character.
Misaki: It would be dramatic. Trust me. I planned this out already. I was thinking, what if I kill Takumi and throw away his body to some God forsaken forest. Then drama kicks in. Chiyo and the others would weep over his death and blab la bla. See, that's dramatic and at the same time, I get what I want.
Me: Chiyo's dead, Misaki. How could she weep?
Misaki: *raises brow* But I-
Me: Usui, how about you, how are you doing with the given role?
Usui: I'm glad my being too emotional lessened. You're doing great with it.
Me: Why, thank you. It's nice hearing that you're not criticizing my work now.
Usui: By the way, when would Misa and I start doing lovey-dovey stuffs?
Me: You don't do that kind of stuffs, Usui. Your character is madly in love with Chiyo.
Misaki: *sighs in relief*
Suzuna: Eh? Then why is romance its genre when the two main characters wouldn't even develop feelings for each other.
Me: Good question Suzuna. To answer that, I was just kidding with you guys. Of course there would be fluffiness just you wait. Usui, I don't want to give up too much spoilers so please limit your questions. Only ask those that do not give off any hint about what's about to come.
Usui: Got it. So one more question.
Me: Frankly, why are you the one asking questions? I'm the one doing the interview here and not you.
Usui: Just this last one.
Me: Fine.
Usui: The three of us were wondering as to why Tora had his mansion built on the mountains.
Misaki: Yeah, Author-san, isn't that area prone to landslides?
Me: *glares daggers* Did I not tell you not to mention things that hasn't been in the story yet?
Misaki: Sorry. We were just curious.
Usui: *looks away*
Suzuna: Yeah and why did-
Me: Shut up with all the questions already! You guys are supposed to be the guests. I'm supposed to be the one demanding answers from you! Now, if you may, I lost my mood to continue this interview. Until next time readers. Don't forget to tell me what you think of this story/chapter. And as for the three of you, you may now leave. You guys are giving out too much spoilers.