Bwala! I updated very fast in order to somehow get half the story done before school starts. I'm only hoping to accomplish that though.

aqua girl: Hey there new reviewer. Thanks for the compliment. :D

StarElsie: Because you're the first to review on the previous chapter, here's some fried Oreos for you. Have you tasted those?

zairaswift: I actually think the apology gift here looks cute. I just love them. I hope you do too.

Tsuray: My ever loyal reviewer, don't blame me. It's Tora's mansion so it was his idea. Hahaha. Just kidding. I just liked to put up his mansion there because that's one of where I want my house to be either on the mountains or near the beach someday. Anyway, the interview below somehow explains why he loved having his mansion there. And also, this is pure fiction so yeah, anything can happen.

Maid-sama belongs to Hiro Fujiwara alone. Anyone who claims it other than her is considered a disgrace to the entire human race. LOL. That's too harsh of me. XD

Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Seven

Misaki awoke to the feeling that something or rather someone was poking her face. She was sleeping in her room right after she lied to Suzuna about being sick. Of course, to prove it, she had to act well and that includes staying in bed all day if necessary. It was already around five in the afternoon. Irritated, Misaki swatted away the thing that's disturbing her. She's sure it's a hand. Even in her barely subconscious mind, she had the impression that it was a finger that's been bugging her. And then she rolled to the other side of the bed, opposite to her sleep intruder.

"Misaki…" her intruder said, more of a squeal though. She familiarized that voice as Sakura's. Who else would create such noise than her? For all Misaki knows is that Suzuna will never as in NEVER squeal. Misaki thinks her sister is more of the quiet and mysterious type, never directly showing any hint of emotions. It's up to you to find out what's on her mind unlike this crazy girl leaping and squealing in her bed.

"Misaki…" Again with the squealing but the only difference now is that instead of poking, Sakura was shaking Misaki awake-which she already is. Misaki just liked to pretend sleeping the more hoping maybe her annoying friend would give up. Oh, but who was she to think that? Of course, Sakura's stubborn. She always gets what she wants. It was already a minute or so and Misaki was still feigning sleep with her face already distorted from enduring the annoyance as Sakura continuously shook her, no idea of giving up. It was a battle of who's more stubborn to them and none is willing to lose against the other any time soon.

"Misaki! Misaki! Misaki!"

You are asleep, Misaki. Do not let this stupid friend of yours disturb you. You are asleep. Do not mind her, thought Misaki as she also continued fighting for her right. It somehow seemed unfair for her if Sakura wins over their every bickering. It's about time she claims victory too. Another minute passed and Misaki was still able to hold her own self from losing. Second by second, Sakura's shaking slowly lessened. Misaki smiled to herself thinking it's her win this time.

"Fine. If that's what you want then maybe this gift Takumi asked Suzuna to give to you should be mine instead. You're not waking up anyway," Sakura said as she stood up mockingly from the bed and sashayed her way to the door, testing Misaki's limits. She grabbed the door knob as if in slow motion, waiting for her to respond.

Misaki shifted a little and thought maybe she really was supposed to lose to Sakura no matter what. God, what did she say? Takumi gave her a gift? For real? That jerk? With eyes rolling to the heavens, Misaki kicked the covers grouchily and looked at the brunette in her room with a frown. Sakura had the smile of victory which ticked Misaki off.

"What did you say?" asked Misaki, wanting to clear things up a bit. She's having suspicion about what Sakura said. On second thought, maybe her friend really was just joking and the gift wasn't real. It could be only made up for her to get up from bed. Upon realizing that, Misaki's frown grew deeper and instantly, she grabbed back the covers and hid beneath it again. She felt stupid thinking the almighty Takumi would do such a thing. Besides, he clearly doesn't look apologetic when she walked out on him yesterday. He looked more of, well, she doesn't know what he looked like that time really. All she saw was red from anger bursting on her insides.

"I said Takumi asked Suzuna to give you something and since you were asleep, I'll just take it instead."

Misaki's eyes popped from under the covers. In her mind, she still won't believe Sakura's serious. It's too implausible that she'd rather believe in unicorns than what Sakura said. Like, what happened to the obnoxious jerk for him to do such thing? Misaki, for the second time, sat up on her bed and glared at Sakura to know if she was lying. Much to her dismay, Sakura wasn't. She had that confident smile which Misaki thinks that it was more like a smile that's teasing her. "You're not serious."

"I am serious. Since when was I not?"

Misaki raised a brow at that. Sure, since when was Sakura not serious? Answer: Never. All she knows is being carefree, lighthearted, and upbeat-always joking around.

"Okay, so what if I'm not serious all the time? What I told you is real. Find out for yourself."

Misaki's lips formed a thin line as she stood up from the bed. "So, what's the gift he gave?"

"I said find out for yourself. Duhh! It's in the living room," Sakura replied, leaving the room but not before giving Misaki a wink which sent shivers down Misaki's spine. She had a bad feeling about this. She knows this gift isn't just a simple necklace or something like that knowing it's left in the living room.

Curiosity getting the best of her, Misaki strode her way over to the living room where the gift was supposed to be located. Reaching her destination, Misaki looked around, eyes everywhere. Suzuna was nowhere to be found. Must be in the supermarket, she thought. And Sakura is probably in her room. Misaki's eyes roamed the room. Nothing seemed suspicious. Well, nothing until she heard faint noises coming from the corner of the room, probably behind the couch. Misaki furrowed her brows, trying to analyze the sound as she went over to where it was coming from. She was surprised to see a basket with a gigantic red bow on it. It was completely covered with a baby blue cloth. Almost grudgingly, Misaki crouched down and reached out to remove the piece of fabric only to be startled when a noise came from the basket as something went moving. It's alive? Shrugging away the thought of being scared-it was only a gift after all-Misaki quickly removed the piece of cloth that's separating her from finding out what the jerk could have possibly gave her. What greeted her were two pairs of eyes-puppy eyes. Without reluctance, Misaki smiled at how cute the two looked. They were staring right at her as if they're wondering who she was. Misaki inched closer to the basket and patted the two on the head. They cringed away.

"You two look adorable. I wonder how he knew I liked dogs," Misaki conversed with the puppies. She was smiling at the puppies' reaction-they were now wiggling their tails-when something caught her attention. It was a folded note. She immediately reached to get it and read.

To Misaki,

I don't really know if you'll like them but I hope you do. My friend told me nothing softens a heart more than cute puppies. I was supposed to give you a necklace which my friend said was not very apologetic in thought so yeah, I decided to go his way. By the way, I'm sorry for yesterday. Truce?

-T.W.

"How unlikely of him to ask help from someone for an apology," Misaki muttered before turning to look at the puppies again. They had that questioning and innocent look. "I guess you guys will do. So what do you think of the man who bought you? He's a jerk, right?" The cute creatures only managed to stare and wiggle their tails as a response.

"I'll take that as though you guys agree with me. So, have you eaten?"

. . . . .

Takumi stared out the window of his study after his lessons. It somehow became his habit to do this continuous staring outside to relieve his boredom or whenever he felt like he misses her, which was almost all the time.

A small knock from the door interrupted his thoughts. He didn't give any reply for he doesn't feel like it. Not a moment later, Patricia came in with a smile gracing her lips as she flounced her way towards her son.

"I heard you bought puppies with Kuuga yesterday. I didn't know you had such interests for all I know is that animals hate you," she started and took a seat by the chair near Takumi. Takumi looked at her mom and unexpectedly gave a smile.

"Yeah those two hated me. One even bit me while I was feeding them but they weren't really for me, you see."

Patricia cocked a brow. "Oh? And to whom did you give those little angels?"

"To your little student friend."

"To Misaki?" Patricia asked amusingly as she tried suppressing out a laugh. She can't believe his son even bothered buying Misaki a gift. "What happened to make you go to the extent of buying a gift? As far as I'm concerned, Chiyo was the only girl you gave gifts to."

Takumi's shocked expression followed. He only realized it just now that his mother mentioned it. He never remembered giving a girl other than Chiyo a gift until now. He immediately brushed the thought away not wanting his mom to catch on in his thoughts. He returned his nonchalant attitude and replied, "I did something wrong."

"You harassed her?!"

Takumi rolled his eyes and slapped his forehead. "Oh for Pete's sake! I did not harass her. How come you and Kuuga think of that? I am not a pervert."

Patricia smiled which became a chuckle later on. She can't deny that she liked seeing his son this way- unconsciously showing emotions. "I was just kidding. So, what did you do?"

"It's none of your business, Mom." It was back to the usual Takumi for now. Patricia realized she must have angered him. She didn't bother to ask anymore knowing his son's attitude. She changed the topic instead.

"So, how was school?"

"I didn't go to school."

"Okay, let me rephrase that. How was home school?"

"It was fine."

"Hmmm…so I was thinking, you've been alone all throughout the day unless you have your tutors with you. Isn't it somehow boring?"

The other looked and gave a confused look, not really getting what his mother's trying to say. "What do you mean?"

"Yuu and I have talked about this. We decided that it'd help ease your pain if you were to meet more people. You know, mingle, make more friends, and maybe fall in love again," Patricia joked as she gave a wink over to his son who bore that disgusted look over the last part of her sentence.

"Fall in love? Again? Are you out of your mind, Mom? I'm engaged."

"Without a wedding ring." Takumi was clearly shocked upon hearing his mother. He wondered how she knew he lost the ring.

"I saw you searching frantically yesterday. I know what only thing mattered to you the most. I am your mother after all."

Takumi averted his gaze. He doesn't like feeling humiliated by his own mother. "So what if I lost it? We're still engaged no matter what."

"And you plan to die like that? Engaged to someone knowing you two will never get married?"

"I love her and that's that. We've been together after all these years. We learned to grow fond of each other," Takumi mattered as he gazed through the window, his mind reminiscing the times he shared with Chiyo starting from their childhood to their relationship years. A single tear slid down his temple.

"Are you sure you love her?"

"Are you doubting me? Would I propose to her if I didn't? Would we reach a two-year relationship if I didn't?"

"Takumi, you don't know anything about love because from what I see in you, you're not in love with her. The love you think that's there is just the idea of friendship-one that's far stronger that it eventually deceived you to think that it was love in the romantic way."

Takumi snickered. "What do you know? You don't feel the same way as I do. It's only your observation that's telling you those things."

"I'm a mother. I know how my children feel. And for my proposition that's been interrupted with this talk about Chiyo, I'd like to tell you that Yuu and I decided to enroll you in Seika," Patricia said now in a strict voice unlike the calm one she often uses. One can easily see she wasn't pleased with how Takumi is being stubborn to listen to her. She was his mother. Of course she knows what's right for her son and succumbing in the illusion of being in love is not something she's pleased of. She should have taught him of the saying that Mother knows best.

Takumi instantly shot his eyes towards his mother. In them were the feeling of shock and disbelief. "You don't say…"

"You heard me right Takumi. It's our decision. We think it's what's best for you. You'll start the day after tomorrow. End of conversation. Now, if you excuse me. It's time for my reading session," Patricia stated, not giving Takumi another chance to object. Immediately, she proceeded to the door but stopped and looked at Takumi who was speechless one more time. "Oh, and I'll have Misaki accompany you during your first day there. Please be kind to her." That and she was out of the room leaving Takumi to ponder more on what just happened. He can't accept the fact that his mother just got that firm and strict. The last time he can recall seeing his mother like that was when Gerard and him went out into the woods until late at night that the Walkers as well as their rescue team had to roam around Tokyo to look for them. He dismissed the thought and went back into thinking about what she said about his feelings towards Chiyo. For him, Chiyo wasn't just a friend. She was something more. He loved her and that's that. No one can tell him what he feels but him himself. What others think isn't his concern anymore. As long as he knows he loves her, that's enough to shut them all up.

. . . . .

"Onee-chan! A call for you," Suzuna informed holding the detachable phone and handing over it to Misaki who was busy doing assignments and other school-related stuffs. The younger smiled seeing how her sister lessened her obsession of finishing every school work in one seating. Now, Misaki only worked on what's due for the week and set aside the others for another time.

"Oh thanks," Misaki replied and received the phone from Suzuna before she left. Misaki placed the phone by her ear and answered, "Hello? This is Misaki."

"Misaki?"

"Patricia-san?"

"Yes. It's me."

"How may I help you?"

A sigh escaped the caller's lips before she started speaking. "You see, Misaki, my husband and I decided that it would be for the better if we send Takumi to school."

"Isn't he home schooled?"

"That's the point. We wanted him to make friends and socialize more. That's why instead of being home schooled, we decided to enroll him in Seika."

Misaki couldn't believe what Patricia was saying and she could already imagine what Patricia's intentions for calling were. She has a bad feeling about what's more to come. Misaki mentally prayed she was wrong tough. "Uhh, yeah. I think th-that would be g-great."

"I know. That's why I would like to kindly ask you to accompany him in his first day there like tour him around, inform him of the guidelines and stuffs like that. He'll start the day after tomorrow."

Well, there go her prayers. No matter how much she wanted to refuse, how could she say no? She's indebted to Patricia in some way. "S-sure."

"Great!" Patricia exclaimed sounding pleased with Misaki's answer while the latter only let out a sigh. Guess, it can't be helped. "I'll have Cedric pick you up so both of you could go to school together. Isn't that nice?"

Misaki's eyes widened at Patricia's plan. Sure, she already agreed on touring him around but in hell would she want to ride with him on the way to school. That would ruin her reputation. 'The man-hating Ayuzawa Misaki, arriving school with a new male transfer student', that would clearly make it to the headlines of the school's paper. She shuddered at the thought of that happening. No, she can't let this happen. She thought she just needed to find an acceptable excuse. "Uhmm, Patricia-san, I actually go to school very early as in an hour before the bell."

"No worries. I'll have Cedric wake Takumi up early too."

"Oh, you don't have to bother doing that. He might get angry."

"He can't say anything against my will, Misaki. I am his mother after all."

Wrong move, Misaki thought. "Also, I walk my way to school. It's kind of my daily exercise."

"Then I'll have my son walk with you. I'll let Cedric drop him off over to your place so you two could walk together."

"Takumi might not like that."

"He's fine with anything I say."

"I…I uhmm…I…"

"Misaki?"

"Yes?"

Patricia giggled from the other line for a mere five seconds before clearing her throat. "You could just say so if you don't want to go to school together with Takumi."

"Really? But it's not that I hate it. There's just something that forces me to not do it."

"It's okay. I understand. I already asked enough from you. Well, that would be all. Have a good night's sleep, Misaki."

"Good night too, Patricia-san."

Patricia nodded and ended the call. After placing the phone back to its place, she stared out the window like how she always sees her son doing. Only then did she realize how calming it feels. She closed her eyes and calmed her mind, thinking about the how the future would be if she was to pass away. It's not like she's hoping to die soon, she just learned to accept reality and face it. There's no use thinking like she doesn't have this disease when in truth it's shoved in her face every morning when she suddenly feels dizziness every time she wakes up. It's getting worse by the moment. She knows she needed to make sure that there are no rooms for regrets once her time's up. She needed to make sure that her family's doing well when she finally says her goodbye especially her son, Takumi.

. . . . .

Misaki silently groaned and rubbed her temples as she supported her face with her hands, elbows leaning over the table. Currently, she's having Math and she can't damn concentrate when the idea of seeing and being with Takumi in school starting tomorrow won't leave her alone. She's not ready to face the guy when she doesn't know how she should react if ever they will meet. She's doesn't know if she should act like her normal self or she should feel ashamed because she made him go through all that effort just to ask forgiveness. Well, it was partly his fault for calling her a bitch.

"Ughh!" Misaki groaned again. This time it was louder so her classmates turned to her direction to see what's happening with her. She also caught that their professor as well was looking her way. Flustered, she waved her arms in dismiss and slumped down the backrest of her chair. "It's nothing. Uhmm, just continue with the discussion, Sir."

The teacher nodded and went back into solving something on the board all the while explaining it. Misaki only managed to take down notes since all that their professor's been babbling won't register in her currently occupied and troubled mind. After class, she immediately went to her part time job and worked fulltime to remove the thoughts of tomorrow from her system. She's been overthinking about it the whole day that it's almost as if it's stuck to her brain.

"Damn. Why does he have to attend school anyway? The maids said he was already perfect at everything…"

There. I updated as fast as I can since the smell of school is just around the corner. In no time, Id' be back to our boring classrooms and be forced to do those boring school works. But, I'd try and update every weekend if I can. I hope you'll still support my story even if I can't update often once school kicks in.

Interview Corner!

Me: Welcome! Welcome! Welcome! Beloved readers! This is once again our short interview corner at the end of every chapter. Today, I'd be airing with no audience since I realized they were nothing but a hindrance, always so loud and noisy that I can't concentrate. Anyway, our guest for today is none other than…tantantan!...Tora Igarashi!

Tora: *walks in and waves before noticing we don't have an audience* Uhmm, Author-san, where's the audience?

Me: Good question. I didn't allow any audience today. They're on a break.

Tora: Oh.

Me: Anyway, please have a seat so we can start the interview as soon as possible.

Tora: Yes. *sits*

Me: So, Tora. It's said in my Author's note in the first chapter that you'll be appearing in this story. Am I right?

Tora: Indeed. I will make an appearance at chapter…

Me: Hush! We don't want spoilers now, do we? So to continue, would you care and describe your character here?

Tora: Well, here, I don't have an interest in Misaki. I'm a business-oriented type here.

Me: I see. Proceed.

Tora: So as I was saying, I only focus on business alone with my assistant Maki. I am more of the enigmatic and recluse person here that's why I had my mansion built in the mountains. It gives me the feeling of security.

Me: But if it rains, there's a possibility of a landslide occurring. Aren't you afraid of that?

Tora: I'm rich. I had my house built perfectly if ever that happens.

Me: Yeah, you're rich. How silly of me to ask. (-_-)

Tora: Anymore question?

Me: Yes, this is the last one. Do you have a love interest here?

Tora: You're the writer. You should know that but since you asked, I would like to say that I am not interested in someone in this story and I am planning on staying that way unless you ruin that.

Me: *smirks* Well, if you say so. Now, would you like to say something before we end?

Tora: Yes. I would like to let the readers know that their review is important to you, to keep you motivated. Also, please do anticipate my appearance in this story. I'll make a grand debut in this story that all of you would be shocked to know.

Me: Now, you're exaggerating it.

Tora: Am I? *smirks*

Me: Please no spoilers this time. Those idiots from the previous chapter already spilled out enough. (-_-)

Tora: Very well. I shall take my leave now. I still have important matters to deal with in my office and Maki already keeps calling me about that crazy girl back at home saying she said she was lonely. Well, it's goodbye for now readers. *Smirks sexily*

Me: Wait! Crazy girl? You have a girl in your mansion?

Tora: You want me to explain?

Me: Uhh, no? ^^

Tora: Well then, I'm off.