I know on most occasions readers usually skip the Author's note yet I seem to like it even when nobody seems to care. Hahahaha. It makes this chapter seems longer, deceiving everyone bwahahaha :D Kidding aside. But really, I just want to thank all those people who even bothered to read these nonsense stories of mine and as you can see, I changed the summary. Is it catchy? Tell me. One more thing, this chapter isn't dramatic in a sense. It's a little break from all the emotional scenes from Takumi.

Disclaimer: I hate reality. It keeps shoving into my face that Maid-sama will belong only to Hiro Fujiwara herself and I am only but a delusional fan that loves creating weird stories about her owned characters.

Tsuray: Fried Oroes tastes delicious making you wanting for more. They're Oreo biscuits that are chilled inside the fridge for some time, dipped in pancake batter and then fried. You should try making them. They're easy but for your first time, I suggest you ask for help from someone older. You're thirteen, right?

Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Eight

Misaki hurriedly trailed down from their apartment all the while mentally cursing the owner of the said building for not bothering to provide an elevator for the renters' convenience especially now that she's running late. Her footsteps echoed across the empty staircase as she desperately tried to somehow make it in time which already seemed impossible. She cursed herself for having such a good sleep that she even didn't wake up from the alarm and Suzuna and Sakura being too kind, didn't even make an effort to wake her up. Constantly, Misaki reminded herself to show those two some lessons later for leaving her behind while they make their way to school as she still was peacefully dozing in bed. Well, she did wake up twenty minutes before classes start yet she spent five minutes preparing herself and ten minutes feeding and attending those puppies. Yes, she wasted more time for those little creatures than herself. She can't resist those cute puppy eyes they would give her. She can't bear the fact leaving them to starve all day so she wasted time preparing their feeding bowls which she filled to the brim-just about enough food since no one would be home by lunch. She also brushed their tiny furs and tucked them back to sleep. So now, she only has five minutes to get to school…somehow. After a minute or so, she made it all the way down from the fifth floor and was now making a mad dash outside when a luxurious-looking car stopped closely just in front of her…too close. She almost hit her head against the glass windows if not for her fast reflexes.

"What the?!" Misaki yelped jumping a little further away from the vehicle. She glared at it until the windows slowly rolled down revealing the last person she wanted to see…Takumi. With narrowed eyes, she glared thinking what could he possibly want at this early in the morning.

"What are you doing here?"

"I was waiting for you. We'll go to school together," Takumi, with his carefree attitude, replied while twirling a lollipop in his mouth making those unbearable clinking sounds as it collided with his teeth making Misaki cringe in annoyance.

"No thanks," grumpily, she replied, starting to walk away when Takumi spoke the obvious.

"You're already running late yet you're still walking?"

"It doesn't matter. I'll still be late even if I ride with you anyway."

"Still, it'd be much comfortable riding the car instead of tiring yourself early in the morning by walking."

Misaki halted and turned to look at Takumi with a sickening look. "Oh yeah, you're rich so you're not used to walking. Well I'm not as wealthy as you are so I'm already used to walking that I somehow managed not to get tired. I do this every day, mind you."

Takumi, in turn, only raised a brow before he got out of the car without any hint of hesitation and walked casually towards her side, slinging his bad over his shoulder.

"What are you doing?"

"I'll prove to you that I can walk my way to school."

"You're crazy."

"No. You're underestimating me. Just because I often ride cars to my destination doesn't mean I don't favor walking. Now, lead the way."

Misaki narrowed her eyes for the second time towards the blonde and rolled them before proceeding to walk with Takumi trailing behind her. She was somehow glad he didn't take the trouble of starting a conversation with her because she purely doesn't know how to reply. They haven't even settled things between the fight they had although she already forgiven him. He still doesn't know that which makes it awkward because she has no idea on how to tell him that she accepted his apology. It'd be like succumbing to his needs which she hated the most.

Misaki noticed at how some random girls kept throwing glances at their direction before giggling or blushing. Honestly, she never expected Takumi to have that much charm. Even older women can't help but gawk at him. Some also stared at him as if they're stripping him naked in their minds. She doesn't know if it's disgusting or perverted. Well, maybe it's both. Misaki only pitied them. If only they knew how conceited he is maybe they would reconsider liking him.

"Hey, Misaki."

The raven-haired flinched when Takumi spoke, placing an arm on her shoulders which she swat away immediately, not liking the feeling of a boy to girl contact. Really, it disgusted her unless that contact includes slapping, punching, kicking or throwing a boy then that's more acceptable for her.

"What?"

"Did your little sister give you the gift?"

Oh dear God. Here goes, Misaki thought as beads of sweat trickled down her forehead. She so doesn't want to talk about this matter. She was mentally praying the guy would hit a post or something just to avoid this situation.

"Y-yeah."

"Did you like them?"

"They're cute."

"Am I forgiven then?" Almost too quickly, Misaki's eyes widened as she looked away, her face heating up. What was that? She wondered what this feeling that bolted inside her could be. The way he said it sent shivers down her spine yet those words, how they managed to get through her seemed…placid.

"I guess so," Misaki was still looking away, gazing at random things they pass by that she didn't notice the smile that escaped Takumi's lips. He couldn't grasp why he felt happy but all he knows is that he's relieved to hear that she forgave him. He doesn't want to declare it though so he kept it up with his usual façade.

"How did you know I liked dogs?" Misaki asked out of the blue flushing a deep shade of red which she can't explain why. It's inexplicable.

"I didn't. Kuuga just recommended that idea. It was in the letter."

"Oh right."

A short silence engulfed both of them which stretched throughout the rest of the walk. The huge gates of Seika University were already visible from view. They continued walking with either of them not uttering a single word. Misaki was feeling conscious of how he's walking too close beside her-their elbows already touching-while Takumi seemed like he didn't even care. He most probably was admiring the scene. He rarely went out so the things they pass by amazed him. As Misaki glanced at Takumi once, she can't help but think that he looks like some ignorant child, naïve and clueless form the world outside their mansion. Then on she gave him her sympathies. He was already eighteen yet even the sight of parks caught his attention to the extent. It made her ponder on what things could have he been doing throughout the majority of his existence.

They arrived at school fifteen minutes late. It was already unfortunate enough for Misaki yet she can't just leave Takumi alone wandering like some lost child so they spent another ten minutes or so just to get his schedule. After that, Misaki realized it was useless to attend the first subject anymore knowing only half an hour was left meaning she already missed half of the lesson. She decided to cut class instead and toured Takumi.

"So, think you know your way around?"

"This place is huge but I can manage," Takumi replied and took a seat by the nearest bench facing a fish pond and surrounded by various plants. Misaki promptly followed and took a seat, making sure there was a considerable amount of distance between them. Takumi shot a questioning look before inching closer.

Misaki was taken aback by how bold his actions were. He doesn't even mind sitting too close to a girl. Why is he even doing this anyway? He acts like some leech sticking to Misaki. "Well, it won't be my fault if you get lost. I already showed you almost everything," she said as if their closeness was not bothering her even just a bit.

"Who says I'll get lost?" It was Misaki's turn to question him with a look. "I won't get lost. I'll just follow you."

"W-what?! You can't do that!"

"Why? Mom said she arranged us to have the same class schedule. That means I just have to follow you to get to class. It won't be that hard."

"You can't just follow me around. You'd look like a creep doing that."

"Then why don't you tell them that we're friends."

Misaki glanced at Takumi with eyes having a mixture of disbelief and confusion and noticed the sincerity in those other pair of orbs, matching her direct stare. It caused this sudden eruption of warm feeling inside her. "We're friends?"

Takumi immediately regretted saying those after hearing that Misaki never thought of him as a friend but he nodded anyway. Well, he didn't thought of her that way too until now. A weird feeling overcame his system and as if o sudden, he felt down. Does he want them to be friends?

Misaki noticed the change of his companion's bearing that she shook her head, waving her arms. "I-I mean. I-I can't tell them that. Uhmm, who would want to be your friend anyway? You're a conceited jerk." She decided to retrieve her usual attitude towards him and crossed her arms, producing a fake irritated expression. It's not like she doesn't want to befriend him, she just thought that maybe he doesn't want to share some friendship with her so she didn't even bother asking for it.

A chuckle came from his lips at her fail attempt to cover her true emotions. Misaki frowned. "What are you laughing about, idiot?"

He recovered from his fun and patted her head. "Don't worry. Even if you won't tell them we're friend, I still will."

"Ahh! Shut up. I said I don't want to be your friend. I might get infected with your ego." She whisked off his hand and stood up, hands on her hips. "Don't you dare do that."

"Wanna see me try?" He stood up and towered before her with a glorious smirk. Slowly, he stepped forward making her fall backwards in return. Inch by inch he walked until Misaki's back hit a wall, completely trapped by him. His smirk turned into a grin, a teasing one when his ear never failed him as he heard her curse under her breath which he found sexy for such a fierce girl though he may not admit because it's the first time he thought about it for a girl.

"No." She pushed him back by the chest, flinching and blushing a little at contact. Unfortunate for her, Takumi stood rooted on the ground without moving an inch. Her efforts were not making any progress of moving him away. Disappointed, she scowled at him. "Go away, idiot. People might see us."

"I don't give a damn," he notified her of his carefreeness as he leaned his face closer, his breath tickling the area between her ears and neck. Misaki felt the fine hairs of her nape stand at his actions. All the while, a blush also creeps up her cheeks making her even redder.

"Jerk," She tried pushing him again which only made him lean closer. Afraid of his skin becoming too close, she stopped. He, too, halted from leaning and rested his chin on her shoulders. He was sure she felt her shiver that it made him wants to tease her all the more.

"I'm sleepy."

"Jerk! Go sleep somewhere else besides on my shoulders. I am not a freaking bed!" At her limits, she finally had the strength to push him away. Though she wondered if it really was her or did he simply moved away on his own because that smirk still was on his face. Well, that didn't matter that much to her anyway so she left it be no matter how much she wanted to punch him in the guts right now.

He inwardly laughed and patted her head for the second time today or maybe even at the hour as she clenched her fist, trying hard to control her temper. It'd be difficult if she was to punch Patricia's son which is a complete jerk. "I was just joking."

She gave him her infamous glare and smacked his head. "Idiot. That wasn't funny. Anyway, what's with you today?"

He raised a brow at her as if indicating her to explain further. She mimicked his expression but later gave up when he didn't say a word. She made it clear in her mind how much she hated it when he's leading her.

"You look and act happy today which is freaking me out to the extent of driving me insane. It's weird because for the past days that I have met you, you seemed more of the serious, moody, and discreet type of a person."

"Really?"

"Yes. Now, do tell me what spirit possessed you to act like this."

A snort escaped Takumi's lips at the comment. He honestly wasn't expecting her to notice his change of attitude. He tittered when he was reminded of his thought inside his bathroom earlier this day. While relaxing in his tub, he thought maybe he wanted to treat her differently starting today and by differently, he meant annoying her until she explodes. Well, he guesses she's not that stupid to not catch up.

"You are an observant one, Misaki."

"Whatever. Just stop being…being…weird. I prefer the you before-one that despises me," she voiced out her opinion, looking away from his eyes.

"What makes you think I despised you? And for your information, I kind of like being this way to you. Seeing you flustered looks cute." He moved closer again. This time, Misaki made sure she won't be cornered the second time around by titling to her side for an open space.

"Why are you saying that? Didn't you have a girlfriend?" Almost immediately after she said that, Takumi's shoulders stooped and an evident frown replaced the smirk on his face. Without uttering a single word in reply, he turned his back and started walking.

"I'll be going now."

"H-hey, wait up! I wasn't-" she yelled at his retreating figure, wanting to catch up but he only raised an arm as a sign of 'See you later' to her so she decided not to otherwise. It's better if she let him be. She knows he wasn't expecting her deceased girlfriend would be brought up to the topic. It was a wrong move for her.

"On the bright side, Misaki, you won't be dealing with him today."

. . . . .

The bell rang throughout the entire school indicating lunch time. At the sound, Misaki immediately jerked up from resting her head on her desk. The last period before lunch for their class was vacant for the day since their professor was off somewhere for some personal business which the students didn't care to listen as some representative informed them an hour ago because they were already cheering and whistling for having no class. Some went out and had early lunch, some left saying they have an hour to roam around while a few preferred to stay inside the classroom-mostly of them were the diligent types including her. They stayed to have self-study of course. That was supposed to be the plan for Misaki. However as unfortunate as it may seem, she can't focus on every word she read on her notes for her thought always drift off to the annoying blonde which for some odd reasons, also stayed inside the room and took a nap with feet crossed above his desk and head held back against the backrest of his chair. So instead of making good use of the time for studying, she dumped her head on the flat surface of the wooden desk and closed her eyes as she cleared her mind which she failed to do so every minute that passed. Guilt was eating her up. Her conscience was begging her to apologize. But for what? What she said, it wasn't wrong, right? She was constantly sitting straight back up, groaning and rubbing her temples roughly every five minutes as she battled with her mind. In the end, she hasn't come up to anything that might be helpful with her trivial problem.

Standing up with a frown marking her face, Misaki grabbed her bento and stomped towards the door heading out but not before taking one final glance at the cause of her problem. He was still sleeping.

"Misaki!" Sakura yelped as she threw her arms wide and tackled the raven-haired for a welcoming hug.

"Oof! Sakura…You…You're ch-choking me…"

Sakura barely paid attention to the suffering Misaki and squeezed tighter. "Misaki! Misaki! Misaki! Soooorrrryyy! Please don't kill me for leaving you behind."

Struggling, Misaki escaped the embrace and pushed her friend by the shoulders. "Yeah. You don't know how furious I was this morning when I woke up and found you two already left."

She was replied with the cutest eye smile Sakura could muster along with a peace sign. Misaki's face softened. No matter how much she sometimes hated Sakura's reckless and silly actions, still, she always manages to forgive and understand her that Sakura was already taking advantage of it sometimes.

"It's fine. I didn't like my first period today anyway."

Sakura created a mumbling sound as if doubting her friend's words. "Oh well, I heard that Patricia's son started his first day here today. Is that true?"

The other contemplated on replying but nodded anyhow. "Y-yeah."

"Wow! I finally get to see him. You've forgiven him already, right?"

"M-maybe."

"So, that means you're friends with him again! Do you mind showing me to him? I'm curious to know what he looks like since you told me before that he was hot but I'm sure he's not as hot as my prince charming. Also, you said he was blonde. Kuuga-kun is also blonde…"

Sakura kept on babbling about unimportant thing which automatically passed through Misaki's ears as she was already nervously fidgeting on her grounds seeing Takumi approaching them. Is he really approaching them or is he only going to pass by? No matter what, Misaki was still tensed because his eyes were piercing through her as he walked with no plan of glancing away. And how weird it may be, Misaki stared back. Her eyes were rooted to his green ones just like how her feet were stock to the ground. She stood there frozen and stiff like statue as Sakura still was rambling, unmindful that Misaki wasn't paying any attention at all.

Takumi was coming closer…and closer…and closer…and closer…until he was already standing in front of Misaki and beside Sakura.

"Yo!"

Misaki recoiled at the sudden and awkward greeting as Sakura finally stopped talking when she noticed the presence beside her.

"Ah! You must be the new student!"

Takumi took a short glance over to Sakura but quickly went back on staring at Misaki right after, a smirk slowly tugging his lips.

"Yo, Misaki."

The raven-haired snapped out from reverie shaking her head. "Uhh, hey."

"Want to have lunch together?"

Even before Misaki could protest, Sakura beat it to her by squealing in delight.

"Kyaa! He asked you to eat with him! That's so sweet! Ahhh!" Sakura moved closer to Misaki and stirred her to annoyance-a vein already threatening to pop in her head.

"No thanks."

"Eh?" the other two said in unison. Takumi had a disappointed look along with a playful pout while Sakura was having some confusion on her face as to why her friend could refuse such a sweet offer.

"Sakura and I already made plans."

"No we didn't."

Misaki glared at her friend in incredulity at how easily she managed to oppose her words. Although irritated, Misaki forced out a fake smile and smacked Sakura by the shoulders playfully but strong enough to send her backwards.

"What are you talking about? Did you forget you promised to eat with me today because we barely spend time with each other this week?"

"I can't reckon the moment I said that Misaki," Sakura replied with an innocent look-too innocent that Misaki could tell her friend was trying to make her go have lunch with the jerk. She would rather prefer being locked up inside a room with a lion than spend time with Takumi who she finds bipolar. One moment he's teasing her then the next he's mad at her.

Misaki constricted her eyes at Sakura, telepathically telling her to cut it out with whatever she's planning.

"Sorry, Misaki." Those were Sakura's final words before she sped off away leaving Misaki, astounded with mouth wide open and Takumi, relaxed with hands in his pockets and a smirk indicating he was enjoying the moment.

"I guess there's just the two of us now, Misaki."

"Shut up, jerk!"

I'm having a writer's block on what I should write for the next chapter. Please help. You could tell me suggestions by reviewing or leaving me a message. I'd consider some idea. :D

Interview Corner:

Usui: Welcome. *twirls lollipop in mouth*

Misaki: Stupid Usui! Stop eating! We're doing an interview here.

Usui: Eh? We haven't even started yet. Our guest is still in the backstage.

Misaki: I know that but we're already airing live for Pete's sake!

Usui: Fine. Don't get too mad, Pres. Your angry look turns me on.

Misaki: Shut up pervert and introduce the guest for tonight.

Usui: How am I supposed to introduce when you told me to shut up?

Misaki: Arrrghh! You are hopeless. I wonder why they even bother picking you as a host. Anyway, let's welcome today's guest, none other than Author-chan.

Me: *walks in as audience claps* Wow it feels great to know that I'm the one guesting tonight rather than doing the interview.

Misaki: Yeah, it's like reversed roles this time. We're the ones who get to ask questions.

Usui: Ne, Author-san, you know everything involving the story, right?

Me: If you put it that way then yes. Why?

Usui: I have a question.

Me: What is it?

Usui: What's the color of Misaki's underwear during this chapter?

Misaki: *smacks poor Usui* What the hell?! Be serious, you idiot! We're supposed to ask decent questions and not perverted ones!

Me: *sweat drop*

Usui: On second thought, I don't need Author-san to answer that. I already knew you wore blue underwear that time with flowers and laces.

Misaki: *blush* The hell! You bloody pervert!

Usui: *smirks*

Misaki: Whatever. Let's proceed with the proper interview. So, Author-chan, how's the story progressing lately?

Me: It's fine though I did mention I have a writer's block as of the moment.

Usui: That's too bad.

Me: I know.

Misaki: Well, we wish you the best. Second question, how long will this story last?

Me: Hmm, maybe fifteen chapters or more. I'm not planning on making it long though.

Misaki: Okay. So when will Tora make his appearance?

Usui: Eh? Why are you asking that, Misa-chan? You're making me jealous.

Misaki: I'm asking because it's written here in our cue cards if you even have read them.

Me: Tora will most likely appear in chapter ten and above.

Misaki: We'll wait for that.

Usui: You'll wait for Tora?

Misaki: It's in the script, Usui. One more thing before we end Author-chan, would this story have a happy ending?

Usui: Eager to know now, Misa-chan? *smirks*

Misaki: *smacks Usui's head* I'm following the script!

Me: *cough cough*

Misaki: Oh sorry. You may answer now.

Me: As for your question, I'm still not certain on whether I would give this story a happy ending. I'm contemplating.

Usui: You better end this story with Misa and I being together.

Me: We're not sure about that. *smirks evilly*

Usui: I'll pay. How much for a kissing scene at the end?

Me: Now, we're talking. *grins*

Misaki: Author-chan! What do you think are you saying?! You can't just accept money from that idiot!

Me: This is business, Misaki…pure business. Bwahahaha!

Usui: I guess I'll be expecting a kiss from you then, Misa-chan. I hope it's a French kiss.

Misaki: Shut up, you pervert!