If anyone noticed, I made a terrible mistake the previous chapter. I wrote Misaki is taking up Law when in fact, her course is Accountancy. That is why I made some changes. Also, who noticed that in chapter one, I used 'Usui' instead of 'Takumi'? hahahaha. I'm so careless. This is what I get for not proofreading. Anyway, as a reminder, your happy days are over XD Takumi will return to his emotional state in this chapter but rest assured, TakuMisa moments will still be here. Read on, little ones ;)
This chapter by the way is dedicated to the Guest who reviewed long ago that he/she doesn't like it when people are compared to. Your suggestion gave me an idea. Thanks a lot.
Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Ten
Days have never been this tedious to Misaki until now that a certain Takumi Walker has been regularly bothering her. Though she was grateful that when he said they have the same schedules, he only meant it for that certain day as well as for Friday. It was quite a relief for her knowing she'd only endure his bugging for two days in a week. But of course, who was she to think that? He was an alien for the love of God that it made her wonder no more how he always manage to pop out of nowhere and scare the living spirit out of her whenever she's on her free period or during lunch. And so, she concluded that no matter if their schedules are different for some days, he would still find any means to get to her and talk about random things which are oftentimes perverted. She doubted he had a perverted side at first seeing how reserved he was back then. But she got to admit, she kind of liked the cheerful side of him. It's soothing than the cold façade he once had towards her.
"Misa-chan! Order's up for table five!"
Misaki was reverted back to the real word when Satsuki-san, Maid Latte's manager shouted from the kitchen. Currently, she's working part time today immediately after classes dismissed. She needed the high pay for the rent and their daily necessities. Frankly, this work may contradict to her almost manly attitude because of all the frills and cute stuff in it but somehow, she's got to admit to herself that she's gotten attached to this atmosphere with the company of such nice and caring co-workers with her. Furthermore, if not for this place, she wouldn't have met Patricia in the first place. Think of it as also being indebted to this café. So, her once plan to quit were shoved down the drain and she decided to work here 'til the last day she's needed to.
Misaki walked casually out the kitchen with a tray on hand. Once she reached the table, she gracefully placed the order and bowed respectfully.
"Enjoy your meal, Milady," she greeted before the chiming could be heard from the entrance indicating the arrival of a new master. Misaki strode through the floors to welcome their new customer, her boots making a clanking sound every step she takes. Without taking second glances, she made a deep bow. "Welcome back, Master."
"Wow."
Still head hung low, Misaki's eyes popped open. She knew this voice. She knew who it belonged. She knew this by heart already. As if in slow motion, she straightened her posture only to be greeted by those dazzling green eyes she grew accustomed to. They had a hint of amusement in them seeing her dressed and acting like this. She flushed deep red.
"Takumi?!"
Though her back was facing them, she knew the people inside snapped their attentions towards her after her little scream of horror.
"Yo."
"Misa-chan, is something wrong?" Satsuki approached Misaki and placed a hand over her shoulder before glancing towards Takumi's direction. "Oh, is this your boyfriend Misa-chan? Were you not expecting him to come that's why you were shock?"
"W-what? N-no! To hell with that! He's just a schoolmate. That's all."
The ever-young manager pouted her lips. "Hmm, that's a shame. I was kind of looking forward to hearing that he's your boyfriend," she whispered into Misaki's ears earning a blush from the raven-haired. With clasped hands, Satsuki beamed, "Well, back to work. Please accommodate our Master, Misa-chan."
"Y-yes." After Satsuki left her but not without a teasing wink, Misaki turned her head back to Takumi who was still standing by the door, examining the whole area. She cleared her throat to gain his attention. "Master, this way please."
Takumi stopped his observation and followed Misaki who was now walking ahead of him towards a vacant table. "So Misa-chan eh? I didn't know you allow them to call you that here."
Silence. She wasn't speaking a word to him. She decided she'd just keep her mouth shut until he leaves or pretend she doesn't know him at all. She thought maybe she'd ask the others to tend to his needs once she finally gets his order. She'd scram and ignore. Yes, that was her plan. She was praying it won't fall through anyway. Her chances are thin seeing how pushy the alien could get but it's better to grasp on to that one out of ten chances she has anyway.
"Ne, Misa-chan…"
Still not speaking to him, she pulled out a chair for him. "May I take your order now, Master?"
"I want to order a Misa-chan please."
A vein popped from the side of Misaki's head but she hid it away and faked a laugh before answering in a gentle way, "Please be more serious, Master."
"Forcing to be cute doesn't suit you, Misa-chan. You should try being yourself. You're way cuter that way."
Misaki was almost at the peak of her patience. One more annoying word from Takumi and she might just resort to violence. The guy sure knows how to get to her nerves. She clenched her fists and bit her lower lip before taking slow deep breaths.
"What would your order be, Master?"
"I already told you. I want Misa-chan."
And she lost it. She grabbed Takumi by the collar in a swift second and bellowed, "What the fuck is wrong with you, you freaking idiotic bastard?!"
On the second time this day, all heads turned to their direction. Some were shocked while others were somehow terrified of the sudden outburst of the cute maid they were fond of. As the people gave mixed reactions, Takumi simply stared at Misaki with his notorious smirk. "Now that's more like the Misa-chan I know."
Embarrassed, Misaki loosened her grip and let him go just as the Satsuki and the others came running towards them. She rapidly bowed her head down not meeting the gazes of others.
"Misa-chan, are you alright?" the concerned voice of Satsuki rang through her ears.
"Yeah," Misaki mumbled. "I just got carried away with the bad mood I have this day. I'm sorry." She glanced up and looked at the other staffs. "Please attend to Master for me. I'll be taking my break."
The others understood right away and went back to work. Erika was the one who volunteered to accommodate Takumi while Misaki head back to the kitchen. When she got there, she took a seat and slumps her face unto the table unmindful of the pain she got from banging her forehead against the hard surface.
"Damn, that was such a reckless thing for me to do." Misaki then straightened her sitting position and let out a sigh. "Well I won't be having more of him the least."
Misaki's spirits once again were fueled with her determination at the thought. She wasn't that person to get so fussed over such a trivial matter. And so with head back up, she pushed herself out of the chair and went back to get her tray to begin working again. Confident, she went out of the kitchen and proceeds on taking orders form random customers with a smile. Unlucky for her, even when out to the farthest corner of the room, she could still feel Takumi's stare bearing into her skin sending an awkward sensation into her. She never felt this conscious at her job before. But her being Misaki, won't simply own up that fact. Instead, she promised that she'd show to that Takumi that she was the least affected by his presence. Though she wondered how it was his hobby now to stare at her all the time, from the classes they shared together, then during every lunch, and now at work.
An outbreath of liberation escaped Misaki's lips when Takumi finally went out the door to head back home. She almost jumped for joy at the sight of him leaving but controlled herself. Instead, she made a crappy dance inside her head. Without him, she was again back to concentrating on work up 'til closing time. Five minutes after the last customer went out the door, Misaki was ordered to take out the trash which she willingly obeyed before she got back inside to change out of her maid outfit. As soon as she managed to slip out of the lacy material, she grabbed her bag and made her way out the back door but not before bidding the others goodbye. Upon opening the door, she was immediately greeted by the tall figure she knew too well. Her face wrinkled in annoyance.
"What are you still doing here? I thought you went home already."
Takumi had rose his head, connecting his gaze with Misaki's before producing a grin. "I wanted to wait for you."
"In this freaking cold? God, are you trying to kill yourself again? If so, just ask. I'd be willing to help."
"My my, weren't you the one who didn't want me to die in the first place."
"Minds change like the weather, Takumi." Misaki tightened her grip on the bag swung on her shoulder before walking past ahead of him.
Takumi pondered for his reply for a moment as he traced her steps before he concluded that he need not to say something back to that. Instead, he walked behind her in silence until Misaki was the one who spoke.
"Why are you following me?"
"I wanted to make sure you get home safe."
Misaki rolled her eyes as a sign of defeat. She knows how he'd still do so anyway even if she protested. She might as well save the argument for another time. She had enough frenzies for today. "Whatever. Do what you want."
Misaki was facing the other way around not to witness how an actual and ecstatic smile graced Takumi's lips without even him noticing it.
. . . . .
"How was my son behaving so far, Misaki?" discussed Patricia as she poured tea in their cups for a lovely Saturday afternoon break. The older invited the other to come and spend time with her for the whole afternoon and talk about assorted stuffs. Incongruous to Misaki, the topic of Patricia's son would never be avoided. With a false smile, she mustered to answer in the most cordial way.
"He's okay. He's really good in class and he's become quite popular especially with the girls." No matter how hard, Misaki left out the part of how annoying Takumi was to her knowing it might not be pleasant to Patricia. She sighed to herself. If only she'd know. If only.
"That's good to hear. You know, that's exactly what I wanted-for my Takumi to find the right girl for him."
"Wait, doesn't he have a girlfriend or something?"
"He does but you know she's not here anymore. I figured that it might be best if another woman could love Takumi again. I just know Chiyo isn't the right person for my son."
Misaki let out an oddly look to the person in front of her. Maybe because of how she casually talks about replacing girlfriends like it was as easy as changing clothes. "So Chiyo is her name. Anyway, isn't that somehow cheating? I mean they haven't had the chance to break up."
"Nah. You're being too fed up with relationship rules. Takumi deserves love after such a tragic event-love that even us, his family, could not give. Don't you think so too?"
Misaki released a laugh, hearing how cheesy Patricia sounded. It was foreign to her ears for the woman such as Patricia to talk about love because like her, she was more masculine though she has some of her feminine sides too which are only evident by the dresses she wears.
"What's so funny?" the all too clueless blonde ask as her face grew in curiosity on why Misaki bursts out laughing all of a sudden. She pondered on what she said wrong, her face puzzled.
Wiping some tears off the side of her eyes, Misaki calmed down her breathing. "It's just that I never imagined you talking so seriously about love and things alike before."
"I am but a woman too. Of course, stuffs like that cross my mind once in a while too. If it hadn't, I wouldn't have been happily married with two children of my own now, would I?"
"I guess so. You did fell in love even after an arranged marriage." Misaki focused her gaze on the table hesitating on what she's going to say next. "Uhmm, I…I'm a girl too. How come love never traversed in my mind before?"
"Not yet."
Misaki threw an inquisitive look over to Patricia who had that profound smile directed towards her.
"You just haven't met that one person who'd make your heart beat in the most abnormal way possible. But he'll come eventually. He'll come and sweep you off your feet, Misaki."
She chuckled. "You're at it again, talking about lovey-dovey stuffs."
"You'll be like me when time comes. I can't wait to witness that moment. I'd be sure to record every second for documentary reasons. That would make a great memory."
"Patricia-san!"
The two both laughed at their conversation. "I was just kidding. In any case, would you care visiting Takumi for me? He's probably up in his room at this time of the day. I'm sure he needs some company right now."
Reluctantly, Misaki gave a nod. She just can't say no, can she? When it comes to Patricia's request, all she can do is to give in not only because she's indebted to her but also because she can't afford to let this woman who's important to her down.
"I'll be off then."
It took Misaki lots of agonizing steps on her way to hell which by chance is also Takumi's room. The last thing she wanted is to see him in weekends which by far are the only days she got as days-off away from him most especially they'd be in his room. The memory of him calling her a bitch there was still fresh though it's already forgiven. Still, it gets to her in some weird way she couldn't explain. Even when she knows he has somehow changed now, she can't help but think as to whether that thing would happen again. She might not wholeheartedly accept it but she has this feeling as though she doesn't want to fight him anymore, like she wants to befriend in some way possible. Misaki shuddered thinking what food did she ate to mull over that way. What did she say? She befriending Takumi? Now, that's not something she's quite fond of.
She was relapsed back to the current world when she realized she was no more than a foot apart from the door to Takumi's door. Gulping, she drew all the guts in her and hit repeatedly on the wooden entry. Nothing came. She wondered on whether he was asleep or not. So for the second time, she knocked. Still, there was no reply.
"Maybe he's asleep or he's not here." Misaki was about to turn around and head back when a soft sob reached her ears. She stiffened for it sounded like it came from the other side of the door. Takumi…
"He's crying…?" Misaki voiced out her thoughts in a more of a question rather than a statement. She still wasn't sure if she heard right. Risking her chances, she carefully opened the door which was surprisingly unlocked before peeking through the narrow entrance created. From the corner of her eyes, she caught his silhouette. He was by the window and his back was facing her so she couldn't fully comprehend what he's thinking. Not when she can't see his face. Misaki's curiosity deepened when another sob came and now she was certain it was from Takumi. The only thing she's clueless was as to why he was crying. She never saw him this way before. Misaki forced the door open and she stood by the doorway looking intently at Takumi. It seems like he hasn't noticed her presence so Misaki continued and examined him as another sob yet again escaped his lips. It was faint but it rang clearly into her ears as if the only sound she could hear was his crying. Her gaze was directly fixed to him and somehow her heart softened a little towards the person whom she thought was nothing but a jerk. A frown made its way in her lips. She never expected to see him in this situation. Although she knows he needed privacy, her feet appeared to be glued to the ground with no means of return anymore.
"Takumi…" Misaki unconsciously whispered as she immediately covered her mouth in surprise. Lucky enough, Takumi didn't hear even how much of an alien he is because right now, for her, he looks more human for showing such emotions. He looked so fragile as if one touch and he'd break down. Misaki couldn't help but feel sympathy just by looking at him. Now that she got a better view, she realized he was holding something across his chest. It was a picture. That she knows of but she can't distinguish what's in it judging from how far she is from him. The two of them stood there for minutes with Takumi still unmindful of the other presence present in the room. It wasn't later until Misaki gave up. She grasped that the guy needed solitude. So with the quietest she could get, she slipped out of the room on her tiptoes and shut the door behind her. Once outside, Misaki had that sudden increase in her heartbeat causing her to clutch the area near her beating heart.
What is this feeling?
. . . . .
Takumi pressed the picture deeper into his chest as he continued to sob. It was today-Chiyo's birthday yet none even bothered to celebrate. It pissed him off. The fact that they forgot was unforgivable to him. Just because she was here no more doesn't mean they could just neglect her birthday. Kuuga, who was the only one that remembered, was away on some other country for a weekend vacation with his family leaving him to celebrate by himself. If not for that accident, they-Chiyo and him-would have been now having a good time with each other. They would have been laughing by now, enjoying the day. Another sob was made by him as another tear also fell. The loneliness, the longing, it was too much for him to handle.
Takumi was broken from his thought when the light sound of his door shutting distracted him. Swiftly, he turned around only to be greeted by no one but the sound of the wind gushing across his room. Wondering what it could have been, he placed the picture down and paced towards the door before opening it. Once it was ajar, a small yelp of surprise came from outside so Takumi quickly went out and saw her. Misaki. She was sitting on the floor with knees bent and hugged tightly with her arms and now, she was staring up at him, shocked.
"Misaki…"
"I-I…I didn't mean to. I was just…I…Kyaa!" Misaki gasped in shock when a pair of strong arms enveloped her all of a sudden.
"Misaki…" Takumi whispered as he buried his face deeper into Misaki's neck, feeling the warmth she's giving off. And for once ever since that tragic event, he felt at ease. He felt comfort that no one ever gave him. Asking for more, he tightened his embrace causing her to flinch somehow in discomfort but he didn't mind. He needed this. He needed this kind of feeling because somehow, he imagined Chiyo instead of her. He imagined her in his arms during her birthday.
"T-takumi…" Misaki choked as Takumi's hug constricted her all the more leaving no gap between them. If only her mind wasn't too occupied, she would have pushed him away or yell at him for being such a pervert but come what may, she just couldn't because as of the moment, she was too busy understanding what's happening. She can't believe that one moment she's trying to calm her beating then the next she's being trapped in Takumi's arm for an embrace causing her heart to beat even more furiously than before. "Takumi…" she called out again.
"Shhh…"
"I-I can't breathe."
When he heard her, he loosened the hug but still didn't move away. "Sorry."
"Y-yeah. Uhmm, can you let go now?"
Unwillingly, he did so. He thought that was maybe enough but once he left her arms, the coldness of the air because of the approaching winter enveloped his whole body. It was still seconds but he already missed her warmth though he knew better than to hug her again. She might get freaked out.
Neither one uttered a single word. Misaki was shy about what just happened while Takumi was trying his best not to act carelessly again.
With the deafening silence, Misaki took the chance to study Takumi. His eyes were red and puffy probably due to the crying a while ago and he had that look on his face that she couldn't quite decipher. There was pain and bliss all at the same time that it was too complicated to sort out whatever was on his mind.
"Misaki?"
"Hmm?"
"Thank you." Takumi gave a heartwarming smile, one that was infectious enough that it also forced Misaki's lips to curve up a bit.
"Though I don't know what you're talking about, you're welcome."
. . . . .
"So today's her birthday?"
"Yeah."
"That's why you were crying?"
Takumi snickered. "I wasn't crying."
"Oh?"
"I was sweating through my eyes just so you know."
Misaki rolled her eyes at his childishness. "Right. And I'm supposed to believe that."
"What brought you here anyway?" Takumi suddenly changed the topic as he sat down beside Misaki on the bed, also staring ahead at no particular thing in sight.
"Patricia-san told me to see you."
"Oh."
Stillness followed when neither one had anything more to say. They just sat there motionless, feeling each other by their side. It gets more awkward by the moment that it's ticking Misaki off like how it was during the scene at the rooftop. So she swallowed her pride and spoke first. "So why did you suddenly hug me a while ago?"
Takumi instantly turned to Misaki with a stunned look, taken aback by how she took the effort to bring up such a thing into a conversation. That was all that it takes for Misaki to realize what she just said. Well, that came out wrong for her. Heat crept up to her face due to the embarrassment of the situation as well as the embarrassment of the topic she chose.
"I mean…It's…Never mind I said that!" Misaki nervously reasoned out as she faced sideways, avoiding his gaze. It was too humiliating for her to handle. She reminded herself to slap her own face for her stupidity. A short chuckle started which later on exploded into laughter as Takumi couldn't hold it in any longer. He was too amused.
Misaki was irritated at how casually he laughed over her embarrassment. She grumpily faced him and started hitting. "Hey! That wasn't funny, idiot!"
"Of course it was," Takumi produced a whimsical look over to her before letting out a genuine smile. "Thanks. I haven't laughed that truly for quite some time now."
Misaki huffed. "I don't know if I should be flattered by that."
"You should be. You made me laugh like how Chiyo used to do." Misaki flinched. She doesn't know why but somehow deep inside, she felt a sharp pang upon hearing those words from him like she didn't like it. And heedless to her, she was already pissed.
"I'm not Chiyo," she said with gritted teeth which she tried her hardest to cover up.
"I know. But you do act like her in some ways and you have that same sparkle in your eyes."
Misaki stared up blankly at Takumi, her emotions clearly not showing. "I repeat. I am not Chiyo."
"Yeah, yeah." Takumi shrugged off the annoying feeling of Misaki's vacant stare at him and waved his arms in dismiss. This caused another sharp wrench in her that she grew angrier by the moment. She was never the one who handles feelings like this properly especially when it's foreign to her. That's why violence and outrage overcomes her all the time.
"Stop comparing me to her."
"Eh?" He looked at Misaki with a puzzled look. She was still staring but now with an annoyed face. She was bothered.
"Stop comparing me to someone, Takumi. Chiyo and I are different."
"I was just saying you have some similarities."
"Yeah and I was just saying that what you were telling me about our likeness is making me think that it's the only reason why you like spending time with me."
Takumi stiffened. Was she right? Wait, she's right, isn't she? The reason why he wanted to be with her was because she reminded her too much of Chiyo. It was because he wanted to feel like Chiyo was still with him. It was a hundred percent selfishness. Why didn't he think of it? Sooner or later, Misaki would catch on. She wasn't stupid. And he, he doesn't know how to reason out because she just hit the bull's eye. Everything she said was true.
"Misaki…It's not…"
"Shut it. I know sooner or later something will come out of this little thing you call friendship you claimed you had with me. I knew something smelled fishy from the start. But there I thought you really were seeing me as who I am. Unfortunately for me, you just put up with me because I remind you of Chiyo. Right, how silly of me to think you were actually a friend. You know, all my life I've searched for those people who'd open up to me like how Sakura did and not just pretend that they liked me for certain reasons. And honestly, I was starting to think you were one of those people I've been looking for. You just proved me wrong though. You're nothing special, Takumi. You're just one of them. Those people who do nothing but deceive me." Misaki stood up abruptly as Takumi took in her every word, his throat dry that no words would come out. She walked away but stopped by the door. "Oh, and tell Chiyo I said 'Happy Birthday'." With that, she disappeared leaving Takumi dumbfounded. He was at lost for words. He knew he was at fault but he just couldn't make out the right words to say to explain to her.
This was the second time she walked out on him and he knew what he needed to do. Because no matter how he only saw Chiyo in her, he can still admit the fact that they did have friendship with them as her being Misaki and not merely a reminder of his past lover yet he just doesn't know how to explain that when she jumped to conclusions without even hearing his side of the story. He doesn't want to lose her now because even if he's too shy to admit it, he loved being with her. He loved her company and how she lightens up his every gloomy day.
A deep breath slipped out Takumi's lips before he stood up and did the one thing he never thought he was capable of doing-he went after her.
Okay, this chapter was weird. For me, that is. It wasn't as dramatic as how I wanted it to be. Possibly because of the fact that this was rushed knowing today's the last day of my two-month summer vacation and I would have to deal with classes once again. Meaning, I'd be updating on weekends only. How sad T_T Andoh! I don't know when Chiyo's real birthday so I just made it up for story purposes.
Random Corner:
Misaki: Neh, Usui, why isn't there an interview corner today?
Usui: *twirls lollipop* Because I asked Author-san to give us some private moment together.
Misaki: What's so private when we're still being filmed?
Usui: I don't know. You tell me.
Misaki: Whatever. Does this mean we get to interview each other?
Usui: Maybe.
Misaki: Yosh! I'll start. Why are you so dramatic in the story?
Usui: Beats me. Blame the author. Maybe she's having an emotional breakdown herself. [A/N: I heard that! (_)]
Misaki: What kind of answer is that?!
Usui: Ooops. My turn now, Prez. You have to answer truthfully.
Misaki: Whatever
Usui: So, what color is you underwear?
Misaki: You pervert! In hell would I answer that!
Usui: *grins* I'm guessing blue.
Misaki: *blush*
Usui: Eh? I guess I hit the jackpot!
WHACK!
Misaki: Shut up! It's my turn now. Why are you perverted?
Usui: Oooh~ I like that, Prez. As for the answer, I am only perverted to you and the reason is because your cute reactions always turn me on.
Misaki: God, you really can't be helped.
Usui: My turn.
Misaki: This better not be something perverted.
Usui: It's not. I just wanted to ask why you always blush whenever I'm near. Is it because you like me, Prez?
Misaki: *murmur*
Usui: What's that, Prez?
Misaki: I said shut up!
WHACK!
Usui: Eh, there it is again. The blush!
WHACK!