100 reviews! I got a hundred and one reviews already! Oh my! I am so happy right now. So because of that, here's another chapter. I can smell weekend without much school work so yeah, I guess I'll be updating with two chapters or maybe even three if possible. Wish me luck. Anyway, thanks for everyone who supported me all the way. Love ya all. By the way, this one's dedicated to shannon jacob for being my hundredth reviewer. Also, this chapter wasn't proofread yet. Pardon me for some mistakes.

Disclaimer: I forgot to put one on the previous and rushed chapter so yeah, I'm torturing myself with this one by personally admitting to myself and to you guys that Maid-sama will always belong to Hiro Fujiwara and no one else. T_T

Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Twelve

"Where's your leave, Misaki?" Sakura asked as she emerged from the door of her bedroom, still clad in her usual pink and flowery pajamas. It was no doubt still around six in the morning. The sun had just risen and morning dews were still evident. The autumn morning cold was still lingering in everyone's skin. It won't be a wonder if people are still curled up in their beds, snoring their souls out. However, that wasn't just it. Misaki doesn't give a damn about all that. Instead of wearing her loose shirt and sweatpants, she was now dressed in her casual jogging attire with two leashes dangling from her hands. One was pink and the other was blue.

Misaki turned her attention to her friend from the door for she was about to leave already before Sakura came out.

"Oh,Sakura. Good morning. I'll be going to the park with Prince and Lady and maybe take a run with them. We'll be back before eight."

"Mmm…" Sakura nodded lazily as she tried drowning her drowsiness while rubbing her eyes with the back of her hand. She clumsily walked over to the couch as Misaki studied her with a hint of amusement. Upon reaching the piece of furniture, the brunette slumped herself face first on the soft comforts of the couch and began dozing off to dreamland once again.

Misaki shook her head in disapproval over her friend's weird behaviors during daybreak. Misaki walked over to Sakura with worry before she grabbed a piece of cloth nearby and draped it over her sleeping friend's figure. After making sure she won't be feeling cold anymore, Misaki went out the door and made her way downstairs with two pups in her care with their leashes on her hand.

It was a five-minute walk distancing their humble apartment from the nearest park. When Misaki and her so-called children reached the fields, seeing the open area made Misaki want to go for a run. So with the puppies tagging along, she proceeded on it with moderate speed for the cuties to catch up. It wasn't long before she grew tired and decided to take rest on a vacant bench. Misaki, as well as the puppies were catching their breaths that time. It was supposed to be a simple jog but it turns out the puppies inherited their robust attitude from their master. So rather than the average jogging, they ended up running.

"Now that was what I call a proper morning exercise," Misaki talked to her pups as she knelt over and placed them beside her on the empty park seat. "I didn't know you guys had that much energy in store with you," she added as she ruffled both the fine furs on their heads. The pups in turn, barked enthusiastically in response.

Misaki smiled at the existence of such cute creatures beside her before she focused her attention on the surroundings. Few people were still around. Some older grannies were feeding pigeons and some were like her, taking their pets out for fun. A feeling serenity enveloped her as she admired the random people wasting their time in the park. It continued for quite a while until her phone vibrated from the insides of her pocket. It was a message. Fishing out the device, she thought of the possible people who would be texting this early in the morning. She came up with four. Sakura questioning her where she is for Misaki was sure she hadn't remembered anything a while ago, Suzuna telling her to come home for breakfast, Satsuki informing her of a sudden switch of part-time schedule and Patricia asking her for a visit. They were probably the only four people she entrusted with her number. Unusual for a teenager but well, that's Misaki for you.

Unlocking the phone, she was caught off guard. The messenger was the least person she expected to text her-Takumi.

It was weird but after seeing it was him, she felt happy like she liked the feeling of him texting her. Although she was a bit dissatisfied when he got her number without her permission first for it was somehow illegal in her world. Her number was like her top secret not wanting to be revealed. Well, it's Takumi. What he wants is what he gets.

"Good morning," It read. Misaki's smile widened. It was a simple good morning. Although it was just that, it softened her. Not once did a person bother to text her just to greet her a good morning. Sakura and Suzuna were exceptions for they greeted her personally. She did keep her number private but e-mail was still there, right? They could still e-mail her yet they didn't. They never thought of her that way. They never saw her as a real friend as to come to the extent of greeting her a good morning on weekends. But Takumi, he was dissimilar. Misaki pushed the thought that maybe he acted like this because he, too, never had the feeling of having a real friend besides his childhood ones. But still, it was of great importance to Misaki for him to actually take the time and type in a message to her. For Misaki, it was a start. Maybe Takumi did deserve to be her friend after all. She thought perchance it wasn't bad to get to know him better anyway. Why not give it a try?

Misaki faced the playing puppies at her side. "Do you think Takumi's worth befriending?"

A cheerful woof was all she got. "I'm guessing that's a yes. So, how about another round?"

. . . . .

"You seem in good spirits today, Takumi. What gives?"

Takumi snapped out from his train of thoughts at the statement of Gerard who's eating across him from the table. Their mom was still fast asleep so they did not bother to wake her sleeping figure and decided to have breakfast by themselves instead.

"I am?"

The elder nodded as he spread jam throughout his bread with a satisfied grin on his face. He was contented. His brother wasn't grief-stricken anymore. Gerard could tell. Takumi no longer had that weeping expression on his face. It was replaced-replaced by something even he as a brother could not put his finger into. It was new, fresh. It was something utterly different from the Takumi he once knew.

"You must be imagining things then," Takumi replied with an evident small smile playing on his lips no matter how much he tried to hide it. That was another thing rare for Gerard to see-Takumi being this open to emotions so easily. He was never like that before. Probably before, it would take a huge amount of effort to get Takumi to smile that even Chiyo would find trouble getting him to show some feelings into his face. Something this odd made Gerard wonder if it was the effect of school. He was not one to know for not once did he actually experience school with random people before. That is why he was grateful. He was grateful that Takumi got to live through the life he never had. It was enough for him. Seeing his brother change because of that was enough for him. He could not ask for more. They may not be that close due to his frequent absence because of work that they rarely have time to bond but deep inside, all he wants is what's best for Takumi. He cared for him that much though Takumi may not see it directly.

"Maybe I was." A tolerable blanket of silence followed as the two continued and focused more on their food before Takumi spoke.

"I'll be out today if that's okay with you."

Gerard chuckled making the blonde arch an eyebrow in response. Clearing his throat, the black-haired said, "I am not father for you to ask that kind of permission from me, Takumi. Feel free to do whatever you like as long as it makes you happy. We'll go with it."

A smile was all Takumi gave to show how grateful he was for that answer.

. . . . .

After hours of playing and running with Prince and Lady, Misaki decided that they should probably head back home. It was already around ten when they finished. It was two hours past that what she planned.

They hurried down the now busy road that's filled with families going for some bonding time or people just strolling around to kill time. Instead of a mere five-minute walk, it took them a good ten minutes to reach back their apartment because of the crowded streets of Tokyo.

"I'm home," Misaki announced as she kicked off her shoes from the doorsteps before going inside with the puppies in her hands, sleeping after the tiring hours they spent doing anything.

"Welcome back, Onee-chan. You didn't have breakfast, did you?" Suzuna greeted as she came into view from the kitchen.

"I had a piece of bread and a glass of milk before I head out. That was enough to serve my appetite."

"Okay. If you ever get hungry before lunch, there's food by the microwave."

Misaki nodded and proceeded to her room with the pups. She placed their sleeping forms in the makeshift bed made of white soft cushions before deciding to take a bath. After grabbing her clothes, she went inside her own bathroom and took a warm and relaxing bath to soothe her nerves after hours of exercise. She was no doubt very tired that she could rest all day in her bed and do nothing else but read books. She didn't even know she could get this exhausted to the point that she'd even get jaded with doing school works.

It took a full half hour for Misaki to feel contented and finally arise from the tub. After drying herself with a towel, she dressed herself with her ordinary house clothes composing of a loose yellow Minions t-shirt and a short blue shorts with bunny designs all over. Ready for a day's worth of rest, she went out the bathroom and made her way directly to the bed. With a soft thud, she crashed her back on the soft mattress, feeling the gentleness it offered to her sored body.

A moan of delight escaped Misaki as she closed her eyes. She was too lethargic to feel anything else besides the soft bed that she also didn't happen to notice that she was fast drifting into sleep.

. . . . .

He asked to go out but he didn't have a specific place to go. Takumi mentally scolded his self for being too foolish. He had no destination in mind. He just walked out of that Walker doors and went to Tokyo, indecisive of where to go next. He figured he might want to see someone. He brainstormed. Well, it wasn't really that hard to decide on who to see knowing he only had Misaki as his everyday companion at school. Sure, they were lots of girls offering him some time for weekends but in hell would he accept those. Maybe only when crows turn white would he accept such offers from random girls.

Unmindful of anything else, his feet brought him to the one place he hoped to see Misaki-Maid Latte.

The chiming sound was created when he opened the door to the café. He was immediately greeted by a red-haired girl which he familiarized as Misaki's co-worker. He accepted the assistance and proceeded to the table given to him before scanning the whole area. The maid attending to him giggled. At first he thought she just wanted his attention like all other girls do but not after he heard her statement that followed.

"You're looking for Misa-chan, are you not?"

Takumi looked up with a blank expression though he was wondering how she knew what he was thinking.

"Today's her day-off. She's probably at home reading."

A nod was all he gave before the red-haired spoke again.

"Not to be nosy but are you her boyfriend?"

"No."

"Hmmm, that's a pity. I was kind of hoping that you two were together. Anyway, what would you like to order?"

Without due knowledge, Takumi only ordered a cup of coffee in order to waste no more time. He spent about ten minutes at Maid Latter before his foot led him to Misaki's apartment. On his way up, he came across the girl in pigtails which he presumed was Misaki's best friend.

"Ah! Takumi!" the keen greeting of the brunette over to him as she went down the stairs with some books on her hands.

Takumi curved up one eyebrow in respond.

"Oh, silly me. I'm Sakura by the way, Misaki's best friend. If you're looking for her, she's in her room probably reading. Our place is on the fourth floor, second door to the right. Misaki's room is the first one to the left," Sakura blabbered as she treaded down the steps away from Takumi who was taking in the details.

Before he could even reply, Sakura was now nowhere to be found. Shrugging it away, he followed her instructions. It was a long way up to the fourth floor especially when an elevator was nowhere in sight. Upon reaching the floor, he strode to the designated door which leads to what Misaki considered home. Curiosity grew in him. He wanted to know what Misaki's life at home looked like-whether she was messy or a neat freak. As common manners, he knocked on the wooden door. No one answered after a few seconds so he tried again. Still, no one answered. So he wondered if Misaki heard. Contemplating at first, he decided to push open the surprisingly unlocked door.

"So much for security."

On his first step inside, he did nothing but stare and study the confines of Misaki's home. It wasn't as grandiose as the mansion he lived in with only a simple couch, table and television on the living room but it gave off this cozy feeling of hospitality and comfort all at once. It's like no matter how simple it is, one would not hesitate to live in it. That Takumi was sure of.

"First door to the left," Takumi mumbled to himself as he walked down the hall. He immediately recognized Misaki's room for obvious reasons. It was the only room located on the left side of the short hallway.

The moment he stood by the door, he knocked. Again, Misaki didn't utter a word. With a sigh, he pushed open the door only to come face to face with Misaki sprawled on her bed, sleeping.

Takumi chuckles his amusement away. He found it cute seeing her sleeping so defenselessly with her room and their house door unlocked. Immediately at his first step, a pair of little creature greeted him at his feet. They were his gift. The little devils that loved to bite his skin off.

Takumi knelt down and carefully reached out a hand to pat their heads. Unexpectedly, they didn't resist. Instead, they allowed him to pet them that they even wagged their tail. A small smile curved its way into Takumi's lips.

"Now what did she do to make you this good to me?"

He got barks in reply before the puppies escaped him from under his feet and out into the living room. Shaking his head, he stood up. He was once again faced with Misaki's sleeping figure. He considered on whether he should leave or wait for her to wake up. Thinking how weak she looked while fast asleep, he went with the latter. Closing the door, he made one last glance to check on Misaki before her proceeded to the living room to find the puppies and kill time.

Misaki fluttered her eyes open lazily as she got herself used to the light after what seems like hours of endless sleeping. The blinding light sent her eyelids to blink several times before she could see clearly again. Once her view was fine again, Misaki sat up in bed only to realize that Prince and Lady was nowhere to be found.

"That's weird. I'm pretty sure I had the door closed."

Inquisitive, Misaki got up from bed and went out her room calling Prince and Lady. As her footsteps neared the living room, she heard faint noises which seemed like someone's voice. It was still not that audible to her ears but she was sure it was a man's voice. On guard, she readied herself for what's to come as she silenced her steps. She was a few meters away when she noticed the silhouette of the person. With brows furrowed, she came up with her wild guess to who the uninvited guest must be. And of course, she was never wrong.

"Takumi!"

The blonde instinctively stopped playing with the puppies and shot his head up upon hearing Misaki's voice. "Yo."

"Don't 'yo' me, idiot! What are you doing here?! And who let you in?!" Misaki stomped over to Takumi and towered before his kneeling figure thought she couldn't actually really call it towering for he was still tall enough even when on his knees.

"Woah, Misa-chan. Calm down. First of all, I was bored so I came to visit you. And secondly, your door was unlocked so I came in."

Misaki narrowed her eyes at the intruder before yanking him by the collar. "Don't give me that shit, Takumi. Haven't you learned the essence of privacy?"

"Uhh nope. I haven't heard of it."

Along with a groan, Misaki released her grip and slumps her body on the couch. "You are hopeless. What brings you here anyway?"

"As I told you, I was bored so I came to see you."

"Wow. What a great reason. I'm totally convinced on not to kick you out," Misaki sarcastically replied as she rolled her eyes for Takumi. "You know, you can't just do whatever things you wanted just because you're a Walker."

"Eh? But aren't we friends?"

Misaki wasn't expecting that from him. She stared widely in shock at Takumi who had a puzzled look from her reaction.

"What?"

"Nothing."

"Eh? That expression clearly wasn't a nothing." Takumi stood up slowly and made his way over to sit beside Misaki, on the empty space on the couch.

Misaki shifted a little to give more space between them, not liking the closeness they had. "When I said nothing, I mean it, idiot."

"Fine since Misa-chan's all grumpy again."

"Am not!"

A tinge of amusement was patent on Takumi's face as he turned to his side to face Misaki before patting her head though kind of ruffling her hair also. Misaki squirmed under his playful touch with an annoyed expression and a blushing face all at the same time.

"You look cute."

"Shut the hell up, idiot. And stop touching me!" Misaki spat out every word as she swatted away Takumi's heavy hand from her head. "Also, get out. I never said you were welcome here. Besides, I never told you to barge in here without my permission. That's trespassing, you know. I could sue you for it. And…hey are you even listening to what I'm saying?!"

Misaki was fuming with slight anger as she narrowed her eyes over to Takumi who was perversely staring at her chest the whole time with an unreadable expression.

"Misaki."

She doesn't know why but the mere mention of her name coming from his lips sent shivers down her spine. It's like that tone was new to her. It was dark and there was something she couldn't exactly grasp. Then, out of the blue, he asked her, "Where did you get that?"

And there you have it, the most famous so-called cliffhanger. I cut it that way to make you guys curious for more. I'll give some slight spoilers for those who could guess what Takumi was talking about. Try guessing! I'll PM you if you got it right.

Again, this is not an interview corner:

Misaki: Woah! What could you possibly mean by that last question? You got me on the edge of my seat there, Usui.

Usui: Misa-chan, shouldn't you already know what I meant by that? I mean, you were there when I pointed out 'that' thing.

Misaki: Ahhh…riiight. *awkward*

Usui: Neh, Misa-chan, I was wondering. Where was Suzuna that time?

Misaki: How should I know, idiot! I was sleeping!

Usui: You know, I actually saw her shadow from the kitchen during that time on the next chapter when…

Misaki: *covers Usui's mouth* Shut up! You're going to spoil our readers!

Usui: *licks*

Misaki: Gah! You shameless pervert! We're live and you go around licking my hand!

Usui: *smirks*

Misaki: Whatever. Let's just get on with our main purpose here. *cough cough* To all those who shared their thoughts and reviewed, a bunch of thanks. We never knew we'd get a hundred reviews until now. To show our gratitude, Author-san would like to assure you of a cheesy moment next chapter.

(A/N: Don't trust her. She's making that up. I never said so.)

Usui: Wow. That was long, Misa-chan.

Misaki: Shut up and say your part.

Usui: How am I supposed-

Misaki: Just say your part!

Usui: Hai hai since Misa-chan's having PMS.

Misaki: *whack!* I am not PMSing!

Usui: If you say so Misa-chan.

Misaki: Just say your lines already. We're running out of time.

Usui: I forgot them.

Misaki: *slaps face* You are hopeless.

Usui: *eats lollipop*