Since today is a special day for me, here's an update.

Rollercoaster of Hearts- Chapter Seventeen

"Miss Miyuki, breakfast is served," a girl in a maid outfit announced as she passed through the double doors of the discreet room carrying a tray of freshly baked pancakes and warm coffee. It was not a little later than eight in the morning. The sun was already shining way up and gleams of sunlight seeped through the restricted amount of holes offered by the unevenly spread window curtains of the dim room.

The still drowsy figure of the person lying on the bed shifted uncomfortably as she tried her hardest to doze off to sleep, uncaring of the other presence in the room. She mumbled an incomprehensible sound and pulled the covers closer to her body and curled up in a tight ball, her knees almost touching her chin.

"Miss Miyuki. Breakfast is ready." The brunette maid shook the lazy figure on the mattress with her unbelievably manicured hands after placing the tray carefully on the bedside table. "Miss Miyuki," she called out again, her face turning in slight irritation.

"Mmmm…" Miyuki mumbled another set of incoherent words and jiggled the grip on her shoulder away. Her cozy body remained almost lifelessly lain tired on the bed; her mind unsuitably working at the present; and her senses malfunctioning. All in all, she was not in the frame of mind to get up and start a brand new day. Not especially when she has not the slightest idea of who she is, where she's from, and why she's in this situation. She was clueless would be an underestimation of the problem. She knew nothing to the point that she could feel her head throbbing in pain from all the mindless thinking, forcing herself to remember.

"Miss Miyuki?" But the maid remained firm to her task-to wake up her Master's guest even when how irate she's already getting from the indolent and troublesome girl she's handling. But she smiled at the reminder of her reward for doing so later on. It was surely lucky for her to be assigned to this task. It meant a free ticket to get herself in her Master Tora's bedroom. She giggled- unaware of the pair of grey eyes staring confusingly and tiredly at her.

"Excuse me?" The named girl Miyuki tried her hardest to put on a sweet smile though how the way she uttered her first morning word completely contradicts. She knows she wasn't the type to answer sarcastically. There was just something about the maid that ticks her off the moment she laid her eyes on her when she decided to sit up and entertain her disturbance. Maybe it was the way she was being too pushy-too friendly that it was getting creepy. It was like she was faking everything for something, like she has a motive for being like this weird girl to her. She may have Amnesia but she never forgets what she likes and does not like. Her aversion does not exclude fake girls. As her mind keeps telling her- Some people are good, some people are real, some people are fake, while some are real good at being fake. One look from her and she could tell what this girl in front of her is thinking and it isn't to her liking. Miyuki's face scrunched in repulsion unminding of how rude she may seem to the maid who's fifty percent doing her job and fifty percent annoying her. She doesn't know if she should be thankful or not to the brunette who looked more like going to a party with her thick make-up rather than serving and cleaning around the household.

The girl clad in a maid outfit reciprocated the face Miyuki made. It was a one on one staring contest to see who'll stand longer. Miyuki's glare pierced. She was not one to give up a fight. First, not when she was awaken from her good night's sleep, second is when she's being shown a falsely attitude, and third is when she's being challenged for no reason. Now she thought that this girl is really getting a taste of her.

Miyuki clenched a fistful of the cover with both hands, one ready to aim straight to the maid's face without hesitation. She lifted her arms and directed it to the girl when the double doors swung open causing her to stop her arms to stop in mid-air. Both of them gazed to the direction of the room's entrance.

There, standing is the figure of Tora, smiling sickeningly sweet to Miyuki while dreamingly charming to the other. Miyuki flinched in slight nausea not because of the Amnesia but because of the lad coming their way. Hating the sight, she averted her gaze and looked at the maid instead with meeting brows and narrowed eyes. The maid had her eyes glowing in idolization as if Tora was some superstar. Miyuki rolled her eyes and threw herself back unto the niceties of the futon, her back facing away from the two other presences with her.

"Master Tora, good morning," she heard the maid utter in complete surprise with a mix of flirtation as she imagined her bowing in respect. She smiled bitterly at the thought. Who knew such a phony girl could act polite.

"Miyuki…"

She froze. Tora was talking to her, totally ignoring the maid's wholehearted greeting. She grinned as she pictured the image of the maid, mouth hanging open and face scrunching in annoyance after being unnoticed. She guessed it was victory for her even when she never wanted the sick guy's attention. She knows, like the maid, Tora was nothing but trouble the moment they locked eyes. She wanted to get away from him and his overly huge mansion as soon as possible. The whole place plus him just spells capital T-R-O-U-B-L-E.

"Oy, Miyuki," the blonde spoke once again now along with a flick of a finger on her forehead.

She winced in minor pain before she glared daggers toward the guy who was smiling mischievously at her. "That hurts, you know."

"Oops. Sorry." He tried stifling laughter. And the maid, she swore she saw her giggle on her own like some crazy retarded woman in a rehabilitation center. She reminded herself to take care of that matter later on. She's going to show that maid what she truly is-a woman surely not to be messed with. It was her turn to return the smirk.

"Sorry your ass," she cursed under her breath as she looked away from their direction. The last thing she wants is to for them to see she was wounded up by their distracting existence inside her supposed to be room.

Tora smirked. Not because he was roguish to the girl but because he was amused at how stupid she is. Who in the right mind would whisper-if it ever is a whisper-to her own self when someone is obviously only an estimated eight inches away from her?

"Uhmm…Master…" The maid interrupted his thought by snaking an arm and moving it up to massage his shoulders. She whispered seductively ghastly to him. This brunette was so not his type. He cringed at her touch before he wiggled his way out from it.

"Oy Miyuki, I was thinking on whether the two of us should eat breakfast together or not."

Miyuki reverted her attention back to the guy. And almost immediately upon seeing his sick face, her brows met both in annoyance and perplexity.

"What's with all that glaring? It doesn't quite suit you."

"I don't give a damn."

Tora whistled. "Ooh. Fierce. Just my type."

Miyuki clenched both hands into a fist and gritted her teeth. This guy was way going overboard. She bowed her head low and controlled her temper. Well, it isn't really necessarily called controlling if she stands corrected. It was more like she was trying to control her temper. Yes, that's what it is.

She shivered suddenly when his fingers brushed against the side of her right arm. She instantly shot her head up and glared-her newly found talent after meeting this Tora she already despised. "Don't touch me."

"What if I want to? What are you going to do about it?" he challenged with a smirk on his face she oh so wanted to punch off.

And then onwards, she snapped and with a throw of a punch to his face, she smiled victoriously. The flesh to flesh violent contact relieved her aching nerves. He wanted her touch, he gets it. "Fuck you," she muttered with gritted teeth as she caught sight of the maid from her peripheral vision gasp in horror of overreaction. It was her win.

Tora stared in utter disbelief at the girl. Who knew such an innocent looking girl could throw a punch that awakened the living days out of him early in the morning? He was rendered speechless.

"You deserved that," she spat on his face before throwing away the covers in one motion and stood up, fixing her nightgown. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be taking my bath now before I leave this damned place."

She rolled her eyes at him and sashayed her way to the door of the bathroom. Of course, she did not forget to accidentally collide her shoulders with the maid, shoving her away on purpose. She didn't mind when she screeched something at her or when Tora called out to her. She just wanted to be away from idiots for a while. It had been about two days ever since she woke up from a month's long of slumber and constantly, she had been intimidated by several different maids and she had been sexually harassed by Tora, her oh so charming hero. Please note the sarcasm on the last part though.

A warm long bath was what she needed in order to calm down her raging nerves. She entered the bathroom and slipped out of her clothes which were undoubtedly provided by Tora. She then filled the tub with hot water and filled it with scented soap that bubbled its way to disappearance. She dipped her left foot first to test the temperature of the water and once she assured herself it was alright, she submerged in the water fully.

She gasped in relief at the soothing feeling that tickled her senses and closed her eyes at the process. It was contentment being alone in the bathroom though it was not pure. Regardless of the fact that she was finally away from what she guessed were jealous maids and their master, Tora, she still had one problem-her Amnesia. She still needed to find where she came from and who she really is. She can't just live in this stupid mansion in all the days of her life and depend on a pervert. She needed to know her past.

Miyuki dispelled any unnecessary thoughts and focused on remembering. Her head hurt. It was stinging with pain. But she knows she'll learn nothing if she won't force herself. She needs to push to the limits. As long as she still can, she needs to remember no matter how minor the information she would get. It's all in taking one step at a single time.

She concentrated and closed her senses. Then it was there-a car. It looked expensive, brand new. And there's something else. It was a boy, a blonde boy yet she couldn't decipher him for he had his back against her and the image was vivid. Everything went blurry and then the settings changed after a few seconds. The car, it was now shattered, broken to pieces in the road and the boy who was once standing tall laid almost lifeless on the ground, bloody. She wanted to scream in terror but she can't. Her voice seems to get stuck in her throat. No words would come out. She was mute. So she did the one thing she could, she ran over to him to help. But it too was worthless for every step she takes toward him, he'd go distant. She continued to run though and just like her, he moves farther away. She called out to him in her thoughts as she was voiceless but it was all futile efforts. No longer, when he was already far up ahead, he started fading away. She screamed with no voice but after a blink of her eye, he vanished while saying, Chiyo!

Miyuki's eyes snapped open, her grey pupils staring wide eyes into nothing in particular. She was gasping for air as she clutched her tight chest. She wondered what that was but somehow, she had that feeling it was a glimpse of her past. She just couldn't figure out or put the pieces together. She needed to know and remember more to continue the hunt for her true identity.

Chiyo…why did he call out to her that way? Was Chiyo her name? She pondered. Maybe it is or maybe Chiyo was someone else. She just had to put her finger into the exact point properly and not long, she'd be back to her family if she ever has one.

What made her wonder more was that blonde boy. Who was he? Was he related to her in some way? Why was he laying on the ground covered in blood and scratches? What was that that he called out?

So many questions that needed an immediate answer ran carelessly in her mind that it was driving her mad. She wanted the solution to all of it straightaway.

Miyuki sighed. She reminded herself. One step at a time. She just has to be patient and everything will follow.

It was about half an hour of bathing for Miyuki. After that, she stepped out of the tub and dried herself with the dark violet towel, almost resembling the shade of her hair. Once dry, she wrapped the towel around her little body and went out the bathroom. But not before peeking to make sure no one else was around to see her dressing. She went out when she guaranteed she was the only presence in the room.

Unsurprisingly, like how it was over the past two days, a set of comfortable clothes to wear was laid neatly on her bed. She got used to it so she didn't hesitate to put it on. Besides, the clothes were rather decent and not something flashy that somehow fits Tora's likings. At least the boy knew how to be a gentleman once in a while.

Her outfit today was a plain white shirt with a small print of a heart on the side, skinny jeans, and a pair of pink flat shoes. They looked quite new to her. She forced herself to think of it as ridiculous though. That Tora was not someone who buys unfamiliar guests clothes. These probably belonged to his flings. She shuddered imagining that but it was better than nothing. She'd choose wearing slut clothes than walk around naked and please Tora's eyes.

It was perfect timing when she finished dressing herself. A knock came from her door. She rolled her eyes thinking it's unmistakably another envious maid.

"Open!"

She stood corrected. Instead of a slutty servant in a sexy maid outfit, what greeted her was none other than Tora himself. She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest, tapping her foot impatiently on the ground with a common rhythm.

"What do you want?"

Rather than his smirk, a genuine smile graced her lips. She was caught off guard by the weirdness but shrugged it off in an instant as not to look like a fool to him.

"You didn't eat breakfast."

She raised a brow. "So?"

"Let's have lunch together."

. . . . .

The older lady walked ahead of the younger one as she smiled to her direction. They were having a usual afternoon walk around the estate to talk about trivial and important things together. It became a habit once in a while.

"How's Suzu?"

Misaki caught up and walked beside the motherly figure and answered, "She's doing great both in studies and in staying healthy."

Patricia grinned and pulled Misaki closer by pulling her arm with a yank. She leaned closer to her ear and somehow, Misaki was reminded of how Takumi often does that.

"How are things between you and my son then?"

The younger's face flushed deep crimson as she waves her hands in dismiss. "I-it's not like that, Patricia-san. Takumi and I are just friends. There's nothing more and nothing less."

The blonde giggled in the gentlest way possible to human as she settled herself under the shade of the nearest tree. "Aw, come on I know both of you are already developing feeling for each other. Rest assured, I'd be voting for you for my son." Patricia winked as Misaki blushed deeper.

Misaki followed and took the vacant spot next to Patricia. She sat with her back leaning against the trunk and her legs spread straight, parallel to the ground. She sighed and in a low voice, muttered, "He has a girlfriend…a fiancé."

Patricia eyed her companion and her eyes softened. Misaki looked nothing like her normal self today. She had noticed it starting from the moment she arrived. She looked down, troubled. The topic of Takumi and her was just Patricia's way to liven her up. It was way to let that natural smile on Misaki's face appear once again.

"Misaki?" Patricia inched closer and placed a reassuring hand on Misaki's shoulder. She was worried. She knows Misaki needed a vent to let it out whatever her problem is.

Misaki snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Patricia. "Hmm?"

"What's the matter?"

"Nothing," Misaki answered facing down unto the grassy ground before playing with the weeds. She played silently before noticing a single flower. She pulled it out, plucked the petals one by one and clueless to why, she began mumbling in her mind the words he loves me, he loves me not. She began.

He loves me…

"I'm sure it's not just nothing. You know you can always tell me."

Misaki wondered too. Even she doesn't know what's really bothering her. All she knows is that starting from the day Takumi asked her help, she had been like this. What was with him that made her act all confused?

"It's nothing really."

Another one…he loves me not…

Patricia furrowed her brows and inched even more close. She needs not to say anything else. Pushing Misaki was not a good option, she knows. So, without any spoken words, she communicated with her. She made her feel her company. That she'll be here whenever time comes when Misaki will be ready to tell. She could tell the teenager was confused and as a mother, she could easily perceive what might be bothering her.

He loves me…

Misaki sat still. She somehow felt guilty making Patricia cope up with her own problems. But she had to. It would worsen the situation when she tells because she wasn't sure of it yet. She needed to completely guarantee first her feelings before she speaks. It was always her nature to think before uttering words.

He loves me not…

Along a sigh, Misaki shut her eyes and felt the cool breeze brushing against her skin. It was like the feeling she gets from her morning rooftop meditation. With her eyes still closed, Misaki plucked another petal.

He loves me…

Then she stopped. She needs not to continue. Slowly, she opened her eyes and stared at the almost empty stem in her hand dejectedly for who knows why. She smiled weakly. There, hanging loosely was a single petal, the last one. And with a humble heart, she whispered, "He loves me not…"

But who's he? Misaki wondered.

. . . . .

Kuuga walked carelessly along the busy streets of the large metropolis, Tokyo. He was on his way, after band practice, to enjoy himself with Takumi who shockingly agreed. Being in the confines in the four walls of the Sakurai mansion was boring and therefore, unsuitable to his liking.

"Aah!" He stretched out his arms to the sky and eased his aching muscles. It was weekend yet being a masochist somehow, he never gives himself time to rest. That he wondered why.

A ring on his phone snapped him out from his thoughts. He fished the ringing device from his pocket and answered.

"Hello?" It was Takumi. He called to tell that Kuuga was running late for their meeting time. He knew of course. He did it on purpose. Instead of reaching there fast with his chauffeur, he chose to walk. It was fun teasing Takumi once in a while.

"Yeah yeah. I got it. I'll be there in five."

Kuuga grinned and shook his head. His friend has got to learn to be patient. "Really that guy…"

Kuuga walked faster this time. He took longer strides and avoided girls flirting with him every minute. He knew he was good-looking and it was pride to accept girl offers yet to make Takumi wait is a totally different issue.

Kuuga was panting for breath once he arrived at his destination. And to top it off, Takumi was glaring at him in annoyance.

"Wow. You asked me to accompany you yet you're the one who comes late. If only I was not your best friend, I would have ditched already."

"Whatever."

Takumi rolled his eyes not obviously. "So, what is it you wanted to do?"

Kuuga opened his mouth to speak but was cut off when an apple came rolling down to his feet. It was followed by another and then another and then another. Takumi and he both looked up to see a figure running to them with a faulty paper bag on her hands.

"I'm sorry I…Takumi? Kuuga-kun?"

Kuuga stared a little surprised at the coincident. It was Sakura and unexpectedly, she also happened to know Takumi. "You know him, Sakura?"

The brunette nodded with much enthusiasm. "Yep. He's close with Misaki, my best friend."

"Oh."

Takumi arched an eyebrow and just continued with picking up the apples before handing them over to Sakura who was having a hard time carrying them all with the hole in her paper bag.

"Let me help you with that." Kuuga offered his hands and got some of the apples from Sakura. Takumi couldn't help but chuckle in amusement. His friend was being way too obvious.

"So, Sakura, do you mind if I walk you home? It seems like you can't carry these all."

"That would be great. Thanks, Kuuga-kun. In return, why don't you join us for dinner?"

Takumi shot his head up. "I'd like to help too."

Kuuga glared to his friend who had that nonchalant look elsewhere. He approached him and tapped his shoulder. "I know you know me well."

Takumi smirked. "Don't worry. I just wanted to see Misaki."

"Dude, you like her, don't you?"

"Maybe yes or maybe no."

Sorry for the awful ending. I lost the mood to type but since I had to update today, I forced myself. Next chapter will be somehow be better XD

Characters Talk Corner:

Usui:I didn't know you were such a lover boy, Kuuga.

Kuuga: Shut up! That was pure acting. It's called professionalism.

Usui: Oh?

Kuuga: Yes.

Misaki: Oy! What are you two guys doing here? This is a girls' talk corner!

Usui: Misa-chan, you got it wrong. This segment is called Characters Talk Corner meaning everyone is okay to be here.

Shintani: Even me?

Usui: Excluding you. You're not an ROH character. Now get going. You're just our water boy today, Sanshita-kun.

Shintani: Eh? No fair!

Shizuko: Hi everyone.

Sakura: Shizuko! You're here which reminds me, when will you be appearing?

Shizuko: It depends on Ms. Author-san. I'll probably be on in later chapters.

Sakura: Okie-dokie.

Misaki: By the way, where are Chiyo and Tora?

Usui: Dressing room.

All: Together?

Usui: Yep and alone.

All: *blushes*