My heart's desire

Chapter 2: The unexpected meeting

"Okay, now get up," Manor heard a sweet voice before lifting her chin only to find the same, beautiful brunette there. Offering her hand to her, she smiled warmly. The new girl's mouth opened a bit, staring at her with her red and swollen eyes as she held her hand to get up. Immediately Hilary hugged her to which the maroon-haired girl burst open her eyes. She felt the hands of the brunette patting on her back to comfort her. The younger girl instead of feeling uneasy, she felt so warm in her embrace.

Leaving each other after a while, they turned to the other students. They became busy with themselves again, not having any eye on the marooned. Manor heaved a sigh of relief as they didn't make fun of her. Maybe she was just overthinking.

"You know what," she turned her gaze to the brunette as she spoke, "It's my regular routine," They giggled sweetly.

"Are you okay?" The pink-haired girl asked with concern, to which Manor nodded slightly.

"Mam is coming," Mariam informed, rushing towards her desk along with Mariah. The younger girl scanned the whole class, but failed to find an empty seat for herself, letting out a sigh in defeat.

"It seems like we're seatmates," The ruby-eyed girl caught her attention. Manor felt silly for not noticing the front seat before. She chuckled nervously and a bright smile appeared on her face. A wave of happiness washed over her. Without wasting any more time, she sat beside Hilary. They were both glad to be partners, even though they knew nothing about each other. Maybe Hilary and Manor had some kind of connection that only God knows about. Now it wouldn't matter how bad her first day started, but she was ready to face every difficulty from now on.

The class began when Miss Kin-caid arrived.

.

"I can't believe that you're Kai Hiwatari," exclaimed Tyson as he had his arms behind his head, looking over at Kai who had been reading books.

"You know what, I have a friend who is so good at art and also a fanatic of your father, Susumu Hiwatari..." The blue-haired boy continued talking, but the dual-haired guy didn't seem bothered by his explanation and sometimes he just managed to answer with his iconic 'Hn' and nod slightly.

"It looks like Kai, isn't as talkative as Tyson," commented Max as he stared at the two boys. Hearing his comment, Ray glanced at them briefly and nodded.

After some minutes a cobalt-haired professor entered, silencing the whole class. An irritated expression was visible on his face, to which Tyson gave him a confused look. It wasn't normal to see his big brother, Hiro Granger, in such a bad mood. And the main question was, why was he here at all? He should have been in the lab with Prof. C.K. for some trial of medicine.

The midnight blue-haired boy turned around to make eye contact with Ray, who shook his head, giving him a look that said "It's not the time".

"Tyson Granger, pay attention," Hiro scolded suddenly, flinching his little brother who had been trying to understand the language Ray used to talk with him. The Chinese sighed in frustration.

"I-I am sorry big bro- I mean sir," scratching the back of his head Tyson apologised in embarrassment, not noticing the gaze of the crimson-eyed guy's on him. Hiro glared at him before starting his explanation about some bacteria, which was interrupted by a student.

"Umm.. sir, I think Prof. C.K. told us that she would be teaching us about bacteria."

"C.K.!" Hiro burst out in his mind. Clearing his throat, he glared at the boy, "Do you have any problem with me?" Raising a brow, he enquired, trying not to overreact.

"N-no, sir, I'm sorry."

Tyson looked at the poor boy, who had been scolded by his angry big brother. The bluenette didn't know why he was so disturbed. Turning to Kai, he noticed the same thing; Kai had been taking notes. "Hmm...a bookworm."

.

The time slowly passed by. Hilary and Manor came closer as the moments passed. They talked, laughed, and shared many things with each other. Nobody would admit that they had just met today. They acted as if they had been best friends for years. When Manor first met Hilary, she reminded her of her mother. She was just like her, kind, friendly, sweet, and intelligent. And for Hilary, Manor was like a breeze, someone who couldn't be stopped by anyone's power and bullies. She was just the opposite of her. Perhaps they understood each other so well because they were so different.

On the other hand, Tyson was struggling with Kai, whom he gave a new name, Mr. Bookworm. He was more silent than the blue-haired boy thought. Well, Tyson had to mention that Kai's behavior was not like that of a billionaire at all. Sometimes he wondered why a billionaire like him would come to read in this college. Tyson always had an allergy to rich people, because he had such a bad experience with them. Perhaps he was silent and as not talkative as Tyson, but there was an aura around him that wasn't rude. Maybe that was the reason he had changed his first prestigious college and Tyson accepted him as his seatmate.

The time of recess finally approached. While making her bag properly, Manor heard Hilary's inquiry. "Do you want to go to the canteen with us, Manor?"

The marooned looked up with her large chocolate-brown eyes and noticed that Mariam and Mariah were standing beside the brunette, waiting for her answer.

"Umm..sure, but I have to meet someone, " she informed, getting up, "Well don't worry, you go first." Manor left without listening to their statements. The three girls shared a look.

"I'm sure she has gone to meet that guy," commented Mariah as they passed through the hallway.

"Oh, come on, Mariah," the ruby-eyed girl sighed, "It's her personal life, and we shouldn't interfere."

"I know, I know, you topper."

Meanwhile, in the canteen area, the four boys had already sat in their seats, except for Kai. He had gone to meet someone important, so they were waiting for him. Kenny was scrolling through social media while Ray explained the accident between Hiro and his older sister in the laboratory this morning that had boiled Hiro's blood. In fact, they had a serious argument between themselves over some trial of medicines. Tyson and Max shared an understanding look as they listened to him.

"So, that's the reason. I hope you understand."

"I do Ray, but that doesn't mean that he should burst out on us," complained Tyson, who stretched a single string of his guitar. The whole college knew him for being so good at singing and writing songs.

"Hey, let's move on, guys. Well, Tyson, have gotten the gist of your new song?"

"No, Maxi, I have just decided the name of that until now."

"Please tell us," pleaded the blonde.yy

The bluenette smirked at him before returning to check his guitar perfectly, "My lady." Max and Ray gave him a look teasingly because it was the first time he'd thought to write a song like that. The midnight blue-haired guy furrowed his brows.

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong Tyson, we just want to know who is your lady?" The goggle boy shifted his gaze up from his mobile after hearing everything.

"Nonsense, I just wanted to write it because I think my audience will like this kind of song."

Tyson turned his gaze to his guitar, trying hard not to pay attention to his friends' teasing giggles. He blamed himself for telling his friends the song name. To be honest, he didn't even know how he had gotten this idea suddenly. To write the lyrics of the song, he needed some new ideas and inspirations from someone...someone special, who could give him the lyrics, magic, and tune. Maybe...maybe the girl he had seen in the morning. Could she be his lady?

WAIT A MINUTE, what was he thinking exactly? He was Tyson! TYSON GRANGER! The guy who had promised not to fall in love anymore and now... No, no! It couldn't happen.

Tyson's train of thought was broken by Kai, who had arrived and sat down like a storm, jumping the blue-haired boy a bit. He shook his head to delete all the stupid stuff from his mind.

"Oh Kai! Finally! Now we can go and bring food for us," the midnight blue-haired guy stood up with a big grin, placing his guitar on his seat. Basically, he tried to change the subject.

"Yes, the mice are fighting inside my stomach," agreed Max. He and Ray went to the food center along with Tyson, leaving Kai and Kenny behind.

Meanwhile, Hilary and her two friends also went to bring food after Manor's arrival. She sat there alone, staring at her brother, whose back was facing her. Taking out her phone, she started messaging him.

/Hey, should I eat canteen food?/

/No one could bring food from the restaurant for you/

/I'm not saying that, but if do I get sick after eating those, will you blame me?/

/They aren't going to mix poison -_-/

/And if they do?/

/R. I. P./

/BROTHER!/

Manor looked up at Kai fiercely, turned off her phone. At that very moment Hilary placed a sandwich, boiled egg, and a glass of juice in front of her, making her look up at them. She smiled as she sat down on the opposite seat of Manor.

"Well, we couldn't understand what you preferred, but I hope you will like it."

"Um..don't worry, and by the way thank you."

"Hey, Kai?" Max called out after glancing at the maroon-haired girl. He just wanted to figure something out.

"Hn."

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hn."

"We all saw the girl with you in the morning, so..."

"..."

"Is she your girlfriend?"

Kai and Tyson both choked on their juices. The others were confused by their blue-haired friend's sudden action. Max asked the Russian his question, but why was Tyson reacting? Maybe it was just a coincidence. Kenny stroke Tyson's back while Kai regained control.

Wiping his mouth, the dual-haired guy growled, "Nonsense. She is my sister. Stupid boys!"

A moment of silence between the four of them.

"WHAAAAAAAAAAT!!!!" All the students in the canteen area turned to them. An awkward silence filled the air. Kai coughed awkwardly, cursing his four new STUPID classmates. "Idiots, Idiots, Idiots!!!"

"Umm...hey Manor?" Mariah looked at the younger girl, who was starting to chew on her sandwich.

"Yeah?" She answered with a mouthful.

"Can I ask you something?" Hilary glared at her, knowing what her intentions were. The pink-haired girl winked at the brunette, and Mariam rolled her eyes.

"Is that new guy your boyfriend?"

Manor turned to her immediately with wide eyes and gulped down the food. "B-boyfriend?" grasping the situation, the marooned burst out in laughter. The three older girls stared at her.

"What's so funny?"

"Nothing, Mariah,... hahaha..." she said under her laughter, "He is my cousin brother, Kai Hiwatari, the only son of my uncle Susumu Hiwatari."

For a minute they all stopped eating after hearing her. Mariah slapped her forehead as her hopes ended in smoke. Mariam smirked at her friend because now she owed her five hundred rupees. Hilary locked her gaze on her seatmate, who was still giggling at their reaction.

"When she was just four years old, my father's sister had passed away, and if I tell about her dad then he was a real traitor, who had left them all alone very soon." Kai explained as his friends were listening carefully.

"After my mother passed away, uncle Susumu decided to take over all my responsibilities." Manor fixed her gaze on the empty plate on the table.

"We didn't see any difference between her and us; she is a member of our family."

"They have treated me like their own daughter. They have given me enough love and care. But my uncle is overly protective of me."

"Dad stopped sending her school after an accident in the summer camp when she was five. Teachers used to come home to teach her." Tyson seemed thoughtful after Kai told them the story of the summer camp as if he were related to that. However, his seatmate continued with his own explanation.

"This is the first time I've come out, and it could happen only because of my brother," said the chocolate-brown-eyed girl with a big, cheerful smile on her face.

"My dad changed her surname from 'Kurayami' to 'Hiwatari', so no one could raise a finger against her by saying she doesn't belong to us."

"That's why I'm now a Hiwatari."

"It's so perfect, Manor, I wish I could be in your place," Mariam said, taking a sip of her milksake.

"Hey, you should be thankful to God because you're being treated like a princess."

"I know Mariah, and I'm so grateful to have a family like that, but..." The brunette looked at her with a hint of confusion.

"But being a princess isn't easy at all," she said almost in a whisper while looking down at her hands, her eyes were filled with an unknown sadness as if she was hiding something from them...something sad. Hilary noticed it and decided to change the topic.

Clapping her hands twice, she got up. "Hey, forty minutes are left for the recess till now. Do you girls want to go to the library with me?"

"Sorry, I have something important to do," the two girls excused her at the same time, not looking at the angry brunette.

"Stupids!!"

"What about you, Manor?"

"Umm..I'll like, but I should finish my juice first."

"Okay, I'll wait for you." As Hilary walked towards the exit, she revealed the seat of Manor's brother. He wasn't there, but his friends were chatting with each other.

"Where has Kaise gone?" she thought confusedly.

Hillary was taking something from her locker before going to the library. But suddenly someone burst closed her open locker, revealing her bully, Julia, and the helpless Mathilda, who was saying "hi".

"Hey Tachibana," Julia began with a terrifying smile on her face, "Why not we braid each other's hair and then I'll strangle your throat."

Hilary gulped, "Um..well, I've seen a girl wearing the same sweater as you."

"What!" exclaimed Julia, turning her gaze to the other side. "This can't be happening. My sweater is one piece, and--" she noticed that the brunette was running because it was just an excuse.

The older girl smirked, "Run, Tachibana, but how far will you go exactly from me? Let's go, Mathilda!"

"Julia wait!" They both ran after Hilary, who was rushing towards the library. She knew that Julia wouldn't forget those things so easily. She had to run and run as fast as possible, lest she should catch her and make fun in front of every student.

"Sorry,...excuse me,...pardon me,..." apologising to everyone in a hurry, Hilary finally entered the library, hoping Julia wouldn't find her out there. She could hear her voice from outside as she was still chasing her.

"She isn't here Mathilda, find her," the brunette peeked out and saw that the two older girls went straight down the hallway. Hilary sighed in relief, leaning against the wall.

"Thank God," wiping her sweat, she walked to the bookshelf. She had totally forgotten the book for which she had decided to come here. Maybe she just needed a book on self-defense to fight against Julia or everyone kept thinking herself weak. Stepping forward, she glanced around, the library was more empty than she thought. Maybe because it was the first day of college.

"The book, the book, the book..." she kept repeating that as she slided her finger over the book's covers, trying to make sure it was the right book. After a few more, her slipping finger stopped on a book and she was about to pull it out when someone else pulled from the other side.

Hilary peeked at the person who had pulled her book from the empty space, which was created by pulling the demanded book amongst the others. Her confused eyes stopped as she saw a tall, handsome lad standing there, holding the important book. Maybe she knew him, he is...HE IS KAI HIWATARI!!

Kai's crimson eyes captured hers, making her flinch. She felt as if time itself had stopped, the world disappearing. Mariah had told her many times to look at him before saying anything against Kai, but she hadn't listened. Now that they were staring into each other's eyes, Hilary couldn't tear her gaze away from him. The look he had been giving the brunette through his glasses seemed to peer into her soul.

Kai took off his right earphone to listen to her, "Do you need this?" He showed the book. Hilary's heart skipped a beat as he asked her in a heavy, serious tone.

"Umm..uh...n-no you-you can take that," she said as a shade of pink appeared on her fair cheeks. Kai put his earphones back in and went to the large table.

But Hillary? She was passing through the shelves, pulling out books from there to keep looking at him restlessly. Mariah and Manor's voices kept repeating in her mind.

"Not like others, he is just off-level! Dark blue and grey hair, glasses attached to his sharp and crimson eyes like a genius!...In one sentence, a man of dreams"

"He is my cousin brother, Kai Hiwatari, one and only son of my uncle Susumu Hiwatari... "

After putting the books on their beloved shelf, the ruby-eyed girl finally came out from behind the shelves, staring at the dual-haired boy who had been taking notes on his study materials while listening to music, not realizing that he was being analyzed by a brunette. A soft smile played on her lips as she placed her left hand on the rolling book cart. Hilary bent slightly without knowing that the rolling cart was about to tip over for her weight.

As she bent further, the cart slipped out, making the brunette fall with the books on it. Kai stood up, taking off his earphones, "Are you okay?" he asked as he stepped forward.

Hillary hurriedly crawled back, hitting herself on the selves that made the books fall over her head. She picked a random book quickly and covered her face in embarrassment along with fear. After a minute, the brunette slowly slipped down the book from her face to look up at the man only to find him offering his hand to her. Hillary's mouth fell open a little as she took his hand to stand up.

Kai pulled her up and began arranging the scattered books on the floor while Hilary stood there, totally shocked, staring at her hand that had held Kai's earlier.

"Hey, I think we should go out." She turned around where the dual-haired guy had been standing a moment before, but he was gone. The brunette looked everywhere but couldn't find him.

"Where is he gone?... AND WHAT WAS I SAYING!!" she immediately covered her mouth as reality hit her that she was in the library, thanking the god that the library wasn't crowded anymore.

.

Kai was here, having stepped out of the library after meeting a strange girl inside. He didn't know that this college had such weird people. "How peculiar she is," muttered Kai before he heard his most familiar voice.

"Kaise!!"

"Manor?"

She was so happy to finally find him after taking a full round around the college.

"Have you seen Hilary?"

"Hilary?"

"Yes, she is wearing a full-sleeved blue shirt, an orange skirt, long white socks, and she has brown hair and ruby eyes. Have you seen her, have you seen her?!"

Kai rolled his eyes at his sister's craziness. "Well, I didn't notice this much," he said, "but I know your clumsy friend is inside the library." He then walked away.

.

"Looks like you need some help, miss," joked Manor as she knelt down beside Hilary to pick up some books. Hilary, who really needed some help to arrange all the mess she had created earlier.

"Thanks Manor."

"But how has this all happened?"

"Umm..don't ask."

"Okay."

"No, no! Please ask me, I really want to light my heart," exclaimed Hilary as she stood up. Manor rolled her eyes with a smile, putting the books back in their places.

"I'm hearing."

"I was working on my locker, but then suddenly Julia appeared from somewhere and chased me. I entered this library to hide from her and while searching for my book I met with your brother, Kai Hiwatari!!"

"Go ahead."

"And I was staring at your brother continuously without noticing that I was putting my weight over the rolling cart for support. The cart slipped away and I collapsed onto the floor. Kai got up and asked me whether I was okay, but I felt scare and hit the selves and as a result the books fell over on me."

"Uh, huh."

"He helped me get up by offering his hand, and-"

"Wait," interrupted the marooned one, "He offered you a hand to get up?"

"Yes, and then-"

"Wait a sec, did my brother offer you a hand to get up? MY BROTHER!!??"

"Yes, yes, yes, Manor! And then I got lost in my thoughts and started speaking SOME NONSENSE THINGS, but luckily your brother had already left," the brunette collapsed on the chair, "But I know he's definitely thinking of me as a clumsy girl." Hilary covered her face while Manor was in a state of shock.

She couldn't digest that an ice prince like her brother could offer his hand to an unfamiliar girl. Shaking her head, Manor sat beside her seatmate after pulling a chair for herself. She put a hand on her shoulder.

"You know what? He really thinks you're clumsy." The maroon-haired girl giggled.

"Ugh!! I knew it!"

"Hey, don't worry Hilary, he calls them clumsy when he seems interested in people like me."

"But you're his sister, Manor. You're HIS SISTER! And who am I? A stupid, clumsy girl who can't do anything without messing things up. A bookworm whose parents own a coffee shop! A weak person whom anyone can bully whenever they want! Ahh! I can't be anything, I know!"

"Calm down, Hillary," comforted Manor, "I can't catch the reason why it's important to you whatever my brother calls you."

"It's important!"

"How?"

Hillary stopped before saying anything more. Manor was right at all, why she was reacting this much for him in the first place? He was just a stranger, her friend's brother and her senior; nothing more. She turned her gaze, her cheeks coloured into a light shade of red. "Nothing."

"Hmm... well, I'm shocked about something else. I didn't think my brother could ever touch a girl." The brunette looked at the younger girl.

"Why? is he so unemotional?" She raised a brow.

"Of course not, but total ninety-nine daughters of my uncle's richest friends have proposed him, but it was all a waste of time."

"He rejected all of them!?" Hilary's questioned with disbelief, and here she didn't even get a single boy.

Manor nodded, "Well, he says that he doesn't like quantity, he likes people's quality. I have told him that if he ever falls in love then I will give that lucky girl a treat from me," she smirked, glancing up.

The ruby-eyed girl stared at the maroon-haired girl with a thoughtful expression, hesitating to ask something. Before she could Manor's phone rang suddenly, and the ID showed "Aunt Lily", making the younger girl a bit confused.

"Excuse me." Hilary smiled at the brown-eyed girl who got up.

"Hey, Aunt Lily, what happened?" The smile immediately vanished from her face as she heard an unexpected thing. "But he has to come tomorrow morning, right?" Manor nodded and said, "I understand... Okay. I'll tell him." Cutting the call, she turned to the brunette friend, who was looking at her curiously.

"What happened?" she inquired.

"Actually..."

.

Kai was sitting on a bench in the sports room, where his three classmates were practicing football.

Well, he didn't want to come, but what would he do if he had a stubborn seatmate like Tyson? So, here he was, reading a book while listening to music to avoid paying attention to their playing. After a while, they came near him and sat down on the floor, breathing heavily.

"Hey Maxi, you need to improve a bit at catching balls," suggested Tyson, who was drinking from a water bottle before handing it to the blonde.

"I know Ty, I know."

"Hey boys!" They turned around except for Kai, who found Mariah and Mariam coming to them. "Have you seen Hilary?"

"Hilary? No," answered Ray, looking at his two nodding friends who had agreed. "But why?"

"Uh, no serious problem, just we couldn't find her."

.

"What are you saying!? You didn't tell your uncle that you're going to college!" Hilary exclaimed in shock as Manor explained every detail to her while walking to the sports room to meet their other two friends.

"Yes, in fact, these are all my brother's plans," said Manor and smiled to herself. The brunette thought for a while before complimenting on her brother.

"Kai is so amazing!" She cheered.

"Kai?" The marooned raised a brow, reminding Hilary in front of whom she was talking about Kai, her brother and senior.

"I-I mean, our senior is so amazing!" Manor smirked at this, and the ruby-eyed girl blushed slightly. They entered the room where they met with their friends.

"Hilary!"

The brunette started answering the countless questions of her friends while Manor reached Kai. He was unaware of his sister's presence because he was wearing earphones. She looked at his confused friends, not noticing the continuous gaze on her from the blue-haired guy. Snatching the earphones, she backed her brother into reality. He blinked to grasp the sudden action before looking up at the maroon-haired girl.

"Manor!"

"Listening to enough songs, we have to be back home by now. Uncle Susumu has already returned."

"Dad! But his plane is supposed to land in the morning, right?"

"Yes, but those have all become history."

"Hmm...okay, pack your bag, we have to head back to our mansion."

"Ahem!" Tyson cleared his throat to interrupt, "Sorry for interrupting, but we're waiting for an explanation." They all nodded in agreement. Kai turned to Manor to explain everything to them.

"No, no brother, I have my enough story listeners, so bye and good luck," She waved away with her friends who were curious to know what was wrong, leaving Kai alone to explain the epic story.

.

"Take care," said Hilary as they broke a warm hug before her seatmate left. Manor smiled and walked to their large car where her brother was already seated. Tyson approached the brunette while looking at the car. Hilary waved her hand towards the marooned, who was doing the same thing from the car's window, but her eyes captured the figure of the same lad beside Hilary.

"That's he," she thought. Slowly the car disappeared amid the crowd. They were about to leave when a creepy voice stopped her.

"Hey Tachibana~"

The brunette gulped it down, knowing there was no way to escape for her. Turning around, they saw Julia rushing towards her, followed by Mathilda. They were totally exhausted from searching for her throughout the college.

"See I found you," Before she could reach Tyson grabbed Julia's arm to which she looked up at him.

"Enough, Julia. The morning's accident was my fault, not Hilary's, and besides, only one drop of coffee had fallen on your sweater! It doesn't mean you should chase Hilary around all day!" The midnight blue-haired guy growled with anger, leaving the shorter girl speechless.

"Let's go, Hils," Tyson walked away, and the brunette followed him.

Hillary stopped in front of her bully, "I told you not to interfere in other people's business. Why don't you comb your hair? It looks like a bird's nest," replied the red-eyed girl, smirking as she walked after her senior.

"Julia?"

"UGH!!! Ridiculous just ridiculous, Mathilda!! First my diamond earring was lost by a stupid girl and now Granger and Tachibana have insulted me!"

"Julia me-"

"Shut up! Remember you have to find my missing diamond earring as soon as possible or else I will find another secretary!"

"Julia, wait! Listen to me! Wait!"

.

Sitting inside the car, Manor stared at a diamond earring in her hand. She had found it lying at the classroom gate before sitting down beside Hilary. She was sure that someone had pushed her to make fun of her. She had heard some giggles while falling. Manor gritted her teeth and clutched the earring as the anger was growing inside her mind.

"You have started it and I will end it. You messed with the wrong person," she thought fiercely, little did she know Kai was analyzing all of her stirrings, knowing someone had to pay for his sister.

TBC

Yes, that's it for today. Kai and Hilary's meeting was totally messed up, and he thinks she's clumsy. Don't worry; the love between them will blossom slowly as the story progresses. Sorry for any grammatical and spelling errors.

And for our dear author and reviewer 'Rubies and Amethyst', I'm so glad that you've given me the permission to add your OC 'Crystal' in this story. Well, I will introduce her properly in upcoming chapters, I swear.

Please read and review,

Regards,

Sakhi2009 :D