The Prince and the Pauper
let out a sigh as she walked quietly
along the street. Exhausted from everything, she stretched her arms above her
head and tried lifting her bag, but only ended up dragging it with her. She
looked at her watch and swore softly, if I don’t hurry I’ll be late for work,
she thought as she ran on the road to the flower shop. She couldn't help as she
run, but focus more on the atmosphere around her…
Students were smiling.
Girls were walking together in groups gossiping
Couples were by the side walking home together hand in hand
Everyone was smiling
Everyone was happy
Except for her…
heard
some girls making plans for the day. They were to go shopping then to the
movies and finally meet their boyfriends.
hated feeling sad and sorry for herself, and she wasn’t one
to feel down so quickly, but she had to make amends.
Her parents had died a couple of years ago and she was living with her
grandmother alone. She had to work to live with her grandmother and her
grandmother was sick. Being a second year at Hyotei,
she had to leave a lot of things behind.
Shopping
Movies
And especially friends
She didn’t have any
tightened
the band on her ponytail as she kept on walking to the gate. “
-chan?” She heard someone call. The voice stopped her
and as she turned looking around a frown dawned on her lips, for she was not
able to recognize anyone.
“I’m here.” the voice came from behind her.
She looked to her right and smiled. “Hi Oshitari-San.”
she said while bowing lightly.
Oshitary Yuushi looked at
her and smiled. He had known
very
well for a couple of years. They lived next door and at this point Oshitari might be her only friend. “My mother asked me to
give you this for your grandmother.” he explained handing her a jar of pills.
“Thank you, Oshitari-san.” She whispered taking it
from him.
He smiled lightly at her. She was taller than average girls and some boys some
may call her cute. However, her life wasn’t fortunate for her, for she was
always a mess. She was too busy taking care of her grandmother to worry about
her appearance. “Going home?” he asked walking to the gate with her.
“No.”
said
softly. “I’m going to work.”
“It’s the weekend.” Oshitari remarked, “Don't you have plans to go to the school picnic?’
shook her head and pulled her bag further up her shoulder,
“Sorry, Oshitari-San.” She apologized walking ahead
of him, “ I don't plan to go, so I'll see you later
and enjoy.” She bid him as she ran off leaving him alone.
--------------------
“Fill these orders,
.”
The store owner ordered handing her some papers.
“Yes, Tanaka-Sama”
spoke
as she took some roses and placed them in the fridge. This was how she spent
most of her afternoons. Working in a flower shop. The
owner was a kind man who took care of her and he paid her well. As she arranged
the roses in their right places, she couldn’t help but think of the school
picnic. Every year Hyotei arranged a picnic for all
second and third year students. It was more of a social gathering and everyone
would be there.
wanted to go, but…
She shook her head sighing.
Don’t think about these things.
“I’m going to run an errand so please take care of the shop,
.”
Tanaka told her as he walked out of the door.
“Yes.” She nodded as she started fixing the things around her. As
was
so busy, she didn't realize how long she was like that until she heard the bell
sound which signaled that someone had walked into the store, “Hello.” she heard
a chorus of people.
peeked up from the counter and recognized the uniforms as
the Hyotei tennis club. “Hello and welcome.” she
replied back walking toward the group of guys, “Can I help you guys?”
“I didn’t know you worked here,
-chan.” Oshitari’s spoke.
looked at him and smiled “You never asked.”
Oshitari chuckled softly at her swift reply and
nodded.
“What do you…” she began to ask.
“Ouch!” someone exclaimed not far away from the two.
looked surprised when she looked toward the source of the
voice “Excuse me!” she began as she witnessed what had happened, “You’re not
supposed to touch the roses.” She scolded one of the guys that came in with Oshitari, “Didn’t you read the signs!?” she asked surprised
at how he could have missed the huge red sign that was there.
A light smirk formed on Oshitari's lips.
--------------------
Atobe Keigo looked at the girl in front of him as she
scolded him. He was never one to listen to anyone or very much read signs. When
he tried to reach for one of the roses he had ended up pricking himself and damnit it had hurt his fine delicate fingers. “They were in
the way…” he mumbled uncaringly as he sucked on his thumb lightly.
frowned as she walked to the counter. She leaned down to get
something from beneath the counter and pulled out a box. She opened it and took
out a band-aid, “Here.”
He narrowed his eyes at her then at the band-aid in her hand, but finally took
it.
Such arrogance, she thought not knowing who he was. Since
she left immediately after school and half the time trying to fight sleep in
class. She really didn’t know who was who or who he was in particular.
Atobe then looked at Oshitari who seemed to have an
amused smile on his face.
“
-chan, this is our captain.” Oshitari
spoke thinking that now was the time to introduce the two. “Atobe Keigo.”
didn’t say anything.
“And those two outside are our famous doubles partners, Ootori
Choutarou and Shishido Ryou.” He introduced as he pointed outside towards two
guys. One had a cap on and she could see the distant gleam of a silver cross
around the other one's neck.
“You know this brat?” Atobe suddenly asked Oshitari
not even caring how shocked
looked
by that comment.
gasped.
“Atobe…..” Oshitari sighed shaking his head in
disapproval at his captain. “Go wait outside while I get the order.” He said
annoyed as he began pushing him toward the door.
Atobe shrugged walking out.
“Sorry…” Oshitari apologized looking at
.
had her hand on her hip. The look on her face indeed showed
that she was obviously annoyed at that arrogant bastard, “Now about your
order?” she reminded him as the hard lines of annoyance faded off her face.
“It’s my mother’s birthday.” Oshitari explained, “I
want to get her flowers.”
looked at him sweetly. "That is really cute!" she
remarked as she began picking out some fresh flowers. "If I remember
correctly I think her favorite color was peach." She muttered more to
herself than him. She busied herself with making a spectacular flower
arrangement for him and already forgot about the boy that had annoyed her
earlier.
-------------------
“Atobe, don’t do that again.” Oshitari told him with
a frown. “
lives a difficult life.”
“So what? Everyone lives a difficult life.” Atobe shrugged as he began looking
into his mirror fiddling with his hair.
“The girl works two jobs to make amends at home.” Oshitari
explained. “She has no parents.”
Atobe was obviously bored as he couldn't even stifle a yawn. “And yet she’s
going to an expensive academy such as Hyotei.” He
commented raising an eyebrow.
“She’s on scholarship.” if you knew what that meant, he thought
sarcastically to himself.
Atobe ignored him.
-------------------
Some days later
“Grandmother”
said
softly, “How are you feeling today?”
Grandma
looked
at her grand daughter and smiled, “You’ve been good to me.” She told her. “Do
you not have work today?”
“No.” she spoke shaking her head, “Tanaka-Sama gave
me the day off and I don’t work on Sundays at the library.”
The old woman looked at her, “You should’ve asked for it yesterday so you
could’ve gone to the picnic.”
smiled as she poured some tea in a cup, “It doesn’t matter.”
She said softly.
The old woman looked at her sadly and felt that the young girl’s teenage years
were being wasted on her.
“I was thinking of going to the park with you today.”
said
as she placed the cup of tea in front of her, “You’ve been inside the house for
a very long time.”
“It’s alright my dear.” She told her.
“Grandmother….” She began wanting to argue.
“I insist you go out alone and enjoy some fresh air.” She interrupted looking
into her granddaughter’s gray eyes.
let out a sigh of defeat and nodded, “Okay.” She agreed. “I’ll
do some grocery shopping as well.”
-------------------
As she began walking along the streets,
noted
that it was more crowded than usual. She wondered what people did in their free
times. It was times like these that she missed not having any friends.
Where did I go wrong? She thought.
She moved toward a rail as she decided to take a longer route to the
supermarket when something peculiar stopped her, a voice…
“Meow….”
stopped.
“Meow…”
She started looking around moving her head left and right.
Nothing.
“Meow.”
leaned above the railing and found a kitten down by the
river. It couldn’t move and if it made one wrong move, it would fall down the
bank. “Hold on, kitty.” She yelled in panic not even thinking of what she was
about to do. She climbed up the rail in her jeans and went down to save it.
walked across and frowned as she realized that it was a long
walk. She removed her jacket and folded her jeans to her knees. She then walked
across the shallow freezing river to pick up the kitten, “Come here, sweetie.”
She cooed as she picked up the kitten and hugged it. She went back to where she
left her stuff and hugged the kitten in her jacket and unfolded her jeans. She
hugged herself lightly in her thin shirt and smiled gently at the kitten. It
was a cute one with beautiful features. It was gray and had the most amazing
blue eyes she had ever seen.
“You’re an idiot, do you know that?” Someone said in a clearly annoyed tone
nearby.
She snapped her head up, looked around, and finally saw...
Lying on his back on the grass.
His arms crossed under his head.
He was alone by the side.
And a very obvious smug expression on his face.
“That pesky thing was annoying me so I threw it across the river.”
gasped.
Atobe's smirk got broader.
glared at him, “You’re a fool.” She spoke without even
thinking.
Atobe looked surprised, “What was that?” he sat up as he heard what she had
told him. No one had dared to talk to him like that before.
She ignored him as she picked up the kitten and then turning to stand up.
“I’m talking to you." He yelled glaring at her. "You should know
better than to disrespect your seniors!"
“How can I respect someone who only cares about himself?!”
snapped
back at him making him stare at her in shock. Before he could say anything she
walked away from him.
Brat! How dare she talk to me that way! Atobe thought to himself as he
watched her walk away. He decided to shrug and let it go for now. He’ll deal
with her later.
--------------------
Back at School
“Happy Birthday, Midori!”
heard
some girls cheer as she stood by her locker. She closed her locker quietly and
picked up her books walking to her class. She sat herself down in her usual
seat in Computer Technology class and yawned lightly not looking forward for
the next hour.
“Morning,
-chan.” she heard Oshitari as he
stood next to her.
looked at him, “Morning.”
He took his seat next to her and for the next hour,
sat
listening and trying to keep pace with what was going on.
--------------------
“I'll walk you to work.” Oshitari told
as
school ended, “Atobe cancelled practice for the day.”
She didn’t say anything. They walked together for a while making light
conversation till they reached the flower shop, “Hello, Tanaka-Sama.”
Tanaka looked at her as if surprised to see her there, “
…”
he said disapprovingly as he carried some boxes of roses
in. “What are you doing here today?”
Oshitari looked confused.
“I have work.” she said simply.
“It’s your birthday. I can’t let you work on your birthday.”
Oshitari paled at the information he had just
discovered.
looked down embarrassed, “It’s alright…” she said softly as
she picked up her apron, “I…”
“No.” Tanaka told her as he snatched the apron from her hand and began pushing
her out. “You’re banned from here today.”
“But…”
“No.” Tanaka said firmly, but with a light smile on his lips. "Stop being
so serious and go have some fun."
let out a sigh standing outside. She looked embarrassed at Oshitari, “You didn’t tell
shook
her head, “It’s not important.”
“Come on.” Oshitari said taking her upper arm, “The
least I can do is treat you to lunch.”
“Oshitari-San, no I couldn't…” she said softly.
“No.” He interrupted as he pulled her forward, “We’ll go to the mall.”
-------------------
“Thank you Oshitara-San.”
said
softly walking back home with him.
“
,
call me Oshitari-Kun.” He told her, “We've known each
other for a long time.”
“Y..Yes…”
Oshitari patted her head gently. He had taken her out
and bought her something too.
had looked embarrassed, but he knew that was the least he
could do. She was like a little sister to him.
As they neared her home,
froze.
There was an ambulance by her… “Grandmother.” She
whispered running toward the house.
Oshitari ran after her as he noted the commotion.
“Grandmother!”
called
looking left and right. “Grandmo-….” she tried again
as she reached the front hallway and then froze as she couldn't even continue
the sentence.
On the bed
There was a white sheet on a body
Not aware that someone was talking to her
Unaware of the vague whispers around her
All she knew was the blackness that engulfed her as she fainted.
-------------------
Sakaki Tarou frowned as he
got the call earlier today. He walked between the hospital
halls with his hand in one pocket. He was well dressed like a king as he
emitted a powerful aura while he went to his destination. He frowned when he
saw nurses running in and out of different rooms. He wasn't someone who liked
going to hospitals “Oshitari.” He spoke noticing one
of his students there.
The boy looked up, “Coach.’ He said surprised standing up in courtesy to his
elder.
“What are you doing here?” the older man asked.
Oshitari hesitated, “My friend was brought in,
she’s…” he was going to start, but his voice trailed off. “She’s not in a good
shape.”
“
?”
he asked.
That made Oshitari look alarmed, but before he could
as anything, Sakaki's voice loud and clear, “Where is
she?”
Oshitari frowned, “Inside.” he answered as he pointed
to a nurse’s room.
He nodded and walked in.
What is going on? Oshitari wondered.
-------------------
Sakaki walked into the nurse’s room. It was a drab
and cold place. One bed on the side while the smell of
medicine was almost overwhelming in the enclosed space.
There she sat.
Her head down while her long hair covered her now pale face.
Anyone could tell that the aura emitting from her that her emotions were
broken.
She was all alone now.
Her worst nightmare had come true.
“
.”
He called making her look up.
The look of confusion on
's
face was obvious, for she didn't recognize the man that stood in front of her.
“My name is Sakaki Tarou.”
He introduced himself, “I’m a distant relative of your fathers.”
“……………” she was silent as she continued looking at him and then looked down. “I
haven’t seen you before.”
her
voice came out in a whisper that could barely be heard.
“No, you haven't.” he agreed shaking his head then continued to speak seriously.
“Your father was disowned from the family because he married…” he began, but
then decided that she did not need to know the details. He shook his head, “I
am here as your guardian.”
frowned hugging herself.
“I am sorry for your loss.”
“...”
Sakaki rubbed his jaw as he raised an eyebrow.
“You’ll be living with me.”
That caught her attention,
looked
up, “But…” she began, I don’t know you, she thought to herself; I just want
to be left alone.
“I know it’s difficult, but we can make amends.” Sakaki
said helping her stand up. He placed a hand behind her back, “I know this is
sudden…”
“Its okay.”
said
softly, “Sakaki-sama.” she managed with a smile. “I’ll
manage...”
He nodded. He realized she was strong and proud. “Let’s go to your house and get
your things.”
bit
her lips lightly.
-------------------
“I want you to join a club.” Sakaki told
some
days later as he read a book while the maid poured him tea in his lavish
lounge.
blinked in surprise. She couldn’t hide her amazement when
she moved in at first. His house…. Or mansion was huge! She couldn’t believe
that one person lived in a twelve bedroom mansion. She had come in to the room
he had shown her and realized that he had already prepared everything for her.
Her room was huge with a dressing room filled with clothes and shoes.
Everything she needed.
But… Looking down… She felt like…
“But I work…”
said
softly.
He put the book down, “You don’t need to anymore.” he said as he stood up,
“Live your life.”
looked confused as she moved her hand behind her back. “Sakaki-sama…” she said softly, “Why are you so nice…”
“You can help me co-manage the tennis club.” He interrupted her, “You’re good
with keeping order and a schedule.”
She thought about that as she raised a finger to her lips. A habit she did
unconsciously when she was thinking about something, 'why not?'
thought,
“Y...Yes I would like that.” She said bowing lightly, “I don’t mind.”
-------------------
I'm late! I'm late!
thought panicking as she ran through the school grounds. Her
first day at the tennis club and she was late. She didn’t want to disappoint Sakaki in any way.
After all, she owed him a lot.
As she ran for her life while she crossed against people.
She dodged couples, threw some freshmen's off course, and almost killed someone
in the process, but she ignored them. She was almost there and took a turn
around the corner when…
“Oooof……” someone said exasperated as she collided
with them.
She fell full force onto the floor. Her things
scattered all around her and she knocked her forehead onto the wall.
“Atobe-san”
“Atobe-san” girls screamed.
“Atobe-san…”
heard
voices, “Are you alright?” a group of female fans circled around him.
Atobe muttered something under his breath sitting up from the floor that he
crashed onto.
swore softly as she sat up bending her knees, “That really
hurt…” she said softly as she placed her hand on her head.
“You clumsy brat!” he muttered as he noticed who was the source of him losing
his balance and grace, “I should’ve known it was you.”
She ignored him.
stood up picking up her things. “Well it’s obvious that
you’re alright.” She said haughtily, making the girls gasp at how rude she was
to him. She then turned and walked away from them.
When
was
far away, something grasped her upper arm. “You really think high and mighty of
yourself, don’t you?” Atobe demanded.
“Let go of me.” She hissed trying to push him away.
He chuckled lightly.
She glared at him, “I hate you! Just because I don’t flock around you like
those losers! Don’t think I'm a low person.”
snapped
angrily at him. She hated how he was able to prick her skin and make her angry
so quickly.
“You’re too proud of yourself.” Atobe snapped.
“I have to respect myself before I expect others to respect
“It’s that pride of yours that never got you any friends!”
stopped.
“…”
“True.”
said
softly, “But I don’t need pity.” She remarked, “Or someone high and mighty like
yourself to say that to me!” she glared still, “Are your friends really your friends
or is that because you’re very rich?”
It was his turn to stop now.
She looked at her watch, “Now I'm really late…”
mumbled
walking away from him.
For once in his life, the great Atobe Keigo was
speechless.
--------------------
“This is
.”
Sakaki introduced. “She will help with some of the
managerial things.”
Atobe was too furious to say anything as he realized who the girl was.
“Yes, coach.” The players smiled.
“Finally a cute girl.” Oshitari
teased
making
her blush.
“You know her?” Gakuto asked.
He nodded, “Come on,
-chan. I’ll introduce you.”
Oshitari introduced her around and she admired at how
nice most of them were being to her. Sakaki showed
the
things she needed to look out for and handed her a notebook with numbers and
charts, “You can base their schedule according to this.” He explained as he
pointed at some things on the notebook. “For example…”
“Ootori-san needs to practice
stability in order to be able to hit his scud serve accurately each time.”
spoke
without thinking.
Sakaki looked at her a bit surprised, but nodded. “No
need for me to give you instructions then. You’ll do fine.”
nodded taking the book from him.
Sakaki looked up as they heard someone walk in, “
,
work with Atobe closely.” He added, “He’ll give you insights.” He motioned for
Atobe to walk in. He had a towel around his neck with his skin glowing from the
sweat. Sakaki didn’t really give them any mercy.
didn’t look at him.
Sakaki left the two alone.
moved her hair away from her face as Atobe washed his face.
She picked up her stuff including her bag and walked out ignoring him. Sakaki-sama didn’t say I had to do it today,
she thought to herself, I don’t have to talk to him.
“Where do you think you’re going, brat?” Atobe asked in his low voice. She was
surprised as she felt warm breath tickling the light hair at the nape of her
neck.
How did he get so close? She wondered turning away so fast.
almost tripped losing her footing.
Atobe’s instinct kicked in without even thinking as
he grabbed her wrist. He pulled her up almost too hard and she came tumbling into his arms.
Arms around her waist.
Hands clutching his shirt.
Legs almost tangled.
It didn’t look good
But it felt somehow warm.
pushed herself away from him, “Don’t do that again you….”
She began flustered but then angry because she was at a loss for words,
“Whatever!” she just ended up snapping. “You scared me.”
“You were given an assignment.” He said narrowing his eyes at her. When she
fell all he could think of was for her not to get hurt, “You need to help me
with some schedules for the regulars.” he shook that disturbing thought away.
She glared at Atobe, “Why don’t you pay someone to do it for you?”
said
haughtily crossing her arms.
He tightened his jaw, “Listen you brat…” his hand already tightening into a fist.
“I have a name!”
snapped.
“What’s this?” someone asked annoyed interrupting the two. "Che..."
They both turned to see.
“Wakashi-kun.”
bowed
lightly.
He scowled, “You two are bickering like a whining couple.” He muttered drying
his hair with a towel as he walked off.
“Remind me to double the workload on his menu.” Atobe muttered to
.
looked at him. “Let’s get this over with.” She told him as
she put the books on the table.
“Not here.” he said picking up his jacket and placing it on his shoulders, “This
place is a drab.”
She blinked “Where then?”
asked
as Atobe led her out.
-------------------
“You had to leave the club, didn’t you?!”
demanded
looking at Atobe.
“Be quiet…” he muttered taking out his cell phone. They were somewhere a bit
afar and got stuck in the rain. It was more like a thunderstorm outside. “I'll
call my driver.” he replied as he tried dialing, but his phone…
Atobe swore softly and took out another phone from the bag.
And finally when he reached for the third satellite phone.
“And to think three phones was enough,”
muttered
crossing her arms.
Finally Atobe snapped as he threw the phone in his bag, “I heard that.”
“It was meant for your ears.” She whispered hugging herself, for she was
freezing as they stood beneath a shade trying to get shelter from the rain.
They were still outside.
“Don’t you have one?” he demanded.
looked at him and he noted that her grey eyes flickered, “I
don’t ask for such things.”
Atobe sighed as he put his hood on and leaned by the pole outside.
bent down and sat on the floor hugging her knees.
THUNDER
covered
her ears in fear and let out a light scream. She grabbed the first thing she
could think of in instinct.
His leg.
Atobe looked down surprised.
She was shaking with her eyes tightly closed.
Atobe looked down, “Are you alright?”
“No…”
said
shivering, “I hate thunder.” She whispered covering her ears. “I hate thunder.”
Thunder reminded her of that night.
The night the car crushed.
The night she lost them both.
Atobe leaned down, why me? He thought to himself wearily. His hand on
her head, “Oy, brat!” he snapped as he started
shaking
a
bit.
was frozen, in shock.
Atobe’s brow furrowed. He pulled
up
and did the one thing he knew that helped panic attacks.
[SLAP]
gasped
with her pale face in shock.
His arms came gently around her her. “Sakaki-sama will never forgive me if anything happened to
you.”
She moved away from him, “You didn’t have to slap
He shrugged. “It was either me slapping you or…”
looked
away.
“Or kissing you.”
“…”
--------------------
Months Later
“Shishido-san?”
called.
The spiky haired boy looked at her, his glare soft, yet mean
looking. He put his cap back onto his head and gave her his full attention,
“Yes?”
handed him a file, “This will help with your stamina.” she
said smiling at him, “It’s also the things you can do before you play Fudoumine.”
He nodded, “Thank you.”
She started walking around as she handed all players their stuff until she
reached one. A smile lit her face as she bent down “Jirou-san.”
she said shaking the sleeping boy.
“Mmmmmmm….”
“Jirou-san.”
“Don’t call me Jirou-san!” he muttered opening
his eyes yawning.
smiled, “Jirou-kun.”
“No!” he said raising a finger to her face, “Only Jirou.”
She raised an eyebrow, “Only if you call me
,
okay?”
“Yes.” He nodded as he went back to sleep.
smiled.
-------------------
Later that Day after Practice
She walked into the house and looking surprised when
she found a…
Woman sitting in the lavish guest hall and next to her…
A young boy.
He looked a bit wild with spiky hair and an earring in one ear.
They were both looking at her.
“
?”
came Sakaki’s voice.
“Y..Yes.” she said walking
towards him. Sakaki stood up, “I’d like to introduce
you to a friend and one of her students.”
She looked puzzled.
“This is Hanamura Aoi.” He
introduced the beautiful woman to her.
admired her, for she looked so elegant and well poised.
“Her student is Kajimoto Takahisa.”
He said, “Kajimoto is the captain of the Jyousei Shounan tennis team.”
She nodded bowing lightly.
Kajimoto looked at
.
A light smile hitting his face.
Does this mean?
thought to herself, is he serious about her? She
glanced at the woman.
“Sorry to come unannounced, but I have a matter to discuss with Sakaki-sama.” Hanamura said
softly.
“Eerr…”
said
softly looking at them. Why was the boy here? She thought.
Hanamura smiled, “Sakaki-Sama
told me you were having trouble with Math.” She said watching
’s
confused look, “I bought Kajimoto-kun to help you.”
cheeks flushed a bit, so he knew I was having problems
with Math, she thought to herself. “Yes!” She bowed, “Thank you Sakaki-sama.”
“We will be back in a while.” Sakaki told them.
stood still.
Alone in the room.
“
-chan.” Kajimoto said
standing up, “You don’t have to be shy around
looked confused.
“Hanamura-sensei told me a cute girl was involved so
I came running.” he admitted making her blush at the
statement.
“Kajimoto-san…” she muttered embarrassed.
“Oy!” he said interrupting her, “Kaji-kun
is fine.” he said winking at her.
A smile lit her face, “Only if you call me
-chan.”
“Okay.”
--------------------
Days passed by
Weeks.
Months.
She was finally getting into the rhythm of her life.
was living it easy. Sakaki made
sure everything was provided for her. However, she always felt pressured that
she needed to do her best.
But….
I don’t have anyone to talk to, she thought placing her cheeks on the
cool wood of the library desk. She stifled a yawn closing her eyes for a few
minutes...just a few minutes....
--------------------
“
!”
blinked.
“
!”
the voice came rather coldly.
“…”
yawned
and then turned to look at the person that woke her up and slowly a scowl was
beginning to form on her lips.
“A girl shouldn’t be sleeping alone here, right Kabaji?”
Atobe spoke with a smirk on his face as he stood watching her with his arms
crossed in his usual arrogant stance.
“Yes…..” Kabaji agreed.
“God go away!”
muttered
standing up, “I don’t have to see your face when I wake up.” she said annoyed
picking up her books and hauling her bag over one shoulder.
“A lot of girls would be dreaming about that day…” he said smirking looking at
his reflection in his coated gold compact mirror.
“Get over yourself…”
muttered
walking out, “Right Kabaji?” she smiled at the door
and then left.
“Yes…” he spoke smiling at the direction she went to.
Atobe was not amused.
--------------------
“Winter Ball?”
grimaced
looking at the card on her locker in the club.
“Yes.” Jirou said smiling, “Ore-sama’s
party.” He explained to her, “Coach Sakaki usually
invites top musicians to play.”
“It’s a duo?” she asked.
Oshitari took the card from her. “Yes, they both
collaborate in doing this.”
That means.
She would be involved too.
She looked down. I don’t know anything about balls and that means…
gasped!
I have to have a date! She thought horrified trying to shake the thought
out of her mind. “I’ll see you guys later.” she ran
hurriedly out of the club room.
-------------------
She hesitated as she knocked on Sakaki’s study door,
“Sakaki-sama?’
“Come in,
.”
She walked slowly unsure of herself. Her hands as usual found themselves behind
her back. “I…” she began looking down.
He watched her.
“I’m not sure if it’s right, but…”
began.
“Say it.”
“Can I speak to Hanamura-san?”
asked,
“There are some things I want to ask her”
Sakaki was not expecting that, but surprise didn’t
show on his face. He flipped through a file and picked out a card. “Give her a
call.” he ordered handing the card to her.
-------------------
“Wow…”
whispered
looking into the mirror, “Is that me?” she whispered as she blinked trying to
grasp whether that was her or not.
Hanamura smiled, “Lei-San is good with the scissors, no?”
she asked softly.
had asked her if she could help her with her appearance. Hanamura had taken her shopping and suggested she cut her
hair short. “You have a nice bone structure and with short hair it will bring
out your face.” she remarked noticing that it was always hidden behind her long
lanky hair.
She looked into the mirror again,
smiled.
Her hair was short, till the nape of her neck, but it was layered so nicely it
looked like a cute mess.
“Thank you for doing this for me, Hanamaru-San.”
As they walked out, the older woman smiled. She liked the young girl, she was disciplined and not spoilt. As they passed
some shops, Hanamura stopped, “Do you have a dress
for the ball?” she asked.
hesitated, “I…” she began, “I’m sure there’s something in
the closet.”
“Nonsense.” She said taking her wrist, “Everyone needs
a new dress for the ball.” She said firmly as she dragged her into a hip store.
“You’ll be my little master piece when I’m done dressing you up.”
blushed.
-------------------
Day of the Ball
“You’re disgusting, do you know that?”
said
rolling her eyes.
“I’m loved! What can I do.” Atobe smirked as his hands
found their way in his pockets whilst walking with her to the tennis club.
Three girls had come to him asking to be his date for the ball, but he said he
would only go out with the prettiest girl in school.
“What an ego…”
muttered.
Atobe watched her as a light mischievous smile hit his lips, “And did that
attitude of yours get you a date yet?” he asked knowingly.
stopped.
One hand on her hip.
Glaring.
“It’s none of your business….”
said
haughtily.
He laughed knowing that he hit a nerve, but his eyes followed her. She was
different lately. She dressed more feminine now. The
miniskirts that showed off her long legs. He only remembered because Oshitari had commented on them and her new hair cut did
make her… hand on his jaw, Hmmmmm, what’s
the word? Sexier? Thinking that to himself, then
he shook his head chuckling,
?
Sexy? Never.
“What are you smirking about?”
asked
annoyed. Never in her life had she had met someone who annoyed her so much.
“I was just…” he began, but whatever he was going to say was interrupted by her
phone ringing.
He couldn’t resist saying it. Atobe pointed at her cell, “I thought you didn’t
believe in those.”
“Well apparently when someone with three phones couldn’t be trusted, Sakaki-sama bought one for
“Gawd!” he muttered clucking his teeth, “You’re so
annoying.” he said out loud as he stretched his arms above his head.
“Likewise.”
-------------------
“I approve.” Sakaki said as
stood
in front of him.
wore the dress Hanamura had
insisted she get. It was a beautiful black skirt, with a corset like top. It
wasn’t deep cut, but it showed her slender figure. She wore a simply necklace
and earrings and her hair was blow dried, styled, and fit her look. “Thank you,
Sakaki-sama.” she said bowing lightly.
“Atobe.” Sakaki spoke.
Atobe came out of the study wearing a black suit and holding some papers in his
hand. Although the ball was at his place. He had to
come to Sakaki’s place to go over some player input
for the game with Seigaku in a few days.
He blinked.
ignored him.
Atobe handed Sakaki the papers, “I need to go now,
coach. Let's meet tomorrow.”
“Take
with
you.” Sakaki ordered.
and Atobe stopped.
“Do either of you have a date?” Sakaki asked crossing
his arms.
blushed lightly, “No…” she said softly.
“Well…. "Atobe began rubbing the back of his hair; he hadn’t really been
interested in any of the girls who asked him out. And no one really satisfied
his taste so he thought he wouldn’t ask anyone.
“It’s settled then. Go together and bring
back
not later than 1.” He said leaving the two alone.
Atobe crossed his arms.
crossed her arms too, “Sorry…” she said softly.
“Nah…” he said with a wave of his hand as he moved a hand through his hair. “It
would be a relief to be with someone who won’t cling to me and suffocate me to
death.”
rolled her eyes, “Get over yourself…..” she hissed as she
walked out.
This should be interesting,
he thought already evil thoughts forming in his mind how he could torture
since
she was stuck with him.
--------------------
The Atobe mansion was magnificent. Lit up with a thousand lights and the ball
room was decorated beautifully. Even the gardens by
the fountains outside were decorated so close couples could sneak away for some
private time.
Standing by the side,
smiled
at some of the regulars dates. Shishido and Ootori were dating twins from the first year; they looked
adorable trying to figure out which one was their date as the girls mischievously
teased them and kept on switching.
Oshitari’s date was an elegant girl from Rikkai Dai.
She admired her height and knew exactly why Oshitari
chose her. She probably has nice legs, thinking how important that asset
was for him in a girl.
Jirou’s date was miserable because he couldn’t keep
his eyes open.
Wakashi was being plain rude so she ended up leaving
him by himself.
“Dance with me?” she heard someone whisper in her ears.
shivered
and took a step to the front so that he wasn't stuck to her from the back
anymore, “Stop creeping up on me…” she hissed glaring at Atobe.
Atobe laughed.
“Just because I came here with you that doesn't mean you have to feel obligated
to dance with
He smacked his forehead lightly, “Brat…” he muttered.
looked up sharply, “What was that?”
He grabbed her wrist lightly. Atobe pulled
towards
him. “Like I'm going to dance in public with you.” He
said as he pulled her outside towards the garden. He headed to a maze where
they could still hear the crowd, but it was only them.
“So you’re embarrassed of me….” She concluded as she raised an eyebrow.
“Not at all.” he spoke putting his hand on her waist. Atobe reached for her
other hand and pulled her close.
stiffened, he was closer than usual.
“What are you going to do with your free hand?” he whispered in her ear.
snapped out of her thoughts.
She hesitated
didn’t
know whether he was teasing her or…
“Well?” Atobe probed.
She put her hand lightly on his shoulder.
He danced lightly with her to the music, “Ore-sama
doesn’t dance in public.” He told her.
looked confused, “So my question would be, how many girls
did Ore-Sama bring here?” she shot lightly.
“None.”
[THUMP]
“…”
“Didn’t expect that,
?”
he asked softly.
stopped.
“The minute you say my name you start freaking me out.”
Atobe had a smirk on his face.
pushed him lightly away. “Don’t play with me.” She said
starting to walk away from him.
Atobe grabbed her upper arm and pulled her towards him, “I really hate it when
you walk away from me…”
wanted
to slap him but he caught her wrist. Wanting to use her other hand, he caught
it as well. She stopped, “I don’t have the strength anymore.” she remarked exasperated
easing her grip and letting go.
She sat down by the fountain.
Atobe stood by her side, “Why do you hate thunder?” he found himself asking.
looked at him “I….” she closed up. “I lost them that night, I remember it was thundering when the car flipped.”
She said softly hugging herself.
“Your parents?”
nodded lightly, she couldn’t help herself as some tears slid
down her cheeks. She rubbed them away, but they kept coming. “I promised not to
cry…” she said annoyed rubbing her face.
Atobe looked at her and handed her a handkerchief. He did something surprising
and took his jacket placing it on her shoulder, “I
think it’s better if you cry…”
shook
her head as tears kept sliding.
Atobe sat next to her and cupped her face kissing her tears and then trailing
his lips to her eyes. “It’s okay.”
looked surprised. “Atobe…” she said softly, “Why…” she
began, but no words came out as he stopped her from saying what she wanted.
Lips touched.
Arms around her waist.
She didn’t even have time to react when he withdrew.
“I don’t do well with girls that cry….”
was
surprised, her finger touched his lip lightly, “You’re
always making fun of me.”
He took her hand lightly, “You were driving me crazy.” He stood up making her
stand up, “I hate the fact that you were always nice to people and not….” one
hand in his pocket while the other holding hers, “Well that’s that.” he said
not finishing his sentence.
You weren’t one of the people that were always around me because I was rich.
You liked me for me, in your own weird way….
“And you call that a kiss?”
said
haughtily, “I thought the great Ore-sama could do
better than that….” she said looking to the side.
“Eh…” he stopped dropping her hand. “Are you making…” he began, but saw that
she was smiling. Her eyes were teasing him.
Atobe pulled her towards him “Brat…”, he whispered
dipping her head lightly and kissing her again.
opened her mouth for him allowing more access as his tongue
slid in. He kissed her thoroughly savoring her taste with his arms possessively
around her waist while hers at his neck.
It was sometime when the two finally stopped for a breath, but only to continue
on again.
-------------------
Love can find one another…
In searching for love, always look for the person next to you….
Who’s always there….
Fighting with you…..
THE END
Written by Develicious
February 12, 2006
Re-edited by Anon July 30, 2006
Edited by Marishka
October 2007