꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚꒷︶꒷꒥꒷‧₊˚
𝐈 𝐤𝐢𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚 𝐠𝐢𝐫𝐥
•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•
"Damnit, Osoro. Do you have any decency?" Megami lectured the blonde haired delinquent. Of course, Osoro never took her seriously. Osoro turned to face Megami, her expression defiant yet tinged with curiosity.
"What's this, Megami? Coming to lecture me personally?"
Ignoring the sarcasm, Megami continues to scold Osoro, "Your behavior is unacceptable, Osoro. You disrupt the harmony of this school with your reckless actions." Osoro leaned against the wall, crossing her arms in defiance, "Harmony? This place is a joke, Megami. You and your rules can't control everything." Megami's gaze remained steady, her voice calm yet commanding. "Rules exist for a reason, Osoro. They maintain order and ensure the safety of everyone. But it seems you prefer chaos."
A flicker of uncertainty crossed Osoro's face before she quickly masked it with a scowl. "Tch, don't act you know anything about me, fat cat!" Osoro defensively snapped at Megami. Megami sighed, her patience tested but unbroken. "I'm not here to fight you, Osoro. I just don't understand why you feel the need to rebel against everything this school stands for."
For a moment, there was silence as Osoro seemed to consider Megami's words. Then, with a frustrated growl, she pushed herself off the wall. "You wouldn't understand, Megami. You've always had everything handed to you on a silver platter." Megami shook her head, refusing to let the conversation devolve into petty insults. "I can't help what I was born into. And someone like you would never understand the responsibilities I will always be forced to carry. Knowing you, I doubt you know how to handle any responsibilities."
"Oh forgive me for not being a sweet little sugar coated, cotton candy sheep." Osoro said sarcastically with her hand propped up onto her hip. Megami sneered at the blonde and crossed her arms, "If you keep up this behavior then you'll be expelled before the end of the semester. now, clean up this mess." Megami gestured to the pile of books on the floor that Osoro knocked over. Osoro rolled her eyes and Megami left the room.
Megami couldn't afford to linger with Osoro, not with the looming task of preparing for her father's upcoming dinner party at their lavish mansion. Swamped with work, she hadn't a spare moment to clear her schedule or assist with the table settings and decorations. So, she made her way home promptly after school, though the minutes had slipped away, leaving her stuck in an unyielding lecture with that brick wall. Exiting the school building, she spotted her chauffeur leaning against the limousine, patiently awaiting her arrival.
"Typical," Osoro mumbled to herself as she watched Megami leave. She leaned against the wall, kicking at the debris on the floor. A few minutes later, her phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and read the message. It was from her father. He was telling her to prepare for a fancy dinner party they would be going to tomorrow.
"Dammit," Osoro swore under her breath. She wasn't going to miss out on an opportunity to get under Megami's skin. With a smirk, Osoro began to consider.
•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•
The grandeur of Megami's familial estate set the stage for the extravagant dinner party, a meticulously orchestrated affair aimed at captivating Japan's elite with a new product unveiling. Amidst the gathering throng, Megami gracefully navigated the room, dressed in a resplendent scarlet gown that accentuated her poise and charm.
An hour late, Osoro's arrival cast a ripple through the meticulously planned event. She slipped past the security without any trouble, knowing she had been invited. Clad in a form-fitting azure dress, she was most certainly dressed the part of a rich man's daughter, despite her messy hair. Her gaze swept the room until it alighted upon Megami's regal form, a bastion of elegance and authority.
Closing the distance, Osoro approached, arms crossed in a gesture of defiance. "Well, well, well, look what the cat dragged in." She didn't bother trying to conceal her sarcasm. She knew she could provoke Megami easily.
Exasperation flickered across Megami's features at the unwelcome interruption. Turning to face the delinquent, her eyes met Osoro's with an air of resigned weariness. "Oh, it's you." she sighed softly, already steeling herself for the impending exchange. "Let's hope for everyone's sake that you're prepared to behave tonight."
"Or what?" Osoro's challenge hung in the air as she closed the distance to Megami, a sly grin playing on her lips. "You'll toss me out? I doubt your dear daddy would approve." Her smirk widened, eyes darting briefly to the assembled guests before fixing back on Megami's unwavering gaze.
Megami's brow twitched, arms folding across her chest as her stern countenance bore down on Osoro. "And how would your father feel, seeing you make a spectacle of yourself before such esteemed company?" Her voice, firm and commanding, underscored her authority.
With a nonchalant shrug, Osoro retorted, "My father couldn't care less about my antics," each word a calculated barb aimed at stoking Megami's ire. "After all, isn't this supposed to be a party?" She chuckled, striding uncomfortably close to Megami's personal space.
"What you do reflects on your father. Any misstep here could tarnish his reputation," Megami warned, her tone carrying a weight of consequence. "And in the worst-case scenario, he could find himself ousted from his position." Turning away, she dismissed Osoro with a wave, eager to draw the conversation to a close.
Osoro's derisive snort cut through the air, a bitter retort escaping her lips. "My father's nothing but a worthless drunk," she spat, her fingers combing through tangled locks of blonde hair in agitation. The mere mention of him sent a surge of pent-up frustration coursing through her veins.
Halting in her steps, Megami pivoted to face Osoro, her voice tinged with a mix of concern and admonition. "You've already tasted the bitter pill of foster care. Are you truly willing to revisit that ordeal?" Her words carried the weight of past trauma, a stark reminder of the fragility of Osoro's circumstances. "Because that's the reality if your father's downfall leads to dire consequences."
Osoro's cheeks flushed crimson at the painful reminder, a reflexive attempt to regain control evident in her steely gaze. "I don't need anyone to look out for me. I'm a damn adult." she snapped, her anger seeping through each syllable.
Megami's response was a measured silence, her expression betraying a hint of disapproval. After a beat, she released a heavy sigh, her patience waning. "Then start acting like the adult you claim to be." She urged, her tone firm yet tinged with a note of disappointment, before turning to depart.
With arms tightly crossed, Osoro watched Megami's retreating figure, a surge of frustration knotting her stomach. As the anger slowly ebbed away, a sense of remorse settled in its wake. "I'm an idiot.." She muttered under her breath, a rueful acknowledgment of her own recklessness. The tension in her frame softened, her cheeks tinted with a delicate hue of pink, a silent admission of vulnerability amidst the turmoil.
•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•
As the festivities unfolded, Megami made a concerted effort to shadow her father's every move, keen on projecting an aura of professionalism befitting her future role in the family business. Yet, her resolve was tested as her father engaged in conversation with a prominent politician, whose veiled jabs at the Saikou family and their corporation, Saikou Corp, grated on her nerves. As her father engaged in conversation with the notable politician, the air thickened with passive-aggressive remarks directed at the Saikou family and their corporate entity, Saikou Corp.
With practiced restraint, her father maintained a stoic facade, concealing his annoyance behind an excellent poker face. However, when the politician's remarks turned towards Megami, insinuating incompetence based on her gender and appearance, she found it increasingly difficult to maintain her composure.
"And you propose a woman to helm all this? Why not entrust it to your son? He'd manage it capably. She'll likely run the company into the ground," the politician quipped, igniting a seething fury within Megami.
The final straw came when the politician dared to insult her mother and suggest her role as a subservient wife, "At least she's a pretty face. She'd make a nice, submissive wife if you teach her to respect men."
Struggling to contain her rage, Megami bit back her retort, fully aware of the repercussions her words might incur. But when the politician dared to disparage her mother, suggesting Megami's worth lay solely in her appearance and ability to serve men, she could no longer restrain herself, drawing the attention of the assembled guests, "Shut your fucking mouth!"
The politician's haughty demeanor wavered, casting doubt on the future of their partnership. The politician's incredulous gaze shifted to Mr. Saikou, prompting a tense exchange as he sought to salvage the diplomatic fallout.
"Is this the manner in which you rear your offspring, Mr. Saikou? Such flagrant disrespect is quite unbecoming." The politician's eyes shifted to Mr. Saikou, seeking validation or rebuttal to Megami's outburst. Mr. Saikou, though visibly tense, endeavored to salvage the situation, "I assure you, that's not how we conduct ourselves, such sentiments do not align with the values I've instilled in my children." Mr. Saikou interjected, his attempt to quell the brewing conflict palpable in his tone.
Megami could see satisfaction in the politician's eyes, feeling a sense of superiority, as if he had won against Megami. Yet the man doubled down, "If your esteemed family cannot demonstrate proper respect towards political figures, then perhaps I shall reconsider the necessity of our partnership." With a final reproachful glance, the politician departed, leaving behind a palpable tension in his wake. Sensing her father's simmering wrath, Megami looked up at him, only to find herself ensnared in his vice-like grip. "What the hell is wrong with you?! Are you fucking dense?!" Mr. Saikou's voice lashed out with palpable fury, his grip on Megami's arm tightening painfully. Her protests died in her throat, suppressed by fear and the sting of his reprimand.
Megami tried to defend herself by saying, "He was insulting us! Our legacy!" Megami's desperate justification fell on deaf ears as Mr. Saikou's hand met her cheek with a resounding slap, the sound echoing through the room and drawing startled gazes from the onlookers.
Stung by her father's reprimand, Megami recoiled, her cheeks stinging from the force of his slap. The sound reverberated through the room, eliciting murmurs of concern from the onlookers.
"Do you honestly think I give a damn about what he says?! That's precisely why I didn't say a fucking word! You just jeopardized the most crucial business deal of my career! Now, do me a favor and get the hell out of my sight." Mr. Saikou shoved Megami aside, his disappointment palpable in the air. "What a disappointment," he muttered under his breath before striding away, determined to salvage the situation with the politician.
Megami stood frozen in shock, her cheek throbbing from the force of the slap. Humiliation washed over her, a sharp pain piercing her chest as tears welled up in her eyes. Despite the ache in her cheek and the humiliation burning within her, Megami dared not protest, cowed by her father's wrath and the weight of the consequences her actions had wrought.
No. I am Megami Saikou. I am a woman of pride. I will not shed tears here.
With a shaky breath, she hastily made her way towards the door. As she passed her younger brother, Kencho, he snickered while taking a sip of water.
Pushing through the doors, she entered her family's garden. Osoro had witnessed the entire ordeal and couldn't help but feel sympathy for Megami. She understood her in a way no one else could. Osoro was well aware of this fact, which made it all too easy to provoke her. Despite her better judgment, she followed Megami out to the garden.
Osoro watched as Megami stormed out of the building. She could see the anger and frustration rolling off of her in waves. Without hesitation, she followed after her, concern for her well-being overtaking any lingering annoyance.
Megami was caught by the cool night air, sending chills down her spine. She couldn't hold back her tears any longer. She can't even remember the last time she cried. She took a seat on a bench and let the tears fall down her cheeks.
Osoro approached cautiously, her hands balled into fists as she hesitated to intrude on Megami's privacy. "Megami... are you alright?" she asked softly, her own indignation momentarily forgotten in the face of Megami's anguish.
Megami'a body tensed and she turned her head away from Osoro, hiding her tears. "O-Oh! Huh? What do you want?" Megami tried to wipe the tears away but it was no use. They just kept coming out.
Osoro studied Megami's profile, her expression guarded as she observed the other girl's reaction. She couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt for upsetting Megami, despite their turbulent relationship. "I... I was just worried about you.." She took a seat next to Megami on the bench.
"Don't be! I don't need your pity." Megami's tone ended up sounding more hostile than intended. Osoro raised an eyebrow at Megami's sharp retort, unphased by her hostility. "Pity? I wasn't offering pity," she countered calmly, "I was offering concern."
Megami took a deep breath, lifting her head and looking up at the night sky above. "You wouldn't understand." Osoro watched as Megami lifted her head, a small frown tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Try me," she challenged softly, "I might surprise you." There was an unexpected vulnerability in her voice that contrasted sharply with her usual tough exterior.
Despite Megami's better judgement, she needed someone to talk to at that moment. "I didn't ask for any of this. I didn't ask to be born with so much responsibility. I didn't ask to be born with the father I have. I didn't ask to be born a woman in a world where men are seen as superior. I am Megami Saikou. I was gifted everything at my birth. But no matter how intelligent, rich or influential I am. I'll still just be seen as a mere woman." Her expression relaxed and she closed her eyes.
Osoro's eyes widened in surprise as Megami spoke so candidly about her life. She didn't expect the girl to open up so much, especially since she was usually so guarded. She listened intently, taking in every word. "You know," she began softly, "I've always thought you were lucky. But it sounds like you have a lot more on your shoulders than I ever imagined." Her voice was gentle, almost motherly. "You don't have to prove anything to anyone."
Megami opened her eyes. Her expression was hard to read but for once she didn't seem so strict. She looked vulnerable. "It must be really difficult to live up to everyone's expectations all the time." Osoro murmured, her gaze softening. "You don't have to carry that burden alone. I mean, if you want someone to talk to or vent to... I'm here."
Something about that seemed to frustrate Megami even more. "Yes I do. It is my responsibility as the first born of the Saikou family. You wouldn't even begin to understand."
Osoro didn't seem fazed by Megami's cold response. "Actually," she said, tilting her head to the side, "I might have a little bit of an idea." She paused for a moment before adding, "Because I'm kind of in the same boat."
Megami cautiously raised a brow, "What? How so?" Megami's strict expression returned
Osoro shrugged. "I'm very.. infamous.. A lot of people have issues with me. Or want to take me down to prove they are stronger than me.. or whatever.. Everyday I'm approached by some lame ass gangsters who want to pick a fight. and for my reputation's sake, I don't have down.." Her voice took on a bitter edge as she mentioned her responsibilities. "And lately, these dudes have been following me around. Talking to me, giving me gifts.. I guess they seek protection from me.. But I feel like people would just target them even more if I let them hang around me.."
Megami seemed slightly surprised but didn't react to strongly. "Oh?"
"Yeah, it's just like trying to navigate a minefield all the time." Osoro sighed, running a hand through her unkempt hair. "Sometimes it feels like I'm stuck playing this role that I didn't ask for."
"So, what is your idea?" Megami lowered her head a bit, her long, silver hair draping over her shoulders, a few strands falling in front of her face. Her eyes, usually sharp and professional, now softened. Osoro glanced over at Megami, a small smirk playing at the corners of her mouth. "I don't know.. I guess I could try and make some real friends for once." She shrugged, her tone laced with sarcasm. "
Then, Osoro's gaze went back to Megami and Osoro's heart suddenly skipped a beat. Her heart began racing and her cheeks flushed as she saw Megami's face. It was as if something inside Osoro just awakened. She suddenly notices how delicate Megami's features looked. How her eyes almost looked like glass, brushed over with high gloss varnish. Her lips were plump and the color resembled cherries. Her skin was so pale and clear, making it look as if she was made from porcelain. Her hair was so long, the light reflected off the silky strands, making it look as soft as silk. The scarlet dress she wore accented her blueish color scheme.
Without realizing it, Osoro found herself leaning closer to Megami, her breath slightly hitching in her throat. There was something so captivating about Megami that she couldn't tear her eyes away from her. And for once, Osoro felt alive.
Megami noticed the change in Osoro's demeanor, "Osoro?"
Osoro snapped back to reality, her expression changing almost instantly to a hardened sneer. She stepped back from Megami, trying to mask her sudden infatuation. "Whatever. It's all stupid anyways." She said, sounding distant and disconnected.
Megami lowered her head and let out a disappointed sigh, catching Osoro's attention again. Osoro's gaze softened, "You know, you're really beautiful, Megami." She watched as Megami's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks flushing pink. "Thanks..." she said quietly, her voice barely audible. Osoro smiled, a genuine smile that made her usually harsh features soften. "You are." She said, stepping closer to Megami once more.
Megami stood up, her eyes scanning the garden for no reason in particular. The nearby lanterns gave off a cozy feeling despite the chilly air. Osoro stood up and stepped close to Megami.
"Megami," Osoro started, her eyes flickering to Megami's face. "I know this is unexpected, and maybe even unwanted, but...I think I like you." She paused, her heartbeat racing. "Not just as a friend or whatever, but like..." Osoro reached out for Megami but she grabbed Osoro's wrist to stop her, "No! Don't say it!" Megami tried to stop her. She didn't know why by she was too scared to hear Osoro's confession. Osoro flashed a soft smile and leaned closer to Megami.
"I like you," Osoro repeated softly, her eyes never leaving Megami's. She felt a jolt of nervous energy course through her as she inched closer to Megami. "I want to kiss you..."
Megami didn't answer, but she also didn't pull away. She looked as if she anticipated the kiss despite her reluctance.
With a deep breath, Osoro leaned in and pressed her lips against Megami's, their softness surprising her. She felt Megami's fingers grip her wrist tighter, but she didn't mind. Osoro felt alive, more alive than ever before.
•┈┈┈••✦ ♡ ✦••┈┈┈•
𝙰𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚛 𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎! 𝙸 𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚔𝚎 𝚞𝚙 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚍𝚘 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢. 𝙸'𝚟𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚔𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚘𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚠𝚛𝚘𝚝𝚎 𝚘𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝟸,𝟶𝟶𝟶 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚍𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚛𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚌𝚑 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚊𝚗 𝚜𝚎𝚎 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚝𝚘𝚙.