CHAPTER 2
"I... I h-have feelings for you too, so..."
"H-huh? Why are you telling me this all of a sudden?"
"You can't remember? You confessed to me last night!
"... Sorry, Setsuko..."
"... Eh?"
"Sorry, but... Can we remain friends instead?"
I sighed at the memory of my last rejection, ruffling my already messy pink locks in irritation.
Fujisaki Yuu is a liar. Why did I bother to help him last night?
Conscience makes you do the ridiculous, doesn't it? It even prevents you from letting the one you find unforgivable suffer. It makes you do actions that contradicts to your own beliefs. It's pretty queer, yet funny.
I'm pretty sure that if I let Fujisaki get hurt, it'll haunt me for the rest of my life.
Maybe that's the reason why I bothered to save him from those thugs. But still, looks can deceive. Fujisaki may look like a nice guy, but it's human nature to hide ones' dark side.
It's childish of me to hold these grudges over an unrequited love, but it's not that I can help it. He made me believe something non-existent.
Is it true that when someone is drunk, they are more likely to tell the truth?
Apparently not, for Fujisaki's case, that is.
"Good morning, little floweeeer~!" Rei greeted in a sing-song voice as I entered the dining area.
"Good morning," I muttered, sitting beside Kizuki, who was scarfing down his breakfast sloppily. I glanced at Ikaruga, who was twitching and clenching her fist.
"Kizu, please refrain yourself from eating like a swine," she said in a sickly sweet tone, causing Kizuki's eyes to widen and he shuddered, mumbling an apology. I glanced around, noticing that Ichiru wasn't in the table.
"Eh, where's Ichiru?" I queried. Rei sighed.
"Ah, him. He went out of the country earlier today. Father's orders, I believe," Rei explained while I nodded in understandment. I rubbed my eyes and yawned. Kizuki's cerulean eyes glanced at me.
"Setsu, you didn't sleep well last night, didn't you?"
My eyes widened slightly at my twin's question. I shot him that "stop-talking" look and he immediately pursed his lips before any sound could escape his lips.
"Geez, just don't push yourself too hard, stupid woman," he whispered bashfully, glancing at me with a worried look. I smiled for a fraction of a second and ate my breakfast.
I have a feeling that today is going to be a rather eventful day. I breathed in the healthy fresh air and stretched my arms.
"Uwaah! How refreshing!" I chirped.
"It certainly is."
I sputtered, choking on my spit as a familiar voice commented out of the blue - it was none other than Jun.
"W-what are you? A ninja?! Stop scaring me, woman!"
Jun's lips curled into a smile.
"And how did you get in?! Everyone's in the dining room! And the dojo isn't open yet!"
"Oh. I climbed up."
"Eh?"
"My driver gave me a boost so I managed to get over the wall."
I stared at the brunette who was smirking rather triumphantly.
"Impressive isn't it?" she asked, chuckling. I deadpanned.
What are you? A burglar in the making?
"H-hey now, that was dangerous. Don't do that again," I said, looking at Jun. She gave me a dismissive wave.
"It was fun anyway," she said.
"But you're a girl. I can give you a spare key if you want so..."
Jun's eyes glittered at this.
"Really?! That would be swell, I mean... Imagine the hoards of money that I can earn by selling keys~!" she chirped, emitting a fluffy, sparkly aura. I looked at her incredulously.
For real? She's thinking about selling my key?!
"Ahahaha~ I wonder where that key went~" I laughed nervously, praying that Jun didn't notice me taking back the offer. Jun deadpanned and looked at me wearily.
"You... You changed your mind didn't you?"
Crap.
"I was kidding about the key duplication you know..." she mumbled.
"Ah, really?"
"Yeah. Let's get going. I'll give you a ride to school today."
The ride to school was quiet, and Jun and I merely stared out the window of the limousine.
Jun and I walked to our seats in the classroom at the back of the room nearest to the large windows. It had a nice view of the landscape of the school grounds, so I made sure that I hogged the spot during the first day of school. I gazed at the scene before me: students were entering the premises, either in their fancy cars, motorbikes and such. Sigh. I wonder what it is like to live in a mansion just like my other classmates.
Probably too fancy for my liking.
A small crowd of girls soon formed around a person: she had navy blue hair and an angelic face. Nakayama Ai, the model, and the one that Fujisaki is dating. They're certainly a strong pair, and they've been together for several months now. That match is pretty cliche, but people love it: the popular girl and the shy boy. Either way, I don't like them.
Nakayama Ai's ego can easily rival the height of Mt Fuji.
Looks are indeed deceiving, no? You may be wondering why I decided to describe her as that. Allow me to explain by using this flashback.
It was the first day of high school, and we were socializing and getting to know our classmates. Like most students, Jun and I were looking forward to meeting new people- well, I was forced to- but anyways, here's what happened.
Nakayama Ai was with a hoard of other girls, and she was happily laughing along with their jokes and whatnots. Jun decided to drag me along to make friends with them.
"Um... Hello," Jun greeted, catching Nakayama Ai's attention.
"Oh hello~!"
"I'm Kazamori Jun and this is Kisaragi Setsuko. W-what is your name?"
The blue-haired beauty looked at the both of us incredulously.
"Y-you don't know who I am?" she asked. Jun looked at her weirdly.
"Am I supposed to?" Jun asked, tilting her head slightly. This caused the model to scoff in disbelief.
"Well, it's pretty obvious that you don't know me. I mean, look at yourselves: both of you are walking fashion disasters! What's with those plain uniforms huh? Our uniforms are customizable yet you choose to wear such gross outfits! Only fashionable ones know me- but since you guys are sooooo disgustingly unfashionable and ugly, scram!"
BIMBO ALERT! BIMBO ALERT! ABANDON SHIP IMMEDIATELY! I REPEAT, ABANDON SHIP IMMEDIATELY!
I deadpanned at the blue-haired female, and then glanced at Jun, who was stunned. Jun then cleared her throat and looked at me.
"Let's go, Setsu," she said emotionlessly. I looked at Nakayama Ai.
"So this is all because we're not fashionable?" I queried calmly, staring at her choice of clothes: a horribly short mini skirt, knee-high boots, a shirt that has the first three buttons undone and a blazer.
"So what about it?"
I smirked and lunged myself towards her, skillfully and stealthily undoing the fastener of her skirt. She moved away from me with an incredulous look on her face.
"Wha-what's with you?!" she cried. My smirk widened.
Wrong move.
The article of clothing then slipped down her limbs, causing her to scream and cover herself. Her so-called friends giggled at her humiliation while the other witnesses joined the roar of laughter.
"Fashionable, huh?" I mocked.
"How dare you!" she screeched, fastening her skirt back into place. Tears were streaming down her face. My expression then turned malicious.
"You deserve it, damn bitch."
Ah, I was so badass back then.
Then, I saw a familiar male approach her with a grin and planted a kiss on her cheek. Well, would you look at that. It's her prince charming.
" "Aaah- I'm so envious~" Setsu says in her mind," Jun jokingly said, imitating my voice. I shot her an apathetic look.
"What are you saying?" I asked with a deadpan expression.
"You still harbor feelings for Fujisaki, right? You did help him last night from those thugs," Jun explained.
"Yes I d- wait. Where did you hear that from!?" I sputtered out, a shade of pink rushing to my cheeks.
"Sources."
"Sources my ass!"
"Heheheh."
I sighed and Jun grinned.
"Ion was nearby. He saw everything," Jun explained. I heaved a sigh of relief. So it was just her brother who saw. If it was anyone else from this school, I think I'd be dead by now.
Fangirls are dangerous.
Eversince Fujisaki and Nakayama got together, Fujisaki got recognized and he developed a mini fanbase just like Nakayama. Well, Fujisaki's pretty cute so it can't be all that surprising, right?
No. Bad Setsu. Stop complimenting him. He's a heartbreaker. A heart breaker.
"You're mah heaaaaaaaaartbreakeeeeeer~"
Ah, G-Dragon is so awesome. You should seriously check out his songs.
Anyways, moving on. Forgive me for that ludicrous moment. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing, so please understand.
Thank goodness that there will be no classes during the second half of the day. I'll have some time for a nap or I can just slack in the school's tea house. Jun is in that club after all.
Speaking of clubs, I haven't explained to you about the school's system of co-curricular activities, right?
Alright, here I go.
Before enrollment, there are two requirements that must be cleared before a student is enrolled in Shirogane Academy. First, there's the written exam, and there is an audition to showcase your talent. Depending on your talent, you are classified into one of the 5 generalized clubs: theatrical, cultural, sports, technology and uniform groups, and they will polish you to become one of the best in the country.
In theatrical there are acting, singing, playing of instruments, modelling, scriptwriting and designing. Anything related to performance on stage is grouped here.
In cultural, there are traditional dances, martial arts, culinary, archery and kendo.
In sports, well, there are sports of many different kinds.
In technology, they teach students to be hackers, and mostly on inventions of new forms of devices.
And in uniform groups, there train students to be soldiers, navy officers, police, bodyguards, agents and so on.
That's all.
"Ah, I'm so tired," I sighed, laying my head on the table.
"Just a little longer. I'll be making you this new drink I invented~!" Jun said rather excitedly. She's in the Cultural Group together with me, though she's in the culinary section as a barista. I'm in the martial arts section. The school bell then rang, and everyone got out of the classrooms.
"Ah, I'll be getting something from Ion, so let's meet at the rooftop instead, okay?" Jun informed, while I nodded and waved at her.
"Uh, Kisaragi?" a voice called. I turned and glanced at the person. It was our teacher.
"Can you bring these papers to the student council office? I'm a little tight on my schedule so..." the teacher trailes off. I took the stack of papers from him and nodded. He smiled.
"Thank you."
I nodded in understandment and headed to the designated room.
I should have declined. I really should have declined.
I was outside the student council room, and I could hear sounds of indecency inside.
Dear merciful Lord, why is this school like this?
I'll just have to interrupt their sexy time then.
I slid the door open, only to find Hozuki pinning Nakayama on a table. I twitched slightly at the sight.
Oi, oi. What is with this scene? The popular model cheating on the nice guy for an asshole? How many times have I seen this? In romantic novels and chick flicks? Disgusting. This is really disgusting.
Ah life, you funny little creature.
I ignored their astonished, terrified looks and placed the stack of papers on a vacant part of the table. I nonchalantly patted the stack and walked towards the sliding door.
"H-hey aren't you going to stop us?" Nakayama asked, glaring at me. I scoffed.
"Do whatever you want, damn horn dogs!" I said in a higher volume, slamming the sliding door shut, causing the other students to peek through the glass part of the wooden door.
"Oh my goodness, isn't that Hozuki Takahashi and Nakayama Ai?!"
"Eek, how scandalous!"
"How rotten!"
"Take a picture!"
"Those bodies~"
"Shut it, fool! Move over!"
I chuckled as murmurs resounded throughout the hallway. However, there was one comment that made my already existent smirk widen.
"DAMN YOU, KISARAGI!"
I emitted an aura of happiness as I happily skipped through the halls of Shirogane Academy. However, as I made a sharp turn, I felt myself collide with someone and I fell ungracefully on my bum.
"O-owww..." I groaned, my eyes clenched shut in pain. I slowly opened my eyes, only to find Fujisaki, who was getting up from the fall.
How many times do I have to collide with you?
"Eh?" Fujisaki asked, glancing at me. My cerulean eyes widened and my hands covered my mouth, a blush adorning my cheeks.
Crap! Did I say that out loud?!
"A-ah n-n-n-nothing! I-I'll b-be g-g-going now! Ahahaha! Ahahaha! Byeeeee!" I sputtered out and dashed up the staircase to the rooftop.
Dismissal soon came and I spent most of my time hanging around with Jun in her mini bar. Also, we decided to stop by in an ice cream parlor to relax. Everything was going rather well, until I caught a glimpse of Fujisaki, who was waiting in the same restaurant like yesterday.
What the heck? He's still not giving up?
I deadpanned and Jun looked at what I was looking at curiously.
"Say, that's Fujisaki Yuu, right?" she queried. I frowned and nodded. She smirked.
"So what will you do now?" she asked with hopeful eyes, causing me to look at her blankly.
"Nothing."
"Psh. How boring," she grunted, scooping her ice cream. I felt a vibration on my pocket. I took out my cellphone and read a text - it was from Rei.
"We're not at home at the moment and we'll probably be back late. Prepare your dinner yourself, okay? -Rei"
I sighed and stuffed my cellphone back into my pocket.
"Hey, Jun. You can go home without me. I have some errands to run after this so..." I trailed off. Jun gave a dismissive wave and continued eating her ice cream.
I got out of the supermarket after purchasing some instant ramen, since I'm too lazy to cook tonight. I was walking towards the direction of the nearest train station, but as I passed by a familiar restaurant, I saw that Fujisaki is waiting right outside the restaurant again. I sighed in irritation and walked up to him.
"How long are you going to wait?" I spoke, causing him to jump slightly. He kept his lips pursed and stared at me, causing me to shrink back slightly in discomfort.
"I'm sure that you know about Nakayama's unfaithfulness, right?" I queried. He sighed and his eyes gazed at the pavement.
"... Yeah."
"Then why are you still here? Go home. The streets are dangerous at night. Geez, suit yourself. If you get attacked again, I won't bother saving your sorry ass!" I huffed, walking away from him.
"Wait!"
I felt his hand grip my wrist, causing me to halt. I looked back at him, my cerulean eyes meeting with his hazel ones. His eyes held determination, and I find myself unable to tear my gaze away from him.
"What is it? Let me go," I stated bluntly at him, my lips curling into a frown.
"Can you... Can you eat dinner with me?"
My eyes widened at this and I felt heat rush to my cheeks.
"W-what?"
"Um, I'll treat you so... J-just accompany me!" he stuttered, scratching his cheek lightly.
"But I-"
He didn't let me finish and held my hand tightly, dragging me into the restaurant with him. I tried to pry my hand away from his grip, but to no avail. I stopped struggling, and let him drag me to a table.
Fujisaki, you moron! You can't just drag random girls to have dinner with you! That's barbaric! Someone help me!
My mind was in a haywire state and I anxiously glanced at the male, a deep blush visible on my cheeks. He opened the menu and grinned at me before browsing through the a la carte.
Right at that moment when he smiled, I could've sworn that my heartbeat quickened even more.
Dammit. Stop being so cute. It's driving me crazy.