Misao practically flew to school, tripping over her own feet as she ran. "I have got to make it. God, I can't believe how late I am. Damn Jiya for not waking me up earlier." She complains to herself as she rounds the corner to the school. She notices the gates still open and heaved a sigh of relief. "I made it!" She exclaimed happily, as she climbed the stairs. Her happiness was short lived as a voice behind her causes her to stop dead in her tracks.
"Are we late again, Makimachi-san?" A deep, masculine voice mocks.
Misao's face flushes red from anger. She turns around, ready to fight. "And ohayou to you too, Shinomori-san!" She says sarcasticly.
Aoshi throws her an amused glance. "You better hurry up. I don't know how, but I believe something may have happened to your gym clothes." He says with wicked eyes.
"My gym clothes?" Misao asks suspicously.
Aoshi points to the window of the school,across the courtyard. Inside Misao barely makes out a large crowd gathered around what looks like her locker. "Oh god. What did you do.....Shinomori!?!?!?" She cries out, bolting for the school entrance. A million thoughts rushed through her mind as she ran. What did he do this time? Misao asked herself. She was unprepared for what awaited her at her locker. Her books were left untouched, thankfully. But her pictures, especially ones she had taken with her guy friends were torn to shred and tossed carelessly onto the floor. Her stuffed bear that Kaoru had given her during their Christmas break was lying face down in a puddle of ink. And her gym clothes......her only pair of gym clothes.......were dyed with some type of coloring. So now the once blue gym clothes that represented their school colors. Was now a very loud color of orange. Misao felt the blood vessel in her forehead contract. She was pissed.
"SHINOMORI!" She said in a demonic voice. All of the students who had been gathered around, amused at the situation. Now starting to back away from Misao and would good reason. Her face was so red, you'd think it was on fire and her eyes took on a translucent coloring.
-The Stairs-
Aoshi smirked at Misao. He had gotten her good this time. He brought his hand up to his mouth, suppressing a yawn. He was tired. His carefully calculated plan had caused him to have to arrive an hour earlier than he normally would. Since school started at 7am, he had to set his alarm for 5. This gave him enough time to shower, eat and get the school before everyone else. I guess I will just have to skip Biology today. It's not like Aoshi ever needed to go to class. He had a guaranteed position as head of his father's software company. Add that onto the fact that his father was on the board of education, which meant his son never had to worry about grades or wearing a uniform. Though today he did, just to blend in would everyone. And he could also get anyone he deemed unworthy, expelled. He pondered getting Makimachi expelled but for some reason, he could never bring himself to do it. I have to stop being so soft on that girl or she is going to be my downfall. He decided .
"Ohayou gozaimasu, Shinomori-san." A girl from the senior class greets with a glossy smile.
"Ohayou, Megumi-san." Aoshi answers in a detached and uninterested voice.
"I heard about Makimachi-san's locker. I must say that it doesn't suprise me. I mean the girl has no class at all and should be grateful that we would allow such a degenerate to even attend the same school as us. It is only natural that she rub a few of the students the wrong way. Don't you agree, Shinomori-san?" Megumi asks slyly.
"Hai." Aoshi says, while yawning. Aoshi took a moment to look Megumi over. She was the most popular girl in school and very wealthy. Both of her parents died, leaving her with a very large sum of money. Besides that, she was the President of practically every club, had the highest grades in class and was overly beautiful. Unfortunately, she was way too aware of the fact. This was a quality that Aoshi found a tad bit annoying. "If you don't mind, I have somewhere to be." Aoshi says bluntly.
"I understand. Someone as popular as you, must have a very busy schedule. But may I request something from you, Shinoromi-san?" Megumi says in a seductively sweet voice.
"Nani?" Aoshi says, beginnning to lose patience.
"I am having a party this Saturday. Everyone worth anthing will be attending, It is sort of a status check. You know the "future society" type get together. It would be an honor if you would be in attendance." Megumi says while running a hand down the caller of Aoshi's uniform.
"I will see what I can do." Aoshi says, grabbing her hand and tossing it down roughly.
"Good." Megumi says as Aoshi walks past her. Shinomori, Aoshi....I will get you before the year is over. Mark my words.
-Later in Class-
"Misao-chan, I am so sorry about what happened." Kaoru says, taking her seat beside Misao.
"Naze? It isn't your fault. It's that jerk Shinomori's fault! He is always doing childish things like this!"
"I know." Kaoru sighs, "I wish I knew why he picked on you so much?" She ponders.
"I just told you why! It's because he's a jerk!" Misao snaps.
"Alright Alright." Kaoru says defensively.
"Gomen. I don't mean to take it out on you. It's just that....he makes me so mad!" Misao says apologetically.
"I know. I wish there was something I could do to help you." Kaoru says.
"Ie. It is better that you not get involved at all. It's bad enough he is torturing me. I don't want you to become a target too. Don't worry, I will deal with Shinomori!" Misao says reassuringly.
"Alright. But Misao-chan?" "Nani?"
"What are you going to tell sensei when it's time for P.E.?" Kaoru asks, concerned.
"Ano......I don't know. Oh......why didn't I stay in bed???" Misao asks, dropping her head in her hands.
-Gym-
"Sumimasen Inoue-sensei. I don't have my uniform today." Misao says nervously.
Yukiko Inoue was a large set woman who was, at least to the girls in her class, a bit of a sadist. She frowned at Misao and folded her arms. "Makimachi-san. Do you really expect me to believe that pathetic excuse?"
Misao let her eyes trail the lining on the floor. "Well.....I hoped....I mean I guess..."
"Save it. Let me put these in simple terms. You either "A" get your uniform from your locker or "B" go to the principle's office!" The sensei says harshly.
Misao knew it was hopeless. She was just going to have to take her punishment. With the bills her grandfather was facing, there was no way he could afford to get her a new uniform. "Hai" Misao says softly. She starts towards the exit, accepting her inevitable fate when she hears her name. She recognizes the voice immediately. It belongs to Sanosuke Sagara, the most arrogant member of the F4. He is about three years older and like Aoshi, who is in his twenties, he attends the University part of Eitoku Gakuen. So it was very rare that she would see them in one of her classes.
"What do you want? Haven't you done enough?" Misao says angrily.
"I come in peace. Actually, Aoshi sent me to give you something."
"Oh really? Well, I don't want anything he has to offer. So you can just take whatever it is he told you to give me and tell him to stick it up his...."
"Alright. If you don't want this new gym suit, I'll take it back." Sano jestures to the box in his hands.
Misao looks from Sano to the box he is holding. "I don't understand."
"Me either. I mean.....it was a great plan, destrying your uniform. It surely would have gotten you kicked out of school." Sano complains.
Misao frowns at Sano's eagerness to get her thrown out of school. "Thanks alot." Misao gripes.
"Gomen Gomen. But you have to admit, you don't really belong here." He states matter of factly.
"Whatever you say." Misao states, losing patience.
"Anyway, do you want this or not. Unlike you, I have better places to be." Sano says annoyingly.
"I still don't understand. Did he say anything about it?" Misao asks.
"Just that I should make sure to get this to you before your gym class started." Sano answers . Misao raises an eyebrow. "So I'm late. I was playing poker in the teachers lounge. Sue me."
Misao sighs. "Is that it?"
"Yea. Now can I go?" Sano asks impatiently.
"Ano.....hai." Misao says as Sano hands her the box. "I guess I should say thank you, so arigato."
"Yea yea." Sano says as he rushes out of the gym.
Misao walks back to her sensei and informs her that she found her uniform. She goes to put it on and notices and slip of paper at the bottom of the box. She picks it up and unfolds it.
Makimachi, How did you like my little prank this morning? Daijobu. I only did it because you have been wearing the same uniform since last semester and I felt it was my civic duty to provide you with some type of charity. Enjoy the the new unifoem. I hope that everytime you wear it, you'll think of me!" ja matane, Shinomormi, Aoshi.
Misao crumbled the letter up in her hand. Her right eyebrow twitched with anger. "He has some nerve!" She begrudgingly puts on the uniform and laces up her shoes. She had decided that she would deal with the humiliation that came with knowing Shinoromi had purchased her gym clothes. And she would overcome the countless teasing she received from the other girls, having witnessed the morning locker catastrophe and Sano's dramatic entrance. But she vowed that one day......one glorious day. She would get revenge.
-Cafeteria-
Lunchtime went by without any problems. Misao heaved a sigh of relief. She wasn't sure she could handle another gloating session from Shinomori.
"So Misao-chan. Want to go swimming at my house after school?" Kaoru asks, taking a bite of her sandwich.
"I can't. I have to work today." Misao moans.
"But I thought today was your off day?"
"It usually is. But with all the bills, I have to work overtime to help out."
"Oh." Kaoru says in a disappointed voice.
"How about Saturday?" Misao suggests.
"Saturday? Oh I can't." Kaoru says regretfully.
"Why? Do you have a heavy date?" Misao teases.
"Not exactly. But I was invited to Megumi-san's party Saturday night."
"Party? What party?" Misao asks. This was the first she had heard of a party.
"You mean you haven't heard of the huge party Megumi-san is throwing. She went around school inviting everyone." Kaoru explains.
"Not everyone." Misao says simply.
"Maybe she forgot? You don't really make yourself noticeable to people." Kaoru lectures.
"I do too. I have loads of friends." Misao says in defense.
"Yea, but none of them attend this school." Kaoru points out.
" You're right." Misao says defeatingly.
" Why don't I call Megumi-san tonight and see if you can come to the party?" Kaoru asks.
"Don't bother. I should probably get a head start on my history report." Misao says.
"But it isn't due for three weeks."Kaoru argues.
"I know. But I want to get a good head start." Misao explains. Kaoru gives her a suspicious look and than goes back to eating her sandwich.
"So. I understand about the party Saturday night. But why can't we go swimming in the morning." Misao asks.
Kaoru almost chokes on her sandwich, "Ano.....well.....I have a beauty appointment."
"NANI?!?!" Misao chokes out.
"Shhhhhhh...keep your voice down." Kaoru snaps.
"Gomen. But Kaoru-san..why do you have a beauty appointment?" Misao asks, bewildered.
"No reason, I just want to look my best." Kaoru states.
"For Megumi?"
"Of course not!" Kaoru says in a mock offended voice.
"Okay, than who?" Misao probes.
"Promise you won't laugh?" Misao nodds. "Okay. You know the guy in our trigonometry class with the long red hair?"
"The one with the cross scar? What is up with that anyway?" Misao asks.
"I don't know. I heard though that he was injured during a fight with an ex-girlfriend's brother, I think." Kaoru whispers.
"Whoa. Okay, so what about him?"
"Well, I heard that he may be there." Kaoru says shyly.
" I see." Misao says, grinning.
"Now remember, you promised." Kaoru reminded her sternly.
"I know." Misao confirms.
"Good. I have to go to study hall now. I'll see you in english. Ja ne" Kaoru calls over her shoulder to Misao.
Misao finishes her lunch and leaves the cafeteria. She steps outside and glances at her watch to check the time. "I have a whole hour to kill" She sighs.
"Great. So where are we going?" someone says from behind her.
Misao spins around to find Aoshi. "What do you mean, 'we'? 'WE' aren't going anywhere!"
"You aren't still upset about earlier are you?" Aoshi asks with mock concern.
"What do you think?!?" Misao spits out.
"I thought the uniform would be sort of a peace offering?" Aoshi says.
"And the note?"
"What note?" Aoshi asks innocently.
"You know. You are a real jerk!" Misao says turning to walk from him.
"And I bet that's why you like me, ne?" Aoshi states.
Misao turns to face him Her face once again takes on the all too familiaer shade of red. "What did you say?"
"You heard me!" Aoshi says confidently.
"Why you stupid little toad! There is no way I could ever like someone as stupid and slimy as you." Misao cries out.
"Oh really? Then why are you always blushing whenever I'm around?" Aoshi says arrogantly.
"B-blushing??? Because of you....I....you.....Ahhhhh."
"See what I mean? You can't even speak when I'm around."
"I hate you!" Misao says, attempting to compose herself.
"They say that love is the closest thing to hate!" Aoshi quotes.
"I'm leaving!" Misao says flatly.
"Matte. I need to ask you something", Aoshi says.
"Yea....and what would that be?" Misao snaps.
"Who are you going to Megumi's party with?" Aoshi asks.
Misao noticed an air of seriousness in him all of the sudden. "I'm not going."
"You're not going?" Aoshi asks confused.
"I wasn't invited. And even if I was, I wouldn't go!"
"Why not?"
"Because I don't have anything to wear." Misao replies, unsure of why she was telling him this.
"Than buy something!"
"That is so easy for you to say, you're rich! But I, on the other hand am not! Now if you will excuse me, I am going to enjoy the rest of my free period in peace." Misao says, walking away from him. Aoshi watches her disappearing form. "You are feisty one, Makimachi." He says, forming a plan in his head. " Looks like I have to work fast if I want to make it before Saturday." He says rushing off.
-After School-
Misao places her books in Kaoru's locker. Since Aoshi had decided to tamper with hers, she was hesistant to leave anything important in it again.
"Are you off to the restaurant?" Kaoru asks, changing her school shoes.
"Hai. I'll see you Sunday, ne?" Misao asks as she places her new gym clothes in Kaoru's locker.
"You bet. I'll rent some movies. By the way, Misao-chan. Where did you get the new uniform?"
"Long story. I'll call you tonight." Misao says as she grabs her bag. She runs towards the door and waves over her shoulder to Kaoru. "I'll ring you at 9, ne?"
"Hai." Misao hears Kaoru call as she turns the corner. She skips down the steps two at a time and almost runs smack into Megumi.
"Ah....gomen nasai." Misao says hurriedly.
Megumi gives Misao a hard stare and hands her a card. "I don't know how you did it, but Shinomori-san refuses to come to my party unless I invite you!" She says angrily.
Misao looks at the card Megumi handed her. Sure enough it was an invitation. "Oro.....ano......I don't get it?"
"Hmph." Was all that Megumi replied. Misao watches her walk towards a group of girls near the exit. "What is going on?"
-Outside-
Misao walks with her hand still holding on to the invitation she had just received. She wracked her brain, trying to figure out the reasoning behind her getting an invitation. As she walked a black limo pulled up beside her.
"Makimachi, Misao?" A man dressed in black asks, as he gets out of the car.
"Hai"
"Come with us, please." Another man wearing a similar black suit orders.
"N-Naze?" Misao stutters out. Who are these guys? What do they want with me?"
Misao begins to fight, kicking and biting at her kidnappers. Unfortunately, there were four of them and only one of her. They drag her, kicking and screaming to the car. Inside, she searched frantically for a way out. It was then that she noticed Aoshi in the passenger seat.
"Shinomori?"
"Just relax. It will all be over in a little while." Aoshi says with mischevious eye.
"What will?!?' Misao demands.
"It's a suprise!" Aoshi replies.
"I don't think I like the sound of that?" Misao says as she goes back to biting and kicking. One of the guys cries out from Misao biting him too hard. He turns back his hand to hit her, but quickly withdraws upon noticing Aoshi's warning glance.
"Give her this." Aoshi orders, handing the man a small bottle and hankerchief.
The man nodds and pours some of the contents of the bottle onto the hankerchief. He than places it over Misao's nose and she feels herself losing consciousness. I'm dying. Oh my god. I'm really dying. Her surroundings become darker and darker. The last image she sees is Aoshi brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Then the world goes black.
TBC
