Introduction

Our Bitter Sweet Love

This is a love story between the prince and the pauper, struggling to find and understanding their feelings towards each other. It is a love and hate relationship between two love virgins. One is a person who is scary, dark like a panther and the other is sweet and innocent like a deer. Together by destiny both entangled with their bitter sweet relationship.

It was such a sunny day, cherry blossoms flowers were in full bloom. Strong winds, petals dancing in the air. I saw him coming over me as I counted from 5 to 1.

5 - His strong strides

4 - His nice build that can make him look good in any suits

3 - His callous hands, must be a hard worker very good

2 - His tall ... guessing 6 foot.

1 - Face? I can't see it! That damn umbrella is blocking me.

“Who are you?”, I asked myself. He came to stop right in front of me. He smirks. Suddenly my vision blinded by lights. “Wait who are you?!”

“Huh! What?”I woke up to the sound of the alarm clock. "Sakura, wake up it's time to go to school!", mom screamed. “Ugh... 5 more minutes  mom\~”. “You better come down this instance young lady or you won't be getting any breakfast for today!” “Hai\~ I’m coming!” Moms, never argue with them in the morning, mumbled. Hello there readers! My name is Kiritani Sakura, 18 years old, 5 ft 4 inches tall, shoulder hair length, round face with dumpling cheeks, round hazel eyes, turn up nose and with a  full lower lips. Typical side character characteristics in a manga.

I finished freshen up myself, uniform check, boogie eyes check, spectacles check and nerdy looks check, appearance?passable check. That’s enough I guess. I’m not the type of girls who cares about her appearance anyway. It’s what the heart counts right? “Oh no, I’m late”. I hurried head downstairs. I quickly drank the milk and snatched the toast on the table and ran out of the house. “Bye mom I’m going now!” “Be careful dear”, said mom. “Oh no, my daughter forgot to bring her lunch box with her”.

I suck in and breath out the morning fresh air, “Ahhh... Lovely weather to start the day”. I saw something shining on the road. “Ah! 50sen how lucky”, I pick it up and insert it in my pocket. What a good way to start the day. Gambatte!.

So today starts the new semester. It’s my final year in high school. The time passed by so fast, I hope this year will be a fun year with a lot of memorable memories to make. And pass the exam with flying colours of course, noted to myself.

Ring!!! The school bell rang. “Thank god I am on time”, I sigh in relief . “Hmm, let’s see, I’m in class 6-A this year”, I thought. “Good morning Sakura!”, someone greeted me. “Good morning Akane!”. This is Minami Akane. My best friend. We’ve been friends a while now. It has been 6 years since we've known each other. We shared a lot of time together and even were in the same class every year. Despite all that, we both are very different in personalities. I’m shy, unsociable, reserved and basically an introvert. While Akane is outgoing, talkative, active, an extroverted. She's fire, I’m water. But we always understand and be for each other. But this year…

“Why!Why! Why! Akane, why do you have to sit far away from me?” I cried. Well it can't be helped unfortunately we were unlucky this year the seat was arranged by drawing lots at random. Akane gets to sit in the front row of the class while I get to sit at the very back corner by the window. “Ahh… breezy air. Hello there Mr. window, we meet again this year”. At least I get to sit beside the window. “There’s no other person but only you that always supposed to sit beside Akane\~”, I make a fake cry face. “Oh don’t be such a baby Sakura, we’re in final year in high school we can’t always be together until college or work in the same office in the future. Soon we will be pursuing our own career and life”, said Akane. “Yes you are right Akane, I need to be more mature and sociable this time”, agreed with her dejectedly . “Good, now sit”, said Akane. “Yes ma’am”.

Laughter can be heard, two figures coming in at the door. It’s the princes of our school, the duo, the prince and the knight. Walk in his glory like an icy prince, Kirigaya Haru, the school heart dropped, smart, athletic, rich and the student council President. Next to him is Takeshi Eiji, the charming knight, equally the same qualities as the prince he is the student council Vice President, the right hand man of the prince. Ah that’s right, like every anime or manga scene when the male leads enters, with their dashing looks, devilish smile, mesmerizing and deep eyes to kill for that can make people melt like a candle instantly and the pheromones all come like a package,  all eyes on them. But a girl like me had no chance to get their attention, Believe me, statement.

I spoke too soon. “Out of all places why does it have to be beside me?”. I don’t mind if it's some other guy. But this is torturing. Why do I have to sit beside the prince out of all places? “Is God punishing me for picking up 50 sen on the road this morning?", huhu, my days start to become gloomier somehow. This is actually the second time I became classmates with the prince and the knight.Eiji-san is  very friendly and easy going person, so it is easy to befriend him. But the prince and I are… how should I say?. Our relationship is not like we're close but not like a friend either. It’s more like an acquaintance, maybe. We barely have any interaction with each other. Just exchanging greetings and nodding.

Unfortunately, this year, out of all places I need to sit next to him. It feels so uncomfortable sitting next to him despite his coldness to his seatmate . Plus a lot of his fan girls are staring, peeking and taking pictures of him by the door. Can’t they just go back to their own classroom already? Talk about privacy. Is this how celebrity life is?  A teacher's screaming voice can be heard by the hallway chasing the students away back to their classes. It seems that the class is starting soon.

“Hei! Sakura-chan we’re in the same class again this year”, said Takeshi. “Ah, y-yes you’re rr-ight Takeshi-san!”, stuttered. “How many times do I have to tell you to call me Eiji, E-I-J-I and him Haru”. We’ve been friends for a while you know, said Takeshi. “Yy-es I’ll try”, I said. If your fan girls didn’t kill me that is, I thought. He smiled. But I did end up call his name, Eiji-san, as for the prince, I’m still calling him by his surname, Kirigaya since we are not that close. Kirigaya-kun just nodded at me as a sign of greeting and sat next to me. I looked at him and tried greeting him but no sound coming out of my mouth. Well that’s embarrassing. I subconsciously slammed my head on the table and startled him at the same time. Before he managed to say something to me the teacher came in. Thank you for saving me, teacher, I thought. “Stand! Good morning teacher!”, all students greet the teacher. “Good morning everyone, I’m Sasaki sensei, I'll be your home room teacher so let's do our best this year okay?!”, Sasaki sensei said. “Yes teacher!”, everyone said. “ So let’s start with an introduction”...blah...blah...blah- the class went on.

Chapter 1

Ring!!!, the school bell rang. “Okay class you can have your break now. Don’t forget to finish up the homework I gave you. I want it to be complete by next week, dismiss”, said Sasaki sensei. “Ah finally break time. Eh! I didn’t bring my lunch box today?”, I must have left it on the table this morning. “What’s wrong Sakura, you didn’t bring your lunch box today?”, ask Akane. “I’m sorry Akane I need to go buy my food in the cafeteria today. You go on ahead, I’ll meet you at the rooftop”, I said.

“Ergh, why are there so many people buying today?”. I need to buy it before it's finished. “I’m almost there”, I struggle as I tried my best getting closer to the counter. “Hei stepped aside you ugly”, a girl said to me. Rude much. Oh, I know her, she's Harumi Asai, the princes fan club president. Her eyes are looking at the melon bread on the counter. Our eyes caught each other attentions.She glared at me. I being a coward as always instantly flinched. She pushed me to the side and snatched the melon bread away. “Oh no! The last melon bread is gone!". Huhu, I sigh. “I guess today is not my lucky day”, feeling dejected. Suddenly there was a melon bread right in front of my eyes. “Here take it”, a cold voice spoke behind me. I took the melon bread and turned around to thank him but he was already walking away. I saw him wave his hand as he coolly walked away. It's a sign he heard me right?

I rushed to the rooftop to join my best friend. There’s only 30 minutes left before recess ends. “Sorry I’m late Akane”,panting . “It’s crazy down there today. Note to myself never forget to bring my lunches next time”. “It’s okay Sakura, there’s still some time. Hurry and finish off your lunch”, Akane said. We packed and cleaned our lunch area before proceeding to class. As I reached my classroom I saw a girl talking to my seatmate. She’s leaning on his table, twirling her hair with her fingers using seductive eyes, with the princess like aura. “She went all out with her pheromones huh”, I thought. Mirei Yuki, the most popular girl in school. Now flirting with my seatmate, more like one sided. Kirigaya-kun doesn’t bat an eye on her, he keeps reading his book. She’s like talking to a stone. That’s amusing to look at but no surprise there. It’s the cold prince you are dealing with. Come on Kirigaya-kun don't you have any hormones? She’s pretty, intelligent, as equally as popular like you in school, the rich princess. A lot of guys asked her out every day. She basically has every female lead trait. They both look  gorgeous together like a painting. It’s not surprising if one day they started dating.

I walk to my seat silently. Mirei saw me, smiled and left the place. Her classroom is just next door. Then Eiji came and said, "Hei, isn't that Mirei Yuki? Are you and her dating. How lucky". Kirigaya-kun just snorted at him. He didn't deny it, maybe it’s true, I think. Suddenly both of them look at me. “I umm... is there anything y-you want to say to me?”, I asked. “No, no it’s nothing”, Eiji waving his hand and left while reminding Haru not to forget attending the student council meeting after school. I was fidgeting in my seat, feeling kind of nervous but I tried to be brave. I looked at Kirigaya-kun with a blushing face and said thank you for the melon bread and gave him my best smile. "Thank you for the bread Kirigaya-kun". He nodded and then proceeded reading his books. “I did it!”, I thought. No stuttering this time, feeling happy and content while enjoying the view outside the window, not noticing the reaction of her seatmate hiding his face behind his book.

It’s the end of school day, it’s time for the students to head for their co-curriculum activities. I’m joining the art club this year while Akane is joining the tennis club. I tried playing tennis last year but unfortunately, I sucked. I have the worst fitness ever. The coach keeps saying my posture is too bad, my hips are too wobbly and my steps are too clumsy. I kept missing the shots, and even hurt my ankles a lot of times. Wish I was athletic like Akane. Well it's fine. It’s not like I quit it because I hate it, I still play it, from time to time as a hobby. And I love watching tennis, especially when ‘he’ plays. I do enjoy arts more than sports anyway. It feels serene and therapeutic when I indulge myself in my artwork. “I’ll be going now, see you at the gate later Sakura”, Akane said. “See you!”. I hurriedly pack my thing to head out to the art club. I looked at my seatmate and saw him still sleeping. His hand covering his face on the table. I admire his hands. They are so beautiful and muscular. White but slightly tan-ish skin but barely unnoticeable to the ***** eye, veins popping up under his skin, big hands and long elegant fingers. I look at my hand compared to him, his hands are big enough to smash mine. What would it feel like having my hands in his? OMG! Did I just ogle his hands? My face turned ten shades of red. Me and my stupid fetish. I smack my face with my palm.

“Why? Why are you crying?”, Ryoma asked. “I’m sorry. I have to go”, she said. “Wait!” He grabbed her hand. Begging her to stay. But she forced herself to let her go and walk away. Her ribbon tie fell off her hair as she left it as the only momento in his hand. Wait! Wait! He screamed. His face buried in his hand, suddenly he heard a voice. Soft soothing voice. “Ri-kun, Kiri-kun, Ki-aya-kun, Kirigaya-kun, KIRIGAYA-KUN! Wake-up Kirigaya-kun”. He started to stir in his sleep and moaned. “Tt-he class is over K-kirigaya-kun, you better h-head to the student council meeting right now. Eiji-san will come and get you if you don’t go now”, I said. He woke up and looked at me with his drowsy eyes, he blinked a few times and said thanks. He took his bag and walked off. Suddenly he stopped, glancing by his shoulder  he said, “aren’t you coming?”. “Huh? ah, I’ll be going now”. I followed him out and closed the door and then headed to the art club. But, why is he still walking with me?

We were walking together, him in front while I followed him a few steps behind. I make sure to have more than 1 meter distance between us because I don't want his fan girls to misunderstand us. I had enough bullying from last year. Without saying a word to each other, we walked in silence. I’m like a puppy following its owner. It wasn't an awkward atmosphere but more like a comfortable silence, feeling content with each other's presence. Both of us are not the talker type anyway. Suddenly, he stops. I end up bumping his back. “Ouch! I’m s-sorry, I wasn’t paying attention”, I said. “Go inside”, he commands as he flicks his head to the side.I looked to my left, oh, we have reached my art club classroom. I said my goodbyes to him and entered the classroom. I saw him walk away. Wait, how did he know I join the art club this year?

Chapter 2

I remember the day when I first met him. It was during our fourth year, we were 16. It’s the day where all parents came to school to get our mid term report card and see how their child did in school. The day before the parent and teacher meeting, the class was decorated and clean to spotless, getting ready to welcome parents for a report card event. Some students were given a lot of compliments for their outstanding and good performance in school, some were scolded by their parents right in front of our eyes for their very bad performances. But the parents and teachers were there to give them support and advice on what to do and what not to do. Parents get to meet and know their child friends, parents and teachers. Overall it's a fun day indeed. But Unfortunately for me, my parents couldn’t come because they have work to do. So instead my brother came.

I saw my brother talking to a guy. A boy next door. I think I’ve seen him with Akane before. But I don’t remember his name. “Hei Sakura!” Akane greeted me. “Hai Akane!, I said. I’ve already taken my report card Sakura, thankfully I did not do so bad this time or else I will get a handful from my mother like the other kids”, Akane said. I laugh and agree with her. “Eh isn’t that your brother Sakura? He’s talking to Kirigaya-san”, she said. Kirigaya?, I thought. My brother came to me and said “Yo lil’ sis is this your classroom”. “Yes brother”, I reply in a deadpan tone. “So do you know that guy? He is my friend’s little brother. He did really well in the exam, 1st place. What about you sis?”, he asked. “I don’t know yet brother since you haven’t come and pick up my report cards yet!” I exclaimed.

The results were out. It did not turn out good but not too bad either for me. Just passable, an average. I ranked 74th out of 200 students in my year and Akane was in 10th place. Hahaha, my brother laughed at me. He hit my head with the report card and said to me to work harder nextime so that I wont embarrass him for having such stupid sister. “You should try to beat that guy in your next exam”, while pointing at Kirigaya Haru. “I beat his brother all the time you know, my brother bragging in front of me”. Well he's not wrong, it's a way how my brother tried to encourage me to do better. I should set a goal and a role model to achieve. “Since you did terribly this time sister, you have to buy me lunch today okay?”, he said. I take it back, his a terrible brother.

The second time I met him was in the library. I was studying hard for my upcoming test. I want to do better to make my family proud this time and for myself of course. I will definitely beat that guy this time. “Yosh! Let’s start with history”.10 minutes later… “Akane-chan\~ I can't do this anymore! This is too hard. I hate this. Why do I have to finish reading the textbook. Can’t I have any cheat notes or just memorise only the important parts instead. Like for example, if it's a 6 marks question, can I just write 3 answers to get half of the mark for every question?”I whined. “Sure, sure you can but you can only get C or D in your exams if you keep doing that Sakura. I thought you wanted to do better Sakura. And the only way for you to improve is by finishing learning all the syllables. Do you understand Sakura?”, Akane nagging me. “Yes, yes, I understand. Geez you sound like my mother sometimes”, I said. “Well that's what best friends do”, said Akane. “Sakura I need to go back home now and pick up my brother. You must make sure you finish reading one chapter before going back home”, Akane reminds me. “Yes ma’am”, I replied.

Stretching my arms, I moaned, finally finished reading one chapter and only 3 questions were answered 37 questions to go. Well at least that’s better than doing nothing. I look at my watch,it is 4 o’clock in the evening.“Hmm, it is still too early to go back home, let’s take a look at some books.” More like a comic book, hehe hehe. Walking aisle by aisle looking for an interesting book to read.” “Aha! Found it Takamiya Satoru comics. It’s the Voice of Sky! I’ve been looking all over for it”. Why is it so high up? She tried tip toeing and stretched out her hand as far as she could to reach it but to no avail. A shadow entered her vision, a hand hovered on top of her head, another hand on her side.

“Is this the one?”, it spoke. A cold tone voice coming from behind .”Y-yes”, I stuttered. “So you like to read cheesy manga huh”, he smirks. I blushed so hard hearing him say that. I turned around and said, “s-so what it is s-still an interesting story p-plus with a handsome character to die for unlike in real life”, I stuttered. “Otaku”, he replied. My face was fuming red out of embarrassment or by anger, I snatched the book away from his hand and went straight to the counter to borrow the book. I didn’t give a single glance behind me. I wonder if he's mad at me for being rude leaving him just like that. My heart kept thumping hard for 5 minutes. Take a deep breath and cool yourself down girl.

Third time the charm as they say, is when the first time I get to introduce myself to him. It was on my 16th birthday, Akane and I went out for a movie to celebrate my happy occasion. Coincidently we bump into him while lining up to buy our tickets. “Eh! Isn’t that Eiji and Kirigaya-san”, Akane said. It seems that Eiji noticed us. “Hello ladies what are you doing here?”, Eiji said with his flirty tone. Unfortunately, he was only greeted by a smack in the head by Akane instead. They start bickering non stop after that, with Akane locking his neck. I watch them with amusement seeing their ‘sweet’ interactions. Well they are childhood friends. It must be nice to have someone to grow up together until now.

I heard someone sigh to my left. I took a glance to my side, it's that guy from the library that day. So it seems his friends with Eiji-san. Does he remember me?, I thought. I was too embarrassed to look at him that day. But as I look at him now, his looks are not that bad, pretty handsome actually. The cap prevented any further detail but I could clearly see the colour of his hair picking out underneath it - his rich black hair with a highlight of dark blue hue under the lights, ocean-blue eyes deep enough to swim in and with casual white t-shirt that can actually see his fine muscle underneath it, paired with stressed navy jeans and sneakers, so simple and yet so handsome. How can a person look so alluringly attractive and effortless at the same time. Is this even legal?

“ Do you like it that much?”, he asked. “W-what?”I raised my brows. “You’ve been staring at me for 10 minutes now. Do you like matcha ice cream that much?”, showing his cup of ice cream in his hands. “Huh?” I blink. “Or is it the one eating it and from the looks of it, I think it is, seeing the way you, who is about to be drooling if I didn’t say anything to you. Do you like what you see that much?”, he said with killer smirks. “W-what, n-no I did n-not, d-do you think you’re that g-good looking? What a jerk”, I replied with a baffled voice and swiped my drools off. Way to go Sakura now he knows you have been admiring his looks, I mumble. “Wait a minute, aren’t you that girl from the library that day? The one with the comic book? What was it again, Rain in the Sky or was it Sound of the Sky”, he said, trying to figure out the right title of the book. Feeling irritated, ''It is Voice of Sky!” I yelled at him. “Ah that’s right, the cheesy comic book. Otaku girl?”he said. With a sudden urge of bravery to cover up my embarrassment, I stretched out my hand for a hand shake and introduced myself with a timid voice. “My name is Kiritani Sakura, nice to meet you!” With a smirk,”Kirigaya Haru”, he said.