AKI'S POV
The Nakamura estate, located in the rolling countryside of Kyoto Prefecture, stood as a bold honor to Western luxury. The sprawling mansion, with its towering marble columns and sweeping terraces, glistened under the early morning sun. The manicured lawns, trimmed to perfection, stretched far enough to make anyone forget the bustling city just beyond the hills.
Inside, my room was an extension of my personality—a masterpiece of extravagance and style. Velvet drapes in deep blue framed the tall windows, and the polished oak floors reflected the light of the massive crystal chandelier overhead. My bed, adorned with silk sheets in varying shades of white and gold, was a throne where I planned my dominion over all men.
I lounged there for a moment longer, stretching languidly, my ponytail spilling over my shoulder like an ocean wave. Today was the first day of high school, and although I pretended indifference, my heart buzzed with anticipation. A new field to conquer, new pawns to play with.
Knock! Knock!
The knock on my door was so soft it was almost imperceptible. Only one person could manage such delicacy.
What does she want from me again?
"Enter," I called, already annoyed.
My retarded maid, Kawai, slid in like a shadow. She was as unremarkable as a servant should be, save for the unsettling habit of always being exactly where I didn't expect her; Or exactly where I want her to be. I loved a dog that's loyal and diligent, but she's extremely loyal.
"Aki-sama, breakfast is ready. Shall I prepare the car for our departure?"
Sizing her up, I realized she was already in her uniform and ready to go.
I sighed dramatically, swinging my legs over the side of the bed. "Do I look like I need help getting to the car?"
"No, Aki-sama. But I'm here to serve," she replied with a bow so low it was almost insulting.
Is she mocking me?
"Then serve me by disappearing," I snapped, tossing her a dismissive wave.
As she retreated, I headed to the massive mirror by my wardrobe. The figure staring back was, as always, flawless and impeccable. My blue eyes sparkled with the right amount of cunning that no amount of makeup could replicate.
My lips curled into a knowing smirk. "It's time to remind them who the queen is, He-he-he," I muttered, pulling on my perfectly pressed uniform.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
Suddenly, the phone on my nightstand buzzed. I picked it up and saw the name that never failed to irritate me: Hana Hanazono.
I wonder how I still have her contact.
The Hanazono estate in Nara Prefecture was a stark contrast to mine. Where the Nakamura mansion screamed Western decadence, the Hanazono residence was a masterpiece of traditional Japanese architecture. The sprawling tatami rooms, sliding shoji doors, and tranquil koi ponds exuded a serenity that belied the chaos of its dark mistress.
HANA POV
Standing before my mirror, adjusting the red tie on my neck with practiced precision, I, your very Hana Hanazono—the epitome of grace and beauty in all of Japan… no, the world.
It may appear that I tend to awfully boast, but it is not mere appearance, it's the truth—I pride myself on my brilliance and beauty:
Light brown hair cascades down my back, shimmering like spun gold under a morning star. My eyes, a warm, inviting brown, capture hearts with a single glance, drawing people to me like moths to a flame. My magnificence causes the hearts of many—even from the same gender—throb in exaltation of me. I am adored wherever I go, whether it's among classmates or at my family's lavish dinner parties.
Even you yourself are trembling before my glory, I believe. I afraid It can't be helped; I even charm myself atimes.
Well… except for that evil's incarnate, Aki Nakamura. Regrettably, she's a longtime rival of mine.
I decided to call her, to declare war.
"Good morning, Aki," I greeted.
"What do you want?" she replied, her tone as sharp as the edge of a katana.
"My, is that anyway to address your best friend?"
"Best friend, my foot! If you have nothing better to say, I'll hang up the phone, now." she aggressively announced.
"Well, I called to wish you luck on your first day. Of course, You'll need it; your opponent is me, after all." I voiced, as an overpowering leer smeared across my face.
"Hmph! Wipe that smirk off your face!"
"Ara, can you see me from somewhere?" I asked, turning my head left and right. "How'd you know I was reveling in the delight of irritating you?"
"It's you, so of course I knew… we're the same, after all." Aki spoke in a hushed voice.
The same, right? I suppose we are...
She continued; "And what was that you said about luck? Please, I don't rely on something as fickle as that. I'm not like you."
'Tsk! You just said we were the same, a while ago! Who's the fickle one?!' I thought angrily, as my grip tightened around the phone.
Nevertheless, I sent my laughter, light and sweet, through the line. "Oh, Aki. You're as delightful as ever. Do try not to terrify the teachers too much. Or the students. Or the janitors—"
"Worry about yourself, Hana," she spat. "Or are you still planning to play the tragic heroine? How long until your admirers see through that act?"
Argh!! For whatever reason, that stung, it stung pretty bad. I phoned her to taunt her, why I'm I the one getting annoyed?!
Anyway, I'm sure I'm getting to her too. The one to first lose their temper, loses.
"I'll have them wrapped around my little finger before lunchtime," I replied breezily.
"Is that so?"
"…"
"…"
Silence prevailed for a while, until I broke it; "Well, let's see who the school falls for first, shall we?"
I then hang up immediately, before Aki could retort. I always get the last words.
"Morgana! It's the car ready?" I called out to my tomboyish butler.
"Yes, Lady Hana. Should we be on our way?" she answered, as deadpan as always.
"Yes. It's time for me to conquer."