KISMET

Kismet [n.] fate or destiny / It was through dance that they found each other- and more.

A/N: This is my second multi-chapter story. I'm actually writing this along with my other KWMS fanfic I Will Come to Save You As Much As You Need (what a mouthful.) I've never written two stories at once, so this is a challenge for me! Challenge accepted.

It involves a lot of dance, so I hope I don't bore you with my mediocre descriptions!
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I wrote it. Reviews would be delightful x

Just some notes: Misaki and Usui don't know each other yet, since they go to separate schools (you'll see where.) Misaki's graduating, while Usui's in his first year in college.

Songs for this chapter (based on the theme street):

Just Dance - Lady Gaga

Beggin' - Madcon

Put Your Graffiti on Me - Kat Graham

CHAPTER ONE: STREET

~ Misaki's POV ~

I've always dreamt of flying.

I've always wanted to feel the freedom the winged creatures feel. Bound by nothing but gravity, they have the entire endless sky to explore and use as their canvas. They can feel the sun's burning heat raw against their flesh, but the cool wind that surges them up makes up for it anyway. But of course, I, as a human being, will never be able to feel what they do.

But somehow, I feel almost as free as them. I feel as though I have taken my own flight, soaring the skies and reaching the heavens- maybe beyond. I feel not a surge of wind, but a surge of power; not the scalding heat of the sun, but the intense flame of my passion.

I dance. And that's the closest to flying I'll ever get.

x x x x x x x x

This morning was the probably one if the, if not the, worst mornings of all time.

When I took a glimpse at the alarm clock by my bed, it was already 7:45 AM- 15 minutes before the first bell of school. Presumably, when it went off earlier, I forgot to hit snooze. With my vision still groggy and my feet asleep, I rushed into the bathroom and took a shower that would probably make it into record books. Quickly, I changed into my uniform, grabbed my bag and ran out. I didn't even eat breakfast.

I was running with all my might when I heard the sound of a material tearing, and things falling onto the sidewalk. To my horror, I found the contents of my bag on the ground. I guess that's what happens when you trust your things to a cheap bag- but I've got no other choice, do I?

Grunting to myself, I quickly picked up as much as I could and simply carried them. I slung the useless bag over my shoulder and stood up, with a lot of books in my arms. I'm definitely going to be late today.

"Need some help with that, Misa-chan?" Someone suddenly said.

I turned my head and found myself face to face with a smiling, brown-haired guy.

"No thanks, Shintani. I'm all good." I said with a smile and walked briskly. I know I was being a bit rude, but I need to get to school on time!

"Why are you in a rush?" Shintani said, walking beside me.

"I'm almost late- we're almost late. Why aren't you in a rush?" I asked him back. Only three more blocks away!

"It's still early. It's still 7:15, you know." The boy piped up, looking at me with innocent eyes.

I stopped in my tracks and froze. "Are you serious?"

He showed me his watch that read 7:13 AM. "I guess."

"Maybe your clock is late." I said loudly. Or maybe I woke up at 6:45… My vision was still groggy then, I might have seen it wrong. Way to go.

"I'm pretty sure-"

"Yes, yes, I believe you. I just thought I woke up late." I said to him. "Stupid Misaki…" I muttered to myself, slowing the pace. My stomach grumbled.

"Did you have breakfast, Misa-chan?" Shintani asked. "I have some bread crusts, if you'd like." He said with a friendly smile. Anything to eat sounded lovely.

He handed to me a plastic full of bread crusts. I took a couple of pieces and bit them. Now I understand why he's obsessed with bread crusts. It was actually pretty satisfying. Or maybe that was just hunger speaking.

As I was eating, he took some of the books I was carrying, since it was hard to eat with them in my hands. But I quickly finished the crusts and took the books back. "Thanks, but I can carry them on my own." I said. I didn't like things to be done for me.

He and I then quietly continued our walk together until we arrived at the gates of our school- Seika Dance Academy.

x x x x x x x x

I guess it was just like every other high school. We have littered hallways, dented lockers, smelly bathrooms and basic subjects. The only difference was that we have classes at the end of the day that are dance classes. Although we're a dance school, our dance group has never really made it into outside competitions. They said we didn't qualify. That's why it's always been my dream to go to a school that is involved in interschool- or even nationwide- competitions. I live to dance, and not being able to show anyone my capabilities is really disheartening.

After my last subject, I immediately went to the girls' locker room to change into my leotards. I usually just put on a tank top and sweatpants for dance class but today was a Monday, meaning we were going to have ballet.

Our studio was just a small rectangular room with unpolished wooden floors and a mirror on one wall. Only two walls had the railings where we could practice on. I instantly found a spot beside my best friend Shintani. He flashed a smile. He's probably the best all-around dancer in school. After a few minutes, our instructor came in and began the class with the usual stretching exercises.

I'm not a crazy fan of ballet. I can appreciate it, of course, but it's not something I'd want to master. It focuses on elegance (something I really lack) and precision of movements. I prefer a dance that really expresses my personality. In ballet, you need to be in sync with the others to form a story. I can't have that though. I have my own story to tell.

"Smoother, Ayuzawa. Pretend as if you're in water."

"Well done, Hinata."

"On your toes, Shirakawa!"

And the class was over.

x x x x x x x x

I had just come out of the locker room in my usual get-up when Shintani approached me.

"Are you up for the streets later?" He asked with his usual bright smile.

His question sent a grin across my face. "Always." I said.

That's usually how our after-school rendezvous' begin. Before we leave school, he'll ask me whether or not I can go even though he knows my answer will never change. So far, I've never missed a meeting. I didn't have anything going on with my life besides dance anyway, so street dancing was more of an opportunity than a burden to me.

And so we ran. It was how we warmed up for the streets.

x x x x x x x x

Shintani and I usually go to the abandoned skating park in the neighboring town to dance. Not much people go there, but some of those who pass by drop by and watch. They leave money sometimes, and that's how I get my extra yen.

My partner in crime brought his stereo and settled it down on the side. We placed our bags beside it. Students from the Seisen School of Dance meet us here often for a dance-off, namely Aratake and Aoi. We're all just small-town dreamers.

"Let's do this." I said with a smug expression.

Shintani turned up the stereo. Music boomed from it, and everything melted away.

One minute I was standing still, the next minute, I'm moving across the wide space the park has to offer. Shintani was mostly popping, since that was a specialty of his. I felt free at that moment. I couldn't stop the smile that crept up on my face once my feet moved that way again. I could feel the music enter my ears and penetrate my soul. I could hear the excited beating of my heart. This feeling is simply incomparable.

I found myself dancing on the ramps, swinging on the railings, and flipping on the hard ground. I loved using everything around me. Somehow it kept me grounded, but at the same time, free. Powerful. Then, I ran towards Shintani who was waiting for me with joined hands. I stepped on his hands and he forcefully pushed me up. With that leverage, I attempted a back flip.

I landed on my feet and laughed. "That was crazy."

Shintani sat beside me and laughed as well. "You're amazing, Misaki."

"Arrogant!" Aoi piped up. He's normally like that, so I never really mind what he says.

I ignored Aoi's comment. "I wouldn't say that." I said about what Shintani said, blushing slightly at the compliment I didn't deserve. My chest was heaving for breath.

"But you are!" He said. "You don't just dance with technique. There's something special about you that makes people want to watch, you know."

Aoi rolled his eyes. "You're just in love with her, Hinata, you blind fool."

"You're just jealous." Aratake, the most silent of us all, suddenly said.

Again, ignored.

I can't handle flattery. Really. "Thanks." I said to Shintani really quickly. "Let me get my water." I stood up, dusted off my pants, and grabbed my water jug from my bag.

"Typical Misa-chan." I heard Shintani whisper. I ignored it and just finished my water.

The sky was already on fire at this time. It's best to go home soon, I guess. I turned off the stereo, discovering a couple of yen beside it, and grabbed my bag. I divided the yen I found among us.

"See you tomorrow." I said to the small group before I started my walk home.

"Yeah, yeah." Aoi said. They waved goodbye as they walked towards the other direction.

x x x x x x x x

These walks home are often sickeningly lonely. After a tiring day, I'd naturally want company. But the only real friend I've got is Shintani, and our homes are too far from each other. I would never ask him to walk me home. That's just a waste of time and effort.

I sighed.

Then, from an alley I passed by, someone stepped out of the shadows and walked beside me. On instinct, I immediately tried to twist the man's arm behind his back. But surprisingly he was far too stronger than I was. He used my strength against me and instead, we ended up in an embrace.

"Wow." The man said. In the faint light of the street lamps, I could see that he had tousled blond hair. His eyes, under this light, had a dark shade of emerald. He was tall, slender, and surprisingly strong. But I didn't spare a second. I kicked him with all I've got, but he evaded my attacks with ease.

"Nice to meet you too." He said again, letting me go. I instantly went into a fighting stance. He chuckled. "You're cute."

I got even madder at that statement. I lunged for him with my fist, but he was able to avoid it. I tried to go for his knee, but he was able to avoid me yet again.

"I'm not going to hurt you, don't go crazy." He said again with a chuckle. My instincts told me that somehow he didn't seem like he had the motive to hurt me, but I wouldn't let my guard down.

"Then what the hell?" I barked.

"I was just going to say that I was impressed with you." He said. "I was at the park." He pointed his thumb behind him as he smirked.

"Couldn't you have done it earlier, then?" I said loudly, picking the bag I threw to the side. "If that's really all you wanted, you were too suspicious. Coming out of an alley at this time." I glared at him then started walking away.

"I just walked beside you. You jumped to crazy suspicions." He said, catching up to me.

"That's because you were suspicious!" I snapped. "I'd appreciate it if you leave me alone now. I got the message, thank you, now go."

"I was actually going to ask you where you go to school, and how old you are." He said.

"Like I'd tell you." I rolled my eyes. He's a bigger idiot than I assumed.

"Right." He said, stopping me by holding my wrist. He offered a hand then said, "I'm Usui Takumi. What's your name?"

"It's too late for that." I said, walking away. He pulled me again.

"I swear if you don't leave me alone, I'm going to hurt you!" I threatened, dangerously glaring at him.

"As if you could." He taunted, sticking out his tongue. "Just tell me your name, or I'll call you little miss-"

"Misaki." I said, surrendering to him before he could continue what I presumed to be a very annoying nickname.

He smiled, almost sincerely. I think. "Where do you go to school?" He asked, letting go of my wrist. He tucked his hands in his pockets as we walked together.

"Seika Dance Academy." I answered coldly. It's no use avoiding him now. "Why do you ask?"

"Because you're a great dancer, and that's coming from me." He said arrogantly.

"What's that supposed to mean to me?"

"Nothing." He chuckled. "Ever considered entering Miyabigaoka College of Dance?"

I laughed. "I wish. If I had the money. It's my dream school." Then it struck me. "You're from Miyabigaoka, aren't you?"

"Good instincts. I'm a freshman college student." He said. "We could use a dancer like you."

"Thanks, but I can't afford it. Not even if I stopped going to school for two years." I replied.

"We do have an ongoing competition." He piped up. "The winner gets a free scholarship to the school. Interested?"

We were a block away from the house when he asked me that. I stopped walking and looked at him. My eyebrows shot up, my mouth agape. "Uh, yeah!" I said, almost a little too excitedly. "How do I enter?"

He pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket. He unfolded it and showed it to me. It read in huge, bold letters, "Miyabigaoka Dance Competition!" As I was about to read the details below, he took it back.

"I wasn't done reading!" I complained.

"Give me your cell phone number, and I'll let you know about them." He said with a smirk.

I glared at him. I had no choice though. He obviously wouldn't budge, would he? And I can't miss out on an opportunity like this. I don't even know why I haven't heard of this! "Fine." I don't know what went over me, giving a number to a complete stranger, but I did.

Before I realized it though, I had just walked this Usui Takumi to my house. What a stupid, dumb move.

"Nice house." He said as I unlocked the gate. I turned my head to look at him and said, "Goodnight. Please go."

He smirked. "Goodnight, then, Misaki-chan." He left almost as surreptitiously as he appeared. I sighed.

"I'm home."

x x x x x x x x

I spent the whole night thinking about Usui Takumi and what he said- during dinner, during my shower, during the moment I lied down on my bed. I felt quite excited. I'm graduating, and to get an opportunity such as this is just amazing. But the skeptic in me says it's a little too good to be true. I'm not sure if I should even trust that guy with the annoying smirk. But somehow I am. I'm taking a leap of faith.

My phone beeped on my bedside table. I reached for it and received a text from an unfamiliar number. It read:

"Hi, Misaki-chan~

I'll sign you up. You need a partner though. Can you give me a name by tomorrow?

Usui"

That was an easy question.

"Shintani Hinata" I replied immediately, without even asking Shintani himself. He'll agree, I bet. He has to.

I saved his number and named it as 'Stranger'.

Another beep. "Alright. Goodnight then, pretty face."

I huffed. Even through text messaging he's annoying. "I HAVE A NAME, IDIOT!"

"But it suits you!" He replied quickly. Grunting, I stopped replying and tried to sleep amidst the constant beeping of my phone.

I shouldn't have given my number.

x x x x x x x x