《Strawberry Lessons》


 Natsumis Chance

    "And~ done!" Natsumi sighed as she sat down her pencil and leaned back stretching slightly. She collected her books, placing them into her bag and stood up from her desk. She slung the strap over her shoulder and grabbed her jacket as she ran down the hallways leading to her after-school group. That essay had taken longer than she thought so she was positive she was running late-again. Natsumi Kimoto was the top student in her fourth-year class, with one of the highest overall scores at Omiya Kita High School. But she was never one to be known for her punctuation. It seemed that she was always racing somewhere and the teachers had gotten used to just stepping out of her way when they saw her coming. She slid the door to the room open, huffing as she caught her breath and bowed to the teacher.


    "I''m sorry! I lost track of time working on my assignments!" She apologized to Ms. Tajima and her fellow students. No one looked surprised that she was walking in late and continued with what they were doing. Some were taking notes on what Ms. Tajima had been saying and others were openly on their phones emailing their other friends.


    "That''s alright Miss Kimoto. We were just about to discuss our latest signup." Ms. Tajima said, already used to her top student''s tardiness. Natsumi walked in and took her usual seat in the corner. She pulled out several notebooks with the notes she had taken for her science exam next week, preparing for after the teacher had finished talking. She reached up and fixed the large, blue bow that held up her brown hair in a long ponytail, not expecting anything to change today.


    She had signed up for this volunteer tutoring job at the suggestion of her counselor. He said that it would look great on her college applications. She had been with this group for a month since the start of the year and had yet to be assigned a student to help. She was pretty patient though, knowing that usually the more senior members got the first pick of jobs. She knew that one day she would be given a chance and it would bring her one step closer to her goal.


    "Okay. Now as I was saying before the interruption...Our newest signup has proven to be difficult to place with a permanent tutor. He''s already gone through three of our best and refuses to state any reason other than he was unsatisfied with their abilities." She said and Natsumi stopped fiddling with her bow as that caught her attention. She glanced over to Katsu Higashi, Yuki Mihara, and Taro Amaya. They were all fourth years that had been with this group since their second year. They were considered the best and every student they tutored passed with excellent marks. If they hadn''t been able to help this person, there was a chance that none of them could and he would have to seek a professional.


    "So I guess that I''ll have to just hope that he''ll be satisfied with one of you eventually and we''ll be able to help him. The student''s name is Ryuu Yoshida and as you all probably know, he''s very important to this school." She said and Natsumi''s eyes widened. Everyone knew who Ryuu Yoshida was. His father was the leading tycoon in business in Saitama City and was a big contributor to the school as well as several universities. He was the school''s rich boy and kept to himself most of the time.


    He was Mr. Perfect all the girls in the school wanted to catch his eye. Natsumi had seen him on several occasions and had to admit that he was very good looking. He was rumored to tolerate people, but never known to make true connections with anyone. He had people he talked to, but they weren''t his friends and knew little about him personally. He was like an enigma that could never be figured out by anyone. She frowned as she tuned out the teacher while thinking of the boy. Why would someone who could easily hire the best tutor in Japan-or the world for that matter, sign up for their small group? Especially when he seemed unsatisfied with their skills anyways.


    "So do I have any volunteers for this?" Ms. Tajima said and Natsumi snapped out of her thoughts and jumped up out of her seat, holding her hand out into the air.


    "Yes! Me! Ms. Tajima, I''ll take this assignment!" She said with a bright smile and all eyes in the room turned to her. Ms. Tajima tapped the papers she was holding against her hip and frowned.


    "I don''t know Miss Kimoto. This would be your first assignment. Maybe you should sit back and let someone with more experience go first and then if no one else-"


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    "I can do it miss! Please!" She pressed and Ms. Tajima tapped her chin in thought. Natsumi held herself still as she waited, praying that she would be allowed to at least try.


    "Excuse me Ms. Tajima?" Yuki said as she stood from her chair. She looked over at Natsumi with a gleam in her eyes.


    "Kimoto hasn''t been given a chance yet, why not let her at least try?" She said, as if reading Natsumi''s thoughts. Natsumi smiled brightly at the girl, but she turned her nose up. Natsumi blinked, but didn''t let it affect her. She knew that many of the students were envious of her grades and she wouldn''t let their opinions get to her.


    "It''s true miss." Katsu added as he smirked back at Natsumi.


    "She''s been so eager to help. Why not let this be her true test. Let''s see if Ms. Perfect Pet can do what we couldn''t. Then she can continue to call herself the best." He said and the others laughed as Natsumi blushed.


    "Alright that''s enough. We are all here for the same reason. To help our fellow students. This isn''t a contest." Ms. Tajima said to quiet everyone down. This was exactly what Natsumi had been thinking about. Being number one in the school when you were two years younger than everyone made a lot of people jealous. They saw her as a teacher''s pet because she would run errands for the staff and was the model student, never getting into trouble. It didn''t win her any popularity contests, but her goals were too important to lose sight now. She ignored the jibbs and turned her large, brown eyes to her sensei.


    "Please Ms. Tajima. I promise I''ll do my best." She said and Ms. Tajima sighed as she shook her head.


    "Fine. I''ll give you the chance. But don''t be disappointed if Mr. Yoshida turns you away because of your lack of experience." She said and Natsumi nodded eagerly as she walked up and took his file. She went back to her desk, ignoring the whispers around her as she read over the notes the others had taken as well as Yoshida''s own application. He was failing European English? That seemed a strange subject for the heir of a business empire to be struggling with. She pulled out a blank notebook and began to take her own notes as she thought things out.


    She stayed there late, the other students leaving-either on their own assignments or to head home. She wanted to be as prepared for her first meeting tomorrow as she could be. Despite the way the others had reacted to her, she was still determined to make this work. If Ryuu Yoshida turned her away, at least she wanted to say she tried. She wanted to prove to everyone that she worked hard to be where she was and nothing had been handed to her. That was the whole reason she was so determined now. This was the first chance to see if she had what it took. So she compiled her lists and plans for their study sessions if he decided to keep her on. She looked up at the clock on the wall and sighed. She should start heading home before her mom began to worry.


    She gathered her things and placed them carefully into her bag before pulling on her jacket and heading for the front of the school. The hallways were empty and her footsteps echoed through the air as she rushed to the lockers to change her shoes. She set her bag down so she could pull her shoes on without falling over, which she has done in the past.


    "Can you believe Ms. Tajima actually agreed to that?"


    "I know. Now Miss Pet won''t look so perfect anymore."


    "There''s no doubt what''ll happen tomorrow. He''ll say the same thing to her he did with us."


    "Yeah and she''ll have no choice with her situation... "


    Natsumi turned and watched as Yuki and Katsu walked out of the school together. They were laughing and she blushed, trying to ignore their words. She sighed and picked up her bag, pulling the strap over her head to rest on her shoulder and across her chest. She was used to comments like that, but it still stung a little each time she heard them. The older students like Yuki and Katsu were the worst offenders. They took it personally that she was the top student and didn''t like the fact that she beat them during midterms and final exams each year.


    She just shrugged it off and made her way home. Once more, not letting anything they thought affect her. It was true that she felt lonely at times when the other students snubbed her, but that just gave her more time to study and focus on her goals. She was determined to make it happen for herself and wouldn''t let naysayers put her down.


    She was going to be the first person in her family to go to university. She knew in her heart what she was meant to do with her life and tomorrow she would prove it. She was going to get that full scholarship to Tokyo University and get her teaching degree. She was going to help pave the way for other students to follow the path that she had traveled. And Ryuu Yoshida was going to be her starting point!


    "You got this Natsumi!" She cheered herself as she fisted her hands and grinned up at the setting sun.

 First Impressions Arent Always the Best

    Natsumi ran through the hallways, heading for the library. She was in a full panic now! Of all the days to lose track of time. She was supposed to meet Ryuu Yoshida in the library directly after school, but she had been distracted when Mr. Mashima asked her to run some papers to the staff room for him. Now she was ten minutes late, which wouldn''t normally seem like a big deal, but today was too important to chance. Worse, was that Ryuu Yoshida seemed really unpredictable and could very well deny her even a chance after being late.


    She rushed into the library, having to apologize to a pair of students that she almost bowled over. She came to a stop and looked around the library for that familiar head of orange hair. She frowned when she didn''t see him anywhere and worried that she had already lost her chance. What if he had gotten tired of waiting and left? She bit her lip and walked over to the library attendant.


    "Excuse me. Have you seen a student by the name of Ryuu Yoshida in here? Tall, orange hair with-"


    "I know who Mr. Yoshida is. But no. He hasn''t come in yet." The librarian said without looking up from the book in front of her. Natsumi sighed in relief and resisted the urge to sink to the floor. Instead she found an empty table that would make it easy for him to spot her and pulled out her notes. She didn''t want to waste this stroke of luck and began to organize her plans and the schedule she had created for him.


    Her plan was a quick introduction to break the ice and then to dive right into her strategy for helping him. She also took the time to run her fingers through her hair, straightening the bow once more as it had gone crooked in her rush. She made sure the collar on her white shirt was perfect and tightened the tiny, red tie that hung from under the collar. She would often have to fix her uniform''s appearance due to her constant running around.


    The whispers were what clued her into his arrival. She looked up and felt an unwanted blush creep into her cheeks. She had forgotten how handsome he was up close, his uniform fit his athletic physique perfectly. She shook her head and scolded herself to focus. She watched as he leaned on his right leg while holding his bag over his shoulder by the handle. His red eyes were scanning the room until they finally fell on her. She gave a nervous wave to alert him that she was who he was meeting. His eyebrow rose, but there was no other reaction. She watched as he carefully walked towards her, noting that he carried himself well, but what else would you expect from someone like him?


    When he was standing at her table she rose and held out her hand, giving him her best smile.


    "Hi Yoshida-san, I''m Natsumi Kimoto and have been assigned to help you. It''s a pleasure to finally meet you." She said, patting herself on the back for getting through the introduction without stuttering. He looked at her hand for a few seconds and then slowly raised his own to give it a quick shake. He released it almost immediately and sat in the chair without speaking to her or returning her greeting. She sat back down and looked at him curiously. He almost seemed bored, but she figured it was the expected attitude after being disappointed with three prior tutors.


    "I''m sorry that you''ve been unhappy with my fellow members, but I hope that I can change that and that together we can get your scores up." She said as she began to shuffle through the plans she had made, spreading them out in front of him to read. She looked up to explain and noticed that his stare had never wavered. He had been staring at her the whole time, his expression remaining cool as he did so. Natsumi swallowed as her nerves returned, but she tried to force them back.


    "If you decide that you want to continue studying with me, I''ve made a schedule for us to follow. If there are any parts that you would like to alter or times you can''t meet, please feel free to tell me and I''ll make the changes. I think it would be best if we started with-"


    "How many students have you tutored in the past?" He asked suddenly, his deep voice making her jump as her eyes returned to his. She swallowed again and sat as straight in her chair as she could.


    "You would actually be my first. I only joined this tutoring group this year and although I may not be as experienced as the others, I will do everything to help you. Despite my lack of experience I am more than qualified to-"


    "I''ll determine your qualifications Kimoto." He interrupted her again and she blushed. She was shrinking internally, having a feeling where this was heading. But on the outside she remained poised and ready to battle. His eyes roamed over her and then down to her notes, calculating things silently in his head. As he picked up the schedule she had made he asked,


    "Tell me. Why did you join this tutoring program so late in the game?"


    "Oh...Well I joined at the suggestion of my counselor. It''s for my college application, and...well...to see if my dream is attainable." She said the last part softly and his brow rose once more. He set down the schedule she had made and leaned forward. His elbows resting on the table with his fingers laced as he placed his chin on them. He was studying her closely and she could almost read the formulas racing through his eyes as he judged her. She clenched her fingers around her uniform''s black, pleated skirt to keep them from trembling. She prepared for what he may say next, but no amount of mental pep talks could have helped.


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    "Dreams are meaningless in this world Miss Kimoto. Because the truth is that you would abandon these so called ''dreams'' if something better came along."


    "That''s not-"


    "Not what? True? Really...So you''re telling me that if someone offered you monetary compensation in exchange for giving up on your dreams, you would turn them down?"


    Natsumi''s mouth fell open in shock. She wasn''t sure what to say to that. No one had ever said something so cold or hurtful to her. She was used to people making snide comments about her or her living situation, but she had never had someone offend her so deeply. She gritted her teeth and narrowed her eyes at him.


    "No. I would never accept something so-so cold! My dream is not something to laugh at and means a lot to me!" She hissed as she glared at him. He leaned away from his hands, taking in her determined stare and the way she was trying not to shake in rage. He turned away from her, leaning down to his bag. She opened her mouth to say something further, but he straightened again with a little, black book in his hand. He pulled the pen off the collar of his white shirt and clicked it. Natsumi wanted to question his actions, but chose to sit quietly instead as he wrote something out of sight.


    He glanced up at her and made a final flourish with the pen before clicking it and replacing it on his collar. He ripped out the paper he had written on and placed it face down on the table. His eyes remained locked with hers as he slid the item across the table to her. She frowned at him before her eyes moved to the paper. She reached for it and the minute her fingers grazed its surface he jumped up and placed his large hand over hers. She shrieked as she looked up at the boy looming over her. Taking in all the features of his face and the way his crimson eyes had a rim of black around the edge.


    "Let''s see if your motives are as pure as you claim. If you come back tomorrow with that torn in half I''ll take back what I said." He leaned closer and for the first time smiled at her. Well more like smirked in a condescending way, as if he already knew she wouldn''t. He turned away, grabbing his bag as he once more slung it over his shoulder and made to leave the library. Natsumi frowned and looked down at the paper, turning it over to see what he was talking about.


    Her eyes widened as she realized the thing in her hand was a check. More than that it was made out to her for the amount of ten thousand yen! Her mind flashed with so many things that she could use this money for. Her family could really use this so that her parents wouldn''t have to worry as much. She looked up at Ryuu''s back as he walked out with his other hand in his black pant''s pocket. She frowned as she looked between him and the check. She bit her lip and sent a silent apology to her parents, promising to make it up to them when she was older.


    "Yoshida-san!" She shouted, standing up out of her seat. She ignored the dirty look the librarian gave her or the shushing sound she made. Ryuu stopped walking and turned slightly to look back at her. She took a deep breath and then smiled at him as she held the check up with both hands and tore it in half. Ryuu''s eyes widened briefly before he schooled his expression once more. She tilted her head as she smiled brightly,


    "So. Shall we continue with our session? Or do you still want to wait until tomorrow?"


    He grinned softly and walked back to the table, setting his bag on the floor and resuming his seat. He waited until she sat down as well before speaking.


    "I misjudged you Kimoto."


    "Let''s start with our meeting times and the days you''re available." She said, turning on her ''teacher-mode'' and ignoring his statement. She had already made her point and didn''t want to waste anymore time they had together by gloating. This seemed to surprise him further as he gave her a strange look. He sat silently as she explained her strategy to help him, listing books she would be using and how she wanted to fit all of this around his upcoming exams. When she was finished explaining she sighed and smiled up at him.


    "So is there anything you feel we should change?" She asked and he shrugged. She tilted her head and frowned. He was looking at her more than the notes in front of him and she wondered what he was thinking in that moment. She cleared her throat and shuffled the pages together, tapping the end on the table to straighten them.


    "Well then. If you don''t have a problem with anything I have planned we can continue. We''ll meet tomorrow after school and begin your study sessions." She said as she replaced the pages into the folder she had designated for him and placed that in her bag. Then she rose to her feet and held her hand out to him once more. He stood as well and grabbed her hand, shaking it briefly. She smiled and tried to pull her hand back, but his grip tightened, preventing her from moving. Natsumi looked up startled as he leaned closer again, a strange glint in his eyes.


    "I misjudged you Kimoto." He whispered and she frowned before waving her free hand to try and push aside the issue.


    "That''s alright I-"


    "No it''s not alright. I didn''t misjudge the others, I was completely right about them. I don''t misjudge things. I''m not allowed to." He said, his eyes narrowing and she swallowed as she waited to see where this was going. He surprised her yet again as his face split into a wide grin.


    "This is going to be more interesting than I thought. Let''s see who can figure out the other first." He said as he finally released her hand. Natsumi pulled it back to her chest and narrowed her eyes up at him.


    "I''ll see you tomorrow Yoshida-san." She said and started to walk past him when his hand fell on her shoulder, stopping her once more. She suddenly hated the fact that she was shorter than him as she was forced to turn and look up once more. His expression had returned to its former stoic self as he gazed down at her.


    "Ryuu. I don''t like to be called by my last name." He said and walked past her. And she swore that she heard him mumble something like,


    ''It makes me think people are calling me my father.''

 Hesitations

    Natsumi walked into the library the next day after school, ready to begin. She looked around until she saw him lounging in a chair at a corner table. She took a deep breath and walked over to Ryuu with a bright smile. She raised her hand in greeting, but before she could say anything he cut her off with a sharp look.


    "You''re late." He said and her smile fell. She was about to tell him that she had gotten held up in her last class, but what came out was actually,


    "You were late yesterday." Natsumi covered her mouth and blushed when she realized that had slipped out. Luckily he didn''t seem offended by it and simply shrugged so she sighed and took her seat next to him. She pulled out the worksheets she had made the night before and pushed them in front of him. He looked them over lazily and then turned his attention away, pulling out his phone. Natsumi frowned and she reached out to snatch the phone away. His glare turned on her, but she didn''t let it intimidate her.


    "Finish these the best you can. I''m going to use them as an assessment of how far back we have to cover to catch you up where you need to be." She said, setting his phone on the table and pulling out a separate notebook for herself. Ryuu made a face before rolling his eyes and picking up the pencil she had placed near him. Natsumi watched him carefully from out of the corner of her eye. She was also using this as a chance to observe her student''s behavior. His comment yesterday had thrown her off and she had spent most of last night thinking it over.


    She watched as a line appeared between his brows as he concentrated on the questions she had written out. She noticed that he took quite awhile on each part and she made a note that he had trouble reading in English and to make several of their sessions dedicated to the basics. Ryuu suddenly leaned back in his chair and twirled the pencil between his fingers. Natsumi looked up completely as she watched him lounge, she looked down at the paper to see he wasn''t even halfway done with the first page. She narrowed her eyes and started to reprimand him when he just as quickly returned his attention to the work.


    ''Strange. Maybe he was thinking over the question?'' She thought to herself and return to her notes. She watched and noted him repeat the motion seven different times after that. On the eighth she finally saw his eyes flick to the side briefly, granting her a line of sight to what was catching his attention. Natsumi watched as a pair of students walked close to the table, their eyes on Ryuu as they whispered quietly to each other. As soon as they were past the table Ryuu returned his attention to the sheets again. Natsumi looked at him curiously, wondering once more what his behavior and actions meant. When he was finally finished she collected the worksheets and went over them carefully.


    "It seems we have a lot to cover before your next exam Yo-erm...Ryuu-san. You misspelled a lot of words and your grammar needs serious improvement." She said as she wrote more notes in her notebook. He was on his phone, since she had given it back to him and making non-committal noises. She pursed her lips as she looked at him.


    "You know...you could say something in response." She muttered and he glanced at her, shrugging silently before his eyes returned to his phone. She rolled her eyes and looked over the pages some more.


    "I guess this means we''ll have to go back further than I thought. Which means I''ll have to change somethings in my plan..." She mused out loud, not realizing that Ryuu was looking at her out of the corner of his eyes. When she looked at him again he was paying attention to his phone''s screen. She sighed and collected the sheets together, placing them in her notebook. She pulled her bag across the table to in front of her as she dug through it for the book she needed. She pulled it out with a smile and set it open in front of him. He ignored her and she felt a vein throb in her head as she made a grab for his phone again.


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    This time he knew she was coming and turned, pulling it out of reach. She gritted her teeth and leaned across the table, trying to take the phone. He kept it just out of her reach, slightly amused at the position she was placing herself in.


    "Ryuu-san. Our session today is almost over already! Can''t you just cooperate with me for a few more minutes?" She begged and he finally looked at her fully.


    "Why? What point is there when you''ve already assessed what you needed." He said and she sighed, her head falling onto the table as she groaned and her hand also fell limply to the table.


    "I''m too tired for this." She mumbled into the cold wood. Ryuu looked down at her curiously. Her ponytail was fountained over her head as she stayed in her face down position. He closed his phone and stood up from the table. Natsumi looked up at the sound of his chair scraping. Ryuu had his bag over his shoulder, his crimson eyes on her.


    "Then let''s call it for now. I''m done with wasting my own time as well." He said as he walked out. Natsumi sat back up, frowning at his back. He must have misunderstood her, but it was too late to go after him and she doubted it would help. He was proving more difficult than she first thought. She sighed and collected her items, placing them in her bag so that she could head home herself.


    Later that night when she was changed for bed in her pink pajamas with tiny strawberries decorating the fabric, she sat at her desk with her night lamp on. She had finished up her own assignments for her classes and was now looking over the lesson plans she had created for Ryuu. She had her notebook open to the page she had been writing on today and the worksheets were spread out before her.


    Something was nagging at her and she was determined to solve what that was. She looked over his writing again and tried to replay their time together through her mind like a movie. She frowned as again something seemed off as she remembered the way he had stopped working when people got near.


    Her eyes snapped open as a spark went through her. She pulled the notebook towards her and slid her finger down the page until it hit the first time she noted his pausing. Then she looked over to the worksheet and timed which problem that would be. She found it and her eyes widened as she compared it to the one before it and the one after.


    "That''s it!" She shouted, throwing her hands in the air in victory. She laughed as she leaned back, but that quickly turned into a scream as her chair toppled over, taking her with it. The crash rang through her room and she peeked open one eye and sighed in relief. She was now sprawled on the floor, but at least she was in one piece. She turned her head over as her door opened and her mom''s blue-eyes stared down at her.


    "You okay in here honey?" Her soft, melodic voice asked and Natsumi laughed again as she sat herself back up.


    "Yeah mom. Just got a bit over excited is all." She chuckled as she stood up and fixed her chair, taking her seat again. Her mom came into her room and leaned over her shoulder, taking in the mess spread across her daughter''s desk.


    "What''s all this?"


    "Something that''s going to help the both of us." She said, causing her mom to frown. Natsumi blinked as she realized her mom didn''t know what she was talking about. She laughed again and smiled up at her mom brightly.


    "Hey mom. I''m going to be bringing someone home tomorrow after school."

 One Step Forward

    At lunch the next day Natsumi was in high spirits. She believed that she had a better understanding of a certain enigma. She hummed as she carried her lunch bag out of the building to sit outside. She preferred to eat her lunches away from the noise and used that time to get some extra studying in. She turned the corner to where the empty tables always sat and froze. His back was to her, but there was no denying that head of orange hair.


    She debated on what to do next. She could walk past him like she hadn''t noticed him, but he would know instantly that was a lie. So she decided to just get it over with and smiled brightly as she walked up to him.


    "Hi Ryuu-san." She said and he looked up from the book sitting in front of him. His eyes narrowed when he saw who it was and sighed as he closed the cover. She frowned at his actions and instead let her eyes move to the book in front of him. Her eyes widened and she gasped as she leaned closer.


    "Oh! That''s-That''s a college level medical book! I recognize it from my brother''s-" She said as she reached for it, but his hand shot out and caught her wrist. She jumped and looked up into his cold eyes as he glared at her.


    "Was there something you wanted? I finally think I found a quiet place away from you people." He sneered and Natsumi puffed out her cheeks in annoyance as she pulled her hand free and returned his glare. She swore she saw a hint of amusement in his expression at her demeanor, but it vanished too quickly. Natsumi sighed and took the seat across from him.


    "Please sit. By all means." He muttered sarcastically and she ignored the tone, choosing to give him a bright smile instead.


    "Thank you Ryuu-san. I would love to join you for lunch."


    "Do you not recognize sarcasm or are you purposely choosing to ignore it?" He asked with a raised brow and she hummed as she pulled out the two containers in her bag and the juice box. She opened the pink one and held it out in offering.


    "Strawberry?" She asked and he sighed.


    "Ignoring it is then. No." He added when she continued to hold out the container. She shrugged and picked up one of the little red fruits herself. Popping it into her mouth and sighing in pure bliss. She finished and smiled at him again, but he just sat there staring at her.


    "In response to your earlier comment Ryuu-san...I always eat outside so that I can study easier and didn''t expect to find you here. But if you want to avoid being interrupted again I suggest you find a new spot. I saw this one first." She stated as she took a bite of her peanut butter sandwich and looked up surprised when she heard a soft chuckle. Ryuu was actually smiling. It was small, more like a ghost of a smile, but it was there and it was at that moment she realized she had never seen him smile before.


    "I''ll keep that in mind." He said and started to pick up his bag, but Natsumi held out her hand to stop him.


    "Hold on Ryuu-san. I actually do need to talk to you about something so I''m glad I ran into you here." She said and although he blew air through his nose in irritation, he relaxed back onto his seat. She smiled and ate another strawberry as she proposed her plan.


    "I get the feeling that the library won''t help you focus on the work we need to do. So how about after school today we go somewhere else?" She said and he raised his brow at her and she wondered if he only had three facial expressions that he relied on for human interaction. She actually giggled at that thought before looking up at him again.


    "Meet me at the front of the gates after school and then we can head to my house. It''s a ten minute walk, but I''ll figure out a way to use that time for mini-lessons as well." She explained and he stood up, grabbing his bag with a stoic,


    "Yay." Before he walked away. Natsumi smiled softly and shook her head at the boy before waving her hand and shouting after him.


    "I''ll see you after school then Ryuu-san!"


    His head lowered, but other than that he didn''t acknowledge that he had heard her. She sighed and continued to eat her lunch as she pulled out her own book. She had a history exam in a few days and wanted to prepare for any curve balls that might be on there. Mr. Mashima was known for that.


    When the final bell rang Natsumi collected her things as quickly as she could, not wanting to be late again. She ran out of the classroom and down the hall, hopeful that for once she would be on time. That was dashed when Ms. Tajima walked out of her classroom and motioned for Natsumi to stop.


    "Miss Kimoto. I must say I''m very impressed with your determination and the way it paid off."


    "What Ms. Tajima?" Natsumi asked with a tilt of her head and Ms. Tajima chuckled.


    "The fact that this is day three and you have yet to be sent back to the tutor group. I''m both surprised and proud that you were correct in your assumption that you could handle this. Make sure you keep up this level of hard work and that Mr. Yoshida gets everything he needs." She said and Natsumi nodded with a wide smile and a thumbs up before running off and waving to her sensei.


    She made it to the lockers and almost tripped in her haste to pull off her school shoes. She placed them in the cubby and pulled on her normal shoes in record time. She picked up her bag and ran out to the front of the school, skidding to a halt when she almost crashed into him. She bent over, huffing in an attempt to catch her breath.


    "Is this a normal thing for you?" Ryuu asked as he stared down at her. She looked up, still bent over and laughed while nodding. She straightened and flipped her ponytail over her shoulder, brushing out her skirt as she collected herself. When she had finished tightening the bow in her hair she smiled up at him again.


    "Sorry. Ms. Tajima caught me in the hall. But I''m here now so let''s go." She said cheerfully and started walking down the street, Ryuu close behind. They walked in silence for a bit before Natsumi needed to break it.


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    "My place is small, but I think it''ll offer less distractions than a crowded library." She said and he shrugged, dashing her hopes for casual conversation. She sighed and looked up at the clear sky, trying to think of something else to say.


    "What made you decide to do this?" He asked suddenly and she jumped, startled as she looked up to see him looking straight ahead. She cleared her throat and placed her hands behind her back, clasping them loosely.


    "I was looking over those worksheets I had you do yesterday and noticed an irregularity in your effort." She stated and he glanced down at her then and she read the question in his gaze so she continued.


    "Every time someone passed by us you put less effort into the answers and I realized that you were too distracted by passersby to put your full attention on the lesson. So I thought we could try this instead. Of course if you don''t like it we can-"


    "It''s fine." He said, cutting her off. Natsumi was actually adjusting to that though, at first it annoyed her, but she realized that he was the kind of person to get straight to the point and didn''t mean offense...well the last part was for herself so she wouldn''t throw something at him.


    "Hey Ryuu-san. Why were you reading such a high-level medical book?" She asked and his eyes narrowed slightly, it was the lightest twitch and had she not been looking she would have missed it.


    "I was bored." He said and she gave him a look that told him not to question her intelligence. He frowned and shrugged.


    "It''s not important. Are we almost there?" He changed the subject quickly and she sighed, deciding that it was something she should let go. She pointed ahead of them to a grey four story building that housed her family''s apartment. He nodded and they walked the rest of the way in silence. She used her key to open the front gate and led the way to the elevator, waving to the guard stationed at the front.


    When Ryuu entered the metal box next to her she pushed the button for the third floor. The doors closed and she leaned back, holding onto the bar attached at the wall. She always had a wave of apprehension when she was in elevators and usually took the stairs. She didn''t want to make Ryuu climb the three flights though so she gripped the bar for dear life and forced her anxiety to the back of her mind.


    She stared at the floor until that amazing bell dinged their arrival. She sighed and stepped-well more like hopped, out of the elevator to the concrete floor of the landing. She waited until Ryuu was behind her again before walking down the path to the door with the numbers 312 bolted to the door. She opened the door and took off her shoes before walking on the hardwood.


    "Mom! I''m home and I brought a...friend home." She said and Ryuu raised his brow at her as he finished removing his own shoes. She shrugged and walked down the hallway to the kitchen/living room. Her mom was standing at the stove, her back to them as her brown hair swished in the ponytail she had it in. She turned as they walked around to the island set in the center. It basically divided the kitchen from the dining room and living room.


    "Hello. I''m Akira Kimoto, but you can either call me Akira or mom, whichever you prefer." Akira said with a warm smile as she wiped her hands on a dish towel and looked over Ryuu.


    "When you said you were bringing someone home Natsumi, I didn''t think it would be such a cute boy."


    "Okay! So let''s go to my room and get started on those study lessons!" Natsumi said, jumping up to block her mom from view and giving a nervous laugh as she practically herded Ryuu out of the living area, her mom giggling after them. Natsumi groaned and then remembered as she stuck her upper body out of the hallway, holding onto the wall.


    "Oh mom, can you-"


    "I''ll slice some up now and bring them to you two after I finish this soup." Her mom said and Natsumi waved in thanks. Then she turned back to the waiting Ryuu and lead him down the second hallway.


    "That''s the bathroom and this is my room." She said as she opened the door to reveal her room. She was glad she had taken the time to straighten it up this morning so that it looked presentable. Her bed was made with the pink comforter, tiny strawberry emojis decorating it. Her desk was clean for once, all her journals and notebooks stacked in straight piles. And the green carpet was vacuumed, probably thanks to her mother.


    She walked over to the small table set to the right of her room, next to her mirrored closet. She set her bag on the floor and folded her legs underneath her, waiting as Ryuu followed and sunk to the floor next to her. He leaned back so that his back could rest against the pink wall behind him. Natsumi pulled out the notebooks she had created for him and handed the first one over.


    "Okay so we''ll start with basic words and then move on to sentence structure. Here." She handed him a pencil and flipped open the cover to the first page. She looked up at him expectantly and he sighed as he focused down on the words. She had written out a list of basic words in japanese and wanted him to translate them and write them into english next to the words.


    When he would get stuck on one she would step in and talk him through it. Creating ways for him to remember in the future by comparing the word to similar ones or using images to help. She was pleased that he didn''t fight her and made it through the first page pretty quickly. She looked over his work with a smile.


    "See, this already looks more promising than it did yesterday. Your spelling still needs help, but you only missed a few that are actually easy to mistake." She praised and smiled up at him, but he only shrugged and twirled the pencil between his fingers. She frowned, but it quickly disappeared as her positive attitude returned. Ryuu was a fast learner, evident in the way he picked up on her hints instantly and used it to his advantage. He was smart and she wondered if he would be okay after only a few sessions.


    They finished the list of words she made and she showed him the correct ways to spell the ones he missed. As she was finding a passage for him to read aloud her mom came in with her requested snack.


    "Thanks mom." Natsumi said as she happily picked up a sliced strawberry. Ryuu waved off the offer of something and watched as Natsumi ate almost half the bowl before sitting back and picking up the book again.


    "You have a strange obsession with strawberries Kimoto." He said as he took the book she held out to him. She pointed at the passage she wanted and giggled,


    "I love strawberries. They''re a healthier alternative to satisfying my sweet tooth. Although I do add powdered sugar sometimes." She admitted and he shook his head before reading through the passage. She cringed at his pronunciation and accent as he read through the words. He would often misread as well and mix words around, much like when he wrote his sentences. She pulled her notebook to her and made a mark to focus most of their lessons on grammar. His phone buzzed and he pulled it out of his pocket, checking the screen.


    "My car is here." He said, closing the book and standing up from the floor. Natsumi jumped and glanced at her alarm clock. Sure enough it was six o''clock and their session was up. She had completely lost track of time and would be cutting it close tonight. She got up and walked Ryuu through the apartment. Her mother waved goodbye and her little brother, Hiro, glanced away from the book he was reading at them briefly before his blue eyes swerved back.


    Natsumi walked him all the way back out the building and her mouth fell open when she saw the black luxury car waiting for him. A man in a black suit and hat waiting by the back door. He bowed slightly to Ryuu and took his school bag as he opened the door. Ryuu got in the back seat and Natsumi waved.


    "Alright Ryuu-san. I''ll see you tomor-" He grabbed the door and shut it. She glared at the tinted window, knowing he could see her. He may be handsome, but he had to be the rudest person she had ever come into contact with. She sighed and ran back into the building so she could get ready. Rude or not didn''t matter. She had a job to do when it came to Ryuu Yoshida and after today, she felt more confident that she could. Then she wouldn''t have to look at his irritating face again.

 Not A Robot

    Natsumi frowned as she stared at the math problems in front of her. She picked up her red cup of orange soda and chewed on the end of the straw as her frustrations grew. She was sitting outside at the lunch tables, trying to get through some of her homework, but this was one subject she always struggled with. She may have high scores in all her classes, but math was still challenging and took twice as much effort on her part. She gripped her pencil tighter, digging the tip into the paper and threatening to puncture a hole. She groaned and slammed her forehead into the open book sitting in front of her.


    "I''m never going to understand this!" She moaned as she folded her arms in front of her head. She closed her eyes and sighed again.


    "Are you telling me there''s something Miss Perfect can''t do?"


    Natsumi''s head lifted and her eyes widened as she watched Ryuu set his school bag on the bench next to him and sit across from her. Her mouth fell open as she watched him casually pick up the sandwich on his red lunch tray and take a bite. He noticed her staring and raised a brow at her. She quickly closed her mouth and sat up again, still unable to think straight.


    "What?" He finally asked in irritation as he set the sandwich down and openly glared at her. She swallowed and frowned as she pouted her pink lips while she eyed him warily.


    "Why are you here?"


    "This is the lunch area." He said and took another bite of his food. Her eyes narrowed further as she reached up and brushed her bangs to the right, tucking the strands behind her ear. She waited until he glanced up again, his red eyes just visible through the loose orange strands that covered the top of his forehead.


    "I thought you said that you didn''t want to be bothered at lunch?" She asked and he shrugged, popping the last of the sandwich into his mouth.


    "Unfortunately this is the only place where I won''t be bothered. You seem to be the only other weirdo that avoids the crowds inside." He pointed out and picked up his own cup, slurping on the straw. Natsumi covered her mouth to try and muffle her laugh, but failed as her giggles still escaped. Ryuu frowned at her with the straw still in his mouth. Natsumi smiled at him and tilted her head,


    "Did you just refer to yourself as a weirdo?"


    "That''s not what I meant." He growled and she laughed harder, shaking her head and picking up her pencil. He snorted and continued to drink his cola slowly as he watched the frown reappear on her forehead. Natsumi worked through the equation, thinking that she was finally getting it, but the answer didn''t make sense. She groaned and looked down at her math book again, rereading the steps for the equation, trying to pinpoint her mistake.


    "That''s supposed to be a plus sign in the second part." Ryuu said as he reached into his bag and pulled out a notebook. Natsumi jumped and looked up at him as he flipped through the pages until he found the one he was looking for. He folded the back over and then flipped it forward, showing her the page he had wanted. She looked over his notes and her eyes doubled in size at the precise and neat way he wrote out the formulas. Nothing like his work in English.


    "Right there." He pointed out before pulling the notebook away. Natsumi looked down at her own work and saw where she had messed up. She erased her mistakes and reworked the problem. This time the answer she got was right and she shouted in victory, throwing her fists into the air. Ryuu watched her with a blank expression as he said,


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    "It was just one problem."


    Natsumi laughed and smiled brightly at him, shaking her head which caused her brown hair to swish and brush against her cheeks. She reopened her soft brown eyes and leaned forward, clapping her hands together.


    "It was still a big help! Thank you Ryuu-san!" She said and she swore she saw a ghost of a smile cross his lips before it vanished.


    "Whatever...I thought you were the school''s genius? Yet you struggle with something so simple?" He said and she shrugged, not taking offense at all as she sipped on her soda and sighed.


    "I never claimed to be a genius. There are plenty of students here that are above me. I don''t try to outdo anyone. I''m just trying to reach my goal and that requires a lot of hard work." She said, closing her eyes and taking a long drink when she was finished. She peeked at him through one eye to see what he was doing. He was pulling out the same book she saw him with yesterday. But she saw that small smile there once more, as if he approved of her answer.


    Natsumi set her drink down and leaned forward to better examine the book again. She hadn''t been able to see as much before because he had closed it, but now she could see diagrams and words that made her head hurt. She groaned and rubbed the top of her head,


    "This is just like when Hiro tries to explain medical theories to me." She grumbled and he looked up from his reading to meet her eyes.


    "Your younger brother?" He asked and she nodded.


    "Yeah. He''s the real genius of the family. He''s nine and yet he can already read and speak three languages and plans to become a doctor. Hiro wants to save the world, he''s so cute, but acts like a robot most days." She said as she met his eyes, she saw a spark of interest light Ryuu''s eyes. She could have sworn he was actually happy about the news, but she doubted that and ignored the feeling. She looked down again and worked through the rest of the problems on the page. Anytime she got stuck Ryuu would point out her mistake without taking his eyes off his own reading as he leaned against his fist. By the third time he did it she laughed,


    "Who''s the tutor here mister?" She teased and he blinked as he glanced at her. She was smiling at him and was even more surprised when he grinned slightly at her.


    "School''s not over yet. Until then we''re on equal fields." He said and she giggled, nodding in agreement. She couldn''t understand her innocent enjoyment of this moment. But Natsumi was suddenly very happy. Ryuu was being decent to her and that meant he wasn''t that much of a jerk...right? Well it gave her hope that he could be a good person and all she had to do was use her quiet patience with him.


    They worked through the remainder of lunch in silence and when the bell sounded, signaling the end they both sighed. Ryuu packed up first and stood as he stared down at her.


    "Finished?" He asked and she shook her head.


    "Just four more, but I skipped them because they were more difficult. I''ll finish later." She said and he shook his head.


    "Maybe you''re the one who needs a tutor." He said and she puffed out her cheeks and placed her hands on her hips.


    "I''m not the one failing a class!" She said and he shrugged.


    "Probably because you''re the school''s pet." He said and she started to retort when she noticed that he was grinning at her. Her eyes widened and she giggled as she realized that he was teasing her. She gave him a smug look then,


    "Well, isn''t this interesting. Ryuu-san has a sense of humor after all. I guess I can cross robot off my list, but I''m still holding out for alien." She teased back and he snorted, making her laugh again as she picked up her bag. She started walking next to him back to their classes, in a better spirit than she was before.


    "Really though...thank you Ryuu-san. For helping me." She said as she smiled up at him and he shrugged, not responding. The two walked into the school building together, heading in the same direction since their classes were close to one another. Natsumi didn''t notice the eyes following her and Ryuu as they walked together. She hummed softly to herself, unaware that Ryuu was also looking at her out of the corner of his eye.


    "This is me. I''ll see you after school Ryuu-san." She said and ran into her class and took her seat. She didn''t bother waiting for a response because she knew there wouldn''t be one from him anyways. And sure enough he had kept walking without answering, but his lips had turned up at the corners in a soft smile as he shook his head.

 Rain, Rain

    Natsumi hopped out of her seat the instant the final bell rang, wanting to beat Ryuu outside today. She hoped that if she gave herself enough spare time, even if she was stopped, she would still make it out front first. She ran through the halls, zigzagging past people the best she could. She shouted apologies to the ones she couldn''t avoid completely. She turned a corner a bit too sharp and couldn''t pull up fast enough so she barreled into the person standing there. She fell back onto her butt with a sharp cry and a groan.


    She looked up to apologize, but it died when she met his red eyes. Ryuu was staring down at her with a raised brow and Natsumi groaned.


    "So much for beating you to the front...You know you could offer me a hand." She mumbled, pouting slightly. She heard his soft chuckle as he held out his hand, surprising her. She took it and he pulled her up with little effort, still smiling slightly as he looked down at her.


    "Maybe if you slowed down more, this wouldn''t happen." He said as soon as she was on her feet again. She puffed out her cheeks, frowning at him as she was unable to come up with a retort. It was the truth, but she was still irritated with him pointing it out. He must have sensed her lack of response because he chuckled again and turned to walk away.


    Natsumi snapped back to reality and quickly caught up to him, keeping pace with his easy strides. She looked up at him, her usual smile returning as she remembered their conversation at lunch. She hummed softly to herself as they walked out of school together, catching even more attention than at lunch.


    She let the silence sit until they were on the street heading towards her home. Then she glanced at Ryuu once more and returned to her duties.


    "I decided yesterday that we should focus more on your grammar, so that''s what we''ll be doing today." She explained and he gave no response, just kept his attention ahead of him. Natsumi sighed and clasped her hands behind her back, mumbling under her breath,


    "Gee that sounds great! I''m so lucky to have a wonderful tutor like you." She glanced at him to see his lips twitch as he fought against the smile. Seeing this made her smile and giggle as she looked up at the sky. But her smile fell when she saw the grey clouds rolling in.


    "I hope it doesn''t rain later." She whispered and he glanced down at her, watching the frown form between her brows. When she started to turn her attention back to him, he was once more looking ahead. They went through the same routine as she let him through the front and they walked towards the elevator. She leaned against the wall, gripping the bar for dear life.


    "Are you claustrophobic?" Ryuu asked, making her jump and look up to see him looking down at her tight grip on the bar. She leaned back further, trying to hide her hands behind her back and blushed as she looked away.


    "No...I have a fear of heights and falling...I used to have a nightmare that I was trapped in one of these before it...I just don''t like them." She whispered, hiding her embarrassment from him. He didn''t respond and Natsumi felt her cheeks


    blaze as she knew he was probably calling her a fool in his head. But at least he was decent enough not to say anything.


    As soon as the doors opened she jumped out with a sigh of relief and began to walk towards her apartment. She let them in and slipped off her shoes as she walked into the kitchen. Her mom wasn''t there and she didn''t see any signs of people being home.


    "Mom must have run out for something." She mused out loud as she turned to see Ryuu following behind. He raised a brow as he looked around,


    "They''re okay with you being home alone?"


    "Technically I''m not alone. Mom knows that you are going to be coming over until our sessions are over, so she probably figured you would protect me." Natsumi laughed as she opened the fridge to rummage for her snack and some drinks. She glanced at him over her shoulder to see him leaning against the island with his phone in front of him.


    "Cola or diet?" She asked and he glanced at her, his eyes lingering for a second before flicking back to his phone as he mumbled,


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    "Cola."


    Natsumi grabbed their cold drinks and the bowl of strawberries her mom left her. She held out Ryuu''s soda to him and then led the way to her room once more. They settled into the same positions they had before as Natsumi opened one of her textbooks to the story she wanted to have him read through. She was pleased to see that he was having an easier time reading through the words, although he still mixed them up at times.


    They worked efficiently, although Natsumi had to steal his phone from him half-way through as he kept getting distracted by its beeping. He had glared, but it forced him to focus on the worksheets once more. Natsumi worked alongside him, showing him easy tricks to remember sentence structures. She felt a rush of accomplishment when he watched her and listened to her speak. She felt like a real teacher and it filled her with a vast amount of joy.


    Ryuu was reading through the same book she had used yesterday when his phone rang. He reached over and picked it up, flipping it open without saying hello. He waited for a second and then closed it again, along with the book. He sat both on the table and sighed.


    "My car''s here." He glanced over at her with a grin, surprising her.


    "Time''s up teach." He teased and she smiled, laughing as she collected the pages and put them in his folder. She walked him outside to his waiting car, waving to the driver as she did. Natsumi was sure that she saw his brow rise through his sunglasses. She giggled until she felt the wind flow through her hair, making the strands float behind her. She turned and looked up at the darkening sky with a frown.


    Ryuu glanced over as he started to slide into the car, seeing her staring at the sky. He glanced up at the storm clouds then back to the girl. She turned back to him, giving him a smile and a quick wave before running back inside her apartment building. Ryuu raised a brow, but slid into the car completely as the driver closed the door.


    They made their way through several streets when the first drops began to hit his windows. He glanced up at the sound of the rain and watched as the steady stream picked up and the light rain turned into a heavy downpour. He reached into his pocket to call ahead for something when he came up empty. He frowned and checked his other pockets and his bag.


    He sighed, looking out the window as he said,


    "Turn around. I left my phone."


    He waited until the car parked outside the building once more and the driver got out, holding an umbrella to protect Ryuu from the rain. He rolled his eyes and stepped out of the car, waiting as the driver closed the door behind him and then followed behind Ryuu up to the callbox. Ryuu glanced through the numbers until he found Kimoto''s. He punched the buttons and waited as the line rang. He waited for her voice to come through and frowned when the machine clicked, cutting his connection. He dialed it again, figuring that the klutz had tripped on her way to the phone, but again the line rang before being cut off. He would be sure to have a word with her about ignoring him the minute she answered.


    "Ryuu?"


    He turned at the call of his name to see Mrs. Kimoto and Hiro walking towards him, both under umbrellas, carrying brown bags. She smiled as she walked up next to him.


    "Why are you standing out here?" She asked as she fished out her keys, struggling to do so and keep ahold of the umbrella. Ryuu reached out and held up the item so that she could have a free hand. She gave him a thankful smile and was able to fish out her keys, unlocking the front gate and holding it open so Ryuu and Hiro could walk in. She looked to the driver, but he stayed where he was so she shrugged and let the gate close again before turning to face Ryuu.


    "Shouldn''t you be on your way home sweetie? It''s getting late." She said and he handed her back the folded up umbrella and put his hands in his pockets.


    "I left my phone in Kimoto''s room. I tried calling up, but she ignored me." He said with slight irritation leaking into his voice. Akira blinked before lifting up her left wrist and checked her watch. She laughed and smiled at him once more.


    "Oh honey, she''s not ignoring you. She''s not home." She said and Ryuu frowned in confusion as she motioned for him to follow and led the way to the elevator once more. He stood inside with her and a silent Hiro as Akira explained.


    "Natsumi has a night job that she goes to at 6:30. She must have taken off the minute she saw you off so she could try and beat the rain. I hope she remembered the umbrella this time...I''ll let you in so you can get your phone. Would you like some tea to warm you up before you go?" She asked and he politely declined as he walked to Kimoto''s room and found his phone sitting on her desk instead of the table he remembered putting it on. She must have seen it and sat it there.


    He walked back into the living area to see Mrs. Kimoto putting away the groceries and Hiro sitting at the island with several books open in front of him. Akira looked over to see him glancing outside at the storm as lightning flashed across the sky. She gave him a warm smile,


    "Be safe getting home. I''ll see you tomorrow and I''ll let Natsumi know you got your phone back." She said and he nodded, heading for the door. He stopped when reached for the handle and glanced down to see an umbrella sitting in the holder. He couldn''t help but roll his eyes as he glanced at the pink umbrella with tiny red strawberries. He sighed and walked back into the kitchen, surprising Mrs. Kimoto.


    "Where does she work?"

 Youre Not as Annoying as Others

    "Thank you, please come again!" Natsumi said with a bright smile, waving off the customer. She sighed as she looked around the small convenience store, there weren''t that many shoppers tonight with the storm. She looked through the glass windows next to the counter and watched as the rain came down in thick sheets.


    "Pretty gloomy night." Her boss, Mr. Himoto said as he brought out some crates from the back. Natsumi turned to smile at the kind old man,


    "Do you want me to get those sir?" She asked. Mr. Himoto was a man in his late fifties with a large belly and a head of black hair with streaks of grey. He had a full mustache that hid his upper lip, except when he laughed loudly. He was shorter than Natsumi, which made him almost dwarfish compared to others since she was considered pretty short herself.


    "No-No...I can get these." He said and she nodded as she scanned the store once more. The bell rang signalling a new customer. She turned to greet them and froze. Ryuu was staring at her with a raised brow and Natsumi blinked a few times to make sure she wasn''t imagining things. Then her brain caught up and she shook her head, frowning at him.


    "What are you doing here?" She asked as he walked up to the counter in silence. She narrowed her gaze, wondering what would bring him to a small store like this. He stopped in front of the register and sat something on the counter without saying a word. She glanced down and gasped. It was her umbrella! She slapped her forehead and groaned.


    "I can''t believe...I was in such a rush...Thank you Ryuu-san." She said as she realized that he had taken the time to deliver this to her. She took the item and stored it under the counter before straightening up and smiling up at him.


    "I don''t know how you knew this was mine but-"


    "Really? I think even an idiot would recognize your strange obsession." He said and she frowned, puffing out her cheeks.


    "It''s not an obsession. Just because I like strawberries-"


    "And have them on everything you own." He interrupted with a slanted grin. She ignored him and finished her sentence with a huff,


    "Doesn''t mean I''m obsessed with them. Shouldn''t you be heading home now?" She asked in irritation. He shrugged and looked around the store.


    "Do you work every night?" He asked and she blinked, being thrown off by the question. She shrugged and smiled over at Mr. Himoto who was sitting in his usual spot reading a magazine.


    "I work four nights a week or whenever Mr. Himoto needs an extra hand." She said and Ryuu grunted in response and glanced around the store.


    "What do you do when your shift''s over?" He asked and she frowned tilting her head in confusion.


    "I walk home." She deadpanned as if he really was an idiot. He glanced back at her with a raised brow again, this expression was starting to grate on her.


    "Alone?" He asked and she shrugged, not seeing his point. She began to organize things around the counter deciding that maybe if she ignored him, he would leave. She was aware of the fact that he was watching her, but forced herself to continue to ignore him. He eventually turned and walked out of the store. Natsumi let out a sigh of relief and continued working as if nothing had happened. She didn''t understand why he seemed to care. Her house was only a street away so it wasn''t a far walk and she made sure to call her mom as soon as she left the store.


    But she was thankful that he had brought her umbrella. She would have gotten another long lecture from her mother if she had come home soaked again. She glanced over as Mr. Himoto chuckled and flipped the page of his magazine. She smiled and asked,


    "What''s so funny sir? See some new scandalous story?" She knew he was overly fond of those. He was like an old gossiping lady some days, but he was the kindest boss she could ever ask for. He never complained when she showed up a few minutes late and was nice enough to give her a job that worked around her school work and new tutoring responsibilities. He glanced at her with a sly grin as he flipped through another page.


    "You''re boyfriend''s quite the protective type isn''t he?" He teased and Natsumi felt her cheeks heat up as she shook her head. She returned her attention to wiping down the counter as she set the record straight.


    "Ryuu-san isn''t my boyfriend sir. I wouldn''t even call him a friend. He''s just a boy from school. I''m just his tutor for the time being. I can barely stand him sometimes." She said and Mr. Himoto made a noise that said he didn''t believe her. She blushed brighter and continued to defend herself.


    "He''s just a fellow student that I hardly know. We only see each other during our study sessions...and today at lunch I suppose-but that doesn''t mean we like each other! He probably forgets who I am the minute he leaves my sight." She huffed, hating the irritation that raced through her. She was used to people ignoring and forgetting her, except when they wanted to make rude comments. She had grown to accept their attitudes and one more person shouldn''t make such a difference. Especially when he treated everyone the same.


    "So...You think he doesn''t see you as anything...not even a friend?" Mr. Himoto asked ''innocently'', but she heard the teasing tone lying underneath. She put her nose in the air and nodded. He chuckled and glanced over at her with a strange spark in his eyes.


    "Really? Then why is he still standing outside?" He asked, returning to his magazine. Natsumi jumped and swung around so fast she almost slipped on the tiled floor. She looked through the window to see him standing off to the side, under the awning and out of the rain. She could see the light from the screen on his phone as he leaned against the stone wall. She groaned and walked around the counter and past a chuckling Mr. Himoto as she walked outside, turning to face him with her hands on her hips.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" She asked and was even more annoyed when he continued to stare at his phone. She gritted her teeth and made a grab for it, but he was paying more attention than he let on as he put his hand out and grabbed her forehead, holding her off. She growled and slapped his hand away, crossing her arms as she looked up to see him grinning.


    "Well?" She asked again, her frustration rising. He shrugged, but didn''t respond. She rolled her eyes and slapped his arm. That got him to finally look over at her with a frown of his own now.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Words. You know those things you use to express how you''re feeling?" She said and he narrowed his eyes in annoyance.


    "I have a few choice ones coming to mind at the moment." He hissed and she pouted as she crossed her arms again. He sighed and put his phone away as he turned to face her completely.


    "It didn''t feel right leaving you to walk home alone. So I thought I would offer you a ride once you were off, but I forgot to ask when your shift ends." He said and she blinked as her mouth fell open in shock. That was not what she had been expecting him to say. His face remained the same as he watched her process everything. She felt her cheeks heat up again as she turned away from him.


    "You don''t have to feel obligated to do something like that. I can walk home. Thank you for the offer though." She said, clasping her hands behind her back. He crossed his arms and leaned against the wall again, looking up at the rain, it didn''t look like it would let up anytime soon. He looked down the street to his waiting car and sighed. He pulled out his phone and dialed the number. Natsumi assumed he was calling to be picked up and turned to walk back into the store.


    "Go ahead and take off. I''ll call when I''m ready." He said and she stopped, whipping around to see him placing the phone back in his pocket and resuming his position against the wall. She looked to see the black car turn around and drive off without its passenger. She frowned at Ryuu.


    "You don''t have to wait." She said and he shrugged, looking over at her with a bored expression.


    "You''re right. I don''t have to do anything I don''t want to."


    "Then just go-"


    "So I''m not leaving." He cut her off and her mouth snapped closed as she looked up at his set expression, his hard eyes boring into her and demanding that she give in. She sighed and shook her head.


    "If you want to be so stubborn fine. But at least come inside or else someone will call on you for being a creeper." She huffed, hearing the soft chuckle as he followed her back into the store. She ignored the grin on Mr. Himoto''s face as he watched Ryuu walk through the store. She took her place behind the counter again, watching Ryuu through lowered lashes as he browsed through a few items. She was surprised when he came up to the counter carrying two sodas.


    She shrugged and rang him up, took his money and gave him his change. Then she gave him a fake smile and in a sarcastic tone whispered,


    "Thank you sir, please come again."


    Ryuu grinned at this and held up the second soda.


    "Keep it up Kimoto and I''ll drink this myself." He said, then held the soda out to her. Her eyes widened as she took the can of soda and quietly thanked him. She watched as he then walked around the store, drinking his soda. She opened hers and felt Mr. Himoto move behind her to ''check'' the magazine rack on the counter. He grinned and whispered,


    "He''s cute. You should just make him your boyfriend already."


    "Mr. Himoto!" She cried, blushing brightly as he laughed, patting his large belly. She groaned and looked over to see Ryuu watching them with a raised brow. She puffed out her cheeks and averted her eyes again.


    The next few hours felt weird for her as she helped the few customers and stocked some shelves. She was aware of him the entire time and a few times he came to stand next to her and just watched her. It was strange and disconcerting to say the least. She was desperate to figure out his motives as he didn''t seem like the type to act this way without a reason.


    She had to ignore several more comments from Mr. Himoto about Ryuu being her boyfriend and as a result worked with flaming cheeks for the rest of her shift. She was even more surprised when Ryuu bought her another soda. She sighed and gave him a look.


    "If you''re serious about staying here until I''m done at least grab a broom and sweep. You''re creeping people out." She muttered and he blinked, looked around the empty store and then back to her.


    "And by people I''m assuming you mean you Kimoto?" He said with a small grin and she glared, sticking out her tongue at him. He chuckled and resumed his ''patrol'' of the store and she sighed, shaking her head, but giving up and attempted to ignore him once more. Mr. Himoto decided to close up early because of the rain.


    Natsumi sighed and checked the time. It was almost nine, but she was happy to be going home even a hour early. She took off her apron and hung it up on the hooks in the back room before grabbing her satchel and coat. She walked back out to the floor to see Ryuu waiting by the door for her. She started to head for him when he pointed at the counter. She blinked and then remembered as she ran behind it, grabbing her umbrella.


    The two of them walked out as she called goodnight to her boss. She opened her umbrella and looked over to see him already holding his own, plain black umbrella as he waited. She sighed and stepped out into the rain, listening to the soft thuds the drops made against the material. The two walked side by side in silence as Natsumi hid under her umbrella, never thinking she would enjoy being short. But after only a few minutes she broke and let her curiosity take over.


    "Why did you insist on waiting and walking me home Ryuu-san?" She whispered, not sure if he could hear her over the rain, especially since he didn''t answer right away. She finally chanced a peek up at him as she lifted up her umbrella just enough to see his face. He was frowning slightly, his gaze ahead of them. She bit her lip, wondering if she should ask again.


    "I wish I knew...but I couldn''t leave you alone..." He finally mumbled, glancing down at her. She blinked in surprise as his crimson eyes flashed at her. She felt her cheeks heat up as a pink blush sprayed across the front of her face.


    "What...what''s that supposed to mean?" She asked uncertainly as she held his gaze, not brave enough to look away first. She felt her heart speed up as it awaited his answer. Finally he blew air through his nose and gave her a soft grin.


    "I thought you were the smart one Kimoto...it means that I like you." He said and she squeaked, tripping over her own feet as she gaped up at him. He raised a brow and gave her a look that called her a ''weirdo''. She felt her face go up in flames as she tried to grasp onto something to say back, but came up empty. He watched her squirm for a few minutes before he rolled his eyes and asked,


    "Don''t look so surprised. It''s not that big of a deal. I''m allowed to have a few in my life." He said with a slight growl as he continued walking. She gaped after him before running to catch up to him and cutting him off as she stood in front of him.


    "Not a big deal!? What do you mean a few!?"


    "Yeah so? You aren''t as annoying as everyone else. I think it''s only natural that I could see us as friends." He said with a raised brow and she froze.


    "A-A friend? That''s what you...that''s what you meant?" She said feeling like a moron for jumping to conclusions. He stared at her strangely before grinning and asking,


    "What exactly did you think I meant?"


    "Nothing! Nothing at all!" She said twirling around and storming off. He caught up to her easily and she could just imagine the grin on his face as she kept her face hidden under the umbrella.


    "You''re so strange, you know that Kimoto." He teased and she groaned as she shot him a ''drop dead'' look.


    "You''re the one who''s so frustrating all the time." She pouted and he shrugged.


    "Years of practice. What''s your excuse?"


    "Excuse for what? You just said I''m not annoying." She huffed and he shook his head as he looked ahead again and said,


    "I said you''re not as annoying as everyone else. You''re still a pain in my ass." He said and she gritted her teeth as she glared at him.


    "I didn''t ask you to walk me home!" She shouted and he shrugged, stopping as they were in front of her building.


    "Get used to it Kimoto." He said, waving lazily as he turned away from her, reaching for his phone and calling his car. She stared after him, her head filled with so much confusion that it hurt. This guy was more trouble than she ever would have thought. But if she had to take one positive thing away from this night it was this...


    "At least I didn''t get wet walking home?"

 You My Friend Are Weird

    The next day at school Natsumi wandered through the halls during lunch. The rain had persisted throughout the night so the benches where she usually sat were still wet. She carried her lunch bag behind her and sighed as she looked through the window at the grey clouds still lingering in the sky.


    "Why the strange look Kimoto?"


    She jumped and turned around to see Ryuu walking towards her, holding his bag over his shoulder with his other hand in his pocket. She turned to face him and gave him a soft smile. After he had left her at her apartments last night she had spent many hours fretting over what he said. Eventually she came to the conclusion that she would continue to be herself and that a friendship with Ryuu wasn''t such a bad idea. Even though he was really frustrating at times, she had decided that she enjoyed his company more than she first thought.


    "I was just wondering where to sit for lunch. My bench was still wet and the ground was too muddy to walk across, so I was just wandering aimlessly." She said and he raised a brow at her, tilting his head.


    "You don''t seem like the type to do anything ''aimlessly''." He said and she pouted at him.


    "I''m allowed to relax every once in awhile." She countered as she started walking down the hall, Ryuu at her side as he followed her. He shot her a grin,


    "I have a feeling your idea of relaxing is with your nose in some study book." He said and she frowned at him.


    "And yours is to find some poor soul and torment them...slowly." She countered and he chuckled softly. She found that the sound took some getting used to, but she was starting to like hearing it. Ryuu looked more approachable when he let his face soften and smile. She did wonder though what a full laugh would sound like...probably unnatural and weird. She giggled at that thought and he gave her a strange look.


    "So do you want to go to the library?" She asked and he shrugged. She sighed and looked around them. It was at this point that she caught the gaze of a small group of girls standing on the opposite side of the hall. They were shooting icy glares at her and although she was used to those kinds of looks, there seemed to be some deeper, negative emotion behind their glares. She turned away from them and shrugged, deciding it wasn''t anything worth worrying about.


    Ryuu tugged on the sleeve of her shirt to stop her from walking on. She looked up and he nodded his head at the closed door next to them. He slid it open without another word and walked in. Natsumi frowned, but followed out of curiosity. The room was empty and she watched as he sat at the corner desk and pulled out his usual book. Natsumi smiled and sat her bag down, but she took the desk next to him and pushed it so that it was facing his.


    He watched her with a weird, questioning look. She sat down and put her lunch bag on the desk. As she pulled out her sandwich and soda she was aware of the fact that he was looking at her with an amused expression. She looked up and frowned.


    "What?" She asked and he chuckled.


    "No strawberries Kimoto?"


    She blushed slightly and turned away from his stare. She took an angry bite of her sandwich and chewed it with more force than necessary.


    "I don''t always have to have them with me you know." She growled and he raised a brow in disbelief. She didn''t react fast enough as he grabbed the brown bag and reached in. She tried to retrieve it, but he leaned back and kept it out of reach. He grinned in triumph when he pulled out the small container and held it up with a knowing look.


    "Just admit you have a problem and we can get you into some help group." He teased as she tried to pry the sweets from him. He grinned and leaned back as he opened the container, revealing the tiny strawberries nestled inside.


    "Okay...You''ve proven your point. Now give them back Ryuu-san!" She whined as she tried to swipe the container from him. He shrugged and picked up one of the little fruits by the green end and grinned at her.


    "I think it is my duty as your new friend to help you overcome this addiction." He said and she blushed at the way he said friend and shot her a knowing look. He was still teasing her for her miscalculation last night on their walk home. She groaned and tried to stop him, but he put the strawberry to his lips and bit through, down to the stem. Natsumi pouted as he made a show of chewing and flicked the stem over to her desk.


    "These ones seem particularly sweet." He rubbed in and Natsumi glared daggers at him. She puffed out her cheeks and ground out.


    "Enough already Ryuu-san! I''ll share them with you if you want some, but give them back." She begged and he shook his head as he picked up another strawberry.


    "This is for your own good Kimoto." He said and ate the strawberry. She growled and jumped out of her seat, trying to lean across the desks at him. But he was still tall enough sitting down to lean back and stretch his arm away. He was chuckling, completely amused as he watched her struggle so hard just for some fruit, at this point she had one knee on her desk to gain more ground. She groaned and finally focused her gaze off the container and on the red eyes of the boy holding it captive. He was smiling at her and it caught her off guard. It wasn''t a slanted grin or a smirk. This was a full smile and it made him look-


    "AH!" She shouted as she slipped and the fact that she was already leaning so far forward pushed her across the desks and into his chest, knocking him back. Ryuu didn''t have enough time to balance himself as he had been leaning back on the chair''s back legs. The two tumbled backwards and Natsumi closed her eyes to brace against the impact. She felt something strong wrap around her back as they shifted to the right.


    Ryuu groaned as he hit the floor, but he was grateful that he had been able to avoid hitting his head on the desk behind them. Natsumi opened her eyes a peek and blushed as she realized she was being held against Ryuu''s chest. His arm was wrapped around her lower back still, but not as tightly as when they had fallen. She lifted herself up, pushing against his chest and making him groan again as he hissed,


    "Get off!"


    "Sorry!" She said and threw herself to the side, sitting on the floor and watching as Ryuu lifted himself up into a sitting position. He rubbed the top of his head, ruffling the orange locks gently.


    "Seriously you freak. They''re just strawberries." He growled in annoyance and Natsumi''s cheeks flamed up brighter in humiliation. She leapt up to her feet, hands fisted as she lashed out in embarrassment.


    Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.


    "Well if you hadn''t been such a jerk about it this wouldn''t have happened!" She turned and grabbed her school bag before storming out of the classroom.


    Ryuu watched her stomp off from his spot on the floor, frowning. Why was she the one that was upset? He was the one that had landed on the floor, taking the full force of the fall. He ran his fingers through his hair, shifting the strands to the right and out of his eyes.


    He glanced behind him to see red dots littering the floor where the fruit had scattered. He sighed and lifted himself up. He picked up his bag and placed his book back inside, deciding to also retrieve the container. He would return it to Mrs. Kimoto after school. He cast one more glance at the strawberries as he remembered how angry Kimoto had looked. Rolling his eyes, he pulled out his phone.


    <hr>


    Natsumi was still a bit unhappy with Ryuu and his stunt at lunch, but over the remainder of the day she had cooled off and acknowledged that it had been partially her fault too. He shouldn''t have stolen her snack, but he had just been playing around. She was the unlucky one that had tumbled over into him.


    She lifted her head up, deciding the best thing for her to do now was to apologize to Ryuu for shouting at him. She turned the corner where her locker was and was surprised to see said devil leaning against the lockers as he waited for her. When he glanced over and saw it was her he gave a small grin and nodded his head in acknowledgement. Natsumi gave him a smile in return and walked up next to him.


    "Hi. Look Ryuu-san...about lunch and...well I''m sorry I yelled." She muttered, not understanding why she felt nervous. Probably because she was slightly afraid that he would take back what he said last night about being friends. She would never admit it out loud, but she had started warming up to the idea of having one. He shrugged and crossed his arms over his chest.


    "Don''t worry about it. I guess I shouldn''t have taken them. But I think this proves my point." He said and it was her turn to cross her arms.


    "What point?" She asked. He grinned wider then and chuckled.


    "You my friend. Have a serious addiction." He teased and she puffed out her ceeks, but couldn''t deny the elation that he had called her ''friend''. She rolled her eyes and turned to retrieve her shoes as she muttered,


    "Okay...Maybe I have a small problem."


    "Small?" He asked with a raised brow And she growled at him.


    "Don''t push it..."


    He chuckled again as she finished slipping on her shoes and placed her school shoes in the locker. When she had straightened herself again he pushed off the lockers and the two walked out to the street together.


    "Um...Ryuu-san?" She mumbled, glancing at him briefly before her embarrassment got to her and she had to look away again. He frowned at the worried look on her face as she tried to force the words out. She couldn''t fight the fact that, for once...she cared if someone rejected her.


    "Um...About what you said last night...well...were you being...were you serious about that? Do you really want to be friends?" She asked, finally looking up at him so that he saw the fear/hope in her bright brown eyes. His eyes widened a fraction before his face returned to normal as he grinned. He surprised her by placing his hand on her head briefly before removing it again. It was only there for a few seconds and he didn''t move beyond that simple touch, but it gave her the answer she needed as he grinned down at her.


    "You''re such a weirdo Kimoto." He said and she laughed in response.


    "Maybe, but you aren''t much better."


    "I have no idea what you mean." He said and she giggled. She felt lighter for some reason, wondering if it was because in a strange way, she wasn''t so alone anymore.


    "Ryuu-san?" She said and he rolled his eyes, groaning.


    "Yes Kimoto. You are my friend. Although if you keep bothering me about it I might-"


    "Calm down jerk. I was just going to ask that you not call me Kimoto anymore." She said and he blinked, staring at her oddly once more as if questioning where her brain had gone.


    "Why?" He asked and she shrugged, jumping forward and swinging around to smile back at him.


    "If we''re really going to be friends then you don''t need to be so formal."She said and he rolled his eyes.


    "So you want me to start calling you Natsumi?" He asked and she nodded adamantly. He scratched the back of his head and looked up at the sky.


    "I''ll think about it." He muttered, but it was enough for her. She figured that he would deny her request, so she was happy to even have him consider it. She returned to walking by his side and didn''t continue pushing him. For now...


    Natsumi smiled as she looked up at the sky, happy to see the clouds had moved on, giving way to blue once more. Neither said anything else during their journey to her home, but she didn''t mind. The two were walking in silence, but for once it was a comfortable silence.


    When they entered the gate of her apartments and she started to head for the elevator he grabbed her wrist stopping her. Natsumi looked up at him curiously as his eyes bore into her.


    "We can take the stairs if you want." He said and her eyes widened. Was Ryuu...Was he actually thinking about her feelings right now? The thought made her smile widen as she shook her head.


    "It''s alright Ryuu-san. I may not like the metal box, but I won''t make you climb that many stairs. I''ll be okay, but it''s sweet that you would think of me like that." She said and he actually snorted, averting his eyes as he grumbled,


    "Don''t call me sweet."


    Natsumi laughed as she pushed the button calling the elevator back to the first floor. She pretended not to notice when he scratched the back of his neck, trying to use his arm to hide the pink tinting his face. The two stepped in, climbing to the third floor.


    "Is that you honey?" Her mom called as soon as they came through the door.


    "Yeah mom, it''s me and Ryuu."


    "Good, then maybe one of you could explain this?" Her mom laughed and it made Natsumi pause as she pulled off her shoes. She frowned, wondering what was amusing her mother so much. She walked down the hall and turned the corner into the kitchen and her mouth almost hit the floor.


    Sitting in the center of the kitchen island was a large arrangement of chocolate covered strawberries. Natsumi came closer to see that each strawberry had a unique design in white chocolate so that no two were the same. And there had to be at least fifty different strawberries! She turned her large brown eyes to where Ryuu was leaning against the wall watching her reaction.


    "What...When did you...Why did you..." She stuttered and his lips turned up into a wide smile.


    "I take it you''re happy with them and that you''ll accept my apology for the ones we ruined?" He asked and her face split into a wide smile as she hopped in place, clapping her hands while giggling giddily.


    "Are you kidding? I don''t care how annoying you are, these look amazing!" She laughed as she began the ''grueling'' task of picking the first one. Natsumi looked up to see her mom leaning on her elbows, her chin resting in her hands as she smiled with a strange twinkle in her eyes.


    "Well Ryuu darling. I think you found the key to Natsumi''s heart." She said with a wink as Natsumi blushed and glared at her mom. She was cut off as a strange sound floated to her ears. She turned and watched in amazement as Ryuu threw his head back and laughed.


    "Even a hopeless fool could figure her out. I''m starting to rethink my involvement in feeding her obsession."


    "For the last time! I''m not obsessed with strawberries!" Natsumi cried and it only made Ryuu and her mom laugh harder. Eventually she sighed and crossed her arms, but she was smiling as she watched Ryuu laugh so freely. Who would have thought that the sound wouldn''t be creepy after all. She never would have guess and had anyone suggested it a week ago she would have laughed at them. She laughed along with the pair as she thought to herself,


    ''My first friend is such a weirdo. But I don''t want it any other way.''

 New Nickname

    Natsumi hummed as she sat in class creating the study notes they would need tonight. It had been two weeks since she started tutoring Ryuu and things were progressing nicely. Both with his studying and their unusual friendship. She couldn''t help the smile that spread across her face as she thought of her weirdo. Ryuu now spent every lunch with her out at their-he told her to stop laying claim to it-table and would walk with her back to class. Every now and then she would come out of a class to see him leaning against the wall waiting for her. He would make it seem like he needed to ask her something, but never would. She thought it was sweet that he would walk her to her classes, but knew better than to point it out at school.


    Ryuu had become less of an enigma to her over the days they spent together. She understood now that he didn''t like to show emotion around people because in his world that''s the way it was and that was why people thought he was cold. It made her feel strange knowing that she was probably the only person in the school to have heard him laugh freely. But she was also glad she could. His laugh was deep and his eyes would turn to the color of strawberries when they lit up with mirth. She sighed as she realized she could never tell him that because he would use it as an argument towards her supposed obsession.


    Still, despite how close they had become he refused to call her by anything other than Kimoto and it was starting to worry her. She knew that it was just the way he was, but for some reason she really wanted to be different from others. But she wouldn''t push the issue and had to remain patient. He would come to it on his own time. After all, he seemed serious about this friendship and she was grateful to have him.


    She never knew that having even one friend would make such a difference. She felt happier than she did before. Now when people snubbed her she didn''t mind as much because she still had Ryuu waiting for her after school, and after work. She smiled brighter writing down the next set of words as she remembered the past nights that she had finished her shift and come out to see Ryuu walking up to the store. Every night that she had to work, Ryuu made sure to be there when she was done to walk her home. Her mother was really grateful for this as she had always worried about Natsumi walking home at night.


    It was during these walks that she felt the closest to him. Maybe it was because he didn''t have to be there out of any obligation. Or the fact that they talked about the most random of topics during their walks. They were mostly about her and what she liked because Ryuu was still a bit closed off about himself. But she did know little things and she would take anything.


    For instance, he was more a fan of spicy than sweet, which she discovered when he bought them sodas before walking home and a chilli candy that only her little store sold. He told her that he wasn''t much for sweets, but the candy that was covered in the chili powder was his exception. Which also explained why he didn''t share her strawberries during their sessions. So she made sure to start carrying a supply of those candies at her home. Mr. Himoto didn''t mind, believing he was helping her with her love life.


    The bell sounded, jolting her out of her thoughts as she quickly gathered her things together and jumped up quickly. She ran out of the classroom and couldn''t help the bright smile she gave him as he leaned against the wall across from her. Ryuu gave her a smirk and waited until she walked over to him.


    "Don''t you usually wait at the lockers?" She asked and he shrugged, reaching down and picking up his bag as they started walking. She giggled and started chattering about her plan for the night. His first test since they started was coming up and it would show if their time together had been sticking with him. He listened quietly, not commenting as usual, choosing to let her fill the silence. He left her to retrieve his own shoes.


    As he slipped them on he heard several dark giggles and looked up to see three girls shooting triumphant smirks over their shoulders as they left. He frowned as he slammed his locker closed, catching their attention. Their eyes widened as blushes spread across all three faces and they skittered away. His frown deepened when he heard a soft sigh that was too familiar to belong to anyone else.


    Quietly he moved around the lockers and peeked down to where Natsumi''s was. She was kneeling down, picking up a small pile of folded papers. He couldn''t see her expression as her long hair was hanging over the side of her head, covering her face. But he could see her hands shaking slightly as she read what was written on the papers she picked up. She hadn''t noticed him watching yet, so she wasn''t aware that he heard the small sniffle as she quickly wiped her sleeve across her eyes.


    Ryuu''s gaze sharpened as he gritted his teeth, watching as she collected the scraps and shoved them into her bag. He slipped back out of sight, his hands fisted in his pockets as he waited for her to join him. When she did the only thing out of place was her bow was crooked and there was a small blush to her cheeks. But that usual smile she wore was there as she apologized for taking longer.


    "Are you okay?" He whispered and she blinked, but he had seen the flash of hurt in her eyes giving her away. She chuckled and tilted her head to the side, giving him a weird look.


    "Of course I am. Geez, I take a few extra minutes being careful so I don''t fall and you assume something''s wrong?" She laughed, but it was dry and forced. He knew the difference because he had heard the real thing so often. She waved her hand through the air and began to walk out of the school.


    "You''re such a weirdo. Now come on. We have a lot of work to do tonight if you''re going to be prepared for that exam." She said cheerfully as she smiled brightly at him. Ryuu frowned as he followed her, trying to figure her out. Over the course of their time together he realized that the more he knew about her the harder it was to figure her out. It was strangely comforting. But the only downside was that he was out of his element and unable to use his skills to get his way. It was shaky ground and he didn''t like feeling nervous and unsure of anything. But that was exactly how Kimoto made him feel.


    She was a mystery, one he couldn''t easily solve and it was both infuriating and intriguing. She always did something he wasn''t expecting and it had a strange calming effect on him. To the point that he felt he didn''t have to put on an act around her. And that was the main reason he considered her his only true friend.


    So, since she was someone he actually felt a connection to he didn''t like it when something was obviously upsetting her and she refused to tell him. He stayed quiet the whole way to her home and for once she didn''t try to fill the silence. It was almost like that first walk, but even then she had been relaxed. He could see something was occupying her thoughts and he decided he would figure out what.


    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    <hr>


    Natsumi knew that she was letting something trivial distract her from her duties and it annoyed her. So she shook her head and forced herself to focus as she read the words off the list and listened as Ryuu spoke them in English, his accent still making her cringe. But he remembered most of the words and only missed three. She smiled proudly at her pupil and nodded,


    "Pass. So long as your teacher doesn''t choose one of the few words you have a hard time remembering you''ll pass the vocabulary part. Now let''s try the sentence part." She said and he nodded absently, typing something on his phone. She rolled her eyes, having given up on stealing the thing during their sessions. Although he did ignore it most of the time and right now they were just reviewing what they had already worked on.


    "Okay so I want you to say ''She is special to me. She is a close friend.'' In a sentence that means the same thing, but with different words you know." She said and blinked as he frowned suddenly and snapped his phone closed. It made her jump as he almost looked annoyed. She cleared her throat and whispered,


    "I can pick a different one if it''s something you can''t remember the words for..." She suggested and he shook his head, his eyes still fixed on the table as he concentrated.


    "She means...alot to me...She is the...the girl I love." He stuttered and glanced up at her. She grinned and clapped, giggling lightly as he blushed softly and looked away.


    "Perfect. You may have a hard time pronouncing things, but you were still understandable and that was the exact translation I was looking for. Great job Ryuu!" She laughed before her eyes widened at her slip. Ryuu looked at her strangely and she felt a pit form in her stomach as those harsh words replayed through her head. She shook them away and stood up, quietly mumbling an excuse about needing to use the bathroom.


    She walked out of the room, keeping her face hidden as she shut herself inside the bathroom and sat on the toilet, resting her head in her hands. She shouldn''t feel so embarrassed about dropping the ''san'' at the end of his name. It was something she had been meaning to do anyways, but today her emotions were a bit more exposed and fragile. She didn''t want to worry him though so she had hidden the notes and intended to dispose of them later when everyone was asleep.


    But she hated how deeply the messages had cut her because they played on her own insecurities and fears about a certain orange haired boy. She knew that it was foolish to think that way, but she still had a small amount of fear that Ryuu was just playing some sort of cruel game with her. She had always pushed this thought away as soon as it formed and did the same thing now, but she couldn''t deny that things would be more difficult from here on out.


    "Great job Natsumi...You just managed to put one more target on your back." She mumbled and ducked her head down, sighing loudly.


    <hr>


    Ryuu sat leaning against the wall as he waited for the weirdo to come back. He didn''t understand why she jumped up so suddenly after saying his name. It''s not like he wasn''t prepared for the moment when she would finally drop the title at the end of his name. He frowned wondering if this had something to do with what he had seen earlier. At that thought he glanced to the side at her school bag sitting on the floor. He knew that if she caught him it would mean a possible kick to the head, but he had said he would figure out what was bothering her.


    He lifted the flap at the front and unzipped it enough to slip his hand in and grab the pages she had shoved in. He pulled out the scraps and unfolded the first one to scan over the scrawled note. His gaze hardened as the harsh words left a bitter taste in his mouth.


    Who do you think you are you little nobody!? Stay away from Ryuu-sama and remember your place is at the back of the line!


    Yoshida is only paying attention to you because he''s bored. Don''t think that he actually cares about a little ordinary pet like you. He must feel sorry for you because of how un-extraordinary you are. It''s so pathetic to watch you throw yourself at him like this and I bet he laughs about it all the time with his real friends.


    Don''t think you''re special to him you little tramp! I''ve heard the way he talks to you and it''s no different than anyone else! You are nothing and mean nothing to him! Ryuu-sama would never feel anything for a sniveling pet like you! So don''t go getting any ideas about fairy tales or happy endings because you have no hope of someone like my prince falling for you!


    He''s just using you as a form of entertainment. It''s so sad that you actually think he cares about you. So stop acting like you''re special and actually mean something to him. People like Ryuu Yoshida don''t form attachments to people like you. And if you know what''s good for you, you''ll stay away from him from now on.


    Ryuu felt like he was going to crack a tooth with how hard he was gritting them. Each message was as cruel as the last and each one fueled his anger and annoyance with the females of his school. He had known that people would take notice to the fact that he was hanging around Kimoto more, but hadn''t let it affect him. He had forgotten that it could have repercussions for her. The jealous idiots wouldn''t like the fact that he had chosen her to be his friend.


    They were all idiots and the exact reason that until Kimoto he had assumed he didn''t need any of them. He frowned as he looked down at the cold words once more and realized that Kimoto wasn''t one to think too much about what others thought, so these shouldn''t have affected her as they obviously had. So why was she upset by their words?


    ''Don''t think you''re special...no different than anyone else...you actually think he cares about you...'' His eyes widened as he realized she would only be affected by things that she already thought herself. He remembered on one of their walks from her work when she had shared a piece of herself that had revealed more than she intended. All he had asked was why she felt the need to be such a pet all the time, that people would leave her alone if she would ease up. She had shrugged and a strange look had crossed her eyes.


    "I don''t know why everyone insists that I have to suck up to teachers to get my grades. I just like helping is all. I have a hard time saying no when they ask me for something. It''s not because I want any favors in return. I know I''m not that smart...they don''t have to constantly remind me though..."


    He sighed as he carefully placed the papers back in her bag, even though he wanted to tear them into shreds now. He didn''t want her to know that he had seen them. He resumed his spot against the wall and pulled out his phone so she wouldn''t suspect anything when she returned. He knew what would calm any fears she may be dealing with and planned to surprise her once more.


    When she returned, she gave no sign that she was upset as she resumed her spot and took up testing him once more. He focused on the sentences she forced him to reword until he got the call that his ride was here. As they rode down in the elevator he watched her pale cheeks and smiled. Even though he always suggested they just take the stairs, she would refuse and force herself to ride in the elevator for him. She was such a weirdo, but he couldn''t deny that she had a kind heart.


    "Bye Ryuu-san. I''ll see you tomorrow." She said at the gate and he turned back to smile down at her, catching her off guard. He usually left with a simple hand wave without a glance back. Instead he pulled her into his chest in a one-armed hug and whispered into her ear. He pulled back and chuckled at the way her cheeks flamed up at his words. He patted her on the head and walked out to his waiting car, climbing in without another glance. But as he rode away he let his held in laughter out. His driver gave him an odd look in the rearview mirror, but ignored it as he grinned up at the sky. That stunned look had been priceless and he would enjoy using the new nickname to taunt her from now on.


    "You know you can just call me Ryuu. You are my friend after all Sumi."

 Let Me Be Clear

    "Did you read the notes over?"


    "Yes."


    "Did you look over the study guide I made you?"


    "Yes." He growled.


    "Do you have the sentences memori-"


    "For the sake of all that is holy Sumi yes!" Ryuu growled as he answered her repeated questions while they sat together at lunch. He looked really annoyed and she could swear she saw his eye twitch. She smiled and giggled at the way he was glaring at her. He snorted and returned his attention to his book, trying to focus as much as he could with her bugging him.


    "I''m sorry Ryuu. I think I''m more nervous than you are. I just want you to do well on this exam." She said and he glanced up at her, grinning slightly.


    "Afraid I''ll fire you?" He teased and she puffed out her cheeks.


    "Just remember that if you fire me you''ll probably have to deal with someone worse after."


    "No one''s worse than you." He chuckled and quickly dodged the strawberry she threw at his head. He laughed again and went back to reading as Natsumi pouted, but focused back on her own studying. She had a history exam today as well, so she should be focusing on her own scores. Still, she glanced at Ryuu wondering if he was nervous about the test today. He didn''t show any outward signs, but she didn''t expect him to. He glanced up to see her looking at him and rolled his eyes, sighing as he closed his book.


    "What?" He asked and she shrugged, sipping on her cola as she thought quietly to herself.


    "Come on Sumi. I know that look. Just say what you''re thinking." He said and she felt her cheeks heat up at the nickname he had given her. She also saw him smirk at the pink tint, which made her groan silently. She sighed and smiled up at him.


    "I was just wondering if you were actually confident about today or if you were just trying to hide it like you do with everything else." She said and he smiled, chuckling softly as he scratched the back of his head.


    "I''m a little nervous, but only because if I don''t do well I''m afraid there will be no mercy. You are already an unbearable tyrant during our sessions." He said and she glared, throwing another strawberry at him, this time catching him with it.


    "If I''m so horrible, why don''t you find someone else to deal with your annoying crap." She pouted and he grinned as he reached across the table and patted her on the head.


    "Because I enjoy making you miserable far too much to quit now." He teased and although she tried to hold it in, she ended up laughing loudly which made Ryuu grin as well.


    "You are horrible." She giggled and his grin widened as he flicked her forehead softly.


    "But you love it." He teased and she laughed again, turning as the bell rang for the end of lunch. She threw her trash away and grabbed her notebooks as she caught up to where Ryuu was waiting for her. The two walked together as Natsumi couldn''t help but quiz him a bit more. Eventually he grew so annoyed that he wrapped his arm around her and covered her mouth. Her muffled protests fell on deaf ears as he chuckled and continued to hold her against him. Natsumi felt pricks along the back of her neck and turned her head just enough to catch the death glares of a group of girls. She turned back, but some of her good mood had left. She knew that they were just jealous of her friendship with Ryuu, but it didn''t make ignoring them any easier. She glanced up at Ryuu to see him smiling easily as he held her captive and her worries melted away. She wouldn''t say it out loud, but his nickname for her meant a lot. It meant that she was different from everyone else and that he saw her as she truly was.


    She pinched his side, just under his ribs and he released her with a growl. She giggled and waved as she walked into her classroom. Then she thought of something and went back out into the hall and cupped her hands over her mouth.


    "Good luck Ryuu! Don''t make me look bad!" She called and he stopped as his head fell forward for a second. But when he turned he was smiling as he lifted his hand.


    "Well we wouldn''t want that Sumi. I''ll try not to screw up too bad." He teased and she laughed as she waved once more before entering her class again. She may have been teasing about making her look good, but she really was rooting for him on this. Because if he got a good mark on this test it meant that he wasn''t a lost cause and that they could get him a passing grade this year.


    "Good luck Ryuu. Do your best." She whispered once more as she took her seat.


    <hr>


    The bell rang and Natsumi jumped up, excited to get out and see how he did. She grabbed her bag and ran for the door. She saw him leaning against the wall as usual and lifted her hand in greeting.


    "Ryuu! How did it-" She squeaked as something caught her foot and she fell forward. She threw her hands out and managed to prevent herself from face planting on the floor, but her knees weren''t so lucky as they scraped hard along the tile. She cringed at the stinging and tears pricked the corner of her eyes. She heard a dry chuckle and several giggles as her classmates walked around her. One snickered as he glanced down at her with his cold, blue eyes that peeked out from under shaggy black hair. Koji grinned as he said,


    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    "Sorry. Didn''t see you there Kimoto. You''re so easy to miss." He chuckled and the girls around him giggled as one whispered,


    "A pet belongs on the floor anyways, so it''s perfect for her."


    Natsumi took a deep breath and fisted her hands on the tile to keep them from shaking. Her head jerked up when she heard Koji grunt and saw him being shoved away by an angry Ryuu. His red eyes were focused on her as he knelt down and offered his hand. She took it and he helped her stand, glaring at those around them.


    "Come on Sumi, let''s get you to the nurse." He said and began to steer her away from the group. He stopped though when he was parallel with Koji and pierced the boy with a look that could kill. Koji stepped back, reading the threat in the gaze as Ryuu moved them past and led Natsumi all the way to the nurse''s. When they entered, it was obvious that the nurse was out. Ryuu sighed and before Natsumi could react he grabbed her around her hips and lifted her onto one of the exam tables. He left her and moved about the office, finding cotton balls and antiseptic to clean the scrapes with.


    When he had what he needed he returned to her and poured the liquid onto the cotton and began to clean her wound for her. She hissed at the stinging and he glanced up at her.


    "Sorry. I have to clean them though." He whispered and she gave him a smile letting him know she was fine. She watched silently as he worked and noted how his brow was furrowed in concentration.


    "You know that you don''t have to do this Ryuu. I''m fine." She said and he shrugged, still cleaning the wounds. She sighed and waited until he was done and her knees were bandaged. He straightened up and disposed of the dirty cotton and wiped his hands off. She smiled and felt the need to lighten the mood as she could read the tension in his shoulders.


    "Will I live doctor?" She teased and smiled as she saw Ryuu instantly relax as he grinned back at her.


    "I think I managed to save your legs Ms. Kimoto. So you will be able to run into as many walls as your heart contends." He said and she huffed as she jumped off the exam table and placed her hands on her hips.


    "I don''t run into walls!" She said and he grinned.


    "Probably because they learned to just get out of the way." He laughed and grabbed their bags, handing hers over. She sighed and shook her head as she snatched hers back. The two left the nurse''s and began to head to their next classes. Ryuu left her and headed off to his and it was only after he had walked away that she remembered she had forgotten to ask about his test.


    <hr>


    After school Ryuu wasn''t waiting for Natsumi outside of her class. He had headed for the lockers, needing to interfere. It hadn''t gone away with him ignoring it and it seemed that Natsumi wasn''t going to say anything, so he would. He heard them laughing as they entered the locker area.


    "Face first. It was the funniest thing I''ve seen all year. Kimoto has got to be the biggest klutz around." He laughed and Ryuu''s teeth clenched as his eyes shot over to where they would appear. He heard a girl snort as she huffed,


    "Serves her right for thinking she can cling to Ryuu-sama like that. Honestly, why is he even giving her the time of day?"


    That was when they stepped out where he could see them and he spoke up, making the pair jump.


    "For one, she''s nothing like the other simpering idiots that go here."


    The girl whipped around so fast that her blonde curls slapped the side of her face before settling back into place as her wide green eyes stared at him in shock. The guy at her side was the same one that had tripped Sumi earlier. Ryuu''s sight had been fast enough to catch the guy''s foot sweeping out. The two froze as Ryuu lifted himself up from his spot and walked towards them. His hands were in his pockets, balled into fists as he glared at the other male.


    "I think it''s time I made something clear." He growled and noticed how the girl slinked back behind the boy and the guy swallowed nervously. Ryuu continued as he came to stand directly in front of Koji. Both were the about the same height with Ryuu having maybe an inch on the other guy.


    "Natsumi Kimoto is to be left alone. No matter what anyone does it won''t change our relationship. But it will tick me off." He growled and Koji must have thought he could push the pretty boy further because he was dumb enough to open his mouth. He held up his hands and grinned, missing the way Ryuu''s eyes flashed in warning.


    "Sorry Yoshida. I didn''t realize that she was so close to you." He chuckled and Ryuu frowned at the implication, but chose to ignore it as he turned away.


    "Just make sure those fan girls understand as well." He growled and Koji grinned as he said what he shouldn''t have.


    "Sure thing. But tell me...When you''re done playing with the pet''s tail, can I have a go?"


    Ryuu felt his chest seize as he snapped. He turned so quickly that Koji couldn''t react fast enough before his collar was grabbed and he was slammed up against the lockers. The girl with him screamed and backed up as Ryuu placed his arm against Koji''s throat, pinning him in place. Ryuu''s eyes narrowed as he hissed,


    "Maybe I wasn''t clear enough for someone with such a small brain. Natsumi has become a close friend of mine and anyone who threatens or disrespects my friends grows to regret it. So I trust that you won''t make such a disgusting comment within my hearing again. Right?" He growled and Koji could only nod once as he was too shocked to speak. Ryuu grunted and stepped back, releasing the kid who immediately took off. The girl was following close behind and Ryuu guessed that she would pass the message along with the other idiot. He knew it wouldn''t stop the problem completely, but it would make people more hesitant about coming after Sumi when she was with him.


    He turned and took up his usual spot by her locker as he waited. It was another fifteen minutes before she came sailing around the corner, almost losing her balance. She stopped and doubled over to catch her breath as she tried to explain.


    "Sorry...Got stopped...ran some papers...I know I''m late..." She heaved as she tried to stabilize her air flow. He chuckled as he waited for her to straighten and right herself. She quickly changed her shoes and turned to smile brightly at him. He returned the smile, knowing that he could never tell her that he relied on her smiles. They were freely given without any hints of selfishness laced underneath. Sumi wasn''t looking for something more when she was with him and he could see it in her gentle smile.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting Ryuu. I hope you weren''t bored waiting." She laughed as they began to leave. He shrugged and looked up at the sky with a smirk.


    "Not too bored..." He chuckled.

 Tell Me Something

    Natsumi sat at the desk in her room, working on her assignments that were due in a few days. It was Saturday and a free day so she was using the time to catch up on her work that had suffered. She didn''t mind the extra work, but being with Ryuu meant that she had to stay up later after getting home from work. So she was looking forward to a full day of catching up and then maybe a few hours to herself.


    Her phone beeped and she glanced over at it frowning. Her mom was in the kitchen so who would be sending her a message right now? She reached over and picked up the pink phone, flipping it open to see the name at the top.


    "When did he-"


    Sumi I was bored so I thought I''d come bother you. I''m in the elevator and I''ll be there in about three minutes.


    Natsumi jumped out of her chair and ran into the kitchen just as a knock rapped on the front door. She ran up to it and pulled it open to see Ryuu standing there with a bored expression, until he saw her. He smiled and lifted his hand in greeting, but Natsumi frowned as she stared up at him in shock. Firstly because he was actually at her apartment. Second was because she had never thought she would see him in regular clothing. But his black jeans and the dark green T-shirt he wore fit him perfectly.


    "What are you doing here?" She asked and he gave her a strange look as he pushed into her apartment.


    "I told you. I was bored." He said as he slipped off his shoes and started walking down the hall, at ease as if he lived here as well. Natsumi followed him and placed her hands on her hips.


    "When did you put your number in my phone?" She asked and he shrugged.


    "One of the times you left to refill your obsession. I don''t remember when it was exactly. He said as he entered the kitchen and said hi to her mom.


    "Oh hi Ryuu. I didn''t know you and Natsumi were studying today?" Her mom asked and Ryuu shrugged as he smirked back at Natsumi who was still glaring at him.


    "We don''t. I just wanted to spend the day with Sumi." He said with a grin and Natsumi felt her cheeks brighten, no matter how she tried to resist. His grin widened when he saw that he had succeeded in embarrassing her. It was only made worse when her mom ''awed'' and called them cute. Natsumi rolled her eyes and turned on her heels, stomping back to her room.


    "I don''t have time to entertain you! I have work to do." She huffed and heard her mom laugh as she said,


    "Aww~ don''t worry sweetie, she''s just shy about these kinds of things."


    Natsumi wanted to bang her head on something...or better yet, Ryuu''s head. She was still grumbling under her breath as she took her seat at her desk and began to attack her assignments once more. She felt a pair of eyes on her, but forced herself to not turn around. She heard him chuckle as he knew she was very much aware that he was in her room as he moved past her and sat on the edge of her bed. She continued to ignore him though and tried to focus on what she was doing.


    After several minutes of silence Ryuu moved closer and folded his arms on the end of her desk and rested his head on them so he could stare at her. It was more distracting than if he had said anything and Natsumi groaned as she sat her pen down and turned her glare on him.


    "What?" She hissed, but he only smiled and shrugged. She rolled her eyes and picked up her pen again, but only managed to write two words before her eyes flicked to him again.


    "Stop trying to pretend you''re not happy I''m here Sumi. You''re a really bad actor." He chuckled and she made an attempt to flick his forehead, but he caught her wrist and laughed as she almost toppled over. She fought the smile that wanted to break through at the sound of his laugh.


    "I have assignments that need to get done Ryuu. I really don''t have time to entertain you." She said with a sigh and his smile softened as he released her wrist. He resumed his position at the end of her desk and closed his eyes.


    "Then pretend I''m not here. I''ll let you finish before I bother you again."


    "It''s impossible to pretend you aren''t here Ryuu...Why are you here though?" She asked and he shrugged before his eyes slowly opened and he was staring at the wood under his arms.


    "I just wanted to see you for some reason..." He whispered and it set her cheeks aflame as she turned back to her work. She continued to work with him sitting silently beside her for another hour before she decided she had gotten enough done for the day. She sat down her pen and stretched as she glanced down at Ryuu. He had his eyes closed again and she chuckled before poking the end of his nose to get his attention. He growled as one eye peeked at her.


    "Okay. I''m done for now. So what do you want to do?" She asked and he sat up stretching. He shrugged and scratched the back of his head, ruffling his hair slightly.


    "I didn''t really have anything planned beyond coming to pester you." He said with a grin and she chuckled as she stood from her desk. She looked around her room, trying to think of something that they could do. Then she got an interesting idea and smiled down at Ryuu. He lifted a brow at her sudden excitement.


    "I have an idea. But it''s a surprise and you have to trust me okay." She said and he got an amused smile as he stood up and put his hands in his pocket.


    "Alright Sumi. Lead the way." He said and she nodded as she walked out of her room, Ryuu right behind her. She told her mom what they were doing and that she''d be home later. Not that her mom worried now that she had Ryuu tagging along.


    It took them a few minutes to walk down the streets that led to a small shopping district. When they got there Ryuu looked around confused.


    "You aren''t going to drag me into a bunch of girlie shops right?" He groaned and Natsumi giggled as she shook her head.


    "No. I want to share something with you...if...if you want to that is." She stuttered, not knowing where these nerves were suddenly coming from. Ryuu glanced down at her and noticed the hesitation in her eyes, instantly reading her self-consciousness. He grinned and placed his hand on her head to get her to look up at him again.


    "I''ll go wherever you go Sumi." He said and felt something prick his chest, but pushed it aside as a twitch. Natsumi''s mood instantly brightened and she nodded as she motioned for him to follow. She led him further into the shopping area and skipped up to one of the food vendors. The man seemed to recognize her instantly as he smiled and began to chat with her easily.


    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Ryuu took this chance to glance around the area. It was filled with many people shopping and vendors had set up stalls along the streets. The scene reminded him of how a festival would appear without the festive vibe that floated in the air.


    He glanced back at Sumi to see her pointed at several things and as she smiled brightly. He grinned as he watched her relax once more. She looked nice outside of her uniform. The black, pleated skirt was slightly shorter than the school''s was but she also wore blue leggings underneath so she didn''t have to worry about falling and flashing the crowd. The red sweater she wore was simple, but on her he decided it added something, even if he didn''t know what.


    His eyes caught a group of boys looking at Natsumi as she bent over slightly to smell some of the food sizzling on the flattop. They were talking and jabbing one in the side as he had a spark of interest light his eyes. Ryuu growled and swiftly moved over to her side, blocking their view and sending them a cold glare.


    "Here Ryuu. Try this." Sumi said getting his attention. He turned to see her holding up a toothpick with a Takoyaki ball at the end. He grinned and grabbed her wrist, lifting it up higher so that he could eat the offered snack. He chewed slowly and shot another look at the boys from before. They shuffled off, getting the message that this girl was off-limits.


    "Um...R-Ryuu...You can l-let me go now." Sumi stuttered, her face really red. He chuckled and did as she asked. He didn''t want her to know about the creeps that had been watching her so he decided to irritate her as a decoy.


    "I wanted to make sure you didn''t drop it or hit my nose with it. Since you''re not the most coordinated person I know Sumi." He said and she puffed out her cheeks in irritation and growled at him. He only laughed and patted her head to calm her down.


    "Settle down. They''re good. Nice and spicy." He said and it distracted her from her annoyance with him as her smile once more returned. She nodded and turned back to the vendor placing an order for two. She smiled up at him as she said,


    "I had a feeling you would like them. I remember having these once before with my dad and recalled how spicy they were. I know you like spicy so I wanted to see what you thought." She said and he felt a pleasant thrum at the fact that she knew this about him and took it into consideration. He nodded and patted her head again, making her pout because she hated when he ''pet'' her. But that pout was the exact reason he constantly did it. Ryuu took the bag of food and paid for it before Sumi could react.


    She thanked him and turned, looking for her next target. She grinned when she saw it and grabbed his hand, dragging him behind her. He followed easily as she hopped over to the next stall she wanted. This time she ordered a small batch of Sata andagi, most likely for herself as Ryuu wasn''t a fan of the sweet balls of dough. She pulled him to several other stalls (all of which he paid for, despite her arguments) until he had five bags in hand. He made sure to keep his other hand free so he could hold Sumi''s, not wanting to lose her in the growing crowd. Their last stop was at a small market where Sumi ran in and purchased drinks for them.


    "All done. Now we can head out." She said with a bright smile, looking extra excited as she led him away from the crowds. He was extremely curious on where she was leading him as the noise grew fainter and soon they were surrounded by a calming silence. She led him up a hill, the buildings growing fewer as they entered a small park. It took him a few minutes to realize that even after they had left the crowd behind he had continued to hold onto Sumi''s hand. He refused to release it though even after he realized it and she didn''t seem to notice either.


    "Here we are." She whispered and he glanced around to the place she had brought him. They were up on a tall hill, looking down at the city below them as the sun sat behind them. They were under a large oak tree that had been planted in order to offer people shade. Sumi pulled her hand from him, a faint amount of pink in her cheeks as she finally realized she had been holding it.


    She settled herself on the soft grass and patted the spot next to her, indicating that she wanted him to join her. He sat the bags down carefully and sank down next to her.


    "So where exactly did you take me?" He asked as he watched her pull out their purchased items and set them out picnic style. She smiled up at him, that faint blush still dusting her cheeks.


    "Well...this is my favorite spot in the city to come and just...think. When I have nothing to do or I''m feeling down I come up here and watch the city below." She said and he tilted his head, trying to read what she wasn''t saying. But as usual he couldn''t clearly figure her out. She distracted him from his thoughts as she held up another piece of the Takoyaki. This time he grabbed the stick and fed himself. They ate the food in comfortable silence as the noise of the busy city drifted lazily on the wind around them.


    "So what do you think about when you''re up here Sumi?" He asked as he drank his soda, watching her as she hugged her knees to her chest, smiling softly to herself. The wind blew strands of her hair behind her in a gentle dance and Ryuu found himself watching the movement.


    "A lot of things. Mostly about my future and what my life will be like after I get my teaching degree." She said as she turned her gaze back to him. Her smile warmed something inside him and Ryuu chuckled as he leaned back on his hands, subconsciously leaning closer to her.


    "All teasing aside Sumi...You''re going to be a great teacher." He whispered as he smiled at her and she returned the smile, gratitude shining in her brown eyes.


    "Thanks Ryuu. It actually means a lot coming from you." She said, sighing as she let go of her knees and fell back onto the grass, not worrying about getting any stains on her clothing. Ryuu grinned down at her before following suit and laying on the grass with his hands laced behind his head.


    "Hey Ryuu." Sumi whispered and he grunted as his eyes drifted closed, relaxing in his new position.


    "Tell me something...Something no one else knows." She whispered. He opened his eyes and turned his head so he could see her expression. She was blushing once more, but her large eyes were connected with his.


    "Why?" He asked and she bit her lip, turning her gaze away. She looked up at the swaying leaves and smiled.


    "Sorry. I don''t know where that question came from. Just...just forget I asked okay Ryuu." She said as she gave him a small smile. But he could see that it lacked it''s usual glow. He sighed and looked up at the leaves before answering.


    "I don''t want to take over my father''s company." He whispered and his answer seemed to startle her as she sat up and looked down at him with wide eyes. He waited for the expected response of how it was his responsibility though. Or that it was stupid and foolish for him to want to throw away such an opportunity that was being handed to him on a silver platter. But as it always was with his Sumi...She surprised him.


    "Do you want to be a doctor?" She asked softly and it was his turn to shoot up and stare at her in shock.


    "What makes you ask-"


    "Those medical books you''re always reading. At first I thought it was just a strange hobby. But after what you just said it makes more sense." She said with a warm smile and Ryuu was surprised to find that he found no censor in her demeanor or words. Sumi seemed happier hearing that he wanted to do something more with his life and time.


    "You don''t think it''s selfish that I want to throw away what my father built for me?" He asked cautiously and Natsumi tilted her head.


    "How could anyone think you''re being selfish for wanting to save lives. I think it''s wonderful Ryuu. Besides, I''m sure your father can find someone else to take over his company. He''d be happy just knowing you were living your dream." She said, giving him a bright smile. He chuckled and didn''t realize what he was doing until she was pressed against his side and his arm was wrapped around her shoulders.


    "You''re something else Sumi...but my world doesn''t think the way you do. Still...I feel more confident with your support. " He said softly and smiled as she leaned against him, relaxing as he held her. She closed her eyes and smiled as she whispered,


    "Even if your world doesn''t like the idea. I think you''d make a great doctor."


    He felt that strange thrum in his chest again as he stared up at the sky and smiled, still hugging Sumi against his side.


    "Who knows...but thank you Sumi."

 Field Day Madness

    Natsumi looked up at Ryuu as they ate lunch outside together. He was reading another one of his books and there was a little frown between his brows as he concentrated. She smiled as she remembered their conversation on the hill. The thought that Ryuu may someday become a doctor filled her with a strange sense of pride. To her, it seemed more filling to focus on helping others than increasing your own selfish desires. So, she was secretly rooting for Ryuu, even if no one else would.


    "Hey Sumi?" He asked and glanced up, breaking her out of her thoughts. She blinked and he chuckled as he saw her come back to reality.


    "Stop day dreaming for a second freak. I was wondering if you were ready for Field Day?" He asked and Nastumi instantly groaned and slumped forward, thumping her forehead into her open math book.


    "No. I was hoping to sit this year out. But Mr. Mashima said that he could really use my skills." She grumbled and Ryuu laughed, patting her head as he teased her.


    "And by skills I''m assuming he means your tendency to run everywhere you go."


    She looked up and shot him a glare, but didn''t deny it because that was basically what her homeroom teacher had said as well.


    "So I''m competing in the girl''s hundred yard dash and the borrowing race." She huffed and Ryuu grinned, closing his book as he smiled down at her.


    "Then I guess I''ll have to root for a different class this year." He said and Natsumi smiled as her cheeks turned a light shade of pink. She sat up straight again and leaned forward on the table, balancing her chin in her hand.


    "What about you super star? Are you competing in anything?" She asked and he shrugged.


    "Relay race and boy''s hundred yard dash." He said and she winked,


    "I''ll make sure you can hear me cheering for you above all your fangirls." She teased and he groaned, rolling his eyes. But then his smile returned and he leaned closer to her with that slanted grin he usually flashed when he teased her.


    "Your voice is the only one I listen for anyways Sumi." He whispered, his eyes sparkling with mirth as her cheeks turned a bright red. She huffed and bopped him lightly on the head.


    "Don''t be an idiot Ryuu." She chided and he chuckled, rubbing the spot on his head as he leaned back again. Natsumi laughed along with him and the two began to collect their things as the bell rang, signalling lunch was over. They walked together in the hall, Natsumi teasing him along the way.


    "So are you still up for studying today or do you need to train?" She laughed as he shoved her playfully. He grinned down at her as he enjoyed the sound of her laughter. She glanced over and something caught her eye that made her choke back her laugh. He frowned and glanced in the direction she was and noticed a group of girls openly glaring at Sumi. His eyes hardened and he instinctively wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to his side.


    Natsumi squeaked and looked up at him to see him grinning down at her. He lifted his hand and let it fall on her head, ruffling her hair and loosening her bow. He leaned closer and chuckled,


    "Shouldn''t you be the one training? I don''t think you''re allowed to barrel through your opponents." He said and she glared up at him, puffing out her cheeks in irritation as she instantly began to shout at him in her defense. He grinned as she went on her tirade about how she wasn''t that clumsy. But he had done his job in distracting her from the idiots around them. He let his hand slide back to her shoulder and gave it a small squeeze. He laughed as she glared angrily at him.


    "You know you love me Sumi." He laughed and she turned her head away, putting her nose in the air.


    "Go bother one of your fangirls." She bit out and he laughed harder, happy to see her returning to his Sumi.


    "Aren''t you one of them Sumi?" He teased and she snorted, making him laugh again. Her anger melted into a smile and she laughed too as she shook her head at him.


    "Keep dreaming moron. I''ll see you after class." She added, shoving him away as she ran into her class. He waited until she had completely disappeared into the room before turning to face the way they had come and shoot a glare at the group of ''fangirls'' that were following them. The girls instantly blushed and took off, trying to pretend that they hadn''t been spying on the pair. He sighed and shook his head, casting one last glance at the class Sumi had walked into before heading off towards his own.


    <hr>


    Natsumi laced up her sneakers as she sat on one of the benches. She looked up at the track and smiled. Even though she didn''t like to compete, she had always enjoyed Field Day. It was almost like a free day to forget about everything else that was stressful at school. She laughed and glanced around, looking for him. She spotted his class, but didn''t see his head of orange hair anywhere. She frowned, continuing to look for him when a pair of hands reached from behind her and covered her eyes.


    "Guess who?" He chuckled low and she rolled her eyes behind his hands.


    "A giant moron with a huge ego?" She said and he laughed as he removed his hands. He hopped over the bench and sat next to her, giving her a sharp look.


    "The huge ego part was unnecessary though." He said and she giggled, leaning back and tilting her head with a wide smile.


    "Are you trying to deny it?"


    "Not really...but it was still unnecessary Sumi." He said flicking her forehead and laughing as she lost her balance and fell backwards. She glared at him as she picked herself up, smacking away his offered hand which only made him laugh harder. She growled and lunged for him, but he jumped up and avoided her easily. She pouted at him and he grinned as he held up a thumbs up.


    "I came over to wish you luck Sumi. The girl''s dash is first right?" He said and she blinked, her glare being replaced with her smile once more as she nodded. This time she took his hand as he helped her step over the bench. She smiled brightly up at him and fiddled with the ends of her ponytail, twirling it nervously.


    "Everyone is going to be watching me..." She whispered and he rolled his eyes. He grinned down at her and patted her head so that she looked up at him.


    "Don''t over think this Sumi. It''s just Field Day. It''s more for fun than anything else." He said and she nodded, smiling once more. He chuckled and poked her nose,


    "But if you don''t get first I''m going to fire you." He teased and laughed as her tiny fist connected with his chest. He reached up and caught her next strikes by holding her wrists captive. He laughed at her struggles and her sudden shouts were drawing attention to them, but he was happy to see that it didn''t seem to bother her this time. He waited and when she stopped fighting he lowered her wrists but didn''t release them just yet.


    He watched as her cheeks brightened and it made him smile softly, not sure why it pleased him so much to tease her. Probably because it was just too easy and one of his new favorite pass times. He slowly released his grip on her hands, watching in case she tried to attack him again. She rubbed one of her wrists and snorted as she turned her profile on him, muttering under her breath.


    "You''re so impossible you moron."


    He chuckled and reached up to grab her chin, turning her face back up to him. He grinned as her cheeks only brightened more and her eyes widened, she really was too easy to tease. He bent closer until they were at eye level and whispered,


    "Maybe. But just remember that I''m your impossible moron Sumi. Even if you come in last you couldn''t hope to get rid of me that easily...Tell you what though. You come in first and I''ll buy you more of those chocolate strawberries. Good luck freak." He said the last part when he straightened and patted her head, walking away. He cast one more glance over his shoulder at her and grinned as she was looking out at the field with a strange determination. His Sumi was easily motivated, but he was growing fonder of her strange personality with each passing. He shook his head and rejoined his group, ignoring the girls that were staring at him longingly.


    When the announcement for the girl''s dash came he looked out towards the track and spotted Sumi stretching. He smiled as he could practically hear her chanting about those strawberries from where he stood. There was a tug on his gym shirt and he looked down to see a girl from his class smiling up at him.


    Stolen story; please report.


    "Make sure you watch closely Ryuu-sama. I''m going to win this for you!" She giggled and ran off waving back to him. He sighed and shook his head as his eyes instantly returned to Sumi, watching her get into position and wait for the start. He chuckled and crossed his arms over his chest.


    "She doesn''t stand a chance...not with Sumi''s obsession on the line." He chuckled and waited as the gun went off and the girls leapt up, beginning the race.


    <hr>


    Natsumi was bent over gasping for breath, her ponytail hanging over the side and covering her face. She heard footsteps nearing her and glanced over to see Ryuu smiling down at her. She smiled and held up a victory sign, but couldn''t talk as she was still catching her breath. He held out a water bottle to her and she took it with gratitude and tipped it back so that the cold water slid down her throat and cooled her quickly. Some drizzled out the side of her mouth and she sighed in bliss as she smiled at Ryuu and wiped the water with the back of her hand.


    "Very ladylike Sumi." He grinned and she stuck her tongue out at him. He chuckled and looked back at her competitors to see most of them on the floor ten paces behind them panting. He laughed and looked back over to Sumi.


    "I bet if there was a basket of strawberries at the finish line you could run the Olympics." He laughed and she joined him, blushing at the truth behind his words. She rubbed the back of her head and giggled,


    "I guess I got a bit over excited and forgot where the finish line was." She blushed and he laughed as he shook his head.


    "You have a serious problem. Maybe I shouldn''t buy them for you."


    "Too late! You can''t take back your offer or I won''t speak to you for a week." She said, clasping her hands behind her back and turning from him. He chuckled and leaned his elbow on her head, making her pout. He grinned down at her as he said,


    "Wouldn''t that make our sessions a bit difficult? Don''t tell me that Miss Perfect also knows sign language?"


    She narrowed her eyes at him and reached up to pinch his arm. He yelped and pulled it back grumbling as he rubbed the spot. Natsumi laughed as she watched his scrunched up face. She knew it didn''t actually hurt him, but Ryuu had mentioned once that he hated being pinched so she used it as punishment or payback.


    "Brat." He hissed when he noticed her laughing at his discomfort. She giggled behind her hand and shrugged as she smiled up at him. He couldn''t hold his glare for long and soon he was smiling back and shaking his head. The announcement went up for the next event and Ryuu looked around before grabbing her hand and dragging her away.


    "Come on Sumi. We should get off the field and go sit while we wait." He said as he lead her to the bleachers. She nodded and followed easily, but when she tried to pull her hand away his grip only tightened. She sighed and decided not to question it, since she actually liked the way his warm hand felt against hers. She made the mistake of looking around as she followed Ryuu, wanting to see the next race. She caught the death glares and heard the whispers as Ryuu held her hand. She turned away from them and forced herself not to shrink back. It wasn''t easy, but as she looked up at Ryuu and the easy way he carried himself, she found the strength to ignore everyone.


    The two sat at the top, partly so they could see over everyone''s head and partly because Ryuu didn''t want to be surrounded by ''drooling morons''. He wanted Sumi to himself without having to constantly glare at anyone who made a stupid comment or snickered at the girl by his side.


    "So~" Natsumi started looking up at him with her large eyes and he raised a brow in question. She tilted her head and grinned up at him,


    "About those strawberries?" She laughed as he rolled his eyes, but noticed the way his lips twitched.


    "Yeah weirdo. I said I''d get them if you won. And since you beat everyone by ten seconds I''d say you won." He said, and although he made it sound like a scold for her ''addiction'' she also heard the pride in his words. She giggled and focused back on the events below. The two made bets on who would win until it was time for Ryuu to head down.


    "Good luck Ryuu. I''ll be rooting for you." She said with a wave and a smile. He turned and grinned down at her.


    "Hey, what do I get if I win?" He asked and she thought about it before shrugging.


    "Whatever you want I suppose." She said and his grin doubled as he turned away. Natsumi wondered after the look he had given her, but didn''t dwell on it as she watched him take his position. She looked around and noticed that as soon as Ryuu walked onto the field the girls in the school perked up and several were holding up signs. She chuckled and shook her head in exasperation as she looked back over to watch Ryuu run.


    She shouted along with nearly everyone there and wasn''t too surprised when Ryuu crossed the finish line first. She cheered louder as Ryuu''s eyes looked up and met hers, lifting his hand in a victory pose that she reciprocated, ignoring the glares directed at her. His class did pretty well in the relay race too, coming in second and only because they made the mistake of having Ryuu run first. He had given them a huge lead, but the others had wasted it.


    Now it was time for Natsumi''s next event, after this she could relax. She had always enjoyed watching the craziness of the borrowing race, but never thought she would participate. She had stepped in when the original runner from their class twisted her ankle while playing tennis. So she took her position and set her eyes on the table, hoping she got something easy. The gun went off and she darted straight for it, she beat the other runners and had first pick. She quickly grabbed the paper and unfolded it. She froze, this wasn''t good.


    A Hot Guy.


    Her mouth fell open as she began to look around. By this time the others had caught up to her and grabbed their own papers before darting off to find their item. She bit her lip and turned towards the bleachers. She cupped her hands over her mouth and yelled,


    "Ryuu! Get down here, I need you!"


    Ryuu raised a brow, but stood up and walked down the bleachers. All eyes were on him as he walked up to Natsumi. She was bright red and avoiding his eyes. He looked down at her confused, but his grin was back in place.


    "Why Sumi this is so sudden. I didn''t know you felt so strongly about me." He teased and she growled, her hand latching onto his wrist and dragging him behind her.


    "Shut it you idiot! I just couldn''t think of someone else who would run with me." She muttered. He laughed and she shrieked as he swept his other arm under her knees and lifted her up bridal style. Shouts rang out from the crowd, some cheering while others were in utter rage. Ryuu grinned down at her red face and flashed that grin of his that made her body tingle strangely.


    "Well then, just let this idiot win you the race." He said before taking off in a sprint with her in his arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck, even though she didn''t think he would drop her. He was laughing as they passed other girls carrying their items, most distracted by the sight of the pair running. They crossed the finish line first and by this time Natsumi was laughing along with Ryuu.


    "I think it''s unfair that I didn''t actually run the race though." She giggled and he grinned at her, still not setting her down.


    "I say we won. Rules or not we definitely..." He trailed off and it caused Natsumi to glance at him curiously. He was just staring down at her strangely, his eyes had darkened to a deep crimson and she tilted her head at him. His eyes were shifting down and she swore they landed on her lips before moving back to her eyes. She gave a nervous laugh and squirmed in his hold, suddenly aware of the fact that people were staring at them.


    "Uh Ryuu...You can put me down now." She said with a small shove against his chest. His grip tightened and he mumbled something incoherent, but she felt her heart skip as it sounded an awful lot like ''What if I don''t want to...''


    But he blinked and his face returned to the brighter side she had grown so used to. His eyes sparked with mirth and that grin snuck up on his face.


    "Don''t you da-Ah!" She screamed as his arms dropped before grabbing her again, giving her that brief moment of free-fall. She glared at him as he threw back his head and laughed.


    "Ryuu! You''re such a moron!" She shouted and struggled more in his hold. He had a hard time keeping his grip on her as she squirmed and grabbed a fistful of his hair.


    "Ow! Okay Sumi I''m sorry! I''ll put you down." He laughed and slowly slid her to the ground, having to stay bent as she still had a grip on his hair. She glared at him as her humiliation doubled with all the eyes currently on them. He was still chuckling, his shoulders shaking as he held in his laughter. She sighed and released her hold on him so that he could straighten again. He rubbed his head, ruffling his hair as he did. She crossed her arms and puffed out her cheeks in anger.


    "Aw come on Sumi, don''t be like that." He chuckled, but she only put her nose in the air and ignored him.


    "Sumi? Sumi? Really?" He said the laughter falling out of his voice as his tone sharpened, still she didn''t respond. She heard him sigh and could just imagine that he was rubbing the back of his neck. So she was surprised as his arms wrapped around her once more, lifting her by her waist and carrying her off the field.


    "Ryuu! Put me-"


    "I''m going to buy you lunch." He said and she stopped struggling and glanced up at him. When she did, he sat her on the ground, grabbing her hand and pulling her behind him once more.


    "Why?" She asked and he snorted, turning his face to the side. Even so Natsumi saw the pink in his cheeks as he muttered,


    "So you''ll stop being mad at me...I don''t like it..."


    Natsumi felt her own cheeks heat, but a bright smile lit up her face as she giggled. He glanced at her out of the corner of his eyes. She had a moment of spontaneous courage and didn''t realize what she was doing. But Ryuu''s eyes widened, his heart jumping as her tiny hand shifted and her slim fingers laced through his as she hopped ahead and took the lead.


    "Why didn''t you say so!? You are officially forgiven Ryuu because I''m starving!" She laughed and he shook his head as he looked down at their intertwined hands with a soft smile.


    "Geez you freak. Why do you have to be so difficult about everything?" He whispered and she giggled in response, casting him her warm smile over her shoulder. The same smile that made everything around them fade in comparison, at least as far as he was concerned.


    "You must be rubbing off on me."

 Late Night & A Promise

    "Okay. So read this sentence for me." Natsumi said, pointing to the one she wanted on the sheet in front of Ryuu. He glanced down and his forehead furrowed in concentration. She waited patiently while he worded it out in his head. He had been doing well on his exams lately and slowly his grade was improving, but midterms were coming up and she wanted to be sure he was ready. So she had increased the workload in their sessions to focus more on reading and grammar as those were still his weakest points. If Ryuu got a good mark on this big exam then it would make the second half that much easier.


    "Nashi wants to...travel around the world so that she can see...mon-monuments of the past...empires." He finished and glanced at her hesitantly. Natsumi smiled brightly and gave him her most encouraging clap.


    "Perfect! Even with the hesitation in the middle that was still spot on! You are such a fast learner Ryuu that you may not even need me after midterms." She teased as she picked up the book and flipped to a different page, looking for a different passage. She felt his body heat surround her and looked over to see that he had leaned back on his hands, scooting himself closer to her spot on the floor. They weren''t touching, but the sleeve on his shirt was brushing against her bare arm.


    "Let''s not get ahead of ourselves Sumi. You aren''t that good yet." He said with an easy grin and she giggled while rolling her eyes and returning to the book. But her eyes weren''t really focusing on the words anymore. Ryuu stayed in his spot and she could feel his eyes on her. It had been like this periodically since Field Day. It seemed like Ryuu was always moving closer to her and she wasn''t sure if he was trying to tease her or if he was even aware that he was doing it. He had even reached for her hand on occasion while walking through the halls at school.


    She tried not to think too hard about it, but it was starting to distract her more and more. She silently reprimanded herself about the fluttering in her chest as Ryuu lifted his hand from the floor, his fingers brushing her arm ''accidentally'' on the way up as he scratched the side of his head. She felt her cheeks heating and frowned at the words before her as if they held the answer.


    ''Stop it Natsumi! That''s Ryuu next to you remember...Your best friend...he''s not trying to flirt with you!'' Those words did the trick and she was able to push aside the weird feeling and focus back on their studies. She was able to push quite a bit of information into him before she realized that it was getting late. She glanced at the clock and frowned.


    "Hey Ryuu...Don''t you usually get picked up by now?" She asked as she read the time on the clock. It was already ten minutes past six. Ryuu glanced up and frowned as he pulled out his phone and glanced at the screen.


    "I forgot to take it off silent." He said and put the volume up. The second he did the phone chimed and he flipped it open. He listened for a minute and Natsumi began to clean up before his sudden shout made her jump.


    "What!? Wait slow down...Well are you alright?...Then don''t worry about me-Yes I''m sure...I''ll figure that out, just take care of yourself and the car." He said and snapped his phone closed. Natsumi looked up at the frown on his face in concern.


    "Is everything alright Ryuu?" She asked and he glanced down at her, sighing as he rubbed the back of his head.


    "The car broke down on its way here. By the time it gets picked up and my driver can grab one of the others it''ll be really late...How far is the train station from here?" He asked as he picked up his bag. Natsumi blinked and shook her head as everything caught up, she stood up and reached out to catch Ryuu''s sleeve to stop him.


    "Hold on Ryuu! You can''t head to the station this late. By the time you get home you won''t have much time to sleep and you have school tomorrow." She said and he shrugged. But she shook her head and fixed him with a stern look.


    "Don''t be stupid. Just spend the night here. Mom won''t mind since she''s practically adopted you." She said and Ryuu chuckled at that. It was true that Sumi''s mom had started to force him to call her Mom as well and had started sending lunch along with Sumi for him.


    "Maybe she''s trying to figure out a way to trade you for me." He teased and ducked back as Natsumi swatted at him.


    "Still...I don''t want to bother anyone with-"


    "I think I can force myself to tolerate you for a few more hours than normal." Sumi said, crossing her arms over her chest and it made him smile. He moved closer to the door with a stoic look.


    "Are you sure Sumi? If it''s so hard to be around me I can leave." He said as he reached for the handle.


    "No wait!" She called, reaching out to him and he grinned as he turned back and moved to her side. He placed his elbow on her head and leaned down towards her face, enjoying the way her cheeks brightened.


    "Why do you continue to pretend that you don''t like having me around Sumi when we both know the truth." He asked and she huffed.


    "You''re starting to change my mind for me." She whispered and he chuckled, ruffling her hair as he smiled down at her. His teasing was pushed aside as he let the soft strands run through his fingers.


    "Are you sure it''s okay Sumi? I can just take a train home." He whispered as he watched the brown locks slip out of his hold. Sumi looked up at him and her smile returned, the soft one she gave him when he was starting to feel really frustrated. It always managed to calm him down and helped him focus. But this time there was something else besides encouragement shining in her eyes and he wondered after it.


    "I''m sure Ryuu. I''d never want my best friend to walk all that way in the dark." She said moving forward suddenly and wrapping her arms around his waist. It was a brief hug and he hadn''t even had a chance to return it before she pulled back and smiled up at him.


    "I''m allowed to worry about you just as much Ryuu." She said before hopping out of her room. He could hear her calling for her mom and the quiet murmur of their voices as they talked, but he felt rooted to the spot. He recalled when he had told her something similar on their walks home from her work.


    "Ryuu, if this is too much trouble each night you know you don''t have to walk me home."


    "I thought I made this clear before Sumi...I can''t just let you walk home in the dark alone...I would worry too much about you."


    He reached up and rested his palm over his chest as a strange heaviness filled him. It wasn''t completely unpleasant though and he took a deep breath as he ran his fingers through his hair and wondered what it could be.


    "Hey Ryuu! You hungry?" Sumi''s voice rang through the apartment and he tossed his bag back on the floor and left her room. It was probably nothing to worry about anyways.


    <hr>


    "Any day now Sumi." Ryuu teased as he leaned against his hand. She stuck her tongue out at him and continued to stare at the chess board between them. They were sitting across from each other at the kitchen island. He chuckled and took a drink out of his can of cola, keeping one eye on the board to catch her move. Finally she picked up her knight and moved it into position. His grin widened and he shook his head.


    "So close Sumi." He said reaching out and sliding his bishop across the board to capture her last castle.


    "What!? How did I not see that?" She grumbled and he flashed her that slanted grin.


    "Just one more thing I''m better at than you. Along with math, sports, manners, charm-I''m kidding!" He laughed as she puffed out her cheeks and reached for her ammo sitting in the bowl beside her. He grinned and picked up one of the candies she kept for him and popped it into his mouth.


    "Hmm. Now what shall it be this time?" He said between chews. She sighed and held out her hands in invitation as she waited for him to decide. He thought about it until he got a good one.


    "Most embarrassing moment before you met me?" He asked and Sumi tapped her chin in thought then laughed and gave him an odd look.


    "Why did you add ''before I met you''?"


    "Because I''ve seen you fall so many times I''m sure that would be one of them and that''s cheating." He said and she rolled her eyes while she thought about it. The game had been her idea and he was actually glad she had suggested it. Each time one of them lost a piece they had to answer a personal question the other asked. They had already gone through three rounds and he was learning a lot more than he thought he would.


    "I would have to say the first day of my first year here." She said and he focused back on what she was saying. Her cheeks were a soft pink and he chuckled, knowing that this was going to be amusing.


    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.


    "I was so much younger than everyone else that they mistook me for a middle schooler playing hookie. It took three hours in the principal''s office to straighten everything out. My mom had to come down and explain that I had skipped a few years because of my high scores." She finished and he burst out laughing, but had to immediately muffle it as he remembered that everyone else had gone to bed already. He looked over to see her giggling along with him. He shook his head and patted her head.


    "It''s okay Sumi. Just keep drinking milk and you''ll grow up big and strong someday." He teased and she smacked his hand away with an annoyed look that only made him smile wider.


    "I''m not that small!" She pouted and he surprised her by placing his fingers under her chin and tilting her head back. He brought his face closer and grinned down at her.


    "No...I suppose you''re the perfect size..." He whispered and his grin doubled when her face burst into color. She saw the flash of laughter in his red eyes and groaned as she pulled away from his grip.


    "Not funny Ryuu."


    "I beg to differ." He chuckled and waved his hand over the board.


    "I believe it is your turn weirdo. Maybe you can redeem yourself." He challenged and her cheeks puffed out as she set her determined eyes back to the game. He chuckled again and watched as she planned out her next move. As he looked at her lowered head he felt that strange sense of calm and contentment fall over him. Being with Sumi was quickly becoming the most natural thing in his life. He would find himself thinking about her and imagining what she was doing, which would usually lead to him pestering her through texts and random phone calls. It was too much fun to annoy her.


    "Take that sir." She giggled as she leaned back and popped a strawberry into her mouth. He rolled his eyes as he examined what she had done. He frowned as he realized that the only way for him to get out of this was to sacrifice at least one piece. He smiled and winked at her good naturedly.


    "Well done Sumi. Alright, have a pawn." He said moving the ''sacrificial lamb'' into position. Sumi smiled and moved her knight, pushing the pawn off its spot and snatching it up.


    "I will happily take it. Hmm...What this time?" She said and he leaned against his fist with an easy smile as he watched the way her eyes sparkled while she thought. If he had known she would get this happy learning random facts about him, he would have given her a list a while ago.


    "If you could go anywhere in the world for a visit. Where would it be?" She asked and he chuckled, giving her an amused look.


    "Not counting the places I''ve already been? Hmm~ Maybe someplace tropical..."


    "Like Hawaii?" She asked taking a drink of her soda and he shook his head, folding his arms on the counter.


    "I''ve been there. It was nice, but not my first choice and I was with my father on business so it wasn''t really a vacation. No I..." He hesitated and she leaned closer, her body radiating anticipation of his response. He sighed and glanced to the side, hating that he felt heat rising into his cheeks.


    "I would like to visit some of the older tribes in the Amazon...see what types of medical properties their remedies have and if they could be adapted to help on a broader range." He mumbled and glanced at her out of the corner of his eye. Her eyes had widened, but her lips were pulled up in a giant smile and it looked like she was glowing.


    "That sound amazing Ryuu! I bet that if you promised to respect their culture you could gain permission to at least one of those places." She said encouragingly and he blinked. It still took him by surprise that she was so open and enthusiastic about his desire to be a doctor. He smiled and shrugged.


    "Yeah...but it''s just a pipe dream-"


    "Ryuu." She interrupted and leaned across the counter to place her hands over his. He stiffened as he stared down into her bright eyes and felt something in his chest jump again. She smiled brightly at him as she gave his hands a gentle squeeze.


    "You shouldn''t just push something like this aside. If you''re passionate about this-and I know you are, you should go after it! I think it''s amazing that you want to help people and that you put more value in that than some big business. I-I know it may not mean much from someone like me...but I think you should pursue what you want and not what someone else expects you to." She finished. The two were frozen as they stared at each other. Then Ryuu''s lips slowly curled up in a soft smile as one of his hands slipped out from under hers. He replaced it on top of hers and gave them a gentle squeeze as he whispered,


    "You''re wrong Sumi..."


    She blinked at the look that suddenly came into his dark eyes and the way they held her own gaze captive. He leaned closer just subtly as he added,


    "It means everything coming from you..."


    Her eyes widened and her cheeks flushed as she suddenly realized how close they were. It wasn''t unusual for Ryuu to get near her, but that was usually when he was teasing her. This was different. The way he was looking at her was sincere and...full of some other emotion she couldn''t place. As she felt him shift closer and the hand above hers tighten she panicked and jerked back, scattering the pieces of their game over the counter. That broke whatever spell had woven over them and Ryuu chuckled as he collected the fallen soldiers.


    "That''s cheating Sumi. You can''t knock over the board when you were about to lose." He laughed, that familiar-and safe-teasing tone back in his voice as he started setting the board back up. She giggled and gave him a disbelieving look.


    "Don''t lie. You''re glad I accidentally knocked them over so you wouldn''t lose to my superior skills." She teased back and he raised a brow at her with that slanted smirk on his face once more.


    "And who won the last two games?" He asked and she turned away in a huff, jumping off her stool and moving to the fridge to get them more drinks. He laughed and finished arranging the pieces for them, the moment before seemingly forgotten.


    At least on the surface. As Natsumi stuck her head in the fridge she hoped it would take away the heat rising into her face and calm her racing heart. What had just happened? She wasn''t sure, but it had seemed like he was going to k-no that''s not possible. She shook her head and forced the thought away, deciding that she had misread the situation and jumped to conclusions. Much like that first walk home in the rain. She sighed in relief and relaxed back into her usual attitude as she sat the soda next to him and retook her seat.


    "So who first this time?" She asked and he grinned as he reached for one of his pieces.


    "Well since someone ruined the last game, I think I''ll take the first move." He said and they resumed their game, taking turns snatching pieces and asking questions. It went on for several hours before they neared the final moves, neither wanting to give up the win.


    Natsumi was watching Ryuu as he held his chin and concentrated down at the board. She giggled softly and rested her own chin on her folded fingers as she watched that frown form between his brows, as it always did whenever he focused on something for a long time. She also noticed the way his eyes darted across the board and could practically see strategies flashing through his eyes. She sighed and smiled softly to herself as she realized that she hadn''t had this much fun in a long time.


    Then again, things had only become more exciting and fun since Ryuu joined her life. As she thought along these lines she began to wonder if they would remain friends after high school. And that thought made her smile falter. If Ryuu followed after his father, he would slowly pull away from her, wouldn''t he? He would become this important businessman and where would that leave her in his life? These thoughts instantly soured her good mood and she abruptly stood up. Ryuu looked up at her movements and frowned as he saw the shadows flashing across her brown eyes.


    "Sumi?" He asked, but she gave him her best smile and grabbed her empty bowl moving over to the sink to wash it. She was taking longer than necessary to rinse out the dish and knew it wouldn''t fool him one bit. Sure enough she felt him move up behind her and his soft voice broke the silence.


    "What''s that look for Sumi? You should just give up hiding anything from me already." He said and the stern tone in his voice warned her that he wouldn''t be happy if she tried to lie to him. She sighed and lowered her hands, letting the cold water from the faucet run over her shaking fingers.


    "What''s going to happen when you leave Ryuu?" She whispered without meaning to. She closed her eyes in embarrassment as her cheeks turned pink. She heard him sigh as he whispered back,


    "What do you mean by ''leave'' exactly?"


    "Well...I was just thinking...after high school...things change and people often grow apart right?" She asked and was met with silence. She bit her lip and began to scrub at invisible dirt on the dish as she nervously filled the empty void with her rambling.


    "And growing up means that people often go where they don''t expect to. That can make past relationships harder to hold onto...Friends grow distant and eventually lose contact with one another. Just look at mom! She only speaks to like two-"


    "Sumi." His soft voice cut her off and she bit her lip again to keep the trembling down. She felt her heart drop as the subject hit her hard. She hadn''t expected to grow so attached, but the sudden thought of losing her best friend and possibly the most important person in her life hurt her deeply. Her hands were shaking bad now and she almost dropped the bowl as she shut her eyes tight to stop the stinging.


    But they immediately snapped back open as she felt warmth surround her. The water was turned off before two large hands settled over hers and held them steady. His arms ran parallel to hers and his front was pressed against her back.


    "Sumi..." He repeated in that same soft voice as he pulled the bowl from her hands, setting it down before grabbing her hands in his once more. She held her breath as his movements forced her to follow, like a life-size puppet. He crossed her arms over her chest, which meant his own were resting in the same position, pulling her closer to him. She felt her heart flip as he lowered his head and pressed his nose against the top of her head and his warm breath ruffled the small strands. He continued to hold her in that gentle embrace before his soft voice settled around her and his kind words brought the tears to the surface.


    "I''m not going anywhere...No matter where I go at the end of all this...I want you to promise me that you''ll be there with me..."


    She couldn''t do much more than nod, but there was a smile on her face as she did. She felt his chest rumble as he chuckled and took in a deep breath.


    "Quit trying to get rid of me you weirdo...I told you before. I enjoy tormenting you too much to stop."


    That did the trick and she let out a soft laugh, which made him smile and his eyes soften. She couldn''t see his expression as he still held her captive in the strange hug. If she had, she would have seen him look at her like she was the most precious treasure on the planet. But for Ryuu...she was.

 Why Am I Feeling Like This

    The room was filled with the sounds of scratching as every student was bent over their desks, focusing on the midterms. Natsumi marked another answer when her mind began to wander again. She couldn''t help it...She was worried and wondering how Ryuu was doing right now. He would be fine in every other subject, but she worried that they hadn''t covered enough material to prepare him for the English portion.


    ''Sumi...relax...'' The minute she heard his voice in her head she did exactly that. She smiled and focused back on her own test. He had whispered the words to her while giving her a quick hug in the hall. She had been fretting about the midterms, not just his, but also hers. She had fallen behind in her studying and was worried that it would come back and bite her. It wasn''t just tutoring Ryuu that had put her off her usual schedule. He would find every opportunity to draw her attention to him.


    Recently during lunch they were talking more than studying and on her days off she would find herself talking to him on the phone for hours without realizing it. She internally rolled her eyes, but there was still a smile on her face as she thought of how annoying he could be. Ryuu could also be really sweet though. He had taken time out of their sessions to help tutor her with math in the areas she was struggling most.


    Natsumi took a deep breath and let it out slowly, calming her nerves more as she imagined Ryuu smiling and teasing her. She finished the test early and took a book out to read, but wasn''t looking at the words. She was thinking about the confusion that had recently risen within herself when it came to her best friend. Ryuu was obviously handsome, but it had never affected her before the night he stayed over.


    When he had held her in that embrace and assured her that he wasn''t going to leave, she hadn''t just felt relieved. She felt her heart speed up again as she remembered the way it felt to have his warmth surrounding her and the moment she became aware of the fluttering in her stomach. It seemed to have sparked a reaction in her skin so that now anytime he touched her it left a weird tingle behind. The moments when he surrounded her were more frequent now as he would randomly wrap his arm around her shoulders while they walked next to each other. She would always pretend that it didn''t bother her and tease him back like normal. Ryuu probably still noticed how it affected her, because she couldn''t seem to hide anything from him.


    Natsumi buried her face deeper into her book to hide the blush on her cheeks. She wanted to groan, but it would be too obvious in the silence so she swallowed it. What was going on with her? Why was it that when she closed her eyes all she saw was him!? She had to get ahold of herself soon though. Ryuu was her best friend and meant more to her than anything. She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead against the pages in her book.


    She jumped when she felt her jacket''s left pocket vibrate. She quickly glanced around, but no one seemed to have noticed. Natsumi carefully pulled out her phone, keeping her book up to cover it as she flipped it open.


    All done. Were you able to stop freaking out long enough to focus?


    Natsumi couldn''t fight the smile that crossed her lips as she looked at the words and imagined the teasing grin on his face. She quickly typed back a message and turned her phone to silent so that there wasn''t a chance someone noticed the vibration.


    I''m finished too. And I wasn''t freaking out...much...anyways, there are no phones in class sir.


    She waited and a few seconds later until the envelope popped up on her screen, signalling his reply.


    And yet you replied? Looks like we''re accomplices in this crime Sumi. And you were definitely freaking out. Don''t deny it, remember I can see right through you to your true feelings.


    Her heart jumped at that, but she quickly recovered as she reminded herself that he didn''t mean the confusing feelings she was experiencing lately. She sighed and typed...


    You started it by messaging me first! So if they ask I''ll say you made me!


    That''s not nice Sumi...but as long as you don''t make it obvious that you''re on your phone no one will know. P.s. if they do catch us I''ll just use my charm to get us out of trouble.


    I''m going to stop responding now...


    Haha. You''re so cute sometimes. Don''t pretend that you don''t appreciate my talents.


    Natsumi felt her cheeks heat up and her heart skipped when she imagined him calling her cute. She shook her head and frowned at her phone, then as if he could see...


    You''re frowning right now aren''t you? Come on Sumi, smile for me.


    I wasn''t frowning!


    Liar.


    I''m not lying! How rude!


    Right...just like how you were going to stop responding?


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    I am...as of right now...


    Alright.


    Alright what?...Ryuu? Hello?


    Haha! You are too easy Sumi! But I suppose that''s what I love about you. Just like you love that I''m so entertaining.


    Your definition of entertaining sounds a lot like the real definition of annoying.


    That wasn''t a no.


    Argh! Seriously Ryuu we''re going to get caught!


    *sigh* Fine mom... I''ll meet you after class like normal. Later Sumi.


    Good...bye Ryuu.


    Natsumi closed her phone, a smile on her face as she subtly slipped it back into her pocket. He was so impossible sometimes, but he was right about one thing...She did love that he could always make her smile no matter how she was feeling before.


    <hr>


    "I think my brain is going to split in two." Sumi moaned as they walked down the hall towards the lockers. It was final day of midterms and now they had a short break over the weekend to recover. Ryuu grinned down at her as she held her head between two fingers.


    "How do you think you did?" He asked and she sighed, but there was a gentle smile on her face as she glanced up at him.


    "I think I''ll pass. Maybe not at the top this time though." She giggled and he laughed along with her. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and pulled her against him.


    "It''s okay Sumi. Even if you lose your title of ''Perfect Pet'' I''ll still keep you around."


    "You better! If I thought you were only using me for my brains I''d be really hurt. Plus I''d be tempted to punch you in the stomach for it." She huffed and he chuckled at the way she pouted at him. He pulled her closer and leaned close to her ear, telling himself that it was to make the pink leak into her cheeks.


    "Trust me Sumi...I keep you around for a lot more than that odd brain of yours."


    "Well g-good. But don''t get any ideas mister. You promised that you weren''t going anywhere and I''m holding you to that."


    "I remember what I said...I meant it then and now. You''re stuck with me until you die." He whispered into her ear, feeling the shiver that ran through her. He raised a brow at that and watched as she quickly pulled out of his hold and averted her eyes.


    "I am so looking forward to these next few days! I feel like I could sleep for a week after all those late night sessions." She laughed and he straightened with a smile once more, placing his free hand in his pocket. Although he wished that it was still resting on Sumi''s shoulder. After they switched out their shoes and started walking to the front Sumi spoke up again.


    "So what are your plans this weekend? I was kinda serious about that two day nap." She laughed and he rolled his eyes as he glanced down at her.


    "I''m not sure. Maybe I''ll crash at your place again." He teased and she snorted while giving him one of her reproachful looks. Honestly, they didn''t intimidate him, but she was so adorable when she made them that he never told her this.


    "Don''t you think you should ask before just deciding to move in?"


    "Mom wouldn''t mind. I''ll just kick you out of your room." He laughed and she pouted more, shoving him playfully. He laughed and pushed her back with his elbow, knocking her a few steps to the side. She glared up at him, but he only grinned wider. She used both hands this time and managed to knock him off balance. But he also managed to grab her wrist and pull her after him. He fell back and landed with a grunt, followed by a second as Sumi landed on his chest.


    He laughed as she scrambled off of him with a dark glare directed his way. He was glad they had landed on a soft patch of grass, but knew his butler wouldn''t be as amused. She sat back on her legs and continued to frown at him as he lay in the grass laughing and holding his stomach.


    "How old are you!?" She shook her head, fighting the smile lifting her lips as she stared down at him. He was still laughing as he lifted himself up as well, the sudden movement bringing their noses close, almost touching as his eyes locked with hers.


    "You started it when you pushed me." He chuckled and she giggled, shaking her head once more. He noticed a leaf stuck in her hair and instantly reached up to grab it. His eyes were on the leaf, but her sudden indrawn breath made him glance down. Sumi''s cheeks were flushed bright once more and her eyes had widened as she looked up at him. He didn''t move right away as he took in the full details of her large eyes as they watched him warily.


    He pulled the leaf from her hair and let it fall back to the ground, but he didn''t pull his arm back. Instead he lowered it slowly, his hand pressing between her shoulder blades, pulling her closer. She jumped at the contact and he felt a strange jolt run through his arm. What was this? Why did he have the sudden urge to draw her nearer...even stronger than the other night during their chess game.


    He frowned down at her as this strange feeling consumed him. It had been weak at first, but recently it had increased. He was starting to notice things about Sumi that made him feel different about their relationship. He wanted to have her closer to him than she was already. When he had held her that night, he had a sudden urge to never let go. What was this feeling and why did it make him feel strangely possessive when it came to this girl? And when did he start noticing that she was in fact a girl, a very pretty one at that? Why was he feeling like something was changing between them. And why did it worry him?


    "R-Ryuu...Wh-What are you doing?" She whispered and it snapped him out of the trance he had been under. He blinked and his usual grin returned as he pulled back slightly.


    "Just checking for injuries...Although I think I broke your fall this time Miss Kimoto. But as your doctor I think you need to start being less clumsy." He teased and she pushed against his chest, growling.


    "You grabbed my wrist! I wouldn''t have fallen if you hadn''t! And you''re not a doctor yet!" She huffed and he chuckled as he pushed himself to his feet and held his hand out to help her up. She took it without hesitation, which made him happy and he pulled her to her feet. But he didn''t let go of her hand as he pulled her along after him.


    "I will be one day though...and when I am, I''ll have my hands full with you as my patient." He said and she snorted, trying to pull her hand back, but he tightened his hold. He wasn''t sure why, but at this moment he wanted to keep the contact between them.


    "How do you know I won''t just find a different physician?" She asked with a raised brow and he grinned as he shifted their hands, lacing his fingers with hers. He chuckled when her cheeks brightened once more. But even he hadn''t expected the words to roll off his tongue.


    "Because no one can take care of you like I can Sumi."

 Interview Answers

    Natsumi rang up the customers with her usual bright smile and waved them off as they left the shop. She sighed and brushed her hair off her shoulder as she looked around at the last few shoppers straggling about. She only had another hour and then Ryuu would be walking in. She smiled involuntarily at the thought of him. He was still adamant about walking her home, but now he also made a habit of crashing there. Mom didn''t mind and Natsumi thought it was better than him going back home so late. He left his spare uniform for when he did and they had school the next day. Mom always washed his other one and it seemed that he just rotated the two constantly.


    "He really has moved in without asking." She giggled as she straightened up the counter.


    "What was that Kimoto?" Mr. Himoto asked from his seat near her. Natsumi looked over and smiled, but didn''t answer. Last thing she needed was to fuel his wild imagination about her and her best friend. Not that it would really change anything. Mr. Himoto was still positive that Ryuu felt more towards her than friendship.


    "Mmhmm..." He hummed, indicating that he didn''t believe her for a second. She sighed and rolled her eyes before returning her attention to a woman approaching the counter. As she worked her mind wandered to Ryuu again. It was their winter break after semester finals and she had hoped to spend more time with Ryuu during the two weeks they had off. But she had only really seen him twice. Which explained why she was secretly excited to see him today when he texted that he''d still be there to walk her home. Her feelings towards Ryuu were just as jumbled as before and she was desperately trying to deny the fact that they were moving past friendship.


    She tried to suppress them, but the time apart had made her feel lonely and only intensified her need to be around him, confirming the inevitable. She was falling in love with her best friend. When she went over the reasons she shouldn''t, they were logical and sound, but then his smiling face would appear in her mind''s eye and all logic fled. No matter how she scolded herself and tried to push the feelings back, they were strong and unbending. She was falling for Ryuu with every second that passed and nothing was going to stop her stupid heart from wanting him to return her feelings. But that wasn''t possible...Ryuu was just her best friend and she was sure that her feelings would only complicate things between them. She would just have to be satisfied having him in her life at all.


    She helped the next three shoppers when Mr. Himoto suddenly burst out laughing. The man she was helping jumped, not used to Mr. Himoto''s eccentrics like Natsumi was. She finished ringing him up and handed him his change then turned to look at her boss. Surprised to see that he was already staring at her with a knowing smirk.


    "What did you read this time sir?" She asked and he chuckled as he lifted his stout frame from his chair and walked over to her. He held out the magazine in his hand while saying,


    "Why don''t you let me run the register for a bit. I think there''s something in here that you''ll enjoy." He said and she frowned as she looked down at the gossip magazine now in her hands.


    "Thanks but...I''m not really into this sort of-"


    "You might want to reconsider. Oh and Natsumi..." He waited until she was looking at him again before his smile widened and he held up his thumb.


    "Your boyfriend could be a model with those looks. Don''t let him get away anytime soon."


    "He''s not my-wait Ryuu''s in here!?" She shouted and instantly began to flip through the magazine, ignoring her boss'' laughter. She sank down into the chair he had previously been in and finally found the article he had mentioned. It was a full spread and the title read ''Gaining the Exec''s Heart'' Natsumi rolled her eyes at that. She wondered why Ryuu would agree to do an interview like this, but then again, considering who his father was there may have been no choice. Curious she looked over the rest of the page.


    In the center was a full photo of Ryuu and despite things it made her blush slightly. He was dressed formal in a nice suit that fit his athletic build perfectly. There were smaller photos near certain questions and in each he wore a professional smile, except one. This one looked like he had forgotten where he was as his eyes darted to the side and had the smile she had seen during their time together so often. It was his honest smile, one that only Natsumi and her family usually saw. Curious she looked at the question next to it.


    Q: What''s the first thing you notice about the girls around you?


    Young Yoshida got a strange look in his eyes at that question, almost like he was sharing some unknown secret with our camera.


    A: Their eyes I guess. My grandfather used to say you could read a lot in someone''s eyes about who they really are.


    It seemed like a simple Q&A with only a few notes from the interviewer. She read over them, knowing that they would be the usual ''What type of girl do you like'' like the first one she read...But she was surprised by the responses that Ryuu gave to a few.


    Q: What''s the most important quality you look for in a romantic partner?


    A: That she knows the real me...


    Q: What do you mean by that?


    A: She has to accept the way I am when no one''s looking...She sees me at my weakest and at my most open of moments...but never judges me...just accepts who I am completely.


    I think in this moment Mr. Yoshida was talking about someone in particular. It just seemed too specific to be a normal response. Could it be that the young man already has his eyes on someone?


    Q: What''s your idea of the perfect date?


    Ladies pay attention to this! After laughing he responds with-


    A: Probably just a quiet night in. Just the two of us talking and playing a game of chess...I''m quite good so she''d have to be able to keep up.


    Q: So you want a girl who''s smart?


    A: I think that intellect is more important than looks, yes. A girl should be judge for more than her pretty face.


    Hearing this, I wish I was ten years younger! Young Yoshida is such a sweetheart and any girl would be lucky to have him!


    Q: I''m sure our readers would like to know...Is there a special girl in your life right now?


    There was a pause here as if he was trying to figure it out himself.


    A: Of course. But not in the way you mean.


    Q: Oh? So you haven''t confessed to her?


    A: It''s not really like that...This girl...she means a lot to me, but we''re just friends right now.


    Q: Right now!? So does that mean you''re hoping something changes in the near future?


    I never thought I''d see the day, but Ryuu Yoshida actually blushed! I guess that''s a firm yes even though he dodged the question and we had to move on...But whoever this mystery girl is, she sure is a lucky one.


    She stared blankly at the page as her mind whirled uncontrollably and her heart began to pound fiercely in her chest. Was it possible that he meant...no it was just a coincidence. It was just a silly interview that didn''t mean anything! She firmly slammed the mental door on her thoughts as well as the magazine. She shook her head and told herself that it was some gossip and they had probably changed things to make it seem more exciting anyways. She stood up and started to return the magazine to the rack when Mr. Himoto waved his hand.


    "Why don''t you take that one with you?"


    "Why would I-"


    "Could make for some interesting reading later." He said with a sparkle in his eyes. Natsumi recognized that look and sighed, flipping her hair back as she pouted.


    "You''re not going to let it go and make me take this aren''t you?"


    "What a good employee you are. Always listening to your boss and heeding his advice." He laughed and she slumped over, shaking her head in exasperation. But she tucked the magazine into her bag, deciding that she would give it to her mom later, since she was more interested in this kind of thing. Maybe~ she should take out the story on Ryuu first though. She already heard enough about the guy as it was without her mother gushing further.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    The tinkling of the bell caused her to turn her head and she gave a small wave to Ryuu as he strolled in. He greeted Mr. Himoto who returned the smile and sent Natsumi a wink, making her groan.


    "Ready Sumi?" He asked and she nodded as she took off her apron and hung it up. She grabbed her bag, following behind Ryuu as she waved goodnight to Mr. Himoto. He mouthed something to her like ''good luck'' and she rolled her eyes again.


    <hr>


    Natsumi sat at her desk as she finished up the last of her homework. Just as she expected Ryuu had invited himself to stay the night, not that anyone was bothered by it. He was taking a shower and she took the moment to retrieve the magazine and stash it until he left. However her brain decided that it wanted one more peek before she discarded it. She flipped it open and sat on the edge of her bed. She reread over the questions that had caught her off guard and wondered if they really were about her.


    "Hey Sumi, the shower''s free-What''s that?" Ryuu asked as he toweled his hair dry. He was wearing the flannel pants and black T-shirt that he always wore to bed when he stayed over. She tried to hide it, but he must have recognized the cover because he groaned and covered his eyes with the towel.


    "That stupid interview...I never should have said yes..."


    "Why did you?" She asked and he muttered under his breath as he moved further into the room and sat on the chair at her desk.


    "My father''s PA said that he wanted me to do it. That it would be good publicity for my dad. But had I known the details involved I would have declined." He growled and Natsumi giggled as she looked down at the magazine and the snapshots of him. She gave him a sly grin and he raised a brow.


    "I think you should be more worried about the fact that they got your bad side." She teased and he narrowed his eyes.


    "What are you talking about?" He asked and she laughed as she flipped it around to show him the pictures.


    "This one here in particular...I think you should give up your dreams of modeling." She laughed and his eye twitched before he made a grab for the article. She pulled it back, still laughing as she continued to tease him.


    "Come on Ryuu! Admit it! You secretly want to be in magazines like this so you can be hounded by thousands of adoring fans!" She shrieked as he jumped out of the chair and grabbed for the magazine. She lifted up her foot and pressed it to his chest, holding him back as she kept the thing just out of reach.


    "If I ask nicely can I have your autograph?"


    "Keep pushing Sumi, find out what happens." He growled as he grunted from the kick she placed on his chest to knock him back, keeping the other still at the center. She giggled and stuck her tongue out.


    "I''m not scared of a pretty boy like you."


    "Really?" He asked with a sudden smirk and her eyes widened when the hand that had been reaching for the article suddenly latched onto the leg that was connected to his chest. He held her ankle captive and with his other hand began to tickle her behind her knee. She let out a shrill laugh as she uncontrollably wiggled in hopes of being freed. In between bursts of laughter she shouted,


    "Stop! R-Ryuu! Ohmygod! I live with a bunch of traitors! Stop! Ryuu I can''t breathe!"


    Now he was laughing too and Natsumi cursed whichever family member had mentioned her weakest point. He didn''t let up until she was gasping with tears in her eyes and she finally shouted.


    "Okay! Okay you win! Here!" She cried and held out the magazine. The attack instantly subsided and Ryuu snatched up the article, laughing at her still. She held her stomach as it was slightly cramping from laughing so hard. She took in deep breaths and silently glared at him. He chuckled and sat on the edge of her bed. With a groan she pushed herself up so that she was sitting beside him, one leg bent towards her.


    "You''re so mean." She whined and he grinned at her before bopping her on the head lightly with the now rolled up magazine. He winked at her and chuckled,


    "Serves you right for reading this trash. It''ll rot your brain."


    "I thought that was television?" She grumbled, rubbing the top of her head.


    "Nope. Gossip mags." He laughed and she did too before flopping over in exhaustion, still out of breath. Her head fell onto his shoulder and she felt him stiffen for a minute before he relaxed and his arm moved behind her back to support her. She hummed as the warmth from his shower surrounded her.


    "You know that now all the girls at school are going to give you an even harder time." She mumbled and he looked down at her head confused.


    "Why?" He asked and she giggled as she sat up again so she could look at him.


    "You mentioned things about what you look for in a girl. Now they''re all going to use it to attract you to them." She teased and he rolled his eyes. He glanced to the side away from her and she wasn''t sure, but it looked like there was a trace of pink behind his ears.


    "They''d be wasting their time. I lied on one of the questions." He muttered and Sumi tilted her head as she shifted and sat on her knees, trying to peek at his face.


    "Which one?" She said leaning closer.


    "When they asked what I first notice about the girls around me..." He grumbled and she leaned even closer, supporting herself with her hands now too as she tried to see what his expression looked like.


    "Ryuu?" She didn''t expect him to swing around so suddenly and their foreheads smacked into each other. Both groaned and covered the red spots as they pulled away from each other.


    "Ah Sumi...What the hell?"


    "You''re the one who turned around so suddenly!" She growled and he smirked at her.


    "Who was practically crawling into my lap?" He teased and she blushed as she stuck her tongue at him and denied it loudly. Ryuu laughed as she continued shouting at him and moved before she could block him. His hand covered her mouth and her muffled protests resounded against his palm. He grinned as she glared at him, never knowing how cute she looked at that moment. Ryuu''s smile softened and he slowly removed his hand once she stopped shouting at him.


    "You''re a lot cuter when you behave Sumi." He teased and placed his fingers under her chin, lifting it slightly. She flushed brighter, sending him a look that could kill, but he only smirked back. Touching her like this was becoming more natural to him and over the last few days when he hadn''t been able to spend as much time with her he realized why. Which reminded him of the lie he had told the interviewer. He sighed softly and his fingers left her chin. She noticed the look in his eyes and tilted her head which made her eyes sparkle in the low light. He felt his chest tighten and growled in annoyance, losing control.


    "Ryuu wha-" He cut her off and pulled her against him in a tight hug. Her face was pressed into his shoulder as his arms held her firmly. She muffled a protest again, but he didn''t release her. Instead he lowered his own head to rest on her shoulder.


    Her struggles stopped at the contact as her heart flipped in her chest as his scent invaded her. What was going on? She felt her cheeks heating again and her heart felt like she had just ran a mile. Stranger thing was that because she was pressed so tightly against him, she could feel how hard Ryuu''s heart was also beating. Her previously confusing thoughts came back in full force. Why was Ryuu clinging to her so suddenly and almost desperately? Was it because he felt more for her than friendship like she did for him?


    No! She was jumping to conclusions again and it would only land her in trouble...But his grip felt different for some reason that she couldn''t place. She wanted to ask, but not only was her voice muffled by his shoulder, her throat was suddenly dry. She jumped when his soft voice broke through her frantic thoughts.


    "It wouldn''t matter if the girls at school tried to catch my attention because they''re missing the most important part..." He whispered and finally pulled away from her so that he could look into her eyes once more. She knew that her entire face was red because he smiled teasingly at her and whispered,


    "You look like a strawberry right now..." But before she could make a retort he placed his finger against her lips, robbing her of her voice. He continued,


    "They don''t know the real answer to that question." His finger left her lips and that hand slid along her cheek as it cupped her face gently and tilted it towards his again.


    "Sumi...the first thing I notice about other girls is that they aren''t you." He whispered and her eyes widened as her heart stopped for a second. Was that...did he mean...is this...Her mind couldn''t focus as his dark crimson eyes held her captive in their depths. Was it just her imagination again or was he leaning closer? No, this time she was sure of it. There was no mistake. He was definitely leaning towards her, bringing his lips closer to hers. She stopped breathing as his warm breath tickled her soft lips and he whispered,


    "Sumi...I think I''m fal-"


    "Knock, knock. Sumi, Ryuu it''s time for-Oh my!" Her mom stopped short as she covered her mouth and the two jumped apart. All three were bright with embarrassment, but none more so than Natsumi. She was shaking on her spot of the bed as her heart beat frantically in her chest to keep her conscious.


    "Ahem...Well...Ryuu dear. As much as I want you for a son-in-law...I''m afraid that it''s late and you both need to sleep." Her mom said with a glint in her eyes. Natsumi groaned at her mom and covered her face in mortification.


    "It''s not like that! We were just...um we were..." She stumbled over what to say as she peeked through her fingers at Ryuu. Although his cheeks were still pink he had that slanted grin on his face. He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck as he got off the bed.


    "Guess I''ve teased Sumi enough for the night Mom. I''ll see you both in the morning, night." He said as he headed for the door. Natsumi''s mouth fell open. Was all of that just him teasing her? She narrowed her eyes and grabbed one of her pillows hurling it through the air and striking him in the back of the head.


    "Hey!"


    "Natsumi!" Ryuu and her mom shouted at once, but her mom was also laughing behind her hand as she then watched the two begin their normal bickering.


    "What was that for?"


    "For being a jerk and teasing me like that!"


    "Then don''t make it so easy! And it was revenge for making fun of that interview!"


    This continued for several more minutes so that neither noticed as her mom slip out of the room as she sighed,


    "Ah young love. It''s so beautiful."

 Christmas Party

    "That''s great. Thank you so much for this...Okay we''ll see you then. Yes!" Natsumi cheered as soon as she hung up the phone. Her brother glanced up from the book he was reading and smiled.


    "So they said yes?"


    "Yup. Thanks for helping me Hiro. I wouldn''t have known the routes to take without you telling me who to talk to."


    "No problem. I''m sure Ryuu-san will be surprised." He said offhandedly as his eyes dropped back to the book in front of him. Natsumi felt her cheeks heating and hummed as she thought of what had happened the last time she saw him. The two hadn''t gotten together again since that night, only sending the occasional text to check in. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve though so Natsumi was running out of time. Natsumi had wanted to spend the holiday with her best friend and kept attempting to invite him over. But each time she did she would get embarrassed and delete the message.


    "Sumi, I think I''m fal-"


    What had he been about to say!? Was it what she thought or had he really just been teasing her? She needed an answer, but was too afraid to bring it up and Ryuu apparently didn''t care to discuss it either. He had made no mention of the other night, remaining his usual annoying self. Natsumi sighed as she closed the door to her room and walked over, flopping down on the bed. She closed her eyes and replayed that moment over in her mind for the thousandth time.


    The way he had been holding her, the warmth of his breath tickling her...It was all still so vivid in her mind. She instantly felt her face heating and pulled a pillow to bury it in as she felt the same longing tighten in her chest. She would be lying if she said she wasn''t disappointed that her mom had interrupted them. She felt like an idiot, but there was no point in trying to pretend otherwise now. She wanted Ryuu to kiss her and wondered how it would feel to have his lips on hers.


    She groaned and pressed her red face further into the pillow when she heard a familiar ringtone fill her room. She peeked out from her pillow, slowly lifting herself up and grabbing for it. She swallowed and then after taking another steadying breath she flipped it open and answered.


    "Ryuu?"


    "Hey you." His voice caressed her ears and she was so glad he wasn''t there to see her shiver, god she was so stupid.


    "Hi. What''s up? You don''t usually call." She said, happy that at least her voice was the same. She heard him clear his throat as he hesitated to answer. That caused her brow to rise in curiosity as she could almost feel him grow nervous on the other side.


    "Yeah...about that...don''t hang up until I finish okay?" He said and she felt her heart skip, suddenly worried about his next words. He cleared his throat again and whispered,


    "What are you doing tomorrow night?"


    "What?" She asked confused. That had not been what she was expecting.


    "Tomorrow night...I was hoping...well...there''s this Christmas party that my father''s company is hosting, but he''s overseas on a trip. So, when he can''t go...usually I do...but...um...I was hoping that this time...you''d go with me." He finished and as relief filled her at the fact that nothing was wrong, she also acknowledged that Ryuu was cute when he stumbled over his words. She felt herself smile again as she giggled.


    "This is why you called? You could have just told me over text." She said and was happy when he chuckled too and could imagine him rubbing the back of his head.


    "It would have been an essay...the other thing is that it''s a formal party. So...you''d need to dress the part." He said and her calm heartbeat picked up again. So...if she went...she''d get to see Ryuu in a suit in person!? Wait! But then he''d see her in a dress!


    "Uh...I don''t know Ryuu...I''m not sure I would fit in." She mumbled and he laughed again and it surprised her at his obvious amusement.


    "Of course not Sumi. Remember that''s the best part about you. And also the reason I don''t want to be there alone. I''d rather be with you." He said and Natsumi bit her lip, still not so sure about this.


    "Sumi?" He asked and she groaned.


    "I''m gonna have to say no. Ryuu, you can''t think it''ll be okay to show up with someone like me...Remember what you told me about the people in your world¡­" She said, a bit depressed as she vocalized the one thing that had been bothering her when it came to her feelings for Ryuu. They were still from two different circles after all. He sighed and his soft voice touched her heart.


    "You''re the only one in my world that matters though¡­"


    The silence stretched as neither said anything after that. Natsumi shifted around awkwardly as she scrambled for a way to put things back the way they were before. But she couldn''t think of a teasing comment to that. Ryuu sighed again and then chuckled.


    "I didn''t want to do it this way but...If you won''t readily accept than I''ll use that promised prize now." He said and she jumped, frowning.


    "Huh?"


    "Ah come on Sumi. Don''t tell me you forgot about a certain bet we made." He teased and her frown deepened.


    "I didn''t make-"


    "What do I get if I win?" He laughed and realization hit her. Field Day. He had asked her jokingly when he was heading for his race. She had responded with whatever he wanted, but he had never mentioned anything after that.


    "Wait a minute Ryuu! That doesn''t-"


    "Don''t try to worm out of it Sumi. You said ''whatever I want'' so I''m collecting on that tomorrow." He laughed and she fumed further, trying to talk her way out of it.


    "Sumi¡­" As it always did when he softly said her name like that, it made her quiet down and listen.


    "Stop being so stubborn. I really want to spend Christmas Eve with you. I won''t be able to unless you go to the party with me. Please Sumi." He said and she closed her eyes, falling back on the bed in defeat.


    "Fine." She mumbled and could practically feel his smile through the phone.


    "Great! It''s a date then."


    She shot up, but the line had already cut as he hung up. Her eyes widened as her hand trembled, still holding the silent phone to her ear. Why? Why did he have to say things like that so casually!? He wasn''t making figuring out her thoughts and feelings any easier. She grumbled about him being an idiot when her mom slid open her bedroom door.


    "Natsumi honey. This just arrived for you." She said and held out a long, white box tied with a pink ribbon. Natsumi tilted her head as she took the gift from her mom and sat it on her lap as she opened it. Something wrapped in tissue was nestled inside the package and a small white card was sitting in the center. She picked up the card first and sighed as she recognized the writing, even if he hadn''t signed the card, she would know who it''s from.


    Because I knew you''d agree I had one of my staff pick this up for you ahead of time. I''ll be there at seven. -Ryuu.


    Natsumi moved the tissue aside and shook her head with a small smile. She really stood no chance against this guy. She was going to continue to fall for him, no matter how frustrating or annoying he was. She laughed and looked up at her mom, who was looking at the gift curiously.


    "Hey mom. Can I ask you for a favor?"


    <hr>


    Ryuu walked up to the door like normal, but for some reason he felt more nervous than usual. It was worse than when he had finally forced himself to call her. He hadn''t expected to feel that kind of elation at hearing her voice again. Lord knows how it was going to be to see her again after that night. What had gotten into him? He still didn''t have an answer for that, but the things he had felt were still lingering in his mind. He could still feel her soft skin against the palm that had cupped her cheek.


    After they had been interrupted; and he thanked Mom again for saving him from making an ass of himself, he had lain awake on the couch. For most of the night he had thought of how it had felt to hold Sumi so close in his arms. How right it had felt to have her surround his senses and to pull her even closer. In that moment of weakness he had almost revealed too much and had quickly tried to retract it.


    However...there was no denying the truth any longer. What he had almost told her, was the same thing he had realized during that damn interview. Every question the woman had asked him had made him think of Sumi. Of how it felt to be with her, how she was starting to consume all his thoughts. It was when the reporter asked that question that it had finally dawned on him.


    "What''s the first thing you notice about the girls around you?"


    ''They''re not Sumi.'' When that thought had popped into his mind he had been struck cold with what that truly meant. Sumi was the only girl he noticed now because...


    "I''ve fallen in love with her." He sighed and ran his hand through his hair, taking a calming breath so she wouldn''t be able to tell that he wasn''t himself. He rapped on the door a few times, having sent a text that he was heading up so she would be ready. He stepped back and put his hands in his pockets, feeling a sharp corner press into his palm.


    When he heard the door open he turned to greet her, but his mouth just fell open with no words coming out. His heart tripled in speed as he took in the girl before him. Sumi...his Sumi...was more beautiful than he ever imagined she could be. The dress the maid had picked out was perfect and he made a mental note to give her a bonus. It was a soft pastel pink that hugged her slender body perfectly and fell gently to her knees. It''s spaghetti straps left her shoulders and arms bare and he felt his hands itching to reach for her, but he held back.


    The most surprising part of her tonight and what had caught him off guard was her hair. He had never realized that brown hair was so appealing before. She always had it up in a high ponytail, but tonight she let it fall to the middle of her back. It was curled slightly and one side was swept up with a lily hairpin. He felt his mouth dry as her bright eyes looked up at him nervously and she gave him a timid smile. For once in his life, Ryuu was at a loss for words. Sumi was absolutely glowing before him and he felt his feelings only grow stronger as he took her in.


    He continued to stand there and stare until she shifted and averted her eyes, snapping him out of his thoughts. He shook his head gently and smiled down at her, genuinely happy that she had agreed to come with him.


    "You look great Sumi." He whispered, startled at how hoarse his voice was. He cleared his throat and noticed how her cheeks brightened. She reached up and fiddled with a strand of hair nervously.


    "I don''t wear dresses often...I feel so weird...and Mom had to help me with my hair...I feel so out of place...everyone is going to stare at me." She mumbled and he chuckled as he reached out and grabbed the hand fidgeting with her hair, making her look up at him again.


    "If they stare it''ll be because they''ve never seen someone so beautiful before." He whispered and she sputtered, pulling her hand from his. She gave him a glare and snorted.


    "Don''t tease me right now Ryuu. It''s your fault I''m so nervous, dragging me to a party like this." She mumbled and he chuckled, placing his hand on her elbow and pulling her after him.


    "Sorry. You know I can''t help but tease¡­" Even though he hadn''t been.


    "And I''ll make it up to you. Just don''t think about it too much Sumi. Enjoy tonight and nothing else matters." He said and was pleased when she settled down a bit and gave him one of her smiles. She nodded and followed him down to his car. He helped her in as she stumbled a little in the heels she was wearing. Strappy, white heels that made her feet look even smaller than usual.


    "Sorry I didn''t send shoes...but I couldn''t just ask you what size you were." He mumbled and she laughed before giving him a strange look.


    "Then how did you get the dress size right?"


    He smirked and held up his finger to his lips, giving her a playful wink.


    "That''s going to remain my little secret for now." He laughed at the pout she made as they began to head for the venue. That did remind him though to thank Hiro later for giving him the information the other night.


    <hr>


    Natsumi''s eyes widened as the car pulled up infront of a large hotel. She could see people walking up to the front and a mirage of flashing lights. She swallowed nervously as she realized that they were photographers for magazines and newspapers. She hadn''t been expecting to see them and knew that people would instantly notice she was with the Ryuu Yoshida, the company president''s son. She should have thought about this and fought him harder. A gentle hand on her shoulder jolted her from her thoughts and she glanced over at Ryuu who was giving her a reassuring smile.


    "Relax Sumi...I''ll be right there with you." He said and she could only nervously nod. He waited until the driver opened the door and got out before her. He turned back and held out his hand, that same smile on his face. The one that filled her heart with so much happiness, because only she saw it. She took a deep breath and then placed her hand in his, hearing the instant buzz as everyone realized someone else was stepping out with the young man they had been waiting for. She had to blink a few times as the camera flashes blinded her.


    At her hesitation, Ryuu pulled her hand and wrapped it over his arm, keeping his other hand firmly on top of hers. She looked up to see that his eyes had never left her, the sight of his red eyes managed to calm her enough that they could start for the entrance. She was so thankful that she didn''t stumble, but that could have been because Ryuu kept his hand over hers, offering his strength. She sighed in relief when they walked through the double doors and left the sea of reporters behind.


    As she followed next to Ryuu she took the time to admire him once more. She had been even more shocked to see him dressed so formally than she had thought. No amount of mental preparation could have fully prepared her. He was incredibly handsome and it made her insides quiver nervously. The red dress shirt he wore made his orange hair stand out more and the crimson in his eyes more pronounced. The jacket he wore over it only showed how well he was built and how tall he was, making her feel so small, even in heels.


    Ryuu led her through the hallway to a banquet hall that had been decorated for the large gathering. Natsumi gasped as she looked around the transformed room as it glittered before her eyes. It was a very large room with a high ceiling, large pane windows that led out to a terrace and spiral pillars lining either side of the hall. She looked out at the collection of guests and noted how their auras seemed so much more sophisticated than she was used to. She instinctively felt herself shrink back until the hand over hers gave her a small squeeze.


    "Don''t think about them Sumi. You''re here as my personal guest...that makes you more important than anyone else in attendance." He said in a low voice so that only she could hear. She felt a semblance of peace at his words, but couldn''t help the worry that still lingered. He led her further into the throng of people. It wasn''t long before the two of them were approached by some of the guests, each wanting to greet Ryuu and speak of the company''s prosperity. She stood silent as the people looked right over her and focused on Ryuu.


    "Thank you for coming." Ryuu said politely and the men in suits surrounding them grinned brightly and began responding one by one.


    "It is a pleasure. I was hoping to speak with your father this evening, but I''m sure you''ll tell him how the night progressed."


    "I will." Ryuu''s clipped reply sounded irritated to Natsumi, but the other men didn''t catch it.


    "Young Yoshida, you are becoming the spitting image of your father. He has to be happy to have a son such as you. We are all looking forward to the day you begin your work for the company."


    "Indeed. Having such a brilliant mind on staff will push our company even further in the near future."


    "Then you can do the Yoshida name proud."


    "I will do my best." Ryuu muttered and she felt the arm she held tense.


    "Be sure to tell your father how we all look forward to another prosperous year with him and the company."


    "It is all thanks to your father that we are celebrating another great year filled with profits and closed deals."


    On and on it went. Endless praise as each hoped to get Ryuu to take notice of them and acknowledge their efforts. It was the saddest thing Natsumi saw and she started to understand the loneliness Ryuu came from better. The entire time Natsumi observed Ryuu and the composed way he handled each person that tried to drown him in praise. This was the Ryuu that the world saw most of the time. Polite smile and reserved answers were what they all received and it gave Natsumi a clue as to why Ryuu said he appreciated her honesty so much. It didn''t take much to see that everyone was trying to get into Ryuu''s good graces in order to gain favor with his father.


    This book is hosted on another platform. Read the official version and support the author''s work.


    When they were finally left alone for a few minutes Ryuu brought her a drink. It was in a tall flute and bubbled slightly. She raised a brow at the glass and Ryuu chuckled at the face she was making as he took a small sip of his own drink.


    "Relax weirdo. It''s cider." He teased and she huffed as she took a small drink, appreciating the way it cooled her parched throat. She looked up at him with narrowed eyes as he laughed once more, that teasing glint in his eyes.


    "What were you thinking Sumi? That I would get you drunk and then record you acting strange and send it to people?"


    "That''s exactly what you would do." She grumbled and he placed his hand over his chest, pouting slightly at her.


    "That hurts."


    "Don''t deny it." She laughed loudly and his smile widened. When she noticed the way he was looking at her she tilted her head curiously. He caught her by surprise when he suddenly lifted up his hand and cupped her cheek, stroking it softly with his thumb.


    "There she is." He whispered, his eyes closing slightly as his gaze softened. She felt her cheeks heat at the contact, but didn''t pull back as she felt trapped by his touch.


    "Wh-Who?" She stuttered and his smile spread as he started to lean closer.


    "There''s my Sumi." He whispered as he moved even closer and she began to wonder if he was thinking of kissing her. But as before, she was left to wonder¡­


    "Yoshida! I wondered where you had wandered off to. Oh! Who''s the cutie?" A deep voice reached them and she heard Ryuu growl as he pulled back to face the person approaching them. Natsumi was shocked to see someone close to their own age, having expected it to be another employee of his father''s. But this boy seemed different as he sauntered over with an air of confidence about him that none of the others possessed. His blue eyes sparkling as they took her in. His blonde hair was swept to the left side and covered the corner of his eye before curling behind his ear. Ryuu turned to face the new arrival and she thought she saw a tick at the corner of his eye.


    "Taro...I didn''t realize you would be here. I''ll have to speak to my father''s secretary about limited invitations." Ryuu said in a clipped tone and it only made her wondered who the boy was more. Taro laughed at Ryuu''s serious tone and gave him a grin that resembled Ryuu''s so much.


    "That''s not a nice way to greet your cousin now is it. Always so serious Ryuu really...Anyways, I''m more interested in your little friend here." He said shifting his eyes to her once more. Natsumi felt her cheeks heat more at the intense stare he was giving her and felt Ryuu stiffen next to her. He indicated his hand towards her and made the introductions.


    "Taro, this is Natsumi Kimoto. Sumi, this is Taro Enomoto, my younger cousin." He said and Taro chuckled as he shook her hand briefly. His blue eyes seemed to be analysing her and she was reminded of her first encounter with Ryuu. The two were definitely related based on their calculating stares. Finally Taro smirked and nodded, as if approving.


    "It''s a pleasure to meet you Sumi-"


    "Natsumi...and don''t be so informal with her." Ryuu growled, but it only made Taro''s eyes flash brighter with amusement. He gave his cousin a tilted glance and hummed in thought.


    "I see no reason to be formal in this moment cousin. I''m sure your little friend wouldn''t mind, right Sumi?" He asked, seemingly enjoying the way Ryuu was grinding his teeth. Before she could say anything she jumped as a warmth spread across her side. She felt her face glow as Ryuu used the hand on her waist to pull her closer to his side.


    "Regardless Taro. I''m the only one allowed to call her Sumi...so don''t try it again." He warned, the cold glint in his eyes surprising even Taro. Her heart flipped and began to race beyond reason as she felt strangely happy at his obvious possessiveness in the face of his cousin. It was foolish and probably wrong, but she took so much joy in the fact that he seemed to be stating some sort of claim on her. Taro chuckled and held up his hands in surrender.


    "Alright, calm down Ryuu. I have no plans to chase what is obviously already taken¡­" He said and then smiled down at her again before fixing his blue eyes back on Ryuu, whose expression had not changed.


    "Speaking of Miss Kimoto though...The ol'' man wants to meet her." Taro said and Natsumi felt Ryuu tense beside her, the hand on her waist tightening slightly.


    "He''s here?" Ryuu asked and Taro nodded, smiling down at her as his eyes sparkled with mirth.


    "He noticed the two of you arrive. And since you''ve never brought along a date, he''s very curious. So he sent me over to bring you to him." Taro said and Ryuu snorted, applying pressure to the hand at her waist to steer her away from the other man.


    "I''m not someone he can just summon on a whim. And Sumi is no concern of his, you can tell him I said that too." Ryuu said as he walked them away. Natsumi cast a glance over her shoulder, expecting Taro to be upset. But the guy was simply smiling after them and sent her a quick wink before moving off again. Then she turned to look up at Ryuu.


    "Do you not get along with your cousin?" She asked and he jumped, glancing down at her and sighed.


    "Not exactly. I have nothing personal against Taro, but our personalities are polar opposites so we don''t blend well. He enjoys pushing my buttons and so I tend to avoid him." He explained and she hummed as she glanced around at the other guests before asking her next question.


    "Who was he talking about wanting to meet me?"


    "Nobody you should worry about...I didn''t realize he would be here." Ryuu muttered, but didn''t elaborate on that like he had with Taro. Natsumi didn''t want to push him and put him in a bad mood so instead she smiled up at him brightly and teased,


    "So are you planning on feeding me tonight or am I to starve?"


    That did the trick and his easy smile returned as he nodded, taking her over to the buffet tables set up for the night. They ate a small dinner together at a table set in the far corner, only being interrupted a few times as they ate. Ryuu sighed and smiled over at her.


    "See why I was so desperate for you to come tonight. I would have been going crazy at this point." He said and she giggled while nodding. She took a sip of her cider and looked around at everyone milling about the large room.


    "I never realized how many people were involved with your father''s company. It''s amazing and scary at the same time." She said and thought of how she really didn''t fit in with this crowd. She looked out over the people gathered their and the way they seemed to sparkle with a different aura. Was this the Ryuu she would never get close to? Her feelings for Ryuu were real, but how could she expect these people to accept someone like her. His hand covered hers suddenly and she swung back over to face him, seeing that he was looking at her closely.


    "Don''t do that¡­" He whispered as if reading her mind, making she jump.


    "Do what?" She mumbled while trying to avoid his gaze.


    "Don''t start doubting things...I told you Sumi...You are the only one that matters." He said as his eyes dropped and she felt her throat dry as his eyes rested on her lips. His thumb began to gently stroke the top of her hand, sending shivers down her arm. She jumped up suddenly, rattling the table and mumbling about needing the bathroom. Ryuu chuckled and pointed her in the right direction, asking if she wanted him to wait over there with her.


    "I''ll be fine." She said quickly and briskly walked away, hiding her red face as she hid inside the restroom. She immediately went to the sink and turned on the cold water, splashing a bit on her cheeks. She leaned over the sink and took in a deep breath. This was starting to get harder and harder. Every nerve in her body was on overdrive around Ryuu and if things continued this way she would end up blurting out her feelings for him by the end of the night.


    That was something she wasn''t ready to do yet. Especially since there was still a chance that Ryuu was just being his usual self and didn''t mean it the way she was interpreting. When she had calmed down again she turned off the tap and straightened her appearance. If she stayed hidden for too long Ryuu would worry. So she left the ladies room and began to walk back to him when a voice called out to her.


    "Excuse me miss."


    She turned to see an older man coming towards her. He was very tall and broad compared to other people she had met tonight and she swallowed nervously as she looked up at him. He was an older gentleman with grey hair and beard, but that didn''t lessen the intimidating aura around him. He caught her off guard when he offered her a reassuring smile.


    "Forgive me for calling out to you so suddenly, but I wanted to ask you something." He explained and she cast a nervous glance over her shoulder, praying that Ryuu would come help her. She heard the man chuckle and looked back up at him to see the smile had not left his face.


    "Relax little one. I was just curious on how you know Ryuu Yoshida? The two of you have been together all night." He asked. She sighed and lowered her gaze again. She should have known this would be what he wanted to talk about with her.


    "We go to the same school. Ry-Yoshida-san is my friend, so he invited me tonight." She said in a small voice and the man hummed in thought. When she expected him to start talking about Ryuu''s father as everyone else had, the man surprised her.


    "What do you think of Ryuu?"


    She looked up startled to see the man was grinning down at her, his blue eyes sparkling slightly at her confusion. She opened her mouth and sputtered a bit.


    "He''s...He''s very nice and...smart and¡­"


    "Young one, I know all this already. What I want to know is how you see the man." He asked and she blinked as the question ran through her head again.


    "Why would you want to know something like that?" She asked, voice laced with suspicion. He didn''t take offense though and simply chuckled as he held out his hand, palm up towards her.


    "Call it a personal investment in the boy. I''m just trying to gage what your involvement in his life will entail. Please don''t take offense. I would appreciate an honest answer though." He said and against her better judgment she found herself relaxing around this man and trusting his word. So she thought of the question he had posed again. She lifted her hands up to her chest, lacing the fingers as her gaze lowered. She felt a small smile tug at her lips as all her true feelings for her best friend came to the surface.


    "Ryuu is an amazing person once you get to know the real him. He puts out this cold exterior, but that''s just what''s expected of him. Underneath that is someone who wants to change the way people view him. His dreams are for the betterment of everyone and not for selfish desire. I look up to him greatly and hope that I can continue to support him in any way I can. Ryuu is a very important person to me." The last she said in a soft whisper. She jumped when a large hand fell on her shoulder, giving it a slight squeeze. She looked up to see the man beaming down at her.


    "I couldn''t be happier to know that someone cares so much about him. Just keep doing what you are Miss Kimoto and the two of you will have bright futures. Just make sure you keep that boy in line and don''t let him talk himself out of what he wants." The man said and then moved off, joining the crowd. Natsumi blinked, completely stunned as she watched him go. It was only when he was already out of sight that she realized something.


    "How did he know my name?"


    "Sumi!"


    She turned at the call to see an annoyed Ryuu walking towards her. He stopped when he was in front of her and frowned down at her. Then he surprised her by pulling her to him and wrapping his arms around her in a gentle hug.


    "Geez you weirdo...Don''t scare me like that. You were gone for so long I actually got worried." He mumbled and although she could hear the irritation in his voice, she was still pleased that he cared that much. He sighed and pulled back, smiling once again.


    "There''s going to be fireworks in a bit, come on." He said, taking her hand in his and pulling her after him. She looked around and noticed that people were heading for the open doors in order to watch the display from the terrace she had noted earlier. But Ryuu was pulling her in a different direction from everyone else.


    "Um Ryuu...shouldn''t we be going over there? Where are you going?" She asked and he grinned at her over his shoulder.


    "That''s a surprise Sumi." He said with his usual smirk and she rolled her eyes, but followed after him. He led them through another hallway and up a flight of stairs before coming to another set of french doors. He opened them to reveal a smaller balcony that was empty of people.


    "You can still see the fireworks and it''s less crowded." He said, pulling her out after him. Natsumi sighed as the night''s cool air brushed against her skin and she took in a deep breath. Appreciating the crispness after being in a crowded room for so long. She went over to the railing and placed her hands on the cold stone as she looked out at the night sky.


    "It''s so pretty tonight. You don''t usually see so many stars out. Oh!" She gasped as the first splash of color spread across the sky in front of her. The green fire was quickly followed by yellow and she found herself laughing as she watched the show, not realizing that she was being observed as well.


    <hr>


    Ryuu stood back from her, but off to the side so he could still see her profile. As the colors played across the sky and in her eyes he found his heart picking up again. It was like looking at a picture someone had seen before, but now it was surrounded by scenery that made it seem so much brighter. Her face glowed, and not just from the reflection of the fireworks. It was her radiating happiness that made her look so beautiful in that moment and Ryuu wondered if he could truly touch someone like her.


    It had been playing through his mind ever since that night he almost told her he was in love with her. His world was cold and looked down upon people ''below'' it. Although he didn''t see her that way, he knew that drawing her into his realm was opening his Sumi up to being hurt. She was strong, but he felt a desire to protect her from any possibilities. So he began to wonder if it would be better to keep his feelings to himself. He would be happy just to have her by his side as she was now. It shouldn''t be so hard to get this new feeling under control. He had practically perfected the art of hiding his emotions...until he met her.


    "Ryuu! Come over here!" Her calling his name broke him out of his thoughts and he focused back on her. She was facing him again with her beaming smile shining brighter than the lights behind her. He felt his breath catch again as the colors outlined around her and he felt himself being drawn to her. He moved until he was standing next to her, one hand on the railing and the other in his pocket. He was so tempted to wrap it around her tiny waist again as he had around Taro.


    He had done it without thinking, but afterwards had realized how nice it felt to hold her next to him. Making a small claim on her for others to see, even if he had no actual right to her. He looked up at the sky as they watched the show together, but found his gaze falling to her again. Finding her far more fascinating to watch than the exploding colors. Her eyes were shining in the night as they excitedly watched every moment of the display. He chuckled and pulled his hand out of his pocket, reaching out and grabbing a strand of her hair.


    She looked over as his fingers grazed her bare back and her cheeks darkened when she realized he was looking at her. He held the strand in his hand, letting the silky texture tickle his palm. His eyes locked with hers, admiring the way they reflected different colors, but still managed to outshine each one. He gave her a bright smile, let go of her hair and reached into his pocket, grabbing the box nestled inside.


    "I have something for you. I wasn''t sure if I should wait until tomorrow." He said and pulled out the present. Her eyes widened when she saw the pink square in his hand, held out towards her. She reached up tentatively with both hands and then gave him a hesitant look.


    "Can I open it now?"


    "I wouldn''t be giving it to you otherwise freak." He laughed and watched in anticipation as she untied the string and lifted the lid. Her small gasp made him smile as she reached in and pulled out the jeweled necklace. He had gotten it specially made with her in mind as he spoke with the jeweler. The strawberry was made out of a ruby, the green stem was emerald and the tiny seeds were diamonds. He wondered why he felt a little nervous as she continued to hold the necklace up, examining it closely. He cleared his throat and rubbed the back of his neck.


    "Well?" He mumbled and she blinked, seemingly coming out of her thoughts. Then she graced him with the widest smile he had ever seen, her eyes doubling in size as she held the gift over her heart.


    "I love it! Oh Ryuu thank you!" She gave him a sudden hug, knocking him back slightly, but stepping back before he could hold her. She turned her back to him and tried to clasp the item around her neck. He reached out and brushed her hair aside, taking the two ends from her fingers and quickly latching it in place. Once the necklace was settled and centered she turned back to him. Her eyes closed as she smiled brightly and his own eyes widened in realization. Looking at her right now hit him in the gut and made him come to terms with just how much he loved her.


    He could never be satisfied with just having her by his side, but not being able to touch her. He swallowed, moving before she opened her eyes again and he hesitated once more. One arm wrapped around her waist as the other slid along her cheek, tilting her face back. As his lips lightly pressed to hers he felt his body explode. They were even softer than he had imagined them to be. Kissing her felt like the final piece falling into place.


    <hr>


    Natsumi''s eyes popped open in surprise as her heart suddenly stopped. Ryuu''s warm lips held hers captive and her mind went blank as heat rushed through her. Soon she found her eyes sliding closed again and her fingers clung to his shirt, reveling in the sensation that flooded her. He pulled away slowly and the two opened their eyes at the same time, locking with one another again. She licked her lips, blushing as she could still feel the touch of his, and whispered,


    "Ryuu...what...why did¡­" But her mind couldn''t focus long enough to form a coherent sentence. She watched as Ryuu''s eyes seemed to be searching for something in hers and her heart flipped as a slow smile spread across his face. He pulled her closer and pressed his forehead to hers as he chuckled lightly.


    "I thought you were supposed to be the smart one Sumi...I''ve wanted to do that for awhile now...and to tell you¡­" He stopped as he pulled back so he could see her whole face once more. She was breathing rapidly now, waiting and hoping for the words to finally be said. Praying that he put her out of her misery. Her thoughts must have been apparent in her expression, because he chuckled again and reached up to brush her hair out of her eyes. His crimson orbs sucked her in until she was trapped, not that she was ever free when it came to him.


    "I''ve fallen in love with you Sumi...I don''t know exactly when, but it''s the truth. I don''t want to keep it a secret anymore...I love you and I want you to be a bigger part of my life than you already are." He whispered and she felt a sting in her eyes as tears began to form. Seeing them Ryuu reached up and brushed at the corner of her eye with his thumb, then he looked down at her intensely and she understood the question in his eyes. He was holding himself rigid and she giggled as she realized he was nervous, finding it extremely endearing. She leaned forward and rested her head against his chest as her hands slid back around his chest, hugging him to her.


    "I love you Ryuu...I''ve been in love with you for awhile now, but never thought...never thought you would feel the same." She whispered and felt his chest move as he released the breath he had been holding, making her smile wider. He reached up and cupped her cheeks, forcing her to pull back and look up at him again. He was smiling at her and she had never seen such a soft light to his eyes as they held hers.


    "I''ll make sure you don''t worry about that anymore. I told you once Sumi, you''re stuck with me." He whispered before closing the distance between them and pressing his lips to hers once more. This time she was prepared and matched the pressure, returning the kiss. She felt so light in that moment, wrapped in his arms as the two shared several more light kisses. The fireworks completely forgotten as the two were absorbed in each other and their shared happiness.


    They left the party hand in hand and Ryuu pulled her against him in the car as he took her home. He kept one arm wrapped around her waist and had her rest her head on his shoulder. She felt herself drifting off, floating in a euphoric bliss as his warmth surrounded her and he gently stroked her arm. He walked her up to the gate of her building and before she could head in he pulled her into his arms to steal another kiss. She giggled and pushed lightly against his chest.


    "Goodnight Ryuu. Thanks for inviting me tonight. I had a great time."


    "Of course you did. You were with me and I''m a pretty decent kisser." He said teasingly and she rolled her eyes at him, shaking her head.


    "Before the balcony. It was interesting to see the other side of you for myself. But I like this Ryuu a bit better." She said with a laughing smile and he frowned playfully.


    "Only a little? I think I can change that opinion rather quickly." He whispered as he swooped in and kissed her. She hummed happily, but had to pull back first.


    "I should head up now...but...Can you come over tomorrow?" She asked and he raised a brow while smirking at her.


    "Changed your opinion that fast, damn I''m good." He laughed and leaned back to avoid the swat she was going to give him. She gave him an annoyed look, but it only seemed to make him happier.


    "You''re so cute when you make that face Sumi. Probably why I tease you so much."


    "I thought it was because you were so good at being a pain."


    "And I thought you were heading up." He countered, still smiling. She pushed lightly against his chest.


    "Maybe I would if someone let me go. Besides, you never answered me." She pouted and he chuckled.


    "I''ll come over. I was planning on it anyways, but now I have twice the reason to see you." He said, eyes sparkling when her cheeks heated again. She sighed, but smiled up at him still.


    "Good. Because I still have to give you your Christmas present." She laughed and he surprised her when he pulled her into a tight hug and whispered in her ear.


    "But I already got what I wanted for Christmas."

 Surprise Gifts

    Natsumi checked her watch once more and hummed softly to quell her growing nerves. Ryuu had already messaged that he was on his way, but she was still worried that the holiday rush would hold him up. She was in front of the terminals at Miyahara station where they had agreed to meet. But if he didn''t get there soon, they would miss the next train. He had been curious as to why they needed to take a train in the first place. Thankfully she had managed to avoid answering him directly by saying that there was an errand she needed to run.


    "Hey beautiful."


    She jumped at the sudden presence behind her and would have screamed if the warm arms that wrapped around her weren''t so familiar. She sighed and glanced over her shoulder, giving him a bright smile.


    "You''re late sir." She said and Ryuu shrugged, kissing her lightly on the cheek as he said something about traffic. She grabbed his hand and pulled him towards the platform their train would arrive on. She had already bought the tickets while waiting for him, wanting to keep the location hidden until the last minute. Although Ryuu was so sharp that the odds of her keeping this a secret for much longer was slim. As if to prove her point, he asked,


    "So what is this errand you need to run?"


    "Oh uh...Mom ordered a gift for dad, but there was a mix up somewhere. They can''t deliver it so I have to go get it for her." She said, reciting the cover story she had practiced for the last half hour. She internally sighed when he just nodded, accepting the lie without further inquiry. They rode the train in silence and Natsumi felt her excitement increasing along with her nerves. She hoped that Ryuu liked the surprise she had set up with Hiro''s help.


    His arm draped across the back of her seat and she felt his fingers playing with a few strands of her hair. She felt her cheeks heat pleasantly and leaned closer to him without realizing it, but the soft smile on his face meant that he had. They didn''t talk much on the ride, just enjoying the company of the other. When the stop for Tokyo was called she stood up and Ryuu followed. When they stepped off the train he caught her elbow.


    "Wait a minute Sumi. What''s going on?" He asked with a raised brow and she felt sweat form on the back of her neck as she stumbled for the right response.


    "I already told you Ryuu. I have to pick up-"


    "There''s no way Mom would send you on a forty minute train ride for a present instead of just sending you to the shopping center that''s a fifteen minute walk from your home." He said and she swallowed nervously. They were jostled suddenly by people trying to get to their trains, reminding them that they were standing in the middle of a busy platform. Ryuu kept his grip on her arm and dragged her away from the crowd.


    "Ryuu! Wait a minute Ryuu!" She tried to pull from his grasp, but he held firm. When he found a less crowded spot, he stopped and turned to her again.


    "One more time Sumi. What are we doing out here?" He asked and the sharp look in his eyes told her that it was over. She sighed and lowered her head in defeat.


    "I wanted to surprise you...We''re not here for my dad''s gift...we''re here for yours." She whispered and chanced a peek at his reaction. His eyes widened a fraction and the grip on her elbow softened. Slowly his lips lifted into a gentle smile as he looked down at her.


    "What could you possibly be looking for out here that you couldn''t find me at home?" He chuckled and she flushed slightly, not wanting to give it up completely.


    "I-I can''t tell you...Just...Just trust me when I say that it can only be found out here." She said, looking up at him with hopeful eyes. He breathed deeply out of his nose and gave her a slanted smirk.


    "Alright. Lead the way Sumi." He said and she straightened, smiling as she locked hands with him again and pulled him out of the station. Ryuu stayed by her side, linking his fingers through hers to keep her close in the crowds. She followed the directions Hiro had written down, making sure to keep them out of Ryuu''s line of sight. When they neared the final turn, she stepped in front of him.


    "Close your eyes." She instructed and he blinked in surprise before giving her a curious look.


    "Excuse me?"


    "Close. Your. Eyes." She said slowly with a teasing lilt to her voice. He frowned upon hearing it, his eyes flashing for a second was the only warning she got. She squeaked as his arms wrapped around her waist and hauled her up against him. He pressed his forehead to hers and grinned down at her.


    "Careful now Sumi. If you look any more adorable, I won''t be able to control myself." He whispered and she knew that there was steam rising from the top of her head.


    "Ryuu!" She tried to scold him, but her voice broke from her embarrassment and it only made his grin deepen.


    "You are so cute Sumi. I warned you." He chuckled and kissed her. She tried to push against his chest, but he held her captive. The kiss didn''t last long, but her face was still on fire because there were people passing by.


    "Ry-Ryuu! We''re in public!" She yelled, pushing against him in an attempt to break free. He laughed and pinned her arms tighter to her sides as he lowered his voice, the soft rumble mixed in made her shiver involuntarily.


    "I''m afraid that you''re going to have to get used to this Sumi. I want the whole world to know that you''re taken. I don''t want any other guy thinking he can talk to my girl." He whispered and kissed her lightly on the forehead. She lowered her eyes, averting her gaze as her cheeks remained bright red.


    "Moron...How can I stay mad at you when you say such sweet things." She grumbled and he chuckled as he hugged her tighter against him, nuzzling his nose in her hair.


    "That''s sort of the point. One of my many talents I mentioned not too long ago." He teased and she rolled her eyes, wiggling her hand free and smacking his forehead with her palm. He laughed harder as he stepped back and rubbed the spot.


    "You truly are impossible. Now come on Ryuu. I''m serious, close them." She said with one hand on her hip and the other pointed at him for emphasis. He chuckled softly, but this time followed her orders and closed his eyes. She took his hand again and carefully led him around the corner and through the large gates.


    "No peeking, understand?" She said, glancing at him over her shoulder. His eyes were still lightly closed, but she could still tell he had just rolled his eyes at her and it made her giggle. The building she wanted came into view and her heart sped up in anticipation. She stopped when they stood just in front of the entrance and turned to face him once more. Taking a deep breath as she let go of his hand, she took two steps back.


    "Okay. You can open them now." She whispered and held her breath as she watched Ryuu slowly reopen his eyes. First they locked with hers and then, painfully slow, lifted up to look behind her. She bit her lip when his eyes doubled in size and his mouth fell open in shock.


    "Su-Sumi...Why are we...What are...Huh?" He stuttered and she gave him her best smile.


    "Surprise!" She said, gesturing to Tokyo University''s Medical Hospital. Ryuu remained frozen, completely stunned and she wasn''t sure if she had messed up as she couldn''t read his expression. She opened her mouth to ask when the automatic doors slid open behind her.


    "Ah, you must be Miss Kimoto, the young lady I spoke with on the phone. And of course I would recognize the son of Akihiko Yoshida. Welcome, I''m Dr. Miyamoto, are you ready for the tour?" He asked pleasantly and Ryuu shifted his startled gaze to the doctor.


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "Tour?" He asked in a soft voice and Natsumi swallowed nervously again, wondering if she should have run this all by him after all.


    "I-I¡­" She tried to find the words to explain, but the doctor''s hand fell on her shoulder. He smiled brilliantly at the two of them and answered Ryuu''s question for her.


    "Yes. I spoke with Miss Kimoto yesterday about setting up a tour of our facility. She said that you were considering entering the medical field as a profession and that it would be interesting for you to see how a hospital operates from the other side. I have to tell you that this is not something we do often, but when I heard the name Yoshida¡­" He broke off and chuckled, patting Natsumi''s shoulder and winking.


    "I couldn''t very well refuse. Follow me and we can begin." He said, waving them after him. Natsumi looked up at Ryuu and felt her heart drop. His expression was blank and she knew that she had overstepped the boundaries between them. Even though they had talked about his dream to be a doctor he had never seemed serious. She had hoped this would show him that she truly believed in him and what he could do. She should apologize for being insensitive to his personal problems with his father.


    "Ryuu I-"


    "Come on Sumi." He cut her off and ushered her inside the hospital, following the doctor. She sighed and the frown between her brows deepened. It probably didn''t help that the doctor had begun to fawn over Ryuu because of who his father was. Great...some girlfriend she had turned out to be. Wait...Was she even Ryuu''s girlfriend? He hadn''t actually asked her or anything. Was that how this sort of thing went? She didn''t know because Ryuu was her first love, so she had no real reference outside of a few shojo mangas she had picked up. But he had called her ''my girl'' and ''taken'' so that had to mean something right? Well probably not after today.


    As they walked around the hospital with the Dr. Miyamoto, listening to the way things were run, she snuck glances at Ryuu. But he remained silent for most of the tour, only asking a few questions here and there. She couldn''t tell if he was absorbing as much as he could or if he was seriously irritated and just being polite. She felt her chest ache at the thought that she had messed up so bad and wanted to ask him, but was too scared to find out the answer.


    By the time the doctor led them back to the lobby, signalling the end of the tour, Natsumi was a walking dark cloud. She couldn''t shake the feelings inside her and the worry that Ryuu would think she was a huge idiot and that he wouldn''t want to be with her after all. She bowed to the doctor along with Ryuu, but kept her eyes on the floor even after she had straightened again. She tried to push the words past her lips, but her throat felt like it was being constricted.


    "You set all of this up?"


    She jumped at his question, forcing herself to look up at him. He was staring down at her, but she couldn''t read the expression behind his ruby eyes. She bit her lip and could only manage a weak nod. He took in a deep breath and whispered,


    "Why?"


    She felt her chest tighten as tears pricked the corner of her eyes. She had to be the biggest moron alive right now. She lowered her head and hid her eyes from him as she softly responded.


    "Because I know that this is your dream and where you truly belong...I love you Ryuu and...and I wanted to prove to you that I supported you completely. Words didn''t seem strong enough so...so I got the idea that you should see how a real hospital environment feels...No matter where you go from here...I want to be there with you and... I wanted this present to show you that I''ll be there with you, no matter the obstacles you''ll face..." The seconds ticked by after her confession and she waited with held breath. She couldn''t bring herself to look at him, so she had no idea what he was feeling.


    "Come here." He hissed and grabbed her wrist, dragging her off harshly. She was startled so bad that she cried out, but no one seemed to mind them as Ryuu continued to pull her along. Natsumi fought back her panic and the tears building in her eyes as she stared at Ryuu''s back. He was even more upset than she thought and it hurt her deeply. He stopped abruptly and she barely avoided colliding with him.


    He reached out and threw open a door, pushing her inside and slamming it closed behind him. Natsumi turned with wide eyes, ready to yell for help when his warm lips latched onto hers. Her eyes bugged out in shock as he invaded her space, wrapping her in a tight embrace as his lips claimed hers. Her mind shut down from the surprise and the electricity racing through her system.


    She blushed brightly when she heard Ryuu groan as he pulled her flush against him. She tried to push against his chest, coming back to her senses and realizing they were inside a utility closet. She pulled back and gasped for breath.


    "R-Ryuu! Wai-ngh!" But he didn''t let her stay separated for long as his lips pressed against hers again, stealing her breath from her once more. One of his hands shifted from her waist to the back of her head, cupping it firmly as he deepened the kiss. She gasped and he used the opportunity to gently slide his tongue past her defenses. Her heart nearly stopped when it ran along hers. She jerked her head to the side and gasped for the oxygen that her lungs cried out for, listening to his matching deep breaths.


    When she brought her eyes back to his, barely visible in the dim light of the closet, she could see the clear desire dancing in their depths. She sucked in a sharp breath and widened her eyes in shock.


    "R-Ryuu?" She whispered, her lips trembling from the lingering numbness his kisses had left. He groaned and crushed her against him, her face pressed against his shoulder as he hugged her almost desperately.


    "God Sumi...If I didn''t already love you...after today I would have fallen hard." He whispered and she jumped.


    "W-Wait...so you weren''t mad?" She whispered, confused still about his attitude during the tour. He pulled back and frowned down at her like she had lost her mind.


    "What? Why would you think I was-"


    "Well you didn''t...didn''t say much during the tour and your expression was so closed off¡­" She whispered, failing to hide the fear and hurt from her voice. Ryuu''s gaze instantly softened.


    "Oh Sumi...You''re so hopeless some days." He chuckled and reached up to cup her cheeks, tilting her face up so she had to look at him fully. His loving smile made her already racing heart skip as it bathed her in its warmth.


    "I''ve been forcing myself to hold back from the moment Dr. Miyamoto said you set up this tour. All I wanted was to kiss you as I just did, but you had just yelled at me about doing that in public." He explained and her mouth fell open, but only a raspy, confused noise escaped and he laughed. Ryuu leaned forward and kissed her nose softly, making her close her mouth and scrunch it up in protest. His eyes were still shining with warmth and he was smiling brighter than she had ever seen before.


    "But when you said all of that just now...about wanting to support me completely and staying by my side...I couldn''t hold it in any longer and I had to get you alone so I could pour it all out. I''m sorry if I scared you love." He whispered and as it all sank in she felt humiliation settle inside her, heating her entire body in mortification. She had been reading his reaction wrong and had overreacted because of it! She closed her eyes tightly and swung her fist into his chest.


    "If you scared me!? You moron I thought-mmph!" Her words were once more cut off as he kissed her deeply, swallowing her anger and leaving her with nothing left to feel but the love he inspired in her. She moaned softly and her eyes closed as she reached up to wrap her arms around his neck. He reciprocated by pulling her against him tightly and resuming their kiss from before. She wasn''t sure how long he held her captive in that closet and was thankful that they weren''t discovered.


    Although, she caught some knowing glances from nurses as they left the hospital together hands intertwined. Her cheeks were still flushed as she thought of their exchange and the way her heart wouldn''t stop pounding. They walked back to the station in silence and boarded their train. He pulled her over to a couple empty seats and wrapped his arms around her, leaning her against his chest as his nose pressed into her hair.


    "R-Ryuu...p-people are-"


    "Nobody''s looking Sumi...and even if they do, I definitely can''t stop myself now. Not now that I realized how much I love you." He whispered into her hair and she sputtered.


    "R-Ryuu! What did I say about saying those sorts of things!?" She muttered in embarrassment and he chuckled, kissing the back of her head.


    "That you can''t stay mad at me when I do...hmm...say it Sumi." He whispered and she lowered her gaze to her lap where his arms were overlapping.


    "S-Say w-what exactly?" She whispered and his hold tightened as he nuzzled her hair.


    "You know what I want to hear...Say it... please."


    Her face burned and she wondered if she would ever stop blushing constantly when she was with him. She turned her head to the window and whispered,


    "I love you Ryuu¡­"


    "Good. I love you too¡­" He hummed and she smiled softly despite her current embarrassment.


    "One more request Sumi."


    "I''m not saying it louder!"


    He laughed and hugged her so tight she let out a soft grunt before his grip relaxed again. He leaned closer to her ear, tickling her with his warm breath.


    "No Sumi, but note that that will come later and you can''t escape it."


    "Ryuu what do you-"


    "Introduce me to your father."

 One Request

    "Sumi, Mom sent me to see if you needed help." Ryuu said as he walked into the kitchen, his eyes instantly falling on his girl. He grinned as she glanced at him over her shoulder and he took a minute to admire how cute she looked in an apron. She smiled at him as she held up a wooden spoon covered in chocolate batter.


    "You can taste this for me and tell me what you think. I tried to cut down the sweetness for this batch of cookies just for you." She said and he felt his chest seize. She said these sort of things without any teasing behind the words, only sincerity. Sumi always took the extra time to consider him and the things he liked without expecting something in return. He could never tell her just how much he loved that part of her. He nodded and moved up next to her as she offered the spoon up to him. He ran his finger along it, sweeping up a sample to do as she asked.


    The richness of the chocolate was indeed sweet, but he could also detect a bitterness from something she had added. It made it more bearable for someone with his palate and he applauded her cooking skills as he hummed in satisfaction and gave her a bright smile to let her know that it was good.


    "Perfect." He said and she beamed up at him brightly, his praise making her obviously very happy. He grinned and watched as she turned back to her work as she put the tiny balls of cookie dough on a sheet and into the oven. She sighed and wiped her forehead before she started to clean up. Ryuu watched her the whole time silently, perfectly content to just stay like that. He felt a comforting warmth fill his chest as he watched Sumi move about. Is this what it would be like coming home to her every night?


    He felt his cheeks heat at the sudden embarrassing thought and turned his head away so she wouldn''t notice. But then...it wasn''t so sudden a thought really. He glanced at Sumi out of the corner of his eye as his thoughts ran deeper. Ever since he came to terms with his feelings for her, his mind has been conjuring all sorts of ''weird'' ideas. Those thoughts that had eventually led him to ask Sumi to introduce him to her father.


    "What''s with the serious face Ryuu?"


    He snapped his head back up in surprise to find Sumi leaning on her elbows, grinning up at him. He felt the heat from earlier intensify as he wondered how long she had been watching him. He hid his embarrassment behind his usual grin and leaned across the counter, bringing their faces closer. His lips lifted higher when he got the desired result and her own cheeks tinted pink.


    "Just resisting the urge to tackle you. You shouldn''t dress so cute around me and still expect me to behave." He whispered, only half teasing as his heart rate increased at the mental image of doing just what he had said.


    "Mhm. Like you would try anything like that with my family right there." She snorted and pointed behind him where Mom and Hiro were laughing while playing a card game. He chuckled and shrugged.


    "True...but I don''t have to be a complete saint." He whispered low and moved around the counter towards her. Her face brightened further and he grinned as she ended up trapped between him and the counter. His hands gripped the stone as he pressed closer still until their hips bumped into each other.


    "R-Ryuu!" She whisper hissed at him, obviously trying not to alert the others in the room. He chuckled and leaned closer until his nose grazed the hair behind her ear, breathing in the sweet scent of her strawberry shampoo. He was testing his own restraint by being so close to her without being able to do all he wanted. It seemed like once the gates were open they couldn''t be closed again. He wanted to kiss her almost every second and wondered if this urge would ever lessen.


    "Relax Sumi...I''m just hugging my girlfriend right?" He laughed and pulled back so he could look down into her face. She was glaring at him with almost half her face flushed red, but he also saw the mirrored need in her soft eyes. She must be thinking of the last time he held her so close like this. His heart leapt and he couldn''t deny them both a small taste. His hand reached up to cup her cheek and he moved his lips closer to hers.


    "Sumi¡­" He whispered as his eyes slid closed, just feeling the softness of her mouth against his.


    "I''m Home!"


    Ryuu pulled back at the sudden shout, not wanting the first impression he gave her father to be him attacking his daughter. He had been mentally picturing what the man would look like and straightened up as he waited. Sumi''s face broke into another wide smile and she ran past Ryuu towards the hallway that led to the front door.


    "Papa!" She laughed and Ryuu watched as she was suddenly swung up by a pair of bulging arms, lifting her off her feet. His eyes widened further as the rest of the body attached to those arms came into his view. The giant laughing before him was far beyond what he had imagined. Mr. Kimoto was far from the trim businessman that he had assumed he would be with his tall, muscled frame. His long, black hair and tied back behind his neck, leaving two thick strands to frame his angled face. Mr. Kimoto was also not in the attire of someone in business. Instead wearing a black sleeveless shirt with some unknown logo on the back and jeans.


    If Sumi hadn''t addressed this man before, Ryuu wouldn''t have assumed he was her father. It was a bad time to realize that he should have asked Sumi what her father was like and not just assume that he was like the average man. Actually...he should have known he wasn''t having Sumi for a daughter. His thoughts were interrupted as the rest of the family came to greet the man. First Hiro, much more reserved than his sister as he greeted his father and flinched as the large hand encompassed the top of his head and tussled his hair. Then Mom came forward and Ryuu watched as the large man turned a soft shade of pink after getting a peck on the cheek.


    "Welcome home dear." She said softly and he grinned wide before wrapping the three of them in a crushing hug.


    "Ah it feels so good to be home. Sometimes it''s not worth chasing one''s dream when it means leaving behind such cuties." He laughed. Then the man''s brown eyes turned to the side and finally caught sight of Ryuu waiting in the kitchen.


    "Oh? A guest?" He asked and Ryuu straightened as he stepped forward, ready to introduce himself. He bowed slightly towards the man,


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    "My name is Ryuu Yoshida. Thank you for having me in your home. I am happy to meet you sir."


    Seconds ticked by and Ryuu clenched his hands into fists as he waited for a response. When the silence continued he chanced a peek up at the large man and was surprised to see him with his hands behind his head and a serious look of contemplation on his face.


    "Yoshida...Ryuu...Yoshida...Ryuu Yoshida. Where have I-Oh!" He shouted and snapped his fingers as he figured out what was puzzling him and pointed his finger at Ryuu, who had tensed as he waited for the inevitable outburst at his family name.


    "You''re the boy that my wife has told me so much about! Natsumi''s new friend!"


    Ryuu''s eyes widened at the lack of sensor in the man''s speech. He was even more startled when a large hand suddenly slapped him between his shoulders as the mountain let out another booming laugh.


    "Welcome to the family! We''re small and strange to be sure, but from what I''ve heard you fit in quite well!"


    "Um...Thank you...I think." Ryuu mumbled, but Mr. Kimoto only laughed again as he turned back towards the door.


    "Oh I almost forgot the gifts I brought everyone! I can''t wait to see your faces!"


    Ryuu was frozen in place as his mind tried to reel back to a place that made sense. A soft warmth enveloped his hand and he came back to himself as he glanced to the side to see Sumi beaming up at him.


    "Relax. He''s going to love you as much as I do." She whispered while winking and it did the trick as he let out a soft sigh and felt the tension leave his body. He squeezed her hand back and brought it up for a quick kiss, silently thanking her for calming him before he released her fingers once more. As much as he would have like to continue touching her, he knew that he had to do this right.


    "By the way Sumi...What exactly does your father do?"


    "Hmm? Didn''t I tell you already?"


    "No, because then I wouldn''t have been expecting the exact opposite of what I just met." He grumbled and she giggled behind her hand as she turned to check on the cookies and finish cleaning.


    "He''s a drummer in a rock band he and his friends put together."


    He returned to his spot leaning against the counter next to where she was working, crossing his arms over his chest as he hummed in thought.


    "I never should have expected someone average with you as their daughter."


    She immediately flicked water at him and he chuckled, flashing her a toothy grin as he reiterated,


    "That was a compliment Sumi."


    "Mhm, sure didn''t sound like it." She pouted and he laughed, catching a pair of watching eyes out of the corner of his vision as he did. He took in another deep breath, but couldn''t completely dispel the unease settling deep in his chest as he worried that it wouldn''t go as he wanted. But when he looked up at Sumi as she offered him one of her fresh cookies; cheeks flushed, smiling and shining like a star he knew that he wouldn''t give up without a fight if he had to. After all...He took a bite of the cookie and chewed as another man''s image came to mind.


    ''This is only a warm-up to the real battle.''


    <hr>


    He had never felt so warm before. Surrounded by laughter and love like this was such a foreign feeling that he had never expected to experience it first hand. And yet, here he was, enjoying his first Christmas night with people that actually cared about him beyond his name. And even if he couldn''t hold her tightly like he wanted to, Ryuu was happiest that Sumi was sitting beside him through it all. He grinned and set his cards down to show his opponents.


    "And I believe that is what you call a full house correct?" He smirked and Mr. Kimoto growled and dropped his cards in defeat.


    "Maybe teaching you this game wasn''t the best idea." He said as he rubbed the back of his head. Ryuu laughed and began to reach for the pile of peppermints when a five cards her held out above them by a small hand.


    "Straight Flush." Hiro said without even cracking a smile and Ryuu''s mouth dropped as the child pulled the candy to him and unwrapped one. Their father laughed as the large man tried to coax his son to spare him some of his loot as he was running low.


    "Come on. Do it for Daddy who hasn''t seen you in months." He asked and Hiro pierced his father with his blue eyes.


    "I can offer you a loan, but I will be expecting interest over the course of the game."


    Mr. Kimoto flinched back as Sumi and Ryuu laughed this time. He snuck a sidelong peek at her as she held her stomach while watching her family bargain with each other. His lips softened into a gentle smile and he slid his hand over slowly until his fingers brushed hers. She jumped slightly at the light caress and looked up to meet his eyes. While holding her gaze he intertwined their fingers.


    "Well!" Mr. Kimoto''s sudden, loud voice made Ryuu retract his hand on instinct and he was sure his face was flushed the same as Sumi''s as they turned to look up at the man as he stood.


    "Since my children have effectively stolen all my treats¡­"


    "We did no such thing...We won them with the trick you taught us." Sumi laughed and her father tugged on her ponytail affectionately as he grinned. He gave his wife, who was sitting to the side reading as they played. He kissed the top of her head and informed everyone,


    "I think I''ll make a quick run down to the convenience store that''s still open. Time for Daddy to receive his condolence prize for losing to these brats."


    Ryuu immediately stood up and walked over to where he was putting on his coat. Mr. Kimoto looked up with a raised brow and Ryuu took a deep breath.


    "Would it be alright if I accompanied you?"


    Mr. Kimoto looked at him closely and with a slanted grin, nodded before turning to the others behind them while Ryuu put on his own boots.


    "We''ll be back soon."


    Ryuu grabbed his coat and glanced over his shoulder, catching Sumi''s confused look. He gave her his usual grin and winked as he followed her father out of the apartment. The two walked in silence for the entirety of the trip to the store. Once they had gotten what they wanted and were heading back Ryuu got up his courage and finally spoke.


    "Mr. Kimoto." He said and the man, who had been walking in front of him stopped and turned his profile to Ryuu and watched him with a serious expression, no doubt knowing what was coming next. Ryuu tightened his grip on the bag he was carrying to keep it from trembling and continued.


    "I''m in love with your daughter." He said, standing as straight as he could while he faced the other man. When he got no immediate response, his gaze lowered to the snow and he filled the silence with his own thoughts.


    "I know that despite not mentioning it, you have to know who I am. Knowing that I can understand your hesitation at having your daughter be with someone like me. But¡­" His head shot up again as he threw the man his most determined gaze, eyes blazing brightly in the night.


    "I am not my father. I love Sumi more than anything else and I intend to provide for her in the future. She makes me want to become someone better. I want to become the man she sees me as and I will do everything within my power to make her happy. So please..." He bowed low then and said what he had aimed to all night. The one request that he prayed would be granted to him, even more than his desire to become a doctor.


    "Please give me permission to marry your daughter."

 Nothing Will Stop Me

    Natsumi shivered again as the cold from outside clung to her body. It was time to focus and get back to work. She had to start thinking about her entrance exams and aiming for that scholarship she would need. She hated to admit it, but she had slacked off over the break because she had been so focused on¡­


    "Morning Sumi."


    She jumped at the familiar voice and the warm arms that suddenly wrapped around her middle. She turned her head to see Ryuu smiling at her, his hair slightly matted from the falling snow. The next thing she felt was the feeling of being watched. She glanced around and sure enough, several pairs of eyes were glaring at her.


    "R-Ryuu! What are you doing?" She stammered as she tried to pull out of his hold, but he only held her tighter. He leaned in until his nose brushed her ear, making her shiver, but not from the cold this time.


    "I thought my girlfriend looked like she would appreciate sharing my body heat." He grinned, purposely meeting the eyes of the students watching them. She noticed that his red eyes narrowed particularly when meeting with the other male students, almost like he was staking his claim. She felt her cheeks heat when the whispers began to flutter about the room.


    "Ryuu!" She hissed, but he only smiled proudly at her. Then he nuzzled close to her ear again and whispered low for her,


    "They would have found out anyways. Besides...Now I can openly touch you without worry."


    She blushed brighter and shoved against his chest, making him laugh harder.


    "You''re impossible!" Natsumi pouted as she turned back to her shoe locker and switched out her boots. He chuckled again as he leaned against the locker next to hers, supporting his head with his hand.


    "But that''s what you love about me right?"


    "I''m starting to rethink my mental stability." She mumbled.


    "Sorry Sumi. It''s too late to change your mind now. Especially since¡­" The rest was inaudible and she looked up.


    "What was that?"


    "Nothing. Hurry up Sumi or we''ll be late."


    She rolled her eyes, finished putting on her school shoes and following next to him as he walked her to class.


    "So are you finally going to tell me what happened between you and my dad?" She asked, trying to sound nonchalant about the topic.


    "Nothing really. We went to the conbini and came back."


    "But you two seemed so much more comfortable with each other after. What did you talk about?" She asked again.


    "Normal stuff I guess¡­" He shrugged, not meeting her eyes. She huffed, knowing that there had to be more than that! When the two of them came back her father was even more accepting of Ryuu than before. And Ryuu had openly put his arm over the back of the couch while sitting next to her and her old man didn''t even flinch!? No...Despite them insisting on it being nothing, whatever they talked about must have been significant.


    "Fine, if you don''t want to tell me then I don''t care." She pouted, turning from him to go into her class. She squeaked as her wrist was caught and she was tugged back into his chest.


    "Ryuu!" She started to admonish him when his lips softly pressed against hers. It was a quick kiss, but it still made her heart leap in her chest. He pulled back and smiled that gentle smile that completely broke down her defenses.


    "Calm down Sumi...It''s not like you''ll never find out...You just have to wait until it''s time." He whispered and she frowned.


    "What''s that even supposed to mean!?" She sighed and he chuckled, pressing another quick kiss to her forehead before releasing her.


    "You''re smart Sumi...I''m sure you''ll figure it out. I''ll walk you to your next class so wait for me." He said as he waved bye to her and headed off to his own classroom. Natsumi sighed and shook her head. She would never understand that guy''s thoughts...A smile slowly spread across her face.


    ''But I wouldn''t have him any other way.''


    <hr>


    "What''s that you''re reading? It looks different from your usual medical books." Natsumi asked him as she took a bite of her lunch. Ryuu didn''t look up as he made another note while answering her.


    "That''s because it is. It''s a reference guide for the entrance exam into Tokyo University''s medical department." When he heard her softly choking his head shot up in concern. She was covering her mouth and her cheeks were flushed.


    "Sumi, are you-"


    "Oh Ryuu this is wonderful!" She shouted, suddenly recovering as her bright eyes flashed at him. Slightly confused he just stared at her, but she didn''t seem to need prompting to continue.


    "I was still worried that you weren''t going to chase after your dream! Oh! I''ll also help in any way I can!" She said, her fists clenched in determination as she shined brilliantly. He sighed and smiled at her, wondering if she knew how irresistible she was when she got that look in her eyes.


    "The best way for you to help is to continue as you are Sumi. All I need is your support." He said and her cheeks darkened, but she still nodded enthusiastically.


    "You''ll do great! I just know it!" She laughed and he couldn''t resist as he stood up out of his chair suddenly. He leaned across the tables and grabbed the back of her head, kissing her. It wasn''t a quick kiss like before, since they were alone he let himself indulge a little. She stiffened initially, but as he continued to kiss her, she eventually relaxed and leaned into his lips. He groaned and swept his tongue through her mouth before pulling back reluctantly. They were both breathing heavily and he leaned his head against hers.


    "But if you look at me like that, I''m afraid neither of us will get much studying done." He whispered and she flushed deeper, if possible. He chuckled and leaned down, sweeping his tongue quickly against the side of her cheek, taking up the piece of rice stuck there.


    "Ryuu!" She shouted, flinching away as he grinned and took his seat once more. Natsumi continued to fume for a few minutes, but then sighed and smiled softly towards him once more.


    "Seriously though Ryuu...I''m really happy right now." She whispered and reached over, covering his hand with hers so that he looked up at her again.


    "You''re going to be a wonderful doctor." She said and he sighed.


    "What did I just say Sumi?" He muttered as he scratched the side of his head, using his arm to hide his blush. She giggled and patted his hand.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure you stay focused enough to do well. Even if I have to ban you from my home for a few days. It''s not like we need to continue with our tutoring sessions anymore."


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    "True I''ve finally gotten to a point of passing without worry. But that''s no excuse to kick me out Sumi."


    "I said only if you can''t focus. So long as you stay motivated, then there''s no problem." She smiled sweetly at him and he sighed, shaking his head as he refocused on his work. Sumi didn''t need to worry about him staying focused or motivated. He had the best motivation driving him forward. His eyes glanced up at her and a soft smile spread across his lips.


    ''The very best motivation¡­''


    <hr>


    She groaned and thumped her head against the open book, hoping that she could forcefully pound the information into her brain. Her attempts were halted though when a large hand caught her forehead and blocked its movement.


    " I don''t want you to hurt yourself and that''s kind of annoying to listen to." He laughed. She stuck her tongue out before sighing and straightening up again.


    "No matter how hard I focus, this is one subject that I''m still worried about." She frowned down at the equation laughing at her. She slumped forward again, this time resting her head on her folded arms.


    "I''m doomed." She grumbled and heard him chuckle again. She felt him shift next to her, lifting her head just as his long legs slid along hers. He scooted closer until his chest was pressed against her back. Natsumi jumped as his arms wrapped around her middle and his chin pressed into her shoulder.


    "R-Ryuu? W-What are y-you doing?" She stammered, refusing to turn her head towards him as her grip on her pen tightened. His warm breath brushed against her neck as he answered her.


    "Helping you with these problems."


    "So why couldn''t you just help from over there?" She swallowed as her heart began to react to his proximity, almost positive that he would be able to feel it. His arms tightened around her middle and she felt him shrug.


    "This position is more convenient and comfortable." He said and she snorted, her hand slightly shaking as she tried to write.


    "Comfortable for who exactly?" She whispered and could imagine him smirking at her. Whenever she started to make a mistake, Ryuu would stop her and explain what she was supposed to do instead. She had to admit that his help was working, but his body pressing against hers was still very distracting. Trying to ignore the strange sensations building inside her, she continued as best she could, hoping that the information would stick this time.


    After several minutes though, she calmed down and was able to focus solely on the equations. Ryuu''s advice began to replay in her head without him having to say anything and she was making fewer mistakes than before. When she was able to solve the next problem without Ryuu pointing out a mistake she cheered and held up her fists in victory.


    "Good job Sumi. I knew you would be able to catch on." He praised her and she giggled as she turned her head slightly to meet his eyes.


    "I''m still pretty hopeless though."


    He smiled and kissed the side of her head,


    "You''ll get there. Just remember to stay calm." He whispered before pulling back to stare down at her. Now that she wasn''t as focused, she became aware of their current position. His eyes began to darken as they held hers and it seemed like he was moving closer.


    "Sumi¡­" He whispered as one hand came up and cupped her cheek, turning her head further. His lips stopped when they just barely brushed hers, their eyes still locked.


    "I really want to kiss you right now." He whispered and she felt something course through her blood, heating it once more. She couldn''t find her voice so she just nodded. He didn''t wait after that and connected their mouths. She closed her eyes and relaxed into his touch, turning her body towards him so that she could hug his sides. He flinched slightly as her fingers grazed his ribs and she pulled back to apologize, but he pulled her back immediately. She tried to stop the soft moan that escaped, but when his tongue slipped into her mouth she couldn''t control herself.


    Kissing Ryuu felt better than she imagined and each time was more surprising than the last. He held her so gently, but still caused her body to feel like it was being set on fire. She gasped when she felt his fingers slowly slip under the edge of her shirt.


    "Ryu-mmph!" Her words were drowned as his kiss deepened, his tongue exploring every inch of her mouth until she found herself copying its movements. His fingers didn''t move past her hip, but feeling the rough skin of his palm rub against her bare skin set her heart at a dangerous speed. She felt a strange feeling course through her and began to fidget as she tried to ease the sensation the best she could.


    "Sumi don''t¡­" He hissed quickly before kissing her tenderly. His arms hugged her tightly to prevent her from moving again. She whined against his lips and he let out a deep groan as he separated from her lips and rested his forehead on her shoulder.


    "Sumi...You''re killing me right now¡­" He grumbled, hugging her against him so that she could feel how fast his own heart was pounding. It matched hers in pace and it made her feel better to know he was feeling the same.


    He continued to hug her close for a few minutes while they calmed down, gently rubbing circles along her back. Finally he pulled away with a soft sigh and smiled down at her,


    "Come on Sumi, I think we both need a break." He whispered and she nodded, shifting away from him so that he cold stand first before offering her a hand.


    <hr>


    Ryuu sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, careful not to move too suddenly. After they had decided to take a break, the two of them had made some hot chocolate and cuddled up on the couch together. He had noticed her eyes drooping, so had pulled the quilt off the back and draped it over her while pulling her head against his chest. And it was this same position that they were in now as she slept soundly.


    The only sound in the room was Sumi''s soft breathing. He had lost count how many times he found himself falling into such a state of contentment. As his eyes took in her curled against him he felt a warmth burst throughout his chest and he smiled without thought. How could something so small have so much impact on his life? Ryuu never would have guessed that he would find someone to love this much. He always assumed he would be forced to marry someone his father picked, but now that he had her beside him he couldn''t picture a future without her. In a short time she had become the most precious thing in his life and the dream he was aiming for. He closed his eyes as that night played out in his mind.


    "Please give me permission to marry your daughter." He remained bowed as the silence spread between them.


    "Hmm...and what if I refuse?"


    Ryuu''s eyes snapped open and he shot back up, his heart dropping into his stomach when he saw the cold eyes staring back. He grit his teeth as the man continued, turning to face him fully.


    "Why would I condone giving my daughter to someone like you? Someone who comes from a world far removed from ours. Who has never known hardships or what it means to fail so horribly you fall to the bottom. What do you intend to do exactly when I tell you that you can''t have Natsumi?" With each cold stab, Mr. Kimoto had taken a step closer to Ryuu until he towered above him, continuing to stare harshly. Ryuu''s fists shook with rage as he held himself tall and shouted,


    "Then I''ll marry her without your approval! I know that would disappoint Sumi as she loves you deeply, but it isn''t enough to deter me from having her. Nothing is going to stop me from loving her with everything I have and working hard each day to make her smile. And nothing the rest of the world says matters so long as she feels the same and will have me as her husband.


    "So long as I have Sumi I don''t need anything or anyone else. I will become more than my name and prove to everyone that I am a man worth standing at her side. In the end all that matters is our love and support for each other. So to answer your question simply. If you refuse to give me your daughter, I will take her by force and will fight you with everything I am until she is mine." He was breathing shakily by the end of his rant, anger coursing through his blood as he prepared for the next onslaught of insults. However, he was surprised when Mr. Kimoto''s face broke into a huge, toothy grin as he held his arms wide.


    "Welcome to the family boy! I''d be proud to call you my son-in-law anyday!" He laughed as he slapped his large hands onto Ryuu''s shoulders, knocking him off balance in more ways than one.


    "W-What?" Ryuu stammered, completely confused as to what just happened. Mr. Kimoto laughed,


    "Sorry to scare you Ryuu, I could tell right away that you were a good kid, but I''m also a very over-protective father. I wanted to be sure that you were willing to fight for Natsumi if need be. The world, as you know, isn''t so accommodating when we go against its rules. And being who you are there are going to be many trials you''ll have to face if you want my daughter. I had to be positive that you wouldn''t waver in the face of opposition." He explained with a gentle smile and Ryuu''s eyes widened further.


    "Then..Then that means¡­"


    "Yes son...you have my blessing to marry my daughter."


    Ryuu opened his eyes as the memory faded and he looked down at the sleeping girl once more. He felt a surge of tenderness and protectiveness as he cupped the back of her head, hugging her tightly against him. He pressed a soft kiss to the top of her head and whispered,


    "No matter what happens Sumi, I''ll be here to shield you. I promise that if you stay by my side I''ll never make you regret it and that I''ll fill your life with all the happiness you deserve. I love you with all my heart and no one will come between us or our future together¡­" An image of a man with blonde hair and harsh crimson eyes flashed in his mind and he instinctively tightened his hold on her.


    "No one¡­"