Hi everyone I know it's been a while since you've seen any activity on this story. I apologize for that I've been working on other things and trying to complete that, but I haven't forgotten about this story. In fact I've been looking over it and now I want to rewrite a couple of chapters. I first wrote this when I was in high school. My writing has changed and improved (I hope) since then. So I'm going to rewrite a lot of the chapters. I want to thank the people who have been watching and waiting for this story to update. A new chapter will be coming soon, but until then I hope you enjoy the rewrites. Also this story has OCs in it so if you don't like OCs then don't read. If you do like OC stories then by all means enjoy. ^^
One more thing before we begin I don't own Digimon. I only own Sakuya.
Now let's begin
Kouji has a crush
Chapter 1
Kouji looked around he was in the middle of a beautiful field. Many flowers were in bloom in a different variation of colors and sizes. The leaves danced with the gentle breeze as a few petals jumped off the branches and landed on the ground. He looked over at the lake watching the sun sparkle. The sun casting an illuminating glow on it's surface. He looked around, a small smile on his face, as he enjoyed the scenery. It reminded him of cherry blossom season and the beauty that comes with it. He felt peaceful, something he hasn't felt in awhile since his dad's second marriage. He shook his head pushing that thought to the back of his mind. Since he was here he was going to enjoy this place. He walked around taking in the flowers and tress as he approached the lake. He looked at his reflection in the water.
His hair was down he wasn't wearing his pajamas or his regular clothes. Instead he was in his summer yukata. He felt his outfit suited this place nicely. He took off his sandals resting his feet in the water. He looked around the field again. His hand touching the soft, grass around him when his hand accidently knocked his sandal in the water. He cursed watching his sandal sink to the bottom of the lake. He started thinking of ways to get it back when his sandal started rising back to the surface. Kouji's eyes widen in shock as his sandal rose out of the water in the hands of someone.
Kouji blinked in surprise at the beautiful woman who appeared out of the water with his sandal in hand. She had sky blue hair with purple eyes. She wore a combination of blue and sky blue earrings. Gold bracelets hung loosely on her slender wrists as a dark blue pendant hung loosely around her neck. A white/blue bikini top kept her ample chest from view as her sky blue tail swished under the water. Her face held a peaceful smile as she looked down at Kouji's sandal.
She looked up into Kouji's shocked eyes, "Is this yours? It almost fell to the bottom of the lake."
Kouji could only nod as he opened and closed his mouth quickly like a fish out of water. She was beautiful the type of beauty that people would write about in fairytales or folklore. He quickly gathered his wits as he cleared his throat, "Yes it's mine. Thank you for saving it."
She smiled, "You're welcome,"
Kouji blushed he looked down studying the patterns on his yukata. Her smile was bright and warm making Kouji feel nice all over. He didn't feel this way very often, but whenever he did it was nice. She moved towards him slowly as his heartbeat thundered in his ears. He didn't even know how to approach girls his own age let alone someone like her. She placed his sandal next to the other one giving him another smile, "There you go. Be careful next time you might lose the other one."
Kouji nodded as he swallowed thickly, "I will," He leaned over grabbing his sandals moving them further away from the lake. He turned back around giving her a small smile, "There um problem solved." That sounded harsh even to him. He looked over at her expecting to see a frown not a smile as she nodded in agreement.
"You're right it is." She turned her smile towards the sky, "It's so nice today."
"You're right it is." Kouji said nodding in agreement. For a couple of minutes they enjoyed the beauty in the area. A word didn't pass between them. Kouji started taking glances at this mysterious woman out of the corner of his eye. He couldn't believe she helped him so easily. He had a couple of questions to ask her. Such as what's her name? How come she was still in the water? Did she live in this area? He wanted to ask her, but everytime he tried she would look at him with that warm smile and his words would be caught in the middle of his throat. He couldn't believe how shy he was. He normally wasn't this shy so why now of all times.
He cleared his throat again, "Um how is the water?"
"It's nice," she said.
"S-So u-um…" he stuttered as she laughed softly, "How come I'm still in the water?"
"Yes,"
"Well that's because I'm a mermaid."
Kouji blinked, "A mermaid? Are you serious? Mermaids don't exist."
"In this world they do." She said swimming towards the shore. She leaned against the shore lifting her tail in the air for Kouji to see it. She laughed softly again at the red blush on his cheeks and his slightly agape mouth.
"Wow you are a mermaid. You have a tail a real tail!" Kouji exclaimed. She nodded, "I sure do, but if I wanted to walk on land I could."
Kouji raised an eyebrow, "I thought mermaids only reside in the water."
"We do, it's easier to get around that way, but if you're a queen you have different powers than a normal mermaid."
Kouji nodded, "I see, um why would a mermaid need to walk on land?"
"There are many reasons for why a mermaid would want to walk on land."
"Like what?"
"Love is one reason,"
Kouji blinked, "Love?"
She giggled softly again resting her head in her hands as she looked up at Kouji, "Yes love have you ever experienced it?"
"Well I love my dad, he wants me to love my stepmom," Kouji rolled his eyes before he started again, "I love my dog, my grandparents, my mom…"
She noticed the slight sadness that appeared in his eyes before it quickly disappeared. She opened her mouth to question it, but thought better of it. She decided to ask another question instead, "Those loves are very sweet, but have you experienced love for another person yourself?"
Kouji opened his mouth, but closed it quickly. He had crushes before, but never felt love. At least not the type of love this woman talked about. He shook his head, "No I haven't,"
She smiled her warm smile, "One day you'll find it. You'll find a person you'll do almost anything for. Someone who fills your heart with the type of warmness you can't feel from the sun. Someone who makes you smile, someone who respects you, someone you want to be with no matter who objects to it. Someone that makes you feel special. Someone who you feel is special. When you find that person it's a wonderful feeling."
"I've heard of that before. About people looking for that special someone. Sometimes they find them, but then they break up." Kouji said.
"Sometimes that happens,"
"But then why go through the trouble of finding that so called special someone when you two just break up. It's something I've never been able to understand."
She smiled her eyes shining in remembrance as she stared out into the lake, "Sometimes when two people fall in love their faults are hidden behind a veil of illusion. When that veil goes away that person's faults come to light. When that happens they don't accept the person for themselves and many problems arise. If you accept a person for the good as well as the bad then your relationship will be long, enjoyable, and fruitful."
Kouji nodded taking in all the advice she told him. It made more sense then some adults told him about relationships. He looked over at her, her eyes shining of wisdom and another emotion Kouji couldn't recognize at the moment. He wanted to ask her, but he pushed that thought aside.
"That's some great advice." Kouji said looking back out at the lake.
"Thank you,"
"It sounds like you talk from experience."
"I do,"
"…Is there someone you love?"
She turned around resting her back against the shore as she stared at the sky. She watched the birds go by as a nostalgic smile appeared on her face.
"…Yes there's someone I love. I love him very much. He's not here right now, but I know I'll see him soon. He gave me this pendant, a promise that he'll come back. In fact a lot of my friends are gone now, but I know I will see them again." She said smiling as she touched the pendant lovingly. Kouji nodded he could see in her eyes the love she shared for him. It wasn't obsession, but a true love, a knowledge that he'll come back and they'll pick up where they left off. Kouji admired that. It showed that her hope and love for others made her strong. He liked that in a person. He looked over at her as she smiled. He looked away blushing quickly as he kicked his feet in the water.
She giggled, "Is there someone you love?"
Kouji shook his head, "No not the type of love you're talking about."
"You'll find it soon."
Kouji nodded, "Yeah…that's what my dad says."
She nodded in agreement, "Because it'll happen one day."
"Right," Kouji said grazing his fingers against the water.
She nodded in agreement turning her attention back to the sky with Kouji. While they were enjoying the scenery again a thought came to Kouji.
"I just thought of something." Kouji said.
She looked over at him, "Yes,"
"We've been talking for awhile, but I don't know your name." Kouji said.
She smiled, "You're right we have. What's your name?"
"Kouji, what's your name?"
She pushed her body up on the shore with a wave of her hands her tail disappeared. With another wave of her hand her clothes started changing. Her tail and bikini top disappeared being replaced by a white yukata with blue flower prints. Kouji stared in awe at her transformation. He couldn't speak. The yukata looked so beautiful on her it words died in the middle of his throat. He didn't understand why he felt this way. It had to be the hormones his dad talked about. From what he told him they would just get worse with age, as if he didn't have enough troubles already.
She turned to him and smiled, "My name is…"
Kouji woke up with a start he groaned looking around for his alarm clock. He hit it as he sighed he had such a wonderful dream too bad he couldn't finish it. He ran a hand through his hair, "I wonder who that woman was. I wish I knew her name she was really pretty."
He closed his eyes trying to remember her lovely face, her gentle smile, and soft giggles. He could feel his face heat up as the image appeared in his mind. He fell back on his bed staring at the ceiling as he recalled the dream. He never had a dream like that before. Not a dream he could remember so vividly before or a dream that had a woman in it.
/Must be because of these hormones. / Kouji thought placing his hands behind his head. He wanted to go back to sleep, but he couldn't. He had to get up and get ready for school.
"KOUJI! BREAKFAST!" his stepmother yelled upstairs.
"I'LL BE DOWN IN A MINUTE!" Kouji called back. He sighed swinging his legs over his bed, "Better get ready," he said rubbing his eyes as he yawned. He grabbed his bandana along with the rest of his clothes as he walked to the bathroom. Judging by his dream today was going to be interesting.
*~*~*
After freshening up in the bathroom he walked downstairs to the kitchen.
"Good morning Kouji, did you sleep well?" his stepmother, Satomi, said.
Kouji ignored her as he politely thanked her for the meal before picking up his chopsticks. Satomi smiled as she tried again, "Did you sleep well Kouji?
Kouji ignored her again as he started eating his breakfast. His father, Kousei, frowned slightly noticing the sadness in Satomi's eyes. She was trying her best to be kind, but as usual Kouji ignored her. Kousei shook his head placing his paper down as he turned to Kouji, "Kouji, she asked did you sleep well."
Satomi shook her head, "No it's ok Kousei,"
"No, you asked him a question and he should answer it. Kouji, how did you sleep?" Kousei asked.
Kouji gave an annoyed sigh, "I slept well. It was a nice dream. I didn't have any nightmares. End of story."
"Oh…well that's nice. I'm glad you slept well." Satomi said smiling.
"Yeah," Kouji said. He looked over at Satomi seeing the sadness in her eyes. He quickly toned down his attitude, "I mean yeah I had a really nice dream. It was great…stepmom."
Satomi smiled it was the first time he ever called her anything remotely close to mom. /Maybe he's closer to calling me mom. /
Kousei smiled as he resumed reading his paper, "That's good to know son." /Maybe he's getting closer to respecting Satomi. I sure hope so. /
Kouji gave a small smile before returning to his food. /I suppose I should give her a break. I mean it is their wedding anniversary today. Hmm speaking of which I guess I should go get her some flowers. Yeah why not, / he thought making a mental note to go do that after school.
"So, Kouji, how is school going?" Satomi asked.
"It's fine,"
"Kendo practice,"
"It's fine,"
"Do you need any help with your homework?"
"No, it's fine,"
"Anything I need to sign?"
Kouji sighed, "No, it's fine. Listen I have to go now or I'm gonna be late." He thanked her for the meal again before gathering his plates and going to the sink.
"Oh ok, well I made your lunch. It's in the fridge. I cut the sausage the way you like it." Satomi said.
Kouji bit back an annoyed sigh as he turned around, "Thank you. I can't wait to eat it." He smiled politely watching Satomi beam, "I'm glad,"
Kousei smiled as he placed his paper on the table, "Kouji, are you going to be joining us for dinner tonight."
Kouji nodded, "Yeah it is your anniversary tonight, oh, um happy anniversary."
Kousei and Satomi beamed, "Thank you,"
Kouji nodded in return as he walked to the fridge. He grabbed his lunch and a bottle of water before walking around to his book bag. He grabbed his books and lunch placing it in his bag. He looked in the mirror checking his hair before walking out the door, "I'M GOING NOW!" he called out.
"Ok bye Kouji, have a good day at school." Satomi said walking into the living room with Kousei.
"Bye son," Kousei said waving with Satomi. Kouji hid his eye roll as he turned around returning the wave. He walked out closing the door behind him.
"Geez I thought I never would be done." Kouji said aloud shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked out the gate to start another day of school.
Back inside Satomi smiled, "It looks like Kouji is starting to warm up to me."
"See I told you he would. It would just take some time for him that's all." Kousei said.
"Yeah you were right." Satomi said smiling. Kousei returned the smile placing a kiss on her cheek. She beamed leaning against him as they started talking about their anniversary.
*~*~*
Kouji hated the walk to school. It wasn't too long that didn't bother him. The weather didn't bother him either. He didn't like watching the other kids meet up with their friends on the way to school. That bothered him the most. He didn't like walking to school because he didn't have any friends to walk with. He wanted to make some friends, but he was afraid that the minute they would get close he would have to move again. He didn't want to do that again so he felt it was best for him to keep to himself. Though there were two kids in his class that tried to get him to talk. He couldn't get them to go away no matter how hard he tried.
"HEY!"
Kouji cringed here was the first of them now. He turned around, "Hey Takuya,"
Takuya smiled stopping in front of him, "Hey what's up…um…"
Kouji sighed, "Kouji remember I told you yesterday."
Takuya hit his head playfully, "Oh that's right. Sorry I keep forgetting, but how are you?"
"I'm fine,"
"That's good,"
"How are you?"
"I'm great!" Takuya said happily. Kouji shook his head. Takuya was the only guy he knew that was happy and chipper in the mornings. He noticed that Takuya wasn't playing with his soccer ball like usual.
"Hey Takuya where's your soccer ball?" Kouji asked.
Takuya's eyes widened usually he was the one initiating a conversation not the other way around. He snapped out of his shock as he nodded, "I don't have it with me today. It's my little brother's, Shinya, birthday so I can't go to practice today."
"Yeah I can't stay after school either." Kouji said.
"Oh is it someone's birthday too?" Takuya asked.
Kouji shook his head, "No I'm going to do something with my parents today."
"Ok sounds like fun," Takuya said.
"Yeah it's so exciting I can't wait for school to be over." Kouji said sarcastically. Takuya shook his head placing a hand on his shoulder, "Dude you got to learn to loosen up a little."
Kouji shrugged his hand off, "Sure,"
Takuya shook his head again placing his hands behind his head, "So what do you think I should get my brother?"
Kouji shrugged, "I don't know. What do you want to get him?"
"Beats me that little runt has so many things already I have no idea what to get him next." Takuya said.
"You must be lucky. Having a little brother I mean." Kouji said hiding his eyes.
"Kouji…" Takuya said before he could say something they heard, "GOOD MORNING!"
Takuya turned around happily, "MORNING IZUMI!"
Izumi smiled jogging a little to catch up with them, "Hey guys, isn't today just great."
Takuya nodded in agreement, "It sure is, but you wouldn't know it from Mr. Sunshine over here."
Kouji scoffed, "Yeah, yeah, good morning Izumi,"
Izumi smiled, "Good morning guys. So what's on the agenda today?"
"I have my little brother's birthday party to go to. So I'm gonna go and get him a present after school." Takuya said.
"Oh that's why you don't have your soccer ball today. Ok how about you Kouji?" Izumi asked.
"Something with my parents today it's their anniversary." Kouji said.
"Oh how molto bono," Izumi exclaimed.
Kouji and Takuya looked at her quizzically as Izumi sighed, "It means very good."
"Oh," Kouji and Takuya said as Izumi giggled softly. "At least you guys wanted to know the meaning of it."
"Hey look it's the Italian."
"God she's so weird."
Izumi shifted uncomfortably as she tried ignoring the comments. Takuya shook his head as Kouji glared at the group of girls that walked by. Izumi gripped her skirt before putting on a cheerful smile, "It happens every morning you think I would be used to it by now."
"Izumi you don't have to take that from them." Takuya said.
Kouji nodded in agreement, "You don't have to accept abuse from anyone. Just ignore them."
"Right just ignore them." Takuya said.
Izumi smiled for real this time, "Thanks guys well let's go inside."
"Right," Takuya said as Kouji nodded in agreement. Izumi sighed in relief as they walked inside the school finding little things to talk about. On his way inside someone bumped into him.
"Hey watch…where…" he said his words dying as he looked at the boy who bumped into him, but it wasn't a boy. It was a girl a very pretty girl.
"I'm so sorry. It's my first day here and I was trying to catch up to my cousin, but I missed her. Sorry about that." She said her purple eyes looking up at him apologetically.
A soft blush covered his cheeks as he looked away, "It's fine don't worry about it. Are you ok?"
She nodded as she smoothed her black hair back down under her headband. She smoothed out her purple skirt and dark blue shirt her green and yellow bracelets bumping against each other softly as she readjusted her book bag. She checked her blue earrings making sure it wasn't caught on the strap on her book bag. She touched her blue pendant necklace making sure it didn't twist or fall off from the impact.
Kouji watched her trying his hardest not to stare. He started cursing his hormones /Wow she's cute really cute. Hmm that pendant…those eyes…reminds me of… /
"Sorry again about that." She said.
"It's ok don't worry about it."
"Ok well see you inside." She walked past him giving him a small smile that made his cheeks heat up further. He quickly blinked out of his daze, "Wait what's your name?" His words were drowned out by the noise and chatter of excited kids telling their friends about their weekend or what they were going to do after school. Kouji cursed silently, /Two pretty ladies and I still don't know their names. If this is the beginning of puberty I hate to see the rest of it. / he thought shaking his head as he walked inside.
*~*~*
He placed his book bag on his desk sighing softly. Takuya noticed shaking his head as he chuckled softly, "Don't get too down the day just started Kouji."
"I know," Kouji said.
Takuya shook his head again as Izumi giggled, "Takuya's right Kouji beside I heard we have a new student today."
"Oh yeah I wonder who they are?" Takuya said.
"Me too," Kouji said.
"I know who they are," Izumi said as she smiled knowingly.
"Really? Who are they then?" Kouji asked.
"Boy you sure are talkative today Kouji. Well she's my cousin. Her name is Sakuya and I would really appreciate if you guys were really nice to her. She just moved here from Ialy so she's pretty new to Japan." Izumi said.
"Ok no problem Izumi we'll be nice to her right Kouji, Kouji?" Takuya said looking over at Kouji who was lost in thought.
/Sakuya…so that's her name. It's pretty, but a pretty name does suits a pretty girl. / Kouji thought not hearing Takuya call his name again.
Takuya frowned slightly before tapping Kouji's shoulder, "Kouji, hello is anyone in there?"
Kouji snapped out of his daze, "Yes?"
"I said we'll be nice to her right Kouji," Takuya said.
Kouji nodded in agreement, "Yeah we will,"
"Thanks guys," Izumi beamed.
Takuya smiled, "Finally got an answer from you. What you do space out?"
Kouji shook his head, "No I was just gathering my thoughts, that's all."
"Oh ok," Takuya said as Izumi gave an amused smile.
"Ok class everyone settle down and please take your seats. We have a new student today. Will you please come in and introduce yourself." Their teacher, Mrs. Sagashi, said. The girl Kouji bumped into earlier walked in smiling, "Hello my name is Sakuya Umezawa. It's nice to meet you."
Kouji's mouth fell open slightly. He couldn't believe it. The girl he bumped into earlier is in his class. That's when another realization dawned on him, "Um Izumi," he whispered.
"Yes," Izumi said.
"Is that your cousin?" Kouji asked.
Izumi nodded happily, "Yep that's her why?"
"Oh I just wanted to ask." Kouji said sitting back in his seat. /So that's her, Sakuya, Izumi's cousin is the cute girl I bumped into earlier. Damn these hormones I can't stop looking at her. I shouldn't just look at her she might think I'm staring, but I'm not. Ok just don't look at her. / he thought looking up at Sakuya. She looked at him, /That's the boy I bumped into earlier. Hmm I didn't notice it before, but he's cute, very cute. / she thought as she smiled giggling at the small blush that appeared on his cheeks.
Kouji looked down at his desk, /Crap it didn't work I looked at her. Crap, Crap I looked at her again. /
Takuya noticed Kouji look up at Sakuya then look back down at his desk quickly. He smiled as a thought came to him. He tapped Izumi's shoulder. Izumi leaned back, "What's up?" she whispered.
"Look at the way Kouji looks at Sakuya." Takuya whispered.
Izumi looked at Kouji who was currently looking at Sakuya as she wrote her name on the board. She giggled at the light flush on his cheeks, "You're right Takuya. That's so cute. I think he has a crush on her." She whispered back to Takuya.
Takuya chuckled quietly, "I think so too,"
Izumi giggled as they looked over at Kouji. He was trying his hardest not to stare at Sakuya, but he couldn't help it. He has never been so shy or nervous before so why now? Why now of all times? He couldn't think of any logical reasons.
"Thank you Sakuya. Welcome to our class. Now find a seat and we'll begin." Mrs. Sagashi said.
Sakuya smiled, "Thanks ma'am,"
Mrs. Sagashi smiled back as Sakuya started looking for an available seat. Many guys in the class blush a little when she walked past. Sakuya smiled as she jogged towards Izumi's desk.
"I looked all over for you. I thought I had the wrong room at first." Sakuya said hugging Izumi.
Izumi smiled hugging her back, "I thought you were already here. That's what Aunt Rosa told me this morning."
Sakuya smiled sheepishly, "I, um, got distracted by some cherry blossom trees. I couldn't resist they were so pretty Izumi. That's why I got here a little late. I had to literally run to school."
Kouji eyebrows rose slightly as he thought back to how they met earlier. /So that's why she was running this morning. /
Izumi smiled, "Well I'm glad you made it here in one piece. I'm so happy to see you. I can't begin to tell you how happy I am that you're in the same class as me."
"I am too well let me go find a desk. Do you see a good one?" Sakuya asked.
Takuya grinned mischievously, "Hi Sakuya, my name is Takuya. Nice to meet you," he jumped out of his seat and bowed.
Sakuya smiled as she giggled a little, "Hi nice to meet you Takuya."
Takuya beamed, "If you're looking for a seat there's a seat next to Kouji over there."
Sakuya blinked, "Who's Kouji?"
"He's Kouji, right over there." Takuya said pointing to a glaring Kouji. If looks could kill Takuya would be dead ten times over by now. Sakuya looked in the direction Takuya pointed in. She blushed lightly as Kouji started fidgeting with his jacket zipper. She thanked Takuya before walking over to the desk next to Kouji. She noticed the glare on his face. She thought he was still mad at her for bumping into him this morning. She nervously bit her lip as she tapped his desk. Kouji looked over his glare disappearing the minute he saw the nervousness in her eyes.
"I'm sorry about this morning."
"It's ok don't worry about it."
"Ok well let's start over. Hi my name is Sakuya. What's yours?"
"Kouji,"
"Nice to meet you Kouji," Sakuya said smiling.
Kouji gave a little smile of his own, "Nice to meet you Sakuya."
Sakuya's smile widened as a light flush covered her cheeks. /He's really cute when he smiles. /
/She's cuter when she's smiles. How does she do it? / Kouji thought.
Before Kouji and Sakuya could muse more about each other, much to the amusement of Takuya and Izumi, Mrs. Sagashi stood in front of the class. She signaled for everyone to quiet down as she cleared her throat.
"Good morning class. Now as you know Sakuya is a new student. She might need some help going to her classes and getting around the school. Now who will be willing to help Sakuya around the school?" Mrs. Sagashi said as a dozen boys hands shot up in the air surprising Sakuya.
/I didn't know so many people would help me so soon. / Sakuya thought. She looked around seeing a couple of girls scoff and glare at her. She sighed shaking the feeling off. It was just like in Italy guys wanting to talk to her and girls getting mad at her.
/As long as nothing happens to Izumi or these nice new people then I'll be happy. / Sakuya thought giving the girls a smile. That smile turned into a triumphant smirk when the smile got the desired reaction.
Takuya looked at the hands as he shook his head. He knows that Kouji wants to raise his hand, but didn't want to call attention to himself. Takuya knew he would have to take the situation into his own hands.
"MRS. SAGASHI! MRS. SAGASHI!" Takuya yelled waving his hand like a wild man.
"Yes Takuya?" Mrs. Sagashi said.
"Can we volunteer people for the job? If so I volunteer Kouji." Takuya said grinning broadly watching Kouji become red out of the corner of his eye.
"Hmm it would be a good idea. Kouji would you like to show Sakuya around?" Mrs. Sagashi asked.
Kouji looked around, wishing that his blush would go down, as he nodded, "Sure I don't mind."
"Then it's settled Kouji will show Sakuya around." Mrs. Sagashi said as half the class groaned in disappointment.
Takuya sat back in his seat smiling a smug smile as Izumi giggled. She looked over at Kouji and Sakuya who both had sheepish blushes on their faces. They didn't know what to say which baffled Kouji. He shook his head taking the thought from his mind as he focused on class and his plan to get Takuya back. Sakuya noticed the frown forming on his face. She bit her nail, /I hope I'm not interfering with anything he wanted to do today. /
He noticed her worried look out of the corner of his eyes. He turned to her giving her a reassuring grin. Sakuya returned it as she turned around to start focusing on class. Kouji felt a warm feeling enter his heart at her smile. Usually he didn't mind when his glares or frowns scared people off. It made things easier for him, but with Sakuya he didn't want her to be afraid of him. He wanted to become friends with her. He wanted her to like him.
He bit his pencil /What in the world is happening to me? /
*~*~*~*
A couple of hours later the lunch bell rang signaling a break from classes for a little while.
Takuya groaned as he stretched, "Man I thought lunch would never come."
Izumi shook her head, "Class wasn't that long Takuya. Besides I learned something very interesting about Japan today. I didn't know that a revolution happened in the Meiji Era."
"Yep, but I guess if you just learn about it then it's new. My grandpa taught me that lesson years ago." Takuya said.
"It's still very interesting though." Kouji said.
Sakuya nodded as she closed her notebook. She had a little trouble taking notes during the class period. Even though she knew enough Japanese to get around and start conversations with written Japanese is a whole other story, but Kouji helped her out. He took down all his notes so that way she could catch up if she missed something. It proved to be very helpful to Sakuya. She handed Kouji his notebook, "Thanks. I'm good at speaking Japanese, but that kanji gets me everytime."
"No problem, kanji is pretty hard. Even some adults have problems with it sometimes." Kouji said placing his notebook in the compartment underneath his desk.
"Yeah kanji gets me confused a lot of times too." Izumi said.
"Well if I was an alien I would be confused too."
Izumi shifted uncomfortably as she tried ignoring the comments once again. She looked over at the group of girls who teased her daily. There were five girls that tormented Izumi daily. Ami, the leader of their little group, would either begin the insult or add on to what Naoki, Amami, Fukiko, and Akari would say. Takuya noticed that Akari wouldn't say a lot. She mostly hung around Ami and the others only adding a little something to the conversation or insult.
Sakuya noticed Izumi shift uncomfortably again when Ami walked over, "I don't know why you guys hang out with her."
"We hang out with her because we want to." Takuya said.
"Sure," Ami said walking away.
"Loser," Naoki sneered walking behind Ami.
Amami and Fukiko threw a couple paper balls at Izumi. Takuya stepped in front of Izumi catching a couple of balls. Kouji stood up joining Takuya in protecting Izumi. Sakuya stood up calmly walking to Amami and Fukiko. She slapped the rest of the paper balls out of their hands. She grabbed their wrists glaring at both of them, "You two listen and listen well. My name is Sakuya. I'm Izumi's cousin and her friend. If I catch you calling Izumi names or throwing stuff at her again I'm going to make sure it's the last time."
Amami and Fukiko struggled against Sakuya's grip as they nodded quickly.
"Ok, ok just let us go please!" Fukiko said frantically as Amami nodded in agreement.
Sakuya smiled, "Good,"
She released the grip on their wrists. She watched them scramble to catch up to Ami and Naoki. Ami glared at Sakuya who returned it as she watched her walk away with the other girls. Akari stayed behind giving Sakuya a grateful smile before joining them.
"Wow, Sakuya, no one has ever stood up to them before." Izumi said.
"Most of us just ignore them." Takuya said.
"Yeah, but they seem to be the type of problem that just won't go away if you ignore them. I think they'll stay away for awhile." Sakuya said.
Kouji nodded in agreement, "Yeah, it looks like they will." /Wow that was pretty cool. /
"Well it's lunchtime now and I don't want them interrupting my first lunch period. What do you guys say?" Sakuya said smiling.
It amazed Takuya and Kouji that she was just angry a minute ago now she was back smiling. They thought it was best not to question it.
Kouji noticed her smile again. Once again he felt that same warm feeling enter him. He shook his head /There's that feeling again. What is it? /
"Kouji, Kouji? Did you hear me?" Sakuya asked.
Kouji snapped out of his daze, "Yes Sakuya?"
"You've been in that daze all day Kouji. Is there any reason why?" Takuya said smirking.
Kouji shot him a glare, "Takuya…" he warned before turning to Sakuya.
"I'm sorry Sakuya what's up?" Kouji said.
Sakuya looked down at the ground shyly before looking back up at Kouji, "I um was wondering if you could show me around after we eat our lunch."
Kouji felt his cheeks heat up as he nodded, "Sure um I can do it now. We have an hour for lunch and it won't take me that long."
"Ok sounds great. Well are you guys going to join us?" Sakuya asked.
"Sure we could," Takuya started before Izumi elbowed his side, "I wish we could, but I have some Italian treats that I've been dying to show you Takuya. Don't you want to try them?"
Takuya opened his mouth to protest, but stopped short when Izumi motioned towards Kouji and Sakuya. Sakuya started playing with a strand of her hair as Kouji rocked back and forth on his heels with his hands jammed into his pockets. Takuya smiled as he nodded, "Of course, I can't wait to try them. We'll just meet up with you guys after the tour is done."
Izumi nodded in agreement, "Yep, so we'll see you outside. Bye and try not to get her lost Kouji."
Kouji blushed lightly, "I'll try Izumi,"
Izumi giggled as Takuya laughed, "Good luck in that Kouji,"
Kouji shot Takuya another glare as Takuya chuckled. Izumi gave Kouji and Sakuya a little smile as she walked over to her desk to grab her lunch as Takuya grabbed his. They looked at Kouji and Sakuya one more time before walking out the classroom. Sakuya shyly stared at Kouji before looking down at her gym shoes. Kouji kept rocking on his heels taking shy glances at her from the corner of his eye. They knew they should start going. They only had an hour for lunch and time was slowly slipping away.
Sakuya cleared her throat as she looked up at Kouji, "Well should we start the tour?"
Kouji nodded, "Sure, well, let's start with our homeroom. This is our homeroom we learn most of our things here. Like History, English, and Social Studies. Come with me and I'll show you the science room, art room, gym, and the other rooms in this school."
Sakuya nodded, "Ok,"
Kouji nodded as Sakuya followed behind him. He opened the door and beckon for her to go. Sakuya blushed lightly, "Oh thank you,"
Kouji nodded hoping his blush didn't show, "No problem,"
Sakuya smiled /He's pretty polite. /
/I hope she doesn't think I'm doing too much. / Kouji thought as they walked down the hallway.
"Ok over there is the other homeroom. We compete against them during festivals. Over there is the science room, next to it is the music room. Across from that is art and across from that is math." Kouji said.
Sakuya nodded taking everything in as she looked around. Kouji noticed the amazed look in her eyes as they passed each classroom. He remembered having the same look in his eyes when he first came to the school. He didn't know he was staring at her until Sakuya looked back at him.
"Yes?"
"Hmm?"
"Um it looks like you have a question for me." Sakuya said blushing lightly.
"Oh, um, um, where did you come from? I mean where did you live before you came to Japan?" Kouji asked quickly.
"I moved here from Italy. I come from the same neighborhood as Izumi. We lived down the street from each other." Sakuya said.
"That sounds nice." Kouji said.
"Do you live from someone Kouji?" Sakuya asked.
Kouji shook his head, "No, well, I don't know. Most of the time when I'm going down the street I'm walking my dog. I don't see anybody when I do. Well except the older couple that lives in our neighborhood."
"Oh, you have a dog?" Sakuya asked.
Kouji nodded, "Yep," he started tell her about his dog Kuro. After describing him Sakuya started talking about her cat Yamiko. They easily fell into a conversation about different things such as books, t.v. shows, and other things they could think of. While they walked around they noticed it was easy for them to talk with each other, which came as a little shock to shy Sakuya and loner Kouji.
Kouji opened the door for her again when they walked outside to the field and gym area. Sakuya blushed lightly as she walked through /He's very polite. I'm glad he is that's a really nice gesture. /
/I hope she doesn't think I'm silly for being so polite. I hope I'm not too polite. / Kouji thought as he pointed out the gym, storage room, and the baseball field.
"The field looks pretty awesome. I do like playing softball, but I'm not good at soccer." Sakuya said.
"If you need any tips Takuya can help you. He's like an expert in soccer." Kouji said.
"That's great. I am looking for tips on how to kick the ball without falling." Sakuya said.
Kouji chuckled lightly, "Yeah sometimes that ball is pretty tricky."
Sakuya smiled, "You're right I-umpf," she said as she tripped over a bat. Kouji caught her from behind. He looked down at her, "Hey are you alright?"
Sakuya looked up blushing lightly as she nodded, "Yeah I am, thanks for catching me."
"No problem," Kouji said helping Sakuya up. He walked over to the bat and picked it up, "The class before us was supposed to put this away. I'll do it be right back."
Sakuya nodded, "Ok,"
She watched Kouji walk back to shed mumbling to himself about the bat. She smiled feeling her heart flutter in her chest as she looked over at Kouji.
/That was so sweet of him to do. He didn't let me fall like I'm sure some guys would have. Kouji is a really sweet guy. Oh man I think I might have a crush on him, but I wonder if he would ever have a crush on me. / Sakuya thought playing with her pendant.
/I'm glad I caught her in time. She could've been seriously hurt because of someone's carelessness. If she did get hurt I would beat the crap out of the person who neglected their duty. Wait a minute I just met her why am I so worried? Why do I blush when I see her? Why do I get all tingly when she smiles at me? Do I have a crush? I think I do. I think I have a crush on her. I can't let her know though. It'll probably scare her that a guy she just met has a crush on her. So I just have to control my feelings it can't be too hard right? Right./ Kouji thought placing the bat back in place. He took a breath in the shed before opening the door. He walkedback to Sakuya who was currently playing with her pendant.
/She's cute when she's playing with her pendant. / Kouji thought shaking his head quickly to get rid of the thought. He couldn't lose focus. He only had a half hour left before lunch was over.
"Hey," Kouji said.
Sakuya snapped out of her daze as she smiled, "Hi, did you put the bat up in the proper place?"
Kouji nodded, "Yep, everything is put up. So now no one won't trip on it and hurt themselves."
"That's good," Sakuya said.
"Yep," Kouji said. They looked at each other shyly for a bit before Kouji started again.
"Well the field and the shed are the last stops on our tour. I hope you enjoyed yourself and thank you for coming." Kouji said.
Sakuya giggled, "Thanks, I had fun on the tour. I hope to do it again, but this time I want to tour Japan."
"Oh ok, we can do that after you're settled." Kouji said. /She liked my joke. For a minute there I thought it was too corny. /
Sakuya nodded, "Ok, sounds good. I can't wait to check out Japan. What are some interesting things here? I've read about it, but what is it like?"
"Things here are pretty good. One of the things to look forward to is cherry blossom season. It's really nice we all go to the park, have picnics, and we watch the cherry blossoms bloom. It's a really nice day." Kouji said.
"Are there certain things you have to carry or wear?" Sakuya said.
"Hmm, well, some of us wear yukata while others were a nice spring outfit." Kouji said as he started to tell Sakuya about the different types of events that happens during cherry blossom season. As they started walking back to the classroom to grab their lunches Sakuya asked different questions about Japan. Such as the different festivals that happen, what happens during New Year's, Christmas, and White Day. Kouji in returned asked some questions about Italy. He asked Izumi about Italy sometimes, but he wanted to know how Italy was like for her. By time they made it back to Takuya and Izumi they were talking about the difference between Christmas in Italy and in Japan.
"You mean you guys get to drink a little wine during that time?" Kouji asked.
Sakuya nodded, "Yep, but it's really watered down though."
"Izumi told me about that. I didn't know you did it too." Kouji said.
Sakuya nodded, "Yep, most families in Italy do it. It's not a crime to have a little wine."
Kouji chuckled, "Sounds pretty good."
Sakuya giggled, "It is,"
"Is that a chuckle I hear from Kouji? Is he actually laughing? I can't believe it." Takuya said as Izumi giggled.
Kouji blushed lightly as he took a seat next to Takuya, "Shut up,"
Takuya laughed harder as Sakuya smiled taking a seat next to Izumi, "He doesn't laugh much?"
Izumi shook her head, "Not really, well, he laughs a little, like when something is funny, but he's usually off by himself. We always have to ask is it ok for us to eat lunch together with him. Sometimes he'll come over like today, but most of the time trying to ask him to join us for lunch is like trying to pull teeth."
"Oh I didn't know it was that hard." Sakuya said.
Izumi noticed the questioning look in her eyes and quickly smiled, "Don't worry about it. He's a nice guy, a little anti-social at times, but a pretty nice guy."
Sakuya smiled back, "Ok Izumi I believe you."
"Great, so tell me how are Aunt Rosa and Uncle Bellino? How are the munchkins Mimi and Yuri?" Izumi asked.
"They're fine. When I left mom took the munchkins to school and dad went to his job interview." Sakuya said.
"Ok that's good. Are you guys still unpacking?" Izumi asked.
Sakuya nodded, "Yep there are boxes everywhere."
Izumi giggled, "How about I help you guys unpack after school?"
"That would be great Izumi. Thanks." Sakuya said smiling.
Izumi smiled back, "You're welcome,"
They continued eating and talking about different things as Takuya started to tease Kouji.
"So did you give her a good tour?" Takuya asked chuckling at the red in his cheeks.
"Yeah I did. I made sure I showed her every important place in school. Why?" Kouji asked trying to push down his blush.
Takuya chuckled, "Oh just asking is all."
Kouji could feel his blush returning at the thought of staring in Sakuya's eyes. /Why does that make me blush so much? /
Takuya laughed, "You know you're blushing Kouji. I wonder why?"
"I'M NOT BLUSHING!" Kouji said loudly. Sakuya and Izumi turned to look at him.
"You're blushing? Really?" Izumi said giggling leaning over to get a better look.
"No I'm not!" Kouji exclaimed as his face started turning red.
Izumi giggled, "Yes you are! Oh my goodness I never thought I would see the day."
"I know right," Takuya said laughing.
Sakuya looked over at Kouji who caught her gaze. They looked at each other before quickly looking away. Takuya and Izumi were too busy teasing Kouji to notice. Sakuya chewed on her chopsticks shyly as Kouji gritted his teeth. He waited for the bell to ring to end his torture. He sighed in relief when he heard the sound.
"Time to go back to class," Kouji said as Takuya groaned in disappointment, "No fair. I was just getting started."
Izumi giggled, "I know Takuya, but there's always after school."
Takuya nodded in agreement, "You're right there is and I can't wait."
Kouji shook his head, "Oh boy,"
Sakuya laughed, "Takuya is funny,"
"Oh yeah, he's hilarious," Kouji said rolling his eyes.
Sakuya laughed watching Takuya and Izumi joke with each other. She turned to Kouji with a light blush on her cheeks, "Um thanks for the tour of the school. I can't wait for my tour of Japan."
Kouji's blush returns as he nodded, "No problem. It's fine,"
Sakuya smiled watching her smile made a small smile appear on Kouji's face.
"Ooo look at that! I think Kouji is smiling!" Takuya exclaimed causing them both to blush deeply. Sakuya jogged over to Izumi, she grabbed her hand leading her inside, "I need to go to the bathroom, but I don't know where it is."
"Didn't Kouji show you?" Izumi said.
"He did, but I know you know it better." Sakuya said walking inside with Izumi. /Besides if I don't go to the bathroom now Takuya's teasing is going to make me wet my pants. /
Kouji watched them quickly trying to push his blush down. /Stupid hormones I can't control my blushing or the need to smile when she does. /
Takuya noticed Kouji fighting to keep his blush down. He smiled mischievously walking over to him. Before he could say anything Kouji put his hand over his mouth, "Shut it. Now come on class will be starting soon."
"But," Takuya mumbled stopping short when Kouji shot him a glare.
"Let's go," Kouji said as Takuya groaned walking back up to the school. Kouji shook his head making his way back towards school. He walked inside the classroom taking his seat between Takuya and Sakuya. He saw a note on his desk. He opened it up, "Can you help me again?"
He looked over at Sakuya then back at the note. He wrote his response, quickly placing the note back on her desk. She opened it up, "Sure".
She smiled over at Kouji who gave a small smile in return. They turned back around feeling butterflies in their stomach, but feeling warm all the same.
So what did you guys think of the rewrite? As always read and review. There's more to come so stay tuned. ^^