Author's Note: My first Nobuta wo Produce fanfic. And it's Nobuta/Akira! KYAAAA. The story takes place in between episode 8 and 9, I think. It's very short, and Akira-centric. I also don't think I captured him in any way so please bear with me. Review afterwards so I know what you think!

Also, if you do not like the pairing, then please... do yourself a favor and leave this page. Thank you!

Disclaimer: The characters do not belong to me; only the plotline. Poor me.

Mask

A Nobuta/Akira (Nobuta wo Produce) Fanfic

by StrikeBack

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He's described as goofy. Weird. Retarded. He's the "rich kid with a gross personality". He is Kusano Akira.

He is goofy, weird, retarded (in a sense) and rich. But he wears a mask. Although, no one ever seems to notice.

Well, okay... Tofu-guy does, and maybe Truth Man too. Still, no one else other than them ever noticed the dark looks he sometimes passed Shuji and the sad glances he gives Nobuta. Like right now for example, the three of them were walking home together and not one of them has noticed that he's become quiet. Very quiet.

"But, maybe it's for the best," he whispered to himself - so softly that no one hears but him.

He looked at them and saw Shuji telling Nobuta of their next plan. Nobuta's head is cast down, but he could see that she was listening intently to Shuji's words. Almost as though, Shuji's opinion mattered more than his. That wouldn't be a surprise, if it were in normal terms... but it pained Akira so. Because it was Nobuta - NO-BU-TA - she was perfect the way she was. A nice girl who liked to keep to herself and genuinely cared for others.

She was Kotani Nobuko... Nobuta... and he, Kusano Akira, loved her.

"But she likes Shuji better..."

"Eh? Did you say something?"

Akira scratched the back of his head when he realized Shuji had spoken. "It's nothing, Shu-u-ji-kun!"

"Right... well, I'll be heading off now. See you two tomorrow!" Shuji replied.

"EH?! You're going already?!" Akira called out but Shuji had already rode off towards his buliding. Suddenly feeling nervous and uneasy, Akira gulped and glanced at Nobuta's sulky figure, scratching his nape as he tried to look normal.

They were alone... again.

"Ano, I guess I'll be going too..." Akira said, moving his head from side to side. The he kissed his 'kon' fingers to wave goodbye.

"See you tomorrow, Nobuta! Kon!" he said, enthusiastically. Nobuta looked at him under her bangs and then slowly nodded.

And with that, he pushed on his pedals... but --

"KUSANO... -kun."

Akira stopped and turned to look at her. "Eh, Nobuta?"

"Are you okay?" she asked, her head still cast down.

"Huh? What do you mean?"

She shrugged. "Please answer the question."

He smiled. "Of course, I'm okay!"

"But... I think..."-- Akira gulped slightly. --"You're lying..." She raised her eyes and looked at him for the first time that day. He cast his own head down for a moment...

How could you know, Nobuta?

And then, with an exaggerated groan he said, "AKIRA SHOCK! Nobuta thinks I'm lying to her?! Eh!?"

Nobuta looked down again. "A little... yes..."

"I'm not, No - bu - ta!" he replied, emphasizing her name. Akira walked back towards her for effect. "I would never lie to Nobuta!"

She stared into his eyes for a moment before nodding slowly. "Okay..." And then she walked off into her own route.

"Bye bye! KON!" he exclaimed at her direction, waving enthusiastically. When she disappeared around the corner, he sighed and sat down beside his bike. His heart hurt again. Just like that time when she punched him on the nose for trying to throw away Shuji's video.

He is goofy, weird, retarded (in a sense) and rich.

He is in love with Kotani Nobuko.

He is Kusano Akira.

And he wears a mask he can never take off.

OWARI.

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