Gals!

Hey, people! New story!

I'm sorry that I didn't continue Falling For You. I don't think will.

Well, I hope you enjoy this story. This will probably be the only Aya and Rei story I write.

This is also the first story that I write that doesn't follow the storyline.

Opposite Attractions

Chapter 1 - What Lies Beneath

"I'm going now." Aya said, grabbing a piece of toast and biting it. She got up from her chair and went over to the kitchen counter. Aya grabbed her books and her papers, then walked to her door. She put on her shoes and grabbed her bag that was leaning against the wall with her other free hand. Before opening the door, Aya spotted her dog coming from kitchen.

Smiling, Aya leaned down, placed her books on the floor, and petted her dog. He was a medium sized Australian Terrier with long brown soft fur. His ears were pointing up while it's tail wagged with excitement. "Did you enjoy your morning walk?" Aya asked him, scratching him behind his ears. "I'm off to school, but I promise to play with you later, okay?" Aya told him even though she knew she wasn't going to get any response. "Be a good boy, Dylan. I'll be back in a while."

Aya got up from her knees after giving Dylan a big hug. Sighing, Aya pressed her Hounan skirt down and made sure it's edges weren't sticking up. Aya looked back at her empty house, placing her hand in the door knob. Her mother and father were never home. They're lives seemed to revolve only around their work. They would never be around in the morning and they would arrive late at night or sometimes they wouldn't come home at all. Aya opened the door and stepped outside.

"Bye, Dylan!" She said with a smile and shut the door. Aya took out her keys from her school bag and locked the door. Taking a deep breath, Aya placed her keys back in her bag and began to walk towards school just like any other day.

It was a very beautiful morning. The white clouds floated along the blue sky. The swift wind would make Aya's hair fly around and the sun's rays would send a warm sensation through out her body. After a couple of minutes, Aya finally arrived at school. A couple of students were already entering the school gate. Checking her watched, Aya realized that she had arrived 20 minutes early. "20 minutes I could have spent with Dylan." Aya mumbled to herself. Looking around, Aya saw no trace of her Friends, Ran and Miyu.

Aya was going to wait for them until they arrived, but decided not to. Ran always arrived late to school because she would usually sleep in late. Then, Miyu would spend her entire morning with her boyfriend and she would eventually lose track of time. Aya gripped on her books and sighed sadly. She would have to wait for them in the classroom.

Aya turned around so quickly that she bumped into someone who was walking by. Losing her balance, Aya fell down on the ground backwards. Her hands lost grip of her books and were sent flying in all directions. Her bag also fell to the ground with a couple of papers coming out. With her eyes slowly opening, Aya could feel her face turning a bright red color. Her hands were behind her back and her knees were leaning against each other. Aya looked around and saw all her books and her papers scattered around her. Pulling her feet together, Aya noticed that she was under someone's shadow. Aya lifted her head to find a guy standing right in front of her. She blushed and turned to look away. "I'm so sorry. I didn't mean too." She timidly said.

"Hmph." He was staring down at her, giving her a cold glare. "That's what you get for not paying attention." The guy said as he sneered at her. Aya sat down on her knees and started to gather her books. The guy that was standing in front of her was very handsome. He had brown hair with blue eyes. His uniform was on him in a very sloppy manner that made him look scary. Aya took a quick peek at him as she gathered her stuff. He had one of his hands in his pocket while the other hand held his school bag behind his back. Aya didn't know why but she felt very nervous. "You better watch where you're going next time." He told her, turning around and leaving her with a puzzled face.

Aya had expected him to at least give her a hand picking up her books, but he didn't. He just left her to do it herself. With her books in her hand, Aya grabbed her bag and stood up slowly. She stared at the guy she had just bumped into. Who was he? She had never seen him before or maybe she had but she just didn't remember. Aya shrugged and began to walk toward the school. That guy had given her such a mean glare for no reason. She told him that she was sorry. She didn't mean to crash into him. For such a handsome guy, he sure had an ugly attitude. Aya shook her thoughts away as she stepped inside the school.

She walked gracefully down the hallway with her eyes concentrated on the floor. No one paid attention to her, but she didn't mind. She had always had the ability to blend in with the crowd. Aya was about to walk inside her classroom when she heard someone calling out her name. She turned around, but saw no one familiar. Then, she heard her name again.

"Aya! Hold up!" Aya spotted Yuuya running toward her with an alarmed face. Smiling, Aya walked toward him. When he stood right in front of her, Yuuya bent down, placing his hands on his knees and trying to catch his breath. Aya gripped on her books tightly as she laughed a little. "Yuuya, are you okay? You seem out of breath. Ah, don't tell me." Aya rolled her eyes before looking at the long window that was in front of her classroom. "Those girls were chasing you again." Aya paused, looking at him nod. "I guess you can't help it, huh?"

"Yeah. They can get pretty annoying." He told her, taking deep breaths.

"They must really like you." Aya said a bit sarcastically. "Anyways, have you told Ran that you like her?" Yuuya fiddled with his fingers nervously as he started babbling complete nonsense to himself. Aya always thought he was handsome, but he had his heart set on someone else. "Why don't you just tell Ran how you feel. I'm almost sure she'll accept your feelings. Just imagine. If you and her start a relationship, then all those other girls might leave you alone."

Yuuya smiled at her. Aya blushed and quickly looked away. "Aya, you're just the cutest thing." Aya shook her head as she sighed. "Anyways, I can't just tell Ran that I like her." He crossed his hands across his chest. "Especially not now. She seems more interested in that stupid monkey boy." Aya couldn't help but laugh.

"C'mon, silly." Aya told him sweetly, trying to cheer him up. "We should get going to class." Yuuya nodded in agreement and followed Aya inside class.

Aya watched Yuuya walk over to his desk and sit down. He placed his right cheek on his desk with a depressed look. "Poor Yuuya." Aya whispered to herself before she started walking over to her desk.

Her desk was in the last row beside the window. She really liked it there because she could look outside at the beautiful sky. Sometimes she would daydream into her own little world. Aya placed her books on top of her desk and sat down. Leaning her head on her hand, Aya started to close her eyes slowly. Class hadn't even started and she was already starting to fall asleep. After she came home from school yesterday, Aya had spent all night studying and doing homework. Then she eventually fell asleep on top of her books.

Pretty soon, everyone started to come in including Ran and Miyu. Ran waved at her with a goofy smile then walked over to Yuuya. She gave him a big pat on the back, that startled him and caused him to almost fall out his chair. Aya giggled a little and spotted Miyu walking towards her. "Hey, Miyu. You and Ran are pretty early today." Aya told her with a smile.

"Yeah. Miyu had to wake up early today because she had to make Yamato a special lunch." Miyu exclaimed, leaning her hands on the desk that was behind her. "How are you doing lately? You're not pushing yourself too hard are you?"

Aya shook her head no and turned back to the window. "I'm okay. Don't worry." Of course, she was lying. In fact, she wasn't okay at all. Lately, she had been feeling quite depressed. Her parents were coming home less often, leaving her alone with Dylan. Then, she had gotten a part time job at a local book store. It wasn't hard work and the hours weren't long, but Aya would get bored sometimes. One day, someone gave her boss a complain about her and she got fired the next day. Now, Aya was searching for a new job, so she could pay for her own stuff and Dylan's food. She really hated asking her parents for money. Miyu placed her hand on her shoulder, snapping Aya from her thoughts. "Aya, if you ever need anything, just remember you can count on us."

"Yeah, I know." Aya smiled at her. Miyu sighed with a bit of relief. When the teacher walked in, Miyu waved to Aya and walked over to her desk which was right next to Ran's. Yuuya sat up straight, drooling as he stared at Ran.

Everyone in school, had or used to have a crush on Ran Kotobuki. She was so outgoing and beautiful. Aya wondered why she would pick her as a friend. She was the total opposite. She was quiet, shy, and very conservative. There were many people that always took advantage of her and bullied her. Of course, she never told her friends that. Aya kept her problems to herself. Besides her friends, no one else cared about her, not even her parents. Most people picked on her or they felt sorry for her. Aya sighed as she opened one of her books. No guys were attracted to her. In fact, she had never had a boyfriend in her entire life. Aya held her head with both hands as she thought about her sorry life. Maybe, someday life would bring her true happiness. All she had too was be patient.

"Okay, everyone." Nakanishi Sensei told the class as he stepped in front of his desk. A guy followed him and stood right next to him."We have a new student." Nakanishi exclaimed. "This Rei Otohata, he'll be your new classmate, so I want you all to make him feel welcome."

Aya looked up lazily and was surprised to see the guy from this morning. All the girls started to sequel as they stared at the handsome guy. Aya could feel her heart starting to pound as well. He still had the same cold glare from before even though all the girls were basically praising him.

'He's so handsome and yet, he looks so mean. It's almost like he hates the world. I wonder what's wrong with him.'Aya thought.

"Miss Hoshino!"

Aya suddenly snapped from her thoughts back into reality. She look forward with surprised eyes. "Yes, Sensei?" Aya could feel a deep shade of red as she felt everyone's eyes on her.

Shaking his head, Nakanishi turned to Rei. "Otohata, there is an empty seat next to Miss Aya Hoshino. I'd like you to sit there for now. If you need any help with the assignment, I'm sure she will be willing to help you." Without saying single word, Rei walked over to his new desk and sat down.

Trying to avoid his gaze, Aya turned back to her book and pretended to read. In reality though, she was looking at him from the corner of her eye. He crouched down on his seat and crossed his hands annoyingly. Aya lifted her head while the urge to talk to him increased. Why did she want to talk to him so badly? When Aya decided to take a quick look at his face, she accidentally made eye contact which made her face bright as a tomato. Aya quickly turned to look at the board, hoping she could just forget about the person that was next to her. Out of the empty seats, why did the teacher chose the one next to her?

A couple of minutes passed and Mr. Nakanishi finally started his lesson, but Aya's mind wasn't in the class in anymore. Her eyes slowly drifted outside while her chin rested on her head.

...

After a long day at school, the bell finally rang for dismissal. Aya sighed and began to gather her books. Ran and others were already walking outside the class, leaving her alone. They were probably on their way to their favorite noodle shop. They didn't even invite her because they already knew that she was going to turn them down. Aya decided to put all her books inside her bag so she wouldn't have to carry them. Standing up, Aya pushed her chair in and was about to walk away, when Nakanishi stopped her.

"Miss Hoshino? There is something I need from you." He told her seriously as he adjusted a couple of papers that were on top of his desk. Aya sighed, but when she realized that Rei Otohata was still sitting in his desk, her entire body stiffen. "Yes, Sensei? What is it?"

"Since you're a very bright girl, I'd like for you to help out Rei Otohata. Maybe help him out with the homework or help him study for the upcoming test. He's pretty far behind, but I leave you in charge. Help him catch up."

Aya could feel her legs starting to tremble as she gave her teacher a big fake smile. "Yes, of course. You can count on me, Sensei." Aya looked at Rei. His face showed no emotion in the least. It seemed almost as if he didn't even care. Aya's face flushed a deep shade of red when she saw Rei get up and stare at her. "Okay, well." Nakanishi continued. "I'm glad." After he fixed his papers, Nakanishi walk toward the door and left, leaving Aya and Rei alone.

"Um, well," Aya didn't know what to say since Rei was looking at the other side of the classroom now. "I'm Aya Hoshino. I'm the one who bumped into you in the morning. I'm really sorry. I didn't mean too." Rei stood in silence not even bothering to look at her. "I'm sure you'll like it here. It's a very nice school."

Each second seemed like an hour to Aya. Suddenly, Rei placed his bag over his shoulders and started to walk away. Aya sighed as she stared at him. Why couldn't she get on his good side? Grabbing her bag, Aya followed him out of the classroom. She walked right behind down the empty hallways. Aya wondered if he even knew that she was following him. If the Sensei hadn't told her to help him out, then she probably wouldn't be following him. She needed to ask him if he needed any help with the homework that had been assigned for tonight. There was also another reason why she followed him. Since he was new, he probably didn't have any friends yet. With that cold attitude of his, Aya figured he had a hard time making friends, so she decided that she would be his new friend.

"Um, Otohata-kun?" Aya increased her step to catch up with him. Looking at him, Aya couldn't help but admire his features. His hair looked so soft and his face was so perfect. "If you need any help with the homework, you can just tell me. I'll be more than happy to help you." Aya told him blushing. "Also, if you ever just need someone to talk to, you can tell me."

Rei stopped walking and turned to face her. Startled, Aya also stopped walking. She looked at him while she gripped on her bag's handle tightly. Why had she said that? Now, she just sounded like a total freak. Aya wished she could take her words back. It was very clear that Rei didn't like her in slightest bit, so there was no way he would ever be her friend. Aya looked at the floor as she felt Rei stare at her. What could she say to him now? "Um, I'm sorry. I was just suggesting." Aya told him, shifting her eyes toward him.

Smirking, Rei placed his hand in his pocket and looked at her. "Look, girl, I don't know who the hell you think you are, but you're starting to get on my damn nervous. Leave me alone, okay. I don't want you near me." Aya's eyes widen as she looked at Rei. "Why don't you just get lost? You annoy me." Rei turned around and walked away.

Aya bit her lip to prevent her tears from falling. "Fine. This is the only and the last time I try to help you." Aya whispered to him. "Here, I was, trying to be nice. Stupid, Aya. You're such a fool." She said sadly to herself.

…

Walking home from school, Aya's mind kept thinking of Rei's cold words. It wasn't the first time Aya was treated that way. In fact, she was starting to get used to it, but it still saddened her. She had really wanted to be Rei's friend, but he didn't want too. He probably didn't want be friends with anyone. Then, she suddenly shook her head. Why was she still thinking about him for? Dylan was home all alone while she's over here thinking about some cold hearted bastard. Aya gritted her teeth and started walking a bit faster.

Aya tried to walk past the crowd, but she couldn't. The streets were usually never this full with people. She would go around some people to find her path blocked by more. Checking her watch, Aya realized that she was suppose to be home since an hour ago. Aya groaned in annoyance as she stopped in front of traffic light. Tapping her foot impatiently, Aya waited for the walk sign to pop up. After a couple of seconds, the walk sign appeared and Aya quickly dashed across the street.

"Almost home." She said to herself, but then found herself standing in front of a huge line of of people. They were all trying to go inside a newly opened shop. Aya placed her hands on her hips. This was taking forever. She didn't understand why there were so many people out today. She could easily just try squeeze herself through, but why go through all that trouble when she could just find a shortcut?

Turning around, Aya walked away, down the street again. She turned the corner to her right into a street she had never walked in. Then at a distance, Aya could see her home. Her face lit up a little. Instead of making that big turn, she could just walk down this street and she'll be home. Sighing with some relief, Aya's steps ceased as she looked around. The street she was on didn't really seem like a street at all. It seem more like an alley. Aya gulped, closing her eyes. It was okay though. She was almost home, anyways.

"Hey, lookie what we got here." Someone in the shadows said. Aya quickly turned, but didn't see anyone. Her heart started to pound loudly with fear. Maybe she was just hearing things. Maybe her mind was just playing games with her. "Calm down, Aya." She told herself quietly.

When she started walking again, Aya heard the voice again. "It's pretty one, too. Let's keep her for a bit." Aya stopped again and looked around. She was so scared that she wanted to cry.

Suddenly, Aya saw three men that were walking toward her. They all wore torn jeans with baggy shirts. One the guys had long black hair that covered one of his eyes and Aya could tell he had a piercing in his lips. There was another guy that had short red hair and the other one had a shaved head. Aya could feel her entire body quivering with fear.

"Come with me, pretty girl." The guy with black hair hissed at Aya, making her take a few steps back. "You won't regret it. I promise."

Instead of screaming, Aya started crying as she watched the guys close in on her. Dropping her bag, Aya quickly turned around and was about to runaway, but one of the guys grabbed her arm. He pulled her toward him and grabbed her tightly around the waist. Aya tried to pull away, but of course, being a guy, he was a lot stronger than her. Then, he pushed her toward the wall. As soon as Aya felt the impact of the bricked wall, pain traveled through out her back. Aya looked up and found the guy with the black hair in front of her. He grabbed her hands and pinned them tightly on the wall, leaving Aya with no way to escape from his grasp. He looked at her with deadly eyes, sending a shiver down Aya's spine. What was he going to do to her?

"Please. Please, let me go. I didn't mean to bother you. I'm sorry. Please, let me go." Aya pleaded while she shed tears. Never in her life had she been so scared. Never in her life had she felt the urge to get home. "Please, just let get home."

"Hm, you're funny. Saying 'please' and 'sorry' won't solve anything." He told her as he tighten his grip around her wrists. "Did you think that I was going to let you go because you said please? What a fool!" He laughed which made Aya close her shut. "Putting your stupidity aside, I think you're very pretty. Why don't we get know each other a little more?"

Aya shook her head rapidly as she tried to release her grip. She was so frighten that she didn't know what to do. She couldn't depend on Ran and the others forever. Suddenly, Aya remember something Ran had said. Ran had told her that if she was ever scared of something that she should confront it and try to scare it back, but how could she? She was afraid to even open her eyes. "Don't. I don't want too. Leave me alone, please!" Aya cried, this time a bit louder than before.

"Hey! What the hell are you doing!" Someone suddenly exclaimed. Aya flew her eyes opened. That voice. She knew who it belonged too. Aya looked around and sure enough, right in front her stood Rei Otohata.

Rei grabbed the guy with the black hair and pulled him off Aya. Then, he walked in front of her and looked at the guys with an evil glare. "Leave her alone, dumb asses. Don't lay a finger on her again! Got it!"

Aya placed her hand on her chest as she felt her heart pounding loudly. Why was Rei here? The guy that she had barely met had saved her. She looked up, but the only thing she could see was Rei's back. He was protecting her. Aya didn't know why he was helping her. She was almost sure that he hated her. Maybe he did have a nice side, but he just didn't like to show it. Wiping her tears, Aya could feel warm feeling inside her.

Thank you, Rei.

TBC...