The school bell rang with its usual light-hearted tone as the students of Akademi High filed out of their afternoon classes. Among them was you, a second-year student who had transferred in just a few days ago. You'd been anxious about being the new kid, naturally, but things had gone peacefully so far, with your classmates eager to get along with you… well, apart from that Ayano girl, who'd done no more than say hello on the first day. She seemed to treat nearly everyone that way, though, so you didn't take it personally.

Either way, your first week was nearly over, and in an effort to integrate further into your new surroundings, you decided to join a club. It had taken these past few days to choose which one, but careful thought had led to a conclusion: you figured now was a good a time as any to get into better shape, and with that, the Martial Arts club seemed the best choice (the Sports club was full of aggravating jock-types, and you also felt a bit nervous at the idea of running laps around a track so close to the delinquent hangout).

Stopping to get a drink from the vending machine on the way to the club room, you hoped that the club was as welcoming as you'd been told – it was your classmate Mina, a club member, who had assured you it was. But there wasn't any time to think twice, since club activities would be starting soon. Hurriedly downing the last of your soda and throwing the can in the trash, you rounded the corner, knocked twice on the door and, with a quick inhale, stepped inside. As you did so, the five members turned to face you, welcoming smiles across their faces. This warm welcome came from two in particular – Mina Rai, your aforementioned classmate, clearly thrilled that you had accepted her requests to come along… and a boy you hadn't spoken to as of yet, but whose red armband indicated he was the club leader. He took a few steps in front of the others towards you.

'Welcome to the Martial Arts club! What brings you he- ah, well, Mina said she'd asked you, so I suppose it's obvious why you're here!' His voice was clear and loud, but not so loud that you felt intimidated. You weren't really sure how you felt, but either way, you had to answer him.

'I'd like to join the Martial Arts club, please!' It came out as more of a squeak than you would have liked – ugh, embarrassing, especially compared to his confident tone – but he simply chuckled and nodded.

'Of course! Here's my usual introduction – we study hand-to-hand combat and practice self-defence techniques! If you join our club, I guarantee that you'll be able to defend yourself from anyone that might try to hurt you!' He paused for another smile. 'I suppose we should all become acquainted. You already know Mina,' Mina grinned as he gestured to her, 'but I don't believe the rest of us have spoken to you yet. Well, that's not a problem! Along with Mina, Sho here is also a second-year, but he's in a different class from you two.' The boy furthest from you nodded in acknowledgement. 'And we also have here two first years, Shima and Juku.' A younger girl and boy both turned to face you and bowed their heads slightly. 'Finally, all that's left is to introduce myself! I'm Budo Masuta, your upperclassman, and I shall do my very best to guide you!' Budo let out a small laugh, and then turned to face the others. 'With that done, are we ready to start training?'

After changing into your new uniform (which surprised you, as you didn't expect there to be one so well-adjusted to your size), you and the other apprentices formed a line in front of Budo, who clapped his hands together. 'Let's begin with some basic side kicks! One, two, one, two!' He chanted a slow but methodical rhythm as you and the others kicked in time. You didn't have any real experience with this, but you didn't feel too out of your depth, and while the exercise was tiring, you were enjoying yourself.

As the exercises continued, you found yourself zoning out at times to observe the others around. An occasional glance over at Mina earned you a cheerful grin, and the other three gave nods of approval whenever you were chosen to demonstrate the moves. But above all, you couldn't help but find yourself watching Budo intensely.

His dark hair was freshly washed and fluffy, and while messy, it framed his face in a way that caused an odd warmth to spread through your chest. His eyes were dark too, almost pitch black, and yet full of sparkles and light that made you want to gaze even deeper. His uniform was fitted perfectly to his body – a body which had clearly been training like this for a long time… during one set of punches, you saw a flash of his chest as the fabric bunched up, and had to struggle to retain your concentration. He was well-built, but not too muscular, so as to appear less intimidating. As the training continued, and as you all tired out, the occasional bead of sweat trickled lightly down his forehead. One landed on his lower lip, and you felt your eyes widen to take in the beauty as he quickly slid his tongue out to lick it away, the sweet light pink shimmering in the early evening light. This feeling was unfathomable… what was happening? Had you really found yourself love-struck by an upperclassman this early into your school life?

As the last rounds of kicks finished, and the members filed into the changing room one by one, you watched as Budo waved each of the others off one by one… until you realised it was only the two of you left. A sharp intake of breath. A quick gulp. A nervous twitch. He turned to face you, and spoke.

'How was that for your first lesson? I hope you found it engaging! If you have any trouble with the moves, you can drop by any time to practice – even if the club isn't fully meeting, there's always someone around to spar!' Budo smiled, and leaned forward to give you a reassuring pat on the shoulder. The firm contact made your pulse race faster.

'I… I enjoyed it a lot! Uh…' Again with the squeaking? Ugh, he'll be so annoyed! Despite your concerns, Budo merely laughed, patting you once more before leaning back.

'I'm glad to hear it! Anyway, I have to tidy away the mats, so you're free to go n-'

'I can help! If you'd like, I mean.' What the hell?! Where had that come from? It was as if your mouth and your brain weren't connected at all. Budo raised an eyebrow, evidently also surprised (not as surprised as you yourself were, mind), but immediately followed up with a cheerful, hearty laugh.

'You really are dedicated, aren't you? I admire your spirit! Okay, let's put these mats away together then.' He nodded to you, and calmly walked to the edge of the nearest mat, leaning down to pull the edge up. Again, his uniform slipped to reveal a flash of sweat-glazed chest, and your heart practically shot into your mouth. But then you realized he was waiting for you to assist him, and after blinking a few times, you got to work.

A few moments later, and the equipment was all back in the storage cupboard.

'All done! Good work… oh, my!' Budo gasped suddenly, and you felt your face flush in panic. 'I just realized, I hadn't asked your name! How could we have overlooked that? Please, forgive me.' He bowed his head deeply, and you couldn't quite hold back your giggle. He rose up again and joined in your laughter for a few moments, then motioned for you to properly introduce yourself. You did, and he nodded firmly. 'I'm pleased to meet you! Thank you for your help, it's appreciated. Let's change before we leave, shall we?' Budo waved an arm towards the changing room, signalling for you to go first. You obliged, warm feeling flooding your chest once more, and quickly slipped back into your normal uniform. It felt refreshing to be out of the training clothes, lightly damp with sweat. You made a mental note to put it in the wash as soon as you got home. Brushing your shirt down, you stepped out of the cubicle and found that Budo had already changed outside.

'Ah, don't mind me! I just saved myself the waiting time. Patience is important, but I'm eager to get walking in the evening breeze, too!' He let out another hearty laugh, and the heat boiled over in your core again. Actually.. it was much hotter than before. Had the room gotten warmer? You tried to take a step forward, but the weakness in your legs caused you to stumble, and you felt yourself falling towards the ground –

Budo dashed forward at the last minute, and you collapsed into him, vision blurred. He carefully crouched down to allow you to lie flat, a sudden uncharacteristic worry spread across his face. 'Are you alright?! Perhaps we pushed you too hard this evening… I'm very sorry! Should I go and get the nurse?' You breathed lightly in and out, and slowly shook your head.

'It's okay, just… give me a minute…'

Even so, the pained expression on his face was upsetting, and you forced yourself into a sitting position. 'Honestly, it's not your fault… I think I may be getting ill… should have waited… uhm…' You stammered out as many reasons as you could think of to try and reassure him, but Budo merely shook his head and frowned.

'Are you really sure you're okay? I don't want to leave you alone like this…' He thought to himself for a second, then spoke again. 'Which way out of school do you walk? I'd be happy to make sure you get home safe.' You felt warmth spread through you again, but the good kind this time – you'd barely met, and yet Budo was already concerned for you like this… of course, that's just how a good person should be right? No, it didn't mean anything… but even so…

'I live… about ten minutes east of the entrance…'

'Excellent! I live in that direction too! Well, let's wait a moment for you to gather your bearings, and then we'll make our way home.'

The walk to your house was painfully short. You managed to start a brief conversation about Budo's classmates, but before it could really get anywhere you were already home, and Budo finished his sentence with a smile.

'You seem to be looking much better now! I'm glad…' He trailed off slightly, and you saw a gleam in his eye that almost registered as sadness. 'Anyway, I'll be heading off now. See you tomorrow, apprentice!' With that, he turned to continue walking, but before he could leave, you had to reply, Quickly mustering up your strength, you stammered:

'Th-thank you for walking me home! Uh… see you tomorrow!'

Budo let out another small chuckle – you could definitely get used to hearing those – and nodded. 'It was the least I could do. Sleep well!' And with that, he slowly walked off into the distance. You watched him go for a few minutes, until he rounded a corner and disappeared, and then you turned to open the front door with a muffled creak.

You hadn't been excited for school like this in a long time.

Notes: If you're reading this, thank you, and I hope you're enjoying the story! Budo's my precious husbando, okay?~