I leant over the desk, exasperated, with my unkempt, slightly spiky head of maroon hair covered neatly by a dark brown flat cap. It was very modern and in style, Yamato told me as he had handed it to me. I'd told him I'd like to impress someone, but refused to declare whom. Either way, he chose it casually from the depth of his wardrobe, claiming that he'd bough it earlier last month, but told me that it didn't suit him. I was momentarily mind-blown – something didn't go well on Yama? Man, was I in for a treat. Perhaps, there was the most petite chance ever he'd glance at me. I was ruthlessly, hopelessly and distantly in adoration with that boy, sitting only three seats up from me. My teacher's voice was blurry and soft, as I scribbled small figures upon my notebook, taking down the notes. Takeru had been moved to my classroom for English, due to him being ever so intelligent. I gazed upward, settling my eyes on the board. I hadn't paid attention to the explanation, so I was likely to fail the class. Didn't matter, anyway, as I never really liked literature – soccer and gym was always my thing. I tugged nervously at my baggy pants; fearing that they were slipping downward and revealing my backside crack to the whole back of the class. I really am self-conscious, though I don't show it, and I can't help it. I only act sane and normal around my friends – as in, the chosen ones. I continued to stare at the back of his head, his gleaming, shaggy blonde hair and matching hat. The bell began to shriek and whistle, and I jumped a little as I popped from seat, slinging the backpack containing heavy books over my shoulder and sprinting off unusually fast, feeling the eyes of other students on me. I didn't dare glance back, afraid that they would see the emotion of expectation on my face – expecting for him to grin at me, and I would blush. Stepping through the hallways, I waved briefly at Miyako who was leaning against her locker, having a deep conversation with Jou. He didn't have an education here anymore, but he did promise he'd stop by and speak to her about, well, I don't know. I'm not particularly nosey to anybody else's business, seeing as I don't want them to meddle in mine. I'm pretty typical, if you know me well enough. I spun to me locker, turning it precisely to the combination, and swung it open. It was almost empty, as I usually left my stuff at home. There were pictures clumsily glued onto the sides of myself and Veemon, Inoue Miyako and Hawkmon, Hida Cody and Armadillomon, Yagami Hikari and Takaishi Takeru alongside Gatomon and Patamon. Each of us had signed out names, and I missed the old days when we fought alongside together.
I heard approaching footsteps behind me, and a rough tap on my shoulder. I turned around, aggravated by the unannounced arrival, but met Fukushima Katsuo, the current soccer team captain, standing there in his confident, self-centred glory. His severely tanned skin and hanging, dark brown hair tied in a male ponytail repulsed me a bit, but hey, he must've got the talent from somewhere. Then again, he may have bribed the coach to giving him the position. I'd go with the latter. His girlfriend, Ishikawa Emiko, was widely known around Odaiba as the beautiful daughter of the determined mayor. I hate the typical, hot, divine girl. They seem so unreal, I've always thought, and a realistic person I need to date. Which spawned my soft obsession with Takeru, ever since I'd denied my feelings, because of the blazing rivalry we openly displayed in public. Cocking an eyebrow and appearing calm and cool, I spoke loudly and prominently.
"Yeah? Whatcha want?"
Katzuo's eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Just letting you know, Daisuke. We have soccer practise beginning next week. Be there."
My lips pursed, eyes twinkling in defiance as I stepped forward, determined to stop him ordering me around. "I will. If you say please, alright?"
Katsuo pushed me backward and I slammed into my locker, pissed off to the utmost extent. That idiot thought that he could push anyone around, I knew it, he knew it and the whole freakin' school knew it. Everybody he hung out with was too scared to deny his orders or not be his friend. I grinned mischievously as he held me by the collar, shaking me gently. "Trying to teach me manners, Daisuke?"
I nodded, my face plastered in innocent mocking toward him. "Well, I like to teach Emiko manners too, if you get what I mean."
In a split second, I saw the clenched fist draw back momentarily, before thundering forward and making contact with my nose. I heard a shrill cracking and a dull ringing in my mind, as crimson blood ran freely and unwillingly from my nose and staining my shirt. I was daunted for a moment. Bombarding myself at him, despite the agonizing affliction in my nose, I slammed him in response and the two of us rumpled to the squeaky-clean, tiled floor. Katsuo struggled to regain his position, squirming like an insect. I forced my knuckles into his stomach and he let out a strangled bellow. I chortled insanely as an acclaiming crowd gathered. Several familiar faces appeared as a pair of silk-smooth, heavenly arms pulled me to my feet. Disgruntled, Takeru's worried and sympathetic face met mine. My agitated attitude dissolved immediately and I gazed down at my shoes, embarrassed and insulting myself inwardly. Takeru led me away wordlessly, down the hallways and behind a set of lockers, giving us delayed privacy. I was terrified and blessed at the same time. I was all abandoned with Takaishi Takeru, my crush, my obsession, and my role model.
There was a numberless list of things I would have done right there and then. But, despite the symbol of courage bestowed and handed down to me, I didn't have the balls to do anything. Takeru stared at me, a definite smirk on his face. However, it was certainly not a smirk of evil, or snobby attitude, but the kind of one that would melt you into dribbles of guck on the floor. My cheeks cascaded into a colour similar to the amiable petals of a rose. I raised my bloody hand to my mouth, to hide the crumpled, though not broken, nose and the genuine, hidden display of affection. Did he even know? I didn't think so. It was several minutes before Takeru spoke.
"Dai, is something bothering you?"
I shook my head furiously. "No, not a care in the world. Katsuo just being his usual, asshole-ish self." Takeru giggled in a chiming sound.
"Really, though, you couldn't pay attention in class. You-you were staring at the back of my head."
I froze, mind-boggling and attempting, in vain, to search for a suitable answer that would not appear in anyway, revealing about my emotions. Oh, damn. Fiddling with my gloves, I couldn't help but seem to think that there was a note of suggestion in his voice. If there were, I would grab hold of him there and then. But, as I said, I didn't have the balls of steel to accomplish that and, with a sigh, lied through my teeth about everything in a relaxed manner.
"You know I hate Literature," I mumbled, running my free left hand through my untameable red hair. Takeru shook his head solemnly so that his scruffy, blonde hair waved elegantly from side to side. Must resist cowardly temptation, I frantically thought. Takeru then uttered the words warmed me to the mellow bone, and caused me to smile jubilantly in response. I didn't care if he thought I was insane or weird. He said it uniquely, as if Daisuke Motomiya was the one thing in school that kept him going. I honestly mean it; he is what keeps me going. Without him, going to face Katsuo and all the other jocks would be worthless. Worthless, I tell you!
"Fine. But, Dai, I don't want to see you get hurt, ever. If you're having problems, don't be afraid or embarrassed to let me know. I'm usually at home on weekends. Pop by if you like."
Praise the lord! Is he flirting with me? Maybe he is. Ooh, HIS house? Hotdogs? Kisses? Tempting situations? His house? Is he flirting with me? I can't believe this. I timidly stepped back, before nodding shyly. I only just managed to speak as he brushed his hand against my face, before heading up the hall. I leaned against the locker, breathing heavily as if I'd just finished a soccer game.
I knew I was hopelessly and deeply in love with Takeru. My reputation and home-life was at stake. But I was going to give it a go, anyway. I was just about crazy enough.
To his house on Saturday, it was.
