Prologue:

"First year Kohinata, Hozumi. It's a pleasure to meet you all!" Hozumi bowed quickly and confidently in front of the large group of Stride members. A bright smile painted on his glowing face as he scanned the club room and all the other students before him. Hozumi was more than excited to make it to Honan and become part of this talented team.

As the other first years made their introductions, Hozumi's focus went to one in particular student in the room. One with light brown hair, pulled back by a headband. A small mole under one eye added a sort of sophistication to his features. He was taller than most, with a strong build. From his muscular shape, Hozumi could tell right away that his skill was more so in speed rather than acrobatics. Next to him was a student who seemed just as tall, if not taller! His long locks and stone face gave him the a look of royalty… or of a villain, Hozumi tried not to judge too quickly.

When introductions were finally over, Hozumi made his way over to the two to introduce himself.

As weeks past, Hozumi became close with many members of Stride, but nothing compared to the relationship he had formed with Hasekura Heath. Hozumi loved nothing more than making him laugh with his silly jokes and acrobatic tricks. Hasekura seemed to really enjoy Hozumi's company, giving the little blonde hope for the future. You see, Hozumi had realized he had developed quite the crush on Hasekura.

Now, there are two situations that confirmed Hozumi's feelings and helped him figure out what was really getting to him when Hasekura-senpai was near him.

1. That damned V-neck… When Hozumi took notice of how low cut it really was, he could NOT stop staring at his friends pectoral muscles. This would not mean much to Hozumi if it was out of interest or spite; instead, he found himself staring with hot cheeks and a quickened heartbeat, especially after those long runs on hot days, when his chest would glisten with sweat and move up and down rapidly as he caught his breath. And when Hasekura bent over just enough so Hozumi could look straight down to rippling abs, he usually needed to exit the space quickly before causing a scene with his lower half.

2. The second situation is, sadly, not as fun as the first. Whenever Hasekura-senpai went for a run with Kuga-senpai, or even really spoke to him, it sent Hozumi into a jealous rage. Of course, no one could ever tell. Hozumi was a wonderful actor, could almost fool himself sometimes. The only situation when Hozumi had a hard time hiding his feelings regarding Kuga and Hasekura, was whenever Hasekura SMILED at Kuga. It was never a smile Hasekura ever gave, it was one saved only for Kuga. Which is where Hozumi got his suspicions about the two.

It was after practice in May. Most had already changed and left school for the day. But Hozumi, Hasekura, and Kuga took their time. They talked and laughed, joking about practice or what happened in school that day. "It's only because you're so small, Hozumi!" Hasekura laughed "If I was your size I'd be able to do your tricks too."

Hozumi's gave him an exaggerated frown "I'm not sure if I should be taking that as an insult or a compliment." He turned to face his back to his senpai and crossed his arms over his chest "Guys don't typically like being called small, Hasekura-senpai."

"I can see that… But in our 'line of work' being small is an advantage! I mean look…" Suddenly, Hozumi felt strong hands grab onto either side of his waist and lift him up. He could feel his cheeks begin to turn pink. "You're so light, I could just carry you home with me!" Hasekura laughed but Hozumi just became more red with heat. Thoughts began to pop up in his mind and he knew he needed to get out of that situation, fast.

"Senpai!" He yelled as he squirmed in Hasekura's hands. Hasekura chuckled uncontrollably as Hozumi jumped from his grasp and landed like a cat, perfectly balanced. "You need to watch what you say Hasekura-senpai."

"Heath!" Hasekura rolled his eyes in exhaustion "Call me Heath, Hozumi!"

Hozumi bit his bottom lip as he grabbed his bag "Right… Well, Goodnight, Heath! Goodnight, Kuga-senpai!" Hozumi continued to book it out of there, feeling his blush grow even more as the word "Heath" escaped his lips.

He made it to the school yard by the time he realized he had forgotten his jacket in the club room. Hozumi hurried back into the building and hopped up the stairs, hoping the second years were still in the room and it wasn't locked just yet.

As Hozumi approached the door though, he began to hear soft whispers coming from the room. He slowly approach but stopped as soon as he saw the two boys sitting on the couch, Kuga leaning into Heath with a hand gently placed under his chin. Hozumi froze in the hallway, forgetting how to move, not quite sure how to breath. Kuga was whispering something to Heath, slowly moving his delicate hand up Heath's cheek and into his hair, pushing the headband back so that it fell to the floor, allowing Heath's hair to fall around his face. As the headband hit the carpet, Hozumi snapped back into reality. He flew from the room, hoping no one saw him, hoping what he saw wasn't real, hoping he could forget everything. He ran from the school, determined to get home. He choked back tears as he jumped over anything in his way. How could he not see this coming?

Hozumi avoided school the next day. His bed was his sanctuary, with blankets to protect him from any invaders. Unfortunately, feelings were the assassins who flipped through the cracks of the wall. Hozumi was usually so good under pressure, always putting on a smile even when under a world of stress. It was only when it involved friends, family, or OTHER important relationships that his emotions would get the best of him. So faking a cough and acting sick seemed like the best option for the day. There was no way he was going to focus during the school day, never mind keep his cool at practice! "I'm upset" would be written all over his face.

Hozumi kept his face buried for the day, that is, until a small sound came from his phone. He looked at his texts and his heart leaped.

Sender: Hasekura Heath

"Hey Hozumi.

You sick?"

Hozumi looked at the clock. It was a few minutes into practice, not a convenient time for Heath to be texting. He responded with a basic "Kinda… I wasn't feeling well so I took the day." He then put his phone back on the night stand, figuring Heath's curiosity has been settled. But his phone went off again, only moments from hitting send.

Sender: Hasekura Heath

"Sorry to hear that! Please feel better soon. Practice is lame without you!"

Hozumi's heart began to flutter. It was such a small thing, a simple text, but to him it meant so much. Maybe he was wrong, he never actually saw anything happen. He figured it was best to sit back and see what happened next.

Nothing changed. Everything was just as it always had been. Practice began right after school. Hozumi spent practice poking fun at Heath. Heath and Kuga ran perfectly together. Practice would end and everyone would go home. The End. Nothing.

On the one hand, Hozumi was glad there were no more situations where it looked as if Kuga was putting the moves on Heath (not that Hozumi ever gave them a chance to be alone, except for running). But, then again, Heath made no moves towards Hozumi either. So day after day things were just normal. It stayed like that for a long while… until the KGB.

Hozumi was on the sidelines for this race. It was one of the biggest, and with so many third years, not to mention three very talented second years, there was no room for him just yet. He watched the big screen with intense concentration, cheering on his teammates and sending them all his energy. But then, things went wrong.

Hozumi watched in horror as Heath mis-stepped and suddenly went down. It only took a second before Hozumi was off running in the direction of the take-over zone. Hozumi doesn't even remember running, he was in such a state of panic. The only thing he remembers is seeing Heath go down and arriving at the scene. As Hozumi slowed down, all he could see was Heath doubled over in pain, and Kuga standing over him. Heat went straight to Hozumi's head. He dashed over to Heath, crouching down, trying to shield his body with is own. Hozumi stared up at Kuga with fire in his eyes "How could you?!..." Kuga said nothing, just stared down at Hozumi with his cold stare which only made Hozumi's anger grow, "Kuga-senpai, you disgraced the Honan Stride Club!"

With that, Kuga left. He never said another word to the Stride members. Kuga never explained his actions. All Hozumi knows is that Kuga resigned from the club after that race.

Hozumi has his suspicions as to why Kuga hurt Heath's ankle. The other club members believed it was because Heath stopped running after he rolled his ankle and didn't keep moving to finish his relay. Hozumi believed it was something deeper than that. Whatever the reason, Hozumi knew he had to be there for Heath. He needed a friend right now, and Hozumi was going to protect him no matter what.