I've had this idea for a while. So many girls in Furuba love Yuki, but what if one of these girls thought of it as a problem? What if she were to actually confront him about it like it was a problem? So that's how Aina was born. I finally looked up Japanese names, so I can finally begin this story because I've finally given her a name. Oh, man, I'm writing 4 things at once now… My poor little brain… Whenever I get an idea for a story I write it immediately. I don't wait until I finish another one to put less pressure upon myself. The only advantage to this, though, is that whenever I'm stuck on one story, I can go to another one until I get an idea for the previous one, and the cycle goes on. But anyways, here's the story.
Crushed by a Crush
By ShinkisRule
Chapter 1
If you were to ask anyone to describe Aina Akita to you, they would immediately say that she was beautiful. They would tell you about the faraway look in her eyes and her long, flowing hair and her kind, sweet smile. Everyone thought she was sweet, and that she was beautiful. That is, everyone but Aina.
Every day when Aina looked in the mirror, all she saw was that girl who sat alone in the corner all day and stare into the clouds at nothing like some spaced-out freak. That girl who never uttered three sentences together. That girl who was fifteen and still hadn't ever had a boyfriend. That girl with no real friends and no life.
Aina couldn't stand being so pathetic. One of the reasons that she spent her time in her own little world was because she couldn't seem to get things right in the real world. She would always imagine the life she wanted. She thought it was stupid, but she always dreamt of having a life like all the heroes she watched on TV or read about in books. Those heroes whose lives were nonstop adventure, who always had somewhere to run, someone to save, and a hand to hold. Those heroes who would make a stand, and say no, and do what was right when everyone else just ran away. Their lives were dangerous, but they wouldn't miss that adventure for the world, because the worse it would get, the more they'd love it. Aina wished she could have all that. Just to be around people like that would have been enough for her. Those fictional heroes, in a way, were her friends. She wanted a life she could love, a life she wouldn't want to change. But no. She didn't have anything super in her life. All she had was this.
Aina knew she couldn't be any sort of warrior, but it still would have been nice to know her real reason for living. Not that Aina was suicidal, mind you. She knew she had a reason to live. She knew her place in this world was out there somewhere. She just had to find it. She wanted more than anything to find her reason. And every day, when she wandered down the halls at school, or when she made her way to sit and eat lunch, Aina wondered if maybe, just maybe, that reason was Yuki Sohma.
Yuki Sohma may have been the handsomest, most popular boy in school, but he didn't act like it. He was different. He was so gentle and kind. All those girls chasing after him never made him think that he was worth running to. He didn't want to be popular. Yuki wasn't just another pretty face… He was totally selfless. And Aina adored him with every ounce of her being.
And that was what went through Aina's mind as she looked at him today. He was sitting there with his wonderful circle of friends—and these weren't just the cool kids, they were his real friends—smiling and laughing and just being magnificent. She knew she didn't have a chance with him, because, even if Yuki didn't realize it, she knew he liked Tohru Honda. That girl was always so happy and made everyone around her happy, and she was also just about the cutest girl in the whole school. Aina didn't want to interfere, because she really liked Tohru; she admired her. She knew she was no match for her, but she wished with all her heart that she could at least find the courage to talk to Yuki, and maybe one day be his friend. But she couldn't talk to anyone, especially not her secret crush. She just wasn't brave enough.
Aina sighed and hung her head. When she was younger, she had always thought that she'd be more sociable when she got older. That still hadn't happened. Aina thought her problem was that she gave the impression that she didn't want to be approached. People barely ever talked to her. She had always hoped that maybe Yuki would be the one to talk to her, but that obviously wasn't going to happen. He wasn't much of a talker either. Aina looked back at Yuki, knowing she could never have him. But still, Aina could dream.
Aina couldn't stand loving Yuki so much. Sometimes she tried to listen in on his conversations, just to hear his voice. She knew it was a bad habit, but still, she wanted to learn about his life. It was mostly the others who spoke, and Yuki would occasionally say something. This time, though, he hadn't said anything yet. Aina listened carefully, and she gasped and turned away when Arisa Uotani started talking about her.
"Hey," she said, "Akita's sitting by herself again."
"She looks so sad…" Momiji sighed.
"Indeed," said Hanajima, "Her waves give off such a strong loneliness."
"Loneliness?" asked Tohru, "I wonder why. She's so pretty; you'd think she'd have lots of friends. Poor Akita-san…"
"I know!" said Momiji, snapping his fingers, "Let's invite her to come sit with us!!"
"Oh, yes!" said Tohru, clapping her hands, "Great idea, Momiji-kun!"
"How long did it take you guys to come up with that?" asked Kyo.
Aina couldn't believe it. Had that really just happened? Was she really about to sit with new friends? And more importantly, with Yuki?? If Hanajima could sense her waves, then why hadn't she said something a long time ago? Aina supposed that didn't really matter now. She wasn't going to be alone anymore. Alright, Aina thought to herself as Momiji and Tohru approached her, act natural, Aina. You have to make a good impression.
"Hello, Akita-san!" said Tohru, "I'm Tohru. We noticed you were all alone. Would you like to sit with us?"
"Umm," said Aina, kicking herself in her mind because she would almost always say "Um" at the beginning of her sentences, "Sure."
"Come, come!" said Momiji, grabbing Aina's hand and leading her to where everyone else was sitting. Aina let out a small laugh as she could barely keep up with him. Even though he was a first-year in high school, he had the energy of a 6-year-old. Aina liked that about him, it made him so adorable. He was like a cuddly little bunny.
"Hey, Akita," said Arisa as Aina sat down, "Glad you could join us!"
"Hey," said Aina, so softly she could barely hear herself.
"So," said Arisa, "Introductions. I'm Arisa Uotani, otherwise known as Uo-chan, and this is Saki Hanajima, or Hana-chan. You've already met Tohru and Momiji, and that over there would be Kyo."
"That?!" Kyo fumed, "Don't call me 'that!' I'm a human being!"
"Just tune out everything he says," said Arisa, "Anyway, this is Haru, and I'm sure you already know Prince Charming." She was, of course, referring to Yuki.
Aina smiled, and made an effort not to stare. Yuki was even more amazing up close. She couldn't believe she was actually eating lunch with him.
"I'm so happy that you're here, Akita-san!" said Tohru, "You were so lonely before, but you won't be any longer!"
"Umm… Yeah," said Aina, "I'm happy to be here, too." Aina was amazed that she had just said a whole sentence on her own.
"Now that we know each other," said Arisa, "We need to think of a name for you."
"Hmm?" said Aina.
"See, I'm Uo-chan, and she's Hana-chan. So from now on, you're… Aki-chan!"
"Oh, yes!" said Tohru, "I like that! Aki-chan!"
Aina smiled. So now she had a nickname.
"You're okay with that?" asked Haru, "Or would you rather they called you Aina?"
"I don't really care," said Aina. Either was fine, really, so long as they were actually talking to her.
"So tell us about yourself, Aki-chan," said Tohru, "What do you like to do?"
"Umm…" said Aina, wanting to kick herself again, "I like drawing… And I like reading manga."
"You like manga?" asked Tohru, "Do you have a favorite manga?"
"I guess…" said Aina, making an effort not to say "Um" again, "Divine Melody."
"I don't read much manga," said Tohru, "So I haven't heard of that. But I'll assume since you like it that it's really good! You like to draw, too? Do you draw manga?"
Aina nodded.
"That's great, Aki-chan!" said Tohru.
"We've met before," said Yuki, "Haven't we, Akita-san?"
Aina tried not to look shocked. Yuki actually spoke to her… What was she supposed to say? All she could let out was another "Um."
"I think so," she said, trying not to stutter.
They had met before. How could Aina ever forget that? Her mind flashed back to that day… the day she fell in love.
**
Aina walked outside as P.E. was about to start. The first thing she saw when she got there was the Prince Yuki fan club, surrounding none other than Yuki himself. Aina couldn't believe this. Whenever she saw Yuki, there was always a crowd of fangirls not too far behind. Aina couldn't stand to watch this. She turned away, disgusted.
There was something about popularity that Aina just couldn't grasp. What was so great about being popular? Being popular meant thinking that you owned the world. It meant thinking you were better than everyone else. Just because you have good looks and girls chasing after you didn't mean you were the eighth wonder of the world. While it was true that Yuki was handsome, he really wasn't that great. He looked like just another popular jerk.
When class started, the gym teacher said they were going to be working in groups of two. Thankfully, he was going to pick the groups, because otherwise Aina would be the last person without a partner. But after her partner was chosen, she wasn't so thankful.
"Akita," said the gym teacher, "You're with Yuki."
Aina couldn't believe this. Anyone but him. Why couldn't she have been with Hanajima, or maybe Momiji? Why did it have to be Yuki? Aina sighed and walked up to him, trying to be polite. Yuki didn't say anything as they practiced spiking the volleyball to each other… That is, not for the first few minutes.
Aina gasped as the ball came flying towards her face. Her terrible reflexes prevented her from dodging it in time, and soon enough Aina was on the ground, with her hands clasped over her mouth and nose, letting out a muffled scream.
"Akita-san!!" Yuki yelled, running over to her, "Are you all right?! I'm sorry!! Did I hurt you?! I really didn't mean it! I'm so sorry!!"
Aina didn't even look at him. one of the reasons was that it hurt so much she couldn't hold back the tears, but it was mostly because she was furious. Inside, she was screaming at him. You're sorry?! Aina thought, that's a lie!!! You think just because you're Yuki means you can do whatever you want and get away with it?! You're not sorry!! I hate you!! You're such a jerk!!! I hate you!!!!!
"Do you need to go to the nurse's office, Akita-san? Are you bleeding?" Aina looked up and noticed that Yuki was still there. She immediately turned away. She didn't want anyone to see her cry, especially not him. She lifted her hands from her face and realized that she was bleeding. Great. He'd split her lip open. Aina wiped her eyes as the pain finally started to lessen, and without a word, she went straight to the nurse's office. That was the last time she was going to have Yuki as her partner.
After the nurse had cleaned the wound and had given her a napkin to press against her lip, Aina had to stay in the nurse's office until the bleeding stopped. She hadn't been hurt too badly; she wasn't going to need stitches or anything. Aina was happy about that, but she still had to sit there with a bloody lip and nothing to do. She was bored out of her mind. At least she didn't have to endure the rest of class with Yuki. That was good. But as soon as she had thought of this, Yuki walked into the room. Aina sighed. Such was her life.
"What are you doing here?" Aina asked, not caring how rude she sounded.
"Sensei wanted me to see if you were all right," said Yuki.
"I'll be fine," said Aina, "You can leave whenever you feel like it."
"I really am sorry, Akita-san… I didn't mean to hurt you so badly. I… I know you're angry with me, and you have every right to be. But… I think this isn't the only thing you're angry about. I just want you to know… I never wanted any of this. Ever since I became so popular…I've always wondered why."
Aina paused. What was he talking about? Even though she hated to admit it, Yuki was unbelievably gorgeous. That was why those girls liked him so much. Everyone knew that, even his enemies. Did he really not see that?
"I…" said Yuki, "I'm nothing special. I'm really not cool. Being popular was the last thing I expected when I came here. I thought that people would hate me. I'm really… I'm boring, I guess. I have no social skills and barely ever talk to people freely. I'm basically a nobody. I never understood how I became so popular. It just… doesn't make sense."
Aina was confused. This was a side of Yuki she hadn't seen before. She had always thought that he was just like all the other popular people, but after hearing this she wasn't so sure anymore. He thought he was worthless. Was he lying? Did he just want her to stop hating him? His face looked so honest, so sincere… He really meant it, didn't he? He really thought he was a nobody. Aina looked at Yuki, thinking that maybe she was beginning to see the real him.
"Again," said Yuki, "I'm sorry."
He started to walk away, but stopped as Aina finally spoke.
"Yuki?" she asked, in a small, timid voice, "I… I'm sorry, too."
Yuki smiled, and Aina tried to smile back, but that only made her lip open more. She cringed, and immediately put the napkin back over it.
"Are you all right, Akita-san?" Yuki asked, halfway out the door.
"I think so… ow… Um, I'm kind of bored here… Would you mind staying?"
"I'd like that," said Yuki.
"Umm… just don't make me laugh or anything," said Aina, pointing to her lip.
Yuki laughed. "I'll try."
The two of them talked for a while, and when they finally went back to class, Aina didn't have a doubt that she had been wrong about Yuki all along. He was really a wonderful person. He was so kind to her. Whenever she saw him for the rest of the day, she would bubble up inside. The mere thought of him made her happy. It wasn't just happiness, though… it was more than that. It was a feeling she couldn't really describe. Aina wondered what she should call it.
When she got home, all she could think of was Yuki. Whenever she closed her eyes, she would see him, smiling at her. He filled her thoughts when she went to bed that night, and she couldn't sleep. Aina got up and looked out her window, gazing at the stars, more joyful than she had ever been. She couldn't wait to see Yuki again tomorrow. Aina had always had strong feelings for him, but never these feelings. She felt it so much that it made the world brighter. Everything was new.
"Yuki…" Aina whispered under her breath. She finally figured it out. She couldn't sleep. She couldn't eat. She thought of him every moment of every waking hour. She knew exactly what it was now. Yes. This was it.
"Oh, Yuki… I love you."
**
After that day, Aina had hoped that she and Yuki would become great friends, but they didn't really see each other much. After that, Yuki became a dream that would never come true. But maybe now things would change. Aina didn't want to force Yuki to love her. She just wanted him to be happy, and if Tohru made him happy, that was fine with Aina. She was just glad to have a chance to become his friend.
"When did you guys meet before?" asked "Uo-chan."
"I'm not sure…" said Yuki, "Oh. Were you the one I…?"
"Yeah," said Aina, not wanting him to have to explain how he hit her in the face.
"I'm sure you've healed by now, Akita-san?" asked Yuki.
"Yeah, I'm fine."
Aina smiled, and Yuki smiled back. That little accident was months ago, and Aina had certainly recovered. Aina wouldn't have believed it at the time she'd been hit, but that was one of the greatest days of her life. Aina's life had been pretty dreary since she and Yuki had gone their separate ways. But now that Aina would have friends, and Yuki was going to be one of them, then maybe, just maybe, her world was about to get a little brighter once again.
This is my first attempt at writing a romance. Well, it's not actually a romance because it's only Aina with the crush, and, like her, I don't want to leave Tohru behind (unless I finish the series and find out she ends up picking Kyo and Yuki ends up single…) But it's still about a girl in love. So what do you think? Please review… I wanna know your opinions!
