I sighed while I studied him from afar. He had perfect blonde hair and deep caramel eyes. If only those eyes would look my way. But I doubt they would, because I was a nobody. I know that because I sit at my lunchroom table alone. Also, the school dance is coming up, and nobody has asked me to it. Certainly not him.

I looked away from him, embarrassed I had ever wondered if we'd go to the dance together. "Izaya, you're an idiot," I told myself under my breath. Shizuo Heiwajima will never know of my existence.

The bell rang to signal lunch time was over. I got up and started to walk towards the door. But I was interrupted by a boy running up to me. He stopped in front of me, panting. "Are you Izaya Orihara?" he said, still out of breath.

"Yes..." I took a closer look at him. That's when I recognized him as one of Shizuo's friends. What could he be up to? Did he notice me staring at Shizuo?

He finally regained his breathing. "Can you meet me outside after school in the back?"

Yep, definitely up to something. "No." I started to walk away. But he grabbed my shoulder. I spun around. "Let go, I'm not going to be a victim of some prank."

He honestly look taken aback. "This isn't a prank, I just want to hang out with you." Now he looked hurt.

I felt stupid. "Uh, okay. I guess we can then." What am I getting myself into?

He seemed to cheer up at that. "Great! See you then!" He turned and ran off to join up with his group of friends.

That's when I realized I didn't even get an introduction. All I know is that he's friends with Shizuo. His name was never mentioned. I guess I'll get it later. I started yet again to walk back to class.

The final bell rang. I groaned, I really didn't want to meet this guy after school. I still think he's up to something. I got up from my desk slowly and, just as slowly, walked to the door. If he really wants to hang out, he'll wait for me to take my time.

Though time seemed to go by quickly, because before I knew it I was at the entrance of the back of Raira Academy. I took a deep breath, and went through. I looked to my left for the boy, but he wasn't there. Then, I looked to my right, and my gaze was none other greeted by Shizuo Heiwajima. An overwhelming sense of fear took over. It was so great that I didn't even realize the guy from earlier until he spoke up. "Hey Izaya. Took you long enough." He had a sweet smile, but people would probably notice his geeky glasses first.

"Oh... hey." I was trying so hard to keep my cool but I couldn't help but stare at Shizuo. He didn't seem to notice though.

"Is this the guy you told me about, Shinra?"

"Sure is, Shizuo."

Wait, this Shinra guy told him about me? I could feel my face growing hot.

"I'm sure you know Shizuo, Izaya?" He had a hinting tone to his voice.

"Yes..." I looked down at my feet.

"You can leave Shinra," Shizuo said.

"Okay, see you guys later." He left, left me alone with the guy I was head over heels about.

"Well, you gonna say something?" He seemed a little irritated when he asked this.

I couldn't muster up the courage to say anything, so I just stood there.

He waited for a response for a second, then continued. "I'll say something then. I've noticed you staring at me. What's that for?"

Great, he was confronting me. This was just what I needed. I could feel my eyes getting watery. I still didn't respond as I felt a tear leave my eye and hit the ground.

"Geez, are you crying? All I asked was why you were staring at me."

Another tear streamed down my cheek.

"Look, Izaya. I'm not good at this sort of thing. So I'll just spit it out, will you go to the dance with me this Saturday?"

Shock rippled through my body. "...What?" I looked up at him.

"Will you go to the dance with me?" Now it was his turn to look away. "Like I said, I've noticed you staring at me for some time now. So I thought you were interested... But I guess not."

It took me a minute to comprehend all of this. "But I am."

We stood there awkwardly for some time. I was, surprisingly, the first to speak up. "As long as this isn't some prank, then yes, I'll go to the dance with you."

He smiled a brilliant smile, then said, "Great, I'll pick you up tomorrow at seven."

We exchanged contact information. When we were done, I turned to leave. But, just like before, I was stopped. "Yes?" I asked.

He hesitated a minute before speaking. "May I walk you home?"

Again I was shocked. "Ummm... Sure." I smiled at him, glad at his generosity. We walked down the street, mildly talking about school and grades. Yet my thoughts were racing. Wow, I'm going to the dance with Shizuo Heiwajima. He might like me back. He actually noticed me. Wow, wow, wow!

We finally reached my apartment building. "So this is where you live?" he asked.

"Yes, it's small but I call it home."

"Wait, do you live by yourself?" He seemed intrigued.

"Yes..."

"Why?"

"Long story. Anyway, see you tomorrow?"

"Okay, maybe I'll come earlier to hear this long story." He walked away.

Why was Shizuo so interested if I lived alone? It's not a big deal. I shrugged to myself and walked inside the building to get some rest for tomorrow.