Disclaimer: I REALLY think us fanfictioners should pitch in and buy Mai HiME off of Sunrise..

Contentment

She smiled back at me, surprising me a bit. I stepped forward, my hands stuffed in my jean pockets. When I was about a foot away from her, I stopped.

"Definitely running off," I said with a grin, replying to her statement just moments before.

I leaned forward, bending down slightly in the process because of the difference in height. Staring into her eyes, I searched for any signs of hesitation. I felt her breath against my neck.

Too close.

Unable to resist the temptation, I reached out and gently brought her into my arms. I wrapped them around her waist and leaned into her.

Almost immediately, I felt her fidgeting. Afraid I had upset her from the close contact, I loosened my hold. It was still fairly tight, but loose enough to break away easily.

She caught me by surprise, bringing her arms up and around my neck. Settling her head on my shoulder, she relaxed.

I tightened my grip once again and buried my face into her neck. Taking deep breaths, I relished her scent.

A smile unconsciously formed on my lips, knowing that the person I was holding had a smile plastered on her face as well.

We stayed like that for what seemed like forever. Yet, it wasn't enough for me. I growled when the bell rang shrilly, aggravated by the interruption.

I reluctantly let go, only to find an evil smirk on her face.

"Feisty today, hmm?"

I growled again, "Only when I'm with you." My voice was husky, but soft.

Our eyes locked.

I reached up and brushed a strand of hair out of her eyes, my hands softly grazing against her forehead. I blushed a bit, and her smirk widened.

"Better get to class," she said, breaking me out of my blatant stare.

"Oh.. Right." I cursed the bell once again for breaking one of our rare moments together.

Reaching into my pocket, I fumbled for my keys. I had secretly gotten a copy of the one for this side door when a teacher had misplaced his set. I happened to find it and realized that it would come in handy. Being the person I am, I made a copy of the key I wanted and then turned them in to the school. I supposed doing that made up for taking them. Well.. maybe not, but I blame the teacher for losing them in the first place.

Taking them out while walking towards the side door, I beckoned her to follow me. I unlocked it, holding it open to her. She walked past me, hands brushing slightly. My blush deepened, just slightly, though she didn't notice. I was grateful for that.

Letting the door shut on its own, I headed up the stairs with her next to me. It wasn't silent, because of the other students in the hall, but the atmosphere around the two of us was completely comfortable.

I hadn't realized it quite yet, but we were standing outside her next class.

"You should get going, too," she said to me with a worried expression. I had no trouble hearing her since we were the only two people still in the hallway now.

"Yeah," I said bluntly, lost in my thoughts, until something snapped me out of it.

Our hands were touching, and I felt her grasp mine lightly. She was closer than she was a moment ago, causing my heartbeat to quicken.

She leaned forward, on the tip of her toes, and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. I felt my entire body temperature rise.

She quickly retracted herself, giving me a small smile and squeeze to my hand before it slipped away. I stood there, bewildered, until I came to my senses and realized what had just happened. A soft smile replaced the shock.

I ran to my locker, not wanting to be late. After all, I didn't want to ruin this great day with a tardy. Getting my stuff, I walked quickly to my class, humming along the way.

Just as I walked in, the tardy bell rang.

"Took your time in getting here, I see."

Realizing my teacher was talking to me, I looked up and saw the eyes of all of my classmates on me.

I felt my heart flutter as I thought of the previous events, and I couldn't help but to be happy about it.

Maybe just a little too happy.

"Definitely." I grinned, the giddiness from the kiss I received earlier still not gone. I headed to my seat, which was at the front of the room.

On the way there, I received a couple of questioning looks from my friends. I simply smirked at them, leaving them wondering.

I took my seat and settled down. Soon after, I lost my concentration on the lecture. A single person invaded my mind all the while.

I unconsciously lifted my hand and let it linger on my cheek, where her lips had been. A gentle smile spread across my face and I let my hand drop gently back down into my lap.

The end of the day seemed to come in a flash. I hadn't even realized the two bells between the last periods left of the day had rung.

Luckily, I hadn't had to switch classes since my school ran on core schedules. I had four teachers: two for the four academic classes, plus another two for physical education and my elective.

I had first period orchestra with Kouta Endo. He was plump, and had begun growing a beard over the last summer break. It seemed that he shaved often, though, since it was nearly always stubble. His hair was of a medium length, and his eyes were a rich amber color. As for his personality, he was kind, but could get blood curdling angry when provoked.

Shinko Takana taught my second period gym class, though he seems to be completely unfit for the job. He was large, to say the least, and had a mustache. To state it bluntly, he was a complete pedophile. He'd stare at girls with a goofy grin plastered on his face. To make it worse, he'd come over to a group of girls and 'help' them when they're doing something wrong while playing sports and the like.

Third and fourth period were spent with Katherine Fujii, who taught English and history. She was abnormally tall, with golden hair and pale blue eyes. She was half Asian, half European, which explains her name and natural features. She was a very comforting teacher.

Fifth period was lunch. Glenn Fong taught sixth and seventh period, which were mathematics and science: the worst time of the day, in my opinion. He was a great person, but the subjects itself just weren't my thing.

More important thoughts invaded my mind, and I wondered if I could catch her before she left to head home.

I rushed to my locker, stuffing all my books in there. Rushing down the stairs, I was glad to see her still at hers. I walked over, making sure she didn't take notice of me.

I bent down and gave her a quick hug, wrapping my arms around her neck. I rose quickly.

She looked back with an annoyed expression, causing my eyebrow to rise. It quickly faded when she caught sight of me, a smile replacing it.

"Hey," she said and then focused her attention back onto her locker.

"Hey," I said back in a low voice.

I leaned back against the wall beside it, waiting for her. She rose, slinging her backpack over shoulder.

"See you tomorrow," she said in an unsure tone, the statement nearly becoming a question.

"Yeah," I reassured her, a smile gracing my lips. She leaned forward and gave me a quick hug, making my smile widen.

I watched her skip away towards the group of friends she usually went home with. Right before she was out of sight, she waved. I raised my hand as well, bidding her goodbye.

So close.. yet so far.

A/N: Bleh, I knew I promised last chapter that I'd reveal who the characters were, but I honestly expected more responses telling me what everyone thought. The readers' opinions DO matter to me, and I'd like to know that I'm not talking to only four or five people in these notes.
But I promise that I'll tell you all next chapter.. Not gonna change my mind on that.

I was staring at the first chapter of this story, and realized that it looks so blank for some reason.. -twitch-