/Ermagerd, guise. I am so sorry./

This took waaaay to long to upload, and I am soooo sorry. I've been really busy lately b/c I started school last Wednesday and I have Band Rehearsal everyday except Wednesdays and weekends (I don't play an instrument, I'm actually in Colorguard). I would write chapters during classes but I really like all my classes so I have no time to do anything! X(

Anyways, I hope you enjoy this!

"...will you please go out with me?"

To say the least, I was shocked. After that, I couldn't tell you much more. I had no idea of what I was supposed to say. What do you say in a situation like this? What do I do? Don't I have to reply to his c-confession? How would I do that? I could never say yes, but saying no right now would be infinitely rude. I can't believe my first confession is from a guy! Does that mean-

Misaki kept his head down, not knowing how to reply to Shinobu's sudden confession. The dirty blonde was, as well, looking away and fidgeting with his feet and realized he was still holding Misaki by the elbow. Quickly retracting his hand and fumbling with his fingers, he offered a chuckle to try to lighten the mood, "Heh, well, you don't have to reply now. You must obviously be really confused, but how about we go for some coffee or lunch this weekend? I'd really like to talk to you some more. Can I get your number and call you tonight?"

The baffled doe eyed teen didn't know what to say, it was just his phone number - that wouldn't hurt anyone, right? Maybe if they did manage to get coffee or something, Misaki could get his thoughts in order and decline the offer, in a respectable and polite way. "I guess that would be fine, then."

In sheepish silence the two teens exchanged numbers. Misaki was the first to leave, as Shinobu explained he needed to speak with Kusama-sensei when said nurse returned from his meeting.

As Misaki walked out of the building towards the entrance, he felt knocked out-of-place. Like his life wouldn't, or more appropriately, couldn't be the same. It wasn't like he was upset that a guy had asked him out, no, he had known guys could like each other for a long time now; it was because Shinobu Takatsuki had been the one to ask him out. Although Misaki didn't know exactly what the kid was always up to, he'd heard enough stories.

Of course everyone knew he was the only son, and second child of Dean Takatsuki - being the younger brother of Takatsuki-sensei, the math teacher. You also had to have lived in a cave to not know that his gang was well-known on this side of Tokyo. Although Shinobu, seemed approachable, once you find yourself on his bad side you might as well be dead. He was apparently an expert in the arts of Aikido and Judo, anyone who even though of standing in the group's way would be smothered to pieces.

The first time Misaki had actually seen one of these fights was after watching the premier of The Box That Houses The Moon with Takahiro - Usagi-san was required to attend the premier in Fukuoka. At first Takahiro tried to break it up but, after a futile attempt and broken glasses, he resorted to calling the police; the fight had escalated since, and an ambulance was even called in. Many of the kids were detained - including Shinobu - and even hospitalized. After filing a report, Takahiro and Misaki returned home.

So it defyied logic for the humble and innocent Misaki to even be seen around such a violent character like Shinobu. Misaki had a good reputation going, never once being sent to the Principal's office - ever. The only time the verdant eyed youth had every been sent, was back in the third grade, when they told him he could go home early because his parents had died in a crash.

Instead of harping on such a sad subject, Misaki walked rather quickly to reach the front gate. Expecting to see Takahiro there to pick him up, Misaki was surprised when his eyes zoned in on a familiar red sports car and a certain author leaning against the car looking a measure less supercilious than he usually did.

"Ah! Usagi-san? What are you doing here? Is Niichan alright?" Akihiko had popped the trunk and Misaki put his things in, and walked around the car to get in.

"Good afternoon, Misaki. No Takahiro is fine, but his flight got cancelled because of the snow storm coming in so he'll be out all weekend." Even the usually unfazed Usami Akihiko sounded deflated. "But, its alright! Maybe we could hang out or something. You definitely need a new jacket, it's too cold for sweaters. Want to go get one now; before the storm comes?"

"I would like a new one, but only if its okay with you. And also, could you call Kamijou-sensei and tell him I had to leave because I wasn't feeling well?"

"Well, sure, but why did you leave class in the first place?"

Why do you have to ask that?! If I tell him that I didn't get enough sleep, he'll ask why and then what do I say? I can't just tell him that they were 'too noisy' last night and kept me up! Misaki kept getting flustered and didn't reply so Akihiko let that subject drop, and picked up another one instead.

"So are you okay? Did the nurse check you out? I hope you're not catching a cold."

"No, it's not that. I was just really tired." Misaki decided to skip the part where he passed out and Shinobu had to carry him to the nurse's office and kept on talking. "Kusama-sensei, actually had to go, but I think he checked me while I was asleep." This conversation seemed to be going downhill as well, but Misaki sighed in relief when Akihiko pulled into a parking spot at the mall.

They didn't spend too long looking for a nice winter coat, Akihiko had immediately found a brown washed-out pea coat with shiny buttons that he thought Misaki would look great in. After purchasing it, they headed towards the food court and bought some Korean food and ate.

"Umm, Usagi-san? Can I ask you something?"

Akihiko had been reading a text sent by Aikawa, but welcomed the distraction because said editor wanted to make changes to a chapter Takahiro had helped him on - which wasn't going to happen. "Of course, Misaki. What's up?" Akihiko would answer any question the teen had because the novelist thought of the youth as his own little brother; but seeing the rising blush on the green eyes teen's cheeks, he started feeling a little uneasy.

Misaki didn't know exactly how he was going to explain what he was about to say, and even the thought about confessions and love made him blush; so he decided to just say it straight. "Okay, so there's this kid at school and he's the Dean's son and he's a big trouble maker. I try to stay away from him as much as possible, but the thing is - he likes me! He asked me out today! And I have no clue what to do because, what if I get in trouble for rejecting him or something?!"

Akihiko was a little surprised to hear something like this come from Misaki, so it was a little difficult not to laugh.

"Usagi-san! I'm serious! I don't know what to do!"

"I know, Misaki. I understand, it's just..." the novelist snickered again. "So, is it safe to say that you don't know - what's his name?"

"Takatsuki Shinobu."

"Hey, isn't that the Dean's last name?"

"Usagi-san!" Misaki was starting to flush - Akihiko was making a fool out of him like always.

"Okay, okay! So is it safe to say that you don't know this Takatsuki-kun very well, yeah?" Akihiko was done with games, there were serious things to discuss now. A known delinquent had asked out his boyfriend's younger brother. Said delinquent was the son of the Dean in one of Tokyo's most prestigious High schools, and Misaki seemingly wanted nothing to do with the cad. But the raw little junior was so particular on manners that he would rather accept the confession than outright say no - even if the youth wanted to. So, Akihiko thought of the most fair resolution possible. "Well, the answer's pretty obvious, don't you think?"

"Eh?" Misaki was confused, if there was an obvious answer, he would've tried it already!

Akihiko sighed. 'Just like his brother,' Both of the Takahashi brothers were undeniably adorable, however, both were extremely aloof. Back in College - even after Akihiko considered them to be dating because of the level of intimacy they were sharing, it took Takahiro three months to realize that now, they weren't 'just friends' anymore. "Misaki, I think you should give it a shot." He stated bluntly.

"Wha- So are you say-!?" the youngster was appalled! 'What does he mean? Give it a shot? You've gotta be kidding me, really?'

Misaki's thoughts were interrupted as Akihiko continued to speak. "Yes, I am saying you should try it out. Now, I'm not saying you have to like him, or let him force feelings on you. But, even though it might not seem like it, Shinobu needed a lot of courage to even begin to ask you out. It's only fair that you give him a chance. Of course, if things don't work out, you can reject him in as kind a way as possible. Even if he is hurt a little, you still left him with a nice memory of when you two enjoyed a nice lunch or movie together. Do you get what I'm saying?"

"Yeah, I guess so." Still Misaki was a little inadmissible , but now Usagi-san had stood up and they were returning home. He would think about it some more after he took a nice hot bath.

Misaki gathered his toiletries and headed for his bathroom, taking his phone with him incase his brother called. After the brunette had settled down and was peacefully soaking in the tub, the phone chimed and Misaki quickly flipped it open thinking it was his brother.

"G-Good evening, Misaki!" there was a shakey voice on the other side of the line, Misaki didn't really recognize.

"Uh, hello. Who is this?"

"It's Shinobu, silly! Takatsuki Shinobu."

Misaki shifted in the tub, "Oh! H-Hey there, Takatsuki-kun. How's it going?" Things felt a little awkward and a faint blush was starting to tint Misaki's cheeks.

"You can call me S-Shinobu. I'm doing well. What about you? Did I call at a bad time? It sounds like you're in a b-bathroom."

"Oh, well, you aren't bothering me, I'm just taking a bath right now."

"R-right now?! You didn't have to pick up if you were busy! Well, I'll call you whe-" on the other end of the line, Shinobu was blushing ear to ear.

"No, no! It's fine, really I needed to get out soon anyways." The youth lied, "So what did you call for?"

"Oh, w-well, I was wondering at what time I should pick you up tomorrow? I'm not sure if you wanted to go out for lunch or maybe dinner?"

"Oh, that," Misaki had almost forgotten! He hadn't even thought about the details of the date itself, but harped more of the fact that Shinobu had been the one to ask him out. "Well, I don't really mind, even if it's just a coffee shop I'll be fine."

"Hmm. Is it alright if I pick you up?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Okay well, I'll come around 2 o'clock. Is that cool?"

"Totally fine," 'Two o'clock? What are we going to do?!'

"Then, I'll leave you to your b-bath. Goodnight M-Misaki."

And before he could think anything else, Shinobu hung up. Doesn't he need my address? But instead of worrying so much, Misaki let it go. I'll just call him later.

Meanwhile, Shinobu was bouncing off the walls at his house. Making sure he had money for tomorrow, picking out a nice outfit, and even going out to make sure his car was full of gas. He wanted to be sure everything went perfectly on his 'first date with Misaki!' The dirty-blonde teen even ignored his friends incessant calls to go out drinking; something which had never been heard of before, but Shinobu didn't want to be recovering from a hangover before picking up his date. Likewise, he wouldn't sneak out to go smoking or stay out late with friends.

Shinobu's father noticed his son's strange actions and was confused about what had changed his son's heart tonight, but to whatever it may be he was very pleased that his son was home with him. Risako never came home now that she was married to Yo, but the Dean couldn't complain; all he wished was that they would enjoy every moment of their life together. And that, eventually, Shinobu would calm down and find his significant other; have children and become well-versed in the paths and roads of life. He knew his son was smart and had the potential to do great things in life, but ever since the death of his mother, Shinobu became a very indignant towards the world.

As they sat down to eat dinner in a comfortable silence, the Dean decided that now would be a good time to ask about recent events in his son's life. "So, Shinobu, what's got you so giddy this evening?"

"Huh, what? Erm, nothing."

"Now, son. Don't lie to me, I know somethings up, and I want to know." Either Shinobu was terrible at lying, or the old man had been in education so long, that he knew whether someone was lying just be listening to their voice. He studied his son's face as well and noticed an unfamiliar flush spreading across the boy's features.

"Well, I'm actually going on a date tomorrow - but it's not actually a date, you see; I'm trying to explain to the person why I really want to go out with him." His usually stolid son's face was starting to bubble with excitement. Although the Dean was more of a traditional man himself, seeing his son so happy pleased him, so he wouldn't question his son on the fact he'd asked out a guy. And as he thought about it some more, the old man felt a fuzzy sense of déjà vu. As if something like this had happened before, but not quite. A name popped into his mind but his aged mind couldn't place where exactly it went, so he decided to ask.

"Does this have anything to do with that Misaki-kun you always talk about?" The name didn't feel so foreign now that he had spoken it.

And now his son was elated about the topic, explaining his 'big plans' and even summarizing what he would say to Misaki. Most of this one way conversation was zoned out because the Dean was basking in the happiness of hearing his son's calm voice. Usually the teen woud yell and stomp throughout the house, and if not, the scandals - or inappropriately entitled 'friends' - would trash the entire house and leave just as quickly as they came. So, obviously the Dean was enjoying himself.

"Ah, well, Dad. I'm gonna go to bed so I can be fully rested for tomorrow. G'night."

"Night, son. Ah! Do you know how to get to Misaki-kun's house?"

"..."

"Ha. Well, it's getting pretty late, so why don't you wait until tomorrow?"

"I guess," the once perked up teen was now deflated. As Shinobu retreated to his room, his phone started vibrating in his pocket, surprising him. Flipping it open with an annoyed attitude, he expected the call to be from another one of his pals. But to his surprise, it was from the only person he really wanted to talk to at the moment. Flying down the stairs he called out, "Dad! Misaki's calling!"

And the only thing the Dean could do was smile.

Unf. Was that not enough? I don't really think it is... :( The next chapter should be better! I hope... And dudes! I really appreciate all you reading this! I know it's actually been a while but I already have over 130 views! That makes me feel special so I'm really thankful to all of you! If this was a disappointing chapter... I'm so sorry! But keep reading, I think it'll get better.

Again, Thanks!