It had been a few weeks since I transferred here in Rakuzan... And its best to say that it has been the most normal weeks I've ever had since...well, ever.
I already made three cool friends in homeroom and we almost have all classes together! Its epic.
First is Yagami Kira. She was a legit Akashi stalker. Frequently, she'd ask me questions regarding about Akashi...how he looks like during practice, how many times will he open his mouth to speak, and how much sweat he'd excrete. The last one was just awkward...and weird to hear. Other than her preferred nature, she was like other girls who loved shopping, cute stuff, etc.
Second was Muuto Shaki. She was the sporty type in my book plus a mega tsundere. Its so fun poking about her love life and watch her reactions. Since she wanted to lie low in the athletic world, she only joined the tennis club. But she was already considered the best even though she was just a first year.
And there was Masamune Akane. To be precise, she was the overly shy and quiet type. She barely spoke a word and if she does, it was but a sentence. At first, it was awkward around her when I was the only talking, but after a few days of getting to know her, I got used it. She was also a great at giving advises whenever either of us had a problem.
Even though we all have our ups and downs, we became best friends in a matter of days.
Also, being the manager of the famous Rakuzan basketball club was going well. Considering the fact that Higuchi-senpai was still around, I was more of a delivery girl than a manager.
But its fine. As long I remain hidden... As long as this life stays normal. As long...
"Si, are you alright?" My thoughts were cut off as my surroundings returned. I was in the cafeteria with my friends.
I smiled at Shaki. "Of course, I was just thinking." Kira giggled at my reply as she twirled a lock of her blue hair in her hand.
"Bet you were thinking of that hot piece of-"
"Language, Yagami." Blank green eyes stared at the badmouthed fan girl. Kira merely rolled her eyes as I giggled at the scene.
This was a frequent occurrence between the two. Since they were basically opposites, they were at each other's throats most of the time. This was better than watching a television show.
A light tap on the shoulder snapped me again out of my thoughts and I looked over to see Shaki with a troubled look on her face. A smirk curled at the corner of my mouth. I knew that look.
She blushed, a pink tint spreading across her tan skin. "W-Well..." Her voice came out as a hush whisper. She didn't want a certain fan girl to overhear the conversation. "...Eikichi-kun said he...he l-looo...lllll..." When I found out that Shaki was dating a third year, I was beyond surprised. It took a few humiliating tactics and a game of truth or dare to get her to tell the whole story. She and Ei...I mean, Nebuya-senpai went way back from elementary school. Nebuys-senpai asked her out when he was a third-year in middle school while she was still at her first. It was a cute story.
Her face was bright red now. It was so fun watching her stutter out words that were overly embarrassing for her.
After a few seconds of entertaining torture, I finished the words for her. "...that he loves you?" She quickly nods and looks down. Her short blonde hair moves along with her head covering her bright red face. My eyes flickered to Kira for a moment. She was busy oggling at Akashi. Then my eyes were back on the fidgeting blonde. I smiled.
"Let me guess... You were in a phone call together when he suddenly says 'I love you' then you panicked and hung up on him." Her head shooting up and the wide purple eyes confirmed my guess. I sighed, rubbing my temples. This was a definite problem for a tsundere like Shaki...
"How about this, Shaki... Why don't you meet up with him after practice and apologize for hanging up on him? Thats better than a text." Her eyes instantly lit up and she thanked me. I rolled my eyes. Even though I was the one single, I was giving dating advice. "And if you aren't stuttering or just embarrassed, tell him that you love him too then run away. Thats a good plan for a tsundere like you." She smacks me on the head while I gave a good laugh.
*Din don dun dang... Din don dun dang*
Chairs being pushed back echoed throughout the cafeteria as students hurried to leave before the tardy bell rang. I hated this part of the day. While my friends picked up their bentos and left the table, I remained seated.
"See ya, Si/Sing/Sing-san." Came their simultaneous reply and I just grinned at them.
This was what I meant about almost. After lunch, we all had different classes for that period. Kira had Home Economics, Shaki had Geometry, and Akane had History. Little ol' me got the lucky free period. Unlucky for me, Rakuzan was huge and I had a few share of misfortunes of getting lost. I couldn't go anywhere unless I had someone who knew the school grounds. So I have to stay in the cafeteria for another 45 minutes until the 5th period bell rang.
It was boring.
Since I spent my lunch chatting with my friends, I decided to take a nap. As I was about to lay my head between my arms, a sharp cough stopped me. I groaned. Worst timing ever. I turned my head to smile politely at Fumio Megumi. Her pink eyes glowered at me as she tapped her foot impatiently with her arms crossed. A paper was wrapped around her left arm with words written in Japanese - Hall Officer. Although the cafeteria wasn't a hall, it was prohibited for any student to stay after the 4th period bell rang.
"Sing." Her pink eyes flared up when she spoke my name.
"Fumio-san." I reply with a hint of carelessness. The side of her mouth twitched as her pink eyes seem to to turn dark and a vein popped out of her forehead.
"This is 5th time I've caught you breaking the rules. Are you purposely disobeying them or are you just stupid?" My eye twitched at her insults and scolding tone, but with a clench of my fists, I just smiled showing my teeth.
"Fumio-san, you already know I-" She scoffs cutting me off.
"I allowed it the first two times because you were new, Sing." She flips her hair then sighs in disappointment. "You've already been here for...what? 3 weeks? And you still haven't gotten the map of the school stuck in that stupid brain of yours?" Her condescending gaze pissed me off, but my rationality stopped me from letting out my anger.
So I just sighed and picked up my tray. "I'll be going now so you don't have to lecture me about the rules." My teeth grit together as I walked away feeling her triumphant stare lingering on my back.
I could've fought back. I could've stood up for myself. I could've destroyed her right then and there.
But I didn't want drama. She was part of the school council and I was a nobody. Fighting her was a waste of time and space.
Most importantly, I couldn't destroy the normal life I've been building up.
I heaved a sigh once I left the cafeteria. The blank white hall extended all the way down the corridor. The windows showed the other buildings outside as I walked. My reflection was barely seen, but I stared at myself through it, the outside blurring away as I focused on myself.
My wavy black hair stopped in the middle of my back while some of my baby hair were messily clipped to the side. My pink rimmed glasses gave me a nerdy look, but it hid the exhausted bags under my eyes. I sighed. Rakuzan didn't pull any punches with their homework. I looked away then continued down the hall in search for my 5th period room.
After walking through too many corners to count, I concluded that I was indeed lost as I stood before two double doors. The Japanese kanji and words blurred into swirls as a pounding head ache pierced through. I groaned. This was definitely one of my worst days. I looked at my watch to see that only 20 minutes had passed. I banged my head on the door right then and there.
"Niña, what are you doing at the gymnasium?" Every fiber of my being froze and my blood ran cold at that voice. Slowly, my head turned to see Akashi Seijuuro in his gym clothes. Water dripped down his chin landing on the towel hung around his neck. My wide eyes stared back at his blank ones. Black met heterochromatic.
A few seconds of stunned silence passed while I processed what was happening. One, my head was still on the door. Two, Akashi caught me leaning on said door. Three, he was getting annoyed.
Quickly, I pushed myself off the familiar heat rising up my face.
"W-Well, I..." I bit my lip nervously, the heat getting unbearable. "I-I got lost..." My eyes looked anywhere but him to save myself from further embarrassment.
My heart, if it was even possible, skipped a bit when I heard a velvety chuckle. My eyes snapped back to him, shock spreading across my face. The heat felt different now; it felt more of a blush. A calm smirk lingered on his face while I stared dumbfounded at him. The heat was spreading.
I looked away.
What was that?
And did I just think his laugh was velvety?
Why the heck is my heart hammering in my chest?!
*Din don dun dang... Din don dun dang*
The sound rang throughout the school and my heart dropped.
Without a second thought, I sprinted past Akashi in search of my 5th period room.
5th period passed like a blur and I was currently pacing back and forth like a maniac in the Rakuzan library. It was like maze so it was pretty easy to hide here. It was like a perfect hiding for me when I panic.
This was one of those times.
My hands flew up to my face as the horror sunk in. Without excusing myself, I left Akashi. I freaking left Akashi Seijuuro without his approval.
My knees sunk down to the tiled floor.
Throughout my weeks here at Rakuzan, I made sure to know who were the people I needed to be careful of. Akashi was one of those people. I noticed that if Akashi was the one who starter the conversation, they'd say farewell once they were done speaking. Its normal, I know. But it was different with Akashi. Even when they were really in a hurry, they had to say goodbye. I've never seen anyone get punished by him since it was rare to see him talk to someone.
I groaned.
Until me.
Until lucky me.
*bzzzz*
My phone vibrated against my thigh and I sighed getting it out. My dejected eyes widened in shock as my heart began to skyrocket.
From: Higuchi-senpai 💼💼💼
Subject: Where are you
Sing-kun, Akashi-san is looking for you. Are you still at school?
"Why today of all days..." I whispered. I bit my lip looking down at the type pad. I gulped. "Higuchi-senpai, I'm really sorry but I already went home. Please tell my apologies to Akashi. Peace sign." I quickly type the words and pressed sent then heaved a sigh.
4:45 pm
Damn, practice doesn't end til 7... If I leave now, I might be seen by one of the students or worse, the basketball players. I groaned for the nth time of the day.
Guess I'm camping here for the night. Only until I'm sure the practice ended and they've left.
~2 hours and 15 minutes later~
Shooting a triumphant punch in the air, I packed my stuff to leave the library. The library already closed an hour ago, but with my loss of direction and great intuition, I found a window big enough for me to go through. Since the library was pretty far out, it would probably take 10 minutes to get to the entrance.
Checking to see the coast was clear, I nimbly pushed myself through the window and quietly landed on the soft dirt. I brushed the dirt off my skirt and blouse then began my journey to the entrance.
Once the entrance came to view, I sighed in relief. It was getting on my nerves with how quiet it was. I looked down at my watch and face-palmed.
7:15
My guardian had a strict 8 o'clock curfew and if I didn't want to get any trouble, I had to hurry home. Fast.
When I was about to sprint down the road, two blaring lights flashed on me and I froze. It wasn't just any blaring lights; they were car lights.
"Niña, you're here." The chills up my spine were nothing compared to the weird, fuzzy feeling I was getting in mg chest. I laughed awkwardly and coughed.
"I-I just really wanted to spend some of my free time at the library." That was 75% of the truth; the other 25% was because of Akashi. The blinding lights blocked me from seeing Akashi's reaction. I bet he's disappointed... I thought sullenly, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear.
A few seconds passed before Akashi spoke again. "Its already late. I'll give you a ride home."
I paused.
Like one freaking huge pause.
My brows knitted before I exclaimed a huge "WHAT?!" But that was just me screaming in my head.
In reality, my eyes widened and my jaw dropped.
The same velvety chuckle sounded from him. "Get in the car." The sound of the car door opening snapped me out of my daze and I quickly hurried towards the car.
The car was a small black limo. Its color camouflaged under the shadows of the school.
Thats why I didn't see it... I snorted at myself then paused once more. The chills ran down my spine as I held the car door.
How long has he been waiting?
Once I got into the car, the car sped off in a relaxing pace. I didn't the expect the inside to be so...normal. I thought there'd be rich stuff inside, but there was nothing except the black tint glass separating us from the driver. My fingers played with the hem of my blouse while I tried to concentrate looking out the window.
The thought earlier irked me and I unconsciously frowned.
He knew I was still at school.
He knew that I lied.
My eyes widened as my heart began to thump nervously in my chest.
Does he know about...?
In a feeling of panic, my head snapped at him. My mind troubled and distressed.
But it all disappeared once my eyes stared into his.
The familiar heat rushed up to my face as I tried to remember how to speak again.
How long had he been staring?
"What is it, Niña?" I squirmed in my seat as I looked back to the window, it somehow became the interesting thing to look at. This feeling of restlessness caused me to start one of my habits. My right foot began to thump quietly.
Realizing that I still hadn't answered him, I coughed, "Does your driver know the way to my place?" My mouth twitched. A frown slowly creasing on my face. Does he?
"Its in Sujaku shokaicho. I already told him ahead before you got in the car." I face-palmed when I remembered that he was the School Council President. Of course, he knew where I lived.
I chuckled awkwardly, "Right..."
That was the last of our conversation as I concentrated once more outside the black tint window. I noticed that we were almost there to my place.
What I didn't notice was that I had unexpectedly fell asleep due to exhaustion.
When I woke up, the sun was shining down on me and the birds were chirping. I yawned as I sat up stretching my back and arms. After hearing the satisfied crack, I slowly got off the bed.
That's when I noticed I was still wearing my uniform.
A puzzled look formed on my face as I scratched the back of my head.
I must've been too sleepy...
Shrugging my shoulders, I began to start my day. I was glad that it was finally Saturday so I can truly rest my pounding brain.
*knockknock*
Two sharp beats sounded against my door once I was done changing.
"Come in, the door's open." It was Ushijima Haruki, she was one of my dorm mates. I heard several voices before she closed the door shut. I arched an eyebrow at her before taking a seat on my bed and grabbing for my phone.
"What is it, Haru?" A sly smirk rose up on her usually cheery face which made me more confused at the situation.
"Aren't you going to tell me who that guy was, Nin-chan?" Guy? What guy?
"Who the heck are you talking about?" She narrowed her eyes at me and crossed her arms.
"The red-haired guy who drove you here... He also carried you to your bed. Don't you remember?" It took me a few seconds before my face contorted into a mixture of horror and panic.
"WHAT?!" My scream echoed throughout my room. Probably throughout the building. Haruki's suspicious look changed into one of confusion. But my mind was elsewhere. The memories from last night started to come back to me as the familiar heat rushed to my cheeks.
He carried me to my bed?
I stood up and looked around my room to see that my secrets were all hidden then heaved a sigh of relief.
Its good. He didn't see it. He didn't... He didn't... No one saw it. No one...
The walls are still up.
"Nin?" Something wet trickled down my chin and I quickly wiped it away. Concern swirled in Haruki's yellow eyes, but I just smiled.
"Forget what you saw okay? I don't want anyone to worry." I smiled gratefully at her nod.
"Oh yea, the guy that you saw was one of my classmates. His name is Akashi Seijuuro..." While I told Haruki about Akashi, my mind slowly repaired itself.
Just build it up again.
The walls I've set up.
I'll cover up the past.
No one will know.
That when I smile.
Its not me.
