...hmm, I didn't expect to update quite so soon but oh well, since chapter two's already done I might as well post it already rather than leaving it to rot in my notebook. Do enjoy reading!
.:Chapter Two:.
...look
Nearing the end of lunch hour, the long hallways of Hounan were still packed with people—forming their own group of friends in small circles and chattering away to their hearts' content.
Wary eyes carefully scanning the area, he had been searching for her for more than half an hour now.
As the end of the school year gradually approaches, more and more students have slowly displayed their carefree and relax behaviors—most probably because the reason of having already been accepted to the high school of their choices and now all that's left to worry about was the final exams.
Normally, with his tall stature, he would have no trouble searching for her. He knew her dark tresses very well and with just a glance, he is sure to tell if it was her or not immediately. But amidst the busy hallways, he was getting impatient and annoyed.
Well, she had left him in a rather unrefined manner. And in less than ten minutes, the bell for the afternoon classes would soon sound.
Rooted from where he stood and turning his head back and forth—eyes still searching for that particular dark-head—his hope was slowly wearing thin. But that didn't mean he'd stop there. Until those ringing bells would come chiming in throughout the halls, he would look in every corner for her.
Until then, he would continue to search.
...was what he planned to do when suddenly he spotted the familiar figure at the other end of the corridor.
Lips tugged into a smile and he made a run towards her. Watching her, relief washed over him and he almost parted his lips in an attempt to call her when halfway through his destination, a group of girls talking caught his ears.
Rumors do travel fast, he acknowledged.
But he didn't have an ounce of care for these petty gossips so he didn't stop in his tracks, though it did cause him to slow his pace down and thus, hearing bits and pieces of the info being passed around. Something like a girl and a letter. But whatever, he had to go before he loses sight of her again.
..Horrified.
It was written all over in her pale face when he found her by an automat. She was drinking her strawberry milk in small sips quietly. And while they walk as the bell had finally went off, she had her head cast down all the way to their next class.
He raised his hand to part the dark mane covering her eyes—revealing the wonderful set of orbs he'd been adoring for as long as he can remember.
"What's wrong?" He asked.
She only shook her tiny head, however, and mumbled a low 'nothing' before catching the narrow drinking tube in her mouth again.
"Okay." Was his reply.
She was hiding something. He knew it. Definitely. But he wouldn't dare push her into talking about something she can't tell him...yet. He believed nothing good can be accomplished if one uses force. No, he wouldn't even dare crossing the line of something like coercion. He would wait when she's ready, he thought.
But as he sat in his desk, although doing his best to pay scarce attention to the soft whispers about in the back of the room, he couldn't help but still pick up the small words passing from one lip to another. Judging from the word 'letter' a girl has said to the person sitting behind him, he surmised it was the same indiscreet talk going around earlier.
It was ridiculous. Really. Very ridiculous.
He can't ever bring himself to fathom a girl's heart at why they would work themselves up over some guy. What was the big deal anyway? He's just someone who was born attractive. Add his athletic skills—hey, anyone can do sports. It's just a matter of passion for it and a lot of practice. And he's a bright student they say. Well, if one just do their best in their studies, anyone of course will be deemed smart and thus succeed. Moreover, he has seen and witnessed himself how this dude gives a cold shoulder to every girl who's trying to talk to him.
Why would someone continue to pursue somebody who clearly doesn't want to be approached?
Ridiculous indeed. Absurd. Preposterous.
Yet,
...why can't he help but be bothered when he caught a glimpse of her blushing cheeks?
The unexpected encounter with none other than him and the sudden mention of his guest during lunch made his petite companion flush red and cower in front of his broad shoulders without delay.
Katase's suspicions, as he had dreaded deep in his heart, finally had come to surface and proved to be real.
Combining her odd behavior she displayed throughout the whole afternoon plus the tiny bits of information he had gathered, it all made one sense.
And the way she was huddling to hide herself as much as possible, it was clear she was the source of today's topic.
As Rei gestured to leave the shoe locker area together with a friend, his body automatically moved to conceal her—trapping her between the wall of lockers and himself—as he passed by.
Katase watched Rei with a frown until he reached quite a distance before switching his gaze back to the frail girl in front of him.
She was fidgety and he could tell she was scared.
He had to do something. Something that will make the rumor turn into vapor quick. Something that will make that detestable guy not recognize her...forget her...heed no attention to her...
...especially when he will be going the same high school—Meisho Daichi High—as them this upcoming spring.
Katase needed to do something...and fast.
…because without a doubt, Aya had the potential and more than capable enough to catch and melt the ice-prince's heart...
...as he had been a victim once.
And that's the end of chapter deux! Chapter 3 may also be up soon. Do review and share your thoughts about this fanfic. Until next time!