The next few days at this new school we're peaceful. I can officially call Simon and Aiden my new friends. They showed me all around school and telling all about its history and its anecdotes and traditions.

Aiden was also glad to tell me all about Beyblade after that conversation we had at the cafeteria on the first day since I was ''missing out'' according to him. He told me how it works and what are the rules. He even had a demonstration for me, showing me his beyblade and his skills.

''Hey! You should totally come and check out the Beyblade Club, and then you can see some real action. '' Aiden suggested to me one day

All three of us were sitting under a tree in the courtyard. We had just eaten lunch and now we were just hanging around for the rest of the break and enjoying the nice weather.

'' Aiden, I don't think she's interested. You probably annoy her with all of this.'' Simon told him, seeing that he was clearly annoyed himself as he leaned against the tree

''No, I don't mind,'' I answered '' It's amazing to see someone so passionate about something. It's inspiring.''

''Great, '' Aiden smiled brightly '' you can come see us after school today if you want. We always practice at Gym B Tuesdays and Thursdays''.

The bell rang throughout campus. We all got up and went back to class for the time being.


Aiden's practice match with his Beyblade club was pretty fun. I found out that he's actually the president and I can see why; he's passionate, helpful and dedicated to everyone and the game itself. I had lots of fun talking to everyone there and learning more about Beyblade. I already knew from the first day Aiden told me about it that I wouldn't play, but I was still interested in it.

It was already around 5pm when I left Gym B. I was walking on campus, heading towards the gate when I heard a faint sound. Sensing that it was coming from the small patch of forest beside the courtyard, I follow the sound carefully.

And behold, wonderful sight graced my eyes: It was a cat with her litter of kittens nursing, lying under a tree in a cardboard box, filled with blankets. It's the cutest thing I have ever seen in my life.

''Hi there,'' I say calmly, walking towards the family crouched down, not to scare them.

The cat looked up from her nursing kittens and meowed at me, not feeling disturbed or in danger. She looked up to me with big sweet eyes; you can see that she's used to humans. I inch forward slowly and calmly, finally at arms length from her. I hold out my hand slowly for her to smell, and then she caresses it, acknowledging me and accepting my presence.

''Hi Momma, '' I tell her, scratching under her chin ''Is someone taking care of you here? You are such a sweetie letting me pet you. Such a good girl.''

I spot 2 plastic bowls beside the box, one was empty and another had leftover cat kibble.

''Are you thirsty? I can give water if you want.'' I slowly reach into my school bag for my water bottle and pour most of it in the empty bowl. The cat meowed at me again, as if thanking me.

'' Now, what are you doing alone here? Poor thing… You and your babies must get cold at night… And what happens if it rains? '' I was talking to myself, worried over the well-being of these cats.

Suddenly, the cat heard a noise, looking towards its source, and then she abruptly got up. I look to the same direction as her, waiting to see what will happen. She left her kittens behind to greet a new guest, who was none other than Kai Hiwatari.

She meows happily, rubbing herself on his legs. In his hands, there were a can of tuna and a bottle of water. He stares at me, slightly wider than usual, almost saying how surprised he is to see me here. I also stare back at him; I'm surprised too, expecting him to be the last person to be here and to be taking care of stray cats.

''Hey…'' I say awkwardly, really not knowing how to react to all of this.

''Hey.'' He mirrors, avoiding my gaze and setting his eyes on the cat.

The cat meows happily again and sits down in front of him , waiting for Kai's next move. Taking this as a cue, he moves towards the bowls, next to where I was. The cat follows him, she knows the routine now. He crouches down and lifts his eyebrow in question; he's looking into the now filled water bowl.

'' Oh yeah,'' I say shyly, realizing that he must be wondering why the bowl was full '' I filled the bowl with what I had in my bottle. I sort of guessed that it was for water…''

He hums, not indicating any emotion, and went to open the can of tuna. The cat caresses his legs, head butting his knees and purring. As he pours the can into the bowl, she comes towards me, also caressing me. When he's done pouring all the contents of the cat, she quickly chows down on the food. Kai watches her, a soft expression blooming on his face, and strokes her lightly behind her ears.

''She's such a nice momma'' I say, breaking the silence.

'' She is.'' He agrees, still stroking her.

'' So, if it's not too indiscreet: how long have you been taking care of them? '' I ask, almost afraid. I have never talked to this guy until now, even if we sit beside each other everyday in class. Maybe I won't get an answer?

''Maybe 2 weeks,'' He says calmly, not seeming to mind my question ''She had her kittens a few days ago''.

''Seriously? '' I exclaim, looking back to the box of kittens. It's true that they don't look very old; their eyes are still closed and are huddled together for warmth.

We stay in silence like this; both down on the ground and watching the cat eat her fill. He is clearly very fond of her, he has a small smile on his lips and his eyes radiate warmth and content. I was trying my best not to be awkward or embarrass myself; it's kind of weird that I end up in a situation like this, with this guy too.

I look over at the kittens. They are so cute! There are 6 of them; 2 were white with black spots, one was a gray tabby, 2 were tuxedos and one was all black. They're so small and fragile, so precious. Now that I look like them, they kind of look like…

''Jellybeans…'' I whisper.

''What? ''

I whip my head around abruptly, realizing that I said that out loud. Kai was looking at me with a concern frown on his face, probably wondering what the hell I was thinking about. Probably thinks I'm crazy too. Stay cool, girl. Stay cool!

''Hum… I was thinking about how the kittens kind of look like Jellybeans, '' real smooth, girl '' you know, how small they are and how they're shaped… I don't know, maybe I'm stupid for looking at them that way...'' Yes, yes you are.

He raises his eyebrows in wonder. He leaves his spot beside to move beside me. I almost flinch when I feel his shoulder lightly brush against mine, but I try to remain under control. He looks down at the box to inspect the kittens, squinting while doing so.

A few moments pass in silence, Kai still looking closely at the kittens. I'm super nervous, I'm probably sweating, gross. Then finally, he says:

'' I guess you're right''.

He gets up, picking up the empty can of tuna and giving one last stroke to the cat before leaving the happy family. He doesn't say a word to me before I see him go through the light foliage of the forest. He left has quickly as he came; leaving me in a daze.

Did that really just happen?


Nothing happened the next few days that pass by. Sure, I look at the direction of where the cat family is when I walk in and out of school, but that's about. I guess it's because I know their being taken care of.

Speaking of which, Kai and I haven't talked since then. I guess we just went back to what things used to be; him ignoring and me trying not to be awkward around him. I don't mind, but maybe I thought that since we share a mutual secret, we might be chummy-chummy. A ''hello'' once is a while would suffice, but I'm asking too much, I guess. He's as mysterious and as stoic as ever.

Things are going well too. I'm a good student, I'm getting along well with Aiden and Simon and I'm getting accustomed to my new life here in Bey City. The only thing I'm disappointed with is that my parents aren't home as much as they want to and as they expected; Dad still travels around, but at least he's always home on the weekend. Mom's new job is a bit demanding on her, seeing that she is a newbie there. So, she still works late. She's usually back home at around 7pm. However, I think it's fine. We still are more together than we were moving. So, I guess moving here wasn't for nothing.

I was currently in Prof. Aberdeen's class, writing a dissertation on a poem we just read. Everyone was hard at work; only the sound of scribbling on paper was heard. Prof. Aberdeen was at his desk correcting papers from his other classes. Then, out of nowhere, a bright flash of white light painted the room. Soon, the roaring thunder came and the heavy rain followed.

Most of the class gasps in surprise, not expecting a storm. It has been sunny for the last few weeks, showing no signs of bad weather. Prof. Aberdeen hums appreciatively and says:

''Limping on my way

to the land of solitudes.

Thunder fills my name. ''

A haiku of some sort. Not sure if it's a work of his or he was quoting someone. Either way, it was meant to bring the class back to work, reminding us of the work we had to do.

It hit me like a speeding train.

The cats.

I start panicking, wondering what to do. Are they safe? Are they caught up in this or did they take shelter somewhere? It would be awful if they got caught up in this storm…

I couldn't keep still in my chair, I have to do something!

'' Hey, you ok?'' Simon whispered, seeing how agitated I am.

I shake my head, trying to think of some way to get to the cats to make sure they were safe. I have to think of an idea soon. I tentatively break the silence in the room, hatching a plan as I spoke:

''Professor,'' I start '' I'm sorry, but I need to go to the restroom.'' I guess that's a start.

'' Miss, if you don't mind, class ends in 15 minutes.'' He answered, slightly frustrated that I disturbed the class.

''But Sir, I really need to go.'' I insisted, desperate at this point.

'' It can't be that bad'' He replied mockingly.

''It's a Girl Emergency!'' I almost scream at him, my last secret weapon, knowing that men are always squeamish about periods and whatnot.

The students in class snicker and whisper, not expecting this exchange between the Professor and I. Simon seems to be the most surprised, blushing hotly in embarrassment as he stared at me in shock openly.

''Alright,'' Professor Aberdeen says calmly, trying to not show his own shock and embarrassment ''you can go… I'm sorry for being insensitive.''

''It's ok! I forgive you. '' I say quickly, getting up as quickly as possible so I can be out the door as soon as possible.

As I got up, Kai looked at me with his usual bored expression. I shot him a concerned glance, trying to convey what I was thinking about, trying to tell him about the cats. I think he realized because his eyes widen slightly; he turns his head towards the window to his left, looking at the storm, and then back at me. He gives me a small nod, understanding.

I then rush out of the class, taking my bag with me. I make sure to go to the locker room to get my raincoat and my umbrella before braving the thunderstorm raging on outside. I just had to make sure the cats were alright.


Author's Notes

Am I the only one that thinks that newborn kitties look like jellybeans ?

Finally, things are getting interesting ! Hehe