Chapter Three:
Challenged

"As you all know, I've been asked by Grand- I mean Headmaster- to choose who I wanted to put in the tournament coming up."

I had been given only a week to decide.

"He informed me today that I could only choose five. That includes Serenity and myself," I sighed deeply as they looked at me like I had just shot them. "I know, I'm sorry! This was a tough decision, but I had to put aside friendships and evaluate skill. I have and my decision as to who will represent the Harrix Vipers Regulars in the tournament has already been sent in." I ran a hand anxiously through my hair. "I don't want anyone offended."

"We won't."

"I've chosen Paige and Tiffany for Doubles."

The twins put their heads down, angry and sad.

"And I've chosen Aylin, seeing as she is Singles Three. Don't try to say I chose them because they're my best friends. I looked at them based on skill. But if you do have the urge to prove you deserve a spot in the tournament, pick a day during our training and challenge them. Even now if you wish. I can simply lie if you win and say that I messed up on the sheet. Serenity and I are permanently in it, as we had been asked. I'm so sorry."

They stared me down.

"Agreed?"

"No way! We'll play you two!" Patrik and Aidan leapt up, pointing to Tiffany and Paige, in unison.

"I'm challenging Aylin." Marcus also stood.

"I accept it," Savannah smiled, tilting her head to the side.

See, this is why I did not like guys on my team. They had egos the size of China, or even Asia, if not bigger! Well, I rephrase that because it's sexist; Aidan, Patrik, and Marcus had ridiculous egos.

"Fine."

:{On The Line}:

"Now do you see why I chose them?" I glared at the three guys.

They nodded, "Yes Captain. We're sorry Captain."

"Good."

Yeah guess what? Aylin, Paige, and Tiffany all schooled Marcus, Patrik, and Aidan.

Badly.

"Alright then!" I beamed. "Now twenty laps for everyone! Thirty to the guys since they seem to doubt their Captain's decisions. Hurry before I give everyone ten extra than that!"

They sweat-dropped before taking off as soon as I held up one of Aylin's drinks. She snickered, running after them.

:{On The Line}:

"What a long day!" I groaned, nearly falling before I was caught. "Hello Ryo!"

"Hey," he whispered, giving a small smile while helping me to my feet again and pushing his glasses up. "Falling?"

"Head over heels, darling!" I joked. "It's been a long day."

"I can tell." His arm wrapped around my waist as he gave a cute smile.

An image flashed to mind of a similar smile, but I shook it off hurriedly. I couldn't think of him...

"I'll walk you back your dorm."

"That would mean the world to me right now," he nodded, tightening his hold.

He walked me all the way across the campus and up to the fifth floor for 'Fifth Year' students, or rather known as Juniors. We stepped up to my door, a giant piece of paper covering it. It had scribbles and messages from every student that had thought of writing on it, thus the entire white piece was filled with colors.

We had especially more signatures when that stupid The Queen's Council was started up.

"You want to come in for a while?" I quirked an eyebrow.

He nodded, following me into the large room in silence. I sprawled backwards on the couch after sliding into the bathroom to put my pajamas on. When I came out, Ryo had his shirt off and just his black pants remained on as he sat in front of the fan. I would get tired of wearing a button up shirt, tie, and jacket all day too, though especially with a view like that.

"Aren't you just sexy?" I laughed and pulled down my white mid-drift spaghetti strap top while bouncing over to the couch in my silky, baggy black pajama pants.

He was slumped over, his elbows on his knees and his slender form showing perfectly. Man, this was a drool worthy occasion.

"Looks who is talking," he gave that playful little sideways grin, the one reserved for me or his friends. That intelligent and dreamy smirk was given to the school body only when needed.

"I'm not running around shirtless," I laughed. "My pecs are bigger than yours!"

"Last time I checked, they didn't call yours pecs," he smirked.

"Hey, hey, hey! Hey!... Hey!" I placed my hands on my hips. "Hey!"

"Hey," he added.

"Don't get smart with me mister! Or I'll-"

"You'll?" He raised a delicate eyebrow. Everything about him was so perfect, at least in my eyes. Some might not like his extremely thin form, or his broad shoulders, his pale skin, his glasses, or his dark eyes. I was not one of them.

"I'll do this!" I jumped on him, trying to tickle him and failing miserably.

"Ha, nice try." He flipped me over, his body completely over mine. That evil little grin of his grew and then he started mercilessly tickling me.

"Ryo! R-Ryo!" I begged. "S-Stop! I'm going to c-cry!"

"Aw, poor thing." He tickled harder, smirking even wider.

"Ryo!" I pouted while laughing. "Come on!"

He stopped as I started pouting, staring at me before his lips lightly take mine. I blushed at the complete randomness of it, but that was why he was called The Lover. He was my completely unexpected random moment.

"You look adorable when you pout," he chuckled.

I had been told that so often it was not funny by now. I beamed, a devilish little gesture, and chewed on my lower lip.

"So every time I pout, I get a kiss?"

"Are you saying you want one every time you do?"

"I don't know! Maybe?"

I pouted and just like I expected, he closed his eyes and kissed me.

"Whether you want it or not, you'll get it."

"Oh no!" I pouted again.

Another kiss.

"Oh yes," he laughed.

The door opened without warning and Serenity stumbled in, halting at the door with Ty behind her and obviously exhausted.

I looked upside down, staring over at the door while Ryo lifted his head just a bit, still completely over me. Shirtless...

"Well, I didn't expect this," Serenity gave a smile, her eyes peering from beneath dark lashes. "So, should we leave Ty?"

"Oh, how beautiful! They were about to experience the utmost level of passion!" Ty danced over, sitting on the coffee table and staring at us. "Now, I know you're both blooming teenagers, but sex isn't the answer-"

"Ty..."

"You could do so much without having sex! I'll teach you!"

"Ty...!"

"Now, Ryo, I need you to remove her pants."

"TY!" we both screamed, now completely mortified. He was knocked backwards over the coffee table with the force of our shout.

"What?" he whined from the floor on the opposite side of the table.

"It's called being hot from a long day at school and me wanting my pajamas on."

"And tickling," Ryo rolled his eyes before getting off of me.

"Meanie," I pouted.

KISS!

"Damn it!" I laughed. "Get up Ty, you're going to get a head rush!"

"Oh Queen Kimmy!" he stood, eyes sparkling. "You are so kind! No wonder you are queen!"

"Well King Ty," I used his nickname in turn, "How about we all have dinner together instead of going to the cafe?"

"On one condition," Serenity set the bags down that she had with her. She had gone to the little school grocery and supply store we had here to get more food to put in the fridge in our little kitchenette. "Ryo has to put his shirt on."

"Aw!"

"That's my say on it."

"Sorry Ryo," I pouted.

KISS!

"Just put your shirt on Romeo." I smacked my forehead.