Disclaimer: We do not own KH.

a/n: Sorry this took so long to get out! My friend was being a lazy bones.

a/n2: I wasn't. I just wanted to go over it again.

a/n: Yeah, and it took how long?! For-freking ever! No excuses!

a/n2: ...

a/n: Sorry. I just like this story. Ahiro is a cutie-pie!

a/n2: I should apologize too I guess.

a/n: Thank you. Well, here's the next chappie, sorry it's late, and thanks to the grand total of three people who have reviewed! It means a lot. Would you do the honors, friend?

a/n2: Sure...happy readings.

Ahiro's POV:

When I woke up, I was alone. And my head felt just as clear as it normally would. I blinked several times before I was able to register that it was morning. I then turned my head to the side thinking I'd see my friends, but they had gone. I felt a pang deep in my chest for a moment, but then noticed a note lying placidly on the chair that had previously occupied Riku. I took it up and read the letter.

Ahiro-

Riku and I went to school today! No slacking for us! Don't worry, stay in bed and get well. We'll bring you the homework for the day and some food too!

-Sora

P.S. You shouldn't work so hard. I think that's why you caught this cold. That and you're stupid for standing in the rain so long! Get some rest!

I smiled and held the note to my chest dearly. Sora was such a good person. I smiled and felt the recently reoccurring tears form at the corner of my eye. It then trickled down to drip loudly against the paper.

Thank you, Sora. Thank you, Riku.

I was feeling much better by the time they got back. I had been sitting up in bed reading a book that I hadn't had the chance to pick up in a while and heard them open the door downstairs. They came in laughing loudly. I looked up from the pages of my book and waited for them.

Sora came in first, all grins, expecting to see me sleeping. So his face fell slightly when he saw that I wasn't resting. Riku came in and stared at me too. I thought that they were trying to scold me without words.

"I haven't left the bed all day!" I said defensively, throwing up my hands.

Sora seemed to relax and came to sit on the edge of the bed by my side. I was so glad my throat was better. I could actually talk and only have to cough every few minutes, instead of all the time. Riku came and sat on the chair again, tossing his backpack on the floor.

I asked softly, "How was school?"

"Stupid." Sora answered blearily. "But the student president did say that he had chosen our class trip to be a camping trip to the next island over."

My face fell. I knew what that meant; more hard work. Riku just gazed over at Sora amused. He then switched his gaze to me and said, "We brought you the homework."

I smiled appreciatively. Then I asked, "Why don't we get started on it now? I am supposed to tutor you, still."

Sora groaned and I shot him a glare growling, "Just because I'm sick, that doesn't mean I'll let you slack off!"

Sora cringed and grumbled, "Fine…"

It took me two more days before I could feel fully functional again. But it felt like getting sick was just the thing I needed. As weird as that sounds, and I was glad. I realized, with the help of Sora and Riku that I really was working too hard. I had decided that it was about time I loosened up, and became myself.

I even wore my contacts. Something I had never thought I'd do while at school. I was a little worried, though. I was still running a slight fever, which made my eyes and nose watery. I hoped I didn't look stupid.

I got into the classroom just two minutes before the bell would ring, and hurriedly made my way to my seat. Sora and Riku were standing chatting with a group of kids on the other side of the room, but saw me and waved. I gave a small wave back and noted that the kids they were talking to, looked to see who it was they were waving at, and caught sight of me.

Sora said something and made his way over to me grinning widely. He called over as he bounded up, throwing his arms around my neck in a hug, "Yo, Ahiro, how are you feeling today?!"

I muttered, "Fine."

He let go and sat down with me at our usual seats by the window, the group of kids eyeing me confusedly. But I tried not to catch their staring gazes; instead, I focused all my attention on listening to Sora talk non-stop about the upcoming trip. I couldn't help but feel it still and immediately flushed.

"Hey…are you sure you're feeling alright?" Sora asked suddenly. I had gotten distracted; I realized and immediately snapped my gaze back onto Sora. I saw his eyes filled with concern as he tilted his head and studied me.

I shook my head and said, leaning in slightly, "It's nothing. I'm just feeling a little uncomfortable with my contacts in."

His expression cleared and was filled with relief. He then said, "You look fine. Trust me."

I lowered my gaze and nodded, smiling slightly. Sora grinned back and turned back to face the front as the bell rang. When our teacher came in and started taking roll, I let my mind wander, waiting for the actual lesson to start. I looked out the window and saw the leaves falling in the courtyard. I could almost see through them now to the other side.

"Ahiro?" I heard my name called loudly, pulling me out of my daydream.

"Yes?" I asked breathlessly, startled by the sudden address.

The teacher stared at me for a moment, as if contemplating something. Then he asked, pointing with his pencil, "Did you get contacts?"

The entire class seemed to turn back to look at me. My face flushed yet again, and I nearly fainted; all those eyes on me.

I stuttered out, "Y-yes, sir."

I saw kids turn to their neighbors and whisper behind their hands. They were talking about me! Oh, no! This is so embarrassing! I thought as Mr. Tenjo said, "Well, you look good. Would you please answer the question on the board…?"

But even though he had moved on in the lesson, I could still feel eyes on me. Calculating. I noticed Sora had turned to give me a look and saw me fretting. He then scribbled on a piece of paper and stealthily handed it to me.

Don't worry! Like I said, you look great!

That didn't give me much. So I ended up worrying the entire rest of the day. But, no matter how nice the weather was outside, or how uncomfortable I was, I just couldn't stay awake. My head started drooping just after lunch, and by the time last period came around, I was fast asleep. I was having the best dream. I was on the little play island I went to with my mother when I was a kid. It was the last time I ever saw her. We were having so much fun that day.

She smiled down at me and asked, "Do you love your mama?"

I grinned happily and said, "More than anything!"

To my dismay, I was suddenly jolted awake. I looked around wildly, trying to remember where I was. Everyone was still looking up at the board as the teacher wrote the correct formulas for the chemistry homework, so I was obviously still in school (and thankfully not in trouble), but what woke me up? Then I heard someone whisper, "You were starting to snore…"

I blushed furiously as I saw that it was the girl sitting next to me who had nudged me awake. I mumbled, "Thanks."

She just smiled sweetly and turned back to the board. A few seconds later, I was sneaked another note by Sora. It read:

OMG! She totally gave you the look! I told you wearing contacts was a good idea! You should listen to me more often!

I just turned bright red again, crumpled up his note annoyed, and kicked the back of his chair.

After class Sora and I were carrying desks to the front of the room so we could sweep, my name being whispered all around the room. Sora was helping me carry two, while Riku carried two by himself. As we passed by that girl who had woke me up earlier, she was talking with a bunch of her friends with rapt attention so we overheard their conversation.

"His name's Ahiro Sakuma, isn't it?"

"Yeah, isn't he new here?"

"No. He's been in our class this whole time. It's weird isn't it? I've never really noticed him until now." The girl said, leaning in closer to her friends in the hopes that I wouldn't hear.

They giggled and said, "Well, Megumi! You seem to know a lot about him! Did you know he had such gorgeous eyes under those glasses of his?"

"No, but I sit next to him and-"

"Lucky girl, that's right! You do sit next to each other don't you! You have to get his e-mail address for us!"

"Quiet! He's right there!" Megumi hissed, locking eyes with me. I forced a small insecure smile, and averted my gaze quickly, trying to push Sora to move by faster. Not fast enough though. I heard one of the other girls sigh, "He's so cute!"

Cute?

"And cool too! He's so quiet, but he seems really nice and smart!"

Cool?! Were they really talking about me?

As I passed by them to get another desk, Megumi said over her friends' shoulders, "Your contacts look really good on you, Sakuma!"

I heard the whole group erupt in giggles, and I froze. Megumi was blushing madly, not meeting my gaze. I turned to Sora and asked silently, "What do I do?!"

He craned his neck in their direction and said silently back, "Say SOMETHING!"

I cleared my throat and said softly, "Thanks. You look…nice today too."

I nearly died. Why did I wear these damn contacts?! It's all Sora's fault! I'd have to kill him later for putting me in this awkward mess. What the hell was I doing talking with girls! I already made a fool of myself earlier!

To my utter surprise, however, they kept talking to me. One of the girls stepped up and asked shyly, "Sora said you were sick…are you feeling any better?"

"Oh…yeah I guess so. Just kinda tired is all." I mumbled.

I saw a couple of them blush slightly, and start whispering. Sora stepped in and said, "Ahiro, we still have a couple desks to grab…"

"Right…" I started, turning to follow after him.

"See you later, then!"

I turned back and saw Megumi standing nervously apart from her friends. I felt a fluttering in my stomach then. So, trusting my instinct, I gave her the best smile I could and said, "See you."

When Sora and I got far enough away, he turned to me and exclaimed, "I'm so happy for you! You just nearly made all of them faint over there!"

"I did?" I asked shakily, still not quite over from the rush of the encounter.

He placed a hand over his heart theatrically and whimpered jokingly, "My little boy's growing up! I'm so proud!"

I just punched him and shot another peek over at the girls while he rolled on the ground in pain. They were still talking in hushed voices, but stopped and waved when they saw me staring. I guess it wasn't that bad after all.

When it was time to go to club, I said goodbye to Sora and Riku and headed off to the student council room. It had to have been the longest trip to that room I had ever taken. People kept stopping to talk to me, to ask my name, to see how I was feeling! It was overwhelming! A guy that looked to be an upperclassman came up and asked, "Sakuma, right? So you're the freshman everyone's talking about. Now I know why."

I thought he was going to beat me up, so I cowered slightly and braced myself. I'd never been hit before. But, instead of a punch, I heard him ask, "Are you free this weekend?"

"Wha-what?!" I stuttered, looking back up into his kind eyes.

He just smiled and said anxiously, "I've never really asked out a guy before, but…would you wanna go see a movie, or something?"

I gaped up at him. Then I cried out, the words finally sinking in, "But, you don't even know me!"

He just shrugged and said, "Yeah, it's really weird for me too. Normally I only date chicks, but…"

I was lost for words. A guy? Asking me out? On a date? My entire body seemed to grow warm, and I could tell I was as red as a beat, but I couldn't even move to try and hide it. He just smiled again and said, "Listen, I know it's kinda sudden but if you change your mind, call me. The name's Tidus."

He quickly took out a scrap of paper and scribbled on it, then placed it in my numb hand and stepped past me saying, "See ya!"

I immediately rushed to the bathroom and splashed my face with cold water. I couldn't believe any of this was happening! No way! I'm probably still asleep in the classroom dreaming peacefully as the teacher lectures. I pinch myself to check.

I am awake.

I was about five minutes late to club, which never happened. So, when I burst in panting heavily all of the others looked up questioningly.

"Oh, Sakuma! We weren't sure if you had gone home sick or not! Glad to see you made it!" the president called jovially.

I muttered an apology, then took my normal spot and listened to what the new plans were. There were quite a few. Plus I had to start setting up the final touches on the class trip to the next island. There was planning the activities, picking a good weekend when the weather would be alright, and sleeping arrangements. By the time the meeting was over, I was beat. I think Sora was right after all. I was working too hard.

So when I got to the tutoring rooms, I was dragging my feet. I slumped down in my chair and sighed heavily, waiting for Riku and Sora to arrive. My eyes were getting heavy again, and before I knew it, I was asleep.

"Ahiro! Come on! You gotta at least get home before you pass out!" I heard Sora's voice chuckle.

My eyes snapped open, and I saw both of them gazing down at me. I immediately sat up and said, "I'm fine, just resting my eyes!"

How cliché, I thought mentally punching myself. Sora leaned down so our faces were mere inches apart and said, "Riku said he'd drive you home if you wanted."

I finally agreed after much of their insisting. When we were driving home I thought back on the day. Megumi and a whole bunch of girls thought I was cool and cute, some upperclassman guy asked me out unexpectedly, and I'm pretty sure that after the class trip was over I would be quitting the student council. All thanks to none other than my new friends.

"Today was something." I said, looking out the window of Riku's backseat.

"Yeah, you definitely made an impression on the ladies!" Sora laughed.

I smiled amusedly and pulled out the phone number that guy gave me. I then got an idea. I passed it up to Sora and asked, "Do you know this guy? He used to be in your grade, I think."

"Yeah, Tidus Shimomura, we know him! He's a really good friend of ours; plays kendo with Riku and me! Why?"

I snatched back the paper and said, "Does he ever go out with guys?"

I saw both of them stiffen slightly, then Sora turned and asked, "Why, you looking to hook up with him or something? Hehe."

I blushed and muttered, "No…well, he sorta asked me out and I was just wondering what kind of person he was. I didn't know if he was joking or not…"

The car was silent for a moment as it turned onto my street. Then Sora burst into laughter and cried out, "I can't believe it! Tidus asked a guy out! Who would have thought it possible?!"

I watched as he clutched his side, trying to gasp for air. He then turned around and said somewhat seriously, "He's the nicest guy we know. So, just make sure you don't break his heart when you decline, okay?"

I glared up at him and asked loudly, "Who said I was going to say no?!"

Sora was dumbstruck, and Riku slowed to a sudden stop on my driveway. I just kinda blurted that out, but I hadn't even thought of the possibility of dating a guy. I felt around in my heart to see if it felt wrong, but there was nothing to indicate that it was. With this newfound logic, I mustered up the guts to hold my gaze against Sora's. He finally blushed and sat forward in his seat mumbling, "I see…"

After that I quickly got out and issued a small 'thanks' for the ride and ran to get in my house. As soon as I got inside, I fell against the door, breathing heavily. They probably hated me now. Thought I was some sort of a disgusting freak for saying that. Why was I so weird?! I slid to the floor and clutched my knees, dreading the next day.

When I got to class about thirty minutes too early, I saw Sora sitting nervously in his chair; the only other person in the room. I was taken off guard and I said impulsively, "Why are you here so early?"

Sora stood up and called over, "I was waiting for you to get here. I knew you usually came early, so…"

"Oh…I see."

We stood in pressured silence. I wasn't sure if he wanted to make fun of me or not, so I just waited. He finally lifted his head to look at me and uttered indistinctly, "What you said yesterday…I didn't mean…I didn't…"

He was definitely struggling. But I was glad, that was all he had to say. I just smiled from ear to ear, happy relief flooding through me as I watched him shift from foot to foot. I said tentatively, "I understand. Thank you."

He seemed to brighten up once again, and smiled back. As we went to our desks to talk, I said laughing, "I thought you hated me. I'm glad that's not the case."

He looked shocked, then ashamed and said lowly, "I'm sorry."

The rest of the week went by quickly, mostly filled with school, student council planning, and tutoring. The date for the class trip was set on the weekend after this, and you had the choice of staying in the cabin (if you didn't have a tent) or outside (in your tent). There were activities, like a cooking challenge and a swimming race and a scavenger hunt. Possibly even a relay or a capture the flag.

On the day before our day off, Megumi turned to me during break in-between classes and asked, "So Sakuma-san, are you busy this weekend?"

I flushed slightly and said, "I'm sorry, but I'm actually busy."

Just yesterday, Sora bullied me into picking up the phone and calling Tidus. He yelled, "If you don't he's gonna be heart-broken! So you had better start dialing!" Then he stayed next to me through the whole conversation and made sure I had a date set. My eye twitched with anger just thinking about it.

Megumi's face fell for a split second, and then perked up again when she asked, "Is it a date?"

I nodded. She didn't falter. Instead, she grabbed my hand and cried out, "That's great! Is it your first?"

I nodded again, completely taken off-guard. She said, "Well, if it doesn't work out with her, you should definitely give me a call and come hang out with me!"

She was definitely not fazed, I'll give her that much. She shoved a piece of paper in my hand and smiled sweetly. What is it with all these people and shoving their phone numbers in my face? It's not like I was going anywhere or anything.

And I didn't have the heart to tell her it was a guy I was going out with for my first date, either. I didn't want her taking it the wrong way. It was just a…experiment.

Sora wanted to come over and help me get ready for the 'date', but I said 'no way'. I was already too nervous, and putting up with his little tips on dating wouldn't help any. So I got ready alone.

I thought to myself as I tried to pick out an outfit, "Stay calm. It's only a movie. Stay calm."

But I couldn't. I ended up starting to shake and get terrible butterflies as I waited by the ticket booth for Tidus. I was just thinking of running, when I heard my name called. I turned around and caught sight of him running up, waving frantically, a big grin on his face. He came to a stop in front of me, clutching his knees, and said breathlessly, "Sorry I'm late Sakuma! I got stuck at a train."

He looked really good. I was surprised to hear myself say so, but he really did. He was wearing a brown sweater with some blue jeans and a blue beanie on top of his light blonde hair; very casual. Oh no. I thought my stomach turning over horribly. Did I look okay? I had carefully picked out a t-shirt and a black zip-up hoodie with some light grey jeans. Was it enough? Did it seem too familiar?

He said still a little winded, "You look nice."

He looked me up and down and grinned. I was absolutely (and yes I am actually going to use this word) flabbergasted. I stuttered, "Y-you look nice, too Sh-Shimomura!"

"Call me Tidus." He said non-chalontly, walking over to the movie listings. "You know, I was really surprised when you called. I had asked you out as a kind of shot-in-the-dark kinda thing. I never even guessed you'd consider me."

I just smiled awkwardly and went to stand next to him. We stood staring at the times for a while, both debating on what sounded best. I finally chalked up enough nerve to say, "I've heard that new action movie was pretty good."

"Really? Cool. You wanna see that one?" he asked, turning his gaze back on me.

I nodded, and as we waited in line to get our tickets, I said quietly, "You can call me Ahiro."

I didn't look at him, but I could feel him staring down at me. He chuckled and said, "Alright…Ahiro."

I blushed, and hurriedly went to move towards the window that was open. Before I could get out my money, he had already put his on the counter. I tried to protest, but he just said, "I asked you out, at least let me treat you."

I nodded, and suddenly our cashier girl got a nose-bleed. I heard her say something like, "One second." And then she disappeared. Another cashier came out and handed us our tickets apologizing profusely.

I relaxed after we got our seats and watched the movie in the cool theater. It really was a good movie. And after it was done and we were standing out in the cold night air, I felt like I was acting like myself.

"You really are a cool guy." Tidus suddenly said, gazing at me affectionately.

I choked slightly, and when I saw he wasn't going to brush it off as a joke I issued a small, "Thank you."

"Well, I guess we should be heading home. It's getting pretty late. Do you want me to walk you home?" he asked, shoving his hat back on his ruffled hair.

"No. I'll be okay. It's not that far." I answered, pointing over my shoulder at the shoreline only a mile away.

"Alright then, I'll see you later."

"Yeah, see you-"I started, but was cut off. There was a flash of blonde and I felt his lips press softly against my cheek.

I stood open mouthed gazing up into his slightly glowing face. My stomach was doing flip flops like crazy, in time to my heart pounding rapidly against my chest. Then he grabbed my hand loosely and whispered, leaning into me, "I'm sorry. I'm probably moving really fast, but I can't help it. I really like you, and I didn't expect to. It's just that, when I saw you at the beginning of the school year…I dunno I was drawn to you, and then when I saw you in the hall…I couldn't help but like you even more. You just looked so…perfect."

Oh my god. Was this a confession? I was still completely stunned so I just listened open-mouthed as he continued, "Ahiro…would you please…go out with me? For real?"

Shivers ran up and down my spine in quick succession, and I nearly keeled over. He really wanted to go out with me?! That's nuts! This has to be a dream! This whole year has to be a dream! If you had asked me last year in middle school what my chances were of befriending two popular guys, getting phone numbers from girls as soon as I went out in public with my contacts in, and getting a boy to ask me out and then confess to me when I went for my first year of high school would be, I would have told you absolutely no chance.

But here it was, and happening all at once too! I stammered, "A-are you s-sure?!"

He stared down at me disbelievingly for a moment, and then erupted into a fit of laughter. Was it all a joke? I wasn't sure. So, all I did was stand distressed, waiting for him to finish. When he did, he came up gasping. He said, "No wonder I like you so much!"

I must have still looked confused, because he reached up a hand and placed it gently against my cheek and said in a whisper, "I'm totally serious. I like you, and I want to go out with you."

My eyes widened, and I stood motionless, trying to gather my wits. I finally whispered disbelievingly, "Tidus…I'm glad."

His hand squeezed my own and he breathed, "Thank goodness…"

My heart seemed to swell at that moment, and I felt a rush of happiness overtake me. I was finally in my first relationship. After standing for a little while, the grins not fading, I finally asked, "Are you cold?"

"Naw, besides…I've got you here." He mumbled shyly, stepping a little closer.

Blushing, I turned my head and laughed, "This is crazy."

"I know. I can't believe how…good this feels. It's scary in a way." He mumbled, running his hands up and down my back, trying to keep both of us warm.

I looked up into his intense dark blue eyes and said slowly, "But you know, I kinda don't mind."

He nodded, his eyes sparkling in the lights from the shops.

When we finally managed to pull apart, we said our goodbyes and headed off in opposite directions. I couldn't wait to tell Sora and Riku! I was so happy!

a/n: Awwww! How scandelous!! I wonder what could possibly happen durning the class trip? Find out in the next chappie!!! Coming soon!

a/n2: See you next time.

a/n: Alrighty, Happy Readings!