Chapter 4

"Hello everyone. As you know, I'm Tsukiyomi Ikuto. You may call me Yomi-sensei since my name is a mouthful." He spoke.

The class laughed.

"Now then, let me explain how this course will be..."

Time didn't seem to flow properly during class, at least, that's what it felt like to me. I sat there staring at him. I wanted to look away, but I couldn't. Ikuto was right there, and I still couldn't reach him. I wanted to say something, do something. But all I really wanted to do was cry where I sat. I didn't think I missed him that much. I wanted to hit him for not staying in contact with and for being away for so long...

I was hoping to wait by the end of class, but it was taking to long and I was ready to blow up any second. I could feel Nagihiko and Rima's hands on my shoulders, making sure that I was alright. They didn't know that I actually liked Ikuto, but I think they could tell the whole time.

"Do you wanna leave Amu?" Rima whispered.

I nodded. I didn't wanna leave yet. I needed to talk to him first. I think they understood my feelings.

The bell finally went after what felt like years to me, and everyone got up from their seats to leave. Though, most of the girls stayed behind to gawk at Ikuto and talk to him. It was gonna be difficult to get close to him.

"I'm sorry girls, but I have things to tend to. I will talk to you another time." He said.

The girls awed and started leaving the class. I decided to blend in with them to leave since there was no way of getting close.

"Hinamori-san, is it?" He called out.

I stopped.

"Stay. I need a word with you."

I could feel Nagihiko and Rima's hands on my shoulders, like they were gonna back me up or something.

"It's okay. I'll be fine..." I smiled to them.

They nodded and left. Ikuto closed the classroom door and sighed.

"You know, it's difficult to teach with you staring at me the whole time." He said smirking.

I guess I was at my limit. I couldn't hold back anymore. I let the tears come out. I sobbed and sobbed. I could feel his arms wrap around me.

"I guess you were that lonely without me..." He said.

"You idiot... Why haven't you been keeping contact with me?! I haven't heard or seen you in a long time!"

He brought me even closer, he smelled so good and he was warm.

"Do you have any idea how much using my phone from other countries cost? I bet you got a huge bill too. Plus, I was busy and couldn't come back easily."

I continued to cry and sob.

"That's why I took the opportunity to become a teacher here, to become a professional musician and to see you again."

"Really...? *sniff*"

"Really... I missed you as well."

I was happy. Happy that he wasn't with someone else. Happy hat he hasn't forgotten me, and happy that he came to see me. I didn't want to leave. I wanted to stay in his embrace forever and never see Tadase-kun again.

Though thinking of Tadase-kun at that moment made me feel queasy.

I looked at while wiping off my tears.

"Is there anyway I could stay here during lunch break?" I asked bluntly.

He nodded. "Unfortunately I can't. I have a lunch meeting with the other staff. I guess a welcome party or something."

"Oh..." I really didn't wanna leave his side.

He smiled and missed my forehead. "Don't worry, you can hide out with me next time."

I blushed from his sudden kiss. He laughed a little.

"I missed seeing you blush..." He said.

I felt embarrassed, but I was happy that he wanted to see me. I could only hope that things would get better from then on out.

How stupid it was of me to believe that...

Tadase-kun found me too easily this time. It was probably my fault for spacing out about Ikuto since I left class. He pulled me around the corner to a location where less students were around and started yelling at me. He pulled my hair a little and pulled me close. He forced a kiss on me like the many times he did roughly, biting my lips and tongue.

"Where have you been? You were 5 minutes late meeting me for lunch!" He clenched his hands around my wrists.

"...I'm sorry... I got caught up in class... The teacher wanted me to stay behind to talk to me..." I had tears running down.

"LIES!" He slapped me again. And again and again.

I tried to block my face from his slaps but then moved on to another place on my body to hit until he suddenly stopped.

"Someone's coming. You better clean up before you go back to class." He then left like nothing happened.

I stood there for a moment to breathe and started walking like nothing was wrong. I was about to go into the bathroom, when I suddenly feel someone's hand on my sore shoulder. I flinch a little due the pain and turn to see who it is.

"...Ikuto...?!"

"Amu...? Your face... What happened to you?" He asked, concerned.

"Oh... You know... I fell... Down the stairs..." I wanted to tell him the truth, but I didn't want Tadase-kun to find out. So I lied.

"...Maybe I should take you to the nurse? In case you didn't hit your head."

"Oh no! Its fine! This happens all the time! I'm really clumsy, remember?" I bonk my head lightly and make a cute smile like a moe klutz.

"Huh... True... Still..." He persisted.

"I'm really fine... Trust me..." I give me a fake smile. An SOS smile. I would only hope he understands and helps me when the time comes.

"Well... Okay... But to be sure, I want you to have this." He hands me a piece of paper. "It's my new number. I want you to call me if you ever need me."

I nodded. "I will, promise..."

I was happy to have Ikuto back in my life. I didn't know how long I would have to live like I have for the past month or so. It was like something or someone giving me a gift of relief. But I knew then that Tadase-kun wouldn't stop. If he found out about Ikuto, he would surely come looking for me and making sure I don't go near him, like in the beginning of when we all met. But it was different now, it's not out of protection, it's competition. Before Ikuto left, they made a competition to see who can have me. Tadase-kun had me, but Ikuto didn't know yet. I didn't wanna tell him. I wanted Ikuto, he wanted me, and Tadase-kun wanted a trophy girlfriend. That I didn't want.

Ikuto patted me on the head like a pet.

"Also..." he started, "...try not to call me Ikuto in school. Yomi-sensei is what you call me here, okay?"

I nodded. I understood because we were never allowed to call teachers by their first name, and if people found out I called him Ikuto, they would think something's up.

"Go on now, get better soon." he pushed me slightly.

"Wait... Will I see you again soon?" I asked desperately.

A small pause. "What's this? You're gonna miss me?" he said in a sly voice.

I blushed. He laughed.

"I really do miss teasing you... So far, I will be busy. But if you want..." he took out a form, "...you can join my class and be there everyday. Plus, extra classes for when you're... not doing so well..." he smiled.

I knew he meant I had no real talent, but if that's what it was gonna take to see him, then it didn't matter to me. I signed it, confirming that I will have Music class as my extra curriculum class.

"Try... not to laugh... I know I suck..." I said.

He smiled. "No promises."

I pouted. But I felt happy that I would be seeing him more often than what I was use to. The only hope I had then, was to make sure Tadase-kun doesn't join music class as well. He would find out about Ikuto soon enough, but making sure he doesn't join that class might be more difficult.