Third period

Shinobu had been taunted, threatened, and harassed all day, but he had much bigger concerns. Concerns he could see right in front of him, typing away, seemingly unaware of his glare.

Misaki.

He knew he was texting Miyagi. He knew he was trying to steal what was rightfully his.

"Who are you texting?" Shinobu snapped.

Misaki looked up, a blush covering his face. "Wha?- N-no one!"

"I don't need you to tell me to find out."

Misaki visibly paled.

I think shinobu might be on to us

Is that something we need to worry about? He's gay too right?

Yeah, but he's a loudmouth. If he finds out, he'll tell other people.

If that happens, I promise I will protect you.

You're so sweet, but I don't want to put you at risk.

I'm open, if people notice, I'm already at risk. I will happily take on more if it protects you.

Misaki's smile did not escape Shinobu's watchful gaze. The boy almost growled. He continued his hostility for the remainder of the day.

Last period

Misaki hung back, after Shinobu left. Little did the boy know, his friend had merely hidden behind the door, planning on following him. He stalked him to the library. His eyes immediately found Miyagi and his small group. He was about to confront him, when he was snached up from behind.

The other's having left, Miyagi left the library. At the end of the hallway, he spotted a group of jockstraps beating the shit of Shinobu. One had him pinned to the wall while two others were punching him.

"What's wrong, f**?" one teased the boy. "Worried fighting back will mess up your hair?"

Miyagi narrowed his eyes. I should turn around and walk away. I shouldn't get involved.

"Hey, jackass, leave him alone!"

Why did you do that you idiot?

"What did you say?" one of them demanded, skulking over to him.

"Hey isn't that this cream puff's boy toy?" another quipped.

Miyagi froze for a moment. Just turn and walk away. Don't say it don't-

"So what if I am?"

Shit.

"Aw look at him trying to come to his rescue." They dropped Shinobu and moved to approach Miyagi.

"Run!" Miyagi yelled and the two took off down the hall. Football players still hot on their heals, the two made it safely into the view of a group of teachers. When the three jockstraps finally left, Miyagi simply turned and started to walk away.

"Where are you going?" Shinobu snapped. When he didn't receive a reply, Shinobu yelled louder. "Hey! I said I'm talking to you!" he ran up to him, grabbing the older boy's arm. "Why did you step in? I thought you were with Misaki."

"Pardon me for not wanting to see you die, and isn't Misaki Akihiko's boy toy?"

Shinobu blinked. "Akihiko? So, Misaki's not trying to steal you from me?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Why didn't Misaki tell me he was seeing someone?"

"Maybe because you're a loudmouth who can't keep a secret."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Everything that enters your head, exits your mouth. Remember what just happened to you? Maybe misaki doesn't want people to find out because he doesn't want to get the shit beat our of him."

Shinobu got quiet. "I-I would have kept his secret. He's my best friend."

Miyagi sighed. "Look, kid, you're a little nuts." Shinobu was about to yell, when Miyagi smiled. He looked the boy up and down before his face became serious. "When did they start messing with you?"

Shinobu shrugged. "A while ago."

He closed his eyes and frowned. "Tell you what I'm going to do, I'm going to give you my cell phone number and if you think someone is going to get physical with you can call or text me."

"Really?" Shinobu's face lit up.

Miyagi was already beginning to question his decision. "Yeah. Give me your phone." He typed his number then handed it back. "Just don't blow up my phone okay? Well, see you later." He started to walk away when he noticed shinobu was remaining gave him a questioning look.

"I have to wait an hour for the next public bus."

Don't ask don't ask don't-

"Do you want me to drive you home?" He almost groaned at his own stupidity.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

The next thing Miyagi knew, they were in his car, speeding down the highway. As they came closer, he had an eerie feeling he had been here before. It wasn't until they pulled in front of a large mansion, he made the connection.

"See you tomorrow."

"You're Takatsuki's little brother." he said in shock, when Shinobu was out of the car but still within earshot.

Mean while

Nowaki couldn't stop smiling as the pair walked to Hiroki's car, much to the older boy's annoyance.

"Why are you so happy?" he snapped.

"Because I get to go with you on a date."

Hiroki found a flush creeping across his unwilling face. "Whatever. Where are we going anyway?"

"I thought we could grab something to eat and go from there."

"Fine, but I pick the restaurant and we're going one town over at least."

Nowaki smiled. "Whatever you're comfortable with." He reached for Hiroki's hand.

He complied, doing his best to appear irritated. He wouldn't let this puppy dog think he had won him over so easily. "How did you like the jockstraps?" the boy quipped.

"They could be worse."

"Hardly seems like it to me. I can hardly wait to get out of this town. I got into Tokyo university."

"Oh, so far away," Nowaki was a little disappointed.

"What's your problem?"

"Nothing I just forgot how short of a time I have to make you fall in love with me."

"You're as bad as bad as Miyagi."

Hiroki studied him carefully out of the corner of his eye. Why does this guy care? What do I matter to him?

Nowaki took notice of his gaze and smiled.

"How much further?"

"Fifteen minutes," Hiroki grumbled, endeavoring to seem annoyed.

Nowaki just smiled more. Hiroki rolled his eyes and the drive continued in silence. When at last the pair arrived, Nowaki ran ahead to open the door for his companion.

"You're like some kind of hyperactive puppy," Hiroki grumbled.

"Sorry, am I getting on your nerves?"

"No, it's not that." the boy blushed.

Nowaki reached out and took his hand. "I'm just trying to make this a good first date."

Hiroki couldn't help but smile. He was surprised how quickly he found himself relaxing and enjoying the date. They even shared a kiss at the end of the night.

Shinobu's house

Shinobu locked himself in his room and immediately called Misaki. The boy picked up quickly enough. "Don't be mad, but Miyagi told me about you and Akihiko."

The line fell silent.

"I promise, i will keep my mouth shut. It's one thing to blab my own secrets, it's another when it puts you at risk."

"Well, thanks for respecting my privacy. Listen, I'll see you in school tomorrow, okay?"

"Sure, but we're fine, right?"

"Yeah of course. Bye."

"Bye."