Book I: Ushio's Story

~*7*~

- As His Eyes Met Hers -

The gloomy November morning lingered over the busy town of Hikarizaka. A small shower of rain was falling as, school bag in hand, Kaito made his way to his friend's home. Passing through the tidy garden he came to the front door. Yawning, he placed his fist against it and knocked. After a few seconds the door swung open as Kaito's eyes met the bright and cheerful face of his friend, Juni. "Good morning Kaito!" He said, grinning. Kaito let out a grunt in reply. "I'm glad to see you're still keeping your attendance up my friend," Juni laughed.

"Are you taking the piss?" Kaito asked with a tired look on his face.

"I wouldn't dream of it," replied Juni as he closed the front door behind him. Pulling out an umbrella from his bag, Juni flicked the small lock on the bottom and fanned it out. Raising it above his head he smiled. "Care to join me?"

"Is there enough room?" Kaito asked, screwing up his face as rain fell on him.

"Course," Juni stated as he brought it over Kaito as well. They could barely fit under it yet, the two began to exit the front garden to make their way to school. Juni kept up his cheerful persona, Kaito thought this was highly unusual.

"Why are you so happy?" Kaito questioned whilst attempting to keep sheltered.

"Huh?"

"Why are you so happy?" He repeated. Juni gave a confused look at his friend; scratching the top of his head he brushed his fingers through his crop of red hair.

"It is Thursday isn't it?" Juni asked in a sarcastic tone.

"You're asking me the day of the week?" Kaito scoffed, "I don't even know my Maths book from my English book. Hell, I don't even own a Maths book."

"Okay, but it is Thursday. Remember what you told me last night?" Juni asked, as if the answer was obvious. Kaito began searching his otherwise lazy brain as he settled on a thought.

"Oh crap, yeah." The previous night Kaito had informed his friend about their 'lunch date' today with Ushio and Kumiko. Juni had expressed his excitement over the phone, much to Kaito's annoyance. "You're really that happy about it? Aren't you nervous?" Kaito asked.

"Maybe a little, but I'm definitely happy, more so than I am not." Juni replied.

"Makes a change," Kaito replied. Juni shrugged. "You really like her a lot then?"

"Well ... yeah," Juni smiled.

"Cool man," Kaito replied. By this point, half of Kaito's torso was wet from the rain. Looking to Juni, he spoke. "Are you keeping dry?"

"Not really," Juni admitted. Kaito shook his head.

"You take it," he muttered as he slipped out from under Juni's umbrella.

"What about you?" Juni asked.

"Like it matters," Kaito shrugged. "Besides, you should've said you were getting wet, it's yours after all." Kaito stated as he ran a hand through his, now wet, crop of hair. Juni gave a slow nod as he looked on at his friend. "Juni," Kaito said.

"Yeah?"

"Don't mention anything to Keshi about lunch today."

"What are we supposed to do if he asks us where we're going? We always spend lunch
together."

"I dunno; we'll slip out before he notices," muttered Kaito.

"I still think it's unfair to him, can't we just ask him along?" Juni asked, already knowing what his
friend would say.

"You know what he's like."

"I suppose," Juni sighed. Continuing their walk, Kaito looked over at his friend; he knew Juni was far too kind to just cast aside their only other friend like this.

"Well, Ushio just said to invite you, I mean you know Kumiko pretty well, I think she just wants us to get to know each other a bit more is all. I'm sure Keshi can come after we've done this a few times," he said attempting to cheer his friend up. "Okay?"

"Okay, that's fair," Juni said, smiling, as they continued their early morning journey to school.

"Aren't you going to tell me why?" Kumiko asked as Ushio grabbed her bag from under her desk. The clock had just turned 12:00 pm and it was time for lunch.

"Does there need to be a reason?" Ushio replied.

"It just seems a little bit out of the blue is all."

"It's only lunch Kumi, there's nothing else to it," Ushio said, offering a smile.

"But there has to be some reason. Are you sure you're not trying to set something up?" Kumiko questioned, trying to suss out her friend.

"What do you mean?" Ushio asked as she felt a nervous sweat coming on, have I been figured out? She thought to herself.

"Well, I told you last week about Juni, now we're having lunch with him and his friend," Kumiko replied, raising an eyebrow. "It's just a little bit fishy."

"Are you going to drop this?"

"No, probably not" Kumiko laughed. Ushio rolled her eyes. "Don't do that, you always do that" Kumiko said. Ushio let out a sigh. "And that ..."

"Fine, if I tell you though you have to promise me that you won't say anything!" Ushio pleaded.

"Obviously," Kumiko replied. Ushio had to be quick, she wasn't going to say the real reason, and she had to think of something; fast. Suddenly a thought entered her mind out of nowhere. "I ... I like his friend," Ushio said.

"His friend? You mean Sakumoto?" Kumiko asked; she was a little shocked.

"Yeah, I have a crush on him. I thought that since you like Junichiro it would be a good excuse for me to see him," she lied.

"Ushio! This is great!" She yelled.

"Keep it down," Ushio whispered, checking to see if anyone was listening in.

"We can double date," Kumiko whispered back.

"... Yeah sure," Ushio replied, thinking of the mess she had just put herself in.

"I never thought you'd like him to be honest." Kumiko said.

"Why not?" Ushio asked.

"Well, he's quite good looking sure but your personalities seem to be the opposite."

"We do have some things in common though ... you never know," Ushio said, truthfully quite disheartened by Kumiko's words.

"Yeah, I'm sure you'd be great together though," Kumiko said, smiling.

"As would you and Junichiro," Ushio replied, giving her a nod. "Come on," Ushio said, "they're probably waiting for us." They exited the classroom and began to make their way to the school courtyard.

Rain hit against the window as Kaito was placed what few books he had in to his bag. It was time for lunch. "Hey man, are we off to the cafeteria?" A voice from his right asked. Kaito looked over, it was Takeshi.

"Uh, yeah man sure," Kaito replied.

"Cool. Cool, cool, cool." Takeshi smiled as the two of them made their way out of their homeroom. Upon exiting, they had both noticed Yumi Koharu making her way down the corridor. "Think she's off to the library?"

"Who?"

"Yumi," Takeshi muttered as he stared down the hallway.

"She usually does," Kaito shrugged. "I think she likes to keep to herself."

"That's got to be lonely," Takeshi mumbled. Kaito gave another shrug as he walked away, Takeshi followed. "So Kaito," Takeshi grinned as they made their way to the cafeteria. "How is the club?"

"Don't ask me like you're genuinely interested."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's not like I'm expecting a witty and clever remark Keshi, merely the same old crap you always say," Kaito scoffed.

"Eh?"

"Forget it," Kaito sighed. "It's going fine."

"Yeah, I thought you'd enjoy getting close with Yumi," Takeshi winked. Kaito rolled his eyes. "I'm sure she's preparing a love scene for the two of you right now," Takeshi laughed as Kaito shook his head. "Oooh Kaito! Thou shall hold'th me whilst I drink'th my tea!" The fair-haired boy bellowed in an exaggerated manner.

"And there it is," Kaito muttered darkly as Takeshi merely continued to laugh at his friend. A few moments later they came to the cafeteria's entrance. Scoping the area, Kaito noticed a familiar red-headed boy leant against a wall; bento in hand. "Juni!" Kaito called. Juni walked over to them.

"H-hey guys," he said.

"What's up with you?" Asked Takeshi.

"N-nothing," Juni replied with an uneasy laugh.

"Okay then, I see you're prepared as usual." Takeshi laughed, pointing at Juni's bento. "Kaito we getting some food?" He asked.

"Here," Kaito said, handing his friend some money.

"Cool. I'll go get some anpan or something," Takeshi said heading off to the queue.

"Well, this is unusual." Kaito remarked.

"What is?" Takeshi wondered, turning back around to face his friends.

"You offering to get the food."

"Well you're paying man." Takeshi said, giving a thumbs up. "Don't worry, I get my allowance soon," Takeshi stated with a wink as he headed over to the queue. Juni looked at his friend holding an expression on his face that Kaito knew too well.

"Don't worry pal, he'll be fine." Kaito said, pulling Juni out of the cafeteria with him. "Let's go!"

Kaito and Juni stood under a canopy that lead to the school courtyard, seeking shelter from the rain that continued to pour. "I was hoping it would've cleared up by now," Kaito sighed. "Looks like lunch is off." Suddenly a voice called over from behind the two boys.

"Kaito!" They turned around, it was Ushio and Kumiko.

"Ushio," Kaito nodded as he greeted them.

"Kaito, this is Kumiko, Kumiko this is Kaito," Ushio said, introducing the two.

"It's nice to meet you," Kumiko said in a sweet voice.

"Hey," Kaito replied. "Ah, yeah Ushio, this is Juni, Juni this is Ushio ... you already know Kumiko," he laughed. Ushio and Juni greeted each other.

"Now is it Juni, Junichiro or Akimoto?" She asked as Kaito rolled his eyes at her.

"Whatever you prefer," responded Juni.

"It's Kumiko-Chan for me, if you wouldn't mind," Kumiko smiled, looking towards Kaito.

"Kumiko-Chan? Quite a mouthful isn't it?" He jested as a silence followed. "Erm! Not that there's anything wrong with that."

"What would you have it be?" Kumiko asked him, her bright blue eyes peered at Kaito.

"Aww, erm, I dunno. How about, Kumi-Chan? That's easier to say ..." Kaito said, he saw Ushio give him a scowl out of the corner of his eye as Juni remained quiet, Kaito knew he was being quite rude.

"Kumi-Chan ... Kumi-Chan," Kumiko repeated as her thin lips formed into a small smirk. "You know, I actually quite like that."

"You do/Really?" Ushio and Kaito both asked.

"Yes, it's nice," Kumiko nodded. Kaito turned to his friend who, yet again, remained quiet.

"Do you like it Juni?" He asked patting him on the back, Juni's head shot up.

"Of course I do!" He laughed; the three others looked rather uncomfortable at this
point. Letting out a cough, Kaito spoke.

"Looks like the rain has ruined our plans for eating out here," he remarked.

"I know where we can eat!" Ushio stated.

"Where?" Kaito asked.

"The drama club room, no one will be there."

"True ... well lead the way!" Kaito said with a grin. Ushio and Kumiko began walking back inside as Kaito and Juni followed behind. Kaito pulled Juni in close as he whispered to him. "You need to relax man."

"I know; I'm just nervous ... I can't believe she liked the nickname that you gave her," Juni sighed.

"Don't be jealous Juni, Kumi-Chan is your girl, not mine," he said with a wink.

"I wouldn't call her mine, but I get your point. Thank you Kaito," Juni smiled.

"No problem," Kaito whispered as the four continued on their way to the drama room.

The large door slid open as Kaito, Ushio, Juni and Kumiko all walked into the drama room. Ushio and Kumiko took a seat at the table in the middle of the room. Kaito and Juni followed. "Well, this is where the magic happens," Kaito laughed as he pulled out a chair.

"A little small isn't it?" Juni said, looking around.

"Very funny," Kaito replied.

"Funny?"

"Not at all," Kaito said.

"What?" Juni asked, confused.

"Are you two going to join us?" Ushio asked.

"Sure," Kaito replied as he and Juni sat down. Juni placed his bento on top of the table, as did Ushio and Kumiko. The three opened their boxes as they each pulled out a pair of chop sticks. Kumiko looked over to Kaito who was laid back in his chair.

"Aren't you eating?" She asked him. Kaito's head rose up from its slouched position.

"Huh? Nah, I gave a friend some money today ... I also don't get a bento made for me," he said, sounding rather judgemental of Kumiko's premade lunch.

"I make my own," Kumiko smiled. Kaito nodded.

"Don't worry Kaito," Juni said, "I thought this might happen, so I've come prepared."

"As always," Kaito replied laughing. Juni shook his head. From his bag he pulled out a handkerchief and a second pair of chopsticks. He doubled over the handkerchief and placed several balls of rice and sushi pieces onto it. He then laid the chopsticks next to the makeshift meal.

"There you go," Juni smiled.

"You don't have to d-"

"I'm not taking no for an answer," Juni stated.

"Well … thank you Juni," Kaito smiled as he picked up his chopsticks. Juni looked up towards Kumiko. He smiled as his eyes met hers.

"That's very kind of you," she said as Juni blushed.

"Yeah! Juni's always looking out for me and Keshi when it comes to bentos," Kaito laughed as he placed his arm around Juni, attempting to big him up. "To tell you the truth; I was hungry."

"Keshi?" Kumiko asked.

"He's our friend, Takeshi." Juni replied "... He was in the fight the other day."

"I see," Kumiko chuckled. "I'm glad he came to your aid," she said, pointing her chopsticks to both boys.

"Yeah, he's always good for back up," Kaito laughed, "the guy just comes running in!" Kumiko smiled as she returned to her food. Juni had also retreated to his lunch as Ushio narrowed her eyes at Kaito. Kaito merely shrugged in response. The four continued eating their meal as an eerie atmosphere filled the room. No one really knew what to say. It was an awkward situation for all of them. Ushio knew it couldn't stay like this. Slyly, she managed to catch Kaito's line of sight. She widened her eyes and tilted her head, motioning for him to say something. He replied with a nod. "So ... Kumi-Chan ... Juni. You guys are in the same maths group right?"

"Uhuh," Juni mumbled through his mouthful of food.

"That's right," Kumiko confirmed.

"I can't imagine what the advanced set is like; I can barely handle the bottom set," Kaito laughed.

"It's hard, for instance there's tri-" Kumiko began to explain, yet Kaito's mind had another plan. It began to wander off; towards a distant place. However, something pulled him back. He wasn't particularly interested in the conversation, but he kept reminding himself, he was doing this for Juni ... and for Ushio. "Our Sensei rarely gives us a break, so you really have to pay attention and keep up with the workload."

"Of course, pay attention," Kaito nodded.

"Junichiro, how do you find it?" Ushio asked.

"He's brilliant at it!" Kumiko commented as Juni smiled. Kaito and Ushio also shared a smile, knowing that her plan was beginning to work; the two were starting to loosen up.

"I wouldn't say brilliant," Juni replied. "You fare much better than I do a lot of the time."

"You're always so modest!" Kumiko laughed, as did Kaito.

"I tell him that," Kaito stated. Kumiko nodded. Her gaze returned to Juni.

"Juni, you're most likely the top of the class, and you're definitely Sensei's favourite," she giggled, complementing him.

"Thank you," he said. "But honestly, you keep me focused in those lessons." He continued as Kumiko had a slight blush cover her cheeks. As the two kept speaking, Ushio noticed Kaito out of the corner of her eye. He gave her a slight nod; one that she returned.

Half an hour had passed, and the conversation was going well. The four had spoken about a lot of things: the drama club, math class, hobbies, teachers etc. It was safe to say they were all having a good time together. Ushio was very proud of her plan; so far it seemed that she and Kaito were pulling it off. Suddenly the school bell rang, concluding their lunch. "Well, I guess that's it." Kaito said as the four of them began to pack up their things. Ushio and Kumiko made their way over to the door.

"This was really nice." Kumiko said, smiling at the two boys.

"Yeah ... It was." Juni agreed.

"Same time tomorrow?" Ushio asked, zipping up her school bag.

"In here?" Juni asked.

"Well, if it's sunny, we'll eat outside in the courtyard, yeah?" Kaito suggested, winking at Ushio.

"Yup!" Ushio said. In her head she hoped it would turn out to be sunny, otherwise their 'forgotten' drama club meeting wouldn't be able to happen. "Well, see you guys tomorrow!" She said, as she and Kumiko waved goodbye, leaving the drama room. Juni was finishing packing up his things when he turned to Kaito.

"I didn't act like an idiot did I?" He asked. Kaito's smile moved into a frown.

"What? No way! You were great man; Kumi-Chan seemed to really like you."

"You think so?" Juni asked, hopeful.

"Of course, did you see the way she was looking at you?" Kaito grinned.

"I- I think I want to ask her out." Juni uttered quietly. Kaito's eyes lit up.

"Did I just hear that? You want to ask her out?"

"I do," Juni stated with a confident nod.

"On a date?" Kaito asked. Juni nodded again. "Do it." Kaito said, placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.

"Do you think it's a good idea?"

"Yes! Do it tomorrow, after lunch ... Or if you get some alone time, just do it. She'll say yes." He said with a grin.

"I hope so."

"Junichiro!" Kaito yelled; his face beaming. He placed his other hand on Juni's other shoulder as he shook him back and forth. "I'm so happy for you dude!" He laughed. Releasing his friend, the two began to make their way out of the club room together; Juni stopped and turned to Kaito.

"I noticed that Ushio was looking over to you a lot," he smirked. Kaito raised an eyebrow.

"Only because she thought I'd offend Kumiko or something," He countered.

"I'm sure that was it," nodded Juni. Kaito shook his head.

"Come on," he said. Juni joined him and the two walked out of the room together; satisfied with their day and excited about the hopeful future.

~*7*~

Thank you for reading!

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- Samuel ^_^