Chapter 11: Pretentious

"You ready, Takeshi?"

"No," Takeshi bluntly answered.

"You're really making this difficult for me, you know?"

I sighed and intertwined my right hand with his left. I could feel his hand freeze in mine. Looks like I'll be doing most of the work here for this plan and this entire 'relationship'. The steps were simple. Walk around school holding hands and wait until someone asks if we're in a relationship. Then, Takeshi will lie and tell them that we've been secretly dating for two weeks now.

If they ask how we realized our "love" for each other, we plan to simply improvise about meeting in the local park on a rainy weekend. Something along the lines of me getting wet and Takeahi graciously sharing his umbrella. It may not be perfect, but it's good enough. Since everybody thinks Takeshi is the silent, mysterious type, I can do most of the talking during awkward situations.

I gave him a reassuring smile. "Just remember the plan, alright?"

He nodded and both of us started walking down the crowded hall, hand-in-hand. I'm actually nervous. Takeshi is right, what if they do see through our act? The blue haired teen casually walked with me, face clean of any emotion. He could at least try to look happy. I'm not that mean, right?

Someone whistled and vehemently hooted, "Looks like these two hooked up!"

"What? No way! The rumor is actually true?!"

"Aww, I didn't know Takeshi asked out Thalia... I wish I saw it!"

"Isn't that the younger brother of the Kaito twins? Even he can get girls."

"And that's Hunter Frost's younger sister! He's so cool and hot. His sister must be popular too."

We continued walking through the sea of gawking students and I grinned inwardly.

"So far, so good. This might actually work," I said to only Takeshi.

He laughed lightly, "I am a genius, according to you."

A group of girls saw him laugh and one of them exclaimed, "Holy crap, did the Takeshi Kaito just laugh?! I thought he was that silent, emotionless boy."

"I suppose Thalia changed him for the better," a brunette girl warmly smiled, "maybe this couple will actually work out. Unlike other people that just date for popularity, sex or money."

"Aren't their siblings popular though?"

The same girl happily answered, "Yep. But, I have a good feeling that those two actually love each other."

The whole group giggled as we passed by. Success! I just worry what will happen if the twins or my brother shows up. Kenichi and Izumi will probably tease Takeshi about it. On the other hand, my brother would laugh and ask him how he could possibly date such a weirdo. I'm sure that would happen.

A French girl from my gym class - I think it was Elise - excitedly asked, "How did you guys meet?"

Everyone else around us stopped and waited for our answer.

I squeezed Takeshi's hand as a signal and started, "It was a rainy Saturday at the park. I didn't know it was going to rain, so I was beginning to get drenched from head to toe."

"... I saw Thalia and decided to share my umbrella with her. I couldn't just let her get covered in water," he continued, the tiniest amount of anxiety on his face.

"We became friends and the rest is history now," I smiled.

I think Takeshi was trying not to laugh and instead grinned in a lopsided manner. I know how hard that is. Especially when it's dead silent and you're just trying to contain that growing laughter inside you. Rare to see that reaction from the almost killer.

Elise gushed, "Aww, you two are adorable together! This is definitely going in the yearbook, smile!"

I smiled, wondering why the heck she would ask me to smile. Wait a second... yearbook?! Before I could complain, a flash of light blinded me.

"Perfect," her blue eyes sparkled in admiration, "thanks! See you guys later!"

"I don't remember that being part of the plan," Takeshi lowered his voice, eying Elise's camera.

I laughed and let go of his hand. On the tips of my toes, I whispered in his ear, "Don't say that out loud, idiot. Pretend I whispered something romantic in your ear, alright...?"

The bluenette scratched his blue hair in confusion and I wanted to facepalm myself at his stupidity. How is that a reaction to a romantic gesture? Our cover is going to get blown and the whole plan will die with it!

A familiar voice exclaimed, "Ooh, Takeshi's embarrassed! What happened this time, bro?"

Kenichi smiled at us. Great. Why must I have the worst timing ever? Actually, it might be bad luck as well. His twin brother will realize this is just a fake relationship sooner or later.

"Hello, Kenichi," he greeted, his gray eyes hardened.

"Don't be so formal with me," he laughed aloud, "you're my little brother! Smile more, will you?"

"No thanks."

His attention swivelled towards me and I prepared myself for the worst.

The older brother grinned and teasingly asked, "Hey, Takeshi, who is your friend over here? Your new crush?"

"No, actually," an arm slyly found it's way around my waist, "this is my girlfriend. Thalia Frost."

Kenichi gasped and dramatically demanded, "Why didn't you tell me first? How come everybody else gets to know, but not your older brother? I thought family's first, bro! When you meet a girl, you should tell your family! Especially if Thalia's your first girlfriend in history."

I laughed and covered for Takeshi by answering, "Kenichi, we just thought it would be a pleasant surprise. Right, Takeshi?"

"Yeah."

The twin grinned.

"Ooh, is my little bro embarrassed by me? I can't help but rejoice that you have found the one! But, seriously, Thalia should meet our parents soon. You know how Mom hates us keeping secrets from her," his tone became more serious towards the end.

I turned towards Takeshi and subtly winked. "I would love to meet your parents, Takeshi!"

His gray eyes widened and I could tell he wanted to me not to. Fear glazed over his face. Does he really not want me to meet his parents? Too bad because I also want to see what his parents are like. I know one must be Japanese and one must have blue hair. People can't just grow blue hair if none of their parents have the same colored hair. I do have a father with white hair though. I don't have white hair.

Kenichi chuckled and enthusiastically exclaimed, "Okay, come to Takeshi's house on Friday at 7:00 PM. I'll tell my parents in advance about your visit if Takeshi refuses to! Be good to her, bro!"

He walked off, chuckling. Abruptly, the teen stopped in his tracks and playfully commented, "You know... I wouldn't mind having Thalia as a sister-in-law!"

At this point, Takeshi looked angry and slightly embarrassed. "Shut up, Kenichi!"

His brother laughed and strolled away, ignoring Takeshi's cold glare.

A/N: Alright, I lied. I updated even though I got only 1 review. Thank you! But, please... 2 reviews isn't a lot to ask for, riiight? ;3