A/N: Hello! Thank you all for the reviews. Not many people know this, but the reason I write is mainly to deal with my chronic depression. When I was younger it was pretty debilitating. This fic is a re-write of one my old stories. It's taken new form and new direction but when I rewrite it, it reminds me of how far I've come in my treatment. I want to thank the re-vewers and the follows. It truly means a lot that people read this!

Anyways. Here is the next chapter. Sorry its so short!

~Red


Suki's cheeks were still flushed as she quietly hummed to herself in the hot steaming shower. She still couldn't believe that Kurama had said that he loved her. He had kissed her! And more than once! Her heart was still hammering happily in her chest. If she was dreaming, she didn't want to be woken up. Kurama had insisted she get some rest and as she slipped on her night clothes and stepped into her dark room she all but melted at the sight of him. He was lying in her bed; eyes closed, but possibly not asleep if she knew him well enough. She didn't know how she was expected to sleep as she laid down next to him. A small squeak left her lips as his strong arms wrapped around her bringing her back to his strong chest.

"You're very fidgety tonight. Feeling restless?" his warm breath in her ear sent shivers down her spine.

Her heart raced as she fought her ridiculously blushing cheeks. Their sleeping arrangements were certainly not out their ordinary. Yet it suddenly felt much more intimate than before, "I don't know if I can sleep. I don't feel tired."

A gasp escaped her lips as Kurama kissed her neck making a small trail up to her jaw line. She could almost hear the smile in his voice, "perhaps I can tire you out a bit."

Suki turned to her back and smacked his shoulder playfully. Trying to deflect him for her reddening face, "it's not nice to tease!"

She shouldn't have turned to face him. He was smirking at her devilishly and she suddenly forgot what a coherent thought was under that heated green gaze. He leaned down over her. His velvety red hair falling around them, "who said I was teasing?"

His lips captured hers furthering scrambling her mind in a rush of endorphins. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest as she reached up and tangled her hands into his hair. She didn't consider herself inexperienced when it came to kissing boys. Yet as he ravaged her mouth; his warm tongue invading hers, she realized she had never experienced such bodily consuming passion before. Warmth spread through her chest with happiness. Every touch of his lips sending waves of pleasure through her. She as if her body craved more of his touch, her core aching as she allowed him to drive her into blissful madness. Pulling away from her Kurama looked down into her eyes with his sparkling emeralds. She could see it at that moment, those beautiful orbs slightly darker more hazed than she had ever seen them. He smiled at her almost sheepishly, "I'm afraid that sleeping with you might become a bit more difficult. You're quite the temptation."

"Temptation?" she echoed back, hoping she didn't sound as dazed as she felt. Kurama laid onto his back releasing her. Suki turned to her side and giggled, "don't worry. It's not like you're taking advantage or anything. If you were doing something I didn't want you to I would stop you."

Kurama smiled at her grabbing her hand and bringing it to his lips, "I assure you, love. Even though we have different circumstances than most. I am not going to rush things. You deserve to all the stages of a proper relationship. Of course my intentions are not fully noble. I intend to make you fall so irreversibly in love with me that no other man could ever have a chance to ensnare your heart."

Suki only smiled warmly at him in return. There was nothing she could say or do in return to such a sweet sentiment. It had stunned her in both happiness and silence. She didn't know what he could do to make her love him more, but she wasn't going to deny that she wanted to find out.


That afternoon Suki awoke to an empty bed. She was still getting used to the weird sleeping pattern that Genkai had arranged for her training. For the most part she trained late in the afternoon to the early hours in the morning. At the times when the Demonic Forest was most active. She sat up and idly wondered if she had dreamed everything until she heard Yusuke and Kurama's voices coming from the kitchen. Kuwabara was yelling and she was sure they were laughing at his expense. Getting out of bed and into training clothes Suki made her way to the kitchen where the smell of breakfast welcomed her. As she entered she stifled the idiotic grin that wanted to be on her face at the sight of the redhead. As her gaze met his, Kurama gave her a secretive smile in return. She realized he probably hadn't told them.

"Hey Suki! Kurama is finally back. Maybe now you can take on your demon blood. Genkai is meditating outside and said to join her when you're done breakfast," Kuwabara said handing her a warm plate of eggs, bacon, and toast.

Suki smiled grabbing the plate and sitting at the table with Yusuke, "thanks. I think I'll need the strength."

Kuwabara sat next to her with what appeared to be his second helping, "yeah, if he trains you half as tough as he did me before the dark tournament you're in trouble!"

Yusuke reached over and stole a piece of bacon from Suki's plate making her glare at him, "either way I'm sure we'll be entertained."

Shaking her head Suki slid her plate away from the detective, "I'm glad I'm your source of entertainment."

"This is a different type of training than what you underwent, Kuwabara," Kurama said as he put his teacup in the dishwasher. "I'll see you guys outside," he said as he walked out stealing a glance at the teal eyed girl. Suki smiled as she continued to eat her breakfast and ignore the look that Yusuke was sending her way.

Outside teacher and student sat with their legs crossed in front of their bodies and facing each other. Kuramas face was calm and serene as he gazed into Suki's teal eyes. He held out his hands, palms up and instructed her to place her own over his. "I want you to close your eyes," he instructed, "I want you to concentrate on the feel of each energy separately."

Suki felt Kurama's spirit energy emerge. It felt like electricity flowing through a wire. It was steady and calm, yet powerful and strong. It made the palms of her hands tingle and prickle like if they had fallen asleep. "This is my spirit energy. Had I never been reborn as a human I would never possess this kind of energy. I want you to remember what this feels like. Next I'm going to access my youkai. Are you ready?" he asked.

Suki nodded before wondering if his eyes were closed too, "uh, yeah."

Kurama chuckled at her and then began to use his youkai. Suki could feel the difference instantly. Demon energy was hot like lava. It made her palms sting and burn like she was hovering too close to a fire. The sensation felt completely different. It was aggressive and erratic in a way, missing the control that emanated from the spirit energy.

"Can you feel differences?" he asked.

Suki nodded, "yes."

"What are they?" he prodded.

Suki licked her lips. Feeling like a student that had been called on in class she nervously tried to put her thoughts into words. "Spirit energy is like a current. It flows evenly and its controlled. Demon energy is like fire, it's not as steady but it's just as powerful. It flows out unevenly but it's not as steady as spirit energy,"she answered.

His hands were suddenly gone making her open her eyes and look into his smiling face, "very good. Demon energy is erratic and hard to control. This is why there are so many demons out there that are low level and weak. Controlling it takes a lot more effort and discipline. It's unpredictable, rough, and because you are a half demon it will be harder for you to control. Spirit energy is your default because it is simpler to use. Today I don't expect you to use your demon energy. I just want you to recognize it within your body."

Taking a deep breath Suki nodded. He held out his hands to her again. She placed hers in his without hesitation. He smiled and she closed her eyes without instruction, "spirit energy is pulled from your entire body in general. It is easier to access. Demon energy needs to be drawn out internally almost as if it resides in your core."

Suki felt his demonic energy again. She familiarized herself with it and the feeling of it flowing through his body. Kurama's soothing voice continued to instruct her, "I want you to meditate today. I want you to try and feel that demonic energy in your core. If and when you feel it, I want you to draw it out slowly. Be patient with yourself. This might not happen right away or today even. Do you understand?"

Suki opened her eyes and nodded. Kurama smiled and got up, leaving her to meditate. Closing her eyes she focused all her energy in trying to find her demon energy. Her spirit energy, as Kurama had said, was easy to feel. She could feel the steady soothing flow. She tried to dig deeper, past the spirit energy and find her core. She tried picturing a ball of deep within her body. She couldn't feel anything at first. She sat there for hours and hours trying to clear her mind. Trying to feel her core and the energy locked inside.

Meanwhile Kurama sat on Genkai's porch watching Suki intently. He smiled at the pure look of concentration on her face. She was determined to find her demon energy. He admired her determination in times like this. Kurama knew that not many people would handle things the way that Suki had. He only wished he could find a way to help her. Koenma was taking too long to find a solution to her problem. Every day that she spent with Apocalypse dormant was a day too long.

Several hours later dusk settled across the temple. Walking out to the porch Genkai, Kuwabara, and Yusuke joined Kurama as he kept an eye on the determined girl Genkai placed her hands behind her back with a pleased expression on her face, "this is the longest she has ever meditated. Why don't you get her to stop. I want to get her sleeping schedule back in order. You kids go back to school in a few weeks and I don't need her falling asleep in class."

As Kurama stepped off the grass he stopped feeling something he didn't think would be possible on her first day. A slow, weak, yet palpable amount of demon energy began to emanate from Suki. She held it for about thirty seconds before it disappeared. Suki's head popped up before she got to her feet. Turning around she looked back with uncertainty, "was that kind of it?"

Kurama chuckled at the cute expression on her face, "yes. That was demon energy. You did great, Suki."

A brilliant smile bloomed on her face, "I did?"

He nodded laughing as she began to jump up and down triumphantly. Yusuke and Kuwabara cheered her on both relieved that she was finally getting somewhere. Suki hugged him excitedly and without even thinking about it Kurama pulled her in and pressed his lips to hers. Once he pulled back she looked over his shoulder and began to giggle. Turning around he smirked at the open mouthed wide eyed stares of Yusuke and Kuwabara. Genkai simply gave them her own satisfied smirk.

"So…" Suki began to explain using her finger to point between herself and Kurama, "this is a thing now. Sorry we didn't tell you earlier."

"I knew you two were finally going out! Kurama was suddenly here and you were all smiley at breakfast!" Yusuke yelled excitedly.

Kuwabara grinned, "it's about damn time you two!"

Kurama turned back to Suki and raised a red brow at her, "'this is a thing now?' You certainly have a way with words."

Her laughter made him smile she rolled her eyes, "shut up."

"Well I can only say that I am happy for the both of you. I think you two kids will be good for each other. As for you Suki, I think Kurama can continue to train you from now on. He can help you master your youkai at home. I am satisfied with your training that you've completed with me. As long as you continue training with the boys I am confident you are strong enough to hold your own. Of course we will take a weekend a month to make sure you're still improving but as far as I'm concerned you're strong enough to even give my dimwit hell," Genkai smiled at Suki with a proud gleam in her eye.

Suki gaped in amazement at what she was hearing. Did she just graduate from Genkai's bootcamp? Shaking her head she made sure she was hearing correctly, "really Genkai?"

The older woman laughed, "yes. You've trained almost all summer and have progressed tremendously. The only thing you need now is more confidence. The rest will come with training. You kids can stay here for the week and enjoy the temple grounds. Then I want to have my peace and quiet back."

Yusuke rolled his eyes, "yeah, yeah. You know you'll miss us hag!"

A surge of pride ran through Suki's veins as she took in the meaning of those words. It had been a tumultuous summer. Losing her grandpa and her friends and lover. Arriving in a strange world. Finding out about Apocalypse and the lie that was her life. Building friendships and falling in love. It was all such a rush yet she had never felt more at home. She had never felt more accomplished. All she could do now was to continue to build on the wonderful life that she had here, and hope that she could take on whatever trouble may come her way.


Two days later Suki found herself powerless to the devious girl friends in her life. Long story short: Yusuke called Keiko, who called Botan, who called Sizuru; all before Suki could process the fact that she was going out with Kurama. The women all needed details and wanted to torture her in person so they all drove up early in order to prepare Suki. This afternoon Kurama was going to take Suki on a date. Their first date. Apparently that called for all forms of torture and embarrassment. Especially the talk that Shizuru had with her with specific instructions on where and what to shave.

At the moment Shizuru was furiously teasing her hair while Botan applied her makeup. Keiko was putting together possible outfits on the bed. Suki tried to keep her eyes still as eyeliner was dabbed on her eyelids, "is all this really necessary?"

Immediately Keiko walked over and sassily placed a hand on her hip, "of course it is! This is your first date with Kurama. You have to look incredible."

She couldn't see Shizuru behind her but she heard the smirk in her voice, "yeah. We're going to make you look so smoking that he's going to want to jump your bones."

Suki's entire body blushed at the thought making the three girls laugh, "We're going to take things slow!"

"That's what they all say," Botan said her eyes full of mischief.

Suki gaped at them. Her eyes fell on Keiko, "so Keiko does that mean you and Yusuke…"

She didn't need to finish her sentence. Keiko's face flushed redder than a tomato, "what? No! Don't listen to these two. They are just messing with you. Kurama is a gentleman."

Suki snickered, "well hopefully not too much of a gentleman."

"That's my girl," Shizuru nudged her playfully.

When they were all finished, Suki stood in front of the mirror looking like she was about to shoot a music video. Her hair was curled and fully teased into volume she thought she would never obtain. Her makeup was done to perfection, it was natural yet glamorous. She wore a soft pink cotton summer dress and had a stylish blazer like jacket to wear once it got cold. On her feet were sensible wedges. Since she was going to be walking a fair amount (the temple was nowhere near any restaurants) she needed comfortable shoes. But her favorite thing was the way her skin felt. Shizuru had brought a bubble bath solution, exfoliator and a lightly scented fancy lotion from her salon. She felt like her skin was made of silk. It was nice to feel like a girl for a change. She always spent her time training and being sweaty and rough. It was good to know that she could fall on all her feminine assets when she needed it.

Keiko and Botan both jumped up and down anxiously, "so what do you think?"

Suki smirked and winked at them, "ladies you've outdone yourselves!"

"Alright so we will go ahead of you into to the living room. Kurama is waiting but we want to see his reaction when you walk out. It's only fair after all our hard work," Botan said as she headed towards the door.

Suki nodded and followed her friends out. The sounds of video games came from the living room where Yusuke and Kuwabara were arguing. The girls walked in and Suki shyly followed. Her eyes went immediately to her handsome fox. She felt her heart flutter as she watched his eyes take her form from head to toe. She knew that he liked what he saw as her favorite green eyes settled on her face, a handsome smile tugged at his lips.

Shizuru leaned down close to her ear so she could whisper, "man after that look I'm sure you're glad I told you to shave."

Suki blushed furiously but couldn't help but laugh. Yusuke and Kuwabara decided to make her more flustered and cat call her.

"Looking hot Suki!" Yusuke called out winking at her.

Kurama shook his head at them and walked up to her offering her arm, "are you ready to go?" Once outside Kurama gave her a curious look, "what did Shizuru say to you exactly?"

Looking away from those captivating eyes she tried not to blush anymore than she already was, "nothing really." Kurama looked amused at her reaction, making her wonder if he had heard with his crazy demon hearing. The two made their way to the train station hand in hand enjoying the warm afternoon.

"What are we doing tonight?" she asked excitedly. The train station was ahead of them, it was almost impossible to go anywhere that wasn't at least thirty to forty minutes away.

Kurama sat with her on a bench while they waited for the train. He was wearing a light cream colored button up shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. The fabric was snug against his toned shoulders. It was still hard for Suki to believe that this handsome man was actually hers. He kissed her hand lovingly, "there is a town not too far from here that is on the coastline. I made reservations at a restaurant there. After dinner I figured we could walk around town and enjoy the bay. There is a lot of things for us to do there, it's a popular destination in the summer."

"I can't wait to see the town. I've never been to the beach!" Suki confessed excitedly.

After a quick train ride, Suki marveled at the beautiful beach town. She could see why this would be a popular summer spot. The houses and businesses were quaint, each painted in pastel colors. The late afternoon sun painted them picturesquely with the glimmering ocean to provide the perfect backdrop. Kurama lead her to a pink restaurant a the edge of the bay. The outside was lined with sparkling lights, making it appear magical. There was a big line of people waiting for their seats. The smell of italian food filled her senses making her mouth water. The two walked up to the hostess where Kurama gave his name. She instructed them to wait outside for ten minutes while their table was prepared. "This place looks expensive. Are you sure this is ok? You know as long as I'm with you it doesn't matter where we go," Suki said as they stood with the other people outside.

Kurama smiled at her stroking her cheek lovingly, "don't worry about that. Mother would have a heart attack if I didn't take you on a proper date. Besides, you deserve this and much more. I can afford it."

Her heart melted at the pure look of adoration on his face. She couldn't remember someone ever looking at her the way he did. It made her feel more loved than she ever thought possible, "if you say so. Thank you."

His eyes sparkled in amusement, "you're welcome. Although, we haven't even started our evening yet."

Suki smiled at him, "I know but… I'm just grateful that I'm here with you. I never thought I would deserve to be with someone as amazing as you."

A strong hand wrapped around her waist bringing her closer to his firm body, "don't undervalue yourself Suki." His tone was slightly chastising but his lips on her own were soft and loving. Suki was surprised, public displays of affection were generally avoided in Japan. She didn't mind it, their youth gave way to less strict social norms. Like their habit to link arms or hold hands. But Kurama had always been so polite, it was almost like he couldn't help himself. The thought made her feel special. He pulled away after a short second leaving her dazed.

"S-S-Suichi?" someone called out from behind them, the feminine voice sounding surprised.

The couple both turned to see two girls standing behind them. A pretty blonde gaped with an open mouth at the two while her dark haired friend barely contained her reddening face. Suki tried not to let a giggle escape her lips. She searched her memory for their names, recognizing them from the night the girls had taken her dancing.

Kurama plastered his polite smile on for them. His arm still around Suki's small waist, "Ava; Mia; what a surprise to run into you here."

Mia stuttered something incomprehensible as Ava all but stared daggers through Suki before turning to Kurama. Her facial expression was trying to cover up a scowl but failing miserably. It turned into a weird looking smile, "my parents have a summer home here."

A waitress walked over and let Kurama know their table was ready. Making Suki thank the heavens the awkward moment was over. In her opinion, Kurama was enjoying it too much. His passive agressiveness would live another day. She was sure his fangirls would all know about this incident. "It seems our table is ready. We will see you two in school in a few weeks. Suki was accepted to Meiouh."

Ava's eyes hardened even more, "is that so? Well, I guess we can catch up then. Enjoy your evening."

Suki smiled sweetly at her just to piss her off some more. Hell if they were going to hate her; which was a guarantee, she might as well have fun with it. "I look forward to getting to know you. You have a fantastic evening also!"

Walking away the two began to laugh as soon as they were far enough away. Kurama, ever the gentleman pulled her chair out. As Suki sat and accepted the menu she looked back at the two girls. Both had their cellphones out and were typing furiously. The sight made her giggle some more. Turning to her date she shook her head at him, "they are going to eat me alive. Maybe I should have gone to Yusuke's school."

"It won't be that bad," he said as his eyes also looked behind her at the upset girls.

Suki rolled her eyes as she opened the menu, "you don't know how bad women can be when it comes to matters of the heart."

He laughed again, a sound she would always love, "I suppose you might be right. Not to worry though. I will protect you from their wrath."

"Famous last words," she muttered smiling into her menu.

Kurama could not take his eyes off Suki. The hostess had seated them in the patio area of the restaurant. The warm afternoon was perfect for outdoor dining. The sunset made her eyes sparkle as they talked. The ocean breeze gently blowing her dark tresses. She looked like an angel. The happiness on her face made him feel like he had everything he would ever need. He would do whatever necessary to make that beautiful smile appear on her face. The food was as excellent as his mother had promised him. Suki enjoyed the foreign deserts the most. He found it cute that she had such a sweet tooth. it was hard not to find everything she did endearing. He loved the way she blushed when they held hands or the quickening of her heartbeat when he kissed her lips. She was funny and made him laugh often. Unafraid to tease him, something that no one else did often. It made him feel like she really saw him as a person. She loved him for what he was not just some unrealistic made up pretty boy, as most of his fans did. After dinner as they contemplated their options he watched her as she read over the movies playing at the cinema.

She seemed unimpressed. He took his chance to poke fun at her abhorrence for horror movies, "we could watch the exorcist, they remastered it. It's a classic."

He chuckled as she paled looking at the movie poster. Turning to him she playfully smacked his shoulder, "no way! You know I hate scary movies. Last time we watched one I was basically attached to your arm."

"I think you've just made it sound more appealing," he said loving the way her face flushed.

She shook her head at him ignoring his comment and turning around to look at the other activities on the street. Kurama couldn't help but enjoy getting making her embarrassed like that. She was so innocent when it came to the physical aspects of a relationship that he slightest suggestion from him would give the most satisfying responses. Although his combined soul was more than experienced, his current body and hormones were that of a teenage boy. He couldn't help but be satisfied with how flustered he could get her. She suddenly tugged his hand as she began to walk down the street, "I know! Let's play mini golf! I bet I can beat you."

As they approached he took in the schematics of the game. He had actually never played himself, but figured it would be fairly easy for him. "I'm always game for some friendly competition," he said as they approached the booth.

The game started out harmless enough. Until Kurama started to have a small yet slowly increasing lead. He found it amusing that his little Suki was so competitive. He laughed as she tried to distract him during his time to putt. Her antics were fitting of the silly carefree personality that he was used to. Toward the end of the game she was unable to believe that she was going to lose to him by ten points. If she was this competitive about a minigolf game he could only imagine how she would be in school. With her grades he was sure she would keep him on his toes. It would be good for the attention to shift off himself for a while, he thought. Suki would be a new commodity for the teachers and students at Meiouh

"You're supposed to let me win you know! It's the gentlemanly thing to do," she huffed as the strolled down the beach.

He reached for her hand smiling at her fake pout, "I'm not so sure about that. I think that now I get to collect my prize."

She furrowed her eyebrows at him, "if you think you're getting a kiss then you are sorely mistaken sir. I don't like to lose." Her voice was playful as she pretended to be upset with him. Crossing her arms in front of her chest.

"Rules are rules Suki," he said making her giggle.

Her eyes shone with mirth as she took of in a dash, "you'll have to catch me first!"

He laughed taking off after her she had taken her shoes off and was carrying them in her hand. Her feet splashed in the water as a small wave reached her. It didn't take long for him to catch up to her, scooping her up as if she weighed nothing at all. A squeak left her mouth as he lifted her off the ground, they both bursted into laughter. She pushed her hair behind her ear as the wind blew it around; before resting her arms on his shoulder. "I guess I have to pay up now," she smiled up at him. He didn't respond, leaning down and claiming her sweet lips. Best prize ever.


Kaito Yuu sat at his desk reading the latest instalment of Immortality. The book itself was much better than he had expected. He was enjoying it thoroughly. Or at least he would be if the insipid girls in his class wouldn't shut up about Suichi Minamino and his girlfriend. Apparently, the girl had appeared out of nowhere and bewitched the usually friendly, but definitely antisocial genius. Kaito didn't know why anyone liked the irritable redhead. He wasn't outgoing, if anything he was just good at being polite. Most people misunderstood his politeness for niceness and completely missed the fact that they were being snubbed by him. Idiots. Someone walked into the classroom and laid their bag on the desk in front of him. Kaito had been sat in the back, a new method that the school was using. The students that excelled were placed in the rear of the classroom, forcing those that were falling behind to sit in the front and pay attention. Not that it would work. It only infuriated him further, he enjoyed sitting up front. He took a moment to see who had been placed in front of him only to be surprised. It was a girl, one that he hadn't met before. She turned around and smiled at him from her seat. He had never seen such beautiful eyes before. They were teal and shone like gemstones.

"Hello, I'm Suki Imari, I'm new here. Nice to meet you," Kaito knew she was talking to him. There was no one close enough for him to think this breathtaking creature was talking to someone else.

"Hello, Kaito Yuu, nice to meet you too. Aren't you the scholarship student?" he had heard the name at the registration office this morning. The secretaries were gossiping as usual. Her scores had earned her a reputation already. He had never imagined that he would meet his newest competition so soon.

He watched as surprised registered on her face, "uh, yeah. That's me alright. I didn't know that was common knowledge."

Kaito wanted to kick himself, he had just made her uncomfortable. The one girl in this school to ever actually direct words to him and he had made an ass of himself. Thankfully he saw her eyes fall to his book. She smiled excitedly, "you're reading Immortality! I love that book...wait are you the Kaito Yuu? You write the book reviews for the city paper?"

Now it was his turn to be surprised. She knew who he was? It appeared she was impressed also, "yes that is me. Have you read them?"

She nodded grabbing the same book he was currently reading out of her bag and showing it to him, "yeah! We seem to have the same taste in literature. I love the way you review the books it's usually so spot on. I've read a lot of the books you suggested this summer. It's so cool to meet you in person!"

He felt his cheeks flush at her compliment. Was this really happening? He had yet to meet the high school girl that actually enjoyed a good book as much as he did. "Thank you. I'm glad you've enjoyed them. How do you like this last book so far?"

She cutely scrunched her nose, "to be honest I love the book, but Urashi is making so many poor decisions that I'm starting to become frustrated. I hope that the author doesn't give us a disappointing ending."

Before he could reciprocate her opinion one of the more popular boys walked over to them, "hey new girl, you're too cute to be talking to the school book worm. What's your name sweetheart?"

Suki turned and gave Natsuke an unamused look, "I'm sorry but it's very rude of you to interrupt our conversation. If your sole purpose for you to come over here is to pester me than I'd have to tell you that you are wasting your time. I'm not interested."

The jock walked away mumbling to himself as Suki turned to Kaito and apologized for his rudeness, "I wonder if the idiot even knows that his brain is good for more than sports analogies and meaningless pop culture references."

Pushing his glasses up his nose Kaito released a breath, "I will have to warn you. Talking to me won't make you popular."

Suki shrugged, "I don't really care about that. You seem cool to me. Besides who else am I going to depend on for a good read? I'm kind of a fan of yours."

Kaito blushed again. Who was this girl? Looking around he could tell the other females in class seemed to be giving her dirty looks. He was sure it was because of her beauty. Women didn't like competition. They both continued to talk about what they read over the summer. He could tell why she had done so well in the exams. She was smart and pretty funny. Where had this perfect creature been hiding for most of his life? The moment he dreaded finally came as the smug redhead walked into the classroom. He watched from the corner of his eye as he found his assigned seat. It was directly to Suki's left, next to the windows. As usual, the girls went out their way to greet him, but it wasn't long before he placed his bag down on his desk. The irritating green orbs fell to Kaito's new acquaintance. They were uncharacteristically expressive as they gazed at her, "I see you've already made a friend, Suki."

What? How did he already know her? Kaito watched as she turned to him smiling, "Kaito is the book critic I've been following in the paper. You didn't tell me he went to Meiouh."

"I suppose I had forgotten to mention that," the redhead turned to Kaito it was the first time he had ever spoken to him, "you have quite the fan here Yuu. I might even get jealous."

Jealous? Suki rolled her eyes at him smiling affectionately, "god forbid you're not the center of attention for once. Do you think your ego can handle it?"

The rest of their banter fell on deaf ears as the information processed in his brain. Suki was Minamino's girlfriend. What a cruel twist of fate.