Chapter 11
"Kudo-san," Takahashi-sensei called sternly, "when are you going to take your eyes off Mouri-san and look at the board?"
My face flushed so hard that the whole of my ears and even the back of my neck was red. Ran's face was as red as mine. Everyone was roaring with laughter, teasing, "Kudo can't take his eyes off his pretty girlfriend" and "Isn't she cute, Kudo?". Even Haruto and Sonoko were covering their mouths with their hands and chuckling.
"Please explain yourself, Kudo-san," Takahashi-sensei demanded.
"Well, Sensei," I said after a few moments of silence, locking eyes with Ran. "I actually can't tell you; it's a secret that has to remain a secret until the mission has been completed." I turned back to Sensei again with such a sombre face that even the mathematics teacher was surprised. "But I can assure you it had, or has, nothing to do with any form of romance."
I noticed Ran's eyes widening at my solemn reply. So were my classmates. Usually when Sensei catches me staring, I'd blush, stutter, babble, and then be embarrassed, but not this time. I was taking my job very seriously. A clap echoed throughout the classroom and everyone turned to see Sonoko clapping her hands. Suddenly, all of them joined in, even Haruto, Takahashi-sensei's mouth agape.
I sighed, eyes half-lidded.
"Everything you do now is fantastic, isn't it, Shinichi?" Haruto whispered into my ear, grinning.
"Guess so . . . ."
"Happy you — more fans."
"Not happy — too many chocolates on Valentine's. One time, I ate all at once. Big mistake — I got a sore throat and lost my voice for a week."
Haruto burst out laughing.
I glanced back at Ran. She looked away, but not before lingering her stare.
I have to keep looking at you, Ran, whether you like it or not. I have to. We all have to.
I need to protect you. I want to protect you. I will defend you with my life.
And I will keep my word.