Disclaimer: I do not own Baka and Test.

Chapter 12

Family Dinner, The Act and The Outcome

"So, how do I look?" Akihisa asked Aiko who was in the living room.

"You look great actually. I didn't think you'd pull them off," Aiko said while smirking.

"Hey, can't you just compliment like a normal person?"

"Fine, you look good. Now, let's get in the car. My parents are waiting."

"Okay," with that Akihisa and Aiko made their way to the car. The ride to the restaurant wasn't pleasing for Akihisa. Mostly because, Aiko's parents asked a lot of questions.

"So, Akihisa is it? How did you two knew each other?" her mother asked.

"Well, basically we've known each other since our first year. I guess that explains how."

"I asked about you class earlier and you haven't answered," that was her father.

"Well, we're not in the same class, truth to be told."

"Meaning you're not an A-class student?"

"Not exactly, sir."

"Be grateful, dear. At least you're not in F-class, right Akihisa-san?"

Akihisa just laughed nervously as a response.

"What did you did during last week holiday?"

"The holiday? Oh yes, me and my friends went to the countryside to relax a bit."

"I wonder why Aiko-chan wasn't invited?" her mother voice was heard.

"He asked me to come, but I declined the offer," Aiko said.

"Why would you decline?"

"I just didn't feel like it. Sorry for not going with you, Akihisa-kun," Aiko said sounding disappointed a little.

"It's okay Aiko," Aiko pinched his lap. "I meant Ai-koi," he said before laughing nervously.

"Don't be nervous, Akihisa-san. Hey, we're here," he heard Aiko's mother said. Aiko's parents get off the car leaving Akihisa and Aiko in there.

"Okay, listen here. When we make our way there, you need to hold my hand, understand?"

"Yes, Aiko."

"It's Ai-koi, remember that! Now, come on," she said before getting off from the car and pulling Akihisa with her. With Akihisa's hand in her grasp, she dragged him until they were in front of the restaurant.

"Remember everything I told you," he nods, "Good. Stay in character," she continued before signaling him to hold her hand in a comfortable way. He then led her into the restaurant. She looked around inside the restaurant to search for her parents. After she found them, she told him where they were. They then made their way to the table.

"Aiko! It's great for you to be able to join us," Akihisa saw a lady said who looks like she was in her 30's.

"Ah, it's a pleasure for me as well," Aiko said waving her hand around.

"You are being polite as always. Chizuru should learn that from you," a man who was beside the lady said making Aiko laugh a little.

"Speaking of Chizuru, where is she?" Aiko asked before sitting down with Akihisa sitting next to her.

"She went to the restroom. She should be back soon. Anyway, who's that boy sitting next to you Aiko?" the lady asked again.

"This is my boyfriend, Akihisa Yoshii."

"Good evening," Akihisa said while grinning nervously.

"That's a surprise Aiko. I never thought you'd find a boyfriend so soon." With that, Aiko just laughed a little.

"Um, would you guys excuse me for a minute? I need to use the restroom," Akihisa said before standing up and leaving the table. 'How is she able to do it calmly? I mean, I can't even say anything without stuttering. I never should've agreed with this in the first place. I wonder what Shouko is doing,' Akihisa thought. His train of thoughts stopped when suddenly he felt something bumped into him. He was pushed backwards a little when the bumped occurred.

"Hey, watch where you're going!" he heard a girl's voice. He opened his eyes to see a girl with raven hair that was tied backwards. Her eyes were blue and the girl was slightly shorter than Akihisa. From the looks of it, the girl was probably the same age as Akihisa.

"I'm sorry, I should've paid attention to where I was going," Akihisa apologized. Over the years, he learnt that arguing with a girl was useless. No matter how hard you try, you'd never win against them. If you are lucky enough and show them respect, it would lead to way better results.

"Yeah, you better be sorry," the girl said before walking off.

'What a temper,' Akihisa thought as he watched the girl walking away then continuing his way towards the Men's Room.

Once inside, he took his mobile phone out and called someone.

"Hello?"

"Shouko-chan, how are you?"

"Aki-kun? I'm doing fine. Why'd you called?"

"I felt terrible for not being able to join your family for dinner tonight. Tell your parents that I'm sorry okay? Maybe next time, I'll even bring my sister with me. It'd be great that I could at least introduce a family member to your parents."

"It's okay Aki-kun. My parents aren't mad at all. Still, they were disappointed of course. Yeah, maybe you should bring her next time. Anyway, where are you?"

"I'm just doing something. I'll tell you about it some other time. Anyway, I'll see you tomorrow at school, okay?"

"Of course."

"Bye."

"Bye."

With that Akihisa hung up the phone. After using the toilet, he washed his hand and sprinkled some water on his face. He sighed.

'I sigh a lot these days,' he thought to himself, 'I need to go back. Here goes,' he thought again before starting to make his way back to the table.

Upon reaching the table, he was shocked. The girl that he bumped into, earlier was sitting there. After that, he sighed again.

XXXXX

"The nerve of that girl. I told her you were my boyfriend but she was all over you," Aiko said when she and Akihisa were outside of her house, "How dare she says that we didn't seem like a couple at all," she continued.

"Maybe it wasn't convincing at all?"

"That's your fault for not acting your part with ease."

"How do you think I can act like I'm your boyfriend in a day? If you told me earlier I could get into character, you know?"

"And she even said that we were clearly acting. How dare she to say that?"

"Well, we were acting, that part is true."

"You're right. Maybe we need to stop acting then?"

"You're thinking the same thing? I totally agree with you! Let's stop acting," Akihisa said grinning widely.

"I'm glad that you agree with me. But, I think you didn't fully understood what I meant," Aiko said looking down.

"Didn't fully understand? What do you mean?" Akihisa asked in a confused tone.

"Well, we stop acting as a couple, but, we become a real couple. You know, we date for real," Aiko said, while blush a little.

"You-want-us-to-be… a real… couple?" Akihisa asked while stuttering. He was shocked by this. He was even more shocked when he saw Aiko nodded as an answer to his question.

"We've known each other for a long time now. It's not wrong to give it a try, right?" she asked looking staring his face.

"I don't know Aiko. I mean, I never thought about this before."

"Do you really dislike me that much? Am I not your type? What are you afraid of?"

"I," he paused, "don't know, Aiko," he said looking away from her face.

"I can't believe that I actually thought that you'd like me. What was I thinking anyway? Of course you won't like me. I mean, you have Minami and Mizuki around you and you still have any feelings towards them. Why did I even think that I had a chance with you?"

"Aiko. It's not a matter of whether I like you or not. The truth is, I do like you. I mean, anyone who would turn you down is an idiot-"

"Is that why you turned me down?" she cut him off.

"Aiko, I'm telling you the truth."

"Then, why won't you be my boyfriend?"

Akihisa sighed. He thought about it for a moment. Then, he finally spoke up, in a low voice.

"I already have a girlfriend, Aiko. That's why I can't be your boyfriend."

They stayed in silence after that. Neither of them said anything. After a few moments, Aiko decided to speak up.

"Who is she?"

"I'm not supposed to tell anyone. She wants it to be kept as a secret for now."

"Do I know her?"

"Yes, you do know her."

"Does she go to our school?" Akihisa nodded as an answer to that.

"Which class is she in?" she asked again.

"Same as yours," Akihisa replied hesitantly.

"A class-A student, huh? You're not bad at all, then. Why did she want it to be a secret?"

"For my safety. Who knows what those guys from my class will do if they find out."

"So, you're going to keep it as a secret until you graduate?"

Akihisa shook his head sideways. "I'm hoping to get a class promotion after the test we're currently having. After all, the rule of 'staying single' is only applied to the boys from class-F. I think my relationship status can be revealed if I at least can be promoted into class-E."

"I'll cheer you on, then. I'm sorry for lashing out just now. I guess, I really wanted a boyfriend."

"How about I help you then?"

"Help me with what?"

"Help you in getting a boyfriend. I think I know someone who is interested in you."

"Please, do tell me then," she said before giving out a smirk.

"I think Kouta is into you," Akihisa said grinning widely.

"You think so?"

"I know so. We just have to make him realize that you like him. If we can do that, he is surely going to be with you."

After Akihisa said that, Aiko lunged forward, literally throwing herself onto Akihisa. She proceeded with pulling him close to her, placing her arms on his back and placing her head on his chest. Akihisa was stunned at her actions and stayed still.

"You idiot, the least you can do is hug me back, you know?" she said with her head on his chest and her eyes closed. After that, Akihisa placed his arms around her and pulled her closer.

"You don't need my permission to hug me. Just hug me if you feel like it. Anyway, thank you. Thank you for doing a lot for me. I never met anyone who had been this nice to me," she said with her head still on his chest.

"You're welcome. It's the least I can do for you as your friend," he replied with his head on her shoulder.

"Yeah, I know."

After staying in his warm embrace for a few more moments, she decided that it was too late to stay outside. She then told him to quickly change his clothes because he was still in his suit. After changing, they decided to talk for a bit.

"Thanks again for tonight. Even though it wasn't the best 'date' ever, and it wasn't actually enjoyable, but still, I'm thankful for you being there," she said.

"Yeah, I'm glad that you are still happy with my presence. Where are you parents? I haven't seen them since we were back from the restaurant."

"They probably went to sleep already. Hey, you're free tomorrow?" she asked again with a smile.

"I think so. Why?"

"I need to return those clothes that we rented. I'd be glad if you could keep me company."

"I guess I can do that."

"And after that maybe we can have a friendly date. You know, go eat at some cheap restaurant, you help me out with choosing clothes and maybe we can pay a visit to the cinema?"

"That's a friendly date? I wonder what a lovers' date sounds like."

"You could say no if you don't want to," she said looking a little irritated.

"No, it's okay. I think I can join you for it. Well, I think I might need my girlfriend's permission first. I wouldn't want her to think that I'm cheating on her."

"Yeah, you wouldn't want a girl to be jealous."

"Yeah. Anyway, I think it's time for me to head home. My sister is probably worried sick."

"Yeah, I think so too. See you tomorrow then?"

"Yes." After Akihisa put on his shoes, he stood up only for his cheek to meet with Aiko's lips. He was shocked by her action.

"That there, was a friendly kiss, Akihisa," she said with a smile on her face.

Akihisa realizing it, only smiled at her action. He gave his last goodbye for the night and started to make his way towards his house.

XXXXX

A/N: I truly apologize for the lateness of this chapter. For the past few weeks, I had been busy with my studies that I haven't had any chance to write. Mina, gomen nasai! It's really hard to manage time especially for a high school student like myself. Currently, I'm facing my exam, so expect the next chapter to be late as well. But don't worry! I won't drop this story. I keep my word. Till then, see you at the next chapter!

Thank you for reviewing: LocalDiskC, Charlotte Eraviel, .k, Johny Blade and one Guest reviewer.

Like always;

Read & Review

-JMeSeKaiiCHi