Chapter 14

The day was slightly cloudy and not very warm but that wasn't stopping any of the girls from Ryoo High from giving out their chocolates to any boys that they had secret crushes on. Bags upon school bags were full of boxes of chocolates as giggling girls made their way towards the school, all hoping and wishing that their thought through plans would succeed and they would capture the hearts of the ones that they had fallen for. One particular blue haired otaku was walking away from the train station and she had no chocolates weighing her down at all, she had eventually decided that she didn't need any kind of physical gift to give to her crush, all that she needed was her feelings and her words.

'Today's the day then...I used to always dream about me confessing my feelings to Kagami, I always thought that it would make more sense to feel that way about her because we're so close to each other but I now realise that Kagami is the best friend that I have' thought a confident Konata

Making her way towards the school, she was happy to spot her pink haired and well built friend Miyuki who could have easily been mistaken for a red cherry that morning as her face was blushed as one.

''Gooood morning Miyuki san'' yelled Konata as she crossed the street to join her friend who looked like she had snapped out of a long and deep thought the second she had heard Konata's voice from across the street.

''Oh...Konata a very good morning to you as well'' bowed Miyuki ''is today the day then?''

''That's right, I tell Tsukasa that I like her...I'm a bit nervous though, I bet you didn't expect that from me'' smiled Konata

''You have been known to be very confident Konata so no it is quite surprising to hear you say that'' admitted Miyuki

''Well I do like to run circles around Kagamin!'' said Konata very confidently ''I can't show any weakness or she'll eat me alive...I'd rather have Tsukasa do that though'' winked Konata

''I really hope that it goes well for you today Konata, I think you and Tsukasa would make a cute couple''

''Coming from you Miyuki, that was so moe'' squealed Konata ''Can you say it again so I can record it and play it over and over again!''

The two friends eventually made their way through the school gates and down the courtyard towards the main entrance. Konata had noticed Miyuki's nervous expression and was dying to know what it was all about. Miyuki had not yet told Konata that she liked Kagami as she was unsure how the Otaku would take it, after all Kagami had told Konata over and over again that she didn't like girls that way.

'If I don't tell her now, I might not ever' thought Miyuki 'Konata won't get angry...I can't think like that'

''Umm Konata, wait up a minute'' said Miyuki very politely but it was slightly muttered ''Konata! Can I talk to you before we go inside''

Konata did as she was asked with a curious look on her face as she turned around and saw Miyuki trembling slightly. Konata might tease Miyuki a lot of the time but she deeply cared for her and was starting to get concerned with Miyuki.

''What's the problem Miyuki, you've had that blushed face for a while now...I'm actually worried that you've done something bad...your bags open and your stuff's falling on the pavement'' said Konata

''NO'' yelped Miyuki ''Nothing like that...It's...It's about Kagami, I was going to tell you earlier about this but I...I-

''MORNING MIYUKI!'' yelled a passing by Misao who rudely ran past at full speed, nearly taking Miyuki off her feet while doing so. The rest of Miyuki's bags contents fell all over the pavement. Konata was able to help her maintain her balance by grabbing onto her friend's hands before she went over.

''Are you alright Miyuki?'' asked Konata ''She could have seriously hurt you'' Konata helped Miyuki repack her bag and did her best to calm her friend down from the sudden sprint by from Misao.

''I'm fine Konata, I shouldn't have been stood out so far'' said an uneasy Miyuki

''Misao shouldn't have been running that fast, what's the rush for anyway?'' asked a confused Konata as she watched Misao dart into the school.

''Maybe she has chocolates to give to a special someone'' answered Miyuki as she adjusted her glasses ''It is Valentine's Day after all''.

''What kind of boy would put up with an attitude like that?'' wondered Konata ''the sporty type me thinks'' Konata said seconds later ''Anyway did you have something you wanted to get off your large chest Miyuki san?''

''Oh...It wasn't important, I've already forgotten about it'' lied Miyuki as she picked up her bag and started to walk away. Konata thought for a minute and could tell that Miyuki wasn't telling the truth, she would never forget what she wanted to tell anyone.

'I'll ask her later about it' thought Konata as she put on a small grin before following her friend into the school.

The two girls went to their respective shoe lockers and changed their footwear. Konata paid close attention to the giggling of the girls close by to them, most with cards and gifts of chocolates to give and exchange.

''I hope Kenji like's chocolates with nuts''

''I spent five hours writing a poem for my boyfriend''

''NOONE WILL TAKE MY CHOCOLATES'' said a black haired girl as she darted passed Konata and into some toilets.

''Wow...girls really take this day seriously'' said Konata ''Hope Tsukasa's not like that'' Konata closed her locker and waited for Miyuki to do the same but she quickly noticed that the pink haired yet well bust friend was frozen still as she looked at herself in a small mirror from her bag that had been lucky to have not been smashed after Misao had dashed passed her.

''My hair is awful'' muttered Miyuki ''It's a mess now''

''Do you really think that Miyuki?'' asked Konata whose nose was surprisingly inches away from Miyuki's face, staring into her eyes. ''In the two years that I've known you, I've never once heard you worry about anything like that...so there's a reason behind it...like a boy right?''

Miyuki looked at Konata with a confused look but it soon changed into a giggle as she could hold it in, her nervousness had gone, she felt like her old self again.

''I'm afraid not, I'm sorry that I disappointed you Konata'' smiled Miyuki

''Then what's the deal?''Wondered Konata

''I...well Konata...I was planning on giving some chocolates to...well to Kagami'' admitted Miyuki as her nerves returned

''Kagami...oh I see, friendship chocolate right Miyuki?'' said Konata

''Yeah...friendship chocolate, that's right'' replied an uneasy Miyuki ''and some for you and Tsukasa as well''

''Yeah...you're the best Miyuki; I love Valentine's Day chocolates'' squealed Konata

Miyuki searched through her bag and pulled out a posh looking box of chocolates and gave them to Konata who looked in awe at the fancy packaging and the many different chocolates inside.

''What the heck's a crème brulee?'' Asked a confused Konata

This caused Miyuki to laugh with a humble smile on her face, she felt happy that she was able to bring joy to someone she cared deeply for, she hoped that the same would happen with Kagami before the end of the day.

The morning lessons couldn't have gone any quicker for Tsukasa and Konata, the two had never put so much effort in their studies to actually speed time up to lunch where they both planned to somehow fulfil their planned ideas of love. Tsukasa and Kagami had been late that morning for the first time ever which had really surprised everyone. Inside Tsukasa's bag was over six hours of hard work and dedication to impress Konata. Homemade chocolates in a handmade heart box had exhausted out Tsukasa so much that she had fallen asleep on the kitchen floor to only be woken up be a bemused Kagami in the morning. They had set off for school as usual but Tsukasa being Tsukasa, she had left her special chocolates on the kitchen counter, forcing her to turn back and retrieve them, causing her to make Kagami lose her one hundred per cent on time record.

Scribbling down note after note, Konata couldn't resist the urge to look back at Tsukasa. It was a difficult urge to shake off as Konata thought that Tsukasa who was focusing very hard looked incredibly cute.

''Focus Izumi'' said Mrs Kuroi as she was stood besides Konata's desk ''you can speak to Hiiragi at your lunch break''

''I...I wasn't looking at Tsukasa'' said Konata ''I...I just have a sore neck and I...I was moving it about to...make it unsore''

''Well, that's what happens when all you do is stare at a computer screen all day and night'' sighed Mrs Kuroi as she walked back up to her desk.

Konata took a sigh of relief but turned back one more time and saw Tsukasa looking up at her with a never mind smile on her face. Konata winked at her friend before having a small giggle and turning back to continue with her work so she could soon get Tsukasa alone somewhere and let her feelings out and to be known.

In Kagami's classroom there were no thoughts of what was going to happen on this day. She had decided the night before to take what would come and she already knew what she was going to say once it did, she had no need to worry about what she would do at all; she just steamed away with writing down her notes like she would on any other normal given day.

Little did Kagami know was that she was closely being watched for any signs of absurd behaviour. This certain someone also knew what they had to do on this day; it was to prevent Kagami's sister from getting together with Konata, at all costs. The pencil in their hand was being turned round and round in their hand, feeling pressure from fingers as anger filled this persons mind from just staring at the Tsundere.

'Filthy girl...you'll soon pay for your crimes'

''Come on in'' said Sojiro after rushing to the front door to find Yui standing on his doorstep

''Valentine's Day...it seems so long so I last had a reason to celebrate it at all'' sighed Sojiro as he hand Yui a cup of tea before sitting beside her on the sofa.

''I haven't given my hubby any chocolates for at least five years now...he's always away'' sighed Yui as she took a small sip of her drink

''Looks like we're both lonely today...life can sure seem cruel at times'' said Sojiro ''One minute you have everything you could ever want, the next it can all be gone and you'd be worse off then you were before you started''

''Tis better to have had some good luck then any at all'' slurped Yui ''I'd rather go for the things that I want rather than sitting back from fear of losing it all''

''Well you sure sound wise for a change'' said a stunned Sojiro

''I'm not thick you know'' replied an insulted Yui ''I just like to drink a little, that's all''

''I never said you was thick Yui'' grinned Sojiro

''Whatever...I'm a drinker'' sighed Yui

''I don't mind as long as you don't drink in front of Konata or especially Yutaka'' said a stern Sojiro

''How is Konata by the way?'' Yui asked Sojiro in an interested tone of voice ''Haven't seen her in a while''

''She's fine but has been a little occupied lately'' answered Sojiro

''Really...with what uncle?'' asked Yui

With that asked, Sojiro thought about the talk that he had with his daughter not so long ago and how it had never reached its conclusion. After the talk had finished, Sojiro had gone to bed but had been unable to fall asleep. He remembered talking up to the ceiling, asking his long gone wife Kanata for a sign on what to say to their daughter.

''Yui...if you had a child...who had fallen for someone, what advice would you give?'' asked a nervous Sojiro

''Hmmm, let's see...I don't have a damn clue'' giggled Yui ''Why do you ask though?''

''Well I had a chat with Konata a while ago and I...I think that Konata has found someone...that she's fallen for'' sighed Sojiro

''Awww does that mean that things are going to change around here?' said Yui

''I guess you could say that'' replied Sojiro ''But the thing is that Konata...well Konata has fallen for...another girl at her school''

Yui immediately sat up from her seat and her cup of tea smashed on the floor. The look of horror across her face as sweat formed on her forehead, Sojiro looked up in stunned silence and was unsure what was going to happen next but he could already tell that he was going to like it. He had never seen Yui look so scared yet furious before when she was sober.

''Are you freaking serious! I can't have Yutaka growing up around that, our mother was against behaviour like that'' said a concerned Yui ''Please Sojiro, tell me that this is one of your twisted and unfunny jokes''

''I...I'm sorry Yui but it's my parents sense...Konata was nervous about telling me, she got around to it but I could tell by her tone of voice and the small fact that Konata is never nervous unless it was serious'' explained Sojiro ''And I found this letter in her bedroom a few days ago...she doesn't know that I've read it

Yui took hold of the letter and read it more than five times before handing it back to her uncle.

''W...what are we going to do? We can't let Yutaka find out'' panicked Yui ''Mother would banish Konata from the family''

''I know but let's not panic...it's not really a big deal these days, it never was an issue in the old days...surely your mother would understand'' said Sojiro

''That won't matter to mother...I...I have to get back to Yutaka before she wakes up, thanks for the tea'' said Yui as she walked towards the hallway and quickly placed her outside shoes on before making a hasty exit to her car.

''Don't go Yui, please don't do anything rash'' pleaded Sojiro

''Rash, Konata likes girls...what do you want me to think?''

''I thought you'd be a little more understanding then this'' said a surprised Sojiro

''We were brought up to think that stuff like that was wrong...and I'm not letting Yutaka know about this, I'll just not ever mention it around her''

''And what about Konata?'' asked Sojiro

''I...I think it's best that I stay away for a while, until it's out of her system''

''IT'S NOT JUST GOING TO GO AWAY!'' yelled Sojiro

''I have to go, I'll see you around'' said Yui as she started her car engine.

''What would Konata think if you of all people turn your back on her!'' yelled Sojiro as Yui started to drive away. ''She looks up to you!''

Sojiro watched as she drove away into the distance, the thought of Kanata watching him made him feel like a hole would swallow him up.

'What now Kanata?' thought Sojiro

''FINALLY!'' yelled Konata at the top of her lungs ''its lunchtime, at long last''

''Yeah, we heard you the first time you yelled that out'' said Kagami in embarrassment ''Sit down already''

''How's it been today so far for you Kagami, you had a good morning?'' Miyuki asked Kagami politely

''Yeah if not dull and lame'' giggled Kagami ''Pop quiz, followed by writing notes for two hours''

'So sis does get bored by work' thought Tsukasa

''So, there's been no giving chocolates out to any boys for you then?'' winked a teasing Konata

''I never said I would'' said Kagami in response ''But if that's how you're going to be then you won't want your chocolates''

''Whoa, I never said that...please telling me that your just teasing'' said an uneasy Konata. Kagami knew that she had gotten to the Otaku and that made her smile slightly.

''Oh Konata, I have a little something for you'' said Tsukasa out of the blue as she suddenly dived under the table and rummaged through her bag until she finally re-emerged with the heart shaped box of homemade chocolates. Konata looked on and got happier as Tsukasa placed the box in front of her. The Otaku's heart started to beat at a slightly faster pace as she stared at the neat wrapping.

''Here you go Konata, happy Valentine's Day'' said a cheerful Tsukasa

''W...wow'' said a touched Konata but doing her best to hide her feelings from her friends.

''Tsukasa spent most of the night preparing those'' explained Kagami ''She even made the box by herself''

''Really...all that just for me'' said Konata ''you serious?''

''Y...yeah'' blushed Tsukasa ''I hope you enjoy them Konata''

''Tsukasa gave me and Miyuki our chocolates earlier...well she had to be quick in giving Miyuki hers when we had cooking class'' giggled Kagami

''You're not going to give them out to anyone else are you?'' wondered Konata ''with these heart shaped boxes they're in, people might take it the wrong way''

''I only made four'' said Tsukasa ''I fell asleep after I finished yours''

''You didn't have to go to all that trouble, just for me'' said Konata

''But I wanted to...you're a great friend to me Konata and I wanted to show you how much you mean to me'' said Tsukasa brightly ''I hope I'm not embarrassing you''

''Not at all...thank you Tsukasa'' said Konata

The four girls were all smiling at each other, it had been the happiest they had all felt in quite some time, they were all together and it seemed like they had no worries in the world.

Konata wanted to somehow get Tsukasa by herself for a little while, five minutes would be enough for her to say the three little words that would change her life, Tsukasa's life and everyone around theirs. She knew that the only lesson where she had a chance would be the last of the day, P.E which was going to be volleyball.

'It's my best chance...I can pull her over when we're getting changed' thought Konata

''What are you up to Konata'' wondered Kagami ''I know that look''

''Oh nothing, Kagamin'' said an innocent Konata

''Yeah, right...can we just step outside for a minute, if that's alright with you two?'' asked Kagami

''It's fine with us'' smiled Miyuki ''Tsukasa, you can tell me how you made these chocolates''

''I'd love to'' smiled Tsukasa

''Come on you'' sighed Kagami as she pulled Konata from her seat and dragged her out of the classroom and all the way to the stairway which no one else was around.

''So...how's the plan for telling my sister that you like her going?'' asked a teasing Kagami

''It's...its going fine, all according to plan'' answered Konata ''you don't think I'm going to chicken out do you?''

''I'm not sure, it's just that you have never seemed the lovey, dovey type of girl'' smiled Kagami ''I just can't imagine you telling anyone that you loved them''

''I told you if you can't remember'' smirked Konata ''New Year's Eve ring any bells''

''Yes, and last time I checked, you ended up wearing an eye patch because I punched you'' smirked Kagami

''Is it me or do you seem proud of smacking me?'' wondered Konata

Kagami and Konata stood silent for a moment before grins appeared on both of their faces, they both eventually burst out into laughter and Kagami placed her arm around Konata's shoulder to support herself and to not collapse from pure laughter.

''Anyway...I wanted to say that I don't want you to keep Tsukasa waiting much longer...you know what she's like'' said Kagami ''She's plucked up so much confidence to impress you that I don't want it to be blown back in her face'' Kagami sounded more serious now as the laughter had finally stopped.

''I...I would never hurt Tsukasa...that's what you're for'' teased Konata ''you don't have to worry about anything''

''And one more thing Konata'' said Kagami in an easy voice but Kagami's face expression changed from happy to serious in the space of a second.

''K...Kagami'' said an intimidated Konata but she still had a smile on her face

''If you ever do hurt my sister in any way or form then you can believe me you'll end up with something far worse than an eye patch...BELIEVE ME''

Konata was sweating a bucket load; she didn't think anyone liners or promises would matter at the time. She had been in this position before with Kagami looking serious and intimidating and it usually never turned out well for the blue haired otaku. Konata had a little gulp before she could look into the eyes of her scary best friend.

''I...I'll do my best, that's all that I can say Kagami'' responded Konata

''Good...I'll accept that for now'' winked Kagami

''Phew...I can breathe again'' sighed Konata out of relief ''I thought you would give me another black eye''

''Nah, I can't be bothered today'' winked Kagami

''I'm just wondering what I'll do with Tsukasa tonight if she says yes to me?'' wondered Konata

''Well then, why don't we all go to do some Karaoke tonight'' suggested Kagami ''we haven't done that in a while, Just you, me, Miyuki and your future girlfriend'' squealed Kagami

''Whoa, I thought you hated Karaoke'' said an amazed Konata ''and why do you sound so happy all of a sudden?''

''Only because you would always take over and sing Anime songs for the whole hour'' said Kagami ''I'm not wasting my money so you can have all the fun and I'm happy that my sister is going to find some happiness...from you of all people'' ''

''I don't think that was a compliment now was it Kagami'' groaned Konata

''Anyway, let's head back in and finish our lunches off'' smiled Kagami as she started to make her way down the hallway.

''Wait Kagami!'' said Konata as she pulled on Kagami's top and made her stop walking.

''What's up now Konata?'' sighed Kagami

''I just wanted to thank you for the chocolates you made for me'' smiled Konata ''I know that you suck at cooking but the thought was nice...it kinda turns me on girl''

''Don't...push...it shrimp'' said Kagami in a cold voice

''Ok people, its volleyball time and your teacher is off today so I'm taking the class'' beamed Mrs Kuroi ''I've always wanted to do this...''

''Ummm Mrs Kuroi?'' said Konata

''Yes, what is it Izumi?'' replied Mrs Kuroi

''Volleyball started an hour ago...you're late'' giggled Konata ''you went to buy a game at lunch and you never came back, remember?''

''No way was I gone that long Izumi'' argued Mrs Kuroi

Mrs Kuroi looked up at the big clock that was hanging in the gymnasium and saw that it was three o clock in the afternoon and that it was also home time.

''Oh crap...the principal is going to ride my ass on this one'' sighed Mrs Kuroi as she looked like she had just seen a ghost ''whatever, class dismissed''

''Miss...Someone needs to put all the equipment away'' said a shy Tsukasa

''Well volunteered Hiiragi and we'll have Izumi...IZUMI! get back here'' yelled Mrs Kuroi as she spotted Konata trying to make a quick getaway to the changing rooms.

''You two will clear all the balls and nets away in the storage cupboard'' ordered Mrs Kuroi ''and lock the gym up when you leave and remember to take the keys up to the staff room before you leave''

Mrs Kuroi handed the keys over to Konata before making a getaway of her own, leaving Konata, Tsukasa and Miyuki by themselves in the gym. Konata couldn't help but laugh about their teacher and how she could act half her age most of the time.

''Do you want me to help you Tsukasa and Konata?'' offered Miyuki politely

''You don't have too'' smiled Tsukasa ''besides...isn't there something that you need to be doing right now'' Tsukasa hinted to Miyuki

''Oh yes...I almost forgot, I have to get going'' apologized Miyuki ''I have an errand to run''

''Aren't you coming to Karaoke tonight Miyuki?'' asked a casual Konata

''I'll be there...I'll meet you all there'' answered Miyuki ''I'm sorry that I can't help''

''See you later Miyuki'' said Tsukasa

Miyuki said her goodbyes and quickly disappeared into the changing rooms to hopefully catch up with Kagami who would be waiting for Tsukasa, Miyuki and Konata at the front entrance to the school so they could go to Karaoke together.

''Awww, we could have used her help Tsukasa'' groaned Konata

''We'll be fine'' giggled Tsukasa ''let's make a start shall we''

The two girls spent fifteen minutes messing around with the volleyballs or Konata did whilst Tsukasa winded up the nets and put them away by herself, she didn't mind as long as Konata was happy. After finally packing everything away in the storage room, Konata and Tsukasa were ready to get changed and meet up with Kagami.

''You ready to leave Tsukasa?'' asked Konata

''Nearly, there's one ball left'' sighed Tsukasa ''I'm starting to get a little tired''

''Well, let's put it away silly'' smiled Konata

The two girls stepped into the storage room with all the gym equipment and returned the ball. Tsukasa then noticed that Konata was no longer holding the keys any more; Konata realized this and made her way towards the gym before she saw the door slam shut in her face. She assumed that it was the wind but the sound of a key quickly entering the key hole and turning not her realise that she was seconds away from been locked inside the storage room. Konata tried to open the door before it would lock but she was too late, the person on the other side had successfully locked the door and the sound of running footsteps could be heard.

''HEY, LET US OUT!'' yelled Konata as she banged on the door

Tsukasa was terrified as she witnessed the fight between Konata and whoever had trapped them inside the small room. Never before had she been locked inside a tiny room with someone else, it was a scary thought that it was a way of humour for some sick and twisted individual.

''Are...are we locked in?'' asked a nervous Tsukasa

''I'm afraid so Tsukasa'' panted Konata as she finally gave up on trying to open the door and fell to the floor in a sweat.

''It's just a joke, whoever it was will come back any minute and let us out, you'll see'' smiled an uneasy Tsukasa

''As much as I admire your optimism, I doubt it very much Tsukasa'' said Konata

''But we can't be locked in Konata...we just can't be'' responded Tsukasa

''You want to open the door for us then'' said a cocky Konata

''Don't be like that'' moaned Tsukasa ''I've never been locked away with anyone before...I'm only trying to be positive about the situation''

''I know...I'm sorry Tsukasa'' apologized Konata

''It's fine Konata but what are we going to do, school just finished'' said Tsukasa

''Hang on, isn't Kagami waiting for us?'' asked Konata

''She is, do you have your cell phone on you so we can call her?'' asked Tsukasa

Konata started to reach where her pockets would normally be before she realized the obvious.

''Damn, it's in my skirt pocket in the changing room'' groaned Konata ''We just had P.E didn't we'' moaned Konata

''Mine too'' groaned Tsukasa ''our best hope as well''

''It wouldn't matter anyway, she doesn't have the keys'' pointed out Konata ''unless she smashed the window but we wouldn't fit anyway''

''Oh yeah'' muttered a disappointed Tsukasa ''I'm scared Konata...we might not get out of here alive''

''We'll be fine Tsukasa...someone's bound to come along and get us out of here'' said Konata, trying to sound positive but she had doubts about what she was saying.

''Yeah and Kagami's bound to notice me missing'' continued Tsukasa ''Miyuki as well''

''So we'll just sit tight and wait'' said Konata 'Besides, I can tell Tsukasa how I feel about her...when she calms down that is' thought Konata How long can be possibly be stuck in here for anyway'

End of Chapter 14