Disclaimer: I do not look like Yoichi Takahashi.

Chapter Fourteen

He placed his hands behind his head, eyes glued to the thin strips of clouds that momentarily drifted by. The birds each have their own tune, and he imagined the clouds dancing along with them. For a little while, his position was comfortable, but soon the young boy became quite restless, and he sat up, arms on either side of him, slightly brushing at the side of the tree that he was previously leaning at.

He stared at the scattered stones, smiling sadly at the faint memory. He wished he could forget, but that would be quite impossible, wouldn't it? He pushed himself up and sat down on one of the largest stones, his long fingers sliding down the smooth surface before he let them go limp on his side.

Heaving a large sigh, Ace Yukushi slumped down and his eyes focused on the dirt ground, staring idly at the ants that were traveling in a straight line, scraps of matter and such on their backs. "So simple…" he whispered to himself.

"May I interrupt?"

For a moment, he thought it was her, and got ready to give a good comeback, he was about to blurt it out too, opting to end it right then, but he closed his mouth shut when he caught sight of the newcomer. "Yeah, sure." he said hesitantly. That was a close call.

Kaede carefully walked towards him, cautious so suddenly of her movements before she stood next to him. "So… have you settled things yet between you and Taro-kun?" she asked, trying to act as casually as possible, though her fidgeting was still quite visible. She knew she shouldn't have come. What have impelled her to do so, you might ask? She just regrets being a too-good-friend.

Ace chuckled, balancing his arm on his knee. "He hasn't even talked to me after that… you know." He sounded a little odd, and Kaede got alarmed but she forced herself to relax and ponder to herself.

"Ah… I see." Kaede placed her arms behind her back, left supporting the right, half of herself wishing she hadn't done this. "Need some help?" she asked after a while before interlocking her fingers. She hoped she didn't look as tense as she felt. It would be embarrassing on her part, seeing as she was the one who initiated the conversation in the first place. Ace just wasn't as cooperative as she had hoped and the conversation wasn't going the way it should the first time she had placed the scenario in her mind.

"No need. Thanks for the offer." Ace picked up on of the ants and crushed it between his fingers. Kaede watched, blinking occasionally.

They were silent for a while, Ace mutilating some more of the poor insects and Kaede feeling bad for them, before he spoke up. "Hey Kakutama-san, have you ever had this kind of problem before?" he asked out of the blue, startling the ruby-eyed girl.

Kaede brought a finger up her chin. "Well, I'm not lesbian," she grinned sheepishly at Ace's pointed glare. "but I do have some love problems."

As a sudden memory hit her, her lips pursed together in a thin line. Ace noticed and looked at her but Kaede didn't seem to see anything of the moment. She stared at the ground, rocking herself softly and Ace was almost afraid that he has to confront with a hysterical woman. He got ready. "B-but…" she continued, her voice breaking. She avoided Ace's stare. "And sometimes it just hurts too m-much… so I…I know how you feel Yukushi-kun, I mean, I don't know how homosexuals feel… but that feeling of… of being restrained…" she rocked herself harder, the soles of her feet shifting her weight back and forth. Ace noticed her fingers making knots amongst themselves. "…the feeling of knowing you should do something but being blocked by the fear that there would a dire consequence should it not go the way you wanted… I know all that Yukushi-kun."

Ace looked up, and Kaede could finally safely say that she had caught his attention. Despite the tears that were building up in her eyes, she managed to smile, and even celebrate in her head. Her victory dance in her head cluttered into rubbles when she heard him say, "Could you elaborate?" he paused, as if mocking her awestruck face. "Please?" he added with a small smile.

Kaede hesitated, but Ace persuaded her with a desperate look. She wiped the tears off her face and smiled. "Okay, but only if you promise to keep it secret." She stared at him, as if asking for the truth in his eyes.

"Cross me' heart an' hope ter die." he muttered in a slight Russian accent, smirking after. Ace lifted his hand to his mouth and performed a zipping motion, invisibly sealing his mouth from left to right before giving Kaede a firm nod. She giggled.

"Okay then." Before she could start, Ace stood up and offered her the large rock. Kaede thanked him and sat down.

Clearing her throat, Kaede got comfortable and started. "Well, it all started one fateful day…"

--

Dinner had just been served when they came in, plates neatly arranged on the table and Kumi and Sanae waving at the two of them good-naturedly. Before she could sit down, Krizzie placed a hand on her shoulder and told her she would be going upstairs. Of course, she nodded and stared at the girl's back until she turned and climbed up the stairs.

Krizzie had been friendly, Melina had told herself, but quite stiff, and Melina had thought it was weird, because she didn't strike her as the tense character. As soon as Krizzie was out of sight, she sat down and left her thought at the back of her mind for future contemplation.

Melina took a seat next to Sanae and told her what Krizzie had done and said, not knowing that the manager had been there to witness it all, just a few measly steps from her. Kumi had been kind enough to smile and welcome her when she said that she would be staying with them meanwhile.

"So, where're the rest of them?" Melina asked, scratching her fork softly against the fine china, its faint sound just registering in her ears.

"What?" Kumi asked, placing a glass in front of her. She looked at Melina curiously.

Melina blinked. "Don't tell me there are only you guys in this dorm." she said.

Sanae looked curious. "Didn't the principal tell you who're you're going to encounter?" she asked, though she knew Melina didn't really speak to the school head.

"Nobody told me." was Melina's safe reply.

Kumi smiled. "Well, all the guys in the soccer team are here, then there's Kurisaki, Kakutama, Kabayakawa and Yukushi, of course, that group includes the three of us."

"I see."

At that moment, the kettle decided to whistle, startling Sanae before she hastily stood up to take it out of the stove. Kumi continued to arrange the table, placing spoons, forks, glasses and napkins. Melina decided to help them in serving the viands.

And then the boys came, sweat, mud and all.

Amidst that, Melina saw a quick shadow pass by them and turn up the stairs. Ignoring it, she turned to greet the team.

--

Telling secrets to a person you barely know but feel obligated to be close with was hard, and it was the case with Kaede and Ace's predicament. Though she had left out anything that was intimately personal, she couldn't deny the fact that the information she HAD let out was still a vital part of her dignity. She just hoped Ace would be considerate enough not to use it for blackmail.

He cut off her thoughts when he brushed back his hair, shifting his weight from one leg to another. Kaede's blush deepened and she clasped her hands together. Ace decided to comment. "Wow… that's pretty, well, big." he looked at the top of her head. "For girls like you, anyway, no offense."

Kaede smiled nervously, continuing to play with her fingers. "N-None taken, Yu-Yukushi-kun… it does sound a little ridiculous when compared to y-your case, ne? Um… I… I… " She really hated herself for sounding so indecisive.

Ace sighed, and Kaede hoped it wasn't because of her inability to speak of the moment, but was fairly thankful that he made a sound. "Is there anything worse than being gay?" he asked, and Kaede was quite startled by the abrupt question but quickly composed herself. Thankfully, it was successful.

She smiled and propped her shoulders up, quite sure of her answer this time and quite proud as well. "Being rejected of course!" she chirped, forgetting about her embarrassment altogether. He looked at her in surprise before he smiled bitterly.

Ace slumped down on the dirt ground, not caring anymore if it stained his shirt or not. "Yeah… I know what you mean."

"Yukushi-kun, do you think it would be possible for you and Taro-kun to be together?" She didn't know what possessed her to say that.

His reply was quick. "I doubt that."

"He's straight." Kaede commented with hesitation.

"I know."

"Straight as a needle."

"Yup, a polished needle… that's why Anna likes him so much, doesn't she?"

"Yukushi-kun…?

Ace smiled. "No need to worry, you have your own hells to deal with, so why bother with mine? How about we go back and pretend this has never happened?" He smiled as if there was nothing wrong, and it both confused and hurt Kaede.

"…"

"Come on, promise me Kaede." His smile was just so sad.

"…"

"This is all I ask of you." He said those words with such contempt.

"…I promise."

"Thank you." Kaede looked away when Ace stood up, her eyes glassy as she forced the tears back. I…I guess this is the most I could do…

--

Sata sat crossed-legged on her bed, numerous papers scattered about her as she tapped her pen on her left knee. No ideas seemed to pop in her mind, and it irritated her that she was obligated to finish her homework. Not only does she want to maintain a clean record, she also didn't want her parents' effort to go to waste. Even though they failed to enroll her at Toho like they had originally intended, they did what was second-best. And that was all Sata could wish for.

A knock on the door stopped her visions about having an automated robot to do all her work. She blinked before calling out to ask who it was.

"It's Kurisaki." The mere name made her skin crawl.

It wasn't that she feared Kurisaki, she wasn't even intimidated by the girl at all, but she was a little nervous about what the Kurisaki really did do when she was enraged. And being someone who knew things about the Kurisaki that the black-haired girl really didn't want anyone knowing about, it made her one of those possible 'victims' in the girl's list that she knew Krizzie was keeping an eye on.

She shuddered at the thought of it. It just wasn't fair, for her anyway. And all she wanted was to forget about the whole engaged concept, considering that she really wasn't the type to get addicted to such controversies. Plus, she was just seventeen.

"I'm coming." she said in a hurried tone before pushing herself off, her socked feet making dull sounds against the carpet. She pulled out the bolt and turned the knob, blinking when she was met with fiery amber."What brought you here?" She stepped out of the way and Krizzie immediately made herself at home.

"I have a very big favor to ask of you." Krizzie said, her long fingers running at the soft chair. She sat down and raised her legs to the armrest and met Sata's eyes, offering a soft smile.

"Sure, what is it?" It occurred to Sata that Krizzie was carrying a bag.

"Can I sleep here for just one night?"

--

Genzou found it weird to find the lights already out when he entered the room. Usually, Krizzie would leave it on just to let him switch it off when Sanae rings the bell, but this time it was not the same case.

Krizzie wasn't even inside when he walked in. Her bed was arranged, her slippers nowhere to be found and her desk clean except for a piece of paper and single pencil. He blinked, turned on the lights and realized it was a note. He went over and picked it up.

WAKABAYASHI, I'M STAYING SOMEWHERE ELSE FOR TONIGHT. DON'T MISS ME TOO MUCH, SLAVE. DON'T FORGET TO TURN OFF THE LIGHTS. AND GET YOUR FILTHY HANDS OFF MY THINGS.

KK

At least she's a little more respectful than before. He sighed before he crumpled the paper and threw it in the bin. He sat down on the edge of her bed before letting himself fall on the mattress.

"First the detention woman, and now her. Why is everyone disappearing all of a sudden?" he grumbled. "Next thing I know, I'm the only man left in this planet."

He looked at the trash, frowning when he found the paper had missed its target and wondered why Krizzie had decided to sleep another place. He had been hospitable enough haven't he? And he believed he was tolerable enough. Why am I even thinking about her?

Well, it gets that way when you get acquainted with someone that either interests or intimidates you.

Hell no, who are you?

I have no fucking idea.

Get out of my head.

Where's the exit?

How should I know? You're the one who came in, you should know how to get the fuck out!

Hey! This is your head! You should know where the exits are! What if there's a fire? What would you do?

Jesus Christ…

Just tell me where to get out you fucking retard! Don't drag on a holy name in here for Pete's sake! And what the hell are you thinking dude? There's so much filthy stuff in here… what's tha-… eew…

Fuck, just get out! Get the fuck out! Leave my head alone! And I don't fucking care if you don't know where the fucking exits are! YOU COULD CRAWL OUT MY ASS FOR ALL I CARE!

I………ew………. eew………

Goddamn it!

Why I oughtta… HEY!

What? What? Is there a mouse in my butt?

…

Did you leave?

…

Hell YEAH!

Genzou sighed and tried to clear his mind. What the hell was that? He let his gaze fall over the dark ceiling, trailing on every crack and crevice above his head. His thoughts again wandered to his roommate. Sometimes, the Kurisaki confused him. Hell, she was just so… secretive. Too secretive for his liking. He wasn't one for gossip, but it was just frustrating him so much that didn't know much about her when she knew his fucking butler!

He rolled on his side and was surprised to find a stack of papers underneath Kurisaki's pillow. Now, the keeper really wasn't one in invading another person's privacy, but considering who this person was, how she interacts with him and his puzzlement over that behavior, makes this situation a very different matter. Genzou Wakabayashi, not for the first time in his life, was stuck between doing what was right and doing what his mind wants.

And this time, there was no one to ask advice from.

--

The only thing in Kaede's mind as she entered the dorm was Ace. Not at all in a romantic way, don't get the wrong idea, but that of a worried friend. They weren't close, Kaede was no doubt sure of that, but she believed they were friends, after all, she did share a secret with him, she thought that was enough.

"Something the matter Kakutama-san?" Melina asked when Kaede sat down between her and Kumi. Kaede shook her head before filling her plate.

"You look bummed." Tsubasa commented. He ate a spoonful of rice.

"Do I?" Kaede questioned before she sighed and took a bite. She chewed carefully before swallowing. "Maybe I'm just tired."

Taro looked at her before stealing a look at Ace. Kaede had the feeling he knew what was going on, just by the looks on their faces and the simple fact that they came in together. He frowned before draining his glass and excusing himself to his room.

Kaede sighed again and tried to finish her meal. If Genzou had been here, he would've noticed it too.

--

She once again managed to gawk at the surroundings, her jaw falling down unconsciously before she gave Sata a jealous stare. "Oh man, I would love to be in your shoes right now. This room is the BOMB!"

Sata chuckled before settling herself beside Krizzie. "I know, now, why don't I take your things to my closet?" she offered before going the pantry to get some hot chocolate.

"I'll only stay for one night." Krizzie said with a hesitant smile. "Um, about the short notice, sorry Sata…"

"It's okay, besides, the other half of my closet is bare, I don't have much clothes. You can stay there… your clothes I mean." she pressed on before extending her arms to get the bag.

Krizzie pulled it closer to her. "No, it would be too much. I shouldn't be taking too much of your luxuries."

Sata sighed before she smiled and shrugged her shoulders. "Your loss."

"Thank you." Krizzie sat down and dug to her bag, arranging her stuff before she brought her head up. "Um… hey, about our small talk, please keep it confidential."

"I already said I would." Sata said with a small frown. "Don't you trust me?"

"It's not that. I'm just not used to sharing secrets." she licked her chapped lips. "Most especially…"

"Yes?"

Krizzie jumped, seemingly startled. Sata gave her an inquiring look. "Um… sorry, never mind. Thanks."

"Are you okay?"

"Yes." She sat on the couch and smiled gratefully towards Sata. "By the way, before I forget, I would appreciate it greatly if you don't tell Nakazawa about this. I could use the peace and quiet."

"No problem, but why?" Sata asked and set a cup of chocolate in front of her. Krizzie took it and blew softly before taking a sip.

"I wanted some company, and don't even tell me that I have a roommate. I would never get a decent conversation about my problems with that guy."

"Problems?" Sata took a bite from a cookie. Krizzie took one from the basket in front of her while Sata took a seat.

"Well, not exactly problems, difficulties you could say. Hmm… this tastes good by the way."

Sata grinned. "Thanks. I made them during Home Economics."

Krizzie nodded. "Truth is, I need your help."

Sata got curious. "Why me?"

"You're older."

"No, really."

Krizzie smirked. "Well, you look more decent."

Sata raised an eyebrow.

--

"Izawa?"

The forward turned around at the sound of his name and smiled at Teppei Kisugi. "Yeah, what is it?" he asked before he sat down beside his friend.

They were in their room and Hajime was still inside the shower. Teppei flushed. "Remember what I said to you the other day?"

Izawa paused. "Um… yes." He couldn't admit that he forgot all about it momentarily right after Ace's 'revelation' but he was glad Teppei didn't press it. "You told me you were in love." Hopefully, this time, with a girl.

Teppei fidgeted. "Well, I want you to help me."

Izawa narrowed his eyes. "Is it a boy or a girl?"

"Girl." Teppei confirmed.

"Who?" Izawa smiled in relief. "I could help you if we're acquainted."

"Well, I'm not sure you're close, but you speak to her more often than I do… and she speaks more often to Wakabayashi though…"

"Teppei… are you talking about…?" He could NOT be serious.

"Yes…" Teppei said as if he could read his teammate. He looked away as a wave of deep red enveloped his ears.

"No way… Teppei… no way…" Cool…that rhymed!

He sighed. "Yes, I'm talking about Krizzie Kurisaki."

Amidst the teenage problems, gender confusions and dark secrets, a lone star fell out of the sky. And those who cared to look out in the heavens, closed their eyes and made a wish, hoping that this time the star would choose theirs to grant.

--

She took a deep breath before slumping down on the rocky ground, feeling small rocks and grass underneath her. Her mind was spinning, her memories flashing like a black and white film over and over that she was sick of it. She saw herself as a kid, saw herself with her best friend, saw herself with her first soccer ball and saw herself with her coach and trainer. Most of all, she saw herself with her brother.

"'Nii-chan, I hate you." she said to the grasshopper that happened to pass by in front of her. Who knows? If reincarnation really does exist, then that bug might very well be him.

Tentatively, she picked it up and held it between her fingers, only letting it go when its squirming was beginning to irk her. She laid her legs flat out on the ground before lying down sporadically and executing a quick back flip. "And she still got it." she whispered to herself with a smile.

"Krizzie?"

The young girl mentioned lifted her head up and about, getting an upside-down view of the person who had called her. She smiled faintly. "Anna, up so early?"

Anna slowly trudged towards her and shrugged. "I should be asking you the same question." She peered at Krizzie's striped long-sleeves, accompanied with a plain polo shirt, her jeans, rubber shoes and finally an expensive-looking bandanna on her head. "You're even dressed up already."

"I always wake up early." she said. I always come here early too. "I like cursing the heavens during the mornings." she smiled. "It calms me down. You should try it."

"Right." Anna replied. Krizzie squatted down, elbows leveled on her knees. She didn't speak.

Anna shifted so that she was looming above her, her blonde tresses splayed carelessly above her shoulders. She brushed them off, staring idly at the back of the other girl's head as the other stared at the dim sky that was only starting to perk up.

The wind blew, a gentle breeze that sent her hair messier than they already were. She growled in frustration and brushed them back again. Krizzie didn't watch her.

In times like these, she wondered if the girl really was her friend. Sure they hanged out, there was no denying it, they had their squabbles, but that simply doesn't count, but she realized they haven't really gotten to know each other. Anna frowned, maybe being too caught up with her own life was not as good as she thought it was.

"Have you ever wished upon a star?" she asked carefully, leaning down and grinning at Krizzie's confused face. "Well?"

Krizzie blinked, rested her chin above her linked fingers, closed her eyes and sighed wistfully. "Quite frankly, I haven't." She opened her eyes, a small frown appearing on her lips as her face was washed over by a resolute look. "And quite frankly as well, I would never."

Anna watched, confusion visiting her, as the black-haired stood up and walked farther away from the dorm and disappeared amongst the shadows of the trees.

--

Sata stared at the made sheets on the couch, and Krizzie's bag that was zipped neatly on top of the pile. She looked back to their conversation last night and felt quite giddy. Kurisaki was sly, she had to admit, and very scary if you were her target. She just felt bad for those people.

Her eyes narrowed. "But that doesn't mean she could get away with messin' with me!"

Krizzie: 7 pages, still short, I hope you guys are not mad. The part with Genzou fighting with a none-existing entity was foolish, I know, please don't insult me about that.

Genzou: I think--

Krizzie: I know what you think. Don't waste your breath. Anyway, I took a break from my homework and notes and wrote the rest of this and did minor editing, if there are more errors than usual, please ignore it, I figured my readers have waited long enough and I was afraid you would forget about this story if I took too long.

Taro: Well, at least you updated now.

Ken: Yeah, are you okay with your studies now?

Krizzie: Pretty good, passing, thank God, but I guess I'm holding on pretty well. And classes are suspended, that's why I have the time. Woohoo!

Izawa: This chapter was pretty dull.

Hyuga: Yeah.

Krizzie: I know… it can't be helped. Whatever, changing the subject, DID YOU WATCH THE FINAL MATCHES OF THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2006? GO ITALY!

Gino: Our country's the champion!

Krizzie: Hey Gino! Nice of you to visit us!

Gino: I figured I could help in attracting more people.

Genzou: Why you big-headed little…

Schneider: You know, I can't believe Germany fell to third place. What are they doing?

Tsubasa: And Brazil lost to France… I mean, guys, WORK YOUR LAZY, FAT BUTTS!

Krizzie: There… there… Well, here are Hyuga plushies for my reviewers! YOU GUYS ARE MY INSPIRATION!

Everyone: REVIEW!

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Genzou: Why you ignoring little…