Hiromi: Moonlight Serenity doesn't own or affiliate with Beyblade or The Offspring.

Kai: On with the fic!

Chapter Thirteen – Though the Marks on Your Dress Had Been Neatly Repressed I Knew That Something Was Wrong

I watched her as she alone exited the school building several hours after it had shut its doors to general students. The only people in that building now were those involved with school clubs and activities or detention. As she had never had time for clubs, it was clear that she was just now finishing up a sentence of the latter. It was unusual, but I wasn't completely surprised, though, as I had been waiting since the school bell had dismissed everyone. Takao had seen me in my usual spot – I typically waited for Hiromi after she got out of school and walked with her to the dojo - and told me about the situation: she'd left at some point during the day and returned for her last class, but had arrived in the middle of it; she hadn't had the textbook she needed to return for the class, either; thus, she was detained.

She was walking with her head and eyes downcast. When she glanced up to cross the street and saw me, something flashed in her ruby orbs momentarily, but a few seconds later her shoulders slumped again. She made her way to my side. "I thought you had to stay after class today to meet with your professor for your project proposal."

"It was a short meeting," I responded immediately. I was a little distracted. My eyes roved over her figure. She was hunched over a little awkwardly and appeared very tired. There was a hand, curled a little awkwardly, hovering almost protectively in front of her ribcage and she had the jacket of her school uniform pulled around her form tightly. I thought her gait was slightly stuttered as well – a slight limp as though her left ankle was being pulled along with more care. I suddenly wished that I had brought my car, but the best I could offer was an arm around her waist to steady her. "Are you okay?"

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine," she tried to straighten and attempted to brighten her expression. She must've seen something about my own countenance that told her I wasn't convinced. "Really, Kai. I'm fine… I hopped a fence today because I was running late and didn't land well," she smiled weakly and tried to change the subject. "I didn't think you would be here with the meeting and all, but I hope I didn't make you wait too long."

"Detention?" I asked.

"You know me," she tried to make a joke as though she was typically a troublemaker, but her tone failed to convey anything funny. I wasn't fooled by the poor attempts at humor or her false smiles. I knew something wasn't right. "Who told you?"

"Takao," I responded. She squinted at me. She could tell I was distracted. I decided I wasn't going to push for answers now – we were in public, it was going to snow soon, and she was exhausted. "We should get going," I looked toward the sky to emphasize my point. I expected her to agree and follow, but she hesitated for a moment before moving.

We were only a few streets away from the dojo when she paused. "I actually have to get something from my house," she said. I made a move to go with her, but she stopped me. "Actually, my mom doesn't like any unannounced company so I'm going to go alone. I'll meet you at the dojo later, though, okay?"

I didn't like this. I didn't want to part from her. I knew something wasn't right – all of her strange behavior seemed to be linked to this moment. I wanted to know why she skipped class. I wanted to know why she was so weary. I wanted to know what kept her up at night – what there was for her to fear. The air crackled with the electricity of the upcoming storm and the atmosphere felt thick and heavy with warning. I didn't agree until I resolved to have answers that very evening when she returned. "Okay," I said aloud. I expected her to leave immediately, but she stayed in her place – it looked like she was vacillating between some decisions. Finally, she walked over to me and took my hand before enveloping me in a hug. She buried her face in my chest and I inelegantly placed my arms around her. I was surprised as she was rarely affectionate in public – probably respectful of my own discomfited relations with outward tenderness. She pulled away after a few minutes and held my gaze – the false cheer had fallen away, She looked like she wanted to say something, but was struggling. "I…" she trailed off. She cleared her throat. "I'll see you later, Kai," she managed to smile. She waved me off, turned, and walked away. I watched her form until she turned down another street and disappeared behind a row of apartment buildings.

I know, I know, I know! It's been a LONG time. This update is well overdue. I'm sorry it's taken so long to put this chapter up. This semester has been seriously intense. But I am NOT abandoning this story - even if it takes me forever to update. Anyway. I'm not sure how I feel about this chapter...I wanted to do some more tweaking, but I figured I needed to update... I wonder if you all know where to place this chapter chronologically in the story. I'm not sure if I made it clear enough... It's Kai's flashback. It felt a little choppy and repetitive, but at this point Kai's trying to piece something together and he's worried. He "watches" her a lot, too.. He probably feels like a spectator until this point unable to do anything... Also, I'm not sure if it was confusing (I feel like I lack clarity in my writing or I'm unable to express what I'm trying to say), but Kai usually waits for Hiromi after school to walk with her to the dojo with the rest of the guys (he's in college...). Anyway... What did you all think?

All of my love to the reviewers for the last chapter: Anshu, kaihil lover, mahwish1, zulka, and several anonymous reviewers listed as guest. You all seriously motivate me to continue and I love knowing what your thoughts on the chapter and story thus far.

Please review and let me know what you think!

~Moonlight Serenity