Holidays! Yes!

To my reviewers, followers and favoriters:

Gale. Frost: Yep, they kissed alright! Of course with the help of Kenya's sneaky techniques!

ChocoxxPochii: Kenya is adorably sneaky when it comes to kissing! But wait- there's more to come! And well, I am sure Hikari and Kenya will get together one day :3

Surugasasa: His brazen huh? But it's Kenya we're talking about. And is awesome!

Snowpoppy: Let's hope that Shu doesn't find out about this forbidden kiss! I think that Kenya trusts Yuushi on romantic advice, though he doesn't admit it.

Speed of Love

Chapter 20: Insanity

The poor girl was in shock. Deep ocean eyes wide open and mouth slightly ajar, Akatsuka stared at me with astonishment. Nevertheless, I still managed a small smile.

"I really like you, Akatsuka-san." I declared

Her eyes softened, "Kenya-kun," Akatsuka whispered, "I don't know-"

I cut her off, "I know what I did was sudden," I remarked, "But honestly, I've liked you ever since we've met and every time I see you, I seem to fall deeper for you."

Akatsuka flashed an uneasy look, "I really like you too, Kenya-kun," she replied, "You're the first person who's actually made me feel like I belong in this world. I truly appreciate that, but…"

She closed her eyes and turned away, "I am sorry." Akatsuka murmured almost inaudibly, "I am really sorry. I can't be with you."

I felt my heart tug at her words. Nevertheless, I hid the disappointment and instead plastered my lips with a fake gentle smile, "I understand." I slowly nodded, "I apologize for my actions."

Taking in a shaky breath, I turned around before giving her one last small glance, "But I still want you to know Akatsuka-san, that I'll always be here if you ever need me." I announced

With that being said, I headed back down the path, carefully blending into the warm afternoon sunshine that beam down onto the park, lighting the area in a beautiful shade of gold.

"I am so sorry." That was the last few words I'd heard from her that day

~Speed of Love~

"I am home."

The house was strangely quiet. I'd usually expect Shouta fussing over his love for the piano or Kaa-san's hustle and bustles floating around the house along with annoying music notes. But not today, not even a squeak was heard.

Frowning, I shook off my shoes before stepping into the house. Making my way into the depths of the hallway and turning into a well-lit room, I stopped outside the kitchen archway. A small note written by Kaa-san was stuck to the wall.

Gone for groceries with Shouta. Be back soon.

I sighed and pulled the note off before entering the kitchen. Heading straight for the fridge, I swung the door open before pulling out two cans of black coffee along with Speedy-chan's snack before kicking the door back shut. Trotting up the stairs two at a time, I strolled into my room and set things down onto my study desk, throwing my tennis bag at the same time.

Speedy-chan was sleeping in her cage. She seemed pretty happy on that piece of wood. Quietly sticking a finger through the gaps of the cage, I carefully stroked the iguana by its neck, the response came back as a soothing purr. I smiled, that lazy animal.

Twirling back to my desk, I glanced at the pile of homework that was waiting for me to attend. Yet, my eyes scanned past the screaming urgent homework stack and instead landed on the CD cover that Akatsuka repaid me after our first encounter.

Leaning forward and picking up the cover, I glanced at the album's artwork before turning it around. A sticky note scribbled in neat Kanji was glued to the plastic case. It was from Akatsuka-san, and god knows how many times I've read this.

Thanks again for the sacrifice of that last CD! I hope this one can replace that sacrifice.

Akatsuka Hikari.

I felt my brows crease. Why do I keep on thinking about her? She doesn't like me for goodness sakes. She never will.

~Speed of Love~

Tap. Tap.

I flipped my pen over and over again around my fingers. It was lunch and I was still finishing off my homework from last night. I was usually pretty good with homework, but when certain thoughts decide to invade my brain, I was soon left with unfinished classics homework.

"Kenya, can I borrow your rubber for a second?" that was Chitose's voice

Not paying attention to more rumbles coming from Chitose's mouth, I continued to stare straight into the classics textbook. None of this made sense. I absolutely hated classics.

Concentrating a little too hard on the textbook, I darted my eyes across the page after spotting a sneaky hand wiggle its way onto my desk. Grabbing the hand, I gave it a fierce pull before standing up and twisting it into a wristlock behind Chitose. Diving another hand down, I choked the back of Chitose's neck before pushing his face into the table.

"K-Kenya, what on earth are you doing to me?" a grunt was heard from the choking figure, "I was only trying to borrow your rubber!"

Hearing his words, I snapped back to reality and blinked, "S-sorry Chitose," I mumbled, releasing his hand and neck

Chitose groaned and rubbed his sore wrist, "What's wrong with you today?" he determined, sending me a stare, "You're terribly violent."

I twirled back to my desk, "I am sorry Chitose," I apologized, "I didn't mean it."

"You better not have," he snorted, "Or else people will start thinking your some violent dude that's part of the mafia!"

Frowning at his words, I looked away and stared back at my textbook, unwilling to argue against Chitose who rambled off. After another few minutes of listening Chitose chatter something about me being part of the mafia and then people starting to hate on me, I soon felt a headache growing.

Standing up, I quickly packed up my books before picking them up, "I'll be going first," I announced to the group who were all still staring at me after the move on Chitose

Quickly skimming past everyone, I zoomed out the door, hoping to escape the feeling of being the main cause of everything. Darting my way down the stairs and to my locker, I flung the metal door open before literally throwing all my books in.

"Kenya," Kagami appeared behind the metal door as I slammed it back shut

I felt my lips curl into a small frown, "Yes?" I muttered

She smiled, "Let's go for a walk before the bells goes." Kagami gestured outside before twirling around to find the nearest exit door. Sighing, I trailed after her.

~Speed of Love~

The birds chirped, the sun shone and the trees swayed. Shadows were cast amongst the path as we walked around the schoolyard. Kagami seemed to enjoy these walks, hence her love for nature trait always lives within her.

"So, what's wrong Kenya?" she asks, giving me a smile, "You seem really tense today."

Shuffling along, I gave a small shrug of my shoulders, "Nothing much," I replied, "Just tired I guess."

Kagami nodded, "Kuranosuke really pushed you guys in training this morning huh?" she giggled

"Perhaps so." I mumbled

We continued to walk on in silence before Kagami suddenly stopped in her steps. Glancing back around, she flashed me a small worried look, "What really is wrong Kenya?" she asked, this time in a more serious voice

I blinked, "Why does that matter so much to you?" I retorted

She carefully studied me, "Because you're my brother in law," Kagami answered

Rolling my eyes, I crossed my arms over my chest, "You know that's only a joke right?" I ushered

"No." a rather sharp reply, "I don't see that as a joke."

Kagami's face flashed me a sign of worry, "I see you not as a friend Kenya," she announced, "I see you as a brother, my brother."

I raised a brow, "You already have an older brother," I declared, "Who is actually related to you."

A soft sigh was heard as Kagami shook her head, " But that doesn't stop me from having another one," she proposed, sweeping her long black hair back, "Kenya, you've helped me, helped your captain, helped this team through a lot of things you might not know."

I remained silent.

"So Kenya," Kagami hinted a tone of concern, "I am not going to stick my nose into your personal life, but if you ever need help," she gestured behind her, "You'll know that there's a family ready to support you."

Looking up, I glanced at the group assembled behind Kagami. I felt myself finally sigh a breath that was being held on for so a long time. They all grinned and smirked at me, the traditional expression used by this insane team.

"Hey, sorry for being such a bastard back then," Chitose chuckled an apology before throwing an arm around my shoulders, "Didn't know you're in a bad mood."

I curled my lips up, "Maybe you deserve to be punched next time," I joked

Chitose laughed as he dragged me back into the team, "Or, you just tell us what's wrong," he suggested

"I agree with Chitose," Yuuji joined in, "Stop being such a girl and speak up Kenya."

Kagami snickered as she walked past, "What?" she grinned, "You're saying that girls don't speak up these days?"

"Most girls like guys to guess what they're thinking~" Koharu squealed and threw out love hearts, "And I think Kenya is turning out to be a girl!"

Zaizen looked like he was ready to throw up, "That's just gross…" he muttered under his breath

"Ah! Hikaru how could you say that!"

"Nice shorts, Kagami. Ahn Ecstasy!"

"Kuranosuke, you pervert!"

"See?" Chitose raised a hand, "Our insanity level can defiantly support you."

I chuckled. You have no idea how fast these idiots can cheer me up...

-To Be Continued…-

~Speed of Love~

You all know how to make me happy!