The second semester of our final year in high school had just begun.

Coming back from winter break and New Years meant studying for final exams and readying our lives for the journey into the real world. The final push was upon all the third years and the Sohma's and I were no exception.

After having my face buried in textbooks for the entire first week back, I definitely needed a break. I gazed out of the window of my classroom absentmindedly as my brain quietly imploded. Spring was coming. I could see it in the trees in the form of little buds on the branches and could smell the sweetening air through the cracked open windows.

Its already been half a year… I thought, a whole 6 months of knowing the Sohmas and knowing them as my friends. I couldn't help but smile to myself as a gentle breeze rolled through the classroom. My daydreaming was cut short by the lunch bell.

I raised my head which had been resting in my hand, turning my gaze to the doorway where he stood. I spoke under my breath as a small smile escaped onto my lips.

"Yuki…"

He smiled back at me while holding his bento box, waiting for me in the doorway as I stood. I could hear the low growls of his fan club in the back of the room, but, now, they didn't bother me.

After all, it was I that had Yuki.

He offered his arm which I took graciously and led me from the classroom with a quiet chuckle as people whispered our names curiously. But, just as I did, he seemed to ignore them as he led me through the bustling hallways of our high school.

It was hard to believe we only had a few more months of this, waking up for high school. Soon everything would be over and we'd all be forced apart when the real world came calling for us. College. Jobs. We had to start growing up… But I was more than happy to spend these final adolescent months with my friends. With Yuki.

I'd been so lost in thought that I hadn't even realized where Yuki had taken me. The cool spring breeze billowed through my uniform as I gazed around the cherry blossom courtyard. The trees lining the perimeter that were once aglow for our dance where now gently budding in the spring sunlight.

Yuki smiled softly and lead me to the fence separating the school from the rest of the little town and sat down, dusting the ground of dead leaves and petals so I too could sit beside him. And, with I smile, I did.

He scooted close to me, setting his bag to his other side before laying his jacket over my bare legs. I blushed in subtle surprise and smiled thankfully at him to which he smiled and nodded. We sat quietly, enjoying our lunches in the quiet around us, enjoying each others silent company.

We only spoke when we finished our meals, sitting huddled together with our voices not reaching above whispers. I blushed when I felt his head rest upon mine and felt his eyes shut. Then he moved away.

I lifted my gaze to meet his, slightly confused, "Yuki…?"

He narrowed his eyes some, still considerably close, "I-I just… I want to ask you something. Something important…"

"Yes…?" I responded somewhat hesitantly.

"A-about… New Years…"

I froze but waited somewhat eagerly for him to continue.

"… would you have let me kiss you?"

His voice seemed so hesitant, but I could tell by the flush forming on his cheeks he was also fairly curious. I could feel my own cheeks begin to burn I mustered a slow and stiff nod.

Yuki titled his head some, "and when I got you that white day present…" he took said necklace in his palm but refused to break eye contact with me, "and when I hugged you after your brother left… you were alright with that…?"

I nodded, watching him quietly.

He cupped my cheek gently, pulling me slightly closer, "and when I kissed your forehead after the dance… you were alright with that…?" he asked.

I nodded slowly, feeling my breath become warmer as his thumb caressed my cheek gently. I saw him nod before he slowly leaned in. I felt his hand tremble upon my cheek as his hot breath hit my lips. But I stopped him.

I set my hand against his chest gently as my gaze met that belonging to the last person I would want to see, especially when I was with Yuki.

"Akito…" I breathed.

Yuki froze from his confusion as he head shot around to face Akito, a sly smirk stretching across the black haired boy's face.

"I do hope I'm not interrupting something." he chorused as Yuki pulled me to my feet. Yuki stood in front of me protectively, hand out stretched as he snarled, "What're you doing here Akito?!"

Akito breathed out a low chuckle as he approached slowly, head tilted to where his overgrown bangs somewhat concealed his face. But his gaze was unwavering.

"I've come for you, Ayumi." he called.

I froze and took a step back into the fence as Yuki shot a glare at me, "M-Miss Suzumoto…? How do you know… how does Akito…?"

When Yuki turned back to face Akito, the boy stood right into front of Yuki causing him to fall back as Akito loomed over the rat with a splitting smirk.

Akito then turned his attention to me, his hand out to me, "I met her quite some time ago when she stumbled into my room. She was kind enough to let me play with her for a bit," he said with a smirk as Yuki froze in disbelief, "I thought she was interesting then but now I'm positive she's what I'm looking for. I've heard many great things about you, Miss Suzumoto."

I was completely frozen. My hands clutched the chain link fence behind me like a life line as Akito approached me, gripping my chin roughly. I couldn't pull away.

He cooed, loud enough for Yuki to hear, "I'm in love with you .Mi."

I felt my stomach drop at the words. There was no way he was serious. He'd seen Yuki and I and wouldn't allow it, but, now, he was simply toying with Yuki like his prey. And there wasn't a thing I could do about it.

"Be sure you choose wisely between that rat and I. It won't be pretty if you dare choose wrong…" I smirked as he ran his thumb over my quivering lip, "I'd hate to damage this pretty face of yours…"

He finally released me and casually began to walk off toward the building, rubbing his head with a grin, "I do hope you'll consider this little offer of mine. Come to the estate in 4 days time and we can discuss this further," he cheered, his grin growing painfully wider, "I'll be sure to make sure everyone can attend. Just be sure it's me you pick"

He chuckled lowly as he left, leaving Yuki and I frozen in place, quietly going over what he had done and said in our heads. The only conclusion I could reach was that now I had to choose.

Yuki? Or Akito?

IT'S HEREEEE! This took way too long to put out I'm sorry ;-; BUUUT things are about to get crayyyyy and I hope you guys are looking forward to it. Anyways I hope you guys enjoyed this mellow and then not-so-mellow chapter!

Stay creative my friends~