Chapter 7

It's only been five hours, five hours of classes and I'm ready and willing to strangle Rei Akiko to death.

I swear if I haven't cultivated within me the value of patience, I would have long ripped out his throat.

From minute one since I've seated beside him, he has been bragging non stop about daddy's money, mommy's fancy and his superb, over the top achievements in wonderful, fucking, sugoi football. God! I've never encountered a person more stuck up than him. He's so high upon himself he can't even notice that I'm not even one bit impressed about his damn richness or talent or whatever.

If he made another stab about his 'greatness' and 'royalness', I'm sure to puke right over him. I mean I can only take so much.

"Ne, Hisoka? Have I told about this one…………" Rei suddenly interrupted my train of steaming thoughts by showering me with another fabulous story of his. What's more, he showers me with specks of spit as he talks. I looked at him wearily as he drapes his arm over my shoulders and leans over closer to me. Talk about hell in earth.

I gritted my teeth and tried to tune him out. But after a few minutes of pondering I knew that it is a bad idea. My mission in the first place is to get close to this jerk and divulge information from him. For all I know he might be talking right now about our mystery man.

So grudgingly I tried to listen to him again, even though I super hate to death his grating, over confident voice. After all my, my main priority is: Duty first. I sacrifice everything for it. And I mean everything. On second thought, what I mean is almost. Almost everything.

"Like you know, last year my father gave me this humongous summer house by the beach! Isn't it just cool?!" Rei said proudly as he stopped talking and turned to look at me, expecting me to say something.

I looked back at him blankly. What does he expect me to say? Maybe something like……..'You're right! That is just so cool!!!!' Well, OVER MY DEAD BODY. It's not as if he had said something that would give the world peace. It's just a house. Big deal.

I tried to move from his hold but instead of loosening it, the fucking bastard held tighter. Before I know it he had leaned so close to my side I could feel his hot breath across my cheek. Then he spoke in a lilting, husky voice.

"Ne? Aren't you impressed?" He asked me. Hmmm……… It must've been my imagination that I felt my spine tingle. Nope. I did feel it. I thought confused.

Maybe just a little, I'm starting to understand what those ex of his sees in him. Sure he may be an arrogant jerk, but he sure lets you feel like you're special by showering you with his attention and all that crap. Add the fact that he's really a bishounen.

"Aah." I said nonchantly as I tried my best to smile, but failed. Instead I ended up smirking. He must've misinterpreted it as a challenge. Oh you know, that I don't believe a single thing he was saying, because he leaned back and finally, removed his grip from me, looking very disappointed.

"You don't believe me?" He asked me pouting.

"Not unless I see it." I said getting an idea. Hmm…… Maybe that beach house of his is also located at the place where the murders were done. I've got to at least see the damn, fucking place.

I flipped my history book in show of disinterest and looked at our professor who was still droning on monotonously. You got to give him credit for his superb patience. I mean not a single soul is listening to him teach and the noise of the students were louder than his own voice. And he still has the power to go on teaching. Kudos to him.

"Not unless you watch my game on Sunday." Rei replied cheekily as he smiled superciliously. Ah………. Touché. He does have a brain after all. I thought sarcastically as I weighed my options.

If I go, I'll gain access to the house, get a move on with the assignment and probably later on gain his trust. If I don't go, I won't hear him brag. Yay to me. No Rei. Pure joy. Halleluiah.

I sighed deeply and looked at him smiling tightly.

"Okay. I'll go." I said without much enthusiasm. Damn, fucking priorities.

But Rei's eyes suddenly lit up with happiness and he was practically bouncing up and down in his seat that I felt a tug at my heart. That gesture totally reminded me of Tsuzuki. Bouncy, full of life and always genky.

I frowned to myself as Rei turned his back on me and started to announce to his fellow teammates that I'd agreed to watch him play.

Now, why, why? Just when I thought I forgot all about him, about the inu-man, about the lovable Tsuzuki…………. He comes back again to my consciousness full force. Why?

"Oi! Hear this out peeps! I'm going to score 3 touchdowns for Hisoka!!! So watch the game on Sunday, okay?" Rei suddenly informed the class in a very loud voice. He didn't mind the fact that the professor was still teaching and was now eyeing him with loathing eyes.

Then I felt all eyes on me. I felt as if I was under their scrutiny. I really tried my best to think of a suitable, witty reply but my brain suddenly decided on its own to stop functioning.

"But your opponents for Sunday's game is the Hokkaido booters! You know your toughest foe?" The kid at the every front row with oversized glasses and braces asked Rei. I felt my head nodding to the boy's words. As if I know who the Hokkaido booters are and how good they are. All I'm aware of is that, it's my chance to draw the attention away from me. All eyes now fell to the still ecstatic Rei.

He shook his head and waved his hand as if to say: It's nothing. I'm king of the world and it's no big problem. I can manage. But instead he said;

"I'm not worried about that! As long as Hisoka is there, I'm sure 3 touchdowns is a minimum." He said proudly, expanding his chest as he did so, in show of male pride. The class broke into applause and cheers and calls of good luck for the coming game.

"Class that is enough!!!" The professor suddenly growled as he broke his meter stick into two.

I had to hold the cheer I had bubbling at the back of my throat. If he looked like a decaying, old man just a while ago, he now looked like a raging, angry bull. His eyes were wide as saucers and it was red rimmed, his complexion was now turning purple with irritation. Really kudos to this aging professor.

The class looked back at him in shock. It was as if they had realized that they had a teacher in front of them. Then acknowledging his bravery in disciplining them, they bowed their heads, simultaneously.

The professor looked taken aback. Maybe he didn't expect them to respect him or whatever. He straightened his black rimmed glasses.

"Well now…………. Back to the revolution……." He intoned again, acting as if nothing had happened.

I turned my attention back at my history book again when Rei seized my hand and held it gingerly in his.

I was taken aback when I looked deep into his eyes. It held so much passion and promise in them, it almost took my breath away.

"I promise you." Those were his only words and I knew he must be referring to the 3 touchdowns. But his voice held so much sincerity I felt my heart stop beating. Tsuzuki…………

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The days passed and went by as it pleased. Sunday came much too soon for my liking.

And because of the heart warming performance of promises, I totally forgot how big a jerk he is. Just imagine Tuesday to Friday.

Tuesday. Rei practically dragged me to the football locker room with him, saying he wanted me to meet all of his teammates and friends. I grudgingly agreed, thinking that it would help us progress in the mission. Plus, he threatened to follow me home, so no choice, really.

Add the fact that Rei mercilessly wagged his foxy tail and begged me non stop since the first period. Hmm………. Watari also did a little push. He told me that I must do all of this to gain Rei's trust. Then he smiled at me happily, also wagging his foxy tail as he did so. Damn. I swear there's too much begging-like Tsuzuki for my own damn good.

When all introductions are done, they went in and discussed game strategy. I excused myself and said I'd wait for him outside.

I busied myself by inspecting the football field. It was properly cared for. The grass was manicured and no litter were scattered. After I'm done and bored with, I went back to the locker room wondering if by any chance they are finished.

I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I overheard Rei loudly say, "I know I'm generous and I mostly share…………. But hands off to Hisoka. He's mine."

I swear, I was so mad, steam were practically coming out of my nose and ears. The nerve of the brat to say that I'm his!!! To others it might sound romantic, but for me, definitely not. In my opinion it's the lowest thing you could be referred to. Someone's property, something that can be owned, someone's doll.

It suddenly reminded me of Muraki that I thought I might have to breakdown. Fortunately that Akiko bastard emerged from the locker room, looking refreshed and happy.

Wednesday. Five stolen kisses. FIVE. Damn, fucking five!!! It all started second period. I dropped my pen and I leaned down to retrieve it. Sadly, it landed right beside the foot of Rei. When I finally got it, I sat back up again at my seat, but not after a quick peck on the cheek.

I literally froze in my seat from surprise. My head was pounding and I could hear my heart hammering wildly against my rib cage. Nobody does that to me. I mean Tsuzuki, my partner for a very long time had a hard time touching me, then this guy………………… the NERVE!!!

It took all my understanding to forgive him. And I mean all of it. I seethed for two hours straight until I thought I was okay again and was assured that Rei had no intention to do so again. Not.

There was a second; a third and a fourth. All were also quick pecks on the cheeks. I don't know what happened to me that day because I would usually sense if something's approaching me or whatever. I didn't notice him coming near me. I guess my empathy was frazzled that day.

If I did notice that he's coming, I'm too slow to avoid it. Rei must've been a true athlete since he's so swift with his movements and quick too.

So I blamed it all upon myself for not sensing him and not being able to avoid and deflect those kisses. I also consoled myself by saying that it was nothing but friendly, platonic kisses. Yeah right. Platonic my ass.

I thought all were over since dismissal was up. Well I thought wrong. Again.

Rei suddenly called me to wait up for him. Naturally, I whirled around to face him, but then…………… SMACK. A big, wet kiss on the lips. I literally stood rooted on the ground and I'm sure that I blacked out. Because when I came to, I was at the apartment me and Watari had rented.

Watari had told me I'd gone delusional. He further said that I was staring to chant the forbidden spell of locking souls to hell.

He told me that I should thank him, because he came right on time to drag me out of the school yard and to stop me from continuing that spell.

Yeah right. Thanks to him. But you know? I'd rather have done it.

Thursday. Do you know how I fucking hate to hell peeping toms? Well I do. So, so much. And Rei Akiko just happened to be one.

Just imagine the fright I felt when I suddenly saw right in front of me, when I was starting to piss of course, a moving eye.

I really didn't notice it at first. I mean the tiles are a colorful blue and bordering it were the school logos. But then I noticed something funny about it. In the middle was a dark green spot. So out of curiosity I peeked in to see what it was. Yup. It was Rei's eye. So I screamed. Bloody screamed my voice out.

I then quickly zipped my fly and started to chase Rei. He sure was a quarterback in speed. His speed in running rivals that of a cheetah.

So least I could do was to throw, as hard as I could, the thick history book that I had brought with me.

I proudly noted that it hit him squarely at the back of his head.

Hmp. Small price.

Friday. He did the mother of all stupidity. The lowest of the low.

He announced right in front of the class that we are an item. Oh you know boyfriends.

I was too mad to speak and he took that opportunity to drape his arms around my shoulders and gave me another peck. If you think I was steaming mad at the event in the locker room, you should see me now. Aside from shaking with rage from head to toe, a vein was throbbing madly in my forehead and steam were coming again out of my ears and nose.

Luckily the bell rang, signaling the end of third period. I stood up and motioned for Rei to follow me. We were going to have a long talk.

When we finally reached the comfort of the rest room, I pounced on him angrily.

"What gave you the right to say that?!!" I hissed at him, trying so hard to be at least intimidating. He just smiled sweetly.

"I don't need any right. I do what I want." He said as he reaches out to touch my face. I swatted his hands away.

"I'm not like any of your ex's!! I need you to respect me and consult me before saying anything!! Hell, you didn't even asked me if I wanted to be your…………………. " I stopped not daring to say the word.

"Okay. So I'm a jerk for not asking you. But will you?" Rei asked me, this time using that same eyes he used when he promised. I sighed.

"No." I said sharply, while averting his gaze from his.

"Why?! No, Hisoka! I wont take no for an answer!!!" He said hysterically as he pinned me to the wall.

"Stop it! You think acting that way will help you at all?! Aren't you listening to me? I said all I need is respect!!" I shrieked as I flung him off me. Rei stopped struggling. He hung his head and fisted his palms at his sides.

"If I did respect you, then will you be my……………?" I hung my head.

"I don't know…………."

"Hisoka!!!"

"All right, all right." I said finally.

"So, will you be my boyfriend? I promise to respect you and do whatever you wish." He said as he puts his hand on his chest and bowed low. I inspected him for a while then sighed deeply.

"Yes."

"Yay! You're going to be so happy!" Rei squealed as he gave me a big hug. Oh well. Now I have more access to him. I have more privilege to ask him anything. This is going to be easy. He pulled back, serious again.

"Can I kiss you?" Talk about moving fast!!

"Uh, aren't you kind of fast?" I looked at him skeptically. He brought his hands up his chin, appearing to be thinking deeply. Then he laughed.

"You're right!! But I expect you to attend the game on Sunday! You did promise that!"

"Don't worry, I'll come." I said half heartedly.

"How about we go for lunch after that? Please?" Rei said begging mode again. I rolled my eyes.

"Okay. But just for a little while!!" He bobbed his head up and down.

"Whatever works! Ne? Let's go back. I think fourth period's up." I looked at my watch and nodded.

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Sunday. Today.

I pushed my hair back from my face and looked at Rei in awe. He might be a first class dumbass and an empty headed jerk, but when he plays…………. He's just plain…………SUGOI.

He sure looks like a different person when donned with that blue and red, number 17 jersey. And he sure makes the crowd go wild. I mean, they are always eagerly awaiting for the ball to be passed to him again. Once he grasps it, the crowd literally goes bananas.

I watched as the ball sailed into the air and landed right on Rei's waiting hands. When he secured it, he ran as fast as he could to the goal area, randomly jumping over strewn bodies and side swerving opponents.

30 yards, 20 yards, 10 yards……….. The crowd was up its feet stomping and raving. I couldn't help but get swept by all the commotion. I found myself also cheering him on. Then finally, Touchdown!!!!

I was clapping so hard, my hands were stinging. The bell buzzed signaling the end of the game. Rei removed his helmet and looked for my face in the crowd. When he spotted me he gave me a victory sign and held up four fingers, smiling proudly.

I couldn't help but smile too. His arrogance was completely justified this time. And it wouldn't spoil him, if he knew I think he was great. In football I mean.

And yup. He didn't do three touchdowns. He made four. And the other team didn't get to score. And they were their toughest opponent.

I took a deep breath before coming down the stands to meet him. I had hard time trying to shield the emotions of the people from me. Half the time I'm watching the game, half the time trying to recharge my energy to put up the barrier for emotions.

I'm physically exhausted, because of screaming, clapping, sitting then standing, and emotional tired from trying to block the people's emotions. But it was worth it. I enjoyed the game, which I didn't expect, and besides this was work too.

I looked at Rei and was surprised to see him talking to someone. From my point of view it looks like they're hiding. Oh you know, like they don't want somebodby to see that they are talking too each other.

My warning vibes are ringing so I decided to snoop. I leaned over the railing to see who he is talking to. I could only see the top of their heads and it looks like they are having a heated talk. When my eyes focused, they promptly budged.

He was talking to a guy with platinum, silver hair and white clothes!!

MURAKI!!!

t.b.c

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A/N: so what do you think? Has Hisoka been harassed enough or should I intensify it? Hehehehehe………… ;) anyway, let me hear your comments. (they keep me going too!) Ja ne.