Chapter Three

"Open…" I murmured, jiggling the handle of my locker. It was unbelievable how complicated a little, metal door could be. It didn't even have a combination lock. I jerked at the handle. The Prince would recommend patience in this situation, so of course I was cursing under my breath.

Finally! I groaned, as the tiny door swung open revealing my gym shoes. Just what I had came here for. I began to reach inside-

"Yuki."

"Ah!" I gasped, jumping in surprise. I hadn't heard anyone approaching. I spun around to face whoever was addressing me. Unfortunately, while I was doing that, my arm hit my locker door. It rattled shut. My gym shoes were still inside.

Shit.

"Having trouble?" The speaker asked. It was Haru. If I hadn't been so infuriated over my locker, I would've asked him why he thought it was always necessary to sneak up on me.

"Obviously." I growled, turning back to the defiant, little door.

Open!

"I'm skipping class." He said offhandedly. I heard him begin to move towards me.

"That isn't something you should exactly brag about." I joggled the handle impatiently. Haru's footsteps weren't stopping. I briefly wondered how close he was planning on getting before I focused on the locker again.

I got an answer to my question, though. The next time Haru spoke, his voice was right next to my ear. "I know." He whispered, and my hands began to fumble on the handle, as I realized that he had just pressed his whole body gently against my back.

What if someone sees us!?

"Haru, what are you doing?" I coughed nervously, leaning towards my locker. He was so close that I could hear the soft click of his necklaces as they collided with each other.

"I'm skipping class." Haru moved to my side and threw an arm over my shoulders like he usually did. Only he usually wasn't so close. I tried to swallow. It didn't work.

What if someone sees!? I attempted to glance around and see if anyone was watching, but Haru was everywhere. I couldn't see past him.

"You know what I mean." I tried to sound angry. I failed. My throat was so tight I could barely breath. "Why are you so…close?"

"No reason." Haru shrugged, and his whole body moved with his shoulder, brushing lightly against mine.

"I, uh, see…"

Time to turn my attention back to the locker!

We stood there a few moments in silence, as I desperately attacked the door. Seconds felt like minutes while my fingers were awkwardly tugging at the handle and Haru's arm was on my shoulders. I was painfully aware that every time he exhaled, his warm breath crawled underneath my chin, and for an instant, it felt as if he were cupping my face. My throat still wasn't working, and it seemed, after a while, that my fingers wanted to follow it's example.

I can't take this.

"Haru, stop it."

"Stop what?"

I released an aggravated sigh. He still wasn't moving.

"Haru." I turned to face him. "You know perfectly well what I'm talking about-" I was very aware that Haru was close to me, but I hadn't actually realized how close he really was, and before I could understand what was happening, my turning around had brought us a lot closer than we had been moments before.

My eyes widened in horror. His widened in surprise. Our lips…were touching.

Oh. No.

"Yuki…?" My mouth felt every syllable of my name that Haru muttered. I involuntarily shivered at the sensation, and then his gray eyes began searching mine. They were hypnotizing. I didn't even notice Haru pull his arm off my shoulder until his hand gently touched my face. His fingers were cool against my flustered cheek.

And then the spell was broken.

The room echoed with the rattling sound of Haru being shoved into the lockers. He staggered against the metal doors, a stunned expression on his usually impassive face. My arms were still stretched out in front me from abruptly pushing him away. My heart had never pounded so hard.

And I noticed suddenly that he had never looked so heartbroken.

I'm sorry…

I backed up a few unsteady steps before spinning around and breaking into a run. I couldn't stand to see Haru anymore. I couldn't stand to see his soothing face look so forlorn. It was just a reminder of how terrible I was. A reminder of how I was so hurtful.

My noisy footsteps that resounded in the rows of lockers reminded me of when I had run away from Ayame and Shigure's conversation the night before. They had called me strong. But I always fled from all my problems. And here I was, running away from the only person who truly understood me. What would those two say if they saw me now?

I hate myself.

I burst into the main hallway, gasping for air. I glanced over my shoulder, and saw no sign of the boy I had left behind. My stomach turned. He was probably still where I left him.

Footsteps!

I turned my attention away from the lockers and back to the hallway I was standing in. A few members of the student council were walking towards me. I pushed Haru from my mind, as I forced a smile to my face. I had to think of something clever to say to the people who were now returning my smile. One of them waved.

The Prince reminded me to fix my hair.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own Fruits Basket nor any of it's wonderful characters. I do, however, own the plot of this story. Aren't I special? xD

AN: This chapter was suppose to be posted on Tuesday, but I am updating early, obviously. That is because today, January 2, is my b-day! This new chapter is my present to all of you in celebration. xD

Although, I'm sure everyone still hates me after what I did to Haru this chapter, but trust me! Next week things will start to improve. Lol.

Now for my reviewers! First, thank you so much, Odango43938 and SakuraBubbles! ::cling::

Sagi-chan, I'm glad you enjoyed Aya! My friends were happy with his appearance, too. And no, Haru didn't turn Black. He was simply irked. I'm sorry for the confusion!

Bass Star Cardians Webmis, thank you for the review!

Peter James, I'm glad you enjoyed the interaction between Aya and Haru. It was so much fun to write!

sutaretagaisce, your comment that "Ayame and Shigure are a perfect injection of humor…" was very encouraging! I wasn't sure if any comical scenes would work in such a dark fic.

PoeticIndigo, I appreciated the review!

lymerai, yay! I'm happy you see my point. I always thought Tohru helped Kyo out more.

The next chapter will be posted on January 11! I have to get back on schedule.

Thanks for reading!

- Jessiegurl43953