Having finished another day of school, Tohru Honda stepped outside the school building. It was a clear day, the sun was bright but a cool breeze provided relief.
As she headed home alone she couldn't help thinking what a shame it was she had to work. Surely it had to be a crime to work on a day like this.
A girl, standing nearby, half-whispered inexcitement toher friend, interrupting Tohru's thoughts. "That guy. Look at that guy over there."
Looking around she noticed a pattern. Several girls and women had gathered around. Many were blushing and whispering to each other. Shewas ableto catch some of what they were saying.
"So gorgeous." One muttered dreamily.
Another said. "I hope he looks at me. Please let him look at me."
Too many people had gathered for her to see who they were talking about. Yuki had to stay late at school. Not to mention Kyo and Haru had already left. So she knew it couldn't be one of them.
She decided to move on while still looking around. This proved disasterous for the naturaly clumsy girl. Not watching were she was going, she nearly collided into someone. She ended up dropping her bag and scattering her papers in the attempt to avoid this.
Collecting them, she apologized franticly. "I'm so very sorry! I should watch where I'm going! I guess I got distracted!"
"It's quite alright...Tohru Honda-San." A man's voice said, surpising her with the use of her name and it's rich musical quality."
Looking up, the commotion she had just witnessed made perfect sense. Standing in front of her was a boy about her age. Once the shock of his overall beauty passed, she noticed individual details.
The first thing she noticed was his hair, it was so red it blazed a deep crimson. He had bright amber eyes full of wisdom, calm, warmth, and something else. Although it was too subtleto identify,she felt that she had seen this emotion in many of the Sohma's. Another thing that she noticed was that we was tall, easily a foot or more taller then her.
"You're unhurt, I hope?" He asked, cocking his head in genuine concern.
Tohru blushed and stammered. Meeting the Sohmas, she had been introduced to a variety of handsome men but this boy gave every one of them a run for their money.
"I. I'm fine. I just dropped my things." She managed, quickly returning to picking up papers.
"Please, let me help you." The boy politely joined her.
"No! No! Really you don't have to! I can get them!" Tohru protested, unwilling to be a burden to this boy.
The boy only shook his head. "It's no problem. I want to help you."
She allowed him. After the last paper was back in it's place, the boy looked at his watch.
"I'm sorry. I have to be going." He announced, looking her in the eyes. "Good-bye.I'm surewe'll see each other again, very soon." Pushing the the hair gently from her face, he left.
This encounter left Tohru so dazed and flustered she forgot about him knowing her name. Nor did she wonder about his last words.
