DM IS BACK! Okay, okay, I know I was gone a long time, but hey, life calls sometimes! Now that I've found some fic time, I'll be updating this much more regularly.

I dedicate this chapter to EVERYONE who reviewed, because really, you guys rock, so much.

But I extend an EXTRA SPECIAL thank you to Ladya C. Maxine, who was kind enough to promote me in her profile, which helped to bring in the reviews to motivate the fic monster. Thanks so much! I really, really appreciate that.

But I'm sure you want to read the story now. So read on!

-Secret Love, Hidden Truth-

Chapter Two: Splendid Evening

POV: Hiro

words thoughts. ((words)) flashback.

Focus, Hiro! He's talking!

I found myself repeating this over and over in my mind. Jean Paul was going on about something or other, bitbeasts or was it bit chips? I stared down at my practically empty plate for a second, trying to remember.

"Hiro?"

"Hmm?" I said, snapping my head up.

"What do you think?"

'About what?', I would not say. I had to save myself, somehow. I couldn't let him know I wasn't listening.. let him know that I was instead daydreaming. And I could never let him know the subject of said daydreams.

This is ridiculous. You just met this guy! You're acting like a fool... Why? Is it because of his charming voice? Or maybe his handsome features? Or his eyes..

"You don't have an opinion?" Jean Paul said, blinking slowly. His eyes picked up the dim light ever so slightly, and reflected it.

"Your eyes..." I said, trance like, and not thinking.

"Yes?" He sounded like he expected more than that.

I gulped and came back to reality. "Nothing."

"Nothing at all?" he said, looking disappointed. He wanted to hear more?

"They're.. well, they're very nice."

He smiled. "Why thank you, Hiro. I think yours are nice as well."

Then there was silence. We sat across from each other, beyblade conversation lost, our minds caught up in the other and what the other's thoughts might be.

"It's getting late, isn't it? And we've finished.."

"Yeah," I said, leaning back in my seat. "It is late."

"My team probably thinks I've been kidnapped."

"My team probably wishes I'd been kidnapped," I retorted, chuckling to myself.

Jean Paul snickered a bit, before gathering himself and rising out of his chair.

I went to stand when I felt his hand on mine.

"Just helping you up," he said, assisting me in standing. "You seemed a bit tired."

"I am. I've been on my feet all day. With my brother and the others, you end up moving around a lot."

"Same here. The kids get really excited about the tournament."

We walked out of the restaurant and toward the elevator, both of us reaching for the button.

Our fingers brushed momentarily, and I quickly withdrew mine, blushing. I didn't really know why, but touching him felt so...

A soft tone—the elevator had come. I stepped forward, into it, with him following behind me.

This time, I waited, allowing him to push the button for our floor. After watching the small panel light up, I leaned against the wall of the elevator.

Much to my surprise, he walked over to my side of the elevator and did the same, looking at me with a smile on his face.

"I enjoyed tonight, Hiro. Thank you for coming to dinner with me."

"You're welcome. I enjoyed myself as well. You're great company," I said, smiling back.

He took a step closer. "Perhaps we could get together again? I'd love to see you again like this."

"I would too."

The elevator came to a stop, and the doors slid open. He stepped out first, while I lingered in the elevator, missing the warm feeling of his nearness already. I was thinking about a lot of things as well.

"Hiro, are you going to stay in the elevator?"

I stepped out, standing next to him, still and quiet. He must have sensed that I was thinking, he was quiet too.

How do I feel about him? I like him. He's a nice guy. I like spending time with him, I know that. He's so sweet and polite and.. now I know I'm crazy, but, I think I...

"My room is this way."

"Well, mine is.. that way," I said, pointing in the opposite direction. "I guess I'll see you tomorrow?"

He nodded, but no one moved. Neither one of us took an inch and somehow we'd moved miles in seconds, he was so near and I was nervous.

Breathe, breathe, breathe!

"Jean Paul?" I said, breathlessly. "If I told you I think I have feelings for you.."

"I'd accept them," he said matter-of-factly.

"Good."

His arms were around my waist.. I took a step in. And his lips then, were on mine.

His kiss was gentle and warm, and I didn't want it to end.. I twined my arms around his neck and pulled him in, not yet having the courage to kiss him back, but wanting more anyway.

And it was only the need for air that separated us, and it was in a haze that I heard and replied to his farewell. Our hands brushed as we moved apart and wanted to grab him and pull him back... but I did not.

Instead, I turned and walked toward my room, lightheaded and.. happy.

I love him. I. Love. Him.

Suddenly, I wanted tomorrow to come faster.

End Chapter Two