Disclaimer: I don't own DNAngel.

The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows

Book One: The Phantom

Chapter Two:Dirty Gambles

"Good morning Ms. Takaya," the class greeted in unision, as per tradition.

"Morning," Instructor Makoto Takaya smiled.

She motioned for the class to return to their seats and began shuffling around her untidy desk. Makoto was the most popular teacher at Azumano entirely for the fact that she was the most human of the all the drone like educators. She was young, clumsy and unorganized, but she had a passion for literature.

She had long chestnut colored hair that was often kept in a sloppy bun, which resulted in her frequently pushing back loose strands from her face. Her soft emerald eyes were often filtered behind large, round glasses. She was tall, with a board like figure and dressed more like a frumpy librarian. All the students agreed that the look didn't suit her at all.

It was only her second year at the academy and every faculty member had grown to despise her. They thought her too young and enexpierenced to value the job. They found her informal teaching methods a disgrace to Azumano's prestigious name.

Optomistic by nature, Makoto was determind not to let those "old bats" get her down. She would let her students' achievements prove her worth.

"Before we begiiinnnn," she hissed after bumping into her desk, "I have a new student to introduce."

"Go on," she whispered, ushering the girl forward by her shoulders.

"Hello everyong, I'm Riku Harada," the girl bowed.

"Everyone be sure to make Ms.Harada feel welcome," she eyed a few trouble-makers in the back of the room.

"Now," Makoto scanned the room while biting on the eraser of a pencil, "why don't you take a seat next to Dark Mousy. Dark raise your hand."

Clutching her books firmly to her chest, Riku made her way toward the boy frantically waving his hand. She didn't like the looks of him already. He was handsome in the face and build, but his hair was unkempt and his clothing disheveled. His tie was undone, as were the two buttons below his collar, and his shirt tails were hanging out. Azumano was a notable academy, how on Earth did this guy get away with such a sloppy appearance?

Riku-- still believing that outward appearance reflected in-- decided right off the bat that this young man was not one that she wanted to be associated with. A bit disappointed she took her seat. She had been hoping to develope a few friendships on her first day. It was probably for the best she concluded. Riku was here for one reason and one reason only. She wasn't going to allow her social life to get in the way of that.

"Nice to meet you Ms.Harada," Dark offered with a warm smile.

He was met with a frown.

"You're Risa's cousin, right?"

"What?" her eyes narrowed. "How did you know that?"

"Risa and I are good friends," he shrugged remaining cool under her scrutiny.

"I assume that means you're dating right?" Riku turned her attention to the head of the class as Takaya began her lesson.

"Me and Risa? Nah," Dark leaned back in his chair leisurely. "So where are you from?"

"Listen, don't expect me to be friends with someone like you," she ground out.

"Ouch," Dark pouted, "why all the hostility. You don't even know anything about me."

"It's obvious you're a slacker," she whispered under her breath, away from the teacher's ears.

"Congratulations Dark," Takaya smiled laying a paper on Dark's desk, "highscore again."

"Thank you, Mako," he smiled to his teacher.

"You were saying," he turned smugly to the surprised Riku.

"How can you refer to an instuctor that way?"

"Huh? Oh, Mako and I are good friends as well," he smirked.

Such a playboy, Riku thought turning away. Of all the inglorious first impressions. And to think, she had a whole semester to look forward to at his side.

The period finished in silence between the two. The bell tolled with great relief to Riku and she continued on to her next class. The rest of Dark's day was uneventful until lunch rolled around.

"So has anyone else had the pleasure of meeting the new girl?" Takeshi groaned twirling his chop-sticks in the air. "She's the perfect student. So annoying."

"Aw, come on Saehara don't be like that," Daisuke commented.

"Yea, you can't be jealousy of everyone who is smarter than you," Dark snickered.

"Eh, but she's already popular with all the girls," Takeshi raved being as melodramatic as ever.

"I think that's do to association with Risa," Daisuke continued to rationalize.

"Well I have a theory," Takeshi leaned in toward his red-headed friend, "she's... a robot."

"You've got to be kidding," Daisuke said obviously unamused.

"Um, excuse me Dark," a meek voice piped from behind Dark's back.

"Yea?" he peered over his shoulder.

Before him was a girl with short black hair, arms extended holding a box of rice-balls. He recognized her from chemistry.

"I made these for you," she replied shyly.

"Thanks," he grinned, "I'll enjoy every bite of them knowing that you made them for me."

She blushed furiously before scurrying back across the cafeteria.

"Aw she nices," Daisuke's murmered watching the girl's travel, "why don't you go out with her."

"No girl's good enough for the great Dark Mousy," Takeshi answered sarcastically.

"That's not true boys," Dark's eyes flickered, "I've already got someone in mind."

"Who?" his classmates practically leaped across the table.

"The lovely Riku Harada."

Daisuke looked as if he had been shot with a stun-gun while Takeshi doubled-over with laughter.

"Whew that's funny Dark," Takeshi's smile was lopsided with laughter.

"I'm serious," the plum haired boy worked to quel his anger.

"There's no way she's going to go for you!".

"What are you saying!"

Daisuke leaned back and watched the sparks fly between the two. "Why her?" he interrupted their agrument.

"Because she's perfect. My year's going to be perfect and therefore I need her. She'll be great for my reputation."

"Honestly Dark," Daisuke stole a riceball, "you are really a jerk sometimes."

"Don't worry Daisuke," Takeshi reassured, "he doesn't have a chance. Riku's too smart, there's no way she'll fall for all his lines."

"You underestimate my ability to charm any woman, Saehara."

"Want to make a little wager on it?" Takeshi's lips thinned into a mischevious grin.

"Sure thing," Dark bit into a riceball, "I have nothing to loose."

"I bet you 500 dollars and a month's cleaning duty that you can't win her over by spring."

"That's a bit much," Daisuke chimed in.

"I know his daddy sends him well over that much every month," Takeshi retorted.

"It's no problem Daisuke," Dark's gaze drifted over to Riku.

Lunch ended quicker than Dark had expected and he knew that if he was going to reach Riku before next block he was going to have to move fast. Light on his feet, he reached her just outside the art room. Running his fingers hastily through his hair, he decided to make his move.

"Hey Riku!"

"Not again," she groaned turning to face the caller.

It was a low blow, but Dark wouldn't allow it to faulter his confidence. "Since you're new here, why don't I show you around later?"

"No thanks. I'm sure I'll have this place mapped out in no time," she tried to be as polite as possible in repentance for her rude behavior earlier.

"But I could show you a much better time," he pitched again.

"I said no thanks."

"But-"

"Normally you're determination would be admirable, but in this case it's just annoying," her eyes narrowed onto his.

"Fine," his hand gestured the waving of an imaginary white flag, "resist if you like, but eventually I will win you over."

"I doubt that," for some reason she smiled.

Dark said his good-byes and ventured on to trigonometry, one of his more disasterous classes. His step livened a bit, feeling more assured than before. He was certain that Riku Harada would be his in no time. He was certain enough to bet on it.