October 27, 2021

Beans and Barista Cafe

3pm

Zen's PoV

I shoved my phone inside my pocket as I head inside. Lily was coming with her friends later so, I guess we will be expecting a noisy customer. Lily was loud as 3 people talking what more if she brought her friends but I should be careful not to spill any of my thought or she would seriously kill me. I grabbed the notepad again as I stand in front of the gang. "So have you guys decided what to order?" I asked while opening the pen that I was holding.

"I'll have the sirloin steak" Sokka stated, Suki was having a conversation with herself "I'll be having the chicken fillet with creamy white sauce" Suki finally decided. I chuckled slightly. "Zen, Stir fry tofu please" Aang said enthusiastically. "I'll have the roasted chicken, SleepyAce" Of course Toph with her nicknames, She was right it's growing on me and it doesn't seem weird as it did before.

"I'll have the curry." Zuko told me and that left us with only one person but I didn't need to ask since I knew what she'll order. "I'm guessing it'll be the usual?" I still ask for clarification incase I get it wrong but it was her favorite food. "No, I'll be having what Shiro ordered." She brought me to my surprise, I stopped writing the orders because I was shocked.

My eyes were widened for a few seconds before regaining my composure. "Okay." I said before walking away from the gang. Was it all just a coincidence that she just choose what Shiro was having? Or does she have a thing for that guy? I gave my Uncle the orders wistfully while looking straight ahead. She actually decline the stewed sea prunes. That's rare. Before she would order it without having second thoughts but now? Has she gotten tired of the taste? It's possible but ugh I don't want t think about this anymore.

I grabbed the mop once again and continued cleaning the floor. My back was facing them since it was a sight that I really don't want to see. 15 minutes has passed and the bell from the counter rang, it was a sign that the food was ready to be serve. I walked towards the counter to grab the orders "Be sure to apologize to Katara, Kid" I frowned at him, how does he know everything? I haven't even told him anything about Katara and how could he just speculate that is t's my fault? He laughed then went back to the kitchen.

I sighed as I took the food and brought it to the gang's table. One by one I put it gently at the table. "How bout you Zen? Have you already ate buddy?" Sokka asked while putting his food inside his mouth. I nodded "Just finished earlier"

"Zen, seat here for a couple of minutes. I'm sure Jun wouldn't mind." Zuko said while grabbing a chair for me "I would have to decline, sorry guys" I declined their offer before grabbing the mop to wash it and return it inside the cabinet. I was still bothered by the fact that Katara was still mad at me. I sat beside Joy, the other part timer who was currently resting and playing with her phone.

"Say, if a girl ordered the same menu from a guy while her favorite is still at the menu does that mean the girl likes the guy?" I slumped at my seat. Please say no. I'd hate it if that happened. Joy looked up from her phone. "It's possible." She just casually stated while I was sinking at my seat. "Hey big bro? What happened to you?" I was devastated once I heard Joy agree on what I said. I looked up and didn't noticed Lily already arrived. "Hey lil' sis. Nothing happened" I stood up and fixed my uniform before a light was flashed. I looked at where it came from and it seems it came from Lily's companions. "Sorry.." I looked at my little sister who was clearly guilty about it but I didn't really mind since it wasn't distracting me from work. I patted Lily's head and walked towards her companions.

"Good afternoon ladies, What can I get you?" I smiled at them. They seem good friends of my lil' sis, so I'll do my best to be good just today though. The next time I meet them again I'll be sure to embarrassed her. I was focusing on not to show my devilish grin to Lily. "Can we take a photo together?" I was taken aback by the girl in pigtails. I chuckled at her straightforwardness "Sure, it's no problem" The girl in pigtails handed her phone to the girl in a ponytail. I put my hand behind my back while she clings at my arm. "Me too, please?" After finish taking the photo the girl in ponytail asked. I nodded at her, They were so cute to be with. It's like I have additional little sisters.

It lasted for a short while "Thank you Eizen, we are really big fans of your and we watched every match you had." Both of them kept praising me that it was making me blush and embarrassed. "Thank you guys, I appreciate it." With that I walked away from their table and asked Joy if she could wait on them. I wasn't particularly comfortable. Every time they say something, it is making me blush and shy. Thankfully Joy agreed. I walked towards the counter where my Uncle was making coffee. "Zen, you can have the early out today at 4pm, since I'll close the shop at 5pm." I eyed him to see what he will be doing and why is he going to close down the shop earlier than usual.

"Have a date?" Uncle was sipping from his coffee but instantly blurted it out once I aske if he has a date. Jackpot. "Okay, okay I'll change now. Enjoy" I told him making fun of him. He was red all over his face and it wasn't really my space to tell him not to date. It's his life and he could do whatever he want but I know at the end of the day he will go back to Aunt.

I changed to my clothes and head out the locker room. I grabbed my bag which was at the counter and said bye to Uncle and Lily. I don't know if I should wait for the others but I feel like I'll only stain the atmosphere if I did. I should really fix this soon, I don't want to lose Katara to Shiro but I don't even know if she likes me the way I like her. This is troublesome. I'll wait here outside the cafe for them, so that I can apologize to Katara. I felt a raindrop at my arm, It was still light but I should probably buy an umbrella. Remembering earlier at the classroom it didn't seem Katara brought an umbrella. I ran to the nearest store and grab an umbrella. Then while walking back to the cafe I saw the gang, Katara and Shiro was sharing one umbrella. Little by little the rain falls harder.

I didn't bother going back to the cafe nor catching up with the gang. They were 10 meters away from me. I was walking slow so each minute that passed the gap went wider, till they were out of my sight. I hate feeling jealous, if I was given a chance to remove on emotion I would choose jealousy. It had this disgusting desire that make you want to punch someone in the face and at the same time you feel like you just want to sleep forever.

Once I got back at the campus rather than going to the dorm I went to the soccer team's locker. I grabbed a ball and practiced the basics. It's something I have always do whenever I wasn't feeling in a good mood. This takes off my mind off of everything. My mind was being occupied by the questions why. Why does she pick Shiro's order? Why is she sharing the umbrella with him? The basics Zen, remember the basics. Stop asking why because asking doesn't answer any questions. Everything has been driving me insane. Me and Katara aren't really a thing. I don't have the right to tell Shiro off and Katara is a person not an object, even if she's my girlfriend that still doesn't give me the right to tell her to cut off Shiro. Wait turn back, Me and Katara aren't dating so stop thinking if she's my girlfriend.

I kicked the ball full of frustrations. "Zen! Stop practicing and rest for tomorrow, you moron!" Coach yelled at the side. He told us not to practice today so no one will be using the field. "Sorry Coach, it slipped my mind." He let it slip "Dry your hair properly I don't want you getting sick on the opening tomorrow" He told me while walking away. I had extra clothes at the lockers so I took a bath there. After refreshing up when I went outside the rain has stopped.

I entered my room just to be surprised that the whole gang was there including Shiro. "Zen, Where were you?" My roommate asked me. I wasn't really in the mood that even here at our room, Katara and Shiro was beside each other. "Just here and there." I passed the others and placed my bag below my table. "So, we were planning on going to the downtown later at 6pm, are you in?" Suki asked while being wrapped around her boyfriend's arms. Shiro was going a part of the gang, I don't think I can handle seeing Katara and Shiro together. "Sur-" I was about to answer Suki but Hatsuki called. "Hey cap' what's up?" I asked as I leaned back on my chair. "Hey Zen, just wanting to remind you of our call time is at 8 in the morning tomorrow." It was really earli but considering the travel time it was reasonable. "8am?" I clarified. "Yes, 8am. Do you need someone to wake you up?" Hatsuki asked as he knows how deep my slumber is. "Yes, that would be great. Thank you." So there was no chance I'm going to the downtown tonight.

I sighed as I scratched the back of my head. "Sorry Suki, The call time for tomorrow is 8am, and I can't be late for that." I just hope they won't go anymore but that's just too selfish of me. "Is that so Zen, That's a bummer." Suki and the others bummed out but Katara and Shiro continued on flirting with each other. Suki quickly notice this, I guess I was being more transparent lately. "Shiro!" Suki shouted which surprised everyone. She was thinking of something but couldn't in the end. "We haven't really met have we, Shiro? My name is Eizen, sophomore, likes playing soccer. It's nice to meet you." I came closer to him and handed out my hand for him to shake.

"My name's Shiro though you already know that. Sophomore and likes to play volleyball and I am very much interested in someone" The moment he said the last statement he glanced at Katara. This made me irritated at someway "I don't really need to know the last one but if it's like that, I also like someone." I made sure to emphasize the last one. I looked at Katara who was just looking at Shiro at the moment. It made my heart ache. I let go of the hand shake and kneeled in front of Katara while she looked at me in bewilderment. I should fix this right now, no more later or tomorrow. Now is the time. "Are you still mad at me, worrywart?" She looked away from me. I reached her hand "Will you please look at me, Katara?"

I could feel Sokka glaring at me while Suki was holding him firmly so that he wouldn't get in the way. Slowly Katara finally looked at me. "I'm really sorry about what I said at the clinic. It was an inappropriate joke, I only meant it so you would ease up a bit but that only made it worse." Katara still had this uncertainty in her eyes "Look, I'm a clumsy guy accidents and incidents happens time to time for me. It's actually became a daily routine for me" I chuckled lightly before continuing "I know how worried you are when one of gets hurt, I know you don't like it when we get into an accident, I know that but I couldn't really help but feel happy to know you're really concerned about me but that doesn't mean I was hurting myself intentionally, It was all unintentional. I wouldn't hurt myself for just tha- you know what? I just learned right now that I'm horrible with apologizing" Katara softens her gaze and giggles. There it was, the giggle that I love to see when we're together.

"You're really bad at apologizing but I know you wouldn't do that intentionally, don't worry. I accept your apology." We both smiled that was when Katara pulled me into her arms. I was shocked for a bit before returning her hug. She pulled away but her hands were still wrapped around me "Even if it's part of your routine, Be careful and please don't be absentminded when crossing the street like you did before?" Remembering that brought a laugh to the gang, everyone one so scared and panting after I almost got hit by the car. "Of course. So were good?" Katara nodded and removed her arms around me.

I couldn't keep myself from smiling aside from Katara and I making up, I saw Shiro's face dejected the moment Katara hugged me. I sat beside the stairs of my bed while Katara stood up and sat beside me. "Aren't you guys going to the downtown? It's almost 6pm" I asked the girl beside me. "It wouldn't be fun if we're missing one." I nodded before she continued. "Hey Zen, mind if I borrow your shoulder?" Was this real? Or was I just dreaming. "I don't mind, worrywart."

Katara's PoV

Zuko and Zen's Room

6pm

Zen saying that joke wasn't funny, it was a sensitive topic and one getting hurt isn't funny no matter how small that wound is. He left his bag earlier at the classroom, So I grabbed it so we could talk but when I saw him at the Cafe I just couldn't bring myself to talk to him. I still couldn't forgive him for saying such a joke. I know it's a bit silly but getting hurt is still getting hurt. I was so pissed at him that I rejected my favorite food and just ordered what the person beside me ordered. The next thing that had happened irritated me much more. I couldn't believe Lily's friends getting all chummy with Zen. I could see him blushing at their every statement. Then a moment later Zen head out wearing his clothes, it meant his shift was done for the day. When we all got out Zen was no where, so we thought he already got back to the dorm but to our surprise he still wasn't here.

While waiting, I was chatting with Shiro who was like a puppy. "So, I heard there's this even on December and it was a gala?" He was pertaining to the Winter formal gala. "Yep, there is. It happens every year on the month of December."

I wonder if Zen has a date already? But as far as I know he said that he doesn't want a date for that night. "What kind of gala is it?" Shiro slowly shifter closer to me. It didn't made me uncomfortable. "It's like a prom but a much bigger event. It's a formal event, this year's theme is a starry night." I made sure not miss any detail so he wouldn't have a hard time preparing for the gala.

"It's like a prom? I'm guessing you can also bring dates and something like that?" Shiro asking me while playing with the rubix cube that was on the center table. "Yeah, but it's not a requirement. It's up to you whether you want to or not." What if Zen already asked a girl out but he doesn't want to make it big before the gala? I felt a pang of hurt while thinking about it.

"How bout you? Are you going with someone already?" Shiro placed the rubix cube back to the center table and is now looking at me. It was a bit intense if I must say. "At the moment? No, I still don't have anyone to go with." Shiro's eyes were surprised but it was smiling.

"Well Katara, will you be my date on the Gala?" Shiro was facing me all the way. He grabbed my hand and waited for my answer. As much as I wanted to ask Zen, I was scared that he would reject me. Shiro who has always been straight foward about him liking me. I barely know him but when we talk I feel like I know him for a long time.

I smiled at Shiro "Sure, I would love to" I told him. He smiled so brightly.

An hour has passed and Zen wasn't still back, which made me worry about him. Then he appeared at the door, with fresh clothes. Did he took a bath? Where and where did he got that clothes? His bag was empty when I carried it earlier. Was he with the girl he likes? Then a moment later Zen introduced himself to Shiro who just told Zen that he is interested in someone then looked at me then Zen told Shiro that he likes someone. Who? I felt sad upon hearing that he likes someone. Zen kneeled in front of me then apologizes for what he said at the clinic and he was really bad at apologizing but I really appreciate it because despite being bad at it, I know he is sincere in every word that he says.

I wrapped my arms around him hoping that he would wrap his too in which my wish was granted. We reconciled and I moved beside him and leaned on his shoulder. Can it just be me Zen? Can I be the girl you like? Is that why you always went out every Sunday afternoon because you always went on a date with her? I closed my eyes as I settled at Zen's shoulder. He had this soapy scent that made me feel relaxed, it was fragrant and calming. I would always smell his perfume when going to class. It wasn't exactly a strong smell, it was a pleasant fragrant.

does the girl has his perfume too? I kept on overthinking these things even when me and Zen are just friends. "Hey Zen." I told him weakly but it was enough to be heard by him.

"Yes?" He replied, his voice was smooth. I wonder if it was his voice that made me swoon over him. I like Zen but I think I should give up on him, I feel like he doesn't look at me as a girl but only as a friend. "How's the design group for the gala this December?" I wanted to ask whether he has a date or going alone but I felt that If I asked he would say yes then I'll cry.

"It's progressing good. Well, speaking of the gala. Are you going with someone or alone?" I nodded while my head was still on his shoulder "Yep, I'm going with Shiro, how bout you?" There was a little bit of silence when I asked him. "She's already going with someone else, so I guess I'm going alone" His voice was weak and shallow.

I looked at him as he was staring into space, he looked hurt about the one he likes is going to the gala with another guy. I felt a pang on my chest knowing he has someone he likes and it wasn't me. He looked at me while I was still on his shoulder. "Are you gonna ask another girl for the date on gala?" I asked him still resting my head on his shoulders. "Well, it's alright. I was gonna ask you as the last resort buddy, but I was too late." He chuckled softly. I couldn't see the face he made when he told me that as I only feel pain right now. Knowing I'm not the girl he likes and I'm just his last resort. It was true that he was only kind to me not because he likes me but because he's just kind.

How I wish that wasn't the case. But just for now, let me be selfish and be with him even if it's only borrowing his shoulder. I'll give up on him after this. "Anyway, are you guys going tomorrow at the stadium?" He asked while patting my head where it was resting on his shoulders. Zen can I just stay with you like this? "I can't, the decorations for the Halloween is mandatory and those who top their sales for this Halloween event will be excempted at the finals at some subjects. So everyone's really devoted on finishing and beautifying the classroom with bloods." I simply told him the reason.

I noticed our hands was close to each other. I tried to move my hand closer to his. He flinched a little the moment our hand touched. But instead of removing his hand. I felt it getting closer. Until our hand held each other. I blushed at our actions but noticed that Zen was asleep. He might've fallen asleep while I was answering his question. Why did he held my hand? What if he was dreaming about the girl he likes in his sleep, holding hands. I removed my hand from his. It's painful to know the guy you like, likes another woman.

Bothered by my thoughts, I carefully lift my head from his shoulders and moved from my seat back to where I was earlier before Zen arrived. Shiro who was by my side was talking to me but I can't really gather my strength to listen. I'm sorry Shiro.

October 28

Football Stadium

Zen's PoV

I didn't know how I got onto my bed last night, I knew I fell asleep with Katara by my side but how I got up to my bed is a mystery. The moment I woke up, Zuko who just woke up, started his morning routine while the others were already gone. Hatsuki, our captain came to my room at 6am to wake me up. We jogged for 30mins and went back to the dorms to prepare for the 1st match. I remembered where Katara and I reconciled last night, I couldn't help but smile at the thought and she embraced me infront of the gang while Shiro was there! And yes, I absolutely saw Shiro as my rival knowing he is Katara's date for the Gala. I was too late to ask her, I had too lie to her that she was the last resort because I didn't want to let her know just yet about my feelings for her. I wonder if I ask her will she chose me instead of him? She couldn't even come today because of the Halloween preparations meaning Shiro and Katara would spend more time together.

alone...

No! Stop it Zen! focus, you have an important game today. This is the first game of the Football cup, if we lose, we die. I mean we wouldn't have another chance. It's all or nothing. I tossed out all my thoughts that isn't about soccer and focuses on the game today. We were still warming up, passing, shooting, dribbling, stretching. We were up against the quarter finalist from last year. I didn't went up against them because we were at the west side, well my previous school is. The Akashi university is on the east side. All of the opponent's were going to face is unknown to me excluding the Jameson University which we face during the finals. I looked up on the sky and it was a clear view, no sad clouds nor angry clouds. The whistle blowed indicating that the warm ups are over and the game is now starting. We went over to the bench to remove extra clothings. I checked my phone and saw the gang was wishing me goodluck but there was no message from Katara. That was weird because she was always the first one to send me goodluck. I brushed my thoughts away as I saw Sokka's message. He's here with Toph, Aang, Zuko and Suki. I thought that the preparations for the Halloween was mandatory? "Zen, get off you phone." The coach told me as I saw the others lining up. I dropped my phone inside my bag as I ran to the field to line up.

We won the toss coin meaning we are first in the kickoff. Me and Jiro are in the middle, as we waited for the referee to signal the start of the game. tiny droplets of rain started to pour and soon the rain got heavier but the game will continue as this wasn't the heavy rain that could suspend the whole game. Guess the clear sky was just a disguise. The referee blowed the whistle and Jiro passed the ball to me, I passed it back to him as I positioned myself according to the game play. We expected them to guard me with 2-3 players but what we didn't expect is that 4 players would guard me from all 4 sides. They used 2 offense and 2 defense player in guarding me. I couldn't budge over their defence nor break away. This was getting irritating. The opponents stole the ball, the 2 stikers that was guarding me ran to to score a goal. I ran towards them and outran their 2 defenders. I manage to steal the ball and quickly ran to the opponent's field. Running with all my might the opponent's couldn't catch me. I shot the ball and it went inside the goal. "Yeah!!!" I screamed. This got on for 40mins in the first half, I was running with all my might since the game started just to make sure they wouldn't defend me in all 4 sides. I knew it was taking a toll on my stamina, I had to keep moving around the field so they wouldn't corner me.The score was 3-2 in favor of Akashi University. I knew this wasn't good in anyway.

Jiro passed me the ball but it was so far away, I ran my fastest and manage to get it before them. I was going to shoot the ball but my legs didn't listened to me, I might've overworked my legs in this first half. I tripped by myself and rolled over. Panting, it felt like I haven't breathe in a long time. Thankfully if was the end of the first half. Jiro came over to me and extended a hand. "Sorry, I wasn't able to come up with a plan to stop their 4 man defense on you during the first half. I ended up burdening you." I grabbed his hand as he helped me up. "Was the first half enough for you to come up with a plan?" I was still panting from running around. I felt like my legs was on fire and it had a mind on its own. I sat at the bench. The coach looked at me. "Are you okay Zen? Can you still play?" I looked at the coach, he's not taking me out of the game is he? "I can still play coach, I might just need a 10 minute break from running too much." The coach nodded. "Sorry we had to rely only on you in the first half, You did great in grounding them in." It still wasn't enough, everytine I score they score back. I have to do better. "Leo, I'm counting on you to also score, all right?" Leo a freshman who's also a striker looked at me worried. "Don't worry, you got chosen as a striker for a freshman. That means you're really good, you know? Have faith in yourself." I told him before I took a drink.

"Yes sir!" Leo said passionately. The start of 2nd half, as expected they are guarding me with 4 players. They changed to all defenders rather than 2 by 2 strikers and defenders. They didn't know that Leo is one of our best strikers on the team so the least I could do is keep off most of the defenders for him. I tried to fake a break away without exerting much energy because I was gonna take it easy for 10 mins and let my teammates handle this. The players in the Akashi University was exceptionally great and talented. They aren't supposed to be taken lightly or they'll bite your head off. While the defenders were busy defending me, Leo and Jiro advance towards the goal and scores. I smirked at them. The defenders defending me were in shock.

It came the next and the next until their defense were shattered I took the chance to break away, They guarded Leo but Leo passed it to Jiro. Without them noticing I was near the goal. Jiro passed the ball to me as I shoot the ball to the goal. The whistle blows and with that the game was concluded. The game ended with 7-5. Akashi University advances.

I checked my phone and sighed in disappointment. Katara didn't message me. It was already 12pm when the game ended. The gang congratulated me and we said see you's as we were still gonna see each other at the campus. I head to the bus and sat beside Jiro. It was an odd feeling not receiving a message from Katara being a worrywart. We got back to the Campus at 1pm. We ate lunch before continuing to our homeroom to help with the Halloween event.

I knocked on the door before opening so that they would be aware that someone is going to come in just incase someone is decorating the door. "Congratulations Zen! I heard the news from the Internet. The ace striker of Akashi University refuses to go down even with 4 defenders defending him." Ms. Rui my homeroom teacher read an article that was published not too long ago announced. "Thank you Ms. Rui." I told her before continuing walking inside. I looked around searching for the girl with blue eyes. She was up there, talking and giggling with the new guy named Shiro. That's supposed to be me. I sighed as I looked down. Guess that's why she didn't wished me goodluck though. I sighed once more before dropping my bag and grabbing a hammer to help with the guys in setting up the booth outside the classroom. "Congrats man! Anyway can you nail the sign up there? I need to go the restroom. My stomachs been acting funny." He told me handing me the nails then ran to the rest room as fast as he could. Well goodluck to you my friend. I climbed the ladder with the sign on my shoulder, I placed the nails on the top of the window pane. I was hammering when someone unexpectedly opened the door which made me the ladder tumble with me on it. "Woah! Ouch!" I groaned. Good thing there was a cushion down here. "Zen! Are you alright? I'm sorry I didn't see you." I looked at the worried girl, it was Katara.

Looking behind her was Shiro, were they going somewhere? This sucks. I instinctly held Katara's wrist. "Zen?" I looked at her. I want her. "Stay." I muttered. "What?" She looks at me confused. "Stay with me." I pulled her as I wrap my arms around her. I can't give her to someone else. I couldn't bear to see her with another guy. "Zen!" She shouted as she pushed me away. I looked at her shocked. I scratched my head. "Oh sorry, I'm a bit tired from the game. I must've spouted some nonsense." I chuckled lightly and stand up from where I fell and started walking away without looking back. I head inside the clinic and borrowed one of the bed. I could feel myself fall onto slumber as the seconds pass by.

...

I felt a familiar hand touching my hair. I struggle to open my eyes but manage to see who was beside the bed. It was the girl who's always been worried about me. She was looking at me as if asking what happened. "How did you know I was here?" I asked her finding difficulties in letting the words come out of my mouth. "I was just gonna get some ice for you..." She trailed off before continuing. "You fell from the ladder because of me, didn't you? But other than that why were you up the ladder without any assistance??" Her voice changes from worried to a bit irritated. I blinked my eyes and sat up at the bed. "Well, he had a bit of emergency." Remembering about the guy who needed to answer the call of nature. "What kind of excuse?" She removed her hand from my hair and crossed her arms. "Restroom." I simply said, while looking away from her. I can't. I get so nervous when she's like this. "That's not an excuse to leave someone up the ladder." Wait was I supposed to have someone hold the ladder while I was up the ladder? "Wait no, he needed to do number 2, and I kind of climb the ladder on my own?" I carefully stated but I could see Katara's anger at me. "Are you an idiot?" Oh gosh, she snapped. She was standing now. "Why would you climb the ladder without any assistance and to add to that the ladder was infront of the door! Just a coincidence you fell from the ladder thankfully the cushion lessen the impact from your fall. You know you could've broken a bone from that fall! How will you play for your next game if that happened?" I looked over to the other side and sighed. "Why would you care about the next game." I mumbled but she manage to catch that. "Of course I would care!" I looked at her with disbelief. I sighed as I ruffled her hair before getting off the bed. I didn't want to whine about her not giving me good luck nor congratulating me. Whether it was big or not, It was a big deal to me. I soften my gaze at her. "Of course you would." I told her softly before leaving the clinic.

This is really troublesome, everything changed after returning from Shin Island, I didn't really liked it. It felt like I was getting farther away from Katara. "Zen!" I heard footsteps getting closer to me as Katara calls me. She stopped in front of me. "Why did it seem like you didn't believed me when I told you that I care?" I look at her as she frowned at me. "I care about you, Zen. Why else do you think I would always have water in my bag. Watched every practice that you guys have." Of course I know she cares about me, but this feelings just irritatingly clingy. I know about everything that she's done for me. Always there when practice, she always had something I need. When I needed help she's the first to approach but now, I doubt it. Shiro, who's in the volleyball team also has practices and I heard from Suki that Katara watched his morning practice rather than coming to my game. "I know." I simply told her. I just want to go back to the way it was. I took a step closer to her and lay my head on her shoulder. "Zen?" I felt her flinched, she wasn't really comfortable with me, does she? "Just let me stay like this for a little while." She didn't say anything else and let me. I could feel water in my eyes coming out. I should be happy since we won our first opponent for the Football cup but why does it feel bitter sweet. I lift up my head. "Thanks." I don't want to lose, not to the football cup nor to Shiro.

"Katara! I've been looking everywhere for you. The costume's done." Shiro was running wearing the vampire costume he is going to wear tomorrow. Katara turned to Shiro. "Woah! You look so good in that." Shiro smirked at Katara. "How about a date, human?" Shiro imitating a vampire while Katara giggled at the guy. "Ah, Zen perfect timing! You have to try this on now. So we know whether we need to alter it or it's already a perfect fit!" The classmates who were assigned to the costume making gave me the wolf costume. It was a lot different from what I've imagine. I changed into the costume that was composed of tattered white shirt which reveals my colar bone, A green jacket that was tattered at the bottom. A plack pants and some brown high cut boots. I wore the wolf ears and the red collar that has a chain hanging on. The cuffs on my right wrist with a chain hanging. I didn't know how to wrap the bandage so I just held it. I came out with gasps coming from my classmates, I held out the bandage. "I don't know how to wrap this thing."

Author's note: The costume is MHA Bakugo's wolf costume.

Disclaimer: It's not mine, all credits to the rightful owner.

Katara pulled my back inside and grabbed the bandage. She seems irritated in some way. "Jealous?" I told her tilting my head. She quickly looked at me stopping her hands on wrapping the bandage. "Are really that jealous of other girls squealing over Shiro?" I told her while containing my jealousy. She sighed, "No, I'm not jealous." She really trust him doesn't she? "What a lucky guy." I muttered. "Who?" She asks as she continue wrapping the bandage on my arm. "Shiro." Once again she stops "Are you jealous of him getting squealed on by the girls?" No, I'm jealous of him getting you're attention. No way I could say that. "Not really. Just this and that." I sighed. I sigh a lot today. "Don't worry, the girls in our class seem to have favor on mr. wolf than mr. vampire" There was a hint of bitter tone from her. Though I didn't really care about other girls looking at me, there's just one girl I would love to get the attention of and "It's you." She stopped and looked at me. "What do you mean it's me?" I just realized that I have thought out loud. "Don't worry about the girls, Shiro likes you." Why was I giving her away? I clearly told myself earlier I didn't want to lose her! Curse myself! She looked at me questioningly. Though she shook it off in the end "It's all done." pertatining to the bandage. I stood up and stand in front of her. "How'd I look, little miss?" With a bit of a growl at the end of my sentence. My face was a bit too close from her while she sat there speechless. "Just kidding, I'm not really cut out for this." I told her as I retreated. "That's not really true." I heard her say in her soft voice. I looked at her who was covering her face. "You really look amazing and it really suits you." Was she blushing? No way! I composed myself as I try to tease her. I pulled her then looked at her into her eyes. "How'd you say so, dear?" I say with a bit of a smirk. She was still covering her face but she pushed me "Stop it, idiot!" She shouted as she ran out the door. Did that really happened? No wait wait. Maybe she just have a thing for the wolf.

October 29

Homeroom Classroom

Katara's PoV

Many things happened yesterday, Zen winning their first round at the football cup. Him falling from the ladders to him really looking good at the wolf's costume. But what he did was outrageous. Just when I decided I would forget about my feelings for him, he started stirring them up! He even said that Shiro likes me but that doesn't make you like me does it? I looked over to Zen who was being scolded for not wearing the costume. He was supposed to start gathering costumers before arriving here in the classroom but seems like he forgot what he was supposed to do. After getting scolded he returned with the costume on. His hair was messy and put down to cover his forehead. I saw the bandage still unwrapped, he really doesn't know how to wrap it, does he? He walk closer to me and handed me the bandage. "I thought you were gonna be the painted lady? Another thing can you wrap this for me?" He chuckled and questions my costume. "It was supposed to be the painted lady but they changed it up to a witch." I pulled him to take a seat, so I could wrap the bandage properly. He kept on smirking at me. "Well Mr. who forgot his assignment what are you smirking for?" i raised my brow at the guy.

"Ms. Witch, you look amazing." He simply said looking at my eyes.

I turned away feeling the heat forming at my cheeks. Can he stop doing that? I finished wrapping it. "Do you like Shiro?" He asked as he looks at his right hand where I wrapped the bandage. "Yeah, I like him." He brought down his hand "Is that so.." He stated sadly. "Well, you wouldn't agree on being his date at the gala if you didn't like him." Why does it feel like a misunderstanding? I feel like he is going away. "Zen." I called him while he just looked at me sadly. It pains me to see him like that. "What kind of like are you pertaining to?" I just hope he didn't misunderstood the like I have for Shiro. "Romantically.." He said with a soft voice but was enough for me to hear. "Then I don't like Shiro." He immediately looked at me confused by what's happening. "I only like Shiro as a friend. I only knew the guy for days, dummy." He nodded and looked away slowly. "Is that so"

"Katara, Zen! stop flirting and get some customers outside! The day has started already." Our vice president who is also named Shiro but she's a girl shouted at us. It was already 9am which the Akashi University is open to the public up till 7pm from October 29 - October 31. "Well then, shall we go, Ms. Witch?" Zen told me while showing me the way. "Careful with your words mister. I'll turn you to a rat." I go along with his play as we made our way outside to attract customers.

"On that thought, I think you were the reason why I became a werewolf. You turned me into one." Zen had a wild imagination that's where his ideas come from. He was also carrying the sign of our maze of horror. "Sure, sure mister werewolf." It didn't take too long till people ask where it was. Zen was really eye catching and is able to attract a lot of people in just a short time. It's like this whenever he plays soccer. He is easy to spot. Lots of girls took pictures of him without him knowing. I told him but he said it doesn't really matter. Many people takes a lot of picture when they are playing Soccer. So it doesn't really bother him.

Time flies fast, it was already 1pm. Suki told us that we can take a break from promoting the maze because it was already getting crowded. "Would you care to walk around the Halloween event with me?" Zen bowed infront of me why holding out a hand for me to reach. His antics made me giggle. "Gladly."

We fooled around the campus, trying the others' stores and stall. Turns out, Zen isn't really a fan of horror or scary stuff. It was a sight to see whenever he got scared, to be honest? It was really cute. There was a haunted classroom in which Zen teared up a bit and clung onto me the whole time saying "Please stay with me. Don't leave me Katara." He was too cute to be true, like a dog whimpering. Well to be fair he is a wolf. After roaming around the campus we went outside. Which is here where I'm sitting while Zen was buying us both crepe at the stall which was crowded with people.

"Hey Katara!" It was Zen's teammate, Jiro. "Hi Jiro. I guess your costume isn't really a costume?" I told him while examining his costume which was a soccer player. "Guess who it is, Katara" He grinned at me but I don't really have a clue. "It's Zen. Look this scar and the white hair. This jersey!" He turned around to show me the number and name. I couldn't really see it but I just nodded. "Speaking of Zen, where is he?" He held the ball that was below his foot earlier. I pointed at the crepe stall which was being demolished by people. "Ish~ harsh life Zen. Anyway did you saw how Zen lead the team to victory last game?" I looked away as I felt a bit guilty. Ms. Rui gave us a thumbs up to go to Zen's game but I chose to watch Shiro's try outs for the volleyball team. Shiro was the opposite of Zen, he wasn't reckless but careful. He wouldn't do anything rash, instead he was measured.

"I couldn't really come to the game because a friend of ours had try outs for the volleyball." I explained to him awkwardly. He looked at me. "That explains why." He chuckles. I looked at him questioningly. "Nothing, well if you want to know how Zen lead the team I could show and tell ya." He said showing his phone. Of course I was interested, wait was it because I watched Shiro's try out rather than his game the reason why he said that yesterday?

'why would you care about the next game.'

It definitely is. I mentally slapped myself. "Please do, Jiro." He smiled as he took the seat beside me. He unlocked his phone and showed me an article which has the picture of Zen shooting and another being guarded by 4 players. I read the title of the article. 'The phantom has shown us once again! Eizen Shintaro scored 4 goals with 4 defenders on him!' Continued reading the article. 'The phantom, Eizen Shintaro, scored 4 goals even with 4 defenders pinning him since the start of the game.'. "What happened yesterday? He didn't got hurt did he?" Jiro grabbed his phone from my hand. "Nah, he didn't don't worry. But he was really amazing, makes me need to upper up my game. Zen, he played rough but it was for the sake of the team. He sprinted the whole 45mins in the first half just to keep the opponents from winning. He manage to keep them grounded at 2-3 in the first half. It was supposed to be 2-4 if he had the strength to shoot the ball the last minute but instead he fell. Instead of leaving the 2nd half, he insisted on playing. He kept the 4 defenders at his side so Leo could shot more freely. Despite winning the game, during his sleep at the bus he muttered. 'I need to do better' Idiot Zen. I'm the one who needs to get better. It's my failure as the playmaker to get the defenders off of his back." I should have gone to the game. It's too late to Katara. "Oi." I looked up to see Zen holding two crepes. He was glading at Jiro. "Zen! Buddy! guess what? I got a date for the gala!" Zen looked at the chippy guy with nonchalant face. "Oh? really? good for you." Zen told Jiro none interest while sitting beside me and giving me the crepe. "Thanks Zen." He smiled at me "You're welcome."

"Her name's Shiro. I heard she's in your class!" Zen immediately switch to his nonchalant face when talking to Jiro. "Oh, vice president? yeah she is." Then switches to a happy face when talking to me. "How is it? incredible right?" I giggled at the guy who seem to have 2 personalities while Jiro is here. "Yeah, the crepe is great." I gleamed at him. It's really comfortable with Zen. I didn't have to worry about what to do or what to say. Even when silence fills the air. It doesn't feel terrible. "I hate you Zen. Just because Katara is here, doesn't mean you could ignore me!" Jiro whined at the guy who was ignoring him. Antiher minutes filled with silence as Zen ignores Jiro. "That's it! I'm out of here." Jiro glared at Zen. He was enjoying his crepe.

"Hey tell me, did you know that I didn't watch your game because I was watching Shiro's try outs?" I asked him while taking a bite from my crepe. The air was filled with silence as he refused to answer me. "Was that the reason why you were sulking yesterday and told me why would I care about your game?" I threw him another question hoping he would answer me. But just like the first one he didn't answer. "I'm so-" I turned to him which brought me to my surprise that he was red as tomato. He covered his face with his hand as he said weakly. "Yeah, because you, the person who I expected to cheer me, wasn't there." He's so damn cute. I just want to hug him right now. He looked at me frowning. "Happy?" More than you know Zen.

I couldn't help but smile at him. "I'm sorry, okay? I'll be there at your next game." He squinted at me. "What about the next games?" I giggled at him, he wants me there. "Then I promise to be there in all your games but if I can't make it because of some emergency, I'll tell you immediately. How does that sound?" He smiled at me. There it was the smile that I came to love. "I love that." He said as he continues to finish his crepe.

"Hey tell me another thing." He looked at me questioningly "What did you think of the Haunted classroom we entered earlier?" He blinked a few times before answering. "Easy." Pfft, I tried to held back my laugh. He was on the verge of tears and kept on clingin on me then he says it was easy? Zen you really are a clown. Even when pretending to be tough, I like him. "If that was easy, how bout the asylum at the science building." I teased him. It was said that the asylum was really scary. I looked at the guy who didn't answer, he literally turned white upon hearing the Asylum. "alright alright we won't." He immediately shook his head. "October 31! let's go there at the last day of the Halloween event." I could see him shaking in fear. "Zen it's alrigh-" But before I could finish he said something that brought butterflies to my stomach. "I insist, I want to spend all my free time with you."

It just keeps on getting harder to forget my feelings for you Zen. I sighed, "Alright, then what about your free time tomorrow?" He smirked at me which made me confuse. "Let's visit the Engineering's Frankenstein building." Zen was an mechatronic engineering student.

Author's note: I changed his program to Mechatronic engineering than electrical engineering.

"Ohh, did you help building Frankenstein?" I asked him but he confidently shook his head. "Nah, I couldn't help because I was busy for the departure to Shin Island. I invited you there so that I could have someone be impressed or disappointed by what will be seen." He simply stated. The way I see it, he isn't really expecting too much. "Was it not good?" I asked him. "Nah, I just don't want to expect if I don't want to be disappointed." I nodded, I felt Zen's head lay on my shoulder. I lay my head. on his.

Third PoV
"Suki! I got you a drink." Sokka goofily said while giving his girlfriend the soda. "Thank you, Sokka." Suki gave Sokka a peck on his cheek. All the while Suki saw both Zen and Katara talking to each other at the bench. Then the next was them napping beside each other. "Why doesn't those two date already. It's clear that they like each other." Sokka who was protective of his sister everytime he's mentioned appears to be different today much to Suki's surprise. "that's new, I thought you don't allow any guys to date your sister?" Suki and Sokka sat at the bench "Well, before I would really mind it and if it's a guy I don't really think is trustworthy. But it's Zen we're talking about. He ain't a jerk, he cares for my sister, and I know he wouldn't do anything to hurt her like the real jerk namely jet." Sokka explained.
"So it's okay if it's Zen?" Suki clarified while Sokka nodded his head "Yes." Suki moved much closer to her boyfriend. "But what if it was Shiro?" Sokka immediately eyed Suki "Oh hell no! That guy is hiding something, I can feel it. There's something suspicious behind his nice guy face." Suki chuckled and thought 'Lucky Zen, you got the brother's approval already. I wish you luck and just confess already. Why are you two so dense when someone is having feelings for you.'