Disclaimer: I do not own Gundam Wing, Photo Kano or any of its characters. I wrote this fanfic for my own pleasure and purely entertainment.

Chapter 3 – The Girl with a Fragile Heart

'What a mess.' Heero exasperatingly thought after finally escaping from the barrage of inquiries continuously fielded by his excited classmates.

It was lunch time and the former pilot of Wing Gundam Zero made the most of his getaway by going to the empty tennis court found at the rightmost corner of the campus athletic grounds. During this point of the day, the place was devoid from any activity, it was naturally peaceful and quiet which he preferred. The brown haired boy then settled himself on the shaded part of the stands before he started consuming the piece of bread that would be his meal for noontime.

'Good thing, Duo made himself useful by being a clown and entertaining all of our classmates.' He mused after sticking the straw inside his juice.

True enough, the purple eyed Gundam pilot was all too willing and even volunteered to be left behind in order to respond on every question thrown by their classmates. It was rather… very convenient for Duo since the interrogating party were comprised entirely of girls. Heero decided to just let him be if it would take the load off his back and more importantly, he'd be able to get some peace and quiet since they started school today.

There were a lot of things running inside his mind among them was the procurement of the school's topographic maps and its building schematics. He won't be just 'guarding' Haruka Niimi, he'll damn make sure that she'll be safe within the campus and its perimeters from any possible threat – both medical and non-medical. The next on his list was the… elimination of unpleasant personnel. So far based from the small intel Duo has gathered while profiling their new school, there was only one notorious gang of delinquents. He resolved to… non-lethally resolve the matter after Duo's incessant plea that he does not use his 'interrogation protocols' when confronting the school gang. Finally, his last item for now, at least, would be a complete knowledge of his charge's daily habits and rituals. Of course, the braided haired former pilot of Deathscythe was quick to inform him that installation of surveillance devices and monitoring equipment inside her bedroom was a big NO. Instead, Duo proposed to place a tracking bug on Haruka's mobile phone so that they could monitor her whereabouts and discreetly follow her behind the shadows.

'So many things to consider for civilians.' He pondered reveling at the flowing breeze while underneath the shade provided by the trees near the stands.

The Perfect Soldier took another sip from his juice yet his keen instincts were quick to alert him of the arrival of another person.

'Hnn…'

"Yuy-san?" A gentle voice called out.

His cobalt blue orbs quickly spotted the speaker.

It was her.

"or should I say… Ice Cream Vendor-san?" Haruka Niimi completed, smiling lightly at him.

"Niimi Haruka-san." He answered, acknowledging his unknowing ward's arrival.

"It's not surprising that you already know my name… considering your expertise, Secret Agent-kun." Haruka thoughtfully replied before continuing.

"What brings you here Soldier-san? Are you on another assignment?"

'Do I… spill the beans and just tell you the complete truth upfront? No, I still had that agreement with Niimi Hinowa.'

"If you're thinking that I'm here due to my previous line of work you're mistaken." He directly answered, gazing deeply into Haruka's brown irises.

"There's also no need for you to worry. The Preventers have no plans to place you and your family into protective custody because of your… our… experience last time."

"I-is… that's so…" He observed her stutter slightly, her eyes averting slightly from him.

Suddenly, the mildly cool summer wind gently blew past them, swaying Haruka's chestnut brown hair.

'I must say, Duo's right… she's physically attractive.' Heero mused with his cobalt orbs keenly gazing at the young woman's face and flowing chestnut hair.

"Then… why are you here?" His unassuming charge curiously asked.

"I'm a man of my word. I never take back on my promise." He courteously replied.

'Of course, I need to use that excuse as well.'

"But I could only fulfill that unless you allow me to become… a friend." Heero straightly said his eyes never faltering while meeting hers.

The Perfect Soldier saw her face turn red, he was not sure if it had been caused by the weather or any other extrinsic factors. But he was deadly sure that he'll be quick to rush her to the infirmary or if needed the nearest possible hospital in case of an emergency.

They remained silent, motionless even within the next couple of minutes. Haruka just stood there staring at him while he was glued to his spot and could do nothing else but gaze back at the school's tennis ace.

'Better do something… she looks uncomfortable.'

"Are you… ok, Niimi-san? Your face is flushed."

"Y-yes, I'm f-fine! Really, I-I'm all good!"

"I can take you to the clinic." The brown haired boy offered to which Haruka covered her lips and giggled lightly.

"Don't worry. I'm really fine… and about your offer…" She calmly started pausing for a little, which he noted was a cue that the young woman has already regained her composure.

"We can only be friends… if you accept my gratitude."

"Your… gratitude?" He wondered.

"I haven't thanked you yet for saving my life." Haruka softly said before bowing kindly at him.

"Thank you… for keeping me safe, Yuy-san."

She smiled gently at him soon after returning to her normal posture.

"I won't think twice on doing it again if the situation calls for." Heero honestly stated.

'It's because I'm trained for such circumstances.'

"Friends?"

The chestnut brown haired young lady then extended her hand to him.

"Of course." He responded while accepting her handshake.

"Niimi Haruka. You may call me Haruka."

"Yuy Heero."

'Wow… he's quite smart! Ice cream vendor-kun… I mean, Yuy-kun is really something.'

Haruka marveled as Heero continued scribbling his solution to the Physics problem given by their instructor. She shifted her gaze to Mr. Ikeda, their professor, who stood quietly at the side of the room but was nodding repeatedly in approval while checking the new transfer student's calculations. The chestnut brown haired young lady smirked lightly as she fixed her eyes back at Heero… or particularly to his right arm that was moving on a steady rhythm while scrawling down his answer.

'They might be lean but… he sure has strong well toned arms. This is me talking from experience… err… what am I blabbering about…? Oh… Haruka… get your head back into place!'

She felt her cheeks burn evenly as the picture of them running across the southeastern park came into her mind. Their hands clasped tightly together as he dragged her with his arm while she was huffing and panting from behind. Of course… it wasn't entirely romantic as there were a lot of bullets wheezing and flying around them. The memory of that event was supposed to be traumatic especially to someone like her – a civilian sheltered from the violence of the Eve Wars. But thanks to the psychological therapy and sisterly advice from her physician, a certain Doctor Sally Po, Haruka is able to look back at those events without any cringe or jolt from the ordeal.

"Remember Haruka, think of something nice, a good picture that you could place inside your mind whenever you feel upset or disturbed because of this experience."

"Anything, Doctor Po?" She curiously asked during one of her therapy sessions.

"It has to be a fond memory. It could be an object, a different event or a specific person. Something or someone you could place your mind on to avert your focus from that particular experience."

Since then, the lovely campus idol of Kouga High had found her reminiscence dwelling instead on the moments she spent with the mysterious young man who was both her savior and now her classmate. There will be occasions that she will be reminded of that harrowing event but Haruka had been able to calm herself easily by focusing her mind on something very particular.

And that something or rather… someone particular… was the cobalt blue eyed boy who had most recently asked to be her friend. Heero Yuy, the secret agent she met that one sunny and unforgettable summer day. She was in such a state when she felt someone gently tap her shoulder.

"Niimi-san, our sensei has been calling your attention." Duo Maxwell, the other transfer student who was seated next to her calmly spoke.

"Uh, Y-yes, Ikeda-sensei?" Haruka alarmingly stated after fixing her eyes on their teacher.

"Niimi-san, instead of staring at Yuy-san may I please ask your focus back into the lecture?"

'Oh! This is so embarrassing!'

"Yes… Ikeda-sensei." She replied while feeling her cheeks burn as their classmates teased her.

"Don't worry, Haruka, it happens all the time. Believe me." Duo interjected in a soft whisper, while flashing a wide Cheshire grin from his lips.

'What is wrong with you Niimi Haruka… you get caught staring at him and now your classmates are ribbing at your lack of focus.' She mused getting all the more embarrassed as their teacher resumed the lecture.

Ashamedly, Haruka placed a palm to cover her mouth and shook her head sideways in frustration.

'Why is this happening to me?'

"Ok… here are the profiles just like you've requested. They call themselves the Wild Catz, as it stands the gang has six members including their leader, Shogo Kimura." Duo reported while handing his mobile phone for Heero to identify their first targets.

"Hnn… they're involved in small time drug dealing and as expected bullying. They usually hang out behind one the old buildings after school hours." The brown haired boy pointed out before returning the cell phone to his fellow ex-Gundam Pilot.

"We'll take them out ASAP. I don't want any undesirable hampering our mission's primary objective."

"Roger that, Heero... though I have to remind you that, use of lethal force is out of the equation." The braided haired young man calmly stated.

"Affirmative. We will use one of the oldest tricks in the book for this operation."

"Err… which is…"

"I'll use a disguise and get myself bullied before you barge and bring in the authorities." He simply said while focusing his eyes on Duo.

"Heero, just make sure you still keep them breathing long enough for the cavalry to arrive." The lavender eyed boy stressed before taking a sip from his fruit juice.

"You there! Eating on the hallways is prohibited!" A stern voice suddenly called out, garnering their immediately attention.

"Oh damn… it's the chick I've been checking out when we got here." Duo whispered to him as the young lady approached.

The girl had the student council armband on the right sleeve of her uniform. She was quite tall but possessed a lithe frame. The young woman's clear eyeglasses shielded her deep purple irises while she kept her long flowing dark violet hair neatly in check with a pair of long ponytails. She had a deadly serious and a 'strictly business only' type of aura permeated from her as she made her way to them.

"I'm sorry… uhh… Madam Student Council Rep, but as you can see I am only drinking." Duo replied while holding out his tetra pack.

"The name is Muroto Aki, class 3-A, Senior and Student Council President. Drinking is also considered as eating because it is no different in the sense that it concerns sustenance consumption." The girl who introduced herself as Aki firmly reprimanded them.

"We're sorry Muroto-sempai. We just transferred yesterday and we're still not familiar with the school policies." The braided haired boy attempted to reason out.

"Ignorance of school regulations is not an excuse - even for transferees."

'She's quite firm with the rules… reminds me a bit of Lady Une.'

"This won't happen again, Muroto-sempai. We'll be more attentive and abide by the rules moving forward. Please let it go, just for this time." Heero appealed, bowing slightly at the senior student.

The young woman critically stared at each of them, seemingly sizing up the two former Gundam Pilots with both of her arms folded together. It took a few moments to pass before she shook her head sideways and sighed in exasperation.

"I guess I should let this one pass. I'll still need your names – for reference."

"Heero Yuy, class 2-B." He introduced himself again bowing with respect to the older girl.

"Duo Maxwell, class 2-B. Please call me…" The lavender eyed Gundam Pilot trailed, causing Aki to raise a brow.

"Everyday."

"What?!"

"I mean, anytime." Duo corrected while smiling impishly.

"And why should I call you?!" Aki inquired in a raised tone.

"I might be in trouble… or you might need help… or you might want a cup of coffee… or I might just simply miss you and want to see you. There are a lot of reasons, sempai." The playful young man enumerated, still grinning at the student council president.

"Well, I don't have any reason! I won't ever have any reason! Now if you'll excuse me." Aki Muroto aptly closed before moving past them.

Heero was quick to notice that Duo subtly extended his foot the moment Aki took another step.

Result?

The strict and feisty student council president tripped forward as expected from Duo's foot.

Yet the braided haired boy was quick to respond as he smoothly caught the older girl with little effort using both of his hands.

Yes, with both of his hands.

Duo reflexively reached out for Aki while her back was facing him. It seemed to anyone looking from behind or at the side that the playful young man was hugging the strict student council president. However, anyone seeing them upfront was guaranteed to witness Aki's… severely embarrassing situation.

'Damn… you… Duo…' Heero muttered within his thoughts, placing a palm above his forehead.

He had every right to be frustrated.

That part of Aki's upper body… accidentally landed and now found themselves softly held by Duo's palms.

Specifically… his hands were unintentionally groping Aki's chest.

"Are you alright?" Duo curiously asked.

"You bastard!" Aki screamed before turning and slapping the unknowing young man on his cheek.

"Hey! What did I do? I rescued you and this is how you repay me?" The lavender eyed boy answered in bewilderment while holding his cheek.

"You pervert! You were groping my chest!"

"Huh?! But I didn't touch anything resembling to…" Duo tried to reason out but Aki was quick to cut him.

"You… you! I should place you in detention for harassment!"

"Hey! Hold on! I didn't mean to! Besides… does that mean I get some alone time with you?"

"You're the worst! I-I'll let you go this time but I'll be sure to remember this!" Aki angrily stated before storming past them.

"What did I do? It wasn't intentional or anything?!"

"Duo, you moron… it's just the second day and you're already creating trouble for us." Heero hissed while glaring at his fellow pilot.

"Come on, man! Not even you! You saw how she fell… I wanted…"

"I saw you intentionally trip her, Duo."

"B-but that's beside the point. The fact is, I rescued her!"

"By catching her, there of all places." Heero monotonously replied, shaking his head subtly.

"Well… how was I to know I was already touching them! They were… uhm, for the lack of a better term… not much."

"I knew it was a big mistake bringing you here. You've been gawking at her since yesterday."

"I told you, Heero. She's my type… and I'm going to make her mine." Duo confidently remarked while smiling mischievously as both of them stared at Aki's quickly retreating form.

"You look happy, Haruka." Her mother, Hinowa, noted as she passed another plate for her to wipe off the excess water.

"Oh… ah… no, it's just me being cheerful, mom." Haruka evaded before placing the dish in one of the drawers.

"Well, you are awfully peppy today, young woman. Something good must have happened at school." The older Niimi prodded, easily noticing her dodging from the topic.

"Mother! Really! You're persistent!" Haruka laughed, acknowledging her mother's insistence on the issue.

"Come on, tell me."

"Ok, there's this student who transferred yesterday to our school. He… he just happens to be the guy who saved me during the shoot out in the park! And… he asked me to become friends with him today." She excitedly told her mother.

"I see. He's not… sent by the Preventers to watch over you or place you into protective custody right?"

"Of course not… but he did mention that he already left the Preventers. And that the organization was no longer interested in putting me into Witness Protection Program since my identity wasn't compromised."

"He's not stalking you, right, Haruka?"

"Mom! He's not a stalker… besides he might be from somewhere around here that's why he enrolled in Kouga High."

"Oh… you're even taking his side now, Haruka. He certainly has a… lasting effect on you, my child."

"He saved me that time, mom. He's a kind young man. The reason I actually became friends with him was because I confronted him due to his sudden appearance in my school… and he was the one who actually asked for permission to be my friend." The brown eyed young lady explained.

"That's good to hear. Hmm… do you like this boy, Haruka? You've been up and running all over the place since you became friends with him."

"Huh? Me… like… Heero? Eh? No… Mom… it's not like that… I am really grateful to him for rescuing me back then." The chestnut brown haired young woman tried to explain yet her mother only smiled playfully at her.

"You haven't been like this over a boy even with your childhood friend Kazuya." Hinowa observed while throwing a knowing look at her.

"W-well… Yuy-kun… seems to be a good young man. I've wanted to express my gratitude to him since that day… it is… good, really, to be friends with him!" Haruka stammered while uneasily squirming in her place.

"Ok… ok, I'll stop teasing you. But remember Haruka, you must never confuse friendship with more serious feelings. There's a big difference that separates the two."

"Mom, rest assured that I don't have any feelings of that sort for him… come on… I just met him!"

"Oh… so sooner or later, I should expect something?"

"Mom!"

"Haruka, I'm not insinuating anything. It's just an observation my child, you don't have to be all too jumpy about it."

'Mother… really… Heero… he's… we're just… friends.'

"Come on… give me your money, you meathead." One of the boys from the school gang ordered him while holding his collar.

Heero smirked inwardly - his disguise worked wonders indeed. The Wild Catz immediately picked on him the moment he wandered deliberately into their territory with his nerdy cover up. The brown haired boy buttoned his shirt up to the collar, wore big square glasses while putting on a knitted chaleco over his summer school shirt. He placed thick, fake eyebrows, uneven dentures for false teeth and rearranged his hair into a slick pushback look, easily portraying a very studious geek.

"Please don't hurt me… I don't have any money." He pleadingly acted which only served to irritate the group.

"Are you mocking us, you piece of dirt? You stray off into our spot and you dare to give us nothing?" Another gang member snorted while angrily staring at him.

'I'm beginning to get irritated with these thugs.'

"I'm sorry… I won't stray here again… please, let me go." The cobalt eyed ex-Gundam Pilot continued to appeal before getting pushed back on a wall.

"Get his wallet and teach him a lesson he won't forget." A tall young man commanded, which he surmised was the leader of the group.

'Touch me… and you will regret it.' He thought while willing himself not to glare at his supposed tormentors.

"With pleasure boss." A stout member of the gang evilly concurred before flexing both knuckles.

'That does it… I wouldn't let any of you lowlifes leave a mark on my face.'

Within a flash, Heero landed three successive punches to the chubby gang member's face, easily knocking him out. One of the juvenile delinquents, a blonde-dyed haired youth who stood the same height as him swiftly launched an ill-timed punch at him. He easily caught the boy's fist before twisting and breaking his arm. The young man howled in pain while falling on both knees, Heero quickly silenced him by kicking the delinquent's chin. Another gang member attempted to make a lunge for him but Heero swiftly subdued the attacker with a combination of punches and kicks that easily smothered his opponent.

"Ok… who's next?" The still disguised former Preventer contractor challenged.

"Boss… you go… first…" One of the two remaining gang members fearfully offered.

"You coward, we should have attacked him all at once." The other boy said, apparently, the group's leader.

Both of them were completely surprised when he suddenly launched an attack. Heero landed a pair of powerful blows on the last gang member's stomach before finishing off his opponent with a well placed uppercut. The leader attempted to make a break for it but he was caught effortlessly with the brown haired boy's lightning fast reflexes. Heero simply evaded the gang leader's attacks before catching his opponent's arm and using the enemy's own momentum against him. The Perfect Soldier cleanly threw down the gang leader before twisting the poor boy's limb amidst a series of painful cries and sobs.

"W-who a-are y-you…?"

"I'm just an everyday, average school guy… and your worst nightmare." Heero icily answered as he swung his fist and knocked out the leader.

Upon seeing the last of his foes drift into unconsciousness, the brown haired boy quickly searched the uniforms and pockets of his fallen opponents. He was rewarded with a good number of sachets filled with illegal narcotics the gang has either been using themselves or selling to buyers both on and off the campus.

He had just finished conducting his search and decided to leave the drugs as is within each of the gang member's uniforms to use as incriminating evidence when Duo and elements of the Preventers Narcotics Division arrived. It was already late afternoon and there were only a few students left inside the campus. Earlier, Maxwell had already slipped in the knowledge of their 'operation' to the school principal. Mr. Kanbei Shima immediately cooperated and expressed his own approval after learning the details.

"I think that wraps up everything. We've collared the only gang this school has and successfully removed one of the issues off our list." Duo said with satisfaction after seeing off the Narcotics team.

"Mission accomplished as you would like to say, oh ever fearless Mr. Perfect Soldier." The braided young man added to which he only grunted in response.

"Thank you for not killing any of them, Heero. However… by the looks of it… with the gravity of damage you dished out… most of them won't be able to participate in any kind of sport moving forward."

"They should just stick to studying seriously then." He coolly responded before walking towards the direction of their 'temporary abode' as Duo fondly calls their current living quarters.

The day started out perfectly for Haruka. During the second period, Mathematics, she had successfully solved one of the problems presented by their instructor with relative ease. While on their fourth subject, History, she was able to provide a sound explanation after being called for recitation. She might not be the brainiest of their batch, but she certainly belongs to the top tier of the entire second year class. The chestnut brown haired girl was currently on the way back to her classroom after getting assigned to compile their homework in Literature and bringing it over to the faculty office.

"I've really been a scatter brain lately…" She mumbled to herself.

Things or rather… her daily school activities became rather interesting since Heero Yuy's arrival in their campus. The stoic and often stern former secret agent had proven to be one very bright student. He was staking a serious claim to the top academic rank in their whole class. Mathematics, Chemistry and History seem to be a breeze for the brooding young man. She always found herself admiring the ease and composure he exhibited when being asked to solve the most difficult questions fielded by their instructors.

She could not help but be in awe of his seemingly effortless approach in handling any academic matter. This was evident as the pretty tennis ace found herself staring at him and worst – getting caught a couple times by not only her teachers but also Heero himself.

The chestnut haired young lady was in deep musings when her chest was gripped with a sudden tightness. Haruka slowly came to a stop and leaned on one of the school building's foundations for support. She felt dizzy, like her life force was getting sapped out from her. Placing a palm above her chest, she attempted to steady her breathing to calm herself down… but everything around her… already felt spinning out of control.

'What's… happening… to… me…' She whispered in her thoughts.

There wasn't a soul from where she was as classes were ongoing.

No one was available to help her.

'Somebody… please…'

Haruka slumped down at the base of the pillar before feeling the arms of someone gently pulling her up.

"Niimi-san? Are you ok? Let me take you to the clinic." A cool deep voice inquired.

She turned to face the speaker and her brown eyes widened a bit after recognizing the person.

It was Heero Yuy.

"Yuy-san… I-I'm ok… t-thank you…" Haruka struggled to say while attempting to stand up only to limp weakly into his arms.

"Come on, I'll take you." He shortly said before carrying her entire weight.

'I'm so… weak and powerless… but this is quite embarrassing…'

The former Preventer agent easily carried her using both arms at the empty hallway and slowly went on towards the school clinic's direction. Despite her own discomfort... the lovely young woman found herself… secretly stealing glances at Heero as he gently held her.

"Why… are you… doing this?"

"I'm your friend, right?" The taciturn boy asked in return while walking steadily.

"O-of course…"

"Besides, you're in need of assistance and I promised you before, Niimi-san… I will take care of you." Heero replied, taking a moment to look at her deeply with his cobalt blue eyes as they proceeded to their destination.

"Everything will be alright! Look at me! You'll be fine! I will take care of you!"

The words he mentioned during that unforgettable incident echoed inside her mind. She felt something inside her chest beat in approval after hearing his words.

'You're a man… of your word.'

"Thank you… Yuy-kun." She answered while feeling something hot prick lightly on her cheeks.

He only grunted at her.

'What's with that guttural acknowledgment? Are you fine with it? Or are you just bearing with it out of responsibility?'

Curiosity getting the best of her, Haruka inquired, "Is that… an ok, you're welcome grunt or an ok, fine, whatever kind of grunt?"

The brown haired young man gradually came to a halt before locking his Prussian blue orbs with hers.

"It's a… my pleasure, glad to be of help type of grunt, Niimi-san."

She smiled lightly and nodded, satisfied with his answer.

"Well… if this happens again…"

'Why am I saying these things… at such a time?'

"Then I would always be here to carry you, my friend." Heero kindly spoke as they neared the infirmary.

Haruka stole another glance at him, carefully measuring the sincerity of his statement. Yet as she did so, the response she got was a… reaction… found somewhere at the center of her chest.

Her heart was beating fast… but not in an alarming rate… it was pounding at a different way.

"I'm also glad to have a friend like you, Yuy-kun." She thoughtfully noted.

Author's Notes:

Alright! Been some time since Look at Me got updated! Sorry if it took so long, I've really focused all my attention and effort to the conclusion of my first fanfic, Haruka's Wings. I am really grateful for the kind feedback the story has gathered after its release. Thank you for the continuous support!

I'll be focusing on introducing the pivotal characters for the next couple of chapters as Heero and Haruka get to know each other. Please do inform me if you detect words like "Morishima" or "Kibitou" present on this fic as I am getting confused at times too while working with Look at Me.

For Heero Yuy fans like me who can't get enough of Romantic Stories focused on him, I'd like to recommend "Futakomori" by fellow fanfic writer akaisherry47. It's a very rare crossover between Gundam Wing and Detective Conan pairing Heero Yuy with Ai Haibara!

Thanks much for reading LaM03 and don't forget to review!

It was already afternoon, classes had been dismissed and during this time of the day, after-school clubs both athletic and non-athletic are either on the gym, various clubrooms, the open field or court, practicing their respective craft or sport. Heero and Duo along with a few students were at the tennis court bleachers. For the past half hour they were supposed to be "just watching" as the braided haired Gundam Pilot excused their mission objective.

Haruka Niimi, ace of the tennis team had been devastating her opponent relentlessly. The hairclip wearing young woman was exhibiting outstanding grace and finesse while playing against her fellow tennis team member. Their classmate and considered the school idol of Kouga Senior High had been playing with improved vigor and enthusiasm since spotting and waving kindly at Heero when the practice match started.

"Ahh… it's good to be young! Haruka's been awfully rejuvenated since seeing you among the spectators!" Duo teased which earned an irritated glance from Heero.

"Duo… aside from stating irrelevant matters, you've been doing nothing else but flirt with every female classmate that shows interest in you." He tersely replied, switching his look back at Haruka.

"Well now, hasn't it been noticeable? She's naturally cheerful alright, but she's always flustered when she looks your way."

"You are again assuming things from your baseless observation." Heero promptly answered.

"Ok, let's leave it at that for the mean time. And to answer your statement, I am saving myself, don't worry. Because this…" Duo trailed with his hand making a gesture referring to himself.

"…Would eventually belong to Aki Muroto. Duo might play with a lot of girls but would only settle for one when he puts his mind into it." The lavender eyed young man proudly finished before winking at Heero.

"You are hopeless. You've been deviating from your duties."

"Hey, that's unfair! You might not see it always but I'm doing my homework too!" Duo defended, while discreetly motioning to a young woman seated at the far end of the bleachers.

"Another girl you plan to make advances on?" Heero inquired after taking a brief moment to assess the person.

"Nope, she'll be an integral part of our cover." The braided haired young man replied.

"What?"

"Her name is Rina Yunoki. from Class 2-A. She's the sole member of the Cooking Research Society. She's also famously referred to as 'the Wife of Kouga High.' Man… she's quite a beauty too and really has an impressive…" Duo stated but was unable to finish as Heero elbowed him on the chest.

"I… was supposed to say…figure." The playful young man completed while flinching painfully from his action.

Seeing his fellow ex-Gundam Pilot reel back, the Perfect Soldier took the opportunity to inconspicuously appraise the young woman. Rina Yunoki had flowing wavy golden brown hair, tame light brown eyes and exudes a gentle aura on her lovely face. Most noticeably however was the girl's well endowed chest and curvy hips that she tries to hide behind her crossed arms.

"How does she fit in this?"

"Well, both of us would look like stalkers or perverts if we always pretend to be spectators while Haruka does her tennis practice. Since athletic clubs take time and commitment after school, I figure the best way to accomplish surveillance and guard duty is to join the Cooking Research Society."

"Hnn…"

"Come on Heero… I know it's been only a week but I'm getting tired of instant ramen, our military-grade cooking skills and convenience store food! If we do this, we get to learn how to cook normal everyday food! It's like hitting two birds with one stone! Stomach – check. Hunger – gone. Vigor and stamina – check! Mission Objective – check!" Duo explained while grinning widely at him.

"Your… assessment has its merits. But we need a good vantage point to watch over our charge, have you taken that into consideration?"

"Of course! The Home Economics room is located… there!" Duo excitedly said as he pointed to one of the rooms found on the second floor from the building overlooking the tennis court.

'The distance is amenable.' He conceded in his thoughts.

"You certainly made yourself useful this time around." Heero shortly answered.

"I take it, that this is a go base from your response."

"Affirmative." The cobalt eyed boy shortly confirmed before shifting his gaze back at Haruka who has just finished her practice match.

The chestnut haired young lady was using a towel to wipe the sweat off from her face when their eyes met. Haruka naturally smiled and nodded subtly at him

'A friend... hnn…'

Their friendship now sealed and one obstacle removed, Heero and Duo continue a deliberate and discreet approach in safeguarding Haruka Niimi within Kouga High's premises. The former Gundam Pilots will even go as far as enlisting with the Cooking Research Society to ensure that their job gets done. Once there, they will meet the kind, gentle and clumsy Rina Yunoki, the lone member of the school's official cooking club. Considered as the best 'wife material' among all the students of Kouga Senior High, what role would Rina play in all of this?

Meanwhile, Duo's antics have earned him the unforgiving wrath of the school's brightest scholar and President of the Student Council, Third Year, Aki Muroto. Will romance ever bloom between the irresponsible, carefree former pilot of Deathscythe with the strict, studious yet very responsible former swim star?

We'll find that out on the next installment of Look at Me! Chapter 4, The Wife of the Academy.

Once again, my deepest thanks and looking forward to hearing your insights! – EZ23 (Chapter 3 released on 02.28.14)